Aron Kiviharju – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #24 Minnesota Wild – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:01:57 +0000

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 14: Michigan State Spartans forward Charlie Stramel (15) reacts after a play during a men's college hockey game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on November 14, 2025 at the Compton Family Ice Arena in South Bend IN. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 24th (Last Year - 14th)
GM: Bill Guerin Hired: August 2019
COACH: John Hynes Hired: November 2023

It has been a slow build in Minnesota, and one that veered slightly off course for a few seasons. But with Kirill Kaprizov locked into a long-term deal and players like Matt Boldy continuing to develop into one of the NHL’s premier goal scorers, general manager Bill Guerin decided to take a major swing.

Taking advantage of a turbulent situation in the Pacific Northwest, Guerin made one of the most significant moves in franchise history. Parting with a trio of key future assets, along with the club’s 2027 first-round pick, he acquired star defenceman Quinn Hughes. The price was steep, but landing one of the world’s elite blueliners instantly elevated the Wild into legitimate contender status.

Minnesota’s sharp drop in the prospect rankings, however, is not solely tied to the Hughes trade. The more significant factor has been the graduation of several highly regarded prospects, including Zeev Buium, Liam Öhgren (both now traded), and Danila Yurov, who have all moved beyond prospect status and into the NHL picture. Their departures have naturally thinned what was previously considered one of the league’s mid-range pipelines. Now leading the next wave is Charlie Stramel (87th), who is thriving in his junior season at Michigan State as an assistant captain and one of the program’s top offensive contributors. The former first-round pick appears poised to sign his professional contract this spring as he prepares to make the transition to the pro ranks.

Another player enjoying a breakout campaign is 2025 fourth-round selection Adam Benák, a recent Western Michigan commit. The skilled forward has emerged as one of the OHL’s top point-per-game producers while playing a key role for a strong Brantford Bulldogs squad. Meanwhile, at the professional level, prospects such as Riley Heidt (100th), David Špaček (139th), and Hunter Haight are gaining valuable AHL experience and could push for NHL opportunities in the near future.

With Quinn Hughes now anchoring the blue line and a talented forward core already in place, Minnesota appears firmly committed to maximizing its current competitive window. The organization has already sacrificed significant draft capital, including its 2026 first-round pick and second-round selections in the next three drafts. All signs point toward pushing their chips toward contention. The window is open, and the time to capitalize is now.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Min	1	Charlie Stramel	C	21	6-3/215	Michigan State (NCAA)	37	19	25	44	32
Min	2	Riley Heidt	C	21	5-10/180	Iowa (AHL)	71	8	17	25	38
Min	3	David Spacek	D	23	5-11/175	Iowa (AHL)	59	7	29	36	16
Min	3	David Spacek	D	23	5-11/175	Minnesota (NHL)	2	0	0	0	0
Min	4	Ryder Ritchie	RW	19	6-0/175	Boston University (NCAA)	36	7	10	17	28
Min	5	Adam Benak	C	19	5-8/165	Brantford (OHL)	48	28	49	77	29
Min	6	Aron Kiviharju	D	20	5-10/185	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	48	6	11	17	6
Min	7	Hunter Haight	C	22	5-10/175	Iowa (AHL)	54	18	14	32	22
Min	7	Hunter Haight	C	22	5-10/175	Minnesota (NHL)	9	1	1	2	4
Min	8	Carson Lambos	D	23	6-1/200	Iowa (AHL)	70	8	11	19	48
Min	8	Carson Lambos	D	23	6-1/200	Minnesota (NHL)	1	0	0	0	0
Min	9	Justin Kipkie	D	20	6-4/205	Arizona State (NCAA)	35	4	9	13	16
Min	10	Theodor Hallquisth	D	18	6-2/185	Troja-Ljungby (Allsvenskan)	30	0	3	3	14
Min	10	Theodor Hallquisth	D	18	6-2/185	Orebro (Swe J20)	17	0	6	6	29
Min	10	Theodor Hallquisth	D	18	6-2/185	Orebro (SHL)	8	0	1	1	2
Min	11	Caedan Bankier	C	23	6-2/190	Iowa (AHL)	66	10	10	20	18
Min	12	Jack Peart	D	23	5-11/185	Iowa (AHL)	61	4	11	15	24
Min	13	Rasmus Kumpulainen	C	20	6-2/190	Iowa (AHL)	48	1	4	5	24
Min	13	Rasmus Kumpulainen	C	20	6-2/190	Iowa (ECHL)	24	5	11	16	16
Min	14	Rieger Lorenz	LW	22	6-3/210	Denver (NCAA)	43	17	18	35	38
Min	14	Rieger Lorenz	LW	22	6-3/210	Iowa (AHL)	3	0	0	0	4
Min	15	Carter Klippenstein	C	19	6-3/180	Brandon (WHL)	38	11	17	28	74

1. Charlie Stramel, C, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Sometimes it is worth it for a prospect to play four years in college, Charlie Stramel is proof of why. Ever since transferring to Michigan State, he has added an offensive dimension sorely needed in his game, without losing the two-way prowess that made him special. Stramel’s strong and quick skating is the foundation of his play in every zone. He is a great backchecker, forechecker and is great at annoying opponents during rushes. Adam Nightengale has fully awakened his offensive game, as Stramel nearly eclipsed 20 goals and 50 points this season. Much of the improvement has stemmed from offensive IQ, getting Stramel to become more involved in the offensive zone, and the results have been incredible. The Minnesota Wild are desperate to get this young man over to St. Paul for their playoff run. He is going to be a solid depth center for them this season, and many to come. Is Stramel a potential top six center? Even with this year's breakout, it seems unlikely. However, he has so many quality pro intangibles, it would be wise not to underestimate him.

2. Riley Heidt, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Riley Heidt has faced some expected struggles in his rookie AHL season and hasn’t been able to translate his high-octane playmaking to the next level thus far. This was always the concern with Heidt as a prospect and one of the main reasons his elite WHL scoring ability did not translate into his draft stock being anything higher than a late 2nd round pick. As a smaller player with average skating, it’s incredibly difficult to create the separation needed for offensive creation at higher levels, especially on the playmaking side. However, Heidt is still very young and many players struggle in their first professional season. Next season will be crucial for him to rebound and start showcasing the elite playmaking ability that allowed him to excel in junior. He’s still a ways away from getting a proper look in the NHL at this point but the ceiling remains fairly high with natural offensive ability. In terms of his ceiling, I still think it’s possible he can become a top six player, though a big rebound is needed before that can happen.

3. David Spacek, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Spacek is in his third full season of professional hockey and has emerged as a projectable bottom pairing defenseman in the NHL. He’s a safe defenseman who coaches can trust and is dependable when it comes to putting in a full effort every game. Despite playing in the AHL, he cracked Team Czechia’s roster for the Olympics, which is no easy feat. Spacek also earned his first crack at the NHL, having played in two games so far this season. I would expect him to start earning more time in the big leagues and eventually carve out a role as a bottom-pairing defenseman by the end of next season. Given his play style and career trajectory to this point, it’s unlikely he develops into a top four defenseman but his floor is high and there are signs he’s already outgrowing AHL hockey. Look for him to potentially earn a spot out of training camp next season.

4. Ryder Ritchie, RW, Boston University (NCAA)

Ritchie made the much-anticipated move to college hockey this offseason, heading to Boston University, and he has actually shown some solid strides as a prospect. In a year where almost every Terrier has taken a step back, Ritchie has led all BU freshmen in points, exhibiting some great flashes of his shot and playmaking ability. He’s even made adjustments to improve his game away from the puck, Ritchie has been steadily developing as an offensive threat. However, his move to the NCAA has proved that his upside is as limited as some feared. His skating is still average, and he will likely never be a play driver at any level. Additionally, he doesn’t have the willingness to use his 6’2 frame to play a more two-way game. Ritchie is still showing a limited game as he did in the WHL, however, the offensive upside in spite of his lack of speed gives many hope that with another year in college, he can round into a solid support scorer in the NHL.

5. Adam Benak, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Selected 102nd overall in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild. Benak spent last season playing with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, recording 59 points in 56 games. After being selected second overall in the CHL Import Draft by the Brantford Bulldogs, Benak decided to make the move to play in the CHL this season. Benak got off to a real hot start with the Bulldogs recording 20 points in his first 10 games. Benak is currently averaging over 1.5 points per game playing on Brantford’s top line. Benak is a highly skilled playmaking center who can shift to the wing. Listed at 5-foot-8, Benak had little difficulty transitioning to the USHL and OHL, showcasing his elite creativity with the puck while producing at a high rate. There is no question he possesses the offensive skill, skating ability, and hockey IQ to project as a scoring winger at the NHL level. The challenge for Benak will come with handling the physical side of pro hockey as an undersized forward. He will need to find a way to bring a high level of consistency to every aspect in his game on the ice. He will need to continue working on winning puck battles against larger opponents through anticipation and body positioning, maintain a high tenacity on loose pucks, and find ways to avoid being closed out of plays. Minnesota is hoping Benak falls towards his ceiling potential and become a mid-round pick player that teams possibly regret overlooking on drafting earlier due to his size.

6. Aron Kiviharju, D, HIFK (Liiga)

Aron Kiviharju, selected 122nd overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2024 NHL Draft, remains one of the most intellectually gifted defenders in his cohort. Once considered a consensus top-tier prospect early in his draft cycle, Kiviharju’s trajectory was interrupted by a significant knee injury in his draft year, causing him to slip in the draft. Since then, he has focused on steady development with HIFK in Liiga, cementing his reputation as a cerebral, high-IQ game manager who prioritizes processing speed over raw physical force. Kiviharju’s game is built on a foundation of elite anticipation and vision. While he is not the biggest defender at 5-foot-10, he relies on active stick-work, tight gap control, and exceptional positioning to negate rush attempts and kill plays efficiently. The primary developmental hurdle remains physical maturity and translating his high-end offensive awareness against heavy professional competition. Projection-wise, Kiviharju profiles as a potential middle-pair NHL defenseman and a specialist on the second power-play unit. His success at the next level will depend on his ability to continue adding strength to his frame to withstand the grind of the professional game while maintaining the elite processing speed that defines his ceiling.

7. Hunter Haight, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

In his sophomore AHL season, Haight has largely failed to increase his stock as a prospect. He has been an average AHL player for almost two seasons now, earning a five game NHL stint in the process. Haight has always been a prospect that scouts like based on his projectable tools. I liked him a lot back in his draft year and thought it was a fine pick by the Wild at #47. The progression hasn’t been ideal since then. The tools are all there – Haight is an above average skater, has good puck handling and can even mix it up physically. There are times he looks like a legit NHLer. For some reason, it is yet to all click for him despite being over 100 games into his pro career. For him, the floor is as a top six AHLer, similar to what he is now. If he can use his tools more effectively, I see a player who can mesh in the bottom-six despite his lack of size.

8. Carson Lambos, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Time is running out for the former first-round pick to live up to expectations. There just hasn’t been significant progression in his development since he was drafted. The knock on Lambos has always been that he lacks any elite traits that will make him an impactful defenseman at the NHL level. This is still very evident in his game and is something that is incredibly difficult to overcome. He's not particularly big or physical, his skating is average and he doesn’t provide much offense from the back end. The concern is that his skating and hockey sense won’t be able to keep up with the NHL pace. He’s already a serviceable AHLer and continues to improve but at this point the ceiling for Lambos is that of a bottom-pairing defenseman. It’s hard to see him reaching top-4 potential the Wild hoped for when they picked him. That being said, he played his first NHL game this season. Perhaps the Wild see him as being fairly close to NHL ready.

9. Justin Kipkie, D, Arizona State University (NCAA)

The aggressive and speedy NCHC conference was a perfect destination for Justin Kipkie. With his solid speed and great dexterity, he has adapted to the quickness of his opponents well, supporting his team on entries and defending the rush. The WHL prepared him at the latter, with his strong stick and gap control being his best facets at killing plays. His aggressiveness can get him in trouble at times, pinching too hard or trying to jump into plays prematurely, leaving him out of position to defend. Kipkie will likely be trusted with more minutes next season as a sophomore, as he has become more disciplined throughout his year. At that time, you could probably expect an uptick in offensive production as he continues to make the adjustment from the WHL to the NCAA. Kipkie's projection remains that of a solid bottom pairing type who could aid in the transition game.

10. Theo Hallquisth, D, Örebro HK (SHL)

While picking long-term project Hallquisth at 52nd overall in the 2025 NHL Draft is still seen as a reach, the Wild should be pretty pleased about how he’s coming along. The young RHD is logging serious minutes in the HockeyAllsvenskan with Troja-Ljungby, where he sees time on both the PK and PP. He’s even getting into SHL games with Orebro. Hallquisth is a mobile, physical defenceman who defends the rush well and is a very reliable passer. There is almost no risk to his game - Hallquisth isn’t someone who makes things happen, he’s more of a play settler and calming presence. He’s got a quick shot from the point, but otherwise his offensive zone play is limited. His gap management and skating quickness have taken steps and look very solid at the pro level. However, defending the cycle is a bit of a challenge currently. Like many young defencemen, he is prone to lapses in concentration and makes mistakes. Hallquisth is at his best when he keeps his game simple. Continued improvement to his overall mobility, physical strength and defensive reads may bear fruit for the Wild in a couple of years. Hallquisth projects to be a defence-first bottom pair defenceman who can PK.

11. Caedan Bankier, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Not a lot of growth from Bankier over these last few seasons and that has to be concerning to the Wild. A former WHL standout and Canadian WJC team member, Bankier may be on the bubble to be qualified.

12. Jack Peart, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Even throughout Peart’s NCAA time, he never really found that next level as an offensive defender. No question he’s intelligent, but average sized, jack of all trades type defenders have a pretty low hit rate. Now in his second pro season, the ceiling looks limited.

13. Rasmus Kumpulainen, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Playing in his first pro season, Kumpulainen has struggled to adapt. He’s spent half the year in the ECHL for that reason. The big pivot is a solid two-way player, but he looks a long way off.

14. Rieger Lorenz, LW, University of Denver (NCAA)

Lorenz is in the midst of his best NCAA season as a senior at the University of Denver, but the former AJHL standout has failed to really breakthrough offensively as a star at the college level. As such, he could be on the bubble to be signed when this NCAA season ends.

15. Carter Klippenstein, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

The offensive ceiling as a pro is pretty limited. But that’s not why the Wild drafted Klippenstein in the fourth-round last year. He has the size, skating ability, defensive IQ, and physicality to develop into an elite fourth line center and penalty killer.

2026 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: Daily Recap- December 29th, 2025- Game Summaries – Standout Performances – Notable Draft Eligible Prospects

Kyle Pereira and Linc Zdancewicz — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:16:19 +0000

Day 4 of the World Juniors was jam packed with action from start to finish, with some very fun matchups.

SWEDEN v GERMANY

Early in this game, Sweden faced similar problems that they faced in their game against Switzerland; the forecheck was giving them issues. But a penalty on Germany gave Sweden the first powerplay, where they scored the opening goal. Anton Frondell fired a beautiful one-timer home after the great set-up from Alfons Freij. After some more back-and-forth, with Sweden continuing to struggle against the tight checking Germans, Maxim Schafer would force a huge turnover in the defensive end, springing him and Elias Pul on a 2-on-0 chance, where he would set Pul up with an easy back-door tap-in.

In the second period, it would be Sweden who made key adjustments to control the play far better. Ivar Stenberg really started to dial in as well, playing a key part in an improved second period. It also helped that Germany took a penalty late in the first, allowing Sweden to open on the powerplay, where Viggo Bjorck finished a very pretty pass from Sascha Boumedienne to give Sweden their lead right back. Sweden would then kill off a 3v5 penalty kill, and score shortly thereafter, with Leo Sahlin Wallenius threading the needle to Jack Berglund on the doorstep for a simple tap in. The second would see Viggo Bjorck get his second of the day on the man advantage as well as a Felix Ohrqvist goal to see the Swedes go up 5-1 on the Germans going into the final period.

To start the third, Anton Frondell continued his power play domination with his second goal of the day and third on the PP in this tournament. The Swedish offense was fully awake and still firing on all cylinders towards the end of the game as they added another goal on the power play from Liam Danielsson to get some extra insurance, pushing the lead to 7-1. The game drew to an end with continued domination from the Swedes, as they did not let off the pedal, even scoring a literal last second goal from Berglund.

MVP’s

Sweden: Anton Frondell, Viggo Bjorck, Leo Sahlin Wallenius

Germany: Elias Pul, Maxim Schafer, Lenny Boos

FINLAND v CZECHIA

Radim Mrtka was back in action for the Czechs as they took on red-hot Finland. Early in the first, Veeti Vaisanen was charged with a 5-minute major and game misconduct for cross-checking Tomas Poletin on a net-drive. The Czech squad would take advantage quickly, as Matej Kubiesa scored from a drop pass from Tomas Galvas. Finland would take another penalty, and Rimpinen was forced into making a few key saves, including a highlight reel stop on a phenomenal pass to the slot from behind the net. It was all Czechia in the first, but Rimpinen held up his end incredibly well, keeping it a one-goal game.

The second period was very chippy, filled with scrums and a few penalties. But both goaltenders stood tall in net, keeping it a one-goal game. More of the same continued in the third, as the chippiness kept building. A few more penalties, and a few more big stops from both netminders. Orsulak made an excellent stop, in particular, going post to post on a one timer try. Emil Hemming would tie the game up late, off one heck of a one-timer to beat Orsulak high, set up excellently by Leo Tuuva, with about 20 seconds remaining in regulation. While Finland forced overtime, they could not cap off the comeback with a win. Instead, it was Adam Jiricek who scored an incredible, highlight reel, between the legs goal on Rimpinen. It was an electric ending to a very fun game.

MVPs

Czechia: Vaclav Nestrasil, Adam Novotny, Michal Orsulak

Finland: Oliver Suvanto, Petteri Rimpinen, Aron Kiviharju

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Slovakia's Tomas Chrenko #29 celebrates with Andreas Straka #15, Luka Radivojevic #26, Adam Nemec #21, Lukas Tomka #24 and Michal Svrcek #11 after scoring a third period goal against USA during Preliminary Round - Group A action at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at Grand Casino Arena on December 29, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/IIHF)

SLOVAKIA v USA

The Americans came out hot to start, pressuring the offensive zone with a fire they hadn’t shown in their first two games. However, the Slovaks quickly regained their confidence, dumping and chasing to where the American defense started to wear down. Off a turnover by L.J. Mooney, Tobias Pitka made the defense pay, netting his first of the tournament during a quick rush. Quickly after Kamil Bednarik’s holding call, Tomas Chrenko scored his fourth goal in two games on the power play to put Slovakia up 2-0 early. The Americans looked frustrated as they ended the period with limited success in the neutral and offensive zones.

Entering the second, the Americans went down a man due to a Mooney interference call, but the U.S. PK found some great success when A.J. Spellacy scored a tip-in goal short-handed. The penalty kill continued to fire up the U.S. bench, getting three or four legitimate dangerous chances during the Slovaks power play. However, Slovakia would deliver a similar performance when the US went on their own power play. Adam Belusko drove one home to put the Slovaks back up two, and killed the Americans man advantage, bringing the Red, White and Blue to 0/7 on the PP.

Shortly after the U.S. began to crawl back, Brendan McMorrow buried a bouncing puck for his second point of the night to cut the lead to one. Soon after that, the U.S. finally tied Slovakia off of their first power play goal in the tournament. From a standstill, Ryker Lee ripped the puck over Michal Pradel’s glove side to even the game at three. Like clockwork, Slovakia went on the power play once again, just in time for them to take the lead. Frustrating failed chance after frustrating chance went by for the Americans as the second period ticked down. That was until James Hagens buried his first goal of the tournament to even the Slovaks at four. The second saw six goals all together between the two teams and they were even through two.

The final period would be the true test. Immediately, the United States struck first off Hagens’ stick again, finding an opportunistic bounce on a dump and chase. Just over three minutes later, the American power play found life again. Will Zellers found the back of the net for the fourth time on the back of a tremendous passing play from Brodie Ziemer and Mooney. From that point on, the game devolved into a chippy back and forth that was carefully built by animosity and grit. The game continued to get more aggressive and more desperate as both teams were deadlocked in terms of chances as time wound down. With the net empty, the desperate Slovaks found relief from the stick of Chrenko, who scored his fifth goal of the tournament. The draft eligible is taking command of the spotlight for the plucky Slovaks. Though they showed a ton of struggle, the United States defended and prevailed, giving their home fans a heart attack with this game, evening them with the Swedes at three regulation wins, setting up a very exciting New Years Eve night game.

MVP’s

Slovakia: Adam Belusko, Tomas Chrenko, Tobias Pitka

U.S.A.: A.J. Spellacy, Chase Reid, James Hagens

CANADA v DENMARK

Immediately, Canada sets the pace, owning possession in the Danes zone. When Denmark took a penalty, the Canadians made quick work. Gavin McKenna put his patented shot to work, getting set up at the dot by Michael Hage for an early lead. A few minutes later, Keaton Verhoeff throws up a brilliant stretch pass to Tij Iginla, who curls back up the boards under pressure, draws the defender in, then throws a beautiful backhand pass into the slot for Braeden Cootes, making it 2-0. After some offensive zone time for Denmark, resulting in their first shot on goal, a turnover created a rush the other way for Caleb Desnoyers, who set up Zayne Parekh on a tee, and he would not miss. A brilliant shot from a red-hot Parekh makes it 3-0.

To start the second period, Denmark would strike first. Less than 30 seconds in, Mads Klyvo would snipe one over the short-side shoulder of Carter George. As the period wore on, Denmark would hold up… until they took another penalty. This time, it was Porter Martone on the man advantage putting one in the back of the net, set up by Parekh for the one-timer. After several incredible saves from Patrick Tiedjen, it is once again McKenna off a one-timer that beats him glove side, off a feed from Brady Martin to make it 5-1 late in the second. Canada would open the scoring of the third period less than five minutes in, when Michael Misa found the back of the net to make it 6-1. About a minute later, McKenna would snag the hat trick, extending the lead to 7-1. Then, late in the third, Kashawn Aitcheson would rip an unbelievable shot over Tiedjen’s shoulder to make it 8-1. Then very shortly after, it would be Martone again, another unreal snipe up and over the shoulder to make it 9-1.

MVPs

Canada: Gavin McKenna, Zayne Parekh, Jett Luchanko

Denmark: Patrick Tiedjen, Mads Klyvø, Markus Jakobsen

INDIVIDUAL REPORTS

Anton Frondell (SWE) (2G)

We can start to talk about Anton Frondell’s role on the Chicago Blackhawks power play when he inevitably makes their roster next year. The proof is in how automatic he has been for the Swedes in the left circle. Frondell’s shot is crisp, fast off the stick, and, best of all, accurate. He’ll need to show it more consistently at even strength, but he’s had a different role when playing 5-on-5. Frondell’s truculence and overall effort have been quite noticeable in this tournament. His games against Switzerland and Slovakia showed this style consistently throughout and it was no different against the Germans today. Frondell came barreling down on the forecheck to firmly establish, with all 205 pounds of his body mass, the Swedish possession and I have loved every minute of it. Off puck he has been opportunistic, getting open consistently trying to find that first even strength goal. Additionally, Frondell has been adept at finding his teammates for chances abound, I was surprised he didn’t get an assist in this contest against the Germans. Anton Frondell continues to exhibit his well-rounded game at the international level, let’s see how he does under the brightest lights, on New Years Eve against the hosts.

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 26: USAÕs James Hagens #10 looks on during Preliminary Round - Group A action against Germany at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at Grand Casino Arena on December 26, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. (Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/IIHF)

James Hagens (USA) (2G)

Hagens’ second World Juniors Tournament got under way in a slower fashion then his first as the U.S. was struggling to dominate like they had in years past. In the Americans’ toughest games yet, their top center showed up. Hagens was a crucial part of the U.S. turnaround today against Slovakia, starting with being one of the few forwards who could effectively enter the zone and set up an offensive cycle in the wake of a heavy Slovakian team in front of them. Despite setting up and contributing to a couple high danger chances, the Americans were down 3-4 with time winding down in the second. James Hagens went to work attacking the middle of the ice, receiving a pass and burying the game tying goal under Michal Pradel’s right arm.

His tendency to attack the middle has improved his game in the NCAA by leaps and bounds, making him a worlds better scorer than when he was a budding freshman just a season ago. Coming back onto the ice for the third, Hagens delivered the hot start they so desperately needed less than 20 seconds in. Once again attacking the middle, he jumped on a puck that was deflected by a Slovak stick to punch the then-go-ahead goal for the hosts. Hagens was critiqued in last year's tournament for not showing up in big games, then he scored a big goal in the gold medal game, now he has come through for the United States in their most crucial moment. This clutch factor should be a welcome sight for Bruins fans as they will be looking for him to do it again against a tough Sweden team on New Year’s Eve.

Alfons Freij (SWE) 2A

Freij was incredible when it came to moving the puck against the Germans. All game long, he was moving very well with the puck on his stick and dishing beautiful passes to teammates all over the zone. He was very clearly a standout on the back end for Sweden and a large reason they were able to get their game together after a slow start against Germany.

Patrick Tiedjan (DEN) 40/49, .816 SV%

Yes, he gave up a lot of goals. But the team in front of him was getting absolutely caved in. He played admirably well, battling hard on every save and making several impressive ones at that. Not to mention, he looked great from a mechanical standpoint, moving well laterally. He was very impressive despite the outcome and genuinely played his heart out against the Canadians in this contest, and that absolutely deserves a mention.

DRAFT ELIGIBLES

Tomas Chrenko (SVK) (2G)

The Slovak center has found lightning in a bottle in his last two games, scoring five total goals in two games. Chrenko came alive against the hosts today, blazing by many of their highly touted prospects with his coveted speed and challenging them with his unrelenting energy. Chrenko’s mindset alone when forechecking might be enough for me to consider moving him not only into a first round ranking but potentially a top 20 pick as well. However, his shot has been the talk of the town, finding lanes through heavy traffic for both of his goals. It is clear that this kid has an eye for the net when he slows down his game a bit. Though the Slovaks lost in regulation, Chrenko was one of, if not, the largest sparkplug that kept them in it right until the very end. Chrenko’s wonderful skating and shot, combined with the confidence he’s surely gained with his performance, should set him up nicely for the remainder of his season, playing in the Slovakian Pro league.

Keaton Verhoeff (CAN) 1A

While it wasn’t the cleanest performance, Verhoeff gave a really good taste of the raw talent he possesses. With the puck, he moved so fluidly as a skater and passer, pushing the pace and oozing confidence and swagger. Away from the puck, he slowed down and prevented rushes by Denmark thanks to his excellent skating and just how much space he takes up with his strides and reach. Offensively, he understood where the space was and was completely unafraid to jump right up in the offensive zone. Against a tougher opponent, it’s tough to gauge how much success his style would have, but he really could have produced more simply from how he navigated the zone without the puck. He’s a special talent who, once he really puts it all together, could be a dynamite NHL defender.

Interview with James Hagens

McKeens: I want to take you back to this past off-season. You were drafted by the Bruins obviously. How did the draft experience and going to their development camp help you prepare for the season and this tournament?

JH: Just being able to grow up and see all those guys who have been through it. You’re in the moment there, and to be able to be with my family and friends, it was really special. To be able to go to development camp. It was great going there, meeting all the guys, met a couple players on the team, so that was something that was really cool. Being able to talk to staff, see what I have to do, just make sure I was prepared for the season.

McKeens: Who are some of the guys behind the scenes here who helped build the culture that you guys have developed over the past couple of years where the team has been so successful?

JH: The coaching staff we have here, it starts with them being able to bring us together and then coaches back at NTDP for the guys that were there in this group, Nick Fohr. He had us really close. I know all of us still talk to each other to this day. Even the guys that aren’t here that we played with. So, I think it stems from there and being able to kind of bring these new guys that you haven’t met, new faces, especially once you’re getting here, being able to grow chemistry with them. Build the connection, you want to make sure that everyone feels welcome, everyone’s friendly, and that was what we did.

McKeens: Chase Reid, such a young, talented defenseman on the team, what’s it like having him on the ice at such a young age and having such a big impact?

JH: It’s great. You see how comfortable he feels out there and to be able to have someone like that on your back end, it helps a lot.

McKeens: Sticking with Reid, I asked him who the biggest trash talker was, guys who are really funny behind the scenes. He brought up Brodie Ziemer, would you agree with that statement or is there someone else who deserves their flowers there?

JH: Ha, I think Ziemer is definitely one of them. I think Teddy Stiga is another guy that’s pretty funny too.

2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE – FINLAND – Team Preview, Key Players and Draft Eligible Profiles

Jeremy Rivet and Arttu Myllymäki — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:07:25 +0000

Finland heads into the 2026 World Junior Championship in the United States as a fascinating dark horse; never the loudest roster, but always a problem when the stakes rise. Over the past decade, the Finns have won multiple medals and a handful of golds by leaning on structure, responsibility, and elite goaltending rather than headline talent. Even in years when their lineup has looked thin on paper, Finland has repeatedly knocked out bigger hockey countries by playing disciplined, tactical hockey and trusting team chemistry and the system.

This year, however, the team has absorbed a significant early blow: the Buffalo Sabres declined to release Konsta Helenius for the tournament. His absence is a major disappointment for Finland and one of the biggest losses in the tournament, as Helenius could have been among the best players in the entire event, and certainly Finland’s most important skater.

Expectations still fall somewhere between cautious and optimistic. Finland has earned enough recent success to make a semifinal push feel realistic, but the margin for error is small. They are known for producing smart defensemen and mature two-way forwards, yet there are always questions about whether they can generate enough offense to win high-scoring games against the United States, Canada, or Sweden.

The traditional Finnish strengths remain unchanged: a trustworthy defensive foundation, strong special teams, and a commitment to team defense from the top line down. Their neutral-zone structure can frustrate skilled opponents, and when they get a lead, they are one of the hardest teams in the world to break down.

The weakness, as usual, lies in finishing ability. Finland can rarely bring a lineup filled with future NHL stars, and they often rely on team scoring. For them, timely goals matter more than volume.

Still, the identity travels well. A confident goaltender, a blue line that moves the puck efficiently, and disciplined forward group give Finland an outside, but very real chance at another medal. Nobody circles Finland as a tournament favorite, yet they always seem to appear when the medals are handed out.

Key Players to Watch

Goaltender Petteri Rimpinen of Finland during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Canada on December 26, 2024 in Ottawa.
Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN

Petteri Rimpinen – Goaltender (Los Angeles Kings)

Petteri Rimpinen enters the 2026 World Junior Championship as arguably Finland’s most critical player, and once again the starting goaltender. After a breakout 2024–25 season in the Finnish Liiga with Kiekko-Espoo, where he posted strong numbers as an 18-year-old rookie, Rimpinen announced himself internationally at last year’s World Juniors by backstopping Finland to a silver medal. He led all netminders in saves and finished with a stellar save percentage, earning Best Goaltender honors and a place on the tournament all-star team.

Rimpinen’s game is built around elite poise, quick reflexes, and strong positioning, traits that help compensate for his relatively modest 6-foot frame by modern goaltending standards. Scouts praise his calm under pressure and ability to make key saves in high-leverage moments, qualities that will be vital for Finland’s medal hopes in a deep and competitive tournament.

With Finland’s roster lacking overwhelming star power up front, Rimpinen’s performance between the pipes could very well determine how far the team advances. He’ll anchor Finland’s structure with heavy workload minutes, especially in tight, low-scoring games.

231226 Emil Hemming of Finland during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Canada on December 26, 2023 in Gothenburg.
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN / kod CS / CS0473

Emil Hemming – Forward (Dallas Stars)

Emil Hemming is one of Finland’s most accomplished forwards heading into the 2026 World Junior Championship and brings a proven mix of scoring, playmaking, and two-way responsibility to the lineup. The 19-year-old right winger was selected 29th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2024 NHL Draft, becoming a first-round pick on the strength of his size, shot quality, and hockey IQ.

This season, Hemming has been a key contributor for the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League, rejoining the club after a brief stint in the AHL with the Texas Stars and quickly establishing himself among Barrie’s top offensive players with 28 points in his first 17 games early in the 2025–26 season. His ability to produce consistently, even in bunches, and his growing shot volume underscore his offensive upside, whether finishing plays or setting up teammates.

Internationally, Hemming brings valuable experience, having already represented Finland at multiple junior events and contributing at past World Junior Championships. Scouts view him as a versatile forward who blends scoring instincts with a responsible defensive game and strong compete level. While he isn’t strictly a pure sniper, his shot release and vision make him a dangerous threat on the power play or in transition.

For Finland, Hemming is expected to play a top line role and in the first powerplay-unit, generate offense, and help drive possession. His leadership and ability to impact momentum could be key in tight games as the Finns chase another medal.

Aron Kiviharju – Defenseman (Minnesota Wild)

Aron Kiviharju arrives at the 2026 World Junior Championship as one of Finland’s most experienced and dynamic blueliners, bringing both leadership and playmaking instincts to the roster. The 19-year-old was selected 122nd overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2024 NHL Draft and has since established himself as a key top four defenseman with HIFK in Finland’s Liiga, where he has logged regular minutes and contributed seven points in 24 games this season.

Kiviharju’s game centers on high hockey IQ, smart puck movement, and transition play. He excels at creating offense from the back end with crisp passes and good vision, traits that have made him a quarterback on the power play and a catalyst in Finland’s breakout game. While not the biggest defenseman on the ice, his skating and decision-making allow him to impact both ends of the rink consistently.

Internationally, Kiviharju brings valuable experience, having captained Finland at junior levels and played a major role during their run to the silver medal at the recent World Juniors 2025, averaging heavy minutes even in tight, high-pressure situations. His leadership and calm presence make him a vital part of Finland’s defensive core and a potential difference-maker in transition and special teams. You can expect him to drive play from the back, manage difficult zone exits in a rush, and help set the tone for Finland’s structured style throughout the tournament.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - JANUARY 2: Julius Miettinen #27 of Finland shoots the puck against Samuel Urban #30 of Slovakia in Quarterfinal Round action at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at TD Place on January 2, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/IIHF)

Julius Miettinen – Wing (Seattle Kraken)

Julius Miettinen enters the 2026 World Junior Championship as one of Finland’s key returning forwards and a player poised to take on a much larger role than he held a year ago. After serving primarily on the bottom-six at the previous tournament alongside Emil Hemming, the 6-foot-4 forward is now expected to be one of Finland’s main offensive drivers, bringing size, structure, and a mature two-way game to the lineup. Drafted 40th overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2024 NHL Draft, Miettinen projects as a pro-style power forward whose impact extends well beyond the scoresheet.

Now in his third WHL season with the Everett Silvertips, Miettinen has taken a clear step forward offensively. He is on pace for his best season in the WHL (projected to close to 100 points) and has been one of Everett’s most productive and reliable players, leading the team in scoring while forming a highly effective Finnish tandem with Matias Vanhanen. His current production reflects steady growth from last season, when he posted 67 points in 66 games, and underscores his increased confidence and responsibility in all situations for a strong Silvertips club.

Miettinen’s game is built on power, positioning, and consistency. He plays a heavy North-American style, wins battles along the boards, and excels at creating traffic and chaos around the net. Offensively, he thrives by skating direct routes, timing his releases into soft areas, and making efficient, intelligent plays rather than attempting high-risk creativity. Defensively, he is positionally sound, supports low in the zone, clears the net front, and reliably regains possession through physical engagement and anticipation.

For Finland, Miettinen is expected to be used in a top six role with power-play responsibility, where his net-front presence, puck protection, and detail-oriented approach can complement more dynamic skill players. His combination of size, competitiveness, and disciplined two-way play gives the coaching staff a dependable option in key moments, particularly in tight, physical games. While he may not be a primary rush driver, Miettinen’s ability to impose structure, wear down opponents, and contribute offense through effort and execution makes him an important piece in Finland’s pursuit of a medal in Minnesota.

Jasper Kuhta – Wing (2026 Draft, second year of eligibility)

After being passed on at the last NHL Draft, Jasper Kuhta transitioned to North America, and he now heads into the 2026 World Junior Championship after having a strong first half of the season with a surprising Ottawa 67s team. He is leaving for the tournament as the second best point producer for the 67s with 30 points in 32 games. Khuta’s game can be defined as a versatile two-way forward who continues to earn trust through detail, positioning, and special-teams reliability. While not always the most noticeable player shift-to-shift, Kuhta has shown an ability to impact games in key moments. His usage on both the power play and penalty kill underlines the coaching staff’s confidence in his awareness and hockey sense.

Offensively, Kuhta is a natural shooter who consistently finds open space in the offensive zone. He owns a quick, accurate release and has proven effective from his one-timer spot on the power play, where his puck distribution and decision-making have also stood out. He has contributed both goals and assists by reading plays well, retrieving pucks on the forecheck, and making timely passes into high-danger areas, including backdoor feeds and shot passes that create rebounds. While he can fade for stretches, his best games have come when his intensity remains consistent, and he asserts himself earlier in shifts.

Away from the puck, Kuhta brings structure and responsibility. He plays a sound two-way game, supports well defensively, and is generally positioned correctly to disrupt plays and extend possession. He may not be punishing physicality, but he does not shy away from contact and is effective on the forecheck through anticipation and stick pressure rather than brute force. His skating has improved, allowing him to keep pace and arrive on time to support plays.

For Finland, Kuhta profiles as a middle-six option who can be deployed in matchup situations, contribute on both special teams, and provide secondary offense. If he maintains a higher baseline of engagement throughout games, his combination of shooting ability, hockey sense, and reliability could make him a valuable complementary piece in Finland’s lineup during the tournament.

Aatos Koivu – Center/Wing (Montreal Canadiens)

Aatos Koivu did not make the team last year, but at the Summer Showcase last summer, he was probably the best player for Finland with an eye-opening performance. Now, he got the chance to show that again as he enters the 2026 World Junior Championship as one of Finland’s most dangerous shooting threats and a power-play weapon. He has struggled with offensive production in the Liiga this year, but Koivu has a polished shooting mechanics, confidence, and ability to produce or generate chances when given time and space, particularly with the man advantage.

Koivu’s offensive game is built around an above average release. He owns one of the most refined one-timers in his age group and complements it with a diverse shooting arsenal that includes curl-and-drag wrist shots and the ability to shoot effectively off either leg. At recent international events, he has been a focal point on Finland’s power play, generating goals and primary assists through shot volume, rebound creation, and quick puck recoveries. His confidence has clearly grown, and with it, his willingness to assert himself offensively.

At five-on-five, Koivu has shown flashes of effectiveness, particularly when used at center, where his puck support, small-area decision-making, and awareness on both sides of the puck become more apparent. He can make smart, subtle plays that keep possession alive and occasionally attack the middle of the ice with the puck. He has also started to show more grit and physical engagement in his game especially on the forecheck which could help Finland to be effective at.

For Finland, Koivu is expected to play a scoring role, likely featuring on one of the power-play units where his shot can be maximized. If he can complement his shooting with more consistent five-on-five impact, he has the potential to be one of Finland’s most productive forwards in Minnesota and a difference-maker in tight, special-teams-driven games.

Other Draft Eligible Players to Watch

Oliver Suvanto – Center (2026)

Oliver Suvanto is the top ranked Finnish player for the 2026 Draft, and he arrives as one of the more intriguing pieces in Finland’s forward group, offering size, intelligence, and a strong foundational two-way game. He was a standout for Finland at the last Hlinka-Gretzky with his six points in six games. Tall and lean, with significant physical upside still to come, Suvanto has already shown he can hold his own against older competition in the Liiga this season, playing with maturity, composure, and a consistent compete level.

Suvanto’s game is rooted in responsibility and effort. Defensively, he is engaged, positionally sound, and reliable on the backcheck, often serving as one of the first forwards back to support his defensemen. He uses his reach and stick effectively to deny passing lanes and disrupt plays, and he is willing to block shots and absorb contact to make the right play. His forechecking is a strength, as he applies pressure with purpose and uses his frame well along the boards to sustain offensive-zone time.

Offensively, Suvanto shows flashes of touch and awareness rather than pure creativity. He protects the puck well, makes precise passes in motion, and displays good instincts in reading when to drive the net or hold his position higher in the zone. His background as a center is evident even when deployed on the wing, particularly in his support habits and understanding of spacing. While his top speed is adequate for his size, improvements in explosiveness and agility will be key to unlocking a higher offensive ceiling.

For Finland, Suvanto projects as a dependable bottom six option who can be trusted late in games and in defensive situations, but there is a possibility to see him move up the lineup as the tournament unfolds. His ceiling will ultimately be defined by how much offense he can add against stronger, faster opponents, but his size, hockey IQ, and already-advanced defensive game give him a clear path to being an effective, reliable contributor at the World Junior level and beyond.

Juho Piiparinen – Defense (2026 Draft)

With a defense group that will have only two players at 6-foot-2 or taller, The 6-foot-3, Juho Piiparinen, will bring size to the Finnish blue line. He also brings structure, strength, and composure to that group. Built like a modern defensive defenseman, Piiparinen plays a relatively simple, pro-style game that emphasizes positioning, puck management, and physical engagement rather than high-end creativity. His ability to handle pace and pressure against older competition has already been evident at the Liiga level with Tappara, reinforcing his projection as a reliable option in a tournament setting.

Defensively, Piiparinen’s game is built on details. He uses his size and reach effectively to close gaps, angle attackers to the outside, and win battles along the boards and in front of the net. His stick work is a clear strength, as he consistently takes away time and space and disrupts plays before they develop. He is willing to block shots, plays with edge in net-front situations, and has shown the awareness to protect leads late in games. While not an explosive skater, he moves really well for his size and has enough mobility to stay within structure and recover when plays extend.

With the puck, the projected first-rounder has shown encouraging poise and decision-making. He is strong on breakouts, delivering crisp, accurate passes in transition and showing patience under pressure rather than defaulting to low-percentage clears. When options are limited, he is comfortable skating the puck out or placing it safely behind the defense to reset play. His shot selection is disciplined, and he has demonstrated the ability to contribute offensively through timely point shots, deceptive puck movement, and occasional activation from the blue line, including power-play usage.

For Finland, Piiparinen projects as a dependable, minutes-eating defender who can be trusted on the penalty kill and in match-up situations against heavier lines. His offensive involvement has grown as his confidence has increased, though continued refinement in choosing when to activate will be important to avoid overextending defensively. Overall, his combination of size, strength, and calm puck management makes him a strong candidate to play a stabilizing role on Finland’s back end during the World Juniors.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – MINNESOTA WILD – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #14

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 20:36:01 +0000

ST. PAUL, MN - APRIL 18: Minnesota Wild forward Liam Ohgren (28) controls the puck during the second period of an NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Seattle Kraken on April 18, 2024, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 14th (May 2025 - 7th)
GM: Bill Guerin Hired: August 2019
COACH: John Hynes Hired: November 2023

The Minnesota Wild are finally emerging from the shadow of the Ryan Suter and Zach Parise buyouts, freeing up nearly $13 million in cap space. While a portion of that will be earmarked for Kirill Kaprizov’s looming extension, GM Bill Guerin now has real flexibility to shape the roster.

That timing aligns perfectly with a young core featuring Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Marco Rossi (unsigned), Brock Faber, and newly signed Zeev Buium—players poised to drive the franchise forward.

Buium, McKeen’s sixth-ranked prospect, is as dynamic as they come and is set to push for an NHL role in 2025-26 after an outstanding NCAA career. Once he graduates, Danila Yurov will take over as the system’s top prospect. Fresh off signing his entry-level deal, Yurov joins Minnesota after five years in the KHL, where he tallied 88 points in 209 games. At 21, his playmaking and vision could translate immediately to NHL production.

Several other prospects are on the cusp of breaking through. Liam Öhgren impressed in his first North American season, producing 37 points in 41 AHL games, and should compete for a roster spot out of training camp. In net, Jesper Wallstedt is expected to challenge for the backup job behind Filip Gustavsson with Marc-André Fleury now retired. Early on, a timeshare between the pipes isn’t out of the question.

Riley Heidt, meanwhile, is turning pro after a prolific WHL career that saw him record 370 points in 281 games. His creativity and offensive instincts will be assets as he adjusts to the AHL game.

While Minnesota added intriguing talent such as Adam Benak at the 2025 draft, the absence of a first-round pick limited the overall impact of their class. Still, with multiple high-end prospects on the verge of making the jump and newfound financial flexibility, the Wild are positioned to become one of the NHL’s most intriguing young teams in the short term.

Minnesota Wild Top-15 Prospects

1 - Zeev Buium

Zeev Buium was just as good in his sophomore season compared to his freshman year, solidifying himself as a top-tier offensive defenceman. Early in the year, he displayed strong breakout capabilities, maintaining composure under pressure and making smart decisions with the puck. His skating and agility have remained elite, providing him with the ability to create space and generate offensive opportunities. As the season progressed, Buium’s defensive game matured, showcasing sound positioning, effective gap control, and reliable man-to-man coverage. His active stick and awareness allow him to break up plays and transition quickly. While his high-risk plays can lead to turnovers, his offensive contributions and skating often outweigh the occasional mistake. Strengths include his dynamic skating, puck-handling, and hockey IQ, excelling in all situations with significant ice time. To elevate his game further, reducing unnecessary risks and refining decision making will be key. Zeev Buium projects as a top-line NHL defenceman with first line power play potential, providing both offensive production and defensive reliability.

2 - Danila Yurov

After recovering from shoulder surgery, Danila Yurov took some time to find his game this season but quickly returned to elite form. Once a raw talent, he’s now one of the most dynamic players in the KHL. Yurov plays at a high pace, using his speed to drive offence and pressure opponents defensively. He creates chances off the rush, breaks up plays with an active stick, and consistently wins puck battles. His shot has developed into a major weapon over the past few years. His wrist shot and one-timer are both dangerous and he does a great job working himself into space to create quality looks. While strength in battles remains a concern, he’s improved significantly, learning to use positioning and stickwork to stay competitive. Yurov officially signed his ELC in May, ending fan’s anxieties as he gears up for his first North American season. He looks NHL ready and could challenge for a top six role in Minnesota next season.

3 - Liam Öhgren

Liam Öhgren split the 2024-25 season between the NHL and AHL. While his NHL production was minimal, he hovered around a point-per-game mark with Iowa. Despite injury concerns in his development years, Öhgren played nearly 65 pro contests. He terrorized AHL goalies with his snappy, accurate release, picking corners with ease. In transition, Öhgren is clinical, regularly achieving clean zone entries using his stickhandling and speed changes. What stands out is how he constantly switches up his approach, creating space and time. He also drives hard to the net, causing chaos, and cleaning up pucks around the net. Öhgren will be a fixture on Minnesota's second or third line for years to come and has a good shot at a full-time NHL role in the bottom six this year alongside fellow Minnesota youngster Danila Yurov. He may never have elite production in the NHL, but he brings lots of value off the puck and in the defensive zone.

4 - Riley Heidt

The 2025-26 Cougars campaign ended earlier than expected, following an opening-round loss to a lower-seeded opponent, but it certainly wasn't for a lack of effort or results from Heidt, their captain and best player. The cerebral center was a linchpin for his team, scoring points in bunches while also consistently helping to elevate the play of those he shared the ice with. The continued progression of his off-puck play is also worth mentioning, as it went from something of a weakness in his draft year to a genuine strength nowadays. After a fairly stable tenure in Prince George that spanned five seasons it will be interesting to see how Heidt translates his game to the AHL level and how long the Wild will want him to grow there before he's ready for the ultimate challenge of the NHL. If all goes according to plan, he could become a top six pivot in Minnesota.

5 - Jesper Wallstedt

It’s not a secret that Jesper Wallstedt took a massive dip in performance this past season. He’s been known as one of the best goalie prospects in many people's eyes for the past couple of years, but now that’s being drawn into doubt. He still possesses a strong skill set, which is promising, including great positioning, anticipation, footwork, and athleticism. The problem is that he seems to have lost all confidence and lacks consistency from game to game. He’s always been a reserved goalie, someone who’s very methodical. But now it looks to almost hinder him. He lacked the same swagger and intensity seen previously. He looks defeated after allowing a bad one and opens the gates. He also struggled with his rebound control, which has given him the tendency to easily get burned on rebound shots. His previous play and skill set should still leave one hopeful about his future. His future rides on how he plays next year. If he turns it around, he can still end up a starter, if not, it will be exceedingly difficult to reach that once promising potential.

6 - Ryder Ritchie

Last summer Ritchie felt that he and his former club, the Raiders, weren't fully on the same page, which led to him requesting a change of scenery. That decision couldn't have worked out much better for him on the ice, as he was traded to the championship-winning Tigers, led by superstar-in-the-making Gavin McKenna (certainly not a bad guy to hang out with and pick things up from). Playing in more of a secondary role helped him find his game a little better after an up-and-down prior season, and he's now looking much more like the guy who earned WHL Rookie of the Year honors in 2022-23. The son of former NHLer Byron Ritchie, Ryder is a winger with a good, balanced blend of different smarts and skills, the kind of player who can find a way to fit and contribute on any line but might never be the best option to drive one at the NHL level. He’s a quality complement to the rest of the Wild’s prospect pool.

7 - Hunter Haight

Hunter Haight was selected in the second-round for his two-way game and potential as a middle lineup depth piece. This year, he surprised many by posting over half a point per game in his first pro season. Haight is always in the right place, active off the puck, and constantly adjusting his angles to create opportunities. He drives to the net with such fluidity, almost as if the puck is glued to his stick, able to get a quick release in tight with precision. His defensive game is solid as well. He closes gaps quickly and shows a willingness to block shots. This season has been encouraging for Haight's development, and after one more year in Iowa and an offseason to get stronger, I could see him transitioning to the NHL. He looks like a future asset for Minnesota's bottom six. Haight’s biggest barrier is his size, which, at his level of skill, might barricade him from receiving NHL looks, given the plethora of depth talent Minnesota possesses.

8 - Charlie Stramel

A first-round selection in 2023, Stramel’s sophomore season at Wisconsin was pretty much an unmitigated disaster, leaving little hope that he was anything more than a wasted high selection. However, following a move to Michigan State through the transfer portal, Stramel has re-invigorated hope in his NHL chances. The big pivot had a solid junior year for one of the best teams in the country, and he’s going to return to the Spartans for his senior year, where he’ll likely take on even greater responsibility. At this point, Stramel isn’t likely to be a top six forward. You could probably make the argument that his draft projection wasn’t even that optimistic. However, he still possesses many attributes that you look for in a bottom six center in today’s era; he’s got size, he can skate, he can play a power game, and he plays both ends of the rink. Let’s see if he can build off his first solid offensive showing at the NCAA level.

9 - David Spacek

David Spacek’s rise through the ranks comes as a surprise to many, as the 2022 fifth rounder nearly tripled his point totals from his first North American pro season. Spacek has shown that he can produce from his days in the QMJHL to 2024-25 with the Iowa Wild. Spacek has a high level of energy on the ice, itching to be involved in play and eager to work in the corners. Despite being a little on the smaller end at 6-foot-0, Spacek battles hard in front of the net to establish positioning and engages physically whenever possible. Spacek’s skating is another positive trait, allowing him to join the rush and get back in time to break up the counterattack. One area I would like to see him improve is his first pass under pressure; he tends to throw the puck away to get it out of his end and could benefit from a touch more patience. He projects as a bottom-pairing defenceman who can provide offence while competing hard in his end.

10 - Adam Benak

The hockey world temporarily stood still during the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky tournament for the 5-foot-8 Czech Forward Adam Benak. Even though his hype tapered off during his season, his year with Youngstown was great, being a point-per-game player. The draw of Benak’s game comes down to his skill and offensive strengths. His creativity in the offensive zone is advanced, especially for a player his size, warranting the chance Minnesota took on him in the fourth round. However, his skating drawbacks and physical limitations with his size are very real and are critical in talking about his NHL viability. We have ranked him as Minnesota’s 10th-best prospect, next to another short-statured, similarly hyped Aron Kiviharju. Brantford took Benak second in the CHL Import Draft and should seriously see some great things from the Czech as he looks to show the hockey world why he was once regarded so highly.

11 - Aron Kiviharju

Injuries and primarily size-related concerns eventually saw the once highly touted U18 star become a fourth-round pick in 2024, but he quickly let GM Bill Guerin know about how astute a pick he had ultimately made. Now Kiviharju has finally gotten in a full season of Liiga play in his DY+1 and also captained the silver medal winning Finnish side at the WJC, averaging just over 21+ minutes of TOI over seven contests. Another season of Liiga play is on dock.

12 - Carson Lambos

With multiple layers of blueline deception, Lambos entered pro play two seasons ago as an agile defender who understands timing, dekes, and how to generate offence. A healthy shot from the point helps. But despite an average of approximately 20 minutes of TOI per night this past winter, his offensive totals only slightly improved. At his best, Lambos shows the patience to make a positive impact. Although clearly knocking on the door, Lambos faces solid organizational competition.

13 - Rasmus Kumpulainen

Kumpulainen’s size/skill package had him looking like an exciting prospect in his draft year, especially after he put in a solid POINT-PER-GAME U18 Worlds performance. He followed that up with a good, but not great, season of OHL play with the Oshawa Generals. Having signed his ELC, the crafty puck-protector was then loaned to Liiga outfit Lahti this past season and experienced his fair share of struggles, also seen in his yeoman WJC. Crucial year ahead to get back on track.

14 - Justin Kipkie

It’s not that often nowadays that unsigned draftees get re-drafted, but Minnesota decided not to let Arizona-drafted Kipkie slip through to free agency this past summer, selecting him in the fifth round after a big offensive campaign (including 13 points in 11 playoff games) as the captain of the Victoria Royals. There’s some irony in his Arizona connection because Kipkie is now taking his wares to Arizona State University, where he’ll look like the elder statesman on a very young blueline.

15 - Aaron Pionk

Pionk’s older brother Neal is already a well-paid blueline star for the Winnipeg Jets. Unlike his older brother, Aaron has actually been drafted. Already an exceptional high school and then USHL player, the younger Pionk is coming off a sophomore season of college hockey that saw him best his solid freshman performance by six points and +10 +/- improvement. In addition to sound two-way ability, Pionk excels in closing gaps and stopping opponents off the rush. Will he build on that this season?

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #7 Minnesota Wild – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Sat, 31 May 2025 12:29:49 +0000

Minnesota Wild forward Liam Ohgren (28) (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)

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Minnesota 25 Prospects

WORLD JUNIORS GOLD MEDAL GAME: Team USA gets a date with destiny

Kyle Watson — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 14:37:42 +0000

KANATA, ONTARIO - JANUARY 4: USAÕs Ryan Leonard #9 gets tangled up with Czechia's Jakub Fibigr #7 during Semifinal Round action at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at Canadian Tire Centre on January 4, 2025 in Kanata, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andr Ringuette/IIHF)

OTTAWA — Team USA has a chance to make history, and Finland wants to display their "lion mentality" to the world. That's what stake today.

With a chance to become the first American team in World Juniors history to defend their gold medal, the only thing that stands in the way for David Carle's men is a Finnish group with fire in their eyes.

The 2025 World Juniors gold medal game marks the second time the two nations have met in the finals. In 2019 a late goal from Kappo Kakko led the Finns over Jack Hughes and the Americans in Vancouver.

This edition of Team USA are focused on their own path

Despite Michael Hrabal's best efforts, a vintage Gabriel Perreault and Ryan Leonard performance carried Team USA to a 4-1 win over Czechia in the semifinals.

You can see why the Washington Capitals were ready to try playing Leonard in the NHL this year. He plays every game like it's the gold medal game.

Watch him battle to get this puck to Perreault on the opening goal:

Gabe Perreault opens the scoring for Team USA after an amazing pass from Ryan Leonard!!!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/JkQvZDCNuJ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 5, 2025

Perreault returned the favour, setting up Leonard with 4:27 left to put a dagger in the heart of the Czechs — but it was 13th forward Cole Eiserman who scored the game-winner. It was a textbook finish from the USNTDP's all-time leading goal scorer:

Cole Eiserman SNIPES it!!!!

USA up 2-1#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/g4NbR8gnvT

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 5, 2025

The New York Islanders 2024 first-round pick is thriving in a limited role, coming up with timely scoring for head coach David Carle. Deployed mostly on the powerplay, Eiserman could be compared to a designated hitter in baseball.

"We don't win these games without him," said Carle after the win. "I can't say enough good things about the way he's handled it.

This was the USA's most complete victory in Ottawa so far. The top guys were clicking, they had timely penalty kills and Augustine recovered from letting in a weak tying goal. It's easy to get swept up in clichés in a major junior hockey press conference, but the Americans truly rely on all four lines (and Eiserman) to score. It's a top-to-bottom effort.

"Everyone's playing hard and embracing their role," explained defenceman Zeev Buium. "That was our message going into the tournament."

Eiserman insists he's not just helping his team on the scoresheet.

"[I want to do] whatever I can to help the team win, be a good person, a good teammate, a leader," said the 18-year-old. "That's something I've taken pride in this tournament, to try and let the guys know I'm there for them no matter what."

The Boston University freshman, playing at his first World Juniors, is one of many players who have stepped seamlessly into this group. The returning players, like Buium, Leonard, and Perreault are all finding another gear as the tournament closes.

Carle has maintained a positive environment for his team by getting the pressure out of the way early. He made sure they were aware of what would be on the line in Ottawa months ago:

"That was our first meeting in the summer, we spoke pretty honestly about the fact that our country had never [won gold in back-to-back tournaments,]" he said.

Addressing the elephant in the room well in advance, Carle's group has become a well-oiled machine with a razor's edge. They enter the final as a formidable force that will be heavily favourited.

"If we were thinking big picture, we wouldn't be here."

Finland remains a fixture in the World Juniors' medal round

Earlier in the day, Benjamin Rautainen scored the overtime winner as the Finns showed enough fight to defeat their rivals, Sweden, 4-3.

It's Team Finland's twelfth appearance in the gold medal game and the fourth in the last 12 tournaments. It's also worth noting that only Finland, USA and Canada won gold during that span.

It wasn't exactly a highlight-reel play — a trick shot that deceived Swedish netminder Melker Thelin.

"I didn't see it go in, but then I saw the bench," said goalie Petteri Rimpinen, who turned aside 43 shots in the win. "[Emil] Pieniniemi jumped on me and I almost cried in that moment, it was so awesome."

Finland's game-winning goal was a 'no-looker' on the power play#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/tUrHhPw8lf

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 4, 2025

"I think the goal means a lot for the team, for our whole country," said Finnish captain Aron Kiviharju.

"I've never seen anyone score a goal as big as he did tonight," he added. "Thank god he did for us."

Before the tournament, this wasn't a highly regarded Finnish squad. The nation has earned its reputation as a year-in-year-out contender but beyond Konsta Helenius, this group lacks blue-chip prospects. They were knocked out of the previous two editions of the U18s worlds at the quarterfinal stage.

Kiviharju, who was once regarded as the top prospect in the 2024 NHL Draft before an ACL injury curtailed his draft-eligible campaign, says his team plays better with a chip on their shoulder.

"I think everyone knows each other well. Both groups have gone through some adversity: The 05s lost in Switzerland against Slovakia and last year the 06s lost in their home tournament against Sweden," explained the 18-year-old.

"We kind of have that revenge mindset in every game: we feel we have something to prove. That feeds us every day, to be the best we can as a team."

Rimpinen said his team decided to embrace the idea of being underdogs before they arrived in Ottawa.

"Nobody believed in us before the tournament, so this is great. Now we can just focus on winning."

After the game, Lizz Child of FloHockey asked Rimpinen about his necklace of a lion's head.

The netminder explained it bears the team's logo — Team Finland are known as Leijonat or "The Lions."

"That's the mentality for me. Lion mentality" explained the 18-year-old, who was passed over in last summer's NHL Draft.

They may have begun the tournament as underdogs, but now Finland can become the kings of the jungle.

Parting Notes

Trey Augustine became the winningest American goalie in tournament history with his 11th-career WJC victory
Zeev Buium played 28:34 in the Americans' win
Buffalo Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius recorded an assist on all four Finnish goals
Heading into the final day, there is a five-way tie for the tournament-scoring lead
- Jakub Stancl (CZE) - 6 GP, 6 G, 9 PTS
- Dalibor Dvorsky (SVK) - 5 GP, 5 G, 9 PTS
- Axel Sandin-Pelikka (SWE) - 6 GP, 4 G, 9 PTS
- Gabe Perreault (USA) - 6 GP, 3 G, 9 PTS
- Cole Hutson (USA) - 6 GP, 2 G, 9 PTS
Petteri Rimpinen leads all goaltenders at the tournament with a .940 SV% on 215 shots
The best players of each team (selected by coaches)
- Canada
  - G Carter George (LAK)
  - D Tanner Molendyk (NSH)
  - F Brayden Yager (WPG)
- Czechia
  - G Michael Hrabal (UTAH)
  - F Petr Sikora (WSH)
  - Vojtech Husinecky
- Finland
  - G Petteri Rimpinen (DY+1)
  - F Konsta Helenius (BUF)
  - F Jesse Kiiskinen (DET)
- Germany
  - F Julius Sumpf (DY+2)
  - D Carlos Handel (2026)
  - G Linus Viellard
- Kazakhstan
  - Aslan Zhussupbekov
  - Kirill Lyapunov
  - Vladimir Nikitin
- Latvia
  - G Linus Feldbergs (DY+2)
  - F Eriks Mateiko (WSH)
  - D Peteris Bulans (DY+2_
- Switzerland
  - F Leo Braillard (DY+2)
  - F Simon Meier (DY+2)
  - F Andro Kaderli (DY+2)
- Slovakia
  - F Dalibor Dvorsky (STL)
  - F Roman Kukumberg (DY+2)
  - D Luka Radivojevic (2025)
- Sweden
  - D Axel Sandin-Pelikka (DET)
  - F David Edstrom (NSH)
  - F Felix Undger Sorum (CAR)
- USA
  - D Cole Hutson (WSH)
  - F Danny Nelson (NYI)
  - Ryan Leonard (WSH)

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Preview – Team Finland

Jeremy Rivet — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:00:26 +0000

_{Aron Kiviharju}

After losing the bronze medal game for the 10th time last year in Gothenburg (Sweden), which is the most by any country in the history of the IIHF World Junior Championship, Finland will be looking to bounce back to try to win its 6th gold medal this year in Ottawa. Since 2014, the gold medal has been split between three countries: Canada, United States and Finland. We could say that it is a successful sequence for Finland, but there were some disappointing results during this period where they finished 6th in 2018 in Buffalo and 7th in 2015 in Toronto. However, the most shocking result was in 2017 in Montréal where they had to fight to avoid relegation and stay in the top division. Things seem to have settled for Finland since their last gold medal in 2019 in Vancouver where their lowest result was 5th place in 2023 in Halifax and they ended on the podium in both editions presented in Edmonton in 2021 (bronze) and 2022 (silver).

This year, Finland will have seven returning players from last year's edition that the team can rely on. Their group will have 17 players who were drafted in the NHL and that includes two first-round picks and three second-round picks. Additionally, the majority of the players are playing against men in pro-level hockey (AHL, SHL or Liiga). The players on this team are fully capable of playing the hard and intense type of game which is what we are used to seeing from Finland teams historically.

Offensively, they will be led by the four returning forwards which are Konsta Helenius, Rasmus Kumpalainen, Kasper Halttunen and Emil Hemming. They will be joined by Seattle’s second-round pick Julius Miettinen who plays for the Everett Silvertips in the WHL and who should play a big offensive role for them. Defensively, there are two returning defensemen that will be defensive pillars for Finland, Emil Pieniniemi and Kalle Kangas. They are both 2023 NHL draft picks by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In net, Noa Vali is the only goaltender back from last year after Finland decided to cut Oilers’ prospect Eemil Vinni.

This year Finland’s team has a strong balance of size, skill, offensive threats and role players that will be hard to play against. It would not be an out-of-the-box statement to think that they are one of the favorites for a medal behind Canada and the United States, but they are also in a tough group with the Canadians and the Americans. To have success this year, they will have to avoid a false start like last year, where they lost their first two games against Canada and Germany which put them in a tough situation. Logically, they should expect to finish third in the strongest group but they certainly have the offensive elements to upset one of the top teams of group A. The question is, do they have a strong enough defense depth and a goaltender that can make the difference to challenge the top countries?

Key Players

Konsta Helenius, Center

He is one of the returning players from last year's edition. The Buffalo Sabres first-round pick from the 2024 NHL draft will have to take the lead of the offense for Finland and have a better tournament than last where he ended up with only 2 points in 7 games. This year is the first North American season for Helenius who plays for the Rochester Americans in the AHL. At only 18 years old, he has had a good start to the season with 16 points in 26 games. He is known for his well-rounded game on both sides of the ice and his intelligence in the offensive zone. Even if he is not the oldest player for Finland, he will be the go-to guy that should be used in every situation.

Kasper Halttunen, Winger

Another veteran from 2024 and one of their highest-scoring returning players with 6 points (3 goals - 3 assists) in 7 games. The 6-foot-3 winger is a second-round pick by the San Jose Sharks in 2023 and he will be looking at repeating his performance. He is a typical power forward with a heavy shot and good puck-handling skills as well as a physical aspect in his game. He will be a threat on the power play for Finland as he likes to take one-timers from the left half-wall. This season, he spent the month of October in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda (4 pts in 6 games) before being loaned to the London Knights in the OHL (6 pts in 9 games) where he played last year.

Emil Hemming, Winger

The 6-foot-1 right-winger is the third forward who has experience from last year. Like Helenius, the Dallas Stars’ first-round pick in 2024 will be one of the main offensive threats for Finland and will be looking to have a bigger impact than his 2 points in 7 games last year. Now as a veteran, he will have more ice time and have some big power play minutes with the shot he has, which is his best weapon. His overall game is not to be underestimated though. He is responsible defensively as well and he doesn’t shy away from the physical game and he likes to drive the net. After playing in the Liiga last season, this year he made the jump to the OHL with a strong Barrie Colts team, although his production thus far has been underwhelming (20 pts in 30 games).

Rasmus Kumpalainen, Center

The last forward returnee for Finland is a big 6-foot-4 center who played for the Oshawa Generals in the OHL last season and ended the year with almost a point per game (56 pts in 58 games) before going back to Finland in the Liiga with the Pelicans. In his first year of pro hockey, the Minnesota Wild’s second-round pick in 2023 has 11 points in 29 games so far. Kumpalainen is mostly a two-way center that is engaged defensively and physically but he also has offensive skills that should not be overlooked. He is also strong with puck protection along the boards and he likes to bring them to the inside. Last year, he finished the tournament with 2 goals in 7 games and he should be a good complement to Helenius as a second-line center for Finland.

Emil Pieniniemi, Defense

He is the first of two defensemen that is returning from last year for Finland. Pieniniemi is a big 6-foot-3 left-handed defenseman who was drafted in the third round in 2023 by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This season he crossed the Atlantic to play in the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs after spending last season in the Liiga. He is a solid two-way defenseman who can be used in all situations and can be trusted to log big minutes. So far this season, he has produced 34 points in 32 games in the OHL. He is not afraid of the physical game and he can support the attack. He will probably be the most reliable defenseman for Finland this year.

Kalle Kangas, Defense

He is the other Finnish defenseman that belongs to the Pittsburgh Penguins who drafted him in the seventh round in 2023. The 6-foot-4 defenseman was at the World Juniors last year as well and he will be looking to make a bigger impact for Finland this year by being reliable on the defensive side. He is a guy that moves the puck well, and uses his size and reach to kill plays. He will be a physical presence in Finland’s defensemen group and will probably see ice time on the penalty kill. So far this year, he has played 23 games in the Liiga producing 5 points.

Noa Vali, Goaltender

Like I wrote earlier, Vali is the only goaltender that is coming back from the past edition. Last year, he came into the tournament as the number two and became the number one for the last two games of the preliminary round. This switch proved crucial for Finland after they lost their first two games against Canada and Germany. Vali produced a shutout against Latvia before winning an important game in a shootout against Sweden. He played only these two games and ended the tournament with a .929 save percentage and a 1.94 goals against average. Even though he had a good showing and is the only veteran within the goaltender group, his number one spot is not guaranteed and he will have to fight for it. But he showed that he can do the job in a tournament like that and he will want to show again what he can do to maybe attract the attention of the NHL scouts as he went undrafted last NHL draft.

Aron Kiviharju, Defense

It was a disappointing season last year for Kiviharju due to an injury where he played only 7 games in the Liiga before he finished the year at the U18 World Junior Championships. Two years ago, he was seen as a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft but he fell to the 4th round with the Minnesota Wild. This season, it is going better for him in the Liiga where he has produced 10 points in 32 games. Kiviharju’s main attributes are his speed, his mobility, his puck-handling skills and his vision. He will probably be the man to run the first powerplay unit from the blue line for Finland.

Julius Miettinen, Winger

He is the typical power-forward type of player. The 6-foot-3 left-handed winger has the combination of speed, size, skills and compete level that made him a high second-round pick last year by Seattle. He plays physical, he is hard on pucks along the boards, and he likes to create chaos around the net. This season, he is playing for his second season with the Everett Silvertips in the WHL and has 34 points in 30 games after producing 67 points in 66 games last year.

Jesse Kiiskinen, Winger

The 6-foot right-handed winger was drafted in the third round in 2023 by Nashville but was recently traded to Detroit. Last season, after producing 21 points in 8 games in the U20 SM-Sarja, he was promoted in the Liiga with the Pelicans and had 10 points in 38 games. This year, he was transferred to HPK in the Liiga and he has 22 points in 26 games so far. He is a player that possesses excellent offensive skills and he uses his speed and his good shot to create scoring chances. He will add offensive depth to the Finland team and his experience playing at the pro level should be really useful for him and the team.

Sleeper Player

Topias Hynninen, Center

Hynninen was ignored by the 32 NHL teams at the 2024 draft and he will be looking to use this opportunity to show the scouts what he can do. At 5-foot-11, his size can be a disadvantage for him, but the left-handed center plays with a high-level motor and he is a consistent threat on the forecheck and on the counter-attacks. He played in the Liiga last season and produced 9 points in 43 games. This year, his progression is impressive. So far, he has a production of 24 points in 32 games in the Liiga. He is a good playmaker and can make plays at a high pace. He should be playing big minutes at this year's World Juniors for Finland.

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – MINNESOTA WILD – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #8

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Derek Neumeier — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:00:05 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 8th (Previous Rank - 5th)
GM: Bill Guerin Hired: August 2019
COACH: John Hynes Hired: November 2023

The Minnesota Wild are saddled with nearly $15 million in dead cap space due to the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. This financial squeeze only intensifies the need for young, affordable talent to step up.

Despite holding McKeen’s eighth-ranked prospect system, there are limited names ready to make an immediate NHL impact. Marat Khusnutdinov (ranked 99th) is one of the few exceptions, having come over from the KHL and suited up for 16 games in Minnesota last season. Liam Öhgren (98th) also grabbed two points in four NHL games but will likely spend more time in Iowa before securing a full-time spot.

All eyes are on Jesper Wallstedt, the 11th-ranked McKeen’s prospect overall and the second-rated goaltender. Having spent two years in the AHL, Wallstedt will likely remain in Iowa for another season, with Marc-André Fleury signing a one-year extension. But make no mistake about it, Wallstedt is the future between the pipes at the Xcel Energy Centre.

The Wild were fortunate to land one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft when Zeev Buium (ranked 25th) fell to them at 12th overall. Despite being projected as a top 10 pick by most, Buium slipped and instantly became Minnesota’s top defensive prospect. Coming off a stellar freshman season at the University of Denver, which included accolades such as NCAA (NCHC) Best Offensive Defenceman and a U20 WJC Gold Medal, expectations are sky-high in his sophomore year. The hope is that he signs his pro papers by season’s end.

Meanwhile, Danila Yurov (36th) continues to develop well in the KHL. Coming off a historic season, he posted 49 points in 62 games to mark the best season for a second-year player in KHL history. Expected to return to Metallurg Magnitogorsk to defend his championship, Yurov should provide a significant talent boost for the Wild if he makes the jump to North America after the 2024-25 season.

Although the Wild may lack youthful talent ready to make the leap, their core group of young players is already well established. Led by 27-year-old Kirill Kaprizov, the team features youngsters like Matt Boldy (23), Marco Rossi (22), and the recently extended Brock Faber (21), they will hold down the fort until the list of reinforcements are ready to make the jump.

Minnesota Wild Top-15 Prospects

1. Jesper Wallstedt

With the Wild re-upping Marc-Andre Fleury for one final, farewell season it looks likely that Wallstedt will be heading back to the AHL for his third tour of duty there. And really, that’s probably for the best. His game is steadily progressing down there, he’s going to get the lion’s share of the starts for Iowa once again, and the NHL can be utterly vicious to young goalies if they’re not absolutely, completely ready to face it. Wallstedt sure does seem like he’s close to being ready, though. The group of skaters in front of him throughout 2023-24 wasn’t very good, and the club easily could have sunk near the bottom of the league standings if it wasn’t for their star young netminder and team MVP keeping them afloat. Much like many of the world’s best goalies, his large frame, tight technique, and unflappable mindset help him make stopping pucks look simple.

2. Zeev Buium

The top of the 2024 draft was so crowded that Buium easily could have been selected a lot higher than he was, and some other teams surely would have done so if they were the ones picking, but the Wild certainly aren't complaining about how that worked out for them. He wrapped up a true dream season for himself right before that, which included winning both a World Junior gold medal as well as an NCAA Frozen Four championship, the latter of which occurred alongside his older brother, Detroit prospect Shai. His game revolves around doing everything at a high pace, and he's masterfully methodical and precise with how he drives the puck through zones and opens things up offensively. He doesn't quite have the skating of Quinn Hughes or the offensive vision of Adam Fox, but the best-case scenario for him would be to become something of a blend of the two.

3. Danila Yurov

Yurov has finally started to get the ice time in the KHL that he so clearly deserved, and lo and behold, the results so far have been magnificent. He led his entire Magnitogorsk Metallurg team in scoring during the regular season, and not content to stop there, he continued to play a key role for the club as they romped through the playoffs and captured the league championship. There are few forwards out there who can boast having a bag of tricks as deep as his, with smooth hands that can drive possession with care and then extend it through mazes of sticks and skates. The Wild must be thrilled by his progression, because they want to be more competitive as soon as possible, and Yurov, achieving professional success already, might be able to make an impact in the NHL immediately, whenever he crosses the pond.

4. Riley Heidt

The Wild were able to wait all the way until 64th overall in the 2023 draft to pick Heidt, and the organization must still be outright thrilled by that stroke of good fortune, especially with the work he’s done dragging the Cougars from the WHL basement up to being one of the best teams in the league. He's a monstrous offensive threat and point producer, thanks primarily to his exceptional hockey sense and playmaking ability. He's also intensely focused, biding his time patiently to read the play and pick his spots before striking with surgical precision. There's a certain aura about him offensively, where he always seems to be in control and a step or two ahead of his victims. He's also making a lot of necessary progress with his off-puck engagement and resiliency. Prior worries about his ability to translate his game to the NHL level are starting to fall away quickly.

5. Liam Öhgren

Ohgren has had to fight through two straight injury-plagued seasons, so it was a nice gesture when Minnesota called him up late in the year after they were eliminated from the playoffs. And then he returned the favour by scoring his first career NHL goal, which probably felt great for both parties. He is a stocky bulldog of a forward who is great at driving pucks into high-danger areas, and then he also has an aptitude for getting them across the goal in ways both dirty and clean. How he plays takes its toll on his body, but the results speak for themselves. He’s also a born leader who has worn a letter on multiple Tre Kronor sweaters, which he could very likely do again at some point in the future, and his trophy case is already occupied by a number of differently coloured medals.

6. Marat Khusnutdinov

Khusnutdinov had a rather muted opening trial with the Wild, but the franchise is hoping that him getting his feet wet this spring will be a valuable stepping stone that will make him just that much better in the fall when he embarks upon his first full campaign in North America. Make no mistake, though, he showed some flashes of the razzle-dazzle that he was well-known for over in Russia. He can be truly electrifying with how he flies through the neutral zone with the puck on his stick, and once he gets more accustomed to the smaller ice surface of the NHL, he should be able to resume doing this as a regular occurrence. How well will he be able to handle the physical grind of an 82-game season? That’s the big question, and the answer will heavily influence how much value he brings.

7. Ryder Ritchie

Ritchie must feel glad to be done with 2023-24, which was a season riddled with injury issues, inconsistency, and bad puck luck while playing for a bad Raiders team. At least he was able to end his playing time on a high note, walking away with a gold medal from the U18s as a member of the Canadian squad, while scoring at a point-per-game clip. He had entered his draft year as one of the top prospects to watch after a stellar rookie season and impressive showing at the 2023 Hlinka tournament, where he also won a gold medal for Canada, so Minnesota is betting that he can rekindle more of his previous fire moving forward. He's a slippery, skilled winger who loves to attack and can single-handedly create scoring looks for himself or his teammates, while also having a lot of smarts and commitment for his defensive duties.

8. Carson Lambos

Are there any other prospects out there whose stock has fallen as much as Lambos’s has in recent years? Once considered a possible Top 10 pick in the 2021 draft, he ended up sliding down to the 26th selection that year. Things haven’t gone much better since, with stagnated development throughout the remainder of his tenure in the WHL, getting snubbed by Hockey Canada for their 2023 World Juniors roster, and then a wholly pedestrian debut season in the AHL. While he’s certainly not a liability in any of the key areas of the defense position, he doesn’t really excel in any of them either. It’s almost like he’s a player without a clear identity, and that’s always a cause for concern. Luckily for him and for the Wild, there’s still a lot of time left for him to figure things out, and he won’t be rushed along.

9. Daemon Hunt

Hunt is the type of defenceman who has a knack for winning over his coaches, because he seems to always find a way to get the job done, even if it's not always pretty or exciting. If he needs to bear down and defend hard, he can do it. If his team needs a goal and he needs to ramp up the pace, he can do that, too. The best way to describe him might be "low maintenance," and every team needs at least a few guys who fit that description. He’s wise and mature beyond his years, and comes across as someone with natural leadership tendencies, too. It's easy to foresee him repeatedly earning roster spots over more highly-touted peers and grinding out a long and popular NHL career, even if he rarely draws in on a team's top two defensive pairings or becomes any kind of special teams specialist.

10. Charlie Stramel

The 2023-24 season is one that Stramel surely wants to forget. His draft year was strong, strong enough that he got selected 21st overall by the Wild, but he unfortunately followed it up by taking a step backward. His point production slowed down, his overall impact on games waned, his ice time was cut, and he was left off the American roster for the World Juniors despite being included the prior two times. Unsurprisingly, he opted to enter the NCAA transfer portal after it was all said and done, leaving the struggling Wisconsin program for the up-and-coming Michigan State and a reunion with his former coach Adam Nightingale, which might be a career-saving change of scenery for him. There's still enough of a foundation in place for him to eventually become a physical two-way forward in the NHL, but he'll desperately need to find some way to snap out of his funk.

11. Aron Kiviharju

At the start of last season, it would have been unheard of to think that Kiviharju would slide to the 4th round of the draft. However, his progression hit a roadblock, raising questions about his NHL upside. His hockey sense is undeniably great, but for a defenceman of his size, his skating and puck skills might not be as good as they need to be. Many past defenders who resembled him struggled to succeed. Will he be able to buck that trend?

12. Ryan O'Rourke

O’Rourke garnered a lot of fans during his OHL days with his no-nonsense, shutdown brand of defending. The concern that has surfaced, however, is whether his individual tools are good enough to be that kind of player in the pros. He’s not especially big, tough, or athletic, and now he’s much less able to neutralize opponents than he used to be. His character is high and he has experience being a leader, but can those traits help him turn the tide?

13. Hunter Haight

A trade from Barrie to Saginaw in 2022-23 helped provide a short-lived reset for Haight, but overall, he continues to look like a prospect who won't quite live up to his draft status. He plays fast and competes well, but his on-ice impacts and results don't always move the needle as much as they should. At this point it's tricky to envision what kind of role he would fill on an NHL roster.

14. Caeden Bankier

Bankier is a nice find for Minnesota coming out of the 2021 draft, as none of the players in the dozen picks immediately before him or after him are looking as impressive thus far. He protects pucks adeptly with his frame and hands, and he reads the play well enough to get pucks on his stick in offensive situations. There’s NHL potential here as someone who can dress as a checker while also being able to move up the lineup when called upon.

15. Rasmus Kumpulainen

Leaving Finland to go play in the OHL was the best thing for Kumpulainen's career, even though his progression as a player is still moving incrementally. He's a big body who's good at slowing things down and protecting the puck with his reach and strength. Unfortunately, he's a bit of a one-note kind of player. Could he become a 4th-line center who is heavy on the puck down low? Absolutely. Anything more than that, though, is doubtful.

2024 NHL DRAFT WRAP UP: The best value picks plus the biggest surprise in each round

Brock Otten — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 18:58:05 +0000

What a draft week it was! The Sphere in Vegas lived up to the hype, and then some. Perhaps, this is biased, but it was one of the most impressive spectacles that I have ever been part of. Derek Neumeier (our assistant director of scouting) and myself were blown away by the production. The feedback from fans was similar in nature; no question the live draft in Vegas was a massive success for the NHL.

But what about the actual draft action itself? Like any draft, there were things that went according to script and there were surprises.

From our Top 100 on our final draft rankings, 97 of said players were drafted. The only ones not selected were Alex Zetterberg, Daniil Ustinkov, and Tomas Galvas. Galvas was the highest of those three at 70th overall.

Let’s take a look at some of my favourite selections, some of the biggest surprises, and some of the best undrafted players.

ROUND ONE

Favourite Selection: Sam Dickinson (#11) to San Jose

Dickinson had been our favorite defender in this class nearly all season long and we really like the value San Jose got at #11 after trading up from #14 a few days prior. Dickinson is such a safe bet to a top four defender for the organization; the kind of player who can eat serious minutes for them when they’re ready to take that next step again as a playoff contender.

Favourite Selection: Stian Solberg (#23) to Anaheim

This represents one of the best fits in the draft for us. Solberg improved so much in the second half, and we saw that at the World Championships, where he was a standout playing tough minutes against NHL players with Norway. His game still needs further refinement, but he projects as the perfect partner for the likes of Olen Zellweger or Pavel Mintyukov (even though all three are left-handed shots) with his physical intense defensive presence. It’s obvious Anaheim really liked him as they traded up into this slot with Toronto.

Biggest Surprise: Terik Parascak (#17) to Washington

This one caught a lot of people by surprise on the draft floor. There was probably more talk that Parascak could be a “faller” due to concerns over pace/quickness, in combination with his average size. Even Parascak was incredibly surprised to be taken this early, with a look of bewilderment following the announcement of his name. Our Western scouts are still a bit leery of his NHL odds, but there’s no denying that he was one of the draft’s most intelligent players. Washington is banking on that, hoping that he can have a Joe Pavelski type career.

Biggest Surprise (bonus): Beckett Sennecke (#3) to Anaheim

This one wasn’t as big of a surprise to those on the floor because there was a ton of chatter about this about an hour prior to the draft. However, it’s obvious Sennecke had no idea because he was visibly shocked to hear his name, creating one of the most genuine and honest draft reactions of the weekend. Anaheim is banking on Sennecke’s athletic upside and second half improvements, which is often an intelligent thing to do.

ROUND TWO

Favourite Selection: Teddy Stiga (#55) to Nashville

Look at all the teams clamoring to sign Jake Guentzel this offseason, because of how good of a complementary offensive player he is. Stiga proved that same thing this year, playing alongside potential 2025 first overall pick James Hagens. He’s a hard worker. He’s skilled. His skating improved over the year. There’s a ton to like and we really like the fit in Nashville for him. These are the types of players Nashville had an abundance of when they were dominating the West.

Favourite Selection: Carter George (#57) to Los Angeles

Admittedly, I was a bit worried that Carter George would drop a bit because of his lack of size in a size-crazed industry (concerning goaltenders). So, it was great to see George go in the second round to Los Angeles. There’s a deep-rooted connection to Owen Sound there and George is a heck of a goaltender. He’s so polished and refined already; he’s a big game goaltender.

Biggest Surprise: Ilya Nabokov (#38) to Colorado

Speaking of goaltenders, it was a shock to see 21-year-old Ilya Nabokov as the first netminder taken…and this early. Granted, his resume spoke for itself this year as the KHL’s playoff MVP. Colorado obviously wasn’t a big fan of their goaltending this year and by selecting Nabokov, they’re taking someone who can be a potential difference maker very soon, a lot sooner than your average draft eligible netminder.

ROUND THREE

Favourite Selection: Tarin Smith (#79) to Anaheim

Anaheim has had tremendous luck drafting electric offensive defenders like Smith in recent years. Mintyukov, Zellweger and Rodwin Dionicio all fit the mold. Zellweger even came from the same Everett (WHL) program as Smith. He is very raw. However, his offensive upside from the backend is extremely high. With such a strong and deep talent pool in place, Anaheim could afford to take a chance on him.

Favourite Selection: Matvei Shuravin (#97) to Florida

We ranked Shuravin #34 in our final rankings but did realize that we were higher on him than we expected him to be selected this weekend. It would appear that his weaker second half really pushed him down some draft boards. However, that’s Florida’s gain as they selected an athletic defender who showed some terrific flashes this year at both the KHL and MHL levels.

Biggest Surprise: Henry Mews (#74) to Calgary

Personally, I had somewhat expected Mews to fall at the draft. I didn’t believe that he would be a top 40-45 pick. However, I also did not expect him to slide all the way to the mid third. He’s a fairly dynamic offensive defender. I certainly have questions about his projection, but this represents great value for Calgary, especially after they grabbed Zayne Parekh in the first.

ROUND FOUR

Favourite Selection: Heikki Ruohonen (#107) to Philadelphia

We felt that Ruohonen was being massively underrated this year due to the fact that he stayed in the Finnish U20 league in order to preserve his NCAA eligibility. He’ll play in the USHL next year then head to Harvard. The physically imposing two-way power pivot is someone who could dramatically outperform his draft slot.

Favourite Selection: Hagen Burrows (#128) to Tampa Bay

We get the concerns over the feet. Burrows needs to improve his skating. But the 2024 Mr. Hockey Award winner plays a mature, pro-style game. He is a strong playmaker, and he can find his way to the net. Once he fills out his frame, he could be a terrific middle six NHL player.

Biggest Surprise: Trevor Hoskin (#106) to Calgary

As someone who covers Ontario, I just didn’t see this one coming. I thought that maybe Hoskin had a chance to go late in the draft after a strong World Junior A Challenge performance, however, this early? It’s very, very rare to see a double re-entry selected from Canadian Tier 2, let alone almost in the Top 100. We’ll see how this one works out for Calgary in the long run.

Biggest Surprise (bonus): Aron Kiviharju (#122) to Minnesota

I mean, how could we not include Kiviharju here. Yes, we expected him to fall. But, to the end of the fourth? So, what’s next for Kiviharju? Would he consider coming to the OHL next year to help recover his former top prospect status?

ROUND FIVE

Favourite Selection: Luke Misa (#150) to Calgary

No question, we could have listed this as the biggest surprise of round five. Seeing Misa fall to the mid-5th round was shocking. However, this is also an excellent value pick by Calgary. Did Misa close out this past OHL season on a high note? No. But, does he have the skating ability, tenacity, and skill to be an NHL player in some capacity? Absolutely.

Favourite Selection: Justin Poirier (#156) to Carolina

At some point, a player becomes just too good to pass up, even if you have concerns over projectability. In the 5th round, Poirier is terrific value for the Hurricanes. The size, skating, and IQ components of his game are dicey. But you can’t argue with the production and the offensive upside. Bottom line, you’re not going to find many guys in round five who could be top six scorers and that’s Poirier.

Biggest Surprise: Max Graham (#139) to New Jersey

No offense intended to Graham, but when he was drafted, I turned to Derek (who also scouts the West for us) and asked him who? He was flabbergasted that Graham, a double overager, was selected. He didn’t come close to hitting the point per game mark as a 20-year-old and it certainly brings to light questions over NHL upside.

ROUND SIX

Favourite Selection: Anthony Romani (#162) to Vancouver

I get the hesitation from NHL scouts. Is his offensive skill set translatable? He’s purely a complementary guy; one of the “quietest” CHL leading scorers in recent memory. But, at some point you have to bet on players who think the game at an elite level and that’s Romani. One team used a 17th overall selection on a player with pace/strength concerns, but high-end hockey sense, and another used the 162nd overall pick. Who got the best value?

Favourite Selection: Luke Ashton (#165) to Columbus

A re-entry out of the BCHL, Ashton is a really intriguing defensive prospect. He’s big. He’s mean. He’s athletic. He flashes high end skill. How it all comes together at a higher level remains to be seen. But we really like the upside. We also really like that he’s going to Minnesota State, a program that has developed defenders like him well.

Biggest Surprise: Stevie Leskovar (#174) to Minnesota

Again, no offense meant to Leskovar, but Derek had the same reaction to him as I did Graham. If you had told me that Leskovar would be drafted ahead of Leenders, Fibigr, and Finn Harding from that same Mississauga team, I would have called you crazy. Leskovar is a big, mean, throwback on the back end. He got better this year in his first full year with the Steelheads. But an NHL draft selection?

ROUND SEVEN

Favourite Selection: Ryerson Leenders (#219) to Buffalo

It worked with Devon Levi. It could work again with Leenders. He’s on the smaller side, but he’s very athletic. Quick post to post and solid in scramble mode, Leenders just needs to refine his approach and improve technically. He’s capable of stealing games and he could end up being a draft steal when all is said and done, similar to the way Florida got Levi (then traded him to Buffalo).

Favourite Selection: Erik Pahlsson (#213) to Nashville

We’ve had Pahlsson ranked for a few years now, so it was great to see him finally get selected after a solid year in the USHL. Again, there are some projection concerns over the athletic profile, but he finds a way to be productive. He’s intelligent. He’s shifty. He’s probably going to produce at the college level too with Minnesota.

Biggest Surprise: Alex Zetterberg Goes Undrafted, but Mac Swanson gets selected

Again, you hit a point in the draft where players are worth selecting despite some limitations. Mac Swanson’s size and skating combination are worrisome, but he’s one heck of a smart player. If he hits, he’s going to be a home run. The same could be said of Alex Zetterberg, the Swedish equivalent, who did nothing but produce this year. If you’re taking a chance on Swanson this late, Zetterberg deserved to go too.

OUR BEST UNDRAFTED PLAYERS

Tomas Galvas

The undersized defender was one of the draft’s best skaters, but it wasn’t enough for NHL teams. He’ll need to take his offensive game to another level. Would be great to see him in the CHL next year.

Daniil Ustinkov

Ustinkov started the year as a potential first round candidate and ended up not being selected. Concerns over his processing ability ultimately scared off teams. Does he come over to London next year to try to turn his career around?

Alex Zetterberg

Again, this one feels like a misstep. Yes, he’s small. Yes, there are strength concerns. But he’s ultra talented. Few players available in the 7th round would have had the upside of Zetterberg.

Nolan Roed

Our aggressive ranking of Roed came mostly from me, as he was a player I was very impressed with at the USHL and high school levels. I liked the competitive drive in his game. Next year’s Joe Connor?

Lukas Matecha

He just couldn’t recover from his poor second half. If he can put together a more consistent season next year, he’ll be back on the draft radar.

Matthew Van Blaricom

This one is shocking to me. Loved the aggressive and tenacious approach. Had a terrific WJAC. Here’s hoping that he goes somewhere next year (USHL, NCAA) where he can show that he should have been selected.

Frankie Marrelli

I get it. He’s an undersized stay at home type. But this young man is just such a smart defensive player. He competes hard and he’s going to get better at the offensive end too.

Gian Meier

A breakout performer at the U18’s with Switzerland, we figured someone would take Meier given the flashes he showed this year as a two-way defender.

MCKEEN’S HOCKEY 2024 NHL DRAFT GUIDE: TWO-ROUND MOCK DRAFT

Brock Otten — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:03:17 +0000

#1. San Jose Sharks - Macklin Celebrini - C - Boston University (HE)

At this point, San Jose might as well announce this now. The entire hockey world knows that Celebrini is going to be its guy. This is a pivot without any true weaknesses who projects as a franchise leader for the Sharks moving forward. Think of the impact that Jonathan Toews had on turning the Blackhawks rebuild around.

#2. Chicago Blackhawks - Artyom Levshunov – D - Michigan State (B1G)

Part of me believes that Chicago might really like Sam Dickinson because of how much value they have been placing on skating in recent drafts, but another part believes that Levshunov will be the Hawks guy. We prefer Dickinson, but there’s no doubting that Levshunov has among the highest two-way upside of any defender in this draft. With his high-end skill and offensive aggressiveness, he’ll be able to give the Hawks a dynamic puck mover on both of their first two pairings (with Korchinski).

#3. Anaheim Ducks - Anton Silayev – D - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

On one hand, the Ducks haven’t used a Top 50 pick on a Russian based player (as in playing in the KHL, MHL, etc) since Stanislav Chistov in 2001. It’s obvious that they have preferences for other regions. However, what’s also obvious is the fit here. The Ducks have so many terrific puck moving defenders. The system is loaded. However, the team’s high end defensively oriented prospects have had their development stall like Noah Warren and Drew Helleson. Anaheim could see Silayev as an amazing fit beside guys like Mintyukov and Zellweger, allowing them to play freely and aggressively.

#4. Columbus Blue Jackets - Ivan Demidov – RW - SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)

The Jackets have had great success with young Russian players recently, even forming a great Russian kid line involving Chinakhov, Voronkov, and Marchenko. Not only is Demidov clearly the best player available at this point, but he also helps add significant skill to the wing for the organization that needs it. This is an offensive play driver solely needed.

#5. Montreal Canadiens - Cayden Lindstrom – C - Medicine Hat (WHL)

This is one of the best-case scenarios for Montreal. Is Lindstrom’s injury history a concern? Likely for some teams. However, the upside here is too large for Montreal to pass up. Not only is Lindstrom a fantastic young player, but he also helps the Canadiens get bigger and heavier up front, which was a reason for preferring Slafkovsky at first overall two years ago.

#6. Utah Hockey Club - Zeev Buium – D - Denver (NCHC)

Seems likely that Utah could lean towards taking one of the high-end offensive defenders available with this pick. In the last five drafts, the Coyotes have not taken a single player out of the OHL. This leads me to believe that Buium is a guy that the team could find really attractive at #6. He’s such an intelligent playmaker from the backend and he would really help Utah improve their transitional game and powerplay production.

#7. Ottawa Senators - Sam Dickinson – D - London (OHL)

Dickinson is the perfect defender for the modern era thanks to his high-end skating ability. He’s the kind of blueliner who projects as an all situations, minute eater. Given how terrific he has been in this year’s OHL playoffs (and the Memorial Cup), Ottawa likely sees him as a terrific fit as a “winner” who can help them get over the hump in the coming years. The Sens really need to hit on this pick and Dickinson is as safe as safe can be to be an impact player.

#8. Seattle Kraken - Beckett Sennecke – RW - Oshawa (OHL)

There is a ton of traction for Sennecke to be a high pick and Seattle strikes us as a likely landing spot. They’ve targeted the OHL pretty heavily and, playing in the Pacific, they want to load up their lineup with heavier players who can withstand the punishing style in the division. Sennecke oozes upside as an athletic winger still growing into his frame. He is skilled, physical, and intelligent. A great combination. Logic says Seattle finally uses their first on a defender, but something about this spot screams Sennecke.

#9. Calgary Flames - Tij Iginla – C - Kelowna (WHL)

Maybe this is far-fetched. But maybe it’s not. Teams don’t use top ten selections for the sole purpose of nostalgia. But how can you pass up the opportunity to draft an iconic name, who also happens to be worthy in this spot. Iginla was terrific in the second half of the year, and this gives Calgary an injection of skill and tenacity. He could have a similar impact to his father in Calgary.

#10. New Jersey Devils - Konsta Helenius – C - Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)

The Devils are a team that definitely don’t want to be picking in this range. The organization has been trying to escape the rebuilding phase, so would it not make sense for them to target a player who has great upside, but who can also make an impact pretty quickly? Helenius fits in well with the players already in New Jersey and the Devils have liked the region in recent drafts.

#11. Buffalo Sabres - Zayne Parekh – D - Saginaw (OHL)

Yeah, we know that the Sabres already have Dahlin and Power on the back end. That powerplay unit is already loaded. However, at some point, you have to say that Parekh is too good to let slide further. One of the draft’s most creative and intelligent defenders, Parekh is the ultimate wild card. He could go as high as the top five or fall out of the lottery all together. This would be great value for the Sabres.

#12. Philadelphia Flyers - Cole Eiserman – LW - U. S. NTDP U18

Often tagged as being the draft’s purest goal scorer, Eiserman had an up and down year with the NTDP. However, he still managed to break the program’s scoring record and that is impressive. Big wingers who can put the puck in the net do not grow on trees. While the Flyers could go defense here, having just dealt top prospect Cutter Gauthier for defender Jamie Drysdale, it seems unlikely that they will go that route.

#13. Minnesota Wild - Carter Yakemchuk – D - Calgary (WHL)

This seems low for Yakemchuk. But someone is going to need to fall a bit considering the talent available in the lottery. While Yakemchuk’s upside is significant, we think teams may have concerns over his puck management and skating combination. That said, he’s a great fit in Minnesota as a potential puck mover and triggerman who can help their powerplay and move quickly through the system.

#14. San Jose Sharks (via Pittsburgh Penguins) - Stian Solberg – D - Valerenga (Norway)

The draft is bound to get pretty wild around this point given the wild fluctuation among rankings. Solberg has had a ton of momentum the last month and we really like this fit. Solberg was tremendous at the World Championships, showing that he can impact the game in a lot of different ways. This is someone who can come in and be a defensive stalwart for the Sharks in the future.

#15. Detroit Red Wings - Berkly Catton – C - Spokane (WHL)

This is much lower than our ranking for Catton, but we realize that we may be more aggressive on him compared to the NHL community. He is the kind of play driver who can elevate Detroit’s first two lines in the future. He’s more skilled than Danielson and Kasper, but he has that same kind of high-end work ethic. If Catton is still available at fifteen, this should one hundred percent be his landing spot.

#16. St. Louis Blues - Trevor Connelly – LW - Tri-City (USHL)

Where does Connelly go? That’s one of the draft’s biggest questions considering the noise around his off-ice “issues.” However, we do think that someone bites considering Connelly has among the highest offensive upsides of any forward in this draft. The Blues need more firepower. They need more play drivers. Connelly is someone who can make this St. Louis team better down the line if he progresses well.

#17. Washington Capitals - Adam Jiricek – D - Plzen (Czechia)

It was a pretty tough draft year for Jiricek, after he missed the majority of the year with injury. However, he came into the year as a potential top ten selection for a reason. He’s talented and a potential two-way stalwart like his brother David. So many options here but could see the Caps lean defense if Jiricek is still on the board.

#18. Chicago Blackhawks (via New York Islanders) - Michael Brandsegg Nygard – RW - Mora (Allsvenskan)

The Hawks have really been focusing on selecting strong skaters in recent years, so there’s a chance that they team will jump on a guy like Jett Luchanko here. However, we like Brandsegg Nygard here for a few reasons. One, he’s one of the best players available. Two, he’s an excellent fit alongside some of the high-end skill that Chicago has brought in. His hard work and attention to detail could make him the kind of high-end role player that Chicago had during their Cup runs.

#19. Vegas Golden Knights - EJ Emery – D - U. S. NTDP U18

Did you know that Vegas has never drafted a player out of the U.S. NTDP? Seems wild, but this could be the year. Vegas has used their first selection on a center every year of existence. That kind of commitment is impressive. However, we believe that this is the year that the streak breaks. We love Emery’s physical tools and upside as a defensive stalwart, and he fits the exact mold of the kind of defender Vegas seems to love. The team’s defensive core is getting older, and he could be a great fit there in a few years.

#20. New York Islanders (via Tampa Bay Lightning) - Michael Hage – C - Chicago (USHL)

We like this potential landing spot for Hage. He was, perhaps, the best player in the USHL in the second half of the year. This was the real Michael Hage, after he put some personal turmoil behind him. He has upside as a top six, power center and his skill is badly needed in a prospect pool that is currently lacking it.

#21. Los Angeles Kings - Jett Luchanko – C - Guelph (OHL)

We know the Kings love the OHL. Luchanko would be a great pick here. The tenacious and intelligent pivot brings speed and playmaking ability to the table and looks like a future fixture as a second line center. There aren’t a ton of natural pivots in the system right now, so it also makes sense for Los Angeles to target that position, if a good one is available.

#22. Nashville Predators - Leo Sahlin Wallenius – D - Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)

A strong skating, potential two-way defender, Sahlin Wallenius proved to be a bit of a chameleon in his draft year. What’s his real future role? Regardless, the physical tools are going to be intriguing to a team like Nashville.

#23. Toronto Maple Leafs - Harrison Brunicke – D - Kamloops (WHL)

This would be the first time since 2018 that Toronto uses its first-round selection on a defender. We’d say it’s needed. Brunicke is a strong skating rearguard with upside at both ends. He excelled defensively at the U18’s and he’s the kind of modern-day defender that Toronto sorely lacks. The organization would have also seen a fair amount of Brunicke while scouting Fraser Minten in Kamloops.

#24. Colorado Avalanche - Igor Chernyshov – LW - Dynamo Moskva (KHL)

We could see Colorado moving this pick at the draft for some immediate help after their disappointing playoff performance. However, if they keep this selection, a guy like Chernyshov could make a ton of sense. He can attack with speed and power, playing a North/South game that fits their system.

#25. Ottawa Senators (via Boston Bruins) - Liam Greentree – RW - Windsor (OHL)

Back-to-back OHL players for Ottawa in our mock, this time the team selects Windsor winger Greentree, who has the potential to be a Jason Robertson kind of player in the future. He is creative and skilled but needs to improve his skating. We believe improving the team’s skill and finishing ability on the wing should be a focus.

#26. Montreal Canadiens (via Winnipeg Jets) - Sam O’Reilly – RW - London (OHL)

With a strong OHL playoffs and Memorial Cup performance, O’Reilly has surged up draft rankings to close out the year. The physical, two-way center has more offensive upside than he has shown thus far playing in a secondary scoring role. Worst case scenario could see him developing into a Scott Laughton type, which would still be terrific value at this point of the first.

#27. Carolina Hurricanes - Alfons Freij – D - Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)

The Hurricanes always seem to love the same kind of players that the amateur scouting community love. Freij is one of those amateur scouting darlings this year that we (as a community) seem to love more than the NHL community (as a whole). The skating ability and skill are evident. He was a standout at nearly every international event for Sweden and projects as a skilled top four defende

#28. Calgary Flames (via Vancouver Canucks) - Cole Beaudoin – C - Barrie (OHL)

After drafting Iginla early, the Flames opt for a different kind of forward late in the first. Beaudoin projects as the kind of guy you win in the playoffs with. He brings versatility. He brings leadership. He brings consistency. He is an intelligent playmaker and can excel as a middle six complementary piece. Just seems very likely that at least one NHL team likes his intangibles enough to draft him in the first.

#29. Dallas Stars - Emil Hemming – RW - TPS (Fin-Liiga)

The Stars haven’t drafted a player out of Finland since Miro Heiskanen in 2017, but we’d say that has worked out pretty well. At this point, Hemming fills a need and represents the best player available. He brings tenaciousness and he is one of the draft’s best goal scorers from the wing.

#30. New York Rangers - Charlie Elick - D - Brandon (WHL)

Elick has a similar profile to Braden Schneider when the Rangers drafted him and that worked out pretty well. The size, skating, and physicality combination make Elick a potential shutdown defender for a decade. His decision making needs to improve, but New York has actually improved this component in several of their defensive prospects.

#31. Anaheim Ducks (via Edmonton Oilers) - Julius Miettinen – C - Everett (WHL)

Miettinen improved by leaps and bounds over the course of the year and represents a big body with skill. His skating took a big leap from the beginning of the year to the end, and it has really improved his projection as a top six forward. Anaheim really seems to favor forwards with a well-rounded profile and that’s Miettinen.

#32. Philadelphia Flyers (via Florida Panthers) - Ben Danford – D - Oshawa (OHL)

This pick might surprise some people, but Danford is a player who rocketed up rankings in the second half as part of an Oshawa team that went to the OHL finals. He’s one of the better defensive players in the draft; a shot blocking expert who has terrific defensive instincts. He’s also a strong skater who has shown flashes of more offensively. Shades of Oliver Bonk here and that worked out really well so far.

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#33. San Jose Sharks - Dean Letourneau – C - St. Andrew's (CHS-Ontario)

There’s definitely a chance that Letourneau goes in the first, but we feel that teams may be more comfortable using a second on a prep player given that many of those chosen in the first have not developed well. The Sharks can take a chance on Letourneau, given the team’s window is a ways away. The big man oozes upside because of his athleticism.

#34. Chicago Blackhawks - Henry Mews – D - Ottawa (OHL)

With the Hawks focusing so much on strong skating ability, Mews makes sense here. He’s a terrific four-way mover who possesses excellent upside as an offensive defender. He’s a creative rush attacker and his defense did improve over the course of the season.

#35. Anaheim Ducks - Terik Parascak – RW - Prince George (WHL)

A highly intelligent playmaker, Parascak makes up for only average skating by being a step ahead of others mentally. He’s skilled. He’s tenacious. He projects as a quality complementary piece in the top six and he would fit in perfectly with what Anaheim already has in the system.

#36. Philadelphia Flyers (via Columbus Blue Jackets) - Sacha Boisvert – C - Muskegon (USHL)

Why not double down on a top goal scorer? After drafting the draft’s best in Cole Eiserman, the Flyers now take one of the other best options in power center Sasha Boivert. His skating needs to continue to improve, but he can really fire it.

#37. Winnipeg Jets (via Montreal Canadiens) - Cole Hutson – D - U. S. NTDP U18

Wouldn’t it be fitting if the Jets used the Montreal pick to select Lane’s brother Cole? Cole battled some injuries this year, but he closed out the year on a high note by returning for the U18’s. He can control the tempo with his handling ability and mobility. His defensive game is also probably more advanced compared to Lane’s at the same age.

#38. Utah Hockey Club - Teddy Stiga – C - U. S. NTDP U18

Back-to-back NTDP members are chosen here as Stiga ends up being Utah’s pick. He is a terrific complementary piece who was one of the NTDP’s most improved players this year. He plays at a feverish pace, and he is skilled and intelligent enough to play with high end, creative playmakers. Could be the perfect future linemate for Logan Cooley.

#39. Ottawa Senators - Linus Eriksson – C - Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Erikson is a strong skating, two-way center with a strong chance of developing into an excellent and versatile middle six piece. He was solid for Sweden internationally this year and adds great depth to Ottawa’s center position down the line.

#40. Seattle Kraken - Will Skahan – D - U. S. NTDP U18

One of the draft’s most physical defenders, Skahan is big, reasonably mobile, and projects as a top four shutdown blueliner. Seattle has never really drafted a player like Skahan, and we would argue that in order for them to take that next step, they’ll need players like him in the Pacific.

#41. Calgary Flames - Dominik Badinka – D - Malmo (SHL)

Strong, two-way defender who played a ton at the SHL level. His true offensive upside was hidden by playing sheltered minutes against men. The Flames opt for defense here and have had some luck taking Swedish based defenders in recent years (Badinka is Czech but played out of Sweden).

#42. San Jose Sharks (via New Jersey Devils) - Andrew Basha – LW - Medicine Hat (WHL)

The Sharks opt for a bit of a safer selection at this spot after really rolling the dice with the previous two picks. Basha is an excellent complementary piece who projects as someone who can elevate the play of a creative and skilled pivot. He could be the perfect linemate for the likes of Celebrini, Smith, or Eklund because he is skilled and does the dirty work to open up ice.

#43. Buffalo Sabres - Maxim Masse – RW - Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

Buffalo makes Masse the first QMJHL player off the board. He’s one of the better pure goal scorers in the draft and he plays a mature, pro style game that sees him get to the middle of the ice. The skating needs to keep improving, but this is a player who could fit in well with some of the others in Buffalo’s system.

#44. Pittsburgh Penguins (via Philadelphia Flyers) - Lucas Pettersson – C - MoDo Hockey (Swe J20)

With their first pick in the draft, the Penguins opt for Swedish center Lucas Pettersson. He’s a strong skating, two-way pivot who projects as a solid middle six piece who can play in a variety of different situations. Building up prospect depth needs to be a focus of Kyle Dubas, after the system was bled dry for the last half a decade.

#45. Minnesota Wild - Brodie Ziemer – RW - U. S. NTDP U18

A Minnesota native heading to the University of Minnesota, the Wild get the captain of this year’s NTDP. He projects as a terrific complementary piece in the top nine who can help bring out the best in more skilled players. He plays a heavier game, which fits in with the theme that Minnesota seems to be focusing on at the draft in recent years.

#46. Pittsburgh Penguins - Aron Kiviharju – D - HIFK (Fin-Liiga)

If there is a team that is going to take a chance on Kiviharju bringing everything together, the Penguins make a ton of sense. With a couple of seconds, they should be focusing on bringing in high upside players and Kiviharju is just that. Is there concern that he has plateaued? Absolutely. However, there’s also a chance that injuries this year really prevented him from being at his best.

#47. Detroit Red Wings - Leon Muggli – D - Zug (Sui-NL)

The Red Wings opt for Leon Muggli, a Swiss defender who really emerged as a top-notch NHL prospect this year. He showed well playing against men in the NL. He’s intelligent and mobile and should have a solid floor as an NHL rearguard in some capacity.

#48. St. Louis Blues - Matvei Shuravin – C - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

Long and lean Russian defender with intriguing two-way upside. He was a player who was hard to get a read on this year with his limited minutes in the KHL, however he has an intriguing combination of size and mobility. It’s possible that he reminds the Blues of drafting Colton Parayko back in the day.

#49. Utah Hockey Club (via Washington Capitals) - Yegor Surin – C - Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

Utah and their scouts have not been shy about selecting Russian players in recent drafts. Surin is better than the 49th player selected. He is a competitive, but skilled pivot who could end up developing into a versatile player for Utah down the line. Maybe the perfect linemate for fellow Russian Daniil But?

#50. Chicago Blackhawks (via New York Islanders) - John Mustard – C - Waterloo (USHL)

One of the best names in the draft, but also one of the best skaters. Mustard had a breakout campaign in the USHL this year. He’s an explosive player and a talented goal scorer. However, he is also an intense competitor, something that should make Mustard an NHL player in some capacity if the offensive game doesn’t translate.

#51. Philadelphia Flyers (Compensation Pick for Jay O’Brien) - Ryder Ritchie – RW - Prince Albert (WHL)

Ranked as a first rounder by us, there is thought that we are higher on him than NHL scouts after a bit of a disappointing second half mired by injuries. Ritchie is a competitive winger who plays bigger than his size (excuse the cliche). He has solid upside as a complementary piece on a scoring line. This is a nice swing for Philadelphia with their compensation pick.

#52. Washington Capitals (via Vegas Golden Knights) - Marek Vanacker – LW - Brantford (OHL)

The Capitals opt for speedy Hamilton winger Marek Vanacker, the last of our first round graded players. He was extremely consistent all year long and has intriguing offensive upside because of the pace he can play at. Washington would be very familiar with him thanks to their scouting of Patrick Thomas.

#53. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay Lightning) - Heikki Ruohonen – C - Kiekko-Espoo (Fin-U20)

The Preds have long loved Finnish players, with a strong presence in that market. Ruohonen was one of the biggest risers in the second half of the year; he was excellent at the U18’s for the Finns. He is a competitive, two-way, power center eventually heading to Harvard.

#54. New York Islanders (via Los Angeles Kings) - Adam Kleber – D - Lincoln (USHL)

Kleber is a massive defender whose game really improved over the second half of the year. His mobility, in particular, really took a positive step forward. The USHL rearguard projects as a physical stay at home type, but he does flash some intriguing offensive tools too.

#55. Nashville Predators - Mikhail Yegorov – G - Omaha (USHL)

There has been a ton of talk about Nashville moving on from Juuse Saros, handing over the keys to Askarov. However, there isn’t much of a back-up plan behind Askarov if he doesn't pan out. Taking a goalie makes sense for the Preds in round two and Yegorov is an excellent athlete who their goaltending development coaches can really work with.

#56. St. Louis Blues (via Toronto Maple Leafs) - Luke Misa – C - Mississauga (OHL)

Misa is a speedy, two-way forward who projects as a solid middle six option for St. Louis down the line. He had a solid year for Mississauga in the OHL and is the type of player who could move quickly through the system as a later birthday.

#57. Montreal Canadiens (via Colorado Avalanche) - Tory Pitner - Youngstown (USHL)

Montreal has done well by selecting heady defenders in recent years and Pitner is definitely that. He’s one of the draft's most intelligent blueliners, especially in the defensive end. He competes hard and projects as a solid two-way, second pairing type.

#58. Anaheim Ducks (via Boston Bruins) - Tarin Smith – D - Everett (WHL)

A team with an already loaded defensive talent pool can afford to take chances on high upside defenders like Smith. He’s very raw, but his physical tools are excellent. He skates well. He can create offense. How it all comes together remains to be seen, but Anaheim can afford to be patient.

#59. Nashville Predators (via Winnipeg Jets) - Adam Jecho – C - Edmonton (WHL)

An enigma to the highest degree, Jecho is one of the draft’s ultimate boom or bust prospects. At times, he dominates in the offensive end with his size and skill. Other times, he looks lumbering, lazy, and disengaged. Which Jecho will emerge as the real one? Nashville has always loved wingers like this with high end physical tools.

#60. Carolina Hurricanes - Nikita Artamonov – LW - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

This just seems like an amazing fit. The Canes have loved players like Artamanov. High end processor. Not the quickest or most physical, but efficient. They’ve also been one of the most aggressive NHL franchises in drafting Russian talent recently.

#61. New York Islanders (via Vancouver Canucks) - AJ Spellacy – RW - Windsor (OHL)

Spellacy was outstanding in the second half of the OHL season after he fully recovered from a knee injury. He has great length and speed and projects as a high end third line player who can be an elite penalty killer and defensive forward. The last Windsor forward NYI took worked out well.

#62. Calgary Flames (via Dallas Stars) - Raoul Boilard – C - Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

What’s the finished product going to look like with Boilard? This is completely unknown due to some consistency issues. However, the Flames need to improve their center depth in the organization and Boilard is a rangy pivot who could end up being a solid middle six piece.

#63. Seattle Kraken (via New York Rangers) - Jesse Pulkkinen – D - JYP (Fin-Liiga)

The first re-entry to go in this mock draft, Seattle has not shied away from selecting players outside of their first year of eligibility. Pulkkinen is a big offensive defender who plays an aggressive style. He needs major refinement, but the tools are there.

#64. Edmonton Oilers - Pavel Moysevich – G - SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

Have to think the Oilers go with a goalie here if there is one on the board that they really like. Moysevich is a re-entry who was fantastic in the KHL this past season. He is one of the draft’s best athletes and he could move quickly through the system.

#65. Utah Hockey Club (via Florida Panthers) - Jack Pridham – RW - West Kelowna (BCHL)

There is a connection between Utah (previously Arizona) and the St. Andrew’s College program of late. Pridham is a graduate of that program who had a solid year in the BCHL. He is a big winger with great skating ability. The upside is a bit of a mystery, but the tools are legitimate.

Aron Kiviharju – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #24 Minnesota Wild – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 24th (Last Year - 14th) GM: Bill Guerin Hired: August 2019 COACH: John Hynes Hired: November 2023

1. Charlie Stramel, C, Michigan State University (NCAA)

2. Riley Heidt, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

3. David Spacek, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

4. Ryder Ritchie, RW, Boston University (NCAA)

5. Adam Benak, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

6. Aron Kiviharju, D, HIFK (Liiga)

7. Hunter Haight, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

8. Carson Lambos, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

9. Justin Kipkie, D, Arizona State University (NCAA)

10. Theo Hallquisth, D, Örebro HK (SHL)

11. Caedan Bankier, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

12. Jack Peart, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

13. Rasmus Kumpulainen, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

14. Rieger Lorenz, LW, University of Denver (NCAA)

15. Carter Klippenstein, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

2026 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: Daily Recap- December 29th, 2025- Game Summaries – Standout Performances – Notable Draft Eligible Prospects

SWEDEN v GERMANY

FINLAND v CZECHIA

SLOVAKIA v USA

CANADA v DENMARK

INDIVIDUAL REPORTS

Anton Frondell (SWE) (2G)

James Hagens (USA) (2G)

Alfons Freij (SWE) 2A

Patrick Tiedjan (DEN) 40/49, .816 SV%

DRAFT ELIGIBLES

Tomas Chrenko (SVK) (2G)

Keaton Verhoeff (CAN) 1A

Interview with James Hagens

2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE – FINLAND – Team Preview, Key Players and Draft Eligible Profiles

Key Players to Watch

Petteri Rimpinen – Goaltender (Los Angeles Kings)

Emil Hemming – Forward (Dallas Stars)

Aron Kiviharju – Defenseman (Minnesota Wild)

Julius Miettinen – Wing (Seattle Kraken)

Jasper Kuhta – Wing (2026 Draft, second year of eligibility)

Aatos Koivu – Center/Wing (Montreal Canadiens)

Other Draft Eligible Players to Watch

Oliver Suvanto – Center (2026)

Juho Piiparinen – Defense (2026 Draft)

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – MINNESOTA WILD – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #14

Minnesota Wild Top-15 Prospects

1 - Zeev Buium

2 - Danila Yurov

3 - Liam Öhgren

4 - Riley Heidt

5 - Jesper Wallstedt

6 - Ryder Ritchie

7 - Hunter Haight

8 - Charlie Stramel

9 - David Spacek

10 - Adam Benak

11 - Aron Kiviharju

12 - Carson Lambos

13 - Rasmus Kumpulainen

14 - Justin Kipkie

15 - Aaron Pionk

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #7 Minnesota Wild – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

WORLD JUNIORS GOLD MEDAL GAME: Team USA gets a date with destiny

This edition of Team USA are focused on their own path

Finland remains a fixture in the World Juniors' medal round

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Preview – Team Finland

Key Players

Konsta Helenius, Center

Kasper Halttunen, Winger

Emil Hemming, Winger

Rasmus Kumpalainen, Center

Emil Pieniniemi, Defense

Kalle Kangas, Defense

Noa Vali, Goaltender

Aron Kiviharju, Defense

Julius Miettinen, Winger

Jesse Kiiskinen, Winger

Sleeper Player

Topias Hynninen, Center

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – MINNESOTA WILD – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #8

Minnesota Wild Top-15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 24th (Last Year - 14th)
GM: Bill Guerin Hired: August 2019
COACH: John Hynes Hired: November 2023