Jacob Guevin – McKeen's Hockey

2023 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART TWO – UNITED STATES – 2nd and 3rd year NHL draft re-entry candidates

Brock Otten, Mark Dube, Ethan Hetu — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 13:30:22 +0000

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

The million-dollar question is…are we still playing catch-up as a scouting community following the resumption of play post pandemic? Last year, this was definitely the case as leagues returned to full seasons. But are certain players still growing exponentially as they try to recover lost development time? This is particularly true of players in the CHL and in Europe, where most junior leagues halted.

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

Last year, four “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 100; Dmitri Buchelnikov, Lucas Edmonds, Mikey Milne, and Aidan Thompson. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1): (Part 2): (Part 3): We wrote about three of those four. In total there were 42 taken, right around the trend of other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 42, we identified and wrote about 25 (over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2023, we have some very interesting candidates. Adam Gajan stole the show at this year’s WJC’s for Slovakia and has been a standout in the NAHL and USHL this year. Eric Pohlkamp was one of the MVP’s of the WJAC and has been at the top of the USHL defenseman scoring race all year. Austin Roest has been top ten in WHL scoring all year long and has taken huge strides forward. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

Cole Knuble. Photo courtesy of the USHL.

USHL

Aaron Pionk - Defense - Waterloo Blackhawks

Passed over in the last two NHL drafts, Pionk’s performance so far in his first and only season in the USHL leaves him a solid candidate to finally be selected this summer. The six-foot-two left-shot blueliner comes from a true hockey family — his brother, Neal, is a top-four defenseman for the Winnipeg Jets and his father was a USHL head coach in the 1990s — and Aaron is headed to a top college program for next season at Minnesota State. It’s been a long development track for Pionk, who spent his first season of draft eligibility playing in the Minnesota high school circuit. He’s really starting to put things together, though, and while the points don’t jump off the page there’s a lot to like in his game. He’s more skilled than he might seem to be based on his production, and he plays with an edge and the type of snarl that Winnipeg Jets fans have come to appreciate in his older brother. He is also a great skater, which is becoming more and more of an important tool for modern blueliners to have. It’s easy to see him heading to college, becoming a fan favorite, and then becoming a coveted signing for the teams that passed up on him at the NHL draft. There’s still work for him to do in refining his offensive game and improving the consistency in his defensive game, but the tools are all there for him to continue his development and become a solid professional. (Ethan Hetu)

Zaccharya Wisdom - Wing - Cedar Rapids Roughriders

The younger Wisdom brother took a different development route than Zayde, the Philadelphia Flyers prospect. While his older brother chose to take the OHL route for his development and take the chance to play with Shane Wright, Zaccharya instead took the USHL route and is now in his second season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Ranked 144th last year in our rankings, Wisdom’s improved play this season leaves him a solid candidate to be drafted after being passed over in 2022. He’s showing that his lackluster point production from last season was more about opportunity than Wisdom’s talent. Similar to his brother, Wisdom is a winger who plays a powerful game. Not only is Wisdom an engaged participant on defense in his own zone, he’s also an enthusiastic competitor along the boards and always willing to throw the body. His combination of power and speed is extremely intriguing, but his offensive approach lacks the sort of deceptive elements that make top scorers pop at more challenging levels of hockey. Even without further development in that area, Wisdom is still a solid bet to be a quality pro due to his value away from the puck and his strong work rate. (Ethan Hetu)

Nicholas Vantassell - Center - Green Bay Gamblers

A rangy six-foot-four center, Vantassell was passed over in his first season of draft eligibility in large part due to how raw he often looked in his first season of USHL action. While Ryan Greene and Cameron Lund, among others, soaked up most of the attention on the Green Bay Gamblers, Vantassell was left to improve his game in relative anonymity. Outside the shadow of those bigger-name prospects, Vantassell’s second season in Green Bay has been an improvement, although there is still a lot of work for him to do. While he shows a willingness to use the inside of the ice and attack the net, the aggression Vantassell sometimes plays with has not resulted in tangible, consistent production. Moreover, his skating needs work, although that’s admittedly what one might expect from someone of his size profile. Vantassell has a solid shot and has shown usefulness in a net-front/bumper role, but he doesn’t create enough chances for himself to actually show off that shot on a consistent game-to-game basis. At this point, Vantassell’s case to be drafted lies more in what a team might believe he can be than what he actually is at the moment. Still, he represents an intriguing, toolsy bet for a team hoping the longer development track afforded by the college route can eventually mold Vantassell into a quality pro. (Ethan Hetu)

Cole Knuble - Wing/Center - Fargo Force

After a relatively impressive rookie season in the USHL where he was instantly one of Fargo’s top performers, it was somewhat surprising that Knuble didn’t hear his name called at the 2022 NHL draft. On paper, it feels as though a player of Knuble’s production profile who also brings the NHL bloodlines that still seem to be valued. (his father, Mike, played over 1,000 NHL games for six prominent franchises) The main drawback with Knuble lies in his feet. He may not be a bad skater on his edges but he doesn’t have the speed you’d like to see from someone of his size profile whatsoever. His main calling card is a strong commitment to two-way hockey combined with some strong offensive tools. He has a quality set of hands that are a major help to his offensive toolset, and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to playing in the NCAA at Notre Dame, where he’s less likely to be so heavily relied upon as an offensive generator. Knuble is likely to finish his season as one of the top scorers in the USHL and has a strong chance to hear his name called this go-around at the 2023 NHL draft, especially after a dominating performance at the World Junior A Challenge, but he needs to improve his skating for him to have similar success at more challenging levels of hockey. (Ethan Hetu)

Eric Pohlkamp - Defense - Cedar Rapids Roughriders

After scoring just 18 points in 61 games last season, it was no surprise that Pohlkamp ultimately went undrafted in his first year of eligibility. As a later birthdate, the USHL proved to be a decently steep challenge, but so far this season all he has done is rise to the occasion. Pohlkamp’s points production has exploded, and he’s now a contender to lead the USHL in scoring by a defenseman. There are nights when he looks like an entirely different player from the one that often struggled as a USHL rookie. He plays with quiet confidence from the back end, and he has all the tools to make an impact on both ends of the ice. He’s not the tallest, but he’s well filled out for the 5-10 frame he possesses. He’s a solid skater who does a good job at facilitating zone exits and moving his team up the ice, and when he’s in the offensive zone he’s smart about making his reads and choosing when to play aggressively. Pohlkamp is also armed with a massive point shot and has a desire to play aggressively defensively. A late addition to the U.S.’ World Junior A Challenge team, he ended up as one of the top defenders in the tournament. He's headed to Bemidji State next season and would be an intriguing player for a team to select and then track over the course of his collegiate career. (Ethan Hetu)

Sam Harris - Wing - Sioux Falls Stampede

A University of Denver commit, Harris was an older birthdate for last year’s draft and ended up ranked #136 by NHL Central Scouting. This year, he’s at 131 in their mid-season rankings, and his production, as one would expect, has leaped up despite Sioux Falls remaining near the bottom of the USHL standings. Everything the team does offensively flows through Harris, and there’s some bite to his game, with him showing an eagerness to finish checks and engage opponents in the physical side of the game. The defensive side of Harris’ game needs some work, although his willingness to play with physicality is a decent start. You’d like for him to get more engaged defensively at times and help his projection by adding some more balance to his game. He’s also not the best skater, and in lacking the type of skating talent that could help him separate at the next level his overall projection becomes cloudy. Right now, he’s relied on chiefly as an offensive generator, but he may not have the skills or skating ability to remain in that role as a professional. For him to be a safer bet for an interested NHL team, he’ll need to round out his overall profile and develop the sort of professional habits that will carry him beyond college. (Ethan Hetu)

Jack Harvey - Center/Wing - Chicago Steel

Jack Harvey is hardly the main attraction for the Chicago Steel, who boast potential 2024 number-one pick Mack Celebrini and 2023 first-round candidate Jayden Perron, who is one of the USHL’s most electrifying players. But after he was passed over twice already, Harvey is still at work with the Chicago Steel. He’s now one of the top scorers in the USHL as he nears his 20th birthday, and is readying himself to head to Boston University on solid footing. He has a decent set of skills and has molded himself into a real offensive difference-maker in his final year at this level. Harvey’s skating isn’t bad, and if he has trouble translating his scoring to the college level there still could be a future for him if he changes up his style. There’s an intriguing package of tools here for Harvey to work on in Boston, but it may not be enough to justify a draft pick over other players at this stage in his development. Still unclear whether he’s skilled enough to have a pro future as an offensive player, and it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to morph himself into more of a pro-ready two-way player as he develops in college. (Ethan Hetu)

Michael Emerson - Wing - Chicago Steel

After scoring just seven points in 36 games in his first season of draft eligibility, it should not have come as any great surprise that Michael Emerson was not drafted at the 2022 NHL draft. This season, though, Emerson’s numbers have exploded as he’s played a larger role with some extremely talented teammates. The six-foot-two winger can be a lethal shooter at times, capable of finishing the many scoring chances he’s afforded. He’s got a nose for the net and has scored quite a few goals in tight, and the aggression with which he attacks the net serves him well playing with such good players. Could he stand to create more for himself and be more of a self-starter rather than an opportunist on offense? Absolutely, but opportunists who can often find themselves in the right place at the right time when placed next to quality teammates can go far, too. Emerson is headed to Notre Dame in the fall, and it’s definitely possible that a team wants to stake their claim on him before he gets there and potentially pops on an even bigger stage. (Ethan Hetu)

Jake Livanavage - Defense - Chicago Steel

Despite strong production and a growing reputation around the USHL as a quality power play specialist, the positive qualities in Livanavage’s game were not enough to get him selected at the 2022 draft. Livanavage has picked up this season right where he left off, and his production has held steady from where it was last year, albeit not the leap up some might have hoped for. There are positive qualities to Livanavage’s game, most often displayed on the power play. Livanavage has the skill to help the bevy of talented forwards he plays with, showing himself to be a quality passer and reader of the game on the man advantage. The issue with Livanavage largely centers on his lack of size, strength, and unimpressive defensive play. He’s simply too easy to play against in his own end, and this is an area he’ll need to improve in his game at higher levels. Something that could help him in his own end, though, is his strong skating, as his wheels can help him be an asset in creating the type of zone exits that are so crucial for defensive success. As long as the focus on evaluating defensive value remains squarely on physicality, puck battles, and the more traditional aspects of defense that are generally held in high regard, Livanavage will struggle with the perception of being a liability in his own end. And without a standout offensive profile to make up for it beyond his feet and abilities on the man advantage, the issues in his game could keep him from being drafted once again, although there’s definitely enough that he offers to make teams give him a second look. (Ethan Hetu)

Matthew Perkins - Center - Youngstown Phantoms

After spending his draft season as a point-per-game scorer with the Humboldt Broncos in Junior A hockey in Saskatchewan, Perkins made the choice to head to the USHL to prepare himself to eventually head to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. For the Youngstown Phantoms, Perkins has been a solid contributor, scoring at a steady rate. There are a few tools where one can notice the upside Perkins has for the next level, specifically his playmaking and two-way ability. He’s an all-situations forward for the Phantoms, contributing on both special teams’ units. That’s a testament to his intelligence on the ice, as he’s one of the smarter players in the USHL. While he doesn’t offer the size or skating profile that would make teams drool, Perkins is the type of pivot every coach hopes to have on their roster, a solid end-to-end contributor who elevates his linemates and brings a degree of reliability that many other young players can’t offer. It’s easy to see him occupying the same role in college, but one wonders if his lack of box score numbers that jump off the page will hurt his odds of getting selected at the draft. (Ethan Hetu)

Max Lundgren - Goaltender - Des Moines Buccaneers

The Merrimack commit has come to the USHL as a rookie and become one of the league’s best netminders this season. Although a 2002 born (and a USHL overager), Lundgren is still eligible for the draft similar to how Lucas Edmonds and Andrei Buyalsky were previously; NHL Central Scouting deemed them as “European players” despite playing in North America. The 6’5, 230lbs Lundgren is a mammoth in the net. He likes to play deep in the crease and maintains good posture to take away space from shooters and attackers. He competes for sightlines and battles hard to make second and third chance saves. The focus for him will be on getting quicker, but his size and performance are going to intrigue a lot of NHL scouts. (Brock Otten)

Cale Ashcroft - Defense - Tri-City Storm

Ashcroft has come to the USHL this year from the AJHL and immediately become a top four workhorse for one of the better teams in the USHL in Tri-City. When he was passed over last year, he was one of the youngest players eligible (with an August birthday) and has since added mass to his 5’10 frame to help him be a more effective and consistent player. Ashcroft, a University of Denver commit, is a terrific skater and his ability to keep pucks in at the line and create at the point is impressive. Once upon time, Ashcroft was a highly touted prospect coming out of St. Albert, but it appears he has turned things around and could be someone NHL teams look at late in the draft this year. (Brock Otten)

Joe Palodichuk - Defense - Fargo Force

It’s been quite the breakout year for Palodichuk, a strong skating, puck moving defender and University of Wisconsin commit. Now in his second season in the USHL, he has emerged as one of the league’s top defenders, even earning a spot on the U.S.’ World Junior A Challenge roster. At that event, his ability to start the breakout and control the point were standout qualities against top notch competition. While his defensive play has improved this year, his overall awareness and effectiveness will still need to improve further. That said, his mobility and offensive gifts are going to play really well at the NCAA level and an NHL team may try to secure his rights this year in his final year of draft eligibility. (Brock Otten)

Andon Cerbone - Wing/Center - Youngstown Phantoms

Cerbone was a great role player for the Steel last year in his first year of draft eligibility, but ultimately a lack of consistent production, combined with his lack of size, caused him to slide through the draft. This year, he started the year well as a leader on a weak Omaha team, but it was a move to Youngstown that really ignited him. Cerbone has been one of the best players in the USHL in the second half, operating at well over a point per game with the Phantoms. Cerbone is skilled, intelligent, and competitive. He makes up for his lack of size by consistently outworking opposing defenders to pucks and to space. The only issue is that he’s not a dynamic skater and that muddles his projection. Heading to Quinnipiac (after decommitting from Michigan) next year, Cerbone is the type of player who will need three or four years of college to prepare for the pro level, but the Bobcats program should be perfect for that.

Cameron Korpi - Goaltender - Tri-City Storm

Once upon a time, Korpi was considered to be one of the best ‘04 born goaltenders in the United States. He came into his draft year with really high expectations, but he really struggled in the USHL with Muskegon and found himself out of the league to start this season. Rather than sulk, he went to work in the NAHL, performing extremely well with Oklahoma. This has resulted in Korpi getting another crack at the USHL with Tri-City and thus far the results have been outstanding. After growing a lot over the last few years, it seems Korpi has finally found more control over his athleticism, refining his technical approach to create more consistent results. If he can close out the year well for Tri-City, the Western Michigan University commit may have a real shot of being selected this time through. (Brock Otten)

Ethan Whitcomb - Wing - Muskegon Lumberjacks

Whitcomb comes into the 2022-2023 season having not heard his name called at the 2022 NHL Draft last summer. In his first season with the Lumberjacks, he registered 16 points in 44 games as a rookie and has followed it up with 30 points in 35 games, good enough for second on the team in scoring. The 18-year-old Whitcomb is solid and listed at 6’4” and 195 pounds, and is a decent skater, with good hands. He participated at the World Junior A Challenge at the beginning of this season finishing with five points in six games to help Team USA bring home the gold medal. Whitcomb then joined team Blue at the 2023 Biosteel All-American prospect game, where he went pointless, but had a handful of opportunities that missed the mark. The St. Catharines, Ontario native is a May baby and because of his big frame, may take some time to develop, so there may be a possibility of an NHL team taking a chance on him in the later rounds of the draft. (Mark Dube)

Chase Pietila - Defense - Youngstown Phantoms

Pietila is a product of the Honeybaked program out of Michigan, where he skated alongside Frank Nazar (Chicago Blackhawks) and Cole Spicer (Boston Bruins) during his U15 AAA season. During that year, he was highly touted because he posted 64 points in 61 games from the back end. Pietila is a mobile and physical two-way defenseman with decent size, listed at 6’1” and 181 pounds. The Michigan Tech commit has spent the last two seasons with the Phantoms and is having a successful outing, putting up 26 points in 43 games thus far. Pietila will be hard pressed to get selected at the 2023 NHL Draft but may make a name for himself with a more offensive role playing for the Huskies (at Michigan Tech) next year, much like his brothers did before him. (Mark Dube)

NCAA

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 01: Minnesota Gophers defenseman Luke Mittelstadt (20) shoots the puck during the college hockey game between the Lindenwood Lions and the Minnesota Gophers on October 1st, 2022, at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire)

Tyler Duke - Defense - Ohio State

Ranked 132nd by McKeen’s hockey last cycle, Duke didn’t hear his name called at the 2022 NHL draft, and just taking one look at his profile it’s easy to see why. While size is becoming less and less of a relevant factor when projecting the NHL viability of defensemen, it remains an extremely important consideration for most NHL teams and evaluators. There simply is not a long enough track record of players who play like Duke making the NHL at his size. It’s unfortunate because there are a ton of elements to Duke’s game to enjoy. He’s a hard-working, engaged defender who doesn’t let his stature stop him from being an impactful defenseman in his own end. He’s more than willing to engage physically, and his willingness to play a hard game despite physical limitations at the college level is reminiscent of Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner Nick Blankenburg, who at five-foot-nine has turned himself into a viable NHL option despite a similar size profile to Duke. If Duke can follow the Blankenburg path to the NHL and retain his intelligence, value in transition, and defensive effort, he can find his way to higher levels of hockey. But where the NHL draft is concerned, there are few defensemen of his size with his scoring numbers to be selected, especially in their second year of eligibility. While Duke may have to go another year without hearing his name called, there are definitely far less worthy investments to make with a draft pick than investing it in Duke and Duke’s continued development. (Ethan Hetu)

Luke Mittelstadt - Defense - University of Minnesota

Another brother of an NHL talent, Luke Mittelstadt’s play has steadily improved since the draft season he spent with his high school. Mittelstadt spent his first year as an undrafted player in the USHL, leading the Madison Capitals in scoring. He then went to his brother Casey’s old stomping grounds for this season and has excelled as a Minnesota Gopher. Now, in his final season of draft eligibility, Mittelstadt stands his best chance of being drafted yet. At five-foot-eleven, 175 pounds Mittelstadt isn’t bringing rare size to a team’s blueline, but he’s a smart, quick defenseman who is of particular value in the areas of generating zone exits. While he may not fit the traditional view of a defensively valuable defenseman, Mittelstadt fits the more modern expectations of how blueliners can contribute in their own end. Offensively, Mittelstadt isn’t without some skill, but he’s not shown himself to be an overwhelming talent with the puck on his stick. He can make the right reads and fire off quality passes in order to support his teammates but expecting him to create for himself or deceive opponents on his own would be folly. Important to note is that Mittelstadt’s game has developed enough for him to be selected to represent his country at the 2022 World Junior Championships, and his overall profile suggests he could become a reliable if decidedly unflashy bottom-pairing defenseman if things break right. (Ethan Hetu)

Matt Copponi - Center - Merrimack College

Just as Merrimack has surprised many to become one of the better teams in Hockey East this season, Matt Copponi has been quite the surprise, surging in both productivity and role to become a viable draft prospect in his third year of eligibility to be selected. After COVID-19 cost Copponi his final season of high school hockey, which left him with virtually no chance at selection at the 2021 draft. Last season, Copponi’s missed season seemed to have cost him on the ice, as he wasn’t nearly the type of difference-maker he is as a sophomore as a freshman. This year, as 2020 New York Islanders pick Alex Jefferies has stolen the show, Copponi has more quietly placed himself among Merrimack’s better offensive players. Despite not being the biggest or strongest center, Copponi attacks the net and uses the inside of the ice more frequently than one might expect. He’s a diligent hunter of any opportunity he can find, and while he was relatively anonymous in his first year, his hard work is finally paying off. Will it result in being selected at the draft in the summer? Hard to say, as his size and strength profile combined with only so-so skating will conspire to hurt him in the eyes of many pro evaluators, but the offensive skill is definitely there, and he’s starting to pop. He’s having exactly the type of season he needed to have to enter the draft conversation, but it remains to be seen if there’s a team willing to take the leap on him. (Ethan Hetu)

Davis Burnside - Wing - Ohio State

As of writing this, Burnside is among the nation’s leaders in freshman goal scoring with the Buckeyes this year. His transition to the NCAA level has been seamless. His profile is an extremely complete one. He skates well. He competes hard. He is an intelligent two-way player who can kill penalties. There was some concern that his offensive abilities wouldn’t translate well to the NCAA level, but that obviously hasn’t been the case. There is definitely a chance that Burnside could develop into a capable bottom six player at the NHL level and there is no doubt that NHL scouts may circle back to him similar to how they did with Dominic James last year. (Brock Otten)

Bennett Schimek - Wing - Providence College

A skilled and elusive attacker, Schimek has become a go-to offensive player for the Friars in his freshman year. He has clearly worked hard to improve his quickness and has become a more focused and determined player off the puck. He has developed into an excellent forechecker and Schimek has found a way to attack inside the dots at the NCAA level too. Armed with an excellent release and the puck skill to beat defenders one on one, NHL scouts should be extremely impressed with how quickly he has become a top six forward on a strong program, outperforming several NHL draft picks. (Brock Otten)

Charles-Alexis Legault - Defense - Quinnipiac University

Legault is unquestionably an enigma. He has bounced around a whack of teams over the last few years and there is no question that the pandemic affected his development in a negative way. We’ve written about Legault before at McKeen’s Hockey because his combination of size, mobility, and physical aggressiveness from the right side makes him extremely intriguing. However, consistency has always been an issue for this former highly touted minor hockey prospect. This year feels a bit different. He’s playing well as a freshman for one of the top teams in the NCAA and he seems to finally understand how to refine his game to be a consistent asset in the defensive end. The athletic tools are so good. If he’s not drafted, you just know that teams will be lining up to sign him in three years when he has figured it out further. (Brock Otten)

Jacob Guevin - Defense - University of Nebraska-Omaha

The 20-year-old Guevin enters this 22-23 season playing at the collegiate level for the Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks after having been passed up in the last two NHL Drafts, although having made the NHL Central Scouting final rankings at 56 in 2021 and 173 in 2022. He is second among defensemen in scoring on his team with 15 points in 31 games. Guevin is a smooth skating and agile right-handed defender, with offensive upside to his game. In his draft year 20-21, he was named to the USHL All-Rookie team while playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks and recorded an impressive 45 points in 53 games, good enough to lead his team among defensemen. The Drummondville, Quebec native followed up that rookie campaign notching 57 points in 59 games in his second season for the Lumberjacks, earning him a spot on the USHL 2nd All-Star Team. Time is running out for Guevin to be selected for the NHL Draft, but like his overager counterparts there’s a good chance he finds success in some professional hockey league at the lower levels. (Mark Dube)

NAHL

Adam Gajan - Goaltender - Chippewa Steel

Spending most of his year of first draft eligibility in Slovakia’s junior circuit, Gajan didn’t exactly have the brightest stage to show off what he could do. He finally got exactly that at the World Juniors, where he stole the show for Slovakia, posting a .936 save percentage in four games, winning the award for Best Goaltender. He had officially announced his commitment to Minnesota-Duluth earlier that month and has slowly raised his standing to the point where it seems highly unlikely that he won’t hear his name called at this next NHL draft. Gajan offers the size teams covet from their goalies and moves surprisingly well for someone that big. He’s confident in his net, able to square up to shooters and challenge them. While it was admittedly a small sample of games, the World Juniors showed that Gajan was able to take a significant moment and rise up to it, which is an important aspect of the mental side of goaltending. There’s still so much development that needs to happen here before his pro future is even a consideration, but he’ll thankfully have a long runway to work with in the NCAA. Teams are always in need of an infusion of talent to their goaltending pipeline, so at this point, it would be quite a surprise for Gajan to go undrafted once again, even though he’s spending most of this season in the NAHL rather than the USHL. (Ethan Hetu)

2022 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES, PART 3 – NHL Draft Re-Entry Candidates from the USA

Brock Otten with Contributions from Will Scouch and Sam Happi — Sat, 28 May 2022 11:30:38 +0000

This year, it feels like we are playing catch-up because of how disjointed last year was in the scouting community. The OHL did not play. Other leagues played only partially. How much was development stunted? Better yet, how many players have surprised this year with their progression given that they were not able to show said progression last year (such as the OHL players). Will we see an extraordinary number of “re-entry” players selected this year as NHL scouting teams gobble up all of these players who slipped through the cracks of the pandemic scouting year?

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

Speaking of last year, ten “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 100; Ryker Evans, Josh Doan, Janis Moser, Carter Mazur, Alexei Kolosov, Taige Harding, Andrei Buyalsky, Josh Lopina, Ville Ottavainen, and Jakub Malek In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1:) (Part 2: )( Part 3) we wrote about eight of these ten. In total there were 34 taken, actually below the trend of over 40 being selected in other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 34, we identified and wrote about 17 (half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2022, we have some very interesting candidates. Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs was near the top of OHL scoring all season. Stephen Halliday of Dubuque had one of the best statistical seasons in the history of the USHL. Dmitri Buchelnikov completely obliterated the MHL, a year after being passed over as one of the youngest eligible players in 2021. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% (if the average is restored) this year.

Stephen Halliday. Photo by Hickling Images.

USHL

Stephen Halliday - Center - Dubuque (USHL)

It is not that often you see a high-level player spend four years in the USHL. A big and skilled forward, and a former highly touted prospect, Halliday has improved every year in the league, culminating with a dominating breakout performance this season. The Ohio State commit was the USHL’s scoring leader thanks to improvements made to his explosiveness and conditioning. Halliday is also now the USHL’s all-time leading scorer (passing Sean Farrell). In his final year of eligibility, it seems likely that Halliday will finally hear his name called at the draft. He has certainly earned it.

“You really have to commend Halliday for putting in the work to improve his skating. The improvements made to his first step quickness and his overall agility are extremely noticeable and really helped him to dominate shifts on the regular. Halliday was just an absolute beast at the USHL level this year. His combination of power and skill at the center position is not common on draft day. Ohio State is a really good spot for him too, as he’ll be able to go in there and be an immediate top six forward for them on a quality up and coming team. If I was an NHL team, I wouldn’t be letting him slip through a third NHL draft.” - Brock Otten

Connor Kurth - Wing - Dubuque (USHL)

A breakout star in the USHL, Kurth has paired with Stephen Halliday to form one heck of a dynamic duo. Passed over last year, Kurth has returned to the USHL with a vengeance, improving all facets of his game. The Minnesota commit has consistently been one of the USHL’s highest scoring players this year and his goal scoring ability, combined with his low center of gravity and desire to play through the middle, will make him one of the most coveted re-entry candidates from the United States region this year.

“Pretty much every time I watched Kurth this year (be it with Dubuque or the BioSteel game), he was noticeable for all the right reasons. He’s your classic high energy winger who seems to get better as he initiates and plays through traffic. He skates well. He opens up space and has an attacking mentality. He plays a 200-foot game. However, he also has great scoring instincts and enough skill, as well as a good enough shot to finish off the chances he earns. If an NHL team doesn’t draft Kurth now, they’ll be kicking themselves later when he becomes one of the top NCAA free agents on the market after a few years at Minnesota.” - Brock Otten

Quinn Hutson - Wing - Muskegon (USHL)

The brother of 2022 draft eligible defender and NTDP member Lane Hutson, Quinn is an elusive and skilled winger with a commitment to Boston University. We ranked him late last year (#208) after a very strong rookie year in the USHL, however he progressed even further this year. In his final year of draft eligibility, it is easy to see him attracting attention given his ability to push pace and create in transition. He also had a great performance in the Clark Cup playoffs.

“Everyone enjoys watching Lane, but his older brother Quinn is a player that’s caught my eye since the beginning of the season, and more so in the last few weeks after tracking games with Muskegon as the opponent. Quinn Hutson may be a D+2 in the USHL, but we’ve seen players with that profile turn out well before, and I absolutely love the skill and speed Hutson plays with. He can drive defenses deep in the defensive zone, swing pucks around the boards, fake out defenders with his body weight, pass pucks through seams, and he can certainly score his fair share as well. Hutson is a player I may rather see how he plays in college, but as a re-entry, he’s been exciting, skilled, and fun to watch with a diverse range of offensive talents.” - Will Scouch

Jeremy Wilmer - Center - Tri-City (USHL)

Wilmer’s original draft year (last season) did not go according to plan. A highly touted prospect coming out of his U17 year with the NTDP, Wilmer was surpassed by other players in the lineup eventually and then missed the IIHF U18’s. As a massively undersized forward, this was a death blow for his draft chances. However, Wilmer has returned to the USHL for another year and was sensational for Tri-City, as one of the league’s highest scoring players. The 5’7, Boston University commit can do it all offensively and he has shown that he can be the offensive leader of his team. Will that be enough for an NHL team to overlook his lack of stature?

“The two best players in the USHL are on sharply different ends of the height spectrum. Stephen Halliday, with 1.51 points per game, is 6’4”; Jeremy Wilmer, with 1.50 points per game, is 5’7”. You have to be quite the offensive talent to make the NHL when you’re as small as Wilmer– who is listed at 141 pounds– but an offensive resumé that he’s building may just about force an NHL team to take a flyer on him. Trey Fix-Wolansky, also 5’7”, has six NHL games under his belt as a 22 year old after the Blue Jackets used a seventh-rounder on him after a stellar 19-year-old season in the WHL. Wilmer might be taking the first steps down a similar path with the season that he has had this year. The important distinction between the two right now is that Fix-Wolansky currently has about 40 pounds on Wilmer. A few years in the NCAA with Boston University should help Wilmer get to work on that gap. Skill-wise, Wilmer has what it takes. He was just under a point per game last year for the NTDP U18s and likely would have been a top 100 selection if he brought the same skillset to a more typical frame. He’s a very creative passer and an adept finisher– he just desperately needs to add weight.” - Sam Happi

Lukas Gustafsson - Defense - Chicago (USHL)

A favourite of many video scouting teams last year, Gustafsson played a limited role on a Clark Cup winning Steel squad. Our video team loved his ability to lead the breakout with his feet and create offense by walking the line. However, the sample size was just too small, given his undersized frame and late birthday. This year, Gustafsson has taken on a larger role with Chicago and has thrived, among the leading defenseman scorers in the USHL. The 5’10 defender has a commitment to Boston College next year and should be on the radar of many NHL teams again.

“Gustafsson definitely made the most of increased ice time this year with the Steel. He is a really fun player to watch. His four-way mobility and edgework is among the best of any defender in the USHL. This really helps him to be elusive, especially as he starts the breakout. Gustafsson is just near impossible to pin down. But he’s also a better defensive player than people might think after looking at his size. He defends aggressively and will take away space to make up for his lack of reach, knowing that his four-way quickness gives him the ability to recover and cover ground. I know our video scout team loves him even more this year, so I took the time to watch him a little more closely based on their recommendation.” - Brock Otten

Kenny Connors - Center - Dubuque (USHL)

One of the most improved players in the USHL this season, the 6’1 pivot essentially tripled his production in his second year with Dubuque. As a result, he was rewarded with a spot in the BioSteel All American game. A UMass commit, Connors is the kind of hard working and pace pushing center that could carve out a long NHL career with continued development at the NCAA level.

“Dubuque has been a lot of fun to watch this year, with two electric scoring lines anchored by several players on this list like Halliday, Kurth, Connors, and Vegas draft pick Jackson Hallum (whom they added at the trade deadline). Connors is not the most creative or individually skilled player on the ice. Sometimes his feet move a little too quick for his hands. However, he is an intelligent playmaker who is a consistently hard worker. He finishes his checks. He backchecks hard. He wins races to loose pucks and wins battles along the wall. He can drive the net. He also has a solid top speed that allows him to impact the game in a lot of different ways. By improving his confidence with the puck and in his shooting ability, he has really rounded out his game offensively this season. There is definitely a projection here as an NHL role player and he is the kind of hard-working player that UMass has developed very well in the last decade.” - Brock Otten

Luke Mittelstadt - Defense - Madison (USHL)

The brother of Buffalo’s Casey Mittelstadt, Luke came into the 2020/21 season with a fair amount of draft hype. Early on, he was considered one of the top high school options for the draft. But his disappointing showing in the USHL (split between Lincoln and Eden Prairie) really caused scouts to re-evaluate his potential to be an impact offensive defender. Fast forward to this year. A move to Madison has completely re-invigorated Mittelstadt as he was consistently near the top of the defenseman scoring race (behind Mitchell Miller) all season. In fact, his 19 goals were the most by a U19 defender in the league since Matt Donovan scored 19 in 2009. The University of Minnesota commit has certainly put himself back on the scouting radar.

“One of the main concerns with Mittelstadt’s game last year at the USHL level was a lack of killer instinct. There was a real complacency at that level that prevented him from being a standout at either end. This year, he looks like a totally different player. He is consistently looking to jump up in the play or play aggressively high in the offensive zone. His four-way mobility is still an asset and his edge work and lateral quickness is a major reason why he has scored so many goals this year. Not only does he have a howitzer, but he walks the line so well. Composed with the puck, Mittelstadt is great at starting the breakout too. Defensively, there is still a need to get stronger and the physical intensity still wavers a bit, but progress has been made in all facets this year and he should be a slam dunk pick in this draft.” - Brock Otten

Damien Carfagna - Defense - Sioux City (USHL)

Last year with Green Bay, Carfagna’s original draft year, the late born ‘02 defender certainly flashed some projectable skills. In particular, his skating ability always stood out and he showed great potential as a puck mover because of it. However, a lack of production as an older first-time eligible defender really caused doubts about his NHL ceiling. From opening puck drop this year to the end (Clark Cup playoffs), Carfagna has emerged as one of the top defenders in the USHL. His offensive production dropped a bit after a deal to Sioux City, however his overall play and versatility has made him a likely re-entry selection. The University of New Hampshire commit also made waves by scoring the OT winner in the BioSteel All American game this year.

“I remember pushing for us to list Carfagna late last year in our rankings because he was someone who always stood out for Green Bay despite limited ice time and production. Now that he’s playing a ton, we’ve seen him transform into one of the best defenders in the USHL. His skating is a major asset. His quickness allows him to be an entry machine and he has gained the confidence to be more aggressive using his feet to help him exit the zone. Additionally, Carfagna has improved in the defensive zone. He’s not the biggest, strongest, or most physical, but his positioning and awareness are terrific. His quickness laterally and in transition allows him to take great routes to loose pucks and defend pace well too. After a few years at the NCAA level, he could turn into a very solid NHL defensive prospect.” - Brock Otten

Jack Harvey - Wing/Center - Chicago (USHL)

Last year, Harvey was consistently listed as everyone’s favourite diamond in the rough from the USHL. He found ways to standout despite receiving limited ice time on a stacked Chicago team. But given his lack of size/strength, limited production did not do him any favors at the draft. Now an integral part of Chicago’s offense, the Boston University commit has emerged as a serious draft candidate again thanks to a strong offensive season. This is especially true of his late season play, as Harvey finished the year on a high note as one of the hottest players in the USHL. Although Chicago disappointed in the playoffs, Harvey had a solid year.

“I believe Harvey’s best asset is his brain. He is a highly intelligent player. It is why he is such a versatile player too. Not the biggest or most physical, but Harvey is a strong penalty killer and defensive presence because of his awareness in all three zones. Harvey also has great vision and is a quick thinker/problem solver with the puck on his stick. With strong straight-line speed, he can push pace and lead the attack, but he rarely misses the mark on a pass in transition. The key for Harvey at Boston University will be continued growth physically. I’m not sure there’s a true projection as a scoring line player at the next level, so Harvey will need to continue to get stronger, quicker, and more tenacious to play through the middle six at the NHL level. I think he’s done enough to be drafted this year though.” - Brock Otten

Garrett Schifsky - Center - Waterloo (USHL)

Waterloo was not terrific this year, but one standout was this USHL rookie (essentially since he only played eight games last year), who led the team in scoring and in goal scoring by a significant amount. The undersized forward (5’9) is a commit to the University of Michigan and his breakout season as an offensive leader is likely to have drawn some attention.

“This young man can absolutely wire the puck. His shot is a major asset for Waterloo on the powerplay. I also love how fearless he is. He plays through contact well and consistently finds his way to the net despite being a smaller player. This competitiveness serves him well as a penalty killer too. The only thing you’d love to see is for Schifsky to improve his quickness. For a smaller player, he’s not the world’s most dynamic skater. There is room for him to improve his stride length as his use of shorter, choppy strides prevents him from being a truly dangerous transitional attacker. Yet, because of his strong puck control, use of linear crossovers, and vision, he does manage to find a way to be the lead in counter attacks. I wonder if someone throws a late round pick at him this year in hopes that his physical tools continue to improve to better support his skill and finishing ability.” - Brock Otten

Carter Schade - Defense - Lincoln (USHL)

One of the most competitive physical defenders in the USHL, Schade, a Penn State commit, also happens to be one of the most improved players this season too. Playing a ton for Lincoln and in all situations, Schade has also doubled his offensive production. The stocky defender (at 5’11, 200lbs) is going to be a terrific NCAA defender and should be the radar of NHL scouts this year.

“I absolutely love how Schade plays. I don’t necessarily believe the offensive upside is significant, although he is a strong skater. However, he absolutely suffocates in the defensive end. He makes up for his lack of reach by consistently keeping tight gaps and he makes opposing forwards earn every inch of ice against him. A feared hitter, you could make a great highlight package of his open ice hits this season. Players with Schade’s profile typically get drafted. He is only one year out of being passed over at the draft and he has made positive strides in nearly every area. Sure you’d love him to be bigger, but you can’t overlook the positive impact he has at the defensive end.” - Brock Otten

Tyler Haskins - Center - Madison (USHL)

Speaking of improved players in their second year of eligibility, insert Madison center Tyler Haskins. The former Chicago Mission standout used a move from Sioux Falls to Madison to take that next step as a USHL player this season. A University of Michigan commit, Haskins is that rangy, playmaking pivot that all NHL scouts are drawn to.

“Haskins is a player who is at his best near the goal line. He is tough to handle behind the net as he works the cycle and spins off checks and has the vision to find open teammates in the slot as he draws extra attention. He also camps out near the net and shows strong finishing skills through traffic. There is some James Van Riemsdyk to his game, at least in terms of a stylistic comparison. Next steps would include further improvement to his explosiveness and more consistent physical intensity in all three zones. But there is some raw potential here for Haskins to develop into a quality middle six player at the next level. If he does not get drafted, he could be the type of player who plays four years at Michigan and turns himself into a quality free agent signing by the time he graduates. The raw tools are impressive.” - Brock Otten

Jacob Guevin - Defense - Muskegon (USHL)

Our 220th ranked player for last year’s NHL Draft, Guevin has picked up right where he left off last year. Once again, he was one of the highest scoring defenders in the USHL. Will it be enough for the University of Nebraska-Omaha commit to get selected this year?

“I think you need to commend Guevin for coming back to the USHL this year and putting in the work to improve some of the areas that prevented him from being drafted last year. He has dialed up the physical intensity. He has improved his ability to defend in transition. He is taking the bull by the horns more offensively in transition, standing out at five on five and not just on the powerplay. His skating also looks more explosive. He is still not the biggest defender, and he will probably never be a defensive standout (there are still lapses of focus/attention). However, he has probably done enough to prove that he can be a competent play driver. His vision as an offensive player really stands out.” - Brock Otten

Cameron Whitehead - Goaltender - Lincoln (USHL)

A lot has been written about how weak this year’s goaltending crop is. Because of that, NHL scouts are going to really need to dig deep to find talent. Insert USHL rookie Cameron Whitehead. The former Ottawa area netminder has taken a long road to relevance, but he has the size and athleticism package that NHL scouts are looking for these days. He also has committed to Northeastern, a school which has developed netminders well in recent years (like another diamond in the rough out of Eastern Canada, Devon Levi).

“There are some real standout qualities here and raw athletic potential. Whitehead moves well laterally, and it allows him to track the play effectively. He looks poised and confident in the crease, challenging shooters and cutting down angles. With good size, he fights through traffic well and can be a real wall when he is dialed in. However, it is clear that he is still learning how to properly use his size in the crease. He has some scrambling tendencies that cause him to be out of position, as he drops down too early or over commits to play too far in one direction. Once a goaltending coach gets him to settle down and trust his size more, his consistency should improve. This is also true of his rebound control. Whitehead is very much a pure stopper right now who simply tries to get his body in front of pucks. He struggles to secure initial shots, especially when fighting through traffic. I love the fact that he has chosen Northeastern as a strong goaltending development program could really bring out the best in Whitehead’s raw athletic tools.” - Brock Otten

Brendan Fitzgerald - Defense - Cedar Rapids (USHL)

The youngest of the three Fitzgerald brothers, Brendan is just finishing his first season in the USHL with Cedar Rapids. The New Hampshire commit plays a similar game to Casey and Ryan, both of whom were drafted. The 5’11 defender also improved over the course of the USHL season, after playing prep in Massachusetts last season.

“As you might expect from a Fitzgerald, Brendan’s IQ/sense is his best asset. His positioning and awareness in the defensive end is an asset. He defends in transition well with quick feet, and he leads the rush efficiently with a solid top speed. Inside the offensive zone, he holds the line well with good lateral quickness and has become a real asset for Cedar Rapids on the powerplay as the season has gone on. Not a big defender, Fitzgerald tries to make up for that by being aggressive. He will step up early on attackers and plays assertively in the defensive end. This same aggressive mentality is applied in the offensive zone, where he will pinch to keep pucks in or even rotate deep, down low in the offensive zone to keep the cycle going. The next steps for Brendan would be learning to pick his spots better offensively, as he can get caught up ice. His puck skill would best be classified as average, so when pressured, turnovers can be an issue. Keeping things simple and moving the puck quickly are necessary for him. I think his pedigree and progression over the course of the year could be enough to get him drafted.” - Brock Otten

MADISON, WI - JANUARY 14: Michigan State defenseman David Gucciardi (7) during a college hockey match between the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the Michigan State University Spartans on January 14, 2022 at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI. (Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire)

NCAA

David Gucciardi - Defense - Michigan State (NCAA)

Gucciardi was a surprising no draft last year after a strong year in the USHL. However, after playing for four different USHL teams over two seasons, perhaps scouts had more questions about him than answers. Our 111th ranked prospect for the 2021 draft just finished his freshman year at Michigan State and he was one of the most impactful freshman defenders in the NCAA this year. He was one of Michigan State’s main powerplay quarterbacks and finished inside the top 20 of U20 defenseman scoring, while playing 17+ minutes a night on most occasions.

“The Michigan State program is not the powerhouse that it once was, but Gucciardi had a solid freshman year for them. He showed that he can use his plus mobility and big shot to quarterback the powerplay and he continued to be a factor physically in the defensive end. There are still some things to shore up in the defensive end, but I continue to like his potential as a two-way defender because of his combination of physicality, mobility, and offensive skill set. I thought he should have been drafted last year and should go this year.” - Brock Otten

Hunter Strand - Center - Notre Dame (NCAA)

A former member of the U.S. NTDP, Strand had a strong season in the USHL last year with Tri-City, but ultimately went undrafted. The late born 2002 and Alaska native was our 126th ranked prospect last year. Strand just finished up his freshman year at Notre Dame and was an impressive role player for the Fighting Irish.

“Strand is kind of a jack-of-all-trades kind of center. Sometimes that can be a bit of a kiss of death for prospects, but in Strand’s case, his versatility makes him valuable. You’d probably still like to see him become a more dynamic player moving East/West given his average size, but his straight-line speed looks improved, and he is still a skilled finisher in tight. Notre Dame has a pretty deep team, but Strand has already carved out a role and was impressive as a freshman in all three zones. On a team full of NHL draft picks, one has to think that Strand has a chance to be another in that group, in his final year of draft eligibility. Of course, there’s also a chance that teams take a wait and see approach with him too, to see if his offensive game can be taken to that next level as he matures further.” - Brock Otten

Ryan Kirwan - Wing - Penn State (NCAA)

A former highly touted prospect, Kirwan’s development stalled at the USHL level and it ultimately led to him going undrafted to this point. The big winger, however, silenced a lot of critics with his terrific freshman season for Penn State in 2022. The only undrafted player inside the top 20 of U20 scoring in the NCAA this past season, Kirwan was a fixture on the Penn State powerplay and finished the year as the team’s third leading scorer.

“Kirwan’s game is not perfect. You’d love to see him use his size a little more consistently away from the puck. He could also stand to improve the explosiveness of his first few strides. However, you can’t argue with the results he achieved in his first NCAA season. He drives the middle and plays with skill. Big wingers who can finish and make skilled plays through traffic do not grow on trees. I believe that there is a real chance that an NHL team looks at Kirwan as a draft selection this year. If he continues to blossom, he will be a highly coveted free agent given his pro frame and ability to work in the slot. So why not secure his rights now with a later pick?” - Brock Otten

Hunter McKown - Wing - Colorado College (NCAA)

A former role player with the U.S. NTDP, McKown’s first season with Colorado College last year was not great. However, he returned for his sophomore season and improved greatly for a Colorado College program that is trying to rebuild itself. Already a strong two-way forward, the added offensive element to his game this year, when combined with his size, could be attractive to NHL teams this year.

“McKown has emerged as Colorado College’s top scorer as a sophomore, adding an offensive element to a game that was strictly oriented around responsible defensive play up to this point. His offensive contributions in two years with the NTDP were limited to just 20 points in 82 games, with McKown serving as the lowest-scoring regular forward on his team in both years with the program. He’s flipped that script in 2021-22, largely relying on a much-improved shot for his new production. A sluggish release and ineffective shot limited McKown in the past, but his shot appears overhauled from his NTDP days: an increase in strength has produced significant power, while McKown’s much-quickened release has proved to be a problem for opposing goaltenders. McKown’s one-timer has made him a central figure on Colorado College’s powerplay, where a focus is working the puck through the slot and into McKown’s wheelhouse. Increased opportunity and confidence have also unveiled a nice set of offensive instincts, as McKown often places himself in the right spot at the right time to collect rebound and tap-ins. The expansion of McKown’s scoring game has elevated him from an almost strictly defensive forward to his team’s top offensive weapon and his expanded offensive skillset, in addition to his pre-existing defensive game, could finally catch the eye of an NHL team this time around.” - Sam Happi

Dominic James - Center/Wing - Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

It seems like every year a player comes out of nowhere to make the U.S.’ squad for the World Junior Championships. This year, that player was Dominic James. Even though the tournament was short lived, James had a very strong freshman year for a terrific Minnesota-Duluth team as their third line center. His competitive two-way game is likely to have caught a few eyes this season.

“Tough luck for James that the World Juniors got canceled because he seemed to be firmly in the lineup as a third liner in a shutdown role. He even scored in a pre-tournament game. But James was also impressive for a Minnesota-Duluth team that lost a tight game to Denver in the regional finals of the NCAA tournament (of which James had a strong game). He’s definitely not a high skill guy. His ceiling at the NHL level will be as a bottom six forward. However, he is a very impressive skater. When you combine his quickness with his tenaciousness and intelligent two-way game, you have someone built perfectly for a checking line role in today’s NHL. I have no doubt that James will be a draft pick somewhere this year.” - Brock Otten

Owen Gallatin - Defense - Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

Speaking of Minnesota-Duluth, another freshman who had a very strong year was undersized defender Owen Gallatin. Much like Michigan State’s David Gucciardi, Gallatin was among the NCAA’s highest scoring freshman defenders. As the season went on, the former U.S. NTDP defender’s ice time increased considerably and by year’s end, he was firmly in the Bulldog’s top four and leading the team’s top powerplay unit. He finished only two points behind highly regarded defensive prospect Wyatt Kaiser for the team lead in defensive scoring.

“It is easy to see why Gallatin has had instant success at the NCAA level for a strong program. He doesn’t back down from anyone despite being 5’8. There is a lot of a guy like Jared Spurgeon in him. He’s not a dynamic offensive defender in the sense that you will consistently see him leading the charge out of the defensive end with his feet. He is more likely to make a quick stretch pass. However, he is such an intelligent defender at both ends. He quarterbacks the powerplay because of how efficiently he moves the puck inside the zone and how he can break down coverage with his four-way mobility. He defends well because of excellent anticipation and stick placement, in addition to a tenacious attitude. An argument could be made that Gallatin was Minnesota-Duluth’s best defender this year, even ahead of Wyatt Kaiser. That’s impressive given that the Bulldogs were one of the top teams in the country, especially defensively.” - Brock Otten

Ty Mueller - Wing/Center - Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)

Even though he battled through some injuries, it was an impressive freshman season for Mueller, who played for Nebraska-Omaha as an 18/19 year old. Passed over last year after an abbreviated AJHL season, Mueller was one of the highest scoring U19 players in the NCAA this season. His 0.54 points per game was sixth in the country this year among U19 players, ahead of many NHL draft selections, and ahead of fellow ‘03 Jack Hughes (of Northeastern) who is considered a possible top 50 selection as a first time draft eligible (due to a later birthday).

“Mueller entered the AJHL season last year as a possible draft candidate after a terrific preseason and start, but the pandemic pauses just disrupted play too much. This year with UNO, I think we got a pretty good indication that if it were a normal year (a full AJHL season with a World Junior A Challenge), he likely would have been selected. Mueller’s production this year was no fluke. He is a tenacious, yet skilled player. He does most of his damage within that home plate area by outworking defenders, but he also has the speed to be an impactful player in transition. He needs to get stronger to be more consistent. He can be easily outmuscled at times, but the potential is great, and UNO is a great spot for him.” - Brock Otten

Bennett Zmolek - Defense - Minnesota State (NCAA)

Zmolek’s playing time this year was certainly up and down, but you can’t overlook the fact that he was a near regular rotation player (and consistent penalty killer) on one of the NCAA’s top teams this season. The 6’3, right shot defender combines strong four way mobility with excellent reach to be a potential shutdown defender at the NCAA level and beyond.

“Zmolek didn’t play the final couple of months (including during Minnesota State’s run in the NCAA tournament), but he made a big enough impact when he did play to warrant a look from an NHL team. 6’3, right shot defenders with sound defensive instincts and good mobility do not grow on trees. He is never going to be an impactful offensive defender. His skill set is limited in this regard. He is also more of a positional, stick on puck defender, rather than an intense physical defender. But with his quickness and reach, he closes quickly and defends pace well. The upside in the defensive end as he adds strength is significant. If an NHL team loves the program and Zmolek’s place within it (he will move up the depth chart next year with Minnesota State losing its captain and alternate captain on the backend, in addition to their only NHL drafted blueliner), he could be someone drafted late this year.” - Brock Otten

USHL: 2020-21 Playoff Preview – Expect Entertaining Hockey with Chicago a Clear Favourite

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:27:15 +0000

If there is an exception to the across-the-board negative impact of COVID-19 on the world of hockey, it may rest in the USHL. As north of the border, the three leagues of the CHL were in disarray – at best – the USHL, played a fairly “normal” year.

Sure, the league proceeded without the participation of the Madison Capitals (regional COVID restrictions) or the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders (a Derecho huffed and puffed and blew the arena down), but the rest of the league played (an approximately) 54 game schedule with rather few disruptions.

Not only that, but in terms of quality, the league was better than ever, as a number of players who had expected to suit up for Canadian teams – both CHL and Jr. A – were given an opportunity to play for various USHL teams as their regular leagues were delayed indefinitely, or outright cancelled. Those bonus players included some that were drafted already, including Cross Hanas, Bear Hughes, and Danil Gushchin*. Other drafted players came in from the Ivy League schools, who did not play a hockey schedule this year. In addition to the likes of Henry Thrun, Jack Malone, and Austin Wong coming to the USHL after some time in college, others like Sean Farrell and Alex Laferriere, who had intended to start collegiate life this year, were forced to stay back for one more year in the Midwest.

*Gushchin, who had played the previous two seasons with Muskegon, was expected to play in Ontario with Niagara for the 2020-21 season, but with the OHL in permanent statis, he was loaned back to the Lumberjacks, where he put up his best season yet.

And then there were the draft-eligible ringers who unexpectedly joined the league and played so well that they have legitimate first round consideration at the end of it. I am thinking, of course, of Cole Sillinger, who joined Sioux Falls, before it was known when, or if, the WHL would get going, and Ayrton Martino and Jack Bar, who had played in Ontario last year and had been planning on playing in the BCHL this year before Canadian restrictions pushed them to the USHL, with Omaha and Chicago, respectively.

Of course, there were many other unexpected players in the league this year, with those mentioned only scratching the surface of the most famous names.

So, before we preview the postseason, which begins this Friday (Apr. 30), let’s pour one out for the six teams that didn’t make, and give a word to the top 1-3 draft eligible players from those squads.

Team USA

One point behind Dubuque for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference – although far further back via points percentage (.510-.481), the USNTDP team that would have played in the USHL playoffs had they made it would have been the U17 team. The best of that group – Rutger McGroarty, Isaac Howard, Ryan Chesley, Lane Hutson, Charlie Stramel and others – are playing with the U18 team in Texas at the WU18 tournament. No draft eligibles but remember those names for next season.

Youngstown Phantoms

By points percentage, easily the weakest team in the league. The aforementioned Jack Malone, a Vancouver draft pick, was far and away the top performer on the team, which is to be expected from a player with a year at Cornell under his belt. Among first year draft eligibles, Japanese import Yusako Ando was the most notable, although his second year in the league was worse than his first. He can create for others, but he doesn’t skate well enough to make up for his slight 5-7” frame. The only other draft eligible who ever made a positive impression on me from this roster was blueliner Austen May. The Providence commit is on the small side, but he is really fleet of foot and shows decent attention to detail off the puck.

Des Moines Buccaneers

Despite the presence of three drafted players – Alex Laferriere (LA), Noah Ellis (Vgk), and Lucas Mercuri (Car), the Buccaneers struggled this year, particularly in terms of putting the puck in the net. The drafted guys were all solid, but too few of the rest of the roster could match their output. Perhaps things would have been different if Paul Davey hadn’t of left mid-season for a stint back home in Connecticut. Davey and Scout Truman were the two most notable first time draft eligible on the roster, but neither really put their stamp on the season. If there are to be any Buccaneers drafted this year, they will be among the redraft candidates. To that end, file away the names of Matt Choupani and Remington Koepple. Choupani is a forward who lacks much in the way of physical tools but can play the puck well. Koepple is a goalie who had decent numbers in his first year in the league, although he has only average size and athleticism and he chocked in the BioSteel game, hurting his standing for some.

Lincoln Stars

The Stars went heavy on the ringers partway through the season. Cross Hanas was already mentioned, but he was just one of four players brought in from the WHL Portland Winterhawks, joining Clay Hanas (no relation), Jack O’Brien, and James Stefan, as well as Charles-Alexis Legault from West Kelowna in the BCHL and Michael Mastrodomenico from AAA hockey in Quebec. Simply put, the shuffled team never gelled, and the newcomers couldn’t get into the swing of the USHL.

O’Brien was the biggest disappointment. There was some expectation that he could be a high round pick this year, but one goal and six assists in 23 games ended that sentiment. Blueliner Legault didn’t hurt his stock too much, as he still has great size and skates well and shoots from his right side. Stefan, son of former first overall pick Patrik Stefan, had enough moments to maybe convince some team to call his name in the late rounds. A kind word also to big bruising winger Gleb Veremeyev. Veremeyev isn’t an offensive threat, but one of the top PIM players in the league is a threat, nonetheless. The USHL is not a very physical league, and when a player has that size and plays with that snarl, he sometimes gets drafted, such as we saw with Nick Capone last year and Martin Pospisil in 2018.

Waterloo Black Hawks

Generally contenders, the Black Hawks find themselves out of the playoffs for the first time since 2014-15, and only the second time in 14 seasons for which there were playoffs. Fielding one of the smaller and least experienced lineups in the league, this just wasn’t their year. Their one drafted player, Toronto’s Wyatt Schingoethe, regressed heavily from his strong draft year. The team cycled through goalies, with three seeing significant minutes. Remember the name of Emmett Croteau, the best performing of their netminders, as he won’t be draft eligible until 2022.

Among players eligible this year, the most impressive were second time eligible defenseman Cooper Wylie, a USHL rookie, who can play the puck and skate well enough to make his ornery game effective, if not spectacular. He could be drafted. On the other hand, David Gucciardi, acquired in an early season trade from Youngstown, will be drafted. His game is raw, and his mistakes are often critical, but he has tools, and his instincts are good enough to think he can be a good one if he relies on his instincts all the time.

Sioux Falls Stampede

The Western Conference bottom feeders are a mystery. In the last USHL playoffs, the Stampede took home the title. In addition to their usual solid team, this year they brought in the highest profile ringer in Cole Sillinger, who didn’t disappoint, with a team leading 46 points despite only playing in 31 games. He is a sniper with an NHL style game who will be back in the WHL next year. The USHL rarely sees a player of his caliber, whether talking about skill or about reading the game, yet he couldn’t drag the Stampede upwards on his own. I would be surprised if he isn’t the first player from this year’s USH: crop to play in the NHL.

Defender Brent Johnson was one of the better draft eligible defenders in the league as well. A power play specialist with good wheels and an ornery side, his season ended right before the BioSteel All American Game due to a shoulder injury, but could hear his name called in the 50-80 range of the draft if his medicals hold up.

Although not as high profile, I also have time for second time eligible, defenseman Nate Schweitzer, who can do a lot well, but nothing spectacularly, and winger Mike Citara, who can skate and shoot. I don’t expect either to be drafted, but I wouldn’t be surprised if either was.

The Playoffs

The format this year is simple. The top four teams from each conference made it in. All series are best-of-threes. Top seed plays the fourth seed, and second seed plays the third seed. All games are hosted by the higher seed. One series per weekend until one team lifts the Clark Cup. Let’s go!

Western Conference

Jack Peart. Photo Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Tri-City Storm vs #4 Fargo Force

The Western Conference was incredibly tight at the top with the playoff picture not being settled until the final weekend of the regular season. The points percentage difference between Tri-City and Fargo (32 percentage points) was less than between Fargo and fifth place Des Moines (34 percentage points).

Fargo was the third best defensive team in the league, although Tri-City was the best at keeping the puck out of its net. Neither team is known for filling their opponents’ nets either, but both had generally done enough to walk away with points more often than not. In fact, they are quite evenly matched. The difference in these three games (outside of home ice advantage) is likely to rest in special teams. Fargo was mediocre on both the power play and the penalty kill, while the Storm were strong with the man advantage and almost impregnable on the penalty kill, leading the league with a breathtaking 88.3% kill rate. To Fargo’s credit, they have played far more of their season at 5-on-5 than Tri-City. And they will have to do that again this weekend to keep their season alive.

Beyond the expected close games, another reason to watch this series is the head-to-head matchup between two very interesting and talented draft eligibles. On Fargo, that would be Tristan Broz, a two-way center with a good motor and the vision to be a power play weapon. The Minnesota commit ran away with the scoring lead on his team. His numbers would be even more impressive if he had more talented teammates to play with. On Tri-City, the man of the hour is Matthew Knies. Knies started his season painfully slow, but ended it on fire, with 20 points in his final 11 games. Knies has heavier feet, but a very mature build and at his best, can take over the game. He will join Broz with the Golden Gophers next year.

Knies and Broz are not the only intriguing draft eligible players in this series. In fact, Fargo blueliner Jack Peart has a very good chance to be the highest drafted player in this series. The St. Cloud State commit split his season between Fargo and Grand Rapids High School (Mn). He is a good skater with a very strong first few steps, who plays with preternatural poise. He controls the puck like a much older player and plays a strong 200-foot game. Had Peart spent the entire season in Fargo, the final standings may have looked very different. For Fargo, also keep an eye on Aaron Huglen, a Buffalo draft pick who returned from over a full year on the sidelines after around a third of this season was done and has played a skilled game ever since.

On Tri-City, Knies is joined by a pair of intriguing draft eligible players in Hunter Strand and Carter Mazur, the latter of whom is a second time eligible player. Strand is a USNTDP alum, whose late birthday prevented him from being drafted last year. The Alaska native is a great skater and plays a patient game with the puck. Mazur has more of an East-West style game, helped along by plus edges. He can play the pest role as well and retains utility off the puck. Strand and Mazur both outscored Knies this year, but Knies already had a big reputation through his big pre-draft year and his run to end the year keeps him top of mind.

Prediction: Fargo in three. A mild upset to be sure. The return of Peart helps Fargo just as much as the loss of top blueliner Guillaume Richard hurts Tri-City. Richard is currently representing Team Canada at the WU18s in Texas. Neither team has stellar goaltending, but Fargo’s Brennan Boynton should be able to roughly match Tri-City’s Todd Scott.

#2 Omaha Lancers vs #3 Sioux City Musketeers

Both Omaha and Sioux City put up 63 points in 53 games, but their paths to getting there could scarcely have been more different. Consider that Omaha’s goal differential was a mediocre +13, while Sioux City outscored their opponents on aggregate by 35 goals, with the league’s best – by far – defense.

The two teams are both led by high end goaltending, each starting one of the three drafted netminders in the league. For Sioux City, that man is the Swiss Akira Schmid, a New Jersey prospect, while Montreal draftee Jakob Dobes, from Czechia, mans the pipes for Omaha. Dobes was a true workhorse for the Lancers, playing in 47 of the team’s 53 games, while Schmid played roughly two-third of the time for Sioux City, as his back up was more reliable.

Schmid will need to be at his best in this series, however, as Omaha has one of the biggest offensive weapons in the league at their disposal in Ayrton Martino. Martino joined the club shortly after the calendar flipped into 2021 and took the league by storm, with the fifth best points-per-game ratio in the USHL (1.47). A great skater with a fantastic shot, Martino did not let his slight frame prevent him from dominating, and his playmaking game is just as strong as his finishing ability. If Sioux City can shut Martino down, the Lancers don’t have too many other weapons at their disposal as their secondary scoring is largely in the hands of USHL veterans like Ryan Lautenbach, Nolan Renwick and Zach Dubinsky. The Omaha roster is one of the oldest in the league.

Sioux City, on the other hand, has a few more weapons at its disposal. Detroit draft pick Chase Bradley and New Jersey pick Ethan Edwards were both in the team’s top four in scoring, while Buffalo pick Matteo Costantini showed well after joining the league mid-season. Although the Musketeers don’t have a draft eligible player the likes of Martino, don’t sleep on defenseman Shai Buium. A USHL rookie out of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s program, he combines quick hands with smooth, if not quick, feet. He plays a strong two-way game and if he were a better skater (he isn’t bad, but he isn’t great), we would be hearing more people call for him as a first round type of talent. As is, he has enough raw skill to dream on a big, late-blooming future. I am also keeping an eye on redraft candidates defenseman Daniel Laatsch and center Justin Hryckowian. Laatsch is a USNTDP alum who has great size and some burgeoning skill, but is still raw, while Hryckowian has a fun skill game, but an injury-filled history and a sub-optimal build.

Prediction: Sioux City’s depth overcomes Martino’s solo skill in three games.

Western Conference Final Prediction: Sioux City over Fargo in three games. Sioux City is just too difficult to score against and has enough offensive weapons to get the job done.

Eastern Conference

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Chicago Steel vs #4 Dubuque Fighting Saints

By all accounts, this should be a washout. Chicago is, by great lengths, the top team in the USHL. They enter the postseason on an eight-game undefeated streak, and won 38 of 54 games this year, often by wide margins. Their goaltending has been shoddy at times, but far more often than not, they were able to outscore their troubles and their total of 265 goals scored was 24 more than the runners-up. Dubuque, on the other hand, won only 24 of 51 games, securing the final playoff spot in the east thanks to a win in their final game coupled with a loss from the U17 USNTDP squad.

If Dubuque is to have a hope in this series, look to their defensive players. Goalie Lukas Parik, a Los Angeles draft pick, struggled since joining the team, in late-January from the Czech second division, but shut out Green Bay in his final game, reminding us of what he is capable. On the blueline, fellow LA pick Braden Doyle teams up with Anaheim draft pick Henry Thrun to give the Fighting Saints a pair of weapons. Up front, Dubuque has a balanced attack, but the man to watch is Robert Cronin. While too old to be drafted this year Cronin is a late bloomer with speed and skill who will be a good follow next year once he joins the University of New Hampshire. The boy to watch, on the other hand, is Matthew Savoie. The 17-year-old is a 2022 draft eligible, who should have been playing in the WHL, but the uncertainty in that league led him to Dubuque, where he immediately played a central, and at time dominating, role. He’s going to be really fun to watch next year.

Looking at draft eligibles for this summer, keep your eyes on Connor Kurth and Andrei Buyalsky. Buylasky is actually the same age (born three days later) as Cronin, but as he is considered a foreign player (this is his first season in North America), the Kazakhstani forward is draft eligible while the American Cronin is not. Buyalsky is an impressive skater with impressive finishing ability. Kurth, on the other hand, has no particular big attributes to his game, but he finds a way to put up good numbers. He has a very stocky build but moves well enough regardless.

Moving on to Chicago, almost every skater on the roster is worthy of mention. Start with Montreal draft pick Sean Farrell, a USNTDP alum who would have been with Harvard this season had the Crimson actually played. Instead, he put up a breathtaking 101-point season for the Steel. His playmaking ability is simply unfair to most opponents on most nights. Then there is Matthew Coronato, a likely first round pick, who scored 48 goals in 51 games. Sure, it helps to have Farrell playing on your team, but the two actually rarely played together at even strength. Coronato is an offensive dynamo, who is content to cycle on his own for multiple full loops of the offensive end before he sees a seam to exploit.

Then there is Jack Bar, a late add to the roster from the BCHL. After a brief period acclimating to the league, he began to dominate. The defenseman likes to get deep into the offensive zone but is also a physical and committed defender. He has some first round upside. Of course, I also have to mention Mackie Samoskevich, who at one time was seen as a better draft prospect than Coronato. Samoskevich struggled somewhat after a midseason injury but is another gifted playmaker and a fantastic skater to boot.

I don’t want to get into the weeds too much, but I also expect Josh Doan (son of Shane), Ryan Ufko, and Jackson Blake to be drafted this summer, and Jack Harvey being drafted wouldn’t surprise me either. Anaheim draft pick Ian Moore has been impressive in his first season in the USHL, and 2023(!!) eligible forward Adam Fantilli is a burgeoning superstar. As good as everyone else already mentioned on this roster is, Fantilli’s upside is the highest. I am talking top three in the draft upside.

Prediction: Chicago in two, barring a complete breakdown in net. Chicago in three if the goalies stumble.

#2 Muskegon Lumberjacks vs #3 Green Bay Gamblers

A testament to how tight the West is, the Muskegon-Green Bay series is the second most lopsided duel after Chicago-Dubuque, with .040 percentage points separating the Lumberjacks and the Gamblers. Muskegon plays an up-tempo, high-event game with red lights going off at both ends. Green Bay is best when they keep goals to a minimum, and actually ended the season with the fewest goals allowed in the conference.

Green Bay’s chances are led by a pair of Boston Bruins’ draft picks in defender Mason Lohrei and center Jake Schmaltz. The latter is a two-way forward, who after three seasons in the USHL, has figured out how to be a factor offensively. He does a lot of little things well but lacks any dynamic elements. Lohrei was a surprise second rounder last season but has grown his game even more this year. He is big, skates very well, has a big point shot and plays a tough game at all ends. The Gamblers will go as far as he can take them. Vancouver draft pick Jackson Kunz and Vegas pick Jackson Hallum are also on the roster, and while both have shown the ability to provide secondary offense, neither can make things happen on their own. 2022 eligible Ryan Greene is an interesting player, but if there is a wild card in Green Bay, it is Camden Thiesing. The Tennessee native combines skill with grit, finishing third in the league in PIMs. He will work to make things happen on his own, and when he stays out of the penalty box, he is dangerous.

Led by San Jose draft pick Danil Gushchin, Muskegon is incredibly entertaining. Gushchin is a dynamo, who is not the most consistent player, but when he is involved and engaged, is one of the top handful of forwards in the league. He is joined by a deep roster of talented players, a few of whom should be drafted this summer, many of those in their second year of eligibility. The best of that secondary bunch is center Cameron Berg. Berg finished last year hot after a slow start and didn’t miss a beat coming into this year. He has a high-end wrist shot and knows how to create space for himself to rip one off. Winger Quinn Hutson is another second-year eligible forward who made waves this year. The type of player to get to the right spot at the right time, he knows how to finish what his linemates create. On the blueline, there are a trio to watch. The offensive blueline is Jacob Guevin, a power play specialist, whose production overshadows his average tools. Alex Gagne and Hank Kempf are bigger, more physical blueliners who make life difficult for attacking forwards. I could see all three drafted this summer.

Prediction: Muskegon in three games.

Eastern Conference Final prediction: Chicago in three games over Muskegon. This would be an immensely entertaining series.

Clark Cup Final Prediction: Chicago over Sioux City in three games. It’s really hard to bet against the Steel this year.