Scout Series: Donesh Mazloum (WHL)

Future Considerations’ WHL-based scout Donesh Mazloum gives his thoughts on who from the 2014 NHL Draft class left him impressed, who disappointed and who his sleeper is on draft day.

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!

Who Impressed?

Dysin Mayo was a player who I had high expectations for coming into this season, however his level of play as the season wore on impressed even me.

Mayo’s game is predicated around his elite-level awareness. He is not an ‘off the glass’ type of defenseman as he shows patience and vision to find outlet passes and he is very creative in finding teammates. He’s also has a very smooth skating style built around a wide base and routinely pushes the envelope with probing rushes into the offensive zone. He is not a punishing defensive player, however using his exceptional positioning and a deceptively effective hip check to keep attackers at bay.

Mayo’s biggest improvement as the season wore on was his confidence in his abilities, especially in the offensive zone. After a slow start, Mayo ended the season as a regular occupant on Edmonton’s power play unit and logged big minutes during the playoffs.

As a puck possession defenseman, Mayo turns the puck over occasionally and has room to improve defensively. He also lacks ideal size for a defenceman and while he’s no pushover he’ll never be a shutdown guy.

Having said that, I feel that Mayo has sky high potential and could very well be one of the top blueliners to come out of this draft ten years down the road.

Who Disappointed?

It might be a tad unfair to call Keegan Iverson a disappointment when we still have him among our top 150 prospects for this years draft, however after numerous viewing I was always left wanting more from him.

Coming into the year many saw him as a potential top-60 pick, but I don’t think his play this year warrants a selection that high.

Iverson’s physical skills are impressive. He already has NHL size at 6-foot, 216-pounds and he isn’t afraid to throw his frame around. He moves around the ice well and is more than comfortable handling the puck both at full speed and in tight spaces along the boards. Iverson’s best attribute may be his shot as he has a heavy release that can beat goalies clean. He has the potential to be a quality power forward at the NHL however up to this point he has yet to put all those tools together.

But Iversons struggles seem to stem from both an inconsistent effort and below average hockey IQ. His effort level wanes in both the offensive and defensive zones and even at his best there seems to be an extra gear he’s just not going to. While he passes with authority and accuracy, Iverson doesn’t showcase the greatest awareness and at times he suffers from tunnel vision. He is certainly more goalscorer than playmaker.

Iverson still has pretty solid potential if he can find a way to use his skills to have more of an impact. While the potential is there I feel that he is a high risk player with some glaring holes in his game.

Who Surprised?

Perhaps the most underrated prospect in the WHL this year, I believe Luke Philp has the potential to be a quality NHLer.

Philp doesn’t have a particular elite skill and he lacks ideal NHL size, however he has no glaring weaknesses either and he’s a player whose whole is greater than the sum of his parts.

One thing I really like about Philp is he seems acutely aware of his limitations and he leans on his strengths to compensate. He is a quick, shifty skater and he effectively avoids major contact. Philp is a good puckhandler, too, and has very good instincts off the rush. His vision and hockey IQ are evident as he finds teammates with relative ease.

He has a knack for finding soft spots in defensive coverage and finds defensive blind spots. For his small stature, Philp possesses a surprisingly strong shot. He does all the little things that are necessary to win. He is exceptional on faceoffs and he is an intelligent and hardworking defender. Philp isn’t the fastest, biggest or flashiest player and it’s the reason he’s towards the bottom of most draft lists.

Despite this Philp quietly put together a fantastic offensive season and could surprise a lot of people with his development moving forward. He is one to watch and I think he’ll turn out to be a late round gem for whichever team drafts him.