Part One: 2 Potential Draft Steals Of 2020 Draft
Every year there is a discussion subsequent to the draft; who were the steals of this draft? Who were the real diamonds in the rough? Today we will analyze the potential steals in the 2020 draft before it happens.
It is pretty fair to say there will be at least one player from the 2020 NHL draft who was taken outside the first round, that goes on to be an NHL superstar. The question becomes who? In my mind there are 6 players who have potential to be an NHL star but for some reason project to go in the later rounds. I've put together a three part series of two guys who have a shot at being that “diamond in the rough” taken outside of the first round.
In fact, three of the NHL’s top scorers were taken outside of the first round. Brad Marchand (71st overall, 2006), Nikita Kucherov (58th overall, 2011), and
Artemi Panarin (undrafted).
Let's take a look at the first two potential NHL stars who project to be taken outside the first round.
Ryan O’Rourke
2019-20 Team: Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds (#21)
Date of Birth: May 16, 2002
Place of Birth: Pickering, Ontario, Canada
Ht: 6-foot-2 Wt: 181-pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Defense
Rankings:
Ranked #33 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #39 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #53 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #27 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #37 by TSN/McKenzie
Ryan O’Rourke of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (Photo from ontariohockeyleague,com)
O’Rourke scored eight goals and 22 points in 62 games as a rookie and would score seven goals and 37 points in 54 games this past season. Ryan O’Rourke won’t blow you away with his shot, but he will make sure to put himself in the best possible spot for his teams success.
Scouting Report
O’Rourke is one of the few solid two-way defenders in this draft but gets his name buried behind; Justin Barron, Jamie Drysdale, Brayden Schneider, William Walliander and Jake Sanderson. O’Rourke is currently ranked the 6th best defender in this draft but has the potential to climb up the ranks and make a name for himself as the best defender from the 2020 draft.
Ryan sizes well with is 6’2” 185lbs frame, aggressiveness and physicality is a plus, and has the ability to add more girth and muscle. Strong vision and elite puck handling. Uses his body and stick extremely well, while not chasing the big hits. Allround defender who can be used on the power play and penalty kill. Likes to get involved on the attack and cycle the puck in the offensive zone. Walks the blue-line well while keeping his head up. Elite vision, allowing for more offensive chances. Not afraid to lay out and block a shot and clears the defensive zone well. NHL ETA: 2-3years NHL Comparable: TOR Jake Muzzin.
Martin Chromiak
2019-20 Team: Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Date of Birth: August 20, 2002
Place of Birth: llava, SVK
Ht: 6-foot-0 Wt: 187-pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Left Wing
Rankings:
Ranked #30 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #75 by TSN/McKenzie
Ranked #84 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #59 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #41 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Chromiak recorded 11 goals and 33 points in 28 OHL games with Kingston last season. Chromiak also appeared in 5 with Slovakia’s U18 World Juniors team, where he scored 2 goals and 6 points. Chromiak has an elite shot and is seen as an unused trait of his.
Scouting Report
Powerful skater with an elite stride. Blows by defenders and sets up his teammates for great chances. Plays a gritty, physical, and elite offensive game. Creates elite high danger scoring chances with his speed and play-making ability. Heavy shot with a great release, a true threat to score when on the ice. Extremely creative with the puck and processes the game at an elite level. Scary power-play presence also uses his body well. NHL ETA: 1-2years NHL Comparable: STL David Perron
Stay tuned for part two! All stats courtesy of Elite Prospects. Scouting reports based on my own opinions.
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