Henry Thrun – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – SAN JOSE SHARKS – Team Preview

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 20:00:54 +0000

_{PARADISE, NV - JUNE 28: Macklin Celebrini of Boston University is drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the first round during the NHL Draft on June 28, 2024 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)}

On the heels of a spectacularly terrible season, the San Jose Sharks can only go up. San Jose finished with 47 points (19-54-9) and the one thing that they could take from that disaster of a campaign is that they landed the top pick in the draft lottery. The Sharks used that pick on Macklin Celebrini, who was born in Vancouver, but played some of his minor hockey for the San Jose Jr. Sharks. Where did it go wrong for the Sharks in 2023-2024? They ranked 31st in Corsi (42.2%) and dead last in expected goals percentage (40.6%), so they earned their poor results from the start. San Jose’s power play ranked 19th, which was a monumental success compared to other aspects of the game, scoring 7.28 goals per 60 minutes. They allowed 8.97 goals against per 60 minutes while shorthanded, which ranked 28th. The Sharks might not have expected the team to be as bad as it was, but when they came out of the gate going 0-10-1 in the first 11 games, it was pretty clear that it was going to be a long season.

WHAT’S CHANGED? To their credit, the Sharks did not let that awful season go without making major changes. They fired head coach Dave Quinn and replaced him with Ryan Warsofsky. They let winger Filip Zadina and defenceman Calen Addison both go without a qualifying offer. Veteran forwards Mike Hoffman, Alexander Barabanov, and Kevin Labanc were all cast into free agency, and the Sharks traded defenceman Kyle Burroughs to Los Angeles. The most important additions for the Sharks will be having their top picks from the past two drafts, Celebrini and Will Smith, in the lineup. San Jose was also busy re-shaping its forward group. They signed Tyler Toffoli and Alexander Wennberg as free agents, traded for Ty Dellandrea and Carl Grunstrom, plus they claimed Barclay Goodrow on waivers, whether he liked it or not. The Sharks also made a sharp deal to acquire defenceman Jake Walman from Detroit, so they are going to look different than they did last season.

WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? It would be impossible to imagine this roster going to the playoffs, so success is much more about development. While the Sharks definitely need to be more consistently competitive, the biggest key to this season is the improvement of young players. That’s Celebrini and Smith, but also William Eklund, Fabian Zetterlund, Thomas Bordeleau, Ty Dellandrea, and Henry Thrun. They aren’t all going to hit, but it is imperative that the Sharks put these players in positions to succeed, as best they can, and build something stable for the future.

WHAT COULD GO WRONG? Since on-ice results are still practically irrelevant for this team, failing to develop their young players would be a giant mistake. It doesn’t look like there is much danger of veterans overtaking the top young players, but it’s also important that players like Celebrini and Smith have legitimately skilled NHL players to skate with, so that they can grow into their roles without getting buried in the defensive zone night after night. The one good thing about being the worst team in hockey, aside from getting the top pick in the draft, is that it can’t get any worse.

TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Leaving aside the rookies, who could be among the top players on this team right away, the best breakout candidate might be William Eklund, who was the seventh pick in the 2021 Draft. He finished with 45 points last season but that could just be scratching the surface of what he could provide. Eklund finished the season with 15 points in his last 14 games, for a team that was playing out the string, so he could be ready to make something happen this year, especially if he is playing with more skilled linemates than he did in 2023-2024.

FORWARD

Tyler Toffoli

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	27	24	51	0.62

A three-time 30-goal scorer and Stanley Cup champion, the veteran winger continues to play at a high level. Toffoli has scored 67 goals across the past two seasons, including 46 at even strength. His 67 goals are tied for 34th while his 46 even-strength goals is tied for 30th. Among players to play at least 1000 even strength minutes across the past two seasons, Toffoli ranks 22nd. Adding that scoring efficiency ought to be a major help for a Sharks team that was woefully inadequate offensively last season. Toffoli is a consistent shot generator who uses a quick release and an accurate shot to score goals from distance. Toffoli has been a consistent play-driving force throughout his career, with his team controlling 55.6 percent of shot attempts when he has been on the ice for five-on-five play. That might be difficult to match in San Jose, but if Toffoli can help move the puck in the right direction, that will be a big help to San Jose’s top prospects. For a player that is known for his ability to finish around the opposing goal, Toffoli is also a reliable defensive winger. It is likely going to be an uphill fight in San Jose next season, so expectations for Toffoli should land around 25 goals and 50 points, which is down from recent seasons, but he does not have quite the same supporting cast heading into the 2024-2025 season.

William Eklund

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	22	33	55	0.67

The seventh pick in the 2021 Draft, Eklund got to spend a full season with the Sharks and made significant progress, scoring 45 points. He finished the season with a flourish, tallying 15 points in his last 14 games, an encouraging sign even though the Sharks were playing out the string at that point of the season. Eklund has strong offensive instincts, getting in position to score, either via one-timers or simply going to the net for rebounds. It would not be at all surprising to see his repertoire continue to grow as he develops more confidence. The Sharks tried Eklund at centre midway through the season, but he wasn’t scoring and finished the season winning just 31.3 percent of his faceoffs, so that didn’t seem like a long-term solution. He can be a dangerous winger for the Sharks moving forward, potentially even in a top line role. Among the players who are already on the San Jose roster (so not including rookies Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith), Eklund is the most intriguing, with a chance to become a bona fide top line player. For the 2024-2025 season, Eklund should be expected to deliver 20 goals and 50 points but, considering how he finished last season, he might even be able to produce more than that.

Mikael Granlund

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
77	11	45	56	0.73

A veteran centre who hit the 60-point plateau for the fourth time in his career in 2023-2024, Granlund is much better suited to a complementary role, but on the Sharks, he played a career-high 20:58 and while that led to power play production and higher point totals, the Sharks were also outshot and out-scored with Granlund on the ice. That hardly made him unique in San Jose, but it shows just how much more support was needed. At his best, Granlund is a creative playmaker, who has excellent vision and patience with the puck. While Granlund can play centre, he may just be keeping the position warm until the Sharks decide that their top prospects are ready to handle the responsibilities of playing down the middle of the ice in the National Hockey League. When that time comes, Granlund can shift to the wing and still be the setup man from that position and it probably will help free him up to focus on offensive play, rather than forcing him to handle defensive responsibilities which are not really his strong suit. Granlund is not an eager shooter, so he does not score a lot of goals. It might be fair to expect 10-12 goals in 2024-2025, on the way to Granlund putting up around 55 points.

Fabian Zetterlund

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	21	21	42	0.51

There were not a lot of wins to be found in San Jose last season, but seeing Zetterlund break through to score 24 goals feels like at least a little bit of a win, a young player starting to realize his potential. Zetterlund, 25, is a stocky winger who will use his body to battle along the boards and in front of the net. He has good speed to create chances in transition, but Zetterlund seemed to be most effective at finding soft spots in the defensive zone where he could utilize a one-timer or quick release to find the back of the net. Perhaps Zetterlund should not have been playing 19 minutes per game at this stage of his career, particularly because his defensive play is not yet strong enough to handle that responsibility, but that experience should serve him well as the rest of the team gets better. The Sharks managed a miserable 39.5 percent of expected goals with Zetterlund on the ice, so there is room for improvement in his all-around game. He is likely suited to a secondary scoring role, though on this roster, he may still be in a featured offensive role. It is reasonable to expect 20 goals and 40 points out of Zetterlund in 2024-2025 and there could be some upside if the Sharks’ top prospects are ready to be impact players.

Alexander Wennberg

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
80	11	24	35	0.44

A reliable third-line centre, Wennberg appears to have the talent to contribute more, but the 29-year-old pivot has only reached 40 points in a season twice in his career, the most recent occurrence coming in 2016-2017. Across his entire career, Wennberg has been on the ice for one more goal for (378) than against (377), despite Columbus and Seattle being his home for nearly 90 percent of his games. Oddly enough, Wennberg is not particularly adept in the faceoff circle, winning 46.2 percent of draws in his career, and never finishing over 50 percent in a single season. Wennberg has strong puck skills and can beat a defender one-on-one and is a fine distributor of the puck. If he is going to create more offensive production, Wennberg would need to shoot the puck more frequently. There were 375 forwards that played at least 500 five-on-five minutes last season and 373 of them generated shots at a higher rate than Wennberg’s 3.58 shots on goal per 60 minutes. That isn’t even the worst of it, since Wennberg ranks 375th in shot attempts per 60 (6.41) and individual expected goals per 60 (0.38). That inability, or reluctance, to shoot the puck puts a ceiling on his offensive potential, so he should be able to contribute about 35 points for San Jose in 2024-2025.

Klim Kostin

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
72	13	12	25	0.35

A mammoth winger, 6-foot-4, 232-pound Kostin has flashed brief moments of potential, including when he scored five goals and nine points in his first 13 games for the Sharks after he was acquired from the Red Wings. Although he has yet to firmly establish his place in the NHL, despite previous stops in St. Louis, Edmonton, and Detroit, the 25-year-old has enough skill to complement his gritty game. For players that don’t play much, it helps to be efficiently productive in the ice time that they get. Across the past two seasons, Kostin has 0.99 goals per 60 minutes of five-on-five play. That ranks 65th among forwards that skated at least 500 five-on-five minutes, which is a higher rate than Elias Pettersson, Nico Hischier, and Alex Ovechkin, among many others. Kostin’s particular set of skills may indicate that he is destined to be a fourth-line banger, but it would not be unreasonable to give him opportunities higher on the depth chart to see if he can handle that responsibility over a longer period of time. Provided that he stays healthy and in the lineup for most of the season, Kostin should be able to contribute 25 points for the Sharks in 2024-2025. His career high is 21 points, but he has yet to play more than 57 games in a season, so there is room for improved production.

Ty Dellandrea

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
78	9	17	26	0.33

Lost in the shuffle in Dallas, Dellandrea went from scoring 28 points in 2022-2023 to just nine points in 42 games last season. The 13th pick in the 2018 Draft can play both centre and wing and brings a physical edge to his game in addition to having decent puck skills, making him more talented than a run-of-the-mill fourth liner. Despite a modest history in Dallas, the move to San Jose could turn Dellandrea loose. He may not be a first line forward, but there is a path to him fitting in San Jose’s middle six, with more ice time and better opportunities than he has been able to experience in the NHL. The 24-year-old has already shown that he will put his body on the line with physical play, hitting frequently and dropping the gloves when needed, so he should be able to secure a regular spot in the Sharks lineup, but it’s fair to expect that he could be more than merely a fringe player. There will be competition for spots in San Jose’s middle six, but Dellandrea should have a chance to earn those minutes and, if he does, a season with 25-30 points would be within his grasp.

Nico Sturm

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
72	7	12	19	0.26

After going for career highs of 14 goals and 26 points in 2022-2023, his first year with the Sharks, Sturm saw his numbers plummet to five goals and 13 points in 63 games last season. His shot rate dropped to a career-low 1.10 per game and he scored on a career-low 7.2 percent of his shots – it was the perfect statistical recipe for a decline in production. This led to the Sharks getting outscored 42-22 during five-on-five play when Sturm was on the ice. Despite winning a career-high 60.1 percent of his faceoffs, Sturm struggled defensively, allowing career-high rates of shot attempts, expected goals against, and goals against per 60 minutes. Certainly, the Sharks’ overall lack of defensive talent played a part in those results, too, but for a player whose NHL career is built on his success as a checking centre, those results are far from ideal. With the Sharks adding more talent in the offseason, there could be enough depth to cut into Sturm’s ice time. He has played 14:42 per game in two seasons with the Sharks but given the results, redistributing a couple of minutes per game to others on the roster might be best for Sturm. Coming off such a poor season, expectations for Sturm should be modest. He has reached 20 points twice in his career and that would be a fair target for him in the 2024-2025 season.

Barclay Goodrow

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	8	14	22	0.27

Even though Goodrow had an excellent postseason, contributing six goals in 16 games for the Rangers, it was not altogether surprising that the Rangers wanted to move him because he had an abysmal regular season. Goodrow was one of four forwards in the league to play at least 500 five-on-five minutes yet finished the season with a Corsi percentage under 40 percent. He finished with four goals and 12 points, and that followed the two most productive seasons of Goodrow’s career, when he scored 33 and 31 points, respectively. He is a blue-collar player who can play centre or wing, and he plays a hard game, hitting and dropping the gloves, when needed. Nevertheless, his value was inflated by the success he had while winning two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and there was little chance that he would ever live up to the six-year, $21.85 million deal that he signed with the Rangers. After three seasons, the Rangers put Goodrow on waivers and he was claimed by the Sharks, his first NHL team. Expect Goodrow to play a significant depth role for San Jose, but he should not be counted on for significant offensive production. It is reasonable to expect something in the range of 20-25 points.

DEFENCE

Jake Walman

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
74	10	15	25	0.34

Despite scoring a career-high 12 goals and 21 points in 63 games for Detroit, Walman was traded to San Jose, and the 28-year-old blueliner ought to play a significant role for the Sharks. Walman spent most of the 2023-2024 season paired with Moritz Seider and they were fed to the wolves, handling the toughest defensive assignments with a steady diet of defensive zone starts. While their overall results were not great it was a valuable experience and, given the lack of depth on the San Jose blueline, Walman could very well find himself handling major responsibility once again. What Walman showed in a couple of seasons with Detroit is that he can handle the puck on the attack and has some natural finishing talent when he finds himself in scoring position. The question will be if that can happen with any kind of consistency in San Jose? Walman will presumably see significant minutes, including power play time, so the opportunity should be there for him. If Walman can stay relatively healthy, he should be able to set a new high for games played, since he has yet to surpass the 63 games that he has played in each of the past two seasons. If that means playing 70-plus games, then he should be able to challenge for double-digit goals and 20-25 points in the 2024-2025 season.

Mario Ferraro

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
80	5	20	25	0.31

With Erik Karlsson getting traded to Pittsburgh, the Sharks did little to address that massive hole on the blueline and it left Ferraro as the leading scorer among Sharks defencemen last season. The problem is, he had just 21 points. Ferraro was the workhorse, averaging a team-high 22:52 of ice time per game, but he was not a consideration on the power play, so all 21 points came via even strength. Ferraro has recorded at least 120 hits in each of his five NHL seasons and has gone over 140 blocked shots in each of the past three seasons, peaking at 195 in 2023-2024. Ferraro is a strong skater and is not shy about getting physically involved in the action. The main issue is that without protection from other high-quality defencemen on the roster, because they just don’t exist, Ferraro gets thrown to the wolves. Essentially, he is not being put in a position to succeed right now. Ferraro should be expected to contribute 20-25 points, building on the career-high 21 points he had last season, but without a power play role, there is a clear ceiling on his offensive potential. That is to say nothing of the Sharks’ lack of offensive firepower in general, which does not tend to help out their blueliners. If the young guns, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, can elevate San Jose’s attack, then that offers a greater chance that someone like Ferraro could have a little fantasy value.

Ty Emberson

Acquired off waivers from the New York Rangers, the former captain at the University of Wisconsin had two years of seasoning in the American Hockey League, so he was ready for a look with the Sharks last season. Although injuries limited him to just 30 games, Emberson showed in that sample of games that he could be a legitimate NHL defenceman. It would be too soon to make that claim with certainty, but Emberson was among the better defencemen on the worst team in the games that he played. His primary partner on the San Jose blueline was Mario Ferraro, and they were outscored 13-12 in 311 minutes during five-on-five play. That’s not great, but compared to other Sharks pairings, it is encouraging. Emberson had his season shortened by a lower-body injury, which is what makes his projection a little more complicated, but it’s also reasonable to understand that he does not have a track record to suggest that he will suddenly become a significant offensive threat. So long as he stays healthy, Emberson should have a chance to contribute 20-25 points, but he also ought to be able to accrue reliable totals for hits and blocked shots. With 94 hits and 46 blocked shots in 30 games last season, Emberson showed that he is capable of accumulating enough in those peripheral statistical categories.

Henry Thrun

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
78	5	18	23	0.29

For a Sharks team that is sorely lacking in quality puck-moving defencemen there is a great opportunity for Thrun to handle a big role, including possibly running the point on the top power play unit. It’s not like Thrun is an offensive dynamo, but he did have 63 points in 68 games across his last two seasons at Harvard and four of his 11 points last season came with the man advantage. While Thrun is a smart player who can skate and pass, he is still a young player who experiences the growing pains of a defenceman trying to establish that he is a legitimate NHL defenceman. Trying to prove that with a team that offers so little defensive support is not easy and sometimes the results looked rough during Thrun’s rookie campaign. He has decent size, at 6-foot-2, but is not very physical as a defender, which means he really needs to make a difference with his puck skills. Thrun only has 13 points in 59 NHL games, so any optimistic point projections for 2024-2025 are going to be based on potential. The most reasonable forecast would be for Thrun to contribute 20-25 points in a full season, but there could be a wide range of outcomes because his pro hockey track record is relatively limited.

GOAL

Mackenzie Blackwood

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
35	9	22	3	1	0.902	3.45

Vitek Vanecek

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
18	5	11	2	2	0.898	3.72

No team in the NHL looked worse in 2023 than the San Jose Sharks, who struggled to even put up wins for entire stretches of the season during a painfully apparent rebuild. That’s a tough environment for Mackenzie Blackwood to welcome fellow former New Jersey netminder Vitek Vanecek into - but after taking the reins as the de facto starter last year, Blackwood will hopefully have found his sea legs and help the Sharks as a whole take a small step forward. Blackwood’s numbers certainly weren’t the primary cause for concern in the Bay last year; while he only managed to squeak out ten wins on the whole through 44 starts, he put up wholly winnable performances in over half of his appearances in net. He didn’t quite finish the year at league average, but his overall numbers looked far better than those of a number of netminders who spent the year sitting behind much easier defensive systems; if the Sharks manage to make even a marginal improvement in their play, Blackwood could be enough to keep them from another disastrous free-fall.

Vanecek is by far the bigger wild card for the Pacific Division club, given that his overall stat line from 2023 looked like Blackwood’s inverse; he finished the year with 17 wins in 32 games, but only put up quality starts in 12 of those. That being said, he had managed to clean up a lot of sloppy habits in his game upon his first arrival in New Jersey. Those habits seemed to slip back into the conversation as the 2023-24 season went on, but a lighter workload behind a clear starter in Blackwood could give him the chance to keep his game crisp and polished without succumbing to fatigue.

CULLEN: 20 FANTASY POINTS – Opportunities in deployment in the very early going – Boeser, Donato, Couturier, Paul, Newhook and more!

Scott Cullen — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 12:42:35 +0000

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 11: Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) skates up ice during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks on October 11, 2023, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Each week, I dive into the numbers to help when it comes time to make fantasy hockey decisions.

This week, as most teams have played one or maybe two games, here is a look at the early results, looking at deployment in an effort to pull insights from the very early action. Brock Boeser, Ryan Donato, Sean Couturier, Nick Paul, Alex Newhook and more!

#1 Last season was trying for Vancouver Canucks right winger Brock Boeser, who finished with 18 goals in 74 games, the lowest per-game goal-scoring rate of his career. His father had died the previous May and that appeared to be having an effect. He also scored on 10.1% of his shots, which was below his career rate of 13.0%, so things were off, and he asked for a trade. Boeser rescinded that request and began this season with the ideal fresh start, scoring four goals in an 8-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers. He was the beneficiary of some favourable bounces of the puck, but there is no need to apologize for how one scores four goals in a game. Boeser is skating on a line with Phillip Di Giuseppe and J.T. Miller at even strength and getting first unit power play time, so the opportunity is there for a bounce-back campaign.

#2 The Chicago Blackhawks have not been shy about how they are using No. 1 overall draft pick Connor Bedard through two games. Bedard has looked as NHL-ready as anyone could ask from a teenager, contributing one goal and one assist in two games, but he is also averaging 21:37 of ice time per game, which is unusually high for a rookie forward. Since 2000-2001, there have been three rookie forwards to average more than 20 minutes of ice time per game: Alex Ovechkin, Anze Kopitar, and Sidney Crosby. Ovechkin was a 20-year-old rookie, who averaged 21:37 per game, while the other two were 18, but averaged 20:32 and 20:06 per game, respectively. This is not to suggest that Bedard shouldn’t play this much. This Chicago team is geared for him to get opportunities and part of that is going to be the amount of ice time he receives.

#3 There is already a change on Bedard’s wing, though, as left winger Taylor Hall suffered an upper-body injury in the second game of the season at Boston. With Hall out, there will be a new opportunity on Bedard’s line. Ryan Donato is already having some success on Bedard’s wing, with two points (1 G, 1 A) and seven shots on goal while averaging 18:34 time on ice per game. Andreas Athanasiou got the first opportunity to take Hall’s spot so that could offer great potential for him, at least in the short term.

#4 Staying in Chicago for one more point, keep tabs on rookie defenceman Kevin Korchinski. The seventh pick in the 2022 Draft, Korchinski has averaged more than 20 minutes per game through his first two NHL contests and looks like he could be a building block for the Blackhawks. He is getting second unit power play time now, but it would not be out of the question to see Korchinski emerge as a first unit power play defenseman. The 19-year-old had 73 points (11 G, 62 A) in 54 games for Seattle of the WHL last season.

#5 Appearing in his first NHL game since December of 2021, Flyers centre Sean Couturier played 20:39 and had an assist. The 30-year-old is a legit No. 1 centre when he is healthy and, right now, that looks to be the case. Couturier is skating between Joel Farabee and rookie Bobby Brink to start the season, a great opportunity for Brink to play with a play-driving centre like Couturier.

#6 When he was traded from Edmonton to Nashville last season, there was real concern for fantasy managers that Tyson Barrie would lose out on prime power play minutes in Nashville. The presence of Roman Josi had the top power play defenseman role covered, but the Preds have opened this season by going with two defensemen on their top power play, meaning that Barrie still gets first unit power play time. Being on the first unit in Edmonton and Nashville offer different value, but getting first unit power play time will help to keep Barrie more appealing for fantasy managers and Barrie’s presence on the top unit appears to be coming at the expense of rookie winger Luke Evangelista, who has dropped to the second unit.

#7 With Alex Killorn departing as a free agent, there was an opening on the top power play unit in Tampa Bay and Nick Paul sure is making the most of his opportunity there. The third line centre for the Lightning scored a pair of power play goals in the season opener. While he scored a career-high 17 goals last season and had career highs of 32 points in each of the past two seasons, if Paul sticks on the top power play in Tampa Bay, he will surpass those numbers.

#8 One of the benefits for a young player moving from a powerhouse team to a rebuilding squad is that there is more opportunity available to them. That sure looks like the case for Alex Newhook, who scored a pair of goals in his debut with the Montreal Canadiens. Newhook, who averaged 13:46 of ice time per game in Colorado, played 16:46 in his first game for Montreal, skating on a line with Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky.

#9 He has only started one regular season game, but Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov looked shaky in allowing five goals to the Montreal Canadiens. He didn’t look stellar in his last preseason start against Detroit, either and, given the unpredictability of the goaltending position, it might be worth keeping Joseph Woll on your fantasy radar. Samsonov will have some leeway, but Woll has a .924 save percentage in 11 career starts, and that could help the 25-year-old get a look if Samsonov doesn’t get on track.

#10 When the Winnipeg Jets sent Pierre-Luc Dubois to Los Angeles in the summer, they received three forwards as part of the package and two of them, Gabe Vilardi and Alex Iafallo, started the season on Winnipeg’s top power play unit. Vilardi is not a stranger to the power play, having scored five times with the man advantage last season. He recorded seven shots on goal and played more than 21 minutes in his Jets debut at Calgary. Iafallo had seven power play goals for the Kings last season and scored in his first game for Winnipeg. It will be interesting to see if they stay there all season, but if Vilardi and Iafallo are getting first unit power play time, that should raise their offensive ceiling.

#11 Calgary Flames rookie winger Matt Coronato is also getting first unit power play time. The 13^th pick in the 2021 Draft, Coronato tallied 38 goals in 68 games through two seasons of college hockey at Harvard, but he sniped 48 goals in 51 games in his last season with Chicago of the USHL. Again, if Coronato can hold a place on Calgary’s No. 1 power play, he will have greater offensive potential as a result.

#12 With all the promising situations for young players getting first unit power pay time, it stands out that Columbus made sophomore winger Kent Johnson a healthy scratch in Blue Jackets’ season opener. Johnson is a wildly talented player who had 40 points (16 G, 24 A) in 79 games last season. The details of Johnson’s defensive game could surely improve, but for a rebuilding team, it is surprising to see a skilled young player get sent to the press box to start the season.

#13 There has been plenty of shuffling with Columbus’ forward lines. Last week, I wrote about Patrik Laine moving to centre and he remains there, with Johnny Gaudreau on the left side and now Cole Sillinger taking a turn on right side. Sillinger was the 12^th pick in the 2021 Draft and showed great promise, making the Blue Jackets that year and scoring 31 points (16 G, 15 A) in 79 games. Last season was a mess, however, and he ended up getting demoted to the AHL after managing just 11 points (3 G, 8 A) in 64 games. The chance to play with Laine and Gaudreau is a prime opportunity for Sillinger to get his career on track and he is still just 20!

#14 Columbus also lost defenseman Zach Werenski for 1-2 weeks with a quad contusion. Werenski has had major trouble staying healthy and that apparently continues. With Werenski hurt, Ivan Provorov got first crack at quarterbacking the Blue Jackets’ power play but that was really not Provorov’s strong suit in Philadelphia. He did have 16 power play points in the 2019-2020 season. If Provorov does not stick in that role, Adam Boqvist, Damon Severson or Jake Bean could all get a look, which speaks to how much Columbus would probably just prefer to have Werenski back there.

#15 Roope Hintz missed the season opener for the Dallas Stars, though head coach Peter DeBoer suggested that it was not a serious injury, and he would have played if it was a playoff game. That does not sound like Hintz will miss a lot of time but, while he is out, Tyler Seguin reaps the rewards, moving into Hintz’s first line centre spot and taking a turn on the Stars’ top power play unit.

#16 Minnesota Wild netminder Filip Gustavsson had a breakthrough season in 2022-2023, posting a .931 save percentage in 39 games. He followed that up with a 41-save shutout against Florida in his first start of the season, picking up where he left off. By the end of last season, Gustavsson had emerged as Minnesota’s best option between the pipes, and he is going to keep pushing for more action if he delivers like he did against the Panthers. Obviously, the more that Gustavsson starts, that would mean fewer starts for Marc-Andre Fleury.

#17 In the offseason, there was no team that looked to be in worse shape than San Jose for having a defenseman take a regular spot on its top power play. It should come as little surprise, then, that rookie Henry Thrun is getting a look in the quarterback role on San Jose’s top power play unit. Thrun had 31 points (7 G, 24 A) in 33 games at Harvard last season before adding a couple of assists in eight games for the Sharks. That does not indicate that he is surely going to quarterback San Jose’s power play into perpetuity, but he is getting the chance now.

#18 Playing his first game since suffering a torn ACL last season, San Jose’s Luke Kunin led Sharks forwards with 19:36 time on ice against Vegas. That seems rather high, but Kunin hovers around the fringes of fantasy relevance because he can score a little and is an active hitter – he had 223 hits in the 2021-2022 season – and if he is going to play that much, then he will move even closer to fantasy relevance.

#19 It looks like Shea Theodore is getting reps on the top power play unit for Vegas to start the season. Last season, Alex Pietrangelo received a little more power play time per game, and Theodore missed 27 games, so Pietrangelo had more power play time overall. However, Theodore had more power play time in the playoffs and, through a couple of games, looks like he is once again Vegas’ top power play option on the point.

#20 The Vancouver Canucks have reportedly given winger Conor Garland the go-ahead to seek a trade, which will not be easy given that he comes with a $4.95-million cap hit for two seasons beyond this one. Garland scored on opening night but played just 9:52 in an 8-1 rout over Edmonton but he was playing with Elias Pettersson, which isn’t going to hurt his value. Once Ilya Mikheyev returns from injury, that could leave Garland in a tough spot. He is a quality play-driving winger who has produced 98 points (36 G, 62 A) over the past two seasons.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – SAN JOSE SHARKS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #12

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 18:09:08 +0000

Top 20 San Jose Shark Prospects

1. Shane Wright

To say that Wright had an eventful season would be an understatement. He went from the NHL to the AHL, then to the World Juniors, then back to the OHL, where he joined Windsor for the first time following the trading of his rights, and finally back to the AHL for Coachella Valley's playoff run. His results over that span were a very mixed bag. He didn't look NHL-ready in the fall but left a serious statement in his early AHL stint. He won a World Juniors gold as Canada's captain but didn't personally dominate during the tournament. He was great during the OHL regular season, but quiet as his team was swept in the opening round of the playoffs. Overall, it wasn't the performance that people expected out of a player who had been projected by many to go first overall in 2022, though you can't discount the possible impact of all the instability. Finding a steady environment for him next season will be paramount.

2. Eduard Sale

A slick trickster, Sale entered the last season looking like a possible top 10 pick in the 2023 draft, ultimately slipping to the Seattle Kraken at 20th overall. Coming off his first full season in the Czech Extraliga, where he led all rookies with 14 points and took home Rookie of the Year honors, Sale also made his presence known for his country at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, WJC, and U18 Worlds. In fact, it was at that last tournament, as an underager in 2022, where he really arrived on the scene as a top prospect, racking up 8 assists in 6 games while being the prime set-up master for top prospect Jiri Kulich. Sale’s movement stands out as a top trait, stemming from technically-sound skating mechanics. He’s able to accelerate quite quickly, reaching his top speed effortlessly while displaying strong edges that he utilizes to change direction on a dime. Deceptive with quick shoulder drops and head fakes, his puck-handling is another top-flight trait and is perhaps only topped by his instinctive passes. That he’s also strong in small-area battles will be a big plus, because he’s scheduled to join the OHL Barrie Colts for 2023-24, which should be a wonderful barometer for determining just how far he is in his development.

3. Ryker Evans

Seattle made a bold move when they selected Evans with the 35th overall pick in 2021, going way outside the consensus of publicly published draft lists to nab the overager. That decision is looking better and better as time passes. Coachella Valley was one of the best teams in the AHL in 2022-23, and despite being a rookie he was already one of their best players. He is a dynamic difference-maker from the back end, able to break pucks out of his own zone, move them safely up the ice, and contribute to getting them in the opposing net. He makes a big impact at both even strength and on the powerplay. He defends pretty well too, by focusing on his gaps and getting sticks on pucks precisely. Evans was a number one defenseman in his days with WHL Regina, and if he stays on his current trajectory, he should become top half of the lineup kind of player for the Kraken, too.

4. Jagger Firkus

There is a certain ’X factor‘ to Firkus that is difficult to describe, but anyone who has watched him a lot can attest to its presence. There are times where it looks like he just inherently knows that he's going to beat you offensively, and in those moments, there is absolutely nothing that you can do to stop him. If it weren't for some other WHLer named Connor Bedard, Fircus’ goal-scoring prowess would get a lot more attention. Not only can his shot find any bit of space that a goalie is careless enough to offer up, but his ability to sneak into dangerous ice in the offensive zone is almost supernatural. A scout's common sense might note that small, scrawny players with questionable skating ability don't usually pan out in the NHL. Then again, Firkus is anything but common.

5. Jani Nyman

There are still games where Nyman blends into the scenery a little too much, but when he's really on his game he is one of the best players on the ice, even against older competition. He's a hulking winger who can work a cycle, score from in tight or distance, find teammates with high-danger passes at the right times, and move up and down the ice with momentum. Even more exciting is his continued progress in all these different areas, and if that continues, the end result could see him become an exhausting nightmare to contain or defend against at the highest levels, very similar to someone like Alex Tuch in Buffalo. If Seattle is smart, they will patiently let Nyman lay as much groundwork as necessary and then take his time building upon it to ensure he eventually reaches his highest possible ceiling.

6. David Goyette

Goyette is one of the smoothest skaters that you'll ever see at the junior level. He's just so fast, agile, and nimble, which allows him to create separation in all directions. He's also an impressively clean puck handler in motion, so it won't come as a surprise then that he is a go-to player in transition or that he is at his most effective offensively off the rush. When he does get in tight, he can deke goalies into paralysis. His lack of strength is a weakness, and it looks unlikely that he will ever be able to bulk up much, but you can't hit what you can't catch, so he should be able to remain successful so long as he doesn't lose a step with his skating. Goyette is a true leader in Sudbury and was instrumental in pulling them out of the OHL's basement and back into the playoffs last season.

7. Ty Nelson

Heading into the 2022 NHL Draft weekend there was talk that Nelson could sneak into the first round, but he ultimately fell a lot further than that, all the way down to the third round. Seattle certainly isn't complaining now, because they selected a player who suddenly had a chip on his shoulder, determined to prove the doubter wrongs, which is exactly what happened. The first overall pick in the 2020 OHL draft cemented himself as one of the best defensemen in the league, logging a mountain of minutes and leading the blueline for a Battalion team that finished second during the regular season. For a small guy he has a big personality, an elite compete level, and a cannon of a shot. Nelson could become a special player if he can continue harnessing his energy into explosive play without being too reckless.

8. Lukas Dragicevic

When it comes to offensive defensemen, there simply aren't many others who are as dangerous as Dragicevic from the offensive blueline onward. He possesses elusive footwork and slick hands, which he can use in tandem to dance around and embarrass anyone who tries to recklessly pressure him. He has a bomb of a slapshot that he loves to uncork, but he also has a hard, accurate wrister that he can use to try to beat goalies clean or send in for a deflection. As good as he is on the attacking line, he's also not shy about getting closer to the net to generate offense. Unsurprisingly, he's a monster on the powerplay. Dragicevic is additionally a major factor at driving the play up the ice. However, as easily as he can pull you out of your seat when h has the puck, he can just as easily make you pull out your hair with his mistakes and inconsistency. His decision-making is downright baffling at times, with frequent unforced turnovers. He can get lost in his own end, and worse yet, will often completely shut off his effort. He will need the right shutdown-minded partner on his left side who can cover for his risk-taking.

9. Carson Rehkopf

Rehkopf’s strong athletic profile made him a very intriguing player for scouts this year, even with concerns over the variance in his engagement level. His skating explosiveness is a strength, and it makes him a great quick strike player who can consistently beat defenders to spots or pucks. Additionally, his shot was one of the heaviest in the 2023 draft class. When he’s on, Rehkopf is dialled in physically and flashes the tools to be a very good two-way player and potential shutdown type. When he’s off, he tends to disappear and makes little impact. Are the issues with consistency related to conditioning, mindset, confidence, or all three? We’ll find out the answer in the next few years, but for now, Seattle will need to be patient with Rehkopf as he figures out what kind of player he wants to be. With OHL Kitchener rebuilding this year, he’ll get all the ice time that he can handle, barring a trade to a more stacked club.

10. Oscar Fisker Molgaard

One has to wonder if there’s any such thing as a coincidence when a team hires one of the few former Danish NHLers (namely Frans Nielsen) and a few months later selects the only Danish player of note in the following draft. Regardless of any external motivations, Seattle has added a player to its suddenly burgeoning prospect bin who was one of this season’s biggest surprises in the Swedish SHL. Coming seemingly out of nowhere, Molgaard suited up for 41 SHL games, with his +6 for a struggling club being perhaps the most noticeable outcome of his play. A fleet-footed lightweight who has shown himself to be a playmaker at the junior level, he approaches the game with maturity and a strong understanding of play both with and without the puck. Tricky and creative with the puck, Molgaard is very adept at finding shooting lanes and displaying slick mitts around the goalmouth area. His forte in an offensive sense nonetheless remains the carrying and distribution of pucks. Translating those abilities to SHL play turned heads in the scouting community last season. With time on his side, he’s scheduled to continue his development with HV71 this season.

11. Caden Price

A recent draft pick of the Kraken, Price had a disappointing draft year on a poor Kelowna team. There’s a lot of hope that his play will pick up as the team around him improves. Decision making can be an issue, but Price has the potential to be an impact defender at both ends.

12. Tye Kartye

Talk about a great story. Kartye has gone from obscure OHL free agent signing to scoring big goals in the NHL playoffs for the Kraken within a single season. Kartye is so good away from the puck, a testament to the way he thinks the game. He could be a longtime fixture on Seattle’s third line.

13. Ryan Winterton

Winterton just needs to stay healthy. That’s it, that’s all. When he’s on the ice, like last season’s OHL playoffs, he’s an impact player. But the injuries remain a lingering issue, especially given the power forward style that he likes to play. He’ll turn pro this year and fingers crossed that he has put the injuries behind him.

14. Tucker Robertson

Robertson is such an easy player to cheer for given his tenacious style of play. His engine never stops. He was a pillar of strength for Peterborough in their OHL title run last year and it will be interesting to see how his offensive game translates to the pro level this year. The keys are continuing to improve his speed and quickness.

15. Jacob Melanson

The improvement over his QMJHL career was outstanding, with Melanson ending his time in the Q scoring 50 goals last season. Better yet, he brings value outside of scoring with his physicality. Another player to watch as he turns pro this year.

16 Niklas Kokko

A second-round selection in 2022, Kokko had a promising season, split between Liiga and the Finnish second tier. Signed by the Kraken, where Kokko plays this year remains a bit of a mystery, but at this point he appears to be the top goaltending prospect in the system.

17. Semyon Vyazovoi

Evaluating Russian goaltenders pre-KHL can be difficult. But Vyazovoi has been lights out in the MHL and was even impressive in the Russian second league (VHL) last year. Seattle is hoping that he can get some time in the KHL as a 20-year-old this season.

18. Ville Ottavainen

Offense will never be a big part of Ottavainen’s game, but he shows a lot of promise in the defensive end with his combination of length, mobility, and physicality. After two good seasons in Finland, he’ll be playing in Coachella Valley this year.

19. Tyson Jugnauth

Not a lot of players had good years on Wisconsin last year, but Jugnauth was one of the few. His freshman season showed a ton of promise, especially in the offensive end. He’s likely to be a three- or four-year college project, but the upside is big.

20. Logan Morrison

When Morrison finally signed an NHL deal towards the end of the OHL season, those who follow the OHL closely rejoiced. No one deserved it more. Yes, there are concerns over his skating and projection, but the IQ and playmaking ability are high end.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK: FANTASY PROSPECT RANKINGS – Top 30 Forwards – Top 20 Defense – top 10 Goalies

Peter Harling — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 19:10:17 +0000

When preparing for a fantasy draft or evaluating prospects for a trade in your fantasy league you need to understand the difference between rankings, and fantasy rankings. The difference can be subtle, or significant depending on your leagues scoring and format. Generally speaking, fantasy rankings are based on projected point production. I have found that the vast majority of readers that read and follow my work are in dynasty keeper leagues with peripheral stats, or bangers leagues. The following rankings are based on projected point production and include added value to players that can contribute other stats, such as hits, blocks, PIMs, and faceoff wins. In fantasy hockey, we have a limited number of prospect roster spots and as such I put higher value on prospects that have a quicker ETA to the NHL or have superstar upside. This will help you identify the top 30 forwards, 20 defencemen and ten goalies to target in your fantasy leagues. To be considered a prospect, skaters must be under 26-years-old, and have played in under 60 career games, or less than 35 in a single season. For goalies, less than 30 games played, or 15 in a single season.

Forwards

Connor Bedard, C – Chicago Blackhawks

Not much debate to be had here. If you put Bedard in any other draft class from the past ten years, the only time he does not go first overall is the Connor McDavid Draft. Bedard is simply a generational talent that will kick down the front door of the NHL and take the league by storm. To expect him to be a point per game player as a rookie is not out of the question, he could even push for a 90-point year. The sky is the limit.

Logan Cooley, C – Arizona Coyotes

It was looking like Cooley was returning to the NCAA for his sophomore season, but after scoring 60 points as a freshman (second overall in scoring) and little left to gain from a second season, the Coyotes signed him to his ELC. Now that he is show bound, he locks up second forward rank position as the future of the Coyotes. Cooley is a dynamic offensive and highly skilled player that should flirt with 60 points as a rookie and has the upside to be a 90-point player when he hits his prime.

Adam Fantilli, C – Columbus Blue Jackets

Fantilli lead the NCAA in scoring as a freshman which puts him in a class with Jack Eichel and Paul Kariya. He will have the opportunity to center dynamic offensive wingers like Patrik Laine or Johnny Gaudreau or both in Columbus. Fantilli brings the whole package, size, skating, skill, smarts and will deliver in fantasy leagues with points and peripheral stats as well. He could easily have landed second overall on this list.

Matvei Michkov, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

In five years when we revisit this I would not be surprised if Michkov is the second overall player ranked, but the reasons why he is only fourth have more to do with term. Signed in the KHL for three more seasons we will have to wait on Michkov, but when he comes over as a matured 21-year-old on a three-year ELC he will be the best bang for his buck in dynasty capped leagues.

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 06: Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (23) skates with the puck during the NHL game between Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins on January 6, 2022, at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire)

Marco Rossi, C – Minnesota Wild

Rossi suffered a major setback in his development with a life-threatening bout with COVID. But he now has had two seasons of development in the AHL and after 116 games he has posted 104 points. His NHL production has not materialized through 21 games to date but count on that changing in a big way this year. Rossi is expected to take over the number one spot in Minnesota and if he develops some Chemistry between Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, look out!

Leo Carlsson, C – Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks surprised a lot of people when they selected Carlsson over Fantilli at the second overall selection at the 2023 Draft. The fact of the matter is that Carlsson is a highly skilled and projectable player. The Ducks can be patient with his development, and he could play another year in the SHL before coming to California. With Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson as a one-two punch down the middle, the Ducks have elite center depth for a long time.

Lukas Reichel, LW/RW – Chicago Blackhawks

After two seasons of development in the AHL, Reichel is ready for prime time, and his timing couldn’t be better. While expectations are Taylor Hall will get the first crack at shot gun with Bedard, Reichel could easily win one of the wing roles on the top line and flirt with a 50–60-point season.

Matthew Knies, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Leaf Nation had some lofty expectations for Knies, and he did not disappoint. He quickly became a key member of the Leafs top six and offense in a playoff series with Tampa. With a cap friendly ELC contract, he is an ideal fit on a top six line in Toronto with their prolific offense. Knies brings some size and physicality in addition to his soft hands and dangerous shot. Knies will be a stud in multi-cat leagues.

Shane Wright, C – Seattle Kraken

While it was a struggle in his D+1 year with highs and lows ranging from a regular healthy scratch, to captaining Canada to WJC Gold, and returning to the OHL. When the dust settled, he gained valuable development in the NHL, AHL, OHL and internationally and now Seattle has the option to play Wright full time in the AHL. In time Wright and Beniers will be a formidable one-two punch down the middle for Seattle, but Wright likely needs one more year before he wins a top six role with the Kraken.

Dylan Guenther, LW/RW – Arizona Coyotes

Playing in only 33 NHL games last year barely allows Guenther to remain eligible for this list. His 15 points last year was good, but not enough to stay in the show. He was loaned to Canada for the WJC and posted 10 points before returning to the WHL to help Seattle to a WHL Championship. With Cooley signing it gives an additional boost to Guenther’s value.

SAINT PAUL, MN - OCTOBER 08: Dallas Stars Center Logan Stankoven (57) looks on during the NHL game between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, on October 8th, 2022, at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire)

Logan Stankoven, C – Dallas Stars

Stankoven has dominated in the WHL and the international stage alike. He kept pace with Connor Bedard at the WJC showing he can play with elite players and pace. Stankoven will be turning pro this year and could likely skip the AHL on a lot of NHL teams, but Dallas has some depth and can be patient with this stud.

Jakob Pelletier, LW – Calgary Flames

It’s has been a long time coming for the 2019 first round pick of the Flames, but after scoring 99 points in 101 career AHL games, the time is now for Pelletier to get a real look at the NHL. The coaching change in Calgary should be another green light for Pelletier to not only make the team but crack the Flames top six.

Ryan Leonard, C/LW – Washington Capitals

The Boston College commit will likely be a one-and-done player before he signs his ELC. Drawing comparisons to the Tkachuk brothers as he plays a rambunctious game but has high end skill and hockey sense. The Capitals can be patient with their top prospect and slow cook him, but he is more instant noodle than slow cooker and can be an impact player for them next year.

William Eklund, LW – San Jose Sharks

Eklund nearly cracked the Sharks roster in his D+1 season with a strong nine game showing before he was loaned back to the SHL. Last year he made the move to North America and played mainly in the AHL posting 41 points through 54 games. He could be ready to not only win a roster spot with the Sharks to start the season but will compete for a top six role.

Frank Nazar, C/RW – Chicago Blackhawks

Nazar missed all but 13 games in his freshman year at Michigan due to injury. He had a strong showing at the World Junior Summer Showcase and is a lock for Team USA. He will return to Michigan and be a star player for the Wolverine and could even finish the year in Chicago if he signs his ELC. His fantasy stock is about to get a massive boost.

Jimmy Snuggerud, C – St. Louis Blues

It is too early to do a redraft of the 2022 draft, but if we do, Jimmy Snuggerud would likely be inside the top ten, well above where the Blues selected him 23^rd overall. A massive freshman season with the University of Minnesota where he scored 50 points in 40 games on arguably the top line in the NCAA with Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies. Cooley and Knies are now gone, can Snuggerud produce the same or better without those two?

Zach Benson, RW – Buffalo Sabres

Speaking of redrafting too soon, Benson fell to Buffalo at pick 13 because he is undersized. I think when we redraft the 2023 class, he will be inside the top ten, closer to top five. He has hands, vision and deception in his game that scream NHL ready. He plays a two-way game and is highly competitive. He is a few years away, but the upside is top six.

Cutter Gauthier, C/LW – Philadelphia Flyers

The big winger had an impressive freshman year at Boston College scoring 37 points in 32 games and ten more points at the WJ and then nine points at the World Championship. He will return to B.C. where the Eagles will add the NTDP trio of Will Smith, Ryan Leonard, and Gabe Perreault to the fold. Big things are coming with Gauthier.

Matt Coronato, RW/LW – Calgary Flames

After posting back-to-back 36-point seasons in the NCAA at Harvard Coronato signed and made his NHL debut last year. He may be short at 5-10, but he is not a small player. He is strong and can play physically but his game is all about scoring goals.

Alexander Holtz, LW – New Jersey Devils

The seventh overall pick from the 2020 draft is now starting to trend in the wrong direction. Holtz is a sniper and has had two full seasons of development in North America. It looked like last year was when he would breakout, but he only managed four points in 19 games with the Devils. Still only 21 years old he has time but really needs to address the skating and pace to reach an NHL top six role.

Mavrik Bourque, C – Dallas Stars

Bourque had a good AHL rookie season with 20 goals and 47 points. He has some work to do however before he can compete to crack the Stars roster with their depth.

Brennan Othmann, LW – New York Rangers

Othmann finished his junior career in the OHL on a playoff run with the Petes that ended with a Championship and a Memorial Cup run. He has size and speed and skill, and scores clutch goals. A year in the AHL is in the cards for Othmann but he has top six upside in a year or two.

Will Smith, C – San Jose Sharks

The slick and skilled center had 127 points in 60 games with the NTDP in his draft year. That was not a typo. Headed to Boston College with the entire NTDP record breaking line with Perreault and Leonard, the trio could have a ridiculous freshman year. Smith has some work to do on his defensive game but should develop into the Sharks number one center with Eklund on his wing.

Jiri Kulich, C – Buffalo Sabres

Kulich scored 24 goals and 46 points as a rookie in the AHL and had nine points for Czechia at the WJC. His game got better as the season went on and in the AHL playoffs he scored 11 points in 12 games. He will have to play another year in the AHL and wait for some contracts to expire on the Sabres roster, but he is very close.

Tyson Foerster, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

His AHL rookie season was a smashing success as he scored 20 goals and 48 points in 66 games. But what was far more impressive was his late season NHL recall where he played eight games with the Flyers and scored seven points. He is NHL ready now.

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 28: Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) skates with the puck during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Nashville Predators on March 28, 2023, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Luke Evangelista, RW – Nashville Predators

Perhaps one of the players with the biggest rise in stock this year was Evangelista. Sure, he scored 111 points in his final 62 career OHL games, but 41 points in 49 AHL games as a rookie was very impressive. Even more spectacular was he earned an NHL recall and scored there too, 15 points in 24 games. He has arrived.

Ridly Greig, C/LW – Ottawa Senators

His breakout performance at the WJC was cut short due to injury, but he picked up where he left off as a rookie in the AHL scoring 29 points in 39 games in Belleville. His play earned him an NHL recall and he did not look out of place posting nine points in 20 NHL games. He is ready.

Matthew Savoie, C – Buffalo Sabres

Savoie is a prolific scorer as he has back-to-back 90-point seasons in the WHL with Winnipeg and went on a tear in the playoffs last year scoring 11 goals and 29 points in 19 games. He is undersized but he can play.

Nick Robertson, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Injuries have plagued Robertson, who otherwise may have been playing out his ELC inside the Leafs top six. At 21-years-old he has missed a lot of development playing 82 games over the past three seasons. He needs to have a full, healthy year.

Brendan Brisson, LW/RW – Vegas Golden Knights

The Michigan alumni had a good AHL rookie season scoring 37 points in 58 games for the Silver Knights. He will be back in the AHL and should see marked improvement in his production. He is coming.

Defense

Luke Hughes, LD – New Jersey Devils

The youngest of the Huges brothers but the biggest at 6’ 2”, 183 pounds may have the highest upside. He produced at the NCAA, World Junior, and World Championship. He has two points in his two-game debut to end the year in the NHL and will play his rookie season in the NHL in the coming season. The only thing in his way from being the top offensive player right away is Dougie Hamilton.

Brandt Clarke, RD – Los Angeles Kings

Clark started the year in the NHL and after nine games with the Kings and five in the AHL he was loaned to Canada where he dominated the World Junior. Then he was returned to the OHL, and it was ridiculous as he scored 23 points in 12 playoff games. He is ready for the NHL.

Lane Hutson, LD – Montreal Canadiens

His 48-point freshman season was comparable to Cale Makar’s Hobey Baker winning sophomore year. Hutson also played key roles for the USA at the WJC and World Championships. He will return to Boston University to play with his brother and should sign following his sophomore year. Hutson has elite upside.

David Jiricek, RD – Columbus Blue Jackets

Jiricek had a tremendous D+1 season as an 18-year-old AHL rookie playing key minutes for the Monsters and scoring 38 points. His play at the WJC helped lead Czechia to a Silver Medal and he looks ready for the NHL now. His point upside may not be as elite, but he is 6’ 3”, mobile and great defensively. He is a franchise defenseman.

ELMONT, NY - OCTOBER 06: New Jersey Devils Defenseman Simon Nemec (5) during the first period of the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders on October 6, 2022, at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

Simon Nemec, RD – New Jersey Devils

Nemec is every bit as good as Jiricek, he had a superb D+1 year as an AHL rookie scoring 34 points and was a point per game player at the WJC. His path to a number one NHL defender is harder in New Jersey with Hughes and Hamilton blocking him.

Olen Zellweger, LD – Anaheim Ducks

Zellweger has dominated the WHL to the tune of 183 career points in 180 games and was named the CHL Defenseman of the Year. He has dominated the World Junior with two Gold Medals with 17 points in 14 games. He will take his game to the AHL, and chances are he will dominate there as a rookie. He is still a year or two away from being an impact defenseman in the NHL and the Ducks number one on the blueline.

Simon Edvinsson, LD – Detroit Red Wings

After a great AHL rookie campaign Edvinsson moved up to the NHL for a nine-game audition. He was poised to make the Wings roster out of camp to start the season, but an injury will delay that arrival. He may need a short tour in the AHL to get up to speed, but he will compete with Seider for top minutes in Detroit by years end.

Scott Perunovich, LD – St. Louis Blues

By all accounts the 24-year-old should have graduated from this list by now, but three injury plagued seasons and he has been limited to 19 NHL games. His 42 points in 39 career AHL games demands he gets an opportunity to play meaningful minutes in the NHL, he just needs to stay healthy.

Pavel Mintyukov, LD – Anaheim Ducks

The Russian offensive defender saw his production dip slightly after a mid-season trade to the Ottawa 67’s, but his offensive play should translate to the AHL where he will play his rookie season with the Gulls. He has Drysdale and Zellweger ahead of him for now, but his upside is tremendous.

Denton Mateychuk, LD – Columbus Blue Jackets

Mateychuk has similar offensive upside to Mintyukov, but is a little smaller, and has one more year of junior hockey before he turns pro. The 19-year-old should shootout the lights in the WHL and be a key player for Canada at the World Junior.

Kevin Korchinski, LD – Chicago Blackhawks

His stock got a big boost when the Hawks won the Draft lottery and added Connor Bedard. Korchinski is penciled in to be the Hawks powerplay quarterback in three years or so and it is lining up to be elite. The 6’ 3” defender can skate and play a physical game as well.

Alexander Nikishin, LD – Carolina Hurricanes

Perhaps no defense prospect saw their stock rise more last year than Nikishin. His 55-point breakout in 65 games in the KHL commanded the attention of fantasy owners. He has two more years remaining on his contract so we will have to wait a while for the 21-year-old, 6’ 4” Russian stud to come to North America.

Jordan Spence, RD – Los Angeles Kings

The Kings top defensive prospect is Brandt Clarke, but the gap between him and Spence is getting smaller. Spence was a force in the AHL as a rookie posting 42 points in 46 games and played in 24 NHL games. Last year he spent more time developing in the AHL and is looking ready to secure an NHL job out of training camp.

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 17: Thomas Harley (55) of the Dallas Stars skates during the second period of the NHL game between the Dallas Stars and the Montreal Canadiens on March 17, 2022, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

Thomas Harley, LD – Dallas Stars

The OHL shutdown gave Harley early access to the AHL, and the 21-year-old now has three seasons of professional hockey development under his belt, including 40 NHL career games played. He has NHL ready size, mobility, and offensive acumen. He should be a full-time player in Dallas this year and his role with the team will continue to grow.

Ville Heinola, LD – Winnipeg Jets

The 20^th overall pick from the 2019 draft nearly made the NHL in his D+1 year playing the first eight regular season games with the Jets. Ultimately, he was loaned back to his Liiga club team and since then has split time between the Liiga, AHL, NHL and some international tournaments. His play in the AHL has slowly been improving, but Heinola still has one more year of waiver exemption that likely dictates more AHL time.

Lukas Cormier, LD – Vegas Golden Knights

Cormier was a prolific offensive defenseman in junior and his rookie year in the AHL saw his offensive skill translate to the professional level as he scored 10 goals and 35 points in 62 games for the Silver Knights. Cormier has a rocket of a shot, is a crafty and creative offensive driver but is looking at another year or two in the AHL before he is ready to push for a top pairing role in Vegas.

Henry Thrun, LD – San Jose Sharks

The Ducks 2019 fourth round pick was looking for more opportunity and is assumed was not going to sign in Anaheim as they are loaded with star prospects on defense. He was traded to the Sharks who signed him within a month. The departure of Erik Karlsson has created a massive void on the Sharks roster and Thrun will try to win the job out of training camp as the team’s powerplay quarterback.

Emil Andrae, LD – Philadelphia Flyers

The 5’ 9” defender has been flushing out his resume nicely since his draft leading the J20 in defenseman points and goals, a HockeyAllsvenskan Championship, being named best junior, most goals by a defenseman in the WJC and a Bronze Medal. Last year he had a breakout season in the SHL with 26 points and finished the year in the AHL with a strong showing of six points in 10 games with the Phantoms. He will play a full season in the AHL but is a player on the rise.

Ryker Evans, LD – Seattle Kraken

The Krakens 2021 second round pick had a strong junior career with the Regina Pats, but his stock improved significantly in his rookie AHL season as his role continued to grow all season long. His 44 points in 71 regular season games was great, and it got even better in the playoffs as he produced 26 points in 26 games to help lead Coachella to the finals in their inaugural season. Evans is a prospect on the rise and on the fast track to the NHL.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka, RD – Detroit Red Wings

ASP is a play-driving offensive defenseman with a high hockey sense that allows him to see plays two steps ahead. He is a strong skater, perhaps not a burner, but his edge work makes him very elusive. He has the ability to be a power play QB but with Seider and Edvinsson ahead of him on the depth chart, power play minutes may be hard to come by.

Goalies.

Devon Levi, Buffalo Sabres

The rise of Devon Levi has been spectacular. The seventh-round selection by the Florida Panthers has rocketed up the rankings by cracking the Canadian WJC roster, then winning the starting role. He dominated the NCAA winning the Mike Richter Award as Best Goalie in the NCAA twice. He made his NHL debut after his junior season and posted a 5-2-0 record with a 2.94 GAA and .905 SV%. Eric Comrie and Ukka-Pekka-Luukkonen are both under contract which should force Levi to the AHL as he is waiver exempt, but Levi could outplay them both and win the starting role out of camp. Buffalo is a team on the rise and Levi is on the cusp of becoming an elite goalie.

Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild

His first season in the AHL showed plenty of promise as he made the adjustment to North America. After a strong rookie season in Iowa with a 18-15-5 record, he closed the year at the World Championship with Sweden winning all three games with a 0.67 GAA against some of the lesser teams. With one more year remaining on M-A Fleury’s contract, Wallstedt likely has another year of AHL time before he is a full-time NHL goalie.

VANCOUVER, BC - SEPTEMBER 25: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) in net during their preseason NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on September 25, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)

Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames

You could easily make the argument that Wolf is the number one on this list. The two-time AHL Goalie of the Year winner has been outstanding as a pro goalie. He lacks some international experience and has both Jacob Markstrom and Dan Vladar signed for two years ahead of him in Calgary, but his performance speaks for itself. The Flames can be patient with the 22-year-old future franchise goalie as he could be one of the teams’ all-time greats.

Yaroslav Askarov, Nashville Predators

Askarov has been an elite prospect for years now, but my concern with him has been the low volume of games he was playing in Russia. Last year he came to North America and played 48 games for Milwaukee in the AHL and was outstanding as the undisputed starting goalie. His adjustment to North America and a starting goalie workload erased any potential doubt he can and will be an NHL starting goalie. Look for Askarov to get a few more cups of coffee in the NHL this year and be a full time NHL player in 2024-25.

Joel Hofer, St. Louis Blues

Hofer has rather quietly assembled a remarkable resume which includes a WHL Championship, Gold Medals at the World Championship and World Junior where he was the Best Goaltender. In his two seasons of AHL development his record is 49-36-13 with a 2.78 GAA and .912 SV%. Hofer is penciled in to start the year in the NHL as the backup to an aging and declining Jordan Binnington. It is just a matter of time before Hofer usurps him as the starting goalie.

Drew Commesso, Chicago Blackhawks

Commesso showed good development in his three years as the Boston Terriers starting goalie in the NCAA and posted a strong 24-8-0 record in his final year. His path towards an NHL starting role looks promising as he should be the starting goalie as a rookie in the AHL with Rockford and the Hawks goalie depth is very weak outside Commesso and Arvid Soderblom.

Sebastian Cossa, Detroit Red Wings

The wait time on the Wings 2021 first round pick is a little longer. After a dominant career in the WHL, he spent the majority of his rookie season as a pro in the ECHL with Toledo where he got starting minutes. The 6’ 6” netminder will graduate to the AHL and will be mentored by veteran Alex Lyon.

Justus Annunen, Colorado Avalanche

The 6’ 4” Finnish goalie had strong numbers from the Liiga but stumbled in his rookie season in the AHL. He made adjustments in his sophomore season and saw marked improvements across the board. The 23-year-old will play his third season in the AHL and be the first option for an NHL recall if injuries require relief.

Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks

This will be a key year for Dostal to establish himself as an NHL goalie. The Ducks likely go with a three-headed-monster in goal with John Gibson, Alex Stalock, and Dostal to allow Calle Clang to get the starting role in the AHL. Injuries will certainly force Gibson to miss some time and Dostal could seize the starting job in Anaheim sooner than later.

Daniil Tarasov, Columbus Blue Jackets

Tarasov has struggled with injuries since coming to North America but put 28 games on the board last year between the AHL and NHL. Both teams were bottom dwellers in the standings, so his numbers were not overly impressive. Tarasov will share the NHL crease this year with Elvis Merzlikins as his backup but could see a healthy number of starts if he plays well.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #12 San Jose Sharks

Josh Bell — Sun, 21 May 2023 12:59:01 +0000

It has been a year since Doug Wilson turned over the GM reigns after missing the playoffs for three straight years, following an impressive 19 years of sustained success. He was ultimately replaced by Mike Grier in July following the draft. This year will be Grier’s first opportunity to put his imprint on the organization. His first big move was the trading of Timo Meier for a package of prospects including the fourth ranked on the Sharks, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and 23-year-old Fabian Zetterlund, who graduated this year, plus a first, second and seventh round pick along with other pieces. They surprisingly did not move Erik Karlsson at the deadline but will have more opportunity this summer to add to their stockpile of draft picks and prospects. Kevin Labanc has been in the rumour mill as well. Tomas Hertl has a no movement clause so will be in control of his destiny.

The current group of prospects moves up to 12^th overall from 24^th, led by William Eklund, who is NHL ready, but San Jose wisely let him get another year of development in. The first overall pick last season (27^th overall) in Filip Bystedt had an outstanding season with a jump in his offensive play and an excellent World Junior tournament for Sweden. Mukhamadullin was brought over to North America soon after being acquired. In addition to New Jersey’s pick, they also have the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft and should be able to add a foundational piece in a deep draft. It is the beginning of a new era for a perennially successful franchise. Wins may be hard to come by next year, but on a path forward.

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)

William Eklund

Nobody would have been surprised if the rebuilding Sharks let their best prospect play in the NHL all season, especially considering he spent the majority of the past three playing professionally in Sweden. But give them credit for doing the right thing with Eklund's development and letting him cook mostly in the AHL instead. That extra marinating was the right call, as he started his full-time transition to North America a little slowly before finding another level after the midway point. His game is built around controlling possession, as he is a tenacious forechecker when trying to get the puck, and when he does have it, he blends high-end skating ability, high-end hands and a killer instinct to open up offensive opportunities. He leans more as a playmaker than a shooter, but he can punish defender if they give him too much time and space. Eklund will be a full-time NHLer next season for sure and should be a contender for the Calder Trophy.

2. Thomas Bordeleau

There are few prospects in the sport right now who have better offensive vision than Bordeleau. He is such a crafty, creative player in the offensive zone, and is also a premier stick-handler and playmaker. He will make defenders pay dearly if they give him too much time and space, which makes him an obvious choice to use a lot with the man advantage. He does rely on his cerebral advantages a little too often, though. He will let his pace lag, he doesn't battle hard for interior ice, and he sometimes looks flat-out disinterested in defending. But then the puck will find its way to him, and he will turn it into a scoring chance nobody else saw, so you can never be too down on him. Bordeleau could become a very special player with the right tweaks to his approach.

3. Filip Bystedt

One of the most publicly underrated prospects from the 2022 draft class, the Sharks knew exactly what they were doing when they picked Bystedt 27th overall. The blend of size, powerful and fluid skating ability, and full-speed puck magic was highly desirable, even though it hadn't yet led to much scoring in the SHL. Fast forward one year and he is already rewarding them for their trust and investment, with a huge uptick in points for Linkopings HC and an excellent showing at the World Juniors on behalf of Sweden. Even more impressive, he produced a lot for his club team despite averaging just 12:49 per game, which ranked just 10th among their forwards. Bystedt is trending sharply in the right direction, and it's thrilling to think of just how good he could be once he reaches his prime playing years and has mastered all of his tools.

4. Shakir Mukhamadullin

The scouting appeal with Mukhamadullin has always been around his stellar physical tools and athleticism, but there was no denying that a lot of refinement had to be made with his awareness and decision-making. Now 21 years old and with more than 150 KHL games under his belt, it's fair to say that a lot of progress has been made. With his immense reach and clean 360-degree mobility he can be a suffocating defensive presence. He still gets caught out of position at times, but his ability to recover back into place is effortless. Has a heavy shot from the point and puts a ton of zip into his passes. Not a guy you want handling the puck too much, but the right partner can solve that issue. Mukhamadullin was a part of the Timo Meier return and the Sharks got him to America right afterwards, so they must be excited about his long-term upside.

5. Henry Thrun

Thrun was originally drafted by Anaheim, and the Ducks must have been incredibly disappointed when he informed them that he didn't want to sign there. They did acquire a 3rd-rounder from the Sharks for his rights, which will be a higher pick than the 4th-rounder they had originally used, but good luck drafting a prospect equally as good. The Massachusetts native moved from one coast to the other and immediately started working, scoring two points in his NHL debut and then sticking around for the remainder of the regular season. His hockey sense is outstanding, being Harvard's captain exemplified his astute leadership abilities, and there are no discernible weaknesses anywhere in his game. Its rare to find defensemen this age who are already so polished. Thrun has a long career ahead of him and should be a foundational piece of San Jose's long-term rebuild.

6. Tristen Robins

Robins isn't the biggest, fastest, or most naturally athletic of players, but he overcomes those limitations with sharp hockey sense and an exceptional mental edge. It's impossible to not root for him because he plays with such poise, confidence and fearlessness, and he has a magical knack for making big plays at big times. He is always around the puck because he anticipates the play so well and knows how to find open ice. There might not be another prospect in the sport who is more unassumingly lethal as a goal-scorer, but WHL goalies eventually learned that the hard way, and AHL ones have started as well. It's unlikely that Robins will ever be a first line forward in the NHL like he was in Saskatoon, but he'll be a guy that coaches make sure to keep in their lineups.

7. Artemi Knyazev

Kniazev hasn't really changed a whole lot since his draft year, which can be both a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. He is a true play-driving defenseman who operates at a high pace and wants to be a possession conduit for his team. He jumps at every opportunity to join the rush and is always ready to follow it all the way up to prime scoring territory. There is an aggressive confidence to him, which is a mentality that can be very efficacious. Problems arise, though, when he plays with that kind of fire a little too frequently. It would also be nice to see him expand his game to additional dimensions. However, even if Kniazev remains a fairly one-dimensional, pigeonholed kind of player he could be a true specialist as a play driver as he continues to master his craft.

8. Cameron Lund

Lund is another one of those prospects who just can't properly be analyzed by solely looking at his stats or the win-loss records of the teams he has played on. Does he have the individual skills and profile that could lead to increased production down the road? Absolutely. He protects pucks well down low, is a handful to box out of the crease, and brings power and accuracy to both his shots and passes. However, even if gaudy point production never becomes a go-to part of his game there's a very comfortable floor as a bottom six center that he could settle into. He wins 50-50 battles with his strength and grit, and already displays the conditioning and resilience to be someone who can survive the grind of long seasons playing that way. If Lunds spends a full four years in college, he could be a dramatically different player by the time he enters the pro ranks.

9. Ozzy Wiesblatt

The three seasons since getting picked in the 1st round by the Sharks have not gone kindly for Wiesblatt. Not only has he been stuck on bad teams with both the WHL's Raiders and the AHL's Barracuda, but he’s also had to battle through injury troubles and the accompanying rust. However, anyone who is very familiar with him knows that it would be beyond foolish to write him off just yet. He is a tenacious forward who loves to stomp his foot on the gas pedal and attack enemies head-on with his speed and stick tricks. It's a risky approach that gets him into trouble at times right now, but once he crosses a certain point with his physical development, the impact he leaves could be very different. Slowing things down more often and leaning further into his playmaking acumen wouldn't hurt, either.

10. Sasha Chmelevski

Chmelevski transferred his talents from his sunny home state of California to the cold expanse of Russia for the 2022-23 season, and he must have found the change beneficial because he agreed to stay there for at least another year. A forward who has always leaned heavily on his goal scoring to get by, he did light the lamp a team-leading 26 times for Ufa in the KHL, which was double his total output from the year prior and a good sign for him overall. San Jose still holds Chmelevski's NHL rights, so it will be very interesting to see what happens when — or if — he decides to play hockey stateside again, because there will be roster spots ripe for the taking on a young Sharks team that will likely be in major need of scoring support.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors: Brock Otten, Dylan Krill, Arlo Schulz, Eloi Biondi, Ethan Hetu, — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 17:50:18 +0000

VANCOUVER, BC - NOVEMBER 09: Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (37) is checked by Vancouver Canucks left wing Nils Hoglander (21) during their NHL game at Rogers Arena on November 9, 2021 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Mason McTavish C OHL

The 3^rd overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Mason McTavish has proved himself worthy of the pick ever since the day he was drafted. Coming into the draft, McTavish’s draft stock had risen dramatically, and was a bit of a surprise to some when he was selected 3rd overall, but since then, he has shined and looks like a very promising prospect that will be a big part of a young Ducks future core. McTavish’s journey in the last two years has been anything but ordinary. During his draft year with the OHL shutdown, McTavish opted to go play pro in Europe in the Swiss League. During his 13 games he put up 11 points (9G,2A). After his time in Europe, McTavish was selected to play for Team Canada in the U18 WJC and had a very successful tournament with 11 points (5G,6A) in seven games. During the 21-22 season, McTavish seemed to be playing everywhere possible. Spending nine games in the NHL, three in the AHL, 29 in the OHL between two teams, 5 games in the Olympics and also played in the U20 WJC, winning gold as the captain. Two of McTavish’s best assets are undoubtedly his elite shot and puck control. McTavish’s shot has always been his best tool, finding ways to find the back of the net at every level he’s played. His blend of strength and creativity make him dominant with the puck on his stick. Being able to drive his way to the net and show little difficulty controlling in traffic. He has the hands to beat opponents one-on-one consistently. Moving into this year, McTavish will have the opportunity to take a leap into a full-time role in the NHL. - DK

2 - Pavel Mintyukov D OHL

The 10^th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Pavel Mintyukov is looking to have another big year in the OHL after having a very successful season with Saginaw, putting up 62 points (17G,45A) in 67 games. Mintyukov was one of the most diverse prospects in the NHL draft because of his unique style of play. His talent is unquestionably high-end, but the way he utilizes his tools makes some scouts think that he won’t be as effective in the NHL, and even a liability at times. His aggressive offensive game makes him dangerous with the puck on his stick, but there are times he’s over-aggressive which results in him out of position. Despite being highly talented offensively, he is still strong defensively and is able to shutdown plays with both his stick and physicality, both in the defensive zone and in transition. Mintyukov’s best assets are his offensive awareness and playmaking. He has the ability to create high danger chances consistently and he does so with great poise, never looking overwhelmed, making his ceiling very high. Going into next year, Mintyukov will play another year in the OHL and look to take a step forward to become more of a complete defenseman. He will likely be in a much better situation as well, with a much more competitive Saginaw Spirit team which will help boost his confidence. With more confidence and better players to play with, Mintyukov has the potential to become the best defenseman in the OHL this year. - DK

3 - Olen Zellweger D WHL

It was a meteoric rise to stardom for Zellweger in his draft+1 year. After being plucked in the 2^nd round by the Ducks in 2021, the undersized blueliner exploded for 78 points in just 55 games with the Silvertips and followed up with a strong performance at the IIHF under-20 tournament, earning a gold medal in the process. Perhaps we should have seen this breakout coming; Zellweger had a strong finish to his 2020-21 season and was one of the fastest risers in that year’s draft class. An effortless skater, Zellweger’s meal ticket is his escapability. His high panic threshold combined with decent vision and strong distribution skills makes him the ideal puck manager for zone exits. Zellweger can play either side of the ice with ease and took another step forward offensively last year, showing that he can be a powerplay weapon. Like many young players of his stature, Zellweger needs to improve his physical play and engage more often, not just along the boards but also in front of his net in tying up opposing forwards, for example. His positioning defensively is also still erratic from time to time, but Zellweger possesses a high hockey IQ that will allow him to learn and absorb the nuances of his position quickly. He is one of the youngest players from his draft class and oozes upside and potential. He is likely slated to return to junior for one more season in Everett. - AS

4 - Lukas Dostal G AHL

After a second consecutive strong season in the AHL, Dostal has cemented his place among the best goaltending prospects outside of the NHL. The former winner of the Urpo Ylonen award (best netminder in the Finnish Liiga), Dostal appears to be an injury/trade (of Gibson/Stolarz) away from being an NHL starter. The 6’2 netminder combines athleticism and aggressiveness to dominate the crease. He moves extremely well laterally and has excellent agility, allowing him to be aggressive in challenging shooters outside of the blue paint. This helps him to cut down angles and battle for sight lines, given that he is only “average”-sized compared to today’s ideal goaltender. He also possesses a strong glove hand that helps him to take away the upper portion of the net. At this point, Dostal has proven himself at every level outside of the NHL. He dominated the Finnish men’s league. He’s put forward two strong seasons in the AHL. He even earned his first NHL victory this past season against the Detroit Red Wings, making 33 saves in a shootout win. At this point, the only thing keeping him out of the NHL is the fact that Anaheim already has two quality NHL netminders. Knocking on the door, it’s a matter of when, not if, Dostal becomes a permanent NHL’er. His ceiling is that of one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. - BO

5 - Jacob Perreault RW AHL

Perreault’s second AHL season went much better than his first, especially when you consider that under normal circumstances, he would not have been able to play in the AHL. Still age eligible for the OHL, Perreault was able to continue to play with San Diego (along with some other OHL-eligible players) because he played in the league last year through an exception. He looked significantly more confident with the puck this past year, showing a consistent ability to drive play (with pace) thanks to his speed and skill combination. Additionally, he still has that big shot that makes him such a strong finisher (even if the 14 goals in the AHL might not suggest that). Another big difference for Perreault this year was the increase in physical intensity. He was a much more willing combatant in the corners and trying to get to the net by playing through traffic. This added physicality will most definitely help him to become an NHL player. Moving forward, Perreault will just need to continue to improve his decision making with the puck and his effort across all three zones. He earned a one game look with Anaheim last year and certainly deserves to get more games this coming season. While penciling him in as a full time NHL player in 2022/23 may be slightly optimistic, there is no doubt that he is trending in the right direction and looks like a future top six winger for the Ducks. - BO

6 - Nathan Gaucher C QMJHL

Nathan Gaucher was considered by many as the top prospect coming out of the QMJHL for the most recent 2022 NHL Draft. Without many surprises, he was selected 22^nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks. What makes Gaucher so enticing to NHL teams is not his flashy skills or finesse, but much more the little details about his game that makes him extremely projectable to the next level. Gaucher is a relentless forechecker. He uses his body in very smart ways to separate the opponent from the puck or deliver heavy checks. Gaucher pairs this physical aspect of his game with very good north-south skating. His strides are long and powerful and permit him to win a lot of races to loose pucks and to power his way through in transitions. Gaucher also possesses a great sense of anticipation for the game. He can frequently prevent plays by doing well-timed interceptions as well as some crafty passes to teammates. He played a very important role in Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts this season by being utilized in all situations. Gaucher’s very effective two-way game awarded him the Guy Carbonneau Award as the best defensive forward at 18 years old. Gaucher's strong two-way play also helped him secure a spot on the 2022 Team Canada squad, where he helped them win gold. Gaucher will return next season once again with a strong Quebec Remparts team where they’re expecting to make a good run.

7 - Henry Thrun D US

Henry Thrun was a fourth-round pick at the 2019 NHL draft, getting selected by the Ducks just outside of the top-100 picks. Thrun was a member of an extremely talented US National Team Development Program and has since continued his development at Harvard University. With the Crimson, Thrun has grown to be the team’s most heavily used, reliable defenseman. Thrun played nearly 25 minutes per night at Harvard last season and was by far the team’s highest-scoring blueliner. Thrun’s on-ice profile is built on a strong foundation, which is Thrun’s ability to make quick reads and turn those quick reads into simple, effective plays. On each shift, in each situation, Thrun will quickly see what he wants to do, and execute his envisioned best play without much delay or hesitation. He’s decisive, and his reliance on quick decision-making has meant that the minutes he plays are, generally speaking, safe. He’s not the sort of player who will look to flip a game on its head and take over a shift, imposing his will on an opponent. Instead, Thrun quickly accepts the current state of the game and looks to make the best possible play within his given parameters of each shift. There’s value in that approach, namely in its consistency, reliability, and overall safety. But as a number-one defenseman, which is the role he plays at Harvard, he can sometimes leave you wanting more. His scoring numbers in college were great, but his numbers rarely came as a product of his own creation, rather he piled points as a safety valve for his teammates, helping them play at their best in the offensive zone. Overall, the positives in Thrun’s game are definitely notable, and if he can continue to play his style of game, he could see himself playing in the NHL sooner rather than later, likely with a career as someone who can anchor a third pairing and contribute as a safe special team’s option. - EH

8 - Jackson Lacombe D US

One of the byproducts of the Anaheim Ducks’ stellar drafting in recent years is some highly talented prospects aren’t getting the level of attention or respect they’d likely receive were they drafted into organizations with thinner prospect pools. Jackson Lacombe might be one of those prospects, as the Ducks have such a talented crop of young blueliners that it’s easy for some to forget that Lacombe has a place in their blueline’s future as well. Lacombe was drafted near the top of the second round at the 2019 draft and has spent the three seasons after his draft selection at the University of Minnesota. Lacombe’s first year as a Gopher was uneven, but he’s really come into his own as he’s gotten some more games under his belt. The six-foot-one left-shot blueliner led all Gopher defensemen in scoring last season and has blossomed into a high-end college defenseman. Lacombe’s development has been encouraging, and the reputation he once had as a dangerous offense-first blueliner has given way to a more balanced profile as he’s rounded out the other elements in his game. Before, Lacombe’s reputation as a “dangerous” offensive defenseman extended to both teams, as he was just as likely to create a scoring chance for his teammates as he was to give way to a scoring chance for his opponents. Now, Lacombe’s game has found more balance, and he’s gotten better at utilizing his size and positioning to give defensive value. The recklessness in his game still rears its head, and that raises questions about how well he’ll fare in his own end as a pro. But the offensive talent is there, and if he can weather the storm against professional opposition, he can have an NHL career. - EH

9 - Drew Helleson D US

Drew Helleson is the sort of prospect one might easily envision playing all four years in college before making a transition to the professional game. Helleson didn’t do that, signing with the Anaheim Ducks after just his third season as a Boston College Eagle. Helleson’s eagerness to jump to the professional game speaks to his style and who he is as a prospect. As a senior, Helleson set new career-high marks in offensive production and minutes played. His stock as a prospect steadily rose, and the improvement in his overall reputation is reflected in his selection to the United States’ squad for the Beijing Winter Olympics. Helleson is a defense-first prospect, but not one that’s too outdated to have upside in the modern NHL. Despite his crease-clearing shutdown style, Helleson has two-way chops to his game. He’s a good skater, gets around the ice well, and has the mobility you want from defensemen today. He can help a team in transition and demonstrates great poise when both leading and defending against rushes. In his own zone, Helleson uses his size to stymie opposing chances and can properly diagnose a developing play and move quickly to diffuse it. His offensive style might take some time to translate to the pro game, as the safety and simplicity he provides on the defensive side of the game bleeds into his offense, leading him to be more conservative than he needs to, a trait that will hurt his productivity against talented pro defenders. Helleson is a relatively safe prospect, with the floor of a capable bottom-pairing defensive specialist. If he can work out how to contribute on offense as a pro, he can potentially become a contending team’s fourth defenseman. - EH

10 - Noah Warren D QMJHL

The 6’5” defenseman is big-bodied and plays a very defense-oriented type of game. Playing this season alongside fellow Anaheim draft pick Tristan Luneau, they both formed one of the best defensive duos in the QMJHL last season. Warren is also an excellent skater for his size, as he had one of the best results in the straight-line skating tests at the CHL top prospects combine. This combination of size, skating, and a sound defensive game made Anaheim pick him even higher than teammate Tristan Luneau. Warren should look to improve his offensive game and his decision-making for years to come. How much of his offensive potential can be unlocked? He can dazzle occasionally as a puck rusher, showing an ability to use his strong stride to lead the attack. However, there are many moments where he does not look skilled enough or poised enough to be a point producer. With Quebec this season, hopefully he can take steps forward to proving that he can be more than just a stay-at-home type. At the very least, his combination of physicality, size, and mobility should make him a #4-6 defender for the Ducks in the future. - EB

11 - Tristan Luneau

An intelligent and mobile two-way defender, the focus for Luneau will be to stay healthy this season after injuries derailed his draft year.

12- Brayden Tracey

His development in the WHL appeared to have plateaued, but his first pro season was a success. His offensive awareness makes him a strong complementary player.

13 - Sam Colangelo

A big, power winger, Colangelo is coming off of a strong sophomore season. His ability to prolong possession down low is impressive and he will be looking to take yet another step forward as a junior at Northeastern this season.

14 - Sasha Pastujov

Once established inside the offensive zone, Pastujov can be a major offensive weapon. His shot is a major asset. However, his skating still needs to be upgraded in order for him to become a top six forward at the pro level.

15- Benoit-Olivier Groulx

A competitive two-way forward, Groulx split the year between Anaheim and San Diego last season. His versatility and tenacity make him a likely bottom six forward.

16 - Calle Clang

Acquired as part of the Rakell to Pittsburgh trade, Clang is starting to look the part of a potential NHL netminder. He will look to be a starter in the SHL this season before crossing the pond.

17 - Sean Tschigerl

A speedy forward with a big shot, Tschigerl is coming off a strong season on a young Calgary (WHL) team. The focus this season will be on him to reach another level as a team leader on the Hitmen.

18 - Ian Moore

Moore is a dependable two-way defender at Harvard who shows strong defensive potential, especially because of his combination of length and mobility.

19 - Hunter Drew

Drew has emerged as a potential NHL player after improving every year of his first three pro seasons. He is very versatile with the ability to play defense and forward and brings consistent physicality.

20 - Urho Vaakanainen

Acquired in the Hampus Lindholm deal with Boston, Vaakanainen is a former first rounder by Boston who has a chance to be a solid third pairing defensive defender for the Ducks.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: ANAHEIM DUCKS – RANK: #2 – TIER 1

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 14:58:51 +0000

Anaheim Ducks

Depth and an elite top end with top ten prospects and five in the top 55. Had Zegras and Drysdale each played even one more game, the Ducks system would only drop to the second tier, a testament to the aforementioned depth.

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 10: Anaheim Ducks Left Wing Trevor Zegras (46) in action during a game against the Los Angeles Kings played on March 10, 2021 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire)

Trevor Zegras - C

The top prospect in the sport, Zegras would have been ineligible for this list if he had played in even one additional game this past season for Anaheim. If his 13 points in 24 games NHL debut told us anything, it is that he can play in this league. His WJC MVP run (18 points in seven games for the Gold Medal winning Team USA) told us that he can dominate against the best of his peer group of U20 hockey players. His 21 points in 17 AHL games as a teenager also told us that he can dominate against men when he is given the freedom to be creative. You see, creativity is what Zegras does best. His playmaking game is among the best to come through recently, especially if you eliminate the McDavid types who create scoring chances mostly through sheer speed.

Zegras is a good skater, very good on occasion, but his edges are more impressive than his pure speed. Given a decent trigger man to play with, he could lead the NHL in assists for a good long while. Beyond that sublime skillset, he also grew as his own finisher last year, forcing opponents to respect his shooting abilities more, which in turn gives him more room to make the pass. Zegras is not only a future first line center, but he is a future All Star and Hart Trophy candidate. He will lead the Ducks back into contention in the near future. - RW

Jamie Drysdale- D

One of the top young defenders in the game, Drysdale took advantage of the opportunity to play in the AHL this year with the OHL on hiatus. An immediate impact player and top defender with San Diego, Drysdale lived up to the hype of being selected sixth overall a year ago. As such, it was not long before he got the call to Anaheim to play with the pro team and by season’s end, he was averaging well over 20 minutes per game and running the top powerplay for the Ducks.

An elite level skater, Drysdale uses his mobility to be an impact player at both ends of the ice. A high-level thinker and problem solver, he should have no problem in the defensive end as he bulks up. This was evident already this season as Drysdale looked stronger and more confident physically to handle larger pro players down low and near the crease. As early as next season, he should become a standout top four defender for Anaheim and have his name whispered in the same breath as the other top young defenders in the game like Cale Makar, Adam Fox, and Quinn Hughes. His upside remains as a top ten NHL defender and a potential Norris trophy winner. - BO

Mason McTavish - C

Coming into his draft year (which was filled with turmoil due to the OHL delay and subsequent cancellation), McTavish worked extremely hard to improve the areas of his game that scouts had identified as potential areas of weakness. His skating improved significantly, and McTavish learned to make better decisions with the puck in the offensive zone, displaying more patience and poise as a playmaker. He now possesses the confidence to wait out opposing defenses and dominate possession down low to draw in multiple defenders before dishing off. Of course, the highlight of McTavish’s game is most certainly his shot and scoring ability. Armed with a lightning quick wrist shot, McTavish is lethal from anywhere because of his release and precision. McTavish also profiles as a strong two-way center, a role that he seemed to thrive in at this year’s Under 18’s.

For these precise reasons, the Ducks made him the third overall selection this year. Given his size, strength, awareness, and improving stride, he has a chance to develop into a very difficult player to match up against and the kind of player who can provide serious versatility to his future coaches. He could slot in behind Trevor Zegras to give Anaheim a dynamic one/two punch at center, or he could play on Zegras’ wing to clear space and finish off plays. McTavish is someone who probably only needs another year at the OHL level before he is ready to make the jump to the NHL and he perfectly represents the kind of power center that NHL scouts are clamoring for in the modern era. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Jacob Perreault - RW

With the Sarnia Sting on hiatus this year, Perreault played for San Diego in the AHL, when he otherwise would have been sent back to the OHL by Anaheim in his post draft year. The 27th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, Perreault performed admirably as an 18/19-year-old in a men’s pro league. His goal scoring production was not quite at the level one would have expected, especially considering his elite level shot and scoring instincts. However, he did show improvements in his ability to play with pace and became a more consistently engaged two-way player.

According to various reports, the “underage” players who played 20+ games in the AHL this past season will be granted special exemptions to continue in the AHL for the upcoming season. That means that unless Anaheim decides to send him back to Sarnia, his OHL days are over. Perreault will continue to work on becoming a more consistent contributor, improving his play away from the puck and his effectiveness in playing through traffic. He projects as a top six goal scoring winger who could be a lethal triggerman on the powerplay. - BO

Lukas Dostal - G

No question, Dostal has emerged as one of the top goaltending prospects on the planet. The Czech netminder was the 2019/20 Liiga goaltender of the year as a 20-year-old and then was somehow even better this past season. He had a .941 save percentage IIlves before making the jump to the AHL with San Diego, where his .916 save percentage was top five in the league as a rookie in North America. Needless to say, the Ducks have to be pretty happy with his progress at this point and are feeling pretty comfortable with the idea of Dostal being the heir apparent to John Gibson in the Anaheim crease.

Dostal is known for his aggressiveness as a netminder as he is confident in his quickness and athletic ability. He will come way out to the top of the blue paint to cut down angles and he recovers quickly to keep himself square, following the play. Due to this aggressiveness, he can be prone to some scrambling like tendencies, but he never gives up on a puck and has enough size (6’2) to take away the upper portion even when he appears down and out. It is likely that we see Dostal play another full year in San Diego as a starter before he makes the jump to Anaheim to learn from Gibson. He has the potential to be one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. - BO

Benoit-Olivier Groulx - C

The former Halifax Mooseheads standout (although he did close out his QMJHL career with Moncton) is coming off of a very successful first pro season with San Diego. He finished third in scoring for the Gulls, showing off his strong two-way abilities and high-end awareness. The competitive forward brings serious versatility to his coaches and that could allow him to move quickly through the Ducks’ system.

Groulx is the kind of player who has few weaknesses. He competes hard in all three zones. He protects the puck well in the offensive zone and has high end vision as a playmaker. He finds his way to the net and can excel through traffic. Really, the only area of his game that he has needed to improve since being drafted is his speed and explosiveness. However, his skating has definitely improved over the past few seasons, helping to explain his solid pro debut. The Ducks are a rebuilding team and competition in training camp will be fierce. While it is likely that Groulx starts the year in the AHL again, there is a chance that he could earn a spot given his versatility. His projection remains that of a middle six forward, who probably starts his NHL career in a checking line role before building confidence. - BO

Olen Zellweger - D

One of the true breakout stars at this year’s World Under 18’s, Zellweger used that platform to help him become an early second round selection by Anaheim this year. Zellweger’s calling card is his skating ability. Armed with an effortless stride and fantastic edgework, Zellweger is an extremely difficult player for defenders to pin down. He escapes the forecheck well because he takes great routes to dump ins and spins off potential checks. There is no panic to his game, and he is able to buy time and space by turning or spinning away from pressure. With his desire to push the pace, he is always looking up ice, quickly making an outlet or using his speed to exit the zone and start the breakout. Additionally, his strength on his edges and his lateral quickness allows him to walk the blueline with ease, making him such a confident and competent powerplay QB.

Where Zellweger can sometimes struggle is in the defensive end. On the smaller side (at 5’10, 174lbs), he will need to increase his physical intensity level to make him more effective at winning battles in traffic. The progression of his play in the defensive end will definitely dictate whether Zellweger becomes more of a powerplay specialist or a top four NHL defender. He will return to the WHL this year and has a chance to be one of the league’s top scoring defenders. While he may yet be a few years away from playing for the Ducks, his potential is vast if Anaheim is patient. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Henry Thrun - D

Harvard shutdown their hockey program this past season due to the pandemic, forcing Thrun to re-evaluate his options after his exceptional freshman season. Thrun decided to return to the USHL, where he spent two seasons with the USNTDP leading up to his draft year. Of course, he couldn’t return to the program, but Dubuque held his league rights, and he spent time there, working on his game, and making sure that he was in game shape to represent his country at the WJC. His time in Dubuque shouldn’t be looked at too deeply, no matter how great he was – and he was, with almost one point per game, on top of a strong, shut-down defensive game – as he had already established himself at a higher level and was only really there for the reps.

While his knack for getting on the scoresheet was not there at the WJC, he still played a critical role for the Gold Medal winners, particularly in the realm of transitioning from defense to offense. He can skate the puck out from pressure in his own end, although he looks a tad more comfortable making the D-to-D pass out of danger. He gaps very well and knows how to use his stick to generate turnovers. Thurn’s two-way game will return to Harvard this year, and frankly, he should dominate. He has all of the tools to play in a middle pairing at the NHL level, and he could get there sooner than many expect. - RW

Jackson Lacombe - D

A little under-the-radar in his pre-draft days mostly with the Shattuck St. Mary’s program, Lacombe has made several very impressive strides in the two seasons since Anaheim tabbed him with an early second round pick. Of course, if talking about Lacombe and strides, we must delve for a moment into his skating, the clear high point of his player profile. As a North-South skater, he is fine or better, better especially when we consider his frame, which is both long and broad. But more than straight-ahead speed, we need to focus on his lateral mobility. Whether with the Golden Gophers, or with Team USA at the WJC, his ability to walk the blueline laterally, evading coverage and finding seams for high-low passes, or for him to skate the puck in deeper, Lacombe has been really impressive.

This trait, with which he has grown increasingly confident in the last year, helped Lacombe increase his points production by over 50% in more than 25% fewer games. In his own end, he positions himself well, and demonstrates that he knows how to use his big frame to successfully battle for positioning behind his net. A workhorse with Minnesota, he may not have the characteristics to be a top three defender as a pro, but it wouldn’t take much in terms of additional development for Lacombe to be worthy of such a projection. He is likely to turn pro at the end of his upcoming Junior season. - RW

Sam Colangelo - RW

Normally, a freshman season like the one Colangelo just experienced would result in the player in question facing a precipitous drop in prospect rankings. His power game, so dominant in the USHL, was simply not there. He also looked like a gifted sniper before the draft, but failed to score with Northeastern, and his only goal of the year was a point-blank one-timer he nailed against Austria in the WJC, where he otherwise was used in a pure depth role, playing fewer than eight minutes per game in four of the seven games of the event.

The challenge in judging him now, is that his time at the WJC was his first bit of hockey anywhere since prior to the pandemic, and while he failed to score for Northeastern, he was able to get his shot off, putting 26 pucks on the net in his eight collegiate games. He played a little timid, more than is suitable for his style, and between the tiny sample size and the herky-jerky roster placement, he just never was able to get comfortable. Quite frankly, Colangelo deserves a mulligan for last year. Until he proves otherwise, he still projects as a middle six, all situations power winger. We just might need to wait an extra season than we had originally anticipated. - RW

Brayden Tracey - LW

Since being drafted by the Ducks in the first round, his development has really plateaued, including posting under a point per game in the WHL this past season and putting up a goose egg in the AHL. A skilled, offensive winger, he needs to get his game back on track as a full time pro this year.

Sasha Pastujov - RW

In a surprising turn of events, this 2021 third round selection turned his back on a commitment with Notre Dame to sign with Anaheim recently. It likely means that he will head to the OHL next year (where Guelph holds his rights). Pastujov is at his best when playing near the net and will look to improve his ability to play with pace in the OHL.

Ian Moore - D

A Clark Cup champion with the Chicago Steel of the USHL this past year, Moore really improved from the start of the year to the finish. A smooth skating two-way defender, he will attend Harvard this year and should be a big part of their blueline for the next few NCAA seasons.

Axel Andersson - D

Andersson is a solid puck moving defender who split the previous year between the Allsvenskan and the AHL. Acquired from Boston in the Ondrej Kase deal, Andersson will play full time in the AHL this year and projects as a potential powerplay QB.

Blake McLaughlin - LW

A talented playmaking forward, McLaughlin has improved in each of his first three NCAA seasons for the University of Minnesota. He will return for his senior year and should still be on Anaheim’s radar to sign following the conclusion of the upcoming college season.

USHL: 2020-21 Playoff Preview – Expect Entertaining Hockey with Chicago a Clear Favourite

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:27:15 +0000

If there is an exception to the across-the-board negative impact of COVID-19 on the world of hockey, it may rest in the USHL. As north of the border, the three leagues of the CHL were in disarray – at best – the USHL, played a fairly “normal” year.

Sure, the league proceeded without the participation of the Madison Capitals (regional COVID restrictions) or the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders (a Derecho huffed and puffed and blew the arena down), but the rest of the league played (an approximately) 54 game schedule with rather few disruptions.

Not only that, but in terms of quality, the league was better than ever, as a number of players who had expected to suit up for Canadian teams – both CHL and Jr. A – were given an opportunity to play for various USHL teams as their regular leagues were delayed indefinitely, or outright cancelled. Those bonus players included some that were drafted already, including Cross Hanas, Bear Hughes, and Danil Gushchin*. Other drafted players came in from the Ivy League schools, who did not play a hockey schedule this year. In addition to the likes of Henry Thrun, Jack Malone, and Austin Wong coming to the USHL after some time in college, others like Sean Farrell and Alex Laferriere, who had intended to start collegiate life this year, were forced to stay back for one more year in the Midwest.

*Gushchin, who had played the previous two seasons with Muskegon, was expected to play in Ontario with Niagara for the 2020-21 season, but with the OHL in permanent statis, he was loaned back to the Lumberjacks, where he put up his best season yet.

And then there were the draft-eligible ringers who unexpectedly joined the league and played so well that they have legitimate first round consideration at the end of it. I am thinking, of course, of Cole Sillinger, who joined Sioux Falls, before it was known when, or if, the WHL would get going, and Ayrton Martino and Jack Bar, who had played in Ontario last year and had been planning on playing in the BCHL this year before Canadian restrictions pushed them to the USHL, with Omaha and Chicago, respectively.

Of course, there were many other unexpected players in the league this year, with those mentioned only scratching the surface of the most famous names.

So, before we preview the postseason, which begins this Friday (Apr. 30), let’s pour one out for the six teams that didn’t make, and give a word to the top 1-3 draft eligible players from those squads.

Team USA

One point behind Dubuque for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference – although far further back via points percentage (.510-.481), the USNTDP team that would have played in the USHL playoffs had they made it would have been the U17 team. The best of that group – Rutger McGroarty, Isaac Howard, Ryan Chesley, Lane Hutson, Charlie Stramel and others – are playing with the U18 team in Texas at the WU18 tournament. No draft eligibles but remember those names for next season.

Youngstown Phantoms

By points percentage, easily the weakest team in the league. The aforementioned Jack Malone, a Vancouver draft pick, was far and away the top performer on the team, which is to be expected from a player with a year at Cornell under his belt. Among first year draft eligibles, Japanese import Yusako Ando was the most notable, although his second year in the league was worse than his first. He can create for others, but he doesn’t skate well enough to make up for his slight 5-7” frame. The only other draft eligible who ever made a positive impression on me from this roster was blueliner Austen May. The Providence commit is on the small side, but he is really fleet of foot and shows decent attention to detail off the puck.

Des Moines Buccaneers

Despite the presence of three drafted players – Alex Laferriere (LA), Noah Ellis (Vgk), and Lucas Mercuri (Car), the Buccaneers struggled this year, particularly in terms of putting the puck in the net. The drafted guys were all solid, but too few of the rest of the roster could match their output. Perhaps things would have been different if Paul Davey hadn’t of left mid-season for a stint back home in Connecticut. Davey and Scout Truman were the two most notable first time draft eligible on the roster, but neither really put their stamp on the season. If there are to be any Buccaneers drafted this year, they will be among the redraft candidates. To that end, file away the names of Matt Choupani and Remington Koepple. Choupani is a forward who lacks much in the way of physical tools but can play the puck well. Koepple is a goalie who had decent numbers in his first year in the league, although he has only average size and athleticism and he chocked in the BioSteel game, hurting his standing for some.

Lincoln Stars

The Stars went heavy on the ringers partway through the season. Cross Hanas was already mentioned, but he was just one of four players brought in from the WHL Portland Winterhawks, joining Clay Hanas (no relation), Jack O’Brien, and James Stefan, as well as Charles-Alexis Legault from West Kelowna in the BCHL and Michael Mastrodomenico from AAA hockey in Quebec. Simply put, the shuffled team never gelled, and the newcomers couldn’t get into the swing of the USHL.

O’Brien was the biggest disappointment. There was some expectation that he could be a high round pick this year, but one goal and six assists in 23 games ended that sentiment. Blueliner Legault didn’t hurt his stock too much, as he still has great size and skates well and shoots from his right side. Stefan, son of former first overall pick Patrik Stefan, had enough moments to maybe convince some team to call his name in the late rounds. A kind word also to big bruising winger Gleb Veremeyev. Veremeyev isn’t an offensive threat, but one of the top PIM players in the league is a threat, nonetheless. The USHL is not a very physical league, and when a player has that size and plays with that snarl, he sometimes gets drafted, such as we saw with Nick Capone last year and Martin Pospisil in 2018.

Waterloo Black Hawks

Generally contenders, the Black Hawks find themselves out of the playoffs for the first time since 2014-15, and only the second time in 14 seasons for which there were playoffs. Fielding one of the smaller and least experienced lineups in the league, this just wasn’t their year. Their one drafted player, Toronto’s Wyatt Schingoethe, regressed heavily from his strong draft year. The team cycled through goalies, with three seeing significant minutes. Remember the name of Emmett Croteau, the best performing of their netminders, as he won’t be draft eligible until 2022.

Among players eligible this year, the most impressive were second time eligible defenseman Cooper Wylie, a USHL rookie, who can play the puck and skate well enough to make his ornery game effective, if not spectacular. He could be drafted. On the other hand, David Gucciardi, acquired in an early season trade from Youngstown, will be drafted. His game is raw, and his mistakes are often critical, but he has tools, and his instincts are good enough to think he can be a good one if he relies on his instincts all the time.

Sioux Falls Stampede

The Western Conference bottom feeders are a mystery. In the last USHL playoffs, the Stampede took home the title. In addition to their usual solid team, this year they brought in the highest profile ringer in Cole Sillinger, who didn’t disappoint, with a team leading 46 points despite only playing in 31 games. He is a sniper with an NHL style game who will be back in the WHL next year. The USHL rarely sees a player of his caliber, whether talking about skill or about reading the game, yet he couldn’t drag the Stampede upwards on his own. I would be surprised if he isn’t the first player from this year’s USH: crop to play in the NHL.

Defender Brent Johnson was one of the better draft eligible defenders in the league as well. A power play specialist with good wheels and an ornery side, his season ended right before the BioSteel All American Game due to a shoulder injury, but could hear his name called in the 50-80 range of the draft if his medicals hold up.

Although not as high profile, I also have time for second time eligible, defenseman Nate Schweitzer, who can do a lot well, but nothing spectacularly, and winger Mike Citara, who can skate and shoot. I don’t expect either to be drafted, but I wouldn’t be surprised if either was.

The Playoffs

The format this year is simple. The top four teams from each conference made it in. All series are best-of-threes. Top seed plays the fourth seed, and second seed plays the third seed. All games are hosted by the higher seed. One series per weekend until one team lifts the Clark Cup. Let’s go!

Western Conference

Jack Peart. Photo Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Tri-City Storm vs #4 Fargo Force

The Western Conference was incredibly tight at the top with the playoff picture not being settled until the final weekend of the regular season. The points percentage difference between Tri-City and Fargo (32 percentage points) was less than between Fargo and fifth place Des Moines (34 percentage points).

Fargo was the third best defensive team in the league, although Tri-City was the best at keeping the puck out of its net. Neither team is known for filling their opponents’ nets either, but both had generally done enough to walk away with points more often than not. In fact, they are quite evenly matched. The difference in these three games (outside of home ice advantage) is likely to rest in special teams. Fargo was mediocre on both the power play and the penalty kill, while the Storm were strong with the man advantage and almost impregnable on the penalty kill, leading the league with a breathtaking 88.3% kill rate. To Fargo’s credit, they have played far more of their season at 5-on-5 than Tri-City. And they will have to do that again this weekend to keep their season alive.

Beyond the expected close games, another reason to watch this series is the head-to-head matchup between two very interesting and talented draft eligibles. On Fargo, that would be Tristan Broz, a two-way center with a good motor and the vision to be a power play weapon. The Minnesota commit ran away with the scoring lead on his team. His numbers would be even more impressive if he had more talented teammates to play with. On Tri-City, the man of the hour is Matthew Knies. Knies started his season painfully slow, but ended it on fire, with 20 points in his final 11 games. Knies has heavier feet, but a very mature build and at his best, can take over the game. He will join Broz with the Golden Gophers next year.

Knies and Broz are not the only intriguing draft eligible players in this series. In fact, Fargo blueliner Jack Peart has a very good chance to be the highest drafted player in this series. The St. Cloud State commit split his season between Fargo and Grand Rapids High School (Mn). He is a good skater with a very strong first few steps, who plays with preternatural poise. He controls the puck like a much older player and plays a strong 200-foot game. Had Peart spent the entire season in Fargo, the final standings may have looked very different. For Fargo, also keep an eye on Aaron Huglen, a Buffalo draft pick who returned from over a full year on the sidelines after around a third of this season was done and has played a skilled game ever since.

On Tri-City, Knies is joined by a pair of intriguing draft eligible players in Hunter Strand and Carter Mazur, the latter of whom is a second time eligible player. Strand is a USNTDP alum, whose late birthday prevented him from being drafted last year. The Alaska native is a great skater and plays a patient game with the puck. Mazur has more of an East-West style game, helped along by plus edges. He can play the pest role as well and retains utility off the puck. Strand and Mazur both outscored Knies this year, but Knies already had a big reputation through his big pre-draft year and his run to end the year keeps him top of mind.

Prediction: Fargo in three. A mild upset to be sure. The return of Peart helps Fargo just as much as the loss of top blueliner Guillaume Richard hurts Tri-City. Richard is currently representing Team Canada at the WU18s in Texas. Neither team has stellar goaltending, but Fargo’s Brennan Boynton should be able to roughly match Tri-City’s Todd Scott.

#2 Omaha Lancers vs #3 Sioux City Musketeers

Both Omaha and Sioux City put up 63 points in 53 games, but their paths to getting there could scarcely have been more different. Consider that Omaha’s goal differential was a mediocre +13, while Sioux City outscored their opponents on aggregate by 35 goals, with the league’s best – by far – defense.

The two teams are both led by high end goaltending, each starting one of the three drafted netminders in the league. For Sioux City, that man is the Swiss Akira Schmid, a New Jersey prospect, while Montreal draftee Jakob Dobes, from Czechia, mans the pipes for Omaha. Dobes was a true workhorse for the Lancers, playing in 47 of the team’s 53 games, while Schmid played roughly two-third of the time for Sioux City, as his back up was more reliable.

Schmid will need to be at his best in this series, however, as Omaha has one of the biggest offensive weapons in the league at their disposal in Ayrton Martino. Martino joined the club shortly after the calendar flipped into 2021 and took the league by storm, with the fifth best points-per-game ratio in the USHL (1.47). A great skater with a fantastic shot, Martino did not let his slight frame prevent him from dominating, and his playmaking game is just as strong as his finishing ability. If Sioux City can shut Martino down, the Lancers don’t have too many other weapons at their disposal as their secondary scoring is largely in the hands of USHL veterans like Ryan Lautenbach, Nolan Renwick and Zach Dubinsky. The Omaha roster is one of the oldest in the league.

Sioux City, on the other hand, has a few more weapons at its disposal. Detroit draft pick Chase Bradley and New Jersey pick Ethan Edwards were both in the team’s top four in scoring, while Buffalo pick Matteo Costantini showed well after joining the league mid-season. Although the Musketeers don’t have a draft eligible player the likes of Martino, don’t sleep on defenseman Shai Buium. A USHL rookie out of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s program, he combines quick hands with smooth, if not quick, feet. He plays a strong two-way game and if he were a better skater (he isn’t bad, but he isn’t great), we would be hearing more people call for him as a first round type of talent. As is, he has enough raw skill to dream on a big, late-blooming future. I am also keeping an eye on redraft candidates defenseman Daniel Laatsch and center Justin Hryckowian. Laatsch is a USNTDP alum who has great size and some burgeoning skill, but is still raw, while Hryckowian has a fun skill game, but an injury-filled history and a sub-optimal build.

Prediction: Sioux City’s depth overcomes Martino’s solo skill in three games.

Western Conference Final Prediction: Sioux City over Fargo in three games. Sioux City is just too difficult to score against and has enough offensive weapons to get the job done.

Eastern Conference

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Chicago Steel vs #4 Dubuque Fighting Saints

By all accounts, this should be a washout. Chicago is, by great lengths, the top team in the USHL. They enter the postseason on an eight-game undefeated streak, and won 38 of 54 games this year, often by wide margins. Their goaltending has been shoddy at times, but far more often than not, they were able to outscore their troubles and their total of 265 goals scored was 24 more than the runners-up. Dubuque, on the other hand, won only 24 of 51 games, securing the final playoff spot in the east thanks to a win in their final game coupled with a loss from the U17 USNTDP squad.

If Dubuque is to have a hope in this series, look to their defensive players. Goalie Lukas Parik, a Los Angeles draft pick, struggled since joining the team, in late-January from the Czech second division, but shut out Green Bay in his final game, reminding us of what he is capable. On the blueline, fellow LA pick Braden Doyle teams up with Anaheim draft pick Henry Thrun to give the Fighting Saints a pair of weapons. Up front, Dubuque has a balanced attack, but the man to watch is Robert Cronin. While too old to be drafted this year Cronin is a late bloomer with speed and skill who will be a good follow next year once he joins the University of New Hampshire. The boy to watch, on the other hand, is Matthew Savoie. The 17-year-old is a 2022 draft eligible, who should have been playing in the WHL, but the uncertainty in that league led him to Dubuque, where he immediately played a central, and at time dominating, role. He’s going to be really fun to watch next year.

Looking at draft eligibles for this summer, keep your eyes on Connor Kurth and Andrei Buyalsky. Buylasky is actually the same age (born three days later) as Cronin, but as he is considered a foreign player (this is his first season in North America), the Kazakhstani forward is draft eligible while the American Cronin is not. Buyalsky is an impressive skater with impressive finishing ability. Kurth, on the other hand, has no particular big attributes to his game, but he finds a way to put up good numbers. He has a very stocky build but moves well enough regardless.

Moving on to Chicago, almost every skater on the roster is worthy of mention. Start with Montreal draft pick Sean Farrell, a USNTDP alum who would have been with Harvard this season had the Crimson actually played. Instead, he put up a breathtaking 101-point season for the Steel. His playmaking ability is simply unfair to most opponents on most nights. Then there is Matthew Coronato, a likely first round pick, who scored 48 goals in 51 games. Sure, it helps to have Farrell playing on your team, but the two actually rarely played together at even strength. Coronato is an offensive dynamo, who is content to cycle on his own for multiple full loops of the offensive end before he sees a seam to exploit.

Then there is Jack Bar, a late add to the roster from the BCHL. After a brief period acclimating to the league, he began to dominate. The defenseman likes to get deep into the offensive zone but is also a physical and committed defender. He has some first round upside. Of course, I also have to mention Mackie Samoskevich, who at one time was seen as a better draft prospect than Coronato. Samoskevich struggled somewhat after a midseason injury but is another gifted playmaker and a fantastic skater to boot.

I don’t want to get into the weeds too much, but I also expect Josh Doan (son of Shane), Ryan Ufko, and Jackson Blake to be drafted this summer, and Jack Harvey being drafted wouldn’t surprise me either. Anaheim draft pick Ian Moore has been impressive in his first season in the USHL, and 2023(!!) eligible forward Adam Fantilli is a burgeoning superstar. As good as everyone else already mentioned on this roster is, Fantilli’s upside is the highest. I am talking top three in the draft upside.

Prediction: Chicago in two, barring a complete breakdown in net. Chicago in three if the goalies stumble.

#2 Muskegon Lumberjacks vs #3 Green Bay Gamblers

A testament to how tight the West is, the Muskegon-Green Bay series is the second most lopsided duel after Chicago-Dubuque, with .040 percentage points separating the Lumberjacks and the Gamblers. Muskegon plays an up-tempo, high-event game with red lights going off at both ends. Green Bay is best when they keep goals to a minimum, and actually ended the season with the fewest goals allowed in the conference.

Green Bay’s chances are led by a pair of Boston Bruins’ draft picks in defender Mason Lohrei and center Jake Schmaltz. The latter is a two-way forward, who after three seasons in the USHL, has figured out how to be a factor offensively. He does a lot of little things well but lacks any dynamic elements. Lohrei was a surprise second rounder last season but has grown his game even more this year. He is big, skates very well, has a big point shot and plays a tough game at all ends. The Gamblers will go as far as he can take them. Vancouver draft pick Jackson Kunz and Vegas pick Jackson Hallum are also on the roster, and while both have shown the ability to provide secondary offense, neither can make things happen on their own. 2022 eligible Ryan Greene is an interesting player, but if there is a wild card in Green Bay, it is Camden Thiesing. The Tennessee native combines skill with grit, finishing third in the league in PIMs. He will work to make things happen on his own, and when he stays out of the penalty box, he is dangerous.

Led by San Jose draft pick Danil Gushchin, Muskegon is incredibly entertaining. Gushchin is a dynamo, who is not the most consistent player, but when he is involved and engaged, is one of the top handful of forwards in the league. He is joined by a deep roster of talented players, a few of whom should be drafted this summer, many of those in their second year of eligibility. The best of that secondary bunch is center Cameron Berg. Berg finished last year hot after a slow start and didn’t miss a beat coming into this year. He has a high-end wrist shot and knows how to create space for himself to rip one off. Winger Quinn Hutson is another second-year eligible forward who made waves this year. The type of player to get to the right spot at the right time, he knows how to finish what his linemates create. On the blueline, there are a trio to watch. The offensive blueline is Jacob Guevin, a power play specialist, whose production overshadows his average tools. Alex Gagne and Hank Kempf are bigger, more physical blueliners who make life difficult for attacking forwards. I could see all three drafted this summer.

Prediction: Muskegon in three games.

Eastern Conference Final prediction: Chicago in three games over Muskegon. This would be an immensely entertaining series.

Clark Cup Final Prediction: Chicago over Sioux City in three games. It’s really hard to bet against the Steel this year.

US COLLEGE: Ivy Leaguers Finding New Ice to Keep Fresh

Jashvina Shah — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 15:54:31 +0000

Last March, the Ivy League was the first to cancel in college hockey.

“No one really knew the scope of this whole thing,” Harvard goaltender and Capitals draft pick Mitchell Gibson said. “I didn't even take all my equipment home I still have equipment up in the locker room right now because I thought we'd be back in a few weeks, no big deal.”

For the 2020-21 season, the Ivy League were the only ones to announce as a block, in mid-November, that there would be no winter sports. The day the announcement was made Gibson, a superstitious goaltender, knew it would be bad news. After all, it was raining.

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 03: Harvard University Crimson goaltender Mitchell Gibson (44) eyes a face off during a Beanpot semi-final between the Harvard Crimson and the Northeastern Huskies on February 3, 2020, at TD garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

“I was watching some of my best friends play. Last night, Michigan, Ohio State the night before. And, you know, I'm here in my house, you know, doing schoolwork and just having no plan,” Gibson said. “I just was disappointed in the, in the amount of effort I think that some of the Ivy Leagues put forth, like they didn't really make any effort to try to put us in hotel rooms or even if they told us to try to get our own place to stay and that we'd go to a rink somewhere else and play other teams. I would have been fine with that, but it just seemed like they just cancelled it because it was the easier decision. Granted, the cases are spiking. I know it's not great so you have to respect their decision to not take any of the liability from the players getting it. But I mean I would have liked to have some sort of option available.”

Gibson was one of 12 drafted Ivy League players who had their season canceled. While safety is at the forefront, players don’t have much of an option to sit out the season - in a sport where everyone is fighting to get the “edge,” that becomes a setback for anyone who plans on playing after college. And while transferring is an option of sorts, it isn’t one some players want to take.

“The biggest thing is being a goalie right like I need more time to develop,” Gibson said. “I'm not anywhere in a position right now to go ahead and sign pro and be successful. So I'm looking at it like I’m going to have to be fully developed before I leave. I want to stay with Harvard for as long as I can, especially get the degree. That's one of the reasons why I came here. I saw the whole, the whole thing shift and a lot of kids leaving to sign pro, but I don't think any goalies did that, to be honest. I think a lot of them knew that they need to spend more time in college and develop.”

And if, like Gibson, you live in a state like Pennsylvania that has rinks and other venues shutting down, training at home provides few options.

“Throughout the summer it's just been super inconsistent in the Philadelphia area, at least with rinks closing,” Gibson said. “There might be an outbreak here or there. My gym has been fairly consistent, but it's still gone through points where you know you see cases spiking and then you want to try to stay home as much as you can just to protect my family. There were times where I drove over two hours, I would hear of a rink in, like, North Jersey that had an ice session or two. So I would go all throughout Central PA, North and South Jersey and Delaware even a few times just to find wherever there was ice to hop on with some guys. It was kind of nice (in the) beginning when there were a couple of NHLers around so I was on the ice with Tony DeAngelo quite a bit, Johnny Gaudreau once or twice. With all the college guys, the AHL and NHL guys that were still in the Philadelphia area, I would say, right around September, once training camp started to open up and a lot of college guys started to go back to campus, myself as the Ivy League player, we really got stuck to my own devices here with a limited amount of guys so I really don't know any other Ivy League players in my area, to be honest. There was no one else to really, you know, be in the same boat with. So I want to say once you know September came it really, really dried up with options.”

The ramifications for Ivy schools might be long lasting - the league itself already contends with some unique rules like starting late and playing fewer games. But his shut down could cause long term ramifications for recruiting.

The players had to wait until an official decision on the season was made. Then, they ran through their options. One of them included getting a house off campus in Boston, but the school shut down its facilities. Another option was to go to Plymouth, Mich., and play at the USA Hockey rink while living in Plymouth.

“It was logistically the hardest to go through the NCAA with training with the NTDP and that whole thing. I think it was also the most expensive option,” Gibson said.

The second one was in Fort Meyers, Florida, using Hertz Arena - the home of the ECHL Florida Everglades. But that package was a little too expensive.

Enter Brett Strott.

The former associate head coach of the U.S. women’s national team and the current owner of the USPHL’s Tampa Bay Juniors called Harvard captain Jack Donato with a proposition. He said they would be willing to accommodate their schedules and work with them for ice time, at the best price out of any of the other packages. Tampa Bay is the USPHL’s hub city, and is also hosting the PWHPA All-Stars. The Harvard players will also stay at the Saddlebrook Resort. The players will have their own separate section of the resort and their own entrance to the rink. They will undergo testing.

“We're not going to go out and do whatever, go to colleges and do the stupid things like that,” Gibson said. “We’re going to be mature and we all want to make this last for as long as we can. No one really wants to quarantine in the room for a week or so and miss some of the fun of being in Florida. So, I think it's really going to be, you know, sticking to our guys and try to limit our exposure as best we can. No, I mean it’s definitely nerve-wracking going down there when it starts to spike again, but I think if our guys just use caution and we stick to our little mini Harvard bubble, we should be okay.”

In order to keep this experience NCAA compliant, no Harvard coaches were involved and the players will pay for everything on their own, provide their own equipment, and play with and against other collegiate players.

“The difference here is that we're paying for it and it’s our own decision,” Gibson said.

Throughout this process, Gibson kept in touch with the Capitals goaltending coaches Scott Murray and Alex Westlund. They went over video and kept tabs on him and news of the season. Gibson called them as soon as the season was officially canceled.

“It's tricky because they can't offer me ice,” Gibson said. “I can't go down there to D.C. and stay with them or live with them, right, like I'm still an amateur so it's just been a lot of phone calls saying if I need something you know they'll be there for me."

They helped him with goalie-specific work, kept him mentally involved and sent him at-home workouts after the initial lockdown

“I understand I can't go down to DC and be on the ice with Ovie [Alex Ovechkin] or any of those guys,” Gibson said. “It's got to be within boundaries. It’s tricky, it is. But like I said, they’ve been helpful.”

Gibson also knew he was a long-term project who would stay in college longer to develop, and he hopes Florida will give him time to get better.

“This will be a little bit of a, of a mock season for us trying to get scrimmages in, trying to keep the pace, the intensity high before going into the next season. Trying to do a little bit every day, stay in shape. I don't think many colleges besides like the NCHC, which has 30 games schedule and I mean the ECAC is only going to play 20 games, so it sounds like we’re not missing that much. As much as I would like to be playing games, I think if we get down to Florida and are able to get a good sort of setup there and take it seriously, we'll be able to replicate some [games] a little bit to get some development in.”

One of Gibson's Harvard teammates he played with in Pennsylvania during the offseason, John Farinacci, left the Crimson and returned to the USHL. He wasn't the only drafted Ivy League player to depart. Among others, two more Harvard players (Henry Thrun and Austin Wong) left for the USHL as well. Both Reilly Walsh and Jack Rathbone left school early (a rarity among Ivy Leaguers) signed professional contracts in the offseason, Jack Badini graduated early to sign an ELC with Anaheim while Jack Drury turned pro in the Swedish Hockey League. Yale's Jack St. Ivany and Cornell's Matt Cairns transferred to Boston College and Minnesota-Duluth, respectively. Cornell's Jack Malone and Matthew Stienburg went back to junior hockey, the former returning to the USHL and the latter agreeing to play in the BCHL (although he hasn’t suited up yet).

The plans of Nick Abruzzese, Curtis Hall, Liam Gorman, and Andong (Misha) Song are not known as of this time. Abruzzese reportedly underwent a minor surgical procedure a few months ago, which may have been moved up because of the COVID-based postponements. Hall was in discussion to return to the USHL, to team up with Jack Malone on Youngstown, but that has seemingly feel through.

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – USA: Talented Squad Face Challenges of Rust and Roster Omission

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 21:00:50 +0000

Even though many prominent leagues have not yet experienced their opening faceoffs, the WJC is fast upon us. This has impacted the selection process for the American squad as much, if not more, than most other nations. Of the 25 players (3 goalies, 9 defensemen, and 13 forwards) on the final roster, only three spent last season playing (and are still currently eligible to play) with CHL clubs. Those three (Dustin Wolf, Arthur Kaliyev, and COVID-fill in Hunter Skinner) have all yet to play in games of consequence this season. One other player (Alex Turcotte) was assigned by his NHL club Los Angeles to Germany, but he left before games got underway. Another (Trevor Zegras) has also turned pro, but neither the NHL nor the AHL has started yet, so he will also be coming to camp cold.

The remaining 20 players are all currently part of various NCAA programs. Nine of those play at schools that have yet to play yet due to the pandemic. Two of those players (John Farinacci and Henry Thrun) nominally play at Harvard, which will not be playing at all this year, and so have decided to return to the USHL to get their game action in for the season. As for the rest, well, no one has played more than the 10 games played by Cole Caufield, so there is little we can say that is new about anyone beyond what we knew of these players going into the offseason.

While there are more than a few players who had been expected to play for Team USA who won’t be there, none were cut in the traditional sense. Three players from Boston University were deemed ineligible due to the pandemic, as BU head coach Albie O’Connor tested positive and there was not enough time to quarantine to gain medical eligibility. That cost roster locks Robert Mastrosimone and Drew Commesso their chances, as well as big defenseman Alex Vlasic, who was expected to fight for a final blueline role in training camp. Additionally, University of Michigan teammates – and notably, roommates – John Beecher and Thomas Bordeleau were cut as Beecher tested positive in camp. Finally, Nicholas Robertson was not granted permission to play in the WJC by the Toronto Maple Leafs, as the NHL season – or at least training camp – is currently anticipated to start before the end of the WJC and they want Robertson to fight for an NHL job. Despite those unfortunate roster omissions, Team USA will still arrive in Alberta with a very talented group of players, among whom we expect the following to be critical to their medal hopes:

OSTRAVA, CZECH REPUBLIC - DECEMBER 29: USA's Arthur Kaliyev #28 celebrates with Trevor Zegras #9 after scoring a third period goal against Russia during preliminary round action at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship at Ostravar Arena on December 29, 2019 in Ostrava, Czech Republic. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

G Spencer Knight (Boston College - Florida Panthers, 13^th overall, 2019)

When the WJC kicks off on December 25, the third and final game of the night will pit the top two goaltending prospects in the game against one another in Knight and Yaroslav Askarov (Russia). In fact, in putting together our recent top prospect list (check out the upcoming McKeens Annual Guidebook), the debate over which of the two should rank higher was contentious. There are numerous elements of Knight’s game that suggest that he is very close to NHL ready, even if nominal Florida starter Sergei Bobrovsky is signed for another six years. He is incredibly athletic, and handles the puck better than most NHL’ers. He is technically adroit, reads the game very well, and gets stronger the longer the puck remains in his zone. His focus has seemingly only improved since leaving the USNTDP for college. He was a top 10 collegiate netminder as a freshman and was a star at last year’s WJC. There is no reason why he should not be the starter again this year.

D Jackson Lacombe (Minnesota – Anaheim Ducks – 39^th overall, 2019)

A smooth skater who excels at getting the puck out of his own end, Lacombe did surprisingly well in his freshman year at the University of Minnesota after spending the supermajority of his draft year playing prep school hockey. He overtook numerous older, drafted defenders on the Gophers depth chart and showed a well-rounded, capable game in all areas. I expect him to get to the next level this year and a solid showing at the WJC could serve as a springboard to greater things. Having overcome COVID earlier this year, he was not at much risk of being left off the roster due to medical ineligibility, but the fact that Team USA is going with nine defensemen at the WJC, Lacombe will be challenged to excel early and make it hard for head coach Nate Leaman to take him out of the roster. To Lacombe’s credit is his well-rounded game should allow him to play in all situations more than most.

D Cam York (Michigan- Philadelphia Flyers, 14^th overall, 2019)

Often used as the seventh defenseman last year, York is ready to take over the reins now as the clear number one offensive defenseman for the 2021 WJC, especially as he is the only blueliner on the roster with previous WJC experience. The California native is a fantastically mobile skater, and he has tangibly improved his two-way game since getting to Ann Arbor last season. His vision is high end and helps him play as a possession driver at a high level. York’s ability to read the ice will make the US team more dangerous whenever he is on the ice and allow him to be impactful on both sides of the puck. He will certainly play a more central role on the current roster than he did last year.

D Jake Sanderson (North Dakota – Ottawa Senators, 5^th overall, 2020)

The top defenseman selected in the 2020 NHL draft, Sanderson’s developmental trajectory is hard to beat as he seemingly took quantifiable steps forward every weekend throughout his draft year. On the downside, he hasn’t played a competitive game since his draft year was cancelled. He is big, an incredibly fast and fluid skater, can lead the rush as well as he can shut down the opposition. Sanderson isn’t the biggest blueliner coming to the training camp, but he is likely the most physically dominating. In light of the pandemic, he was not able to play in the WU18 last year, but it would not at all be surprising if he were to ascend to the top pairing by the time the knock out rounds begin. I expect him to play heavy minutes at even strength and on both special teams.

D Henry Thrun (Harvard/Dubuque – Anaheim Ducks, 101^st overall, 2019)

One of the more underrated members of the star USNTDP class of 2019, Thrun exceeded all expectations as a freshman last year with Harvard. While he was always quietly competent at both ends albeit a very good puck mover, he immediately joined the Crimson as a third offensive blueliner after the veteran duo of Jack Rathbone and Reilly Walsh. None of his individual tools grade out as exceptional, but they all work in harmony together. He has an NHL frame. He minimizes his mistakes. His passes are remarkably accurate and firm. He has enough of a point shot to play secondary power play minutes as well. As Harvard will not be fielding a hockey team this year due to the pandemic (or any other winter sport), Thrun has returned to the USHL to play with Dubuque for the year, although he has only appeared in two games thus far.

LW Matthew Boldy (Boston College – Minnesota Wild – 12^th overall, 2019)

A top performer with the famed 2019 USNTDP class, Boldy’s first half season of collegiate hockey was poor enough that his exclusion from last year’s WJC roster was not surprising. In the second half though, he turned it on, doing more than enough to ensure that he wouldn’t be overlooked a second time. Boldy simply does everything well. He is a plus skater, with a big shot and underrated puck skills. He plays hard at both ends, with and without the puck. He can play both special teams. If the first two games of this season are anything to go by, he hasn’t so much picked up where he left off last season, but emerged from the lengthy hiatus stronger than ever. I would not be surprised at all if he finishes the tournament leading the team in scoring.

RW Bobby Brink (Denver – Philadelphia Flyers – 34^th overall, 2019)

The knocks on Brink – he is small and an underwhelming skater (putting it politely) have not changed. Neither have the attributes. He sneakily pops up in the right spot at the right time and makes the defensive team pay for losing him in coverage. On a team stocked with natural centers, he is one of the few true wingers. Even so, his ability to read coverage allows him to succeed from anywhere in the offensive zone, with the whole always being greater than we can expect based on his individual skills. Since joining the Denver Pioneers, Brink’s playmaking has grown as well, making it even harder for defenses to keep up with him. Depending on which centers are forced to play on the wing at the WJC, Brink could play on literally any line, and help that line produce more than they look like they should. Finally, this is as good a place as any to remind folks that his full name is Bobby Orr Brink.

RW Cole Caufield (Wisconsin – Montreal Canadiens – 15^th overall, 2019)

A scorer at practically every stop of his career, Caufield only has to improve upon his output at last year’s WJC to remove the word “practically” from earlier in this sentence. The Canadiens wanted him to join Trevor Zegras and Alex Turcotte in turning pro this offseason, but Caufield had unfinished business with the Badgers and made the wise choice to return to school. In the early going, that has allowed him to explore other parts of his game besides the sniping skills which put him on the scouting radar years ago. He will never be a physical force, but he has shown more grit this season. Moreover, he has added dimensions to his offensive game, looking to pass more often than in the past. Caufield will leave this year’s tournament with a better taste in his mouth than last year.

LW Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton - Los Angeles Kings – 33^rd overall, 2019)

Uzbekistan born, New York City raised, Kaliyev is every inch the sniper that Caufield is, but has long carried the knock of disinterest away from the puck. He is one of the weaker skaters on the team, even when he is going at 100%, which means that he is more reliant on his linemates to create an opportunity for him to capitalize on, but there are few outside of the NHL who can capitalize like Kaliyev. He has fantastic hands, which serve to set up his shot, but have also shown a greater ability to set up shots for others, as he is not as single-minded as the detractors often make him out to be. He performed well at last year’s WJC and could rack up the points to a greater extent given a longer run by the Americans this year.

C Alex Turcotte (Eisbaren Berlin – Los Angeles Kings – 5^th overall, 2019)

Turning pro after a single collegiate season with Wisconsin, Turcotte has been in limbo for the last few months, first being sent to the Kings’ German league affiliate (speaking loosely) in Berlin, but leaving before the DEL started. His contributions go unrecorded on the stat sheet more than anyone else discussed here, outside of Beecher. That said, he is a very good skater, who will flash occasional brilliance with the puck. He has a knack for spotting a minute weakness in an opposing defense and finding a way to make them pay. His constant hustle and intensity ensure that he is a positive contributor even when he isn’t scoring. Captain material, Turcotte has the type of game that sometimes achieves greater things the higher up the hockey ladder he goes. Like Caufield, I expect him to produce more at this WJC than he did at last year’s.

C Trevor Zegras (San Diego – Anaheim Ducks – 9^th overall, 2019)

Saving the best for last? Possibly. Our highest ranked prospect who wasn’t drafted this year, Zegras started last year’s WJC on the fourth line and ended his tournament leading all contenders in assists. Simply put, he is one of the more gifted and creative playmakers outside of the NHL (for now). He has a very good shot as well, giving defenders multiple things to worry about. With him on the ice, every possession is a scoring chance. He is a fine skater and sees things that no one else can, and he can make the impossible possible. He should be the first line center. Like Turcotte, Zegras turned pro after one season in college. This tournament should be the coda on a fine amateur career and the prelude to a successful professional life.

Sleeper – C Matthew Beniers (Michigan – 2021 draft eligible)

One of three high end first time draft eligible playing as true freshmen (along with Owen Power and Kent Johnson) this year for Michigan, Beniers, in the eyes of many NHL scouts, has been the most impressive in the early going. He hasn’t fully grown into his frame yet, but his game has power elements to it, as he is very strong in the cycle and can complete plays despite heavy defensive harassment. More important though, he is creative with the puck and very skilled. As he lacks the high-end experience of many of his teammates, I expect Beniers to start the tournament on a lower line and gradually work his way up, along the lines of Trevor Zegras at last year’s event.

Expectations

The American roster is very top heavy with the forwards and has one of the best U20 goaltenders on the planet between the pipes, but the blueline could be a sore spot unless some members find new levels to their games. They will be playing in tough division, with Russia and Sweden among their first-round competition. I expect them to win one of those games, but Sweden may be a bridge too far, as the Tre Kronor never lose in the round robin portion. The American roster should be seen as slightly better than 50/50 to leave Alberta with a medal.

Predicted Depth Chart

Goaltender

Spencer Knight

Dustin Wolf

Logan Stein

Knight will start the bulk of the games and Wolf will be his primary backup, probably getting the start against Austria, in the second game of a back-to-back after the opener against Russia. More than that – or any game appearances from Stein, who made the roster as a medical ineligibility replacement in place of Drew Commesso - and this tournament has likely gone off the rails for the Americans.

Defense

Cam York Drew Helleson

Jake Sanderson Henry Thrun

Jackson Lacombe Brock Faber

Ryan Johnson Hunter Skinner

Tyler Kleven

There are only three right-handed shots among the nine on the roster. Helleson is one of them and his defense-first game should act as a nice counterpoint to Cam York’s offensive flair. Thrun’s all-around steadiness is likewise a nice balance to the more inexperienced Sanderson, even if Sanderson has superstar potential. Skinner and Kleven were the late additions to the roster following the COVID cuts and will have to force themselves into the game. The main question is whether Lacombe, Faber, or Johnson serves as the seventh defender. For now, I have Johnson penciled into that slot, but that will change frequently.

Forwards

Matthew Boldy Alex Turcotte Cole Caufield

Arthur Kaliyev Matthew Beniers Trevor Zegras

Bobby Brink Brendan Brisson Patrick Moynihan

Brett Berard Landon Slaggert Sam Colangelo

John Farinacci

There are seven natural centers among the 13 forwards above, so a number of players will be playing out of position, with word that Zegras will be among them. The top nine here should be able to stand up against any other nations, and the fourth line also packs a wallop, with skill and drive. I have Farinacci as the 13^th forward, but Colangelo and Berard are also options. At this point, I give Farinacci the “honor”, as Colangelo has a size/strength element lacking among the other forwards on this roster (and lacking on most other rosters as well), while Farinacci has had a pretty slow start to his season back in the USHL after Harvard cancelled their season.

Henry Thrun – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – SAN JOSE SHARKS – Team Preview

FORWARD

DEFENCE

GOAL

CULLEN: 20 FANTASY POINTS – Opportunities in deployment in the very early going – Boeser, Donato, Couturier, Paul, Newhook and more!

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – SAN JOSE SHARKS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #12

Top 20 San Jose Shark Prospects

1. Shane Wright

2. Eduard Sale

3. Ryker Evans

4. Jagger Firkus

5. Jani Nyman

6. David Goyette

7. Ty Nelson

8. Lukas Dragicevic

9. Carson Rehkopf

10. Oscar Fisker Molgaard

11. Caden Price

12. Tye Kartye

13. Ryan Winterton

14. Tucker Robertson

15. Jacob Melanson

16 Niklas Kokko

17. Semyon Vyazovoi

18. Ville Ottavainen

19. Tyson Jugnauth

20. Logan Morrison

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK: FANTASY PROSPECT RANKINGS – Top 30 Forwards – Top 20 Defense – top 10 Goalies

Forwards

Connor Bedard, C – Chicago Blackhawks

Logan Cooley, C – Arizona Coyotes

Matvei Michkov, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

Marco Rossi, C – Minnesota Wild

Leo Carlsson, C – Anaheim Ducks

Lukas Reichel, LW/RW – Chicago Blackhawks

Shane Wright, C – Seattle Kraken

Dylan Guenther, LW/RW – Arizona Coyotes

Logan Stankoven, C – Dallas Stars

Jakob Pelletier, LW – Calgary Flames

Ryan Leonard, C/LW – Washington Capitals

William Eklund, LW – San Jose Sharks

Frank Nazar, C/RW – Chicago Blackhawks

Jimmy Snuggerud, C – St. Louis Blues

Zach Benson, RW – Buffalo Sabres

Cutter Gauthier, C/LW – Philadelphia Flyers

Matt Coronato, RW/LW – Calgary Flames

Alexander Holtz, LW – New Jersey Devils

Mavrik Bourque, C – Dallas Stars

Brennan Othmann, LW – New York Rangers

Will Smith, C – San Jose Sharks

Jiri Kulich, C – Buffalo Sabres

Tyson Foerster, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

Luke Evangelista, RW – Nashville Predators

Ridly Greig, C/LW – Ottawa Senators

Matthew Savoie, C – Buffalo Sabres

Nick Robertson, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Luke Hughes, LD – New Jersey Devils

Brandt Clarke, RD – Los Angeles Kings

Lane Hutson, LD – Montreal Canadiens

David Jiricek, RD – Columbus Blue Jackets

Simon Nemec, RD – New Jersey Devils

Olen Zellweger, LD – Anaheim Ducks

Simon Edvinsson, LD – Detroit Red Wings

Scott Perunovich, LD – St. Louis Blues

Pavel Mintyukov, LD – Anaheim Ducks

Denton Mateychuk, LD – Columbus Blue Jackets

Kevin Korchinski, LD – Chicago Blackhawks

Alexander Nikishin, LD – Carolina Hurricanes

Jordan Spence, RD – Los Angeles Kings

Thomas Harley, LD – Dallas Stars

Ville Heinola, LD – Winnipeg Jets

Lukas Cormier, LD – Vegas Golden Knights

Henry Thrun, LD – San Jose Sharks

Emil Andrae, LD – Philadelphia Flyers

Ryker Evans, LD – Seattle Kraken

Axel Sandin-Pellikka, RD – Detroit Red Wings

Devon Levi, Buffalo Sabres

Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild

Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames

G Spencer Knight (Boston College - Florida Panthers, 13^th overall, 2019)

D Jackson Lacombe (Minnesota – Anaheim Ducks – 39^th overall, 2019)

D Cam York (Michigan- Philadelphia Flyers, 14^th overall, 2019)

D Jake Sanderson (North Dakota – Ottawa Senators, 5^th overall, 2020)

D Henry Thrun (Harvard/Dubuque – Anaheim Ducks, 101^st overall, 2019)

LW Matthew Boldy (Boston College – Minnesota Wild – 12^th overall, 2019)

RW Bobby Brink (Denver – Philadelphia Flyers – 34^th overall, 2019)

RW Cole Caufield (Wisconsin – Montreal Canadiens – 15^th overall, 2019)

LW Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton - Los Angeles Kings – 33^rd overall, 2019)

C Alex Turcotte (Eisbaren Berlin – Los Angeles Kings – 5^th overall, 2019)

C Trevor Zegras (San Diego – Anaheim Ducks – 9^th overall, 2019)