Rachel Doerrie, a seasoned data consultant known for her expertise in data communication and modeling, has made her mark in the NHL and worked with professional sports teams in North America and Europe. Besides her consulting work, she also hosts the Staff & Graph Podcast, where she dives into sports through a data-centric lens.
NHL Draft weekend is just around the corner, with over 200 players set to be chosen by hopeful teams aiming for future Stanley Cup glory. All eyes are on San Jose Sharks, who are almost certain to pick Celebrini with their first selection. Meanwhile, Matvei Michkov’s early arrival in North America sparks speculation for Ivan Demidov’s chances of being the second overall pick. Fans are buzzing with questions about this year’s top risers, fallers, and potential trades.
The disparity between mock drafts and Big Boards is stark this year, with mock drafts based on industry insights, whereas the Big Board ranks players purely on model outputs and other data. The variability in team rankings is unprecedented, with some teams placing prospects in their top five that others have ranked much lower. This unpredictability guarantees an exciting and surprising draft night.