Ranking the top forwards at the NHL Draft (20-16)
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Goaltenders: 10-6 | 5-1 | Defensemen: 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1
Forwards: 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1 |
20. Jansen Harkins, C, Prince George (WHL)
What Jansen Harkins lacks in style he makes up for with hard work and relentlessness – traits he probably picked up from his father, who had a brief NHL career in the early '90s.
Harkins competes hard in every zone, on the puck and off it. His focus on the defensive side of the game is commendable among a field of draft-eligible forwards who mostly still need to learn how to be responsible in their own end.
The biggest concern with Harkins surrounds his ability to score at a pro level despite leading the Cougars with 79 points this season. His offensive game will need some refining to be effective against NHL talent, but even if he doesn't develop into a top-six scoring forward, Harkins has more than proven his worth as a checking center.
19. Jake DeBrusk, LW, Swift Current (WHL)
Much like Harkins, a lot of the praise for Jake DeBrusk revolves around his work ethic, but it's impossible to ignore the 42 goals DeBrusk scored for the Broncos – tying him for 6th in the WHL.
DeBrusk is quick on his skates and knows where to go in the attacking zone. Many of his goals were the result of him driving to the net to set screens and redirect shots, showing great anticipation for how plays develop on offense.
While his defensive game is a work in progress, DeBrusk's willingness to play a physical game suggests he can become effective in his own zone. Any concerns about his defensive shortcomings should be weighed against his prolific scoring.
18. Colin White, C, U.S. National Team Development Program
Colin White is the kind of jack-of-all-trades player coaches love for their versatility. He is a strong skater who thinks the game very well and is seldom caught out of position in any zone, and his offensive game improved throughout the season.
White is also considered the top faceoff talent available, which should help him retain his position as a center at the pro level. He likes to approach the game defense-first but that mentality didn't stop him from recording 54 points in 54 games with the U.S. National U18 Team.
White overcame a bout of mononucleosis and a wrist injury early in the season, making his accomplishments even more impressive. His intelligence and detail-oriented style will likely carry him to the NHL and his offensive upside cannot be overlooked.
17. Denis Guryanov, RW, Lada Togliatti (Russia)
The NHL Draft has not been kind to Russian prospects in recent years. Many teams passed on players like Vladimir Tarasenko and Nikita Kucherov despite the elite talent they displayed, and the same fate could befall Denis Guryanov.
Along with his outstanding puck-handling, Guryanov has the size, speed, and scoring ability to compete at the pro level. He excels at protecting the puck and loves to unload his heavy, accurate shot – arguably the most powerful shot of any draft-eligible player – in high-danger scoring areas between the faceoff dots.
Guryanov has the talent to be a top-10 pick, but he will likely be selected later due to limited viewings, an inconsistent defensive game, and uncertainty about when (if ever) he will decide to leave Russia. Even with all that in mind, his sky-high potential certainly seems worth the risk.
16. Daniel Sprong, RW, Charlottetown (QMJHL)
Daniel Sprong is one of the more unconventional cases at the draft. He started playing hockey in his hometown of Amsterdam before moving to Canada to further his career, overcoming many obstacles as an outsider in Canada's intensely competitive junior system to become a prolific scorer in the QMJHL.
Sprong scored 69 goals in two seasons with the Islanders, but scoring isn't the only thing he does well. He's also an effective passer and a hard-working presence in the defensive zone. While it's difficult to find a weak spot in Sprong's game on the ice, there are some concerns about his character.
Comparisons to Phil Kessel and Patrick Kane won't help Sprong shake the character concerns, but they speak volumes about his goal-scoring abilities. A little maturity will go a long way for this prodigious Dutch talent.