Scout Series: Andrew Weiss (USHL)

Future Considerations’ USHL-based scout Andrew Weiss 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?

Jack Dougherty showed he was a great defenseman during two years runs through the Minnesota High School tournament, but not to the point where I thought he would be a Friday night, first round selection. It seemed to be a seamless transition from Minnesota High School to the junior level after joining the National Team Development Program from powerhouse St. Thomas Academy in the fall.

Throughout the year, Dougherty consistently showed sound all-around play and always made a case that his play defensively does not get enough credit. He was a defenseman who the NTDP could play in any situation this year and Dougherty seemed to excel.

I think it was a true testament to how well he plays defensively that he would be consistently paired with players who are considered weak defensively. Dougherty showed time in and time out he could hold his own and more in the defensive zone.

While many do not believe he will be very offensive at the next level, there were many instances this year where he showed that he could be a point producer as his game continues to mature. For me, I would have no problem taking Dougherty in the mid-20’s and anything after that would be deemed a steal based on how much he impressed me this year.

Who Disappointed?

Far and away, Jack Glover was the biggest bright spot amongst a then-USNTDP U17 defensive corps that I believed had some serious question marks heading into this season. Glover was ranked 18th in our preliminary ranking for 2014 and I believed he had potential to climb once the season began.

With his offensive ability, sound mobility and two-way play combined with a 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame, there was no reason to think Glover would not be a stud in his draft year.

For much of the season, Glover struggled in viewings as apparent strengths were turned into question marks. He seemed uncomfortable with the puck in these viewings and also had many defensive breakdowns in viewings this year. Worse, the defenseman who seemed to create numerous turnovers in his U17 year was on the wrong end of a lot of turnovers leading to goals this year.

That said, Glover did seem to turn around his play and showed signs of what I thought he would be during viewings in last third of the season and he capped off his draft year with his strongest play of the season at World Under-18 Championship, recording four points in seven games.

Even more comforting may be what lies ahead for the University of Minnesota commit. Gophers associate head coach Mike Guentzel is one of college hockey’s best at developing defensemen and is sure to have an impact on Glover over the next couple of seasons.

Not all was lost for Glover, but a late second or third round selection is far from where I thought he would project heading into this season.

Who Surprised?

Initially, the only reason Maxim Letunov caught my eye was because his name was right below Jakob Chychrun’s on the Youngstown Phantoms’ Fall Classic East roster.

As my eyes scanned to the right, Letunov made a mark in my memory for the wrong reason with vitals I was sure were misprinted being listed at 6-foot-2 and just 150 pounds. Research showed he had played Midget Minor in 2012-13—a level the majority NHL Draft prospects in the USHL are a year removed from heading into their draft year.

Being a 1996-birth-year, naturally I planned to watch him but figured I would be watching a player who was fighting for a USHL roster spot and not a player who would fight his way up NHL Draft boards all season. I walked away from the Fall Classic with little notes on the Russian forward, but knew there was potential seeing him operate in the offensive zone during those preseason games.

Throughout the year, Letunov would continue to rise after each viewing as his slick hands and vision with the puck seemingly got stronger each month. His chemistry with fellow draft eligible J.J. Piccinich and 2015 NHL Draft eligible Kyle Connor were a high point while watching the Phantoms this season as it seemed they were a threat to score almost every shift.

There is no doubt Letunov’s lack of strength correlates into multiple weak points in his game like his play without the puck and puck protection. Once he catches up to the rest of the draft class and fills out he could be considered a steal at this year’s draft. Players develop at different speeds but the middle round pick may just be beginning to hit his stride.