Isac Hedqvist – McKeen's Hockey

2026 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART THREE – EUROPE – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:43:17 +0000

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

For those unfamiliar, North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. In the last decade, NHL scouts have increased the rate with which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European based players especially attractive. Additionally, CHL players may now be deemed more “intriguing” because of the altered NCAA eligibility rules. NHL teams can draft overage players and retain their rights after they go to college for a few years, expanding their signing and development window. However, these players have had a lot of success in recent years too. Look around the league and you see these players everywhere. For example, Former Calgary Flames, now Utah Mammoth standout defender Mackenzie Weegar was one. Ottawa Senators standout forward Drake Batherson was one. So too was Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck.

Last year, ten “re-entry” candidates went in the top four rounds: Charlie Cerrato, Francesco Dell’Elce, Bryce Pickford, Kristian Epperson, Julius Sumpf, Trenten Bennett, Benjamin Rautianinen, Yegor Borikov, Caeden Herrington, and Zack Sharp. Cerrato was taken inside the Top 50. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1): (Part 2): (Part 3): We wrote about nine of those ten. In total there were 37 taken, which is a bit lower than the recent trend of other drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). I would suspect that bounces back this year. Additionally, of those 37, we identified and wrote about 22 (well over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2026, we have some very interesting candidates. Edmonton Oil Kings defender Ethan MacKenzie was a solid contributor for Canada’s WJC team this past year. Brandon Wheat Kings forward Joby Baumuller has been among the WHL’s leading goal scorers all year. Prince Albert netminder Michal Orsulak has been among the best goaltenders in the CHL this year. Moncton winger Niko Tournas has been among the QMJHL’s leading goal scorers all year. Russian defenseman Alexander Sapozhinkov is a massive blueliner who has broken out in the MHL and earned a KHL look. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

This is part three of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from across Europe. - Brock Otten

Sweden

Luleås Oliwer Sjöström 27 March 2026 i Luleå.
Photo: Simon Eliasson / BILDBYRÅN

Oliwer Sjöström - Defense - IF Björklöven (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Sjöström returns to the draft after going unselected last year, following a season that has brought him back into consideration through clear progression at the professional level. How his game would translate against men was a question coming out of last year’s draft, but his loan to Björklöven has helped answer that. Playing consistent minutes in HockeyAllsvenskan, he has recorded 26 points in 46 games while showing increased confidence with the puck and contributing offensively at a steady rate. His progression is most noticeable in his puck play and composure. He looks more comfortable handling pressure and making decisions in transition, supporting possession without forcing plays. His offensive impact comes more from puck movement and timing than high-end creativity. His strengths are built around mobility, awareness, and puck-moving ability. Areas for improvement remain on the physical side, as added strength would help him handle battles more consistently. His size may also present challenges at the NHL level, which remains a concern given his style of play in defensive situations. From a projection standpoint, Sjöström most realistically profiles as a depth NHL defenseman, likely requiring a longer development path through the SHL or AHL. Based on his progression this season, I would consider him a late round option. (Viktor Ahlund)

Oliver Dejbjerg Larsen - Wing/Center - Rögle BK U20 (U20 Nationell)

A major jump in production has put Dejbjerg-Larsen back on the radar for this year’s draft, as he led the entire U20 series in points. After recording 16 points last year, he followed it up with 53 points in 36 games this season, including 20 goals and 33 assists, a level of production that has been above my expectations. His offensive development has been a key part of his progression, both in his production and overall involvement in the offensive zone. His release has also taken a step forward, adding another layer to his offensive game. He plays with good mobility and is effective with the puck, helping move play forward and support transitions without doing too much with the puck. There are clear signs of offensive upside, particularly in how he finds space. Areas for improvement remain in his physical play and consistency in defensive situations, where added strength is still needed. There is also a question of how well his offensive game will translate to the professional level, which is something to keep an eye on. At this stage, Dejbjerg-Larsen profiles as a long-term project. Despite his strong production at the junior level, a top six role at the highest level is unlikely, and his transition to the professional game will play a key role in determining what type of role he can grow into. After a strong season with Rögle’s U20 and solid performances with Denmark at the WJC, he could draw late round interest. (Viktor Ahlund)

Isac Hedqvist - Wing/Center - Luleå HF (SHL)

Another year, another Isac Hedqvist feature in our overager report. What more can we say about the pure-bred puck-hound from Örnsköldsvik? He’s played over 100 games and counting at the SHL level, even winning the 2025 SHL championship as an everyday bottom six. This year, Hedqvist has played on Luleå’s first line and set a new career high in goals, points, and games played. The physicality, the quickness, the intensity, and the inside drive haven’t gone anywhere. He kills penalties. His offensive capabilities have taken another step. Even when nothing is going for him, Hedqvist is a spark plug that can inject any line with energy. He’s got a great personality, too. If he were two inches taller, he’d have been picked in his first year of eligibility. It’s tough to make it as an NHL bottom six as a 5’11”, 174lbs winger. He’s not skilled enough for a top six role, either. Even if he doesn’t have a clear-cut, projectable role, Hedqvist is wired the right way for the NHL. All he needs in an opportunity to show the league what he can do out on the ice. (Felix Robbins)

Felix Carell - Defense - Malmö Redhawks (SHL)

Carell has had a true breakout year in his DY+2. He’s nabbed a role as an SHL regular despite no prior pro experience. He was also selected to Sweden’s WJC team that won gold, where he featured in every match and occasionally played top pair minutes. Again, despite no prior national team experience. It’s no secret as to why. Carell has matured both physically and mentally since his first year of eligibility, playing a competitive and physical brand of defence that all defence cores need. His skating looks smooth and he’s mobile in all directions. His passing and up-ice vision look solid at the SHL level, and he gets the breakout started with ease. He’s alert and aware in the defensive zone, stifling zone entries and retrieving pucks with his head on a swivel. There are no surprises in Carell's game. His offensive upside is limited, but he does everything you need a defensive defenceman to do. In a couple years, Carell could be a solid depth defenceman that a team can plug into their lineup for some extra jam. (Felix Robbins)

Isac Nilsson - Wing - Malmo (SHL)

Nilsson has worked his way back into draft consideration, showing steady progression this season at the professional level. In 44 SHL games with Malmö, he recorded eight points while adjusting to a higher level of competition, managing the pace and structure better than expected. His development is most noticeable in how he handles pace and pressure at the SHL level. He looks more settled in his decisions with the puck and plays with better timing in transition. It’s clear that he has added strength to his game, both in physical play and as a puck carrier, which was an area of concern for me last season. He brings value through his work rate, awareness, and dependable two-way game. Areas for improvement remain in his physical development and overall offensive ceiling, as he lacks separation ability and finishing consistency. Looking ahead, Nilsson most realistically profiles as a depth forward, requiring continued development at the professional level. Nilsson could fill a role as a checking line player and I would consider him a late round option, and if available in rounds 6–7, I would take a chance on him from a long-term development perspective. (Viktor Ahlund)

Herman Liv - Goaltender - Almtuna (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Liv began the season on loan to Almtuna in HockeyAllsvenskan, where he has adapted well to the professional level and taken positive steps in his development. In 25 games, he’s posted a 2.35 GAA and a .916 save percentage while adjusting to the higher level of competition. His development is most noticeable in his positioning and overall calmness in net, something his father was known for as well. His rebound control has also improved, limiting second-chance opportunities, an area that showed some inconsistency in my viewings last season. He brings value through his positioning and puck tracking, though improvements in explosiveness are needed. He’s also somewhat undersized for the position, though smaller goaltenders have shown they can succeed at the NHL level. Looking ahead, Liv most realistically profiles as a long-term goaltender, likely requiring time at the professional level. His ceiling is most likely projects to the SHL or AHL level, but the path for goaltenders is rarely straightforward, and extended time in top European leagues or the AHL has often proven to be a path toward NHL opportunities. Based on his progression, I would consider him a late round option, where a team could take a chance on him long term. (Viktor Ahlund)

Romeo Edvardsen Sørensen - Wing - Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Just 4 days shy of being a 1st time eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Sorensen has scored the lights out in his 2nd year of U20 Nationell play and seized an everyday role in the HockeyAllsvenskan. The physical tools make it easy to see where Sørensen could be plugged into an NHL lineup, similar to how he’s used currently with Mora. His motor, his frame, and his physicality have made him a solid bottom 6 checker. His hard and accurate shot has earned him PP time as well. His skating has improved since last season, though he could still use some more quickness. While he's had some highlight reel moments with the puck on his stick at the pro level, Sørensen hasn’t been able to consistently display the soft skill that he has in juniors. For him to tap into that upside, he’ll have to learn to read and process the game quicker at the pro level. The hope is that this improves with more reps. If you leave him to marinate in Sweden for a couple years, Sørensen could be a physical bottom 6 winger with goalscoring upside. (Felix Robbins)

Philip Hemmyr - Wing/Center - Björklöven IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

After flying completely under the radar in his draft season, homegrown Hemmyr has taken a big step in his hockey career by torching the U20 and earning himself a depth role with Björklöven’s senior team — the best team in the HockeyAllsvenskan. He typically plays down the middle in juniors, but he’s still learning the position at the pro level from the wing. He’s grown an inch or so and has added some quickness to his skating. Hemmyr has always been a solid two-way player, but he’s able to read the game and play intelligently off puck at the pro level already. His off-puck work ethic is great as well, although he needs to fill out before he’s much of a problem on the forecheck. Offensively, Hemmyr hasn’t been able to pull off his playmaking ideas very often at the pro level. However, he’s shown the ability to find soft ice and pounce on pucks around the net (even if it hasn’t shown up on the scoreboard). Hemmyr is an interesting bet to make if you want a bottom 6 two-way forward, but he’s got to marinate in Sweden for a couple more years. (Felix Robbins)

Leo Sundqvist - Wing - Brynäs IF (SHL)

While he may not profile as your typical over-ager target (undersized, not the highest skill level, not scoring at the pro level), Sundqvist is wired exactly how I like my undersized forwards to play: Speedy, feisty, physical, and shoots the lights out. The straight-line speed is great, even for a forward his size. He’s putting up a ton of points as a top 6 in the U20 despite not having the greatest puck skills. His playmaking is fairly practical, but his shot is the best offensive weapon in his arsenal. His play away from the puck is intense and his physical game is that of a forward twice his size. Sundqvist hasn’t been able to lock down an SHL role as of yet. He struggles to read the game at a high level and doesn’t always put himself in the best position. Like with other forwards on this list, the hope is that it improves with reps. If everything breaks right for Sundqvist, he could be a bottom 9 who drives transition play, forechecks, and scores goals. (Felix Robbins)

Finland

Jere Somervuori

Jere Somervuori - Wing - HIFK (Liiga)

Somervuori has evolved from a high-energy U20 complementary piece into a legitimate Liiga-caliber checking prospect. His rise on the draft map is fueled by his adaptation to professional pace where he hasn't just survived the jump to Finland’s top tier, he has maintained his signature "motor" against men. His game is built on explosive skating and a relentless work rate. He is a puck-retrieval specialist who excels on the forecheck and backcheck, using an active stick to disrupt plays. He shows great poise under pressure and is a versatile "Swiss Army Knife" who can play the wing or center while killing penalties. His Hockey IQ cannot be underestimated. He makes good reads and he has a good awareness of where everybody is on the ice. However, his finishing touch and shooting mechanics remain raw. While his intensity helps him win battles, he lacks the heavy physical frame to overpower opponents, relying instead on positioning and effort. He projects as a reliable bottom-six NHL energy forward at best or a high-end Liiga specialist. His young age for a draft-plus-one skater makes him an intriguing "swing" pick in the middle-to-late rounds for a team valuing defensive responsibility and pace. (Jeremy Rivet)

Leo Tuuva - Wing - Lukko (Liiga)

Tuuva’s draft stock has fluctuated significantly. After a hot start that showcased his offensive skill and power-play utility, his production cooled off in Liiga action. He remains on the radar due to his size and flashes of high-end playmaking, but questions about his consistency and heavy game have caused him to slide recently. Tuuva possesses dynamic hands and a precise shot, particularly effective from the half-wall on the power play. He is a shifty puck carrier who uses weight shifts to create lanes. However, his skating mechanics lack depth and explosiveness, which limits his ability to win 50/50 battles. There is a tendency to play too much on the perimeter in his game. He often avoids the dirty areas of the ice, and his compete level can appear inconsistent when the game turns physical. A boom-or-bust offensive prospect. If his skating improves and he learns to use his 6’01” frame to drive the middle, he could be a middle-six scoring winger. Without those adjustments, he risks becoming a career European pro who struggles with the pace of the North American game. (Jeremy Rivet)

Niklas Nykyri - Defense - HIFK (Liiga)/KooKoo (Liiga)

Nykyri has successfully transitioned to the Liiga level by simplifying his game and leaning into his hockey IQ. He has moved from a flashy U20 defender to a poised, puck-moving professional. His performance at the recent World Juniors has reaffirmed that his vision is among the best in his age group for Finnish defenders. His offensive vision is his calling card. He excels at finding seam passes and threading the needle from the blue line rather than just settling for low-percentage shots. He shows great poise when escaping pressure behind his own net. His weaknesses lie in skating mobility and gap control. While his edges are functional, he can be exposed by high-end speed. His first pass is generally good, but he can become turnover-prone when forced to make decisions under heavy physical pressure. He projects as a modern 3rd pairing puck-moving defenseman at best. His ability to quarterback a second power-play unit and facilitate transitions makes him a candidate for the later rounds of the draft, provided a team believes they can refine his footwork and his pace. (Jeremy Rivet)

Veeti Rasanen - Wing - Jokerit (Mestis)/Jokerit U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

Räsänen has established himself as a premier scoring threat in the Finnish U20 SM-sarja for the past two seasons, forcing his way onto the draft map through sheer offensive production combined with his 6-foot-3 frame. Räsänen is a pure goalscorer with a prototype frame for a modern power winger. His primary weapon is a heavy, deceptive wrist shot with a quick release that beats goalies from distance. He excels at finding soft ice in the offensive zone and is a constant threat on the power play, where he uses his reach and strength to protect pucks. While his offensive instincts are above average, his skating mechanics remain a work in progress. His first-step acceleration is average, which can make it difficult for him to create separation against professional defenders. Additionally, his defensive engagement and off-puck discipline require more consistency to survive at higher levels. He has the potential to become a bottom-six scoring winger with decent offensive upside as well as a versatile player that can play on the penalty kill if he develops his defensive game. Because of his rare combination of size and natural finishing ability, he is an interesting upside target for teams willing to invest in his development. He is likely to be a mid-to-late round pick in 2026, with the potential to rise if his professional transition in Finland continues to show he can score against men. (Jeremy Rivet)

Russia

Semyon Simonov

Semyon Simonov - Wing - Barys Astana (KHL)

After a point-per-game season in the MHL and solid look in the KHL last season, Simonov has adjusted to the pro game well. One of the top U21 producers in the KHL in his D+3 season, he puts up points with a quality shot and good off puck positioning. In transition, he makes himself an option along the wall to gain easy entry to the zone and is focused on putting pucks on net. He can fight off pressure well but he is held back by mediocre skating and a lack of skill. Defensively, he is an active player with a good motor but isn’t always successful at winning his battles. This holds true on the forecheck as well, as he's able to pressure opponents but isn’t quite effective in creating turnovers. A good rush attacker with a solid shot, but im not so sure there is an NHL caliber player here, the skating and skill needs to come a ways to be the middle six complementary winger that he will likely end up as in the KHL. (Mark Doherty)

Ivan Patrikhayev - Defense - CSKA Moskva (KHL)

Patrikhayev has found some more offense since his first draft eligible season. As a smaller puck-moving defenseman this is an important development in his game. He stands out in transition, with clean breakout passes and improved footwork to evade forechecks and maneuver up ice. With more activation and an ability to get shots off from the point, he has become more effective in the offensive end. Defensively, there is a lack of physicality, losing battles in front of the net, and can skate himself out of position at times but generally he has played well, supporting his defensive partner and doing his best to recover loose pucks and push the puck up ice. He likely tops out as a top four two-way puck mover in the KHL, as he lacks any NHL caliber tools. But the progression in his skating and overall two-way play could see him as a late round bet for teams who think there is still room for growth. (Mark Doherty)

Artur Faizov - Wing/Center - Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)

Faizov's game is built around his fast pace of play, high motor, and effectiveness on the rush. At lower levels he dominates, forcing turnovers and creating odd man rushes constantly with his speed. The ability to cut off breakouts, attack opponents along the walls and send passes to the slot when turnovers occur on the half wall make him an exciting player to watch. This rambunctious style of play doesn't disappear at the pro level, as he looks solid in the VHL, but the increased physicality and skill in the KHL has caused some struggles in the second half of the year. His slender frame is an issue, unable to win battles he normally would in juniors, and the skill and speed he shows in juniors looks very pedestrian in the KHL. The details in his game, his ability to read play quickly, and ability to get to the middle of the ice are not translating effectively either. I really enjoy the way he plays, and if he gains muscle and works on the details of his game he can be an energy forward in the NHL one day, but it is a long shot. (Mark Doherty)

Maxim Gusev - Defense - Olimpiya Kirovo-Chepetsk (VHL)

Gusev is a steady puck moving defenseman who shines on the breakout and when joining the rush. His newfound confidence, and improved hockey sense and mobility, allow him to find passing lanes and act the trailing forward, driving the slot on zone entries. He picks his spots to activate tactically, gliding into open space, making sure he has support, and firing off shots from the high slot. With the puck on his stick, he's not a dynamic player, the slow first steps skating keep him from beating forwards one-on-one at the blue line or when he carries the puck himself. He keeps the game simple, drawing in defenders and hitting his teammates with accurate passes. What truly holds him back is the defensive game. He's far too passive and not very physical. The slow first steps lead to him getting burned on the rush, and he fails to pick up open players in front of the net. I like the offensive package as a bottom pair puck mover at the NHL level, but his defensive game needs to really take a step over the next few years. Finding a role in the KHL next year will be very important for his development. (Mark Doherty)

Mikhail Melikov - Wing - MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)

Melikov has had an impressive year in the MHL, at the top of the scoring charts and playing big minutes for a good Dynamo Moskva team. He's been a much more noticeable player this season, forcing turnovers, getting involved in transition, and creating offense. He is able to do this by utilizing his great skating and high motor. The IQ has also taken a big step, he understands where to be on the ice to make himself dangerous and be a pest for opposing players. The offensive skills aren't elite, but the hands and playmaking are good enough to produce when paired with the motor and IQ. There is room to grow with his shot, as he tends to have a slow release, charging up his shots rather than quickly firing it on net. There are also moments of frustration in his body language where he can lose that effort for a few seconds but his intensity doesn't allow him to stay idle for long. I believe there is middle six potential for Melikov and there is a short list of draft eligible Russians that I would take before seriously considering him. (Mark Doherty)

Gleb Burlaka - Wing - Omskie Yastreby (MHL)

As an MHL rookie in his D+1 season Burlaka has garnered some attention with his point per game pace and his combination of skill and energy. A confident puck carrier with strong edges, he opens his hips to turn away from pressure, and his strong frame allows him to fight off checks and wait for passing lanes to open up. He attacks with speed but can slow the play down when necessary. His game is simple and effective, net driven, supportive and physical along the boards with plenty of compete. There is still a bit of rawness to Burlaka and despite the physicality and engagement he struggles to be the one doing the pressuring. Adding some muscle would help him pin players to walls or land heavy hits on the forecheck rather than just bouncing off defenders. The lack of real high-end skill may limit him to a bottom 6 role. He must add some strength to fulfill that, but his style of play and skating ability is a strong foundation that could lead to him getting selected. (Mark Doherty)

Yegor Gusev - Wing - Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL)

Gusev has been very productive in his first full season in the MHL. A solid complimentary piece, he does the dirty work to help his line mates thrive and drives the net to collect rebounds and back door feeds. The workrate is impressive, as he hunts down opponents on the backcheck, is quick to apply pressure on the forecheck, and can muck it up in the corners or along the boards. A solid skating base, he can really get moving when he gets a head of steam, adding to that high motor play style. He is also not one to shy away from blocking shots in the defensive end. With that being said, he is a bit slow when reading play and processing information. Puck watching can be an issue at times and he's not always in good positions or picking the right lanes to attack on the rush. The skill is pretty average but there is a solid shot on him. He's a grinder, a bottom six role isn't out of the question as he's had a great rookie season in the MHL. If his IQ takes a step in the coming seasons he could be a player that coaches adore. (Mark Doherty)

Alexander Sapozhinkov - Defense - Kapitan Stupino (MHL)

A classic old school blueliner. Big, physical, and a booming slap shot. Can erase forwards along the boards and contribute on the forecheck when he activates. His long reach helps him shut down rushes, especially when forwards think they have him beat. Improvement in the offensive zone has led to increased production in the MHL. Simple plays, decent maneuverability along the blue line and finding space to get his powerful slap shot off, makes him an interesting player. The skating stride still needs plenty of work. It's short and choppy at times and he has trouble keeping up with pacey players, but his pivots and lateral mobility have come a long way. His tape at the KHL level was pretty concerning mostly due to his skating deficiencies and ability to make quick reads. At 6-foot-6 he still has time to grow into his body, and with patience, could be a decent depth defensemen in the long run. An interesting project to take a swing on in the later rounds. (Mark Doherty)

Ivan Fomin - Wing - Taifun Primorsky Krai (MHL)

Fomin is having an incredible D+1 season as one of the leading scorers in the MHL, while outscoring the second most productive guy on his team by almost 30 points. The undersized winger is as dynamic as they come. A high-end skater with great top speed, explosive edges and lateral mobility. Dazzling hands allow him to cut through defenses and get to the front of the net consistently. He has naturally grown in these areas but what stands out this season is his IQ and effort. He is all over the ice as is constantly finding himself in the right spots to win races to loose pucks and capitalize on mistakes and rebounds. The relentless motor helps him win board battles and fight hard in front of the net, necessary skills for a player his size. A zone entry machine and very creative passer in all areas of the ice. The concern is the frame and some moments of poor decision making and playing hero hockey. I want to hold my judgement till he can prove himself at the KHL level, but why not take a swing on the skillset in the later rounds and go from there? It's likely he ends up as a top six KHL scorer like Ruslan Iskhakov but there is top 6 upside, and I wouldn't be surprised if he is a future Russian FA target in the mold of a fellow undersized Russian FA target in Maxim Shabanov as he has more pace and energy then Shabonov and Iskhakov. (Mark Doherty)

Central Europe

Tomas Galvas of Czech Republic and Tij Iginla of Canada during the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship semifinal game between Canada and Czech Republic on January 4, 2026 in Saint Paul.
Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN

Tomas Galvas - Defense - Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia)

Tomáš Galvas has taken a clear step forward over the past two seasons, transitioning from a depth role into a more impactful puck-moving defenseman in a pro environment. After posting modest production in 2024–25 (11 points in 43 games), he significantly elevated his offensive output this season, producing at close to a point-per-game pace in limited minutes and carrying that confidence into international play. His biggest driver of progression is his puck play. Galvas is a fluid skater with strong edgework, allowing him to escape pressure and lead controlled exits. He consistently makes quick first passes and shows improved assertiveness activating into the rush. At the World Juniors level, he handled elevated responsibility and contributed offensively, reinforcing his trajectory as a modern transition defenseman. Defensively, he still relies more on positioning and stick detail than strength. He can be outmuscled in net-front situations and will need to add physical maturity to handle pro forechecks consistently. Projection-wise, Galvas is trending toward a puck-moving, second-unit type defenseman. His skating and decision-making give him NHL utility, but his long-term upside will depend on how much strength and defensive reliability he can add. (Marek Novotny)

Matěj Maštalířský - Wing - HC Verva Litvínov (Czechia)

Maštalířský is an offensively capable winger, but he didn't produce enough in the Czech top tier league in the past few years. The second half of the 2025-26 season was much better, although he did play on the worst team in the league. Maštalířský is a smart player who may not stand out at first glance, but he plays a solid two-way game and uses his hockey IQ effectively at both ends of the ice. He works hard and skates well, even though he's not the speediest player on the ice and doesn't strike as an energy guy. The size is decent at 6'1", however, at 176 lbs he could add on some muscle to better withstand physical play. Maštalířský may be an option for the upcoming NHL Draft, he's made some progress over the past few years and the improvement in the second half of the season was notable. He may become a middle-six option in the future but needs to add more muscle. He's smart, a decent skater and plays a reliable two-way game. (Matej Deraj)

Matej Kubiesa - Wing - HC Oceláři Třinec (Czechia)

Matej Kubiesa has worked his way back into draft consideration through increased offensive responsibility and strong production at the professional level this season. Playing in the Chance Liga, he is producing at better than a point-per-game rate, reflecting a more consistent role and greater involvement in offensive situations compared to previous years. His game is centered around off-puck play and finishing ability. Kubiesa reads the offensive zone effectively, finding space between defenders and arriving into scoring areas with good timing. His shot is his most reliable tool, featuring a quick release that allows him to convert chances efficiently, particularly from the slot and faceoff circles. He tends to play a direct style, supporting the puck and finishing plays rather than creating through extended possession. His skating remains average, especially in his first-step acceleration, which limits separation against faster opponents. While he competes, his physical presence is not consistently applied, particularly along the boards. Projection is as a depth winger with secondary scoring upside, with his long-term outlook tied to improvements in pace and consistency. (Marek Novotny)

Tomáš Královič - Defence - HC Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia)

Královič made a huge leap compared to his previous season in the Slovak league, with nearly double the ice time. He was one of the leading scorers among defensemen in the league and even set a new record for most points in a U21 season. Královič has an intriguing profile. He has an ideal size at 6'3", 203 lbs, and plays a very physical game. He is more of an offensive defenseman who likes to join the rush and shoots the puck a ton. His defensive game still needs some polishing, but the overall archetype is very interesting. As a 6-foot-3, right-shot, offensively capable defenseman with some bite to his game, there must be NHL interest. On the downside, Královič is quite short-tempered and tends to take a lot of unnecessary penalties. He also needs to continue improving defensively. His skating is decent, but it's not a standout trait. If Královič isn’t picked as an overager, he will be a strong candidate to sign an NHL contract as a free agent. I see him as a bottom-four option in the future. (Matej Deraj)

Lenny Boos - Wing/Center - Düsseldorfer EG (DEL2)/Youngstown (USHL)

A lightly built player with good wheels and some solid hockey IQ, Boos was a guy we liked in his draft year but knew that neither his domestic nor international experience afforded him any real shot at being a draft consideration. This season, he successfully made his way into a top 9 DEL2 role with several appearances for Bremerhaven in the DEL and Champions Hockey League. His solid WJC performance as Germany’s #1 center, which included a 4-point relegation game performance in a key victory over Denmark, must have opened some eyes because he transferred to the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL shortly - and unexpectedly - thereafter, where he collected 7 points and a + rating in his first 10 outings. The son of a long-time German pro and national team player, we can attest that Boos is very coachable and plays with confidence. Also, he’ll be 19 right on through late November and still has plenty of leeway for physical and skill-related development. (Chapin Landvogt)

Niklas Blessing - Defense - Biel-Bienne (NL)

Blessing continues a trend among Swiss defensemen showing up as overage draft candidates after several years of high-level pro hockey. He wasn’t really on the map in his draft year and then was brought along slowly but soundly in his DY+1, where he saw more time at the NL level than anywhere else. This season, the average sized, yet well-built Blessing has become a full-time NL defenseman with a sound two-way game, often logging over 18 minutes of TOI per night. And it’s been that way all season long, without any lulls, even leading to a top five role at the WJC. His numbers this season have been very much akin to those of Ludvig Johnson, who was drafted as an overager with lesser numbers last summer. (Chapin Landvogt)

Daniil Ustinkov - Defense - Küsnacht Lions (SL)

As a 17-year-old underager, Ustinkov put up 4 points at the U18 worlds and headed into his draft season looking like a top 60 topic. A stocky defenseman whose game we’ve often compared to that of a Dmitry Kulikov, Ustinkov saw his so-so Hlinka Gretzky Cup performance carry with him throughout his draft year, which to his credit was spent primarily playing solid pro hockey at both the SL and NL levels. But defensively weak WJC and U18 Worlds tourneys saw him go undrafted. His DY+1 featured him in a more prominent role at the SL level but without any fanfare and no international performances of note, being left off the WJC squad. This season, he was back at the WJC, where he showed very well for himself (4 assists in 5 games). Further, he’s been one of Küsnacht’s top 3 defenders, suiting up 15 times for NL power Zug along the way. An NL contract is in the bag for next season, and he’ll be 19 right on up through the draft. The multifaceted tools are there for a team wanting low-profile but dependable defensive organizational depth. (Chapin Landvogt)

MCKEEN’S 2025 NHL DRAFT GUIDE FEATURE: TOP SLEEPER PICKS

McKeen's Staff — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:11:28 +0000

One of the questions consistently asked of us on social media is “who are your favourite sleepers this year?” The concept of a draft “sleeper,” or a player currently flying under the radar is something that fascinates many draft followers. Everyone has their favourite, so we asked our scouting team to supply theirs!

Brock Otten - Director of Scouting

Asher Barnett. Photo by Rena Laverty

Asher Barnett - D - USN U18 (USDP) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #160

For a large part of the year, I felt that Barnett was the NTDP’s most reliable defender. It’s part of why he was selected as the U18 captain. I’m not sure his upside is incredibly high, but I think his mobility and two-way sense are good enough for him to develop into a useful third pairing defender in the future; the kind of guy who can help anchor your penalty kill and play 16-17 minutes a night without hurting you. In the middle rounds, you’d be happy to get that kind of organizational depth.

Charlie Paquette - RW - GUELPH (OHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #192

One of the best players in the OHL in the second half of the season. Through the last 40 games of the year, he had 30+ goals. He’s long been a player with significant scoring upside thanks to his size, skill, and better-than-average skating ability, but consistency has been an issue. In his last year of draft eligibility, he finally put it all together and is a very worthy NHL draft selection. There is a path to the NHL for him as a middle-six winger so long as his game continues to develop.

Derek Neumeier - Associate Director of Scouting

Vincent Desjardins - C - BLAINVILLE- BROISBAND (QMJHL)- MCKEEN'S RANK - #159

Desjardins went undrafted in 2024, and some teams must be kicking themselves about that now. He exploded offensively this year and even comfortably ended up with the most power-play points in the QMJHL. He's a center with playmaking ability that is borderline elite, especially his ability to make no-look, tape-to-tape passes. Even though he's pretty light and not a burner, he's still effective in his defensive duties because he's so positionally sound. When a prospect can make so much progress from one year to the next, that's a great sign they'll be able to make other necessary improvements as they continue developing.

Carter Klippenstein - C - BRANDON (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #229

It's incredibly difficult to find future stars in the later rounds of the draft, so scouts also need to be on the lookout for prospects who could become valuable role players. That's Klippenstein in a nutshell. The big, athletic center is already a polished shutdown forward. He's a smart penalty killer, he covers a lot of ice with his skating and reach, and he has some general hardness to how he plays. If he can keep mastering the kind of role he's playing now, then he'll keep improving his chances of being asked to do it in the NHL one day, too.

Regional Scouts

Ryan Miller - C - PORTLAND (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #132

There are very few players outside the top of this draft that match Miller’s pace and tenacity. He sprints up and down the ice to ensure he’s engaged in the play and never backs down from puck battles. He gives defenders fits on the forecheck and hustles to tie up sticks and strip pucks on the backcheck. Coaches love guys who play their brand of hockey. His infectious energy level fits the profile of a bottom-six forward at the NHL level, and he has room to grow his game offensively. - Kyle Dalla Zanna

Malte Vass of Färjestad
Photo: Fredrik Karlsson / BILDBYRÅN

Malte Vass - D - FARJESTADS (SWE J20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #142

I love Vass as a long-term project. Big, mean, and strong. Eager to punish puck carriers skating down his side of the ice. Decent defensive reads that will only get better with reps. Beautiful, long skating strides. Even though his straight-line speed and acceleration need work, he’s got a lot of headroom for growth. He won’t give you much, if any, value offensively, but that’s not what you’re drafting him for. You’re drafting him so he can slot into your bottom four in five years and make your opponents' lives miserable, especially come playoff time. Well worth the gamble in the mid rounds, if you ask me. - Felix Robbins

Luleås Isac Hedqvist
Photo: Jonas Ljungdahl / BILDBYRÅN

Isac Hedqvist - C - LULEA (SHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #276

As a D+2, you have to really impress to get drafted, and Isac Hedqvist has done exactly that. I felt like he was one of the best draft-eligible prospects playing in the SHL and brought consistent play through his great forechecking game. He showed improvement throughout the year and was playing his best with Luleå in the playoffs, contributing to clinching the gold. His feet are always in motion; he is tenacious on the forecheck and can also bring some offense through his blue-collar type of play. There is legit bottom-six potential with Hedqvist, and grabbing him in the later rounds should be great value for any team. - Simon Johansson

HV71s Jamiro Reber
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN

Jamiro Reber - C - HV 71 (SHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #146

We have no qualms in pointing out that Reber is one of those talents who can disappear in the production department for stretches at a time. Also, until this season, his 5-foot-10 and 176-pound frame really looked to be more on the smaller side. And then there was an inability to show up for his native Switzerland in three straight major tourneys after being highly impressive at the U18 Worlds and the ensuing Hlinka Gretzky Cup in his DY-1. But the young man has the wits and wherewithal to generate offense and surprised many by becoming an SHL regular this season, often gaining upwards of 15 minutes of TOI throughout the season. Then he played a considerable scoring role (4 points in 6 games) in helping his team retain the class for another year of SHL hockey in the relegation round. The cherry on top of his 10 goals and 19 points in 53 total SHL games is that he did it all as an 18-year-old. With a September 4th birthday, he’s one of the absolute youngest overagers in this draft. Heck, we wouldn’t blame anyone for seeing him as a poor man’s Marco Kasper. - Chapin Landvogt

Timofei Zhulin - LW - BARS KAZAN (VHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #250

Timofei Zhulin has been one of my favourite players over the past few seasons. He is a high motor player who checks all the boxes for me, getting it done on both sides of the puck. He is a talented puck carrier who uses his pace to beat opponents and can finish in a variety of ways with skilled hands and a heavy shot. Defensively, he breaks down opponents with harassing forechecking and board play. He battles hard and doesn’t give up on plays easily. He is the exact type of player I would be looking to draft if I were in the GM chair, and I was surprised to see him passed over last season. He is a hard-working grinder who has the skill and speed to create offense when needed. - Henry Lawrence

Jere Somervuori - LW - HIFK (FIN-U20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #140

Jere Somervuori is the type of player that coaches like because you know what you are going to get from him every night, and wherever he is put in the lineup, he will show the same intensity and engagement level on 200 feet. Somervuori was on one of the best lines in the U20 SM-sarja this season with Matias Vanhanen and Jasper Kuhta. Even if he produced fewer points than his linemates, he was clearly the driver of his line because of his effectiveness on the forecheck and his ability to force turnovers and create space for his teammates. He skates like a breeze, and he is always in motion, trying to find open space or giving support for his teammates. Somervuori is very tiring for the opponents because of his tenacity, and he never gives up on plays. This is the kind of player who can make an impact in the playoffs, as he will do every little detail to help his team win, no matter what the score is. - Jeremy Rivet

Maddox Labre - D - VICTORIAVILLE (QMJHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #187

Playing for the worst team in the QMJHL this season, the Victoriaville Tigers, it was hard to evaluate Maddox Labre’s game. Labre is a raw offensive defenceman who possesses great skills and puck control. He was starting to be more and more confident toward the end of the season, showing smart and crafty plays. His defensive numbers were bad, but the team in general was. Offensively, in his last 18 games, he scored eight of his 19 points total, approaching 0.5 points per game. He still has a lot to refine in his game, especially his defensive game, but the interesting potential needs to be considered, and he could get drafted sooner rather than later. - Jeremy Tremblay

Anders Miller - G - CALGARY (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #167

In many ways, you could easily make an Anders Miller comparison to Hampton Slukynsky. Miller's biggest drawback is that he is seen as "unproven" due to his role as a tandem with Calgary joining the team midseason. You can easily draw that comparison to Slukynsky, who was picked out of the USHS-MN, a notoriously unpredictable league to draft from, but he still made a fourth-round selection due to his strong visible skill set. Miller isn't the flashy type of goalie; he's someone who'd likely go under the radar to most people with an untrained goalie eye because it's harder to see the little things he does right. Miller, like Slukynsky, has the footwork, positioning, poise, intelligence, and the efficient and effective frame of a goalie to make him a worthy pick. As Miller should be stepping into a starter role in the WHL for next year, and given he previously remained in Jr A before the merger, there's a strong likelihood Miller has a D1 commitment in the near future, giving him a very similar development path to Slukyknsky who is also stylistically similar to Anders Miller, and has been looking like one of the biggest steals of the 2023 draft. - Liam Crouse

Aidan Lane - RW - ST. ANDREWS COLLEGE (CHS-O) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #141

Aidan Lane is a prime example of a player benefiting from the recent rule changes allowing CHL players to retain NCAA eligibility. A 2025 Harvard commit, Lane split the 2024-2025 season across three different leagues - starting in the Prep Hockey Conference (PHC) with St. Andrew’s College, appeared in two USHL games with the Green Bay Gamblers before transferring over to the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL. Lane projects as a bottom-six winger through his combination of size, skill and hockey IQ. Lane lacks first-step explosiveness but compensates with a powerful stride and wide base to generate speed in motion. As he continues to grow into his frame, there is potential there for him to improve as a puck-protecting, physical winger. Adding more assertiveness to his game will elevate his effectiveness at the next level. The transition for some players joining the CHL, coming over from other junior leagues, was more gradual compared to others. The trouble for Lane was getting consistent ice time on an older, competitive Steelheads team that was built to go all-in this season. Lane played a bottom-six winger role, averaging about 15 minutes a game. The tools of becoming a power winger are evident. Having the opportunity next season to play a full season under one program at Harvard could help his development significantly. - Liam Staples

Matous Kucharcik
(Photo by Micheline Veluvolu/IIHF)

Matouš Kucharčík - C - SLAVIA PRAHA (CZECHIA U20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #147

Kucharčík is an interesting project. He has decent size at 6-foot-2 but needs to add a lot more muscle to his current frame (165 pounds). He does have promising offensive tools, he’s not afraid to be flashy, he’s strong with the puck on his stick, has a dangerous wrist shot, and his skating is also decent. He might have a future in the NHL as a middle-six forward. He just needs to add more muscle to bring the physicality to his game and work on his overall skills. The potential to become a valuable NHL player with the right development is definitely there. - Matej Deraj

Växjös Liam Pettersson
Photo: Jonas Ljungdahl / BILDBYRÅN

Liam Pettersson - D - VAXJO LAKERS (SWE J20) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #154

Pettersson is the kind of player who flies under the radar but has the makeup of a late-season riser. A mobile defenseman with good size (6-foot-2), Pettersson plays a quiet, effective game, especially on breakouts, where his simple and smart puck movement stands out. He doesn't try to do too much, and that reliability is often overlooked in flashier prospects. His skating is solid, though with some technical refinement, he could become even more efficient. He's not overly physical yet, but with added strength and a more assertive edge, particularly in puck battles, his defensive value will grow. Pettersson has room to compete harder in tough areas, and if he does, his ceiling shifts upward. Offensively, he has a decent skill set with a steady passing game and flashes of upside from the blue line. He's not going to quarterback a power play, but he can contribute as a secondary option. If he takes a step physically and sharpens his compete level, there's real potential for him to emerge as a dependable bottom four defenseman at the next level. - Viktor Ahlund

Brady Peddle

Brady Peddle - D - WATERLOO (USHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #165

I see Brady Peddle as a really intriguing option in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft, and he jumped up many draft boards after equaling his regular-season production in the playoffs. While he doesn’t offer much upside, he plays a physical game and is smart on the breakout. Brady grinds in front of the net to keep his crease clean and wins board battles galore against larger opponents, making him an attractive candidate to carve out a role as a reliable bottom-pair defenseman. He’s one of the more well-rounded and mature defensemen outside of the top 100 pick range. - Kaeden Ireland

David Lewandowski.

David Lewandowski - LW - SASKATOON (WHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #178

Picks in the later rounds of the draft are players that need work, but it’s important that there is a pathway to NHL success, and that is exactly what one team will get with Saskatoon Blades forward David Lewandowski. The 6-foot-1 German has some skill, is strong on the puck, and is willing to play physically. A sore spot for him? Skating, which happens to be arguably the skill that NHL teams are able to develop the most effectively. If the team that drafts him can work with him to grow into even an average skater, it is easy to see a third-line winger in the NHL here. - Jamison Derksen

Shawn Carrier
(Trevor MacMillan/Halifax Mooseheads)

Shawn Carrier - LW - HALIFAX (QMJHL) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #123

At a certain point during the draft, there comes a time when the remaining players are not very likely to turn into consistent NHLers. The available options will oftentimes be players who might turn into a bottom-of-the-lineup player if everything goes right. Although Shawn Carrier is expected to be drafted into those later rounds, he is an exception to the rule; he could, with the ideal development, turn into a great middle-six forward. Carrier is consistently the fastest, most high-flying skater on the ice. He plays with overflowing confidence, driving the play through the middle, dishing tricky passes and showing great lateral deceptive skills when attacking the opposing defence. He has the hands to keep up his high pace of play and has an underrated shot. Carrier could absolutely be one of the biggest steals of the draft down the road. - Jeremi Plourde

Jacob Kvasnicka.
Photo by Rena Lavertry, USA Hockey

Jacob Kvasnicka - RW - USN U18 (USDP) - MCKEEN'S RANK - #164

Kvasnicka is one of the hardest workers in the entire 2025 draft class. He consistently finds himself in the right place at the right time as he creates opportunities for teammates. While his stat line makes him a long shot for the NHL, undrafted Frank Vatrano put up similar numbers before forcing his way into the NCAA, AHL, and then the NHL. Although his puck skills may not wow as much as his peers at the NTDP, his raw tools, vision, and unrivalled drive make him a tempting option in late rounds. Kvasnicka is playing college hockey next season, where he aims to earn a top-six role with the University of Minnesota. - Sean Boyd

2025 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES – Overage Draft Eligible Prospects – Part Three – Europe

Felix Robbins, Jérémy Rivet, Henry Lawrence, Matej Deraj, Chapin Landvogt — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 15:52:59 +0000

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

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

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

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

This is part three of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from leagues across Europe.

Sweden

250311 Linköpings Adam Hofbauer och HV71s Jamiro Reber under ishockeymatchen i SHL mellan HV71 och Linköping den 11 mars 2025 i Jönköping.
Foto: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN / kod CS / CS0691

Jamiro Reber – Center/Wing - HV71 (SHL)

Reber was an analytical darling and a favourite among public scouts in 2024, but NHL teams did not see things the same way. The undersized Swiss forward put up solid numbers in the J20 with HV71, but the bar for players like Reber is insanely high. That, plus not having such a great U18 WJC, put Reber back into the draft pool for 2025. That may have been a blessing in disguise. Reber has taken a massive leap this season, seizing an every day spot in HV71’s SHL team and is currently leading all DY+1 SHL players in points (ahead of drafted prospects like Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Melvin Fernström and Lucas Pettersson). Reber could be an interesting case study for scouts, as very little about the way he plays the game has changed. He’s still aggressive on the forecheck and backcheck, using his quick feet and good motor to harangue puck carriers and force turnovers. He can zip through the neutral zone and move the puck, either on his own stick or through smart passing. Once play arrives in the offensive zone, things get a bit murky – not unlike last year. For all the moments of skillful stickhandling and clever cuts into soft ice, there are still moments where Reber simply chips the puck from low to high and defers playmaking responsibility.

While he’s clearly trying to improve, Reber still has a tough time grabbing the bull by the horns and creating offence himself. However, the fact that Reber is getting consistent reps in the SHL (as well as special teams minutes), working hard to improve his game, and putting up points all the while bodes very well for his NHL potential. On top of it all, he’s a 2006 September birthday – one week removed from 2025 eligibility. A late round swing on Reber could yield fantastic results, so long as he stays on his current developmental trajectory. He may not have a future in a teams top 6, but he could project nicely as a 3rd line energy forward who can give you secondary scoring and responsible two-way play. (Felix Robbins)

David Granberg – Center - Luleå (SHL)

Granberg went unnoticed during his draft year, splitting time between Luleå’s J18 and J20 teams with limited production. Last year, he found his man-strength and took a mighty step in the right direction, scoring over a point per game in the J20 and earning some games in SHL as well. However, he didn’t show enough projectable offence to move the needle for scouts. This year, after establishing himself as an everyday SHLer and surprising the hockey world with an outstanding WJC U20 performance, Granberg can be ignored no further. Granberg plays a physical, hard-nosed brand of hockey. He’s a hard forechecker with good size and a steady work rate, not unlike his uncle Mikael Renberg was in his heyday with the Flyers. He’s always found points at the junior level by going to the gritty areas of the ice and battling or by insulating the puck for his more skilled teammates. However, the boost to his draft stock has to do with the flashes of high-end puck skills and refinement to his shot, which showed up in a big way on the world stage. While he still needs a ton of work to his straight-line speed and quickness, there may finally be enough upside to take a swing on for the double-overager from Piteå. He’ll most likely top out as a gritty bottom six role-player who’s good for the locker room. Not the flashiest pick by any means, but you cannot win without players like Granberg in your organization. (Felix Robbins)

Isac Hedqvist – Wing - Luleå (SHL)

Despite his J20 production skyrocketing and locking down an SHL role, Hedqvist was once again passed over at the draft and once again finds himself on our list. All signs pointed to him having a breakout year in 2024-2025, but that hasn’t really materialized yet. Sure, the production has taken a natural step forward, but Hedqvist still looks like the same player as last year – for better or for worse. Hedqvist is a speedy, undersized forward who excels at hunting down pucks on offensive retrievals, grinding out possession for his team along the walls, and making plays from dirty areas to the slot. He can withstand physical pressure from bigger and stronger opponents in battles for position and open up space for his teammates with his off-puck movement on the rush. He flashed a lot of skill and pace-pushing puck carrying ability in the junior leagues, but the on-puck game still isn’t where it needs to be at the pro level. If that doesn’t change soon, his ultimate upside may not be all that appealing to NHL teams and his path to the show will be in serious jeopardy. That being said, there may still be a glimmer of hope. He played well at the U20 WJC down the lineup for Sweden, where he showcased his tenacious forechecking and efficient transition play. Getting picked to represent your country at the biggest junior tournament of the year is always a draft stock booster. If Hedqvist can build upon that heading into the new year, hopefully flashing some more offence along the way, there’s a good chance he could earn himself draft consideration. (Felix Robbins)

Wilhelm Hallquisth – Defense - HV71 (SHL)

Through his first two years of draft eligibility, Hallquisth didn’t stand out among the swaths of Swedish talent in the pool. Looking at his pre-2024-2025 resume, it’s easy to see why. Splitting time between the J18 and the J20 in his draft season, not putting up world beating numbers in the J20 as a DY+1, and a humble U19 appearance doesn’t exactly jump off the page. This year is a different story. Hallquisth has got off to a nice start to his 2025 campaign, seeing consistent minutes in the SHL on a bottom pair role with SHL and finding the score sheet every now and then. In addition, he was one of the four surprise undrafted players to be selected for Sweden’s 2025 U20 WJC team, which is like a shot in the arm for any players draft stock. Hallquist is a mobile right shot defenceman who can quickly move the puck in a straight line from the defensive zone and through the neutral zone. Despite being a touch undersized, he’s a strong defender, using his feet and his stick to maintain gaps and taking away the middle of the ice from puck carriers. While he certainly has the skating ability for it, Hallquist isn’t as active along or below the offensive blue line as one might hope from a player with his toolset. He doesn’t seem to have the processing speed, stickhandling ability or playmaking creativity that, say, an Axel Sandin-Pellikka has. As a result, a good deal of his offence comes from D-to-D passes and shots from the point. While the skate tool is clearly above average and there may very well be more development potential here, it is difficult to project Hallquisth to the NHL. If the offensive side of things never comes along, he might be too small for a defensive puck-moving role on the bottom pair. In that case, what does he do for you? If a team has a clear idea of what he could be and how to best utilize his skating, Hallquisth could be a very savvy pick up in the later rounds of the draft. (Felix Robbins)

Hugo Pettersson – Wing - HV71 (SHL)

Over the course of his draft eligibility, Pettersson has been somewhat of a late bloomer. He split time between the J18 and the J20 in his first year of eligibility, bounced between the SHL and the J20 as a DY+1, and has finally found himself getting reps in the pros full time in this season. He’s struggled to make much of an impact in sheltered minutes with HV71, in part due to his inability to keep up with play at the SHL level (both physically and mentally), but his loan to Kalmar HC in the HockeyAllsvenskan has been a real boon for his development. More TOI (including powerplay minutes) has led to more point production, which in turn has led to Pettersson looking more and more confident with every game he’s played. Pettersson’s primary offensive tool is his wicked wrist shot. He’s a volume shooter who can get the puck on and off his stick quickly and accurately. He’s great at finding little pockets of ice in dangerous areas but doesn’t have much by way of space creation tools. His small area skill has taken a step but isn’t a reliable asset for him at the moment. He’s a bit passive on the forecheck and doesn’t chip in all that much on the other side of the puck. He doesn’t play a tenacious, physical brand of hockey, and attempts to do so at the SHL level made him look like the 19-year-old kid that he is. Still some filling out to do, clearly. On the plus side, he’s looked more involved in play off-puck while on loan with Kalmar, so there may be hope yet. While some may view Pettersson as a one-trick pony, that trick is putting the puck in the net – something you can never have enough of. With continued improvement to his quickness and the details of his off-puck game, Pettersson may be able to forge a path to the NHL in a depth scoring role in a team’s bottom 6. (Felix Robbins)

Felix Öhrqvist – Defense - Linköping HC (SHL)

It is never easy for 5-foot-8 defencemen to get drafted, much less so if you don’t put up otherworldly production in your draft year. Even then, most NHL teams won’t give you the light of day. Bias or no bias, Öhrqvist did not show enough upside to hear his name called in 2024. He played a competitive, defensive puck moving style, but it was impossible to project him to the NHL in that role. This year has been a completely different story. Öhrqvist seems to have reinvented himself. He’s added a touch of quickness and evasiveness to his skating. He’s started being more aggressive in the offensive zone. He’s trusting his skill and creativity to make plays in high danger areas of the ice. Naturally, the points have started piling up– from the J20 to the pros. What’s equally as impressive is how he isn’t sacrificing results on the defensive side of the puck to do what he’s doing – at least, any more than he was before. He does need to learn to pick his spots to walk the blue line and try to dangle around forwards closing him out, but that’s a lesson he’ll learn with enough reps at the pro level. While Öhrqvist has finally shown the offensive upside scouts look for in undersized defencemen, he still comes with all the risks attached to, well, being a 5-foot-8 defenceman. That means extreme boom-bust, and even a “boom” in this case means probable bottom four potential. He also pales in comparison to the player in the next sentence but bear with me. With Lane Hutson breathing new life into the Montreal Canadiens, and his brother Cole Hutson (WSH) performing so well at the WJC, perhaps this is the year we see NHL teams take more swings on really undersized defencemen? And if so, why not Öhrqvist? (Felix Robbins)

Wilson Björck – Wing/Center - Djurgården (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Björck is another player who totally flew under the radar during his draft year. He didn’t look totally at ease at the J20 level until just before the international break, and even then, he wasn’t much of a needle mover. To say he’s taken a step in the right direction would be an understatement. The 19-year-old has absolutely exploded offensively and is tied with brother Viggo (who, coincidentally, plays on the same line as him) for the J20 league lead in points. He also had an 18-game point streak that spanned across all J20 games from October 4th to December 15th, scoring 42 (!!) points during that time. A part of that is Djurgården being an absolute wagon this season. However, most of that credit goes squarely to Björck for the work he has, and continues to, put in to improving his game. Most notably, his shot has become a lethal weapon for him. He’s a clinical finisher who can find soft ice in the slot with ease. His small area skill and decision making with the puck has gotten quicker, allowing him to safely escape pressure along the wall in the offensive zone and make a good passing play. He’s always been competitive, but he’s added some tenacity to his off puck play. Björck’s come a long way, but there are still things to work on. Gaining muscle should be at the top of the list. A touch more quickness to his skating should be 2nd. Lastly, his processing speed is quite good when problem solving in tight or setting up tic-tac passing plays, but his ability to read and anticipate play leaves a lot to be desired. Recognizing changes in possession, knowing where to be and how to get there quickly are elements of a players hockey sense that take them from being a good player to a great one. Björck is young enough that enough reps and coaching may teach him, but it could be something that holds him back from hitting his ceiling. With that said, Björck has looked much more engaged and conscious of his off-puck positioning during his limited minutes in the HockeyAllsvenskan. It looks like the right place for him to develop at his current level – especially since it seems that the J20 has become too trivial for him. There is a lot to love with Björck’s versatility and offensive upside. If all goes according to plan, he projects to be a 3rd line winger who can be a triggerman on a team’s 2nd powerplay unit. (Felix Robbins)

Alex Nyman – Goaltender - Rögle BK J20

It isn’t uncommon for European goaltenders to go undrafted their first go around, especially when you’re as young as Nyman was for the draft class. Despite being and over-ager, Nyman is still young. He won’t turn 19 until the 2025 draft is over due to his august birthday. Not to mention, he didn’t even crack 20 starts at the J20 level last year. This year, Nyman has been getting the lion’s share of starts and typically faces 30+ shots per game. Despite the heavy workload and a GAA of over 3.05, he’s put up a .901 SV% across 23 games so far. Standing at 6-foot-5 tall, Nyman can fill the net pretty well. He is athletic and moves fairly well for his size but could use a touch more lateral quickness. Nyman doesn’t let any daylight through his stick side, both low and high, but is pretty leaky on his glove side. He gives up a ton of goals just above the pad and under the glove, especially when moving that way laterally. There are certainly kinks in his technique that need ironing out. While there is work to be done, at the end of the day, you really can’t teach size. Old and tired of a statement as it may be, it is especially true for goalies. It is easy to talk yourself into spending a late round draft pick on a 6-foot-5 goalie project because of the immense upside if it works out. Nyman is a fine gamble to take in the later rounds of the draft. Stash him away in Sweden and see what you’ve got in a few years. (Felix Robbins)

Gian Meier – Defense - Frölunda J20

Meier made a late push for consideration at the 2024 NHL Draft with a fantastic U18 WJC but ultimately went overlooked in his first year of eligibility. In an effort to take his development into his own hands, Meier left his hometown of Zurich to join the Frölunda HC program in Sweden. While his impact at the pro level has been extremely minimal, Meier has been a standout performer in the J20 in every facet of the game. The toolsy right-hander has stayed true to his game. He displays confidence and poise on puck retrievals, never deferring responsibility to his partner. He makes terrific defensive reads, using his reach and footwork to take away the middle and angling opponents to the outside. Meier makes a great first pass but has the vision and passing ability to look up ice for the long bomb outlet. His straight-line and backwards skating is impressive, though he could surely use some refinement to his lateral agility. There is upside as a puck rusher with Meier, if he can extend the same confidence he has in his defensive game to his puck-carrying game. His offensive contribution is mostly flinging shots from the point, but he has the ability to get them on net through traffic. There were questions about his strength and his coordination last year. Meier seems to not only have put on some weight and grown an inch over the summer, but he looks to be in total command of his body – no more awkwardness. If Rasmus Bergqvist (MTL 2024) is any sort of barometer for overaged defencemen in the J20, Meier has already proven he’s worth a swing in the later rounds of the draft. If he can fill out his body a bit more and put some work into his skating, Meier could become a very solid bottom 4 defensive puck-mover in the NHL one day. (Felix Robbins)

Finland

Benjamin Rautiainen - Wing - Tappara (Liiga)

Benjamin Rautiainen went undrafted in his first two eligible drafts (2023 and 2024). He attended Toronto Maple Leafs’ development camp in summer 2023 as an invited player. He went back to his U20 club in Finland to have a really strong year with a production of 62 points in 36 games. This year will likely be the year that Rautiainen will be drafted in the NHL. He is now playing against men in the Liiga and he is able to put his fair share of points on the board (27 pts in 42 games at the time this was written). He is a strong skater who drives the net as soon as he has the chance. He excels in offensive zone pressure and creates chances for his teammates. He is intelligent with the puck and can play at high pace. Plays with intensity and he is engaged in all three zones. He played for Finland at this year’s World Juniors, and he made his line the most effective of his team. Even though he finished the tournament with only four points in seven games, he highly contributed to Finland's success, including a game-winning goal in overtime in the semifinal against Sweden. I would say he was the most visible and the most dangerous player for Finland during the tournament. In the mid-season NHL Central Scouting ranking, he was ranked as the 41st best European skater and I could see him be picked between the 4th and 6th round. The team that will draft him can hope that Rautiainen could become a middle six versatile forward that can play in different roles up and down the lineup when needed. (Jérémy Rivet)

Niklas Nykyri - Defense - HIFK (Liiga)

Nykyri is entering his second year of draft eligibility. He spent the whole season last year in the U20 in Finland in addition to a good amount of experience at the international level in the U18. This year, he started in the Liiga before getting sent down for one game where he played 21 minutes. After being sent down to U20, he was recalled in the Liiga and his ice time gradually went up and he has stayed at the pro level so far this season. He is a 6-foot-2 left-handed defenseman that has good mobility. He likes to support the attack and to make plays offensively, but it can lead to risky plays. Nykyri has some poise with the puck when under pressure to escape it and start the rush with a good first pass. Defensively, he has a good stick, and he is quite good with his gap control. Not a punishing type of defenseman but he is not afraid to use his body to kill plays and win pucks along the board. He is ranked as the 45th best European skater in the mid-season NHL Central Scouting ranking and I would think that he possesses the qualities to be an effective two-way defenseman in the bottom pairs and more likely as a 5 or 6th defenseman at best with some offensive upside. (Jérémy Rivet)

Daniel Nieminen - Defense - Pelicans (Liiga)

Daniel Nieminen played in the U20 in Finland last season and played 21 games in different international competitions with Finland U18. He was able to produce offensively (29 pts in 37 games), impressive for a defenseman that is not really known for his offensive game. His small size, under 6-foot at the time, was probably the main reason why he went undrafted last draft in his first eligibility year. This year, his game reached a new level. He has now reached what I would call an ‘’average size’’ at 6-foot and he played the whole season so far in the Liiga against men. The best way to describe Nieminen’s game is that he is a two-way left-handed defenseman that has very good mobility and agility in all directions and that competes at a high level on a consistent basis. Despite his smaller size, he can play a physical and aggressive game which makes him hard to beat in one-on-one battles. He also plays with intensity and grit in his own zone and in front of his net to box out players. His mobility and quick change of direction serves him well when he needs to escape pressure behind his net to start the transition. Offensively, he can support the rush and activate from the blue line to keep attacks alive. One aspect that he will need to work on is his decision-making with the puck. Also, he played at the World Juniors in Ottawa for Finland, and he was seeing top four minutes and was used in multiple situations. He played on the penalty kill and sometimes on the powerplay. Nieminen was a trusted defenseman by his coach during the tournament and his game was improving as the tournament went on. He is ranked #62 for European skaters in the mid-season NHL Scouting Central ranking and I could see him being drafted in the later rounds with a depth defenseman potential. (Jérémy Rivet)

Petteri Rimpinen - Goaltender - Kiekko-Espoo (Liiga)

Petteri Rimpinen went undrafted last year, despite a solid second half of the season at pro level in Mestis league, probably because of his size which is borderline small these days for the NHL at 6-foot. He responded this season by putting excellent numbers in the Liiga with a .910 save percentage average (at the time this was written) as the clear number one goalie of his team at only 18 years old. In addition to that, Rimpinen was named best goalie of this year’s World Juniors and he was the big reason Finland went to the final. He played all games for Finland and some people were even talking about him as the possible MVP of the tournament. Rimpinen is excellent with rebound control and puck tracking through traffic. He is the type of goalie that fights for every puck in his crease. He made several crucial saves, including breakaways and key overtime stops, to maintain the lead and allow Finland to win in the semi-final and repeated the same performance during the overtime of the Gold Medal game. His game management was good and gave confidence to his team. His performance at the World Juniors allowed him to be ranked the 4th European goaltender in the NHL Central Scouting’s ranking. His small size can be a disadvantage for him but he counters that argument with good athleticism and a high compete level. (Jérémy Rivet)

Mitja Jokinen - Defense - TPS (Liiga)

Mitja Jokinen is another average-size left-handed two-way defenseman that went undrafted in his first year last season and that made a great impression at the World Juniors this year. For me, Jokinen is a similar type of defenseman as Daniel Nieminen, however less physical but just as competitive and intense. He spent the majority of his last two seasons in the U20 with the TPS program before playing full time in the Liiga this year. He is a player that the Finnish national team had on their roster in every level since the U16 and did pretty well. In today’s NHL, small defensemen that are not incredible offensively or not very physical have a hard time establishing themselves in the league, but every NHL team needs reliable defensemen that can move the puck and that can be trusted when they are on the ice and that is what Jokinen has shown so far. The 5-foot-11 defenseman was a big part of Finland's success at the last World Juniors in Ottawa with him having an average ice-time of about 18 minutes as well as playing more than 20 minutes in the gold medal game against the United States. Jokinen can be described as a smart and shifty puck-moving defenceman who thinks the game at a high level. Jokinen is shifty on his edges, avoids pressure with fakes and cutbacks and also throws a fair bit of deception behind his breakout passes. On retrievals, he’s both poised and fast-paced depending on what the situation calls for. He can be used on the penalty kill and against the best players on the other side. Like I said, he is not the type of guy that will throw big hits and punish the opponents, but he is not afraid to use his body and engage in puck battles in the corner. If I had to make a projection for him right now, I would say that he could be a depth defenseman that can come in and out of the lineup and depending on how his offensive game will develop at the pro level, he could be in a top 6 on a consistent basis. (Jérémy Rivet)

Roope Vesterinen - Wing - HPK (Liiga)

After a disappointing season last year production-wise with 11 points in 27 in the U20 in Finland, Roope Vesterinen started this season strong in the U20 with nine points in the first seven games of the season. This hot start allowed him to be called up in the Liiga and he hasn’t looked back since then. Vesterinen just turned 19 years old in January and he is averaging above 0.50 point per game so far in Finland’s top pro league. His average ice-time really went up since November with him playing around 15 minutes on average which is very good for a rookie. Also, he is contributing in various roles during games as he sees ice both on the powerplay and on the penalty kill. The best way to describe his game is that Vesterinen is a speedy winger who uses his quickness to create chances for himself and his teammates. At 5-foot-10, he is obviously not the biggest, but he is not afraid to jump in the traffic as one of his strengths is his play around the net and how good he is at taking rebounds and scoring close to the blue paint. Almost all of his goals this season were scored from the slot. Vesterinen played for Finland at the World Juniors in Ottawa but was only in the lineup for the two first games and had limited ice time. Despite that, he was able to showcase his versatility, his engagement defensively and how he is able to play a more responsible and defensive/checking role. Roope Vesterinen could be a candidate to be drafted in the last rounds of the draft and the question will be if he can improve his puck handling and the pace at which he makes plays to allow him to pass to the next level. I would not be surprised if he goes undrafted again but receives an invitation to an NHL development camp during the summer. (Jérémy Rivet)

Topias Hynninen - Center - Jukurit (Liiga)

Topias Hynninen has just turned 19 years old, and he has seen action in the Liiga for the third straight season this year. His offensive production was disappointing last season, but he has really found another gear this season with 31 points in 46 games so far playing for the team that is at the bottom of the standings. He is the third point producer of Jukurit and he has played close to 20 minutes every night since November. At the World Juniors, he was a healthy scratch for the first game against Canada but was inserted on the first line with Helenius and Rautiainen and their line was probably the most dangerous consistently during the tournament for Finland. Hynninen is primarily an excellent playmaker and, despite his smaller size at 5-foot-10, he plays with a lot of energy. He possesses excellent vision and great skating ability. With his energy and tenacity, he is effective on the forecheck and causes many turnovers because of that. Hynninen is dangerous on the power play, and he can beat defense with a saucer pass, backhand saucer feeds and long-range slip passes. He is also engaged defensively and made smart plays to help his team in transition. He can advance the play with one-touch feeds in transition and prefers to play a give-and-go style most of the time. He’s got a really advanced sense of positioning away from the puck and is always involved in the play. Topias Hynninen has decent offensive upside that makes him an interesting option at the draft. He also has the hockey IQ to be able to adapt in a more utility role on a bottom 6 which makes his versatility even more attractive for a team that is looking for that kind of player later in the draft. (Jérémy Rivet)

Arttu Alasiurua - Center - Kärpä (Liiga)

Arttu Alasiurua has entered his third year of eligibility for the NHL draft. He will turn 20 years old early in February and time is starting to run out for him to make a good impression. He had a strong year last season in the U20 with 62 points in 41 games and he played some games in the pro level in the Liiga and in the Mestis. This season, he is playing full-time in the Liiga but he is still trying to find his offensive game. Despite his difficulty to produce, he shows great ability to adapt to a more defensive role. That is an aspect of his game that I really like from him at the World Juniors this year. He was an important element for Finland for defensive missions and a great penalty killer. He scored a goal on the PK in the preliminary round against the United States and ended the tournament with 4 points (3 goals and 1 assist) in 7 games. Alasiurua has impressive speed and puck handling, and he uses these two abilities to create scoring chances. Arttu Alasiurua also possesses high-end playmaking skills; he can create high-quality looks for his linemates often from out of nowhere. He is particularly effective at turning loose puck retrievals and forechecking steals into offence. The 6-foot center could be a good candidate for a team that is looking for a versatile role player with great skating and playmaking skills in the later rounds. (Jérémy Rivet)

Tuomas Suoniemi - Center - Kiekko-Espoo (SM-Sarja U20)

After scoring 120 points in 38 games in the U16 in the 2021-2022 season, Suoniemi’s production slowed down as he moved up the levels of Finnish hockey. This combined with his small stature was probably two factors that scared the scouts in his draft year last season. Suoniemi played most of his games last year in the U20, but also spent some time in the U18 and in Mestis. He also played 13 international games with Finland U18 where he ended up with 11 points in 13 games. This year is his third season in the U20 where he is averaging more than a point per game. The 5-foot-10 center played 6 international games with Finland before the World Juniors but he was not able to make his way to the roster that played in Ottawa. There is no denying Suoniemi’s soft skill. When he has time and space to operate, the passing and vision shine as he uses subtle fakes to open up space on the inside. He also possesses quick hands that he can use to win pucks, beat opponents one-on-one or set up teammates with precise passes. He is the kind of player that is offensive-minded and that likes to control the puck in the offensive zone. When he is on the powerplay, he is the one who controls most of the play and he is a constant threat as he can beat the opposition with a pass or with a shot. However, on the defensive side, he will need to be careful to not cheat in the defensive zone and be more responsible even if the defensive game will not be his role. His compete level will have to be more consistent as well, because sometimes he can showcase tenacity on the forecheck and in puck battles but sometimes he is easy to play against. (Jérémy Rivet)

Russia

Roman Luttsev - Center - Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

Roman Luttsev had a solid season in the MHL last year putting up 27 points in 36 games but was largely overshadowed on a stacked Loko team. This year many of those stars have moved up to the pros, leaving an open spot for a new leader and Roman has stepped up to become Loko’s new game breaker. At the time of this article he is second in MHL in points with 57 in 45 games played. He has looked like an offensive dynamo in juniors and during his 3 games in the KHL he has shown that he can play a bottom 6 grinding role as well.

Luttsev is a skilled and speedy forward with great problem solving abilities. He performs very well under pressure, faking out opponents and working his way to space with ease when challenged with the puck. He makes great decisions, quickly finding the best possible option and moving the puck on time before the opportunity is lost. He has a heavy wrist shot which he is able to get off his stick quickly using a deceptive release that fools goalies with how quickly he can elevate the puck.

In the MHL, defensive effort and physicality were question marks at times. I felt that he did not give his best effort and mostly floated around the zone rather than engage in battles. In his most recent KHL game, many of these doubts were put to rest for me. He received 11 minutes of ice time and was very involved on the defensive side of the puck. He was constantly first to 50/50 battles and positioned himself well to make an impact in his own end.

Luttsev has developed into a highly skilled, smart, hardworking, lightning-fast player who has shown the ability to contribute on both sides of the puck. He is still a work in progress but he will soon be a consistent KHLer worth a selection in a late round of this draft.

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Kucherov-esque one touch pass sets up the easiest goal imaginable for his teammate.

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Not the prettiest goal but look at the wheels as he flies into the zone and cuts hard to the net.

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On his stick, off his stick. (Henry Lawrence)

Magomed Sharakanov - Defense - Lada Togliatti (KHL)

Sharakanov is an interesting case. I was a big fan of him in his first year eligible, but after he was passed up on in the draft he kind of fell into the background playing well in the VHL but not good enough to be worth a pick in his 19-year-old season either. Now, in his final year of eligibility, Magomed has exploded in the KHL as one of the top young defenders after being loaned to Lada for the season. He has scored highlight reel goals, set up high danger chances, and played lock up defense. He finally seems to have developed into the player we saw glimpses of a few seasons ago.

Magomed is a big, strong, two-way defenseman with smooth footwork, good puck handling, and an impressive ability to win battles. He moves very well, flying up and down the ice and pulling off some agile dance moves around defenders when the puck is on his stick. He is incredibly smooth and able to walk the line with ease, around opponents and into space. He is very creative with the puck, pulling off skilled dangles around opponents and deep into the offensive zone to set up chances.

He can pull his weight offensively, but the defensive end is where I have been most impressed with Magomed’s game. He is always in great position to help shut down chances and is fantastic at stripping pucks in battles. He takes fantastic angles to challenge opponents, using his body to separate them from the puck and quickly move pucks up ice. He gaps up well in transition and has great timing with his step ups. He has a big, sturdy frame which he uses well to shut down plays along the boards with big hits, quickly getting a stick on the puck to win back possession for his team.

Magomed has shown exceptional play on both sides of the puck and should be heavily considered as a pick in the 2025 draft.

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Great step up in transition. Gets the initial poke off and then follows up with a second attack of pokes and shoves his man to the ice for good measure.

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I like this effort. Magomed pinches aggressively and battles for possession. He continues to fight despite falling to the ice and makes stays composed from his knees to complete the pass to his teammate which sets up a dangerous look.

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Fake shot drops the defender, then a quick cut around and a bullet into the back of the net. (Henry Lawrence)

Timofei Zhulin - Wing - Bars Kazan (VHL)

Zhulin was one of my favorite players from last season and I was honestly very surprised that no teams took a swing at him in a later round. The lack of consistent production last year was definitely a major factor in this but every time I watched one of his games, I saw high energy play on both sides of the puck, a high paced style of play, the skill and the brains to escape difficult situations, and countless chances set up with his passing (often left unfinished by his teammates even with an open net)

This season Zhulin has spent most of his time in the VHL and has even been given some opportunities at the KHL level. In the first half of this season, he was on fire. He was racking up points night after night and bringing the same level of intensity and desire to win possession from his opponent through hard work and physical battles along the boards.

He is talented offensively, able to pull off moves around opponents and finish his chances in tight to the net. I think he would be more of a bottom 6 forward in the NHL but has the talent to put pucks in the back of the net and create through his passing. His speed has allowed him to create countless breakaway and odd man rush opportunities in transition. He is active in the defensive zone, positioning himself to take away lanes and explodes after loose pucks to secure possession for his team.

The biggest concern that still lingers for me is consistency. In the second half of this season, his production has slowed a bit and his motor is not at the same level in each game, but I still see the same upside as before. He is an incredibly hard-working player who pushes pace when the puck is on his stick and forces opponents onto their heels when he gets moving up ice. His development has progressed very well and he looks like he will be a consistent KHLer next season. I see Zhulin as a potential bottom six game changer well worth a swing in the late rounds of the 2025 draft.

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Wheels on the breakaway and nice finish inside.

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Insanely skilled toe drag reception around man and slips the puck back door to set up his teammate for a tap in.

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Skilled drag move and takes off around boards, attempts to move puck to teammate in slot, maneuvers around 2 opponents behind the net and is able to get the puck to his teammate despite tight pressure. (Henry Lawrence)

Czechia

Tomáš Galvas - Defence - Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia)

Galvas was one of the most surprising omissions in the last draft. He entered the season as a safe mid-round pick, even attended the NHL Scouting Combine, yet still went undrafted. Now he has a second chance to earn a shot with an NHL team. The main concerns with Galvas are the lack of size and the overall translatability of his game to an NHL level. He's an elite skater, smooth, quick and agile, likes carrying the puck, joining the rush and creating chances. His vision and hockey sense are great and he is not a defensive liability, but as a 5-foot-10 defenceman, his path to the NHL is quite difficult. Galvas needs to put on a lot of muscle to be able to withstand physical battles with stronger and meaner forwards. He's a dynamic offensive creator, but the lack of physicality and a weaker frame definitely won't help him. However, Galvas does have a lot of potential and it's worth spending a late round pick on him. He's able to hold his own in one of the best professional leagues in Europe, had a strong World Juniors, the upside makes him an intriguing pick even with the obstacles. (Matej Deraj)

Jaromír Pérez - Left Wing - Bílí Tygři Liberec (Czechia)

Pérez made a huge leap forward this year and has played some great hockey with Liberec recently. He's a double overager, but it seems like he has elevated his game to another level. He put on some muscle, plays a stronger game despite his average size (6-foot-0, 179 pounds) and possesses some decent offensive instincts. He's skilled and smart, able to create chances and carry the puck. He's scored some impressive solo goals in his career. Pérez is an interesting player, he doesn't have a super high ceiling but may be worth a flyer - he's been playing on a first line in Czech top tier league with decent production and made some significant steps compared to the previous years. He has an interesting background - his father is Spanish, Jaromír was born in Barcelona and actually started his hockey career there. (Matej Deraj)

Austria

Adrian Gesson - Center/Wing - Red Bull Juniors (AlpsHL)

A September 13th birthday, Gesson was one of the youngest players available for last year’s draft and there was little reason to know who he was after a strong, but unspectacular Austrian U20 season and 16 pointless games with the AlpsHL Red Bull Junior affiliate as a 17-year-old. As such, in what has essentially been his first full season as a draft-eligible, his captaincy of the Red Bull Junior team combined with 13 usually fabulous goals in 40 games should be drawing the attention of the scouting community considering Gesson’s mature game and regular ability to be at the right place at the right time, showing an X factor around goal and in the slot. His play has been impressive enough to see him get a call-up to powerhouse Salzburg of the ICEHL. Should be the type of import player CHL or USHL clubs are looking at for next season. (Chapin Landvogt)

Germany

Elias Pul - Center/Wing - Blue Devils Weiden (DEL2)

Pul started off the year as the hottest U19 player in Germany’s pro ranks. His eight goals and 11 points in his first 26 DEL2 contests for a league newbie had him atop the chart for U21 players in the country. However, he has slowed down considerably since. We had him pegged as Germany’s top prospect for the 2024 draft, but a season full of learning and facing adversity plagued his draft year. Now he’s bringing skill, anticipation, and a jumpy joie de vivre to the table, becoming a hot topic for DEL teams. Admittedly, we expected more from his WJC than we got, often being the team’s 13th forward, but the coaching staff didn’t hesitate to make use of him throughout the line-up, as a jack of all trades up front. Clearly though, he’s going to need to have a huge second half to his season in order garner continued draft interest, turning 19 in mid-May. (Chapin Landvogt)

Nick Maul - Wing - Kaufbeuren Jokers (DEL2)

We noticed Maul a few summers back at a U17 summer challenge in Czechia. Although small, he was sturdy and incredibly smart with the puck, showing the keen ability to out wait opponents in some cases, or dart right past them in others. He then had a very quiet draft year, never becoming a topic of interest while being solid at the Austrian U20 level and for the U18 team that gained promotion at the D1A level. Now he’s playing serious pro hockey and raising some eyebrows. Kicking things off with the Red Bull Juniors (4 assists in 7 games), he was quickly called up into the DEL line-up for Munich and now plays with the organization’s DEL2 squad Kaufbeuren, collecting eight points in 19 games. His inclusion on the U20 team was pleasant, if not downright surprising, seeing him assume a regular shift on the 3rd and then 2nd lines, being a key in the relegation game with an assist and whilst then screening the Kazakh goalie on the game winner. There’s a Michael Amadio style player here for the later rounds - thick, compact build to boot. (Chapin Landvogt)

Edwin Tropmann - Defense - Bad Nauheim (DEL2)

Tropmann is an average-sized righty shot defenseman who we’ve had on the map since he was 16 and found himself in the Ovechkin spot of his team’s first power play unit at the U18 Worlds. He then had a very quiet draft year and followed that up with a nice DY+1 season that lacked international showings. This has changed this winter as he captained Team Germany at the WJC and put up 4 points in the tournament while being on the ice for all the major assignments. He’s also spent this season taking a regular shift in the DEL2 and has seen seven games of stat-free action in the DEL. Word is that a few USHL teams are doing their darndest to get him overseas by February, meaning he could strut his stuff at the proper level just in time for draft consideration. (Chapin Landvogt)

Switzerland

Alain Graf - Center - SC Bern (NL)

Graf’s rise this season has been a plus for the Swiss scene. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound righty shot forward put up 7 points in two U20 league games before getting called up to the NL for a long stretch. A good block of 15 or so games saw him get in some solid 4th line minutes and since then, he’s been trekking it between the NL (3 points in 32 games) and SL, where he’s been logging 14+ minutes a night and has six points in nine games. More importantly, Graf has shown a combination of some acute offensive acumen and the embracement of the defensive side of his position. He also kicked off the WJC as the Swiss’ number one center and even if his one assist and -4 rating were underwhelming, he was there to face the other nation’s top lines, in a 3rd line capacity once the playoffs rolled around. He’ll need to conclude the season on a strong note, but he’s been a notable U20 player in a top European league. (Chapin Landvogt)

Rafael Meier - Wing - EHC Kloten (NL)

We’ve made a point of discussing Meier this season as the 6-foot 19-year-old has forced his way into the conversation after slipping through the grid a bit the past two seasons, where injuries were involved. All season long, he’s been one of the NL’s top U21 players having gone 5-9-13 and +8 in 44 games for Kloten. That has him tied for thirrd overall among U21 scorers in the league although he’s played at least 5 fewer games than the scorers above him due to his WJC participation, which was admittedly very quiet with zero points and a -3 rating, going from a 2nd to a 3rd line role in the course of the event. In pro play, we’ve seen a lot of jump and smarts in Meier’s game, often ready to play it rough ‘n tumble when necessary. Generally strong down low on the power play, he has shown a deceptive wrist shot throughout the season. We - and his team - expect a strong finish to the season if he intends on being a draft candidate. (Chapin Landvogt)

Ludvig Johnson - Defense - EV Zug (NL)

The Swiss U20 league’s top offensive defenseman to begin the season, the half-Swedish Johnson has gone from junior blueline all-rounder to being a man on the rise for EV Zug. Called up in late October, he’s now gotten into 30 NL games, going 4-6-10 with a +5 along the way. Perhaps more telling has been how he’s regularly gotten 10+ minutes of ice time, even topping 18 minutes of play several times this season. At the WJC, he advanced to Switzerland’s top pairing, going from just under 14 minutes of ice time in Game 1 to 22:22 in the quarterfinal against the USA. Just 6-foot and 180 pounds, Johnson is sneaky good with the stick, has an ever-improving shot, and has the skating to be a plus factor, even against senior level players. Also important is that Johnson is still just 18 and will be until after next summer’s draft, although this is his DY+1. We’re convinced that he’s a hot overage topic for NHL teams. (Chapin Landvogt)

Eric Schneller - Defense - Geneva (NL)

Another mid-sized defenseman armed with a righty-shot, 19-year-old Schneller brings a decent amount of mobility to the table and spent this past season seeing his role grow incrementally throughout the year, depending on what personnel was available. Telling was a stretch of five games at the end of January when he saw anywhere from 15:03 to 21:33 minutes of play, albeit while his team dropped five straight contests. With the playoffs out of the picture despite winning seven of the final nine contests, Schneller ultimately saw a rough average of 10 minutes of TOI when all was said and done. Ultimately, after three full seasons in Rögle’s junior program and a fairly strong showing at the 2023 U18 Worlds, Schneller has taken the next step in his development with 5 points and a -6 rating (middle of the road on his non-playoff team). He promptly joined Geneva's U20 squad for the playoffs, putting up four points in five games in a disappointing first round ouster. His thee points in five WJC contests was good for fiftth on the team as he saw between 13-19 minutes of TOI as a clear top 4 defenseman. Half Swedish, Schneller is expected to take on a bigger role next season while bringing yeoman work in all three zones. (Chapin Landvogt)

2024 NHL DRAFT: RE-ENTRY CANDIDATES – EUROPE

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:21:32 +0000

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

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

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

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

This is part three of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from leagues across Europe.

Finland

LANDSHUT, GERMANY - MAY 1: Finland's Jere Lassila #28 stick handles the puck away from Czechia's Jan Gaspar #26 during Bronze Medal game action at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Fanatec Arena on April 30, 2022 in Landshut, Germany on May 1, 2022 (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Jesse Pulkkinen - Defense - JYP (Liiga)

Pulkkinen should be the first re-entry selected this season, the 6’6” defender has come leaps and bounds from last season where he put up only 4 assists in 43 games in Finland’s U20 junior league - this season he has 11 goals and 17 assists in 18 games in the same league. Safe to say his progression from last year has been significant. In the 29 Liiga games Pulkkinen has played this year, he hasn’t looked out of place and has screamed the word “potential” with his play. He has showcased his mobility at his size, and how he isn’t afraid of taking risks with the puck while activating from the blueline. He is quite aggressive defending and although his play can be inconsistent in the defensive end at times, his size and skating combo point to this being an area that he can improve on significantly post-draft. (Steven Graves)

Jere Lassila - Center - JYP (Liiga)

Team Finlands captian, and leading scorer at the 2024 World Juniors has enjoyed a fantastic season for JYP in Finland's best mens league where he has 26 points in 45 games. Twice passed over in the draft, 2024 will be the last year in which Lassila is eligible to be selected. Lassila is a very smart player who boasts great vision and work ethic on the ice. He is able to thread passes through multiple players with precision and accuracy. He has an incredible motor that just chugs along all game long - Lassila is proficient in winning his 50/50 puck battles even though his frame isn’t great. Lassila seems like a good bet to carve out a career as a bottom-6 energy guy in the NHL one day. (Steven Graves)

Benjamin Rautianen - Wing - Tappara U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

Rautianen, a 2005 born winger has been obliterating the Finnish U20 league this season. His 1.72 P/PG average ranks second in the league. He is very dangerous with the puck on his stick, able to weave through defenders, change directions quickly, and protect the puck at a high level. Rautianen is an offensive first player who is always trying to make something happen when the puck is on his stick. He could be worth the investment in the mid-late rounds of the draft if a team thinks he can continue to develop into a scoring winger at the NHL level. (Steven Graves)

Noa Vali - Goaltender - TPS (Liiga)

Vali is one of the more intriguing goaltending prospects in this year's class. He isn’t the biggest goalie standing at 6’1” but he is technically sound in how he positions himself for oncoming shots and is quite athletic in the net, never giving up on a play and always trying to make a save. Although his numbers don’t look amazing this season, for a goaltender his junior to get as many reps in the Liiga as he has - you can’t help but be impressed at what TPS has entrusted him with. Vali won’t be the first goalie off the board, but could definitely hear his name called in 2024, after being passed over completely in 2023. (Steven Graves)

Kasper Lundell - Center - HPK (Liiga)

Florida Panthers centreman Anton Lundell’s younger brother is in his second last year of draft eligibility in 2024. Kasper is a similar player to his older brother in that he is a strong two-way center that lacks foot speed. But what he lacks for in foot speed he makes up for with how he anticipates and reads plays at both ends of the rink. Kasper is great at putting himself into excellent positions at both ends of the rink, this allows him to nullify plays in the defensive zone and also be an important piece in transition as a trailing forward. The questions persist with Lundell as they always have, “what can he be at the NHL level?” And I don’t think we’re closer to that answer this year like in years past. (Steven Graves)

Janne Naukkarinen - Center/Wing - SaiPa (Liiga)

Naukkarinen has sort of come out of nowhere to become a productive player in the Liiga this season. The 6’1 forward has really impressed with his consistency, vision, smarts, skating ability and playmaking. While it’s unclear what kind of player he can develop into, he has an intriguing physical profile and set of skills to grab an NHL teams attention ahead of the 2024 draft. (Steven Graves)

Peetu Kiukas - Defense - SaiPa (Liiga)

Kiukas has enjoyed himself a stellar offensive season from the blueline this season and because of it he may have found himself on NHL team’s radars. Kiukas is a slick offensive blueliner that is able to facilitate offence in an efficient manner from the blueline. He is great at moving the puck, so naturally his first pass and puck retrievals are some of his best assets. He is a bit on the shorter side for a defender, standing at only 5’11” but he is a competent defender in the Liiga, even if he has his warts from time to time. (Steven Graves)

Nestor Noiva - Wing - Assat (Liiga)

Noiva is a fascinating prospect for this year's draft. He struggled to produce at a high rate in Finland’s under 20 league this season as one of the older players in the league but once he played against men he didn’t look out of place, at all. Noiva has, in his arsenal, a very good snapshot, and if given time and space will make you pay. He is also a hound around the goal mouth, not afraid to get his nose dirty to corral a rebound. He is a player I think teams are going to appreciate. I think in three years’ time he could continue to develop into a hard nose bottom six player in the NHL. (Steven Graves)

Santeri Huovila - Wing - JYP U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

The leading scorer in Finland’s under 20 league has consistently shown flashes of offensive brilliance this season. But the question has to be asked if it is because he is developing, or if he is playing inferior competition? He has struggled to produce at Liiga level, although he just recently earned a contract extension with JYP and stands to earn more ice time next season. He is an aggressive offensive weapon who is always looking to score and create offense while on the ice. As a double overager for this draft, Huovila hopes he has shown enough offensive promise that an NHL team picks him in hopes he can harness that promise in the NHL one day. (Steven Graves)

Sweden

Luleås Isac Hedqvist under ishockeymatchen i SHL mellan Växjö och Luleå den 30 januari 2024 i Växjö.
Foto: Jonas Ljungdahl / BILDBYRÅN

Filip Sitar - Center/Wing - Malmo J20

After making the jump from AIK of the Allsvenskan to Malmo of the SHL, Sitar finds himself in a similar situation as last year. He has been piling on the points in the J20 but hasn’t had more than a cup of coffee with the senior team. He is still very intelligent and reads the ice exceptionally well. He still positions himself well off the puck and keeps an active defensive stick. The skating has even taken a step in the right direction, though there is still a way to go there. However, he is still being forced to the perimeter due to a lack of physical strength and intensity. His playmaking and passing ideas are quite good, yet there is a lack of precision on the execution. There is still a lot of room for growth, and betting on high IQ players gaining muscle and improving quickness isn’t completely ridiculous. However, teams must decide if the offensive upside is good enough to take a flyer on. (Felix Robbins)

Frans Haara - Defense - Skellfteå AIK (SHL)

While spending the year mostly a J20/SHL tweener, Haara got a nice long look in the top four of the senior squad filling in for an injured Axel Sandin-Pellika. He’s a mobile puck moving RHD who can skate it coast to coast and who looks comfortable jumping up as a 4th F on the rush as well. Straight line attacker lacks a bit of dimension/layers. A decent passer but wouldn’t say he’s much of a playmaker. He does have a booming shot, which he uses to generate a bit of offence. Haara seems to put a great deal of focus on play in his own zone at the SHL level, while showing much more offensive risk in the J20. He has the mobility to activate into play more than he does but chooses not to. I admire his commitment to playing a more well-rounded game. While his mobility is quite good and he’ll be a solid defender once he gets stronger, I wonder if he’s shown enough upside to entice NHL teams to take a flyer on him. However, right-shot defencemen are always coveted assets. Maybe he continues to build his 2-way game up from his strong skating and tops out as a bottom pair defensive puck mover – if he’s lucky. (Felix Robbins)

Svante Sjodin - Center - Orebro HK (SHL)

The youngest player eligible for the 2023 draft didn’t show enough to get drafted, but that may have been for the best. He was incredibly unrefined, but the straight-line skating and the work ethic was undeniable. This year, a clearer picture of what type of player Sjödin will be at higher levels has started to emerge. He’s added some delay to his skating patterns, so his rush attacks aren’t as predictable. He’s grown an inch and added a bit of muscle, helping him out-grind foes for possession along the wall and for prime netfront real estate. These promising steps have seen his point production in the J20 triple what it was last year. However, it was Sjödin’s contagious energy and his effort in the defensive zone that landed him a role with the senior club. With the steps he’s already taken this year combined with the fact that he’s got a ton of developmental runway left, I’m sure NHL teams are taking a good long look at Sjödin for a late round swing. (Felix Robbins)

Hugo Lejon - Wing - Vasterås IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Despite an impressive draft year campaign, the very skilled (but very raw) Hugo Lejon didn’t get his name called by any NHL clubs in 2023. He has bounced right back, putting up an obscene number of points in the J20 and earned an extended stay with the Västerås senior club. While the good parts of his tactical playmaking and deceptive on-puck game are still there, some positive growth has given more reason for optimism. His skating has taken a step, he’s showing more determination and a willingness to battle, and he’s getting more involved in play outside of the offensive zone - at least at the HockeyAllsvenskan level. He’s also developed some nice zing to his wrister, something that was missing from his offensive arsenal last year. Despite the encouraging signs, Lejon is still far from a finished product. His physical game still needs a good amount of work, and he could always get quicker. I think that with the improvement Lejon has shown this year, NHL teams would be wise to scoop him up before he becomes too hot of a commodity. (Felix Robbins)

David Granberg - Center - Luleå HF (SHL)

After a paltry draft year splitting time across multiple levels of play, Granberg took on a great deal more responsibility this year and has looked solid all the way. He’s worn the “C” for the Luleå J20 squad (scoring over a point per game doing so), done a stint with Piteå HC in the HockeyEttan, and had a taste of SHL action. The most consistent aspect of young Granberg’s play across multiple levels of hockey this season has been his strong commitment to his defensive game. He plays low, helping out his defensemen battle for retrievals and to provide a relief outlet to get breakouts started. He positions himself smartly away from the puck, reading play alertly and reacting appropriately. However, his offensive zone off-puck movement and willingness to drive to the net, which lead to so much of his production at the J20, hasn’t shown up at higher levels. He lacks the quickness and the strength to create space for himself. He lacks the hands, the creativity and the deception to do so for others. Granberg is an intelligent player with good physical habits and strong defensive instincts, but I worry that he may not have the offensive upside that NHL teams are looking for. If he can find some sort of space creator for himself in the SHL or learn how to be a more effective garbage collector, he may be worth taking a flyer on. (Felix Robbins)

Isac Hedqvist - Wing - Luleå HF (SHL)

It became very apparent very quickly that Isac Hedqvist was a standout prospect in an already deep Swedish prospect pool in 2023, yet he wasn’t selected by an NHL team. This year, Hedqvist has made those same teams look very foolish by bulldozing competition in the juniors and seizing an everyday spot on Luleå’s senior squad. His excellent motor is still running. He’s still quick on his feet. He’s still inside driven. He’s still tenacious in possession battles and never shies away from physical confrontation. His playmaking has taken a big jump. He sees passing lanes open up at their earliest and executes with precision. I love his involvement in all three zones, and he’s so dang feisty and competitive. I wouldn’t worry about his point totals in the SHL - His offensive contribution will come alongside physical maturation. Plus, he hit his previous year’s J20 point total in 20 less games. He could, however, stand to add some zing to his shot. Otherwise, I have nothing but praises to sing about Hedqvist. He is a stud of a prospect and really should have been drafted the 1st time. Hopefully NHL teams come to their senses and don’t make the same mistake twice. (Felix Robbins)

Isac Born - Center/Wing - Frolunda HC (SHL)

In his 3rd year of eligibility and enjoying his first full year with the Frolunda senior club, we have a pretty good idea of who Isac Born is. He brings a ton of energy to the lineup. He is a very strong skater who plays with a lot of pace. He gets his feet moving and keeps an active stick to mount pressure on puck carriers on the forecheck and in the defensive zone. He can generate some offence by carrying the puck in transition, slipping past defenders and funneling pucks to the net. Despite his excellent skating, he has a hard time moving off puck to get open, both in transition and on offence. As a result, he doesn’t get hit with many passes - most of his offensive possession time comes from grinding for pucks along the wall. At this point, it’s hard to see a path to North America for Born. He’s topping out as a bottom six energy forward with limited offensive production in the SHL, which doesn’t bode well for his NHL upside. You’ve got to really believe in his skating and work ethic to have him on your list for the upcoming draft. (Felix Robbins)

Lucas Nordstrom - Defense - Leksands IF J20

For a kid who didn’t play in the J20 at all in his draft year, Nordstrom has got a clean handle on the level of play. He’s an incredibly smooth skater with solid 4-way mobility. He’s calm, self-aware, and reads plays well. He looks very comfortable skating the puck out of his zone in transition and activating into play below the blue line. He keeps a clean gap and has a good, active stick. He definitely needs to pack on some pounds, as he’s ineffective at clearing the crease and physically knocking guys off the puck. He does have a willingness to battle, though. For someone who should profile as an offensive puck mover, the offence is limited. He tends to keep his passes short and simple, not showing much risk or creativity to his playmaking. He doesn’t show much deception or manipulation, and his hands are quite average. It’s rare to see a defensive puck mover make it in the NHL at his size, but the skating, the smarts and the physical/board play habits give reason for optimism. Nordstrom is an intriguing prospect, but he’s also still quite raw. NHL teams considering drafting him must be patient, as he’ll have a long developmental road ahead of him. (Felix Robbins)

Hugo Fransson - Defense - HV71 (SHL)

After a pair of rather disappointing years of draft eligibility, Fransson has finally had a stellar one his 3rd time around. He’s been playing pro all year long, splitting time between Nybro Vikings of the HockeyAllsvenskan, where he’s been very productive (4G, 13A in 26 GP), and HV71 of the SHL, where he’s been focused on his defensive and transitional play. Fransson is a smooth skating, mobile, offensive defenceman with solid defensive habits. He does a great job keeping his feet moving and instigating physically when engaging his man. When he’s not the first one in on retrievals, he makes sure to support his partner by staying close and open for a pass. Fransson has great vision. More than a few of his points this season have come from hard passes from his end to spring a streaking teammate for a breakaway. He’s also more than comfortable pinching and activating into play below the blue line, thanks to his excellent hands and agility. Fransson has shown he can be a very confident and dangerous playmaker who could probably distribute some pucks on a 2nd PP unit. Fransson isn’t perfect, however. He still needs to add a bit of mass to his fairly average frame, and sometimes the decision making after he’s retrieved pucks in his own end isn’t always great. Still, the pros outweigh the cons. Fransson is a very exciting offensive defenceman who is far from a liability in his own end. He can impact play in all 3 zones, and probably score a bunch of points while doing so. I think he’d be an incredibly intriguing option in the later rounds for NHL teams who need close-to-ready defensive depth with some offensive upside. (Felix Robbins)

Simon Carlsson - Goaltender - AIK J20

Carlsson gives his team a chance to win every night, and it shows in his numbers with AIK’s J20 squad. Watching him play tells more of the story. Stellar rebound control. Pucks shot at the chest and glove are swallowed up and never to be seen again. Kept a tight crease, no wild movements or adventures. Stays composed overall but can look a bit antsy when moving from the top of his crease and backwards. Could use a bit more agility, his lateral strides were consistently short and lacked power. He was able to mitigate that with some good athleticism/flexibility. Reads play very well, even through traffic. Goalies are voodoo, but Carlsson shows good habits and has a cool temperament. NHL teams could take a chance on him in the later rounds and let him marinate in Sweden - he might be something after a few years of pro hockey experience. (Felix Robbins)

Kalle Carlsson - Center - Örebro HK J20

Another year, another very productive season in the J20 for Carlsson. Will it be enough to get selected this time around? He has great vision and some interesting and creative playmaking ideas. I like the way he moves around the offensive zone, always on the hunt for some soft ice. He’s got nice hands that he uses to dance the puck around defenders sticks and come away with possession. Not sure it’ll ever be a separation tool, but he displays good patience and manipulation skills. His skating quickness is still not where it needs to be to be in the driver’s seat when on-puck, or to keep up with play off-puck. Instead, he relies on his hockey sense to read play and anticipate where the puck will end up, and paths accordingly. Same story on defence - he positions himself smartly in anticipation of incoming passes or skaters and uses a good stick to intercept the puck. While that is a nice workaround in many static situations, it renders him rather invisible in transition, limiting his impact on play as a whole. He’s also got to pack some more meat on his bones, as some pure strength would be a difference maker in forechecking and defensive situations. I think Carlsson’s intelligence, creativity and playmaking ability are standout traits of his that should have scouts mulling over whether or not it’s worth taking a risk on him. However, the skating may simply not be good enough to warrant a pick. (Felix Robbins)

Hannes Hellberg - Wing - Vasterås IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

In his first full professional season in the HockeyAllsvenskan, Hellberg has established himself as an offensive threat. He’s quite skilled on puck - he can chain moves together to open up passing lanes or to undress a goalie for a tap in goal. His wrister is a dangerous weapon for him up close and from a distance, and his release is quick. He doesn’t always see every potential play or pass option available to him, but there is still a decent amount of vision and awareness there. He’s got quick feet which helps his rush attack, though a tad more agility would really aid his ability to get around defenders. Despite his success on the offensive side of the puck, I didn’t find Hellberg’s involvement on defence or in transition too inspiring. He tends to let his teammates do most of the work along the wall, and he tends to cheat for offence along the opposing blue line too much for my liking. Compete and intensity is just as important as fine skill to team AND individual success. If he can figure out how to put even 20% more effort into his play in all three zones, I think Hellberg would be a very interesting option for teams looking for a skilled forward prospect in the later rounds. (Felix Robbins)

Russia

Pavel Moysevich - Goaltender - SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

The big Belarussian netminder (6’5) has been a revelation in the KHL this year, emerging as a potential star. He set the new save percentage record (.942) by a U20 player, beating Ilya Samsonov’s previous record of .936. NHL stars like Andrei Vasilevsky and Ilya Sorokin also find themselves on that list, putting Moysevich in some pretty impressive company. His size is so impressive. When he’s aggressive at the top of the blue paint, he gives shooters pretty much nothing, and when he collapses deep, he has great posture to remain upright, again, eating up space and making himself difficult to beat. He has quick pads for a bigger netminder and his rebound control is pretty refined for someone who is getting his first taste of the professional level. Being so slight, it’s obvious that he’ll need to improve his lower body strength to become more powerful in his pushes. He’s not the quickest post to post, relying on his sheer leg and wing span to make saves laterally. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of watching Matt Murray in his OHL draft year because of that. The upside here is tremendous and he should be ranked accordingly. (Brock Otten)

Ilya Ivantsov - Center - Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)

A player in his final year of draft eligibility, Ivantsov has taken that next step as a KHL player this season. His 35 points were fourth among U21 players and Ivantsov was the only player in the top six yet to be drafted. He shines defensively with exceptional awareness and positioning. His high hockey IQ allows him to anticipate plays and win puck battles despite his smaller stature. He utilizes impressive stickwork to disrupt plays and excels on the penalty kill. Offensively, he has some projectable talent with strong drives to the net and playmaking ability. However, inconsistency has been an issue, leading to hesitation with the puck and a lack of assertiveness. Further development in offensive confidence and physicality could unlock his full potential as a valuable two-way forward in a bottom-six role. (Josh Bell)

Nikita Telegin - Center - Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)

One of the MHL’s most improved players this year, Telegin offers a blend of finesse and physicality, making him a fairly versatile center. He’s a skilled puckhandler and an aggressive forechecker, impacting the game in all situations. He excels in faceoffs and provides a reliable, dependable presence on the ice. While not flashy offensively, Telegin has solid passing abilities and a surprising shot. He maintains excellent awareness, scanning for passing lanes, and pressuring opponents without the puck. However, his defensive game could benefit from bringing that forechecking pressure and improved lane coverage. Despite average skating, Telegin keeps pace with the play in most situations. His reliability and well-rounded skill set make him a potential candidate for bottom-six or depth roles. (Josh Bell)

Nikita Surayev - Wing - SKA (MHL)

When he was passed over last year, Surayev was one of the youngest players eligible (born September 12th). As one of the highest scoring players in the MHL this year, he’s put himself back on the draft radar. Surayev impresses with a dynamic blend of speed and skill. His puckhandling abilities, especially at high speeds, are noteworthy. His strong hockey IQ allows him to capitalize on scoring opportunities and excel in transition play. He does bring an impressive ability to put the puck in the net. Surayev does lack physical strength and needs to work on his defensive awareness and overall commitment though. If he can address these weaknesses, Surayev's offensive potential is promising, making him a prospect with NHL-depth upside. (Josh Bell)

Ilya Nabokov - Goaltender - Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

Another 2003 born player in his final year of draft eligibility, Nabokov has been a revelation in the KHL this season. Despite being slightly ‘undersized’ for a goaltender (6-foot, 179 pounds), Nabokov compensates with exceptional agility and athleticism. His strong positional awareness and anticipation skills are complemented by a quick glove hand and solid rebound control, limiting second chances. He has excelled in the KHL this season as a rookie and his impressive .930 save percentage is quite promising. His track record thus far leads me to believe that this isn’t a one-off season and the Russian netminder could very well be the real deal. Nabokov's raw talent and proven results in the KHL make him an intriguing goaltending prospect for a patient NHL team, despite going previously undrafted. (Josh Bell)

Dmitri Gamzin - Goaltender - CSKA Moskva (KHL)

Yup, you guessed it, another 2003 born player who has turned some heads this year. Gamzin shows off strong agility, reflexes, and anticipation skills, allowing him to make key saves and maintain a solid defensive stance. His technically sound game is complemented by impressive puck handling under pressure as well. He put up impressive statistics in the VHL (.922 SV%) and KHL (.937 SV%) this season, although I’d like to see him play with a heavier workload to really test how well he would translate to the NHL. His technical skills and athleticism make him a promising goalie, and he could be a late-round gamble for a team looking for some goalie prospect depth. (Josh Bell)

Mikhail Grass - Center - Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

In a matter of a year, Grass has gone from being an MHL support player to being one of the top young centers in the KHL, earning a three-year contract extension from Metallurg. That kind of progression is impressive, especially when you factor in that Grass is a 6’4, 200lbs center. It’s clear that his game is still very raw, but what’s he going to look like in three years when his KHL contract expires? The skating is still a work in progress. He builds to a solid top speed for a big man and actually has good edgework, but the first few steps are lumbering and lack power. He also can struggle to corral pucks or maintain possession at full speed, which makes one wonder about the skill upside. However, he’s already a competitive two-way player. He is dangerous in the slot and near the crease. He flashes a very heavy shot (even if his release needs some work), that gives him excellent scoring potential. While he’s probably a draft longshot, don’t count out NHL teams from being enamored with his size and two-way upside. (Brock Otten)

Vladimir Mikhalyov - Wing - Sibir Novosibirsk (KHL)

Mikhalyov was on a few draft lists last year after a good year in the MHL, but he’s been even more impressive this year, splitting time between the KHL and MHL. He’s flashed high end creativity and puck skill at the KHL level, even scoring a highlight reel between the legs goal. He’s also a very intelligent off puck player who times cuts well and who succeeds in high traffic areas despite having only average size/strength. Additionally, his skating looks to have taken a nice step forward this year, improving his projection and upside. The MHL stats won’t blow you away, but context is important; his team is low scoring. What is also important is how well he’s played in the KHL as a 19-year-old with limited ice time. If he’s not on the radar of NHL teams, he definitely should be. (Brock Otten)

Makar Khanin - Wing - Dynamo St. Petersburg (VHL)

Another 2005 born Russian forward who has taken huge steps forward this year. He’s gone from being an MHL depth player to being the highest scoring U20 player in the VHL, ahead of some NHL drafted players. He’s a high-end skill guy who is both creative and confident with the puck on his stick. More slippery than quick, he can keep the puck on a string to help him escape pressure in the offensive end. For an average sized guy, he’s not an extremely quick or dynamic skater. He’s also a pretty one-dimensional player at this point. But, that one dimension is pretty impressive. Khanin’s offensive upside is pretty significant and the rapid progression he has shown this year is bound to have drawn some eyeballs. (Brock Otten)

Amir Nugmanov - Wing - Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)

A longshot to be drafted because he’s undersized and not a dynamic skater, but Nugmanov deserves mention for his progression this year. One of the youngest players eligible last year, Nugmanov struggled to be an impact player at the MHL level and was never really on the draft radar. This year? He’s become a standout in the MHL and even earned a call up to the KHL level where he performed admirably. He makes up for a lack of elite size/strength/quickness by being tenacious. A tremendous forechecker, Nugmanov is quite the pest. He consistently forces turnovers with his energy and physicality, and he has the skill to capitalize on them. He also possesses a great wrist shot and a quick release, making him a quick strike player. Nugmanov is someone worth monitoring in the future. (Brock Otten)

Switzerland

Simone Terraneo - Defense - Ambrì Piotta - NL

One of the most appealing aspects of the Swiss NL is that it is chock full of former NHLers, even featuring players coming straight over from the NHL each and every season. And beyond that, the league attracts many of Europe’s top scorers every summer, plenty of whom are members of their respective national teams. Outside of the NHL, there may not be a league on the planet featuring this many pro athletes that were, at some point, an NHL property. So, when a young Swissman 21 or younger finds himself taking a regular shift in this league, it usually indicates that he’s someone NHL scouts have good reason to be watching. Enter Simone Terraneo, a defenseman in his DY+2 season who will nonetheless first turn 20 a day after the 2024 Draft concludes. When we first started taking notice of the 5’11”, 190-pound blueliner, he was captaining a disappointing Swiss U18 Worlds outfit in which he jumped out at us as the most competitive and overall effective player for his nation. There was little about his U20 league play that season that had us thinking he could perform at this level, but that’s exactly what he did in Kaufbeuren, Germany. And this had us very curious about his DY+1 season, which ended up being a resounding success. Terraneo proved far too good for the U20 circuit (22 points in 16 games) and suited up 35 times second leagueist Ticino Rockets, for whom he racked up 21 points. This pretty impressive performance, done entirely as an 18-year-old, did not lead to him being drafted, but it did secure an NL contract and he hasn’t looked back since. Mobile, physical, smart, and competitive, Terraneo has quietly put up 5 points and +3 in 34 games for a sub-.500 club while averaging a bit over 10 minutes of ice time per night. His 3 points and +3 at the WJC weren’t too shabby either. Seeing as how it took JJ Moser 3 years of eligibility to get drafted, we can see Terraneo sliding through once again, but he’s given the scouting world plenty of reason to give him a good hard look. (Chapin Landvogt)

Kevin Pasche - Goaltender - Lausanne - NL

At just 5’10”, 170-pounds, Pasche provides nothing in the way of ideal goaltending measurements, especially in a day and age where it’s commonplace to see 6’3” giants in goal, often even at the junior level. Instead, Pasche makes a living in the net with flashy hands and incredibly quick movements and slides. His legwork and balance, not only in stopping pucks, but batting them to the side boards, are often so lightning quick that you don’t notice he was actually down in the splits making a save because he’s right back up on his feet again in no time flat. His recovery time is simply fascinating. And when you’re his size, there aren’t many advantages to spending too much time on your knees, so he’s clearly made “recovery” a key component of his make-up. His numbers in two WJCs and an U18 Worlds won’t jump out at you in a particularly positive sense, but that he garnered the kind of trust from the program that saw him getting at least 3 outings in each of these three tournaments should. Now, before we get into the nitty gritty of why the scouting community simply can’t look past him at this point, it’s important to know that he’s playing his first pro season after two straight seasons with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. For a small Swiss netminder, that is a path less traveled. Heading into this season, it was felt he’d primarily be a second-league SL goaltender, likely platooning with fellow 21-year old Noah Patenaude, who spent three seasons in the QMJHL not long ago. Welp, a 9-4 record with a 1.76 GAA, 3 shutouts, and a .942 SV% quickly put an end to that. Joining NL club Lausanne at the end of October, Pasche has gone on to become the team’s 1A goaltender and almost hasn’t missed a beat, what with a 11-4-2 with a 2.10 GAA, 2 shutouts, and a .923 SV%. This makes him not only the top U25 goaltender in the league, but 5th overall in GAA and 6th overall in save percentage. The size will surely spook off a number of teams, if not a majority, but if Pasche were say 6’2”, it’s hard to imagine he’d slip through 7 rounds without hearing his name called. (Chapin Landvogt)

Tommaso de Luca - Center - Ambri-Piotta - NL

Italian U20 national team program center de Luca spent his draft year playing for the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL and truth be told, his 49 points in 65 games were not only good for 3rd in team scoring but were also clearly one of the better first year appearances a Swiss-trained player has had in Canadian juniors in recent years. There were voices out there who felt he was worthy of a late-round pick in last summer’s draft, even if we at McKeen’s were not one of them. There was then some surprise when de Luca decided not to remain in the WHL for another crack at it, especially in light of the continued opportunity to play with a talent like Berkly Catton. Seeing what’s become of import forwards Rasmus Ekström and Lukas Kral, we imagine Spokane surely wishes he had. But the call of pro-league payment in Switzerland can be a tempting one and de Luca has proven worthy of it, ultimately becoming one of the absolute few U20 players in the NL to find himself taking a regular shift. In fact, he’s now gotten into 35 games, having seen between 10-15 minutes of ice in 25 of them. He even collected a hat-trick in a recent outing. All in all, the former WHL playmaker now has nine goals and 16 points to go with a +1 for a team in the bottom third of the standings. If anything, de Luca’s performance has proven that he’s not only pro-ready, but capable of taking on responsibility. He’d have likely played more NL games this season, but represented Italy at the D1B WJC, where his 10 points in 5 games were good for 2nd on the team, tying him for 3rd in the tournament. Italy will host the D1A Men’s World Championships this spring and it’s hard to imagine that the decision makers would leave the most successful Italian scorer in the Swiss NL off the roster. (Chapin Landvogt)

Germany

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA - DECEMBER 28: Germany's Roman Kechter #24 celebrates at the bench with teammates after scoring a first period goal against Canada during Preliminary Round - Group A action at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Scotiabank Centre on December 28, 2022 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/IIHF)

Veit Oswald - Wing - Red Bull Munich - DEL

This is one of those seasons where someone who’s piqued our curiosity for several years now just simply arrives on the scene to make a convincing statement about what he’s all about. Now, we’ve talked about Veit Oswald in the past and were already feeling really good about him last fall, but this season has continued to unravel like a fairy tale ever since. And it’s one the 6’2” winger continues to be authoring with one feat after another. His climb from a solid lower line role last October and November, in which the youngster has gone from seeing between 8-12 to 15+ minutes of DEL ice time, has seen him pitted in all sorts of roles no-one could have possibly expected before the season, including some shifts here and there on the powerplay as well as in the waning moments of a tight lead. If anyone can be called the DEL’s shooting star, it’s Oswald! What has also made this season all that much more impressive is that he finally arrived on the scene internationally, serving as a key contributor to Germany’s successful effort to retain the class thanks to 3 goals, 5 points, 27 penalty minutes, and +1 in 4 contests, including several of the tournament’s absolute highlight reel goals. Before that, his name was surely just scribbled in the odd notebook here and there when his first year of draft eligibility saw him lead the German DNL in scoring and then earn a spot on the U18 team for a World’s tourney held right in his hometown of Landshut. His 3 points in 4 games there tied him for second in team scoring. He then entered the pro ranks the season thereafter, where he was solid in the country’s 3rd pro circuit, getting into 25 under-the-radar contests with Munich in the DEL (3 assists). That was accompanied by last winter’s WJC appearance, in which he had 2 points for a terribly low-scoring German side. Since coming home from Sweden in January, he’s taken his game to the next level. Four goals and 7 points in 10 games have accompanied a +5 rating, giving him 9 goals, 14 points, and a +4 in 38 total games to date. He was also selected to be part of a special Team Germany U25 outfit that looked mighty promising in several test games against the Slovakian national team earlier this month. Full of flair, possessing a strong motor, and constantly finding himself in the right place, it’s all but certain that Oswald will hear his name called at this summer’s draft, which will be a DY+2 affair for him. Despite that, a nice treat on top is that he first turns 20 on August 31st. We won’t be surprised if it’s with a DEL championship in his pocket. (Chapin Landvogt)

Roman Kechter - Wing/Center - Nuremberg Ice Tigers - DEL

Roman Kechter is a player we first talked about when he was 16 and found himself suiting up for 21 DEL games in the league’s pandemic-shortened 20-21 season, one in which admittedly many U21 players found themselves playing as cost-saving measures, if nothing else. Still, this made him one of the youngest players the league had ever seen. Also, he was coming in from his junior play with Rögle in Sweden, so he was certainly already understood as an above-average German talent. As normality returned, he and many other youngsters found themselves back in juniors and Kechter’s progress seemed to stall in Sweden. He improved, certainly, but the expectations after his DEL outing were obviously unrealistic and his decent, but by no means outstanding, showing with Rögle’s U20 outfit went largely unnoticed. A captaincy at the U18 Worlds couldn’t boost his draft chances. He then found himself in another 21 DEL games as well as 29 3rd league games (17 points) in his DY+1 season, which was accompanied by a solid WJC performance, but it was all too unspectacular for the 5’11”, 185-pounder to gain any notoriety. Having now just turned 20 in mid-February, Kechter has spent this season displaying a much different and more mature version of his abilities. Sure, his 17 points in 38 games are already a career high while his +2 rating sees him as one of only 5 players on his team without a negative rating, but he’s playing like a seasoned vet and making sound decisions across the board. His work outside of the offensive zone pops up as much as anything else. He also had himself a solid WJC, doing much of his team’s yeoman work in keeping an undermanned unit from getting relegated. Before that, he had formed a powerful line with Kevin Bicker and Moritz Elias in pre-tourney competition, one with which he put up 15 points in 5 preparation games. It only takes one team to like what they’ve seen to make the 3rd time around the charm for this budding forward talent, one who’s been reaping praise throughout the DEL this season. (Chapin Landvogt)

Adrian Klein - Defense - Straubing Tigers - DEL

Much like Kechter, Klein found himself in the DEL as a 16-year-old during the pandemic-shortened season. He actually got into 31 games at the time, scoring his first goal along the way. That was accompanied by another 9 pro games spread out among the 2nd and 3rd pro leagues as well as a U18 Worlds outing in Texas. Pretty nice experience for a player still a year removed from his draft, which came and went without much fanfare. The DEL time decreased in his draft year and even though the quality minutes increased in his DEL2, growing into what is now a 6’3”, 212-pound body had its growing pains and there was a lot of less-than-impressive hockey along the way. Or just the normal learning curve of an up-and-coming defenseman? A WJC appearance was in the cards as well that year, but it was especially clear at that event that he was still a good bit removed from his international peers. His DY+1 felt like a repeat of his draft year, admittedly getting in more DEL action while also experiencing a bit of a step back at both the DEL2 level and WJC. This brings us to this season where the best bet would be to assume more of the same, but he’s changed all that. Right from Day 1 of training camp, Klein played with a purpose and made it clear that he’s a capable DEL defenseman with upside. He’s even been paired the bulk of the season with former NHLer Justin Braun or DEL shooting star Nicolas Mattinen. With 2 goals, 7 points, and a +1 in all 48 games thus far, it’s clearly a career year to date, but what we like is that his 4-way ability has picked up considerably. His feet are moving. He’s got more urgency in his game. He catches and then launches pucks in almost one single motion. He’s heady. He’s aware. He blocks shots and battles out there. We’re seeing a level of confidence not yet seen from him. Whereas a drafting this summer is still highly unlikely, he should become a free agent topic in the coming years if he can continue blooming at the rate displayed this season. (Chapin Landvogt)

Czechia

Jiří Ticháček - Defense - Rytíři Kladno

Ticháček is a small (5'9") yet dynamic offensive defenseman who hasn't been selected in the last three drafts and now it's his last chance. He has taken a significant leap forward compared to last year. Although Ticháček plays for the worst team in the Czech Extraliga, he has a key role and even set a club record for points scored by a defenseman. Ticháček is limited by his height, which is probably the reason he hasn't been picked yet, but after a record-breaking season, he should at least have a chance to make the move to North America. He has exceptional puck-handling skills, remarkable agility and keen ice awareness. He's skilled at stealing the puck from opponents, but it's evident his weaker physical abilities hold him back a bit when it comes to defense. It's questionable whether he will ever make it to the NHL, but Ticháček's record-breaking season should not go unnoticed. (Matej Deraj)

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL DRAFT GUIDE – The McKeen’s team sleeper picks

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:47:12 +0000

Brock Otten (Director of Scouting)

Joey Willis of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Joey Willis - Center - Saginaw Spirit

The stat line won’t wow you. The physical tools won’t wow you. Yet, this is a player who consistently passes the eye test. On a deep Saginaw team, he consistently found a way to be noticeable. He has strong two-way instincts, is creative, and is a really strong playmaker. This was Willis’ first year playing above the AAA level, so no wonder the physical tools are lagging behind. Lots of room for this player to grow with increased confidence.

Larry Keenan - Defense - Culver Academy

Keenan is a very raw defensive prospect from the prep scene. He’s going to require a ton of patience as his game adapts to playing at the higher levels. However, he may be one of the most electric skating defenders available this year and he’s 6’3. His athleticism is off the charts good, and he is headed to a program (UMass) with a great track record for developing defenders.

Eric Pohlkamp - Defense - Cedar Rapids Roughriders

For my money, one of…if not the best re-entry player available this year. The USHL’s defenseman of the year is just a really fun player to watch. He’ll need to alter a few things to adapt his game to the next level, but he has a really intriguing upside. His point shot is one of the best available this year. He skates well. He defends aggressively. The rapid progression he showed this year in his second USHL season was remarkable. He also looked great at the World Junior A Challenge playing against some pretty good other players.

Derek Neumeier (Assistant Director of Scouting)

Josh Van Mulligen — Defense — Medicine Hat Tigers

A person might see Van Mulligen's minuscule point totals from this season and assume that he's not a good prospect, but that would be unwise. His value is at the other end of the ice, disrupting the offensive efforts of the opposing teams. He combines his long reach with clean footwork in all directions to close gaps and get his stick in shooting lanes. His capacity as a puck transporter is improving too, and it could make a lot more progress down the road as he adds strength and power into his lower body. He has the tools to become a true defensive specialist in the NHL one day.

Isac Hedqvist — Wing — Luleå

Hedqvist flew under the radar this season because he didn't play for Sweden internationally, but he didn't look out of place in the SHL games that he dressed for, which measured him up well against his top countrymen in this year's draft class. He's a winger who overcomes his smaller stature by being smart, tenacious, and playing with a competitive edge. He's around the puck a lot with his efforts, and when he wins them, he knows how to drive them to the opposing net. With such great pro tendencies already, it bodes well for how his game will grow over time.

Vojtech Port — Defense — Edmonton Oil Kings

It's a real shame that Port suffered a season-ending injury with a lot of hockey left to go, because he was making a real statement with his play. The rebuilding Oil Kings were an unmitigated disaster all season, but the import Czech defender was unfazed and just kept chugging away, logging big minutes in all situations and doing a lot of positive things in his shifts. He knows how to use his large frame to his advantage, he skates and handles the puck well, and he isn't afraid to be a focal point for his team. There could be a lot of untapped potential here.

Adam Tate (Western Region Scout)

Ty Halaburda - Wing - Vancouver Giants

I wrote about Ty Halaburda back in December as a notable mid-round candidate and I’m still on the Halaburda Hype Train now. His Vancouver Giants were eliminated early in the playoffs, so he was added to Canada’s roster for the U-18’s in April. He had a decent tournament, but I think he’d be the first to tell you he didn’t play as well as he would’ve hoped. As for his outlook as a pro, his ceiling is likely as a bottom six winger, but I think he’ll be able to thrive there. His skating is his best trait, but I think his hockey awareness is good as well. There is the potential to provide some secondary scoring and penalty kill utility at the bottom of a team’s forward lineup.

Matej Deraj (Central European Scout)

Maroš Jedlička – W/C – HKM Zvolen, Slovakia

Jedlička is already a double overager and may even end up not being drafted again, but his game would fit perfectly on the North American ice. He is a physical winger with solid skating, offensive skills, and more than a solid size (6´2”, 201 lbs). He likes to drive to the net and finishes his checks. He´s been a key part of Zvolen´s offense in the Slovak top tier league for two years in a row and has drawn a lot of NHL interest. He projects as a middle-six physical winger with a scoring touch who is able to play on both special teams.

Chase Rochon (Video Scout)

Aiden Fink - Wing - Brooks Bandits

Aiden Fink is a unique prospect in this year's draft class mainly because he is one of the only players on our ranking coming from the AJHL playing for the Centennial Cup champion Brooks Bandits. Fink isn't only undervalued because of his strength in the league but also because of his smaller frame of 5’9”, 152lbs. These factors do not stop Fink's dynamic offensive ability as a high-paced winger with great offensive tools, which he uses to drive the net. Fink has a real knack for scoring goals and using his awareness to find open space to take advantage of his quick release.

Chapin Landvogt (Central European Scout)

Arno Tiefensee - Goaltender - Mannheim Adler - DEL

Imagine being a 6’4”, 190-pound goaltender by the time you’re 18, heading to the WJC, and then falling into anonymity after getting shellacked in two outings on the world stage. Like a phoenix out of the ashes, you get your shot in a top European pro league with a top address atage 20 - and you run with it. We mean, you go 13-10, pitch 3 shutouts, and rack up a 2.43 GAA and .910 save percentage. Then you’re the starter in the playoffs, dialing in for a 2.07 GAA and .914 save percentage in 12 outings. You’re even in heavy consideration for an appearance at the World Championships. Well, we’ve just described the story of the calm, collective, and focused Tiefensee, who’s likely coming to an NHL franchise near you this summer.

Joely Stockl (Ontario Regional Scout)

Easton Cowan - Wing - London Knights

Easton Cowan has been an intriguing player all season long, but his playoff performance offensively alongside Denver Barkey has been something to behold. The combination of his smarts and work ethic is what makes Cowan so unique in this draft class, and these are the two driving forces in his game. Cowan translates as a 200-foot utility player at the next level who can provide secondary scoring. He is a forward that can play on both special teams units, plays with undeniable energy, and will give 110% effort on every single play. His offensive production late in the season is giving teams a reason to call Cowan’s name earlier rather than later in this year’s NHL draft.

Mark Dube (U.S. and Video Scout)

Noah Dower Nilsson - Wing/Center - Frölunda HC J20

Dower Nilsson is coming off a very impressive season in the J20 Nationell finishing 7th in the league in scoring posting 54 points in 37 games, tops among all draft eligible players. He also had a solid U18 showing although playing a limited role on a pretty strong team. Dower Nilsson possesses that raw talent that if developed properly could turn out to be a great pick up for any NHL team that selects him. He has good compete and has some scoring upside which are two attributes that every GM loves in a prospect. It is easy to see him becoming a solid middle-six player.

Viktor Fomich (Russian Scout)

Bogdan Konyushkov - Defense - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

When a player is undrafted a couple of times already and is in his last year of draft eligibility, it takes something special for him to finally get noticed. If we look at the basic stat line it looks good, but not too special for defenseman Bogdan Konyushkov, which is likely the reason there isn’t much mainstream talk about him outside of Russia, yet even just pure stats can be more interesting if we look at those closer and at the right angle. First thing that stands out in case of Konyushkov is that despite his age he made his KHL debut just this season and actually led his KHL team in average ice time, as his cerebral game on both ends convinced coach Igor Larionov to immediately give him an opportunity for a leading role on the team. And if we look at advanced stats, those are telling that this trust paid off really well, as Konyushkov is among the league’s leaders in both completed pass amount and percentage, as well as in the puck battle win percentage — quite a debut season I’d say. As a bonus Konyushkov is right handed, just in case if everything described above isn’t convincing enough yet about him potentially being a very intriguing prospect for the coming draft.

Ethan Hetu (U.S. Regional Scout)

Will Vote - Wing - U.S. NTDP

5’7” and 159. Those are the two numbers that will hurt USNTDP forward Will Vote the most in the draft process. His height and weight, respectively, numbers that pose a real challenge to his pro projectability. The number that won’t hurt Vote one bit when scouts dig into his game in advance of the 2023 draft? 110. That’s the percentage effort Vote gives on every shift, and what makes him an intriguing sleeper candidate. He proved this year that he can thrive in a role as a complementary player, leveraging his work rate, hockey IQ, and shooting ability to elevate his linemates. Would his profile look a whole lot better if he had the type of standout skating scouts look for in players his size? Absolutely, but it’s hard to watch the kind of nightly game Vote plays and not expect him to find a way to make it work at more challenging levels of competition.