It's time for another prospect profile for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft regarding the Nashville Predators, and this next prospect may be one of the best options for them.
Previously, we went over defenseman Daxon Rudolph and named him the ideal defensive candidate at 10th overall. This next prospect may be the No. 1 prospect the Predators set their sights on, and for good reason. Today's preview goes to Windsor Spitfires winger Ethan Belchetz.
Belchetz is an interesting prospect. Not only is he one of the taller prospects projected to go in the first round, standing at 6-foot-5, 230 lbs., but he is also one of the best puck handlers. It's not everyday that you see a taller player excel with stick handling. That's what makes Belchetz so special. If Nashville wants to keep a theme of drafting physical, yet explosive players, Belchetz is the go-to guy.
Belchetz gives waves of Brady Tkachuk, just less controversial
Not too long along I proposed that the Predators should take in consideration a Brady Tkachuk deal. News flash: that didn't sit too well with the Smashville fanbase. That's why I know propose that they deeply pursue a guy like Belchetz, who carries a similar build and playstyle but isn't as controversial.
His playstyle is built around applying pressure. While most tall forwards apply pressure close to the crease, Belchetz prefers the open ice. He can beat defenders one-on-one, and his size allows to him to easily reach the puck faster than smaller forwards. On top of being an absolute unit on the ice, Belchetz carries an elite set of shooting skills. He possesses a dangerous shot from the circles, opting to one-time or send a rocket to the net, much like Joakim Kemell.
This elite talent is visible in the scoresheet as he scored 34 goals and 59 points in 57 games with Windsor. He's put up impressive stats elsewhere, scoring four goals and seven points in this year's Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
He is a physical player at heart, protecting players with his body and going out of his way to sacrifice it when needed. Defenders struggle to predict where he'll end up on the ice. He has strong off-puck instincts, carrying a high hockey IQ and ability to recognize where he should be at all times.
With the current shape of the Predators roster, Belchetz is looking like their best bet heading into the draft. Pairing him with Brady Martin is a perfect duo. Martin's gritty playstyle and playmaking alongside Belchetz's goal-scoring would feed families.
In terms of how likely he's still available at 10th overall, it's very likely. After suffering an injury to his left clavicle in March, many scouts lowered their standards, and as a result, his draft stock decreased. Currently, NHL Central Scouting have him at No. 9, one ahead of Nashville. If analysts are right about the huge push for defensemen this draft, he could fall down in the draft and land in the hands of them.
Among Tynan Lawrence at center, Rudolph at defenseman, Belchetz seems like the best-case scenario at the wing for the Predators.
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