The Best of the West

Having produced the likes of Tyler Myers, Milan Lucic, Shea Weber and Carey Price, the WHL looks to once again turn its young up-and-comers into the next wave of NHL Superstars.

Typically known for producing large bruising defensemen and hulking power forwards, the WHL has recently seen a slew of quality goaltenders through its ranks. They boast five of the last six CHL Goalie of the Year winners.

The top three is more wide open than it has been in years. The WHL has the potential to produce a first overall pick for the first time since current Ottawa defenseman Chris Phillips was taken fifteen years ago.

Here’s a look at the Top Four.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

The most polished of all players ready to be drafted come June; Nugent-Hopkins draws comparisons to Joe Sakic for his ability to make those around him better. Using tremendous on-ice vision and playmaking abilities, Nugent-Hopkins is on a tear with the Red Deer Rebels. He’s sitting 11^th in WHL scoring with 41 points in only 31 games. While not the biggest player, NH uses his speed to maneuver well in all three zones. Currently listed at 6’0, 170 lbs, NH will need to bulk up his thin frame if he expects to compete at the next level. There are concerns about his ability to play center at the NHL level, and whether or not he should convert to playing on the wing. Currently projected to go in the top three, NH was one of the final cuts at team Canada’s selection camp. He’s now back in Red Deer vying for the number one spot.

David Musil

A current dark horse to be selected in the top five, Musil is by all accounts going to be the next big thing. Sitting at 6’4, 200 lbs and growing, this Czech blueliner has all the right things going for him. With the potential to log big minutes in a shutdown role, some are comparing him to 2009 second overall pick Victor Hedman. The Vancouver Giants dman’s on ice playmaking abilities are ahead of the curve and his skating is tremendous for his size. For his offensive game to translate at the NHL level, he’ll need to learn to take more chances. He’s known for the ‘safe play.’ Musil has been limited to just 30 games this season, having suffered a hairline fracture to his right fibula on December 7. He’s listed as out indefinitely which puts his status for the World Juniors as questionable. The potential is high, but without the ability to showcase himself this season, he may fall a bit in the rankings.

Duncan Siemens

This towering blueliner has it all; size, skill, and smarts. With the size that scouts drool over, Siemens has also brought a mean physical aspect to his game. “I like to catch guys with their heads down,” Siemens said. “I watched Scott Stevens when I was young, so that’s where I learned to throw my body around.” One of the youngest players going in the upcoming draft, Siemens will be given every opportunity to grow. His shutdown presence has been felt throughout the Saskatoon Blades’ lineup. Known as a two-way defenseman, Siemens has a cannon of a shot from the point, which will help him see power play time, as well. After a less than stellar rookie season in the WHL, Siemens has come out of the gates strong this year, stepping into big minutes. With each passing game, his stock is on the rise.

Ty Rattie

Having seen its top line all go in the top 60, last season, the Portland Winterhawks once again has a young star ready to be drafted. Rattie is another offensively gifted forward who’s seen his stock rise through the ranks with relative ease this season. Ranked as a late first round pick going into the season, Rattie has exploded for 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) in just 35 games. He currently sits fifth in WHL scoring. Rattie uses his speed in open areas and plays well on the rush. He has a heavy shot, which he’s able to get off quickly. Rattie has been able to do all of this playing on Portland’s second line, although he sees a lot of power play time. Still a little small at only 6’0, 170 lbs, Rattie has some filling out to do. But, with the offensive instincts he shows, teams are willing to wait.

As the World Junior Championship creeps closer and the NHL standings begin to sort themselves out, draft stories begin. Who will go where?

For Open Ice Hockey, I’m Brian Huddle.