#NHLDraft one week away. #SUI predictions #Fiala early #Rod mid, maybe #Rathgeb late, maybe LAT #Merzlikins
— Thomas Roost (@thomasroost) 20. Juni 2014Noah Rod
- Born 7 June 1996 in Lausanne | 183 cm | 87 kg | C/RW
- Current team: Genève-Servette HC
Noah Rod is a young and promising forward, playing for Chris McSorley’s Genève-Servette HC. He was one of the best scorers in Geneva’s U20 team, posting 16 goals and 21 assists in 37 matches. He also suited up in 28 games for the NLA team and registered his first pro goal, along with two assists. He had strong playoffs with four points (one goal, three assists) in twelve games and impressed with his mature play. The scouts value him as hard-working, physical winger, who is a real team player. While he does not possess high offensive upsides, his work ethic could earn him NHL draft honors. Swiss talent scout Thomas Roost predicts him to be a mid-round pick, meaning Rod has a good chance to hear his name called in the third or fourth round of this year’s Entry Draft.
Yannick Rathgeb
- Born 24 October 1995 in Langenthal BE | 183 cm | 85 kg | D
- Current team: Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Yannick Rathgeb (photo, in the foreground) is an offensive-minded defenseman, who doesn’t shy away from physical play. He has a good first pass, a nice point shot and wins battles at the boards thanks to his good balance. The 18-year-old played his first season in North America for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League and had a solid first season in Detroit, scoring 21 points in 57 games (seven goals, 14 assists). According to Thomas Roost, Rathgeb is not a lock to get drafted, but could get picked late (fifth to seventh round).
Elvis Merzlikins
- Born 13 April 1994 in Riga LAT | 191 cm | 85 kg | G
- Current team: HC Lugano
Elvis Merzlikins, 20, is a Latvian-born netminder, who plays with a Swiss hockey-license. He is signed to HC Lugano and played 22 games at the highest level this season. He posted a .924 save percentage, a goals against average of 2.13 and showed some impressive performances. He was a serious challenger for Daniel Manzato in a fight for the starting-goaltender position. His best assets are his size and net coverage, but he lacks composure. Thomas Roost sees him as a possible late-round pick, but it remains unsure if a team opts to draft him, as very few European goalies get picked without playing in North America.
Phil Baltisberger
- Born 13 November 1995 in Zofingen AG | 185 cm | 97 kg | D
- Current team: Guelph Storm (OHL)
Phil Baltisberger (photo) is a defensive blueliner, who likes playing physical and uses his size and reach to block shots and passes. His simple but hard game could get him far, but he still needs time to develop his skating and mobility. The Zofingen native had a solid first season in the OHL and scored one goal and 14 assists in 57 games. The Guelph Storm won the Ontario Hockey League title and advanced to the final of the Mastercard Memorial Cup in London, where they lost 3-6 to the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL. Depending on the teams’ needs and valuation of their late round picks, Baltisberger may have a chance to get drafted, even though Thomas Roost thinks his chances are really slim.
