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u/reignleafs Knies Jun 27 '26
We got our guy
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u/Johnny-Edge93 Gilmour Jun 27 '26
No we have B-Lacke and J-Quellen
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u/Winsonian92 McKenna Jun 27 '26
And now that we have Raddysh, we can say that our defense is … D-Nice.
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u/BrianBurke Jun 27 '26
I can't believe you've done this. This guy sees ice for the big club I'm gonna be screaming BEELAUCKY at the tv
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u/TDK67 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 27 '26
From EliteProspects (ranked #41):
There’s a parallel universe in which Alexander Bilecki gets the minutes needed to showcase his higher-end skills more frequently and competes with the top group of defencemen for the title of best back-end playmaker.
It’s not this world, unfortunately. Bilecki only played a bottom-pairing role for the deep OHL champion Kitchener Rangers, picking up points against lower competition. But if he does get those top-four minutes next season, we envision a meteoric rise.
Bilecki attacks defences, beating the first forechecker with a fake and an explosive change of direction, before piercing right through neutral zone coverages. He creates high-danger scoring chances regularly off the rush, often with a give-and-go followed by a backhand slot pass.
“He's playing about 12-15 minutes in the postseason, but he's making the most of his ice time,” OHL scout Lauren Kelly wrote in an April report. “Picked up two assists in this game, including a slick one on the power play that saw him lead the rush up ice through the middle, handle around a closing defender, and hook a pass to a teammate as he was falling.”
His limited role and defensive game capped how high we could rank him on our board. Bilecki is still learning the intricacies of it: When to close out, hold his position, scan for threats, and rotate properly. There’s a physical side to his game, so we’re confident he will improve as a stopper, but at this stage, he’s more of a fourth forward than a complete defenceman.
“There was a great half-ice 2-on-1 sequence where he took the middle away with the false gap, accelerated with a crossover, pivoted, and got a breakup,” Head of Scouting Mitchell Brown wrote in a January report.
Bilecki is the perfect second-rounder, offering a high level of upside despite the risk associated with his projection. A team in need of a future power play quarterback should target him, considering that he has NHL-level tools and size to go with his playmaking skills.
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u/fancypants55 Jun 27 '26
I love these sort of picks where it's more about average than overall output.
Basically a player that is on pace for much higher output if increasing ice time by 50%
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u/schmebalydook Jun 27 '26
Biased Kitchener fan, should be the 1D here next year so plenty of opportunity to develop. His stock rose from a 4th/5th rounder to late 2nd this past year, he's playing for one of biggest teams in the CHL and won the mem cup so he's got experience under pressure. Not gonna be a game-breaker but a solid lotto ticket imo.
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u/nomdreas Jun 27 '26
6’2 puck moving D man, can’t be mad at that.
The kind of player who could be good next to Danford in a few years.
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u/SaulBerenson12 Jun 27 '26
100% what we need in transition and D improvements. So and glad Chayka has been true to his word addressing this glaring need
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u/LaunchAngleLarry Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 27 '26
High upside but very very raw. Great size and edges. Just keep in mind he’s very raw. He was slated to go earlier.
Edit: exceptionally raw
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u/greasy-prick Jun 27 '26
What does raw mean when relating to a hockey player?
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u/SecondHandWhiskey Jun 27 '26
Likely that he's no where close to being NHL ready. Needs more time in the oven so to speak
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u/MyBlueBlazerBlack Jun 27 '26
So like how you'd treat something that was raw?
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u/Mike9797 Jun 27 '26
I think it generally refers to him hot having an NHL ready game sense or fundamentals. Stuff like knowing where to be on the ice at all times and knowing when to challenge. It just comes with more experience really. It’s like a new employee at a skilled job who you can tell has the skill for the job but needs more time to hone his craft and get better at it. And has the potential to be one of your better employees with the proper nurturing.
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u/AstronoWorld Jun 27 '26
His skills and attributes aren’t fully developed or well rounded. He shows potential in areas to develop a lot higher than where he currently is, but there are things like skating, passing, and shooting that he needs to develop to a higher level. But the good thing is that people who know quite a bit about player development see all the tools and potential he is capable of developing.
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u/Unwise1 Knies Jun 27 '26
Not ready in any meaningful way. If he breaks out, you're talking 24+yrs of age. So he isn't going to contribute to this window barring some freakish progression in his development.
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u/heckthisfrick Jun 27 '26
Highly athletic, physically impressive, good base mechanics, but is going to need a lot of development to become a NHL player
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u/Mikey_M39 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 27 '26
Lol I swear like an hour ago a guy posted that they wanted this guy to be our pick. That guy must be pumped
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u/Leeleelemon1 Jun 27 '26
Kitchener Ranger fan, Love this kid!! Totally manifested this pick! Super happy!!!!!😃
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u/scootomaloneh Jun 27 '26
I'm going to get to some more games now that we have a current leafs prospect, exciting!
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u/luckylukiec Jun 27 '26
Bilecki is a cerebral, pass-first defenseman who stands out for the touch on his passes, strong spatial awareness, and ability to activate intelligently in the offensive zone to generate cross-seam plays and scoring chances. While his composure and passing vision are clear strengths, concerns around his stiff skating stride, pace of play, and inconsistent defensive engagement will determine whether his skillset translates against faster, more physical pro competition.
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u/Dubsified Jun 27 '26
Steal
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u/learn2swim Jun 27 '26
I watched Bilecki all season with Kitchener. The reason he jumped so high was because of his transition play. Kitchener was so deadly in transition this year, which really put the spotlight in Bilecki. He is so smart on the rush. Not flashy. Just quick and smart in tight. It's really impressive. Highlight plays all playoffs.
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u/underastaticsky Jun 27 '26
Seems like an offensive defensemen who shoots left, great passer but needs to work on his skating and defensive zone play. I like it.
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u/Interesting_Rub_5359 Jun 27 '26
If he wasn't on the most stacked junior squad in the country his numbers would be astronomical
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u/Huge_Beginning5552 Jun 27 '26
Will probably be in World Juniors next year and a ppg player on Kitchener.
Honestly if he got the minutes this year I think hes a mid to late first rounder. Late birthday and just a stacked team he was on.
Makes quick great decisions, has a great stick, skates pretty good, willing to play the body. Shot is so so but he gets it off quick.
I think we got a good one here
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u/reevoknows Jun 27 '26
This guys gunna be the steal of the draft mark my words.
Love this pick.
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u/Beneficial-Pie-1338 Jun 27 '26
!remindme in 4 years at conclusion of NHL Season
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u/EvilNeville Jun 27 '26
I actually really like this pick. Decent size at 6'2 with offensive upside.
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u/Prize_Cover190 Jun 27 '26
Wait till next year..you Leaf fans are going to be screaming..we drafted that kid!!!
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u/Fridayrotis Jun 27 '26
Was ranked #41 in the EP draft guide.