Evaluating Young Prospects with Jason Bukala | JD Bunkis Podcast

[@NotExplicable]

I think the kid will do everything possible to be a great defenseman being that he's responsible.

[@bigdave8437]

Bukala, as do many scouts, has great belief in his own assessment of prospects. Therefore a team doing something he doesn't agree with is not going to produce a blazing endorsement on their pick. Elite Prospects had Danford at 30, so their view was on point with Wes Clark's. Voted best defensive defenceman in a poll of OHL coaches & the #2 guy in shot blocks. He just turned 18. The board at the Sphere had him at 6' 1 & 3/4" & 196 lbs. He's Tanev size so I don't know why Bukala think his size is 'average'. His coach said "he's like Tanev, but with offence". He is an excellent skater, is physical, with a mean streak & it wouldn't surprise me if he ends up better than other D picked around that point in the draft. We'll see in 2-3 years. Good pick.

[@biglemoncoke4095]

JD need to ask Jason to come back next time, he knows his stuff really well, and organized.

[@sugibear123]

where did scouts think of easton we'll see how things go with danford in a few years

[@bigdave8437]

As Wickenheiser said, "he (Cowan) is really going to push for a spot" (on the Leafs). "he is very close" in her opinion. Bukala seems to agree & I think he's right when he suggests Cowan will get NHL games. I disagree with his comment about where he plays within the Leaf line-up. When he started with London, he was on the 4th line. By the end of the season he was top 6 & even higher in the playoffs that year, then Toronto picked him at 28. He blew the doors off last year, with a massive step up. As Wick said, "I wouldn't bet against him, as he's proven us wrong at every step". He & Minten were heads & shoulders the best players of the 47 guys at dev camp. Fingers crossed that he impresses Berube come main camp.

[@BigH0mie89]

I disagree with Buk on Danford. I like the pick. This kid is going to surprise alot of people.