“Despite his last name, Command doesn’t demand too much attention. Instead, he’s a smart, solid two-way center who makes everyone around him better. He doesn’t seem to have many off shifts, and that’s because he’s effective away from the puck, too. He reminds me a bit of Milton Gastrin – someone who can contribute offensively but also will win faceoffs, block shots and make moves with intent. I’ve liked him internationally, and he has played quite well against his own age group. I think he’s more of a third-liner in the NHL, but one who shouldn’t have many issues being effective, and he’s capable of handling the two-way duties while allowing his linemates to flourish.”

“Cullen is one of the smarter wingers in this draft class. Some scouts think there’s legit potential for Cullen to go in the top five. He was USA’s top player throughout the U-18 World Championship thanks to his high-end hockey sense and the ability to get the whole American attack moving. His deceptiveness with the puck – both as a shooter and a passer – is remarkable. Cullen is a high-end skater who seemingly found a whole other gear once he got up to speed this season. Cullen is a constant scoring threat because he’s always scanning lanes for passes, but he has the quick footwork and lateral mobility to blow by most opponents and put himself into dangerous areas. Few players have risen as high as Cullen in recent months, and you should get on the hype train if you like someone who you can rely on.”
-Steven Ellis

“A smart player who understands the task. At the U20 level, Gustafsson is more assertive offensively and he has had some mid-level production. When he’s getting minutes at the SHL level, you see a more dedicated defensive mindset where the net front and board battles take on more importance. There is some offence in his game that projects to the next level, but he also has the knack to shut plays down in neutral ice.”

“This feels a little high for Håkansson to me after some warts in his game were revealed in the second half, but D with size and pro attributes are in high demand. I expect him to go in the first round as a result, and the Canucks could use a little size as a complement to Zeev Buium and company on their back end. If they take Malhotra at No. 3, Håkansson, Piiparinen or Jakub Vanecek could come into focus here. I must admit that I did think about one of the Ruck twins here, though, and I think the Canucks, who also hold two picks in the front half of the second round, should at least consider targeting one here and one there. That wouldn’t just be a PR play for the local twins, either — that’s their range.”

“Goljer is a stout defender who combines excellent stick work with a physical edge. He has represented Slovakia at the World Juniors and now the World Men’s Under-18s, where he will be a much bigger piece of the blue line. He’s the kind of defender a team can lean on in tough minutes and late in the game. He will usually make the simple, smart play with the puck without trying to do too much.”