2020 NHL Draft: Prominent USHL Forwards

Brendan Brisson

In my opinion, the best player in this group is Brendan Brisson. He enjoyed an outstanding rookie season with the Steel that culminated with him winning the USHL Rookie of the Year award. The 5’11” and 179 pounds forward recorded 59 points in 45 games this past season. Brisson received recognition with his all-star selection at the World Junior “A” Challenge, leading all scorers with 12 points in six games.

Brisson possesses an extremely high hockey IQ with exceptional vision. Although his game is relatively well-rounded, it is in the offensive zone that he excels. He knows where to set up in the attacking area to utilize his accurate shot and quick release.

Brisson is a decent skater with tremendous mobility. His playmaking skills are top-notch aided by how well he sees the ice.

Brisson is committed to the University of Michigan for the 2020-2021 season, where he can work on his overall strength and improve his top-end skating speed.

Brendan is the son of NHL player agent Pat Brisson.

His expected range of selection: 25-40.

Sam Colangelo

Teams looking for value in a middle-six power forward may find precisely that in right-winger Sam Colangelo. At 6’2″ and 205 pounds, Colangelo provides both physicality and scoring. His puck protection skills allow him to dominate possession in the offensive zone. Thus, affording him the time to find an open teammate. Colangelo managed 58 points in 44 games, 28 of which were goals, a testament to his hard and deadly shot.

Despite providing a league-best +32 plus/minus rating, his defensive play is only marginal. His best defensive attribute is his long reach and an active stick, while his coverage is suspect. His skating stride is powerful, but his quickness needs work. Colangelo is committed to Northeastern University, where I’m confident he’ll improve on his deficiencies.

His expected range of selection: 50-70.

Sean Farrell

Harvard commit, Sean Farrell, in contrast to Colangelo, is an elite skater. However, he is only 5’9″ and 179 pounds. He is more the playmaker than a goal scorer, recording 15 goals and 41 assists in 44 games. His assist total led the USHL last season. High awareness and superb edgework allow him to possess the puck at will in the offensive zone. Farrell previously played with the USNTDP but opted to play for the Steel for the 2019-2020 season. His infectious energy in all three zones allows him to win puck battles despite his lack of size. Farrell is an effective penalty-killer with good anticipation.

The playmaking left-winger will need to gain strength, and the university route will afford him that opportunity.

His expected range of selection: 40-60.

Daniil Guschin

The only featured player, not with the Steel, is highly skilled Russian winger Daniil Guschin. His second season with the Lumberjacks saw Guschin improve on his numbers from his rookie season. He went from 36 points in 51 games to 47 points in 42 games. Skating is the top characteristic of his game. His overall speed and quick starts, along with strong edgework and agility, make him extremely elusive. Guschin possesses the ability to make plays at top speed.

Lack of size (5’8″ and 165 pounds) and inconsistent play are areas for concern. He is yet to commit as to where he’ll play next season. 

His expected range of selection: 50-70.

Related Articles: 2020 NHL Draft: Top Russian Forwards and 2020 NHL Draft: Top European Defensemen.

Rick Warman is a Vancouver Canucks and prospects contributor for Overtime Heroics. Follow him @statman1956 on Twitter

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