Jonathan “Jonny” Tychonick, Penticton Vees (BCHL)
BIO

Position: D (Left-handed)

Age on Draft Day: 18

Height/Weight: 6’0”/174

2017-18 Stats: 48 GP, 9 G, 38 A, +0

Projection: Top-four defenseman

About

Jonny Tychonick is one of those players who just gets it. The North Dakota commit has had nothing but rave reviews about his hockey IQ since he first started getting noticed growing up. His hockey IQ has helped him climb up draft boards seemingly every year and as his game continues to grow, the incredibly raw Tychonick has steadily improved every year.

One part of his game that stands out thanks to his hockey IQ is his puck distribution, especially on the power play and in the offensive zone. He adds good skating ability to his game that allows him to be a real threat to any teams breakout.

The one area that Tychonick really needs to work on is his defending. Obviously that sounds bland, but while he does a lot of good things offensively, he struggles defensively whether in rushes the other way or sometimes a lack of defensive awareness in his own zone. A lot of that can be improved with time, so there’s no reason to write off Tychonick just because of that.

He’s pretty much a guaranteed 2nd round pick, and since the Red Wings have essentially 3 picks in the early 2nd round, I wouldn’t mind them taking Tychonick with one of them. One of the few things you can’t really teach is hockey IQ, and since Tychonick has that, the rest of his game should come with time. Defense has to be a priority in this draft, and a raw prospect like Jonny Tychonick could really help the Red Wings down the road if he continues to develop properly the way he has so far throughout his entire hockey career.

This is a good video from just one game he played that really highlights all areas of his game, especially what he needs to work on in the defensive zone:

Kyle’s take: I’m not exactly sold on Tychonick outside of the first two rounds. He reminds me of the kind of player you take a chance on if he falls. His size will likely have him lower on many team’s draft boards. He has tremendous ability as an offensive, shifty rearguard. Could be another player like Torey Krug. I say if the Red Wings want to go defense in the 3rd round and he’s there, that may be a good call depending on who else is available.

Does the fact that Jonny Tychonick’s defense is one of the weaker portions of his game scare you away from him at 30, 33 or 36?