Going into the 2015 NLL Regular season, roster spots are limited, so even for 1st round NLL picks their floor time will likely be limited. Will take a look at what rookies should have the biggest impacts on their respective teams this season, guys drafted by teams who have holes to fill will likely have more impressive season, based largely on the fact they are more relied on to contribute. Potent Junior scorers like Jeremy Noble, while impactful will likely be limited in offensive opportunities due to the depth of the team he’s suiting up for. As will goaltenders like Alexis Buque and Adam Shute as their likely ticketed for a back up role or practice roster spot in year one of their pro careers. With that being said, here’s a look at who should be the top 10 impactful rookies going in to the 2015 NLL season.
10. Alexis Buque – Colorado Mammoth (NLL) / New Westminster Salmonbellies (WLA)
Alexis Buque slipped quite a bit in the NLL draft this past September, slipping to the Mammoth at the 17th spot in round 2 of the draft. Buque will likely battle with Tye Belanger for the back up role in Colorado in 2015, however given his age, ability and draft position I expect Buque to win the battle and form a young but talented 1/2 tandem with Dillon Ward. Buque is an intense competitor who loves to win, and gives his absolute best every time he takes his place between the pipes. Buque is a proven winner as evidence of his two Minto Cups. This past season Buque stole the New Westminster Salmonbellies starting goalies job away from veteran Neil Tyacke. Buque is a big game goalie, his competitiveness will get him in the net for the Mammoth in 2015, and his play throughout the season will keep him getting starts. Look for him to end up splitting starts with Dillon Ward.
9. Sheldon Burns – New England Black Wolves (NLL) / Brooklin Redmen (MSL)
Sheldon Burns was projected as a late first round/early 2nd round pick in the most recent NLL draft, however he unexpectedly slipped down to the number 22 spot in the 3rd round. Burns is a smart defender, with good speed and relatively good size. Not the most physical of defenders he uses his elite floor vision and top notch instincts and body position to defend. A player who his great on loose balls, who likes to transition the ball up the floor with speed, Burns will fit the mold of an NLL defender from day one with New England. His experience at the pro level with the Brooklin Redmen playing against elite offensive threats will serve him well in his transition to the NLL. While finding floor time may be hard for Burns to find early on, his natural ability should endear him to his coaching staff. Burns likely won’t put up many points in 2015, but he’ll provide steady defense, scoop lose balls and transition the ball very well.
8. Matt Crough – New England Black Wolves (NLL) / Peterborough Lakers (MSL)
Matt Crough is another player I expected to go much higher then he ended up going. Crough was snagged 15th overall by the New England Black Wolves in the 2nd round of the draft. With Tracey Kelusky retiring the Black Wolves should be able to replace his offense with Crough, despite Crough’s size, standing just 5’8, he plays absolutely fearless. Crough posses great floor vision, quick feet and great hands in tight. Crough was one of just three players to suite up for the Peterborough Lakers on a regular bases that was not on an active NLL roster. His ability to produce with very few touches on offense is a man reason I feel he’ll be effective immediately in New England. Crough is likely to play a secondary role on the Black Wolves offense behind the likes of Kevin Crowley, Ryan Ward, Kyle Buchanan & Pat Saunders. But he seems to thrive in that role as he plays behind, John Grant, Adam Jones, Shawn Evans and many other potent offensive threats in Peterborough. There may actually be more offensive touches waiting for him in New England. An with that being said, Crough was able to produce 14 goals & 18 assists for 32 points in 18 games with limited touches, so similar numbers in his 1st pro season should be a reasonable expectation.
7. Rodd Squire Jr. – New England Black Wolves (NLL) / Six Nations Chiefs (MSL)
Squire Jr, went to the Black Wolves with the 2nd Pick of the 2nd round, 11th overall and for good reason. Squire Jr has excelled in his two seasons at the Major level with the back to back Mann Cup Champion Six Nations Chiefs. A roster loaded with NLL All-Stars Squire Jr was one of the only consistent contributors to have yet to play an NLL game. Squire Jr.’s speed and transition ability will serve him well in the ever changing NLL game. With the NLL game now geared more toward speed and transition Squire Jr. is an ideal fit for the Black Wolves, a team that lacks a true transitional threat. In the past two seasons Squire Jr. has tallied 9 goals & 8 assists for 17 points in 33 regular season games with the Six Nations Chiefs. With a winning pedigree an a high compete level Squire Jr. should find himself as an NLL regular early on in his career. It would be fair to expect similar numbers in the NLL as the ones he’s posted in the MSL.
6. Miles Thompson – Minnesota Swarm (NLL) / Onondaga Redhawks (Can-AM Sr. B)
Miles Thompson was selected 3rd overall by the Minnesota Swarm in the recent NLL draft, and for good reason, he was arguably the most potent offensive threat in the entire draft. Thompson of course comes to the NLL with much fan fare regarding his tremendous NCAA career with the University of Albany, having scored a ridiculous 82 goals & 37 assists for 119 points as a senior. What’s often forgotten is Thompson is just as potent as a scorer in the box game. Dating back to the 2011 OLA Jr. A regular season Miles potted 51 goals & 49 assist for 100 points in 22 games. Since then Miles has suited up for Sr. B squads, 2012 with St. Regis where he scored 38 goals & 23 assists for 61 points in just 13 games. Winning a Presidents Cup as Sr. B Champions in the process. 2013 with Caughnawaga where he scored 37 goals & 24 assists for 61 points in 13 games, and most recently appearing in 11 games with the 2014 Presidents Cup Champion Onondaga Redhawks where he scored 27 goals & 20 assists for 47 points. Thompson’s quick hands, quick feet, unreal lacrosse IQ and floor vision should allow him to translate his offensive ability to the NLL level.
5. Eli McLaughlin – Colorado Mammoth (NLL) / Coquitlam Jr. Adanacs (BC Jr. A)
McLaughlin will find himself playing alongside one of the best players to ever play in the NLL in John Grant Jr. and one of the best young players in the game in Adam Jones, so it would be fair to expect his touches may be some what limited, but his point totals should be there, as Jones and Grant often draw double teams, leaving other teammates open. Grant and Jones also both work the pick and roll very well on the left side and McLaughlin should find himself involved in that with both Grant and Jones. McLaughlin’s big game ability was often questioned as he spent the majority of his Junior career with the lowly Delta Islanders, however in 2014 a move to the power house Coquitlam Adanacs afforded him a chance to shine on Jr. A lacrosse’s biggest stage, the Minto Cup, where he did not disappoint. In 6 Minto Cup games McLaughlin recorded 10 goals & 12 assists for 22 points. Thrown in a dominate 57 points over 14 playoff games and you realize McLaughlin is just as efficient on any stage. I expect McLaughlin to start slow with the Mammoth before coming on strong around the midway point of the NLL regular season.
4. Jeremy Noble – Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) / Oakville Rock (MSL)
There is no doubt Jeremy Noble is arguably the most skilled player that was drafted in the 2014 NLL draft, and there is not questioning that he will contribute in 2015, however playing on the back to back to back Champion Rochester Knighthawks, he may not see the ball as much as he’d like. Playing behind Dan Dawson, Craig Point and Stephen Keogh on the right side and having the offense run through Cody Jamieson on the left side, Noble’s offensive contributions will likely be limited, as he’s unlikely to see power play time in year one. Noble has great character, terrific leadership qualities, a will to win an a excellent compete level, to go along with immense lacrosse talent, he will become an elite force in the NLL, however in year one he’ll have to bid his time behind some of the NLL’s current elite players. Look for Noble to reach around the 40 point plateau in year one.
3. Mark Cockerton – New England Black Wolves (NLL) / Brooklin Redmen (MSL)
Mark Cockerton’s versatility as a player who can play both in a pure offensive role and transition role will allow him to see an abundance of floor time in his rookie season. Given the Black Wolves traded there top left handed scoring threat to the Rochester Knighthawks, Cockerton and Pat Saunders will be counted on to provide the majority of the offensive from the left side. Cockerton’s junior coach Derek Keenan said he was the most talented player in the draft, and that’s a sentiment I agree with completely. He is the total package, a strong player, with great speed, quick hands, a fantastic shot and high level lacrosse IQ Cockerton should find himself contributing readily to the Black Wolves offense. People say Cockerton playing limited games of box lacrosse over the past 2 summers may hurt him going into his rookie season, I highly doubt that, having seen him play in those limited games with the Brooklin Redmen he did not look like he lost a step. Look for him to likely lead all rookies in scoring in 2015 if played in a pure offensive role.
2. Robert Hope – Colorado Mammoth (NLL) / Peterborough Lakers (MLS)
Hope was the top rated defender going into the NLL draft and he ended up being the top defender drafted when he went 7th overall to the Colorado Mammoth. Hope has fantastic size and great strength, a player who is fantastic on loose balls, and excellent in transition. Having played in an offensive role during his NCAA field career, Hope also possesses above average hands for a defender an excellent floor vision. Having been one of only three players not on an active NLL to suite up consistently for the power house Peterborough Lakers this summer, Hope has excelled in his Major Series career, playing again elite NLL talent and fairing extremely well. Considering he’s a defender his offensive numbers wont blow anyone away, but his contributions to the Mammoth defensive unit will improve the teams defense as a hole. Considering the Mammoth where just a couple games away from the NLL final, the additions of McLaughlin, Buque and Hope could put them in a position to finally get back to the NLL final.
1. Ben McIntosh – Edmonton Rush (NLL) / Maple Ridge Burrards (WLA)
The top pick in the NLL, Ben McIntosh should and will more then likely have the biggest impact in the NLL in his rookie season. Coming off a WLA Finals appearance where he almost single handily beat the Victoria Shamrocks on a couple occasions, he should his ability to dominate the game at the pro level. McIntosh led the Burrards in playoff scoring with 27 goals & 11 assists for 38 points in just 11 games. The 6-2, 200lbs right shooting offensive threat will provide some size to a Rush offense that could desperately use it. I can see McIntosh working extremely well in pick and roll opportunities with fellow youngster Curtis Knight, the two players floor vision, elite ability and overall talent should wreak havoc on opposing defenses for years to come. Expect McIntosh to create space for fellow righty’s and finish when given the opportunity. McIntosh should hit the 50 point plateau in year one.
