Ivan Miroschnichenko – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – WASHINGTON CAPITALS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #7

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:22:57 +0000

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

Prospect System Ranking – 7th (May 2025 - 9th)
GM: Chris Patrick Hired: July 2024 (Also Senior Vice President)
COACH: Spencer Carbery Hired: May 2023

The Washington Capitals pulled off a remarkable retool in 2024-25, blending an aging core with an influx of youth to finish second in the Eastern Conference. Though their playoff run ended in the second round, the season underscored a bright future under GM Chris Patrick.

Ryan Leonard, McKeen’s fifth-ranked prospect, leads the way. After a dazzling two-year career at Boston University (61 goals and 109 points in 78 games) the NCAA standout joined the Capitals late and is poised for a full time NHL role in 2025-26.

The junior ranks saw offensive explosions across the board. Andrew Cristall capped his WHL career with a staggering 132 points, bringing his final tally to 412 in 248 games. Ilya Protas, younger brother of NHLer Alexei, made a spectacular OHL debut, finishing second in league scoring with 124 points. Patrick Thomas, a 2023 fourth-round pick, nearly doubled his career best with 104 points. On the back end, 2024 second rounder Cole Hutson tied Zeev Buium for the NCAA scoring lead among defensemen with 48 points.

Several prospects—forward Ivan Miroshnichenko, defenseman Ryan Chesley, and blueliner Vincent Iorio—will be pushing hard to earn NHL spots next season, adding further competition to an already deep group.

Although Washington entered the 2025 draft with just five picks, they managed to bring in intriguing additions. Most notable was towering WHL forward Lynden Lakovic in the first round, followed by skilled winger Milton Gastrin in the second. Both debut in the team’s top 15 prospects.

Under Spencer Carbery, the Capitals have managed a rare feat of staying competitive while steadily developing their next generation. With the league’s most prolific goal scorer, Alex Ovechkin, still chasing milestones, the Stanley Cup window remains open—now supported by a wave of high-upside youth ready to contribute.

Washington Capitals Top-15 Prospects

1 - Ryan Leonard

Ryan Leonard is the best prospect the Capitals have had in at least a decade, you probably need to go back as far as when Washington drafted Filip Forsberg in 2012 to find a prospect in this organization that was so highly touted. The USNDTP and Boston College standout was among the best players in college hockey over the past couple years, leading the nation in goals with 30 last season. Internationally, he captained the United States to a second straight World Junior Gold medal, while also bringing home tournament MVP honours. Though only standing at six feet, Leonard profiles as an ultra-competitive and highly-skilled power forward. He joined the Capitals late last season and played meaningful minutes down the stretch and in the postseason in Washington’s middle six. It won’t be long before Leonard is a top six fixture in DC, he has the upside to be a star.

2 - Cole Hutson

Washington fans had to be over the moon after seeing Cole Hutson’s performance at last year’s World Junior Championship. The expectation would be that he would play a key secondary role for the Americans, but nobody could have predicted that he would lead the tournament in scoring en route to a Gold Medal. The 2023 second-round pick also ended up leading the NCAA in scoring among blueliners, putting up 48 points in 39 games. The 5-foot-10 blueliner’s calling card is his confidence, which is supported by his creativity and agility, making him an absolute nightmare for opponents to defend. His hockey IQ and competitive nature help him on the defensive side of the puck, but he still has work to do in that regard before he turns pro. Hutson will be back at Boston University again this season, and will be one of the best players in college hockey.

3 - Andrew Cristall

A lot of WHL defencemen must be thrilled that this is Cristall's final year in the league, because it means that his offensive reign of terror is coming to an end. To give you an idea of just how unstoppable he was, earlier this season he became just the first WHLer in the 21st century to amass 400 regular season points. A mid-season trade to Spokane only made him more dangerous, clicking immediately with fellow dynamo Berkly Catton. He’s creative, his offensive vision is razor-sharp, and he’s a wizard with the puck on his stick. So then why did he slide to the second-round in the 2023 draft and get snubbed by Hockey Canada for the World Juniors? Simply put, he’s a poor skater for a guy his size and plays at a low pace, which can sometimes make him a 200-foot liability. Cristall will need to be developed and deployed appropriately and carefully in order to translate his current success to the NHL.

4 - Ilya Protas

What a season it was for Ilya Protas, as he made the jump to the OHL with the Windsor Spitfries. He and the Spitfires took the league by storm, jumping to the top of the standings, and a lot of that can be attributed to the remarkable performance of Protas. The big winger is such a well rounded and intelligent offensive player. He’s highly skilled. He has great vision with the puck and demonstrates the poise of a player who you’d assume already has pro experience. He’s a committed two-way player who was utilized by Windsor in all situations. Like his brother Aliaksei, who just enjoyed a breakout year for the Washington Capitals, the only thing missing from his game is dynamic skating ability. Improving his quickness and agility will be paramount to his NHL success. The question is, where does Protas play next year? He could return to Windsor for another year or he could turn pro and play in the AHL as a 19/20 year old. Either choice would have potential drawbacks and benefits.

5 - Ivan Miroschnichenko

Even if his play in the NHL remains a work in progress, Miroschnichenko’s second pro season in North America had to be considered a mild success. He established himself as an excellent goal scorer at the AHL level with Hershey and he’s learning how to best utilize his shot and strength on North American ice. It’s easy to forget that he’s only 21, the age that most CHL players begin their pro journey; Miroschnichenko played in the AHL as an “underager” two seasons ago. With a few contracts coming off the books this offseason, one has to wonder if Miroschnichenko will be given every opportunity to earn a top nine role with the Capitals next season. His combination of skating ability, strength on the puck, and scoring instincts makes him the ideal complementary winger for a creative playmaking pivot. He could easily develop into a perennial 25 goal scorer for Washington in the near future and someone who can help ease the eventual transition post Alex Ovechkin.

6 - Lynden Lakovic

It’s still early, but the Capitals getting to add Lakovic at 27th overall currently looks like one of the best value picks of the 2025 draft. The Moose Jaw winger and team captain finished 13th overall on the final McKeen's ranking, and was even higher than that at earlier points in the season, because he absolutely oozes upside. For someone of his height he’s surprisingly slick and slippery with the puck, he’s quite coordinated as a skater, and his vision and creativity as a playmaker can’t be beat by many prospects out there. Oddly enough, the biggest knock on his game right now is that he’s too much of a gentle giant, shying away from contact more than he should and failing to take better advantage of his natural physical tools. Can that still be taught to him, or is it an inherent part of his personality? The Capitals are hoping that it’s the former, because if they can help Lakovic unlock that part of his game then there’s no telling just how good he could become.

7 - Ryan Chesley

Ryan Chesley, a 2022 second-round pick of the Capitals, was a steady presence on the back end for the University of Minnesota for the last three seasons. While he did show growth offensively by cracking the 20 point plateau in his third collegiate season, he is predominantly a defensive defenceman. Chesley loves to play the body, but also is a good enough skater that he can be very effective in shutting down rush chances. On retrievals and in transition, Chesley is good at making quick, effective reads and getting the puck up ice. In college he would occasionally jump up in the play, but that likely won’t be very prevalent in his game at the pro level. He projects as a safe, dependable, stay at home defender that comfortably fits on a third pairing but has upside to contribute on a second pairing. He will continue his development in Hershey this season.

8 - Terik Parascak

There was an expectation coming in this season that Parascak's point totals might come back down to Earth a little, especially now that he's no longer the unknown and unexpected scoring phenom that he was at the beginning of last year. That has indeed happened, but he has also proven that his breakout campaign wasn't just some kind of fluke. This is one driven, highly intelligent young player who just keeps erasing doubts about his underwhelming strength and skating ability. Few can match his instincts and anticipation in the offensive zone, which causes pucks to gravitate to his stick right before he strikes quickly with them. And despite lacking size he's not afraid to go into the dirty areas and absorb some punishment to help create scoring chances. There's still a lot of work to be done, and the Capitals will need to be patient, but Parascak has the potential to become a useful complementary piece in an NHL roster puzzle.

9 - Vincent Iorio

Iorio has essentially hit a crossroads in his development. The big right shot defender has the tools to be a quality bottom pairing defender in the NHL. He is mobile. He makes a great first pass. He competes physically and takes away space. Offensively, he’s not a standout; he’s not a skilled puckhandler or someone confident in jumping up in the play. He’s content with being that stable, stay at home defender. The issue is that the Capitals just don’t have room for him right now. That becomes an even larger issue next year when he is no longer exempt from waivers. If he performs well in camp, does Washington move out someone like Trevor Van Riemsdyk? Does he beat out someone like Declan Chisholm to earn the seventh defender spot? Either way, Iorio’s future with the Capitals may just be decided soon.

10 - Justin Sourdif

Justin Sourdif's scoring pace improved from his first two years in the AHL as he continues to refine his game at the pro level. Justin plays a well-rounded game, adding value both on and off the puck. His hands and ability to muscle through traffic are impressive, and he gets to the dirty areas to look for rebounds, making him an effective transitional player suitable for the NHL. Sourdif's shot has mystified AHL goaltenders this year as his release is a bit unorthodox and comes off quick. On the defensive end, Sourdif grinds hard on the backcheck to break up plays and is skilled at recovering pucks off the boards in scrums. After the Capitals paid a steep price to acquire Sourdif, he will likely see the NHL sooner rather than later. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Sourdif playing a valuable role in the Capitals' bottom six within the next two years.

11 - Milton Gastrin

A long-time captain in Sweden’s junior program, Gastrin is your prototypical hardworking forward who can play the game any way it comes. Possessing great straight-line speed, Gastrin is hard on the forecheck and relentless in his puck pursuit. He brings the size, skills, and hockey IQ to one day be an above average lower line forward entrusted with yeoman duties. It’s very possible that there’ll be more in the tank offensively down the line.

12 - Eriks Mateiko

We’ve loved Matiko’s size/aggressiveness combination for several years now, but the hulking winger put things into overdrive this winter. One of the most impressive goal scorers at the 2025 WJC, Mateiko then took serious flight with the Rimouski Océanic in their Memorial Cup hosting run after a midseason trade from Saint John. We saw improved passing, positional responsibility, and puck pressuring, with smarts and skills added to his previous intensity. What can he do for an encore?

13 - Leon Muggli

With a few shifts for the Hershey Bears this past spring, Muggli concluded a 2024-25 season that - statwise - was rather bland for a prospect who was one of the biggest risers in his draft year. More indicative of his progress was the often gaudy amount of ice time he got for EV Zug this past season, spent entirely as an 18-year-old. Still eligible for the upcoming WJC, Muggli is expected to establish himself in the AHL this season.

14 - Cam Allen

A solidly built RHD with a variety of tools, Allen has constantly left the scouting community wanting more since his 2023 draft season, one that saw him drop to the fifth round. The doubts continued in his injury-shortened DY+1 but found a wonderful end after a midseason trade to the OHL champs - and Memorial Cup-winning - London Knights, with whom he excelled as a multifaceted player who can play the game anyway it comes. His pro career starts this season.

15 - David Gucciardi

Coming off a quietly successful four-year tenure at Michigan State, including an outstanding senior season for the highly ranked Spartans, Gucciardi features a lot more puck-moving ability and rush-joining mobility than his numbers to date may indicate. Having concluded this past season on an ATO with the AHL affiliate, including his first pro goal, Gucciardi is scheduled to become a full-time pro this season and could be one of four Capitals-drafted blueline prospects in Hershey.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – WASHINGTON CAPITALS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #19

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:49:23 +0000

Top 20 Washington Capitals Prospects

1. Ryan Leonard

There is no area in Leonard’s game that requires significant growth in order for him to be an NHLer. His ability to play with pace, his physicality, goal scoring ability, and two-way efficiency made him one of the most complete forwards available for the 2023 draft. Unquestionably, one of his best qualities is his shot. Armed with an array of high-end shots, Leonard can beat goalies in a variety of ways. His offensive zone anticipation and understanding of spacing helps him to consistently find soft spots in coverage and his quick release helps him to take advantage of those opportunities more often than not. The million-dollar question is ultimately what is his upside if he’s really good at absolutely everything, but not elite in any one thing? Can he be a first line winger the way guys like Gabriel Landeskog or Matthew Tkachuk? Or does he fit more into the middle of the lineup as a Brandon Saad or Nick Foligno type? Headed to Boston College (along with USNTDP linemates Smith and Perreault), Leonard will focus on improving his vision and playmaking ability. He should be an immediate impact player at the collegiate level similar to how Cutter Gauthier was last season. He should also be in the NHL sooner than many players drafted in the 2023 first round.

2. Hendrix Lapierre

It was a tough road for Lapierre, suffering multiple concussions and struggling at times to find his game after that. He had a very strong rookie season in the QMJHL, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. But after that, injuries set in and he missed almost all of his draft year. Still, the Capitals took a chance, drafting him 22nd overall. He spent two more years in the Q, playing well but never taking off. He joined the AHL’s Hershey Bears last season where he was one of their more productive forwards, bringing a two-way presence to the ice. Lapierre is a highly talented playmaker, thanks to his borderline elite vision. He can shoot as well, although often looks for the pass first. He skates well, drives a line, and is reliable in his own end. There’s second-line potential here if everything falls into place.

3. Ivan Miroshnichenko

Miroshnichenko was once considered a top-three calibre selection for the 2022 Draft but after a slow start to his draft year and then a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, he slid to 20th where the Capitals were waiting. He ended up missing a large portion of 2021-22 but was back on the ice last season, a great sign after his diagnosis. He spent a large portion of his season in the KHL with Avangard Omsk but also saw time in both the VHL and MHL. He also has a strong international resume with Team Russia, including captaining Russia to a gold medal at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He has a pro frame and moves very well on the ice, thanks to powerful skating strides. Miroshnichenko is a dynamic offensive asset, able to fire a hard wrister or show off an impressive pass. He has very soft, controlled hands. He still has top six potential but may take some time to actualize. He signed a three-year entry level contract with the Capitals to continue his journey in North America this season.

4. Andrew Cristall

Cristall is an absolute magician with the puck, with a seemingly bottomless bag full of tricks. He can stickhandle in a phone booth, and his ability to draw opponents out of better defensive positioning and in towards him is exceptional. He can reliably find existing passing lanes or make that one extra dangle or delay that one extra second to help open up better ones. He's no slouch as a shooter, either. Countless opponents have made the mistake of trying to cut off his passes only to leave their goalies in helpless positions after Cristall fooled them. For as entertaining as he has been in the WHL, there are questions about how he will look in the NHL. For a guy of his small stature he isn't a high-end skater, which is a concerning one-two punch. While he can use elusive footwork to sometimes help get him out of trouble in tight spaces, his acceleration and top speed are both sorely lacking. He has a hard time keeping up defensively. It's worth mentioning that he is whip-smart and incredibly driven, so he'll be aware of what parts of his game he needs to fix and will keep putting in the work to continue improving.

5. Vincent Iorio

Iorio has been overlooked by many due to his stat line never really jumping off the page. And yet he’s a mobile, puck-moving defender with a real chance to have a legit NHL career. He moves very well, utilizing his edges to navigate the neutral zone or to dance along the blue line. He moves the puck so well, making crisp, clean passes from anywhere on the ice. Drafted 55th overall in 2021, the right-handed defender already had three WHL seasons under his belt. He spent just one more with the Brandon Wheat Kings before joining the AHL Hershey Bears last season. He also earned a call-up for a few games with the Capitals and should see more this season. The defender is well on his way to becoming a skilled bottom-four defender.

6. Ryan Chesley

Chesley heard his name called 37th overall in 2022 after an impressive season with the USNTDP. He made the move to the NCAA last season with the University of Minnesota and found some challenges with his offensive output, especially playing in a more depth role. He’ll likely see additional ice time next season, so it remains to be seen if his offensive game can take a step forward. Chesley can bring offensive production, but he leans more toward the defensive side of the game. He keeps a very active stick and defends the rush very well. His defensive awareness is high. He also skates well and is no stranger to moving the puck around, but his offensive output is likely to be limited at the next level. He has the potential to develop into a reliable, two-way, depth defender.

7. Alexander Suzdalev

Suzdalev has an interesting backstory of having played for both Team Sweden and Team Russia on the international stage, as he maintains dual citizenship. Drafted 70th overall in 2022, the Capitals selected him from HV71’s junior program, where he produced over a point per game. He headed overseas last season to the WHL’s Regina Pats and had the opportunity to play with Connor Bedard. That resulted in him leading all rookies in goals (38), assists (48), and points (86). He’s a skilled, playmaking winger who shows the ability to control the pace of play. His handling of the puck stands out, as though he has the puck on a string quite often. He’s not always consistent in his effort, as is sometimes seen with young offensive talents. He has the skill to be a middle-six forward, but if he can’t find that missing consistency, could cap himself as a depth option.

8. Alexander Alexeyev

It’s been a long road for Alexeyev, but the journey is starting to pay off. Selected 31st overall in 2018, the Russian defender was finishing up his second WHL season, taking a notable step forward in his development. He played one more season there with the Red Deer Rebels, again showing promising potential. He made the jump to the AHL in 2019-20, adjusting well to the faster, harder game. He went home to Russia to start the 2020-21 season, on loan with KHL Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Alexeyev returned to the AHL to finish the year and has been there ever since, seeing significant NHL time last season. He’s been plagued by injuries throughout his development but still seems to be on the right track. A big, physical defender who can chip in offensively, he should stick in the NHL as a bottom-pairing blueliner.

9. Clay Stevenson

One of the oldest prospects in the Capitals system, Stevenson has had to be patient in his road to the pros. An undrafted netminder, Stevenson came up through the BCHL where he spent three seasons, including a dominant final year, earning recognition as the top goaltender in the league. He moved on to NCAA Dartmouth College but lost his freshman year due to the pandemic. After one collegiate season, posting a .922 save percentage, the Capitals came calling, signing him to an entry-level deal. He mainly played in the ECHL last season but also received a handful of AHL games where he looked very strong. Goaltenders tend to bloom late, and the Capitals have landed an intriguing one. He’ll need time in the minors to determine his ceiling, but at this point, he looks like a solid AHLer who could earn the occasional call-up.

10. Ludwig Persson

Drafted 85th overall in 2022, Persson has spent the last three seasons (including the current campaign) seeming always on the verge of making the jump to the SHL. Instead, he spent two strong seasons in the J20 Nationell and last season on loan in the HockeyAllsvenskan. It might very well have been his last season in Sweden, as he signed his entry-level deal in November 2022. The winger is an intelligent, offensive talent who can drive a line. The issue is that he doesn’t always take advantage of that, sitting on the sidelines and letting his teammates take over. He has a hard, quick release and a soft touch on his passes. The potential is there but he comes with a low floor as much as a high ceiling. The best-case scenario would be a middle-six role, but he may settle in as an AHL/depth option.

11. Joaquim Lemay

Lemay has been all over the place in recent years, traveling from minor hockey in Quebec, to prep school, the BCHL, USHL, and finally the University of Nebraska-Omaha last season. A competitive two-way defender, he had a solid freshman year and looks the part of a potential NHL defender.

12. Bogdan Trineyev

The big power winger will finally make the jump to North America full time this season. Consistency has been an issue in Russia, but the skill is real and the physicality is intriguing. Hockey sense is the question mark.

13. Ethen Frank

A member of the AHL’s All Rookie team last year, Frank potted 30 for the Bears playing on an AHL deal. Now signed by the Caps to an NHL contract, Frank has his sights set on making the Washington roster. Not only can he rifle the puck, but he’s lightning quick, too.

14. Ryan Hofer

A big, physical two-way center, Hofer had a solid OA year split between Everett and Kamloops in the WHL. Skating is always going to be a question mark, but he has enough tools to be an eventual bottom six contributor.

15. Cam Allen

Allen is coming off a highly disappointing draft year that saw him fall from being a potential lottery selection to waiting until the fifth round to hear his name called. The tools are all there, but the decision making needs to improve. How much better will he be this year for Guelph without the weight of the draft on his shoulders?

16. Matthew Phillips

Out of Calgary, it will be interesting to see how Phillips fares in a new organization. There’s absolutely no doubt that he can score in the AHL. He’s been one of the better offensive players there in recent years. He needs to be in a scoring line role to succeed.

17. Brent Johnson

Highly touted coming out of the USHL, Johnson struggled mightily through two years at North Dakota. After transferring to Ohio State, can he get his future back on track? He can quarterback a powerplay and could put up big numbers with the Buckeyes this year.

18. David Gucciardi

Strong skating blueliner who took on a larger role with Michigan State last year as a sophomore. The numbers don’t jump off the page, but Gucciardi has intriguing tools that could help him become a solid pro down the line.

19. Jake Karabela

Another Guelph Storm member who had a poor year, Karabela is a strong skating two-way forward whose offensive game really stagnated last season. This season is an opportunity to prove to Washington that he deserves a contract and can be a future pro.

20. Hardy Haman Aktell

An SHL champion with Vaxjo last season, Aktell emerged as one of the top defenders in the SHL. This turned into a contract with Washington this offseason. He may have to start the year in the AHL, but he could move up quickly if he performs well.

2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 50 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #1 thru #10

Brock Otten — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 22:08:49 +0000

In case you missed it, we updated our 2022 NHL Draft rankings last week. You can find that here. Shane Wright still headlines the list but the gap is unquestionably closing as other candidates elevate their play.

With this series of articles it is our intention is to briefly introduce you to each of the players ranked in our Top 50. Below you will find a short summary of their games in addition to a top highlight. In the coming months you will see in depth scouting reports published by our regional scouts on each of these players (like the Shane Wright one linked below).

Shane Wright of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

Shane Wright - Center - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Much has been made of Wright’s disappointing start to the OHL season this year. The much-hyped former exceptional player was expected to be one of the best players in the OHL in his draft year, on the heels of a dominating, gold medal winning performance at the recent U18’s. Instead, he has been just average, and it has many others closing the gap on him to be the first overall selection. You can read more on Wright here. In a nutshell, Wright’s strengths are his vision, awareness, and shot. In terms of positional understanding, his game is extremely mature. However, the lack of urgency in his game this year leaves some wondering why he seems uninterested in pushing the pace consistently. Additionally, his play in the defensive end has left something to be desired of late, as he is not playing with the kind of physical intensity required of a player who previously projected as a dominant two-way force. We still have Wright at number one because we believe in his on-ice intelligence level and ability to problem solve through defenses to make his team better and more dangerous offensively. He should figure it out at some point this year and turn things around. If he doesn’t? Well, we’ll cross that bridge then. His play the last week or so has definitely been encouraging.

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RED DEER, ALBERTA - DECEMBER 26: USA vs Slovakia preliminary round action at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship at WP Centrium on December 26, 2021 in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Simon Nemec - Defense - HK Nitra (SVK)

Nemec is a heady, puck moving defender who can be classified as one of the most intelligent players available for the draft this year. He is currently having a historically good season in the Slovak men’s league as a U20 defender and was recently named to the Slovak roster for the upcoming Olympics. He has been red hot as of late and we may just be seeing the tip of the iceberg in regard to his offensive capabilities and potential. His high-end mobility allows him to lead the attack out of the zone and he has terrific vision in the offensive end, which makes him a highly dangerous playmaker. His shot is not yet a true offensive weapon, but he is skilled enough and smart enough to quarterback a powerplay in the future. Defensively, he excels because of his defensive zone awareness and ability to use his quickness to stymie offensive attacks. Nemec is someone who projects as a long time minute eater at the NHL level; someone who can excel in all situations for his future club.

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Matthew Savoie - Center - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

Returning to the WHL this year after spending last season in the USHL, Savoie has been fantastic for the first place Winnipeg Ice. He had been (until recently) the WHL’s leading scorer for much of the season thus far and a consistent impact player. Savoie is not the biggest, but he is ultra-competitive. In fact, the physical components to his game are vastly underappreciated and understated. His quickness, skill, and the ability to blend the two makes him an elite problem solver in the offensive end. Give him an inch and he takes a mile, a reason why he has been downright dominant on the powerplay this season. A well-rounded offensive weapon, the concern has been Savoie’s production at even strength. He can be kept to the perimeter at times, but much of that has to do with his conditioning/strength, and not from a lack of engagement. Armed with a lethal release and a complement of well above average offensive skills, Savoie has among the highest offensive upside of any player available this year.

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Logan Cooley. Photo by Rena Laverty/USA Hockey

Logan Cooley - Center - NTDP U18 (USHL)

Last year we had Matty Beniers. This year, we have Logan Cooley. While there are certainly some differences in their games, these two are cut from similar cloths. Cooley is a dynamic skating two-way center whose game is incredibly well rounded. He requires little room to build speed quickly and is highly dangerous in transition as he attacks the offensive zone with a feverish pace. However, he can play it low and slow too. He is active on the forecheck, can play physical, and has excellent anticipation in the defensive end. When comparing him to Beniers, last year’s second overall pick, Cooley has to be considered the more creative player with the puck and this may give him a higher ceiling than the Kraken draft selection. The concern with Cooley is that he is undersized in an era when NHL teams are looking for big, power centers to lead their offensive attack. What has stood out most about Cooley is that he has been tremendous when playing against NCAA teams this year (as part of the NTDP’s exhibition schedule). The Notre Dame commit has a high floor and a high ceiling, something that makes him a safe bet to be a top five selection, much like Beniers last year.

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PLANO, TX USA - MAY 3: Russia's Danila Yurov #25 fires a slapshot against Belarus in quarterfinal round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children's Health StarCenter on May 3, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Danila Yurov - Wing - Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

You can throw the lack of production in the KHL this year out the window. Playing in the top men’s league, Yurov has barely seen the ice (averaging only a few shifts per game). When he has played against his age-appropriate peers, he has produced, including the most recent U18’s. Yurov is another well rounded offensive player. He loves to attack the offensive zone with pace and has advanced puck protection skills, allowing him to play through contact as he drives the middle. His hands, instincts, and overall skill level are high-end. As a late born 2003, Yurov will have his detractors, questioning why he has not been able to perform better against older competition. That criticism is simply unfair because the KHL is notorious for being the most difficult European league for young players to earn significant ice time. There is no doubting that Yurov’s high skill level makes him a potential top six forward at the NHL level and someone who does possess among the highest upside of any player available in 2022.

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Joakim Kemell - Wing - JYP (Fin-Liiga)

Kemell came out of the gate red hot this year. At one point he was leading the Finnish men’s league (Liiga) in scoring. However, he has cooled significantly and that has led to some dropping him in their rankings. We remain steadfast that he deserves to be ranked in the same group as the draft’s elite offensive talents. Kemell is the ultimate quick strike player because of his ability to blend quickness and creativity. He has one of the draft’s best shots and is a dangerous goal scorer from anywhere inside the offensive zone. Was Kemell disappointing in the opening games of the abruptly ended World Junior Championships? Yes. But such a small sample size should not merit strong criticism. He will be a player to watch in the second half as he looks to re-establish his dominance in Liiga. Now fully healthy, Kemell still has a chance to be a point per game player in Liiga, which would be an extremely impressive feat.

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Juraj Slafkovsky - Wing - TPS (Fin-Liiga)

The big Slovak winger is an impressive physical specimen. His combination of quickness, power, and skill is rare to find in 6’4, 225lbs forwards. As such, his ability to penetrate the offensive end and drive the net is among the best in this draft class. Already built like a man, Slafkovsky is tough to tie up in the home plate area and he has quick hands to finish off plays in tight and under duress. The question is, why hasn’t his production matched his ability? Impressive in his ability to beat defenders one on one, Slafkovsky’s vision and awareness in the offensive end has been questioned. Just how well he sees the ice and processes the game on the fly remains to be seen. This will be something that we will be zeroed in on down the stretch. Can he make the necessary adjustments to improve? Additionally, how will he look at the Olympics for Slovakia, after being named to the roster with the aforementioned Simon Nemec?

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Conor Geekie - Center - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

Speaking of big, powerful forwards, insert Winnipeg’s Conor Geekie. Built similarly to Slafkovsky, Geekie is great at driving the middle and putting defenders on his back. He has been an even strength play driver for the Ice this year as they look to capture the Memorial Cup. His puck protection skills are a highlight of his game because of his strength and skill combination. He can drive through you or manipulate the space around you to help him create scoring chances. Geekie is also a competitive two-way forward who kills penalties and takes tough defensive assignments, showing the potential to develop into an elite shutdown forward. The only drawback is his skating. Geekie moves well once he builds momentum. However, his first few strides lack power, and it prevents him from being as dangerous as he could be. Whether you believe this can be improved or not likely dictates your opinion on this prototypical power center. Our scouting staff was fairly divided on Geekie as we leave our mid-season rankings behind us.

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Brad Lambert - Center - Pelicans (Fin-Liiga)

A few years ago, this draft was supposed to be the Shane Wright and Brad Lambert special. However, Lambert has largely underwhelmed the last twelve calendar months. His international performances last year against his peer group (as a late ‘03) were particularly disappointing. Hoping to flip the script, Lambert has recently moved from JYP back to Pelicans, where he played youth hockey. All eyes will be on him in the second half to see if he can produce consistently at the Liiga level. You would be hard pressed to find a more dynamic skater in this draft class than Lambert. You would also be hard pressed to find a more creative offensive player. The combination of these two things gives Lambert an extremely high ceiling as an NHL player. The concern is how well does he micromanage situations in the offensive end? Our video scouting team loves Lambert and believes the narrative surrounding his lack of production is overhyped. Our regional scouts are on the opposite end and believe that Lambert lacks the vision and awareness to be able to truly take advantage of his gifts.

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Ivan Miroshnichenko - Wing - Omskie Krylia (VHL)

Another formerly hyped player heading into this draft season, Miroshnichenko has become an extremely polarizing draft prospect. He started the draft year by captaining Russia to a gold medal at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. However, his play in the VHL (the Russian second league) has left some to be desired. Some have questioned his conditioning (including Russian WJC coach Sergei Zubov). Some have questioned his vision and decision making with the puck. However, there is no denying that his combination of quickness, scoring ability, and physical intensity is alluring. His heavy and skilled game should play well on the smaller ice surfaces in North America. That is why we continue to rank Miroshnichenko inside of our Top 10 for the time being. This year’s U18’s in Germany will ultimately be a big tournament for him.

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EUROPEAN PROSPECT ROUNDUP

Chapin Landvogt — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 19:51:45 +0000

210521 Juraj Slafkovsky of Slovakia ahead of the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship game between Belarus and Slovakia on May 21, 2021 in Riga.
Photo: Simon Hastegård / BILDBYRÅN / kod SH / SH0105

The 21-22 season has been underway for over eight weeks now, with the KHL having kicked off the fun already at the end of the summer. This past weekend marked a basically European-wide break in regular season action so that just about everybody’s national team can participate at a number of tournaments across the continent. This applies not only to the men’s teams, but also the U20, U18, and in some cases, U17 sides.

This also serves as an excellent time to take a look at a number of drafted and yet undrafted prospects throughout the continent and fortunately for the hockey world, there’s been a ton of interesting news on the prospect front!

One of the most interesting developments of the season can be seen in the KHL, where Winnipeg Jets 5th round draft pick, Dmitiri Rashevsky, taken as an overager in his third year of eligibility, has exceeded many expectations in popping in 14 goals and 24 points over 27 games thus far. That’s good for 19th in scoring throughout the entire league. He’s also sporting a strong +13 rating and thanks to some real good offensive company playing for Dynamo Moscow, there’s really little reason to think he’ll slow up all that much this season. It’s safe to say he’s the highest scoring 21-year-old in the KHL just now.

Making less noise in the KHL this season is Yaroslav Askarov (NAS), who has a very respectable 2.01 GAA and .904 save percentage in five KHL outings with SKA, but only a 1-1-2 record to show for it. That he’s spent four games with the club’s VHL affiliate, putting up a 2-2 record with almost identical stats doesn’t have to mean anything in the long term, but it also means he’s not quite at where recent star Russian goaltending prospects like Igor Shestyorkin and Ilya Sorokin were at his age. Alas, there is still some hockey to be played this year.

The KHL is naturally chock full of recent or older NHL draft picks, but few are looking as good at the moment as Arseni Gritsyuk (NJD). The mid-sized lefty shot has shown that his bursts of speed are effective against Russia’s best at the men’s level and he’s currently got five goals and 10 points in 18 games, having often received sheltered minutes along the way this season. Another Devils draft pick doing fine in the KHL is 2020 first rounder Shakir Mukhamadullin who is taking a regular shift for traditional power Salavat and has three goals and seven points in 27 games. He had just as many goals last season in 39 games, but it’s the overall comfort and wherewithal of his defensive game that’s sticking out. There’s routine there, and a calmer sense of urgency.

Of course, this is and continues to be the eventful year of the Matvei Michkov watch. Being 16 and getting into 10 KHL games (3 points) is a feat in and of itself, but his 11 goals and 18 points in seven games in the junior level MHL went to show that he’s ready for much more daunting tasks. He’s debuting in the Russian national team this weekend, where he’s got the hockey Twitterworld jumping out of the seats over his “Michigan goal” against Sweden. Getting phone calls from Alex Ovechkin is the icing on the cake for now and the hockey world is simply praying that the soon-to-be 17-year-old will be part of the WJC-fun in Edmonton next month.

And while the prospect talked is covered in kind by Michkov, Alexander Perevalov is quietly tearing apart the top junior league with 17 goals, 33 points, and a +21 in 22 games while fellow top 2022 prospect Ivan Miroschnichenko continues to turn heads with his nine points in 20 VHL games, meaning the 17-year-old is playing a solid role against men in Russia’s second highest pro circuit.

Nordic bliss

Next door in Finland, there’s no less noise being made by a few of the nation’s top youngsters. The biggest news in Liiga is Toronto Maple Leafs pick Topi Niemela, a defenseman taken in the 3rd round of the 2020 NHL Draft, is fifth overall in league scoring with four goals and 18 points in 20 games. We are talking about a 19-year-old kid who’s barely 170 pounds soaking wet. He was already a sensation for Finland at last winter’s WJC and he’ll be looking to return to Edmonton as Suomi’s go-to guy on the blueline.

He may very well be joined on the team by the OTHER biggest sensation in Liiga play this year, namely the just now draft-eligible Joakim Kemell and boy, has this kid been something special. His 12 goals lead the league, and his 18 points have him tied for second overall in league scoring, one point behind the league leader. More amazingly is that he’s done it in just 16 games, five less than the league’s top point producer. Some hockey people knew he’d be a player this year after no less than his five goals and six points in five Hlinka Gretzky Tournament games, but his season has been off the charts. There’s no other way of putting it.

Also doing well for themselves are a couple of smaller, offensively oriented defensemen. Anttoni Honka (CAR) has already got 13 points in 20 games after a fantastic 31 in 58 games last season. He’s really done nothing less than steadily produced since Carolina drafted him. Then there’s former Detroit Red Wings 2015 pick Vili Saarijarvi. Yes, of course, he had plenty of time in North America and now his rights belong to Arizona, but after 36 points for Lukko in 50 games last season, he’s currently chugging away with four goals and 15 points in 20 games this season. In short, it’s looking like a career year for the 24-year-old who was in action this past weekend for his national team.

Speaking of offensive defensemen, when directing our eyes towards the future, there’s no getting around Kasper Kulonummi, a 17-year-old who currently has 15 points in 19 games for Jokerit’s U20 program. It is of note seeing as how he had six assists at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and had a point in every game for his nation at a U18 outing this weekend.

As we continue looking westward, Sweden is once again providing the world with plenty to talk about at the U21 level. No team is more aware of this than the Detroit Red Wings. To begin, defenseman Simon Edvinsson has basically been the best U21 player in the country. Sure, his nine points and +7 in 16 games for Frolunda, a team always in the hunt for the championship, has been sweet, but we just can’t emphasize enough how solid he’s been in an all-round capacity. His understanding of his position and how to use his enormous body to his advantage is clearly beyond his years.

His teammate Elmer Soderblom is a giant at 6’8”, 238 lbs., and has seen his development take a considerable boost after what was already a strong 20-21 showing. He’s been getting first line minutes on a term with four solid lines, and it’s resulted in eight goals and 11 points in 19 games. There’s also first year SHLer Theodor Niederbach who has managed to stick with the big club through 19 games. His four points are nothing to write home about, but he’s showing a keen sense of doing what’s necessary to stick in the line-up and assume the role necessary in a line-up that is full of established offensive players.

And keeping in line with Frolunda, the Red Wings also drafted Liam Dower Nilsson, who has gotten into seven games (zero points) with the big club but has also chipped in 17 points in 14 U20 league games, so he too is right on track with his progression as he still looks to throw his name into the WJC team hat.

Then there are defensemen William Wallinder and Albert Johansson. Both are playing top four minutes of late for their SHL clubs Rögle and Färjestad, respectively. Wallinder has been very hot of late, having chipped in three goals and eight points in 16 games while Johansson has nine points in 17 games. Both have been showing plenty of the attributes that got them drafted and their upwards projection continues to have experts in the business looking at these guys as viable future NHLers.

That’s a lot of Swedish for one club, especially considering the Red Wings also have Jonatan Berggren doing just fine in his first season with the team’s AHL club (seven points in 10 games thus far).

But both the SHL and Allsvenskan are filled with plenty of other draftees and young men the NHL teams have their eyes on. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Pontus Holmgren (12 points) continues to be a strong contributor for Växjö, for whom he was the playoff MVP in last season’s championship run. Filip Cederqvist (BUF) and Linus Karlsson (VAN) are chugging along just fine with 11 points apiece, both having larger SHL roles than ever before. The same can be said for Calle Själin (NYR) and Ole Lycksell (PHI), but their 11 points are a little more special, as Själin is a defenseman and Lycksell has collected his in just 14 games.

When it comes to the Allsvenskan, we’d like to mention two defensemen in particular. One is Emil Andrae, a Flyers second rounder who is playing for HV71 this season, a team that has won 14 of 15 games and is on a concrete mission to gain its way back into the SHL. Andrae’s 13 points in 12 games has contributed to this endeavor thus far, even if Philadelphia would ideally like to see him suiting up for an SHL club. Then there’s Axel Bergkvist, who is playing for Mora and who’s rights belong to Arizona. He’s still just 21, has 13 points in 14 games, and is only two seasons removed from a 52-point year with Kitchener. He’s not tall, but well-built and we all know some guys are just late bloomers, so Bergkvist is one we’ll watch throughout the season.

Sweden’s 2022 draft watch has become very exciting as well, as just about all eyes have been on Djurgarden. Top prospects Liam Öhgren, Noah Östlund, and Jonathan Lekkermäki all did some major damage at the nation’s U20 level before getting a shot with the SHL club. Öhrgren has spent the most time in the bigs, collecting two points over 14 games. Östlund has gotten into seven games and Lekkermäki into three, both remaining pointless, but the latter has an impressive 16 goals and 25 points in just 16 U20 league games. Each is just 17-years old, and health and injuries will continue to play a role in just how much they play in the SHL, but that’s not looking like an issue for fellow 17-year-old Marco Kasper, the super Austrian who has four goals and six points in 16 contests for Rögle. His feat is quite impressive in light of the team’s role as a championship contender and in that it features a U20 outfit chock full of impressive players, including several who have already been drafted. We’d also like to mention that Kasper has six points in six CHL games for Rögle as well.

Not to be forgotten in all the hoopla around the 2022 prospects is the fact that 6’2”, 185 lbs. Leo Carlsson of Örebro has chalked up four points in 14 SHL games. He’s just 16 and first eligible for the 2023 draft. Will we see him suiting up for Sweden at the U18 worlds? His chances of being part of that outfit are very high.

Slavic revival

The Hlinka Gretzky Tournament this summer was a “case in point” in what some had been saying was on the way, namely that the Slovakian program had a special wave of players on the way up. Indeed, it’s looking so good that some in the region are reminiscing about the days when Peter Stastny and Zdeno Cigar were ushering in the Zigmund Palffys, Miro Satans, and Peter Bondras of the world, with the Marians Hossa and Gaborik soon to follow. There are several key reasons for this.

To begin, the 6’4”, 225 lbs. Juraj Slafkovsky has been trucking down a road to a top 10 selection for well over a year now. Sure, he’s got but three points in 14 Liiga games this season, but his 17 points in nine U20 league games as well as his six goals and nine points in five Hlinka Gretzky Tourney outings have shown him to be among the best anywhere in his age group. Scouts naturally love his size and jam, as Juraj isn’t one to take anyone’s crap. And why should he with a body like his? That he can do some playmaking and rocket off shots has got more than a few just licking their chops about the possibilities.

Behind him, albeit not all too far, are defenseman Simon Nemec, likely one of the top five defensemen available in this draft class, and forward Filip Mesar, who debuted for the Slovakian men’s team this past weekend at the Deutschland Cup. Both are 17, both are playing in Slovakia’s top men’s league, and both scored at over a PPG pace at the Hlinka Gretzky event. Also getting a long look this winter are Jakub Krizan, a left wing who is clipping at more than a PPG pace in the U18 and U20 leagues while having collected five points in nine second league games, and Alex Sotek, a right winger who has suited up for five different clubs in four different leagues but sticks out thanks to his nine goals and 34 points in just 18 U20 league games. Then there’s Adam Sykora, who hasn’t put up a whole lot of points this season (just four) but takes a fairly regular shift in Slovakia’s top league and is expected to make the WJC squad as a part of its defensive conscious.

All this is without even spending time on defenseman Jozef Kmec (Prince George Cougars) and center Servac Petrovsky (Owen Sound Attack), both of whom are doing just fine for their CHL clubs.

The fun naturally doesn’t stop there as the group of boys establishing themselves for the 2023 draft may even be more impressive. Defenseman Maxim Strbak is just 16 but honing his craft as a regular contributor in Finland’s U20 league. Winger Frantisek Ridzon has seen two games of action in both of Slovakia’s two highest pro circuits, but at 16 is making a laughingstock of the nation’s U20 league with 25 points in 16 games. One of his Nitra colleagues is Ondrej Molnar, who had six points at the Hlinka this summer, and has been the driving force of the Slovakian U18 squad that also plays in Slovakia’s second highest men’s league. Questionable is if any of them can really compare to Alex Ciernik, son of former part-time NHLer Ivan Ciernik, who is making serious noise with Södertälje’s U20 team, for which he’s got 21 points in 19 games. He too was a prime contributor at the Hlinka Gretzky Tournament (seven points) and has been playing in Sweden for the past four seasons.

Now, for the really astute among our readers, you’ll probably have noticed that nearly a dozen names have been provided here without a word about the most exciting, up-and-coming Slovak out there, namely Dalibor Dvorsky. Yep, we’re talking about the 16-year-old who had 12 points at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He’s the same kid who is second in scoring in Sweden’s U20 league with 27 points in 18 games. By the way, the leading scorer has two more points in two more games. Dvorsky’s feats have also led to two appearances with AIK’s men’s team, which plays in the Allsvenskan. This season is still young, so we really don’t know just what accomplishments Dvorsky will be capable of, but if he’d manage to lead the “J20 Nationell” in scoring, he’d be the youngest player ever to do so.

In light of all this, it’s a true shame that Slovakia’s U18 team isn’t even in the top IIHF group. Yep, the opportunity to gain promotion has been squashed two springs in a row by the worldwide pandemic. Nonetheless, insiders are already contemplating what Slovakia may be capable of doing at next spring’s D1A U18 event.

Some fans out there may be wondering what the big brother Czechs think of all this, considering they’ve continued to have the upper hand internationally for the better part of this decade. What we can definitely say is that righty shot defenseman David Jiricek is doing all he can to get himself into top 10 draft consideration. At 6’3”, the two-way rearguard has four goals and nine points in 20 games at the highest level in the Czech Republic. He’ll be returning to the WJC, probably with a letter on his chest, and one’s got to think that it’s a prime goal of his to outshine Nemec in gaining the better draft position. He’s certainly making that case in pro play this fall.

Tidbits from elsewhere

In Austria, the Red Bull Hockey Juniors (a U23 outfit) have started to pick things up in the professional league AlpsHL, where the kids for several nations - predominantly Austria and Germany - play against grown men. The start was a rough one, but there’s been an upswing in recent weeks and one of the highlights of this move up the standings has been 17-year-old Austrian Luca Auer, a righty shot forward who has 10 goals, 25 points, and a +18 in 18 games. For perspective, Danjo Leonhardt led the team in scoring last winter with 35 points in 32 games while Julian Lutz made headlines with his 13 goals, 26 points, and +13 in 31 games, granted as a 15- and 16-year-old. Auer has a motor and loves to drive the net. He’s also got a mid-July birthday, so you know where he's at draftwise.

It’s also been a while since Slovenia has provided the NHL world with a legitimate prospect, but one young man who is playing in Germany is doing his darndest to change that. Currently leading the Krefeld U23 side that plays in the Oberliga Nord, Germany’s third pro circuit, in scoring is forward Marcel Mahkovec. He’s got an impressive 5-12-17 in just 13 games and has also chipped in 6-9-15 in 8 games for the club’s DNL team. That he’s just 17 is what has many wondering just how high his prospects are? Compact and creative, Mahkovec has suited up 23 times for Slovenia’s U19 selects for various test games and tournaments, putting up 23 goals and 44 points in the process. Also look to see him on the nation’s men’s team, even if only at lower levels of international play.

Finally, we don’t spend a whole lot of time looking at overagers, or more specifically, kids who just aged out of the draft picture entirely, but we’d like to throw some light on two young men in Switzerland’s NL who you may want to keep in the back of your mind for down the road. One is 21-year-old defenseman Mika Henauer who is in his fourth season of pro hockey. He already gained our attention last year by becoming a top four option for Bern basically out of nowhere, putting up 3-14-17 in the process. He was one of the youngest regular blueliners in the league. After 22 games this season, he’s already collected 3-8-11 and continues to grow in importance for his team.

The other name we’d like to bandy about is that of Nando Eggenberger. Yes, you know it. The former Oshawa General once looked like a possible up-n-comer but fell off the map completely after a terrible 19-20 season. Now 22, he’s coming off his best season to date (12 goals in 50 NL games) and looking to put a whole new spin on things, already collecting 16 points in 21 games. To be certain, Eggenberger has a power forward body and can be difficult to handle along the boards and in the corners. The question has always been whether he’s going to start scoring at some point. He is on pace to blow away career highs and place his name into World Championship consideration for the Swiss side.