Today's blog is a draft prequel to the Draft. I wanted to know what teams look at when considering a prospect in the Draft. Thanks to my friends, I better understand what a team looks for in a prospect.
Colton Davies, Writer for Daily Faceoff @coltonrdavies
When NHL general managers evaluate draft prospects, they look at a mix of skill, IQ and long-term potential. Skating, puck handling, and other traits are all major factors in overall production, but so are physical tools like size, strength, and athleticism. While we have moved away from teams drafting based on size, it still tends to be a trend in the Draft, even with smaller players like Cole Caufield, Johnny Gaudreau, and Logan Stankoven all breaking barriers.
Teams also take a look at organizational need, and how their game projects to the NHL level—whether they're a top-line scorer, shutdown defender, or a depth player who will fill out the bottom-six.
Nowadays, teams invest heavily in pre-draft interviews and psychological testing at the Draft combine to get a sense of a prospect's mindset.
Are they mature enough to handle the spotlight?
Can they handle the NHL grind?
Analytics teams also feed into the process, offering context with advanced data, like zone entries, shot quality, and usage rates to back up what scouts see.
Randy
Colton, I am not surprised teams are not completely relying on the player's size. It's good to see teams are paying more attention to the skill and puck-handling skills. What I find surprising is the grind, but I see why teams have to consider whether the player can last the season.
Steven Ellis Associate Editor Daily Faceoff @SEllisHockey
Two traits scouts are always looking for are guys who can think the game at a high level and work their butt off. Hard-working players will find ways to stay relevant in a lineup, and players who outthink others will continue to make their opportunities with just about anyone.
Randy
The biggest quality noticed on most scouting reports is hockey IQ. Teams want to know if the player can think ahead to make plays. Thank you, Steve.
Paul Kreischer Isles @P_Kreischer of @IslesTalk
The real question at this time for many young players is this:
1. How much have they learned? Their age is undoubtedly a factor, the younger they are the more potential of molding that player into what a team wants for their organization, but there comes a point where the skills overtake the age.
2. Can they play multiple positions? In the later rounds, it's helpful to find a versatile player to give them a better chance at a pro career.
3. Skating, puck handling and especially hockey IQ (do you or how do you study the game?)
4. What type of a person are they, what's their character like? Are they playing for the team or really looking out for themselves?
5. How much drive/work ethic and passion do they have? Do they have that push to be better when games are not playing, and it's about fundamentals and practice?
6. Body language: how do you react to certain moments of either your game or your teammates?
7. Where is the player's compete level? Work ethic is one thing, but showing it on the ice is another. Is this player a "passenger" or is he willing to sacrifice his body to block a shot, or make/take a hit?
Randy
Mesa's ability to play wing and centre has given him a leg up on the Draft. I mean, it's not the only reason, but it helps. I agree on seeing if a player will go to the mat to win. Taking a hit to make a play is vital to a player's success.
Thanks so much to Steven, Colin, and Paul. You guys are the best. Follow them at their Twitter/X addresses above.
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