[04-May-2026 15:31:54 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Class 'WP_Widget' not found in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/widgets/mckeens_news_feed_widget.php:3 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/widgets/mckeens_news_feed_widget.php on line 3 [04-May-2026 15:31:55 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Class 'WP_Widget' not found in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/widgets/mckeens_sidebar_menu_widget.php:3 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/widgets/mckeens_sidebar_menu_widget.php on line 3 [04-May-2026 15:31:45 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Call to undefined function add_action() in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/shortcodes/mckeens_display_editorials.php:22 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/shortcodes/mckeens_display_editorials.php on line 22 [04-May-2026 15:31:46 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Call to undefined function add_action() in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/shortcodes/mckeens_display_tabs.php:50 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/shortcodes/mckeens_display_tabs.php on line 50 [04-May-2026 15:31:47 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Call to undefined function add_action() in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/shortcodes/mckeens_heading.php:15 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/mckeens/public_html/wp-content/themes/understrap-child/inc/shortcodes/mckeens_heading.php on line 15 Jack Hughes 2 – McKeen's Hockey https://www.mckeenshockey.com The Essential Hockey Annual Wed, 21 May 2025 19:47:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #25 LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2025-nhl-prospects-report-25-los-angeles-kings-top-15-nhl-affiliated-prospects/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2025-nhl-prospects-report-25-los-angeles-kings-top-15-nhl-affiliated-prospects/#respond Wed, 21 May 2025 19:47:45 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=193219 Read More... from 2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #25 LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

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PARADISE, NV - JUNE 28: Liam Greentree is drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round during the Upper Deck NHL Draft on June 28, 2024 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)

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MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #21 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/mckeens-2024-25-nhl-yearbook-los-angeles-kings-top-15-prospect-profiles-organizational-rank-21/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/mckeens-2024-25-nhl-yearbook-los-angeles-kings-top-15-prospect-profiles-organizational-rank-21/#respond Tue, 17 Sep 2024 18:00:21 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=188219 Read More... from MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #21

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PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 18: Los Angeles Kings Defenceman Brandt Clarke (92) passes the puck during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings on February 18, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 21st (Previous Rank - 15th)
GM: Rob Blake Hired: April 2017
COACH: Jim Hiller Hired: February 2024

Once considered one of the league’s premier pipelines, the Los Angeles Kings’ pool of young talent has gradually taken steps back. However, our fifth-ranked prospect, Brandt Clarke, continues to prop them up quite nicely. Fresh off his official rookie year in Ontario, Clarke fell just shy of contributing at a point-per-game clip with 46 points in 50 games. At 21, he’s poised to secure a permanent role on the Kings’ blueline, joining recent graduate Jordan Spence on the big club’s defence.

Goaltender Erik Portillo (140th) showed tremendous promise in his rookie AHL season, posting the fifth-best win total league wide with a 24-11-3 record. The addition of NHL veteran Darcy Kuemper and now 2024 second-rounder Carter George (236th) adds competition both in the short and long term, but the former Michigan Wolverine has unsurprisingly tracked well. Portillo recently signed a three-year contract with the Kings.

In the 2024 NHL Draft, the Kings managed to snag tremendous value at 26th overall, selecting the Windsor Spitfires’ captain Liam Greentree (87th). Coming off a 90-point OHL season, the Oshawa native tracks well to become a dual-threat contributor for the Kings. Considering the team had only four picks in 2024, they hit big on value with each of their two affirmed mentioned picks (Greentree and George)

While the remaining depth chart continues to offer substance with longstanding names like Alex Turcotte (182nd), Martin Chromiak, and Akil Thomas, the outlook is a distant cry from where it was just a few seasons ago. Then again, graduating names like Quinton Byfield and Arthur Kaliyev (RFA) and trading away Gabe Vilardi will certainly have that type of impact.

Despite making just four picks in the 2024 NHL Draft—first, second, fifth, and sixth rounds—GM Rob Blake has retained most of the team’s future draft capital, except for a 2025 second rounder. The big question now is whether these assets will be used to keep Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty’s Stanley Cup dreams alive or if the team will take a step back to retool while awaiting the full emergence of the Byfield and Clarke era.

Los Angeles Kings Top-15 Prospects

1. Brandt Clarke

Bypassing the CHL for the AHL, Brandt Clarke's pro debut with the Ontario Reign was a learning experience. The offensively gifted defenceman (eighth overall pick in 2021) surprised many with his strong play, leading all AHL rookie defenders in assists (36 and 46 points in 50 games) and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Clarke's offensive instincts and poise with the puck were on display, showcasing the offensive potential that had scouts buzzing pre-draft. However, questions about his defensive awareness and overall physicality remain. While he's not a liability, some consistency issues cropped up throughout the season. The Kings likely view Clarke's season as a success. He adapted well to the pro game and showed flashes of NHL-caliber ability. Another year in the AHL seems likely to refine his defensive game, but a late-season NHL call-up wouldn't be a shock. Clarke's future remains bright, and his offensive potential is undeniable. The key will be solidifying his defensive play and becoming a complete two-way force.

2. Liam Greentree

Greentree had been a standout for McKeen’s throughout his draft year, making an impact for a struggling Windsor Spitfires team despite limited skating skills. His potential draws a parallel with Dallas’ Jason Robertson, suggesting a similar upside if an NHL team remains patient with his development. Though his skating needs work, Greentree shows commitment and leadership as an OHL captain. His stride and posture are decent, but he struggles with speed, which could improve with better strength and conditioning. Offensively, Greentree’s puck skills are exceptional—he deftly avoids pressure and excels in battles along the wall, showcasing strong hands and a powerful wrist shot. His game sense is sharp, minimizing turnovers with quick decisions. However, his two-way play and physicality need improvement. Despite a less impressive U18 performance, Greentree remains a high-upside prospect with the potential to evolve into a top six NHL contributor.

3. Erik Portillo

Erik Portillo's arrival in the pros wasn't without its growing pains. Signed by the Kings after a stellar college career at Michigan, Portillo spent his season with the AHL's Ontario Reign. His AHL numbers (24 wins, 0.918 SV%) were solid, and continued to impress as he improved on his NCAA numbers from the year prior. There were flashes of the netminder who dominated college hockey, but consistency remained elusive. While Portillo's raw talent is undeniable, his pro adaptation has been a learning curve. Questions linger about his ability to handle the faster pace and increased workload of the NHL. The Kings likely view him as a long-term project, but another year in the AHL to refine his game seems like the most likely course. Patience will be key for both Portillo and the Kings organization and the netminder continues to develop and improve on his game.

4. Alex Turcotte

Alex Turcotte's 2023-24 campaign was a season of split results. The Kings' 2019 first rounder started with a brief NHL stint, notching four points in 20 games. While the production was decent, consistency remained elusive. Turcotte struggled to carve out a permanent role and found himself back in the AHL with the Ontario Reign. There, his offensive light shone brighter. He amassed 29 points in 35 games, showcasing his impressive skillset. However, questions about his defensive awareness and overall decision-making lingered. Turcotte's future hinges on ironing out these inconsistencies. The tools are there – his skating and offensive instincts are undeniable. But can he become a reliable two-way contributor? The Kings will be watching closely this season to see if Turcotte can take that next step. There is a risk that he may never reach the potential that was placed on him as a fifth-round pick though.

5. Carter George

Carter George had an impressive 2023-24 season marked by remarkable consistency. He led Canada to gold at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and was a key player for the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL, keeping them competitive in many games. He closed the year with another gold at the U18 World Championship, earning top goaltender honours. Although George lacks the high-end mobility and size that scouts often seek (standing at 6-foot-1), his play tracking and positioning are exceptional. He consistently covers his angles and shows excellent body control, improving his rebound control significantly over the season. An underrated strength is his puck handling; he operates confidently as a third defender, greatly aiding the transition game. His size is a concern, but his technical skills and puck management make him a standout prospect. With continued development, George has the potential to be the top goaltender coming from this draft class.

6. Francesco Pinelli

Francesco Pinelli is a dynamic and creative center with a high offensive ceiling. He boasts exceptional speed and agility, allowing him to dance around defenders and create scoring chances in tight spaces. His vision and anticipation are elite, consistently identifying soft spots in coverage and delivering precision passes to exploit them. His shot is accurate and heavy, making him a threat from anywhere on the ice. He is an impressively well-rounded and complete player, though his mental makeup stands out as his strongest quality. He's very focused and driven and maintains an even keel through the times where things get tougher. With continued development, Pinelli has the potential to become a top six forward and a key contributor on the Kings' power play. His upside as a playmaking center with a scoring touch makes him one of the most exciting prospects for the Kings.

7. Jakub Dvorak

Jakub Dvorak is a physical defenceman with a compelling combination of size, speed, and skill. Featuring a wide wingspan, he excels at shutting down opponents' attacks, using his quick feet and active stick to intercept passes and clear the zone. His vision and anticipation allow him to spark transition play, and his accurate shot makes him a threat from the point. He's also a physical presence, using his size and strength to win battles and protect his teammates. Looking like a future beast on the penalty kill, he eats up time and space with his long reach and affinity for board work. With continued development, he has the potential to become a top four defenceman and a key contributor on the Kings' blue line. His upside as a reliable, two-way defender should help him get there.

8. Samuel Fagemo

Samuel Fagemo's 2023-24 season was a tale of two leagues. In the AHL with the Ontario Reign, he was a force. Fagemo tore up the league, leading the Reign in goals (43) while showcasing his power play prowess (16 goals). His offensive dominance earned him a brief call-up to the NHL with both the Kings and Predators, where things were less rosy. Fagemo only managed one goal in eight combined NHL games, highlighting the gulf between AHL dominance and NHL success. While his skating and physical tools translate well, his decision-making needs refinement at the highest level. Fagemo's future hinges on translating his AHL success. Can he develop the hockey IQ to complement his offensive arsenal? Another strong AHL season could earn him a longer NHL look, but consistency and decision-making will be his biggest tests.

9. Koehn Ziemmer

Drafted 78th overall by the LA Kings in 2023, Koehn Ziemmer continued his development with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. While a mid-season injury sidelined him for a stretch, Ziemmer put up an impressive 31 points in just 23 games. His scoring touch remains a strength, with a knack for finding the net (11 goals). However, consistency remains an area for improvement. There were stretches where he dominated offensively, followed by periods of quieter production. The Kings inked Ziemmer to a three-year entry-level contract in November, signaling their belief in his future. His skating, a past weakness, has shown improvement, but further refinement is needed for the NHL level. His defensive awareness is a work in progress as well. Overall, 2023-24 was a season of steady progress. He'll likely spend another year in the WHL to refine his all-around game. If he can improve his consistency and defensive play, Ziemmer could develop into a solid middle-six forward for the Kings.

10. Hampton Slukynsky

Hampton Slukynsky is a talented and athletic goaltender with a high ceiling. He boasts exceptional quickness and agility, allowing him to cover a lot of ground in the crease and make highlight-reel saves. His vision and anticipation are also impressive, as he consistently reads plays and positions himself to cut off shooting lanes. He has a penchant for the highlight reel save because of his play-reading ability and because he never quits on a save, always competing for sight lines and pushing to make those second/third chance saves. His glove hand is particularly strong, and he shows poise and confidence in his game. A classic butterfly netminder, he does have a tendency to scramble in his crease and can be taken out of position. With continued development, Slukynsky has the potential to become a backup goaltender in the NHL due to his upside as an athletic and agile netminder.

11. Akil Thomas

Akil Thomas is a dynamic forward with exceptional skating and playmaking skills. His sharp hockey sense and ability to create scoring opportunities make him a constant offensive threat. Thomas excels in transition and has a knack for finding open space. While he could improve his defensive game, his offensive creativity and vision highlight his potential as a future top six NHL forward.

12. Martin Chromiak

Martin Chromiak’s 2023-24 season was a solid but unspectacular progression for the Kings prospect. Drafted 128th overall in 2020, he recorded 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 70 games with the Ontario Reign, showing offensive versatility. While his powerful skating and scoring ability were evident, consistency and game awareness remain concerns. Chromiak’s future depends on improving his consistency and decision-making to potentially secure a spot in the Kings' bottom six. The 2023-24 season was a good start, but he needs to build on it with a more complete performance.

13. Aatu Jamsen

Aatu Jamsen is an intriguing forward with excellent offensive instincts and creativity. His impressive vision and playmaking skills allow him to set up scoring opportunities effectively. Jamsen’s skating is smooth, and he demonstrates a strong hockey IQ. While he could work on his defensive game and physicality, his offensive upside and potential make him a promising prospect for future NHL contributions.

14. Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes stands out with his exceptional skating and offensive creativity. His vision and playmaking abilities allow him to create scoring opportunities and drive the attack. While he needs to refine his defensive game and consistency, Hughes' high hockey IQ and dynamic skills make him a promising prospect with significant NHL potential.

15. Otto Salin

Otto Salin is an adept defenceman with impressive puck-moving skills and a keen offensive instinct. His smooth skating and agility allow him to transition play effectively and contribute to the power play. While his defensive positioning needs refinement, Salin’s vision and ability to generate offence from the blue line highlight his potential as a future NHL contributor.

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2022 NHL DRAFT REVIEW: WESTERN DIVISION – SCOUT’S FAVOURITES https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2022-nhl-draft-review-western-division-scouts-favourites/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2022-nhl-draft-review-western-division-scouts-favourites/#respond Wed, 13 Jul 2022 18:19:51 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=177203 Read More... from 2022 NHL DRAFT REVIEW: WESTERN DIVISION – SCOUT’S FAVOURITES

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The 2022 NHL Draft has come and gone. Montreal was a gracious host to not only NHL organizations and selected players, but also to McKeens' very own Brock Otten, Will Scouch, and Sam McGilligan. The three were in Montreal and in the thick of the action last week. To recap the draft, the three have highlighted their favourite selections for both Conferences. Additionally, we have provided a listing of each team's selections, coinciding with where the McKeen's scouting team had them ranked

Brock Otten’s Favourite Selections

-In no particular order

Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images
  1. 1. Pavel Mintyukov (ANA, #10)

I have said this a bunch on social media, on podcasts/radio hits, and in written work at McKeen’s; I truly believe that Mintyukov has the highest upside of any defender available this year. He is so innately skilled, and I think a lot of the issues he had defensively this year stemmed from team related usage issues (Saginaw just wasn’t great and struggled with injuries, forcing Mintyukov to play a ton).

  1. Sam Rinzel (CHI, #25)

Speaking of upside, I also believe that Rinzel could be among the best defenders in this class in five years. He is a very raw talent, however what he can do offensively when he jumps up into the play is impressive. I think there is Brent Burns kind of potential here. He needs to learn how to use his size and mobility to be more consistent in the defensive zone, but that’s what College is for.

  1. Ivan Zhigalov (COL, #225)

We ranked Zhigalov as one of the best goaltenders available this year and getting him with the final pick of the draft, when the Avs had only two picks this year, is outstanding. Look, Zhigalov is not perfect. But no goaltender in this class is. He has the athleticism and size to be an impact player on a night-to-night basis. Really curious to see how he does in the OHL next year with Kingston.

  1. George Fegaras (DAL, #83)

I have made my like for Fegaras known in a bunch of different pieces this year and it is why we ranked him inside our Top 100 for the draft. He is a major long-term project. USHL next year, Cornell the next. He’s three or four years away from even truly showing what his high-end upside could be. However, there are some really interesting pieces to his game like his big point shot, penchant for the big hit, and his improving mobility from the right side.

  1. Servac Petrovsky (MIN, #185)

The fact that Petrovsky fell this far is a head scratcher to me. He was a consistent performer for Owen Sound as a first year OHL player and was impactful in many different forms of usage. He is extremely versatile. His offensive upside may not be extremely high, but he does look great in transition and flashes the kind of creativity that suggests he may not have shown us what he is truly capable of with the puck on his stick.

  1. Adam Ingram (NSH, #82)

Ingram may be a late birthday 2003, but he is one of the most physically immature players in this draft class. This helps to explain why he faded down the stretch in his first USHL season, which was his first year playing at a truly high level. He has a high-level shot, great instincts at both ends, and I think his skating ability will improve a lot over his collegiate career. This is a potential all situations top six forward.

  1. David Goyette (SEA, #61)

I kind of figured that Goyette would end up being selected later than we had him ranked, but slipping this low was shocking. Kind of reminds me of when scouts let Jordan Kyrou slip out of the first too. Those two had similar strengths and similar concerns as draft eligible players. As the Wolves become a dominant team in the OHL, Goyette should be smack dab in the middle of it.

  1. Tucker Robertson (SEA, #123)

Robertson was my favourite re-entry available this year. He was one of the highest scoring 2003 born players in the OHL this year, progressing better than many already NHL drafted players. He does so many things well. I think that he will eventually become one of the OHL’s best and most complete forwards and that Seattle will be very happy with his projection as a middle six contributor.

  1. Daimon Gardner (VAN, #112)

This is very much a long-term project. What high school prospect isn’t? However, finding big centers with skill and decent skating are hard to find and you usually have to draft them a lot higher than this. He will play next year in the BCHL with Chilliwack before heading to Clarkson. At Clarkson, he will get a chance to play big minutes and could be the next face of that program.

  1. Matyas Sapovaliv (VGS, #48)

Sapovaliv wasn’t always the most consistent in Saginaw this year, but he showed some really intriguing qualities and that made him one of my favourites from the OHL. I really like his on and off the puck intelligence/vision. I’m really curious to see how his game develops as his movement capabilities do.

Will Scouch’s Favourite Selections

  1. Shane Wright (SEA, #4)

I don’t think Seattle really minds how this went down in Montreal. They get a player who could become one of the better transition centres in the draft and one of the most threatening offensive centres as well in Shane Wright. He slipped further than I thought he would, but Seattle now has my last two top rated players in the draft and between Wright and Beniers, they have an extremely strong foundation down the middle to work around.

  1. Brad Lambert (WPG, #30)

It’d be dangerously off brand for me not to include Lambert in here somewhere. Look, I get the concerns, but I watched a lot of hockey, and Lambert going after some of the names that went as high as 15 or 20 picks higher left me a little bewildered. I really, really hope that Winnipeg knows what they may have with Lambert and look forward to him getting the reset he needs and starting a new journey.

  1. Mattias Havelid (SJS, #45)

There are certainly concerns with Havelid’s likelihood of huge NHL success. He needs to diversify his offensive game, certainly improve his defensive coverage and physical strength, and he relies far too much on his admittedly good release on his shot to generate chances offensively. However, his skill, mobility on his feet and yes, his shot quality is awesome in combination. He’s a swing, but a fun one.

  1. Jagger Firkus (SEA, #35)

I really thought that through everything, Jagger Firkus would have been taken somewhere in the first round. Some teams fell back on old habits avoiding the undersized scoring wizard, but Seattle took the plunge early on day 2. Firkus is skilled, agile, and has a great scoring release with a playmaker’s streak off the boards, doing so under pressure at times. He’s going to need to build a bit more of an escape gear and certainly get stronger, but he’s got huge offensive tools and could be a great supplement for someone like Shane Wright in the future.

  1. Jordan Gustafson (VGK, #79)

Jordan Gustafson feels like a player where if his ability to generate speed and use the space he creates for himself, he could be a massive get at 79. He’s smart, adapts to pressure well, uses linemates effectively with a good sense of timing on the puck, and drove very good transition results in my tracking.

  1. Adam Zlnka (ARZ, 204)

Honestly, outside of Logan Cooley at 3, the Arizona Coyotes’ most interesting pick came near the end of the draft. Zlnka scored at a huge rate in Slovakia, better than Adam Sykora as a teammate last year before joining the Sioux Falls Stampede. Unfortunately, an ACL injury put him out for the remainder of the season right when he seemed to be adjusting to the USHL, but he’s a highly skilled, offensive minded winger. I’ve seen this guy do spin-o-ramas on zone entries for crying out loud. He’s a ton of fun and I hope he works out over time now that he’s back playing at Arizona’s rookie camp.

  1. Ty Nelson (SEA, #68)

I wasn’t shocked to see Nelson fall to 68, but when he’s the sixth player you draft, I think that’s great value. He’s a flawed defender with somewhat limited mobility to apply pressure and close gaps, but the tools are clearly there. He shoots like few other defenders, just shoots far too often. He’s a gifted puck carrier but controlling transitions through his passing was abysmal on paper. I’d love to see Nelson hit another gear and think that he’s a great buy low pick in the early third round.

  1. Fabian Wagner (WPG, #175)

Wagner is probably the best example of a guy who once in a while has “holy moly” moments, then disappears for a while. There’s great skill and creativity with Wagner, and as much as he fell down my board as I watched him, 175 felt extremely late for him to go. Winnipeg is swinging for upside with Wagner, and I’ll have a keen eye on him.

  1. Samuel Savoie (CHI, #81)

I have a lot of admiration for how Savoie plays. I think he was drafted really high for what he’s capable of, but he’s energetic, quick, and plays with a ton of pace. Controlling pucks at that pace and creating offense in possession isn’t quite there yet, but with time and development, there could be a neat pick up here for Chicago, even if it was a little high in my view.

  1. Ryan Healey (MIN, #121)

I’ve watched Healey for two years and have always wondered how he hasn’t produced more. I love the skill, agility and fluid footwork, as well as the confidence Healey has to step into space and try to make plays. A player I had in my back pocket for a potential late round pick, Judd Brackett of course had to go out and pick him at the early ranges of where I’d consider taking a flyer on him. I’m a fan of his upside with the right encouragement and development.

Sam McGilligan’s Favourite Selections

(No order)

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - DECEMBER 26: Finland vs Germany preliminary round action at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place on December 26, 2021 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)
1: Brad Lambert (WPG, #30)

Surprise, surprise. Turns out Brad Lambert did fall after all. For the Jets, this is easily the best pick they could have made and it's not even close if you ask me. Regardless of what you think about his "hockey IQ" (it's really good by the way), the talent level is so far above every other player in this range that swinging on him here is the easiest decision one can make. He may arguably be the best skater outside of the NHL right now, and he has a set of hands that fully complement this mobility with zero wasted movement. There is legitimate 1C upside here and a third line floor on most teams. Best pick of the draft, easily.

2: Shane Wright (SEA, #4)

I mean, duh, right? Shane Wright being available at four felt like an impossibility moments before the draft started. It was likely the easiest pick any team had to make in the draft, but nonetheless, Seattle deserves credit for not overthinking things and taking the clear-cut best player available. Wright is extremely likely to be a top six center and the safest best to be a high-end player as the 2022 class can offer.

3: Liam Öhgren (MIN, #19)

Liam Öhgren being the last of the Djurgårdens' forwards to be drafted is not what I had envisioned prior to the draft. He's such a safe projection to an NHL team's middle six within just a few years that I thought he'd go higher just on that fact alone. Fortunately for Minnesota fans, Öhgren has upside far higher than just the middle six. He's brilliant, can play comfortably in both perimeter and middle ice, can manipulate to create both passing and shooting lanes and is highly competent in his own zone. His playstyle is so adaptable that he can fit alongside any offensive play drivers, regardless of their personal approach to the game. This was a very easy selection to make, and it's not surprising that the Wild nailed yet another draft pick.

4: Jack Hughes (LA, #52)

I am kind of surprised Jack Hughes was still available for LA to select in the first place. He's a highly mobile and active forward who showed he can adapt to higher pace hockey with ease. The toolkit and approach to the game are currently at a bit of a war with each other, as the toolkit boasts the upside of a top six guy but the actual implementation of it is currently being used in a bottom six fashion. But that's par for the course when you're this young making an adjustment to play in the NCAA, and I'm not sure it fully describes what he can be five years down the line. Either way, I think this was a great selection for a team without a first-round pick.

5: Joakim Kemell (NSH, #17)

This feels a bit funny to write because I believed Joakim Kemell was overvalued by many for a significant portion of the year; however, that only is a problem if Kemell goes top ten. Getting to draft Kemell at 17th overall? That's a huge win, and the Predators should be very happy with their new off-puck scorer. Kemell has a great sense for how play in the OZ will unfold, as well as great timing for knowing when to be in the right spot at the right time. He's an adaptable goal scorer who offers precision on his shot from awkward body positions. He's also quite the energetic forechecker as well. I don't think there's enough passing upside to warrant a selection higher than this, but 17 is a great spot for this type of player.

6: Jagger Firkus (SEA, #35)

No player rose up my final board more than Jagger Firkus did. Firkus possesses some of the best puck skills in the draft, demonstrating ridiculous levels of control starting at the very moment his stick makes contact with the puck upon reception. He's also one of the draft's best shooters, and has the mobility required to blend these two traits together to consistently gain access to middle ice to shoot and distribute. His smaller stature is the only reason he wasn't a day one pick, and I think a few teams are going to regret passing on him.

7: Ty Nelson (SEA, #68)

This shorter defender has the physicality, skating and skill to overcome his size deficit and become a truly dynamic PMD at the NHL level. Unfortunately, he isn't in a team environment right now where he gets to utilize these skills in such a way, and it makes it harder to project him to the NHL because his strengths aren't being fully realized. However, when you're picking in the third round, it's a risk worth taking when you're potentially getting a mobile top four guy. He also broke a puck in half so.. there's that.

8: Mattias Havelid (SJ, #45)

Mattias Havelid carries risk, but in the mid second that's more than okay. His defensive game needs to go up at least a few tiers in order to cleanly project, but there's enough there fundamentally that it isn't a ridiculous idea. Offensively, Havelid overly relies on a few patterns where almost all of them end in generating a shot lane for himself. His game is far from what it needs to be in the NHL, but at this point in the draft that can be said of most players. Not many offer the same upside he does.

9: David Goyette (SEA, #61)

I am kind of floored that Goyette fell this late in the draft? The bulk of his results come from clearly understanding how hockey is played within a team structure. He's the type of center that glues his line together through quick decision making and precise off-puck routing. Add a little bit more speed, physical durability and skill with the puck and I think Goyette projects rather cleanly as a third line center.

10: Christian Kyrou (DAL, #50)

Kyrou is as hilariously creative as one can find in a CHL defender this year, and it does not surprise me one bit that it was the Dallas Stars who decided to take a swing on him. His defensive game is far from consistent, let alone NHL worthy, and that might just be too large a hurdle for him to overcome in development… but if he does figure it out then Kyrou has serious top 4, PP potential.

2022 NHL DRAFT      
Anaheim Ducks      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Pavel Mintyukov D 10 11
Nathan Gaucher C 22 43
Noah Warren D 42 38
Tristan Luneau D 53 29
Ben King C 107 155
Connor Hvidston C/W 139 HM
Michael Callow W 154 HM
Vyacheslav Buteyets G 174 NR
       
Arizona Coyotes      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Logan Cooley C 3 2
Conor Geekie C 11 14
Maveric Lamoureux D 29 58
Artem Duda D 36 57
Julian Lutz W 43 52
Miko Matikka W 67 176
Jeremy Langlois D 94 135
Matthew Morden D 131 211
Maksymilian Szuber D 163 HM
Adam Zlnka W 204 NR
       
Calgary Flames      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Topi Ronni C 59 85
Parker Bell W 155 186
Cade Littler C 219 HM
       
Chicago Blackhawks      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Kevin Korchinski D 7 18
Frank Nazar C 13 12
Sam Rinzel D 25 28
Paul Ludwinski C/W 39 50
Ryan Greene C 57 93
Gavin Hayes W 66 59
Samuel Savoie W 81 133
Aidan Thompson C 90 NR
Dominic James C 173 223
Nils Juntorp W 188 NR
Riku Tohila C 199 NR
       
Colorado Avalanche      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Chris Romaine D 193 NR
Ivan Zhigalov G 225 125
Dallas Stars      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Lian Bichsel D 18 41
Christian Kyrou D 50 86
George Fegaras D 83 100
Gavin White D 115 188
Maxim Mayorov G 147 157
Matthew Seminoff W 170 62
       
Edmonton Oilers      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Reid Schaefer W 32 64
Samuel Jonsson G 158 NR
Nikita Yevseyev D 190 175
Joel Maatta C 222 NR
       
Los Angeles Kings      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Jack Hughes C 52 51
Kenny Connors C 103 HM
Angus Booth D 116 113
Otto Salin D 148 67
Jared Wright W 169 NR
Jack Sparkes D 180 HM
Kaleb Lawrence C 215 NR
       
Minnesota Wild      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Liam Ohgren W 19 21
Danila Yurov C/W 24 10
Hunter Haight C 47 70
Rieger Lorenz W 56 77
Mikey Milne W 89 87
Ryan Healey D 121 HM
David Spacek D 153 92
Servac Petrovsky C/W 185 117
       
Nashville Predators      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Joakim Kemell W 17 7
Adam Ingram C/W 82 49
Kasper Kulonummi D 84 55
Cole O'Hara W 114 NR
Graham Sward D 146 222
Ben Strinden C 210 NR
       
San Jose Sharks      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Filip Bystedt C/W 27 60
Cameron Lund C 34 65
Mattias Havelid D 45 42
Michael Fisher D 76 89
Mason Beaupit G 109 160
Jake Furlong D 140 154
Joey Muldowney W 172 NR
Eli Barnett D 195 NR
Reese Laubach C 217 NR
       
Seattle Kraken      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Shane Wright C 4 1
Jagger Firkus W 35 20
Jani Nyman W 49 47
Niklas Kokko G 58 NR
David Goyette C 61 27
Ty Nelson D 68 46
Ben Macdonald C 91 HM
Tyson Jugnauth D 100 146
Tucker Robertson C 123 120
Barrett Hall C 164 NR
Kyle Jackson C 196 HM
       
St. Louis Blues      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Jimmy Snuggerud W 23 31
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki W 73 74
Michael Buchinger D 88 94
Arseni Koromyslov D 120 79
Marc-Andre Gaudet D 152 HM
Landon Sim W 184 NR
       
Vancouver Canucks      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Jonathan Lekkerimaki W 15 9
Elias Pettersson D 80 152
Daimon Gardner C 112 145
Ty Young G 144 NR
Jackson Dorrington D 176 150
Kirill Kudryavtsev D 208 218
       
Vegas Golden Knights      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Matyas Sapovaliv C 48 44
Jordan Gustafson C 79 80
Cameron Whitehead G 128 201
Patrick Guay C 145 NR
Ben Hemmerling W 177 107
Abram Wiebe D 209 NR
       
Winnipeg Jets      
2022 NHL Draft Selections:      
       
Name Position NHL Selection McKeen's Ranking
Rutger McGroarty W 14 36
Brad Lambert C 30 8
Elias Salomonsson D 55 56
Danil Zhilkin C 77 54
Garrett Brown D 99 NR
Fabian Wagner C/W 175 159
Domenic Divincentiis G 207 NR
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2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #61 thru #70 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2022-nhl-draft-midseason-ranking-top-100-player-profiles-video-61-70/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2022-nhl-draft-midseason-ranking-top-100-player-profiles-video-61-70/#respond Sat, 19 Feb 2022 16:15:57 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=175279 Read More... from 2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #61 thru #70

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

With this piece our intention is to briefly introduce you to each of the players that fill out the rest of the Top 100 (ranked 50-100), after previously looking at the Top 50. Below you will find a short summary of their games in addition to a top highlight. In the coming months you will see in-depth scouting reports published by our regional scouts on each of these players (like this one on Shane Wright).

FRISCO, TX USA - APRIL 29: Russia's Sergei Ivanov #29 and Arseni Koromyslov #7 defend during preliminary round action against Germany at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on April 29, 2021 in Frisco, TX USA. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)
  1. Arseni Koromyslov - Defense - SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)

A late born ‘03, Koromyslov has long been on the scouting radar since debuting in the MHL at the age of 15. A 6’3, smooth skating defender, Koromyslov has evolved his game to be a more effective defensive player over the last few years, especially when it comes to defending pace and counter attacks. He takes away time and space really well and definitely projects as someone who can make a difference in the defensive end at the NHL level. However, his offensive production has not really taken that next step forward this year despite possessing the hands and creativity to play aggressively and to play deep in the offensive zone. Has his development stagnated? What is the disconnect here? Either way, his combination of mobility and size will be attractive, and all eyes will be on him to close out the year strongly.

  1. Jack Hughes - Center - Northeastern (NCAA)

The jokes have been fast and furious the last few years regarding Hughes, no relation to the other Hughes family (Jack, Quinn, and Luke) which is quickly becoming hockey royalty. Instead, Jack is the son of Kent Hughes, the newly named general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. This Jack Hughes is a dynamic and intelligent playmaker who is having a solid freshman season at Northeastern. He loves to attack the offensive zone using his mohawk (10 to 2) stride, showing an ability to keep the puck on a string as he moves in and out of traffic. He lacks the strength to be a consistent contributor away from the puck at the NCAA level right now, but he does generally have a high work rate and should improve into more of a well-rounded player as he gains strength. Our ranking of him is definitely lower than some of our contemporaries. The main reason is his reliance on mohawking to generate off the rush, which has not had a strong track record of transitioning well to the NHL (or even AHL) level. Ask Jeremy Bracco (or Antonio Stranges last year).

  1. Lane Hutson - Defense - USNDP (USHL)

Hutson is viewed in a similar light to his program teammate Tyler Duke. He is not big, but his game is highly efficient. Hutson is a beautiful skater, especially in terms of his ability to build speed out of pivots. This helps him to escape the defensive zone, even under duress. It also helps him quarterback the powerplay effectively and move the puck along the blueline. Our video scouting team absolutely loves Hutson and believes that he has tremendous offensive upside as he gains confidence in his ability to carry the puck and play more aggressively. That said, there are times where he is overwhelmed in the defensive zone. He is a better skater than Duke, but his physical tenacity and his effectiveness in defending the net front is not at the same level. This begs the question, is Hutson limited to being more a specialized defender at the next level who needs to be sheltered? Or is there a definitive top four upside as his defensive game (and body) matures?

  1. Gavin Hayes - Wing - Flint Firebirds (OHL)

It has been a bit of a rollercoaster year for Hayes thus far. He had a really strong showing at the Hlinka/Gretzky for the U.S., excelling as a physical attacker and generator off the rush. However, when the OHL season started, he found himself buried on the fourth line (or the press box) in Flint. He eventually turned things around and earned more playing time, even getting back on to the top powerplay unit. However, when Flint got Ethan Keppen back from the AHL recently, his ice time was once again reduced. One thing Hayes has had trouble doing this year is blending his physicality/energy with his ability to be a dangerous offensive player. When he has been scoring, he has played a more passive game without the puck. When he has not been scoring, he has been bringing physicality and excelling in all three zones. The merger of the two to be a true difference maker has not yet happened, despite the expectation that it would (and it did at the Hlinka/Gretzky).

  1. Otto Salin - Defense - HIFK (Fin-Liiga)

Injuries have been a problem for this promising, right shot, offensive defender this season. However, he has returned recently after a long lay-off and is playing on HIFK’s third pair and on the powerplay. A strong skater, Salin can be an impactful puck mover because of how efficiently he is able to start the breakout. His vision is definitely his best asset, and it is rare to find a right shot defender with the kind of mobility and offensive awareness that Salin possesses. There are a few questions, likely because of his lack of playing time this year. The first is, how skilled and creative is Salin? Can he be a powerplay quarterback at the NHL level? The second is, what is Salin’s ceiling as a defensive player? Can he improve his defensive zone play to the point where he would be classified as a strong two-way defender? He will be a player to watch down the stretch as he is finally back to playing again. We should get a better read on his progression by the time the U18’s roll around.

  1. Hunter Haight - Center - Barrie Colts (OHL)

Haight is one of the best examples of what the year off did to the development of some players in Ontario. He had a terrific summer camp with Hockey Canada, excelling in the U18/U20 blended games. However, his start to his OHL career has been rocky. His inconsistent play has led to another young star, Beau Jelsma, passing him on the team’s depth chart. Haight is still one of the most individually skilled and creative players in this Ontario age group. In fact, he’s actually a pretty well-rounded player too, who shows well on both sides of the puck when he is dialed in. The issue right now stems from a lack of strength, confidence, and the fact that his skating does not look quite as strong as it did as a U16 player. Haight is the ultimate home run swing in the middle rounds because of the upside he possesses. He has not played his best this year, but let’s see how he closes the year and if his game shows development down the stretch.

  1. Antonin Verreault - Wing - Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

A highly intelligent and creative playmaker, Verreault has not quite elevated his game the way many expected he would this year. The QMJHL’s rookie of the year last season was arguably one of the best ‘04’s in the CHL last year. Verreault is at his best in the offensive zone. He works in and around traffic with strong small area quickness and agility and is able to prolong possession with his elusiveness. His poise and vision with the puck are strengths as he operates surgically from the outside. Herein lies the issue though. At 5’9, Verreault is not big, and the one criticism of his game is that he does not find success inside as consistently as he needs to. Be it a need to alter his mindset. Be it a need to add strength on the puck. Verreault can be kept to the perimeter. However, he does possess a high upside as an offensive player because of his intelligence and creativity in the offensive end. Our scouts will be looking for him to truly step up and elevate his game with the QMJHL starting back up in order to keep his spot in the Top 75.

  1. Cameron Lund - Wing/Center - Green Bay Gambles (USHL)

Playing in his first season in the USHL, Lund has been a standout for Green Bay, especially lately. The Northeastern commit is a well-rounded player. He looks strong as a transitional attacker because of his power and puck protection ability. However, he also drives the net hard and plays a power game, looking to use his 6’2 frame physically to gain leverage near the crease and in the corners. It is really easy to see him becoming a quality, long time pro with his versatile skill set. Is the upside significant? Probably not. But as Lund fills out, you could easily see him becoming a really solid two-way player and an asset down low. It should also be mentioned that Lund was one of the U.S.’ best players at the Hlinka/Gretzky last summer, so his progression has been consistent since leaving Cushing Academy.

  1. Bryce McConnell-Barker - Center/Wing - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

McConnell-Barker is a former high pick in the OHL draft who has had a bit of a difficult time finding his footing thus far. He has been moved up and down the Greyhounds’ lineup and has shifted between the middle and wing. There have been moments where he has looked great, but consistency has certainly been an issue, much like Hunter Haight ranked slightly ahead of him. Best case scenario, McConnell-Barker develops into a solid two-way, goal scoring center who can push the pace with his speed and play in all situations. He is quick. He has good size. His compete level in all three zones is generally solid. He has a heavy shot. It is about putting all these pieces together. The major concern is whether McConnell-Barker has enough skill to be a play driver or consistent finisher. He has had some trouble finishing off plays in tight this year. Additionally, given his high-end shot, he needs to find a way to slip into soft spots in coverage more consistently to get himself good looks. In a lot of ways, he and Ludwinski are similar in that the shell of an impactful two-way forward is there, but the production has been inconsistent due to possible skill limitations.

  1. Brennan Ali - Center - Avon Old Farms (USHS - PREP)

Inside our top 50, we had Sam Rinzel as the top ranked player from the Minnesota high school ranks this year. Well Brennan Ali is the top ranked prep player from the East coast. Ali is a highly competitive pivot who loves to push and attack the middle. He is consistently dialed in physically and his work rate is extremely high, especially on the forecheck and down low. This is a player who loves to get under the skin of the opposition. While he’s played primarily with Avon Old Farms, he has looked great in limited action with Lincoln (USHL) and in a few guest appearances with the US U18 team. The Notre Dame commit probably does not have the upside of a top six player, but his skating and physicality combination makes him a fun player to watch. If his puck skill and finishing ability can improve through his college career, Ali could have a long career as a Brandon Dubinsky type.

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2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 100 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2022-nhldraft-mckeens-mid-season-ranking-top-100/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2022-nhldraft-mckeens-mid-season-ranking-top-100/#respond Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:59:29 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=175057 Read More... from 2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 100

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

A new year means a new draft ranking at McKeen’s Hockey, as we expand our list at mid-season to a Top 100. Back in mid-November, we released our preliminary ranking, a top 32, so this serves not only as an update, but an expansion too.

Like many, we were disappointed with the abrupt ending of the World Junior Championships, not just because it robbed us of some terrific hockey, but because it prevented a high-quality look at some of the best talents in this draft year. While a poor showing at the World Juniors is often dismissed, a strong showing can really help elevate a player’s standing. Ultimately, the decision to stop the tournament was the correct one, given the circumstances, however, hopefully the World Under 18’s can occur in Germany as planned in April.

At this point Kingston Frontenacs center and former CHL exceptional status player Shane Wright remains at the top of our rankings, however the gap is admittedly closing between him and some of the other players inside of our top five. Defenseman Simon Nemec is having a historically good season in the Slovak men’s league and will play for Slovakia at the Olympics. Center Logan Cooley is proving to be a dynamic two-way threat and is fresh off a terrific performance at the Biosteel All American Game. Center Matthew Savoie of the Winnipeg Ice continues to lead the WHL in scoring on the top ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League. A year ago, it was unfathomable to imagine anyone else but Wright being selected first overall. That concept is not as far-fetched today. Without question, Wright will need to pick up his play in the second half to withstand his competitors.

Looking specifically at those ranked inside our first round (top 32), the positional breakdown is as follows: 10 defenders, 22 forwards, and zero goaltenders. In fact, we do not have a single goaltender ranked inside the first two rounds. Tyler Brennan and Topias Leinonen are our top goaltenders, ranked 84th and 87th, respectively. The quality and depth of goaltenders available this year may be the worst that we have ever seen as a scouting staff.

Regionally, the breakdown is as follows: ten players from the CHL, seven players from the USHL (more specifically the NTDP), four players in Sweden, four players in Russia, three players in Finland, two players in Slovakia, and two players in Czechia. The U.S. National Development program is extremely well represented with ten players inside of our first two rounds.

This top 100 was formed in consultation with our regional scouts and our video scouting team. Now that we have our midseason list formed, look for our annual, in-depth individual scouting reports to start being published in the very near future.

Shane Wright of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.
RANK PLAYER POS TEAM HT/WT DOB GP-G-A-PTS
1 Shane Wright C Kingston (OHL) 6-1/190 5-Jan-04 25-12-19-31
2 Simon Nemec D HK Nitra (Svk) 6-1/190 15-Feb-04 28-0-19-19
3 Matthew Savoie C Winnipeg (WHL) 5-9/180 1-Jan-04 35-19-34-53
4 Logan Cooley C USN U18 (USDP) 5-10/180 4-May-04 25-15-20-35
5 Danila Yurov RW Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL) 6-1/175 22-Dec-03 21-0-0-0
6 Joakim Kemell RW JyP (Fin-Liiga) 5-11/175 27-Apr-04 21-12-6-18
7 Juraj Slafkovsky LW TPS (Fin-Liiga) 6-4/225 30-Mar-04 20-1-3-4
8 Conor Geekie C Winnipeg (WHL) 6-4/205 5-May-04 35-11-27-38
9 Brad Lambert C JyP (Fin-Liiga) 6-0/180 19-Dec-03 24-2-4-6
10 Ivan Miroshnichenko LW Omskie Krylia (VHL) 6-1/185 4-Feb-04 30-9-6-15
11 David Jiricek D HC Plzen (Cze) 6-3/190 28-Nov-03 29-5-6-11
12 Filip Mesar C HK Poprad (Svk) 5-10/165 3-Jan-04 22-6-5-11
13 Pavel Mintyukov D Saginaw (OHL) 6-1/190 25-Nov-03 31-6-17-23
14 Denton Mateychuk D Moose Jaw (WHL) 5-11/190 12-Jul-04 35-7-24-31
15 Marco Kasper C Rogle BK (SHL) 6-1/185 8-Apr-04 27-4-2-6
16 Alexander Perevalov LW Loko Yaroslavl (MHL) 6-0/190 16-Apr-04 29-19-20-39
17 Seamus Casey D USN U18 (USDP) 5-10/160 8-Jan-04 31-5-13-18
18 Frank Nazar C USN U18 (USDP) 5-10/175 14-Jan-04 33-15-23-38
19 Noah Ostlund C Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20) 5-10/160 11-Mar-04 19-6-18-24
20 Cutter Gauthier C USN U18 (USDP) 6-2/190 19-Jan-04 33-20-12-32
21 Jonathan Lekkerimaki C Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20) 5-11/170 24-Jul-04 25-19-15-34
22 Tristan Luneau D Gatineau (QMJHL) 6-2/175 12-Jan-04 26-5-10-15
23 Nathan Gaucher C Quebec (QMJHL) 6-3/205 6-Nov-03 30-15-11-26
24 Ty Nelson D North Bay (OHL) 5-9/195 30-Mar-04 33-5-21-26
25 Vladimir Grudinin D Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL) 5-10/160 9-Dec-03 15-2-7-9
26 Owen Beck C Mississauga (OHL) 5-11/190 3-Feb-04 33-13-16-29
27 Simon Forsmark D Orebro (SHL) 6-2/195 17-Oct-03 22-0-1-1
28 Mats Lindgren D Kamloops (WHL) 5-11/175 26-Aug-04 34-2-19-21
29 Rutger McGroarty LW USN U18 (USDP) 6-1/205 30-Mar-04 27-15-17-32
30 Jiri Kulich C Karlovy Vary (Cze) 6-0/175 14-Apr-04 31-7-4-11
31 Isaac Howard LW USN U18 (USDP) 5-10/180 30-Mar-04 33-15-24-39
32 Jimmy Snuggerud RW USN U18 (USDP) 6-1/185 1-Jun-04 33-16-22-38
33 Filip Bystedt C Linkopings (SHL) 6-4/185 4-Feb-04 14-1-1-2
34 Brandon Lisowsky LW Saskatoon (WHL) 5-8/175 13-Apr-04 35-19-10-29
35 Jagger Firkus RW Moose Jaw (WHL) 5-10/155 29-Apr-04 38-23-21-44
36 Maveric Lamoureux D Drummondville (QMJHL) 6-7/195 13-Jan-04 30-3-8-11
37 Matthew Poitras C Guelph (OHL) 5-11/175 10-Mar-04 29-10-13-23
38 Adam Ingram C Youngstown (USHL) 6-2/165 14-Oct-03 27-16-20-36
39 Liam Ohgren LW Djurgardens (SHL) 6-0/185 28-Jan-04 21-1-1-2
40 Calle Odelius D Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20) 6-0/185 30-May-04 28-4-17-21
41 Sam Rinzel D Chaska (USHS-MN) 6-4/180 25-Jun-04 13-3-13-16
42 Ludwig Persson LW Frolunda J20 (Swe J20) 6-0/180 8-Oct-03 24-16-19-35
43 Artyom Duda D Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (Rus) 6-1/180 8-Apr-04 36-11-20-31
44 Jani Nyman RW KOOVEE (Fin-Mestis) 6-3/210 30-Jul-04 23-14-9-23
45 Matyas Sapovaliv C Saginaw (OHL) 6-3/180 12-Feb-04 31-10-16-26
46 Kevin Korchinski D Seattle (WHL) 6-1/185 21-Jun-04 32-4-24-28
47 Gleb Trikozov RW Omskie Yastreby (MHL) 6-1/185 12-Aug-04 17-9-8-17
48 David Goyette C Sudbury (OHL) 5-11/170 27-Mar-04 32-12-18-30
49 Owen Pickering D Swift Current (WHL) 6-3/180 27-Jan-04 34-6-15-21
50 Lian Bichsel D Leksands (SHL) 6-5/215 18-May-04 13-0-1-1
51 Paul Ludwinski LW Kingston (OHL) 5-11/175 23-Apr-04 28-6-13-19
52 Jordan Dumais RW Halifax (QMJHL) 5-8/165 15-Apr-04 30-16-31-47
53 Aleksanteri Kaskimaki LW HIFK (Fin U20) 6-0/185 6-Feb-04 22-15-14-29
54 Luca Del Bel Belluz C Mississauga (OHL) 6-1/180 10-Nov-03 33-18-27-45
55 Ryan Chesley D USN U18 (USDP) 6-0/195 27-Feb-04 32-2-5-7
56 Danny Zhilkin C Guelph (OHL) 6-2/185 19-Dec-03 27-10-14-24
57 Isaiah George D London (OHL) 6-0/195 15-Feb-04 29-1-9-10
58 Rieger Lorenz LW Okotoks (AJHL) 6-1/185 30-Mar-04 43-28-39-67
59 Tyler Duke D USN U18 (USDP) 5-8/180 19-Jul-04 27-1-7-8
60 Mattias Havelid D Linkopings (SHL) 5-9/170 1-Jan-04 12-0-0-0
61 Arseni Koromyslov D SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) 6-3/180 3-Nov-03 22-0-8-8
62 Jack Hughes 2 C Northeastern (NCAA-HE) 6-0/165 2-Nov-03 22-5-4-9
63 Lane Hutson D USN U18 (USDP) 5-8/150 14-Feb-04 33-4-25-29
64 Gavin Hayes RW Flint (OHL) 6-1/175 14-May-04 30-8-9-17
65 Otto Salin D HIFK (Fin-Liiga) 5-11/185 7-Mar-04 5-0-1-1
66 Hunter Haight C Barrie (OHL) 5-10/175 4-Apr-04 24-8-6-14
67 Antonin Verreault LW Gatineau (QMJHL) 5-8/165 28-Jul-04 29-8-18-26
68 Cameron Lund RW Green Bay (USHL) 6-2/185 7-Jun-04 30-11-9-20
69 Bryce McConnell-Barker C Soo Greyhounds (OHL) 6-1/185 4-Jun-04 34-11-12-23
70 Brennan Ali C Lincoln (USHL) 6-1/195 9-Feb-04 2-0-0-0
71 David Spacek D Sherbrooke (QMJHL) 6-0/170 18-Feb-03 27-5-20-25
72 Angus Booth D Shawinigan (QMJHL) 6-0/175 27-Apr-04 30-1-20-21
73 Jake Livanavage D Chicago (USHL) 5-9/160 6-May-04 32-2-25-27
74 Markus Vidicek C Halifax (QMJHL) 5-10/160 21-Mar-04 30-9-18-27
75 Matthew Seminoff RW Kamloops (WHL) 5-10/160 27-Dec-03 30-15-18-33
76 Kasper Kulonummi D Jokerit (Fin U20) 6-0/175 1-Mar-04 25-2-16-18
77 Vinzenz Rohrer RW Ottawa (OHL) 5-10/160 9-Sep-04 30-9-14-23
78 Elias Salomonsson D Skelleftea J20 (Swe J20) 6-1/170 31-Aug-04 24-8-9-17
79 Liam Arnsby C North Bay (OHL) 5-10/180 20-Nov-03 32-8-10-18
80 Daniil Orlov D Sakhalinskiye Akuly (MHL) 6-2/180 21-Dec-03 44-8-18-26
81 Quinn Finley LW Madison (USHL) 6-0/170 8-Aug-04 14-5-5-10
82 Topi Ronni C Tappara (Fin U20) 6-1/180 5-May-04 21-7-11-18
83 Jordan Gustafson C Seattle (WHL) 5-11/180 20-Jan-04 29-13-18-31
84 Tyler Brennan G Prince George (WHL) 6-4/190 27-Sep-03 8-11-2, 3.34, .902
85 Cole Spicer C USN U18 (USDP) 5-10/175 13-Jun-04 31-10-12-22
86 Ryan Greene C Green Bay (USHL) 6-1/175 21-Oct-03 28-10-16-26
87 Topias Leinonen G JyP (Fin U20) 6-4/215 19-Jul-04 17GP, 2.17, .919
88 Alexander Suzdalev LW HV 71 J20 (Swe J20) 6-2/175 5-Mar-04 31-11-22-33
89 Pano Fimis C Niagara (OHL) 5-10/175 17-Jun-04 27-5-14-19
90 Spencer Sova D Erie (OHL) 6-1/185 10-Jan-04 30-2-12-14
91 Yoan Loshing C Moncton (QMJHL) 5-9/160 29-Feb-04 19-8-5-13
92 Jack Devine RW Denver (NCHC) 5-11/175 1-Oct-03 19-2-12-14
93 Ruslan Gazizov RW London (OHL) 5-11/185 21-Jan-04 20-5-11-16
94 Jackson Dorrington D Des Moines (USHL) 6-2/190 13-Apr-04 27-3-7-10
95 Jorian Donovan D Hamilton (OHL) 6-1/180 5-Apr-04 31-3-9-12
96 Jere Lassila C JyP (Fin U20) 5-9/170 8-Mar-04 13-7-4-11
97 Tucker Robertson C Peterborough (OHL) 5-11/190 22-Jun-03 31-19-23-42
98 Noah Warren D Gatineau (QMJHL) 6-5/215 15-Jul-04 29-3-9-12
99 Zakary Lavoie RW Mississauga (OHL) 5-11/170 15-Mar-04 31-10-15-25
100 Boston Buckberger D Brooks (AJHL) 5-10/175 1-Jun-03 42-11-9-20
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2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 32 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2022-nhldraft-mckeens-mid-season-ranking-top-32/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2022-nhldraft-mckeens-mid-season-ranking-top-32/#respond Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:58:52 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=175064 Read More... from 2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 32

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

A new year means a new draft ranking at McKeen’s Hockey, as we expand our list at mid-season to a Top 100. Back in mid-November, we released our preliminary ranking, a top 32, so this serves not only as an update, but an expansion too.

Like many, we were disappointed with the abrupt ending of the World Junior Championships, not just because it robbed us of some terrific hockey, but because it prevented a high-quality look at some of the best talents in this draft year. While a poor showing at the World Juniors is often dismissed, a strong showing can really help elevate a player’s standing. Ultimately, the decision to stop the tournament was the correct one, given the circumstances, however, hopefully the World Under 18’s can occur in Germany as planned in April.

At this point Kingston Frontenacs center and former CHL exceptional status player Shane Wright remains at the top of our rankings, however the gap is admittedly closing between him and some of the other players inside of our top five. Defenseman Simon Nemec is having a historically good season in the Slovak men’s league and will play for Slovakia at the Olympics. Center Logan Cooley is proving to be a dynamic two-way threat and is fresh off a terrific performance at the Biosteel All American Game. Center Matthew Savoie of the Winnipeg Ice continues to lead the WHL in scoring on the top ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League. A year ago, it was unfathomable to imagine anyone else but Wright being selected first overall. That concept is not as far-fetched today. Without question, Wright will need to pick up his play in the second half to withstand his competitors.

Looking specifically at those ranked inside our first round (top 32), the positional breakdown is as follows: 10 defenders, 22 forwards, and zero goaltenders. In fact, we do not have a single goaltender ranked inside the first two rounds. Tyler Brennan and Topias Leinonen are our top goaltenders, ranked 84th and 87th, respectively. The quality and depth of goaltenders available this year may be the worst that we have ever seen as a scouting staff.

Regionally, the breakdown is as follows: ten players from the CHL, seven players from the USHL (more specifically the NTDP), four players in Sweden, four players in Russia, three players in Finland, two players in Slovakia, and two players in Czechia. The U.S. National Development program is extremely well represented with ten players inside of our first two rounds.

This top 100 was formed in consultation with our regional scouts and our video scouting team. Now that we have our midseason list formed, look for our annual, in-depth individual scouting reports to start being published in the very near future.

Shane Wright of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.
RANK PLAYER POS TEAM HT/WT DOB GP-G-A-PTS
1 Shane Wright C Kingston (OHL) 6-1/190 5-Jan-04 25-12-19-31
2 Simon Nemec D HK Nitra (Svk) 6-1/190 15-Feb-04 28-0-19-19
3 Matthew Savoie C Winnipeg (WHL) 5-9/180 1-Jan-04 35-19-34-53
4 Logan Cooley C USN U18 (USDP) 5-10/180 4-May-04 25-15-20-35
5 Danila Yurov RW Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL) 6-1/175 22-Dec-03 21-0-0-0
6 Joakim Kemell RW JyP (Fin-Liiga) 5-11/175 27-Apr-04 21-12-6-18
7 Juraj Slafkovsky LW TPS (Fin-Liiga) 6-4/225 30-Mar-04 20-1-3-4
8 Conor Geekie C Winnipeg (WHL) 6-4/205 5-May-04 35-11-27-38
9 Brad Lambert C JyP (Fin-Liiga) 6-0/180 19-Dec-03 24-2-4-6
10 Ivan Miroshnichenko LW Omskie Krylia (VHL) 6-1/185 4-Feb-04 30-9-6-15
11 David Jiricek D HC Plzen (Cze) 6-3/190 28-Nov-03 29-5-6-11
12 Filip Mesar C HK Poprad (Svk) 5-10/165 3-Jan-04 22-6-5-11
13 Pavel Mintyukov D Saginaw (OHL) 6-1/190 25-Nov-03 31-6-17-23
14 Denton Mateychuk D Moose Jaw (WHL) 5-11/190 12-Jul-04 35-7-24-31
15 Marco Kasper C Rogle BK (SHL) 6-1/185 8-Apr-04 27-4-2-6
16 Alexander Perevalov LW Loko Yaroslavl (MHL) 6-0/190 16-Apr-04 29-19-20-39
17 Seamus Casey D USN U18 (USDP) 5-10/160 8-Jan-04 31-5-13-18
18 Frank Nazar C USN U18 (USDP) 5-10/175 14-Jan-04 33-15-23-38
19 Noah Ostlund C Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20) 5-10/160 11-Mar-04 19-6-18-24
20 Cutter Gauthier C USN U18 (USDP) 6-2/190 19-Jan-04 33-20-12-32
21 Jonathan Lekkerimaki C Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20) 5-11/170 24-Jul-04 25-19-15-34
22 Tristan Luneau D Gatineau (QMJHL) 6-2/175 12-Jan-04 26-5-10-15
23 Nathan Gaucher C Quebec (QMJHL) 6-3/205 6-Nov-03 30-15-11-26
24 Ty Nelson D North Bay (OHL) 5-9/195 30-Mar-04 33-5-21-26
25 Vladimir Grudinin D Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL) 5-10/160 9-Dec-03 15-2-7-9
26 Owen Beck C Mississauga (OHL) 5-11/190 3-Feb-04 33-13-16-29
27 Simon Forsmark D Orebro (SHL) 6-2/195 17-Oct-03 22-0-1-1
28 Mats Lindgren D Kamloops (WHL) 5-11/175 26-Aug-04 34-2-19-21
29 Rutger McGroarty LW USN U18 (USDP) 6-1/205 30-Mar-04 27-15-17-32
30 Jiri Kulich C Karlovy Vary (Cze) 6-0/175 14-Apr-04 31-7-4-11
31 Isaac Howard LW USN U18 (USDP) 5-10/180 30-Mar-04 33-15-24-39
32 Jimmy Snuggerud RW USN U18 (USDP) 6-1/185 1-Jun-04 33-16-22-38
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2021 IIHF U18 World Championship: Team USA Preview https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2021-iihf-u18-world-championship-team-usa-preview/ https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/2021-iihf-u18-world-championship-team-usa-preview/#respond Mon, 26 Apr 2021 13:30:41 +0000 https://www.mckeenshockey.com/?p=169207 Read More... from 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship: Team USA Preview

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While the pandemic season had a massively negative impact on the world at large, and the sport of hockey in the smaller sense, the game in the United States was less impacted than were their neighbors to the North. Be it from fewer social restrictions being put in place, or greater access and distribution of vaccines*, most traditional hockey programs in the US played a similar schedule – with some exceptions – to what they would in normal circumstances.

*As I sit to write this preview, I am scheduled to receive my second vaccine shot tomorrow morning. If you have the opportunity to receive a vaccination, and have not yet done so**, please do it as soon as possible. If not for your loved ones, then do it for me.

**And don’t end up like the players mentioned later on, who were forced out of the tournament due to the COVID protocols.

As it concerns the U-18 World Championships, the impact was especially minimal. As always, the US is taking their normal USNTDP U-18 roster to the tournament, conveniently located within their borders, deep in the heart of Texas.

On the plus side, entering the tournament with a lineup that has – fort the most part – spent the better part of the last two seasons playing together is a huge boon. That familiarity has already shown itself to be an advantage against top flight competition, such as when the program destroyed a team of draft-eligible American passport holding players in the USHL at the recent BioSteel All American game. Even though the opposition team featured more likely first round picks this summer, the USNDTP squad - missing their top blueliner (and top prospect altogether), Luke Hughes, no less – walked away with a 6-1 victory that was never in real doubt. I will have more about that event in this space soon.

As always, the program players are all highly skilled, even if they are not all clear top tier draft talents, but they also play a coordinated team game, with players who stick to their roles and their assigned duties. In fact, even though this year’s roster is lacking the overall skill of previous iterations (remember the Bronze-medal winning 2019 squad?), it is deep in future NHL’ers, even if many of them project as bottom half of the lineup players.

If there are pratfalls awaiting this team, they lie more in the injuries that have forced them to call up more members of the U17 squad than they normally do (there are usually 1-2 who make the jump due to performance), than in the opposition, as strong as the rosters sent by Russia, Czech Republic, Finland, and Germany, who will be playing against the US in Pool B of the first round of the tournament.

Even with the injuries, keeping the aforementioned Hughes, and forwards like Jeremy Wilmer, Tyler Boucher, and Caden Brown from playing, and the COVID protocols, which further knocked Chaz Lucius, Andre Gasseau, and Jacob Martin, the replacements, which include probable 2022 first rounders Ruther McGroarty and Isaac Howard, as well as late-2004 birthday boy and likely 2023 first rounder Charlie Stramel, among others, have mostly been playing with the U18 squad for more than one month in most cases.

Another potential shortcoming of this US team is their goaltending situation. Regular USNTDP netminders Kaiden Mbereko and Gibson Homer will be there, along with call-up third goalie Braden Holt, normally the backup for WHL Everett. The challenge is that none of the three have yet to proven themselves as capable of stealing a game. In fact, they have generally shown themselves to need more protection. Moreover, Holt has barely played, with only 10 games total for the Silvertips in the past two seasons combined. Thankfully, the skaters on this team should be both good enough, and cohesive enough that they enter the tournament as favorites to win their Pool, and end up in a podium position. And there is a good chance that podium spot is the most desirable one.

Before we look at 10 likely impactful players from this roster, please note that I am focusing on those from the current U18 class, as they are the most immediately interesting - even if the aforementioned McGroarty and Howard could easily be the best performers on this team – they are both really, really good. Anyway, let’s look at the ten players who will most likely have to play to their potential in the tournament for Team USA to walk away with Golds.

Ten Players to Watch
Adam Hreschuk. Photo by Dan Hickling / Hickling Images

Aidan Hreschuk, D Age: 18 H/W: 5-11/180/ Shoots: L

Hreschuk isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but when he is on, there is a lot to like. The Southern California native and Boston College commit is a fine skating three zone defender, who looks like a perfect fit for the modern game. At his best, he can dazzle on his blades, showing speed (which is assisted by a smooth stride without any wasted motion), edge work and outstanding agility. Although he can sometimes be mistake-prone, the mistakes are more often than not mistakes of action, rather than passivity. Somewhat undersized, he nonetheless plays with some grit, showing aptitude along the boards and uses a strong defensive stick. His puck rushes allow him to stand out, but never at the expense of his defensive zone responsibilities. A good tournament could help him hear his name called in the first round of the upcoming draft, but even without a standout performance, he is unlikely to last to far into the second round.

Redmond Savage, C Age: 17 H/W: 5-11/175/ Shoots: L

I’ve written it before, and I’ll write it again. I don’t like the name “Red Savage” and urge him to go by “Mondo Savage”. Now, onto what he is as a player. Following in his father Brian’s footsteps to Miami University, Savage has a fun blend of hustle, skill and grit in a smaller frame. His skill set is short of high end, and NHL top six is unlikely to be in his future, but he helps in so many ways that he will always find a way to contribute to his team. He is a strong skater, most notably concerning his first few steps, and in how hard he plays, often being the first man on the forecheck, and the first forward back on the backcheck. When he has the puck, he has enough skill to be effective, but even that plays up due to his patience with the puck and his ability to read the zone. He also has a solid enough shot from mid-range to be useful on the power play.

Sasha Pastujov, LW Age: 17 H/W: 6-0/185/ Shoots: L

Right place at the right time is Pastujov in a nutshell, both micro and macro. The Notre Dame commit is not one of the toolsier players on this squad, but there are few who have been able to match his production. Like his older brothers, Michael and former Islanders’ draft pick Nick, Sasha Pastujov is on the slow-footed side. He is not one to lead the rush, but he will join as a trailer and has the quickness in his hands to capitalize on a loose puck near the net, and find a way to get it over the line. Defensively, Pastujov is also liable to being in the right place at the right time, showing a good understanding of how to position himself and help in his team regaining possession. On a macro-sense, in other seasons, a player of his collection of skills and abilities will be more likely to be slotted lower in the lineup, giving him less of a chance to shine – and lesser linemates to help him shine. This year, with the program slightly down from recent seasons, Pastujov and his presence of mind have been vital to the team’s successes, and he has played well with Lucius, earning that trust.

 

Sean Behrens. Photo by Dan Hickling / Hickling Images

Sean Behrens, D Age: 18 H/W: 5-9/175/ Shoots: L

If Hreschuk is a little undersized, Behrens makes his teammate look big by comparison. A stocky 5-9”, the Denver commit actually plays a pretty physical game. He keeps his feet churning at all times and does everything in his power to make difficult for opponents in his end. In addition to that grit, he also employs an effective defensive stick, which he combines with advanced positioning to get the job done. He is an effective puck mover in a way that is more subtle than flashy. When he looks to pass, he can really find the seams to give his team a big boost up the ice. Behrens gets a lot of point man duties for the USNTDP, leading all blueliners on the team in power play goals and assists. In addition to manning the point, he will also occasionally elect to drive the net, rushing it just like he rushes the puck from blueline to blueline. His size will likely remain at least mildly concerning to pro teams, but there is no reason why he shouldn’t be an impact player for Team USA at the U18 tournament.

Roman Schmidt, D Age: 18 H/W: 6-5/210/ Shoots: R

While Hreschuk and Behrens are impactful players with only moderate natural physical tools, Schmidt is almost the inverse, a physical specimen with a very impressive stride who’s on-ice impacts, especially as measured by point totals, can sometimes feel disappointingly lacking. A strong 6-5”, Schmidt, born in the US, but raised mostly in Canada, is a remarkable skater, bettered only by the injured Luke Hughes in this year’s class. That gift is likely a genetic gift from his parents, both high-end figure skaters. His size and strength also lend to a strong wrist shot, even if he doesn’t regularly pull the trigger. For all of his still untapped potential, Schmidt generally pays more attention to his game away from the puck. He keeps tight gaps, and pinches only seldomly. The Boston College commit is naturally strong along the boards and is happy to leave his mark physically on his opponents. Of all of the players mentioned in this review, Schmidt is the one most likely to have a big impact without appearing in the box score.

Liam Gilmartin, LW Age: 18 H/W: 6-2/190/ Shoots: L

Every year, the USNTDP roster includes one or two forwards who have a solid if unspectacular collection of tools, but who specialize in the game away from the puck. Past years included the likes of Chase Yoder, Owen Lindmark, and Dylan Peterson. These are guys you need to focus on to appreciate the positives they bring to a team. Gilmartin, a Providence commit is that guy this year. The defensive conscience of the forward unit, he is a good skater with great reach and who will unhesitatingly sell out his body to block a shot. Gilmartin is also not without his offensive abilities, though, as he plays hard near the net and shows good touch on his passes to make things happen. He could one day be the best forward on a bottom six line, or move up the lineup to be the number three forward on a top six line. He takes time to learn to appreciate, but once you catch on, he is very easy to root for.

Dylan Duke, C/LW Age: 18 H/W: 5-10/180/ Shoots: L

Another defense-first player, Duke has some similarities to Gilmartin, especially in his ability to play up or down the lineup, but they are not the cut from the same cloth. For one, Duke lacks Gilmartin’s physical side, which shouldn’t be surprising given the other player’s four inch height advantage. ON the other hand, Duke has a touch more offensive impact potential, both from his more skilled hands, and from the additional jump in his step, which can force opponents back on their heels and into forced errors. While Duke is happy and willing to play in the greasy areas, his small, underdeveloped frame blunts his effectiveness in those areas. The Michigan commit is fun to watch and has put up the best numbers of the U18 squad (not counting the U17 squad ringers), but that is more due to the lengthy injury/illness-related absences of Lucius and Pastujov, more than Duke’s own level of dynamic skills. Duke is talented, but I have questions about his ability to project as a top six cornerstone.

Justin Janicke, LW Age: 17 H/W: 6-0/180/ Shoots: L

Following in his older brother Trevor’s (Ana) footsteps in the USNTDP, and soon to follow both Trevor and their father Curtis to play at Notre Dame, Justin Janicke has been easy to overlook on this team, even though it isn’t as strong as some other recent USNTDP squads. At his best, the youngest Janicke succeeds through hustle and determination. He is a solid skater, who can be slippery racing up the boards. He keeps his stick active away from the puck and has been known to force the odd turnover when forechecking. His skill game is moderate, but his work-rate will ensure that he maximizes what he has. He is not a high-impact player in the offensive zone, but he can hit a linemate with a good pass in a dangerous area. Janicke will be overshadowed by more talented forward teammates on this roster, but he still is able to tilt the scales towards the US team in an understated way through positioning, effort, and an avoidance of mistakes.

Ethan Straky, D Age: 18 H/W: 5-11/175/ Shoots: R

Another Californian on the NTDP this year, and another Notre Dame commit, Straky is one of many on this roster who have intriguing elements to their games yet can be overshadowed by their more dynamic teammates at the same positions. Despite being the lowest scoring member of the USA U18 roster - although very little separates Straky from Schmidt, Ty Murchison, or Jake Martin - Straky is the one guy from that foursome about whom it would not at all surprise me if he quickly found a new level. He is a crisp passer of the puck and has a solid and accurate point shot. He keeps tight defensive gaps and handles skilled forwards with comfort thanks to his mobility, positioning, and smart use of the boards. He also plays with more strength than his listed measurements suggest. Even if Straky’s U18 tournament is quiet, I expect his game to continue to grow once he gets to South Bend.

Ty Gallagher, D Age: 18 H/W: 6-0/190/ Shoots: R

Gallagher has had a fairly bumpy year with the U18s, with some good traits prone to be overshadowed by undisciplined play. More of an offensive-oriented blueliner, the Notre Dame commit aims for the dynamic play over the safe one more often than not. He has a good first few steps that allows him to make a good first move and get ahead of the play. His point shot is sound, which has helped him earn time on the USNTDP power play – and should give him more time in the cat-bird seat at the U18s, with Hughes and Martin both out. On the other hand, he can demonstrate questionable footwork defensively, putting his otherwise tight gaps to waste. He can fall guilty to poor decision making, giving up his positioning to go for a big hit, or getting in the offensive zone way too deep for a marginal opportunity, resulting in his side losing the numerical advantage and the puck going in the wrong direction. More than many draft eligible at this tournament, Gallagher could use a strong run here to help ensure that he hears his name called at the draft. At present, it is no sure thing.

Maybe Next Year – Jack Hughes, C Age: 17 H/W: 5-11/160/ Shoots: L

I said that I wouldn’t discuss any of the U17 injury/COVID replacements, but I didn’t say that I would solely focus on 2021 draft eligibles. Of the three late birthday 2003-born players on the roster, Hughes – no relation to the family of Quinn, the former #1 overall pick Jack, and currently injured Luke Hughes – is more interesting based on his play this year than the likes of lower-scoring forward Jack Devine and tandem netminder Gibson Homer. The younger Hughes is a 200-foot player, who keeps his feet moving, shows solid finishing instincts and attention to detail. Committed to Northeastern, it is not currently clear if he intends to start his collegiate career next year, or in 2022-23. There are always a few late birthdate USNTDP players who get their chance to improve their draft stock somewhere else. From last year’s squad, there were Matthew Beniers and Hunter Strand. The former is a candidate to be the first overall pick in the 2021 draft. The latter looks like a good bet somewhere around rounds 2-3. Hughes’ production thus far has been closer to Beniers than Strand, but there is still a ways to go before we pronounce on Hughes’ draft ranking for 2022.

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