Heading into the NHL Draft, the Tri-City Storm look to continue their prospect production mill. Over the past four years, the Storm have had a prospect selected in the second or third round. Their top prospect and defenseman, Mitchell Miller, is projected to continue the streak this year by going in either the second or third round.
Mitchell Miller – Defenseman
As the highest-rated skater on the team, Mitchell was a crucial piece to his team’s success this past season. Over the course of the season, Mitchell scored eight goals (two game-winners) and recorded 25 assists and finished fifth in the team’s points leaders. Coming into the draft, he’s ranked as a “B” skater and is ranked #49 by the NHL Central Scouting Report for North American Skaters and #90 by Eliteprospects.com. Draftsite.com has Mitchell going as high as round three to the New York Rangers and his average draft position in the fourth round to the Florida Panthers.
Colby Ambrosio – Center
Although he isn’t the Storm’s top prospect, his name is still involved in the conversation. Colby was the team’s leading scorer this past season with 26 goals and 24 assists and was absolutely lethal on power plays with 13 goals. While Ambrosio is a natural scorer and extremely talented center, his size is what may hold him back. However, that didn’t stop Martin St. Louis! Standing at just 5’9″ and weighing 165, hopefully Colby can put on some muscle at Boston College to get ready for the next level.
Ranked as a “C” skater, #71 by the NHL Central Scouting Report for North American Skaters, and #94 by Future Considerations, Colby has the potential to be a late-round steal in the draft.
Nick Capone – Right Wing
Just because Nick doesn’t have all of the hype behind his name as his teammates, it doesn’t mean that he’s not ready to take the next step into the NHL. Nick has great size for his position, 6’1″, 229 lbs, and can use his speed to fly past defenders. He’s committed to play for the University of Connecticut and if things go according to plan, he can hone his skills to become another late-round steal.
He’s ranked as a “C” skater and #126 by the NHL Central Scouting Report for North American Skaters.
Kyle Aucoin – Defenseman
Last but not least for the Storm is defenseman Kyle Aucoin. Kyle was on the second line for the Storm for the majority of the season but did his best to make the most of his minutes. He scored two goals, recorded 11 assists, and had a +/- of -7 in 48 games played.
This being said, scouts like Kyle’s size and athleticism and ranked him as a “C” skater and #158 by the NHL Central Scouting Report for North American Skaters. He’s committed to play at the University of Harvard next season.
With the NFL Draft in the books, and the majority of the country still on lock-down, the NHL Draft can’t come soon enough. There is plenty to look forward to at this point even if we’re all going through playoff hockey withdrawals.
Follow me on Twitter @Nwinansw along with @JRHockeyPodcast for all your junior hockey news. Check back next week when we look at Team USA.
