Hello everyone, and welcome to yet another edition of the VSN Mock Draft series. As most of you know I'm MattyIce and I'll be bringing you the first round mock draft! If you don't know me, I'm still MattyIce and its a pleasure for me to bring this mock draft to you.
It's my fourth season managing this list and this draft class was quite difficult to decipher, especially the order. As I mentioned in my previous article, this draft has NO GOALTENDERS of note, so this isn't the draft to be looking to acquire some depth at that position. However, there are quite a few gems available, you just gotta dig! With the rosters filling up and GMs scrambling to get some breathing room under the $40m salary cap, teams are jockeying for position to get a quality player on their entry-level deals, so they can welcome them onto their roster without having to have a nervous breakdown worrying about the cap.
This first round class is quite exceptional, just take a close look at these sixteen players that made it to this exclusive list. Some come from legendary lineage, while some are just beginning the VHL journey to hopeful stardom, or infamy, or whatever. The point is...
Their journey starts, NOW
And they're starting it all together.
Let's not waste any more time and get to the good stuff...
P.S. All players were interviewed briefly and asked who they thought their NHL comparable model was, some players just chose not to answer, leaving the mystery intact...
PAUL ATREIDES
C
TPE:
343
@Mr_Hatter
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
One of the Houston Bulls gang finds himself at the top with his former teammates (or possibly not). What does Paul Atreides do well? Everything. His scoring prowess is reflected by scoring 42 goals and getting 106 points in his first full (and only) VHLM season, so alot is expected from him. Like Reinhart and Idaho, he comes from a background of success, so that furthers the expectations even more. Can he handle it? I think his development, season performance and a VHLM Founder's Cup Game 7 appearance has shown he's got the goods to acheive whatever he wants.
HOUSTON
72
42
64
106
50
329
14
25
8
PLAYOFFS
16
3
11
14
10
60
0
6
7
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE:
Sebastian Aho
2
REYLYNN REINHART
D
TPE:
301
@Ricer13
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Asher Reinhart's twin sister Reylynn Reinhart is a defensive powerhouse. She ticks all the boxes when it come to playing defense. She shoots alot from the point, creating scoring chances for her teammates in the slot off of rebounds and deflections, that is, if the puck she shoots doesn't have eyes for the back of the net. Her shot is wicked, scoring 27 from the blue line and adding five more in the playoffs. Another indicative stat is 58 shots in 16 playoff games, so her ability to create scoring chances from the point is a valuable asset to have. Reylynn is ready, like her twin brother, to step up her game to the VHL level.
HOUSTON
72
27
37
64
47
180
48
78
80
PLAYOFFS
16
5
7
12
-2
58
16
14
20
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE:
Meaghan Mikkelson
3
DUNCAN IDAHO
RW
TPE:
346
@OrbitingDeath
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
One of the top three ranked forwards in this draft, Duncan Idaho prides himself on his balanced game. He hits, plays defense and scores, not much to complain about. Except his penalty minutes. You cannot score from the penalty box. Besides that, he's a very fierce competitor, coming from a lineage that has won in the past. Idaho knows what it takes to win, and the Moscow Menace will get the best out of him. Expect him to hit training camp camp running with all that sweet banked tpe, the mold has only begun to take shape...
HOUSTON
72
40
40
80
47
302
144
270
14
PLAYOFFS
16
10
8
18
9
71
42
55
4
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE:
Alex Ovechkin
4
ASHER REINHART
C
TPE:
343
@rjfryman
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Asher Reinhart, the twin brother of fellow draftee and Houston Bulls teammate Reylynn Reinhart, has all the tools for success. This youngster has an insane hockey IQ, you can literally find him anywhere he's supposed to be on the ice. Faceoff wizard - check. Two-way acumen - check. Physical strength - check. He has nothing left to prove in the VHLM and he's ready for the next step in his career. If history has shown what his rep can pull off, this kid will achieve Greatness. That's right. Capital G.
HOUSTON
72
36
48
84
41
295
50
107
21
PLAYOFFS
16
7
13
20
7
50
8
29
2
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE:
Eric Lindros
5
BRENDAN TELKER
LW
TPE:
308
@Telkster
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Brendan Telker has made an impact since he joined the Minnesota Storm in season 75, getting over a point per game then, and nearly hitting the 60 goal mark and 115 points this past season. Another statistic of note is 367 shots on net, which is absolutely mind-boggling. He even put up nearly two points per game in the post season, that's just bonkers! Does he have anything left to prove in the VHLM? Not a single thing. He's ready to join the big leagues and when he does, expect him to play big and not disappoint.
MINNESOTA
72
57
58
115
46
367
30
86
19
PLAYOFFS
8
5
10
15
11
39
14
10
3
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE:
Kyle Connor
6
THAT DUDE
C
TPE:
283
@Cornholio
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
That Dude is coming off a very nice season, racking up the goals with 35 and 239 shots. He likes to throw around the body as well and his defensive ability shines as well, staying at a +27 and getting 86 hits with only 30 penalty minutes. He's the epitome of a very balanced centerman that has a solid foundation to build upon. This offseason, he has the chance to fill holes in his game, or to further advance his strengths. That Dude is definitely a player to look out for in seasons to come, he could be a steal of a pick.
MINNESOTA
72
35
40
75
27
239
30
86
10
PLAYOFFS
8
1
3
4
1
29
0
3
1
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE:
?
7
ZEEDAYNO CHARA
D
TPE:
252
@Jubis
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Another Greenlander in the mix here, Zeedayno Chara hasn't played a full VHLM season, but yeah he's already VHL ready. Which is astonishing in some cases, but Chara comes from solid representation by Jubis. He's a very solid puck-moving defenseman, best one in the draft actually, so I hope you're taking notes! Only two goals to his credit in 36 games, but 27 assists to his name show his real priority: moving the puck to forwards who can thread that needle. He's a quick skater, can handle the puck quite well and his defensive ability is of VHL top 4 caliber, so he can slot right in and defend anyone, except for the top tier elite VHLers. Give this youngster some time, he won't be left out of top defenseman discussion for long.
MIAMI
36
2
27
29
-11
54
34
55
50
PLAYOFFS
6
0
4
4
3
9
10
5
10
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE:
Zdeno Chara
8
DRUSS DEATHWALKER
RW
TPE:
276
@animal74
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
This player is a special breed of hockey player. Just read his last name. Cross him and you might get laid flat out on the ice. Perhaps Druss Deathwalker's motivation is just to destroy people. With 335 hits and 153 penalty minutes, this 6'7, 250 pound beast of a player should be visible to anyone with the ability of sight, but that doesn't stop him from mowing anyone (potentially you) down. Don't think he's just a goon out hunting for his next prey though, he can score, defend, handle the puck, and yes, drag his massive carcass up and down the ice, seemilgly withe ease. He's what you want in a prototypical power foward, and he's not apologizing for nearly ripping your head off after laying down the hammer. He's the swiss army knife of this draft, so remember his name folks. Druss Deathwalker. Might be the last name you know.
MISSISSAUGA
72
32
46
78
8
299
153
335
30
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE:
Milan Lucic (in his prime)
9
AURELIEN MOREAU
D
TPE:
250
@Frank
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Another special breed of player here. Aurelien Moreau has a very unique skillset that sets him apart from most players. He skates extremely well, hits alot and hits hard, has pretty good hands for a defensive defenseman, and he defends his zone better than most. He pays almost no attention to scoring or passing, which is odd, seeing him put up 60 points is somewhat of a surprise. His -38 stat is also an anomaly, 176 shots from the point, 307 hits and 172 blocked shots are all somewhat not correlated to anything. What is certain about Moreau is that he's something special. His stats do NOT reflect what he can do in the future, so here's to more anomalies!
MISSISSAUGA
72
14
46
60
-38
176
176
307
172
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE:
Devon Toews
10
ROLF FIZZLEBEEF JR
D
TPE:
237
@TacticalHammer
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Fizzlebeef Jr sure made an impression last season, getting 50 assists with 57 points with the Las Vegas Aces last season. He's so close to being VHL ready though, so don't count on him staying down this upcoming season. Fizzlebeef Jr has all the weapons needed to provide at the VHL level, with quick skating ability and great defensive IQ. He prefers moving the puck quickly forward, but he can handle the biscuit too if he chooses. His -21 stat could be indicative of a weaker than usual Las Vegas team, but that doesn't mean he can't climb to the plus side of things in seasons to come. He would be a welcome addition to this squad who could use his youth and skill moving forward.
LAS VEGAS
72
7
50
57
-21
107
89
101
115
PLAYOFFS
4
0
3
3
-1
6
6
10
3
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE
TJ Brodie
11
BRUSSELS SPROUT
C
TPE:
225
@Liberty_Cabbage
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Coming in as an oddly shaped 5'5 250 pound fella, he sure can move, and do other stuff as well. Brussels Sprout is quite the balanced player, but his season stats don't reflect what he can do. He was buried on a deep Minnesota Storm lineup, taking his reps when he could. Sprout was a plus 14 with only 18 points, showing he could be on a winning side. His foundation is solid, but he needs another season with the Storm to be ready for a potential season 78 call up, and that's where he can show off how much he will have grown. His skillset is more than sufficient to be dominant in the VHLM, but he needs a bit of work in all areas to get that call up.
MINNESOTA
72
2
16
18
14
62
30
43
16
PLAYOFFS
8
0
2
2
3
6
12
13
3
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE
Philip Danault
12
JAN HLOZEK
D
TPE:
196
@Bojovnik
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
This diminutive Czech defenseman pretty much exploded on the scene, getting involved in any way he could. He put up an impressive 59 point rookie campaign, playing quite well at both ends of the ice. He also managed to throw the body around and block a decent amount of shots. It could have been anyone's guess that his size could have been an issue, but the naysayers were silenced and he slides close to the middle of the first round. His fundamental skills are very decent and provide a great launchpad for growth, which I most certainly belive he will do. Keep your eyes on this youngster, he has quite alot of potential in future seasons. Just one more season in the M and he will figure out how to be a force.
SASKATOON
72
13
46
59
-5
116
96
146
93
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE
Zach Werenski
13
NIXON CALDWELL
D
TPE:
189
@Kendrick
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Nixon Caldwell had himself a very nice debut season with the Philadelphia Reapers, and an even more productive postseason, besides being outed in the first round. Putting up 51 points in 76 is very nice, but ten points in five playoff games just shows how much Caldwell adjusted to the playoff battle of attrition. An insane +41 stat shows off his defensive IQ, I didn't even mention the shot blocks, just look to your left (LOL). He's a nicely built defenseman and has no real holes in his game, for the VHLM that is. He isn't VHL ready yet, but he will take it upon himself to reach that next level and be a dominant player. He also comes from a distinguished lineage that produced talented VHL players, so here's to Nixon Caldwell's future!
PHILADELPHIA
72
5
46
51
41
66
52
79
96
PLAYOFFS
5
2
8
10
0
5
6
8
14
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE
?
14
MILES JOHNSON
LW
TPE:
190
@Midnite
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Probably the purest, non-VHL ready sniper available in the first round, Miles Johnson stops at nothing to get that puck to the net to get those scoring chances. Firing 265 pucks towards the goalie and 32 finding the twine, scoring is his specialty. His defensive game and his physical strength are very much lacking though, but he has some time to develop and fill out the holes in his game, especially playing without the puck. He's a great skater and a decent puck handler as well, so if he can solve his defensive lapses, he could be ridiculously effective. Another season in the M may do the trick, and here's hoping he does, because when he does, watch out.
MISSISSAUGA
72
32
28
60
-18
265
16
30
4
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE
Dominik Kubalik
15
BARRON KRUULENSTIEN
D
TPE:
185
@LefLop
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Another defensive defenseman finds himself at the end of the first round, Barron Kruulenstien has a very good defensive sense which allows him to move the puck forward and quickly. He hasn't shown a proficient level of offensive IQ, which may or may not work to his advantage, but zero goals and a measly ten shots on net in a 72 game season does leave a lot to be desired. He did play lower in the lineup, so the lack of ice time may have contributed to that. His ability level though is growing steadily, so like most of the draft class, another season at the VHLM level paired with more ice time could see an explosion of output from him. He has the opportunity to improve all facets of his game and reach that next level quite soon.
MINNESOTA
72
0
21
21
5
10
30
54
35
PLAYOFFS
8
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
9
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE
Ryan Graves
16
KYLE GLASS
RW
TPE:
199
@Tbeez99
TEAM
GP
G
A
PTS
(+/-)
SHOT
PIM
HIT
SB
Kyle Glass has some really good tools at his disposal, showing what he can do in his first VHLM season with the Halifax 21st. Putting up 58 points and throwing over a hundred hits with only 42 penalty minutes, all while holding very close to an even plus/minus stat shows his hockey IQ to be quite formidable. Don't get me wrong, he's not VHL ready yet, Glass still has some work to do on his game. He could be a dominant player next season for the 21st if he trains properly. He's quite balanced over the board as shown by his play, but what's lacking most is his strength. He's a taller specimen, but still somewhat lanky at 6'3 195 pounds. His overall two-way proficiency isn't what's lacking, so he needs to bulk up and get some strength to muscle around and protect that puck when he's got it.
HALIFAX
72
19
39
58
-1
208
42
101
13
NHL PLAYER COMPARABLE
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