More so than any other MasterCard Memorial Cup in recent memory, the 2016 edition will be in NHL scouts’ crosshairs—even more so for Canada’s seven NHL teams all of which own a first-round pick, with Toronto and Winnipeg having two. All told, Canadian teams will account for roughly 28 percent of the 210 players that will be selected at the NHL Draft in June.
Early projections have at least four Memorial Cup players projected to go in the first round. Three suit up for the London Knights, including Matthew Tkachuk, No. 2 on NHL Central Scouting’s North American list. Defenceman Olli Juolevi and power forward Max Jones, son of former NHLer Brad are also highly thought of.
Brandon features the smooth skating Kale Clague, who has really elevated his game in the playoffs, leading all Wheat Kings defencemen with six goals and 14 points. Red Deer’s Josh Mahura was injured for most of the season, but returned for the playoffs and offers up great intrigue based on projections made before he was hurt. An older team, Rouyn-Noranda has stay-at-home specialist Jacob Neveu, who rarely gets noticed on a team with several offensive threats. He’s the only Huskies player to be included on Central’s list.
Here are the players from Red Deer and Brandon who have been drafted or are ranked on Central Scouting’s 2016 final rankings. If you’re a fan of a Canadian team, here’s who to watch throughout the tournament and why.
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Red Deer Rebels
Drafted/Signed Players
Haydn Fleury, D (CAR, 7th in 2014)
Jake DeBrusk, LW (BOS, 14th in 2014)
*Conner Bleackley, C (COL, 23rd in 2014 now property of Arizona)
Nelson Nogier, D (WPG 101st in 2014) A solid defender with good size and an excellent work ethic both on and off the ice. He’s well respected among teammates for his quiet leadership and competitiveness and is tough in front of his own net. More of a stay-at-home type who uses his big frame and strength to keep attackers at bay while still making a solid, crisp first pass.
Adam Musil, C (STL, 94th in 2015)
Adam Helewka, LW (SJ, 106th in 2015)
Michael Spacek, C (WPG, 108th in 2015) An excellent passer with great vision who skates well. His hockey IQ allows him to make plays quickly and efficiently. He could stand to be more selfish thanks to a hard shot with a good release. Rates out as a smallish skilled forward.
*injured
DeBrusk had 17 points in 17 playoff games. (Dave Brunner)
NHL Central Scouting
No. 80, Jeff De Wit, C A budding young centreman who plays down in Red Deer’s veteran-laden lineup. He’ll fill-out enough to provide coveted size down the middle and is defensively responsible, good in the faceoff circle and can skate skate, but is still improving in that area. He shoots the puck well thanks to an above average release and being a right shot at centre ice also a big asset.
No. 104, Brandon Hagel, LW Has underrated hands, shot and release and has played up and down the lineup, including on special teams. He’s slightly undersized but plays bigger than he’s listed. Hagel has a solid work ethic. He never stops skating and is consistently chasing down loose pucks while also being good on the backcheck and creating in the neutral zone with a quick stick. He’s likely not a top-six player at the next level, but is somewhat similar to Jean-Gabriel Pageau of Ottawa in that there is enough skill not to be overlooked.
No. 204, Colton Bobyk, D Has size and offensive upside. Bobyk has shown some bite to his game but not always on a consistent basis. At times discipline can be an issue and he occasionally pulls himself out of position to throw the big hit. There is no doubt he has a cannon from the point and finds lanes to get pucks through or make defenders hesitant to get in front of it, making him a solid asset on the power play. Is an adequate defender with good reach, and body positioning. While there are some deficiencies in his defensive game, there may be enough offensive upside to gamble on.
No. 16 (goalies), Rylan Toth, G He’s efficient, relying on good positioning and play-reading ability, and isn’t afraid to challenge shooters. His quick feet make for good low net coverage, but his glove hand and puck-playing ability are average. Toth responded well once Red Deer got through the trade deadline without adding another goalie and got back in the lineup for nine post-season games after missing two months with a high ankle sprain. He’s not unlike former Rebel James Reimer.
*Josh Mahura, D While he didn’t make Central Scouting’s most recent list, Mahura will be watched closely. An injury in the second game of the season forced him out of the lineup until the playoffs, not leaving scouts enough time to make a proper evaluation. He is an excellent skater with good quickness, speed and agility. There’s some unearthed offensive potential that should flourish next season, when the Rebels get younger and his minutes in all situations increase.
*limited viewing
This week’s episode is a deep dive on all four teams competing at the MasterCard Memorial Cup.
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Brandon Wheat Kings
Drafted/Signed Players
*Mitchell Wheaton, D (DET, 139th in 2013)
Ivan Provorov, D (PHI, 7th in 2015)
John Quenneville, C (NJ, 30th in 2014)
Jayce Hawryluk, C (FLA, 31st in 2014)
Reid Duke, C (MIN, 169th in 2014)
Tim McGauley, C (signed WSH FA)
Macoy Erkamps, D (signed OTT FA) A late bloomer with good offensive potential and great leadership qualities. He has benefited greatly from a trade two seasons ago that brought him over from a then-struggling Lethbridge franchise. Reads the play well, and has a good knack for when to join the rush. Playing with Ivan Provorov has meant he’s not had to give up offensive chances thanks to Provorov’s awareness. Has poise and patience with the puck, making him a power-play asset.
*did not sign
NHL Central Scouting
No. 27, Kale Clague, D A monster second half and post-season have brought him back into first-round consideration. He’s an excellent skater who can support or initiate the rush and has good puck-handling ability and a shot that is still in the early stages of development. Thinks the game well on both ends of the ice and subtle changes to his pre-game routine have increased his flexibility and allowed him to play with more energy.
No. 79, Tanner Kaspick, C A difficult-to-play-against-type power forward with excellent net-front presence who’s a more than adequate skater with sneaky stick skills. A hard worker with a good shot and quick release, Kaspick plays with energy and good bite to his game, especially on the forecheck. He’s defensively responsible and is well adjusted to playing the agitator role. Won the WHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year.
Based on help from General Fanager, here’s how the Canadian stack-up for the 2016 NHL draft to be held in Buffalo, NY on June 24-25:
Toronto (12)
1st, PIT 1st, 2nd, WSH 2nd, 3rd, NJ, 4th, COL 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, STL 7th
Calgary (10)
1st, 2nd, FLA 2nd, DAL 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, MIN 6th, 7th
Edmonton (9)
1st, 2nd 3rd, FLA 3rd, PIT 3rd, 5th, STL 5th, 6th, 7th,
Montreal (7)
1st, 2nd, MIN 2nd, 3rd, 4th, VAN 5th, 6th
Vancouver (7)
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th 7th, CAR 7th
Winnipeg (7)
1st, CHI 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
Ottawa (6)
1st, 2nd, NYI 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th