Arno Tiefensee – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #32 Dallas – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:00:14 +0000

Emil Hemming of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Prospect System Ranking – 32nd (Last Year - 31st)
GM: Jim Nill Hired: April 2013
COACH: Glen Gulutzan Hired: July 2025

It's no secret that winning comes at a cost, and the Dallas Stars’ prospect pool reflects the price of contention. While the franchise has yet to capture a Stanley Cup, Jim Nill has been aggressive in recent years, consistently reinforcing his roster in pursuit of the organization’s first championship since its lone victory in 1999. That push, combined with a steady stream of prospect graduations, has significantly depleted the system. Frequent buyers at the trade deadline, the Stars have not slowed their willingness to leverage future assets. Dallas currently holds just five draft picks in 2026 — a second, fifth, sixth, and two seventh-round selections — leaving limited opportunity to replenish the pipeline in the immediate future.

That pipeline is headlined by Emil Hemming (119th), the club’s first-round selection from the 2024 draft class and the only Dallas prospect appearing within McKeen’s Top 200. The 19-year-old began the season with a short stint with the Texas Stars but struggled to find traction at the professional level before returning to junior hockey. Since landing in the OHL, Hemming has rediscovered his form, producing at an elite pace and ranking among the league’s leaders in points per game. Out west, 2025 third-round pick Cameron Schmidt is establishing himself as one of the WHL’s most dangerous producers. Split between the Vancouver Giants and Seattle Thunderbirds, Schmidt completed his regular season as the league’s top goal producer with 51 goals. Now 19, the dynamic winger could make the jump to the AHL as early as next season under the league’s updated rules.

With Dallas firmly positioned in its championship window, the prospect landscape remains volatile. In a win-now environment, few prospects or draft picks are considered untouchable as management continues to prioritize the present.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Dal	1	Emil Hemming	RW	19	6-1/205	Barrie (OHL)	46	26	37	63	22
Dal	1	Emil Hemming	RW	19	6-1/205	Texas (AHL)	5	0	0	0	0
Dal	2	Cameron Schmidt	RW	19	5-8/160	Van-Sea (WHL)	72	51	49	100	58
Dal	3	Tristan Bertucci	D	20	6-1/180	Texas (AHL)	63	5	19	24	53
Dal	4	Aram Minnetian	D	21	5-11/190	Boston College (NCAA)	36	2	9	11	38
Dal	4	Aram Minnetian	D	21	5-11/190	Texas (AHL)	8	0	3	3	6
Dal	5	Brandon Gorzynski	C	19	6-2/185	Cgy-PA (WHL)	65	27	42	69	47
Dal	6	Arno Tiefensee	G	24	6-4/190	Texas (AHL)	20	10	7	3.30	0.892
Dal	6	Arno Tiefensee	G	24	6-4/190	Idaho (ECHL)	11	7	1	2.32	0.926
Dal	7	George Fegaras	D	22	6-1/188	Cornell (NCAA)	34	5	16	21	30
Dal	8	Atte Joki	C	18	6-2/200	Lukko (Fin-Liiga)	40	4	8	12	14
Dal	9	Matthew Seminoff	RW	22	5-11/190	Texas (AHL)	72	24	26	50	24
Dal	10	Samu Tuomaala	RW	23	5-10/175	LV-Tex (AHL)	19	2	8	10	6
Dal	11	Antonio Stranges	LW	24	5-11/185	Texas (AHL)	70	14	20	34	12
Dal	12	Ayrton Martino	LW	23	5-11/185	Texas (AHL)	41	2	10	12	4
Dal	12	Ayrton Martino	LW	23	5-11/185	Idaho (ECHL)	3	2	2	4	0
Dal	13	Arttu Hyry	RW	25	6-2/210	Texas (AHL)	27	9	10	19	13
Dal	13	Arttu Hyry	RW	25	6-2/210	Dallas (NHL)	20	3	2	5	2
Dal	14	Charlie Paquette	RW	20	6-2/205	Gue-Bfd (OHL)	65	29	34	63	34
Dal	15	Jeremie Poirier	D	23	6-1/195	Cgy-Tex (AHL)	51	5	11	16	33

1. Emil Hemming, RW, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Emil Hemming entered the 2025-26 season with an opportunity to play with the Texas Stars and went scoreless through five games. The best of those five came against Rockford, where he fit in, utilizing his deadly one-touch wrister and skill for finding loose pucks to rack up four scoring chances. After returning to Barrie, he’s become a large part of the powerhouse Colts’ offense, scoring over 1.5 points per game, forming an elite duo with Cole Beaudoin. The World Juniors wasn’t quite what he had hoped for with 3 points through 7 games and a boot in the semi-finals to their Swedish rivals, but now back in Ontario, he’s looking to be an integral part of a deep Barrie playoff run. His shot is the focal point of his game, looking to set himself up for cross-ice passes before surgically finishing them with his signature one-timer. He’s got solid downhill speed and shows flashes of making some deceptive passes, but his defensive game can still be inconsistent. As for his role in the NHL, Hemming should eventually fit into Dallas’ middle-six to provide relief scoring.

2. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

The Dallas Stars didn't get to make a selection in the 2025 NHL draft until 94th overall, so they swung big with that pick by using it on Schmidt, a prospect with rare talents and upside. The western winger is a true high-risk, high-reward prospect. There's no denying his offensive threat level, with explosive acceleration, a lethal scoring touch, and deceptive hands that can beat defenders one-on-one. Where things start to get tricky with him is that he's badly undersized and lacking in strength. He usually needs to exert maximum effort to be effective, but that's nearly impossible to accomplish every shift of every game, and it can also make him a serious liability when he gets stuck on the ice with an empty gas tank, especially when it’s so easy to move the puck around someone his size. There's a legitimate chance that Schmidt becomes an NHL support scorer one day, but that's the only path that's available to him, and the Stars will need to be very careful and hands-on with his development in order for that to actually happen.

3. Tristan Bertucci, D, Texas Stars (AHL)

Bertucci's development in his final two years in the OHL wasn't as extensive as expected for a prospect with his tool package and draft placement. Luckily for the Stars, however, that didn't hinder the young defenseman's transition to the professional level, where he has been consistently effective as an AHL rookie, carving out a regular role on the Texas Stars blueline despite there being quite a logjam of defenders on that roster. The entire foundation of his game, both offensively and defensively, is built around his skating, with sleek footwork and long, looping crossovers. He's equally adept at using his mobility to defend the rush as he is at using it to open up space on the attack. He can be assertive at times, though you'd like to see more of a killer instinct out of him overall, as his default mode is a little too quiet and reserved. It’s almost like Bertucci doesn’t fully realize just how good he could become if he just dug in a little deeper and ratcheted up his game another level or two.

4. Aram Minnetian, D, Texas Stars (AHL)

Minnetian has blossomed into a very solid shutdown defender in Hockey East, and it’s largely due to his powerful skating. He has been excellent at retrievals, defending the rush, and in-zone defense. The power he generates from his feet is crucial to making him so solid in his own end of the ice. Despite being only 6 feet, he can kill plays with his stick or even his 200-pound body, the latter being more of an occasional usage. Offensively, he has been fine, primarily excelling in the transition game and with his puck-carrying in general. Minnetian shows flashes of high IQ activation in the offensive zone as well, but it will not be a mainstay of his game at the next level. He will likely feature in the AHL for the Stars, but I am unsure if his NHL upside at this point is anything above a seventh Defenseman. Look for him to start his pro journey, sooner rather than later after completing his junior year for Boston College.

5. Brandon Gorzynski, C, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Gorzinski is a very easy prospect to like and believe in. It doesn’t take much imagination to think of how a winger with this blend of size, athleticism and versatility would be a roster priority for an NHL organization. What makes him extra interesting, however, is that he still looks like he has a lot of runway for improvement in multiple different directions. Is there a chance that he could grow his offensive abilities enough to establish a Top 6 role one day? Absolutely. Alternatively, could he add more energy and physicality to his game, helping him to become a truly great shutdown forward? That’s also totally realistic. Maybe even both types of growth will happen to some degree. The Stars certainly have options for how they want to try to influence and contribute to his individual development, and it will be interesting to see how they approach it. He should be busy this spring as a go-to forward for the Prince Albert Raiders as they chase a WHL championship.

6. Arno Tiefensee, G, Texas Stars (AHL)

The Stars made a somewhat peculiar decision when they drafted Tiefensee in 2023, at 157th overall. Not only was he one of the select few German prospects to get chosen, he was also one of the oldest players among all nations, having gone unselected the three prior times. But he had emerged that season as a regular in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga and then starred for his club in that league's playoffs, which were signs that he could succeed at other professional levels of hockey as well. And sure enough, after two more impressive campaigns back home he moved to North America for 2025-26, starting briefly in the ECHL before quickly playing his way up to the AHL. His goaltending style certainly isn't glamorous or exciting, with stiff movements and a heavy reliance on staying square to shooters and letting his big, blocky frame do most of the work, but he gets results and can handle a decent workload without getting fatigued. If Tiefensee maintains his current trajectory then he should see NHL action at some point.

7. George Fegaras, D, Cornell University (NCAA)

Fegaras has patrolled the Cornell blueline admirably for the past three seasons, playing a two-way shutdown role. Standing at 6’2 and weighing in at 210+lbs, he makes it hard for opponents to go around him at times. Fegaras has a ton of hand-eye coordination, being able to swat flying pucks and pokecheck more than many others in his conference. The Stars have had to be very patient with his development after drafting him out of the OJHL in 2022. But his development has slowly come around, giving him a chance to become a quality depth piece for the organization. Fegaras is not flashy, per say. The offensive upside is not significant as a pro. However, he does a good job of getting pucks to the net and his mobility is more than adequate for his size. The pace of the pro game, eventually, will be a true test for him and will likely dictate whether he has what it takes to be a solid bottom pairing defender or more of an AHL depth piece.

8. Atte Joki, C, Lukko (Liiga)

Atte Joki has established himself as a premier defensive-minded center and a high-floor prospect within the Lukko system. While he may not possess the flashy offensive toolkit of some of his peers in the 2025 draft class, Joki’s value lies in his professional-grade habits, physical engagement, and specialized role-playing capabilities. His performance at the international stage, especially at the World Juniors in Minnesota, solidified his reputation as a "coach’s player" who can be trusted in high-leverage defensive situations. The core of Joki’s game is built on the forecheck and net-front utility. Standing at 6-foot-2, he excels at using his frame to shield pucks along the boards and disrupt opposing breakouts with a relentless motor and an active stick. He is a constant nuisance for goaltenders, providing elite screening and hunting rebounds with a blue-collar mentality. Defensively, Joki is solid for his age. His reads are mature, his positioning is disciplined, and he is a reliable option on the penalty kill, often prioritizing the right side of the puck over risky offensive gambles. The primary hurdles for Joki remain his skating mechanics and offensive ceiling. His development will take time, but Joki has the DNA of a reliable bottom-six NHL center.

9. Matthew Seminoff, RW, Texas Stars (AHL)

Seminoff's tenure at the AHL level is coming along almost identically to how it did at the WHL: starting first as a high-energy checker in the depths of his lineup, before doggedly forcing his way upwards by also finding ways to contribute offensively. He is a determined, focused, heart-and-soul kind of player who earns the respect of his coaches and teammates. He is fully aware that he's not the most naturally skilled or physically gifted, so he tries to make up for it by working harder and being more adaptable than his peers, to much success. He's highly opportunistic, jumping on unsuspecting opponents to clear the zone on the penalty kill or spring a scoring chance in transition. With such a distinct identity and clear understanding of how he needs to play, it’s easy to foresee Seminoff receiving call-ups to the NHL in the not-too-distant future to plug a lineup hole, and maybe even seriously challenging for a depth roster spot in Dallas as soon as the fall of 2026.

10. Samu Tuomaala, RW, Texas Stars (AHL)

After falling out of favor in the Flyers organization Tuomaala was traded to Dallas in a change-of-scenery kind of exchange for Christian Kyrou, another prospect who is the exact same age and had been in the exact same situation. The early returns for the Finnish winger in his new organization were promising down in the AHL with the Texas Stars, until he was knocked out of the lineup due to injury. There's no denying how dangerous he can be when he's in the offensive zone and the puck is on his stick, but he brings little to no value in any other scenario, which is primarily due to his lackluster effort and nonexistent physical intensity. It seems like his only pathway to the NHL would be as a scoring winger and powerplay specialist who needs to be sheltered a lot at even strength. Tuomaala is a restricted free agent at the end of the season, and the Stars have a pretty shallow prospect pool, so it will be interesting to see if he gets an extended look with the organization.

11. Antonio Stranges, LW, Texas Stars (AHL)

Realistically, Stranges’ time in the Dallas organization may be reaching an end. He’s talented offensively, no doubt, but he doesn’t have the physical tools to drive play consistently at the pro level. He remains ranked due to the limited depth in Dallas’ organization.

12. Ayrton Martino, LW, Texas Stars (AHL)

A Hobey Baker award finalist last year with Clarkson, Martino’s first pro season has been a major disappointment. He has struggled mightily on and off the puck and badly needs to add power and strength to his game to be a solid AHL player, let alone NHL contributor.

13. Arttu Hyry, RW, Texas Stars (AHL)

After a promising first season in the AHL after signing out of Finland, Hyry has battled injuries this year, which has limited his impact. A solid two-way center, he still has a chance to carve out a role as a depth player for the Stars.

14. Charlie Paquette, RW, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Paquette was a breakout star in the OHL with Guelph last year and he’s having another solid year, now with Brantford. He’s a big power forward who can be an asset on the powerplay. At the very least, he should serve as excellent organizational depth.

15. Remi Poirier, G, Texas Stars (AHL)

Poirier has been steady for Texas of the AHL the last few seasons and he’s played himself into Dallas’ organizational depth plans. A possible back-up candidate down the line, even if he’s going to require waivers soon.

NHL: Victor Nuño – DYNASTY STOCK WATCH – Dallas Stars Edition

Victor Nuño — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:22:48 +0000

Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (6). (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire)

McKeen’s Hockey: Dynasty Stock Watch

Dallas Stars Edition

Team Outlook

The Dallas Stars remain one of the league’s most structurally sound organizations, blending a competitive NHL roster with a quietly strong development system. With a veteran core anchored by Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, and Miro Heiskanen, Dallas continues to contend in the present while maintaining a steady pipeline of young talent capable of supplementing the roster in the coming years. Their success has limited true rebuilding opportunities, which means prospects must force their way into meaningful roles rather than being handed them.

For dynasty managers, Dallas represents a classic patience test. Opportunities will be earned slowly, and not every highly regarded name will find premium deployment in a deep lineup. Identifying which prospects possess the upside to break through and which may stall in support roles is critical. This edition focuses on three young assets trending upward and three whose market value may currently exceed their long-term fantasy outlook.

Buy Candidates

Arno Tiefensee, G (23)

Why Buy?

Tiefensee is emerging as one of the more intriguing goaltending prospects in the Stars’ system, and his recent progression suggests he may be closer to NHL relevance than many managers realize. He has shown strong technical structure, excellent rebound control, and improving puck tracking since arriving in North America, allowing him to handle heavier workloads with growing consistency. His calm positioning and ability to manage lateral plays stand out, particularly for a goaltender still adjusting to the smaller ice surface. While Hockey Prospecting currently pegs him at just a 19% percent chance of becoming an NHL regular, with comparables ranging from Keith Kinkaid to Mike Vernon, that wide spectrum reflects both the volatility of goaltender development and the upside still present in his profile. Notably, his overall trajectory and recent performance suggest he may now carry more upside than fellow Dallas prospect Remi Poirier, who has stalled somewhat in his development curve.

This is an ideal speculative buy window. Despite the modest projection, Tiefensee has delivered strong results in the AHL this season, posting a .922 save percentage and a 2.37 goals against average on a competitive Texas roster. Dallas continues to prioritize internal goaltending development, and while Jake Oettinger remains firmly entrenched as the starter, the organization lacks a clear long-term backup or succession plan. Tiefensee already looks capable of growing into at least a reliable NHL backup, with realistic 1B upside if his trajectory continues. Don’t let his time in the ECHL dissuade you from acquiring him. In deeper dynasty formats, acquiring a young goaltender on a structurally strong team before his role and value solidify can offer significant long-term return.

Emil Hemming, RW (19)

Why Buy?
Hemming continues to solidify himself as one of the most complete forward prospects in the Stars’ pipeline. His combination of pace, forechecking pressure, and offensive instincts allows him to impact the game in multiple ways, and his transition game remains one of his strongest assets. His calling card remains his shot, which already looks NHL ready, with a quick release and the ability to beat goaltenders cleanly from range. He attacks defenders with confidence, generates controlled entries at a high rate, and has made impressive strides in both his off-puck game and playmaking, rounding out his profile beyond pure finishing. His development curve this season suggests he is beginning to convert tools into sustainable production.

Hemming represents an excellent blend of floor and ceiling. He was once again an important contributor for Finland at the World Junior Championship, reinforcing his ability to perform in high-leverage international settings, and his production with the Barrie Colts has continued to trend upward as the season has progressed. His pNHLe has climbed significantly, now up to 64 after sitting closer to 40 earlier in the season, a meaningful jump that reflects his improving offensive impact. While his current comparables remain modest, names like Mike Amadio and Chris Tierney, the upward trajectory is encouraging. If that trend continues, his long-term value could rise considerably beyond what those early projections suggest. He still projects as a reliable top nine NHL winger with legitimate top six upside if his offensive processing continues to evolve. His shot volume and willingness to play through contact give him strong multi-category appeal, while Dallas’ long-term need for young, cost-controlled wingers creates a realistic path to opportunity. With his name still flying slightly under the radar compared to flashier prospects, this remains a prime time to acquire him before broader recognition catches up.

Lian Bichsel, D (21)

Why Buy?
Bichsel remains one of the more polarizing defense prospects in the system, but his physical toolkit and defensive maturity are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. At 6-foot-5, he brings elite reach, strength along the boards, and strong net-front presence, and his impact is already showing up in measurable ways. Over the past two seasons, the only defenseman averaging more hits per game is Jeremy Lauzon, placing Bichsel firmly among the league’s most physical blueliners. While his offensive game remains limited, his puck movement has improved, and he is showing more confidence activating in transition and supporting the rush. His reads in the defensive zone continue to sharpen, allowing him to neutralize top competition effectively.

Bichsel offers a profile that is often undervalued but extremely useful in the right formats. His production is somewhat unidimensional, he averages roughly one shot per game and blocks fewer than one per contest, which limits his appeal in points leagues, but his elite hit volume can single-handedly swing weekly matchups in category formats. His Evolving Hockey player card does raise some concern, as his defensive impact has not yet translated into increased deployment, and he is currently sitting just under 16 minutes per night. That said, he remains a young defender with fewer than 65 NHL games played, and as he earns more trust and ice time, his peripheral totals could climb even further. Do not expect meaningful point production, that is not his profile, but in leagues that reward hits, blocks, and time on ice, Bichsel projects as a quietly valuable top four defender who can be acquired at a significant discount.

Sell Candidates

Cameron Schmidt, RW (19)

Why Sell?
Schmidt plays with pace and edge, and his motor is a bigger driver of his game than his pure scoring touch. While the goals have come in bunches at the junior level, his overall impact is more dependent on forechecking pressure, transition energy, and opportunistic offense than sustained play-driving. His skating remains only average by NHL standards, and his defensive engagement is still inconsistent, which complicates his projection into a reliable top six role. That profile lines up with his Hockey Prospecting probability dipping to 28% percent, which is still a respectable mark, but more in line with a middle-six energy forward than a true scoring-line fixture.

This is a classic case of market value outpacing certainty. Goal scorers often carry inflated perception early in development, and Schmidt’s highlight-reel production has driven optimism. Yet his pathway to top six minutes in a deep Dallas system is far from guaranteed. If another manager views him as a future first-line sniper, this is an excellent opportunity to capitalize before role limitations and developmental volatility compress his long-term fantasy ceiling.

Ayrton Martino, LW (23)

Why Sell?
Martino’s development curve has flattened considerably since turning professional, with his AHL production plummeting after a strong NCAA run. While he still flashes the same pace and transition ability that made him effective at the collegiate level, his impact at five-on-five has been far more limited against pro competition. His offense now looks more dependent on opportunistic touches than on consistent play-driving, and his lack of high-end puck skills or finishing ability has become more pronounced at this level. That regression is captured in the data, as his pNHLe in the Rank King application has fallen sharply from 52 to 20, a major signal that his earlier scoring projection was overly optimistic.

This is a clear case of expectations needing a reset. What once looked like a potential middle six scoring winger now profiles more as a depth or complementary forward with limited point ceiling. His comparables to Josh Bailey and Kirby Dach in the NHL Rank King application are starting to look increasingly wishful rather than predictive, given how little offensive gravity he is generating in the AHL. With his perceived value still anchored to his NCAA résumé in some circles, this remains a reasonable sell window before his long-term projection settles into a much more modest fantasy outcome.

Mavrik Bourque, C (24)

Why Sell?
Bourque remains one of the most talented playmakers in the Stars’ system, and his offensive intelligence continues to stand out. He processes the game at a high level, distributes effectively through traffic, and thrives as a facilitator on the power play. At the AHL level, he has consistently driven offense and shown the vision required to run a line. His Evolving Hockey player card based on his NHL time paints a more sobering picture, showing him as below average for an NHLer both offensively and defensively. That gap between skill reputation and underlying impact raises real questions about whether he can reach another level in production.

Bourque now profiles best as a middle six distributor rather than a primary offensive driver. With his reputation still carrying some weight, the window to get what you can for him is closing. Hopefully someone in your league still views him as a reliable NHL scorer, as the chances of that happening are growing smaller by the day.

Summary

Player	Role	Key Insight
Arno Tiefensee	Buy	Rising goaltender with NHL backup and long-term upside
Emil Hemming	Buy	Well-rounded winger with strong top six projection
Lian Bichsel	Buy	Physical defender with top four potential and strong peripherals
Cameron Schmidt	Sell	Goal scorer with volatile projection and role risk
Ayrton Martino	Sell	Speed winger likely capped as a middle-six contributor
Mavrik Bourque	Sell	Skilled playmaker whose fantasy ceiling may be limited by role

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – DALLAS STARS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #31

Josh Bell — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:49:00 +0000

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 29: Justin Hryckowian #49 of the Dallas Stars during the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 29, 2024 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 31st (Previous Rank - 23rd)
GM: Jim Nill Hired: April 2013
COACH: Peter DeBoer Hired: June 2022

The Dallas Stars’ prospect pool has taken a noticeable hit, falling from 17th to 23rd all the way down to 31 after ranking in the top 10 just two years ago. The drop is due to a combination of key graduations—Thomas Harley, Mavrik Bourque, and Wyatt Johnston—plus the trade of Logan Stankoven. For a Stanley Cup contender, it’s the cost GM Jim Nill is more than willing to pay.

At the trade deadline, Nill pushed all-in, landing Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund in exchange for Stankoven, first-round picks in 2025, 2026, and 2028, and a package of additional assets. Having rarely dealt first-rounders in his decade-long tenure, this move was a clear signal: the time to win is now. While Rantanen was locked up long-term, Granlund set sail for California after signing with the Anaheim Ducks in free agency.

Now headlining the club’s pipeline all the way down as our 200th ranked prospect is their 2024 first-rounder, Emil Hemming (29th overall). He made the jump to North America in 2024-25 and delivered a solid OHL rookie campaign with 48 points in 60 games.

In the AHL, Justin Hryckowian had a terrific Calder Cup playoff run after a 60-point rookie season, while Clarkson senior Ayrton Martino joined Texas late in the season following a career-best 51 points in 39 games, good for sixth in NCAA scoring.

While they weren’t particularly busy at the 2025 Entry Draft, the Stars did add Cameron Schmidt to their depth chart, a smaller but speedy, competitive forward who boosts their prospect mix.

Dallas remains firmly in its championship window, meaning no prospect or draft pick is truly safe from being moved. For Jim Nill, it’s all about maximizing the present—even if it leaves the future in a constant state of flux.

Dallas Stars Top-15 Prospects

1 - Emil Hemming

Expectations were pretty high for Hemming coming into this year after he signed with Barrie of the OHL, however, he did not meet them in what was a pretty unremarkable offensive season. Granted, the Colts did not have a single player hit the 60-point plateau, operating a well-balanced lineup. Hemming also was considerably better in the OHL postseason. Overall, his season resembled that of Seattle first rounder Eduard Sale in his lone OHL year in that there were some difficulties adjusting to the smaller ice and North American game. It’s clear that Hemming has terrific offensive upside due to his puck skill and heavy shot. However, his engagement off the puck leaves you wanting more; there’s a need to use his size and skating combination more consistently to earn touches, especially through the middle of the ice. The flashes of strong play give hope that he can figure things out and where he plays next year remains a mystery. Like Sale, could he play in the AHL as a 19-year-old so that Dallas could take a more hands on approach with their former first rounder?

2 - Justin Hryckowian

Justin Hryckowian was picked up by the Stars after impressing at a tryout following the conclusion of his final NCAA season. This past year, he made a strong entrance into his first full pro season, maintaining just under a point-per-game pace and even getting a brief stint in the NHL. Though Justin is on the shorter side, he has a stocky build and likes to set up shop beside the net, where he can make quick return feeds to his linemates. Offensively, he benefits from playing alongside Blumel, a proven goal scorer, but where Hryckowian truly stands out is defensively. He consistently gives his best effort, battling for pucks on the forecheck and in his zone. Given his well-rounded skill set, I could see Hryckowian becoming a valuable rotational depth piece for the Stars in the coming years. He should get another crack at NHL time this year, should Dallas find themselves comfortably in a playoff position down the stretch, or if injuries occur.

3 - Ayrton Martino

It took four years, but Martino finally popped off in his senior year at Clarkson, emerging as one of the top offensive players at the collegiate level. Coming into the year, Martino was probably a bubble player to be signed by the Stars, however he really forced their hand with his progression this year and subsequently earned his ELC. Martino is best described as a slippery offensive player. He’s not the biggest. He’s not the strongest. However, his edgework and agility are a strong suit; he routinely escapes pressure thanks to his quick feet. He’s also got great vision with the puck; he excels as a playmaker both in transition and coming off the wall. The adjustment to the pro level could be a difficult one for him. He will likely need a few years at the AHL level to build strength and adapt his game to the pro level. He’s very much a classic “boom or bust” prospect. In that sense, he’s going to be a top six player for the Stars or a classic tweener.

4 - Cameron Schmidt

The Stars didn't get to make their first selection in the 2025 draft until 94th overall, so general manager Jim Nill and his scouting staff would have known that they'd have to take a swing if they hoped to add a prospect with high upside. Luckily for them, Schmidt was still available at the time, and he fits the bill perfectly. He can single-handedly generate scoring chances out of nothing with his explosive acceleration, and he can also finish off those chances thanks to a lethal scoring touch. When he’s really engaged his fire shines bright, and he has what it takes to torch the other team. Future NHL success for him is still far from a guarantee, however, because players of his small size almost never make the NHL, and he still has a lot to learn about how to be reliable and effective defensively. If Schmidt doesn't become good enough to play as a top six winger and power play contributor, it's hard to see him making it work in any other kind of role.

5 - Arttu Hyry

Hyry arrived from Karpat for his first season in North America, spending the majority of the year in the AHL with a short stint in the NHL. Hyry wasted no time and jumped right in, scoring five points in his first six games. He projects to be a bottom six forward who can step into the lineup when needed. Arttu scores most of his goals by getting into dirty areas and finishing off rebounds or quick tap-ins. He possesses a deceptive release and quick elevation, making him a threat in front of the net. Arttu Hyry’s puck-carrying game mostly involves slipping down the boards and driving deep into the zone to center the puck. As for carving out an NHL spot, he seems like a potential fourth liner for this upcoming year if he impresses in camp. No doubt he will start to make more NHL appearances over the next two years.

6 - Tristan Bertucci

Dallas fans might be concerned about the fact that Bertucci’s offensive production declined in both years post draft, however, it’s important to note that the downswing in production came as a result of Bertucci remodeling his game. This past year in Barrie, he really focused on improving his defensive play to become one of the more effective transitional defenders in the OHL. Think of the way John Marino plays. Bertucci activated less, focusing more on clean exit passes and it’s clear that Dallas (and Barrie) had asked him to become a little more “safe.” While he’s not likely to quarterback a power play at the next level, there’s still offensive upside to Bertucci’s game thanks to a smooth stride and the ability to escape pressure. He projects as a number four to six defender who could provide reliable depth to Dallas in the future, although he’s going to need time in the AHL to build confidence.

7 - Aram Minnetian

A mobile two-way defender, Minnetian just finished his sophomore season at Boston College, where he established himself as a key member of the program. He also captured a gold medal at the World Juniors Championships with the United States, playing a support role. While his offensive production hasn’t been significant at the collegiate level, Minnetian is a reliable defensive player because of his ability to initiate the breakout and defend in transition. As an average sized, jack of all trades type, the question is, what kind of role would Minnetian fill at the NHL level? Could his defensive game be as successful at the pro level given his average size? He’ll return to BC as a junior and the hope is that he can take over the team’s power play unit and gain more confidence in his ability to be a difference maker with the puck. It will likely be the key to unlocking his potential to become a solid number four to six defender for the Stars in the future.

8 - Antonio Stranges

Stranges finished his third full season in the pros in 2024-25, still showcasing what we’ve come to expect: impressive edgework, good pace, and dynamic stickhandling. At this stage in his development, it’s starting to look like he’s fallen behind some of the Stars’ other undersized forwards and may only get occasional call-ups when injuries hit. That said, I wouldn’t count Antonio out just yet. His recent jump in production reflects his ability to adapt to a faster, stronger league. He’s diversified his offence more, becoming a more creative threat outside of his signature move. If Stranges gets the call, I could see him racking up points alongside another young talent like Mavrik Bourque and potentially earning a part-time roster spot. Stranges is incredibly talented but doesn’t fit in an NHL bottom six the same way guys ahead of him on this list do. Being a consistent, AHL top six forward is his most likely outcome.

9 - George Fegaras

Drafted out of the OJHL (tier two in Ontario), Fegaras was always going to be a longer-term project for the Stars. However, he’s coming off a solid sophomore season with Cornell and his progression of late offers hope that he can become an NHL defender in some capacity. The offensive game hasn’t really developed a ton thus far, but he’s become a very impactful defensive player thanks to his size and mobility, from the right side to boot. As a junior, Fegaras should get significantly more playing time for the Big Red and this will give the Dallas organization a better idea of what he’s truly capable of. Can he quarterback a power play with his big point shot? Can he gain confidence in his puck moving ability? Can he continue to improve the consistency of his physical play to take that next step as a defensive stalwart? Lots of questions to be answered before the Stars decide whether or not to sign Fegaras, but he is showing some positive signs of progression.

10 - Christian Kyrou

Kyrou’s second AHL season yielded similar offensive output to his first, as the dynamic offensive defenceman once again showed his ability to create big plays with his feet, shifty body fakes, and a deadly accurate shot. Kyrou still struggled with physicality, weighing in at under 170 pounds and rarely using his body to make plays. He’s an interesting player archetype; he isn’t the biggest or strongest and wants to play an offensive game but isn’t yet refined enough to crack an NHL top four role. Kyrou has compensated for his lack of strength with fairly aggressive rush defence, rushing in to break up plays with his stick. There’s potential, but as a 22-year-old heading into his third AHL season, it’s time to start taking the next step if he wants to make the NHL. He must be reliable on breakouts and recoveries and be more comfortable engaging physically in the defensive zone.

11 - Brandon Gorzynski

The speedy Gorzynski chipped in 42 points in the WHL last year thanks to his tenacity on the puck and nose for the net. He’s got one more year in the WHL before heading to Arizona State, so he’s got plenty of time to round out his game and potentially evolve into a solid bottom six piece for Dallas.

12 - Remi Poirier

Poirier has done nothing but post solid numbers since arriving in the AHL three seasons ago and is poised to take another step this season for Texas. His reflexes are high-end, and although not the biggest goaltender, can get across the crease quickly. He’ll be 24 in October and still has plenty of runway to become an NHL goaltender.

13 - Atte Joki

A high work rate center with a plus-shot, Joki will look to potentially take a step into Liiga this season while continuing to establish himself in U20.

14 - Arno Tiefensee

Tiefensee has been a consistent high-end goalie in the DEL for the last seasons now thanks to his size and lateral speed, taking on a bigger work load each year. He tracks pucks well, keeping his hands out in front of him, while seemingly always remaining calm and collected. He must continue to work on his puckhandling to make the jump to North America, but the tools and demeanor are all there.

15 - Angus MacDonell

A speedy forward with a snappy shot, MacDonell improved on his production in his final OHL season and will now make the jump to the AHL where he will adapt to the pro game. He profiles as yet another pacey depth forward that the Stars seem to covet.

NHL PROSPECTS: Top five drafted prospects in Europe

Chapin Landvogt — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:43:02 +0000

The 24-25 season has played host to a number of European draft picks making some real noise in leagues across the continent. Whereas the top five draft picks on the European side of the pond was a relatively clear story in recent years, a good dozen players threw their names in the hat to claim a spot in the following list this season. In addition, some of our honorable mentions here not only would have been on those recent lists, but a couple actually were also (we’re looking at you, messers Nikishin and Sandin-Pellikka)!

Long story short, the NHL teams who own these players’ rights have a whole lot to look forward to.

Of course, as nice a season as the following players have had, it’s up to them to take the next step!

Ivan Demidov - RW/C - KHL - Montreal Canadians 1st rounder in 2024

Sure, there was plenty of fanfare about Demidov at last summer’s draft and the seemingly typical unknowns with respect to his status as a Russian prospect moving forward. In Demidov’s case, his draft year was basically spent in the MHL junior circuit and as dominating as his stats there were, such a measuring stick is laden with uncertainty. A Montreal organization that has done plenty of drafting over the past half decade had no qualms in selecting him fifth overall and welp, it looks like they’ve got a player who may one day end up being among the top three to come out of this draft. He’s only proceeded to spend the entire 24-25 season playing for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL and it’s been beautiful. 49 points and a +17 in 63 regular season games has been absolutely outstanding for any player at the age of 18/19 in his rookie pro season, but it’s been accompanied by no lack of highlights and flashes of brilliance along the way. His current KHL contract ends this spring once the playoffs have concluded, so the expectation is that we’ll see him in North America next fall. The leaguewide excitement is warranted and considerable, to say the least.

He (91) can rip it!

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He can dish it off!

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Dmitri Buchelnikov - LW - KHL - Detroit Red Wings 2nd rounder in 2022

When Buchelnikov was drafted, he was one of those picks that was very intriguing but clouded by uncertainty among world events and in light of his incredible draft year stats coming entirely in the Russian MHL. Where have we heard that before? Well, Buchelnikov followed his strong draft year with a noticeable VHL season before becoming a KHL regular on loan last season, putting up 29 points in the process. That strong step has turned into a monster 24-25 season in which the 21-year-old has accumulated 51 points in 62 KHL games, mostly on the strength of 36 assists, becoming a key powerplay quarterback in the process. Shifty and slick with the puck, Buchelnikov has the kind of game-reading smarts that rarely see him make a poor decision with the puck while also being able to make timely passes and throw absolute darts on goal at any given time. Detroit will need to wait another year, but the Red Wings could have another ready-made youngster coming into the fray as of the summer of 2026.

He (72) can rip it!

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He can dish it off!

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Lenni Hämeenaho - RW - Liiga - New Jersey Devils 2nd rounder in 2023

Hämeenaho has been one of these players who just continues to produce wherever he plays and in whatever environment. He’s been ready-made for a power play role at every step of his development in the last half dozen years and neither his size nor tools have ever really been brought into question with respect to their projectability. He was a regular Liiga player in his draft year and now he’s one of the guys at the top of his team’s scoring list. He’s just continued to produce throughout the season, now at 20-31-51 in 58 games, even turning things up a notch with nine points in his final 10 regular season games. Little stands in the way of him signing his ELC this summer and joining a New Jersey Devils team that can realistically hope that it has another Jesper Bratt style impact player on its hands.

He (29) can rip it!

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He can dish it off!

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He can even run with it…

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Jesse Kiiskinen - C - Liiga - Detroit Red Wings (by trade) 3rd rounder in 2023

Another Red Wings prospect, albeit a Nashville pick from 2023 that Steve Yzerman traded for, Kiiskinen has absolutely exploded this season, becoming his team’s top scorer. Eyebrows were raised with 10 Liiga points in his DY+1, but nobody would have seen him putting up 14-30-44 and +6 numbers in his DY+2. But that’s exactly what he did! The crafty righty shot whose game just keeps getting slicker might have had even better numbers if he hadn’t been a key component for an upstart silver medal WJC squad for which he went 6-1-7 in 7 contests. In short, it’s been a phenomenal season and word is, he’s even getting consideration for the men’s WC this spring. As always, Finland has plenty of players to pick from but what doesn’t seem to be in question is Kiiskinen’s near future. An ELC is all but in the bag and even if he’s given another year in Europe, he clearly looks like he has the offensive skills and wherewithal to put his name on the NHL map within the next three seasons.

He can rip it!

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He (38) can dish it off!

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Oliver Kapanen - C - SHL - Montreal Canadiens 2nd rounder in 2021

Kapanen spent a whole lot of time with the Canadiens last fall, even suiting up for 12 games (2 assists) before being loaned out to the Olli Jokinen-coached Timra squad in the Swedish SHL, where he then proceeded to take the league by storm. To be clear, his 27- and then 34-point seasons in Liiga play the previous two years where strong indicators about where things were headed for this 21-year-old, but finishing this season with 15 goals and 35 points in 36 games, including five points in the final two games of the season was nothing short of an attest to where he’s at and how close he is to contributing at the NHL level. Strong on the face-off and opportunistic throughout the offensive zone, it’s hard to imagine Kapanen outside of North America next season. There are NHL teams for whom Kapanen could easily be seen as the top prospect at this very moment.

He (89) can snipe it!

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He can dish it off!

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He’s got face-off game…

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Honorable mention:

Nikita Artamanov - RW - KHL - Carolina Hurricanes 2nd rounder in 2024

We all knew he was good last season, putting up 23 points in 54 KHL games as an 18-year-old. Impressive! That wasn’t sexy enough to make him a first-round pick but seeing him jump from seven to 22 goals (38 points thus far) this season sure makes him feel like a first rounder now.

Semyon Chistyakov - D - KHL - Nashville Predators 4th rounder in 2019

The Predators have always been able to find defensive gems in the draft and after next season, Chistyakov will likely count as yet another. We’ve liked him for years now, but his career high 17 goals, 38 points, and +28 have put him in a whole new light at this point.

Simon Forsmark - D - SHL - Carolina Hurricanes 4th rounder in 2022

Goodness, Carolina sure knows how to pick them. Good-sized defenseman increased his output with even more responsibility this season. Just the type of player you hope to hit on in the middle rounds.

Artyom Galimov - LW - KHL - Anaheim Ducks 5th rounder in 2020

Some might say he’s the top draftee in all of Europe. After all, he’s got 35-24-59 and +30 in 65 KHL games this season. That puts him way up there in league scoring. However, he is already 25 and only really exploded this season, even if in a big way. What comes next?

Marcus Gidlöf - G - SHL - New York Islanders 5th rounder in 2024

We liked him a lot as a midrounder with strong upside last summer. Alas, even we didn’t see him turning into a late-season SHL starter and putting up some of the most solid numbers in the league. Throw in Gamzin (KHL) and the Islanders suddenly have some interesting goaltending options.

Samuel Jonsson - G - HockeyAllsvenskan - Edmonton Oilers 5th rounder in 2022

Just 21, the 6-foot-5 netminder is killing it for HA contender Karlskoga, (somewhat) coming out of nowhere with a 17-6 record and 1.88 GAA. Now we’ll see if he becomes the go-to guy in the playoffs.

Vitali Kravtsov - RW/LW - KHL - Vancouver Canuck (Rangers) 1st rounder in 2018

It’s taken a good long while, but Kravtsov has finally put in a season that has him firmly entrenched as a “scorer”, albeit in the KHL. 27 goals, 55 points, and a +28 are all career highs. So, uh, is he heading back to North America? His KHL contract is up...

Viljami Marjala - C/LW - Liiga - Buffalo Sabres 5th rounder in 2021

Several decent, but unspectacular seasons in the QMJHL have turned into two straight solid Liiga seasons and he’s just 22 now. Only eight goals this year, but 51 points! A top Liiga playmaker.

Vadim Moroz - LW/RW - KHL - Utah HC 3rd rounder in 2023

The good-sized Belarussian winger had two decent KHL seasons as an uncertain lower line player for a struggling Dinamo Minsk. Now he’s tearing things apart with 25 goals and 42 points. The +17 looks good too. And he’s just 21. Nice!

Ilya Nabokov - G - KHL - Colorado Avalanche 2nd rounder in 2024

Already an overage sensation last summer, Nabokov has done nothing other than double down on his potential with a 23-16 season featuring a 2.16 GAA and .925 SV%. Granted, those are fairly “pedestrian” technical stats in the KHL, but he’s a gamer and a winner.

Alexander Nikishin - D - KHL - Carolina Hurricanes 3rd rounder in 2020

It’s basically groundhog day again this year, even if Nikishin’s numbers are a wee bit lower than in seasons before. Of course, he’s second in KHL scoring among defensemen and his 17 goals are tied for first, so there’s that. The SKA Saint Pete’s captain is as NHL-ready as they come.

Joel Nyström - D - SHL - Carolina Hurricanes 7th rounder in 2021

Has arrived as a full-fledged SHL defenseman for a contender this season, putting up six goals and 27 points in the regular season. Hardly surprising that another Carolina pick is establishing himself as a possible NHL defenseman despite being a seventh round pick.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka - D - SHL - Detroit Red Wings 1st rounder in 2023

Kicked off the season with one highlight reel after another. 12 goals and 29 points is some solid blueline work for an SHL teenager. Had bouts with consistency and was good, but not overly dominant at the WJC. Still a dreamy prospect with a possibly special NHL future.

Arno Tiefensee - G - DEL - Dallas Stars 5th rounder in 2023

In a bad season for DEL goalie stats, Tiefensee is near the top across the board in most categories and the clear #1 for his Mannheim team. Brutally strong numbers and six wins in his final 10 starts to the season have folks excited in Mannheim now that it’s playoff time!

Zemyon Vyazoyov - G - KHL - Seattle Kraken 6th rounder in 2021

Second in the KHL with a 1.86 GAA and second overall with a .936 SV%. He’s taken a big step this year with a winning record, even if he’s still just a 1b for his team.

Yegor Zavragin - G - KHL - Philadelphia Flyers 3rd rounder in 2023

Zavragin is just 19 and already a full-fledged starter at the KHL - for a winner, no less. Looks like good things are ahead for the growing goaltender.

Other notables:

Zakhar Bardakov (COL, KHL), Maxim Berezkin (EDM, KHL), Henrik Borgström (WAS, SHL), Alex Chmelevski (SJS, KHL), Liam Dower-Nilsson (DET, HockeyAllsvenskan), Noel Fransen (CAR, HockeyAllsvenskan), Hugo Gabrielson (VAN, HockeyAllsvenskan), Kirill Gerasimyuk (FLA, VHL), Olaf Glifford (FLA, SHL), Vasili Glotov (BUF, KHL), Arseni Gritsyuk (NJD, KHL), Filip Hallander (PIT, SHL), Juha Jatkola (NAS, Liiga), Roman Kantserov (CHI, KHL), Oiva Keskinen (CBJ, Liiga), Bogdan Konyushkov (MTL, KHL), Josef Korenar (UHC, CZE), Rasmus Korhonen (UHC, HockeyAllsvenskan), Yaroslav Korostelyov (SJS, MHL), Matvei Korotky (STL, MHL), Topias Leiponen (BUF, HockeyAllsvenskan), Jakob Malek (NJD, Liiga), Ivan Morozov (VGK, KHL), Felix Nilsson (NAS, SHL), Victor Nörringer (NAS, SWE U20), Ilya Pautov (PHI, MHL), Prokhor Poltapov (BUF, KHL), Daniil Pylenkov (TBL, KHL), Dmitri Rashevsky (WIN, KHL), Vinzenz Rohrer (MTL, NL), Otto Salin (LAK, Liiga), Daniil Savunov (UHC, VHL), Melker Thelin (UHC, HockeyAllsvenskan), Lassi Thomson (OTT, SHL), Victor Söderström (CHI, SHL), Danila Yurov (MIN, KHL)

GERMANY: 2024-25 Hockey season kicks off!

Chapin Landvogt — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:30:36 +0000

Veit Oswald of Germany during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Photo: Michael Erichsen / BILDBYRÅN / COP 89 / MI0591

The 24-25 season has been starting up across pro and junior leagues throughout Germany this past week. And we’re as excited as can be about some of the stories that should be unfolding on the prospect scene throughout the season.

One of key stories we’ll be following this season revolves around the DEL’s most successful clubs the past decade, the Munich Red Bulls. Aside from opening up a new arena, which will be the most modern in all of Europe, the team was one of the least active on the international market despite acquiring recent AHLer Adam Brooks and former NHLer - and cog in the German ice hockey scene - Tobias Rieder, who’ll be making his DEL debut. The underlying story is that the team appears to ready to double down on its intentions of bringing along internally developed U23 players such as goaltender Simon Wolf (20), defensemen Sten Fischer (21) and Jakob Weber (20), and forwards Filip Varejcka (23), Quirin Bader, Nikolaus Heigl (both 21), and Veit Oswald (20), who was the DEL’s shooting star last winter.

Oswald also proved to be a bit of a surprise seeing as how season’s such as the one he had have often led to getting drafted. It didn’t, but it did ultimately lead to him being invited to Toronto’s summer development camp. With a set role in a team filled with renewed championship ambitions, it still needs to be denoted that Oswald won’t turn 21 until August of 2025, so his draft eligibility is not yet a thing of the past.

And when one considers how similar his season was last year to the final season JJ Peterka had for the same club before jumping to the AHL, there’s probably no-one in the organization who’ll be more excited about the new arena’s opening night festivities, which will feature a match-up against Peterka’s Buffalo Sabres.

This all said, we’ve viewed goaltender Wolf as one of the most hidden goaltending talents in Europe in recent years and as things are now, he has a very good shot of sliding in as the team’s back-up goaltender, a move his pro play in the AlpsHL to date has supported. Could he become the next Arno Tiefensee?

Draftees

Speaking of which, naturally piquing our interest is what the season has in store for draft picks Kevin Bicker (DET), Hakan Hänelt (WAS), Nikita Quapp (CAR), and yes, Tiefensee (DAL). Of the three, Tiefensee is by far the most established and backed his surprisingly effective overage draft season with a 19-13 record and 2.43 GAA as the verified number 1 in goal for Mannheim last season, kicking that latter stat up a bit 2.32 in 7 playoff games. His upward trend is thoroughly expected to continue this season and on the whole, he’s in an ideal developmental spot for a player taken with a later round selection.

As for Bicker, Hänelt, and Quapp, all three are in more unique situations. For Bicker, this is Year 2 of his (probably rushed) DEL career, which saw him gather all of 3 points in 41 games last season before a leg injury ended his season prematurely. Bicker’s game is built on speed and after showing off his wares adequately at the WJC, he’s entering this year not only with a more prominent role in store for Frankfurt, but also the responsibility of being a go-to driver for this winter’s WJC. Hänelt’s great success last season was in actually getting through the season without any major physical setbacks. Otherwise, his 3 points in 40 games were nothing to write home about and he would need to make a big splash this season to re-garner a slot on the radar of prospect viability, as he’s quickly become an afterthought.

The 6’4” Quapp, on the other hand, is entering his first true DEL season after going 11-14 with a 2.63 GAA and .920 SV% in the DEL2 last season, decent numbers for a team that is among the most financially restricted in that respective league. He’ll now back up Norwegian international Henrik Haukeland, where he’ll have little competition entering the season. Furthermore, his Düsseldorf squad is itself among the most financially strapped in the DEL, meaning they’ll be counting on him as no less than a solid number 2 in net, with fire hydrant style responsibility if things sour. That’s how the season may have to kick off after Haukeland was injured in the most recent test game and is doubtful to be back in time for the opener.

U20 players

Unlike its European counterparts in Sweden, Finland, and even the Czech Republic, the number of players aged 17-19 who see ice time in the DEL can usually be counted on one hand during any given season. This leaves us wondering about the fates of a handful of youngsters who have been signed by DEL teams, unknowing what’s on dock for them. About the most fascinating thing that could happen on this front is seeing Dustin Willhöft (MAN), David Lewandowski (DUS), and Mateu Späth (CLG) wiggle their way into DEL action this season, hopefully even a (semi-)regular shift. That’s the kind of thing talents such as these tend to do in the aforementioned countries, even at the age of 17.

But there are a few more we’ll be watching closely. Edwin Tropmann (COL) was a top prospect heading into last season, as was Paul Mayer (MAN). And while Mayer saw DEL action and then finished the season with a fairly regular shift in the DEL2 - showing little statwise at either station - Tropmann’s early-season injury threw him out of the loop almost completely. We recently saw him playing this summer for the nation’s U20 team and he looked like he was getting back to form as the team’s top defenseman. These two defensemen are on the outside looking in with their DEL clubs, but both are strong likelihoods at one of the other two levels of pro hockey and should each be locks for the WJC team.

So, what will come of 6’7”, 207-pound defenseman Rio Kaiser in his draft year? He already got into 20 pro games (3 at the DEL level) this past season while being “Okay” at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer. He’s already played both of Berlin’s Champions Hockey League games, so he’s getting a look. And that size just does not grow on trees. A very similar scenario has set in for 5’7” Alexander Vladelchtchikov with Bremerhaven, a defenseman who looked like he might be all the rage back when he was 14. A strong DNL season last year finally earned the 19-year-old a DEL contract with Bremerhaven, a team that has traditionally had problems bringing in younger German talent. But even among draft-eligible defenseman, he has overager Rayan Bettahar ahead of him, a player who lost a good portion of last season to a broken jaw when he was cheap-shotted after making a thundering open-ice check. He has been getting long looks in the preseason. Chances are that Vladelchtchikov will see time in the DEL2 instead, where he recently got his first pro league assist.

Two more players we had on our draft radar not too long ago were defender Lua Niehus of Frankfurt and forward Linus Brandl of Straubing, both now 19. Heading into last season, much was expected of each but Niehus got into injury trouble while Brandl found himself basically being a 13th forward for Landshut in the DEL2. Both were part of Germany’s WJC entry, but Brandl’s role was that of an extra forward while Niehus’ tournament was already over after one game. The skill levels each possess were never really in question until last season, when the expectations proved to clearly be overwhelming, with Brandl’s skating weaknesses proving to be damning while Niehus’ 5’9”, 160-pound body just wasn’t up to the physical task. Will both or either take the next step already this season? Barring injury, you’ll see both at the WJC.

Getting long in the prospect tooth is former Rögle prospect, forward Roman Kechter (20), who was wonderful for Nuremberg last season, collecting 17 points and +1 rating over 42 games. He also captained the U20 team after having captained the U18 team in 2022. We mention him here because he’s finding himself in a situation with a low-budget team where he’ll be fully expected to carry the load of a top 9 forward and see situational ice time in what could be a lot of hard scenarios. In fact, there’s likely not a 20-year-old in the league who’ll have a more concrete regular shift and responsibility than Kechter. And it’ll bear watching.

What we can also say is that particularly Düsseldorf, Iserlohn, and Nuremberg look bound to make use of plenty of U23 players, with a good handful being under 20. Particularly forwards Lenny Boos (17) in Düsseldorf, Max Brunner (18) in Iserlohn, and defenseman Max Merkl (18) are players who bring above-average skill sets to the table (by German standards) and each was a cog in seeing the U18 team gain promotion this past spring. With Boos being the son of a long-time DEL pro, Brunner having spent the past two seasons in Sweden, and Merkl already the author of 15 DEL appearances in his young career, it’s not unreasonable to think each will see some DEL action this season. A breakthrough by any could earn draft consideration.

UFAs to be?

The league will also feature a number of young players we feel continue to be of interest to NHL teams under the right circumstances. Defenseman Colin Ugbekile (22) and Leon Hüttl (23) top that list on the defensive front. Each has established himself as an up-n-comer in the national team and each is an absolute cog on his team’s blueline, contributing value in all three zones. Ugbekile even became a power play specialist last season, putting up 12 goals and 33 points. Cologne’s goaltender, Tobias Ancicka (23), finally established himself as a DEL starter last season, going 23-15 with a 2.51 GAA. After spending part of his junior years in Finland, this son of a former German national team member (of Czech descent) is finally turning promise into results and will play for a Sharks team that has as much pressure as anyone to perform this season, seeing as how it has the best attendance in Europe and few championships to show for it.

His teammate Justin Schütz (24), a former draft pick of the Florida Panthers, put up a league-leading 30 goals in 55 games last season. Snubbed from the national team before the Men’s WC, it’s safe to say that he’ll be looking to verify last season’s results with a renewed push towards an NHL contract. At the same time, there’s probably not a German player in the league who has the wheels, hockey IQ, and hands of Wojciech Stachowiak, a 25-year-old forward who saw his stats drop a wee bit in DEL play last season, but then went 2-7-9 in 8 WC games in the Czech Republic. It’s difficult imagining a player with his drive and overall package not getting a look in North America at some point. There’s simply too much hustle there.

It wasn’t too long ago that we spilled some words in favor of now 22-year-old forwards Alexander Blank, Danjo Leonhardt, and former OHLer Josh Samanski. All three will be taking on even bigger roles for their teams, with Blank fighting relegation from the get-go while the latter two will be aiming for a top 4 spot in the league with their Straubing Tigers. And while Blank continues to see his game grow into that of a playmaker, there were times last year where we found ourselves thinking that it won’t be long until Leonhardt’s 13 goals turn into 25. He’s certainly got the surrounding cast for it this year. Neither is as entrenched in their team’s plans as Samanski is, who is on the fast track to a more stable spot in the national team. The 6’6” forwards skates like he’s 5 inches shorter and broke through last season with 12 goals and 33 points. It’s going to be hard for the NHL not to take notice if 40+ points and WC appearance ends up being in the cards for him this season.

Sticking with the Tigers, goaltender Florian Bugl (6’1”, 187 pounds) has really been nothing short of spectacular the past few seasons. He’s now 22 and although long thought to be ahead of Dallas’ Arno Tiefensee, hasn’t been drafted. But he’s put up 17-8 and then 15-8 records the past two seasons and even got into 3 of his team’s 6 playoff games last season. He once again has a veteran North American goaltender to share duties with, but with his Straubing Tigers now in the Champions Hockey League and fully expected to be a top 4 club in the DEL again, there’s no reason to believe he’ll see fewer starts than he has to date as “spreading the wealth” will be part of the goaltending ice time plan.

DEL2

As wonderful as it is to theorize about possible draftees getting their feet wet in the DEL, it’s the second tier DEL2 that plays a much more significant role for the development of draftable youngsters. There’s usually more ice time to go around and teams are regularly looking for cheaper options for lower line roles. In addition, there’s a U23 role in place that downright requires the team to suit up a certain number of players 22 or younger for every game. We even expect many of the names listed above to more likely find themselves taking shifts here rather than the DEL as just about every DEL team has an affiliate in the lower ranks to whom they send their most promising youngsters.

The most prominent parking stations are Munich’s affiliate Kaufbeuren and Berlin’s affiliate Lausitz. These teams usually have some of the smaller league budgets, but see their rosters pepped up with youngsters the DEL teams acquire or bring up through their own junior programs. This year, we’ll be keeping a close eye on Kaufbeuren samples Jakob Peukert (D/18), Fabian Nifosi (D/20), Leon Sivic (F/20), and Jonas Fischer (F/19). The same is true for Lausitz with respect to the aforementioned Kaiser (D/17), Marlon Braun (D/20), Nils Elten (D/21), and Filip Ziesche (F/19). If we’re lucky, Linus Vieillard (G/18) will already be up to the task, as we’d like nothing more than to see him force his way into WJC consideration. He’s been slyly good wherever he’s played to date.

While at it, Nico Pertuch (19) is looking like the frontrunner for the spot as Germany’s #1 at the WJC and he spent all of last season as the back-up in Ravensburg. That role - including more ice time - is all but certain this season, so he’ll be a name to follow closely. We’ve liked him since he was 17, but the 6’2”, 212-pounder really took some major steps last season and shows some impressive mental fortitude.

As far as players are concerned who were already in scout’s notebooks this past summer and who could certainly gain overage drafting consideration with a strong winter are Kassel’s Clemens Sager and Weiden’s Elias Pul, both forwards. A north/south player with some moxy, Sager has a penchant for being very involved in board work while smart enough to compliment skill players of any sort. His team is a heavy favorite for the DEL2 championship and with that, promotion to the DEL. Will he get the ice time we’d hope for on such a loaded squad? That’s something we won’t really need to be asking with respect to league newbie Weiden, which has plucked the solid two-way Pul from the Red Bull Juniors program and looks ready to force-feed him with DEL2 minutes. He’ll need to adjust to bigger and better opponents, but if the talent and overall wherewithal we’ve come to know from him truly speak of his package, then he could be turning a lot of heads by season’s end.

DNL

At the nation’s top junior level, Landshut was the surprise victor last spring, coming back from being down 2-0 in the series against powerhouse Berlin to come out on top with a 3-2 Best-of-Five victory, much of that success on the backs of forwards Tobias Schwarz and Simon Seidl. The two not only lead the way offensively throughout the playoffs, but also got into several dozen DEL2 games as well as a starring role in the D1A U18 Worlds, where Germany went 5-0 in gaining promotion back into the elite group. With DEL contracts in their pockets (Straubing), the sky's the limit for the duo, which is expected to spend most the season back in the DEL2, but should be about a lock for Germany at the WJC.

This DNL season will nonetheless be one that is all about redemption for traditional powerhouse Mannheim, a program that will host one of the biggest storylines coming out of Germany, a young man we’ve been talking about for a bit now named Max Penkin. We’re not going to hold back in saying that he’s the most dynamic forward prospect coming out of Germany since Tim Stützle. That’s the trajectory at this point. Now, Mannheim started slowly out of the gates last season and found itself on the outside looking in once the initial qualification round concluded after just 14 games, placing the team in a B group that would battle to retain the class and thus, out of championship contention.

This hiccup surely will be a thing of the past and many of the reasons could be seen at the Eli Palfreyman Memorial Invitational in Canada at the conclusion of August. There, fans were able to see Penkin’s exploits. To clarify, Penkin is a 15-year-old who is first eligible for the 2027 draft. He dominated the U17 league last season and is set to be a go-to figure already this year, maybe even getting a look at the pro level. He is that intriguing and he’s actually so young that he had to gain “Exceptional Status” to be permitted to play at the DNL level already this season.

But fans at the tournament above were also able to see several other players who’ll look to be draft topics next summer, namely crafty tiny tot Dustin Willhöft, defenseman Nick Mahler, and dynamic twins Gustavs and Rihards Griva, originally from Latvia. We’re also excited to see what 18-year old overager Nikita Zhvanov (Tschwanow) will be able to do after a shortened 23-24 season saw him put up 28 points in 33 games and another 9 (and +9) in 18 games for 3rd league pro team Heilbronn.

Along with Mannheim, the usual suspects are expected to throw their hats into the championship picture, namely Berlin and Cologne. And with Germany back with the big boys at the U18 level, the DNL will continue to hold great importance as the provider of what will likely be over 50% of the team come next April. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past summer once again saw Germany overwhelmed at times, but a 2-1 victory over Finland was huge for the program and a placement game loss to Switzerland saw a wonderful effort by Germany tossed down the tubes with a late breakdown.

With that in mind, some of the most exciting DNL names to follow this year are those of Maxim Schäfer, Elias Schneider, Tom Fitschen, Moritz Kretschmar (all Berlin), Tobin Brandt, Noah and Marco Münzenberger (both roughly 6’4” and no confirmed relation to Edmonton prospect Luca), Matthias Pape, Max Ziergiebel (all Cologne), Niclas Focks, Konstantin Redinger, Tim Schütz (all Krefeld), Peukert (Kaufbeuren), and Fabio & Timo Kose (Regensburg).

Following the DNL this year will be about focussing on what talent forces its way onto the U18 roster. If any come into WJC consideration, then we’re talking about an exception of sorts as Coach Abstreiter rarely strays from his eldest options, most of whom have pro or CHL experience under their belts.

But to be clear, we’re here to see just how far Penkin can take his prospect star at this early stage in his career. He’s got 3 points in the loaded team’s first 5 games.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL DRAFT GUIDE – The McKeen’s team sleeper picks

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:47:12 +0000

One of the questions consistently asked of us on social media is “who are your favourite sleepers this year?” The concept of a draft “sleeper,” or a player currently flying under the radar is something that fascinates many draft followers. Everyone has their favourite, so we asked our scouting team to supply theirs! This article is included in our recently published McKeen's 2023 NHL Draft Guide. If you are not a subscriber check out more info here.

Brock Otten (Director of Scouting)

Joey Willis of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Joey Willis - Center - Saginaw Spirit

The stat line won’t wow you. The physical tools won’t wow you. Yet, this is a player who consistently passes the eye test. On a deep Saginaw team, he consistently found a way to be noticeable. He has strong two-way instincts, is creative, and is a really strong playmaker. This was Willis’ first year playing above the AAA level, so no wonder the physical tools are lagging behind. Lots of room for this player to grow with increased confidence.

Larry Keenan - Defense - Culver Academy

Keenan is a very raw defensive prospect from the prep scene. He’s going to require a ton of patience as his game adapts to playing at the higher levels. However, he may be one of the most electric skating defenders available this year and he’s 6’3. His athleticism is off the charts good, and he is headed to a program (UMass) with a great track record for developing defenders.

Eric Pohlkamp - Defense - Cedar Rapids Roughriders

For my money, one of…if not the best re-entry player available this year. The USHL’s defenseman of the year is just a really fun player to watch. He’ll need to alter a few things to adapt his game to the next level, but he has a really intriguing upside. His point shot is one of the best available this year. He skates well. He defends aggressively. The rapid progression he showed this year in his second USHL season was remarkable. He also looked great at the World Junior A Challenge playing against some pretty good other players.

Derek Neumeier (Assistant Director of Scouting)

Josh Van Mulligen — Defense — Medicine Hat Tigers

A person might see Van Mulligen's minuscule point totals from this season and assume that he's not a good prospect, but that would be unwise. His value is at the other end of the ice, disrupting the offensive efforts of the opposing teams. He combines his long reach with clean footwork in all directions to close gaps and get his stick in shooting lanes. His capacity as a puck transporter is improving too, and it could make a lot more progress down the road as he adds strength and power into his lower body. He has the tools to become a true defensive specialist in the NHL one day.

Isac Hedqvist — Wing — Luleå

Hedqvist flew under the radar this season because he didn't play for Sweden internationally, but he didn't look out of place in the SHL games that he dressed for, which measured him up well against his top countrymen in this year's draft class. He's a winger who overcomes his smaller stature by being smart, tenacious, and playing with a competitive edge. He's around the puck a lot with his efforts, and when he wins them, he knows how to drive them to the opposing net. With such great pro tendencies already, it bodes well for how his game will grow over time.

Vojtech Port — Defense — Edmonton Oil Kings

It's a real shame that Port suffered a season-ending injury with a lot of hockey left to go, because he was making a real statement with his play. The rebuilding Oil Kings were an unmitigated disaster all season, but the import Czech defender was unfazed and just kept chugging away, logging big minutes in all situations and doing a lot of positive things in his shifts. He knows how to use his large frame to his advantage, he skates and handles the puck well, and he isn't afraid to be a focal point for his team. There could be a lot of untapped potential here.

Adam Tate (Western Region Scout)

Ty Halaburda - Wing - Vancouver Giants

I wrote about Ty Halaburda back in December as a notable mid-round candidate and I’m still on the Halaburda Hype Train now. His Vancouver Giants were eliminated early in the playoffs, so he was added to Canada’s roster for the U-18’s in April. He had a decent tournament, but I think he’d be the first to tell you he didn’t play as well as he would’ve hoped. As for his outlook as a pro, his ceiling is likely as a bottom six winger, but I think he’ll be able to thrive there. His skating is his best trait, but I think his hockey awareness is good as well. There is the potential to provide some secondary scoring and penalty kill utility at the bottom of a team’s forward lineup.

Matej Deraj (Central European Scout)

Maroš Jedlička – W/C – HKM Zvolen, Slovakia

Jedlička is already a double overager and may even end up not being drafted again, but his game would fit perfectly on the North American ice. He is a physical winger with solid skating, offensive skills, and more than a solid size (6´2”, 201 lbs). He likes to drive to the net and finishes his checks. He´s been a key part of Zvolen´s offense in the Slovak top tier league for two years in a row and has drawn a lot of NHL interest. He projects as a middle-six physical winger with a scoring touch who is able to play on both special teams.

Chase Rochon (Video Scout)

Aiden Fink - Wing - Brooks Bandits

Aiden Fink is a unique prospect in this year's draft class mainly because he is one of the only players on our ranking coming from the AJHL playing for the Centennial Cup champion Brooks Bandits. Fink isn't only undervalued because of his strength in the league but also because of his smaller frame of 5’9”, 152lbs. These factors do not stop Fink's dynamic offensive ability as a high-paced winger with great offensive tools, which he uses to drive the net. Fink has a real knack for scoring goals and using his awareness to find open space to take advantage of his quick release.

Chapin Landvogt (Central European Scout)

Arno Tiefensee - Goaltender - Mannheim Adler - DEL

Imagine being a 6’4”, 190-pound goaltender by the time you’re 18, heading to the WJC, and then falling into anonymity after getting shellacked in two outings on the world stage. Like a phoenix out of the ashes, you get your shot in a top European pro league with a top address atage 20 - and you run with it. We mean, you go 13-10, pitch 3 shutouts, and rack up a 2.43 GAA and .910 save percentage. Then you’re the starter in the playoffs, dialing in for a 2.07 GAA and .914 save percentage in 12 outings. You’re even in heavy consideration for an appearance at the World Championships. Well, we’ve just described the story of the calm, collective, and focused Tiefensee, who’s likely coming to an NHL franchise near you this summer.

Joely Stockl (Ontario Regional Scout)

Easton Cowan - Wing - London Knights

Easton Cowan has been an intriguing player all season long, but his playoff performance offensively alongside Denver Barkey has been something to behold. The combination of his smarts and work ethic is what makes Cowan so unique in this draft class, and these are the two driving forces in his game. Cowan translates as a 200-foot utility player at the next level who can provide secondary scoring. He is a forward that can play on both special teams units, plays with undeniable energy, and will give 110% effort on every single play. His offensive production late in the season is giving teams a reason to call Cowan’s name earlier rather than later in this year’s NHL draft.

Mark Dube (U.S. and Video Scout)

Noah Dower Nilsson - Wing/Center - Frölunda HC J20

Dower Nilsson is coming off a very impressive season in the J20 Nationell finishing 7th in the league in scoring posting 54 points in 37 games, tops among all draft eligible players. He also had a solid U18 showing although playing a limited role on a pretty strong team. Dower Nilsson possesses that raw talent that if developed properly could turn out to be a great pick up for any NHL team that selects him. He has good compete and has some scoring upside which are two attributes that every GM loves in a prospect. It is easy to see him becoming a solid middle-six player.

Viktor Fomich (Russian Scout)

Bogdan Konyushkov - Defense - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

When a player is undrafted a couple of times already and is in his last year of draft eligibility, it takes something special for him to finally get noticed. If we look at the basic stat line it looks good, but not too special for defenseman Bogdan Konyushkov, which is likely the reason there isn’t much mainstream talk about him outside of Russia, yet even just pure stats can be more interesting if we look at those closer and at the right angle. First thing that stands out in case of Konyushkov is that despite his age he made his KHL debut just this season and actually led his KHL team in average ice time, as his cerebral game on both ends convinced coach Igor Larionov to immediately give him an opportunity for a leading role on the team. And if we look at advanced stats, those are telling that this trust paid off really well, as Konyushkov is among the league’s leaders in both completed pass amount and percentage, as well as in the puck battle win percentage — quite a debut season I’d say. As a bonus Konyushkov is right handed, just in case if everything described above isn’t convincing enough yet about him potentially being a very intriguing prospect for the coming draft.

Ethan Hetu (U.S. Regional Scout)

Will Vote - Wing - U.S. NTDP

5’7” and 159. Those are the two numbers that will hurt USNTDP forward Will Vote the most in the draft process. His height and weight, respectively, numbers that pose a real challenge to his pro projectability. The number that won’t hurt Vote one bit when scouts dig into his game in advance of the 2023 draft? 110. That’s the percentage effort Vote gives on every shift, and what makes him an intriguing sleeper candidate. He proved this year that he can thrive in a role as a complementary player, leveraging his work rate, hockey IQ, and shooting ability to elevate his linemates. Would his profile look a whole lot better if he had the type of standout skating scouts look for in players his size? Absolutely, but it’s hard to watch the kind of nightly game Vote plays and not expect him to find a way to make it work at more challenging levels of competition.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL DRAFT – FINAL RANKINGS – TOP 224 Plus Honourable Mentions

McKeen's Scouting Team - Director of Scouting, Brock Otten — Sun, 28 May 2023 16:20:45 +0000

It’s that time! The McKeen’s scouting staff has finalized our final rankings for the 2023 NHL Draft ahead of the release of our draft guide in a few weeks. As per usual, our list runs 224 players deep to match the number of selections in the draft, but we have included over 300 players when you include our Honorable Mentions.

Much to the surprise of no one, Connor Bedard remains our top ranked player, as he has been all season long. In fact, our top three remains unchanged from our midseason rankings with Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson holding down the second and third spots, respectively. There has been one change in our top five with Will Smith leapfrogging Matvei Michkov into the fourth position following his dominant second half and U18’s.

Russian defender Dmitry Simashev remains our top ranked blueliner but has now moved into the top ten. His combination of size, mobility, physicality, and improving offensive skill set is going to be alluring to NHL teams and we feel that his upside is the highest in a weaker crop for defenders.

A trio of Swedish players are among our biggest risers from our midseason list, with Tom Willander, Anton Wahlberg, and David Edstrom all jumping up into the first round. All three were excellent in the second half of the season, which culminated with strong performances at the U18’s. Willander, in particular, has a huge fan in our Director of Scouting, Brock Otten. “If you were to ask me who my favourite defender in the draft class is, I’d probably say Willander. He rarely makes a poor play and I believe that we are underappreciating his potential as an NHL defender because of how efficient and safe his game can be. I would be shocked if he does not become a quality second pairing guy at the NHL level and I don’t think the other defenders ranked in the first have that same assurance,” said Otten.

Another massive jumper in our list is Hamilton Bulldogs winger Nick Lardis. 98th on our midseason list, Lardis now finds himself ranked just inside of our first round. His play with Hamilton, following a trade from Peterborough has vaulted him up draft boards, including ours. His combination of quickness and scoring ability gives him a solid projection at the NHL level.

Despite having two goaltenders inside of our first round at midseason (Carson Bjarnason and Michael Hrabal), we ended the year with none. Trey Augustine is now our top ranked netminder, ranked in the mid second round. However, Augustine, Bjarnason, Hrabal, and USHL Clark Cup MVP Jacob Fowler are all closely ranked in that range.

Look for the release of our 2023 Draft Guide in the next couple weeks. It will include all of our rankings and reports, a mock draft, a preview of the 2024 NHL Draft, and much more.

As a subscriber, link to our full ranking with links to the player pages here - McKeen's Draft Rankings - You can download the ranking as an excel file as well.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	HT/WT	DOB	NATION	TEAM	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Connor Bedard	C	5-10/185	17-Jul-05	Canada	Regina (WHL)	57-71-72-143
2	Adam Fantilli	C	6-2/195	12-Oct-04	Canada	Michigan (B1G)	36-30-35-65
3	Leo Carlsson	C	6-3/200	26-Dec-04	Sweden	Orebro (SHL)	44-10-15-25
4	Will Smith	C	6-0/175	17-Mar-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	59-51-75-126
5	Matvei Michkov	RW	5-10/170	9-Dec-04	Russia	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	30-9-11-20
6	Zach Benson	LW	5-9/160	12-May-05	Canada	Winnipeg (WHL)	60-36-62-98
7	Dalibor Dvorsky	C	6-1/200	15-Jun-05	Slovakia	AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)	38-6-8-14
8	Ryan Leonard	RW	5-11/190	21-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	56-50-43-93
9	Dmitri Simashev	D	6-4/200	4-Feb-05	Russia	Loko Yaroslavl-Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)	33-1-11-12
10	Matthew Wood	RW	6-3/195	6-Feb-05	Canada	Connecticut (HE)	35-11-23-34
11	Oliver Moore	C	5-11/185	22-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	60-31-43-74
12	Colby Barlow	LW	6-0/195	14-Feb-05	Canada	Owen Sound (OHL)	59-46-33-79
13	Nate Danielson	C	6-1/185	27-Sep-04	Canada	Brandon (WHL)	68-33-45-78
14	Axel Sandin Pellikka	D	5-11/180	11-Mar-05	Sweden	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	31-16-20-36
15	Daniil But	LW	6-5/200	15-Feb-05	Russia	Loko Yaroslavl-Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)	32-18-14-32
16	David Reinbacher	D	6-2/185	25-Oct-04	Austria	Kloten (Sui-NL)	46-3-19-22
17	Eduard Sale	LW	6-1/170	10-Mar-05	Czech	HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)	43-7-7-14
18	Samuel Honzek	LW	6-3/185	12-Nov-04	Slovakia	Vancouver (WHL)	43-23-33-56
19	Mikhail Gulyayev	D	5-11/170	26-Apr-05	Russia	Omskie Yastreby (MHL)	22-2-23-25
20	Lukas Dragicevic	D	6-1/190	25-Apr-05	Canada	Tri-City (WHL)	68-15-60-75
21	Gabe Perreault	RW	5-11/165	7-May-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	62-53-79-132
22	Otto Stenberg	C	5-11/180	29-May-05	Sweden	Frolunda (Swe J20)	29-11-15-26
23	Tom Willander	D	6-1/180	9-Feb-05	Sweden	Rogle (Swe J20)	39-4-21-25
24	Calum Ritchie	C	6-2/185	21-Jan-05	Canada	Oshawa (OHL)	59-24-35-59
25	Andrew Cristall	LW	5-9/165	4-Feb-05	Canada	Kelowna (WHL)	54-39-56-95
26	Gavin Brindley	C	5-8/165	5-Oct-04	USA	Michigan (B1G)	41-12-26-38
27	Bradly Nadeau	LW	5-10/165	5-May-05	Canada	Penticton (BCHL)	54-45-68-113
28	Anton Wahlberg	C	6-3/195	4-Jul-05	Sweden	Malmo (Swe J20)	32-14-13-27
29	Riley Heidt	C	5-10/180	25-Mar-05	Canada	Prince George (WHL)	68-25-72-97
30	Brayden Yager	C	5-11/165	3-Jan-05	Canada	Moose Jaw (WHL)	67-28-50-78
31	David Edstrom	C	6-3/185	18-Feb-05	Sweden	Frolunda (Swe J20)	28-15-13-28
32	Nick Lardis	LW	5-10/165	8-Jul-05	Canada	Pbo-Ham (OHL)	69-37-28-65
33	Kasper Halttunen	RW	6-3/205	7-Jun-05	Finland	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	27-0-1-1
34	Jayden Perron	RW	5-9/165	11-Jan-05	Canada	Chicago (USHL)	61-24-48-72
35	Oliver Bonk	D	6-2/175	9-Jan-05	Canada	London (OHL)	67-10-30-40
36	Quentin Musty	LW	6-2/200	6-Jul-05	USA	Sudbury (OHL)	53-26-52-78
37	Trey Augustine	G	6-1/185	23-Feb-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	28-1, 2.14, 0.925
38	Tanner Molendyk	D	5-11/185	3-Feb-05	Canada	Saskatoon (WHL)	67-9-28-37
39	William Whitelaw	RW	5-9/170	5-Feb-05	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	62-36-25-61
40	Ethan Gauthier	RW	5-11/175	26-Jan-05	Canada	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	66-30-39-69
41	Gracyn Sawchyn	C	5-11/160	19-Jan-05	USA	Seattle (WHL)	58-18-40-58
42	Carson Bjarnason	G	6-3/185	30-Jun-05	Canada	Brandon (WHL)	21-19, 3.08, 0.900
43	Aram Minnetian	D	5-11/190	19-Mar-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	61-7-24-31
44	Michael Hrabal	G	6-6/210	20-Jan-05	Czech	Omaha (USHL)	9-13, 2.86, 0.908
45	Jacob Fowler	G	6-1/215	24-Nov-04	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	27-9, 2.28, 0.921
46	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	C	6-0/165	18-Feb-05	Denmark	HV 71 (SHL)	41-4-3-7
47	Carson Rehkopf	LW	6-1/195	7-Jan-05	Canada	Kitchener (OHL)	68-30-29-59
48	Beau Akey	D	5-11/170	11-Feb-05	Canada	Barrie (OHL)	66-11-36-47
49	Danny Nelson	C	6-3/200	3-Aug-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	61-20-26-46
50	Etienne Morin	D	6-0/180	9-Mar-05	Canada	Moncton (QMJHL)	67-21-51-72
51	Felix Nilsson	C	6-0/175	22-Jun-05	Sweden	Rogle (Swe J20)	36-19-22-41
52	Maxim Strbak	D	6-1/205	13-Apr-05	Slovakia	Sioux Falls (USHL)	46-5-13-18
53	Jakub Dvorak	D	6-5/205	25-May-05	Czech	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia)	24-0-2-2
54	Carey Terrance	C	6-0/175	10-May-05	USA	Erie (OHL)	67-30-17-47
55	Jesse Kiiskinen	RW	5-11/180	23-Aug-05	Finland	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	31-20-23-43
56	Mathieu Cataford	C	5-11/185	1-Mar-05	Canada	Halifax (QMJHL)	68-31-44-75
57	Roman Kantserov	RW	5-9/175	20-Sep-04	Russia	Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)	45-27-27-54
58	Tristan Bertucci	D	6-1/170	12-Jul-05	Canada	Flint (OHL)	63-11-39-50
59	Andrew Gibson	D	6-3/195	13-Feb-05	Canada	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	45-7-14-21
60	Caden Price	D	6-0/185	24-Aug-05	Canada	Kelowna (WHL)	65-5-35-40
61	Charlie Stramel	C	6-3/215	15-Oct-04	USA	Wisconsin (B1G)	33-5-7-12
62	Coulson Pitre	RW	6-0/170	13-Dec-04	Canada	Flint (OHL)	59-25-35-60
63	Adam Gajan	G	6-2/165	6-May-04	Slovakia	Chippewa Steel (NAHL)	19-12, 2.57, 0.917
64	Hoyt Stanley	D	6-2/185	4-Feb-05	Canada	Victoria (BCHL)	53-4-34-38
65	Andrew Strathmann	D	5-10/190	27-Feb-05	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	56-3-35-38
66	Hunter Brzustewicz	D	5-11/185	29-Nov-04	USA	Kitchener (OHL)	68-6-51-57
67	Luca Pinelli	C	5-8/165	5-Apr-05	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	67-29-34-63
68	Cam Allen	D	6-0/195	7-Jan-05	Canada	Guelph (OHL)	62-5-20-25
69	Tanner Ludtke	C	6-0/185	27-Nov-04	USA	Lincoln (USHL)	57-32-34-66
70	Theo Lindstein	D	6-0/180	5-Jan-05	Sweden	Brynas (SHL)	32-1-1-2
71	Koehn Ziemmer	RW	6-0/205	8-Dec-04	Canada	Prince George (WHL)	68-41-48-89
72	Carter Sotheran	D	6-3/195	26-Jun-05	Canada	Portland (WHL)	68-4-19-23
73	Arttu Karki	D	6-1/175	8-Dec-04	Finland	Tappara (Fin-U20)	36-13-26-39
74	Albert Wikman	D	6-0/190	10-Mar-05	Sweden	Farjestads (Swe J20)	43-2-10-12
75	Quinton Burns	D	6-1/180	14-Apr-05	Canada	Kingston (OHL)	54-2-27-29
76	Nico Myatovic	LW	6-2/180	1-Dec-04	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	68-30-30-60
77	Jeremy Hanzel	D	6-0/190	27-Feb-03	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	66-13-35-48
78	Easton Cowan	RW	5-10/170	20-May-05	Canada	London (OHL)	68-20-33-53
79	Juraj Pekarcik	LW	6-2/185	12-Sep-05	Slovakia	HK Nitra (Slovakia)	30-0-3-3
80	Denver Barkey	C	5-8/160	27-Apr-05	Canada	London (OHL)	61-22-37-59
81	Martin Misiak	RW	6-2/195	30-Sep-04	Slovakia	HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)	29-1-9-10
82	Drew Fortescue	D	6-1/175	28-Apr-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	61-1-25-26
83	Felix Unger Sorum	RW	5-11/170	14-Sep-05	Sweden	Leksands (Swe J20)	42-10-36-46
84	Lenni Hameenaho	RW	6-0/175	7-Nov-04	Finland	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	51-9-12-21
85	Kalan Lind	LW	6-0/160	25-Jan-05	Canada	Red Deer (WHL)	43-16-28-44
86	Rasmus Kumpulainen	C	6-2/190	8-Aug-05	Finland	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	41-11-23-34
87	Alex Ciernik	LW	5-11/175	8-Oct-04	Slovakia	Sodertalje-Vasterviks (HockeyAllsvenskan)	25-3-9-12
88	Alexander Rykov	RW	6-0/175	14-Jul-05	Russia	Chelmet Chelyabinsk (VHL)	20-4-7-11
89	Scott Ratzlaff	G	6-0/175	9-Mar-05	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	25-8, 2.15, 0.918
90	Yegor Rimashevsky	RW	6-3/200	1-Feb-05	Belarus	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	29-13-13-26
91	Jesse Nurmi	LW	5-10/165	7-Mar-05	Finland	KooKoo (Fin-U20)	41-21-29-50
92	Kaden Hammell	D	6-1/175	12-Mar-05	Canada	Kam-Evt (WHL)	67-8-18-26
93	Jayson Shaugabay	RW	5-9/155	4-May-05	USA	Warroad (USHS-MN)	31-33-63-96
94	Noel Nordh	RW	6-2/195	25-Jan-05	Sweden	Brynas (Swe J20)	38-13-14-27
95	Gavin McCarthy	D	6-1/180	2-Jun-05	USA	Muskegon (USHL)	42-8-19-27
96	Tyler Peddle	LW	6-0/195	28-Jan-05	Canada	Drummondville (QMJHL)	64-24-17-41
97	Francesco Dell'Elce	D	6-0/165	23-Jun-05	Canada	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	51-20-42-62
98	Timur Mukhanov	LW	5-8/170	17-Jun-05	Russia	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	31-4-4-8
99	Larry Keenan	D	6-3/185	15-Mar-05	Russia	Culver Academy (USHS-IN)	49-11-26-37
100	Emil Jarventie	LW	5-9/165	4-Apr-05	Finland	Ilves (Fin-U20)	21-8-11-19
101	Matthew Mania	D	6-1/180	11-Jan-05	USA	Sudbury (OHL)	67-10-28-38
102	Juha Jatkola	G	6-1/175	12-Sep-02	Finland	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	20-11, 2.16, 0.903
103	Zach Nehring	RW	6-3/180	7-Mar-05	USA	Shattuck-SM (USHS-MN)	48-34-40-74
104	Austin Roest	C	5-9/175	22-Jan-04	Canada	Everett (WHL)	60-32-46-78
105	Hedqvist, Isac	C	5-10/165	22-Mar-05	Sweden	Lulea (Swe J20)	41-14-20-34
106	Stephen Peck	G	6-2/170	18-Jan-05	USA	Avon Old Farms (USHS-CT)	28GP, 1.26, 0.948
107	Yegor Klimovich	RW	5-9/160	14-May-05	Russia	Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL)	36-19-30-49
108	Nikita Susuyev	RW	6-0/170	6-Feb-05	Russia	MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL)	38-11-17-28
109	Ethan Miedema	LW	6-4/205	22-Mar-05	Canada	Wsr-Kgn (OHL)	68-20-32-52
110	Luca Cagnoni	D	5-9/180	21-Dec-04	Canada	Portland (WHL)	67-17-47-64
111	Jakub Stancl	LW	6-3/200	10-Apr-05	Czech	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	35-11-6-17
112	Aydar Suniev	LW	6-1/200	16-Nov-04	Russia	Penticton (BCHL)	50-45-45-90
113	Ty Henricks	LW	6-4/205	28-Jun-05	USA	Fgo-Mus (USHL)	47-9-10-19
114	Yegor Vinogradov	C	6-2/180	17-Apr-03	Russia	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	53-7-10-17
115	Yegor Sidorov	RW	5-11/180	18-Jun-04	Belarus	Saskatoon (WHL)	53-40-36-76
116	Will Vote	RW	5-8/155	22-Feb-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	60-16-29-45
117	Brandon Svoboda	C	6-3/210	4-Feb-05	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	59-16-10-26
118	Axel Landen	D	6-1/185	29-Mar-05	Sweden	HV 71 (Swe J20)	44-10-6-16
119	Alexander Hellnemo	G	6-2/180	5-Jan-04	Sweden	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	15-8, 2.32, 0.916
120	Nikita Nedopyokin	C	5-10/185	22-Mar-05	Russia	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	37-14-18-32
121	Brady Cleveland	D	6-5/210	1-Apr-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	54-0-6-6
122	Ondrej Molnar	LW	5-10/170	8-Feb-05	Slovakia	Erie (OHL)	34-4-15-19
123	Noah Dower Nilsson	LW	6-0/175	25-Apr-05	Sweden	Frolunda (Swe J20)	37-26-28-54
124	Jordan Tourigny	D	5-10/165	28-Feb-05	Canada	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	67-6-35-41
125	Cole Knuble	C	5-11/175	1-Jul-04	USA	Fargo (USHL)	57-30-36-66
126	Erik Pahlsson	C	6-0/170	9-Apr-04	Sweden	HV 71 (Swe J20)	46-26-37-63
127	Eric Pohlkamp	D	5-10/200	23-Mar-04	USA	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	59-16-35-51
128	Dylan MacKinnon	D	6-1/185	12-Jan-05	Canada	Halifax (QMJHL)	61-6-17-23
129	German Tochilkin	LW	6-2/180	24-Sep-03	Russia	Kunlun Red Star (KHL)	21-4-2-6
130	Jake Fisher	C	6-1/180	27-Mar-05	USA	Cretin-Durham Hall (USHS-MN)	29-34-29-63
131	Damian Clara	G	6-6/215	13-Jan-05	Italy	Farjestads (Swe J20)	17-17, 2.79, 0.903
132	Aiden Fink	RW	5-9/155	24-Nov-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	54-41-56-97
133	Bogdan Konyushkov	D	5-11/175	20-Dec-02	Russia	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	64-2-23-25
134	Yegor Zavragin	G	6-2/185	23-Aug-05	Russia	Mamonty Yugry (MHL)	11-6, 2.49, 0.920
135	Ty Halaburda	C	5-11/175	22-Apr-05	Canada	Vancouver (WHL)	66-21-16-37
136	Cole Burbidge	LW	6-1/160	26-Aug-05	Canada	Saint John (QMJHL)	68-19-31-50
137	Daniil Karpovich	D	6-3/210	6-Dec-04	Belarus	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	47-10-25-35
138	Andrei Loshko	C	6-1/175	7-Oct-04	Belarus	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	67-22-48-70
139	Beckett Hendrickson	C	6-1/175	24-Jun-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	51-13-21-34
140	Alex Pharand	C	6-3/205	1-May-05	Canada	Sudbury (OHL)	67-18-21-39
141	Zeb Forsfjall	C	5-9/170	16-Jan-05	Sweden	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	34-8-14-22
142	Joe Connor	C	5-9/170	31-Mar-05	USA	Avon Old Farms (USHS-CT)	28-21-23-44
143	Samuel Urban	G	6-1/195	1-May-05	Slovakia	Team Slovakia U18 (Svk2)	1-13, 4.51, 0.897
144	Mazden Leslie	D	6-0/195	15-Apr-05	Canada	Vancouver (WHL)	66-12-38-50
145	Maxim Fedotov	D	5-10/170	22-Jan-02	Russia	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	64-9-17-26
146	Joey Willis	C	5-10/170	14-Mar-05	USA	Saginaw (OHL)	68-15-29-44
147	Artyom Kashtanov	C	6-6/190	9-Dec-04	Russia	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	43-15-25-40
148	Angus MacDonell	C	5-9/180	11-May-05	Canada	Sar-Mis (OHL)	64-29-12-41
149	Konstantin Volochko	D	6-0/170	19-Jun-05	Belarus	Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk (MHL)	46-8-12-20
150	Hannes Hellberg	LW	6-0/175	19-Jun-05	Sweden	Leksands (Swe J20)	42-34-23-57
151	Carsen Musser	G	6-4/215	19-May-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	14-6, 3.07, 0.890
152	Yaroslav Tsulygin	D	6-0/160	19-May-05	Russia	Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)	44-0-2-2
153	Thomas Milic	G	6-0/180	14-Apr-03	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	27-3, 2.08, 0.928
154	Arno Tiefensee	G	6-4/190	1-May-02	Germany	Adler Mannheim (DEL)	13-10, 2.43, 0.910
155	Quinn Mantei	D	5-11/180	23-Apr-05	Canada	Brandon (WHL)	67-2-23-25
156	Matthew Soto	RW	5-10/180	31-Aug-05	Canada	Kingston (OHL)	54-15-27-42
157	Matt Copponi	C	5-10/165	3-Jun-03	USA	Merrimack (HE)	37-14-15-29
158	Vojtech Port	D	6-2/170	3-Aug-05	Czech	RD-Edm (WHL)	48-4-13-17
159	Michael DeAngelo	LW	5-11/180	19-Nov-04	USA	Green Bay (USHL)	52-11-24-35
160	Matteo Mann	D	6-5/225	31-Dec-04	Canada	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	45-0-5-5
161	Paul Fischer	D	6-1/190	30-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	55-4-17-21
162	Hudson Malinoski	C	6-0/175	19-May-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	44-16-53-69
163	Brad Gardiner	C	6-0/180	6-Mar-05	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	68-19-20-39
164	Zaccharya Wisdom	RW	6-0/175	29-Apr-04	Canada	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	59-28-20-48
165	Jonathan Castagna	C	6-1/185	20-Apr-05	Canada	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	50-29-43-72
166	Tanner Adams	RW	5-11/185	2-Sep-05	USA	Tri-City (USHL)	49-12-21-33
167	Grayden Siepmann	D	5-10/185	26-May-04	Canada	Calgary (WHL)	61-9-34-43
168	Axel Hurtig	D	6-3/200	10-Jun-05	Sweden	Rogle (Swe J20)	34-2-6-8
169	Ian Scherzer	C	6-0/180	3-Jul-05	Austria	Rogle (Swe J20)	30-3-4-7
170	Ryan Conmy	RW	5-9/190	23-Oct-04	USA	Sioux City (USHL)	60-33-29-62
171	Ethan Hay	C	6-1/190	15-Jan-05	Canada	Flint (OHL)	64-17-11-28
172	Rodwin Dionicio	D	6-2/205	30-Mar-04	Switzerland	Nia-Wsr (OHL)	50-15-35-50
173	Josh Van Mulligen	D	6-2/180	26-Jul-05	Canada	Medicine Hat (WHL)	68-1-8-9
174	Nikita Ishimnikov	D	6-3/195	21-Apr-05	Russia	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	41-11-7-18
175	Justin Kipkie	D	6-4/190	28-Jul-05	Canada	Victoria (WHL)	67-8-25-33
176	Sawyer Mynio	D	6-1/175	30-Apr-05	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	68-5-26-31
177	Brady Stonehouse	RW	5-9/180	6-Aug-04	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	68-37-20-57
178	Hunter Anderson	LW	5-9/175	28-Apr-05	USA	Shattuck-SM (USHS-MN)	48-52-47-99
179	Spencer Sova	D	6-0/185	10-Jan-04	Canada	Erie (OHL)	68-16-23-39
180	Oliver Tulk	C	5-7/170	19-Jan-05	Canada	Calgary (WHL)	68-24-36-60
181	Isac Born	C	5-11/165	7-Jul-04	Sweden	Frolunda (SHL)	36-2-3-5
182	Beau Jelsma	C	5-9/175	28-Apr-04	Canada	Barrie (OHL)	67-31-30-61
183	Carmelo Crandell	RW	5-11/170	2-Mar-05	Canada	Sherwood Park (AJHL)	49-17-37-54
184	Stanislav Yarovoy	LW	6-2/195	26-Aug-03	Russia	Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)	45-9-7-16
185	Elliot Stahlberg	LW	6-0/185	29-Mar-05	Sweden	Farjestads (Swe J20)	35-9-12-21
186	Ivan Anoshko	C	5-11/170	7-Oct-04	Belarus	Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk (MHL)	53-21-32-53
187	Jake Livanavage	D	5-10/175	6-May-04	USA	Chicago (USHL)	48-6-30-36
188	Adrian Carnebo	D	6-2/185	1-May-04	Sweden	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	43-7-28-35
189	Jaden Lipinski	C	6-3/205	2-Dec-04	USA	Vancouver (WHL)	66-19-32-51
190	Ian Blomquist	G	6-2/185	29-Mar-03	Sweden	Vasteras (HockeyAllsvenskan)	4-11, 2.97, 0.904
191	Emil Pieniniemi	D	6-2/170	2-Mar-05	Finland	Karpat (Fin-U20)	31-1-12-13
192	Oskar Asplund	D	5-11/175	18-Nov-03	Sweden	Almtuna (HockeyAllsvenskan)	49-6-24-30
193	Daniil Davydov	C	5-11/165	6-Mar-04	Russia	MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)	47-11-35-46
194	Victor Sjoholm	D	5-9/175	8-Jul-03	Sweden	HV 71 (Swe J20)	37-2-8-10
195	Aron Jessli	LW	5-11/185	29-Oct-04	Norway	Pickering (OJHL)	52-25-43-68
196	Adam Dybal	G	6-1/165	2-Sep-05	Czech	Karlovy Vary (Czechia U20)	29-15, 1.85, 0.942
197	Jonathan Fauchon	C	5-10/170	13-Jan-04	Canada	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	53-25-40-65
198	Luke Mittelstadt	D	5-11/175	22-Jan-03	USA	Minnesota (B1G)	38-5-16-21
199	Owen Beckner	C	6-1/175	27-Feb-05	Canada	Salmon Arm (BCHL)	53-17-33-50
200	Ilya Kanarsky	G	6-2/165	6-Dec-04	Russia	AKM-Junior Tula Region (MHL)	4-19, 3.59, 0.919
201	Braeden Bowman	RW	6-1/205	26-Jun-03	Canada	Guelph (OHL)	54-33-39-72
202	Luke Coughlin	D	5-9/170	11-Apr-05	Canada	Rimouski (QMJHL)	37-5-14-19
203	Norwin Panocha	D	6-1/185	24-Feb-05	Germany	Eisbaren Juniors Berlin (DNL U20)	34-6-16-22
204	Cole Brown	LW	6-2/180	27-Apr-05	Canada	Hamilton (OHL)	60-17-25-42
205	Tomas Suchanek	G	6-0/180	30-Apr-03	Czech	Tri-City (WHL)	27-14, 3.05, 0.912
206	Vadim Moroz	RW	6-2/185	20-Nov-03	Belarus	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	39-5-9-14
207	Davis Burnside	RW	5-11/175	22-Sep-03	USA	Ohio State (B1G)	40-14-7-21
208	Maros Jedlicka	C	6-1/185	23-Oct-02	Slovakia	HKM Zvolen (Slovakia)	39-17-18-35
209	Gavyn Thoreson	RW	5-8/180	30-Oct-04	USA	Andover High (USHS-MN)	31-41-56-97
210	Austin Burnevik	RW	6-3/200	3-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	43-6-13-19
211	Elmeri Laakso	D	6-1/185	19-Jul-04	Finland	SaiPa (Fin-Liiga)	32-4-7-11
212	Frantisek Dej	C	6-4/200	28-Feb-05	Slovakia	HC Modre Kridla Slovan (Slovakia2)	24-8-13-21
213	Matvei Maximov	C	6-0/175	18-Jan-05	Russia	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	48-18-19-37
214	Connor Levis	RW	6-1/190	5-Oct-04	Canada	Kamloops (WHL)	68-27-40-67
215	Teddy Townsend	C	5-10/160	2-Sep-05	USA	Eden Prairie (USHS-MN)	27-14-25-39
216	Petter Vesterheim	C	5-11/165	30-Sep-04	Norway	Mora (Swe J20)	41-12-27-39
217	Justin Gill	C	6-1/190	27-Jan-03	Canada	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	68-44-49-93
218	Alex Weiermair	C	6-0/190	10-May-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	55-11-15-26
219	Jan Sprynar	RW	6-1/175	26-Feb-05	Czech	Rimouski (QMJHL)	60-23-17-40
220	Ty Higgins	D	6-0/185	26-Sep-04	Canada	Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)	68-13-28-41
221	Tom Leppa	C	6-0/175	31-Jul-05	Finland	Jokerit (Fin-U20)	45-19-12-31
222	Aaron Pionk	D	6-1/175	16-Jan-03	USA	Waterloo (USHL)	60-12-24-36
223	Hampton Slukynsky	G	6-1/180	2-Jul-05	USA	Warroad (USHS-MN)	28-1, 1.47, 0.941
224	Noah Erliden	G	5-10/170	9-Sep-05	Sweden	HV71 (Swe J20)	10-8, 2.93, 0.912
HM	Matthew Andonovski	D	6-1/200	14-Mar-05	Canada	Kitchener (OHL)	67-0-16-16
HM	Gleb Artsatbanov	G	6-2/170	2-Mar-04	Ukraine	Sparta Praha (Czechia U20)	13-10, 1.95, 0.938
HM	Cale Ashcroft	D	5-10/200	5-Aug-04	Canada	Tri-City (USHL)	62-8-29-37
HM	Alex Assadourian	LW	5-8/170	24-Jul-05	Canada	Sby-Nia (OHL)	66-12-29-41
HM	Arvid Bergstrom	D	5-11/160	12-Jun-05	Sweden	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	41-2-21-23
HM	Kevin Bicker	LW	6-0/175	29-Jan-05	Germany	Jungadler Mannheim (DNL U20)	20-10-11-21
HM	Philippe Blais-Savoie	D	6-0/185	10-Jun-05	USA	Tri-City (USHL)	61-2-9-11
HM	Linus Brandl	C	5-11/185	1-Apr-05	Germany	Jungadler Mannheim (DNL U20)	32-25-22-47
HM	Finn Brink	LW	5-9/180	6-Apr-05	USA	Maple Grove (USHS-MN)	31-31-38-69
HM	Yaroslav Busygin	D	6-3/185	14-Feb-03	Russia	Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)	42-1-2-3
HM	Kalle Carlsson	C	6-0/175	2-Mar-05	Sweden	Orebro (Swe J20)	44-11-24-35
HM	Adam Cedzo	RW	5-10/165	23-Feb-05	Slovakia	HC Ocelari Trinec (Czechia U20)	39-23-23-46
HM	Aiden Celebrini	D	6-1/185	26-Oct-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	47-5-16-21
HM	Andon Cerbone	C	5-8/150	13-Apr-04	USA	Oma-Yng (USHL)	64-24-39-63
HM	Chase Cheslock	D	6-3/210	25-Oct-04	USA	Rogers High (USHS-MN)	28-4-27-31
HM	Sam Court	D	5-10/180	7-Jan-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	52-13-59-72
HM	Adam Csabi	LW	5-10/160	17-Feb-05	Czech	SaiPa (Fin-U18)	28-16-15-31
HM	Nathaniel Davis	D	6-1/185	15-Nov-04	Canada	Burlington (OJHL)	45-10-26-36
HM	Nathan Day	G	6-2/180	4-Feb-05	Canada	Flint (OHL)	17-10, 3.91, 0.874
HM	Kocha Delic	C	5-10/185	11-Mar-04	Canada	Sudbury (OHL)	46-22-30-52
HM	Tyler Duke	D	5-8/180	19-Jul-04	USA	Ohio State (B1G)	40-4-8-12
HM	Filip Eriksson	C	6-0/170	5-Nov-04	Sweden	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	11-5-5-10
HM	Jiri Felcman	C	6-4/190	17-Apr-05	Czech	Langnau U20 (Sui-U20-Elit)	40-10-21-31
HM	Samuel Fiala	C	6-1/170	9-Apr-05	Czech	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia U20)	44-19-9-28
HM	Mans Forsfjall	D	6-0/180	30-Jul-02	Sweden	Skelleftea (SHL)	52-2-12-14
HM	Cooper Foster	C	5-11/170	4-Jun-05	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	63-19-17-36
HM	Salvatore Guzzo	RW	6-0/185	17-Apr-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	58-17-11-28
HM	Michael Hagens	D	5-11/170	18-Feb-05	USA	Chicago (USHL)	60-9-17-26
HM	Sam Harris	LW	5-11/190	14-Oct-03	USA	Sioux Falls (USHL)	56-30-26-56
HM	Jack Harvey	C	5-10/175	31-Mar-03	USA	Chicago (USHL)	62-40-34-74
HM	Bogdans Hodass	D	6-2/200	13-Apr-03	Latvia	Medicine Hat (WHL)	56-11-24-35
HM	Ryan Hopkins	D	6-1/180	15-Apr-04	Canada	Penticton (BCHL)	48-10-39-49
HM	Ewan Huet	G	6-0/170	8-Feb-05	Switzerland	Lausanne (Sui U20-Elit)	14-12, 2.73
HM	Gustaf Kangas	C	6-0/175	27-Jul-05	Sweden	Vasteras (Swe J20)	27-7-13-20
HM	Sean Keohane	D	6-3/180	4-Nov-04	USA	Dexter Southfield(USHS-MA)	32-4-12-16
HM	Oiva Keskinen	C	6-0/175	28-Feb-04	Finland	Tappara (Fin-U20)	38-20-21-41
HM	Ruslan Khazheyev	G	6-4/200	20-Nov-04	Russia	Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)	8-8, 2.38, 0.923
HM	Matteo Koci	D	6-0/165	7-Jun-05	Czech	HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czechia U20)	36-7-13-20
HM	Ryan Koering	D	6-3/185	11-Feb-05	USA	Eden Prairie (USHS-MN)	27-6-10-16
HM	Cameron Korpi	G	6-2/150	26-May-04	USA	Tri-City (USHL)	13-4, 2.52, 0.911
HM	Sergei Kosovets	D	6-5/250	17-Jul-02	Russia	HK Sochi (KHL)	26-2-2-4
HM	Artyom Kudashov	D	6-0/160	10-Jan-05	Russia	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	42-2-7-9
HM	Roman Kukumberg	LW	6-0/185	21-Mar-05	Slovakia	HC Modre Kridla Slovan (Slovakia2)	33-5-6-11
HM	Emil Kuusla	LW	5-9/165	11-Jan-05	Finland	Jokerit (Fin-U20)	36-18-17-35
HM	Jani Lampinen	G	6-2/185	14-Feb-03	Finland	Kiekko-Espoo (Fin-Mestis)	15-6, 2.35, 0.902
HM	Charles-Alexis Legault	D	6-3/205	5-Sep-03	Canada	Quinnipiac (ECAC)	40-2-7-9
HM	Aiden Long	LW	6-3/190	13-Mar-05	Canada	Whitecourt (AJHL)	50-19-27-46
HM	Connor MacPherson	RW	6-0/170	2-Mar-05	Canada	Leamington (GOJHL)	43-28-35-63
HM	Matthew Mayich	D	6-2/185	21-Dec-04	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	64-5-17-22
HM	Donovan McCoy	D	6-0/200	11-Oct-04	Canada	Peterborough (OHL)	65-2-11-13
HM	Cole Miller	C	6-4/175	4-Feb-05	Canada	Edmonton (WHL)	61-10-9-19
HM	Lucas Moore	D	5-9/180	7-Jun-05	Canada	Hamilton (OHL)	65-3-25-28
HM	Josh Nadeau	RW	5-7/145	22-Oct-03	Canada	Penticton (BCHL)	54-44-66-110
HM	Alexei Noskov	G	6-2/205	13-Nov-04	Russia	Taifun Primorsky Krai (MHL)	7-26, 3.86, 0.905
HM	Owen Outwater	LW	6-2/160	4-Jan-05	Canada	Kingston (OHL)	62-16-25-41
HM	Joe Palodichuk	D	6-0/165	26-Feb-03	USA	Fargo (USHL)	44-8-21-29
HM	Petr Pavelec	LW	6-0/200	10-Feb-05	Czech	HC Vitkovice (Czechia U20)	46-8-5-13
HM	Oliver Peer	RW	6-0/165	9-Mar-03	Canada	Windsor (OHL)	63-22-45-67
HM	Chris Pelosi	C	6-1/180	6-Mar-05	USA	Sioux Falls (USHL)	43-13-6-19
HM	Matthew Perkins	LW	5-11/175	21-Jan-04	Canada	Youngstown (USHL)	60-15-29-44
HM	Nico Pertuch	G	6-2/200	29-Jul-05	Germany	EV Landshut (DNL U20)	15GP, 3.57
HM	Dominik Petr	C	6-2/165	30-Apr-05	Czech	Lukko (Fin-U20)	18-1-0-1
HM	Chase Pietila	D	6-1/180	3-Mar-04	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	60-7-29-36
HM	Chase Pirtle	RW	6-2/185	8-Mar-05	USA	Mount St. Charles 18U AAA (USHS-RI)	47-20-24-44
HM	Benjamin Poitras	C	5-10/175	18-Jul-05	Canada	Sioux City (USHL)	61-14-24-38
HM	Connor Punnett	D	6-1/200	16-Jun-03	Canada	Barrie (OHL)	66-14-34-48
HM	Ivan Remezovsky	D	6-1/165	8-Feb-05	Russia	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	45-0-13-13
HM	Charlie Robertson	G	6-3/165	2-Apr-05	Canada	North Bay (OHL)	12-6, 3.17, 0.892
HM	Pier-Olivier Roy	D	5-9/175	5-Mar-04	Canada	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	68-6-62-68
HM	Rainers Rullers	C	6-4/195	11-Dec-04	Latvia	Zemgale (Fin-Mestis)	46-4-6-10
HM	Bennett Schimek	RW	5-11/180	15-Apr-03	USA	Providence (HE)	37-11-9-20
HM	Zach Schulz	D	6-1/195	14-Jun-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	51-1-9-10
HM	Magomed Sharakanov	D	6-1/200	11-Oct-04	Russia	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	44-7-25-32
HM	Cam Squires	RW	5-11/165	11-Apr-05	Canada	Cape Breton (QMJHL)	67-30-34-64
HM	Julius Sumpf	C	6-1/175	11-Jan-05	Germany	RB Hockey Juniors (AlpsHL)	23-9-9-18
HM	Alexander Suvorov	RW	5-9/160	30-Nov-02	Belarus	Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)	47-13-11-24
HM	Gabriel Szturc	C	5-11/185	24-Sep-03	Czech	Kelowna (WHL)	56-24-55-79
HM	Nikita Telegin	C	6-1/155	21-Jun-05	Russia	Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)	22-6-4-10
HM	Patrick Thomas	C	5-11/160	21-Aug-04	Canada	Hamilton (OHL)	66-17-39-56
HM	Hudson Thornton	D	5-11/180	4-Nov-03	Canada	Prince George (WHL)	68-23-51-74
HM	Jiri Tichacek	D	5-9/170	30-Jan-03	Czech	Rytiri Kladno (Czechia)	39-0-6-6
HM	Djibril Toure	D	6-6/200	5-Jun-03	Canada	Sudbury (OHL)	57-5-11-16
HM	Tuomas Uronen	RW	5-11/180	19-Mar-05	Finland	HIFK (Fin-U20)	39-20-23-43
HM	Noa Vali	G	6-0/160	19-Apr-05	Finland	TPS (Fin-U20)	17-8, 2.38, 0.912
HM	Nicholas Vantassell	RW	6-4/195	18-Apr-04	USA	Green Bay (USHL)	62-19-18-37
HM	Visa Vedenpaa	G	6-2/170	11-May-05	Finland	Karpat (Fin-U20)	31GP, 0.886
HM	Evgeny Volokhin	G	6-3/170	6-Apr-05	Russia	Mamonty Yugry (MHL)	20-6, 2.12, 0.927
HM	Declan Waddick	C	5-10/170	24-Jan-05	Canada	Niagara (OHL)	64-28-21-49
HM	Saige Weinstein	D	6-0/180	30-May-05	Canada	Spokane (WHL)	57-4-14-18
HM	Ethan Whitcomb	LW	6-4/190	13-May-04	Canada	Muskegon (USHL)	53-24-24-48
HM	Raul Yakupov	RW	6-1/180	21-Jun-04	Russia	Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (MHL)	49-32-29-61

2023 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART THREE – EUROPE – 2nd and 3rd year NHL draft re-entry candidates

Brock Otten, Chapin Landvogt, Matej Deraj, Viktor Fomich, Chase Rochon — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 20:07:13 +0000

In a normal year, scouting hockey is marred by imperfection. Every year high end players get skipped over at the NHL draft for various reasons. Maybe they suffered through injuries. Maybe their team struggled, and it prevented scouts from getting a good read on them. Maybe their team was too good, forcing them down the depth chart with limited minutes and exposure opportunities. Or...maybe they just were not good enough. But thankfully human development is nonlinear and therefore unpredictable. Teenage hockey players are far from a finished product on the ice as their games mature just as the rest of their body and mind does. That is why it is critical to track players as they move through their second and third years of draft eligibility (or fourth years of eligibility for some European players).

The million-dollar question is…are we still playing catch-up as a scouting community following the resumption of play post pandemic? Last year, this was definitely the case as leagues returned to full seasons. But are certain players still growing exponentially as they try to recover lost development time? This is particularly true of players in the CHL and in Europe, where most junior leagues halted.

For those unfamiliar, North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. Recently, NHL scouts have increased the rate with which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European based players especially attractive. However, these players have had a lot of success in recent years too. Look around the league and you see these players everywhere. For example, Calgary Flames standout defender Mackenzie Weegar was one. Ottawa Senators standout forward Drake Batherson was one. So too was Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck. Standout Tampa Bay Lightning rookie defender Nick Perbix was one.

Last year, four “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 100; Dmitri Buchelnikov, Lucas Edmonds, Mikey Milne, and Aidan Thompson. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) we wrote about three of those four. In total there were 42 taken, right around the trend of other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 42, we identified and wrote about 25 (over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2023, we have some very interesting candidates. Adam Gajan stole the show at this year’s WJC’s for Slovakia and has been a standout in the NAHL and USHL this year. Eric Pohlkamp was one of the MVPs of the WJAC and has been at the top of the USHL defenseman scoring race all year. Austin Roest has been top ten in WHL scoring all year long and has taken huge strides forward. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

Sweden

230203Västerås goalkeeper Ian Blomquist during the ice hockey match in the Hockeyallsvenskan between AIK and Västerås on February 3, 2023 in Stockholm.
Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN

Ian Blomquist - Goaltender - Västerås IK (Hockey Allsvenskan)

We actually listed Blomquist last year in this piece and ranked him #193 in our draft guide after his breakout campaign in the J20 league. A 6 '2 netminder with a rare right handed catching glove, Blomquist ended up going undrafted (for a second time), but has returned this year even stronger. Playing with Vasteras IK in the Swedish second league, he has been the team’s best netminder this year and this earned him a spot as the third goalie on team Sweden at the WJC’s. Blomquist is athletic and aggressive in the crease and has worked hard to improve his body control, positioning, and rebound control this season now that he is playing pro. Consistency and mental focus will be the key moving forward. (Brock Otten)

Alexander Hellnemo - Goaltender - Skellefteå AIK (SHL)

A classic late bloomer, Hellnemo has emerged as one of the top young goaltenders in Sweden a year after being passed over at the draft following a disappointing year at the J20 and J18 levels. He has won five games in the SHL as a U19 player and has been arguably one of the best goalies at the J20 level when he has played there. Hellnemo is a pure stopper. His movements are very refined for a young netminder and he’s got a great glove hand that helps him protect the upper portion of the net. Rebound control is a bit of an issue at this current time, but with his play tracking ability, he has the potential to be a netminder across the pond. (Brock Otten)

Sebastian Hagen Aarsund - Goaltender - Frölunda HC J20 (J20 Nationell)

A Norwegian netminder, Hagen Aarsund has emerged as the starter for the Frolunda program’s J20 team this season. As of writing this, he sits third in the league in wins and even earned a call-up to be Fredrik Dichow’s back-up for a game in the SHL. Hagen Aarsund is an ultra-aggressive, hyper athletic butterfly netminder who really covers his crease well. He’s not huge at 6’1, but he combats that by playing far out of the blue paint, tracking the play well. The second half of his season hasn’t been as strong and he’s had some trouble with consistency, but his progression this season could put him on the scouting radar. (Brock Otten)

Måns Forsfjäll - Defense - Skellefteå AIK (SHL)

Måns Forsfjäll has an effective two-way game, but his defensive game is where he succeeds. In the 2021-22 and 22-23 seasons, he leaped to the SHL, and Fjorsfäll didn’t look out of place while defending the higher competition. Strength and skating are two areas where Forsfjäll excels. His effort and positioning on defence make him an excellent penalty killer with the speed and smooth skating required to drive offence off the rush. Forsfjäll has the potential to be a shutdown defender who plays a depth role as the sixth or seventh defender on an NHL team who can be counted on in important moments as well as on the penalty kill. I don’t expect him to put up many points in the NHL, but he has the skills to succeed as a defensive defenseman. Forsfjäll will be ready to take a step next season if he can find a role in the AHL. (Chase Rochon)

Victor Sjöholm - Defense - Luleå HF (SHL)

Sjöholm is a smooth skater with good acceleration and top-end speed. He can pivot and change directions quickly, making him effective in transition and in his defensive zone. Sjöholm is a reliable defender who uses his body and sticks well to separate opponents from the puck. He has good positioning and can anticipate plays, making him effective in both man-to-man coverage and zone defence. Sjöholm is not a particularly physical player, but he is willing to engage in battles along the boards and in front of the net. He has a hard and accurate shot from the point and can contribute to the power play. Sjöholm is an intelligent player who reads the game well and makes good decisions with the puck. Sjöholm is a reliable, two-way defenseman with good skating and defensive abilities. While he may not be a significant offensive contributor, he can play a valuable role on any team and should be a solid addition to any team's prospect pool. (Chase Rochon)

Oskar Asplund - Forward - Färjestad BK (SHL)

Asplund is an excellent skater with great speed, agility, and balance. He has a quick first step and can accelerate well, which allows him to beat defenders and create scoring chances. His ability to change directions and maneuver in tight spaces is also impressive. Asplund has a good wrist shot and can score from various areas on the ice. He has a quick release and can get his shot off in tight spaces. Asplund is a skilled puck-handler who can stickhandle through traffic and make creative plays with the puck. He has good hands and can make saucer passes and dekes to create scoring opportunities. His ability to protect the puck and win battles along the boards is also noteworthy. Asplund is not a particularly physical player but is fearless in engaging in battles along the boards or in front of the net. He has good balance and can hold his own against bigger opponents. However, he could benefit from adding more strength to his frame. Asplund is also a skilled forward with excellent skating ability and puck skills. He has the potential to be a dynamic offensive player at the next level and has shown an ability to play a responsible two-way game. He could become a valuable player in any team's lineup with continued development and added strength. (Chase Rochon)

Erik Påhlsson - Defence - HV71 (SHL)

Erik Påhlsson is a skilled and versatile defenseman with excellent skating ability and a high hockey IQ. He has a powerful stride that allows him to cover a lot of ground quickly, and he can change direction on a dime. He has excellent agility and balance, enabling him to evade forecheckers and promptly move the puck up the ice. Påhlsson has a fantastic offensive game, thanks to his incredible vision and ability to move the puck effectively. He also possesses good offensive instincts and is unafraid to join the rush to create scoring opportunities. Påhlsson is a reliable and responsible defender who uses his mobility and positioning to defend effectively. He is not a physical player, but he makes up for it by playing smart. He is also a solid penalty killer, demonstrating his ability to shut down opponents' power plays. Erik Påhlsson is a talented defenseman who has the potential to become a valuable asset to any team. His excellent skating ability, offensive skills, and responsible defensive play make him a well-rounded player who can contribute in all situations. (Chase Rochon)

Hannes Hellberg - Forward - Leksands IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

Hellberg's skating is one of his biggest strengths. He has excellent acceleration and top-end speed, which allows him to create separation from defenders and generate scoring opportunities. He also has good agility and balance, enabling him to change direction quickly and maintain control of the puck. Hellberg is an offensive-minded player who excels at creating scoring chances for himself and his teammates. He has good hands and can handle the puck in tight spaces, which makes him difficult to defend. He has a quick release and a hard, accurate shot, which he can use to beat goaltenders from any angle. He is also an influential playmaker who can set up his teammates with well-timed passes. Hellberg is a responsible two-way player who understands the importance of solid defence. He is unafraid to backcheck and uses his size and reach to disrupt opponents' offensive plays. He is also an effective penalty killer, using his speed to pressure the puck carrier and block passing lanes. His size, speed, and skill make him a dynamic offensive threat, while his defensive awareness and work ethic make him a well-rounded player. (Chase Rochon)

Adrian Carnebo - Defense - Djurgårdens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

Carnebo has excellent skating abilities and can maneuver around the ice with great speed and agility. Carnebo has a natural ability to find the back of the net. He has a quick release on his shot and can pick his spots well. He also has a good sense of where his teammates are on the ice, which allows him to create scoring chances for them. Despite being a smaller player, Carnebo is fearless in getting physical on the ice. He is willing to battle in the corners and in front of the net and is not afraid to throw his body around to make a play. While Carnebo's offensive abilities are impressive, his defensive play could improve. He tends to focus more on the offensive side of the game, which can lead to him being caught out of position defensively. As mentioned earlier, Carnebo is a smaller player and could benefit from adding strength to his frame. This would help him better battle against larger and more physical players. (Chase Rochon)

Hampus Malm - Defense - Leksands IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

Malm is a smooth skater who can quickly move around the ice. He has good speed and agility, which helps him keep up with opposing forwards and make plays in transition. Malm is an intelligent player who understands his defensive responsibilities well. He is able to read the space well and make quick decisions to shut down opposing forwards despite not being the biggest player on the ice. Like many young players, Malm can be inconsistent at times. He needs to bring his best game every night and avoid lapses in his play. Hampus Malm is a reliable defenseman who can shut down opposing forwards and play a physical game. While he may provide little offence at this point in his career, he has the potential to improve in that area with more experience and development. If he can work on his puck skills and consistency, he could become a valuable asset for his team at the next level. (Chase Rochon)

Finland

Jani Lampinen - Goaltender - Kiekko-Espoo (Mestis)

Interestingly enough, Lampinen was better in Mestis (the Finnish second league) last year, but it was his performance at this year’s World Junior Championship that really caught the eye of scouts. Lampinen outplayed Canucks draft pick Aku Koskenvuo by a significant margin and finished the tournament with a .933 save percentage. He’s not huge (at pushing 6’2), but he has plus athleticism and is an excellent play tracker. This gives him great upside as he fine tunes some of the technical components of his game. (Brock Otten)

Juha Jatkola - Goaltender - KalPa (Liiga)

In his final year of draft eligibility, the last calendar year has been a whirlwind for Jatkola. It started this summer at the make-up WJC’s, where he stole the Finnish starter’s role from Ottawa prospect Leevi Merilainen. It has since carried over to Liiga, where Jatkola has become a dependable starter at the age of 20 (he turns 21 later this September). Much like Lampinen, Jatkola relies on his quickness and athleticism because he doesn’t have a massive frame (listed at 6 '1). His improvement over the last few years has been phenomenal and as long as he continues to be aggressive in the crease, he could have a bright future. (Brock Otten)

Nestor Noiva - Wing - Jokerit U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

Last season Nestor Noiva did not hear his name called in Montreal, despite a great season in U18 SM-sarja, where he scored 32 goals and 60 points in 35 games. He played a very aggressive game with his high motor, physicality and strength, making it very hard for defenders to take the puck as he evaded pressure with the combination of his puck protection skills and his acceleration. He often cuts at the top of the circle to create high-danger chances. I felt last season, Nestor's shot was holding him back from his true potential. This season has changed, and Noiva has a cannon. He still sticks to lots of slap shots and one-timers from the top of the circle like last season but now has grown with adding accuracy to his power and adapted to diversify his shot by taking more wrist and snapshots. Overall, Noiva has strong enough smarts to advance to the next level and has above-average puck skills and passing ability. Skating is the main area that will need to be progressed for Nestor to make an impact at the next level with below-average mobility and edges that force him to play a very north/south style. I think many scouts will value Novias physicality and shooting, which will translate much better in North America with his capability in tight. Teams should take a chance on him in the later rounds in hopes of eventually adding an energy-depth player into their system. (Chase Rochon)

Elmeri Laakso - Defense - Saipa (Liiga)

Elmeri Laakso is not a player that will blow anyone away with flashy plays or big hits. You probably wouldn't notice him just watching a full game. This is not meant as a criticism about Laakso’s game but actually a positive component. Laakso makes minimal to no mistakes, which makes him a very reliable defenseman. The reason he wasn't chosen last year, I think, came down to his lack of aggressiveness defensively as he missed coverage in the slot from time to time, as well as his inefficiency in puck battles. These issues have been cleaned up this season, and if anything, they have become staples to Laakso’s game, showing how much he has grown and is driven by self-improvement. He plays a game that is super team-friendly, making safe, poised plays and taking the ice his opponents give. What makes Laakso really stand out for me is his shot. He can shoot from any location, at any range, and manages to always get the puck through traffic and on the net. A quick release that holds lots of power that always manages to find the net like a magnet is very impressive. Putting this all together with strong mobility, built around quick feet and tight edges, Laakso makes a great case to be selected this year. He has experience on both the PK and PP and has shown he is effective at both. Again, Elmeri Laakso will not blow anyone away with elite talent, but when he has the puck on his stick, his efficiency is impressive. (Chase Rochon)

Oiva Keskinen - Center - Tappara U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

Oiva Keskinen is a defence-first center who plays a very passive game with minimal risk. Keskinen has the most important skill a hockey player can possess, that is his smarts and awareness, which benefit him greatly. Most of Oiva’s points come from the right place, right time situations, as he always puts himself in the best position to be an option. Keskinen is most valuable in his own zone by playing as the third defenseman by taking away passing lanes and tying up attackers in the slot. You rarely catch him out of position, which shows his defence-first style of play, making him a trusted player on the ice in most situations by his coaches. Oiva is an above-average skater that I think he could use more to his advantage on the attack and when pressuring attackers. Due to his passive playstyle, the speed he is capable of isn't used to its highest potential. For Keskinen to take the next step to pro, he will need to work on his overall physical hockey skills. Hockey is a mental game but very hard to play at the next level if you do not have any elite skill level. It comes down to matter if his smarts and development continues to grow over the next few seasons. I can see Keskinen being on NHL scout’s radar this year, but I'm not sure I see him being selected. (Chase Rochon)

Russia

Yaroslav Tsulygin - Defense - Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)

Yaroslav Tsulygin is a right-handed defenseman, who is mobile, competent in terms of puck skills, has a solid 6’2” frame and isn’t afraid to put it to use even though he still needs to properly fill it out. Last season, even though he showed some flashes of what he can do in the MHL, he still was a bit in a process of putting these tools into a proper toolbox, so that, combined with the COVID-limited exposure and reemergence of the Russian factor, resulted in him getting undrafted on draft day even though those raw talents likely were noticed by scouts in some way. This season he is getting regular time at the KHL level (should be mentioned that it helps that his father is the assistant coach on the team) and looks competent there at the age of just 18, which isn’t a frequent thing to see. Although some injuries slightly spoiled his season and even taking into account that there’s still a lot of progress to be made, I think this year it will be hard to ignore him, as he is clearly just getting started and his development is expected to continue. (Viktor Fomich)

Bogdan Konyushkov - Defense - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

This KHL season is a bit unusual as due to all the recent political events the number of KHL foreigners was basically cut to half of the usual amount. This resulted in some roster spot openings and a lot of KHL managers rightly decided those should be used as a chance for younger players to succeed in these roles. Probably the brightest example of that kind of case is right-handed defenseman Bogdan Konyushkov, as coming into his second year of draft eligibility he had yet to play in the KHL nor in the MHL, so had as little exposure as possible. That didn’t stop the new Torpedo head coach Igor Larionov from noticing him and making him a top pairing defenseman on his KHL team. Even though he isn’t extremely flashy or athletic, Konyushkov’s main asset is his hockey sense, as he is very competent at defensive positioning and puck battles. This also makes him creative in the attacking zone and it should be mentioned that he has got great hands, which allows him to be an extremely precise passer as well as an effective powerplay orchestrator. Obviously, I can’t tell you about the NHL managers and scouts, but to me this sounds like the case of a potential solid mid-to-late round investment. (Viktor Fomich)

Stanislav Yarovoi - Wing - Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)

In some ways Stanislav Yarovoi’s name was likely already familiar, after a shootout goal in the MHL earned almost two million views on youtube. However, aside from that, his performance on the junior level wasn’t remarkable to say it mildly, as the consistency just wasn’t there and he failed to convince the coaches that he deserved a proper role even at that level. Things just somehow turned around this offseason, as Yarovoi came to his KHL team’s camp much stronger and more confident than before and when he was given an opportunity in the preseason games, he just held onto it. He has taken off and is currently sitting among the top U20 scorers in the KHL. In terms of the assets aside from the aforementioned fascinating puck skills, Yarovoi is dynamic, possesses a strong and precise right-handed shot and looks to be at least not useless in terms of the two-way game. That said, there is still some inherent risk in selecting players like him who suddenly come out of nowhere to break out, but the upside here is likely significant. (Viktor Fomich)

German Tochilkin - Wing - Kunlun Red Star (KHL)

Observations show that when a skilled young player looks comfortable playing in Russian pro leagues it is a sign that there are enough reasons to consider him a legit NHL draft candidate. However, despite looking good in the VHL in his initial draft season, winger German Tochilkin wasn’t selected in the last draft – might be because of the lack of exposure or due to the Russian factor, although him being relatively raw in terms of the all-around game also certainly contributed to that. This year he made progress in that way and not only has he looked like an offensive leader at the VHL level, but also has translated some of it to the KHL level too, as he has been loaned to Kunlun team (coached by a former AHL coach Greg Ireland) and is using his opportunities (limited, but still) there well. Tochilkin is a smooth skater with advanced puck skills, definitely knows how to put the puck into the net and also doesn’t look like a liability on his own end. A lot of progress still needs to be made, as he definitely needs to become much stronger, but his skill set looks really intriguing enough to me. (Viktor Fomich)

Czechia

Jiri Tichacek.

Jiří Ticháček – Defense – Rytíři Kladno (Czechia)

Passed on twice mainly due to his size (5´9”), Ticháček is a smaller and mobile defenseman whose numbers don´t scream of great potential, but his play does. He is an exceptionally smart two-way defenseman who likes to join the attack, yet doesn't forget about defense. He has shown his abilities at the last World Juniors, playing on the first pair alongside David Jiříček as one of the crucial players of the silver Czech squad. Ticháček´s best quality is probably his skating; he´s shifty, agile and has a terrific top speed. He uses his stick well and excels at both ends of the ice. However, he's not having a great season in the Czech Extraliga with Rytíři Kladno, the team Jaromír Jágr still plays on. There are still not many NHL defensemen of the said size, but Ticháček could be worth a gamble in the later rounds.

Slovakia

Maroš Jedlička – Wing/Center – HKM Zvolen (Slovakia)

Jedlička had an impressive last year with Zvolen, finishing the season as the leading scorer on a pretty stacked team in Slovak top tier league. An injury stripped him of representing Slovakia at the Men´s World Championship and possibly improving his draft stock. The 20-year-old forward is now in his final year of eligibility. Although he had a slower start to the season, he’s now playing his best hockey. Jedlička has decent size (6´2”, 200 lbs), plays hard, physical and creates a lot of offense. He has a dangerous wrist shot and likes to shoot from various different areas around the ice. Furthermore, he´s a capable penalty killer and brings a lot of energy and grit. It's very hard not to see Jedlička moving to North America after the season. He has the potential to be an effective bottom-six, or even a middle-six winger, if he continues on the same path. (Matej Deraj)

Germany

Florian Bugl - Goaltender - Straubing Tigers (DEL)

In the past, we’ve talked about Bugl’s feats at the WJC, where he had a 4-2 record and 2.99 GAA over two tournaments. We’ve also mentioned his feats as the starter for the RB Junior’s pro team in the AlpsHL over the past two years, sporting records of 12-12 and then 13-7. None of that got him drafted, so he’s simply grabbed every opportunity he’s gotten this season as one of two back-ups for the DEL’s Straubing Tigers. And the results have been mighty impressive. After initially seeing action in six games with Straubing’s DEL2 affiliate Landshut, where he shined with a 4-2 record, 2.35 GAA, and .921 save percentage, he was then forced into DEL action when American starter Hunter Miska went down with an injury. What then ensued, Bugl has taken the whole league by storm. Hel has racked up a 15-7 record to date, often baffling opponents with a 2.36 GAA and .907 save percentage. Now we’ll have to see if one of those teams with a healthy supply of late-round picks is ready to bet on him as much as he’s continued betting on himself. Straubing quickly re-upped him for next season this past month. (Chapin Landvogt)

Arno Tiefensee - Goaltender - Mannheim Adler (DEL)

As opposed to Bugl, Tiefensee didn’t have anything to write home about after several hapless WJC appearances, which likely affected what was a good reputation coming out of juniors, where he unfortunately already didn’t get as many outings as you’d like to see from a market’s premiere goaltender aged 16 and 17. By the time he was 18, he was a regular back-up goalie for Heilbronn in the DEL2 (while junior leagues were shut down due to the pandemic), which exposed him to strong competition, but also a lot of time on the bench. Fast forward to the 22-23 season, where he too found himself in goal for powerhouse Mannheim while the first string goaltender was out injured. Simply put, the numbers have been fantastic. The 6’4”, 190-pound behemoth has gone 10-5 in 15 contests, sporting a top-flight 2.17 GAA (third in the DEL) and a .919 SV%. Included among his losses were scores of 1-0, 3-2, and 3-0, a game in which the opponent scored two empty-netters. He’s pitched two shutouts as well. The long and short of it is that Tiefensee is showing very good schooling and strong athleticism for a young man his size. His outings have consistently come with poise and confidence. Like Bugl, it’s difficult to imagine that he’s not garnering NHL attention just now. (Chapin Landvogt)

Danjo Leonhardt - Center - Nuremberg Ice Tigers (DEL)

In recent years, we’ve been a bit of fan about Leonhardt’s often fluid game and the wherewithal he’s shown in a number of situations and scenarios. This past summer, he got into his first WJC action and promptly contributed three assists. That came on the heels of a minimal lower line role for ICEHL champs Salzburg, for whom he scored the championship-deciding goal in the playoffs. On the whole, his 17 points in 52 games were very yeomen-like, but in a situation where established veterans dominated the top 9 forward corps. The season before, he had led the RB Juniors in scoring with 35 points in 32 games in what was his initial draft year. This season, he’s moved up the totem pole again and is taking a regular shift on an all-kid line for a low-budget Nuremberg club and has five goals and 12 points in 44 games, several of those points coming in a highlight reel manner. For those who watch the league intensely, he’s noticeably had little in the way of adjustment issues and looks to be taking the same steps many of the league’s top-scoring German players took when they were his age. If by any chance selected next summer, he’d be a pick the team could likely plant in the AHL right off the bat. (Chapin Landvogt)

Bennet Rossmy - Center/Wing - Eisbären Berlin (DEL)

While leading Germany in scoring with four goals and five points at the summer WJC, TSN analysts did not hold back in praising Rossmy’s combination of size, leadership, and net-front presence, coming just short of guaranteeing he’d be drafted in 2023, but the regular season for the former U18 outfit captain hasn’t been nearly what was expected of him. He’s been mired in a 4th-line role - sometimes not even suiting up - for a very disappointing returning DEL champion in Berlin, a team that has spent the bulk of the winter fighting to stay clear of a relegation spot. Rossmy’s one goal this season was scored on November 1st, and it’s been very quiet for him all season, only having accumulated four points. The team has a DEL2 affiliate, but he’s played all of one game there, so they’re keeping him around for a reason. There are surely more than a few pundits of this scene who feel he’s been in the wrong situation for his development all season, but his performance when he was getting 10-15 minutes a game (6 games long in OCT and NOV) didn’t exactly scream “Give me more opportunity!” An assistant captain at the WJC, he missed the first two games, then only had one assist in three matchups, that coming in the nation’s one do-or-die contest against Austria, a game the team came just short of giving away over the final 10 minutes of play. And yet, he’s got all the tools and size to boot. Was his WJC performance last summer combined with mere potential enough to garner the interest necessary to be a late-round draft pick? (Chapin Landvogt)

Philip Krening - Center/Wing - Red Bull Juniors (AlpsHL)

We spent parts of last season trying to figure out who exactly the six-foot Krening really is and if there’s a diamond in the rough here. He was injured quite a bit and ended up with 10 points in 16 AlpsHL games, which is a very decent scoring pace for a first-year draft-eligible player in a pro league. He then finished the season with three assists in four games at the U18 Worlds for a very offensively challenged Team Germany. We suspected he’d be right back in the AlpsHL this season, but RB Munich of the DEL (where Julian Lutz and Maks Szuber play) needed some assistance to start the season and Krening ended up with a goal and assist in the season’s first six games. He then saw minimal ice time in a pointless seven-game debut for affiliate Salzburg in the ICEHL before landing with the Red Bull Juniors again, for whom he once again has 10 points, this time in 12 games thus far. In between, he was part of the WJC outfit, for which he collected a goal and three points over five games. Again, not too shabby all things considered. He won’t turn 19 until April and he’s had some sick leave this season as well, so it’s been hard to get a real read on just what Krening’s possibilities are. Clear is that he seems to find a way onto the scoresheet just about wherever he plays but has been without the calm of a one-team season for several years now. Of the young skipped-over men first eligible last summer, he’s definitely the player with the most potential and intrigue. He’s a lock for next winter’s WJC as well. (Chapin Landvogt)

NHL PROSPECTS: 22-23 European Prospect Musings #2 – Prospects coming into focus in the stretch run

Chapin Landvogt — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:28:41 +0000

While the NHL All-Star Game has just wrapped up and NHL teams are gearing up for whatever trade deadline transactions they may intend to conduct at the end of the month, most European leagues are in the stretch run for playoff spots, with a few leagues just a half dozen games away from “the best time of the year”. Looking across Europe and even into Russia, there are plenty of interesting prospect notes, but not a whole of stories that have NHL teams licking their chops about a young man who is guiding the fortunes of his respective league, much less his team.

We’d like to take a look at some of the more notable stories that have been developing to this point in the season.

230103 Rögles William Wallinder, 3 januari 2023 i Växjö.
Foto: Jonas Ljungdahl / BILDBYRÅN

Sweden

Coming into the season as a favorite, Rogle has certainly not had the season it was expecting and is currently mired in 11th, yet only four points away from 8th place. The team has nonetheless seen several young draftees grow into bigger, if not chief roles. It was expected that Detroit’s Marco Kasper would grow on last season, and he has, putting up eight goals and 20 points to date. A number of his assists have come on the power play, and he’s had a top nine role pretty much all season. As a third-year pro, Adam Edstrom (NYR) is in the midst of a career season, even if his 12 points to date are only minimally more than what he’s produced the past two years. His role has grown and he’s looking a lot more at home in his 6’8”, 225-pound body.

Another Rangers pick, Oliver Tarnstrom, has taken on a much smaller role, but also suited up for 32 games now while Ottawa’s 2022 3rd rounder Oskar Pettersson has found himself in a Rogle jersey for 21 games, which might have been more had he not spent several weeks playing for the WJC squad. Each has two points in the SHL this year. Buffalo’s SHL recent 7th rounder Linus Sjodin has suited up for 41 games (six points) himself, although this is his second full season in the SHL.

But the real story on the prospect front have been the defensemen William Wallinder (DET) and Adam Engstrom (MON). A recent second rounder, Wallinder was already a contributing regular last season, but his role has grown into that of the team’s go-to player on the blueline. He not only leads all defensemen with 23 points in 41 games but is third on the entire team in scoring. At the same time, Engstrom has wiggled his way into what is basically a top 4 role, contributing 10 points in 32 games along the way. That actually has him 5th overall in the SHL in junior rookie scoring. The world got to see how far he’s come when he put up three points and a +6 at the WJC for Team Sweden. His star is rising considerably on the prospect front.

As should come as no surprise, the top scorers in the league continue to be veterans, with recent Maple Leaf Antti Suomela having led the way most of the season. His 24 goals and 48 points in just 38 games were good for tops and have him producing at a clip that few players have played at in the SHL over the past decade. He is however now trailing UFA and linemate Patrik Karlkvist, who has collected 50 points in 41 contests. Recent San Jose Shark Jonathan Dahlen, who headed back to his heart and hometown team Timra to play his first ever season of SHL play, is sitting 9th in league scoring with 17 goals and 32 points. The 25-year-old had 12 goals for the Sharks just last season.

But all eyes are still on Örebro HK forward Leo Carlsson, who’s coming off a 6-point WJC performance. He’s not blowing anything out of the water with his five goals and 18 points in 34 games, but as usually happens in a top pro league, vets tend to be relied upon more down the stretch run. His name still tops the list of draft eligibles, but we think NHL teams have got to have Axel Sandin-Pelikka ranked among their top 20 prospects for next summer’s event. And we’d advise any and everyone who is stat watching to disregard his mere five points in 22 games and the quiet assist at the WJC. His coaches already trust him. He’s getting PP time and he’s getting time at the end of the game when something is on the line. His understanding of the game, ice usage, and situations is simply something you don’t see much in a player this age.

A teammate of his in Skelleftea and on the U20 club is Zeb Forsfjall. The young man with a slight build has 10 games of SHL play and is looking like a lock for the U18 Worlds this spring. He is the younger brother of 20-year-old Mans Forsfjall who is undrafted but looking like quite the overage option in this summer’s draft, often found on the first line and having put up two goals, 13 points, and a +14 thus far this season. Would be fascinating if the brothers are both selected next summer.

There’s a whole bunch more going on across the nation in the SHL, Allsvenskan, and U20 circuit with a number of draft-eligible players getting shifts in pro hockey, but we continue to be very impressed with the J20 Nationell Noah Dower Nilsson, whose 48 points in 28 games means he’s clipping at a 1.78 PPG pace, which is a league-high. It’s only been good enough to get him into one game of SHL action, but the mother club Frolunda is chock full of options and, well, Detroit prospect Liam Dower Nilsson (22 games) looks to be blocking his path to the bigs at the moment.

Boston Bruins fans will be happy to hear that Latvian pick Dans Locmelis isn’t far behind Nilsson in U20 production with 47 points in 35 games, good for 6^th in the league. Lulea would have loved to test him at the SHL level by now, but that won’t be happening as Locmelis is scheduled to begin playing for the University of Massachusetts next fall. Expect this well-schooled and very experienced young man to have an instant impact on college hockey next season.

As the draft approaches, we’ll be spending time at the site with the likes of defenseman Theo Lindstein (22 games for Brynas), Frolunda two-way forward Otto Stenberg, and Danish surprise Oscar Molgaard (31 games and six points for HV71), but we’ll wrap up our look at Sweden with overage defenseman Oskar Asplund. In the midst of his second full season of HockeyAllsvenskan play, the heady two-way 5’11” defenseman already has five goals and 27 points in 39 games. It has earned him two games of SHL play with Skelleftea and overall, he reminds us a bit of former overager Adam Wilsby, who was selected in the 4th round by Nashville in the 2020 draft. Wilsby is currently suiting up for Milwaukee of the AHL. Asplund is even in the same organization.

Joakim Kemell of Finland celebrates after scoring 2-2 during the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship final between Canada and Finland on August 20, 2022 in Edmonton.
Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN /

Finland

The Finnish Liiga is well on its way to the finish line and one of the more astounding trends is that there are few players currently scoring at a PPG pace. Even the league leader Michael Joly has just 49 points in 48 games. Perhaps not surprising in light of that, but astounding nonetheless, is that Joona Ikonen (an undrafted 24-year-old) leads the league in goal-scoring behind Joly’s 21 goals with just 20 markers. Yes, in some cases, individual team scoring is simply spread across more shoulders, but the lack of individual scoring prowess is more akin to what we usually see in the SHL.

What this means is that a few current and former prospects are putting up numbers that are eyebrow-raising to say the least. Former Winnipeg Jets draft pick Sami Niku couldn’t edge out a solid NHL job despite at times outstanding AHL numbers. He was suiting up for the Montreal Canadiens just last season. At age 25, he decided he needed more job security and perhaps one very impressive season in Europe to get his name back into the minds of NHL GMs. Well, his nine goals and 37 points in 46 games for JYP is likely doing the trick while simultaneously making him the league’s top scorer among defensemen. An appearance at the men’s World Championship is all but a lock and then the question will be if Niku gets an offer that has a spot in an NHL line-up somewhat set in stone.

This past week, the Islanders moved arguably their top prospect in Aatu Raty to the Vancouver Canucks as part of the Bo Horvat trade, but his brother Aku Raty (ARI) is having himself a fine season for Ilves with 29 points and a +16 in 41 games. It’s a career best for the 21-year-old and is coming at a time where Arizona is going to want to decide on whether to sign him to an ELC. Really arriving on the scene has been Tampa Bay’s 2021 7th rounder, the 6’2”, 210-pound Niko Huuhtanen. Certainly, his 77 points in 64 games for the Everett Silvertips meant that he was already on the map for most prospect watchers, but he’s reinforced the belief that there’s a pro here with a sense for offensive generation, as his 15 goals and 27 points in 36 games go to show this season. That puts him within the top 40 in league-wide scoring, ahead of i.e., solid Maple Leafs prospect Roni Hirvonen, who himself is doing just fine with 24 points in 46 games for HIFK.

One name you’re not seeing is that of U18 and WJC star Joakim Kemell (NAS), whose 11 points and -14 rating in 32 games have him flying far below expectations. Quite the opposite is the case for Patrik Puistola (CAR), who leads all U23 players with 13 goals and 34 points in 48 games. That not only has him 12th in league scoring but means he’s the clear-cut go-to player for his Jukurit team, something that has to have the Hurricanes brass mighty excited about.

When it comes to Finland’s top junior league, there are not many NHL-drafted players currently plugging away at it, but Buffalo’s Viljami Marjala is second in league scoring with 48 points and a +29 in 31 games. He’s also put up two points in four games for Liiga club TPS and it’s felt he’ll conclude the season with the big club one way or another. You may remember that Marjala spent the past two seasons with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. It was felt Nashville went a very safe route in picking all-round defenseman Kasper Kulonummi in the 3rd round last summer. His 39 points in 33 games has him second to teammate Leevi Sorvali (42 in 39 contests) league-wide in defenseman scoring. He’s seen 5 games of Liiga action for Tappara this season, which - in case you hadn’t heard - is Finland’s most hockey-crazy town.

True prospect fans will surely be wondering what 2024 top prospect Aron Kiviharju has been up to in recent weeks. Many had hoped to see him on this winter’s WJC squad, but the season has seen a more conservative approach. Having just turned 17, Kiviharju has gotten into 14 games of Liiga action (two assists and a +1 rating) while only being able to suit up for 20 U20 league games this year, in which he’s impacted play fairly considerably with a 1-16-17 and +11 statline. All fine, but not screaming superstar just now. Still, the U18 Worlds is where he’s expected to show the international scouting community just how far he’s come.

Germany

The DEL has been of special interest this year, but not so much due to any particular up-n-coming young players making noise.

No, it’s been all about a certain prospect making a major comebokk on the prospect scene. Oh yes, that play on words just couldn’t be skipped out on as former St. Louis Blues 1st rounder and current Carolina Hurricanes asset Dominik Bokk has spent all season letting the hockey world know he is not to be forgotten after, well, pretty much having gone forgotten in the Hurricanes organization. As we mentioned in the fall, he’s been playing for league newbie Frankfurt Lions after having won the championship with Berlin last season, with whom his cameo had little to do with Berlin’s fate when all was said and done. Now he’s spent most of the season leading the entire DEL in scoring, currently coming in at 24 goals and 49 points in 43 games. He’s doing it for a team that entered the year with but an outside shot at the playoffs and it has to be clear to anyone watching that he’s technically and physically a number too good for this league, one filled with former NHL and AHLers. His scoring has often been timely, and he’s constantly been able to create and make his teammates better.

If he hasn’t renewed Carolina’s interest, there must be a few teams out there wondering if this is your classic case of a late bloomer. Once the DEL year is over, he’s basically a lock for the men’s WC tournament, which will surely make him one of the more interesting viewings from an NHL standpoint. Or could he be part of a trade deadline package before that?

Unfortunately, Bokk was caught in an awkward check this weekend and will miss the remainder of the regular season with a shoulder injury.

What’s also been noteworthy this year is the goaltending position. Primarily young, German-born goaltenders have found themselves getting plenty of ice time and holding their own in the process. Yes, 26-year-old Maxi Franzreb is making the most of the season, getting more starts than any U27 goaltender and shining brightly with a 2.28 GAA and .925 save percentage. Mirko Pantkowski (24) has become a full-fledged starter himself, going 21-15 thus far for Cologne. But the kids really opening eyes are Arno Tiefensee (20), Florian Bugl (20), Tobias Ancicka (21), and - in a cameo appearance - Daniel Allavena (23), who went 4-1 over an emergency 5-game stretch for Munich. For the other three, Ancicka has 30 starts for Berlin as the go-to number 1 in goal, Bugl has gone 15-7 for Straubing since having initially filled in for the injured starter, and Tiefensee is way up there in the league with a 2.17 GAA, .919 SV%, and 10-5 record for Mannheim.

This century simply hasn’t witnessed this many German goalies successfully carrying this much responsibility in goal in Germany’s top league. And as everyone knows, NHL history is full of goaltenders signed out of Europe as free agents in their mid- to late 20s. Some of whom have ended up having successful careers, so these are names you’re going to want to have in the back of your mind moving forward. Also, if you’re wondering who the next minor league UFA signings á la Julian Napravnik and Kai Wissmann may be, two Ingolstadt Panthers have arrived on the scene this year in a big way, both quite unexpectedly. Defenseman Leon Huttl is just 22 and of average size, but his 19 points in 45 games have been accompanied by a +21 rating and he’s been effective in all three zones for a team that has experienced major injury hits to every position. Up front, Polish-born Wojciech Stakowiak has been the team’s fully unexpected all-everything contributor. Now 23, he was coming off of five- and six-point seasons, but now has 15 goals, 31 points, and a +16 in 46 games, finding himself on the ice in all key situations.

We already chronicled how a number of U21 players had started getting a shot to kick off the season and we must say, it hasn’t stopped. The number of players 21 and under who have gotten a shot in the DEL this season has been astounding, with 16-year-old defenseman Max Merkl (Nuremberg), 17-year-old defenseman Paul Mayer (Mannheim), and 18-year-olds Edmund Junemann (Düsseldorf) and Lukas Ullmann (Ingolstadt) having basically come out of nowhere to get into a handful of games. With injuries on the blueline, Ingolstadt even reacquired 18-year-old defenseman Niklas Hubner out of Finnish juniors, and he’s suited up for each of the last seven games. We commented some years ago about how particularly the SHL was able to regularly churn out players aged 16-21 who were taking fairly regular shifts. The DEL knew it had to follow suit in order for the quality of players to increase and provide the nation with more quality depth. Just that seems to be happening as we write.

Russia

The Matvei Michkov watch has been gaining momentum since he was loaned out to HK Sochi. After just three scoreless games with St. Petersburg and then an eye-popping 10 goals and 14 points in 12 games with SKA’s VHL outfit, Michkov found himself in the show on a scoring line with a Sochi team that had an offensive role to offer. The result has been five goals and nine points in 17games, with three of those points coming in the two most recent games. All things Russia continue to be taboo, but in a time where Connor Bedard is running away with the first overall pick status, the hockey world has got to be back to asking whether Michkov isn’t still the second-best option at this summer’s draft?

Like with the Finnish Liiga, players clipping at a PPG pace are hard to come by in the KHL this year. Former NHLer Dmitri Jaskin is back to his scoring ways though, leading the league with 33 goals (3^rd with 50 points) in 59 games, closely followed by German national Brooks Macek, who has 31 in 52 games. At the same time, impending 26-year-old free agent Marat Khairullin is having a career year for SKA with 25 goals and 50 points, blowing his previous high of 32 points out of the water. Will he be sought after like Andrey Kuzmenko was last offseason?

Pleasantly though, several NHL prospects are making some real noise with career years. It simply must be pointed out that Carolina’s 21-year-old defensive prospect Alexander Nikishin, who measures in at an imposing 6’4” and 216 pounds, leads ALL defensemen in scoring with 10 goals and 49 points in 57 games. It’s basically a season for the ages in a league still dominated by older veterans. The question is when and if he’s coming over and just how his game will translate. But he’s clearly the NHL asset with the most traction in Europe this season. Almost just as impressive is the work being put in by Colorado’s Nikolai Kovalenko , who checks in at 6th overall in league scoring with 19 goals and 48 points in 50 games. A chip off the old block, it’ll be interesting to see if Colorado feels Kovalenko’s work is in line with an ELC this offseason.

Two other highly touted prospects keeping things extremely fascinating are New Jersey’s Arseni Gritsyuk (21) and Minnesota’s Marat Khusnutdinov (20). Whereas Gritsyuk pretty much arrived on the scene last season with 22-16-38 in 52 contests, he’s now heading towards the playoffs with Omsk sporting 13-21-34 numbers as more of a set-up man for Reid Boucher (25 goals) and Vladimir Tkachev (20 goals). It’s Khusnitdinov who is truly arriving this season as his 11-26-37 and +12 statline for SKA marks a true step in development, far outweighing anything done the past three seasons, where he already showed some glimpses of what was to come. Hard to imagine that GM Bill Guerin won’t be looking to get him over to North America for next season.

Out of the nation’s second tier league, VHL, there are three players who have caught our eyes as being noteworthy. Up front, Detroit’s 2022 2nd rounder Dmitri Buchelnikov, who can be quite the wizard with the puck on his blade, has 14 goals, 27 points, and a +9 in just 32 games. He’s also chipped in 12 points in four MHL contests as well as two points in 10 KHL games for St. Petersburg. In short, he’s having a wildly successful DY+1 season. On the defensive side, we let you know that we’d be closely watching LA Kings’ draft pick Kirill Kirsanov and he hasn’t disappointed in a developmental capacity. After starting off on fire, his overall game has leveled out to a sound 13 points and +13 rating in 28 games, but he’s been a PPG player in five MHL games and has gotten his feet wet in nine KHL contests (one assist, -5 rating). The 6’1”, 198-pound defender is right on track in his development. The league is also playing host to a 23-draft prospect who has been gaining traction. Alexander Rykov is a mid-sized forward who has 11 points in 20 games for Chelyabinsk and has even gotten into six KHL games (no stats) for Traktor. He’s exactly the type of player we’d have loved to see at the U18 Worlds this spring.

Another young man we’d like to make mention of is 19-year-old forward Nikita Grebyonkin. After a very impressive draft year in the junior circuit MHL, collecting 77 points and a +42 in 67 total games, Grebyonkin has spent the majority of this season loaned out to Amur Khabarovsk with whom he’s put up nine goals, 23 points, and a +3 in 40 games. Already a fan favorite for the club’s faithful, Grebyonkin is generally a player who just hasn’t played in a spotlight location. What we’re seeing is an astute 5^th pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs whose slick style and 6’2”, 180-pound frame is looking very promising moving forward. That said, his skating is that of a later round draft pick.

The notes are currently minimal on both the NHL and prospect fronts in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Switzerland, but there are a few player situations developing there that we’ll look to highlight in the next edition. The upcoming playoffs will surely give us much to muse about as the spring rolls around.

German Prospect Musings – Edition #1 for the 21-22 Season

Chapin Landvogt — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 21:50:35 +0000

FRISCO, TX USA - APRIL 29: Germany's Adrian Klein #17 passes the puck during preliminary round action against Russia at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on April 29, 2021 in Frisco, TX USA. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)

The 2021-22 season has been up and running since September and, with the exception of a few postponed games here and there throughout the various pro leagues for Covid-related reasons, has been operating pretty smoothly. And when it comes to prospects eligible for the 2022 NHL Draft, the DEL and the other two pro circuits are chock full of kids who come into question.

Unfortunately, it’s not looking like much of a banner year when it comes to hot topics for the draft despite the myriad of players 20 and younger who are playing across three pro leagues and the nation’s top junior league showing some interesting development among players 18 and younger. There are several glaring reasons for this.

First and foremost is the fact that the nation’s top first year draft eligible entering the season, Julian Lutz, is experiencing an extremely disappointing season to date. The good news is that his play is not to blame, but rather the lack thereof as Lutz has been injured since the preseason and hasn’t yet played a minute of regular season action for any teams. He has a contract with the Red Bull Munich organization of the DEL and many were looking to see if he’d pick up right where JJ Peterka left off.

And he still might, but he’s out for now.

It should be noted that Lutz did play at the Hlinka Gretzky Tournament this summer and only managed two points (both very fine goals) over four games, putting up a -9 in the process for a German team that lost its first three games including a double-figure loss to host Slovakia.

Another major reason for the lack of draft year punch lies in the fact that Roman Kechter (Rögle U20), Moritz Elias (Saskatoon Blades), Rayan Bettahar (Swift Current Broncos) and Leo Hafenrichter (Guelph Storm) are all first-year eligibles playing abroad and they, along with Lutz, build what were basically the top five German prospects heading into the season, but they’ll all come under the guise of Sweden or North America when it comes to their categorization next summer, should they not head back to Germany before the season ends.

So, who’s left?

The top prospect at the moment is defenseman Adrian Klein. Already a top four defenseman for Germany at last spring’s U18 WC, Klein is already 18 and just missed the September 15th cutoff date for last summer’s draft (with a September 18th birthday), making him one of the oldest first-year eligibles in next summer’s draft. Having made noise as a 16-year-old when he spent the whole season in Germany’s 3rd highest pro circuit, he already got into 31 DEL games for the Straubing Tigers as a 17-year-old, having scored one goal in the process. He has suited up 10 times for Straubing this season as well, going scoreless to date with a -2 rating, but was loaned to DEL2 partner Landshut, where he has two goals, five points, and a +5 rating in just four games, opening quite a few eyes in the process.

Next up is forward Luca Hauf, who next to Lutz, was the youngest player on Germany’s U18 squad in Texas. Having had a monster season as a 16/17-year-old in Germany’s 3rd pro circuit last year (31 points in 37 games), Hauf has a contract with the DEL’s Krefeld Pinguine for this season where, as a 17-year-old, he’s gotten into just six games and is coming in at a -3. He has been loaned out to the same 3rd league team for nine games thus far this season where he has scored five goals and 11 points, showing progress in a league that is still dominated by professional men, including a number of former Canadian juniors and college players.

At the moment, there’s no indication that he’ll be gaining consideration for the WJC team, and he’ll be too old for next spring’s U18 squad. He was a top six forward for Germany at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, collecting one assist and a -2 over four games. Hauf is on the draft map, but if he’s got any intent of being drafted, the scouting community is going to need to see him get back to the DEL and then make a little bit of music once there.

Overagers throughout the DEL

In European leagues like the SHL, Liiga, and even Russia’s VHL, it’s not uncommon for NHL scouts to be keeping close tabs on a number of overagers. This is naturally different for a league like the DEL, where there are quite a handful of slightly older players who are draft eligible earning a paycheck. Nonetheless, not a one of them is doing much producing just now. Third-year eligible Florian Elias is about the best of the bunch with four points and +5 in 11 games while Krefeld’s third-year eligible Alexander Blank is top nine forward for his team but has just six points and a -5 rating in 19 games.

Another third-time eligible forward is former Owen Sound Attacker Josh Samanski who really arrived on the scene in the DEL2 playoffs last season (10 points in seven games). The 19-year-old has scored four fabulous goals (five total points) in 17 games for Straubing while also collecting three points in two DEL2 parties for Landshut. It should be pointed out that his DEL club has had plenty of problems scoring goals this season despite a top-heavy top 6, meaning Samanski has understandably been getting bottom six minutes.

One of the overage players we most wanted to keep an eye on this season is Bennet Rossmy, a 6’3” forward who captained the U18 entry in Texas. He has indeed gotten into 17 DEL games with the Eisbären Berlin and another six with the club’s DEL2 partner in Weisswasser, but other than an assist in six CHL games for Berlin, he has yet to hit the scoring sheet. With the recent acquisition of ex-NHLer Frans Nielsen to an already full line-up, it’s hard to think Rossmy is on the quick path to extra ice time.

Several other overage Germans of note are currently playing in Austria.

Red Bull Juniors having a tough go of it in the AlpsHL

The RB Hockey Juniors kicked off last season with a bang before levelling off as the playoffs approached, eventually seeing a first round exit. This year, the team got off to a slow start and has picked things up recently but can’t seem to find a rhythm. The team doesn’t quite have the horses it had last season and many goals against have been self-inflicted, with unnecessary individual errors popping up at an alarming rate.

Nonetheless, Germany’s top goalie for the draft plays here and he’s looking at a possible starting gig at the WJC. Florian Bugl has managed a respectable 2.98 GAA and a 3-5 record for the struggling club over eight games, but his .883 save percentage has been alarming, if not indicative of the fate of the club thus far. Still, he was the rock who stood in goal for Germany’s victories at last winter’s WJC and, as a third-time eligible for the draft, is currently the best undrafted goaltending prospect coming out of Germany.

His top German partner on the blueline is Sten Fischer, a good-sized righty shot who was part of last spring’s U18 squad. His five points and +5 in 14 games are nice, but nothing to write home about, even if he’s one to keep an eye on. In general, the RB Hockey Juniors have very few German defensemen in the line-up.

Up front, first-year overager Thomas Heigl has had some moments with his six goals and nine points over 14 games but was expected to have more of an offensive impact. Nonetheless, he’s also gotten into three games for Munich of the DEL, having scored his first DEL goal last weekend. His twin brother Nikolaus has been out of action with an injury all season.

The most impressive German on the team has been third-year eligible Josef Eham (currently 19), who is second on the team in scoring with eight goals and 22 points in 18 games. He was already a nice contributor last season, but for comparison’s sake, he had just 20 points in 35 games, a total he’s surpassed in half the time already this season. As such, he’s forced himself into WJC consideration and is a name a lot of DEL teams are keeping tabs on.

As for first-year eligible Germans playing for the juniors in Salzburg, 17-year-old Philipp Krening came into the season as one to watch and looked like he’d live up to the billing, having put up five points in his first six games. He has now been out with what looks like an injury ever since but remains a hot topic for the U18 WC. He wore an “A” on his jersey for Germany at the Gretzky Hlinka Tournament.

Lastly, we’re going to put an asterisk next to Daniel Assavolyuk, a tiny German national of Kazakh descent. He got a late start into the season, but after putting up five goals and six points in just three games for the program’s U18 team, which plays in the Czech Republic’s U20 league, the 17-year-old was pulled up to the pro junior outfit and has quietly put up four points and a +5 rating in four games, even if several points came in the team’s recent 10-3 victory over Cortina. He’s got a real nose for the net and there’s a torpedo aspect to his attacking prowess.

4 Nations Tournament in Lillehammer, Norway

Germany’s preliminary U20 squad will be playing an immensely important test tournament from the 10-15th of November. Host Norway naturally won’t be in attendance at the WJC next month, but both Slovakia and Switzerland will be and testing their mettle at this juncture will be extremely important for Germany’s coaching staff, which will take a squad consisting 100% of nominees currently playing in Europe. That means that none of the Germans currently in North America, be it those eligible who are playing pro, college or Canadian juniors, will be in attendance in Norway.

This list of those abroad would include the German shooting star blueliner from the last WJC, Luca Münzenberger, drafted in the third round by Edmonton who is currently playing for the University of Vermont as a “true” freshman. It’s hard to see him not being part of the team this winter. This would also be the case for Haakon Hänelt, drafted by the Washington Capitals this past summer, who has five points in seven games for Gatineau of the QMJHL as well as forwards Kevin Niedenz (Oshawa Generals) and Yannick Proske (Spokane Chiefs).

And we shouldn’t forget that Peterka and Lukas Reichel, both enjoying decent starts to their seasons in the AHL, are each still eligible for the WJC.

That brings us to the group that’ll be showing up in Norway. To begin, Klein will be the only attendee who is in his first year of draft eligibility whereas goaltender Nikita Quapp will be the only player who has already been drafted (6th round by the Carolina Hurricanes). Quapp started the season off quite poorly for the DEL’s Krefeld Pinguine but bounced back with some outstanding performances and despite a less than spectacular 3.29 GAA and sub-.900 save percentage, has put up a 3-3 record for a struggling club. In fact, he’s the only U23 drafted German playing in the DEL this season save for Florida’s Justin Schutz (21), who has failed to get on the scoreboard in five games for Munich.

Very interesting is that the blueline will feature six players who have spent the bulk of this season playing in the DEL. Next to Klein, this list includes Arkadiusz Dziambor, Max Glötzl, Fabrizio Pilu, Maks Szuber, and Simon Stowasser. Not a one of them assumes an offensive role of any sort for their team and none have more than the three points Stowasser has for the Bremerhaven Pinguins, even if Dziambor is sporting a +6 for Mannheim and has spent the whole season in the DEL, one of the bigger surprises among U20 skaters. Daniel Schwaiger of the RB Juniors and Justus Böttner of the third league Black Dragons Erfurt round out the eight defensemen heading north.

The 13 forwards nominated include the aforementioned Elias, Blank, Samanski, Rossmy, and Eham, all of whom are likely to be among the team’s top 9. Having the best shot at rounding out the top three lines are WJC returnees Justin Volek and Markus Schweiger as well as Maciej Rutkowski and a McKeen’s favorite in Danjo Leonhardt. The former gained notoriety for his 31 points in 43 third league games as an 18-year-old last season and has now dressed for all of Krefeld’s DEL games, putting up three points to date. The latter was the RB Juniors’ top scorer last season (35 points in 32 games) in his second year of draft eligibility, albeit he was extremely young in his first year of eligibility. The native of Berlin is now taking a regular shift in a defensive capacity for Salzburg of the Austrian-based ICEHL, with just four points in 17 games, but did collect three points and a +3 in three games during the U20’s Summer Challenge in Füssen. We’d certainly be very curious to see the slick center in Alberta this winter.

Rounding off the forward crew are Jakub Borzecki, Jussi Petersen, Noah Dunham, and Yannik Burghardt. Like Leonhardt, Borzecki is also a double overager who is plying his trade for Salzburg of the ICEHL, but the rest are all playing in the DEL2. Dunham is doing the best of the group with seven points in 13 games for Heilbronn while Burghardt has been carefully allotted ice time for Kaufbeuren, with four points in 12 games, while also playing for his club’s DNL team, where he’s turned heads with 13 goals in just nine games. With just one assist along the way, he’s clearly shooting for that league’s Cy Young award.

Bugl and Quapp are the names in goal and should be seen as a very competitive pairing heading into the WJC when compared to the goaltending prospects for Austria, Slovakia, and Switzerland. Arno Tiefensee is also a returnee from last winter and is along for the ride in Norway, but with his 2.51 GAA and .910 save percentage in five games for Heilbronn of the DEL2, it’s very possible the 6’4” giant has a different standing in the pecking order in the eyes of Germany’s coaching staff.

All in all, the 4 Nations Tournament will be pivotal for several of the players listed above, as one has to think that no less than Münzenberger and Hänelt will be on the WJC squad while the DEB will be putting in every favor necessary to gain the services of Peterka and Reichel.

Looking ahead

In our next issue of German Prospect Musings, we’ll be taking a deeper look into what’s going on in Germany’s DNL as the league has been firing on all cylinders and a number of 17- and 18-year-olds have been showing some strong to dominating tendencies that should see them get pro and U18 team consideration as the season progresses.

We’ll conclude this piece by making our first mention of a young man we’ll be keeping a close eye on in gaining our bearings for the 2024 NHL Draft, namely Jan-Felix Faupel. With 12 points in nine games for Mannheim’s U17 team and another two in two games for the club’s very stocked DNL team, the 15-year-old forward is already leaving a number of older colleagues in his dust. Before joining the Mannheim organization, he had played for Wolfsburg’s U17 team - with three points in 30 games as a 13-year-old and then 14 points in five games as a 14-year-old, both seasons shortened by the global pandemic.

Arno Tiefensee – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #32 Dallas – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 32nd (Last Year - 31st) GM: Jim Nill Hired: April 2013 COACH: Glen Gulutzan Hired: July 2025

1. Emil Hemming, RW, Barrie Colts (OHL)

2. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

3. Tristan Bertucci, D, Texas Stars (AHL)

4. Aram Minnetian, D, Texas Stars (AHL)

5. Brandon Gorzynski, C, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

6. Arno Tiefensee, G, Texas Stars (AHL)

7. George Fegaras, D, Cornell University (NCAA)

8. Atte Joki, C, Lukko (Liiga)

9. Matthew Seminoff, RW, Texas Stars (AHL)

10. Samu Tuomaala, RW, Texas Stars (AHL)

11. Antonio Stranges, LW, Texas Stars (AHL)

12. Ayrton Martino, LW, Texas Stars (AHL)

13. Arttu Hyry, RW, Texas Stars (AHL)

14. Charlie Paquette, RW, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

15. Remi Poirier, G, Texas Stars (AHL)

NHL: Victor Nuño – DYNASTY STOCK WATCH – Dallas Stars Edition

McKeen’s Hockey: Dynasty Stock Watch

Dallas Stars Edition

Team Outlook

Buy Candidates

Arno Tiefensee, G (23)

Emil Hemming, RW (19)

Lian Bichsel, D (21)

Sell Candidates

Cameron Schmidt, RW (19)

Ayrton Martino, LW (23)

Mavrik Bourque, C (24)

Summary

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – DALLAS STARS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #31

Dallas Stars Top-15 Prospects

1 - Emil Hemming

2 - Justin Hryckowian

3 - Ayrton Martino

4 - Cameron Schmidt

5 - Arttu Hyry

6 - Tristan Bertucci

7 - Aram Minnetian

8 - Antonio Stranges

9 - George Fegaras

10 - Christian Kyrou

11 - Brandon Gorzynski

12 - Remi Poirier

13 - Atte Joki

14 - Arno Tiefensee

15 - Angus MacDonell

NHL PROSPECTS: Top five drafted prospects in Europe

Ivan Demidov - RW/C - KHL - Montreal Canadians 1st rounder in 2024

Dmitri Buchelnikov - LW - KHL - Detroit Red Wings 2nd rounder in 2022

Lenni Hämeenaho - RW - Liiga - New Jersey Devils 2nd rounder in 2023

Jesse Kiiskinen - C - Liiga - Detroit Red Wings (by trade) 3rd rounder in 2023

Oliver Kapanen - C - SHL - Montreal Canadiens 2nd rounder in 2021

Honorable mention:

Nikita Artamanov - RW - KHL - Carolina Hurricanes 2nd rounder in 2024

Semyon Chistyakov - D - KHL - Nashville Predators 4th rounder in 2019

Simon Forsmark - D - SHL - Carolina Hurricanes 4th rounder in 2022

Artyom Galimov - LW - KHL - Anaheim Ducks 5th rounder in 2020

Marcus Gidlöf - G - SHL - New York Islanders 5th rounder in 2024

Samuel Jonsson - G - HockeyAllsvenskan - Edmonton Oilers 5th rounder in 2022

Vitali Kravtsov - RW/LW - KHL - Vancouver Canuck (Rangers) 1st rounder in 2018

Viljami Marjala - C/LW - Liiga - Buffalo Sabres 5th rounder in 2021

Vadim Moroz - LW/RW - KHL - Utah HC 3rd rounder in 2023

Ilya Nabokov - G - KHL - Colorado Avalanche 2nd rounder in 2024

Alexander Nikishin - D - KHL - Carolina Hurricanes 3rd rounder in 2020

Joel Nyström - D - SHL - Carolina Hurricanes 7th rounder in 2021

Axel Sandin-Pellikka - D - SHL - Detroit Red Wings 1st rounder in 2023

Arno Tiefensee - G - DEL - Dallas Stars 5th rounder in 2023

Zemyon Vyazoyov - G - KHL - Seattle Kraken 6th rounder in 2021

Yegor Zavragin - G - KHL - Philadelphia Flyers 3rd rounder in 2023

Other notables:

GERMANY: 2024-25 Hockey season kicks off!

Draftees

U20 players

UFAs to be?

DEL2

DNL

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL DRAFT GUIDE – The McKeen’s team sleeper picks

Brock Otten (Director of Scouting)

Prospect System Ranking – 32nd (Last Year - 31st)
GM: Jim Nill Hired: April 2013
COACH: Glen Gulutzan Hired: July 2025