D Ivan Provorov (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)
An offensive defenceman, Ivan Provorov has been improving more and more as the season went on, shooting up the draft rankings. The Russian helped his Wheat Kings to the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy (regular season champions) with 15 goals and 61 points in 60 games. With a 6-foot, 200-pound frame, he is a big presence on the ice. Provorov is a gifted skater with great positioning in his own end.
Scouting report by Curtis Joe (EliteProspects):
"An offensively gifted defenceman who can direct the game’s pace when the puck is on his stick. Provorov is a quick and agile skater with an accurate release on his shot, which he can get off anywhere below the blue line; creates many chances on the power play and can even create offense during the penalty kill. Is an adroit and creative passer who knows how to use his teammates well. All-in-all, a complete defenceman who knows how goals are scored and executes accordingly."
NHL potential: Top-pairing offensive defenceman
NHL comparison: Oliver Ekman-Larsson