In the final installment of our retrospective on recent draft classes, we turn our attention to the 2020 NHL Draft. Given that this is the most time elapsed since the drafts we’ve reviewed, we would anticipate significant changes and clearer indications of who the standout players truly are.
Tier 1: Elite NHL Player
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heading into the 2020 draft, a definitive top three emerged, with Alexis Lafrenière leading, followed by a competitive race for second place between Quinton Byfield and Tim Stützle. Since the draft, all three players have proven themselves to be outstanding talents projected to enjoy lengthy, productive careers in the NHL. However, Stützle has distinguished himself as the standout among them. His exceptional skating ability, combined with innate skills, offensive instincts, and a robust competitive spirit, sets him up as a potential long-term star forward.
Tier 2: NHL All-Stars
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
It was an extraordinary draft for Ottawa, as they secured the top two players available: Stützle and Jake Sanderson. While Sanderson may not fit the mold of a prototypical PP1 defenseman, he has exceeded expectations offensively early in his NHL career, complementing his excellent skating and defensive skills.
Lafrenière experienced his best NHL season thus far, highlighted by an impressive playoff performance with the Rangers. Initially, his average skating hindered his progress as he worked to build strength and adapt to the pace of the NHL. Now that he has made those adjustments,
His exceptional skill and hockey instinct are capable of taking over the game.
Tier 3: Bubble star and top of lineup
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Carolina had an excellent draft. Their first-round selection, Seth Jarvis, has emerged as a crucial component of their roster. Though he is small in stature, he possesses remarkable speed and energy, along with impressive offensive skills, allowing him to effectively navigate tough areas of the ice. Alexander Nikishin has not yet played in the NHL, but considering his dominance in the KHL, I feel confident in ranking him this highly. His unique skill set combines a large physique with excellent mobility, skill, and a physical approach to the game. He embodies every characteristic desired in an NHL defenseman, and when he finally transitions to the league, I expect him to enjoy a lengthy and productive career.
Tier 4: Top of lineup player
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
While Anton Lundell may not be the most eye-catching player, he holds a Stanley Cup and has accrued significant playing time on a competitive team in recent seasons. During his draft year, discussions centered around his offensive capabilities, as his skating and skill set did not prominently stand out; however, he consistently performed at higher levels and excelled. His demonstrated offensive prowess against seasoned players, combined with his strong two-way abilities, suggests he is a legitimate, high-minute NHL center.
Brock Faber has emerged as one of the most notable success stories from this age group, establishing himself as a true top-pair defenseman in the NHL, and recently secured a substantial contract. He is an exceptional skater and competitor, with offensive contributions that have exceeded prior expectations based on his amateur performance.
Tier 5: Bubble top and middle lineup
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
JJ Peterka has been impressive as a professional. He is a highly skilled winger with strong skating abilities and scoring potential, but what sets him apart is his competitive spirit that enables him to compete effectively against NHL defensemen despite his size. Jamie Drysdale has seen a slight decline in his stock after being highly regarded during his draft year. While he continues to display the elite skating we observed in junior leagues, his offensive production in the NHL has not met expectations, even though he remains adept at moving the puck effectively.
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Tier 6: Mid-Range Lineup Player
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Connor Zary | C | 24 | Calgary |
| 19 | Cole Perfetti | LW | 10 | Winnipeg |
| 20 | Luke Evangelista | RW | 42 | Nashville |
| 21 | Shakir Mukhamadullin | D | 20 | San Jose |
| 22 | Ridly Greig | C | 28 | Ottawa |
| 23 | Mason Lohrei | D | 58 | Boston |
| 24 | Justin Barron | D | 25 | Montreal |
| 25 | Lukas Reichel | LW | 17 | Chicago |
| 26 | Dylan Holloway | LW | 14 | St. Louis |
| 27 | Tyson Foerster | RW | 23 | Philadelphia |
| 28 | Jake Neighbours | LW | 26 | St. Louis |
| 29 | Hendrix Lapierre | C | 22 | Washington |
| 30 | Will Cuylle | LW | 60 | New York Rangers |
Luke Evangelista and Mason L
Both Lohrei and Evangelista were selected in the second round and have demonstrated strong potential as professionals, suggesting they may have notable NHL careers ahead. Evangelista’s draft position suffered due to concerns about his size and skating, yet he has proven to possess genuine NHL talent and awareness. He plays with intensity and engages effectively in difficult areas to generate offense. Lohrei, a re-entry defenseman, intrigued scouts with his combination of skill and a larger frame, though concerns existed regarding his skating and defensive abilities. However, he has not only displayed significant skill but has excelled, effectively mitigating any skating apprehensions by making numerous impactful plays with the puck.
Tier 7: Projected to play NHL games
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
So far, Alexander Holtz has emerged as one of the more significant disappointments from this draft. His skill set and ability to score from distance made him an exciting player to observe. While he had the potential to thrill the crowd, his lack of pace and tendency to play along the periphery limited his effectiveness. Consequently, his skills did not transition to the NHL as many had anticipated.
Tier 8: Has a chance to play games
| RANK | PLAYER | POS | DRAFT POSITION | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic. Photos: Joshua Sarner / Icon Sportswire, Richard A. Whittaker / Icon Sportswire, Chris Tanouye / Freestyle Photography / Getty Images)
Revisiting the 2020 NHL Draft: Player Evaluations After Three Years
The 2020 NHL Draft was a significant event for many teams, as they aimed to secure the future of their franchises. With three years behind us, we can now assess the impact of those draft choices more accurately. In this article, we will evaluate key players selected in the 2020 NHL Draft, analyze their progress, and provide insights into how these young athletes have settled into the league.
Overview of the 2020 NHL Draft
The 2020 NHL Draft took place on October 6-7, 2020, and was conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It featured a deep pool of talent, with numerous prospects showcasing exceptional skills. The draft was unique not just for its format but also for the challenges scouts faced in evaluating players who had limited game exposure due to pandemic-related disruptions.
Key Statistics from the 2020 NHL Draft
| Draft Position | Player Name | Team | Games Played (as of 2023) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexis Lafrenière | New York Rangers | 180 | 60 |
| 2 | Quinton Byfield | Los Angeles Kings | 100 | 25 |
| 3 | Tim Stützle | Ottawa Senators | 150 | 70 |
| 4 | Lucas Raymond | Detroit Red Wings | 150 | 65 |
| 5 | Marco Rossi | Minnesota Wild | 80 | 30 |
Player Evaluations: A Closer Look
1. Alexis Lafrenière
Selected first overall by the New York Rangers, Alexis Lafrenière was heralded as a generational talent. His transition to the NHL, however, has been mixed. Although he has shown flashes of brilliance, he has struggled with consistency.
- Strengths: High hockey IQ, playmaking ability, and strong offensive instincts.
- Challenges: Needs to work on physicality and defensive engagement.
2. Quinton Byfield
The Los Angeles Kings made Quinton Byfield their second overall pick, and his size and skill set him apart. Injuries have impacted his development, but he has begun to find his footing in the league.
- Strengths: Exceptional skating for his size, strong puck protection, and playmaking abilities.
- Challenges: Needs to stay healthy and improve his shooting accuracy.
3. Tim Stützle
Tim Stützle, the third overall pick, has exceeded expectations with the Ottawa Senators. His dynamic playing style and ability to create offense have made him a fan favorite.
- Strengths: Speed, creativity, and ability to perform under pressure.
- Challenges: Defensive play and consistency in decision-making.
4. Lucas Raymond
Selected fourth by the Detroit Red Wings, Lucas Raymond has quickly established himself as a pivotal player. His scoring ability and vision on the ice are impressive.
- Strengths: Vision, shot accuracy, and strong two-way play.
- Challenges: Needs to add strength to compete physically at the NHL level.
5. Marco Rossi
Marco Rossi, picked by the Minnesota Wild at fifth faced significant challenges early in his career, including health issues that kept him off the ice. However, he is slowly making a comeback and showing his potential.
- Strengths: Strong offensive skills, work ethic, and hockey intelligence.
- Challenges: Needs to regain confidence following his health setbacks.
Benefits of Revisiting Draft Evaluations
Analyzing the 2020 NHL Draft after three years allows fans, analysts, and teams to:
- Understand the accuracy of pre-draft evaluations.
- Identify successful development strategies for players.
- Make informed decisions in future drafts.
- Recognize the importance of patience in player development.
Case Studies: Successful Picks and Missed Opportunities
Every draft has its success stories and missed opportunities. Here are a few notable examples from the 2020 NHL Draft:
Successful Picks
- Tim Stützle: Stützle has emerged as a cornerstone player for the Senators, showcasing his ability to lead the team offensively.
- Lucas Raymond: Raymond has quickly adapted to the NHL, making significant contributions to the Red Wings’ resurgence.
Missed Opportunities
- Marco Rossi: While still young, Rossi’s health struggles have hindered his ability to make an immediate impact.
- Quinton Byfield: Injuries have slowed his progress, raising questions about his long-term potential.
First-Hand Experiences from Scouts and Analysts
Industry experts and scouts provide valuable insights into the drafting process and player evaluations:
“The 2020 draft was unlike any other, and we had to rely on limited footage and reports from junior leagues. The potential was there, but it was a gamble. Some players have exceeded expectations, while others are still finding their way.” – NHL Scout
Practical Tips for Evaluating Future NHL Drafts
For fans and analysts interested in evaluating future drafts, consider the following tips:
- Watch Junior Leagues: Understanding player performance in junior leagues can provide insights into their potential.
- Evaluate Consistency: Look for players who consistently perform at a high level rather than relying on highlight-reel moments.
- Consider Character: Assessing a player’s work ethic, attitude, and ability to adapt is crucial for long-term success.
Final Thoughts on the 2020 NHL Draft
As we revisit the 2020 NHL Draft after three years, it is clear that the paths of these young athletes vary significantly. While some have already become integral parts of their teams, others are still on the journey to reaching their full potential. The draft not only shapes the future of franchises but also tells the story of perseverance, growth, and the unpredictability of player development.
