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Wheeler Prospect check #3 - PIT, SJ

The Pens have three recent graduates from the prospect ranks that don’t make the list here but have shown significant promise at the NHL level this season.  William Eklund looks every bit the part of a top 6 forward, Alex Nylander recent uptick in production after a move to Columbus in the NHL has netted 8 goals and 11 points in his 15 games since joining them is another significant feather in GM Laconte’s cap.  Some shrewd selections after the first round have given the organization some real promise and this particular Laconte seems to draft better than most.

  1. Jackson Blake (NCAA 39-21-38-59-26-14) is a player that has outperformed his draft position from the first day of the draft.  He has been a leader on a roster that has played a solid structured team game.  He is the most dyanamic roster player on the U of North Dakota.  The Fighting Sioux are always a super competitive team with a pro level development program and Blake is a prime example of that.  He is one of the top producers in the College game and has a significant lead (21pts) over second place on the roster.  At 20 with his size one more college season is likely in store, but Blake is starting to run out of things to prove especially if the Frozen four is part of the future.
  2. Brad Lambert (AHL 55-19-30-49-38-3) is an interesting case study.  Born in Finland, grew up in Western Canada and in his draft -1 and draft year was really inconsistent and struggling with his game.  He ended up dropping from top 5 pick to the end of the first round and the Jets (NHL) and Pens (Rshl) will be the beneficiaries of that good fortune.  Nearly a point per game as a 20-year-old in the AHL has really vaulted him back up into the top tier of prospects who are outside the NHL.  His game has evolved, and his foot speed and work ethic have figured themselves out, Lambert deserves a ton of credit for it.  The Jets traded multiple assets away at the deadline, but Lambert was a non-starter for any deal which is a testament to his organizational value
  3. Philip Broberg (AHL 40-2-21-23-12-13) has been inconsistent this season in real life.  His 10 games at the NHL level were a bit underwhelming for a player looking to lock down a permanent roster spot.  His AHL season has been strong though and showing the hallmarks of why he was the 8th pick in the draft.  His size, skating combination gives Pronger vibes to Oilers fans.  Pens fans have been a bit more realistic but a top 4 role could still be in the Broberg’s future.
  4. Jakub Brabenec (AHL 41-4-7-11-16--10) is a high-end thinker of the game.  The Czech forward has taken strides in his skating to give him a real shot at making it at the next level.  He is a smart player who makes good decisions and drives play.  He has an advanced game away from the puck and has a real shot at a bottom six role even is the offensive never translates to the pro game.
  5. Matvei Petrov (AHL 45-8-5-13-32-4) is a winger that uses his speed and agility to create offense.  When attacking the offensive zone his instincts are dangerous and a shoot first player has the potential to fill the net even at the pro level.  Like a lot of Euro players his commitment to other parts of the game can be lacking, as is consistent effort.  He isn’t scared to get into some chippy feisty play, but he also can ghost his team for periods at a time.  The AHL is a great differentiator for players like Petrov where they will get exposed if they don’t manage both sides of the game.  Its entirely possible Petrov fits in a middle six one day with a shot that adds depth to a lineup.

The Sharks have some high-end youth on their blue line with a double dose of first overall picks from the NHL.  Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin are two of the best and their games are growing leaps and bounds each season.  There is multiple future Norris trophies in those two in the years ahead.  The prospect pool is pretty much non-existent but there are 3 very serious assets with SJ and CHI 1st rounders both pegged to be in the top 10 which bodes well for the upcoming lottery.  Either of those picks improving is a real coup for the Sharks as it will provide a rookie who can contribute on their first day next season.

3/27/2024
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