The Hurricanes had to go and mess it up for us, didn’t they? The Oilers could’ve been picking at #9 but Carolina had to go and win the lottery into the top three with Montreal and Buffalo… Well I hope they pick 3rd in that case…
But don’t worry Oilers fans, there’s a strong list of candidates sitting around #10 that we as fans should be very happy to be able to select from. Here are the #10s from many a draft pundits! The list is collected from here.
Bob McKenzie (TSN): LC Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Cam Robinson (Dobber’s Prospects): Joel Farabee
Steve Kournianos (The Draft Analyst): Quinn Hughes
McKeen’s Hockey: Noah Dobson
ISS Hockey: Joe Veleno
Future Considerations: Joel Farabee
Craig Button (TSN): Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Jeff Marek (Sportsnet): Isac Lundestrom
Hockey Prospect: Jesperi Kotkaniemi
Scott Wheeler (The Athletic): Joe Veleno
Sam Cosentino (Sportsnet): Barrett Hayton
Peter Harling (Dobber’s Prospects): Joel Farabee
Chris Peters (ESPN): Joel Farabee
Ryan Kennedy (The Hockey News): Isac Lundestrom
Beer League Heroes: Joel Farabee
You can check out our latest top ten rankings for the upcoming draft here.
So it seems that Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Isac Lundestrom, and Joel Farabee are the overwhelming nominations for the #10 slot with the odd Joe Veleno, Noah Dobson, and Quinn Hughes slipping in there.
So let’s do some quick and dirty profiles of these guys.
JESPERI KOTKANIEMI
Position: Center/Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6’2, 188 lbs
Born: July 6, 2000 | Pori, Finland
Nation: Finland
Reports:
lert and versatile forward with good speed and a wide range of attributes who has performed well beyond expectations as a 17-year-old playing key minutes in Finland’s top league. Kotkaniemi comes across as a smart, clean player with or without the puck and can play either center or wing. He is used on the penalty kill and in late-game situations, showing defensive prowess regardless of the job he’s assigned. He has a nose for sniffing out opposing intentions, and his quick hands and keen vision can turn a run-of-the-mill enemy breakout into a quality chance for him or his mates. One skill that stands out is his playmaking ability — Kotkaniemi is quite creative with the puck and threads the needle with ease. Kotkaniemi is a central figure on the power play, where he likes to control the puck along the wall and look for backdoor cutters or point men open in the high slot. Although he comes across as a playmaker rather than a finisher, Kotkaniemi has an excellent shot/release combination and can corral a puck in traffic and still wire it on net. He makes up for an average first step with excellent awareness and anticipation, and he’s difficult to knock off the puck once he maintains control. Strong on his skates and heavily involved in puck battles, Kotkaniemi is highly reliable on odd-man rushes but also nimble enough to cut sharply across the grain and throw defenders into a state of confusion. (link)
In a draft that is very thin on center at the top of the draft, Kotkaniemi is arguably the top option at his position. Kotkaniemi has good size and distributes the puck well using his soft hands, creative vision and playmaking ability. In addition, he is a responsible defensive player. Kotkaniemi is not a bad skater, but it is one aspect of his game that could stand to add an explosive element and give him improved breakaway speed with a more explosive first step. (link)
Kotkaniemi is probably a year or two away from the NHL. Expect him to spend next season in Finland continuing to refine his game. He could stand to put more muscle on what is currently a skinny frame. This is not unusual for an 18-year-old prospect though. Kotkaniemi could develop into an effective two-way centre at the NHL level, capable of playing against top lines, killing penalties, and playing on the powerplay. His game resembles that of Ryan O’Reilly, but this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on talent and ability. (link)
From those reports, I gather that this is a player who plays a similar game to Leon Draisaitl and the tools are similar as well. More playmaker than sniper and like most Finnish players, is more responsible on the defensive side of the puck than prospects from other countries.
I know from my YouTube scouting that against players his own age, he’s a pretty dominant force. He’ll be a feature player on Finland’s World Junior team this Christmas. But that being said, he was very good for Assat in the SM-Liiga, Finland’s top division, this year with 29pts in 57 games which is very comparable to what Jesse Puljujarvi did in his last year in Finland (28pts in 50gp).
Would he be the kind of player the Oilers need in their system though?
Well the more skilled centres, the better I say. Even though he’s a lefty, the team is going to require a player who can float between 3C and 2C someday. Also, since Kotkaniemi is a European selection, the Oilers could choose to bring him to North America immediately and stick him in the AHL with new Condors head coach Jay Woodcroft but ultimately, with a lack of goal scorers on the Oilers, who would Jesperi Kotkaniemi have to pass the puck with those playmaking abilities.
ISAC LUNDESTROM
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6’0, 185 lbs
Born: November 6th, 1999 | Gallivare, Sweden
Nation: Sweden
Reports:
Playing smart, two-way hockey at high speeds is something you rarely see from any teenager, let alone one that receives top-six minutes in Sweden’s top league. Lundestrom was far too advanced a prospect to play junior hockey, and he succeeded with an altered role for Lulea. He’s fast, aggressive and loves to cause havoc on the forecheck. But don’t think for one second that his speed is what makes him a tantalizing prospect – Lundestrom is very creative with the puck and can bury chances from in close.
Lundestrom owns an excellent shot with a quick release. He requires little backswing to get velocity on his slapper, and he can pick corners from the tightest of angles. Making neat plays on the backhand comes easy for Lundestrom, who can be deployed to solve problems in any situation. His speed and balance allow him to power through defenders, and the decisions he makes thereafter seem to always make sense. Lundestrom is a battler who won’t shy away from physical play and does so in a clean, disciplined manner. (link)
January 2018 – Skilled puck-distributor has shown very well as a draft-eligible player in the SHL and didn’t look out of place as a draft-minus one player in the top league either. His skill set may not jump off the page, but the nuances to his game are terrific. He’s the type of player you like the more you watch him. In a centre-lite draft, his stock will continue to rise. Soft hands and plus-rated hockey sense allows him to flourish in all situations. Saw his role expand in the WJC and thrived with more ice. Cam Robinson (link)
Lundestrom is a sound, puck-possession two-way center with flashes of some offensive upside…an effortless skater who has high-end speed and explosiveness among his best attributes…gets in hard on the forecheck and uses speed to win races and get to loose pucks…has the speed to win races with opponents…uses his soft hands and vision to be a dangerous playmaker, setting up teammates quickly and accurately…poised with the puck and lets the play develop…plays heavier on the puck than his size would indicate…protects the puck well…knows how to finish…drives through defensive seams and will take the puck to the net…will shoot the puck from all sorts of angles and has a dangerous shot to do so…solid in the defensive aspects of the game… comes back hard to help the defense and has a good motor…good down-low and supports well on defense, playing a fairly mature game…can make the head-scratching play from time to time, but that doesn’t detract from his overall upside…has the potential to develop into a top-six two-way NHL forward. (link)
Lundestrom could be a solid two-way forward at the NHL level, capable of playing in all situations and putting up points. While it’s not clear that he has the potential to be a franchise centre, he can be a solid top-six player. Lundestrom needs to work on improving his strength, being better in front of the net without the puck, and shooting more. His defensive game will also grow with more minutes and good coaching. Expect him to spend another year or two in Sweden before coming to the NHL. Lundestrom’s game is reminiscent of Mikko Koivu of the Minnesota Wild, but this is a style comparison only and not one based on talent. (link)
Lundestrom has been playing in Sweden’s top flight for parts of the previous three seasons and teenagers rarely feature in these divisions in Europe. So that says something right there.
Lulea’s head coach Stefan Nilsson had this to say about Lundestrom in a translated article.
He really has a huge potential. He has all the tools, “smartness”, “skillsen”, club technique, toughness and enters all the matches. Already at the age of 17, he makes offensive tackles a la Peter Forsberg. (link)
Sign me up! Peter Forsberg was one of my favorite players growing up and if it weren’t for poor health, he would’ve been the greatest Swedish hockey player ever.
That said, for Lundestrom to get up to half of what Peter Forsberg was is probably a stretch. We know he’s strong, he’s gritty, and he’s hard on the forecheck. This is exactly the kind of player the Oilers need to conform with where the new NHL is going. High end, I’m thinking Viktor Arvidsson or Kapanen out of Toronto here. Low end could be anything but fellow country man Carl Grundstrom comes to mind.
This is another player who the Oilers could draft and bring over to play in the AHL too.
JOEL FARABEE
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height / Weight: 6’0, 164 lbs
Born: February 25, 2000 | Cicero, NY
Nation: United States
Reports:
Farabee has the potential to be a top-six winger at the NHL level but needs some time. Going the NCAA route will give him time to work in the gym at adding muscle to his frame, and becoming stronger. While he will never be confused for a power forward, this would really help out. Farabee’s game is reminiscent of Mikael Granlund of the Minnesota Wild. This is a stylistic comparison only though and not a projection of future skill. (link)
Farabee is an cerebral three-zone playmaker who consistently adheres to textbook fundamentals in addition to being one of the most lethal scorers in his draft class. He can tailor his style to fit any game — wide open, slogging matches, physical…it simply does not matter. Farabee is a top-line winger for the NTDP and he plays that role in every situation no matter the score or time on the clock. He’s very quick in open ice and possesses a devastating change of pace that catches defenders flat footed, and he’ll use a rapier-like inside shift inside if taking the puck wide isn’t the preferred route. One thing you notice instantly is his work ethic on the ice — Farabee has a nonstop motor and will bust it from start to finish on every shift. He’s a wiry kid, but his balance is stromng and he can endure a physical beating, plus ward off thicker defenders as he bulls his way to the cage. Even at 17-years-old, Farabee already own a pro-quality shot for its accuracy, velocity and release. Compounding matters for opposing goalies is that he’s as proficient with his backhand as he is on the forehand. Easily one of the top forwards among his draft-eligible peers and a kid with star potential. (link)
The captain of the U18 USNTDP, Farabee is a dangerous and prolific scorer amongst his age group. Blessed with top level skating ability and a mind for creating offense, the New York native can also be trusted in his own zone which facilitates further opportunities from the coaching staff. His level of play seems to rise when surrounded with high-level talent as indicated with the recent boon of production next to fellow draft-eligible prospect, Oliver Wahlstrom and top 2019 pick, Jack Hughes. While Farabee lacks ideal size, his ability to use his edges to slash in and out of lanes keeps opposing teams on their heels and keeps him off of the IR. (link)
Farabee is a very high- energy, big–effort player with skill…he never stops moving his feet or finding ways to try to be a factor on the ice…has jersey-flapping speed…his ability to change pace is impressive and allows him to stay elusive…possesses good puck control, and has a dogged willingness to take the puck to the net…has creative hands and can pull a skilled one-on-one move to gain space…moves the puck around the ice extremely well, connecting with good strong passes that lead his linemates effectively…not scared to shoot the puck when presented the opportunity…has a quick release but lacks velocity on his shot at this stage…keeps moving in the offensive zone, and that creates a lot of space and time for he and his teammates, and in doing so he generates a lot of offensive opportunities…he excels in all zones, providing his team with a tireless work ethic, strong defensive play, and some offensive flair…has the low-end potential of a strong third liner with speed who can help a penalty kill, or a high-end upside as a top-six scorer who can contribute on special teams. (link)
With these three players, for me, it’s between Lundestrom and Farabee, and mainly that’s because they seem to have a physical element to their game. They’re fast, they skate well, and prefer to keep the game moving at an intense pace whereas Kotkaniemi prefers to slow down the game and use his skill a bit more. As we’ve seen with the Golden Knights this year, a player with high-impact never-ending forechecking is something of immense value.
With Farabee I really like that he can play with elite talent, something that not all players can do. He’s been playing on a line at the U18s with Oliver Wahlstrom and Jack Hughes this year and he’s fit right in and as I’ve said before, it’s great that he can skate like the wind but a day will come where speed will be nullified and hockey IQ will reign supreme. Farabee has that in spades.
Joel Farabee has committed to Boston University for next season and if the Oilers did pick him, a year in that program would do nothing but expediate his development. Is Kyle Connor to far a stretch for a comparable there?
There are other players who the Oilers could go with at the ten slot like the physically imposing Bode Wilde playing out of the USNTDP, Spokane’s slick playmaking PP QB Ty Smith, Drummondville’s exceptional 2-way speed demon Joe Veleno, or the hard-working Barrett Hayton out of Sault Ste Marie but any way you look at it, the Oilers are right in the thick of things and will get a great future NHL player IF they keep the pick.
I hope they do not trade it unless they are trading down to pick up more draft picks because there are some real gems that are slated to go in the latter end of the first like Serron Noel, Dominik Bokk, and Rasmus Sandin.
The Oilers cannot afford to pick up more salary this year nor can they afford to ignore their prospect pipeline.
It’s time to stop forcing things through and play the long game. The proper game.
What do you think about those three players? Let us know in the comments below!
