Dominik Badinka – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #17 Carolina Hurricanes – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:00:10 +0000

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 24: Left Wing Bradly Nadeau #29 of the Carolina Hurricanes looks to pass the puck during the preseason NHL game between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes on September 24, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Katherine Gawlik/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 17th (Last Year - 15th)
GM: Eric Tulsky Hired: May 2024
COACH: Rod Brind’Amour Hired: May 2018

Sitting atop the Eastern Conference and enjoying an eighth consecutive playoff appearance, the Carolina Hurricanes continue to operate as one of the NHL’s model organizations. The challenge, however, has been taking the final step, as they have yet to break through and capture a Stanley Cup during this sustained run of success. Despite consistently contending, Carolina has done an admirable job of maintaining long-term stability without significantly compromising its future. Their slight drop in the prospect rankings is largely due to recent graduations, most notably Alexander Nikishin, who has transitioned to a full-time role in the NHL.

The system is now headlined by Bradley Nadeau (11th). The sharpshooting forward has established himself as a legitimate offensive threat at the professional level, producing at roughly a point-per-game pace through more than 100 AHL games. His trajectory suggests he is closing in on a full-time NHL role and could soon graduate from prospect status. Following a similar path is 23-year-old Justin Robidas (183rd), who is also pushing toward an NHL opportunity and could compete for a roster spot as early as the 2026–27 season. Another notable riser is Ivan Ryabkin, the Hurricanes’ 2025 second-round selection. After a brief 25-game stint with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, Ryabkin was assigned to junior and has been dominant with the Charlottetown Islanders, producing at an explosive rate of over two points per game in the QMJHL.

From a draft capital standpoint, Carolina remains in a relatively strong position. While their upcoming draft class sits with just four picks, the organization holds the Dallas Stars’ first-round pick and a future first-rounder in 2028, along with two third-round selections in 2027. For the Hurricanes, the foundation remains firmly in place as they continue searching for the final piece needed to push them over the top.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Car	1	Bradly Nadeau	LW	21	5-11/170	Chicago (AHL)	52	27	29	56	24
Car	1	Bradly Nadeau	LW	21	5-11/170	Carolina (NHL)	12	3	0	3	2
Car	2	Felix Unger Sorum	RW	20	5-11/170	Chicago (AHL)	72	17	49	66	20
Car	2	Felix Unger Sorum	RW	20	5-11/170	Carolina (NHL)	1	0	1	1	0
Car	3	Semyon Frolov	G	19	6-3/200	MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL)	7	4	1	1.83	0.929
Car	4	Dominik Badinka	D	20	6-3/185	Chicago (AHL)	68	6	8	14	16
Car	5	Charlie Cerrato	C	21	6-0/190	Penn State (NCAA)	23	7	20	27	20
Car	6	Justin Robidas	C	23	5-8/175	Chicago (AHL)	58	23	37	60	14
Car	6	Justin Robidas	C	23	5-8/175	Carolina (NHL)	2	0	1	1	0
Car	7	Ivan Ryabkin	C	19	5-11/205	Chicago (AHL)	31	1	9	10	60
Car	7	Ivan Ryabkin	C	19	5-11/205	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	20	13	29	42	44
Car	8	Nikita Artamonov	LW	20	5-11/185	Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (KHL)	37	3	6	9	8
Car	9	Charles-Alexis Legault	D	22	6-3/210	Carolina (NHL)	12	1	1	2	15
Car	10	Jayden Perron	RW	21	5-9/165	Michigan (NCAA)	40	18	23	41	8
Car	11	Kurban Limatov	D	19	6-4/190	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	46	12	18	30	30
Car	12	Domenick Fensore	D	24	5-9/175	Chicago (AHL)	60	10	25	35	37
Car	12	Domenick Fensore	D	24	5-9/175	Carolina (NHL)	1	0	0	0	0
Car	13	Justin Poirier	RW	19	5-7/185	Maine (NCAA)	27	18	11	29	12
Car	14	Alexander Siryatsky	D	19	6-2/160	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	37	2	3	5	14
Car	15	Timur Kol	D	19	6-3/195	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	35	13	16	29	15
Car	15	Timur Kol	D	19	6-3/195	Dynamo Moskva (KHL)	8	0	2	2	2

Bradly Nadeau, LW, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

A year removed from a historic scoring season for a U20 player in the AHL, Bradly Nadeau is scoring at yet another historic pace for a U21 player. If Nadeau was able to play the rest of the AHL schedule and score at his current pace, he was on pace to be the first U21 player to score 70+ points in an AHL season since Artyom Anisimov scored 81 points in 80 games during the 08-09 season. Nadeau’s biggest task this season was to come in and show that he’s improving as a forward in all situations and not overly reliant on his one-timer on the power play. He’s not just scoring more points, but more points at even strength. He’s been one of Chicago’s most-used penalty killers this year after not being tasked at all with that responsibility last season. His +/- jumped from -20 to +16 in one year. Nadeau easily projects as a top six winger who can score 30+ goals a year and instantly improve a power play. Carolina is log-jammed with wingers, but he’s a talent you make room for.
Felix Unger Sorum, RW, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

For a lot of skill guys, much of their performance comes from their confidence. Felix Unger Sorum is no different. With his AHL rookie-season jitters long behind him, Unger Sorum is having no sophomore slump. In just 11 more games, he has more than tripled his points. To be a high-end playmaker and play the way Unger Sorum plays, you have to have a certain level of poise, and Unger Sorum is starting to attain that. Like a lot of smaller, pass-heavy wingers, Unger Sorum is pretty contact-avoidant. He isn’t a player to ruffle any feathers, and his play is often neutralized against opponents who play a heavier style. Finding ways to still make plays through contact will be crucial in Unger Sorum’s development in getting to the next level. His style fits almost exclusively in the top six, maybe top nine, so it’ll be hard for him to get minutes in Carolina’s system in the near future. Another season with the Wolves is likely in store for Unger Sorum as he continues to refine his game against pros and waits for his turn.
Semyon Frolov, G, MHK Spartak Moscow (MHL)

Frolov was off to an impressive start in the MHL this season before his injury in late October. His GAA and Sv% are back up to where they were with Togliatta last season when he was playing his best hockey. He is a freak athlete, able to make highlight reel saves and take away angles that most goalies would struggle with. An exceptional skater with extremely dexterous hips allows him to adjust on the move and effectively scramble and recover when play gets chaotic. With the freak athleticism comes a lack of fundamentals and technique. There are tendencies to overcommit and put himself out of position as well as issues with dropping too early or not getting himself set. The insane athletic ability helps cover up his weaknesses though, as poor angles and putting himself out of position leading to easy chances vanish with strong push offs and incredible extensions. When he is locked in, he is nearly impossible to beat. But games where he lacks focus leads to slow reactions and reads. If he can clean up his technique in the coming years, adding to his natural abilities, he can be a force in the NHL.
Dominik Badinka, D, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

After a shaky D+1 year in the SHL that left more to be desired, Dominik Badinka has rebounded in his first year in Chicago. He’s still the large defender with outstanding mobility for a guy his size. He has the potential to be a two-way right-handed defenceman, a very coveted role in the NHL today. At times, Badinka can be prone to over skating the play and being scatterbrained defensively. Developing some patience for letting the play play out should help his game on both ends of the ice and put him in better positions than he tries to skate himself into all the time. It’s hard to imagine that Badinka’s floor is lower than an NHL third pairing. It’s not impossible that Badinka reaches the first pairing, especially with the players ahead of him in Carolina, but it’ll likely be as a support defender to a more offensive left-handed defenceman. Badinka will have at least a couple more AHL seasons to solidify his game and at that point, his projection will be much clearer.
Charlie Cerrato, C, Penn State University (NCAA)

Cerrato has been on an upward trajectory for some time now, after being passed over in 2023 and 2024, before the Hurricanes took the swing. He’s a pro-ready forward who flies around the ice and is always one of the hardest working skaters on the ice on every single shift. His feet are always moving, and it has led to him becoming a difference-maker in the NCAA already. He was on pace to surpass his point totals from last season, but his injury prevented him from doing so. His playmaking and motor, as well as the smaller details in his game, project him as a future middle-six forward with some scoring upside. Continuing to buff out the rougher edges of his game will go a long way. But he’s already pretty close to being pro-ready and it really shouldn’t surprise anyone if he competes for an NHL role next season.
Justin Robidas, C, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Justin Robidas is proof that good things come in small packages. Robidas’ game is not defined by his height and does everything you could ask from a center despite it. Named to this year’s AHL All-Star group, Robidas has taken the No. 1 center role by the horns and isn’t letting go. He had 60 points in 52 games this season with the Wolves and finished near the top 10 in AHL scoring. Robidas has a good shot, is a quick skater, is responsible in his own end and supports the play well from the center position. In his second year with the team, he’s established himself as a leader, being named an alternate captain, and shows his leadership on the ice, playing in all situations. Robidas has gotten a call-up with Carolina a couple of times, where he has three points in four games. Bias towards his size may force him to the wing, but there isn’t a spot in the bottom-six he couldn’t find success in. Robidas will be an RFA at the end of the 25-26 season, so it will be interesting to see if there is any interest from organizations that have more room for Robidas than Carolina does.
Ivan Ryabkin, C, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) (Currently with Chicago Wolves, AHL)

After managing just seven points in 25 AHL games, he made the move to the QMJHL — and the results have been explosive. While strong production was expected at the junior level, few anticipated this kind of dominance. He enjoyed the league's best points-per-game rate, hovering just over 2 per contest, asserting himself as one of the most dynamic offensive forces in the CHL.His progress extends beyond the stat sheet. His skating looks more powerful, and his overall compete level has improved. He plays with a mean, aggressive edge, finishing checks with authority and willingly bulldozing his way to the net. He’s deceptive off the rush, capable of beating defenders one-on-one, and shows terrific vision through layers of traffic. Operating primarily from the flank, he effectively quarterbacks the power play, serving as a dual shooting and passing threat while displaying high-end skill and poise under pressure. There are areas to refine. His stride remains somewhat stiff and lacks a true second gear, and his decision-making can be inconsistent, occasionally leading to turnovers or unnecessary penalties. Long term, he projects as a versatile middle six forward who provides secondary scoring, power-play value, physicality and an agitating edge.
Nikita Artamonov, LW, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (KHL)

Following his solid progression over the past two seasons in the KHL, Artamonov's production has taken a massive step back this season. Last season he put up over half a point per game, with 39 points and flashes of some decent goal scoring ability. This year he finished with nine points. His style of play was never one of a highly skilled producer, as he focuses mostly on supporting his teammates and being an effective puck mover in transition. His brain is excellent, as he processes the game quickly and keeps his plays simple and very effective, getting to and putting the puck into open areas of ice. The workrate is exceptional as well, but he is held back by poor skating, and a lack of physicality and skill. When the puck doesn't go his way, he struggles to be a threat, and he loses battles too often for a player who projects to play a bottom six role. It's hard to not be overly concerned with the point totals this season, but he still finds ways to apply pressure and push the puck in positive directions. If he can add some strength to his frame, helping his skating and board play, there can be an effective bottom six role player here.
Charles Alexis Legault, D, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Charles Alexis Legault only played two games with the Wolves this season before being thrust into NHL action. Several simultaneous injuries along the Hurricanes’ blue line resulted in an eight-game stint for Legault. Unfortunately for Legault, his time in the NHL came to an end faster than it started. Legault cut several tendons in his hand when his hand struck a skate blade during a fight against Toronto in November. After missing four months, Legault has returned to Chicago, where he should log some heavy minutes. His game is built upon being a physically imposing presence along the blue line. He loves to lay the body and use his long reach to separate opponents from the puck. His size, physicality and mobility make him a very desirable option for a bottom-pair defenceman. Defencemen of Legault’s variety aren’t known for having offensive aptitude, but there is a real chance he will surprise people from a production standpoint. A surprise Carolina will be more than happy to see.
Jayden Perron, RW, University of Michigan (NCAA)

Perron’s development has taken a big jump this season. After two seasons of moderate production in the NCAA with the University of North Dakota, Perron transferred to Michigan, where he has become a point-per-game player. In his draft year, his smaller stature and average skating was a big red flag. While he had excellent edge work and the ability to change directions on a dime, his straight-line speed left a lot to be desired. But he had excellent hands, a strong shot, and an apparent high-end hockey IQ, shown off by his playmaking abilities and vision. After a few NCAA seasons, Perron’s skating has clearly improved. His top speed looks noticeably better. While he is still small, he has added an inch to his height and almost 20 pounds since being drafted. He’s learned to attack the dangerous areas of the ice as a passer at this level as well. His development may have taken a bit of time at the collegiate level, but he’s found his groove. While his path to the NHL still sees that same hurdle due to his size, he is starting to put his whole game together. There’s a world where he can become an energy forward with scoring upside on a team's third line, similar to that of Conor Garland.
Kurban Limatov, D, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)

Limatov remains a high upside project thanks to his big frame, great mobility, and improving skill set. The final product here won’t be known for a few years, likely until after he gets pro experience in Russia.
Domenick Fensore, D, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

There’s no doubting Fensore’s ability to produce offensively from the back end. However, the undersized defender is going to need to prove that he can defend at the NHL level to eventually earn a role with the Canes.
Justin Poirier, RW, University of Maine (NCAA)

Rather than spend another year in the QMJHL, Poirier opted to go to the NCAA with Maine and that decision looks like a good one. The diminutive forward has been one of the top goal scorers in the NCAA this season.
Alexander Siryatsky, D, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

Similar to Limatov, Siryatsky has a pro frame and good mobility. The offensive upside is not likely significant, but he’s already become a KHL defender because of his strong defensive play.
Timur Kol, D, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

The Canes sure do have a type. Another big Russian defender with two-way upside. Kol has had a breakout year offensively in the MHL.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – CAROLINA HURRICANES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #15

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:11:41 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 15: Carolina defenseman Alexander Nikishin (21) watches the puck during his first NHL debut game during game five of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on May 15, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 15th (May 2025 - 10th)
GM: Eric Tulsky Hired: May 2024
COACH: Rod Brind’Amour Hired: May 2018

The Carolina Hurricanes’ prospect pool is built from the blue line out, headlined by 23-year-old Alexander Nikishin. The 6-foot-4 Russian defender arrives after a dominant six-year KHL career in which he posted 54 goals and 177 points, leading all KHL defensemen in scoring for back-to-back seasons (2022–24). With his rare combination of size, skill, and poise, Nikishin is set to make his full-time NHL debut in 2025-26 and should be an immediate difference-maker.

Behind him, Carolina’s depth on defense is striking, with several of the organization’s top 15 McKeen’s prospects patrolling the blue line. Although Scott Morrow is now out of the picture – sent to the Rangers in a deal that brought in K’Andre Miller – other names to watch include Aleksi Heimosalmi, Simon Forsmark, Noel Fransen, Dominick Fensore, Dominik Badinka, and newly drafted Kurban Limatov.

Up front, the pipeline is thinner but still boasts high-end skill. Since Jackson Blake’s graduation, Bradly Nadeau has stepped into the role of top forward prospect. Fresh off a standout NCAA career at Maine, he led all rookies in goals (32) and finished second in points (58) among all rookies during his debut pro season, establishing himself as a legitimate scoring threat.

At the NHL level, new GM Eric Tulsky wasted no time making bold moves. Carolina’s aggressive summer began with the acquisition of Mikko Rantanen and continued with a quick pivot to bring in 23-year-old Logan Stankoven—one of the league’s top young forwards. Stankoven now joins a core featuring Seth Jarvis, Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, giving the Hurricanes both elite talent in their prime and a strong wave of youth on the horizon.

With a defensive pipeline that rivals any in the league and a few forwards capable of stepping into impact roles, Carolina’s system is well positioned to keep the team in contention for years. The challenge for Tulsky will be integrating these prospects into an already competitive roster without losing the depth that has long been a hallmark of the Hurricanes’ success.

Carolina Hurricanes Top-15 Prospects

1 - Alexander Nikishin

The Carolina Hurricanes found a gem in Alexander Nikishin, drafted in the third-round in 2020. At just 23, he was arguably the best defenceman in the KHL, playing with remarkable poise and is always calm under pressure. Nikishin excels defensively, using his awareness, timing, and angling to shut down plays effectively. He sticks to opponents well, sealing them against the boards with precise checks and using his active stick to disrupt plays. Offensively, he’s efficient rather than flashy, moving smoothly with the puck and delivering accurate, well-timed passes. He keeps his head up, scanning the ice for options, and has a heavy shot that’s netted him 17 goals this season. While he occasionally over handles the puck, he’s usually patient and makes smart decisions. Nikishin is NHL-ready and showed some great flashes with Carolina in the playoffs this past season. He projects as a top-pairing defenceman with unmatched two-way impact.

2 - Bradly Nadeau

It’s looking more and more like Bradly Nadeau will make the jump to the NHL this year, provided his training camp and preseason performance are up to his current standards. His performance in the AHL during the 2024-25 season was impressive, ranking among the best goal scorers. Nadeau started 2025 at a point-per-game pace and stayed red hot down the stretch and now is ready for the next step. He brings a high-level shot to the Canes’ bottom six with a variety of releases that are all equally deadly. There’s a real opportunity to earn a spot on Carolina’s power play this year if he can showcase the same offensive prowess he terrorized the AHL with last year. But he’s not just a shooter. Nadeau is also a strong playmaker who pre-scans for lanes and actively engages defenders to make his passes deceptive. Don’t be surprised to see Nadeau make waves during his rookie campaign. He has historically risen to the occasion and taken little time to find his groove in new leagues.

3 - Nikita Artamanov

Nikita Artamonov broke into the KHL last season as one of the league’s hardest working forwards, impressing with his relentless motor and ability to create offence through effort. This year, he took a major step forward, tallying 39 points in 63 games and setting a KHL record for goals by a DY+1 player with 22. His wrist shot and net-front awareness both improved significantly, and his game looks far more composed without losing the high-energy style that makes him so effective. Artamonov also remained a strong forechecker and transitioned pucks up ice with more control. He’s polished many of his roughest edges and now looks like a major steal for Carolina. He has just re-signed with Torpedo for two more seasons which will extend his time before making the jump to North America, but this should not scare Canes fans. He needs time to make improvements and has the potential to become a talented playmaker and checking forward for years to come.

4 - Kurban Limatov

Kurban Limatov was our highest ranked Russian player from last season and was snatched up by Carolina in the third round of the 2025 draft. He has explosive speed which he uses incredibly well to transport the puck into the offensive zone and a heavy shot which finds its way to the back of the net often. He is a physical defender who finishes his checks hard, using well timed step ups and intelligent angling to cut off his opponents and shut down play before it can even set up. Limatov needs to improve his playmaking ability and learn to use his passing to create offensive opportunities. A lot of the time this season, he was not much of a creator which held his team back offensively. Kurban projects as a top four defenceman whose strengths in the NHL will be shut down defence and great transporting ability. He will need some more time in Russia to continue to develop but looks on track to reach his full potential.

5 - Semyon Frolov

Semyon Frolov is the prototypical Russian-style goalie, and it is pretty easy to see why he was the third goalie picked in the 2025 draft. He has excellent athleticism, able to stretch and explode in many situations. He’s also an exceptional skater, having fluid, quick movement both on his feet and along the ice in any butterfly motions. He’s a competitive and aggressive goalie, someone that could really fire up a team by making huge saves. But he struggles with consistently making proper reads, executing correct plans and has erratic rebound control. Rebounds can be ironed out easily, but cognitive aspects of the game are harder to improve upon and can really hurt a goalie in higher levels. The raw physical talents of Frolov give him the potential to be an effective NHL goalie, but without development in the intellectual aspects of the game, could mean the difference between being a starter, and a backup, or worst case, a third string.

6 - Dominik Badinka

Badinka didn’t take a very big step forward, considering how good he looked in the SHL in his draft year. The young right-hander’s mobility and pace in the defensive zone looked good as ever and he was poised on the puck, but nothing really progressed. He’s added some weight, but the offensive zone play still leaves a lot to be desired. Despite his ice time in the SHL dwindling and his mysterious snub from Czechia’s WJC team, Badinka made the jump to AHL Chicago. The sample size is too small to make any judgements, but his toolkit should make his transition to smaller ice pretty smooth. The only snag is his lack of a pronounced physical game. He’ll finish checks, but he’ll have to turn it up a notch to keep up with the level of physicality in North America. If all goes well, Badinka could be a solid bottom pair defenceman, bringing defensive stability and puck moving skills.

7 - Felix Unger-Sorum

Felix Unger-Sorum made the jump across the pond this past year, joining the Chicago Wolves. He had a solid season adjusting to the North American game, which many expected to be a challenge given his offensive style that leans heavily on lateral movement and opening space for teammates to strike. He still lacks the physicality needed to take the next step, often shying away from contact instead of taking hits to make plays. Although his creativity has helped him earn top power play minutes and create dangerous chances, Felix Unger-Sorum needs to embrace contact and puck battles as opposed to his more avoidant approach. I’d expect him to rack up points in the Chicago Wolves’ top six in the coming years rather than grind out fourth-line minutes for the Canes. With the sheer number of similar players Carolina has in the system, it’s tough to project where Felix fits in at the next level.

8 - Ivan Ryabkin

One year ago, Ivan Ryabkin was being compared to other high-flying Russian offensive dynamos Matvei Michkov and Ivan Demidov. Putting up 58 points as a 16-year-old in the MHL was an impressive feat, and, naturally, everyone was expecting an even bigger offensive explosion. What ended up happening was an explosion of the worst kind. Rumored off-ice issues with Moscow Dynamo flared up almost immediately and seemed to be confirmed when he was shipped off to Muskegon in the USHL in January. Despite the negative reputation this location change gave him, Ryabkin turned around his case with his play. Finding a goal-scoring touch, his offence looked solid in his 41-game stint with the Lumberjacks. In addition to his shot, Ryabkin has always been a great distributor, creating great chances for his teammates consistently. I would also be remiss if I didn’t point out Ryabkin’s pestilence and grit. This guy is NOT fun to play against, becoming infamous for his borderline illegal hits and ability to piss off opposing teams. Some of his drawbacks naturally arise from this questionable play, tending to take some egregiously bad penalties at times. Ryabkin also struggles with skating speed and overall conditioning. Taking his height and weight into consideration, he is essentially a bowling ball on the ice. Ivan Ryabkin is undoubtedly one of the most divisive prospects in all of hockey today, though there is still a legitimate path for him to make the NHL.

9 - Justin Robidas

Justin Robidas entered his second pro season this past year with the Chicago Wolves after spending the previous year with the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals. He posted extremely impressive totals with 55 points through 70 games in the AHL and two points in two games with the Carolina Hurricanes. While he’s on the shorter end, Robidas is incredibly smart and has some of the best timing of any AHL prospect I’ve seen recently. His game is so fluid that, as a viewer, I question if defenders have any impact on him when working the give-and-go on the rush. Justin hits cross crease passes with ease, using deception to open seams and throw goalies off. Robidas is another offensive-minded, undersized Canes forward, so the competition for ice time will be fierce, but Robidas deserves a greater shot to prove himself in the NHL next year, given how his brain has translated to points at every level of play so far.

10 - Noel Fransen

In spite of poor team performance, Fransen’s first full season of pro hockey was a resounding success and he’s looking like a potential draft steal. He was a key piece on the backend for Västerås IK, confidently carrying pucks end to end with his strong mobility and supplying a ton of offence thanks to his excellent playmaking ability and deadly shot. In fact, he led all defencemen in the HockeyAllsvenskan under the age of 21 in scoring. His defensive reads and defensive zone play in general still needs improvement, but it’s clear he’s getting better with experience. Fransén was projected to be a high-ceiling, low floor prospect in his draft year. As his defensive zone play, explosiveness, and physical strength and resilience improve, so too will his chance of hitting that ceiling. He’s passed the HockeyAllsvenskan test with flying colours, but the SHL will be a different beast. If he can find success there with Färjestad BK, then he should make the jump to North America a year or two after.

11 - Simon Forsmark

All before turning 22, Forsmark already has 150 games under his belt at the SHL level. A fourth-round pick in 2022, Forsmark has turned into a solid top four defenceman for Timrå IK. Forsmark has continued to improve his offensive production while remaining a solid defender. He should remain an impactful defenceman for Timrå IK before the Hurricanes sign him to an entry-level contract or let his rights expire on June 1.

12 - Domenick Fensore

Fensore is as dynamic a defender as they come and makes you forget that he is undersized at all. He was an almost 0.5 point-per-game player for the Wolves last season and shined in his two games with the Hurricanes when he was called up. With Scott Morrow out of the picture, Fensore’s usage will likely increase in almost all situations. Don’t be surprised if he runs away with the opportunity as the Wolves’ best offensive defenceman.

13 - Gleb Trikozov

Two leg injuries cost Trikozov almost his entire North American debut season. In the 20 games he did play, the Russian didn’t produce much that was noteworthy and largely struggled. Injuries and issues translating his game from Russia to the AHL will be the key things Trikozov looks to leave behind this season. If he can get back to his game, he should be a solid middle six playmaker for the Wolves.

14 - Aleksi Heimosalmi

Heimosalmi finds himself in a tough spot after a rough 2024-25 season in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves. A -29 plus-minus combined with 14 points in 56 games doesn’t help the Finn, who will be competing just for ice time this year. With Dominik Badinka moving over to North America, Heimosalmi likely finds himself in a make-or-break year as a prospect. He’ll be battling for third-pairing minutes in the AHL this season.

15 - Ryan Suzuki

At 24 years old, Suzuki may not even be considered a prospect by some. Last season, he led the Wolves with 59 points as the team’s first-line center. Suzuki will assume the same role this season as an older prospect / younger vet who can help get the best out of some of the other prospects. Barring unlucky injuries for the Hurricanes down the middle, Suzuki will remain with the Wolves as their best offensive-driving center.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #10 Carolina Hurricanes – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Wed, 28 May 2025 12:32:42 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 15: Carolina defenseman Alexander Nikishin (21) waits for a face-off during his first NHL debut game during game five of the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on May 15, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire)

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Carolina 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – CAROLINA HURRICANES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #13

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Derek Neumeier — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 18:00:36 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 13th (Previous Rank - 11th)
GM: Eric Tulsky Hired: May 2024
COACH: Rod Brind’Amour Hired: May 2018

Sporting three top 75 ranked prospects is a position any organization strives for, and the Carolina Hurricanes are no exception. Their prospect pipeline boasts not only depth but high-end talent, with one of their prospects sitting comfortably within our top 10. Now former GM, Don Waddell had a history of targeting high-upside, trajectory picks, and Alexander Nikishin (ninth ranked) is a prime example. Taken in the third round of the 2020 draft, the heavyset Russian defender has exploded into one of the top young two-way defencemen in the game. Over the last two seasons, Nikishin has contributed 28 goals and 111 points in 132 games, earning the title of top point-scoring KHL defenceman for two consecutive years. He also led the league with a plus–32 rating in 2023-24.

In addition to Nikishin, the Hurricanes have a wealth of defensive talent, with eight of their top 15 McKeen’s prospects patrolling the blueline. Scott Morrow (65th), who signed his pro contract last year, Aleksi Heimosalmi (137th), and Dominik Badinka (141st) represent the club’s top options. Morrow, in particular, is expected to make immediate contributions, either with the Hurricanes or the Norfolk Admirals.

On the farm, the Hurricanes are integrating three important prospects who could see NHL stints this season. Bradly Nadeau (47th), Jackson Blake (124th), and the aforementioned Morrow are poised to be key players. Nadeau made the jump to pro hockey after just one season in the NCAA, where he earned Hockey East All-Star honors with 46 points in 37 games alongside his brother at the University of Maine. Blake, a former NCHC Player of the Year, regular-season champion, and Hobey Baker finalist, was a dominant force for North Dakota, putting up 38 goals and 102 points in just 79 games over two years.

Under Don Waddell's leadership, the Hurricanes have reached the playoffs and won at least one round in each of his six seasons, all while managing to stockpile draft capital. With new management and a core group featuring Seth Jarvis, Andrei Svechnikov, Martin Nečas, Sebastian Aho, and goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov, alongside a strong and youthful cavalry on the way, it's easy to believe that this team’s championship window is just beginning to open.

Carolina Hurricanes Top-15 Prospects

1. Alexander Nikishin

Not only has Nikishin emerged as one of the best defence prospects in hockey, he is also arguably the best defenceman anywhere in the world outside of the NHL, at any age. This season he was named the captain of the storied KHL franchise SKA, he ended up as that team’s leading scorer, and he had the most points out of any defensemen in the league, all of which are simply incredible for a prospect who is still just 22 years old. The way that he is able to leave a huge impact with both his skill and his physical play, in all zones and all situations, is so rare. Carolina landing him in the 3rd round, 69th overall, in 2020 is looking like one of the biggest draft steals in recent history, and they have to be licking their chops about getting him to the NHL as soon as possible.

2. Brad Nadeau

You could give Nadeau the nickname Mr. Coast To Coast, both for his extreme continental criss-crossing over the past few seasons, as well as for his ability to make highlight-reel plays in transition. What he accomplished this year was nothing short of incredible, entering the NCAA as an 18-year-old and then leading his team in scoring with well over a point-per-game average. However, his success unfortunately flew under the radar a bit because Maine is usually a weaker program with a lower national profile compared to other schools that are top threats most seasons. He's a shifty, multi-faceted offensive weapon, and his high-end proficiency and deception as both a shooter and playmaker make him hard to defend against. Luckily for other college teams, the Hurricanes wanted him to turn pro sooner rather than later and already got him signed to his entry-level contract.

3. Scott Morrow

Morrow was a little bit of a risky pick for the Hurricanes at 40th overall in the 2021 draft, but he has rewarded their trust admirably in the years since, emerging as one of the best defense prospects in all of hockey. The program at UMass-Amherst turned out to be an ideal environment for his development, and after two consecutive seasons as his team’s leading scorer he signed his entry-level contract. Even more impressive, he joined Carolina’s roster immediately and made his NHL debut only a few short days after leaving college. He has sublime all-direction skating ability, crisp puck skills, and a big shot from the point. There were prior concerns about his defensive play and his risky, freewheeling style, but those have mostly abated. Don’t be surprised if he never sees time in the AHL at all and starts next season with the Canes.

4. Jackson Blake

Yet another recent alumni from the vaunted Chicago Steel prospect factory, Blake played like a man possessed this year for North Dakota. He was one of the top offensive producers in all of college hockey, and scored a staggering 31 more points than his nearest teammate, which goes to show just how integral he was for his squad. His efforts also made him a finalist for the Hobey Baker award, and rightfully so, though he did lose to the fully deserving wunderkind Macklin Celebrini. His dad, former NHLer Jason Blake, overcame his short stature with outsized perseverance, craftiness, and work ethic, and the apple didn't fall far from the tree here. He’ll get a good, long look from the Hurricanes in training camp in the fall to see if he's ready for full-time NHL duty, but some duty in the AHL instead shouldn’t slow down his current rate of progression.

5. Aleksi Heimosalmi

There has never been any doubt that Heimosalmi is a highly skilled defenceman. His talents as a skater are superb, and so are his abilities at controlling and making moves with the puck while flying around the ice at his highest gear. The difficulty, however, has involved him figuring out how to actually make the most out of his given gifts. His production this season was almost identical to what it was last year with the exact same team, and it’s never great to see stagnation in a young prospect instead of improvement. He has the physical tools to be more of a difference-maker on the scoresheet, but he needs to get a little more crafty and aware when it comes to dissecting opposing defensive structures. He’s already under contract for a few more years, so Carolina has plenty of time to help his offence come along.

6. Dominik Badinka

Badinka has been on something of a European tour over the past three seasons, going from his native Czechia over to Finland, and then Sweden. But his arrival in Malmö last year paid huge dividends for him, as he began playing against professional competition for the first time and more than proved that he belonged amongst them. His game is built around his rangy skating ability, using his long and powerful strides to aggressively close gaps or blaze up the ice in transition. His point totals are misleading to a casual observer, as he loves to attack offensively and has the wheels to create opportunities, but his whole team struggled to finish plays and score goals last year. There's a safe floor here as a supporting defensive piece, as well as some potential still bubbling beneath the surface that could still turn him into so much more than that.

7. Jayden Perron

Perron didn't necessarily have a seamless transition to the NCAA this season while following the same path as Blake, going from the star-studded Steel in the USHL to a more blue collar North Dakota group. The good news is that things eventually started to come together for him. That was fully expected, too, considering how great are his hockey IQ and drive to improve. He still likes to play bigger than his size and is already showing a proficiency for getting back into high-danger scoring areas against the bigger and older opponents he is now facing. He'll likely still need a few more years in college before he's ready for the pro leagues, but that will provide him plenty of time to keep adapting his offensive tools and add other elements to his game, which will both be essential for bolstering his chances of becoming an NHLer.

8. Nikita Artamonov

Artamonov really burst onto the scouting scene this past season, going from a middling junior-level prospect at the junior MHL level to one of the most successful teenagers that the KHL has seen in recent memory. Playing under Hall of Fame head coach Igor "The Professor" Larionov sure seems like it helped him learn a lot, and quickly. He's a smart, tenacious winger who always seems to know where to be and what he needs to be doing during every shift. He’s around the puck a lot and can be a bit of a pest to play against because he’s always grinding away. There are, however, limitations to his size, skating ability, and overall skill level, which cause concerns about his long-term ceiling. If he makes the NHL it will be in a depth role and he'll try to work his way up the lineup from there.

9. Gleb Trikozov

Trikozov is an electrifying winger who has consistently produced points over the past few seasons in Russia, in spite of regular shuttling up and down levels, albeit within the same parent organization. He has as deep of a bag of puck tricks as any other forward prospect out there, and always relishes beating enemy defenders one-on-one in dramatic fashion. And if that wasn’t enough, he can absolutely bury shots, including when others feed him for the one-timer. There are questions about how his loose playing style and tendency to try doing everything himself will translate to the NHL or just how well he can play within a greater structure, and his defensive commitment often isn’t where it needs to be. However, Carolina just signed him to an entry-level contract this spring, so they’re willing to see how everything unfolds, which is the right call for such an inherently talented prospect.

10. Noel Fransén

Fransén was one of the best-kept secrets in the scouting world last season. For some strange reason he really flew under the radar of NHL Central Scouting, the Swedish national program, and prospect fans at large, in spite of him having produced some electrifying play in Sweden's top junior league, including the rare feat of scoring 20 goals as a defenceman. He also finished the campaign as the top scorer on his entire team, which speaks volumes about how much of a difference-maker he is. He's fast and assertive, loving to turn on the jets in transition or activate from the offensive blueline with explosive bursts of acceleration. He might not get full-time duty at the professional level once again in 2024-25, but make no mistake, this is a player with a lot of future upside if he keeps advancing at his current rate.

11. Felix Unger Sorum

Unger Sorum is a highly entertaining player to watch because he's so slippery and elusive. He loves to attack east-west in the neutral and offensive zones and slants heavily towards passing instead of shooting. There are undoubtedly still some major adjustments that he will need to make before being NHL-ready, especially the extra strength and sturdiness needed to bounce off checks on the smaller North American ice, but there’s no rush for that to happen.

12. Ronan Seeley

Seeley is one of the few Hurricanes prospects who stuck around with the Chicago Wolves after the minor league organization severed ties with their former NHL affiliate, and it seemed to cause a step backwards in his development. Once a steady and trustworthy defender, he now looks like a shell of his former self. He has one year left on his contract, and he'll need to solidify his professional identity and reaffirm what kind of value he provides.

13. Domenick Fensore

It's very rare to see defensemen of Fensore's small size succeed in pro hockey, but he has a better chance than most because he always plays quicker than almost everyone else. He will need to maintain that quickness to continue moving forward as a defender who can exit the zone with control or apply pressure on opponents through tight gap control, which might allow him to contribute enough overall to offset his lack of reach and strength.

14. Anttoni Honka

Honka crossed the pond to North America for all of 2022-23 but then returned home for 2023-24 because of Carolina's lack of an AHL affiliate. Those globe-trotting circumstances didn’t do him any favours, as his development seems to have stalled. It's not easy to make a living as an undersized puck-moving defenceman, and he needs to demonstrate an elite proficiency in that role soon, because only the very best of the best are able to make it.

15. Justin Poirier

Poirier was the first 17-year-old player to produce a 50-goal season in the QMJHL since Sidney Crosby in 2004-05, which is an incredible feat. His shot accuracy and shooter’s instincts are impeccable. But will he be able to score at the NHL level? That's the big question, stemming from his small stature and poor skating ability. If nothing else, he will be one of the most fascinating development case studies to follow in the sport.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL DRAFT GUIDE – TOP 32 FINAL RANKINGS

Brock Otten — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 16:00:27 +0000

It’s that time! The McKeen’s scouting staff has finalized our final rankings for the 2024 NHL Draft ahead of the release of our draft guide releasing soon. This year, the McKeen’s team has made the executive decision to rank 300 players outright, rather than include honorable mentions. This is a change in our previous methodology.

As has been the case all season long, Macklin Celebrini remains our top ranked prospect and we expect him to be the first overall selection by the San Jose Sharks. Rounding out the top five are Russian winger Ivan Demidov, London defenseman Sam Dickinson, power center Cayden Lindstrom, and the fast-rising Tij Iginla. Iginla was ranked 12th on our midseason list, but his strong finish to the WHL season, coupled with his excellent U18 performance, has elevated him into our top five.

Filling out our top ten are Michigan State defender Artyom Levshunov, spark plug center Berkly Catton, towering defender Anton Silayev, Denver defender Zeev Buium, and Western defender Carter Yakemchuk. Buium moves up from 15th at midseason thanks to his remarkable consistency all year long, in addition to a great Frozen Four performance for Denver. While Russian blueliner Silayev moves out of our top five after a lukewarm second half that saw his offensive production drop off.

Other players who have elevated their stock significantly include Norwegian defender Stian Solberg, Oshawa winger Beckett Sennecke, NTDP defender EJ Emery, Finnish power forward Julius Miettinen, offensive blueliner Cole Hutson, gritty Barrie forward Cole Beaudoin, Oshawa defender Ben Danford, and speedy Brantford winger Marek Vanacker. Solberg jumps up over 30 spots, springboarding into our first round after a terrific second half in the Norwegian men’s league, followed by an eye-opening performance at the men’s World Championships. The athletic and projectable Sennecke also makes a huge jump, from the late first to the earlier first after an outstanding second half and playoff performance for Oshawa, helping the team make the OHL finals.

Other players who have seen their stock drop include Henry Mews, Adam Jecho, Maxim Masse, Raoul Boilard, Jesse Pulkkinen, Aron Kiviharju, and Simon Zether. Ottawa defender Henry Mews has fallen out of our first round due to consistency and defensive engagement concerns. We still value his upside but believe other players have had stronger second half pushes. The same can be said about Finnish defender Aron Kiviharju. Injuries derailed his development this year and his performance at the U18’s (albeit coming off a long layoff) was uninspiring.

As far as goaltenders go, none cracked our top 50. We love the depth for the position this year, and as such, we would feel more comfortable waiting longer to select our first netminder in 2024. Owen Sound’s Carter George, and Russian netminders Pavel Moysevich and Mikhail Yegorov are our top netminders.

Overall, the strength of this draft crop has really grown on us as a scouting team. Early on in the season, we weren’t enamored with the quality of top end players available, nor the depth. The defenseman group available has always been deemed as strong, but what has really elevated this crop is the fact that so many forwards finished the year well, altering their projection and draft standing. We feel that those drafting inside the top 20 have a great chance of grabbing a high impact player.

Look for the release of our 2024 Draft Guide soon (Week of June 10^th). It will include all of our rankings and reports, a mock draft, a preview of the 2025 NHL Draft, and much more.

Subscribers can see the full Top 300 Ranking here.

If you are interested in a subscription, you can learn more here.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	HT/WT	DOB	TEAM	GP	G/GAA	A/SV%	PTS	PIM
1	Macklin Celebrini	C	6-0/190	13-Jun-06	Boston University (HE)	38	32	32	64	18
2	Ivan Demidov	RW	5-11/180	10-Dec-05	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	30	23	37	60	20
3	Sam Dickinson	D	6-3/200	7-Jun-06	London (OHL)	68	18	52	70	30
4	Cayden Lindstrom	C	6-3/210	3-Feb-06	Medicine Hat (WHL)	32	27	19	46	66
5	Tij Iginla	C	6-0/185	1-Aug-06	Kelowna (WHL)	64	47	37	84	35
6	Artyom Levshunov	D	6-2/205	28-Oct-05	Michigan State (B1G)	38	9	26	35	44
7	Berkly Catton	C	5-10/170	14-Jan-06	Spokane (WHL)	68	54	62	116	41
8	Anton Silayev	D	6-7/210	11-Apr-06	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	63	3	8	11	10
9	Zeev Buium	D	6-0/185	7-Dec-05	Denver (NCHC)	42	11	39	50	20
10	Carter Yakemchuk	D	6-3/200	29-Sep-05	Calgary (WHL)	66	30	41	71	120
11	Zayne Parekh	D	6-0/180	15-Feb-06	Saginaw (OHL)	66	33	63	96	64
12	Michael Hage	C	6-0/190	14-Apr-06	Chicago (USHL)	54	33	42	75	53
13	Konsta Helenius	C	5-11/180	11-May-06	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	51	14	22	36	10
14	Beckett Sennecke	RW	6-2/175	28-Jan-06	Oshawa (OHL)	63	27	41	68	67
15	Cole Eiserman	LW	6-0/195	29-Aug-06	USN U18 (USDP)	57	58	31	89	34
16	Michael Brandsegg-Nygard	RW	6-1/195	5-Oct-05	Mora (Allsvenskan)	41	8	10	18	19
17	Liam Greentree	RW	6-2/210	1-Jan-06	Windsor (OHL)	64	36	54	90	33
18	Trevor Connelly	LW	6-0/160	28-Feb-06	Tri-City (USHL)	52	31	47	78	88
19	Alfons Freij	D	6-0/185	12-Feb-06	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	40	14	19	33	14
20	EJ Emery	D	6-3/185	30-Mar-06	USN U18 (USDP)	61	0	16	16	61
21	Jett Luchanko	C	5-11/185	21-Aug-06	Guelph (OHL)	68	20	54	74	36
22	Harrison Brunicke	D	6-2/185	8-May-06	Kamloops (WHL)	49	10	11	21	47
23	Stian Solberg	D	6-2/195	29-Dec-05	Valerenga (Norway)	42	5	10	15	47
24	Adam Jiricek	D	6-2/180	28-Jun-06	Plzen (Czechia)	19	0	1	1	2
25	Emil Hemming	RW	6-1/200	27-Jun-06	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	40	7	4	11	0
26	Ryder Ritchie	RW	6-0/175	3-Aug-06	Prince Albert (WHL)	47	19	25	44	24
27	Dominik Badinka	D	6-3/185	27-Nov-05	Malmo (SHL)	33	1	3	4	6
28	Sacha Boisvert	C	6-2/180	17-Mar-06	Muskegon (USHL)	61	36	32	68	86
29	Julius Miettinen	C	6-2/205	20-Jan-06	Everett (WHL)	66	31	36	67	32
30	Yegor Surin	C	6-1/190	1-Aug-06	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	42	22	30	52	108
31	Leo Sahlin Wallenius	D	5-11/175	10-Apr-06	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	43	11	31	42	38
32	Marek Vanacker	LW	6-0/175	12-Apr-06	Brantford (OHL)	68	36	46	82	55

2024 NHL DRAFT: FULL FIRST ROUND MOCK DRAFT – 32 PICKS

Steven Graves — Fri, 10 May 2024 16:09:44 +0000

NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 1: NCAA men's hockey at Lawler Rink on December 1, 2023 in North Andover, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rich Gagnon)

With the Draft Lottery now concluded - we now know definitively where all the lottery selections are situated. Mind you, nothing changed from before the draft, but I digress. This draft really opens up at #2 after Macklin Celebrini. There are a ton of great defenders that offer high end potential, a few high-octane offensive forwards, and a couple of raw toolsy players that scream the word “upside”. There is no consensus after #1 so it’ll be fascinating to see how this class goes. Here’s my shot at it:

#1: San Jose Sharks - C - Macklin Celebrini

After a horrid season that saw the Sharks finish as the worst team in the NHL, the organization will be rewarded with a potential franchise altering talent in Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini will return to the Bay Area where he spent some of his formative years growing up, as his father - Rick Celebrini works with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, so Macklin is quite familiar already. He will step right into the NHL next season and projects as a #1 center. For a franchise that has been in a rough patch the past few seasons, getting a talent like Celebrini will really help the team going forward.

#2: Chicago Blackhawks - RW - Ivan Demidov

The Chicago Blackhawks are a team that is difficult to pinpoint who they’ll select, they’re a team that are in need of everything. Because of this I have them selecting the second most talented player in this class in Ivan Demidov. He might just be the most skilled player in the draft class. If he had played in North America this season, there is a chance he could have challenged Celebrini for #1. Demidov is an offensive weapon that can leave your jaw on the floor watching him play - Pairing him next to Connor Bedard could see both players putting up gaudy offensive totals playing off of each other and could set up Chicago’s offense for years to come.

#3: Anaheim Ducks - C/RW - Konsta Helenius

Anaheim is a weird team for this draft, they’re a team that needs time more than anything because they have a lot of talent already in their system, it’s just a few years too soon before we start to see that translate in the NHL. Looking throughout their roster they’re set up well for the future up the middle and on the back end. They have Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson at center and on defence you have promising players in Olen Zellweger, Pavel Mintyukov and Tristian Luneau. There is improvement to be had on the wing, however as Cutter Gauthier and Troy Terry are really the only two names of note. Because of this at this spot I have them selecting Konsta Helenius, a player who can play both center and wing, however I have him as more of a winger in the NHL. He is a very mature player that can be a fantastic complementary piece to more skilled linemates. He is a great 200’ player and a kid that will complement bigger guys like Gauthier, McTavish and Carlsson well.

#4: Columbus Blue Jackets - LD - Anton Silayev

Columbus’ biggest need right now is probably on defense and a shutdown defender at that. Anton Silayev is one of the most polarizing players in this class, he is massive at 6’7” and just finished the season playing full time in the KHL, something that never happens for 17-year-old defenders. However, after having a red-hot start in the KHL, he really cooled down in the last 40 or so games. Silayev provides some of the most intriguing upside in the draft - it’s not often a 6’7” defender that can skate, move the puck well and be imposing physically come through the NHL draft. Columbus would be betting on that upside coming to fruition as the NHL returns to valuing big defenders as it has shown to be successful come playoff time.

#5: Montreal Canadiens - C - Cayden Lindstrom

Montreal definitely won’t be scared away from drafting a big, fast, toolsy forward this year after seeing how well Juraj Slafkovsky played in his sophomore campaign in the NHL. Lindstrom would be a massive get for Montreal as they’ll finally get that big center that the franchise has been yearning for in what seems like forever. Lindstrom has some of the most fascinating upside in this draft class, and Montreal would be ecstatic to get him into their organization.

#6: Utah - RD - Artyom Levshunov

The former Arizona Coyotes could go many directions at this spot, they have many great prospects in their system and there isn’t an obvious position of need. I have them going for the best player I believe will be available in this spot in Artyom Levshunov. Levshunov is one of the most NHL ready players in this draft and would be a massive get for the new Utah franchise. He would shore up the right side of the defense on this Utah team moving forward and should give the team a very good top four defender, moving forward with potential of being more than that.

#7: Ottawa Senators - RW - Tij Iginla

Two years in a row the Ottawa Senators have traded out of the draft lottery. They will make their selection this year following a very disappointing season in which they had playoff aspirations. At this spot I have them taking one of the most improved players in the class in Tij Iginla. Tij, the son of former Calgary Flames captain and Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla saw a massive spike in production this year after getting moved to Kelowna from Seattle. He went from .38 points per game last year to 1.31 points per game this year. A fantastic progression from last year. Ottawa will hope Iginla becomes a great offensive player that is able to contribute physically to help them as they seek the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

#8: Seattle Kraken - LD - Sam Dickinson

With the 8th overall selection, I have the Seattle Kraken picking London Knights defender Sam Dickinson. The 6’ 3” left shot Dickinson would be a godsend for Seattle as there are scouts who think he could end up being the best defenseman in the draft. He is a strong skating two-way defender that can impact the game in all three zones, there are question marks about his decision-making ability but there is just too much to like about Dickinson for Seattle to not pick him if he falls to this spot. In a few years, you can conceivably see him becoming Seattle’s #1 defender, and getting that value at #8 overall would make their fans very happy.

#9: Calgary Flames - RW - Beckett Sennecke

This is a tough pick to nail down, Calgary could go many different directions here, but I have them taking one of the most interesting prospects in the second half of the season in Oshawa Generals forward Beckett Sennecke. Sennecke who stood at just 5’ 10” just two seasons ago now stands at 6’ 3”. Through his growth spurt he has kept his strong offensive skill set and clearly is still adjusting to the change. The name of the game for him is “potential” because he hasn’t learned to use his newfound size yet and still needs to fill out to put him in a position to better utilize that size, If Sennecke’s playoffs are anything to go off of, it shows that he is just scratching the surface on what he could become, and Calgary would be a great franchise to help him harness his potential.

#10: New Jersey Devils - LD - Zeev Buium

The New Jersey Devils already have a great group of defenders but if they’re lucky enough to have a talent like Zeev Buium fall to them at #10, they’re going to jump at that opportunity. He gives the Devils one of the most exciting young defensive cores in the NHL with Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes already in the fold. Buium just had one of the best freshman campaigns in NCAA history and is fresh off a national championship with Denver. He would solidify a Devil’s defense that is already seen as promising.

#11: Buffalo Sabres - C - Berkly Catton

With the 11th overall selection in the 2024 draft, I have the Buffalo Sabres going for one of the most talented offensive players in the draft in Berkly Catton. Catton, a former first overall selection in the WHL draft had a massive year for Spokane in the WHL where he had 54 goals and 114 points in 68 games - good for 4th in league scoring. Catton is a couple years away from being a full time NHL player but with Buffalo on the upswing, they can afford to wait a couple years. Simply put, Buffalo would be getting the best player available at this spot.

#12: Philadelphia Flyers - RD - Carter Yakemchuk

At number twelve, the Philadelphia Flyers select Carter Yakemchuk. Yakemchuk would be heading into a really good situation in Philadelphia since other than Oliver Bonk, their defensive prospects are looking rather thin. He is a big defender that loves to push pace with the puck on his stick, he is able to take over in the offensive zone at times and loves to activate from the blueline. While a dangerous offensive defender, he will need to focus on his play in his own zone to really reach his potential.

#13: Minnesota Wild - RD- Zayne Parekh

Minnesota would be jumping for joy if a talent like Parekh falls to them at this point. They would get one of the best offensive defenders to come through the NHL Draft in a long time. He delivered one of the best seasons as a draft eligible defender in nearly 35 years, tallying 33 goals and 96 points for Saginaw in the OHL. Parekh is deadly in the offensive zone. He is able to manipulate defenders and open shooting lanes like very few defenders can. As a result, he is able to get great shot opportunities that more often than not beat the goalie or create rebound chances. He has star potential written all over him - unfortunately there are some red flags with his game and his defensive engagement is a work in progress. Because of those concerns can see him falling in the draft.

#14: San Jose Sharks (Via Pittsburgh) - LW - Cole Eiserman

With the selection acquired via the Erik Karlsson trade, the Sharks will select a player who was once thought to be Celebrini’s biggest challenger for #1. Eiserman is a deadly goal scorer and is the best one in the draft class. He just surpassed Cole Caufield’s USNTDP record for goals for the program with 127. Unfortunately, he didn’t see much improvement in his game from last year and it allows San Jose an opportunity to snag him here and potentially pair him with Celebrini as a potential trigger man for that could see the two set themselves up for success for many years.

#15; Detroit Red Wings - RW - Liam Greentree

After a fantastic season that saw them miss out on the last playoff spot by an empty net goal, the Detroit Red Wings are in win now mode. They have a ton of promising prospects that have yet to graduate to the NHL, however they don’t have a player that can dominate as a net front presence. That’s why I have them selecting the Windsor Spitfires captain here. Greentree had a fantastic year for the OHL’s second worst team, scoring 90 points when the second leading scorer on his team had 66. Greentree is a very intelligent big, bodied forward that puts himself in great positions to score and is great around the net. Detroit could use a kid like him as they start to make the playoffs consistently in the future.

#16: St.Louis Blues - LW - Trevor Connelly

St.Louis was the last team to miss the playoffs after catching fire following the trade deadline. At one point this season, they were looking like they would be a player in the lottery for first overall. While the results were encouraging for next season, it landed them at 16^th, and will land on Trevor Connelly, one of the highest scoring players in the USHL this season. He is a big, bodied forward that is able to skate well and create plays for himself, he isn’t afraid to use his size to his advantage and can produce in many different ways. There are questions teams will have to answer here, and he could fall further, but probably the most talented option left on the board.

#17: Washington Capitals - C - Michael Hage

With the 17th pick the Washington Capitals select Chicago Steel centerman Michael Hage. After missing nearly his entire 16-year-old season to injury, Hage came into the year on a mission. He had a fantastic offensive campaign that showcased his ability to affect the game in both the offensive and defensive zones. With both Nicklas Backstrom and Evgeny Kuznetsov leaving the franchise in the past 12 months, they’re going to be in need of centermen going forward and Hage is the best one at this spot in the draft.

#18: New York Islanders - LW - Teddy Stiga

The New York Islanders are a team that always seems to like to go for fast, pesky forwards that can really change the tempo of the game when they’re on the ice. Guys like J. G. Pageau, Casey Cizkas and Cal Clutterbuck are just a few examples of this. Teddy Stiga of the USNTDP is yet another example of this, he is a kid who has seen incredible progression since last year. He went from being a bottom six energy forward to showcasing a previously unknown offensive skill set that could make him a great complementary piece in the NHL one day. One of this year’s biggest risers and a player that just seems like an Islander pick.

#19: Vegas Golden Knights - LD - Alfons Freij

With an aging Vegas blueline and the lack of quality defensive prospects in their system - I suspect the franchise will be targeting a defender with this selection. One of the best ones at this spot is Alfons Freij, a great skating two-way defender that has shown great improvement in his offensive game as the year has progressed. Freij would be in a great position to succeed in Vegas if given the proper time to develop. He could be a key piece to building this blueline in the future.

#20: Chicago Blackhawks (Via Tampa Bay) - RW - Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

With the pick that Chicago received in the Brandon Hagel trade, the Blackhawks go with Michael Brandsegg Nygard, poised to be the highest drafted Norwegian player in the history of the NHL Draft. Nygård is a kid that may not be able to create offense for himself, but he is going to put himself in positions to score and to get the puck. Having a center as smart as Bedard could really elevate a big, bodied winger like Nygard, since he doesn’t need the puck on his stick to be effective. He is excellent at moving his feet, keeping up with the pace of play, and has some of the best off-puck positioning in the class. Truly a player that is destined to succeed next to a Bedard level talent.

#21: Los Angeles Kings - RD - Adam Jiricek

It was a nightmare season for Adam Jiricek who started the season off poorly in Czechia’s top men’s league then was injured at the World Juniors and missed the rest of the season. Los Angeles could be a team that takes a gamble on the talent of Jiricek. Before he was injured, he was seen as a potential top-10 selection for the draft. He has a lot of what you want as a defender, good size, skating, defensive play along with good offensive instincts. It’s impossible to know how he has progressed since the injury and it would be a risky selection, but one absolutely worth making if you’re LA.

#22: Nashville Predators - LD - Matvei Shuravin

Nashville has been a defensive factory since their inception into the NHL. They have churned out quality defenders one after another. I have them going with the big Russian rearguard with the 22nd spot here. Shuravin is a 6’ 4” Russian defender that possesses strong skating and great defensive abilities. He’s still rather raw and needs to continue to improve his offensive game as well as learn to harness his size more effectively, but he is a project defender that could really explode into the NHL in a few seasons if given the right development time. I think Nashville is the perfect spot for that to come to fruition.

#23: Toronto Maple Leafs - RD - Ben Danford

Toronto addresses their biggest need with their first-round selection this year, as Ben Danford of the Oshawa Generals is a right-shot, top pairing defender that enjoyed a great season for the OHL’s Eastern Conference champions. It’s so difficult to get defenders like Danford via trade in the NHL, so your best bet is to draft them. It will take a few years for him to play in the NHL, but if he develops as intended, he could be a nightmare to play against in the NHL. The Maple Leafs sorely need a player like him.

#24: Anaheim Ducks (Via Edmonton) - LW - Nikita Artamonov

With the puck acquired via the Adam Henrique trade, I have the Anaheim Ducks going with Nikita Artamonov. Artamonov quietly had one of the most impressive statistical outputs ever for a 17-year-old in the KHL. Artamonov is a few years away from the NHL, however the Ducks are a great place for him since they’re loaded with great prospects already, and can be patient with as he further develops his game in Russia. Hopefully by the time he comes overseas, the Ducks will already be competing for a playoff spot,

#25: Colorado Avalanche - RD - E. J. Emery

In this spot I have the Avs going with one of the rawest prospects in the draft class in American E. J. Emery. He is no sure thing. He has a lot that he needs to work on with his game, but he also has some very intriguing upside. He is a defense-first defender that is intimidating to play against. He can shut down opponents by using his skating and long stick to keep opponents at bay. There are decision making concerns here, and there is limited offensive potential, but he could be a perfect complementary piece for a more offensive minded partner. Colorado would love to have someone like Emery in their system down the road.

#26: Ottawa Senators (Via Boston) - RD - Dominik Badinka

Ottawa’s second selection of the first round, a selection they received in the Alex DeBrincat trade. With this pick I have them going for a right-handed defender in Dominik Badinka. Badinka is a late born ‘05 born and played a majority of the past season in the SHL. He is 6’ 3” and isn’t afraid to lay the body. His skating is great and has some offensive skill as well. The right side of Ottawa’s defense needs a lot of help, getting Badinka here would be a step in the right direction for the Sens.

#27: Montreal Canadiens (Via Winnipeg) - LW - Igor Chernyshov

Montreal will go for the best player still on the board with this selection, and that is Russian power forward Igor Chernyshov. He is a strong skating big body who really showcased a lot of potential playing in Russia this year. He could be scratching the surface of what he could be offensively. There is still a lot of growth to be done with his game. Montreal would love to take that bet here with the selection they received in the Sean Monahan trade.

#28: Carolina Hurricanes - C - Cole Beaudoin

Carolina’s drafting in the past five or so years has been clinical. They constantly find talent in every round of the draft and have one of the league's best prospect pools despite being one of the league's best teams year in, year out. In this spot they go with Cole Beaudoin out of Barrie in the OHL. Cole doesn’t have the best upside to be a top six player in the NHL but looks to be a sure bet to be a very good bottom sixer going forward. He has a fantastic motor and is relentless on the forecheck. He really has a game suited for the NHL.

#29: Calgary Flames (Via Vancouver) - C - Jett Luchenko

With the pick Calgary acquired in the Elias Lindholm deal they go with Guelph Storm pest Jett Luchenko. Luchenko is just a honey badger. He always has his feet going and always wants to do something on the ice. The Flames will bet on Luchenko being a bottom six energy guy going forward and a key piece to when they start to compete for a playoff spot again.

#30: Philadelphia Flyers (Via Florida) - RW - Sam O’Reilly

At #30, I gave the Flyers going with a player that has seen steady progression as the year has gone on with Sam O’Reilly. O’Reilly is a teammate of last year’s first round pick, Oliver Bonk, and Denver Barkey, so you know the Flyers are very familiar with him. O’Reilly has really showcased an excellent two-way game all season long. He has been a consistent contributor in all three zones and has potential to hit another level offensively next season.

#31: Dallas Stars - RW - Emil Hemming

Hemming is one of the better goal scorers in the draft, I have Dallas going here to help replenish their prospect pool after seeing a good number of graduations as of late. The Finnish winger is a goal scoring power forward that can really rip the puck. He showcased this ability at the U18’s. He has flaws, but at this point in the draft I don’t know how you can go wrong betting on a player like Hemming.

#32: New York Rangers - C - Sacha Boisvert

With the last pick in the first round, I have the Rangers going for centreman Sacha Boisvert. Boisvert had a great year in the USHL for Muskegon and plans to go to the University of North Dakota next year. He is an offensive centreman that can be really dangerous in front of the net. He can finish off plays to great effect and isn’t afraid to stand his ground. The Rangers would be very happy to add a player like Boisvert to their pipeline.

2024 NHL SCOUTING REPORT (VIDEO + GRADES): Dominik Badinka, D, Malmo RedHawks (SHL)

Felix Robbins — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 14:36:17 +0000

Malmö Redhawks Dominik Badinka.
Photo: Petter Arvidson / BILDBYRÅN /

Dominik Badinka

D - #6 Malmö Redhawks (SHL)

6’3, 183 lbs, Shoots: R

DOB: 27.11.2005 - Chomutov, Czechia

The 2024 NHL Draft class has yet another stud defenceman whose name should be known by casual fans and prospect enthusiasts alike – Dominik Badinka. The young Czech right-shot D quickly established himself as a top defenceman in the J20 Nationell and was soon promoted to the Malmö Redhawks SHL team where, oddly enough, he looked even better than he did in juniors. After playing in the 5 Nations tournament in his hometown of Chomutov, he stayed with the Malmö senior club for the rest of the season playing a variety of minutes – some games he’d be out there for 10 shifts, others he’d log 23 minutes against top SHL forward lines. No matter the fluctuation in his ice time, Badinka stayed cool, calm and collected, which is reflected in the way he plays.

Badinka is a big body. He stands at 6’3, weighing in at 183 pounds, and he knows how to use it. However, he’s not an old school bruiser who hunts hits. He’s incredibly mobile in all 4 directions, makes clever reads and diffuses chaotic situations with ice in his veins. He keeps his feet moving while defending and keeps an active stick. He’s got a long reach, which he uses to cut off pass lanes and keep puck handlers looking to move inside to the outside of the house. In retrieval situations where forechecking pressure is looming, he calmly scans the ice for outlet options and plans his next move. He is an expert at drawing in pressure, gilding backwards and masking his intentions with the puck, before pulling the puck in the opposite direction at the exact right time to lose the forechecker and move into the space he left behind. Never does he panic upon the execution of such plays. However, if his initial plan doesn’t work, he adapts and finds another solution.

Not content with being a stay-at-home breakout specialist, Badinka puts his impressive skating to good use when a rush chance presents itself. He generates straight line speed efficiently and finds skating lanes, keeping himself open as a pass target for his fellow attackers. Sometimes it takes him all the way to the net and beyond, where he seems comfortable playing low. However, he typically mans the blueline in offensive situations and doesn’t activate into the play very often. His lack of fine skill and handling prowess limits his creativity as a playmaker, and unfortunately can’t help him solve complex problems in tight. He relies on his mobility, puck protection and deceptive body fakes for that.

As deep as the draft class may be on D prospects, you won’t find a more rock-steady, intelligent, defensive puck transporter like Dominik Badinka among them. While there are some pretty big question marks about his offensive ceiling, his ability to impact play in his own end as well as in transition is already very advanced. In addition to his impressive frame and physical skills, he shoots right – a coveted trait by NHL teams looking at defensive prospects. Is he worth spending a 1^st round pick on? I think so, and organizations have valued defensemen with a high floor and mid-pair potential (at best) similarly in the past. No matter where in the draft he goes, I think Dominik Badinka is one of the most impressive and pro-ready defencemen in the entire 2024 NHL draft, and may find himself on an NHL roster sooner than most of his fellow draft eligible prospects.

Skating

Badinka is an exceptionally mobile skater for his size. His strides are nice and fluid, and he’s just as smooth moving laterally and backwards. He can generate a lot of speed in a few quick steps, and his movements never feel wasted. He is so light on his feet and he’s able to turn any which way tightly and balanced. At the same time, he’s got such a strong and sturdy base that he’s pretty difficult to take down or knock off the puck.

His strong skating and pace have been the key to his defensive prowess this season. He carefully controls his speed when gapping up opponents, making sure his hips stay turned towards his man and matching their speed. He’s constantly suffocating his man in man coverage, battling for inside position and generally making life miserable for whoever he happens to be assigned to. His skating is just as useful on-puck. In transition, once he gets a full head of steam, it’s pretty hard to stop him. The only thing that’s really been missing from his SHL tape is any semblance of activating into play below the blueline. I think he is quick and agile enough to pull it off, but Badinka is quite self aware and probably doesn’t want to take unnecessary risks when he’s mostly filling the role as a bottom pair defensive defenceman. Hopefully, as he gets older and his leash gets longer, he’ll try it out and see how he likes it. It would be a real boon for his offensive ceiling.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1-Badinka-SKATING-Clip-1-skating.mp4

Here we see a nice close up of Badinka’s (#6 black) skating mechanics and thought process in transition. Both teams are changing and Badinka is retrieving the puck from his own end. He quickly checks over his shoulder and sees there is a whole lot of open ice and no pressure on him, so he decides to skate the puck through the neutral zone. The ice becomes quite crowded at the redline, so he opts to dump the puck in and two forwards immediately fly in after it. We see some quality decision making, some north-south speed as well as some nice lateral mobility on an outside cut to avoid a neutral zone defender in order to get a dump in.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2-Badinka-Clip-2-skating.mp4

Here we see a good example of how Badinka (#6 black) uses his strong skating to exert defensive pressure and push the pace as soon as possession is gained. The opposing team is set up in Malmö’s defensive zone and the puck is sent down low to a player on Badinka’s side. Badinka follows him from low to high and pokes the puck free towards a teammate near the wall along blueline. Badinka recognizes that his teammate will most likely have enough time to push the puck out of the zone, so he takes the initiative and jumps on the puck as soon as its loose. With a teammate supporting him on the far side, Badinka gets a 2-on-1 opportunity. They couldn’t capitalize, but what impresses me the most is how quickly Badinka recognized an opportunity to turn defence to offence and his willingness to push the pace.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3-Badinka-Clip-3-skating.mp4

This is a good example of how Badinka (#6 red) supports play in transition, both offensively and defensively. He’s skating virtually all alone on the far side of the ice with his head up, controlling his speed and making sure he’s a viable target for the puck carrier. His attack pattern takes him all the way to the net, where he stays for a couple seconds while presenting himself as a target to the puck carrier. Possession is lost and play is going the other way, but Badinka hustles back and angles the puck carrier towards the boards, succe

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4-Badinka-Clip-4-Skating.mp4

ssfully separating man and puck.

While this hasn’t really happened as successfully at the SHL level too often, Badinka (#23 white) has flashed some potential as an offensive puck transporter at the J20. Here we see him use his powerful skating to bring the puck from coast to coast, protecting the puck with his frame and fighting off a back-checker or two while doing so. Once he brings the puck to the offensive zone, the play really goes in his favour. The puck starts pinballing around the Rogle J20 defenders’ skates and ends up on Badinka’s stick near the front of the net for a shot on goal. That being said, Badinka created his own luck there by taking advantage of his skating and not giving up on the play.

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Badinka (#6 white) showing of some nimble and deceptive footwork on this play. Malmö is trying to clear the puck ahead from their own blueline, but the puck takes a deflection off of a leg and towards Badinka. He corrals it while facing an incoming Växjö player, drawing him in as he is skating backwards. In and in the forechecker is lured, only for Badinka to execute a tight spin before hitting the corner and darts back behind his net, leaving the Växjö player in the dust. His team is then able to successfully break out the puck. Badinka has an expert understanding of forechecking and breakout situations, and his skating opens up worlds of options for him to solve whatever puzzle may be in front of him.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/6-Badinka-Clip-6-skating.mp4

The crown jewel of Badinka’s (#6 red) game is his extraordinary pace and work ethic in the defensive zone, and here we see just how much his skating lends itself to that. Twice, a Färjestad BK forward is skating down his side and twice Badinka denies them. He keeps a tight gap on the initial entry and uses his backwards skating and strong stickwork to force the attacker to the outside. After that, he’s up along the wall, back down to disrupt the 2^nd attempt, then up along the wall once more to take the puck to the quieter part of the ice and out of the zone. What a defensive boss!

Grade: 50

Shot

Dom Badinka doesn’t exactly get a ton of offensive production off of his shot at any level of play, though it does happen once in a blue moon. He’s got a pretty nice wrister with some sweeping action to it which he shoots low to hunt deflections or generate rebounds. If he’s got time and space, he’ll load up for a slap shot which, considering his size, could use a bit more power. The problem is, Badinka rarely finds the time or creates the space to get a shot off, even from the point. When he does, it’s typically a perimeter shot, which isn’t very threatening for a goalie. I have seen him get the odd rush chance, and he has scored a goal at the SHL level this year, so it’s not like he’s got a complete muffin. He hits the net more often than not, so it isn’t inaccurate either. It just feels like shooting isn’t really a big part of his game plan.

I wouldn’t worry about how this affects his projection too much, as a defenceman with a great shot is really just a bonus for offensive generation rather than an important aspect of their overall game. However, it is important to be able to fire the puck with confidence should the occasion arise. With Badinka, I think his shot is going to grade out to about average in quality, if and when he reaches the NHL. Not bad, but I don’t expect anyone to coin the phrase “Badinka Bomb”.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/7-Badinka-SHOT-Clip-1-Shooting.mp4

Badinka (#6 red) with some time and space to fire a low slap shot to hunt rebounds and hunt for deflections. Pretty typical usage of his shot so far in his career, and I’d say that’s the most typical form of offence you’ll get out of his shot.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/8-Badinka-Clip-2-Shooting.mp4

Badinka (#6 black) intercepts a pass in the neutral zone and catches Leksands IF al out of sorts. He attacks the open ice in front of him and enters the offensive zone. With two defenders skating towards him, he loads up a slap shot and lets it go right into the glove of the goalie. While it’s impressive that he got the shot off before being completely closed off by a defender, an unobstructed slap shot from the perimeter is typically not a very threatening shot. Still, he didn’t have a ton of other options available to him, so why not let ‘er go?

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/9-Badinka-clip-3-Shooting.mp4

This clip and the previous clip share some similarities. Malmö J20 catches Rogle J20 on an awful change, and Badinka (#23 white) takes full advantage. He gets the puck at the red line and has all the time and space in the world, so he decides to skate right down to the O zone hashmarks. He fakes a slap shot, glides a bit closer, freezes the goalie and sweeps a wrister through the 5 hole right in tight. This sort of thing is perhaps what Badinka was trying to do in the previous clip, but time and space is limited in the SHL as opposed to the J20. Perhaps, one day, he’ll figure out a way to create enough of both to pull something like that off at higher levels.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/10-Badinka-Clip-4Shooting.mp4

This is the most interesting offensive play I’ve seen Badinka (#6 white) execute at the pro level so far this season, which happens to be his only goal at the pro level this season. He builds up speed with crossovers along the blueline, drops his shoulder to protect the puck from his defender and gets a close to the house as he can before wiring a wrister 5-hole through traffic. That was a confident play and a terrific shot selection. If he can figure out how to do this more, Badinka could exceed his projection by quite a bit.

Grade: 50

Skill

This is perhaps the only real criticism I have of Dominik Badinka’s overall game – the lack of any real high-end skill. His passing is very dependable, especially in breakout situations. He has a very good mind for manipulative body fakes and skate fakes. However, from a defenceman who profiles like he does, Badinka’ hands are a bit lacking. While he’s shown some moves and instinct in the J20, I don’t see a lot of fine skill or playmaking creativity or vision at top levels yet.

While he can settle pucks and maintain puck control at high speeds, as well as execute on the odd move to break an overzealous forecheckers ankles, the issues arise when more complex obstacles present themselves in his path through the neutral zone or offensive zone. He can’t seem to chain moves together or to dance around the sticks of defenders enough to confidently attack the middle of the ice as effectively as some of the more skilled puck movers in the class. This is an issue that will probably limit his play in all three zones, and hampers his overall projection without improvement. That being said, he still projects quite easily to an NHL role without. If I am an NHL team intent on drafting Badinka, this is the skill I am prioritizing in his development journey.

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Badinka (#6 White) breaking out of the defensive zone, evading pressure from forecheckers with some creative skate fakes and navigating through traffic with some stick work. He clearly understands how to manipulate opponents with his body to give himself space. His stickhandling in the clip is fine, but he is forced to cut laterally all the way across the ice to move the puck further up the ice rather than attacking the middle. Perhaps a playmaker with more vision or skill would have threaded the needle to a teammate through the middle, but as you can see, what Badinka can do now works fine in the SHL.

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Badinka (#23 Red) setting his teammate up for a solid one-timer goal. I know this sort of play can look paltry, but there’s a certain timing that Badinka has in his passing that not everyone possesses. He draws in pressure from the defender and fires a pass as soon as he sees the defender’s heels turn and stop. Good vision to hit the return pass to the teammate who’s floated to the face-off dot as well. Hopefully we see some more of this sort of playmaking as he ages.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/13-Badinka-Clip-3-Skill.mp4

Badinka (#6 Black) does quite well here to weave the puck through the whole Leksands IF team and carry the puck deep into the O zone all by himself. This is the kind of play I’m hoping to see him attempt more in his D+1 and beyond. The handles shown are not very complex, but they do the job thanks to some great skating tempo mix-ups. While this play doesn’t result in a whole lot of offence for Malmö, Badinka didn’t really have a whole lot of support here. In a more favourable situation than a 1 on 5, this type of play could easily result in a quality scoring chance for his team.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/14-Badinka-Clip-4-Skill.mp4

In this clip, Badinka (#6 Red) is in pursuit of a loose puck along the wall in the neutral zone. He does his signature pirouette move to spin away from an FBK player who has overcommitted to playing the body and gains control of the puck, looking to move it into the offensive zone. There is a Malmö forward attacking the middle of the ice and looks to be a great target for a pass, but Badinka looks him off. Instead, he goes along the wall and tries take on an FBK defender 1 on 1. However, he is unable to fool the defender an loses the puck. This play could have looked if Badinka had hit his teammate with a pass earlier, which was the better option, or if he had been able to pull the puck from outside to inside a bit quicker. However, I would rather see Badinka try and fail such plays rather than not attempt them at all. There may be warts along the way, but there will also be growth.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/15-Badinka-Clip-5-Skill.mp4

Badinka (#23 red) showing off a nose for the net and a soft touch for this beauty. Malmö J20 has the puck in the offensive zone and Badinka has just come off the bench. He builds speed while simultaneously receiving the puck along the wall. He moves down low, freezing one defender before cutting inside to the slot and firing a shot over the goalie’s shoulder. While a part of me wants to write this off as just “poor J20 defending”, another part of me feels like the instincts and processing speed is there. He probably wont ever be able to just waltz right in on goal at any level higher than juniors, but I think being able to freeze defenders like he did to the first IKO player isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

Grade: 50

Smarts

While his physical tools and skating are essential building blocks to his game, Dominik Badinka’s high-end hockey IQ is a big reason why he’s been able to play like a seasoned veteran in the SHL. From the moment he steps on to the ice, Badinka is locked in and reading play alertly. His awareness of teammates, opponents and the puck in regards to his positioning is possibly among the best for defencemen in the whole draft class. He’s still a kid and there’s the odd wrinkle here and there, but overall, his composure and intuition are veteran-like.

Badinka’s decision making with the puck is just as excellent, especially in the defensive zone. He’s assertive, rarely defers responsibility to his partner and hardly ever does bail-outs. He’s the type of defenseman who plays retrievals and breakout situations like rope-a-dope. He’ll invite forecheckers to challenge him behind the net, then wait until they’ve totally overcommitted to him before passing or making a move to get around him, creating an instant advantage for his team. He’s got ice in his veins in pressure situations. He tends to keep it simple, which suits his playstyle just fine. However, when a pressure situation calls for more complex solutions, Badinka has no issues adapting and making quick decisions to escape. While the following clips are prime examples of his hockey sense in different situations, I’m sure you could find instances of high-IQ moments in any of the clips in this report.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/16-Badinka-SMARTS-Clip-1-Smarts.mp4

Tidy little retrieval/first pass combination play here by Badinka (#6 black) after a bit of a chaotic situation. Notice how open of a target he makes himself for a potential pass and how well he times his engagement once the play goes to the boards. He wisely absorbs contact, does a quick shoulder check to see if he has a viable pass option behind him before shoveling the puck backwards to his teammate. His team breaks out normally, as if nothing ever happened.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/17-Badinka-Clip-2-Smarts.mp4

This clip showcases how Badinka (#6 red) supports the breakout beyond just the 1^st pass. The first breakout attempt starts with a nice hard pass from Badinka to his D partner, who then moves it to the 1^st forward back. The Timrå forechecker gets onto the puck carrier quicker than he anticipated, so he has to double back and hits Badinka, presenting himself as a good target, with an escape pass. After gliding back slightly to draw in the opposing forechecker, Badinka unleashes a series of stick fakes to create a passing lane back to the Malmö forward and sends the puck to him. They try again to exit the zone and just barely do. I just love how little panic there is to Badinka’s game in these situations.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/18-BadinkaClip-3-Smarts.mp4

In this clip, we see Badinka’s (#6 red) excellent anticipation and confidence in his skating allow him to draw a penalty for his team. Timrå has the puck near the Malmö blueline on Badinka’s side of the ice. The Timrå forward looks to be out of options, but sends a rim around into space. Before the puck leaves the opposing player’s stick, Badinka has already turned around and is skating towards where the puck will be. His D partner gets there first, but Badinka is in perfect position to support the play. He accepts a pass and begins skating the puck up along the wall, but is taken down by a backchecking Timrå player just as he exits the zone. Badinka’s great read allowed him to not only diffuse the offensive pressure, but to turn it into an advantage for his team as well.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/19-Badinka-Clip-4-Smarts.mp4

Here we see an instance of Badinka #6 red) making a mistake. Gotta show that he’s human, right? Malmö has the puck set up in the offensive zone, but FBK has regained possession and is looking to go the other way. There is a slow pass from the corner to the middle of the ice where both Badinka and FBK forward Liam Öhgren are in the vicinity. Badinka thinks about stepping up and disrupting, but decides against it at the last second. Unfortunately, Liam Öhgren is a speedy player and takes full advantage of the ice ahead of him, and Badinka’s indecision costs his team a goal.

Grade: 55

Physical/Compete

While size isn’t everything for defencemen in today’s NHL, being a 6’3 right-hander with and exceptional understanding of what your body is capable of is absolutely an asset. Badinka is very much that – a strong, hardworking defensive boss who uses his body to his advantage whenever he can. He uses his excellent skating and big frame to protect pucks. He’s got great range with the stick defensively, cutting off passing lanes, probing for information and harassing puck carriers. Badinka is strong in the paint and along the wall, taking on anyone and everyone in battles for inside positioning. While he’s not the type to chase hits, he can absolutely blow someone up if needed. Everything I’ve seen so far has proved that his physical habits are pro ready, and he’ll only look better once he adds some weight to his frame and crosses the pond to North American ice.

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Badinka (#6 black) doing absolutely everything he can to gain and maintain inside body positioning on this retrieval play. He gets knocked down, but he boxed out the Leksands forward enough so that his teammate could pick up the puck and get a breakout started. I think Badinka will take that trade.

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Strong as an ox, Badinka (#6 red) engages with a Timrå player along the wall in a duel for the puck and doesn’t give him an inch. He gets his arm inside and is fishing for the puck, all the while preventing the Timrå player from doing anything meaningful with the puck. Once Badinka gets some support, he disengages from the Timrå player’s body and jumps on the loose puck as soon as it’s poked free. Malmö then breaks out of their zone. Suffocating defence from Badinka, just killing the play in an instant.

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Badinka (#6 red) getting into some net-front warfare after losing the puck. Rather than dwelling on the turnover he caused, he switches his focus to getting in front of the net and protecting the house. We see him bulldoze one Skelleftea player from the crease and then lock up another looking to receive a pass from behind the net. The pass goes unhindered all the way out of the Malmö zone and the pressure is relieved. Not only does this show what a great physical presence Badinka is, but it shows some great adaptability to instantly go to plan B once play A failed.

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In this clip, Badinka (#6 red) throws two different hits that serve different purposes. The first one is Badinka gapping up a Timrå player as he’s receiving a pass at the Malmö blueline to prevent a more controlled zone entry. The puck is dumped in, and Badinka is in a race to retrieve it with a 2^nd Timrå forward. The Timrå forward arrives first, but Badinka makes him pay. He makes sure to engage from a position that cuts the forward from escaping behind the net and staples him to the boards, removing him from play.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/24-Badinka-Clip-5-Physical.mp4

If you still aren’t convinced that he’s a defensive boss yet, then watch this monstrous shift by Badinka (#6 black) in his own end. I love everything about this. He keeps his feet moving, keeps a tight gap to his man, takes initiative to engage physically along the wall, forcing his mark to the outside at all times. He even gives the Leksands player a nice little crosscheck to the back as he’s about to receive a saucer pass so that he can’t handle it cleanly ad Badinka takes it away. This level of defence is the standard Badinka sets for himself every game. The scary part is that he’s only going to improve as he gets older.

Grade: 60

OFP: 54.5

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

MCKEEN’S HOCKEY 2024 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS – December 2023 – Top 32 – Macklin Celebrini leads the pack early by a wide margin

Brock Otten — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 21:40:04 +0000

NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 1: NCAA men's hockey at Lawler Rink on December 1, 2023 in North Andover, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rich Gagnon)

It’s time for a ranking update at McKeen’s Hockey as we approach the end of the calendar year. Hopefully you’ve all been following along with our early regional favourites series, where our regional scouts have been providing detailed breakdowns of some of their favourites for the 2024 Draft.

This article shows our top 32 and is available to everyone. For subscribers, we are providing our Top 64 with a few honorable mentions. Then in the new year, we will expand to a Top 100.

The top player on our list is Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini. One of the highest scoring players in the NCAA this year as a freshman, Celebrini has met the ultra-high expectations placed on him heading into the year. He is, in our opinion, a slam dunk to be the first player selected this year. Recently named to the Canadian World Junior camp roster, hopefully Celebrini can earn a roster spot and have a strong performance for Canada as a focal point of the team’s offensive attack.

Sam Dickinson of the London Knights. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

After Celebrini is where things get…murky. We see a group of seven players in competition for that second spot; Sam Dickinson, Cayden Lindstrom, Konsta Helenius, Cole Eiserman, Anton Silayev, Ivan Demidov, and Artyom Levshunov. How those seven players are ranked was heavily debated amongst our scouts. There truly wasn’t much of a consensus among our staff and we know that NHL scouts are having a similar debate at this current time. An argument could be made for any of these seven to be ranked second. Conversely an argument could be made for any of these seven to be ranked eighth. Hopefully a few of these players can truly separate themselves from the pack in the second half. In particular, we’re looking to see if the three defenders, Dickinson, Silayev, and Levshunov, can clean up some of their poor decisions with the puck.

Rounding out the top ten are forwards Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs) and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (Mora). Catton is a dynamic play creator who has a chance to jump into that second tier grouping if he can find a way to become a more consistent off puck player. While Brandsegg-Nygard is a winger who plays a game that should translate easily to the pro level in North America. He competes hard. He skates well. It’s just a matter of whether you feel that he has the offensive upside and skill to be a top six player. At this point, considering our high ranking of him, we do believe he possesses that upside.

Of the remaining 22 players currently in our first round, 11 are defenders. While we aren’t enamored with this draft crop (overall), we do really like the upside of this blueline crop. The question is, can the likes of Adam Jiricek and Aron Kiviharju hang on to a spot in our first round because there is no question that they have underperformed compared to their expectations thus far.

But what about the goalies? This is everyone’s favourite question. At this point, we don’t see any netminders worthy of first round consideration. But we did rank OHL goalies Carter George and Ryerson Leenders at the back of our Top 64. George has been the more consistent performer thanks to his excellent play reading ability and mature approach. This was on display at last summer’s Hlinka/Gretzky too, when he stole the starter’s job from Gabriel D’Aigle. Meanwhile, Leenders is unquestionably the better athlete and a netminder with a penchant for making the highlight reel save thanks to his quickness. He just doesn’t have as refined of a technical approach.

The List:

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Macklin Celebrini	C	Boston University (HE)	6-0/190	13-Jun-06	15-10-15-25
2	Sam Dickinson	D	London (OHL)	6-3/205	7-Jun-06	27-6-14-20
3	Cayden Lindstrom	C	Medicine Hat (WHL)	6-3/210	3-Feb-06	27-22-16-38
4	Konsta Helenius	C	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/180	11-May-06	26-8-11-19
5	Cole Eiserman	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/195	29-Aug-06	21-25-16-41
6	Anton Silayev	D	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	6-7/210	11-Apr-06	38-3-7-10
7	Ivan Demidov	RW	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	5-11/180	10-Dec-05	7-2-5-7
8	Artyom Levshunov	D	Michigan State (B1G)	6-2/205	28-Oct-05	16-4-11-15
9	Berkly Catton	C	Spokane (WHL)	5-11/170	14-Jan-06	25-16-20-36
10	Michael Brandsegg-Nygard	RW	Mora (Allsvenskan)	6-1/195	5-Oct-05	21-2-4-6
11	Ryder Ritchie	RW	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-0/175	3-Aug-06	30-12-16-28
12	Carter Yakemchuk	D	Calgary (WHL)	6-3/190	29-Sep-05	26-12-16-28
13	Liam Greentree	RW	Windsor (OHL)	6-2/210	1-Jan-06	23-17-18-35
14	Trevor Connelly	LW	Tri-City (USHL)	6-1/160	28-Feb-06	20-8-18-26
15	Tij Iginla	C	Kelowna (WHL)	6-0/185	1-Aug-06	27-20-11-31
16	Zeev Buium	D	Denver (NCHC)	6-0/185	7-Dec-05	16-5-16-21
17	Zayne Parekh	D	Saginaw (OHL)	6-0/175	15-Feb-06	25-10-26-36
18	Matvei Shuravin	D	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	6-3/195	22-Mar-06	8-0-2-2
19	Adam Jiricek	D	HC Plzen (Czechia)	6-2/175	28-Jun-06	19-0-1-1
20	Aron Kiviharju	D	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	5-9/170	25-Jan-06	7-1-1-2
21	Emil Hemming	RW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	6-1/200	27-Jun-06	24-5-2-7
22	Igor Chernyshov	LW	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	6-2/190	30-Nov-05	15-6-6-12
23	Leo Sahlin Wallenius	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	5-11/175	10-Apr-06	27-5-20-25
24	Beckett Sennecke	RW	Oshawa (OHL)	6-2/180	28-Jan-06	21-7-13-20
25	Michael Hage	C	Chicago (USHL)	6-0/190	14-Apr-06	20-7-13-20
26	Henry Mews	D	Ottawa (OHL)	6-0/185	9-Mar-06	22-3-19-22
27	Cole Hutson	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/160	28-Jun-06	22-6-15-21
28	Maxim Masse	RW	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	6-2/190	7-Apr-06	30-13-16-29
29	Adam Jecho	C	Edmonton (WHL)	6-5/200	24-Mar-06	19-8-10-18
30	Sacha Boisvert	C	Muskegon (USHL)	6-2/180	17-Mar-06	22-13-8-21
31	Veeti Vaisanen	D	KooKoo (Fin-Liiga)	6-0/175	15-Feb-06	23-1-4-5
32	Alfons Freij	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	6-0/185	12-Feb-06	27-8-12-20

MCKEEN’S HOCKEY 2024 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS – December 2023 – Top 64 plus Honourable Mentions – Macklin Celebrini leads the pack early by a wide margin

Brock Otten — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 21:30:02 +0000

NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 1: NCAA men's hockey at Lawler Rink on December 1, 2023 in North Andover, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rich Gagnon)

For this update, we are providing our Top 64 with a few honorable mentions. Then in the new year, we will expand to a Top 100.

Sam Dickinson of the London Knights. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

The List:

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Macklin Celebrini	C	Boston University (HE)	6-0/190	13-Jun-06	15-10-15-25
2	Sam Dickinson	D	London (OHL)	6-3/205	7-Jun-06	27-6-14-20
3	Cayden Lindstrom	C	Medicine Hat (WHL)	6-3/210	3-Feb-06	27-22-16-38
4	Konsta Helenius	C	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/180	11-May-06	26-8-11-19
5	Cole Eiserman	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/195	29-Aug-06	21-25-16-41
6	Anton Silayev	D	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	6-7/210	11-Apr-06	38-3-7-10
7	Ivan Demidov	RW	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	5-11/180	10-Dec-05	7-2-5-7
8	Artyom Levshunov	D	Michigan State (B1G)	6-2/205	28-Oct-05	16-4-11-15
9	Berkly Catton	C	Spokane (WHL)	5-11/170	14-Jan-06	25-16-20-36
10	Michael Brandsegg-Nygard	RW	Mora (Allsvenskan)	6-1/195	5-Oct-05	21-2-4-6
11	Ryder Ritchie	RW	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-0/175	3-Aug-06	30-12-16-28
12	Carter Yakemchuk	D	Calgary (WHL)	6-3/190	29-Sep-05	26-12-16-28
13	Liam Greentree	RW	Windsor (OHL)	6-2/210	1-Jan-06	23-17-18-35
14	Trevor Connelly	LW	Tri-City (USHL)	6-1/160	28-Feb-06	20-8-18-26
15	Tij Iginla	C	Kelowna (WHL)	6-0/185	1-Aug-06	27-20-11-31
16	Zeev Buium	D	Denver (NCHC)	6-0/185	7-Dec-05	16-5-16-21
17	Zayne Parekh	D	Saginaw (OHL)	6-0/175	15-Feb-06	25-10-26-36
18	Matvei Shuravin	D	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	6-3/195	22-Mar-06	8-0-2-2
19	Adam Jiricek	D	HC Plzen (Czechia)	6-2/175	28-Jun-06	19-0-1-1
20	Aron Kiviharju	D	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	5-9/170	25-Jan-06	7-1-1-2
21	Emil Hemming	RW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	6-1/200	27-Jun-06	24-5-2-7
22	Igor Chernyshov	LW	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	6-2/190	30-Nov-05	15-6-6-12
23	Leo Sahlin Wallenius	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	5-11/175	10-Apr-06	27-5-20-25
24	Beckett Sennecke	RW	Oshawa (OHL)	6-2/180	28-Jan-06	21-7-13-20
25	Michael Hage	C	Chicago (USHL)	6-0/190	14-Apr-06	20-7-13-20
26	Henry Mews	D	Ottawa (OHL)	6-0/185	9-Mar-06	22-3-19-22
27	Cole Hutson	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/160	28-Jun-06	22-6-15-21
28	Maxim Masse	RW	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	6-2/190	7-Apr-06	30-13-16-29
29	Adam Jecho	C	Edmonton (WHL)	6-5/200	24-Mar-06	19-8-10-18
30	Sacha Boisvert	C	Muskegon (USHL)	6-2/180	17-Mar-06	22-13-8-21
31	Veeti Vaisanen	D	KooKoo (Fin-Liiga)	6-0/175	15-Feb-06	23-1-4-5
32	Alfons Freij	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	6-0/185	12-Feb-06	27-8-12-20
33	EJ Emery	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-3/185	30-Mar-06	22-0-5-5
34	Tanner Howe	LW	Regina (WHL)	5-10/180	28-Nov-05	28-16-17-33
35	Nikita Artamonov	LW	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	5-11/185	17-Nov-05	29-4-10-14
36	Lukas Fischer	D	Sarnia (OHL)	6-2/180	6-Sep-06	27-2-9-11
37	Luke Misa	C	Mississauga (OHL)	5-10/175	25-Nov-05	25-11-26-37
38	Matvei Gridin	RW	Muskegon (USHL)	6-1/185	1-Mar-06	22-13-12-25
39	Will Skahan	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-4/210	14-May-06	22-1-4-5
40	Jett Luchanko	C	Guelph (OHL)	5-11/185	21-Aug-06	27-10-16-26
41	Simon Zether	C	Rogle (Swe J20)	6-3/185	18-Oct-05	17-11-16-27
42	Dean Letourneau	C	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	6-6/210	21-Feb-06	28-32-31-63
43	Andrew Basha	LW	Medicine Hat (WHL)	5-11/185	8-Nov-05	27-13-22-35
44	Christian Humphreys	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/170	4-Feb-06	22-10-20-30
45	Daniil Ustinkov	D	ZSC (Sui-NL)	6-0/195	26-Aug-06	15-0-1-1
46	Yegor Surin	C	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	5-10/175	1-Aug-06	21-11-14-25
47	Leon Muggli	D	Zug (Sui-NL)	6-0/165	9-Jul-06	24-2-4-6
48	Sebastian Soini	D	KOOVEE (Fin-Mestis)	6-2/180	10-Jun-06	15-0-4-4
49	Lucas Pettersson	C	MoDo Hockey(Swe J20)	5-11/170	17-Apr-06	26-13-13-26
50	Cole Beaudoin	C	Barrie (OHL)	6-2/200	24-Apr-06	24-10-8-18
51	Jakub Fibigr	D	Mississauga (OHL)	6-0/170	22-Jul-06	25-4-12-16
52	Justin Poirier	RW	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	5-7/185	4-Sep-06	30-23-10-33
53	Kamil Bednarik	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/185	26-May-06	22-13-14-27
54	Niilopekka Muhonen	D	KalPa (Fin-U20)	6-4/195	28-Feb-06	19-1-5-6
55	Hagen Burrows	RW	Minnetonka (USHS-MN)	6-1/175	13-Oct-05	4-3-8-11
56	Teddy Stiga	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-9/155	5-Apr-06	22-16-12-28
57	Melvin Fernstrom	RW	Orebro (Swe J20)	6-0/185	28-Feb-06	29-18-16-34
58	Dominik Badinka	D	Malmo (Swe J20)	6-3/185	27-Nov-05	15-2-10-12
59	Charlie Elick	D	Brandon (WHL)	6-3/200	17-Jan-06	29-3-10-13
60	Terik Parascak	RW	Prince George (WHL)	5-11/175	28-May-06	28-22-21-43
61	Tuomas Suoniemi	C	Kiekko-Espoo (Fin-U20)	5-10/160	16-Apr-06	20-3-11-14
62	Raoul Boilard	C	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	6-1/185	7-Jan-06	30-12-17-29
63	Carter George	G	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-1/190	20-May-06	9-8-2, 3.03, .902
64	Ryerson Leenders	G	Mississauga (OHL)	6-1/175	1-Jun-06	11-7-0, 3.03, .913
HM	Anthony Cristoforo	D	Windsor (OHL)	5-11/190	23-Feb-06	25-1-13-14
HM	Colton Roberts	D	Vancouver (WHL)	6-4/195	8-Jun-06	28-5-11-16
HM	Carson Wetsch	RW	Calgary (WHL)	6-0/185	4-May-06	26-9-9-18
HM	William Zellers	LW	Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN)	5-10/165	4-Apr-06	25-24-24-48
HM	Aidan Park	C	Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN)	6-1/185	6-Jan-06	25-15-27-42
HM	Noel Fransen	D	Farjestads (Swe J20)	6-0/180	7-Dec-05	30-15-15-30
HM	Oskar Vuollet	C	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	5-10/170	3-Dec-05	22-12-16-28
HM	Max Plante	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/170	20-Feb-06	12-4-13-17
HM	Tomas Galvas	D	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia)	5-10/150	11-Feb-06	17-1-2-3

Dominik Badinka – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #17 Carolina Hurricanes – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 17th (Last Year - 15th) GM: Eric Tulsky Hired: May 2024 COACH: Rod Brind’Amour Hired: May 2018

Bradly Nadeau, LW, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Felix Unger Sorum, RW, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Semyon Frolov, G, MHK Spartak Moscow (MHL)

Dominik Badinka, D, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Charlie Cerrato, C, Penn State University (NCAA)

Justin Robidas, C, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Ivan Ryabkin, C, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) (Currently with Chicago Wolves, AHL)

Nikita Artamonov, LW, Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (KHL)

Charles Alexis Legault, D, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Jayden Perron, RW, University of Michigan (NCAA)

Kurban Limatov, D, Dynamo Moscow (MHL)

Domenick Fensore, D, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Justin Poirier, RW, University of Maine (NCAA)

Alexander Siryatsky, D, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

Timur Kol, D, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – CAROLINA HURRICANES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #15

Carolina Hurricanes Top-15 Prospects

1 - Alexander Nikishin

2 - Bradly Nadeau

3 - Nikita Artamanov

4 - Kurban Limatov

5 - Semyon Frolov

6 - Dominik Badinka

7 - Felix Unger-Sorum

8 - Ivan Ryabkin

9 - Justin Robidas

10 - Noel Fransen

11 - Simon Forsmark

12 - Domenick Fensore

13 - Gleb Trikozov

14 - Aleksi Heimosalmi

15 - Ryan Suzuki

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #10 Carolina Hurricanes – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – CAROLINA HURRICANES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #13

Carolina Hurricanes Top-15 Prospects

1. Alexander Nikishin

2. Brad Nadeau

3. Scott Morrow

4. Jackson Blake

5. Aleksi Heimosalmi

6. Dominik Badinka

7. Jayden Perron

8. Nikita Artamonov

9. Gleb Trikozov

10. Noel Fransén

11. Felix Unger Sorum

12. Ronan Seeley

13. Domenick Fensore

14. Anttoni Honka

15. Justin Poirier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prospect System Ranking – 17th (Last Year - 15th)
GM: Eric Tulsky Hired: May 2024
COACH: Rod Brind’Amour Hired: May 2018