Daniil Gushchin – McKeen's Hockey

NHL PROSPECTS: Victor Nuño – Dynasty Stock Watch – Colorado Avalanche Edition

Victor Nuño — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:37:51 +0000

McKeen’s Hockey: Dynasty Stock Watch - Colorado Avalanche Edition

Team Outlook

The Colorado Avalanche remain firmly in their Stanley Cup contention window, driven by one of the league’s most dominant cores in Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. With improved goaltending and Gabriel Landeskog looking revitalized, they appear to be a force once again. Their top-end talent is elite, their systems maximize speed and transition play, and their depth has been strengthened by smart value acquisitions. However, with several key players on large contracts and limited cap flexibility, the Avalanche will increasingly rely on prospects and entry-level deals to fill meaningful roles around their stars.

For dynasty managers, this creates an interesting dynamic. Colorado does not need prospects to carry the roster, but they do need cost-controlled contributors who can either step into the lineup or serve as valuable trade assets. There will be opportunity in the bottom six and on the blue line, and there is always the chance for an internal breakout if a young player earns the coaching staff’s trust in this high-scoring environment. Identifying which prospects can realistically carve out a role, versus those who may be squeezed out by the team’s win-now mentality, is essential for long-term fantasy value.

Buy Candidates

Ilya Nabokov (G, 21)

Why Buy?
Goaltending depth has been a long-standing concern in Colorado, and Ilya Nabokov has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing young goalies in the system. He blends strong positioning with calm rebound control and an excellent compete level. His development in the KHL has been impressive, and he has already shown the ability to steal games when needed. With Alexandar Georgiev approaching free agency and no long-term starter locked in, the path is open for Nabokov to transition to the NHL within the next one to two seasons.

According to Hockey Prospecting, Nabokov carries a 79 percent NHLer probability, with comparables such as Carter Hart, Jake Oettinger, and Juuse Saros, which speaks to both his upside and his likelihood of sticking in the league. Goalies with legitimate starter potential on elite teams rarely come at a reasonable dynasty cost, yet Nabokov remains somewhat under the radar due to playing overseas. His long-term opportunity is tied to one of the best offensive and possession environments in the NHL, which could translate into strong win totals and solid ratios once he arrives.

Sean Behrens (D, 22)

Why Buy?
Behrens remains one of the most intelligent and well-rounded defense prospects in Colorado’s system. His skating, quick reads, and ability to move pucks efficiently under pressure make him a natural fit for the Avalanche’s transition-driven style. He missed the entire 2024–25 season due to injury, but in his return, he has produced six points in nineteen AHL games while steadily regaining his rhythm. Behrens may not bring the dynamic flair of a Cale Makar, but his timing, poise, and crisp exits allow him to drive play quietly and effectively. As he continues to re-establish himself, there is still meaningful upside, reflected in his 20% star probability on Hockey Prospecting.

For fantasy managers, the opportunity in Colorado is clear. Behind Makar and Toews, the Avalanche will need cost-controlled contributors to stabilize the blue line, especially as their cap commitments tighten. Behrens fits that mold perfectly: a reliable puck mover with strong vision who could earn second-unit power-play time and trusted even-strength minutes. Because he lost an entire development year, he may be undervalued in many dynasty formats. Buying early, before he secures a permanent NHL role, could pay off as soon as next season.

Maxmilian Curran (C/LW, 19)

Why Buy?
Curran is a long-term upside swing with real breakout potential. He blends size, skill, and goal scoring instincts in a way that is rare for a player his age. Curran protects the puck well, drives the interior with authority, and finishes from dangerous areas with natural touch. His offensive ceiling is one of the highest among Colorado’s forward prospects, and as his skating improves, he projects as a true power forward with credible top six upside. With a late birthdate, only a few weeks from eligibility for the 2025 class, he likely would have been more highly regarded had he been drafted a year later.

Curran produced over a point per game for Tri-City in the WHL last season and he is doing it again with Edmonton. His Fantasy Hockey Life skater card supports the eye test, showing excellent transition metrics, strong play driving, great loose puck recovery, and high puck battle win rates. Because he is still early in his development, some dynasty managers may overlook him or view him as a long-term project. That creates a window of opportunity. Colorado is patient with high ceiling wingers, and Curran has the foundation to generate a major value spike in the coming years. In deeper formats, he is exactly the type of prospect worth acquiring before broader interest rises.

Sell Candidates

Gavin Brindley (RW, 21)

Why Sell?

Brindley is an easy player to appreciate. His motor never stops, he brings speed and pressure on every shift, and his competitive edge makes him a coach’s favorite. His strong college résumé and versatility helped generate early breakout buzz, but from a long-term fantasy standpoint, his offensive ceiling appears limited. Brindley does not have the high-end finishing or elite playmaking that typically anchors a top six NHL role, and his size may restrict how much offense he can independently drive at the next level. Colorado’s depth on the wing, along with their preference for players with dynamic scoring skill in prime roles, increases the likelihood that he settles into more of an energy based, support oriented position.

His 20 NHL games this season have shown flashes, yet the profile still points toward a complementary piece rather than a future scoring driver. The NHL Rank King pNHLe projection pegs him around a 45-point pace, which aligns with a middle or bottom six outlook. If Brindley goes on a short heater or produces above his expected rates, that may be the ideal moment to sell, especially if another manager still sees him as a potential top six scorer. His name value and recent NHL exposure give you a window to capitalize before his long-term role becomes more firmly defined.

Mikhail Gulyayev (D, 20)

Why Sell?
Gulyayev is a smooth skating defenseman with strong puck skills and impressive transition ability. His upside remains appealing on paper, and his junior production hinted at the possibility of a dynamic modern blue liner. However, that projection has not carried over consistently against professional competition, and the offensive impact he once seemed capable of has yet to materialize.

Gulyayev increasingly looks like a player who will be more valuable to his NHL team than to fantasy managers. Across 176 KHL games, he has recorded only 31 points, a clear indication that he is not driving offense even at that level. While he may eventually provide reliable mobility and puck moving for Colorado, he is unlikely to produce the scoring numbers that translate to meaningful fantasy relevance. He should still contribute a decent number of blocks, shots, and hits, which has value in deeper formats, but if you can move him for a prospect with clearer scoring upside, it is probably worth doing so before his role becomes more defined and his fantasy ceiling becomes harder to sell.

Daniil Gushchin (RW, 23)

Why Sell?
Gushchin is a talented scorer with excellent hands, creativity, and finishing ability. He has produced at every developmental stop and brings the kind of offensive flair that immediately pops on video. However, consistency, size, and defensive reliability have kept him from securing a permanent NHL role. In a deep and competitive forward group like Colorado’s, players who do not provide value away from the puck often struggle to earn ice time. The Avalanche prioritize pace, structure, and two-way responsibility, and Gushchin does not consistently meet all of those expectations.

Even his projection models are cooling. His pNHLe in the NHL Rank King application now hovers around fifty, and even if he reaches that mark, it will not make him an especially appealing fantasy asset in most formats. After three strong AHL seasons in the San Jose system, Gushchin was traded to Colorado and continues to produce for the Eagles, but his NHL translation looks less likely now than ever. He has not shown the ability to drive play at the NHL level, and the Avalanche are not an organization that hands out offensive opportunities without trust in the details. If there is still any interest in him based on his AHL output or past highlight plays, this is probably the right time to move him. His perceived upside remains higher than his realistic path to lasting fantasy relevance.

Summary

Player	Role	Key Insight
Ilya Nabokov	Buy	Future starter potential on a contending team
Sean Behrens	Buy	Smart puck-mover with top-four and PP2 upside
Maximilian Curran	Buy	High-upside power winger with long-term breakout potential
Gavin Brindley	Sell	High motor, but limited offensive ceiling in a deep lineup
Mikhail Gulyayev	Sell	Better in real life defender with limited scoring upside
Daniil Gushchin	Sell	Great AHL scorer, but unlikely to translate to the NHL

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – COLORADO AVALANCHE – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #28

The McKeen's Scouting Team — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 15:59:53 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 28th (May 2025 - 31st)
GM: Chris MacFarland Hired: July 2022
COACH: Jared Bednar Hired: August 2016

Trading away your top prospect is rarely the path to rebuilding a strong pipeline, but that’s the gamble Colorado made by shipping out Calum Ritchie at the trade deadline in preparation of a 2025 Stanley Cup run.

That said, the Avalanche made some off-season moves, adding a pair of NHL-ready hopefuls in Gavin Brindley from Columbus and Daniil Gushchin from San Jose—players who offer promise but are far from blue-chip replacements.

The club’s 2025 draft didn’t do much to move the needle, either. With just three selections (in the third, fourth, and seventh rounds), Colorado failed to land any notable reinforcements to add to an already stagnant pool.

Further down the pipeline, the Avs may have unearthed a fifth-round gem in 2024 with Maxmilian Curran, who led the Tri-City Americans (WHL) with 74 points in 65 games and has emerged as a player to watch. Taylor Makar also joins the fold after signing his entry-level deal, fresh off helping UMass to its second Hockey East title in three years.

In the AHL, Ivan Ivan had a quietly strong campaign and sits on the cusp of contributing at the NHL level. Meanwhile, goaltending prospect Ilya Nabokov continues to produce quality results in the KHL, giving the Avs a flicker of hope between the pipes.

Despite these bright spots, the overall system lacks impactful talent. Most players project as depth contributors at best, and the team is now staring down a third straight year without a first-round pick in 2026.

With Mikko Rantanen no longer in the fold, Colorado’s window remains open, but their margin for error is thinner than ever. They’ve pushed their chips in, hoping their NHL core can carry the load for another run at the Cup. But if those plans falter, the decision to move on from Calum Ritchie could loom large in hindsight.

Colorado Avalanche Top-15 Prospects

1 - Mikhail Gulyayev

Mikhail Gulyayev’s offensive game continues to impress. Now in his third KHL season, he shows more poise and decision-making, using elite skating to drive offence with smooth edgework and effective transitions. His speed helps set up plays in the offensive zone, but his production has plateaued compared to last year. He moves the puck well but doesn’t create the same quality chances as he did in juniors. I’d like to see him attack the middle more with his passes and cuts rather than sticking to the perimeter. Defensively, he still struggles with strength and positioning, often chasing the play rather than shutting it down. Despite these challenges, his skating remains elite, with quick acceleration and agility. Gulyayev has NHL potential as a middle pairing defenceman and power play quarterback, but he must improve his defensive game and maximize his offensive talents to carve out a role on Colorado’s deep blue line.

2 - Gavin Brindley

Coming off a great D+1 in college where he became the Big Ten Player of the Year, Gavin had some issues adjusting to his first pro season. Since he lacks the big body, it was inevitable that he was going to have some issues adapting to playing professional hockey and the main problem was the physicality. Gavin clearly struggled establishing a presence in front of the net and with winning board battles. However, smaller players usually struggle in the beginning of their pro career and there’s no reason to panic in terms of Gavin’s play either. He’s still a swift skater with good technique in his edgework, works hard and displays good compete on a consistent basis and would show flashes of playmaking ability through his first pro stint. A future as a top six forward probably is not realistic as his scoring touch is not dynamic enough, but together with his hard work and being able to drive the net he should be able to become a future top nine winger for Colorado.

3 - Ilya Nabokov

Ilya Nabokov has proved that his rookie KHL season wasn’t a fluke, backing up his stellar season with another great one as one of the league’s top goalies. This past season he played a lot more aggressively and displayed his world-class athletic ability more frequently this season. His skating is second to none, he uses his compact stance and low center of gravity to explode from any position to fly around the crease. Additionally, his tracking has improved and continued to process play rapidly. However, this more aggressive, athletic, and flashy approach this season likely won’t work as well at the NHL level. He has shown that he can be much calmer in the net, focusing more precision rather than explosiveness. Being too wild can lead to inconsistency, and especially in the case of Nabokov, creates a lot of dangerous rebounds. Unlocking his calmer side could be the key to him becoming the next Dustin Wolf in a few years.

4 - Daniil Gushchin

Last season was another productive year in the books for Daniil Gushchin, though his assist production took a hit. He’s always been an all-around offensively gifted player, but his playmaking was too inconsistent this year. Hopefully this was just an off year as he has shown that he has the offensive instincts to create chances for his linemates. The guy can shoot too. Daniil is able to score in multiple different ways, beating goalies cleanly with his wrist shot and has a howitzer of a slapshot. The hands are amazing too, a dynamic puckhandler and is elusive when he’s getting past defenders. His off-puck game is concerning though as he can look disengaged defensively and disappear completely through games. The physical game is lacking as well and also has issues engaging in it too. These are the reasons why Daniil’s future in the NHL is dependent on his offensive talent alone and if he’s not playing in the top nine, he’s probably not playing at all in the top league.

5 - Sean Behrens

Sean Behrens suffered a torn ACL during practice which resulted in him missing the entire 2024-2025 season. Though before his injury, there’s a ton to like with this player. Responsible defensively and a great first-pass defenceman that scans his options quickly to be able to transition up the ice. Scoring 10 goals in three NCAA seasons is not really eye-popping, but he has the offensive awareness to jump up play and score from a cross-ice pass. His offensive talent shines more in the playmaking category, as he’s good at finding teammates backdoor thanks to his vision. Most of his points actually don't come from the offensive zone since he excels at turning the play around and creating odd-man rushes. Something that fits the Colorado system perfectly. The top four potential is still there but the lack of size is concerning and despite only a couple of professional games he looks to have issues with the physical aspect. Though it will be quite interesting how a healthy Sean Behrens will look and what kind of stamp he can make at pre-season camp.

6 - Francesco Dell’Elce

Dell’Elce was one of many puck-carrying defencemen taken on day two of the 2025 NHL Draft. Unlike many of those selected, Dell’Elce is 20 years old and played in the NCAA at UMass last season. The ultimate draw for a defenceman like Dell’Elce is both the skating prowess and stability in his performance last season. 31 other organizations would kill for a performance like Dell’Elce’s this past season at a great NCAA program like UMass, and the Avalanche are hoping that he will repeat with a similar performance. Though Dell’Elce is our sixth-ranked Avs prospect at only 20 years old, we could see his debut as early as two to three years from now.

7 - Max Curran

Injury issues shortened Curran’s draft year in 202023-24, and he was shut down for good right when he was heating up and beginning to play some inspired hockey, which might have caused some regional scouts to miss seeing him what he looked like when he was at his best. The Avalanche, who picked him 16first overall that year, surely aren’t complaining about that right now. After getting healthy again and returning to Tri-City the Czechia native promptly led his team in scoring. There’s a lot of utility to his game, as a player who can line up at center or on the wing, and as someone who can be effective on both sides of special teams. Take a look at the top teams in the NHL in any given season and almost all of them will have a guy or two who plays like Curran does and contributes in similar ways, so Colorado could have something on their hands here with this prospect.

8 - Nikita Prishchepov

Nikita Prishchepov was a little bit of a revelation for the Colorado Avalanche as he was drafted in the seventh-round 2024 and in the same year made his NHL debut. He didn’t get another call-up after his stint playing 10 games but this upcoming season there’s opportunity for Nikita to get a more permanent spot. Nikita is never going to shock you with offensive production, no matter which league he plays in. But what he brings is a great defensive game, uses timely stick checks to break play of the opposition and pressures well in his own end. While not the tallest at 6-foot-1, he’s very broad-shouldered coming in at 195 pounds and uses that size well. What may hold him back into becoming an NHL bottom six regular is his puck skill. With less time to make plays at the NHL level, it could cause him too many problems. Surely Nikita will be trying to get back to the NHL but since last season was his first season overall as a pro, it wouldn’t hurt him to spend another time with the Eagles

9 - Jake Fisher

Fisher showed steady progression in his first college season. His defensive game stands out, characterized by strong positioning, responsible play, and consistent support in puck and board battles. He effectively covers for his defencemen, demonstrating excellent defensive awareness and a reliable presence in his own zone. His ability to read plays contributes to cleaner breakouts for his team and transitioning to offence faster. Offensively, he positions himself in the slot, creating traffic and seeking rebound opportunities. However, his offensive impact remains limited, lacking dynamic play-driving abilities. Fisher's skating, agility, and puck skills are average, but his intelligence and understanding of the game are notable. He also has received power play time, maintaining movement and communication. With continued development in his puck handling and offensive engagement, Fisher projects as a reliable, defensively responsible forward at the pro level, with potential to contribute in a bottom six role and on special teams. We should see higher production and opportunity this upcoming season.

10 - Christian Humphreys

After Humphreys struggled to earn ice time with the University of Michigan to start last year, he left the program for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL and finished the 2025 season there. Things went quite well for Humphreys with the Rangers, so much so that he’s already announced that he’ll be returning to the OHL for the upcoming season. The average sized pivot’s strengths are his vision and IQ with the puck. He’s an excellent playmaker. Even if he’s not the strongest on the puck, he can create time and space for himself with his hands and he makes quick decisions with the puck. The key for Humphreys as he returns to the OHL will be finding that “B” game. Can his off puck play become more consistent? Can he develop into a solid two-way player? Additionally, he’ll need to continue to upgrade his quickness and explosiveness, especially at his size, to be a top nine NHL player.

11 - Zakhar Bardakov

Bardakov is coming off a productive KHL season, posting 35 points in 53 games thanks to his size, reach, and skill level. After spending four seasons in the KHL, he’ll try to make the jump to the NHL thanks to a one-year contract with Colorado. However, he’s publicly stated that he’s prepared to go back to Russia if things work out.

12 - Matt Stienburg

A checking center in the AHL, Stienburg saw a promotion to the big club last season. He won’t turn heads with his offence, but his energy style could help him stick this season.

13 - Trent Miner

Miner posted a strong season in the AHL with a .918 save percentage, after having spent the majority of the prior year in the ECHL, showing a nice steady progression to his game. It’s unlikely he cracks the NHL this season with the Avalanche’s goalie depth, but there could be a path here down the road.

14 - Linus Funck

A rangy right shot defenceman with some offensive flair, Funck’s skating should allow him to take another step forward in Swedish junior hockey this season. At his size and with his tools, there’s a chance for NHL duty down the road.

15 - Tory Pitner

A defensive defenceman, Pitner enters his sophomore season at Denver University, where he will continue to build on his current skill set, while also hopefully adding back some of the offence he flashed in the USHL.

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD (October 28th to November 3rd) – Jets’ Perfect Start, Sharks’ Slow Start

Ryan Dadoun — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 18:00:14 +0000

_{DENVER, CO - APRIL 17: Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) makes a pass during a Western Conference match-up in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 17, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO. (Photo by Russell Lansford/Icon Sportswire)}

Last week I noted the Avalanche and Predators’ 0-4-0 start and focused quite a bit on Colorado goaltender Alexandar Georgiev’s disastrous play, so it seems only fair to check back in with those teams, beginning with the Avs.

Colorado has done a full 180, winning its last four games to reach 4-4-0. As noted during the Avalanche section of that article, Colorado’s recent schedule has been favorable (the Avalanche have beaten Anaheim, San Jose, Seattle and Utah), which has doubtlessly aided in the turnaround, but credit still needs to go to Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. With the team’s depth gutted by injuries, those three have driven the offense. Makar leads the league -- not just defensemen -- with 15 points (three goals) through eight contests. MacKinnon and Rantanen aren’t far behind with 13 points each.

As for Georgiev, he hasn’t been in net since allowing three goals on just 19 shots against Anaheim in the Avalanche’s 4-3 overtime win Oct. 18. Justus Annunen has taken over the starting gig, saving a combined 75 of 79 shots (.949 save percentage) across the Avalanche’s past three victories. Georgiev is going to get other opportunities but given that the veteran netminder struggled last season as well as this one, it’s entirely plausible for Annunen to wrestle away the No. 1 job long-term, provided he remains solid.

Nashville hasn’t enjoyed the same turnaround, but the Predators finally earned their first victory Tuesday with a 4-0 showing against Boston. Steven Stamkos’ cold start has continued with a goal and no assists through six appearances, so we’ll have to see where that leads.

While the Predators’ slow start has been surprising, probably the biggest shock in the early going of the campaign is Minnesota’s 5-0-2 start. The Wild missed the playoffs last year with a 39-33-10 record, and it was expected that this would be another challenging campaign, in large part because they still have over $14 million of dead cap space due to the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts (though that crashes to just a combined $1,666,666 beyond this campaign).

Goaltending has been a big part of that turnaround. Filip Gustavsson disappointed last year with a 20-17-5 record, 3.06 GAA and .899 save percentage in 45 outings, but he’s rebounded in the early part of 2024-25, posting a 4-0-1 record, 1.40 GAA and .952 save percentage through five outings. It’s still early, but Gustavsson is still a relatively young goaltender at 26 and demonstrated in 2022-23 that he can be a high-end option, so it wouldn’t be completely out of nowhere if he goes on to have a great season.

Boston Bruins

One goaltender who isn’t having a great campaign thus far is Jeremy Swayman, who missed training camp but joined the Bruins after being presented with 66 million reasons for doing so. Perhaps because he didn’t get any preseason action, Swayman hasn’t been able to find a rhythm, posting a 2-3-1 record, 2.99 GAA and .904 save percentage through six appearances in 2024-25. Jonas Korpisalo hasn’t shown himself to be a good alternative, though, allowing nine goals on 60 shots (.850 save percentage) across two starts.

The good news is the Bruins don’t have the best of scoring teams on the docket for the upcoming week. Boston will host the Flyers on Tuesday before a two-game road trip that will see the Bruins play in Carolina on Thursday and Philadelphia on Saturday. They’ll return home to play the Kraken on Sunday. The Flyers rank 29th offensively with 2.29 goals per game while Carolina and Seattle are in the middle-of-the-pack in scoring.

Swayman isn’t the only Bruins player who has underperformed. While David Pastrnak is tied for the team lead offensively with six points (five goals), that’s less than you’d expect from him through eight appearances. Brad Marchand has fared worse though, providing no goals and four assists across eight outings.

Pastrnak should rebound, but is there reason to be more concerned about Marchand given that he’s 36 years old? It’s a little early to say, but there’s nothing that stands out to me as terribly wrong thus far. His skating hasn’t declined, and his shots/60 is largely unchanged from last year. His shots are perhaps less concentrated in front of the net compared to last year, but we’re also comparing a large sample size to a relatively small one. He merits monitoring, but not panic yet.

On the other end of the spectrum, Cole Koepke has impressed with three goals and six points through eight appearances. I recommend caution when evaluating him, though. Despite his strong start, he’s averaging just 11:04 of ice time, and that includes almost no work on the power play. He’s also been held off the scoresheet in Boston’s past two games, so the hot streak appears to be over. Don’t put high expectations on the 26-year-old.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets entered the campaign the low expectations of being projected as a team likely to be in the running for the first overall draft pick, but so far Columbus has held its own with a 3-3-0 record. We’ll see if the Blue Jackets will be able to keep that going amid a busy week that will involve a home stretch against Edmonton on Monday, the Islanders on Wednesday and Winnipeg on Friday and conclude with a road game in Washington on Saturday.

Columbus’ early success has been in no small part thanks to Kirill Marchenko and free agent signing Sean Monahan developing chemistry on the top line. Marchenko took a step forward as a sophomore in 2023-24 with 23 goals and 42 points across 78 appearances, and he seems to be destined for greater heights this season after starting with three goals and eight points through six outings. Monahan has collected three goals and seven points of his own with the duo showing up on the scoresheet together five times so far.

Yegor Chinakhov is giving the Blue Jackets some offensive depth from the second line. The 23-year-old has supplied three goals and seven points through six appearances after finishing 2023-24 with 29 points (13 goals) in 53 outings. The 22-year-old Kent Johnson also looked good early on with two goals and five points in four appearances, but unfortunately, he sustained an upper-body injury and is expected to be unavailable for a significant chunk of time.

He had been playing alongside Mikael Pyyhtia and Cole Sillinger, and due to Johnson’s absence, that line was broken up with Sillinger now joining Marchenko and Monahan, while Pyyhtia is with Chinakhov and Adam Fantilli, who has just two points (both goals) in six games this year but is averaging an encouragingly high 17:49 of ice time.

There’s a lot of potential with this Blue Jackets team, but young forwards tend to be streaky, so don’t be surprised if Columbus deals with a lot of inconsistency in 2024-25.

New York Islanders

As noted above, the Islanders will play Columbus on the road Wednesday. That’s part of the start of a three-game road trip for the Islanders that will also feature games in Buffalo on Friday and against the Rangers on Sunday. However, the Islanders will host Anaheim on Tuesday before that trip begins.

New York is off to a 2-2-2 start despite allowing just 2.50 goals per game. The offense just hasn’t been there, though. Noah Dobson leads the team with just four assists and no Islanders player has more than two goals.

Scoring was an issue for the Islanders last year too -- they ranked 22nd with 2.99 goals per game -- so this isn’t a completely shocking development. They did sign Anthony Duclair over the summer in the hopes of at least bolstering their secondary scoring, but after providing two goals and three points through five outings, Duclair suffered a leg injury, and the team announced Thursday that he’ll be out for the next 4-6 weeks.

Duclair was playing alongside Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal on the top line, and due to the injury, Simon Holmstrom is projected to take that first unit spot. However, Holmstrom had just 15 goals and 25 points in 75 regular-season games in 2023-24, so while playing on the top line should provide him with some additional opportunities, he’s probably not worth a pickup in most fantasy formats even with his new role.

The Islanders' other new forward is Maxim Tsyplakov, who is making the transition to the NHL after scoring 31 goals and 47 points across 65 regular-season appearances with the KHL’s Moscow Spartak in 2023-24. Tsyplakov has been okay, but not special so far, supplying a goal and three points through six outings. He has gotten looks on the top power-play unit, which is interesting, but for now, I’d recommend just keeping an eye on him rather than grabbing him if you’re in a standard fantasy league.

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are winless through eight games (0-6-2), but perhaps they’ll finally get a victory in the upcoming week. They’ll start on the road against Utah on Monday before heading home to host the Kings on Tuesday, the Blackhawks on Thursday and the Canucks on Saturday.

San Jose’s fairly is largely because it ranks dead last offensively with just 1.88 goals per game. Macklin Celebrini, who was taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, would have been a major help there, but after scoring a goal and an assist in his NHL debut, he sustained a lower-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup. It was announced Monday that he would miss at least two more weeks, so don’t expect him to make his return at any point during the four-game stretch mentioned above.

Things might be even grimmer for captain Logan Couture. There haven’t been any updates on the status of his groin injury since the start of the season, which leads me to believe he’s still a ways off from playing. If they were both healthy, Couture and Celebrini would probably comprise two-thirds of the first line. Instead, Mikael Granlund, Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund are the top unit.

You could do worse than that trio. Granlund has exceeded expectations with three goals and nine points through eight contests while Toffoli and Eklund have made their presence felt with seven and five points, respectively. However, while San Jose can still ice a viable first line without Couture and Celebrini, the Sharks can’t do much else. No other player on that team even has four points through eight games. Daniil Gushchin has gotten looks on the second line and with the man advantage despite the 22-year-old having no points and five shots through five appearances. Gushchin did record 20 goals and 54 points in 56 AHL outings in 2023-24, so I don’t want to pick on him, but he’s not currently a great option on the top six.

Meanwhile, Will Smith is experiencing some growing pains. He looked amazing with Boston College in 2023-24, supplying 25 goals and 71 points across 41 games as a freshman, but he has no points, a minus-4 rating and nine shots across six appearances with the Sharks this season. In the long run, he should be a big part of the Sharks’ core group, but for now, he’s another reason why San Jose’s offense is floundering.

Tampa Bay Lightning

One team that has had no problems scoring is Tampa Bay, and the Lightning will try to keep that going next week when they host Stamkos and the Predators on Monday. The Lightning will then go on the road to play in Colorado on Wednesday, Minnesota on Friday and Winnipeg on Sunday.

Letting Stamkos walk couldn’t have been an easy decision after everything he brought to the franchise, and while Stamkos hasn’t impressed early in his Predators tenure, it’s way too early to say if passing on him was the right decision. If nothing else, though, Jake Guentzel, who the Lightning could afford to sign with Stamkos gone, has meshed well on the top line with Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point.

Guentzel has two goals and seven points across seven games, though his early success has been overshadowed by Nikita Kucherov, who already has eight goals and 13 points across seven appearances this year. Kucherov has managed at least a point in every game thus far. In case you’re wondering, Martin St. Louis (2009-10), Stamkos (2017-18) and Kucherov (2017-18) are tied for Tampa Bay’s franchise record for the longest scoring streak to begin a campaign at 11 games, so while Kucherov isn’t close to that, he has the opportunity to reach and surpass it next week (Tampa Bay has one more clash this week, a home game Saturday versus Washington, so next Sunday’s game versus Winnipeg will be the squad’s 12th of the season).

That top line’s strong start is just part of the Lightning’s bigger offensive success -- they are tied for fifth with 4.00 goals per game -- but the squad has a middling 4-3-0 record despite that. Andrei Vasilevskiy has an amazing opening to 2024-25, but that’s been erased after he allowed 15 goals on 84 shots (.821 save percentage) across his past four appearances. He also left something to be desired last season with his 30-20-2 record, 2.90 GAA and .900 save percentage in 52 regular-season outings, but that was partially handwaved because he missed a significant chunk of the start of that campaign due to injury. However, if he’s truly no longer the elite goaltender he once was, then Tampa Bay is in trouble. Jonas Johansson isn’t a viable alternative for any significant length of time, and Vasilevskiy’s $9.5 million cap hit runs through 2027-28.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto is one of the teams that added to Tampa Bay’s recent woes with a 5-2 victory over the Lightning on Monday, but the Leafs have their own issues after suffering losses to Columbus and St. Louis, bringing Toronto’s record to 4-4-0. Toronto will try to right the ship next week, but it will have to do so while being primarily on the road. The Maple Leafs will play in Winnipeg on Monday, host the Kraken on Thursday and then conclude the week with home games against St. Louis on Saturday and Minnesota on Sunday.

Toronto’s issues mostly stem from inconsistency rather than any particular underperformance, though Auston Matthews’ three goals and five points through eight appearances are certainly less than we’d expect out of him. The team in general hasn’t been as good offensively as it has been in recent years and currently is in a three-way tie for 21st with 2.88 goals per game.

That’s been offset by Anthony Stolarz, who has a 3-2-0 record, 1.83 GAA and .938 save percentage across five appearances. Notably, he wasn’t in net for either of Toronto’s recent losses. Stolarz stopped 32 of 34 shots in that victory over Tampa Bay on Monday, so naturally, he rested Tuesday with Dennis Hildeby getting the nod. Hildeby fell short in a 6-2 loss to St. Louis, but he’s back in the minors anyway because Joseph Woll (lower body) was ready to return Thursday. Unfortunately, Woll was a mixed bag in his season debut, stopping 22 of 26 shots en route to a 5-1 loss to St. Louis.

Stolarz has earned the right to be in contention for the Leafs’ starting gig, and with the packed schedule, he should be in net for at least two of Toronto’s four games next week. I’m also interested to see what happens to Knies and Bobby McMann after Matthew Knies was taken off the first line in the third period of Thursday’s loss. It wouldn’t surprise me if Knies went right back to being the third forward on the Matthews-Mitch Marner unit, but there’s also a reasonable chance McMann gets a longer look in that spot.

Maybe Nicholas Robertson also gets another look on the left wing? Robertson hasn’t demanded preferential treatment after supplying just one point through eight outings, but Toronto’s left wing is still a work in progress, so the possibility of Robertson getting a chance to serve on the top six by shifting from the right to left remains.

Washington Capitals

Washington has jumped out to a 5-1-0 record this year and will look to keep that going with a homestand with the Capitals set to host the Rangers on Tuesday, the Canadiens on Thursday and the Blue Jackets on Saturday. The Capitals will wrap up the week with a visit to Carolina on Sunday.

After a disappointing showing with the Kings last year (16 goals and 40 points in 82 games), Pierre-Luc Dubois got off to a slow start with Washington, providing two assists through five appearances, but he had his first big night with the Capitals on Wednesday, contributing a goal and three points in a 6-3 victory over Philadelphia. So far Dubois has played almost exclusively on the second line with Tom Wilson and Connor McMichael while also seeing time on the top power-play unit. That’s not a bad gig for him and could facilitate a rebound to something resembling his 60-ish-point performances in 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Meanwhile, Aliaksei Protas is doing fine on the first line alongside Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome. Protas has a goal and four points across six appearances but be careful about overvaluing his top-line spot. While he does play with choice linemates when on the ice, he’s still logging a modest 13:40 per game and is rarely deployed on the power play, so while the 23-year-old might surpass his 2023-24 total of 29 points, this isn’t likely to be a breakout campaign for him.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets have gotten off to an incredible 7-0-0 start. They’ll try to stay strong with their upcoming action, which features a home game against Toronto on Monday, road tilts versus Detroit and Columbus on Wednesday and Friday, respectively, and a home game versus the Lightning.

Connor Hellebuyck has unsurprisingly been a part of the early success with a 6-0-0 record, 1.66 GAA and .940 save percentage, but he’s gotten some good offensive support too. Six players (Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers, Kyle Connor, Cole Perfetti, Neal Pionk and Josh Morrissey) have supplied at least seven points through seven games.

That’s on top of Nino Niederreiter and Mason Appleton, who each have supplied six points through seven outings while playing on the third unit. That’s some tremendous depth to have, but we’ll see how long this lasts. I’m particularly skeptical of Appleton. The 28-year-old has never come close to the 40-point mark in a single season, and his early numbers are skewed due to two multi-point performances -- he's also been held off the scoresheet four times. In the long run, his offensive pace is likely to decline substantially.

Cole Perfetti’s scoring pace will probably drop too, but not by nearly as much. Although he recorded 30 and 38 points in 2022-23 and 2023-24, respectively, the 22-year-old has plenty of upside, and he might be starting to reach his potential. Like Appleton, he’s been inconsistent this campaign with seven of his eight points coming from just two games, but Perfetti’s offensive talent makes me more optimistic about him for the rest of the season. If nothing else, Perfetti will be nice to have on your roster while he’s hot.

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – SAN JOSE SHARKS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #1

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Derek Neumeier — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:00:13 +0000

_{ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - APRIL 11: The Frozen Four semifinals between the Boston University Terriers and the Denver Pioneers at the Xcel Energy Center during NCAA Men’s Hockey on April 11, 2024 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/BU Athletics)}

Prospect System Ranking – 1st (Previous Rank - 9th)
GM: Mike Grier Hired: July 2022
COACH: Ryan Warsofsky Hired: June 2024

After five consecutive years of missing the playoffs, the San Jose Sharks' future is starting to look significantly brighter. Coming off a dismal 19-54-9 season, the Sharks secured the top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, selecting Macklin Celebrini, McKeen’s top-rated prospect. Celebrini, despite being just 17 years old (now 18), made a tremendous impact in his freshman year, winning the Hockey East scoring title, Rookie of the Year, and, most notably, the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s most outstanding player. He’s set to join the Sharks' roster immediately, giving fans their price of admission.

Joining Celebrini at the NHL level is fellow NCAA standout and second-ranked prospect Will Smith. Smith, who led the nation with 71 points in his freshman year, helped Boston College secure a Conference Championship and finished as a Hobey Baker finalist. Together, Celebrini and Smith form an electrifying duo that will play a pivotal role in completing this organization’s 180-degree shift.

GM Mike Grier settled his future in net with a blockbuster prospect trade with Nashville, landing the 10th ranked prospect and top-ranked goaltender on our list in Yaroslav Askarov. They also added minor league forward Nolan Burke and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. It cost them former first round pick David Edstrom, goaltending prospect Magnus Chrona and a protected first-round pick previously acquired from Vegas. Askarov is expected to join the NHL club after signing a two-year contract following the trade.

The Sharks' prospect system has hands all over our McKeen’s prospect rankings, boasting four players in the top 15, eight in the top 100 and an impressive 43 prospects ranked overall. Recent first-round pick Sam Dickson immediately slots in as the 13th-ranked prospect after helping the London Knights capture the OHL Championship.

Meanwhile, prospects developing with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda—Thomas Bordeleau (74th), Shakir Mukhamadullin (72nd), Filip Bystedt (90th), Daniil Gushchin (169th), and Tristen Robins (189th)—are progressing nicely, with some already having enjoyed their first taste of NHL action.

While the Sharks have been through a rough stretch, the tide is turning swiftly. To keep the team competitive and help guide their young stars, GM Mike Grier has added a few key veterans, including Tyler Toffoli, Alex Wennberg, and defenceman Jake Walman, to round out the 2024-25 roster. With an eight place jump, the Sharks take home our McKeen’s top-rated prospect system, as well as our largest spot-to-spot jump. Enjoy the future, folks.

San Jose Sharks Top-15 Prospects

1. Macklin Celebrini

Celebrini entered the 2023-24 scouting season as the hands-on favourite to be the first player picked for his draft class, and at no point in the months that followed did anyone else ever come close to dethroning him. The admiration for him is unanimous among scouts of all stripes, and there’s little doubt as to why. He eats, sleeps, and breathes hockey, and everything that he does when he’s out on the ice comes so naturally to him. He grew up in the world of professional sports through his dad’s work in the NBA, which has helped give him prodigious levels of maturity and understanding for how to train and think like an elite athlete. His game is exceptionally well-balanced, with extreme proficiency in almost every area and no weaknesses whatsoever. He and Connor Bedard could forge quite a rivalry between themselves as hockey’s next wave of generational superstars.

2. Will Smith

He's still just 19 years old, but it really seems like two things are going to be constants for Smith throughout the remainder of his career: scoring boatloads of points and winning big hockey games. His lethal offensive talents helped lead USA Hockey to back-to-back gold medals internationally, first at the 2023 IIHF U18s and then the 2024 World Juniors. He also came excruciatingly close to winning an NCAA title too, before ultimately getting denied when his Boston College team fell in the Frozen Four final to Denver, but he did end up leading the entire nation in scoring, which is an exceptional feat for a freshman to achieve. With elite hockey sense, puck skill, and playmaking ability he's a dazzling superstar in the making, and also worth mentioning, he should be able to further elevate the talented wingers in San Jose’s system that he will likely play with.

3. Yaroslav Askarov

For a bit there, it looked like the Yaroslav Askarov era in Nashville was about to begin. Juuse Saros was the subject of heavy trade rumours and the Predators were nearly playoff after thoughts. But a second half surge saved last season, and Saros signed a long-term extension. As a result, it was then Askarov who turned things upside down by asking for a trade, which brings us to his arrival in San Jose as their goaltender of the future. Askarov, one of the top young netminders outside of the NHL, continues to play well in the AHL and has even performed well in a few appearances with Nashville this year. He’s ready to take that next step, but will that be this season? Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek are under contract currently with San Jose look locked in as a platoon. But it would be a shock if he didn’t receive some time this year. The 6-foot-4 Russian netminder has it all; the athleticism, reaction time, technique, and play reading ability. He’s worked hard the last few years to quiet his approach in the crease and the results speak for themselves. Simply put, Askarov has the potential to be one of the premier netminders in the NHL.

4. Sam Dickinson

San Jose traded up from 14th overall to pick 11th overall in this past draft, and while that might not seem like a big jump, getting a player of Dickinson’s caliber outside of the first 10 picks is nothing short of a coup. He’s a large, athletic defenseman who skates like the wind and can transport the puck at full speed, which leads to some truly jaw-dropping scenes when he decides to stomp his foot on the gas. The way that he can both create space or take it away in an instant is remarkable, and it will also be highly valuable in the NHL with the importance of quick transitions. There are some issues right now with his awareness and decision-making, but he’s fortunate to be playing for the London Knights, who develop prospects better than any other junior program. If they can smooth out the wrinkles in his game, it could fully unleash his massive potential.

5. Quentin Musty

The Sudbury Wolves like to play loose, take chances, and push the attack without mercy, and that style certainly pairs well with Musty's mentality. His game is all about inflicting damage, which usually comes in the way of scoring chances, but can also come through his physical play as well. There is something impressively innate about how he sees the offensive zone and the way can manipulate the puck at his whim. It's like it just comes second nature to him somehow, or that his stick is an extension of his body. However, that is both a blessing and a curse. He's so used to things coming easily to him that certain habits are lacking, which causes glaring weaknesses in areas that he has neglected to work on, such as his skating and defensive play. Few other prospects out there are so boom or bust.

6. Shakir Mukhamadullin

Far more than just a fun name to say out loud, Mukhamadullin was the best defenseman for the Barricuda this season. He probably deserved more time with the Sharks based on merit, but the organization acted wisely and patiently, letting his development keep rolling in the AHL while keeping him mostly insulated from the chaos that besieged the parent club. His long reach and impressive mobility give him a huge range of influence every time he steps on the ice, and while he’s still prone to mistakes with his puck decisions and play tracking, he can recover and get back into position in the blink of an eye. And then there’s his shot, which is a bazooka from the blueline, and he’s not shy about flipping the safety off. One more year on the farm might be best for him, but after that it should be time to unleash him.

7. Thomas Bordeleau

Going from the prestigious USA Hockey National Team Development Program and then the explosive University of Michigan to the painstakingly rebuilding Sharks organization must have been a whiplash-like culture shock for Bordeleau. And yet, this dramatic shift at this particular time might end up being the best thing for his career long-term once it’s eventually looked back upon in hindsight, because there was a prior need in his game for more grit and a better understanding of how to be resilient through adversity. He’s always been both a wizard and a seer once the puck is on his stick in the offensive zone, but it’s not going to get there very often in the NHL unless you lean into doing the requisite dirty work. Luckily, Bordeleau is already making these necessary gains, and once the Sharks can eventually field a competitive young roster he’ll be better equipped to step up.

8. Filip Bystedt

Bystedt didn’t garner a lot of fanfare or media attention during his draft year, so a lot of Sharks fans were confused when the team seemingly went off the board and picked him in the 1st round in the 2022 draft. It always needs to be said, however, that development is a marathon and not a sprint, and the signs were there that the Swedish center was going to start picking up a lot of steam in short order. And now, after two prosperous seasons in the SHL and a terrific but short-lived first stint in North America, those carefully watered seeds are beginning to bear fruit. He is impossible to miss at times, with his forceful, elegant skating and ability to make high-end plays with the puck in motion. With his high-end traits and balanced supporting tools, it seems inevitable that he’ll become a valuable NHLer.

9. Kasper Halttunen

Halttunen crossed the pond for the first time this season, leaving his homeland of Finland for London in the OHL, and that decision is paying major dividends so far. He crossed the 30-goal mark during the regular season, and got to experience a playoff push on a great club while being surrounded by extremely talented teammates that he can learn from and grow alongside. The Knights are also already looking like they will be favourites to win the OHL next year, so that will be even more valuable experience that he will have access to. His best asset is undoubtedly his rocket of a one-timer, which he utilized to earn a tie for most powerplay goals in the league with 16. Look for him to be a leader for the Finns at next year's World Juniors as a returnee and top talent.

10. Daniil Gushchin

It's already well-known and well-documented how rough of a season the Sharks organization had from top to bottom, so give full marks to Gushchin for how great of a job he did blocking out the noise. He kept up a point-per-game scoring pace from bow to stern, and also potted a goal and an assist in the four games where he was called up to the big club. His energy level is matched by few others and he loves to keep his motor revved high, and most of his offensive production comes as a direct result of his hustle, but he's no slouch either when it comes to setting up his teammates or finishing plays himself. One man's crisis is another's opportunity, and Gushchin is using the situation in San Jose to force his way into an NHL roster spot.

11. Igor Chernyshov

Too good for Russia’s junior level but not quite good enough to play a lot of minutes in the KHL, Chernyshov made a smart decision to sign with Saginaw for 2024-25. He’s a burly winger who can be hard to slow down when he gets moving, and he also possesses some feathery mitts in one-on-one situations. How far up a lineup he’ll be able to play will depend on how much he can improve his pacing and energy levels.

12. Tristen Robins

You have to feel for Robins, because he grades highly with his hockey IQ, how hard he competes, and his puck manipulation, but he is inescapably limited in some ways because of his physical tools. He’s not very big or naturally fast, and with the reach and mobility of modern defensemen he’s always going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to time and space. Does he have an NHL future, or is he destined for the career of a journeyman?

13. Leo Sahlin Wallenius

Sahlin Wallenius has a very enviable box full of tools, but he can be a source of frustration because he often struggles to put everything together. He’s an effortless skater with a deep tank of gas, which allows him to keep a high pace while logging a lot of ice time, but he’s held back by a high frequency of mistakes made. If those mistakes can be coached out of him, he could go on to have a long and productive career.

14. Luca Cagnoni

Cagnoni is truly a player of extremes. His offensive vision and manipulation of the puck are both extremely good, as evidenced by his incredible 90 points last season, which led all WHL defensemen. At the same time, unfortunately, the way that he often gets manhandled physically is extremely concerning, especially since he doesn’t have elite feet. If he can’t significantly improve those physical tools, he won’t ever be able to let his skills and smarts fully flourish.

15. Jack Thompson

The pecking order in San Jose’s prospect pool is crowded, but if Thompson can keep progressing like he has since he was a teenager then he'll be just fine, as teams will always find ways to make room for a right-shooting blueliner with mobility, a heavy slapshot, and a willingness to defend hard. There's a comfortable NHL projection here because he’s so plug-and-play, along with a realistic chance that he could play as high up a second pairing.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #9 San Jose Sharks – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Derek Neumeier, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 18:00:52 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 28: San Jose Sharks draft choice William Smith is shown during the first round of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held on June 28, 2023, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire)

Mike Grier has been in the General Managers chair less than two years and has just begun to put his stamp on the team. The 2023 NHL Draft was his first calling the shots and he delivered some exciting prospects. They include our number one ranked affiliated prospect, Will Smith, who led the nation in scoring in the NCAA and is a dazzling offensive weapon. Also, in the first round he chose Quentin Musty, who personifies a boom or bust prospect, with offensive instincts, but also plays a physical game. If he can fix the problematic areas of his game, he could be a gem at 26th overall at the draft. It is this year where the excitement begins to build with the franchise picking first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, almost certain to be Macklin Celebrini from Boston College. Celebrini, Smith and graduated prospect William Eklund could be weaving magic as early as next season. Regardless they will give the Sharks fans something to be excited about for many years to come and base to build upon.

Grier has been active on the trade front, weaponizing cap space, and largely acquiring young players and prospects, along with picks. He has not been afraid of blockbusters with many moving parts, have moved both Tomas Hertl at the trade deadline this year, and Timo Meier last year. Those trades netted three of their top ten prospects in David Edstrom, plus a first-round pick for Hertl, and Shakir Mukhamadullin in a huge package for Meier with many parts, but also included a first-round pick that turned into Musty. He further weaponized his cap space in the Erik Karlsson trade to Pittsburgh to take on some troublesome contracts and was rewarded with Pittsburgh’s pick this year, which should net a quality prospect at 12th overall. Coach David Quinn was let go at the end of the season, and the search is on as of this writing.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	`23(4th)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Quentin Musty	LW	18	6-2/200	Sudbury (OHL)	`23(26th)	53	43	59	102	72
3	Shakir Mukhamadullin	D	22	6-3/180	San Jose (AHL)	T(NJ-2/23)	55	7	27	34	24
					San Jose (NHL)	T(NJ-2/23)	3	0	1	1	4
4	Thomas Bordeleau	C	22	5-9/180	San Jose (AHL)	`20(38th)	35	11	14	25	26
					San Jose (NHL)	`20(38th)	27	6	5	11	18
5	Filip Bystedt	C	20	6-4/205	Linkopings (SHL)	`22(27th)	47	8	9	17	2
					San Jose (AHL)	`22(27th)	8	4	3	7	8
6	David Edstrom	C	19	6-3/185	Frolunda (SHL)	T(VGK-3/24)	44	7	12	19	8
7	Kasper Halttunen	RW	18	6-3/205	London (OHL)	`23(36th)	57	32	29	61	61
8	Danil Gushchin	RW	22	5-8/165	San Jose (AHL)	`20(76th)	56	20	34	54	24
					San Jose (NHL)	`20(76th)	4	1	1	2	0
9	Tristen Robins	C	22	5-10/175	San Jose (AHL)	`20(56th)	42	7	11	18	12
10	Jack Thompson	D	22	6-0/180	Syr-SJ (AHL)	T(TB-3/24)	62	6	35	41	16
					TB-SJ (NHL)	T(TB-3/24)	3	0	0	0	0
11	Mattias Havelid	D	20	5-9/170	Linkopings (SHL)	`22(45th)	43	2	10	12	8
12	Cameron Lund	RW	19	6-2/190	Northeastern (HE)	`22(34th)	35	11	19	30	22
13	Ethan Cardwell	RW	21	5-11/195	San Jose (AHL)	`21(121st)	71	23	20	43	52
14	Brandon Coe	RW	22	6-4/190	San Jose (AHL)	`20(98th)	57	12	5	17	43
15	Ozzy Wiesblatt	RW	22	5-10/185	SJ-Mil (AHL)	`20(31st)	50	4	13	17	55

1. Will Smith, C, Boston College (NCAA)

He's still just 19 years old, but it really seems like two things are going to be constants for Smith throughout the remainder of his career: scoring boatloads of points and winning big hockey games. His lethal offensive talents helped lead USA Hockey to back-to-back gold medals internationally, first at the 2023 IIHF U18s and then the 2024 World Juniors. He also came excruciatingly close to winning an NCAA title too, before ultimately getting denied when his Boston College team fell in the Frozen Four final to Denver, but he did end up leading the entire nation in scoring, which is an exceptional feat for a freshman to achieve. With elite hockey sense, puck skill and playmaking ability he's a dazzling superstar in the making, and also worth mentioning, he should be able to further elevate the talented wingers in San Jose’s system that he will likely play with.

2. Quentin Musty, LW, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

3. Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

4. Thomas Bordeleau, C, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

Going from the prestigious USA Hockey National Team Development Program and then the explosive University of Michigan to the painstakingly rebuilding Sharks organization must have been a whiplash-like culture shock for Bordeleau. And yet, this dramatic shift at this particular time might end up being the best thing for his long-term career once it’s eventually looked back upon in hindsight, because there was a prior need in his game for more grit and a better understanding of how to be resilient through adversity. He’s always been both a wizard and a seer once the puck is on his stick in the offensive zone, but it’s not going to get there very often in the NHL unless you lean into doing the requisite dirty work. Luckily, Bordeleau is already making these necessary gains, and once the Sharks can eventually field a competitive young roster he’ll be better equipped to step up.

5. Filip Bystedt, C, Linkoping HC (SHL)

Bystedt didn’t garner a lot of fanfare or media attention during his draft year, so a lot of Sharks fans were confused when the team seemingly went off the board and picked him in the 1st round in the 2022 draft. It always needs to be said, however, that development is a marathon and not a sprint, and the signs were there that the Swedish center was going to start picking up a lot of steam in short order. And now, after two prosperous seasons in the SHL and a terrific but short-lived first stint in North America, those carefully watered seeds are beginning to bear fruit. He is impossible to miss at times, with his forceful, elegant skating and ability to make high-end plays with the puck in motion. With his high-end traits and balanced supporting tools it seems inevitable that he’ll become a valuable NHLer.

6. David Edstrom, C, Frolunda HC (SHL)

There probably isn't a hockey coach in the world who wouldn't fall in love with Edstrom almost immediately. He is about as consistent, versatile and low-maintenance as hockey players come, and there is a ton of plug-and-play value to him, especially as a center. He can play the game any way you like and fit anywhere in a team's lineup. He’s already so wise and mature as a hockey player, and as a teenager this season in the SHL he looked like someone who could have already been in the league for 10 years. He's reminiscent of another former Frolunda center in Lars Eller, in the sense that he'll likely never be a superstar, but it's easy to foresee him as someone who plays 1,000 games in the NHL and is always great to have on your roster come playoff time.

7. Kasper Halttunen, RW, London Knights (OHL)

Halttunen crossed the pond for the first time this season, leaving his homeland of Finland for London in the OHL, and that decision is paying major dividends so far. He crossed the 30-goal mark during the regular season and got to experience a playoff push on a great club while being surrounded by extremely talented teammates that he can learn from and grow alongside. The Knights are also already looking like they will be favourites to win the OHL next year, so that will be even more valuable experience that he will have access to. His best asset is undoubtedly his rocket of a one-timer, which he utilized to earn a tie for most powerplay goals in the league with 16. Look for him to be a leader for the Finns at next year's World Juniors as a returnee and top talent.

8. Daniil Gushchin, RW, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

9. Tristen Robins, C, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

Making a living as a professional hockey player is an incredibly demanding job, and being successful usually involves striking a balance between the skill elements and the athletic elements. Knowing that, you have to feel for Robins a little, because he grades super highly with how he thinks the game, how he carries himself, how hard he competes, and what he can do with the puck, but he is inescapably limited in some ways because of the physical tools he was born with. He’s just not very big or naturally fast, and with the reach and mobility of modern defensemen he’s always going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to creating enough time and space for himself to work with. All that being said, his character is just so high that it will take him a long way. Don’t count him out completely.

10. Jack Thompson, D, San Jose Barracuda (AHL)

The Lightning moved Thompson to the Sharks in the Anthony Duclair trade but it must have really stung them to do so, considering he was their best defense prospect and is already looking like a success story for their scouting and development system. The pecking order in San Jose is a whole lot more crowded compared to Tampa Bay's thin prospect pool, but if he keeps progressing like he has since he was a teenager then he'll be just fine, because teams will always find ways to make room for a right-shooting blueliner with workable mobility, a heavy slapshot, and a willingness to dig in and defend hard. There's a comfortable NHL projection with Thompson because he fits so well with so many different kinds of defense partners, and there’s still a realistic chance that he could play as high up a team’s lineup as the second defense pairing.

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 – SAN JOSE SHARKS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #12

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 18:09:08 +0000

Top 20 San Jose Shark Prospects

1. Shane Wright

To say that Wright had an eventful season would be an understatement. He went from the NHL to the AHL, then to the World Juniors, then back to the OHL, where he joined Windsor for the first time following the trading of his rights, and finally back to the AHL for Coachella Valley's playoff run. His results over that span were a very mixed bag. He didn't look NHL-ready in the fall but left a serious statement in his early AHL stint. He won a World Juniors gold as Canada's captain but didn't personally dominate during the tournament. He was great during the OHL regular season, but quiet as his team was swept in the opening round of the playoffs. Overall, it wasn't the performance that people expected out of a player who had been projected by many to go first overall in 2022, though you can't discount the possible impact of all the instability. Finding a steady environment for him next season will be paramount.

2. Eduard Sale

A slick trickster, Sale entered the last season looking like a possible top 10 pick in the 2023 draft, ultimately slipping to the Seattle Kraken at 20th overall. Coming off his first full season in the Czech Extraliga, where he led all rookies with 14 points and took home Rookie of the Year honors, Sale also made his presence known for his country at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, WJC, and U18 Worlds. In fact, it was at that last tournament, as an underager in 2022, where he really arrived on the scene as a top prospect, racking up 8 assists in 6 games while being the prime set-up master for top prospect Jiri Kulich. Sale’s movement stands out as a top trait, stemming from technically-sound skating mechanics. He’s able to accelerate quite quickly, reaching his top speed effortlessly while displaying strong edges that he utilizes to change direction on a dime. Deceptive with quick shoulder drops and head fakes, his puck-handling is another top-flight trait and is perhaps only topped by his instinctive passes. That he’s also strong in small-area battles will be a big plus, because he’s scheduled to join the OHL Barrie Colts for 2023-24, which should be a wonderful barometer for determining just how far he is in his development.

3. Ryker Evans

Seattle made a bold move when they selected Evans with the 35th overall pick in 2021, going way outside the consensus of publicly published draft lists to nab the overager. That decision is looking better and better as time passes. Coachella Valley was one of the best teams in the AHL in 2022-23, and despite being a rookie he was already one of their best players. He is a dynamic difference-maker from the back end, able to break pucks out of his own zone, move them safely up the ice, and contribute to getting them in the opposing net. He makes a big impact at both even strength and on the powerplay. He defends pretty well too, by focusing on his gaps and getting sticks on pucks precisely. Evans was a number one defenseman in his days with WHL Regina, and if he stays on his current trajectory, he should become top half of the lineup kind of player for the Kraken, too.

4. Jagger Firkus

There is a certain ’X factor‘ to Firkus that is difficult to describe, but anyone who has watched him a lot can attest to its presence. There are times where it looks like he just inherently knows that he's going to beat you offensively, and in those moments, there is absolutely nothing that you can do to stop him. If it weren't for some other WHLer named Connor Bedard, Fircus’ goal-scoring prowess would get a lot more attention. Not only can his shot find any bit of space that a goalie is careless enough to offer up, but his ability to sneak into dangerous ice in the offensive zone is almost supernatural. A scout's common sense might note that small, scrawny players with questionable skating ability don't usually pan out in the NHL. Then again, Firkus is anything but common.

5. Jani Nyman

There are still games where Nyman blends into the scenery a little too much, but when he's really on his game he is one of the best players on the ice, even against older competition. He's a hulking winger who can work a cycle, score from in tight or distance, find teammates with high-danger passes at the right times, and move up and down the ice with momentum. Even more exciting is his continued progress in all these different areas, and if that continues, the end result could see him become an exhausting nightmare to contain or defend against at the highest levels, very similar to someone like Alex Tuch in Buffalo. If Seattle is smart, they will patiently let Nyman lay as much groundwork as necessary and then take his time building upon it to ensure he eventually reaches his highest possible ceiling.

6. David Goyette

Goyette is one of the smoothest skaters that you'll ever see at the junior level. He's just so fast, agile, and nimble, which allows him to create separation in all directions. He's also an impressively clean puck handler in motion, so it won't come as a surprise then that he is a go-to player in transition or that he is at his most effective offensively off the rush. When he does get in tight, he can deke goalies into paralysis. His lack of strength is a weakness, and it looks unlikely that he will ever be able to bulk up much, but you can't hit what you can't catch, so he should be able to remain successful so long as he doesn't lose a step with his skating. Goyette is a true leader in Sudbury and was instrumental in pulling them out of the OHL's basement and back into the playoffs last season.

7. Ty Nelson

Heading into the 2022 NHL Draft weekend there was talk that Nelson could sneak into the first round, but he ultimately fell a lot further than that, all the way down to the third round. Seattle certainly isn't complaining now, because they selected a player who suddenly had a chip on his shoulder, determined to prove the doubter wrongs, which is exactly what happened. The first overall pick in the 2020 OHL draft cemented himself as one of the best defensemen in the league, logging a mountain of minutes and leading the blueline for a Battalion team that finished second during the regular season. For a small guy he has a big personality, an elite compete level, and a cannon of a shot. Nelson could become a special player if he can continue harnessing his energy into explosive play without being too reckless.

8. Lukas Dragicevic

When it comes to offensive defensemen, there simply aren't many others who are as dangerous as Dragicevic from the offensive blueline onward. He possesses elusive footwork and slick hands, which he can use in tandem to dance around and embarrass anyone who tries to recklessly pressure him. He has a bomb of a slapshot that he loves to uncork, but he also has a hard, accurate wrister that he can use to try to beat goalies clean or send in for a deflection. As good as he is on the attacking line, he's also not shy about getting closer to the net to generate offense. Unsurprisingly, he's a monster on the powerplay. Dragicevic is additionally a major factor at driving the play up the ice. However, as easily as he can pull you out of your seat when h has the puck, he can just as easily make you pull out your hair with his mistakes and inconsistency. His decision-making is downright baffling at times, with frequent unforced turnovers. He can get lost in his own end, and worse yet, will often completely shut off his effort. He will need the right shutdown-minded partner on his left side who can cover for his risk-taking.

9. Carson Rehkopf

Rehkopf’s strong athletic profile made him a very intriguing player for scouts this year, even with concerns over the variance in his engagement level. His skating explosiveness is a strength, and it makes him a great quick strike player who can consistently beat defenders to spots or pucks. Additionally, his shot was one of the heaviest in the 2023 draft class. When he’s on, Rehkopf is dialled in physically and flashes the tools to be a very good two-way player and potential shutdown type. When he’s off, he tends to disappear and makes little impact. Are the issues with consistency related to conditioning, mindset, confidence, or all three? We’ll find out the answer in the next few years, but for now, Seattle will need to be patient with Rehkopf as he figures out what kind of player he wants to be. With OHL Kitchener rebuilding this year, he’ll get all the ice time that he can handle, barring a trade to a more stacked club.

10. Oscar Fisker Molgaard

One has to wonder if there’s any such thing as a coincidence when a team hires one of the few former Danish NHLers (namely Frans Nielsen) and a few months later selects the only Danish player of note in the following draft. Regardless of any external motivations, Seattle has added a player to its suddenly burgeoning prospect bin who was one of this season’s biggest surprises in the Swedish SHL. Coming seemingly out of nowhere, Molgaard suited up for 41 SHL games, with his +6 for a struggling club being perhaps the most noticeable outcome of his play. A fleet-footed lightweight who has shown himself to be a playmaker at the junior level, he approaches the game with maturity and a strong understanding of play both with and without the puck. Tricky and creative with the puck, Molgaard is very adept at finding shooting lanes and displaying slick mitts around the goalmouth area. His forte in an offensive sense nonetheless remains the carrying and distribution of pucks. Translating those abilities to SHL play turned heads in the scouting community last season. With time on his side, he’s scheduled to continue his development with HV71 this season.

11. Caden Price

A recent draft pick of the Kraken, Price had a disappointing draft year on a poor Kelowna team. There’s a lot of hope that his play will pick up as the team around him improves. Decision making can be an issue, but Price has the potential to be an impact defender at both ends.

12. Tye Kartye

Talk about a great story. Kartye has gone from obscure OHL free agent signing to scoring big goals in the NHL playoffs for the Kraken within a single season. Kartye is so good away from the puck, a testament to the way he thinks the game. He could be a longtime fixture on Seattle’s third line.

13. Ryan Winterton

Winterton just needs to stay healthy. That’s it, that’s all. When he’s on the ice, like last season’s OHL playoffs, he’s an impact player. But the injuries remain a lingering issue, especially given the power forward style that he likes to play. He’ll turn pro this year and fingers crossed that he has put the injuries behind him.

14. Tucker Robertson

Robertson is such an easy player to cheer for given his tenacious style of play. His engine never stops. He was a pillar of strength for Peterborough in their OHL title run last year and it will be interesting to see how his offensive game translates to the pro level this year. The keys are continuing to improve his speed and quickness.

15. Jacob Melanson

The improvement over his QMJHL career was outstanding, with Melanson ending his time in the Q scoring 50 goals last season. Better yet, he brings value outside of scoring with his physicality. Another player to watch as he turns pro this year.

16 Niklas Kokko

A second-round selection in 2022, Kokko had a promising season, split between Liiga and the Finnish second tier. Signed by the Kraken, where Kokko plays this year remains a bit of a mystery, but at this point he appears to be the top goaltending prospect in the system.

17. Semyon Vyazovoi

Evaluating Russian goaltenders pre-KHL can be difficult. But Vyazovoi has been lights out in the MHL and was even impressive in the Russian second league (VHL) last year. Seattle is hoping that he can get some time in the KHL as a 20-year-old this season.

18. Ville Ottavainen

Offense will never be a big part of Ottavainen’s game, but he shows a lot of promise in the defensive end with his combination of length, mobility, and physicality. After two good seasons in Finland, he’ll be playing in Coachella Valley this year.

19. Tyson Jugnauth

Not a lot of players had good years on Wisconsin last year, but Jugnauth was one of the few. His freshman season showed a ton of promise, especially in the offensive end. He’s likely to be a three- or four-year college project, but the upside is big.

20. Logan Morrison

When Morrison finally signed an NHL deal towards the end of the OHL season, those who follow the OHL closely rejoiced. No one deserved it more. Yes, there are concerns over his skating and projection, but the IQ and playmaking ability are high end.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: SAN JOSE SHARKS – RANK: #16 – TIER III

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 11:42:58 +0000

San Jose Sharks

#16 San Jose - The Sharks have been prevented from undergoing a full rebuild due to multiple bad contracts at the NHL level, but they have drafted heavily for upside lately, especially at forward, and now a path back to NHL relevence is in sight.

Sweden's William Eklund during the ice hockey match in the training match between Sweden and Denmark on April 28, 2021 in Malmö.
Photo: Mathilda Ahlberg / BILDBYRÅN

William Eklund

While it was a very successful draft season for the 5’10 forward out of the storied Djurgårdens program, it was far from an easy one. Yes, he led the SHL in U20 scoring by a forward (ahead of the likes of Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz) and was the league’s rookie of the year. However, bad luck seemed to follow him like a cloud hanging over him. First, he contracted Covid in December, eliminating him from contention for the Swedish World Junior team. Then he had to have his appendix removed in January after falling ill. Finally, he got injured at the Swedish training camp for the World Championships in May and was not able to participate at that event either.

Eklund’s skating might just be his strongest asset. His mother was a figure skater, and it shows in Eklund’s skating that he has taken advantage of that growing up. His edges are exceptional, and it gives him the opportunity to turn fast (faster than his opponent) and those turns give him the little extra space that he needs to create chances for himself or his teammates. William Eklund is also elusive because of how quick his hands are. As a slightly smaller forward, the Sharks may need to be patient with him as he spends a year or two more in Sweden to further gain strength. Even as one of the older players in the draft, he is still somewhat physically immature. He can get pushed off the puck a little too easily and he needs to become stronger to really make an impact in the NHL. As he gets stronger and builds confidence in his physical abilities, Eklund does have the chance to be a physically intense competitor who is difficult to separate from the puck. He may be the highest future point producer of anyone that was available in 2021. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Thomas Bordeleau

Even surrounded by talents like 2021 top five picks Owen Power, Matthew Beniers, and Kent Johnson, as well as 2020 first rounder Brendan Brisson, Bordeleau stood out as an offensive producer without parallel. His 22 assists were seventh in all of the NCAA ranks, and he wasn’t just teeing them up for a solitary big shot sniper either, as no one among his teammates scored more than 10 times.

A smaller forward, Bordeleau plays a gutsy game, working to get into the hard areas of the ice to create a play, and succeeded more than most. Although he lacks elite speed, he has quick feet, and even quicker hands. He reads opponents very well, and rapidly picks up on their errors, forcing turnovers. His quick hands also work to make him an asset on the faceoff dot. The next step in his progression is to reintroduce his wicked wrist shot as a primary weapon again, as that was his primary selling feature during his time with the USNTDP. Considering how well he managed to perform without the sniper’s approach, the frequency of his setups for linemates, and even his proving that he didn’t need to be protected and could even be a regular penalty killer, the avenues to Bordeleau’s success at the NHL level are multiple. He could turn pro after this coming season, and possibly reach the NHL by 2023-24, with a likely top six outcome. - RW

Ozzy Wiesblatt

After being drafted with the final first-round pick in 2020 by the Sharks, Wiesblatt got a chance to play six AHL games with the Barracuda with the pandemic curtailing major junior hockey in Canada. After the new year, he was returned to the WHL’s Raiders, where he posted 28 points in 21 games to cap a successful campaign.

A feisty, aggressive skater with an explosive first step, Wiesblatt fights through traffic and keeps his feet moving at a frenetic pace, utilizing his low center of gravity. He excels in tight spaces and is a tenacious forechecker without the puck, creating turnovers and opportunities on the penalty kill. He possesses quick hands but perhaps lacks the offensive upside that top-line players usually have. Although he’s a fairly disciplined player, Wiesblatt may need to play more of an agitator role in order to have success at the NHL level. His release is good but lacks velocity, and he will need to continue to add strength to compensate for his lack of size. With another two seasons of junior eligibility remaining, Wiesblatt will almost certainly return to the WHL for 2021-22, where he will likely be one of the top players in the league, and perhaps an invite to the World Junior Championships in December is in the cards as well. - AS

Ryan Merkley

A dynamic offensive defenseman, Merkley started his pro journey last season after four years in the Ontario Hockey League. Given his high-risk style of play, the San Jose Sharks will have to be patient with Merkley as he learns to mitigate risk at the pro level, just as he had to do at the junior level. That was extremely evident with the Barracuda of the AHL in his rookie year. His skating ability and high skill level allows him to keep pace at the pro level...with ease. However, his decision making at both ends still leaves something to be desired.

An electric skater, especially due to his confidence on his edges and his ability to navigate traffic, Merkley can be a real asset in transition. Additionally, his ability to open up lanes on the powerplay with his footwork can give his offensive unit a major advantage. Over the course of his OHL career, his defensive commitment and ability improved, however, to be an NHL player, it will need to improve further. The offensive production this past year for the Barracuda may not be at the level some expected, but it is important to note that Merkley did not get first unit powerplay time, the situation where he would have likely been most effective. Look for him to improve his offensive numbers this year in the AHL with greater responsibility. He still projects as a potential offensively oriented top four defender and powerplay QB, however, he may yet be a few years away from making an impact. - BO

Jonathan Dahlen

Dahlén has absolutely ripped apart the HockeyAllsvenskan over the last two years; he scored an unbelievable total of 148 points in just 96 games. He led the league in points last year with a nine-point lead over the second most productive player (Jens Lööke), who, on the other hand, played seven more games. Dahlén had no reason to stay in the Swedish second tier league; he should be ready for an NHL challenge. Even though he helped his team to promote to the top Swedish league, he´ll fight for a regular spot in the National Hockey League with San Jose.

A Sharks prospect, who was drafted by the Senators in the second round in 2016, signed a one-way contract with the team. He is a dynamic, offensively skilled winger, who would be best in the top-six. The jump from the Swedish second tier to the best league in the world is not easy, but Dahlén´s ridiculous numbers have proven he is capable of playing in a much better league than he did in the last two years. He is speedy and agile and has all the offensive tools in his skillset – he´s a great puck handler, passer and shooter, but he rather relies on his playmaking skills. On the other hand, he lacks grit and there were some consistency issues during his previous North American seasons, but he should be more NHL ready this time. If everything goes right for Dahlén, he is able to be a 0.5 point per game player even next season. - MD

Ben Gaudreau

With a strong performance at the World Under 18 Hockey Championships in Texas, Gaudreau put himself in the conversation with the likes of Jesper Wallstedt and Sebastian Cossa as one of the top goaltenders available. The starter for the gold medal winning Canadians at the event, he was named the tournament’s top goaltender, an award won by the likes of Yaroslav Askarov, Ilya Samsonov, Juuse Saros, and John Gibson in the last decade. An incredibly meticulous and detailed oriented netminder, Gaudreau combines good size (6-2”) with an elite ability to process the action around him.

Ultimately, Gaudreau’s ability to read the play is a major strength. He just seems to be one step ahead of the play unfolding around him, allowing him to consistently be in the correct position. His play tracking ability is among the best of any goaltender to come through the OHL in recent years. Additionally, his movement is so refined. Rarely do you see him over-extend on his pushes, taking him out of the play or putting him out of position. Where Gaudreau sometimes gets himself in trouble is that holes can open up while moving and he can be susceptible to some “softer” goals to the five-hole area and close to the body as he pushes laterally. Like any young goaltender, he will also need to continue to improve his control of his lower body and pads, directing shots away from the slot with more consistency. All that said, Gaudreau definitely has the makeup, athleticism, and temperament to be a top flight NHL goaltender in time. He will return to the OHL this season with Sarnia and look to establish himself as one of the league’s best. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Danil Gushchin

The third member of the relatively new Russian pipeline of talent that flows through Muskegon, Gushchin followed previous transplants Andrei Svechnikov (Car) and Yegor Afanasyev (Nsh) to the shores of Lake Michigan and made it into a home. After three seasons with the Lumberjacks, he departs as the club’s all-time leader in points, and with an NHL contract in hand. Lacking the size of the aforementioned trail setters, Gushchin more than made up for it with superb energy, and continuously growing skill with the puck. Highlight reel plays were par for the course all year long, as he grew more and more confident with the puck, and more and more able to make defenders look silly.

His straight-ahead speed is solid, but he shines playing an East-West game, forcing opponents to move laterally, and creating holes in otherwise airtight defenses. He packs a very heavy shot into his small frame, and plays relatively fearless, even though his lack of size makes him an inviting target and he isn’t shy about putting himself in harm’s way. There is risk in a player like this, particularly in that he might flounder if put in a bottom six role, teamed up with linemates lacking in the ability to play with high-end skills. And while he was a dangerous penalty killer with Muskegon, that risk will remain until he proves otherwise. Thankfully, his abilities wouldn’t look out of place in a top six role in the NHL. Where he plays this season remains to be seen, as he could go to the OHL with Niagara, as previously planned, or play in the AHL as a 19-year-old. - RW

Tristen Robins

Tristen Robins has a motor that is working all the time. What makes him a promising hockey player is that his mind and body work at the same high speed. He is a 200-f00t player that makes quick decisive plays at both ends of the rink. He is capable of driving a line because of strong transition skills and passing ability. When in the offensive zone, he is comfortable with the puck on his stick and capable of picking corners with his shot or picking apart defenses with his passing. He plays the puck into space incredibly well and leads his guys into scoring opportunities. He makes quick passes and is always moving which makes him so difficult to defend. He is not scared of traffic and will carry the puck to the net, where his trigger reflexes enable him to push the puck wide to help break down the defensive zone coverage.

The biggest concern over his game is his size, but he is tenacious and hardworking so it shouldn’t be an issue like it is with other smaller players. Robins is a player that will need a season or two in the AHL where he can adjust to the pace and the size of the players. He will truly begin his pro journey this season with the Barracuda (after a two-game cup of coffee last year) and it will be interesting to see how he adapts. - VG

Joachim Blichfeld

Blichfeld split 2020-21 between the Sharks and the AHL’s Barracuda, dressing in five NHL games and scoring his first-ever goal against the Wild’s Kaapo Kahkonen. He also earned a two-game suspension for a hit on Nathan MacKinnon. In the minors, Blichfeld posted 12 goals and 25 points in 22 games. A seventh-round pick five years ago, Blichfeld has quietly raised his stock and is knocking at the door of full-time NHL duties.

He possesses good wheels but doesn’t always move his feet enough, something that can be fixed with pro seasoning. His bread and butter is as a volume shooter, utilizing his terrific release, but finding the space to do so at the pro level isn’t that easy. Blichfeld is only average with the puck and as a passer, which may destine him as a bottom-six role player in the NHL if he cracks full-time. He needs to add strength in order to withstand the physical rigours of the game, and up his motor to pursue the puck rather than wait in the weeds to unleash his shot. With the Sharks stagnating a bit, undergoing off-ice drama with Evander Kane, and possessing a thin prospect pool, there could be an opportunity to grab a roster spot this fall in camp for the Dane, who has beaten the odds thus far. - AS

Sasha Chmelevski

2020/21 has to be considered a breakout season for Chmelevski at the pro level. The former OHL star was among the leading scorers for the Barracuda, got his first NHL points (in five games), and even performed very well for the U.S. at the World Championships to close out the year. This has set him up nicely for the upcoming season, where he will compete for a full-time roster spot on the Sharks and could even be a front runner for a bottom six role.

Chemelski is a high energy player who can provide a lot of versatility because of his well-rounded skill set and tenacious work ethic. His skating has improved considerably since being drafted by the Sharks, as has his play away from the puck. A talented playmaker, he excels in transition when he is able to back down opposing defenses by driving the middle with speed. Ultimately, he projects as a middle six forward for San Jose who can play in any situation, although he may have to start on the lower lines and as a penalty killer before working his way up. - BO

Brandon Coe

With the OHL on hiatus, Coe played last season in the AHL with the Barracuda, filling a checking line role. The 6’4 winger skates exceptionally well for his size, but he still needs to gain confidence in his ability to carry the puck and be a go-to offensive player. That is why it appears that San Jose is sending him back to the OHL this year for his overage season.

Artemi Knyazev

After three solid seasons in the QMJHL with Chicoutimi, this mobile, two-way blueliner has emerged as a legitimate defensive prospect for the Sharks. He turns pro this season and will look to become an immediate impact player for the Barracuda.

Dillon Hamaliuk

A big power winger, Hamaliuk’s offensive development has not gone according to plan since being drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft. Even as an overager in the WHL this past season, he failed to crack the point per game mark. But the Sharks did sign him and must see him as a potential checking line player. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the AHL this year.

Yegor Spiridonov

A strong defensive center and penalty killer, the Sharks are still waiting for Spirodonov’s offensive game to take that next step forward. He will try to become a KHL regular this season with SKA St. Petersburg before possibly crossing the pond. The upside is not high, but Spiridonov could still become a valuable role player for San Jose in the future.

Liam Gilmartin

Gilmartin was a valuable role player for the U.S. U18 team this past year. He provides a lot of versatility to his coaches because of his all-around skill set and nonstop motor. Gilmartin will play for Dale Hunter and the London Knights this coming season, a coach notoriously good at developing players like Gilmartin.

2020 NHL DRAFT: Most Polarizing Prospect by Region

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 14:42:02 +0000

Every year at the NHL Draft, there are a few prospects who are captivating because opinions on them are so polarizing. Scout A may believe that said prospect’s upside is high enough to look past some of his shortcomings, while Scout B may believe that those shortcomings will prevent said prospect from being an NHL player. In this case, Scout A might have this prospect inside or close to their first round. On the other hand, Scout B would completely omit said prospect from their draft list.

This article intends to highlight a few of those players from regions across the globe. These are players that our scouts have had a difficult time ranking as the year has gone on.

Antonio Stranges of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

OHL - Antonio Stranges

Initially thought of as a first round selection at the start of the year, Stranges’ indifferent and inconsistent approach on the ice has pushed him down many draft boards and almost unanimously outside of the first round, despite his high talent level.

It all started this summer when Stranges was left off of the final roster for the U.S. at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, an important tournament for scouts to identify the top talents leading up to the draft season. The United States does not send their ‘A’ roster for this event. Instead of sending their NTDP squad, they put together a group not involved with the development program. On talent alone, Stranges should have been there, but his play and effort at camp was apparently inconsistent and not worthy of a roster spot according to the coaching staff.

In London, Stranges’ ice time and responsibility have fluctuated greatly. He has seen some time on the top six, but also played sparingly at times on the fourth line. Additionally, he rarely sees time on the powerplay (as the Knights roll out the top unit for the majority of the two minute span). London coach Dale Hunter has always been consistent with his approach to developing young players; an approach that demands consistent effort in all three zones and engagement level without the puck before greater ice time is given. With Stranges’ inconsistent play this year, he has not been able to break fully into Hunter’s good graces.

The 5-10” left winger had only 2 goals and 2 assists in his last 16 games, and only 5 goals total in his last 37 games. He finished the regular season 13th among first time draft eligible OHL players with 17 goals at even strength, and 18th among first time draft eligible players with 12 primary assists at even strength. That type of production usually sits in line with those slated for the middle rounds of the NHL Draft.

That said, at his best, Stranges is an absolutely dynamic offensive player. He uses an unconventional 10 to 2 skating stride, similar to the one that Maple Leafs prospect Jeremy Bracco employs. However, unlike most who skate this way, Stranges generates a fair amount of power and explosiveness in his edgework and is able to both protect the puck and get behind defenders simultaneously. His hands are elite and he is able to create time and space for himself cutting through the neutral zone or while operating the half wall in the offensive zone. Stranges is equally effective on his forehand and backhand, often opting to finish off plays on his backhand by elevating the puck quickly and generating great force with this approach. This is deceptive to goaltenders. Needless to say, Stranges is and can be an exciting player to watch.

On the other hand, his play away from the puck needs to greatly improve. Stranges needs to do a better job of attacking the middle of the ice and playing through traffic to generate scoring chances more consistently. His decision making with the puck, especially in the neutral zone, will also need to improve. Turnovers can be an issue as he fails to get pucks in deep. However, if there is one thing Dale Hunter has a track record of, it is getting players to buy into his approach and moulding them into complete players who are consistently engaged. Let’s not forget that players like Christian Dvorak, Alex Formenton, Liam Foudy, Chris Tierney and others had to work their way up the lineup in similar fashion and they have become NHL players or very strong NHL prospects.

Whether Antonio Stranges ends up going inside the top 50 at the draft, or slides much further than that remains to be seen. Regardless, his offensive upside remains among the highest of any player in the draft. The question is, can Hunter, the Knights’ coaching staff, or the development staff of his future NHL team unlock it?

Jérémie Poirier. Photo by Dan Culberson.

QMJHL - Jeremie Poirier

In today’s NHL, competent puck moving defenders are highly valuable. The best defense, in some cases, is the best offense. The team that is able to limit time spent in their own zone by having defenders who lead the breakout, is usually the team that is victorious. That is where Saint John Sea Dogs blueliner Jeremie Poirier comes into play.

Poirier has been a standout for Canada internationally, helping win silver at this summer’s Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and participating in the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge. At the U17’s, he led all defenders in scoring, averaging over a point per game. In the QMJHL this year, he finished second in defenseman scoring in the regular season and was first in goals with 20. The former 8th overall QMJHL selection has been an absolute stud from an offensive point of view.

When asked for comment, McKeens’ QMJHL analyst Mike Sanderson replied, “Poirier is a great passer. He hits players in stride on the breakout and reads the play well to know when to dish off and when to carry the puck. His passes hit tape from distance, and he is able to distribute well and evenly in a man-advantage situation. Because of this, Poirier is an effective powerplay quarterback. Additionally, he is solid in handling the puck and shows good hands at times, making and hitting the risky move to continue a play with the puck. He can determine the lane for shooting or passing and maximize his options. Poirier also has an already-strong sense of when to pinch and when to hold back at the blueline, often a tough thing to learn for a young offensive blueliner.”

However, his defensive game is what divides scouts. While Poirier has good size at 6-0” and nearly 200lbs, he is not consistently engaged in the defensive end and his riverboat gambling tendencies can put his team at a serious disadvantage. Those who do not believe in Poirier as a first-round selection point to questionable decision making and understanding of how to play defensively as the reason.

“Poirier has good size but does not go out of his way to use it. He is more of a position-based defender than an intimidating one. He can maintain good gaps and is strong with the stick on the rush but is prone to lapses in judgement in the defensive zone, particularly in net-front coverage. He also has trouble judging and defending players with size. As he matures into his body and his smarts, Poirier shows a lot of promise as a two-way rearguard, but right now, the offensive game is clearly ahead,” noted Sanderson.

Additionally, Poirier can be difficult to assess because his game can suffer from ups and downs, giving the illusion of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. From period to period, his play can waver and a lot of that has to do with confidence. If Poirier makes a mistake with the puck, or in transition, his game can be thrown off.

“Confidence is the lifeblood of Poirier’s game,” stated Sanderson. “He loves to have the puck on his stick as the ice general. When he is on the ice, it’s not uncommon for Poirier to have the puck for three-quarters of possession outside of the offensive zone. When his confidence is high entering the offensive zone and his skills are on display, his high point totals have followed. Poirier can run an offense from the blueline-in and move the puck effectively from his point position. When his confidence is low, or when he is forcing the puck into space, he can turn into a riverboat gambler and cause turnovers. This aggressiveness can get the better of him and allow for chances the other way.”

The question is, do the positives outweigh the negatives here? Even if Poirier’s defensive game never truly develops, are you OK with a higher risk, higher reward type who can create scoring chances and push the needle, but who may concede chances the other way when things break down? Teams will have to decide whether they feel his commitment level in the defensive end and overall decision making can improve. The NHL team that does, likely pulls the trigger on Poirier as a first rounder because his offensive game is that dynamic from the back end.

Kaiden Guhle. Photo courtesy of the WHL

WHL - Kaiden Guhle

Your opinion of Guhle completely depends on your stance on his ceiling at the NHL level and whether you believe he possesses the offensive skill set to be a two-way difference maker. Those who rank him highly, as high as a lottery selection, believe that he can be a top pairing shutdown defender, who is also capable of contributing at the offensive end. Those who rank him more in the early second round range, believe that his skill set will allow him to become a solid defensive player in the NHL, but that his offensive game has limitations that will prevent him from playing up in the lineup.

There is certainly no arguing his pedigree. He is the former first overall section in the 2017 WHL Bantam draft. He has worn a letter twice for Canada at the International level; a ‘C’ at the U17’s, and an ‘A’ at the recent Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. He won a WHL Championship with the Prince Albert Raiders last season. He was one of the top performers at this year’s CHL Top Prospect’s Game. And his 40 points this year were tops among U18 defenders in the WHL, and second only behind Braden Schneider among first time draft eligible players.

“While Guhle may have less value from an offensive production perspective than a Cale Makar type player, he is exactly the type of defender teams covet to help balance out a future top four,” noted McKeens’ WHL analyst Vince Gibbons. “Kaiden Guhle is an intriguing defensive prospect in a draft that is thin on defenders.” Therein lies the issue. Do scouts overvalue Guhle because he appears to be a lock to be an NHL defender in a year where there are few guarantees from the position?

Defensively, Guhle is a rock and few would argue with that assertion. At 6-3”, 190lbs, he is already a physically dominant player. Noted Gibbons, “Guhle is one of the most physically engaging defenders in the WHL this year, not just of draft eligible players. He fiercely defends his own zone with his physical and aggressive play particularly along the wall. He is one of the few players that will make you pay a physical price every shift as you go against him.”

Additionally, he is mobile and intelligent as a defensive player. “In his own zone he does an excellent job of anticipating, and then engaging opponents along the wall. He has excellent body position and rarely gets caught out of place. He rotates well in his own zone and has an active long reach that he uses very well to protect cross ice passes. When he steps up he does it in a way that doesn’t put his team at a disadvantage. His gap control is excellent and he protects the center of the ice very well, even off the rush,” stated Gibbons.

However, as alluded to, there may be some limitations to what he is capable of offensively. “He is a good, not great passer and an average but not dangerous puck handler,” mentioned Gibbons. “Additionally, he does not have great agility and it can take him time to release the puck when shooting because of his big frame.” These limitations may prevent Guhle from being a powerplay quarterback and an all situations type of defender at the next level.

Gibbons did add that while there are some hindrances to him becoming a top two-way defender, he is a very intelligent player with the puck. “There are subtle plays he makes when physically engaged that set the table for Prince Albert’s effective transition offensive, bump passes, poke checks, kicking the puck free that enable his team to play an up-tempo style of attack without him being an offensively dynamic player. He plays within his skill set which makes him very effective at the point, moving pucks quickly and efficiently. His explosiveness enables him to close gaps quickly, and transition the puck out of his zone.”

In Guhle we have a player who checks a lot of boxes as an NHL defender. The size, mobility, physicality, and high IQ will allow him to at least anchor a penalty killing unit. Furthermore his leadership capabilities and strong team success are sure to convince scouts who are on the fence. The question is, will NHL teams opt for defenders with higher offensive upside, pushing Guhle down the pecking order?

Danil Gushchin. Photo by Hickling Images.

United States - Daniil Gushchin

Long considered one of the top 2002 born Russian players, Gushchin has been on the scouting map for several years now. Two years ago, he suited up for Russia at the U17’s as an underager, where he ended up leading his team in goal scoring. Then last year he played at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and the U18’s as an underager, performing extremely admirably, even finishing top 5 in scoring for Russia at the Hlinka/Gretzky. Additionally, he moved to North America last year to play in the USHL with Muskegon, where he was the highest scoring U17 player in the league.

This year? The results have been pretty good too. He has remained a strong performer in the USHL with Muskegon. His 1.12 points per game are the highest among first time draft eligible players (outside of the USNTDP) and he has greatly improved upon his production from the year prior. He is also wearing an “A” for Muskegon and has taken on a leadership role. Internationally, he had a poor showing at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup to start the year (his second time at the event), but Russia still took home the gold medal. Additionally, he played a large part and played well for Russia at the World Junior A Challenge, earning another gold medal.

So, what is the catch? McKeens’ USHL analyst Ryan Wagman wrote that Gushchin’s consistency and engagement level are issues. “The skill set is top material, but his inconsistent effort level from shift to shift and game to game may be infuriating and unacceptable to some teams. If he can reach that type of consistency, he will be a top six NHL winger. If he can’t, he will tease us from the AHL and before too long, the KHL.”

Gushchin is also undersized at 5-8”, 160lbs and does not possess game breaking speed according to Wagman. “Gushchin’s regular game play speed is more or less average, which can be disappointing in a player as small as he is. His skating could play up even more if he played with more regular urgency as he can get to a good top speed when he pushes. Further, he doesn’t always keep his feet moving in his own zone.”

As far as possessing a dynamic offensive skill set, Gushchin may just be one of the draft’s best play creators, and therein lies the issue. Insanely talented, if Gushchin can figure out how to be consistently engaged and motivated, the potential is sky high as his production the last few years would indicate.

“While Gushchin’s top speed is average, he does possess dazzling edgework and agility. His cuts are extremely sharp and they allow him to fit into the role of a team’s primary zone entry specialist,” noted Wagman. “His puck skills are at least as high as anyone’s in the USHL in the 2020 draft class. His hands are quick, soft, and coordinated. They work well together with his feet, as you can see with the way he cuts sharply before or immediately following a zone entry. His vision and ability to read the defense are both advanced for his age, and he often plays at the point, or on the half wall in the offensive end to take advantage of his ability to break open the D. Also to his credit, he doesn’t shy away from contact or tight spots, trusting in his agility to stay clear of too much danger.”

Without an NCAA commitment, it seems likely that Gushchin suits up in the CHL next year, following the NHL draft. He was drafted by Regina this past Import Draft, but elected to stay with Muskegon for his draft year. Rumors suggest that he was hoping to play in the OHL – following in the footsteps of former Muskegon Russian imports Andrei Svechnikov and Egor Afanasyev - and as such, he may hold out hope for that to happen this year with some applied pressure from an NHL organization.

Given his offensive talent level, production, and high ceiling as an NHL player, there is no doubt that Gushchin gets drafted this year. Where that occurs remains to be seen. It could be as high as the second round or it could be as low as the later rounds. How teams view his engagement level and commitment to improvement will decide his fate. With the right motivation, Gushchin could be one of the better offensive players to come out of this draft class.

Sweden's Emil Andrae during the U17 international ice hockey match between Sweden and Russia on February 7, 2019 in Tranås.
Photo: Jonas Ljungdahl / BILDBYRÅN /

Sweden - Emil Andrae

Scouting and assessing undersized defenders is among the most difficult things to do in the scouting world. Yes, the game has changed, and smaller players are finding success like never before. However, smaller defenders are still a major wild card because, regardless of how talented they are offensively, they still need to be able to hold their own in their own end. At 5-9”, Andrae is exactly this type of player.

Complicating the issue is that Andrae is not the most physically gifted skater. A player like Quinn Hughes has been so effective as an NHL rookie this year despite being undersized. A large portion of that success can be owed to his elite skating ability and propensity to create time and space for himself. When a smaller defender does not have that, it complicates things.

“Andrae is an average skater if we are talking purely about his north-south top speed. He often has a hard time to get down to the corners first to win puck battles. He compensates for his skating weaknesses with strong agility though. His east-to-west and backwards skating is technically above average. Skating is not a big issue for him at the junior level as he thinks the game fast but the lack of a strong top speed will limit his ability to travel with the puck at higher levels and will also make him extra vulnerable to positioning mistakes as he can’t cover up for them with quick skating,” wrote McKeens’ Swedish analyst Jimmy Hamrin.

The good news though, is that Andrae thinks the game as well as any defender in this draft class. “It is uncommon to see an offensive defenseman at this age that rarely makes the wrong decision such as Andrae,” noted Hamrin. “With the puck, he can control the pace and can stay calm under pressure. Without the puck, he is positionally sound and defends the blue line well with good gap control.”

Additionally, he possesses an elite skill level from the back end that makes him a top notch passer and powerplay quarterback. “Andrae is an elite passer. In the offensive zone he uses strong stick work and agility to move sideways and deliver cross-ice passes to create scoring chances. Andrae’s puck handling is excellent as well and really stands out. He can deke his way through any tight situation and rarely makes mistakes with the puck,” mentioned Hamrin.

His production this year certainly backs that up. He led the SuperElit (J20) league in defenseman scoring this year for HV71 and was the highest scoring defender at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in the summer, helping Sweden to a Bronze medal. No question, Andrae’s skill set as a puck mover and play creator is top notch.

Currently ranked anywhere from the mid first round to the mid second round, where Andrae goes will likely depend on whether an NHL team believes that they can improve Andrae’s physical skill set. Stride power and explosiveness can be improved, even if it is risky to select an undersized defender with this issue. What cannot be taught is his ability to process the game, something all NHL teams put high value on.

Finland - Roby Jarventie

If there is one thing that NHL scouts love, it is big wingers who can skate. That describes Roby Jarventie to a tee. The 6-2”, 185lbs forward from the Ilves program (although he suited up mostly for KOOVEE in Mestis this year on a loan), is blessed with power in his stride that allows him to be an effective North/South attacker. “Jarventie's skating is a great mix of agility and fluidity. His first few strides are quick and very powerful, allowing him to separate from defenders in the blink of an eye. He likes to use his speed to attack from the outside before cutting to the net,” wrote McKeens’ Finnish analyst Marco Bombino.

Jarventie also happens to be a skilled goal scorer who possesses multiple weapons to help him find the back of the net. In 36 Mestis games this year (the Finnish second league), Jarventie posted 23 goals. This was good for top five in league goal scoring, a league that saw only three other U18 players score a goal (with the other two only scoring one goal each). “His wrist shot is very quick and accurate and he can get it on net from a distance. He has a solid, hard one-timer as well. Possessing swift hands he is effective around the net and is quick to collect loose pucks. Jarventie has a goal-scorer's touch and he is quite a clinical finisher in prime scoring areas,” mentioned Bombino.

Unfortunately, Jarventie has disappointed on the international ice. Through the Hlinka/Gretzky and the Five Nations, he received extensive ice time and powerplay opportunities, yet his production was limited. These are prime scouting events used to compare Jarventie to his peers and underwhelming performances there can leave a sour taste in many mouths. Additionally, with the cancelation of the Under 18’s, he will not have another opportunity to show what he is capable of.

How can we explain this inconsistent play? “His physicality and especially his play without the puck still need work,” noted Bombino. “Jarventie could play more physically given his 6-2” frame. He is not the most intense player without the puck and relies more on using his stick to win puck battles and disrupt opponents, rather than playing the body. His defensive game is a work in progress. He will need to be more involved in the game away from the puck, particularly in his own end.”

While Jarventie is intriguing because of his size, mobility, and improving skill level, his lack of consistent effort away from the puck is a red flag. Currently ranked anywhere from the early second round to the mid rounds, his final destination at the draft is a major mystery. However, as mentioned, NHL scouts have a lot of time for players like Jarventie, who can make plays in transition and possess the size to be a difference maker near the crease. As such, he is the type of prospect who could be selected higher than most think, even with some warts.

Russias Shakir Mukhamadullin #13 lets a shot go during gold medal game action against Sweden at the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Fjallraven Center on April 28, 2019 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. (Photo by Steve Kingsman/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Russia - Shakir Mukhamadullin

Without question, Russian defender Shakir Mukhamadullin is one of the draft’s most divisive prospects, if not THE most divisive. Part of that has to do with the fact that Mukhamadullin has played a large chunk of the year in the KHL with limited ice time, making it difficult to evaluate him except for in major tournaments. At these major tournaments, Russia experienced great success, capturing gold at the Hlinka/Gretzky and at the World Junior A Challenge, where Mukhamadullin played a large part.

Currently, the draft rankings for Mukhamadullin are truly all over the place. Some see him as a potential first round candidate, where others have him ranked closer to the mid rounds. That is quite a large variance in opinion.

Those who like him, point to his high ceiling because of his size (6-3”, 180lbs), mobility, and the flashes that he shows as a strong two-way defender. McKeens’ Russian analyst Alessandro Seren Rosso is one of those who feels Mukhamadullin can be an NHL defender. “Mukhamadullin has good acceleration and can use his speed at his advantage at both ends of the ice. He has more than once shown on the international stage that he can shoot the puck with efficiency too. He likes to join the attack and help the forwards, from where he can showcase good offensive abilities, mostly in form of a good shot and decent puck control. When his game is on, he showcases strong two-way abilities, not only with his dangerous shots, but also closing passing lines, playing the body, and chasing forwards trying to disrupt their play with his stick.”

However, those who feel that he is overrated point to his issues with consistency, his passiveness on the ice, and that they do not believe his offensive skill set will translate to the next level. Admittedly, these are things that Seren Rosso sees. “He needs to figure out a way to show up and play his best game more often. In particular, he needs to be more consistent in his zone and find a way to be more consistent in his efforts for the full 60 minutes,” wrote Seren Rosso. “Sometimes he is too passive in his game and he tends to not show anything at either end of the ice.”

Which Mukhamadullin have NHL scouts seen this year? In the MHL, he has been a standout, with the highest ppg average among U18 defenders and he was a +13 in 13 games. However, in the KHL, he rarely saw enough ice time to make an impact. Internationally, team Russia has found significant success with him as a backbone of their defense, yet his individual performances at those tournaments were hit and miss. Mukhamadullin truly is a mystery heading into this year’s NHL draft.

Special thanks to Mike Sanderson, Ryan Wagman, Vince Gibbons, Jimmy Hamrin, Marco Bombino, and Alessandro Seren Rosso for their contributions to this article.

2019 WJAC: Standout performances, rising draft stock

Derek Neumeier — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 14:33:54 +0000

When it comes to exciting junior hockey tournaments that start in December, the World Juniors aren't the only game in town.

While lesser known as an international event, the annual World Junior A Challenge has steadily become a must-see event for scouts. Whereas the WJC usually skews toward 19-year-olds, the WJAC is a lot younger on average, making it easier for draft-eligible prospects to make the roster of the participating countries.

There is no shortage of big NHL names that have played in the event in recent years, including (but not limited to) Vladimir Tarasenko, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Cale Makar and Kyle Turris. While it's impossible to predict the future, don't be surprised if a number of different players from this year's iteration of the WJAC end up becoming household NHL names one day.

Hosted this year in Dawson Creek, B.C. (no, it has nothing to do with the former television show) and featuring the United States, Russia, the Czech Republic and two Canadian teams made up solely of Junior A-level players (Canada East and Canada West), the tournament was a real treat to watch, for both fans and scouts alike. Entertaining hockey was played from start to finish, ultimately culminating in a thrilling gold-medal game that saw Russia defeat the Canada-East squad in double overtime.

Here now is a breakdown of each of the five teams and how they performed.

Canada West

To say it was a disappointing finish for the Canada West team on home ice would be a major understatement. With Carolina Hurricanes 2019 7th-rounder Massimo Rizzo, the BCHL's leading scorer in Kent Johnson, and big-time point-producing Okotoks Oilers teammates Carter Savoie and Michael Benning, it was expected that Canada West would be an offensive powerhouse. And yet, that presumed flame turned out to be little more than a fizzle, as the group won just one preliminary game and failed to reach the semifinals.

Johnson, Savoie, and Benning all had a few moments that looked good, but overall, they failed to make much of an impact, to the disappointment of the eyes of scouts. Savoie and Benning specifically read the very ice well and are able to strike when they get the puck with room to operate, but both prospects really had trouble creating it for themselves and their teammates.

Spruce Grove Saints netminder Matthew Davis, a tournament returnee, was ultimately Canada West's main bright spot, outperforming Detroit Red Wings pick Carter Gylander and guiding the team to their lone victory with a 25-save shutout that included stopping four of five shots in a shootout. It seems unlikely that he did enough to put him on the draft radar of NHL clubs, considering his slight 6-0” frame, though he will have a few years at the University of Denver to refine his game.

Czech Republic

Despite bringing the oldest roster among all the teams, it was another disappointing World Junior A Challenge for the Czechs, who only have one bronze medal (in 2017) to their credit since becoming a part of the tournament. Things started off well for them, pulling off wins over Russia, Canada West and Canada East in the round-robin, but they were handily trounced 5-1 by Russia in the semifinals and then narrowly edged 2-1 in overtime in the bronze-medal game by the Americans. Offense was quite a team effort, as 13 different players picked up two points or more, though Halifax Mooseheads forward Marcel Barinka led the team in scoring with three goals and four assists in seven games.

Big netminder Jakub Dobes was passed over in the 2019 NHL draft, but his strong play in Dawson Creek might help him get his name called this upcoming June. He naturally fills the net well and has good technique and reflexes, so there is enough of a base there for teams to develop long-term. He took his development to North America a few years ago and recently bumped himself up from the Topeka Pilots of the NAHL to the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, where he will likely stay until he's ready to attend Ohio State University.

United States

The high-flying American team was easily the tournament's most entertaining, and they rolled through the preliminary games undefeated while racking up a couple of lopsided wins. So, it came as quite an upset when they were stopped by Canada East in the semifinals. Led offensively by Chicago Steel teammates Brendan Brisson, Sean Farrell, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, and Sam Colangelo, the quartet of forwards carried their lethal chemistry from Illinois to Dawson Creek and made playing defense an absolute nightmare for opposing squads.

Brisson ended up as the tournament’s leading scorer, with the brunt of his production coming through his lethal one-timer from the right faceoff circle, but that strategy became a little predictable by the end of the tournament and he was held off the score sheet in the final two games. Farrell, an alumnus of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, was always noticeable in a good way because of his advanced hockey sense and non-stop motor.

The U.S. also received plenty of depth production beyond the four Steel teammates, most notably from sturdy forward Trevor Kuntar (who scored the bronze medal-winning overtime goal) and blueliners Mike Koster (a 2019 Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick, who had six points in six games) and Mitchell Miller (who also had six points in six games), the latter two both from the USHL’s Tri-City program. On the flip side, it was a bit of a disappointing showing for Waterloo Blackhawks forward (and another NTDP alumni) in Ryder Rolston, who has a lot of natural offensive tools but really struggled to get into a rhythm here.

Canada East

For much of this year's World Junior A Challenge, Canada East's hopes were hung on goaltender Devon Levi — but luckily for them, he was more than up to the task. Levi was simply sensational in this event, making save after save after save for a Canada East team that was outshot in every contest. He is not the biggest of goalies but has very advanced control of his crease movement and was superb at tracking shots through traffic. He got pulled in a lopsided round-robin match versus the U.S., but the Carleton Place Canadians netminder would exact his revenge against the Americans in the semifinal, turning aside 41 of 42 shots to steal a dramatic victory.

He was equally impressive in the gold-medal game, making 36 saves (including nine in extra time), but a Russian powerplay goal in double overtime ended his Cinderella run. He was deservingly named tournament MVP for his heroic efforts, and almost certainly improved his odds of being selected in the 2020 NHL draft.

Offense was fairly spread out on the Canada East roster, with Ayrton Martino, Ryland Mosley and Philippe Chapleau finishing tied for the team's scoring lead with five points apiece. And though he didn't appear often on the score sheet, Charles Tremblay's speed to the outside was another major weapon for his team.

Russia

Russia had the youngest roster at this year's World Junior A Challenge (every player was 16 or 17), but they also had one that was talented, deep and balanced, and in the end their young age didn't end up being a detriment. They actually struggled in the preliminary round, managing just one win (which came in overtime), but they brought their "A" game when it mattered most: the elimination games.

For my money, center Vasili Ponomaryov was the best forward in the entire tournament, using his excellent blend of sense, skill, and work ethic to make a consistently positive difference in all three zones. His stats from the event don't jump off the page at you, but he created offense in ways that should translate well to the NHL. Daniil Gushchin was another a standout up front, using his blazing acceleration to generate odd man rushes with impressive frequency. He also has the hands and shot to make good on those chances, converting for three goals.

Quick, undersized forwards Marat Khusnutdinov and Alexander Pashin were nice complementary pieces on the roster, but their performances were a little disappointing because they failed to live up to strong showings from last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. On the back end, with Daniil Chayka, Shakir Mukhamadullin, Kirill Kirsanov, Yan Kuznetsov, and Kirill Steklov, their big and mobile defense group was just too hard for opposing teams to crack. Chayka, a member of the OHL’s Guelph Storm, was especially impressive, covering the ice very well and moving the puck with consistency and composure. Mukhamadullin was an easy player to notice — for both good and bad reasons. He makes open ice disappear for opponents thanks to his reach and skating, and his slapshot from the point was a frequent offensive weapon, but he still has a lot of work to do with puck movement and own-zone decision-making.

Even when Russia's stout defense did crack, undersized-but-fast goaltender Yegor Guskov was there to bail them out, posting a .959 save percentage. Even though it is rare for goalies of Guskov's size (about 5-foot-11) to get drafted and play in the NHL these days, he does a lot of the things that are necessary for guys like him to succeed.

USHL 2019-20 Season Preview – Fall Classic 2019

Ryan Wagman — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 14:13:08 +0000

As is now customary in the USHL, the league season opened in the outskirts of Pittsburgh, at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Over a four day period, when one of the main ice sheets was not being used by the pre-season Pittsburgh Penguins, or one of many elite youth tournaments featuring teams from around the country, all 16 teams* in the league gathered in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, around 50 miles away from the nearest USHL franchise (Youngstown, Ohio), to play their first two games of the regular season.

*The USNTDP U-17 and U-18 squads play different schedules, but their combined records are used in the league standings. Also, only the U-18 team featured here.

The USHL is a funny league. Like the OHL, WHL, or QMJHL, it is a great league for high end under 20 hockey players. The USHL has close to a 100% graduation rate for its players either going to play for Division I NCAA programs, or turning pro in Europe. There is, however, a critical difference between the USHL and the CHL leagues.

Whereas the CHL will only lose two or three players directly to the pros after their age 17 year, and maybe 6-10 more after their age 18 seasons, the vast majority of players stick around until their eligibility is exhausted. On the other hand, around 35-60% of the best 17 year old’s in the league move on to play college hockey as true freshman. Half or more of the rest go to school after their age 18 season. For the most part, the only players who use up their eligibility are the depth player of whom their commitment schools do not have as high hopes and push for a delay in enrollment so as to get a player who is at least physically mature, even if he will not be a top end collegiate player.

What that leaves us with is a league that sees a tremendous amount of year-over-year turnover, particularly among the high end of the league. It is very difficult to not only know the various rosters before the puck drops, but to know who to look out for in any given year as development is rapid.

While I was not able to get to the arenas in time to see the opening game, missing a chance to see the Dubuque Fighting Saints take out the Muskegon Lumberjacks by a 4-1 margin. I also had to leave before the games of the final day commenced, but over three days of attendance, I got to see each team play at least once, seeing all or parts of 12 games in under 72 hours. I say “parts of” games, as there was some overlap around midday each day, forcing me, and scouts from every NHL and seemingly every NCAA Division I school, to jump back and forth between arenas. As much as the event is great for NHL scouts to familiarize themselves with the new batch of talent from one of the better prospect leagues in the world, it is also a great chance for college recruiters and coaches to look for late blooming talent that have not yet committed themselves to one program or another.

With the caveat that the teams will change markedly as the season progresses, due to injuries, trades, and players leaving or leaving for high school programs, imperfect information is always better than no information and I’d rather share what I know about the early 2019-20 season in the USHL with you than not do it.

For those who just want to know which teams are best/worst, I was most impressed with Waterloo, Chicago, and Cedar Rapids. Des Moines, Sioux City, and Muskegon had it roughest. For everybody else, keep reading.

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (Prediction – 1^st in the Eastern Conference)

I am going alphabetically, so it is just a coincidence that the team I had as the best on the weekend is going first. After getting past the first round for the first time in nine years last season, the RoughRiders are positioned to go further in 2019-20. Outscoring opponents 10-3 on the weekend, it was the defense that stood out to me most consistently. The name everyone knows is Will Francis, a sixth round pick of Anaheim’s last summer. He was always a good skater for his size, but he looks to be a bit more assertive with the puck this year. He is joined on the blueline by a number of other sizable, mobile blueliners, several of whom should be watched closely by NHL scouts this season. 17 year olds among them include Alex Gagne, a big player who can help to push the pace, and Bennet Zmolek, who is more of a first pass kind of player. Most impressive though was Ben Meehan, an 18 year old who spent his draft year playing New England prep school hockey. Although not as big as his teammates, he has dynamic elements to his puck game and isn’t exactly small. He could be a game breaker.

The forwards are solid, but there might not be a future NHLer among them, although I wouldn’t put it past Grant Silianoff to have a big second year of eligibility. He is a very good skater with solid hockey IQ. Instead, look in net. I’d also keep half an eye on Justin Hryckowian, an 18-year old who joins the team after a year at prep school, who brings pace and energy, blended with some puck skills. The RoughRiders will probably split the crease, at least in the early going, but at least on one out of every two games, giant Colorado draft pick Shamil Shmakov will fill up the space between the pipes. His limbs are so long, I have taken to calling him Shamil the Shpider. Unlike most big netminders, he is aggressive in the crease. According to Alessandro Seren Rosso, he had been inconsistent in Russia, but it’s easy to see what the Avalanche like about him.

Chicago Steel (Prediction – 2^nd in the Eastern Conference)

Once again, the fact that another of our expected front-runners comes near the top of our list is coincidental. Despite the loss of top scorers Nicholas Abruzzese and Robert Mastrosimone to the college ranks, the Steel should once again be one of the strongest teams in the league, and may in fact be a more well-rounded team this year than the squad that made it to the Clark Cup finals last year.

The biggest change is in net, as the graduation of inconsistent incumbent Justin Robbins has paved the way for a pair of newcomers to the league in Victor Ostman from Sweden and Ian Shane from California. Both were steady in their debut games, allowing a pair of goals apiece. The blueline should also be stronger than the youthful crew in place last year. While Luke Reid is the only defender likely to be observed closely for draft reasons this year, the North Dakota commit has some flaws to iron out in his own end. On the other hand, 2021 eligible Owen Power is ready to lead the charge from the back. He is large, mobile and his game grew by leaps and bounds as a 16 year old rookie in the league last year. He is trending to be a high pick when his time comes.

The offensive attack will be led by a trio of intriguing draft eligible forwards in late-‘01 birthdays Sean Farrell (late of the USNTDP) and Brendan Brisson (son of super-agent Pat Brisson), and Sam Colangelo. Farrell and Brisson both play skilled games with pace and hockey IQ. Neither have great size, but make things happen on the ice. Colangelo has similar attributes, but better size in his package. Also worth keeping an eye on are Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, whose overall game is almost as much fun as his name, and Matthew “Mackie” Samoskevich, a late-’02 birthday who looks like a probable draft pick in the 2021 draft. Famously under the tutelage of star skills coach Darryl Belfry, the Steel have talent up and down the lineup and will be a tough out all season, even though their roster is the youngest (excepting the USNTDP, which has age limits) in the league.

Des Moines Buccaneers (Prediction – 7^th in the Western Conference)

While the Buccaneers were pretty rough in their opening weekend, all hope is not lost for the Iowan squad. Their team is at an odd juncture of being among the oldest in the league, but only in the middle of the pack in terms of experience at this level. It is fair to expect more out of imports Yaroslav Alexeyev, who has already seen success at the QMJHL level, as well as from third year USHLer Jan Kern, who played for his native Czech Republic at last year’s WJC. I would also assume there is more offense to come from 2001 borns Mason Nevers and Michael Mancinelli, who have flashed their skills in the past.

A lot of their hopes to turn around the tough beginning will rest on the shoulders on former USNTDP backup netminder Cameron Rowe. He has the requisite athleticism you want in a top goaltender, but needs to take a few steps forward in terms of his consistency and focus. Rowe will need the blueline to step up and minimize Grade A scoring chances against and I will be keeping my eyes on a pair of 2001s to play key roles in that endeavor in Nicklas Andrews, an undersized puck mover, and John Driscoll, a much bigger, rangier player who is more of a stay-at-home type.

For those interested in first year draft eligible players, I will be focused on Iowa native Noah Ellis, a UMass (Amherst) commit who is entering his first year in the league and is being given a chance to prove himself on the power play, as well as center Matt Choupani, who has come to the USHL from the AAA ranks in Quebec. He has solid wheels, some puck protection ability, and brings energy to all three zones.

Dubuque Fighting Saints (Prediction – 3^rd in the Eastern Conference)

The Fighting Saints always build talented rosters, even if most of their players are on the older side (oldest roster in the league) and many are not necessarily on the forefront of NHL scouting radars. Exhibits 1A and 1B to that point are the Jackson twins, Ty (a center) and Dylan (RW). A pair of waterbugs on the top line, Dylan is the bigger of the two, at 5-9”, 155. They are both quick and talented, playing a creative, instinctive game. Had they been born 10 days later, they would have been first time eligibles next June, but were passed over last season. In a similar boat, but one year older, is Riese Gaber, tiny yet one of the most talented stick handlers in the league. Gaber could be a potential free agent signing out of college like recent signings Blake Lizotte and Mason Jobst, but he is going to turn 20 this week and 5-8” is still small, even in the modern NHL.

Dubuque also has a pair of already drafted players in the lineup in Swedish netminder Erik Portillo, who aced his debut, holding Muskegon to a single goal on 23 shots. Jimmy Hamrin was very high on this mountain man from his time in the Swedish junior ranks and the Buffalo Sabres were intrigued enough to use their third round pick on him. Blueliner Braden Doyle looked overwhelmed late last season after his prep schedule ended, but Los Angeles saw enough potential to use a late pick on him and he looks much better in the early going, with his stickhandling and puck rushing abilities more able to come to the fore. Both Portillo and Doyle will be critical to Dubuque’s chances this year.

In terms of first time draft eligible for this season, look back to the Jackson line where Stephen Halliday is being tasked with creating room for his talented linemates. Already standing 6-4” and over 210 pounds, he has the size to play a power game and the speed and puck skills to keep up in the modern game. The first overall pick in the USHL Futures draft in 2018, he was stuck on a now-defunct Central Illinois team last year and now has the chance to establish his draft stock in light of his natural gifts. First, he will need to play with some snarl to match his skill as he was getting pushed around too easily by smaller players for my liking.

Fargo Force (Prediction – 6^th in the Western Conference)

A team with age and size on its side, Cary Eades’ team is set to compete now. The most well-known names on the roster belong to netminder Cole Brady and forward Aaron Huglen, both entering their first full seasons in the USHL but with NHL affiliations already in place. Brady was a late round pick of New Jersey and Huglen of Buffalo in last June’s draft. Brady impressed in his debut games. He takes up a lot of room in the crease, has his movements under control, stays square to the shooter and flashes a quick glove. Huglen missed the USHL Classic due to injury but his high end skill set is expected to make him one of the Force’s offensive leaders.

Fargo’s chances will rest on their ability to limit the scoring chances provided to the opposition, which they looked more than capable of doing in the opening weekend. Their blueline crew is relatively anonymous, although big Cedric Fiedler played for Switzerland at last year’s WU18 tournament. Their first pairing for the moment consists of Noah Beck and Colton Huard, who are both reliable defenders with plus size but without any remarkable tools to their name. In the absence of Huglen, their top offensive threats look like a pair of 18 year olds who passed over at the draft last year in Lynden Breen and Kaden Bohlsen. The former brings the skill and play driving ability and the latter brings the size and trigger. 16-year old Tristan Broz is also worth noting, although his draft date won’t be until 2022.

While any of the names mentioned in the last paragraph can make enough noise in their respective second years of draft eligibility to hear their names called next June (I would say that Bohlsen is the odds-on favorite in that duck race), the only first year eligible player who played a regular shift at the USHL Classic was Kyle Smolen, who was essentially their extra skater.

Green Bay Gamblers (Prediction – 8^th in the Eastern Conference)

In the absence of much in the way of 2002 born talent, the primary point of interest in scouting the Gamblers this year is to see how a trio of drafted forwards continue their development. Big Texan Ryan O’Reilly is the rare player who is still gracing the rinks of the USHL in his draft + two season. He has always had talented mitts and good shot, but has struggled with his consistency throughout his time in the league and his first few steps have remained below average. The other two drafted players were more surprising that they were selected in the first place. In the seventh round last year, Boston drafted Jake Schmaltz and Tampa took McKade Webster. The Schmaltz selection was odd in that he was a bottom six player without any discernable high end tools in his draft year as a member of the Steel. For Webster, it was his second year of eligibility, but he missed most of the season to injury. Schmaltz should take on a bigger role this year and we will get the chance to see if there is any latent skill lying beneath the two-way responsibility. Webster is healthy and brings energy, but can his early point pace be sustained over time?

Green Bay’s ability to compete will rest on a group of undrafted, yet talented late 2000 and 2001 born players. Up front, I would look to Tyler Paquette, Nicholas Zabaneh, and Camden Thiesing. Paquette is big and skates well, although his hands haven’t yet caught up to his feet. Zabaneh and Theising are both undersized and have flashed the ability to execute skill plays, but without the necessary consistency to be of pro interest. On the blueline, the top two left side players, Dylan Moulton and Chris Giroday, are all situations players with solid all around games. Moulton, in particular, has the look of a promising late bloomer, after spending last season in the NAHL.

Thus far, the only first year eligible on the roster are wingers Luke Mylymok and Alex Servango. Servango has scored twice in his first three games at the level, but standing 5-8”, he will have to prove himself continuously all year. Mylymok had a decent rookie season in the USHL last year, but hasn’t shown much yet in 2019-20. I would posit that one of the players in the previous paragraph is more likely to earn the affections of NHL scouts, with Giroday and Paquette the most primed.

Lincoln Stars (Prediction – 4^th in the Western Conference)

After a terrible 2018-19 campaign, which saw the team sell off many of its better players at the trade deadline, the Stars seem to have regrouped with much better things expected for 2019-20. The lineup is stocked with players with USHL experience, with only Green Bay and Omaha have more on hand. This type of team-building is easiest to recognize with their goaltenders. Neither Ryan McInchak nor Jacob Mucitelli look like future NHLers, but neither are prone to coughing up games behind their squad.

The Stars feature four veteran forwards leading the charge, including three who all played with the Chicago Steel last season in Travis Treloar, Josh Groll, and Christian Sarlo. Groll may be recognized as a depth player for the Team USA outfit at the 2018 Hlinka, although he struggled to produce for the Steel. Treloar and Sarlo were productive, and Treloar looked, at times, like a potential NHL draft pick in the first half, before slowing down considerably in the second half. They played as a first line at the USHL Classic and could collectively be primed for a strong season now. Joining them as a critical forward is holdover Josh Lopina. He has gained in mass since last year and flashes a promising wrist shot. Through their first two games, the Stars blueline corps did not add a single point, although players like Jordan Power and Jake Boltmann should change that in short order.

Speaking of Boltmann, he is one of the few first year draft eligible players on the roster. He plays in all situations and has a solid point shot from the right side. He also plays a promising physical style. Two other draft eligibles of note are left winger Zach Urdahl and blueliner Jacob Bauer. Urdahl impressed for the Stars in a brief cameo last year. His first few steps are fine, but his top speed needs an extra gear. Bauer is a right handed shot with good size, but none of his tools flashed overly brightly on the weekend.

Madison Capitols (Prediction – 6^th in the Eastern Conference)

Ever since I began covering the USHL, the Capitols have been the dregs of the league. They would have the occasional high end prospect in their ranks, but more often than not, they were drastically outmanned by the other teams in the league. While I am not ready to state that Madison will play in the postseason for the first time in its six year history, they could be a .500 team for the first time. The roster is still too shallow for me to project for more, but progress is apparent.

My general optimism comes from the first line of forwards, with Hungarian center Kristof Papp flanked by two first year draft eligible wingers in Carson Bantle and Reid Pabich. I will start with a word on Pabich, a Madison native who helps to keep things moving along, but is the clear third wheel on this unit. If the Capitols wanted to maximize their top line, Pabich would be subbed out for another first year draft eligible in Ryan Kirwan, who had a good showing for Team USA at this summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Regardless of how they move the right wing forward, the player to watch here is left winger Bantle, also a Hlinka alum. In his second season in Madison, Bantle has started the season hot, with six points through his first three games. He has ideal size, good touch, a nice top gear and a strong stick. I would like to see more aggression, but so far he looks like one of the top draft eligible prospects in the league. The line is centered by Papp, the team’s second leading scorer last season. He has very soft hands and plays creatively and now with added confidence. His size is only average and he may not have the speed to be of great NHL interest, but if he continues to push the pace as he did in the USHL Classic, he will force teams to take notice.

Although most of the attention on Madison will be placed up front, there is one blueliner who should also be minded in right handed shooting Stephen Davis, a Boston College commit. Although offensively inclined for the most part, the puck mover puts in good effort in his own end and could do enough to keep himself on the radar. Starting netminder Simon Latkoczy is also a 2002-born player, but at 5-11”, he is too small to be a draft target. That said, if he can provide Madison with at least average performance in net, the team will be competitive.

Muskegon Lumberjacks (Prediction – 5^th in the Eastern Conference)

One of the most surprising facets of the USHL this year is that Daniil Gushchin is still a part of it. The Lumberjacks have a knack for developing Russian players, with high draft picks Andrei Svechnikov and Yegor Afanasyev both recently gracing the team roster. Gushchin played with Afanasyev last year and was very impressive as a 16-year old in the league, so when the Regina Pats used the seventh overall pick in the CHL Import Draft on the pint sized winger, it was widely expected that the player would be moving to Saskatchewan. Perhaps not. Although Gushchin has not recorded a point through three league games, he is widely expected to spearhead the Lumberjacks offense as the season progresses.

Coming up behind the talented Russian is another talented left winger who is small enough to make the 5-8”, 165 lbs Gushchin look big. I am referring to 5-7”, 158 lbs Alex Gaffney, who held his own as a rookie last year, but will need to do far more than that to garner NHL attention this year. Gaffney was strong at the Hlinka, but with his frame, the Harvard commit will need to prove that he can handle the grind. Another first year draft eligible winger of note for Muskegon is Jack Williams (one of two Jack Williamses on the roster). After crushing at the Selects Hockey Academy for two years, he was electrifying in a short stint with Muskegon at the tail end of last year. He has already shown that he can bring a lot of energy to his shifts this year, but the offense will need to follow.

There are enough interesting players on the Lumberjacks to expect them to overcome their rough start to the season (5 goals through 3 games), but the only one who seems likely to be followed for draft purposes is netminder Jonathan (Jack) Williams. Passed over last year after an uneven NAHL campaign, he has the size and athleticism that teams look for. He needs the minutes and the consistency. They are the smallest team in the league, and one of the least experienced to boot, so a slow start is not all that surprising, but better days should be ahead.

Omaha Lancers (Prediction – 2^nd in the Western Conference)

Muskegon has the least experienced roster in the USHL. Omaha has, by far, the most experience, with nearly 200 more cumulative games to its players’ credit than the runner-up. Among those experienced players, none will play as critical a role in Omaha’s fortunes as that of starting goalie Akira Schmid. The 6-5” behemoth led the league in save percentage after coming over from the WHL, by way of the NAHL, and allowing for a mid-year break to represent his native Switzerland at the WJC. Considering the gap in ability between New Jersey draft pick Schmid and his backup, he should receive the lion’s share of playing time.

The Lancers’ offensive attack will reply on two 18 year olds who actually have very little USHL experience in Alexander Campbell a Nashville draft pick, and Rhett Pitlick, a Montreal selection. Campbell is coming over off a fantastic draft year in the BCHL, while Pitlick spent the bulk of his draft year playing Minnesota high school hockey. At the USHL Classic, they were generally playing opposite wings on the same line, with Pitlick playing as a trigger man on his off wing. Both players are above average skater and exciting puck players. When they are on the ice, especially playing together, the opposition should expect to be playing mostly in its own end.

Similar to the gap between Schmid and his backup, the level of talent on Omaha sees a big drop off after Campbell and Pitlick. With a plethora of 1999 and 2000 borns, there is little room o the roster for first year draft eligible, and only three played at all at the Classic. Neither Cameron Berg, Michael Cameron, or Matt Basgall did much to separate themselves. Omaha will go only as far as its three drafted players can take them.

Sioux City Musketeers (Prediction – 8^th in the Western Conference)

Eeli Tolvanen is long gone. Last year’s hero, Bobby Brink is gone now, too. Draft picks Martin Pospisil and Marcus Kallionkielli are also gone. In fact, all of the top eight on the scoring list from last year’s squad are now gone. So are the two main netminders. I have already mentioned how high the level of turnover is in this league and the Musketeers are the prime example of that trend. It isn’t all bad though. For one thing, Sioux City could have even better netminding this year as Ben Kraws and Jake Sibell have been replaced by Nashville draft pick Ethan Haider, coming off a fantastic campaign in the NAHL, where he was named the Goaltender of the Year for the Midwest region of that league.

Additionally, even though they didn’t factor into the scoring leaders last year, the team added a pair of defensemen from high end college programs around midseason and both Adam Samuelsson and Dominic Vidoli are back. The former provides a gigantic body on the blueline with enough snarl to make himself useful even without much in the way of offensive contributions. The latter is six inches shorter and 55 pounds lighter, but looks to be one of the more dynamic offensive defensemen in the league this year. As a 20 year old, he is not draft eligible, but could work his way into consideration as an undrafted free agent after more time in college at Ohio State.

The Musketeers may be a weaker squad this year, but with a plethora of 2002 borns in the lineup, the stands will always have a lot of NHL scouts in attendance. Among the first year eligible, Jackson Nieuwendyk, son of Hall of Famer Joe is currently more curiosity than legit draft prospect, but that may yet change. Offensively inclined blueliner Christian Jimenez is a decent puck mover, but his reads are still a little rough. Center Blake Biondi comes with glowing advance clippings, considering his past production for Minnesota high school powerhouse Hermantown, which last year culminated in his being named an All-USA Hockey First Teamer, along with four players who were drafted last June. There is some thought that he will yet return to play for Hermantown this year, and his early play this season in the USHL has been underwhelming, but leaving for high school will leave his prospect status with more questions than answers, even if he excels for Hermantown once again. At this point though, the top scouting draw is following in a hallowed Sioux City tradition as a high end Finnish scorer. Tolvanen begat Kallionkieli. Kallionkieli has begat Joel Maatta. Maatta has started his USHL career on fire, with the ability to control the offensive attack from the half-wall, getting right to the net on rushes and making sure his stick is ready to play the puck. Between his hands, size and solid stride, he has the makings of a top half of the draft candidate.

Sioux Falls Stampede (Prediction – 3^rd in the Western Conference)

Winning the Clark Cup last year was very nice. Starting again with only two players who contributed even 10 points to the championship team is not as nice, but flags fly forever. The goalies have turned over, too. So let’s give a quick shout-out to returning champions Jared Westcott and Ryan Sullivan, as they spend one more season in the USHL before going to school, but the simple matter is that any chance of repeating that the Stampede have will be reliant on new players. Starting in the crease, both netminders are new to the league, and neither Nathan Reid nor Grant Adams (both 2000-borns) has yet to claim a stranglehold on the starting job.

The biggest drop off from year to year for Sioux Falls is most likely on the blueline, though, as the championship team starred NHL draft picks Ryan Johnson and Max Crozier in the back in addition to other veterans of the league. The only defender on the current squad to have entered the new season with over 10 USHL games under their respective belts is the undersized Chase Foley, who held his own last year as a member of the defunct Central Illinois Flying Aces. For draft purposes, I will be keeping an eye on Evan Bushy, who joined the Stampede late last year after a strong showing for his hometown Thief River Falls High School team. Bushy didn’t record a single point in 10 regular season or four postseason games last year with Sioux Falls, but is being given a bigger role for the moment.

The forward group is also young and relatively inexperienced, but through three regular seasons, they have combined to score 12 goals, with eight different players lighting the lamp. Having a roster that can contribute from every line can only be a positive, even if it means that there isn’t a single offensive play driver, or focal point to lean on. That said, there are two first year eligible players that have earned a follow already. One is right winger Luke Weilandt, who the Stampede nabbed in the 13^th round of the most recent USHL entry Level Draft. The Chicago native leads the way with five points through three games, although he is undersized and hasn’t yet shown any high level tools. The other player of note is Poland import Jakub Lewandowski, a rangy winger who comes over after a strong season in the Czech U19 league. He has good balance on his skates, can control the puck nicely and shows a touch of creativity to boot.

Tri-City Storm (Prediction – 5^th in the Western Conference)

Although they have yet to come away with two standings points from any of their three first games, scoring only six times in the process, there are a lot of pieces on the Tri-City roster who should be interesting follows as the season plays on. Despite losing four NHL picks to the college game in netminder Isaiah Saville, defensemen Ronnie Attard and Zac Jones, and forward Shane Pinto, a fifth draft pick, Mike Koster, who only played with the Storm in the final quarter of the season, returns. His early absence due to injury has not helped the Tri-City offense find its legs.

Even without Allard, Jones, Koster (for now), or Ruben Rafkin, upon whom high hopes were placed, but who left for an opportunity with Windsor in the OHL, the Tri-City blueline once again should provide a lot of eye candy for scouts. Most prominent among that crew is Mitchell Miller, who came over in an off-season trade from Cedar Rapids. Miller is undersized, but is a composed puck mover, who plays with a pleasant physical side away from the puck. He has a full tool kit and may be one of the better first time eligible defenders in the league this year. He is joined on the blueline by a pair of rookies who join Tri-City together from the Chicago Mission program in Kyle Aucoin and Nicholas Donato. I am not sure if Donato is part of the famous Donato hockey clan, but Aucoin is the son of longtime NHLer Adrian. He showed a few flashes of high hockey IQ during the USHL Classic, and a few reminders that he was still very raw as well.

Despite not being able to score much yet, it seems the issue is not one of a lack of talent, but more likely a matter of some bad luck over a small sample. The forwards are very young, with four first year eligibles among the season opening lineup, in addition to two more who won’t be draft eligible until 2021. The four first year eligible include Colby Ambrosio, Mark Estapa, Carter Mazur, and Nick Capone. Estapa and Ambrosio are good shooters. The latter has a knack for hitting the twine and will likely be an offensive leader for Tri-City this year, while the former looks like more of a depth, energy player for now. Capone chose the USHL over strong overtures from the QMJHL and is ready for a full season in the league after two partial years previously. He has fantastic power forward size and plays a rough game to boot. He is a strong skater for his size and shows the hands to win puck battles in the corners. He has yet to find the scoresheet, but he is the type of player who can have a big impact on the game even without scoring.

Waterloo Black Hawks (Prediction – 1^st in the Western Conference)

Three games, three wins with only four goals allowed (although only eight scored), and Waterloo is easily the early favorite in the Western Conference. Rookie goalie Gabriel Carriere has played in all three games for the Black Hawks, ignoring the lure of the OHL for the lure of Hockey East. He has been steady, but not spectacular. That said, if he keeps his numbers even close to his current .947 save percentage, NHL teams will be forced to consider the third year eligible from Ottawa.

The blueline in front of Carriere that has been so far so good at keeping opponents to the outside, is mostly young and small. It includes two first year eligible and four players who are 6-0” or smaller. The Venn diagram of young and small is basically a circle within a circle, as all three first year eligible are on the small side. Ethan Szmagaj would have been draft eligible last year were he born three days earlier, and he held his own as a USHL rookie at the time. More of a first pass than an offensive driver, he shows some grit along the boards and the quiet effectiveness of a potential late round selection. The other first year eligible also has a year of USHL experience under his belt as Nic Belpedio (brother of Minnesota’s Louie) played a solid season with Muskegon.

Szmagaj and Belpedio aside, scouts will flock to Waterloo this year as the forward units have a number of intriguing draft eligible players. The biggest name among that group is Ryder Rolston (son of Brian) who played with the USNTDP U18s last year, but was not draft eligible as a late birthday, so gets another year in the league before getting the chance to hear his name called by an NHL team. Like his father, he is a brilliant skater and plays a responsible two way game. He is an opportunistic player with a big wrist shot. He has the tools and the big game background to be one of the first players from the league to be drafted next June. The other notable first year eligible include Patrick Guzzo, Dane Montgomery, and Wyatt Schingoethe. Guzzo is a big center who can skate and was a former USHL first round pick. Montgomery is undersized, but quick, and has a nice wrist shot. He currently straddles the line between being responsible, but barely in control. Schingoethe had a great season as a 16 year old last year, trailing only Daniil Gushchin and Stephen Halliday in points in his age group. He has exceptional hockey IQ and is the type of player who can lengthen offensive zone time and can punctuate the attack with a great wrist shot, but I would like to see a touch more burst to his first few steps.

Team USA (Prediction – 7^th in the Eastern Conference)

For the purposes of this introduction, I will be completely ignoring the U17s. Sorry, fellas, we’ll talk about you next year. The U18s are not nearly as deep as last year’s team, but there is still a ton of talent here. With the exceptions of forwards Hunter Strand and Matthew Beniers, both with November birthdates that push their draft eligibility off to 2021, the rest of the lineup will be draft eligible next June. Unlike last year, where all but two draft eligible players were selected, there will be a few more from this year’s class who will enter college without NHL affiliation. I was only able to see the first Team USA game at the USHL Classic, so I won’t be so bold as to predict which players will and will not be drafted, but I saw enough to highlight some elements from some players that stuck out. Also of note, forward Ty Smilanic, who some see as the top draft prospect from this class, missed the Classic due to injury. He played the following weekend, so this isn’t a long term issue, but I will not be commenting further on him at this time.

The goaltending situation for the Program is currently blurry, with Noah Grannan and Drew Commesso splitting the net at the Classic. I saw Grannan, and he was fine and reports on Commesso were also generally positive, but neither will be following in the footsteps of Spencer Knight or Jake Oettinger as first round picks. In fact, there were reports that the Program may consider bringing in a goalie from somewhere else to augment their group when it comes time for international play.

There are several interesting blueliners in this group and Eamon Powell was most impressive to there eyes, with his dynamic skating ability and propensity to lead the rush and activate in the offensive end. He is an impressive puck handler and has a good right-handed point shot to boot. On the other hand, he is smallish and can be a bit rough in his own end. Jake Sanderson (son of Geoff) has a more traditionally desirable tool kit from a scouting perspective. He is tall and rangy, is central at both ends, and has plus edge work. Brock Faber plays a quieter game, within the team structure, and not chasing a play at either end. He has good strength and is a goalie’s friend in his own zone, working to keep the crease clear. A shout out also to big Daniel Laatsch, who can fire one from the point.

Once we get past the late birthdays up front, the most interesting draft candidate among the forwards looks like Luke Tuch, who looks a fair bit like older brother Alex, now with the Vegas Golden Knights. He is big and beefy and has good hands and decent quickness. Hunter McKown also impressed from the fourth line, thanks to his plus speed, and great hands. He has ankle breaking puck skills. Center Chase Yoder is an exceptional skater, although there are open questions about his offensive ability. Landon Slaggert is a muscular winger following in the footsteps of his older brother Graham. Landon is more likely than his brother to be drafted, as he has plus hands, and plays a much chippier game. Dylan Peterson is very big and skates well for his size with a discernable second gear. Thomas Bordeleau led the team in scoring last ear and has the early lead in goals this season. He is smallish, but plays with jam and skill. Many more views are needed.

Youngstown Phantoms (Prediction – 4^th in the Eastern Conference)

I really like the new orange uniforms, although I would appreciate them more if they put the player numbers on the shoulders. Whose idea was it to only have player numbers on the back? The first place I looked to on this team was in net, as they were debuting Chicago draft pick Dominic Basse, a gigantic puck stopper who spent his draft year playing midget hockey at the Selects Hockey Academy. His first game stepping up two levels to the USHL was brutal, though. He gave up way too many goals, including a few bouncers. To his credit, his first game after the USHL Classic was much better, stopping 22 of 24 in a victory against Muskegon. Even with that rebound, he may end up playing second fiddle to crease mate Colin Purcell. Purcell spent some time last year with the NTDP program, but spent most of his year playing Tier 1 hockey in the Cleveland area. Just as big as Besse, Purcell plays a much calmer game, is sharp from post to post, and keeps a stiff back, allowing him to cover more of the top of the net. Purcell is the early favorite to be the first goalie drafted out of the USHL, including the USNTDP stoppers.

The Phantoms’ postseason chances will be aided by a veteran blueline, with only one regular under the age of 19, unless 16-year old Austin May works his way into the regular rotation. While there are unlikely to be any future NHLers in this blueline crew, there is a ton of size, with three regulars standing at least 6-3”, while UMass (Amherst) commit Jayson Dobay brings offensive wherewithal.

While scouts will not be looking for miracles from the defensemen, the forwards have a lot to recommend them. Looking to the future, there is Japanese wunderkind Yusaku Ando, who comes to Youngstown from an elite hockey school in Western Canada. He turned 16 around one month ago and scored three goals in his first five USHL games. For the current draft, remember the name of Ben Schoen. He is small, but a gifted playmaker. He is the go-to player for his team and controls the game like a veteran from the half-wall. He has great offensive instincts and vision and could be a sleeper if he adds some muscle to help him withstand physical play.

Also fighting for scouting attention on the Phantoms are a pair of second time eligible forwards in Trevor Kuntar and Reilly Funk. This is Kuntar’s third year in the USHL, and the Harvard commit is starting this season hot. He is a solid skater with a plus top speed and a good shot. He can also flash high end puck skills, such as the play leading up to a goal scored late against Tri-City. Funk is new to the USHL, having played in the MJHL for the past two seasons. He has a great frame (6-3”, 190), which he uses to good effect along the boards. He skates well for his size and attacks the net on offense. He is coordinated and athletic and has a knack for creating room for himself with the puck with a shoulder check. With eight points in his first five games at the new level, he has put the league – as well as NCAA recruiters (he is without a college commitment) - on notice.

Top ten draft eligible players in the USHL

Ty Smilanic, USNTDP
Sean Farrell, Chicago
Jake Sanderson, USNTDP
Carson Bantle, Madison
Luke Tuch, USNTDP
Ryder Rolston, Waterloo
Colin Purcell, Youngstown
Joel Maatta, Sioux City
Thomas Bordeleau, USNTDP
Ben Shoen, Youngstown

Bonus, second time eligible draft prospects

Reilly Funk, Youngstown
Justin Hryckowian, Cedar Rapids
Ben Meehan, Cedar Rapids
Kristof Papp, Madison
Trevor Kuntar, Youngstown