The Puck Authority’s Prospect Profiles: Noel Gunler

Player Information:

Name: Noel Gunler

Position: Right Wing/Left Wing

League: Swedish Hockey League (SHL)

Team: Luleå HF

Shoots: Right

Age/DOB: 18-years-old, October 7th, 2001

Birthplace: Stoneham, Massachusetts, United States

Height: 6’2

Weight: 187lbs

Potential Draft Round: Mid first round

NHL Potential: Top Six

NHL Comparable: Rikard Rakell

Statistics:

Scouting Notes:

Gunler is among the highest ranked shooters in this draft. He is regarded as a skilled sniper with good puck skills and quality mobility. His movement on the ice allows him to forecheck opposing defenders quickly and often forces to commit errors in order to retrieve pucks.

His offensive skills are what make him standout in a draft class filled with similar skilled players and high quality snipers. He does not only posses a lightning shot, but also has strong stick handling skills in both open and tight areas as well as transporting the puck very well up the ice. He is not just a stationary player, but he likes to be involved. He is also a serious slot threat and his shooting ability in that spot reminds me of Brendan Shanahan who perfected that play.

Gunler is not NHL ready yet, but he is playing with men over in Sweden, so he should continue to progress physically until he is ready. His scoring abilities should also progress as he only recorded four goals in 45 SHL games last season. I expect a strong differential in points in his second year playing for Luleå HF’s pro club.