Danil Gushchin – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #29 Colorado Avalanche – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:00:39 +0000

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 26: Trent Miner #50 of the Colorado Avalanche makes a save during a game between the Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on October 26, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 29th (Last Year - 28th)
GM: Chris MacFarland Hired: July 2022
COACH: Jared Bednar Hired: August 2016

With one of the longest-tenured head coaches in the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche have once again pushed their chips to the center of the table in pursuit of another Stanley Cup.

In an effort to solidify their window, the Avalanche aggressively targeted veteran talent, acquiring key pieces such as Brock Nelson at the 2025 trade deadline while also adding established centers Nazem Kadri and Nicolas Roy in 2026. Of course, the cost of that push has been high. Over the next three years, Colorado has moved three first-round picks, two second-round picks, and two third-round picks in order to reinforce the NHL roster. Colorado added just three players in the 2025 draft, and while the 2026 class is currently projected to include eight selections, half of those picks will come in the seventh round.

There are, however, a few encouraging pieces. Goaltender Ilya Nabokov (95th) remains the organization’s most intriguing long-term asset, while dynamic defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev also finds his way into McKeen’s Top 150. Further down the pipeline, 20-year-old Christian Humphreys — a seventh-round selection in 2024 — is enjoying a breakout overage season with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers and could position himself for a transition to the professional ranks in 2026–27.

Beyond those few bright spots, the system remains thin on impact talent, with most prospects projecting as depth contributors at the NHL level. Still, when your core includes elite players such as Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Martin Nečas and the opportunity to chase a second Stanley Cup in five seasons, the cost is one Colorado has been more than willing to pay.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Col	1	Ilya Nabokov	G	23	6-0/180	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	38	22	7	2.74	0.901
Col	2	Mikhail Gulyayev	D	21	5-11/170	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	54	1	2	3	14
Col	3	Sean Behrens	D	23	5-10/175	Colorado (AHL)	55	5	18	23	22
Col	4	Francesco Dell'Elce	D	20	6-1/180	Massachusetts (NCAA)	36	5	16	21	18
Col	5	Trent Miner	G	25	6-1/185	Colorado (AHL)	32	17	8	2.62	0.904
Col	6	Nikita Prishchepov	C	22	6-1/195	Colorado (AHL)	22	3	9	12	28
Col	7	Christian Humphreys	C	20	5-11/170	Kitchener (OHL)	63	27	58	85	33
Col	8	Louka Cloutier	G	19	6-1/170	Boston College (NCAA)	33	19	13	2.34	0.910
Col	9	Alex Gagne	D	23	6-3/205	Colorado (AHL)	58	1	12	13	53
Col	10	Linus Funck	D	19	6-3/185	London (OHL)	65	4	18	22	29
Col	11	Jake Fisher	C	21	6-2/190	Denver (NCAA)	43	8	11	19	6
Col	12	Nolan Roed	C	20	5-11/185	St. Cloud State (NCAA)	36	5	13	18	32
Col	13	Taylor Makar	LW	25	6-3/190	Colorado (AHL)	52	14	10	24	56
Col	13	Taylor Makar	LW	25	6-3/190	Colorado (NHL)	12	0	0	0	4
Col	14	Danil Gushchin	RW	24	5-8/165	Colorado (AHL)	49	18	14	32	26
Col	15	Isak Posch	G	24	6-3/210	Colorado (AHL)	28	15	8	2.78	0.891

1. Ilya Nabokov, G, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

After some impressive seasons in the KHL (especially his rookie year), Nabokov's numbers have taken a bit of a dive. He is sitting just above a .900 SV% and has a career high GAA. Despite this, he is the starting goalie for the best KHL team in Metallurg, which is reflected in his 22-7-5 record. Nabokov is at his best when he's playing aggressively and confidently, utilizing his elite athletic ability and flexibility. The footwork and speed are impressive, able to keep up with the puck as it moves across the ice with his strong T push or lateral mobility from the butterfly. When he is able to anticipate play, he is very difficult to beat. But Nabokov’s weaknesses have been a bit exposed this season. There is some inconsistency in his ability to track pucks, and he is prone to taking atrocious angles. The overuse of T pushes forces him to constantly readjust his position. He favors the near post, leaving far side shots, rebounds, or backdoor passes open for prime looks. The plan should be to get him to North America soon to work on the more technical side of the game. The athletic base is special, and if he can be reigned in, there could be a quality goaltender in the future.

2. Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Avangard Omsk (KHL)

For a player touted as an offensive defenseman, Gulyayev’s production has not impressed, producing the worst point totals of his career. The skating is still exceptional, using the extreme mobility to close gaps, be effective on breakouts, and make plays along the blue line. The offensive game is exciting at times, activating along the half wall and walking the blue line, throwing pucks into the slot and getting shots through traffic. On breakouts, he's always pushing up ice, making himself an option and having the ability to carry it himself. There is just an overall lack of involvement when he is on the ice. Defensively, he is still struggling to play physically and handle stronger opponents. There is also a tendency to be behind plays, chasing the puck and abandoning his position. To be an effective NHLer, he needs to be more engaged and take more risks in the offensive zone. The talent and mobility are there to be an offensive weapon; it’s just a matter of application.

3. Sean Behrens, D, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Sean Behrens missed the entirety of last season with an injury, which has delayed his developmental timeline, but he is nevertheless a talented defensive prospect who can log heavy minutes at both ends of the ice. The hallmark of Behrens’ game is his hockey sense; he just knows where to be on the ice, which allows him to be in excellent position to make that next defensive play, or that next outlet pass to his streaking forwards. Behrens can also man the point on a power play, as he was especially effective as a power play quarterback during his time with Denver University in the NCAA. This season, Behrens’ game with the Colorado Eagles has taken a bit of time to take off (53 GP, 5-17-22), but he is trending in the right direction and looks to be regaining the confidence that made him such a dominant force at the NCAA level. Look for Behrens to continue to build reps this season at the AHL level, where he ultimately projects as a bottom-pairing defender for the Colorado Avalanche.

4. Francesco Dell'Elce, D, UMass (NCAA)

Dell’Elce was passed over in two NHL drafts before being selected in the third round by the Colorado Avalanche. He took a strange path to this point, making the jump to the NCAA at 20 years old from the BCHL. In his first NCAA season, he performed well enough to be drafted over younger prospects in their first year of eligibility. This season, he has scored just three fewer points in four fewer games. His passing ability is outstanding, and he has incredible poise with the puck on his stick. He is largely unfazed by forechecking pressure, and his edges and smarts allow him to escape and make plays in those pressure moments. His skating and lack of a more physical presence were the main knocks that I had on him entering the 2025 draft. This year, he has added a bit more physicality. His skating, specifically his straight-line speed, still needs improvement. But he looks like he’s still well on his way to becoming a depth contributor thanks to his pro-style play and overall smarts and poise with the puck. He looks like a bottom-pair contributor down the line, with puck-moving upside.

5. Trent Miner, G, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Trent Miner has really had to grind away to get to where he is in professional hockey - a spot as the number one goalie for the Colorado Eagles in the AHL (31 GP, 17-7-8, 2.54 GAA, .906 SV%), with promise to become a future backup goalie for the Colorado Avalanche. Although Miner does not have any one standout attribute, his game has gotten him so far because it is built upon consistency. Miner almost never pitches a bad game, and even on nights when he struggles, he almost always finds a way to fight through and make a timely save when it counts to keep his team in the game. It is unlikely that Miner becomes a starter at the NHL level, but for a seventh round pick that has had to literally battle for every opportunity at the pro level, Miner’s career is a nice story. Look for Miner to fill in every now and then for the Avalanche as a capable option this season, and to graduate to full-time backup status at the start of next season.

6. Nikita Prishchepov, C, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Nikita Prishchepov might be a bit of an unknown commodity to many Colorado Avalanche fans, but he has really burst onto the scene as a potential bottom-six option from a very bare Avalanche prospect cupboard. Prishchepov is a decent-sized winger who has underrated two-way ability, which allows him to stay in the right areas at both ends of the ice. He won’t ever wow you with any game-breaking offensive skill, nor is he the world’s best shutdown player, but he can be counted upon to play effectively at both ends of the ice without hurting his team. Prishchepov does need a bit more time to build reps at the pro level, as his offensive game has a lot of room to grow, but he has played well this season for the Colorado Eagles (22 GP, 3-9-12) and remains a potential call up option for the Avalanche in the event they face more injuries this season. Expect Prishchepov to become a two-way fourth line player down the line at the NHL level, with potential to become a defensive-oriented third line player.

7. Christian Humphreys, C, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Christian Humphreys has been a key piece of Kitchener’s offense, providing top-notch playmaking, and finished fifth in assists among all OHL skaters. The undersized American was drafted out of the NTDP back in 2024 in the seventh round before graduating to the University of Michigan and promptly transferring to the Kitchener Rangers 10 games in. He wanted more touches and ice time, and he’s certainly achieved that with top-line minutes and PP1 on a contending team. His playmaking game is super well-rounded, using touch to float passes over sticks and deception to redirect opponents. Stylistically, Christian Humphreys fits more into a top six, but I’m not sure if he has the jam or pace to get there. I’m still not sold that he has a role in an NHL bottom six, but crazier things have happened, especially considering Colorado’s pretty barren prospect barracks. It’s tough to bet against the intelligence he has. I foresee some strong AHL production in the coming years.

8. Louka Cloutier, G, Boston College (NCAA)

Last season was a tough one for him with the storied Chicago Steel. However, Cloutier is having a bounce back season after joining Boston College for his first year in the NCAA. Despite playing against tougher competition, his counting stats have greatly improved from a year ago. Now, the Steel have not been as dominant over the last few seasons, which has left Cloutier out to dry quite often. He did flash his strong glove hand, flexibility, and mostly strong rebound control. But it was his angles that let him down often in the chances opposing teams generated, alongside his lack of aggressiveness. Because of his lack of aggression in taking on shooters, his slightly smaller stature and slouched stance make him easier to be beaten up high. With Boston College, his stance is still a work in progress. But he is noticeably more aggressive, coming out to challenge shooters far more often. He’s also attacking pucks as they’re fired at him, essentially punching at shots instead of letting them hit him. While he has a ton of talent, and he has found early success in the NCAA, he still has a ways to go developmentally.

9. Alex Gagne, D, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Alex Gagne is a big defenseman who went unsigned by the Tampa Bay Lightning after a solid four-year career at the University of New Hampshire. The best part about Gagne’s game is his frame; he’s a 6-foot-5, 225-pound defender who is extremely difficult to play against in his own zone. He’s able to use his frame effectively on the penalty kill, and he skates quite well for a player of his size. Gagne does not have game-breaking offensive skill, but he can move pucks capably out of his own zone to his forwards. Gagne does need to work a bit on his mean streak, as teams will want him to play with more bite at the NHL level, but overall, he has a nice toolkit that projects well to a bottom-pairing penalty killing role. Teams look for players like Gagne to fill prominent minutes in the NHL playoffs, and with the way Gagne has been progressing this season, it’s not hard to envision a scenario where he fills that role one day for the Avalanche.

10. Linus Funck, D, London Knights (OHL)

A fourth round pick last year out of Sweden, Funck made the jump to the OHL this year with London. He has been a steady defensive presence, showing upside as a depth, stay at home type. He’s been tasked with playing a middle of the lineup role for the Knights, with coach Dale Hunter relying on him heavily to help anchor London’s penalty killing unit. Funck has been a big reason why the Knights’ PK group has been a top three ranked unit in the OHL this year. He’s not a highly physical player, but he’s efficient defensively because he has good overall mobility and an active stick. He makes strong reads in the defensive end and has excellent gap control. Offensively, his game has shown to be somewhat limited at the OHL level; he’s not a high skill player or someone who is overly confident with the puck outside of the defensive zone. Funck is eligible to return to London next year as an Import, and if he does, he might have the opportunity to receive more offensive responsibility, and that could give us a better indication of his ultimate upside.

11. Jake Fisher, C, University of Denver (NCAA)

Fisher is a hardworking, lunch pail kind of forward who is playing in his sophomore season at the University of Denver. He’ll need to have an offensive breakout at some point to be considered an NHL option.

12. Nolan Roed, C, St. Cloud State University (NCAA)

A talented and hard-working playmaker, Roed has had a successful freshman season at St. Cloud State. Continuing to improve his skating and defensive play will be key for him due to a bottom six projection.

13. Taylor Makar, LW, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Originally considered to be an example of nepotism, Cale’s brother is carving his own path after a breakout campaign at Maine and now a decent rookie year in the AHL that has already seen him earn an NHL look.

14. Daniil Gushchin, LW, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

In a very thin Colorado system, Gushchin remains a top 15 prospect even though his days seem numbered in North America. He hasn’t been able to transfer his AHL scoring to the NHL level and is likely destined for a long career in Europe.

15. Isak Posch, G, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Posch was signed last offseason after a great year with St. Cloud State. The big Swedish netminder has added solid depth to the Colorado organization and shows upside as a possible back-up down the road.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #2 SAN JOSE SHARKS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:15:17 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 21: The artwork on the mask of San Jose Sharks goalie Yaroslav Askarov (30) is shown prior to the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks, held on January 21, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire)

Subscribers can download the PDF in subscriber downloads.

Please note you can scroll through the PDF document here as well

San Jose 25 Prospects

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 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)

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.

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

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.

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)

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.

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 2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 30 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:22:26 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first, this ranking, follows the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Our team of 16 scouts are based in key markets around the world, in the rinks, supported by video scouting. They utilize some terrific tools from Hudl/InStat, which can isolate so many aspects of a player’s game, along with proprietary statistics. They spend countless hours in rinks and in front of screens and are deeply familiar with these players and their progression. Our management team of Brock Otten (Director of Scouting) and Derek Neumeier (Assistant Director of Scouting/Senior Western Regional Scout), along with Video Scouting Coordinator, Josh Bell, will take the teams input and finalize the list you see below. Brock, Derek and Josh are responsible for the player write-ups in the Prospect Guide.

The organizational rankings are based on an algorithm that takes into account how many prospects are ranked within the top 200. The teams are broken down by the number of prospects in our top 1 -25, 26 - 50, 51 - 100, and 101 - 200. A weight is attached to each group and then some subjective tweaking is done based on our knowledge of the players. There can be a wider discrepancy in the top 25 group than the latter groupings that needs to be taken into account.

Here is our definition of an NHL prospect: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in one season (25 for goalies).

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft. We are releasing out top 30 NHL Prospects free to non-subscribers. If you want to learn more, link here.

Subscribers can link to the full top 200 listing here

Here is an excerpt of Brock Otten's Risers and Fallers article from the magazine to give you more perspective and a little taste of our content.

The best part of scouting is the somewhat unpredictable nature of human development. Some players improve dramatically from one year to the next…others do not. When we compare the rankings from our 2023-24 NHL Yearbook (where we did a Top 300 prospect ranking) to now, these are the players who have risen/fallen the most.

Risers

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 22: Dallas Stars center Logan Stankoven (11) reacts to a goal score during game one of the Western Conference First Round between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights on April 22, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire)

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

Stankoven’s jump from one of the best players in the WHL to one of the best players in the AHL has been impressive. So has his quick start in the NHL.

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

Leonard is returning to Boston College after a Championship barely eluded him this year. However, he has proven to be an elite play driver to go with his strong off puck play.

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 11: Look on Montreal Canadiens right wing Joshua Roy (89) during warm-up before the St. Louis Blues versus the Montreal Canadiens game on February 11, 2024, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

Roy continues to prove doubters wrong after a terrific AHL season with Laval. His skill set has become so well rounded since being drafted.

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

Geekie’s power game from the middle of the ice makes him such an interesting prospect for today’s NHL. His skating continues to improve.

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

Bourque emerged as one of the best players in the AHL this season as a sophomore professional. He’s ready to take that next step with the Stars.

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

Once thought to be the third wheel on the talented Will Smith/Ryan Leonard threesome, Perreault’s progression as a play driver at Boston College this season has altered the perception that he can be a front-line NHL player.

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

Drafting early out of the BCHL has yielded inconsistent results, however Nadeau was exceptional as a freshman at Maine. Did he leave school too early though?

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

Firkus took his game to another level this year in his final WHL season, leading the league in scoring. He’s ready to be a pro.

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

One of the most improved players in the NCAA this year, Brindley emerged as a star for the University of Michigan and really altered his projection as a potential top six forward.

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

The dynamic American winger worked hard to fine tune components of his game in Sudbury this year and deserves a bump for improving his consistency.

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

Nyman emerged as one of the top goal scorers in Finland this season as a U20 player. This, combined with his strong WJC performance, has helped push him up our board north.

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

Mailloux proved to be way more refined at the AHL level than previously perceived. Simply put, he was one of the best defensive prospects in the AHL this year.

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

What a terrific story to the end of the Coyotes franchise. Doan emerged as a potential star this season and finished the year strong in the NHL, scoring in his debut.

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

We still don’t understand how Heidt fell as far as he did in the 2023 draft, however he is proving NHL scouts wrong thus far after a remarkable year with Prince George.

Ville Koivunen (165 to 71) – Pittsburgh Penguins

The main piece of the Jake Guentzel to Carolina deal, Koivunen emerged as one of the top players in Liiga this year.

Ethan Del Mastro (169 to 73) – Chicago Blackhawks

There was little doubt that Del Mastro’s strong defensive ability would translate to the AHL level well, but he continues to improve offensively and that has altered his projection.

Theo Lindstein (185 to 91) – St. Louis Blues

Lindstein’s strong year for Brynas has helped to elevate his upside as a two-way defender. We may have ranked him too low in our 2023 Draft Rankings.

Carson Rehkopf (201 to 69) – Seattle Kraken

Consistency off the puck and a lack of engagement held Rehkopf back last year. This year marked improvement in those areas helped him emerge as a top offensive talent in the OHL.

Easton Cowan (204 to 67) – Toronto Maple Leafs

One of the surprises of the 2023 draft, Cowan set a new OHL record with a 42-game point streak. More than just a high energy guy now, he can be a difference maker offensively.

Seamus Casey (214 to 63) – New Jersey Devils

Casey continues to improve in the NCAA. He may not have elite size, but he has everything else, and it has the Devils excited about his future.

Jacob Fowler (222 to 52) – Montreal Canadiens

Fowler compiled a list of accolades as a freshman this year at Boston College, emerging as one of the top goaltending prospects in the game.

Fraser Minten (226 to 84) – Toronto Maple Leafs

After starting the year with the Leafs, Minten returned to the WHL and ended up captaining Canada at the World Juniors.

Jackson Blake (277 to 117) – Carolina Hurricanes

A finalist for the Hobey Baker this year, Blake became an NCAA star for North Dakota, and he now turns pro.

Erik Portillo (Unranked to 118) – Los Angeles Kings

Acquired by the Kings, Portillo turned pro after three years at Michigan and he was one of the best goaltenders in the AHL as a first-year pro.

Rodwin Dionicio (Unranked to 139) – Anaheim Ducks

Dionicio still plays a high risk, high reward game from the back end, but his offensive upside has become too large to ignore.

Fallers

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

Xavier Bourgault (from 48 to 113) – Edmonton Oilers

After a mediocre first professional year last season, Bourgault was even more disappointing as a sophomore with Bakersfield. The Oilers just haven’t been developing prospects well in recent years.

Eduard Sale (72 to 140) – Seattle Kraken

Sale’s first year in North America did not go according to plan as he struggled to be a consistent impact player in the OHL.

Jack Rathbone (96 to not ranked) – Pittsburgh Penguins

Perhaps we ranked Rathbone too aggressively this summer, but not only did he fail to earn a spot on Vancouver, but he’s now an NHL after thought after entering Pittsburgh’s organization via trade.

Jacob Perreault (127 to not ranked) – Montreal Canadiens

Perreault’s off puck play and skating just haven’t improved to the point where he can be a consistent pro and it caused the Ducks to move on from him, trading him to Montreal.

Jan Jenik (156 to not ranked) - Utah

Once a highly ranked prospect, Jenik continues to fall. He just hasn’t been able to take that next step and even passed through waivers this year unclaimed.

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17

2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 200 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 25 May 2024 17:02:31 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first is following the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft.

Subscribers can link to the listing here

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17
31	Brad Lambert	Wpg	C	20	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	64	21	34	55	38
32	Ivan Miroshnichenko	Wsh	LW	20	6-1/185	Washington (NHL)	21	2	4	6	6
33	Axel Sandin Pellikka	Det	D	19	5-11/180	Skelleftea (SHL)	39	10	8	18	17
34	Bradly Nadeau	Car	LW	18	5-10/165	Maine (HE)	37	19	27	46	12
35	Joshua Roy	Mtl	RW	20	6-0/190	Montreal (NHL)	23	4	5	9	0
36	Denton Mateychuk	CBJ	D	19	5-11/190	Moose Jaw (WHL)	52	17	58	75	31
37	Brayden Yager	Pit	C	19	5-11/165	Moose Jaw (WHL)	57	35	60	95	20
38	Calum Ritchie	Col	C	19	6-2/185	Oshawa (OHL)	50	28	52	80	20
39	Joakim Kemell	Nsh	RW	20	5-10/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	67	16	25	41	23
40	Colby Barlow	Wpg	LW	19	6-0/195	Owen Sound (OHL)	50	40	18	58	27
41	Jimmy Snuggerud	StL	RW	19	6-1/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	21	13	34	42
42	Matthew Coronato	Cgy	RW	21	5-10/183	Calgary (NHL)	34	3	6	9	4
43	Frank Nazar	Chi	C	20	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	41	17	24	41	18
44	Riley Heidt	Min	C	19	5-10/180	Prince George (WHL)	66	37	80	117	42
45	Logan Mailloux	Mtl	D	21	6-3/215	Laval (AHL)	72	14	33	47	91
46	Sebastian Cossa	Det	G	21	6-6/229	Grand Rapids (AHL)	40	22	9	2.41	0.913
47	Jagger Firkus	Sea	RW	20	5-10/155	Moose Jaw (WHL)	63	61	65	126	30
48	Mikhail Gulyayev	Col	D	19	5-11/170	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	64	4	8	12	8
49	Scott Morrow	Car	D	21	6-2/195	Massachusetts (HE)	37	6	24	30	25
50	Matthew Wood	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/195	Connecticut (HE)	35	16	12	28	43
51	Quentin Musty	SJ	LW	18	6-2/200	Sudbury (OHL)	53	43	59	102	72
52	Jacob Fowler	Mtl	G	19	6-1/215	Boston College (HE)	39	32	6	2.14	0.926
53	Fabian Lysell	Bos	RW	21	5-11/181	Providence (AHL)	56	15	35	50	37
54	Shakir Mukhamadullin	SJ	D	22	6-3/180	San Jose (AHL)	55	7	27	34	24
55	Josh Doan	Ari	RW	22	6-1/183	Arizona (NHL)	11	5	4	9	0
56	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	22	5-9/180	San Jose (NHL)	27	6	5	11	18
57	Lian Bichsel	Dal	D	19	6-6/233	Rogle (SHL)	29	2	2	4	28
58	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	24	5-10/180	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	42	11	24	35	30
59	Aatu Raty	Van	C	21	6-2/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	72	18	34	52	18
60	Oliver Moore	Chi	C	19	5-11/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	9	24	33	8
61	Samuel Honzek	Cgy	LW	19	6-4/186	Vancouver (WHL)	33	10	21	31	18
62	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	23	5-9/170	Calgary (NHL)	13	1	2	3	2
63	Seamus Casey	NJ	D	20	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	7	38	45	14
64	Tristan Luneau	Ana	D	20	6-1/195	Anaheim (NHL)	7	1	2	3	4
65	Chaz Lucius	Wpg	C	20	6-1/185	Manitoba (AHL)	17	2	11	13	6
66	Gavin Brindley	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	25	28	53	28
67	Easton Cowan	Tor	RW	18	5-10/170	London (OHL)	54	34	62	96	64
68	Zachary L'Heureux	Nsh	LW	20	5-11/195	Milwaukee (AHL)	66	19	29	48	197
69	Carson Rehkopf	Sea	LW	19	6-1/195	Kitchener (OHL)	60	52	43	95	45
70	Filip Bystedt	SJ	C	20	6-4/205	Linkopings (SHL)	47	8	9	17	2
71	Ville Koivunen	Pit	LW	20	6-0/175	Karpat (Fin-Liiga)	59	22	34	56	26
72	Noah Ostlund	Buf	C	20	5-11/163	Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)	38	12	11	23	4
73	Ethan Del Mastro	Chi	D	21	6-4/210	Rockford (AHL)	69	7	30	37	54
74	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	22	5-10/180	Henderson (AHL)	58	4	16	20	33
75	Liam Ohgren	Min	LW	20	6-1/200	Farjestads (SHL)	26	12	7	19	12
76	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	21	5-11/175	Minnesota (NHL)	16	1	3	4	6
77	Mackie Samoskevich	Fla	RW	21	5-11/190	Charlotte (AHL)	62	22	32	54	24
78	Stanislav Svozil	CBJ	D	21	6-1/180	Cleveland (AHL)	57	5	18	23	24
79	Zachary Bolduc	StL	LW	21	6-1/175	St. Louis (NHL)	25	5	4	9	6
80	Rutger McGroarty	Wpg	LW	20	6-1/200	Michigan (B1G)	36	16	36	52	6
81	Jani Nyman	Sea	RW	19	6-3/215	Ilves (Fin-Liiga)	48	26	17	43	2
82	Andrew Cristall	Wsh	LW	19	5-9/165	Kelowna (WHL)	62	40	71	111	46
83	Oliver Bonk	Phi	D	19	6-2/175	London (OHL)	60	24	43	67	32
84	Fraser Minten	Tor	C	19	6-1/185	Kam-Sas (WHL)	43	22	26	48	25
85	Tanner Molendyk	Nsh	D	19	5-11/185	Saskatoon (WHL)	50	10	46	56	18
86	David Goyette	Sea	C	20	5-10/175	Sudbury (OHL)	68	40	77	117	29
87	David Edstrom	SJ	C	19	6-3/185	Frolunda (SHL)	44	7	12	19	8
88	Anton Wahlberg	Buf	C	18	6-3/194	Malmo (SHL)	43	5	5	10	4
89	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	22	5-9/185	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	61	5	27	32	66
90	Trey Augustine	Det	G	19	6-1/185	Michigan State (B1G)	35	23	9	2.96	0.915
91	Theo Lindstein	StL	D	19	6-0/180	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	49	4	11	15	4
92	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	23	6-7/195	Belleville (AHL)	32	18	9	2.45	0.916
93	Isak Rosen	Buf	RW	21	6-0/175	Rochester (AHL)	67	20	30	50	12
94	Maveric Lamoureux	Ari	D	20	6-7/214	Drummondville (QMJHL)	39	9	24	33	53
95	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	21	6-2/180	Rockford (AHL)	38	18	16	2.65	0.906
96	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	23	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	41	10	17	27	24
97	Carter Mazur	Det	LW	22	6-0/170	Grand Rapids (AHL)	60	17	20	37	48
98	Otto Stenberg	StL	C	18	5-11/180	Frolunda (SHL)	31	3	3	6	8
99	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	LW	23	6-3/205	Milwaukee (AHL)	56	27	27	54	60
100	Nikita Chibrikov	Wpg	RW	21	5-10/170	Manitoba (AHL)	70	17	30	47	53
101	Zach Dean	StL	C	21	6-0/175	Springfield (AHL)	49	9	5	14	24
102	William Dufour	NYI	RW	22	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	55	15	10	25	35
103	Sam Rinzel	Chi	D	19	6-4/180	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	26	28	20
104	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	22	6-2/185	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	45	25	12	2.16	0.921
105	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	23	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	50	19	19	38	8
106	Corson Ceulemans	CBJ	D	20	6-2/200	Cleveland (AHL)	47	3	9	12	12
107	Michael Hrabal	Ari	G	19	6-6/209	Massachusetts (HE)	30	16	12	2.59	0.912
108	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	22	5-11/180	Vegas (NHL)	15	2	6	8	2
109	Owen Pickering	Pit	D	20	6-4/180	Swift Current (WHL)	59	7	39	46	35
110	Owen Beck	Mtl	C	20	5-11/185	Pbo-Sag (OHL)	57	34	47	81	18
111	William Wallinder	Det	D	21	6-4/190	Grand Rapids (AHL)	65	3	12	15	10
112	Xavier Bourgault	Edm	C	21	6-0/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	55	8	12	20	24
113	Jordan Dumais	CBJ	RW	20	5-8/165	Halifax (QMJHL)	21	16	31	47	6
114	Aleksi Heimosalmi	Car	D	20	5-11/170	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	47	2	14	16	12
115	Brandon Bussi	Bos	G	25	6-4/218	Providence (AHL)	41	23	10	2.67	0.913
116	Jackson Blake	Car	RW	20	5-10/160	North Dakota (NCHC)	40	22	38	60	26
117	Erik Portillo	LA	G	23	6-6/210	Ontario (AHL)	39	24	11	2.50	0.918
118	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	22	5-8/175	Laval (AHL)	47	9	19	28	10
119	Kasper Halttunen	SJ	RW	18	6-3/205	London (OHL)	57	32	29	61	61
120	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	22	5-11/165	Toronto (AHL)	68	8	31	39	43
121	Ethan Gauthier	TB	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	64	36	35	71	42
122	Daniil Miromanov	Cgy	D	26	6-4/200	VGK-Cgy (NHL)	24	3	4	7	8
123	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	23	5-8/155	Bridgeport (AHL)	69	18	32	50	30
124	Shai Buium	Det	D	21	6-3/210	Denver (NCHC)	43	7	29	36	14
125	Jakub Dobes	Mtl	G	22	6-3/200	Laval (AHL)	51	24	18	2.93	0.906
126	Oliver Kapanen	Mtl	C	20	6-0/170	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	51	14	20	34	32
127	Danny Nelson	NYI	C	18	6-3/200	Notre Dame (B1G)	30	9	14	23	32
128	Lenni Hameenaho	NJ	RW	19	6-0/175	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	46	14	17	31	10
129	Nick Lardis	Chi	LW	18	5-11/165	Brantford (OHL)	37	29	21	50	12
130	Ty Nelson	Sea	D	20	5-10/195	North Bay (OHL)	54	16	36	52	50
131	Isaac Howard	TB	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	36	8	28	36	10
132	Fyodor Svechkov	Nsh	C	21	6-0/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	57	16	23	39	18
133	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	21	6-1/196	Calgary (AHL)	23	3	10	13	22
134	Reid Schaefer	Nsh	LW	20	6-3/215	Milwaukee (AHL)	63	7	14	21	39
135	Zack Ostapchuk	Ott	C	20	6-3/205	Belleville (AHL)	69	17	11	28	47
136	Nathan Gaucher	Ana	C	20	6-3/207	San Diego (AHL)	72	10	15	25	68
137	Rodwin Dionicio	Ana	D	20	6-2/207	Wsr-Sag (OHL)	60	25	48	73	108
138	Eduard Sale	Sea	LW	19	6-1/170	Bar-Kit (OHL)	49	15	23	38	8
139	Danil Gushchin	SJ	RW	22	5-8/165	San Jose (AHL)	56	20	34	54	24
140	Sean Behrens	Col	D	21	5-10/175	Denver (NCHC)	44	4	27	31	53
141	Christian Kyrou	Dal	D	20	5-10/170	Texas (AHL)	57	8	15	23	22
142	Niklas Kokko	Sea	G	20	6-3/185	Pelicans (Fin-Liiga)	13	9	0	1.49	0.926
143	Vasily Ponomarev	Pit	C	22	5-10/180	Tuc-Chi-WBS (AHL)	45	9	21	30	16
144	Ryan Winterton	Sea	RW	20	6-2/190	Coachella Valley (AHL)	58	22	13	35	23
145	Dmitri Buchelnikov	Det	LW	20	5-10/165	Admiral Vladivostok (KHL)	55	13	16	29	8
146	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	Sea	C	19	6-0/165	HV 71 (SHL)	50	9	12	21	6
147	Aku Raty	Ari	RW	22	6-1/190	Tucson (AHL)	55	15	29	44	22
148	Matyas Sapovaliv	VGK	C	20	6-3/180	Saginaw (OHL)	54	19	43	62	22
149	Georgii Merkulov	Bos	C	23	5-11/175	Providence (AHL)	67	30	35	65	20
150	Topias Vilen	NJ	D	21	6-1/195	Utica (AHL)	54	2	27	29	16
151	Ryan Chesley	Wsh	D	20	6-0/200	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	6	8	19
152	Jayden Perron	Car	RW	19	5-9/165	North Dakota (NCHC)	39	11	7	18	8
153	Tristen Robins	SJ	C	22	5-10/175	San Jose (AHL)	42	7	11	18	12
154	Calle Odelius	NYI	D	19	6-0/190	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	10	0	4	4	2
155	Vincent Iorio	Wsh	D	21	6-2/190	Hershey (AHL)	60	4	10	14	30
156	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	23	6-4/215	Bakersfield (AHL)	66	28	22	50	64
157	Ronnie Attard	Phi	D	25	6-3/210	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	48	10	17	27	37
158	Niko Huuhtanen	TB	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	52	19	27	46	46
159	Carson Bjarnason	Phi	G	18	6-3/185	Brandon (WHL)	46	24	17	3.01	0.907
160	Lukas Dragicevic	Sea	D	19	6-1/190	Tri-City (WHL)	66	14	36	50	52
161	Leevi Merilainen	Ott	G	21	6-2/160	Belleville (AHL)	24	10	9	2.87	0.906
162	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	22	6-4/200	Belleville (AHL)	53	5	16	21	51
163	Hunter Brzustewicz	Cgy	D	19	5-11/185	Kitchener (OHL)	67	13	79	92	24
164	Ryan Greene	Chi	C	20	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	40	12	24	36	6
165	Damian Clara	Ana	G	19	6-6/214	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	34	25	8	2.23	0.913
166	Carson Lambos	Min	D	21	6-1/200	Iowa (AHL)	69	4	10	14	64
167	Denver Barkey	Phi	C	19	5-8/160	London (OHL)	64	35	67	102	28
168	Gage Goncalves	TB	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	69	13	45	58	43
169	Arshdeep Bains	Van	LW	23	6-0/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	59	16	39	55	28
170	Bogdan Konyushkov	Mtl	D	21	5-11/175	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	65	6	22	28	18
171	Alexei Kolosov	Phi	G	22	6-1/185	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	47	22	21	2.39	0.907
172	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	24	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	50	43	19	62	26
173	Filip Mesar	Mtl	C	20	5-9/175	Kitchener (OHL)	45	19	33	52	12
174	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	23	6-3/200	Hartford (AHL)	68	4	17	21	49
175	Adam Engstrom	Mtl	D	20	6-2/185	Rogle (SHL)	51	4	18	22	4
176	Michael Buchinger	StL	D	20	5-11/185	Guelph (OHL)	52	10	37	47	37
177	Semyon Chistyakov	Nsh	D	22	5-11/180	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	59	4	20	24	16
178	John Farinacci	Bos	C	23	5-11/197	Providence (AHL)	71	12	26	38	16
179	Angus Crookshank	Ott	LW	24	5-10/180	Belleville (AHL)	50	24	22	46	60
180	Yegor Sidorov	Ana	RW	19	6-0/180	Saskatoon (WHL)	66	50	38	88	66
181	Samu Tuomaala	Phi	RW	21	5-10/175	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	69	15	28	43	12
182	Logan Morrison	Sea	C	21	6-0/180	Coachella Valley (AHL)	64	16	25	41	4
183	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	21	5-11/175	Colorado (AHL)	26	4	10	14	18
184	Adam Gajan	Chi	G	19	6-3/167	Green Bay (USHL)	43	23	12	3.35	0.893
185	Nolan Allan	Chi	D	21	6-2/195	Rockford (AHL)	60	5	12	17	47
186	Oskar Olausson	Col	RW	21	6-1/180	Colorado (AHL)	39	11	9	20	24
187	Samuel Poulin	Pit	C	23	6-1/205	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	41	16	15	31	35
188	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	21	5-9/165	Hartford (AHL)	71	25	23	48	62
189	Colton Dach	Chi	C	21	6-4/205	Rockford (AHL)	48	11	15	26	39
190	Jack Thompson	SJ	D	22	6-0/180	Syr-SJ (AHL)	62	6	35	41	16
191	Riley Kidney	Mtl	C	21	5-11/170	Laval (AHL)	65	7	13	20	41
192	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	21	6-3/195	Belleville (AHL)	22	9	11	20	22
193	Carey Terrance	Ana	C	18	6-1/175	Erie (OHL)	56	29	23	52	25
194	Luca Del Bel Belluz	CBJ	C	20	6-1/185	Cleveland (AHL)	58	9	22	31	12
195	Luca Pinelli	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Ottawa (OHL)	68	48	34	82	44
196	Francesco Pinelli	LA	C	21	6-1/185	Ontario (AHL)	67	13	7	20	24
197	Elias Salomonsson	Wpg	D	19	6-1/185	Skelleftea (SHL)	31	2	9	11	58
198	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	21	6-2/205	Western Michigan (NCHC)	38	24	19	43	23
199	Sasha Pastujov	Ana	RW	20	6-0/185	San Diego (AHL)	46	10	13	23	14
200	Andrew Gibson	Det	D	19	6-3/195	Saul St. Marie (OHL)	68	12	32	44	58

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #12 San Jose Sharks

Josh Bell — Sun, 21 May 2023 12:59:01 +0000

It has been a year since Doug Wilson turned over the GM reigns after missing the playoffs for three straight years, following an impressive 19 years of sustained success. He was ultimately replaced by Mike Grier in July following the draft. This year will be Grier’s first opportunity to put his imprint on the organization. His first big move was the trading of Timo Meier for a package of prospects including the fourth ranked on the Sharks, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and 23-year-old Fabian Zetterlund, who graduated this year, plus a first, second and seventh round pick along with other pieces. They surprisingly did not move Erik Karlsson at the deadline but will have more opportunity this summer to add to their stockpile of draft picks and prospects. Kevin Labanc has been in the rumour mill as well. Tomas Hertl has a no movement clause so will be in control of his destiny.

The current group of prospects moves up to 12^th overall from 24^th, led by William Eklund, who is NHL ready, but San Jose wisely let him get another year of development in. The first overall pick last season (27^th overall) in Filip Bystedt had an outstanding season with a jump in his offensive play and an excellent World Junior tournament for Sweden. Mukhamadullin was brought over to North America soon after being acquired. In addition to New Jersey’s pick, they also have the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft and should be able to add a foundational piece in a deep draft. It is the beginning of a new era for a perennially successful franchise. Wins may be hard to come by next year, but on a path forward.

SAN JOSE, CA - OCTOBER 09: San Jose Sharks left wing William Eklund (72) carries the puck during the San Jose Sharks game versus the Vegas Golden Knights on October 9, 2021, at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire)

William Eklund

Nobody would have been surprised if the rebuilding Sharks let their best prospect play in the NHL all season, especially considering he spent the majority of the past three playing professionally in Sweden. But give them credit for doing the right thing with Eklund's development and letting him cook mostly in the AHL instead. That extra marinating was the right call, as he started his full-time transition to North America a little slowly before finding another level after the midway point. His game is built around controlling possession, as he is a tenacious forechecker when trying to get the puck, and when he does have it, he blends high-end skating ability, high-end hands and a killer instinct to open up offensive opportunities. He leans more as a playmaker than a shooter, but he can punish defender if they give him too much time and space. Eklund will be a full-time NHLer next season for sure and should be a contender for the Calder Trophy.

2. Thomas Bordeleau

There are few prospects in the sport right now who have better offensive vision than Bordeleau. He is such a crafty, creative player in the offensive zone, and is also a premier stick-handler and playmaker. He will make defenders pay dearly if they give him too much time and space, which makes him an obvious choice to use a lot with the man advantage. He does rely on his cerebral advantages a little too often, though. He will let his pace lag, he doesn't battle hard for interior ice, and he sometimes looks flat-out disinterested in defending. But then the puck will find its way to him, and he will turn it into a scoring chance nobody else saw, so you can never be too down on him. Bordeleau could become a very special player with the right tweaks to his approach.

3. Filip Bystedt

One of the most publicly underrated prospects from the 2022 draft class, the Sharks knew exactly what they were doing when they picked Bystedt 27th overall. The blend of size, powerful and fluid skating ability, and full-speed puck magic was highly desirable, even though it hadn't yet led to much scoring in the SHL. Fast forward one year and he is already rewarding them for their trust and investment, with a huge uptick in points for Linkopings HC and an excellent showing at the World Juniors on behalf of Sweden. Even more impressive, he produced a lot for his club team despite averaging just 12:49 per game, which ranked just 10th among their forwards. Bystedt is trending sharply in the right direction, and it's thrilling to think of just how good he could be once he reaches his prime playing years and has mastered all of his tools.

4. Shakir Mukhamadullin

The scouting appeal with Mukhamadullin has always been around his stellar physical tools and athleticism, but there was no denying that a lot of refinement had to be made with his awareness and decision-making. Now 21 years old and with more than 150 KHL games under his belt, it's fair to say that a lot of progress has been made. With his immense reach and clean 360-degree mobility he can be a suffocating defensive presence. He still gets caught out of position at times, but his ability to recover back into place is effortless. Has a heavy shot from the point and puts a ton of zip into his passes. Not a guy you want handling the puck too much, but the right partner can solve that issue. Mukhamadullin was a part of the Timo Meier return and the Sharks got him to America right afterwards, so they must be excited about his long-term upside.

5. Henry Thrun

Thrun was originally drafted by Anaheim, and the Ducks must have been incredibly disappointed when he informed them that he didn't want to sign there. They did acquire a 3rd-rounder from the Sharks for his rights, which will be a higher pick than the 4th-rounder they had originally used, but good luck drafting a prospect equally as good. The Massachusetts native moved from one coast to the other and immediately started working, scoring two points in his NHL debut and then sticking around for the remainder of the regular season. His hockey sense is outstanding, being Harvard's captain exemplified his astute leadership abilities, and there are no discernible weaknesses anywhere in his game. Its rare to find defensemen this age who are already so polished. Thrun has a long career ahead of him and should be a foundational piece of San Jose's long-term rebuild.

6. Tristen Robins

Robins isn't the biggest, fastest, or most naturally athletic of players, but he overcomes those limitations with sharp hockey sense and an exceptional mental edge. It's impossible to not root for him because he plays with such poise, confidence and fearlessness, and he has a magical knack for making big plays at big times. He is always around the puck because he anticipates the play so well and knows how to find open ice. There might not be another prospect in the sport who is more unassumingly lethal as a goal-scorer, but WHL goalies eventually learned that the hard way, and AHL ones have started as well. It's unlikely that Robins will ever be a first line forward in the NHL like he was in Saskatoon, but he'll be a guy that coaches make sure to keep in their lineups.

7. Artemi Knyazev

Kniazev hasn't really changed a whole lot since his draft year, which can be both a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. He is a true play-driving defenseman who operates at a high pace and wants to be a possession conduit for his team. He jumps at every opportunity to join the rush and is always ready to follow it all the way up to prime scoring territory. There is an aggressive confidence to him, which is a mentality that can be very efficacious. Problems arise, though, when he plays with that kind of fire a little too frequently. It would also be nice to see him expand his game to additional dimensions. However, even if Kniazev remains a fairly one-dimensional, pigeonholed kind of player he could be a true specialist as a play driver as he continues to master his craft.

8. Cameron Lund

Lund is another one of those prospects who just can't properly be analyzed by solely looking at his stats or the win-loss records of the teams he has played on. Does he have the individual skills and profile that could lead to increased production down the road? Absolutely. He protects pucks well down low, is a handful to box out of the crease, and brings power and accuracy to both his shots and passes. However, even if gaudy point production never becomes a go-to part of his game there's a very comfortable floor as a bottom six center that he could settle into. He wins 50-50 battles with his strength and grit, and already displays the conditioning and resilience to be someone who can survive the grind of long seasons playing that way. If Lunds spends a full four years in college, he could be a dramatically different player by the time he enters the pro ranks.

9. Ozzy Wiesblatt

The three seasons since getting picked in the 1st round by the Sharks have not gone kindly for Wiesblatt. Not only has he been stuck on bad teams with both the WHL's Raiders and the AHL's Barracuda, but he’s also had to battle through injury troubles and the accompanying rust. However, anyone who is very familiar with him knows that it would be beyond foolish to write him off just yet. He is a tenacious forward who loves to stomp his foot on the gas pedal and attack enemies head-on with his speed and stick tricks. It's a risky approach that gets him into trouble at times right now, but once he crosses a certain point with his physical development, the impact he leaves could be very different. Slowing things down more often and leaning further into his playmaking acumen wouldn't hurt, either.

10. Sasha Chmelevski

Chmelevski transferred his talents from his sunny home state of California to the cold expanse of Russia for the 2022-23 season, and he must have found the change beneficial because he agreed to stay there for at least another year. A forward who has always leaned heavily on his goal scoring to get by, he did light the lamp a team-leading 26 times for Ufa in the KHL, which was double his total output from the year prior and a good sign for him overall. San Jose still holds Chmelevski's NHL rights, so it will be very interesting to see what happens when — or if — he decides to play hockey stateside again, because there will be roster spots ripe for the taking on a young Sharks team that will likely be in major need of scoring support.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – SAN JOSE SHARKS – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors – Brock Otten, Ethan Hetu, Dylan Krill, Zack Szweras, — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 21:04:46 +0000

1 - William Eklund LW

Eklund was selected with the 7^th overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft by the San Jose Sharks. He got a taste of the NHL last season playing in nine games with the Sharks at the start of the season. Eklund looked comfortable in the best league in the world, producing four points. After that short stint, the Sharks decided it was best for the organization to loan him back to Djurgårdens in the SHL to allow for his entry level contract to slide. Eklund exploded on the scene as a draft eligible with his ridiculous start to the 2020-21 season where he was dominating play in the SHL as an 18-year-old. As the season went on, Eklund had a battle with COVID and could not get back to the same form as at the start of the season. He finished that year with 23 points in 40 games on route to being selected by the Sharks. In his return to the SHL this year, he played top minutes for a poor Djurgårdens team that was relegated to Sweden’s second league Allsvenskan. Eklund produced one goal and 14 points in 29 games for Djurgårdens last season. His game is a combination of puck skills and speed. He has a unique ability to weave through the ice, navigating through the opposition. He is capable of contributing in all three zones, often being relied on in the defensive end to make a play to transition the puck. Eklund has a good set of hands which he uses to win battles in tight. On top of that, he also has a powerful shot which can be a threat from in tight and mid-range. While there are some conversations about Eklund staying down the middle in the NHL, his game is better suited for the wing, which allows him to burst up the boards and deke into the middle of the ice. No matter what position he plays, Eklund is expected to have a role with the Sharks to start next season. - ZS

2 - Thomas Bordeleau C

Thomas Bordeleau was a second-round pick at the 2020 NHL draft, but he’d likely find his way into the first-round if the draft were re-done today. After his time at the U.S. National Team Development Program, Bordeleau went to the University of Michigan, where he authored a brilliant freshman season, leading a stacked Wolverines team in scoring with 30 points in just 24 games. Bordeleau’s next season was similarly good, and he made strides in his overall game, earning him a selection to the USA’s Winter Olympic team. With a brilliant World Junior Championships under his belt and a solid eight-game run at the NHL level, Bordeleau looks poised to face the tests of his NHL rookie season. Bordeleau is an undersized center, but that doesn’t stop him from being an effective driver of play. He approaches his role as a scoring-line center like a basketball point guard, always looking to be the focal point of play, the premier passer, and the place where his line’s offensive chances are first generated. He’s got exceptional hands and his overall offensive toolbox is where it needs to be for a player with his style. Bordeleau’s skating is what allows him to create time and space with the puck as well, and his skill level regularly solves the problems he faces on the ice. But the flip side of that reality is that some would knock Bordeleau for too often relying on his skill to solve problems, and if he struggles to score at the NHL level it’ll likely be because he hasn’t been able to adjust his more perimeter-oriented style he played in college to the NHL level, where effective scorers need to utilize the middle of the ice. Additionally, it’s fair to wonder if he can stick at center and weather all the pressures placed on NHL pivots. But even with those two drawbacks taken into account, Bordeleau is a promising prospect who offers skill that’s difficult to find. He could be an effective top-six player if he learns to how to effectively translate his talent to the NHL game. - EH

3 - Mattias Havelid D

Havelid was selected 45^th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2022 NHL draft. He was the second Swedish player selected by the Sharks in this draft, following Linköping teammate and best friend Filip Bystedt. Havelid is an offensively skilled, undersized defenceman, who makes up for his lack of size with strong gap control and body balance even when pressured physically. Offensively, he has a wicked wrist shot which he loves to shoot from the point. To complement his shot, he is also an effective passer, he is calm under pressure and surveys the ice for open teammates before crisply sending the puck their way. His decision making is another area that stands out, as he rarely gets flustered and usually makes the right decision. Havelid had a strong season in the J20 league for Linköping scoring 10 goals and 19 points in 29 games. He also contributed 10 points in 8 playoff games. He also made an impact internationally, as Sweden’s assistant captain during the April U18 tournament, where he dominated the tournament with 12 points in six games, helping lead Sweden to a gold medal over the powerhouse US. Havelid’s 12 points not only led all defenceman in the tournament, but he was second overall in points behind only teammate Jonathan Lekkerimaki. If Havelid continues to play with confidence and adds more strength to his frame, he could be poised for a long NHL career. He is expected to begin next season with Linköping hopefully in a top-six role in the SHL. - ZS

4 - Benjamin Gaudreau G

Don’t let the average stats fool you, Gaudreau is one of the best goaltenders in the Ontario Hockey League. The reality is that since entering the OHL, the defense in front of him with the Sarnia Sting has been inexperienced and porous. That leads to Gaudreau being left hung out to dry on a lot of odd man rushes and high danger scoring chances against. Yet he consistently finds a way to keep the Sting in games. His technical abilities are very sound. He tracks the play extremely well and always seems to be in the correct position. Additionally, his movements in the crease are refined, allowing him to remain square. His athletic abilities, composure, and rebound control are all above average as well. This coming season should be a breakout one for Gaudreau to establish himself as one of the best goaltending prospects outside of the pro level. The Sting should be a top team in the OHL’s Western Conference and Gaudreau is the leading candidate to be the starting netminder for Canada at the 2023 World Junior Championships. He should also be a leading candidate for the Jim Rutherford trophy, awarded to the OHL’s top netminder. - BO

5 - Tristen Robins RW

In a somewhat surprising move, the Sharks sent Robins back to the WHL for his overage year this past season. Many expected the talented pivot to start the year in the AHL, but San Jose felt it would be best for his development to play another year with Saskatoon. Truthfully, from a production standpoint, his year was only mediocre. More was probably expected of him. Does that change his future outlook? Probably not, but it would have been great to have seen Robins dominate the way that he is capable of. Robins’ game is very well rounded. He is at his best when he can attack the offensive zone with speed, catching defenders flat footed. However, he is also tenacious and will fight through checks to make plays. Equal parts playmaker and shooter, his offensive zone awareness is also a standout quality. Moving to the pro level finally this year, it will be interesting to see how Robins performs. A potential middle six forward for San Jose in the future, he should have little trouble adjusting at the AHL level. However, his only average overage season this past year has cast a tiny bit of doubt about whether he can transcend above a depth piece. - BO

6 - Ozzy Wiesblatt RW

It was a tough year for Wiesblatt on a lot of fronts. For one, the former first round selection struggled with injuries and ended up being shut down for the year with a shoulder injury. For two, he scored only ten goals and was kept under the point per game mark for the first time since his U17 season. Now, granted, Prince Albert was a lower scoring team and that needs to be taken into consideration. However, expectations were no doubt higher for Wiesblatt in his final WHL season. A tenacious, high-energy attacker, Wiesblatt never stops moving his feet and is constantly engaged in the play. He can use his speed to apply pressure, but is also physical and fearless, finding a way to win many of the battles he engages in. At the very least, Wiesblatt does look like someone who could play a bottom six role for the Sharks and excel on the penalty kill. Whether he plays higher in the lineup depends on the further development of his offensive skill set, in particular his finishing ability and ability to make skilled plays with the puck at full speed. Assuming his shoulder is fully healed, Wiesblatt will start the year in the AHL with the Barracuda. The true nature of his upside likely won’t be determined for a few years at that level. - BO

7 - Filip Bystedt C

Bystedt was recently selected 27^th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2022 NHL draft. He is a big-bodied centre who uses a combination of size and speed to advance play. Standing at 6’4”, 205 Ibs, he uses his large frame to protect the puck when attacking. On top of puck protection, he generates power through his skating stride. Bystedt often has long, powerful strides and a quick first step allowing him to generate speed efficiently. Offensively, he is a good playmaker, often protecting the puck, waiting for a passing lane to open up before crisply sending the puck to his linemates. On top of his playmaking ability, Bystedt also has a quick release on his shot, making it an additional threat. This past season, he excelled in the J20 league for Linköping contributing 33 assists and 49 points in 40 games. He also saw action in the SHL in a limited role finishing with 2 points in 15 games. At the U18 tournament in April, he had more of a quiet performance for Sweden’s gold medal run with only 3 points in 6 games. Bystedt has looked different at each level he performed at last season. Next season, he should look to further establish his identity and play to his strengths of speed, puck protection, and playmaking. Bystedt is expected to split time between the J20 and SHL with Linköping. - ZS

8 - Cameron Lund RW

As one of the top picks in the second round of the 2022 draft, Cameron Lund might disappoint those who simply look at his box score numbers. Lund’s 50 points in 62 games is hardly the dominating production one would expect from a top-of-the-line USHL prospect. But like with most players, looking at just Lund’s box score statistics doesn’t tell the full story of what kind of player he is. Lund was one of the faster-rising prospects of last year’s draft cycle, improving with each and every passing USHL game. By the end of the year, Lund looked exponentially more sure of himself and confident in his abilities on both ends of the ice. A six-foot-two center, Lund uses his size to protect the puck and create space for himself and his teammates in order to generate offensive chances. Since Lund isn’t a great skater and doesn’t have the sort of straight-line speed or edgework to create space with his feet, whether Lund’s strength and poise with the puck will continue to allow him to be a strong puck protector at the next level will go a long way to determining just how high his offensive upside is. If Lund can actually make some adjustments to how he skates and find a new gear to his game, then at that point a whole new level of NHL upside would be possible. But at this moment, Lund’s skating looks like it could hold him back. There’s still enough in his game to give confidence that he can make the NHL despite his less-than-ideal feet, and he already has enough pro-style qualities in his game to make one think that he’ll find a way to carve out a role in the NHL if he can’t quite cut it as a scorer. - EH

9 - Artemi Knyazev D

Knyazev is a former standout in the QMJHL who is coming off his first pro season in the AHL. On a struggling San Jose Barracuda team, he certainly got his minutes and that was great for his development. However, it also proved that he still has a long way to go before becoming an NHL defender. Knyazev is intriguing because of his athletic tools on the blueline. He is a terrific mover who is both fluid and explosive. This allows him to play a higher risk game as an offensive player because he has the speed to recover his positioning. He also likes to play a physical game and is aggressive in seeking out big hits. However, his decision making at both ends and his overall defensive awareness are a big work in progress. He has a tendency to chase the play and his risky rushes were not always well timed as a pro. A longer-term project, Knyazev has the potential to be an NHL defender. He is skilled and he has the mobility to be an asset in today’s game. It will be up to San Jose’s coaching staff and development team to refine his approach and bring out the best in his skill set. He will return to the Barracuda this year and should continue to see a ton of ice time in a variety of different situations. - BO

10 - Brandon Coe RW

The 98th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, Brandon Coe had a breakout season with the Battalion and looks like great mid-round pick for Sharks. The former 3rd overall selection in the 2017 OHL Draft adapted well in his rookie season and finished with 23 points (10G,13A) in 63 games. In the 2018-2019 season, Coe finished with 37 points (17G,20A) in 65 games. During the 2019-2020 season, Coe took a step forward and finished with 57 points (25G,32A) in 60 games, which was 2nd on the team in points. In the 2020-2021 season, Coe got the opportunity like some others to play in the AHL, which was an exception made because of the OHL being shutdown. He was able to adapt well with his size and finished with five points (1G,4A) in 17 games. During the 2021-2022 season, Coe made the return to the OHL and had a breakout season, finishing with 101 points (34G,67A) in 62 games, which was 5th in the league for points, 4th in the league for assists and 1st on the team in both assists and points. Coe’s best assets are his hockey sense and physicality. He understands how to utilize his size while driving play, being able to protect the puck very effectively and contain possession for his team. He fights his way into space easily and shows no difficulty controlling the puck in traffic, making offensive zone entries consistently. He’s also very strong defensively, actively using his stick and body to breakup plays. Coe plays with a bite and knows how to use his physicality to wear down opponents and win puck battles consistently. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Coe will make his return to the AHL and look to bring his confidence from last year with him. - DK

11 - Danil Gushchin

The highly skilled winger is not given enough credit for his competitiveness off the puck, an area of his game that has improved since being drafted. How his game translates to the AHL level remains to be seen, but his upside is undeniable.

12 - Nick Cicek

After a strong season in the AHL with San Jose, the Sharks signed the former Portland Winterhawk (WHL) captain to an ELC. The big defender projects as a strong and physical two-way presence and has emerged as one of the top defensive prospects in the system.

13 - Eetu Makiniemi

Acquired in the recent Brent Burns to Carolina deal, Makiniemi enters a San Jose system loaded with goaltending depth, but lacking in a true future heir apparent in net. He was great in limited games last season with Charlotte and should play more this year.

14 - Michael Fisher

Drafted out of the Massachustettes prep scene, Fisher is a highly athletic defender who oozes potential at both ends. He likely plays in the USHL this season before heading to Northeastern.

15 - Gannon Laroque

One of the breakout stars of the WHL last season, the 6’2, right shot defender emerged as a confident puck mover to go with his staunch defensive player. He has already been named Victoria’s captain for this season and should be one of the WHL’s best defenders.

16 - Strauss Mann

Mann’s development path has not been traditional thus far. After starring for the University of Michigan, he bet on himself by going to the SHL after graduation. He turned a strong performance with Skellefteå into an ELC.

17 - Sasha Chmelevski

The Sharks will retain the rights to the former OHL star after he decided to sign in the KHL this season. It is odd timing considering that he had a great chance to crack San Jose full time this year.

18 - Santeri Hatakka

The Finnish defender showed some positive things in his first pro NA season last year with the Barracuda. The strong skating, defense first rearguard looks like a potential #4-6 defender for San Jose in the future.

19 - Mason Beaupit

The key to Beaupit’s development will be his ability to harness his athleticism to play a more technically refined game in the crease. The Spokane Chiefs (WHL) netminder has intriguing tools and could be a diamond in the rough among the team’s many goaltending prospects.

20 - Magnus Chrona

The 6’6 netminder won a National championship with Denver this past season. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning a year ago, he will return for his senior season and may prove to be a difficult sign for the Sharks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Team USA

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

Youngstown Phantoms

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

Des Moines Buccaneers

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

Lincoln Stars

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

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

Waterloo Black Hawks

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

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

Sioux Falls Stampede

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

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

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

The Playoffs

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

Western Conference

Jack Peart. Photo Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Tri-City Storm vs #4 Fargo Force

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Omaha Lancers vs #3 Sioux City Musketeers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eastern Conference

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Chicago Steel vs #4 Dubuque Fighting Saints

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#2 Muskegon Lumberjacks vs #3 Green Bay Gamblers

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

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

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

Prediction: Muskegon in three games.

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

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

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: San Jose Sharks Top 20 Prospects

Rachel Howard — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 21:27:01 +0000

McKeen's Top 20 New York Rangers prospects for the 2020-21 season. You can read an organizational assessment prior to the draft in Ryan Wagman's article found here. Following the draft we provided a review on each teams performance based on our rankings found here.

Ryan Merkley, D (21^st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 1)

A move to the London Knights to play under Dale Hunter last offseason may have saved Merkley’s status as a top end defensive prospect, as he improved considerably in terms of maturity and engagement level. Merkley’s best assets are his four-way mobility and his creative playmaking. His edgework is high end, as his lateral movement is so fluid and explosive. He plays a higher risk style of game, pushing the pace, which leads to the odd turnover, but he did cut down on those turnovers last year by playing less selfishly and by selecting pinches more carefully. Even without a great shot, he moves well enough to keep defenders guessing. Previously prone to tantrums when things were not going his way, he appears to have figured out how to control his emotions more effectively. Additionally, we saw him more consistently engaged physically in his own zone. The Sharks would be wise not to rush him, ensuring that he can build up confidence at the professional level without becoming frustrated and reverting back to his previous tendencies. He still projects as a quality top four puck moving defender who can anchor a powerplay unit. – BO

Ozzy Weisblatt, RW (31^st overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

The competitive Weisblatt is an abrasive energy player. His speed and relentless pursuit of the puck makes him valuable in a variety of situations. He was a difference maker last year, finishing the shortened season second in team scoring, and among the leaders for all U18 players in the WHL. While not large, he is extremely quick, with the acceleration, powerful stride, and breakaway top speed to be a threat, with and without the puck. He will look to attack quickly in transition and is aggressive trying to beat defenders wide to the net. He is also one of the first back to the defensive end, applying back pressure and trying to force turnovers. Wiesblatt also has strong edgework that allows him to change direction quickly at full speed. He is an intelligent playmaker who demonstrates poise with the puck in all situations. At times, he can be too predictable in his attacks, leading to costly turnovers. He does not have a ton of confidence in his shooting, often passing up shot opportunities to pass instead. Even if Wiesblatt’s offensive abilities fail to translate, he could be an effective middle six piece who fits on both special teams’ units. – BO

Thomas Bordeleau, C (38^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Bordeleau greatest asset is a wicked wrist shot which he loves firing right over the goalie’s shoulder. He can fire it off successfully whether he is static or in motion, and his lightning release gives the netminder no time to set up. Before he prepares the shot, Bordeleau can also impress with his stick skills. His hands are quick and soft, and he regularly pulls off creative maneuvers. He is a dynamic zone entry machine, and his unpredictable approach leaves defenders guessing, and generally coming up short. He used to limit his effectiveness by staying to the offensive perimeter, but by last season’s second half, he was pushing play up the middle as well, and pulling it off more often than not. Bordeleau will have to show that he can more consistently play with the type of effort needed to succeed in the tough parts of the ice. Even with his greater willingness to play on the inside, that effort is not yet consistent. At higher levels, the outside path will prove much harder for generating scoring chances. He needs to keep his feet moving and get his nose dirty to reach his top six scoring forward potential. – RW

Jonathan Dahlen, LW/C (42^nd overall, 2016 [Ottawa]. Previous ranking: 3)

Dahlen is kind of an odd bird in the way that he chose to play in Allsvenskan in three of the last four seasons, although almost all teams in the SHL would have wanted to sign him. He is creative with strong offensive instincts. He has developed his playmaking and is a more dynamic offensive driver than earlier in his career. He is strong both on the power play and at even strength, generally serving as his line’s play driver. His top speed is average by NHL standards, but he has impressive agility and is very elusive with the puck in the offensive zone. Dahlen’s defensive play is okay but still not great and it can cause him to disappear during parts of games as he rarely plays the PK, wins battles in his own end, or turns the play around all on his own. He will need to improve on that side of the game to reach the highest level. He is a top six forward talent. The 22-year-old will probably play in Sweden for at least one more year, maybe even two. He is still a good prospect, and if he can keep developing, could reach his ceiling. - JH

Yegor Spiridonov, C/LW (108^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 2)

Spiridonov is a limited skater technically but has good balance has at least average speed. He is strong and smart and makes good decisions. He is strong along the boards and in tight areas, works hard and is smart without the puck. He finds open spaces offensively; he has good instincts getting ready to shoot and he plays responsibly defensively. He has the assets to be a useful player on both a power play and a penalty kill. He is good at getting open to shoot but his accuracy and timing on the puck could be better, and he hasn’t yet proven himself as a goal scorer, although he is fine as a playmaker. On the penalty kill, Spiridonov is particularly good at reading passing lanes and disturbing the play. He can detect where the play is going and act appropriately, rather than react after the fact. He has very limited men’s level experience, with much of his success coming in the Russian junior leagues. The lack of elite puck skills and limited skating give Spiridonov a third line ceiling, but his work ethic, strength, PK capabilities, and team play would fit that role, where he could provide offensive depth. - JH

Sasha Chmelevski, C (185^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 4)

The concern around Chmelevski has long been his skating, and in his first full AHL season, that lack of speed and agility was obvious. Though his puck skills and menacing wrist shot release have made him a lethal offensive option, he had trouble getting past the more mobile defenders of the pro ranks and was hesitant to carry the puck through the neutral zone. Even if he never improves on his feet, he still projects as a long-term NHL piece, as he excels in every other facet of the game. He processes the game at a high speed and makes great decisions with the puck, both offensively and defensively, and has shown himself capable as a penalty-killer. He dealt with injuries for stretches of the 2019-20 season but still posted a solid scoring line and exhibited an ability to score goals in different ways, including as a net-front guy and rebound goblin. Chmelevski's shot and hockey sense give him top-six potential in the future, but with his lack of speed and the uncertain ability to take on heavy responsibility on defense, the Sharks could ultimately deploy him as a middle-six two-way center once his time comes. - TD

Alexander True, C (Undrafted free agent, signed Jul. 18, 2018. Previous ranking: 5)

Not long ago, it was difficult to decide whether True was even a legitimate prospect worthy of being on the radar of an NHL organization. An undrafted center without particularly impressive numbers as a WHL overager has since progressed into one of the most heralded prospects in the San Jose system. He is a dangerous power forward with a plethora of offensive tools, the most notable of which is his overpowering size and balance, which makes him capable of driving the net and playing the cycle against nearly anyone. Possessing a hard shot and great passing skill, his offensive game is more than just grinding; he can set himself or anyone else up for a quality scoring chance from just about anywhere in the zone, though sometimes his decision making and skating speed lags behind his puck skills. Importantly, True is mean, and while that comes with some discipline issues, it also includes a likable assertiveness and aggression. He showed exactly what he can be during a brief NHL recall last season, a bottom six play-driving, cycling center who is hard to defend against. - TD

John Leonard, LW (182^nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

A sixth-round draft pick, Leonard is a good example of a solid investment and solid development not ending on draft day. Leonard signed with San Jose following his junior season at UMass, and the late bloomer has not disappointed. He spent two seasons in the USHL where his offensive output increased from five goals and nine points to 19 goals and 34 points. Still, neither total was enough for an NHL team to draft him in his first two years of eligibility. His game picked up in a big way in college, and after finally hearing his name called at the draft following his freshman season, he netted a career-high 40 points as a sophomore and was on pace to eclipse that total as a junior, as he led the country in goals and led UMass in scoring before COVID-19 put an early end to the season. The junior was also named New England’s best forward as well as a Hobey Baker finalist. He has soft hands and is able to easily grab loose pucks. He is not afraid to shoot - as evidenced by his goal total — and has a quick release. The former afterthought now has some projecting top six potential. – JS

Tristen Robins, C (56^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Robins used a terrific second half last season to lead the Saskatoon Blades in scoring. There is a lot to like about him as a very well-rounded offensive player. He plays with pace both with and without the puck and has an elusiveness that makes him a constant threat. The transition to center showcased his ability to create with the puck on his stick and unlocked a new level of confidence. An aggressive shooter, he possesses a quality release which he utilizes for quick strikes coming through the middle. He works the give and go well with his linemates and is always looking to attack. He keeps his feet moving in the offensive zone and can be a menace to defend as he slips behind defenders. Robins is also a competent two-way player whose play without the puck really improved after that aforementioned move to the middle. He uses his speed well to apply back pressure and to angle off forwards in the neutral zone, forcing turnovers. Adding strength will be key for Robins’ effectiveness in traffic and in the cycle. – BO

Brandon Coe, RW (98^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

While North Bay struggled to find the win column consistently last season, Coe was able to elevate his game to become an offensive leader. The major allure of his game comes from his size and speed combination. He is very explosive and powerful for a 6-3” forward, consistently blowing past defenders in transition. However, he is more than just a North-South player, as his lateral quickness and edgework are strong, too, allowing him to cut in and out of traffic at top speed. Coe has also learned to use his size more effectively to protect the puck down low and has gained confidence in his heavy shot being a weapon. There is a question of whether he thinks the game well enough to be more than just a change of pace energy player at the NHL level. Additionally, he needs to improve his play away from the puck to become a more consistent three zone player. His physical tools are intriguing but developing them into a cohesive player will be a project. – BO

Danil Gushchin, LW (76^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Gushchin needs to play with an edge to be successful. It is clear that when he does so, his skill set can absolutely shine. His hands and feet are both very quick and deceptive. He is capable of pulling off fantastic zone entries. Despite lacking in size, he is incredibly dogged on the puck and skilled at sheltering it from backcheckers, earning himself more than a few penalties. In short, his puck skills are above and beyond is age group. But he does not always play with that edge, which can be spotted by a more lackadaisical approach to puck handling and an excess of turnovers. Gushchin doesn’t have blazing speed, but his feet play up thanks to edgework and agility that can dazzle. His ability to make extra sharp cuts plays into his usage on zone entries as he can carve up multiple layers of the defense. When he loses that edge, his feet stop moving, he stops taking risks, and he functionally disappears. Gushchin tends to be more “on” when his team has the puck, and flat when they don’t. He can go from an expert reading of the play to a disinterested bystander in a single shift. – RW

Artemi Knyazev, D (48^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 7)

Knyazev saw modest growth in his second season in North America for a much-improved Sagueneens team last year. His 43 points were tops among blueliners on the club, and among the top ten in scoring among defensemen in the QMJHL. He also fine-tuned his defensive game as he improved his play-reading on the smaller ice. His skating is the focal point of his play, and the gatekeeper to his success; it allows him to cover a lot of ice in a short time and in all directions. Not only fast, Knyazev is agile and reaches top speed quickly. He is an offense-first defender and thinks the game with offense in mind. He continued his play as a defensive sharpshooter with a second-consecutive year with double digits in goals. His 11 goals were the most on the team on the back end. His abilities slotted in well next to massive blueliner Louis Crevier, as the pint-sized Knyazev had more permission to freewheel with the big Crevier minding his post. Knyazev is still a project for the pro game, and undersized, but he has the foundation to be a solid powerplay contributor and speedy defender at the NHL level. - MS

Dillon Hamaliuk, LW (55^th overall, 20191. Previous ranking: 8)

Hamaliuk moved to Kelowna to help them compete for a Memorial Cup but like most of his teammates never really took stride last year. When his game is on, he is an imposing albeit somewhat lumbering figure on the ice. He is excellent in the cycle game where his size and reach help him dictate play along the walls. He has decent hands that work with his game, he can carry off the wall, and is a solid net front guy. He scores a lot of goals from the goal mouth where he can use his strength to finish off plays in traffic. His skating is a bit of a concern as he looks a step behind the play through the neutral zone and is reliant on others to get the puck in the zone. Defensively he is physical and willing to engage to make a play. It was somewhat of a disappointing season to only collect 31 points in 56 games after being brought in to bolster the offense, after nearly being a point-per-game player last season. - VG

Joachim Blichfeld, RW (210^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 9)

Blichfeld is yet another steal from untapped regions of Europe taken with a seventh-round pick by an organization deserving of tons of credit in the way they get max value out of every draft selection. After dominating the WHL in his final season with Portland with a league-best 114 points, his transition to the pros was a highly-anticipated one, and the Danish winger delivered with 16 goals and 16 assists in just 44 games of action as an AHL rookie. A big reason for his success with the Barracuda is his heavy, rapid shot, which is a weapon at even strength and on the power play (five of his 16 goals came on the man-advantage). Grading out as an average skater, Blichfeld is not really one to carry the puck, but does a superb job at finding open areas of the ice away from the puck to receive shooting chances. With steady hands and decent awareness of the ice, he is a fairly versatile player who could kill penalties and be a depth scorer in the NHL. - TD

Alexei Melnichuk, G (Undrafted Free Agent, signed May 4, 2020. Previous ranking: 10)

A late free agent signing, Melnichuk alone was responsible for moving the Sharks up two slots in our organizational prospect rankings. On the smaller side for a modern netminder, he gained some notoriety two years ago when a hot start with SKA-Neva St. Petersburg in Russia’s second men’s league, led to an invitation to wear the national colors during the Junior Super Series. Melnichuk excelled in the tune up series and earned a spot on the Russian WJC team as the backup. He bombed in his only game. That might have prevented him from being drafted, but two years later, with a stellar (mostly) full season debut in the KHL to his name, Melnichuk was back in the crosshairs of NHL scouts. He moves well in his crease and likes to challenge shooters when he can. He works hard for his saves and reads the games well, although the numbers at InStatScout make clear that he can really struggle with shots to the top corners, the bane of many smaller netminders. If Melnichuk adapts well to the AHL, he may be in the NHL before long. - RW

Jacob McGrew, RW (159^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 11)

Jake McGrew is a California native who has done enough to earn himself a look from as a late round flier. Unfortunately, his career has been derailed by a couple of season-ending knee surgeries. Last season started with high expectations after his first 30 goal season in 2018-19. He jumped out of the gate with five goals in his first six games and looked to be breaking out, but another season ending knee surgery put a halt to a promising overage campaign. At this point he seems to be a long shot to make the NHL and may even struggle to play in the AHL next season. When he is healthy, he plays an up-tempo game and has a great release that enables him to score goals. If he gets healthy, he has a shot at be a middle six forward if he can get his development back on track and avoid any more long-term injuries. - VG

Brinson Pasichnuk, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 31, 2020. Previous ranking: 12)

If you don’t have picks, you have to attack the free talent pool with gusto. Two members of the Sharks’ top 15 were free talent pickups, and the depth of the system includes a clean dozen others who received some consideration. Pasichnuk is the only one of the bunch that was added in 2020. A physical defender – although one who plays relatively clean – with a big shot from the point, the Arizona State graduate was one of the top NCAA free agents last offseason. Lauded for his maturity, on and off the ice, Pasichnuk may have a chance to break right into the San Jose NHL lineup whenever the 2020-21 season begins. In truth, he very well may deserve to rank higher on this list than the Spinal Tap number, as he has almost a sure-fire NHL player. The challenge is that that he is also older than most of the players above him and his ceiling may not be far above his floor. - RW

Santeri Hatakka, D (184^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Hatakka split the 2019-20 season between the Liiga and Mestis, Finland’s second-highest league. He also has a solid, yet unspectacular World Juniors tournament. He role was limited in the Liiga as he averaged fewer than 11 minutes of ice-time per game. A strong skater with very good acceleration, he moves well in all directions and can carry the puck from his own end. Stickhandling needs work, though, as he has occasional problems controlling the puck efficiently and keeping up his pace. His willing ness to battle has always stood out. Furthermore, he defends well in tight areas and is very assertive in the defensive zone. He did not have the strongest season possible, but he showed glimpses of potential in the Liiga and could break out as soon as the upcoming season if he can move up the depth chart. Overall, Hatakka is a mobile defenseman with strong physical tool and some untapped offensive potential. - MB

Scott Reedy, C/RW (102^nd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 14)

A smart and versatile forward who finally put his sense to use offensively, scoring a career high 15 goals in his junior season with the Golden Gophers, Reedy has a few tools that suggest he could make a career for himself on the fourth line, playing in the corners and eating up some minutes on the PK. Before he gets there though, he has to show that he can regain some of the speed he showed in his first year with the USNTDP program. To his credit, his feet move well, but his legs are heavy. That means he can maneuver around small spaces nimbly enough but falls behind when the game opens up. He will have to stress his power credentials more and rely very heavily on his hockey IQ to overcome the skating deficit. Of course, he also has to sign, which he still has not as of this writing. He could become a free agent if he plays out his senior year without putting pen to paper with the Sharks. - RW

Lean Bergmann, LW/RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed May 28, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

In his current state, Bergmann is the definition of a raw prospect. He can score, he has very quick hands for someone his size, and he can effectively utilize his size and strength to create offensive chances for himself. The German loves to drive the net, with and without the puck, and has the physicality to make it happen. As a net-front power-play guy, he can get bumped off the puck in front of the goal pretty easily, which makes me fear for how ineffective his body strength would actually be at the NHL level. He is a good shooter and has solid skating speed, especially at 200+ pounds, but has little passing game. He played on the penalty kill with the AHL Barracuda and competes hard. He focuses his energy on shoveling pucks on goal and wearing down his opponents, which is precisely what an NHL team would want out of a depth player like Bergmann can be in the near future. - TD