An NHL source told Sports Headliners on Tuesday he believes three Gophers will be chosen during the first round of the NHL draft on June 26.
The source, who has experience scouting and coaching in the NHL, requested anonymity while talking about Zach Budish, Nick Leddy and Jordan Schroeder. Budish and Leddy will be freshmen with the Gophers this fall, and Schroeder a sophomore.
Schroeder led all college freshmen in scoring last season and there’s been speculation he will be the first of the three drafted but the source said it might be Budish. “He might go in the top half of the first round,” the source said.
He is becoming more impressed with the former Edina High School forward who although not a classic skater is a “tough, nasty” player with leadership abilities. “He’s getting a lot of scouting attention,” the source added.
He described Leddy, a defenseman who played for Eden Prairie, as an “electrifying” skater and also “very good with the puck.” Although he’s only about 5-11, 180 pounds, the scout disagrees with those who think Leddy isn’t big enough for the NHL.
Schroeder, about 5-9, 180 pounds, isn’t a classic first round forward prospect and he often doesn’t dazzle scouts but the source said he has a “great shot” and his hockey IQ is as “high as I’ve ever seen” and compared it with Wayne Gretzky. “The really impressive thing with him is that wherever he’s been, he’s been the best player on the team,” the source added.
None of the three Gophers is ready for the NHL and all probably will play with Minnesota next season. The source said Schroeder might be ready to play effectively in the minors but he, too, will benefit from college hockey.