Ivan Lodnia – McKeen's Hockey

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Minnesota Wild Top 20 Prospects

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:25:49 +0000

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

Kirill Kaprizov, LW (135^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 1)

Kaprizov is a dual threat with the puck. He has an excellent selection of shots and scoring touch around the net. His wrist shot release is very quick and does not give goalies much time to prepare. His one-timer is hard and accurate, with an effective weight transfer and follow-through. He can also set up his teammates for scoring chances with high end vision. Part of what makes him such a dangerous player is his ability to find soft spots. His movements are calculated in the offensive zone. He thinks the game at a very high level, creatively anticipating and taking advantage of any extra offensive zone room. His puck control in tight quarters is impressive and he has a quick stick in traffic. Kaprizov is a skilled skater with superb edge work and quickness. He can make shifty moves to evade opponents and buy time to make plays. His defensive game is also quite advanced. He uses his stick well to disrupt opponents and he works hard without the puck to regain possession, never quitting. He is a world-class talent with tremendous potential to be an impact player. – MB

Marco Rossi, C (9^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

One of the 2020 draft’s best two-way centers, Rossi has a mature understanding of his defensive responsibilities, and a high skill level, giving him both a high ceiling and a high floor. He pulverized expectations, leading the OHL in scoring before the season was cancelled. The Austrian import showcased a creative side along with explosiveness, strength on the puck, and confidence. He is at his best working the wall, either near the faceoff circle or behind the net. He is consistently first to dump-ins, gaining inside positioning. His lower body is very strong, making him very difficult to separate from the puck. He keeps those feet moving at all times, spinning off checks, while maintaining possession, creating a chance for himself or his linemates, able to make something out of nothing thanks to soft hands. Often the first man back, he leverages everything he has on puck carriers to re-establish possession, applying back pressure and forcing turnovers. His lack of size could be an issue due to his abrasive style of play. A notoriously hard worker, Rossi signed with ZSC in Switzerland and will play there until he makes the NHL roster. – BO

Matthew Boldy, LW (12^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 2)

Entering Boston College as a true freshman, Boldy was expected to be an impact player, but faltered, at least on the scoresheet, with only three points through the first half. When he returned from winter break, he went on a tear, putting up points in 15 of the final 21 games played. That stretch included three three-point games and he finished the season with 23 second-half points. Over that stretch, he was the fifth-highest scorer in the country. Because of the first-half slump, Boldy did not put up the numbers he was expected to have. But that should not take away from his attributes. The speed of college hockey can make for a difficult learning curve and it can take many talented freshmen a semester or more to adjust. While Boldy did not show up on the score sheet as much, he still played well - especially for an 18-year-old. He is a very good skater who can power up the ice. He is a great playmaker, thanks in part to his stick handling, his speed and his incredibly soft hands. He projects to be a first liner once he completes his time on campus. - JS

Calen Addison, D (53^rd overall, 2018 [Pittsburgh]. Previous ranking: 3)

Addison’s game revolves around his skating. He was one of the smoothest, and quickest skaters in the WHL last year. His footwork along the blueline is excellent, using his edges to create lanes for shooting or passing. His shot is much improved with both velocity and accuracy. He can step into a big slapshot or a solid one-timer, but his most dangerous shot is a hard wrister that will get past the first defender and onto the net, leading to frequent tips and deflections. His ability to quarterback the offense is impressive, with constant movement, a willingness to push down the wall, and crisp passing ability. Addison would rather hold onto the puck then throw it away and while he occasionally gets caught out, his recovery speed allows him to gamble more than most. Addison can still get a bit overmatched in his own zone, but improved footwork and speed enable him to clear more pucks and generate turnovers. He competes well and uses some of his strengths to manage better in his own zone than in his draft year. - VG

Alexander Khovanov, C (86^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

While Khovanov still struggles with his discipline, he also led Moncton in scoring last season. He is a strong skater, an excellent playmaker, and is willing to take the puck to the house for strong shots in tight and from distance. He is very ferocious offensively, and is willing to run players over to create, but that very fine line still needs harnessing. He currently has an effective game that would allow him to take a regular shift offensively at the NHL level today, but there are still too many ways to take him off his focus. The book on Khovanov as a defender is to nail him hard and it will take him out of the game, as he will be too focused on retribution. That has to change for him to have a strong impact on the game. He will be playing this season in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan, a solid team that can provide him with support and strong veteran leadership. His desire is to ultimately play in the NHL as soon as possible. He could be a superstar at the highest level, but feisty top-line forward is his most likely result. - MS

Adam Beckman, C (75^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Beckman took his offensive game to another level last year, ending as one of the WHL’s top performers. He has fair size and moves very well on the ice. He is quick with everything, including release, forecheck, back check, and transitioning the play out of his own zone. He is comfortable with the puck on his stick and will attack the net from anywhere. He can carry it out of the corner or lead the rush and bury a one timer. His shot is accurate with a great release, giving it enough power to beat goalies from distance and he can also finish in traffic. He is an excellent net front guy who battles while keeping his stick free to make plays. Good hand eye coordination enables him to deflect a lot of pucks when screening the goalie. He doesn’t overhandle and looks to release the puck as soon as he gets into a scoring area. His wrist shot is hard and accurate, and he consistently shoots between the pad and the blocker. There have been real strides in his game each of the past few seasons and if that continues, he could be a worthwhile top six NHL forward. – VG

Ryan O’Rourke, D (39^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

A leader at every level, O’Rourke is a reliable two-way defender whose IQ, tenaciousness, and skill level make him a potential top four defender going forward. He took on more responsibility as a puck mover last year, demonstrating improved confidence with the puck and improvements to his skating and overall mobility. Of course, his largest contribution comes in the defensive end. He is an extremely smart defensively and rarely makes a mistake in his own end. He is aggressive physically, and will step up to deny zone entries, picking his spots judiciously. He is great at defending the rush, with tight gaps and angling off defenders to the wall. A great shot blocker, he stays square to shooters and shows little fear. He is quick to pucks in his own end, has a very effective breakout pass and good vision up ice. O’Rourke has a very heavy point shot and does well to sneak back door or jump into the slot to receive passes. His instincts and shooting ability give him some value as a play facilitator, even if he is not a gifted puck rusher. He can anchor a penalty killing unit and be a potential physical shutdown defender. – BO

Marat Khusnutdinov, C (37^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Khusnutdinov is a well-rounded but undersized center. His skating is his best asset, and he can beat you in transition, pushing defenders back with his speed, or using his edgework and quickness to keep plays alive down low. He avoids hits with his agility and quick feet, and is likewise an asset off the puck, chasing down loose pucks, applying pressure on the forecheck, and pushing hard on the backcheck. He can force turnovers routinely. Khusnutdinov is a pass first pivot whose playmaking ability is high end. He exhibits good vision when playing with pace and when operating the half wall. He occasionally tries to do too much with the puck and could stand to make quicker decisions, however his hands make him a force with the puck. There are some concerns about his finishing ability and some concern over his production in the MHL, as his 38 points last year were good but not exceptional. Even away from the scoresheet, he routinely was an impact player, and should have bottom six and PK value if he can’t crack the top half of the lineup. – BO

Hunter Jones, G (59^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 6)

Last year, Jones struggled with consistency in his draft eligible season. In the first half of the year, he was one of the OHL’s top goalies. In the second half, he fell apart. A year stronger, Jones was able to maintain a high level of play for the majority of the year for Peterborough, one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Jones uses his size well (6-4”) to his advantage as a butterfly goaltender and did well to improve both his rebound control and his footwork this year. In particular, his ability to fight through traffic to swallow up shots, limiting second chances, progressed. He will likely turn pro next year and still projects as an NHL goaltender long term. His ability to continue to improve his athleticism and his mental focus will be a deciding factor as to whether he can be a starter long term. - BO

Vladislav Firstov, LW (42^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 7)

Firstov, a second-round pick from Russian, played in Russia until 2018-19, when he moved to North America as a 17-year-old. He spent one season in the USHL with Waterloo, where he impressed enough to make the league’s All-Rookie team. He adapted quickly to the North American game and continued that success into college, where he led all UConn freshmen in scoring while playing in every game. A member of Hockey East’s All-Rookie team, Firstov showcased his promising abilities. He is a good skater with solid speed, and he glides smoothly. He uses his 6-0” frame well and plays a decent physical game. Along those lines, he doesn’t get pushed out of position or off the puck easily. Firstov has a long reach and a quick stick, which he uses effectively. He projects as a second line forward if he continues on the same trajectory from the past two seasons. - JS

Kaapo Kahkonen, G (109^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 8)

Kahkonen has been the class of the American Hockey League over the past two seasons, and the Aldege Bastien Award for the league’s top netminder, as well as his spot on the AHL‘s First All-Star Team for the 2019-20 season, were well deserved. At 25-6-3 in backstopping the Iowa Wild, the 23-year-old led AHL goalies in wins and shutouts (seven) and was fourth place in save percentage (.927) and goals against average (2.07). The Finn does it with his mature technique and style, rarely falling out of position and possessing the temperament to maintain focus in hectic situations. His speed and athleticism grade as above average, as well as his ability to read developing plays and react accordingly with his high-level instincts and reflexes. Kahkonen showed well in his five-game big-league stint with Minnesota, and with Devan Dubnyk on the wrong side of 30, you can expect the 2014 fourth-rounder to not only be the Wild’s goalie of the future but also of the present. – TD

Daemon Hunt, D (63^rd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Despite missing around three months in his draft year due to a skate laceration on his arm, Hunt returned none the worse for wear, with four assists in his five post-recovery games. A high-end skater who can showcase promising elements on both sides of the puck, although not always at the same time, he seems to do everything at high speed, in both directions. His skating is the most consistent part of his game. He features a quick release snapshot and generally gets it off from a spot that allows it to get to the net. He is a solid puck mover as well, although he has not shown the type of dynamic characteristics which are necessary to be a legit top three blueliner at the highest level. Similar things can be said of his play off the puck. He holds his own, can shut down dangerous opponents and defend against the rush, but none of those consistently enough to envision him in a shutdown role. His career can go in multiple directions from here but most of them end up with him being a viable NHL’er. – RW

Pavel Novak, RW (146^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

A longtime age-based international staple for the Czech Republic, Novak transitioned quite seamlessly to the WHL, leading Kelowna Rockets in points when the season was cancelled. Small, but hard-working, he quickly developed into an all-situations player. He does a lot of things well, without any facet of his game sticking out, suggesting a lower ceiling, but also a reasonable floor. Without being especially fast, he is a very agile skater with plus escapability and deception. He tends to prefer creating space for linemates than trying for himself. His wrist shot is strong, but he is more of a playmaker than a shooter. The overall maturity of Novak’s game provides optimism that he will continue to make adjustments and take on greater roles for his team next year, being more comfortable playing on the smaller ice surfaces of North America and with the English language, although it is less likely that his skill set takes a big leap forward. His package of skills would fit in well on a modern-day bottom six, one that still wants to see offensive production on all lines. – RW

Ivan Lodnia, RW (85^th overall, 2017. Pre-season: 9)

Honestly, hats off to Ivan Lodnia this year. Sent back to the OHL for his overage year after it was initially thought that he would start his pro career, he never pouted. Even after the IceDogs gutted their roster at the trade deadline, he continued to play strong and was a key leader on a young team. He was the Dogs offense in the second half and ended up having a solid year from a production standpoint. Lodnia’s hands are his best asset. He is a terrific player in transition because of his high-end creativity and ability to make defenders miss. He projects as a middle six winger; however, he may need several years in the AHL to get used to the speed and strength of the professional game. His skating has improved over the course of his OHL career, but further progression in this area will be needed. - BO

Damien Giroux, C (155^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 10)

The captain of the Saginaw Spirit, Giroux is the kind of player who wears his heart on his sleeve on the ice. He will go through a wall to make a play and his energy level and tenacity make him one of the league’s best two-way forwards. Giroux is also a quality goal scorer who possesses high end scoring instincts and a quick release. He provides versatility by being able to play center or the wing, however his skating ability will need to improve further if he wishes to stay down the middle at the next level. At the NHL level, Giroux projects as a bottom six winger who can anchor a penalty killing unit and provide goals in a checking line/energy role. It is likely that he will need several years at the AHL level before he is ready to be a successful NHL player. Again, his skating ability may not be good enough to play that kind of role in the NHL today, which means that his high IQ will have to carry him. - BO

Marshall Warren, D (166^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 11)

Warren is an interesting prospect because as a young, smaller defenseman, he held his own as a true freshman in college hockey. Before college, he played for the USNTDP with fellow Minnesota draft pick and current college teammate Matthew Boldy, playing in both the World U-17 and the World U-18 championships along the way. An offensive defenseman, Warren was able to contribute to Boston College’s scoring on a regular basis. As mentioned earlier, he lacks the size of most NHL defensemen at 5-11” and 163 pounds. But his skills and skating could make the sixth-round pick a steal. At 19 years old, Warren has time to develop and grow stronger. In the meantime, he is a quick skater and stickhandler who excels at crisp passes. He is effective on the rush because he can move the puck safely up the ice via passing or skating. Assuming his size can be overlooked, Warren projects to a second-pairing defenseman with power play upside. - JS

Connor Dewar, LW (92^nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 13)

Dewar was an over-ager who excelled in the WHL, earning a 2018 third-round draft pick from the Wild, and then experienced an up-and-down first season in the professional ranks with AHL Iowa in 2019-20. Buried in a very deep Iowa lineup, Dewar played a fairly defensive role and wasn’t able to display his full offensive potential, scoring just six goals in 52 games following a 36-goal campaign with WHL Everett. Production aside, he exhibits great hands and passing skills, quick footwork and pivoting speed, and a highly regarded reputation as a hardworking, selfless forward. To credit Dewar, he plays an incredibly versatile game and can be relied on for heavy two-way and penalty kill minutes. If his offensive game never materializes, he can provide value and remain an intriguing prospect as a potential checking-line role player, as he does not have any large voids in his game and can play both center and wing. - TD

Louis Belpedio, D (80^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 14)

A fast and effective puck mover with a right hand shot from the blueline, Belpedio has been a serviceable AHL defenseman for two full seasons and looks primed for an NHL depth role at some point soon. The 2014 third-round pick is a plus skater with a smooth grasp for controlling the puck through the neutral zone and into the attacking side, and has done so frequently with AHL Iowa, one of the more impressive things about the 24-year-old. His awareness of the ice and his positioning has improved since his first foray into the pro ranks, but his gap control and stick discipline still leave much room to improve. While he has spent time on the penalty kill, he is not the most reliable shorthanded defender. He quarterbacks the power play with the minor league side, and he has some good stick skills and a solid ability to get the puck through traffic. If he can be a decent enough defender to make the NHL roster long-term, he would likely see time on the man-advantage on occasion. Another AHL season seems most likely for the Illinois native. - TD

Mitchell Chaffee, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 24, 2020. Previous ranking: 15)

Chaffee was an undrafted free-agent signee out of Massachusetts. He had just finished his junior season, where he captained the Minutemen. He recorded a career-high 18 goals and 42 points as a sophomore. That season, he led Hockey East in scoring en route to UMass’ championship game appearance. He is another great development story as he went from low offensive production during his two years of USHL hockey to becoming a prolific collegiate scorer at UMass. Chaffee is a smooth skater who turns well. He is a stocky 6-0”, 207 pounds and likes to play a physical game. He also doesn’t get pushed off the puck easily. He can score goals, but he also sets up his teammates well with beautiful feeds that make it look like the puck is floating. Chaffee also played on UMass’ power play unit. He might not project as more than a bottom six energy forward, but considering how far he has recently come, we shouldn’t discount the possibility that more is in store. – JS

Nico Sturm, C (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Apr. 1, 2019. Previous ranking: UR)

A big center without any clearly above average tools, Sturm held his own in his first professional season, including a cameo up with the Wild. A big scorer at the collegiate level with Clarkson, the German native has come a long, long way from his first North American campaign, which ended with three points in 21 games at the NAHL level. Considering how much he has improved when allowed to repeat a level, I would expect more production from Sturm this season, whether in the AHL or NHL. If his feet were quicker, or he had greater scoring instincts, I would be more optimistic about his upside, but he is already 25 years of age, creating a limit to potential future growth. Skilled hands, and strong work along the walls still give him an NHL floor, even if it is only in a bottom six role. This might be his last chance to assert himself as an NHL’er. - RW

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – MINNESOTA WILD– ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 6

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 17:39:27 +0000

Minnesota Wild

Through no fault of his own, Minnesota GM Bill Guerin will be entering his first draft already sitting on a stockpile rich in strong prospects. A little forward-heavy perhaps, but the system has legit depth at all positions and close to 30 players overall who could percolate up to the NHL on merit in the coming years.

A question I would generally ask of any new, first time GM is how will he conduct drafts, but with such a strong system already in place and so much about the 2020 Entry Draft up in the air, I find myself wondering more about how and when the in-place riches will be integrated into the NHL roster. Much will change in the off-season, but at present there are only two regulars facing unrestricted free agency.

One, Alex Galchenyuk, is almost certainly going to be allowed to leave. The other is a much more challenging case. Long-time captain and career-log Wild star Mikko Koivu has a contract that will end whenever this season has been deemed conclusive. While age and injuries have diminished his performance for at least the last three years, his stature in the market seems strong enough that returning will be Koivu’s decision, and not Guerin’s.

Assuming Galchenyuk leaves, it seems even more certain that his replacement on the roster will come in the form of the top prospect below, Kirill Kaprizov, whose status in the eyes of prospect watchers has grown year over year since the Wild used a fifth round pick on him in 2015, and especially in his last three years with Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow. The hope and expectation are that the talented winger will step right into a top six, scoring role.

But how do the rest of these prospects find their way to the Twin Cities? The answer to that question may be more troubling. Going back a few years, the Wild’s AHL team in Iowa has struggled mightily. They have only made the playoffs once in the last six years. More important, they have struggled developing the prospects parked there by the parent organization.

Looking at the younger players on the current Wild roster, only Luke Kunin spent any significant time on the farm, with 76 games played spread thin over three seasons before finally sticking with Minnesota this season. Other prominent youngsters including Jordan Greenway, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Matt Dumba either never played there at all, or only had a brief cameo. We could open the floor to Carson Soucy, who finally broke through this year after two full seasons in the AHL and could be a third pairing staple until he needs a new contract. After that, we have to go back to 2016-17 when first rounder Alex Tuch spent the bulk of the season in Iowa and before that, Erik Haula was there for half of 2013-14.

Suffice to say that Iowa’s developmental track record has been poor. Of the 15 players listed below, only two have already spent any time in the AHL, although a few others should hit the level in 2020-21. As good as the pipeline seems to be, if the new GM can’t figure out a way to improve infrastructure of that pipeline, many of the so-called spoils will simply spoil. - RW

Filip Hronek and Dominik Kubalik of Czech Republic against Kirill Kaprizov of Russia during the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship bronze medal game between Russia and Czech Republic on May 26, 2019 in Bratislava.
Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN /

Kirill Kaprizov, LW (135^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 1)

Kaprizov can be a dual threat with the puck. He has an excellent selection of shots and scoring touch around the net. The release on his wrist shot is very quick and does not give goalies a whole lot of time to set up. His one-timer is hard and accurate, with an effective weight transfer and follow-through. He can also set up his teammates for scoring chances as his vision is high end. Part of what makes him such a dangerous player is his ability to find soft spots.

His movements are calculated in the offensive zone. He thinks the game at a very high level, being able to anticipate and take advantage of any extra room in the final third. His puck control in tight quarters is impressive and he has a quick stick in traffic. He also displays lots of creativity. Kaprizov is a skilled skater with superb edge work and quickness. He can make shifty moves to evade opponents and thus buy time to make plays.

He had an incredible season offensively, yet his defensive game is quite advanced given his young age. He uses his stick well to disrupt opponents and he works hard without the puck to gain possession for his team. There is no quit in his game. The 23-year-old Russian winger is a world-class talent with tremendous potential. Kaprizov put together several strong seasons in the KHL and after a long wait signed a contract with the Minnesota Wild in July 2020. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be an impact player in the NHL. - MB

Matthew Boldy, LW (12^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 2)

Boldy jumped from prep school to the USNTDP, where he made an immediate scoring impact as one of the key players on a stacked development class. He also represented the U.S. at the World U-18 and was on the U17 World Hockey Championship gold medal squad.

Entering Boston College as a true freshman, first rounder Boldy was expected to be an impact player, but he faltered, at least on the scoresheet. He scored the game-winning goal in his first game but went the next 10 games without scoring. Boldy netted just three points throughout the first half. When he returned from winter break, he went on a tear, putting up points in 15 of the final 21 games played. That stretch included three three-point games and he finished the season with 23 second-half points. Over that stretch, he was the fifth-highest scorer in the country.

Ultimately, because of the first-half slump, Boldy did not put up the numbers he was expected to have. But that should not take away from his attributes. The speed of college hockey can provide a difficult learning curve for players and it can take freshmen a semester – or more - to adjust.

While Boldy did not show up on the score sheet as much, he still played well - especially for an 18-year-old. He is a good skater who can power up the ice. He is a great playmaker, thanks in part to his stick handling, his speed and his incredibly soft hands. He projects to be a first liner once he completes his time on campus. - JS

Calen Addison, D (53^rd overall, 2018 [Pittsburgh]. 2019 Rank: 2 [Pittsburgh])

Calen Addison’s game revolves around his skating. He has to be one of the smoothest, quickest, and overall most impressive skaters in the WHL. His footwork along the blueline is excellent, using his edges to create lanes for both shooting and passing as well as anyone who plays in the WHL.

His shot is much improved with his velocity and accuracy making him a real threat. If given room he can really step into one, or if the pass is right he has a controlled one-timer but his most dangerous shot is a hard wrister that he can get off with minimal movement that beats the first defender heading in on net. His shot is frequently deflected which is a skill forwards get lots of credit for, but defenders should as well, for putting the puck in the right place. His ability to quarterback the offense is impressive. His constant movement, willingness to push down the wall, and crisp passing ability make him a handful for opponents.

Addison would rather hold onto the puck then throw it away and usually makes the right decision by holding on, although he does occasionally get caught out, but his recovery speed allows him to gamble more than most. He was an influential blueliner for Canada at the World Juniors as his ability with the puck was critical to pushing through the neutral zone and generating offense, especially as the checking got tighter in the medal round.

He can still get a bit overmatched in his own zone, but he uses his footwork and speed better now, enabling him to clear more pucks and generate turnovers. He competes fine and is using some of his strengths to manage his own zone better (quicker puck retrievals) than a season ago. He was a perfect fit for the Penguins when they drafted him, but it will be interesting to see if he can adjust to the style of play that Minnesota typically uses. - VG

Alexander Khovanov, C (86^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Much like last year at this time, Khovanov is still a complex puzzle to solve – he has cut down on his superfluous penalties and his discipline was better this season, but he still tied for the league lead in minor penalties with 42. The positives outweigh the negatives, as he led the Moncton Wildcats in scoring this season and was one point off the century mark, but these are clear paths to improvement for the feisty forward.

He is a strong skater, an excellent playmaker and is willing to take the puck to the house for strong shots in tight and from distance. He is a very ferocious offensive player who is willing to run players over to create offensively, but that very fine line is what needs harnessing.

Ultimately, right now Khovanov has an effective game that would allow him to take a regular shift offensively at the NHL level today, but there are still too many opportunities to take him off his focus. The book on Khovanov as a defender is to nail him hard and it will take him out of the game, as he will be too focused on retribution. That has to change for the forward to have a strong impact on the game, because his talent level is right at the cusp already.

Of note, Khovanov will be playing the next season in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan, a strong team that can provide him with support and strong veteran leadership. However, his desire, ultimately, is to play in the NHL as soon as possible, and will feature in the Wild lineup very soon. He could be a superstar at the highest level, but feisty top-line forward is his most likely result. - MS

Adam Beckman, C (75^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 19)

Adam Beckman has taken his offensive game to another level this year. On pace to be one of the only 50 goals scorers in the WHL, he has outperformed his draft position and everyone in his draft class. His points per game production, an impressive 1.69ppg, exceeds both Dylan Cozen’s (1.66 ppg) and Peyton Krebs (1.58 ppg). Not bad for a guy taken over 60 picks after both.

Beckman has fair size and moves very well on the ice. There is quickness in all facets of his game, including release, forecheck, back check, and transitioning the play out of his own zone. He is comfortable with the puck on his stick and will attack the net from anywhere. He can carry it out of the corner or lead the rush and bury a one timer. His shot is a great weapon because of its release and overall accuracy. He has enough power to beat goalies from distance but also the strength to finish when in traffic.

He is an excellent net front guy who can battle while keeping his stick free to make plays quickly around the net. Good hand eye coordination enables him to deflect a lot of pucks when he is screening the goalie. He does not overhandle and looks to release the puck as soon as he gets into a scoring area.

His wrist shot is hard and accurate, and he consistently shoots above the pad and below the blocker. There have been real strides in his game each of the past few seasons and if that continues he could become an elite forward that bolsters a team’s top six which is certainly more than can be typically expected from the 75^th pick. - VG

Hunter Jones, G (59^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 13)

Jones uses his size well (6-4”) to his advantage as a butterfly goaltender and did well to improve both his rebound control and his footwork this year. In particular, his ability to fight through traffic to swallow up shots, limiting second chances, progressed.

He will likely turn pro next year and still projects as an NHL goaltender long term. His ability to continue to improve his athleticism and his mental focus will be a deciding factor as to whether he can be a starter long term. - BO

Vladislav Firstov, LW (42^nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 5)

A member of Hockey East’s All-Rookie team, Firstov showcased his promising abilities. He is a good skater with solid speed, and he glides smoothly. He uses his 6-0” frame well and plays a decent physical game. Along those lines, he doesn’t get pushed out of position or off the puck easily. Firstov has a long reach and a quick stick, which he uses effectively. He projects as a second line forward if he continues on the same trajectory from the past two seasons. - JS

Kaapo Kahkonen, G (109^th overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 10)

The Finn does it with his mature technique and style, rarely falling out of position and possessing the temperament to maintain focus in hectic situations. His speed and athleticism grade as above average, as well as his ability to read developing plays and react accordingly with his high-level instincts and reflexes.

Kahkonen showed well in his five-game big-league stint with Minnesota, and with Devan Dubnyk on the wrong side of 30, you can expect the 2014 fourth-rounder to not only be the Wild’s goalie of the future but also of the present. - TD

Ivan Lodnia, RW (85^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 12)

Lodnia’s hands are his best asset. He is a terrific player in transition because of his high-end creativity and ability to make defenders miss. He projects as a middle six winger; however, he may need several years in the AHL to get used to the speed and strength of the professional game. His skating has improved over the course of his OHL career, but further progression in this area will be needed. - BO

Damien Giroux, C (155^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

Giroux is also a quality goal scorer who possesses high end scoring instincts and a quick release. He provides versatility by being able to play center or the wing, however his skating ability will need to improve further if he wishes to stay down the middle at the next level.

At the NHL level, Giroux projects as a bottom six winger who can anchor a penalty killing unit and provide goals in a checking line/energy role. It is likely that he will need several years at the AHL level before he is ready to be a successful NHL player. Again, his skating ability may not be good enough to play that kind of role in the NHL today, which means that his high IQ will have to carry him. - BO

Marshall Warren, D (166^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 4)

An offensive defenseman, Warren was able to contribute to Boston College’s scoring on a regular basis. As mentioned earlier, he lacks the size of most NHL defensemen at 5-11” and 163 pounds. But his skills and skating could make the sixth-round pick a steal. At 19 years old, Warren has time to develop and grow stronger.

In the meantime, he is a quick skater and stickhandler who excels at crisp passes. He is effective on the rush because he can move the puck safely up the ice via passing or skating. Assuming his size can be overlooked, Warren projects to a second-pairing defenseman with power play upside. - JS

Brennan Menell, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Sep. 26, 2017. 2019 Rank: 16)

Menell joined his Wild teammates Kahkonen and Sam Anas on the AHL First All-Star Team at the conclusion of the abridged minor-league season, receiving deserved recognition for his two-way prowess in Des Moines since his 2017 professional debut.

Leading the league in assists by a defenseman, his vision and smooth, energetic skating force defenders back on their heels as Menell moves through the neutral zone and facilitates offense. He makes intelligent decisions with the puck and never fails to push the pace from the blueline forward.

His defensive game is fairly stout, given his lack of size or physicality, as his initial blue line stick-checking and tight gaps give him solid positioning to offset a size mismatch. While he will never be a high-end shooter, which might hurt his power-play potential at the NHL level, he can play a depth puck-rushing role in the WIld’s strong two-way defensive core in the mold of Matt Dumba. - TD

Connor Dewar, LW (92^nd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 3)

Production aside, he exhibits great hands and passing skills, quick footwork and pivoting speed, and a highly regarded reputation as a hard-working, selfless forward. To credit Dewar, he plays an incredibly versatile game and can be relied on for heavy two-way and penalty kill minutes. If his offensive game never materializes, he can provide value and remain an intriguing prospect as a potential checking-line role player, as he does not have any large voids in his game and can play both center and wing. - TD

Simon Johansson, D (148^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

Johansson had a tough season with Djurgarden in the SHL. He did not get regular minutes and had strong offensive defensemen ahead of him to take the bulk of the power play minutes. He still managed to produce seven points in 34 games playing only 10 minutes-per-game.

Johansson is a lanky defenseman with strong puck skills and a good offensive upside. He has a good shot and handles the puck well in most situations. His long-term the upside is good. I can see him as a future top pair defenseman in SHL/Europe/AHL but not in the NHL.

If he makes the NHL, he will need to develop other aspects of his game and to be more reliant defensively, using his reach and skills in other ways. He is not skilled enough to be a top pair defenseman in the NHL and will need to be able to play another role there. His skating is average, and he isn’t strong physically. - JH

Mitchell Chaffee, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed, Mar. 24, 2020. 2019 Rank: IE)

He is another great development story as he went from low offensive production during his two years of USHL hockey to becoming a prolific collegiate scorer at UMass. Chaffee is a smooth skater who turns well. He is a stocky 6-0”, 207 pounds and likes to play a physical game. He also doesn’t get pushed off the puck easily. He can score goals, but he also sets up his teammates well with beautiful feeds that make it look like the puck is floating. Chaffee also played on UMass’ power play unit.

He might not project as more than a bottom six energy forward, but considering how far he has recently come, we shouldn’t discount the possibility that more is in store. - JS

Minnesota Wild 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 11:56:15 +0000

A little over one year ago, Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold decided that then GM Chuck Fletcher’s visions for building a Stanley Cup contender were out of step with his own, and let Fletcher go. The former GM was quickly snapped up by Philadelphia, after the latter had fired their GM, Ron Hextall.

In Fletcher’s place, Minnesota hired longtime Nashville Assistant GM Paul Fenton, a man known specifically for his scouting chops, in addition to being experienced by proximity to one of the more successful GMs (non-Stanley Cup winning division) in league history in David Poile. As most of you know by now, Fenton was let go this summer, making his approximately 13 month tenure at the top one of the shortest in modern NHL history.

It may be unfair to look at Fenton’s first draft helming the Wild table, as he was hired with only around one month to go until draft day. But we will look anyway. The Wild had eight selections, with three third rounders and two fifth rounders making up for the fact that they lacked picks in the second and the fourth.

Their third third rounder, Connor Dewar, had a really impressive post draft season with Everett in the WHL and saw his stick rise accordingly, jumping from 12^th to 3^rd on the Minnesota list. Additionally, the second third rounder, Alexander Khovanov was fine during a healthy season, and he moved up a few spots as well, from ninth to sixth.

On the other hand, the other six picks have been disappointing to a man. First rounder Filip Johansson was seen as a reach on draft day and he had a brutal year in Sweden. Similarly, the first third rounder, Jack McBain, had a difficult transition from the OJHL to Boston College. Both players remain in our top ten for the Wild, which is a reflection of the dearth of talent in the ranks more than their present standing in the industry. As high-ish picks, the Wild will not be giving up on either anytime soon, but they have moved in the wrong direction. Finally, none of the four late round picks had done enough to make the current iteration of the Minnesota top 20, although some of them received some consideration for late slots.

Going back to the fairness issue, we should point out that we really liked the Minnesota draft haul this year, which you will note by reading on, and Paul Fenton’s long term legacy will need to take that into account, however the players eventually turn out.

Of course, scouting is only one element of a General Manager’s position, and scouting for the draft is but one element of scouting. The fact is that Fenton was fired due to reasons that were largely not connected to scouting. Whoever is selected to replace him will have a lot more time to prepare for his/her first draft and has a good chance to make a better first pick than Johansson is looking to be. But as far as scouting for the draft goes, the main reason Fenton was (apparently) hired in the first place, he leaves with a mixed, at best, record.

-Ryan Wagman

SAINT PAUL, MN - JUNE 28: Minnesota Wild Development Camp attendee Matthew Boldy (67) makes a pass during the Minnesota Wild Development Camp 3-on-3 Tournament on June 28, 2019 at TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center in St. Paul, MN (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)

1 Kirill Kaprizov, LW (135^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 1) An elite offensive player who is already one of the top KHL talents at his young age, Kaprizov is a gifted forward with an impressive resume under his belt. Last year, he led the whole league in goals and game-winning goals, and also won the Gagarin Cup with CSKA before helping Russia to get back home with a bronze medal at the IIHF World Championship. With his size, hands, and poise, he won’t have many problems in adapting to the more demanding NHL game and it will be exciting to see what he can done there after his contract with CSKA will run out next April 30. He is a hard worker, and won’t be a defensive liability for his team, but Kaprizov is a top-six player and won’t contribute much on a bottom-six, defensive oriented role. - ASR

2 Matthew Boldy, LW (12^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Of all of the players on last year’s UNSTDP U18 class, none had come as far in their two year run with the Program as did Boldy. A true five-tool winger, he may have lacked the flash of the team’s first line with the likes of Jack Hughes and Cole Caufield, he has a sniper’s pure wrist shot and high end puck skills to boot. The latter skill was something that shone with greater and greater frequency as his draft year progressed, with few games occurring in the second half in which Boldy did not try something audacious – and usually succeed. Notwithstanding his offensive game, he earns plaudits for his attention to detail in his own end as well. He is a very good penalty killer and plays aggressively all over the ice. With his mature frame and full set of skills, he may not need more than one year at Boston College before he is ready to take on the pros. He has first line possibilities. - RW

3 Connor Dewar, LW (92^nd overall, 2018. Last Year: 12) Dewar went undrafted in his initial draft year, but improved drastically and had a real breakout season, posting 38 goals and 68 points in 68 games, earning a third round selection. He followed that up by being named Captain of the Silvertips, and putting up an impressive 36 goals and 81 points in only 59 games. He is a smaller forward with good speed and puck skills, and a relentless work ethic. He has good offensive skills, and he plays a nice two-way game. He projects to be a bottom six forward at the highest level, and should compete for a spot in Iowa this season. - KO

4 Marshall Warren, D (166^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) One of the more polarizing prospects in the 2019 draft class, we were smitten by his speed and his zest for making life difficult for opposing teams, but the NHL was not as convinced, with some seeing more of a tweener, a defender who has offensive skill, but not enough to quarterback your first power play unit, while lacking the frame or defensive mindset to handle tough shifts in his own zone. Furthermore, playing on a stacked USNTDP last year, along with the Wild’s first round pick, Boldy, it was easy to overlook Warren in favor of one or another defender who had a more well-defined role. Nevertheless, by snagging the Boston College commit in the sixth round, we feel that the Wild got the best value pick in the entire draft. If he shows growth in his reads and picks his spots a touch better, he could end up a very good second pairing, second power play defender down the line. - RW

5 Vladislav Firstov, LW (42^nd overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) For a first time North American combatant, Firstov impressed. He clearly has a strong offensive skill game and has the ability to drive the offense. His puck skills show the occasional jaw dropping element. He also has the ability to turn on the jets and push the opposing team back on their heels. There is more than enough here to convince a team to be patient with him, and enough occasional glimpses of dominant shifts to suspect that his team won’t need to be patient. But Firstov is not a player without red flags. He tends to disappear in his own end and can demonstrate a tendency to float in either end when the puck is not within sniffing distance. Furthermore, despite a solid frame and the ability to play with strength, he too often sticks to the perimeter and avoids heavy play. He might flame out at the University of Connecticut, but he could also emerge smelling like a second line winger. - RW

6 Alexander Khovanov, C (86^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 9) Khovanov is a very strong offensive player with warts to his game. He handles the puck very well, distributes the puck expertly, can fire a great shot and controls the pace of the game with the puck on his stick. However, his weaknesses lie underneath the strong boxcar numbers of 74 points in 64 games this season, and 10 in 10 in the playoffs. He is prone to bad turnovers and taking bad penalties, as he finished fifth in minor penalties last year with 47. He suffers from inconsistent effort in the defensive zone; some shifts he is tenacious on the backcheck and others he is lackadaisical. He can take himself out of the game with frustration and lack of focus, and other teams have zeroed in on it in their game planning. He projects to be an impact offensive player, if Minnesota can keep him focused. - MS

7 Nico Sturm, C (Undrafted free agent, signed Apr. 1, 2019. Last Year: IE) When Sturm was first draft eligible, he was a decent U18 player in Germany, and barely even on the German national team radar. In his second year of eligibility, he played in the NAHL, and struggled mightily. But it got better. His second go round in the NAHL was strong and he even played for Team Germay in the WJC. He then he won a USHL championship with Tri-City before moving on to study and play at Clarkson. He was much better as a collegian than he was prior and was one of the most coveted NCAA free agents this past year. His season ended ignominiously with a game misconduct in the first round of the NCAA playoffs, but he agreed to an NHL entry level deal with the Wild three days later. He has great size and skates very well, with intriguing puck skills to boot. He is close to ready and has a third line ceiling. - RW

8 Filip Johansson, D (24^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 4) For a first-round draft choice in 2018, Johansson didn’t have a strong season in 2018-19. In his draft year he was promoted to senior hockey and showed great promise in Allsvenskan. He played a smart, solid and mature game. Last season he was a regular in Allsvenskan but struggled. He met adversity with bigger responsibility and couldn’t put up offensive numbers or strong defensive numbers. He still is only 19 years old and is a smart player with good tools, so it is far too early to write him off as a prospect. Johansson has the potential to become a solid two-way right-handed defenseman who contributes well at both ends of the ice. The upcoming season he will be a rookie in the SHL as his team earned promotion. Hopefully he can take a big step and handle the higher level well with his smarts. As for now, the NHL is a long-term project. - JH

9 Jack McBain, C (63^rd overall, 2018. Last Year: 6) McBain comes from a hockey family and you can see that in his play. He is a smart, strong, adaptable forward who is still finding his way in college hockey. At 6-3”, 201, he went from being an OJHL All-Star to a developing player for Boston College. He showed flashes last year scoring 6 goals and 13 points in 35 games. His speed is good, but he needs to be better in his own end. He played as a third-line left winger last season, but he is capable of being a center again down the road. He will have to show improvement to get back in the middle again. He has the look of a 3^rd or 4^th line player as a pro down the road. He still has a lot of work to do between now and then. - RC

10 Kaapo Kahkonen, G (109^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 7) What Kahkonen did in his first North American pro year, amid a decent at best defensive squad with AHL Iowa, borders on incredible. The average-sized, mature goaltender wasted no time getting accustomed to the smaller ice, earning AHL All-Star honors at just 22 years of age. His calm, composed mentality in the crease bodes well for his highly-athletic, technically-refined butterfly style, and his maturity as a young netminder was on display for all of last season in Des Moines. From a talent standpoint, he projects to be a mid-tier NHL starter in the near future, but a worrisome note for him is that veteran Andrew Hammond essentially stole the starting job in the 2019 Calder Cup Playoffs. Coupled with the fact that the Wild selected goaltender Hunter Jones in the second round of the 2019 draft, and Kahkonen might have a harder road to the big leagues than expected. - TD

11 Louie Belpedio, D (80^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 5) A right-handed, puck-moving defenseman is an untouchable prospective asset to any organization, but throw in some offensive upside and a veteran level of composure, and you have a surefire future NHLer. The 2014 third-rounder finished off his first pro year -- which featured some cameos with Minnesota -- with a solid 71-6-15-21 stat line, exhibiting just what makes him an intriguing prospect moving forward: his smarts are top notch, and his speedy skating and vision make his mission of exiting the zone as fast as possible an easy one most times. While his defensive awareness and physical play below the dots have improved since the beginning of last season, his stick-readiness and gaps when defending against zone entries still need some major upgrades. Long term, Belpedio could be a bottom-pair d-man with second power-play time. - TD

12 Ivan Lodnia, RW (85^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 8) Lodnia is a change of pace winger who is always looking to attack the offensive zone. His skating has improved and it has allowed him to be effective at gaining entry to the blueline. He has also become stronger on the puck and it has made him more effective playing in the middle of the ice. He was a very effective 5-on-5 performer this past season in Niagara, even though he missed a few months with an upper body injury. As an NHL player, Lodnia projects as a middle six winger for the Wild. How fast he makes Minnesota’s lineup is going to be dictated by how quickly he is able to improve his play away from the puck as he will need to be the type to do the dirty work on a scoring line and become a little more versatile. - BO

13 Hunter Jones, G (59^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Hunter Jones has everything you are looking for in an NHL netminder, particularly size and athleticism. He was having a terrific draft season and a major breakout with Peterborough until he hit a wall in the second half due to being overworked. At this point, it is just about finding consistency for Jones, and being able to bounce back from weaker goals or performances. The upcoming OHL season will be a big one for him as he looks to be good from start to finish. With a more consistent year, he could put himself on the map as a potential starter for Canada at the World Junior Championships and is definitely a candidate for goaltender of the future in Minnesota. - BO

14 Brandon Duhaime, RW (106^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 11) Florida native Duhaime is a late bloomer who was drafted in his second year of eligibility after a decent season in the USHL. He progressed at a steadily faster pace over three years with Providence, culminating in an impressive junior campaign after which Minnesota gave him an entry level deal. Ostensibly a power forward, he can get to a nice top speed, but usually plays at a more stately pace. He is tough to handle when he forechecks and is likewise active in his own end. His offensive skills don’t seem likely to translate much as a pro, but his hockey IQ and physicality will give him a chance to play a fourth line role. - RW

15 Matvey Guskov, C (149th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Even if Guskov did not have the type of draft season some had expected of him, he was a great dice roll by the Wild in the back half of the draft. He is a really athletic player whose game is best described as being raw. He skates well. He has size. He shows flashes of being able to dominate in transition. But at this point, he is not good enough away from the puck, strong enough on the puck, or confident enough to be a consistent contributor. There are also some question marks about how well he sees the ice. That said, with patience he could develop into an impact two-way forward because of his size and skating ability. - BO

16 Brennen Menell, D (Undrafted free agent, signed Sep. 26, 2017. Last Year: Not ranked) Undrafted out of the WHL, Menell signed with Minnesota in the fall of 2017, and his 2018-19 season is a sign that the Wild scored big on the free agent defenseman. An inventive blueliner with the WHL club in Vancouver, and later Lethbridge, the 22-year-old showed out his junior form with Iowa last season, after earning an increase in ice time and more of a two-way role with the farm club. Last season, only one AHL defenseman had more assists than Menell (70-2-42-44), whose skating speed and creativity as a passer made him one of the most dangerous distributors in the league. His defensive game is fairly stout as well, as his technique on odd-man rushes and his physicality against zone entries stands out above the rest. Aside from his weak and often hesitant shot, Menell does not have any real big holes in his game. He could be a second-pair NHL contributor in time. - TD

17 Nick Swaney, C (209^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 15) A classic late-bloomer, Swaney did not fall victim to the dreaded sophomore slump in his second year at Minnesota-Duluth, increasing his goal scoring by 250% while once again playing a key two-way role for a national champion. He is undersized and lacks any one standout skill, but Swaney’s whole is often greater than the sum of his parts. He has a hard shot which was put to use with greater frequency this year and is trustworthy in late and tight situations as well as the penalty kill. He reads the game at close to an NHL level and if we were more confident that he could win more foot races at the highest level, he would project as a solid future third line center as well as show up far higher on this list. As is, he could find himself on the fourth line, but the upside is still NHL worthy. - RW

18 Filip Lindberg, G (197^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Lindberg is only 6-0”, 187, but he is physically strong and that helps him play the position. He had a sensational year at UMass, finishing with a 1.60 goals against average and a .934 save percentage in just 17 games. He didn’t play a ton but had a fair number of shutouts and had taken over the starting job by the NCAA Tournament, backstopping the Minutemen to the Frozen Four Final where they lost 3-0. He blocks pucks and doesn’t glove them all cleanly. His fast reflexes give up a lot of directed rebounds. He covers up in the crease well. He was a no-risk seventh round pick with some possible future upside. He should be the top goalie at UMass this year, but the job won’t be handed to him. He could be a future backup goalie in the NHL someday. - RC

19 Adam Beckman, C (75^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Beckman had a nice season for Spokane, putting up 32 goals and 62 points in 68 games, followed by 12 points in 15 games in the playoffs. Selected in the 3rd round, the speedy winger possesses good offensive instincts and likes to get involved in front of the net. He has a good shot and quick release, and always finds ways to contribute. Beckman just went through a growth spurt and has been adjusting to his new physical traits, but will still need to add weight and strength to be able to deal with the physical part of the game as he moves on. He projects to be a middle six forward, and should be back in Spokane this season to hone his skills and further his development. - KO

20 Mason Shaw, C (97^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 10) After ripping the WHL to shreds as a 17-year-old with Medicine Hat, the shifty, creative center tore the ACL in his right knee before the start of the 2017-18 season and spent the entire campaign -- aside from a nondescript one-game trial with Iowa at season’s end -- on the shelf. In 2018-19, he shook off the rust with a 76-8-25-33 campaign that was solid, but shy of world-shattering, before he suffered an ACL injury on his left knee in the postseason. In short, Shaw’s development will be a test of patience for the player and the Wild organization. When healthy, he is a pretty solid technical skater with decent top speed, and his main draw -- his quick, soft hands -- can make magic happen on every shift. He has a middle-six NHL ceiling, but his undersized frame and lack of luck with health have made it difficult to imagine him in a Minnesota Wild jersey for a while. - TD

OHL 2018-19 Season Preview

Brock Otten — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 18:24:24 +0000

The 2018/19 OHL season is underway but it is still early enough to preview the league and converse about some potential season highlights. Who are the contenders? Who are the pretenders? Who are some of the top NHL prospects to keep an eye on? And who are the top NHL draft prospects for 2019?

The Contenders

London Knights

Liam Foudy

Currently the top ranked team in the OHL in the weekly CHL rankings, the Knights also happen to be the top preseason favorite of most in the media. This team has it all; top end scoring talent; a strong defense; quality goaltending. After getting Adam Boqvist (Chicago) from Blackhawks camp, London is still waiting on a few other stars to be assigned; Evan Bouchard (Edmonton), Alex Formenton (Ottawa), and Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa). All three seem likely to start the year in the NHL and late October is probably a more likely arrival date, if it happens at all. A safe assumption would be that London gets at least one of the above. Until then, stars like Liam Foudy (Columbus), Alec Regula (Detroit), and Boqvist will need to pace the offense. In net, overager veteran Joseph Raaymakers and Jordan Kooy (Vegas) should combine to provide quality goaltending. As with any London team, depth is a serious strength. Once the situation surrounding their top players has been given closure, look for the Knights to use their depth to acquire a few big fish to put them over the top.

Oshawa Generals

This is a veteran squad that should be considered among the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Team defense and goaltending are major strengths. At 6-1”, Nico Gross (NY Rangers) is the smallest defender who sees regular playing time, and Kyle Keyser (Boston) is a top contender for goaltender of the year. Up front, Jack Studnicka (Boston) is a serious candidate for the Red Tilson and the scoring title now that he has returned from a long stay at Bruins camp. Swiss import Nando Eggenberger (2019) is another player everyone has their eye on. Overager Matt Brassard (Vancouver) returned this past weekend too, and he should be one of the top defenseman in the OHL this season. The Generals are just a well balanced squad.

Niagara IceDogs

Along with Oshawa, the IceDogs are a preseason favorite to take home the Eastern title. Niagara has a very strong nucleus at forward with Akil Thomas (Los Angeles), Kirill Maksimov (Edmonton), Ben Jones (Vegas), and Ivan Lodnia (Minnesota), which should help them score a ton of goals. They also have a very mobile blueline, which may lack size, but makes up for it with speed, puck skill, and heart. Billy Constantinou (2019) is a player to watch here as one of the most dynamic young defenders in the OHL.

Saginaw Spirit

The Spirit received a bevy of media attention this off-season due to their recruiting efforts. The team brought in Bode Wilde (NY Islanders), Ivan Prosvetov (Arizona), and Cole Perfetti (2020). This was after they were able to bring Blade Jenkins (NY Islanders) into the fold last year. This team has a lot of depth and fans should be excited about the fact that this team is the favorite to take home the West Division. Cole Coskey (2019) is a player to watch as one of the most underrated players in the OHL. Perfetti is an electrifying offensive player and one of the top players in his age group in Ontario, as well as a potential lottery pick in 2020.

Ottawa 67’s

Sasha Chmelevski of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Maybe a year early to talk about the 67’s as a potential Memorial Cup contender, but make no mistake, this team is insanely talented. Not only do they have five NHL draft picks already, but they have several top prospects for the 2019 and 2020 drafts as well. Sasha Chmelevski (San Jose) is a top contender for the Red Tilson this year after a breakout last season. The progression he has shown as a prospect has been extremely encouraging. Austrian Import Marco Rossi (2020) is another name to watch. The recent import selection is currently touted as a potential top 5 pick in 2020 and he could have a Nico Hischier type impact for the 67’s. The only thing that this team is missing is a top flight goaltender. Look for them to go out and find one at some point. Worth noting that the 67’s currently have 12 second round picks over the next four OHL priority selections. That is some serious trade ammunition.

The Pretenders

Kingston Frontenacs

The Frontenacs loaded up last year to make a run at an OHL title that ultimately fell short. The cyclical nature of the CHL means that this team could struggle this year due to numerous high end graduations. Star Jason Robertson (Dallas) is still around, but he will be a top trade target at some point. The future of injured playmaker Gabe Vilardi (Los Angeles) also hangs in the balance as Kingston waits to see if they will get him back once he is healthy. But depth is an issue, as is goaltending. Kingston has to capitalize on a few solid trade assets to recoup what was lost previously.

Erie Otters

After an impressive four year run that saw the Otters compete for and win an OHL Championship, the time has come for this team to rebuild. There are still some solid veteran pieces in place that could keep the team afloat, like star overager Kyle Maksimovich. But this team does not have a single NHL affiliated player and that hurts. Hayden Fowler (2020), and Petr Cajka (2019) do give this team hope for the future.

Mississauga Steelheads

Another team that now lacks serious depth after some serious runs the previous years. Graduations and failed draft picks (like Jack Hughes) have left this team pretty sparse in a lot of areas heading into the year. They do have Owen Tippett (Florida) and Ryan McLeod (Edmonton) back in the fold and they should both be among the best players in the league this year. However, just how long they remain Steelheads remains to be seen.

North Bay Battalion

Like Erie, North Bay does not have a single NHL affiliated player. There is some solid firepower up front with overager Justin Brazeau, Brandon Coe (2020), and Matthew Struthers (2019), but depth is an issue. This is especially true on the back-end. The lack of experience on the blueline could mean that this North Bay team gives up a ton of goals. No Stan Butler coached Battalion team has ever given up 280+ goals against, but this year’s edition may be the first. And speaking of Butler, he is currently taking a leave of absence from behind the bench and that may be bad news for Battalion fans.

Flint Firebirds

Disastrous start to the year for the Firebirds. As of the creation of this article, Flint has yet to win and has given up an ugly 24 goals in 4 games. This team has talent, like Ty Dellandrea (Dallas), Fedor Gordeev (Toronto), and Dennis Busby (Arizona). But missing on the 6th overall Import selection this year (Jan Jenik) is a big black mark and the team just cannot seem to separate itself from the drama of their ownership under Rolf Nilsen.

Five Candidates for the Red Tilson

Nick Suzuki

Fresh off being the centerpiece of the Max Pacioretty deal, the new Montreal Canadiens prospect returns to the OHL and will look to the hit the 100 point plateau for the second year in a row. He is bound to miss some time for the WJC, but Suzuki only needs 92 points to pass Bobby Ryan as the Attack franchise’s all-time leading scorer.

Morgan Frost

Highest returning scorer from last year, the Flyers’ prospect should be a shoe-in for a spot in the top 5 in scoring. There were some who felt that Frost should have been the Red Tilson winner last year so maybe this is the year he takes it home. The Hounds offense has lost some talent to graduation, but there is enough remaining to give Frost the supporting pieces he needs.

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Michael DiPietro

Reigning OHL Goaltender of the year, the Canucks prospect returns to Windsor to help a young team improve. DiPietro will likely be Canada’s starter at this year’s WJC. He is also a likely trade candidate, unless Windsor is pushing for the division. The talented netminder is one of the few gamebreakers at the position in the league.

Jack Studnicka

Nearly earned the 3rd line center spot in Boston with a strong training camp performance, but the Generals captain returns for a final OHL season and should be one of the league’s elite offensive catalysts. If the Generals are as good as many think they will be, he will be a top candidate for player of the year. His strong two-way play allows him to impact the game on so many different levels.

Sasha Chmelevski

It seems like so long ago that Chmelevski fell at the draft after a very poor draft year showing. He bounced back in a big way last year, re-inventing his game under new head coach Andre Tourigny. Now a committed player away from the puck, Chmelevski will look to lead a young Ottawa team to a championship, perhaps a year ahead of schedule.

Five Draft Eligibles to Monitor

Ryan Suzuki of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Ryan Suzuki (Barrie Colts)

After a strong Hlinka performance, Suzuki is off to a blazing hot start as one of the early leaders in OHL scoring. Suzuki, brother of Nick, is an exceptionally talented playmaker whose vision and puck skill are game breaking qualities. As of right now, Ryan looks like the lone potential candidate for the top 10 from the OHL.

Arthur Kaliyev (Hamilton Bulldogs)

Another of the early scoring leaders is also a draft eligible forward. Kaliyev had one of the best 16 year old seasons in recent memory after scoring 30+ goals last year. He looks to round out the rest of his game in Hamilton, improving his playmaking ability and play away from the puck to match his strength on the puck and NHL quality shot.

Matvey Guskov (London Knights)

An import selection by the Knights this year, Guskov has matched the high expectations thus far, averaging over a point per game. Guskov was one of only three OHL players mentioned on Bob McKenzie’s preseason draft ranking and the playmaking Russian forward looks like a serious first round candidate come June.

Blake Murray (Sudbury Wolves)

A big, power center who is being overshadowed a bit due to the arrival of top 2020 prospect Quinton Byfield. Murray possesses all the qualities that NHL teams look for in centers these days, with size, skating, and finishing ability. Murray has the potential to be that complete package.

Michael Vukojevic (Kitchener Rangers)

Vukojevic may not be the sexiest of defenders at this point. He is not yet a truly dynamic player, but he is as steady as they come and plays the game with the composure of a five year OHL veteran. His defensive acumen projects him to be, at the very least, a terrific stay at home top four defender at the NHL level. The question is, just how much offensive ability does he possess?

Minnesota Wild Prospect System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 18:14:25 +0000

A debate in hockey analytics circles that has been circulating for some time is whether the sport is a weak-link game or a strong-link game. In other words, people question whether the best constructed rosters are those with the highest top end talent, or those with an edge on the bottom.

Another way of looking at the question is to ask whether the best team is the one that wins the battle when the third and fourth lines, or the third blueline pairing, is on the ice, or is the victor the team who can win the head-to-head matchups between strengths, when the first lines/pairings are skating?

Considering the recent Stanley Cups won by the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and other super stars, as well as the fact that those first lines, when they have the edge of play on the ice, still have to beat an NHL goalie to put their team in front, it seems the weight of the evidence is that hockey is a strong-link game.

Another point of evidence in favor of marking hockey as a strong link game is that if it were a weak-link game, the Minnesota Wild would have made it past the second round of the playoffs more than once in their existence.

New GM Paul Fenton inherits a franchise that is deep in decent players, both at the NHL level as well as up and down the system. Similarly, it is a franchise that is shallow in high-end players, in the NHL and on the farm. When former GM Chuck Fletcher went all in on free agency a few years ago, locking up the rest of the respective careers of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, the thinking was that those players could lead the Wild to prolonged glory.

Now, Ryan Suter and Zach Parise are both fine players. I would go so far as to say that Suter has consistently been in the second tier of defensemen in the league. But what those two have proven, both in Minnesota and for their previous teams, is that their success comes when they are surrounded with players of a similar talent level. When they are head and shoulders above the rest of their roster, they are simply not good enough to be the strong-link of a championship team.

As we look at Minnesota’s top 20 prospects, we see that past is in danger of becoming prologue. There are a few fine players, players who could have Zach Parise-type NHL impact, and then a whole bunch more who fit as supporting players at the highest rung. The system is deep, but almost entirely lacking in players who one could safely project to be the leading lights of a championship roster. Paul Fenton has only had a few months to begin to mold the organization to his vision, but his first draft class did little to move the needle. Barring the possibility of a healthy Alexander Khovanov elevating his game by a few tiers, nobody in their 2018 draft class seems likely to force opposing teams to plan around them.

1 Kirill Kaprizov, LW (135^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 3^rd) If this system has one potential difference maker, this is it. Only 21 years old, Kaprizov has already played for most of four seasons in the KHL – including KHL All Star Game appearances in each of the last three - and finished above 40 in both of the last two, seasons punctuated by star turns in the WJC (12 points in seven games) and the Olympics (nine points in six games) respectively. Kaprizov grades very highly as a skater, for his ability to shoot an handle the puck, and for his on ice vision, especially in the offensive zone. Kaprizov, despite being somewhat undersized and lacking any appreciable experience on smaller ice surfaces, could play in a top six role in the NHL this year, but his contract with CSKA Moscow still has two season left to run.

Luke Kunin

2 Luke Kunin, C (15^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 1^st) After captaining the Wisconsin Badgers as a sophomore, and also wearing the C for Team USA as they took home gold at the WJC, Kunin was ready to play in the NHL. He was shuttled back and forth between Minnesota and their AHL team in Iowa for most of the year, before tearing the ACL in his left knee in early March, ending his season. Despite going through other tribulations in his rookie pro season, Kunin consistently demonstrated traits to his game which will work out over the long haul, provided his skating – one of the clear strengths of his game is not impacted permanently by the knee injury. A high energy skill player for the middle six is still in Kunin’s immediate future.

3 Jordan Greenway, LW (50^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 4^th) Another ready for primetime player, Greenway was one of three collegians chosen to represent Team USA at the Winter Olympics last year, and he scored once in PyeongChang. Over the last two seasons, Greenway’s game has begun to catch up to his outsized frame. At 6-6”, 227, he is certainly physically imposing, but he also moves very well for his size and has the offensive tools to suggest a player who could peak in the 50 point per season range. Greenway also plays a physical, heavy game befitting his stature, but his NHL success will come from his ability to play a skill game first and foremost. He can add a dimension to the Wild attack that was not there in recent years.

4 Filip Johansson, D (24^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) Although a surprise when he was called to the podium in the first round in June. Johansson was one of the highest IQ defenders available in the 20128 draft class. The Leksands blueliner, who split last season between the men’s team and their U20 squad, has great vision and plays a highly poised game. His reads are very mature and he moves the puck smoothly. He is strong for his size, and projects for more there as he fills out. On the other hand, Johansson will likely never be a big offensive contributor. He lacks the skating chops to lead a dangerous rush and his point shot is not the most threatening. He certainly fits the Wild prospect MO, in that he has a low ceiling, but a pretty high floor.

5 Louis Belpedio, D (80^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 8^th) Another defender whose key selling point as a prospect is his high IQ, Louie Belpedio played a full four seasons with Miami University, the last two wearing the C on his chest. As a senior, he contributed much more to the RedHawks’ attack then ever before, with a career high 30 points in 37 games. That said, his offensive tools suggest more of a two-way contributor as a pro. His point shot does not suggest much power play time in his future, but he moves the puck fairly well. Belpedio also plays a physical game for his size. The right shooting defender is likely in line to receive a NHL cameo this year, but would be best served by a full season on the farm.

Jack McBain

6 Jack McBain, C (63^rd overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) A big body with a full set of tools, McBain might have been drafted before the third round had he played in the OHL – or even in the USHL – instead of spending the last two years with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the OJHL. The leading U18 player in that circuit, McBain had the opportunity to play on the bigger stage both in the mid-year WJAC and to close out the season at the WU18 tournament. Headig to play for Boston College next year, McBain has the offensive skill set to do well, but may struggle at first to acclimate to the greater pace of play than what he had experienced so far in his career.

7 Kaapo Kahkonen, G (109^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 6^th) An athletic netminder, the Wild finally signed Kahkonen four years after drafting him with a fourth round pick. Playing at a remarkably steady high level for the past two seasons with Luuko in Liiga, Kahkonen’s game has only improved since backstopping Finland to a Gold Medal in the 2016 WJC. He will likely report to Iowa for his first season in North America, where he will be able to work on his play reading ability and rebound control away from the bright lights of the NHL, but the only thing between him and the backup job for the Wild is Alex Stalock. In other words, not all that much.

8 Ivan Lodnia, RW (85^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 9^th) After years with the likes of Connor McDavid, Alex DeBrincat, and Dylan Strome, the top NHL prospect on the Erie Otters last year – especially after Taylor Raddysh was traded to Sault Ste. Marie - was none other than Ivan Lodnia. A good skater with the ability to impress with the puck on his stick, he earns plaudits for his commitment to the play at both ends, with or without the puck. Expected to play a key role with a rebuilding Erie again this year, Lodnia will have the chance to answer the question of whether he can be a leading offensive creator without having superstars by his side.

9 Alexander Khovanov, C (86^th overall, 2018. Last Year; IE) There is a not unreasonable chance that in 12 months, Khovanov sits at the top of this list. I wouldn’t bet on it, but there is a chance. The second overall pick in the 2017 CHL Import Draft, he contracted Hepatitis A in an offseason trip to the Caribbean. When he was finally healthy enough to play, his fitness level was very low, but he still managed to show flashes of high end offensive skill. With a full offseason of good health and proper training, we may see an energized player who can turn those flashes into a consistent high level of play. There is also the risk that what we saw is what he is, but his illness is rare enough in hockey circles and his demonstrated skill set is high enough that he has earned the benefit of the doubt at least until the 2018-19 season begins.

10 Mason Shaw, C (97^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 10^th) After Khovanov, we have another one for whom we have to give the benefit of the doubt in Mason Shaw. After tearing up the WHL as an undersized draft eligible forward, Shaw tore the ACL in his right knee in the second game of the preseason prospects tournament in Traverse City and didn’t play again until a late season, one game cameo in the AHL for Iowa. A fine skater with sublime puck skills, he earned Minnesota’s respect with the way he rehabbed from his injury. Shaw is expected to return to Medicine Hat for one final year before fully embarking on his professional career.

11 Brandon Duhaime, RW (106^th overall, 2016. Last Year: unranked) Drafted in his second year of eligibility, after contributing to a Clark Cup Championship for the Tri-City Storm, Duhaime looked like a decent plugger, playing with aggression and energy, with a little bit of skill. After two seasons with Providence, some of the roughness around his game has been scraped off and a potential middle six winger is emerging. He has a big body and skated very well. He has also shown the hands of a decent playmaker. The Florida native may be more than an organizational depth piece although he needs to learn to walk the disciplinary line a bit better in his junior year with the Friars.

12 Connor Dewar, LW (92^nd overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) Ignored in his first year of eligibility, Connor Dewar turned heads in his second go-round, leading the generally defensive Everett Silvertips with 38 goals in the regular season, followed by 26 points in 22 games as his team went to the WHL finals. Further, he gets the puck on net a lot, such that there is minimal risk of his goals being due to luck on the percentages. Dewar is not a high end skater, and he is on the smaller side, but he thinks the game at a high level and both his shooting and puck handling skills rate as above average. He is a bit of a late bloomer, but another season like the last one could help to cement his projection as a bottom six winger at the highest level.

Dmitry Sokolov

13 Dmitry Sokolov, RW (196^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 12^th) When he was drafted, Sokolov was seen as a gamble on a player who had a very high ceiling as a scoring winger, but who was very likely to be undone by poor conditioning, subpar skating, and a complete lack of attention to the game away from the puck. He may never look like Duncan Keith, and his skating is still a likely problem, but Sokolov has started to show a recognition of the need to play across all 200 feet and earned himself a spot on Team Russia’s most recent WJC entry after being ignored by his homeland for the previous two seasons. He is also still in possession of a near-elite shot and tied for the OHL lead in goals scored with 50. He’s not there yet, but he took a step closer this year.

14 Nick Seeler, D (131^st overall, 2011. Last Year: unranked) In a system full of players with low ceilings and high floors, Nick Seeler sticks out for having the highest floor and quite probably the lowest ceiling. A bruising, stay-at-home defender, he is a bit of an anachronism in the modern game, as his mobility is only around average and his puck skills are less than that. His combined 21 points over 128 professional games is not a fluke. Neither are his 204 penalty minutes in that span. He is a big hitter, can kill penalties and knows how to clear opponents from in front of his goalie’s crease. He is expected to man the third pairing for the Wild this year.

15 Nick Swaney, C (209^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 13^th) Drafted by the Wild in his third year of eligibility, Swaney played a key supporting role with NCAA champions Minnesota-Duluth as a freshman last year. He is undersized, but knows how to drive play in the right direction with his impressive speed, vision, and smart passing ability. He needs to add bulk – without losing speed – in order to not be a liability off the puck and be more able to withstand physical defending. Swaney has scored wherever he has played so it may just be a matter of time before he begins to score at a high rate in the NCAA, but between his draft pedigree and unassuming frame, he will need to continue proving himself.

16 Justin Kloos, C/RW (UDFA: Mar. 29, 2017. Last Year: 15^th) The Wild organization have long made a habit of scouting heavily in their own backyard, and Kloos has a chance to be a mild success story. The former Minnesota Mr. Hockey and four year regular with the University of Minnesota, he was never drafted, but worked tirelessly and had the brains to make it work wherever he played. He continued his success as a pro, tying for third in scoring as a rookie with Iowa and making his NHL debut to boot. Kloos will have every opportunity to win a third line/extra forward NHL job this year.

Kyle Rau

17 Kyle Rau, C (UFA: Jul. 1, 2017. Last Year: unranked) The winner of Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey award the year before the honor went to Kloos, the two were also teammates for two years with the Golden Gophers. With 50 points last year in Iowa, the flea sized Rau is coming off his best season as a pro, and signed a two year contract extension with the Wild in June, but is likely still below Kloos on the depth chart. Between the two, Rau is the better skater and more gifted with the puck on his stick, but is also much smaller and has had more opportunities already to prove that he may not be a regular NHLer. He will also age out of consideration for this list before the end of October.

18 Sam Anas, C (UDFA: Apr. 15, 2016. Last Year: 20^th) In case you thought we had already discussed enough undersized free agent signee forwards already, this is the last one. I promise. Dante Salituro was not really considered for a spot. Anas not only could borrow most of Rau’s hockey gear, they rate similarly when looking at their various hockey attributes. Both are gifted playmakers who are more likely to pass than shoot. Both are similarly effective in their physical gifts. Rau is a slightly better skater and gets his nose dirtier, and both will age off the list before its time for the next one. Anas should get a look-see when injuries create room on the NHL roster.

19 Eric Martinsson, D (UDFA: May 2, 2018. Last Year: IE) Another free agent signing, Martinsson is neither a forward nor particularly undersized. Coming off an SHL championship and an appearance in the finals of the Hockey Champions League with Vaxjo in the SHL, he is a quick thinker with nice playmaking chops. This will not be his first experience in North America, as he has a year in the USHL under his belt. A power play point man for Vaxjo, his shot lacks the heft to play that role much in North America, but he moves the puck well and is agile if not very fast. Already 25, his window to make it in the NHL is small.

20 Carson Soucy, D (137^th overall, 2013. Last Year: 11^th) Big and rangy, the Wild had high hopes for Soucy coming off four years with Minnesota-Duluth. His first year pro results, with 15 points in 67 games, are approximately what we can expect from him moving forward. He is competent enough that the Wild did not hesitate to play Soucy in the NHL postseason when Ryan Suter went down to injury. He has refined his hockey sense over the last few years and can play a physical game, but even though he can let one rip from the blueline, don’t expect much in the way of offensive contributions going forward.

Minnesota – System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:32:51 +0000

Justin Pogge was a talented young netminder who was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2004 draft. At the time, he was considered to have potential, but not as a goalie to build around. To wit, the next year, the Leafs used their first round pick on a goalie as well. In the 2005-06 season, Pogge was taking his game to another level, and in the middle of a fine junior season, he had an insanely good performance to lead Canada to a Gold at the WJC. Suddenly, Pogge was seen as the goalie of the future.

Emboldened by his recent good run, Toronto decided to trade their most recent first rounder, shipping Tuukka Rask to Boston for Andrew Raycroft, assuming that the latter could hold the fort until Pogge was ready.

You might know where this is headed. Pogge was never as good again as he was in the WHL and WJC in 2006. Raycroft could not relive his great rookie season after the trade to Toronto. And Tuukka Rask won a Vezina Trophy guarding the net for Boston and is still an above-average netminder to this day.

What does this all have to do with the Minnesota Wild system, you might be asking? Last offseason, the Wild system was considered shallow and weak. There were a few players with promise, but little that seemed close to the NHL or that was viewed as likely top six/top four talent. And then came the 2016-17 WJC and suddenly pundits the world over were praising the Wild for drafting four seemingly dynamic talents in Luke Kunin, Joel Eriksson Ek, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jordan Greenway.

In fairness to the pundits, those are good players, and we rank them at the top of the Wild system for good reason. But the Pogge example recapped above should be a reminder that we need to step away from the rush to anoint every two-week hero as a future NHL star.

The first two are relatively safe for high end prospects, but are more middle six types than top line scoring champs. Kaprizov has dynamic offensive qualities, but just signed a new three year contract extension with his KHL team. Greenway has always had great physical tools, but had never really put it all together until last season. He could be a first line winger, or a fourth liner.

The simple fact is that while many pundits base rankings largely off of performances in the high profile junior tournaments, including the Ivan Hlinka and the WU18 in a prospect’s pre-draft year and the WJC afterwards, it is always best to look at his entire body of work before deciding what he is, what he is likely to be, and how that reflects on his organization.

The Wild have not made the mistake of betting the farm on any of their Fab Four prospects. They do not seem to have/ gone out of their way to actively block any of them, but have thankfully not made any other moves to rashly clear space for their future. There are many good young hockey players, who, over a two week period can look like (or literally be) world beaters. But the best long term players are those who can perform at a high level night-in and night-out.

June 24, 2016: Luke Kunin dons his Wild sweater after he was selected by Minnesota as the 15th pick in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY (Photo by John Crouch/Icon Sportswire.)

1 Luke Kunin – If it is possible for a two-way forward to be dynamic, Kunin is. There is not a single facet of his game that does not grade out as well above average. His wrist shot is deadly from the slot on in. He has great speed and thinks the game several steps ahead, allowing him to get the jump on opponents before even testing out his wheels. An aggressive player, he is always in motion, he has a way of finding space where there should not be any. Improved this year in setting the pace defensively, as well. Ready for a middle six NHL role.

2 Joel Eriksson Ek – Despite opening the season with five points in nine NHL games, Eriksson Ek was then sent back to Sweden to be ensured of receiving a heavy workload all season. It was a good idea, as JEE’s game took big strides with Farjestad and he was also lethal for Tre Kronor at the WJC. He has a blistering shot, which he combines with very good stickhandling ability and a high-end hockey brain. This year, there will be no need to send him back across the pond. He is ready.

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 26: Canada forward Mathieu Joseph (11) collides with Russia forward Kirill Kaprizov (7) during the World junior Hockey Championships(Photo by Dan Hamilton/Icon Sportswire)

3 Kirill Kaprizov – After scoring more than double the points of any other U20 player in the KHL while also tying for the scoring lead at the WJC, many would fairly contend that Kaprizov is ready for the NHL if it were not for his having also signed a three year extension with CSKA in the KHL. An offensive powerhouse with a near-elite shooting/puck-handling combo. Strong for his size with superior hockey intelligence. He reads the game well in all three zones.

4 Jordan Greenway – In my shortlist for most improved prospects of 2016-17, Greenway showed the ability to create offense for himself, instead of relying on more talented linemates to capitalize on space he helps create. Possesses an extra-large frame that he uses to perfection to shield the puck. Strong both in front of and behind the net. Makes life miserable for defenders. He will never be the most creative player, but his style can work on any line.

5 Mike Reilly – Considered a big prize when the Wild landed him as a free agent after he left college and would not sign with the team (Columbus) that drafted him, Reilly has already proven himself as a plus offensive defenseman at the AHL level, without yet breaking through to regular NHL duty. A good skater who has demonstrated eager defensive play in the AHL, he has been limited to sheltered use in the NHL and has not capitalized, despite good possession rates. Will get another chance this year.

6 Kaapo Kahkonen – A calm and consistent netminder, Kahkonen has a great combination of size and athleticism. He is very flexible and quick going from post to post. A proven winner at the international level, he helped backstop Finland to a WJC gold in 2016. A strong puck handler, he can be let down occasionally by rebound control. He is a highly competitive netminder who holds up well in traffic and has always demonstrated solid anticipation.

7 Gustav Olofsson – The injury prone Olofsson finally had a completely healthy season last year, appearing in 72 combined games between the NHL and AHL. He has also (perhaps not coincidentally) begin to attempt more offensively than in the past, joining rushes, and scoring the odd goal when he can step in from the point and unleash a shot from the high slot. His decision making in his own zone is generally rather strong. The trade of Marco Scandella may have opened up a regular NHL job.

8 Louis Belpedio – Drafted as a two-way defenseman out of the USNTPD program, Belpedio has seen his offensive game improve steadily over his first three seasons at Miami. Even with his strong collegiate numbers, he is actually stronger in his own zone. Uses his stick very well to break up zone entries. Keeps tight gaps, attacking the puck carrier. Although he is not large, he uses his body well and can play rough as the situation demands. He is also a strong skater who looks sharp rushing the puck up ice.

9 Ivan Lodnia – Minnesota did not have a first or a second round pick this year as they loaded up on veterans at the trade deadline. Lodnia, a player who some thought should have gone higher, was their first selection. A very good skater with great stickhandling, he was able to put up very impressive numbers while filling a depth role with a loaded Erie team. What likely caused his stock to drop was his no-show in the OHL postseason (two points in 22 games).

10 Mason Shaw – Small and slight, Shaw was drafted largely on the back of his high end playmaking and vision, as evidenced by finishing fifth in the WHL in assists in his draft year. A decent skater who plays with surprising jam, he generally puts himself into position to succeed. Has also performed well internationally, with a strong performance as an underager with Canada’s WU18 squad in 2016. Will need to prove that his size will not be an impediment, but the talent is there.

11 Carson Soucy – A big two-way blueliner, Soucy is a below average, but one of the rare players who actually looks faster when carrying the puck than without. He does not project to be an offensive contributor as a professional, but should be reliable to move it up the ice. Uses his long reach very well to break up plays. When he plays physical, he can be impactful, but breaks out that part of his game judiciously. Low ceiling, high floor prospect.

Dmitry Sokolov of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

12 Dmitry Sokolov – Whatever else we might say about the Wild’s recent draft history, they do have a tendency to strike for high offense, under-valued players in the seventh round. Sokolov, who finished second in OHL goal scoring to Alex DeBrincat, is one of the more notable of this subset. Stocky to the point of being rotund, he is dynamic when he sniffs the opponents goal, but MIA in his own zone. His shot and puck skills are high end, everything else is lacking.

13 Nick Swaney – A Minnesota area native, the undersized Swaney spent the last two seasons putting up big numbers for Waterloo of the USHL, finally convincing a team to draft him in his third and final year of eligibility. He is an offensive creator and play driver, thanks to good hands and reads. He has decent speed, but his short area quickness is more impressive. Owns a very quick shot release. Also responsible defensively. Headed to Minnesota-Duluth.

14 Christoph Bertschy – After a promising rookie season in the AHL, Bertschy’s offense fell off drastically in his second go round. As the missing points were all assists, that may not be as much a reflection of his own development, but that of his linemates. He still shows some offensive flair, with strength on the puck and some wiggle in his legs. He generally plays with positive energy and effort, but can be caught napping in his own zone. Needs to be more consistent to get more than a cup of coffee.

15 Justin Kloos – In a case of backyard scouting, the Wild signed Kloos after he completed his four years NCAA eligibility with the nearby Golden Gophers. Small, but quick, Kloos has a hard shot and plays an intelligent brand of hockey, always seeming to be central to the action on offense. Relied upon mostly for his offensive capabilities as a collegian, he will have to show more of a two-way game to graduate to the NHL, as his tools, while good, do not warrant top six expectations.

16 Mario Lucia – Son of longtime NCAA head coach Don Lucia, Mario Lucia is a head-down, bread and potatoes player who missed much of the second half of his first pro season with a broken clavicle. He has a good hard shot, but no other really outstanding tools. Has good size and strength but does not play in an overly physical manner, although he does exert visible effort. His offensive development has seemingly stalled in his collegiate days, and he now profiles as a bottom six winger.

17 Ales Stezka – Drafted as a top junior goaltender out of the Czech Republic, Stezka subsequently came to North America for a two-year stint in the USHL, which culminated in a Clark Cup championship, and is now returning to his parent organization of Bili Tygri Liberec. Although prone to the odd bad goal, seemingly a matter of wavering focus, he has great size, generally reads the play well and does a good job at limiting second chances.

18 Andrei Svetlakov – Drafted this year in his third year of eligibility, Svetlakov seems to have more in the tank than his KHL numbers have suggested. A warrior who has battled back from concussion problems, he has a very good shot which he does not unleash as often as he should. A versatile role player in the KHL, as he has been used up and down the lineup and on both special teams units. Recently signed a three year extension with CSKA.

19 Steve Michalek – A high end college goalie with Harvard, Michalek has already proven himself in the rough waters of the AHL, doing a solid job of backing up Alex Stalock. Exudes calmness. Not the best athlete, which limits his future projection to that of an NHL backup, but is already almost there and goes into 2017-18 as the putative third stringer. Can be aggressive, which will sometimes get the best of him, leaving him out of position. Minimizes second chances.

20 Sam Anas – A pint-sized sparkplug with Quinnipiac, Anas had his moments in his first pro season after signing with Minnesota as a free agent. At his best, he can be a mesmerizing stickhandler with a quick shot release. At his worst, he is literally invisible. Only 5-8” and slight, he has the wheels to avoid too much trouble, and the bravery to go hunting for it anyway. Has not yet provided enough presence on the ice to force his way to the NHL.

The Wild in recent years have done a better job of not wasting picks on low-upside players and as a result, have a decent system both in terms of depth and in terms of high end talent. Although they have always tried to scout well in their home state of Minnesota, they have not limited themselves and have plucked good players from all walks of the hockey development life.

2017 NHL Draft Reviews: Central Division – Minnesota Wild

Ryan Wagman — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 20:57:56 +0000

Shortly after 1:00pm CST, on Saturday, June 24, 2017, the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins selected William Reilly, a defenseman from RPI as the 217^th player selected, bringing the 2017 Entry Draft to an end. With a few days of hindsight between me and the bowels of the United Center, the urge to spew out hot takes flushed away, it is time to analyze the strategies and selections employed by the league’s 31 teams.

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: A general view of draft selections after the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft on June 23, 2017, at the United Center, in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire)

The analysis will focus on the first five rounds, as it is clear to most long-time observers that the final two rounds are often taken up with long-shots, favours to regional scouts, or a myriad of reasons. I will, of course, call out some astute late picks, but will not judge a team for the names called in the final hour. The apocryphal story of Pekka Rinne, drafted as an eighth round after-thought in 2004 based mostly on his play in game warm-ups. Few other scouts would have seen him at all, and he has had a very good career, which is not yet over. For the most part, though, those picks have little statistical likelihood of having NHL careers and teams should not be judged there.

Finally, all grades are incomplete. Actual winners and losers in this draft class will not be known until 2023 at the earliest, after those who will have “made it” will have played out their entry-level contracts. What I am looking at here is whether, knowing what we know now, the drafting team got good value.

Each draft class will be graded using the 20-80 scale that we use in our player specific scouting reports throughout the site. In this context, a 50 is essentially an average grade in light of the picks the team had on draft day. A 20 would mean the draft is an untimigated disaster while an 80 would be the best draft class of all time. As those things can only be truly seen in retrospect, most classes will trend towards 50 at this point, so pay attention to those we see as outliers.

RD	#	CS	MCK	PLAYER	P	AGE	HT/WT	TEAM
3	85	36-N	79	Ivan LODNIA	RW	18	5-10/180	Erie (OHL)
4	97	55-N	101	Mason SHAW	C	18	5-9/180	Medicine Hat (WHL)
4	116	85-N	hm	Bryce MISLEY	C	18	6-1/185	Oakville (OJHL)
5	147	144-N		Jacob GOLDEN	D	18	5-11/165	London (OHL)
6	178	48-E	hm	Andrei SVETLAKOV	C	21	6-0/200	CSKA (KHL)
7	209	138-N	hm	Nick SWANEY	RW	20	5-10/175	Waterloo (USHL)

RD	#	PLAYER	P	TEAM	GP (W)	G (L)	A (T)	PTS (GA)	PIM (Sv%)
3	85	Ivan LODNIA	RW	Erie (OHL)	66	24	32	56	24
4	97	Mason SHAW	C	Medicine Hat (WHL)	71	27	67	94	57
4	116	Bryce MISLEY	C	Oakville (OJHL)	46	26	36	62	14
5	147	Jacob GOLDEN	D	London (OHL)	38	0	2	2	0
6	178	Andrei SVETLAKOV	C	CSKA (KHL)	37	4	12	16	42
6	178			Zvezda Chekhov (Rus 2)	2	1	1	2	6
7	209	Nick SWANEY	RW	Waterloo (USHL)	47	26	25	51	12

Minnesota Wild - Grade 50

Ivan Lodnia of the Erie Otters. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Not picking until the third round thanks to deadline trades, the Wild went for skill. Five of their six picks were forwards, including their top selection, Erie winger Ivan Lodnia, who was at one time considered a likely first rounder. His production and puck skills suggest that he could easily have been scooped up 30-40 picks earlier.

Mason Shaw, another undersized offensive dynamo, put up fantastic numbers with Medicine Hat and is strong value in the middle of the draft. Perhaps hoping to find another late round Russian gem like Kirill Kaprizov, they selected center Andrei Svetlakov in the sixth round, who had a strong season with CSKA Moscow in the KHL. Already 21 years old, it will be at least three years until the Wild can see what they have in the Russian center, who recently signed a three year extension with CSKA. Considering the two round handicap they gave the league, the Wild left Chicago with some intriguing new talent in the system.

Best value: Ivan Lodnia, RW, Erie (3/85): Overshadowed at times in Erie by his illustrious teammates Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome, Lodnia nevertheless earned significant power play time for the Otters and has high end creativity. Would have been taken earlier if not for a poor showing in the OHL playoffs.

Biggest head-scratcher: Jacob Golden, D, London (5/147): A bit player with the Knights, Golden had only two points in 38 games before missing much of the second half of the season, as well as the playoffs, with injury. Then again, all fifth rounders are, intrinsically, gambles.

2017 NHL Team Draft Grades: Central Division – Dallas Stars

Ryan Wagman — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 15:16:32 +0000

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: A general view of the floor prior to the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft on June 23, 2017, at the United Center, in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire)

RD	#	CS	MCK	PLAYER	P	AGE	HT/WT	TEAM
1	3	4-E	3	Miro HEISKANEN	D	18	6-0/170	HIFK Helsinki (Fin)
1	26	1-NG	44	Jake OETTINGER	G	18	6-4/210	Boston University (HE)
2	39	14-N	25	Jason ROBERTSON	LW	18	6-2/195	Kingston (OHL)
4	101	141-N	hm	Liam HAWEL	C	18	6-4/180	SSM-Gue (OHL)
5	132	88-E		Jacob PETERSON	C	18	6-0/165	Frolunda (Swe Jr)
6	163	142-N		Brett DAVIS	RW	18	6-1/180	Let-Ktn (WHL)
7	194	8-NG	hm	Dylan FERGUSON	G	18	6-1/190	Kamloops (WHL)

RD	#	PLAYER	P	TEAM	GP (W)	G (L)	A (T)	PTS (GA)	PIM (Sv%)
1	3	Miro HEISKANEN	D	HIFK Helsinki (Fin)	37	5	5	10	4
1	26	Jake OETTINGER	G	Boston University (HE)	21	11	3	2.11	0.927
2	39	Jason ROBERTSON	LW	Kingston (OHL)	68	42	39	81	29
4	101	Liam HAWEL	C	SSM-Gue (OHL)	66	9	19	28	40
5	132	Jacob PETERSON	C	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	44	15	12	27	8
5	132			Frolunda (Swe Jr 18)	3	3	1	4	6
6	163	Brett DAVIS	RW	Let-Ktn (WHL)	59	18	15	33	18
7	194	Dylan FERGUSON	G	Kamloops (WHL)	16	10	2	2.74	0.922

Dallas Stars - Grade 40

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 2: Finland's Miro Heiskanen #2 lets a shot go during relegation round action against Latvia at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Even though they had the third pick of the draft, and did the smart thing by selecting Finnish blueliner Miro Heiskanen, whose decision making and skating ability are already NHL-ready, I can only be disappointed with their haul. Of course, assuming Heiskanen lives up to his advance billing, and leads the Dallas defense corps for the next decade, no one will remember. But they could have done more.

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 17: The puck beats Boston University Terriers goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) for the Eagles first goal of the game during a Hockey East semifinal between the Boston University Terriers and the Boston College Eagles (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

First, they broke the cardinal rule against using first round picks on goaltenders. They were likely afraid that Jake Oettinger would be gone by their next pick, but considering that the next goalie off the board was not until pick 54, and we believed that Oettinger was roughly equivalent to at least two other young netminders in the draft, this was a mistake in value.

I expect more from Jim Nill. They partially redeemed themselves with the round two selection of Jason Robertson, a scoring winger from Kingston that we saw as a potential first rounder. His game has warts, but a great cure for warts is goals. He does that.

The only other notable element of their draft class is that they are the first team to have traded away one of their picks since the draft ended, having sent seventh rounder Dylan Ferguson to Vegas as part of the package for defender Marc Methot. They drafted a lot of size, with no one measuring at under 6” tall. They also drafted young, with only the goalies being late birthdates. I will grant them more room for growth than most, but still look at this class with some disappointment.

Best value: Jason Robertson, LW, Kingston (2/39): Needs more commitment off the puck and better burst to his skating, but seems ready to work to round out his game. The offensive side is already very high end.

Biggest head-scratcher: Jake Oettinger, G, Boston University (1/26): Discussed at length above, but it bears repeating. Don’t draft goalies in the first round. Dishonorable mention goes to Liam Hawel, a large center taken in the fourth round. The size is there, but there has been little evidence thus far in his young career of skill.

McKeen’s 2017 NHL Draft Rankings (Subscribers) – Top 125 – May 31st, 2017

Iain Morrell — Wed, 31 May 2017 14:16:51 +0000

MCKEEN'S 2017 NHL DRAFT GUIDE - Learn more here!

Nico Hischier will make National Hockey League history as the first name called in Chicago at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

The New Jersey Devils hold the first overall selection having won the draft lottery, and will be looking at three prospects in particular who have risen to the top of the 2017 draft class.

Switzerland's Nico Hischier #18 leans in for the face-off during preliminary round action against the Czech Republic at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Hischier is a very attractive choice having 'checked all the boxes' during an outstanding North American debut with the Halifax Mooseheads. The native of Naters, Switzerland led all rookie scorers in the QMJHL and finished 10th in league scoring, while delivering strong performances for his country at both the U20 and U18 World Junior Championships (WJC).

A fast and dynamic skater with high-end puck skills, Hischier distinguished himself for his two-way diligence and his ability to contribute in every area of the ice and - by extension - the game. He possesses a high hockey IQ and is a very creative player combining both structure and innovation.

It will be an agonizing decision if New Jersey opts to pass on Hischier in favour of the other prime attraction - Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Winnipeg native entered the 2016-17 season as the consensus top choice after a standout season in which he tied for the league playoff scoring lead with 30 points in 21 games (13-17-30) and earned WHL Playoff MVP honours.

Nolan Patrick of the Brandon Wheat Kings. Photo by Tim Smith/Brandon Sun

Patrick was injured during that playoff run however and underwent sports hernia surgery last July. His groin/abdominal problems would re-surface after playing in Brandon's opening five games, and sideline him for 34 games and force him to miss the U20 WJC.

Returning in January, Patrick still managed to finish fifth on the Wheat Kings in scoring with 20 goals and 46 points despite playing in just 33 games.

However he suffered another health setback late in the regular season - an unspecified upper-body injury - and missed the WHL playoffs.

Nolan Patrick would be the first Manitoban selected first overall in the NHL draft - with Nico Hischier set to become the first-ever Swiss-born player.

A third option emerged for New Jersey this spring at the U18 WJC where defenceman Miro Heiskanen turned in a commanding performance for Finland and effectively threw his hat into the ring.

Finland's Miro Heiskanen #2 lets a shot go during relegation round action against Latvia at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

It makes some sense for the Devils to consider adding a potential building block on the blueline given the loss of Adam Larsson in last summer's Taylor Hall deal.

Heiskanen would be the first Finnish-born player to go first overall.

CENTRE STAGE

Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires sits at No. 4 on the McKeen's Top 125 - ranking the best prospects available for the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

Gabriel Vilardi of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound forward led Windsor with 29 goals and 61 points - in just 49 games - and then played a central role in helping the Spitfires win the Memorial Cup, highlighted by a four-assist performance in a win over the top-ranked Erie Otters.

Big, highly-skilled, and ultra competitive, Vilardi brings plenty of meat to the plate - but the skating has raised concerns about how impactful an NHLer he can be. Described as a 'knock kneed' skater, he will have to continue upgrading his quickness and explosiveness.

The Kingston, Ontario native can play on the wing but showcased at the Top Prospects Game in January that he is very effective playing in the middle.

The fifth-ranked prospect is Casey Mittelstadt, the top American-born player.

Mittelstadt ripped apart the high school circuit averaging 2.56 points per game (64 points in 25 games) and earning Minnesota’s distinguished Mr. Hockey award as the state’s top senior skater. He fell short though of leading his hometown Eden Prairie to a state championship, falling in the semi-finals.

Mittelstadt was questioned about returning for his senior year amid concerns that his development could be stunted. However, he helped allay some of those concerns with impressive stints in the USHL, wrapped around his high school season, recording 30 points in 24 games - for a 1.25 points-per-game average which was tops in the league.

Sharp-shooting winger Owen Tippett of the Mississauga Steelheads is next at No. 6.

The Peterborough, Ontario native infuriated with his inconsistent (and incomplete) defensive work habits but, at the end of the day, may be the best goal-scoring prospect in this draft class.

He finished fifth in the OHL with 44 goals and added another 10 goals in 20 playoff games.

Slick-skating defenceman Cale Makar of the Brooks Bandits is ranked seventh.

The Calgary, Alberta native was among this season's biggest risers - shooting up the draft chart and dazzling with his skating and skills while leading Brooks to the RBC Cup final.

Makar still has plenty of growing to do in terms of learning how to harness and deploy his exceptional talents. His education will be in good hands for his upcoming freshman season at the University of Massachusetts. Makar may benefit most by staying on the NCAA collegiate route for at least two years, though the lure of the NHL is all powerful.

Sorting out the rest of the top 10 has been a convoluted journey since the initial rankings were published last fall. That's not unusual - but this season the rankings seemed to be in a larger state of flux. There's not much to separate the next dozen or so players - all of whom could conceivably land a top 10 spot.

Cody Glass of the Portland Winterhawks

Cody Glass of the Portland Winterhawks was another big riser, moving up from 24th - in the preliminary ranking - to grab the No. 8 position.

A cerebral two-way pivot with good size and skill, the Winnipeg native led Portland and tied for seventh in WHL scoring during a spectacular breakout season - in which he more than tripled his rookie numbers from 2015-16.

Glass begins a run of centremen with seven of the next ten players being pivots; Michael Rasmussen (10th), Elias Pettersson (11th), Martin Necas (12th), Robert Thomas (15th), Nick Suzuki (16th), and Lias Andersson (17th).

KLIM PICKINGS

The wildcards for this year's draft will begin with swift-skating Swedish defenceman Timothy Liljegren

The native of Kristianstad, Sweden has been a prime name for 2017 since he was 16 years old - and was ranked No. 4 on our preliminary list. However, he was sidelined early by a bout of mononucleosis and struggled to find his game after returning.

There's no denying the physical gifts as he is a strong, fast skater with a good skill set featuring a heavy wristshot.

Klim Kostin

However, his hockey sense and overall decision making have continually come into question as the scrutiny on his game intensified. He doesn't seem to possess an innate feel for pressure and can be prone to stickchecks and turning pucks over on outlets. Can this part of his make-up develop and mature? Perhaps. It's a risk NHL teams must weigh before considering him as a top selection.

Another 'hot potato' pick will be Dynamo Moscow forward Klim Kostin who began the season at No. 5 in the rankings following a solid showing at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial. The Penza native captained Russia and led his team in scoring (5-4-3-7) while flashing an intriguing mix of size, skill and creativity.

He also put in a decent showing at the Canada-Russia series in November, albeit not enough for World Junior team coach Valeri Bragin to include him on the U20 roster. However, Kostin underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in January and missed an opportunity to further convince NHL scouts at the U18 WJC in April.

Strong and skilled with the puck, Kostin can create openings with his stickhandling and 1-on-1 abilities, but must work on his skating and consistency.

Eeli Tolvanen

Eeli Tolvanen also watched his stock soften as the season progressed after beginning as a top 10 pick (8th).

The native of Vihti, Finland tied for third in the USHL with 30 goals and then helped Sioux City reach the Clark Cup Finals. Tolvanen possesses sharp offensive instincts and a lethal shot, yet there are concerns about how his slight frame and dimensional game will translate to higher levels.

No player fell further in the rankings this season than towering Russian winger Nikita Popugaev.

The Moscow native fired 19 goals in his first 25 games with Moose Jaw, however his play tailed off in December and he was dealt a month later to Prince George where he continued to sputter.

Popugaev brings great size at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds as well as a strong shooting arsenal. His skating needs to come along though, particularly his footwork and overall agility.

But the bigger concern is how badly he wants it - as his work ethic and defensive play regressed to alarming levels over the second half.

PLENTY OF FINNISH

Finland gave advance warning that they would be a big factor at the 2017 NHL Draft when they captured gold at the 2016 U18 WJC.

It was Finland's first gold medal at the event since winning the first two tournaments in 1999 and 2000 - and was accomplished with a predominantly underage blueline.

They followed up this year at the U18's with a silver medal, led by the splendid duo of Miro Heiskanen and Urho Vaakanainen.

Heiskanen's exploits were well chronicled, however Vaakanainen's play may have turned just as many NHL heads. His smooth skating, subtle skills, and innate feel for the game were on full display throughout.

Vaakanainen could turn out to be one of the best players from this draft.

Expect the Finns to be high profile at this draft - as they could place up to seven players in the opening round plus another half dozen in the second.

In all, there are 16 Finnish-born players in the McKeen's Top 125 including a number of potential sleepers such as Joni Ikonen (59th), Aleksi Heponiemi (65th), Emil Oksanen (76th) and U18 WJC captain Aarne Talvitie (77th).

Finland's Santeri Virtanen #22 carries the puck during semifinal round action at the 2017 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Gritty two-way centre Santeri Virtanen threw his name into the ring with an impressive showing at the U18 WJC after missing most of the season to injury.

His late rise wasn't a total surprise as he had initially been slotted as a potential 50-70 pick after a good showing at the Ivan Hlinka last fall.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	Nation
1	Nolan Patrick	C	Brandon (WHL)	6-2/200	19-Sep-98	Canada
2	Nico Hischier	C	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-1/175	4-Jan-99	Switzerland
3	Miro Heiskanen	D	HIFK Helsinki (Fin)	6-0/170	18-Jul-99	Finland
4	Gabriel Vilardi	C	Windsor (OHL)	6-3/200	16-Aug-99	Canada
5	Casey Mittelstadt	C	Eden Prairie (USHS-MN)	6-1/200	22-Nov-98	USA
6	Owen Tippett	RW	Mississauga (OHL)	6-1/200	16-Feb-99	Canada
7	Cale Makar	D	Brooks (AJHL)	5-11/180	30-Oct-98	Canada
8	Cody Glass	C	Portland (WHL)	6-2/180	1-Apr-99	Canada
9	Kristian Vesalainen	LW	Frolunda (Swe)	6-3/205	1-Jun-99	Finland
10	Michael Rasmussen	C	Tri-City (WHL)	6-6/215	17-Apr-99	Canada
11	Elias Pettersson	C	Timra (Swe 2)	6-2/165	12-Nov-98	Sweden
12	Martin Necas	C	Kometa Brno (Cze)	6-0/170	15-Jan-99	Czech
13	Urho Vaakanainen	D	JyP Jyvaskyla (Fin)	6-0/185	1-Jan-99	Finland
14	Juuso Valimaki	D	Tri-City (WHL)	6-2/205	6-Oct-98	Finland
15	Robert Thomas	C	London (OHL)	6-0/190	2-Jul-99	Canada
16	Nick Suzuki	C	Owen Sound (OHL)	5-11/185	10-Sep-99	Canada
17	Lias Andersson	C	HV 71 (Swe)	5-11/200	13-Oct-98	Sweden
18	Isaac Ratcliffe	LW	Guelph (OHL)	6-5/200	15-Feb-99	Canada
19	Erik Brannstrom	D	HV 71 (Swe)	5-10/175	2-Sep-99	Sweden
20	Timothy Liljegren	D	Rogle (Swe)	6-0/190	30-Apr-99	Sweden
21	Klim Kostin	C	Dynamo Moscow (Rus)	6-3/195	5-May-99	Russia
22	Eeli Tolvanen	RW	Sioux City (USHL)	5-10/175	22-Apr-99	Finland
23	Conor Timmins	D	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	6-1/185	18-Sep-98	Canada
24	Kailer Yamamoto	RW	Spokane (WHL)	5-8/160	29-Sep-98	Canada
25	Jason Robertson	LW	Kingston (OHL)	6-2/195	22-Jul-99	USA
26	Ryan Poehling	C	St. Cloud State (NCHC)	6-2/195	3-Jan-99	USA
27	Nicolas Hague	D	Mississauga (OHL)	6-6/215	5-Dec-98	Canada
28	Josh Norris	C	NTDP (USA)	6-1/195	5-May-99	USA
29	Shane Bowers	C	Waterloo (USHL)	6-1/185	30-Jul-99	Canada
30	Cal Foote	D	Kelowna (WHL)	6-4/215	13-Dec-98	USA
31	Henri Jokiharju	D	Portland (WHL)	6-0/180	17-Jun-99	Finland
32	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	G	HPK (Fin)	6-4/195	9-Mar-99	Finland
33	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	C	Spokane (WHL)	5-11/190	12-Sep-99	Canada
34	Kole Lind	RW	Kelowna (WHL)	6-1/180	16-Oct-98	Canada
35	Jesper Boqvist	C	Brynas (Swe)	6-0/180	30-Oct-98	Sweden
36	Grant Mismash	LW	NTDP (USA)	6-0/185	19-Feb-99	USA
37	Keith Petruzzelli	G	Muskegon (USHL)	6-5/180	9-Feb-99	USA
38	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	D	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	6-2/165	1-Jul-99	Canada
39	Maxime Comtois	C	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	6-2/200	8-Jan-99	Canada
40	Adam Ruzicka	C	Sarnia (OHL)	6-4/205	11-May-99	Slovakia
41	Morgan Frost	C	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	5-11/170	14-May-99	Canada
42	Filip Chytil	C	Zlin (Cze)	6-0/180	5-Sep-99	Czech
43	Nikita Popugaev	LW	Prince George (WHL)	6-6/220	20-Nov-98	Russia
44	Jake Oettinger	G	Boston University (HE)	6-4/210	18-Dec-98	USA
45	Josh Brook	D	Moose Jaw (WHL)	6-1/185	15-Jun-99	Canada
46	Santeri Virtanen	C	TPS Turku (Fin Jr)	6-2/195	11-May-99	Finland
47	Kyle Olson	C	Tri-City (WHL)	5-11/165	22-Mar-99	Canada
48	Evan Barratt	C	NTDP (USA)	6-0/190	18-Feb-99	USA
49	Max Gildon	D	NTDP (USA)	6-3/190	17-May-99	USA
50	MacKenzie Entwistle	RW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-3/180	14-Jul-99	Canada
51	Stelio Mattheos	RW	Brandon (WHL)	6-1/195	14-Jun-99	Canada
52	Marcus Davidsson	C	Djurgardens (Swe)	6-0/190	18-Nov-98	Sweden
53	Michael DiPietro	G	Windsor (OHL)	6-0/195	9-Jun-99	Canada
54	David Farrance	D	NTDP (USA)	5-11/190	23-Jun-99	USA
55	Stuart Skinner	G	Lethbridge (WHL)	6-3/210	1-Nov-98	Canada
56	Matthew Strome	LW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-4/210	6-Jan-99	Canada
57	Alex Formenton	LW	London (OHL)	6-2/165	13-Sep-99	Canada
58	Eemeli Rasanen	D	Kingston (OHL)	6-7/215	6-Mar-99	Finland
59	Joni Ikonen	C	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	5-10/170	14-Apr-99	Finland
60	Scott Reedy	C	NTDP (USA)	6-1/205	4-Apr-99	USA
61	Sasha Chmelevski	C	Ottawa (OHL)	5-11/190	9-Jun-99	USA
62	Filip Westerlund	D	Frolunda (Swe)	5-11/180	17-Apr-99	Sweden
63	Ian Mitchell	D	Spruce Grove (AJHL)	5-11/175	18-Jan-99	Canada
64	Maxim Zhukov	G	Green Bay (USHL)	6-3/190	22-Jul-99	Russia
65	Aleksi Heponiemi	C	Swift Current (WHL)	5-10/150	9-Jan-99	Finland
66	Ostap Safin	LW	Sparta Praha (Cze Jr)	6-4/200	11-Feb-99	Czech
67	Jack Studnicka	C	Oshawa (OHL)	6-1/170	18-Feb-99	Canada
68	Nick Henry	RW	Regina (WHL)	5-11/190	4-Jul-99	Canada
69	Markus Phillips	D	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-0/200	21-Mar-99	Canada
70	Jarret Tyszka	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-2/190	15-Mar-99	Canada
71	Kirill Maksimov	RW	Niagara (OHL)	6-2/195	1-Jun-99	Russia
72	Jake Leschyshyn	C	Regina (WHL)	5-11/185	10-Mar-99	Canada
73	Alexei Toropchenko	RW	MVD Balashikha (Rus Jr)	6-3/190	25-Jun-99	Russia
74	Kirill Slepets	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	5-10/165	6-Apr-99	Russia
75	Olle Eriksson Ek	G	Farjestads (Swe Jr)	6-2/185	22-Jun-99	Sweden
76	Emil Oksanen	LW	Espoo United (Fin 2)	6-1/190	25-Sep-98	Finland
77	Aarne Talvitie	C	Espoo Blues (Fin Jr)	5-10/200	11-Feb-99	Finland
78	Reilly Walsh	D	Proctor Academy (USHS-NH)	5-11/180	21-Apr-99	USA
79	Ivan Lodnia	RW	Erie (OHL)	5-10/180	31-Aug-99	USA
80	Jonah Gadjovich	LW	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-2/210	12-Oct-98	Canada
81	Ben Mirageas	D	Chicago (USHL)	6-1/180	8-May-99	USA
82	Dylan Samberg	D	Hermantown (USHS-MN)	6-3/190	24-Jan-99	USA
83	Antoine Morand	C	Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)	5-10/180	18-Feb-99	Canada
84	Morgan Geekie	C	Tri-City (WHL)	6-2/180	20-Jul-98	Canada
85	Alexei Lipanov	C	MVD Balashikha (Rus 2)	6-0/165	17-Aug-99	Russia
86	Jack Badini	C	Chicago (USHL)	6-0/200	19-Jan-98	USA
87	Brady Lyle	D	North Bay (OHL)	6-1/205	6-Jun-99	Canada
88	Lucas Elvenes	C	Rogle (Swe Jr)	6-0/175	18-Aug-99	Sweden
89	Zach Gallant	C	Peterborough (OHL)	6-2/190	6-Mar-99	Canada
90	Lane Zablocki	RW	Red Deer (WHL)	5-11/190	27-Dec-98	Canada
91	Kevin Hancock	C	Owen Sound (OHL)	5-11/185	2-Mar-98	Canada
92	Alexandre Texier	C	Grenoble (Fra)	6-0/190	13-Sep-99	France
93	Noel Hoefenmayer	D	Ottawa (OHL)	6-0/190	6-Jan-99	Canada
94	Nate Schnarr	C	Guelph (OHL)	6-3/180	15-Jun-99	Canada
95	Jonas Rondbjerg	RW	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe Jr)	6-0/175	31-Mar-99	Denmark
96	Ivan Chekhovich	LW	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	5-10/180	14-Jan-99	Russia
97	Robin Salo	D	Sport (Fin)	6-1/190	13-Oct-98	Finland
98	Luke Martin	D	Michigan (B1G)	6-4/215	20-Sep-98	USA
99	Cale Fleury	D	Kootenay (WHL)	6-1/205	19-Nov-98	Canada
100	Mikey Anderson	D	Waterloo (USHL)	6-0/195	25-May-99	USA
101	Mason Shaw	C	Medicine Hat (WHL)	5-9/180	3-Nov-98	Canada
102	Linus Nyman	RW	Kingston (OHL)	5-9/160	11-Jul-99	Finland
103	Gustav Lindstrom	D	Almtuna (Swe 2)	6-2/190	20-Oct-98	Sweden
104	Marian Studenic	RW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-0/165	28-Oct-98	Slovakia
105	Jack Rathbone	D	Dexter (USHS-MA)	5-10/175	20-May-99	USA
106	Artyom Minulin	D	Swift Current (WHL)	6-2/200	1-Oct-98	Russia
107	Kalle Miketinac	C	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	5-11/190	2-Apr-99	Sweden
108	Dmitri Samorukov	D	Guelph (OHL)	6-2/180	16-Jun-99	Russia
109	Ian Scott	G	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-3/175	11-Jan-99	Canada
110	Austen Keating	C	Ottawa (OHL)	6-0/170	7-May-99	Canada
111	Maksim Sushko	RW	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-0/185	10-Feb-99	Belarus
112	Tyler Inamoto	D	NTDP (USA)	6-2/195	6-May-99	USA
113	Ty Lewis	LW	Brandon (WHL)	5-11/180	5-Mar-98	Canada
114	Drake Batherson	C	Cape Breton (QMJHL)	6-1/190	27-Apr-98	Canada
115	Rickard Hugg	C	Leksands (Swe Jr)	5-10/185	18-Jan-99	Sweden
116	Scott Walford	D	Victoria (WHL)	6-1/195	12-Jan-99	Canada
117	Jordy Bellerive	C	Lethbridge (WHL)	5-10/195	2-May-99	Canada
118	Matthew Kellenberger	D	Oakville (OJHL)	6-0/175	11-Jan-99	Canada
119	Johnathan Kovacevic	D	Merrimack (HE)	6-4/215	2-Jul-97	Canada
120	Nick Campoli	C	North York (OJHL)	5-11/190	16-Feb-99	Canada
121	Mario Ferraro	D	Des Moines (USHL)	5-11/185	17-Sep-98	Canada
122	Michael Pastujov	LW	NTDP (USA)	6-0/195	23-Aug-99	USA
123	Tyler Steenbergen	C	Swift Current (WHL)	5-10/190	7-Jan-98	Canada
124	Mark Rubinchik	D	Saskatoon (WHL)	6-0/180	21-Mar-99	Russia
125	Kasper Kotkansalo	D	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-2/200	16-Nov-98	Finland

Scouting Reports – OHL: Alex Formenton, Markus Phillips, Ivan Lodnia

Scott Crawford — Sat, 20 May 2017 12:00:56 +0000

Scott Crawford profiles 2017 NHL Draft eligibles from the OHL expected to go in the middle rounds. Alex Formenton of the London Knights projects as a mid-second rounder with some work to do.

A note on the 20-80 scale used below. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.

Alex Forementon of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Alex Formenton	2017 Draft Eligible
Position: C, Shoots L	H/W: 6-2", 165 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	London Knights, OHL (65-16-18-34-50)

Skating: Skating is Formenton's calling card. Whenever a dump and chase play is set he is usually the go-to player to forecheck because of his speed. His forward stride is what helps him take off from the start and move down the ice. He has both short and long strides to help him in close corners or move up the ice. His C cuts help him turn around better when his team has the puck. Being a winger, he skates up faster in the neutral zone and opens himself up better to receive a pass in the middle or along the side walls in the neutral zone when his teammates launches a first pass to him from the defensive zone. Grade: 60

Shot: Features a habit of being inconsistent with his shot ratio during games. In one game, he will manage to release 2-3 shots on goal, while in another game he will disappear. When he does shoot he usually uses a wrist shot that he lets off from the deep slot area. He will also shoot from the hash marks and has a decent release from his wrist shot. He depends on his teammates to pass him the puck and he des not move around too much when he shoots. Grade: 50

Skills: An average puck handler at best, Formenton does not possess the fast hands to move the puck around the ice or even up the middle. There were times where he could move around players with the puck, but he generally relied on his body to protect the puck and move around in the offensive zone. There are times when he can retrieve the puck in the corners and get back to the point or move around the net and make a play behind the net. He needs to work more on his backhand to forehand movement if he is hoping to build his offensive output for next year. He has shown he has the potential to be creative with the puck, but he needs to show that more in all three zones. Grade: 50

Smarts: His hockey smarts are evident in one game and then disappear in the next. He is smart in his own end in the sense that away from the puck he knows where to be in front of the net when two defenders double team one of his teammates who the puck, thereby providing his teammate with a good outlet. He knows how to make the little plays work such as being in a scrum, getting the puck and shooting it up the boards for a pass to an open teammate. The drawback to his hockey IQ is he overthinks plays in the defensive zone, such as missing hits along the side boards, letting skilled defenseman into his area after he bites on a fake shot, and not winning the 50/50 battles. These seem to be rookie mistakes that can be corrected with additional experience. Grade: 50

Physicality: Formenton is a pest that a lot of players hate playing against. He will play an annoying physical game like Ryan Kesler (although not as big) and get away with it. He may have a small frame, but he knows how to use it to his advantage. There are times when he makes mistakes such as not anticipating hits on time and drawing a boarding call as a result. Grade: 50

Summary: Alex Formenton projects as a 2nd round draft pick, but at the end of the season and during the playoffs those predictions were put into question. He has shown to be a capable skater at the OHL level and it is his best skill. He is less of an offensive threat because he does not have the puck handling skills to go against sizeable opponents. While his tall frame helps him move the puck, when he faces bigger and stronger defenders he is too easy to knock off the puck. If he can improve his puck skills and focus on his nutrition and weight training to build his body, he will be able to improve his possession game. His hockey IQ needs improvement as he showed inconsistency throughout the season. He was a raw rookie in the OHL and showed signs of improvement throughout the year, but failing to score no goals in 14 playoff games this year is a sign that he has a lot of work to do before he can be considered a as a potential future offensive producer at the highest levels.

Markus Phillips	2017 Draft Eligible
Position: D, Shoots L	H/W: 6-2", 200 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	Owen Sound Attack, OHL (66-13-30-43-44)

Markus Phillips of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Skating: Another defenseman that has phenomenal skating ability while playing a 200-foot game, Phillips also has the capability of playing a North-South style as well. He is fast to get back into transition thanks to a quick cross over to back pedaling and he is still able to challenge forwards coming his way. If a player tries to cross over Phillips he will simply follow with them until they run out of room to skate. Grade: 60

Shot: Phillips has a wicked wrist shot that he can shoot from the blue line. He makes his mark because of the velocity at which he releases the puck. There were times when goaltenders would be caught off guard with how fast the puck was moving. Phillips can shoot while moving with the puck, which works to his benefit when he moves the puck up ice on an offensive rush or moves it around the offensive zone to create an open shot opportunity. Grade: 55

Skills: Phillips' puck moving skills during the regular season were highly consistent and he was more mobile with the puck at that time than he was in the playoffs. With the additional neutral zone traps in the postseason, Philips was inefficient with his puck movement when entering the offensive zone. Players would give him less space and he was incapable of moving forward without skating into traffic. In the offensive zone, he faced the same struggle when he was cycling the puck, as defenders would be in his face and he was unable to deal with the pressure. Grade: 55

Smarts: Phillips has questionable hockey IQ at times. Most often he can identify smart scenarios in which he can apply his skills, such as drawing forwards away from the open lanes with his stick and moving them to the boards with his body when they are entering his zone. He is a remarkably sound defenseman against a rush. Other times he looks like he is lost such as when he is protecting his own net, as he will sometimes move away and leave an open spot in front of the net for an opponent to use. He is usually a player to rely on for creating offensive chances, but in the playoffs, he struggled to use his teammates in the offensive zone. He is a marvelous player with good character and his teammates rely on his confidence to get through tough times. He was the captain of the Canadian entry to Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament and was leaned on for his two-way game to help contribute to the Team Canada’s style of play. Grade: 50

Physicality: A physically overbearing player that only stands at 6-0", but weighs in at over 200 pounds. He uses that frame in the defensive zone to battle for loose pucks and tends to comes out on top. He will throw good body checks along the boards with good positioning causing the puck to come loose while the puck possessor is either trapped along the boards or flat on the ice. Grade: 55

Summary: Markus Phillips is an intriguing player entering the draft. He has played in almost every major junior event to showcase his skill set including both the CHL Top Prospects game and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament. He was not a standout, but he showed that he can play a simple game without causing too many mistakes in high pressure situations. This past season he showed up offensively to become a true two-way defenseman at the OHL level, proving that he was more than just a defensive player. He relies on his fast skating and good puck moving skills to help create offensive chances, but in the playoffs, they were neutralized under a neutral zone trap and tight one-on-one man coverage in the offensive zone. His hockey IQ is decent, but he showed that he still needs to work on recognizing his surroundings and where the puck is being played in the defensive zone. Once he has a better understanding of his playing style and how to adjust to different playing styles on the ice, he has a chance to be a dynamic two player at the highest level.

Ivan Lodnia	2017 Draft Eligible
Position: RW, Shoots R	H/W: 5-10", 180 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	Erie Otters, OHL (66-24-33-57-24)

Ivan Lodnia of the Erie Otters. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Skating: Lodnia is a legitimate skating threat wherever he is on the ice. He can pick up speed from the boards and up the walls, adjust his speed entering the offensive zone, and even make mini strides to the boards to challenge for the puck. He has adapted his foot work by putting extra effort to the little things in his skating and it has helped him play better with his teammates. His mohawk turns can be a threat on the powerplay as he can skate anywhere even while being chased. His agility gives opponents extra worry when he is planning an offensive attack. Grade: 60

Shot: Shooting is not a problem for Lodnia as he tends to focus a lot of time to his aim. When he receives the puck, he spends about 3-5 seconds preparing his shot, unfortunately giving his defender more time to get in position to block a shot. He uses a wrist shot with a fast release that on many occasions can beat goaltenders from the bottom of the circles. He is patient with his shot selection though his shots fail to get through traffic all too often. In the playoffs that was a huge factor as he was limited to two goals during the Erie Otters' long playoff run. Grade: 50

Skills: A patient and skilled puck mover, Lodnia does not hesitate to move the puck up ice and does not often turn the puck over when he is entering the offensive zone. His quick decision making helps him be creative whether it is cross-ice passes, behind the net plays, or even making drop passes after he enters the offensive zone. What makes him a reliable puck possessor is his ability to move his stick with the puck when he is faced with pressure from behind or in front of him. He can move the puck closer to him or use his back hand to fend opponents away or better yet draw a penalty. Grade: 60

Smarts: Lodnia is an incredibly smart player that knows how play well without the puck. His IQ is noticeable on the ice when he is preventing opponents from moving around in his own zone or using his stick properly to stick check opponents to the corners instead of shooting when they are on a rush. He knows how to be in the right spot at the right time. He plays with passion, and is one of those players that coaches can rely on to make an impact play in his own zone. One thing he needs to improve on is his ability to take hits along the boards as he had a tendency to lose the puck along the boards because he was not in proper position to guard it. Grade: 55

Physicality: Despite his lack of preparation when facing hits and his undersized frame, Lodnia brings fire to his game when he is playing in the dirty areas. One area that he does not back down from is 50/50 battles as he does a good job of positioning his body against his opponents to protect the puck and wait for his skate to kick the puck away or for a teammate to snatch the puck away from the battle. Grade: 50

Summary: Ivan Lodnia is an extremely talented and underrated player in this year’s draft. He possesses a good array of talent and hockey IQ to possibly break out into the NHL within a few years. His skating is the best part about his game as he can play a 200-foot game without jeopardizing any of his team’s plays. He is one of the smarter players on the ice and is very dangerous with the puck on his stick. His shot selection needs improvement as he only possesses a good wrist shot and he needs to be faster on his release. He is one of the more visibly passionate players available in this year's draft class. When he gets more minutes of playing time next year he will be an offensive force to be reckon with. He is smart enough to already see the opportunities in front of him.

Ivan Lodnia – McKeen's Hockey

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Minnesota Wild Top 20 Prospects

Kirill Kaprizov, LW (135th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 1)

Marco Rossi, C (9th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Matthew Boldy, LW (12th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 2)

Calen Addison, D (53rd overall, 2018 [Pittsburgh]. Previous ranking: 3)

Alexander Khovanov, C (86th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Adam Beckman, C (75th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Ryan O’Rourke, D (39th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Marat Khusnutdinov, C (37th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Hunter Jones, G (59th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 6)

Vladislav Firstov, LW (42nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 7)

Kaapo Kahkonen, G (109th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 8)

Daemon Hunt, D (63rd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Pavel Novak, RW (146th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Ivan Lodnia, RW (85th overall, 2017. Pre-season: 9)

Damien Giroux, C (155th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 10)

Marshall Warren, D (166th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 11)

Connor Dewar, LW (92nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 13)

Louis Belpedio, D (80th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 14)

Mitchell Chaffee, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 24, 2020. Previous ranking: 15)

Nico Sturm, C (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Apr. 1, 2019. Previous ranking: UR)

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – MINNESOTA WILD– ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 6

Minnesota Wild

Kirill Kaprizov, LW (135th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 1)

Matthew Boldy, LW (12th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 2)

Calen Addison, D (53rd overall, 2018 [Pittsburgh]. 2019 Rank: 2 [Pittsburgh])

Alexander Khovanov, C (86th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Adam Beckman, C (75th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 19)

Hunter Jones, G (59th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 13)

Vladislav Firstov, LW (42nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 5)

Kaapo Kahkonen, G (109th overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 10)

Ivan Lodnia, RW (85th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 12)

Damien Giroux, C (155th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

Marshall Warren, D (166th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 4)

Brennan Menell, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Sep. 26, 2017. 2019 Rank: 16)

Connor Dewar, LW (92nd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 3)

Simon Johansson, D (148th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

Mitchell Chaffee, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed, Mar. 24, 2020. 2019 Rank: IE)

Minnesota Wild 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

OHL 2018-19 Season Preview

Minnesota Wild Prospect System Overview

Minnesota – System Overview

2017 NHL Draft Reviews: Central Division – Minnesota Wild

Minnesota Wild - Grade 50

2017 NHL Team Draft Grades: Central Division – Dallas Stars

McKeen’s 2017 NHL Draft Rankings (Subscribers) – Top 125 – May 31st, 2017

Scouting Reports – OHL: Alex Formenton, Markus Phillips, Ivan Lodnia

Kirill Kaprizov, LW (135^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 1)

Marco Rossi, C (9^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Matthew Boldy, LW (12^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 2)

Calen Addison, D (53^rd overall, 2018 [Pittsburgh]. Previous ranking: 3)

Alexander Khovanov, C (86^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Adam Beckman, C (75^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Ryan O’Rourke, D (39^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Marat Khusnutdinov, C (37^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Hunter Jones, G (59^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 6)

Vladislav Firstov, LW (42^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 7)

Kaapo Kahkonen, G (109^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 8)

Daemon Hunt, D (63^rd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Pavel Novak, RW (146^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Ivan Lodnia, RW (85^th overall, 2017. Pre-season: 9)

Damien Giroux, C (155^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 10)

Marshall Warren, D (166^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 11)

Connor Dewar, LW (92^nd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 13)

Louis Belpedio, D (80^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 14)

Kirill Kaprizov, LW (135^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 1)

Matthew Boldy, LW (12^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 2)

Calen Addison, D (53^rd overall, 2018 [Pittsburgh]. 2019 Rank: 2 [Pittsburgh])

Alexander Khovanov, C (86^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Adam Beckman, C (75^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 19)

Hunter Jones, G (59^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 13)

Vladislav Firstov, LW (42^nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 5)

Kaapo Kahkonen, G (109^th overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 10)

Ivan Lodnia, RW (85^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 12)

Damien Giroux, C (155^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

Marshall Warren, D (166^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 4)

Connor Dewar, LW (92^nd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 3)

Simon Johansson, D (148^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)