Eriks Mateiko – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #11 Washington Capitals – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sun, 03 May 2026 22:00:21 +0000

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 08: Washington Capitals Left Winger Ilya Protas (62) skates during warmup before the NHL regular season game between the Washington Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 8, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 11th (Last Year - 7th)
GM: Chris Patrick Hired: July 2024 (Also Senior Vice President)
COACH: Spencer Carbery Hired: May 2023

After a surprising turnaround in 2024–25, when the Washington Capitals finished second in the Eastern Conference with 51 wins, the organization is now beginning to feel the effects of an aging core. With the team slipping outside the playoff picture, Washington has already begun its purge, moving long-time defenseman John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick. That acquisition helps offset a depleted draft outlook, as the Capitals currently lack both second- and third-round selections in the upcoming draft. Luckily, the organization has drafted well in recent years, providing optimism that this may be more of a quick retool than a full rebuild under Chris Patrick. They now carry most of their picks post 2026, and there’s a decent expectation that they could add more to that pile.

Ryan Leonard has already graduated to the NHL and has established himself as a legitimate scoring threat in his rookie campaign, while prospects such as Andrew Cristall (46th), Ilya Protas (39th), and Ivan Miroshnichenko (125th) have continued to show well at the AHL level. On the back end, 2024 second-round pick Cole Hutson (16th) is coming off an explosive NCAA career at Boston University, where he produced at over a point-per-game pace across two seasons. Now transitioning to the NHL, Hutson already appears on the verge of graduating from our list in short order.

With speculations that this could be Alexander Ovechkin’s final season, the Capitals find themselves at a crossroads. However, the good news is that they are supported by a promising group of young players who could help usher in the next phase of competitive hockey in Washington quicker than expected.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Wsh	1	Cole Hutson	D	19	5-10/165	Boston University (NCAA)	35	10	22	32	26
Wsh	1	Cole Hutson	D	19	5-10/165	Washington (NHL)	14	3	7	10	8
Wsh	2	Ilya Protas	LW	19	6-3/185	Hershey (AHL)	69	29	37	66	40
Wsh	2	Ilya Protas	LW	19	6-3/185	Washington (NHL)	4	1	3	4	2
Wsh	3	Andrew Cristall	LW	21	5-9/165	Hershey (AHL)	72	20	40	60	24
Wsh	4	Lynden Lakovic	LW	19	6-4/200	Moose Jaw (WHL)	22	18	11	29	8
Wsh	5	Milton Gastrin	C	18	6-1/195	MoDo Hockey (Allsvenskan)	39	10	14	24	4
Wsh	6	Terik Parascak	RW	20	6-0/180	Prince George (WHL)	61	33	46	79	53
Wsh	7	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	22	6-1/185	Hershey (AHL)	41	14	20	34	47
Wsh	7	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	22	6-1/185	Washington (NHL)	13	2	1	3	2
Wsh	8	Bogdan Trineyev	RW	24	6-3/200	Hershey (AHL)	62	17	28	45	31
Wsh	8	Bogdan Trineyev	RW	24	6-3/200	Washington (NHL)	2	0	0	0	0
Wsh	9	Ryan Chesley	D	22	6-0/200	Hershey (AHL)	64	6	10	16	18
Wsh	10	Leon Muggli	D	19	6-1/175	Hershey (AHL)	27	1	6	7	4
Wsh	11	David Gucciardi	D	23	6-1/185	Hershey (AHL)	52	3	10	13	55
Wsh	12	Eriks Mateiko	LW	20	6-5/215	Hershey (AHL)	27	1	5	6	16
Wsh	13	Cam Allen	D	21	6-0/195	Hershey (AHL)	22	3	4	7	22
Wsh	14	Maxim Schafer	RW	19	6-4/185	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	53	21	28	49	28
Wsh	15	Petr Sikora	C	20	5-11/170	HC Ocelari Trinec (Czechia)	24	3	6	9	8

Cole Hutson, D, Boston University (NCAA) (Currently with Washington Capitals, NHL)

Both Boston University and the U.S. World Juniors teams have been underwhelming overall but luckily they’ve had Cole Hutson as one of the lone offensive brightsides. He’s had to do it all for the Terriers this season, top pairing offensive defenceman, top power play quarterback, top penalty kill. Hutson is all ready to jump into the Capitals blueline next season, seeing as how he can elevate the game of those around him with his playmaking and space creation. He is more conservative than his older brother with the puck and when pinching, which has made him way more defensively responsible and able to take hits at his young age. Hutson’s dynamism comes from his IQ and stickhandling, which has been very unpredictable no matter where he is on the ice, as long as he has the puck, he’s going to make a move. It may take longer for him to make the impact that Lane did in a lineup, but Cole Hutson will be an impact player for the Washington Capitals in the near future.
Ilya Protas, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Washington’s use of a third-round pick on Ilya Protas is looking better and better every year. As a 19-year-old rookie, Protas has been the heartbeat of this Hershey Bears team. Protas has been the team’s first-choice center in nearly every situation from the jump. Being on the first line, first power play unit, and occasionally the penalty kill, he is easily the leader in ice time among the forward group. In his first 69 pro games, Protas put up 66 points and leads the team. Everything that made him a standout in Windsor has translated almost seamlessly in Hershey. Protas’ unique blend of size and skill is causing problems in the AHL. Protas has incredible vision and play anticipation for someone his age playing against men. He’s developing as a center in all the right ways in all three zones. It’s not a matter of if he will play alongside his brother in the NHL, but when. If Washington can’t find a way into the playoff picture, Protas will likely get a late-season call-up and work toward making the opening-day roster next season.
Andrew Cristall, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Both in points and on the ice, the one player to have gone step for step with Ilya Protas thus far has been fellow rookie and linemate Andrew Cristall. In 72 games this season, Cristall put up 60 points and put his playmaking on full display. Cristall is at his best when he gets the puck on his stick and before you know it, he’s already dished it out. His style of slowing the play down, changing the angle and making a play has carried to the AHL level. Cristall’s offensive prowess wasn’t the largest area of concern when making the jump to the pros, but rather his pace and defensive capabilities. This season has shown these are still areas of growth for him. On the forecheck and in his defensive zone, Cristall is never grinding along the boards to get possession of the puck but rather hovering near the play to grab the loose puck and turn it into a scoring opportunity. It’s a style that limits him to a top six role, which he can reach but might delay his road to the NHL.
Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jay Warriors (WHL)

You truly have to feel bad for Lakovic due to the season-ending injury that he suffered in November. Not only was he playing the best hockey of his career at that point in time (the game he got injured in snapped a 14-game point streak for him), if he had stayed healthy he surely would have been traded from the rebuilding Moose Jaw Warriors to one of the WHL's championship-chasing clubs. It also causes some concerns about his overall development, because he's still a very raw prospect who needs plenty of reps to refine some areas of need, but after already signing his entry-level contract, he won't be able to make a stop in the NCAA before going to the pro leagues. Either way, the Capitals are probably still sufficiently content about drafting Lakovic in the first round in 2025, because it's hard to find forwards at his size who are also such superb skaters and puck handlers. If everything unfolds just right for him in the coming years he could turn into a pretty rare kind of player at the NHL level.
Milton Gästrin, C, MoDo (Allsvenskan)

Gästrin’s DY+1 has gone swimmingly. He’s playing big minutes in all situations down the middle at the HockeyAllsvenskan level and producing at a solid clip as well. Helping win a gold medal at the WJC doesn’t hurt either. The strongest tools in Gästrin’s arsenal have translated well to the pro level. His high-end skating, his strong motor, and his hockey sense have allowed him to make an immediate impact as a two-way center for MoDo. His skills with the puck and his playmaking ability look like they’ve taken a step, and he’s shooting the puck with more oomph as well. What his exact NHL role will be is still a bit unclear. He’s got a solid NHL floor, but where he plays in the lineup will be defined by the next steps in his development. If he can bulk up a bit more and play with a harder physical edge, he could easily slot into a bottom six role. If he learns to accept more puck responsibility and stops deferring so much in the offensive zone, he could play higher up in the lineup. Hopefully that clears itself up after another year or two of development in the Swedish pro ranks.
Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

A lot of eyebrows were raised when Washington selected Parascak at 17th overall in the 2024 draft. He cracked the 100-point plateau that season as a 17-year-old with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, but questions were asked and debates were held about whether his production was a genuine reflection of his talent and potential, or whether it might have been a bit of a mirage. Nearly two years later, all the signs are pointing towards it being the latter of the two, evidenced mainly by the ongoing decline of his scoring pace despite the consistency of his environment. He’s certainly not a bad prospect, by any means. He works hard and thinks the game well in all three zones, he’s effective on both sides of special teams, and he has an innate nose for the net. The problem is that that description is better suited to a prospect taken 57th or 67th overall, as opposed to 17th. There’s still time for Parascak to turn into a contributing NHL player, but the Capitals will need to do more to help him get there.
Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW Hershey Bears (AHL)

Out of everyone who has played at least two games for Hershey this season, Ivan Miroshnichenko leads the way in points per game. In 41 games, Miroshnichenko had 34 points for the Bears. In each of the past two seasons, Miroshnichenko has played roughly 30 games with the NHL club. This season, he has played five to date. Has he fallen out of favor with head coach Spencer Carbery, or is it just bad luck? More likely the latter. Miroshnichenko missed 12 games early in the year due to injury and during that time inked a two-year extension. Although he isn’t afraid to play along the boards and rough some people up, Miroshnichenko is more of a goal scorer than a depth player. With several forward contracts coming off the books next season in Washington, Miroshnichenko should get his shot as a full-time top nine forward with the Capitals.
Bogdan Trineyev, RW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

In his first two full seasons with Hershey in the AHL, Bogdan Trineyev hovered around the 20-point mark. This season has been a different story. Something has clicked offensively for the Russian and he has now eclipsed his career high in points in 39 games. It’s a remarkable jump in production from the 2020 fourth-round pick. Trineyev’s calling card has always been as a grinder. He works hard on the forecheck and is finally getting a share of the points he’s helping create. In his own end, he is stalwart defensively. He consistently positions himself well and actively uses his stick to disrupt play. He’s been a mainstay on the penalty killing unit for a while now. With the scoring ability finally there, Trineyev now looks to be capable of battling for a bottom six role in Washington. He’s already been called up once this season for two games and will likely be the first choice if a depth option goes down again.
Ryan Chesley, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Coming over from the University of Minnesota at the end of last season, Chesley had three points in four games. Through 64 games this season, Chesley only had 16. His offence has cooled recently and his defence hasn’t been on fire either. Chesley posted a team-worst +/- of -19. As a stay-at-home defenceman type, Chesley’s effectiveness has been reduced with a step up in play. The pace of play in the AHL puts more pressure on defencemen to make the correct decision quickly and Chesley is cracking under it. Under pressure, Chesley is not making the right reads quickly enough, which is leading to frequent turnovers. He hasn’t been a big feature of either special teams group, thus limiting his value. Chesley may not be as close to NHL-ready as once thought, but that shouldn’t really change his long-term projection. He still has plenty of time left to adjust and still projects as a dependable third-pairing defenceman.
Leon Muggli, D, Hershey Bears, (AHL)

Leon Muggli has suited up 19 times for Hershey this season, earning five points in the process. He missed 20 games early in the season due to an upper-body injury and then also spent time away from the Bears to participate in the World Junior Championships with Switzerland. In five games, he tallied one goal and four assists. During the handful of games Muggli has played, he’s been largely in a sheltered role, averaging a little over 16 minutes a game. He’s gotten more looks on the power play than the penalty kill. Muggli’s pro experience in Switzerland is showing up as he doesn’t look as out of place as you would expect for a 19-year-old defenceman in the AHL. He’s getting his stick in the right spots a lot of the time and his skating is solid for this level. Muggli has so much runway left in his development that it’s hard to project him at this point. It’s reasonable to think that Muggli will be a bottom-four NHL defenceman of some variety. A lot of it will depend on how much of his offensive game he can develop in Hershey.
David Gucciardi, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

An underrated player in the Capitals system who impressed in this year’s NHL preseason. Gucciardi is a strong skating two-way defender who has been solid for Hershey so far this season. He could be a potential bottom pairing option for Washington in a year or two.
Eriks Mateiko, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Mateiko was a breakout star last season at the WJC’s, helping Latvia find success. However, the big winger has struggled at the AHL level as a rookie, battling ineffectiveness and injury. He’ll need to adjust to the pace of the pro game.
Cam Allen, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

A classic jack of all trades type defender, Allen will need to find an identity as a pro if he wants to be an NHL defender. His mobility is his best asset.
Maxim Schafer, LW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)

The big German winger remains a big project. Playing in the QMJHL this year, he does a good job of getting to the net and using his size. However, does he have the skill to be an NHL player down the line? Staying in the QMJHL for another year would be extremely beneficial.
Petr Sikora, C, HC Ocelari Trinec (Czech)

Sikora really popped off at this year’s World Juniors, captaining the Czechs to a silver medal. He brings great energy and effort and is starting to gain confidence as a playmaker. Could continue to rise in the ranks of Washington’s system.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – WASHINGTON CAPITALS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #7

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:22:57 +0000

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 12: Boston defenseman Cole Hutson (44) handles the puck during the championship game of the NCAA D1 Frozen Four between the Boston University Terriers and the Western Michigan Broncos on April 12, 2025, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 7th (May 2025 - 9th)
GM: Chris Patrick Hired: July 2024 (Also Senior Vice President)
COACH: Spencer Carbery Hired: May 2023

The Washington Capitals pulled off a remarkable retool in 2024-25, blending an aging core with an influx of youth to finish second in the Eastern Conference. Though their playoff run ended in the second round, the season underscored a bright future under GM Chris Patrick.

Ryan Leonard, McKeen’s fifth-ranked prospect, leads the way. After a dazzling two-year career at Boston University (61 goals and 109 points in 78 games) the NCAA standout joined the Capitals late and is poised for a full time NHL role in 2025-26.

The junior ranks saw offensive explosions across the board. Andrew Cristall capped his WHL career with a staggering 132 points, bringing his final tally to 412 in 248 games. Ilya Protas, younger brother of NHLer Alexei, made a spectacular OHL debut, finishing second in league scoring with 124 points. Patrick Thomas, a 2023 fourth-round pick, nearly doubled his career best with 104 points. On the back end, 2024 second rounder Cole Hutson tied Zeev Buium for the NCAA scoring lead among defensemen with 48 points.

Several prospects—forward Ivan Miroshnichenko, defenseman Ryan Chesley, and blueliner Vincent Iorio—will be pushing hard to earn NHL spots next season, adding further competition to an already deep group.

Although Washington entered the 2025 draft with just five picks, they managed to bring in intriguing additions. Most notable was towering WHL forward Lynden Lakovic in the first round, followed by skilled winger Milton Gastrin in the second. Both debut in the team’s top 15 prospects.

Under Spencer Carbery, the Capitals have managed a rare feat of staying competitive while steadily developing their next generation. With the league’s most prolific goal scorer, Alex Ovechkin, still chasing milestones, the Stanley Cup window remains open—now supported by a wave of high-upside youth ready to contribute.

Washington Capitals Top-15 Prospects

1 - Ryan Leonard

Ryan Leonard is the best prospect the Capitals have had in at least a decade, you probably need to go back as far as when Washington drafted Filip Forsberg in 2012 to find a prospect in this organization that was so highly touted. The USNDTP and Boston College standout was among the best players in college hockey over the past couple years, leading the nation in goals with 30 last season. Internationally, he captained the United States to a second straight World Junior Gold medal, while also bringing home tournament MVP honours. Though only standing at six feet, Leonard profiles as an ultra-competitive and highly-skilled power forward. He joined the Capitals late last season and played meaningful minutes down the stretch and in the postseason in Washington’s middle six. It won’t be long before Leonard is a top six fixture in DC, he has the upside to be a star.

2 - Cole Hutson

Washington fans had to be over the moon after seeing Cole Hutson’s performance at last year’s World Junior Championship. The expectation would be that he would play a key secondary role for the Americans, but nobody could have predicted that he would lead the tournament in scoring en route to a Gold Medal. The 2023 second-round pick also ended up leading the NCAA in scoring among blueliners, putting up 48 points in 39 games. The 5-foot-10 blueliner’s calling card is his confidence, which is supported by his creativity and agility, making him an absolute nightmare for opponents to defend. His hockey IQ and competitive nature help him on the defensive side of the puck, but he still has work to do in that regard before he turns pro. Hutson will be back at Boston University again this season, and will be one of the best players in college hockey.

3 - Andrew Cristall

A lot of WHL defencemen must be thrilled that this is Cristall's final year in the league, because it means that his offensive reign of terror is coming to an end. To give you an idea of just how unstoppable he was, earlier this season he became just the first WHLer in the 21st century to amass 400 regular season points. A mid-season trade to Spokane only made him more dangerous, clicking immediately with fellow dynamo Berkly Catton. He’s creative, his offensive vision is razor-sharp, and he’s a wizard with the puck on his stick. So then why did he slide to the second-round in the 2023 draft and get snubbed by Hockey Canada for the World Juniors? Simply put, he’s a poor skater for a guy his size and plays at a low pace, which can sometimes make him a 200-foot liability. Cristall will need to be developed and deployed appropriately and carefully in order to translate his current success to the NHL.

4 - Ilya Protas

What a season it was for Ilya Protas, as he made the jump to the OHL with the Windsor Spitfries. He and the Spitfires took the league by storm, jumping to the top of the standings, and a lot of that can be attributed to the remarkable performance of Protas. The big winger is such a well rounded and intelligent offensive player. He’s highly skilled. He has great vision with the puck and demonstrates the poise of a player who you’d assume already has pro experience. He’s a committed two-way player who was utilized by Windsor in all situations. Like his brother Aliaksei, who just enjoyed a breakout year for the Washington Capitals, the only thing missing from his game is dynamic skating ability. Improving his quickness and agility will be paramount to his NHL success. The question is, where does Protas play next year? He could return to Windsor for another year or he could turn pro and play in the AHL as a 19/20 year old. Either choice would have potential drawbacks and benefits.

5 - Ivan Miroschnichenko

Even if his play in the NHL remains a work in progress, Miroschnichenko’s second pro season in North America had to be considered a mild success. He established himself as an excellent goal scorer at the AHL level with Hershey and he’s learning how to best utilize his shot and strength on North American ice. It’s easy to forget that he’s only 21, the age that most CHL players begin their pro journey; Miroschnichenko played in the AHL as an “underager” two seasons ago. With a few contracts coming off the books this offseason, one has to wonder if Miroschnichenko will be given every opportunity to earn a top nine role with the Capitals next season. His combination of skating ability, strength on the puck, and scoring instincts makes him the ideal complementary winger for a creative playmaking pivot. He could easily develop into a perennial 25 goal scorer for Washington in the near future and someone who can help ease the eventual transition post Alex Ovechkin.

6 - Lynden Lakovic

It’s still early, but the Capitals getting to add Lakovic at 27th overall currently looks like one of the best value picks of the 2025 draft. The Moose Jaw winger and team captain finished 13th overall on the final McKeen's ranking, and was even higher than that at earlier points in the season, because he absolutely oozes upside. For someone of his height he’s surprisingly slick and slippery with the puck, he’s quite coordinated as a skater, and his vision and creativity as a playmaker can’t be beat by many prospects out there. Oddly enough, the biggest knock on his game right now is that he’s too much of a gentle giant, shying away from contact more than he should and failing to take better advantage of his natural physical tools. Can that still be taught to him, or is it an inherent part of his personality? The Capitals are hoping that it’s the former, because if they can help Lakovic unlock that part of his game then there’s no telling just how good he could become.

7 - Ryan Chesley

Ryan Chesley, a 2022 second-round pick of the Capitals, was a steady presence on the back end for the University of Minnesota for the last three seasons. While he did show growth offensively by cracking the 20 point plateau in his third collegiate season, he is predominantly a defensive defenceman. Chesley loves to play the body, but also is a good enough skater that he can be very effective in shutting down rush chances. On retrievals and in transition, Chesley is good at making quick, effective reads and getting the puck up ice. In college he would occasionally jump up in the play, but that likely won’t be very prevalent in his game at the pro level. He projects as a safe, dependable, stay at home defender that comfortably fits on a third pairing but has upside to contribute on a second pairing. He will continue his development in Hershey this season.

8 - Terik Parascak

There was an expectation coming in this season that Parascak's point totals might come back down to Earth a little, especially now that he's no longer the unknown and unexpected scoring phenom that he was at the beginning of last year. That has indeed happened, but he has also proven that his breakout campaign wasn't just some kind of fluke. This is one driven, highly intelligent young player who just keeps erasing doubts about his underwhelming strength and skating ability. Few can match his instincts and anticipation in the offensive zone, which causes pucks to gravitate to his stick right before he strikes quickly with them. And despite lacking size he's not afraid to go into the dirty areas and absorb some punishment to help create scoring chances. There's still a lot of work to be done, and the Capitals will need to be patient, but Parascak has the potential to become a useful complementary piece in an NHL roster puzzle.

9 - Vincent Iorio

Iorio has essentially hit a crossroads in his development. The big right shot defender has the tools to be a quality bottom pairing defender in the NHL. He is mobile. He makes a great first pass. He competes physically and takes away space. Offensively, he’s not a standout; he’s not a skilled puckhandler or someone confident in jumping up in the play. He’s content with being that stable, stay at home defender. The issue is that the Capitals just don’t have room for him right now. That becomes an even larger issue next year when he is no longer exempt from waivers. If he performs well in camp, does Washington move out someone like Trevor Van Riemsdyk? Does he beat out someone like Declan Chisholm to earn the seventh defender spot? Either way, Iorio’s future with the Capitals may just be decided soon.

10 - Justin Sourdif

Justin Sourdif's scoring pace improved from his first two years in the AHL as he continues to refine his game at the pro level. Justin plays a well-rounded game, adding value both on and off the puck. His hands and ability to muscle through traffic are impressive, and he gets to the dirty areas to look for rebounds, making him an effective transitional player suitable for the NHL. Sourdif's shot has mystified AHL goaltenders this year as his release is a bit unorthodox and comes off quick. On the defensive end, Sourdif grinds hard on the backcheck to break up plays and is skilled at recovering pucks off the boards in scrums. After the Capitals paid a steep price to acquire Sourdif, he will likely see the NHL sooner rather than later. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Sourdif playing a valuable role in the Capitals' bottom six within the next two years.

11 - Milton Gastrin

A long-time captain in Sweden’s junior program, Gastrin is your prototypical hardworking forward who can play the game any way it comes. Possessing great straight-line speed, Gastrin is hard on the forecheck and relentless in his puck pursuit. He brings the size, skills, and hockey IQ to one day be an above average lower line forward entrusted with yeoman duties. It’s very possible that there’ll be more in the tank offensively down the line.

12 - Eriks Mateiko

We’ve loved Matiko’s size/aggressiveness combination for several years now, but the hulking winger put things into overdrive this winter. One of the most impressive goal scorers at the 2025 WJC, Mateiko then took serious flight with the Rimouski Océanic in their Memorial Cup hosting run after a midseason trade from Saint John. We saw improved passing, positional responsibility, and puck pressuring, with smarts and skills added to his previous intensity. What can he do for an encore?

13 - Leon Muggli

With a few shifts for the Hershey Bears this past spring, Muggli concluded a 2024-25 season that - statwise - was rather bland for a prospect who was one of the biggest risers in his draft year. More indicative of his progress was the often gaudy amount of ice time he got for EV Zug this past season, spent entirely as an 18-year-old. Still eligible for the upcoming WJC, Muggli is expected to establish himself in the AHL this season.

14 - Cam Allen

A solidly built RHD with a variety of tools, Allen has constantly left the scouting community wanting more since his 2023 draft season, one that saw him drop to the fifth round. The doubts continued in his injury-shortened DY+1 but found a wonderful end after a midseason trade to the OHL champs - and Memorial Cup-winning - London Knights, with whom he excelled as a multifaceted player who can play the game anyway it comes. His pro career starts this season.

15 - David Gucciardi

Coming off a quietly successful four-year tenure at Michigan State, including an outstanding senior season for the highly ranked Spartans, Gucciardi features a lot more puck-moving ability and rush-joining mobility than his numbers to date may indicate. Having concluded this past season on an ATO with the AHL affiliate, including his first pro goal, Gucciardi is scheduled to become a full-time pro this season and could be one of four Capitals-drafted blueline prospects in Hershey.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #9 Washington Capitals – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Thu, 29 May 2025 17:21:07 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Capitals right wing Ryan Leonard (9) skates up ice during the Chicago Blackhawks versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on April 4, 2025 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire)

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Washington 25 Prospects

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Czechia slowly shaking their “underdog” label as they compete for third-straight medal

Kyle Watson — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 15:44:42 +0000

Czechia scores on Canada in the 2025 World Junior Tournament. Photo by André Ringuette/IIHF.

OTTAWA — The Canadian Tire Centre crowd reached the loudest volume it had been in the tournament when Canada's Bradley Nadeau tied the game with 4:18 remaining against Czechia.

After Porter Martone sent them into the final intermission behind just a goal, Team Canada came out of the gates flying in the third period. It left everyone in the arena thinking, "Where's this been all week?"

All of a sudden, entries became smoother, passes were hitting tape consistently, shots were getting through traffic, and white jerseys were getting to every puck battle first. There was a glimmer of hope.

That glimmer was extinguished within two minutes when Andrew Gibson took Canada's second kneeing penalty of the evening. Adam Jecho's powerplay marker with 40 seconds remaining meant in back-to-back tournaments, Team Czechia would knock out Canada in the final minute of the quarterfinals.

CZECHIA LEADS WITH UNDER A MINUTE TO GO

Adam Jecho strikes on the power-play!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/leL90nGeAx

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 3, 2025

After losing to the Canadians in the semi-finals in 2022 and in the finals in 2023, Jecho is acutely aware of how important his goal was for his nation — beyond the game's scope.

"It's always special against Canada. They are a super tough opponent to play against, [especially] with the home crowd and getting that special energy," said the Edmonton Oil Kings forward. "It's definitely a big win.

The Czechs will fight for a medal for the fourth consecutive tournament. In May, the men's team won its first gold medal at the World Championships since 2005. Jecho indicates the nation is flourishing at the junior level.

"I think it's in a great spot. The last couple of years were awesome for Czech junior hockey."

Czechia is forcing its reputation to change from a team that can cause an upset to a legitimate consistent medal contender. They pride themselves on their ability to function as a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

"We're a great group. We are together on and off the ice," explained captain Eduard Šalé, playing in his third World Juniors. "That's our mentality and I think we showed it tonight."

Every single Czechia player went up to wish goaltender Michael Hrabal good luck before the game.

Every single one.

Talk about unity! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/5YydVO7eWD

— Kyle Watson (@kyle_nw) January 3, 2025

"When you have this jersey on you have one mindset: to play as long as you can," said Jecho. "We are super fortunate to play for this team."

In his first appearance at the tournament, Jecho says it's easy to find success with a leader like Šalé, who sets an example for the younger players.

"He's obviously an unbelievable player on the ice, but he's probably an even better person off the ice," said the 18-year-old. "He shows us the way and plays super hard every game."

Šalé's drive is evident when talking to him. When asked how it feels to be chasing the nation's all-time scoring record, he deferred focus to Saturday's semi-final matchup against the USA.

"We are focusing on the tournament," said the Seattle Kraken prospect. "I am the leader and have to do the right things to push this team in every game and try to win."

A brief history lesson

For the first time since 1980, Canada have been eliminated in the quarterfinals of the World Juniors in consecutive years.

A seventh-place finish in 1981 sparked the formation of the Program of Excellence, a milestone moment in Canadian hockey history.

In the tournament's infancy, Canada iced league all-star teams (OHL, WHL, or QMJHL) and defending Memorial Cup champions at the U20 level. It wasn't until the creation of the P.O.E. and the U17 and U18 programs that the nation sent its "best" junior-age players.

44 years later, there are more calls for drastic change in Hockey Canada's selection process. For starters, actually bringing the best players available to them.

Yes, there have been many years in which Canada has had major snubs and gone on to win gold. A few of those teams walked through the tournament. Competition has greatly increased over the years, though — can they afford to keep leaving this much talent at home?

You give yourself the best chance of winning, year in, year out, by taking the best players.

You have to trust that when these players put on the Maple Leaf, you’ll get an increase in physicality. You’ll get the PK’ers you need.

— Brock Otten (@BrockOtten) January 3, 2025

It's difficult to pose solutions when star players are nervous. This was a Team Canada full of U17, U18, and Hlinka-Gretzky Cup gold medal winners, OHL champions, and a WHL champion in captain Brayden Yager. It took them until that third period to look like it, though.

One possible solution would be pairing players who have pre-existing chemistry. Porter Martone and Carson Rehkopf have formed one of the deadliest duos in junior hockey this season but were not tried in the same lineup, let alone line or powerplay unit. Martone was also excellent alongside McKenna as he captained Canada to Hlinka gold this summer — they did not share the ice once in Ottawa.

Perhaps the pressure starts in the selection process when players are lambasted online for their inclusion over player x, y, or z. It can't be easy to play under those conditions — where each mistake feeds the narratives of faceless accounts on social media.

Hagens, BC Line shine against Switzerland

James Hagens scored twice as the USA sailed comfortably to a 7-2 win over Switzerland.

The top 2025 NHL Draft prospect is tied for second in the tournament scoring lead with eight points in five contests. He sits within touching distance of the 11 points Auston Matthews, Phil Kessel, and Matthew Tkachuk managed in their draft-eligible seasons at the World Juniors.

Having broken tournament scoring records at the U17 and U18 levels, Hagens is used to playing in the spotlight — and under the microscope.

"My dad will tell me pressure is a privilege," said the Hauppauge, NY native. "You can't let any of that stuff affect you - it's all outside noise. I'm grateful to be in that spot where there's pressure on you and your team, but when you're on the ice you have to let all that stuff go."

The confidence in Hagens' game is on full display in Ottawa and shone through today, with his line with Gabriel Perreault and Ryan Leonard combing for five of the Americans' seven goals. Against possibly the weakest competition they've faced in Team Switzerland, the 18-year-old phenom was running wild.

What a move!

James Hagens extends Team USA's lead to 2-0. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/ip5pFcbLP9

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 2, 2025

Team USA's top line does it again!

James Hagens scores his second of the game to make it 6-1. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/X5WEhNbT3l

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 2, 2025

Hagens says it's easy to play with a guy like Leonard:

"He works so hard. That's a guy that everyone thrives off of, he leads us on and off the ice and steps up in big moments," said Hagens. "Guys watch him play and it sets up their next shift."

Leonard emerged from the game with a few battle scars, including a busted nose, after being hit with a few high sticks and a puck to the face.

"I don't know if he'll be doing any modelling," said Hagens.

Victor Eklund turning heads with Team Sweden

With an assist on Sweden's game-winning goal, draft-eligible winger Victor Eklund took his tournament totals to two goals and four helpers through five games. The Djurgården forward trails only Hagens in scoring among first-time draft-eligibles.

“I have been incredibly impressed by Eklund’s ability to drive play below the goal line and extend possession along the wall," said Director of Scouting, Brock Otten. "Opposing defenders have had a real hard time separating him from the puck and containing him along the wall. It’s had a real positive effect on Sweden’s offence and their ability to sustain pressure.”

"With another exceptional performance in the quarterfinals against Latvia, he is showcasing his all-around game at another level," said scout Viktor Åhlund. "Eklund brings a high pace every shift, delivering hits in the neutral zone, driving hard at the net, and battling for loose pucks and rebounds. He's constantly a strong force offensively, producing top-level plays and high-IQ solutions when under pressure.

"There are more games to be played, but for now, he is the number one Swedish prospect in this draft."

Parting Notes

New York Islanders prospect Jesse Nurmi scored his first two goals of the tournament as Team Finland narrowly defeated Slovakia, 5-3. He plays with teammate Kasper Halttunen in London (OHL).
Finnish goaltender Petteri Rimpinen (DY+1) was excellent once again, he leads the tournament with a .941 SV% on 169 shots.
Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko scored twice as Team Latvia fell to Sweden, 3-2. He finishes the tournament tied for the goal-scoring lead with five goals — the record for a Latvian player is six.
Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs (DY+2) stopped 210 shots across five starts — an average of 42 a game.
Team Czechia features four St. Louis Blues prospects
- 2024 NHL Draft
  - 16th overall - D Adam Jiricek
  - 81st overall - F Ondrej Kos
  - 95th overall - F Adam Jecho
- 2023 NHL Draft
  - 106th overall, Jakub Stancl
St. Louis Blues first-rounder Dalibor Dvorský graduates from WJC eligibility with 10 goals and 20 points across 19 career games. That's the third-most by a Slovakian player in tournament history.

2025 W0RLD JUNIORS: Eight NHL-affiliated prospect that have impressed in the preliminary rounds

Jérémy Rivet — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 13:50:26 +0000

241231 Axel Sandin-Pellikka of Sweden during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Sweden and Czech Republic on December 31, 2024 in Ottawa.
Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN / kod MB / MB1038

The preliminary round of the 2025 World Juniors has now ended in Ottawa and now it is time for the quarter finals matchups on January 2nd. We have seen some excellent hockey so far and hopefully, it will continue in the next rounds.

After I identified eight draft eligible prospects that stood out for me in my last article, I will now present to you eight already drafted players that attracted my attention in the preliminary round. Some of them were players, are highly ranked prospects, and some that I didn't really know well before the tournament but they impressed me by their style of play and the impact they had on their team.

#4 Axel Sandin Pellikka, D - Sweden (Detroit)

He is one of the two top candidates for Best Defenseman of the tournament award with his eight points (4 goals - 4 assists) in four games which puts him tied as the scoring leader of the event after the preliminary round. Throughout those first four games, the 17th overall pick in 2023 by the Detroit Red Wing showcased how good he is at creating offence with his intelligence with the puck and his elite mobility. He started the tournament with an exceptional game against Slovakia where he delivered a hat trick and added an assist to help Sweden win that game 5-2.

#24 Cole Hutson, D - United States (Washington)

The best defenseman for the United States after the first four games, Hutson is the main rival to Sandin-Pellikka for the Best Defenseman award. He came up with two big goals against Finland and Canada and he was constantly dangerous with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone. His two goals along with six assists (five of them in a 10-4 win against Germany) puts him tied for first in scoring with Sandin-Pellikka. His ability to create offense by activating from the blue line and finding passing lanes from nothing is elite and it is pretty similar to his brother Lane from the Montreal Canadiens.

#21 Jakub Stancl, F - Czechia (St.Louis)

Stancl has been excellent for Czechia after four games. He had a five-point game against Kazakhstan with three goals and two assists which contributed being tied for third place in tournament scoring with seven points. The aspect of his game I appreciated the most was how efficient he was on the forecheck. With a 6-foot-3 frame, he really makes his presence felt when he is on the ice but not in a punishing way. He uses his body very well along the boards to win puck battles as well as to create space for himself and his linemates. He has a net presence and he can beat goalies with his strong shot.

#15 Dalibor Dvorsky, F - Slovakia (St.Louis)

It is already Dvorsky’s fourth presence at the World Junior and his offensive production is consistently rising even if the quality of the Slovakian roster has been better in the past years. He has sevn points in four games (4 goals - 3 assists) so far and he has been the most utilitzed forward in the preliminary round. He has been a threat on the powerplay for Slovakia and he was efficient at both ends of the ice. Dvorsky is always trying to find a way to go to the net and his vision for finding his teammates is excellent.

#22 Vojtech Hradec, F - Czechia (Utah)

Hradec was a late draft pick by Utah in 2024 (6th round) and with the performance he is having so far at the World Juniors, it is looking like a very nice pick up for them. He is presently tied third in scoring with seven points (4 goals - 3 assists) and he plays on the best arguably the best line for Czechia with Jakub Stancl. He is another big body for Czechia who plays hard on the forecheck and on pucks. Around the net, he is very hard to move and he is excellent at taking rebounds or tap-ins close to the net. Defensively, he can kill plays by pinning opponents to the wall and by denying space with his long reach.

#9 Eriks Mateiko, F - Latvia (Washington)

It is a Cinderella story this year for Latvia as they shocked the hockey world by beating Canada and they will now meet Sweden in the quarter-final. Mateiko, a third round pick by the Washington Capitals in 2024, is no stranger to that success. The big 6-foot-6 power forward is without a doubt the best player on this Latvian team and he does everything well on both ends of the ice. He scored the shootout winner against Canada with an excellent shot and he fired two goals including the game winner in overtime against Germany in a game that officially qualified Latvia to the next round. He was dangerous in the offensive zone even with the limited time that Latvia had there during those four games and he was engaged defensively with block shots and good positioning.

#30 Carter George, G - Canada (Los Angeles)

Perhaps the only reassuring point for Team Canada is that they have probably the best goaltender of the tournament despite the lack of scoring. George played three out of the four games for Canada and delivered two wins with a shutout against Finland and Germany. He is the leader in the tournament with a 0.964 save percentage and a 1.01 goals against average. The thing that strikes me the most about his game is how calm he is in his crease. It is a trait that his teammates recognize and it is a reassuring presence for them. His game management, his puck tracking and his rebound control are very high level.

#3 Vojtech Port, D - Czechia (Anaheim)

Vojtech Port is not a player who has produced the most on this list, even if four assists in four games is very good, but I did not know him before the tournament and I really like the way he has played so far for Czechia. He is a 6-foot-2 right handed defenseman who has excellent mobility and he can support the attacks by activating from the blue line or by jumping in the rush. He was efficient with his passes to feed the transition and he was solid defensively. His mobility and speed serves him well when he needs to escape pressure. He was another late draft pick from Czechia and he might end up being a solid pick for Anaheim who already has a number of good young defensemen in the prospect pool.

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Latvia remains the feel-good story of the tournament

Kyle Watson — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:24:28 +0000

OTTAWA - It wasn't a day fans had marked on their calendar.

The prospect of watching the Germans and Latvians duke it out for a spot in the quarterfinal and Team Slovakia face lowly Kazakhstan did not entice many — neither match was well attended.

World Juniors enthusiasts who showed up or tuned in on TV were rewarded with arguably the most exciting day of action thus far.

Captain Dalibor Dvorsky scored twice and set up two more goals to give the Slovaks a 4-2 lead heading into the final frame of Monday's opening contest. In the game's dying minutes, Team Kazakhstan managed to score twice while killing a major penalty to force overtime.

Buffalo Sabres prospect Maxim Strbak played the saviour in overtime, slipping the puck through Vladimir Nikitin's five-hole on the breakaway and helping his team avoid total collapse:

SLOVAKIA HANGS ON!

Maxim Strbak scores in overtime to win 5-4 over Kazakhstan. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/e9zO6ftAJd

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

The win clinched third spot in Group B for Team Slovakia, earning them a place in the quarterfinals for the third-straight tournament.

Latvia-Germany was even more hectic.

The Germans needed a win in regulation to have a chance of playing in the quarterfinals. With the game tied 2-2 with 2:51 remaining, their head coach Tobias Abstreiter decided to pull the goalie on an offensive zone draw to give his team a 6to 4 man advantage.

The move immediately backfired:

GERMANY PULLS THEIR GOALIE TO GO FOR THE WIN AND IT INSTANTLY BACKFIRES

3-2 LATIVA! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/JoDUhhKK34

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

Just 20 seconds later, with Germany's net still vacant, 2025 NHL Draft prospect David Lewandowski's one-timer sailed over the shoulder of Linards Feldbergs to serve up the day's second helping of 3-on-3 sudden death.

Mateiko continues to lead the way for Latvia

Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko, who played shootout hero against Canada, showed off his lightning-quick release in overtime to give Team Latvia their third quarterfinals berth in four years:

LATVIA WINS IT IN OVERTIME

Who else but Eriks Mateiko, the OT hero! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/UnukGxpWaz

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

The 6-foot-4, 201-pound forward has spearheaded the Latvian attack at the World Juniors: he possesses an impressive blend of skill and snarl that's emblematic of his team's approach.

There won't be enough ice in all of Ottawa to meet the needs of this Latvian team by the time the World Juniors are over, because of all the bruises caused by all these blocked shots

Those kids are hurting, but they wouldn't have it any other way: they're on to the quarterfinals

— Derek Neumeier (@Derek_N_NHL) December 30, 2024

When the Germans took a 2-0 lead midway through the second period, Mateiko rallied his team together by scoring under a minute later.

All goaltender Linus Viellard could do was pray it hit him:

LATVIA RESPONDS!

Eriks Mateiko responds 32 seconds after Germany's second goal to make it 2-1. WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/RiQ2EVzceQ

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

"We found a way," said Mateiko, after the game. "That probably wasn't our best game; Germany played well."

"But it's really fun to win in this tournament, I can tell you that!" he added with a smile.

It was a milestone victory for the nation: the only time they've ever won two games in the round-robin.

"It's really big for Latvia," said Linards Feldbergs.

"We are a small country, but we can do big things like we did today and [the] game against Canada."

Dvorsky, Pecarcik star as Slovakia survives late scare

On day two, we discussed how Slovakia needed more from Dalibor Dvosrky in his fourth World Juniors appearance. Yesterday's contest was the first time in the tournament he displayed the talent that convinced the St. Louis Blues to select him 10th overall in 2023.

Dvorsky is a terrific finisher, particularly in the thick of traffic in front of the net. He scored twice down low before dropping jaws with his setup for linemate Juraj Pekarcik:

Just before time expires in the 1st period, Slovakia makes it 3-0! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/GejwISETT6

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 30, 2024

Providing another helper for Pekarcik to make it 4-1 before the Kazakhstani comeback, Dvorsky finished with two goals and two assists.

Pekarcik, who plays for Moncton in the QMJHL, was also drafted by the Blues in 2023: 76th overall. The 19-year-old was named player of the game with an identical stat line of two goals and two assists.

This is the second tournament in which the St. Louis prospects have been deployed on a line together: their chemistry could prove pivotal for the team's success. Slovakia will take on the winner of today's matchup between Switzerland and Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals, with the loser facing Germany in the relegation round.

Parting notes

Truly one of the craziest finishes to a group in recent history:

So, for WJ's tomorrow:

-winner of wins Group A

-if that game goes to OT, will finish no lower than 2nd

-if goes to OT, will finish no lower than 2nd

-but if loses in regulation, and or wins in regulation, will finish 3rd and play the loser of …

— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) December 31, 2024

16-year-old forward Olivers Murnieks (Sioux City, USHL) had his best game of the tournament. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect set up the Latvians' first two goals before scoring an empty netter. He was a plus-three with three shots on goal.
Julius Sumpf (Moncton, QMJHL) continues to set the pace for Team Germany: the 19-year-old had two assists yesterday, taking his tournament totals to one goal and four points
There is currently a four-way tie for the top scorer in the event: Hradec Vojtech (Mladá Boleslav, Czech Extraliga), Axel Sandin-Pelikka (Skellefteå, SHL), Jakub Stancl (Kelowna, WHL), and Dalibor Dvorsky (Springfield, AHL) each have seven points
Only two goaltenders have played 100% of their team's minutes in the tournament so far: Latvia's Linards Felbergs (Sherbrooke, QMJHL) and Finland's Petteri "Showtime" Rimpinen (Kiekko-Espoo, Liiga).

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Mateiko, Feldbergs shine as Latvia shock Canada on Day Two

Kyle Watson — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 02:17:27 +0000

OTTAWA - The Canadian Tire Centre fell silent as it happened.

Not even a pin drop could be heard as Eriks Mateiko's shot sailed over Jack Ivankovic's shoulder to etch his team's name into tournament folklore and give Team Latvia their third-ever win in the preliminary round of the World Juniors.

After scoring twice in regulation and going toe-to-toe with the Canadians in overtime, an upset was very much in the cards for Team Latvia heading into the skills competition. Nonetheless, the arena was left in a collective state of belief when it happened — including the Latvians themselves.

Perhaps no one in the building was more overtly shocked than Linards Feldbergs - who made 55 saves and was named Latvia's player of the game. The netminder had about five seconds to soak it all in before being mobbed by his teammates:

The reaction of goalie Linards Feldbergs was PRICELESS. pic.twitter.com/lQmlv3bQyk

— Nathan "Grav" Murdock (@NathanGraviteh) December 28, 2024

"I'm still in shock," the 19-year-old said after the game.

"It was crazy. I [still can't believe] what we did, I think I need an hour to process this."

Feldbergs' performance will be talked about for years to come. Excluding a less-than-stellar read on Jett Luchanko's opening tally 3:28 into the second period, the Sherbrooke Pheonix goaltender defended the offensive onslaught from the Canadians with formidable poise.

Turning aside an incredible 20 shots in the second period, Feldbergs' exceptional play gave Latvia a fighting chance heading into the final frame — an accomplishment on its own.

Mateiko, the Saint John Sea Dogs captain, tied the game for Latvia with 6:42 remaining in the game after an untimely elbowing penalty from Team Canada defenceman, Andrew Gibson.

Just over a minute later, Cal Ritchie put the Canadians back in front on the man advantage. His effort was nullified by another powerplay marker: Team Latvia captain Peteris Bulanis beat Ivankovic cleanly as his defence failed to clear the traffic in front of the net.

Following seven scoreless rounds of the shootout, Mateiko had clear instructions with the game on his stick:

"The coaches said 'shoot it,' so I just went for it," said the Washington Capitals prospect.

While Feldbergs was swarmed at one end, the rest of Team Latvia rushed to join Mateiko in celebration:

LATVIA BEATS CANADA IN THE SHOOTOUT

Eriks Mateiko scores the game winner!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/oIVP2ddA89

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 28, 2024

When asked about his feelings after the goal, Mateiko was still piecing his recollection together.

"I don’t know, to be honest. I blacked out a little bit," he said with a laugh.

"[It took me] like 10 minutes to remember where I shot it," he added. "I didn't even know where the puck went in at first.

Stories of upsets in tournaments' past are often filled with hyperbole. It's difficult to capture the magnitude of this victory and what it means to a nation of less than two million people.

The Latvian forward was at a loss for words to express his emotions after the game.

"It's amazing. I can't even describe the feeling," he said. "I still can't believe it happened."

"Someone has to pinch me now because it feels unreal," added his teammate, Bulanis.

Team Canada Head Coach Dave Cameron said post-game it was "a game you win nine out of 10 times."

More accurately (according to oddsmakers), it was a game you win 4999 times out of 5000.

What's next for Team Canada?

Canadian fans were just as speechless as the Latvian players after the game. The usual discussions about usage and players left at home ensued online. Is there merit to their protests?

A struggling powerplay without a true sharpshooter could benefit from the addition of Carson Rehkopf, who led the OHL in goals on the man advantage last season. He's been a healthy scratch thus far.

Porter Martone saw the least ice time of any Canadian skater (7:13), despite currently trailing only Andrew Cristall for the CHL lead in points per game. Does he have more to offer?

With Saturday off, Coach Cameron and his staff will have time to mull over their approach before facing Germany on Sunday.

Big names quiet on Day Two

In a game where over half of his team picked up at least a point, Team Swedish defenseman Axel Sandin-Pelikka was somehow held off the scoresheet against Kazakhstan. The Detroit Red Wings prospect is likely content considering his team's 8-1 win to put them atop Group B, but it's worth noting.

In his tournament-leading 16 games played, ASP has five goals and 11 points. He trails Peter Andersson (1982-85) for the all-time lead for WJC points by a Swedish defenceman by seven.

It's an attainable objective for the 19-year-old, but the tournament record set by Ryan Ellis (25 points in 19 games) may now be out of reach.

Tied with Sandin-Pelikka in appearances is Dalibor Dvorsky, who was lacklustre in Team Slovakia's 2-1 win over Switzerland. Much was expected of the St. Louis Blues 2023 first-round pick in his fourth World Juniors appearance, and the Slovaks will need more than just a secondary assist and two shots on goal in 23:18 of ice time if they are to meet their dark horse expectations.

Slovakia needs much more from Dalibor Dvorsky. He should be the best player on the ice at times. Instead, he’s been invisible. Not playing with pace. Often the last man back to the defensive zone. At even strength their top line is consistently getting outplayed. #WorldJuniors

— Brock Otten (@BrockOtten) December 27, 2024

The Springfield Thunderbirds centreman is enjoying an impressive rookie season in the AHL, leading the team with 10 goals and 21 points in 27 matches. He may not have the same level of talent surrounding him in this tournament, but it's weaker competition.

Parting Notes

Heading into the game, Canada had a 4-0 record all-time against Latvia, with an aggregate score of 41-4
Felbergs and 2008-born teammate Oliver Murnieks (Sioux City, USHL) won the Latvian first-division championship with HK Mogo last season. Felbergs was named Finals MVP.
Jett Luchanko is the first player born in London, Ont, to score at the tournament in nine years. The last? Fellow Philadelphia Flyer, Travis Konecny.
Jack Ivankovic (Brampton, OHL) is the fourth 17-year-old to backstop Team Canada, joining Brian Finley (1999), Jimmy Waite (1987), and Terry Wright (1980) as the only netminders to manage the feat.
Sweden scored tallied even-strength goals in the opening frame against Kazakhstan.
Buffalo Sabres prospect Anton Wahlberg led the day in scoring with four points (2G, 2A).
2025 NHL Draft-eligible forward Victor Eklund (Djurgårdens, HockeyAllsvenskan) was named Player of the Game for Sweden with a goal and an assist.
Kazakhstan scored their first goal since Denis Chapolov's empty-net marker in a 4-1 win over Germany in the 2020 relegation round.
Finland gets revenge after their 4-3 loss to the Germans last year — their first loss to Germany in their previous 26 matchups
Slovakia's goalscorers, Jan Chovan (Tappara, Fin-U20) and Luka Radivojevic (Muskegon, USHL), are both NHL Draft eligible. They are ranked 64th and 47th, respectively

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Preview – Team Latvia

Brock Otten — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 19:00:06 +0000

_{Eriks Mateiko}

For the fourth straight year, the Latvians will be playing out of the main group at the World Junior Championships, a landmark achievement for a hockey nation on the rise. And while the team has only two wins (three if you count their relegation win in 2023) across the last three tournaments, they have managed to remain competitive, challenging the best nations in the world. This has led to the drafting of several Latvian players over the last few years.

Can the Latvians continue to find that success this year? As has been the case the last few years, the key for Latvia will be defeating the other perceived “weaker” team in their division in order to earn a quarterfinal spot, while avoiding the relegation round. This year, that team would be Germany, as Latvia finds itself in a pool with Canada, the United States, and Finland, all perceived gold medal contenders. That game is scheduled for December 30th, towards the end of the round-robin and it should be a great one for viewers.

One of the big challenges for Latvia this year will be replacing Dans Locmelis (BOS) and Sandis Vilmanis (FLA), two quality NHL prospects who have since aged out. Both were a fixture for Latvia at the previous few events. The torch now passes to Eriks Mateiko (WSH), Darels Uljanskis (ANA), potential 2025 pick Bruno Osmanis, and top 2026 NHL draft prospect Olivers Murnieks. Osmanis has had some great success playing against men in the Swedish Allsvenskan this year with Björklöven. While Murnieks has had a very strong U17 year in the USHL with Sioux City.

Another big challenge will be health. Kristers Ansons, the younger brother of Pittsburgh Penguins prospect and former QMJHL standout (and Memorial Cup standout) Raivis Ansons, looked like a solid bet to play a key role on this roster, however, he will miss the tournament due to injury. Additionally, likely team captain and top player Eriks Mateiko has been injured in the QMJHL, having not played for a few weeks heading into this tournament. How truly healthy will he be?

To their benefit, the Latvians also return five of seven defenders from last year’s team and two netminders. That kind of experience on the “back end” should help them defend competitively, giving them a chance to keep games close. As mentioned, they face an uphill battle in a very difficult division, but they’ve proven that they should not be counted out for a potential upset.

Key Players

Eriks Mateiko - Wing

The captain of the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs and a third-round selection of the Washington Capitals, Mateiko feels like a lock to captain this Latvian group too. The big power winger was a complementary piece on last year’s WJC team, but he’ll need to be a primary play driver this year should Latvia want to avoid the relegation round. He can play a really effective North/South game with his speed and frame. The workmanlike mentality fits in well with the rest of this group.

Darels Uljanskis - Defense

Another NHL draft pick on this roster, Uljanskis was a seventh-rounder of Anaheim last year. The intelligent two-way defender is going to be given all the ice time that he can handle at this tournament as a 19-year-old. He’s going to quarterback the top powerplay unit, which has the potential to be decent, and he could push toward 27-28 minutes in most games. He has had a solid year in the Swedish J20 league with AIK, is currently a top-five defenseman scoring in the league and will be entering the tournament with a ton of confidence.

Bruno Osmanis - Wing

While not currently on the radar as a potential top two-round selection for 2025, Osmanis could certainly improve his stock with a strong tournament as a potential go-to offensive player. He’s had some great success playing a third-line role in the Swedish Allsvenskan and has some speed to burn from the outside. He had previously shown great chemistry with Olivers Murnieks, so one has to wonder if they reunite the two.

Olivers Murnieks - Center

Can Murnieks challenge Zemgus Girgensons as the highest-drafted NHL Latvian player in history (14th overall) next year (2026)? It’s too early to say, but the pivot is a very talented player having a solid rookie season in the USHL with Sioux City. Among U17 players in the USHL, he currently sits in the top five but has been as high as number one at different points of the season. He’s a highly intelligent playmaker, but the question is…can he be a difference-maker as a triple underager?

Peteris Bulans - Defense

One of the key defenders and returnees on this roster, Bulans is now in his third season in the QMJHL with Chicoutimi. A competent puck mover, Bulans likely sees a ton of ice time similar to Uljanskis, although it remains to be seen whether the coaching staff puts them together on the same pairing. The best guess would have them playing separately to anchor both the first two pairings.

Linards Feldbergs - Goaltender

Feldbergs played sparingly at last year’s tournament but returns this year with a chance to be the team’s starting netminder. He’s been starting and playing well for Sherbrooke of the QMJHL this year and will not only be accustomed to the playing surface in Ottawa, but also he’ll be familiar with some of the players with Canada. Look for him to get the start against Canada, at the very least.

Karlis Flugins - Wing

While Flugins has been a bit underwhelming for Flint in the OHL this year, he has a chance to play a critical offensive support role for Team Latvia. The energetic, but skilled winger, hasn’t received a lot of ice time in Flint, so it will be interesting to see what he can do with more responsibility on a grander stage. Not eligible until the 2025 NHL Draft due to a late birthday, this could be a chance for Flugins to make a name for himself, especially if things don’t work out in Flint long term.

Viktors Kurbaka - Defense

Another returnee from last year’s defensive group, Kurbaka is someone who has a chance to wear a letter for Latvia at this event considering that he’s worn an “A” at events like the U18’s and World Junior A Challenge. The smooth skating defender has been playing out of Czechia the last two seasons and likely pairs with one of Uljanskis or Bulans in the top four.

Aksels Ozols - Goaltender

The other returning goaltender on this roster, Ozols will compete for the starter’s job. While his stint with Charlottetown of the QMJHL didn’t work out well last year, he has played well since returning home to the Latvian pro league this season. He has previously been the starter for this age group at the U18s and the WJACs, but given Feldbergs’ strong play this year in a North American league, one would guess that they start the tournament in a platoon.

Rudolfs Berzkalns - Center/Wing

Murnieks isn’t the only hyped 2008-born forward in the USHL this year. Berzkalns, a former BK Selects player (meaning he has been in North America for a few years now), has been a standout as a role player for Muskegon after tendering with them. He’s also a Boston College commit. The highly skilled forward has positional versatility and could be someone to watch if he’s given the ice time to shine.

Sleeper Player

Roberts Naudiņš - Wing

Yet another high-end 2008-born player who could play some kind of role for this team, however, Naudins is unquestionably the most raw. The big (6’6) forward has been playing with the Shattuck St. Mary’s program, in addition to being a Harvard commit. But, how much of a role can we truly expect Naudins to play given the huge jump from prep hockey to the World Juniors?

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – WASHINGTON CAPITALS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #15

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Josh Bell — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 18:00:33 +0000

_{BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 12: Boston College forward Ryan Leonard (9) holds the puck during the Beanpot Consolation game between Boston College and Harvard on February 12, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 15th (Previous Rank - 14th)
GM: Chris Patrick Hired: July 2024 (Also Senior Vice President)
COACH: Spencer Carbery Hired: May 2023

The mission in Washington remains clear: help Alex Ovechkin break the all-time goals record. But while the focus is on Ovechkin’s pursuit, the Capitals’ prospect system has quietly made significant strides in our McKeen’s rankings, jumping from 27th to 14th in just one calendar year. The biggest catalyst for this rise has been the addition of Ryan Leonard, who ranks eighth overall in our prospect rankings.

Leonard, still only 19, has quickly established himself as a dominant force in the NCAA, not only putting up impressive numbers at both the collegiate and international levels but also playing with a tenacity that makes him one of the most exciting young prospects in the game. After a standout freshman season at Boston College, the Massachusetts native will return for his sophomore year, but it’s likely that Capitals fans could see him make his NHL debut by the end of the season.

If Leonard makes the jump, he’ll join a list of young graduates, including Connor McMichael, Hendrix Lapierre, and Alexei Protas. This, in addition to the already established core of Ovechkin, John Carlson, Tom Wilson, Dylan Strome, and new acquisitions Pierre-Luc Dubois and Andrew Mangiapane.

Additionally, a fully healthy Ivan Miroshnichenko (45th) could soon make his mark after splitting time between Washington and Hershey in his first North American season. Although, he’s likely to start the year in Hershey, where he’ll be joined by recent undrafted signing Zac Funk, who exploded in the WHL with 67 goals and 123 points for the Prince George Cougars. Meanwhile, Andrew Cristall (104th) and recently drafted Terik Parascak (155th) will continue their development in junior hockey as they push toward their futures with the Capitals.

On the defensive side, reinforcements are on the way in the form of Ryan Chesley (216th), Cole Hutson (246th), Cam Allen, and Leon Muggli (258th), but the system could still use more high-pedigree defenders. The recent additions of Rasmus Sandin and Jakob Chychrun help mitigate the need, but with John Carlson aging, addressing the blueline remains a priority for the organization.

Washington Capitals Top-15 Prospects

1. Ryan Leonard

Fresh off an eighth overall selection by the Capitals, Ryan Leonard didn't disappoint in his freshman year at Boston College. The 18-year-old forward lived up to his billing as a power winger, lighting up the NCAA with 31 goals and 60 points in 41 games. His offensive zone anticipation and understanding of spacing help him to consistently find soft spots in coverage and his quick release helps him to take advantage of those opportunities more often than not. Leonard wasn't just a one-dimensional scorer, either. He showed a willingness to play a physical brand of hockey and contributed positively away from the puck. His performance was a key factor in Boston College's deep playoff run. While the jump to the NHL is significant, his dominant season has undoubtedly bolstered excitement surrounding his future in Washington. He looks like a future top six winger with a well-rounded skill set and a knack for finding the net.

2. Ivan Miroshnichenko

Ivan Miroshnichenko's 2023-24 season was a whirlwind. Drafted in the first round by the Capitals in 2022, his battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma overshadowed his on-ice development. However, his resilience shone through. After a successful return to the ice, he impressed in the AHL with the Hershey Bears, notching 25 points in 47 games. The Capitals even gave him a taste of the NHL, scoring his first career goal in his fifth appearance, and sticking around for 21 games. While the sample size is small, the goal that he scored showcased his lethal shot – the same weapon that made him a top draft pick. The season wasn't without its hiccups. Questions about his compete level and overall consistency remain. Still, for a player overcoming a serious illness, his performance is encouraging. The team will likely give him more AHL seasoning this year, but with his raw talent, a full-time NHL push in 2024-25 isn't out of the question.

3. Andrew Cristall

Andrew Cristall, a dynamic left winger, made waves in the 2023-24 season with the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 174 pounds, the Vancouver native possesses a combination of speed, agility, and puck-handling skills that set him apart. His ability to create scoring opportunities and his willingness to drive to the net makes him a force to be reckoned with. He starts plays, builds them up, and then adds the finishing touches, turning the mundane into brilliance. His head fakes, handling skills, and slick edges leave defenders guessing, while his perfectly weighted passes set up teammates for success. Drafted by the Capitals in the second round, the potential as a top six winger in the NHL is undeniable. His 40 goals and 71 assists in the regular season, along with 15 points in the playoffs, showcase his impact on the ice.

4. Terik Parascak

Terik Parascak is set to be one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, thanks to his unique profile and conflicting evaluations. After a limited role in the WHL as a 16-year-old, he soared to over 100 points at 17, shifting from a top goal-scorer to a playmaker. While some scouts see him as a potential top six NHL forward, others worry he might never reach the league. His impressive point totals highlight his high hockey IQ, with excellent awareness, anticipation, and decision-making. He consistently shows great effort and never seems to take a shift off. However, concerns linger about whether his success will translate to higher levels, given his average physical tools and skating. His standout performance might be a product of playing on a strong offensive team in a weak division. The Capitals’ fortune will hinge on whether Parascak evolves into a standout like Joe Pavelski or remains a reliable AHL player.

5. Ryan Chesley

Ryan Chesley's sophomore year at Minnesota wasn't a flashy offensive showcase, but it solidified his reputation as a reliable defensive force. Drafted 37th overall in 2022, Chesley's point totals dipped slightly (two goals, six assists) compared to his freshman year, but his defensive impact grew. He led the Big Ten in blocked shots (74) and emerged as a shutdown specialist. He keeps a very active stick and defends the rush very well. His defensive awareness is high. However, his offensive potential remains low. There are glimpses of a strong shot and smart puck movement, but consistency remains elusive. His development in the offensive zone will be crucial. Can he become a more well-rounded defenceman, or will his value lie primarily in his defensive dominance? The answer will determine his NHL ceiling. Regardless, the defensive prowess gives him a strong foundation to build on.

6. Vincent Iorio

Vincent Iorio's 2023-24 season was a grind in the AHL. The hulking defenceman (6-foot-4, 200 pounds) spent the year with the Hershey Bears, chipping in a respectable 14 points in 76 games, earning a spot in six NHL games. While the point total doesn't overwhelm, Iorio's biggest value lies in his defensive presence. He uses his size effectively to shut down attackers and is a force along the boards. However, offensive limitations remain a concern. His skating is a work in progress, and his puck-moving ability lacks creativity. While glimpses of offensive potential exist, consistency is lacking. The question becomes can he develop his offensive tools enough to become a well-rounded NHL defenceman? Another year in the AHL seems likely to refine his game. If his skating and decision-making with the puck can improve, he has the potential to be a reliable bottom-pairing defender in the NHL.

7. Cole Hutson

Montreal Canadiens fans are excited about Lane Hutson, but younger brother Cole might bring even more thrill to Captials’ fans. This offensive defenceman set the NTDP record for points by a defender and excelled at the World Under-18s, proving himself as one of the top defenders in the tournament. He’s set to join Boston University this season, stepping into his brother’s former role. Hutson’s offensive talent is undeniable. He can dominate from the back end, dictate play, and lead the attack with creativity and skillful maneuvers. His skating and vision are exceptional, allowing him to navigate traffic and find teammates effectively. Defensively, he holds his own but can get caught out, similar to his brother. While there’s some concern about how his game will translate to tougher competition, his high offensive ceiling suggests he could become a strong number three or four defender and a power-play quarterback.

8. Leon Muggli

Muggli stood out in his DY-1 season as a promising defensive defenceman with grit, and by the 2024 WJC, he had emerged as a top Swiss draft eligible prospect. His solid performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup was a precursor to a standout season, where he secured a spot with his NL club and quickly became a key player, logging over 18 minutes a night and up to 11 minutes per game in the playoffs. At the WJC, he played 27 minutes in an OT loss to Sweden and later captained Switzerland at the U18 Worlds before an injury cut his season short. Muggli is now regarded as the top draft-eligible defenceman from the NL since David Reinbacher. His game has seen impressive development across all zones, showcasing poise, confidence, and effective play both with and without the puck. Although he needs to improve his strength and mobility, Muggli’s potential and safe playstyle make him an intriguing prospect.

9. Clay Stevenson

Clay Stevenson, a 6-foot-4 goaltender, made waves in the 2023-24 season playing for the AHL’s Hershey Bears. In 36 games, he secured 24 wins and boasts a 0.922 save percentage, a GAA of 2.06, along with seven shutouts. His technical skills, combined with his size and agility, make him a formidable presence in the net. He has been tremendous for the last two seasons, with reading plays and stopping pucks being his strong suit. He is really putting himself on the map as a goalie prospect to own. However, he faces a challenge with the contracts in front of him at the AHL level, and being 24, he needs a shot sooner rather than later. He will continue to battle for the starting role in the AHL this season. He is definitely a prospect to keep an eye on as he continues to develop his game.

10. Alexander Suzdalev

In the 2023-24 hockey season, Alexander Suzdalev showcased a masterful blend of finesse and power on the ice, solidifying his status as a promising prospect. With lightning speed and deft puck-handling skills, he consistently outmaneuvered opponents, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His hockey IQ was on full display, as he demonstrated a keen ability to read the play and make split-second decisions under pressure. Throughout the season, his dedication to his craft was evident, as he relentlessly honed his skills both on and off the ice. His commitment to excellence earned him the admiration of fans and scouts alike, who recognized his potential to make a significant impact at the next level. As he continues to develop and refine his game, he remains a player to watch closely and could make waves on the Capitals squad.

11. Eriks Mateiko

Erik Mateiko remains a potential sleeper from his year's draft, having played on underperforming teams in the QMJHL and for Latvia. Standing at 6-foot-5, he's a powerful skater with a mix of strength and finesse, excelling in battles and handling the puck. While his shooting and passing are competent rather than standout, his upside remains intriguing. Though his projections are uncertain, he was worth the gamble as he has some high-reward potential.

12. Ilya Protas

While not as prominent as his brother Alexei, Ilya shares similar potential as a middle-six forward. While both players struggle with skating and using their size effectively, Ilya has particularly heavy boots and a need to get more physical. Despite these issues, he possesses strong playmaking skills and excellent vision. Lacking the dominant flashes Alexei showed, Ilya remains more of a project. Expect him to join the CHL next year now that import restrictions are lifted.

13. Ethen Frank

Ethen Frank built on his impressive rookie season in 2023-24, emerging as a top AHL scorer with 47 points (29 goals, 18 assists) for Hershey. Known for his speed, he repeated as the league’s fastest skater. Although he was relied upon in various situations, inconsistency at times affected his offensive impact. Improving decision-making could elevate his game further. With continued development, Frank is on track for an NHL call-up and could become a solid middle-six forward.

14. Pierrick Dube

Pierrick Dube’s 2023-24 season showcased his offensive prowess, with a career-high 48 points (28 goals, 20 assists) for the Hershey Bears. Despite a brief, scoreless NHL stint, his AHL performance highlighted his scoring ability and offensive flair. However, concerns about his defensive play and consistency persist. If Dube can refine his defensive game and maintain his scoring, he’s well-positioned for a full-time NHL role. Another strong AHL season could seal his promotion.

15. Zac Funk

The undrafted Zac Funk exploded this past season in the WHL, putting up a 123-point season, leading the league in goals (67), and earning a contract with the Capitals. His quick hands and strong puck control allow him to navigate tight spaces effectively. While his skating could benefit from further development, Funk’s high hockey IQ and scoring touch offer significant upside.

2024 NHL DRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON TOP 100 – Celebrini sits comfortably on top – Demidov and Parekh among risers in ranking – Strong defense group defines this draft class

Brock Otten — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:58:41 +0000

It’s time to update and expand our 2024 NHL Draft rankings. Since our preliminary ranking in December, we’ve passed some major events on the scouting calendar, like the World Juniors, CHL Top Prospect’s Game, World Junior A Challenge, and the USA Hockey All American Game.

Macklin Celebrini still sits comfortably at the top of our rankings. Not only has he continued to be a difference maker for Boston University, but he was also a solid contributor at the World Juniors for an underwhelming Canadian team, an impressive feat for a double underager. In our opinion, he is unquestionably the top prospect available this year and is the one player we view as a near surefire high impact player at the NHL level.

One player moving up our ranking inside the top ten is Ivan Demidov. While ice time issues have limited his impact at the KHL level, he has been an absolute monster at the MHL level and in a draft that we feel lacks high end upside, he stands out as a potential difference maker. One player falling inside of our top ten is Cole Eiserman. While the goal scoring ability is unquestionably impressive, we’ve been left wanting more from the rest of his game and feel that his development is showing signs of plateauing.

Saginaw defenseman Zayne Parekh is another big-time mover and shaker for us as he pushes his way inside the top ten. At this point, his production and offensive upside is too vast to ignore. Yes, there are questions regarding his defensive game. Yes, there are questions about how he fits into an NHL system given Saginaw’s unique modern approach. However, the skill and sense are so high end that we believe the reward outweighs the risk.

Other movers and shakers include Jett Luchanko (40th to 18th), Alfons Freij (32nd to 21st), Harrison Brunicke (HM to 25th), and Dom Badinka (58th to 28th). Luchanko is a speedy, playmaking pivot who brings consistent effort in all three zones. As he bulks up, he should be able to become a more consistent point producer. Freij has been terrific internationally this year for the Swedish U18 team and is starting to remind us of Tom Willander in regard to his steady presence on the ice at both ends. Brunicke is a very mobile, right-handed shot defender with size who remains a work in progress. He flashes high end skill and upside in the defensive end, and we believe that he is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of. Dom Badinka has a similar profile to Freij in the sense that he has a very projectable frame and skill set. He has been steadily improving in the SHL this year with Malmo and the Czech blueliner projects as an all situations top four, right shot blueliner.

Overall, 2024 is still holding strong as a quality draft for defenders. In fact, 14 of our first round graded players are defenseman. On the other hand, the strength of this goaltending crop remains to be seen. OHL netminders Carter George and Ryerson Leenders remain our top ranked goalies and the only ones inside of our Top 70. There are others pushing up the list (like NTDP netminder Nick Kempf and WHL re-entry Lukas Matecha), but it’s not looking like the ideal year to use a high pick on a stopper.

In the coming weeks, expect to see a podcast on our new YT channel (here), where Director of Scouting, Brock Otten, Associate Director of Scouting, Derek Neumeier, and Director of Video Scouting, Josh Bell, debate the midseason list and provide some insight into why certain players are ranked where they are.

RK	Name	POS	TEAM	GP	G/GAA	A/SV%	TP	PIM	HT/WT	DOB
1	Macklin Celebrini	C	Boston University (HE)	25	22	19	41	10	6-0/190	13-Jun-06
2	Sam Dickinson	D	London (OHL)	52	14	39	53	24	6-3/195	7-Jun-06
3	Ivan Demidov	RW	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	23	20	25	45	16	5-11/170	10-Dec-05
4	Anton Silayev	D	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	57	3	8	11	8	6-7/210	11-Apr-06
5	Cayden Lindstrom	C	Medicine Hat (WHL)	32	27	19	46	66	6-4/215	3-Feb-06
6	Berkly Catton	C	Spokane (WHL)	49	38	44	82	37	5-11/170	14-Jan-06
7	Artyom Levshunov	D	Michigan State (B1G)	30	8	20	28	40	6-2/200	28-Oct-05
8	Konsta Helenius	C	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	40	12	19	31	6	5-11/180	11-May-06
9	Cole Eiserman	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	37	38	22	60	28	6-0/195	29-Aug-06
10	Zayne Parekh	D	Saginaw (OHL)	49	25	49	74	40	6-0/180	15-Feb-06
11	Carter Yakemchuk	D	Calgary (WHL)	48	24	29	53	95	6-3/190	29-Sep-05
12	Tij Iginla	C	Kelowna (WHL)	48	35	28	63	25	6-0/185	1-Aug-06
13	Liam Greentree	RW	Windsor (OHL)	46	28	41	69	25	6-2/200	1-Jan-06
14	Trevor Connelly	LW	Tri-City (USHL)	34	17	31	48	40	6-1/160	28-Feb-06
15	Zeev Buium	D	Denver (NCHC)	26	7	27	34	16	6-0/185	7-Dec-05
16	Michael Brandsegg Nygard	RW	Mora (Allsvenskan)	32	6	7	13	14	6-1/195	5-Oct-05
17	Adam Jiříček	D	HC Plzen (Czechia)	19	0	1	1	2	6-2/175	28-Jun-06
18	Jett Luchanko	C	Guelph (OHL)	50	17	37	54	32	5-11/185	21-Aug-06
19	Matvei Shuravin	D	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	22	0	7	7	26	6-2/170	22-Mar-06
20	Michael Hage	C	Chicago (USHL)	37	21	23	44	35	6-1/190	14-Apr-06
21	Alfons Freij	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	33	11	15	26	12	6-1/190	12-Feb-06
22	Emil Hemming	RW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	35	7	4	11	0	6-1/200	27-Jun-06
23	Ryder Ritchie	RW	Prince Albert (WHL)	34	13	18	31	16	6-0/175	3-Aug-06
24	Sacha Boisvert	C	Muskegon (USHL)	41	27	18	45	42	6-2/180	17-Mar-06
25	Harrison Brunicke	D	Kamloops (WHL)	46	10	11	21	45	6-3/185	8-May-06
26	Andrew Basha	LW	Medicine Hat (WHL)	47	23	44	67	32	6-0/185	8-Nov-05
27	Henry Mews	D	Ottawa (OHL)	46	8	34	42	46	6-0/185	9-Mar-06
28	Dom Badinka	D	Malmo (Swe J20)	15	2	10	12	39	6-3/185	27-Nov-05
29	Beckett Sennecke	RW	Oshawa (OHL)	46	19	26	45	53	6-2/180	28-Jan-06
30	Igor Chernyshov	LW	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	18	10	14	24	8	6-2/190	30-Nov-05
31	E.J. Emery	D	USN U18 (USDP)	41	0	10	10	51	6-3/185	30-Mar-06
32	Leo Sahlin Wallenius	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	34	7	23	30	30	6-0/180	10-Apr-06
33	Dean Letourneau	C	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	14	14	11	25	6	6-7/210	21-Feb-06
34	Yegor Surin	C	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	37	19	27	46	104	6-1/190	1-Aug-06
35	Adam Jecho	C	Edmonton (WHL)	38	15	17	32	18	6-5/200	24-Mar-06
36	Maxim Massé	RW	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	51	26	26	52	16	6-2/190	7-Apr-06
37	Lucas Pettersson	C	MoDo Hockey (Swe J20)	36	20	23	43	38	5-11/170	17-Apr-06
38	Charlie Elick	D	Brandon (WHL)	51	4	19	23	47	6-3/200	17-Jan-06
39	Raoul Boilard	C	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	52	21	31	52	32	6-2/190	7-Jan-06
40	Matvei Gridin	RW	Muskegon (USHL)	41	20	30	50	28	6-1/185	1-Mar-06
41	Nikita Artamonov	LW	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	48	7	15	22	12	5-11/185	17-Nov-05
42	Jesse Pulkkinen	D	JYP (Fin-U20)	18	11	17	28	47	6-6/215	27-Dec-04
43	Leon Muggli	D	Zug (Sui-NL)	4	0	2	2	4	6-0/165	9-Jul-06
44	Teddy Stiga	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	41	24	25	49	26	5-10/155	5-Apr-06
45	Aron Kiviharju	D	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	7	1	1	2	0	5-10/165	25-Jan-06
46	Miguel Marques	RW	Lethbridge (WHL)	50	22	37	59	47	5-11/170	8-Mar-06
47	John Mustard	C	Waterloo (USHL)	39	22	18	40	22	6-0/185	16-Aug-06
48	Lukas Fischer	D	Sarnia (OHL)	52	4	22	26	50	6-4/180	6-Sep-06
49	Simon Zether	C	Rogle (Swe J20)	17	11	16	27	25	6-3/185	18-Oct-05
50	Luke Misa	C	Mississauga (OHL)	51	21	46	67	8	5-10/175	25-Nov-05
51	Sebastian Soini	D	Ilves (Fin-U20)	8	0	0	0	8	6-2/195	10-Jun-06
52	Carson Wetsch	RW	Calgary (WHL)	49	19	20	39	53	6-2/185	4-May-06
53	Terik Parascak	RW	Prince George (WHL)	52	31	42	73	37	5-11/180	28-May-06
54	Christian Humphreys	C	USN U18 (USDP)	35	15	25	40	14	5-11/170	4-Feb-06
55	Cole Hutson	D	USN U18 (USDP)	41	11	26	37	44	5-10/160	28-Jun-06
56	Cole Beaudoin	C	Barrie (OHL)	48	23	25	48	23	6-2/200	24-Apr-06
57	Marek Vanacker	LW	Brantford (OHL)	51	27	34	61	41	6-0/165	12-Apr-06
58	Stian Solberg	D	Vålerenga (Nor)	34	3	9	12	12	6-2/200	29-Dec-06
59	Herman Traff	RW	HV71 (Swe J20)	22	11	7	18	69	6-3/195	31-Dec-05
60	Kamil Bednarik	C	USN U18 (USDP)	41	18	25	43	40	6-0/185	26-May-06
61	Tomáš Galvas	D	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia)	26	2	4	6	6	5-10/150	11-Feb-06
62	Carter George	G	Owen Sound (OHL)	41	3.09	0.914	-	-	6-0/160	20-May-06
63	Ryerson Leenders	G	Mississauga (OHL)	38	3.19	0.909	-	-	6-1/175	1-Jun-06
64	Tanner Howe	LW	Regina (WHL)	52	24	38	62	48	5-11/180	28-Nov-05
65	Colton Roberts	D	Vancouver (WHL)	50	7	17	24	45	6-4/195	8-Jun-06
66	Ben Danford	D	Oshawa (OHL)	51	1	30	31	21	6-0/175	6-Feb-06
67	Eriks Mateiko	LW	Saint John (QMJHL)	40	19	19	38	18	6-4/210	18-Nov-05
68	Daniil Ustinkov	D	ZSC (Sui-NL)	18	0	1	1	0	6-0/200	26-Aug-06
69	Veeti Vaisanen	D	KooKoo (Fin-Liiga)	40	2	7	9	12	6-0/175	15-Feb-06
70	Clarke Caswell	C	Swift Current (WHL)	51	16	37	53	14	5-11/170	2-Feb-06
71	Jakub Fibigr	D	Mississauga (OHL)	44	6	20	26	33	6-0/170	22-Jul-06
72	Ondrej Kos	LW	KOOVEE (Fin-Liiga)	14	3	2	5	8	6-1/150	7-Mar-06
73	Sam O'Reilly	RW	London (OHL)	52	15	30	45	24	6-1/175	30-Mar-06
74	Jack Berglund	C	Färjestad BK (Swe J20)	37	14	18	32	18	6-3/210	10-Apr-06
75	Linus Eriksson	C	Djurgardens IF (Swe J20)	24	5	16	21	8	6-0/185	23-Mar-06
76	Tarin Smith	D	Everett (WHL)	54	7	30	37	45	6-1/175	24-Mar-06
77	Nick Kempf	G	USN U18 (USDP)	22	3.02	0.901			6-2/190	1-Mar-06
78	Melvin Fernstrom	RW	Örebro HK (Swe J20)	38	26	28	54	26	6-1/185	28-Feb-06
79	Alexander Zetterberg	C	Örebro HK J20	35	19	27	46	10	5-9/160	27-Apr-06
80	Spencer Gill	D	Rimouski (QMJHL)	50	9	23	32	50	6-3/180	17-Aug-06
81	Kevin He	LW	Niagara (OHL)	51	26	18	44	47	5-11/185	30-Apr-06
82	Aatos Koivu	C	TPS (Fin-U20)	23	15	14	29	28	6-0/165	22-Jun-06
83	Will Skahan	D	USN U18 (USDP)	40	2	7	9	63	6-4/210	14-May-06
84	Justin Poirier	RW	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	52	40	20	60	58	5-8/185	4-Sep-06
85	Maxmilian Curran	C	Tri-City (WHL)	40	5	27	32	25	6-3/190	27-Aug-06
86	Tory Pitner	D	Youngstown (USHL)	33	7	14	21	34	6-1/185	6-Mar-06
87	Lukas Matecha	G	Tri-City (WHL)	29	3.14	0.910			6-3/195	21-Mar-05
88	Brodie Ziemer	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	41	20	22	42	14	5-10/190	22-Feb-06
89	Niilopekka Muhonen	D	KalPa (Fin U20)	25	4	6	10		6-4/185	28-Feb-06
90	Anthony Romani	D	North Bay (OHL)	51	44	40	84	16	6-0/180	12-Jul-05
91	Julius Miettinen	RW	Everett (WHL)	53	22	24	46	30	6-3/205	20-Jan-06
92	Luca Marrelli	D	Oshawa (OHL)	50	2	38	40	14	6-1/185	4-Oct-05
93	Filip Sitar	C	Malmo (Swe J20)	33	12	31	43	10	5-11/175	29-Jun-05
94	Noel Fransen	D	Färjestad BK (Swe J20)	36	17	21	38	16	6-0/185	7-Dec-05
95	William Zellers	LW	Shattuck St. Marys (USHS-Prep)	43	41	43	84	20	5-10/165	4-Apr-06
96	Gabriel Eliasson	D	HV71 J20	27	0	3	3	81	6-6/205	9-Sep-06
97	Kim Saarinen	G	HPK (Fin-U20)	22	2.34	0.918			6-4/180	22-Jul-06
98	Max Vilen	D	Malmo (Swe J20)	39	1	12	13	8	6-2/200	29-Jun-06
99	Gabriel Frasca	C	Kingston (OHL)	26	9	9	18	10	6-0/170	18-Feb-06
100	Harrison Meneghin	G	Lethbridge (WHL)	41	2.46	0.922			6-3/165	13-Sep-06
HM	Tanner Adams	RW	Providence (NCAA)	27	5	12	17	2	5-11/185	2-Sep
HM	Alexandre Blais	C	Rimouski (QMJHL)	53	18	48	66	30	5-10/155	14-Nov-05
HM	Viggo Gustavsson	D	HV71 (Swe J20)	33	1	10	11	38	6-2/195	11-Sep-06
HM	Andrei Krutov	LW	Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)	35	15	24	39	10	5-11/175	25-Apr-06
HM	Darels Uljanskis	D	AIK (Swe J20)	35	7	16	23	14	6-1/185	25-Aug-06
HM	Pavel Moysevich	G	SKA St. Petersburg (VHL)	19	2.31	0.927			6-5/175	29-Sep-04
HM	Ondrej Becher	C	Prince George (WHL)	42	19	40	59	32	6-1/175	22-Feb-04
HM	Veit Oswald	RW	EHC Munchen (DEL)	32	8	4	12	0	6-1/165	31-Aug-04
HM	Nathan Villeneuve	C	Sudbury (OHL)	47	18	21	39	52	6-0/185	13-Apr-06
HM	Petr Sikora	C	HC Ocelari Trinec (Cze U20)	27	12	21	33	26	5-11/170	2-Jan-06
HM	Oskar Vuollet	C	Skelleftea AIK (Swe J20)	32	17	24	41	6	5-10/170	3-Dec-05
HM	Kenta Isogai	F	Wenatchee (WHL)	49	25	48	73	22	5-11/155	28-Aug-04
HM	Marcus Kearsey	D	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	51	5	32	37	14	5-11/170	17-03-06
HM	Nate Misskey	D	Victoria (WHL	40	6	26	32	52	6-3/210	1-Dec-05
HM	Thomas Desruisseaux	C	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	52	10	34	44	16	5-11/160	10-Mar-06
HM	Jonathan Morello	C	St. Michaels (OJHL)	44	23	27	50	20	6-1/175	31-Jul-06
HM	Kieron Walton	LW	Sudbury (OHL)	47	15	19	34	12	6-5/205	22-Apr-06
HM	Adam Kleber	D	Lincoln (USHL)	33	5	13	18	20	6-5/205	24-Mar-06
HM	Riley Patterson	C	Barrie (OHL)	49	18	27	45	4	6-0/175	22-Mar-06
HM	Eemil Vinni	G	JoKP (Fin-Liiga)	27	2.5	0.9	-	-	6-2/285	18-Dec-06

Eriks Mateiko – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #11 Washington Capitals – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 11th (Last Year - 7th) GM: Chris Patrick Hired: July 2024 (Also Senior Vice President) COACH: Spencer Carbery Hired: May 2023

Cole Hutson, D, Boston University (NCAA) (Currently with Washington Capitals, NHL)

Ilya Protas, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Andrew Cristall, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jay Warriors (WHL)

Milton Gästrin, C, MoDo (Allsvenskan)

Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW Hershey Bears (AHL)

Bogdan Trineyev, RW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Ryan Chesley, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Leon Muggli, D, Hershey Bears, (AHL)

David Gucciardi, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Eriks Mateiko, LW, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Cam Allen, D, Hershey Bears (AHL)

Maxim Schafer, LW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)

Petr Sikora, C, HC Ocelari Trinec (Czech)

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – WASHINGTON CAPITALS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #7

Washington Capitals Top-15 Prospects

1 - Ryan Leonard

2 - Cole Hutson

3 - Andrew Cristall

4 - Ilya Protas

5 - Ivan Miroschnichenko

6 - Lynden Lakovic

7 - Ryan Chesley

8 - Terik Parascak

9 - Vincent Iorio

10 - Justin Sourdif

11 - Milton Gastrin

12 - Eriks Mateiko

13 - Leon Muggli

14 - Cam Allen

15 - David Gucciardi

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #9 Washington Capitals – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Czechia slowly shaking their “underdog” label as they compete for third-straight medal

A brief history lesson

Hagens, BC Line shine against Switzerland

Victor Eklund turning heads with Team Sweden

2025 W0RLD JUNIORS: Eight NHL-affiliated prospect that have impressed in the preliminary rounds

#4 Axel Sandin Pellikka, D - Sweden (Detroit)

#24 Cole Hutson, D - United States (Washington)

#21 Jakub Stancl, F - Czechia (St.Louis)

#15 Dalibor Dvorsky, F - Slovakia (St.Louis)

#22 Vojtech Hradec, F - Czechia (Utah)

#9 Eriks Mateiko, F - Latvia (Washington)

#30 Carter George, G - Canada (Los Angeles)

#3 Vojtech Port, D - Czechia (Anaheim)

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Latvia remains the feel-good story of the tournament

Mateiko continues to lead the way for Latvia

Dvorsky, Pecarcik star as Slovakia survives late scare

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Mateiko, Feldbergs shine as Latvia shock Canada on Day Two

What's next for Team Canada?

Big names quiet on Day Two

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Preview – Team Latvia

Key Players

Eriks Mateiko - Wing

Darels Uljanskis - Defense

Bruno Osmanis - Wing

Olivers Murnieks - Center

Peteris Bulans - Defense

Linards Feldbergs - Goaltender

Karlis Flugins - Wing

Viktors Kurbaka - Defense

Aksels Ozols - Goaltender

Rudolfs Berzkalns - Center/Wing

Sleeper Player

Roberts Naudiņš - Wing

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – WASHINGTON CAPITALS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #15

Washington Capitals Top-15 Prospects

1. Ryan Leonard

2. Ivan Miroshnichenko

3. Andrew Cristall

4. Terik Parascak

5. Ryan Chesley

6. Vincent Iorio

7. Cole Hutson

8. Leon Muggli

9. Clay Stevenson

Prospect System Ranking – 11th (Last Year - 7th)
GM: Chris Patrick Hired: July 2024 (Also Senior Vice President)
COACH: Spencer Carbery Hired: May 2023