Introducing ScoutsNet + An Early Look at the S94 Draft Class

[Patrik Tallinder 1,087]

 

Hello everyone, and welcome to ScoutsNet!

 

I have been wondering how to approach a "new and improved" version of my scouting content to bring back to the forums, and this was the best I could come up with. For this season, I will be posting scouting content pretty sparingly, but next season, ScoutsNet will host a new version of my previous series, Tallinder's Draft Profiles. ScoutsNet is a media network aimed at providing scouting content for upcoming VHL draft classes, and it is has three hosts:

 

Patrik Tallinder - S72 Continental Cup Winner & Host of the Draft Profiles series

Nils Tallinder - Notorious bust, but makes a killer grilled cheese

Lucas Tallinder - Previous owner of RavenSkill Agency/Development Program

 

The three brothers are enjoying retirement in Sacramento, California, but they have felt an itch to be back near the game. ScoutsNet is the product of this, as they each aim to produce meaningful content in a number of ways. Patrik will be in charge of the draft profiles, scouting players and discussing their strengths/weaknesses. Nils will be in charge of the final mock draft upon the end of each season, and Lucas will be creating graphics for some of the top prospects.

 

Now, without further ado, let's get into our very first article, hosted by Reign and Wrangler alumni Patrik Tallinder.

 

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE S94 VHL DRAFT

Welcome to ScoutsNet everyone! I'm so pleased to have you all on board for what should be an exciting revival of my draft content from the early S70s. I have already begun digging for research relating to this upcoming draft, and I have a few major points I would like to share with you all. First off, let's get the elephant out of the way; Here are my current top 16 rankings! These rankings are based on all TPE earned up until the week ending March 24, as this week is still ongoing. Remember that these are subject to change, and also far from objective truth, so don't take them too seriously.

 

 

EARLY THEMES

Upon first glance, it appears that this draft class is pretty top-heavy. There are several future superstars in the top ranks of this draft, but the talent does start to wear a bit thin after the first round. With that being said, there are certainly some diamonds to be found in the rough. Another primary theme in this draft is its strength on the blue line; Eight of my top 16 prospects from this draft are defensemen, including my projected first overall pick, Jillian Woods. Woods is a phenomenal prospect, but she will not have an easy claim to the pinnacle of this draft class, as winger Maverick Goncalves is neck and neck with her. Let's take a look at my projected top 2 picks in the S94 VHL Entry Draft.

 

Also, remember that the TPE numbers reflect their amount earned up until the end of last week, not any earned this week. It would be impossible to update my spreadsheet every day, so my weekly updates will have to suffice lol

 

JILLIAN WOODS | D | 244 TPE | @jacobcarson877 | Ranked #1 Overall

The draft's top prospect thus far is one that could change the direction of an entire franchise. Woods is an elite two-way defender with an impressive 16 points in 16 games to begin her season in Ottawa. User @jacobcarson877 is an extremely active member and the GM of the VHL's London United, as well as coming off a career where he earned a ridiculous 2174 TPE. Woods looks to be another future superstar, with the build and TPE earning to back it up. Woods has earned an average of 23 TPE per week, including all 84 capped TPE available to her since creation. Expect to hear the name Jillian Woods very early in this upcoming draft, and expect to see her excellent mobility and hockey sense displayed at even the highest levels of play in the future.

 

MAVERICK GONCALVES | LW | 245 TPE | @leandrofg | Ranked # 2 Overall

Next, we look at the draft's top ranked forward. Choosing to play in the VHLE this season, Maverick Goncalves has not had it easy. Yet, despite being the youngest player in the league, he has managed to create chances and show flashes of brilliance, with 17 shots and 11 hits in only 14 games with the Cologne Express. The Swiss prospect is somewhat of a Swiss Army knife on the ice, able to play in all situations and pose an immense offensive threat as well. Goncalves' TPE earning has also been incredible, averaging 24 TPE per week and collecting all possible capped TPE. Much like Woods, @leandrofg is a known entity in the community, being the GM of the Calgary Wranglers and coming off a stellar previous career. Look for Goncalves to seriously challenge for the first overall selection this season, and don't be surprised if his name is announced first.

 

A LOOK AT FIRST GENS

Ahead of each draft, some of the most interesting storylines to follow are surrounding the draft's first gens. There are always some that go on to have hall of fame careers, and others that fizzle out rather quickly. In this draft, a couple first gens have really caught my attention as extremely promising prospects, but others have already began to blossom in potential as well. As for the two that have made my top 16, here what I can say about them:

 

ANDREW SKILTON | D | 133 TPE | @ace_five_ | Ranked #13 Overall

A defender with a tremendous two-way game and great vision, Andrew Skilton is a player that just oozes potential. I have sources inside the Halifax locker room (of which he is captain), and he is someone that just naturally garners the respect of his peers through his relentless work ethic, positive attitude, and his willingness to play the game the right way. It has now been two straight weeks of capping out for Skilton, and he has earned an insane 51 uncapped TPE in his three full weeks thus far. Expect to see this player soar in pre-draft rankings, as he is already doing so in mine. With 38 hits and 18 shots blocked in just 16 games, the Canadian is a nightmare to deal with in the defensive zone for any opposing forwards. Additionally, he has earned himself a very respectable 9 points in those 16 games with the 21st.

 

KEVIN JONATHEN | D | 101 TPE | @meandyoc | Ranked #16 Overall

Another first gen to keep an eye out for is Kevin Jonathen. Standing at a colossal 6'6", Jonathen is a bulldozer on defence with skill to match his physicality. So far in 15 games with San Diego, he has put up 40 hits, 37 shots blocked, and 5 points. User @meandyoc has already landed himself an AGM position in the VHLM, and he is a very active member in the community. His TPE earning, especially capped, has been steadily rising as well. He has squeaked into my top 16 this week, but expect him to potentially shoot up the rankings even more before the draft.

 

A FINAL WORD

I hope you all enjoyed the first instalment of ScoutsNet! I hope to release an article or two more between now and my final mock draft, and I will have regular articles starting next season. If you were not featured here and would like to be in the future, send me a message! I'm happy to discuss your player in an article in the future.

[ace_five_ 421]

Review: Excellent and in depth first look at the S94 draft class! I really like how you highlighted some of your picks and gave good reasoning as to why you put them there. The formatting made it very easy to follow and read, and the graphics brought it all together. The length also made it so my attention wasn't lost at all and I don't feel like I missed out on any information knowing that this will be a recurring article and more players will be highlighted. I look forward to reading what's to come and how your draft board changes over the weeks. 10/10

[meandyoc 46]

I'm delighted to be in your top 16. I didn't expect to be this active but this league has been cool and just kept me hooked. I'm more on a slow pace progression but I'm fine with that and I hope I can stick around for years to come.

[Patrik Tallinder 1,087]

1,251 words

 

Claiming week 2/2