Ivan Barbashev (LW/C)
2013-2014 Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL): 37 GP, 35 G, 26 A, 61 PTS
Drafted in round 2, 55th overall
Born: December 14th, 1995 in Moskva, Russia
Height/Weight : 6’0’’/185 lbs
Final CSB Rank: 48th
Barbashev is a skilled playmaking winger with impressive vision and passing ability. He has strong hockey instincts, great hands and a decent stride, but he is inconsistent in his efforts. The Coyotes organization will have to monitor his development closely, as he has the potential to become a top-six forward if he stays on the right path.
Nicolas Aubé-Kubel (RW/C)
2013-2014 Val d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL): 45 GP, 42 G, 35 A, 77 PTS
Drafted in round 4, 115th overall
Born: May 10th, 1996 in Sorel, Quebec
Height/Weight : 5’11’’/187 lbs
Final CSB Rank: 74th
Aubé-Kubel's high-energy style of play makes him a versatile addition to any lineup. With his offensive talents still blossoming, it is hard to say what sort of player he will develop into, but head coach Bill Barber will certainly appreciate his work ethic.
Julius Bergman (D)
2013-2014 Västra Frölunda HC (Sweden): 76 GP, 49 G, 51 A, 100 PTS
Drafted in round 5, 127th overall
Born: November 2nd, 1995 in Stockholm, Sweden
Height/Weight : 6’1’’/196 lbs
Final CSB Rank: 151st
Bergman sees the ice well and makes a decent outlet pass. He can push the puck up the ice and skates well. He is a physical defenseman who isn’t shy about throwing his body around. A lot of his game will have to pick up in order to crack the next level, especially with all the competition on the blueline in the Coyotes organization. That being said, he collected 100 points last season for Frölunda of the Swedish Hockey League… as a defenseman.
Vaclav Karabacek (RW/LW)
2013-2014 Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL): 61 GP, 67 G, 36 A, 103 PTS
Drafted in round 5, 131st overall
Born: May 2nd, 1996 in Brandys nad Labem, Czech Republic
Height/Weight : 6’0’’/185 lbs
Final CSB Rank: 75th
A pure goal-scorer, Karabacek excels at finding the open spots in the offensive zone. Though not a dynamic skater, he uses his frame well to protect the puck and get into position to make a play. Still needing to round out his game, especially in his own end, Karabacek has improved by leaps and bounds over the course of his first season in North America. The Coyotes are hoping he can eventually earn a spot on a second or third line, but he will have to improve his defensive game considerably in order to get his chance.
Luc Snuggerud (D)
2013-2014 Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA): 42 GP, 21 G, 17 A, 38 PTS
Drafted in round 5, 133rd overall
Born: September 18th, 1995 in Edina, Minnesota
Height/Weight : 6’0’’/180 lbs
Final CSB Rank: 145th
Snuggerud will not wow you with his offensive skills, but he is responsible in his own end. He can throw solid body checks, even though he is only listed at 180 pounds. If he adds on a bit of muscle and improves his slapshot, he can become a regular defenseman in the NHL... or a firefighter.
Nikita Cherepanov (D)
2013-2014 Lokomotiv Yaroslav (Russia): 74 GP, 41 G, 44 A, 85 PTS
Drafted in round 5, 142nd overall
Born: November 19th, 1995 in Yaroslavl, Russia
Height/Weight : 6’3’’/202 lbs
Final CSB Rank: 149th
Cherepanov is a big, punishing blue-liner who knows how to deliver great hits without racking up the penalty minutes. Standing at 6’3’’ and over 200 pounds, he can also contribute in the opposing zone, as he has shown last season, in the KHL. Cherepanov scored 41 goals in 74 games as a defenseman for Lokomotiv Yaroslav. Move over, Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Gustav Forsling (D)
2013-2014 Malmö IF (Sweden): 59 GP, 6 G, 13 A, 19 PTS
Drafted in round 5, 145th overall
Born: June 12th, 1996 in Linkoping, Sweden
Height/Weight : 5’11’’/176 lbs
Final CSB Rank: 128th
Forsling played 59 regular season games for Linkoping in his first full SuperElite league season, and he scored 6 goals with 13 assists. Such numbers are nothing compared to those of fellow fifth-rounders Julius Bergman and Nikita Cherepanov, but Forsling shows the most offensive potential of the three draftees.
Filip Pyrochta (D)
2013-2014 Zelezarny Trinec (Czech Republic): 58 GP, 31 G, 17 A, 48 PTS
Drafted in round 6, 175th overall
Born: June 12th, 1996 in Trebic, Czech Republic
Height/Weight : 6’0’’/176 lbs
Final CSB Rank: 203rd
Pyrochta is a versatile two-way defenseman who possesses decent skills as well as a sound defensive game. He skates well, is willing to use his frame to disrupt the play or fight for position, and likes to hit. He can carry the puck and pull off difficult passes because of his vision and poise. Pyrochta needs to improve his consistency in order to make it to the next level.
Neal Pionk (D)
2013-2014 Minnesota (WCHA): 44 GP, 15 G, 29 A, 44 PTS
Drafted in round 7, 205th overall
Born: July 29th, 1995 in Hermanton, Minnesota
Height/Weight : 5’11’’/180 lbs
Final CSB Rank: 176th
Pionk is an undersized defensive defenseman who shows tremendous character and poise, but will have a hard time finding a spot at the Arizona blueline, which is loaded with young talent.
