Today we are providing some quick reference player cards to help get everyone geared up for the draft. In this, our second and final installment of the “Cheat Sheet” series we will quickly highlight five defensemen. We’re skipping Levshunov 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 Parekh, Dickinson, Yakemchuk, Silayev, and Buium, and Catton. Also, be sure to catch our Cheat Sheet on the forwards.
Enjoy!
#1 Player Card: Sam Dickinson
Position: Left Defense
Team: London Knights (OHL)
Combine Height: 6 foot 2.75 inches
Combine Weight: 203 pounds
Strengths:
Complete Skill Set: Excels in all three zones with elite puck-moving abilities, strong skating, and high hockey IQ. His size and skating make him a standout on every shift.
Defensive Prowess: Nearly flawless in shutting down zone entries and controlling the defensive zone. Exceptional at forcing plays to the outside, clearing the front of the net, and providing elite puck retrievals.
Offensive Production: Impressive offensive statistics with 70 points in 68 games, ranking among the best OHL draft-eligible defensemen in the past 15 years.
Rising to the Occasion: Thrives under pressure, delivering standout performances in the playoffs and international tournaments. Known for his mental toughness and competitiveness.
Leadership and IQ: High hockey IQ, consistently makes smart plays, supports teammates effectively, and remains poised under pressure. Elite passing and decision-making abilities.
Weaknesses:
London Effect: Concerns about potential overrating due to playing for a powerhouse team like the London Knights, where statistical production may be inflated.
Absolute Offensive Upside: Critics point to the superior points-per-game rate of fellow London blueliner Oliver Bonk as a sign of limited upside. Some believe Dickinson's power play usage may not fully showcase his offensive potential.
Hockey IQ Perception: While Dickinson has shown improvement in decision-making, some critics still question his hockey IQ due to past performances and perceived patience under pressure.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
Utah could be looking for an all-around great defenseman to be their first-ever draft selection. Sam Dickinson’s combination of size, skating, and a complete skill set make him an ideal candidate. His ability to contribute in all situations—defensively, offensively, and on both special teams—makes him a less risky and highly valuable pick. He could form a nightmare one-two punch down the left side with Utah's recent 6th overall pick Dmitri Simashev, reminiscent of the Blues' right-side gruesome twosome Pietrangelo and Parayko.
NHL Player Comparable:
Noah Hanifin: Like Hanifin, Dickinson offers a balanced, two-way game with high-end defensive skills, strong offensive production, and the ability to thrive under pressure. His leadership, size, skating, and reliable presence in all situations make him a potential cornerstone defenseman for Utah.
#2 Player Card: Zayne Parekh
Position: Right Defense
Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Combine Height: 6 foot 0.25 inches
Combine Weight: 178 pounds
Strengths:
Offensive Mastery: Parekh is an offensive powerhouse with historic production for an OHL defenseman. His elite shot, playmaking, and puckhandling skills make him a dominant force in the offensive zone. Parekh’s vision, poise, and creativity set him apart as a potential game-changer at the NHL level.
Maverick Spirit: Known for his unique, unorthodox play style, Parekh brings a refreshing creativity and flair to the ice. His ability to challenge traditional play styles and make highlight-reel plays ensures he stands out even among other top prospects.
Defensive Evolution: While defense is an area needing improvement, Parekh's hustle and rush defense has shown progress. His willingness to engage and improve his defensive game speaks to his competitive spirit and potential growth.
Weaknesses:
Defensive Challenges: Parekh's defensive game is inconsistent. He often avoids physical play, struggles with defending the cycle, and can leave his partner exposed. His defensive shortcomings are a significant area for development.
Physicality and Competitiveness: Parekh’s physical game and competitiveness are questioned due to his avoidance of contact and inconsistency in defensive situations. His slight frame and upright stance make him vulnerable in physical battles, impacting his effectiveness and durability.
Injury Concerns: Parekh’s physical vulnerabilities have led to injuries, notably during critical playoff series. His durability and ability to withstand NHL-level physicality over a full season are concerns.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
Utah faces an intriguing dilemma with Parekh. His high offensive ceiling and unique skill set could redefine their defensive identity. Pairing him with a steady defenseman like Dmitri Simashev could create a dynamic duo, blending Parekh's creativity with stability. Despite Utah's historical preference for size and stability, Parekh’s rare offensive talents and potential to bring a high-octane, crowd-pleasing style might be too enticing to pass up.
Zayne Parekh is more than a prospect; he’s a statement. His blend of talent, creativity, and maverick mindset makes him a thrilling, albeit risky, draft choice. For Utah, the decision hinges on their readiness to embrace Parekh’s unorthodox style and the electrifying potential he brings. Regardless of where he lands, Parekh is a name to remember, promising excitement and bold play wherever he goes.
NHL Player Comparable:
Brandon Montour: Like Montour, Parekh is an undersized, offensively gifted defenseman whose primary value lies in his power play and offensive contributions. Both players challenge traditional defensive roles with their dynamic and creative play styles.
#3 Player Card: Carter Yakemchuk
Position: Right Defense
Team: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Combine Height: 6 foot 3 inches
Combine Weight: 202 pounds
Strengths:
Physicality and Leadership: Known for his aggressive style, hitting, and yapping, Yakemchuk is always in the middle of scrums, showing his willingness to stand up for his team and maintain a physical presence on the ice.
Offensive Upside: As an offensive defenseman, Yakemchuk acts like a fifth forward, with great vision, creativity, and a fantastic shot, making him a significant threat in transition and the offensive zone. Scored a staggering 30 goals in the WHL as a defenseman this past season.
Yakemchuk arguably possesses the best stretch pass and shot among draft-eligible defensemen. His ability to make long, accurate passes can change the dynamics of the game, and his shot is a constant threat from the blue line.
His puck-handling skills are exceptional, often making forwards look foolish with his positively Datsyukian dangles. He is creative in the offensive zone, frequently joining the rush and creating scoring chances. And while he doesn’t have great straight-line speed, he absolutely dances out on the ice.
Defensive Presence: While he’s more known for his offensive prowess, Yakemchuk is reliable in his own zone, particularly against established possession. He uses his size and strength effectively to protect the house.
Weaknesses:
Stride and Mechanics: Yakemchuk's skating is a significant concern. His stride is not pretty, and he lacks the separation speed needed to excel on open ice. His backward skating and pivots need substantial improvement.
Developmental Environment: Given his age and current program, there are questions about his ability to develop his skating further. Calgary’s situation and the transition to professional hockey in Tucson may not be ideal for refining these skills.
High-Risk Play: Yakemchuk's aggressive style sometimes leads to mistakes, often due to fatigue from heavy ice time or overly ambitious plays. Balancing his high-risk, high-reward approach will be crucial for his development.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
As Utah prepares for its first-ever NHL draft pick, Yakemchuk presents a compelling option. Bill Armstrong’s vision for Utah emphasizes a blend of physicality, skill, and playoff-style hockey. Yakemchuk’s gritty, offensive-minded game aligns perfectly with this philosophy.
His offensive skills and physicality are undeniable, but his development path will need careful management to ensure he reaches his full potential. Whether Yakemchuk becomes a cornerstone for Utah or a cautionary tale will depend on the support and environment provided by the team.
Carter Yakemchuk is a prospect filled with both promise and questions. His offensive prowess, physical play, and versatility make him an attractive candidate for Utah’s inaugural draft pick. However, his skating mechanics and decision-making require significant improvement. With the right development and coaching, Yakemchuk has the potential to become a cornerstone defenseman for Utah, bringing a blend of skill and grit that could define the team’s identity for years to come.
NHL Player Comparable:
Dion Phaneuf 2.0: Yakemchuk's physical aggression and leadership are reminiscent of Dion Phaneuf, making him a polarizing figure on the ice who can both irritate and dominate. Big, skilled, mean, and always in the mix, Yakemchuk could become the new and improved version of Phaneuf, irritating opponents and excelling in high-pressure situations, in all 200ft of the ice.
#4 Player Card: Anton Silayev
Position: Left Defense
Team: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Unofficial Height: 6 foot 7 inches
Unofficial Weight: 207 pounds
Strengths:
Size and Mobility: Silayev is an imposing figure at 6'7", combined with exceptional skating ability that allows him to cover the ice efficiently. His mobility for a player of his size is a rare and valuable asset.
Physicality and Defensive Prowess: Known for his punishing hits and defensive tenacity, Silayev excels at clearing the crease and shutting down opponents. His ability to play against seasoned professionals in the KHL demonstrates his defensive maturity.
Potential and Upside: Despite a dip in production, Silayev's early record-breaking performance in the KHL highlights his immense potential as a dominant NHL defenseman. He possesses the tools to develop into a formidable force on the blue line.
Weaknesses:
Drop in Production: Silayev experienced a significant decline in scoring throughout the season, raising concerns about his offensive consistency and ability to contribute offensively at the NHL level.
Puck Skills: While dominant without the puck, Silayev's puck-handling and decision-making when in possession need refinement. Improving his offensive contributions will be crucial for his development.
Redundancy Concerns: With recent high draft picks focused on similar profiles (e.g., Dmitri Simashev), selecting another large, shutdown defenseman like Silayev may limit Utah's defensive diversity and overall team strategy.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
The imposing six-foot-seven-inch Anton Silayev, with his exceptional skating ability, presents a unique blend of size and mobility on the blue line. His skating allows him to dominate defensively by quickly erasing gaps, delivering punishing hits and effectively clearing the crease against seasoned competition in the KHL this past season.
Despite his defensive prowess and physical presence, Silayev had major challenges with offensive production in the second half of the season and in the playoffs. His play with the puck is another area where he's shown the need for development. While his potential as a future NHL defenseman is undeniable, evidenced by his record-breaking achievements in the KHL, Utah must carefully weigh whether another large, shutdown defenseman, added to Simashev (6th in 2023) and Lamoureux (29th in 2022) really outweigh the need for a more versatile defensive lineup.
As Utah evaluates Silayev's fit with their top pick, they must consider his development trajectory and how well his strengths and areas for growth align with their long-term goals. His size, mobility, and defensive tenacity make him a compelling prospect, yet concerns about redundancy and offensive ceiling raise the question of whether he's the ideal choice to shape Utah's future blueline.
NHL Player Comparable:
Jacob Trouba: Anton Silayev's style on the ice draws comparisons to Jacob Trouba, another imposing defenseman known for his punishing hits and tenacious play in his own zone. Both players excel in shutting down opponents and clearing the crease effectively, making life difficult for forwards trying to generate offense. Silayev, much like Trouba, possesses exceptional mobility for his size, allowing him to navigate the ice smoothly and contribute defensively. Silayev's potential development trajectory mirrors that of Trouba, showcasing similar strengths in size, mobility, and defensive reliability while aiming to evolve into a complete defenseman capable of impacting both ends of the ice.
#5 Player Card: Zeev Buium
Position: Left Defense
Team: Denver University (NCAA)
Combine Height: 6 foot 0 inches
Combine Weight: 207 pounds
Strengths:
Skating Technique: His lateral mobility and ability to walk the blue line are reminiscent of Adam Fox. Buium’s head fakes, shoulder feints, and changes in direction make him elusive and highly effective at creating offensive plays. Buium’s supreme skating ability is his most eye-popping trait. His edgework lets him fly laterally across the ice, allowing him to roam the offensive blueline, and dart into the zone to create opportunities. His elusiveness and agility make him a constant threat. Despite his size, Buium is exceptionally strong and difficult to play against. He wins 50/50 battles consistently and excels along the boards, using his strength and stick skills effectively.
Offensive Production and Playmaking: As a true freshman at Denver University, Buium scored 9 goals and 43 points in only 34 games, leading all NCAA defensemen in points per game over the last 20 years. His playmaking abilities are top-tier, often creating space and opportunities for teammates. Buium demonstrates exceptional puck control, skillfully making plays using both his feet and his hands. He creates shooting lanes out of nothing, and threads shots through traffic so that his teammates can seize opportunities around the crease.
Winner’s Mentality: Buium has already won major trophies, including the NCAA Frozen Four and gold medals with Team USA in the World Junior and Under-18 Championships. His confidence on and off the ice is evident, often using it to gain a mental edge over opponents. He even joked on camera with Macklin Celebrini, asking him what it feels like to “never win anything”. As Zeev has always come out on top when they’ve faced one another on the biggest stages. At the combine most recently he showed off a new tattoo on his forearm where the dates of his championships were etched in Hebrew. His other forearm is blank, so there’s still plenty of room for all the Stanley Cups he could win with Utah.
Weaknesses:
Slight Size Concerns: At 6 feet and 183 pounds, Buium is slightly undersized for a top NHL defenseman. While he is strong and effective, his size could be a limiting factor against larger, more physical NHL forwards. However, his brother Shai is 6 foot 4 inches and over 210 pounds, suggesting potential for growth.
Left-Handed Shot: Utah’s depth at left defense is significant, with recent picks like Dmitri Simashev and Artem Duda, along with young top-four defenseman J.J. Moser. Integrating Buium into a lineup already deep on the left side could pose challenges for his utilization and development.
Is He a Prototypical #1 Defenseman? While Buium's strength is good, his size isn’t above average, and while skating technique is superb, he lacks elite top-end speed. He’s been tremendously productive in his career so far, but he doesn’t have that huge NHL shot yet, and hasn’t been a big goal scorer prior to this year. That’s all to say that so far the whole Zeev has been greater than the sum of his parts. He’s an incomplete toolbox with a mix of average and elite tools. It’s hard to predict what the final product will look like.
Why Utah Might Draft Him:
Utah could be looking for a defenseman who combines elite skating, offensive creativity, and defensive tenacity, and Buium fits this mold perfectly. His ability to walk the line, create space, and make smart plays under pressure aligns with modern NHL defensive requirements. Drafting Buium would bring a player who excels on both ends of the ice, contributing significantly to Utah's offensive and defensive play.
Buium's winning mentality and experience in high-pressure situations make him an asset. His proven track record of winning and his ability to make impactful plays in critical moments reflect his mental toughness and competitive nature. Utah's inaugural draft pick should aim to secure a player with both high skill and strong character, and Buium embodies these qualities.
NHL Player Comparable:
Josh Morrissey: Buium’s game is reminiscent of Josh Morrissey, known for his dynamic skating and two-way play. Like Morrissey, Buium excels in creating offensive opportunities while being a tough, reliable presence in his own zone. Both players have the ability to walk the line and make intelligent plays under pressure, making them valuable assets on any team.
Make sure to keep this list handy for draft day, and check out Part 1 of our Cheat Sheet series, which features the forwards.
-Trent Hess
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