Connor Kurth – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #29

The McKeen's Scouting Team — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 20:03:10 +0000

Sam O'Reilly of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Prospect System Rank – 29th (May 2025 - 26th)
GM: Julien BriseBois Hired: September 2018
COACH: Jon Cooper Hired: March 2013

The Tampa Bay Lightning are fresh off an eighth straight playoff berth and haven’t skipped a beat despite bidding farewell to long-time captain Steven Stamkos. They finished with the NHL’s seventh-highest point total, still powered by the familiar core of Nikita Kucherov (31), Victor Hedman (31), Brayden Point (29), Andrei Vasilevskiy (30), and now newcomer Jake Guentzel (30).

True to form, GM Julien BriseBois continued to prioritize the present over the future, dealing his 2025 first-round pick along with 2026 and 2027 first rounders to bolster the middle six. It’s a familiar trade-off in Tampa—maximize the window now, worry about tomorrow later.

That approach has inevitably taken a toll on the prospect pool. In addition to the graduation of Connor Geekie, the offseason saw their top-ranked prospect, Isaac Howard, moved out, which was a necessary decision given his unwillingness to sign with the club. In return, they acquired Sam O’Reilly, who now claims the top spot in their pipeline.

Beyond O’Reilly, the depth is thin. 2023 second-rounder Ethan Gauthier has joined the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch alongside Dylan Duke and Niko Huuhtanen. While all three continue to develop, none project as immediate difference-makers at the NHL level.

Years of trading premium picks for playoff reinforcements have left the organization reliant on uncovering late-round steals and shrewd external acquisitions to keep the system afloat.

The upside? The Lightning’s core remains firmly in its prime, and as long as it does, the team’s championship window stays wide open. BriseBois is all-in once again, betting that this veteran group has another Stanley Cup run left in them—even if it means the cupboard stays bare.

Tampa Bay Lightning Top-15 Prospects

1 - Sam O'Reilly

Acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Isaac Howard, O’Reilly emerged as one of the OHL’s premier two-way players. The offensive numbers didn’t completely pop off, but the details in O’Reilly’s game greatly improved. He looked noticeably quicker and stronger, allowing him to become an elite shutdown pivot who can protect leads late in games and kill penalties. He’s a very intelligent player who shows great promise as a playmaker too; he’s patient and poised with the puck. Next year, O’Reilly will be counted upon to be the go-to offensive player for London and that will be terrific for his development. His projection hasn’t likely changed from being a quality middle six pivot who can play in all situations, however, as the physical tools continue to be upgraded, he becomes more and more likely to reach that projection.

2 - Ethan Gauthier

Ethan Gauthier was the first QMJHL player taken in the 2023 NHL Draft, selected 37th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a point-per-game draft year with Sherbrooke, he was traded to Drummondville, where he helped capture a QMJHL title. In 2023-2024, the right winger produced 71 points in 64 games and 25 points in 19 playoff games, finishing second in postseason scoring. His 2024–25 season followed a similar pattern with 62 points in 50 games, plus 12 in seven playoff contests, ranking second in playoff points per game. He also appeared in all five of team Canada’s World Junior games in 2025, and even played three games in the AHL with Syracuse. Gauthier has, so far, developed as expected. He has maintained a high work ethic while showing his reliability as an elite junior goal scorer, with 20 goals in 26 games over his last two playoff campaigns. His lethal one-timer can be fired from anywhere with impressive accuracy. He is also a strong player who imposes his power forward style. Next season, he will likely play full time with Syracuse in the AHL, and a lot of questions will be answered, especially regarding his skating and pace.

3 - Max Crozier

It’s been a slow burn for Crozer, a fourth-round selection out of the USHL in 2019. He played four years at Providence College and has now played two seasons split between the AHL and NHL level. At every stop, he’s been a highly effective two-way defender and it seems like only a matter of time before Crozier is patrolling Tampa’s blueline permanently. When he played for the Lightning, he performed well, but depth has kept him with Syracuse. However, he recently signed a new deal, and Crozier is also no longer exempt from waivers next season, suggesting his roster spot might be locked up. Crozier took a big step forward offensively in the AHL this past year. He’s quarterbacking the power play. He’s still bringing it physically and operating as a shutdown defender. The big right shot defender was among the league leaders in ice time this past year, averaging over 25 minutes per game. Needless to say, Crozier is NHL ready.

4 - Ethan Czata

The physically intense, two-way forward was a second-round selection of the Lightning this past year and has already been rewarded with his ELC, a rarity this quickly for players drafted outside of the first round. It’s a testament to how the Lightning view Czata as a potentially elite third line player in the future. He’s versatile thanks to a well-rounded skill set and the ability to play any forward position. He’s physically assertive and projects as an above average defensive player at the NHL level. Offensively, he started the past year well for the Niagara IceDogs but faded a bit down the stretch. This season, he’ll look to become more consistent with the puck and should receive a ton of ice time for an improving Niagara team. He’ll also look to improve his finishing ability, an area that needs refining, especially given how many looks he earns in tight with his hard work through the middle of the ice. Tampa is likely hoping that Czata can develop into the next Anthony Cirelli for them.

5 - Dylan Duke

A former standout with the U.S. NTDP and at the University of Michigan, there was some concern about Duke’s ability to translate his skill set to the pro game. However, he was excellent for Syracuse as a rookie, leading the Crunch in goal scoring and even earning a brief NHL call-up that saw him score his first NHL goal. Duke’s hard-working nature, high IQ, and quick feet have allowed his lack of size to be a relative non-factor in the AHL. He’s now put himself in a position to push for a depth spot with the Lightning next year. Duke’s upside isn’t likely to be extremely high. He probably tops out as a complementary third line winger. However, Tampa has maintained their success through developing similar players extremely well. The focus for Duke will need to be improving his strength on the puck further and then he’ll put himself in a position to be that next man up.

6 - Connor Kurth

2024-25 was a great season for Kurth, a former scoring star in the USHL, as he emerged as a go-to offensive player for Minnesota in his junior year. As a result, the Lightning signed him to an ELC, and he has a chance to move fairly quickly if he performs well in a system without a ton of offensive firepower. Kurth is a stocky play driver who is more skill oriented than reliant on power. However, his game did add more truculence to it this past year and it was one of the main reasons why he was able to finally break out offensively. The other main reason was improvement to his quickness and pace of play. There’s likely to be an adjustment period for Kurth at the pro level, just as there was for him when he moved from the USHL to the NCAA; he’s going to need time to adjust to the pace and strength of the pro game. However, as his progress this year has shown, he has the well-rounded game to be a middle six contributor for Tampa Bay down the line.

7 - Niko Huuhtanen

Huuhtanen came into the 2024-25 season with a fair amount of hype after two great years in Liiga with Jukurit. The big power forward was even considered a sneaky candidate to earn a role with the Lightning. However, his first pro season with Syracuse showed that he’s still got some work to do before being ready for the NHL. There’s no question that he still has NHL upside. He drives the net effectively playing a north-south power game. He hits like a truck. He has a heavy shot that could end up being a weapon on the power play. However, his pace of play lags behind. Dating back to his draft year, skating has been the knock on Huuhtanen, but he’s worked hard to improve it, including those two years in Finland after playing in Everett (WHL). Yet, there’s a need to improve it further to be successful in North America.

8 - Jack Finley

Finley got a late start to his third professional season after injuring himself prior to the start of the season. After returning in January, Finley was one of Syracuse’s top players. The big pivot has the ability to dominate down low and near the net front. His skating has come a long way as a pro too, to the point where he can be the focal point of offensive attacks. This offseason will be a big one for Finley as he prepares to try to earn a roster spot in Tampa Bay next year. He’s out of options, so Tampa Bay will need to make a tough decision if they feel that his game is still not ready. A more likely scenario sees him catch on as Tampa Bay’s fourth line center to start the year, so long as he has a good training camp. Finley’s NHL upside isn’t significant, but there’s a chance he could be a very good bottom six player and a secondary power play option.

9 - Everett Baldwin

One of the pre-draft favourites of the McKeen’s scouting team this past year, Baldwin was a terrific selection by the Lightning in the fifth round. While drafting out of the prep loop can be a little bit tricky, Baldwin’s strong skating ability gives him a foundation to work with, even if many aspects of his game need refinement. A Providence College commit, Baldwin has elected to spend this coming season in the QMJHL with Saint John, an excellent decision for his development. The Sea Dogs are trying to turn things around next year and Baldwin should receive a ton of ice time in all situations. He has a chance to have a big offensive season from the blueline and that will give us a better indication of his true upside. Make no mistake, Baldwin is a long-term project, as many prep players are, but Tampa’s patience could pay off in a big way as he learns to refine his approach.

10 - Daniil Pylenkov

Daniil Pylenkov was a nice pick up for the Lightning a few years ago in the seventh round of the draft. He has developed well over the last few seasons into a very serviceable two-way defenceman. He lacks the flash that your typical modern defenceman may possess but makes up for it with patient decision making on both sides of the puck. He has become a valuable distributor on Dynamo Moskva’s power play, snapping the puck around well and firing tippable shots from the point. Defensively he is responsible in his positioning and does a good job breaking up plays with an active stick. He has just re-signed with Dynamo Moskva for the next two seasons so it is unlikely he will be playing for Tampa in the near future if at all. If he does come over, he will likely need some time in Syracuse to continue his growth but may get some looks with the Lightning on their bottom pair at some point in the near future.

11- Jayson Shaugabay

The University of Minnesota-Duluth will be led by two undersized playmakers: Max Plante and Jayson Shaugabay. Shaugabay had two fewer points in 13 more games than the former yet is still an offensive threat with his passing. Minnesota-Duluth hasn’t loaded up with talent like some other NCAA programs, so a lot of weight will be put on Shaugabay’s shoulders to put up points this season as their number two forward.

12 - Gabriel Szturc

Szturc was signed last summer by the Lightning as an undrafted free agent after a couple of point per game seasons with the Kelowna Rockets. He made the transition to the AHL this year, where he scored 19 points in 54 games. He has a decent shot, but not much high-end offensive skill beyond that. He’ll likely serve as a middle six winger in Syracuse, where he can continue to develop his production.

13 - Hagen Burrows

It’s hard not to like a prospect with size who has a sniper-esque shot like Burrows has. Unfortunately for Burrows, he is a poor skater and a slow skater. Playing at the NCAA level last year, it was clear his skating issues were holding him back, scoring one goal in 39 games. Entering his second season with Denver, Burrows will look for a larger role, although that hinges on his skating improvements.

14 - Roman Schmidt

Roman Schmidt is simply a big shutdown defenceman. You won’t get many points out of him, however, he balances that out with how little he gives up. He plays a physical brand of hockey that leaves a mark. He isn’t afraid to mix it up with his opponents or stand up for a teammate. He’ll be in the AHL with Syracuse for now, but at 6-foot-5 and a right shot, it shouldn’t be long before he gets his first NHL game.

15 - Dyllan Gill

In the upcoming season, Gill is looking to keep his injuries behind him. Gill has had two shoulder surgeries that have caused significant missed time the past two seasons. He’s a two-way defenceman with some moderate offensive potential. The seventh-round draft pick has shown he can improve when he’s on the ice, and that seems to be the hardest part. He’ll be with the Crunch full-time next season but may split some time in the ECHL.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #26 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Sun, 18 May 2025 14:59:01 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - JULY 07: Tampa Bay Lightning pick Isaac Howard stands between management during the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on July 07, 2022 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

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Tampa Bay 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #29 Tampa Bay Lightning – Organizational Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Tue, 28 May 2024 20:15:54 +0000

240102 Isaac Howard of USA during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship quarter final game between USA and Latvia on January 2, 2024 in Gothenburg.
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN / kod CS / CS0475

They are only two seasons removed from a Stanley Cup Final appearance, following back-to-back cup wins. Two first-round exits in a row have many analysts questioning whether the window to win is closing. GM Julien Brisebois has been at the helm for the success and has been clear he still very much believes in this core to become champions once again and has repeatedly pushed his chips to the center of the table, trading future for the present. They are one of only two teams with no graduated prospects in the last five years. They do not pick until the fifth round in 2024 and have already moved their 2025 pick in a massive package of picks for Tanner Jeannot. Their 2024 pick was used in a package (including a 2023 1st round pick and other pieces) for Brandon Hagel.

Jeannot is 26 years old, and a UFA at the end of the season, while Hagel is 25, and has subsequently signed an eight-year extension with the team. They join a core group that is not as old as reports would have you believe. 34-year-old Steven Stamkos and his free agency will dominate the news over the offseason. Victor Hedman is 33 years old but showed he still has a lot to offer this season after a down year in 2022-23. If Stamkos does sign elsewhere, it will free up valuable cap space. An issue that has been a continuous challenge for the organization. The Lightning are focused on winning with this core. They include one of the best players in the world in Nikita Kucherov, who is only 30 years old, and elite goaltender Andrei Vasilevsky at 29, along with 28-year-old Brayden Point, and 25-year-old Mikhail Sergachev (injured this past season). You have a core that is elite and knows how to win. With or without Stamkos, Tampa will be a contender for a few years yet.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Ethan Gauthier	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	`23(37th)	64	36	35	71	42
2	Isaac Howard	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	`22(31st)	36	8	28	36	10
3	Niko Huuhtanen	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	`21(224th)	52	19	27	46	46
4	Gage Goncalves	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	`20(62nd)	69	13	45	58	43
5	Max Crozier	D	24	6-1/195	Syracuse (AHL)	`19(120th)	49	4	17	21	43
5	Max Crozier	D	24	6-1/195	Tampa Bay (NHL)	`19(120th)	13	0	2	2	7
6	Declan Carlile	D	23	6-2/190	Syracuse (AHL)	FA(3/22)	61	7	20	27	26
7	Hugo Alnefelt	G	22	6-3/195	Syracuse (AHL)	`19(71st)	30	14	8	2.76	0.893
8	Jack Finley	C	21	6-6/215	Syracuse (AHL)	`20(57th)	52	13	19	32	29
9	Dylan Duke	LW	21	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	`21(126th)	41	26	23	49	30
10	Daniil Pylenkov	D	23	6-1/195	Dynamo Moskva (KHL)	`21(196th)	67	7	22	29	18
11	Dyllan Gill	D	19	6-1/180	Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)	`22(223rd)	12	1	8	9	2
12	Jayson Shaugabay	RW	18	5-9/155	Green Bay (USHL)	`23(115th)	62	15	40	55	12
13	Lucas Edmonds	RW	23	5-10/180	Syracuse (AHL)	`22(86th)	45	9	7	16	6
14	Connor Kurth	RW	20	5-11/205	Minnesota (B1G)	`22(192nd)	37	7	14	21	14
15	Roman Schmidt	D	21	6-5/210	Kit-Kgn (OHL)	`21(96th)	47	8	24	32	62

1. Ethan Gauthier, RW, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

Ethan Gauthier, the son of former NHL defender Denis Gauthier and the 37th overall pick in last year’s draft, had another successful season in the QMJHL, this time with Drummondville after an offseason trade. The physically assertive forward plays a pro-style game that revolves around being able to earn touches between the hash marks. He drives the net, forechecks hard, and has continued to round out his game as a two-way player. He also shoots the puck well and his goal-scoring ability is the component of his offensive arsenal that likely translates the best to the pro level. To be an effective pro, he continues to work on his skating, working to become more explosive and agile. He’ll return to the QMJHL next season and should be one of the league’s top forwards as a 20-year-old. Depending on the development of his off puck play and skating, he could be NHL ready, sooner, rather than later.

2. Isaac Howard, LW, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Isaac Howard, the team’s only first round selection in the last four years, had a terrific sophomore season after hitting the transfer portal last offseason. Howard shifted from Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State, and it had a very positive impact on his development. He led the Spartans in scoring this year and also played a crucial role for the United States at the WJC’s, helping them capture gold. He was noticeably stronger on the puck this year, helping him take greater advantage of his strong skating ability to generate scoring chances. He’s a very dangerous player on the counterattack, and despite his low goal total at Michigan State, actually possesses high upside as a goal scorer because of his quick release. Howard will return to Michigan State next year as a junior and he should be considered a preseason candidate for the Hobey Baker. Without question, he has the highest upside of any player in Tampa’s system.

3. Niko Huuhtanen, RW, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Niko Huuhtanen has continued on the terrific development path that he started after a breakout season with Everett of the WHL in 2022. Last year he was the rookie of the year in Liiga and this year he led Jukurit in scoring. The big, power forward remains unsigned, but there has to be a strong chance that he signs soon and plays next year in North America again. Huuhtanen is a throwback power winger who plays a very heavy game. He’s a relentless physical player who is still learning how to walk the line in terms of discipline. However, he is most effective when he plays the power game, dominating the wall and the net front area. He is a prolific goal scorer too, thanks to a very heavy release and one timer. His positive development curve has put him on a path to become a quality middle six option for the Lightning in the near future.

4. Gage Goncalves, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

It’s been a long road for Goncalves. The former WHL standout has now played three seasons in the AHL, improving in each of them. He led Syracuse in scoring by a significant margin this year and finally earned a cup of coffee with the Lightning. The two-way pivot has proven to be a versatile pro. He plays an intelligent game at both ends, excelling on and off the puck. His attention to detail as a defensive player is likely going to be the thing that gets him into the NHL in a depth role before he carves out a larger one. As an offensive player, his vision and playmaking ability stand out most. He understands how to alter pace to manipulate defenses and is hard on pucks to help his line prolong offensive zone time. Next year, He will need to pass through waivers in order to go to the AHL, so it seems likely that if he has a good camp, he will be given a bottom six role.

5. Max Crozier, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

The Lightning have to be ecstatic about what Max Crozier has shown this year after turning pro. Earlier this season he did not look out of place in Tampa Bay when the Lightning were having serious injury issues on the blueline. Closing out the year in the AHL, he has been a near point per game defender. Full of confidence, we’re seeing the full scope of the impact that he can have on the game at both ends. The 6’ 2”, right shot defender is one of those players who does a lot of things well. He defends well thanks to an aggressive approach, a long reach, and good mobility. He takes away space from opposing forwards and defends tight spaces well thanks to his physical assertiveness. He makes a clean exit pass and has flashed an ability to quarterback the powerplay, with a strong ability to get shots through traffic. While he might not have significant NHL upside, he can be a stable #4 or 5 defender for many years.

6. Declan Carlile, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

A second-year pro after a strong performance at Merrimack College, Carlile is a standout in the defensive end. He projects as a quality stay at home defender at the NHL level and he may be ready for an NHL roster spot as early as next season. He possesses the size. He has the reach. He is mobile. He brings physicality. He owns an active stick, but is also aggressive in taking away space. Carlile looks like someone who can help anchor a penalty killing unit in the NHL. As an offensive player, his heavy point shot helps to generate scoring chances or goals and he can make a good exit pass, but he is at his best when he keeps things simple. Much like Max Crozier, he looks like a long time NHL defender for Tampa Bay, but probably tops out as a third pairing type.

7. Hugo Alnefelt, G, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Expectations were pretty high for Alnefelt a few years ago when he made the jump from the SHL to the AHL in Tampa’s system. At the time, he was considered one of the top European goaltending prospects. Since then, his development has stagnated to a certain degree. He hasn’t been awful for Syracuse, but he also hasn’t shown the kind of growth you would expect from a future NHL netminder. He has the tools to be one, but consistency has remained an issue for him. However, without much else in the system at the moment, Alnefelt remains the team’s top option for the future behind Vasilevsky. He will compete for the back-up job next year but does still have another year of waiver eligibility remaining. That means he probably returns to Syracuse, where Tampa will be hoping he finally takes that next step as one of the AHL’s top netminders.

8. Jack Finley, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

The massive center has taken a nice step forward in his second pro season with Syracuse. Teams have to be patient with bigger forwards as they grow into their frame and he has been no different. He dominated down low at the WHL level before turning pro but had to continue to upgrade his strength and conditioning in order to do that at the AHL level. Behind the net is his office and he has very good vision coming off the wall and the cycle. Finley has also had to adjust to the pace of the pro game, especially as an only average skater. He’s likely still a bit away from making an impact in Tampa Bay, but the Lightning have to be hoping that he can continue to develop into an Adam Lowry kind of high end third line center in the future.

9. Dylan Duke, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

On a Michigan team full of potential front end NHL players, Duke stood out consistently for all the right reasons this year, finishing third in scoring and first in goals on the Wolverines. It was a very promising junior season for the diminutive pivot. He has always been a highly skilled playmaker who creates time and space for himself with his hands, but upgrades to his strength, off puck play, shot, and skating really upgraded his projection as a pro. Somewhat surprisingly, Duke decided to turn pro, signing with Tampa Bay recently. It might have been wise for him to return to Michigan to continue to upgrade his physical tools; he would have had a shot at being one of the better players in college hockey next year. While he may still be a bit of a long shot given his lack of high-end physical tools, his upside remains intriguing. Outside of Isaac Howard, no one in this system has the offensive upside that he possesses.

10. Daniil Pylenkov, D, Dynamo Moskva (KHL)

Daniil Pylenkov’s development has been steady since the Lightning drafted him in 2021 in his second last year of eligibility. Now 23, Pylenkov has emerged as one of the top young defensemen in the KHL. He still has a year remaining on his KHL deal so he won’t be coming over next year, but after that? He could be an option for Tampa as a bottom pairing defender. Pylenkov is certainly not a flashy player. However, he’s a very crafty one. He makes a clean exit. He is a great stick on puck defender. He makes sound decisions with his reads with and without the puck. His NHL upside is likely limited, but the progression of his offensive game in the KHL does suggest that his projection could continue to improve.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #32

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 18:59:22 +0000

Top 20 Tampa Bay Lightning Prospects

1. Isaac Howard

One of the more recent additions to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospect pool, Howard was drafted 31st overall in 2022, after putting up 82 points in 60 games with the USNTDP, as well as an impressive 11-point performance at U18s en route to a silver medal for Team USA. Last season, he moved on to the NCAA’s University of Minnesota-Duluth where he didn’t find that same offensive production and obviously wasn’t happy with his season as he has since transferred to Michigan State University for 2023-24. Howard is a speedy and creative playmaker who plays a strong small-area game. He can be a bit inconsistent in his effort level, but with the right coaching and development, he can reach his ceiling as a dependable second-line winger in the NHL. Lightning fans may need to be patient with him through his development as he works the kinks out.

2. Ethan Gauthier

After pumping in 6 goals and 7 points in 5 games for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, all eyes were on Gauthier’s QMJHL performance last season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix. Ultimately, the righty shot improved upon the 18 goals and 39 points of his freshman campaign into 30 goals and 69 points for his draft year, adding another 11 points in the playoffs and being named “Best Professional Prospect” in the Q for his efforts. A relentless pursuer of the puck who forces his opponents to make quick decisions, particularly on the forecheck, Gauthier possesses a smooth, mechanically-sound stride that utilizes sound crossovers and applies quick acceleration to create opportunities for his line. This is the fundamental strength and basis of his game that should allow for an NHL career in some capacity. Tampa Bay selected him 37th overall this summer with the hope that his keen understanding of how to apply his tools for generating offense will have him looking like a top-line support winger who plays a heavy game. His QMJHL rights were dealt to Drummondville, where the Lightning organization hopes he’ll enjoy a dominating offensive season before going pro.

3. Niko Huuhtanen

From being the last player selected in 2021 to the number three prospect in the Lightning system is a testament to both the development of Huuhtanen as well as an admission that he was drafted too low. The Finnish forward was selected after his second full season in the U20 SM-sarja, producing nearly a point-per-game. After being selected, he came overseas to the WHL’s Everett Silvertips where he impressed, leading all rookies in goals with 37 in just 65 games. He returned to Finland last season, but this time to the Liiga, where he again led all rookies in goals (17) as well as points (30). He has pro size and plays a hard, physical game while boasting a heavy shot. Huuhtanen is well on his way to slotting in as a bottom six contributor but could play up the lineup if called upon.

4. Jack Finley

It’s hard to miss Finley on the ice, standing at 6- 6” and 223 pounds. The Lightning took notice, selecting him 57th overall in 2020. He was coming off a strong sophomore season in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs but lost almost the entire 2020-21 season due to a torn labrum. He returned to the WHL for one final season, taking time to get back up to speed but looking strong down the stretch. He moved up to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch last season, again taking time to adjust but fitting in well as the season wore on. He’s likely not going to be a high-skill player but should bring strong possession ability and be a net-front presence. He needs to improve his skating and to learn how to use his size to his advantage, but he’s a raw, intriguing prospect. Finley could be a bottom-six forward when all is said and done.

5. Jack Thompson

Thompson was another product of the 2020 NHL Draft, 93rd overall, after doubling his scoring output in his second OHL season. He headed overseas to play in the HockeyEttan during the cancelled 2020-21 season, contributing a point-per-game as a defender. He came back to the OHL in 2021-22 as the captain of the Sudbury Wolves before a trade to the Soo. Thompson’s season including leading all OHL defenders in goals (21) and helping Canada to a World Juniors gold medal. He jumped to the AHL last season, looking extremely comfortable in the process. He’s capable of playing big minutes, thrives when getting involved offensively, and has shown steps forward on the defensive side of the puck as well. He’s a pretty well-rounded player without excelling in one specific area and has the potential to be a bottom-four, two-way presence, especially if he can maintain his offensive success at the pro levels.

6. Hugo Alnefelt

It feels as though Alnefelt has been on the cusp of the NHL ever since he was selected in the third round by the Lightning in 2019. The goaltender was coming off a good season in the J20 SuperElit, while standing out internationally in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning a silver medal, as well as in the U18s, winning a gold. The next two seasons were spent in the SHL while appearing in back-to-back World Juniors. Alnefelt moved to North America in 2021-22 and struggled in his first season, before looking more comfortable with the Crunch last season. When he’s on, he angles out shooters well and is quite agile in the net. He controls rebound well and has good athleticism. He’s been quite inconsistent thus far and can let in soft shots at times. He could become a reliable backup in the NHL and could make that move relatively soon.

7. Gage Goncalves

Goncalves has followed a steady trajectory in his development, showing some improving each season. After two seasons in the WHL, the Lightning took note, using the 62nd pick in 2020 to select him. Goncalves returned to the WHL for one more season in 2020-21, as the alternate captain, earning his first NHL contract and moving to the AHL in 2021-22. His professional transition was rather seamless and looked even better in his second go-round last season. As seems to be a theme with Lightning prospects, he’s a competitive forward who never quits on a play. He’s a strong playmaker with a knack for feeding the slot, plays a smart game, and rarely makes a mistake. Goncalves seems well on his way to an NHL roster where he should be able to secure a spot as a bottom six player who could play up if needed. The Lightning have definitely been looking for players of his specific type in recent years.

8. Lucas Edmonds

Originally eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft, Lucas Edmonds finally heard his name called in the 2022, 86th overall. After playing in Sweden in his first two draft eligible seasons, mainly in the J20 SuperElit, he split time between the HockeyAllsvenskan and HockeyEttan in 2020-21 and decided a change was needed, moving to the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs in 2021-22, where he put up 113 points in just 68 games, leading the league in assists (79). The Lightning bit, immediately signing him to an entry-level deal, and bringing him to the AHL. Edmonds played well last season, employing an intelligent, well-rounded game. A playmaker who knows how to create offense, his path has been an interesting one, but he likely tops out as an AHLer and call-up option. That said, there is a reasonable chance that he finds a regular role as a bottom-line winger as well, considering his quick adjustment to the AHL.

9. Dylan Duke

High energy, highly competitive prospects give themselves a better chance to make it and the Lightning are betting on just that with Duke. He was selected 126th overall in 2021 after a point-per-game season with the USNTDP, which included being named a top-three player in the U18s. He moved on to the NCAA with the University of Michigan in 2021-22, falling victim to a lack of ice time on a deep Wolverines team, and seeing his production dip in the process. He took on a bigger role last season, increasing in offense and earning the call to Team USA at the World Juniors, winning bronze. Duke is a tenacious winger with only one gear – high! He battles hard, always working to get the puck back on his team’s sticks. If everything pans out, he could be a very entertaining middle-six winger.

10. Jayson Shaugabay

Shaugabay is a shifty and highly deceptive playmaking winger with significant offensive upside. When playing in the Minnesota high school loop, he was the best player in the State, earning the coveted Mr. Hockey award for the season. He also started and finished the year with USHL Green Bay and was a standout for the Gamblers too, with one of the highest point per game averages on the team, albeit in a smaller sample size of games played. Shaugabay was one of the most skilled and creative players with the puck from the 2023 draft class. He routinely creates extra time and space for himself by beating the first and second layers of pressure, turning would-be defenders into pylons. That said, there are a lot of areas to his game that will need work for him to reach his high ceiling, particularly his skating and strength on the puck, especially given his size. Minnesota-Duluth should be a great place for him, a program that tends to draw players who are more polished off the puck and incorporate power into their game, which could help his creative style flourish while transforming him into a more well-rounded player.

11. Declan Carlilie

There is a very quiet effectiveness to Carlile’s game. Efficient at both ends, he can start the breakout or squash the opposition’s. After a very solid first full year in the AHL, the former Merrimack defender has put himself in contention for a roster spot with Tampa Bay.

12. Daniil Pylenkov

Pylenkov is quickly becoming one of the better young defenders in Russia after a strong KHL season. A standout in the defensive end, he could probably play a third pairing role already. However, he still has two years remaining on his KHL deal and there are questions as to whether he’s actually interested in coming over.

13. Cole Koepke

A goal scoring winger with some jam to his game, Koepke has yet to live up to the high expectations that the Lightning had for him through two pro seasons. He struggled in a cup of coffee with Tampa last season, but there’s still some hope that he can be a quality third line option, even though he’s already 25.

14. Nick Malik

It was a step backwards for Malik last year after he lost his starting role with KooKoo due to inconsistent play. The son of former NHL defender Marek Malik, Nick is a tremendous athlete, but he is still working to refine his approach in the crease.

15. Roman Schmidt

Schmidt is a massive defender who also happens to be fairly mobile for his size. After a few seasons in the OHL with Kitchener, he will turn pro this year. His focus will be on improving his puck management.

16. Gabriel Fortier

The offensive upside is not significant, but Fortier will likely be an NHL player in some capacity in the future due to his tenaciousness and the energy he brings in whatever role that is asked of him. He could be a full time fourth liner this upcoming season.

17. Max Crozier

Even with some decent offensive production at Providence, Crozier’s future in the NHL will probably be in more of a defensive role similar to the way Nick Perbix quickly rose through the system. The right shot defender moves well and brings a physical element. He will play with Syracuse this year.

18. Connor Kurth

A former USHL standout, Kurth is a very talented offensive player. However, his freshman production was pretty pedestrian as he got buried in the Gophers lineup. Tampa Bay is hoping that he can earn a larger role as a sophomore.

19. Waltteri Merela

Signed out of Finland this offseason, Merela is a big winger with strong puck protection skills. He helped Tappara capture Liiga and Champions League titles last year and could easily make the Lightning lineup out of camp.

20. Jack Harvey

Taken by Tampa in his final year of draft eligibility, Harvey will head to Boston University this fall after a few good seasons with Chicago of the USHL. His off-puck play improved a lot this year, prompting his selection.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #32 – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Josh Bell — Thu, 11 May 2023 23:08:10 +0000

Prospect System Rank – 32nd

Two Stanley Cups and a final appearance last season was well worth spending future assets for current needs. The Lightning has consistently emptied the prospect cupboard each season successfully in search of championships. They are one of two teams who have not graduated any drafted prospects from the last five drafts as a result. This season was no different as they cleared whatever they had left in the tank to acquire 25-year-old Tanner Jeannot for Cal Foote, 2023 3rd round pick, 2023 4th round pick, 2023 5th round pick, 2024 2nd round pick, 2025 1st round pick (Top 10 protected). A rich haul for a restricted free agent at season’s end. He is presumably part of their plans going forward. They enter the current draft with only a 6^th and 7^th round pick.

Their current group of prospects do not offer any immediate help as they are still focused on winning for the next few seasons. The highest ranked prospect is Isaac Howard who is #119 overall (their only 1^st round pick since 2019 – Nolan Foote who has been subsequently traded and they have only two in the top 200 (Niko Huuhtanen #189). They have been known for their development and have had success filling from within without high picks. Cole Koepke is the best bet to add something from their depth but look for Lightning to continue to look for veteran depth adds at the expense of youth. They do not have many chips left to play with regards to picks.

Isaac Howard

One of the more recent additions to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospect pool, Isaac Howard was drafted 31st overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. This was after putting up 82 points in 60 games with the USNTDP, and an impressive 11-point performance at U18s en route to a silver medal for Team USA. This season, he’s moved on to the NCAA’s University of Minnesota-Duluth where he didn’t find that same offensive production and obviously wasn’t happy with his season as he’s transferring to Michigan State University for 2023-24. Howard is a speedy, creative, playmaker that plays a strong small-area game. He can be a bit inconsistent in his effort level at times, but with the right coaching and development, he can become a dependable second-line winger in the NHL. Lightning fans may need to be patient with him though as he develops and works the kinks out.

2. Niko Huuhtanen

From being the last player selected in the 2021 NHL Draft to the number two prospect in the Lightning system is a testament to both the development of Niko Huuhtanen as well as the fact that the forward was probably drafted too low. The Finnish forward was selected after his second full season in the U20 SM-sarja, playing at nearly a point-per-game clip. After being selected, he came overseas to the WHL’s Everett Silverstips where he impressed, leading all rookies in goals with 37 in just 65 games. He’s returned to Finland this season but to the Liiga, where he led all rookies in goals (17) and points (30). He has pro size and plays a hard, physical game while boasting a heavy shot. He’s well on his way to slotting in as a bottom six contributor but could play up the lineup if called upon.

3. Jack Finley

It’s hard to miss Jack Finley on the ice, standing at 6-foot-6 and 223 pounds. The Lightning took notice, selecting him 57th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. He was coming off a strong sophomore season with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL but lost almost the entire 2020-21 season with a torn labrum. He returned to the WHL for one last season, taking some time to get back up to speed but looking strong down the stretch. He moved up to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch this season, again taking some time to adjust but fitting in well. He’s likely not going to be a high-skill player but should be a player that can bring strong possession and be a net-front presence. He needs to improve his skating and he needs to learn how to use his size to his advantage, but he’s a raw, intriguing prospect. He could be a bottom six forward when all is said and done.

4. Jack Thompson

Jack Thompson was also selected in the 2020 NHL Draft, 93rd overall after doubling his output in his second OHL season. He headed overseas to play in the HockeyEttan during the cancelled 2020-21 season, going a point-per-game as a defender. He came back to the OHL in 2021-22 as the captain of the Sudbury Wolves before getting traded to the Soo Greyhounds. He led all defenders in goals (21) and helped Canada to a World Juniors gold medal in the process. He’s jumped to the AHL this season, looking extremely comfortable in the process. He’s capable of playing big minutes, thrives at getting involved offensively, and has shown steps forward on the defensive side of the puck. He’s a pretty well-rounded player without excelling in one specific area. He has the potential to be a bottom-four, two-way presence, especially if he can maintain his offensive success at the pro levels.

5. Hugo Alnefelt

It’s felt as though Hugo Alnefelt has been on the cusp of the NHL ever since he was selected by the Lightning in 2019, 71st overall. The goaltender was coming off a good season in the J20 SuperElit, while standing out internationally in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning a silver medal, and in the U18s, winning a gold. The next two seasons were spent in the SHL while appearing in back-to-back World Juniors. He moved to North America in 2021-22 and struggled in the AHL before settling in this season with the Crunch. When he’s on, he angles out shooters well and is quite agile in the net. He controls rebound well and has good athleticism. He’s been quite inconsistent though and can let in some soft shots at times. He could become a reliable backup in the NHL and could make that move relatively soon.

6. Dylan Duke

Prospects that play a high energy, highly competitive game tend to make it and the Lightning are betting on just that in Dylan Duke. They selected him 126th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft after a point-per-game season with the USNTDP and being named a top-three player in the U18s. He moved on to the NCAA and the University of Michigan in 2021-22, falling victim to playing on a deep Wolverines team and seeing his production dip. He took on a bigger role this season, seeing a noticeable increase in offense and getting the call to Team USA at the World Juniors, winning bronze. He’s a tenacious winger that only has one gear - go. He battles hard, always working to get the puck back on his team’s sticks. If everything pans out, he could be a very entertaining middle-six winger which is great value for where they drafted him.

7. Cole Koepke

It’s been a long road for Cole Koepke, drafted way back in 2018, 183rd overall. But the Lightning have stuck with him, keeping him in the system. They selected him out of the USHL, taking a flier on him later in the draft. He moved on to the NCAA’s University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he spent three seasons, winning a National Championship in his rookie year. The Lightning liked what they saw, signing him to his entry-level deal and moving him to the AHL in 2021-22 where he had a strong season, arguably looking better than he did in college. His production has dipped this season, but he’s earned time in the NHL as well, already proving to be a success considering where he was drafted. He’s likely in his role now as a call-up option but could carve out a bottom six spot for himself at some point.

8. Gage Goncalves

Gage Goncalves has followed a steady trajectory in his development, steadily improving each season. After two seasons in the WHL, the Lightning saw this, using the 62nd overall pick in 2020 to call his name. He returned to the WHL for one more season as the alternate captain, earning his first NHL contract and moving to the AHL in 2021-22. He stepped right into the league without skipping a step and has looked even better this season. As seems to be a theme with Lightning prospects, he’s a competitive forward that never quits on a play. He’s a strong playmaker with a knack for feeding the slot. He plays a smart game and rarely makes a mistake. He seems well on his way to an NHL roster where he should be able to steal a spot as a bottom six player that could play up if needed. The Lightning have definitely been looking for a specific type of player in recent years.

9. Daniil Pylenkov

Yet another late draft pick, the Lightning selected Daniil Pylenkov 196th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft as an overager. At that time, he had already completed his second full season in the KHL, where he’s been stuck ever since. He had a strong season this year, especially after being traded from SKA St. Petersburg to Severstal Cherepovets and seeing his minutes increase dramatically. He’s a physical defender that keeps an active stick and isn’t afraid to dive in front of a shot. He has some sneaky offensive ability too, mainly through his playmaking. But in the NHL, it’s his defensive game that shines. He’s developed well since being selected and looks poised to earn his entry-level deal. Expect him to spend some time in the AHL first, but he should be a call-up option fairly quickly and could slot in as a bottom-pairing defender.

10. Lucas Edmonds

Originally eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft, Lucas Edmond finally heard his name called in the 2022 NHL Draft, 86th overall. After playing in Sweden in his draft year, mainly in the J20 SuperElit, and then again in 2019-20, he split time between the HockeyAllsvenskan and HockeyEttan in 2020-21 and decided a change was needed. He moved to the OHL’s Kingston Frontencas in 2021-22, putting up 113 points in just 68 games, leading the league in assists (79). The Lighting bit, immediately signing him to an entry-level deal and bringing him to the AHL. He’s played well this season, playing an intelligent, well-rounded game. He’s a playmaker that knows how to create offense. His path is an interesting one, but he likely remains an AHLer that could be a call-up option throughout his career. However, he could be a bottom-line winger as well, based on how well he’s adjusted in the AHL.

2022 NHL DRAFT REVIEW: EASTERN DIVISION – SCOUT’S FAVOURITES

Brock Otten, Will Scouch, and Sam McGilligan — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 11:46:37 +0000

The 2022 NHL Draft has come and gone. Montreal was a gracious host to not only NHL organizations and selected players, but also to McKeens' very own Brock Otten, Will Scouch, and Sam McGilligan. The three were in Montreal and in the thick of the action last week. To recap the draft, the three have highlighted their favourite selections for both Conferences. Additionally, we have provided a listing of each team's selections, coinciding with where the McKeen's scouting team had them ranked.

Denton Mateychuk - photo by Candice Ward

Brock Otten’s Favourite Selections

-in no particular order

Reid Dyck (BOS, #183)

Dyck isn’t the most consistent netminder out there. Part of that had to do with the youth movement in Swift Current and just how many high danger chances he saw against him. Part of it is because of some technical flaws. However, he has shown an ability to steal games and he was a real standout at the U18’s for Canada. A bit of Matt Murray in his game from his draft year.

Jake Richard (BUF, #170)

A real diamond in the rough. Richard improved a ton in the second half of the USHL season. He was one of the youngest guys available this year and I believe that as he matures physically, his skating can improve a lot. His skill and sense below the goaline is very impressive. Really good player in traffic. Watch out for him in the future.

Denton Mateychuk (CBJ, #12)

Just how much you value Mateychuk depends on how you view his defensive game and I think it has more potential than people give it credit for. Yeah, his play near the crease and near the wall needs to be better and he needs to increase his physical intensity. But I really like how he defends pace and I think his offensive skill set is unique and exciting. By drafting Jiricek AND Mateychuk, Columbus clearly had a plan and I’m here for it.

Lane Hutson (MTL, #62)

Unlike a few of my contemporaries, I wasn’t crazy about Hutson as a first rounder. I do think that there is a lot of risk here. But at the end of the second round? That risk is absolutely, one hundred percent worth it. He may be the most talented offensive defender available this year. How the rest improves remains to be seen, but at this spot, how could you be unhappy with this selection?

Calle Odelius (NYI, #65)

I can kind of understand why Odelius fell a bit. He does a lot of things well, but not a lot at an elite level. The one thing that he does do at a fairly elite level is skate and that is what has me excited about this selection. Between Odelius and Isaiah George, the Islanders took two of the better skating defenders available. That was obviously by plan. I really liked Odelius at the U18’s for Sweden and I think he has a great shot at outproducing this draft slot.

Adam Sykora (NYR, #63)

I figured that Sykora would go higher than this. Strong skater. Good physical tools. His game improved by leaps and bounds over the course of the year playing against men. Sykora looks like a really nice bet to be a strong middle six option and at #63, you can’t do much better than that. It will be interesting to see if he plays in the WHL this coming season.

Zam Plante (PIT, #150)

Love the value here. Plante is someone who consistently caught my attention when I watched him this year. Great energy in the offensive zone. Strong puck skill and boards play. As he matures physically, I think he could actually develop into a pretty good skater too, like his Dad. Plante is exactly the type of player that Pittsburgh has developed well the last decade.

Connor Kurth (TBL, #192)

One of the USHL’s most improved players this year, I was shocked to see Kurth go this low, especially with so many other re-entry USHL guys coming off the board. Needless to say, I love this pick. Kurth will need to continue to improve his skating and conditioning, but he is a terrific complementary offensive player because of his skill, finishing ability, and success playing through traffic. I think he develops into an NHL player for Tampa.

Nic Moldenhauer (TOR, #95)

If not for a couple freak injuries at the beginning of the year, I think Moldenhauer ends up being a top 50, maybe even first round selection. There is lots to like here. Good skater. Good at navigating traffic and finding success playing through the middle of the ice. Plays both ends. Regardless of whether he takes the NCAA route or comes to the OHL, I think Moldenhauer will prove to be a great pick and an eventual NHL player.

Ivan Miroshnichenko (WSH, #20)

Coming into the year, Miroshnichenko looked like a pretty solid bet to be a top ten pick. He has been unbelievable internationally. However, his play against men in the VHL did leave some to be desired and then of course he had that unfortunate cancer diagnosis. Sounds like he is healthy now and I think he has a chance to develop into a real solid top six forward for the Capitals. IMO, he has the potential to be the best goal scorer from this draft class.

TAMPERE, FINLAND - MAY 26: Slovakia's Adam Sykora #10 celebrates after scoring a first period goal against Finland during Quarterfinal Round action at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at Nokia Arena on May 26, 2022 in Tampere, Finland. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Will Scouch’s Favourite Selections

Vladimir Grudinin (CAR, #156)

Part of me was stunned that NHL teams kept passing on Grudinin as long as they did, but I was also not surprised at the same time. It felt weird. Names like Dolzhenkov and Duda went as high as 120 picks higher than Grudinin, while Grudinin was clearly a more dynamic and mobile player playing at higher levels than the other two. Carolina was excited to land this player, I think, he’s massively mobile, just needs to work on making his forward stride more efficient generating separation, but his edges and skill are wonderful. I was a huge fan of this player, and I think Carolina got themselves a very good one.

Adam Sykora (NYR, #63)

Sykora is such a New York Ranger, I tell you what. Hard-working, intense, good skill, great defensive instincts, Sykora is just an admirable player that earns what he gets and has the advantage of youth. I was surprised he wasn’t picked at least in the top 40, and with the Rangers first pick, they got what I think is great value in Adam Sykora.

Jiri Kulich (BUF, #28)

The Sabres did an excellent job on Thursday night, capped off with selecting Jiri Kulich, who is a player I feel will be as good as he is strong at the end of the day. He’s smart, skilled, has a remarkable finishing ability, and is a smart positional player that can be knocked around a bit. The upside may not be as high with the finished product, but I feel Kulich will be a nice piece down the lineup in Buffalo that could be a power play option with the shot he has.

Gleb Trikozov (CAR, #60)

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Gleb Trikozov. He was in my top 10, and I love that he was the first name Carolina took. The tools are immense, and his issue is often consistency and bringing his intense puck skill game to his play off the puck defensively. An extremely exciting player to watch, Trikozov could be a massive get for Carolina at 60 with his dual threat offense and relative youth in the draft class.

Lane Hutson (MTL, #62)

Who doesn’t love Lane Hutson? Who doesn’t want to see him moving and shaking off defenders at the blueline, deceiving with his skill and opening passing lanes to get pucks into scoring areas? He’s going to need to improve his ability to create separation with his edges and generate speed under pressure, but his fluid footwork and excellent skill level are an excellent foundation to build on. He’s determined and confident, and I just love this guy. Getting him almost in the 3rd round, especially as the 4th player off your list, is just a great swing.

Filip Mesar (MTL, #26)

Mesar was ranked in my top 15. I love how he gets around the ice, and the intelligence he brings to the table off-puck especially. He’s skilled, brings a great motor, and is up near the top of the pile when it comes to mobility and speed in multiple directions. I do also think there could be a psychological factor uniting Mesar with childhood friend Juraj Slafkovsky. He was the first player I profiled this year and I really enjoyed what I saw. If he can improve his finishing skill and shot quality, especially off the rush, he could be an excellent offensive player in multiple positions and roles.

Noah Ostlund (BUF, #16)

I was honestly stunned that Noah Ostlund went just one pick after Jonathan Lekkerimaki and ahead of Liam Ohgren. Ostlund is one of the fastest and most agile players in the draft. He anticipates pressure and uses skill to create space and lanes to connect with linemates, and just needs to develop a quicker first couple steps to get into that space and continue driving play up the ice. He’s a soft playmaker, finding teammates through traffic while also being able to open lanes with skill. He’s small and slight, and may take time, but patience could be greatly rewarded, and I adore the Sabres’ approach to the first round.

Denton Mateychuk (CBJ, #12)

Some love Denton Mateychuk as a top-10 talent, some even higher. Others see him as a fringe first round pick. Personally, I fell somewhere in the middle. He gains a ton in his game from his confidence and freedom, but the talent with his skill level and deception that drives those traits feels like it will need to improve in order to get the job done at higher levels. He’s not the most mobile coverage defender on defensive rushes, but he has a strong sense of timing on puck movement and drove safe, but strong pass completion in huge volumes. I’m frankly just glad we know where he went in the draft and we can stop arguing, to be honest, and I love that Columbus went all in on him. If it works, it’ll be a ton of fun.

Ivan Miroshnichenko (WSH, #20)

I was pleasantly surprised to see Washington hand a pick to Ivan Miroshnichenko. I had him ranked 28th, and had he played a full season as he was before his diagnosis, I could see him being closer to where Washington drafted him. He has an excellent release, and great strength on his frame to fend off pressure in the VHL, but his puck management and vision of the ice was a limiting factor in transition and the skill level agility seemed to be lacking from his game relative to what I remember from previous years. With his cancer in remission, I’m really hopeful Miroshnichenko’s toughest days are behind him, and will be fascinated to see where he ends up.

Alexander Suzdalev (WSH, #70)

This guy is all hands, creativity and agility, but the footwork and ability to escape pressure with his feet really limits his upside and caused a bit of a slide relative to my ranking. He drove excellent efficiency moving pucks up the ice in great volumes at the J20 level in my tracking, but his lack of pace and need for processing time really limited his impact at the HockeyAllsvenskan level. He may not be SHL ready next year, but he may also be too good for the J20 level if his skating and strength improve. The skill level, problem solving, and creativity is high end and in the early 3rd round, you could’ve done significantly worse.

FRISCO, TX USA - MAY 1: Russia's Ivan Miroshnichenko #10 shoots the puck and scores a first period goal against the Czech Republic during preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on May 1, 2021 in Frisco, TX USA. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Sam McGilligan’s Favourite Selections

1: Ivan Miroshnichenko (WSH, #20)

This was easily my feel-good moment for the draft. Ivan Miroshnichenko had unfortunately caught a lot of negative attention throughout the season due to not meeting pre-season expectations, resulting in him flying down draft boards. Then his illness was revealed, throwing his future in hockey into question. I wasn't sure where Miro was going to end up going in the draft but seeing him go in the first round was a fantastic moment. Add in that Washington is one of the best organizations for high potential players slipping due to medical reasons and this becomes one of, if not my favourite pick in the draft

2: Gleb Trikozov (CAR, #60)

Gleb is one of the most entertaining prospects I've ever watched. There is such a high-level toolkit across the board -- skating, shooting, hands, passing, you name it. There's inconsistency in the processing of the game but even then, sometimes Trikozov is able to come up with complex solutions to problems that just wow me. He's the epitome of the "raw, boom or bust" archetype but I think there's enough smarts there to bet on the boom. The Hurricanes grabbed a first level talent at 60th overall, and it might just be the best value pick of the draft.

3: Noah Östlund (BUF, #16)

Östlund is one of three players I can confidently say are my favourites in the class, so there's a little bias here. Nonetheless, Östlund is as intelligent and dynamic as any forward you can find in the class. I believed he was very likely to be the last of the Djurgårdens' forwards to be taken, so imagine the shock on my face when Buffalo took him above Öhgren. Östlund is a high ceiling, connector-type center that will make the life of everyone around him easier. A primary playdriver with insanely high potential in all three zones, Östlund is one of the few with true star potential in this class. Buffalo deserves a ton of credit for this one whether it works out or not.

4: Calle Odelius (NYI, #65)

Calle Odelius slipping this far shocked me quite a bit. I think Odelius is the easiest of the Swedish defenders to project to the NHL while also carrying a fair bit more upside than others think. Calle's ability to manipulate pressure into creating space for himself is near the top of the class. His actions once entering the space can be hit or miss, but some of the greatest plays I've seen from a defender this year have come from Calle Odelius in open space so there's legitimate upside if his processing can be refined. Even if that doesn't happen, Odelius has strong enough fundamentals to be a complimentary defensive/transitional option.

5: Lane Hutson (MTL, #62)

If Lane Hutson is a few inches taller, he's a slam dunk top 10 guy. If Lane Hutson was just a bit more explosive, he's a slam dunk top 10 guy. If both of these things end up happening, then Hutson has "best player in the class" potential and that's not something I normally say lightly. As a Habs fan myself, I was internally screaming at the idea of picking Hutson and I'm beyond ecstatic he gets to enter the era of the Kent Hughes Canadiens. He fits everything that the team is looking for on the back end -- skill, manipulation, agility and brilliant decision making. The sky's the limit for this short defender.

6: Seamus Casey (NJ, #46)

Considering he has an argument amongst the best handlers in the draft regardless of position, Seamus Casey might just be the most skilled defender one could take this year, period. The problem with Casey is he seems less willing to activate and utilize his hilarious skill with the puck than you'd hope for someone of this talent. His NCAA career needs to be focused on re-integrating this ability with the puck across all facets of his game so that he becomes the ultimate transitional/OZ weapon that he was projected to be early in the year.

7: Vladimir Grudinin (CAR, #156)

This is probably just the best pure value pick there was in the draft. I think Grudinin is pretty clearly a first-round talent, yet he was found in the mid-late rounds of the draft. Vladimir spent the bulk of his season playing professional hockey in Russia across both the VHL and the KHL, never really looking too far out of the way in either league despite being undersized. His world class mobility helped circumvent that issue and allowed him to consistently play at the high pace these leagues demand. Once again, Carolina identifies and scoops up the value wherever it is.

8: Isaac Howard (TB, #31)

Isaac Howard's outfit alone could register him a spot on this list, but I'll defer to his hockey ability instead. This player managed to match pace with Cooley and Nazar, both highly regarded prospects in their own right, yet didn't earn similar draft stock due to some inefficiencies within his game that cast doubt on his ability to process professional hockey. I do think Howard is a level behind what those two considering the packages each currently offer, but I also believe Howard has upside in the same range due to the hilarious manipulative abilities he has. With the right development, Howard can contend with the best players in this draft.

9: Devin Kaplan (PHI, #69)

This was just a brilliant pick for pure value reasons. Kaplan frequently uses a fantastic set of hands and a great sense of space to be one of the smartest complimentary players the draft has to offer in both transition and the offensive zone. His skating doesn't create enough separation for his hands to be a primary creation threat, but there's nothing within his form that indicates this is an issue that can't be overcome. Considering this was the third round, Kaplan was one of the best picks a GM could make in that range.

10: David Jiricek (CBJ, #6)

I'm kind of surprised my pick for the best defender in the 2022 class fell out of the top five. He's everything NHL GM's look for -- skilled, dynamic, large but with lots of room for physical improvements and brutally aggressive. Jiricek's combination of skills make him a bit risky compared to Nemec, but the booming upside is so ridiculously high that I couldn't see the Flyers passing on him. Yet here we are, and the Blue Jackets were fortunate enough to have a true top pairing prospect fall on their laps. Jarmo made the easy, but right decision, and it immediately makes Jiricek one of the best selections in the draft.

2022 NHL DRAFT
Boston Bruins
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Matthew Poitras	C/W	54	73
Cole Spicer	C	117	82
Dans Locmelis	C	119	177
Frederic Brunet	D	132	NR
Reid Dyck	G	183	114
Jackson Edward	D	200	HM

Buffalo Sabres
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Matthew Savoie	C	9	6
Noah Ostlund	C	16	22
Jiri Kulich	C/W	28	15
Topias Leinonen	G	41	98
Viktor Neuchev	W	74	83
Mats Lindgren	D	106	35
Vsevolod Komarov	D	134	221
Jake Richard	W	170	111
Gustav Karlsson	C	187	NR
Joel Ratkovic Berndtsson	W	202	NR
Linus Sjodin	C	211	220

Carolina Hurricanes
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Gleb Trikozov	W	60	26
Alexander Perevalov	W	71	25
Simon Forsmark	D	101	68
Cruz Lucius	W	124	140
Vladimir Grudinin	D	156	32
Jakub Vondras	G	171	NR
Alexander Pelevin	D	205	NR

Columbus Blue Jackets
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
David Jiricek	D	6	5
Denton Mateychuk	D	12	17
Luca Del Bel Belluz	C	44	45
Jordan Dumais	W	96	72
Kirill Dolzhenkov	W	109	66
Sergei Ivanov	G	138	HM
James Fisher	W	203	NR

Detroit Red Wings
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Marco Kasper	C	8	24
Dylan James	W	40	63
Dmitri Buchelnikov	W	52	97
Anton Johansson	D	105	NR
Amadeus Lombardi	C	113	202
Maximilian Kilpinen	W	129	NR
Tnias Mathurin	D	137	122
Owen Mehlenbacher	W/C	201	216
Brennan Ali	C	212	103

Florida Panthers
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Marek Alscher	D	93	NR
Ludvig Jansson	D	125	102
Sandis Vilmanis	W	157	105
Josh Davies	W	186	199
Tyler Muszelik	G	189	HM
Liam Arnsby	C/W	214	197
Jack Devine	W	221	143

Montreal Canadiens
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Juraj Slafkovsky	W	1	3
Filip Mesar	W	26	16
Owen Beck	C	33	33
Lane Hutson	D	62	40
Vinzenz Rohrer	W	75	78
Adam Engstrom	D	92	HM
Cedrick Guindon	C/W	127	108
Jared Davidson	C	130	NR
Emmett Croteau	G	162	NR
Petteri Nurmi	D	194	HM
Miguel Tourigny	D	216	NR

New Jersey Devils
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Simon Nemec	D	2	4
Seamus Casey	D	46	39
Tyler Brennan	G	102	142
Daniil Orlov	D	110	131
Charlie Leddy	D	136	128
Petr Hauser	W	141	NR
Josh Filmon	W	166	148
Artem Barabosha	D	198	214

New York Islanders
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Calle Odelius	D	65	30
Quinn Finley	D	78	104
Isaiah George	D	98	61
Matthew Maggio	W	142	173
Daylan Kuefler	W	174	NR

New York Rangers
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Adam Sykora	W	63	48
Bryce Mcconnell-Barker	C/W	97	95
Noah Laba	C	111	NR
Victor Mancini	D	159	NR
Maxim Barbashev	W	161	183
Zak Karpa	C	191	NR

Ottawa Senators
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Filip Nordberg	D	64	NR
Oskar Pettersson	W	72	166
Tomas Hamara	D	87	76
Stephen Halliday	C	104	123
Jorian Donovan	D	136	194
Cameron O'Neill	W	143	191
Kevin Reidler	G	151	NR
Theo Wallberg	D	168	NR
Tyson Dyck	C/W	206	171

Philadelphia Flyers
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Cutter Gauthier	C/W	5	13
Devin Kaplan	W	69	69
Alex Bump	W	133	91
Hunter Mcdonald	D	165	NR
Santeri Sulku	W	197	206
Alexis Gendron	W	220	71

Pittsburgh Penguins
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Owen Pickering	D	21	37
Sergey Murashov	G	118	NR
Zam Plante	C/W	150	96
Nolan Collins	D	167	NR
Luke Devlin	C	181	HM

Tampa Bay Lightning
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Isaac Howard	W	31	23
Lucas Edmonds	W	86	116
Nick Malik	G	160	172
Connor Kurth	W	192	81
Dyllan Gill	D	223	NR
Klavs Veinbergs	W	224	NR

Toronto Maple Leafs
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Fraser Minten	C	38	101
Nicholas Moldenhauer	C/W	95	75
Dennis Hildeby	G	122	NR
Nikita Grebenkin	W	135	HM
Brandon Lisowsky	W	218	53

Washington Capitals
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Ivan Miroshnichenko	W	20	19
Ryan Chesley	D	37	34
Alexander Suzdalev	W	70	119
Ludwig Persson	W	85	88
Jake Karabela	W/C	149	84
Ryan Hofer	W	181	NR
David Gucciardi	D	213	178

2022 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES, PART 3 – NHL Draft Re-Entry Candidates from the USA

Brock Otten with Contributions from Will Scouch and Sam Happi — Sat, 28 May 2022 11:30:38 +0000

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

This year, it feels like we are playing catch-up because of how disjointed last year was in the scouting community. The OHL did not play. Other leagues played only partially. How much was development stunted? Better yet, how many players have surprised this year with their progression given that they were not able to show said progression last year (such as the OHL players). Will we see an extraordinary number of “re-entry” players selected this year as NHL scouting teams gobble up all of these players who slipped through the cracks of the pandemic scouting year?

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

Speaking of last year, ten “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 100; Ryker Evans, Josh Doan, Janis Moser, Carter Mazur, Alexei Kolosov, Taige Harding, Andrei Buyalsky, Josh Lopina, Ville Ottavainen, and Jakub Malek In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1:) (Part 2: )( Part 3) we wrote about eight of these ten. In total there were 34 taken, actually below the trend of over 40 being selected in other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 34, we identified and wrote about 17 (half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2022, we have some very interesting candidates. Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs was near the top of OHL scoring all season. Stephen Halliday of Dubuque had one of the best statistical seasons in the history of the USHL. Dmitri Buchelnikov completely obliterated the MHL, a year after being passed over as one of the youngest eligible players in 2021. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% (if the average is restored) this year.

Stephen Halliday. Photo by Hickling Images.

USHL

Stephen Halliday - Center - Dubuque (USHL)

It is not that often you see a high-level player spend four years in the USHL. A big and skilled forward, and a former highly touted prospect, Halliday has improved every year in the league, culminating with a dominating breakout performance this season. The Ohio State commit was the USHL’s scoring leader thanks to improvements made to his explosiveness and conditioning. Halliday is also now the USHL’s all-time leading scorer (passing Sean Farrell). In his final year of eligibility, it seems likely that Halliday will finally hear his name called at the draft. He has certainly earned it.

“You really have to commend Halliday for putting in the work to improve his skating. The improvements made to his first step quickness and his overall agility are extremely noticeable and really helped him to dominate shifts on the regular. Halliday was just an absolute beast at the USHL level this year. His combination of power and skill at the center position is not common on draft day. Ohio State is a really good spot for him too, as he’ll be able to go in there and be an immediate top six forward for them on a quality up and coming team. If I was an NHL team, I wouldn’t be letting him slip through a third NHL draft.” - Brock Otten

Connor Kurth - Wing - Dubuque (USHL)

A breakout star in the USHL, Kurth has paired with Stephen Halliday to form one heck of a dynamic duo. Passed over last year, Kurth has returned to the USHL with a vengeance, improving all facets of his game. The Minnesota commit has consistently been one of the USHL’s highest scoring players this year and his goal scoring ability, combined with his low center of gravity and desire to play through the middle, will make him one of the most coveted re-entry candidates from the United States region this year.

“Pretty much every time I watched Kurth this year (be it with Dubuque or the BioSteel game), he was noticeable for all the right reasons. He’s your classic high energy winger who seems to get better as he initiates and plays through traffic. He skates well. He opens up space and has an attacking mentality. He plays a 200-foot game. However, he also has great scoring instincts and enough skill, as well as a good enough shot to finish off the chances he earns. If an NHL team doesn’t draft Kurth now, they’ll be kicking themselves later when he becomes one of the top NCAA free agents on the market after a few years at Minnesota.” - Brock Otten

Quinn Hutson - Wing - Muskegon (USHL)

The brother of 2022 draft eligible defender and NTDP member Lane Hutson, Quinn is an elusive and skilled winger with a commitment to Boston University. We ranked him late last year (#208) after a very strong rookie year in the USHL, however he progressed even further this year. In his final year of draft eligibility, it is easy to see him attracting attention given his ability to push pace and create in transition. He also had a great performance in the Clark Cup playoffs.

“Everyone enjoys watching Lane, but his older brother Quinn is a player that’s caught my eye since the beginning of the season, and more so in the last few weeks after tracking games with Muskegon as the opponent. Quinn Hutson may be a D+2 in the USHL, but we’ve seen players with that profile turn out well before, and I absolutely love the skill and speed Hutson plays with. He can drive defenses deep in the defensive zone, swing pucks around the boards, fake out defenders with his body weight, pass pucks through seams, and he can certainly score his fair share as well. Hutson is a player I may rather see how he plays in college, but as a re-entry, he’s been exciting, skilled, and fun to watch with a diverse range of offensive talents.” - Will Scouch

Jeremy Wilmer - Center - Tri-City (USHL)

Wilmer’s original draft year (last season) did not go according to plan. A highly touted prospect coming out of his U17 year with the NTDP, Wilmer was surpassed by other players in the lineup eventually and then missed the IIHF U18’s. As a massively undersized forward, this was a death blow for his draft chances. However, Wilmer has returned to the USHL for another year and was sensational for Tri-City, as one of the league’s highest scoring players. The 5’7, Boston University commit can do it all offensively and he has shown that he can be the offensive leader of his team. Will that be enough for an NHL team to overlook his lack of stature?

“The two best players in the USHL are on sharply different ends of the height spectrum. Stephen Halliday, with 1.51 points per game, is 6’4”; Jeremy Wilmer, with 1.50 points per game, is 5’7”. You have to be quite the offensive talent to make the NHL when you’re as small as Wilmer– who is listed at 141 pounds– but an offensive resumé that he’s building may just about force an NHL team to take a flyer on him. Trey Fix-Wolansky, also 5’7”, has six NHL games under his belt as a 22 year old after the Blue Jackets used a seventh-rounder on him after a stellar 19-year-old season in the WHL. Wilmer might be taking the first steps down a similar path with the season that he has had this year. The important distinction between the two right now is that Fix-Wolansky currently has about 40 pounds on Wilmer. A few years in the NCAA with Boston University should help Wilmer get to work on that gap. Skill-wise, Wilmer has what it takes. He was just under a point per game last year for the NTDP U18s and likely would have been a top 100 selection if he brought the same skillset to a more typical frame. He’s a very creative passer and an adept finisher– he just desperately needs to add weight.” - Sam Happi

Lukas Gustafsson - Defense - Chicago (USHL)

A favourite of many video scouting teams last year, Gustafsson played a limited role on a Clark Cup winning Steel squad. Our video team loved his ability to lead the breakout with his feet and create offense by walking the line. However, the sample size was just too small, given his undersized frame and late birthday. This year, Gustafsson has taken on a larger role with Chicago and has thrived, among the leading defenseman scorers in the USHL. The 5’10 defender has a commitment to Boston College next year and should be on the radar of many NHL teams again.

“Gustafsson definitely made the most of increased ice time this year with the Steel. He is a really fun player to watch. His four-way mobility and edgework is among the best of any defender in the USHL. This really helps him to be elusive, especially as he starts the breakout. Gustafsson is just near impossible to pin down. But he’s also a better defensive player than people might think after looking at his size. He defends aggressively and will take away space to make up for his lack of reach, knowing that his four-way quickness gives him the ability to recover and cover ground. I know our video scout team loves him even more this year, so I took the time to watch him a little more closely based on their recommendation.” - Brock Otten

Kenny Connors - Center - Dubuque (USHL)

One of the most improved players in the USHL this season, the 6’1 pivot essentially tripled his production in his second year with Dubuque. As a result, he was rewarded with a spot in the BioSteel All American game. A UMass commit, Connors is the kind of hard working and pace pushing center that could carve out a long NHL career with continued development at the NCAA level.

“Dubuque has been a lot of fun to watch this year, with two electric scoring lines anchored by several players on this list like Halliday, Kurth, Connors, and Vegas draft pick Jackson Hallum (whom they added at the trade deadline). Connors is not the most creative or individually skilled player on the ice. Sometimes his feet move a little too quick for his hands. However, he is an intelligent playmaker who is a consistently hard worker. He finishes his checks. He backchecks hard. He wins races to loose pucks and wins battles along the wall. He can drive the net. He also has a solid top speed that allows him to impact the game in a lot of different ways. By improving his confidence with the puck and in his shooting ability, he has really rounded out his game offensively this season. There is definitely a projection here as an NHL role player and he is the kind of hard-working player that UMass has developed very well in the last decade.” - Brock Otten

Luke Mittelstadt - Defense - Madison (USHL)

The brother of Buffalo’s Casey Mittelstadt, Luke came into the 2020/21 season with a fair amount of draft hype. Early on, he was considered one of the top high school options for the draft. But his disappointing showing in the USHL (split between Lincoln and Eden Prairie) really caused scouts to re-evaluate his potential to be an impact offensive defender. Fast forward to this year. A move to Madison has completely re-invigorated Mittelstadt as he was consistently near the top of the defenseman scoring race (behind Mitchell Miller) all season. In fact, his 19 goals were the most by a U19 defender in the league since Matt Donovan scored 19 in 2009. The University of Minnesota commit has certainly put himself back on the scouting radar.

“One of the main concerns with Mittelstadt’s game last year at the USHL level was a lack of killer instinct. There was a real complacency at that level that prevented him from being a standout at either end. This year, he looks like a totally different player. He is consistently looking to jump up in the play or play aggressively high in the offensive zone. His four-way mobility is still an asset and his edge work and lateral quickness is a major reason why he has scored so many goals this year. Not only does he have a howitzer, but he walks the line so well. Composed with the puck, Mittelstadt is great at starting the breakout too. Defensively, there is still a need to get stronger and the physical intensity still wavers a bit, but progress has been made in all facets this year and he should be a slam dunk pick in this draft.” - Brock Otten

Damien Carfagna - Defense - Sioux City (USHL)

Last year with Green Bay, Carfagna’s original draft year, the late born ‘02 defender certainly flashed some projectable skills. In particular, his skating ability always stood out and he showed great potential as a puck mover because of it. However, a lack of production as an older first-time eligible defender really caused doubts about his NHL ceiling. From opening puck drop this year to the end (Clark Cup playoffs), Carfagna has emerged as one of the top defenders in the USHL. His offensive production dropped a bit after a deal to Sioux City, however his overall play and versatility has made him a likely re-entry selection. The University of New Hampshire commit also made waves by scoring the OT winner in the BioSteel All American game this year.

“I remember pushing for us to list Carfagna late last year in our rankings because he was someone who always stood out for Green Bay despite limited ice time and production. Now that he’s playing a ton, we’ve seen him transform into one of the best defenders in the USHL. His skating is a major asset. His quickness allows him to be an entry machine and he has gained the confidence to be more aggressive using his feet to help him exit the zone. Additionally, Carfagna has improved in the defensive zone. He’s not the biggest, strongest, or most physical, but his positioning and awareness are terrific. His quickness laterally and in transition allows him to take great routes to loose pucks and defend pace well too. After a few years at the NCAA level, he could turn into a very solid NHL defensive prospect.” - Brock Otten

Jack Harvey - Wing/Center - Chicago (USHL)

Last year, Harvey was consistently listed as everyone’s favourite diamond in the rough from the USHL. He found ways to standout despite receiving limited ice time on a stacked Chicago team. But given his lack of size/strength, limited production did not do him any favors at the draft. Now an integral part of Chicago’s offense, the Boston University commit has emerged as a serious draft candidate again thanks to a strong offensive season. This is especially true of his late season play, as Harvey finished the year on a high note as one of the hottest players in the USHL. Although Chicago disappointed in the playoffs, Harvey had a solid year.

“I believe Harvey’s best asset is his brain. He is a highly intelligent player. It is why he is such a versatile player too. Not the biggest or most physical, but Harvey is a strong penalty killer and defensive presence because of his awareness in all three zones. Harvey also has great vision and is a quick thinker/problem solver with the puck on his stick. With strong straight-line speed, he can push pace and lead the attack, but he rarely misses the mark on a pass in transition. The key for Harvey at Boston University will be continued growth physically. I’m not sure there’s a true projection as a scoring line player at the next level, so Harvey will need to continue to get stronger, quicker, and more tenacious to play through the middle six at the NHL level. I think he’s done enough to be drafted this year though.” - Brock Otten

Garrett Schifsky - Center - Waterloo (USHL)

Waterloo was not terrific this year, but one standout was this USHL rookie (essentially since he only played eight games last year), who led the team in scoring and in goal scoring by a significant amount. The undersized forward (5’9) is a commit to the University of Michigan and his breakout season as an offensive leader is likely to have drawn some attention.

“This young man can absolutely wire the puck. His shot is a major asset for Waterloo on the powerplay. I also love how fearless he is. He plays through contact well and consistently finds his way to the net despite being a smaller player. This competitiveness serves him well as a penalty killer too. The only thing you’d love to see is for Schifsky to improve his quickness. For a smaller player, he’s not the world’s most dynamic skater. There is room for him to improve his stride length as his use of shorter, choppy strides prevents him from being a truly dangerous transitional attacker. Yet, because of his strong puck control, use of linear crossovers, and vision, he does manage to find a way to be the lead in counter attacks. I wonder if someone throws a late round pick at him this year in hopes that his physical tools continue to improve to better support his skill and finishing ability.” - Brock Otten

Carter Schade - Defense - Lincoln (USHL)

One of the most competitive physical defenders in the USHL, Schade, a Penn State commit, also happens to be one of the most improved players this season too. Playing a ton for Lincoln and in all situations, Schade has also doubled his offensive production. The stocky defender (at 5’11, 200lbs) is going to be a terrific NCAA defender and should be the radar of NHL scouts this year.

“I absolutely love how Schade plays. I don’t necessarily believe the offensive upside is significant, although he is a strong skater. However, he absolutely suffocates in the defensive end. He makes up for his lack of reach by consistently keeping tight gaps and he makes opposing forwards earn every inch of ice against him. A feared hitter, you could make a great highlight package of his open ice hits this season. Players with Schade’s profile typically get drafted. He is only one year out of being passed over at the draft and he has made positive strides in nearly every area. Sure you’d love him to be bigger, but you can’t overlook the positive impact he has at the defensive end.” - Brock Otten

Tyler Haskins - Center - Madison (USHL)

Speaking of improved players in their second year of eligibility, insert Madison center Tyler Haskins. The former Chicago Mission standout used a move from Sioux Falls to Madison to take that next step as a USHL player this season. A University of Michigan commit, Haskins is that rangy, playmaking pivot that all NHL scouts are drawn to.

“Haskins is a player who is at his best near the goal line. He is tough to handle behind the net as he works the cycle and spins off checks and has the vision to find open teammates in the slot as he draws extra attention. He also camps out near the net and shows strong finishing skills through traffic. There is some James Van Riemsdyk to his game, at least in terms of a stylistic comparison. Next steps would include further improvement to his explosiveness and more consistent physical intensity in all three zones. But there is some raw potential here for Haskins to develop into a quality middle six player at the next level. If he does not get drafted, he could be the type of player who plays four years at Michigan and turns himself into a quality free agent signing by the time he graduates. The raw tools are impressive.” - Brock Otten

Jacob Guevin - Defense - Muskegon (USHL)

Our 220th ranked player for last year’s NHL Draft, Guevin has picked up right where he left off last year. Once again, he was one of the highest scoring defenders in the USHL. Will it be enough for the University of Nebraska-Omaha commit to get selected this year?

“I think you need to commend Guevin for coming back to the USHL this year and putting in the work to improve some of the areas that prevented him from being drafted last year. He has dialed up the physical intensity. He has improved his ability to defend in transition. He is taking the bull by the horns more offensively in transition, standing out at five on five and not just on the powerplay. His skating also looks more explosive. He is still not the biggest defender, and he will probably never be a defensive standout (there are still lapses of focus/attention). However, he has probably done enough to prove that he can be a competent play driver. His vision as an offensive player really stands out.” - Brock Otten

Cameron Whitehead - Goaltender - Lincoln (USHL)

A lot has been written about how weak this year’s goaltending crop is. Because of that, NHL scouts are going to really need to dig deep to find talent. Insert USHL rookie Cameron Whitehead. The former Ottawa area netminder has taken a long road to relevance, but he has the size and athleticism package that NHL scouts are looking for these days. He also has committed to Northeastern, a school which has developed netminders well in recent years (like another diamond in the rough out of Eastern Canada, Devon Levi).

“There are some real standout qualities here and raw athletic potential. Whitehead moves well laterally, and it allows him to track the play effectively. He looks poised and confident in the crease, challenging shooters and cutting down angles. With good size, he fights through traffic well and can be a real wall when he is dialed in. However, it is clear that he is still learning how to properly use his size in the crease. He has some scrambling tendencies that cause him to be out of position, as he drops down too early or over commits to play too far in one direction. Once a goaltending coach gets him to settle down and trust his size more, his consistency should improve. This is also true of his rebound control. Whitehead is very much a pure stopper right now who simply tries to get his body in front of pucks. He struggles to secure initial shots, especially when fighting through traffic. I love the fact that he has chosen Northeastern as a strong goaltending development program could really bring out the best in Whitehead’s raw athletic tools.” - Brock Otten

Brendan Fitzgerald - Defense - Cedar Rapids (USHL)

The youngest of the three Fitzgerald brothers, Brendan is just finishing his first season in the USHL with Cedar Rapids. The New Hampshire commit plays a similar game to Casey and Ryan, both of whom were drafted. The 5’11 defender also improved over the course of the USHL season, after playing prep in Massachusetts last season.

“As you might expect from a Fitzgerald, Brendan’s IQ/sense is his best asset. His positioning and awareness in the defensive end is an asset. He defends in transition well with quick feet, and he leads the rush efficiently with a solid top speed. Inside the offensive zone, he holds the line well with good lateral quickness and has become a real asset for Cedar Rapids on the powerplay as the season has gone on. Not a big defender, Fitzgerald tries to make up for that by being aggressive. He will step up early on attackers and plays assertively in the defensive end. This same aggressive mentality is applied in the offensive zone, where he will pinch to keep pucks in or even rotate deep, down low in the offensive zone to keep the cycle going. The next steps for Brendan would be learning to pick his spots better offensively, as he can get caught up ice. His puck skill would best be classified as average, so when pressured, turnovers can be an issue. Keeping things simple and moving the puck quickly are necessary for him. I think his pedigree and progression over the course of the year could be enough to get him drafted.” - Brock Otten

MADISON, WI - JANUARY 14: Michigan State defenseman David Gucciardi (7) during a college hockey match between the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the Michigan State University Spartans on January 14, 2022 at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI. (Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire)

NCAA

David Gucciardi - Defense - Michigan State (NCAA)

Gucciardi was a surprising no draft last year after a strong year in the USHL. However, after playing for four different USHL teams over two seasons, perhaps scouts had more questions about him than answers. Our 111th ranked prospect for the 2021 draft just finished his freshman year at Michigan State and he was one of the most impactful freshman defenders in the NCAA this year. He was one of Michigan State’s main powerplay quarterbacks and finished inside the top 20 of U20 defenseman scoring, while playing 17+ minutes a night on most occasions.

“The Michigan State program is not the powerhouse that it once was, but Gucciardi had a solid freshman year for them. He showed that he can use his plus mobility and big shot to quarterback the powerplay and he continued to be a factor physically in the defensive end. There are still some things to shore up in the defensive end, but I continue to like his potential as a two-way defender because of his combination of physicality, mobility, and offensive skill set. I thought he should have been drafted last year and should go this year.” - Brock Otten

Hunter Strand - Center - Notre Dame (NCAA)

A former member of the U.S. NTDP, Strand had a strong season in the USHL last year with Tri-City, but ultimately went undrafted. The late born 2002 and Alaska native was our 126th ranked prospect last year. Strand just finished up his freshman year at Notre Dame and was an impressive role player for the Fighting Irish.

“Strand is kind of a jack-of-all-trades kind of center. Sometimes that can be a bit of a kiss of death for prospects, but in Strand’s case, his versatility makes him valuable. You’d probably still like to see him become a more dynamic player moving East/West given his average size, but his straight-line speed looks improved, and he is still a skilled finisher in tight. Notre Dame has a pretty deep team, but Strand has already carved out a role and was impressive as a freshman in all three zones. On a team full of NHL draft picks, one has to think that Strand has a chance to be another in that group, in his final year of draft eligibility. Of course, there’s also a chance that teams take a wait and see approach with him too, to see if his offensive game can be taken to that next level as he matures further.” - Brock Otten

Ryan Kirwan - Wing - Penn State (NCAA)

A former highly touted prospect, Kirwan’s development stalled at the USHL level and it ultimately led to him going undrafted to this point. The big winger, however, silenced a lot of critics with his terrific freshman season for Penn State in 2022. The only undrafted player inside the top 20 of U20 scoring in the NCAA this past season, Kirwan was a fixture on the Penn State powerplay and finished the year as the team’s third leading scorer.

“Kirwan’s game is not perfect. You’d love to see him use his size a little more consistently away from the puck. He could also stand to improve the explosiveness of his first few strides. However, you can’t argue with the results he achieved in his first NCAA season. He drives the middle and plays with skill. Big wingers who can finish and make skilled plays through traffic do not grow on trees. I believe that there is a real chance that an NHL team looks at Kirwan as a draft selection this year. If he continues to blossom, he will be a highly coveted free agent given his pro frame and ability to work in the slot. So why not secure his rights now with a later pick?” - Brock Otten

Hunter McKown - Wing - Colorado College (NCAA)

A former role player with the U.S. NTDP, McKown’s first season with Colorado College last year was not great. However, he returned for his sophomore season and improved greatly for a Colorado College program that is trying to rebuild itself. Already a strong two-way forward, the added offensive element to his game this year, when combined with his size, could be attractive to NHL teams this year.

“McKown has emerged as Colorado College’s top scorer as a sophomore, adding an offensive element to a game that was strictly oriented around responsible defensive play up to this point. His offensive contributions in two years with the NTDP were limited to just 20 points in 82 games, with McKown serving as the lowest-scoring regular forward on his team in both years with the program. He’s flipped that script in 2021-22, largely relying on a much-improved shot for his new production. A sluggish release and ineffective shot limited McKown in the past, but his shot appears overhauled from his NTDP days: an increase in strength has produced significant power, while McKown’s much-quickened release has proved to be a problem for opposing goaltenders. McKown’s one-timer has made him a central figure on Colorado College’s powerplay, where a focus is working the puck through the slot and into McKown’s wheelhouse. Increased opportunity and confidence have also unveiled a nice set of offensive instincts, as McKown often places himself in the right spot at the right time to collect rebound and tap-ins. The expansion of McKown’s scoring game has elevated him from an almost strictly defensive forward to his team’s top offensive weapon and his expanded offensive skillset, in addition to his pre-existing defensive game, could finally catch the eye of an NHL team this time around.” - Sam Happi

Dominic James - Center/Wing - Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

It seems like every year a player comes out of nowhere to make the U.S.’ squad for the World Junior Championships. This year, that player was Dominic James. Even though the tournament was short lived, James had a very strong freshman year for a terrific Minnesota-Duluth team as their third line center. His competitive two-way game is likely to have caught a few eyes this season.

“Tough luck for James that the World Juniors got canceled because he seemed to be firmly in the lineup as a third liner in a shutdown role. He even scored in a pre-tournament game. But James was also impressive for a Minnesota-Duluth team that lost a tight game to Denver in the regional finals of the NCAA tournament (of which James had a strong game). He’s definitely not a high skill guy. His ceiling at the NHL level will be as a bottom six forward. However, he is a very impressive skater. When you combine his quickness with his tenaciousness and intelligent two-way game, you have someone built perfectly for a checking line role in today’s NHL. I have no doubt that James will be a draft pick somewhere this year.” - Brock Otten

Owen Gallatin - Defense - Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

Speaking of Minnesota-Duluth, another freshman who had a very strong year was undersized defender Owen Gallatin. Much like Michigan State’s David Gucciardi, Gallatin was among the NCAA’s highest scoring freshman defenders. As the season went on, the former U.S. NTDP defender’s ice time increased considerably and by year’s end, he was firmly in the Bulldog’s top four and leading the team’s top powerplay unit. He finished only two points behind highly regarded defensive prospect Wyatt Kaiser for the team lead in defensive scoring.

“It is easy to see why Gallatin has had instant success at the NCAA level for a strong program. He doesn’t back down from anyone despite being 5’8. There is a lot of a guy like Jared Spurgeon in him. He’s not a dynamic offensive defender in the sense that you will consistently see him leading the charge out of the defensive end with his feet. He is more likely to make a quick stretch pass. However, he is such an intelligent defender at both ends. He quarterbacks the powerplay because of how efficiently he moves the puck inside the zone and how he can break down coverage with his four-way mobility. He defends well because of excellent anticipation and stick placement, in addition to a tenacious attitude. An argument could be made that Gallatin was Minnesota-Duluth’s best defender this year, even ahead of Wyatt Kaiser. That’s impressive given that the Bulldogs were one of the top teams in the country, especially defensively.” - Brock Otten

Ty Mueller - Wing/Center - Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)

Even though he battled through some injuries, it was an impressive freshman season for Mueller, who played for Nebraska-Omaha as an 18/19 year old. Passed over last year after an abbreviated AJHL season, Mueller was one of the highest scoring U19 players in the NCAA this season. His 0.54 points per game was sixth in the country this year among U19 players, ahead of many NHL draft selections, and ahead of fellow ‘03 Jack Hughes (of Northeastern) who is considered a possible top 50 selection as a first time draft eligible (due to a later birthday).

“Mueller entered the AJHL season last year as a possible draft candidate after a terrific preseason and start, but the pandemic pauses just disrupted play too much. This year with UNO, I think we got a pretty good indication that if it were a normal year (a full AJHL season with a World Junior A Challenge), he likely would have been selected. Mueller’s production this year was no fluke. He is a tenacious, yet skilled player. He does most of his damage within that home plate area by outworking defenders, but he also has the speed to be an impactful player in transition. He needs to get stronger to be more consistent. He can be easily outmuscled at times, but the potential is great, and UNO is a great spot for him.” - Brock Otten

Bennett Zmolek - Defense - Minnesota State (NCAA)

Zmolek’s playing time this year was certainly up and down, but you can’t overlook the fact that he was a near regular rotation player (and consistent penalty killer) on one of the NCAA’s top teams this season. The 6’3, right shot defender combines strong four way mobility with excellent reach to be a potential shutdown defender at the NCAA level and beyond.

“Zmolek didn’t play the final couple of months (including during Minnesota State’s run in the NCAA tournament), but he made a big enough impact when he did play to warrant a look from an NHL team. 6’3, right shot defenders with sound defensive instincts and good mobility do not grow on trees. He is never going to be an impactful offensive defender. His skill set is limited in this regard. He is also more of a positional, stick on puck defender, rather than an intense physical defender. But with his quickness and reach, he closes quickly and defends pace well. The upside in the defensive end as he adds strength is significant. If an NHL team loves the program and Zmolek’s place within it (he will move up the depth chart next year with Minnesota State losing its captain and alternate captain on the backend, in addition to their only NHL drafted blueliner), he could be someone drafted late this year.” - Brock Otten

USHL: 2020-21 Playoff Preview – Expect Entertaining Hockey with Chicago a Clear Favourite

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:27:15 +0000

If there is an exception to the across-the-board negative impact of COVID-19 on the world of hockey, it may rest in the USHL. As north of the border, the three leagues of the CHL were in disarray – at best – the USHL, played a fairly “normal” year.

Sure, the league proceeded without the participation of the Madison Capitals (regional COVID restrictions) or the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders (a Derecho huffed and puffed and blew the arena down), but the rest of the league played (an approximately) 54 game schedule with rather few disruptions.

Not only that, but in terms of quality, the league was better than ever, as a number of players who had expected to suit up for Canadian teams – both CHL and Jr. A – were given an opportunity to play for various USHL teams as their regular leagues were delayed indefinitely, or outright cancelled. Those bonus players included some that were drafted already, including Cross Hanas, Bear Hughes, and Danil Gushchin*. Other drafted players came in from the Ivy League schools, who did not play a hockey schedule this year. In addition to the likes of Henry Thrun, Jack Malone, and Austin Wong coming to the USHL after some time in college, others like Sean Farrell and Alex Laferriere, who had intended to start collegiate life this year, were forced to stay back for one more year in the Midwest.

*Gushchin, who had played the previous two seasons with Muskegon, was expected to play in Ontario with Niagara for the 2020-21 season, but with the OHL in permanent statis, he was loaned back to the Lumberjacks, where he put up his best season yet.

And then there were the draft-eligible ringers who unexpectedly joined the league and played so well that they have legitimate first round consideration at the end of it. I am thinking, of course, of Cole Sillinger, who joined Sioux Falls, before it was known when, or if, the WHL would get going, and Ayrton Martino and Jack Bar, who had played in Ontario last year and had been planning on playing in the BCHL this year before Canadian restrictions pushed them to the USHL, with Omaha and Chicago, respectively.

Of course, there were many other unexpected players in the league this year, with those mentioned only scratching the surface of the most famous names.

So, before we preview the postseason, which begins this Friday (Apr. 30), let’s pour one out for the six teams that didn’t make, and give a word to the top 1-3 draft eligible players from those squads.

Team USA

One point behind Dubuque for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference – although far further back via points percentage (.510-.481), the USNTDP team that would have played in the USHL playoffs had they made it would have been the U17 team. The best of that group – Rutger McGroarty, Isaac Howard, Ryan Chesley, Lane Hutson, Charlie Stramel and others – are playing with the U18 team in Texas at the WU18 tournament. No draft eligibles but remember those names for next season.

Youngstown Phantoms

By points percentage, easily the weakest team in the league. The aforementioned Jack Malone, a Vancouver draft pick, was far and away the top performer on the team, which is to be expected from a player with a year at Cornell under his belt. Among first year draft eligibles, Japanese import Yusako Ando was the most notable, although his second year in the league was worse than his first. He can create for others, but he doesn’t skate well enough to make up for his slight 5-7” frame. The only other draft eligible who ever made a positive impression on me from this roster was blueliner Austen May. The Providence commit is on the small side, but he is really fleet of foot and shows decent attention to detail off the puck.

Des Moines Buccaneers

Despite the presence of three drafted players – Alex Laferriere (LA), Noah Ellis (Vgk), and Lucas Mercuri (Car), the Buccaneers struggled this year, particularly in terms of putting the puck in the net. The drafted guys were all solid, but too few of the rest of the roster could match their output. Perhaps things would have been different if Paul Davey hadn’t of left mid-season for a stint back home in Connecticut. Davey and Scout Truman were the two most notable first time draft eligible on the roster, but neither really put their stamp on the season. If there are to be any Buccaneers drafted this year, they will be among the redraft candidates. To that end, file away the names of Matt Choupani and Remington Koepple. Choupani is a forward who lacks much in the way of physical tools but can play the puck well. Koepple is a goalie who had decent numbers in his first year in the league, although he has only average size and athleticism and he chocked in the BioSteel game, hurting his standing for some.

Lincoln Stars

The Stars went heavy on the ringers partway through the season. Cross Hanas was already mentioned, but he was just one of four players brought in from the WHL Portland Winterhawks, joining Clay Hanas (no relation), Jack O’Brien, and James Stefan, as well as Charles-Alexis Legault from West Kelowna in the BCHL and Michael Mastrodomenico from AAA hockey in Quebec. Simply put, the shuffled team never gelled, and the newcomers couldn’t get into the swing of the USHL.

O’Brien was the biggest disappointment. There was some expectation that he could be a high round pick this year, but one goal and six assists in 23 games ended that sentiment. Blueliner Legault didn’t hurt his stock too much, as he still has great size and skates well and shoots from his right side. Stefan, son of former first overall pick Patrik Stefan, had enough moments to maybe convince some team to call his name in the late rounds. A kind word also to big bruising winger Gleb Veremeyev. Veremeyev isn’t an offensive threat, but one of the top PIM players in the league is a threat, nonetheless. The USHL is not a very physical league, and when a player has that size and plays with that snarl, he sometimes gets drafted, such as we saw with Nick Capone last year and Martin Pospisil in 2018.

Waterloo Black Hawks

Generally contenders, the Black Hawks find themselves out of the playoffs for the first time since 2014-15, and only the second time in 14 seasons for which there were playoffs. Fielding one of the smaller and least experienced lineups in the league, this just wasn’t their year. Their one drafted player, Toronto’s Wyatt Schingoethe, regressed heavily from his strong draft year. The team cycled through goalies, with three seeing significant minutes. Remember the name of Emmett Croteau, the best performing of their netminders, as he won’t be draft eligible until 2022.

Among players eligible this year, the most impressive were second time eligible defenseman Cooper Wylie, a USHL rookie, who can play the puck and skate well enough to make his ornery game effective, if not spectacular. He could be drafted. On the other hand, David Gucciardi, acquired in an early season trade from Youngstown, will be drafted. His game is raw, and his mistakes are often critical, but he has tools, and his instincts are good enough to think he can be a good one if he relies on his instincts all the time.

Sioux Falls Stampede

The Western Conference bottom feeders are a mystery. In the last USHL playoffs, the Stampede took home the title. In addition to their usual solid team, this year they brought in the highest profile ringer in Cole Sillinger, who didn’t disappoint, with a team leading 46 points despite only playing in 31 games. He is a sniper with an NHL style game who will be back in the WHL next year. The USHL rarely sees a player of his caliber, whether talking about skill or about reading the game, yet he couldn’t drag the Stampede upwards on his own. I would be surprised if he isn’t the first player from this year’s USH: crop to play in the NHL.

Defender Brent Johnson was one of the better draft eligible defenders in the league as well. A power play specialist with good wheels and an ornery side, his season ended right before the BioSteel All American Game due to a shoulder injury, but could hear his name called in the 50-80 range of the draft if his medicals hold up.

Although not as high profile, I also have time for second time eligible, defenseman Nate Schweitzer, who can do a lot well, but nothing spectacularly, and winger Mike Citara, who can skate and shoot. I don’t expect either to be drafted, but I wouldn’t be surprised if either was.

The Playoffs

The format this year is simple. The top four teams from each conference made it in. All series are best-of-threes. Top seed plays the fourth seed, and second seed plays the third seed. All games are hosted by the higher seed. One series per weekend until one team lifts the Clark Cup. Let’s go!

Western Conference

Jack Peart. Photo Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Tri-City Storm vs #4 Fargo Force

The Western Conference was incredibly tight at the top with the playoff picture not being settled until the final weekend of the regular season. The points percentage difference between Tri-City and Fargo (32 percentage points) was less than between Fargo and fifth place Des Moines (34 percentage points).

Fargo was the third best defensive team in the league, although Tri-City was the best at keeping the puck out of its net. Neither team is known for filling their opponents’ nets either, but both had generally done enough to walk away with points more often than not. In fact, they are quite evenly matched. The difference in these three games (outside of home ice advantage) is likely to rest in special teams. Fargo was mediocre on both the power play and the penalty kill, while the Storm were strong with the man advantage and almost impregnable on the penalty kill, leading the league with a breathtaking 88.3% kill rate. To Fargo’s credit, they have played far more of their season at 5-on-5 than Tri-City. And they will have to do that again this weekend to keep their season alive.

Beyond the expected close games, another reason to watch this series is the head-to-head matchup between two very interesting and talented draft eligibles. On Fargo, that would be Tristan Broz, a two-way center with a good motor and the vision to be a power play weapon. The Minnesota commit ran away with the scoring lead on his team. His numbers would be even more impressive if he had more talented teammates to play with. On Tri-City, the man of the hour is Matthew Knies. Knies started his season painfully slow, but ended it on fire, with 20 points in his final 11 games. Knies has heavier feet, but a very mature build and at his best, can take over the game. He will join Broz with the Golden Gophers next year.

Knies and Broz are not the only intriguing draft eligible players in this series. In fact, Fargo blueliner Jack Peart has a very good chance to be the highest drafted player in this series. The St. Cloud State commit split his season between Fargo and Grand Rapids High School (Mn). He is a good skater with a very strong first few steps, who plays with preternatural poise. He controls the puck like a much older player and plays a strong 200-foot game. Had Peart spent the entire season in Fargo, the final standings may have looked very different. For Fargo, also keep an eye on Aaron Huglen, a Buffalo draft pick who returned from over a full year on the sidelines after around a third of this season was done and has played a skilled game ever since.

On Tri-City, Knies is joined by a pair of intriguing draft eligible players in Hunter Strand and Carter Mazur, the latter of whom is a second time eligible player. Strand is a USNTDP alum, whose late birthday prevented him from being drafted last year. The Alaska native is a great skater and plays a patient game with the puck. Mazur has more of an East-West style game, helped along by plus edges. He can play the pest role as well and retains utility off the puck. Strand and Mazur both outscored Knies this year, but Knies already had a big reputation through his big pre-draft year and his run to end the year keeps him top of mind.

Prediction: Fargo in three. A mild upset to be sure. The return of Peart helps Fargo just as much as the loss of top blueliner Guillaume Richard hurts Tri-City. Richard is currently representing Team Canada at the WU18s in Texas. Neither team has stellar goaltending, but Fargo’s Brennan Boynton should be able to roughly match Tri-City’s Todd Scott.

#2 Omaha Lancers vs #3 Sioux City Musketeers

Both Omaha and Sioux City put up 63 points in 53 games, but their paths to getting there could scarcely have been more different. Consider that Omaha’s goal differential was a mediocre +13, while Sioux City outscored their opponents on aggregate by 35 goals, with the league’s best – by far – defense.

The two teams are both led by high end goaltending, each starting one of the three drafted netminders in the league. For Sioux City, that man is the Swiss Akira Schmid, a New Jersey prospect, while Montreal draftee Jakob Dobes, from Czechia, mans the pipes for Omaha. Dobes was a true workhorse for the Lancers, playing in 47 of the team’s 53 games, while Schmid played roughly two-third of the time for Sioux City, as his back up was more reliable.

Schmid will need to be at his best in this series, however, as Omaha has one of the biggest offensive weapons in the league at their disposal in Ayrton Martino. Martino joined the club shortly after the calendar flipped into 2021 and took the league by storm, with the fifth best points-per-game ratio in the USHL (1.47). A great skater with a fantastic shot, Martino did not let his slight frame prevent him from dominating, and his playmaking game is just as strong as his finishing ability. If Sioux City can shut Martino down, the Lancers don’t have too many other weapons at their disposal as their secondary scoring is largely in the hands of USHL veterans like Ryan Lautenbach, Nolan Renwick and Zach Dubinsky. The Omaha roster is one of the oldest in the league.

Sioux City, on the other hand, has a few more weapons at its disposal. Detroit draft pick Chase Bradley and New Jersey pick Ethan Edwards were both in the team’s top four in scoring, while Buffalo pick Matteo Costantini showed well after joining the league mid-season. Although the Musketeers don’t have a draft eligible player the likes of Martino, don’t sleep on defenseman Shai Buium. A USHL rookie out of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s program, he combines quick hands with smooth, if not quick, feet. He plays a strong two-way game and if he were a better skater (he isn’t bad, but he isn’t great), we would be hearing more people call for him as a first round type of talent. As is, he has enough raw skill to dream on a big, late-blooming future. I am also keeping an eye on redraft candidates defenseman Daniel Laatsch and center Justin Hryckowian. Laatsch is a USNTDP alum who has great size and some burgeoning skill, but is still raw, while Hryckowian has a fun skill game, but an injury-filled history and a sub-optimal build.

Prediction: Sioux City’s depth overcomes Martino’s solo skill in three games.

Western Conference Final Prediction: Sioux City over Fargo in three games. Sioux City is just too difficult to score against and has enough offensive weapons to get the job done.

Eastern Conference

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Chicago Steel vs #4 Dubuque Fighting Saints

By all accounts, this should be a washout. Chicago is, by great lengths, the top team in the USHL. They enter the postseason on an eight-game undefeated streak, and won 38 of 54 games this year, often by wide margins. Their goaltending has been shoddy at times, but far more often than not, they were able to outscore their troubles and their total of 265 goals scored was 24 more than the runners-up. Dubuque, on the other hand, won only 24 of 51 games, securing the final playoff spot in the east thanks to a win in their final game coupled with a loss from the U17 USNTDP squad.

If Dubuque is to have a hope in this series, look to their defensive players. Goalie Lukas Parik, a Los Angeles draft pick, struggled since joining the team, in late-January from the Czech second division, but shut out Green Bay in his final game, reminding us of what he is capable. On the blueline, fellow LA pick Braden Doyle teams up with Anaheim draft pick Henry Thrun to give the Fighting Saints a pair of weapons. Up front, Dubuque has a balanced attack, but the man to watch is Robert Cronin. While too old to be drafted this year Cronin is a late bloomer with speed and skill who will be a good follow next year once he joins the University of New Hampshire. The boy to watch, on the other hand, is Matthew Savoie. The 17-year-old is a 2022 draft eligible, who should have been playing in the WHL, but the uncertainty in that league led him to Dubuque, where he immediately played a central, and at time dominating, role. He’s going to be really fun to watch next year.

Looking at draft eligibles for this summer, keep your eyes on Connor Kurth and Andrei Buyalsky. Buylasky is actually the same age (born three days later) as Cronin, but as he is considered a foreign player (this is his first season in North America), the Kazakhstani forward is draft eligible while the American Cronin is not. Buyalsky is an impressive skater with impressive finishing ability. Kurth, on the other hand, has no particular big attributes to his game, but he finds a way to put up good numbers. He has a very stocky build but moves well enough regardless.

Moving on to Chicago, almost every skater on the roster is worthy of mention. Start with Montreal draft pick Sean Farrell, a USNTDP alum who would have been with Harvard this season had the Crimson actually played. Instead, he put up a breathtaking 101-point season for the Steel. His playmaking ability is simply unfair to most opponents on most nights. Then there is Matthew Coronato, a likely first round pick, who scored 48 goals in 51 games. Sure, it helps to have Farrell playing on your team, but the two actually rarely played together at even strength. Coronato is an offensive dynamo, who is content to cycle on his own for multiple full loops of the offensive end before he sees a seam to exploit.

Then there is Jack Bar, a late add to the roster from the BCHL. After a brief period acclimating to the league, he began to dominate. The defenseman likes to get deep into the offensive zone but is also a physical and committed defender. He has some first round upside. Of course, I also have to mention Mackie Samoskevich, who at one time was seen as a better draft prospect than Coronato. Samoskevich struggled somewhat after a midseason injury but is another gifted playmaker and a fantastic skater to boot.

I don’t want to get into the weeds too much, but I also expect Josh Doan (son of Shane), Ryan Ufko, and Jackson Blake to be drafted this summer, and Jack Harvey being drafted wouldn’t surprise me either. Anaheim draft pick Ian Moore has been impressive in his first season in the USHL, and 2023(!!) eligible forward Adam Fantilli is a burgeoning superstar. As good as everyone else already mentioned on this roster is, Fantilli’s upside is the highest. I am talking top three in the draft upside.

Prediction: Chicago in two, barring a complete breakdown in net. Chicago in three if the goalies stumble.

#2 Muskegon Lumberjacks vs #3 Green Bay Gamblers

A testament to how tight the West is, the Muskegon-Green Bay series is the second most lopsided duel after Chicago-Dubuque, with .040 percentage points separating the Lumberjacks and the Gamblers. Muskegon plays an up-tempo, high-event game with red lights going off at both ends. Green Bay is best when they keep goals to a minimum, and actually ended the season with the fewest goals allowed in the conference.

Green Bay’s chances are led by a pair of Boston Bruins’ draft picks in defender Mason Lohrei and center Jake Schmaltz. The latter is a two-way forward, who after three seasons in the USHL, has figured out how to be a factor offensively. He does a lot of little things well but lacks any dynamic elements. Lohrei was a surprise second rounder last season but has grown his game even more this year. He is big, skates very well, has a big point shot and plays a tough game at all ends. The Gamblers will go as far as he can take them. Vancouver draft pick Jackson Kunz and Vegas pick Jackson Hallum are also on the roster, and while both have shown the ability to provide secondary offense, neither can make things happen on their own. 2022 eligible Ryan Greene is an interesting player, but if there is a wild card in Green Bay, it is Camden Thiesing. The Tennessee native combines skill with grit, finishing third in the league in PIMs. He will work to make things happen on his own, and when he stays out of the penalty box, he is dangerous.

Led by San Jose draft pick Danil Gushchin, Muskegon is incredibly entertaining. Gushchin is a dynamo, who is not the most consistent player, but when he is involved and engaged, is one of the top handful of forwards in the league. He is joined by a deep roster of talented players, a few of whom should be drafted this summer, many of those in their second year of eligibility. The best of that secondary bunch is center Cameron Berg. Berg finished last year hot after a slow start and didn’t miss a beat coming into this year. He has a high-end wrist shot and knows how to create space for himself to rip one off. Winger Quinn Hutson is another second-year eligible forward who made waves this year. The type of player to get to the right spot at the right time, he knows how to finish what his linemates create. On the blueline, there are a trio to watch. The offensive blueline is Jacob Guevin, a power play specialist, whose production overshadows his average tools. Alex Gagne and Hank Kempf are bigger, more physical blueliners who make life difficult for attacking forwards. I could see all three drafted this summer.

Prediction: Muskegon in three games.

Eastern Conference Final prediction: Chicago in three games over Muskegon. This would be an immensely entertaining series.

Clark Cup Final Prediction: Chicago over Sioux City in three games. It’s really hard to bet against the Steel this year.