I think this is what Beachie has now dubbed Johnathan Huberdeau.  We have had the privilege to watch this kid play a couple of games now against the OHL's two best teams (and some say the 2nd and third best Junior teams this year).  I hope you get to watch him play because he is absolutely magical with the puck.  Here is what I have seen so far.

Let's just get a few declarations out first.  I have not seen Landeskog or Laarson play and I cannot say who is better.  I am not advocating a draft pick one way or another.  I am only looking at two games and I am aware that anyone can have a good two games, so I am only reporting what I have seen, not the Junior career.

I said after the first round of playoffs that the Avs should really look at this kid, and I stand by that now (only because he has kept up his pace, other wise I would not bring that up again).  Last night against Owen Sound he took control of the game in the third period and the OT, eventually getting the game winner with a wicked shot.  The first two periods he was a bit quiet but I thought he still played good, the Attack were really physical and tried to take him off of his game.  What we missed was Hishon's play against Hubbs.  I wonder how Hubbs would deal with things such as a pesky tenacious player like  Hishon.  The one real knock I have on Hubbs is that he is not as fast as I thought he would be.  He is not slow, but he is not blazing either.  His passing ability would be amazing to see in the Avs uniform for the next 10+ years.  He hit his teammates repeatedly in the slot for them to make a goal but the teammates let him down.  He very easily could have had 4 assist in the third period alone.  He is a tough player and has a strong stride to break through poke checks.  He shields the puck well.  His back checking was great also, breaking up 3 great chances for the Attack, so he is fast enough to track down someone.  I am very impressed with his physical play and his board work.  He peals off the boards with a torrent amount of power (has a good explosive ability) and keeps the puck on his stick. Simply put he is the best player on the Saint John team and we are taking about a potential four 1st round picks.  If we do draft Hubbs then I will be excited, and you should too.  If we pickup someone else then I will be excited because we got someone better then Hubbs and that is saying a lot.

Just a side note on a few other observations.  Hishon is everything as advertised and more.  My concern is his size and in that first game he showed size doesn't matter (TWSS or at least I hope they say that).  I have not seen that mean of a player in I don't know how long.  He has that old school mentality of "I am going to score on you and then pound you then score on you just because I can".  Heaven forbid someone doing the same thing to him, he is going to knock you teeth out, just ask Strome.  I know most people need a year in the AHL to build up to the pro game, but I don't think Hishon needs that time, he is mean enough to compete now, and he can play the game at a very high skill level.  The best thing I can say about Hishon, the Attack was just a good team without him in the lineup.

Jordan Binnington has been amazing this tournament.  He is never out of position and is very poised.  I haven't seen a bad rebound and the first and last goal (cant remember the 2nd goal) he gave up against Saint John was not a bad goal and is a goal no goalie would have made.  If he falls to the 4th round this could be a guy who the Avs might pick up.  I never put stock in a goalie for one season let alone three games.  But what does catch my eye is his positioning, he could give Elliot and Budaj some pointer about positioning. 

Nathan Beaulieu is a guy I have seen a lot of mock suggest we pick up at number 11.  His first game I was completely unimpressed.  I do like his moral character, but not enough for a number 11.  He has great speed just wished he used it.  His one great play I saw he took advantage of a tired Owen Sound team that could not get off of the ice,  His goal was all Huberdeau in the first game.  I wished he used his size more.  Ultimately picking Beaulieu would be like picking up a Skoula.  I think he would have been torched several times if Hishon was in the line up.

I hope you guys are watching these kids play because they play with insane amount of intensity. These games are nasty and a showcase of some amazing skill.  I am shocked at how good these kids are.  I am now a fan of Juniors.  Way better then NCAA.