Today we are providing some quick reference player cards to help get everyone geared up for the draft. In this installment of our “Cheat Sheet” we will quickly highlight five forwards (with one bonus player for giggles). We’re skipping Celebrini and instead focusing only on players that have at least some shot at still being on the board at 6th overall. Below (in no particular order) you will find quick hits on Iginla, Demidov, Lindstrom, Sennecke, Helenius, and Catton. Enjoy!
#1 Player Card: Tij Iginla
Position: Left Wing
Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Combine Height: 6 foot
Combine Weight: 191 Pounds
Strengths:
Shot: Iginla's bread and butter is his lethal shot. He possesses a quick release that packs a lot of power, making him a constant threat to score from any angle. He combines power and accuracy with a deceptive release that keeps goaltenders guessing. Iginla can score from anywhere and is usually in a great spot to do so, due to intelligent positioning. His ability to deke, roll off contact and handle the puck smoothly allows him to create space for his deadly shot.
Mobility & Motor: Iginla is a strong skater with excellent edge work. While he may not be the fastest player on the ice, his agility, and ability to change direction quickly more than make up for a lack of a separation gear. He can maneuver around defenders and maintain control of the puck even under pressure. He’s strong on his stick and protects the puck well.
He plays with a lot of pace and aggression, is good along the boards, and wins his battles despite his average size. He’s always in motion, always on the hunt. He’s developing into a good puck-hound who will hunt in the neutral zone, strip pucks, and create offensive breakouts. He’s a pressure player. He’s always pushing.
Hockey IQ: His understanding of the game is advanced for his age. Iginla consistently positions himself well both offensively and defensively, anticipating plays and making smart decisions. His ability to read the game and react accordingly makes him a versatile and effective player.
Weaknesses:
Physicality: While Iginla is not afraid to engage physically, he lacks the size and strength to consistently win battles in front of the net and along the boards at the next level. As he develops, adding muscle will help him better handle the physical demands of professional hockey.
Defensive Consistency: Iginla's defensive game can be inconsistent. While he has a high hockey IQ and works hard on the backcheck, he can sometimes be caught out of position when trying to cheat for an offensive opportunity. Improving his consistency and reliability in the defensive zone will be crucial for his overall development.
Decision Making: At times, Iginla can overcomplicate plays and try to do too much with the puck. While his creativity and skill are assets, he will need to learn to simplify his game and make smarter decisions, especially when facing elite defensive players at the professional level.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
Utah’s draft strategy leans towards players who bring a unique blend of size, skill, and competitive edge. Tij Iginla, while not the largest player in the draft, compensates with determination and skill level that’s hard to match. While he may need to bulk up and refine his decision-making, Iginla’s raw talent and scoring ability are exactly what Utah looks for in a player who can grow within their ranks and contribute to the team’s aggressive and dynamic identity. With Utah’s preference for players who can dictate the pace of the game, Iginla’s motor and relentless pursuit of scoring opportunities aligns well with the kind of spirited and smart hockey player that GM Bill Armstrong values, one who can rise to the challenge and elevate the team’s performance both on and off the ice. Iginla was raised by one of the game’s most heralded character players and the apple appears not to have fallen far from the the tree. Utah can rest assured they are adding a quality kid to their system. Not to mention a very young prospect for this draft class. Tij doesn’t turn 18 until August.
NHL Player Comparable:
Filip Forsberg - Tij’s elite sniping ability, combined with leadership qualities, and dog-on-a-bone mentality are reminiscent of Nashville winger Filip Forsberg. Not many wingers have the impact Forsberg has all over the ice for his team, and that is the ultimate goal for Tij to grow into. He’s not quite the nasty power forward his dad was, but a more modern version of that could look a little something like Filip Forsberg.
#2 Player Card: Ivan Demidov
Position: Right Wing
Team: SKA St. Petersburg (MHL)
Unofficial Height: 5 foot 11 inches
Unofficial Weight: 186 Pounds
Strengths:
Offensive Dynamism: Demidov is the most talented offensive player in this draft class. In pure offensive ability, he stands alone. His MHL production is nothing short of historic, as he averaged over two points per game. What he does with the puck is unreal. He picks apart defenses like a cat toying with its food. He has an uncanny ability to read the game and execute plays with precision and regularity. He has the best combination of shooting and playmaking in the class, and is truly an elite dual-threat player. His skating, while not elite, is powered by a strong lower body that allows him to get to the inside and maintain puck possession to generate dangerous chances.
Puck Pursuit: His game is characterized by an aggressive style of puck pursuit, which has become a significant part of his identity on the ice. His bulldog tenacity allows him to keep or regain control of the puck to create opportunities. He has never really shown much defensively but has never really needed to. The MHL is far too easy for him. Given his brains his feet and his compete, I feel confident he can develop this part of his game.
Extra Draft Value: As a potential faller in the draft, Demidov represents an opportunity for Utah to acquire a high-skill player who may have been undervalued due to the lack of exposure against top-tier competition, limitations on live viewings, and uncertainty about injuries and future contract status. If Demidov slips in the draft, it won’t reflect his on-ice performance. Factors beyond his control, such as his remaining year with SKA St. Petersburg, the lack of KHL playtime, and geopolitical issues limiting international play and NHL scouting, are the real reasons for any potential drop. These circumstances also prevented him and his countrymen from attending the NHL combine.
Weaknesses:
Quality of Competition: Demidov’s dominance in the MHL is clear, but the disparity between this league and the KHL poses questions about his ability to adapt and excel against more seasoned players. Given that he’s the best MHL player ever, we can suppose that he would have held his own in the KHL, but we just don’t know. He wasn’t given the chance.
The Russian Factor: NHL teams haven’t been able to get into Russia to scout him. They have regional scouts, but the top brass has had to rely on video. And that video is not the best-on-best international play among his peers in this draft class. The video is only of MHL play. The MHL is a good league but is several steps down even from the NCAA. Also, some KHL franchises have been easier to deal with than others for NHL teams. SKA St. Petersburg is not one of them.
Physical Unknowns: Without official measurements or combine data, nobody knows for sure how tall he is, where his athleticism is at, nor what his medical records show. His absence from crucial games in the MHL playoffs due to injury, particularly being on crutches for the final, raises concerns about his long-term durability.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
Utah’s draft strategy has always been about seizing opportunities and capitalizing on players with high ceilings, and Ivan Demidov represents exactly that. Despite the challenges in scouting and the uncertainties surrounding his transition to North American hockey, Demidov’s sheer offensive talent is undeniable and could be a game-changer for Utah.
Utah might be the team to see past the Russian challenges and focus on his proven track record of excellence. They could view him as a potential top-line winger who brings a unique blend of skill, creativity, and competitiveness that is hard to find.
Moreover, Utah might be willing to navigate the ‘Russian Factor,’ betting on their ability to integrate Demidov into their system once his contract situation is resolved. They could be enticed by the prospect of adding a player of his caliber, who has been compared to stars like Kirill Kaprizov, and who could potentially fall in the draft due to factors beyond his control.
In drafting Demidov, Utah would not only be acquiring a player with elite offensive capabilities but also a strong on-ice work ethic, a combination that could pay dividends for Utah for years to come. They might be the team willing to take a calculated risk on a player who could very well become one of the steals of the draft.
NHL Player Comparable:
Kirill Kaprizov - Ivan Demidov’s electrifying play and scoring prowess are evocative of Kirill Kaprizov. With his elite dual-threat capabilities and a style of play that combines finesse with a competitive edge, Demidov could very well emulate Kaprizov’s success in the NHL. Utah might see in Demidov the same qualities that have made Kaprizov a cornerstone for his team and a perennial threat on the ice.
#3 Player Card: Cayden Lindstrom
Position: Center
Team: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Combine Height: 6 foot 3 inches
Combine Weight: 213 Pounds
Strengths:
Size and Physicality: At 6 foot 3 inches and 213 pounds, Lindstrom is a throw-back power forward who reminds me of a more violent time in hockey. He uses his size to finish checks, shield the puck, and drive to the net. He wins board battles and is a bully after the whistle. He’s intense, he’s mean, and he never backs down. He plays a hard-nosed, direct game and is willing to intimidate in a variety of ways.
Skating: An excellent skater with quick feet, Lindstrom has more of a separation gear than you would expect for a player of his size and profile. He wins races as well as battles.
Offensive Skills: Lindstrom has a laser beam of a shot. He gets it off quickly and from anywhere. It’s a deceptive shot that he’s able to disguise well. He can get it off from in-tight and under pressure. He’s an inside player with great puck-protection and can score with defenders draped over his back.
Weaknesses:
Hockey Sense: He has questionable hockey IQ, particularly his playmaking, vision, and ability to elevate his linemates. He’s a one-man wrecking crew. Emphasis on one-man.
Injury Concerns: Lindstrom has dealt with hand and back injuries, raising questions about his durability and consistency. He missed most of the second half of this season and has dealt with multiple surgeries already in his young career.
Future at Center: Because he has tunnel vision, is not much of a playmaker, and plays with blinders on, he may not project at center at the next level. However, he is very good on faceoffs and has the skill and athleticism to develop the areas of his game that are lacking.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
Utah GM Bill Armstrong is planting himself a giant redwood forest. He’s added the likes of Dmitri Simashev (6’5”), Daniil But (6’6”), Michael Hrabal (6’6”), Conor Geekie (6’4”), Maveric Lamoureux (6’7”), Mikko Matikka (6’3”) and Jack McBain (6’4”) in recent seasons. Armstrong may be looking to add one more giant sequoia to the mix. Lindstrom's size, skating ability, and offensive upside make him a highly attractive prospect, particularly for a team building its identity around massive physical specimens. Despite some concerns about his hockey sense and injuries, his ceiling as a potential top-line center is too high to ignore.
NHL Player Comparable:
Roope Hintz - Lindstrom very aptly compares himself to Roope Hintz, “We’re both power forwards, skilled, quick, physical, you know what I mean?” Yes, Cayden, we know what you mean, and we’re here for it.
#4 Player Card: Beckett Sennecke
Position: Right Wing
Team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Combine Height: 6 foot 2.75 inches
Combine Weight: 182 pounds
Strengths:
Dynamic Playmaking and Puckhandling: Sennecke’s game-breaking skill is highlighted by his creativity with the puck. Sennecke’s hands are not just skilled; they’re a spectacle. He regularly made plays that made me laugh out loud. His remarkable ability to weave through defenders with full-speed dexterity and finesse makes him a constant offensive threat. He’s left a graveyard of broken ankles in his wake. He owns one of the most exciting skill sets in the entire draft.
Physicality and Size: His 6-foot-3 frame and willingness to engage in the dirty areas give him a physical edge. He uses his size to protect the puck effectively and isn’t afraid to rough it up and crawl right under the skin of the opposition, making him a formidable presence on the ice. Teams hate facing him.
Second-Half Surge and Playoff Performance: Sennecke rises to the occasion when the games get tougher and the lights get brighter. After a standout second half of the season and an impressive playoff showing, Sennecke’s stock is sharply trending up. His ability to elevate his game when it matters most indicates his potential to be a difference-maker at the NHL level.
Weaknesses:
Compete Level and Consistency: While there have been questions about his compete level and consistency, Sennecke has shown significant improvement as the season progressed. However, the journey from prospect to pro is paved with consistency and he has a long road ahead to prove that he can bring it every shift.
Individualistic Play: Sennecke’s confidence in his puckhandling sometimes leads him to overplay one-on-one situations, which can result in turnovers. Integrating his individual skill within team structure will be crucial for his development. The game is really a game for him, and he will need to figure out how to add some safe, projectable elements.
Defensive Game and Backchecking: Although he has made strides in finishing checks and battling through contact, there is room for growth in his defensive game, particularly in terms of backchecking and commitment to defensive responsibilities. Turnovers are also a problem that needs ironing out. Growth in this area is essential for his transformation into a well-rounded player that NHL coaches will actually trust with opportunity.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
Sennecke is a player brimming with raw talent, much like an uncut gem that holds within it a sparkling future. In the hands of Utah’s development team, renowned for their craftsmanship, he has the chance to be meticulously shaped into a dazzling player. The journey from raw potential to NHL stardom is long, and Sennecke has much to learn. Yet, with his natural athleticism, deft hands, and innate skill, he represents the perfect raw materials for Armstrong’s team of craftsmen to fashion a masterpiece for the Utah Hockey Club.
NHL Player Comparable:
Martin Necas - With his size from the wing, combined with dynamic playmaking and puckhandling, Sennecke mirrors Necas’ ability to make impactful plays at high speed. Like Necas, Sennecke possesses a blend of size and skill that allows him to navigate through tight spaces, make big plays, and create scoring opportunities. Both players are dual-threat wingers who bring entertainment value to the rink on a nightly basis.
#5 Player Card: Konsta Helenius
Position: Center
Team: Jukurit (Liiga)
Combine Height: 5 foot 11 inches
Combine Weight: 189 pounds
Strengths:
Hockey IQ: Helenius demonstrates exceptional vision and playmaking ability, often making difficult passes look easy. His understanding of timing and spacing is top-notch. He is reliable defensively, backchecks hard, and has a disruptive stick that he uses to generate turnovers.
Competitiveness: Known for his high compete level, Helenius excels in puck battles, has surprising puck protection skills given his limited frame, can make plays from the boards under pressure, and isn't afraid to go to the net. He’s not big but he has that dog in him and there are notable buzz-saw qualities, here.
Experience: Despite his age, Helenius has already proven himself against men in Liiga, Finland’s top professional league. He’s also already made appearances in the Men’s Worlds, the U20 WJC, and the U18s.
Weaknesses:
Size: At 5'11", Helenius is slightly undersized for an NHL center, which might limit his effectiveness against bigger, more physical opponents.
Skating: While he is a good skater, he isn't considered elite in this area. His compact frame and shorter stride mean he doesn't exactly gallop in the open ice.
Star Power: Despite being very good in nearly every area of being an effective hockey player, Helenius does lack that one stand-out, elite quality that someday could make him a star player. He may be the ultimate support player.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
Helenius is a very safe bet to make an NHL impact and to make that impact soon. He had one of the most impressive under-18 seasons in Liiga history both with goals and assists but also by being a strong two-way center who won the majority of his face-offs and was trusted in all situations with over seventeen minutes of ice time per game. He is a potential top-line center or a very strong second-line option, which may be appealing to a team with Logan Cooley finding his way in the NHL.
Utah has a reputation for chasing size at the draft table. However, Bill Armstrong has picked sub-six foot centers in the 1st round before (Logan Cooley, Robert Thomas, Robby Fabbri, and Jaden Schwartz). It seems that if the smaller player is both highly skilled and highly competitive, they have a shot at being on Bill Armstrong’s radar.
NHL Player Comparable:
Robert Thomas - Similar in playmaking ability, hockey IQ, and competitiveness, Helenius offers a well-rounded skill set that mirrors Thomas’s game. This is a player well-known to GM Bill Armstrong, and a comparable certain to make him smile.
Bonus Player Card: Berkly Catton
Position: Center
Team: Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Combine Height: 5 foot 10.25 inches
Combine Weight: 175 pounds
Strengths:
Elite Skating and Offensive: Catton has exceptional skating ability, complete with a full blown separation gear. Even more impressive is his elite edge work, which makes him maddeningly elusive. He combines those edges with high-end puckhandling to dangle opponents. Once he’s broken their ankles, he can finish the job with either his lethal shot, or superlative playmaking. This ability allowed him to post jaw-dropping point totals this season. He’s a true dual-threat offensive dynamo.
Leadership: Catton was captain of Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and at the U17s, demonstrating that he can be a trusted leader in high-stakes situations. He also wore an “A” for Spokane this season. Despite his frame he is willing to play an inside game, and is a puck-hound.
Two-Way Play and Special Teams Impact: Catton’s two-way game is robust, with a strong presence on both penalty kills and power plays. His short-handed goals attest to his defensive capabilities, while his power-play points underscore his offensive contribution.
Weaknesses:
Physicality and Size Concerns: While Catton’s compete level is high, his smaller stature raises questions about his ability to withstand the physical demands of the NHL. This could impact his effectiveness against larger opponents.
Positional Transition to Wing: Due to his size, there’s a prevailing belief that Catton may be more suited to playing as a wing in the NHL rather than at center. This transition could affect his ability to influence the game from the center position, where he has excelled in junior.
Playoff Performance and Pressure Response: Despite stellar regular seasons, Catton’s quieter playoff performances with Spokane in the last two post-seasons could be a concern. His ability to score under playoff pressure and contribute significantly when games matter most will be closely scrutinized by scouts.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
Betting on Catton is betting on elite skill. Offensive talents like Catton are hard to come by. Acquiring a talent like this before they’ve left their prime, is generally only possible when a team can draft one inside the top ten. Catton is small, though. And there’s a very good chance he ends up a small winger. There’s no denying that Catton just does not align with Bill Armstrong’s draft day modus operandi. In a way, that makes Utah’s apparent interest in him all the more tantalizing. They must see something truly special in him, if they are willing to throw out the playbook and pick him despite the precedent of their preferences.
NHL Player Comparable:
Clayton Keller - Every time I watched Berkly Catton play this season I was reminded of Clayton Keller. Both the player Keller has turned into and the player Keller was in his draft year. There are shades of that more complete reliable winger Keller is now, and shades of that wild pony of a center he was when he was Catton’s age. However, much like Keller, I can very much envision Catton transitioning to wing in the NHL.
Make sure to keep this list handy for draft day, and be on the look out for Part 2 of our Cheat Sheet series, which will feature defensemen.
-Trent Hess
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