#TrackingTheDraft with @CraigJButton

Dean Millard

Tracking the Draft with Craig Button is a weekly 45 minute podcast hosted by Dean Millard featuring former NHL General Manager Craig Button who is currently the Director of Scouting for TSN. We will focus on the upcoming NHL draft in a number of different ways.One segment, titled Top Shelf Talent will feature a projected 1st round pick. Another segment will focus on players projected to go after the first round, titled The Next Wave. Time Machine will be a segment where we look at past drafts with stories from Craig and comparisons to a current draft prospects. A short Prospect News segment and a trivia contest will wrap around the draft discussion between Craig and Dean. read less
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Episodios

Season 2 episode 33 - Final show of the year, recapping 2021 NHL/UFHL Drafts & looking ahead to 2022
06-08-2021
Season 2 episode 33 - Final show of the year, recapping 2021 NHL/UFHL Drafts & looking ahead to 2022
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  The final show of the season saw us take a look back at the 2021 NHL Draft as well as what Duckman's Domination did in the UFHL Auction Draft. We chatted about the current Canadian WJC summer camp and looked ahead to the 2022 NHL/UFHL Drafts. It's been a real pleasure chatting with Craig each week and now he's going to get some well deserved time off. Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 - Episode 31 - Owen Power, Zach Dean, Shai Buium
14-07-2021
Season 2 - Episode 31 - Owen Power, Zach Dean, Shai Buium
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  With the 2021 draft just around the corner we focused on the likely top pick as well as two players who could be later first round picks. Owen Power has been a tower of power all year as the #1 prospect. The Michigan Wolverine solidified his top spot at the men's World Hockey Championship helping Canada win gold. I asked Craig about his offensive potential and more. Zach Dean skated with Gatineau of the QMJHL this season and looks to be trusted, safe player that will help in both ends of the ice. He might not have high end skill, but he rarely makes mistakes and will be strong down the middle. Shai Buium is off to Denver University in 20222 and was excellent for Sioux City in the USHL this season. A terrific decision maker who is calm under pressure, there is a lot to like about him. We also discussed how players who lost a year of development should be judged and evaluated heading into the draft and somehow got talking about bullring!Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 30 - Matty Beniers, Samu Tuomaala, Aatu Räty + sneak peek at Craig's top 6!
30-06-2021
Season 2 episode 30 - Matty Beniers, Samu Tuomaala, Aatu Räty + sneak peek at Craig's top 6!
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  The 2021 draft is full of defenceman at the top end, which reminds me of the 2012 draft, but this year it's the 1995 draft that Craig thinks of. We discussed Matthew Beniers being one of the more complete players in the draft - not flashy, just effective - and some of the names he gets compared to. Samu Tuomaala is a sniper from Finland who has a more complete game than people give him credit for and showed that during the U18s. Aatu Räty is one of the more talked about players in the draft, as he was ranked number 1 last year and now is at the back end of the first round for a lot of scouts. Craig also unveiled his top 6 of his top 64 which comes out July 8th on TSN and some fun mock drafts he and Bob McKenzie will be doing. Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 29 - Luke Hughes, Brennan Othmann, Fabian Lysell. Plus finding gems after round 2 & remembering Tom Kurvers
23-06-2021
Season 2 episode 29 - Luke Hughes, Brennan Othmann, Fabian Lysell. Plus finding gems after round 2 & remembering Tom Kurvers
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  Luke Hughes is part of a log jam of defencemen near the top of the draft. A great skater with confidence, but what will his offensive production be like? He's heading to Michigan next year so his development curve is on track. Brennan Othmann has a great shot, hockey IQ and uses his size to protect the puck well, but some question his skating. Does Craig? What was a season spent in the Swiss League like for the one time Flint Firebird of the OHL? Fabian Lysell has a ton of speed and only needs an inch of space to blow past defenders and create a scoring chance. He played most of the year in the SHL and while he didn't produce points, he did earn valuable experience. We also discussed how the Tampa Bay Lightning have built a potential Stanley Cup defending team by drafting well in rounds 3-7 and we remembered Tom Kurvers, a hockey legend in Minnesota, a 1986 Stanley Cup Champion and a past Hobey Baker Award winner for the great man he was. Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 28 - Simon Edvinsson, Fyodor Svechkov, Xavier Bourgault
16-06-2021
Season 2 episode 28 - Simon Edvinsson, Fyodor Svechkov, Xavier Bourgault
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  From a smooth skating defenceman to a skilled forward and a all around glue guy who can play on the top line we jumped around a bit this week. Craig and I also discussed Jack Eichel's trade value and Cole Caufield in the playoffs. Simon Edvinsson is the type of player you pay to watch skate. His mobility allows him to defend, but what about his offence? Craig and I offer some comparable that NHL and UFHL GMs should be excited about. Fyodor Svechkov was a steal in the UFHL futures auction, going for just $20 and now a projected first round pick, means profit for the scout who owns his fantasy rights. Craig compared his all around game to one of the best Russians to ever play in the NHL.Xavier Bourgault might not be the flashiest player, or a guy at the top of draft lists, but Craig feels he has the right game to be a really good NHL player and potentially on a top line. There are first line stars and first line complimentary players and Bourgault has a lot of 'glue guy' qualities to his game. Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 27 - Brandt Clarke, Kent Johnson, Oskar Olausson + No combine and improving skills
02-06-2021
Season 2 episode 27 - Brandt Clarke, Kent Johnson, Oskar Olausson + No combine and improving skills
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  We are just over 7 weeks until the draft and we continue to track players leading up to it. This week it's a Canadian Dman playing overseas, a Canadian forward playing in the U.S.A and a Swedish forward playing in his home country. Brandt Clarke is a big blue liner who Craig has ranked #2. He normally plays in Barrie but this year was skating in Slovakia. Kent Johnson was a freshman at Michigan in the Big 10 of the NCAA this season. He projects as a strong centreman but did play the wing this year. Oskar Olausson is a Swedish forward who does a lot of things well and could very well outplay his expectations with his slick hands. I also asked Craig about improving skills and the lack of combine right now. Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 26 - Jesper Wallstedt, Chaz Lucius, Anton Olsson + BPA Vs drafting for need
26-05-2021
Season 2 episode 26 - Jesper Wallstedt, Chaz Lucius, Anton Olsson + BPA Vs drafting for need
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  This week we discussed what might be coming from the Oilers system that could help add depth. The three prospects/NFTs we explore are Jesper Wallstedt, Chaz Lucius and Anton Olsson. Wallstedt is the top rated goalie for the draft and I asked Craig when he might be ready. Lucius is a pure goal scorer who is going to the University of Minnesota to develop after an injury plagued season. Olsson is a Swedish defensemen who might have a chance to outplay his expectations, but could settle nicely as a #3 blue liner. I also asked Craig about the 'BPA Vs drafting for need' debate. Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 25 - Zachary Bolduc, Isak Rosen, Benjamin Gaudreau
19-05-2021
Season 2 episode 25 - Zachary Bolduc, Isak Rosen, Benjamin Gaudreau
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  This week Craig and I discussed the importance of the recent Under 18 World Championship during a season with so few viewings. However basing so much on one viewing can be dangerous. Zachary Bolduc of Rimouski has always been a goal scorer, but this year developed his game even more. Isak Rosen has an NHL calibre release and Benjamin Gaudreau was a bright star on a struggling Sarnia team last year and led Canada to gold at the U18s.  Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 24 - Matthew Coronato, Sebastian Cossa, Dylan Guenther + Power & Perfetti to the Worlds
12-05-2021
Season 2 episode 24 - Matthew Coronato, Sebastian Cossa, Dylan Guenther + Power & Perfetti to the Worlds
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  Craig has revealed his Top 32 for the 2021 draft with a top 40 to come later one and we zeroed in on three players that made the grade. Matthew Coronato has been getting a lot of buzz in the UFHL and NHL scouting communities and rightfully so. A terrific goal scorer who is off to Harvard University. Sebastian Cossa is one of three goalies who made Craig's top 32 and his numbers were incredible with the EDMONTON OIL KINGS this season. He looks like a goalie, not the Michelin Man in net and he makes saves as opposed to just letting the puck bounce off him like a trampoline. Dylan Guenther is Sebastian's teammate in Edmonton and at one point was touted as a potential #1 overall pick for 2021 and while Craig still sees him as a top line player, he might be more of a complimentary top line player, who will still go very high in July. We also discussed Owen Power and Cole Perfetti heading to the World Championship with Canada and I asked if Shane Wright should have been invited?Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 23 - Ivan Miroshnichenko, Shane Wright, Matvei Michkov, Connor Bedard
06-05-2021
Season 2 episode 23 - Ivan Miroshnichenko, Shane Wright, Matvei Michkov, Connor Bedard
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft. A special day for this week's show as we are previewing the final of the World Under 18 Hockey Championship between Canada and Russia. It's a rivalry on ice that is terrific no matter the level and when it's best on best it's Top Shelf! This week we explored two star players on each team not eligible until the 2022 and 2023 drafts. Ivan Miroshnichenko scored two beautiful goals against Finland in the semi-final by freezing the Finish goaltender each time, it's a high end skill that not a lot of players have. Shane Wright has done everything right at this tournament and before and Craig thinks he would go first overall in this year's draft if he was eligible, so I asked him if Wright is a generational player. Matvei Michkov has an astonishing 11 goals in the tournament so far and isn't draft eligible until 2023 so think about what he could do to the all time record book with his patience and unpredictable (from a defenders POV) offensive abilities. Connor Bedard is a guy who most think will go first in 2023 and for that reason he was granted exceptional player status in the WHL, becoming the first player to ever do it. He's not making the decision makers look bad, as he dazzled in the semi-final and we used the term AI when discussing his attack.  Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 22 - U18 Worlds edition - Brandt Clarke, Simon Edvinsson, Fyodor Svechkov, Nikita Chibrikov, Shane Wright
28-04-2021
Season 2 episode 22 - U18 Worlds edition - Brandt Clarke, Simon Edvinsson, Fyodor Svechkov, Nikita Chibrikov, Shane Wright
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.    With Craig in Texas for the Under 18 World Championship we came up with a fab five pack of players taking part. From Brandt Clarke an offensive dman who has #1 defenceman written all over him to Simon Edvinsson who might not be as offensive as Clarke, but the Swede will be very valuable to an NHL team with his mobility and size when it comes to moving the puck and defending. We chatted about a couple of Russians in Fyodor Svechkov and Nikita Chibrikov, two highly skilled but different forwards. Svechkov has a really good all around game, while Chibrikov has a higher offensive ceiling, but both have made an impact in the tournament so far. To end the segment we brought it back to Canada and looked ahead to the 2022 draft with Shane Wright. The Canadian captain scored an even strength, power play and short handed goal vs Sweden, displaying his all around game, and Craig had a comparison to one of the best players in the NHL right now. Here are the scouting agencies who purchased the NFTs discussed in today's show. Brandt Clarke - RubyISSSimon Edvinsson - Spitfire ScoutingFyodor Svechkov - RubyISSNikita Chibrikov - Spitfire ScoutingShane Wright - High Level Scouting Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 21 - U18 edition - Francesco Pinelli, Brett Harrison, Conner Roulette, Connor Bedard, Shane Wright
21-04-2021
Season 2 episode 21 - U18 edition - Francesco Pinelli, Brett Harrison, Conner Roulette, Connor Bedard, Shane Wright
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft. From Top Shelf Talent to The Next Wave to Time Machine and more. It was the World U18 edition this week as we took a look at 5 players who will be suiting up for team Canada next week in Texas. Three of them are eligible for the 2021 NHL draft, the other two are for 2022 and 2023 respectively. Francesco Pinelli, Brett Harrison and Conner Roulette will play various roles while wearing the Maple Leaf, and some of it might be different from what they do on their regular teams. Connor Bedard is the top pick right now for the 2023 draft, but don't suggest to Craig he's too young to play a top role. Shane Wright is being considered as the top pick in 2022, like Bedard he received exceptional player status in the CHL, but hasn't played this year as the OHL has been shut down to due Covid19. Will that have an impact of his play at the start of the tournament? Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 20 - Josh Doan, Chase Stillman, Red Savage + the depth of the 2021 draft
14-04-2021
Season 2 episode 20 - Josh Doan, Chase Stillman, Red Savage + the depth of the 2021 draft
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft. From Top Shelf Talent to The Next Wave to Time Machine and more.It was all about NHL bloodlines on this episode as we focused on three players whose fathers suited up in the NHL and had successful careers. Josh Doan is currently playing for the Chicago Steel and soon will be playing for his home state school at Arizona State University. Chase Stillman will be a member of Canada's upcoming Under 18 team and spent some time playing in Denmark while the OHL has been shut down. He's certainly not afraid to challenged defensemen one on one. Red Savage is part of the U.S. National program and will play at Miami University next season and projects to be a really smart, two way forward.  Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube. UFF Sports: Email: info@uffsports.comWebsite: https://uffsports.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFFSportsTelegram: https://t.me/joinchat/SDRESrh77-LavqpTTelegram Announcements: https://t.me/joinchat/ScfVQ85rFDzQe-psMedium: https://uffsofficial.medium.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uffsportsofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uffsportsofficial/ UFSN Twitter: https://twitter.com/UFSNetwork UFHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/ufhleague UFAHLTwitter: https://twitter.com/UFAHL_UFFS UFGATwitter: https://twitter.com/UFGA_UFFS ZilPayhttps://zilpay.xyz/
Season 2 episode 18 - Justin Robidas, Aatu Raty, Nikita Chibrikov + building a foundation from the back end and looking out for the league
01-04-2021
Season 2 episode 18 - Justin Robidas, Aatu Raty, Nikita Chibrikov + building a foundation from the back end and looking out for the league
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft. From Top Shelf Talent to The Next Wave to Time Machine and more. Justin Robidas is a point per game player right now in the QMJHL with Val-d'Or and while he doesn't do anything spectacular he also doesn't have any holes in his game. He thinks the game really well, much like his father Stephane who played almost 1000 games in the NHL. Dultak Scouting Service owns this NFT in the Ultimate Fantasy Hockey League.Aatu Raty was leading the hype machine at this time last year as the number one pick. That's not the case right now, but don't mistake that for thinking he won't be a very good player. Smart scouts let others discuss the numbers in Liiga or the fact that he was cut from the World Junior team in Finland - Joe Thornton's rookie season and Marty Brodeur not making Canada's WJC say hello - while others rely on his game to game improvements in a pro league. Imagine what he would be doing in junior or college? RubyISS owns this NFT in the Ultimate Fantasy Hockey League.Nikita Chibrikov is going to be a fun player to watch, whichever team is lucky enough to take him. His ability to change gears and push back defencemen when crossing the blue line is fantastic and then he really goes to work. He's played in 3 different leagues and Craig believes he'll outplay his draft position with a name like Nikita Kucherov coming to mind. Also a nice tip of the hat to some legendary Russian hockey players from the past. Spitfire Scouting owns this NFT in the Ultimate Fantasy Hockey League.We also chatted about building a foundation with blueliners and looking out for the overall health of the league as opposed to just your team. Long vs short term.  Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube.
Season 2 episode 16 - Logan Stankoven, Cameron Whynot, Matt Coronato plus scout plans, subtle plays and top 5 vs 3-7
17-03-2021
Season 2 episode 16 - Logan Stankoven, Cameron Whynot, Matt Coronato plus scout plans, subtle plays and top 5 vs 3-7
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft. From Top Shelf Talent to The Next Wave to Time Machine and more.  We focused on 3 guys who likely won't be top 5 or top 10 picks but have the potential to make some people ask, 'how'd they get him there?' Logan Stankoven was purchased as an NFT for $520 in the scout auction and while he's dropped in a lot of rankings, Craig always comes away impressed by the Kamloops Blazer of the WHL.Cameron Whynot has already doubled his point production from his rookie season with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL, and Craig sees a current Toronto Maple Leaf blue liner when he watches him play. While not physical, Whynot is steadily getting better in all areas. Matt Coronato simply scores goals. 36 in 39 games this season with the Chicago Steel of the USHL and Craig relates how some scouts complain that all players do is score goals with a hilarious story about Ken Holland. We also debated a top 5 pick for $1000 in the USHL vs 10 NFTs for $100 from rounds 3-7 and beyond. I asked Craig about his scouting plan the rest of the season and how to spot subtle plays by skaters or goalies. Next week, it's Craig's Counsel where you can ask a question about a scouting tip or a story from his career. Email me Trackingthedraft@Gmail.com and we'll add your question to the list we already have going. Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube.
Season 2 - Episode 15 - Sasha Pastujov, Samu Tuomaala, Zachary L'Heureux plus a July draft & lottery changes @UFHLeague
10-03-2021
Season 2 - Episode 15 - Sasha Pastujov, Samu Tuomaala, Zachary L'Heureux plus a July draft & lottery changes @UFHLeague
The Stars of tomorrow are discovered and discussed here, Every Wednesday former NHL GM, Stanley Cup Champion and Director of Scouting with TSN, Craig Button and I explore prospects for the NHL Draft.  We kicked things off discussing that a July draft looks like it's happening and how that impacts everyone involved. Don't ask Craig to put an asterisk beside this draft though, everyone is in the same situation. We also chatted about potential changes to the NHL draft lottery and whether it's being motivated by the 'good of the game' or 'the good of my team' when it comes to GMs in the NHL. The three prospects we profiled are Sasha Pastujov, one of the best passers in the draft and a guy heading to Notre Dame of the NCAA next season. Same Tuomaala of Karpat J20, a winger who's never met a shot he's afraid to take, but it's not just the shot, it's the positions he gets himself in to take those shots. Zachary L'Heureux is a player that maybe isn't the same type of power forward that a guy like Josh Anderson or Tom Wilson, but he still has plenty of power and skill in his game. Think of a cross between Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand. I also brought up with Craig about being patient as a General Manager, whether that's in the NHL or the UFHL or any fantasy hockey franchise. Knowing your own team better than anyone is the first step, which allows you to be patient or pounce on an opportunity to improve your team.   Craig joins us each week courtesy of the UFFS Hotline, become a scout and track the same players Craig and other scouts do, join up at www.UFFSports.com and get paid for your eagle eye when it comes to future stars. Catch past episodes and individual players at www.TrackingTheDraft.ca and watch episodes on YouTube.