Switzerland Offers Some Overlooked NHL Draft Prospects

Switzerland has offered some decent players in the NHL Draft the past couple of years. Headlined by Kevin Fiala (Nashville Predators, 2014 1st round), and Mirco Mueller (San Jose Sharks, 2013 1st round) who have both proven themselves to be one of their organization’s top prospects. They have also produced some prospects like Noah Rod (San Jose Sharks, 2nd round 2014) or Sven Andrighetto (Montreal Canadiens 3rd round, 2013) that have been played down quite a bit but could become role players on their respective NHL teams one day.

In the upcoming NHL Draft, Switzerland is in a similar situation where there is a very good prospect likely to be drafted in the first round in Timo Meier. The difference this year is the depth in minor prospects the Swiss will likely have on the draft board in the middle to late rounds.

F Denis Malgin

Courtesy: EQ IMAGES

Denis Malgin is a small center prospect at 5’8″ and 163 lbs. His size comes with many disadvantages like physical play and out working the other man, but his vision and playmaking ability counteract to form a rather decent prospect. It is likely Malgin will be taken at some point in the draft but only to a team that is okay with the longer development that he will take than most. His size and strength will need to be better in order to be effective.

Jonas Siegenthaler is a shutdown defender that could turn out to be a good middle round pick-up. He is always making sure he is involved when the puck is in his own end. With his strong physical play being an attraction, it is worth noting that his offensive game is not the best and needs work in order to compete at a professional level. Siegenthaler will be great depth to a team’s defensive prospect pool and could turn heads once he is developed properly.

F Pius Suter

Courtesy: Claus Andersen/Getty Images North America

Pius Suter, like Timo Meier, really caught on after the World Junior Championships and powered his way to 41 goals and 69 points in 60 games with the Guelph Storm. Suter plays a strong two-way game and is able to finish. He has confidence in his game and is willing to go up against a larger opponent. Suter started as a middle round prospect, but his strong play this year has brought him into the 2nd or 3rd rounds.

Kay Schweri was very good during the World Juniors which brought some attention to him. He played well before hand and hasn’t stopped after the tournament. At 5’11”, Schweri is small but he can move very fast. His quick feet work well with his hands to find open ice in order to make plays. Schweri isn’t as good as Suter, but he could go shortly after him on draft day in the 3rd or 4th round.

In the past two years Swiss prospects haven’t been the most popular type of prospect on draft day but come June this year there could be a very nice increase in the number of prospects of Swiss decent taken. Their numerous amount of lesser known prospects could come handy to them.