DobberProspects

Prospect Ramblings: How does the COVID-19 Outbreak Impact the Prospect World?

Brayden Olafson

 

 

 

Wow. That’s all I can really say. The rate that the COVID-19 pandemic has engulfed the sporting world has been alarming to say the least. It’s to the point that even as I begin to write this relatively  benign coverage piece, I can’t help but think that the moment it’s published it will be outdated. 

 

Today’s goal is to simply provide a recap of everything in the hockey prospect world that has been impacted by the spread, and also touch on what you can do to mitigate it’s impact on YOUR fantasy team. A couple notes I want to make clear before we begin the review though: 

 

 

 

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Over less than a 24-hour span. The NHL went from no games postponed, to all games postponed. What began as a simple mandate to play in front of zero fans in Columbus and San Jose has suddenly expanded into an all-out hockey lock down. For all intents and purposes, the NHL, IIHF, AHL, ECHL, CHL, USHL and more have simultaneously halted all competition. As it stands, this indefinite suspension could entirely write off both the regular season, and playoffs, although, the league has indicated that there is a mitigation plan in the works, should the pandemic deescalate. 

 

 

 

The news has a massive impact on the hockey prospect world, with one of the primary impacts to NHL teams, and the hockey world as a whole coming as the IIHF explicitly cancels the U-18 tournament which was scheduled for mid-to-late April. 

 

The lack of this exposure has a significant impact for NHL teams as it’s one of the last opportunities for domestic scouts to get first-hand eyes on international talents. In the past this tournament has almost certainly made the difference in where foreign players are selected in the draft, if at all. 

 

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As with the NHL, the AHL has suspended all competition moving forward. 

 

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And finally, most of the major prospect leagues have opted to do the same. The outlook for the three leagues is extremely disappointing as any delays in the season will almost certainly have an impact on the 2020 Memorial Cup in Kelowna. The worst case scenario would be to have the tournament cancelled altogether, a fate that would likely leave the host Rockets feeling somewhat relieved, but also prove disappointing for many of the teams who’ve had success this year. 

 

For many players in particular, this will be their last chance to win a league trophy or the Memorial Cup. Alexis Lafreniere and his linemates will graduate from the QMJHL next fall, and Rimouski will be left with little or nothing to show for putting their eggs in one basket. The Moncton Wildcats are in a similar situation where Jakob Pelletier, Benoit Olivier Groulx, Jeremy McKenna, Jared McIsaac, and Axel Andersson will each have an opportunity to move on. The Wildcats have been close as the host team in 2006, but have never won a Memorial Cup. This year will, or would have been their best chance for another cycle. 

 

 

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The USHL has suspended the remainder of their regular season and playoffs. The league has accounted for a growing number of NHL prospects over the last number of years and it’s disappointing to see the year seemingly come to an end like this for them. The US NTDP had a major showing at the draft last summer and is projected to have another significant group selected this June with players like Jake Sanderson and Ty Smilanic projected to be first or second round selections. 

 

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Although not much was remaining of the collegiate season, the NCAA has cancelled all remaining Winter and Spring championship tournaments including the Frozen Four, leaving no window open for the organization to revisit it. 

 

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Finally, I’m still holding out hope that this doesn’t have an impact on the NHL draft, currently scheduled for June 26-27 in Montreal. Despite as big as this thing seems to be, I keep hearing we’re still in the beginning. 

 

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In closing, to everyone reading, do your best to follow the guidelines of your local health authorities. While most who are reading this are not likely in an age bracket that needs to be overly concerned with the risk of fatality (again, not a doctor), we all have family who are. It’s important for all of us to do what we can to prevent the further spread. 

 

Take care, @olaf1393

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