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Canadiens Draft Options: Winger Tyson Jost

By William Mccomb

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Noah Juulsen on stage with team executives after being selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Noah Juulsen on stage with team executives after being selected as the number twenty-six overall pick to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tyson Jost is going the path less traveled by top Canadian prospects as he has a commitment to the NCAA and is a long-term option for the Canadiens.

Tyson Jost is widely considered to be the 2nd or 3rd best Canadian prospect in this draft class. Playing in the BCHL, Jost does not receive the same amount of media attention or spotlight as those playing in the CHL.

Despite that, he is widely praised for his talent and nose for the net, which is why he’s risen on draft boards from a mid to late-1st rounder to a potential Top 10 pick. Jost is currently committed to the University of North Dakota.

Draft Rankings/Mock Draft

More from A Winning Habit

Sportsnet – 7th

Draft Site – 13th

TSN Draft Rankings – 11th

ISS – 9th

McKeen’s – 15th

TSN Mock Draft – 12th

Hockey Prospect – 10th

Future Considerations – 13th

As you can see above, Jost is not a consensus Top 10 player. Part of that stems from the fact he is playing in the BCHL so that he preserves his NCAA eligibility. The competition in that league just isn’t the same as any of the three CHL leagues or the USHL. Due to that, many are hesitant to rank Jost ahead of players who play have had success in tougher leagues.

One thing is for certain though, all scouts agree that Jost could be an offensive force. He has received praise for his stick-handling and offensive awareness. Though he isn’t the biggest player(5’11”, 190 lbs), Jost isn’t afraid to mix it up in the corners and plays similarly to current Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher.

Though most view him as a goal scorer, Bill Placzek of Draft Site likes his all around offensive ability:

"Shifty centre with impressive feet and stickhandling ability. Can stickhandle in a phonebooth. A team leader who on the ice and in the room. Great vision and recognition in the offensive end, so he spreads away from teammates and then pinpoint passes to their sticks on the give and go. A terrific finisher with a great shot. Disciplined worker in his own zone. Wins puck battles and turns them into chances. He knows where to place himself so that the puck can find him. Makes his teammates better."

Joe Curtis of Elite Prospects praised other aspects to his game:

"Tyson Jost is a crafty goal-scorer that carries out plays as quickly as he envisions them. As someone who thinks and plays at a fast tempo, it comes as no surprise that he creates a lot of energy as an offensive catalyst. He sees the ice very well and has the willingness and determination to win battles in the tough areas. All-in-all, a dynamic offensive forward with top-6 potential at the next level."

Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News was very impressed with Jost at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament:

"A smart, strong player with excellent vision and a great shot, Jost was called “the real deal” by one NHL scout I spoke to and he’ll definitely be a first-rounder this summer when the draft hits Buffalo"

Odds He’s Available to the Canadiens at 9th – High

When the Canadiens go up to the podium to make a selection at the 9th spot, Tyson Jost will in all likelihood be available. That is not a knock on his talent or his potential, their are just a number of other prospects who have played in better leagues who have had success.

So while Jost is committed to North Dakota, his CHL rights are owned by the WHL’s Everett SilverTips. If chosen by the Canadiens, they could try and persuade him to break that commitment and play his post draft years in Everett. The Canadiens have had success employing this tactic in the past, convincing Jarred Tinordi to join the London Knights instead of playing in the NCAA.

Next: Canadiens Draft Options: Defenceman Jakob Chychrun

One thing that needs to be mentioned in regards to Jost is that their is a small additional risk to the Canadiens, or any team, selecting him. If Jost were to honor his commitment with North Dakota, their is a risk that he could play his 4 full years in the NCAA and decline to sign with the Canadiens, making himself an unrestricted free agent.

This has happened in the past with players like Justin Schultz and more recently, Nashville prospect Jimmy Vesey had a much publicized declaration of his decision not to sign with the Predators.

Most prospects who decline to sign with their drafted teams are often mid to late round selections and generally want a better NHL opportunity. It is rare that a top end prospect like Jost would utilize this tactic. Though highly unlikely, the chance still exists and is worth monitoring.

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