Tuesday, June 14, 2016

ISS Hockey’s Top 5 from NCAA

Scouting service offers insight on the top draft-eligible players who spent 2015-16 in college.

ISS Hockey's Top 5 from NCAA
ISS Hockey considers Luke Kunin “a natural goal scorer.”

The top five draft-eligible players who spent 2015-16 in college according to ISS Hockey, with comments from Director of Scouting Dennis MacInnis.

Related: NCAA Draft Study

1. Luke Kunin, Wisconsin (#18 overall)

Was really impressive at recent NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo. A natural goal-scorer with very good hockey sense and anticipation skills. Kunin is a very skilled forward that has continued to turn heads with his play throughout the course of the season. By the end of the season he was Badgers’ best player on most nights and showed leadership ability.

2. Charlie McAvoy, Boston University (#23 overall)

Smart mobile defender who displays intriguing offensive upside with good hockey sense on both sides of the puck. He is a good skater with excellent mobility. Jumps into the play – good offensive instincts. He has gotten stronger in all aspects of the game since the beginning of the season – becoming a leader on the ice.

3. Tage Thompson, Connecticut (#24 overall)

Big skilled center who possesses arsenal of offensive weapons and good speed for his size. Emerged as one of college hockey’s most dangerous freshman goal scorers. Needs to improve 5/5 play. Two years ago as a U16 player Tage was a 6’1 skill forward, and now with the growth spurt he’s had to change his game significantly in the last year-plus. He’s a project but the upside is huge.

4. Adam Smith, Bowling Green (#103 overall)

Big solid two-way defensemen. Uses his size and range very well. Very good skater, good pivots. Makes good decisions on both sides of the puck. Defends well, competes, takes the body, eliminates his man, can win battles. Good shot from the point. He has potential, playing against older players is giving him a lot of experience. Good mid to late pick in the draft with a chance to become a top-four defenseman.

5. Rhett Gardner, North Dakota (#134 overall)

Big, strong two-way forward who can take up a lot of space and use his body and size to create turnovers. He has decent hands and a hard shot and has good offensive instincts. Responsible player. Plays a 200-foot game. Communicates and identifies on the backcheck. Plenty of upside as he’s just a freshman so he still has NHL potential and time to develop.

See ISS Hockey’s top 30 for the draft and order the 2016 ISS NHL Draft Guide at isshockey.com.