The Draft is just one day away. Since April 23, we've been profiling draft prospects leading up to Friday's big event.
As we wrap up our series, here are a few of the other potential first-round picks that remain.
Jake DeBrusk – A strong two-way winger with good scoring potential. DeBrusk scored 42 goals this season while tallying 81 points in 72 games for the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL. The 6'0", 176-pound winger likes to battle for position and puck possession, and while not overly physical, he's got natural goal-scoring ability that will make him a dangerous player.
Paul Bittner – Another one of those wingers with great scoring ability, Bittner scored 34 goals as part of his 71 points in 66 game with Portland Winterhawks in the WHL. This is a power forward at its finest. He's 6'4", 203 pounds and drives the net with great force. He's a physical forechecker who gets into the dirty areas and uses his size to make an impact.
Oliver Kylington – Already gaining professional experience in the Swedish leagues, Kylington brings hockey smarts to any blue line. He played 35 games at the professional level and was a minus-4 overall, very good for a young defenseman. He's not as much of an offensive presence, but a fit on power play with great passing skills. Overall, his ability to read the game is what makes him a desirable prospect.
Filip Chlapik – This young center from Czech Republic comes with the ability to lead the play with great puck control. He has great defensive awareness for a center and uses his strong skating to backcheck well. He's got scoring ability – 33 goals and 42 assists in 64 games last season for the Charlottetown Islanders in the QMJHL – but he could develop his shot and build on his strength.
Joel Eriksson Ek – Another forward who jumped into the pros in the Swedish league, Eriksson Ek possesses a great combination of size, speed and skill. Offensively gifted, he scored 21 goals in 25 games in the Super Elite league before moving to the SHL where he scored four goals in 34 games. He provides a good combination of that offensive talent with defensive responsibility for a center.
Brock Boeser – After making a minimal impact in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers in 2013-14, Boeser had a breakout season with the Waterloo Black Hawks, scoring 35 goals and picking up 68 points in 57 games. This dynamic winger has an excellent shot and is a prospect that has essentially floated under the radar. He'll still likely go late in the first round and will certainly make an impact on the scoresheet for whatever team drafts him. He's committed to North Dakota for next season.
Jakub Zboril – A defenseman with offensive tendencies, the St. John Sea Dogs blue liner had 33 points in 43 games, impressive numbers for a defenseman. Don't let his strong offensive skills – he has a great shot and is very capable of joining the rush – fool you. He has a great defensive foundation. His positioning is solid, he keeps the opposition to the outside and he brings a physical presence to the back end.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
