Loons Prospect Review

IT WAS reported the night before the entry draft that GM Czepiel had last-minute meetings with Oliver Wahlstrom, Filip Zadina, and Quinn Hughes. Zadina went to Parry Sound at 3 leaving Czepiel to seemingly choose between Wahlstrom and Hughes. Czepiel went with Wahlstrom with the 4th pick and now 3 months later Czepiel was able to add Quinn Hughes as well. It appears that Czepiel is building a core around 20-year-old Dubois, 20-year-old Puljujarvi and 22-year-old Donato. Only on Capeside would the 25-year-old Nugent-Hopkins be considered as being older than the core. However, that must be what Czepiel believed when he dealt away former number 1 overall pick to Siberia for 18-year-old Hughes, a 2nd round pick and Johansson. This trade most likely kills any hopes of the Loons making the playoffs this year, but the hope must be that Hughes, Wahlstrom, and Lauko are better suited to Capeside's 5-year plan.

With Quinn Hughes now a future Loon, it seems a good time to take a look at Capeside's top prospects.

10.  Petrus Palmu - LW/RW  (acquired via trade with Portland)

Former 9th round pick of the Owls is only 5'7'' but high skill level more then makes up for it. Palmu destroyed the OHL 2 years ago with 98 points (40/58) in 62 games and last year put up fantastic numbers with TPS in the Finnish Elite League: 17/19 in 59 games. Palmu will play in the AHL this year and could join the Loons as early as 2020-21.  Projection - 3rd Line Wing 35-40 pts

9. Zach Senyshyn - RW   (acquired via trade with Fonthill)

Senyshyn was taken much higher than expected in 2015 and his poor production has backed those opinions. However, a strong finish last year in the AHL and a great training camp this year is giving the Loons optimism. Senyshyn is an extremely fast skater with high offensive upside if he can only find a way to put it together. If Zach can take the next step at the AHL level this year he could make the Loons in 2020-21. Projection - 3rd Line Wing 40 pts

8. Dan Vladar - G   (acquired via trade with Dayton)

Vladar is a monster in size at 6'5'' but moves well in net. Vladar was drafted as a project and is now showing that he is putting it together. Darth Vladar had a tremendous training camp and appears ready to be the number 1 goalie in the AHL this year. Projection - Loons starting goalie 2021-22

7. Roland McKeown - D   (acquired via trade with Ft. Erie)

McKeown is a solid two-way defenseman which put up outstanding +/- numbers ( +34 ) in the AHL last year. McKeown was not able to make the team out of training camp but figures to see time in the NHL this year. Should be a full-time contributor to the Loons in 2020-21   Projection - bottom pair defenseman with time on both PP & PK

6. Jonathan Tychonick - D   (Loons draft pick 2018)

Tychonick is puck moving defenseman. He will play for N. Dakota in the NCAA where he will need to prove he can play against tougher competition after his time in the Junior A level. Figures to see time with the Loons around the 2022-23 season. Projection - 2nd D pairing with time on the Power Play

5. Bode Wilde - D   (Loons draft pick 2018)

Wilde has all the tools and just needs to put them all together. Wilde slipped in the draft due to concerns about if decision making in his own zone. His offensive skills and rocket shot make him a potential steal as a second-round pick. Wilde passed up the NCAA route in order to play in juniors this year. Capeside would have much rather he played in college where he could have worked more on his defensive game. Looks to be a Loon as early as 2021-22   Projection - Top D pairing and first PP unit

4. Jay O'Brien - C/RW  (Loons draft pick 2018)

O'Brien dominated the lower level competition in MA prep school with an elite shot that has translated well for team USA. O'Brien was drafted higher than expected because of the prep school route but he proved that he can more the hold his own when he had success with team USA at the World Junior Showcase this past summer. O'Brien will continue his development at Providence College this year. Full-time Loon 2021-22 Projection - top 6 forward and PP 55-60 pts

3. Jakub Lauko - LW  (Loons draft pick 2018)

After a tremendous training camp where Lauko showed his amazing speed and compete level, he appears to be the steal of the 2018 draft for Capeside. There were rumblings that Lauko had a chance at making the NHL as an 18 year old until a friendly fire collision in practice derailed him. Lauko will work on getting stronger and maturing In Juniors this year and could possibly be a Loon is 2020-21  Projection - top 6 forward 50-55 pts

2. Quinn Hughes - D  (acquired via trade with Siberia)

Quinn was perhaps the best skater in the entire draft, and if it wasn't for Dahlin the top defenseman in the 2018 draft. Hughes is the exact type of player that hockey is built for now with elite skating, puck handling and a rocket shot from the point. Hughes was dominant at times as a freshman at Michigan last year and will look to add some muscle and work on the defensive part of his game as a sophomore. Hughes will likely make the jump to the NHL at the conclusion of the NCAA schedule and could see time as a Loon in 2019-2020. Projection - top pair D & leading the first unit PP 50+ points is realistic

1. Oliver Wahlstrom - RW  (Loons first ever draft pick 2018)

Wahlstrom has elite offensive skills. He has a lethal shot to go along with his creative puck handling that caught GM Czepiel's attention as a participant on Mini 1 on 1 during the intermission of a Bruins game a decade ago. Wahlstrom dominated while playing for the US developmental program. Last year putting up 94 pts in 62 games and then was a goal per game during the under 18s. After a slightly disappointing showing during the world junior showcase this past summer, Wahlstrom with most likely be a 1 and done at Boston College this year. Wahlstrom will likely join the NHL after the NCAA season and will be a part of the Loon's core as early as 2019-20. Projection -  First line RW and top PP unit 40 goals / 80 pts