2024 NHL Draft Profile: Andrew Basha
A deep dive into 2024 NHL Draft prospect and Medicine Hat Tigers forward Andrew Basha.
The WHL is set to play a significant role in this year's 2024 NHL Draft. 57 players were included on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, with at handful expected to be drafted in the first round. Today's draft profile is of Medicine Hat Tigers' Andrew Basha, who enters the draft as the 26th-ranked North American Skater.
Basha is an exciting prospect who was able to showcase his speed and skill this season. He is a player who can beat the opposition to lose pucks on the forecheck and set up teammates in scoring positions. Setting a new career high in goals with 30 and points with 85, Basha took a big step forward in his development this season, which could lead to him being a first-round pick in this year's draft.
One area of Basha's game that should impress teams is his compete level. Listed at 5'11, 174 pounds, the left winger is willing to do whatever it takes to win. Whether that is along the boards or in front of the net, Basha is not afraid to take on larger defenders if it means getting the puck and creating a scoring opportunity.
Basha's playmaking is another area that stands out. Whether it is on the rush or while set up in the offensive zone, he can find teammates in scoring position with crisp cross-ice passes. It is clear Basha has excellent vision, but it's his ability to execute these passes with regularity that makes him such a dangerous player.
As mentioned, Basha is a fantastic skater, which helps in the transition game. When the puck is on his stick, he often opts to drive the net, which, if he loses the puck, still allows him to be in a good position for when a shot is taken from the points. His speed also can create two-on-one opportunities, as when the Tigers forward catches defenders flat-footed, he can take advantage of the situation and create a scoring chance at the other end of the ice.
Overall, Basha projects as a middle-six winger at the NHL level. His speed and playmaking ability should entice GMs around the league, as he has the potential to contribute not just at even strength but also on the power play. If he continues to work on his defensive game, this is a prospect fans could look back on in a decade and wonder why he didn't go higher in the draft.
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