Quoting: FarhanLuigi
They aren't drafting at 5th in all likelihood they are drafting 6th.
Levshunov absolutely can be availble at 6th.
1. Celebrini
2. Demidov
3. Silayev (biggest, highest upside)
4. Lindstrom (Centers go early, always)
5. Dickinson (best skater)
6. Yakemchuk (minutes muncher, all around best)
7. Levshunov (just good, nothing blows you away)
Levshunov is about 2 years ahead of where Silayev is , who fell apart gassed in the latter part of the season.
Silayev took big steps and he will be great but he's no where near Levshunov , Buuium or even Dickinsons levels
They're all succeeding deep into a season with Buuium capturing a NCAA Title as a Rookie while beating Hutsons all time NCAA scoring record by 1 point (in 4 more games but still, he wont a title doing it)
Levshunov as a rookie hit i think it was like 8th all time single best season by a defensman as he transitioned from Euro Hockey to North American.
Unlike NCAA Prospects he's spent his whole life playing NHL style Schedules playing hockey 10-11 months a year before joining the NCAA where he player half the games with none of the travel really. So he had a lot of time to add mass and train for next year. He's a Legit D who could make the jump directly to the NHL on the right team like lets say CHI wins #2 OA, he's gone 100%
Dickinson is NHL Built and bullying teenagers on his was to the OHL title. He's built for this **** and he's well ahead of his peers.
Unlike Levshunov or Buuium he's not likely top become a #1 D man but like Silayev would be a Strong #2 beside anyone in the entire NHL.
I love Silayev but i think he's in the KHL until 2027? and TBH likely after cause despite being a VERY Good Mobile Dman he's horrible defensively and im not sure how someone his size/speed will transition to smaller ice given he's not the Physical type. He's basically a Taller PK Subban almost lol Either way there's a lot of waiting involved and i just dont see him going top 5 unless SJS has 4th OA cause no one else in the top 5 can wait that long for him to maybe come over.
Levshunov though is a lock for #2 IMO as he's NHL Ready or close to it(IMO he's ready)
Demidov is years away and as good as he is i dont see top 3 pick being wasted on a Russian given the uncertainty.
I mean before the War got Russia Banned Michkov and Bedard went head to head with Michkov winning
At that point Michkov was ranked by many as #2 OA but the closer the draft got despite Michkov having one of the best seasons of all top 32 players he still went like what 7th OA?
Demidov does great things at a lower level at the same age and he's expected to go higher them Michov in a deeper draft? That doesnt add up