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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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