We continue our position previews with a look at the top left wingers eligible for the 2015 NHL draft, which will be held June 25-26 in Sunrise, Florida. Wing is a position of need for the Flyers.
Let’s dive in:
1. Lawson Crouse, 6-4/215, Kingston (OHL)
Finishing as NHL Central Scouting’s fifth-best North American skater, Crouse tops the list. He has a big frame for an 18-year-old and loves using it. He is a solid skater, has a good pair of hands, considers himself a strong penalty killer and takes pride in playing defense.
Crouse has a reputation for standing up for his teammates, which led to his Kingston teammates nicknaming him “The Sheriff.” Modeling his game after Rick Nash, James Neal and Milan Lucic, the Mt. Brydges, Ontario native, is a power forward who puts a lot of oomph into his shot.
In 2014-15, Crouse potted 29 goals and 51 points -- both leading the Frontenacs -- in 56 games. He registered seven power-play tallies while adding two shorthanded goals and finished scoring at a 0.91 point per game clip. He also added three goals and an assist in four playoff games.
A member of Canada’s gold-winning team at the 2015 World Junior Championship, Crouse netted a goal and two assists in seven games while finishing with 14 shots on goal. He has the body to play in the NHL next season or can stay in juniors for more seasoning.
Draft projection: Crouse is a top-10 pick between the No. 6 and No. 10.
NHL
2. Kyle Connor, 6-1/177, Youngstown (USHL)
Connor is the only tweener on the list, as he can play both left wing and center. Central Scouting has him as a left wing, so we’re putting him on this list.
The 19-year-old is an intriguing prospect. Central Scouting has him as the No. 13 North American skater, but his stock’s rising. In his final rankings, TSN’s Craig Button, a former NHL executive and scout, has him sixth on his final rankings. He’s trending upward. Sound familiar?
He’s played the last two season in the United States Hockey League with the Youngstown Phantoms, and has committed to play the 2015-16 season at the University of Michigan, which isn’t surprising because he was born in Clinton Township, Mich., and grew up in Michigan.
Leaving home at 15, Connor’s played for Youngstown since 2012-13. In his second season in the USHL, he finished second in the league in scoring with 74 points in 56 games. In 2014-15, he took home the USHL Player of the Year and Forward of the Year after an 80-point campaign.
His 46 assists were second in the USHL, his 34 goals were fourth last season and his 80 points set a Youngstown record, which he set the year before with his 74 points.
Going into the draft, Connor is a guy to keep your eye on. He’s a two-way player who competes in both zones and has a smooth stride. He’s quick, can operate tight with the puck. Can still grow as a complete player, but he’s rising. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a top-10 team take him.
Draft projection: Connor is a top-15 pick who could slide into the top 10.
3. Evgeny Svechnikov, 6-2/199, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
The Russian-born winger finished 17th on Central Scouting’s North American rankings. Still adjusting to a new culture, he’s an unselfish winger who’s strong with the puck and creates space with his stickhandling. He can be a little more physical, but doesn’t shy away from that part of the game.
This season was his first playing in North America. In 55 games with the Screaming Eagles, Svechnikov tallied 78 points, second among QMJHL rookies. He showed an ability to score in bunches, as he registered nine points in a three-game span followed by back-to-back four-point contests in January.
Before coming to Cape Breton, he helped Bars Kazan finish the 2013-14 season atop its conference in Russia’s junior season with 27 points in 29 games. As he gets more adapted to living in a foreign land, Svechnikov, who doesn’t speak much English, should continue to grow.
Draft projection: Svechnikov’s skill might get a team to take him in the top 10, but he’ll likely go in the teens.
4. Jake DeBrusk, 6-0/174, Swift Current (WHL)
Like Connor, DeBrusk is another riser. The Edmonton, Alberta, native finished his second season playing for the Broncos in the WHL and he proved to be a natural goalscorer.
DeBrusk, who’s father Louie played 401 NHL games from 1991 to 2003, netted 22 of his 42 goals in 2014-15 in his final 32 games. The 19-year-old led Swift Current with 81 points.
He’s a tireless worker who generates scoring chances by getting into dirty areas. He’s a scorer, but his work ethic allows him to be a steady two-way winger.
Draft projection: Late first round sounds about right for DeBrusk.
5. Paul Bittner, 6-4/204, Portland (WHL)
Consistency seems to be an issue with the winger. He fell in the Central Scouting North American rankings, from No. 19 at the midterm to No. 26 in the final rankings. Bittner’s size will intrigue teams, so he shouldn’t fall too far but he might be out of the first round now.
He’s a big guy with tenacity, and power forwards still have a place in the game. He’s not the old school PF, but he’s a tough guy to defend in front of the net. The Crookston, Minnesota, native finished fourth Portland with 71 points (34 goals) in 66 games. He finished with a plus-39 rating.
Draft projection: Early second round.
Rounding out the Top 10
6. Filip Ahl, 6-3/211, Hv Jr. (Sweden-Jr.)
7. Jordan Greenway, 6-5/222, USA U-18 (USHL)
8. Anthony Beauvillier, 5-10/173, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
9. Sebastian Aho, 5-11/172, Karpat (Liiga)
10. Austin Wagner, 6-1/178, Regina (WHL)