Dmitry Rashevsky – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – WINNIPEG JETS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #23

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:05:31 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 23rd (May 2025 - 16th)
GM: Kevin Cheveldayoff Hired: September 2011
COACH: Scott Arniel Hired: May 2024

With 11 players ranked in McKeen’s top 200, Winnipeg boasts a balanced blend of established NHL contributors and prospects poised to make an impact in the near term.

Anchored by a stable core—Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Gabe Vilardi, and Neal Pionk—all signed long-term, plus Cole Perfetti and Kyle Connor nearing extensions, the Jets are built for sustained contention.

That core did take a hit during the off-season, with their biggest offseason storyline was the departure of Nikolaj Ehlers to Carolina in free agency. While they offset the departure by signing a savvy veteran in center Jonathan Toews, it’s a big blow to their overall top six offense.

At the top of the prospect chart are Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, and Elias Salomonsson, each waiting for their opportunity to break into the NHL. In the AHL, the Manitoba Moose are set to welcome Colby Barlow and Brayden Yager as full-time pros after standout junior careers. The organization did take a hit, however, with Chaz Lucius forced into early retirement due to a rare tissue disorder.

One of the biggest risers in the system is Kieran Walton. In his draft-plus-one season with Sudbury (OHL), he exploded offensively, finishing with 92 points—22 more than his closest teammate—and placing top 10 in league scoring.

While Winnipeg didn’t have a large draft class in 2025, they did add a quality piece in defenseman Sascha Boumedienne with the 28th overall pick. Draft capital remains limited over the next few seasons, meaning continued growth will rely heavily on developing their existing pipeline rather than restocking it in bulk.

With a core still firmly in its prime and young talent pushing from below, the Jets are well-positioned to contend in the short term. The challenge now is balancing the drive to maximize the current window with the patience needed to let their next wave of talent reach full potential.

Winnipeg Jets Top-15 Prospects

1 - Brayden Yager

Yager has gone through two trades in the past calendar year, first involving his NHL team (going from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Jets) and then again in the WHL a few months later. Through it all, Yager has stayed Yager, playing to the same strengths that have made him so consistently successful going as far back as his early teens: he's strong on pucks, reliable in all three zones, and has a wicked release on his shot. He's the type of player that doesn't necessarily jump out at you with his on-ice contributions, but when you look at a box score after a game you notice how many points he collected and how many minutes of ice time that he logged. Even though Yager wasn't initially selected by the Jets he should nevertheless be an ideal fit for the team's persona and style of hockey, making the NHL sometime soon as a trustworthy depth forward before steadily working his way up the lineup as he continues to develop.

2 - Brad Lambert

Playing on the second worst team in the entire AHL (Manitoba Moose) certainly didn’t have a positive effect on the development of Lambert last season. He saw his goal scoring numbers crash significantly and his overall offensive production was down. Not exactly ideal for the Jets’ top prospect. Is this a case of a lack of support hurting Lambert or a lack of development from Lambert? Truthfully, it’s a bit of column A and a little bit of column B. Lambert is, unquestionably, an extremely talented offensive player. He excels as a playmaker with his ability to push pace, thanks to his blazing speed, and with his elite hands and creativity. He can develop into a top six forward for the Jets and he may be given that opportunity next year. Yet, this past year has brought to light the fact that he still needs to upgrade his strength and improve the consistency of his physical engagement. He needs to play with more jam every shift, working to play through the middle of the ice, rather than just the perimeter.

3 - Elias Salomonsson

It’s been a long road back to prospect relevancy for Salomonsson, but he’s certainly achieved it. At one point in time, he was considered to be one of the top 2004 birth years on the planet. However, a disappointing couple of years in Sweden (around his draft year and draft year plus one), really did a number on his “stock.” He has since rebounded very well and is coming off an excellent first professional season in North America with Manitoba; the argument could be made that he was their best player this past season. His combination of length and mobility is a real asset in the defensive zone. He’s very difficult to beat one on one. Additionally, his puck management and overall offensive game has been better than expected, suggesting that his upside could be higher than initially believed. There’s a really good chance that if Salomonsson continues on this development path, he could be a quality top four defender for the Jets.

4 - Colby Barlow

While Barlow remains a quality NHL prospect, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that his two years of development post draft were slightly disappointing. Even a move to the stronger Oshawa Generals did not prevent his goal scoring from dipping for the second straight year. There’s still hope that Barlow can develop into a quality middle six, complementary winger. His two-way compete level is solid. He finds success playing that North-south power game. Of course, he still has that high-end shot, even if the production hasn’t been eye popping. So where’s the disconnect? His decision making with the puck and overall playmaking ability did not improve to the point where he could become a true primary play driver at the OHL level. Next season, he’ll turn pro and it will be interesting to see how his offensive game translates to the AHL level. We will get a better indication of how close Barlow is to an NHL position at that time.

5 - Sascha Boumedienne

Towards the end of his season, Boumedienne stood out on a Boston University team that had some incredible offensive defencemen. When given the opportunity, he showed off some solid offensive upside in his freshman season with BU. However, during his play against tougher opponents, his offence became muted in favor of some real, hard-nosed defensive stability. Sascha Boumedienne is still a raw prospect, which is apparent in his skating and defensive details, but it’s important to talk about how solid he played in the tough Hockey East conference. Jets fans have a lot to look forward to in this upcoming year and beyond for Sascha Boumedienne.

6 - Nikita Chibrikov

Despite the fact that an awkward play last January ended his season prematurely thanks to a lower body injury, you could make the argument that Chibrikov had a better developmental year than top prospect Brad Lambert. When healthy, Chibrikov was leading Manitoba in scoring and he performed extremely well in a small cup of coffee for the Jets that saw him score his first NHL goal. Chibrikov is a highly skilled player. He’s not big, but he’s so elusive in the offensive zone, adept at avoiding checks, because of his quick feet and quick hands. He doesn’t need a ton of space to execute, be it a quick wrister or a well placed pass. Through two years in North America, Chibrikov definitely looks like he could be ready to be a complementary piece on a scoring line at the NHL level. The question is will he be healthy to start next year and will he be able to continue to improve his conditioning this offseason?

7 - Kieron Walton

The big winger was one of the OHL’s most improved players this past season as he emerged as an offensive leader for the Sudbury Wolves. Walton is such a dangerous player in transition with his ability to play a North-south game. He’s a strong skater for a big man and he also has terrific hands. He routinely turns OHL defenders inside/out as he drives the net and works his way to the middle of the ice. Yes, he slipped to the sixth round last year, but a lot of that had to do with his poor second half and the inconsistency of his off puck intensity, and not his upside. The off puck play and physical engagement still needs to improve further, but given the positive steps forward taken this year, Walton’s projection and value as a prospect has improved greatly. He’ll return to the OHL next season, where the focus will be on rounding out his game further to prepare him for the pro game. Expect him to be one of the highest scoring players in Ontario in 2025-26.

8 - Domenic DiVincentiis

DiVincentiis is a very interesting case as a prospect. After having a very dominant OHL season, putting himself on the map, he followed it up with pedestrian numbers on a great team the following season. After he split time with Winnipeg’s AHL and ECHL teams this past year, he’s put up underwhelming numbers in the ECHL but pretty solid numbers in the AHL on a horrible Manitoba Moose. He’s got a pretty nice toolset, but the inconsistency in numbers and the sporadic poor performances are a bit concerning. He’s a very solid skater, great positionally, and seems to anticipate play at a high level. But his rebound control is very bad, leading to a lot of extra chances given up, and he gets beat cleanly more than you’d like to see, suggesting he may not be tracking shots into saves very well. He could be a backup in the NHL, but he needs to iron out these consistency issues and string together good seasons as a starter before that can happen.

9 - Kevin He

Much like fellow Jets’ OHL prospect Kieron Walton, He made extremely positive strides this year. One of the most energetic players in the OHL, He’s work rate is tremendous. He uses his speed to be a real difference maker without the puck. He’s extremely dangerous on the forecheck and he is a tremendous penalty killer. This is a player who is hungry to earn possession for his team. The big difference in He’s game this year was the improvement in his playmaking and decision making with the puck. As a draft eligible player, his game was too one note and predictable as an attacker; offensive zone turnovers were an issue. However, this past year he worked to refine his approach to play less “hero puck,” utilizing teammates more effectively by finding them in open space and altering his pace to help prolong possession. As He continues to improve his two-way game, he has a chance to become a very effective middle six player for the Jets in the future.

10 - Alfons Freij

What was supposed to be an excellent opportunity to get some pro experience in the HockeyAllsvenskan ended up being a season from hell for Freij. He stumbled out of the gate with Björklöven, barely produced points, and then got injured for three months, essentially missing the rest of the HA season and playoffs. In the games that he did play, though, Freij’s skating and playmaking still looked as dynamic as ever. He can carry the puck from end to end effortlessly. It’s just that he didn’t progress much in the areas he really needed to progress in. Namely, anything to do with the defensive side of play. Despite the tough year, Freij still has a ton of potential to reach his ceiling as an offensive puck moving defenceman. He’ll be on loan with Timrå in the SHL for the upcoming season, so hopefully a fresh start with a new team can be a mental reset and springboard him forwards in his development.

11 - Zach Nehring

An aggressive right shot wing with size, Nehring had a solid freshman season at Western Michigan with 30 points in 42 games. The question will be whether this season will be his last in college so that he can sign with Winnipeg, or if he’ll remain longer.

12 - Dmitry Rashevsky

Rashevsky signed a three-year deal with Avangard in the KHL this season, so Jets fans will have to wait a while longer to see him, if ever. The high-octane winger remains intriguing, consistently putting up solid offensive seasons in the KHL for the last three years.

13 - Jacob Julien

The tenacious Julien saw a dip in his offensive output in London this season, but followed that up with over a point per game in the Knights’ playoff run. Given the NHL factory that is London, he seems poised to make a smooth transition to pro hockey this season for the Manitoba Moose.

14 - Owen Martin

A third-round pick for Winnipeg this summer, Martin established himself as a strong checking center for a good Spokane team last season. Martin has yet to sign his ELC with the Jets, perhaps leaving open the NCAA door.

15 - Parker Ford

Ford notched his first NHL goal last season in his first stint with the big club and after spending two years now in the AHL, could be set to battle for a depth role with his high compete style come training camp.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #16 Winnipeg Jets – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Sun, 25 May 2025 12:48:00 +0000

Winnipeg Jets forward Brad Lambert C (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

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Winnipeg 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – WINNIPEG JETS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #18

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Derek Neumeier — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 13:00:20 +0000

_{MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 29: Winnipeg Jets forward Brad Lambert (47) tracks the play during the Winnipeg Jets versus the Montreal Canadiens preseason game on September 29, 2022, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 18th (Previous Rank - 13th)
GM: Kevin Cheveldayoff Hired: September 2011
COACH: Scott Arniel Hired: May 2024

The Winnipeg Jets are the epitome of a middling team striving to take that next step. With just three playoff series wins to show for their seven playoff appearances since moving to Manitoba, it’s been a constant battle for the Jets to improve.

Despite this, the team has managed to stay competitive both at the NHL level and within their prospect system. With seven prospects in our top 200 and the recent graduation of Cole Perfetti, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has ensured a steady influx of youthful talent.

The Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg’s AHL affiliate, has been home to an impressive crop of young players recently, all of whom have put together strong seasons early in their careers. Most notably, Brad Lambert (39th) is coming off a potent rookie campaign, finishing second among all AHL rookies with 55 points in 64 games. While he’s likely to start the year back on the farm, there’s a strong chance he will get his first taste of NHL action this season. Nikita Chibrikov (122nd), who finished with 48 points, also placed in the top 10 among AHL rookies. Chaz Lucius (105th) continues to be a highly regarded prospect, but his durability remains a concern. He has suited up in just 71 games since the start of the 2021-22 season, putting his development on hold for much of his post-draft career. When healthy, Lucius is an upside player, but the challenge has been keeping him on the ice.

On the backend, Ville Heinola (119th) continues to develop his game, and with 152 AHL games under his belt, it feels like his number should be called this upcoming season for full-time employment. He’ll be joined by 2022 second-rounder Elias Salomonsson (240th), who is set to make his North American debut after a solid career in Sweden.

Colby Barlow, who sits just outside our top 50 (53rd), is still a few years away, but another strong season with the Owen Sound Attack could see his ranking rise considerably.

GM Cheveldayoff was able to resolve a difficult situation with Rutger McGroarty, who effectively forced a trade, indicating he had no plans to join the Jets post NCAA. He moved him in a one for one trade for Brayden Yager. The two prospects are ranked closely by McKeens with McGroarty at 61st and Yager at 69th, representing a good value return with his hands tied. Yager will return to Moose Jaw for one more season in the WHL. After scoring 250 points across 211 WHL games, he is expected to go out with a bang in his fifth and final junior year.

Winnipeg Jets Top-15 Prospects

1. Brad Lambert

Getting to join the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds halfway through last season was exactly what the doctor ordered for Lambert’s development. He found himself excelling at a high level once again, he got to feed off other top prospects in his age group, he got to experience what it takes to win a league championship, and most important of all, he has carried over all that progress with him to the professional level. He had an incredible AHL rookie season with the Moose, finishing as the team’s top scorer. That barn can get pretty raucous at times, and the way that he was able to regularly feed off of that energy and use it to his advantage was a great preview to him being able to do it in the NHL. He is a thrilling center who is borderline elite with his skating ability and puck skills.

2. Colby Barlow

Barlow's game did not take a big step forward this season as expected, and while there's no reason to overreact or hit the panic button, the Jets surely would have had questions for him about what happened. In his defense, playing for an outgunned Owen Sound team that never really looked like a contender was probably a large part of the equation. And even though his assist totals cratered, he still cracked the 40-goal mark for the second consecutive year. He's an explosive skater, hard-nosed grinder, and an authoritative finisher, and he shouldn't need to make any serious adjustments to how he plays in order to be successful as an NHLer because his strengths are so useful in multiple roles and situations. He's an odds-on favourite to make the Canadian roster for the next World Juniors and might even wear a letter for that group.

3. Brayden Yager

Brayden Yager continued to terrorize WHL defences. The dynamic center amassed 95 points in 57 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors, showcasing his elite shooting ability and knack for finding teammates. He's quite strong and compact, which helps him out in various ways, whether that's staying on his feet as he fights through checks or generating a lot of power through his shot. While his offensive production is undeniable, consistency remains a talking point. There were stretches where he dominated, but there were also quieter nights. The bright spots, however, were undeniable. His work on the power play was a highlight, and his burgeoning two-way play suggests a well-rounded future. He'll need to add strength to compete at the NHL level, but the raw tools are undeniably there. Expect him to spend another year in the WHL before turning pro, but his NHL debut could be on the horizon soon.

4. Chaz Lucius

Is Lucius one of the unluckiest top prospects in the hockey world? It certainly seems that way. He’s only 21 years old but has already experienced his hockey career being beset with knee, ankle, and shoulder injuries that have all required surgery. It’s an incredible shame, too, because he always looks excellent when he’s healthy, and has shown no trouble at all adjusting to different leagues and levels of hockey. The greatest strengths of his game have always been in the offensive zone and around the opposing team’s crease, but that’s also an area where a lot of punishment is doled out, and there are now unfortunate yet unavoidable questions about whether his body will be able to withstand making a career out of playing that way. If good luck isn’t going to come to him naturally then he might need to make some adjustments to save his career.

5. Ville Heinola

If Heinola doesn’t make the Jets out of training camp next fall the reaction from some fans of the team could be riotous, because he’s a highly touted prospect who’s been on the cusp of making the team for five years in a row without being allowed to fully take that plunge. Making matters even more urgent, his waiver eligibility begins in 2024-25, so there would be a huge risk in trying to send him down again. He is a clever, fleet-of-foot defenceman who excels with puck retrievals and breakouts. There’s some offensive generation to his game as well, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever be a powerplay quarterback in the NHL. There are also concerns about his play-stopping ability that will be hard to ever shake. Winnipeg has three defencemen coming up for free agency this summer, so it feels like it’s going to be now or never for Heinola.

6. Nikita Chibrikov

After three straight years of splitting time across three levels of hockey, Chibrikov enjoyed newfound stability in 2023-24, dressing for 70 games with the Moose. And he must have had no complaints whatsoever about the single outlying game where he donned a different sweater, because that was his NHL debut with the Jets, and he got to celebrate it by scoring his first goal. He and fellow AHL rookie Lambert have found a lot of chemistry together, as they both possess blazing speed and slick hands that can make enemies miss, and they're bringing much-needed fresh blood into the organization's forward ranks. He’s also handled the increased physicality of hockey on this side of the world much better than was expected. As he continues to adjust to the structure of North American hockey his skill should gradually keep shining through.

7. Alfons Freij

Freij was a bit of a tricky prospect to get a comfortable read on this season. There were some games where he was a true standout, but in some others, you wouldn’t be able to pick him out of a police lineup. And while he would routinely dazzle you with his shifty footwork and deceptive dekes, a lot of those plays failed to result in goals, leaving his point totals on the season looking a little lackluster. Was he simply unlucky, or is there a disconnect somewhere in how he utilizes his teammates or reads the play? One way or the other, he possesses a high base level of skill, which could potentially be built up over time, and he’s going to keep getting looks with the Swedish national program and gain more access to their resources.

8. Elias Salomonsson

Injuries continue to be a recurring theme in Salomonsson's young career, but the good news is that they don't seem to be slowing down his long-term progression all that much. Him earning a legitimate roster spot and regular ice time on a great Skellefteå team has played a key role in keeping things on track, because they fought their way to back-to-back appearances in the SHL final, which provided him with more games to play in and a beneficial type of experience that not all prospects receive. He's a puck-moving defenceman who is slippery and serpentine on breakouts and at the offensive blueline, in an oddly similar way to Skellefteå alumnus John Klingberg, and has been rounding out his game in the time since his draft day by becoming more gritty and committed in his own zone.

9. Dmitry Rashevsky

Rashevsky isn’t exactly considered a top prospect, but when it comes to sheer entertainment value, there aren’t many others out there who can match him. He’s an offense-first winger who is almost monomaniacal about beating opposing defenders one-on-one, and it’s kind of hard to fault him for that, because he’s undeniably great at it. He’s endlessly confident, and at the drop of a hat is always ready to launch another attack. There were previous frustrations about him having horse blinders on too often and not working with his teammates enough, as well as about him not applying the same level of furious commitment to his off-puck play, but he’s made a lot of progress in those areas over the past three seasons in the KHL. Can he stick in the NHL with how he plays? If it does happen, he’ll be pretty unique among wingers in the league.

10. Jacob Julien

The secret to scouting doesn't lie with simply analyzing what a prospect is good or bad at right now, but rather, trying to project how they will develop and predict what their game will look like in the future. That was Winnipeg's philosophy when they drafted Julien, and so far it's looking pretty darn wise. The lanky center keeps growing into his body, the London Knights keep using their development expertise to grow his skillset, and the results of the project have been fantastic, with significant year-over-year growth. As of this writing he's one of the top scorers on a Knights team that is chasing an OHL title, and as their number one center he had back-to-back hat tricks to eliminate Kitchener in the second round. His long reach and fluid footwork make him hard to contain and help him navigate the ice while exerting minimum effort.

11. Danny Zhilkin

Zhilkin enjoyed some moderate success during his time in the OHL but had a disastrous first year in the AHL. Drafted relatively high because of perceived upside as a two-way center, there are now concerns because his progression in both areas seems to have stalled. None of his individual tools stand out enough and the overall package might not be enough to set him apart. Can he make a regular living in the NHL as a bottom six pivot?

12. Domenic DiVincentiis

It was a trying year for DiVincentiis, who battled injury and consistency issues, which cost him a roster spot at the World Juniors and then North Bay’s starting job in the playoffs. It was especially a shame because he had some wind under his sails coming into the season after an impressive sophomore campaign. An NHL future isn’t out of the question so long as he can get things back on track.

13. Thomas Milic

All Milic ever does is defy the odds and quiet his naysayers. After winning a WHL title in 2023 and then getting drafted as a re-entry prospect, he turned pro, before quickly surging up the organization’s goalie depth chart from fifth to third. His goalie IQ is miles above most of his peers. He’ll never be big, but does he have a bit of that magic that Dustin Wolf and Devon Levi possess as undersized netminders?

14. Dmitri Kuzmin

The jump to professional hockey proved to be a steep one this season for Kuzmin, as he failed to hold down a spot in the AHL and then didn’t really make any kind of statement a level lower in the ECHL. For as good as he is with the puck and as hard as he can shoot it, he’s not nearly quick or agile enough for his size, which he will need to rectify sooner rather than later.

15. Kevin He

Give a loud stick tap to He, who had to suit up for an atrocious Niagara team in his draft season but still came to the rink every day ready to play and to compete. There’s something to be said about getting consistently blown out on the scoreboard but still finding the inner will to pot 31 goals. He’s a speedster who is all gas and no brakes, but at least he knows how to finish plays.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #13 Winnipeg Jets – Organization Overview – Top 15 Profiles

Player Profiles - Derek Neumeier, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:02:11 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 29: Winnipeg Jets forward Brad Lambert (47) tracks the play during the Winnipeg Jets versus the Montreal Canadiens preseason game on September 29, 2022, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

What a difference a year makes. The Jets have had high expectations for a number of seasons, coach Rick Bowness had inspired the team to squeak into the playoffs in 2022-23, but ultimately lost in the first round of the playoffs. There was a lot of speculation to start the season around two key players in Mark Scheifele and elite goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, and their future on the prairies. In the summer, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff traded Pierre Luc Dubois for a healthy return in Alex Iaffalo, Gabriel Vilard, Rasmus Kupari, along with Montreal’s second in 2024 (37th) suggesting further change to come. He then surprised the hockey world by signing both his key free agents to eight-year, $8.5 million AAV contracts on the eve of the start of the season, cementing them as core pieces. Retiring coach Bowness, while missing some time for health reasons, did a masterful job producing a 100-point season, good for fourth in the league. Hellebuyck returned to Vezina trophy form, and there is optimism in Winnipeg again.

Cheveldayoff was an aggressive buyer at the deadline picks to acquire Sean Monahan, Tyler Toffoli and Colin Miller, all UFA’s this summer. The return was a first (2024), second (2025), third (2024) and a fourth-round picks (2026). Effectively clearing out significant draft capital. Whether any of those players return, with only a first-round loss to Colorado to show for it, Cheveldayoff sent a message that their window is now. The prospect system remains healthy, and relatively deep. There are seven prospects in our top 200, with a couple of players who could join Cole Perfetti as a graduate next season in Brad Lambert and Ville Heinola. They know their window for a championship is open, and with picks already gone, it would not be surprising to see any of the players move for more immediate help.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Brad Lambert	C	20	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	`22(30th)	64	21	34	55	38
					Winnipeg (NHL)	`22(30th)	1	0	1	1	0
2	Colby Barlow	LW	19	6-0/195	Owen Sound (OHL)	`23(18th)	50	40	18	58	27
3	Chaz Lucius	C	20	6-1/185	Manitoba (AHL)	`21(18th)	17	2	11	13	6
4	Rutger McGroarty	LW	20	6-1/200	Michigan (B1G)	`22(14th)	36	16	36	52	6
5	Ville Heinola	D	23	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	`19(20th)	41	10	17	27	24
6	Nikita Chibrikov	RW	21	5-10/170	Manitoba (AHL)	`21(50th)	70	17	30	47	53
					Winnipeg (NHL)	`21(50th)	1	1	0	1	0
7	Elias Salomonsson	D	19	6-1/185	Skelleftea (SHL)	`22(55th)	31	2	9	11	58
8	Dmitry Rashevsky	RW	23	6-1/165	Dynamo Moskva (KHL)	`21(146th)	67	24	19	43	20
9	Jacob Julien	C	19	6-4/180	London (OHL)	`23(146th)	67	29	49	78	53
10	Danny Zhilkin	C	20	6-1/195	Manitoba (AHL)	`22(77th)	44	2	5	7	22
11	Domenic DiVincentiis	G	20	6-2/185	North Bay (OHL)	`22(207th)	42	27	9	3.13	0.895
12	Thomas Milic	G	21	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	`23(151st)	33	19	9	2.72	0.900
13	Daniel Torgersson	LW	22	6-3/200	Manitoba (AHL)	`20(40th)	52	1	8	9	12
14	Dmitri Kuzmin	D	21	5-10/175	Norfolk (ECHL)	`21(82nd)	24	2	7	9	4
					Manitoba (AHL)	`21(82nd)	18	1	2	3	6
15	Parker Ford	C	23	5-8/170	Manitoba (AHL)	FA(3/23)	72	18	23	41	57

1. Brad Lambert, C, Manitoba Moose (AHL)

Getting to join the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds halfway through last season was exactly what the doctor ordered for Lambert’s development. He found himself excelling at a high level once again, he got to feed off of other top prospects who were his age, he got to experience what it takes to win a league championship, and most importantly of all, he has carried over all that progress with him to the professional level. He had an incredible AHL rookie season with the Moose, finishing as the team’s top scorer. That barn can get pretty raucous at times, and the way that he was able to regularly feed off of that energy and use it to his advantage was a great preview of him being able to do it in the NHL. He is a thrilling center who is borderline elite with his skating ability and puck skills.

2. Colby Barlow, LW, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Barlow's game did not take a big step forward this season as expected, and while there's no reason to overreact or hit the panic button, the Jets surely would have had questions for him about what happened. In his defense, playing for an outgunned Owen Sound team that never really looked like a contender was probably a large part of the equation. And even though his assist totals cratered, he still cracked the 40-goal mark for the second consecutive year. He's an explosive skater, hard-nosed grinder and an authoritative finisher, and he shouldn't need to make any serious adjustments to how he plays in order to be successful as an NHLer because his strengths are so useful in different roles and situations. He's an odds-on favourite to make the Canadian roster for the next World Juniors and might even wear a letter for that group.

3. Chaz Lucius, C, Manitoba Moose (AHL)

Is Lucius one of the unluckiest top prospects in the hockey world? It certainly seems that way. He’s only 21 years old but has already experienced his hockey career being beset with knee, ankle and shoulder injuries that have all resulted in surgery being required. It’s an incredible shame, too, because he always looks excellent when he’s healthy, and has shown no trouble at all adjusting to different leagues and levels of hockey. The greatest strengths of his game have always been in the offensive zone and around the opposing team’s crease, but that’s also an area where a lot of punishment is doled out, and there are now unfortunate yet unavoidable questions about whether his body will be able to withstand making a career out of playing that way. If good luck isn’t going to come to him naturally then he might need to make some adjustments to save his career.

4. Rutger McGroarty, LW, University of Michigan (NCAA)

McGroarty is a very intriguing prospect, because his game is fairly pigeonholed, yet he’s an undeniable expert in two specific areas: in the cycle and at the net front. There’s actually an art to scoring greasy, blue-collar goals, and he seems to have mastered it. He is an absolute tank sometimes down low, with an abundance of lower-body strength, and once he gets himself dug in at the top of the crease, he can be nearly impossible to box out or win body positioning against. He’s also very hard to contain when he tries to take the puck from the wall or behind the goal line into a better scoring position. His feet are, unsurprisingly based on what was just said, quite heavy and slow, but he keeps working hard to improve his quickness and mobility. There was talk of him turning pro this spring, but he elected to spend another year in college.

5. Ville Heinola, D, Manitoba Moose (AHL)

If Heinola doesn’t make the Jets out of training camp next fall the reaction from some fans of the team could be riotous, because he’s a highly touted prospect who’s been on the cusp of making the team for five years in a row without being allowed to fully take that plunge. Making matters even more urgent, his waiver eligibility begins in 2024-25, so there would be a huge risk in trying to send him down again. He is a clever, fleet-of-foot defenseman who excels with puck retrievals and breakouts. There’s some offensive generation to his game as well, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever be a powerplay quarterback in the NHL. There are also concerns about his play-stopping ability that will be hard to ever shake. Winnipeg has three defensemen coming up for free agency this summer, so it feels like it’s going to be now or never for Heinola.

6. Nikita Chibrikov, RW, Manitoba Moose (AHL)

7. Elias Salomonsson, D, Manitoba Moose (AHL)

Injuries continue to be a recurring theme in Salomonsson's young career, but the good news is that they don't seem to be slowing down his long-term progression all that much. Him earning a legitimate roster spot and regular ice time on a great Skellefteå team has played a key role in keeping things on track, because they fought their way to back-to-back appearances in the SHL final, which provided him with more games to play in and a beneficial type of experience that not all prospects get to receive. He's a puck-moving defenseman who is slippery and serpentine on breakouts and at the offensive blueline, in an oddly similar way to Skellefteå alumnus John Klingberg, and has been rounding out his game in the time since his draft day by becoming grittier and more committed in his own zone.

8. Dmitry Rashevsky, RW, Dyanmo Moskva (KHL)

Rashevsky isn’t exactly considered to be a top prospect, but when it comes to sheer entertainment value, there aren’t many others out there who can match him. He’s an offense-first winger who is almost monomaniacal about beating opposing defenders one-on-one, and it’s kind of hard to fault him for that, because he’s undeniably great at it. He’s endlessly confident, and at the drop of a hat is always ready to launch another attack. There were previous frustrations about him having horse blinders on too often and not working with his teammates enough, as well as about him not applying the same level of furious commitment to his off-puck play, but he’s made a lot of progress in those areas over the past three seasons in the KHL. Can he stick in the NHL with how he plays? If it does happen, he’ll be pretty unique among wingers in the league.

9. Jacob Julien, C, London Knights (OHL)

10. Danny Zhilkin, C, Manitoba Moose (AHL)

Zhilkin enjoyed some moderate success during his time in the OHL but had a disastrous first year in the AHL. Drafted because of perceived upside as a two-way center, there are now concerns because his progression in both areas seems to have stalled. None of his individual offensive tools stand out and the overall package doesn’t seem like it will be enough to set him apart, so his shot at becoming a future NHLer will rest on his skillfulness killing penalties, handling tough matchups, and eating a lot of heavy defensive zone minutes in general. Can he make a regular living in the NHL as a Bottom 6 pivot? He already has the commitment and shift-over-shift work rate in place, but he will still need to improve his top speed and mix in a little more sandpaper to his defending than he’s used to currently.

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

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – WINNIPEG JETS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #13

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:12:09 +0000

Top 20 Winnipeg Jets Prospects

1. Colby Barlow

There are a multitude of reasons why Barlow has already been so successful as a junior, scoring 46 goals for the Owen Sound Attack last season. He plays the North/South power game to a tee. A strong forechecker, he consistently applies pressure in pursuit, and has a clear understanding for using his size and strength to get to the middle of the ice and to the net. He also has a tremendous shot, one of the better ones from the 2023 draft class. Another thing that makes Barlow so valuable is his two-way effectiveness. An excellent penalty killer and a strong board player, he is not shy in using his strength to separate players from the puck. Very few top-end goal scorers are committed two-way players like he projects as at the NHL level. On the other hand, there were reasons why some scouts were sceptical. His lack of dynamic skating can negatively impact his ability to transport the puck. Additionally, there are some limitations to his puck skill and creativity, all also limiting his play creation in transition. He is at his best when keeping the game simple and playing a complementary North/South attacking style. Advanced physically, Barlow should only need one more year in the OHL before he could be ready to take on a full-time role with the Jets.

2. Brad Lambert

Lambert is difficult to get a confident read on, because his performances can swing wildly between highs and lows. When he reaches those highs, his performances can be thrilling. His skating is magnificent, and he can pull off some truly dazzling plays with the puck in motion at top speed. He can also be a lethal shooter when he wants to be. A midseason change of scenery to WHL Seattle last season was perfect for his development, as he turned in the longest stretch of high-level hockey in years, as he was consistently at the very top of the game, and he kept getting better as the playoffs rolled along. Opposing WHL teams simply have no answer for him when he plays like that. The challenge now for Winnipeg will be finding a way to get this version of Lambert to somehow show up on a regular basis.

3. Chaz Lucius

You have to feel for Lucius after all of the bad injury luck that he has already faced in his young career. After previously battling through hand, ankle, and knee issues, he had to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after just six games with his new team, WHL Portland. The most recent loss was surely devastating for the Winterhawks as well, as he had fit in fantastically from the get-go, putting up 15 points during those six games. When healthy, the impact he makes is undeniable. Lucius is a natural goal scorer, with excellent shot mechanics and accuracy. He can also improve his shooting opportunities by fending off defenders with his reach and strength or by making smooth dekes to pull pucks into better shooting areas. The hope is that he can stay healthy from here on out and become the star he occasionally shows signs of.

4. Ville Heinola

On many other teams in the league Heinola would have been a regular, everyday NHLer by now. Unfortunately for him, he has been predominantly stuck in the minors for multiple seasons due to Winnipeg's defensive depth. His game has improved by leaps and bounds in the AHL though, and if the Jets don't give him a full-time chance at the sport's highest level this season, then he will have every right to be frustrated. He possesses and moves the puck at a high level and has largely ironed out defensive concerns that were previously apparent, though his lack of strength and reach will always be somewhat of a detriment. He's always been more of an even strength puck-mover than an offensive specialist, but his point production saw a notable uptick in 2022-23. Heinola might not reach his top four ceiling if the Jets don't commit now to taking the training wheels off.

5. Rutger McGroarty

There are few prospects in hockey who are better within 10 feet of the opponent's net than McGroarty. He's superb in 50-50 battles and with establishing body positioning through strength and sturdy balance, and he blends those abilities with top-tier anticipation and hand-eye coordination, which makes him an expert at scoring greasy goals. If that wasn't enough, he can beat goalies clean with his shot from in tight or just outside the crease if given even just a little time and space. His heavy boots are a problem, and probably always will be to some degree, but how he is able to work around that weakness and still find success in his own way is very impressive. There are a lot of natural leadership elements here to work with as well. McGroarty knows exactly what kind of player he is and is leaning into mastering the way he plays.

6. Nikita Chibrikov

There exists a fine line between possessing a lot of pure individual skill and knowing how to use that skill within the structure of a team game. That's the dilemma facing Chibrikov, and it has persisted for years. There is no denying his abundance of talent. A fast and fluid skater, he can make flashy, confident moves with the puck. He loves to challenge defenders one-on-one and has what it takes to beat them often. The problem is that his game hits the wall because he'll try to do too much by himself and not play off his teammates enough. The lack of diversification with his attack is holding him back at the KHL level, and it will be even worse in North America. Chibrikov could become an effective top six winger after learning how to make that necessary adjustment.

7. Declan Chisholm

The Jets organization is very deep with young defenders, so the competition to stand out is fierce. Chisholm recognizes the situation very well and has been continually elevating his game accordingly. He's a play driver from the back end, excelling when he has the puck on his stick and relishing the responsibility of making sure it successfully gets up the ice. His hands, feet, and vision all work very well in conjunction, and he has a very assertive and incisive mindset about beating opposing layers of defenders. Navigating through traffic is a breeze for him. He still needs to show progress off the puck, but he'll be fine if he can focus on tightening up his gap control. If the Jets don't make roster space for Chisholm this season, with his exemption from waivers running out, don't be surprised if another team jumps at the chance to add a good, young asset for no cost.

8. Dmitry Rashevsky

From a pure entertainment standpoint, Rashevsky is exceptional and nearly impossible to take your eyes off of. His bag of puck tricks is overflowing, and he rarely passes up an opportunity to try something dramatic and exciting. He also possesses a high-end motor, so if he tries something that doesn't pan out, he'll work hard to get the puck back on the same shift and try something else. He's such a natural at pulling pucks past sticks and skates and into shooting spaces, and then picking his spots to beat goalies clean. He's a late bloomer because it took him a while to master his style of play, but now he's a legitimate star in the KHL. His skating, strength, and conditioning all need further work, but if he can show some improvement in those areas, he has real upside as an NHL scoring threat.

9. Artemi Kniazev

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 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 into prime scoring territory. There is an aggressive confidence to him, which is a mentality that can be used to his advantage. Problems arise when he plays with that kind of fire a little frequently. It would also be nice to see him expand his game to additional dimensions. Even if Kniazev remains a fairly one-dimensional, pigeonholed kind of blueliner, he could be a specialist as a play driver as he continues to master his craft.

10. Elias Salomonsson

Salomonsson is a right-shot defenseman with slippery lateral mobility and smooth puck control, and those will always have value in the NHL. His primary job is to get pucks on retrievals, escape forecheck pressure, and help ensure the play heads successfully up the ice, whether that's by deferring with passes or through navigating the impending traffic himself. Overall, he succeeds in what he is supposed to do, and is increasingly being trusted to do it at Sweden's highest professional level. He's also relatively effective at the offensive blueline, keeping pucks in the zone and helping to find or create a multitude of scoring chances. At one point it looked like he could be a major point producer from the back end, however that hype has cooled off a lot. Concerns remain about how much bulk he can add to help withstand the rigors of a long NHL career without losing his mobility.

11. Domenic DiVincentiis

A seventh-round selection last year, DiVincentiis has rocketed up rankings thanks to his remarkable OHL season that saw him named as the league’s top netminder. He has learned to harness his athleticism to be more composed in the crease and consistency has followed.

12. Danny Zhilkin

The offensive production in the OHL never really reached the levels that Zhilkin was thought capable of, but he’s still a very intriguing prospect because of his speed and skill from the center position. How he adjusts to the pro level this year will be closely watched.

13. Dmitry Kuzmin

Terrific offensive defender who can be a difference maker in transition because of his skating ability and skill. Was a totally different player in the defensive end last year, becoming increasingly physically assertive despite his lack of size. Can that carry over to the pro level?

14. Fabian Wagner

While Wagner was fantastic offensively at the WJCs for Sweden last year, his production in Sweden probably gives a better indication of his NHL upside. He’s a pretty straight-forward player who can play a variety of different roles because of his IQ and skating ability. He could be a longtime fixture on an NHL third line in the future.

15. Daniel Torgersson

The Swedish missile, Torgersson struggled to be a consistent offensive contributor with Manitoba last year as an AHL rookie. As he gains confidence, he probably has more to give physically, too. Winnipeg will be looking for him to take a step forward as an AHL sophomore this season.

16. Oskari Salminen

There were ups and downs in Salminen’s first season in Manitoba after signing with Winnipeg last summer. He looked fantastic at times,but not so great at others. Finding that consistency will be key for him if he wishes to push for a backup spot in the NHL.

17. Zach Nehring

Drafted out of Shattuck St. Mary’s this year, Nehring is a power skating, North/South winger who can drive the net. He has great upside due to his physical tools, but he remains a long-term project. He’ll play with USHL Sioux Falls this year before going to Western Michigan in 2024-25.

18. Simon Lundmark

At this point, Lundmark may not have a ton of upside to offer for the NHL level, but he can still develop into a solid third pairing, PK type in the future. He moves well, thinks the game well, and has good reach. Just don’t expect much out of him offensively.

19. Kristian Vesalainen

The former highly touted first round pick was still qualified by the Jets as they retained his rights following a return to Finland. Is he still in their plans long term? That probably depends on how he plays in Liiga. He was good last year, but he’ll need to develop into one of the better players in Finland in order to earn another look from the Jets.

20. Thomas Milic

Milic was finally selected in the draft in his final year of eligibility despite strong play in the WHL over a few years. His gold medal performance for Canada at the WJCs last year have likely finally sealed the deal. Will the undersized netminder return to WHL Seattle for an OA year or will he turn pro? That will likely be determined at Winnipeg’s upcoming training camp.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #17 Winnipeg Jets

Derek Neumeier — Sat, 20 May 2023 12:07:09 +0000

A second season in a row saw them finish out of the playoffs. They were first in the Western Conference in January, only to collapse down the stretch. Familiar narratives arose about leadership in the dressing room and their inability to deal with adversity. One of the most promising teams in the league a couple of years ago with a very strong prospect pool, the future looked bright. Coach Rick Bowness replaced a dispirited Paul Maurice, who had walked away from the team mid-season in 2021-22, primarily because he felt he could not motivate his players properly and lost his passion. An emotional Bowness pulled no punches in a year end interview, after having made numerous emotional public appeals to the team leadership. Change is in the air on the prairies.

While they have only had one graduation from the last five drafts, there are some interesting pieces in the system. Ranking in our top 200, Chaz Lucius and Brad Lambert at #40 and #41 respectively both have tantalizing upside. Lucius has had injury issues, slowing his development, but holds much promise, even star ability. Lambert has been a polarizing prospect since his draft year, with wild swings in performance. His dominant side showed itself more in the second half of this season with a move to Seattle mid-season triggering an impressive string. Ville Heinola is ready for the NHL, but defensive depth in the organization has held him back. Winnipeg retains their first for the next three drafts but have thinned out the other rounds through trades. They only have four picks for the upcoming draft. Management has big decisions to make whether they are retooling or going for it.

Chaz Lucius

You really have to feel for Lucius after all of the bad injury luck that he has already faced in his young career. After previously battling through hand, ankle and knee issues he had to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after just six games with his new team, Portland. The most recent loss was surely devastating for the Winterhawks as well, as he was an immediately fantastic fit and put up 15 points in those six games. When healthy, the impact he makes is undeniable. He is a natural goal scorer, with excellent shot mechanics and accuracy. He can also improve his shooting opportunities by fending off defenders with his reach and strength or by making smooth dekes to pull pucks into better shooting areas. The hope is that he can stay healthy from here on out and become the star player he is capable of being.

2. Brad Lambert

Lambert is difficult player to get a confident read on, because his performances can swing wildly between highs and lows. However, when he reaches those highs, his performances can be a real sight to behold. His skating is magnificent, and he can make some truly dazzling plays with the puck in motion and at top speed. He can also be a lethal shooter when he wants to be. A midseason change of scenery to Seattle is looking brilliant right now, because this is the longest stretch of hockey in years where he has been consistently at the very top of the game, and he kept getting better as the playoffs rolled along. Opposing WHL teams simply have no answer for him when he is playing like this. The challenge now for Winnipeg will be finding a way to get this version of Lambert to somehow show up on a regular basis.

3. Ville Heinola

On many other teams in the league Heinola would have been a regular, everyday NHLer by now. Unfortunately for him, he has been predominantly stuck in the minors for a few seasons due to Winnipeg's defensive depth. His game has improved by leaps and bounds in the AHL, though, and if the Jets don't give him a full-time chance at the sport's highest level by next year, then he will have every right to be frustrated. He possesses and moves the puck at a high level and has largely ironed out defensive concerns that existed previously, though his lack of strength and reach will always be somewhat of a detriment. He's always been more of an even strength puck-mover than an offensive specialist, but his point production did see a notable uptick in 2022-23. Heinola might not reach his top four ceiling if the Jets don't commit now to taking the training wheels off.

4. Rutger McGroarty

There are few prospects in hockey who are better within 10 feet of the opponent's net than McGroarty is. He's superbly good in 50-50 battles and with establishing body positioning through strength and sturdy balance, and he blends those abilities with top-tier anticipation and hand-eye coordination, which makes him an expert at scoring greasy goals. If that wasn't enough, he can beat goalies clean with his shot from in tight or just outside the crease if given a little time and space. His heavy boots are a problem, and probably always will be to some degree, but it's very impressive how he is able to work around that weakness and still find success in his specializations. There are a lot of natural leadership elements here to work with as well. McGroarty knows exactly what kind of player he is and is really leaning into mastering the way he plays.

5. Nikita Chibrikov

There exists a fine line between possessing a lot of pure individual skill and knowing how to use that skill within the structure of a team game. That's the dilemma that Chibrikov is facing, and it has persisted for years. There is no denying that he is a prospect with a lot of talent. He's a fast and fluid skater, and he can make flashy, confident moves with the puck. He loves to challenge defenders one-on-one and has what it takes to beat them often. The problem is that his game hits the wall because he'll try to do too much himself and not play off his teammates enough. The lack of diversification with his attack is holding him back at the KHL level, and it will be even worse in North America. Chibrikov could become an effective top six winger after learning that necessary adjustment.

6. Declan Chisholm

The Jets organization is very deep with young defenders, so the completion to stand out is fierce. Chisholm recognizes the situation very well and has been continually elevating his game accordingly. He's a true play driver from the back end, excelling when he has the puck on his stick and relishing the responsibility of making sure it successfully gets up the ice. His hands, feet and vision all work very well in conjunction, and he has a very assertive and incisive mindset about beating opposing layers of defenders. Navigating through traffic is a breeze for him. There is still progress that he will need to make off the puck, but he'll be fine if he can focus on tightening up his gap control. If the Jets don't make roster space for Chisholm next season, when his exemption from waivers runs out, don't be surprised if another team jumps at the chance to add a good, young asset for no cost.

7. Dmitry Rashevsky

From a purely entertainment standpoint, Rashevsky is exceptional and nearly impossible to take your eyes off of. His bag of puck tricks is overflowing, and he rarely passes up an opportunity to try something dramatic and exciting. He also possesses a high-end motor, so if he tries something that doesn't pan out, he'll work hard to get the puck back on the same shift and try something else. He's such a natural at pulling pucks past sticks and skates and into shooting spaces, and then picking his spots to beat goalies clean. He's a late bloomer because it took him a while to master how he plays, but now he's a legitimate star in the KHL. His skating, strength and conditioning all need further work, but if he can improve those areas, he has real upside as an NHL scoring threat.

8. Elias Salomonsson

Salomonsson is right-shot defenseman with slippery lateral mobility and smooth puck control, and those will always have value in the eyes of NHL teams. His primary job is to get pucks on retrievals, escape forecheck pressure, and help ensure the play heads successfully up the ice, whether that's by deferring with passes or navigating the impending traffic himself. Overall, he succeeds in what he is supposed to do, and is increasingly being trusted to do it at Sweden's highest professional level. He's also relatively effective at the offensive blueline, keeping pucks in the zone and helping to find or create scoring chances. At one point it looked like he could be a major point producer from the back end, however, that hype has cooled off a lot. Concerns exist about how much bulk he can add to help withstand the rigors of a long NHL career.

9. Danny Zhilkin

Zhilkin is a blue-collar center who always puts forth an honest effort. Everything about his game grades out as good, albeit not spectacular. While he doesn't really excel in any one area or have one true standout trait, he also won't be a liability for his team in any scenario. He projects nicely as someone who can carve out a long career in a middle six role, acting as a duct tape option that his coaches can use to patch up a variety of different problems. Most successful teams have a versatile player like that on their roster, and they are especially valuable in the playoffs when injuries start to add up and roles have to shift. It's a pretty safe bet that Zhilkin will work his way into the NHL at some point, but he might not be someone that you'd ever want on your fantasy team.

10. Leon Gawanke

Similar to Chisholm, Gawanke has done a good job of handling the competition among young defenseman in Winnipeg's system. He is lower on the depth chart, though, and also might be an eventual waiver target for a different team that is willing to actually make room for him. He shoots right, and boy, does he like to shoot. He's a genuine goal-scoring threat from the blueline, which isn't as common as it used to be but still holds value. The rest of his game grades out as capably average. He is a staple for Germany in international events, and while those teams rarely win games the tournaments still provide valuable playing experience that most other mid-level prospects don't have access to.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – WINNIPEG JETS – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors –Chapin Landvogt, Ethan Hetu, Zack Szweras, Viktor Fomich, — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 23:00:48 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 18: Jets right wing Cole Perfetti (91) makes a pass from the point during the Winnipeg Jets versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on January 18, 2022 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Cole Perfetti LW

Perfetti was selected with the 10^th overall pick by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2020 NHL draft. He can play both centre and wing and provides immense skill and hockey sense. He has the unique ability to quickly problem-solve due to his reads of the ice, finding the soft areas. He is often able to scan the ice and find the holes and exploit them. While he may not be the fastest or strongest player, Perfetti’s IQ and puck skills more than make up for it, allowing him to stand out on the ice. While he will make the smart, simple play to advance possession, he also has the ability to make creative passes that have fans salivating. His shot is another weapon, particularly his lethal wrist shot, making it difficult for opponents to decide whether to play the pass or the shot when covering Perfetti. He has had scoring success in each level he has played in. In his rookie year in the OHL, he netted 37 goals and 74 points in 63 games for the Saginaw Spirit. He then improved on that in his draft year, producing 111 points in 61 games, finishing second in points in the OHL only to fellow first rounder, Marco Rossi. The Perfetti success story continued as he was forced to play in the AHL in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down the OHL, and he was still able to produce with 26 points in 32 games. This past season he split time between the AHL and NHL, with 15 points in 17 games in the AHL, and 9 points in 18 NHL games. While Perfetti could benefit from refining his skating stride, there is no question that he should spend the entirety on next season in a top-six role in the NHL. - ZS

2 - Brad Lambert C

Drafted 30^th overall this past summer, Lambert was selected much lower than anticipated earlier in the year, much like Finnish predecessor Aatu Räty in 2021. Lambert entered the season looking like a top three pick, but had a disappointing year in Finnish Liiga, unable to repeat his prior statistical exploits while giving the scouting community plenty of reason to doubt his upside. Even a mid-season switch in teams couldn’t change his scoring fortunes. Furthermore, this summer’s WJC did nothing to dissuade existing doubts, as he wasn’t even dressed for the final playoff games against Sweden and Canada. In all, he had but one goal and a -2 in five games for a team that took silver. This performance was a far cry from his goal, five points, and +6 in the two winter WJC contests in December before that event was cancelled. There is no denying how incredible a skater Lambert is and that his hands and shot are possibly enough to allow him to become a regular NHLer, if not a star, at his peak. The speedster had already spent the entire 20-21 season in the Finnish Liiga (15 points), contributed four points in seven WJC games, and was a PPG player at the U18 Worlds. Unfortunately, the kinks he had as a 16/17-year-old playing pro are still clear. Was the pressure of his high draft stock too much for him? Lambert has time and several exceptional tools. He also has bloodlines; his uncle Lane will be the head coach of the New York Islanders this season. It is currently uncertain where the mercurial Lambert will spend the upcoming season. – CL

3 - Rutger McGroarty LW

Rutger McGroarty, at least at first glance, might not look like the prototypical top-fifteen prospect for a modern NHL draft. But the fact that he was selected that high by the Winnipeg Jets at the 2022 draft didn’t surprise many, especially those who have been around McGroarty. Most prospects are best known for their on-ice talent, the things they bring to the table after the puck is dropped. The thing that most separates McGroarty, the captain of the USNTDP, the USA’s U18 World Championships side, and a potential future captain of the Michigan Wolverines, has been how his character influences his overall profile. McGroarty is an ultra-competitive, fiery winger who approaches every shift with the sort of passion that’s sure to instantly endear him to both coaches and fans. He lives in the dirty areas of the ice, consistently looking to overwhelm opponents ill-equipped to handle his physicality. He drives the net, plays in the corners, and his overall offensive game shows a lot of pro-ready habits. His raw offensive talent won’t be mistaken for being elite, but he shows an understanding of how to deceive defenders and use his speed and timing to manipulate defenses that some might not expect from him. There’s real NHL upside to his offensive game, but his overall projection rests on him addressing the biggest issue in his game: his skating. McGroarty’s stride needs some work, and he’s not efficient at maximizing the distance he covers with the energy he expends. He’s not a slow player, by any means, but his skating could be what holds his impressive production as a prospect from translating to the pro game. He has a chance to become a top-six power forward, but the likeliest outcome is as a middle-six player who quickly becomes part of the leadership core of his NHL franchise. - EH

4 - Ville Heinola D

Judging by how long Heinola has been in (and out) of Winnipeg’s plans in recent years, it’s hard to believe that he was drafted 19th overall as recently as 2019. After suiting up for eight games right after being drafted (five points, +3), he ultimately spent the season with Lukko of Liiga and was a key player on Finland’s WJC team. He got into another five NHL games a season later, with far less success, but had 13 points in 19 Liiga games and then another 11 in 19 AHL games, outings that sandwiched another fine WJC showing for his native country. This understandably left Jets fans with the belief that Heinola was on the brink of a full-time NHL job. The 21-22 season saw him suit up for more NHL action than ever, but despite five points in 12 games, the competition on the Jets’ blueline was too much to crack. His AHL production was the best of his career and was topped by five points in five playoff games. Average-sized, Heinola has long looked a tick less mobile and lacking in explosiveness than many of modern defensemen, but his skating has definitely advanced to a point where it’s no longer an impediment, but a strength. Upper body strength will continue to require improvement, but his offensive instincts and his prowess on the blueline look ready for a prolonged NHL stint. An overload on the left side of the Jets’ blueline means he may still have to wait. – CL

5 - Nikita Chibrikov RW

Nikita Chibrikov is coming off a remarkable season, producing at over one point-per-game at the age of 19 and playing against pros in the VHL, both very rare in Russian hockey. We have clear indications that he has outgrown the lower levels in Russia, and he needs to play in the KHL, yet the depth of his KHL organization means it wasn’t likely to happen still. That is, until one of the biggest blockbusters of the Russian offseason saw Chibrikov traded to Spartak Moscow. This move should be greatly beneficial to the young forward, as Spartak needs more attacking skill and Chibrikov has plenty of it. Now his goal is clearer: he needs to grab onto a KHL roster spot and show that he can hack at the top level in Russia. Although easier said than done, especially considering Chibrikov’s youth and lack of size, the glass is more than half full. Whether or not he seizes a scoring role for Spartak, this is Chibrikov’s final year of his KHL contract, and even bigger changes might follow if he isn’t given a big chance to shine this year, even if he is not yet ready for a move to North America. - VF

6 - David Gustafsson C

Gustafsson may lack in flash and excitement, but the 2018 2^nd rounder has become an effective pivot who coaches can trust for a third line role. While Winnipeg cycled through numerous fringe NHLers in that spot last season, Gustafsson quietly went about collecting 30 points over 47 AHL games, honing his craft in all situations. Much has changed since he suited up for the Jets 22 times in the 19-20 season. An impressive 17 points in 16 games for Tingsryd of the HockeyAllsvenskan in 20-21 were followed up by 19 points in 22 games with Manitoba, better production than the organization was expecting. Now 22, the 6’2” Gustafsson has a strong build and can handle himself on the ice. His play often hints at his intelligence and how well he reads plays. It feels like more can be tickled out of him and that he is the type to hold back a bit so as to play within himself and his role. That could be exactly what Winnipeg needs as of this season. Just re-signed to a two-year contract, Gustafsson isn’t necessarily getting any younger and his maturity is at a level where he would be a logical candidate as one of the two extras that remain with the big club to kick off the season, even if the team has an abundance of natural centers already on the roster. – CL

7 - Chaz Lucius C

Chaz Lucius was an interesting case at the 2021 NHL draft, as many had him projected around the top-10 prospects, including McKeen’s who had him ranked #9 overall in his class. Lucius ended up falling to 18th overall, where the Jets nabbed him. Lucius spent last season at the University of Minnesota and played well. He wasn’t the sort of overwhelming freshman talent that immediately makes waves, like Luke Hughes was at Michigan, for example, but he was an impact player on an extremely strong team and looked to be on the right path until injury issues derailed the second half of his campaign. Surprisingly, though, Lucius signed his entry-level deal this spring, and therefore won’t be eligible to continue his development in the NCAA. On the ice, there’s a lot to like about Lucius’ game. He’s a creative playmaker who has the puck skills, vision, and timing to be a strong driver of play. He’s also more tenacious than many give him credit for, and he utilizes the inside of the ice more effectively than many of his more perimeter-oriented peers. That being said, Lucius’ skating lacks the separation gear that allows many playmakers to thrive at a higher level, and he isn’t strong enough as a puck protector to create space consistently with his body. As a result, Lucius will need to find a way, either through his strength or his legs, to create space at more difficult levels of hockey. If he can develop that sort of skill, he can become a top-six player. If he can’t, he might struggle to translate his offense to the professional game. - EH

8 - Declan Chisholm D

Chisholm was selected 150^th by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2018 NHL draft. At selection, he was considered a two-way defenceman who saw the ice well, made good reads and could close gaps well. Since then, he has elevated his playmaking and continues to show solid gap control and physical pressure in his own end. On the other hand, he was seen as a limited offensive upside defenceman after only producing 20 points in 47 games. He has since improved those numbers over the next two seasons for the Peterborough Petes, finishing the 2019-20 season with 43 assists and 48 points in 67 games showing his improvement on reading plays and executing passes. He then took it to the next level the following season, putting up 69 points in 59 games. After that season came to an end due to the pandemic, his next steps were replicating his game in a tougher AHL league. In his first season as a professional, he played in 28 games, producing 13 points. Last season, it was evident that Chisholm was getting more confident and comfortable in the AHL, and he was able to scan the ice more and identify the open man. He finished the season with 30 points in 53 AHL games, enough to reward him with 2 games in the NHL. While there is nothing dynamic about Chisholm’s game, there is enough to see him carve a bottom-pairing role in the NHL one day. - ZS

9 - Morgan Barron LW

The 174^th overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft, Barron has worked his way from a late round selection to an NHL contributor. A massive centre standing at 6’4”, 220 Ibs who uses his large frame to protect the puck, Barron has a solid wrist shot that deceives goaltenders. When he was selected by the New York Rangers, he was coming off a season playing Canadian high school hockey, a rare path for NHL hopefuls. In his draft year, Barron was named captain of his team before netting 50 points in 46 games. The year after he was selected by the Rangers, Barron played at Cornell, where he produced 18 points in 33 games. He then improved his point totals over the following two seasons on campus, producing 34 points in 36 games as a sophomore, followed by 32 points in 29 games in his final season, during which he was team captain. He then signed his entry level contract with the Rangers and played the majority of the 2020-21 season for the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. In his first AHL season, Barron produced a point per game with 21 points in 21 games. This impressed the Rangers enough to give him a five game NHL cameo, where he was able to net his first NHL point. He carried his success into this past season, split between the AHL and the NHL. Barron had been producing in Hartford with 15 points in 25 games before being traded to the Winnipeg Jets in the deal that brought Andrew Copp to the Rangers. Barron was given more of a role in the NHL for the Jets playing in 14 games, contributing 4 points. Going into next season, Barron looks to solidify a role on the Jets bottom-six. - ZS

10 - Dylan Samberg D

Samberg was selected 43^rd overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2017 NHL draft. A big defenceman, standing at 6’4”, 216 Ibs, he has good speed given his size. Samberg has always been considered more for his defensive game than his offensive abilities. He has good gap control, physicality, and strong ability to win puck battles in the corner. Offensively, Samberg’s game started to elevate when he played in the NCAA for the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He produced roughly 20 points in each of the two seasons he played for the Bulldogs while playing a top-four role defensively. After two seasons in college, Samberg signed his entry level contract with the Jets and played the entirety of the 2020-21 season in the AHL. His point production regressed, as expected, with seven points in 31 games, however his defence was still solid. This led to Samberg having an increased role in the AHL and playing some NHL games last season, which he finished with 12 points in 32 AHL games as well as five points over 15 NHL games. His transition game has seen improvement with more confidence in his ability to scan the ice and carry the puck through the neutral zone. Samberg will look to carve out a full-time role with the Jets in the upcoming season. - ZS

11 - Leon Gawanke

After a solid AHL season, the German two-way defender has put himself in the mix for a spot on the Jets this season and should, at the very least, be in line for an injury call up at some point.

12 - Danny Zhilkin

Zhilkin is a strong skating two-way center who can attack the net and play a variety of different roles. Winnipeg will be looking for him to improve his decision making with the puck and become a more consistent offensive player with Guelph this season.

13 - Elias Salomonsson

At one point, Salomonsson was thought to be the best 2004 born defender on the planet, but a poor draft year pushed him way down draft boards. The strong skating offensive blueliner will try to get his development back on track this year.

14 - Daniel Torgersson

A big, physical winger, Torgersson is a human torpedo on the ice, especially as he engages in puck pursuit. Just how much offensive upside he possesses will be determined over the next few years in the AHL. He will play with Manitoba this year.

15 - Dmitry Rashevsky

It was quite the breakout season for Rashevsky as he became one of the highest scoring young players in the KHL. He has one more year left on his KHL deal and should cross the pond after that.

16 -Dmitri Kuzmin

A highly skilled, puck moving defender, Kuzmin was a standout for a strong Flint team this season in the OHL. The Belarussian rearguard will return to the OHL this season.

17 - Wyatt Bongiovanni

An intelligent two-way center, Bongiovanni was solid over four seasons for Quinnipiac before signing with Winnipeg late last year. He may not be flashy or possess significant upside, but he could be a solid bottom six player for the Jets in the future.

18 - Mikhail Berdin

This could be a make-or-break year for Berdin in the Jets system. He will compete for playing time in Manitoba and needs to take a step forward to be considered the top goaltending call-up option.

19 - Arvid Holm

The big Swedish netminder was disappointing in his first pro season with Manitoba last year, so he will look to rebound nicely this year.

20 - Johnathan Kovacevic

The big, right shot former Merrimack College defender is coming off his best AHL season to date. However, age is catching up to him and the time is now for him to break through a crowded blueline and prove that he can play in the NHL.