NHL Draft Prospects Comparison
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming NHL draft, I’ve finally relented to the growing demand from my dedicated readers. After years of resisting player comparisons, I have decided to offer insights into the top 20 prospects this year, detailing their stylistic similarities with established NHL players. My aim is to provide a deeper understanding of each player’s profile rather than simple one-to-one matches.
These comparisons will primarily focus on similarities in playing style rather than exact projections. For those curious about my past hesitations to utilize player comps, I’ve elaborated on this in my scouting guide. But if you’re interested in a straightforward list of names, I understand the appeal of such brevity.
Highlighting Specific Prospects
Misa stands out with his unique skill set. He evokes elements of Dylan Larkin and Paul Stastny in terms of skill, although he possesses superior skating. I even considered Hossa for his versatility—though it’s a lofty comparison given Hossa’s Hall of Fame status—because Misa has the potential to adapt his style based on his teammates and situations.
Hagens draws early comparisons to Quinn Hughes. While they share puck-handling abilities, I believe Hagens has a more competitive nature, similar to Cooley, which could lend to a higher production ceiling.
Martone has been likened to the Tkachuk brothers and Corey Perry, though I see more of a Mark Scheifele character in him—standing tall at 6’3″ and possessing a well-rounded offensive toolkit while combining size with skill. Others like Desnoyers have been associated with Jonathan Toews, but I think more realistic comparisons include players with a similar frame and two-way playing style such as Monahan and Lindholm.
Defensive Prospects Insights
In terms of defensive prospects, Mrtka stands out due to his unique size. While he lacks the physical toughness typical of his taller counterparts like Parayko and Ekblad, his length and skating draw comparisons with Power and Edvinsson, albeit they hold higher pedigree. Meanwhile, Dobson provides a recognizable but not perfect model for his play style.
Several other prospects, such as Eklund, have been likened to Konecny. Still, I believe Eklund’s game exhibits a different flavor, aligning better with Marchessault‘s smart, proactive play. Another fascinating comparison emerges between O’Brien and Johnston, who both impress with their two-way play despite Johnston being more well-rounded.
Competitiveness and Comparisons
Competitiveness defines players like Richards and Bennett, both of whom provide critical energy for their teams. I envision Martin sharing similar traits.
Looking at McQueen, comparisons with Ryan Getzlaf seem misplaced. Instead, I suggest a blend of players like Vilardi and Wheeler who offer smart offensive plays despite not always matching Getzlaf’s intensity.
Finding a fitting comp for Carbonneau involved some deliberation. He possesses superior puck skills reminiscent of J.T. Miller, though Rakell ultimately felt like a more appropriate comparison due to his consistent scoring track record.
Final Thoughts on Prospects
With Aitcheson, I believe he aligns more with Montour and Dumba—not elite at the No. 1 D level, but could enjoy a productive career at the NHL level. Holloway’s path reflects similarities in style with Bear, showcasing strength and competitive intensity.
Reschny, as a 5’10” center, shines with his work ethic and two-way play. His best-case scenario mirrors that of Jarvis—a player dedicated to becoming a top-tier forward in the NHL.
Lastly, Reid has frequently been compared to Mateychuk, sharing similar skating abilities and game intelligence, even if both appear to diverge on their draft pedigrees. Meanwhile, Hensler expresses his skills akin to Skjei and Severson—both exhibiting poise and offensive capabilities without emerging as top-pairing defensemen.
This breakdown serves to articulate current prospects while drawing upon past and present NHL talent, providing insights that could shape expectations heading into the draft.
