Date of birth:  May 23rd, 1995

Place of birth:  Madison, NJ

Ht:  5’11″   Wt:  185

Shoots:  Left

Position:  Center

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2013 1st year eligible

Twitter:  mweis95

THW The Next Ones Ranking (January 2013):  NR

CS Midterm Ranking:  NR

Other Rankings (If available)

·                       THW War Room Rankings (April):  Not Ranked

·                       ISS:  Not Ranked

·                       Future Considerations:  Not Ranked

·                       Craig Button:  Not Ranked

·                       CS Final Rankings:  (NR among N.American skaters)

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[NHL 2013 Draft Guide – The Next Ones Draft Headquarters: Your quintessential draft resource]

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Matthew Weis has been a pleasant surprise for the Green Bay Gamblers. (Matthew Weis/File Photo)

Weis Has The Will

All in all, Matthew Weis is another one of those “Jersey kids” that does not seem to get the respect that he should. The 2013 NHL Draft beckons but then again will has always been a strong point for a talent like Weis. He is a player that came up through the New Jersey system playing for the Colonials and Hitmen before embarking to the NAHL and then ultimately the USHL. Weis has committed to Ohio State for the 2013-2014 season. He enjoyed a very solid season for the Green Bay Gamblers with 40 points in 56 games. His growth has been noticed and although the New Jersey native is more than likely a long term project, he could pay off for the right team. Though he is not ranked, do not let that fool you.

Weis is not afraid to drop the gloves either as evidenced by the fact that he has a bio on hockeyfights.com. There is a good bit to like about his game but a lot to work on as well.

Where Will He End Up in June:

This is another tough question. While Weis has had the ability to play a full season in the USHL, it just seems teams are not really too keen on drafting him. There is a possibility he could wind up drafted in 2014. Does someone take a flier on Weis before the end of the 2013 NHL Draft? That is an excellent question at this juncture. The seventh round is probably about the best to expect.

Scout’s Honor:

He definitely has some above-average stick skills as showed great poise with puck in traffic and around the net. He skates with some good speed but does not have that explosive, high-end top gear. He has great offensive abilities and is quite dangerous around the net. He has a scoring touch along with good playmaking ability. He led the entire Select 17s camp with 8 points in five games played.

Russ Bitely — Examiner.com

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Statistics:

Bio/Interview(s)/Link(s):

• Gambler Hockey Profile
• Fight time!

International Tournaments:

• 2012 Four Nations Tournament
• 2012 Five Nations Tournament

ETA :

4-5 years

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk = 3/5   Reward = 2.5 /5

NHL Potential:

If Matthew Weis is going to crack the NHL, it may be as a power play specialist who sees some third or fourth line time mostly. That will take lots of work and Weis will be a long term project but honestly his upside is right about at that limit.

Strengths:

• Shot
• Leadership
• Work Ethic
• Above average hands
• Competitiveness
• Resourceful especially on broken plays
• Can drop the gloves

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

• Two way presence
• Needs to develop explosive first step.
• Must watch more video to develop game. Not well rounded.
• Strength and weight training

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive = 6/10   Defensive = 5/10

NHL Player(s) / Cross Training Comparison:

- Weiss reminds me of another potential 2013 NHL Draft pick by the name of John Baiocco, who we just did a profile on as far as his offensive resourcefulness.

Video(s):

Off The Iron (Interesting Notes):

- Matt spends a lot of his summer on Long Beach Island enjoying all the Jersey Shore has to offer. Now residing in Beach Haven, Weis definitely is a social media connection to quite a few 2013 NHL Draft eligible prospects.

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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph

***

Author information

Chris Wassel

Senior Fantasy Hockey Writer at The Hockey Writers

Simply a hockey and fantasy hockey writer who shoots straight from the hip. We will shout it down from the mountain tops if necessary. No question is too big or too small and in fantasy hockey there is no such thing as a stupid question. Now a proud, accredited member of the FSWA. You can find me on Twitter at @ChrisWasselTHW

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But really, no one else is, either. It’s not because Fucale isn’t good enough to be the star; it’s more about Fucale being one of three elite players on Halifax’s roster.

Zach Fucale (theqmjhl.ca)

The Mooseheads’ trio of Jonathan Drouin, Fucale, and Nate MacKinnon is set to dominate the first round of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Both Drouin and MacKinnon, two forwards, are expected to be off the board by the time the fourth overall pick rolls around. That’ll leave Fucale, a goalie, as the final member of Halifax’s elite core to be sitting and hoping, actively waiting to hear his name called.

Odds are, he won’t be waiting long.

“It’s no secret [MacKinnon and Drouin] have exceptional talent and it’s obviously great to be practicing with them every single day,” Fucale has said of being part of the superstar trio. “They keep pushing you, but I feel we all push each other and that’s a great thing. We help each other progress, compete and contribute to team success.”

At this point, Fucale is set to be a mid-to-late first round pick in June. But the question still remains: How wise is it to select a goaltender inside the first twenty picks of an NHL draft?

Let’s take a look at what’s been written in recent years about picking netminders with high picks:

“Every time I see a team spend a first round draft pick on a goaltender, I think the same thing: what a terrible waste of a precious commodity. When it comes to goalies…professional scouts do a terrible job of identifying talent. ” – Jonathan Willis, Edmonton Journal

 

“If you can potentially acquire an excellent goaltender in the 5^th round or later, but can only get a great forward in the first round of the draft, then you’ll learn quickly that forwards are of far greater value at the draft since goaltenders can be easily acquired with later (historically less valuable) picks.” – House of Puck

 

Zach Fucale [Mike Demback]

“When I first saw Zach play, I saw NHL written all over him; there’s not a doubt in my mind,” NHL Central Scouting’s Al Jensen told NHL.com. “He’s not a flashy goalie, so if you’re looking for someone like that, you need to look elsewhere. He reads the play, is smart and backs that up with quickness. When he moves laterally, he’s always in position.

“Net coverage in the NHL is so crucial and Zach’s got that, and that’s why he’s way ahead of the other goalies in this draft,” Jensen said. “His net presence is excellent; he always gives himself a chance to stop the puck, and that’s big because players today can shoot the puck and they don’t need many holes to find the back of the net.”

Alright, on to the next scout.

“Not only has Zach been perceived as the top goalie available all season long, but he’s playing better for Halifax as the QMJHL playoffs roll along,” said Justin Goldman (also known as The Goalie Guild), Director of Goalie Scouting for McKeen’s Hockey, during the Mooseheads playoff run. “He allowed just one goal in each of the first four games against the Saint John Sea Dogs, and then posted back-to-back shutouts in the first two games of the series against Gatineau. He is not facing a ton of shots or scoring chances, but his ability to make a few timely saves each game is a testament to his focus and mental preparation. In my mind, there is no question he’ll be the first goalie selected in this summer’s draft.”

Clearly, survey says Fucale goes quickly in the draft. Just how quickly it happens depends on, obviously, how the chips fall. Does he go in the top ten? Probably not. Top fifteen? Unlikely. But that fifteenth overall slot is where things will get interesting.

The New York Islanders hold that pick, and should be looking with great intensity at Fucale. Take a quick look at their depth chart of prospects, and it’s apparent they could use a little help between the pipes. On defense they’re fine, and down the middle they’re set, but they could use some depth on the wings. However, at that point in the draft, wingers aren’t the true strength. And so, Fucale could be an option.

Let’s say Fucale slips by Long Island. Do the Buffalo Sabres step up to the plate and take a chance? With Ryan Miller being an unhappy camper assumed to be on his way out, Fucale would be a logical choice if he’s the best player available. But with the Sabres’ addition of Matt Hackett at the trade deadline, does Buffalo need to pick a goalie in the first round? The answer is, quite simply, no.

After those two picks, Fucale could find himself dropping out of the top twenty-five. However, let’s re-visit that top ten. And let’s focus specifically on the New Jersey Devils.

Does that black and red-sweatered goalie remind you of anyone? [David Chan]

So, does New Jersey trade down? Do they tough it out, pick the best skater on their list, and hope for some luck in the following rounds that will allow them to take a solid netminding prospect? Or do the Devils take Fucale in the top ten?

In today’s National Hockey League, there are approximately 15 goalies who were chosen in the first round of their respective draft years. Everyone from Jonathan Bernier to Cam Ward falls in that list. But picking a ‘tender in the top ten is a whole different ballgame.

Brodeur went in the first round back in 1990, but he was pick number twenty. With Fucale, the plot is similar, but the setting isn’t. As much as Fucale has star potential, New Jersey’s scouting staff will have a difficult decision on their hands come June 30.

Ryan Pike looked at the best round to pick a goaltender, and concluded that “in short, there’s really no best time.”

Goalies are known as a unique breed; their draft day stories are no different. And just like MacKinnon and Drouin will elsewhere, Fucale would find himself in an interesting position in New Jersey. Add in that the draft itself is taking place in Newark, and well, it should be a good time, to say the least.

___________________________________________

Email: davidoconnorhockey@gmail.com

Twitter: @DavidOConnorTHW

Author information

David OConnor

David O'Connor is an aspiring sports executive who also has a passion for writing. O'Connor focuses on prospects and the World Juniors for The Hockey Writers. His work has been on the Los Angeles Times website, among other places. He also does some scouting work for the local Junior B hockey club. If you would be interested in having him write for you, or are looking for a guest on your radio show, please feel free to contact him at davidoconnorhockey@gmail.com.

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There are plenty of interesting storylines in this year’s tournament including the amount of draft eligible talent and potentially the first three picks in this year’s NHL Entry Draft with Seth Jones, Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin all participating. Not to mention other draft eligible talent such as Max Domi, Bo Horvat, Nikita Zadorov, Zach Fucale and Nicolas Petan among others.

There is plenty more talent to watch with the WHL, OHL and QMJHL champions not only winning their individual titles but were also the best team’s throughout the year in their respective leagues.

There is also the host Saskatoon Blades who had a disappointing playoff, being eliminated in the first round and how they will fare with plenty of time to prepare.

Here’s a look at the team’s participating in this year’s tournament.

Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

2012-13 Record: 58-6-3-1, 120pts, GF: 347 GA: 176

Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin - Halifax Mooseheads dynamic duo are ready to take on the Memorial Cup (Photo: Mike Dembeck)

The CHL’s top ranked team is coming off it’s first QMJHL title and they’re looking to add a Memorial Cup to the list. They boast the best offence in junior hockey with some dynamic pieces and have rolled through the QMJHL to get to Saskatoon.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Defeated the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 4-1 in the QMJHL final. The loss was their only loss of the playoffs.

KEY PLAYERS: The best line in the QMJHL features the second and third ranked draft prospects with Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin with winger Martin Frk being the third member. The three have combined for 101 points in their playoff run and have been dominant.

The group on defence may not be as flashy or get the headlines that the forwards do, but they are efficient and have gotten the job done. Led by veterans Konrad Abeltshauser and Brendan Duke they are as solid defensively as it gets.

Goaltender Zach Fucale is the youngest of the Memorial Cup goaltenders at 17 but may be the most talented. A projected first round draft pick in 2013, Fucale has put up impressive numbers for the Mooseheads this season. He will have to be good in the tournament as the team has not faced the kind of competition they will see in Saskatoon yet this season.

London Knights (OHL)

2012-13 Record: 50-13-2-3, 105pts, GF: 279 GA: 180

Max Domi (OHL Images)

Back to the tournament after their second straight OHL title, they will look to avenge last years loss in the finals to Shawinigan. The scary part is that the team is still young enough to return much of their roster to the 2014 Memorial Cup, which they are hosting.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Defeated the Barrie Colts in game 7 of the OHL Championship series.

KEY PLAYERS: Their offensive strength lies in their depth and have a number of capable leaders in that area. They are led by two draft eligible players in Max Domi and Bo Horvat as well as two 19 years olds in Seth Griffith and Alex Broadhurst.

Their defence may not get the headlines like some, but they have a very deep and talented group. Led by Canada WJC stalwart and captain Scott Harrington, who is one of the best shutdown defenders in the country, 2012 first rounder Olli Maatta and 2013 possibility Nikita Zadorov, they have a very capable group of six.

They have two good options in goal with Anthony Stolarz and Jake Patterson, both contributed in the OHL playoffs and both capable of backstopping them to a Memorial Cup.

Saskatoon Blades (HOST)

2012-13 Record: 44-22-2-4, 94pts, GF: 280 GA: 221

Saskatoon had a disappointing start to their playoffs being ousted in the first round by the Medicine Hat Tigers, but will still enter the tournament as the host team. While they have been idle for some time they still will possess home ice advantage and have the talent to surprise. They will certainly be an underdog, but they can look no further than last year’s tournament where the Shawinigan Cataractes won as the host team despite not winning their league.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Blades are the host team and gain a berth despite losing in the first round of the WHL playoffs

KEY PLAYERS: They have two 40+ goal scorers in Josh Nicholls and Matej Stransky who will lead the offence be counted on for goals. They also have two way threat Lukas Sutter who could be a factor if he finds his game following a disappointing season.

They have one of the top scoring WHL defencemen in Darren Dietz on the backend who will log big minutes as well as Duncan Siemens and Dalton Thrower who both play a solid two way game.

The team will need goaltender Andrei Makarov to be at his best to have any chance of success. He lead the WHL in wins in 2012-13, and when on has the ability to steal a game.

Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

2012-13 Record: 57-12-1-2, 117pts, GF: 334 GA: 169

The WHL champs have been the league’s dominant team in 2012-13. They have very few weaknesses and are deep and talented. They have been not only the best offensive team in the WHL but also one of the best defensively.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Defeated the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL Championship series 4-2.

Seth Jones [photo: David Chan]

Leading the WHL with 120 points a piece in the regular season, forwards Brendan Leipsic and 2013 draft eligible Nicolas Petan are two more offensive catalysts that teams will have to defend.

They also boast the best top four defence core in the tournament with Canada WJC member Tyler Wotherspoon, Derrick Pouliot, Troy Rutkowski and consensus 2013 No.1 draft pick Seth Jones. They are defensively sound, prolific offensively and have excelled in all areas to date.

They are backstopped by the winningest playoff goaltender in WHL history in Mac Carruth, who has the ability to bail his team out should the need arise.

2013 MasterCard Memorial Cup Schedule:
Round Robin
Game 1 – London vs Saskatoon - Friday, May 17
Game 2 –  Portland vs Halifax - Saturday, May 18
Game 3 – Saskatoon vs Halifax - Sunday, May 19
Game 4 – Portland vs London - Monday, May 20
Game 5 – Halifax vs London - Tuesday, May 21
Game 6 – Saskatoon vs Portland - Wednesday, May 22

Tie-Breaker (If Necessary) - Thursday, May 23

Semi-Final - Friday, May 24

Championship Game - Sunday, May 26

 Follow Carl on twitter @maloney3383 for more articles

Author information

Carl Maloney

Correspondent for The Hockey Writers

Carl is the Edmonton Oilers Team Editor for THW as well providing prospects coverage. Follow him on twitter @maloney3383, connect on Facebook or contact at carl.maloney@hotmail.com for questions, comments or if you're interested in him writing for you.

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Oscar Klefbom is the Oilers top prospect (Oscar Klefbom (KP 761219/Flikr)

The Edmonton Oilers may be continuously scuffling to make the playoffs and still trying to establish themselves, but they are still the envy of many teams in the NHL for their collection of young talent. With names like Hall, Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins, Schultz and Yakupov all in their early 20′s or younger and all with the potential for long productive NHL careers, it bodes well for the future.

All of those names however, have moved past the prospect tag. All have established themselves as NHLers and pros. So the question becomes, what’s next in line and are there any more blue chippers out there that can contribute soon in Edmonton.

The system is stocked with depth and intriguing talent on defence, but is lacking a top offensive threat, mostly due to all of their top forward draft picks already in the NHL.

Here’s a look at the Oilers top 10 prospect list for the spring of 2013. Criteria used was players in the Oilers system that have maintained their rookie status and are 25 years of age or less.

1. Oscar Klefbom, D, 19, Farjestads (Elitserien)

With Yakupov and Schultz establishing themselves in the NHL, Klefbom once again is the top prospect in the Oilers system. Big things were expected from the Swedish defenseman this year, including playing a bigger role for Farjestads and leading Team Sweden in defence of its WJC gold medal. Things have not exactly gone as planned as his season was derailed early with a shoulder injury.

Still expected to make a push for the Oilers roster next fall, Klefbom spent two weeks in Edmonton during an earlier homestand being around the team and the dressing room, in an attempt to get him acclimatized to NHL life.

He has all the tools to be an excellent defenseman at the next level. He has good size, he’s and excellent skater with a big shot, and does not shy away from the physical side of the game. Assuming he recovers without any lingering issues, expect him to be on the Oilers blue line for next season.

2. Martin Marincin, D, 21, Oklahoma City (AHL)

At 6’5 he’s big and has a long reach. While he’s still filling out his frame and isn’t overly

Marincin (Steven Christy/OKC Barons)

physical, he has shown he can play with an edge. He is extremely mobile for a defender his size and has good offensive instincts. He’s an excellent puck mover and effective on the power play.

Aside from Justin Schultz’s incredible numbers in OKC during the first half, Marincin has been the Barons best offensive defenceman this season putting up 30 points and quarterbacking their power play in his first full pro season.

He has the ability to play in the NHL, but is still mistake prone and still needs to be more consistent in his own end to make the jump to the next level.

3. David Musil, 20, D, Edmonton (WHL)

As NHL ready as any junior prospect, Musil has the skill set to be a shutdown defender at the next level. He has good size, is very physical and plays a positionally sound defensive game. He’s also a good character guy with impressive leadership skills.

He does have some offensive skill and makes a good first pass, but won’t light up the scoreboard. He’s extremely consistent and reliable, evidenced by his +71 ranking in his WHL career.

4. Tyler Pitlick, 21, RW, Oklahoma City (AHL)

Pitlick has not had the most consistent start to his pro career. Last season started very slow before finishing strong. More was expected of him this season, but again was off to a slow start playing behind many of the NHL locked out forwards in OKC. He was started to pick his game up when a knee injury in January put him out for most of 2013.

The Oilers 2nd round pick in 2010 has the talent to play in the NHL, but the Oilers just haven’t seen enough yet. He’s a good skater and puckhandler and has a NHL calibre shot. He’s also got excellent awareness and doesn’t shy away from the physical part of the game.

5. Martin Gernat, 20, D, Edmonton (WHL)

Gernat is a 6’5″ defenceman who plays an offence-first style of game. He’s an excellent skater with great offensive instincts. He displays good vision and is very adept at making a strong outlet pass or skating the puck out of the defensive zone.

He’s a work in progress defensively as he still needs work on his positioning and needs to add bulk to his 6’5″ frame to handle opponents physically.

He is the most offensively talented of the Oilers blue line prospects and has 68 points in 83 regular season WHL games from the backend. He’s currently averaging a point per game in the Oil Kings 2013 playoff run.

6. Olivier Roy, 21, G, Oklahoma City (AHL)/Stockton (ECHL)

Splitting the season between Oklahoma City and Stockton, Roy has been both spectacular and

Olivier Roy (Steven Christy/OKC Barons)

questionable at times this season. Blessed with outstanding athleticism and quickness, when he’s on Roy can be one of the best in the business. He has a very quick glove hand and moves laterally very well.The problem for Roy is not his talent, but appears to be on the mental side. He can go from being completely unbeatable to allowing back breakingly weak goals.

The ability is certainly there, the key for Roy now is  solving his problem of inconsistency.

7. Curtis Hamilton, LW, 21, Oklahoma City (AHL)

Drafted in 2010 as the Oilers next power forward, Hamilton has struggled in adjusting to life as a pro. He had a very inconsistent first season in OKC with 11 points in 41 games and has followed it up with an even more disappointing year this year with just 9 in 61 games.

Projected to be a third line winger for the Oilers, Hamilton has excellent hockey sense and isn’t afraid to go into the tough areas. A goal scorer in junior hockey, his offense hasn’t translated to the next level.

He will need to bounce back next season to make a more favourable impression on the Oilers and keep from slipping further down the depth chart.

8. Mitchell Moroz, 19, LW, Edmonton (WHL)

Another prospect playing for the Oil Kings and the latest projected power forward drafted high by the Oilers. Moroz is certainly a player that displays all of the skills necessary to be a power forward. He has good size at 6’2″ 210 and plays a physical, aggressive game. The problem is that it has not translated into the results the Oilers have hoped for.

Moroz has scored 16 and 13 goals respectively in his last two WHL seasons and is far from the top of the depth chart on a deep Oil Kings squad. He is very raw as a prospect though and possesses still untapped potential.

Moroz will have another year of junior to continue his progression in the WHL and show the Oilers he has the power forward potential they were hoping for when they drafted him.

9. Tyler Bunz, 21, G, Stockton (ECHL)

Another Oilers prospect that has had a tough start to his pro career, Bunz has struggled in his second season. The primary starter in Stockton this season he had a GAA of 3.35 and save percentage of .886, not exactly stellar. He now finds himself the backup in the Thunder’s playoff run as Olivier Roy was demoted earlier and has taken over the starter’s role.

Bunz is a positionally and technically sound goaltender. No overly big or athletic, he plays the angles well and possesses a tough and mentally focused attitude. The former WHL goaltender of the year will very likely be in the ECHL again next year and will have to work hard not to fall further down this list.

10. Daniil Zharkov, 19, LW, Belleville (OHL)

Zharkov possesses possibly as much skill as anyone on this list. The issue has always been consistency and putting it all together. He’s got good size and skates well, yet rarely puts that size to good use. He has an NHL calibre shot, but is often criticized for not shooting enough.

He’s a streaky offensive player,  inconsistent at best defensively and has unfortunately fallen into the “Russian” stereotype. He put up 25 goals this season for Belleville, not bad numbers but far from what he is capable of.

Drafted in the 3rd round (91st), the Oilers aren’t exactly sure what they have in Zharkov yet. All they know is they have a very talented, but very inconsistent player in their system.

HONOURABLE MENTION: Jujhar Khaira, 19, LW, Michigan Tech (NCAA), Andrew Miller, 24, C, Yale (NCAA), Colten Teubert, 23, D, Oklahoma City (AHL), Tony Rajala, 22, LW, Oklahoma City (AHL)

Follow Carl @maloney3383 for more articles 

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Carl Maloney

Correspondent for The Hockey Writers

Carl is the Edmonton Oilers Team Editor for THW as well providing prospects coverage. Follow him on twitter @maloney3383, connect on Facebook or contact at carl.maloney@hotmail.com for questions, comments or if you're interested in him writing for you.

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A silky-smooth, offensive-minded, 5-foot-10 blueliner was pictured by many. Instead, Knights supporters found themselves looking at a 6-foot-5, 230-pound mammoth.

Nikita Zadorov at the 2013 CHL Top Prospects Game. [David Chan]

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Edwards sees Zadorov as a skater with a great combination of size and agility.

“Nikita is a big man who skates very well,” Edwards said. “He has very good mobility and his backwards skating is about the best in this year’s draft. He will take the body and battles hard along the boards. He uses his long reach well and is an effective pokechecker.”

London general manager Mark Hunter, a former NHLer himself, believes Zadorov is the complete package.

“He’s huge, number one,” Hunter told NHL.com. “He skates well for a big man. He’s got a good shot, he can pass the puck. He’s got the whole package. He’s just got to round it out and put it together on a game-in, game-out basis.”

While Zadorov has the ability to play top-pairing, most envision him as a top-four player who can play in all situations. Hunter feels Zadorov can contribute effectively at both ends of the ice.

“In the NHL he’s a top-four guy all-day long, but it’s tough to say who’s going to be offensive and who’s not,” Hunter explained to Hockey’s Future. “I wouldn’t say he’s pure offensive — I could see him on the power-play; he’s got a shot, he’s got a cannon. His hands are great, but he’s not going to be a [Pittsburgh blueliner Kris] Letang.

“For a big man, he can turn on a dime and he’s gone. In the NHL, that first step and that first pass? It’s huge. He’s got it — he’s got it natural.”

Zadorov likes to model his style after semi-retired Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger. But he also attempts to take after the mobility of Ottawa Senators centerpiece Erik Karlsson.

Need an example of Zadorov’s ability to go beast-mode, and then back it up? Look no further than London’s conference final matchup with the Plymouth Whalers. Zadorov steps up and delivers a huge hit on Whalers forward Tom Wilson, a Washington Capitals first-rounder who’s one of the strongest players in the league. Then, when challenged by Plymouth’s Mitchell Heard, Zadorov willingly drops the mitts and throws ‘em.

And don’t forget that the Knights’ Russian defenseman fought in both of his first two Ontario Hockey League contests.

What European “soft” stereotype?

“[Zadorov's] got a good brain for the game,” Hunter said. “He’s a big guy that can skate and drive the net and do things offensively that a lot of other players are not capable of doing. He’s an intelligent kid. He’s grown so much — he’s so big. We knew he was going to figure it out. He’s not scared. He hits people, he finishes his checks. There’s so much to like about him it’s ridiculous.”

“He reminds me of a smaller version of Larry Robinson.”

Wait. Larry Robinson? As in the Larry Robinson?

“[Robinson] used to drop his shoulder when he’d get going up the ice and drive the net. … [Zadorov] showed me a couple times he’s done that, where he’s drove wide and put his shoulder down and drove to the net. He can do that…”

So now it’s a mixture of Chris Pronger and Larry Robinson. Oh boy.

Zadorov is expected to be selected within the first twenty picks of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft’s first round. If teams looking at a defensive upgrade no longer have the option of a Seth Jones, Darnell Nurse, or Rasmus Ristolainen, Zadorov may find himself off the board very early.

Not that there’d be anything wrong with that.

___________________________________________

Email: davidoconnorhockey@gmail.com

Twitter: @DavidOConnorTHW

Author information

David OConnor

David O'Connor is an aspiring sports executive who also has a passion for writing. O'Connor focuses on prospects and the World Juniors for The Hockey Writers. His work has been on the Los Angeles Times website, among other places. He also does some scouting work for the local Junior B hockey club. If you would be interested in having him write for you, or are looking for a guest on your radio show, please feel free to contact him at davidoconnorhockey@gmail.com.

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John Hayden could be a real sleeper in the draft! (Tom Sorensen/USAHockey)

John Hayden THW Close-Up:

Date of birth:  February 14th, 1995

Place of birth:  Greenwich, Conn

Ht:  6’3″   Wt:  221

Shoots:  Right

Position:  Center / Right Wing

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2013 1st year eligible

Twitter:  hayds51

THW The Next Ones Ranking (January 2013):  72

Other Rankings (If available)

·                       THW War Room Rankings (April):  57

·                       ISS:  Not Ranked

·                       Future Considerations:  Not Ranked

·                       Craig Button:  Not Ranked

·                       CS Final Rankings:  (29th among N.American skaters)

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[NHL 2013 Draft Guide – The Next Ones Draft Headquarters: Your quintessential draft resource]

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Hayden Heads Up Slowly

John Hayden will be entering Yale University in the Fall. He still has room for moving up in the draft because Hayden is a grindstone type of player with size and a knack to get to the dirty areas. There are still some who are not sure of his true talent ceiling, hence the hesitation in moving him up further along the draft board. His March featured nine points in eleven games as it seemed the Center was starting to find his offensive way. There are several aspects of his game that still concern some scouts. However, when the rest of his game catches up, Hayden is going to be quite the handful for the opposition.

Something that has to be said also is that the future draft prospect carries a heavy workout load. The fact that he wanted to stay close to home is an indication of strong family ties and the kind of person he is. His work ethic and leadership are things that have to be noted. Hayden will defend his teammates and can more than handle his own as evidenced by his ability to fight.

Where Will He End Up in June:

This is a rough call but it does seem that John Hayden may rise just a little bit more. Some have him pegged in the late second or early third round. However, if a team took a shot at him in the forties or fifties, I would not be surprised.

Scout’s Honor:

The right-shooting center has seven goals and 20 points in 43 games for Team USA this year. Those might not be eye-popping stats until you consider that the Under-18 squad goes head-to-head against older players in the NCAA ranks, as well as more seasoned skaters in the USHL.

Kirk Luedeke — Scout for NEHJ and NYHJ

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John Hayden, a forward blessed with great size (6-3, 216) and physical strength, has shown a willingness to win battles and employ an effective net drive. The Americans will utilize Hayden’s power forward game while he attempts to show scouts that his soft hands and offensive skills are worthy of being drafted into the National Hockey League. Hayden found the back of the net 16 times and added 16 assists for 32 points in his draft year.

Brendan Ross — The Hockey Writers

Hayden is an energetic and hard working player, Hayden is immensely respected in the locker room by his teammates. Has the skill to make plays and contribute offensively, he draws very strong comparisons to Philadelphia’s Scott Hartnell.

Aaron Vickers — Future Considerations

Statistics:

Bio/Interview(s)/Link(s):

Prospect Pulse: John Hayden·

USA Hockey HQ talks to John Hayden

Yale coach draws John Hayden to school.

International Tournaments:

• Hayden had one point in five games for Team USA in the WHC-17 tournament last year.
• He then produced two points in seven games for the U-18 team this year.
• Hayden also participated in the Five Nations Cup and the Four Nations tourney in Ann Arbor.

ETA :

3-4 years

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk = 2/5   Reward =3 /5

NHL Potential:

Top six forward in time, potential PP1 or PP2 presence.

Strengths:

• Shot
• Leadership
• Work Ethic
• Above average hands
• Physicality (Fights too)
• Competitiveness
• Starting to find offensive game

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

• Skating
• Two way presence
• Has tendency to almost be in awe of level of competition
• Must continue to hit the net, hit the net, hit the net
• Must watch more video to develop game.

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive = 7/10   Defensive = 6/10

NHL Player(s) Comparison:

- A guy that looks like James Van Riemsdyk crossed with a little bit of Dave Andreychuk in him at least from a size potential standpoint. Some have also said Scotty Hartnell as well.

- Cross-sport comparison: Vernon Davis — San Fransisco 49′ers Tight End. Hayden has that raw power and ability to move fast when the momentum is going.

Video(s):

Off The Iron (Interesting Notes):

• Hayden is a New York Rangers fan but has a certain attachment to the Colorado Avalanche stemming from his days of living in Denver. Joe Sakic was a player he looked up to even though he likes to model himself as a Brandon Dubinsky type.
• Has the ability of proficiently punch from both the southpaw and normal stances.

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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph

Author information

Chris Wassel

Senior Fantasy Hockey Writer at The Hockey Writers

Simply a hockey and fantasy hockey writer who shoots straight from the hip. We will shout it down from the mountain tops if necessary. No question is too big or too small and in fantasy hockey there is no such thing as a stupid question. Now a proud, accredited member of the FSWA. You can find me on Twitter at @ChrisWasselTHW

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