The National Hockey League’s 2020 Entry Draft begins in just five days. The draft will be held virtually this year, with Round 1 beginning at 6 p.m. CT on Tuesday, October 6th. Rounds 2 through 7 will begin at 10:30 a.m. CT on Wednesday, October 7th. Round 1 will be broadcast on NBCSN and Rounds 2 through 7 will be aired on NHL Network.
The 2020 draft class is packed with talent, and the Dallas Stars will look to fill their development system with potential, talent, and depth. Our own Derek Neumeier has completed profiles on picks in the upcoming draft that would fit the Dallas system. Below, we’ve collected all of his draft profiles for the year (ordered alphabetically by surname).
Derek’s passion is scouting and the NHL draft, and his credentials speak to that. Here’s a brief rundown of his experience, courtesy of his article outlining his final top 101 draft ranking:
Beyond my work here with Defending Big D, I’m also the Head Crossover Scout with an international scouting service called Future Considerations. This list has been compiled and refined through a dedicated collection of in-person scouting (I live in Calgary, Alberta, and am credentialed with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen and through the AJHL), watching live games and highlight packages online, statistical analysis, reading scouting reports written by others, discussions with other scouts, and other methods.
You can check out the full list to see where he thinks key players will be drafted. Below you can find all of his individual profiles. The article is hyperlinked in the one-sentence teaser beneath the player’s name, position, and team.
Stay tuned to Defending Big D during the draft for more by Derek on Dallas’ selections throughout the two days.
Rodion Amirov — Right Wing — Tolpar Ufa (MHL)
With some of the best hands in the draft, the Russian winger can be a lot of fun to watch.
Justin Barron — Defense — Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Despite a disappointing and then derailed season, Barron will likely still draw intense interest from NHL clubs.
Tyson Foerster — Center / Right Wing — Barrie Colts (OHL)
With some intriguing tools at his disposal, Foerster is a raw prospect who is worth investing in long-term.
Kaiden Guhle — Defense — Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
There’s nothing wrong with being a specialist when you’re elite at your specialization.
Helge Grans — Defense — Malmö Redhawks (SHL and SuperElit)
The Swedish blueliner has the talent, but how much can his decision-making be improved through development?
Ridley Greig — Center — Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
A player with some excellent tools, but also some glaring weaknesses, Greig poses a conundrum for scouts.
Noel Gunler — Right Wing — Luleå HF (SHL)
One of the this year’s best snipers has been dogged all season by rumors. Will they hurt his draft stock?
Dylan Holloway — Center — University of Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
While he might not be the most exciting prospect, Holloway will assuredly bring value to whichever team drafts him.
Joni Jurmo — Defense — Jokerit (U20 SM-sarja)
Just how much are you willing to gamble on raw potential?
Marat Khusnutdinov — Center — SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
The shifty, skilled Russian center could be an ideal fit for the Dallas Stars in the 1st round
Hendrix Lapierre — Center — Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)
After a somewhat slow start and then season-ending injury woes, Lapierre is one of the biggest wild cards of this year’s draft.
Dawson Mercer — Center / Wing — Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
Could the Dallas Stars fill their most pressing prospect need and draft the best player available in the same pick?
Jan Mysak — Center / Wing — Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
A mid-season move to the OHL helped showcase the Czech forward’s potential.
Jacob Perreault — Right Wing – Sarnia Sting (OHL)
If an NHL team is willing to be patient, the Sarnia Sting sniper could be a special player one day.
John-Jason Peterka — Right Wing — EHC München (DHL)
What the German winger lacks in raw skill he makes up for in his ability to push the play.
Dylan Peterson — Center / Right Wing — USNTDP (USHL)
A forward with an incredible set of tools, Just how high does Peterson’s ceiling go?
Braden Schneider — Defense — Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
The ideal blueprint for a modern-day shutdown defenseman.
William Wallinder — Defense — MODO Hockey (Allsvenskan and SuperElit)
A physically gifted defender with a lot of developing left to do, he could be a big wild card come draft day.
Connor Zary — Center — Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
What NHL team wouldn’t want a reliable all-situations center?
Now that the playoffs have concluded, if you’re looking for the next show to binge, Derek also has you covered there. Check out his article, written during the NHL pause, on why Mr. Robot is one of the best television shows out there.