With the 2025 U18 World Championships now completed, there are limited significant hockey events remaining for scouts to evaluate prospects. The USHL`s Clark Cup Finals are expected to conclude by May 20, and the CHL Memorial Cup tournament is scheduled to start on May 23. Although the specific CHL teams participating have yet to be determined, the tournament will undoubtedly feature several draft-eligible players.
However, for the most part, scouting departments have finished the bulk of their player assessments. Teams are now gearing up for the NHL Draft Combine, set to take place from June 1st to 7th.
I`ve always strongly believed in the benefits the combine offers. Firstly, it provides teams with access to crucial medical records, especially important for players with previous injuries or those prone to them. Secondly, the physical testing component is extremely valuable. It helps gauge how well players have prepared and provides a foundational understanding of their strength and athleticism. Teams bring in Exercise and Sport Science specialists to offer more detailed analysis, such as predicting injury potential or identifying specific physical weaknesses that can be addressed. Having more comprehensive information enables teams to make more informed drafting decisions.
Most scouts and General Managers I`ve spoken with are quite discreet when discussing their on-site ESS personnel. This guardedness often stems from a desire to protect proprietary methods or competitive insights.
For me, the most critical aspect of the entire combine process is the interviews. Teams are assigned suites at the KeyBank Center, allowing them to meet with numerous players. Various members of the organization, from ownership down to specialized interview experts, participate to gain a better understanding of a player`s character. This interview process also creates interesting discussions among the prospects themselves, as each team employs unique methods to get to know potential draftees.
Players might be given short tests or asked to analyze video clips. Some face unusual questions, such as which animal they would be in the wild and why. Others are assessed based on factors like body language, handshake firmness, eye contact, and even how they are dressed. I`ve heard many stories about these interviews over the years, and I firmly believe a strong interview performance can significantly boost a player`s draft stock, although many consider it just one piece of the puzzle. I can state with certainty that players have been removed from draft lists specifically due to their performance during the interview process.
Tristan Blackwood