The Top 5 Right Wingers In The Draft [1/2]

[bluesfan55 103]

The S66 Draft is full of right wing talent. Here’s the top five RWs in this massive (and deep) draft class.

 

Mikko Aaltonen

TPE: 241

Nationality: Finland

Team: Las Vegas Aces

 

One of the top prospects from the beginning of the season was Finnish winger Mikko Aaltonen and he’s lived up to that billing. Mikko has scored 82 points in 62 games split between Las Vegas and the team that drafted him in Philadelphia. Aaltonen is a sniper, plain and simple. He’s got 80 scoring and 79 skating to go along with 70 puck handling, but can also defend well (75). Mikko is a no-doubt first rounder who’ll be a star for whatever team he goes to. 

 

Verdict: Aaltonen is a top scorer with first-line potential (elite at his peak). He’s a lock for going in the top 5. 

 

Arnor Sigurdsson 

TPE: 209

Nationality: Icelandic

Team: Yukon Rush

 

Sigurdsson has been a riser in mocks as of late, going from missing out on the first round to being a sure fire late first round to early second round pick. His production has ramped up in recent weeks, as Arnor recently hit a point per game average with 58 points in 57 games for the Rush (35 goals, 33 assists). Sigurdsson’s what you would call a total power forward. His main strengths are scoring (74), skating (70), strength (70), and puck handling (70). There have been questions about his build, and whether he’d stay at power forward or move to becoming an all-round player (or becoming a defenseman since he has good stats for one), but there’s no doubt that the kid’s got talent. 

 

Verdict: Sigurdsson has top 6 potential. I see him going in the 8-12 range during the draft. 

 

Shawnomir Jagr

TPE: 205

Nationality: Czech

Team: Saskatoon Wild

 

Another play who’s risen as of late is Shawnomir Jagr. Jagr was stolen by Saskatoon at 18th Overall in the last VHLM draft and has been one of their best players, with an astounding 95 points. When looking at his build, you can tell that he’s built to score. Jagr has 83 scoring, 70 skating, and 70 puck handling. However, Jagr is strong (70 strength) and a solid defender (72). This is a top scorer who might fly under the radar, so keep an eye out for him. 

 

Verdict: Like Sigurdsson, expect him to go in the 8-12 range. He’s got top 6 potential as a scorer. 

 

Nethila Dissanayake

TPE: 166

Nationality: Sri Lankan

Team: Saskatoon Wild

 

Another Saskatoon Wild player makes the list as Nethila Dissanayake has proven himself to be a steal in the VHLM Draft after going at 32nd Overall. Dissanayake has had a great season to date with 72 points. It looks like Nethila is an offensive machine, with 78 scoring and 70 passing. He’s also got the finesse skills on lock with 71 skating and 70 puck handling, but there could be concerns about his lack of strength (43) for his massive 6’8” frame. 

 

Verdict: Dissanayake will be a steal wherever he goes, most likely in the second round. He’s got real good potential (top 6). 

 

John Frostbeard

TPE: 154

Nationality: Latvian

Team: Yukon Rush

 

Everyone knows that Philadelphia sold their team hard to tank this season and one of the players they traded was John Frostbeard. The Latvian has been solid for both Philadelphia and Yukon (his new team), with 64 points (a shade under a point per game). Frostbeard is a playmaker, with 70 passing, 69 puckhandling (nice) and 70 skating, and as such has tacked up 45 assists so far. However, he can also defend (70) as well. Frostbeard, like Dissanayake before him, needs to work on his strength, as the 6’4” man only has 45 strength. His scoring (60) could also be an issue, but with his production, I wouldn’t sweat it. 

 

Verdict: Frostbeard will most likely go in either the late second or early third round where he’ll be a massive steal. He’s got potential to be a nice top 9 forward, but with hard work and dedication I can see him cracking a top 6 role. 

 

This is a deep class, but before I end this, I wanna give a shoutout to Mat Tocco, Emil Passerelli, and Aleksander Rodriguez, three promising RWs who recently broke 100 TPE and could be some really nice pieces for their VHL teams. We’ve got a really nice class this year and I really can’t wait to see everyone get drafted (I know I’ve said this a lot, and it’s because I’m really looking forward to the draft). Good luck to you all!

[nethi99 39]

Nice read!

[Renomitsu 934]

Review - Definitely agreeing with nethi99 - liked this article. I'd like to see some of the text broken up with pictures (team logos/bars, flags, etc.). Very much a fan of the interpretive parts of your article (e.g. the 'verdict' at the end). I also liked the 'honorable mentions' at the end - the more of the class you cover, the better!

[ThePerfectNut 563]

I am close to that top 5 then

I am finna take that 5th place!

Edited April 14, 2019 by Jtv123