Francesco Dell’Elce – McKeen's Hockey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colorado Avalanche Top-15 Prospects

1 - Mikhail Gulyayev

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

2 - Gavin Brindley

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

3 - Ilya Nabokov

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

4 - Daniil Gushchin

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

5 - Sean Behrens

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

6 - Francesco Dell’Elce

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

7 - Max Curran

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

8 - Nikita Prishchepov

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

9 - Jake Fisher

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

10 - Christian Humphreys

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

11 - Zakhar Bardakov

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

12 - Matt Stienburg

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

13 - Trent Miner

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

14 - Linus Funck

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

15 - Tory Pitner

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

MCKEEN’S 2025 NHL DRAFT GUIDE FEATURE: SECOND CHANCES – TOP RE-ENTRY CANDIDATES

Brock Otten — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:20:25 +0000

In a normal year, scouting hockey is marred by imperfection. Every year, high-end players get skipped over at the NHL draft for various reasons. Maybe they suffered through injuries. Maybe their team struggled, and it prevented scouts from getting a good read on them. Maybe their team was too good, forcing them down the depth chart with limited minutes and exposure opportunities. Or...maybe they just were not good enough. But thankfully, human development is nonlinear and therefore unpredictable. Teenage hockey players are far from a finished product on the ice as their games mature just as the rest of their body and mind do. That is why it is critical to track players as they move through their second and third years of draft eligibility (or fourth years of eligibility for some European players).

For those unfamiliar, North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. In the last decade, NHL scouts have increased the rate at which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European-based players especially attractive. Additionally, the new NCAA eligibility rules could also make later-born CHL players more attractive as teams steer them towards the college route for additional development.

These players have had a lot of success in recent years, too. Look around the league, and you see these players everywhere. For example, Calgary Flames standout defender Mackenzie Weegar was one. Ottawa Senators standout forward Drake Batherson was one. So too was Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck. Pyotr Kochetkov, one of the top young netminders in the NH,L was also one.

Last year, eight “re-entry” candidates went in the top four rounds: Ilya Nabokov, Jesse Pulkkinen, Ondrej Becher, Pavel Moysevich, Trevor Hoskin, Chase Pietila, Dmitri Gamzin, and Blake Montgomery. Nabokov and Pulkkinen were taken in the second round. In total, there were 42 taken, right around the trend of other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected).

While you can read more about the many re-entry candidates that we have ranked in the ranking profiles part of our guide, here are our top ten previously passed-over players:

Kristian Epperson of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

1. Kristian Epperson (W) - Saginaw (OHL) - McKeen's Rank - #55

Gritty winger out of the NTDP who formed instant chemistry with Michael Misa this year. Headed to the University of Denver next year to continue his development.

Petteri Rimpinen
Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN

2. Petteri Rimpinen (G) - Kiekko-Espoo (Fin) - McKeen's Rank - #79

The Rookie of the Year in Liiga and the top goaltender at the World Juniors. Rimpinen isn’t huge, but you can’t overlook his success this year.

3. Caeden Herrington (D) - Lincoln (USHL) - McKeen's Rank - #89

One of the USHL’s top two-way defenders this year as a rookie of the New England prep scene. A dangerous scorer from the back-end is headed to the University of Vermont.

Francesco Dell'Elce

4. Francesco Dell’Elce (D) - Massachusetts (HE) - McKeen's Rank - #92

Two years after being a big draft snub out of the St. Andrew’s College program, Dell’Elce is back on the draft radar after a tremendous freshman season at UMass.

5. Yegor Borikov (W) - Dinamo Minsk (KHL) - McKeen's Rank - #93

Speedy Belarusian winger who was a force in the KHL playoffs, scoring 7 goals in 11 games for Dinamo Minsk.

Sam Laurila

6. Sam Laurila (D) - Fargo (USHL) - McKeen's Rank - #95

A detail-oriented two-way defender whose offensive game made big strides post-NTDP this year in the USHL. He was possibly the best defenseman in the USHL this past year.

7. Julius Sumpf (W) - Moncton (QMJHL) - McKeen's Rank - #127

Sumpf helped Moncton capture a QMJHL title this year and helped Germany avoid relegation at the World Juniors. The big center has pro-level attributes and keeps improving.

Brendan McMorrow

8. Brendan McMorrow (C) - Waterloo (USHL) - McKeen's Rank - #130

Another former NTDP member, McMorrow slid to center this year in the USHL and was one of the best players in the Clark Cup playoffs. He plays with sandpaper and has improved offensively.

9. Linards Feldbergs (G) - Sherbrooke (QMJHL) - McKeen's Rank - #136

The unsung hero of the World Juniors this year for Latvia, helping upset Canada. However, he was good all year in the QMJHL, too.

10. Finn McLaughlin (D) - Fgo-Mus (USHL) - McKeen's Rank - #144

A mobile, two-way defender who has captured the Clark Cup as USHL champion two years in a row. Last year, he played a minimal role with Fargo, but this year, he was a standout for Muskegon.

2025 NHL DRAFT: TOP 100 PLUS HONOURABLE MENTIONS – March edition – FOR SUBSCRIBERS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 14:34:18 +0000

Porter Mantone of the Brampton Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

It’s time for an update to our 2025 NHL draft rankings. Back in December, prior to the World Junior Championships, we released our top 64. Now, not only are we updating, but we’re expanding to a Top 100 (plus honorable mentions). This will be our final draft ranking prior to the release of our Top 300 (along with our annual draft guide).

Erie Otters defender Matthew Schaefer remains on top, despite not playing since our last release due to a collarbone injury suffered at the World Juniors. However, we have no doubt that Schaefer will return stronger than ever. He has been skating recently and is gearing up for a return for the OHL playoffs. At this point, Schaefer is our clear number one and we don’t expect that to change.

The other players in our top ten are all the same, with some minor shuffling. Michael Misa moves ahead of James Hagens based on his strong production with Saginaw, mixed with Hagen’s drop in production with Boston College post World Juniors. We feel that both players have similar projections as top six pivots, but we feel Misa’s frame gives him a greater opportunity to be a more complete pro. Caleb Desnoyers is the other big riser. While, admittedly, we do have some minimal concerns about his offensive upside, we appreciate his pro style of play and safe floor, in combination with the improvement he has shown offensively over the course of this season. Roger McQueen is the big “faller” inside our top ten due to injury and durability concerns. He has recently returned to action and we’re eager to see how he performs down the stretch.

Among the biggest risers, Bill Zonnon, Cole McKinney, and Jake O’Brien standout. O’Brien is knocking on the door of the top ten, moving from 23 to 13 thanks to his elite playmaking ability and three zone awareness. McKinney elevated his play in the second half to become the top pivot on the US NTDP, giving our scouts a better indication of his offensive upside. Zonnon is an energetic forward with a pro frame who has been a favourite of our Eastern scouts thanks to consistent production.

Among the biggest fallers are Malcolm Spence (from 13 to 23, switching with O’Brien), Luca Romano (24 to 44), Ivan Ryabkin (26 to 39), and Tomas Pobezal (from 39 to 81).

You may have caught our recent, and annual second chances series that outlined the top “re-entries” available for 2025. Kristian Epperson (49), Francesco Dell’Elce (82), Petteri Rimpinen (84), and Sam Laurila (98) cracked our Top 100. Additionally, Jamiro Reber is listed as an honorable mention.

Overall, the picture is becoming more and more clear regarding this draft class. Simply put, the majority of our scouts are not enamored with the depth of this group. “In a normal year, when we put together our March list, the debate for the first round is often charged, with the regional scouts all fighting to have their personal, regional favourites included in the top 32,” said Director of Scouting Brock Otten. “But this year, the debate was more about who actually deserved to be ranked in the first round…there was significantly less table pounding.”

“The way I see it” continues Otten, “there is a clear drop off after about the 20th position. There are unquestionably some solid players available outside this range, but few high upside players. Potential role players are the name of the game this year. As a staff, we’re really hoping some players step up in their respective league playoffs and at the U18’s to help give this draft class a little more excitement.”

You can expect our final draft ranking to be released in late May, coinciding with the release of our annual draft guide.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP	G	A	PTS
1	Matthew Schaefer	D	Erie (OHL)	6-2/180	5-Sep-07	17	7	15	22
2	Michael Misa	C	Saginaw (OHL)	6-1/185	16-Feb-07	62	59	67	126
3	James Hagens	C	Boston College (NCAA)	5-10/175	3-Nov-06	35	10	25	35
4	Porter Martone	RW	Brampton (OHL)	6-3/205	26-Oct-06	54	32	60	92
5	Jackson Smith	D	Tri-City (WHL)	6-3/195	13-May-07	65	7	41	48
6	Caleb Desnoyers	C	Moncton (QMJHL)	6-2/180	11-Apr-07	56	35	49	84
7	Victor Eklund	LW	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	5-11/160	3-Oct-06	42	19	12	31
8	Anton Frondell	C	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	6-1/195	7-May-07	29	11	14	25
9	Roger McQueen	C	Brandon (WHL)	6-5/195	2-Oct-06	14	9	9	18
10	Lynden Lakovic	LW	Moose Jaw (WHL)	6-4/190	12-Dec-06	45	24	31	55
11	Radim Mrtka	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-6/205	9-Jun-07	41	3	31	34
12	Brady Martin	C	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-0/175	16-Mar-07	55	30	37	67
13	Jake O'Brien	C	Brantford (OHL)	6-2/170	16-Jun-07	64	32	64	96
14	Cullen Potter	C	Arizona State (NCAA)	5-10/170	10-Jan-07	34	13	9	22
15	Justin Carbonneau	RW	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	6-1/190	25-Nov-06	61	46	43	89
16	Kashawn Aitcheson	D	Barrie (OHL)	6-1/195	21-Sep-06	63	25	33	58
17	Cameron Reid	D	Kitchener (OHL)	6-0/190	8-Apr-07	66	14	39	53
18	Ben Kindel	C	Calgary (WHL)	5-10/175	19-Apr-07	62	34	64	98
19	Braeden Cootes	C	Seattle (WHL)	5-11/180	9-Feb-07	58	25	36	61
20	Carter Bear	LW	Everett (WHL)	6-0/180	4-Nov-06	56	40	42	82
21	Jack Murtagh	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/200	22-Aug-07	42	20	24	44
22	Cameron Schmidt	RW	Vancouver (WHL)	5-7/160	19-Jan-07	59	39	37	76
23	Malcolm Spence	LW	Erie (OHL)	6-1/200	22-Sep-06	62	32	38	70
24	Joshua Ravensbergen	G	Prince George (WHL)	6-5/190	27-Nov-06	50	33	12	2.93
25	Jack Nesbitt	C	Windsor (OHL)	6-4/185	12-Jan-07	63	24	39	63
26	Cole McKinney	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/200	16-Mar-07	45	21	29	50
27	Eric Nilson	C	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	5-11/155	11-May-07	37	12	26	38
28	Logan Hensler	D	Wisconsin (NCAA)	6-2/190	14-Oct-06	32	2	10	12
29	Henry Brzustewicz	D	London (OHL)	6-2/200	9-Feb-07	65	10	29	39
30	Blake Fiddler	D	Edmonton (WHL)	6-4/210	9-Jul-07	62	9	22	31
31	Shane Vansaghi	RW	Michigan State (NCAA)	6-2/210	11-Oct-06	35	6	10	16
32	Bill Zonnon	C	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-1/185	3-Oct-06	62	28	53	81
33	Jakob Ihs Wozniak	RW	Lulea (Swe J20)	6-2/185	1-Feb-07	40	23	34	57
34	Nathan Behm	RW	Kamloops (WHL)	6-1/190	18-Apr-07	57	31	35	66
35	Adam Benak	C	Youngstown (USHL)	5-7/160	10-Apr-07	53	16	38	54
36	Kurban Limatov	D	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	6-3/195	20-Mar-07	45	8	15	23
37	Carter Amico	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-5/225	15-Mar-07	13	0	3	3
38	Cole Reschny	C	Victoria (WHL)	5-10/180	6-Apr-07	60	23	63	86
39	Ivan Ryabkin	C	Muskegon (USHL)	6-0/195	25-Apr-07	18	11	8	19
40	Milton Gastrin	C	MoDo Hockey (Swe J20)	6-1/185	2-Jun-07	40	18	24	42
41	Will Moore	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/175	24-Mar-07	49	21	22	43
42	Sascha Boumedienne	D	Boston University (NCAA)	6-1/175	17-Jan-07	35	3	9	12
43	Conrad Fondrk	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/190	1-Jun-07	40	13	14	27
44	Luca Romano	C	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/175	25-Jun-07	65	25	26	51
45	Alexander Zharovsky	RW	Tolpar Ufa (MHL)	6-1/165	22-Feb-07	45	24	26	50
46	Max Psenicka	D	Portland (WHL)	6-4/175	18-Jan-07	22	1	5	6
47	Jack Ivankovic	G	Brampton (OHL)	5-11/180	22-May-07	41	23	12	3.13
48	Maxim Agafonov	D	Tolpar Ufa (MHL)	6-2/195	10-Apr-07	33	6	7	13
49	Kristian Epperson	LW	Saginaw (OHL)	5-11/180	7-May-06	55	26	51	77
50	Vaclav Nestrasil	RW	Muskegon (USHL)	6-5/185	6-Apr-07	51	14	19	33
51	Jimmy Lombardi	C	Flint (OHL)	6-0/180	16-Feb-07	61	13	28	41
52	Gustav Hillstrom	C	Brynas (Swe J20)	6-1/175	20-Jan-07	43	16	22	38
53	Pyotr Andreyanov	G	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	6-0/205	22-Jan-07	37	23	6	1.75
54	Arvid Drott	RW	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	6-0/180	11-Aug-07	40	18	18	36
55	Matthew Gard	C	Red Deer (WHL)	6-5/190	7-Apr-07	63	18	17	35
56	Ethan Czata	C	Niagara (OHL)	6-1/175	29-May-07	65	20	33	53
57	Hayden Paupanekis	C	Spokane-Kelowna (WHL)	6-4/195	4-Feb-07	68	22	19	41
58	Charlie Trethewey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/200	2-Aug-07	51	6	12	18
59	Aleksei Medvedev	G	London (OHL)	6-2/180	10-Sep-07	33	22	7	2.72
60	Daniil Prokhorov	RW	MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)	6-5/210	27-Apr-07	41	19	7	26
61	William Horcoff	C	Michigan (NCAA)	6-5/190	23-Jan-07	18	4	6	10
62	Tyler Hopkins	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/180	23-Jan-07	64	19	31	50
63	Lasse Boelius	D	Assat (Fin-U20)	6-0/180	16-Mar-07	34	4	14	18
64	Eddie Genborg	RW	Linkopings (SHL)	6-1/180	20-Apr-07	28	2	0	2
65	Semyon Frolov	G	MHK Krylia Sovetov (MHL)	6-3/200	17-Jan-07	5	2	2	2.75
66	Ben Kevan	RW	Des Moines (USHL)	6-0/180	3-Jan-07	46	12	29	41
67	Peyton Kettles	D	Swift Current (WHL)	6-5/195	1-Sep-07	51	5	9	14
68	Zeb Lindgren	D	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	6-1/195	14-Apr-07	38	4	15	19
69	Everett Baldwin	D	St. George's School (USHS-RI)	5-11/175	15-Jan-07	22	10	10	20
70	Ryker Lee	RW	Madison (USHL)	5-11/180	8-Nov-06	48	27	33	60
71	Michal Svrcek	LW	Brynas (Swe J20)	5-10/175	26-Jan-07	30	14	16	30
72	Zachary Morin	LW	Saint John (QMJHL)	6-1/185	25-Jan-07	54	16	20	36
73	Jacob Rombach	D	Lincoln (USHL)	6-6/200	1-Apr-07	50	3	15	18
74	Alex Huang	D	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	6-0/170	30-Jul-07	62	6	33	39
75	Tommy Lafreniere	C	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/170	16-Jan-07	66	24	32	56
76	Haoxi (Simon) Wang	D	Oshawa (OHL)	6-6/210	27-Jul-07	29	0	2	2
77	William Belle	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-3/220	14-Jan-07	50	4	11	15
78	Jan Chovan	RW	Tappara (Fin-U20)	6-3/185	9-Jan-07	39	11	12	23
79	Luka Radivojevic	D	Muskegon (USHL)	5-9/165	3-Jan-07	28	1	16	17
80	Shamar Moses	RW	North Bay (OHL)	6-1/200	6-May-07	58	12	35	47
81	Tomas Pobezal	C	HK Nitra (Svk)	5-10/180	18-Sep-06	42	15	8	23
82	Francesco Dell'Elce	D	Massachusetts (NCAA)	6-0/170	23-Jun-05	38	6	16	22
83	Vojtech Cihar	LW	Karlovy Vary (Czechia)	6-0/175	29-Mar-07	43	4	5	9
84	Petteri Rimpinen	G	Kiekko-Espoo (Fin)	6-0/175	25-Apr-06	40	16	9	2.36
85	Carlos Handel	D	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-0/170	31-Mar-07	50	3	23	26
86	Burke Hood	G	Vancouver (WHL)	6-3/195	30-Apr-07	41	18	13	3.21
87	Melvin Novotny	LW	Leksands (Swe J20)	6-1/185	3-Apr-07	41	12	26	38
88	Sean Barnhill	D	Dubuque (USHL)	6-5/205	8-Jan-07	46	4	4	8
89	Tomas Poletin	LW	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	6-1/200	30-Apr-07	25	13	7	20
90	Roman Bausov	D	MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)	6-5/180	28-Apr-07	39	2	9	11
91	Mason Moe	C	Madison (USHL)	6-1/185	26-Mar-07	41	13	24	37
92	Reese Hamilton	D	Calgary-Regina (WHL)	6-0/170	26-Mar-07	59	4	10	14
93	Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen	D	Michigan (NCAA)	6-0/180	18-Dec-06	35	3	6	9
94	Nathan Quinn	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	5-11/170	29-Aug-07	52	17	29	46
95	Samuel Meloche	G	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-2/190	22-Jul-07	49	29	13	2.96
96	Maceo Phillips	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-6/225	25-Feb-07	47	2	4	6
97	Eduard Bondar	D	Val d'Or (QMJHL)	6-5/195	31-Jan-07	52	3	9	12
98	Sam Laurila	D	Fargo (USHL)	6-1/185	2-Sep-06	50	7	28	35
99	Owen Conrad	D	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	6-2/210	10-Mar-07	62	7	19	26
100	Malte Vass	D	Farjestads (Swe J20)	6-2/185	28-Mar-07	40	2	9	11
HM	Karl Annborn	D	HV 71 (Swe J20)	6-1/185	6-Mar-07	39	3	21	24
HM	Lucas Beckman	G	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	6-1/180	23-Aug-07	51	30	18	2.68
HM	Carson Cameron	D	Peterborough (OHL)	6-1/190	27-Jun-07	60	7	16	23
HM	Hayden Harsanyi	C	Medicine Hat-Saskatoon (WHL)	5-10/175	10-Jan-07	34	11	12	23
HM	Dmitri Isayev	LW	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	5-9/150	26-Jun-07	43	22	23	45
HM	Atte Joki	C	Lukko (Fin-U20)	6-1/190	21-Jul-07	40	15	17	32
HM	Viktor Klingsell	RW	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	5-10/185	10-Feb-07	43	17	22	39
HM	Nathan Lecompte	C	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	5-10/165	19-Jan-07	56	14	35	49
HM	Jeremy Loranger	C	Sherwood Park (BCHL)	5-9/160	15-Jun-07	50	37	57	94
HM	Jamiro Reber	C	HV 71 (SHL)	5-10/170	4-Sep-06	47	8	7	15
HM	Grayden Robertson-Palmer	C	Phillips Academy (USHS-MA)	5-11/195	29-Aug-07	30	16	23	39
HM	David Rozsival	RW	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia U20)	6-0/185	1-Jun-07	30	17	20	37
HM	Lukas Sawchyn	LW	Edmonton (WHL)	5-10/175	27-Feb-07	64	15	38	53
HM	Theo Stockselius	C	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	6-2/180	24-Jul-07	40	22	29	51
HM	Mason West	RW	Edina (USHS-MN)	6-5/205	3-Aug-07	31	27	22	49
HM	Max Westergard	RW	Frolunda (Swe J20)	5-11/160	3-Sep-07	41	19	31	50

2025 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects – Part Two – United States

Brock Otten, Josh Klicka, Sean Boyd — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:10:12 +0000

In a normal year, scouting hockey is marred by imperfection. Every year high end players get skipped over at the NHL draft for various reasons. Maybe they suffered through injuries. Maybe their team struggled, and it prevented scouts from getting a good read on them. Maybe their team was too good, forcing them down the depth chart with limited minutes and exposure opportunities. Or...maybe they just were not good enough. But thankfully human development is nonlinear and therefore unpredictable. Teenage hockey players are far from a finished product on the ice as their games mature just as the rest of their body and mind does. That is why it is critical to track players as they move through their second and third years of draft eligibility (or fourth years of eligibility for some European players).

For those unfamiliar, North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. In the last decade, NHL scouts have increased the rate with which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European based players especially attractive. However, these players have had a lot of success in recent years too. Look around the league and you see these players everywhere. For example, Calgary Flames standout defender Mackenzie Weegar was one. Ottawa Senators standout forward Drake Batherson was one. So too was Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck. Pyotr Kochetkov, one of the top young netminders in the NHL was also one.

Last year, eight “re-entry” candidates went in the top four rounds; Ilya Nabokov, Jesse Pulkkinen, Ondrej Becher, Pavel Moysevich, Trevor Hoskin, Chase Pietila, Dmitri Gamzin, and Blake Montgomery. Nabokov and Pulkkinen were taken in the second round. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1): (Part 2): (Part 3): We wrote about six of those eight. In total there were 42 taken, right around the trend of other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 42, we identified and wrote about 25 (well over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2025, we have some very interesting candidates. Tanner Adams, a player we have ranked and written about previously, continues to improve at the NCAA level with Providence and has emerged as one of the better players in Hockey East. Jamiro Reber and David Granberg look like great picks out of Sweden. Reber has been fantastic in the SHL this year, while Granberg was one of Sweden’s top players at the WJC’s. Magomed Sharakanov has emerged as one of the top young defenders in the KHL. Kristian Epperson has paired with Michael Misa in Saginaw to become one of the OHL’s elite play drivers. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

This is part two of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from leagues in the United States.

NCAA

Charlie Cerrato - Center - Penn State University

Cerrato played for the USNTDP U18 team in his draft year, putting up unspectacular metrics. After a strong season with the Chicago Steel in the USHL the following year, he has found his stride this season with Penn State at the college hockey level. While not the flashiest player, Cerrato’s game is built on reliability, intelligence, and an exceptional work ethic, traits that have allowed him to become an integral part of one his teams. Cerrato has the size and physicality to compete effectively at both ends of the ice. His skating has taken significant steps forward, particularly his first-step quickness and ability to close gaps defensively. Offensively, Cerrato has shown flashes of creativity, using his vision and hockey IQ to make smart plays in the offensive zone. Leans playmaker over sniper. Cerrato’s biggest strengths lie in his defensive game and versatility. On the penalty kill, his anticipation and active stick make him a constant threat to disrupt passing lanes. While his ceiling may not be as high as some other prospects, Cerrato’s floor is exceptionally solid. He projects as a reliable bottom-six forward at the NHL level. As one of the more polished re-entry candidates in this draft, Cerrato is an appealing option for teams seeking a mature, two-way player with a proven ability to adapt and improve. (Josh Klicka)

Brian Nicholas - Center - Brown University

Brian Nicholas, a 19-year-old forward from Scarsdale, New York, has demonstrated significant development over recent seasons. His first season of junior hockey was in his first potential draft year of 2023, playing in the USHL for the Sioux City Musketeers only playing in 37 games and registering just seven points. The following year he made significant improvements at Sioux City with 18 goals and 57 points over 62 games, showcasing his offensive capabilities at the junior level. Now we see him at Brown University, where he has posted 17 points, seven of those being goals, in 18 games. Nicholas is recognized for his speed, vision, and passing abilities. His skating allows him to effectively alter pace, keeping defenders uncertain and enabling him to find open teammates. His edge work facilitates strong puck protection in open ice, and his high compete level makes him a valuable asset in all three zones. Additionally, Nicholas has demonstrated toughness, contributing to his effectiveness on both the forecheck and backcheck. His combination of skating ability, playmaking, and overall compete skills project him as a potential bottom-six forward at the professional level. Continued development, particularly in consistency and defensive play, will be crucial as he transitions to higher levels of competition. We can see he has made the jump from each level of hockey and is projecting to follow through at the NCAA level. (Josh Klicka)

Francesco Dell’Elce - Defenseman - University Massachusetts

Francesco Dell’Elce’s draft year has been a story of growth and adaptation. While his offensive skills were well-documented during his time with the Penticton Vees in the BCHL, his transition to NCAA hockey with UMass has provided a new proving ground for his abilities. After an impressive junior season where he was a BCHL Second Team All-Star and All-Rookie Team member, Dell’Elce has shown flashes of his potential at the collegiate level. Dell’Elce is best described as an offensive-minded, mobile defenseman. His skating ability is the foundation of his game; he’s a smooth, fluid skater with excellent edge work and mobility. His strength lies in transitioning the puck up the ice—whether through crisp outlet passes or by carrying the puck himself. Dell’Elce’s ability to alter pace and find passing lanes under pressure is one of his standout traits, enabling him to exploit gaps in opposing defenses. He also possesses a solid shot that can create more chances when he’s on the ice in the offensive zone. With average height and size, his offensive game must continue to improve and produce at a high rate at the developmental level of play due to his lack of overall defensive game. His defense needs significant improvement to become a reliable regular NHL defenseman in the future. Too overly passive on defense, relies on skating too much. For now, he is projected as a puck-moving 6th/7th defenseman. (Josh Klicka)

Elias Jansson - Winger - Michigan Tech University

Elias Jansson is a Finnish forward, currently playing as a freshman for Michigan Tech University in the 2024-25 season. Prior to joining Michigan Tech, Jansson played for Kärpät in Finland's U20 SM-sarja, where he tallied 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists) in 46 games during the 2023-24 season. His performance earned him a spot on the U20 SM-sarja Second All-Star Team. In his initial draft eligible season of 2022-23, he made the jump early in the season from U18 play to U20. Playing against higher level of competition while recording 19 points in 39 games. Currently as a freshman at Michigan Tech, Jansson has been given opportunities to contribute to the team's offense, including time on the power play. While he possesses solid playmaking abilities, there are areas for improvement in his skating and physical development, which we will keep a close eye on during his adjustment period to the collegiate level. Despite this, he has the potential to become a solid offensive contributor in pro hockey. Jansson is recognized for his offensive prowess, demonstrating creative playmaking abilities and composure with the puck, especially during rushes where he has the ability to slow the game down to find the difficult pass and make it look easy. He effectively positions himself near the net to capitalize on scoring opportunities. While his game is predominantly offensive, he maintains some decent defensive foundations with his positioning and stick. His skillset doesn’t wow you enough to be considered for a regular NHL lineup, so he’s projected as a depth forward / minor league recall. (Josh Klicka)

Alexander Zetterberg - Center - Boston University

Alexander Zetterberg is a Swedish-born forward currently playing for Boston University in the NCAA. He stands at 5 feet 8 inches and weighs 164 pounds. Zetterberg shoots right-handed and primarily plays as a center. Prior to joining Boston University, Zetterberg played for Örebro HK in Sweden's J20 Nationell league. In the 2023-24 season as a draft eligible, he recorded 21 goals and 37 assists, totaling 58 points in 45 games. He also represented Sweden internationally, including participation in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. As a freshman at Boston University, Zetterberg has begun adapting to the collegiate level. His offensive skills are solid and overall hockey sense and awareness is very good. His size has been a topic of discussion. Displays solid two-way play with his hockey sense and positioning off the puck. Even with his solid skating, puck skills, and hockey IQ, it’s still in question if he will be drafted this year due to his size and those traits not overpowering other areas of his game that need work. Overall, Alexander Zetterberg is a promising young forward with a strong offensive skill set and high hockey IQ. As he continues to adapt to the collegiate level and further develop his game, he has the potential to become a significant contributor for Boston University in the following years where his stock could rise. If not drafted, he could become a top college free agent to watch out for. (Josh Klicka)

Blake Steenerson - Winger - University of Vermont

Blake Steenerson’s draft year was back in 2023, though playing Minnesota High School Hockey and not putting up elite numbers led him to being undrafted. The following season, he joined the Sioux Falls Stampede, which was a tale of consistency and growth for his development that also led to him going undrafted as he put up 15 points in 47 games. While he may not have lit up the scoreboard, Steenerson proved himself as a reliable two-way forward with an impressive work ethic and strong defensive instincts. His offensive numbers may not have been eye-popping, but his ability to contribute in all areas of the ice made him a valued asset on both special teams and at even strength. This season, Steenerson has slowly transitioned to college hockey, playing at the University of Vermont, currently sitting at nine points in 20 games. Steenerson’s skating is one of his best assets. He’s an explosive skater with a quick first step, which allows him to separate from defenders and create space in transition while making a good first pass. Though not the flashiest player, he’s proficient at using his speed and vision to find open teammates and create offensive chances. Steenerson’s plays with a high compete level in all three zones, frequently engaging in battles along the boards, disrupting passing lanes, and finishing checks. His strong defensive play and willingness to block shots make him a valuable penalty killer, and his physicality on the forecheck ensures he’s always in the thick of the action. Though his offensive ceiling might be limited, Steenerson’s all-around game and compete qualities make a strong case for him to become a bottom-six player in the NHL. With continued development in his playmaking and offensive instincts, he has the potential to become a reliable depth forward. (Josh Klicka)

Rylan Brown - Defenseman - Michigan Tech University

Rylan Brown is an offensive defenseman currently playing for Michigan Tech University in the NCAA. He stands 6-foot-0 and 161 pounds. Prior to joining Michigan Tech, Brown played for the Okotoks Oilers in the AJHL during the 2023-24 season. He tallied 59 points (10 goals, 49 assists) over 58 games, showcasing his consistency and offensive talent. His junior career also included a stint with the Drayton Valley Thunder, before being traded to the Okotoks Oilers in the 2022-23 season, where he recorded 29 points in 54 games throughout the season. Brown is recognized for his offensive prowess as a defenseman, demonstrating solid puck-handling skills and the ability to contribute to his team's scoring. Much of this comes from him joining the rush and making impactful plays in this situation. His ability to contribute to the power play and generate scoring opportunities from the defense position will soon become a valuable asset for the Huskies as he continues to progress in college hockey. While adjusting to the increased pace and physicality of college hockey, his previous performances suggest a promising transition. Overall, Rylan Brown is a promising young defenseman with notable offensive upside. As he continues to develop at Michigan Tech, he has the potential to become an offensive, puck moving defenseman. This projects him as a depth piece and minor league recall. (Josh Klicka)

Kaden Shahan - Winger - University of Connecticut

Kaden Shahan is an undersized winger currently playing for the University of Connecticut. Before joining UConn, Shahan spent two seasons with the Sioux City Musketeers in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In the 2022-23 season, he recorded 20 goals and 11 assists over 55 games. The following season, he elevated his performance, with 39 goals and 57 points in 56 games. As a freshman at UConn in the 2024-25 season, Shahan has appeared in 22 games, contributing six goals and two assists for a total of eight points. He is still inching his way into NCAA hockey. Shahan is recognized for his high-energy play and goal-scoring ability. This happens by staying near the play of the puck. He excels in hard battle areas, demonstrating a willingness to engage physically despite average size. His skating is average but flourishes with high pace and intensity in each game. His offensive skills and compete suggest potential for future NHL opportunities as he continues to develop at the collegiate level. Can play as a dynamic forward with a proven scoring touch and relentless energy, however the lack of consistency is worrying for him in the upcoming 2025 NHL draft. As he continues to display his high-end compete, gains experience, and hones in on his skills at UConn, he has the potential to become a bottom-six forward in the NHL. (Josh Klicka)

Philippe Blais-Savoie - Defenseman - Colorado College

Philippe Blais-Savoie is a defensive defenseman currently playing for Colorado College in the NCAA. Before joining Colorado College, Blais-Savoie played two seasons with the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In the 2022-23 season, he recorded 11 points in 61 games. The following season, he improved to 15 points in 55 games. As a freshman at Colorado College in the 2024-25 season, Blais-Savoie has appeared in 15 games, contributing three goals and five assists for a total of eight points. His early performance indicates a smooth transition to collegiate hockey, with the potential to develop further as he gains experience with his steady defensive impact. Blais-Savoie is recognized for his mobility and steady defensive presence. At 6-foot-0185 pounds, he skates well and, while his offensive skills are not considered anything special or NHL average, he has the ability to move the puck quickly out of his zone for quick transitions to offense for his team. As mentioned defensively, he is reliable and could serve effectively in penalty-killing situations. He is excellent on his gap control, closing off forwards vs rush attacks and transition. This stems from his good decision making on these plays, giving low-event chances against. Philippe Blais-Savoie possesses a solid defensive game with good puck movement. As he continues to develop at Colorado College, he has the potential to become a solid bottom pair defenseman in the NHL due to his low chances against on defense. (Josh Klicka)

Tanner Adams - Wing - Providence College

Adams is a hard-nosed, reliable scorer at every level. He was passed over in 2023 as one of the youngest players in the draft, two weeks off being eligible for 2024. He outperformed the large majority of his draft peers in the NCAA last season, boasting 21 points in 35 games and finished second in team scoring despite middle-six minutes. Nonetheless, he was passed over once again this past June. This season, he came out of the gates flying, leading the team in goals, assists, and points until Providence moved him down to a bottom-six role, where he has continued his production albeit slightly slowed. Despite his limited ice-time, he currently leads the team in goals and is one point shy of leading in points as well. Adams ties a grinder’s forechecking mentality with a pure goalscorer’s offensive instincts. He anticipates plays well offensively and defensively which allows him to be a PP and PK specialist. He projects as the type of player teams trade first round picks for at the deadline, a depth scoring piece who can be relied on in all scenarios. He’s debatably the best double overager of the entire draft. (Sean Boyd)

Will Felicio - Defensemen - Univ. of Michigan

Felicio is a puck-moving, smart two-way defenseman who has been playing well as a freshman this season. After a strong showing at the Hlinka-Gretzky the summer before last, he was stuffed into a third pairing role with Madison of the USHL before being moved to Waterloo, where he would once again struggle to produce given his limited ice time. He was passed over in the 2024 draft and has since joined the University of Michigan, where he’s not only climbed his way into a roster spot as a freshman, but into a top four role while being the highest producing U19 NCAA defenseman besides Cole Hutson. His consistency offensively has greatly improved and with smarter linemates, he’s now able to execute more complex plays than he could in a bottom of the lineup role in the USHL. His strong offensive instincts and defensive tendencies lend him to be a reliable defenseman for Michigan despite his age. He projects to be a third pairing defenseman with offensive upside in the NHL. (Sean Boyd)

Daniel Jencko - Wing - UMass

Jencko has been ticking the draft radar the last couple years, performing well internationally, in Sweden, and at the USHL level. However, this year could finally be the year he gets selected after a strong performance for Slovakia at the World Juniors and a solid freshman year for UMass. Jencko excels as a high energy guy thanks to his speed and physicality. He can be very successful working the net front on the powerplay and he has soft enough hands to finish off second chance opportunities in tight. Jencko is also an effective forechecker because of his speed and the consistency of his physicality. NHL scouts will probably wish he were bigger (6’0) given the kind of role he projects to play, but he’s shown enough progression playing at higher levels to be worthy of a draft pick. (Brock Otten)

USHL

Bruno Idzan - Wing - Lincoln Stars

Idzan started last year on the draft radar. Partially because it was a great story, as a Croatian born potential NHL selection, and partially because he had previously shown promise in the Swedish junior leagues. However, he had a poor year in Sweden and ended up falling off the radar. This year, he returned home to Croatia to play in the AlpsHL, where he was dominant. However, an opportunity to join Lincoln of the USHL arose around the new year and Idzan hasn’t looked back. As of writing this, he has the best point per game average in the entire league and has been a revelation for the Stars. He’s really pushing pace with his ability to build to a solid top speed; I wouldn’t call his first few steps explosive, but he builds well to create separation. He has shown a real nose for the net and an ability to find soft spots in coverage, getting open to utilize his quick release. Idzan has also shown great work ethic in the offensive end, helping to force turnovers with a quick stick and tenacity, although that same effort isn’t really replicated in the defensive end. Overall, Idzan has shown himself to be highly skilled and intelligent off the puck, two things that could make him a potential pro in North America. He recently committed to Wisconsin, and he has, unquestionably, put himself back on the map with his second half performance in the USHL. (Brock Otten)

Aidan Park - Center - Green Bay Gamblers

After an impressive season playing alongside Will Zellers (COL - 76th Overall, 2024) and Ryker Lee (2025 Draft Eligible) at Shattuck St. Mary’s last season, in addition to a strong showing at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup with four points in five games, Park was passed over in the draft, despite being ranked in the late rounds by a number of outlets. This season he’s shown off his skillset and a number of translatable qualities with Green Bay. Although still overshadowed offensively by teammate Will Zellers, he has displayed a strong combination of awareness at both ends of the ice and the vision to consistently generate offense off the rush. The University of Michigan commit has found himself among the league scoring leaders in the USHL all season. With a Jett Luchanko style of play, he projects as a third line center providing secondary scoring if he pans out. He’s a tempting option in the later rounds of the draft for a team needing more certainty in a late round prospect. (Sean Boyd)

Jack Kernan - Center - Des Moines Buccaneers

Kernan started last season in a bottom-six role with Des Moines and the year prior was passed over since he was still playing prep hockey in Minnesota. This season he has climbed his way into the top six and taken the reins of the Buccaneers as their leading scorer. Kernan makes expert use of his size for impressive puck protection and displays exemplary awareness and speed control offensively. He’s strong in every aspect of the game but his only truly high-level skill is his work ethic. He’s the hardest worker every shift on the ice, allowing him to make quite a smooth transition to Minnesota State next season. He projects as a bottom-six workhorse with strong instincts in the NHL. Although it is difficult to project second year eligibles still playing in the USHL, a team may take a swing on his robust skillset as early as the 4th or 5th round, and he could very well make it worth their risk. (Sean Boyd)

Nolan Roed - Center - Tri-City Storm

One of our highest ranked players (105th) to go unselected last year, we loved Roed based on what we saw at the USHL level and in the Minnesota high school loop. Playing in the USHL full time this season, Roed has consistently been one of the league’s best players and highest scorers. The St. Cloud State commit plays a mature game tailored to being a top end NCAA player, and perhaps a pro. He consistently looks to get to the middle of the ice, driving the middle and getting to the net. He’s under six feet, but he plays a power game and protects the puck well through traffic to help funnel pucks to the home plate area. His vision and playmaking ability have improved this year, with Roed showing an ability to alter his pace and be more poised with the puck, fighting to prolong possession along the wall. He’s also improved his defensive game to be a more consistent two-way player at the USHL level. While we aren’t likely to have him ranked as high as last year, we still like him enough to have him ranked again this year. (Brock Otten)

Jack Pechar - Center - Lincoln Stars

One of the USHL’s most improved players from a year ago, Pechar has consistently been among the league leaders in points per game. The big pivot is an intelligent and poised two-way player who also excels on the puck thanks to soft hands. He’s not the most dynamic skater, but he covers ground with big sweeping strides and protects the puck well using his size and hands. Pechar has proven this year to be one of those players who elevates the play of those around him thanks to how well rounded his game is and how poised with the puck he is. The Northeastern commit is also playing in his first year at center and given his pro frame and massive development leap, NHL teams have surely taken notice (look no further than his appearance on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm list). Depending on how his NCAA development goes, Pechar could easily be a future third line candidate for an NHL team down the road if he can continue to improve his skating. (Brock Otten)

Sam Laurila - Defense - Fargo Force

Not only was Laurila one of the youngest players eligible for the draft last year, but he was also relegated to a lesser role with the U.S. U18 team as part of the NTDP. As such, he really failed to stand out and was not suggested as a draft candidate by our U.S. scouts. This year, completely different story. Laurila has blossomed with a larger role in the USHL, emerging as one of the USHL’s top defenders as a 19-year-old. His overall profile is solid, making him an all situations, Swiss army knife on the back end. He skates well. He can move the puck. He can quarterback the powerplay with a good shot and vision. He initiates the breakout well and is poised with the puck. He competes in the defensive end. The University of North Dakota commit has really emerged as a top flight draft candidate; it would not be shocking to see his name called in the top 100, as one of the highest ranked re-entry candidates. (Brock Otten)

Finn McLaughlin - Defense - Muskegon Lumberjacks

While the offensive production that was prominent early in the season has dried up a bit, McLaughlin remains an interesting draft prospect in his second year of eligibility. He combines solid size (6-foot-2, 200+lbs) with excellent mobility. McLaughlin’s edgework is really strong, and this helps him evade pressure to start the breakout and with transitional defense. He can join or lead the rush, but that’s been less prevalent as the season has gone on. He has slipped into playing a bit of a safer game and it’s helped cut down on some offensive zone and neutral zone turnovers because his hands and creativity are not standout traits. Defensively, McLaughlin has the potential to be a real asset at higher levels because forwards have a difficult time shaking his coverage; again the mobility is impressive. A recent trade to Muskegon in the USHL will give McLaughlin a chance to repeat as Clark Cup champion, something scouts will have their eye on. It’s also worth noting that he captained Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge and was one of the more effective defenders at the event. McLaughlin isn’t likely to be more than a bottom pairing guy, but he could develop into excellent defensive depth after a few years at the University of Denver. (Brock Otten)

Artemi Nizameyev - Wing - Tri-City Storm

Nizameyev, a late born 2005 winger, was passed over last year in his first year of eligibility despite nearly operating at a point per game clip. The reason? He’s not big and he’s not a strong skater. The bad news? That’s still the case, making Nizameyev a long shot to be selected this time around. The good news, he’s upped his consistency, becoming a more physically engaged player to pair with his dynamic play creation ability. He has among the best hands in the entire USHL, allowing him to create space for himself without breakaway speed or explosiveness. If Nizameyev were to manage to improve his skating to be, even just average, he could possess significant offensive potential at the pro level. He’ll be attending Miami (Ohio) University and should be a three- or four-year guy before turning pro, unless his game translates quicker than expected. (Brock Otten)

Lukas Peterson - Defense - Green Bay Gamblers

One of the highest scoring defenders in the USHL this year, Peterson is a dynamic puck mover and powerplay quarterback. He’s not incredibly quick or explosive in straight lines, but he’s extremely agile thanks to his ability to execute c-cuts and work on his edges. He can really keep the puck on a string too, weaving through and around defenders to keep plays alive in the offensive end. However, his game will need refinement if he wants to be a successful pro defender. The University of Maine commit is your classic high risk, high reward kind of player. He’s confident as a puckhandler, but needs to pick his spots better to take liberties/chances. This is in all three zones too, as he can skate himself into trouble. Defensively, he tries to play bigger than his frame (5-foot-10, 170 pounds), but he can have a hard time consistently winning battles near the crease and along the wall to tie or pin attackers. Even with his tremendous production and his significant upside as an offensive defender, I would guess that NHL teams will want to see how his game translates to the NCAA level first before using a draft pick on him. (Brock Otten)

Matthew Desiderio - Defense - Dubuque Fighting Saints

One of the most improved players in the USHL this year, Desiderio has emerged as one of the league’s top two-way defenders. He moves impressively well for a 6-foot-3, 210-pound blueliner and he’s really gained confidence in his ability to carry the puck and get to the inside using his size/speed combination. He surprises defenders with creative moves to escape pressure and his vision with the puck is solid. For a guy among the league defenseman goal scoring leaders, he doesn’t have the kind of heavy point shot that you might expect; it’s more about well-timed pinches to get into the slot and quick wristers from the point. Defensively, his mobility and reach give him a real advantage. He’s physical when he needs to be and minds his gaps well. Basically, Desiderio has improved to the point where an NHL team could see enough upside in him to select him this year in his final year of eligibility. There’s a really solid foundation here. (Brock Otten)

Bobby Cowan - Wing - Madison Capitals

In his first full year in the USHL, Cowan has been a revelation for Madison, who acquired his rights from Omaha in the summer. He may not have elite physical tools; he’s not a truly dynamic skater and he’s not blessed with terrific size, but he’s been highly effective and consistent thanks to high end skill, high end processing ability, and an excellent compete level. Equal parts goal scorer and playmaker, it is the playmaking side of his game that has grown a ton this year. Previously known as more of a “sniper,” thanks to a deadly release, Cowan’s vision and passing ability has stood out equally with Madison. He is excellent at spinning off checks or using delays to help him survey the ice, where he often threads the needle to slot or cross ice. Cowan also works hard off the puck, as a forechecker, as a boards player, and as a crease crasher. This is a young player that wants the puck on his stick; he wants to drive play. Previously committed to St. Thomas, Cowan has altered his plans in hopes of catching on with a more prestigious program. He’ll be a catch for whoever secures his rights. This is also the kind of player NHL teams could take a chance on in the later rounds in hopes that he continues to blossom and mature physically to give him a better chance of being a solid pro. (Brock Otten)

Giovanni DiGiulian - Center/Wing - Lincoln Stars

One of our highest ranked Tier 2 players for the draft last year (142nd), we loved DiGiulian’s speed and scoring ability, but had concerns about his ability to play through contact and complete game. We felt those issues would get ironed out at higher levels, but obviously NHL scouts were concerned enough to bypass him. This year, playing his first year in the USHL, DiGiulian got off to a slow start, but since November, he has been one of the highest scoring and most consistent players in the league. This is especially true in the last few months, since the arrival of Bruno Izdan, as the two have formed excellent chemistry. He is now using his speed more effectively without the puck, developing into an excellent forechecker. He’s also playing through contact to get to the net and to find soft spots in the home plate area to use his shot. The middle six scoring line upside is still very much present, even if we don’t see him as a center at the higher levels. Cornell is going to be a great program for him given how well they develop defensive tendencies. The coaching staff with the Big Red will really help him harness his talents to make him a better pro prospect. (Brock Otten)

Giacomo Martino - Wing - Sioux City Musketeers

A formerly hyped prospect out of Ontario, (and younger brother of NCAA standout Ayrton Martino), the light bulb has finally gone on for Giacomo this season in the USHL, making him one of the highest scoring players in the league. In his last year of draft eligibility, the Northeastern commit has improved his strength and conditioning to make him better at playing through contact and thus, more consistent offensively. He’s also become more of a dual threat offensively by improving his shot and ability to work to the inside. He’s always been a great playmaker and the kind of player who can increase the pace with quick decisions, but the improved confidence in his shot has done wonders for his game. The real issue is that Martino is not the dynamic skater that his brother Ayrton is. Giacomo still needs to upgrade his first step quickness to improve his transitional play for the higher levels. Even with the production improvements, he’s probably a draft long shot, with teams preferring to see how his time at Northeastern goes before committing to him. (Brock Otten)

Brendan McMorrow - Center - Waterloo Blackhawks

After being relegated to the fourth line on last year’s U.S. NTDP U18 team, McMorrow’s draft stock really took a hit. He showed some positives as a high energy, two-way winger, but his offensive production and contribution were nearly non-existent. This year with Waterloo, he shifted back to center and has played a key role for the Blackhawks, allowing McMorrow to shine in other ways. He’s shown that he can handle playing center and is demonstrating greater vision and off puck anticipation than he had during his two years with the NTDP. He’s still finding success as a forechecker, as a tough defensive player, and as a north/south crease crasher, but the improved on-puck play and finishing ability have really altered his projection, putting him back on the draft radar. He’s still not going to win any skills competitions. He’s not going to be a high scoring player at the higher levels. He’s also not a truly dynamic skater; he builds speed well North/South but can lose it when he needs to alter his path. However, there is a path for him to make the NHL in a checking line role, especially if he can continue to blossom as a center. (Brock Otten)

John Stout - Defense - Madison Capitals

We had Stout ranked 190th for the draft last year after a standout performance in the Minnesota high school loop, however, we did also have concerns over his lack of a true standout or projectable skill. This year, playing in the USHL full time with Madison, Stout has been a standout in the defensive end. The offensive production hasn’t been quite at the level we might have expected, but he’s playing exceptionally well defensively, which earned him a place on the U.S. team for the World Junior A Challenge. Stout has a pro frame at 6-foot-2, 200+lbs, he’s fairly mobile, and he’s quite intelligent. He’ll probably make a great three- or four-year NCAA player at Wisconsin, with his versatility. Stout does show enough flashes running the point on the backend to suggest that his offensive game could have more upside. As is, the improvements made to his defensive consistency could make him an attractive option for NHL teams late in the draft. (Brock Otten)

Kam Hendrickson - Goaltender - Waterloo Blackhawks

Hendrickson shredded the Minnesota high school loop last year, rarely allowing goals, leading him to be named the Frank Brimsek award winner. He even had a cup of coffee in the USHL and performed well. Yet, because of his lack of size, he was not selected by an NHL team last year. This year, he’s played the entire season in the USHL and has been one of the league’s top netminders. He consistently competes to make saves. Simply put, Hendrickson never gives up on a play and he plays aggressively in his crease to try to fight for sight lines; a necessity given his lack of size. He also is an excellent play tracker whose technique is already advanced; it’s rare to see him caught out of position. Yet, one of my biggest concerns last year when I wrote this piece remains an area that needs further growth. And that is that Hendrickson still isn’t as quick or agile as you’d like to see for a smaller netminder. His pushes still lack significant power, and he can struggle to get to where he needs to quickly. As he moves up the levels and the pace increases, this could hinder his performance. That said, Hendrickson will head to UConn next year and he’s going to have several years to improve his strength to improve his quickness. The other things he possesses are more natural; instinctual. Whether he’s drafted now or not, at some point he likely lands on the NHL radar in the future.

Caleb Heil - Goaltender - Madison Capitals

Last season, Heil entered the year as not only an expected draft selection, but the potential to be one of the top goaltenders selected. However, his draft year was a tough one for him. It started with a weak performance at the Hlinka/Gretzky and then spiraled into an even weaker one with a rebuilding Sioux Falls team. He’s lightning quick in the crease, but he really struggled with his play tracking and positioning, consistently letting in softer goals. This year, he’s been considerably better playing for a good Madison team. He also rebounded with a strong international performance for the United States at the World Junior A Challenge, ending the tournament on the all-star team. Perhaps what was most impressive about that performance is that Heil was a consistently strong presence, making the saves he needed to for a US team that prevented a lot of high-quality chances against. This has been the case for Heil in the USHL too; he’s really cleaned things up and been able to limit those weaker goals by improving his positioning. He’s still ultra quick, but he’s controlling his pushes and body more effectively. The real test for Heil, a UND commit, will be in this year’s USHL playoffs. NHL scouts will have a close eye on him there to see how he performs under greater pressure. A good Clark Cup performance could easily help him get drafted this time around. (Brock Otten)

Caeden Herrington - Defense - Lincoln Stars

Similar to John Stout, we had Herrington ranked as a late round selection last year thanks to his pro frame, good mobility, and standout year in Tier 2. Herrington starred for the Holderness School in New Hampshire, as part of the New England prep loop. But like Stout, we had concerns that his game was a bit too vanilla; that he lacked a standout trait that would carry him to the pros. This season, playing for Lincoln, Herrington has emerged as one of the USHL’s top two-way defenders and it is altering his pro projection. As of writing this, Herrington leads the USHL in goal scoring; his point shot and off puck instincts in the offensive zone are excellent. He’s also showing well in the defensive end, combining his good mobility with improved physicality to close gaps quickly and shut down rush attackers. With an improving two-way skill set from the right side, Herrington has to be considered one of the better defenders in their second year of draft eligibility. At this point, he will be a lock for our final draft rankings. (Brock Otten)

US High School

Brooks Cullen - Center - Moorhead HS (MN)

It’s pretty rare for a high schooler to be on the radar as a re-entry, which makes Cullen unique. However, he was one of the youngest eligible players last year (with a September 13th birthday) and comes from a terrific hockey family (the son of Matt Cullen). This has given his breakout campaign as the captain of Moorhead more clout. The Michigan State commit is a well-rounded pivot not unlike his father. He’s a high IQ guy who takes care of the puck and makes plays in all three zones. Cullen finishes off plays well with a heavy wrister but also excels as a playmaker in transition with soft hands and good vision. While assessing skating is always difficult at the high school level, Cullen looks to have a quick burst at this level, giving him the ability to break away and create separation from defenders. The Mr. Hockey candidate is bound to draw a lot of NHL draft attention this year given his pedigree and improvement, even if he remains a long-term project (like any high school player). (Brock Otten)

2024 NHL DRAFT: RE-ENTRY CANDIDATES – CANADA

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:13:16 +0000

Last year, eight “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 110; Adam Gajan, Yegor Sidorov, Vadim Moroz, Florian Xhekaj, Cole Knuble, Patrick Thomas, Ty Mueller, and Bogdan Konyushkov. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1): (Part 2): (Part 3): We wrote about five of those eight. In total there were 40 taken, right around the trend of other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 40, we identified and wrote about 28 (well over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2024, we have some very interesting candidates. Maybe not at the level of Adam Gajan, who was nearly a first-round pick, but there are definitely a few players who could…and should go inside the Top 100. Finland’s Jesse Pulkkinen seems like the top candidate to go first among this group and has had a terrific year offensively. Tri-City netminder Lukas Matecha has been terrific in the WHL as an Import and played in this year’s CHL Top Prospect’s Game. North Bay’s Anthony Romani has been among the leaders in OHL scoring all season. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

This is part one of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from Canadian leagues.

WHL

Harrison Meneghin. Photo by Erica Perreault

Ondrej Becher - Center - Prince George Cougars

The long-suffering Cougars have finally blossomed into one of the best teams in the WHL, and Becher has been an integral part of that success. He doesn’t draw as much attention as some of his teammates, such as superstar forward Riley Heidt or the 50-goal-scoring Zac Funk, but when you watch the club closely you can see all the different places that their second-year Czech center leaves his fingerprints. His scoring totals hint at his contributions, with 71 points in 48 games at the time of this writing, yet the blue-collar work he does is almost just as impressive, as he takes a lot of important faceoffs, he kills a lot of penalties, and he handles a lot of difficult assignments. None of his individual traits are especially notable, grading out from average to good across the board, but they blend together well and create an overall package that is intriguing and could become very valuable one day. NHLer Alex Killorn was never one of the top stars on the Tampa Bay Lightning during his time there, but he was still an important piece of the puzzle and helped them reach the Stanley Cup Final four times, winning it all twice. That’s obviously a lofty comparison for Becher, but it’s a realistic idea of what the best-case-scenario for him and his skillset could look like down the road. (Derek Neumeier)

Kenta Isogai - Wing - Wenatchee Wild

Isogai is currently in his first year in the WHL, and it's quite remarkable just how easily and dramatically he adjusted to the league after departing the USHL-champion Youngstown Phantoms. The Japanese born-and-raised winger also played a season in Europe before heading to the United States, so he's no stranger to changing environments, but absolutely nobody expected him to immediately emerge as one of the best offensive weapons in The Dub. He is a superb play driver, with magnetic puck control, sharp vision, and an abundance of shiftiness and creativity. In other words, he's the type of player who can create chances out of nothing, for both himself and for his teammates. He also deserves a lot of credit for his moxie, as he's an eager penalty killer and someone who consistently works hard and competes hard. There are some drawbacks with his stature and skating ability, and his free-flowing style is significantly harder to play at the NHL level, but there's a lot of raw potential here that could be refined with the right hands-on development. (Derek Neumeier)

Quinn Mantei - Defense - Brandon Wheat Kings

Mantei is an excellent skater, which was evident of him last year as well. The problem was that he often had trouble figuring out how to use that strong trait to make a positive impact. That is slowly starting to change now, though, which is putting him back in the focus of scouts. He's much more assertive on breakouts, and he accelerates so quickly that he can be hard for forecheckers to pin down. It’s not uncommon to see him carry the puck through all three zones, or at least pass the puck out for an exit but then quickly jump into transition as a support option. He is also finding or forcing far more offensive opportunities from the attack blueline using his feet, which can really dance and open things up. His role is a little more defined and consistent this year on the young Wheat Kings roster, playing as the primary puck mover on his pairing alongside the more shutdown-oriented Charlie Elick, which is probably helping him a lot. He still doesn't project as someone who will ever put up a lot of points, but there is always value in the modern NHL for blueliners who can efficiently transition the puck at even strength. (Derek Neumeier)

Lukas Matecha - Goaltender - Tri-City Americans

Matecha's first season with Tri-City has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, with some games where he looks like he might be the single best goalie to come out of this draft, but then some others where he looks like he'd never be able to even sniff the NHL. Those highs make him a goalie that scouts want to watch a lot, but the lows make that process frequently frustrating. The Czech import stands at a towering 6-foot-4 and has long legs and an enormous wingspan, all of which help him blot out patches of netting behind him. When he gets his pads extended along the ice there’s often no way to slide the puck around them, only over them, and he’s flexible enough to routinely get the extension that he needs. He’s above average with his play-tracking and ability to see pucks through traffic, and can usually turn aside volleys of second and third chances without getting too out of sorts in his crease. His size, however, can work against him, as his movements are sometimes awkward and clunky, and he can be slow to tighten up his form and close down his holes. While there are some truly fantastic tools in his arsenal, there’s still a mountain of work that needs to be done before he could be successful in the NHL. He’s undoubtedly a worthy project to take on, but how high he’ll get picked will depend on how confident a team’s goalie staffers feel about how much they can work with him. (Derek Neumeier)

Harrison Meneghin - Goaltender - Lethbridge Hurricanes

Meneghin turned a few heads early last season with the Hurricanes, putting up some stellar performances as the team’s interim starter in place of the injured Bryan Thomson. However, his candle burned bright but flickered out quickly, as his performance started to sputter and then never quite recovered, especially after he eventually slid back into a backup role. This season he’s been the de facto starter for Lethbridge since opening night, and with the help of more experience and a defined role he’s really learned how to thrive. He checks off almost all of the main boxes for what you want in a goalie, including size, quickness, athleticism, endurance and consistency. His team lacks star power and has needed to dig in and grind to earn their points, and he’s done that with them admirably, even outright stealing a number of wins. NHL teams will need to be a little careful in scouting him, as he’s still yet to be tested in big games and his overall book of work is still very short, but the tools he possesses and the sprawling progress he’s made over the past two years cannot be ignored. If an organization would have selected him in his first year of eligibility in 2022, even as high as the 3rd or 4th round, they’d likely be thrilled right now with how that pick is looking. (Derek Neumeier)

Nate Misskey - Defense - Victoria Royals

It's a real shame that Misskey hasn't played since January 9 due to injury, because up until that point he had been steadily emerging as one of the best defensemen in the entire WHL. He's a big, smooth, right-shooting defender who reads the play well in front of him, moves pucks cleanly, and possesses a ton of poise. He's the type of player who always seems to be comfortable and in control of what's happening around him, regardless of the situation, while also being able to come through with the occasional big play at an important time. His wrist shot from the point is also a serious weapon, whether he’s shooting to score or shooting for a deflection. His overall play style is a little peculiar, as he’s not very physical for his size and is more of an east-west skater as opposed to north-south, but you can’t deny that he makes it all work for him. The rebuilding Royals are giving Misskey a lot of ice time and a long leash, and it's been very impressive to watch the huge steps forward that he's been able to take with that opportunity. (Derek Neumeier)

Josh Van Mulligen - Defense - Medicine Hat Tigers

Van Mulligen will never be the type of prospect who generates a lot of fanfare, because he's not very exciting and prefers to keep his play simple and straightforward. That doesn't mean, though, that he's not effective at what he does. Quite the opposite. On a Tigers team that loves to push the pace and create offensively he is their best defensive presence, using his long reach and workable 360-degree mobility to suffocate opposing chances by keeping his gaps tight, directing traffic into the corners, and deflecting shots. When he sticks to his man it's incredibly hard to get around him. There are still a number of things that he will need to focus on improving, including his puck handling, awareness and decision-making. It would also be nice to see him impose his will physically more often than he does. He's quite one-dimensional overall, as he rarely uses his skating to attack offensively and rarely takes risks, but he owns the right mix of tools to potentially become a modern day shutdown specialist one day. Medicine Hat is also emerging as a top team in the WHL, and that environment could help boost his development, especially if they can go on a deep playoff run or two. (Derek Neumeier)

Tyler Thorpe - Wing - Vancouver Giants

Joining the Vancouver Giants part-way through last season, Thorpe took some time to get acclimated to the WHL game, and it showed. For most of the season he seemed to be a step behind on plays and his skating, shooting, and puck skills all needed to improve. His best work on the ice came in the form of being a big-hitting forechecker in the team’s bottom six forward group. A late 2005 birthday, he seems to have grown more into his 6-foot-4, 209-pound frame recently and his game has taken a number of steps forward this season. He’s improved in almost every area, including the three mentioned above. He currently has 23 goals and 44 points but suffered a wrist injury that will keep him out until sometime before the end of the regular season. While most of his goals have come from right in front of the net collecting rebounds and loose pucks, he has displayed a better wrist shot than expected from a player who only scored four goals all of last season. (Adam Tate)

Oliver Tulk - Center - Calgary Hitmen

McKeen’s had Tulk rated as a late-round selection in his first year of eligibility last year and there’s been enough improvement this season to warrant discussion of a possible late-round selection again for the upcoming draft. A point-a-game player for the first time in his WHL career, Tulk has improved in all facets of the game, and leads Calgary in scoring. The areas that seem to have improved most for Tulk are his awareness and positioning. He’s more of a neutral zone pass disrupter this season and it’s leading to controlled zone entries and points. He’s also become more responsible in his own zone and will create takeaways along the boards and against unsuspecting defenders on the blueline. Add these new wrinkles to a motor that never stops and solid skating and you’ve got a player who is hard to play against in all three zones on the ice. The biggest knock against Tulk is his size (5-foot-9) but that’s something that can be overcome due to his high compete level. If a team takes a late round flyer on him and moves him over to the wing, he could be in the mix for a bottom six role as he matures. (Adam Tate)

Borya Valis - Wing - Prince George Cougars

Players in their third year of NHL entry draft eligibility are rarely selected, but Valis might be an exception to the rule this year. A 2004-born forward, Valis started the year with Regina and his season was trending in the right direction. He was traded to Prince George at the very end of 2023, and his scoring has taken off since the trade to the high-powered Cougars. A north-south skater who thrives as a shooter and passer off the rush despite below-average skating, he uses good hockey sense and vision to either find an open teammate or a soft area of coverage to skate into. As such, he has become a point-a-game player for the first time in his three WHL seasons. He’s also shown some defensive responsibility as well, becoming a plus player for the first time in his time in the WHL. While he won’t be a line driver at the pro level, Valis has shown enough ability this year to warrant a late-round selection. (Adam Tate)

Dominik Rymon - Wing - Everett Silvertips

After playing in the Czech U20 league in his draft season and being injured most of last season, it’s easy to see why Rymon has missed his last two opportunities to be drafted. However, this year Rymon has been a force on a surprisingly good Everett Silvertips team, currently sitting at second in team scoring. He also emerged as a key cog for Czechia at the World Juniors. As a D+2 player who stands at only 5-foot-10, Rymon is not typically the most desirable overage prospect for NHL teams to be looking at, but for him, the numbers this season speak for themselves. It’s not only the production as well, as Rymon is a very engaged player who has a skillset that could see him develop into an effective bottom-six player in the NHL. The question with Rymon is will he be able to carve out a role in the AHL next season similar to other prospects his age? His skating remains the key area of his game that needs to be improved in order to be effective at the next level. However, he makes up for that by always moving his feet and playing at a higher pace than the skating ability would suggest. Another area of his game I like is his positioning, which shows he has above-average hockey IQ. He constantly adjusts himself in order to put himself in the best position to receive the puck from his teammates. (Ben Misfeldt)

Eric Jamieson - Defense - Everett Silvertips

Another Everett Silvertip, Jamieson has stepped up as one of the team's top defenders as a D+1 prospect. Instantly, his 6-foot-3 frame is an attractive attribute for teams looking to take a swing on overage defenders in the late rounds. On the defensive side, Jamieson is effective and uses his lengthy reach and stride to keep opponents at bay in transition. In his own zone, he is excellent at being physical in front of the net and boxing out opponents using his size and physicality. The key for Jamieson moving forward is continuing to improve his puck play and to show he can be an effective puck mover in transition at the next level. As of right now, he is a safe, reliable puck-mover but doesn’t flash the quickness in transition that you typically see of modern day NHL defenders. However, he already has a lot of other tools that are going to excite teams, including his above average skating, helped by his long stride that allows him to gain a step on opponents rather easily. (Ben Misfeldt)

Rylan Gould - Wing - Swift Current Broncos

Gould is a smaller, D+1 forward who has drastically improved his overall game from last season. It’s not a stretch to say he went from fringe WHLer last season to impactful top-six forward this year. With Gould, the skating and skill instantly stands out. It makes it hard to believe this was a player who scored just four points all of last season. His trajectory also makes him an interesting draft prospect. While typically overagers have excellent year-over-year progression, very few have progressed to the extent that Gould has. Right away, you can see the soft hands as being a key element to his success this season. Plus, he is an intelligent playmaker who creates offense with his reads and makes plenty of cheeky passes that often lead to scoring chances. What really excites me about Gould is that I feel he is still a very raw prospect at this point with tremendous upside to improve his game over the next few seasons. He is still incredibly new to being an impactful WHLer and has barely had time to figure out how to use his skill effectively. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take his game to further new heights next season. (Ben Misfeldt)

OHL

Anthony Romani of the North Bay Battalion. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Anthony Romani - Wing - North Bay Battalion

A top contender for the Red Tilson as the OHL’s best player, Romani has exploded in his draft plus one season, emerging as one of the league’s best offensive players. As part of a terrific first line (along with Dalyn Wakely and Owen Van Steensel), Romani has already doubled his production from last year. Meant to be a compliment, Romani is one of the quietest top scorers in recent memory. By quiet, I mean that he’s not a dynamic showstopper like some of the others competing with Romani for the Red Tilson (David Goyette, Quentin Musty, Denver Barkey, Carson Rehkopf, etc). Romani isn’t the quickest. He’s not the most physical. He’s not someone who dazzles with one-on-one moves or who explodes from end to end. He’s quietly effective because of how well he thinks the game; he’s consistently one step ahead of the competition and the defensive schemes utilized to try to slow him down. His game is predicated by quick touches and by off puck reads. He times his cuts so well and he understands spacing and how to support puck carriers. Armed with a massively improved shot, he gets himself consistent looks in dangerous areas by sliding between coverage. Equal parts playmaker and goal scorer, there’s such an efficiency to his game. Even without above average skating ability or physical tools, it’s easy to see him developing into a middle six support player at the next level. One thing that will need to improve is his defensive and physical play. I believe those components of his game have taken a step back this year in response to how well he’s been playing offensively. Much like Yegor Sidorov last year, I’d be shocked if Romani wasn’t selected inside the first four rounds. (Brock Otten)

Marco Mignosa - Wing - Soo Greyhounds

Mignosa has had a terrific year as an offensive support player for the Greyhounds, taking a nice step forward in a lot of areas that prevented him from being drafted last year. Not unlike Romani, Mignosa’s game is built around his high IQ and processing ability. He’s not a dynamic skater or physical player, but he has great vision in the offensive end and understands how to leverage time and space working the half wall area. Definitely more of a pass first player, Mignosa could eventually be a solid middle six option for an NHL team. Scouts are likely to be impressed by the improvements he’s made this year to his off puck play and overall defensive effort. Now a solid two-way player, Mignosa is valued for his versatility. Is he a lock to be selected? Definitely not. There’s still going to be concern that his lack of physical tools makes him unlikely to play that same kind of two-way, middle six role at the next level (think Austen Keating). However, he’s worth mentioning in this list. (Brock Otten)

Owen Allard - Center - Soo Greyhounds

Despite being a year older and having worse offensive numbers, I’d put Allard at having a much higher chance of being selected this year than teammate Mignosa. Look, the offensive upside is going to be limited. Allard isn’t going to be confused with Connor McDavid any time soon. But he has a lot of desirable tools for the potential role he could play as a bottom six, PK anchor down the middle. The size and quickness combination is impressive. Allard has good hands in tight and knows how to play net front (as shown at this year’s World Juniors). He competes hard in all three zones and brings a consistent level of physicality. The puckhandling and passing ability will need to continue to improve, but the basic foundation of a defensive rock is there. In the cap era, developing players like Allard to be excellent bottom six players is crucial, as the Tampa Bay Lightning have proven. (Brock Otten)

Matt Buckley - Wing - Oshawa Generals

Make no mistake, Buckley is going to be a contender to lead the league in goal scoring by the time he graduates from the OHL (considering he’s a likely OA candidate down the road). His shot and scoring ability is that good. I’d grade his shot among the highest of any player available from the OHL this year. If he got more powerplay time, I think he’d be pushing for 40 goals this year. He one times pucks cleanly and has such a quick release on his wrist shot. Overall, Buckley has been one of the most improved 2005’s in the OHL this season. That said, is he likely to be drafted? It does seem unlikely until other areas of his game take another step. He’s not big. He’s best described as an average skater at the OHL level (let alone the NHL level). His off puck play and decision making with the puck are still developing. He has one plus tool (his shot), with the rest grading out as average to below average. As part of a quality, young, Oshawa team, he’s going to continue to improve and that may be enough to entice someone. (Brock Otten)

Trent Swick - Wing - Kitchener Rangers

Massive winger who is finally healthy this year and it’s had a really positive impact on his development. The 6’6, 210lbs power forward has been one of the OHL’s most improved players this season. The skating has improved a lot and that’s helped him to keep up with the pace of play a lot better this year. Now, he still has a ways to go to be pro ready, but it’s a very positive step to see him improve his quickness and agility. Overall, Swick is a player who has a clear understanding of how to leverage his size advantage at this level. He plays that classic power game. He drives the net. He hangs out near the crease as a screen. He works the wall and keeps his feet moving. He plays physical and works hard in the defensive end too. The puck skill and creativity are fairly limited, but the IQ and vision are good for a player of his ilk. I think it’s more likely that NHL teams wait until his OA year (to see further development) before securing his rights, but his size and production will be intriguing to some teams. (Brock Otten)

Dalyn Wakely - Center - North Bay Battalion

For Wakely, the improvements this year have come from his improved consistency and three zone engagement. A highly talented player coming through minor hockey in Ontario, the knock on Wakely has always been consistency. This year, he’s found a way to find that extra gear to make him one of the OHL’s best pivots this season. A classic, power center, Wakely’s game is all about his strong puck protection skill. He’s very difficult to separate from the puck, especially as he’s driving the middle. He has very soft hands and he’s great at using his edges to manipulate space to keep defenders on his back. The increased physical engagement level this year has really helped to drive his increased production on that great top line, as he’s working hard to earn touches and drive the pace of play for the Battalion. Is he an NHL prospect? I’m not entirely sure. The skating only grades out as average and I wonder about the type of role he could play at the next level where his size and puck protection ability become less of a dominant factor for him. That said, he unquestionably belongs on this list and with a strong OHL playoff performance this year, he could secure a place on someone’s draft board. (Brock Otten)

Owen Van Steensel - Wing - North Bay Battalion

The third member of that terrific top line in North Bay, Van Steensel is the straw that stirs the drink a lot of the time. He’s the best skater of the three; he’s the high energy piece that helps the trio gain the zone or secure possession on the forecheck. He loves to push the pace and he has a positive North/South attacking mindset. If you recall, he was a favourite late round target of mine at the 2022 NHL Draft, but a lack of size and projection prevented him from being selected. With the improvements that he’s made to his offensive game this year, in particular his shot, his puckhandling ability, and his decision making, NHL teams are likely to have taken notice as it has improved his projection as a pro. It’s very conceivable, even without terrific size (at 5’11), that Van Steensel could be a quality third line option at the NHL level playing a similar kind of role. We saw the Edmonton Oilers sign Brady Stonehouse last year after the draft and Van Steensel has a better projection as a pro IMO. (Brock Otten)

Beau Jelsma - Center - Barrie Colts

It seems like it’s only a matter of time before an NHL team secures Jelsma’s rights. He’s just one of those guys who consistently pops off as one of the best players on the ice when you watch Barrie play. The same was said last year when he went unselected. The same can be said this year. He’s small in stature, but he’s stocky and has a strong lower half that drives his strong skating ability and off puck play. He has a lot of the qualities that undersized (5’9) forwards have that do find success at the NHL level; he’s quick, he’s tenacious, he’s skilled, and he’s inside driven. I actually believe that he can stick at center too because of his improved work at the dot and defensive consistency. The one thing going against him this year is Barrie’s disappointing team success with him as an offensive leader. But with some strong draft eligible talent, NHL scouts would have seen Jelsma take the reins on numerous occasions. If he’s not selected, look for Jelsma to have a fantastic overage year and secure an NHL ELC that way. (Brock Otten)

Finn Harding - Defense - Mississauga Steelheads

There’s a lot to like here from this right shot defender who has improved a ton in his draft plus one year. Harding has good size. He has good mobility. He plays a sound game at both ends of the ice and brings a physical element. He’s not a dynamic offensive defender and doesn’t project as a powerplay quarterback at the next level, but he moves the puck quickly and efficiently to help start the breakout. As he learns to trust his feet even more, I would expect the offensive production to increase further. Harding’s bread and butter at the pro level could be his defensive game. We look at how a guy like Jalen Chatfield has worked his way to being an NHL regular with the Hurricanes and Harding has similar qualities to his game that could make him valuable in today’s NHL. (Brock Otten)

Sam Hillebrandt - Goaltender - Barrie Colts

One of the best stories in the OHL this year. Hillebrandt went from playing in Junior C a year ago to being named as the third goalie for team USA at the World Junior Championships this year. Since returning from Sweden, Hillebrandt has been one of the best goalies in the OHL too, even if Barrie has struggled as a team. The 6’1 netminder is fifth in the OHL save percentage as of writing this, but has been even better than that lately. He has quick pads and holds his posts well, showing a strong lateral push to help him track the play. His compete level in the crease is also excellent; he never seems to give up on a play and he’s hit the OHL highlight reel a lot lately with his scrambling saves. He makes good use of his average size by challenging shooters well and fighting for sight lines. Tracking, rebound control, and overall technical consistency remain works in progress, but his overall progress this year has him on the NHL draft radar. (Brock Otten)

QMJHL

Halifax, Nova Scotia - Feb 18: Miles Mueller #17 of the Moncton Wildcats takes a shot during the QMJHL game between the Halifax Mooseheads and Moncton Wildcats on February 18 2024 at the Scotiabank Center in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Trevor MacMillan/Halifax Mooseheads)

Miles Müller - Wing - Moncton Wildcats

After a disappointing season last year in terms of points, Müller had a lot to prove if he wanted to be drafted in the NHL. After 50 games, he has already doubled his point total from last year with the Moncton Wildcats. The young native of Switzerland is slowly emerging as one of the top offensive players on his team. He plays a hard game, always charging along the boards to get the puck, using his 6’0 at his advantage to win 50/50 battles. While his skating is not the most efficient, his strength gives him an explosive first few strides, and he takes advantage of it to generate good shots here and there. His shooting is his strongest offensive asset, as he easily finds highly dangerous shooting lanes. He is intense, and he never gives up on a play. He plays well enough in defence to get a good amount of time on the penalty kill, and he also gets time on the powerplay. On a better structured team in the pros, he will surely get even better as he plays already well away from the puck, reading passing lanes and placing himself in dangerous positions to score. He is starting to show more and more about what he could be at the next level and if he continues to improve at this rate, he is a player that should be drafted in the upcoming draft. (Jeremy Tremblay)

Antonin Verreault - Wing - Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

After getting passed over two times at the NHL draft, Antonin Verreault is on a revenge tour. Leading the QMJHL in points by a good margin, he surely has more eyes on him than ever before. For a player who is currently playing his DY+2 in the league, he has more points than a lot of players that are playing their last year in the QMJHL. He will still play in the league next season (in all likelihood), and he should be dominant. Yeah, he’s 5’8”; Verreault is a small player that struggles with his physical play, but with the intensity and the speed that he brings, he shows why he scores that much. He isn’t afraid to cut to the net with the puck, to fight in front of the net and take rebounds or to battle in the corner and get the puck. Not only is he intense, but he is also an intelligent player that knows what he will do with the puck before receiving it. He will have to step up some part of his game, like his defensive ability and puck handling. His size is clearly keeping him away from getting drafted, but for a player that produces that much and has a lot of quality attributes, why not take a chance on him? He should be a serious option in the later rounds. (Jeremy Tremblay)

Jordan Tourigny - Defense - Shawinigan Cataractes

When Jordan Tourigny wasn’t selected last year, it was a little bit surprising. He had a good season, enough to be regarded as a potential pick towards the end of the draft. He was already known for his skating ability and his offensive upside, but it seems that NHL teams didn’t see enough in his game to select him. That didn’t stop Tourigny from working on his game, and since then, he has gained a lot of confidence and strength, making him even more interesting now. There are few defenders in the QMJHL that move the puck like Tourigny. He is a mobile defender that is not afraid to go in the offensive zone with the puck. He uses his edges well to create space and with his speed, he generates a lot of scoring chances on the rush. While his statistics remain similar to last year, his defensive and transition game have evolved a lot. Defensively, he uses his stick to intercept and his speed to win battles. In transition, he takes control of the puck more frequently, bringing the puck from one end to the other and generating scoring chances. His decision-making in his own zone is still something to work on. Too often, his passes in the breakout are obvious and get intercepted. If he can simplify his game and be more effective in his own zone, will it be enough to get drafted this time? (Jeremy Tremblay)

Matyas Melovsky - Center - Baie-Comeau Drakkar

The young player from Czechia is currently playing his second season in the QMJHL. Playing with the strong Baie-Comeau Drakkar’s team, his chance to get drafted may finally be there, especially after a standout performance at the World Junior Championships. Matyas Melovsky is a player that could bring a lot to his team as he plays not only on the powerplay but also on the penalty kill. His mobility is something that shows off easily while watching him as he likes to carry the puck from one end to the other. With his puck protection and his puck control, it is easy for him at the junior level to pass around the defender and attack the net. If his speed continues to improve in the years to come, there is no doubt that he will be able to do that in the big league too. While he is a slightly above average passer and shooter, he generates most offence primarily due to his understanding of the game and his presence around the net. This understanding of the game really puts him on another level, proving that he is ready for the next step. With his impressive combativeness, pace of play and skills, the NHL team that will take a chance on him could assure a top 9 player with a late pick in the draft. (Jeremy Tremblay)

Preston Lounsbury - Center - Moncton Wildcats

The linemate of Miles Muller, Preston Lounsbury, is also a player to keep an eye on. At 19 years old, he has improved a lot this season, doubling his points from last year. Close to one point per game, he plays a really intelligent game, placing the puck at places that create a lot of scoring chances. He is primarily a playmaker, as he always looks for a passing line, faking shots to pass or dangling around one player to open the lane. With his high IQ game, he seems to always know the next play before having the puck. His execution is what’s holding him back from scoring a lot more. His passes are often a little too soon or a little too late, deflecting on the defender. He knows what the right play is, but the timing just isn’t there… yet. Soon enough, he will learn to play at his high pace, and his skating ability will make a bigger difference then. He is also a responsible player, well positioned in his own zone and playing on the penalty kill here and there. Working as hard as he does, making it difficult for his opponent by intercepting a lot of pucks and playing with a lot of energy really makes him like an interesting pick at the upcoming draft. (Jeremy Tremblay)

Joseph Henneberry - Center - Victoriaville Tigres

While Henneberry won’t blow you away with his stats, being around a point per game as a 19-year-old player, there is a lot to like. He was traded a few weeks ago to Victoriaville, but this seemingly hasn’t fazed him, as he has continued producing at around the same pace, and looks very comfortable with his new linemates, already making creative plays, already showing chemistry. His skating mechanics are really advanced; he is super stable on his feet, very agile and evasive, great pace, just an all-around solid skater. More explosiveness could be added, but it’s about it. He creates plays in any situation, can play the inside and the outside, knows how to utilize his size, controls the puck well, and has a great shot. Henneberry has everything going for him and to me he has all the chances in the world to become an impactful player in the NHL someday, most likely towards the bottom of a lineup, but still an impactful player. He is not a lock to be drafted by any means, but I would not be surprised if he catches the eye of an NHL team and gets picked towards the later rounds in the draft. (Jeremi Plourde)

Justin Larose - Wing - Victoriaville Tigres

Another Player from Victoriaville, but quite different from Henneberry. Larose really came out of nowhere, jumping from only 24 points in 68 games in his draft year last year to scoring well above a point per game pace this year (67 points in 56 games). Standing at 5’9, Justin Larose is small, but deadly. He is as good of a passer as he is a goal scorer, with 33 goals and 34 assists this season. Larose is at his most dangerous when he is around the net; with his quick and accurate release, he is able to score a ton of goals from below the hash marks. In fact, all but four of his goals this year are from below that mark, close to the net. Larose loves to execute controlled zone entries with the puck and make things happen out of it. He cuts inside with ease, even making use of his body to protect the puck even given his small frame, which is a common important trait for smaller sized forwards. Overall, Larose is just a smaller forward with all the desirable traits to be an effective potential NHLer one day, which is why there is a possibility he is given a shot by an NHL team this year. (Jeremi Plourde)

Mathis Rousseau - Goaltender - Halifax Mooseheads

Most people probably got familiar with Rousseau from this year’s world juniors, where he started in all 5 games for team Canada and honestly had a pretty decent showing overall, with many highlight-reel saves, but also some lower moments. That being said, Rousseau is no stranger to anyone who closely follows the QMJHL, as he has been clearly one of the best goaltenders in the league. He currently holds the second place amongst goaltenders in save percentage, with a .922%. His record is even more impressive: 27 – 5 – 4. Rousseau does play for a very talented Halifax team, who will be looking to win it all this year after losing in the finals to the Quebec Remparts, but he has been a major part of the Mooseheads’ success in the past couple of years, and has only gotten better. His main strength is his lateral agility; he can slide from a post to another with ease while keeping his entire body straight and fully extending his legs, covering most of the net. His pure reflexes are often notably quick. Only downside in terms of NHL projection is the height. Standing at only 5’11, this might scare off quite a few GMs and scouting staffs. It is true that when a shot is screened and placed towards the top of the net, he can struggle to stop it. Rousseau has even scored a goal this year, which is always pretty fun to see. Out of any goaltenders in the QMJHL, he is the most likely to be drafted, especially when you factor in his world juniors performance and experience. (Jeremi Plourde)

Markus Vidicek - Center - Halifax Mooseheads

Vidicek is probably one of the most well-known overagers from the QMJHL, as he was fairly highly regarded in his draft year back in 2022. Not near the first round by any means, but highly enough to expect him to be drafted towards the end of the draft. He ended up not being selected that year and was overlooked once again by NHL teams last year after putting up 80 points in 68 games. His development is continuing well this year, with 77 points in only 55 games, which makes him 4th in scoring in the Q. He has been putting up these numbers without the help of Jordan Dumais for the majority of the year, which has been one of the criticisms around his game in the past couple of years. There are some flaws with Vidicek, such as size and skating (especially pure speed, but he’s decently agile), but the flashes are too great to not at least consider drafting him. Every now and then he is capable of pulling off high end flashy moves. His two main attributes are his passing skills and his stickhandling, but he has also been able to score a ton of goals this season, developing furthermore his goalscoring instincts and his shot mechanics. Although his NHL projectability is questionable, he is definitely the premier option when it comes down to available overagers in the QMJHL this year. (Jeremi Plourde)

Samuel St-Hilaire - Goaltender - Sherbrooke Phoenix

In only his second season in the QMJHL, St-Hilaire has already shown that he is one of the best and most consistent goaltenders in the league. With a .921 save percentage in 27 starts, he sits third in that regard in the entire league, only .005% short of first place. He is still only 19 years old, and would still have many years left of development before making it to the NHL if the occasion presented itself, but he is undoubtedly, along with Mathis Rousseau, the best available goaltender from the QMJHL in this year’s draft. Standing at 6’2, St-Hilaire is not particularly big as a goaltender, and doesn’t play big in his net either, but that has not seemed to be a problem in his career so far. He is quite mobile when moving and sliding laterally, meaning he does not get out of position quite often; he seems in control of the play all the time. I would say that identifying the puck when screened could be something he might want to look out for, but it obviously gets better with experience. Another thing is low shots close to the posts, but then again this is a common weak point for many goaltenders. (Jeremi Plourde)

Julius Sumpf - Center - Moncton Wildcats

It’s been a very successful first season in the QMJHL for Sumpf, who was able to work around the Import Draft and sign as a free agent with Moncton due to his dual citizenship. He’s been a strong supporting cast member for Moncton, especially elevating his play post World Juniors, where he performed well for Germany. A strong skating, two-way center, Sumpf is a solid playmaker who uses his speed well to push pace and lead the attack. His pro projection is going to be completely tied to his ability to continue to add strength to become more consistent playing through traffic, and to help him become a little more physically engaged. The IQ and skating in his 6’2 frame are intriguing and he has played well overall. It wouldn’t shock me at all if he were selected this year. (Brock Otten)

Benjamin Brunelle - Wing - Rouyn Noranda Huskies

Brunelle is a power winger who has been a consistent secondary scorer and high energy player for the dominant Huskies this season. He likely doesn’t have a ton of upside for the pro level, but his puck protection ability, tenacious approach, and improving skating, wrapped in a 6’3 frame, are likely to interest NHL scouts this year. He drives wide with speed well and is able to keep the puck in his hip pocket to drive the net to create scoring chances in the slot. He works the wall well and is active in puck pursuit, both on the forecheck and backcheck. Perhaps NHL teams take a wait and see approach with him to see how his offensive skills develop further when he eventually takes on a larger offensive role with the Huskies, but, as is, the physical tools could make him a potential checking line or depth option at the pro level. (Brock Otten)

Peter Repcik - Center - Drummondville Voltigeurs

Now on his fourth CHL franchise, things seemed to have finally clicked for Repcik, as he has emerged as an offensive star in the QMJHL for Drummondville. Internationally, Repcik has always looked good for Slovakia, but that had yet to translate to consistent offensive production in the CHL since he was drafted as an Import a few years ago. A dynamic player in transition, Repcik does most of his damage when the pace increases. He is highly skilled and does possess significant offensive upside. However, he’s a pretty much non factor without the puck and his decision making with the puck does leave some to be desired. He’s very much a draft long shot, but does deserve mention on this list for finally showing some progression this year. (Brock Otten)

BCHL

Rylan Brown - Defense - Okotoks Oilers

The son of former NHLer Sean Brown, Rylan decided to stay in Okotoks for a second season after going undrafted last summer and that decision is now paying dividends for him. The Oilers have a good track record recently when it comes to producing talented prospects and now have a new Junior A star on their hands. He is a confident, explosive defender who is trusted to have the puck on his stick a lot, for obvious reasons. He uses his feet to escape pressure and open up space with ease and has a great attack mentality in the offensive zone. There is high-end quarterback ability on display when he works the powerplay, as the puck can flow through him as the main conduit. Despite a lack of size and strength he isn't afraid to grind or take bumps when the situation calls for it, and there is a legitimate edge to how he thinks and processes the game. His skating ability and puck skills are already established, and he can now spend the next few seasons putting in the necessary work on his physical endurance and resiliency before hitting the pro ranks. (Derek Neumeier)

Luke Ashton - Defense - Langley Rivermen

Profiled recently in my Tier 2 write up, Ashton is a physically imposing blueliner who has impressed with his considerable improvement this year. He has broken out in a huge way after a trade from Vernon to Langley in the BCHL, which has allowed Ashton to blossom into one of the BCHL’s top defenders and it has led to a commitment to Minnesota State. The 6’5 blueliner is more than just a physically imposing rearguard with a big shot. He has impressive linear skating ability that he uses to lead the charge in transition and his quick hands allow him to consistently carve up the neutral zone. The overall skating profile does need work and the decision making with the puck is still developing, but the physical tools here are very alluring. This is a big defender with great two-way upside who has already shown an ability to improve his skill set and projection. (Brock Otten)

Francesco Dell’Elce - Defense - Penticton Vees

Another player highlighted in my look at the tier 2 defender, Dell’Elce was ranked inside our top 100 for last year’s draft, but went undrafted due to projection concerns over his defensive ability. The UMass commit decided to head to the tremendous Penticton program before going to school and it’s had a positive impact on his development, placing him back on the draft radar. Dell’Elce’s best asset is still his skating ability, in particular his impressive edgework and linear quickness. He routinely beats the initial layer of pressure, regardless of whether he’s quarterbacking the powerplay or trying to escape the forecheck in his own end. As expected, he’s been one of the best offensive defenders in the BCHL this season. Defensively, his game has shown growth, but is simultaneously still a work in progress. He has a good stick, but still must gain the strength needed to defend high traffic areas more effectively. This is where UMass comes in. I’d still advocate for Dell’Elce to be a selection, especially considering how well the UMass program has developed defenders in the last decade. (Brock Otten)

AJHL

Easton Hewson - Defense - Calgary Canucks

A classic late bloomer, Hewson was playing AA up until only a few years ago and was not selected in the WHL draft. He’s now become one of the better two-way defenders in the AJHL (as only an ‘05) and has secured a scholarship from Minnesota State. The foundation of his game is his skating ability. He is an impressive mover for a 6’4, 200lbs defender. He routinely looks to lead the charge and push up ice to gain the offensive blueline and with long, galloping strides, he covers ground quickly. His first few strides still need work, but once he builds speed, he’s tough to stop. Hewson also flashes high end skill and is able to navigate traffic well. As a defensive player, Hewson is very physical in open ice, aggressively seeking out open ice hit opportunities. The raw, physical tools are just very intriguing. It’s safe to say Minnesota State has a type. The application of said tools is just very, very raw. He needs to pick his spots better to apply himself physically and to take chances offensively. For a player with his size, reach, and mobility, he could stand to be even more consistent in the defensive end. Five years down the road when he is graduating from Minnesota State, what will he look like? NHL scouts typically love players like this. (Brock Otten)

CCHL

Dawson Labre - Goaltender - Smiths Falls Bears

Another player mentioned in my tier 2 piece, Labre was a standout at the World Junior A Challenge, even if he had a poor performance in the gold medal game. However, since returning from the WJAC, Labre has been nearly unbeatable for Smiths Falls. The easy comparison to make here is to Devon Levi given that both players came out of nowhere to dominate the WJAC and CCHL. Let’s be clear that Labre is not on that level. However, he is still an interesting prospect as a late bloomer with an intriguing commitment to a solid school like Ohio State. Overall, I think part of the reason why Labre is so successful is that he is a competitor. He makes a lot of second/third chance save opportunities and tracks the play fairly well to try to square up shooters. He’s not the world’s best athlete in the crease; there’s room for him to improve his quickness post to post, but he controls his body well to remain square. When Labre struggles to make an initial save it’s generally because he’s not aggressive enough. It would not shock me at all if Labre was a late round selection this year based on his size and rapid development curve, even if he’s in his final year of draft eligibility. (Brock Otten)

2024 NHL DRAFT: Top “Tier 2” Players Available with Video – Part One – Goaltending and Defense

Brock Otten — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:00:15 +0000

_{Francesco Dell’Elce of the Penticton Vees (Cherie Morgan Photography)}

McKeen's Director of Scouting, Brock Otten, provides a close examination of all the top "Tier 2" players available for the draft this year (USHS, BCHL, CJHL, etc). The first in the series highlights the goaltenders and defense.

Goaltenders

Sebastian Gatto - Leamington Flyers (OJHL)

6’3, 185lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 55, Compete/Temperament: 55, Play Reading: 55, Technique: 47.5, Rebound Control: 50, Puck Handling: 45

OFP: 52.125

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/sebastian_gatto_-_1st_period_16_54_-_17_7.mp4

Notes: The former Honeybaked and Muskegon (USHL) netminder came North of the border to play this year in Leamington and the move has paid off in a big way. Gatto finds himself second (as of writing this) in the OJHL in save percentage, which is a very impressive feat for an 18-year-old. Gatto is an impressive athlete in the crease and it allows him to be extremely aggressive in challenging shooters. Given his natural size, this gives him a major advantage as he looks to cut down angles and fight through screens. Gatto is also great in goal-mouth scramble situations as he has quick pads that kick out shots and he holds his posts well, a testament to a strong lower body. He controls rebounds pretty well to the upper half of the net and exhibits a strong glove hand, limiting second-chance opportunities. From a technical perspective, Gatto is a major work in progress. His body control needs work as he tends to open up massive holes as he moves in his crease. This makes him susceptible to shots squeaking through the five-hole and through his body. Additionally, when he’s trying to move to set up position, he doesn’t always have his angles covered and can give up weaker goals as forwards push East/West to create shooting lanes. A member of Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge, he probably played his worst game of the year in his lone start at the event against the United States. Watching that game, compared to his usual OJHL performance, it was obvious how nervous he was. The next step for Gatto remains to be seen as he is currently without an NCAA commitment. He could sign with an OHL team as a free agent, or he could commit at any time, likely to a major NCAA program. If drafted, an NHL team would likely steer him in one direction or another. Gatto will be a very intriguing mid-late-round prospect for NHL teams this year based on his size and athleticism.

Dawson Labre - Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL)

6’3, 180lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 50, Compete/Temperament: 55, Play Reading: 50, Technique: 50, Rebound Control: 50, Puck Handling: 50

OFP: 50.75

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dawson_labre_-_2nd_period_24_26_-_24_39-1.mp4

Notes: A breakout star at the World Junior A Challenge, Labre is a 2004-born netminder in his final year of draft eligibility. He has been one of the CCHL’s best netminders this year and has parlayed his strong performance into a commitment to Ohio State. Now we’re not talking about Devon Levi's levels of dominance here, but Labre has been very impressive overall. Impressive enough to be drafted? That remains unlikely, but he is worthy of mentioning in this article. Overall, I think part of the reason why Labre is so successful is that he is a competitor. He makes a lot of second/third chance save opportunities and tracks the play fairly well to try to square up shooters. He’s not the world’s best athlete in the crease; there’s room for him to improve his quickness post to post, but he controls his body well to remain square. When Labre struggles to make an initial save it’s generally because he’s not aggressive enough. He gets himself caught too deep in his crease and, even with his size, it prevents him from seeing through screens or cutting down angles appropriately. We saw this in the gold medal game at the World Junior A Challenge when he had a bad game against Canada West. At the higher levels, this will be exposed and it needs to be the focal point of his development moving forward.

Stephen Peck - Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL)

6’2, 175lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 45, Compete/Temperament: 55, Play Reading: 55, Technique: 55, Rebound Control: 55, Puck Handling: 45

OFP: 52

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/stephen_peck_-_2nd_period_37_32_-_37_45.mp4

Notes: We ranked Peck pretty aggressively last year (106th) after a terrific season with Avon Old Farms in the prep circuit, but he ended up going unselected. This year, Peck has taken his talents to the NAHL with Bismarck and his strong season has put him back on the scouting map as a re-entry. What’s most impressive about Peck’s year is that he’s improved considerably since the start of the season. Things didn’t start great for him, but he’s been nearly unbeatable the last few months. The University of Michigan commit even got a cup of coffee in the USHL with Muskegon, winning his only appearance. Peck remains a calming presence in the crease because of his play-tracking ability, strong positioning, and excellent rebound control. He limits second-chance opportunities and always seems to be in a great position to make the initial save when play moves North/South. However, it doesn’t appear that his quickness/agility has improved from last year and until that happens, his upside as a pro will be limited. He’s still susceptible to being caught out of position when the play moves quickly East/West and he struggles to get in and out of the butterfly to make second-chance saves when needed, or when he has to react to a redirect or blocked shot. IMO, athleticism can be improved. And this is why I’d still advocate for Peck to be selected this year. He has a chance to be a long-term starter as part of a great program in Michigan (with Barczewski graduating and Peck/Korpi coming in) and he’s going to get the off-ice development needed to improve the weaker points of his game.

Ajay White - Chippewa Steel (NAHL)

6’3, 190lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 50, Compete/Temperament: 50, Play Reading: 55, Technique: 50, Rebound Control: 50, Puck Handling: 50

OFP: 51.25

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ajay_white_-_3rd_period_5_7_-_5_20.mp4

Notes: A classic butterfly stopper, White has had a strong first season in higher-level hockey, after coming up through the minor ranks in Philadelphia. The University of St. Thomas commit has played the majority of the year with Chippewa of the NAHL but did see some limited action with Sioux City of the USHL. His good size does give him an advantage, especially when he’s aggressive in challenging shooters. He can square up shooters well head on and he competes for sight lines to make saves through traffic. He catches and traps pucks cleanly on shots to the body and does a good job of limiting second-chance opportunities. White is also a confident puck handler and is active in trying to play the puck like a third defender. But, much of his game is a work in progress. He can drop down into the butterfly too early and this makes him susceptible to high shots, in addition to forcing him to scramble unnecessarily during plays in the slot. White also can struggle to push consistently East/West and this means that he does not always cover his angles appropriately, often leaving the short side susceptible. The overall skill set is solid, but nothing screams top-notch goaltending prospect. Given his size and rapid improvement, it would not be surprising to see him selected late, but I would have other preferences for the position.

Aiden Wright - New Hampshire Mountain Kings (NAHL)

6’1, 180lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 55, Compete/Temperament: 55, Play Reading: 55, Technique: 50, Rebound Control: 45, Puck Handling: 50

OFP: 52.25

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/aiden_wright_-_1st_overtime_6_0_-_6_27.mp4

Notes: Wright, a former Carolina Jr. Hurricanes product, has played the majority of this year with New Hampshire of the NAHL, but recently had his rights transferred to Youngstown of the USHL where he has played outstanding in limited action. Currently without an NCAA commitment, Wright is a prospect worth taking note of considering his rapid ascension through the U.S. hockey ranks. Wright’s combination of athleticism and compete are impressive. He covers his posts extremely well and never gives up on plays, pushing laterally to try to make saves in goal mouth scrambles and off rebounds. Sometimes Wright is too quick moving laterally to the point where he takes himself out of position, but that can be corrected as he learns to refine his movements. Wright also excels in reading the play, showing above-average tracking tendencies that allow him to be quick to square up shooters. Goaltending coaches, as Wright moves up the ladder, will definitely work with him to eliminate some scrambling tendencies as he can drop down into the butterfly too early. The main area of need would be rebound control. Wright has really active pads, but too many rebounds kick back into the slot and he can struggle to catch pucks cleanly through traffic. Given that he doesn’t possess elite size, this will likely be concerning to NHL scouts. All that said, he’s had a very impressive year split between the NAHL and USHL. If he can continue to play well down the stretch and into the USHL playoffs, Wright should put himself firmly on the NHL draft radar (despite being unranked by NHL Central Scouting at midseason).

Marko Bilic - Cushing Academy (USHS-Prep)

6’3, 180lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 55, Compete/Temperament: 50, Play Reading: 55, Technique: 55, Rebound Control: 47.5, Puck Handling: 45

OFP: 52.125

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/marko_bilic_-_3rd_period_16_54_-_17_17.mp4

Notes: A former minor hockey teammate of Sam Dickinson and Beckett Sennecke (as part of the GTHL’s Toronto Marlboros), Bilic decided to head to Prep school south of the border this year. As part of Cushing Academy, Bilic has been one of the top netminders in Prep hockey this season. The program is not without success stories too, with NHL breakout star Joey Daccord drafted out of Cushing in 2015. The Arizona State commit has impressive athleticism considering his 6’3 frame. He moves well post to post, but also up and down out of the butterfly. His impressive body control at an early age speaks volumes to the work that he has put in already to improve his craft. With excellent agility and solid play-reading tendencies, Bilic has a penchant for making difficult saves look easy. The one obvious weakness for him right now is rebound control, which is not uncommon for younger netminders. Not only do his pads kick out second-chance opportunities, but Bilic can struggle to trap pucks to his chest and that often puts him in scramble mode. Drafting netminders out of prep school can be daunting, but there have been some terrific success stories. Ranked 15th by NHL Central Scouting at midseason, Bilic would appear to be a solid candidate to be selected this year, something that I would agree with. He’s come a long way since his time in the GTHL.

Kam Hendrickson - Chanhassen High (USHS-MN)

6’0, 170lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 50, Compete/Temperament: 55, Play Reading: 52.5, Technique: 55, Rebound Control: 52.5, Puck Handling: 45

OFP: 52

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/kam_hendrickson_-_1st_period_9_34_-_9_49.mp4

Notes: Here’s a stat for you, Hendrickson has let in more than one goal only five times this entire season. Here’s another one, Henrickson made 43 saves to help Chanhassen High upset Minnetonka High (handing them their first loss of the season) in the state playoffs recently. Currently without an NCAA commitment, Hendrickson did join the U.S. Hlinka/Gretzky team last summer as a third-stringer and participated in Chicago Steel (USHL) training camp. Let’s state the obvious, Hendrickson doesn’t have the size NHL scouts are looking for these days, even if his height is listed differently across many outlets (US Hockey lists him at 6’0). What you’ll notice about Hendrickson is how calm and composed he is in the crease. Very quiet in his movement. Always seems to have his angles covered. Challenges shooters to compensate for a lack of size. He limits second-chance opportunities. From a technical point of view, he’s very solid. Reminds me a lot of watching Stephen Peck last year. A right-catching goalie, Hendrickson does get beat glove side from time to time and doesn’t always catch pucks cleanly, so that will be an area of focus for him moving forward. Additionally, for his lack of length, he’s certainly not the quickest goalie post to post and he can struggle at times to get out quick to the top of the blue paint quick enough to cut down angles, leaving him too deep in his crease. With him not being ranked by NHL Central Scouting, I would imagine that they felt his play style and lack of size would leave him susceptible to the quicker pace of higher levels. All that said, I love his compete level. He battles hard to make second and third-chance saves and I’ve read a lot about his terrific work ethic. NHL scouts may opt to wait to see him perform at a higher level first (just as they did with Peck), but he fully deserves to be on the NHL draft radar.

Defense

Francesco Dell’Elce - Penticton Vees (BCHL)

6’0, 175lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 52.5, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 45

OFP: 52

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/francesco_dell_elce_-_2nd_period_3_44_-_3_56.mp4

Notes: Now in his second year of NHL draft eligibility, Dell’Elce delayed his commitment to UMass to play a year with powerhouse Penticton of the BCHL. The move has largely been a positive one for him, serving as a bridge between the prep scene (with St. Andrew’s College) and the competitive Hockey East. As of writing this, Dell’Elce leads Penticton in defenseman scoring (well ahead of Detroit Red Wings prospect Larry Keenan) and sits fourth in the BCHL. This strong play has him returning to the discussion as a draft candidate. The reality is that Dell’Elce is still the player we thought he was last year when we ranked him just inside of our top 100. He’s transitioned seamlessly to the BCHL level from the prep scene. His skating is still an asset for him. He’s consistently beating layers of pressure with his quick hands and ability to blend his mobility and skill. He has been one of the top powerplay quarterbacks in the BCHL this year with how he creates space and exploits it coming off the line. The decision-making with the puck remains a strength as he mitigates risk well, understanding when to play it safe (dump-ins, quick exits), and when to be aggressive and take chances (leading rushes, pinching in, etc). Defensively, he remains a stick-on puck defender who uses his mobility to mind his gaps well, defending transitional attacks consistently and effectively. There is still a need to add strength to make him more difficult to play against in tighter spaces. Given all of that, his projection remains the same. If he makes it, it will be in the mould of a Calvin de Haan type of NHL defender who uses his mobility and vision to be a steady influence at both ends. UMass has developed defenders really well in recent years, so I’d still advocate for Dell’Elce to be a draft selection, knowing that they can bring the best out of him.

Luke Ashton - Langley Rivermen (BCHL)

6’5, 230lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 52.5, Smarts: 47.5, Physicality/Compete: 57.5

OFP: 51.875

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/luke_ashton_-_2nd_period_4_58_-_5_20.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/luke_ashton_-_1st_period_16_31_-_16_43.mp4

Notes: Ashton is a really interesting prospect available this year. The massive blueliner is in his second year of draft eligibility but has broken out in a huge way after a trade from Vernon to Langley in the BCHL. The trade has allowed Ashton to blossom into one of the BCHL’s top defenders and it has led to a commitment to Minnesota State. The physical tools here are extremely alluring and, as such (especially when factoring in the massive growth he’s shown), I’d be shocked if he wasn’t an NHL pick this June. Looking at the stat line (with Ashton leading the BCHL in goals from the blueline), I was expecting a Sheldon Souray type of defender whose offense was solely generated from a massive point shot. That couldn’t be further from the truth. While Ashton’s point shot is a major weapon and does create a large amount of his production (both a quick snapshot and a heavy one-timer), he’s actually aggressive in leading the rush and activating at even strength. He moves very well North/South for a bigger defender, with strides that swallow up ice and allow him to power past opposing players in the neutral zone. He has an aggressive mindset with the puck and always seems to be looking for opportunities in transition. Perhaps what is most impressive is that Ashton’s hands are quite good too. He consistently misses sticks and maneuvers out of traffic to get pucks deeper or to the middle of the ice, blending quick hands and surprisingly quick feet/edgework. Where Ashton struggles, at times, is in his decision-making with the puck in the defensive zone. He needs to work on better scanning habits and exhibit more patience with the puck, trusting his size and skill to help him evade the forecheck. Defensively, Ashton is an active physical player and an aggressive defender overall. He has an active stick in the neutral zone and defends high, looking to disrupt clean entries. I somewhat expected him to be tougher to win battles against down low and near the crease, given his size advantage, but some of that seems to come from a lack of focus. Minnesota State will be a great place for him to go, as they will likely bring out the best in his physical tools from a defensive perspective. Additionally, from a mobility perspective, Ashton’s transitions and overall backward stride do need work. He’s a bit bumbling in this regard and it affects his positioning and gap control negatively. His approach in the defensive zone is also raw. Sometimes he chases and gets caught out of position. Other times he’s not aggressive enough and never leaves the net front, allowing too much real estate to attackers. All this said, I have a ton of time for players like Ashton who are late bloomers and have terrific physical tools. Sign me up.

Matthew Lahey - Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL)

6’4, 200lbs

Grades: Skating: 52.5, Shot: 40, Skills: 45, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 50.875

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/matthew_lahey_-_3rd_period_7_53_-_8_15.mp4

Notes: There’s absolutely no doubt that Lahey should develop into a quality, defensive first, blueliner for Clarkson in the future (where Lahey’s NCAA commitment lies). His overall mobility for a 6’4 defender is solid. He shows physical potential by being assertive in high-traffic areas like near or below the goal line. He has a good defensive stick and shows strong gap control when defending pace. He largely executes his breakout passes well and will keep things simple to mitigate risk. He’s just a steady overall presence. But, the question is, what’s the NHL upside? A wide stride likely limits his ability to improve his mobility further and his puck skill and creativity are fairly limited. There’s very limited offensive upside. As a defender, he could stand to upgrade his physical intensity level to be tougher to play against. The 55 grade does insinuate that I believe this area grows further after he graduates, but the bottom line is that Lahey currently does not stand out as a true defensive stalwart at the BCHL level, let alone as he moves up the ladder. The upside for that is there, but the limitations offensively would lead me to believe that Lahey likely tops out as a solid four-year Clarkson player and nothing more. The reality is that every program has players like Lahey.

Keith McInnis - Brooks Bandits (AJHL/BCHL)

6’1, 190lbs

Grades: Skating: 52.5, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 45, Physicality/Compete: 60

OFP: 51.375

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/keith_mcinnis_-_3rd_period_7_11_-_7_23.mp4

Notes: There were some scouting outlets who saw McInnis as a possible first-round selection heading into 2023/24. McInnis, born and raised in Red Deer, has been on the scouting radar for several years now, but his development in the last few seasons has not gone according to plan. As a North Dakota commit, McInnis opted to head south of the border to play with Waterloo (USHL) rather than play in the WHL or AJHL. His rookie season last year was mired by injury and it’s clearly had a negative impact on his development as a whole. This year has been a mess for other reasons. Not happy with how things were going in Waterloo, McInnis opted to return home to play for the powerhouse Brooks Bandits of the AJHL. However, shortly after arriving, Brooks left the AJHL and is now playing in a small Alberta loop of the BCHL as the league transitions to including the defected AJHL teams. The good news is that McInnis appears to have his swagger back and is contributing more offensively and playing better overall. But, has this saved his draft stock? It’s hard to say. His puck management has definitely been better at the BCHL/AJHL level. This has allowed him to be more aggressive offensively, looking to jump up in the play. But, is this a result of a decrease in competition and speed? The pace of the USHL is certainly quicker and that means less time to process. His best asset would be his physical approach and compete level. McInnis is a punishing physical presence who has a penchant for the big hit and who is great at taking time and space away from opposing players as they push toward the middle. He has good overall mobility and is able to play aggressively because of this. His forward stride does lack some explosiveness limiting his upside as a puck mover, but the overall skating profile is solid. I guess the question is, what’s the upside here? What’s McInnis’ future pro role going to be? The answer is, I’m not sure and I’d guess that NHL scouts probably feel similarly at this point. He’s looking like a pretty vanilla player at this point whose chances of reaching the NHL appear to be tied to further growth in the defensive end. That said, he is a former hyped prospect for a reason. There are some tools and he does show flashes of offensive upside. An argument could be made that McInnis could serve as an interesting late-round selection, operating under the assumption that injuries and extenuating circumstances have only interrupted, but not ruined his development.

Rylan Brown - Okotoks Oilers (BCHL/AJHL)

6’0, 160lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 45

OFP: 51.25

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/rylan_brown_-_2nd_period_24_58_-_25_13.mp4

Notes: Another defender in his second year of draft eligibility, Brown is the son of former NHL stay-at-home defender Sean Brown. Ironically, they couldn’t be more different. The elder Brown was an NHL pugilist who used his size and physicality to carve out a long career as a depth defender. Rylan is a highly mobile, puck mover who can quarterback the power play but struggles to defend at times. Headed to Michigan Tech, there is no doubt that Brown has improved significantly this year, emerging as one of the top defenders in the AJHL/BCHL. He also had a very strong showing at the World Junior A Challenge for Canada West. It’s easy to project him as a puck mover and powerplay quarterback at the NCAA level. He has very quick feet and is great on his edges, allowing him to not only hold the blue line but evade pressure to help create scoring chances inside the zone. He looks to push the pace and is aggressive with the puck on his stick; he has an attacking mindset. The ability to extend plays with his feet will help him as he moves up the ladder. Is he innately skilled enough to be a powerplay QB at the pro level? I’m not quite sure. Additionally, he still struggles defensively, especially at or below the goal line. He’s too slight and can get pushed around, oftentimes too passive to be a difference maker in the defensive end. As he gets stronger, will that change? It’s possible and it’s why the NCAA route is a great one for him. However, I also wonder just how well he thinks the game from a defensive perspective. He gets himself turned around a lot in the defensive end and can be slow to react to defend the slot and net front. Overall, I like the offensive upside and I like the progression he has shown this season after a disappointing draft year.

David Green - St. Michael’s Buzzers (OJHL)

6’2, 195lbs

Grades: Skating: 52.5, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 52.125

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/david_green_-_1st_period_19_19_-_19_32.mp4

Notes: A couple of drafts ago we ranked another OJHL defender pretty highly in George Fegaras and Green is having a similar kind of season statistically. In fact, the two do have a fair amount in common. Both possess big point shots and do a great job getting shots through to the net. Both have a penchant for playing physically and are aggressive in their approach to playing defence. However, I would argue that Fegaras is/was the better overall skater. I’ve had the chance to actually see Green live a few times this year (along with teammate Jonathan Morello who I’ll write about in part two). I think the best way to describe him is an efficient floor general. In the NFL, in recent months, the term “game manager,” has been used a lot to describe quarterbacks who simply get the job done even though they don’t possess elite-level tools, such as San Fran’s Brock Purdy. This is David Green, IMO. I have been impressed with many components of his game. He builds speed well North/South and can be an impact player in transition. He looks confident and poised holding the offensive blue line and understands how to use his shot to create scoring opportunities. He is difficult to play against and takes time/space away from opposing forwards. He’s particularly aggressive in stopping the cycle by looking to leverage his size. That said, I’m not sure he’s innately skilled/creative enough to be an offensive leader at the next level. And I think his backward and lateral mobility needs work, leaving him somewhat susceptible to defending pace, which will only be highlighted as he moves up the ladder. In a nutshell, for as good as Green has been this year for St. Mike’s, I wonder if he does anything well enough to be a future NHL fixture. However, I will add that Green is one of the younger players eligible this year and he’s going to get a ton of playing time at Merrimack in the future. I wouldn’t advocate using an early selection on him, but I would rank him higher than NHL Central Scouting has him currently (161st). He’s a late-round selection for me.

Roarke (Rory) Gilmour - St. Andrew’s College (CAHS)

5’11, 154lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 50.75

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/rory_gilmour_-_1st_period_17_3_-_17_15.mp4

Notes: A leader on the blueline for St. Andrew’s College, Gilmour has had a ton of eyes on him this year as NHL teams flock to Aurora to see Dean Letourneau. At this point, I would not consider Gilmour a legitimate NHL draft prospect, but he is someone teams will likely keep an eye on over the next few years. He will eventually attend Maine, but likely suits up in the USHL or BCHL next year as a stepping stone. When you compare Gilmour to SAC’s blueline leader last year, Francesco Dell’Elce (also on this list as a re-entry), Gilmour is not as dynamic or skilled. And considering Dell’Elce went unselected…enough said. However, Gilmour does have a great skating base and can be very active offensively because of his quickness and confidence on his edges. He can make quick cuts to evade pressure without losing speed and this helps SAC’s transitional attack massively. As a defensive player, Gilmour plays bigger than his size. It’s a cliche, but he competes for space and pucks and will throw the body around despite being pretty slight. Overall, Gilmour is a pretty well-rounded player, but outside of his skating, I would not classify any area as being above average in comparison to other draft prospects. Can that improve? Absolutely. As mentioned, teams will be keeping tabs on him moving forward.

Colin Ralph - Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS-Prep)

6’4, 216lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 53

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/colin_ralph_-_2nd_period_22_49_-_23_1.mp4

Notes: Playing in his second season at Shattuck St. Mary’s, Ralph is a late-born 2005 with intriguing physical tools. He’s physically imposing, especially for the prep level, but he’s not reliant on his size advantage to make plays in the defensive end. Perhaps most impressive is Ralph’s fluid skating stride. It’s rare to see bigger defenders at the prep level move as effortlessly as Ralph does. With terrific agility, tight crossovers, and great reach, Ralph is nearly impossible to beat off the rush at the prep level. He keeps attacking forwards to the perimeter and has terrific gap control as he angles them to the wall where he can use his size to separate them from the puck. He’s unquestionably a physical player, however in an economical way. He doesn’t actively seek contact in the way of big open ice hits, but instead makes life difficult for opposing players in tight spaces by leveraging his size and leaning in to get inside of them or to pin them to the wall. Offensively, he keeps things simple. He’s not consistently aggressive with the puck. It’s rare to see him go for a rip or carry past his own blue line. Instead, he’s looking to start the breakout with a quick pass. Sometimes those exits aren’t the most clean and that’s something he’ll need to work on. In the offensive end, his production is tied to his ability to get a quick snapshot through to the net. He keeps it low and shoots to generate second chances or redirections. I’ve seen some suggest that his offensive upside could be significant, but I don’t necessarily see it, especially given his age and size advantage at the prep level. He’s not a high-skill defender, but he is incredibly efficient. I do, however, see a very intriguing potential pro defender who could be a solid #4 and penalty-kill anchor. He’ll attend St. Cloud State either next year or following a year in the USHL with Dubuque.

Jackson Smithknecht - Rogers High (USHS-MN)

6’5, 185lbs

Grades: Skating: 52.5, Shot: 45, Skills: 52.5, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 51.625

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/jackson_smithknecht_-_2nd_period_11_40_-_12_2.mp4

Notes: A Colorado College commit, Smithknecht is a very raw defender with impressive size/reach. The athletic tools really jump off the page at you, but the utilization/application of said tools is inconsistent. At first glance, his offensive production this year at the high school level isn’t eye-popping, yet after watching several games of his, it’s easy to see why he’s receiving NHL draft attention; there is upside. Smithknecht skates well in straight lines and he’s actually quite aggressive in using his quickness and reach at both ends. He’ll pinch in to keep pucks in the offensive zone and is confident playing down low, using his length to protect the puck and keep plays alive along the wall. He has quick hands and can work his way into the middle, activating off the blue line. Occasionally, he’s even used as a net-front presence on the powerplay. Defensively, he closes gaps quickly and doesn’t shy away from defending the neutral zone to disrupt entries or cut off passing lanes. His reach gives him a nice advantage. His backward stride is fluid and he transitions well North/South, making him tough to work around. He’s not physical in the classical sense, but he competes hard for space. If the physical engagement level gets taken up another notch as he adds strength, he could turn into a real defensive stalwart. His edgework and lateral mobility do need work. He’s a bit awkward and can be beaten when forwards drive east/west on him. This also limits his true impact offensively as the feet don’t work in complete sync with the hands. For a massive defender, the shot isn’t really a weapon for him currently. He seeks to get pucks to the net quickly, but his snapper lacks significant velocity. Like many high school defenders, his game will need refinement at the NCAA too. He chases the play at times and relies on his reach to save him, but a stronger system should help that. Colorado College may be one of the more underrated programs in the circuit right now and it will be a great place for him to develop. I’d have a lot of time for Smithknecht as a later-round pick because the athletic tools do give him upside to be a quality pro. What that role is remains to be seen, but there are some really impressive moments at both ends when you watch him play.

Jimmy Dodig - Cretin-Derham Hall (USHS-MN)

6’5, 205lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 45, Physicality/Compete: 60

OFP: 50.75

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/jameson_dodig_-_3rd_period_2_25_-_2_43.mp4

Notes: Dodig is an extremely physically imposing defender who relies on his size advantage to dominate shifts at the high school level. He would easily be in contention for the most physical defenders available this year. He is always looking for opportunities to lay the big hit and he is a disruptive force in the defensive end. My concern would be around the application of his physicality. His hits take him out of the play at times and he’ll need to reign that in at the NCAA levels and beyond. Additionally, at times he seems more interested in playing the body than he is in making a play for the puck. By that, I mean he’ll hammer an opposing forward down low, but not gain possession of the puck, allowing the cycle to continue. Dodig’s overall mobility would be classified as average, which is still impressive for a larger defender. His explosiveness needs work, as it hurts him in closing gaps or tracking down pucks, but his transitions and edgework are fairly clean for a larger player. The upside here is that of a confident defensive stalwart, but he’s going to be a big-time project for Merrimack College. Offensively, his shot can be a weapon; it is heavy. But he struggles to get it through to the net consistently. His release needs work. Once he builds a head of steam, he can be an impactful player in transition and he outmuscles high school players to work inside to create chances. My concern would be that he’s become a very good high school defender because of his size advantage and not because he’s incredibly smart or skilled. I’ll be keeping close tabs on Dodig to close out the season to see if he squeaks in some games at the USHL or NAHL level. Would be interesting to see how he transitions his game to that level where his size advantage would be neutralized.

Drake Murray - Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS-Prep)

6’1, 200lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 50

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/drake_murray_-_1st_period_23_39_-_23_54.mp4

Notes: The son of former NHL winger Glen Murray, Drake has been on the scouting scene for several years now, thanks to his strong play at Shattuck St. Mary’s. Two years ago he was a fairly high-profile cut from the U.S. NTDP team (U17), along with Shattuck teammate Aidan Park. Since then, I’m not entirely sure Murray has developed to expectations. No question, the Harvard commit is a quality defender at the prep level. His well-rounded skill set makes him a standout in all situations. His calm, heads-up approach allows him to be a steady presence at both ends. He takes good routes to retrievals and has good scanning habits allowing him to quickly start the breakout with an outlet pass. His mobility is solid and he can maintain tight gaps at the prep level by keeping attacking players to the perimeter. The physical intensity level seems to waver (this has been a criticism dating back to his NTDP cut), but at this level, he doesn’t need to be a physical monster to be effective. Offensively, he holds the blueline well and can be utilized on the powerplay. He displays a quick snapshot and can execute a clean one-timer to get pucks on net quickly. I suppose the question is, what’s the upside here? Murray doesn’t jump off the page as a high-end player at either end moving forward to the higher levels. What role does his skill set make him most likely to excel in? The jack-of-all-trades archetype is a difficult one to project. Heading to Harvard, Murray will have several years to develop as part of a solid program. After that? Who knows. As is, he’s a long shot to be selected this year.

Caeden Herrington - Holderness School (USHS-Prep)

6’1, 185lbs

Grades: Skating: 52.5, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 51.125

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/caeden_herrington_-_3rd_period_6_8_-_6_21.mp4

Notes: Herrington is a right-shot defender with good mobility and solid reach who can have a positive effect at both ends at the prep school level. He made waves last year with a Michigan goal (a rarity for defenders), but he’s generally more reserved and calculated in his approach. He’s more likely to find a quick outlet than try to skate the puck out of trouble. He uses c-cuts and pivots well to escape pressure and has a fairly fluid stride, even though it does lack some power. He loves to defend aggressively in the neutral zone, looking to use his reach to disrupt entry attempts. This leads to him getting burned occasionally; there’s a need to defend more with his feet. Offensively, Herrington’s top weapon is his shot. He quarterbacks the powerplay at Holderness with a heavy one-timer that can both beat goaltenders clean and generate second-chance opportunities. Heading to Vermont, he has a chance to score his share of goals from the back end at the collegiate level. A relatively steady presence, I’m just not sure what the upside is currently. Solid across the board, but will his defensive or offensive prowess translate to the higher levels without high-end skill or a physical mindset? Would be very curious to see him at the USHL or BCHL level next year first.

John Stout - Minnetonka High (USHS-MN)

6’2, 187lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 51.75

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/john_stout_-_3rd_period_13_30_-_13_49.mp4

Notes: The only defender to be nominated for the prestigious Minnesota Mr. Hockey award this year, Stout is a UMD commit. He is a rock for Minnetonka High, playing well over 25 minutes in close games (although much less in the team’s many blowouts this year). He excels at both ends with his strong positional awareness and anticipation. He has great scanning habits and is terrific at starting the breakout, calm under duress. Inside the offensive end, his shot is a big-time weapon. He loves to shoot the puck and is aggressive in seeking out opportunities to use his big slapper. He can one-time pucks cleanly as a powerplay QB and is not shy about jumping up into the rush as a third or fourth man in. Defensively, he shows a good understanding of how to take advantage of his reach and exhibits good gap control, even without above-average mobility. Overall, he’s just a steady influence back there who rarely seems to make a miscalculation. But, this begs the question about Stout’s projection moving forward. Is he a dynamic enough skater or skilled enough handler to be a powerplay QB or point producer at the NCAA level or beyond? He can certainly provide support as more of a triggerman, but I don’t see him as being creative enough to be a true facilitator. From a defensive perspective, he’s not much of a physical threat and this is where he runs into trouble even at the high school level. His defensive intensity will need to increase given his only average mobility; the reach won’t be enough to make him a top-flight defender. I do really like UMD as a spot for him as Minnesota-Duluth has done well to squeeze the best out of high IQ, but moderately athletic defenders. If you were to put Stout on a less dominant HS program, would he be as much of a difference maker? I’d probably grade him as a late-round pick or HM; someone scouts will be following closely but may not love enough to select this year.

2023 NHL DRAFT: A Review

Chase Rochon — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:10:53 +0000

Another long year of amazing hockey has come and passed as we oficially end the 2023 scouting season and shift from the star-studded offensive draft class to the defensive-heavy 2024 NHL draft. This year's class was super fun and had the potential to bring the big stars and deep depth that we saw in the 2015 draft. This makes it very difficult to rank the winners and losers as every team acquired some very talented athletes in their organization that should make an impact for many years to come. Some teams acquired some elite star players at draft positions they didn't think would be possible at lower picks and later rounds. Those picks make the difference between good and great drafting by ﬁnding those diamonds in the rough.

NHL hockey operations departments are made up of the best of the best in the industry and have been through more drafts and different case studies over more years than I have been alive, which creates some hesitation in handing out grades for teams that we felt drafted poorly or passed on talent or upside. It is important to remember that teams take into consideration so many intangibles and factors outside any eye test or analytics can tell us. They have considerable resources and information networks public scouting teams can only dream of.

Most importantly, people need to remember these young athletes are human beings that just had the best week of their lives and treating them disrespectfully and pre-judging a young man that has yet to fully develop mentally and physically is completely unfair. I think every fan base should be showing love and support for the future players that are going to put in blood sweat and tears for the team you cheer for and go to war against the opposition.

With all that in mind, here is how I think all 32 teams performed at the 2023 NHL Draft based on my own rankings as well as the wonderful team at McKeen’s that I have the pleasure working alongside.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA - DECEMBER 29: Canada's Connor Bedard #16 backhands the puck while Austria's Tim Geifes #21 defends during Preliminary Round - Group A action at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Scotiabank Centre on December 29, 2022 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/IIHF)

#1 Chicago Blackhawks (A+)

1 Connor Bedard (F)

19 Oliver Moore (F)

35 Adam Gajan (G)

44 Roman Kantserov (F)

55 Martin Misiak (F)

67 Nick Lardis (F)

93 Jiri Felcman (F)

99 Alex Pharand (F)

131 Marcel Marcel (F)

167 Milton Oscarson (F)

195 Janne Peltonen (D)

It feels very ﬁtting that the number one ranked team had the number one pick this year in the generational talent of Connor Bedard, who is expected to make an immediate impact. Kyle Davidson clearly agrees by bringing in some veteran support this summer in Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno and Corey Perry. This pick was obvious. What makes the Blackhawks stand out is what might be my favourite selection of the entire draft in Oliver Moore at 19th overall, where I, alongside Davidson, was in shock this player was still on the board—followed by selecting one of if not one of the best goaltenders in Adam Gajan. We absolutely loved Nick Lardis at McKeens, and we ﬁnd this to be amazing value in the early third round. Roman Kantserov, Martin Misiak, Alex Pharand and Marcel Marcel are other great pickups to round out the real depth of this draft class for the Blackhawks as they build the next generation in Chicago.

#2 Columbus Blue Jackets (A)

3 Adam Fantilli (F)

34 Gavin Brindley (F)

66 William Whitelaw (F)

98 Andrew Strathmann (D)

114 Luca Pinelli (F)

156 Melvin Strahl (G)

194 Oiva Keskinen (F)

224 Tyler Peddle (F)

The Blue Jackets' dreams came true when Adam Fantilli was still waiting for them at third overall, as the rookie Hobey Baker winner would have been selected ﬁrst overall in any other draft. Followed up by his Michigan teammate Gavin Brindley who we at McKeens had ranked #26. William Whitelaw ranked at #39 by McKeen’s, and Andrew Strathmann, ranked #39 by me, are amazing values. I really like Luca Pinelli at #114 and thought it was a great move to trade for the last pick in the draft and select Tyler Peddle, who was in attendance and should have been selected much higher. This will be the draft that could really put the Blue Jackets over the top to be a future contender in the Metro.

#3 Philadelphia Flyers (A)

7 Matvei Michkov (F)

22 Oliver Bonk (D)

51 Carson Bjarnason (G)

87 Yegor Zavragin (G)

95 Denver Barkey (F)

103 Cole Knuble (F)

120 Alex Ciernik (F)

135 Carter Sotheran (D)

172 Ryan MacPherson (F)

199 Matteo Mann (D)

The Flyers got a player with arguably the highest upside in the class in 7th overall in Matvei Michkov alone, which is enough to rank them this high. Aside from whether there is any truth to rumours that he somehow orchestrated his way to Philadelphia, he was genuinely excited to be drafted by the organization. The possibility that he will be coming to play in North America perhaps sooner rather than later could completely alter the landscape of the rebuild for GM Daniel Briere. They followed up by selecting Oliver Bonk, who our Ontario scouts adore at McKeens, including myself. Bonk will continue to develop in London. The Carson Bjarnson pick could age very well as a good young goaltender with a long road of development ahead. Denver Barkey and Alex Cienik are great value picks at 95th and 120th.

#4 Seattle Kraken (A-)

20 Eduard Sale (F)

50 Carson Rehkopf (F)

52 Oscar Fisker Mølgaard (F)

57 Lukas Dragicevic (D)

84 Caden Price (D)

116 Andrei Loshko (F)

148 Kaden Hammell (D)

168 Visa Vedenpää (G)

180 Zeb Forsfjäll (F)

212 Zaccharya Wisdom (F)

Seattle has been consistently one of the better drafting teams since they entered the league, and they continued that streak in Nashville. Eduard Sale is very much a gamble with questions about his compete lvel and lack of production against pros. However, he possesses elite ﬁnishing ability and was dominant against players his own age. He has a very high ceiling that I believe can be developed properly in the OHL, followed by the development team in Seattle. At the end of the day, with such a great prospect pool, you can take a swing for upside at #20 overall and can add a true top-line ﬁnisher for Shane Wright or Matty Beniers. The Kraken continues to favour the CHL and loaded up with more players in Carson Rehkopf, Lukas Dragicevic and Caden Price in the late second round. They had all been viewed as late ﬁrst/early second round talents. Oscar Fisker Mølgaard has the potential to bring some real energy to the bottom six and PK and become a really good role player for the team. I had him ranked at #30th betting on his high motor and relentless pressure with some ﬁnishing ability.

#5 Carolina Hurricanes (A-)

30 Bradly Nadeau (F)

62 Felix Unger Sörum (F)

94 Jayden Perron (F)

100 Alexander Rykov (F)

126 Stanislav Yarovoy (F)

139 Charles-Alexis Legault (D)

158 Ruslan Khazheyev (G)

163 Timur Mukhanov (F)

190 Michael Emerson (F)

222 Yegor Velmakin (G)

Bradley Nadeau was the highest player selected from the BCHL after having a monster year. He was ranked #27 by McKeens, which makes for a good pick late in the ﬁrst. Where Carolina impressed us was how well they drafted in the later rounds picking up some of the biggest steals of the draft in Jayden Perron who we ranked 34th and Timur Mukhanov ranked 98th. As they typically do, Carolina drafted great to add to the loaded prospect pool.

#6 Buffalo Sabres (A-)

13 Zach Benson (F)

39 Anton Wahlberg (F)

45 Maxim Strbak (D)

86 Gavin McCarthy (D)

109 Ethan Miedema (F)

141 Scott Ratzlaff (G)

173 Sean Keohane (D)

205 Norwin Panocha (D)

Draft after draft Buffalo ﬁnds themselves selecting some great players but I think Zach Benson could be the final elite piece they need to take them back to the playoffs and end the long drought. Benson is the smartest player in the draft after Connor Bedard. They followed up with good picks in Anton Wahlberg and Maxim Strbak. I really like the value of Ethan Miedema and Scott Ratzlaff in rounds 4 and 5.

#7 St. Louis Blues (B+)

10 Dalibor Dvorský (F)

25 Otto Stenberg (F)

29 Theo Lindstein (D)

74 Quinton Burns (D)

76 Juraj Pekarcik (F)

106 Jakub Stancl (F)

138 Paul Fischer (D)

170 Matthew Mayich (D)

202 Nikita Susuyev (F)

Dalibor Dvorský and Otto Stenberg could be an amazing one-two punch down the middle in the near future as the Blues shift towards the future and away from the team that won them the 2019 Stanley Cup. I think Dvorsky and Stenberg both have been underrated as they tend to be looked at as “safe picks” - a term that I sometimes hate because it shouldn’t discount the true skill these players have. Because they are viewed as having lower ceilings than some other top names in the class they fell at the draft, and St. Louis took full advantage and selected the best player available. The rest of the Blues draft was very average, not making any poor selections but also not taking any swings on some big names with upside.

#8 Washington Capitals (B+)

8 Ryan Leonard (F)

40 Andrew Cristall (F)

104 Patrick Thomas (F)

136 Cameron Allen (D)

200 Brett Hyland (F)

206 Antoine Keller (G)

The Capitals may not have had the luck they had hoped for in having Michkov fall to them, but they were very quick to the podium to select the NTDP gritty winger in Ryan Leonard. He brings a hard game and that’s no slight on the raw skill this kid has. After this year’s playoffs, NHL teams are looking to mold their roster after the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights and Leonard ﬁts that profile. Many, including myself, expected Andrew Cristall to fall on draft day but to 40th overall was quite surprising and Washington took full advantage, taking some risk on a junior perimeter player. Going into the draft year we expected Cameron Allen to be the ﬁrst OHL player off the board, but after a brutal season his stock plummeted. It’s hard to believe this talented young player entirely forgot how to play hockey and I think the Caps were willing to take this bet at 136.

#9 Colorado Avalanche (B)

27 Calum Ritchie (F)

31 Mikhail Gulyayev (D)

155 Nikita Ishimnikov (D)

187 Jeremy Hanzel (D)

219 Maros Jedlicka (F)

The Avalanche wouldn’t have expected to select Calum Ritchie and Mikhail Gulyayev with these very late ﬁrst rounders who we ranked 19th and 24th. This is great value at these picks. I ﬁnd it very interesting that they went with a very smart player who has a low ceiling and a high ﬂoor in Ritchie but then took a bit of a gamble on Gulyayev who is the polar opposite with a high ceiling and low ﬂoor. Not having many picks, and not many high ones, they can consider it a win if Colorado can get a couple NHLers from such minimal selections.

#10 Los Angeles Kings (B)

54 Jakub Dvorak (D)

78 Koehn Ziemmer (F)

118 Hampton Slukynsky (G)

150 Matthew Mania (D)

182 Ryan Conmy (F)

Jakub Dvorak has been such an underrated player all season long because he hasn’t been playing due to injury and is not flashy and doesn’t have much of a highlight reel but he might be the best defensive defenseman to come from this draft class. Big frame players like Dvorak are rare and hard to ﬁnd and are typically viewed as underrated even in the NHL because they are never noticeable with the puck. Dvorak shut down all the top players in the U.S. NTDP top line, Dvorsky, Michkov and even Connor Bedard at international competitions. He makes life so hard for attackers and will be a nightmare for goal scorers in the NHL and people will wonder how he was selected so late. The Kings followed this up with good picks in Koehn Ziemmer and Matthew Mania.

#11 Florida Panthers (B)

63 Gracyn Sawchyn (F)

127 Albert Wikman (D)

159 Olof Glifford (G)

191 Luke Coughlin (D)

198 Stepan Zvyagin (F)

Florida was another team that capitalized on an underrated player who slid on draft day in Gracyn Sawchyn. He played on a star-studded Seattle Thunderbirds team and didn’t get the opportunity to play top minutes but that didn’t stop him from putting up over a point per game. He will continue to grow under a great development program as he gains more ice time and expect him to put up monster numbers in the WHL for the next two seasons.

#12 Dallas Stars (C+)

61 Tristan Bertucci (D)

79 Brad Gardiner (F)

125 Aram Minnetian (D)

157 Arno Tiefensee (G)

189 Angus MacDonell (F)

221 Sebastian Bradshaw (F)

Dallas had very minimal draft capital and made the absolute most of it to no one's surprise as they usually do. Amazing value in Tristan Bertucci and Aram Minnetian.

#13 Vegas Golden Knights (B-)

32 David Edstrom (F)

77 Mathieu Cataford (F)

96 Arttu Kärki (D)

192 Tuomas Uronen (F)

Vegas selecting David Edstrom almost felt destined to happen as the last pick of the first round as we expected him to be selected in the ﬁrst round. Great pick for the Stanley Cup winners. Arttu Karki was also my favorite Finnish defense this year and I think 96 is excellent value for a player of his skill.

#14 San Jose Sharks (B-)

4 Will Smith (F)

26 Quentin Musty (F)

36 Kasper Halttunen (F)

71 Brandon Svoboda (F)

123 Luca Cagnoni (D)

130 Axel Landén (D)

132 Eric Pohlkamp (D)

196 David Klee (F)

203 Yegor Rimashevsky (F)

The Sharks drafted the highly skilled forward Will Smith very high, and I know he has gained some real hype over the past few months to get into the top 5 but personally having him just outside the top 10 makes it very hard to justify so much talent and other options at pick 4. This is a take that really could come back to bite me but I just don't love what Smith and Musty bring to the table outside of the high offensive skill that they clearly both have. In terms of value picks I think Halttunen is the Sharks best pick. If he played in London last season, he would have been called on day one of the draft and still has the opportunity to come over next season and be one of the best players in the league right away. The Sharks drafted very well but 13 other teams just did better.

#15 Calgary Flames (B-)

16 Samuel Honzek (F)

48 Étienne Morin (D)

80 Aydar Suniev (F)

112 Jaden Lipinski (F)

176 Yegor Yegorov (G)

208 Axel Hurtig (D)

The Flames had a solid draft and got a player we can expect the be a safe NHLer in Samuel Honzek that was expected in this range. I think Etienne Mornin could be the steal for them. This is a player that is extremely intelligent, and I personally have a lot of faith will continue to have success in his own development each season and could be viewed as a late ﬁrst rounder in the near future. Aydar Suniev at 80th overall is also great value.

#16 Montréal Canadiens (B-)

5 David Reinbacher (D)

69 Jacob Fowler (G)

101 Florian Xhekaj (F)

110 Bogdan Konyushkov (D)

128 Quentin Miller (G)

133 Sam Harris (F)

144 Yevgeni Volokhin (G)

165 Filip Eriksson (F)

197 Luke Mittelstadt (D)

Montréal might be the most talked about team post draft for all the wrong reasons so being dead in the middle at 16 may come as a surprise to most. The dislike for me comes from picks 101-197 where they took seven guys they could have gotten in rounds 6 or 7, and unfortunately some of those picks were in rounds 4 and 5. Jacob Fowler is a good goalie that could be huge for them, with the organization having such little depth in that department. Now Reinbacher who is the talk of Twitter and unfortunately for terrible reasons. The only argument I can understand against him is that Michkov should have been the pick, but there were many question marks surrounding the Russian and his intentions, leaving the Habs in a situation with lots of uncertainty at pick #5. So, they understandably took a player with a lot of certainty in elite defenseman David Reinbacher. He has been the only player under 18 shutting down grown professional athletes and ex-NHLers for two years. If that's not impressive enough he didn't just defend, he also produced higher than anyone in their DY-2 and DY-1 ever.

David has a good head on his shoulders and will develop all the necessary skills to round out his game to become a high-end defenseman who will eat lots of minutes and make a huge impact. He may not put up great offensive numbers or make highlight reel plays. That's ok, he plays defense for a reason. Leave that for the loads of talented players you already have and let Reinbacher make the other team's life a living hell and win hockey games, because that's what it's all about.

#17 Arizona Coyotes (B-)

6 Dmitri Simashev (D)

12 Daniil But (F)

38 Michael Hrabal (G)

70 Jonathan Castagna (F)

72 Noel Nordh (F)

81 Tanner Ludtke (F)

88 Vadim Moroz (F)

102 Terrell Goldsmith (D)

134 Melker Thelin (G)

160 Justin Kipkie (D)

162 Samu Bau (F)

166 Carsen Musser (G)

Arizona may have not drafted our best player available in their slots, but they took an interesting strategy to this year's draft that might have been the best option based on the current state of the team. Dmitri Simashev was our number one ranked defenseman in the class while Danill But has displayed shades of Evgeni Malkin at times. Both played on the same team this past season. This put Arizona in a safer situation to swing on upside and internally develop them together and could very well be a big payoff. Hrabal is the pick that gives some extra value as my personal favorite goaltender in the class. Drafting all players over 6'0" is another interesting strategy that is hard to disagree with. Middle of the pack supports my mixed feelings on the drafting of the Coyotes.

#18 Winnipeg Jets (C)

18 Colby Barlow (F)

82 Zachary Nehring (F)

146 Jacob Julien (F)

151 Thomas Milic (G)

210 Connor Levis (F)

Winnipeg is facing a lot of potential turnover on their roster this season. Colby Barlow makes an excellent pick for the Jets, bringing in a character Canadian guy, on and off the ice, as a key piece to build upon. You can expect Barlow to score lots of goals in the near future. The rest of the picks are very average, so they receive an average grade.

#19 New York Rangers (C)

23 Gabe Perreault (F)

90 Drew Fortescue (D)

152 Rasmus Larsson (D)

178 Dylan Roobroeck (F)

183 Ty Henricks (F)

Gabe Perreault was good value at 23rd as I thought his production this season would lead to him going much higher than he should have and I think this was a good range for him. A smart player who can be a great complement to some high-end skill just like he did with the NTDP. The rest of the picks were not very average.

#20 Detroit Red Wings (C)

9 Nate Danielson (F)

17 Axel Sandin Pellikka (D)

41 Trey Augustine (G)

42 Andrew Gibson (D)

47 Brady Cleveland (D)

73 Noah Dower Nilsson (F)

117 Larry Keenan (D)

137 Jack Phelan (D)

147 Kevin Bicker (F)

169 Rudy Guimond (G)

201 Emmitt Finnie (F)

Detroit's draft was very interesting to me because I find it hard to criticize Steve Yzerman’s picks which have been excellent in the past with some home runs to show for it. Nate Danielson and Axel-Sandin Pellika are great players who will be NHLers and good ones. They just didn't strike me as the types of players Detroit has recently drafted with some hard nose battlers that are going to be warriors. I think it might take a while for either to become impact playoff players relative to some of the skill still left on the board, such as Oliver Moore at pick #9 and still available at #17. They pass with a C as most other picks were good, but just that they were good and not great, where teams ahead of them made some great picks.

#21 Edmonton Oilers (C)

56 Beau Akey (D)

184 Nathaniel Day (G)

216 Matt Copponi (F)

Beau Akey is a good pick that has a good path in front of him to reﬁne his offensive talents and become a threat from the point for the Colts over the next couple of seasons and get a real chance to make the Oilers. Hard to judge a team with such little options at the draft.

Leo Carlsson of Sweden at a practice session during the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship on May 25, 2023 in Riga.
Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN /

#22 Anaheim Ducks (C-)

2 Leo Carlsson (F)

33 Nico Myatovic (F)

59 Carey Terrance (F)

60 Damian Clara (G)

65 Coulson Pitre (F)

85 Yegor Sidorov (F)

97 Konnor Smith (D)

129 Rodwin Dionicio (D)

161 Vojtech Port (D)

I think passing on Fantilli will be something that will haunt Anaheim for a long time and really hurts their grade even though they are getting a great talent in Leo Carlsson. Unfortunately, I have a hard time seeing Carlsson being the 2nd best player that comes from this class and when they are a top team in the league soon this selection might be the difference between a contender and a champion. Other than that, Myatovic, Terrance and Pitre are solid picks.

#23 Vancouver Canucks (D+)

11 Tom Willander (D)

75 Hunter Brzustewicz (C-)

89 Sawyer Mynio (D)

105 Ty Mueller (F)

107 Vilmer Alriksson (F)

119 Matthew Perkins (F)

171 Aiden Celebrini (D)

Willander was ranked 23rd by us at McKeens and is a great defenseman who happens to be in a star studded offensive heavy draft. I think the Canuks were guilty of drafting for need rather than best player available and that affected the grade. Other than that, there isn’t too much to like in the class other than Hunter Brzustewicz at 75 was a great selection.

#24 Nashville Predators (C-)

15 Matthew Wood (F)

24 Tanner Molendyk (D)

43 Felix Nilsson (F)

46 Kalan Lind (F)

68 Jesse Kiiskinen (F)

83 Dylan MacKinnon (D)

111 Joseph Willis (F)

121 Juha Jatkola (G)

143 Sutter Muzzatti (F)

175 Austin Roest

218 Aiden Fink

Nashville was the host of this year’s draft and advised by new GM Barry Trotz in an interview to take some swings on high upside to add some high-end skill to the prospect pool. Well, they just didn’t do any of that and delivered a mediocre draft outside of top prospect Matthew Wood. What makes their draft so disappointing is that after 10 consecutive picks, the next best value pick was David Poiles last pick in Aiden Fink in the 7th round. Expectations were high and far from reached.

#25 Tampa Bay Lightning (D)

37 Ethan Gauthier (F)

115 Jayson Shaugabay (F)

179 Warren Clark (D)

193 Jack Harvey (F)

211 Ethan Hay (F)

Tampa will ﬁnd a way to develop these players, especially Ethan Gauthier, because that’s what they do best within their system. I just believe they could have done it with the better options available and left talent on the table with every pick.

#26 New Jersey Devils (D+)

58 Lenni Hämeenaho (F)

122 Cam Squires (F)

154 Chase Cheslock (D)

164 Cole Brown (F)

186 Daniil Karpovich (D)

New Jersey was very inactive and didn’t take many swings this year and they are in a situation where they didn’t need to. Lenni Hameenaho was ranked 84 for us at McKeens and was a bit of a reach.

#27 Ottawa Senators (D)

108 Hoyt Stanley (D)

140 Matthew Andonovski (D)

204 Owen Beckner (F)

207 Vladimir Nikitin (G)

215 Nicholas VanTassell (F)

Ottawa did not have many picks and none very high. Hoyt Stanley is the only pick which has had some hype going into the draft and been noticeable this season. I wouldn’t expect anyone from the class to make the roster.

#28 Pittsburgh Penguins (D-)

14 Brayden Yager (F)

91 Emil Pieniniemi (D)

142 Mikhail Ye. Ilyin (F)

174 Cooper Foster (F)

217 Emil Järventie (F)

223 Kalle Kangas (D)

Another situation where good players were selected but when I look at this class, and Emil Jarventie is the best value pick in the 7th round, that is an issue for me. Yes, Brayden Yager is an excellent player with a deadly shot and a good head on his shoulders. It’s hard to give high grades when top 5-10 talents were still available where he was picked. This strikes me as more of a situation where the Penguins scouting staff were left to make the pick, more so than Dubas, and they went with the guy they targetted going into the draft rather than the best player available.

#29 Toronto Maple Leafs (D-)

28 Easton Cowan (F)

153 Hudson Malinoski (F)

185 Noah Chadwick (D)

The Easton Cowan pick is very difficult to grade because it really could go both ways. I understand the pick because you’re getting, debatably, the hardest working player in the class whose development is skyrocketing at a high pace under the teachings of the Hunters in London. You can expect this growth to continue over the next couple seasons. It woudl appear the Leafs aren’t selecting the 28th best player currently and are banking on Cowan being a ﬁrst round talent in 3-5 years, an approach I agree with. The issue I have with this pick is I really think you could have selected him later, and possibly much later. The 2nd round Is still a reach but at least you’re not leaving talent on the table in this deep draft and getting the maximum value out of each pick. I just think this was some poor asset management and the Leafs just focused on getting their guy. Time will be the true indicator.

#30 New York Islanders (D)

49 Danny Nelson (F)

113 Jesse Nurmi (F)

145 Justin Gill (F)

177 Zach Schulz (D)

209 Dennis Good Bogg (D)

Islanders drafted some good leadership in a pair of Captains in Danny Nelson and Zach Shulz. When that is the best thing to be said about the selections that is an issue.

#31 Boston Bruins (F+)

92 Christopher Pelosi (F)

124 Beckett Hendrickson (F)

188 Ryan Walsh (F)

214 Casper Nässén (F)

220 Kristian Kostadinski (D)

Beckett Hendrickson is the only reason they aren’t ranked 32nd.

#32 Minnesota Wild (F)

21 Charlie Stramel (F)

53 Rasmus Kumpulainen (F)

64 Riley Heidt (F)

149 Aaron Pionk (D)

181 Kalem Parker (D)

213 Jimmy Clark (F)

The Wild are the only team that gets an F grade. It’s not because I don't like the players in Charlie Stramel and Rasmus Kumpulainen because they are prospects I had on my personal board, but it’s very hard to justify these picks with the options still available on the board at the time of the picks. These are just too far off the board to not trade back and still get the player you want. We at McKeens ranked both these players as 3rd round talents.

2023 NHL DRAFT: Round by round review – Brock Otten’s favourite picks and questionable selections.

Brock Otten — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:19:13 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 28: An NHL microphone setup for press conferences during the Upper Deck NHL Draft, June 28, 2023 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire)

The 2023 NHL Entry Draft has come and gone. I was fortunate enough to be in Nashville for the event, representing McKeen’s. Covering the draft is always such a whirlwind, as you try to balance conversations and social media analysis, while paying attention to each and every selection. Every year, when I reflect back on the draft, especially day two, it seems like I come across a few players that make me say, “wait…they got drafted!”

The draft itself also represents the conclusion of a season’s worth of hard work. It’s not just the draft guide. It’s all the coverage leading up to that; live viewings, video work, reports, notes, etc. This year, 99 out of McKeen’s Hockey’s Top 100 were drafted. While the accuracy of an independent scouting organization’s coverage is not truly assessed until five or ten years down the line (in comparison to actual NHL draft position), the immediate feedback given by that sort of parallel (with the opinion of NHL scouts) is encouraging and fulfilling.

So, let’s talk about my review of the draft. Chase Rochon, who was with me in Nashville, has written a comprehensive article that ranks and grades the performance of each team through his lens. I’m going to be doing something a little different. For each round, I’m going to highlight my two favourite picks and the pick that I have the most questions about. I’m also going to highlight five of my favourite players who went unselected this year.

Round One

Favourite Selection - Oliver Moore, 19th to Chicago

The opinions on Moore’s offensive upside vary. But at 19th, even if he only ends up as an Andrew Cogliano type role player, the value is great. But, if he does end up as a Dylan Larkin type, it suddenly becomes one of the best, if not the best pick in the first round. The best skater in the draft and one of the better defensive forwards in the draft, Moore was a personal favourite of ours at McKeen’s.

Favourite Selection - Ryan Leonard, 8th to Washington

Simply put, I would have taken Leonard earlier than this and preferred him to a few of the players who went ahead of him. Every year we look around the NHL playoffs and see teams finding success because of players like Leonard. This is someone who can have a similar impact in the league to the Tkachuk brothers. Leonard can really do it all on the ice; his game is so mature and consistent. This is the perfect selection for a team who wants to keep their competitive window open. Leonard may only need one year in the NCAA with Boston College.

Questionable Selection - Charlie Stramel, 21st to Minnesota

I know that his season in Wisconsin didn’t go according to plan, but why were NHL scouts so willing to give him a pass for poor play when they weren’t willing to do the same for the likes of Cam Allen or Caden Price. Because he’s a big, athletic pivot? So is a guy like David Edstrom and he went later in the first, despite showing a much steeper development curve than Stramel. If I was the Wild, I would be doing everything in my power to get him out of Wisconsin next year and into the WHL, where his power game would be highly appreciated.

Round Two

Favourite Selection - Lukas Dragicevic, 57th to Seattle

I’m far from a Dragicevic hype man. I think his game is flawed and I didn’t think he deserved to be a first-round pick (unlike others on the McKeen’s team). However, in the late second round? The upside is well worth the risk outside of the top 50. Seattle is a team that has drafted extremely well, and they could afford to bank on Dragicevic’s insanely high offensive potential. They drafted Ty Nelson last year and his defensive game made great strides this year. Dragicevic can do the same.

Favourite Selection - Danny Nelson, 49th to New York Islanders

Nelson was one of the most improved players in the second half of the draft year after switching to pivot full time and emerging at the U.S. shutdown center on the U18 team. He’s got size. He’s athletic. His on puck play and scoring ability improved greatly over the year. Is he someone that is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential? Did playing behind two unreal centers in Smith and Moore hide his abilities?

Questionable Selection - Brady Cleveland, 47th to Detroit

Quite frankly, I just feel that there were better defenders on the board still at this pick. I don’t see the upside with Cleveland. I think he can be an NHL defender in some capacity. He is a physical rock in the defensive end. But I don’t see the mobility or skill that would lead to him playing a significant role for Detroit in the future. This is especially true since I believe Detroit drafted a better shut down type in Andrew Gibson only a few picks earlier.

Jacob Fowler

Round Three

Favourite Selection - Nick Lardis, 67th to Chicago

We ranked Lardis 32nd fully knowing that he would end up falling a bit in the draft. That doesn’t mean I have to agree with it. Lardis was one of the OHL’s best players in the second half and in the first round of the playoffs. His speed is electric, and his shot will play. Other parts of his game will need to improve, but the upside is quite high. He could be a great linemate to Connor Bedard in the future.

Favourite Selection - Jacob Fowler, 69th to Montreal

I’ve said many times on social media and in work for McKeen’s, that Fowler is my favourite netminder in the class. He’s like DJ Khaled, all he does is win. He was terrific in the USHL this year. He was terrific at the WJAC’s. He is so composed and focused in the crease. Sure, there is a need for him to improve his quickness and agility, but that can happen in the NCAA with Boston College, where he could start for a great team and be a Mike Richter contender as a freshman.

Questionable Selection - Emil Pieniniemi, 91st to Pittsburgh

Simply put, we didn’t see the upside with Pieniniemi. We ranked him 191st for a reason. The profile grades out about average across the board and that screams projection concerns. What is he at the next level? I may have been able to put all of Pittsburgh’s selections in my questionable selection spot, if I’m being honest.

Round Four

Favourite Selection - Larry Keenan, 117th to Detroit

In reality, the third or fourth round was probably the right spot for Keenan to go. He’s a major long-term project. However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t love the pick. A similar player in Sam Rinzel went in the first-round last year. Keenan combines size, mobility, and skill together to give him outstanding upside if everything hits. I also love that he is heading to Penticton and then UMass, two outstanding programs. His development will be in good hands.

Favourite Selection - Luca Pinelli, 114th to Columbus

I wasn’t as high on Pinelli as some of my contemporaries who cover the OHL, but even I can admit that this was terrific value for Pinelli. If his quickness improves, he could be a really good middle six player at the NHL level; someone who can bring serious versatility to a coach in the future. His motor never quits and his vision/sense in the offensive end is high end.

Questionable Selection - Konnor Smith, 97th to Anaheim

The allure of Smith is that he’s a mammoth defender who plays an ultra-aggressive defensive game. He’s a real throwback to yesteryears. But the mobility, puck skill, and puck management will all need to improve drastically in order for him to be an NHL player. Other similar defenders have been taken out of the CHL in recent years and many have not even been signed. Inside the top 100, I would have had many other preferences…especially if the target was a potential shut down type.

Round Five

Favourite Selection - Cam Allen, 136th to Washington

Allen did not have a great year, there’s no denying that. But he was arguably the top defender available heading into this season. He still has upside, even if his decision making leaves a lot to be desired. Hopefully an offseason reset, in combination with consultation from NHL coaches at development, helps to get him back on the right track. In the fifth round, you won’t find better value.

Favourite Selection - Eric Pohlkamp, 132nd to San Jose

The USHL defenseman of the year award is a pretty prestigious one to win. Guys like Owen Power, Neal Pionk, Brandon Montour, and Jeff Petry have won it in recent years. Pohlkamp is a very interesting player. His game does need a fair amount of refinement; it can be very erratic. However, he also has some very good tools, including mobility, a mammoth point shot, and a physically aggressive approach. He’ll be able to take on an immediate top four role in Bemidji State next year and we should get an idea pretty quickly as to how well his game translates to the NCAA level.

Questionable Selection - Melvin Strahl, 156th to Columbus

Strahl is a goaltender who wasn’t on our radar this year. In fact, I don’t think he was really on the radar of any independent scouting organization. For good reason it would appear too, as he struggled in the J20 this season, even getting demoted to the J18 level. I would have definitely preferred a handful of other netminders at this spot, if goaltending was the target.

Jeremy Hanzel. Photo by Brian Liesse.

Round Six

Favourite Selection - Jeremy Hanzel, 187th to Colorado

Our Western scouts at McKeen’s loved Hanzel as one of the top re-entry guys available this year. He was outstanding for Seattle through the season and into the playoffs/Memorial Cup. On a Thunderbirds team that was stacked with NHL talent, Hanzel was often the team’s best defender. I would be shocked if he returns to the WHL for his overage season. He could have an immediate pro impact similar to Ryker Evans.

Favourite Selection - Filip Eriksson, 165th to Montreal

Kind of a random one here as there were a bunch of great value picks in the sixth round. We actually didn’t even have Eriksson ranked, but I would have had him ranked on my own list. He didn’t play a ton this year due to injury, but he was good at the J20 level and even looked comfortable in the SHL in a cup of coffee. The athletic tools need to improve, but the IQ will play. Can the speed and strength improve as he plays more? These are the types of players you take in the later rounds.

Questionable Selection - Yegor Yegorov, 176th to Calgary

Another questionable goaltending selection if you ask me. The stats weren’t terrific by MHL standards (to give you an idea, a .915 save percentage placed him 42nd among MHL goalies this year). He also was part of a three headed goalie platoon this year, posting the weakest stats of the three. Stats aren’t everything of course, but I love our Russian scouts and Yegorov really wasn’t someone who was brought to our attention by them. Again, give me Stephen Peck, Alexander Hellnemo, or Noah Erliden here over Yegorov.

Round Seven

Favourite Selection - Aiden Fink, 218th to Nashville

Fink piled up the accolades this year in the AJHL. He was the league’s MVP. He won the Centennial Cup. He was one of the best players at the WJAC’s. He’s small and he’s not a dynamic skater. That recipe was sure to make him fall. But in the seventh? That’s outstanding value for Fink, who has terrific offensive potential. Penn State will be a great spot for him too.

Favourite Selection - Tyler Peddle, 224th to Columbus

Mr. Irrelevant! Peddle took quite the mighty tumble thanks to a pretty indifferent season in the QMJHL this year on a middling Drummondville team. But he still has great power forward potential, particularly as a goal scorer. The athletic profile is interesting and at the back of the seventh round that could end up being a great pick for the Blue Jackets. The next Josh Anderson?

Questionable Selection - Sebastian Bradshaw, 221st to Dallas

Hard to truly argue against a seventh-round selection. They’re all longer shots. But Bradshaw is an interesting one. He’s a big kid, but he only played in the AYHL this year with Elite Hockey Academy, a school in Connecticut. He wasn’t the leading scorer on his team, and he didn’t exactly light up Ontario U16 and U18 before making the move south of the border. A London Knights U18 draft pick, Bradshaw seems headed to play for Brooks of the AJHL next year. A solid destination, no doubt, but I would have wanted to see him play at a higher level first. Especially given some of the players still on the board

Best of the Unselected

1. Francesco Dell’Elce - Defense, St. Andrew’s College, CISAA

This one shocked me. I knew that some scouts were concerned about his slight frame and defensive IQ, but I didn’t think that he’d go completely undrafted. His offensive potential from the blueline is through the roof and I think that alone was worth a late selection. He’ll have a great chance of being selected in the coming years. He’s going to play with BCHL powerhouse Penticton next year and then head to UMass after that. Strong play at either of those spots could put him on the re-entry radar over the next few drafts.

2. Stephen Peck - Goaltender, Avon Old Farms, USHS Prep

Another one that shocked me considering that both Slukynsky and Guimond were selected. Peck helped Avon Old Farms capture the New England Prep Championship this year and he was one of my favourite goaltenders eligible this year. Tracks the play really well and is incredibly composed in his crease. He’s got a scholarship to Michigan in his back pocket, but likely suits up in the USHL or NAHL next year.

3. Joe Connor - Center, Avon Old Farms, USHS Prep

Speaking of Prep champion Avon Old Farms, insert their leading scorer Joe Connor, who had a really good year for a Prep level player. He was good for the U.S. at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in the summer. He played great in the prep circuit and was also solid in a cup of coffee in the USHL. Do I wish he were a more dynamic skater given his lack of size? Absolutely. But he competes hard in all areas of the ice, and I really like his odds of becoming a quality NCAA player for Northeastern in the future.

4. Hannes Hellberg - Wing, Leksands IF J20, J20 Nationell

In my opinion, Hellberg was one of the top re-entry guys available this year after he was named the J20’s top forward this year and led the J20 circuit in playoff scoring. Hellberg also only missed being first time draft eligible this year by a few weeks, with an early September birth date. He’s a big winger with a great goal scoring touch. I know that Hellberg already signed with HockeyAllsvenskan for next year, but I would have loved to see him come to the CHL to find success like Lucas Edmonds.

5. Ondrej Molnar - Wing, Erie Otters, OHL

Look, I understand why Molnar wasn’t selected. An undersized winger who had trouble getting inside the dots at the OHL level this year while playing for a bad team. Additionally, that floorball incident in Slovakia hangs over his head, forcing the move to the OHL and preventing him from competing internationally. Yet, this is also a player who came into the season as a first-round candidate because of his skill and ability to impact the game in transition. The offensive potential is still sky high.

2023 NHL DRAFT: Top “Tier 2” players available for the draft this year (AJHL, BCHL, CAHS, CJHL, OJHL, USHS) with video – Part Two – Goaltending and Defense

Brock Otten — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 12:31:57 +0000

McKeen's Director of Scouting, Brock Otten, provides a close examination of all the top "Tier 2" players available for the draft this year (USHS, CJHL, etc). The second in the series highlights the goaltenders and defense.

Goaltenders

MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK - DECEMBER 28: Adam Gajan #30 of Slovakia stretches to make a save against USA in Preliminary Round - Group B action at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Avenir Centre on December 28, 2022 in Moncton, New Brunswick. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/IIHF)

Adam Gajan

Goaltender - Chippewa (NAHL)/Green Bay (USHL)

6’4, 176lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 55, Compete/Temperament: 60, Play Reading: 55, Technique: 50, Rebound Control: 50, Puck Handling: 50

OFP: 53.75

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/adam_gajan_-_3rd_period_30_50_-_31_2.mp4

Notes: Gajan exploded onto the draft radar with his performance at the World Junior Championships for Slovakia, capturing the tournament’s top goaltender award. In his second year of draft eligibility, the move to North America has done wonders for Gajan’s confidence and development and it has put him in contention to be one of the first netminders off the board in June. He has mostly played with Chippewa in the NAHL (along with a cup of coffee with Green Bay in the USHL) and recently committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for next year. Gajan’s combination of size, athleticism, and compete makes him incredibly intriguing. He battles for sight lines. He is aggressive in challenging shooters. He never gives up on a play and routinely makes second and third chance saves. He covers post to post very well for a larger netminder and is able to play more of a hybrid style because of how well he moves in and out of the butterfly. The focus of his development moving forward should be on his body control. He has a tendency to overcommit or overslide, taking him out of position. This means that his angles are not always perfect. Additionally, because he can get a bit “scrambly,” his rebound control can be inconsistent. The College route is actually a great one for Gajan to take. It will allow him to focus on adding more strength to his frame to improve his control. It will allow him time to iron out some technical inconsistencies over potentially four years with UMD. History has shown it can be a bit dangerous to overrank or overrate goaltenders based purely on their WJC performances, but Gajan looks to be different.

Stephen Peck

Goaltender - Avon Old Farms (USHS-Prep)

6’2, 175lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 50, Compete/Temperament: 55, Play Reading: 55, Technique: 55, Rebound Control: 55, Puck Handling: 45

OFP: 53

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/stephen_peck_-_2nd_period_17_17_-_17_30.mp4

Notes: Avon Old Farms was an absolute wagon this year and were rarely beaten in the prep loop. One of the main reasons for that was the play of netminder Stephen Peck. Calm and composed in the crease, Peck already exhibits advanced technical traits. His movement is very refined in the crease and he covers his angles well, ensuring that he does not over slide or overcommit. His rebound control is especially impressive. He controls shots to his chest well and has a good glove hand, swallowing up perimeter shots without giving up second chance opportunities. Peck battles for sight lines and is consistently aggressive in coming out to the top of his crease to challenge shooters. There’s definitely some room for improvement in his agility and quickness post to post. This would give him a better chance of making those second and third chance saves. However, he limits those currently and at the prep level, this does not hurt his performance. A draft pick of the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, one has to figure that the currently uncommitted Peck will suit up in the USHL next year before deciding on an NCAA program. The last time a netminder was drafted solely out of the prep scene was 2015 (unless you count Dominic Basse in 2019 out of South Kent Selects) when Mike Robinson was taken by San Jose (3rd round), Joey Daccord was taken by Ottawa (7th round), yet Peck seems to be firmly on the draft radar and with good reason. Let’s not forget that a netminder by the name of Jonathan Quick was taken out of Avon Old Farms back in 2005.

Hampton Slukynsky

Goaltender - Warroad High (USHS-MN)

6’1, 170lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 50, Compete/Temperament: 60, Play Reading: 55, Technique: 50, Rebound Control: 45, Puck Handling: 45

OFP: 51.5

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/hampton_slukynsky_-_2nd_period_15_34_-_15_46.mp4

Notes: One of the top netminders in the U.S. high school loop, Slukynsky also happens to play for one of the best teams in Warroad High. He doesn’t see a ton of rubber, but his composure and consistency in the crease are integral components of Warroad High’s success this year. Slukynsky was also one of the U.S.’ goaltenders at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup this summer, where he played well. He has a penchant for the highlight reel save because of his play reading ability and because he never quits on a save, always competing for sight lines and to push to make those second/third chance saves. A classic butterfly netminder, Slukynsky does have a tendency to scramble in his crease and can be taken out of position. He will need to improve his rebound control to limit those second/third chance opportunities. For a “smaller” netminder, he could also stand to improve his quickness post to post, as sometimes he doesn’t get enough power on his pushes to cover his angles completely, or quick enough. However, Slukynsky is fairly young for the draft (July birth date) and fairly physically immature. As he fills out and further improves his conditioning, his skating should improve further. Next season he will play in the USHL with Fargo before heading to Northern Michigan the following year. NHL teams may wait to see how he plays in the USHL before opting to use a draft selection on him. However, NHL teams may also be incredibly impressed with his mind and maturity in the crease and be eager to work with him to improve other areas. Slukynsky has great upside and should definitely be considered a sleeper for this year’s draft.

Defenseman

Francesco Dell’Elce

Defense - St. Andrew’s College (CAHS)

6’0, 160lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 52.5

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/francesco_dell_elce_-_1st_period_0_38_-_0_50.mp4

Notes: Dell’Elce, a UMass commit, is an intelligent and smooth skating puck moving defender. He is an effortless four way mover and a strong linear attacker, something that he uses exceptionally well to create space for himself on the attack. His agility is extremely impressive, and with his ability to stop and start on a dime, he evades forecheckers easily at the prep level. Dell’Elce also does a great job of varying his pace. This allows him to survey the ice to locate passing lanes. By attacking both North/South and East/West, he becomes a very tough cover as he slices up the neutral zone. Dell’Elce also looks comfortable running the point of the powerplay. He uses his mobility to his advantage to work his way in tight, often beating the top layer of pressure. His point shot is good, but it is his scoring instincts and ability to get to the inside that have led to his high scoring totals this year. As a defender, Dell’Elce defends pace well. He often neutralizes transitional attacks and has a good stick and gap control. He will occasionally assert himself physically, but he seems much more comfortable as a stick on puck defender at this time. This brings us to Dell’Elce’s weakest area, which is defending the net front. He can struggle to tie up opposing forwards near the crease and he will need to add strength to his frame to consistently win positional battles at higher levels. It looks like Dell’Elce will play in the BCHL (with Penticton) or in the USHL next year before going to UMass in 2024, which is a smart play on his part to allow him to mature physically before such a large step in a tough conference. Overall, I’m not entirely convinced that his puck skill and creativity are strong enough to be a true offensive standout at the NCAA and NHL levels, but his mobility and vision are real assets. There’s definitely a chance that he could develop into a Calvin de Haan type of player with patience.

Hoyt Stanley

Defense - Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)

6’2, 196lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 52.25

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/hoyt_stanley_-_2nd_period_15_40_-_16_10.mp4

Notes: After missing most of last year with a concussion, Stanley has returned this year as, essentially, a BCHL rookie. He possesses an intriguing blend of size, skill, and mobility from the back end (in addition to playing the right side). He has long, powerful strides that help him chew up ground quickly and he blends puck skill with his speed to be an effective puck carrier. Stanley routinely leads the charge up ice in transition and often gains the offensive blueline with ease. However, his impressive rushes often fail to create significant scoring chances and he can miss open teammates and good passing options when attacking, leading one to wonder how well he sees the ice. Does that impact his offensive upside and ability to utilize his tools as he progresses up the hockey ladder?

Defensively, he defends pace quite well with his length and mobility. He also takes good routes to pucks in pursuit and wins the majority of his 50/50 battles by applying himself physically. He is not an overtly physical player, per say, but he does engage to gain leverage. However, much like his play with the puck, Stanley can have lapses of judgment in the defensive end and can play with too much complacency when defending the middle of the ice. He could stand to be more aggressive given his length and quickness, but instead, can let opponents dictate the play and pace. Additionally, Stanley has a big point shot and he does well to open up shooting lanes with his feet. However, too often his shot gets blocked or fired wide. He needs to do a much better job of hitting the net, keeping point shots low. All that said, are these limitations in his game currently a result of his inexperience? Or do they point to a lack of awareness/IQ? Stanley is headed to Cornell, a program that will do well to help him be more assertive defensively. The tools are impressive, and the upside is high if you believe Stanley can make large strides in his decision making as he plays more at the higher levels.

Larry Keenan

Defense - Culver Military Academy (USHS-Prep)

6’3, 185lbs

Grades: Skating: 57.5, Shot: 55, Skills: 55, Smarts: 45, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 52.125

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/larry_keenan_-_1st_period_17_16_-_17_33.mp4

Notes: Yes, Keenan is related to the St. Louis Blues legend of the same name; he’s his grandson. Raw would be the best word to describe this powerful defender with a commitment to UMass. His upside is through the roof. Keenan is both an effortless and powerful skater from the back end. Given his 6’3 frame, he covers so much ground with his movement capabilities. He’s always looking to lead or jump up into the attack and he can strike quickly with how powerful he is coming off the line. Keenan also has a big point shot which is a primary weapon for him to create offense. He one times pucks cleanly and has great shooting mechanics, squaring himself to his target and getting pucks to the net. His hands are also good, allowing him to control the puck at full speed as he attacks the offensive zone. Blending his quickness, puck protection ability (thanks to his frame), and silky hands, Keenan can be a difficult player to stop from gaining the line. Due to the combination of the aforementioned, Keenan’s upside as an offensive defender is significant. However, as mentioned, his game is very raw.

He’s very much a project (although what prep player isn’t?). His decision making currently leaves a lot to be desired. A riverboat gambler of sorts, he needs to pick his spots better to activate or attempt to challenge opposing defenders. Considering his level of skill, you can live with the odd turnover if he is creating scoring chances, however he may get eaten alive at the NCAA level (and above) without refinement in his approach.

The same could be said about his defensive play. He flashes ability in his own end thanks to his mobility affording him the ability to play aggressively. However, he is currently too passive at times and is simply not consistently tough enough to play against below the hash marks. With his roving tendencies, he can get himself taken out of position and, at times, can be too complacent in returning to coverage. With his frame, he should eventually develop into a more consistent physical player, but it may take time. Without question, Keenan deserves to be an NHL selection and is very likely to be one. He has the bloodlines. He’s headed to a great program that has had success developing defenders recently. His upside is significant. He’s just a ways away and will require patience.

Ryan Koering

Defense - Eden Prairie High (USHS-MN)

6’3, 175lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 51.75

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ryan_koering_-_3rd_period_23_11_-_23_23.mp4

Notes: The allure of Koering will unquestionably be his combination of mobility and size. An excellent athlete, Koering covers ground quickly and efficiently with strong, powerful strides in all four directions. While he doesn’t possess the kind of skill needed to be a consistent puck mover, he can lead the attack with his feet alone, exploding across the opposing blueline by driving wide and beating flat footed defenders. In the defensive end, his mobility helps him to defend aggressively. He consistently steps up early on attackers, squashing plays in the neutral zone before they develop, and he will play the body in open ice, especially near his own blueline. With his length, mobility, and physical potential, his upside as a defensive defender is very high. Koering does quarterback the Eden Prairie powerplay and his feet do help him move the puck efficiently. His point shot does not appear to be a significant weapon for him, as he often opts for a quick snap shot under pressure that rarely finds the target.

A Mr. Hockey finalist, Koering is effective as an offensive defender at the high school level, but one does wonder what his offensive upside would be. He can get bottled up in his own end and turnovers can result. He does not seem to possess the hands to escape heavy forecheckers and his breakout pass efficiency is inconsistent under duress. Additionally, as a defensive player, he can have lapses of concentration, where his aggressive approach backfires on him as he fails to recover to defend down low or near the net front. His net front coverage will need to improve, and he will need to become more consistently physical below the hash marks to truly reach his excellent potential as a Drew Helleson stay at home type. Koering is slated to attend Colorado College.

Nathaniel Davis

Defense - Burlington (OJHL)

6’2, 185lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 47.5, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 51.625

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1-nathaniel_davis_-_2nd_period_4_37_-_4_49.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2-nathaniel_davis_-_2nd_period_99_2_-_99_14.mp4

Notes: Davis, a right shot defender with size, is an intriguing athlete with the potential to impact play at both ends as he continues to improve. He was a third pairing defender for Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge and played reasonably well in a limited role. Since being drafted by the Soo Greyhounds out of the Toronto Titans of the GTHL, Davis has both filled out and grown, making him a pretty solid and reliable player in his own end for Burlington, improving significantly from last year. He skates quite well, especially laterally and linearly, which allows him to have a positive impact on the transition game. His confidence has really grown over the course of the year as a carrier and transporter, and he is now jumping up in the play consistently to try to create. His hands are good, but not great. He can make players miss when in motion, blending skill and speed well, but when static, his hands become a little more rigid and he can get bottled in at both ends.

From a defensive perspective, he’s definitely a physical player and that’s an asset. He shows flashes of being a really good transitional defender, but his backwards footwork can get sloppy at times, and he also can struggle to be decisive about his aggressiveness, causing his gaps to be poor. Sometimes he can get himself all turned around in the defensive end too, from chasing hits, chasing the puck, or simply missing assignments by puck watching. Other times, he looks the part of a crease clearer and someone who is very tough to win one on one battles against below the hash marks. At the end of the day, you have to view Davis as what he is, a very raw, but intriguing athlete who is still trying to figure out what kind of defenseman he wants to be and can be. With the right development program and under the right tutelage, he has upside as a pro defender.

The million-dollar question is…what is his next step? He could sign with the Greyhounds and play in the OHL. However, I think that route is far-fetched. He would have done that already, especially given the rebuilding nature of the Soo’s roster currently. More likely he heads south of the border to the NCAA, but he does not have a commitment currently. Would he be interested in going to play in the USHL next year to possibly open up more opportunities for him before deciding on a program? If I’m an NHL team with an extra late round pick or two, I’d definitely look at throwing one Davis’ way and then helping him with his next steps. This is a player who oozes athleticism and whose development trajectory has been steep thus far.

Aiden Celebrini

Defense - Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

6’1, 190lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 60

OFP: 51.5

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aiden_celebrini_-_2nd_period_15_45_-_16_3.mp4

Notes: Yes, Aiden is the older brother of 2024 top prospect Macklin Celebrini. He is a hard-nosed and aggressive defender with a commitment to Boston University, much like his brother. He relishes the opportunity to play the body and consistently makes life difficult by taking away time and space from the opposition. He moves fairly well in all four directions and is strong on his edges to make him difficult to maneuver around. He will occasionally lead the attack out of the offensive zone and does show some potential as a puck mover, but generally plays a simpler game. Overall, his game needs refinement. He has a tendency to chase the play and the big hit, which can take him out of position in the defensive end. He also can get bottled up with the puck in the defensive end, either from poor scanning habits or because he’s not making quick enough decisions with his breakouts. With decent size, mobility, physicality, all from the right side, there is some potential for Celebrini to develop into a usable defensive defender at the next level. It seems likely that Aiden will join Macklin with Chicago of the USHL next year before going to Boston University, as they own his rights. There was actually some thought he would play with Chicago this year, but he ended up being released from training camp due to Chicago’s depth. Under the right tutelage, there are some workable physical traits. However, don’t expect Aiden to have anywhere close to the kind of upside that his brother possesses.

Ryan Hopkins

Defense - Penticton Vees (BCHL)

6’1, 183lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 45, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 51.25

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ryan_hopkins_-_1st_period_1_35_-_1_47.mp4

Notes: Hopkins was ranked as a 7th rounder by us at McKeens last year after a strong rookie year with Penticton, but he ultimately went unselected. He has returned to Penticton this year, improving on his offensive production and confidence with the puck. The University of Maine commit is the defensive anchor for the first place Vees, playing 22 minutes a night and in all situations. He has greatly improved his point shot this year, giving him an offensive weapon that can project to the next level. He one times pucks cleanly and does a great job getting pucks on net with a hard, low point shot. The majority of his offensive production this year has been generated from his shot or the threat of his shot. Hopkins remains an aggressive defender too, someone who loves to lean on opposing forwards, making them earn every inch of ice. He steps up early on attackers and he defends well below the hash marks. Unfortunately, his skating hasn’t really improved much from a year ago. His transitional footwork still needs improving and he could still stand to be a little more explosive out of the gate to help him get to pucks first. This was likely one of the main reasons why Hopkins was not selected last year. His puck skill remains below average too, as he elects to keep plays simple most of the time. Quick, clean exits are a strength, but don’t expect him to lead the rush or consistently beat layers of pressure to keep pucks in. That said, there are still some pro level attributes wrapped up in Hopkins’ game. His upside may not be significant, but there is a path for him to develop into a Riley Stillman level third pairing defender should his skating improve over his years at Maine. Scouts would have surely been flocking to Penticton this year and it’s possible that he hears his name called late this time around.

Sam Court

Defense - Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

5’10, 190lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 51

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sam_court_-_2nd_period_1_21_-_1_33.mp4

Notes: In more ways than one Court reminds one of Zach Bookman, who shredded the AJHL in his final year of draft eligibility last year. They have similar size, similar strengths/weaknesses, and both spent the previous year playing in the U.S. prep scene. Unfortunately, Bookman went unselected (but has since had a terrific freshman year at Merrimack), but hopefully Court can hear his name called. Court’s biggest strength are his hands. Even without high end linear quickness and speed, he manages to carve up open ice with his ability to miss sticks and make quick cuts. His lateral quickness and confidence on his edges gives him escapability when holding the offensive blueline and this, in combination with his vision and passing precision, makes him a terrific powerplay quarterback. His offensive skill set was on full display at this year’s World Junior A Challenge where he was one of the better defenders at the event. Defensively, he is aggressive to try to overcome his size and skating disadvantages. This leads to him being out of position at times, but with development and strong coaching he could become an asset at both ends. Headed to the University of New Hampshire next year, Court is a long-term project…like any player on this list. With some improvements to his athleticism and refinements to his playing style, he should develop into a quality offensive blueliner at the NCAA level, at the very least.

Sean Keohane

Defense - Dexter Southfield (USHS-Prep)

6’4, 194lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 50.75

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sean_keohane_-_2nd_period_25_21_-_25_38.mp4

Notes: A Harvard commit, Keohane is a massive defender with an intriguing athletic skill set. He’s a solid skater for such a big, young defender and his mobility serves as the foundation for his game and success on the ice. More of a stick on puck defender, Keohane has a good stick in the defensive end and his reach can be very disruptive. He’s a solid transition player who can make a good breakout pass to clear the zone quickly or use his feet to aid in the exit. This season he has become more assertive offensively and is using his quickness to jump up into the play more. He will activate off the blueline to hold pucks in and he will work the give and go to get into the slot. Once he gets moving and escapes his own zone, stopping him with the puck in the neutral zone can be a difficult task for prep players due to how strong he is on the puck and how well he skates for his size. I’m not entirely sure the offensive ceiling is extremely high. His point shot is hard, but he can struggle with his release and his accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. He’s not likely to be much of a scorer from the point at the higher levels. Additionally, his vision and creativity with the puck in the offensive zone is somewhat limited. As a defensive player, I’d love to see him use his size to be more of a physically dominant player. Again, his reach and mobility combination is impressive at stopping transitional attacks, but he has the potential to be a real defensive stalwart if he can get stronger off the puck and be tougher to play against. Harvard is a really interesting landing spot for him. Ian Moore, perhaps a similar kind of projectable player to Keohane, has had success recently coming out of the Prep loop. NHL teams will be intrigued by the athletic tools, but he is very much a long-term project.

Warren Clark

Defense - Steinbach (MJHL)

6’5, 185lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 45, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 49.75

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/warren_clark_-_2nd_period_13_20_-_13_32.mp4

Notes: Clark is a really interesting case because of his late growth spurt and the somewhat non-traditional market he currently plays in. The MJHL hasn’t had an NHL draft pick since 2018 (Matthew Thiessen). Yet, Clark is bound to generate some NHL interest because of his profile. He has jumped from around 5’11 to 6' 5 the last few years, he has some really intriguing athletic tools, and he plays the right side. Clark gallops up the ice and chews up ground quickly, blending skilled control and pace well. This allows him to be a difference maker as a transitional leader. In a lot of ways, Clark bears some resemblance to Montreal Canadiens defender Logan Mailloux in that regard. Clark also shows nice skill working the point and when holding the offensive blueline, often beating the initial layer of pressure to help get pucks on net or work the puck down low. The rest of his game is a major work in progress. His four-way mobility is awkward and his backward skating mechanics need work. He can have trouble defending pace because of his tendency to get caught flat footed. He also needs to be more decisive in the defensive end. His gap control is inconsistent, and he doesn’t win enough puck battles down low for a player of his size. As a puck carrier, his decision making leaves some to be desired. He can have some very impressive rushes, but they can result in turnovers as he tries to attack defenders head on, rather than alter his pace or utilize his teammates. All that said, I could easily see an NHL team using a late round selection on Clark. He has already improved massively (no pun intended) over the last few years, has intriguing athletic potential, and is headed to a good program at St. Cloud State. Most definitely a long term project, the NCAA route will allow him to slowly grow into his frame.

Francesco Dell’Elce – McKeen's Hockey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colorado Avalanche Top-15 Prospects

1 - Mikhail Gulyayev

2 - Gavin Brindley

3 - Ilya Nabokov

4 - Daniil Gushchin

5 - Sean Behrens

6 - Francesco Dell’Elce

7 - Max Curran

8 - Nikita Prishchepov

9 - Jake Fisher

10 - Christian Humphreys

11 - Zakhar Bardakov

12 - Matt Stienburg

13 - Trent Miner

14 - Linus Funck

15 - Tory Pitner

MCKEEN’S 2025 NHL DRAFT GUIDE FEATURE: SECOND CHANCES – TOP RE-ENTRY CANDIDATES

1. Kristian Epperson (W) - Saginaw (OHL) - McKeen's Rank - #55

2. Petteri Rimpinen (G) - Kiekko-Espoo (Fin) - McKeen's Rank - #79

3. Caeden Herrington (D) - Lincoln (USHL) - McKeen's Rank - #89

4. Francesco Dell’Elce (D) - Massachusetts (HE) - McKeen's Rank - #92

5. Yegor Borikov (W) - Dinamo Minsk (KHL) - McKeen's Rank - #93

6. Sam Laurila (D) - Fargo (USHL) - McKeen's Rank - #95

7. Julius Sumpf (W) - Moncton (QMJHL) - McKeen's Rank - #127

8. Brendan McMorrow (C) - Waterloo (USHL) - McKeen's Rank - #130

9. Linards Feldbergs (G) - Sherbrooke (QMJHL) - McKeen's Rank - #136

10. Finn McLaughlin (D) - Fgo-Mus (USHL) - McKeen's Rank - #144

2025 NHL DRAFT: TOP 100 PLUS HONOURABLE MENTIONS – March edition – FOR SUBSCRIBERS

2025 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects – Part Two – United States

NCAA

Charlie Cerrato - Center - Penn State University

Brian Nicholas - Center - Brown University

Francesco Dell’Elce - Defenseman - University Massachusetts

Elias Jansson - Winger - Michigan Tech University

Alexander Zetterberg - Center - Boston University

Blake Steenerson - Winger - University of Vermont

Rylan Brown - Defenseman - Michigan Tech University

Kaden Shahan - Winger - University of Connecticut

Philippe Blais-Savoie - Defenseman - Colorado College

Tanner Adams - Wing - Providence College

Will Felicio - Defensemen - Univ. of Michigan

Daniel Jencko - Wing - UMass

USHL

Bruno Idzan - Wing - Lincoln Stars

Aidan Park - Center - Green Bay Gamblers

Jack Kernan - Center - Des Moines Buccaneers

Nolan Roed - Center - Tri-City Storm

Jack Pechar - Center - Lincoln Stars

Sam Laurila - Defense - Fargo Force

Finn McLaughlin - Defense - Muskegon Lumberjacks

Artemi Nizameyev - Wing - Tri-City Storm

Lukas Peterson - Defense - Green Bay Gamblers

Matthew Desiderio - Defense - Dubuque Fighting Saints

Bobby Cowan - Wing - Madison Capitals

Giovanni DiGiulian - Center/Wing - Lincoln Stars

Giacomo Martino - Wing - Sioux City Musketeers

Brendan McMorrow - Center - Waterloo Blackhawks

John Stout - Defense - Madison Capitals

Kam Hendrickson - Goaltender - Waterloo Blackhawks

Caleb Heil - Goaltender - Madison Capitals

Caeden Herrington - Defense - Lincoln Stars

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