S5 2027 Jagrbombs Draft Scouting Report

[Sokolina Hussars GM]

Disclaimer: Jargbombs is not responsible for any picks you make based off this list. This all comes from the same information you have with the posted WJC stats and your guess is as good as mine. Happy Drafting!

Legend

***-S4 WJC participation

WJC TEAM - GAMES PLAYED - GOALS - ASSISTS - +/- - WJC LEAGUE LEADER RANKS (IF ANY)

Ceiling - BEST a player can become
Floor - WORST a player can become
Potential - Scouts guess at their ‘in game’ Potential
NHL ETA - How long before they should be a regular player in NHL


RANKINGS

#1 - C Juraj Rausa PLY 5’11 176lbs (L) SVK

WJC - ***SVK - 52GP 20G 29A 49PTS -12 - 2nd League PTS/7th League A/7th League G

Rausa is the 1st overall ranked pick this draft. Having the extra year to develop in WJC, Rausa helped lead SVK to Silver in S4 and was 2nd overall in PTS this past WJC. The savvy offensively gifted C can shoot, pass and skate all at an elite level. Despite being undersized, his ability to dictate pace and rushes through the neutral zone are actually attributed to his size. Rausa will be a much needed game changer to the team that is lucky to have him.

Ceiling - Doug Gilmore
Floor - Patrik Elias
Potential - High Elite
NHL ETA - NOW



#2 - C Igor Poss TWF 6’4 220lbs (R) RUS

WJC - DRT - 52GP 12G 32A 44PTS +19 - 3rd League A/3rd League Hits/T-1st League TK

Poss could easily be the 1st overall pick this draft. Poss was an important part in RUS winning Bronze this WJC being 3rd in League A & Hits, while also being tied for 1st in League TK. The strongly built two-way C brings an impeccable 200 foot game. What stands out most is his ability to control the puck down low, easily set up his teammates and a two-way game that is superior. Poss has all the makings of a career long Selke nominee with offensive upside.

Ceiling - Anze Kopitar
Floor - Trevor Linden
Potential - High Elite
NHL ETA - NOW



#3 - RW Ollie Reid SNP 6’2 182lbs (R) CAN

WJC - CAW - 52GP 24G 24A 48PTS +9 - 5th League PTS/2nd League G/T-3 League TK

Reid is the best natural goal scorer in this years draft. Reid led CAW to 1st overall in the WJC tournament standings while being 5th in the League for PTS and 2nd in the League for G. The best overall winger this year uses his size and skill to finish at an elite level. Projected to be a top line winger and PP specialist, we will see Reid climb the G scoring leaderboard with ease. Reid is a very safe bet for any team with lack of scoring.

Ceiling - Mike Bossy
Floor - Bobby Ryan
Potential - Med Elite
NHL ETA - NOW


#4 - RD Kaden Aucoin TWD 6’3 191lbs (R) USA

WJC - TNA - 52GP 8G 32A 40PTS +12 - 4th League A/1st League D PTS

Aucoin is projected to be the best D this draft. Aucoin had an outstanding WJC tournament finishing 4th in League A and 1st in League D points on a TNA squad that finished 2nd in standings and won Gold. With a unique playmaking ability mixed with an elite shutdown power, the skilled two-way D has the potential to run a top PP and PK unit for years to come. Aucoin could be a corner stone D for any one of the franchises.

Ceiling - John Carlson
Floor - Erik Johnson
Potential - Med Elite
NHL ETA - NOW



#5 - LD Felix Svensson TWD 6’3 210lbs (L) SWE

WJC - SWE - 52GP 9G 18A 27PTS +11 - 8th League D PTS/7th League D TK

Svensson is an elite D no doubt about it. Svensson led SWE to 3rd overall in this years tournament while finishing 8th in League D PTS and 7th in League D TK. While Svensson may lack some offensive touch, there is no questioning his ability to change the flow of the game while he is on the ice. Svensson is projected to be a reliable top 2 D, with the capability to carve his offensive game into world class quality. Svensson is the perfect D prospect for any team willing to wait for his game to develop into something special.

Ceiling - Ed Jovanovski
Floor - Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Potential - Med Elite
NHL ETA - NOW



#6 - LW Niko Sistonen SNP 5’7 160lbs (L) FIN

WJC - ***DRT - 52GP 19G 16A 35PTS +7 - 8th League G

Sistonen is one of the better finishers this draft. Sistonen was part of an underwhelming DRT team this past WJC while finishing 8th in League G. Despite his lack of size, Sistonen proved both this year and last that he has what it takes to be a top of his draft class. If Sistonen can bulk up and continue to develop his scoring touch and speed, there is no stopping him from being the best finisher on any team he is on. Sistonen is a make or break kind of prospect, which ever team takes a chance on him will either be ecstatic or disappointed.

Ceiling - Jake Guentzel
Floor - Martin Erat
Potential - Low Elite
NHL ETA - 1 YEAR



#7 - LD Yunas Kocabay OFD 5’11 180lbs (L) AUT

WJC - ***WOR W - 52GP 8G 22A 30PTS +14 - 5th League D PTS

Kocabay could be the best offensive D this draft. Kocaby played two years in a row for WOR W at the WJC, breaking out in his final year to finish 5th in League D PTS. The silky smooth puck moving D shows a high hockey IQ and comprehension that could see him develop into a top PP distributor. If he can continue to grow his defensive game to match his offensive capabilities, then he will easily solidify himself as a top 4 D on any team. Kocaby may not start at the highest OA, but he is sure to develop into one given the right system.

Ceiling - Mark Howe
Floor - Sam Girard
Potential - Low Elite
NHL ETA - 1 YEAR



#8 - LW Leo Papitsa PLY 6’0 162lbs (L) SWE

WJC - DRT - 52GP 17G 22A 39PTS +12

Papitsa is one of the truest playmaking wingers this draft. Papitsa guided SWE into 3rd overall in WJC standings. The intelligent winger has an ability to create odd man rushes through the neutral zone, make passes across the width of the ice and finish at a high level. It would be shocking to see Papitsa game not translate at the professional level, yet he will need to be surrounded by other high end talent in order to succeed expectation. Papitsa may be ready to suit up in the big leagues this year, but another year in the developmental system won’t hurt him.

Ceiling - Henrik Zetterberg
Floor - Marcus Johansson
Potential - High Top 6
NHL ETA - 1 YEAR



#9 - LW Max Penkin SNP 5’10 165lbs (L) GER

WJC - ***WOR W - 52GP 12G 19A 31PTS -7

Penkin is an odd case compared to his draft peers. Penkin was a highly touted prospect for the last couple years, getting the opportunity to represent team WOR W in both his eligible WJC. Penkin had an underwhelming year, yet it could be due to his teams structure and not his individual effectiveness. Penkin has shown a high goal scoring capability, but at times it seems his lack of size holds him back. One thing for sure is Penkin will show his true colours when he is brought into a professional system.

Ceiling - Yvan Cournoyer
Floor - Nail Yakupov
Potential - High Top 6
NHL ETA - 1 YEAR



#10 - LW Vitus Plank PLY 5’10 169lbs (L) AUT

WJC - ***DRT - 52GP 17G 15A 32PTS -3

Plank is a dynamic supporting winger. Plank showed high enough potential to earn him an invite to the last two WJC. Plank performed well in his draft year, though many scouts have determined he is a passenger player with a high IQ that will enhance any lines he is on. While his defensive game needs work, it’s not enough of a flaw to have him drop further than 10th. Given patience, and all the tools to develop properly, it is almost certain Plank will be a top 5 scorer on his team in the future.

Ceiling - Mats Zuccarello
Floor - Jonathan Drouin
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 1 YEAR



#11 - LW Jaroslav Prchal PLY 5’11 187lbs (L) CZE

WJC - CZE - 52GP 19G 17A 36PTS -7

Prchal is very similarr to Plank. Prchal showed he can play this WJC on a CZE team that came up short. Plank has a solid build and offensive instincts that will help him drive play at a professional level. Similar to Plank, if Prchal works on his 200 foot game, then there is nothing stopping him from being developing into a top 5 scorer on his team. Prchal may take more time to adjust to the North American ice, but he is a safe pick for any team looking to add a more offensive touch.

Ceiling - Petr Sýkora
Floor - Tomas Fleischmann
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS



#12 - LW Greyson Walker TWF 6’3 202lbs (L) USA 

WJC - USA - 52GP 9G 13A 22PTS -12 - 1st League Hits

Walker is the most aggressive prospect this draft. Walker finished 1st in League Hits for WJC on a underwhelming USA team. Walker may not have the full package, but he is sure to create a presence every time he steps on the ice. Walker has the right tools for his frame, whether it be his commanding forecheck, creating turnovers, or ability to score at big goals. Walker is sure to bring his truculence to any team that is missing a punishing F.

Ceiling - J.T. Miller
Floor - Brandon Tanev
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 1 YEAR



#13 - RW Maksims Kazaks PWF 6’4 225lbs (R) LAT

WJC - WOR E - 52GP 12G 18A 30PTS +3 - 5th League Hits

Kazaks is the truest PWF in this draft. Kazaks helped lead WOR E to Silver this WJC, while finishing 5th in League Hits. Kazaks is built for the professional league already, standing 6’4 and 225lbs, he is a brutal opponent to match up against, and always makes sure to win his puck battles. Kazaks has the potential to be a point producer with the right line mates, and has shown to be a big league net front presence. Kazaks could probably step into a bottom 6 role on the right team, but 1 more year of development is recommended.

Ceiling - Shane Doan
Floor - Tom Wilson
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 1 YEAR



#14 - C Ilian Ressi PLY 5’11 179lbs (L) AUT

WJC- WOR W - 52GP 13G 26A 39PTS +22

Ressi is the biggest surprise of this draft. Ressi was a major part in WOR W finishing 5th in the WJC standings. Scouts had him pinned lower ranked before this years tournament, but Ressi went out and proved he deserves a second look as a higher pick. The fast paced, efficient playmaking C has the technique to be a main distributor on a PP. Though undersized, Ressi understanding of the game at high speed is what vaults him up to 14th.

Ceiling - Pavol Demitra
Floor - Erik Haula
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 1 YEAR



#15 - LD Macklin Dobko OFD 5’11 170lbs (L) CAN

WJC - CAW - 52GP 9G 17A 26PTS +9

Dobko is a top 3 OFD this draft. Dobko was a massive part of CAW success during the WJC tournament as one of their top D helping them finish 1st in the standings. Dobko has proved to be a pivotal part of a team breakout, and has an impressive decision making skill set to complete long passes through the neutral zone. Dobko doesn’t have the biggest frame for a D, yet he has proved he can still defend well in his own zone and his team has high possession numbers anytime he in on the ice. Dobko will take sometime to develop, but once he does, he will be a main stay blueliner for any team in need of a puck moving D.

Ceiling - Brian Campbell
Floor - Will Butcher
Potential - Med Top 4
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS



#16 - LD Jaxon Pisani OFD 6’0 165lbs (L) CAN

WJC - DRT - 52GP 3G 21A 24PTS -10

Pisani is a potential bust this draft. Pisani failed to standout to scouts this WJC playing for a disappointing DRT team that finished 11th. Pisani came into his draft year with very high expectations, and did not live up to them. While the pressure may have been too much for Pisani to stomach, one good thing is he showed an elite distributing expertise that may translate to the professional league. Scouts are left scratching their heads when it comes to Pisani, making it difficult to gauge how he will start his pro career. No doubt he will be an NHLer, still his timeline is seemingly unknown and he may be a gem or a bust.

Ceiling - Tomas Kaberle
Floor - Michael Del Zotto
Potential - Low Elite
NHL ETA -



#17 - C Nolan Fitzhenry SNP 6’1 169lbs (L) USA

WJC - TNA - 52GP 16G 10A 26PTS +7

Fitzhenry is a wild card. Fitzhenry was a part of a TNA squad that brought home Gold in this years WJC. Fitzhenry didn’t do much to impress scouts after starting the year in a top 10 ranked position, he’s not considered a bust even though it is borderline considering his prior ranking. Fitzhenry scoring touch is there, but it doesn’t stand out as elite. Maybe it is due to his limited role on a championship team, yet one thing for sure is he knows how to win and will bring a winning pedigree to any organization that drafts him. Fitzhenry could be a next big scoring C, or could be a bottom 6 role player, it’s still yet to be determined.

Ceiling - Jeff Carter
Floor - Steven Reinprecht
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS



#18 - LW/RW Sebastian Taliga SNP 6’1 182lbs (R) CZE

WJC - CZE - 52GP 15G 18A 33PTS -4

Taliga has the most underrated shot this draft. Taliga stood out on a disheartening CZE team that finished 9th in the WJC standings. Taliga proved the scouts wrong that had him projected to fall to the early 2nd round of this years draft. Taliga brings a complete game to go along with a world class shot and ‘pass second’ mentality. Taliga can be a key finisher on a top PP unit, and can also be relied on in defensive zone coverages. Taliga at #18 makes most sense, though it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities if he is taken sooner.

Ceiling - Peter Bondra
Floor - Nikolai Zherdev
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS



#19 - LW Nikita Koltsov PLY 6’1 169lbs (L) RUS

WJC - RUS - 52GP 4G 23A 27PTS +1

Koltsov is an average winger this draft. Koltsov played a supporting role in RUS finishing 6th in WJC standings. Koltsov lacks any finishing touch, and will need to really work on his shot if he plans to be on a professional team in the near future. If he manages to find the back of the net more, then his potential will take a vast step forward. Koltsov is a great piece for any team that wants to put in the time to develop a potential top 6 PLY winger.

Ceiling - Václav Prospal
Floor - Chris Higgins
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS


#20 - C Brooks DeMars PWF 6’5 225lbs (L) USA

WJC - DRT - 52GP 14G 12A 26PTS -7

DeMars is the biggest C in this years draft. DeMars played for a disastrous DRT team this past WJC and had his ranking fall due to his play. DeMars will no doubt be an effective C in the pros, it may just take a while for him to achieve that on both ends of the ice. Standing 6’5 225lbs, DeMars is sure to wreak havoc while screening a G or establishing a forecheck in the offensive zone. DeMars is a safe pick since his size already proves he can dominate in one way on the ice, scouts just hope the rest of his game grows as much as he has.

Ceiling - Nik Antropov
Floor - Brian Boyle
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS


#21 - RW Timothy Kazda PWF 6’2 198lbs (R) SVK

WJC - SVK - 52GP 9G 16A 25PTS -4

Kazda is one of the dynamic PWFs this draft. Kazda played on a poor SVK team that finished 10th, managing to still impress scouts. Kazda has a proficient net driving intuition and strong will against the boards. Kazda has finesse about him that not many PWF have, if he can finish his chances more often he will definitely make a name for himself. Kazaks a solid PWF prospect that needs to round out a few small things before he can take the leap to the pros.

Ceiling - Brenden Morrow
Floor - Josh Anderson
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS



#22 - LD Sebastian Handin OFD 6’2 180lbs (L) SWE

WJC - SWE - 52GP 10G 15A 25PTS -8

Handin is the best shooting D this draft. Handin had a supporting role in SWE finishing 3rd overall in this years tournament. Handin has an absolute cannon from the blue line, and his teammates are well aware of the power he posses behind his shot, setting him up for 10G. Handin is not afraid to shoot into traffic if he has even the slightest lane or an opportunity for tips. Handin is always keen to join the rush and will bring a steady offensive presence to any team.

Ceiling - Bryan McCabe
Floor - Bruno Gervais
Potential - Med Top 4
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS


#23 - G Vladislav Puchkov HYB 6’4 191lbs (R) RUS

WJC - DRT - 18GP 8W 6L 3OTL 1SO 0.903SV% 3.28GAA

Puchkov is the best G for his age group. Puchkov played well enough to be considered the first G ranked this draft, even if he was on a mediocre DRT team for WJC. Puchkovs numbers aren’t anywhere near spectacular in the limited starts he got. Puchkov has the frame of a professional G, standing 6’4 191lbs with a unique right handed catching stance. Puchkov will take time to develop into a starter, though he may be solid enough to take a backup role in a year or two. Chances are he is the safest bet for G his age.

Ceiling - Jonas Hiller
Floor - Mathieu Garon
Potential - Med Starter
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS



#24 - RD Chace Stepnia DFD 6’2 190lbs (R) USA

WJC - DRT - 52GP 3G 12A 15PTS +0

Stepnia is the best DFD this draft. Stepnia was a solid shutdown D on an unimpressive DRT team this past WJC. Stepnia went into the year ranked in the top 15, and has fallen to #24 due to a lack of standing out on any D leader boards. While he may have fallen, he is sure to be a reliable D that can stop the cycle and play an important role on a efficient PK unit. Stepnia could eventually crack a top 4 role given the right D partner and developmental system.

Ceiling - Johnny Boychuk
Floor - Christopher Tanev
Potential - Low Top 4
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS


#25 - RW Seth Baptiste PLY 5’9 175lbs (R) CAN

WJC - CAE - 52GP 9G 16A 25PTS -16

Baptiste is the highest risk/reward player this draft. Baptiste averaged almost 0.5PPG on a very poor CAE team that finished 2nd last this WJC. Baptiste speed is his most significant asset, when he is skating with the puck there seems to be no stopping him. However, his lack of size and seemingly flaw to get smothered easily is definitely something teams need to be aware of. Baptiste is the type of player that will only make it in the professional league if he can maintain a spot on the top 6 and PP. If a GM is willing to take a chance on developing him properly, Baptiste could be the biggest steal of the draft.

Ceiling - Martin St. Louis
Floor - Kyle Wellwood
Potential - Med Top 6
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS



#26 - RD Geor Kuchiyev TWD 6’2 196lbs (R) RUS 

WJC - RUS - 52GP 3G 6A 9PTS -3 - 7th League Hits/3rd League D TK

Kuchiyev is the biggest jump from an original ranking this draft. Kuchiyev played a legitimate shutdown role on a RUS squad that finished 6th in WJC standings, landing 7th in League Hits and 3rd in League D TK. Kuchiyev is by far the most over exceeding prospect this draft, some scouts had him pinned to not even be selected this year. Kuchiyev proved he can be a dependable shutdown D that can slow down the flow of a tilted game. Kuchiyev doesn’t seem to have much of an offensive IQ, he is more of a meat and potatoes player that finishes every hit and can win almost any puck battle down low. Kuchiyev is a gamble that should pay off sooner than later.

Ceiling - Sami Salo
Floor - Milan Jurcina
Potential - High Top 6
NHL ETA - 2 YEARS



#27 - G Parik Ojala HYB 6’5 201lbs (L) FIN 

WJC - FIN - 21GP 5W 12L 2OTL 1SO 0.878SV% 3.91GAA

Ojala is a potential bust this draft. Ojala was a part of a stellar FIN team that won Bronze this past WJC, though his underwhelming play wasn’t much help. Ojala comes into this draft with the highest potential for a G and the largest gap in potential range. Ojala on paper has all the right tools to be an elite starter in the pros, his play this past WJC just didn’t show that. Many scouts think he can still pan out given the fact G take longer to develop, it just might be smart to steer clear and pick Ojala in the 2nd round. Ojala potential is what keeps him as the last pick in the first round, though he could be a complete bust.

Ceiling - Pekka Rinne
Floor - Justin Pogge
Potential - Low Elite
NHL ETA -


HONOURABLE MENTIONS

WOR E - LW Adam Israilov TWF 6’1 187lbs (L) KAZ - 52GP 12G 12A 24PTS -4
CAE - C Hayden Winslow PWF 6’4 201lbs (L) CAN - 52GP 14G 9A 23PTS -15
DRT - RW Mateo Rix TWF 6’1 174lbs (L) SWE - 52GP 8G 13A 21PTS -4
WOR W - RW/LW Maximilian Kunz SNP 5’9 173lbs (R) GER - 52GP 9G 11A 20PTS -5
DRT - LW Michal Lazovsky PWF 6’5 212lbs (L) SVK - 45GP 9G 10A 19PTS +1

DRT - LD Francois Dorval TWD 6’2 188lbs (L) CAN - 32GP 1G 12A 13PTS +2
WOR W - LD Sadio Kuhner DFD 6’5 225lbs (L) GER - 52GP 1G 8A 9PTS +2
CZE - RD Lukas Kachlir TWD 6’1 184lbs (R) CZE - 31GP 0G 7A 7PTS -9

USA - G Hunter Dryden HYB 6’4 195lbs (R) - 13GP 7W 5L 1OTL 1SO 0.909SV% 3.07GAA
DRT - G Zai Ferraro HYB 6’3 182lbs (L) USA - 24GP 10W 13L 1OTL 0SO 0.908SV% 3.34GAA


GEMS

Rause, Poss, Reid

BUSTS

Pisani, Ojala, Kachlir

SLEEPERS

Kuchiyev, Walker, Ressi

[Red Deer Rebels GM]

How am I supposed to pick?!