The Friesen Files: McDavid remains a step ahead of Eichel following world juniors

The world junior championship didn’t have much of an effect on the two-horse race between Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel in the 2015 NHL draft. It merely confirmed that McDavid has the slight edge on Eichel while showing that both phenoms possess the talent to develop into franchise players.

“McDavid had the edge going into the world juniors, and he’s still got it coming out,” says Matt Grainda, a scout for International Scouting Services. “McDavid showed his elite speed often over the last few games. His hand strength improved throughout the tournament along with his overall confidence controlling the puck. He was a threat to score on each shift and generated quality chances with his moves and quick acceleration.”

McDavid seemed to show a little rust in Canada’s first game against Slovakia, but that was expected since he was just coming off a hand injury that kept him out of the Erie Otters’ lineup since Nov. 11. From there, he appeared to get better and better in every game leading up to Canada’s gold medal victory. The climax of it all seemed to happen in the gold medal game against Russia when the 6-foot-1, 187-pound centre scored a nice breakaway goal in the second period. He finished the tournament with three goals and 11 points in seven games, which beats Sidney Crosby’s draft year showing at the world juniors by two points.

“Elite players find a way to train and rehab efficiently on the way back from difficult injuries,” says Grainda. “McDavid put his work ethic and high compete level on display by quickly getting back into top playing shape. His superb vision and decision making skills didn’t change at all so once his hands and feel for the game caught back up, the kid looked fantastic.”

The 6-foot-2, 194-pound Eichel had more pressure on his shoulders than McDavid as he was Team USA’s captain and didn’t have as much offensive depth behind him. Even though his country didn’t live up expectations with a fifth-place finish, the Boston University freshman shone as clearly one of the most talented forwards in the entire tourney. He wrapped it up with a goal, which was a nice wraparound marker against Germany, and four points in five contests.

“The success of the United States at the world juniors won’t have any impact on Jack Eichel’s NHL draft status,” says Grainda. “Eichel played a good tournament. He was in a tougher role compared to McDavid and was counted on to lead the team. I though he did a good job handling the spotlight for Team USA. He’s got the leadership skills and dedication to the game that you like to see out of an elite prospect.”

Five to watch

Zach Weresnki, defence, University of Michigan (NCAA) – The Grosse Pointe, MI., native is in the mix to be the second blueliner selected in the draft behind Boston College’s Noah Hanifin. Just like Hanifin, the 17-year-old joined the college ranks a year early following taking summer classes. Largely because of his smooth-skating ability and strong knowledge of the game, he has transitioned well against mostly much-older opponents in the NCAA. He has potted three goals and 12 points in 15 games while playing a sound defensive game.

Mikko Rantanen, wing, TPS Turku (SM-ligga) – The 6-foot-4, 209-pounder boosted his draft status at the world junior championship by putting his elite offensive abilities on display with four markers in five games. It was somewhat surprising to see him snipe a handful of goals without posting any helpers for Finland because he’s known for his top-notch play-making abilities. His superb vision and soft hands enables him to hit his linemates with smooth and crisp passes.

Ivan Provorov, defence, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) – The Russia native became one of the Dub’s top rearguards in no time flat in his rookie season. With an accurate shot, strong mobility and a creative offensive mind, the 6-foot, 201-pound Provorov is known for his offensive abilities, but he is a complete defenceman that plays hard at both ends of the ice. He leads all WHL rookies in points with 10 goals and 37 points in 35 matches.

Jeremy Bracco, wing/centre, U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) – Bracco is one of the more intriguing prospects of the draft. The Boston College commit has a smaller 5-foot-9, 172-pound frame, but brings a lot of energy to the ice and makes the players around him better. In addition, he has been on fire offensively this season with 12 goals and 47 points in 32 games. It was surprising to see him not make USA’s world junior team because of his strong camp and start to the season.

Thomas Chabot, defence, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) – The 6-foot-2, 179-pound Chabot is in the midst of a breakout season in Saint John. He already has seven goals and 25 points in 38 games following notching 22 points in 55 contests last year. His ability to read plays well in all three zones while possessing quality offensive abilities, especially a strong and accurate pass, is what has scouts projecting him as a potential first-round pick.

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen