Every month leading up the NHL Draft, Sam Cosentino ranks the top-10 draft-eligible players from a different league in the CHL. For April, he breaks down prospects from the WHL.
1. Sam Reinhart, Kootenay Ice
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Nov. 6/95
Height/weight: 6’0.75”, 185 lbs
Best hockey IQ in draft. Boots are deceptive. Always rises to the occasion. Will make NHLers around him better.
2. Leon Draisaitl, Prince Albert Raiders
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Oct. 27/95
Height/weight: 6’1.5”, 204 lbs
Averaged two points per game in February and March to lead the Raiders into the playoffs. Big body centre, can’t get the puck from him.
3. Jake Virtanen, Calgary Hitmen
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Aug. 17/96
Height/weight: 6’0.75”, 208 lbs
Under-18 tournament performance will be key after early exit in playoffs. Shoots a ton and has a power forward frame.
4. Nikita Scherbak, Saskatoon Blades
Position: Right wing
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Dec. 30/95
Height/weight: 6’2″, 174 lbs
Seems committed to North America. Relative unknown to start the season, will be a top-20 pick in June.
5. Haydn Fleury, Red Deer Rebels
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: July 8/96
Height/weight: 6’2.5”, 198 lbs
Steady Eddie potential with some offensive upside. Reminds me of Jay Bouwmeester.
6. Julius Honka, Swift Current Broncos
Position: Defence
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Dec. 3/95
Height/weight: 5’10.5”, 178 lbs
Swift skating, puck moving D-man. He’s Cam Fowler light.
7. John Quenneville, Brandon Wheat Kings
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: April 16/96
Height/weight: 6’0.5”, 182 lbs
Jack of all trades, proficient in some. Much improved after brother Peter returned. Hard on pucks, versatile.
8. Jayce Hawryluk, Brandon Wheat Kings
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Jan. 1/96
Height/weight: 5’10.25”, 190 lbs
Some feel he should’ve been included in the top prospects game. No standout element, but usually irritable to play against.
9. Brayden Point, Moose Jaw Warriors
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
Birthdate: Mar. 13/96
Height/weight: 5’9.75”, 160 lbs
Always finds a way. Now believes he belongs in the conversation. Size will hurt draft status, but he will surprise.
10. Conner Bleackley, Red Deer Rebels
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Feb. 7/96
Height/weight: 6’0.5”, 192 lbs
Character off the charts. 200-foot game is evident. Unearthed offensive potential this season.
NOTE: This list includes only players in the WHL. All heights/weights listed were taken from NHL Central Scouting as measured at the BMO Top Prospects Game.