In the days leading up to the draft, Future Considerations will count down its top-ranked prospects for the 2014 NHL Draft in prospect profile segments.
Draft Countdown 30-26
Draft Countdown 25-21
Draft Countdown 20-16
Draft Countdown 15-11
Draft Countdown 10-6
Draft Countdown 5-1
To go even deeper into the draft class, pick up Future Considerations’ 2014 NHL Draft Guide, containing our ranking of the top-210 prospects, full profiles on 210 draft eligibles, a two-round mock draft, a glimpse at the 2015 NHL Draft and much, much more! Click HERE to find out more!
15. Robby Fabbri – C – Guelph Storm
An electric center from the Ontario Hockey League, Fabbri put up big time numbers with powerhouse Guelph this season in the form of 45 goals and 87 points in 58 games. The Storm were something of a powerhouse this past season and many are quick to try and discredit Fabbri’s production, claiming his numbers are inflated by the quality of the team he plays on. Nonetheless, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound speedster possesses an undeniable offensive skill set that make his point totals easy to justify.
Lightning quick, Fabbri battles and grinds beyond his size and in combination with his electric hands, make him tough to contain in the offensive zone. The concern with Fabbri lies in his strength, or rather, lack thereof. He is much too easily knocked off the puck and in spite of his tireless compete, bigger players have little trouble disposing of the pivot.
14. Dylan Larkin – C – NTDP U18
Best described as industrial, Larkin does it all. He plugs away at every aspect of the game and is equipped with the necessary tools to contribute offensively as well. As a member of the NTDP of the USHL this season, Larkin posted a respectable 29 goals and 49 points in 53 games. The numbers don’t jump out as teammate Sonny Milano’s would, but as mentioned previously, Larkin’s true value is revealed in the specifics of the game.
He’s solid at the faceoff dot, sticks to his defensive assignments admirably and most noticeably, is a jet on skates. The 6-foot, 190-pounder rips around the surface like it’s nobody’s business and affords him the advantage of catching up to the play if caught behind — at both ends of the ice. Larkin’s limitations concern his offensive upside. Outside of his skating ability, nothing in his offensive portfolio is elite or suggests he will find major offensive success in the pros.
13. Kevin Fiala – LW – HV71 J20
Fiala made waves this past spring by not only cracking Switzerland’s men’s roster for the 2014 IIHF World Championship, but recording multiple points at the event. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Swiss product has risen up rankings everywhere throughout the season and his intriguing blend of skill and strength make him a tough player to contain when on the attack. Although Fiala doesn’t play a physical brand of hockey, he is extremely strong and steady on his blades, causing opponents fits when trying to dislodge him from the puck.
Equipped with state-of-the-art Hockey IQ and creative, yet reliable, stickhandling, Fiala weaves his way into soft spots on the ice where he then whips out his accurate shot or threads a pass. This has resulted in three goals and 11 points in 17 games played at the SHL level, a very admirable pace for a 17-year-old. Despite being so offensively gifted, Fiala makes it a point to complete his defensive assignments and is very reliable in all three zones. Such a unique package of skill and responsibility is what makes Fiala one of the most intriguing prospects available in Philadelphia.
12. Jared McCann – C – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
A strong blend of offense and defense awareness, McCann thrives at both ends of the ice. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound pivot has displayed an ability all season to not only bury the puck in his opponents net, but thwart that opponent from doing the same on his own net. McCann managed a respectable 27 goals and 62 points in 64 OHL games and impressed at the Top Prospects Game in Calgary, finishing off an important goal late in the game.
McCann sports good vision and hockey IQ, blended with a balanced offensive arsenal, he has the ability to create chances for himself rather than wait for them to arise on their own. On the defensive side of the puck, McCann backchecks hard and doesn’t object to laying down in front of howitzers in the name of defense. One major issue with McCann remains his strength, which suggested by his weight, is still lacking. Serious time in the gym and kitchen are highly recommended for the future.
11. Brendan Perlini – LW – Niagara IceDogs
A coveted blend of great size and speed, Perlini fashions himself after a train going downhill. He’s blazing quick and is a terrifying 6-foot-3, 205-pounds. He’s the type you’d like to avoid in a dark alleyway, even though he isn’t of the violent nature. In fact, he can hardly be considered a power forward – not using his size to its full potential.
What Perlini does do well, is score. A heavy, accurate shot and slick passing ability earned him 34 goals and 71 points in 58 OHL games this past season. He employs his size well on the offense, protecting the puck and driving the net hard, however on defense, the story is much different. He can be caught on the perimeter and can even be out-muscled. This is something of a concerning reality for a man of Perlini’s size.
To go even deeper into the draft class, pick up Future Considerations’ 2014 NHL Draft Guide, containing our ranking of the top-210 prospects, full profiles on 210 draft eligibles, a two-round mock draft, a glimpse at the 2015 NHL Draft and much, much more! Click HERE to find out more!