By the OilKnight 10/22/19

Welcome to our weekly update on CHL prospects. Here are the leading scorers among all 3 leagues for the 2020 draft eligibles & 16 yr old CHL rookies.

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OHL

After going the first 9 games with only 1 goal (ENG), Cole Perfetti has appeared to have finally found his scoring touch on the Powerplay at least. He registered 4 goals & 13 points in the last 4 games to bring him within 3 points (24) of Quinton Byfield for the overall OHL lead for 2020 draft eligibles (27). 

His numbers however, are still a bit misleading. Of the 5 goals Perfetti has scored so far this season, 4 of them have come on the powerplay while the other was an empty netter. In fact, all 4 of the PP goals all came from the same spot – inside the right circle. Take away the powerplay and Perfetti has 1 goal & 10 assists even strength. To compare, Byfield has 10 even strength goals & 20 even strength points already. 

This is not to say Perfetti isn’t a top notch talent because he is. Perfetti has dynamite hands with that quick shot & release is a threat to score anywhere inside 25 feet. He also has great hockey IQ & is capable of making some terrific passes in tight lanes. In terms of NHL translatable skills though, it is important to note that speed & explosiveness are clearly lacking in his game and that might ultimately hurt him come NHL draft day in June. He scores a lot of his goals while not moving his feet much. 

Perfetti does not create a lot off the rush and appears to be a winger at the next level as opposed to a center. He’s more of a complimentary winger than a driver. His offensive skill-set is very reminiscent of Arthur Kaliyev right now. He’s that type of offensive threat. Both score in a similar fashion (stationary snipes as I call it) in similar spots (right circle). The difference right now is Perfetti appears to have better habits, and makes better decisions on the ice. 

In terms of projections and comps, one could argue at this point Cole Perfetti is Arthur Kaliyev with a higher hockey IQ and minus the red flags right now. Which means, he should still be a very hot commodity come draft day despite the lack of top end speed & explosiveness. 

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Francesco Pinelli and Mason McTavish continue to battle it out for top spots in this group. Both are highly intelligent players with great offensive instincts and excellent work ethics. 25+ goals looks like a lock for both at this point.

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QMJHL

Remember when Quinton Byfield had a 5 point lead over Alexis Lafreniere this season? Me neither. Lafreniere has simply been on a tear since then racking up 34 points in 13 total games. He already has FOUR 4-point games this season and is coming off a 5 point game in his last outing. Clearly, if he stays healthy he will destroy everyone else in his draft class in  points. Sidney Crosby scored 2.71 pts/game in his draft year (168 pts total in 62 games). Lafreniere is at 2.62 pts/game right now and on pace for 162 points in 62 games (assuming he misses time for World Juniors). 

Dawson Mercer meanwhile, leads all CHL draft eligibles in goals with 12 in 13 games. As mentioned previously, he is a late 2001 birthday but has an NHL shot and plays in all situations. He has 3 shorthanded points already along with 7 PP points. He’s got good size, is versatile and knows how to score. Looks like a shoe-in as a Top 62 pick at this point. 

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Isaac Belliveau continues to rack up the points especially on the Powerplay where he now has 10 in 13 games. Playing on the top powerplay unit with Lafreniere likely means he will lead all QMJHL defenders in points this season. 

Joshua Roy who was the 1st overall pick in the 2019 QMJHL draft is now up to 7 points in 13 games. He has such great offensive instincts and his confidence continues to improve. It won’t be a surprise at all if he ends up topping this list by seasons end. 

Zachary Bolduc has 4 points in his last 3 games. 

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WHL

Connor Zary continues to not only lead the WHL draft eligibles in points, but the entire WHL with 20 points now in only 12 games. His 63 shots on goal are also tied for tops in the league though he only has 5 goals (15 assists).

Meanwhile, Pavel Novak has developed some nice chemistry with Tampa Bay 1st rounder Nolan Foote in Kelowna. Novak has a very good shot and release and is now up to 5 goals and 8 assists on the season tied for 2nd in WHL among 2020 draft eligibles.

Jake Neighbours in Edmonton continues to get a ton of chances and is up to 12 points in 12 games. He has 4 points in the last 3 games including 16 shots on goal.

Kasper Puutio, who was the 1st overall pick in the 2019 WHL draft, has picked up his game offensively. He had 3 assists on Tuesday vs. Prince George and is now up to 8 points in 12 games.

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Ryder Korczak is now tied for 4th in WHL scoring while Cole Sillinger is just 1 point behind him with 15 points. Both players are pivotal members of their teams already. Korczak is a late 2002 birthday while Sillinger is 8 months younger.

Carson Lambos is still 3rd in points with 9 in 11 games and continues to impress with his terrific skating and puck moving ability. He scored 2 goals on Saturday vs. Saskatoon and appears to be gaining confidence every game.

We will be providing you updates every week so be sure to check back every Monday or Tuesday for updated stats and highlights!