Helge Grans – McKeen's Hockey

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #14 Philadelphia Flyers – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Mon, 26 May 2025 15:08:32 +0000

EDMONTON, AB - OCTOBER 15: Philadelphia Flyers Center Jett Luchanko (17) attacks the offensive zone on a power play the first period of the Edmonton Oilers game versus the Philadelphia Flyers on October 15, 2024 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. (Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire)

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Philadelphia 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #17 Philadelphia Flyers – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Derek Neumeier, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:24:11 +0000

Daniel Briere had an eventful first season as a rookie General Manager with more than his share of challenges, but received positive reviews for many of the moves he has made. He inherited an organization that had been run with Chuck Fletcher as GM, and stubbornly stuck to the belief they had a competitive team coming out of the Covid seasons. Briere and President of Hockey Operations, Keith Jones began a process of rebuilding. Briere started his tenure by watching the overall 2nd ranked prospect on this list, Matvei Michkov, fall to the team at pick number seven at the 2023 NHL Draft over concerns on whether he would be coming to North America soon. Rumours that he may be coming over as as soon as next season have been growing, with suggestions that Flyers and SKA (his Russian team) are discussing that possibility. He had earlier, once again very quietly, orchestrated the addition of giant goaltender Ivan Fedotov from Russia, surprising many.

He then moved defenseman Ivan Provorov for a first-round pick in 2023, adding talented Oliver Bonk at 22nd overall and a second-round pick 2024. The next big challenge was a trade demand from top rated prospect Cutter Gauthier (fourth overall on this list) that was a leftover from the previous regime. In accommodating his request, management did an excellent job of keeping it quiet and getting the best possible return in defenseman Jamie Drysdale from Anaheim along with a second-round pick in 2025. At the end of the day and wheeling and dealing, he has four picks in the first two rounds of both the 2024 and 2025 drafts. After surprisingly calling for a rebuild, under the previous regime, John Tortorella received a full buy-in from the team for a surprising first half of the season from a disciplined unit. That should not suggest the Flyers are done with their rebuild. They need to add some more high-end pieces before they are ready to truly begin the climb. They will utilize all of their picks.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Matvei Michkov	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	`23(7th)	48	19	22	41	26
2	Oliver Bonk	D	19	6-2/175	London (OHL)	`23(22nd)	60	24	43	67	32
3	Emil Andrae	D	22	5-9/185	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`20(54th)	61	5	27	32	66
					Philadelphia (NHL)	`20(54th)	4	0	0	0	0
4	Ronnie Attard	D	25	6-3/210	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`19(72nd)	48	10	17	27	37
					Philadelphia (NHL)	`19(72nd)	12	0	2	2	6
5	Carson Bjarnason	G	18	6-3/185	Brandon (WHL)	`23(51st)	46	24	17	3.01	0.907
6	Denver Barkey	C	19	5-8/160	London (OHL)	`23(95th)	64	35	67	102	28
7	Alexei Kolosov	G	22	6-1/185	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	`21(78th)	47	22	21	2.39	0.907
8	Samu Tuomaala	RW	21	5-10/175	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`21(46th)	69	15	28	43	12
9	Elliot Desnoyers	LW	22	5-10/185	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`20(135th)	63	6	16	22	23
10	Carter Sotheran	D	18	6-3/195	Portland (WHL)	`23(135th)	66	13	27	40	68
11	Helge Grans	D	21	6-2/205	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	T(LA-6/23)	56	1	7	8	24
12	Olle Lycksell	RW	24	5-11/175	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`17(168th)	38	19	20	39	14
					Philadelphia (NHL)	`17(168th)	18	1	4	5	6
13	Ethan Samson	D	20	6-1/195	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	`21(174th)	63	3	9	12	56
14	Yegor Zavragin	G	18	6-2/185	Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk (VHL)	`23(87th)	17	13	1	1.60	0.943
15	Alex Bump	LW	20	6-0/195	Western Michigan (NCHC)	`22(133rd)	38	14	22	36	27

1. Matvei Michkov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and the subsequent assortment of global repercussions, have prevented North American hockey fans from watching Michkov shine at prestigious events like the World Juniors. And that's a real shame, because if his high scoring totals in the KHL are any indication, he could have put on quite a show. He has a razor-sharp ability to dissect opposing defenders one-on-one or carve his way through larger crowds of traffic, and is one of the best pure finishers in the world for his age group. There is a certain incisiveness to his mindset that sets him apart from others. Will he be a true superstar in the NHL? That will depend on whether he can become fast enough to create more separation on the smaller North American ice surfaces, because there are times right now where he gets bottled up too easily.

2. Oliver Bonk, D, London Knights (OHL)

Bonk is like a young defenseman version of Costco: he offers everything and the quality is always good, though you'll rarely get anything that's truly top of the line. Every NHL team needs blueliners who can play in all situations, move up or down defense pairs as needed, and provide a stabilizing presence throughout without any worries or problems, and he is the epitome of that. It's no coincidence that London continues to be one of the best teams in the OHL with Bonk logging tons of minutes for them. The more you watch him, the more you appreciate the amazing nuance and fine details of his game. He'll probably join the Flyers at a young age and start out in a limited role, before steadily taking on more and more minutes until he eventually becomes one of their most trusted go-to guys.

3. Emil Andrae, D, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

Andrae received a decent look up with the Flyers back in October, but from what they saw the organization’s brass decided that he wasn’t quite ready for the challenge, so they sent him down to the AHL to let the year play out for him there instead. Nevertheless, the franchise is still committed to a serious youth movement, so come next training camp he should get another heavily scrutinized trial. For a defenseman his size he plays incredibly hard, which is always a bonus in Philadelphia. He’s also well above average when it comes to driving offense from the back end, and he deserves full marks for his mental makeup. That’s a great foundation to have in place, so now the big X-factor for him becomes his skating, which will need to keep improving, and improving a lot, to counterbalance the aforementioned deficiencies in his stature.

4. Ronnie Attard, D, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

Attard has always been a late bloomer, so Flyers fans need not be too concerned that he hasn’t seemed fully equipped for full-time NHL duty yet, despite being 25 years old now and getting looks with the big club intermittently across the past three seasons. And out of all the types of prospects that teams should be extra patient with, right-shooting defensemen with size and prior track records of contributing offensively should be right at the top of the list, because they have outsized value if they can find a way to put all the pieces together. All that said, the team wants healthy internal competition for most roster spots, so if Attard isn’t careful he could get left in the dust by others. He isn’t going to get handed a job no matter how appealing his upside may be.

5. Carson Bjarnason, G, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Bjarnason's underwhelming stats this season are more of a reflection of Brandon's lackluster roster, and not the performance or long-term upside of their starting goalie. That whole team had neither a hope nor a prayer in the opening round of the playoffs, and they looked and acted like it. There were too many games throughout the year when Bjarnason was clearly not dialed in, and that's never ideal, but there were also plenty that the Wheat Kings never would have had a chance of winning without his heroics. Thinking big-picture, the Flyers are likely still content with the draft capital they spent on him, because he has everything that you'd want to see in a young goaltender, including size, refined technique, fluid mobility in the crease, and the ability to hang in there during games where he gets pelted with rubber.

6. Denver Barkey, C, London Knights (OHL)

Barkey is the type of prospect who seems like he was born to play hockey. There is such a natural ease to how he thinks and feels the game. At the same time, he's far from laid back or casual. Few can match his focus, competitive drive and desire to win, but all of those seem second nature to him as well. He might not possess as much raw skill as other top prospects have, but his production explodes this season because he knows exactly which parts of his game he can improve, and how to do so. His lack of size and strength will persist and unfortunately hinder his NHL impact to some degree, but there is little doubt that he will eventually work himself onto the Flyers in some capacity and find ways to stick around for a long time.

7. Alexei Kolosov, G, Dinamo Minsk (KHL)

The trend toward bigger puck stoppers in the NHL is well-documented by now, and the disadvantages experienced by smaller ones is undeniable, but the Flyers have to be optimistic about Kolosov because of his track record in the KHL over the past few seasons. He was the number one goalie for Minsk Dynamo for two years in a row and put forth a valiant effort during the league’s most recent playoffs, but didn't get the goal support he needed from the team in front of him. His reflexes are quite quick and he does a good job of staying in control while being active in his crease, which are essentially these days for non-giant netminders. He's already made the anticipated move to Lehigh Valley in the AHL and will be given a fair shot to win the starter's job there next season.

8. Samu Tuomaala, RW, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

Tuomaala has had a bit of a rocky development since getting drafted, bouncing around a handful of different clubs in Finland and then surprisingly being snubbed for his home nation's representation at two straight World Juniors tournaments. However, his first full season in North America was an encouraging course correction, spending the entirety of it with the Phantoms and establishing himself as a productive Top 6 winger for them. He's a slippery offensive creator with the ability to make defenders miss, as well as a deceptively heavy shot for a guy his size. His limitations have stemmed from his lack of strength and top-line speed. The Flyers have shown an eagerness to test out many of their prospects in NHL action, so Tuomaala could get his first look with the big club as early as next fall if he has a notable training camp and preseason.

9. Elliot Desnoyers, LW, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

Desnoyers has come a long way in his hockey career riding on hard work, will, and sheer determination. That’s not to say that he’s necessarily lacking in talent, but it’s been those other intangibles that have really set him apart and taken him further than others have gone, including being drafted, making the always-contested Canadian roster for the World Juniors, and getting to dress for NHL games. That’s a draining way to play, however, when it’s pretty much all you’ve got going, and sooner or later everyone’s engine starts to clunk out after it’s been pushed into the red zone for too long. His second season in the AHL was a significant step back from his first, which doesn’t bode well for where his career is going to go from here. It’s not too late for him, but will he be able to mix in other ways of being successful?

10. Carter Sotheran, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

In his draft year Sotheran looked like a prospect who was on the cusp of taking a big step forward, and we're seeing that exact outcome loud and clear this season. He's become more impenetrable defensively, his offensive contributions have increased, and he's just really come into his own overall, and he's doing so as a go-to player on one of the best teams in the entire Canadian Hockey League. All of his progression ultimately stems from huge increases to his confidence and comfort level, which is visible with how he carries himself on the ice, especially when it comes to jumping up in the play. There is tremendous value in right-shooting blueliners with mobility, size, and the capability of impacting the play across all three zones, so the Flyers must be thrilled that they were able to add one to their prospect pool using a mere 5th-round draft pick.

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

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – PHILADELPHIA FLYERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #10

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 14:13:14 +0000

Top 20 Philadelphia Flyers Prospects

1. Matvei Michkov

Move over Austin Powers, Matvei Michkov is the new International Man of Mystery. On talent alone, Michkov deserved to be selected inside the top five of this year’s draft. He had been hyped just as long as Bedard for the top of the 2023 class. However, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and the corresponding ban on Russia from the IIHF threw a huge wrench into that narrative. His contract situation in the KHL (another three seasons, at minimum) further complicate things. However, the Flyers decided that the risk was worth the reward. An elite offensive player, Michkov is one of the most creative and gifted young players outside of the NHL. Over the next three years in the KHL, the Flyers will be looking for improved consistency away from the puck, improved utilization of his teammates, and improvements made to his explosiveness as a skater. All signs would point to Philadelphia receiving an immediate impact player once he arrives, rewarding their patience, just as the Wild were rewarded with Kirill Kaprizov.

2. Cutter Gauthier

One of the more recent additions to the Philadelphia organization, Gauthier was selected fifth overall in 2022 out of the USNTDP. He was a standout player for the program, including a strong performance at the U18s. Post-draft, he has continued that success, helping Team USA to a bronze medal at the World Juniors and contributing over one point per game as a freshman with NCAA Boston College. He plays a fearless game, driving the net, jumping into puck battles, and playing so with speed. He's a high-volume shooter who could pick his shots better, but you have to appreciate the confidence. He plays in a style that should allow him to seamlessly adjust to the NHL. He has already confirmed that he will stick in Boston for his sophomore season, but it shouldn’t be long before he’s wearing the orange, black, and white.

3. Tyson Foerster

Selected 23rd overall in the 2020 Draft, Foerster has had some issues with a nagging shoulder injury but has always been able to find his game. He spent the pandemic with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, easily transitioning to the higher level. He spent more time in the OHL in 2021-22 but returned to the AHL last season, even seeing time in the NHL. In fact, he almost looked better in the NHL than he had at any other level. Foerster has one of the best shots not in the NHL and does extremely well at creating offense, both for himself and his teammates. He plays hard and shows promising attention to the defensive side of the puck as well. His skating was a worry in his draft year but has steadily improved since then. He looks NHL-ready and likely makes the jump in 2023-24 as a middle-six producer.

4. Bobby Brink

The Flyers have been patient with Brink, which has proven to be the correct path. He was selected 34th overall in 2019 from the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, where he had been named USHL Forward of the Year. Following the draft, he made the jump to the NCAA with the University of Denver, transitioning seamlessly with a strong rookie season, and was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team. After a down sophomore campaign, Brink exploded in 2021-22, leading the entire NCAA in points (57) and was named the NCHC Forward and Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He moved up to the AHL last season, continuing his upward development slope. He’s a very strong skater , who does well at getting off the wall and into the middle of the ice. He’s not far off from a middle-six role in the NHL.

5. Oliver Bonk

Bonk, the son of former Ottawa Senator standout Radek, has a game predicated on his strong positioning, anticipation, and awareness. One would probably expect nothing less from someone who grew up around the game. One of the smartest defenders available in the 2023 draft, he is a disruptive force in the defensive end. Additionally, what makes Bonk such a defensive asset is his ability to kickstart the transition game. As mentioned, his IQ is the strongest component of his game, and this is evident when he has the puck on his stick in the defensive zone. From an offensive perspective, there may be some limitations to his game. He is not a dynamic skater, either in terms of his linear quickness or his agility. He will jump up in the play and he does a great job of getting pucks through to the net, both skills based off his high intelligence level. However, he is not incredibly creative, and that lack of quickness hurts him as a carrier. There is a fairly safe road to Bonk becoming a dependable, longtime second pairing defender at the NHL level. The London Knight’s track record at developing blueliners is another factor in his favor.

6. Emil Andrae

One of the most exciting defensive prospects out there, Andrae is the picture of the modern defender. He thrives jumping up into the rush and leading the transition, using his light footwork to navigate through the opposition. Drafted 54th overall in 2020, he joined SHL HV71 during a rough season which saw the team relegated. He followed with an excellent season in the HockeyAllsvenskan, helping the team jump right back to the SHL and earning the Best Junior award, leading all rookies in points. He also starred on the Swedish WJC team, leading all defenders in goals and being named to the tournament All-Star Team. He’s a strong playmaker with excellent vision and has been improving his decision-making over the past few seasons. His size may be a concern, but he has the skill of a top four defender. He made the jump to North America at the end of last season and will look to build off a strong, yet brief cameo.

7. Helge Grans

Grans still has a lot of work left to do before he'll be ready to hack it at the NHL level. His play thus far in the AHL hasn't lived up to expectations, but the long-term upside that he possesses is undeniable. He checks off a lot of boxes that you want to see in a defenseman: athleticism, size, reach, mobility, and puck movement. Heck, he even shoots right-handed. Unfortunately, he still struggles to blend all these tools together. There are fair questions about his hockey sense and processing speed, and for a blueliner with his profile, you'd like to see more sandpaper and a stronger willingness to work hard to win positioning and pucks. Grans could be the type of prospect who blows up in his mid 20s, or he might never become much more than he is right now.

8. Carson Bjarnason

It was a tale of two seasons for Bjarnson in 2022-23, with a storybook start to his campaign but then a horror finish, as injuries derailed him during the back end of the regular season and again at the IIHF U18s. The good news for him now is that his long-term projection is still very promising. He is an impeccably well-rounded netminder, with plenty of natural net coverage, stoic mental composure, refined technique and stance, and clean movements in his crease. When he is at the top of his game, he can single-handedly steal wins for his team while making it look easy and routine. He has the right combination of traits to eventually become an NHL number one, and he'll get two more years’ worth of reps as a starter in the WHL to help prepare himself, while gaining valuable and transferable experience in that kind of role. Like almost all teenage goalies, he is still very much a project, with consistency concerns and the need to cut down on the number of weak goals he allows, but his foundation is solid.

9. Elliott Desnoyers

A later round pick selected 135th overall in 2020, Desnoyers moved to the Halifax Mooseheads from the Moncton Wildcats in 2020-21, suiting up as an alternate captain. He took a big step forward on the ice while also taking on more of a leadership role in 2021-22, wearing the ‘C’. He made the jump to the Phantoms last season and continued to show improvement as one of the more productive players on the team. He seems able to be plugged in anywhere in the lineup and succeed, playing a hard-fought game with an underrated amount of skill. Desnoyers plays a smart game, rarely making a mistake. He’s well on his way to becoming a solid bottom six contributor who could move up in the lineup in the appropriate situation. It is already safe to call him a draft success considering where he was selected and how he has since progressed.

10. Ronnie Attard

One of the older prospects not yet in the NHL, it’s been a long road for Attard. However, it seems like that road and the patience of Flyers’ brass with him has paid off. Selected 72nd overall in 2019 after a huge season with the USHL Tri-City Storm where he was named USHL Player and Defenseman of the Year, as well as USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year. He then jumped to the NCAA’s Western Michigan University where the success continued, being named a two-time NCHC Best Offensive Defenseman within his three years there. Last season, he continued his rise, joining the Phantoms and fitting right in. He’s an aggressive, offensive defender that performs very well in transition. He has all the tools to be a reliable bottom-four defender at the next level and isn’t far off from making it.

11. Egor Zamula

This is a huge year for Zamula as he is no longer exempt from waivers. The puck moving defender has a real solid shot of finally becoming a permanent fixture on the Flyers’ blueline this season, but his defensive game still needs to show growth.

12. Ethan Samson

A two-way defender out of the WHL, Samson has developed incredibly well since being drafted. He holds the offensive blueline extremely well and makes opposing players earn touches in the defensive end. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the pro level this year.

13. Alexei Kolosov

An outstanding athlete, Kolosov was already a starter in the KHL as a 21-year-old last year, playing for hometown Minsk. He could move up the prospect rankings pretty quickly if he plays well with Lehigh Valley this year.

14. Alexis Gendron

Among the Q’s leading goal scorers last year, Gendron is deadly in open space. His speed can be deadly, but there are still concerns about his lack of size. He is likely returning to the Q for an overage year and is a contender to lead the league in scoring.

15. Olle Lycksell

While the Flyers’ depth chart looks pretty crowded right now, Lycksell has to be one of the favourites to be called up in a case of a long-term injury. He is a very creative playmaker and he was great after finally crossing the pond to play in the AHL last year.

16. Devin Kaplan

Kaplan plays such a mature, pro ready game already as a young prospect. He had a solid freshman year at Boston University, but there is a need for him to continue to become a more dynamic skater. Kaplan is a potentially elite bottom six player and penalty killer.

17. Samuel Ersson

Thrust into NHL action last year, Ersson held his own and managed to win six games for the Flyers as a rookie. The soon to be 24-year-old finds himself as part of a crowded crease, but he has NHL upside.

18. Denver Barkey

A tenacious worker, Barkey does so many things well and that’s why the Flyers used a third-round selection on him this year. He is a serious 2023-24 breakout candidate with the London Knights.

19. Samu Tuomaala

After a disastrous 2021-22 season, Tuomaala appears to have gotten himself back on track with a strong season in the Finnish second league. He still has the speed. He still has the big shot. But there are still questions about his hockey sense.

20. Zayde Wisdom

Possibly still feeling the after-effects of a wonky shoulder, Wisdom’s development has stalled in a big way. He was so good in that Covid shortened AHL season and he has yet to come close to matching that. Let’s see if he can get back on track this year as an AHL regular.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #15 Los Angeles Kings

Derek Neumeier — Sat, 20 May 2023 12:46:52 +0000

Long heralded for one of the best prospect systems in the NHL, recent success with two successive playoff appearances and their best winning percent (0.634) since 1990-91 and the Wayne Gretzky era, has caused them to slip from 8^th ranked to the middle of the pack with graduations. They still boast #7 ranked Brandt Clarke on defense as the crown jewel of their prospect group and should join graduated prospects, Quinton Byfield, Arthur Kaliyev, Rasmus Kupari, Tobias Bjornfot. Jordan Spence has continued to develop and looks ready for the NHL. Whether in LA or elsewhere in the NHL. Alex Turcotte has seen his rank diminish due to injury concerns, a slight build and average skating, whether his initial promise will be able to deliver in the pro rank. Samuel Fagemo remains a sniper, whose skills can’t be taught, but an adventure without the puck, and it remains to be seen if he can put it together.

GM Rob Blake, in the chair since 2017, has not been very active on the trade front, preferring to focus on the free agent market, acquiring Kevin Fiala, Philip Danault, Viktor Arvidsson, as key pieces in recent years. He did move his first and third round pick (plus Jonathan Quick – who was subsequently moved to Vegas) for Joonas Korpisalo and Vladislav Gavrikov at the deadline. That may signal a more aggressive push in coming seasons to move picks and prospects than he has been willing to do so far. Blake has his core and will work around it in pursuit of a championship.

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 20: Los Angeles Kings Defenseman Brandt Clarke (92) moves the puck during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings on October 20, 2022, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Brandt Clarke

If the Kings' plan all along was to give Clarke just a taste of the NHL before letting him go back to the OHL so that he would set the entire league on fire, then boy, mission accomplished. The growth in his game from last year to this year was meteoric, which really goes to show how much of a difference it can make to be around some of the best players in the world for a few weeks. His hockey sense in the offensive zone is almost spooky, as he loves to rove around and change position, and no matter where he goes or what he does the puck always seems to find him like a magnet. Opposing teams just have no answer for defending him when he activates like that. He will be given every opportunity to stay with Los Angeles for the entirety of next season.

2. Jordan Spence

Spence might have been ready to be a full-time NHLer this season considering the impressive audition that he gave last year, which even included some playoff games, but the Kings decided to not rush things and to let him marinate a little longer, and he's still young enough that it won't have hindered his ultimate upside in any way. There are few defensemen in his age range who think the sport as well as he does, and that goes a long way towards overcoming some limitations that he has with size and mobility. Works very well on the powerplay, not necessarily as the one driving things through his stick, but moreso by managing it in a way that sets his teammates up to be more effective. Spence has a long NHL career ahead of him, though it's still a little murky to project how up in a defense corps he will be able to play.

3. Alex Turcotte

Turcotte simply cannot catch a break when it comes to staying healthy. Ever since his draft year his career has been beleaguered by injuries and illnesses, from hip issues to mononucleosis to COVID to two concussions. Despite being the 5^th overall pick in 2019 he has only played in 12 NHL games thus far and is still searching for his first NHL point. Even more concerning, the missed games have made it hard for him to fully find his game even down at the AHL level. When healthy and at his best he is a two-way possession specialist, always in the right position, and always making the right decisions with the puck. Where do things go for him from here? The Kings have been patient, but with his smaller stature, average footspeed and lengthy injury history it's difficult to not worry about what the physicality of the NHL could do to him.

4. Samuel Fagemo

Fagemo's name was one of the most surprising to not hear get called at the 2018 draft, his first year of eligibility. His natural knack for scoring goals was clearly evident even back then, but the rest of his game was still coming along. It didn't take him long to make every NHL team look foolish, though, as he stormed out of the gate the very next season and hasn't stopped lighting the lamp at any point since. His shot is nasty, with a quick, hard release that he can both disguise and unload from difficult angles. Sure, his play without the puck is very rough to watch at times, he is easy to box out and he doesn't generate many scoring chances for himself or his teammates, but prospects who can find the back of the net with the frequency he can don't grow on trees.

5. Helge Grans

Grans still has a lot of work left to do before he'll be ready to hack it at the NHL level, and his play thus far in the AHL hasn't lived up to expectations, but the long-term upside that he still possesses is undeniable. He checks off a lot of boxes that you want to see in a defenseman: athleticism, size, reach, mobility, puck movement. Heck, he even shoots right instead of left, which is always a perk. Unfortunately, he still struggles to blend all these tools together. There are fair questions about his hockey sense and processing speed, and for a blueliner with his profile he you'd like to see more sandpaper and a stronger willingness to work hard to win positioning and pucks. Grans could be the type of prospect who blows up in his mid 20s, or he might never become much more than he is right now.

6. Francesco Pinelli

The Kitchener Rangers badly underperformed as a team this season, but they did have one bright and shining constant: their superstar and captain Pinelli. He really came into his own this season as one of the best players in the entire league, crossing the 40-goal plateau and becoming a real three-zone, 200-foot force in a way that he wasn't before. He saved his very best hockey for the playoffs, though, helping his team upset the heavily favored Windsor Spitfires in the opening round. He is an impressively well-rounded and complete player, though his mental makeup stands out as his strongest quality. He's very focused and driven and maintains an even keel through the times where things get tougher. If Pinelli can keep improving his skating, which he will probably work tirelessly to accomplish, then he should be able to reach an even higher level than he's at right now.

7. Alex Laferriere

Laferriere just keeps getting a little better and a little better year over year, and he's done it so many years in a row now that it would be foolish to expect anything else from happening. His game is unassuming in a way, as he doesn't have a single tool that really jumps out at you, but he's seemingly always around the puck, and when you check the boxscores after a game he often has more points than you would have expected. He certainly helps advance Harvard's reputation for being a place that recruits and fosters smart prospects. Laferriere plays in a way that is simple yet effective, and safely projects as someone who could be a 40-50 point-scorer in the show at his peak, even if he never plays higher than the second or third line and slots most comfortably in a supplementary role.

8. Akil Thomas

Thomas's last few years have gone oddly, and unfortunately, similar to Turcotte's. Once seen as a top prospect who could generate offense in a top six center role and lead a dangerous powerplay, his transition to professional hockey has been marred by injuries, while also highlighting existing and unrealized limitations with his athleticism and skating. There are genuine differences between what works in junior and what works in the AHL or NHL, and some players have more trouble than others at transforming and elevating their game in the necessary ways. Thomas still has a lot of time left in his career to turn things around, and if Los Angeles eventually decides to part ways with him there will surely be other teams willing to give him an opportunity for redemption and reclamation in a new environment.

9. Erik Portillo

Portillo saw the writing on the wall in Buffalo, with the Sabres having fellow highly-touted young netminders in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in their system, and made it clear that he didn't prefer to sign his first NHL contract with them. The team eventually agreed, and his rights were traded to the Kings, where his path to success is more apparent. He's an enormous, fairly technically sound goalie who was a late bloomer and has since flashes some tantalizing potential. Still needs to refine the details in his play. He put up some dazzling numbers with Michigan, but on the flip side, had the luxury of playing behind a team that usually had the puck. The AHL might be an eye-opening challenge for him, and how he responds could be indicative of just how good he really is — and how good he could still become.

10. Aatu Jamsen

There is no feeling as uniquely satisfying for a scout than vouching for a prospect in the 7^th round who turns out to be a solid professional player and eventually becomes a regular NHLer. Jämsen has accomplished the former and is on a good trajectory for the latter, so the Kings scouts who facilitated that selection must be at least a little excited right now. He is a toolsy winger who has played for his hometown hockey organization, the Lahti Pelicans, from their youth programs all the way up through every single level to Finland's highest league, the Liiga. And it was in the Liiga this season where he showed that his ability to be a credible offensive threat wasn't just confined to junior. Due to a lack of international exposure Jämsen is currently one of the best-kept secrets in the prospect world.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 18:37:35 +0000

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 12: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence (53) carries the puck during the NHL game between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings on March 12, 2022 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Brandt Clarke D

The 8th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Brandt Clarke has continued to prove why he was deserving of a top 10 pick, consistently showcasing his high-end skill and hockey sense every shift. He’s able to create plays that others don’t think about trying and he consistently executes. The former 4th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft didn’t take long to make an impact and adapt to the league, finishing his rookie year with 38 points (6G,32A) in 57 games. During the 2020-2021 season as the OHL was shutdown due to Covid-19, Clarke elected to play in Europe like some other OHL players. Clarke played 26 games in the Slovakian league and was able to produce 15 points (5G,10A). Clarke also had the opportunity to play in the U18 World Championship and had a successful tournament, finishing with seven points (2G,5A) in seven games. In the 2021-2022 season, Clarke finished with 59 points (11G,48A) in 55 games, which was 2nd on the team in points, 1st on the team in assists and 5th in the league in points by a defenseman. A knee injury that required surgery unfortunately forced Clarke to miss the end of the season and also the playoffs. Clarke’s best assets are his playmaking and hockey sense. He has the ability to make others around him better by executing perfect passes and opening up space for teammates. He understands how to change the pace of the game, manipulate opponents with deception and find the best play possible consistently, making him a very useful asset. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Clarke should once again be one of the best defensemen in the league, if not the best. He’ll be playing heavy minutes, and in all situations, being a go-to player for the Colts. - DK

2- Jordan Spence D

Talk about an explosive pro debut. The Kings have one of the best groups of young talent in the NHL, one easy to get lost in. This is especially true of a later round draft pick like Spence, even if he had a quality run in the QMJHL. However, Spence was an immediate impact player in the AHL, which led him to be recalled by Los Angeles, where he finished out the season. Not only did Spence end up being named to the AHL First All-Star team, but he was highly productive in the NHL, positioning himself well for a full-time role this coming season. He is most at home in the offensive zone. He has great four-way mobility, and this allows him to walk the line well to open up lanes for exploiting. He has good vision and hands and the combination of all of these things makes him a potential powerplay quarterback. In fact, Spence could be the quarterback of Los Angeles’ first unit this season, something that could make him a Calder Trophy candidate (he is still barely eligible after playing 24 games last year, one short of the limit). How far up the lineup Spence ends up playing in the future will depend on the development of his defensive game. The 5’10 blueliner will need to keep getting stronger and improving in this area, otherwise he runs the risk of having his usage sheltered. However, there may not be a prospect in the NHL who improved their status more than Spence has in the last calendar year. - BO

3 - Alex Turcotte C

It seems like many in the industry have already forgotten about Turcotte, writing him off because of his laundry list of injuries the last few years. Obviously, his inability to stay healthy is concerning, especially given the aggressive way he likes to play. However, he should still be considered a top prospect because when he has played, his performance has been solid. He is still only 21 years old. Turcotte is impressive for the versatility he provides. He can attack the offensive zone with pace because of his quickness and silky hands. He can also excel when the pace slows because of the way he works the wall, crashes the net, and makes plays through traffic. A physical player, Turcotte is tenacious and skilled, a combination not many centers possess. That is why he was such a high pick in the first place. He still possesses the potential to be a top six player for the Kings in the future. Ultimately, he may have to change the way he plays a bit to avoid the injury bug, but even a less physical Turcotte should have a place in the NHL. Next season, the Kings would be wise to be more patient with his development. Given the depth the team has at the pro level, let him play out a full year in the AHL and show that he can stay healthy. Then give him a full time look to start 2023-24 with the main club in a key role. - BO

4 - Samuel Fagemo RW

A Los Angeles Kings 2^nd rounder in 2019, drafted as an overager, Fagemo has developed very impressively manner and is now coming his best professional season. The compact 5’11” forward enjoyed several strong seasons in the SHL, as well as an incredible 2020 WJC (13 points in 7 games) before beginning his North American venture at the tail end of the 20-21 season. If his initial introduction to the AHL wasn’t exciting enough, his sophomore effort has Los Angeles once again looking like they’re getting everything right with their plethora of recent draft picks. His offensive production improved to be one of the top contributors for the Reign. Consistently showing himself to be primarily a goal-scorer, Fagemo has very solid hands and a good bit of creativity. His drive to the goal and propensity to seek shooting options are the defining aspects to his game. His one-timer and wrister – both seen frequently on the power play – can be extremely accurate and tricky for goaltenders. His skating won’t hold him back from making the NHL, but it’s not his strongest suit. There are times he can be somewhat manhandled and faster players can make him a bit of a non-factor in certain situations. Los Angeles is loaded with prospects, but Fagemo will enter this season having a shot at a spot on the wing, even if LA’s transitioning of centers such as Gabe Vilardi will increase his competition for a spot in the show. – CL

5 - Jaret Anderson-Dolan C

This is a big year for Anderson-Dolan. It is time for him to prove that he is an NHL player and can stick in the league full time. After playing out the 2020-21 season with the Kings (in the pandemic year), he got caught in a numbers game last year and spent the majority of it in the AHL. This year, JAD is no longer exempt from waivers, something that could give him an advantage over other young Kings’ players when it comes to breaking camp with Los Angeles. The other thing that could give him a leg up is his versatility. Not only did he have a breakout offensive campaign at the AHL level last year, but he is also a well-rounded player who could play a variety of different roles for LA. He can play center or the wing. He can kill penalties. He is active on the forecheck and responsible defensively. His shot is still a weapon, and he can be used on the flank of the powerplay. There is still a safe projection with Anderson-Dolan as a middle six NHL forward. Will that be with the Kings or another organization? At some point, Los Angeles will have to figure out what to do with their depth. Even if his future might not be in L.A., Anderson-Dolan is a likely NHL roster player this season. - BO

6 - Helge Grans D

The 35^th overall in 2020, Grans is a well-built defenseman who brings a safe game and skill set to the table. The righty sticks out due to his combination of skill and mobility in a sizable package. Already a 26-game SHL veteran in his draft year, another full season in the SHL following his selection, chipping in 12 points over the course of 43 games. The Kings gave him an ELC and brought the 6’3”, 205-pounder over to the AHL. Despite missing a quarter of the schedule, this past season proved to be a resounding success for Grans. He nailed down a top four job and contributed at both ends. Unlike many of his LA King prospect brethren, Grans’ 22-23 season began early as held a first pairing role for Team Sweden at the summer edition WJC. He contributed nicely to the bronze-medal winners, with four assists and a +5 rating in seven games for what was a low-scoring, defensively adept Swedish club. Moreover, he played between 17.5 - 22 minutes per game, getting more ice time in the elimination games. Smothering at times, Grans excels at taking away space and working opponents to the outside until their plays die along the boards. His progress to date indicates the quality to be a second pairing defender for the Kings at some point in the near future, although he is expected to start the season back in the AHL. – CL

7 - Francesco Pinelli C

The 42nd overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Francesco Pinelli had a good season as the captain of the Rangers and continued to show that he’s a very effective and creative player. The former 13th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft found success early in the league, quickly making an impact and finishing the season with 41 points (18G,23A) in 59 games. During the 2020-2021 season while the OHL was shutdown due to Covid-19, Pinelli made the trip to Europe like some others and played in the Alps Hockey League, producing 11 points (5G,6A) in 13 games. Pinelli also got the opportunity to play in the U18 World Championship. During the 2021-2022 season, Pinelli missed some games due to a lower body injury but was still able to finish the season with 60 points (22G,38A) in 55 games, which was 3rd on the team in points, 3rd on the team in goals and 2nd on the team in assists. Pinelli’s best assets are his hockey sense and playmaking. He reads and anticipates play very well in all three zones, having great positioning and awareness. He’s the type of player who seems to always know where everyone is on the ice, being so effective at making smart plays at high pace and while under pressure. Pinelli has the ability to make crisp and accurate passes to high danger scoring areas very consistently, making him a threat when he has the puck in the offensive zone. He combines great deception and creativity to open space up for himself and teammates. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Pinelli will be looked at again to be a leader for the Rangers and be a top points producer in the league. - DK

8 - Kirill Kirsanov D

Kirill Kirsanov is one of the most talented young defenders in Russia. He was selected at No. 84 overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2021 and played a large portion of last year in the KHL. The defenseman had offers from North America, but he chose to stay in Russia to try to become a full time KHL player this season. Kirsanov is a strong two-way defender. He is consistent with his defensive play, but also shows good ability to move the puck into the offensive zone. He is strong and difficult to play against as he rarely makes any mistakes, handles the forecheck well and keeps opponents to the outside. He has the potential to be a real general on the backend who can lead the breakout and his offensive upside does remain significant. Kirsanov is also a strong mover, something that he uses to his advantage in every zone. At the very least, he should become a quality defensive first player, given his good size, mobility, and awareness. How his offensive game develops will be the thing the Kings focus on most. Kirsanov's current contract in Russia ends after the 2022-23 season and there is a chance he comes to North America then. - DB

9 - Jack Hughes C

While Jack Hughes might only be known to some because he’s the son of Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes, he’s a talented prospect in his own right. A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, Hughes chose to head to college earlier than some of his peers and spent the entirety of his draft season playing for Northeastern University. Hughes had a decent season, but it was far from the resounding endorsement of his merits as a first-round caliber prospect that some had hoped it would be, and as a result he saw his stock slip into second-round territory, where he was nabbed by the Los Angeles Kings 51st overall. Hughes’ season at Northeastern showed the positives and negatives in his profile quite well. On one hand, he showed that he could stick at a difficult competition level and function competently within a disciplined, structured game. He executed coach Jerry Keefe’s system well, and on a night-to-night basis he looked like the kind of player who could fit seamlessly into the professional ranks. But that pro-ready style could have also contributed to his fall from first-round consideration, as there was the feeling that Hughes consistently left scouts wanting a bit more. Just a bit more offensive flair, some more consistent production, some more creativity, et cetera. It is an open question if Hughes’ skill level is high enough for him to become an impact offensive player, but at the very least Hughes looks like a pretty safe bet to have an NHL career as a bottom-six player who pleases coaches and fans alike with safe, responsible two-way play. - EH

10 - Akil Thomas C

Evaluating Thomas’ sophomore pro season is fairly difficult. Surface level, one might look at his 13 points on the year and consider it a disappointment. But context is required. Thomas did not play until about the halfway point of the year, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Immediately upon returning, he was eased back in a light role. Slowly, he looked more comfortable, and he finished the year extremely well, moving up into the top six by the Calder Cup playoffs. That makes the coming season a very important one for him. The Los Angeles system is extremely deep, and Thomas needs to find a way to stand out. That means finally producing at a consistent clip in the AHL. While he is far from a one-dimensional player, his meal ticket to the NHL will be based on his ability to create scoring chances. A strong playmaker, Thomas has excellent hands and vision. His passing touch was his calling card as an OHL player, and it should be as a pro as well. The key for him this offseason will be to further improve his athletic tools. He needs to get stronger to be able to consistently play through traffic and contact. He also needs to get quicker to create separation from pro level defenders. A generous philanthropist, Thomas has a great head on his shoulders. Mature beyond his years, the hockey community will be cheering for him to take that next step as a pro. - BO

11 - Martin Chromiak

Even though Chromiak was one the OHL’s top goal scorers this past season with Kingston, his game may not have truly progressed all that much. He’s highly intelligent but there is still a need for him to improve his pace and physical intensity.

12 - Tyler Madden

Injuries have been tough on Madden so far at the pro level. The former Northeastern star badly needs to bulk up to handle the rigors of the pro level. However, it’s too early to give up on his high talent level and potential.

13 - Samuel Helenius

The Kings should get a better read on the massive center’s offensive upside after his first pro season with Ontario this coming year. Helenius owns an intriguing skill set, but can he handle the pace of the pro game in North America?

14 - Kasper Simontaival

The undersized winger has a blistering shot and excellent scoring potential. He will return to Finland this year and attempt to establish himself as a top six forward in Liiga before potentially crossing the pond.

15 - Kim Nousiainen

After establishing himself as a quality Liiga defender the last few seasons, Nousiainen will play for Ontario this season in the AHL. Nousiainen may be undersized, but he’s proven a capable two-way defender in Finland.

16 - Jacob Moverare

It’s been a long road for the former 2016 selection, but he has finally emerged as an option for the Kings on the backend. He plays a simple game, but his defensive zone effectiveness makes him a potential third pairing defender for Los Angeles.

17 - Aidan Dudas

There is definitely a path that brings Dudas to the NHL. The competitive forward excels as a forechecker and on the penalty kill and could be a long time fourth line option for the Kings.

18 - Jacob Ingham

The competition for playing time in net in LA’s farm system is extremely competitive due to their depth. Ingham may very well have to return to the ECHL for another season this year.

19 - David Hrenak

The Slovak netminder was a five-year standout at St. Cloud State (NCAA) before finally turning pro late last season. The highly athletic Hrenak will compete for time at the AHL level this season.

20 - Taylor Ward

The former UNO standout was an immediate impact player for Ontario after signing as a free agent late last season. The power winger is the son of former NHL’er Dixon Ward. He excels driving the net and playing near the crease.

2022 World Junior Championship: Team Sweden – Veteran Team a Known Commodity Heading into Tournament

Patrik Bexell — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 16:51:16 +0000

OVERVIEW

It is a roster with players from a few different leagues this year, something that is not as common when it comes to Sweden’s usual set up. Coach Tomas Montén has opted for a team built along a strong first and second unit and then role players to fill out the squad. The notable omission is Rögle’s (and Calgary Flames prospect) William Wallinder, who has ended up in more or less the same position as Victor Söderström and Helge Grans have previously.

Most of the Swedish players have professional experience after having played in SHL, HockeyAllsvenskan, Liiga and of course the NHL and AHL. Oscar Olausson, Fabian Lysell and Jeper Vikman are all in the North American junior hockey systems with previous experience from the professional ranks. This could benefit the Swedish team during the tournament; being used to the physicality of seasoned veterans and a higher tempo of play can come in handy in the North American rinks. The Swedish team is also a veteran team, none of the players are draft eligible and many of them are a known commodity, including strengths and weaknesses. As mentioned earlier, the most noticeable absentee is William Wallinder while the rest of the squad is more of the usual suspects than an unknown factor.

Luleå's goalkeeper Jesper Wallstedt during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Luleå and Växjö on 21 January 2021 in Luleå. Photo: Simon Eliasson / BILDBYRÅN /

G Jesper Wallstedt, (Luleå HF-Minnesota Wild, 20th overall, 2021)
Wallstedt is one of the SHL’s top goalies this winter and has been a rock for Luleå to lean on, with a 1.82 GAA and .923 SVS% with eight wins to his name in 17 games. The big goalie will be the cornerstone for Sweden’s progress in the tournament if Wallstedt is good, then Sweden will go far, if not, or if he gets injured, Sweden will likely crash out in the quarterfinals.

Wallstedt lives off his cold calculating brain, he reads the game well and he can handle every situation that will come up in play; be it a crowded crease, a tap from an opponent or any other thing that might cause a goalie to lose focus. This mental ability is also great in helping him to stay cool under pressure once he has let in a goal. He doesn’t dwell on it, but rather maintains focus and soldiers on. In addition to his steel focus, he reads the game well, and always position himself with his big frame towards the puck, something that means he soaks up shots and leave less, or next to no rebounds.

His weakness is his athleticism, which means that he saves everything he should, but he doesn’t make the same number of crazy/desperate saves like someone named Askarov.

Simon Edvinsson PLANO, TX USA - APRIL 29: Sweden's Simon Edvinsson #8 shoots the puck against team Switzerland in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children’s Health StarCenter on April 29, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

D Simon Edvinsson, (Frölunda HC - Detroit Redwings, 7th overall, 2021)
There are not enough superlatives to describe this big smart defender, because he possesses all of them. He plays on Frölunda’s top pairing with former NHLer Christian Folin, and it has been Edvinsson that has stood out in the games this fall. HIs vision is second to none, add a fantastic hockey sense to that vision and sprinkle it with hands that can deliver pucks across the ice with a sniper’s precision and he would be a fantastic player. Now add his physical attributes to this; size, height, balance and willingness to play a physical game onto of what has already been said and you have Edvinsson.

He can do it all, and he will have to do it all as well because no other defender comes close to his skill on this team. He has played over 20 minutes game in the SHL, and he might top out over 25 in the WJC, he has 12 points (1+11) and he will be a Detroit Red Wing for life.

D Helge Grans, (Ontario Reign - Los Angeles Kings, 35th overall, 2020)
Grans is an offensive minded defender, he has good to great skating and also possesses solid awareness around the ice, especially when on the blue line, where he can shoot or pass the puck with ease. His shot is stronger than it gets credit for, and it will create some havoc for opposing goalies when he releases it. However, it is in the defensive zone in which he struggles. The last time I saw him in Sweden he had problems with gap control, and he wanted to do too much when it came to breakouts. As a 17-year-old he also struggled with the more physical part of the game. He has spent time on the North American surface and should have built up a better understanding of the game. It will be the defense that is his weakness, and it makes sense that he has been paired with Edvinsson who should be able to have a calming influence on Grans.

D Emil Andrae (HV71 - Philadelphia Flyers, 54th overall, 2020)
Andrae is a solid defender who has had a good year in Sweden’s second division HockeyAllsvenskan with 16 (2+14) points in 21 games. He has also been playing well in the U20 tournaments held in Europe before the World Junior Championships. He uses his refined technique on his skates to open up both passing and shooting lanes while in the offensive zone; while using the same technique to work hard to retrieve the puck, player, or both in the defensive zone. He doesn’t own the same kind of tool kit as Edvinsson but relies on many of the same things; skating, vision, intelligence and I would expect Andrae to be part of one of the power play units to really use his passing and vision in the offensive zone.

D Leo Lööf (Ilves - St Louis Blues, 88th overall, 2020, traded to Seattle in November 2021)
Lööf is interesting as he has left Sweden at a young age to develop in Ilves, Finland. Even though he was a force in his age group for Swedish powerhouse Färjestad, when the senior team brought in experienced players there was no longer room for the defender, and he left. His transition to Liiga has been smooth, and he has played all games for Ilves this season and scored three goals and three assists in the 26 games he has played.

The defender is tough as a boar and hits hard, something that will be on display in Alberta. His physical presence will bring something that many of the Swedish defenders do but don’t excel at.  While his defensive game has the most upside, Lööf is a two-way defender. He can hold on to the puck in the offensive zone, while creating lanes for himself and his teammates. With his balance and strength, it is tough to grab the puck off him. His first tw goals in Liiga were created largely by himself thanks to those previous mentioned qualities. I think his shot is average, but he knows when to use it and therefore it becomes more dangerous.

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

C William Eklund (Djurgården IF - San José Sharks, 7th overall, 2021)
The disappointment of being sent back to Sweden for development, after having played nine games with the Sharks in NHL, will have to be turned into a revenge tour for the World Junior tournament. Eklund has all the qualities to have stayed in North America, he will now get the chance to showcase what he learned and lead a Swedish team into the tournament.

Eklund is a hard-working skilled centre that can play at all ends of the ice, he is also a very smart player. Hi intelligence leads him to scan the ice and find open teammates, and he does this while the game goes on at full speed around him. It is not like he slows the game down, it’s more like he can process the game faster than many others.

I think his passing game is stronger than his shooting game, but Eklund can shoot when he needs to, and he should be a force to be reckoned with at this level. He will find passing lanes that others can’t see, and it will cause a headache for defenders on all teams. Eklund has proven to be a great passer at all levels, and he should be the leading player for Sweden. He will want the puck on his stick, and he will want it a lot of time. This could mean that if you take him out of the game, Sweden will be a lot easier to deal with. His skill should be able to handle that, but it is something to look out for.

His work ethic is really strong, and he will be the engine that the Swedish team will run on. A lot will rest on the connection he has with his former teammate Alexander Holtz, but Eklund will be the first line centre Sweden needs, the question is if it will be enough.

Alexander Holtz and Lucas Raymond of Sweden against Santeri Tatakka of Finland during the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship bronze medal game between Sweden and Finland on January 5, 2020 in Ostrava.
Photo: Simon Hastegård / BILDBYRÅN /

F Alexander Holtz (Utica Comets - New Jersey Devils, 7th overall, 2020)
The wrists of Alexander Holtz probably looks like a lumberjack, the release that Holtz possesses is fantastic; and he can change direction at the last second to really fool the goalkeeper. He can find the net from anywhere in the offensive zone, which will come in handy on the power play where he undoubtedly will be one of the shooting options for Sweden.

His strength is in the offensive zone, and he doesn’t need to have the puck on his stick for long to decide a game. Holtz is there to score, anything else is a bonus. His wide array of shots means that he will usually succeed. He can use his instincts, and I say instincts instead of hockey IQ, to find that area of the ice where the puck will arrive before hammering it home. There are instances where he uses the same instincts to pass the puck to a player in an even better position to score, but those are rare and far between.

Holtz has hockey IQ, but it is on the offensive side of the puck. He struggled a bit in SHL when it came to the defensive side of the ice, however the competition is limited in this tournament, and I think he will do a better job in the defensive zone than we have seen. If Sweden goes far, Holtz might very well come away with the top goal scorer award.

F Zion Nybeck (HV71 - Carolina Hurricanes, 115th overall, 2020)
Nybeck is a small kid, 5’8’’ and 183lbs, but he can find holes in a defense like no-one else. He is calmer than a cucumber and he will hold on to the puck for what many people will think is too long and drawing players in before he releases the puck either to a teammate or into the net. He can deke with the best of them, and with the added puck control, which is usually close to his skates, means that he draws power play opportunities.  His wrists are also strong, and he can release a wrist shot with skill and precision, and especially smart in the way that he can look to create a rebound instead of going for goal, thereby creating a higher scoring chance than for himself or for a teammate than the one he previously had. Nybeck can be a special team’s kind of player for Sweden, there are still cuts to be made. If he makes the team, he would most likely be a role-player on the third or fourth line, and being used on the power play.

F Fabian Lysell (Vancouver Giants - Boston Bruins, 21st overall, 2021)
Lysell fell in the draft because he moved teams’ midseason, and he didn’t get to play as much on the new team as he had hoped. There is a lot to like about the player though; he skates extremely well, he keeps his head high, he can accelerate fast, he uses his edges to create speed and change direction, and he reads the game well at that speed.

He can both shoot and pass which makes him a dual threat in something that is lacking a bit on the Swedish team.

His small stature gives him a bit of a disadvantage along the boards and especially in the defensive zone, Lysell’s quick mind and stickhandling is his own way of countering that weakness. His hard work and big engine lets him use his fantastic skating if there is a turnover, and he will turn on the afterburners and go for the opposing net no matter how long of a shift he has had.

F Isak Rosén (Leksands IF - Buffalo Sabres, 14th overall, 2021)
The elite puck handling, along with strong skating and a good shot made Rosen into a target in the 2021 draft. He hasn’t really lived up to that billing in SHL this season, albeit Leksand added in the offseason and didn’t really get the chance on the top lines that he maybe needed. Still, he has played well in a two-way role. He reads the game extremely well and you can usually find him in the right place before the puck gets there. He is a player that should excel in a competition against his peers, where he can use his skills to the fullest. Rosén has been competing for a spot on the third line in camp, and his upside is there, but the question that coach Montén is asking is if he can be used in a lower line role and still get the best out of his game.

Sleeper - F Daniel Torgersson (Frölunda HC - Winnipeg Jets, 40th overall, 2020)
Torgersson’s career has been spoiled by injuries to date. He has made a comeback from them over and over again and when he got back into shape this season, he was loaned out from Frölunda in the SHL to AIK in HockeyAllsvenskan. Torgersson’s physique is outstanding, as complicated as it can be due to the injuries, but he has built up his body extremely well and it means that he is tough to take the puck away from because of his upper body strength and his balance. His game is tactically astute, and he finds passing and shooting lanes to create a double edge sword.  He is also defensively secure, and it is between him and Rosén that I think the battle will be for one of the last centre positions on the team. If Torgersson makes it, quite a few will be surprised he fell as far as he did in the draft.

EXPECTATIONS

The Swedish line up has an axel of Wallstedt-Edvinsson-Eklund-Holtz. How far Sweden will go will depend on those four players. I don’t rate this Swedish team as strong as some of the other teams in previous years. They should emerge from their group, but I don’t expect them to win it, which will mean that they will face a tougher opponent in the quarterfinal, and that would mean that there is a chance of Sweden going out earlier than expected. If they make it through to the medal rounds, I would still be shocked to see them win a medal.

Predicted Depth Chart:

Goaltender
Jesper Wallstedt
Calle Klang
Jesper Vikman
Wallstedt is number one but Klang is a good number two, Klang should get a game or two and he will do his job with ease in those games. It Vikman is involved then Sweden is already out or has some injury problems.

Defense
Edvinsson–Grans
Lööf-Nyström
Andrae-Ohlsson
Forsfjäll-Sjöholm

The first three pairings are solid WJC pairings, but a lot will rest on Edvinsson’s shoulders. Not only will he be relied upon to create offense but also to hold up and cover Grans weaknesses. The most interesting player on defense is probably Lööf, who not many people will know about, but his strong overall play will mean that you can pair him with any other player on the roster. Grans is a player that I still see more as an offensive minded defender much in the Swedish school of hockey, but I am not sold on his usage. I am not sure on whom coach Montén will cut, but it will be between Forsfjäll-Sjöholm.

Forwards
Olausson–Eklund–Holtz
Stakkestad–Ljungman–Lysell
Torgersson–Niederbach–Rosén–Sjöberg
Magnusson–Ekmark–Nybeck–Stenman

With cuts still having to be made these are the practice lines, it is the four centres in the last two lines that still have to be decided. The first line is most likely set, and that is the line that needs to produce, the other three lines are more complementary lines. Montén has a preference to play players who know each other and that would point to Torgersson-Neiderbach getting the nod, the question then becomes what to do with Rosén? I can see him being used on the fourth line but with Montén’s other preference being players that are happy in their roles I can also see Rosén being cut, along with a player like Nybeck.

TOP 15 PROSPECTS: LOS ANGELES KINGS – RANK: #3 – TIER I

McKeen's Hockey — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 23:22:40 +0000

Los Angeles Kings

#3 Los Angeles - This tier requires both depth and high-end talent. LA has four in our top 50 and could get 30 names in before other teams have their respective top 15s.

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 30: Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield (55) in action during a game against the Anaheim Ducks played on April 30, 2021 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire)

Quinton Byfield

The second overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Byfield was able to play a full season in the American Hockey League this past season because the OHL season was canceled due to the pandemic. This is not a luxury afforded to U20 CHL players in a normal year, as the collective agreement states that they must be returned to their CHL clubs should they not make their NHL roster. Byfield was one of many U20 CHL players (OHL and WHL) who got significant development time in the league because of the pandemic.

The hulking 6’4 center got off to a bit of a slow start with Ontario (upon returning from the World Junior Championships); the Reign struggled mightily out of the gate. However, with each passing month his confidence grew as he eventually earned a call up to the Kings. Later in the season, he appeared to gain a better understanding of how to use his advantage consistently to dominate the middle of the ice and below the hash marks the way that he did in the OHL with Sudbury. As he gains further confidence at the pro level, and continues to get stronger, the sky remains the limit for his potential as an NHL player. He could earn a permanent spot in Los Angeles’ top nine forward group as early as next season and is still on track to develop into a star offensive forward that the Kings can build around. - BO

Brandt Clarke

When discussing the most intelligent players available for the draft in 2021, Barrie Colts defender Brandt Clarke was often one of the first names mentioned. The talented offensive blueliner possesses elite processing ability and as such, he tends to dominate touches in the offensive end and is an exemplary playmaker who can run the point of the powerplay. No question, the Los Angeles Kings envision Clarke as a future top four defender and powerplay QB for them in the near future.

Like all Ontario based players this season, it was not easy for Clarke thanks to the cancellation of the OHL season. The 6’2, 190lbs, right shot defender took his talents to Slovakia to play in the top men's league there with HC Nove Zamky. The adjustment period for him was certainly significant. He eventually left Slovakia early to lead the Canadian blueline at this year’s World Under 18 Championships in Texas. And lead he did, helping Canada win a gold medal, earning an appointment to the tournament’s all-star team after posting a point per game and a +12 rating. While an offensive defender first and foremost, Clarke should have no issues developing into a terrific two-way defender at the NHL level because of his ability to process the game. Clarke’s skating mechanics are the biggest concern for scouts. His ‘knock-kneed’ approach limits his explosiveness in all four directions. When he gets moving, he possesses the kind of speed required to lead the attack. The Kings will no doubt have him work with skating coaches to refine his technique, allowing him to have quicker startups and cleaner pivots. He will return to the OHL this coming season, where he should be among the league’s better defenders for the Barrie Colts. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Alex Turcotte

Turcotte has always been a hard prospect to figure out. What makes him so difficult to comprehend is that it isn’t so clear what makes him good. Of course, he puts up the numbers you want to see. He doesn’t have any real weaknesses to his game. When you try to isolate the components to his game, they all look pretty good, or slightly better than that, yet his production always far outpaced his skills. So, you might say that the whole is greater than the sum of his parts. He isn’t the only prospect about whom you can say that on this list, however there is not another one whose total is that much better than the sum of his parts.

Turcotte is a very high energy player, not rare by any means, but he differentiates himself in that not one flicker of that energy is wasted or even misplaced. There are many who leave it all out on the ice, and Turcotte does too, but because he focuses his energy so expertly, you don’t see it in every shift, as not every shift presents itself with an opportunity to make an impact. So, when Turcotte is skating and there is even a glimmer of a chance to make something happen, he is all over it, and maximizing that opportunity for his team. Able to play in any forward role, it is only a matter of time before he is a permanent top-six hometown favorite. - RW

Arthur Kaliyev

One of the NHL’s most polarizing top prospects, there is no doubting the high talent level that Arthur Kaliyev possesses. An elite level finisher, Kaliyev has scored wherever he has played, including in his first NHL game this past season. Playing in the AHL under an exemption (due to the cancellation of the OHL season), Kaliyev got off to a slow start with Ontario, scoring only once in his first 13 games. However, he showed marked improvement over the course of the year and has certainly set himself up with an opportunity to play with Los Angeles full time this upcoming season.

The reason why Kaliyev is such a polarizing prospect (and has drawn comparisons to a player like Thomas Vanek), is because of the varied opinions on his skating ability, in addition to his lack of involvement and commitment to playing in his own end. Will Kaliyev ever be a strong two-way forward? Unlikely. However, if he can continue to improve his ability to play with pace and learn to compete more consistently in the offensive end, he does have a chance to be an impact offensive player at the NHL level. As mentioned, Kaliyev has a strong chance to earn a spot on the Kings out of training camp and if he does, he could be a darkhorse candidate for Calder trophy consideration (based solely on his potential to produce). - BO

Rasmus Kupari

While Kupari’s injury filled first pro season in 2019/20 was extremely forgettable, his bounce back performance in 2020/21 had to be very encouraging. He finished the season third in scoring with the Ontario Reign and even earned a brief cup of coffee with the Kings, scoring his first NHL goal against the Colorado Avalanche with a nice shot from the slot. The former 20th overall pick’s development has not been all sunshine and roses, but it does appear to be back on the right track.

For Kupari it has been about the need to add strength for him to find success in North America on a smaller ice surface. He is an excellent playmaker with soft hands, a creative touch, and deceptive speed. However, he has previously struggled to prolong plays, with turnovers becoming an issue, because he is too easily separated from the puck. This past season, positive steps forward were taken, but further growth is still needed for him to hit his top end potential as a top six forward. His versatility and ability to play any forward position does give him a bit of a leg up on other forward competitors this training camp, however with the Kings bringing in some veteran forwards, it seems likely that Kupari will spend another year in the AHL honing his craft. - BO

Francesco Pinelli

Francesco Pinelli was one of the most well-rounded players available for the NHL Draft this year. The 6’1, 185 lbs pivot is such an intelligent and crafty player and it is incredibly easy to envision him as a longtime middle six center in the NHL. With the OHL cancellation this year, Pinelli took the common route of going to Slovenia to play with HDD Jesenice in the AlpsHL, a mid-tier European men’s league with teams spread out across many countries in Central Europe. His performance in that league was fairly indifferent, however he did play very well for Canada at the U18’s, taking on a secondary scoring role for the tournament champions.

The talking point with Pinelli’s game is his skating ability. A strong linear skater, Pinelli lacks a dynamic quality to his stride, showing an inability to alter direction when in full stride or utilize linear crossovers to build speed alternatively. His base mechanics are strong, however working with skating coaches will be required to help him become a better overall mover. This will be critical for his future success at the NHL level. However, the rest of Pinelli’s game is extremely solid. He is a skilled player who manipulates space well and does have the hands to consistently win one on one challenges with defenders. He has an excellent wrist shot that is both powerful and precise, giving Pinelli excellent potential as a goal scoring forward at the NHL level. It is easy to see Pinelli’s projection being similar to another former Los Angeles Kings star (and Kitchener Rangers great) in Mike Richards. He, too, had to make some improvements to his stride, but ended up succeeding at the NHL level because of his blend of skill, competitiveness, and intelligence. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Brock Faber

First comes the mea culpa. We were too low on Faber as a draft eligible, ranking him as a mid-to-late round talent. The Kings disagreed with us and took him in the middle of the second round and they were correct to do so. Faber’s brand of quiet, puck moving defense work was challenged to stick out as part of a blueline crew that had talent from 1-8 (USNTDP often rolls with four pairings), especially when there is no one highlight area component to his game that demands attention.

The best part of his game is his mental side, which must be watched carefully. He simply reads opponent drives masterfully, and he shuts them down efficiently, without flash or exuberant physicality. He gets into the right lane, gaps up tightly, uses his stick like a 12-year pro, and has a panic threshold so high, it might as well not even be there. His reads can be extended to the offensive game as well, as he has a knack for finding small passing seams through traffic, allowing him to play a critical, but often overlooked role in the attack, that being getting it all started. Faber played heavy minutes for Minnesota – another club full of high caliber defensive prospects – owning the shutdown role and manning the PK. That is what we now expect from him once he turns pro, which could be sooner than later. - RW

Tyler Madden

A skilled center with some of the same shutdown defensive instincts as his father, former New Jersey Devils great, and Selke Award winner John Madden, Tyler Madden’s young career has already featured a few unexpected changes of trajectory. In his pre-draft years, his general hockey IQ was widely lauded, and he looked for all the world like a ‘safe’, low upside talent, with high NHL likelihood, but meagre chances of top six appeal. The Vancouver Canucks selected him in the third round, maybe a little higher than the consensus opinion, but then the young Madden’s game took off at Northeastern, a stint that included an impressive performance for a Silver Medal Team USA at the 2019 WJC.

Shortly thereafter, Vancouver dealt him to LA as a key part of the Tyler Toffoli trade, and Madden’s offensive game continued to flourish – at least until the end of his sophomore season. He turned pro at the end of the campaign, but his season was impacted by injury, which kept him off the ice for most of March and April, in addition to the ubiquitous COVID, effectively stalling his development. More than most, Madden’s 2020-21 season should be granted a mulligan. His developmental trajectory was uncommonly upwards for the previous few seasons, and even if that has plateaued, his likelihood of an impact NHL career is greater than it was when he was drafted. He will be one to keep a sharp eye on in 2021-22. - RW

Akil Thomas

Playing a full season in the AHL, Thomas showed great confidence as a rookie, finishing second on his team in points and goals. Throughout the season he displayed great puck skills with his hand-eye coordination and quick hands. He used his vision to make effective plays through traffic and was using his creativity to not become predictable. Additionally, he worked his way into the slot and finished with his quick and accurate release.

As the season progressed, he gained more confidence from his coaches, and with that, his time on ice increased, ending the season with 11 points in his last eight games. He was used on both the penalty kill and power play and displayed that he is effective in the faceoff circle, winning 55%. Thomas projects to be a useful center that can adapt to many roles in the top nine thanks to his reliability and responsibility in all zones. Thomas has shown that with more experience, he keeps adapting with little difficulty and his confidence grows as a result. With the potential that Byfield makes the Kings full-time, Akil’s ice-time and responsibilities could have a significant increase with Ontario next season. If he continues his hot streak from last season, he could receive a call up for a few games, but it’s most likely he spends the majority of next season with the Reign. He will need more experience at the pro level and needs to continue to add strength to further his strong development. - DK

Samuel Fagemo

Drafted as an overager coming off a very impressive SHL season in 2019, the water bug goal-scorer saw a slight drop in production during his 19-20 SHL season, which nonetheless saw him put in a monster WJC performance (13 points in 7 games) as well as take on a key role in Frölunda’s march to a CHL championship, in which he contributed seven goals. The 20-21 season saw him ply his wares on two fronts. It was kicked off playing for Södertälje of the Allsvenskan, a considerable rung below Frölunda of the SHL, which was the result of an SHL policy voiding players simply on loan in this pandemic-influenced season, even those originally from Sweden. There he got into 18 games and contributed six goals and 11 points.

Things took on a bit of a new life for Fagemo once he crossed the pond to play for Ontario of the AHL, where he suited up for 33 games, including playoffs, and found himself in a top nine role more or less right from the get-go. A player with a keen sense of finding open ice and who revels at the opportunity to shoot the puck, his 10 goals and 18 points had him on pace for a 25-goal, 45-point season, keeping him well in the mix for an NHL shot in the coming years. With Los Angeles clearly in possession of one of the deepest and broadest pools of prospect talent in the league, Fagemo will need to continue progressing this upcoming season, improving on his primarily defensive weaknesses while continually establishing goal-scoring as his calling card. This will be important not only for his chances with Los Angeles, but in making himself an attractive trading piece should he get lost in the numbers game. - CL

Helge Grans

A high selection in 2020 (35th overall), Grans would be a top 10 prospect in almost every other system in the league, but the Kings are just that deep. The right shot defender has the skill set (size, mobility, skill) to be a quality second pairing defender for the Kings and will start his North American pro journey this year in the AHL with Ontario.

Jordan Spence

A former QMJHL defenseman of the year, Spence’s final QMJHL season was equally impressive last year, especially a long playoff run with Val-d’Or. Spence has the qualities to become a very good powerplay quarterback at the NHL level and will look to become an immediate impact player at the AHL level this season.

Kim Nousiainen

He may not be large, but Nousiainen has become one of the top young defenders in Finland, even helping Finland capture silver at the most recent World Championships. A solid two-way presence, he will return to Liiga this season before possibly crossing the pond the following year.

Kasper Simontaival

A prolific goal scorer at 5’9, Simontaival had a terrific World Junior Championships for Finland this year and followed that up with a solid first pro season in his native country. He will return to Finland this year in hopes of earning a larger role in Liiga and will once again suit up for Finland at the WJC’s.

Martin Chromiak

The good news is that Chromiak will return to the OHL this season to line up alongside the exceptional Shane Wright in Kingston. A calculated offensive player, Chromiak will look to gain confidence with the puck to become more than just a support piece.

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:09:56 +0000

These are our final prospect ranking prior to the start of the season. As a subscriber you can download the list in an excel chart and can link to the player pages in the chart found here. As always, the rankings you see below are based on our 20-80 scouting system looking at five categories for skaters (Skating, Shot, Puck Skills, Hockey Smarts, Physicality) and six for netminders (Athleticism/Quickness/Speed, Compete/Temperament, Vision/Play Reading, Technique/Style, Rebound Control, Puck Handling). Our prospect team spent large portions of their last few months pre-COVID in the rinks, watching the players below and many others, and further work on video (Instat Hockey has been a terrific resource in recent days) before passing judgement on their future projections.

The 20-80 scouting system is meant to allow players from different leagues in different parts of the world to be compared to one another, such that grades on a player in the OHL can be directly compared to grades from an AHL player, and to grades of someone playing in the MHL.

PROSPECT CRITERIA

Players under 26 years of age as of the September 15th prior (Sep. 15, 1994) to the season in question who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in any one season – or 25 last year (20 for goalies, 15 last season) are considered prospects

RANK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	ACQUIRED
1	Alexis Lafreniere	NYR	LW	19	6-1/195	`20(1st)
2	Tim Stutzle	Ott	C	18	6-1/185	`20(3rd)
3	Quinton Byfield	LA	C	18	6-4/215	`20(2nd)
4	Trevor Zegras	Ana	C	19	6-0/170	`19(9th)
5	Kirill Kaprizov	Min	LW	23	5-10/200	`15(135th)
6	Lucas Raymond	Det	LW	18	5-11/170	`20(4th)
7	Dylan Cozens	Buf	C	19	6-3/185	`19(7th)
8	Bowen Byram	Col	D	19	6-0/195	`19(4th)
9	Peyton Krebs	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`19(17th)
10	Jake Sanderson	Ott	D	18	6-1/185	`20(5th)
11	Moritz Seider	Det	D	19	6-3/185	`19(6th)
12	Jamie Drysdale	Ana	D	18	5-11/175	`20(6th)
13	Igor Shesterkin	NYR	G	25	6-1/190	`14(118th)
14	Alexander Holtz	NJ	RW	18	6-0/190	`20(7th)
15	Cole Perfetti	Wpg	LW	19	5-10/180	`20(10th)
16	Marco Rossi	Min	C	19	5-9/185	`20(9th)
17	Vasili Podkolzin	Van	RW	19	6-1/190	`19(10th)
18	Victor Soderstrom	Ari	D	19	5-11/180	`19(11th)
19	Nick Robertson	Tor	LW	19	5-9/160	`19(53rd)
20	Cole Caufield	Mtl	RW	19	5-7/165	`19(15th)
21	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	18	6-3/175	`20(11th)
22	Spencer Knight	Fla	G	19	6-3/195	`19(13th)
23	Philip Broberg	Edm	D	19	6-3/200	`19(8th)
24	Jack Quinn	Buf	RW	19	6-0/180	`20(8th)
25	Matthew Boldy	Min	LW	19	6-1/190	`19(12th)
26	Nils Lundkvist	NYR	D	20	5-11/180	`18(28th)
27	Seth Jarvis	Car	RW	18	5-10/175	`20(13th)
28	Ty Smith	NJ	D	20	5-10/180	`18(17th)
29	Grigori Denisenko	Fla	LW	20	5-11/185	`18(15th)
30	Barrett Hayton	Ari	C	20	6-1/190	`18(5th)
31	Alex Newhook	Col	C	19	5-10/195	`19(16th)
32	Thomas Harley	Dal	D	19	6-3/190	`19(18th)
33	Alex Turcotte	LA	C	19	5-11/185	`19(5th)
34	Vitali Kravtsov	NYR	RW	21	6-3/185	`18(9th)
35	Philip Tomasino	Nsh	C	19	5-11/180	`19(24th)
36	Connor McMichael	Wsh	C	19	5-11/175	`19(25th)
37	Dawson Mercer	NJ	C	19	6-0/180	`20(18th)
38	Ilya Sorokin	NYI	G	25	6-2/180	`14(78th)
39	Gabriel Vilardi	LA	RW	21	6-3/200	`17(11th)
40	Ryan Merkley	SJ	D	20	5-11/170	`18(21st)
41	Alexander Romanov	Mtl	D	20	5-11/185	`18(38th)
42	Kaiden Guhle	Mtl	D	18	6-2/190	`20(16th)
43	Samuel Poulin	Pit	LW	19	6-1/205	`19(21st)
44	K'Andre Miller	NYR	D	20	6-3/205	`18(22nd)
45	Scott Perunovich	StL	D	22	5-10/175	`18(45th)
46	Evan Bouchard	Edm	D	21	6-2/195	`18(10th)
47	Braden Schneider	NYR	D	19	6-2/200	`20(19th)
48	Juuso Valimaki	Cgy	D	22	6-2/205	`17(16th)
49	Cam York	Phi	D	19	5-11/175	`19(14th)
50	Anton Lundell	Fla	C	19	6-1/185	`20(12th)
51	Morgan Frost	Phi	C	21	5-11/180	`17(27th)
52	Owen Tippett	Fla	RW	21	6-1/200	`17(10th)
53	Albert Johansson	Det	D	19	5-11/165	`19(60th)
54	Liam Foudy	CBJ	C	20	6-0/175	`18(18th)
55	Kieffer Bellows	NYI	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(19th)
56	Arthur Kaliyev	LA	RW	19	6-2/190	`19(33rd)
57	Oliver Wahlstrom	NYI	RW	20	6-1/205	`18(11th)
58	Nils Hoglander	Van	RW	20	5-9/185	`19(40th)
59	Matias Maccelli	Ari	LW	20	5-11/170	`19(98th)
60	Tobias Bjornfot	LA	D	19	6-0/200	`19(22nd)
61	Jacob Bernard-Docker	Ott	D	20	6-0/180	`18(26th)
62	Connor Zary	Cgy	C	19	6-0/180	`20(24th)
63	Dominik Bokk	Car	RW	20	6-1/180	T(StL-9/19)
64	Ryan Suzuki	Car	C	19	6-0/180	`19(28th)
65	Dylan Samberg	Wpg	D	21	6-3/190	`17(43rd)
66	Jake Bean	Car	D	22	6-1/175	`16(13th)
67	Josh Norris	Ott	C	21	6-1/195	T(SJ-9/18)
68	Rasmus Kupari	LA	C	20	6-1/185	`18(20th)
69	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	19	5-9/165	`19(26th)
70	Drake Batherson	Ott	RW	22	6-1/190	`17(121st)
71	Jan Jenik	Ari	RW	20	6-1/180	`18(65th)
72	John-Jason Peterka	Buf	LW	18	5-11/190	`20(34th)
73	Kirill Marchenko	CBJ	LW	20	6-3/190	`18(49th)
74	Bode Wilde	NYI	D	20	6-2/195	`18(41st)
75	John Beecher	Bos	C	19	6-3/210	`19(30th)
76	Tyler Madden	LA	C	21	5-10/155	T(Van-2/20)
77	Jack Studnicka	Bos	C	21	6-1/170	`17(53rd)
78	Jake Oettinger	Dal	G	22	6-4/210	`17(26th)
79	Alex Formenton	Ott	LW	21	6-2/165	`17(47th)
80	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	19	6-3/200	`19(49th)
81	Calen Addison	Min	D	20	5-10/180	T(Pit-2/20)
82	Ty Dellandrea	Dal	C	20	6-0/185	`18(13th)
83	Akil Thomas	LA	C	20	5-11/170	`18(51st)
84	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	18	5-10/180	`20(30th)
85	Ian Mitchell	Chi	D	21	5-11/175	`17(57th)
86	Jason Robertson	Dal	LW	21	6-2/195	`17(39th)
87	Hendrix Lapierre	Wsh	C	18	5-11/180	`20(22nd)
88	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`20(29th)
89	Theodor Niederbach	Det	C	18	5-11/175	`20(51st)
90	Zac Jones	NYR	D	20	5-10/175	`19(68th)
91	Robert Mastrosimone	Det	LW	19	5-10/160	`19(54th)
92	Joe Veleno	Det	C	20	6-1/195	`18(30th)
93	Rodion Amirov	Tor	LW	19	6-0/170	`20(15th)
94	Jake Neighbours	StL	LW	18	5-11/195	`20(26th)
95	Julien Gauthier	NYR	RW	23	6-4/225	T(Car-2/20)
96	Justus Annunen	Col	G	20	6-4/215	`18(64th)
97	Egor Zamula	Phi	D	20	6-4/175	FA(9/18)
98	Shane Pinto	Ott	C	20	6-2/190	`19(32nd)
99	Noel Gunler	Car	RW	19	6-2/175	`20(41st)
100	Ridly Greig	Ott	C	18	5-11/165	`20(28th)
101	Jesse Ylonen	Mtl	RW	21	6-1/185	`18(35th)
102	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	20	6-0/195	`19(50th)
103	Mattias Norlinder	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`19(64th)
104	Olli Juolevi	Van	D	22	6-3/200	`16(5th)
105	Kristian Vesalainen	Wpg	LW	21	6-3/205	`17(24th)
106	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	20	6-4/195	`19(38th)
107	Jan Mysak	Mtl	C	18	5-11/180	`20(49th)
108	Cayden Primeau	Mtl	G	21	6-3/180	`17(199th)
109	Pavel Dorofeyev	VGK	LW	20	6-1/170	`19(79th)
110	Morgan Barron	NYR	C	22	6-2/200	`17(174th)
111	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	19	5-11/180	`19(20th)
112	Dylan Holloway	Edm	C	19	6-0/205	`20(14th)
113	Jack Dugan	VGK	RW	22	6-2/185	`17(142nd)
114	Alexander Khovanov	Min	C	20	5-11/195	`18(86th)
115	Jacob Perreault	Ana	RW	18	5-11/195	`20(27th)
116	Jake Evans	Mtl	C	24	6-0/185	`14(207th)
117	Adam Beckman	Min	LW	19	6-1/170	`19(75th)
118	Jett Woo	Van	D	20	6-0/205	`18(37th)
119	Nolan Foote	NJ	LW	20	6-3/190	T(TB-2/20)
120	Logan Brown	Ott	C	22	6-6/220	`16(11th)
121	Martin Kaut	Col	RW	21	6-1/175	`18(16th)
122	Jack Rathbone	Van	D	21	5-10/175	`17(95th)
123	Ozzy Wiesblatt	SJ	RW	18	5-10/185	`20(31st)
124	Ryan O'Rourke	Min	D	18	6-0/180	`20(39th)
125	Lukas Reichel	Chi	LW	18	6-0/170	`20(17th)
126	Jordan Harris	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`18(71st)
127	Lukas Dostal	Ana	G	20	6-1/170	`18(85th)
128	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/205	`19(45th)
129	Conor Timmins	Col	D	22	6-1/185	`17(32nd)
130	Lassi Thomson	Ott	D	20	6-0/190	`19(19th)
131	Eeli Tolvanen	Nsh	RW	21	5-10/175	`17(30th)
132	Kasper Simontaival	LA	RW	18	5-9/180	`20(66th)
133	Roni Hirvonen	Tor	C	18	5-9/165	`20(59th)
134	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	18	5-9/180	`20(38th)
135	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	Ana	C	20	6-1/195	`18(54th)
136	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	18	6-4/200	`20(44th)
137	Tyson Foerster	Phi	C	18	6-1/195	`20(23rd)
138	Helge Grans	LA	D	18	6-2/205	`20(35th)
139	Jonathan Dahlen	SJ	LW	23	5-11/185	T(Van-2/19)
140	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	18	5-11/175	`20(37th)
141	Alexander Alexeyev	Wsh	D	21	6-3/200	`18(31st)
142	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	Pit	D	21	6-2/170	`17(23rd)
143	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	18	5-10/160	`20(64th)
144	Oskari Laaksonen	Buf	D	21	6-2/165	`17(89th)
145	Filip Hallander	Tor	LW	20	6-1/185	T(Pit-8/20)
146	Serron Noel	Fla	RW	20	6-5/205	`18(34th)
147	Martin Chromiak	LA	LW	18	6-0/185	`20(128th)
148	Shakir Mukhamadullin	NJ	D	18	6-3/180	`20(20th)
149	Mattias Samuelsson	Buf	D	20	6-3/215	`18(32nd)
150	Janne Kuokkanen	NJ	LW	22	6-1/190	T(Car-2/20)
151	Ryan Johnson	Buf	D	19	6-0/175	`19(31st)
152	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	19	5-8/175	`20(124th)
153	Martin Fehervary	Wsh	D	21	6-1/190	`18(46th)
154	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	Buf	G	21	6-4/195	`17(54th)
155	Will Lockwood	Van	RW	22	5-11/175	`16(64th)
156	Isac Lundestrom	Ana	C	21	6-0/185	`18(23rd)
157	Michael DiPietro	Van	G	21	6-0/195	`17(64th)
158	Jonatan Berggren	Det	RW	20	5-10/185	`18(33rd)
159	Kevin Bahl	NJ	D	20	6-6/230	T(Ari-12/19)
160	Aliaksei Protas	Wsh	C	19	6-5/205	`19(91st)
161	Reilly Walsh	NJ	D	21	5-11/180	`17(81st)
162	Nick Abruzzese	Tor	C	21	5-9/160	`19(124th)
163	Tyler Tucker	StL	D	20	6-1/205	`18(200th)
164	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	19	5-10/170	`19(129th)
165	Klim Kostin	StL	C	21	6-3/195	`17(31st)
166	Brayden Tracey	Ana	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(29th)
167	Joel Hofer	StL	G	20	6-3/160	`18(107th)
168	Joey Anderson	Tor	RW	22	6-0/195	T(NJ-10/20)
169	Yegor Spiridonov	SJ	C	19	6-2/195	`19(108th)
170	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	19	6-1/205	`20(36th)
171	Joey Keane	Car	D	21	6-0/185	T(NYR-2/20)
172	Jared McIsaac	Det	D	20	6-1/195	`18(36th)
173	Jamieson Rees	Car	C	19	5-10/175	`19(44th)
174	Ivan Morozov	VGK	C	20	6-1/180	`18(61st)
175	Rem Pitlick	Nsh	C	23	5-11/200	`16(76th)
176	Tyce Thompson	NJ	RW	21	6-0/170	`19(96th)
177	Michael McLeod	NJ	C	22	6-2/195	`16(12th)
178	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	LA	C	21	5-11/190	`17(41st)
179	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	19	6-0/165	`19(214th)
180	Antti Tuomisto	Det	D	19	6-4/190	`19(35th)
181	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	18	5-9/155	`20(134th)
182	Luke Evangelista	Nsh	RW	18	5-11/170	`20(42nd)
183	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	18	6-1/180	`20(52nd)
184	Joni Ikonen	Mtl	C	21	5-10/170	`17(58th)
185	Olivier Rodrigue	Edm	G	20	6-1/165	`18(62nd)
186	Lucas Elvenes	VGK	RW	21	6-0/175	`17(127th)
187	Anthony Angello	Pit	RW	24	6-5/205	`14(145th)
188	Tuukka Tieksola	Car	RW	19	5-10/160	`19(121st)
189	Declan Chisholm	Wpg	D	20	6-1/190	`18(150th)
190	Cole Koepke	TB	LW	22	6-1/195	`18(183rd)
191	Valtteri Puustinen	Pit	RW	21	5-9/185	`19(203rd)
192	Ty Smilanic	Fla	C	18	6-1/175	`20(74th)
193	Patrik Puistola	Car	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(73rd)
194	Justin Barron	Col	D	19	6-2/190	`20(25th)
195	Andrew Peeke	CBJ	D	22	6-3/210	`16(34th)
196	Michael Vukojevic	NJ	D	19	6-3/210	`19(82nd)
197	Alec Regula	Chi	D	20	6-3/200	T(Det-10/19)
198	Connor Corcoran	VGK	D	20	6-1/185	`18(154th)
199	Jeremy Swayman	Bos	G	22	6-1/190	`17(111th)
200	Pyotr Kochetkov	Car	G	21	6-1/175	`19(36th)
201	Mikey Anderson	LA	D	21	6-0/195	`17(103rd)
202	Carter Savoie	Edm	LW	18	5-9/190	`20(100th)
203	Samuel Walker	TB	C	21	5-11/160	`17(200th)
204	William Wallinder	Det	D	18	6-4/190	`20(32nd)
205	Jack Drury	Car	C	20	5-11/180	`18(42nd)
206	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	18	5-9/185	`20(54th)
207	Cal Petersen	LA	G	26	6-3/190	FA(7/17)
208	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	18	6-0/200	`20(72nd)
209	Tarmo Reunanen	NYR	D	22	6-0/180	`16(98th)
210	Simon Holmstrom	NYI	RW	19	6-1/185	`19(23rd)
211	Aleksi Saarela	Fla	RW	23	5-11/200	T(Chi-10/19)
212	Anton Johannesson	Wpg	D	18	5-9/155	`20(133rd)
213	Lauri Pajuniemi	NYR	RW	21	6-0/185	`18(132nd)
214	Morgan Geekie	Car	C	22	6-2/180	`17(67th)
215	Shane Bowers	Col	C	21	6-2/190	T(Ott-11/17)
216	Sasha Chmelevski	SJ	C	21	5-11/190	`17(185th)
217	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	20	5-8/155	`18(43rd)
218	Cole Schwindt	Fla	RW	19	6-2/185	`19(81st)
219	Hugo Alnefelt	TB	G	19	6-3/195	`19(71st)
220	Nikita Okhotyuk	NJ	D	20	6-1/195	`19(61st)
221	Sampo Ranta	Col	LW	20	6-2/205	`18(78th)
222	Alexander Volkov	TB	LW	23	6-1/190	`17(48th)
223	Alexander True	SJ	C	23	6-5/205	FA(7/18)
224	John Leonard	SJ	C	22	5-11/190	`18(182nd)
225	Carl Grundstrom	LA	LW	23	6-0/195	T(Tor-1/19)
226	Dmitri Semykin	TB	D	20	6-3/200	`18(90th)
227	Cal Foote	TB	D	22	6-4/215	`17(14th)
228	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	18	5-11/175	`20(75th)
229	Alex Barre-Boulet	TB	C	23	5-10/165	FA(3/18)
230	Tristen Robins	SJ	RW	19	5-10/175	`20(56th)
231	Max Gildon	Fla	D	21	6-3/190	`17(66th)
232	Nikita Alexandrov	StL	C	20	6-0/180	`19(62nd)
233	Michael Benning	Fla	D	18	5-9/180	`20(95th)
234	Justin Sourdif	Fla	RW	18	5-11/175	`20(87th)
235	Tanner Laczynski	Phi	C	23	6-1/200	`16(169th)
236	Eamon Powell	TB	D	18	5-11/165	`20(116th)
237	Kaedan Korczak	VGK	D	19	6-3/190	`19(41st)
238	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	18	6-1/180	`20(47th)
239	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	21	5-10/175	`18(171st)
240	Pius Suter	Chi	C	24	5-11/170	FA(7/20)
241	Wade Allison	Phi	RW	23	6-2/205	`16(52nd)
242	Bobby Brink	Phi	RW	19	5-10/165	`19(34th)
243	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	18	5-10/180	`20(68th)
244	David Farrance	Nsh	D	21	5-11/190	`17(92nd)
245	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	18	6-2/185	`20(33rd)
246	Dmitri Voronkov	CBJ	LW	20	6-4/190	`19(114th)
247	German Rubtsov	Phi	C	22	6-2/190	`16(22nd)
248	Vitaly Abramov	Ott	RW	22	5-9/175	T(CBJ-2/19)
249	Alex Laferriere	LA	RW	19	6-0/175	`20(83rd)
250	Trey Fix-Wolansky	CBJ	RW	21	5-8/185	`18(204th)
251	Isaac Ratcliffe	Phi	LW	21	6-5/200	`17(35th)
252	Kale Clague	LA	D	22	6-0/180	`16(51st)
253	Landon Slaggert	Chi	LW	18	5-11/180	`20(79th)
254	Wyatt Kalynuk	Chi	D	23	6-1/180	FA(7/20)
255	Mikko Kokkonen	Tor	D	19	5-11/200	`19(84th)
256	Kevin Mandolese	Ott	G	20	6-4/180	`18(157th)
257	Daniil Tarasov	CBJ	G	21	6-5/185	`17(86th)
258	Evan Barratt	Chi	C	21	6-0/190	`17(90th)
259	Tyler Benson	Edm	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(32nd)
260	Yegor Korshkov	Tor	RW	24	6-4/215	`16(31st)
261	Hunter Skinner	NYR	D	19	6-2/175	`19(112th)
262	Riley Damiani	Dal	C	20	5-9/165	`18(137th)
263	Ryan McLeod	Edm	C	21	6-2/205	`18(40th)
264	Ilya Konovalov	Edm	G	22	6-0/195	`19(85th)
265	Will Cuylle	NYR	LW	18	6-3/205	`20(60th)
266	Evan Vierling	NYR	C	18	6-0/165	`20(127th)
267	Emil Heineman	Fla	LW	19	6-0/180	`20(43rd)
268	Zayde Wisdom	Phi	RW	18	5-10/195	`20(94th)
269	Hunter Jones	Min	G	20	6-4/195	`19(59th)
270	Ty Tullio	Edm	RW	18	5-10/165	`20(126th)
271	Jordan Spence	LA	D	19	5-10/165	`19(95th)
272	Dmitri Zavgorodny	Cgy	LW	20	5-9/175	`18(198th)
273	Alex Beaucage	Col	RW	19	6-1/195	`19(78th)
274	Matiss Kivlenieks	CBJ	G	24	6-2/190	FA(5/17)
275	Artyom Zub	Ott	D	25	6-2/200	FA(5/20)
276	Urho Vaakanainen	Bos	D	22	6-0/185	`17(18th)
277	Dmitri Samorukov	Edm	D	21	6-2/180	`17(84th)
278	Michal Teply	Chi	LW	19	6-3/185	`19(105th)
279	Colby Ambrosio	Col	C	18	5-8/170	`20(118th)
280	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	20	6-7/195	`19(37th)
281	Jeremy Lauzon	Bos	D	23	6-3/205	`15(52nd)
282	Dennis Gilbert	Col	D	24	6-2/200	T(Chi-10/20)
283	Trent Frederic	Bos	C	22	6-4/215	`16(29th)
284	Lucas Carlsson	Chi	D	23	6-0/190	`16(110th)
285	Zack Macewen	Van	RW	24	6-3/205	FA(3/17)
286	Brandon Hagel	Chi	LW	22	6-1/175	FA(10/18)
287	Vasily Ponomarev	Car	C	18	5-10/180	`20(53rd)
288	Jakub Zboril	Bos	D	23	6-1/200	`15(13th)
289	Garrett Pilon	Wsh	RW	22	5-11/190	`16(87th)
290	Jeremy Bracco	Car	RW	23	5-9/180	FA(10/20)
291	Dylan Sikura	VGK	RW	25	6-0/170	T(Chi-9/20)
292	Kyle Capobianco	Ari	D	23	6-1/180	`15(63rd)
293	Sami Niku	Wpg	D	24	6-0/175	`15(198th)
294	John Farinacci	Ari	C	19	5-11/185	`19(76th)
295	Jackson Lacombe	Ana	D	19	6-1/170	`19(39th)
296	David Cotton	Car	LW	23	6-3/205	`15(169th)
297	Erik Portillo	Buf	G	20	6-6/210	`19(67th)
298	Jacob Truscott	Van	D	18	6-1/170	`20(144th)
299	Mikhail Berdin	Wpg	G	22	6-2/165	`16(157th)
300	Cam Hillis	Mtl	C	20	5-10/170	`18(66th)

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Los Angeles Kings Top 20 Prospects

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 23:04:31 +0000

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

Quinton Byfield, C (2^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

At the heart of the 2020 second overall pick’s game is playmaking. A pass first player, he possesses elite vision that can carve up opposing defenses. His size helps him to shield the puck as he pushes through the neutral zone, works the half wall and behind the net, the latter helped by his edges. This affords him time to pick apart coverage and anticipate passing lanes for his linemates. He can dominate possession for entire shifts in the OHL because defenders cannot separate him from the puck. His powerful stride also makes him a force in transition. He can push through traffic with exceptional balance, while retaining the ability to play East-West as well. Byfield supports his defenders in the offensive and neutral zones, cycling back to cover during pinches. He also works hard to apply back pressure, although could stand to use his size advantage more to help him become more effective. He can struggle defending in his own zone, although has shown recent improvement in this area. He also may not yet be finished maturing, both physically and mentally. It is within reason that he will eventually be seen as the top player from the 2020 draft. – BO

Alex Turcotte, C (5^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

If you spend a long time watching him play, you should note that Turcotte makes his teammates better in the sense that he doesn’t carry the offense by himself, or use his linemates as set pieces to bounce off of like he was a ball flying through in a pinball table. He gets his linemates involved and allows them to carry the load for sections. Even though he is a fine skater, with great edges, and a very skilled stickhandler with a ton of creativity in his game, he processes the game in a way that requires his linemates hold up their end of the bargain as well. In games where they don’t, he can look quiet and almost be a non-factor. The son of a former first round pick (Alfie Turcotte), he reads the game with exceptional maturity, forcing turnovers in the offensive end, finding weak spots in the opposition, and shutting them down in his own end as well. With decent linemates, Turcotte could develop into the consummate second line center. With the right linemates, he could hold his own on a first line as well. - RW

Gabriel Vilardi, C (11^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 2)

Vilardi’s professional hockey career has been full of exhilarating ups and debilitating downs. After missing significant time over four straight seasons due to a serious back injury, he put it all behind him in 2019-20, reaching the NHL and scoring a goal on his first career shot. A physical beast and one of the smartest players in his age group, he is a hard-worker who can and will wear his opponents down over the length of a shift with his size, puck-protection abilities, and the constant threat of a delicate, creative pass going against the grain. He dominates possession down low in the zone and against the boards and can use pure momentum and upper-body strength to glide to the net for a solo shooting chance. His skating has improved some, especially his first few strides getting up to speed, though he won’t ever be more than an average skater. Despite his injuries and time missed, he is high on confidence and loves to have the puck on his stick, where he flashes great hands in tight. He is a double-threat center who can be a high-impact forward at the highest level of the game. - TD

Arthur Kaliyev, LW (33^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Everything about Kaliyev’s shot is electric. He can score in a multitude of ways, and not just because of his release, but because of his scoring instincts and anticipation in the offensive zone. His playmaking ability and vision are also underrated. He is a well-rounded offensive player and as such, he has been able to post some fantastic numbers the last few years. On the other hand, we have his engagement level and commitment when the puck is not on his stick. There is additional concern about his average skating ability. There is concern that his floating tendencies may not make him as successful at the next level given the skating concerns. The key to his development may be both getting him to buy in physically and finding him the right linemates. Even deployed as a triggerman, Kaliyev has the goal scoring potential to shine if chemistry is developed with a playmaking center, ideally a competitive player who looks to engage physically and who can win those one on one battles through traffic. Kaliyev could make the Kings this year if he proves that he can compete consistently. While the bust potential remains high, the ceiling does, too. – BO

Tobias Bjornfot, D (22^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 4)

After making the Kings opening day roster at age 18, the Kings acknowledged his near-term future with the team when they assigned him to AHL Ontario rather than sending him back to Europe. Trusted by coaches to play tough, physical minutes, the stocky Bjornfot shows great strength in his body and his stick and shuts down plays before they happen. A solid skater, his ability to move the puck out of harm’s way by himself will be critical against the faster skaters in the NHL, while his agility allows him to pinch at the line and close on checks without worrying about being lost on defense. His skill with the puck is highly regarded and he can be pretty creative with his passes at times. Mature and responsible, it took him no time to adapt to the smaller ice surface in North America as he commanded top-pair minutes with Ontario as a rookie pro. He can kill penalties with the best of them and has second-unit power-play experience, though the latter role is not likely in his future. He will be a solid two-way defenseman at the NHL level in short order. - TD

Rasmus Kupari, C (20^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 5)

Kupari’s rookie North American pro season was derailed by a season-ending knee injury sustained at the WJC. Assuming full recovery, he will bring his insane speed and skill to the NHL in the near future. He is a blur on the ice and can blow by defenders on the outside, weave through to the inside, or use his technical footwork to pivot and accelerate away from them and draw himself space. A high-end puck-handler, he is a dynamic zone entry center who can deke past defenders with his quick hands, and he doesn’t lose any of that touch even when flying at top speed. Kupari has a mean streak, and his defensive contributions are centered by physical play and disrupting cycles. Despite the impressive skillset, he is still one of the more raw and unpolished high level prospects in hockey; on his best shift, he can break the game open with speed, size, and skill, while on his average shifts, he will either look invisible or try to force plays, leading to turnovers. He needs to play with more consistency from shift to shift and game to game and improve away from the puck. - TD

Tyler Madden, C (Trade: Feb. 17, 2020. Originally: 68^th overall, 2018 [Vancouver]. Previous ranking: 6)

The son of former NHLer John Madden, Tyler was drafted in the third round by Los Angeles. He played prep hockey in Connecticut and spent one season in the USHL before joining the Huskies, where he exhibited his abilities even as a freshman. He was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team and also won a silver medal with the U.S. at the World Junior Championship. Madden led the Huskies in scoring in his sophomore season despite missing seven games. He has developed into an elite skater who glides well and can outstate defenders. At 5-11” and only 152 pounds, he is on the smaller side and needs to be a little more physical so he doesn’t get pushed off the puck so easily, which will require him to build his physique. He played on both the power play and the penalty kill, showing a vote of confidence in Madden’s defensive abilities, a trait he surely inherited from his Selke Award winning father. He has a slick shot and a quick stick and could ascend to the NHL to play in a middle six role sooner than later. - JS

Akil Thomas, C (51^st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 7)

Few NHL teams have the depth in their prospect pool that would push a player as talented as Thomas down their list this far, but the Kings’ system is pretty special. A talented playmaker, Thomas’ game has really matured the last two years. He took great steps forward last year in attacking traffic and playing through the middle of the ice, a previous weak spot. This has made him a more versatile player. He can work the half wall on the powerplay or the top of the box/diamond on the penalty kill. He works hard in all three zones. He can play down the middle or on the wing. He forces turnovers on the forecheck and works hard to win challenges along the wall. The hands are great. The vision with the puck is great. He skates well. The question is, is Thomas a dynamic enough player to be a consistent top six point producer at the NHL level? And, while well rounded, does he profile as the type of player a team would want on a bottom six line? There is certainly some risk that he could be a tweener, but his projection remains that of a well-rounded middle six forward who brings leadership and a great attitude to the ice. - BO

Samuel Fagemo, LW (50^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 8)

Fagemo is a strong goal scorer who scored more last season all leagues considered, especially with the junior national team where he scored 15 goals in 16 games with eight coming at the WJC where he was the top scorer. In SHL alone, his numbers did not go up, on the other hand, he scored seven goals in 11 games at the CHL so I would say that he took a step forward. Fagemo likes to shoot the puck and likes to shoot from the left circle or inside the slot. His wrist shot is lethal, and he shoots with a quick release. He also plays an intensive style but lacks elite skating and is not a particularly strong forechecker. His defensive mindset is not strong, but his offensive mindset is. He is good at finding open spaces and seems to always be ready to shoot the puck. He has top six forward potential, but I am still not certain if he can reach that. His shooting is his only elite tool and maybe that will be enough but since he cannot be used in any other role that might lead him to be a top goal scorer in Europe instead. – JH

Kasper Simontaival, RW (66^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Simontaival has long been a feature on Finland’s age-based national teams, often as an underager. He has also been a top scorer wherever he has played. His offensive weapons are all high end. His shot is close to the elite level and was among the best of the 2020 draft class. He can score with any of a one-timer slapper, wrist shot or backhand. Neither does Simontaival hesitate to look for linemates. He is especially sharp creating from behind the red line. His ability to read and process the game quickly helps him generate scoring chances. Although short, his frame is stocky and strong, and he will get dirty in the corners if need be. His effort off the puck is also commendable and he does his job defensively, and he shouldn’t have to be protected at the higher levels. The main drawback to his game is his skating. His first few steps are fine, but over the long haul his high-end speed will need to improve to allow him to play his game at the highest level. If he gets there, he has top six potential and could be a power play weapon of the highest echelon. – RW

Helge Grans, D (35^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Grans has the combination of size and mobility that tends to excel in the modern game. The right shot defender is not an explosive skater, which limits his puck moving consistency. His agility, on the other hand, is excellent, adding to his profile as a high end stay at home blueliner. This aids his excellent gap control, and he is very difficult to beat off the rush. He gets his stick in passing and shooting lanes and mitigates damage down low and near the crease. He also is strong on his skates and shows physical aggression, which will likely improve further as he matures physically. Offensively, Grans plays a simple, yet relatively effective game. At the SHL level he has shown impressive calmness, patience, and skill to make both easy and hard plays getting out of his own end. He can be prone to mistakes with the puck when plays break down and he attempts skill to skate the puck out of the zone. He also does not possess the shot or assertiveness to be a powerplay quarterback at the NHL level. His skill set is most likely suited to being a safe and composed second pairing defensive anchor. – BO

Martin Chromiak, RW (128^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

One of the steals of the 2020 draft, Chromiak struggled in the first half of his draft year playing in Slovakia, but developed instant chemistry playing with wonderkid Shane Wright (2022 eligible), and fellow 2020 eligible forward Zayde Wisdom after coming to Kingston at midseason. Chromiak takes some time to appreciate because he lacks flash. After multiple viewings, you begin to gain an appreciation for the different ways he impacts the game. His first step quickness is excellent, making him very effective away from the puck. He is equal parts playmaker and goal scorer. He has good vision operating near the half wall and makes quick decisions with the puck. He also possesses a heavy wrist shot and can one time passes working the half wall on the powerplay. His three zone IQ is strong, showing strong anticipation and effort in his own zone. His skating is strong, but he does not utilize this enough to lead the attack. He is a very well-rounded player who projects as a quality middle six winger. – BO

Jaret Anderson-Dolan, C (41^st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 9)

While Anderson-Dolan is far from the most talented player in the Kings farm system, he is one of the safest bets to become a future NHL contributor. The 2017 second rounder is a penalty-kill maestro and one of the smartest offensive players the team presently has marinating in the AHL, and in a lesser pipeline, he would probably be a top-five prospect. Quick and competitive, Anderson-Dolan is a two-way center whose energy and maturity in all three zones act as a calming force for his AHL teammates. More of a shooter, he has worked on his puck-distribution skills and has made passing a legitimate weapon in his versatile toolkit. His vision and skill have long been there, but his decisiveness and speed in passing has improved considerably. He has a hard wrister with a deep release and a slapshot worthy of time on the Ontario power play. He does not have many flaws, but there are reasonable questions as to how he can contribute offensively in the NHL; there are some stretches during which he does not make any high-end plays. At the end of the day, I think he becomes a long-term third line centerman with heavy penalty kill time for the Kings. - TD

Mikey Anderson, D (103^rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 10)

Defense prospects are like pitching prospects in baseball; you can never have too many. Anderson is a penalty-kill horse and an intelligent, competitive defenseman who can play heavy even strength minutes and has been productive everywhere he has gone. Quickly graduating from the natural feeling-out process of the AHL by most rookies in the pro ranks, Anderson immediately became a top-four defenseman with the Reign and even played six games with L.A. in 2019-20. His smarts, serviceable speed, and surprising physicality in an under-six-foot package made him a complete prospect from day one. He isn’t flashy and won’t go end to end with the puck, but he sees the ice well, is a good outlet passer, and is very reliable defensively with his reads and gaps. His ceiling is limited by his lack of high-end two-way skill, but the scrappy lefty can be a minute-eating middle-pair blueliner who can act like a security blanket for a more offensively gifted partner. - TD

Cal Petersen, G (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Jul. 1, 2017. Originally: 129th overall, 2013 (Buffalo). Previous ranking: 11)

Effectively graduating from Reign starting goalie to Jonathan Quick’s backup after the trade that sent Jack Campbell to Toronto, Petersen, according to Kings general manager Rob Blake, will eventually be the team’s starter. The former Notre Dame standout who holds the record for most saves in an NCAA game (87) will be more than ready for the task. Originally a fifth-round pick of Buffalo’s in 2013, the Iowa native plays up a lack of size in his 6-1” frame with high-level speed and athleticism, which coupled with his strong focus and positional play in the crease, makes him as solid as a 6-4” counterpart. Backstopping an AHL Ontario team that has struggled over the past couple of seasons, Petersen never cracked emotionally and looked especially competitive for the Kings down the stretch. Still only 25 and signed for the next two seasons, his road to the NHL has been long and winding but he might be the perfect guy to step into the crease as the heir to Quick’s throne and lead an evolving, youthful L.A. roster into the next generation of Kings hockey. - TD

Carl Grundstrom, RW (Trade: Jan. 28, 2019. Originally: 57^th overall, 2016 [Toronto}. Previous ranking: 12)

Although Grundstrom may never be dynamic enough to be the true NHL goal-scorer he was drafted as in the second-round of the 2016 draft, the Swede is a hard worker who can contribute in a multitude of ways, and unlike others in this system, his potential does not rely primarily on point production. The former Toronto prospect traded to the Kings in the Jake Muzzin deal, Grundstrom skates well, flashes skill with the puck on his stick, and can rip a shot home anywhere from the blueline in. Even if his offense is lacking, he is a chip-and-chase and forechecking master and can kill penalties with his speed and hockey sense. Still just 22, he has time to work on the assertiveness of his shot and playmaking, and can still turn into a long-term checking-line forward who works along the dirty areas and operates on the first penalty kill unit in Los Angeles. – TD

Alex Laferriere, RW (83^rd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

One of the 2020 draft class’ most improved players from the beginning of the year to its premature conclusion, Laferriere was a consistent offensive driver for Des Moines for much of his draft year. What really marked his improvement was the complete makeover he made in his skating. Gone was the crow-hop kick off, which had him behind before he took his first stride. His wide-kneed form added to the inefficiency. By mid-season he was far smoother, able to get to his top gear much quicker and became a primary puck carrier instead of just a trigger man. Then again, the trigger was always the main draw. Despite carrying a slight frame, he has a big shot and can rip both wrist shots and slap shots past unprepared netminders. Another positive for the Harvard commit is his high IQ, represented on the ice through his heady, two-way play. He played in all situations, including the penalty kill. Laferriere will need substantial physical growth before turning pro, but there are a number of high-level tools on offer here. – RW

Kale Clague, D (51^st overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 13)

A mobile and intelligent offensive defenseman, Clague is the aggressive, puck-moving defense partner to someone like Bjornfot or Anderson on a future Kings blueline. A very good skater, he can move the puck from end to end solo with his deceptively high top-speed and decent acceleration, and he doesn’t slack off as a puck-mover either, as his stretch passes and power play work have impressed. He has the smarts and vision to pass effectively but prefers carrying the puck, where his ability to draw defenders to him before making a creative, albeit risky and dangerous pass to a teammate shines through. As with his rookie season, his main problems were his gaps and reads on defense, particularly at the blue line. He will need some more AHL seasoning before being a viable defensive option in the NHL, but a formidable puck-rusher alongside some of the strong and reliable defensive blueliners in the system would be helpful for the Kings’ future depth chart. - TD

Jordan Spence, D (95^thoverall, 2019. Previous ranking: 14)

Spence is an easy player to like at first glance; his skating speed is among the best in all of junior hockey and he flies all over the ice. He is a very fluid player who handles the puck well, moves the puck well, and finishes plays strong in the offensive end. Spence earned the QMJHL’s top defenseman award this past season for his efforts, which is a huge step up for a blueliner who didn’t get drafted into the Q in his first year of eligibility. However, while Spence is a great skater, he is a bit of a sports car: great speed, difficult to harness. In the defensive end, he can get lost against bigger forwards as a smaller defender, and that can cause some issues. However, all of these can be corrected, and he has a great work ethic. The Kings have already signed him to his entry-level deal, and he has the boom or bust potential to be a strong offensive blueliner in the show. - MS

Mikey Eyssimont, C (142^ndoverall, 2016. Previous ranking: 15)

A St. Cloud State who alum twice led the Huskies in goal-scoring, including in his senior year, helping the team clinch a berth in the NCAA tournament, Eyssimont has brought some of that scoring prowess to the pro ranks, finishing second in overall scoring with the Reign in his second full pro year. Fairly speedy and very skilled with the puck, the Colorado native exhibits swift hands, deceptive moves with the puck, and vision to pass it accurately off in space. With an improving shot, he has maintained a presence on the Reign power play and in their top-six. Defensively, he can still get lost at times and needs to engage physically and use his strength more. He has strong depth scorer potential, but he lacks that explosive quickness needed from that role, plus he provides little to no value away from the puck. Any chance at an NHL future requires him to become a more useful player without possession and defensively. - TD

2021 World Junior Championship: Hamrin’s Swedish World Junior Roster

Jimmy Hamrin — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 17:15:31 +0000

In these weird times for hockey it is great to see that the World Junior Championships actually will be held this season and to a large degree with the ten participating nations bringing their strongest possible teams, with only a few notable exclusions currently anticipated. Canada will send a supreme team. USA has their 2001 powerhouse age group that dominated the 2019 NHL Draft. Russia recently won a senior national team’s tournament with their U20 team. And I am going to look into Sweden’s U18 WJC gold medal winners, and suggest my roster before Sweden actually announce theirs on December 3^rd.

First off, even if many of Sweden’s players who won the U18 are playing, they will not have a team that, on paper, should be able to beat USA, Canada AND Russia for a gold medal in this tournament. Last year’s result, finishing with a bronze medal, would be a respectable result again considering the competition. Sweden will be competitive with good goalies, top class defense and high-end wingers. Sweden’s weak position is at center where they lack a top elite talent.

Goalies

Hugo Alnefelt (TBL) was a strong starter already last season, being named Best Goalie in the tournament, and he was strong when they won at the U18s too. If he gets to start in this tournament as well comes down to how much the younger Jesper Wallstedt (2021) has closed in on him or has even surpassed him at this point. They both play at the SHL level and so far, Wallstedt clearly has outplayed Alnefelt. Wallstedt has saved 92% of the shots he has faced and 91% of the shots from the scoring area. Alnefelt has played a bit more but has much worse numbers, with 90% of the shots saved and 86% from the scoring area. If we deep dive into those numbers, we can see that Alnefelt has the better or similar numbers in almost all areas except from near range where Alnefelt saves 72% versus Wallstedt’s 83%. We will also need take into fact that Wallstedt plays on a stronger team (Lulea) at the top of the league while Alnefelt’s HV71 has struggled. Wallstedt has faces 26 shots per game while Alnefelt faced 31 shots per game. Wallstedt has a lower xG per game figure though and the goals he has let in has a higher xG value than Alnefelt’s.

That sums up my mind that the net should be Jesper Wallstedt’s to lose in this tournament if we look at the current season. That said, coaches rarely picks the starter only by the rationality of stats on single digit games. Alnefelt has had strong performances every time he has been chosen internationally and that should be accounted for and will be in his favour as Wallstedt has not had that opportunity yet (U18 got cancelled last spring).

My pick for a starter still will be Jesper Wallstedt. He is the best Swedish goalie prospect I have seen in at least a decade and his hockey sense is truly something special. Picking the third goalie I think you should go with a player who will be available next year, too, and my pick will therefore be Calle Clang (PIT) who has played in Allsvenskan with strong numbers so far. The only other junior goalie playing senior hockey in the top levels (SHL and Allsvenskan) is undrafted 19-year-old Matteus Ward.

Defenseman

Victor Soderstrom (ARI), Philip Broberg (EDM), Tobias Bjornfot (LAK) and Albert Johansson (DET) are no-brainers. These are the clear top 4. Johansson may surprise some, but he is looking like a tremendous pick by the Red Wings in 2019. He skates fast and has come further in adapting his game to senior level than both Broberg and Bjornfot. Broberg has the highest ceiling of the bunch and has the potential for a monster tournament. Soderstrom will probably be the most reliant defenseman of the team with his outstanding hockey IQ.

After those four it becomes more interesting.

If we start with the 2001 born players: Albert Lyckasen (BUF) has had a rough start to his season and left his Allsvenskan club in october after being cut from the team and sent down to third senior league. He has only played 3 games all season. For that reason, he will be counted out for my roster. Ludvig Hedstrom and Alex Brannstam have been regularly picked for this team over the years. Neither are drafted and they are non-flashy defensive defensemen. They both play for Djurgarden and of the two, Brannstam has played more on the SHL team with 5 games and an average of 06:30 TOI. They both have a shot of being that non-sexy defensive defenseman that coaches want for their roster. I see better options for that though. Another option here could be Gustav Berglund (DET). He plays regularly in Allsvenskan. He has been stable but has not earned a big role on the team playing around 14 minutes per game. He is a big and mobile defenseman with some good puck skills but has not provided much offense yet at the senior level. I do not see him as a strong candidate for WJC.

The 2002 age group muster up some exciting names. Among others, the recent NHL Draft had William Wallinder (DET), Helge Grans (LAK) and Emil Andrae (PHI) selected and they could make waves. Wallinder has been up and down, playing in Allsvenskan. His team has struggled, and he has been occasionally sent down to the junior team. He has his size and impressive mobility but still has much to learn about how to use those traits effectively. Grans started the season impressively and put up 6 points in the SHL, but his team has also struggled and are at bottom of standings and he has been sidelined (unfairly in my opinion) for games, too. He bring size, mobility, and strong passing ability. He should have a strong chance to earn a spot on the team. Andrae has also earned a spot on an SHL team. His ice time has varied from 6 - 20 minutes per game. He has not been spectacular but has handled himself well for an 18-year-old in his first season at the top level. He usually is more involved but plays more of a safe game now to stay on the team.

I would also advocate for one 2003 born defenseman and that is Simon Edvinsson (2021). He has been amazing in the junior league and has now come up and played a few games in the SHL. He is 6-5” with speed and skill. He is strong both offensively and defensively. He would be a great 7^th defenseman who can come in and stir things up.

All things considered, I will go for Victor Soderstrom, Philip Broberg, Tobias Bjornfot, Albert Johansson, and Helge Grans as locks. For the last two spots, Emil Andrae and Simon Edvinsson get the advantage for me. They are the most skilled players with the puck, and I think the team has strong defensive ability in the five guys named as locks to choose these options.

Forwards

Let’s start with the obvious names here. Lucas Raymond (DET) and Alexander Holtz (NJD) will be the offensive drivers for this team. They were the difference makers as underagers in the U18 gold medal and they were both contributors to the U20 bronze medal team already last season. The biggest question now is whether to keep them together on the same line or split them into two lines. The reason that has even come up as a question as they always have played together with success before is the fact that Holtz is playing with William Eklund (2021) in Djurgarden. Eklund (a probable first round pick) has taken the SHL by storm and that line (with former NHLer Jacob Josefsson in the middle) has been the team’s best line. Internationally Holtz and Raymond have had Karl Henriksson (NYR) to center their line and he is also an obvious inclusion to this roster. The smart hard-working center complements the two well. So how to solve this?

I would actually split Raymond and Holtz. I would keep Henriksson as Raymond’s center as they have played together more often historically, as both play for Frolunda. I will give Holtz and Eklund a strong two-way center like Albin Sundsvik (ANA). 6-2” Sundsvik is playing his second season as an SHL regular and although not a flashy player he would complement Holtz and Eklund fine. Raymond and Henriksson will need a new shooter to their line, and I can see Noel Gunler (CAR) fitting that profile well. Gunler has changed SHL teams since the draft and feels more confident on the ice again. At this level he will be a dangerous player having Raymond and Henriksson driving the play.

If Sweden is to succeed, they will also need some scoring depth in their bottom six with forwards who can take spots on the power play as well. Two players who I want to see get picked here are Theodor Niederbach (DET) and Oskar Olausson (2021). Both have been dominating in the junior league, Niederbach with 35 points in 19 games and Olausson with 27 points in 16 games. Also notable is that Olausson has gotten off to a strong start in SHL with 3 points in 7 games while averaging 8 min/game TOI. With Niederbach playing center the third player I would want for this line is 2019 first rounder Simon Holmstrom (NYI). He has not exceeded his development yet and took a questionable path by playing in the AHL at 18 last season. He has played in Allsvenskan this fall and has not impressed hugely there, either. All in all, he has a lot of potential and skill to use in this tournament.

That leaves only four spots for this group of 13 forwards and there are a lot of options to choose from. For the physical aspect, players like Emil Heineman (FLA) and Albin Grewe (DET) would do the job well and they also have some scoring touch to their game. Looking just at size and puck protection, players like Elmer Soderblom (DET) or Daniel Torgersson (WPG) would be good fits. All the four fit betters as wingers than centers in my opinion so to find a center for the fourth line I would look for either Arvid Costmar (VAN) or Daniel Ljungman (DAL). They both play on the same team and there Costmar is given more trust and he also has been used regularly on the PK for Linkoping’s SHL team. Costmar is more of a skilled player but he has shown that he can handle that role as well which will give him an edge here. I would not count out undrafted 2001 borns like Elias Ekstrom, Oskar Kvist or Jonathan Wikstrom for the final roster. All three have played SHL hockey this fall. In the roster for a since cancelled November event, 2003 born Simon Robertsson (2021) was picked for the team. He is a physically mature player but more of a goal scorer than a bottom six option for me. Maybe he could be the 13 forward to start.

Going back and forth, I believe I would pick Heineman over Grewe. Heineman is stronger and more mature in his game. I would pick Costmar over Ljungman, not long-term but for this tournament as I see him as being ahead as he has more experience at a higher level and has performed well this fall. I would also go with Elmer Soderblom in the 12^th spot. A 6-7” forward who can skate and handle the puck will be beneficial in the North American rink and give opponents some trouble in handling him. Then for the 13^th spot I would pick Daniel Ljungman over Grewe, Torgersson or any of the others mentioned. Ljungman can play both center and wing and is a smart player with a good shot who can be used well on a power play or in a shootout.

MY TEAM:

Goal:
Jesper Wallstedt - 02 (Hugo Alnefelt -01 and Calle Clang -02)

Defensive pairings:

Albert Johansson -01 – Victor Soderstrom -01
Philip Broberg -01 – Tobias Bjornfot -01
Emil Andrae -02 – Helge Grans -02
Simon Edvinsson -03

Forward lines:

Lucas Raymond -02 – Karl Henriksson -01 – Noel Gunler -01
William Eklund -02 – Albin Sundsvik -01 – Alexander Holtz -02
Simon Holmström -01 – Theodor Niederbach -02 – Oskar Olausson -02
Elmer Soderblom -01 – Arvid Costmar -01 – Emil Heineman -01
Daniel Ljungman -02

Helge Grans – McKeen's Hockey

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #14 Philadelphia Flyers – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #17 Philadelphia Flyers – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

1. Matvei Michkov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

2. Oliver Bonk, D, London Knights (OHL)

3. Emil Andrae, D, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

4. Ronnie Attard, D, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

5. Carson Bjarnason, G, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

6. Denver Barkey, C, London Knights (OHL)

7. Alexei Kolosov, G, Dinamo Minsk (KHL)

8. Samu Tuomaala, RW, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

9. Elliot Desnoyers, LW, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

10. Carter Sotheran, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – PHILADELPHIA FLYERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #10

Top 20 Philadelphia Flyers Prospects

1. Matvei Michkov

2. Cutter Gauthier

3. Tyson Foerster

4. Bobby Brink

5. Oliver Bonk

6. Emil Andrae

7. Helge Grans

8. Carson Bjarnason

9. Elliott Desnoyers

10. Ronnie Attard

11. Egor Zamula

12. Ethan Samson

13. Alexei Kolosov

14. Alexis Gendron

15. Olle Lycksell

16. Devin Kaplan

17. Samuel Ersson

18. Denver Barkey

19. Samu Tuomaala

20. Zayde Wisdom

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #15 Los Angeles Kings

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 20 Prospects

2022 World Junior Championship: Team Sweden – Veteran Team a Known Commodity Heading into Tournament

OVERVIEW

EXPECTATIONS

TOP 15 PROSPECTS: LOS ANGELES KINGS – RANK: #3 – TIER I

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Los Angeles Kings Top 20 Prospects

Quinton Byfield, C (2nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Alex Turcotte, C (5th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Gabriel Vilardi, C (11th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 2)

Arthur Kaliyev, LW (33rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Tobias Bjornfot, D (22nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 4)

Rasmus Kupari, C (20th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 5)

Tyler Madden, C (Trade: Feb. 17, 2020. Originally: 68th overall, 2018 [Vancouver]. Previous ranking: 6)

Akil Thomas, C (51st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 7)

Samuel Fagemo, LW (50th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 8)

Kasper Simontaival, RW (66th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Helge Grans, D (35th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Martin Chromiak, RW (128th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Jaret Anderson-Dolan, C (41st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 9)

Mikey Anderson, D (103rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 10)

Cal Petersen, G (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Jul. 1, 2017. Originally: 129th overall, 2013 (Buffalo). Previous ranking: 11)

Carl Grundstrom, RW (Trade: Jan. 28, 2019. Originally: 57th overall, 2016 [Toronto}. Previous ranking: 12)

Alex Laferriere, RW (83rd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Kale Clague, D (51st overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 13)

Jordan Spence, D (95th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 14)

2021 World Junior Championship: Hamrin’s Swedish World Junior Roster

Goal: Jesper Wallstedt - 02 (Hugo Alnefelt -01 and Calle Clang -02)

Defensive pairings:

Albert Johansson -01 – Victor Soderstrom -01 Philip Broberg -01 – Tobias Bjornfot -01 Emil Andrae -02 – Helge Grans -02 Simon Edvinsson -03

Forward lines:

Lucas Raymond -02 – Karl Henriksson -01 – Noel Gunler -01 William Eklund -02 – Albin Sundsvik -01 – Alexander Holtz -02 Simon Holmström -01 – Theodor Niederbach -02 – Oskar Olausson -02 Elmer Soderblom -01 – Arvid Costmar -01 – Emil Heineman -01 Daniel Ljungman -02

Quinton Byfield, C (2^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Alex Turcotte, C (5^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Gabriel Vilardi, C (11^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 2)

Arthur Kaliyev, LW (33^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 3)

Tobias Bjornfot, D (22^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 4)

Rasmus Kupari, C (20^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 5)

Tyler Madden, C (Trade: Feb. 17, 2020. Originally: 68^th overall, 2018 [Vancouver]. Previous ranking: 6)

Akil Thomas, C (51^st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 7)

Samuel Fagemo, LW (50^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 8)

Kasper Simontaival, RW (66^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Helge Grans, D (35^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Martin Chromiak, RW (128^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Jaret Anderson-Dolan, C (41^st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 9)

Mikey Anderson, D (103^rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 10)

Carl Grundstrom, RW (Trade: Jan. 28, 2019. Originally: 57^th overall, 2016 [Toronto}. Previous ranking: 12)

Alex Laferriere, RW (83^rd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Kale Clague, D (51^st overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 13)

Jordan Spence, D (95^thoverall, 2019. Previous ranking: 14)

Goal:
Jesper Wallstedt - 02 (Hugo Alnefelt -01 and Calle Clang -02)

Albert Johansson -01 – Victor Soderstrom -01
Philip Broberg -01 – Tobias Bjornfot -01
Emil Andrae -02 – Helge Grans -02
Simon Edvinsson -03

Lucas Raymond -02 – Karl Henriksson -01 – Noel Gunler -01
William Eklund -02 – Albin Sundsvik -01 – Alexander Holtz -02
Simon Holmström -01 – Theodor Niederbach -02 – Oskar Olausson -02
Elmer Soderblom -01 – Arvid Costmar -01 – Emil Heineman -01
Daniel Ljungman -02