American Players in the S66 Draft

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C - Hunter Hearst Helmsley (Yukon Rush) | GP: 56 | G: 49 | A: 57 | P: 108 | +/-: +11 | PIM: 12

Hunter Hearst Helmsley is easily the best VHL prospect since Ryan Kastelic. Some experts say that he projects to be better than Kastelic. Although it is hard to say at this point, it certainly looks like these judgements may just be true. Helmsley has adjusted to juniors extraordinarily well with Yukon and is on pace for almost 140 points, numbers which haven't been seen in the VHLM since the days of Bryce Zhields in S60. He will win tonnes of hardware at the VHLM level this season, the only question left is how he'll do in the VHL. In my opinion, Triple H will have no problem fitting in to the rougher, faster game that is the pro league, in fact he will embrace the game of checking and could possibly go down as one of the greatest players of all time. Hunter Hearst Helmsley will no question be a very valuable piece for the team that selects him, as well as for the American national squad, for many years to come.

 

LW - Shane Mars (Minnesota Storm) | GP: 56 | G: 42 | A: 43 | P: 85 | +/-: +54 | PIM: 19

Mars, though not as offensively gifted as Helmsley, is still an amazingly talented prospect and would probably have gone first overall in almost any other season previous to S66. If Shane Mars is considered to be a consolation prize for Triple H, it is definitely not easy to see it that way. He leads the VHLM in +/- with an astounding +54 and is on pace for 109 points, an incredible pace for a VHLM rookie. Mars has led the Minnesota Storm to first place in the VHLM standings and they are looking like a major contender for the cup. He projects as a large, elite first line winger who will be a core piece for any team he plays for. Hall of fame isn't out of the question either if Mars keeps on the current trajectory that he's on right now. There is a 66% chance of Moscow picking second overall this season, so look for them to pick up this young American talent.

 

LW - Julius Freeman (Halifax 21st) | GP: 56 | G: 28 | A: 45 | P: 73 | +/-: +25 | PIM: 14

Julius Freeman is a very all rounded type of player. He is stellar at scoring goals, making plays and killing penalties and while he maybe isn't excellent at any one thing, he is very good at almost everything. Freeman is a smooth skater and while not as fast as Mars, he does seem to have the edge on Helmsley. He may also have the softest hands of anyone in his draft. Freeman's work ethic has been amazing, considering he came into the league well after the draft, with a distinct experience and skill disadvantage to many of his peers, but his hard work and perseverance has paid off for him with plenty of points, to the point where he now leads his team in scoring, and he has shot up the Central Scouting draft rankings, all the way to third. Freeman is also reportedly a very good leader in the locker-room and a real class act with the way he carries himself, making him that much more enticing for GMs. Look for this big-bodied winger to go early in the draft.

 

Summery

The American core is very strong in this draft, with the top 3 players in the recent Central Scouting ranks being from the USA. What does this mean for the VHL? The same thing as it means for the NHL. Yet another sport that the Americans dominate the Canadians at every season. Over are the days of Canada winning Gold every year. In 3 seasons time, watch out for the Americans at the World Cup, because they are going to be unstoppable and frankly I don't see that ever changing. Farewell Canada! You had a good run.

 

Edited April 2, 2019 by Thranduil

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Much love on this post. @Thranduil is the man. Thanks for the kind words.