Draft time for the kids from the Mighty Ducks franchise. (NHL games cannot come soon enough) I took the major players from the franchise and projected their NHL skill set and comparable players. I also predicted in which round they would be drafted.
Adam Banks- This is the star of the draft. A center with
top-line talent, Adam Banks has the unique skill to be either a scorer or
playmaker. Consistently the top point scorer on his teams, Banks has the drive
to win, carrying the team if need be. He was selected to the varsity squad his
freshman year at the prestigious hokey school, Eden Hall Academy. He does have
several injuries in his short career, including a concussion in Pee-Wees. However,
he has been injury-free since. This comes from opposing teams targeting him to
get him out of the game. His NHL comparable would be John Tavares.
Charlie Conway- Captain Duck, Charlie Conway is an
interesting prospect. Originally thought to be a bottom six center. However, in
upon his arrival at Eden Hall, Conway displayed a surprising scoring prowess. He
was buried on the depth chart behind Banks, Germaine, and Hall. At Eden Hall,
Banks made Varsity and Hall did not attend, leaving prime minutes for Conway.
On the downside, he has clashed with multiple coaches, before developing a deep
bond and becoming captain. He has missed key games, including the championship
of the Jr. Goodwill Games and multiple JV games. This brings up the question of
how important he is to the team. The bottom line is, he just wins. The NHL comparable
would be Chris Drury.
Dean Portman- He will hit you. He will fight you. He will
showboat after he beats you up. Dean Portman is the stereotypical enforcer and
tough guy. Fiercely loyal to his team, Portman will stick up for any player
being mistreated. He has helped teammates in the past with sticking up for
themselves. He brings little to the table offensively, but can be a diligent
back-checker. He can let his emotions get the best of him. His NHL comparable
would be Milan Lucic without the scoring or Ian Laperriere.
Guy Germaine- Highly skilled, Guy Germaine embodies all that
you want in a star center, talented, humble, and hardworking. The first thing
that is said about him will always be “injury prone.” He could potentially give
Banks a challenge for the scoring title, but he often will miss a shift or game
due to receiving a hard check. The NHL comparable would be Ryan Nugent-Hopkins,
but a better comparison would be MLB player Steven Strasburg of the Washington
Nationals.
Connie Moreau- Feisty and scrappy, Connie Moreau displayed
some scoring skills early, but her future projects to be a Bottom Six forward.
She is not afraid to mix it up or to chirp at the other team. She has been
known to take some liberties after the whistle. She has proven chemistry with
Guy Germaine, however it is unknown how she will adjust to life without him.
The NHL comparable would be Tyler Ennis.
Fulton Reed- Potentially challenging Adam Banks for the top
pick, Fulton Reed could be a number one defenseman. He has an NHL-ready shot. He
brings an intensity to the game that few can match. Reed will play with an
edge, but sometimes cross it. When this
happens, expect him to reside in the penalty box for the majority of the rest
of the period. Also, his mobility is questionable as he started playing ice
hockey later than most. If he hits his ceiling, Shea Weber would be comparable.
Julie Gaffney- The top goalie in the draft, Julie “the Cat”
Gaffney has the talent and glove to be a high draft pick. The issue is lack of
playing time. After stoning Gunnar Stahl cold, she flat out took the starting
job from other goalie, Greg Goldberg. But then, almost immediately showed a
lack of conditioning before solidifying her hold as the number one. She is
strong positionally, has a great glove hand, and strong mentally. The NHL
comparable would be Carey Price.
Dwayne Robertson- The wildcard of the draft. Dwayne
Robertson is a true boom or bust player. He must get scoring line minutes or he
will not be in the league long. He is a phenomenal stickhandler with a scorer’s
touch, but that is it. Uninterested defensively and not physical, Robertson is
a one-dimensional player. He can get carried away with making the extra move,
which can leave him vulnerable to a big hit. The NHL comparable would be Patrick
Kane if he hits his ceiling or Rob Schremp if he does not.
Ken Wu- Former Olympic ice skater Kenny Wu may have came to
hockey late, but has fully embraced the physical nature of it. He can still
move laterally as gracefully as an ice skater, allowing him to dance behind
defenders. He has a natural scoring touch, and seems to pop up in open spaces
giving him a good scoring opportunity. He likes to mix it up with the opposing
team, however he will not always have the Bash Brothers to protect him. He is
extremely undersized, and may not be able to keep up with the physical demands
of the NHL. The NHL comparable would be Jeff Skinner with teeth.
Luis Mendoza- Upon making an NHL roster, Luis Mendoza will
be the fastest player in the league. He has the straight-line speed to stretch
defenses, forcing them to play back. This will open up neutral zone space for
his teammates, allowing them to set up the attack. He can produce breakaways on
his own simply by blowing by defenders trying to back up into position. He has
scored some big goals, but seems to lack a finishing touch. For all of his
speed and skating skills, he is not comfortable slowing down, preferring to do
everything at 100 MPH. The NHL comparable would be Carl Hagelin.
Jesse Hall- Jesse Hall projects to be a good second/third
line tweener. He is a very vocal player, both to teammates and the opposition.
A jack of all trades, but master of none, Hall’s scoring has dropped since he
began, however this may be due to Adam Banks and Guy Germaine receiving the
bulk of the offensive opportunities. Another note of concern, he dropped off of
the map recently, electing not to attend Eden Hall Academy despite receiving a
full scholarship. The NHL comparable would be Brad Marchand or Brendan Gallagher.
Gunnar Stahl- The top European prospect, Gunnar Stahl is
Banks’ biggest threat to go number 1 overall.
Stahl has it all, size, speed, and scoring. He has a lack of exposure
that could hurt him, but the talent is evident. He took a team of goons in Team
Iceland to the championship game, only to lose in the dreaded shootout. He is a
natural goal scorer, but also can thread a pass to a teammate for a scoring
chance. The NHL comparable is Evgeni Malkin.
The following players are not expected to be drafted
Les Averman- A bottom six forward. Cannot score, cannot
fight, cannot hit, cannot play.
Greg Goldberg- A player without a position. Lost goalie
position to Julie Gaffney, then tried to play defense. He skates like a goalie,
and does not have the speed or agility to merit playing time.
Russ Tyler- A gimmick player. Knuckle puck shot takes too
long to set up. His skillset is not worth a draft pick.
Projections
Banks- First overall
Stahl-Top 5
Reed-Top 10
Gaffney-First goalie off the board
Germaine-First round talent, injuries could cause him to
drop
Robertson-Late First round pick
Hall-First/Second round pick
Conway-Second round pick
Mendoza- Third round
Wu-Third Round
Moreau-Fourth or later
Portman-Fourth or later
Not Drafted
Goldberg
Averman
Tyler
