Draft Profile: Lukas Dragicevic

Lukas Dragicevic is the 6’2”, 188lb smooth skating defenseman for the Tri-City Americans for the WHL. In 68 games, he finished with a stat line of 15-60-75. Let’s go over what his game is like.

Strengths

Dragicevic’s biggest strengths are easily his offensive game. While not the fastest, he’s a pretty smooth skater and is good at using that in transition. But his largest strength is his passing, both getting out of the defensive zone pushing the puck in transition and running the offense. He looks to have all the makings of a future powerplay quarterback.

Weakness

As good as his offensive game is, his defensive game is as bad. His positioning defensively is problematic; he lacks a physical side to his game and takes a lot of risks leading to turnovers or odd-man rushes. Plays a very high-risk/high-reward style.

Draft Rankings

Ranked #36 by Elite Prospects

Ranked #27 by Bob McKenzie

Ranked #18 by The Hockey News

Ranked #16 by McKeens hockey

Ranked #56 by Craig Button

Ranked #18 in NA by NHL Central Scouting

Ranked #35 by The Athletics Scott Wheeler

Ranked #27 by The Athletics Corey Pronman

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Projection and Possible Comparison

As of writing this, Dragicevic is being projected in the late first/early second round. He looks to have all the makings of a future powerplay QB and offensive maestro who will need to play sheltered minutes with a strong defensive partner. But there will be many teams with that as a need, and they can afford to be patient with his development. If his defensive game grows, he has a chance to become something truly special. But even if it doesn’t, he has a strong chance of becoming a Keith Yandle type who can run the power play and score enough even strength to play a second pairing role.