2015 NHL Draft: Picks 11-20
By Max Marko
The Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and Minnesota Wild held selections 11 to 20 in the 2015 NHL Draft.
With the 11th pick, the Florida Panthers select Lawson Crouse.
Crouse has been knocked on for his inability to put up superstar stats with the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL, but this is a good pick for the Florida Panthers. He plays a physical game and is full of compete.
Stats:
What scouts are saying:
"“A big-bodied forward who gives opposing defenses headaches with his effort on the forecheck…tough to contain with his huge frame and strength…impossible to separate from the puck and consistently is successful winning pucks and generating scoring chances through his hard work…moves the puck well with good vision and passing skill…a strong net-front presence… has decent speed for his size, though he could improve his quickness…plays hard on defense; forces plays and takes away angles…uses his size to play physical, including laying some devastating hits…is a moose along the wall down low…tremendous potential going forward.” – Future Considerations"
"A big-bodied power winger with the ability to physically dominate, making him a prominent forechecking presence every night. Possesses good hands that can be used to make crisp passes or to let loose accurate, NHL-level shots; paired with his strength and skating ability, his skill set allows him to contribute offensively, as well as create space for teammates. – Elite Prospects"
The Dallas Stars select Denis Guryanov with the 12th pick in the NHL Draft.
Guryanov springs up the board to the Dallas Stars at 12. Craig Button commented during the draft that he thinks Guryanov will become a top 5 player out of the draft. Has speed and agility.
Stats:
What scouts are saying:
"He’s usually the most skilled player on the ice at any given time. Guryanov has an excellent shot and release; he’s most certainly a natural goal scorer who is very clever around the net. His release is lightning quick and can also fire off a pretty wicked backhander off the rush. Guryanov is also super competitive and plays with a strong desire to win and be the best. He uses his powerful leg drive and upper body strength to deliver solid body checks, but he can also dominate a cycle by protecting the puck with a long reach and sound positioning. He’s shown flashes of being a playmaker, but he can also over-handle the puck and make questionable decisions. Like most offensive forwards, his commitment to the defensive zone is a work in progress, but he’s always involved in the play and does not shy away from the dirty areas in either zone. Projects to be a top-six scoring forward who can be used in either special teams situations. A first-round lottery talent for sure” – The Draft Analyst"
"“A highly skilled forward who intimidates with his speed and proficient puckhandling ability, Denis Guryanov may have one of the highest ceilings as a forward prospect for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Very strong on his skates and uses his size to protect the puck well. Drives the net hard and knows where he will shoot before he is even in a position to do so. Possesses a heavy and accurate release on his shot, which he likes to get off near the faceoff dots; if he can’t shoot from there, he will either dangle or bull his way through to the blue paint. While he is proactive and aware defensively, he still needs to work on consistency in his own end. All-in-all, a dynamic offensive threat that has room to grow defensively.” – Elite Prospects"
The Boston Bruins select Jakub Zboril with the 13th pick in the NHL Draft
Bruins take a smart two-way defender in Zboril.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A good two-way blue liner…plays a complete game and relies on his impressive footwork to maintain defensive coverage as well as put himself into the offensive play…has a good top speed and all-round mobility…has a dangerous point shot that is both accurate and hard…has a physical element to his game and will step up to make a hit…clears the crease and separates opponents form the puck with his body in the defensive zone…has an active stick…good upside as an all-round NHL defender.” – Future Considerations"
"“Jakub Zboril is a smart, fleet-footed two-way defenseman that plays to his strengths in all three areas of the ice. While he doesn’t aim to impress, he does all of the little things right and plays with an edge. The neutral zone is his launching pad: he is able to take off into the offensive end, or backcheck quickly into his own end. Very sound positionally. Smooth skater with lots of energy to burn. Not afraid to lay the body, or take a hit to make the play; can and will stand up for teammates. Possesses good hands and awareness on the ice, as well as a hard shot that is quite accurate. All-in-all, a complete defenseman that is relied upon to offset any oncoming attacks, as well as create chances in the opposing end.” – Elite Prospect"
The Boston Bruins select Jake DeBrusk with the 14th in the NHL Draft
Strong WHLer and son of Louie DeBrusk.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"A two-way winger with good mobility and scoring ability. Willing to battle in the dirty areas and can always find the puck and make the smart play below the hashmarks. Shows good creativity and deception with the puck. Good individual skills and makes good use of any time and space found. DeBrusk won’t beat you up physically, but he can definitely beat you up on the scoreboard. All-in-all, a competitive two-way winger with the natural goal scorer’s instincts.” – Elite Prospects"
The Boston Bruins select Zachary Senyshyn with the 15th pick in the NHL Draft
Senyshyn is a surprising pick, but a decent one. He isn’t afraid to lay the body and plays a good two-way game.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A smart offensive winger that can be a difference maker in games. Very fluid skater and is constantly moving around to get in advantageous positions offensively, as well as defensively. Has a creative streak, as well as refined puck skills. Has the size to be a physical factor in the game, and knows when and how to use it. Will need to work on rounding out his defensive game, transitioning quicker, and keeping puck possession, but he knows where he can improve, and strives to do so on and off the ice. All-in-all, a cunning, motivated offensive forward whose presence pays dividends for his team at the end of the day.” – Elite Prospects"
The New York Islanders (via trade) select Mathew Barzal with the 16th pick in the NHL Draft
This is a steal for the Islanders. Barzal is the best pure passer in this draft class.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“Matthew Barzal is an offensive forward with very good skating abilities. Has tremendous puck-handling and is poised with the puck, while looking for the perfect pass-option using his strong vision. Owns an excellent wrist shot with a remarkable release. Barzal reads the plays well, looking for interceptions and is not afraid to block shots, playing a reliable two-way game. A complete player with strong hockey sense”. – Elite Prospects"
The Winnipeg Jets select Kyle Connor with the 17th pick in the NHL Draft
Connor is a dynamic center who has speed and skill to out work his opponents.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A dynamic two-way center with speed and creativity to burn. Consistently displays elite-level skating ability, and an astonishing top speed. Sees the ice very well and is constantly looking to either score or make a player; the confidence he has in his abilities lets him do things with the puck that other players wouldn’t even try. Skillful puckhandling skills, paired with a deceptively accurate shot, make him a lethal scoring threat. His will to compete and, ultimately, win fuels his defensive game; he tracks the puck well and creates a lot of turnovers. All-in-all, a highly skilled, proactive center that can dominate in all three zones.” – Elite Prospects"
The Ottawa Senators select Thomas Chabot with the 18th pick in the NHL Draft
Chabot is a quick two-way defender. He has quickness in his hands, feet and decision making.
Stats:
What scouts say:
"“A quick-thinking two-way defenseman that is able to make fast decisions and help his team whenever he is on the ice. Possesses excellent mobility and has good individual puck skills; can catch the opposition off guard with his speed. All-in-all, a player who strives to be better with every shift, staying a student of the game. Has the potential to flourish into a very reliable all-around defenseman that can eat up minutes.” –Elite Prospects"
The Detroit Red Wings select Evgeni Svechnikov with the 19th pick in the NHL Draft.
The Minnesota Wild select Joel Eriksson Ek with the 20th pick in the NHL Draft.