Top Draft Eligible Players to Watch For in the World Juniors

With the World Junior Championship finally getting underway, to say certain players will be under the spotlight is an understatement. Scouts from all 30 NHL teams will be keeping a close eye on the tournament, gearing up for the 2015 draft. Going into the tournament, FSM is pleased to provide a list of eight draft eligible players to watch for.

Connor McDavid (F)- CANADA- Draft Rank: 1

In 2012, Connor McDavid made hockey history, becoming only the third player in the OHL ever to be granted Exceptional Player Status- and he’s certainly lived up to the title. Currently in his third season in the OHL as a member of the Erie Otters, McDavid has tallied 51 points in only 18 games, and holds the highest point per game average in the league. The forward became Erie’s captain going into this season, and is ranked as 1^st overall for the 2015 NHL Draft in virtually every existing scouting source available. He will wear the “A” for Canada throughout this year’s tournament, and is expected to be a key contributor to Canada’s offense.  

Jack Eichel (F)- UNITED STATES- Draft Rank: 2

At 6’2”, Jack Eichel is able to use his size and strength to gain an edge on the competition. As only a freshman this year in the NCAA, Eichel leads the league in scoring, the first freshman to accomplish this since Paul Kariya did it in 1993. Eichel is already being compared to American Hall of Famer Mike Modano, and has been named the USA captain for the World Juniors. Though McDavid seems to be the front-runner to go first overall as of now, Eichel will definitely put himself into better contention with a strong showing in the tournament.  

Noah Hanifin (D)- UNITED STATES- Draft Rank: 3

Hanifin is the top defenceman eligible for the 2015 NHL Draft, and will be a large part of USA’s defence core throughout the tournament. He has a good shot, and is a great blend of offensive talent and defensive reliability. Hanifin will more than likely see time on the US power play, possibly paired with Boston College teammate Ian McCoshen.  

Zach Werenski (D)- UNITED STATES- Draft Rank: 5

Like Hanifin, Werenski is another left hand shot on the US blue line. He’s a smart, sound skating defenceman who doesn’t take many penalties, and doesn’t get caught pinching often. Werenski was the assistant captain for the US at last year’s U-17 tournament, and he will get lots of ice time in this U-20 tournament. Werenski plays for University of Michigan, where in his freshman year, he has 12 points in 15 games, and is a +9. 

Pavel Zacha (F)- CZECH REPUBLIC- Draft Rank: 8 

Zacha is a power forward, who’s able to use his large frame to win battles in the offensive zone. He will bring experience to the relatively young Czech team, as this will be his fourth time representing his country at an International tournament. Zacha is ranked 8^th by International Scouting, however has grabbed 4^th spot in several other draft sources, such as McKeen’s Hockey. Along with Jakub Vrana, Zacha will turn the Czech squad into one of the most competitive installments that we’ve seen in recent years.

Lawson Crouse (F)- CANADA- Draft Rank: 9 

Crouse worked hard to earn his spot on Team Canada, and will use his strength to grind and get pucks. At only 17 years old, he is already 6’4”, and has represented Canada in both U-17 and U-18 tournaments. Crouse is a second-year OHL player for the Kingston Frontenacs, and is ranked anywhere from 5^th to 9^th through different scouting groups. Due to Canada’s depth in forwards, Crouse may not see a ton of playing time, but expect him to make the most of it when he’s on the ice.

Mikko Rantanen (F)- FINLAND- Draft Rank: 13

Rantanen will be one of the most exciting players to watch throughout the tournament due to his style of play. Though Rantanen lacks physicality, he makes up for it with his hands and quickness, and how easily he is able to get by defenders. Rantanen will be representing Finland for a fourth time in International play, and will likely be a second liner on the defending Champion Finnish team this year.

Ivan Provorov (D)- RUSSIA- Draft Rank: 16

Provorov will no doubt be one of the highlights in the tournament for Russia. He doesn’t follow the traditional tough play of many Russian defencemen, and instead plays a very finesse game, and keys on his passing ability. With Brandon this year in the WHL, he has 37 points in 35 games, with a +14 rating. He is extremely strong offensively, and will more than likely play on both the power play and penalty kill units.