This weekend’s NHL Entry Draft in Dallas promises to be a busy one for several incoming Denver hockey freshman. Half of the eight confirmed members of the incoming class (meaning they’ve signed National Letters of Intent) are rated by the NHL Central Scouting Service, and it would not be an upset if all four were taken on Saturday, when rounds 2-7 are held.

Two other freshmen already have been drafted – goaltender Filip Larsson, who was selected in the sixth round (167th overall) by the Detroit Red Wings in 2016, and center Cole Guttman, a sixth-round pick (180th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning last June. We’ll get to them as well as DU’s other prospects in our next story.

What follows is a rundown on the draft prospects of the four players, three of whom are 2000 birth years and will enter DU as true freshmen.

2018 draft candidates

Defenseman Slava Demin (2000 birth year)

CSS rank: No. 40 North American skater

By the numbers: The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder was one of the top-scoring defensemen in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), putting up 45 points (nine goals) in 57 games. He added seven points in 20 playoff games for league champion Wenatchee. He nearly doubled his output from his first season of junior.

Coach’s take: “He has grown measurably, both physically and mentally, over the past year,” DU assistant coach Tavis MacMillan said. “He’s got some natural attributes that pass eye test. He’s a beautiful, effortless skater. He gets his eyes up and sees multiple layers. He can use his legs to create more options. Defensively, he’s got a very good stick off the rush, he breaks up a lot of plays. His skating gives him good gaps. The things he need to work on we can teach him. We think he has more offense to his game than you’ve seen at the junior level. He has a good wrist shot from the blue line and the ability to get pucks through.

Defenseman Sean Comrie (2000)

CSS rank: No. 108 NA skater

By the numbers: A spring signing, Comrie initially was thought to be coming to DU in 2019. However, the 6-foot, 165-pounder enjoyed a strong season (34 points, seven goals, in 54 games and nine more points in 13 playoff games) for Spruce Grove of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). That progress and and a blue line need, due in part to the early entry of Blake Hillman to the pros likely had a lot to do with him coming to campus now.

Coach’s take: “This is a kid who was the CSSHL’s top offensive defenseman at 15. (The CSSHL is a Canadian prep league). We think there is more to his game offensively. … Defensively, his game has really evolved. He’s a guy that can play against speed, play against size, knows how to angle guys off the puck, and how to use his body to position himself.”

Forward Emilio Pettersen (2000)

CSS rank: No. 120 NA skater

By the numbers: The Norway native’s ranking as North American skater is due to him playing the past two seasons in the USHL. He erupted for 46 points (14 goals) in 60 games for Muskegon after 27 points a season ago in Omaha. He’s 5-10 and 180. He’s versatile enough to play center or wing.

Coach’s take: He has very dynamic skill, but the best part of his growth last season was the evolution of his game and ability to play 200 feet and be responsible defensively. He’s very adept at creating 1 on 1s and has the ability to break down defenders and find layers, like a point guard in basketball. You think he’s going to shoot and he finds guy back door. He’s another true freshman, so as he gets stronger you’re going to see his game continue to progress in puck protection and the ability to win battles.”

Forward Brett Stapley (1999)

CSS rank: No. 177 NA skater

By the numbers: In his second year of eligibility for the entry draft, the 5-10, 170-pound Stapley went for 59 points (27 goals) in 52 games and added four assists in seven playoff games. He was just about as good last season, with 50 points (16 goals) in 52 games and 10 more points in 12 playoff games.

Coach’s take: “He’s a little bit of what you call a hockey junkie. He has really good skill but he’s a competitive kid. Although he’s not huge in stature, he competes for pucks, competes for ice. He’s just as adept at scoring as making plays. He’s also versatile, he can play center or wing, so he will give us a lot of flexibility with our lines.”

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