Alexis Gendron – McKeen's Hockey

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #14 Philadelphia Flyers – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Mon, 26 May 2025 15:08:32 +0000

EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 15: Philadelphia Flyers Center Jett Luchanko (17) attacks the offensive zone on a power play the first period of the Edmonton Oilers game versus the Philadelphia Flyers on October 15, 2024 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. (Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire)

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Philadelphia 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – PHILADELPHIA FLYERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #10

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 14:13:14 +0000

Top 20 Philadelphia Flyers Prospects

1. Matvei Michkov

Move over Austin Powers, Matvei Michkov is the new International Man of Mystery. On talent alone, Michkov deserved to be selected inside the top five of this year’s draft. He had been hyped just as long as Bedard for the top of the 2023 class. However, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and the corresponding ban on Russia from the IIHF threw a huge wrench into that narrative. His contract situation in the KHL (another three seasons, at minimum) further complicate things. However, the Flyers decided that the risk was worth the reward. An elite offensive player, Michkov is one of the most creative and gifted young players outside of the NHL. Over the next three years in the KHL, the Flyers will be looking for improved consistency away from the puck, improved utilization of his teammates, and improvements made to his explosiveness as a skater. All signs would point to Philadelphia receiving an immediate impact player once he arrives, rewarding their patience, just as the Wild were rewarded with Kirill Kaprizov.

2. Cutter Gauthier

One of the more recent additions to the Philadelphia organization, Gauthier was selected fifth overall in 2022 out of the USNTDP. He was a standout player for the program, including a strong performance at the U18s. Post-draft, he has continued that success, helping Team USA to a bronze medal at the World Juniors and contributing over one point per game as a freshman with NCAA Boston College. He plays a fearless game, driving the net, jumping into puck battles, and playing so with speed. He's a high-volume shooter who could pick his shots better, but you have to appreciate the confidence. He plays in a style that should allow him to seamlessly adjust to the NHL. He has already confirmed that he will stick in Boston for his sophomore season, but it shouldn’t be long before he’s wearing the orange, black, and white.

3. Tyson Foerster

Selected 23rd overall in the 2020 Draft, Foerster has had some issues with a nagging shoulder injury but has always been able to find his game. He spent the pandemic with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, easily transitioning to the higher level. He spent more time in the OHL in 2021-22 but returned to the AHL last season, even seeing time in the NHL. In fact, he almost looked better in the NHL than he had at any other level. Foerster has one of the best shots not in the NHL and does extremely well at creating offense, both for himself and his teammates. He plays hard and shows promising attention to the defensive side of the puck as well. His skating was a worry in his draft year but has steadily improved since then. He looks NHL-ready and likely makes the jump in 2023-24 as a middle-six producer.

4. Bobby Brink

The Flyers have been patient with Brink, which has proven to be the correct path. He was selected 34th overall in 2019 from the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, where he had been named USHL Forward of the Year. Following the draft, he made the jump to the NCAA with the University of Denver, transitioning seamlessly with a strong rookie season, and was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team. After a down sophomore campaign, Brink exploded in 2021-22, leading the entire NCAA in points (57) and was named the NCHC Forward and Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He moved up to the AHL last season, continuing his upward development slope. He’s a very strong skater , who does well at getting off the wall and into the middle of the ice. He’s not far off from a middle-six role in the NHL.

5. Oliver Bonk

Bonk, the son of former Ottawa Senator standout Radek, has a game predicated on his strong positioning, anticipation, and awareness. One would probably expect nothing less from someone who grew up around the game. One of the smartest defenders available in the 2023 draft, he is a disruptive force in the defensive end. Additionally, what makes Bonk such a defensive asset is his ability to kickstart the transition game. As mentioned, his IQ is the strongest component of his game, and this is evident when he has the puck on his stick in the defensive zone. From an offensive perspective, there may be some limitations to his game. He is not a dynamic skater, either in terms of his linear quickness or his agility. He will jump up in the play and he does a great job of getting pucks through to the net, both skills based off his high intelligence level. However, he is not incredibly creative, and that lack of quickness hurts him as a carrier. There is a fairly safe road to Bonk becoming a dependable, longtime second pairing defender at the NHL level. The London Knight’s track record at developing blueliners is another factor in his favor.

6. Emil Andrae

One of the most exciting defensive prospects out there, Andrae is the picture of the modern defender. He thrives jumping up into the rush and leading the transition, using his light footwork to navigate through the opposition. Drafted 54th overall in 2020, he joined SHL HV71 during a rough season which saw the team relegated. He followed with an excellent season in the HockeyAllsvenskan, helping the team jump right back to the SHL and earning the Best Junior award, leading all rookies in points. He also starred on the Swedish WJC team, leading all defenders in goals and being named to the tournament All-Star Team. He’s a strong playmaker with excellent vision and has been improving his decision-making over the past few seasons. His size may be a concern, but he has the skill of a top four defender. He made the jump to North America at the end of last season and will look to build off a strong, yet brief cameo.

7. Helge Grans

Grans still has a lot of work left to do before he'll be ready to hack it at the NHL level. His play thus far in the AHL hasn't lived up to expectations, but the long-term upside that he possesses is undeniable. He checks off a lot of boxes that you want to see in a defenseman: athleticism, size, reach, mobility, and puck movement. Heck, he even shoots right-handed. Unfortunately, he still struggles to blend all these tools together. There are fair questions about his hockey sense and processing speed, and for a blueliner with his profile, you'd like to see more sandpaper and a stronger willingness to work hard to win positioning and pucks. Grans could be the type of prospect who blows up in his mid 20s, or he might never become much more than he is right now.

8. Carson Bjarnason

It was a tale of two seasons for Bjarnson in 2022-23, with a storybook start to his campaign but then a horror finish, as injuries derailed him during the back end of the regular season and again at the IIHF U18s. The good news for him now is that his long-term projection is still very promising. He is an impeccably well-rounded netminder, with plenty of natural net coverage, stoic mental composure, refined technique and stance, and clean movements in his crease. When he is at the top of his game, he can single-handedly steal wins for his team while making it look easy and routine. He has the right combination of traits to eventually become an NHL number one, and he'll get two more years’ worth of reps as a starter in the WHL to help prepare himself, while gaining valuable and transferable experience in that kind of role. Like almost all teenage goalies, he is still very much a project, with consistency concerns and the need to cut down on the number of weak goals he allows, but his foundation is solid.

9. Elliott Desnoyers

A later round pick selected 135th overall in 2020, Desnoyers moved to the Halifax Mooseheads from the Moncton Wildcats in 2020-21, suiting up as an alternate captain. He took a big step forward on the ice while also taking on more of a leadership role in 2021-22, wearing the ‘C’. He made the jump to the Phantoms last season and continued to show improvement as one of the more productive players on the team. He seems able to be plugged in anywhere in the lineup and succeed, playing a hard-fought game with an underrated amount of skill. Desnoyers plays a smart game, rarely making a mistake. He’s well on his way to becoming a solid bottom six contributor who could move up in the lineup in the appropriate situation. It is already safe to call him a draft success considering where he was selected and how he has since progressed.

10. Ronnie Attard

One of the older prospects not yet in the NHL, it’s been a long road for Attard. However, it seems like that road and the patience of Flyers’ brass with him has paid off. Selected 72nd overall in 2019 after a huge season with the USHL Tri-City Storm where he was named USHL Player and Defenseman of the Year, as well as USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year. He then jumped to the NCAA’s Western Michigan University where the success continued, being named a two-time NCHC Best Offensive Defenseman within his three years there. Last season, he continued his rise, joining the Phantoms and fitting right in. He’s an aggressive, offensive defender that performs very well in transition. He has all the tools to be a reliable bottom-four defender at the next level and isn’t far off from making it.

11. Egor Zamula

This is a huge year for Zamula as he is no longer exempt from waivers. The puck moving defender has a real solid shot of finally becoming a permanent fixture on the Flyers’ blueline this season, but his defensive game still needs to show growth.

12. Ethan Samson

A two-way defender out of the WHL, Samson has developed incredibly well since being drafted. He holds the offensive blueline extremely well and makes opposing players earn touches in the defensive end. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the pro level this year.

13. Alexei Kolosov

An outstanding athlete, Kolosov was already a starter in the KHL as a 21-year-old last year, playing for hometown Minsk. He could move up the prospect rankings pretty quickly if he plays well with Lehigh Valley this year.

14. Alexis Gendron

Among the Q’s leading goal scorers last year, Gendron is deadly in open space. His speed can be deadly, but there are still concerns about his lack of size. He is likely returning to the Q for an overage year and is a contender to lead the league in scoring.

15. Olle Lycksell

While the Flyers’ depth chart looks pretty crowded right now, Lycksell has to be one of the favourites to be called up in a case of a long-term injury. He is a very creative playmaker and he was great after finally crossing the pond to play in the AHL last year.

16. Devin Kaplan

Kaplan plays such a mature, pro ready game already as a young prospect. He had a solid freshman year at Boston University, but there is a need for him to continue to become a more dynamic skater. Kaplan is a potentially elite bottom six player and penalty killer.

17. Samuel Ersson

Thrust into NHL action last year, Ersson held his own and managed to win six games for the Flyers as a rookie. The soon to be 24-year-old finds himself as part of a crowded crease, but he has NHL upside.

18. Denver Barkey

A tenacious worker, Barkey does so many things well and that’s why the Flyers used a third-round selection on him this year. He is a serious 2023-24 breakout candidate with the London Knights.

19. Samu Tuomaala

After a disastrous 2021-22 season, Tuomaala appears to have gotten himself back on track with a strong season in the Finnish second league. He still has the speed. He still has the big shot. But there are still questions about his hockey sense.

20. Zayde Wisdom

Possibly still feeling the after-effects of a wonky shoulder, Wisdom’s development has stalled in a big way. He was so good in that Covid shortened AHL season and he has yet to come close to matching that. Let’s see if he can get back on track this year as an AHL regular.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #14 Philadelphia Flyers

Josh Bell — Sun, 21 May 2023 12:53:44 +0000

The Cliff Fletcher era (since 2018) ended following another difficult season, with the GM stubbornly insisting the Flyers were close to contending and resisting any retooling. Even coach John Tortorella surprisingly called for a rebuild mid-season. Now, the franchise will be given the chance with newly named President of Hockey Operations Keith Jones, and new GM Danny Briere. The early signaling suggests they will be looking at investing in prospects for the next few years, and offseason talk has turned to who will move to attain future assets. Briere has a reputation for embracing analytics, and how that affects decision-making remains to be seen with Jones being more traditional in approach.

Philadelphia owns nine picks in the upcoming draft and four first rounders over the next three years. Look for them to add to that stockpile significantly in the coming months. They have the seventh overall pick in this year’s draft, which should net a quality prospect in a deep draft. They added Cutter Gauthier fifth overall last year. A confident player, who plays a fearless game, seems to fit the classic Flyers identity. He should be in the line-up very soon. They also have two NHL-ready prospects in Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink, so a youth injection next season seems inevitable. This should be a very transformed roster in a year’s time, with no veteran untouchables, with the possible exception of goalie Carter Hart. How deep the new regime will want to go remains to be seen. Whether to the foundations like Chicago, or something more in the middle. Stay tuned.

Cutter Gauthier of USA celebrates during the friendly under-20 ice hockey game between Sweden and USA on December 21, 2022 in Moncton.
Photo: Simon Hastegård / BILDBYRÅN

Cutter Gauthier

One of the more recent additions to the Philadelphia Flyers, Cutter Gauthier was selected fifth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft from the USNTDP. He was a standout player in the program, including a strong performance at the Under-18s. Post-draft, he’s continued that success forward, helping Team USA to a bronze medal at the World Juniors and playing over a point per game as a freshman with Boston College in the NCAA. He plays a fearless game, driving the net, jumping into puck battles, and he does so with speed. He's a high-volume shooter that could pick his shots better, but you have to appreciate the confidence. He plays a game that seems like it will adjust to the NHL seamlessly. He’s already confirmed that he’s sticking in Boston for his sophomore season, but it shouldn’t be long before he’s wearing the orange, black, and white.

2. Bobby Brink

The Flyers have been patient with Bobby Brink, and that’s proven to be the correct path. Selected 34th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft from the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, where he was named USHL Forward of the Year. Following the draft, he made the jump to the NCAA and the University of Denver, fitting right in with a strong rookie season, and was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team. He continued that for another season and then exploded in 2021-22, leading the entire NCAA in points (57) and was named the NCHC Forward and Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He’s moved up to the AHL this season, continuing his upward development slope. He’s a very strong skater, who does well at getting off the wall and into the middle of the ice. He’s not far off from a middle-six role in the NHL.

3. Tyson Foerster

Selected 23rd overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Tyson Foerster has had some issues with a nagging shoulder injury but has always been able to find his game. He spent the pandemic with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, easily transitioning to the next level. He did spend some more time in the OHL in 2021-22 but is back in the AHL this season and has even seen time in the NHL, almost looking better in the NHL than any other level. He has one of the best shots not in the NHL and does extremely well at creating offense, either for himself or his teammates. He plays hard and shows promising attention to the defensive side of the puck as well. His skating was a worry in his draft year but has been steadily improving. He looks NHL-ready and likely makes the jump in 2023-24 as a middle-six producer.

4. Emil Andrae

One of the most exciting defensive prospects out there, Emil Andrae is the picture of the modern defender. He thrives jumping up into the rush and leading transition, using his light footwork to navigate the opposition. Drafted 54th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Andrae joined HV71 in the SHL during a rough year where they were relegated. He had an excellent season in the HockeyAllsvenskan, helping the team jump back to the SHL and earning the Best Junior award, leading all rookies in points. He also starred on the Swedish World Junior team, leading all defenders in goals and being named to the All-Star Team. He’s a strong playmaker with excellent vision and has been improving his decision-making over the past few seasons. His size may lead to concern, but he has the skill of a top-four defender. He’s already made the jump to North America, where he’s already beginning to excel.

5. Elliot Desnoyers

A later draft pick at 135th overall in 2020, Elliot Desnoyers moved to the Halifax Mooseheads from the Moncton Wildcats in 2020-21 as the alternate captain. He took a big step forward before taking another big step as the captain in 2021-22. He made the jump to the Phantoms this season and has continued to improve as one of the more productive players on the team. He’s a player that seems to be able to be plugged in anywhere in the lineup and succeed, playing a hard-fought game with an underrated amount of skill. He plays a smart game, rarely making a mistake. He’s well on his way to becoming a solid bottom-six contributor that could move up in the lineup in the appropriate situation. Already with his development, it’s safe to call him a success considering where he was drafted and how he’s progressed.

6. Ronnie Attard

One of the older prospects not yet in the NHL, it’s been a long road for Ronnie Attard. However, it seems like that road and the patience of Flyers’ brass with him has paid off. The Flyers selected him 72nd overall in the 2019 NHL Draft after a huge season in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm where he was named USHL Player and Defenseman of the Year, and USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year. He then jumped to the NCAA’s Western Michigan University where the success continued, being named a two-time NCHC Best Offensive Defenseman within his three years there. This season, he’s continued his rise, joining the Phantoms and seeming to fit right in. He’s an aggressive, offensive defender that does very well in transition. He has all the tools to be a reliable bottom-four defender at the next level and isn’t far off.

7. Egor Zamula

After going undrafted, the Flyers signed Egor Zamula to an entry-level deal in 2018, just after his first season in North America in the WHL. He spent two more seasons with the Calgary Hitmen as a point-per-game defender. In 2020-21, he jumped to the next level and ever since has seemed on the cusp of being an NHLer. He’s seen some time with the Flyers in each season but just hasn’t made the permanent jump yet. The Russian is a two-way defender that moves very well. He can jump up into the rush or the offensive zone when he needs to but he’s just as comfortable sitting back and defending. He relies more on his active stick rather than his physical game, which shouldn’t be a problem in his translation to the NHL. He seems ready to make the jump and could be a middle-pairing asset.

8. Ethan Samson

Another late selection by the Flyers, he was drafted 174th overall in 2021 from the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. He’s been steadily improving his game after being drafted and just capped off a point-per-game season in what should be his final year in the Dub. He’s a very well-rounded prospect although he doesn’t have that one asset that will carry him to the NHL. He’s likely a two-way defender when all is said and done. He has some skill in his game, but only utilizes it in bursts. He’s shown that he can produce, thanks to a big shot and some accurate passing. He defends well, not afraid to mix things up physically. Given the averageness of his game, the NHL isn’t a guarantee, and it does seem more likely that he carves out an AHL spot for himself. He could be a call-up option as well though and lock down a depth defender role.

9. Alexis Gendron

Selected near the end of the 2022 NHL Draft, the Flyers waited until the 220th selection to call Alexis Gendron’s name. He’s had a steady progression through his three seasons in the QMJHL, seeing his production jump forward significantly each season. He has no fear in his game despite his 5-foot-9 frame, often getting into the high-danger areas and finding his way into puck battles. He has an intriguing amount of creativity on the ice and has shown that he can put the puck in the net or dish it out. He’s a bit more reactive instead of proactive, and his ceiling is quite limited. His development has been promising and he’s still young, but at this point, it seems likely that he peaks as an AHLer. Even if that is the case, that’s a good return on a seventh-round flyer.

10. Olle Lycksell

Drafted way back in the 2017 NHL Draft, 168th overall, Olle Lycksell is another prospect in the system where patience has paid off. Drafted out the J20 SuperElit, he split the following season between the J20 SuperElit and SHL before spending the next three seasons as a regularly productive forward in the SHL. This season, he’s made the move overseas to the AHL, even seeing some time in the NHL. He’s been one of the most productive forwards for the Phantoms, exceeding expectations for a sixth-round pick. The centreman has good hands, a great level of creativity, and a very accurate snapshot. It was once thought to be a stretch for him to reach the NHL, but it now looks like just a matter of time. He looks like he could be a reliable secondary scoring option in the bottom six.

2022 NHL DRAFT MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING TOP 100 – HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 16:42:02 +0000

Recently, we released our mid-season Top 100 for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft (found here). As you might expect, we were not able to fit all of our favourites inside of our mid-season ranking. In this article, we highlighted some honorable mentions. Our scouts spoke to some of their personal favourites that just missed the cut.

Lucas Edmonds of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

Lucas Edmonds - Wing - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

5”11, 183lbs

DOB: 2001-01-27

Edmonds is a very interesting case. Born and partially raised in Canada, Edmonds played the majority of his minor hockey in Canada and in the GTHL (a former minor hockey teammate of young Nashville Predators budding young star Phil Tomasino). However, he left to play in Sweden at the age of 16 and had been there since. A late bloomer physically, Edmonds made the decision to return home this year where he is playing and starring for Kingston as an overager. Typically, CHL overagers are not eligible to be drafted, however the NHL ruled that Edmonds falls under European draft eligibility because of his time there and as such can be selected in 2022. A fixture in the top five of OHL scoring through the first half of the OHL season, Edmonds excels because of his high-end vision and skill with the puck. The Frontenacs powerplay runs through Edmonds, and not Shane Wright, because of how well Edmonds navigates traffic and problem solves on the fly to maintain possession. A very well rounded offensive player, the only thing missing from his game is a lack of dynamic skating ability. Obviously given his lack of elite size, this is a concern. However, as stated, Edmonds is a late bloomer physically and with the right training, there is a chance this could be improved. For that reason, he is certainly a candidate for the first three rounds in 2022 if you believe that you can improve his explosiveness. - Brock Otten

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Beau Jelsma - Wing/Center - Barrie Colts (OHL)

5”9, 174lbs

DOB: 2004-04-28

Jelsma is a favourite of our video scouting team and our OHL scouting team and if you watch him play it is easy to see why. A little ball of energy, Jelsma is a lot of fun to watch. Early on in the year, he was making the most of limited ice time on a deep Barrie Colts’ team, consistently creating scoring chances by using his speed and skill to attack. However, after dealing Colorado Avalanche prospect Oskar Olausson at the trade deadline, Jelsma was elevated in the lineup and his offensive performance and consistency has improved. Jelsma may not be big, but he is strong and this allows him to not only play through contact, but also initiate it. His combination of quickness, skill, physical intensity, and goal scoring ability makes him a very interesting prospect. The true question mark about his game is his vision. Jelsma is always looking to push the pace, however, turnovers have been an issue from time to time as he tries to force things through the middle. Playing with older and more skilled players more consistently, can Jelsma identify passing lanes on the fly and do a better job of utilizing his linemates to help sustain pressure for longer periods of time? He is a player to watch in the second half, especially on a red hot Barrie Colts team who had previously underwhelmed this season. - Brock Otten

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Julian Lutz - Wing - EHC Munchen (DEL)

6”2, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-02-29

Entering this season, Julian Lutz was widely seen in the scouting community as the biggest thing out of Germany since, well, Tim Stützle. This was due in strong part to him putting on an incredibly promising show with the Red Bull Juniors in his DY -1 as primarily a 16-year-old, finishing second on his team in scoring in the AlpsHL, a fascinating central European pro league in which the U23 team plays against established men. A wonderful skater with powerful strides and a strong drive to the goal, Lutz can shoot with authority while seemingly always having an open eye for better-positioned teammates. As such, Lutz spent last season looking like a top 50 option for next summer's draft, if not possibly a first round talent. He even signed a contract with Red Bull Munich this past summer. Unfortunately for Lutz, who has also been underwhelming internationally in the last calendar year, he has missed the entire 21-22 season thus far. More worrisome is that his exact injury still has not been reported and although the team initially reported he'd return to action around mid-November, we're quickly headed into February and he has yet to suit up for anybody this season. As such, our leaving him out of the top 100 is based very much on what has NOT happened this season as opposed to what has. There is no body of work to grade this season. There's simply no measure on his progress or the level of his abilities to be made; not even with respect to when and if he'll play again. Will he be drafted, even if he doesn't play a minute this season? As long as the injury isn't career-threatening (and there's no indication it is), most certainly. Someone will take him based on what he has shown to date, which is an overall package of skill and physicality often worthy of that of a first round selection. Any return to action this season that sees him even somewhat thrive at the DEL level could catapult him right back into top 50 consideration, but the hockey world needs to see that this kid is going to play again. - Chapin Landvogt

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Cruz Lucius - Wing - US U18 NTDP (USHL)

6”0, 176lbs

DOB: 2004-04-05

Lucius is the brother of Chaz Lucius, the 18th overall pick of the Winnipeg Jets in the most recent draft. Like Chaz, Cruz Lucius is currently playing his draft year with the NTDP and will join his brother at the University of Minnesota next season (assuming Chaz, who is having an excellent freshman season, hasn’t already graduated to the pro game by then). Cruz had 42 points in 42 games for the U17s last year, but has played only 8 games with the U18s in 2021-22 due to injury. He doesn’t boast the exceptional scoring ability that his brother possesses but is a shifty forward with good hands who can threaten off the rush. Lucius could be a candidate to rise if he can get healthy over the second half of the season, but the major question will be the degree to which his injuries have impacted his skill development. Without a standout skill like his brother Chaz, it will be more difficult for Cruz to establish himself as a prospect who demands a high selection on draft day. Lucius can stickhandle and he moves well, but he’s struggled to get to dangerous areas this year and I think that’s the root of his troubles in the games that he’s been healthy for this season. There have been times where he gets out in space and gets to really put his puck skills to use, and those are times where he looks like a top pick, but he hasn’t been consistent in those flashes. - Sam Happi

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Fabian Wagner - Wing - Linkoping J20 (Swe-J20)

6”0, 176lbs

DOB: 2004-05-07

Wagner seems to be flying a little under the radar in Sweden, perhaps as a result of the greater attention concentrated on his Linkoping teammate Filip Bystedt (a big, skilled centre rated as a near first-rounder by McKeen’s). Wagner has been similarly effective for Linkoping’s U20 team, sitting at just under the point per game benchmark. Moreover, Wagner has played eight SHL games this season: a signal that his game is near pro-level and that he isn’t simply riding the coattails of Bystedt and Linkoping’s other talented players. Like other facets of his profile, Wagner’s international resume isn’t quite as strong as Bystedt’s, but Wagner boasts a highly respectable seven points in nine U18 games, including four in five at the Hlinka tournament. Wagner is a skilled puck-carrier who navigates pressure very well on entries, able to control the puck through checks and establish offensive zone possession, but he’s still figuring out how to become an offensive threat after gaining the line. He is contained outside too easily and too easily settles to just go for a skate around the perimeter of the offensive zone. Learning to leverage his puck skills to get to the middle of the ice is the next challenge in Wagner’s development. - Sam Happi

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Santeri Sulku - Center/Wing - Jokerit U20 (FIN-U20)

6”3, 187lbs

DOB: 2004-06-13

Sulku is a 6’3” center with an excellent shot and pretty good instincts for space in the offensive zone. He has 24 points in 22 games in Finland’s junior circuit this season, nine of them being goals. As a scorer, Sulku inflicts his damage largely from stationary positions: one-timers or catch-and-release shots from the wing, quick shots off a pass into the slot, those types of plays. A result of that playstyle is that he’s quite powerplay-centric in his impact, excelling in slower situations where the puck can be worked around the offensive zone but not as dangerous in more fluid, often even-strength situations. His ability to threaten in motion with the puck is ultimately what’s holding him back from being a higher-level prospect. He doesn’t skate particularly well nor is he a great puckhandler, so Sulku isn’t a very consistent rush threat or a player that really commands the play in any direction. He’s often in the right spots to finish a play, but he doesn’t move the puck to the right spots himself, and teams are generally looking for players with more play-driving ability with their earlier draft selections. Still, finishing is a valuable skill to have and Sulku could have an NHL future if he can increase his speed and continue to get open at higher levels of play. - Sam Happi

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Devin Kaplan - Wing - US U18 NTDP (USHL)

6’3, 198lbs

DOB: 2004-01-10

Kaplan caught my eye early in the year, and setting aside his lackluster production, he brings a ton to the table worth exploring. He’s 6’3” and gifted with a great set of hands to attack opponents one on one with power and skill, with good north/south speed to get up the ice. Kaplan is a top-5 offensive transition player I’ve tracked to this point, and while not the most efficient player in transition, he’s a key transporter whenever he’s on the ice. There are inconsistent, but notable instincts to get pucks to the middle of the ice, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he’s still learning how best to apply his package of talents. He gives me strong Landon Slaggert vibes, and I won’t undervalue that type of player again. Big, quick, skilled, with some good data to back it up. - Will Scouch

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Joel Jonsson - Wing - Mora IK J20 (Swe-J20)

5”9, 152lbs

DOB: 2004-03-09

This is a huge shot in the dark. He’s an undersized winger playing for Mora’s junior team, bringing excellent raw quickness and skill, driving great offensive transition results. He’s small, but rambunctious and has some of the best flashes of talent I’ve seen relative to the talk I’ve heard about him, which is almost zero. My tracking data isn’t as optimistic, but he’s an efficient, high volume offensive transition quarterback with questionable offensive threat generation at 5v5, but he has only just started playing J20 hockey this season and has plenty of raw talent to improve over the next few years. - Will Scouch

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Adam Sýkora - Winger/Center - HK Nitra (SVK)

5”10, 172lbs

DOB: 2004-09-07

An agile and feisty winger who plays a 200-foot game. Sýkora is always the first one on the puck; he is constantly making the defenseman’s job difficult with his tireless forechecking and fighting for the puck. Even though he’s undersized, Sýkora is fearless and doesn’t shy away from physical battles. He displays decent offensive qualities as well, but he’s best used as a forechecking forward and on the penalty kill. He’s willing to sacrifice his body and block a lot of shots. Sýkora is getting a lot of exposure in the 2021-22 season, since he’s playing on the same team as one of the top prospects for the next draft, Šimon Nemec. Sýkora started the year as a bottom six center, but was eventually moved to the wing, where he played the last year, and it more fits his playing style. He has recently moved from the bottom six to Nitra’s second line, which significantly helped his scoring. Sýkora’s weakness might be a lower ceiling, but there’s a lot to like about him; he’s a great skater and a fearless and dynamic two-way forward. He doesn’t have the same amount of potential as the upcoming top prospects from Slovakia but could be a fine middle-round pick. - Matej Deraj

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Kirill Kudryavtsev - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

5”11, 200lbs

DOB: 2001-02-05

Kudryavtsev started his first season in North America showing no difficulty adjusting to a new league and competition. As a rookie, Kudryavtsev has been very effective and has been relied on heavily, with an average time on ice of 23 minutes per game, spending time on both the power play and penalty kill. Kudryavtsev is contributing offense consistently throughout the season, currently 18th in points for defencemen, and 3rd for most assists for rookies. When you watch Kudryavtsev, you’ll quickly see that his defensive ability is where he’s best. Rarely ever out of position, Kudryavtsev is very aware of his surroundings and understands when he needs to be aggressive and use both his great stick positioning to apply pressure on puck carriers and block passing lanes, but also when to use his body to help protect the puck and initiate contact. What also stands out is his reaction time and ability to read and anticipate play. Understanding where he needs to be to suppress chances defensively, but also getting into open space to create passing options for his teammates. Only responsible for two penalties this year, Kudryavtsev is also very disciplined, making smart plays consistently that don’t cost his team. If points continue to come, then Kudryavtsev will be one of the top defencemen drafted from the OHL. - Dylan Krill

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Tnias Mathurin - Defense - North Bay Battalion (OHL)

6”3, 183lbs

DOB: 2001-01-15

The more games I watch of Mathurin, the more I’m becoming a big fan. Looking at his stats alone, nothing jumps out and catches your eye, but what is so intriguing about Mathurin is the fine details that he brings on a shift-to-shift basis. That includes being one of the most consistent defensive defensemen in the OHL at suppressing plays in his own zone and being very efficient at creating DZ exits and transitioning up the ice by either skating and carrying the puck or finding an open teammate to start the breakout. What impresses me most, is how poised and calm he looks in high pressure moments, whether it’s defending an odd man rush or escaping pressure in the DZ. Staying calm allows Mathurin to not become overwhelmed, so he can focus on the play in front of him and make the smart decision. The best part of Mathurin’s game is his gap control, but most specifically, his stick positioning and use of his body to defend. He is actively using his stick to apply pressure on the puck carrier, forcing them to make a play, but also uses his size appropriately, bringing physicality. It’s still a bit unknown how high Mathurin’s offensive ceiling is, but with his defensive abilities alone, he should be a target for many teams at the draft. - Dylan Krill

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Tomas Hamara - Defense - Tappara (Liiga/U20)

6”0, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-03-09

A solid puck mover, Hamara can have a very positive impact on the game from an offensive perspective. He blends quickness and solid puck skills to be an active and successful leader of the breakout, consistently pushing across the opposing blueline to help his team set up in the offensive zone. Once in the zone, he surveys the ice well and holds the opposing blueline with strong lateral pushes, making him a capable powerplay quarterback. A Czech defender who has played in Finland the last four seasons, Hamara has even earned a long look at the Liiga level this year and has not looked out of place. Hamara should also be a big part of the Czech team at the U18’s this April. He didn’t make our Top 100 over concerns that he does not have any standout qualities other than his mobility. His play in the defensive zone could be classified as average, and even his offensive upside remains a bit of a mystery. The U18’s will be a huge event for Hamara to prove that he should be ranked higher. - Brock Otten

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Cole Knuble - Wing - Fargo Force (USHL)

5”10, 170lbs

DOB: 2004-07-01

Cole Knuble, the son of former NHL netfront presence Mike Knuble, is definitely a different player than his father. He certainly possesses the same competitiveness as his Dad but is not blessed with the same kind of size and strength down low. Cole is more of a high-energy attacker who loves to drive the net and apply pressure on the forecheck. He has a high end shot and good instincts to find space in the middle too. His puck skills would probably best be classified as average giving him more of a bottom six projection at the NHL level. Additionally, he may not be the type of dynamic skater you like to see in a 5’10 winger whose game is predicated on the ability to attack. For that reason, he just missed our top 100. However, he is a player we like and someone who does have a shot at a long NHL career. Cole will attend Notre Dame next year and a few years at college will give him an opportunity to add strength to be a more consistent offensive contributor to match his high work rate. - Brock Otten

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Liam Steele - Defense - Stanstead College (CAHS)

6”4, 216lbs

DOB: 2004-04-21

What a story it would be to see Steele drafted this year, another NHL prospect out of Great Britain. And I would be shocked if he is not. Sure, he plays out of Stanstead College, a Canadian prep school out of Quebec (which Mark Jankowski was drafted out of). This makes evaluating him difficult. There is always a chance that scouts wait for him to head to the BCHL next year before heading to Cornell the year after, to see him against a bit better competition. However, big, physical defenders who move as well as Steele do not grow on trees, even if the finer points of his game and approach are extremely raw. His four-way mobility is smooth and he shows massive potential as a stay at home type, at the very least. He has been able to make an impact as a puck mover at the prep level this year, but it remains to be seen whether that is translatable. Given the many question marks, it seems reasonable to keep him outside of our Top 100 for the time being. However, he is still a player worth mentioning and is someone an NHL team could easily view as a higher selection with upside. - Brock Otten

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Matthew Morden - Defense - St. Andrew’s College (CISAA)

6”5, 200lbs

DOB: 2004-07-29

Much like Steele, Morden is a Canadian prep school defender who has an intriguing size/mobility combination. He looks like a man among boys oftentimes at the prep level, even playing against high end U.S. programs like Shattuck’s St. Marys. He stays with attackers well off the rush and is a potential beast down low. Morden also shows potential as an offensive defender at the level, consistently cycling down deep in the offensive zone to help maintain, gain, or prolong possession. Morden did recently play a couple games with Muskegon of the USHL and did not look out of place. Hopefully he sees a few more games at that level once the CISAA season is complete as it serves as a great comparison for scouts. As is, the physical tools are very alluring. Morden was one of my favourite defense prospects going back to his OHL draft year, and I love the fact that he’s headed to Harvard, who have developed defencemen really well under Ted Donato. - Brock Otten

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Jace Weir - Defense - Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

6’2, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-05-21

Weir’s numbers don’t jump off the page and suggest that he is a must draft prospect, but in the details of his game you can see the potential for him to make it at the next level. Weir staked himself as the top defender on the right side for Steve Konowalchuk’s Rebels this year, ahead of the previously drafted Kyle Masters, which shows how quickly his game has matured. The reason for this is his poise, particularly with the puck. He is a player that has a very calm and controlled style. He is a good passer and makes good decisions with the puck while also having some decent puck skills. He doesn’t wow you with an end-to-end rush, but he can hold the puck for an extra second and create a lane but will also take a hit to make a smart play in his own zone. He has worked himself onto the second powerplay unit in the last dozen games and has shown he can both distribute and shoot from the blue line. He isn’t overly physical, but he doesn’t get out matched physically. He uses his reach and stick to break up plays and is particularly effective with his gap control. His skating is fine, but he could use another gear at the top to show more dynamism to his game. Being a right shot with size only adds to the reasons I have him as a mid-round pick at this point. - Vince Gibbons

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Hunter Mayo - Defense - Red Deer Rebels

6’1, 200lbs

DOB: 2004-05-07

Hunter’s game is based around his competitive and highly engaged personality. He is a player that is hard to play against and doesn’t give an inch in any battle. Because of his competitiveness, he wins more battles than he should. He is a strong player along the wall where his thick frame allows him to lean on wingers and make them work constantly to keep the puck moving. In his own zone he is a presence where he can physically impose himself on his opposition, he is very strong in front of his own net and equally effective as a player defending the cycle. He plays within himself and rarely pinches or takes risks. His puck movement game is a bit pedestrian, but it suits his style of game. He is a strong penalty killer who has an active stick when he isn’t physically engaged and for his style of game rarely crosses the line discipline-wise. He provides a physical presence that teams always like to have in their lineup. Mayo doesn’t cherry pick his hits, and is willing to make an open ice hit, either at the offensive blue line or in the neutral zone. He picks his spots and rarely gets caught out of position after laying the body. His footwork can be a little clunky, but he gets to where he needs to be. He can jump his gap and lower a hit as good as anyone in the league these days and manages to do so within the rules. He is in control of his body when he hits. If he makes it, he will do so as a penalty killer and physical guy playing on the 3^rd pairing which is why he is still intriguing despite his limited offensive upside. - Vince Gibbons

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Kirill Dolzhenkov - Wing - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

6’6, 235lbs

DOB: 2004-04-20

You might expect such a massive winger like Dolzhenkov to be a poor skater, especially since we currently have him ranked outside of our Top 100. But, that is actually not the case. There is certainly some room for improvement in his overall agility and ability to change direction, however Dolzhenkov is actually fairly quick in a straight line, especially for a guy his size. Due to this and his size advantage, he finds a lot of success driving the net. He is also a physical player who looks to use that huge frame to impose his will on the opposition. Offensively, his big shot is his biggest weapon, giving him solid potential as a goal scorer. His offensive contributions have been fairly inconsistent this year (although he has performed better lately), and our European scouting staff does wonder how well he anticipates play in the offensive zone. However, players like Dolzhenkov are pretty rare these days and if he closes the season well (hopefully earning a spot on the Russian U18 roster), he could easily push for a spot inside of our Top 100 before the draft. - Brock Otten

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Kyren Gronick - Wing - Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

5’11, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-02-27

Gronick has perhaps slipped under the radar for the 2022 draft class so far but look for his trajectory to rise from now until June. He was the 2nd highest scoring 15-year-old in Saskatchewan in 2019-20, and burst on the WHL scene in the shortened pandemic mini-season in 2021 with the Prince George Cougars, posting 11 points in 17 games as a rookie. He started this season slowly, requested a trade, and was dealt back to his home province Saskatoon Blades, where his point pace has almost doubled so far. The Cougars are a weak program, so this move will likely be good for his development. Gronick is under six feet tall but has a fairly sturdy build with good strength on his skates. He is unafraid to go into corners and to the front of the net, able to create offense both off the rush and off the cycle with equal comfort. His skating is constantly improving, and he possesses a nice offensive skill set with good playmaking abilities and a soft pair of hands. He can kill penalties and is a threat to score shorthanded too. As his confidence continues to grow down the stretch, look for Gronick to establish himself as a mid-round prospect with a chance to shoot up the board on draft day. - Arlo Schulz

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Alexis Gendron - Center - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

5’10, 174lbs

DOB: 2003-12-20

Gendron is a late-born 2003 forward who plays for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL. He’s the son of former NHLer, Martin Gendron, who now works for the Philadelphia Flyers as their Eastern Canada amateur Scout. Gendron is a small, but speedy winger that doesn’t refuse any challenges on the physical side of the game. Gendron’s temper can get his team into trouble with undisciplined penalties at times, but at the same time it’s a trait that he’ll need to carry on in order to be successful at the next level. It’s about finding a balance. Despite his lack of size (only 5’10 and 175 pounds), he isn’t the kind of guy that gets intimidated by others and will play through contact because he often gets to the puck first after chipping the puck behind defensemen. Gendron’s quick hands and speed are his bread and butter on the ice. He’s one of the few players in this league that can make highly skilled plays at top speed. The release on his shot is pretty scary for goalies as well, as he’s accurate and powerful. On the downside, Gendron will need to improve more in his own zone. He has the tendency to cheat a little bit on the offensive side of things, which has resulted in odd man rushes for the opposing team at times. If you look at his stats (18 points in 31 games), you won’t be impressed by any means, but it’s the positive impact that he creates on the ice that is really intriguing with him. Just by using his speed, he puts the defensemen on their heels and that generates space for his teammates to gain the offensive zone. - Charles Lassonde

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Brayden Schmitt - Defense - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

5’11, 160lbs

DOB: 2004-03-18

Schmitt is an intriguing defenseman who has slowly improved throughout the season. Being with top offensive defender Miguel Tourigny early in the season didn’t really help him, because he had to focus more on the defensive side of things and had to cover up for Tourigny’s offensive-minded game style. Without Tourigny (who was dealt), Schmitt has thrived more and has appeared more and more confident and consistent on the ice. In my mind, he’s a defenseman that has a dual package, being good in transition and reliable in his own zone. He makes high percentage plays, which always eases the breakouts for his team. He also has played a big role on the power-play units (playing on both lines). His shots aren't lethal by any means, but he is able to generate scoring chances by simply finding the shooting lane and getting the puck there for rebounds. His main strategy in the offensive end is more to distribute pucks from the top of the umbrella, feeding guys like Tourigny, Pinard and Gendron. In the most recent stage of the season, he has begun to jump up even more and take offensive chances, which makes me believe that he’ll thrive even more as a defenseman without Tourigny in the line-up (more ice-time). - Charles Lassonde

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Fraser Minten - Center/Wing - Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

6’1, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-07-05

Playing with our 75th ranked prospect Matthew Seminoff in Kamloops, Minten has been a consistent source of secondary scoring for the red hot Blazers. The duo works extremely well off of each other, grinding to wear down opposing defenders. Like Seminoff, Minten is an extremely versatile player. He is receiving tough defensive assignments and leading the penalty kill. But he also plays net front on the powerplay and has a solid understanding of how to slip in and out of coverage to get open looks. From my understanding, his skating has also improved considerably this season, which has allowed him to be more effective in transition. In terms of individual skill and creativity, Minten’s game does have some limitations. But as a hardworking, intelligent, two-way center, Minten does have potential as a middle six player and is someone who has a great chance of moving into our Top 100 before the draft. - Brock Otten

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Stefan Milosevic - Defense - Frolunda HC (SHL)

6”3, 214lbs

DOB: 2003-12-02

Milosevic is a bit similar to Jacob Moverare in the LA Kings system. He is big, strong and gets the job done, be it in the corners or in-front of the net. He has to do some work in regard to his skating, be it laterally and in a north-south direction. But his hockey IQ is very strong, and he uses that smartness to read the game well and position himself right on the ice. His shot is heavy, and he can place it with accuracy. The interesting thing with Milosevic, which makes him a bit of an outlier, is the fact that he has risen from Sweden's division 2 (the fourth level) to the SHL with Frölunda (albeit in limited minutes) in less than a year. He practices with Frölunda's trade team, and the confidence he has gained from Roger Rönnberg is impressive. I don't foresee him getting picked in any of the top three rounds, but it would not surprise me to see him being picked after the top 100 has passed. A team will find him intriguing and can use a later pick on a big strong defender and since he is in Frölunda, I predict it will be the Redwings. - Patrik Bexell

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