Jamie Drysdale: 2020 NHL Draft Odds and Predictions

Jamie Drysdale isn’t expected to challenge for the two top spots in the draft, but he is expected to be the first defensemen off the board then they call his name in June.

The 18 year-old flashed offensive skills in two seasons with the Erie Otters of the OHL scoring 87 points (16 goals, 71 assists) in 112 games.

The top two Calder Trophy candidates during this year’s NHL season were defencemen Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. Now, it’s not fair to say Drysdale will have this sort of success immediately, it should surprise no one that he’ll be in that conversation a lot side the pair.

Draftsit.com says Drysdale is an “aggressive offensively as he is on defense, he is a pinpoint passer who utilizes all his teammates and uses his four direction feet along with his skillful hands to bring concern to the opposition. When in the offensive zone, he is able to make passes to all teammates, choosing the most opportune to get a scoring look.”

Drysdale represented Canada at last year’s Gold medal performance at the World Junior Championship. In the process he became just the seventh 17 year-old defenceman to play for Canada at the WJC since 1991. The other names on that list include: Scott Niedermayer, Jay Boumeester, Aaron Ekblad and Wade Redden.

Drysdale will likely be a top-5 pick in the draft, and where he gets selected will depend on team needs. Look for the first team that has defensive needs to select this slick blue liner and with this pick and it could be Detroit. With the Red Wings recent addition of Marc Staal from the New York Rangers, the Wings may use the veteran blueliner to help mentor Drysdale, if indeed he is the selection from General Manger Steve Yzerman.

Projection:

4th overall – Detroit Red Wings