59th Overall Pick – D Eemeli Rasanen
RANKINGS
Ranked #53 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #42 by ISS Hockey
Ranked #132 by Future Considerations
Ranked #58 by McKeen’s Hockey
Ranked #32 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Ranked #68 by TSN/McKenzie
Eemeli Rasanen, Defence, Kingston Frontenacs, OHL; 6’6.75″ 214 lbs
Rasanen has outstanding size and he uses it very effectively. He throws absolutely crushing body checks when he gets the opportunity. He also uses his strength to win battles on the boards as well as to clear the front of the net. Offensively, he has an absolute bomb of a slap shot. Rasanen’s skating has improved as the season has gone on. He still needs to get used to his frame, and he needs to work on his edgework and agility to deal with speedy forwards. Rasanen’s size is intriguing, and he can be a real boom or bust prospect.
“A big mobile defensemen with long strides that while look awkward, they are effective…makes quick decision with the puck…on reception, he never hesitates, instead immediately turns to transition up ice and avoid staying stationary. While he doesn’t use his huge frame to be punishing with a nasty edge like he could, he is still a physical presence, stepping up to lay clean hits or rubbing carriers out along the boards. [He] does an excellent job controlling gaps, makes stick-on-puck plays off the rush…is gifted, towering defensemen who can contribute offensively in a way most 6’6” defenders can’t.” – Future Considerations
“Rasanen has a heavy shot but really needs time and space to let it go. His skating is not pretty, he looks clumsy and awkward often and that may just be him growing into his body. He has shown the ability to rush the puck up the ice or join the rush and has lots of raw talent. A work in progress, but one with considerable potential.” – Peter Harling, Dobber Prospects
Strengths
Shot
Defensively physical
Ability to cut off lanes
Under Construction (Improvements to Make)
Use his full frame more effectively
Skating
Quicker shot release
NHL Potential
Aside from the small developmental pieces that need to be pressed out of his game, Rasanen’s size is a definite upside to his potential NHL career. If he can clean up his skating and find a way to get his shots through on the offensive side – which means getting them off faster – he can potentially find a spot as a three or four defenceman on an NHL club.
Leafs go with fastest rising guy on the Board since September! Rasanen is big, long, nasty & can fire the pick. Ended up as a rock in KGN!
— NA Central Scouting (@MarkSeidel) June 24, 2017
Our 2nd round pick, Eemeli Rasanen takes his turn in front of the cameras. #NHLDraft #TMLTalk pic.twitter.com/3fYUQqdZn1
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 24, 2017
110th Overall Pick – G Ian Scott
Rankings
THW (Pike’s Picks): not ranked (final)
Future Considerations: 74th (final)
ISS: not ranked (May)
Bob McKenzie: 40th (Mid-season)
Craig Button: 65th (final)
The Hockey News: 62nd (final)
“A goaltender who balances challenging opposing shooters and when to drop back into his crease and hold the fort…cool when handling shots to the glove hand, keeping the glove angled according to net position and the situation in front…swallows up high shots without any rebounds, pinning pucks to his chest or belly pad…quickness is elite and whether it be his pads or glove hands, he was constantly flashing his limbs at pucks…has a lanky frame, but makes himself look massive in the net by being assertive in the crease.” – Future Considerations.
As the ninth overall selection of the 2014 WHL bantam draft, Prince Albert Raiders goaltender Ian Scott entered his major junior career with high expectations. He was the highest netminder taken in the draft since the Tri-City Americans chose Carey Price seventh overall in 2002.
“The draft was a normal day for me,” says Scott. “I went to school, but I did watch it in class. I thought it was cool to go that high in the draft. I tried not thinking about being drafted as high as other goalies. I just was honoured to be picked by Prince Albert.”
The 6-foot-4, 169-pound Scott has lived up to the hype thus far in his WHL career. He’s asserted himself as one of the league’s top young goaltenders this season, posting a .921 save percentage and a 2.88 average throughout his first 10 contests.
The Leafs took Ian Scott at #110 and we had him ranked at #107. Big kid that has shown flashes & has great fundamentals. Long term project!
— NA Central Scouting (@MarkSeidel) June 24, 2017
The @NHLNetwork discuss the latest @MapleLeafs draft pick, Ian Scott. #NHLDraft #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/itY5Zr0nD0
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 24, 2017
124th Overall Pick;LW VLADISLAV KARA
Vladislav Kara hattrick vs Barsy by Konstantin_Glazov
Vladislav Kara goal vs Medvedi by Konstantin_Glazov
141th Overall Pick – D Fedor Gordeev
Rankings
Ranked #132 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #116 by ISS Hockey
Ranked #230 by Future Considerations
Ranked #104 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Fedor Gordeev moved over here to play hockey in Toronto in Bantam. His size is his asset & he keeps it simple. Raw package to work with!
— NA Central Scouting (@MarkSeidel) June 24, 2017
The @NHLNetwork shares their take on 6 foot 6 @MapleLeafs draft pick Fedor Gordeev. #NHLDraft #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/rI6MVF8qaR
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 24, 2017
After being drafted 141st, @Hennytweets talks to one of the newest @MapleLeafs Fedor Gordeev. #NHLDraft #TMLTalk pic.twitter.com/iqN76MjkzE
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 24, 2017
172nd Overall Pick – C Ryan McGregor
Ranked #249 by Future Considerations
Ranked #107 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Articles:
Future holds much potential for NHL draft prospect McGregor
McGregor a Young Leader
Sting coach Derian Hatcher says what McGregor does is rare.
“He can make those little greasy plays and makes passes in tight spaces,” says the former NHL defenceman. “His overall knowledge of the game — he’s a smart hockey player. The way he thinks the game, you can’t teach that.”
Leafs stay in the OHL with another smart heady player. He reminds me of Robert Thomas-lite. Does a lot of good things & we had him at #118
— NA Central Scouting (@MarkSeidel) June 24, 2017
203rd Overall Pick – D Ryan O’Connell
FINAL RANK: 208
SHOOTS: Left
HEIGHT: 6′ 1″
WEIGHT: 170
BORN: April 25, 1999
BORN IN: Ottawa, ON, CAN
Ranked #180 by Future Considerations
Ranked #208 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Leafs go down the road to SAC & get the under-valued defender Ryan O'Connell. Penticton first & then BU. Moves the puck very well & skates!
— NA Central Scouting (@MarkSeidel) June 24, 2017
Toronto grabs Ryan O’Connell, ranked 180 by our team at FC. Dominant defender with my hometown prep school, St. Andrews College. BU commit.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 24, 2017