Fansided

FanSided’s 2019 NHL Entry Draft Rankings: April Edition

By Simon Vacca

VICTORIA , BC - JANUARY 2: Jack Hughes #6 of the United States stands on the blue line as the American flag is raised following a 3-1 quarter-final game victory versus the Czech Republic at the IIHF World Junior Championships at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on January 2, 2019 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)
VICTORIA , BC - JANUARY 2: Jack Hughes #6 of the United States stands on the blue line as the American flag is raised following a 3-1 quarter-final game victory versus the Czech Republic at the IIHF World Junior Championships at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on January 2, 2019 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) /
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As we enter into the month of April, we take a closer look at FanSided’s top 31 prospects for the upcoming 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Each draft has its central most hit or miss storyline.

Last year it was Ryan Merkley. Despite tallying 122 points in 125 games for the Guelph Storm — and in turn receiving widespread praise for his elite offensive IQ — the then-17-year-old received sharp criticism for the manner in which he played in his own end, along with rumors of poor on and off-ice behavior. Merkley was ultimately drafted 21st overall by the San Jose Sharks, and it’s fair to expect his name to occupy the talk circuit of hockey media until he reaches the National Hockey League.

This year, the matter of potentially controversial drafting is twofold. Spencer Knight, far and away the top goaltending prospect of the 2019 class, has sparked an interesting debate among scouts about whether selecting a netminder early on is, in fact, practical. Indeed, few would call Knight’s talent into question, but the thought of picking him in the 10-15 range would surely incite discussion of the contentious variety.

And then there’s Arthur Kaliyev. Having tallied 102 points in 67 games for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL, one would think that he’d be a staple of most — if not all — up and coming scouting reports. Nonetheless, expansive criticisms loom large. We’ll save those for later.

As we enter into the month of April, let’s take a closer look at FanSided’s 2019 NHL Entry Draft rankings.

MISSISSAUGA, ON – OCTOBER 29: Philip Tomasino #26 of the Niagara IceDogs controls the puck against the Mississauga Steelheads during game action on October 29, 2017 at Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Steelheads defeated the IceDogs 4-1. (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images)
MISSISSAUGA, ON – OCTOBER 29: Philip Tomasino #26 of the Niagara IceDogs controls the puck against the Mississauga Steelheads during game action on October 29, 2017 at Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Steelheads defeated the IceDogs 4-1. (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images) /

The Promising Front (No. 26-31)

31. Yegor Afanasyev, LW, Muskegon Lumberjacks — USHL (6-foot-3, 203 pounds)

A big player who should not be forgotten in spite of some recent dips in rankings. The Russian winger is quite talented and he is more than capable of pulling off a heck of a shot.

30. Matthew Robertson, D, Edmonton Oil Kings — WHL (6-foot-4, 201 pounds)

Offers a noteworthy size and skating package, but questions linger about whether he is capable of adding more creativity with the puck to his game.

29. Samuel Poulin, LW, Sherbrooke Phoenix — QMJHL (6-foot-1, 207 pounds)

An incredibly hard worker who leads by example, combining offensive awareness with defensive responsibility. It’ll be interesting to see where he falls, as organizations in search of a diligent two-way forward may opt to give Poulin a shot.

28. Nils Hoglander, LW, Rögle BK — SHL (5-foot-9, 185 pounds)

Capable of ushering forth smart plays and making the most of his expansive skill set. Overlooked in some circles, but will win over a GM in need of a strong passer.

27. Jakob Pelletier, LW, Moncton Wildcats — QMJHL (5-foot-9, 161 pounds)

A competitive winger with a high-end on-ice IQ. Expect Pelletier to be picked by a franchise in need of a prospect who is easy to play alongside and can improve the game of his counterparts.

26. Philip Tomasino, C, Niagara IceDogs — OHL (6-foot, 181 pounds)

Quick, skilled and known for setting complex plays into motion, Tomasino can fall seemingly anywhere in the first round. Somewhat difficult to measure how he’ll turn out at the professional level, but his speed continues to be his greatest selling feature.

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