I had the opportunity to watch Kevin Lind and 2 other Chicago Steel teammates who are being mentioned as potential picks in the 2010 NHL Draft.

Kevin Lind | D | 6’3″ | 200

Lind stood out not only with his 6’3″ frame but also displayed skating abilities that are sure to attract NHL scouts.  Lind is very agile with quick feet for a big kid.  He was able to move laterally across the blue line and was very light on his feet.  He was also able to change directions and put himself into passing and shooting lanes while handling the puck.  Lind also anticipated the play well and knew exactly what he wanted to do with the puck the instant it came to him…the puck was not on his stick long and he never made a bad pass.  He kept his head up while in possession of the puck and made quick little passes in addition to long, lead passes.  Lind’s puck and skating skills along with great vision will enable him to have a good shot at an NHL career.  Lind was solid defensively and was able to get his frame in the way several times.  He wasn’t the most physical player and sometimes did not take good angles in the neutral zone and allowed the forward to get by him.  As he grows, he should get stronger without losing the abilities that set him apart from most USHL players.

Sahir Gill | F | 5’10″ | 180

Gill has certainly been very productive this year for Chicago and has made the transition to the USHL.  He has good puck skills and skates well enough to get from point A to point B, but you have to wonder if his game will translate to the pro ranks.  Gill played mostly on the perimeter and was able to bring the puck to the middle of the ice with some deft puck handling.  However, those moves may not have played out as well against better skaters and more disciplined, defensive players.   Gill might be one of those players only suited for a top 6 role.  It will be interesting to watch him develop at BU.

Andrei Kuchin | F | 5’10″ | 184

After being passed over at last year’s draft, Kuchin started the season by putting points on the board for the Steel and has people wondering if he would be selected this year.  Kuchin was ok  at this level but did nothing exceptionally well to stand out.  He has offensive abilities but not enough to make up for defensive short comings.  Kuchin did not backcheck hard and when he did come back, it wasn’t with much purpose or outcome.  It would be difficult to imagine a team using a draft pick on a player with so many question marks.

Tags: 2010 nhl draft, 2010 nhl draft prospects, Andrei Kuchin, Kevin Lind, Sahir Gill

About the Author: Rich Michalowski