Isaac Howard – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #28 Edmonton Oilers – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:00:06 +0000

SAINT PAUL, MN - DECEMBER 20: Edmonton Oilers forward Quinn Hutson (23) follows the play during the second period of a NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers on December 20, 2025, at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, MN.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 28th (Last Year - 26th)
GM: Stan Bowman Hired: July 2024
COACH: Kris Knoblauch Hired: November 2023

Graduating a high-end prospect such as Matthew Savoie is ultimately a positive sign for the organization, but it inevitably takes a toll on prospect depth. While the Oilers will eventually need to turn their attention toward replenishing the pipeline, building for the future is not the immediate priority. For now, the focus remains squarely on maximizing the Connor McDavid era and constructing a roster capable of delivering a Stanley Cup to Edmonton.

To that end, the Oilers have leveraged much of their high-end draft capital and young assets to strengthen the NHL roster. Edmonton has already moved its next two first-round selections, but the organization has retained some flexibility by holding second-round picks in both drafts. The system is currently headlined by Isaac Howard, ranked 55th on McKeen’s prospect list, who appears close to securing a full-time role in the NHL. Although he has yet to translate his early AHL rookie success into consistent NHL production, his offensive upside remains evident. Joining him in Bakersfield is undrafted NCAA signing Quinn Hutson, who has enjoyed a remarkable start to his professional career. The rookie forward has quickly established himself as one of the AHL’s most productive first-year players, pacing the field with a near 65-point rookie trajectory.

With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl firmly in their primes, Edmonton’s approach remains rooted in the present. The objective is simple: continue surrounding their superstars with the necessary support to finally bring the Stanley Cup back to Alberta’s capital.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Edm	1	Isaac Howard	LW	22	5-11/190	Bakersfield (AHL)	47	24	26	50	12
Edm	1	Isaac Howard	LW	22	5-11/190	Edmonton (NHL)	29	2	3	5	12
Edm	2	Quinn Hutson	RW	24	5-10/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	67	30	33	63	84
Edm	2	Quinn Hutson	RW	24	5-10/170	Edmonton (NHL)	4	1	0	1	0
Edm	3	Beau Akey	D	21	6-0/185	Bakersfield (AHL)	42	2	8	10	22
Edm	3	Beau Akey	D	21	6-0/185	Fort Wayne (ECHL)	4	1	0	1	0
Edm	4	Tommy Lafreniere	RW	19	6-0/175	Kamloops (WHL)	67	41	36	77	22
Edm	4	Tommy Lafreniere	RW	19	6-0/175	Bakersfield (AHL)	5	1	1	2	0
Edm	5	Paul Fischer	D	21	6-1/190	Notre Dame (NCAA)	33	6	17	23	39
Edm	6	Viljami Marjala	LW	23	6-1/180	Bakersfield (AHL)	72	17	43	60	22
Edm	7	Josh Samanski	C	24	6-6/190	Bakersfield (AHL)	45	8	23	31	40
Edm	7	Josh Samanski	C	24	6-6/190	Edmonton (NHL)	24	2	2	4	6
Edm	8	David Lewandowski	LW	19	6-2/175	Saskatoon (WHL)	57	17	48	65	42
Edm	9	Connor Clattenburg	LW	21	6-2/200	Bakersfield (AHL)	32	2	2	4	131
Edm	9	Connor Clattenburg	LW	21	6-2/200	Edmonton (NHL)	5	1	0	1	13
Edm	10	Roby Jarventie	RW	23	6-3/195	Bakersfield (AHL)	61	23	24	47	30
Edm	10	Roby Jarventie	RW	23	6-3/195	Edmonton (NHL)	3	0	0	0	0
Edm	11	Asher Barnett	D	19	6-1/200	Michigan (NCAA)	40	5	13	18	14
Edm	12	Maxim Berezkin	RW	24	6-2/200	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	64	7	25	32	18
Edm	13	Nikita Yevseyev	D	22	6-1/185	Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)	61	4	12	16	43
Edm	14	William Nicholl	C	20	6-0/185	London (OHL)	32	15	11	26	14
Edm	14	William Nicholl	C	20	6-0/185	Bakersfield (AHL)	5	1	0	1	8
Edm	15	Samuel Jonsson	G	22	6-5/200	Fort Wayne (ECHL)	33	21	8	2.38	0.910

1. Isaac (Ike) Howard, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Ike Howard has been on fire offensively this season with the Bakersfield Condors (47 GP, 24-26-50), creating quality scoring chances each time the puck is on his stick in the offensive zone. With Howard, it’s not just his shot that absolutely terrifies goalies; he’s also a capable playmaker who can create space for his linemates with his stickwork and deception, and he has been quite effective at it for his linemates Quinn Hutson and Josh Samanski this season. Howard already has an NHL-calibre shot and has seen time with the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL this season, but continuing to get reps at the AHL level with the Condors will be paramount for his development. He needs to get top line minutes to really build consistency in his game that will translate at the NHL level, and while he probably deserves to be playing with the Oilers right now, he’s not far off. Howard projects as an offensive goal scorer that should spend a long time in an NHL top six.

2. Quinn Hutson, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Quinn Hutson has been extremely impressive at the AHL level as a first-year professional with the Bakersfield Condors. Signed by the Edmonton Oilers as an undrafted free agent out of Boston University, Hutson has translated his offensive production from the NCAA level to the AHL level, where he has been one of the top scorers in the league this season (67GP, 30-33-63). The hallmark of Hutson’s game is his intelligence; he knows where to be on the ice, and this allows him to put himself in great position to capitalize on scoring chances. He also has a good shot that can beat goalies cleanly, and he’s very strong positionally in his own zone. Hutson will finish the rest of this season in Bakersfield, but should play a pivotal role in the Condors’ playoff run and really position himself well to make the Oilers as a full-time player next season. Hutson projects as a middle six scoring winger who can hold his own in the defensive zone.

3. Beau Akey, D, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Beau Akey has adapted well to the pro game after a disappointing end to his junior career with the Barrie Colts. Akey was selected as a talented two-way defenseman who could excel on both sides of the puck due to his great stride and edgework, and while he did impress at times in the junior game, he never really developed into that all-situations defenseman who could really drive the play at the junior level. As such, Akey’s status as a top prospect within the Edmonton Oilers’ system was put on hold as he entered this season. But to Akey’s credit, he has looked quite good as a rookie defender with the Bakersfield Condors (42GP, 2-8-10), while being tasked with playing top four minutes against opposing teams’ best players on an injury-riddled Condors’ defence. Akey’s skating has always been his best tool, but his smart hockey sense has really come through this season as well; he has good positioning, and he plays a simple game. Akey ultimately projects as a bottom-pairing defenseman at the NHL level.

4. Tommy Lafrenière, RW, Kamloops Blazers (WHL) (Currently with Bakersfield Condors, AHL)

Lafrenière made the most of a terrible situation in Kamloops last season, proving himself as a trustworthy player who battled hard night after night, even though his team lost a lot more than it won. All the work that he put in helped him get better as a prospect, and his commitment and loyalty are now being rewarded, as he is still getting to play big minutes on a club that is deeper and significantly more successful than it was before. And make no mistake, he deserves a lot of individual credit for that success: he’s centering his own line, he’s part of the top powerplay unit for the Blazers, and he takes a regular shift on the penalty kill. He’s about equally good offensively as he is defensively, which gives him different pathways that his development could take to help get him to the NHL. The Stanley Cup-chasing Oilers haven’t had many draft picks to use in recent years, so they must be pretty pleased about the early returns that they’re seeing with Lafrenière.

5. Paul Fischer, D, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

Fischer, who was a stout two-way defender who defended very well for the NTDP during his draft season, has always been a mature defender who plays responsibly. A heavier defender, he skates very well and plays the body effectively. He’s also a very willing shot blocker, doing whatever it takes to win a game for his team. But his offensive tools were under the microscope, and something that scouts and coaches would keep an eye on as he entered the collegiate ranks. He has improved in that area with each passing season, going from 16 points to 21 points in his first two seasons. This year, he has 23 points in 33 games, just two points back from last year’s totals, in eight fewer games. Since joining Notre Dame, he has taken a big step in his puck-moving abilities. He is far more involved and efficient at moving pucks. He also looks more willing to attack the middle of the ice as both a passer and a shooter in the NCAA, showing more confidence in that area. Fischer projects as a bottom pair defender who can play in all situations. But his bread and butter is that of a defensively responsible defender.

6. Viljami Marjala, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Viljami Marjala has emerged out of nowhere and re-established himself as a legitimate NHL prospect with his excellent play this season for the Bakersfield Condors (72GP, 17-43-60). Marjala was signed by the Oilers as a free agent out of TPS in the Finnish Liiga, and while he put up good numbers in Finland, it was not expected that Marjala’s offensive game would translate as seamlessly to the AHL level. Marjala’s best attribute is his playmaking; he’s an exceptional passer who can find anyone on the ice, and he’s great at creating time and space for his teammates when he has the puck on his stick. Marjala is also a capable player in his own zone, and while he does need to keep building more strength, he has done quite well this year at the AHL level. Marjala ultimately projects as more of a winger at the NHL level than a centre, and he should be at the top of the line for call-up duty this season. Marjala has the tools to become a third line scoring winger at the NHL level.

7. Josh Samanski, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Josh Samanski is a big, talented power forward who has been playing hard all season with the Bakersfield Condors (45GP, 8-23-31). Like Marjala, Samanski was signed by the Oilers out of Europe, and he, too, has done a great job of translating his game to the North American sheet. The hallmark of Samanski’s game is his skill in-tight; he utilizes his big frame to shield the puck against opposing defenders, and he’s got nice hands for a big player that allows him to make that quick pass to an open teammate. Samanski is also a very good skater for a player of his size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds), so he has all of the attributes he needs to develop into a talented power forward at the NHL level. Samanski does need to work on his confidence in making plays, as there are many times when he perhaps defers too much to his linemates, but overall, he has progressed very well this season and looks like a legitimate NHL prospect for the Edmonton Oilers.

8. David Lewandowski, C, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Even though Lewandowski didn’t produce a lot of points last season he still drew plenty of attention from scouts as a draft-eligible prospect, because it was clear that he possessed some useful tools that could be worked with and had a physical foundation that could be built upon. Fast-forward almost one year and the big German winger can still rifle shots and protect pucks down below better than the vast majority of players his age, but he’s showing up on the score sheet a lot more often because he’s better adjusted to the speed and intensity of hockey in the WHL. He’s even leading Saskatoon in scoring by a wide margin. He does still have a long way to go, however, when it comes to improving his skating ability and pace of play — his two biggest weaknesses — to the point where they’re even just passable at higher levels. Does all of that sound a bit like any other German player that you know, possibly one who is also part of the Oilers organization?

9. Connor Clattenburg, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Connor Clattenburg has found himself a nice little niche that not many players can occupy, nor a role that many players are willing to take: a physical demon. Clattenburg has great speed, and he’s always willing to lay a strong hit on the defenseman when he’s on the forecheck, and these are both attributes of his game that make him a surefire NHLer. The other areas of Clattenburg’s game still need work, particularly his work when the puck is on his stick, but he’s a capable player in his own zone who knows what he needs to do to alleviate pressure. There might be a chance Clattenburg can develop into more than just a fourth-line physical presence, such as a penalty killer, but he will need more seasoning at the AHL level for that to come to fruition. Clattenburg ultimately projects as a physical fourth-line player who can fight when called upon. In today’s day and age, especially with playoff hockey right around the corner, that’s not something that’s so bad to have.

10. Roby Järventie, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Roby Järventie has struggled with the injury bug over the past couple of seasons, which has stalled his timeline as an NHL prospect, but he has gotten off to a great start this year with the Bakersfield Condors (61GP, 23-24-47). Järventie plays a heavy game that works great around the net, and he’s got a heavy shot that can beat goalies cleanly when he has time and space to fire. Järventie also has the skill offensively to make plays for his teammates, but it will be his willingness to get to the hard areas of the ice that will really cement his game at the NHL level. Defensively, Järventie still has room to improve the level of physicality in his game, especially his compete level, but he has gotten better this year in the defensive zone. Järventie ultimately projects as a middle-six forward who can grind offensively and score points, but there is offensive potential that could lead to a bigger role.

11. Asher Barnett, D, University of Michigan (NCAA)

The former captain of the U.S. U18 team, Barnett has been excellent for the Michigan Wolverines this year as a freshman. He’s a dependable defensive player, but his play with the puck and offensive confidence are improving.

12. Maxim Berezkin, RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

At this point, Berezkin’s offensive development appears to have stalled in Russia. The offensively gifted power forward looked to be a diamond in the rough, but now the offensive upside has to be questioned. Eligible to be signed by the Oilers at the end of the KHL season.

13. Nikita Yevseyev, D, Amur Khabarovsk (KHL)

A serviceable two-way defender, Yevseyev has broken out as a KHL contributor this year. He doesn’t likely possess significant upside, but he has enough tools and sense to be a depth piece down the line.

14. William Nicholl, C, London Knights (OHL) (Currently with Bakersfield Condors, AHL)

This was supposed to be Nicholl’s big breakout with the Knights; however, injuries got in the way and now there has to be some doubt that the Oilers even sign him by June.

15. Samuel Jonsson, G, Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)

After a breakout season in Sweden, the big goaltender opted to sign with Edmonton and come to North America. However, having spent the year in the ECHL, it’s obvious that his game still needs a lot of work; he’s very much a long-term project in the crease.

McKeen’s 2025-26 Hockey Pool Yearbook Feature – Fantasy Prospect Rankings

Peter Harling — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:47:09 +0000

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

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 who 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 who 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 who 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 as of September 15th, 2024, and have played in under 60 career games, or less than 35 in a single season. For goalies, less than 30 career games played, or 15 in a single season.

Forwards

1 - Ivan Demidov, RW – Montreal Canadiens

Demidov made his NHL debut with much anticipation and expectations, and he did not disappoint with a two-point showing in his first game. There is a lot of hype surrounding Demidov and if he lives up to the potential, he could very well go down as one of the all-time scoring leaders in Montreal and flirt with 1,000 career points, joining the ranks of legends like Guy Lafleur, Jean Beliveau, and Henri Richard.

2 - Ryan Leonard, C – Washington Capitals

The big man on campus was the Hockey East Player of the Year and scoring champion with 49 points in 37 games at Boston College. He also captained Team USA to a WJC Gold Medal and then made his NHL debut in Washington scoring his first career goal. Leonard will be an NHL regular starting in the 2025-26 season and should be a Calder contender in his rookie season. His value in multi-category leagues is even higher.

3 - Isaac Howard, LW – Edmonton Oilers

Hot off a Hoby Baker Award winning season as a senior with Michigan State, Howard and the Lightning were at a contract impasse. Rather than lose him as an unrestricted free agent this summer, the Lightning traded him to the Oilers. Howard should see an opportunity to crack the Oilers roster in a top six role given their lack of prospect depth. His new ELC will fit in the Oilers budget and playing with either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl could push Howard into the forefront of the Calder race.

4 - Beckett Sennecke, RW – Anaheim Ducks

A late season surge pushed Sennecke up the draft ranking all the way to third overall in his draft season. He has carried that momentum into hi D+1 season scoring 86 points in 56 games for the Generals. Don’t make the same mistake Team Canada made by erroneously omitting him from the 2025 WJC roster, Sennecke is a play driving forward with tremendous hockey sense and skill as well as size at 6-foot-4. Sennecke has another year of junior eligibility but could make the Ducks roster as soon as this season.

5 - Michael Misa, C – San Jose Sharks

Drafted second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Misa has been the first overall selection in all my fantasy drafts and mock drafts. Misa has been a highly anticipated fantasy prospect since becoming the latest OHL exceptional status recipient. He has a Memorial Cup Championship on his resume, is coming off a 134-point campaign and will spend his D+1 season developing in the NCAA against bigger, stronger, faster competition that will only make him more NHL ready for his ETA of 2026-27.

6 - Jimmy Snuggerud, RW – St. Louis Blues

After posting 51-points as captain of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and a finalist for the Hoby Baker, Snuggerud made a splash in the NHL with the Blues. Playing in the Blues final seven regular season games, he notched four points and then duplicated that performance in the playoffs. Snuggerud looks to be a lock for a top six role with the Blues and could be a solid Calder sleeper candidate if his early chemistry with Robert Thomas continues.

7 - Gabe Perreault, LW – New York Rangers

A lot of super-star players have come from the USNTDP, but Perreault holds the single season point record with 132 points in the 2022-23 season. Perreault just completed his sophomore season at Boston College and posted 16 goals and 32 assists in 37 games with the Eagles. He also was a key player in the USA WJC Gold Medal with 10 points in seven games. Perreault is a dynamic playmaker that also has a nose for the net and can finish. He played in five NHL games to close the season and while not a lock to make the Rangers out of training camp, he is their top prospect and a fantasy must own.

8 - Berkley Catton, C – Seattle Kraken

Catton was the 2024 draft class leading scorer with his 115-points, which puts him in the company of an elite group of players the likes of Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane and Connor Bedard to post such lofty production in their draft year. I am not suggesting that Catton has that kind of NHL and fantasy value, but he is the Krakens most dynamically gifted offensive player and has tremendous upside.

9 - Ilya Protas, LW – Washington Capitals

When the Capitals drafted Alexei Protas’ younger brother in the third round, it might have appeared to be a pick motivated by nepotism. Then Ilya moved from the USHL to the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires and had a breakout season to the tune of 50 goals, and 124 points (second in OHL scoring) and now looks like a steal of a third-round pick. Since he was drafted from the USHL, he can move up to the AHL for the coming season and further his development. Look for the Protas brothers to be a force in the Nations capital for the foreseeable future.

10 - Tij Iginla, LW – Utah Mammoth

The first pick in Utah’s franchise history, Iginla was on pace for a stellar D+1 season with 14 goals and 31 points in 21 games with Kelowna before a hip injury ended his season early. After surgery, the expectation is that he will return to Kelowna for an important season of development in the WHL, and with Canada at the WJC before he joins the NHL. Tij was drafted higher than his father, Hall-Of-Famer and Calgary legend Jarome Iginla, can Tij match his old mans career status?

11 - Porter Martone, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

Two things stand out with Martone: his dynamic offensive game and his size. However, for all you banger leaguers reading, don’t be fooled to think he is going to rack up hits and PIM’s as that is not really his game. He is a finesse playmaking winger. Martone has committed to take his development to Michigan State in the NCAA for his D+1 season in hopes that playing against older, stronger and better competition will make him NHL ready for the 2026-27 season.

12 - James Hagens, C – Boston Bruins

The consensus number one ranked prospect heading into the 2025 draft was Hagens. He played his draft year in the NCAA with Boston College and despite posting solid numbers as a freshman, he was unable to keep pace with Macklin Celebrinis’ pace from the previous season, and he fell on draft day to the Bruins. It is quite possible that Hagens ends up being the best fantasy prospect from his draft class, but he will return for at least one more year in the NCAA. Look for a spike in his production and for him to challenge for a Hoby Baker nomination.

13 - Cayden Lindstrom, C – Columbus Blue Jackets

Lindstrom is a unicorn as a 6-foot-4, 214-pound center that scored 46 goals and 46 points in 32 games with Medicine Hat in his draft year. He combines skill, skating, smarts, and size in such a rare and dominant package. A well documented herniated disc back injury that ended his draft season after 32 games and all but eliminated his D+1 season minus a few playoff, and Memorial Cup games is the other side of his story. Lindstrom will play the coming season in the NCAA with Michigan State where he will try to regain his health, conditioning and further his development. If he can realize his massive potential, he has franchise upside and would be a dominant player in multi-category leagues. Or, he could have a set back from his back injury and follow Nolan Patrick’s career path. High risk, but high reward potential.

14 - Arseni Gritsyuk, RW – New Jersey Devils

Gritsyuk may be a sleeper prospect, but don’t sleep on the Russian sniper. He is coming in hot from the KHL where he posted 17 goals and 44-points in 49 games. While he was only a fifth-round pick from the 2019, the now 24-year-old is NHL ready and will step into a top six role in New Jersey. He may not have the same offensive upside as some of the players in the range of his ranking but given his advanced development the wait time is zero, which moves the needle.

15 - Dalibor Dvorsky, C – St. Louis Blues

The AHL can be a meatgrinder that chews up and spits out teenage hockey prospects. Despite that, Dvorsky played last year as a 19-year-old and posted 21 goals and 45 points in 61 games with Springfield and was second in league rookie scoring. Dvorsky also shone at the WJC last year with Slovakia, scoring nine points in just five games. His play earned him an NHL cup of coffee, two games but he failed to record any points playing limited minutes. Dvorsky still needs more AHL development, but his promising development suggests the 10^th overall pick from the 2023 draft is well on his way to becoming an NHL regular and a fantasy must own player.

16 - Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW – Vancouver Canucks

His first full season in North America was a success as the Canucks 2022 15^th overall pick split time between the NHL and Abbotsford in the AHL. In the AHL he posted 28 points in 36 games and another seven in 16 playoff games en route to a Calder Cup Championship. In his 24 NHL games the Swedish winger posted six points while averaging 12:30 of ice time. Expect him to be a full time NHL player this year and to see elevated minutes, leading to numbers similar to what he produced in the AHL.

17 - Brad Nadeau, RW – Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes must feel like the drafted a top ten player with their 30^th overall pick from 2023. As a freshman in his D+1 season at University of Maine, Nadeau posted 19 goals and 46 points in 37 games. He followed up that with an impressive rookie season in the AHL to the tune of 32 goals and 58 points in 64 games with the Chicago Wolves. His underwhelming production at the WJC with Canada was curious, but the entire team underwhelmed. Nadeau made his NHL debut on April 16^th and earned his first career point against Montreal. Look for his sophomore season to see more NHL opportunities as he plays his way into a top six role with the Canes.

18 - Anton Frondell, C – Chicago Blackhawks

Drafted third overall by the Hawks in 2025, the Swedish center brings size at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, a high-level hockey sense, and skill level to his game. He would be better slotted as a second line center at the NHL level as his two-way game is more his calling card as opposed to a go-to offensive driver. The 18-year-old will likely play two more seasons in the SHL before crossing over to North America, meaning a little more wait time and a limited offensive ceiling compared to his draft status.

19 - Danila Yurov, RW – Minnesota Wild

The 21-year-old Russian saw his production dip from 0.79 to 0.54 points per game in the final year of his KHL contract. Despite the disappointing production, with 209 career KHL games of development he has signed with the Wild and will play in North America to the delight of fantasy managers who roster Yurov. With Yakov Trenin, Vlad Tarasenko, and Kirill Kaprizov providing some fellow Russian support, he should adjust quickly and could play his way into a top six role sooner than later.

20 - Caleb Desnoyers, C – Utah Mammoth

Desnoyers could be the most underrated player in the 2025 draft, which says a lot sine he was selected fourth overall. A 6-foot-2 center Desnoyers has excellent hockey sense, size, skating, skill and compete. He has played a key role and produced all season starting with a point per game to lead Canada to Gold at the Hlinka. He was the first line center for Team CHL at the Prospects Challenge and was a point per game again. With his club team in Moncton, he posted 84-points in 56 games and lead the Wildcats in playoff scoring with 30-points in 19 games to be named playoff MVP, and a league championship. He is the best two-way player, and that takes nothing away from his offensive game.

21 - Rutger McGroarty, C – Pittsburgh Penguins

After being acquired from the Jets for Brayden Yager, McGroarty made his pro debut and impressed, splitting time between the NHL and AHL. In Wilkes-Barre/Scranton he played 60 games, notching 14 goals and 39 points. While he only played in eight NHL games, he impressed with three points, playing a physical game as well showing he can have an impact away from the puck. With the Pens looking to rebuild, he is a corner stone player going forward, starting now.

22 - Quentin Musty, RW – San Jose Sharks

Musty had a frustrating season. It began by holding out for a trade from Sudbury in the OHL. A deal never happened so he resumed playing and scored 59 points in 33 games before an injury put him on the shelf until the playoffs. He returned for game two but despite four points, the Wolves were swept in four by Kingston. He will turn pro now and play his rookie season in the AHL. The 6-foot-2 winger has size and played a power game at the OHL; he could be an impactful top six winger with his size and shot.

23 - Calum Ritchie, C – New York Islanders

When the Islanders acquired Ritchie at the NHL trade deadline, he instantly became their top prospect. Ritchie started the season in the NHL with the Avalanche where he played seven games and scored his first career goal with his signature shootout move (a spectacular deke as he fakes the shoot like he fanned then quickly backhands it home). He returned to the Oshawa Generals where he dominated with 70 points and 50 PIM in 47 games and led the Generals back to a league championship rematch vs London. Ritchie should be a regular on Long Island this fall.

24 - Matthew Savoie, RW – Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers added Savoie in a trade with Buffalo, and he instantly became the Oilers top prospect. Savoie is an undersized forward at 5-foot-9, 179 pounds but he is also a prolific offensive player. He posted some hefty point totals in the WHL and in his first full pro season, he scored 19 goals and 54 points in 66 games in Bakersfield. He made his debut in Edmonton as well, playing in four games and recorded his first career point. He has the skill to play and produce in the NHL, but size is a concern.

25 - Igor Chernyshov, LW – San Jose Sharks

The big Russian winger made the move to North America after the Sharks selected him with the first pick of round two in the 2024 NHL Draft. His debut was delayed following an off-season shoulder surgery, but when he resumed playing with Saginaw in the OHL he dominated with 19 goals and 55 points in just 23 games. Saginaw was eliminated in the first round, and he was called up to play two AHL games with the Barracuda. It is expected he will play the coming season in the AHL, to further his development, but he has NHL top six winger upside with his size, skating and shooting ability.

26 - Easton Cowan, C – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leaf's top prospect is poised to bring his game to the NHL for the coming season. In his final year in the OHL with the London Knights, Cowan led the OHL in playoff scoring (39-points in 17 games), added a second straight league championship, and led the Memorial Cup in soring to lead the Knights to victory. He is slightly undersized at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds but he plays a physical game to complement his dynamic skill and vision.

27 - Andrew Cristall, LW – Washington Capitals

A true boom-or-bust player. Cristall is as dynamic an offensive player as you will find. His career WHL point production is off the chart with 412 points in 248 games (1.66 points per game). He finished his WHL career with Spokane in the playoffs where he scored 21 goals and 41 points in 19 games. How could such a dominant player be a bust? He is just 5-foot-10 and 183 pounds as the NHL trends towards size again. Also, his defensive game and compete level is a liability. These factors kept him off the Canada WJC roster. If he plays in the NHL, he will be great, but there have been plenty of prolific junior scorers that never made the NHL.

28 - Cole Eiserman, RW – New York Islanders

“Goal” Eiserman is a polarizing player. His offensive upside is significant. He is the all-time NTDP goal scoring leader, was a key player for USA winning Gold at the 2025 WJC with seven points. As a freshman at Boston University, he scored 25 goals and 36 points in 39 games. His play away from the puck is where scouts have concerns with his game. Eiserman will return for his sophomore season with the Terriers where he will continue to score goals, and more importantly develop his overall game.

29 - Jake O’Brien, C – Seattle Kraken

Perhaps the player from the 2025 draft class with the most upside is O’Brien. The 6-foot-2 center has tremendous vision and hockey sense, a late June birthday means he has plenty of development road head where his potential can grow. While his physical game is lacking as his slender 176-pound frame needs to fill out, there are very few flaws in his game overall.

30 - Liam Ohgren, LW – Minnesota Wild

Ohgren made his North American debut last season and had a tremendously successful rookie season in the AHL scoring 37 points in 41 games on a poor Iowa Wild team. His play earned him an NHL audition of 24 games, but he was limited to an average of 11:06 in ice time and only managed five points. Ohgren should be ready for a bigger role in Minnesota, and his point production should increase with more playing time.

Defence

1 - Zayne Parekh, RD – Calgary Flames

Parekh dominated the OHL in his draft year and then returned for his D+1 season and posted 33 goals, 107 points and 96 PIM. He was an egregious omission from the Team Canada WJC roster and made his NHL debut on April 17^th scoring his first career NHL goal in a 5-1 win over LA. Parekh is still junior eligible as a 19-year-old but is almost assured to be a full time NHL player this season. It should not take long for him to secure a top four pairing and first power play role in Calgary. Parekh could have a similar rookie season as Lane Hutson had and be a Calder candidate.

2 - Cole Hutson, LD - Washington Capitals

Hutson 2.0 is a similar player to his older brother Lane. Cole is developing in the NCAA at Boston University and posted 48 points in 39 games in his freshman season. His real breakout however was on the World stage with USA at the WJC where he led the tournament in scoring with 11 points in seven games. Cole has another season with the Terriers coming up before he is ready to join the Capitals in the NHL. When he arrives, it is not out of the question for him to have the same impact Lane Hutson had, or even better.

3 - Matthew Schaefer, LD – New York Islanders

The top pick from the 2025 Draft class has signed with the Islanders, and all signs point towards him making the Islanders out of training camp and becoming an NHL rookie. A shoulder injury limited him to just 17 games in Erie last season, so a return to the OHL would not be the worst scenario for his long-term development.

4 - Zeev Buium, LD – Minnesota Wild

All Buium does is win. At 19-years-old his trophy case already includes a World Championship, an NCAA Championship, two WJC Golds and a U-18 Gold. Buium made his NHL debut in the playoffs and recorded his first career point playing in four games. Buium is not only a lock to make the Wild roster, but he should also be a top pairing impact player right out of the gate.

5 - Alexander Nikishin, LD – Carolina Hurricanes

The 23-year-old Russian blueliner has been one of the most anticipated players to come from the KHL for several years. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound defender captained SKA St. Petersburg for two seasons and posted career KHL stats of 54 goals and 177 points in 288 games. He has signed in Carolina and made his NHL debut in the playoffs, earning his first career point in four games. He will have to compete with Shane Gostisbehere and K’Andre Miller for top power play deployment but count on Nikishin playing big minutes in his rookie season.

6 - Artyom Levshunov, RD – Chicago Blackhawks

The 2024 second overall pick only played 18 NHL games in his rookie season, but as a 19-year-old he produced 22 points in 52 AHL games with Rockford. Can he breakout as the Hawks top pairing and first power play quarterback in his sophomore season? He will have to outplay Sam Rinzel and Kevin Korchinski to do so, but it is a real possibility as soon as this fall.

7 - Luca Cagnoni, LD – San Jose Sharks

All Cagnoni is missing to be ranked higher is size and draft pedigree. At 5-foot-9 he comes up short by todays NHL standards, and as a fourth-round pick, he lacks the golden ticket first round picks get. However, his on-ice production speaks volumes, scoring 16 goals and 52 points in 64 games as a AHL rookie with the Barracuda. Cagnoni is the future first power play quarterback in San Jose on a unit that will include Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and Michael Misa. Cagnoni could be a fantasy beast!

8 - Sam Dickinson, LD – San Jose Sharks

Where will Dickinson play in the 2025-26 season? He posted 91 points in 55 games, won a second consecutive OHL Championship and a Memorial Cup Championship. He has another year of junior eligibility remaining, so the AHL is not an option, but has signed an NHL contract so the NCAA is not an option either. He has nothing left to learn in the OHL, so he looks ready to make the jump to the NHL.

9 - Axel Sandin-Pellikka, RD – Detroit Red Wings

ASP is a rising star and the Wings top prospect. The 5-foot-11 right shot defender has tremendous poise on the ice, sees the ice very well, carries the puck and dictates the play with authority. After a solid SHL career of 52 points in 107 games including an SHL Championship, he made his debut in the AHL to close the season. A full year of AHL development is to be expected under GM Steve Yzerman, but a future blueline anchored by Mo Seider, Simon Edvinsson and ASP sets up the Red Wings for a decade.

10 - Tristan Luneau, RD – Anaheim Ducks

After injury limited Luneau to just 13 combined AHL and NHL games in his rookie season, he returned in 2024-25 to post near point per game production with the Gulls with 52 points in 59 games. The 6-foot-1 right shot offensive defenceman has great upside, but he also has his work cut out for him to crack the Ducks top four with competition the likes of Jacob Trouba, Jackson Lacombe, Olen Zellweger, and Pavel Mintyukov.

11 - Carter Yakemchuk, RD – Ottawa Senators

There were a lot of skeptics when Ottawa selected the 6-foot-4 right shot offensive defenceman at seven ahead of Zayne Parekh, Zeev Buium and Sam Dickinson at the ’24 Draft. A lot of those critics were silenced when Yakemchuk nearly made the Sens roster after a tremendous preseason performance. He was returned to the WHL for his senior year and was slightly underwhelming seeing his point totals dip and failing to be make the Canadian WJC roster. His pro career will begin, likely in Belleville for a season before assuming the top pairing role on the right side in Ottawa next to Jake Sanderson.

12 - Sam Rinzel, RD – Chicago Blackhawks

Rinzel had a breakout season in 2024-25. It was not just his 10-goal, 32-point performance as a sophomore at University of Minnesota, but his nine game NHL audition in which he averaged over 23 minutes of ice time including an average of 2:24 powerplay time on ice where he delivered five points. The 21-year-old is the early favorite to be the first power play quarterback heading into the upcoming season. Don’t sleep on Rinzel, he has some big upside.

13 - Seamus Casey, RD – New Jersey Devils

The 5-foot-10 right shot offensive defenceman had a strong rookie season starting in the NHL with an eight-game run with the Devils where he posted three goals before an AHL assignment. Overall, he racked up 18 points in 30 AHL games and finished the season back in the NHL with New Jersey. With Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, and Simon Nemic in the fold, getting ice time, let alone power play time will be difficult barring injury.

14 - Scott Morrow, RD – New York Rangers

Acquired from Carolina along with a first and second round pick in the K’Andre Miller trade, Morrow could fill the gap from Miller out of camp behind Adam Fox on the Rangers second pairing. Morrow had a strong rookie season the year prior posting 39 points in 52 games with the Chicago Wolves and had a 14-game NHL run with the Hurricanes scoring six points.

15 - Logan Mailloux, RD – St. Louis Blues

Acquired from Montreal for Zac Bolduc this summer, Mailloux is now the top defensive prospect in the Blues system. Mailloux is NHL ready after a second AHL campaign with 80 points and 165 PIM in 135 career games, and five points in eight career NHL games. Mailloux will no longer be considered a prospect as he will make the Blues roster full time, and battle Justin Faulk and Cam Fowler for top power play deployment.

16 - David Reinbacher, RD – Montreal Canadiens

The 6-foot-2 Austrian defender made a splash in his AHL debut in 2023-24 when he posted five points in the final 11 games in Laval. Injuries kept him out of action until he returned for the Olympics with Austria and finished the season again in the AHL with Laval. His six points in 13 playoff games with the Rocket are promising but a nearly full season lost to injury suggest he may need a time in the AHL before he is ready for Montreal. The departure of Logan Mailloux improves his stature in Montreal.

17 - Oliver Bonk, RD – Philadelphia Flyers

Widely considered to be a shutdown defender, a red flag in fantasy, Bonk has considerable fantasy value. At 6-foot-2 he has decent size and can play a physical role and contribute hits and blocks. But he has also contributed significant offensive numbers with 150 career regular season points in 189 games with the London Knights. Bonk was deployed as the net front presence on the power play regularly with London and was tried as the first powerplay quarterback for Canada at the WJC. His pro career will begin with a season in the AHL with Lehigh Valley before he becomes a top four NHL regular.

18 - Tanner Molendyk, LD – Nashville Predators

Nashville has a strong track record of drafting and developing top quality NHL defencemen. Tanner Molendyk is the latest and he nearly made the Predators out of training camp last year before returning for his final year in the WHL. He was a point per game player with Saskatoon and Medicine Hat and at the Memorial Cup. Molendyk will be an AHL rookie this season, but it likely won’t be long before he is patrolling the Predators blueline in a top four capacity.

19 - Hunter Brzustewicz, RD – Calgary Flames

His fantasy value took a big hit when the Flames drafted Zayne Parekh. Brzustewicz is an offensive defenceman that posted a 92-point season in the OHL, and in his AHL rookie campaign last year impressed with five goals and 32 points in 70 games with the Wranglers. Brzustewicz was a key piece in return from the Elias Lindholm trade so the Flames are invested, he has great offensive and fantasy upside, but the Parekh addition will take some of that critical power play ice time up.

20 - Tom Willander, RD – Vancouver Canucks

After two seasons in the shadow of a Hutson with the Boston University Terriers, Willander may be an underrated fantasy defenceman. With all the top offensive deployment at BU going to the Hutson’s, lane and Cole, Willander still managed to produce 49 points in 77 career games with the Terriers. His play with Sweden at the WJC was impressive as well with five points in seven games. Willander is a strong skating, puck moving two-way defender with offensive upside. Willander was signed by the Canucks and will start his professional career in the AHL with defending Calder Cup Champions Abbotsford.

Goalies

1 - Yaroslav Askarov – San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are building something special and Askarov should be a key piece of that puzzle. A top ranked goalie prospect for years, the move from Nashville and out from under Juuse Saros, gives Askarov has the opportunity to seize a starting role in San Jose. With the young core and foundations now in place, it’s just a short matter of time before this team becomes a powerhouse, and Askarov is a fantasy star.

2 - Jesper Wallstedt – Minnesota Wild

There is no sugar coating this, Wallstedt had a terrible season posting brutal numbers in both the AHL, and NHL in his third season in North America. Despite the setback, Wallstedt remains an elite goalie prospect and with the Wild building a defence that consist of Brock Faber, Zeev Buium, and David Jiricek the future still remains very bright.

3 - Jacob Fowler – Montreal Canadiens

It is difficult to understand how Fowler was not the top goalie selected in his draft year. Five other goalies went before he was selected 69^th overall in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Since then, he has established himself as an elite prospect playing at Boston College in the NCAA. Fowler has won a WJC Gold Medal with USA, a Hockey East Championship, and was named the Goalie of the Year winning the Mike Richter Award. Fowler is trending to be the next great Montreal Canadiens goalie following the likes of Ken Dryden, Patrick, Roy and Carey Price.

4 - Ilya Nabokov – Colorado Avalanche

A late bloomer, Nabokov was drafted in 2024 by the Avalanche after a breakout season in the KHL as a 21-year-old, where Nabokov won a Gagarian Cup and playoff MVP. Nabokov has signed his ELC with Colorado but has been loaned back to play the 2025-26 season in the KHL to ensure he gets playing time. Expect him to finish the season in the AHL as the KHL season ends in March, allowing him a small sample of North American hockey before being full time in 2026-27.

5 - Sebastian Cossa – Detroit Red Wings

The Wings 2021 15^th overall draft pick has now played three full seasons of professional hockey with time in the ECHL, AHL, and he made his NHL debut in December with a 6-foot-5 shootout win over Buffalo. The past two seasons have been consistent and strong for Cossa, playing 40+ games in Grand Rapids and posting 20+ wins. The addition of John Gibson suggests that Detroit thinks he needs a little more development before he becomes their starting goalie.

6 - Drew Commesso – Chicago Blackhawks

On last years list I suggested Commesso was on track to develop into the Hawks starting goalie for the Connor Bedard glory years. Since then, the Hawks acquired Spencer Knight, and he appears to be the incumbent franchise goalie for the foreseeable future. Commesso had another impressive year of development in the AHL and is still quite capable of being an NHL starting goalie. Where and when are less certain now.

7 - Trey Augustine – Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings added insulation to their goaltending future when they selected Augustine 41^st overall in 2023. Since then, he has been developing with Michigan State U. in the NCAA with a career record of 42-16-6, two Big Ten Championships and two WJC Gold Medals with USA. Augustine will play his junior season with the Spartans and will also need some AHL development time. He is further away than Cossa, but his upside could be higher.

8 - Niklas Kokko – Seattle Kraken

Kokko made his North American debut last season, and it was a strong one posting a 20-10-2 record in the AHL with a 2.26 GAA and .913 SV%. His strong play earned him an NHL recall, and he had a rough start coming in to relieve Joey Daccord in a 7-2 loss to the Blues where he allowed two goals on six shots. With Grubauer and Daccord under contract for the next two seasons, the 21-year-old Finnish netminder can continue to develop in the AHL with Coachella. He is a prospect on the rise.

9 - Mikhail Yegorov – New Jersey Devils

The Devils selected the Russian goalie from the USHL with their second-round pick in 2024 and Yegorov started his D+1 season back in the USHL with Omaha. Committed to Boston University in the NCAA, the Terriers were having goaltending concerns and brought “Big Mike” in just in time for the Bean Pot Tournament where he was outstanding leading the Terriers to victory. Yegorov played in 18 games total with an 11-6-1 record and 2.15 GAA. Still only 19-years-old, the 6-foot-5 netminder is a long way from the NHL, but he is showing tremendous potential.

10 - Hampton Slukynsky – Los Angeles Kings

Perhaps Slukynsky is still a little under the radar and not quite a household name in less deep dynasty leagues, but that is about to change. Selected 118^th overall by the Kings, Slukynsky posted a 19-5-1 record as a freshman at Western Michigan and a sparkling 1.90 GAA. His trophy case includes USHL Goalie of the Year, Championships from the USHL, NCAA National and NCHC, and Gold Medals with USA from the U-18, WJC and World Championship. He is still just 20-years-old and needs a lot of development time before the NHL, but his stock is rising fast!

McKeen’s 2025-26 Calder Trophy Candidates

Brock Otten — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 17:15:15 +0000

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

Ivan Demidov - RW - Montreal Canadiens

At this point, Demidov is the runaway favourite to capture this year’s Calder trophy. One of the top prospects in all of hockey is situated to have a huge offensive role for the Canadiens and obviously has the skill to put up points. The last time an NHL franchise had back-to-back Calder winners? 1967 and 1968 when Derek Sanderson and Bobby Orr captured rookie of the year for the Bruins.

Alexander Nikishin - D - Carolina Hurricanes

It must be nice when you’re a competitive team and you have a veteran pro defender that you can slot directly into your lineup as a potential impact player…on an ELC. Nikishin led all defensemen in scoring in the KHL two of the last three seasons and should get immediate ice time and responsibility in Carolina. The last time a defenseman has won the Calder trophy in back-to-back years? 1963 and 1964 when Kent Douglas and Jacques Laperrière won.

Ryan Leonard - RW - Washington Capitals

After signing late last year, Leonard jumped right into the Capitals lineup and played a role into the playoffs for Washington. The offensive production wasn’t significant; a single goal in 17 games including the playoffs. However, Leonard should be able to take on a larger role this year and it’s why the rugged, power winger is an early season Calder favourite.

Jimmy Snuggerud - RW - St. Louis Blues

Like Ryan Leonard, Snuggerud jumped right into St. Louis’ lineup from the NCAA at the end of the year. However, unlike Leonard, Snuggerud was an immediate offensive contributor. You could easily make the argument that he was one of St. Louis’ best players in the playoffs. He should carry that momentum into a prominent role with the Blues this year.

Zeev Buium - D - Minnesota Wild

Another high-profile NCAA player who jumped into the postseason lineup for his team after signing. Buium is likely to not only crack the Minnesota lineup this year but see powerplay time. He’s going to try to replicate what Lane Hutson did in Montreal last year and he has the talent to do it.

Sam Rinzel - D - Chicago Blackhawks

The most underrated Calder candidate heading into the season. Rinzel was exceptional for Chicago after signing late last season. He was seeing over 23 minutes per game, including over two on the powerplay and that led to some solid production. Don’t be surprised if that continues.

Zayne Parekh - D - Calgary Flames

While Parekh isn’t a lock to make the Calgary roster, there’s definitely an opening for him if he has a strong training camp. He’ll need to prove that he can defend at the NHL level, but if Calgary keeps him up, you know that they’ll give him powerplay time. We wrote similar things about Lane Hutson last year.

Maxim Shabanov - C - New York Islanders

Just how will Shabanov’s game translate to the NHL level? That’s the million-dollar question. We’ve seen some great success stories from KHL free agents in the last decade, but also others who don’t last the season. Shabanov will be given every opportunity to showcase his skill on a scoring line this year. What he does with that opportunity remains to be seen.

Michael Misa - C - San Jose Sharks

This is the part of the list where we hit the longer shots. The second overall pick in the 2025 draft is probably looking at a 50/50 chance to crack the Sharks roster full time. But, if he does, he’s going to be put in a scoring line role and have a chance to put up some great numbers.

Yaroslav Askarov - G - San Jose Sharks

Alexander Georgiev is gone, and Alex Nedeljkovic has been brought in to split time with the much-hyped Askarov. He’s plenty talented, but the question is…will the Sharks be good enough for his stat line to be impressive enough to win the Calder? It seems unlikely.

Sam Dickinson - D - San Jose Sharks

San Jose brought in some veteran defenders to help them reach the cap floor this year and that is going to make it more difficult for Dickinson to make the San Jose roster full time. He’s stuck between a rock and a hard place; too good for the OHL, but unable to play in the AHL.

Ville Koivunen - LW - Pittsburgh Penguins

There’s definitely an opening in Pittsburgh for a younger player to come into camp and capture a role on a scoring line. The best chance at that could be Koivunen, who had a tremendous AHL season last year. If he plays alongside Sidney Crosby, what type of numbers would we be looking at?

Matt Savoie - RW - Edmonton Oilers

What was said about Koivunen goes double for Savoie; there’s a chance that one of Edmonton’s young wingers could get the opportunity to play with either McDavid or Draisaitl. Savoie had a solid first pro year in the AHL and could be ready for such an opportunity.

Artyom Levshunov - D - Chicago Blackhawks

A year ago, it would have seemed crazy to have Rinzel ahead of Levshunov as a Calder candidate for the Hawks, but here we are. Levshunov’s offensive game wasn’t quite as dynamic as expected in his first pro season in the system, and while he should crack Chicago’s roster, it would appear that Rinzel is ahead of him on the depth chart for powerplay time.

Easton Cowan - RW -Toronto Maple Leafs

“Cowboy” Cowan is in a position to battle for a roster spot in Toronto this training camp after a great run with the London Knights. It seems unlikely that he’ll put up the kind of offensive numbers to earn Calder votes, but what happens if he gets slotted beside Matthews or Nylander?

Jani Nyman - RW - Seattle Kraken

A power winger with a big shot, Nyman was terrific in his first pro season in North America last year, even earning an extended look with the Kraken. Will Seattle continue to explore his chemistry with star young pivot Shane Wright?

Scott Morrow - D - New York Rangers

Recently acquired in the K’Andre Miller trade with Carolina, Morrow is a tremendous young offensive defender. He was excellent in his first pro season last year and should have a great chance of making the Rangers this year. While he’s unlikely to supplant Adam Fox from the top powerplay unit, he could earn time on the secondary unit.

Matthew Schaefer - D - New York Islanders

Given how much time Schaefer missed last year between a bout with mono and the broken collarbone, it seems a bit far-fetched to pencil him into an NHL lineup, which is obviously a rarity for recent first overall picks. However, Schaefer is a gamer so don’t count him out completely.

Isaac Howard - LW - Edmonton Oilers

Given his experience at the pro level, it would appear that Matt Savoie would have a leg up on Howard for a prominent roster spot. A new member of the Oilers, Howard needed some time to adjust to the NCAA level and odds are he’ll need time to adjust to the pro level too. But, if he does crack the roster, he too has a chance to play alongside one of the big guns.

Rutger McGroarty - LW - Pittsburgh Penguins

It does seem likely that one of Koivunen or McGroarty cracks the Pens opening night lineup. However, we see Koivunen as more likely to put up the points necessary to be a Calder candidate at this point. But, as mentioned with Koivunen, if McGroarty can manage to earn time with Sid the Kid, he could put up some good numbers.

Gabe Perreault - LW - New York Rangers

After a standout two year run at Boston College, Perreault has turned pro and will set his sights on making the Rangers’ opening night roster. There’s an opening or two there, but Perreault will need to prove that his conditioning is up to NHL standards. The upside is obviously high.

Alex Bump - LW - Philadelphia Flyers

A fifth-round pick in 2022 out of high school, few prospects have improved as much as Bump has in recent years. An NCAA champion with Western Michigan this past year, Bump is now turning pro, and he could be a darkhorse candidate to not only earn an immediate NHL roster spot but be a solid contributor for the Flyers too.

Brad Nadeau - LW - Carolina Hurricanes

Based on pedigree, Nadeau should absolutely be higher on this list. He was one of the best players in the AHL in the second half of last year and looks NHL ready. The problem is that Carolina brought in Nik Ehlers this offseason to fill out an already deep forward group, and that likely leaves Nadeau on the outside looking in, barring an injury.

Logan Mailloux - D - St. Louis Blues

Recently acquired from the Canadiens for Zach Bolduc, Mailloux has a good chance of making the Blues in a third pairing role. Given that his ice time is likely to be pretty sheltered initially, it seems far-fetched to assume that he can be a true Calder candidate.

Danila Yurov - RW - Minnesota Wild

After a bit of a down year in the KHL, the former first round selection is finally crossing the pond this year and he has the inside track on a bottom six role with the Wild. Much like Marat Khusnutdinov last year (before the trade), it seems unlikely Yurov plays enough to put up the kind of points necessary to be a Calder candidate.

Beckett Sennecke - RW - Anaheim Ducks

It seems fitting to put a massive wildcard at number 26. Sennecke, the former third overall pick, seems blocked currently thanks to Anaheim’s forward depth. However, what happens with Mason McTavish? Or what happens if Sennecke puts on a show in training camp? He’s the kind of prospect you make room for. Odds are that he ends up back in the OHL for another season, but stranger things have happened.

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

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:44:25 +0000

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 05: Boston University Terriers forward Quinn Hutson (17) looks on during the Dunkin’ Beanpot semifinal game between the Boston College Eagles and the Boston University Terriers on February 5, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 26th (May 2025 - 30th)
GM: Stan Bowman Hired: July 2024
COACH: Kris Knoblauch Hired: November 2023

While the Edmonton Oilers remain near the bottom of McKeen’s prospect rankings, they continue to make efforts aimed at supporting their championship ambitions.

Their latest move involved a prospect swap, acquiring disgruntled NHL-ready forward Isaac Howard in exchange for Sam O’Reilly, a prospect better suited to contribute down the line. Howard now slots in alongside Matthew Savoie as the top of the Oilers' prospect food chain, with both sitting on the cusp of cracking Edmonton’s NHL roster.

Acquired from the Buffalo Sabres last summer, Savoie finished fifth among AHL rookies with 54 points in 66 games after a dominant WHL career, where he posted a 1.41 points-per-game average. He’s not only the team’s top prospect but also their best internal option for immediate secondary scoring.

Below them are Beau Akey and Dalyn Wakely, both of whom enjoyed strong OHL campaigns. Akey, the Oilers’ top blueline prospect, returned to health and provided steady two-way play for the Barrie Colts. Now 20, he’s expected to transition to the pro level this season. Wakely has joined the NCAA rush, committing to UMass for the 2025-26 season.

Speaking of college, GM Stan Bowman has made a point of adding NCAA talent to the mix, zeroing in on two Boston University forwards: Quinn Hutson—brother of Lane and Cole—and Matt Copponi. Hutson joins and instantly slots in as our third-ranked prospect within the system and should find a home in Bakersfield in 2025-26.

Emil Venni, despite limited starts in 2024-25, remains a high-upside long-term option in the crease.

With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still in their primes, Edmonton has no choice but to think in the now. For the Oilers, the goal remains clear: keep stacking talent around their stars in hopes of finally bringing Lord Stanley's cup back to Alberta’s capital.

Edmonton Oilers Top-15 Prospects

1 - Matthew Savoie

The Matthew Savoie trade will be a fun one to look back on in a few years when all the dust has settled, especially given Buffalo's long history of giving up future breakout stars. His first full AHL season was very promising, adjusting quickly and producing at a high rate, hovering around 0.80 points per game. Savoie’s shot had a lot of success against AHL goalies, with goals coming from a variety of locations and releases, but his ability to knock loose pucks home with a quick release stood out the most. As a playmaker, he’s made some slick plays by using his shiftiness to open up passing lanes and hit teammates in the slot. It’s very possible Savoie could make the jump to the NHL soon, even if he’s not quite ready. The Oilers are always tight against the cap and looking for secondary scoring, so he could be a strong fit in their bottom six, should they give him an opportunity.

2 - Isaac Howard

Edmonton’s newest prospect addition, Isaac Howard, joins the organization with a pedigree that should excite Oilers fans. The 2022 31st overall pick was acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning this offseason in exchange for fellow first rounder Sam O’Reilly. His game took off in 2024-25 as he jumped up to 52 points, a 16-point improvement on his previous best, en route to a Hobey Baker Award. Howard led the NCAA in points per game with Michigan State and even suited up for the United States at the World Championship in the spring. Howard plays with a ton of pace and is sneakily dangerous with his ability to identify and slip into soft spots in coverage and pounce on loose pucks. This skill set was huge in his emergence as a goal scorer last season, and will be invaluable in the Oilers lineup given the attention-grabbing weapons they already have offensively. It is not hard to imagine Howard being a fixture in Edmonton’s top six forward group and on the power play for years to come.

3 - Quinn Hutson

Quinn Hutson, older brother of Canadiens blueliner Lane and Capitals prospect Cole, was an undrafted free agent that signed an entry level contract with the Oilers this past spring. Hutson emerged as an offensive threat last season with Boston University, reaching the 50-point mark. Though not as elusive of a skater as his brothers, Quinn still is an above average skater and has a much better shot than either of them. His standout trait is his ability to find open ice, where he can either get dangerous shots off or find a nearby teammate with a short pass. Quinn will need to get stronger and focus on developing his defensive game before he will be able to stick as an NHL regular. Hutson may one day develop into a middle six scoring winger. For this season, it’s expected that he will be continuing his development in Bakersfield.

4 - Beau Akey

After missing the majority of last year with a shoulder injury, Akey returned to the Barrie lineup this season with fairly high expectations. The incredibly smooth skating defender ended up having an OK year, which can often be the case for players returning from serious shoulder injuries; it takes time to build up that confidence again. Unfortunately for Akey, he also lost his role as the lead offensive defender due to the emergence of Kashawn Aitcheson. However, he did make the Canadian World Junior team in a depth role, although the team did greatly underperform. The concern with Akey might be that the shoulder injury negatively impacted his development as an offensive facilitator. Does he profile as a defensive first player at the pro level? In order to be an NHL defender, he’s going to need to find that mojo again as a puck carrier, using his terrific skating ability to be a difference maker at both ends. He’ll turn pro next year and will probably need to be brought along slowly in Bakersfield.

5 - Maxim Berezyokin

Maxim Beryozkin has come a long way since being drafted by Edmonton in 2020, evolving into one of the KHL’s top two-way forwards. His high compete level stands out as he pressures opponents relentlessly and forces countless turnovers. Offensively, he’s gained confidence as a play driver, consistently creating chances with smart, patient passing. He protects the puck well using his size and smooth hands, showing a more polished, controlled game overall. While his pace might be a concern at the NHL level, he’s become a reliable, hard-working forward who could thrive in a bottom six/fourth-line role. With his KHL contract set to expire this season, a move to Edmonton could come soon. He will likely need some time in the AHL, but his work ethic and development give him a real chance at an NHL future.

6 - Samuel Jonsson

Coming into the 2024-25 season, no one would have had Jonsson touted as a guy to look out for. But after a great campaign in the Allsvenskan, seemingly out of nowhere, Jonsson should now find himself in a tandem role with Bakersfield. Jonsson is a big, technical goalie, who has some athletic ability but typically opts for a reserved playstyle. He frames a great stance, keeping it very stable, he uses calm precise shuffles with smart routes through the crease, and has shown to have a very quick glove. He also tracks play pretty well too, and has good attention to detail in his movement, moving as a full connected unit. But he does struggle to set his feet for a shot with quick change of direction and has a tendency to open up the five hole if making a butterfly slide/adjustment. Given the goalie situation in Edmonton and no true third string goalie as of yet, Jonsson could find himself in an Oilers uniform relatively soon if he adjusts to the AHL well and potentially end up as a backup.

7 - Roby Jarventie

Roby’s time in North America has not been smooth sailing by any means. He missed much of the 2023-24 season with a lingering knee injury and then played just two games in the 2024-25 season with his new team following his departure from the Senators organization. It was announced he’d miss the rest of the year due to more knee issues. After it looked like he would return to his home country, Edmonton re-signed Roby on a one-year deal, giving him a last chance in North America to have a healthy, productive season. Roby reads the play well and has the skill to be effective in transition. He was regularly winning pucks on the forecheck and picked up a pair of assists in his season debut. He also chipped in defensively, picking off passes and turning the play back up ice. It will be interesting to see Roby fight for a spot with the Oilers in potentially his last opportunity. It all hinges on his lower-body issues.

8 - Tommy Lafrenière

When a player gets to be part of a roster that features generational talents, like the Edmonton Oilers currently have with both Connor McDavid and Leaon Draisaitl, sometimes the most important thing to learn is how to support those superstars and make their jobs easier. For Lafrenière, if he ever reaches that point in his career his coaches probably won’t have to teach him much, because he already is that kind of player. It’s impossible to not like and respect what he brings, because he’s just so focused and determined and fearless, and he brings that mentality every single shift. The Blazers were a WHL bottom-feeder for all of 2024-25, yet that didn’t stop him from playing like every game was a big one, and with that mentality he just kept taking on more and more responsibility on his team, offensively and defensively. Lafrenière will never be the best player on an NHL team — or probably even an WHL or AHL team — but he should be a great glue guy to keep around in an organization.

9 - William Nicholl

Nicholl was, hands down, one of the most improved players in the OHL this past year. In true London Knights fashion, the Edmonton seventh rounder went from being a fourth line afterthought to a top six difference maker in a matter of a year. The Oilers have to be ecstatic about his progress. On a lot of nights last season, Nicholl was the most impressive forward for the Knights and that includes top picks like Easton Cowan, Kasper Halttunen, and former Oiler Sam O’Reilly. Nicholl’s game is all about using his speed to be effective. He loves to push pace, and he has the work rate to match that pace; which has endeared him to Dale Hunter. He flashes significant offensive upside thanks to improving hands and we’ll get a much better read of said upside next year when he becomes a go-to offensive player for London. At this point, it looks like the Oilers have found a nice little gem late in the draft last year.

10 - Paul Fischer

Paul Fischer had a great season as a sophomore at Notre Dame, developing as a two-way defenceman with a strong defensive presence and moderate offensive awareness. His physical play is a standout trait, as he actively engages in puck battles and clears the net front effectively. Under pressure, he demonstrates solid puck movement, though he struggles at times with routine passes. His positioning and defensive awareness started off shaky but improved as the games progressed, highlighting his adaptability. Skating remains average, and decision making is an area for further growth, requiring patience in his development. Fischer has been deployed on the second unit for special teams, showcasing his ability to contribute in various situations. Looking ahead, Fischer’s ability to refine his passing consistency and decision-making will be crucial in maximizing his two-way potential. With continued development, he has the tools to become a reliable, second or third-line pairing defenceman who can contribute on both ends of the ice.

11 - David Lewandowski

We’ve seen several versions of Lewandowski to date and at his best, it can be a glorious thing to watch. And when not, then take cover. Inconsistency has haunted him every step of the way but his jump to the WHL last season after seven scoreless DEL contests was a very good sign of what he has in the tank. We found out he’s more physical than we previously knew but there are skating issues here for Edmonton to clean up. Sidenote: He’s a fan of countryman Draisaitl!

12 - Eemil Vinni

Vinni’s draft year was terribly exciting due to his starting role for a Mestis team with whom he was able to put up big numbers. However, the aftermath of back surgery in the summer of 2024 pretty much led to his 2024-25 season getting washed out. Ultimately, he only started 8 pro contests this past season and his last game was at the end of December. Now it’s all about seeing if and when the rather well-schooled goalie will play again.

13 - Matvey Petrov

With two straight seasons of basically identical lower line AHL stats, Petrov’s stellar 93-point regular season and 22-point playoff run in the OHL during the 2022-23 season feels like a very long time ago. As an AHLer, Petrov hasn’t been able to escape a bottom four role, having at least emerged as a penalty killing option. Time for him to show more wherewithal with the puck, better usage of time and space, and a lot more shots. Chases the game too much.

14 - Viljami Marjala

A 2021 Buffalo Sabres draft pick, Marjala unexpectedly went unsigned this past summer, and Edmonton swiftly moved in to give him an ELC. After two decent but not overwhelming seasons in the QMJHL, Marjala has spent the past three seasons in Finland crafting himself into a verified offensive force in Liiga play, finishing this past season fifth overall in assists and 14th overall in scoring. The AHL beckons and we’re certainly excited about his unpredictable puck play.

15 - Connor Clattenburg

Drafted as a big, rugged winger always willing to throw his weight around, Clattenburg not only spent this past season as the captain of his Firebirds team but became a player coaches across the OHL respected for his extremely hard work and defensive play. Throw in his career high offensive production and the fact that Edmonton has already inked him to an ELC, and it’s evident that the organization believes in his possibilities as a future fourth line NHLer.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #26 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Sun, 18 May 2025 14:59:01 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - JULY 07: Tampa Bay Lightning pick Isaac Howard stands between management during the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on July 07, 2022 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Subscribers can download the PDF in subscriber downloads.

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Tampa Bay 25 Prospects

2025 NHL PROSPECT REPORT: Top 200 NHL Affiliated Prospects (Top 50 Free) – Biggest risers in 2024-25

Brock Otten — Tue, 13 May 2025 11:36:55 +0000

You will find at the bottom of this article a chart with the top 50 prospects in the NHL currently. Comparing the current ranking of prospects in our report to their previous ranking in our summer yearbook (which is a top 300), these are the affiliated prospects who have improved their stock the most this season. 25 Risers for 2025. Subscribers can access the top 200 prospects with links to the players page and full profiles here.

We are releasing our team rankings in descending order from the worst prospect pool to the best on our site over the next few weeks. Subscribers can read the full profiles and the team overview and learn about the future stars of your favourite team. If you would like to subscribe you can link here.

RALEIGH, NC - APRIL 12: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Scott Morrow (56) looks to pass the puck during the NHL game between the New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes on April 12, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Katherine Gawlik/Icon Sportswire)

Scott Morrow - Defense - Carolina Hurricanes

Previous Ranking: 65, New Ranking: 20

In his first full pro season after signing out of UMass, Morrow has been an immediate impact player. He was one of the top offensive defenders in the AHL and has since performed very well in a late season call up with the Hurricanes.

Tristan Luneau - Defense - Anaheim Ducks

Previous Ranking: 84, New Ranking: 32

The rich get richer. After missing most of last season due to injury, Luneau has returned with a vengeance this season. He’s been a two-way standout at the AHL level and should push for a full time roster spot in the very near future…even with Anaheim’s incredible U25 depth.

Liam Greentree - Wing - Los Angeles Kings

Previous Ranking: 87, New Ranking: 35

A late first round selection of the Kings last year, Greentree was one of the best players in the OHL this past season, helping the Windsor Spitfires go from worst to first. The power winger continues to improve his skating and looks the part of a future NHL standout.

Cole Hutson - Defense - Washington Capitals

Previous Ranking: 246, New Ranking: 44

Few affiliated prospects in the game improved their stock more than Cole Hutson this year. Look at the resume: One of the highest scoring defenders in the NCAA as a freshman, A WJC gold medal and a spot on the tournament all-star team, and a National Championship appearance with Boston University.

Owen Pickering - Defense - Pittsburgh Penguins

Previous Ranking: 131, New Ranking: 49

Sure, the Penguins prospect pool is hurting and that’s given Pickering a chance to perform at a high level with significant ice time as a rookie pro, but he’s handled it extremely well and looks the part of a longtime top four defender for Pittsburgh.

Sam Rinzel - Defense - Chicago Blackhawks

Previous Ranking: 125, New Ranking: 51

Rinzel has always been considered a long-term project, the Hawks knew this when they drafted him in the first round out of Minnesota High School hockey in 2022. But the pick is bearing fruit now. Rinzel was one of the top defenders in the NCAA this year and he looks near NHL ready.

Oliver Kapanen - Center - Montreal Canadiens

Previous Ranking: 142, New Ranking: 52

One of the biggest risers in our yearbook this past summer, thanks to a strong performance at the World Championships for Finland, Kapanen continues to rise. He nearly made the Canadiens full time this year and then was a near point per game player in the SHL. An intelligent two-way center, he looks like an NHL lock.

Luca Cagnoni - Defense - San Jose Sharks

Previous Ranking: 231, New Ranking: 60

We’re approaching the “sometimes you’re just wrong on a prospect” space with Cagnoni, a player that we’ve been skeptical about previously. But, he’s made the leap to the pro level just fine, with his offensive talent translating effortlessly.

Isaac Howard - Wing - Tampa Bay Lightning

Previous Ranking: 157, New Ranking: 61

The former first round selection exploded in his junior season with Michigan State and was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker. Improvements to his strength and conditioning have done wonders for his play with the puck. The question is…will he sign with Tampa Bay?

Owen Beck - Center - Montreal Canadiens

Previous Ranking: 132, New Ranking: 65

You could probably make the argument that Beck has looked better as a first year pro in the AHL than he did over his three OHL seasons. His game just screams long time NHL standout thanks to his speed, tenacity, and IQ. But the skill has translated better than expected.

Dmitri Buchelnikov - Wing - Detroit Red Wings

Previous Ranking: 134, New Ranking: 66

Year to year improvement is the hallmark of a strong prospect and Buchelnikov has done just that. He was one of the top rookies in the KHL two years ago. This past year, he emerged as an offensive star. Next stop NHL? Detroit will have to wait because he still has contract time left with his KHL team.

Nick Lardis - Wing - Chicago Blackhawks

Previous Ranking: 152, New Ranking: 69

Putting a wrist injury behind him, Lardis exploded in his final junior season to be the first OHL player to score 70 goals since John Tavares. He was dominant in every fashion. Lardis is such a dangerous player because of the combination of his skating ability and shot. His progression this year has given him a more optimistic outlook as a top six contributor for the Hawks.

Igor Chernyshov - Wing - San Jose Sharks

Previous Ranking: 185, New Ranking: 72

Talk about meeting the hype of a long-awaited debut. When Chernyshov’s shoulder rehab finally finished and he suited up for the Saginaw Spirit (OHL), he immediately became one of the OHL’s elite players, leading the league in points per game this season.

Leevi Merilainen - Goaltender - Ottawa Senators

Previous Ranking: 196, New Ranking: 90

Merilainen has really turned things around after a couple disappointing post draft years. He’s improved every year as a pro and has been fantastic in limited starts for the Senators this season. Have the Senators finally found their netminder of the future?

Ilya Protas - Wing - Washington Capitals

Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 91

One of two prospects to go from being unranked previously, to inside of our top 100. Protas was one of the best players in the OHL this season with Windsor. His skating does still need work, but everything else about his game is top notch. Protas is a highly intelligent player.

Colton Dach - Center - Chicago Blackhawks

Previous Ranking: 227, New Ranking: 96

Even if injuries continue to be an issue (a recent elbow injury has limited his NHL participation), he’s had a terrific season split between the AHL and the NHL. The big, power pivot is the ideal middle six pivot for the Hawks rebuild.

William Stromgren - Wing - Calgary Flames

Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 99

The other prospect to climb from outside of the top 300 to inside the top 100, Stromgren is an elite skating winger whose offensive skill set has finally caught up to his feet. He’s been one of the best players in Calgary’s system this year and has put himself in contention for a roster spot next year.

Ilya Nabokov - Goaltender - Colorado Avalanche

Previous Ranking: 250, New Ranking: 102

Nabokov has proven this year that he’s no fluke, after coming out of nowhere to capture the KHL rookie of the year and KHL playoffs MVP awards last year. He’s been equally strong in Russia and Colorado may look to bring him into the fold sooner, rather than later.

Luca Del Bel Belluz - Center - Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous Ranking: 238, New Ranking: 103

A strong shooting and creative pivot with a center lane mentality, Del Bel Belluz had a terrific second pro season in the Jackets system. Not only was he a standout at the AHL level, but he’s produced offensively when called upon by the Blue Jackets.

Roman Kantserov - Wing - Chicago Blackhawks

Previous Ranking: 230, New Ranking: 104

An undersized, but highly skilled winger, Kantserov exploded offensively in the KHL this season, more than doubling his output from the previous year. He has another year on his KHL contract, but after that? He could be a big part of Chicago’s rebuild.

Elias Pettersson - Defense - Vancouver Canucks

Previous Ranking: 300, New Ranking: 106

Not every high-end defensive prospect needs to be a world beater offensively. Pettersson has climbed the prospect rankings thanks to his attention to detail at both ends and his outstanding upside as a defensive stalwart. He hasn’t looked out of place as an NHL player this season.

Mikhail Yegorov - Goaltender - New Jersey Devils

Previous Ranking: 253, New Ranking: 110

It’s no exaggeration to suggest that Yegorov may have saved Boston University’s season, after making the jump from the USHL at midseason. He shored up their shaky netminding, helping them reach the National Championship.

Alex Bump - Wing - Philadelphia Flyers

Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 120

A breakout star in the NCAA with Western Michigan, Bump may just be one of the most underrated affiliated prospects in hockey. He’s a dynamic creator in transition and could be a real diamond in the rough for the Flyers.

Jesse Kiiskinen - Wing - Detroit Red Wings

Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 133

The Andrew Gibson for Kiiskinen swap between the Predators and Red Wings has worked out incredibly well in Detroit’s favor after Kiiskinen’s breakout season in Liiga, where he was a near point per game player as a U20.

Tarin Smith - Defense - Anaheim Ducks

Previous Ranking: 269, New Ranking: 144

Drafted in the third-round last year, Smith’s offensive upside was considered a major strength and he’s shown that this year, emerging as one of the WHL’s most dangerous scoring blueliners with Everett. As he continues to improve defensively, the sky is the limit.

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	Acquired	TM - 2024-25 Stats	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Ivan Demidov	Mtl	RW	19	5-11/180	`24(5th)	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	65	19	30	49	22
2	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	20	5-11/190	`23(8th)	Boston College (HE)	37	30	19	49	46
3	Sam Dickinson	SJ	D	18	6-3/205	`24(11th)	London (OHL)	55	29	62	91	39
4	Artyom Levshunov	Chi	D	19	6-2/205	`24(2nd)	Rockford (AHL)	52	5	17	22	59
5	Berkly Catton	Sea	C	19	5-10/175	`24(8th)	Spokane (WHL)	57	38	71	109	30
6	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	23	6-4/215	`20(69th)	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	61	17	29	46	32
7	Yaroslav Askarov	SJ	G	22	6-3/175	T(Nsh-8/24)	San Jose (AHL)	22	11	9	2.45	0.923
8	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	20	5-11/170	`22(15th)	Abbotsford (AHL)	36	19	9	28	0
9	Beckett Sennecke	Ana	RW	19	6-2/175	`24(3rd)	Oshawa (OHL)	56	36	50	86	66
10	Zeev Buium	Min	D	19	6-0/185	`24(12th)	Denver (NCHC)	41	13	35	48	44
11	Zayne Parekh	Cgy	D	19	6-0/180	`24(9th)	Saginaw (OHL)	61	33	74	107	96
12	Anton Silayev	NJ	D	19	6-7/210	`24(10th)	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	63	2	10	12	37
13	Tij Iginla	Uta	C	18	6-0/190	`24(6th)	Kelowna (WHL)	21	14	18	32	13
14	Daniil But	Uta	LW	20	6-5/203	`23(12th)	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	54	9	19	28	16
15	Axel Sandin-Pellikka	Det	D	20	5-11/180	`23(17th)	Skelleftea AIK (SHL)	46	12	17	29	22
16	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	21	6-1/175	`22(24th)	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	46	13	12	25	10
17	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	19	6-1/200	`23(10th)	Springfield (AHL)	61	21	24	45	22
18	Matthew Savoie	Edm	C	21	5-9/180	T(Buf-7/24)	Bakersfield (AHL)	66	19	35	54	28
19	Brad Lambert	Wpg	C	21	6-0/180	`22(30th)	Manitoba (AHL)	61	7	28	35	28
20	Scott Morrow	Car	D	22	6-2/195	`21(40th)	Chicago (AHL)	52	13	26	39	47
21	Bradly Nadeau	Car	LW	19	5-10/165	`23(30th)	Chicago (AHL)	64	32	26	58	36
22	Dmitri Simashev	Uta	D	20	6-4/198	`23(6th)	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	56	1	5	6	4
23	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	19	5-11/165	`23(23rd)	Boston College (HE)	37	16	32	48	25
24	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	20	6-2/185	`23(5th)	Laval (AHL)	10	2	3	5	10
25	Liam Ohgren	Min	LW	21	6-1/200	`22(19th)	Iowa (AHL)	41	19	18	37	10
26	Carter Yakemchuk	Ott	D	19	6-3/200	`24(7th)	Calgary (WHL)	56	17	32	49	82
27	Sebastian Cossa	Det	G	22	6-6/229	`21(15th)	Grand Rapids (AHL)	41	21	15	2.45	0.911
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	20	6-1/180	`23(11th)	Boston University (HE)	39	2	22	24	8
29	Easton Cowan	Tor	RW	19	5-10/170	`23(28th)	London (OHL)	46	29	40	69	41
30	Calum Ritchie	NYI	C	20	6-2/185	T(Col-3/25)	Oshawa (OHL)	47	15	55	70	50
31	Cayden Lindstrom	CBJ	C	19	6-3/215	`24(4th)	Medicine Hat (WHL)	0	0	0	0	0
32	Tristan Luneau	Ana	D	21	6-1/195	`22(53rd)	San Diego (AHL)	59	9	43	52	21
33	Denton Mateychuk	CBJ	D	20	5-11/190	`22(12th)	Columbus (NHL)	45	4	9	13	20
34	Jacob Fowler	Mtl	G	20	6-1/215	`23(69th)	Boston College (HE)	35	25	7	1.63	0.940
35	Liam Greentree	LA	RW	19	6-3/215	`24(26th)	Windsor (OHL)	64	49	70	119	59
36	Michael Hage	Mtl	C	19	6-1/190	`24(21st)	Michigan (B1G)	33	13	21	34	23
37	Konsta Helenius	Buf	C	18	5-11/190	`24(14th)	Rochester (AHL)	65	14	21	35	28
38	Jimmy Snuggerud	StL	RW	20	6-2/185	`22(23rd)	Minnesota (B1G)	40	24	27	51	29
39	Lian Bichsel	Dal	D	20	6-6/233	`22(18th)	Dallas (NHL)	38	4	5	9	41
40	Quentin Musty	SJ	LW	19	6-2/200	`23(26th)	Sudbury (OHL)	33	30	29	59	14
41	Joshua Roy	Mtl	RW	21	6-0/190	`21(150th)	Laval (AHL)	47	20	15	35	10
42	Jett Luchanko	Phi	C	18	5-11/185	`24(13th)	Guelph (OHL)	46	21	35	56	46
43	Seamus Casey	NJ	D	21	5-9/165	`22(46th)	Utica (AHL)	30	3	15	18	8
44	Cole Hutson	Wsh	D	18	5-10/165	`24(43rd)	Boston University (HE)	39	14	34	48	64
45	Logan Mailloux	Mtl	D	22	6-3/215	`21(31st)	Laval (AHL)	63	12	21	33	74
46	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	22	6-3/215	`21(20th)	Iowa (AHL)	27	9	14	3.59	0.879
47	Cole Eiserman	NYI	LW	18	6-0/195	`24(20th)	Boston University (HE)	39	25	11	36	27
48	Ivan Miroshnichenko	Wsh	LW	21	6-1/185	`22(20th)	Hershey (AHL)	53	23	19	42	28
49	Owen Pickering	Pit	D	21	6-4/180	`22(21st)	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	47	2	11	13	10
50	Nate Danielson	Det	C	20	6-2/185	`23(9th)	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	12	27	39	33

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTING – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #30

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Brock Otten — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 13:00:39 +0000

_{NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 25: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Maxwell Crozier (65) looks on during a game between the against the against the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils on February 25, 2024 at Prudential Center in the Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Rank – 30th (Previous Rank - 29th)
GM: Julien BriseBois Hired: September 2018
COACH: Jon Cooper Hired: March 2013

The Tampa Bay Lightning continues to embody the "run it back" philosophy, relying on a veteran core to remain competitive year after year. It's hard to argue with the results, as they are just two years removed from three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and back-to-back championships. However, with aging veterans and little value sitting on the shelves, the end of the runway may be in sight.

Julien BriseBois has been notably averse to first-round picks, having selected in the first round only twice since his hiring in 2018. Unless future trades are made, that trend could continue into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft after bringing back a familiar face in Ryan McDonough for a top 10 protected first pick.

However, for the first time in what feels like a decade, perhaps we’ve finally seen a change in strategy.

In a surprising move, the Lightning acquired top prospect Conor Geekie (ranked 32nd by McKeen’s) from the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for 26-year-old Mikael Sergachev. This trade gives Tampa Bay their first top 50 McKeen’s ranked prospect in quite some time and may signal a shift towards replenishing their prospect pool—an unfamiliar prospect for Lightning fans.

Adding the likes of Geekie, who may even see games in the 2024-25 campaign, is a step in the right direction, but there is still a long road ahead.

Gage Goncalves, a 2020 second-round pick, has been developing steadily in Syracuse, coming off a strong season with 58 points in 69 games to finish just outside the top 10 in AHL scoring. At 23 years old, he’s likely to be given a longer leash after a brief stint in the 2023-24 season.

Isaac Howard (157th), the Lightnings’ only first-round draft pick in the last five years, remains a key part of their future, though he will continue to develop at the collegiate level with Michigan State. While there’s hope he could see NHL ice time as early as this spring, the team’s status as a perennial playoff contender raises questions about whether rushing him into the lineup is the best course of action.

The recent swap of Steven Stamkos for Jake Guentzel indicates that the Lightning will continue their push to remain relevant as long as players like Victor Hedman (33), Nikita Kucherov (31), Brayden Point (28) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (30) are in town.

Tampa Bay’s championship window is still wide open, but with little depth, and a lack of draft capital, they are treading in dangerous waters for the future.

Tampa Bay Lightning Top-15 Prospects

1. Conor Geekie

One of the big pieces acquired from Utah in the Mikhail Sergachev deal, Geekie immediately became Tampa’s best prospect. The big power pivot is such a difficult player to stop North/South, as he drives the middle lane with speed and advanced puck protection ability. The former 11th overall selection nearly broke the 100-point barrier in the WHL last season and is ready to take that next step as a pro. The big debate surrounding Geekie revolves around his upside as an NHL player. When his size and power advantage is neutralized, how effective will he be as an offensive player? Does he think the game at a high enough level to drive play and make those around him better at the NHL level? Geekie’s future could take a variety of different turns. Could he be a top six power center cut from the same cloth as the Tkachuk brothers? Or is he destined to be more of a bottom six contributor? Tampa Bay will learn a lot more about Geekie’s upside this year at the pro level.

2. Ethan Gauthier

Gauthier, the son of former NHL defender Denis Gauthier, and the 37th overall pick in last year’s draft, had another successful season in the QMJHL, this time with Drummondville after an offseason trade. The physically assertive forward plays a pro style game that revolves around being able to earn touches between the hash marks. He drives the net, forechecks hard, and has continued to round out his game as a two-way player. Gauthier also shoots the puck well and his goal scoring ability is the component of his offensive arsenal that likely translates the best to the pro level. To be an effective pro, Gauthier continues to work on his skating, working to become more explosive and agile. He’ll return to the QMJHL this season and should be one of the league’s top forwards as a 20-year-old. Depending on the development of his off puck play and skating, he could be NHL ready, sooner rather than later.

3. Isaac Howard

Howard, the team’s only first round selection in the last five years, had a terrific sophomore season after hitting the transfer portal the previous offseason. Howard shifted from Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State, and it had a very positive impact on his development. He led the Spartans in scoring last year and also played a crucial role for the United States at the WJC’s, helping them capture gold. Howard was noticeably stronger on the puck last season, helping him take greater advantage of his strong skating ability to generate scoring chances. He’s a very dangerous player on the counterattack, and despite his low goal total at Michigan State, actually possesses high upside as a goal scorer because of his quick release. Howard will return to Michigan State this year as a junior and he should be considered a preseason candidate for the Hobey Baker. He might just have the highest upside of any player in Tampa’s system.

4. Niko Huuhtanen

Huuhtanen continued on the terrific development path that he started after a breakout season with WHL Everett in 2022. Two years ago, he was the rookie of the year in Liiga and this past year he led Jukurit in scoring. The big power forward signed late last season and finished his year in the AHL, giving him a taste of what to expect this coming year, his first as a pro in North America. Huuhtanen is a throwback power winger who plays a very heavy game. He’s a relentless physical player who is still learning how to walk the line in terms of discipline. However, he is most effective when he plays the power game, dominating the wall and the net front area. Huuhtanen is a prolific goal scorer, too, thanks to a very heavy release and one timer. His positive development curve has put him on a path to become a quality middle six option for the Lightning in the near future.

5. Gage Goncalves

It’s been a long road for Goncalves. The former WHL standout has now played three seasons in the AHL, improving in each of them. He led Syracuse in scoring by a significant margin this past season and finally earned a cup of coffee with the Lightning. The two-way pivot has proven to be a versatile pro. He plays an intelligent game at both ends, excelling on and off the puck. His attention to detail as a defensive player is likely going to be the thing that gets him into the NHL in a depth role before he carves out a larger one. As an offensive player, his vision and playmaking ability stand out most. He understands how to alter pace to manipulate defenses and is hard on pucks to help his line prolong offensive zone time. This year, Goncalves will need to pass through waivers in order to go to the AHL, so it seems likely that if he has a good camp, he will be given a bottom six role in Tampa Bay.

6. Max Crozier

The Lightning have to be ecstatic about what Crozier showed this past season after turning pro. Earlier last season he did not look out of place in Tampa Bay when the Lightning were having serious injury issues on the blueline. Closing out the year with Syracuse, Crozier was a near point per game defender in the AHL. Full of confidence, we saw the full scope of the impact that he can have on the game at both ends. The 6-foot-2 right shot defender does a lot of things well. He defends well thanks to an aggressive approach, a long reach, and good mobility. He takes away space from opposing forwards and defends tight spaces well thanks to his physical assertiveness. Crozier also makes a clean exit pass and has flashed an ability to quarterback the powerplay, with a strong ability to get shots through traffic. While Crozier might not have significant NHL upside, he looks like someone who can be a stable #4 or 5 defender for many years.

7. Declan Carlile

Carlile is about to be a third-year pro after a strong performance at Merrimack College and is a standout in the defensive end. He projects as a quality stay at home defender at the NHL level and he may be ready for an NHL roster spot as early as this season. He has the size. He has the reach. He is mobile. He brings physicality. He has an active stick but is also aggressive in taking away space. Carlile looks like he can help anchor a penalty killing unit in the NHL. As an offensive player, his heavy point shot helps to generate scoring chances or goals and he can make a good exit pass, but he is at his best when he keeps things simple. Much like Max Crozier, Carlile looks like a long time NHL defender for Tampa Bay, but probably tops out as a third pairing type.

8. Dylan Duke

On a Michigan team full of potential front end NHL players, Duke stood out consistently for all the right reasons this past season, finishing third in scoring and first in goals on the Wolverines. It was a very promising junior season for the diminutive pivot. Duke has always been a highly skilled playmaker who creates time and space for himself with his hands, but upgrades to his strength, off puck play, shot, and skating really upgraded his projection as a pro. Somewhat surprisingly, Duke decided to turn pro, signing with Tampa Bay at the end of the season. It might have been wise for him to return to Michigan to continue to upgrade his physical tools; he would have had a shot at being one of the better players in College Hockey this year. However, it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the AHL level. While he may still be a bit of a long shot given his lack of high-end physical tools, his upside remains intriguing.

9. Jack Finley

The massive center took a nice step forward in his second pro season with Syracuse last year. Teams have to be patient with bigger forwards as they grow into their frame and Finley has been no different. He dominated down low at the WHL level before turning pro but had to continue to upgrade his strength and conditioning in order to do that at the AHL level. Behind the net is his office and he has very good vision coming off the wall and the cycle. Finley has also had to adjust to the pace of the pro game, especially as an only average skater. He’s likely still a bit away from making an impact in Tampa Bay, but the Lightning have to be hoping that he can continue to develop into an Adam Lowry kind of high end third line center in the future. The Lightning will be hoping that Finley can inch closer to the point per game mark with Syracuse this year.

10. Daniil Pylenkov

Pylenkov’s development has been steady since the Lightning drafted him in 2021 in his second last year of eligibility. Now 23 (turning 24 soon), Pylenkov has emerged as one of the top young defencemen in the KHL. He still has a year remaining on his KHL deal so he won’t be coming over this year, but after that? He could be an option for Tampa as a bottom pairing defender. Pylenkov is certainly not a flashy player, however he’s a very crafty one. He makes a clean exit. He is a great stick on-puck defender. He makes sound decisions with his reads with and without the puck. His NHL upside is likely limited, but the progression of his offensive game in the KHL suggests that his projection could continue to improve. Defensive depth never hurts and Tampa has built that up well.

11. Hagen Burrows

Last year’s winner of Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey Award, Burrows was a fourth-round pick of the Lightning in 2024. The big winger was excellent last season, splitting time between the USHL and high school hockey. Burrows plays a mature game, tough to separate from the puck and an excellent playmaker coming off the wall. There’s a definitive need for him to improve his skating and he’ll try to do that at the University of Denver this season.

12. Hugo Alnefelt

13. Jayson Shaugabay

One of the most skilled and creative players in Tampa’s system, Shaugabay opted to play a full season in the USHL last season before making the jump to the NCAA. This allowed the diminutive forward to continue to build strength so that he can take greater advantage of his offensive gifts. Shaugabay will now head to Minnesota-Duluth this year and will likely be given a good shot to play a key offensive role as a freshman.

14. Lucas Edmonds

After a strong rookie season in the AHL two years ago, last season was a step back for Edmonds. No question, he’s a talented playmaker. However, there’s a strong need for him to upgrade his physical tools still to be a more consistent pro. 2024/25 is going to be a critical season for his development. A qualifying offer is likely dependent on his performance and progress.

15. Gabriel Szturc

The Lightning have had some good success signing free agents out of the CHL and the team dipped into that pool again a few times last year. Czech pivot and former Kelowna Rocket captain Gabriel Szturc is one such player. He’s a competitive, two-way, playmaker who, ignoring the cliche, plays much larger than his size. He projects as a versatile bottom six forward for Tampa Bay.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 30 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:22:26 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first, this ranking, follows the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Our team of 16 scouts are based in key markets around the world, in the rinks, supported by video scouting. They utilize some terrific tools from Hudl/InStat, which can isolate so many aspects of a player’s game, along with proprietary statistics. They spend countless hours in rinks and in front of screens and are deeply familiar with these players and their progression. Our management team of Brock Otten (Director of Scouting) and Derek Neumeier (Assistant Director of Scouting/Senior Western Regional Scout), along with Video Scouting Coordinator, Josh Bell, will take the teams input and finalize the list you see below. Brock, Derek and Josh are responsible for the player write-ups in the Prospect Guide.

The organizational rankings are based on an algorithm that takes into account how many prospects are ranked within the top 200. The teams are broken down by the number of prospects in our top 1 -25, 26 - 50, 51 - 100, and 101 - 200. A weight is attached to each group and then some subjective tweaking is done based on our knowledge of the players. There can be a wider discrepancy in the top 25 group than the latter groupings that needs to be taken into account.

Here is our definition of an NHL prospect: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in one season (25 for goalies).

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft. We are releasing out top 30 NHL Prospects free to non-subscribers. If you want to learn more, link here.

Subscribers can link to the full top 200 listing here

Here is an excerpt of Brock Otten's Risers and Fallers article from the magazine to give you more perspective and a little taste of our content.

The best part of scouting is the somewhat unpredictable nature of human development. Some players improve dramatically from one year to the next…others do not. When we compare the rankings from our 2023-24 NHL Yearbook (where we did a Top 300 prospect ranking) to now, these are the players who have risen/fallen the most.

Risers

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 22: Dallas Stars center Logan Stankoven (11) reacts to a goal score during game one of the Western Conference First Round between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights on April 22, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire)

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

Stankoven’s jump from one of the best players in the WHL to one of the best players in the AHL has been impressive. So has his quick start in the NHL.

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

Leonard is returning to Boston College after a Championship barely eluded him this year. However, he has proven to be an elite play driver to go with his strong off puck play.

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 11: Look on Montreal Canadiens right wing Joshua Roy (89) during warm-up before the St. Louis Blues versus the Montreal Canadiens game on February 11, 2024, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

Roy continues to prove doubters wrong after a terrific AHL season with Laval. His skill set has become so well rounded since being drafted.

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

Geekie’s power game from the middle of the ice makes him such an interesting prospect for today’s NHL. His skating continues to improve.

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

Bourque emerged as one of the best players in the AHL this season as a sophomore professional. He’s ready to take that next step with the Stars.

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

Once thought to be the third wheel on the talented Will Smith/Ryan Leonard threesome, Perreault’s progression as a play driver at Boston College this season has altered the perception that he can be a front-line NHL player.

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

Drafting early out of the BCHL has yielded inconsistent results, however Nadeau was exceptional as a freshman at Maine. Did he leave school too early though?

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

Firkus took his game to another level this year in his final WHL season, leading the league in scoring. He’s ready to be a pro.

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

One of the most improved players in the NCAA this year, Brindley emerged as a star for the University of Michigan and really altered his projection as a potential top six forward.

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

The dynamic American winger worked hard to fine tune components of his game in Sudbury this year and deserves a bump for improving his consistency.

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

Nyman emerged as one of the top goal scorers in Finland this season as a U20 player. This, combined with his strong WJC performance, has helped push him up our board north.

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

Mailloux proved to be way more refined at the AHL level than previously perceived. Simply put, he was one of the best defensive prospects in the AHL this year.

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

What a terrific story to the end of the Coyotes franchise. Doan emerged as a potential star this season and finished the year strong in the NHL, scoring in his debut.

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

We still don’t understand how Heidt fell as far as he did in the 2023 draft, however he is proving NHL scouts wrong thus far after a remarkable year with Prince George.

Ville Koivunen (165 to 71) – Pittsburgh Penguins

The main piece of the Jake Guentzel to Carolina deal, Koivunen emerged as one of the top players in Liiga this year.

Ethan Del Mastro (169 to 73) – Chicago Blackhawks

There was little doubt that Del Mastro’s strong defensive ability would translate to the AHL level well, but he continues to improve offensively and that has altered his projection.

Theo Lindstein (185 to 91) – St. Louis Blues

Lindstein’s strong year for Brynas has helped to elevate his upside as a two-way defender. We may have ranked him too low in our 2023 Draft Rankings.

Carson Rehkopf (201 to 69) – Seattle Kraken

Consistency off the puck and a lack of engagement held Rehkopf back last year. This year marked improvement in those areas helped him emerge as a top offensive talent in the OHL.

Easton Cowan (204 to 67) – Toronto Maple Leafs

One of the surprises of the 2023 draft, Cowan set a new OHL record with a 42-game point streak. More than just a high energy guy now, he can be a difference maker offensively.

Seamus Casey (214 to 63) – New Jersey Devils

Casey continues to improve in the NCAA. He may not have elite size, but he has everything else, and it has the Devils excited about his future.

Jacob Fowler (222 to 52) – Montreal Canadiens

Fowler compiled a list of accolades as a freshman this year at Boston College, emerging as one of the top goaltending prospects in the game.

Fraser Minten (226 to 84) – Toronto Maple Leafs

After starting the year with the Leafs, Minten returned to the WHL and ended up captaining Canada at the World Juniors.

Jackson Blake (277 to 117) – Carolina Hurricanes

A finalist for the Hobey Baker this year, Blake became an NCAA star for North Dakota, and he now turns pro.

Erik Portillo (Unranked to 118) – Los Angeles Kings

Acquired by the Kings, Portillo turned pro after three years at Michigan and he was one of the best goaltenders in the AHL as a first-year pro.

Rodwin Dionicio (Unranked to 139) – Anaheim Ducks

Dionicio still plays a high risk, high reward game from the back end, but his offensive upside has become too large to ignore.

Fallers

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

Xavier Bourgault (from 48 to 113) – Edmonton Oilers

After a mediocre first professional year last season, Bourgault was even more disappointing as a sophomore with Bakersfield. The Oilers just haven’t been developing prospects well in recent years.

Eduard Sale (72 to 140) – Seattle Kraken

Sale’s first year in North America did not go according to plan as he struggled to be a consistent impact player in the OHL.

Jack Rathbone (96 to not ranked) – Pittsburgh Penguins

Perhaps we ranked Rathbone too aggressively this summer, but not only did he fail to earn a spot on Vancouver, but he’s now an NHL after thought after entering Pittsburgh’s organization via trade.

Jacob Perreault (127 to not ranked) – Montreal Canadiens

Perreault’s off puck play and skating just haven’t improved to the point where he can be a consistent pro and it caused the Ducks to move on from him, trading him to Montreal.

Jan Jenik (156 to not ranked) - Utah

Once a highly ranked prospect, Jenik continues to fall. He just hasn’t been able to take that next step and even passed through waivers this year unclaimed.

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #29 Tampa Bay Lightning – Organizational Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Tue, 28 May 2024 20:15:54 +0000

240102 Isaac Howard of USA during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship quarter final game between USA and Latvia on January 2, 2024 in Gothenburg.
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN / kod CS / CS0475

They are only two seasons removed from a Stanley Cup Final appearance, following back-to-back cup wins. Two first-round exits in a row have many analysts questioning whether the window to win is closing. GM Julien Brisebois has been at the helm for the success and has been clear he still very much believes in this core to become champions once again and has repeatedly pushed his chips to the center of the table, trading future for the present. They are one of only two teams with no graduated prospects in the last five years. They do not pick until the fifth round in 2024 and have already moved their 2025 pick in a massive package of picks for Tanner Jeannot. Their 2024 pick was used in a package (including a 2023 1st round pick and other pieces) for Brandon Hagel.

Jeannot is 26 years old, and a UFA at the end of the season, while Hagel is 25, and has subsequently signed an eight-year extension with the team. They join a core group that is not as old as reports would have you believe. 34-year-old Steven Stamkos and his free agency will dominate the news over the offseason. Victor Hedman is 33 years old but showed he still has a lot to offer this season after a down year in 2022-23. If Stamkos does sign elsewhere, it will free up valuable cap space. An issue that has been a continuous challenge for the organization. The Lightning are focused on winning with this core. They include one of the best players in the world in Nikita Kucherov, who is only 30 years old, and elite goaltender Andrei Vasilevsky at 29, along with 28-year-old Brayden Point, and 25-year-old Mikhail Sergachev (injured this past season). You have a core that is elite and knows how to win. With or without Stamkos, Tampa will be a contender for a few years yet.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Ethan Gauthier	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	`23(37th)	64	36	35	71	42
2	Isaac Howard	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	`22(31st)	36	8	28	36	10
3	Niko Huuhtanen	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	`21(224th)	52	19	27	46	46
4	Gage Goncalves	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	`20(62nd)	69	13	45	58	43
5	Max Crozier	D	24	6-1/195	Syracuse (AHL)	`19(120th)	49	4	17	21	43
5	Max Crozier	D	24	6-1/195	Tampa Bay (NHL)	`19(120th)	13	0	2	2	7
6	Declan Carlile	D	23	6-2/190	Syracuse (AHL)	FA(3/22)	61	7	20	27	26
7	Hugo Alnefelt	G	22	6-3/195	Syracuse (AHL)	`19(71st)	30	14	8	2.76	0.893
8	Jack Finley	C	21	6-6/215	Syracuse (AHL)	`20(57th)	52	13	19	32	29
9	Dylan Duke	LW	21	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	`21(126th)	41	26	23	49	30
10	Daniil Pylenkov	D	23	6-1/195	Dynamo Moskva (KHL)	`21(196th)	67	7	22	29	18
11	Dyllan Gill	D	19	6-1/180	Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)	`22(223rd)	12	1	8	9	2
12	Jayson Shaugabay	RW	18	5-9/155	Green Bay (USHL)	`23(115th)	62	15	40	55	12
13	Lucas Edmonds	RW	23	5-10/180	Syracuse (AHL)	`22(86th)	45	9	7	16	6
14	Connor Kurth	RW	20	5-11/205	Minnesota (B1G)	`22(192nd)	37	7	14	21	14
15	Roman Schmidt	D	21	6-5/210	Kit-Kgn (OHL)	`21(96th)	47	8	24	32	62

1. Ethan Gauthier, RW, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

Ethan Gauthier, the son of former NHL defender Denis Gauthier and the 37th overall pick in last year’s draft, had another successful season in the QMJHL, this time with Drummondville after an offseason trade. The physically assertive forward plays a pro-style game that revolves around being able to earn touches between the hash marks. He drives the net, forechecks hard, and has continued to round out his game as a two-way player. He also shoots the puck well and his goal-scoring ability is the component of his offensive arsenal that likely translates the best to the pro level. To be an effective pro, he continues to work on his skating, working to become more explosive and agile. He’ll return to the QMJHL next season and should be one of the league’s top forwards as a 20-year-old. Depending on the development of his off puck play and skating, he could be NHL ready, sooner, rather than later.

2. Isaac Howard, LW, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Isaac Howard, the team’s only first round selection in the last four years, had a terrific sophomore season after hitting the transfer portal last offseason. Howard shifted from Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State, and it had a very positive impact on his development. He led the Spartans in scoring this year and also played a crucial role for the United States at the WJC’s, helping them capture gold. He was noticeably stronger on the puck this year, helping him take greater advantage of his strong skating ability to generate scoring chances. He’s a very dangerous player on the counterattack, and despite his low goal total at Michigan State, actually possesses high upside as a goal scorer because of his quick release. Howard will return to Michigan State next year as a junior and he should be considered a preseason candidate for the Hobey Baker. Without question, he has the highest upside of any player in Tampa’s system.

3. Niko Huuhtanen, RW, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Niko Huuhtanen has continued on the terrific development path that he started after a breakout season with Everett of the WHL in 2022. Last year he was the rookie of the year in Liiga and this year he led Jukurit in scoring. The big, power forward remains unsigned, but there has to be a strong chance that he signs soon and plays next year in North America again. Huuhtanen is a throwback power winger who plays a very heavy game. He’s a relentless physical player who is still learning how to walk the line in terms of discipline. However, he is most effective when he plays the power game, dominating the wall and the net front area. He is a prolific goal scorer too, thanks to a very heavy release and one timer. His positive development curve has put him on a path to become a quality middle six option for the Lightning in the near future.

4. Gage Goncalves, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

It’s been a long road for Goncalves. The former WHL standout has now played three seasons in the AHL, improving in each of them. He led Syracuse in scoring by a significant margin this year and finally earned a cup of coffee with the Lightning. The two-way pivot has proven to be a versatile pro. He plays an intelligent game at both ends, excelling on and off the puck. His attention to detail as a defensive player is likely going to be the thing that gets him into the NHL in a depth role before he carves out a larger one. As an offensive player, his vision and playmaking ability stand out most. He understands how to alter pace to manipulate defenses and is hard on pucks to help his line prolong offensive zone time. Next year, He will need to pass through waivers in order to go to the AHL, so it seems likely that if he has a good camp, he will be given a bottom six role.

5. Max Crozier, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

The Lightning have to be ecstatic about what Max Crozier has shown this year after turning pro. Earlier this season he did not look out of place in Tampa Bay when the Lightning were having serious injury issues on the blueline. Closing out the year in the AHL, he has been a near point per game defender. Full of confidence, we’re seeing the full scope of the impact that he can have on the game at both ends. The 6’ 2”, right shot defender is one of those players who does a lot of things well. He defends well thanks to an aggressive approach, a long reach, and good mobility. He takes away space from opposing forwards and defends tight spaces well thanks to his physical assertiveness. He makes a clean exit pass and has flashed an ability to quarterback the powerplay, with a strong ability to get shots through traffic. While he might not have significant NHL upside, he can be a stable #4 or 5 defender for many years.

6. Declan Carlile, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

A second-year pro after a strong performance at Merrimack College, Carlile is a standout in the defensive end. He projects as a quality stay at home defender at the NHL level and he may be ready for an NHL roster spot as early as next season. He possesses the size. He has the reach. He is mobile. He brings physicality. He owns an active stick, but is also aggressive in taking away space. Carlile looks like someone who can help anchor a penalty killing unit in the NHL. As an offensive player, his heavy point shot helps to generate scoring chances or goals and he can make a good exit pass, but he is at his best when he keeps things simple. Much like Max Crozier, he looks like a long time NHL defender for Tampa Bay, but probably tops out as a third pairing type.

7. Hugo Alnefelt, G, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Expectations were pretty high for Alnefelt a few years ago when he made the jump from the SHL to the AHL in Tampa’s system. At the time, he was considered one of the top European goaltending prospects. Since then, his development has stagnated to a certain degree. He hasn’t been awful for Syracuse, but he also hasn’t shown the kind of growth you would expect from a future NHL netminder. He has the tools to be one, but consistency has remained an issue for him. However, without much else in the system at the moment, Alnefelt remains the team’s top option for the future behind Vasilevsky. He will compete for the back-up job next year but does still have another year of waiver eligibility remaining. That means he probably returns to Syracuse, where Tampa will be hoping he finally takes that next step as one of the AHL’s top netminders.

8. Jack Finley, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

The massive center has taken a nice step forward in his second pro season with Syracuse. Teams have to be patient with bigger forwards as they grow into their frame and he has been no different. He dominated down low at the WHL level before turning pro but had to continue to upgrade his strength and conditioning in order to do that at the AHL level. Behind the net is his office and he has very good vision coming off the wall and the cycle. Finley has also had to adjust to the pace of the pro game, especially as an only average skater. He’s likely still a bit away from making an impact in Tampa Bay, but the Lightning have to be hoping that he can continue to develop into an Adam Lowry kind of high end third line center in the future.

9. Dylan Duke, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

On a Michigan team full of potential front end NHL players, Duke stood out consistently for all the right reasons this year, finishing third in scoring and first in goals on the Wolverines. It was a very promising junior season for the diminutive pivot. He has always been a highly skilled playmaker who creates time and space for himself with his hands, but upgrades to his strength, off puck play, shot, and skating really upgraded his projection as a pro. Somewhat surprisingly, Duke decided to turn pro, signing with Tampa Bay recently. It might have been wise for him to return to Michigan to continue to upgrade his physical tools; he would have had a shot at being one of the better players in college hockey next year. While he may still be a bit of a long shot given his lack of high-end physical tools, his upside remains intriguing. Outside of Isaac Howard, no one in this system has the offensive upside that he possesses.

10. Daniil Pylenkov, D, Dynamo Moskva (KHL)

Daniil Pylenkov’s development has been steady since the Lightning drafted him in 2021 in his second last year of eligibility. Now 23, Pylenkov has emerged as one of the top young defensemen in the KHL. He still has a year remaining on his KHL deal so he won’t be coming over next year, but after that? He could be an option for Tampa as a bottom pairing defender. Pylenkov is certainly not a flashy player. However, he’s a very crafty one. He makes a clean exit. He is a great stick on puck defender. He makes sound decisions with his reads with and without the puck. His NHL upside is likely limited, but the progression of his offensive game in the KHL does suggest that his projection could continue to improve.

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

2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 200 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 25 May 2024 17:02:31 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first is following the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft.

Subscribers can link to the listing here

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17
31	Brad Lambert	Wpg	C	20	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	64	21	34	55	38
32	Ivan Miroshnichenko	Wsh	LW	20	6-1/185	Washington (NHL)	21	2	4	6	6
33	Axel Sandin Pellikka	Det	D	19	5-11/180	Skelleftea (SHL)	39	10	8	18	17
34	Bradly Nadeau	Car	LW	18	5-10/165	Maine (HE)	37	19	27	46	12
35	Joshua Roy	Mtl	RW	20	6-0/190	Montreal (NHL)	23	4	5	9	0
36	Denton Mateychuk	CBJ	D	19	5-11/190	Moose Jaw (WHL)	52	17	58	75	31
37	Brayden Yager	Pit	C	19	5-11/165	Moose Jaw (WHL)	57	35	60	95	20
38	Calum Ritchie	Col	C	19	6-2/185	Oshawa (OHL)	50	28	52	80	20
39	Joakim Kemell	Nsh	RW	20	5-10/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	67	16	25	41	23
40	Colby Barlow	Wpg	LW	19	6-0/195	Owen Sound (OHL)	50	40	18	58	27
41	Jimmy Snuggerud	StL	RW	19	6-1/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	21	13	34	42
42	Matthew Coronato	Cgy	RW	21	5-10/183	Calgary (NHL)	34	3	6	9	4
43	Frank Nazar	Chi	C	20	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	41	17	24	41	18
44	Riley Heidt	Min	C	19	5-10/180	Prince George (WHL)	66	37	80	117	42
45	Logan Mailloux	Mtl	D	21	6-3/215	Laval (AHL)	72	14	33	47	91
46	Sebastian Cossa	Det	G	21	6-6/229	Grand Rapids (AHL)	40	22	9	2.41	0.913
47	Jagger Firkus	Sea	RW	20	5-10/155	Moose Jaw (WHL)	63	61	65	126	30
48	Mikhail Gulyayev	Col	D	19	5-11/170	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	64	4	8	12	8
49	Scott Morrow	Car	D	21	6-2/195	Massachusetts (HE)	37	6	24	30	25
50	Matthew Wood	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/195	Connecticut (HE)	35	16	12	28	43
51	Quentin Musty	SJ	LW	18	6-2/200	Sudbury (OHL)	53	43	59	102	72
52	Jacob Fowler	Mtl	G	19	6-1/215	Boston College (HE)	39	32	6	2.14	0.926
53	Fabian Lysell	Bos	RW	21	5-11/181	Providence (AHL)	56	15	35	50	37
54	Shakir Mukhamadullin	SJ	D	22	6-3/180	San Jose (AHL)	55	7	27	34	24
55	Josh Doan	Ari	RW	22	6-1/183	Arizona (NHL)	11	5	4	9	0
56	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	22	5-9/180	San Jose (NHL)	27	6	5	11	18
57	Lian Bichsel	Dal	D	19	6-6/233	Rogle (SHL)	29	2	2	4	28
58	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	24	5-10/180	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	42	11	24	35	30
59	Aatu Raty	Van	C	21	6-2/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	72	18	34	52	18
60	Oliver Moore	Chi	C	19	5-11/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	9	24	33	8
61	Samuel Honzek	Cgy	LW	19	6-4/186	Vancouver (WHL)	33	10	21	31	18
62	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	23	5-9/170	Calgary (NHL)	13	1	2	3	2
63	Seamus Casey	NJ	D	20	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	7	38	45	14
64	Tristan Luneau	Ana	D	20	6-1/195	Anaheim (NHL)	7	1	2	3	4
65	Chaz Lucius	Wpg	C	20	6-1/185	Manitoba (AHL)	17	2	11	13	6
66	Gavin Brindley	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	25	28	53	28
67	Easton Cowan	Tor	RW	18	5-10/170	London (OHL)	54	34	62	96	64
68	Zachary L'Heureux	Nsh	LW	20	5-11/195	Milwaukee (AHL)	66	19	29	48	197
69	Carson Rehkopf	Sea	LW	19	6-1/195	Kitchener (OHL)	60	52	43	95	45
70	Filip Bystedt	SJ	C	20	6-4/205	Linkopings (SHL)	47	8	9	17	2
71	Ville Koivunen	Pit	LW	20	6-0/175	Karpat (Fin-Liiga)	59	22	34	56	26
72	Noah Ostlund	Buf	C	20	5-11/163	Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)	38	12	11	23	4
73	Ethan Del Mastro	Chi	D	21	6-4/210	Rockford (AHL)	69	7	30	37	54
74	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	22	5-10/180	Henderson (AHL)	58	4	16	20	33
75	Liam Ohgren	Min	LW	20	6-1/200	Farjestads (SHL)	26	12	7	19	12
76	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	21	5-11/175	Minnesota (NHL)	16	1	3	4	6
77	Mackie Samoskevich	Fla	RW	21	5-11/190	Charlotte (AHL)	62	22	32	54	24
78	Stanislav Svozil	CBJ	D	21	6-1/180	Cleveland (AHL)	57	5	18	23	24
79	Zachary Bolduc	StL	LW	21	6-1/175	St. Louis (NHL)	25	5	4	9	6
80	Rutger McGroarty	Wpg	LW	20	6-1/200	Michigan (B1G)	36	16	36	52	6
81	Jani Nyman	Sea	RW	19	6-3/215	Ilves (Fin-Liiga)	48	26	17	43	2
82	Andrew Cristall	Wsh	LW	19	5-9/165	Kelowna (WHL)	62	40	71	111	46
83	Oliver Bonk	Phi	D	19	6-2/175	London (OHL)	60	24	43	67	32
84	Fraser Minten	Tor	C	19	6-1/185	Kam-Sas (WHL)	43	22	26	48	25
85	Tanner Molendyk	Nsh	D	19	5-11/185	Saskatoon (WHL)	50	10	46	56	18
86	David Goyette	Sea	C	20	5-10/175	Sudbury (OHL)	68	40	77	117	29
87	David Edstrom	SJ	C	19	6-3/185	Frolunda (SHL)	44	7	12	19	8
88	Anton Wahlberg	Buf	C	18	6-3/194	Malmo (SHL)	43	5	5	10	4
89	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	22	5-9/185	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	61	5	27	32	66
90	Trey Augustine	Det	G	19	6-1/185	Michigan State (B1G)	35	23	9	2.96	0.915
91	Theo Lindstein	StL	D	19	6-0/180	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	49	4	11	15	4
92	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	23	6-7/195	Belleville (AHL)	32	18	9	2.45	0.916
93	Isak Rosen	Buf	RW	21	6-0/175	Rochester (AHL)	67	20	30	50	12
94	Maveric Lamoureux	Ari	D	20	6-7/214	Drummondville (QMJHL)	39	9	24	33	53
95	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	21	6-2/180	Rockford (AHL)	38	18	16	2.65	0.906
96	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	23	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	41	10	17	27	24
97	Carter Mazur	Det	LW	22	6-0/170	Grand Rapids (AHL)	60	17	20	37	48
98	Otto Stenberg	StL	C	18	5-11/180	Frolunda (SHL)	31	3	3	6	8
99	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	LW	23	6-3/205	Milwaukee (AHL)	56	27	27	54	60
100	Nikita Chibrikov	Wpg	RW	21	5-10/170	Manitoba (AHL)	70	17	30	47	53
101	Zach Dean	StL	C	21	6-0/175	Springfield (AHL)	49	9	5	14	24
102	William Dufour	NYI	RW	22	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	55	15	10	25	35
103	Sam Rinzel	Chi	D	19	6-4/180	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	26	28	20
104	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	22	6-2/185	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	45	25	12	2.16	0.921
105	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	23	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	50	19	19	38	8
106	Corson Ceulemans	CBJ	D	20	6-2/200	Cleveland (AHL)	47	3	9	12	12
107	Michael Hrabal	Ari	G	19	6-6/209	Massachusetts (HE)	30	16	12	2.59	0.912
108	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	22	5-11/180	Vegas (NHL)	15	2	6	8	2
109	Owen Pickering	Pit	D	20	6-4/180	Swift Current (WHL)	59	7	39	46	35
110	Owen Beck	Mtl	C	20	5-11/185	Pbo-Sag (OHL)	57	34	47	81	18
111	William Wallinder	Det	D	21	6-4/190	Grand Rapids (AHL)	65	3	12	15	10
112	Xavier Bourgault	Edm	C	21	6-0/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	55	8	12	20	24
113	Jordan Dumais	CBJ	RW	20	5-8/165	Halifax (QMJHL)	21	16	31	47	6
114	Aleksi Heimosalmi	Car	D	20	5-11/170	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	47	2	14	16	12
115	Brandon Bussi	Bos	G	25	6-4/218	Providence (AHL)	41	23	10	2.67	0.913
116	Jackson Blake	Car	RW	20	5-10/160	North Dakota (NCHC)	40	22	38	60	26
117	Erik Portillo	LA	G	23	6-6/210	Ontario (AHL)	39	24	11	2.50	0.918
118	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	22	5-8/175	Laval (AHL)	47	9	19	28	10
119	Kasper Halttunen	SJ	RW	18	6-3/205	London (OHL)	57	32	29	61	61
120	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	22	5-11/165	Toronto (AHL)	68	8	31	39	43
121	Ethan Gauthier	TB	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	64	36	35	71	42
122	Daniil Miromanov	Cgy	D	26	6-4/200	VGK-Cgy (NHL)	24	3	4	7	8
123	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	23	5-8/155	Bridgeport (AHL)	69	18	32	50	30
124	Shai Buium	Det	D	21	6-3/210	Denver (NCHC)	43	7	29	36	14
125	Jakub Dobes	Mtl	G	22	6-3/200	Laval (AHL)	51	24	18	2.93	0.906
126	Oliver Kapanen	Mtl	C	20	6-0/170	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	51	14	20	34	32
127	Danny Nelson	NYI	C	18	6-3/200	Notre Dame (B1G)	30	9	14	23	32
128	Lenni Hameenaho	NJ	RW	19	6-0/175	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	46	14	17	31	10
129	Nick Lardis	Chi	LW	18	5-11/165	Brantford (OHL)	37	29	21	50	12
130	Ty Nelson	Sea	D	20	5-10/195	North Bay (OHL)	54	16	36	52	50
131	Isaac Howard	TB	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	36	8	28	36	10
132	Fyodor Svechkov	Nsh	C	21	6-0/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	57	16	23	39	18
133	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	21	6-1/196	Calgary (AHL)	23	3	10	13	22
134	Reid Schaefer	Nsh	LW	20	6-3/215	Milwaukee (AHL)	63	7	14	21	39
135	Zack Ostapchuk	Ott	C	20	6-3/205	Belleville (AHL)	69	17	11	28	47
136	Nathan Gaucher	Ana	C	20	6-3/207	San Diego (AHL)	72	10	15	25	68
137	Rodwin Dionicio	Ana	D	20	6-2/207	Wsr-Sag (OHL)	60	25	48	73	108
138	Eduard Sale	Sea	LW	19	6-1/170	Bar-Kit (OHL)	49	15	23	38	8
139	Danil Gushchin	SJ	RW	22	5-8/165	San Jose (AHL)	56	20	34	54	24
140	Sean Behrens	Col	D	21	5-10/175	Denver (NCHC)	44	4	27	31	53
141	Christian Kyrou	Dal	D	20	5-10/170	Texas (AHL)	57	8	15	23	22
142	Niklas Kokko	Sea	G	20	6-3/185	Pelicans (Fin-Liiga)	13	9	0	1.49	0.926
143	Vasily Ponomarev	Pit	C	22	5-10/180	Tuc-Chi-WBS (AHL)	45	9	21	30	16
144	Ryan Winterton	Sea	RW	20	6-2/190	Coachella Valley (AHL)	58	22	13	35	23
145	Dmitri Buchelnikov	Det	LW	20	5-10/165	Admiral Vladivostok (KHL)	55	13	16	29	8
146	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	Sea	C	19	6-0/165	HV 71 (SHL)	50	9	12	21	6
147	Aku Raty	Ari	RW	22	6-1/190	Tucson (AHL)	55	15	29	44	22
148	Matyas Sapovaliv	VGK	C	20	6-3/180	Saginaw (OHL)	54	19	43	62	22
149	Georgii Merkulov	Bos	C	23	5-11/175	Providence (AHL)	67	30	35	65	20
150	Topias Vilen	NJ	D	21	6-1/195	Utica (AHL)	54	2	27	29	16
151	Ryan Chesley	Wsh	D	20	6-0/200	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	6	8	19
152	Jayden Perron	Car	RW	19	5-9/165	North Dakota (NCHC)	39	11	7	18	8
153	Tristen Robins	SJ	C	22	5-10/175	San Jose (AHL)	42	7	11	18	12
154	Calle Odelius	NYI	D	19	6-0/190	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	10	0	4	4	2
155	Vincent Iorio	Wsh	D	21	6-2/190	Hershey (AHL)	60	4	10	14	30
156	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	23	6-4/215	Bakersfield (AHL)	66	28	22	50	64
157	Ronnie Attard	Phi	D	25	6-3/210	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	48	10	17	27	37
158	Niko Huuhtanen	TB	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	52	19	27	46	46
159	Carson Bjarnason	Phi	G	18	6-3/185	Brandon (WHL)	46	24	17	3.01	0.907
160	Lukas Dragicevic	Sea	D	19	6-1/190	Tri-City (WHL)	66	14	36	50	52
161	Leevi Merilainen	Ott	G	21	6-2/160	Belleville (AHL)	24	10	9	2.87	0.906
162	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	22	6-4/200	Belleville (AHL)	53	5	16	21	51
163	Hunter Brzustewicz	Cgy	D	19	5-11/185	Kitchener (OHL)	67	13	79	92	24
164	Ryan Greene	Chi	C	20	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	40	12	24	36	6
165	Damian Clara	Ana	G	19	6-6/214	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	34	25	8	2.23	0.913
166	Carson Lambos	Min	D	21	6-1/200	Iowa (AHL)	69	4	10	14	64
167	Denver Barkey	Phi	C	19	5-8/160	London (OHL)	64	35	67	102	28
168	Gage Goncalves	TB	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	69	13	45	58	43
169	Arshdeep Bains	Van	LW	23	6-0/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	59	16	39	55	28
170	Bogdan Konyushkov	Mtl	D	21	5-11/175	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	65	6	22	28	18
171	Alexei Kolosov	Phi	G	22	6-1/185	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	47	22	21	2.39	0.907
172	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	24	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	50	43	19	62	26
173	Filip Mesar	Mtl	C	20	5-9/175	Kitchener (OHL)	45	19	33	52	12
174	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	23	6-3/200	Hartford (AHL)	68	4	17	21	49
175	Adam Engstrom	Mtl	D	20	6-2/185	Rogle (SHL)	51	4	18	22	4
176	Michael Buchinger	StL	D	20	5-11/185	Guelph (OHL)	52	10	37	47	37
177	Semyon Chistyakov	Nsh	D	22	5-11/180	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	59	4	20	24	16
178	John Farinacci	Bos	C	23	5-11/197	Providence (AHL)	71	12	26	38	16
179	Angus Crookshank	Ott	LW	24	5-10/180	Belleville (AHL)	50	24	22	46	60
180	Yegor Sidorov	Ana	RW	19	6-0/180	Saskatoon (WHL)	66	50	38	88	66
181	Samu Tuomaala	Phi	RW	21	5-10/175	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	69	15	28	43	12
182	Logan Morrison	Sea	C	21	6-0/180	Coachella Valley (AHL)	64	16	25	41	4
183	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	21	5-11/175	Colorado (AHL)	26	4	10	14	18
184	Adam Gajan	Chi	G	19	6-3/167	Green Bay (USHL)	43	23	12	3.35	0.893
185	Nolan Allan	Chi	D	21	6-2/195	Rockford (AHL)	60	5	12	17	47
186	Oskar Olausson	Col	RW	21	6-1/180	Colorado (AHL)	39	11	9	20	24
187	Samuel Poulin	Pit	C	23	6-1/205	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	41	16	15	31	35
188	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	21	5-9/165	Hartford (AHL)	71	25	23	48	62
189	Colton Dach	Chi	C	21	6-4/205	Rockford (AHL)	48	11	15	26	39
190	Jack Thompson	SJ	D	22	6-0/180	Syr-SJ (AHL)	62	6	35	41	16
191	Riley Kidney	Mtl	C	21	5-11/170	Laval (AHL)	65	7	13	20	41
192	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	21	6-3/195	Belleville (AHL)	22	9	11	20	22
193	Carey Terrance	Ana	C	18	6-1/175	Erie (OHL)	56	29	23	52	25
194	Luca Del Bel Belluz	CBJ	C	20	6-1/185	Cleveland (AHL)	58	9	22	31	12
195	Luca Pinelli	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Ottawa (OHL)	68	48	34	82	44
196	Francesco Pinelli	LA	C	21	6-1/185	Ontario (AHL)	67	13	7	20	24
197	Elias Salomonsson	Wpg	D	19	6-1/185	Skelleftea (SHL)	31	2	9	11	58
198	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	21	6-2/205	Western Michigan (NCHC)	38	24	19	43	23
199	Sasha Pastujov	Ana	RW	20	6-0/185	San Diego (AHL)	46	10	13	23	14
200	Andrew Gibson	Det	D	19	6-3/195	Saul St. Marie (OHL)	68	12	32	44	58