Ivan Prosvetov – McKeen's Hockey

NHL PROSPECTS/NHL DRAFT: BELL – 20 Prospect Points – Lekkerimaki, Cowan, Dickinson, Masse & More

Josh Bell — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:00:40 +0000

_{Easton Cowan of the London Knights. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images}

Welcome to 20 Prospect Points, a bi-weekly column where I dive into the trending news surrounding prospects - drafted and draft-eligible - from around the globe.

This edition dives into the surge of Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Eason Cowan, the scoring prowess of Vancouver Canucks’ star prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki, and the impressive play of 2024-eligible Masim Massé and Sam Dickinson.

Drafted Prospects

#1 While it was considered a reach when the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted London Knights’ Easton Cowan 28th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, he’s been making the Leafs’ scouting department look pretty good this season. Cowan is currently riding a 29-game point streak, dating back to before the World Juniors. He’s racked up 55 points over that time, bringing his season total to 83 (30 goals, 53 assists) in just 47 games. While he sits second on the team in points, he’s tied for the league lead in points per game with 1.77.

#2 With his season in the KHL wrapped up and his contract terminated, Marat Khusnutdinov has signed his entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild. He appears to be en route to the USA, pending the finalization of his visa to do so, where he should go straight into the Wild’s lineup. With the team fighting for a playoff spot, this shows that Minnesota’s brass has a great deal of trust and faith in Khusnutdinov, believing that he will make the roster better to be worth burning a year of his deal. The youth movement continues in Minnesota.

#3 Jonathan Lekkerimäki just keeps scoring. The Vancouver Canucks prospect put up nine goals through February, in as many games. He sits tied for fourth in the league with 19 goals in 42 games. He also sits 11th all-time for goals scored by a teenager in the league. With four games left on his schedule, he could add to that total and continue to climb the history books.

#4 The Washington Capitals made a very smart move recently, signing Prince George Cougars star forward Zac Funk to an entry-level contract. The undrafted prospect has been on fire this season, racking up 103 points (59 goals, 44 assists) through 60 games. His goal total leads the entire Canadian Hockey League, and he’s just one point behind Jagger Firkus for the point lead. He’s an intelligent forward who has a proven ability to put the puck in the net. He’s likely en route to some hardware this season.

#5 Every trade deadline, some interesting prospects get moved. While we’re still a few days away from the deadline, Artyom Grushnikov is an early name on that list. Drafted 48th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Dallas Stars, the Russian defender was moved to the Calgary Flames in the package for Chris Tanev. While you shouldn’t expect him to bring much in terms of offensive production, Grushnikov projects to be a shutdown defender and is well on his way to the NHL. This could work out well for the Flames.

#6 Speaking of the Stars, how about that Logan Stankoven? By now, if you follow hockey even casually, you’ve heard the story. A shorter prospect, Stankoven slid to 47th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. But the skill and the motor were there, and many in the public sphere were sure of it. Well, that’s paying off already, with Stankoven sitting second in the AHL in points - in his rookie season. Then he earned his first call-up, putting up four points (three goals, one assist) in four games. The hype is real.

#7 I’ve talked about Carson Rehkopf a lot this season, and rightfully so. The Seattle Kraken forward was the second CHLer to hit the 50-goal mark this season, now sitting at 50 in just 52 games. Being drafted 50th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, is a remarkable improvement from his 30 goals in 68 games last season. Make sure to keep an eye on him down the stretch and into the playoffs.

#8 It’s been over three months since Captials’ prospect Ryan Leonard went an entire NCAA game without a point. That’s a point streak of 17 games, where he’s collected 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists). The Boston College freshman only has three games this season where he hasn’t recorded a point. And yet, he still sits fourth on the team in points behind Will Smith, Cutter Gauthier, and Gabe Perrault. Leonard’s season is being overshadowed by his teammates, but is very much worth the recognition.

#9 When discussing Russian prospects of the Philadelphia Flyers that were drafted in 2023, you likely think of Matvei Michkov (and rightfully so). But goaltender Yegor Zavragin is commanding some attention. He stuck in the VHL for the majority of the season with Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk, finishing the regular season 13-1-0 with a league-leading .943 save percentage (SV%). That has translated to the playoffs, where he’s 2-1 with a .938 SV%.

#10 Over in North America, another Russian netminder has been turning some heads in Ivan Prosvetov. Drafted way back in 2018, 114th overall by the Arizona Coyotes, he was claimed off waivers at the beginning of this season and has been extremely strong in his AHL play. Through his first nine games, he went undefeated, repping a .944 SV% and two shutouts, although that did just come to an end at the hands of the Calgary Wranglers - a game where he still had a .935 SV%. Goalies take time, and you never know when they might take off in their development. He’s worth keeping an eye on.

Draft-Eligible Prospects

#11 A top prospect on every draft ranking out there, but still, it seems that not enough people are talking about Sam Dickinson. Perhaps it’s because of the historic play of Zayne Parekh this season in the OHL, but Dickinson’s play deserves some recognition. The defender just ended an 11-game point streak that saw him rack up 20 points, bringing his season total to 63 (17 goals, 46 assists) in 60 games. That mark is third among all defenders in the league, behind the ridiculous seasons of Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz.

#12 Maxim Massé appears to be the top prospect in the QMJHL this season, and he’s been proving why as of late. The prospect was one of the most productive draft-eligibles around the globe over the past month, with 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) through 10 games. He’s up to 65 points (31 goals, 34 assists) in 60 games as he looks to solidify his spot as a first-round candidate in the 2024 class.

#13 Some bad news for potential first-rounder Harrison Brunicke, the defenseman is out month-to-month after taking a hard hit on February 19th. The South African-born prospect has 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 49 games this season and could be considered a bit of a polarizing prospect, ranked from 21st down to 90th. He might be done for the year at this point.

#14 A player that I keep talking about and coming back to is Ondrej Becher. The Czech prospect has been dominant in his second season with the Prince George Cougars (and his season season in North America at all). He’s up to 75 points (22 goals, 53 assists) in 50 games this season, a significant increase from last year’s results of 38 points (16 goals, 22 assists) in 63 games. He’s currently riding an 11-game point streak where he’s added 19 points to his total.

#15 When scouting in a player’s draft year, it’s important to look at where a player is in their development at the beginning of the season versus the middle and the end. This shows how the player continues to progress and how high their ceiling may be. Henry Mews is an interesting player in this regard as he continues to look better and better as the season rolls on. He’s playing a much smarter, more controlled game now than he was at the start of the year. He should be a riser on boards as the draft approaches.

#16 Alex Zetterberg is making the rare jump from the J20 Nationell this season to the NCAA’s Boston University in the fall. Zetterberg has been having a strong season in Sweden, with 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists) in 41 games, while impressing internationally in the Hlinka, World Junior A Challenge, and various other U18 events. He’s a candidate to slide down draft boards though due to his height at 5-foot-8, but is absolutely one to watch.

#17 If the name Vladislav Bryzgalov sounds familiar, it’s likely because it is. Bryzgalov is the son of former NHLer Ilya Bryzgalov. The netminder recently made the move from the NCDC’s Ogden Mustangs, where he was 14-5-3 with a .933 SV%, to the BCHL’s Alberni Valley Bulldogs where he’s been keeping the impressive run going with a .935 SV%. Looking like a late-rounder at this point, the name alone might be enough for an NHL team to bite.

#18 Looking towards the 2025 NHL Draft, Finnish forward Max Westergård has been truly coming into his own as of late in his first season in Sweden. He’s been proving too good for the J18 and he’s fitting in in the J20 Nationell.In the J18 Nationell, he has yet to play a game this season and not record a point, with 19 (six goals, 13 assists) in 10 games. He had a point per game in his first four J20 Nationell games this season, where he should stick next year. What’s the most intriguing though is his late birthday of September 3rd, meaning he’s just days away from being eligible for the 2026 class. Put him on your watchlist for next year.

#19 Moving even further along to the 2026 class, I’ve already discussed Gavin McKenna in previous pieces, but we need to keep coming back to him. The prospect has been setting the WHL on fire with the Medicine Hat Tigers, with 86 points (29 goals, 57 assists) in 54 games. To put it in perspective, Connor Bedard finished his 16-year-old season (DY-1) with 1.61 points per game (100 points in 62 games). McKenna (DY-2) is on pace for 98 points in 62 games - a 1.58 pace.

#20 McKenna isn’t the only 2026-eligible capturing attention though. 15-year-old Viggo Björck has been tearing up the Swedish J18 Region this year, up to 98 points (33 goals, 65 assists) in 35 games - as a 15-year-old. He not only holds the assists and points records for the league but destroyed both. The closest assists total was 48 and the closest points total was 72. In his last six J18 games, he has 31 points, including two nine-point performances. You read that right.

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD – Trade season gets underway with some big names moving – Some teams and players to target in an uneven week

Ryan Dadoun — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 16:20:24 +0000

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 11: Vancouver Canucks right wing Andrei Kuzmenko (96) skates during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks on January 11, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Although the Vancouver Canucks acquiring Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames on Wednesday in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko, two prospects (Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo) and two 2024 picks (a first rounder and a conditional fourth-round selection) wasn’t the first trade of the 2023-24 campaign, you could make the argument that the blockbuster marks the real beginning of what could be a very busy month and change of trades.

The Flames have to be really happy with the return they got for a player who might have left as an unrestricted free agent this summer anyway. Although Kuzmenko hasn’t fit in with Vancouver this season, recording just eight goals and 21 points after finishing 2022-23 with 39 goals and 74 points in 81 outings, he’ll be given a fresh start in Calgary. Kuzmenko shouldn’t be expected to bounce back to his level of production from last season, but he might prove to be a decent top-six forward and replace at least some of the offense lost from Lindholm.

In the long run, Brzustewicz has been looking fantastic in OHL Kitchener this campaign, posting eight goals, 69 points and a plus-30 rating through 47 contests. Jurmo, who is currently playing for KooKoo of the Finnish hockey league, also has the potential to eventually benefit the Flames’ defensive corps. Then, of course, there is the first-round pick, which gives Calgary an opportunity to further boost its prospect pool. Ultimately, it will be a long time before we’ll know definitively if this trade worked out for the Flames, but what we can say today is that Calgary set a high standard for this year’s rental market.

On the Canucks’ end, Lindholm should be a good fit. Although his scoring is a bit down this year at 32 points (nine goals) through 49 contests compared to 64 points (22 goals) and 82 points (42) in 2022-23 and 2021-22, respectively, Lindholm hasn’t had ideal linemates in Calgary this year and should have better forwards to play off in Vancouver, so his offensive production might increase thanks to this trade. It also helps that the 29-year-old is versatile and capable of playing a two-way game while serving either as a center or a right winger. Due in part to that versatility, there’s an argument to be made that he was the top candidate on this year’s rental market, so the Canucks scooping him up well before the deadline is a nice win on their part.

Vancouver already had the second-best offense in the league (3.80 goals per game), but an argument could be made that the forward corps was somewhat top-heavy with a huge drop after JT Miller, Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, who have 67, 64 and 52 points, respectively, and the Canucks’ next best forward in Conor Garland, who has just 24 points. It’s dangerous for a team to be that top heavy come playoff time, and Lindholm helps address that.

With there being no guarantee that Lindholm will stay with Vancouver after his six-year, $29.1 million contract expires this summer, it’s clear that the Canucks are betting heavily on the 2024 playoffs, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make further additions before the deadline, and now that the Canucks have started the arms race with a bang, other contenders might feel eager to make splashes of their own. In fact, the acquisition of Lindholm might have been what influenced Winnipeg to pull the trigger on trading a 2024 first-round pick and 2027 conditional third-round selection to Montreal in exchange for Sean Monahan on Friday.

This should be the start of a fun trade season.

Boston Bruins – TUE VS CGY, THU VS VAN, SAT VS WAS

The Bruins will kick off their post-All-Star break schedule with a home stretch involving the Flames on Tuesday, the Canucks on Thursday and the Capitals on Saturday. The Canucks will be a tough adversary, but Calgary and Washington have been slipping out of the playoff picture.

Charlie Coyle will look to continue his fantastic run after contributing eight goals and 21 points over his past 17 contests, including 12 points (four goals) during his active eight-game scoring streak. After recording 44 and 45 points over the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns, respectively, Coyle has taken a huge leap forward with 42 points through 49 appearances this year, but that jump makes some sense given his increased responsibilities. He’s averaging a career-high 18:02 of ice time and is likely to remain in that top-center role.

Trent Frederic has taken a step forward this season as well. After setting career highs in 2022-23 with 17 goals and 31 points in 79 contests, he’s already collected 14 goals and 29 points across 49 outings this campaign. Frederic has been inconsistent but is enjoying a five-game scoring streak in which he’s supplied a goal and six points.

Speaking of inconsistent forwards, James van Riemsdyk has been a weird one. The 34-year-old has enjoyed some good stretches along with prolonged cold streaks, but he’s also had big nights that don’t seem to lead anywhere. Over his past 12 contests, he has a solid two goals and 10 points, but that production has come entirely due to four multi-point efforts sprinkled in amongst eight scoreless showings. It makes him a somewhat frustrating option, especially in daily leagues, but in standard season-long leagues, van Riemsdyk still has a bit of value as long as you’re willing to tolerate his day-to-day unpredictability.

Colorado Avalanche – MON @ NYR, TUE @ NJD (BTB), THU @ CAR, SAT @ FLA

The Avalanche are one of the few teams slated to play four games next week, although all their games will be on the road. They’ll face the Rangers on Monday, the Devils on Tuesday, the Hurricanes on Thursday and the Panthers on Saturday.

With three road games in the span of four nights, it seems reasonable to believe Ivan Prosvetov will soon get his first start since Jan. 6. However, Prosvetov has struggled this campaign with a 4-3-1 record, 3.16 GAA and .895 save percentage across 11 outings and all his potential adversaries (the Rangers, New Jersey and Carolina) are strong offensively, so don’t pick up the 24-year-old unless you’re desperate for starts.

If you’re looking for someone on the Avalanche to grab, you might want to consider Ross Colton instead. He’s done well recently, providing six assists over his last three contests while averaging 16:08 of ice time, which is up from his season average of 13:50. He’s been respectable in 2023-24 with 10 goals, 26 points, 45 PIM and 64 points, and the 27-year-old could see his production increase in the second half if he can hold onto his current top-six role.

Of course, Nathan MacKinnon will continue to be the Avalanche’s standout forward. He’s on a 13-game scoring streak in which he’s provided an incredible 12 goals and 28 points, bringing him up to 31 markers and 84 points through 49 appearances this season. Although it would be an oversimplification to suggest that the Hart Trophy race involves only MacKinnon and Nikita Kucherov (85 points), they have certainly pushed themselves a step above the rest of the pack at this point.

Dallas Stars – TUE @ BUF, WED @ TOR (BTB), SAT @ MTL

The Stars will play in Buffalo on Tuesday, Toronto on Wednesday and Montreal on Saturday. A three-game all-road schedule might not be worthy of highlighting if this was a busier week, but part of the appeal of this stretch is that the Stars are facing two teams significantly outside of the playoff picture in the Sabres and the Canadiens.

Thomas Harley is worthy of selection if he’s still available in your league. The 22-year-old is having a breakout campaign with 12 goals and 29 points in 49 games this season and has been incredibly lately, providing three goals and eight points across his last five outings. The one downside is he doesn’t have much of a power-play role. When Miro Heiskanen missed 10 straight games from Jan. 6-23 because of a lower-body injury, Harley’s ice time with the man advantage jumped to an average of 2:15 compared to his 0:52 per contest overall this season. However, now that Heiskanen’s back, Harley’s work with the man advantage has dropped.

Speaking of Heiskanen, he’s hit the ground running since returning, supplying a goal and three points (one on the power play) over his past two games. The 24-year-old won’t replicate his 73-point 2022-23 campaign, but Heiskanen’s five goals and 30 points across 39 outings this season is still nothing to sneeze at. As long as he stays healthy, he should be among the most productive offensive defensemen in the second half.

Dallas’ defense has done great in its own end too, ranking sixth this season with a 2.82 xGA/60, but Jake Oettinger hasn’t fulfilled his side of the deal. The 25-year-old had an earned reputation as one of the league’s top goaltenders going into this season, but he’s floundered in 2023-24 with a 16-9-2 record, 3.04 GAA and .900 save percentage through 28 contests. His struggles have continued too with him allowing 16 goals on 126 shots (.873 save percentage) over his past four appearances.

At least Dallas’ strong offense allows Oettinger to often win regardless, but Dallas certainly needs more from the netminder. Given the strength of the team in front of him, there is an argument to be made that he’s a solid buy-low candidate in the hope that he’ll rebound in the second half, but you would be taking a risk.

Florida Panthers – TUE VS PHI, THU VS WAS, SAT VS COL

The Panthers will play at home versus the Flyers on Tuesday, the Capitals on Thursday and the Avalanche on Saturday. It’s a fairly tough series of games, though at least the Panthers will have the benefit of playing them in Amerant Bank Arena.

Sam Reinhart will be looking to extend his scoring streak beyond its current 13 games. During that stretch, he’s scored an incredible 14 goals, and he also has 20 markers over his past 19 outings. It’s hard to know what’s crazier, that the 28-year-old is on a roughly 62-goal pace (37 tallies through 49 contests) or the fact that’s good enough for only second place in the goal-scoring race.

Regardless, Reinhart will be one to watch once play resumes, as will his similarly hot teammate Matthew Tkachuk, who has contributed 11 goals and 27 points over his past 15 appearances. Tkachuk had a terrible stretch from Nov. 16-Dec. 14 in which he recorded two goals and three points across 14 outings, but slumps of that extent are rare for the 26-year-old, so it’s fair to expect that to be the only extreme drought he deals with this year.

Of course, Reinhart and Tkachuk are already taken in virtually every fantasy league. If you’re looking for a pickup from Florida because the team is somewhat top heavy offensively, but Sam Bennett is the exception. He’s not having an amazing campaign overall with 11 goals and 23 points through 37 contests, but he’s been great recently, providing six goals and 13 points over his last 14 appearances.

Toronto Maple Leafs – MON VS NYI, WED VS DAL, SAT @ OTT

Toronto has three reasonably spread-out games next week. The Maple Leafs will host the Islanders on Monday and the Stars on Wednesday before visiting Ottawa on Saturday.

It’s believed Joseph Woll (ankle) is close to practicing, but he likely won’t factor into any of those three games. Instead, Ilya Samsonov might get all the work for the coming week. Earlier this campaign, that would he been something for the Maple Leafs to fear, but Samsonov appears to have turned a corner, winning his last three games while saving 72 of 75 shots (.960 save percentage). It will be interesting to see if Samsonov can keep this up. If he does, then he might even be able to maintain the starting gig after Woll returns, which is something that appeared near impossible just a few weeks ago.

Up front, Toronto’s biggest story is, who else, Auston Matthews. He’s scored seven goals over his last six outings, bringing him up to 40 markers through 46 appearances in 2023-24. Earlier this year, I brought up the possibility of him reaching 50-in-50. The 26-year-old is almost certain to fall short of that mark, but his play in the first half is still nothing short of incredible. At this rate, he’ll become the first player of the salary cap era to reach the 60-goal milestone in two separate seasons.

Toronto’s scoring depth could use work, though, and it was hurt a little further by the loss of Calle Jarnkrok, who suffered a broken knuckle during practice last Friday and is consequently week-to-week. Nick Robertson is likely to play more consistently in Jarnkrok’s absence and might take advantage of the additional work. Robertson has seven goals and 14 points in 29 contests with the Maple Leafs this season as well as five goals and 11 points in nine outings with the AHL’s Marlies.

Vancouver Canucks – TUE @ CAR, THU @ BOS, SAT @ DET, SUN @ WAS

The Canucks are on the road next week and their overall competition is fierce, but at least they’ll be playing four games, so those with Vancouver players on their fantasy team will get plenty of opportunities to use them. The Canucks will travel for games in Carolina on Tuesday, Boston on Thursday, Detroit on Saturday and Washington on Sunday.

The big question is how Vancouver will deploy Lindholm. As mentioned up top, Lindholm is a versatile forward, who can play either center of the wing as well as up and down the lineup, so there are a lot of potential combinations the Canucks could go with.

One possibility is that Lindholm might skate alongside Elias Pettersson and Ilya Mikheyev. That’s a role Kuzmenko sometimes held before his departure, so it wouldn’t disrupt the Canucks’ lines too much. Alternatively, the Canucks might opt to load the top line with Miller, Pettersson and Boeser while having Lindholm headline the second unit as its center. Lindholm’s linemates in that scenario would likely be Pius Suter and Mikheyev, which would hurt Lindholm’s fantasy value compared to the opportunity to play alongside Miller or Pettersson. Still, any combination will likely involve Lindholm getting minutes on the top power-play unit, so he’ll at least get some time with Vancouver’s best forwards regardless.

Keep an eye on that situation during Vancouver’s practices immediately following the break to get some insight into how things might shake out.

One player who should benefit regardless is Thatcher Demko. He was already having a fantastic campaign with a 26-8-1 record, 2.44 GAA and .920 save percentage in 35 contests this season, and the team in front of him just got better offensively and defensively, so his job has been made proportionally easier. Naturally backup goaltender Casey DeSmith will get the same benefit when he’s between the pipes. DeSmith’s next opportunity to start will likely come over the weekend against either the Red Wings or the Capitals. If it’s against Washington, which ranks 30th offensively with 2.38 goals per game, then DeSmith will be a great pickup option for a situational start.

Washington Capitals – TUE VS MTL, THU @ FLA, SAT @ BOS, SUN VS VAN

Speaking of the Capitals, they also have a busy week ahead of them. They’ll host the Canadiens on Tuesday, then play in Florida on Thursday and Boston on Saturday before returning home for Sunday’s contest versus the Canucks. It’s not an easy schedule and worthy of note only because Washington is one of the few teams set to play four games.

Max Pacioretty left last Saturday’s contest because of a lower-body injury, but fortunately, it’s not related to his previous Achilles problems, per Tarik El-Bashir of Monumental Sports Network. Perhaps he’ll even be available for Tuesday’s game, though that’s far from a certainty. Pacioretty had been doing decently with a goal and seven points through 12 outings, and Washington is hurting for offense, so the Capitals could certainly use him back as soon as possible.

The silver lining is Dylan Strome is hot going into the second half. He’s provided three goals over his last two games, bringing him up to 19 markers and 31 points across 47 appearances in 2023-24. T.J. Oshie is also enjoying a good run. The 37-year-old had just two goals and four points over his first 22 outings this year, but dating back to Jan. 13, he’s collected six goals and eight points in eight games.

Then there’s Alex Ovechkin, who the Capitals have to hope picks up the pace after the break. He’s disappointed this campaign with nine goals and 31 points through 44 appearances. Ovechkin seems to be heating up, though, with three goals and 11 points over his last 11 games, so maybe the worst is behind him.

DADOUN: THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD – Sharks show some bite in tough season – Coyotes, Hurricanes, Avalanche, Devils, Islanders, Maple Leafs, Canucks and Golden Knights – Players to target

Ryan Dadoun — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 16:09:54 +0000

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 30: San Jose Sharks left wing Fabian Zetterlund (20) takes a shot in warm up before a game between the Boston Bruins and the San Jose Sharks on November 30, 2023, at TD garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

This column was previously getting released at the start of the week, but starting today, it will come out Saturdays instead. It’ll still preview the upcoming week, but now you’ll have more time to plan your strategy. Please bear in mind that the information provided is reflective of the time of writing (in this case, the morning of Dec. 8).

That aside, I wanted to cast a light on San Jose, which has won five of its last seven games. The Sharks have been fun to watch recently with them overcoming a 4-1 deficit against the Islanders on Tuesday and a 4-0 deficit to the Red Wings on Thursday. After a 0-10-1 start to the campaign that included back-to-back games in which they surrendered 10 goals, the Sharks are now 8-17-2. Still not good, but given where they came from, that’s impressive.

Looking at their last seven games specifically, the big change for San Jose has been its offense. The Sharks have scored 4.00 goals per game over that span, compared to 1.09 over their first 11 outings. Tomas Hertl has been an important factor in their recent surge, providing five goals and nine points over his last six appearances, but the real standout performer has been Mikael Granlund, who went from recording four assists over his first 13 contests to contributing three goals and 12 points over his last seven outings.

The Sharks have gotten some support team-wide too. Seven different players have supplied at least two goals over the past seven games, including three markers from defenseman Jacob MacDonald, who had just three goals over 101 career NHL games going into this campaign.

Is this sustainable, though? Probably not. The Sharks don’t have a particularly good team. Goaltenders Mackenzie Blackwood and Kaapo Kahkonen are still struggling, so if the offense cools from its unreal pace, then the whole house of cards will likely crumble again. Plus overcoming three- or four-goal deficits is fun to watch, but not something that can be counted on to happen routinely.

It is encouraging to see youngsters William Eklund, who has two goals and five points over his last four contests, and Fabian Zetterlund, who has four goals and five points over his last seven games, do well though. They’re the future of the franchise, so strong performances from them matter much more to San Jose than whether the squad is winning or losing today.

Arizona Coyotes - MON @ BUF, TUE @ PIT (BTB), FRI VS. SJS, SAT VS. BUF (BTB)

The Coyotes enjoyed a five-game winning streak from Nov. 25-Dec. 4, bringing them up to 13-9-2 by the end of that run. After spending a few years rebuilding, Arizona has a real shot of making the playoffs this year.

Of course, the Coyotes still have a lot of work ahead of them, which they’ll continue next week with games in Buffalo on Monday and Pittsburgh on Tuesday, followed by home contests versus the Sharks on Friday and Sabres on Saturday. Those adversaries range from bad to middling this campaign, so the Coyotes should do well.

With two back-to-back sets, Karel Vejmelka should get some work for the first time since Nov. 22. He’s struggled this campaign with a 2-6-2 record, 3.45 GAA and .892 save percentage in 11 contests, so he’s not an ideal option for a situational pickup. That said, if he draws the Sharks, then it might be worth considering him (provided San Jose has cooled by that point).

If Alex Kerfoot is still available in your league, he’d be a good pickup. He’s one of the hottest players in the league with a goal and nine points over his last five contests. Part of that surge is thanks to him getting an increased role. Over his first 15 contests this campaign, he had a goal and four points while averaging 15:01 of ice time, including just 0:18 with the man advantage, but that’s jumped to 18:57 over his last 10 contests, including 2:21 on the power play. So, while he obviously can’t maintain the offensive pace of his last five games, as long as Arizona keeps deploying him like it has recently, Kerfoot should continue to be a valuable forward in most fantasy leagues.

Someone else to consider in the short-term but is less likely to have long-term success is Michael Carcone. He has five goals over his last five contests, but his shooting percentage has climbed to an unsustainable 32.4 and he serves in a bottom-six role, so expect him to crash completely once the hot streak is over.

Carolina Hurricanes – TUE @ OTT, THU @DET, FRI VS NSH (BTB), SUN VS WAS

The Hurricanes will start the week by completing their six-game road trip with games in Ottawa on Tuesday and Detroit on Thursday. They’ll then get an opportunity to defend PNC Arena when they host the Predators on Friday and the Capitals on Sunday. Detroit’s been pretty good this campaign, but Nashville is the only other opponent currently in a playoff position, and even then, just barely.

Andrei Svechnikov couldn’t play Thursday due to an upper-body injury. If it turns out he won’t be available for some or all of next week’s games, then that will have a significant impact on Carolina’s lineup. In particular, Michael Bunting could play a major role during Svechnikov’s absence. When Svechnikov missed the first eight contests of the campaign because of a knee injury, Bunting had two goals and six points in eight contests while averaging 18:12 of ice time. Since then, Bunting has dropped to 13:45 while providing four goals and 10 points over 17 games.

We also might see Brendan Lemieux playing consistently during Svechnikov’s absence. Lemieux isn’t much of a factor offensively, but if you’re in a position where you’re looking for penalty minutes, he can help you there. Through 10 appearances this season, he’s accumulated 33 PIM and the 27-year-old has 517 PIM in 285 career games.

On the power play, there might be an opportunity for Brady Skjei to assume a second-line role. He has four goals and 15 points in 29 contests this season, which is great for a defenseman who is averaging just 0:13 with the man advantage. Even a second unit power-play role would be a potentially meaningful boost for him.

Colorado Avalanche – MON VS CGY, WED VS BUG, SAT @ WPG, SUN VS SJS (BTB)

The Avalanche will play four games next week, including home contests against the Flames on Monday, the Sabes on Wednesday and the Sharks on Sunday. Sprinkled in there will also be a road outing in Winnipeg on Saturday. Of those opponents, just Winnipeg is in a playoff position. The Sharks have won five of their last seven games, though, so it’ll be interesting to see if they’re still hot by the time that contest happens.

Speaking of hot players, Nathan MacKinnon is on a 10-game scoring streak, providing four goals and 16 points over that stretch, including two goals and five points over his last two contests alone. Through Thursday’s action, MacKinnon has moved into a three-way tie for fourth in the scoring race with 36 points in 26 outings.

The Avalanche don’t have any other players who are currently excelling, though. Bowen Byram is interesting with two goals and three points over his last four contests. He might be worth some short-term consideration, but the lack of a consistent power-play role is a significant negative.

We also should see Ivan Prosvetov start this week, likely Sunday versus San Jose. He’s been decent when utilized, posting a 2-1-1 record, 2.45 GAA and .919 save percentage in six contests this season, so if you’re looking for a situational pickup in goal, then Prosvetov is a good option.

New Jersey Devils – WED VS BOS, SAT @ CBJ, SUN VS ANA (BTB)

The Devils are a borderline selection because they have just three games this week and their first contest is a home game versus the mighty Bruins on Wednesday. However, New Jersey will then face two of the worst teams in the league with matches in Columbus on Saturday and against the Ducks on Sunday.

If you look at the league leader in terms of points per game, it isn’t Nikita Kucherov, Artemi Panarin or Connor McDavid. That honor instead belongs to Jack Hughes, who has 10 goals and 33 points in just 19 contests. Hughes missed five straight games from Nov. 5-16 due to a shoulder injury but has bounced right back. In particular, he scored four goals and 10 points over a four-game stretch from Nov. 28-Dec. 5. Provided he stays healthy the rest of the way, Hughes is a good bet to surpass his career high of 99 points.

Hughes is far from New Jersey’s sole offensive threat with the team averaging 3.63 goals per game -- fourth in the NHL. However, that’s been counterbalanced by the Devils allowing 3.67 goals per contest, which is the second worst in the league. Their expected goals against per 60 is 3.27, which suggests that part of the problem is New Jersey’s defense, but its goaltending has been lacking too.

Vitek Vanecek is having a disastrous campaign with a 3.60 GAA and an .877 save percentage in 16 contests. The fact that he has a 9-5-0 record despite that is a testament to the Devils’ amazing offense, but for a team with playoff aspirations, Vanecek isn’t looking like an acceptable option. Lately, that’s led to New Jersey pivoting more toward Akira Schmid.

Schmid struggled initially with a 3.46 GAA and an .885 save percentage through his first six appearances in 2023-24, but since then he’s rebounded with a 3-2-0 record, 2.53 GAA and .920 save percentage in five outings. With the 23-year-old outplaying Vanecek, Schmid has a real opportunity to steal the No. 1 gig, which could lead to him accumulating a lot of wins given the offensive support New Jersey can provide.

New York Islanders – MON VS TOR, FRI VS ANA, SAT @BOS (BTB)

The Islanders will start the week with home games versus the Maple Leafs, Ducks and Bruins on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, respectively, before visiting Montreal on Saturday. Toronto and Boston are tough adversaries, but Anaheim and Montreal rank near the bottom of the league, and it helps that the Islanders will be playing mostly at home next week.

Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat have been playing some of the best hockey of their lives recently. Barzal has four goals and 11 points over his last four games, propelling him to nine goals and 27 points in 24 outings this year. Meanwhile, Horvat is on a five-game scoring streak in which he’s scored four goals and nine points, bringing him up to nine markers and 23 points through 24 appearances in 2023-24.

The Islanders have been getting offensive help from less common sources too. Julien Gauthier has two goals and five points in five contests this year. You can consider taking him in the short term, but keep in mind that he’s a depth forward, so once his hot streak ends, he won’t have value in anything but the absolute deepest of leagues.

Similarly, Simon Holmstrom is averaging just 13:38 of ice time this year, so he hasn’t been getting a big enough role to warrant holding him in standard fantasy leagues. However, Holmstrom is an interesting short-term option after scoring two goals and four points over his last four contests.

Toronto Maple Leafs – MON @ NYI, TUE @ NYR (BTB), THU VS CBJ, SAT VS PIT

The Maple Leafs’ schedule isn’t necessarily easy, but it is full with four games ahead of them. They’ll start the week with games in New York versus the Islanders on Monday and the Rangers on Tuesday. Afterwards, the Leafs will return home to host the Blue Jackets on Thursday and Penguins on Saturday.

Goaltender Joseph Woll sustained a leg injury during Thursday’s 4-3 victory over Ottawa and is expected to miss time. He had been serving as the Leafs’ top goaltender, but the injury will at least temporarily force Toronto to pivot back to Ilya Samsonov, who has missed the last two games due to an illness but will presumably be fine by next week. Samsonov has a 3.58 GAA and an .878 save percentage in 10 contests, so he’s been far from ideal, but he shouldn’t be dismissed after recording a 2.33 GAA and a .919 save percentage in 42 outings last season.

Martin Jones might also get a start next week depending on how long Woll is out for. Don’t expect too much out of Jones, though. He had a 3.09 GAA and an .895 save percentage in 220 NHL games from 2018-19 through 2022-23 and more recently has posted a 3.37 GAA and an .870 save percentage in five outings with AHL Toronto. Simply put, he’s not a good option. You might want to keep Dennis Hildeby in the back of your mind, though. The 22-year-old excelled in the Swedish Hockey League and has looked dominant in the AHL this campaign with a 1.89 GAA and a .925 save percentage in nine contests.

Putting the Maple Leafs’ goaltending aside, the team has been led by the usual suspects recently, which is to say that Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and William Nylander have combined for seven goals and 12 points over Toronto’s last three games. Meanwhile, Max Domi has provided a goal and an assist over his last two contests. He’s been inconsistent offensively, which is unlikely to change so long as he’s averaging just 12:54 of ice time, but he’s an interesting short-term pickup while he’s hot, especially if you’re in a position to benefit from the penalty minutes he can provide.

Vancouver Canucks – TUE VS TBL, THU VS FLA, SAT @ MIN, SUN @ CHI (BTB)

The Canucks will kick off the week by hosting the Lightning on Tuesday and the Panthers on Thursday. They’ll then travel to Minnesota for a contest Saturday and face the Blackhawks in Chicago on Sunday. Those later two games are of particular interest given that they’re against teams not in playoff spots.

Sam Lafferty has bounced around the lineup this campaign, but lately, he’s been playing alongside Elias Pettersson and Ilya Mikheyev. That’s a golden opportunity for the 28-year-old, who has seven goals and 13 points in 27 contests this year. He’s also doing well at the moment with two goals and three points over his last three games. Be careful not to get too excited about Lafferty, whose career high in points is just 27, but his fantasy value will increase meaningfully if his current top-six role proves to be more than just a temporary assignment.

One Canucks player who has trended in the other direction recently is Andrei Kuzmenko. After scoring 39 goals and 74 points in 81 contests last year, the 27-year-old has been limited to four goals and 15 points over 24 outings in 2023-24, including just one point (a goal) over his last eight appearances. Things got so bad that he was even a healthy scratch for two straight games from Nov. 24-25 and he logged just 12:15 of ice time Thursday, his second-lowest total of the season.

While I don’t expect Kuzmenko to repeat his 2022-23 heights, he certainly can do better than he has lately. Given his recent play and his diminished role (which I believe to be temporary), he’s a solid buy-low candidate.

Vegas Golden Knights – TUE VS CGY, FRI VS BUF, SUN VS OTT

Vegas has just three games scheduled next week, but they’re all home contests against teams not in a playoff position. Specifically, the Golden Knights will host the Flames on Tuesday, the Sabres on Friday and the Senators on Sunday.

Jack Eichel is easily the hottest member of the Golden Knights with four goals and nine points over his last four contests, pushing him up to 12 goals and 30 points in 27 contests in 2023-24. Alex Tuch has already worked out great for Buffalo while Peyton Krebs and Noah Ostlund still might be good for the Sabres in the long run, so it’d be overly simplistic to call Vegas the winners of the Eichel trade, but the Golden Knights nevertheless must be thrilled with how that move has worked out.

Ben Hutton has been a bit of a disappointment, though, at least from a fantasy perspective. With Shea Theodore (upper body) unavailable, Hutton has averaged 2:17 of power-play ice time over the last seven contests, up from an average of just 0:25 over his first 14 outings. However, Hutton has just a goal and an assist over his last seven games and neither of those points came with the man advantage. Hutton’s never been much of an offensive force anyway, but it is a shame that he hasn’t gotten any production out of that power-play role.

If Daniil Miromanov (undisclosed) returns before Theodore, then he might take that power-play spot from Hutton. In that scenario, Miromanov would have some fantasy value.

*(BTB) – Denotes the second of a back-to-back series

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – ARIZONA COYOTES – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 12:30:54 +0000

1 - Logan Cooley C US

The Arizona Coyotes are slowly building their next contender, stockpiling picks and prospects more aggressively than any NHL franchise has done before. Armed with the third overall pick at the 2022 draft, the Coyotes began to lay the foundation for their next era by selecting Logan Cooley, a center out of the U.S. National Team Development Program. Cooley instantly became the most promising prospect in the Coyotes’ system, and just one look at his game film from his draft year will show why. Despite playing on a USNTDP team fully stocked with top prospects, Cooley kept finding ways to stand out above the pack. There’s one word that best describes Cooley’s game: dynamic. Cooley’s puck skills are elite, and he’s always finding creative ways to get himself out of trouble and make his way through defensive coverage. When the puck is on his stick, Cooley’s linemates are always open for a pass. Cooley is more of a creative skater than a true burner, relying more on his edgework and stop-start ability than pure speed. While that fact of his game means his skating won’t set him apart at the NHL level the way his puck skills will, it also means he’ll have an easier time translating his offensive habits to the NHL level, where most defenders are strong enough on their feet to avoid being beaten through speed outright. Cooley has a wide-open offensive toolbox that is arguably the best in his age group, and he’ll head to the University of Minnesota next season with the expectation of being an instant impact scorer. With the Cooley pick, the Coyotes added an all-too-rare commodity to their system: a prospect with the chance to become an NHL number-one center in the NHL. - EH

2- Dylan Guenther RW WHL

At this time last year, one would have probably assumed that Guenther would play out the season with Edmonton (WHL) and then make a run at the Arizona Coyotes roster in 2022/23, possibly as a top Calder candidate. However, a knee injury suffered in the WHL playoffs this year has altered those plans. Guenther will not be ready for Coyotes training camp this year and that likely means he returns to the WHL for another year. The Coyotes will be patient and cautious with one of their top prospects. Guenther did have a great year for the Oil Kings last season and remains one of the top goal scoring wing prospects in the NHL. His combination of size and skill is impressive and rare these days. And while he’s not a power forward in the traditional sense, he took big steps forward this season as someone who can play that power game by driving the net and playing through contact. His shot is a major weapon, and his offensive zone awareness is at a near elite level. He is never likely to be a top end two-way player and there is still some room for improvement in his decision making/vision with the puck, but his development has him tracking towards being a quality top six winger for the Coyotes and someone who could potentially be a consistent 30 goal scorer. If his injury recovery goes according to plan, he should be ready to jump into Arizona’s lineup in 2023/24. - BO

3 - Matias Maccelli LW AHL

The only U22 forward in the AHL to have a better points per game average than Maccelli last season was top prospect Jack Quinn. Since being drafted in the fourth round in 2019, Maccelli has done nothing but progress positively. Two strong years in Liiga (in Finland), the first of which saw him named as Liiga’s rookie of the year. Then the aforementioned strong AHL debut last year. Granted, he did struggle in his first attempt at the NHL after a midseason call-up, scoring a single goal across 23 games (despite getting decent ice time and some powerplay responsibility). However, this was only the first bump in the road for Maccelli. The 5’11 winger is extremely skilled and creative, giving him significant upside as a top six NHL forward. Originally, there were concerns over his lack of speed, explosiveness, and ability to dictate pace, however he has made significant strides in these departments since being drafted. Of course, as his brief stint in the NHL showed, he still has room to grow as a player, but the potential for him to develop into a solid point producer for the Coyotes is very real. Look for Maccelli to secure a permanent spot on the Coyotes this year out of training camp, as he will be given every opportunity to jump into a top nine role. He may even be a nice sleeper for the Calder Trophy (still eligible because he played just under 25 games). - BO

4 - Conor Geekie C WHL

While Geekie's statistical output from the 2021-22 isn't especially notable, it doesn't sufficiently reflect how good of a hockey player he is — and just how much better he can become over time, with the right development. The 2nd overall pick in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft (behind Winnipeg Ice teammate Matthew Savoie) and the 11th overall selection by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, he possess an enticing and hard to find package of size, deft puck skill and advanced offensive vision. He has a natural touch for the puck, able to get it under control with ease or distribute it naturally on the forehand or backhand. He can also really lean into his wrist shots, getting enough power behind them that the speed and force can cause problems for goalies. Even better, with his bulky 6'4" frame he is able to fend off defenders more effectively than most of his peers, giving him more time to scan the play unfolding around him and find more opportunities to create offense. At his best, his skill package makes him a major headache for opposing defenders to handle. He is, however, a below-average skater. Skating will never be a strength for him, but something that he can improve — and needs to focus on improving — is his pace and willingness to keep his feet moving. He also had a bad tendency last season on a stacked team to hang back and let his teammates lead the charge. There were too many shifts where he wasn't noticeable, and that inconsistency ultimately showed up in his scoring totals. The Ice are primed for another championship-contending season in 2022-23, and Geekie is expected to be a bigger part of their efforts. - DN

5 - Victor Soderstrom D AHL

Arizona has been excited about getting Söderström into its lineup, but it ended up being just 16 pointless games last season and all he had to show for it was a -7 rating. He kicked the season off with the team but was eventually sent back to the AHL and re-called for a stint in January and again in April. In between, he enjoyed his most productive AHL outing to date, even if his 19 points in 32 games was accompanied by a -12 rating. The 11^th overall pick in the 2019 draft, Söderström was drafted straight out of the SHL. He upgraded an already impressive SHL season in his draft year with an even more impressive sophomore season for Brynäs, leading many to feel he was on the fast track to a spot in the desert. His six-point performance in the 2020 WJC only helped boost this impression. Alas, it’s been somewhat slow cooking since arriving in North America.A very confident player with the puck on his stick, Söderström has spent considerable time on learning and reinforcing his habits without the puck. His competitiveness continues to be one of his strongest traits. When suiting up for Arizona this past season, he never once saw less than 11:45 of ice time and only saw less than 15:20 minutes in two of his 16 outings. In a 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers, he chalked up over 20 minutes of ice time. As such, the question has not been whether he’s ready and willing to take a regular shift, but rather just how much he has to gain from an all-round perspective playing with a still growing club in the NHL when he could be an all-purpose player in the AHL. For now, Arizona will be going to camp with a spot open for Söderström right from the beginning, so opportunity abounds. - CL

6 - Josh Doan RW US

At face value, the selection of Josh Doan near the top of the second round at the 2021 NHL draft looked more like an organization hoping to please its fans than an organization looking to select the absolute best player available. Doan had gone undrafted in his first year of draft eligibility and was selected by the Coyotes after a 70-point campaign with the USHL’s Chicago Steel. But after a freshman year at Arizona State that saw Doan rank among the team’s top scorers, the Coyotes’ choice is looking wiser and wiser. In his first year in the NCAA, Doan began to show why he was such a high selection at the 2021 draft. Despite the lofty expectations that come with his name in Arizona, Doan’s game stands on its own merit. Doan has an active motor and wants to be the focal point of every shift. Offensively, his shot is his best weapon, and he’s got the ability to pick a corner on a goalie and score from a distance. He has the ability to fire strong shots from less than opportune angles, and his goal-scoring is his most translatable NHL tool. Doan also is comfortable with the physical side of the game, and he’s growing into his six-foot-two frame, learning to better use his size to consistently win battles for pucks. Defensively, Doan is more of a work-in-progress, but he should improve that side of his game as he gets more college hockey under his belt. Doan’s skating has improved since his draft year, but it still isn’t where it needs to be for him to comfortably project to the NHL level, He still very likely has an NHL future, but adding an extra gear to his skating could mean the difference between a future in an NHL bottom-six or a chance to stick on a scoring line. - EH

7 - Jan Jenik C AHL

Jenik is another in the line of Coyotes prospects who got an extended look at the NHL level last season: the life of a pro prospect on a rebuilding team. However, this was also in part thanks to the terrific sophomore season that Jenik had in Tucson. If you recall, Jenik was in the midst of a breakout season in the OHL nearly three years ago (pre pandemic), before injuring his knee at the World Junior Championships. This set him back a bit and his first pro season was somewhat turbulent. However, last year was a major step forward for the competitive center. Jenik has a very well-rounded profile. He is skilled and can beat defenders one on one to create time and space. He is quick and can drive the pace of play. He competes hard at both ends of the ice and can be utilized in any situation. As such, Jenik looks like a really solid bet to become a dependable middle six forward for Arizona in the next year or two. At the NHL level last year, Jenik played on the wing, but at the AHL level he played down the middle. This coming season, there is definitely an opportunity for him to grab one of Arizona’s top three center spots, along with Barrett Hayton and Travis Boyd. Worst case scenario, he splits the year between the NHL and AHL before being ready full time in 2023-24. - BO

8 - Maveric Lamoureux D QMJHL

At 6’7’’, it’s not surprising to see scouts drooling about what a defenseman like Lamoureux could become at the NHL level. Lamoureux impresses with his size, ferocity, and ability to skate very well for his aforementioned size. On the flip side, he should look to become more consistent in his game as he can make frequent mistakes defensively. Physically, his potential is immense. He can dominate down low by pushing around the opposition. He takes away space so well. However, his reads and reaction time need work if he wants to become a quality defensive player at the NHL level. As an offensive player, he can lead the attack, however, his reads are inconsistent, and turnovers can be an issue. Even though he possesses the potential to be an offensive catalyst, he is currently at his best when he keeps things simple. Did the Coyotes reach by selecting Lamoureux in the first round? It is way too early to make that assumption. His development could take a lot of different forms because of his athletic tools. Eyes will be fixed on him in Drummondville this season as he looks to help the Voltigeurs to a better record and become one of the Q’s top two-way defenders. - EB

9 - Artyom Duda D Russia

It’s hard to find a lot of prospects that would seem to me as controversial in terms of the game style as Artyom Duda. He is really enjoyable to watch in the attacking zone (especially when orchestrating the powerplay), as he got the skating, puck skills and a very dangerous shot. When it comes to his all-around game, I’d say watching him can be even annoying, as he leaves an impression that his game style is too relaxed and lacks intensity, which is not something you can get away with outside of the junior level. Still if we look at this season the positive side of him clearly prevailed, as his offensive production was just outstanding and that convinced the Coyotes management to draft him relatively early – at the start of the second round of the 2022 NHL draft. Considering the concerns that I have described above it would be very interesting to see Duda playing at least on the VHL level next season, but unfortunately, judging by the preseason it is not something guaranteed at all. If I understood correctly, he still has two more seasons on the current KHL contract, so the Coyotes fans will have to wait a bit, but at least at that point it might be clearer what we are getting in him and how his development is going, still I think it would be fair to say that we can have a Top4 NHL defenseman potential in our mind.

10 - John Farinacci C US

While John Farinacci’s development track hasn’t been the smoothest ride — just one look at his 2020-21 season confirms that — he has made steady progress since being drafted 76th overall at the 2019 draft, and he’s one of many quality Coyotes prospects currently playing college hockey. Farinacci has been a useful player at Harvard, but he hasn’t truly cemented himself as a high-end college player the way his teammates, fellow NHL prospects such as Matthew Coronato and Sean Farrell, have. There are positives and negatives to the outlook and projection of players who play specific roles in college, and Farinacci’s game is no different. On one hand, Farinacci is playing the sort of role he’s likely to occupy as a pro, getting extensive experience in the situations he’ll be asked to handle in pro hockey. He’s a leading penalty killer, and he’s a bit of a Swiss army knife, playing a versatile enough game to fill in the gaps anywhere he’s asked. The result of this is Farinacci should have a relatively easy time meeting the expectations of the professional game. But the downside associated with his college role has been that his upside as a pro player remains relatively limited. Beyond a decent shot that’s allowed him to score double-digit goals in each of his two college seasons, Farinacci lacks the offensive tools that will lead him to reliably create offense at the next level. There’s no separation gear to Farinacci’s game, and when he does go on the attack he doesn’t deceive or manipulate defenders, he doesn’t have the sort of habits that give confidence that his offense will translate to more difficult levels of hockey. The other aspects of his game will have to carry him, and to what degree his offense carries from college to pro hockey will determine his likelihood of having an NHL career. - EH

11 - Julian Lutz

The big German winger’s draft year was a disaster because of injuries; however, he remained a high pick for a reason. His combination of size, speed, and scoring ability make him a potential NHL player.

12 - Jack McBain

The Coyotes acquired the rights to McBain after a terrific senior year at Boston College. He should make an immediate impact for the Coyotes in their bottom six with his size and physicality.

13 - Nathan Smith

Similar to McBain, Smith had his rights acquired by the Coyotes and then immediately joined the team to finish the season. An intelligent two-way forward, he profiles as a future middle six player for Arizona.

14 - Vladislav Kolyachonok

The Belarussian defender split last season between Arizona and the AHL and could be positioned for a full-time role this year. His mobility is a major asset in the defensive end as he can be aggressive in closing quickly on attackers.

15 - Ivan Prosvetov

The massive netminder likely has the inside track at the back-up job behind Vejmelka this season after three (somewhat inconsistent) years in Tucson.

16 - Conor Timmins

Injuries have derailed a once promising career and Timmins has struggled to remain healthy as a pro so far. This coming season is a big one for the former Soo Greyhound standout.

17 - Aku Raty

Raty showed great improvement in Liiga last season, and the expectation is that his offensive game will continue to blossom. The former 5th round pick is a potential bottom six player for Arizona because of his strong off puck play.

18 - Rasmus Korhonen

The 6’5 netminder will try to establish himself as a full time Liiga player this year after playing out last year in Mestis (second division).

19 - Ben McCartney

McCartney was a pleasant surprise for the Coyotes last year, after a strong pro debut with Tucson. The hard-working winger is the perfect complement to more skilled players and is starting to look like a potential NHL player.

20 - Jeremy Langlois

A third-round selection of the Coyotes in 2022, Langlois is a competitive two-way defender. He will return to Cape Breton of the QMJHL and look to become one of the league’s elite defenders.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: ARIZONA COYOTES – RANK: #12 – TIER III

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:04:29 +0000

Arizona Coyotes

Arizona has finished with their Chayka-era punishments, and they still have four-six very interesting prospects, depending on how you define these things. Next step is improving system depth.

Dylan Guenther

Dylan Guenther - RW

The former first overall selection in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft, Guenther exploded in his second full season with the Edmonton Oil Kings. This led to him becoming the 9th overall selection by Arizona, a pick acquired from Vancouver in the Oliver Ekman-Larsson trade. Guenther was an attractive piece to Arizona because of his well-rounded offensive skill set. He skates very well; he loves to have the puck on his stick as he crosses the blueline and backs down defenders well because they must respect his speed, skill, and shot. Guenther shoots the puck extremely well, with one of the most lethal releases in this year’s draft class. Guenther also possesses the creativity and hands to create for both himself and his linemates. Already at 6’1, 181lbs, Guenther also has the kind of size that is unique in skilled wingers, and this gives him an advantage in terms of leverage in puck protection.

Moving forward, Guenther will continue to improve his strength (on and off the puck), conditioning, and two-way play in order to become a reliable top six forward for the Coyotes. Look for him to return to the WHL next season where he would be a top candidate to lead the WHL in scoring with the remarkable Connor Bedard. After a really disjointed year that saw him play in only 12 WHL games, he needs to play a full year at the junior level before being a serious candidate for an NHL roster spot. After that, the sky's the limit for him as he projects as a first line NHL winger and the type of player who could contend yearly for the Art Ross Trophy and the Maurice Richard trophy. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Victor Soderstrom - D

It was an eventful season for the 2019 first round pick of the Arizona Coyotes, one that was kicked off by playing for the tradition-filled club AIK in Sweden’s second tier Allsvenskan. Soderstrom came out of the gates like gangbusters but slowed down a little bit to the tune of six points and +2 over 12 games, which had a few in the Swedish hockey scene wondering a bit after his impressive 16-point performance in the SHL the season before. His Allsvenskan season concluded with participation in the WJC, where he wore an “A” on his jersey and collected five points (all assists) in five games for a Swedish team that was knocked out by rival Finland in the quarterfinals.

A fantastic puck retriever who is incredibly confident with the puck in all situations, Arizona had Soderstrom in North America as soon as the NHL and AHL season were set to kick off. The move across the Atlantic, the first of his career, saw him start things off with the NHL club as a member of the taxi squad. A bit overwhelmed, he only got into two games with the Coyotes before being sent to their AHL affiliate for seasoning, where he ended up playing 32 games and collecting 10 points. The stint proved to be quite the learning experience, as he registered a -16 in the process, but his season did see him get into two more games with the Coyotes, where he averaged over 18 minutes of ice time per night and collected his first NHL goal and assist. There’s little doubt that Soderstrom continues to be a player Arizona will build on sooner rather than later and a summer of further upper body strengthening should have him on the fast track, perhaps as early as this fall, for a permanent roster spot. - CL

Barrett Hayton - C

It feels as if Hayton has been around forever as an NHL prospect, even if he is only 21 years of age. The former 5th overall pick and captain of Team Canada has had a fairly disjointed journey thus far. This year was no different for him. He started the year on loan in Finland, playing for Ilves, before returning to North America, where he split the season between the NHL and the AHL. At this point, the Coyotes are still waiting for Hayton’s offensive production to carry over from the OHL; he was not even at the 0.5 point per game mark this year with the Roadrunners.

However, it is way too soon to give up on this former junior star. Hayton is still a valuable prospect because of the versatility he provides. He can play in any situation or any position. He can be a net front presence because of his hands in tight and he can be an asset in puck pursuit because of his retrieval skills and puck protection ability. While his offensive upside may not be quite as high as we initially envisioned, he should still carve out a lengthy NHL career as a middle six forward. With all the moves Arizona has made this offseason, Hayton should finally secure a permanent lineup spot with the Coyotes for the upcoming season. - BO

Jan Jenik - C

Jenik had an excellent bounce back season this past year after injuring his knee at the 2020 World Junior Championships, and subsequently missing the entire second half of that year. After starting the year in Finland (much like Hayton), Jenik joined the Roadrunners when the AHL season started and performed admirably in his first pro year. He even earned a cup of coffee with Arizona and scored in both NHL games that he played in.

Jenik is a tenacious, but well-rounded offensive player. He loves to push the pace and attack in transition, exhibiting little fear as he attacks high traffic areas to put pressure on opposing defenses. Strong on his edges, Jenik is difficult to contain East/West, and the knee injury appears to have had no ill effects on his high-end agility and elusiveness. Highly skilled with the puck, Jenik is equal parts playmaker and finisher and projects as a middle six scoring option for the Coyotes. Look for him to start the season in the AHL again, and should he play well, he would earn a mid-season call up to try to secure a permanent place in the Arizona lineup. - BO

John Farinacci - C

Like a few other drafted prospects (and a few non-drafted players as well), Farinacci couldn’t play for his Ivy League team this year, as all schools under that umbrella suspended all sports due to the pandemic, so he returned to the USHL to stay active and to develop further. It worked. He only got into seven games at the league level with Muskegon, but made them count, with eight points and an off-the-puck game that was even more impressive, as he backchecked hard and demonstrated good use of a defensive stick to break up plays in his own end.

After those seven games, Farinacci left to play for Team USA at the WJC, a team he might not have made were it not for COVID-related last-minute omissions from Michigan and Boston University, but he managed to outplay a number of more highly touted players, on his way to scoring five times for the Gold Medal winning team. His goals came in a variety of looks and styles, some with brute force, some with timing, some with slick hands. Drafted with very little high-level experience to his credit, it was assumed that Farinacci would need an abundance of patience before he was ready. What he showed on a big stage last year was that he is more developed than many of us previously thought. Top six upside is still a possibility. - RW

Matias Maccelli - LW

Originally a fourth-round selection by Arizona out of the USHL, Maccelli has returned home to Finland the last two seasons and performed extremely well in Liiga with IIlves. Back-to-back 30 plus point seasons, in addition to some strong international performances, has Maccelli clawing at a roster spot with Arizona sooner, rather than later.

Maccelli’s offensive potential is huge as the 5’11 winger is a dynamo with the puck. Already one of the top offensive weapons in Finland at a young age, he is a near complete package as an offensive player. His shooting ability, creativity, quickness, and confidence with the puck are all above average. However, his play away from the puck and his decision making are still question marks. Even with Arizona rebuilding, it seems likely that Maccelli will spend some time in the AHL to start to get used to having less space to work with (having not played in North America the last two seasons), in addition to becoming a more complete player. He may just be the ultimate boom or bust prospect. If the offensive skills translate, he could be an elite top six forward. If not, he probably ends up heading back to Europe as his game is not tailored for a bottom six role. - BO

Vladislav Kolyachonok - D

A former second round selection by the Florida Panthers, Kolyachonok was acquired by Arizona recently as part of a sweetener for taking the contract of Anton Stralman, giving Florida cap relief. With the OHL on hiatus this year, Kolyachonok returned to Belarus to play in the KHL with Dinamo Minsk, where he was an everyday player. After the KHL season ended, he jumped to the AHL and finished the season with Syracuse.

Kolyachonok profiles as a reliable and suffocating defensive defender because of his strong defensive instincts and his elite mobility. Explosive in all four directions, Kolyachonok is exceptional at denying transitional attacks and at closing off space in his own zone. The question is...does he have the offensive upside to be anything more than a solid #5 who can anchor a penalty killing unit? The hope was for Kolyachonok to take a step forward in terms of offensive production and responsibility last season in Flint, but the loan to the KHL saw a reduction in both, rather than an increase. This coming season Kolyachonok will look to establish himself as a reliable two-way defender in the AHL, and if he performs well, hopefully the Coyotes can see to it that his offensive responsibilities (such as powerplay time) are increased slowly. - BO

Ivan Prosvetov - G

A massive goaltender (6’5), Prosvetov was the breakout star of the Coyotes farm system two seasons ago after a very strong pro debut with Tucson. The former Saginaw Spirit starter (OHL) followed that up with a respectable sophomore campaign that saw him act as the starter for a very weak Tucson team (he was better than the numbers would suggest). He even parlayed that into a cup of coffee with the Coyotes.

Prosvetov has always been an exciting prospect to watch because of his terrific athleticism, penchant for the highlight reel save, and his exuberant personality. The Coyotes have been working hard to help Prosvetov become less reliant on his athleticism, improving his anticipation and positioning so that he can better utilize his natural gift of size. At this point in time, the future in the Arizona crease is up for grabs. They have a fair amount of depth, but they need someone like Ivan to grab hold of a spot and prove that they can be an NHL netminder. The back-up position behind Carter Hutton will be fierce in training camp. Prosvetov will look to earn that spot, by beating out the recently acquired Josef Korenar, and continue his development at the NHL level. – BO

Josh Doan - RW

The top re-draft candidate in the 2021 draft class, Josh Doan, the son of longtime Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes legend Shane Doan, took his game to a new level this year, becoming a legitimate NHL prospect in the process. A late bloomer physically, Doan finished third in USHL scoring this year, (behind two teammates), with 70 points including 50 at even strength. The Coyotes decided, obviously, to keep it all in the family by selecting Doan early in the second round, keeping him in his home state.

He plays an assertive game with power and touch. A lot of his improvement this year can be attributed to an ability to process the game more quickly, in addition to improving his explosiveness as a skater. He is willing to play with skill at pace, allowing him to skate the puck in deep and force the defense to try to contain him. His shot is also powerful and sudden enough to beat good goalies from anywhere in the slot, which is his preferred area of attack. Committed to Arizona State for next year, it won’t take much more for him to profile as a middle six winger, with enough off-puck capability to play on a depth line as well. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Janis Moser - D

A breakout campaign in the NL (Switzerland’s top league) with EHC Biel-Bienne saw Moser enter the 2021 draft as one of the top re-entry candidates in his final year of draft eligibility. The Arizona Coyotes were obviously impressed with his star-studded turn in Switzerland (and his performance internationally) as they selected him in the second round. His offensive production (30 points in 48 games), in combination with his impact at both ends, saw him complete one of the most impressive, if not the most impressive, U21 season in league history.

Moser combines excellent sense and vision with strong mobility to be an impact player at both ends. While there is no question that he will likely need to bulk up to be a quality NHL player (currently listed at 172lbs), Moser does have the potential to be an impact, all situations defender for the Coyotes in the relatively near future. He has already inked his ELC with Arizona and is likely to make a push for a roster spot at the Coyotes’ upcoming training camp. This is a rebuilding club, so it would be shocking to see Moser go the entire season without seeing some sort of NHL action. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Kyle Capobianco - D

Now 24, this is a make-or-break season for the smooth skating, two-way defender as he gets (presumably) his final chance to crack the Coyotes roster full time. Given the state of the team’s rebuild, it seems likely that he does, but can he prove himself worthy of a spot long term?

Ty Emberson - D

Emberson turned pro this past season after captaining the Wisconsin Badgers as a junior. His offensive game has never truly developed, but he is a right shot defender with size, mobility, and physicality. After a few AHL seasons, he could push for a spot on Arizona’s third pairing.

Aku Raty - RW

The brother of 2021 selection Aatu, Aku is a hard-working two-way winger out of the Karpat program in Finland. His development stalled a bit this past season, but he will return to Liiga this year and look to take on more offensive responsibility to prove to Arizona that he deserves an ELC.

Carson Bantle - LW

2020/21 was a year to forget for the lanky winger as he struggled in his freshman year for Michigan Tech. So much so that he has transferred to Wisconsin. Drafted as a long-term project, the Coyotes are going to need to wait a few years to see what they have in Bantle.

Liam Kirk - LW

Talk about a breakout performance! Liam Kirk was the talk of the World Championships after scoring 7 goals for Great Britain, earning him an ELC with Arizona. The former Peterborough Pete can really shoot the puck and he will try to make an impact as a rookie in the AHL this coming season.

McKeen’s 20-21 Hockey Yearbook: Arizona Coyotes Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 20:03:41 +0000

Arizona Coyotes

Victor Soderstrom, D (11^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 1)

One year later, Soderstrom still looks like a solid pick at the top of the 2019 draft. He took steps this season, showing more poise and stellar play in both the SHL and at the WJC, where he was one of Sweden’s top performers. He came back to Sweden after a good camp with Arizona and logged around 20 minutes per game, scoring almost half a point per game. Soderstrom is a smart two-way defenseman, calm and poised with the puck. He moves the puck well in all three zones and in all directions. He has impressive decision-making abilities for his age. In the offensive zone he maybe lacks a hard shot, but he has a nice wrist shot and can shoot while moving forward. Soderstrom’s mobility east-to-west in the offensive end really stands out. Defensively, he turns his head and reads the play well. He still can use some adjustments when his team does not have the puck, but his hockey IQ is high. I can see him stepping into the NHL within one or two seasons. He has the potential of being a strong top pair defenseman with a high end comparable to Oliver Ekman-Larsson. - JH

Barrett Hayton, C (5^th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 2)

Hayton had another up-and-down season riddled with injuries and inconsistencies that were not his fault. He has shown that he can absolutely dominate if given the right situation, as he did at the 2020 WJC. Starring as the captain of Team Canada, Hayton centered Alexis Lafreniere on the top line and finishing second in scoring with six goals and six assists in seven games. His offensive game has stepped up big time, but he already does so many other things at a high level. A 200-foot centerman who excels on the penalty kill, he is an extremely effective defensive forward who can pick off passes and defend at the blueline like a third defenseman. He is a serviceable offensive center whose muscle game down low and vision for difficult passes can generate a bounty of shots for teammates. He has deadly hands and the assertiveness to try more difficult passes that could make him a go-to playmaker in the NHL. His quickness has improved since being drafted, and he moves well enough to create lanes for his weighty wrist shot. He is a long-term top-six center and perhaps a future captain considering his maturity and leadership qualities. - TD

Matias Maccelli, LW (98^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 3)

Maccelli had an excellent rookie season with Ilves, earning the league’s rookie of the year award. His stickhandling is excellent, he can handle the puck at high speeds and maneuver in traffic. On the power play, he can execute a quick passing game, move the puck through traffic and create space. His first touch is very good as he can receive the puck, settle it and make a play very quickly. He plays with notable confidence. In addition to having high-end puck skills, he is very smart in possession. He has great instincts and vision, allowing him to see openings. He has quick feet and agility, but his top speed could be better. His overall game has improved quite significantly since playing in the USHL. That said, it would be hard to envision him in a defensive role. His defensive reliability was an occasional issue at the 2020 WJC. Moreover, at times he plays a too individualistic game. Maccelli signed his ELC with the Coyotes in the spring but will begin the 2020-21 season with Ilves on an indefinite loan. He has immense potential and will keep getting better as he elevates his physicality and gains additional strength. - MB

Jan Jenik, C (65^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 4)

Janik got off to an absolutely torrid start last season with Hamilton and was among the league’s leading scorers heading into the WJC. However, a knee injury suffered at the event sidelined him for the rest of the year. He is an absolute wizard in transition and gains the offensive zone with relative ease on most possessions. His top speed and explosiveness are only a little above average; however his edgework, puck skill, and vision are all very high end, allowing him to keep defenders guessing as he pushes them deep into their zone. Janik is also extremely aggressive, with pest-like qualities. He plays a high-risk offensive game, taking chances and looking to create through traffic, however if he turns the puck over, he is quick to engage to get it back. It would appear that he is now healed from his knee injury and will be ready for the 2020-21 training camp. So long as the injury has not weakened his skating ability/strength/stability, he should be able to move quickly through the Arizona system, projecting as a top nine forward who can be a versatile asset to the organization. - BO

Kyle Capobianco, D (63^rd overall, 2015. Previous Ranking: 5)

Capobianco has been a remarkable two-way defender in the AHL over the past three seasons. His 0.88 points per game with Tucson last season led all AHL defensemen. The 23-year-old so easily evades pressure from forecheckers and uses his speed and smarts to create offense through the center of the ice, as well as from the point. He is not the most skilled with his hands, but he is incredibly confident with the puck on his blade and likes to take defenders on one-on-one. He is a promising power-play quarterback with plus vision, incorporating his booming shot when he gets an opening. While his overall value is carried more by his offense than his defending, he has improved in his own zone. His stick-checking and foot movement keeps opposing forwards guessing and forces them to where he wants them, and he is increasingly willing to take the body against the boards and below the red line, although he will never be a top defensive defenseman. A middle-pair offensive guy who can chip in 30+ points a year and compete on the power play, I would expect Capobianco to win a job out of training camp next season. - TD

John Farinacci, C (76^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 6)

Farinacci played at many different programs around the country before the Coyotes called out his name at the 2019 draft. He played prep school hockey both in New Jersey and in Massachusetts. While he played mostly at Dexter in 2017-18, he also spent time with Muskegon in the USHL as well as five games with the USNTDP. The next season was much of the same for Farinacci, although he only played two games with the USNTDP U18 team this time. From there, Farinacci, a nephew of Harvard head coach Ted Donato, joined the Crimson. The true freshman was named to the ECAC All-Rookie team on the strength of his first-year performance. He is quick on the face-off and held a 50.3% advantage on the dot. He also appeared on the team’s second power play unit. The 6-0” forward is fast, especially on the breakout, because he moves his feet so quickly. He has quick hands and exhibits good puck handling skills. The talented forward needs a few more years on campus before he will be ready to turn pro. - JS

Aku Raty, RW (151^st overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 7)

Raty had a fine season with Karpat’s pro team and could more than keep up with the pace of the Liiga game. He impressed with his strong game at both ends of the ice in the World Juniors. A skilled winger with quick hands, he handles the puck well in tight spaces. He can stickhandle at full speed and he uses his quickness to generate zone entries. He works well on the cycle and values possession. He has a precise wrist shot and gets pucks on net from a distance. He has good technical skills, yet versatility is his greatest asset. He can play up and down the lineup, on a scoring line or checking line, and be equally effective in his role. He is smart and shows situational awareness. Raty has more offensive ability than he has shown in the Liiga so far. It is not easy to earn minutes on the strong Karpat team, but if he manages to do so, he could break out next season. – MB

Carson Bantle, LW (142^nd overall, 2020. Previous Ranking: N/A)

Bantle was the rare bright light in the perpetually moribund Madison franchise. If we focus solely on the tools, he has each and every one. If you wanted to design the ideal power winger from scratch, you could do a lot worse than using Bantle as your template. He certainly looks the part, 6-4” and broad-shouldered. Built solid and still filling out, he is already a very good skater, especially considering his size. Bantle’s style of play is also suitable for the power forward mold. He can accelerate and power through to his target. He is a strong presence in tight to the opposing crease. Typically, he will start an attack with a strong snap shot from the slot and then follow that puck to the crease to hunt for his own rebound. His plus hand-eye coordination is another net front asset, as he can get his stick on point shots for tips and deflections. His hands are quick and he can play the puck with some touch, but his puck game is on the simpler side. The Michigan Tech commit is still very raw, but the upside is tantalizing. - RW

Ivan Prosvetov, G (114^th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 8)

A hulking netminder with a freakish combination of size and athleticism, Prosvetov exhibited his potential in his first pro season, split between AHL Tucson and ECHL Rapid City. Placing fifth in save percentage (.909) and sixth in goals against average (2.88) among rookie AHLers, the 2018 fourth rounder was solid in a net shared primarily with Adin Hill. At 6-5” with high-grade quickness, and not just at his size, the Russian guards the lower half of the net beautifully and rarely gets beat on pad-level shots with his long, lanky body stretching out to defend. Highly active in the net, he makes multiple saves in a single sequence with ease if necessary, sliding around the crease quickly and with good positioning. Sometimes a bit too active, he is still prone to the occasional bad read or a lack of shift-to-shift focus, which is somewhat understandable from someone so young. He has the potential to be an NHL starter, but it will take time and patience. - TD

Tyler Steenbergen, C (128^th overall, 2017. Previous Ranking: 9)

A WHL offensive powerhouse in his four years with Swift Current, Steenbergen’s scoring prowess didn’t make the jump with him, scoring at under half a point per game. His defensive game, on the other hand, has evolved from decent side-value to his main attraction; he has transitioned to a shutdown center with a speedy 200-foot game who pressures opposing forwards into making mistakes and turning the puck over. An above-average skater, he can bring the puck from end to end and make plays through center coupled with his high-end vision and smarts. He can finish from mid- to long-distance pretty consistently, giving him power play value. He is not dynamic enough to create space for his own shots and defers mostly to his teammates after drawing space for them. An improving penalty killer, Steenbergen is a modern PK forward in that he uses his speed and skill, rather than size, to kill off time. He is a bit of a tweener in that his ceiling looks to be fourth-line center, but he doesn’t quite have the size for it. With more AHL seasoning, maybe his projection will be clearer. - TD

Axel Bergqvist, D (200^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 10)

Bergkvist had a very successful first (and only) season in the OHL, playing for the Kitchener Rangers. It took him a month or so to really adjust, but in the second half (with the Rangers surging as a team), he established himself as one of the better offensive defenders in the league. His mobility is a major asset. He is so elusive with the puck because of his ability to stop/start and uses his edges. This makes him very difficult to pin down in the defensive end and as such, a major asset to transitional play. Bergkvist also possesses excellent vision when operating the point, be it at even strength or running the powerplay. He understands how to use his quickness to jump into shooting lanes, or to create alternate passing angles. The question is, given his lack of size (5-9”), can Bergkvist defend adequately enough at even strength to be an NHL defender? He keeps a wide base and is pretty strong, however it remains to be seen just how effective he can be at the pro level against consistently bigger forwards. His projection is probably that of a third pairing offensive defender who can also work the powerplay. - BO

Ty Emberson, D (73^rd overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 11)

In a system overflowing with high skill players, Emberson is cut from a different cloth entirely. It isn’t that Emberson has nothing to contribute to the offense, but his contributions are generally in the range of carrying the puck out of his own zone and protecting it all the way into the offensive zone. He will even pinch on occasion. As nice as those things are, the Badgers’ blueliner makes this list for what he does off the puck. A shut-down defender at even strength and the penalty kill, he keeps a good gap and uses his stick well. Even more than that, though, he is absolutely punishing when he lines up an opponent for a hit. Named Wisconsin captain for the 2020-21 season, Emberson could be ready to bring his brand of physical hockey to the AHL at the campaign’s conclusion. There is still room on NHL third pairings for players of this ilk. - RW

Alexander Daryin, RW (107^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 12)

Daryin is an offensive minded winger with some nice tools to his offensive game. He competes well and is a strong balanced skater who can gain speed while changing directions and can be hard for defenders to catch. He has a low center of balance and he can skate with his legs wide and maintain his pace, which helps him cover the puck. He is a decent shooter and a decent passer. He has good puck control. He can create with his skating and has good vision offensively. I can see why Arizona picked him in the draft even though he does not have much international or high-level experience. Late in the season he got a chance to debut in the KHL and was named rookie of the week with two points in three games. He has a contract with Yaroslav for two more years. He is a long-term NHL project, and I can see him as a middle six winger if everything comes in place for him. - JH

Liam Kirk, C/LW (189^th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 13)

The forward from Great Britain has certainly developed a cult-like status among prospect watchers. After a second OHL season with Peterborough, Kirk remains unsigned by Arizona. The Coyotes certainly have a lot of options as to what to do with Kirk moving forward. They can let him play another year in the OHL (as an OA). They could have him sign an AHL PTO to test his mettle at the pro level. Or they could let him return to Europe to play in a pro league there, while retaining his rights until 2022. A talented offensive player, Kirk remains a bit of an enigma due to a lack of strength on the puck. He possesses a strong wrist shot and the scoring instincts to be a top six forward, however he is not able to consistently fight through traffic in order to be a go-to offensive threat. He also battled through some injuries this year (concussion, facial fractures from taking a puck up high, but not related to the concussion). Drafted as a project, Kirk remains very much so. However, he possesses the talent to one day be an NHL forward if Arizona is willing to remain patient. - BO

Lane Pederson, C (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Oct. 13, 2016. Previous Ranking: 14)

Pederson may not have been on our radar previously, but a 22-year-old scoring at .92 points per game in the world’s second-best pro league is worthy of some hype, and that’s what the Saskatoon native has done. A teammate of Steenbergen on the Swift Current Broncos earlier in his career, Pederson was signed as an undrafted free agent by Arizona in October of 2016 and has played well in the AHL since debuting one year after. His speed and skill are not high-end, but he has an absolute shotgun blast of a wrister, capable of consistently beating goaltenders from distance, and he possesses the size to create his own shots. Off the puck, he is becoming increasingly useful and consistent, helping to curb dangerous chances against his own goal before they occur with his awareness in the neutral zone. He has shown a capability of driving plays and setting up teammates, but he is more of a shooter and shoots at a high percentage. What he can be in the NHL remains to be seen but the talent is there. - TD

Danil Savunov, LW/RW (174^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 15)

Notwithstanding being shut out during his trip to North America as part of the Russian roster for the Super Series, a showing that contributed heavily to his being left off the Russian WJC roster, Savunov made big steps forward in his second season in the VHL, improving his point total from 15 to 24, in three fewer games, no less. Fast of foot and with the puck on his stick, he likes to go right to the net, often carrying the puck right up the middle to do so. He may be small, but he plays without fear, forcing the defense to react. There is some question about his game away from the puck, although he got the occasional penalty kill shift with SKA-Neva St. Petersburg. He can dance the puck through the defense, but his utility will only increase if he grows more comfortable springing his teammates with a pass instead of trying to do it all himself. The skill is there to eventually play in the NHL, but he still needs a lot of polish to get there. – RW

Hudson Fasching, RW (118^th overall, 2013 [Los Angeles]. Previous Ranking: UR)

A power forward who grew up in the USNTDP program before a three year run at the University of Minnesota, Fasching has had a hard time breaking into the Arizona lineup through two seasons in the system, after receiving NHL games in each of his three seasons in the Buffalo Sabres organization. The Coyotes still like him enough to have given him a two-year contract extension over the summer, one of the final acts of the strange John Chayka regime. Fasching has the frame of the traditional power forward and plays the game in that style as well, grinding heavily and happy to be underneath the red line in the offensive zone. He lacks the finesse to play above a bottom six role, but his hands work well enough to take advantage of the opportunities he gets. His offensive game has slowly progressed over his time in the AHL and he might be one injury away from finding himself up with the Coyotes this season. - RW

David Tendeck, G (158^th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: UR)

After struggling a touch in his first post-draft campaign, Tendeck won the 1A job with the Vancouver Giants in his final junior season, beating out Colorado draft pick Trent Miner in the process. His career best performance, topped off with an impressive .920 save percentage, helped him convince the Coyotes to give him an ELC this past April, less than two months before his rights would have expired. Tendeck isn’t the modern picture of a oversized goaltender, but he makes up for it with above average athleticism and a competitive spirit. He is also an impressive puck handler who can aid his blueliners with puck retrievals as needed. His size does hamper his ability to track the puck as much as we might like, which also can lead to the occasional poorly placed rebound. He should be ready to begin his professional career whenever this season starts, possibly in the AHL, but more likely in the ECHL at first. - RW

Valentin Nussbaumer, C (207^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: UR)

Once seen as the next big hope out of Switzerland, after the exploits of Nico Hischier, Nussbaumer’s time in the QMJHL was not nearly as successful as that of the former New Jersey first overall pick. Thankfully, he showed enough glimpses of a dynamic offensive game that Arizona selected him with one of the final picks of the 2019 draft. His follow up season was a bit better, taking a more central role for Shawinigan early and leading the Swiss side in the 2020 WJC. In fact, he was so good with Switzerland, that he decided not to return to the Q’, spending the second half with the Biel-Bienne club in the NLA. He has still not been given a central role with the men’s league team, and his development trajectory is currently suggesting a tweener. He has offensive skills, including decent top speed and quick hands, but nothing high end enough to suggest a top six role in North America. While he is not offense-only, neither does he profile in a shut-down, defensive role. It is too early to write Nussbaumer off, but it is also very possible he remains in Switzerland for good. - RW

Cameron Crotty, D (87^th overall, 2017. Previous Ranking: UR)

A big right-handed defender drafted out of the Junior A ranks in Ontario, Crotty signed an ELC with Arizona after his third season on the Boston University blueline. He is a strong skater and plays a reliable game away from the puck, which he will absolutely require to make the next step from the AHL to the NHL, as his offensive tools are minimal at best and he wasn’t counted on to produce points in his time with Brockville of the CCHA, or with BU, campus either. Also notable is that despite his plus size, he doesn’t play a very physical game, relying more on positioning and anticipation to defend. When a defender has so little offensive game, the fact that he shoots from the right side is less of a bonus and more incidental. The Coyotes have loaned Crotty to Norwegian side Sparta Sarpsborg where he will get his professional career started, at least until the AHL gets back underway. If everything works out perfectly, he could find himself playing a depth role in the NHL at his peak. - RW

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – ARIZONA COYOTES– ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 11

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 20:12:34 +0000

Arizona Coyotes

As much as the story about the Coyotes surreptitiously bringing in draft eligible prospects for off-the-books workouts during the season – a scandal that cost John Chayka his job as GM (if not the final straw) and the organization a second round draft pick in 2020 and a first round pick in 2021. I would rather not spend that much time on that story here.

For one thing – perhaps the most important thing – the value of off-ice workouts in the context of drafting is nebulous at best. The ability to execute a chin up has no parallel on the ice, between the whistles. A series of interviews I conducted a few years ago with senior NHL scouts and executives made it pretty clear that the full slate of events at the Draft Combine has only a marginal impact on forming a team’s draft board. Minds have already been made up prior to the event. Scouts have seen all of the players repeatedly in game action, and the majority of the notable players have also already been interviewed by area scouts, if not also by top executives. So even if the Coyotes did illegally bring in dozens of prospects for workouts, I’m not sure that I really care.

I think a look back at the Coyotes’ 2019 draft class is far more interesting. Take a second to look at the list below. Notice anything? A full eight of the team’s top 15 prospects were drafted in their most recent class. The final cut from this list, Swiss winger Valentin Nussbaumer, was another member of this class. Looking at this nine-person draft class in another light – a class that did not have a second rounder, no less – the only pick who hasn’t exceeded expectations one year out has been sixth rounder Anthony Romano, a USHL grinder who had a rough freshman season at Clarkson. I wouldn’t give up on Romano just yet, but goodness! Not a single player from this draft class has yet to play a professional game of ice hockey in North America, but it could be a class which redefines the now complete GM tenure of John Chayka and repositions the Coyotes as a team to be feared in the near future.

Let’s look at some of the factors behind the great early returns. One thing that immediately sticks out to my eye is that a significant number of the players drafted moved up a level and still produced their accustomed numbers. First rounder Victor Soderstrom already nearly a full season in the SHL under his belt when he was drafted. He simply more than doubled his offensive output while also being one of the stars of Sweden’s Bronze Medal winning WJC side. John Farinacci jumped from prep school to Harvard, where he produced at a top six rate right from the hop. Like Soderstrom, Matias Maccelli had a star turn at the WJC, in Maccelli’s case, for Finland. Over the remainder of the season, he proved that the jump from the USHL to Liiga was manageable, to say the least, taking home the circuit’s Rookie of the Year award.

The two Russian players drafted, Danil Savunov and Alexander Daryin, both stayed in the same level as the previous year, the VHL (minor pro) and MHL (junior), respectively, but both improved their numbers considerably. Aku Raty joined Maccelli in both Liiga and Finland’s WJC squad, and while he couldn’t match Maccelli’s numbers, he was still one of the top ten U19 scorers in the league. Axel Bergqvist moved from Sweden to the OHL and finished one point out of the top ten in scoring by defensemen, in his first season in North America. Even our just missed candidate, Valentin Nussbaumer, moved back to Switzerland’s top flight after a solid first half of the year back in the QMJHL.

It is only one year removed from Arizona adding these nine players to their organizational depth chart, but you rarely see so many players from a single draft class all trending in the right direction.

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 07: Arizona Coyotes center Barrett Hayton (29) skates during the NHL hockey game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Arizona Coyotes on November 7, 2019 at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire)

Victor Soderstrom, D (11^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

One year later, Soderstrom still looks like a solid pick by the Coyotes at the top of the 2019 draft. He took steps this season, showing more poise and stellar play in both the SHL and at the WJC. He came back to Sweden after a good camp with Arizona and logged around 20 minutes per game, scoring almost half a point per game. At the WJC he was solid and one of the best players on the Swedish team.

Soderstrom is a smart two-way defenseman, calm and poised with the puck. He moves the puck well in all three zones and in all directions. He has impressive decision-making abilities for his age. In the offensive zone he maybe lacks a hard shot but is able to shoot smart and found the net six times in the SHL. He has a nice wrist shot and can shoot while moving forward.

Soderstrom’s mobility east-to-west in the offensive end really stands out. When he scores, it is not uncommon to see him take the puck and move laterally across the blue line, shooting while the goalie is screened or in motion. Defensively, Soderstrom turns his head and reads the play well. He still can use some adjustments when his team does not have the puck but his hockey IQ for his age is high.

I can see him stepping into the NHL next season or at latest the year after. He has the potential of being a strong top pair defenseman with a high end comparable to Oliver Ekman-Larsson. I am not saying it is a sure thing that he reaches those heights, but at least he is a top four defenseman. - JH

Barrett Hayton, C (5^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 2)

For the second consecutive year, Hayton - the fifth-overall pick in 2018 - had an up-and-down season riddled with injuries and inconsistencies that were not his fault. First, he struggled to crack an Arizona forward lineup that was clicking at the right time but due to the CHL-NHL player agreement was not able to accept a full AHL assignment. He then rehabbed an injury to his shoulder with Tucson, then came back up to play scarce minutes with a Coyotes team making a playoff push. Again, not his fault.

He has shown that he can absolutely dominate if given the right situation, as he did at the 2020 WJC. Starring as the captain of Team Canada, Hayton centered probable 2020 first-overall pick Alexis Lafreniere on the top line and trailed only Swedish star Samuel Fagemo in scoring with six goals and six assists in seven games.

His offensive game has stepped up big time, but he already does so many other things at a high level. A 200-foot centerman who excels on the penalty kill, he is an extremely effective defensive forward who can pick off passes and defend at the blueline like a third defenseman. He is a serviceable, albeit not elite, offensive center whose muscle game down low and vision for difficult pass seams can generate a bounty of shots for teammates. He has deadly hands and the assertiveness to try more difficult passes that could make him a go-to playmaker at the NHL level. His quickness has improved since his draft season, and he moves well enough to create his own shot lanes for his weighty wrist shot.

He is a long-term top-six center and perhaps the future captain of the Coyotes with the maturity and leadership qualities he has displayed at every level. - TD

Matias Maccelli, LW (98^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 17)

Maccelli had an excellent rookie season with Ilves in the Liiga, earning the Jarmo Wasama award as the league’s rookie of the year. The skilled and creative winger has the ability to make plays that bring fans out of their seats. His stickhandling is excellent, he can handle the puck at high speeds and maneuver in traffic.

On the power play, he can execute a quick passing game, move the puck through traffic and create space. His first touch is very good as he can receive the puck, settle it and make a play very quickly. He plays with notable confidence. In addition to having high-end puck skills, he is very smart in possession. He has great instincts and vision, allowing him to see openings. The way he sees the ice and executes plays is impressive. He has quick feet and agility, but his top speed could be better.

His overall game has improved quite significantly after spending a season and half in the USHL. That said, it would be hard to envision him in a defensive role. His defensive reliability was an occasional issue at the 2020 World Juniors. Moreover, at times he plays a too individualistic game for my liking.

Maccelli signed his entry-level contract with the Coyotes in the spring but will at least begin the 2020-21 season with Ilves on an indefinite loan contract. He could be one of the best players in the league. He has immense potential and will keep getting better as he elevates his physicality and gains additional strength. - MB

Jan Jenik, C (65^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 10)

Janik got off to an absolutely torrid start this season with Hamilton and was among the league’s leading scorers heading into the World Junior Championships. However, a knee injury suffered at the event sidelined him for the rest of the year and ruined his chances of capturing the league’s scoring title, playing alongside the talented Arthur Kaliyev.

Janik is an absolute wizard in transition and gains the offensive zone with relative ease on almost every possession. His top speed and explosiveness are only a little above average; however, his edgework, puck skill, and vision are all very high end and this allows him to keep defenders guessing as he pushes them deep into their zone.

Janik is also extremely aggressive, demonstrating pest like qualities. He plays a high-risk offensive game by taking chances and looking to create through traffic, however if he turns the puck over, he is the first one to engage to get it back. This is the engagement level that you like to see from your top six centers who are not going to play mistake free hockey in the pursuit of generating scoring chances.

It would appear that Janik is now healed from his knee injury and will be ready for the 2020-21 training camp. So long as the injury has not weakened his skating ability/strength/stability, he should be able to move quickly through the Arizona system and projects as a top nine forward who can be a versatile asset to the Coyotes coaching staff. - BO

Kyle Capobianco, D (63^rd overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 4)

Capobianco has been a remarkable two-way defender in the AHL over the past three seasons. His 0.88 points per game with Tucson last season led all AHL defensemen, the second consecutive year he finished in the top-five in that category. The 2015 third rounder was always a solid offensive contributor in his OHL years, but never outstanding by any means, so this offensive explosion has been a pleasant surprise and one reason he has vaulted into elite prospect territory.

The 23-year-old so easily evades pressure from forecheckers and uses his speed and supreme hockey IQ to create offense through the center of the ice, as well as with offensive zone possession, from the point. He is not the most skilled with his hands, but he is incredibly confident with the puck on his blade and likes to take defenders on one-on-one. Seeing the ice and reading the defense well, he is a power-play quarterback and a good one, incorporating his booming shot into the fray when he gets an opening.

While his overall value is carried more by his offense than his defending, he has improved in his own zone. His stick-checking and foot movement keeps opposing forwards guessing and forces them to move to less opportune areas of the offensive zone, and he is more willing to take the body against the boards and below the red line than before, although he will never be a top defensive defenseman. A middle-pair offensive guy who can chip in 30+ points a year and compete on the power play, I would expect the Mississauga native to win a job out of training camp next season. - TD

John Farinacci, C (76^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 13)

The next season was much of the same for Farinacci, although he only played two games with the USNTDP U18 team this time. From there, Farinacci, a nephew of Harvard head coach Ted Donato, joined the Crimson. The true freshman was named to the ECAC All-Rookie team on the strength of his first-year performance.

He is quick on the face-off and held a 50.3% advantage on the dot. He also appeared on the team’s second power play unit. The 6-0” forward is fast, especially on the breakout, because he moves his feet so quickly. He has quick hands and exhibits good puck handling skills. The talented forward needs a few more years on campus before he will be ready to turn pro. - JS

Aku Raty, RW (151^st overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Raty had a fine season with Karpat’s pro team and could more than keep up with the pace of the Liiga game. He impressed with his strong game at both ends of the ice in the World Juniors.

A skilled winger with quick hands, he handles the puck well in tight spaces. He can stickhandle at full speed and he uses his quickness to generate zone entries. He works well on the cycle and values possession. He has a precise wrist shot and gets pucks on net from a distance. He has good technical skills, yet versatility is his greatest asset.

He can play up and down the lineup, on a scoring line or checking line, and be equally effective in his role. He is smart and shows situational awareness. Raty has more offensive ability than he has shown in the Liiga so far. It is not easy to earn minutes on the strong Karpat team, but if he manages to do so, he could break out next season. - MB

Ivan Prosvetov, G (114^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

At 6-5” with high-grade quickness, and not just at his size, the Russian guards the lower half of the net beautifully and rarely gets beat on pad-level shots with his long, lanky body stretching out to defend. Highly active in the net, he makes multiple saves in a single sequence with ease if necessary, sliding around the crease quickly and with good positioning. Sometimes a bit too active, he is still prone to the occasional bad read or a lack of shift-to-shift focus, which is somewhat understandable from someone so young. He has the potential to be an NHL starter, but it will take time and patience. - TD

Tyler Steenbergen, C (128^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 12)

An above-average skater, he can bring the puck from end to end and make plays through center coupled with his high-end vision and smarts. He can finish from mid- to long-distance pretty consistently, giving him power play value. He is not dynamic enough to create space for his own shots and defers mostly to his teammates after drawing space for them.

An improving penalty killer, Steenbergen is a modern PK forward in that he uses his speed and skill, rather than size, to kill off time. He is a bit of a tweener in that his ceiling looks to be fourth-line center, but he doesn’t quite have the size for it. With more AHL seasoning, maybe his projection will be clearer. - TD

Axel Bergqvist, D (200^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

His mobility is a major asset. He is so elusive with the puck because of his ability to stop/start and uses his edges. This makes him very difficult to pin down in the defensive end and as such, a major asset to transitional play. Bergkvist also possesses excellent vision when operating the point, be it at even strength or running the powerplay. He understands how to use his quickness to jump into shooting lanes, or to create alternate passing angles.

The question is, given his lack of size (5-9”), can Bergkvist defend adequately enough at even strength to be an NHL defender? He keeps a wide base and is pretty strong, however it remains to be seen just how effective he can be at the pro level against consistently bigger forwards. His projection is probably that of a third pairing offensive defender who can also work the powerplay. - BO

Ty Emberson, D (73^rd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 9)

As nice as those things are, the Badgers’ blueliner makes this list for what he does off the puck. A shut-down defender at even strength and the penalty kill, he keeps a good gap and uses his stick well. Even more than that, though, he is absolutely punishing when he lines up an opponent for a hit.

Named Wisconsin captain for the 2020-21 season, Emberson could be ready to bring his brand of physical hockey to the AHL at the campaign’s conclusion. There is still room on NHL third pairings for players of this ilk. - RW

Alexander Daryin, RW (107^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

I can see why Arizona picked him the draft even though he does not have much international or high-level experience. Late in the season he got a chance to debut in the KHL and was named rookie of the week with two points in three games. He has a contract with Yaroslav for two more years. He is a long-term NHL project and I can see him as a middle six winger if everything falls in place for him. - JH

Liam Kirk, C/LW (189^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 19)

A talented offensive player, Kirk remains a bit of an enigma due to a lack of strength on the puck. He possesses a strong wrist shot and the scoring instincts to be a top six forward, however he is not able to consistently fight through traffic in order to be a go-to offensive threat. He also battled through some injuries this year (concussion, facial fractures from taking a puck up high, but not related to the concussion).

Drafted as a project, Kirk remains very much so. However, he possesses the talent to one day be an NHL forward if Arizona is willing to remain patient. - BO

Lane Pederson, C (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Oct. 13, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

His speed and skill are not high-end, but he has an absolute shotgun blast of a wrister, capable of consistently beating goaltenders from distance, and he possesses the size to create his own shots. Off the puck, he is becoming increasingly useful and consistent, helping to curb dangerous chances against his own goal before they occur with his awareness in the neutral zone. He has shown a capability of driving plays and setting up teammates, but he is more of a shooter and shoots at a high percentage. What he can be in the NHL remains to be seen but the talent is there. - TD

Danil Savunov, LW/RW (174^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Fast of foot and with the puck on his stick, he likes to go right to the net, often carrying the puck right up the middle to do so. He may be small, but he plays without fear, forcing the defense to react. There is some question about his game away from the puck, although he got the occasional penalty kill shift with SKA-Neva St. Petersburg. He can dance the puck through the defense, but his utility will only increase if he grows more comfortable springing his teammates with a pass instead of trying to do it all himself. The skill is there to eventually play in the NHL, but he still needs a lot of polish to get there. - RW

AHL Pacific Division Report, October – Developing prospects

Tom Dorsa — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 13:10:03 +0000

October is a month of formation for minor league hockey teams. In the first month of a long regular season, you start to see the players -- most often a mix of wily veterans and first- or second-year pros -- align and adapt to one another’s unique playing styles.

For some clubs, players, and coaches, that transition can be seamless, but for some it’s a disastrous early-season experiment. Such is the beauty of the American Hockey League, wherein young prospects are given chances to succeed not only in spite of, but because of, their early-season mistakes.

As mentioned above, development is a work in progress. Some young players can adjust with relative ease, while the unlucky struggle to acclimatize themselves to the speed, skill, and physicality of the hockey world’s second-best professional sanctioning body.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at the teams and notable prospects in the AHL’s Pacific Division. The teams on the West Coast, desert, and Rocky Mountains have all made strides and adjustments in the early portion of the campaign, and this article will take you through some of the news and notes from each of the Pacific Division’s seven member teams.

Stockton Heat (Calgary Flames)

Record: 7-1-1-1, 16 points, .800 points percentage

The Heat are absolutely on fire (pun intended) to start the 2019-20 AHL campaign. Exploding offensively, the youthful club has scored the most goals in the Western Conference (39) thus far and had four players averaging a point per game.

The job Cail MacLean has done with a team missing the two-way contributions of top-ranked prospect Jusso Valimaki cannot be overstated. Since moving from Glen Falls, New York to Stockton as part of the AHL’s California expansion four years ago, the Heat have never won a playoff series.

Their chances to do so look better than ever before in this season’s early parts. Unfortunately for the fans in San Joaquin county, looming concerns over an arena lease have clouded the much-deserved celebration of the club’s early success.

Calgary Flames Dillon Dube

Dillon Dube, 3rd in McKeen’s Yearbook preseason rankings of Flames farm system (7GP-1G-6A-7P): Though it was a disappointment for the 21-year-old to not crack the Flames’ opening night roster after a decent NHL showing last season, he was arguably the Heat’s best player in October. A playmaker and forechecker extraordinaire heading into the season, he is starting to display heightened awareness and patience on offense as well as an increased defensive presence and responsibility. With exceptional penalty kill work, the former Team Canada World Junior captain is one of the first guys going up to Calgary if needed and can easily find a way to contribute to the big-league team.

Eetu Tuulola, 14th (8-4-1-5): Skating was the biggest concern surrounding the first-year winger from Finland, and while his acceleration and balance can still lag at times, his straight-line speed looks solid. Adding some quickness to his massive 6-3”, 220lbs frame makes the 21-year-old Tuulola a scary player, as his body control, shooting ability, and versatile usefulness on the power play have already impressed scouts around the game.

Glenn Gawdin, 18th (8-2-6-8): Gawdin, a second-year pro, has long had an incredible offensive game, but like Tuulola, his skating had held him back from becoming a go-to option for offense in the pro ranks. His acceleration looks a little better, and he has displayed more energy out on the ice than in his 2018-19 rookie season. His point-per-game pace to this point is a direct reflection of that assertiveness, but I still see Gawdin as more of a two-way bottom-six center with some offensive potential. His smarts and discipline have always been his biggest draw to me, and his skating is too big of a concern for him to pan out as a top-six offensive option.

Tucson Roadrunners (Arizona Coyotes)

Record:8-3-0-0, 16 points, .727% points percentage

After injuries decimated their young club late into the 2018-19 season, the Roadrunners appear to be reaching the potential they missed out on due to ailments last campaign. Head coach Jay Varady’s club was briefly in first place in the Pacific Division in October.

While the club has been top heavy in terms of point-scoring, they have been carried mightily by a pair of young netminders, Adin Hill and Ivan Provsetov, who have combined to allow just 25 goals, the fewest in the AHL’s Western Conference.

After missing the playoffs last year, we expected the team to come back with a vengeance and contend for the top spot in the seven-team division, which they won in 2017-18. Their first 11 games, a solid 16 percent of their season schedule, confirms those beliefs.

Lane Pederson, Unranked in McKeen’s Yearbook preseason rankings of Coyotes farm system (11-9-5-14): Although the former WHLer is not the most intriguing prospect in the game, or the most well-known, Pederson has inarguably been the best skater on the Roadrunners roster this season. Third in the league in both goals and points, his offensive contributions are no coincidence if you remember his efforts in Coyotes training camp, through which he almost broke the NHL roster. His skating has improved from his WHL days, and while his passing game/vision are still to be developed, his shot is a force. He is reliable defensively and kills penalties for Tucson. He went undrafted, but if there was a second or third-round pick attached to his name, hype would be building fast for the potential middle-six center.

Ivan Prosvetov, 6th (3-1-0-0, 1.98 GAA, .944 Sv% in four starts): We knew that Prosvetov was a beast in the goal and would eventually turn into a high-end pro, but it’s somewhat surprising to see how quickly he has transformed into a mature, disciplined netminder. He was a hot head in the OHL, once receiving a five-game suspension for batting a puck into spectators during a stoppage of play. It looks like he has harnessed that competitive fire, boosting his package of 6-5” length and athletic ability with an energized demeanor on the ice. At 20 years old, younger than the large majority of AHL netminders, he is a step ahead of the competition.

Kyle Capobianco, 4th (3-0-2-2): Capobianco looks like, and is to a degree, an NHL player. He made the Coyotes’ opening night roster and has appeared in nine big-league contests so far, after his 2018-19 campaign came to a disastrous end due to a season-ending leg injury in February. So this prospect blurb acts like more of a check-up on a prospect than an actual scouting piece, in this case: he’s fine. He does not look a step slow due to his injury, his playmaking and skating are still capable of contributing in all three zones, and his potential as a power-play quarterback is still there. He will be a full-time NHLer in short order.

Ontario Reign (Los Angeles Kings)

Record: 6-2-2-0, 14 points, .700% points percentage

Last season, Ontario finished seventh out of seven Pacific Division teams, had a .441 points percentage, and recorded a -61 goal differential. Their struggles were a direct reflection of a Kings farm system that had become depleted due to their NHL parent club’s sustained success and desire for more.

The Kings of that era valued size and defensive strength over anything else, and now, as the game of hockey has progressed, so has the L.A. system. The revamped Reign roster is beginning to see the effects of the newly-implemented Rob Blake system, and have used that speed and skill to ascend back to the top of the division table.

Of course, a healthy chunk of the credit for the Reign’s turnaround has to go to head coach Mike Stothers, as well as many of their young players. If October is any indicator, the Reign could be playing postseason hockey again this season.

Los Angeles Kings Goalie Cal Petersen e)

Cal Petersen, 11th in McKeen’s Yearbook preseason rankings of Kings farm system (6-2-2-0, 2.55 GAA, .929 Sv% in ten starts): Since his pro debut in 2017-18, Petersen has been one of the AHL’s top goaltenders. Last season was grim, as his GAA floated over four due mostly to a horrid club in front of him, but he looks to have bounced back big time. The 25-year-old plays a wild, entertaining style of highly-athletic goaltending, and rarely cracks mentally. His hulking physical size and ability to read plays as they develop helps him compensate for a lack of decisive tool-selection and overall refinement. His contract goes from a two-way deal this year to one-way the next year and beyond, meaning he is essentially auditioning for an NHL job this season.

Carl Grundstrom, 8th (4-5-2-7): Along with a 2019 first round pick (used on Tobias Bjornfot), Grundstrom was the return from Toronto in the Jake Muzzin trade, and the young forward has added some instant value to the Kings system. In dominating the AHL in the early parts of the season, he has earned some appearances with L.A. and can only get better from here. He is a hard-working player who competes in all three zones, never slows down out there, and can flash a surprising goal-scoring touch. A hard forechecker to escape, that effort translates to the other end of the ice, where he has become an impactful penalty killer. He can be prone to mistakes, but Grundstrom’s relentless motor and two-way reliability give him a solid ceiling of a middle-six winger with some offensive upside that has not even been tapped into.

Matt Luff, 20th (9-3-4-7): The undrafted 22-year-old was one of Ontario’s best players (and a bright spot in his short Kings stint) last season, and he looks to have carried that promise and excellence into 2019-20. One thing that helps accumulate NHL-worthy stats is just how much the winger loves to shoot, leading the club with 34 shots through nine AHL games so far, in addition to being third on the team in shots (153) despite just 33 games with the AHL team has year. Luff has good reason to be a volume shooter, with a heavy, spinning wrist shot that has menacing velocity and tremendous accuracy, but his toughness and puck skills are also elements to watch out of the depth forward.

Bakersfield Condors (Edmonton Oilers)

Record: 5-5-1-0, 11 points, .500% points percentage

While Edmonton’s two superstar talents, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisiatl, have ripped the NHL to shreds in the early going of the 2019-20 season, some of the club’s top prospects are continuing the trend in the AHL.

Oilers’ CEO Bob Nicholson’s laid-out plan of allowing prospects to “over-ripen” seems to be the organization’s modus operandi, and the Condors are reaping the benefits of having more experienced, longer-tenured players on the roster this season.

For head coach Jay Woodcroft, it’s mostly the same players that dominated during their historic 2018-19 run that have been at the forefront of their 2019-20 operations. You can’t bank on Bakersfield having the same 17-game winning streak as the division champs did last season, but they will compete to bring playoff hockey to Kern County, California for the second time after relocating from Oklahoma City in 2015.

Tyler Benson, 4th in McKeen’s yearbook preseason rankings of Oilers farm system (11-2-7-9): His maturity, hockey IQ, and vision make it easy to forget, but Benson is only 21 years old and has just one full pro season under his belt. After pacing the Condors in points last season, his heads-up rushing action and high-end playmaking skills have put him out front early this year. A speedy skater with beautiful acceleration and swift pivots, his ability to draw space to himself and pass the puck off is reminiscent of the NHL’s preeminent puck-movers. His only flaw is his shot, which lacks speed and accuracy. His early-career development was plagued by injuries, but with full health, he looks downright scary good and could soon be a top-six facilitator for the Oilers.

Kailer Yamamoto, 6th (11-4-3-7): Sent down to Bakersfield as part of a rehab schedule for his wrist injury from last season, Yamamato has had a pretty decent start to his AHL season. The former first-round pick has been so-so on offense, and you would like to see him use his slippery skating, speedy hands, and creativity to drive offense more. But his penalty kill and overall defensive game have been exceptional, and it is impressive to see the way he has rounded out his game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the 21-year-old get a recall to Edmonton soon, especially as the Oilers’ bottom six is starved for skill.

Evan Bouchard, 2nd (11-3-4-7): The reigning Max Kaminsky trophy winner as the Ontario Hockey League’s best blueliner, Bouchard has been playing up to that billing since joining the AHL ranks at the start of the season. With his creativity, vision, and booming shot, the 10th overall pick in 2018 has excelled with Bakersfield thus far. Two of the defenseman’s three goals have come on the man-advantage, which speaks to his effectiveness on the power play. His skating is not as big of an issue as it was in his draft season, but can still improve.

San Jose Barracuda (San Jose Sharks)

Record:4-4-0-1, 9 points, .500% points percentage

San Jose has so few certified “veteran” players on the roster that it is genuinely impressive that they have posted a .500 record so far this season. Kudos to Roy Sommer, the club’s head coach, but also, the team’s European scouting group for plucking legitimate talent from some obscure areas.

Swedish winger Joel Kellman, German forward Lean Bergmann, and Danish forwards Alexander True and Joachim Blichfeld are the club’s top-four scorers through nine games. All four of the Barracuda stars were either undrafted signees or seventh-round draft selections.

Their top goaltender, Josef Korenar, was also an undrafted signee who has emerged as one of the AHL’s top goalies at just 21. Hopefully the team can be carried by these otherwise-unheard of players to the club’s fifth consecutive postseason appearance since relocating from Worcester, Massachusetts.

Sasha Chmelevski, 2nd in McKeen’s yearbook preseason rankings of Sharks farm system (6-0-1-1): Both things can be true: Chmelevski has had a hard time adjusting to the pro ranks, and he has been battling injuries since the beginning of the season, having missed the last few Barracuda games with a lower-body ailment. So, you have to take his early-season results with a grain of salt. He has flashed some of that quick, precise passing and smart decision making early on in his pro career, especially on the San Jose power play, where he is playing first-unit minutes. His injuries have hampered his skating some, and you would like to see him use his heavy, accurate wrist shot more. He almost made the Sharks roster out of training camp, which means there is something special about the 21-year-old, but we just have to wait and see a fully healthy version of him.

Joachim Blichfeld, 7th (8-3-3-6): Whereas Chmelevski has had a troublesome professional hockey adjustment process, Blichfeld has been excellent since puck drop on opening night. While his offensive numbers don’t equal that of his godly WHL totals a year ago (68-53-61-114), he has been exceptional at what he does best; drive play with speed and creativity, fire the puck at will, and get into dirty areas without the puck. He has been a pest in front of the goal and seeks out crease-front rebounds at every chance. A power-play staple, the right-hander has played a variety of roles on the man-advantage. However, the Danish winger can be prone to frequent turnovers, and needs to amp up his three-zone awareness to prevent getting the puck stick-checked away.

Josef Korenar, 10th (3-2-1-2, 1.82, .932): An AHL All-Star last season, the 21-year-old Czech has only stepped his game up from there. Most importantly, the former undrafted signee has provided the Sharks with one thing they arguably didn’t have: a denoted goaltender of the future. His tool selection can still be a little spotty, and he plays an inconsistent positional game (when to come out and challenge, when to guard posts, etc), but his raw package is that of a future NHL stud. Korenar displays otherworldly smarts, vision, and anticipation while playing a calm and composed style in the crease. He is highly athletic and can scramble to make saves, and his rebound control has improved since last season.

Colorado Eagles (Colorado Avalanche)

Record: 4-5-0-0, 8 points, .444% points percentage

Whereas some teams have benefited from an influx of their organization’s brightest young stars, the Eagles have stagnated with a bunch of veteran guys with low ceilings. I don’t believe their slow start to the season is a coincidence; they just don’t really have that pure, youthful skill to mesh with the aged, seasoned pros on the club.

It is not like Colorado has no high-end prospects on the roster, as the club sports names like Shane Bowers, Conor Timmins, or Martin Kaut, but moreso that these young players are having trouble finding a rhythm or just coming into their own as prospects.

Luckily, they are through just nine games of the Pacific Division’s 68-game schedule. Head coach Greg Cronin and the club have time on their side and a group of experienced players who know what it takes to make it through the tough and tiresome winter months. With that, the goal is to bring playoff hockey to Loveland, CO, in just their second year in the AHL.

Conor Timmins, 6th in McKeen’s yearbook preseason rankings of Avalanche farm system (7-1-2-3): We all knew Timmins could play, but how quickly he has jumped back into action and found a way to contribute after missing the entirety of the 2018-19 season is nothing short of amazing. The right-shot defenseman who made the Avs roster out of camp has not missed a beat, and has emerged as the versatile, three-zone defender he was picked as in the second-round of the 2017 draft. His physical strength makes him capable of outmuscling anyone in a puck battle, and his vision to get the puck out of the zone — via his solid outlet pass or his skating — makes him a threat joining the rush. He has the potential to be a top-four minute-munching defender at the highest level of the game.

Nick Henry, 11th (9-1-2-3): An assist machine in his final year with WHL Lethbridge, Henry’s main asset — playmaking and transitional play — has translated well in his first full professional season. Although he is not racking up points at an insane pace, the 20-year-old has been instrumental in driving play for the Eagles’ fourth line. His skating is not great, but good enough to get through the neutral zone, where his vision and high hockey IQ can take over a rush. He is solid defensively, with decent strength for an undersized winger, and his energy and tenacity on the forecheck has been noticeable. His main issue is his hesitance to shoot, mainly defaulting to passing; he will need to improve upon his shot assertiveness to succeed long-term in the pros.

Logan O’Connor, 12th (9-1-2-3): The former University of Denver captain continued his emergence as a top-notch prospect in the Avs system in October. Boosted onto the top line for the Eagles (mostly playing with veterans T.J. Tynan and Erik Condra), O’Connor’s well-rounded, mature game has provided plus value for Colorado thus far. He has the acceleration and top speed of an NHL top-six winger, along with the hockey IQ and smarts to make an impact in all three zones. He can play any role, at any forward position, against any competition, and that kind of versatility is what makes him a surefire future NHLer.

San Diego Gulls (Anaheim Ducks)

Record: 2-6-0-0, 4 points, .250% points percentage

The diagnosis for their slow start is a simple one: the Gulls have suffered from a transitioning, transformative roster in Anaheim depleting the AHL club, which made the Western Conference Finals last season.

Head coach Kevin Dineen has his work cut out for him with a roster that has lost his stars from last campaign, such as former first-round picks Sam Steel and Max Jones as well as Team U.S.A. World Junior hero Troy Terry, all of whom are on the Ducks’ active roster.

There still shine some bright lights amid a dark and frightening tunnel however, as a Ducks farm system with a decent amount of talent steps on the ice in San Diego.

Isac Lundestrom, 4th in the McKeen’s yearbook preseason rankings of Ducks farm system (6-2-1-3): After starting the season eating healthy scratches with the Ducks, the 2018 first-rounder returned to the AHL and has fared well centering the Gulls’ third line, scoring his first career AHL goal just a few games ago. His ability as a puck carrier has received a well-deserved spotlight on the power play, and his versatility and maturity (it’s easy to forget that he is just 19-years-old) has received abundant penalty kill time thus far. The youthful Swede is such a multi-faceted player and thinks the game at such a high level that he will not need much more improving to do before being a solid, consistent NHL player. He just needs to improve upon his offensive assertiveness, most importantly how underused his wrist shot is.

Joshua Mahura, 9th (6-0-0-0): Mahura was recently recalled to the NHL roster (where he promptly recorded three assists in his season debut), and it was a well-deserved promotion. The scoresheet won’t prove it to you, but he had quietly been one of the Gulls’ better players in the young season. Playing on both special teams, the defender exhibited his high-end two-way versatility and desire to play up at most times. He is a highly dangerous option to start or join a rush at any opportunity, and that same mentality is paying off in the NHL, with his 3.9 CF% Rel. It’s early, and both the Ducks and Gulls are undergoing a lot of changes, but perhaps he has already played his last regular season AHL game.

Arizona Coyotes 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 20:24:22 +0000

I have to admit to being impressed with the Arizona Coyotes’ current standing in the organizational strength rankings. As of this writing, those rankings aren’t yet complete, but they stack up around the middle of the teams for whom we already have graded out and their overall score seems geared to stay up the middle once all is said and done.

On the one hand, for a team that has struggled to such a great extent to make the postseason in recent years – seven years in a row with an early start to the offseason – which would indicate that the team has been hoarding top picks and should be in the upper third of teams as opposed to the middle. But instead of looking at why Arizona isn’t ranked more highly, I think their current standing is a positive, after we consider what has changed since the last time we did these rankings.

We can look at last season’s top 20 and note that the number 12 and 18 prospects, Ilya Lyubushkin and Conor Garland, respectively, have both graduated from consideration. That isn’t a big deal, and neither is the trade of last year’s #14, Laurent Dauphin, to the Nashville system. That latter move at least brought in the current #15, Emil Pettersson.

What is most impressive is how the team traded their top prospect, Dylan Strome, and their number four, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, as part of packages to bring in top six forward talent to the NHL. Strome was a big part of the Nick Schmaltz trade while Joseph was a key return to get Phil Kessel to the desert.

This serves as a great reminder that the object of stockpiling quality prospects is not so as to appear high on our or other publication’s pre-season lists, but to fortify the NHL roster. In some cases, the fortification is done through player graduations and in others, the use of those prospects as trade capital to convince other teams to part with their NHLers.

Another angle from which we could be impressed by the Arizona system as it stands today is that a lot of the players ranked below took positive steps forward last season. For every Tyler Steenbergen (#12) type who struggled in his first taste of the pro game, we have players still trending in the right direction such as the pair of highly touted netminders Adin Hill (#3) and Ivan Prosvetov (#6), who each jumped from their spots last year, gaining three and nine spots respectively.

For a Cam Dineen, whose season was curtailed by injury, we counter with Nathan Schnarr and Jan Jenik, who took big steps forward in the OHL. With two of the five 2019 draftees to jump right onto the list being college-bound, and number two prospect Barrett Hayton the only top prospect whose name is even penciled into the NHL roster, the organization will have a good chance to see their ranking rise this time next year, even if improved play on the ice results in a lower draft spot.

-Ryan Wagman

Arizona Coyotes goalie Adin Hill (31) (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire)

1 Victor Soderstrom, D (11^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) This year’s first-round draft pick, Soderstrom will go over to North America to try to earn a spot on the Coyotes’ blue line. If he doesn’t succeed, he will get back to play in SHL for another year. Both are good opportunities for the smart defenseman. I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays games in the NHL already this season. He started last season in the junior league and when he got promoted to the SHL, he played the same game against men. His hockey-IQ is at an elite level and that helps him adjust quickly to new situations. His offensive production is good, but not at a superstar level. His contribution mostly comes from strong mobility and smart decisions with the puck. On the power play, he moves and reads the play well and has quite a good wrist shot. The potential for offense is there as well, but he doesn’t need to produce points to be effective. - JH

2 Barrett Hayton, C (5^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 2) It was kind of a disjointed season for Hayton, who played in only 39 regular season games for the Soo Greyhounds (OHL). He got a late start to the year after being returned from Arizona, then missed time for the WJC, followed by a month-long absence due to a lower body injury. But Hayton is a top prospect who does a lot of things well on the ice. He can be used in nearly any situation and plays a very pro ready game. He is a very committed two-way player who excels on the penalty kill. He is extremely effective down low and in tight to the crease where his great hands, quick release, and ability to read the play are on display. He also moves well and has improved his power and quickness since being drafted. His future – perhaps starting as soon as this year - likely lies on the second line in Arizona and could be a future captain for the franchise. - BO

3 Adin Hill, G (76^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 8) At 6-6”, Hill’s size is the first thing that jumps out about the 2015 third-rounder, but his incredible technical refinement and immeasurable mental composure are major bright spots in the development of the Coyotes’ goaltender of the future. With both AHL Tucson and the NHL club, Hill displayed his excellent total package as a near-term big-leaguer. He uses his size well, limiting holes and utilizing each of his tools with athletic ease, as well as getting up and down in the crease effectively. His compete level is as high as any goalie at his level and age. He could be better at handling rebounds and controlling the puck, but neither will hinder his immediate NHL future. - TD

4 Kyle Capobianco, D (63^rd overall, 2015. Last Year: 7) If a late-season injury from 2018-19 does not hold him back, Capobianco is a guy who can crack the NHL roster out of training camp this September. His dynamic two-way play and multi-faceted offensive game give him a very solid chance to achieve a full-time NHL role in 2019-20. Before fracturing his leg on a hit against the boards in a February game against the Blue Jackets, Capobianco had wowed many at the AHL and NHL levels. A shifty and fast skater, he is someone who can and will lead the charge into the offensive zone at any opportunity. His shot from the line is superb and complements his insane vision and anticipation. His active stick and tight gaps when skating backwards make him a versatile two-way guy. The 21-year-old could be more physical when trying to retrieve the puck in his own end, but it’s a small price to pay for a future top-four blueliner. - TD

5 Nick Merkley, RW/C (30^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 3) The early portion of Merkley’s career has been more or less defined by the injuries that have kept him from emerging as an NHL forward, but in spite of those ailments, the 2015 first-rounder has shown immense future value for the Coyotes down with AHL Tucson. He missed a large chunk of the season after rebounding from knee surgery in 2018-19, and was rusty upon his return, but still contributed 10 goals and 24 assists. Agile and athletic, he has the edgework and plus acceleration to make up for his small, albeit stocky, stature. His creativity with the puck is fueled by his elite hands, and his shot is an ever-evolving weapon. It is difficult to tell what kind of player Merkley is going to be, but if he can finally stay healthy, the 22-year-old has the skill and potential to be a future top-six winger. - TD

6 Ivan Prosvetov, G (114^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 15) Prosvetov is a hulking netminder who has a rare combination of athleticism and size. He is 6-5”, but he moves so quickly in his crease, taking away the bottom of the net with strong pushes. He is also quite the character and made a name for himself in the OHL this past season for his antics on the ice. Unfortunately, that also saw him suspended during a pivotal playoff series that Saginaw ultimately lost. Moving forward, like any goaltending prospect, Prosvetov will require patience. His positioning and reads will need improvement at the pro level, where he is likely to begin this year. Some time in the ECHL may even be required, but that is common for goaltending prospects. In time, Prosvetov has the skill set to become an NHL netminder; it may just take time. - BO

7 Kevin Bahl, D (55^th overall, 2018, Last Year: 10) A behemoth defender, Bahl has progressed well since being drafted in the second round by Arizona. At 6-6”, he just swallows up space in the defensive zone with his reach and his solid mobility for a bigger blueliner. Playing for the first place Ottawa 67’s this year, he was one of their most important players, seeing a ton of ice time and matching up against the opposition’s best forwards. Bahl’s offensive game likely won’t transfer over exceptionally well to the pro level, but he has made nice strides with his decision making and play with the puck. Limiting his turnovers and improving his breakout passes will be areas of focus moving forward. In the next couple of years, Bahl could develop into a top four shutdown defender for the Coyotes and be utilized similarly to the way the Boston Bruins use young defender Brandon Carlo. - BO

8 Nathan Schnarr, C (75^th overall, 2017. Last Year: Not ranked) After a breakout season with the OHL Champion Guelph Storm, Schnarr has put himself on the prospect map. He finished the year with over 100 points, way more than he had accumulated in his previous two years of OHL action. Schnarr is a big bodied center who is at his best when he can use his size and reach down low in the offensive zone. He controls the wall very well and is able to drive possession and open up passing lanes. His skating has improved a fair amount over the last three OHL seasons and he is now able to be effective in puck pursuit and in transition. He projects as a middle six forward at the NHL level who will need some time to adjust to the speed of the pro game. His playmaking ability and size are definite assets but it remains to be seen whether he has enough puck skill to be an offensive contributor for the Coyotes. - BO

9 Ty Emberson, D (73^rd overall, 2018. Last Year: 6) Playing on a disappointing Wisconsin team as a freshman, Emberson requires a few viewings to truly appreciate what he brings to the rink. He doesn’t play with a great deal of flash and his offensive contributions will never be of the type to have fans clamoring to see him quarterback a power play, but he does have some burgeoning offensive instincts which started to come out as his first collegiate season progressed. He knows how to read the defense in front of him and make himself into a useful attacking option for his team. His defensive zone reads need work, but he is committed to playing strong in his own end and he is a big open ice hitter, while rarely crossing the line that leads to time in the penalty box. I expect him to take a big step in his offensive game next year and a second pairing blueliner at the highest level is not out of the question. - RW

10 Jan Jenik, C (65^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 13) Jenik is an aggressive, attacking, North/South style forward who really uses his strong skating stride to push the pace and attack the offensive zone. He also possesses very good hands and has the capability to make defenders miss as he cuts through traffic on his way to the net. He is also a tenacious player who excelled in his half season in the OHL by relishing in the opportunity to take the body and playing a general pest role. As Jenik gains strength and is able to have more success driving the net and maintaining possession in the offensive zone, look for him to really breakout in a big way. He could have a big offensive season playing alongside Arthur Kaliyev in Hamilton. - BO

11 Filip Westerlund, D (44^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 5) The second-round draft pick from 2017 hasn’t stepped up his development yet. He has had a tough time earning a big role for top SHL club Frolunda. His offense hasn’t stood out as much for him to get power play time and his defensive play isn’t aggressive enough for him to play on the PK. The potential is still there for him though, but he will need to find a fit with a team that can give him top pairing minutes. He had that last season when he got picked up by Timra, but just four promising games (and two goals) in he suffered a season ending shoulder injury and the team was later relegated. He has since rehabilitated and is still in search for a fit with a new SHL team. Westerlund is a mobile puck-moving defenseman with good hockey sense, a quiet and smart potential top four defenseman with some puck skills, but he is still a long-term project. - JH

12 Tyler Steenbergen, C (128^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 9) An offensive juggernaut with Swift Current of the WHL for four years, Steenbergen was drafted as a no-risk overager in the fifth round of the 2017 NHL Draft. In contrast to many high-scoring junior players with some flaws, the former World Junior hero has developed into somewhat of a safe, conservative player. His 200-foot game, defensive responsibility, and effectiveness as a bottom-six, penalty-killing guy who can play all three forward spots reliably gives him something many players of his ilk have not: a surefire NHL ceiling. His speed as a skater and his blistering shot give him some high-end offensive capabilities, and that will be more on display this upcoming season as he takes a step up with Tucson. How far away he is from cracking the Coyotes roster is an open question, but he is a fairly simple prospect with solid NHL tools. - TD

13 John Farinacci, C (76^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) As hard as it can be to properly assess talent playing in the American high school system, Farinacci was good enough during his brief stints with Muskegon of the USHL, or wearing the American colors during last year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup that he was firmly on the radar throughout his draft year. He is loaded with plus offensive tools, most notably his blistering shot, but his skating and puck skills also both work in his favor. Headed to Harvard in the Fall, there is a good chance that the Coyotes will have to wait through all four years to get him signed, but the raw ingredients are there for the team to feel justifiably excited to track his development. - RW

14 Hudson Fasching, RW (118^th overall, 2013 [Los Angeles]. Last Year: 16) At 24 years old, Fasching -- on his third pro organization since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 draft -- only has so many chances to impress an NHL team. With Arizona inking him to a two-year, two-way deal this offseason, it’s clear that the Coyotes’ brass has confidence in what he can become, even this late in his development. The hulking, powerful winger is a solid skater for a forward of his size and weight and has the ability to prolong offensive possession with his patience and physical moves. His skill (hands, passing, technical skating) are all sufficient, though he lacks consistency and one-on-one moves. He did see a recall to the Coyotes last season and has a chance to crack the roster this year, but he is starting to slip out of prospect status and will need to make his mark soon. - TD

15 Emil Pettersson, C (155^th overall, 2013 [Nashville]. Last Year: 13 [Nashville]) The 2013 sixth-round selection may never be more than Elias’ less-talented brother, but the Coyotes are holding out hope for him. Although he is already 25, the decision to retain his North American rights as he heads back to Sweden could pay off in the long term. Pettersson is a gifted playmaking center with loads of defensive responsibility and effectiveness, as his pure intelligence and hockey sense make him a high-level player at the AHL level. He can handle the puck well at full stride, as well as play the cycle game better than most. His skating is mushy at best, and his shot, though very accurate and whippy, is on the slower side, making him a difficult guy to see fitting on an NHL roster. If he ever returns to the states, it will be as a Coyote, as the qualifying offer extended to him before he signed with Vaxjo of the SHL allowed Arizona to retain his rights. - TD

16 Cam Dineen, D (68^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 11) Still a long-term project, Dineen struggled to get comfortable with the pro side of the sport in his first season in the AHL. The 2016 third-rounder dominated the OHL over four seasons with his mobility and power-play potency, but had his fair share of issues in translating his game to Tucson, where his offensive output slumped (57-3-9-12) and his efforts on the power play (just two man-advantage points) were nearly nonexistent. He can add to his impressive package of offensive skills (his smooth skating and deceptively quick shot being the highlights) by adding strength to his smaller-statured body and becoming more confident in his ability to move the puck up the ice. He is a very solid defensive defenseman for someone who does not fit the conventional mold of one, and so he only needs to mature his transitional game. He could be a bottom-four NHL guy with power-play time in the near future. - TD

17 Matias Maccelli, LW (98^th overall, 2016. Last Year: IE) It has been some time since the Coyotes had a prospect to follow in Finnish hockey. With Maccelli, in a roundabout way, they now have one. Selected out of Dubuque in the USHL, the Finnish import is expected to return home after two stateside seasons to continue his development in the Liiga with Ilves. For as good as his production was with the Fighting Saints, Maccelli lacks the high-end tools that would increase his odds of success at the highest rungs. While capable of brief moments of speed, his normal skating pace is dawdling. He is a gifted passer with fine vision and a nice shot to boot, but his lack of size or a physical nature will put more onus on his feet. If he can gain a step or two, he could be a solid middle six option in a few years, but bust potential exists. - RW

18 Anthony Romano, C (176^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Despite middling numbers during the regular season, and being a frequent no-show during Sioux Falls’ run to the Clark Cup title last season, Romano’s 2018-19 campaign must be seen as a success, as he was able to play the same two-way disruptive game in the USHL as he had previously in the OJHL. Romano is a fine skater with a hard enough shot that suggests some future utility in a middle six and even some power play minutes from the half wall. He reads the game at an advanced level and provides the type of energy most coaches like to see in their bottom six. Heading to Clarkson to continue his development, the Coyotes will take a patient approach with their recent sixth round pick. Even without the high upside, Romano is a good bet to maximize the talent that he does have. - RW

19 Liam Kirk, C/LW (189th overall, 2018. Last Year: Not ranked) The pride of Great Britain’s fledgling hockey program, Kirk took some time adjusting to North American hockey in the OHL this past season. He was terrific in the second half of the year, looking much more confident and comfortable. Kirk has very good hands in tight and possesses an excellent wrist shot, qualities that make him a potential goal scorer at the NHL level. He also skates well and has begun to gain confidence in his ability to lead the charge into the offensive zone. The rest of his game remains a work in progress, with a lot of that attributing to a lack of strength. As such, he is very much a long-term project. But if the Coyotes are patient, Kirk could eventually develop into a top 6 scoring winger. – BO

20 Valentin Nussbaumer, C (207^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Nussbaumer had a tough first year in North America, but not entirely due to his own play. His team, the Shawinigan Cataractes, battled through some tough stretches at times in 2018-19, but ultimately were able to make the playoffs and take a pair of games off the Memorial Cup champion Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. He also struggled at times early in the season with spacing, as moving from big ice to smaller ice is always an adjustment. He eventually adapted well and put up four points in six playoff games. Nussbaumer is a major offensive threat with the puck because of his creativity and his quickness. His hands are lightning quick, and his feet keep pace; his footwork and agility may be the best in the QMJHL. He is a project, especially without the puck, but he will have an offensive impact on his teams, whether in the NHL or elsewhere. - MS

OHL Playoff Preview: Western Conference – Trade deadline talent arms race makes for a wide open battle

Brock Otten — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:21:53 +0000

This week the 2019 OHL playoffs will kick off with first round action getting under way on Thursday. More so than any year that I can remember, the field is wide open. There are favorites to take home the J.Ross Robertson Cup, sure, but the sheer number of candidates to make it to the end is greater than previous years because of how many teams loaded up with talent at this year’s trade deadline. As difficult as it is, I will make my predictions. Just do not place any large bets or wagers based upon it.

First Round

Jean-Luc Foudy of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

#1. London Knights vs. #8. Windsor Spitfires

Season Series: 5-1 for London

Analysis: The Spitfires limped into the playoffs with only one regulation win in their final ten games. Their punishment? A date with London, who narrowly held off Saginaw to take the #1 seed in the West. Even if I don’t expect this to be a close series, it will be a terrific experience for the Spitfires and their talented, young roster. Young players like Jean Luc Foudy and Will Cuylle will get a taste of the playoffs to know what is required of them when Windsor becomes a powerhouse again in a few years’ time. The Knights hold the clear advantage in nearly every area here. The team’s #5 defender, Joey Keane, would be Windsor’s #1. They outscore them by over a goal per game. And even if discipline issues creep up (London is the most penalized team in the Western Conference), their top-rated penalty kill is efficient enough to limit Windsor’s chances of getting back in games. Look for Evan Bouchard to have a big performance after last year’s poor showing in the first round that saw London get swept by Owen Sound.

Prediction: London in 4.

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Evan Bouchard (EDM): As mentioned, Bouchard did not have a good first round performance in last year’s playoffs, something that may have led to his slide to the 10th spot last June. To be honest, I wasn’t enamored with his performance this year either with his offensive production taking a step back and his defensive engagement continuing to be a concern. That said, the best players elevate their game when it matters most and I’ll be looking for Bouchard to do that this playoffs. As deep as London is on the blueline, they need him to be a dominant force at both ends if they want to go for the championship.

Liam Foudy (CBJ): Foudy was another player who looked overmatched in last year’s playoffs against Owen Sound. After a slow start to this year, Foudy finished the season well and ended up second in goals for the Knights. The Knights know that they will be getting production from Formenton and Hancock up front, but again, if they want to go far, they will need the speedy Foudy to be an impact player; someone who can use his speed and puck skills to create consistent scoring chances for himself and his linemates.

Jean-Luc Foudy (2020): It is a Foudy vs. Foudy match-up with Liam going against his younger brother Jean-Luc. Like Liam, Jean-Luc is an absolute lightning bolt on skates. He has shown a penchant for using his speed to be one of the OHL’s elite young playmakers, leading all OHL rookies in assists this year. He is a prime time prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft and it will be interesting to see if he is able to better his brother’s initial playoff performance.

Ryan McLeod of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

#2. Saginaw Spirit vs. #7. Sarnia Sting

Season Series: 3-3 TIE

Analysis: The Sting have played the West Division champion Spirit extremely tight this year, including a recent 7-6 shootout victory in late February. Sarnia has a team of workhorses that just never give up on a play and that tenacity always plays well in the postseason. They have seven different players who had over 15 goals on the year, and that’s not including Jamieson Rees who would have hit that mark easily had he played all year. But Saginaw is a CHL ranked team for a reason. Lately one of the main reasons for their success has been goaltender Ivan Prosvetov, who has only two regulation losses in his last 16 and who finished in the top 5 of nearly every statistical category this year. Rookie winger Cole Perfetti has also been a remarkable story as the first U17 player since Taylor Hall, Steven Stamkos, and John Tavares to score more than 35 goals in a season. He is aided by the likes of Owen Tippett, Bode Wilde, Ryan McLeod, and Cole Coskey on a deep and balanced roster. I expect the Sting to give the Spirit a bit of a scare and be in most games. But the Spirit are rolling on too much of a high and have too much firepower to fall victim to an upset.

Prediction: Saginaw in 6

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Ryan McLeod (EDM): While his production for Saginaw since the trade from Mississauga has been a little underwhelming, McLeod has been a proven playoff performer so far in his OHL career. He was a huge part of Mississauga’s deep run in 2017 and I would expect him to bring himself back to that point per game production. His playmaking ability will be much needed if the Spirit want to eventually come out on top in the Western Conference.

Bode Wilde (NYI): Wilde has been sensational in his first OHL season after coming over from the USHL. No question he is in the conversation for the Max Kaminsky as the league’s top defender. His size and skating combination make him a lethal operator off the rush and very difficult to stop as he cuts through the neutral zone like butter. Defensively, there have been some ups and downs and now he will be getting into his first playoff action. I am very intrigued to see how he responds and looks to take over and control the play at both ends.

Ryan McGregor (TOR): A 2017 draft pick by the Leafs, McGregor is still without an NHL contract. He has had a very good season, establishing himself as one of the OHL’s elite two-way forwards. But a strong playoff series performance for Sarnia here, even if it is in a losing cause, would go a long way to proving to Toronto’s management that he deserves a place in their future plans.

Morgan Frost of the Sault Ste. Marie Grehounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

#3. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. #6. Owen Sound Attack

Season Series: 2-0 for Sault Ste. Marie

Analysis: Two things are bad news for the Attack. The first, Morgan Frost avoided a longer suspension for cross checking and will be available for the entire first round. The second, Barrett Hayton is back and healthy, showing no rust whatsoever with four goals in two games to close out the year. That means that the ‘Hounds will be operating at full speed offensively and that does not bode well for the Attack, a team that has struggled to keep the puck out of their net this year thanks to inconsistent goaltending. Owen Sound also only has two 20 goal scorers in their lineup and no one operating at over the point per game mark. With a healthy lineup, the Greyhounds have the advantage here in nearly every facet. While I do worry about their depth and supporting cast as the rounds progress, I am confident that they should be able to get past a rebuilding Attack team pretty easily.

Prediction: Sault Ste. Marie in 4

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Barrett Hayton (ARI): Had to be a difficult year for Hayton to settle in and find a groove. Start the year in the NHL. Back to the OHL. Then off to the World Juniors. Then get injured. Through it all, his production has been fantastic with one of the highest point-pergame averages in the league. His game is tailored perfectly for the playoffs because of his high intensity level and how well he plays through traffic in the offensive end. He had a very successful playoffs last year for the Soo as a support player, now let us see how he does as a focal point.

Mac Hollowell (TOR): The front runner for OHL defender of the year was recently rewarded with a much deserved NHL contract from Toronto. Hollowell is an elite offensive defender who is great at using his above average mobility to jump up in the attack. He is also a major weapon on the powerplay, something that any team needs operating at a high level to make a deep run in the playoffs. This guy competes so hard and is easily one of the most underrated players to have played in the OHL in recent years.

Mack Guzda (2019): If Owen Sound hopes to stay in this series, they will need top shelf goaltending and that will have to come from Guzda. He came into the year very highly touted but consistency issues have continued to plague him as they did in his rookie year. He has the size and athleticism that NHL scouts are looking for, but he needs to show that he possess the mental makeup too. Not only will NHL scouts be looking closely at him here, but so will Hockey Canada for the 2019 U18 roster. He can’t afford to be a sieve and look overmatched.

Nick Suzuki of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

#4. Guelph Storm vs. #5. Kitchener Rangers

Season Series: 4-4 TIE

Analysis: With the way the Guelph Storm loaded up at this year’s trade deadline, bringing in Nick Suzuki, Markus Phillips, Sean Durzi, and Mackenzie Entwistle, one would have to consider them the heavy favorite here. And they have been playing some great hockey lately. But so have the Kitchener Rangers; a team that I do not believe can be completely written off. They have five 30 goal scorers, something that matches Guelph and their firepower. Guelph’s Anthony Popovich has struggled down the stretch and is being threatened by Nico Daws for the starting role, so I am slightly concerned about Guelph’s netminding. However, I believe the thing that sways this in Guelph’s favor is their veteran defense. Dmitri Samorukov has been playing out of his mind lately and along with Durzi, Gordeev, Phillips, Hanley, and Lalonde, make up one of the strongest and veteran-heavy defensive units in the OHL. Contrast that with Kitchener, which relies on youngsters like Mike Vukojevic and Donovan Sebrango to play key roles. The Rangers will push the Storm, but ultimately come up short.

Prediction: Guelph in 6

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Nick Suzuki (MTL): Took him a bit of time to really acclimate himself with his new surroundings in Guelph, but he has been on a tear lately and really seems to have settled in. In his last 11 games, he has 5 games with 3 points or more. Suzuki is such a good distributor, but he is at his best when he is active without the puck, forcing turnovers and putting pressure on the opposition in all three zones. He has traditionally performed very well in the playoffs in his career and I would expect nothing less from him here as Guelph gears up for a long run.

Dmitri Samorukov (EDM): Speaking of a tear, few defenders in the OHL have been as hot as Samorukov in the second half. Whether it was the confidence he gained from the World Juniors, or the increased role he received from the trade of Ryan Merkley, Samorukov has blossomed at the right time. He has become extremely aggressive offensively, using his skating ability to create off the rush. He still remains a physically aggressive stalwart in his own end; a true two-way force.

Riley Damiani (DAL): Earlier I spoke of underrated OHL players and few fit that category more than Damiani. Among 2000 born players in the OHL, only Akil Thomas and Barrett Hayton had greater point per game averages as he jumped from 37 points last year to 85 in 2018/19. He has an infectious energy about him on the ice and his dynamic playmaking ability and vision are one of the main reasons why Kitchener’s powerplay has been one of the league’s best this year.

Continued Western Conference Predictions

Conference Semi Finals

#1. London vs. #4. Guelph

#2. Saginaw vs. #3. Sault Ste. Marie

I am taking Guelph and Sault Ste. Marie here. I just was not crazy about what I saw from London in the last month of the year. They are relying on too many younger forwards to create offense and I think they lack a premier playmaker. And on defense, I think they lack the jam necessary to slow down an offensive juggernaut like Guelph. As for the Soo, I like them over Saginaw because I feel that their veteran leadership group consisting of Morgan Frost, Barrett Hayton, Mac Hollowell, Jordan Sambrook, and Keeghan Howdeshell can help to elevate the play of some of their younger support players. I think their abrasive style of play bodes better for playoff success, even though I see potential for Prosvetov to stand on his head. That is a true coin flip, but I am sticking with the Greyhounds.

Western Conference Final

#3. Sault Ste. Marie vs. #4. Guelph

I am all in on Guelph this year to take home the Western Conference title. I feel like they have been constructed the right way and have really found chemistry and hit their stride at the right time. Goaltending is a mild concern for sure, but in the West, I think everyone has similar concerns to a certain degree.

SEE OHL PREVIEW: EASTERN CONFERENCE- LINK HERE

OHL Championship Series

Niagara IceDogs vs. Guelph Storm

Another toss up for me. Ask me tomorrow and I may just choose someone different. Both of their regular season matchups were decided by a single goal. Honestly, this comes down to goaltending. I give Niagara the advantage at forward. I give Guelph the advantage on defense. But in net, I think you have to tip your hat in Stephen Dhillon’s direction. Especially considering that there is no guarantee that Anthony Popovich finishes the postseason as Guelph’s starter. So...I am selecting the Niagara IceDogs as this year’s OHL Champions!

Ivan Prosvetov – McKeen's Hockey

NHL PROSPECTS/NHL DRAFT: BELL – 20 Prospect Points – Lekkerimaki, Cowan, Dickinson, Masse & More

Drafted Prospects

Draft-Eligible Prospects

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD – Trade season gets underway with some big names moving – Some teams and players to target in an uneven week

Boston Bruins – TUE VS CGY, THU VS VAN, SAT VS WAS

Colorado Avalanche – MON @ NYR, TUE @ NJD (BTB), THU @ CAR, SAT @ FLA

Dallas Stars – TUE @ BUF, WED @ TOR (BTB), SAT @ MTL

Florida Panthers – TUE VS PHI, THU VS WAS, SAT VS COL

Toronto Maple Leafs – MON VS NYI, WED VS DAL, SAT @ OTT

Vancouver Canucks – TUE @ CAR, THU @ BOS, SAT @ DET, SUN @ WAS

Washington Capitals – TUE VS MTL, THU @ FLA, SAT @ BOS, SUN VS VAN

DADOUN: THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD – Sharks show some bite in tough season – Coyotes, Hurricanes, Avalanche, Devils, Islanders, Maple Leafs, Canucks and Golden Knights – Players to target

Arizona Coyotes - MON @ BUF, TUE @ PIT (BTB), FRI VS. SJS, SAT VS. BUF (BTB)

Carolina Hurricanes – TUE @ OTT, THU @DET, FRI VS NSH (BTB), SUN VS WAS

Colorado Avalanche – MON VS CGY, WED VS BUG, SAT @ WPG, SUN VS SJS (BTB)

New Jersey Devils – WED VS BOS, SAT @ CBJ, SUN VS ANA (BTB)

New York Islanders – MON VS TOR, FRI VS ANA, SAT @BOS (BTB)

Toronto Maple Leafs – MON @ NYI, TUE @ NYR (BTB), THU VS CBJ, SAT VS PIT

Vancouver Canucks – TUE VS TBL, THU VS FLA, SAT @ MIN, SUN @ CHI (BTB)

Vegas Golden Knights – TUE VS CGY, FRI VS BUF, SUN VS OTT

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – ARIZONA COYOTES – Top 20 Prospects

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: ARIZONA COYOTES – RANK: #12 – TIER III

McKeen’s 20-21 Hockey Yearbook: Arizona Coyotes Top 20 Prospects

Arizona Coyotes

Victor Soderstrom, D (11th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 1)

Barrett Hayton, C (5th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 2)

Matias Maccelli, LW (98th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 3)

Jan Jenik, C (65th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 4)

Kyle Capobianco, D (63rd overall, 2015. Previous Ranking: 5)

John Farinacci, C (76th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 6)

Aku Raty, RW (151st overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 7)

Carson Bantle, LW (142nd overall, 2020. Previous Ranking: N/A)

Ivan Prosvetov, G (114th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 8)

Tyler Steenbergen, C (128th overall, 2017. Previous Ranking: 9)

Axel Bergqvist, D (200th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 10)

Ty Emberson, D (73rd overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 11)

Alexander Daryin, RW (107th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 12)

Liam Kirk, C/LW (189th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 13)

Lane Pederson, C (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Oct. 13, 2016. Previous Ranking: 14)

Danil Savunov, LW/RW (174th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 15)

Hudson Fasching, RW (118th overall, 2013 [Los Angeles]. Previous Ranking: UR)

David Tendeck, G (158th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: UR)

Valentin Nussbaumer, C (207th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: UR)

Cameron Crotty, D (87th overall, 2017. Previous Ranking: UR)

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – ARIZONA COYOTES– ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 11

Arizona Coyotes

Victor Soderstrom, D (11th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

Barrett Hayton, C (5th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 2)

Matias Maccelli, LW (98th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 17)

Jan Jenik, C (65th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 10)

Kyle Capobianco, D (63rd overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 4)

John Farinacci, C (76th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 13)

Aku Raty, RW (151st overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Ivan Prosvetov, G (114th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Tyler Steenbergen, C (128th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 12)

Axel Bergqvist, D (200th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Ty Emberson, D (73rd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 9)

Alexander Daryin, RW (107th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Liam Kirk, C/LW (189th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 19)

Lane Pederson, C (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Oct. 13, 2016. 2019 Rank: UR)

Danil Savunov, LW/RW (174th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

AHL Pacific Division Report, October – Developing prospects

Arizona Coyotes 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

OHL Playoff Preview: Western Conference – Trade deadline talent arms race makes for a wide open battle

First Round

#1. London Knights vs. #8. Windsor Spitfires

NHL Prospects to Watch:

#2. Saginaw Spirit vs. #7. Sarnia Sting

NHL Prospects to Watch:

#3. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. #6. Owen Sound Attack

NHL Prospects to Watch:

#4. Guelph Storm vs. #5. Kitchener Rangers

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Continued Western Conference Predictions

Conference Semi Finals

#1. London vs. #4. Guelph

#2. Saginaw vs. #3. Sault Ste. Marie

Western Conference Final

#3. Sault Ste. Marie vs. #4. Guelph

Victor Soderstrom, D (11^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 1)

Barrett Hayton, C (5^th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 2)

Matias Maccelli, LW (98^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 3)

Jan Jenik, C (65^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 4)

Kyle Capobianco, D (63^rd overall, 2015. Previous Ranking: 5)

John Farinacci, C (76^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 6)

Aku Raty, RW (151^st overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 7)

Carson Bantle, LW (142^nd overall, 2020. Previous Ranking: N/A)

Ivan Prosvetov, G (114^th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 8)

Tyler Steenbergen, C (128^th overall, 2017. Previous Ranking: 9)

Axel Bergqvist, D (200^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 10)

Ty Emberson, D (73^rd overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 11)

Alexander Daryin, RW (107^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 12)

Liam Kirk, C/LW (189^th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: 13)

Danil Savunov, LW/RW (174^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: 15)

Hudson Fasching, RW (118^th overall, 2013 [Los Angeles]. Previous Ranking: UR)

David Tendeck, G (158^th overall, 2018. Previous Ranking: UR)

Valentin Nussbaumer, C (207^th overall, 2019. Previous Ranking: UR)

Cameron Crotty, D (87^th overall, 2017. Previous Ranking: UR)

Victor Soderstrom, D (11^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

Barrett Hayton, C (5^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 2)

Matias Maccelli, LW (98^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 17)

Jan Jenik, C (65^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 10)

Kyle Capobianco, D (63^rd overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 4)

John Farinacci, C (76^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 13)

Aku Raty, RW (151^st overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Ivan Prosvetov, G (114^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Tyler Steenbergen, C (128^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 12)

Axel Bergqvist, D (200^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Ty Emberson, D (73^rd overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 9)

Alexander Daryin, RW (107^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)

Liam Kirk, C/LW (189^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 19)

Danil Savunov, LW/RW (174^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: UR)