2024 NHL Draft Preview THN Top 100 Prospects [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3NDk2NzcxODEzNzc4ODg3/andrew-basha-column.png] THN Top 100 Prospects Andrew Basha is a playmaking, offensive winger who's had significant success in the WHL. He had a big jump year in 2022-23 and then took it to another level this season and really stepped up as a game changer for Medicine Hat. Scouts speak highly of his ability to create offense through both his skating and passing. “He’s a very good skater and has a lot of skill in terms of managing the puck,” one scout told The Hockey News. “He gains a lot of speed through the neutral zone and puts pressure on the ‘D’ when he goes into the offensive zone. Great vision. He can find the seam pass for a one-timer and finds open ice for himself. He’s great on the power play, too. He’s a significant player for Medicine Hat.” While there are concerns about the play in his own end, the overwhelming sense is that his creativity in the offensive zone more than makes up for that. “He has excellent speed and can create off the rush,” said another scout. “He’s got quick hands and a quick shot. He’s a dangerous offensive threat. He needs to round out his two-way play for the next level.” Oh yeah, and The Hockey News said his closest player comparable is Seth Jarvis, so you gotta take him if you're Carolina, right? What are the experts saying? Scott Wheeler (The Athletic) [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5588459/2024/06/28/nhl-draft-first-round-winners-losers-2024/?source=emp_shared_article]: "He’s a good but not great skater (his skating has come a long way in the last two to three years) who gets off the mark quickly and attacks in short bursts but isn’t a burner. And while he has excellent hands, he doesn’t hold onto the puck too long (a common problem for players with his skill set), instead using a two-touch shot or a quick handle into a deft pass back against the grain to make the majority of his plays on the puck. His patience then becomes a utility rather than a crutch, only going to it when he needs to and relying on quick reads the rest of the time. He’s also an extremely competitive player and kid who has a real willingness to forecheck, play through bumps and fight for positioning and possession, with skill and tenaciousness in the dirty areas. He also plays the game with a bit of a chip on his shoulder and can get under guys’ skin. He makes plays under sticks and through feet and into space, he thrives moving off the puck in and out of give-and-gos, and he has legitimate skill." Tony Ferrari (The Hockey News) [https://thehockeynews.com/news/2024-nhl-draft-best-available-after-the-first-round]: "Basha is an electric playmaking winger who can make something out of nothing. Basha is undersized at 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, which is why he fell out of the first round. But the high-end skill and vision on the ice are impressive to watch. He loves to show off his creativity and shiftiness in the offensive zone. He can leave a bit to be desired in his own end, but he is at his best in the offensive zone, and his best is pretty impressive."
