Draft Eligible Risers 2017****

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Each year there are risers and sliders from the draft board. The buzz created from exceptional play and new found potential sometimes forces teams to draft players above where they should be simply because they view them as "must have" players. In other cases, when others start the slide down the board, the slide seems rather long. Thought to be first round draft prospects midterm sometimes end up near the end of the second round or more. Lets look at a few of the notable draft risers according to Central Scouting.

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Jason Robertson – OHL – Kingston – climbed from 34 to 14

Last 10 OHL Reg games – 9g 12a, +9 with 49 shots

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Jason Robertson finished the season with 9 goals, 12 assist for 21 points in the final 10 games. He went plus-9 averaging 4.9 shots per game in that span and was in on 60% of the scoring plays for Kingston. What an impressive set of numbers for a young man who is tearing up the playoffs as well. 

Why is he rising? – Too many reasons to count. At this point, it's simply because he's found a gift of creating offensive and being in on the action at all spots. He already has great size (6'2 195) to go with his hockey sense and scoring ability. 

He might be one that you reach a little bit earlier on for your fantasy drafts. If others still think he's not a top 20 prospect, you could get lucky and snag a gem in your drafts. 

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Jaret Anderson-Dolan – WHL – Spokane – climbed from 40 to 21

Last 10 OHL Reg Season games – 5g 3a, -3, 30 shots

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Anderson-Dolan didn't exactly blow everyone away from his stat lines as he finished with only eight points in ten games but there are many other factors working in his favor. First of all, Spokane won only one of their last ten games and offense was tough to find some nights. Anderson-Dolan was only in on 27% of the goals in those games. 

Why did he rise? Well, he is still one of the youngest players in this year's draft so scouts have obviously been watching his natural abilities and wondering if he has more gears to develop. His skating is a huge asset and those who were worries about playing in Yamamoto's shadow have seen that he indeed has his own potential. He was also chosen as the U18 Team Captain. 

In 2017/18 Anderson-Dolan might surprise some with his increase in numbers. Don't be one of those who are surprised come fantasy draft day. 

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Josh Brook – D – WHL – Moose Jaw – climbed from 75 to 49

Last 10 WHL Reg games – 1g 6a, +11

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Josh Brook has potential to be an all around dman. He can rush the puck, defend on the PK, and contribute nicely on the PP. He has always shown skills to be strong on the puck and engage in the defensive end, but it seems that his abilities to create offence on the rush have made scouts take notice. The potential for zone entries and shooting from near anywhere has allowed Brook to rise up the draft board, especially since he missed a bunch of last year due to injury. 

He also shoots right. People like that sorta thing. 

Late blooming offensive D-men are tough to spot and if you can get a leg up in your deep fantasy drafts by snagging guys like this with 2-way potential late in the draft? You'll be streets head.

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Ty Lewis – WHL – Brandon – rose from 105 to 59

Last 10 WHL Reg Season games – 3g 7a, -1, 24 shots

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When the Wheat Kings drafted Ty in 2013 they commented on his instincts and high skill level. They were able to snag him in the third round and keep him as a hometown guy. He missed quite a bit of time due to injury in his draft season which leaves the interest level in him continually growing. He had some early season streaks but continued on a strong pace.

He has quick instincts and can pounce on a loose puck or get his feet moving fast on his first three strides. The way he is able to get a wrist shot off is super impressive. He has shown that there is upside and a solid offensive skill set to build upon. The way he forechecks is impressive as well and often shows off his work ethic and quick stride to badger the defence. 

Why the rise? It probaly has to do with more viewings from scouts and the injury in 2015/16.

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Aleksi Heponiemi – WHL – Swift Current – Rose from 36 to 26

Last 10 WHL Reg games – 4g 8a, -6, 34 shots

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This WHL Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year started to really pour it on at the end of the season, elevating his game above the PPG mark with 86 points in 72 contests. He has terrific hands and creativity in the middle of the ice which makes some scouts drool from a high reward scenario. If your NHL team’s draft strategy is “high reward” in this draft, it’s easy to see how he jumps up the scouting draft board. There are legitimate concerns about his size and ability to put on more weight moving forward so he may slide a bit come draft day. His two-way play needs work as well. Skill for days though. 

Why the rise? – His skill set. While other scouting services still have him somewhere in the 3rd round, I’m sure he will be high on lists for the 2nd. 

In your fantasy drafts, this is a kid you take and just cross your fingers. Don't take him necessarily too high, but take him somewhere in the "I feel comfortable" to "OMG SOMEONE IS GONNA GRAB HIM SOON" range. 

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Other notiables

• Eemeli Rasanen – 57 to 32
• Kirill Maksimov 185 to 66
• Dmitri Samorukov 122 to 69
• Tyler Steenbergen 138 to 70
• Nick Campoli 111 to 73
• Matthew Kellenberger 165 to 74
• Vladislav Yeryomekno 199 to 95
• Jonah Gadjovich 60 to 39

**********  HAPPY DRAFTING **************

Joel Henderson – @dathockeydoe

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