The fine folks at CanucksArmy have put together their annual NHL draft rankings. Over the next month, we’ll be bringing to you their top-100 projection for the upcoming draft.

Boudrias is a gritty winger who isn’t afraid to take the body when engaged in battles for a loose puck. He’s very strong along the boards and then taking the puck out of there, using his 6’5″ and 205 lbs frame to his advantage. With that being said, he does appear to lack strength despite his larger frame. His skating is definitely a work in progress and will be something that he needs to improve if he has any chance of making the NHL.” – Ryan Beich

“Struthers is an all-around good player who played really well when afforded a larger opportunity. He doesn’t have an elite skill to his game but does everything reasonably well. The biggest knock to his game is his skating and more specifically lacking the ability to get going through his acceleration.  He works hard around the net to get to loose pucks, creating mayhem and getting a second and third chance. I do also like his ability to slip in and out of coverage, although it can appear to be him floating to those gaps and the puck coming there rather than a conscious effort to get into that gap. So there is some luck to that, but it has stood out to me in the viewings I’ve had of him.” – Ryan Beich

“Aside from the fantastic name, Eggenberger has a good combination of speed, size and shot that makes him an interesting option despite seeing limited production with HC Davos in regular season play. In particular, his shot is very good. His release is right up there among some of the better releases in this draft class.

You can’t really teach the release he has on his shot and the flaws to his game are not major red flags that should deter Eggenberger from slipping through the cracks. Honestly, as Bob McKenzie’s most recent rankings suggest, we could see Eggenberger go in the 2nd round and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him snapped up in the 2nd or 3rd round. The key is to not overvalue those international events and look at how Eggenberger might project as an NHL’r and there is enough to like about his offensive game to think he could carve out a career as a third line forward.” – Ryan Beich

“Although he struggled to put up points at the Allsvenskan level and there are some very concerning red flags with the underlying numbers at the SuperElit level, there is a lot to like about his game. He is smart offensively, willing to be physical despite his size. He’s been a leader for the Swedish national team for years and should be taken into consideration given that he is playing against his peers and has done well regularly. Including posting four goals and one assist in seven games at the most recent U18 World Championships.  If it was one tournament, then it might be easy to dismiss as just a one-off but the fact that he has been consistently producing there which is encouraging.

Sometimes you do have to take a flyer on a skilled player who has put up numbers in certain areas of play but has struggled in his draft season. Given that he is ranked 97th overall, that is an early 4th round pick and sometimes it’s worth it to take a risk on this type of player instead of a defensive specialist at the CHL level.” – Ryan Beich

“Without a doubt, Tanus is small and that will the biggest issue for him going forward and likely why he will be passed over in this draft. But he is a worker out there and tries to do everything he can to overcome that size.  He is relentless on the puck and has some really noticeable puck moving abilities that showcase his passing and offensive awareness.

He does need to try to drive the net a bit more as he relies heavily on his puck distribution over anything else. His patience with the puck is something that really stands out, as he isn’t afraid to hold onto the puck or make a couple little moves with possession to open up space and time. No matter what – selecting Tanus is a roll of the dice but his skill set is intriguing.”  – Ryan Beich

“Bernard is not someone that will wow you in any way – he is just dependable in all three zones with no elite skills. He is smart on his reads and timing of engagements and is poised in the defensive zone, never looking to be out of place or out of position.

He possesses a good first pass, a heavy shot and good at getting those shots through to the net.  There is a lack of creativity in all facets of his game, which isn’t a bad thing per say but likely limits his overall ceiling as a prospect. He skates well for his size with strong strides but lacking explosive acceleration.” – Ryan Beich

“The Quebec born goaltender is calm in his net with controlled movements to direct the puck out of danger. He is able to square up to set plays very well and limits the second and third chances by directing the puck into the corner with his blocker and pads or by using his active stick to break up the opponent’s attack. He is good at anticipating a play through quick checks and reads that allow him to make a save look easier than it is.” – Ryan Beich

“Jenik is primarily known for his playmaking abilities but isn’t afraid to shoot, averaging a shade under two shots a game with HC Betatky nad Jizerou – his shot isn’t heavy but he does have a quick release that he can get off while not firmly squared on the puck. He is crafty with puck showing good puck-handling skills and the ability to maintain possession with slick and quick movements. His vision and ability to thread a pass is his calling card and something that stands out about his game.” – Ryan Beich

“Madden was named the MVP of the USHL Top Prospects Game, after scoring two goals,  and was named to the Second Rookie All-Star Team.

You can’t teach the speed and intangibles that Madden has and add the fact that a team will retain his rights for four years, Madden appears to be a decent value bet by whoever selects him despite the underlying numbers leaving some question marks.” – Ryan Beich

“Demin is generally regarded as a defensive defenceman who makes the safe play with his puck movements and reads. Generally not willing to take a risk to make a play. He still finished fourth in the BCHL in points, trailing fellow draft prospect Johnny Tychonick by two points. But Demin did play nine more games.

The Wenatchee defender is responsible in all three zones and does really well in his own zone. He’s smart with his movements – easily closing gaps while defending and then adept at skating the puck out to allow his team to attack with speed. With that being said, he needs to improve that area of his game as well.” – Ryan Beich

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