The Athletic’s Corey Pronman ranks “the best players and prospects under 23” this morning, and you know the drill by now: many players and prospects finish ahead of Detroit’s class, which includes Lucas Raymond but not 23-year-old Moritz Seider. I’m surprised how low Raymond ranks, below both NHL’ers and a gaggle of prospects, but that’s how things tend to go:
28. Lucas Raymond
Raymond had a great season; he was a constant offensive threat for Detroit and led their team in scoring. He has special puck skills, with the ability to make high-skill maneuvers in tight areas at a high rate. He combines that skill with excellent offensive IQ and vision. He had a good shot and with how many plays he makes he can run a PP1 in the NHL. Raymond isn’t that big, but he works hard and doesn’t shy from going to the net. He’s not that big or fast, but he’s very elusive and has good edges. He is a legit top-line forward in the NHL.
31. Nate Danielson
Danielson’s season started off poorly in Brandon, but after he was traded to Portland he looked more like the top-10 pick, especially in the playoffs. His numbers aren’t amazing for where I have him projected, but I’ve seen enough offense from this player to think he’s going to score in the NHL. He has excellent 1v1 skills, he skates well, and his ability to create chances in transition will make him dangerous as a pro. He’s both a strong passer and shooter who can make a lot of things happen inside the offensive zone. Danielson is also a diligent two-way center. I get the concerns on his production, but when I’ve watched the player I think his skill is legit. If he’s Detroit’s second-line center of the future he can be a heck of a 2C.
49. Simon Edvinsson
Edvinsson was very good in the AHL this season and earned 16 games up with Detroit. Edvinsson is a rare package of size, mobility and skill. You don’t find big men who can one-on-one opponents often like he can. He is huge and competes well, showing the ability to close on checks
with his length and body. He skates pucks up ice well and retrieves them well. There will be a minor debate on if Edvinsson will ever be a top-end point producer as I don’t see a true playmaker in his game. The sum of the parts should still add up to a good top-four defenseman.
59. Axel Sandin Pellikka
Sandin Pellikka had an excellent season, being an important part of the SHL champion. Sandin Pellikka is a highly skilled and poised defenseman. He looks calm and intelligent with the puck, making a lot of great plays, and has the soft touch of a power-play QB. Sandin Pellikka can beat teams with his skill, but also his shot, as he has a bullet one-timer from the left circle. He’s not that big, but he’s mobile and competitive enough that he can be a consistent enough two-way player. He projects as a top-four defenseman who can play on an NHL power play.
66. Marco Kasper
Kasper had a good not great season in the AHL as a teenager, but he ended on a high note with a great playoff. Kasper is a good skater with solid puck skills, vision and finishing ability but the pure offense in his game is not what gets you excited about him, The strengths of his game are his work ethic and physicality. His motor is outstanding, he plays in traffic, throws his body around, and has a legit edge in his game. He projects as a two-way top-six forward who may not score a ton in the NHL, but his coach will be able to trust him in any situation.
76. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
Brandsegg-Nygard was very good at the Swedish junior level. He started off slow versus men, but was very good in the Allsvenskan playoffs and made Norway’s senior team. He is a well-rounded forward. He’s a good skater. He has strong puck skills. He has a great shot and is often a threat to score from mid-distance. His frame is average-sized, but he plays hard and has physicality in his game. He thinks the game well and sees plays develop, but I don’t think his playmaking is his main asset. Even if he’s not very dynamic, Brandsegg-Nygard has a game that should lend itself to success versus men, eventually as a good NHL forward and potentially in a top six.
151. Sebastian Cossa
Cossa had a strong second pro season, looking on track to have an NHL career. Cossa has very good athletic tools. He’s a huge goalie who moves very well for his size. He can make a lot of difficult lateral saves and has highlight-reel potential. I’ve found at times his game can be busy and chaotic, but I thought he quieted that down more this season. His athleticism is still his calling card, but he tracks pucks well and can be efficient in net. He looks like a potential tandem goalie with a chance to be a No. 1 goalie.
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