As we continue a dive into various offensive threats the Kings could select at the 2021 NHL Draft, our next player evaluation focuses on a guy who is a ‘consensus top-10’ pick, yet he’s projected to go anywhere from second overall to somewhere around the 10th spot. Most likely, he’ll be gone before Los Angeles and the eighth pick rolls around. However, because players fall every year, it’s worth providing a little further examination.
DYLAN GUENTHER
Vitals
Date of Birth: April 10, 2003
Height: 6’1
Weight: 181 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward
2020-21 Season
Guenther spent most of his 2020-21 season playing for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, recording 24 points (12 G, 12 A) in 12 games.
Pace-ful State of Mind
Originally selected first overall at the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft, Guenther was a point-per-game player in 2019-20 (his only full WHL season). Despite being limited to just 12 games this year, part of the WHL’s shortened season, the 18-year-old winger more than made the most of his appearances, leading the entire league with a 2.0 points-per-game pace, and second was held by 2023 draft phenom Connor Bedard.
Start Strong, Finish Stronger
As with most players and prospects, the past two seasons have been trying. For the Edmonton, Alberta native, these challenges have not deterred him. Last season, Guenther won the Jim Piggott trophy as WHL’s Rookie of the Year. This season, following his brief time in major junior, Guenther won gold with Team Canada at the U-18 WJCs.
Intangibles
One of the common marks of a player with high character is when a coach puts him in a position of leadership despite lack of experience. With Guenther, he’s earned that respect, as well. Despite playing in just his second season in the WHL, Guenther served as an alternate captain for Edmonton and he also wore an “A” with Team Canada.
What Our Sources Say
Guenther is a very cerebral player. He understands the game in all zones, and situations. Even better, he knows what every other position player should be doing in all situations. Has a lethal shot and likes to shoot from the flanks on the powerplay. He’ll give up some offense to make sure he’s the responsible one on his line. He isn’t physical, yet checks well by angling and stick use via getting under sticks and takeaways. Although he isn’t a center, he can effectively take faceoffs.
More Scouting Notes
Mark Seidel of North American Central Scouting, who was a recent guest on Kings Of The Podcast, had Guenther slotted second overall in his midseason rankings, right behind OHL defenseman Brandt Clarke.
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
Ranked seventh by The Draft Analyst. “He may look wiry, but this dual-threat from the flank is an excellent penalty killer who also plays with snarl. Guenther was leading the WHL with a gaudy 2.00 points-per-game average before helping Team Canada in their gold-medal run at the under-18 world championship.”
Ranked eighth by Future Considerations. One of their scouts had these remarks after the U-18 tournament: “I found that Dylan Guenther had a quiet tournament and never really imposed his will like I thought he would. He blended into the scenery too much for my liking, instead letting his teammates step up and take games into their hands. I expected him to come into this event with momentum after his hot start in the WHL, but that didn’t happen.”
Ranked sixth by Last Word on Sports. “Guenther could become a top-line NHL winger. Given the lack of games this year, he may need another year in junior before he is NHL-ready. He could also use that time to get stronger before he is ready to play the pro game. That said, the types of things he needs to work on, adding muscle and some defensive awareness are things that can be taught, while his natural offensive skill is something that cannot. Guenther’s game is reminiscent of Tyler Seguin, however, this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill or ability.”
See For Yourself
Here is a shift-by-shift video of Guenther (No. 11 in white) from earlier this year:
Final Comments
As the saying goes, ‘Don’t draft for need.’ Yet, there’s always flexibility in that mantra once you start seeing all other talents and potential being equal. Even though it’s easier to transition from center to wing, the Kings’ deep pipeline of prospects down the middle may eventually face some obstacles when it comes down to transitioning to the left or right side. LA also doesn’t have a very deep pool of pure wingers. In no particular order, most promising in that group would be Arthur Kaliyev, Samuel Fagemo, and Kasper Simontaival.
Considering the wing position is the most plentiful of available spots (eight vs. six defensemen, four centers, and two goalies), there is a lack of pressure for these up-and-comers. Needless to say, Guenther could fill another need, if all other circumstances are equal.
Much like Kaliyev, Guenther is a threat in all aspects of the offensive zone, yet he’s most dangerous when shooting from his off-wing. A goal-per-game output in juniors is a tremendous feat, despite the small sample size. While many young players on the roster are vaunted for their character, this sniper also contributes leadership and maturity that coaches respect.
We maintain the prevailing direction with the first pick of Los Angeles is more likely to be used on a defenseman. However, should all four top-tier blueliners be gone, Guenther may be a viable option at No. 8. Aside from building strength at wing, this forward prospect has a plethora of core skills which could contribute in the very near future.
NOTE: David Hofreiter was the lead contributor in the gathering of information used in this article. You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
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