Whichever prospect a team selects in the first round, there is a good chance that the selection will lead to a player in the NHL. Figuring out who the man to take is no easy feat given the number of players available and having to make a quick decision about the future direction of the franchise.
That’s why we have articles like this one to speculate on how a team can count when they’re on the clock. In today’s post, we look at a defensive lineman out west who might catch the Leafs’ attention.
Scout profile
Luca Cagnone is a Canadian left fielder, who spent the previous season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League. He’s on the smaller side for a fullback as he clocks in at 5’10” and weighs 172 lbs, which is why he ranks slightly lower than some of the other pranksters.
What he lacks in height and size, he makes up for in movement and a solid offensive awareness. Cagnoni quickly rose to become the Winterhawks’ top defenseman who had two NHL draft picks as a fullback and finished with the fifth-best record in the WHL. The 18-year-old’s scoring 64 points (17 goals, 47 assists) in 64 games is a testament to his impressive movement which allows him to seamlessly shift past defenders up front to create space for his teammates, rushing with his fine side. Speed, and he can beat his opponents with either his immaculate passing or his divine shot. While the Winterhawks were quickly dispatched by the Kamloops Blazers in the second round, Cagnone’s seven points in nine games put him first among defensemen and fifth on the team in scoring.
Cagnoni will certainly turn some heads with his skill set, but what’s stopping him from being taken much earlier in the draft is the fact that he’s a tricky little player. There’s no getting away from the fact that a number of teams would be afraid to risk him because of that fact alone, but he also needs to work on his defensive play as his smaller stature will sometimes lead to conflicts on his team. special end. Scouts acknowledged that Cagnoni has made great strides in this department all season and that his skating should allow him to make up some of the difference, but increasing his bulk and improving his drop is required for the offensive defenseman to increase his chances of making it to the next stage.
His incredible ability, playmaking abilities and dribbling in transition undoubtedly make him a good bet for any team willing to take a risk with him, especially with the direction the game is headed. Cagnoni plays with a chip on his shoulder due to his smaller stature and the fact that he wasn’t made in the WHL Bantam Draft, so he’ll have plenty of incentive to prove it once he’s drafted.
What do scouts say?
Tony Ferrari, Hockey News: “A mobile defender who overcame a lot of adversity and went from a non-defender to the WHL to the best defender on his team when he was 18 years old. Cagnoni is small for a defender which leads to some difficulties on his end at times but his mobility can give him a way. To become a decent defender in transition.In the offensive zone, Cagnoni will sneak off the blueline to create a mismatch and attack on the backside.In transition, Cagnoni has the ability to lead the rush as a primary puck-carrier or join the rush as an off-pinch threat.Cagnoni’s intrigue comes from his ability to Participate in generating chances and attacking the ice. The Portland defender is a potential boom or bust.”
Stephen Ellis, Daily Vesuv: “Another fast-moving, modern two-way blueliner. He’s not the fastest skater, and he’s certainly not a physical defender, but he has a wicked launch and can dominate the power play.”
Hadi Kalachi, Afaq Dubber: “A very intelligent two-way defenseman with advanced tackle, awareness, and manipulation habits. Puck skills are just above average in isolation, but mix well. Needs to add some power and improve his skating, but could turn into a top-four outfielder on the run.” National Hockey League level.
Cagnoni said Scott Wheeler of The Athletic He hopes to model his game after Charlie McAvoy:
“You have guys in the NHL like (Connor) McDavid and these guys and you have to be able to skate with them. It works for me because I’m an elite skater and I can bring that to the NHL. My strengths are definitely my skating skills, my playing abilities and the way I think.” In the game. I guess I think it’s not like everyone else. I’m always thinking about the future and planning my next play before I get a puck.”
summary
While there are many people who would be reluctant to take advantage of a small defenseman’s opportunity, Cagnoni brings a lot of positive traits to the table that will make him an interesting target for teams in the draft. He is an elusive skater who is confident in driving the rush, making plays for himself and teammates, and has the speed to keep up with an opponent.
There’s no denying that his smaller stature will handicap him and his defensive play is a work in progress, which is why he will likely wait a bit before his name is called. If the Leafs are willing to give him a chance, they get a keen player with a chip on his shoulder looking to prove his doubters wrong.
If Canyone increases a bit and improves his game defensively, he could become one of the hidden gems in the draft. Toronto may risk choosing him but he’s definitely worth rooting for.
stats from Elite prospects.