The Scouting Report:
Andrew Basha from Calgary, Alberta, is a top prospect eligible for the 2024 NHL draft in Las Vegas. Born on November 8th, 2005, Basha is a speedy and dynamic forward with both solid playmaking and goal-scoring ability. Playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League for the past three years, the 6-foot-0, 184-pound forward took a big step forward in his development this season. This year, Basha set new career highs with 30 goals and 85 points. Basha additionally had a considerable impact on the Tigers in the WHL playoffs versus the Red Deer Rebels, scoring five points in five games and leading the team with three goals.
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Draft Projections
Ranked #18 by EliteProspects.com
Ranked #30 by TSN/Craig Button
Ranked #20 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #26 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Ranked #19 by Dobber Prospects
Ranked #21 by Inside the Rink
I’ve highlighted some of Andrew Basha’s attributes. Let’s take a deeper dive into his attributes and areas for improvement.
Diving Deeper:
Basha stood out on a young Medicine Hat Tigers team featuring potential 2024 top-10 pick Cayden Lindstrom and potential 2026 first-overall pick Gavin McKenna for seemingly creating scoring chances out of thin air. His offensive awareness is among some of the top players in this draft due to his combination of excellent playmaking and speed.
Playmaking:
Andrew Basha’s biggest attribute is his playmaking. His excellent vision is evident, but it’s his ability to execute these passes with such regularity that makes him a dangerous player for his opponents. In addition, his offensive zone puck handling is second to none in the draft. Basha’s specialty is the drop pass, creating a ton of scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Speed:
Additionally, Basha’s game is all about speed. His quick acceleration and agile movements allow him to outmaneuver defenders and create space for both himself and his teammates. This speed combined with his playmaking ability creates plenty of opportunities to put himself in the right position on the ice. His edgework is huge part of why he can create separation from his opponents.
“Basha continues to impress. He plays the game with a mix of skill and tenacity. Basha is the kind of prospect who projects to be able to adapt to whatever role a coach asks of him. His combination of energy and offence are attractive attributes.”
Jason Bukala – Sportsnet – Feb. 27, 2024
Areas for Improvement:
Despite Basha’s impressive offensive skillsets, his defensive game has some room for development. Additionally, his consistency and engagement on the ice leaves a bit more to be desired as several times throughout the season, the forward prospect looked like he was floating around the ice and disengaged from play. These hurdles can be fixed with proper coaching but some might see these issues as potential red flags.
Prospect Potential:
Basha is a promising young forward who, with a little bit more development, could become a top-tier playmaker in the NHL. He projects to be a strong middle-six winger with the potential to be a top-six winger with the right development. Additionally, Basha could develop into a power play specialist with his playmaking ability.
Best Potential Fit:
Basha’s skill make him a solid potential choice for several teams drafting near the middle to end of the first round. One team in particular, the Toronto Maple Leafs, stands out as a solid fit for Basha. Between his 5-on-5 play, his playmaking experience, and his speed, Basha would instantly become one of Toronto’s most valuable wingers in their system.
Final Thoughts
Andrew Basha might be a prospect that many fans could look back on in several years and wonder why he didn’t go higher in the draft. He holds the potential to be a strong middle-six to top-six winger with high-energy playmaking ability for whichever club chooses to draft him.
Stats via Elite Prospects
Highlights via MyNHLDraft.com
ITR 39: Conference Finals – Inside The Rink
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