VHLSC: S44 Rankings #9 - Mock Time

[Kendrick 4,741]

 

Hello everyone! Welcome back to another edition of the Victory Hockey League Draft Rankings and Analysis. This week we inch closer to the VHL Entry Draft as the Seattle Bears pulled off an upside of the Cologne Express in the VHL Finals. The draft is nearing a week away which allows us the time to do the highly anticipated mock draft that we do each year. The mock draft is a way to somewhat see where each prospect fits with which team could be drafting there. Now this year we decided to do a different approach and not really tell you what team is at each position. We went ahead and told you where each drafting should go based on their projections from this past season and overall production. However, before we get down to that we have to give you your weekly "scoop".

 

First and foremost, we have another prospect joining our rankings. Lenny Face is a late edition to the rankings because of a VHL rights situation that now free's up his draft eligibility. Face is a goaltender but he has done little so far and during the season to see him pass Corey Marino for top goaltender in this draft. This week saw some of usual suspects show up and use their training time effectively. Edwin Reencarnacion continued his torrid pace on the top of the charts. Marcel Faux climbed to the second position of the draft rankings and Simon Valmount enters top three territory. Kekko Hyvarinen continued to be quiet, which may hurt his draft stock as its been several weeks since we've seen improvement. Le'Sean Coutzen was our biggest gainer this week but he didn't pass anyone in front of him on the charts. Giovanni Reuel moved into a solid seventh position where he looks to overtake some of the lottery hopefuls. Archie Wagner continues to impress from the back and now finds himself as a first round possibility. Now without any more delays, here is the 44th VHL Entry Draft Rankings mock draft.

 

*As part of the VHL's "City Showcase" program, the draft will be taken place in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

 

 

Well we know for sure New York won't be passing on Edwin Reencarnacion now. Edwin has been the first overall pick ever since he declared so it's not going to be a surprise when he is selected here. A big bruising forward with tons of potential on top of what he has shown us so far. His soft hands and big frame make him hard to stop when he explodes towards the net.

 

Scouts NHL Comparions: Rick Nash

 

 

Marcel Faux doesn't look as sexy of a pick as Edwin, but let's not underrate that too much. Marcel Faux will be a first line winger in this league and at the number two spot he is hard to pass up. His quick skating ability and hockey knowledge allow for him to create open passing lanes to teammates. Scouts like his quick reactions and ability to adapt to the situations that present themselves in game.

 

Scouts NHL Comparison: Jonathan Huberdeau

 

 

Kekko's recent weeks have somewhat worried scouts because of the inconsistencies that he brings. He is the highest rated defensemen in this draft but his progression has taken a hit. If he can remain positive and show up to practice each week and apply that in game, he will be a can't miss player at number three. We could see him drafted at the second position but it all depends on his will to show up.

 

Scouts NHL Comparison: Sami Vatanen 

 

 

Simon Valmount is this year's version of Don Draper and Ethan Osborne. The young forward has improved every week since he started and the scouts and General Managers have taken note. He will be the highest selected first generation player in this draft and for good reason. His slick skating and great scoring touch allows him to find angles on goaltenders that would not be there normally.

 

Scouts NHL Comparison: Bryan Little

 

 

Le'Sean Coutzen is not the best of the rest, he is still pretty good. This young centreman has as much skill as the three previous draftees but his position is not one terribly of need by a ton of clubs. That being said his great two-way game and nose for the corners is what sets him apart from some of his peers. It's not uncommon to see a scar on his face or a few dentistry bills on his kitchen counter.

 

Scouts NHL Comparison: Sean Couturier

 

 

Maxime Perron is the second punch to the Brampton center position behind the aforementioned Le'Sean Coutzen. He does slip in talent just a bit and for that it slides him out of the top five. His recent weeks have shown us a bit of something we didn't want to see, inconsistency. Perron does know how to forecheck though and that allows him the ability to get in and have better scoring chances. Perron could slip down the list but it is unlikely by anymore than a couple selections.

 

Scouts NHL Comparison: Nick Bonino

 

 

Giovanni Reuel is the second first-generation talent on this list and he also excites the scouts more than the news of Pepsi bringing back their 70's products. Reuel is second highest right winger in this draft and if a team is looking for position, they will find Reuel as a highly touted prospect. His great awareness and ability to get in the right scoring positions allow him to shine through the competition.

 

Scouts NHL Comparison: Matt Read

 

 

Davidson is a bright player at the end of the first round, which is perfect for those teams who made strong playoff runs. Davidson has size and skill but the week to week progression needs to be at a higher pace for him to be a serious threat in next years professional level. He has shown to be a great leader on his team in Bratislava and that could help him gain a roster spot in the future.

 

Scouts NHL Comparison: Martin Hanzal

 

 

The first real surprise or shocker may come to people as bit of reach if you base the selections on practice hours alone. However, Archie Wagner has been one of the bright spots that climbed from the very bottom on the draft rankings. He is a mobile defenseman for a big guy with a long reach and one that could scare forwards if he reaches his potential.

 

Scouts NHL Comparison: Kurt Sauer

 

 

R Truth has some potential but it's whether or not a team can influence him enough to get away from the enforcer role. In the VHL, the enforcer role is essentially useless and fighting numbers have gone down in comparison to the NHL or even the VHLM. R Truth could turn into a good depth player with some work in other areas of his game.

 

Scouts NHL Comparison: John Scott

Edited June 23, 2015 by Kendrick

[eaglesfan036 4,599]

Great work Kendrick!

 

Love the Read and Couts comparisons :3

[Milldaddy 32]

Thanks for the kind words.

[Baozi 1,658]

Perron is more of a Patrick Sharp to me

[Glaciem 86]

Will be interesting to see how the draft pans out!

I hope I land on a competitive squad, winning in Bern leaves me craving for more success.