Lucas Van Vliet – 2024 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

admin June 4, 2024

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Lucas Van Vliet

2023-24 Team: USNTDP (USHL)
Date of Birth: Jan. 25, 2006
Place of Birth: Livonia, MI, USA
Ht: 6-foot-1 Wt: 175 pounds
Shots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: Eligibility for the first year of 2024

Levels

NHL Central Scouting: 75th (among NA skaters)

Lucas Van Vliet is a player who may not stand out at the moment, but if you look closely, he is a player who earns a lot of respect. As an integral part of the U-18 team this season in the US Development Program, he has stuck around as someone who has no problem getting on the dirty ice to perform for his team.

Related: THW 2024 NHL Draft Guide

Whether it's up front or on the offensive end, Van Vliet uses his big frame to his advantage in dirty areas. He can get into those areas and take on opponents and benefit his team in the offensive zone. Once his team has the puck, he makes his presence felt in front of the opposing goalie and drives to the net with purpose. To be built on being a strong force in front of the net, he also has a strong enough shot to be the team's second attacking option.

Lucas Van Vliet, Team USA (Rena Laverty / USA Hockey NTDP)

Where his offensive game needs improvement is his ability to handle pressure when in possession of the puck. Van Vliet has shown that he struggles with this and building confidence in these situations is an important part of improving. Defensively, his game has improved throughout the season, but he still finds himself “watching the puck” at times and this puts him behind other players on the ice. That being said, he has started to improve a lot and is still a strong two-way player for the Development Team.

As a Michigan State commit, Van Vliet has time to continue to develop his game and hone other skills where he lacks. There's a chance he could move from center to wing because he has the IQ and the all-around game that allows him to handle it. Being able to take this step could make him a player of interest to the NHL organization.

Some THW Draft profiles

Lucas Van Vliet – NHL Draft Projection

Lacking a single skill that stands out as “elite” or standout, Van Vliet has enough upside in his game that he could find himself a fifth-round pick in a few weeks in Las Vegas if the organization is willing. he can improve his game even more while at Michigan State.

Measurements

“Lucas Van Vliet is one of the most impressive center prospects for the 2024 NHL Draft, with more than enough scoring touch and a well-developed 200-yard game. He is also respected in the USNTDP room, known as someone with strong leadership qualities” – Russ Cohen, EPRnkside

“Van Vliet is a hard working center who likes to take advantage of that side of the game. His good qualities were most evident in the corners, where he liked to grind and try to win duals. He also showed good ability to protect the puck and power from the corners in the offensive zone, driving to the net like a bull.” – Arttu Myllymaki, FCHockey

“Lucas has a talent for scoring goals who spent two years in the National Programme. I coached him when he was young and he always has the ability to put the ball in the net. We are happy to have him” – Trevor Edwards, Dubuque Fighting Saints

Power

Relentless on the forecheck and shows a willingness to go to dirty areas of the ice.
He has a limited shot that has shown promise to help him become a secondary scorer.
He has developed his game to become a two-way player.
He does a lot of little things in the snow.

Under Construction – Improvements To Be Made

While his defensive game has improved throughout the season, there is still room for improvement to help establish himself on an NHL roster.
He doesn't do anything “high level” or high level. Finding a skill that he can develop to that kind of level will help him a lot.
He also struggles to handle the puck when pressured. Improving his handling and gaining more confidence with the puck should help him a lot.

NHL Power

Van Vliet has the mindset to improve his offensive game, but at this stage of his development, he will likely play as a third or fourth line player on an NHL roster. He has the potential to be the type of player that provides energy with his strong forechecking ability and second scoring penetration in the organization. But, if he can continue to develop, he can prove himself as a third line player.

Risk Reward Analysis

Risk: 2/5 Reward: 3/5

The Power of Fantasy Hockey

Offense: 5.5/10 Defense: 4.5/10