Ten Names to watch for the NHL Draft

Focusing on the Big Ten prospects

Here are ten Big Ten-tied names (Jack Hughes has two Michigan-linked brothers, so we’ll count him), that I expect to be called in the NHL draft, as well as where I anticipate they will be selected. You can read more about them and many of the top college hockey recruits in this draft class from my 2019 Limited Draft Preview at tealhockey.net, available today for $5.55.

F Jack Hughes — One of the greatest skaters that the NTDP has produced, Hughes is an elite playmaker who likely will play in the NHL this fall. I wouldn’t be floored to see the team that selects Hughes (likely New Jersey) let him take a year to join the big club, but it would break almost all precedent. The last top forward selected in the draft to take a year in college was Dany Heatley, who played at Wisconsin in 2000. Michigan could use another center. Expected to go first overall.

F Alex Turcotte — For most recruiting classes, Turcotte would be the crown jewel, but it isn’t even clear that he is — that’s how good Wisconsin’s incoming class is. Turcotte is a big-time add at center who will help immediately. One scout compared him to Vancouver Canucks forward Bo Horvat. Expect to go between 3 and 6.

F Cole Caufield — This pure goalscorer is one of the most polarizing Big Ten recruits in the first round. No one doubts that he can put the puck in the net, but almost everyone seems to have a differing opinion on if his size will hold him back in the NHL. Expect to go between 5 and 15.

D Cam York — An offensive defenseman on his way to fill the gaping hole left by Quinn Hughes for the Wolverines, York is considered by most to be the top American defenseman up for the draft. His offensive confidence is contagious and skill level is high-end. York might run an NHL powerplay someday. Expected to go in the first round.

D Ryan Johnson — The California native stepped from U16 hockey to the USHL and looked really sharp. His defending and ability to reliably get the puck out of danger were a major asset for Sioux Falls throughout their Clark Cup title run this year. Expected to go sometime after the 20th pick.

D Ben Brinkman — The Minnesota freshman opted out of winning a state title with his friends at Edina to help out a seriously struggling defensive group at the “U”, and he performed admirably. His draft stock seems to have been hit for not dominating the Big Ten as a draft-eligible, but his team-leading +11 and the eye test speak volumes. There’s a future pro here. One observer made a rough comparison to Ryan McDonagh, as both are well-framed, athletic defenders with some offense. Expected to go somewhere in the 3rd to 5th round.

F John Beecher — He’s long, strong and nowhere near what he can become. Playing in a secondary role for the USA U-18 team, he produced at an adequate pace while showing that he can be effective on as well as off the puck. Lurking under-the-radar for much of the season, Beecher seems to be entering first-round territory moving into draft night. Expected to go as high as top-25.

F Ryder Donovan — This tall, athletic center out of Duluth East (MN) has been in high school hockey for five years and will jump right onto the Badgers roster this fall. Donovan’s new coach at Wisconsin, Tony Granato, compared him to stand-out defenseman K’Andre Miller. Expected to go somewhere between late first to the fourth round.

D Jackson LaCombe — Making the switch from forward to defense two years ago opened up an entirely new future for LaCombe, who is still unrefined at both ends of the ice. He displayed real offensive upside skating for the Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep team, and looked the part in his brief USHL showings with the Chicago Steel this year. He’ll join Brinkman and fellow freshman Ryan Johnson in the Twin Cities this fall. Expected to go somewhere between second and fourth round.

F Michael Gildon — The brother of UNH stand-out defenseman Max Gildon, a 3rd-round selection by the Florida Panthers, Gildon is a similarly well-built power forward at 6’2, 195, who looks to be a great addition for the Buckeyes this season. Expected to go somewhere after the 3rd round.

Honorable Mentions: Layton Ahac (OSU), Owen Lindmark (WI), Eric Ciccolini (MI), Jack Jensen (MN), Arlo Merritt (OSU), Rhett Pitlick (MN), Sam Stange (WI), Nate Warner (MN), Garrett Pinoniemi (MN), Mike Vorlicky (WI), Josh Nodler (MSU)