Chicago Steel Producing A Number Of High-End Draft Talent

Pat Quinn

2020-06-27

Photo Courtesy of Clare McManus

 

 

The Chicago Steel are producing multiple high-end prospects for the 2020 NHL Draft. Chicago was a dominant team this season in the USHL, having a franchise winning record of 41-7-1. Within the team, five players scored over 50 points; four of them being draft-eligible prospects. After an unfortunate ending to the season, forced by the coronavirus pandemic, it is time to take a look at some of the Steel’s most impactful players eligible for this year’s draft. 

 

 

Brendan Brisson: Center

 

Playing a few seasons with Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep, Brisson played his first season in the United States Hockey League. After a stellar first season in the USHL, He has climbed up on NHL draft rankings, after being a lesser-known name at the beginning of the year. This season he was named the USHL’s “Rookie of the Year” after scoring 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points in 45 games played. Then at the World Junior A Championships, Brisson led the tournament with 12 points in six games. Next season Brisson will take the college route and play for an exciting University of Michigan team.

 

 

One thing you notice when watching Brisson play is his shot and prodigious ability to finish. He is so sound in the slot area, especially on the man-advantage. His wrist shot and slapshot are both quick and accurate, although he could use more power. The undersized center plays his game with quickness and strong vision. He does a fantastic job of creating plays for himself and his teammates. His hand, speed, and vision combine for a package of elite playmaking abilities. Defensively, Brisson is not very physical but he maintains his defensive responsibilities using his active stick to force turnovers. Brisson is also noteworthy on transition play up ice. 

 

 

Sean Farrell: Left Wing

 

Since coming to the Chicago Steel, Farrell has been another USHL player climbing up on NHL draft lists. This season, Farrell scored 15 goals and 41 assists for 56 points in 44 games played. Farrell also played alongside teammate Brendan Brisson in the World Junior A Championships, scoring eight points in six games. Next season Farrell will suit up for Harvard University. 

 

 

Farrell is an elite playmaker who possesses strong vision on the ice. He does an excellent job of finding his teammates and creating dangerous offensive scoring chances. As an undersized 5-9 skater he is very go