Generally speaking, scouts believe that there are four players that make up the first tier of blueliners available in June's draft. Mikhail Sergachev has been shooting up the rankings, Jakob Chychrun has been polarizing, while Olli Juolevi has been at the forefront since the World Juniors. Joining these three in the discussion is Jake Bean, a shifty offense-first blueliner from the WHL.
I can't help but think of Kris Russell, despite the difference in height.Though Russell was considered an offensive blueliner coming out of junior, in the NHL he was able to develop into a strong shot-blocking defender who relies on positioning to excel.