As we inch closer to the 2024 NHL Draft, The Hockey News will be diving into prospect options for the New York Islanders to select at No. 20.
Now, on our sixth day of the series, we look at right-shot center Jett Luchanko.
See prior articles on Michael Hage , Adam Jiříček , Sacha Boisvert , Andrew Basha , and Nikita Artamanov .
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The Ontario native Luchanko exploded this season, going from an energetic grinder with 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 46 games to the team’s top center and leader.
He scored 20 goals with 54 assists for 74 points in 68 games with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In four playoff games, Luchanko had three assists.
He led a middling Storm team in points after Boston Bruins’ center Matthew Poitras left the team, being named the OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player.
Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello loves born leaders.
Luchank also represented Team Canada at the U-18 World Juniors, recording two goals and five assists for seven points in seven games to help his country win the gold medal.
Luchanko’s offensive game starts with his skating.
Modern form and acceleration help him carry the puck through the neutral zone and retrieve it effectively.
According to EliteProspects , Luchanko’s presence on the ice “increases the pace of the game two-fold.” He combines stickhandling with his excellent skating to protect the puck, especially along the boards and in transition.
As reported by McKeen’s Hockey director of scouting, Brock Otten , Luchanko is an “extremely intelligent player” with a high-end vision. He already excels in the defensive zone at 17 years old, which is complemented by his skating and high compete level. Luchanko is already strong offensively, especially as a passer, but he still has another level to unlock through his skills.
For many scouts and organizations, Luchanko is ranked as a late first-round pick. Some are more keen, putting Luchanko around the lottery range, while others place him in the second round.
A team may select him before the Islanders can at No. 20, but the general consensus is that he will likely be available.’
Why would Luchanko be a good option for the Islanders?
First off, Luchanko is a center. While he may end up a winger at the NHL level, it is better to have a possible center than a less versatile forward.
The Islanders’ prospect pool is in need of center depth after 2023 2nd-round pick Danny Nelson.
Luchanko has a high floor, as his excellent compete level, strong skating, and two-way game should ensure a future in the NHL.
While Luchanko’s numbers may not break the charts at the moment, he has the high-end attributes to improve his offense. Luchanko has yet to fully translate his speed into opportunities, but at just 17 years old, the center can improve.
The Islanders organization also fits Luchanko, who works hard in each zone and leaves it all out there—key values of the Islanders’ current “identity.”
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