Jamie Drysdale stands out as the top defenseman in the 2020 NHL Draft
Over the next few weeks leading up to the draft, I’ll be taking an in depth look at the prospects who should still be available at 4th overall for the Red Wings to select this year.
Just an update for those who don’t already know: The draft was scheduled to take place on June 26-27 but due to complications from Covid-19 it has been rescheduled and will be held virtually from October 6-7. As previously discussed, the Detroit Red Wings will have the 4th overall selection.
Up next:
Jamie Drysdale
Birthdate: April 8, 2002
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 18
Height: 5’11
Weight: 175 lbs
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
2019-2020 League: Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
2019-2020 Team: Erie Otters
2019-2020 Stats: 47 Points (9 G, 38 A) in 49 GP
Final NHL Central Scouting Ranking: #3 Among North American Skaters
Analysis:
Drysdale, as of right now, is without a doubt the top defenseman in this draft class. He’s dominant on the ice due to his excellent speed and quick decision making. He has great offensive creativity with a great first pass out of the defensive zone and great defensive recovery coming the other way which makes him a dangerous two way defensemen.
There are very few flaws in Drysdale’s game. The only glaring one is strength. Most younger players drafted from juniors or Europe have that problem, and it is easily fixed in development. He’s very calm when the puck is on his stick and has great vision of the entire zone on the offensive and defensive side. Drysdale has an extremely high ceiling and at the very least, should be a top four two way defenseman in the NHL.
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Stats:
Highlights:
Who do you think Detroit should take in this year’s draft? Leave your thoughts in the comments below and make sure to come back to check out more draft profiles of players who could put on the Winged Wheel come October 6th that include:
Marco Rossi
Alexander Holtz
Jake Sanderson
Anton Lundell