FanSided’s 2019 NHL Entry Draft Rankings: April Edition
By Simon Vacca
The In-Demand Facet (No. 14-17)
17. Ryan Suzuki, C, Barrie Colts — OHL (6-foot, 172 pounds)
With some of the most remarkably astute vision in this year’s class, Suzuki is a terrific playmaker who is capable of passing the puck at an elite level. One of the smartest players available who may be overlooked due to his size.
16. Connor McMichael, C, London Knights — OHL (6-foot, 170 pounds)
Many tools at his disposal — chief among them strong skating and steady advancement in terms of production. Difficult to measure whether his skills will be effective at the NHL level, but the rise in belief in McMichael’s talent is surely a sign of a promising future.
15. Victor Söderstrom, D, Brynas — SHL (5-foot-11, 176 pounds)
There are two things you ought to know about Söderstrom — he is both (a.) the top Swedish defender and (b.) the best right shot among the emerging 2019 blue line. A small defenseman, indeed, but he’s consistently regarded as a high-end two-way player.
14. Cole Caufield, RW, USNTDP — USHL (5-foot-7, 157 pounds)
One of the very best natural goal-scorers obtainable, Caufield’s devastating shot will surely catch the eye of many a GM. Tricky to determine the frequency with which he’ll be able to score in the NHL — especially considering his stature — but there are many believers in his offensive capacities.