Jayson Shaugabay – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #25 Tampa Bay Lightning – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:58:36 +0000

Sam O'Reilly of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images.

Prospect System Rank – 25th (Last Year - 29th)
GM: Julien BriseBois Hired: September 2018
COACH: Jon Cooper Hired: March 2013

The Tampa Bay Lightning operate with a philosophy shared by only a handful of NHL organizations. That's to identify the pieces needed to win now and find a way to put him on the roster no matter the cost. When a team has made the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons and captured two Stanley Cups along the way, few are inclined to question the approach.

The Lightning remain driven by a familiar core that continues to produce at an elite level. With Nikita Kucherov (32), Victor Hedman (35), Brayden Point (29), Andrei Vasilevskiy (31), Jake Guentzel (31), Anthony Cirelli (28), and Brandon Hagel (27) still anchoring the roster, Tampa Bay is clearly intent on extending its championship window for as long as possible. True to form, general manager Julien BriseBois once again targeted a specific addition at the trade deadline, acquiring veteran forward Corey Perry for a 2028 second-round pick. While Tampa Bay still retains most of its selections in the 2026 draft — missing only a first- and fourth-round pick — the organization is on the verge of entering a fourth consecutive draft without a first-round selection.

Despite the lack of high-end draft capital, the Lightning still features four prospects within McKeen’s Top 200 rankings. Leading the group is Sam O’Reilly (62nd), acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in a 2025 trade. Now in his fourth and final season of junior hockey, the forward is producing at just over a point-per-game pace across his OHL career. He is joined by fellow OHL standouts Marco Mignosa and Ethan Czata, both of whom continue to show encouraging development with their respective clubs.

Perhaps the most intriguing name on the rise is 2025 fourth-round selection Benjamin Rautiainen (97th). The Finnish forward has broken out in Liiga this season, emerging as one of the league’s top offensive producers. Whether these prospects remain in the system long enough to make a lasting impact is always an open question in Tampa Bay. But if history is any indication, the Lightning will continue prioritizing contention and remain a factor in the playoff picture for a few more seasons.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
TB	1	Sam O'Reilly	C	20	6-1/190	Ldn-Kit (OHL)	56	29	42	71	22
TB	2	Benjamin Rautiainen	C	20	6-0/175	Tappara (Fin-Liiga)	59	25	52	77	20
TB	3	Ethan Gauthier	RW	21	5-11/175	Syracuse (AHL)	56	12	15	27	10
TB	4	Dylan Duke	LW	23	5-10/180	Syracuse (AHL)	72	32	27	59	42
TB	4	Dylan Duke	LW	23	5-10/180	Tampa Bay (NHL)	1	0	0	0	0
TB	5	Ethan Czata	C	19	6-2/180	Niagara (OHL)	63	25	28	53	79
TB	5	Ethan Czata	C	19	6-2/180	Syracuse (AHL)	3	0	0	0	17
TB	6	Daniil Pylenkov	D	25	6-1/195	Dynamo Moskva (KHL)	64	9	45	54	22
TB	7	Jayson Shaugabay	RW	21	5-9/155	Minnesota Duluth (NCAA)	40	11	32	43	18
TB	8	Maxim Groshev	RW	24	6-2/195	Syracuse (AHL)	58	3	18	21	22
TB	8	Maxim Groshev	RW	24	6-2/195	Tampa Bay (NHL)	2	0	1	1	0
TB	9	Everett Baldwin	D	19	6-0/180	Saint John (QMJHL)	62	15	29	44	46
TB	10	Joe Connor	LW	21	5-10/175	Northeastern (NCAA)	36	13	14	27	20
TB	11	Jan Golicic	D	19	6-5/190	Gat-BLB (QMJHL)	57	5	39	44	38
TB	12	Noah Steen	LW	21	6-1/195	Orebro (SHL)	52	12	10	22	18
TB	12	Noah Steen	LW	21	6-1/195	Syracuse (AHL)	5	1	0	1	5
TB	13	Marco Mignosa	RW	21	6-0/170	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	65	35	54	89	33
TB	14	Ethan Samson	D	22	6-1/195	LV-Syr (AHL)	40	5	13	18	24
TB	15	Lucas Mercuri	C	24	6-3/190	Syracuse (AHL)	67	14	12	26	132

1. Sam O'Reilly, C, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Sam O’Reilly is going to need a bigger trophy case with two OHL Championships, one Memorial Cup, and a World Juniors bronze medal, plus a chance to earn more with a surging Rangers squad. Coming back from being one of Canada’s more productive forwards at the WJC, Sam was traded to London’s rival Kitchener, and he hasn’t missed a beat, going well over a point per game with his new team. O’Reilly is no stranger to being traded, as this past offseason, he was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Isaac Howard. There is a lot to love with the potential fit with Jon Cooper for O’Reilly as a utility middle-six forward. He’s a very projectable player with good smarts and the ability to find loose pucks, earning him points wherever he goes. O’Reilly might be a rare player who doesn’t have a weakness in his game, finding success in all three zones, particularly in his own end. I could see the Bolts bringing him up to the NHL to start next season, over bringing a Sabourin or Curtis Douglas back, even if just on a rotational basis with an AHL conditioning stint mixed in.

2. Benjamin Rautiainen, C, Tappara (Liiga)

Benjamin Rautiainen has emerged as one of the most compelling late-bloomer stories in Finland this season. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning after going undrafted twice, Rautiainen has taken a significant step forward in his age-20 Liiga campaign. After posting 33 points in 50 games last year, he led the league scoring, and his 77 points broke the U21 scoring record set by Saku Koivu and the first 70-point season in almost 20 years. He earned Liiga MVP honours for his efforts. The growth in his game is tangible. Long criticized for perimeter habits and average explosiveness, Rautiainen now plays with far more pace and conviction. His edge work and agility have improved, allowing him to manipulate defenders off the rush and operate as a primary transition carrier. A natural playmaker, he controls entries, delays effectively, and attacks the middle with deception. While not overly physical, he protects pucks efficiently and competes more consistently away from them. Given Tampa Bay’s development track record, Rautiainen projects as a legitimate middle six NHL winger with offensive upside if his skating continues trending upward.

3. Ethan Gauthier, RW, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Gauthier is enjoying a moderately successful season with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch as a pro hockey freshman. He's the youngest player on that team, and they're fairly deep at forward, but he's still finding ways to earn his minutes and chip in offensively. A former first overall pick in the QMJHL Entry Draft, his highly touted scoring abilities more or less came as advertised, playing a key role for the Canadian team that won gold at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and then leading Drummondville in playoff scoring as they captured the league title in 2024. And yet, it could simultaneously still be argued that he hasn’t fully lived up to his potential, as he will sometimes go quiet for long stretches. The quality of his shot is undeniable, but he can struggle to find enough time and space to properly utilize it, usually because of a mix of both effort and elusiveness. If Gauthier can smooth out the rough edges in his game that could clear the way for him to become a feared NHL goalscorer.

4. Dylan Duke, LW, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

It is impossible not to like and respect Duke with the way that he plays hockey. He is a mix between a buzzsaw and a bulldog, and he instantly becomes the hardest working player on the ice regardless of where or when he goes over the boards. He’s utterly fearless and relentless for a smaller forward, pinballing around the ice as he inserts himself into the play however he can. It also needs to be said, however, that there’s a certain kind of brilliance to how he gets inside and under opposing players to win battles, and he has a real sixth sense for getting to rebounds and loose pucks before anyone else does. He’s leading the Syracuse Crunch in goals this season, and it’s no surprise because he’s so in tune with himself and so hyperaware of what his strengths are. Will Duke’s success carry over to the NHL one day? Probably not to the same degree, because guys like him usually have a hard time sustaining it and surviving the grind. But bet against him at your own peril.

5. Ethan Czata, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL) (Currently with Syracuse Crunch, AHL)

The Niagara Ice Dogs have been pretty mediocre through late January and February, but Czata has been a huge bright spot. His production has skyrocketed, scoring in a variety of ways from crashing the net to using his heavy wrister as well as retrieving pucks from down low to sustain play in the offensive zone. He’s progressed quite well since his debut OHL season and is looking like he’ll make the NHL in some sort of capacity. His consistency of reads with the puck and decrease in turnovers have been very noticeable from his earlier days with the Dogs. The Bolts have a sneaky good find at pick 56 in 2024 with Czata. At the next level, he’s a guy who can score in different ways and have an impact in front of the net even when not scoring. His big hits and smarts will help him fit in well in a gritty Tampa Bay bottom six.

6. Daniil Pylenkov, D, Dymano Moscow (KHL)

It's tough to find any major holes in Pylenkov’s game. The former seventh round draft pick has improved year over year and is thriving in his role as the number one defenceman for Dynamo Moskova. He lacks the flash and high-end skill to be a high-end player in the NHL, but his patience and intelligence allow him to be effective in all areas of the ice, in all situations. He facilitates well along the blue line, running the first power play unit, and can activate in the offensive zone playing as a fourth winger when called upon. His positioning is sound, shutting down plays in the neutral zone and keeping forwards to the outside. In the defensive end, he patrols the middle of the ice and battles hard in the corners and in front of the net. On breakouts, he is always in a supportive position and can snap passes up ice to start the rush. At 25 years old, his development is likely complete and if he does come over to North America, his game is probably good enough to slot into a bottom pair role. This past season, though, he signed a two-year extension, which likely prevents him from coming to North America before he turns 27, if he even planned on doing so.

7. Jayson Shaugabay, RW, University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

Shaugabay’s development over the last couple of seasons has pushed his name up the list of Tampa Bay Lightning prospects to watch. He has been on an upward trajectory each year since being drafted, culminating in his second NCAA season being his first point-per-game season since he played high school hockey in 2022-23. He has played with the Plante brothers with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, which brings into question whether he can lead his own line and pull his own weight, while maintaining his point-production. He’s certainly trending in the right direction towards becoming an NHL player for a Lightning organization that has consistently found such talents in the later rounds. Shaugabay is a playmaker with a high hockey IQ and excellent stickhandling chops to push the pace. He needs to continue improving his skating ability and bulking up in the NCAA to improve his odds at making the NHL level. If he can continue to do that, he projects as a third line scoring winger. However, he is right on that line when it comes to projecting him, as he could go on to be an AHL all-star who struggles to find a role in the NHL.

8. Maxim Groshev, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Groshev is easily one of the most fascinating prospects in Tampa Bay’s system, primarily because he shifted from playing forward to playing defence at age 23, which is almost unheard of that far into a player’s career. What’s even more surprising is just how well the switch has gone for him, fitting into the Syracuse Crunch’s blueline almost seamlessly, and even holding his own for a couple of games up with the Lightning. He has a genuine knack for breaking pucks out of his own end, and he isn’t shy about taking calculated risks to do so. Maybe defence is the position that he was always destined to play, because he was often quite frustrating to watch as a forward, struggling to fully understand how best to use his size and athletic gifts to make a positive difference. Groshev is a restricted free agent at the end of this season, and it would be an absolute shame if he and the Lightning didn’t agree to terms about bringing him back, if for no other reason than to see how his story unfolds from here, this close to the NHL.

9. Everett Baldwin, D, Saint John's Sea Dogs (QMJHL) (Currently with Syracuse Crunch, AHL)

After spending last season in the United States, playing mostly in the USHS prep circuit, Baldwin decided to commit to the QMJHL for the 2025–2026 season before ultimately joining Providence College in the NCAA the following year. It was a smart move for Baldwin, who presently plays around 20 minutes each game. The young defender finished with 44 points in 62 games, a solid production, finishing ninth in defensive scoring in the QMJHL. Baldwin is an agile skater, very mobile with and without the puck. He likes to lead the charge offensively, and he supports attacks well. He is not the most creative defender, but he shows great intelligence with the puck and does well to funnel pucks to the middle of the ice, using his mobility to his advantage to evade pressure. The physical side of the game is a work in progress, but the frame suggests that it could be there sooner than later. Since being drafted last year, Baldwin has improved a lot in all aspects of the game. Will it be enough for him to play in the NHL? His play at the NCAA level will give a better indication of that.

10. Joe Connor, LW, Northeastern University (NCAA)

Being a crafty, shoot-first winger who excels in transition, Joe Connor is putting together a solid resume at Northeastern University. His stick handling is used so well when he’s entering the zone, making him and any teammate that trails him, deadly off the rush. Connor also has his deadly shot as a weapon, specializing in set ups off the faceoff. He isn’t terribly fast, but he is fearless as his 5-foot-10 body has been tossed around by the Hockey East and Connor is right back on his feet after every hit. Connor is annoying to defencemen when he gets around them to receive an outlet pass, but can have a habit of flying up too early and becoming a non-factor in the defensive zone. Additionally, he can be a bit of a wild man when passing, needing to gain better vision and accuracy in the offensive zone. Though his game is chaotic, Joe Connor is an intriguing player who will at least play meaningfully in Syracuse, Tampa’s AHL squad, soon. He will receive even more promising development to eventually make the NHL. Just look at how many homegrown guys the Lightning have on their roster now.

11. Jan Golicic, D, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

The massive Slovenian defender has had another good year in the QMJHL, especially following a trade to the Armada. He brings physical play and improved confidence with the puck.

12. Noah Steen, LW, Örebro HK (SHL) (Currently with Syracuse Crunch, AHL)

Steen is having his best season to date in the SHL. The Norwegian winger is a hard worker who projects as a potential bottom six forward for Tampa.

13. Marco Mignosa, RW, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Now in his overage OHL season with the Soo Greyhounds, Mignosa continues to improve his all-around game. Upgrading his speed and explosiveness got him drafted last year.

14. Ethan Samson, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Recently acquired by Lightning, Samson is a former WHL standout whose development had stalled in the Flyers' system. He needs to play his way into Tampa’s long-term plans.

15. Lucas Murcuri, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Mercuri's rights were acquired by the Lightning after Carolina had decided that they would not be signing him following his four years at UMass. The big power forward has found an immediate role in the AHL with Syracuse as a Tom Wilson lite, lending promise to a potential fourth line role with Tampa.

NHL: Affiliated prospects who have made rapid progress this season – North America Part One

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:22:13 +0000

Early on in the season talent evaluators are often hyper focused on draft eligible players as they try to determine early rankings and watch lists. But what about the prospects already affiliated with NHL teams? Previously drafted (or signed) players often show off remarkable progression early in the year that is worth discussing as it elevates their projection as NHL players. This piece aims to highlight some of those players; players who have impressed our scouting staff with their improved play this season.

Here are the North American based prospects Part One:

Brock Otten - Director of Scouting

Harry Nansi - Wing, Owen Sound Attack, OHL (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Nansi had his supporters in the scouting community heading into the 2025 NHL Draft. Suffice to say, we were not one of them. We ranked Nansi 238th and a lot of that had to do with my own concerns over Nansi’s upside; I had him ranked 34th among Ontario players in my own personal rankings. We weren’t alone in having concerns about Nansi as NHL Central Scouting dropped him over 100 spots in their final rankings, leaving him unranked ahead of the draft. While he was unquestionably an intelligent player with an intriguing frame, we didn’t see NHL skating ability or skill. The Toronto Maple Leafs ended up selecting Nansi in the fifth round and the early returns of that pick have been extremely promising.

As part of a dominant first line for the Owen Sound Attack, Nansi currently finds himself in the top five of OHL scoring, along with his linemates Pierce Mbuyi and Tristan Delisle. The trio has also been deadly on the powerplay helping Owen Sound to one of the best records in the OHL’s Western Conference.

The reality is that Nansi still has some drawbacks to his game that could limit his effectiveness at higher levels. He’s still not a high-level skater, who lacks first step quickness. He’s still not a creative player who can get boxed in when pressured. His pace of play is best described as a crawl. At even strength, his production has been fairly pedestrian; a few goals at five-on-five and outside the top 40 of even strength production (as of writing this). He’s not necessarily a physical player in a traditional sense; he’s active in puck pursuit but there’s room for him to become a tougher player on/off the puck, especially if his projection puts him in the middle of an NHL lineup as a support player.

So why am I choosing him for an article highlighting players who have taken massive steps forward? Because, despite having identifiable areas of growth, he has been highly effective in a lot of other ways and has proven to be an excellent selection for a mid-round pick. While his first step quickness and edgework still need work, his top speed has improved, allowing him to be a more effective and consistent offensive contributor. Additionally, he’s made great strides as a playmaker, able to take advantage of his physical gifts and puck protection ability. While his goal-scoring production has lagged at even strength, he’s been an effective distributor. He’s top five in primary assists at both even strength and on the powerplay. He’s able to extend possession so effectively with how he shields the puck and his vision is excellent. He draws in pressure and dishes off; it’s that classic case of opening up space for his linemates to exploit.

What we’ve seen from Nansi in his post draft year is very encouraging and bodes well for him improving his NHL projection. Without continued growth as a skater, there could be a place for him as a complementary playmaking winger in the NHL.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-harry_nansi_-_2nd_period_1_4_-_1_16.mp4

An example of Nansi’s ability to maintain possession through checks by keeping the puck in his hip pocket. He’s been a load to handle for opposing defenders this year as he looks to extend possession and funnel pucks to the middle.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-harry_nansi_-_2nd_period_1_4_-_1_16.mp4

An example of Nansi’s vision and playmaking ability. He’s directly set up at least a half dozen goals so far this year from his office behind the net. Here, he psychs out the defender with the no look pass to the slot.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3-Nansi-Skating-Issues.mp4

A couple clips to help show Nansi’s need to improve his skating further. He can struggle to build speed and change direction quickly and this causes him to have to alter his pace a lot of the time at even strength. But, even then, as you can see in the front half of this clip, he has the vision to make a smart play to help Owen Sound create a chance from the point.

Linc Zdancewicz - U.S. Regional Scout

Dean Letourneau, Center, Boston College (Boston Bruins)

Dean Letourneau had a lackluster DY+1 season for Boston College last year as he moved along in what seemed to be a lengthy development path. However, he has come alive in his sophomore season for the Eagles, recording 11 points and five goals in 13 games, nearly quadrupling his point total in a third of the games played. How has this season come about and what issues has Dean Letourneau fixed from his freshman season. The main issues from his first year at BC were his lack of awareness and vision, struggles as a puck carrier, and the underuse of his physicality.

The first two issues I’ve identified held him back from producing real offense in his freshman season, however, he has flipped the script. Letourneau’s in zone offense has been expanded this season to where he has unleashed his terrifying shot upon the Hockey East. He has become much more aware of open space and has finally made use of his gargantuan reach and size in the zone.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-Letourneau-Bardown.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-Letourneau-One-Tee-off-a-setup.mp4

These two goals are emblematic of how comfortable Letourneau has become with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone. The confidence he has built from this increased awareness has led to a lethal shot.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3-Letourneau-Reach-Assist-Behind-the-net.mp4

This play shows how well Letourneau can and has been taking advantage of his long reach in the offensive zone. I think only Dean Letourneau alone can make this play in NCAA.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-Letourneau-Rush-Support-Shot-v-UMass.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/5-Letourneau-Off-Puck-Smart-Entry.mp4

Both of these clips show Letourneau’s increased speed along with his increased awareness when entering the zone. He slips into an open spot to fire a quality chance in both clips, with plays like these, no wonder he has seen almost a 4x increase in points thus far this season.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/6-Letourneau-Puck-Carrying-v-UMass.mp4

I’ll add this clip here to show off how his puck carrying skills have improved too, his increased speed and confidence with the puck are on display here as he steals the puck off his teammate and generates a zone entry about 5 strides later.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/7-Letourneau-Opening-Shift-v-Maine.mp4

Finally, Letourneau’s use of his size has completely changed this season, he is rough and downright mean at points. Here is his first shift in BC’s second outing against Maine this season, he is wild, energetic, and a little off balance. Letourneau has been more physically imposing this season which has led to successes on offense and defense. Yes, he can improve his balance while skating but I prefer an uncontrolled monster to what was on display last season.

Overall, the strides Letourneau has taken have sped up his development to where he may only see one more season at BC before he is fully with the Boston Bruins as their second- or third-line center.

Jeremy Tremblay - QMJHL Regional Scout

Mateo Nobert, Center, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL(Vegas Golden Knights)

After decent production last year with the Armada, Nobert was drafted by Vegas 85th, in the third round. Even with some flaws in his game, Vegas saw the interesting profile of Nobert. All season long, he was showing some skill, his offensive abilities, and his two-way potential. But the physical game and his physical strength were not there yet. While Nobert is 6-foot-0, his 143 pounds were simply not enough for him to play physically. Between the start of the season last year and this year, he went from 143 pounds to 179 pounds which. 36 pounds of muscular mass in one year is a lot and it changed pretty much every aspect of Nobert’s game. He can now play a more physical game, finishing some hits. His overall strength has improved, and it shows in skating speed, his power in his shots, and his puck protection. Now that he can play physically, Nobert will need to learn how to use his new frame to his advantage. He still needs to improve his decision making with the puck, but the progress after getting drafted only a few months ago is hard to miss. Not bad for a player that will be 18 all season long. I will not be surprised to see Nobert slowly make his way to the NHL the way he is improving!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-NobertGoal1.mp4

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-NobertWellPositionedCloseToNet1.mp4

These are clips of Nobert’s game from last season, to visualize his improvements. Nobert was not often physically involved in a game because of his frame.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3-Nobert2025Hit1.mp4

This clip shows well that Nobert is looking bigger on the ice and that he is not afraid anymore to hit. He almost doubled his number of hits per game.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-Nobert2025Skating1.mp4

The strides of Nobert were already good last year, but it was lacking some power. Now, his acceleration looks a lot better.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/5-Nobert2025Goal1.mp4

We can see in this clip that Nobert's confidence is better than last year. Last year, Nobert was averaging 3.7 shot attempts per game and 0.95 passes to the slot. This year, he is averaging 4.3 shot attempts per game and 1.68 passes to the slot, showing that Nobert is creating more by himself.

Kyle Pereira - U.S. Regional Scout

Jayson Shaugabay, Winger - University of Minnesota-Duluth (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Shaugabay, a former fourth-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning (115th overall) is having a breakout NCAA season this year. As a freshman last season, the Warroad, MN native produced 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 36 games with UMD. This year, through 14 games, he’s already matched his assists total from last season, while racking up 19 total points. He’s been a part of one of the best lines in college hockey, and has been one of the main drivers behind it.

The shifty, playmaking winger has always been a dangerous play creator. He was lauded for his dangerous passing abilities and smarts, as well as his dazzling stickhandling, back when he was selected by the Lightning. This year has been no different. He continues to thrive as a playmaker, leading the team in passes to the slot (28).

The parts of his game that needed improvement came down to his skating ability and being able to play at his size at a higher level. For his size, while he is listed at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds on Elite Prospects, his latest measurements put him at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds (Tampa Bay Lightning development camp and UMD’s roster). As for his skating, while he is still not a burner, there is noticeable improvement with his lower-body strength and balance, as well as top speed.

Because of these improvements to his skating and adding a bit more weight to his frame, as well as how he translated his high-level playmaking from the USHL to college, he is quickly establishing himself as a top prospect in Tampa Bay’s pipeline.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-Shaugs-old-assist-highlights-2023.mp4

A compilation of Shaugabay (#17) with Green Bay in his draft year, showing off his playmaking abilities

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-Shaugs-new-assist-highlights-2025.mp4

Shaugabay (#17) this season, showing off his playmaking at the collegiate level.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3-Shaugs-Old-Skating-2022-23-2.mp4

Here’s another draft year compilation, this time showing his skating deficiencies at the time. His strides were short and his acceleration was lacking. Back checkers often were able to quickly catch up to him and force him to stop up or curl back up the boards. Defenders also fared pretty easily against him when he skated up ice, as he was easy to push off pucks and close off along the boards.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-Shaugs-Updated-Skating-2025-26-2.mp4

Now, in 2025-26, his mechanics are very noticeably cleaner. He comes out of his crossovers significantly better and he utilizes his strong edges much more when coming up ice, making him harder to defend off the rush. Contact can still give him some issues, but he also looks stronger and able to push through contact much more often.

Kyle Dalla Zanna - Western Canada Regional Scout

Nathan Behm - Wing - Kamloops Blazers (Chicago Blackhawks)

Nathan Behm is putting up points at a torrid pace this season. The 66th overall selection by the Chicago Blackhawks in last year’s NHL Draft is now playing alongside top 2026 prospect and WHL scoring leader JP Hurlbert (ranked 24th overall in our first draft ranking), and their immediate chemistry has enabled Behm to maintain a position within the top five amongst league leaders in points since the start of the season.

Behm's dual-threat offensive game has taken a big step forward this season. He’s a high-skill attacker with a knack for finding seams, but his shot has been his biggest asset this season. He possesses a missile of a release that can beat goalies from anywhere, and his ability to score off the rush has been especially notable.

In his draft year, our team had qualms about Behm’s engagement and pace of play, which explains his selection outside the top two rounds. He coasted through shifts a little too often for our liking and would shy away from the hard areas. Even Blackhawks Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Doneghey voiced similar characteristics in their team’s draft recap. Behm has improved these areas of his game, and if he continues to do so, there is a strong possibility he reaches a middle six finisher as an NHL projection.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-Behm-Rush-Goals.mp4

Three clips highlighting Behm’s finishing ability off the rush and his chemistry with JP Hurlbert.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-Behm-End-to-end-Assist.mp4

An excellent end-to-end effort that showcases Behm’s hands, playmaking, and improved pace which leads to an assist.

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Behm engages this defender on the forecheck, cutting his lane off to separate him from the puck and create a turnover.

Liam Staples - Ontario Regional Scout

Jordan Charron - Wing - Soo Greyhounds (Pittsburgh Penguins)

It is a very positive reflection—one that raises the question of how many foresaw this outcome when the hockey landscape shifted with the CHL–NCAA eligibility rule changes, and how many players would benefit, and how quickly those benefits would take shape. Chase Reid and the Soo Greyhounds are experiencing that right now but Jordan Charron is another example of that. Charron began the 2024-2025 campaign playing for his hometown team, the Ayr Centennials in the GOJHL, originally selected in the sixth round by the ‘Hounds, Charron planned to go the NCAA route, he is committed to St. Lawrence University for the start of the 2026-2027 season but, once the new rule changes become official, he signed to play with the “Hounds.

Charron finished with 10 goals, 11 assists for 21 points in 48 games last season. Attracting the eye of the Pittsburgh Penguins who selected Charron in the fiftth round, 154 overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. Charron was invited to the Penguins rookie camps and showcase in the summer. Safe to say, the work Charron put in this past summer is paying off as he has already surpassed his goal and point total from a season ago currently sitting at 17 goals, seven assists for 24 points in 25 games as of November 23rd. His skating has taken a noticeable step forward from last season - quicker feet, a faster first step, and improved overall pace.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-Jordan-Charron-Goals.mp4

Charron possesses a pro level shot, showcasing he can score in a variety of different ways. What is most impressive is his explosiveness off that first step.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-Jordan-Charron-Transitional-Play.mp4

Charron’s improved foot speed and lateral agility are shaping him into a dangerous player in transition.

Ben Misfeldt - North American Video Scout

Will Horcoff - Center, University of Michigan (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Will Horcoff was seen as more of a long-term project last season. A player who had a lot of tantalizing attributes but struggled to put them together in an impactful way. He was disappointing through the first half with the USNTDP but transitioned well to NCAA hockey. It was easy to see the potential in Horcoff last season - an intelligent, 6-foot-5, two-way forward with a pro style game, though I doubt many saw this year’s offensive explosion coming.

Two months into the 2025-26 season, Horcoff has been a goal scoring machine for the University of Michigan, with an astonishing 14 goals in 16 games. He has arguably made the biggest leap of any 2025 drafted player considering he had just 19 goals in 82 games during his time with the USNTDP. He has improved on his sluggish skating, has realized the advantage his size and reach can bring, and has developed into an elite net-front presence. He has done all that while also improving on his already sound defensive game.

Inevitably, the goal scoring will cool off as the season progresses (he’s shooting at nearly 27%) but even half the goal scoring rate would be seen as an improvement. The projection for Horcoff ahead of the draft was as more of a middle-six forward. As he adds strength to his frame, Horcoff projects to be a menacing player to play against. If he continues to improve his skating, I can envision him developing into a prized two-way top six centre at the NHL level.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-ben_-_will_horcoff_-_3rd_period_16_41_-_16_46.mp4

Here is an example of Will Horcoff’s strong net front presence. He easily positions himself between the defender and scores off the deflection. Goals and scoring chances from right around the net have been a common theme for Horcoff this season. He wasn’t known as a goal scorer before this season, but this year has figured out how to be a handful around the net, a very translatable NHL skill.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-ben_-_will_horcoff_-_1st_period_14_30_-_14_39.mp4

This clip shows Horcoff’s wonky skating stride as he pursues on the forecheck. He’s very upright and the short strides are not generating near the power that his long legs are capable of. Despite that, he still makes a good read and intercepts the pass. The fact that he’s still able to get around relatively well with a flawed stride indicates there is a lot of potential with his skating.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3-ben_-_will_horcoff_-_1st_period_14_17_-_14_27.mp4

Horcoff already showed his defensive prowess last season with Michigan but has been at another level this season. Here he keeps his head on a swivel, stays high enough to be in position to block the pass and reads the puck carrier’s pass like a book. There are always a few solid defensive disruptions like this one each game.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #29

The McKeen's Scouting Team — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 20:03:10 +0000

Sam O'Reilly of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Prospect System Rank – 29th (May 2025 - 26th)
GM: Julien BriseBois Hired: September 2018
COACH: Jon Cooper Hired: March 2013

The Tampa Bay Lightning are fresh off an eighth straight playoff berth and haven’t skipped a beat despite bidding farewell to long-time captain Steven Stamkos. They finished with the NHL’s seventh-highest point total, still powered by the familiar core of Nikita Kucherov (31), Victor Hedman (31), Brayden Point (29), Andrei Vasilevskiy (30), and now newcomer Jake Guentzel (30).

True to form, GM Julien BriseBois continued to prioritize the present over the future, dealing his 2025 first-round pick along with 2026 and 2027 first rounders to bolster the middle six. It’s a familiar trade-off in Tampa—maximize the window now, worry about tomorrow later.

That approach has inevitably taken a toll on the prospect pool. In addition to the graduation of Connor Geekie, the offseason saw their top-ranked prospect, Isaac Howard, moved out, which was a necessary decision given his unwillingness to sign with the club. In return, they acquired Sam O’Reilly, who now claims the top spot in their pipeline.

Beyond O’Reilly, the depth is thin. 2023 second-rounder Ethan Gauthier has joined the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch alongside Dylan Duke and Niko Huuhtanen. While all three continue to develop, none project as immediate difference-makers at the NHL level.

Years of trading premium picks for playoff reinforcements have left the organization reliant on uncovering late-round steals and shrewd external acquisitions to keep the system afloat.

The upside? The Lightning’s core remains firmly in its prime, and as long as it does, the team’s championship window stays wide open. BriseBois is all-in once again, betting that this veteran group has another Stanley Cup run left in them—even if it means the cupboard stays bare.

Tampa Bay Lightning Top-15 Prospects

1 - Sam O'Reilly

Acquired from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Isaac Howard, O’Reilly emerged as one of the OHL’s premier two-way players. The offensive numbers didn’t completely pop off, but the details in O’Reilly’s game greatly improved. He looked noticeably quicker and stronger, allowing him to become an elite shutdown pivot who can protect leads late in games and kill penalties. He’s a very intelligent player who shows great promise as a playmaker too; he’s patient and poised with the puck. Next year, O’Reilly will be counted upon to be the go-to offensive player for London and that will be terrific for his development. His projection hasn’t likely changed from being a quality middle six pivot who can play in all situations, however, as the physical tools continue to be upgraded, he becomes more and more likely to reach that projection.

2 - Ethan Gauthier

Ethan Gauthier was the first QMJHL player taken in the 2023 NHL Draft, selected 37th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning. After a point-per-game draft year with Sherbrooke, he was traded to Drummondville, where he helped capture a QMJHL title. In 2023-2024, the right winger produced 71 points in 64 games and 25 points in 19 playoff games, finishing second in postseason scoring. His 2024–25 season followed a similar pattern with 62 points in 50 games, plus 12 in seven playoff contests, ranking second in playoff points per game. He also appeared in all five of team Canada’s World Junior games in 2025, and even played three games in the AHL with Syracuse. Gauthier has, so far, developed as expected. He has maintained a high work ethic while showing his reliability as an elite junior goal scorer, with 20 goals in 26 games over his last two playoff campaigns. His lethal one-timer can be fired from anywhere with impressive accuracy. He is also a strong player who imposes his power forward style. Next season, he will likely play full time with Syracuse in the AHL, and a lot of questions will be answered, especially regarding his skating and pace.

3 - Max Crozier

It’s been a slow burn for Crozer, a fourth-round selection out of the USHL in 2019. He played four years at Providence College and has now played two seasons split between the AHL and NHL level. At every stop, he’s been a highly effective two-way defender and it seems like only a matter of time before Crozier is patrolling Tampa’s blueline permanently. When he played for the Lightning, he performed well, but depth has kept him with Syracuse. However, he recently signed a new deal, and Crozier is also no longer exempt from waivers next season, suggesting his roster spot might be locked up. Crozier took a big step forward offensively in the AHL this past year. He’s quarterbacking the power play. He’s still bringing it physically and operating as a shutdown defender. The big right shot defender was among the league leaders in ice time this past year, averaging over 25 minutes per game. Needless to say, Crozier is NHL ready.

4 - Ethan Czata

The physically intense, two-way forward was a second-round selection of the Lightning this past year and has already been rewarded with his ELC, a rarity this quickly for players drafted outside of the first round. It’s a testament to how the Lightning view Czata as a potentially elite third line player in the future. He’s versatile thanks to a well-rounded skill set and the ability to play any forward position. He’s physically assertive and projects as an above average defensive player at the NHL level. Offensively, he started the past year well for the Niagara IceDogs but faded a bit down the stretch. This season, he’ll look to become more consistent with the puck and should receive a ton of ice time for an improving Niagara team. He’ll also look to improve his finishing ability, an area that needs refining, especially given how many looks he earns in tight with his hard work through the middle of the ice. Tampa is likely hoping that Czata can develop into the next Anthony Cirelli for them.

5 - Dylan Duke

A former standout with the U.S. NTDP and at the University of Michigan, there was some concern about Duke’s ability to translate his skill set to the pro game. However, he was excellent for Syracuse as a rookie, leading the Crunch in goal scoring and even earning a brief NHL call-up that saw him score his first NHL goal. Duke’s hard-working nature, high IQ, and quick feet have allowed his lack of size to be a relative non-factor in the AHL. He’s now put himself in a position to push for a depth spot with the Lightning next year. Duke’s upside isn’t likely to be extremely high. He probably tops out as a complementary third line winger. However, Tampa has maintained their success through developing similar players extremely well. The focus for Duke will need to be improving his strength on the puck further and then he’ll put himself in a position to be that next man up.

6 - Connor Kurth

2024-25 was a great season for Kurth, a former scoring star in the USHL, as he emerged as a go-to offensive player for Minnesota in his junior year. As a result, the Lightning signed him to an ELC, and he has a chance to move fairly quickly if he performs well in a system without a ton of offensive firepower. Kurth is a stocky play driver who is more skill oriented than reliant on power. However, his game did add more truculence to it this past year and it was one of the main reasons why he was able to finally break out offensively. The other main reason was improvement to his quickness and pace of play. There’s likely to be an adjustment period for Kurth at the pro level, just as there was for him when he moved from the USHL to the NCAA; he’s going to need time to adjust to the pace and strength of the pro game. However, as his progress this year has shown, he has the well-rounded game to be a middle six contributor for Tampa Bay down the line.

7 - Niko Huuhtanen

Huuhtanen came into the 2024-25 season with a fair amount of hype after two great years in Liiga with Jukurit. The big power forward was even considered a sneaky candidate to earn a role with the Lightning. However, his first pro season with Syracuse showed that he’s still got some work to do before being ready for the NHL. There’s no question that he still has NHL upside. He drives the net effectively playing a north-south power game. He hits like a truck. He has a heavy shot that could end up being a weapon on the power play. However, his pace of play lags behind. Dating back to his draft year, skating has been the knock on Huuhtanen, but he’s worked hard to improve it, including those two years in Finland after playing in Everett (WHL). Yet, there’s a need to improve it further to be successful in North America.

8 - Jack Finley

Finley got a late start to his third professional season after injuring himself prior to the start of the season. After returning in January, Finley was one of Syracuse’s top players. The big pivot has the ability to dominate down low and near the net front. His skating has come a long way as a pro too, to the point where he can be the focal point of offensive attacks. This offseason will be a big one for Finley as he prepares to try to earn a roster spot in Tampa Bay next year. He’s out of options, so Tampa Bay will need to make a tough decision if they feel that his game is still not ready. A more likely scenario sees him catch on as Tampa Bay’s fourth line center to start the year, so long as he has a good training camp. Finley’s NHL upside isn’t significant, but there’s a chance he could be a very good bottom six player and a secondary power play option.

9 - Everett Baldwin

One of the pre-draft favourites of the McKeen’s scouting team this past year, Baldwin was a terrific selection by the Lightning in the fifth round. While drafting out of the prep loop can be a little bit tricky, Baldwin’s strong skating ability gives him a foundation to work with, even if many aspects of his game need refinement. A Providence College commit, Baldwin has elected to spend this coming season in the QMJHL with Saint John, an excellent decision for his development. The Sea Dogs are trying to turn things around next year and Baldwin should receive a ton of ice time in all situations. He has a chance to have a big offensive season from the blueline and that will give us a better indication of his true upside. Make no mistake, Baldwin is a long-term project, as many prep players are, but Tampa’s patience could pay off in a big way as he learns to refine his approach.

10 - Daniil Pylenkov

Daniil Pylenkov was a nice pick up for the Lightning a few years ago in the seventh round of the draft. He has developed well over the last few seasons into a very serviceable two-way defenceman. He lacks the flash that your typical modern defenceman may possess but makes up for it with patient decision making on both sides of the puck. He has become a valuable distributor on Dynamo Moskva’s power play, snapping the puck around well and firing tippable shots from the point. Defensively he is responsible in his positioning and does a good job breaking up plays with an active stick. He has just re-signed with Dynamo Moskva for the next two seasons so it is unlikely he will be playing for Tampa in the near future if at all. If he does come over, he will likely need some time in Syracuse to continue his growth but may get some looks with the Lightning on their bottom pair at some point in the near future.

11- Jayson Shaugabay

The University of Minnesota-Duluth will be led by two undersized playmakers: Max Plante and Jayson Shaugabay. Shaugabay had two fewer points in 13 more games than the former yet is still an offensive threat with his passing. Minnesota-Duluth hasn’t loaded up with talent like some other NCAA programs, so a lot of weight will be put on Shaugabay’s shoulders to put up points this season as their number two forward.

12 - Gabriel Szturc

Szturc was signed last summer by the Lightning as an undrafted free agent after a couple of point per game seasons with the Kelowna Rockets. He made the transition to the AHL this year, where he scored 19 points in 54 games. He has a decent shot, but not much high-end offensive skill beyond that. He’ll likely serve as a middle six winger in Syracuse, where he can continue to develop his production.

13 - Hagen Burrows

It’s hard not to like a prospect with size who has a sniper-esque shot like Burrows has. Unfortunately for Burrows, he is a poor skater and a slow skater. Playing at the NCAA level last year, it was clear his skating issues were holding him back, scoring one goal in 39 games. Entering his second season with Denver, Burrows will look for a larger role, although that hinges on his skating improvements.

14 - Roman Schmidt

Roman Schmidt is simply a big shutdown defenceman. You won’t get many points out of him, however, he balances that out with how little he gives up. He plays a physical brand of hockey that leaves a mark. He isn’t afraid to mix it up with his opponents or stand up for a teammate. He’ll be in the AHL with Syracuse for now, but at 6-foot-5 and a right shot, it shouldn’t be long before he gets his first NHL game.

15 - Dyllan Gill

In the upcoming season, Gill is looking to keep his injuries behind him. Gill has had two shoulder surgeries that have caused significant missed time the past two seasons. He’s a two-way defenceman with some moderate offensive potential. The seventh-round draft pick has shown he can improve when he’s on the ice, and that seems to be the hardest part. He’ll be with the Crunch full-time next season but may split some time in the ECHL.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #26 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Sun, 18 May 2025 14:59:01 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - JULY 07: Tampa Bay Lightning pick Isaac Howard stands between management during the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on July 07, 2022 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

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Tampa Bay 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTING – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #30

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Brock Otten — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 13:00:39 +0000

_{NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 25: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Maxwell Crozier (65) looks on during a game between the against the against the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils on February 25, 2024 at Prudential Center in the Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Rank – 30th (Previous Rank - 29th)
GM: Julien BriseBois Hired: September 2018
COACH: Jon Cooper Hired: March 2013

The Tampa Bay Lightning continues to embody the "run it back" philosophy, relying on a veteran core to remain competitive year after year. It's hard to argue with the results, as they are just two years removed from three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and back-to-back championships. However, with aging veterans and little value sitting on the shelves, the end of the runway may be in sight.

Julien BriseBois has been notably averse to first-round picks, having selected in the first round only twice since his hiring in 2018. Unless future trades are made, that trend could continue into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft after bringing back a familiar face in Ryan McDonough for a top 10 protected first pick.

However, for the first time in what feels like a decade, perhaps we’ve finally seen a change in strategy.

In a surprising move, the Lightning acquired top prospect Conor Geekie (ranked 32nd by McKeen’s) from the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for 26-year-old Mikael Sergachev. This trade gives Tampa Bay their first top 50 McKeen’s ranked prospect in quite some time and may signal a shift towards replenishing their prospect pool—an unfamiliar prospect for Lightning fans.

Adding the likes of Geekie, who may even see games in the 2024-25 campaign, is a step in the right direction, but there is still a long road ahead.

Gage Goncalves, a 2020 second-round pick, has been developing steadily in Syracuse, coming off a strong season with 58 points in 69 games to finish just outside the top 10 in AHL scoring. At 23 years old, he’s likely to be given a longer leash after a brief stint in the 2023-24 season.

Isaac Howard (157th), the Lightnings’ only first-round draft pick in the last five years, remains a key part of their future, though he will continue to develop at the collegiate level with Michigan State. While there’s hope he could see NHL ice time as early as this spring, the team’s status as a perennial playoff contender raises questions about whether rushing him into the lineup is the best course of action.

The recent swap of Steven Stamkos for Jake Guentzel indicates that the Lightning will continue their push to remain relevant as long as players like Victor Hedman (33), Nikita Kucherov (31), Brayden Point (28) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (30) are in town.

Tampa Bay’s championship window is still wide open, but with little depth, and a lack of draft capital, they are treading in dangerous waters for the future.

Tampa Bay Lightning Top-15 Prospects

1. Conor Geekie

One of the big pieces acquired from Utah in the Mikhail Sergachev deal, Geekie immediately became Tampa’s best prospect. The big power pivot is such a difficult player to stop North/South, as he drives the middle lane with speed and advanced puck protection ability. The former 11th overall selection nearly broke the 100-point barrier in the WHL last season and is ready to take that next step as a pro. The big debate surrounding Geekie revolves around his upside as an NHL player. When his size and power advantage is neutralized, how effective will he be as an offensive player? Does he think the game at a high enough level to drive play and make those around him better at the NHL level? Geekie’s future could take a variety of different turns. Could he be a top six power center cut from the same cloth as the Tkachuk brothers? Or is he destined to be more of a bottom six contributor? Tampa Bay will learn a lot more about Geekie’s upside this year at the pro level.

2. Ethan Gauthier

Gauthier, the son of former NHL defender Denis Gauthier, and the 37th overall pick in last year’s draft, had another successful season in the QMJHL, this time with Drummondville after an offseason trade. The physically assertive forward plays a pro style game that revolves around being able to earn touches between the hash marks. He drives the net, forechecks hard, and has continued to round out his game as a two-way player. Gauthier also shoots the puck well and his goal scoring ability is the component of his offensive arsenal that likely translates the best to the pro level. To be an effective pro, Gauthier continues to work on his skating, working to become more explosive and agile. He’ll return to the QMJHL this season and should be one of the league’s top forwards as a 20-year-old. Depending on the development of his off puck play and skating, he could be NHL ready, sooner rather than later.

3. Isaac Howard

Howard, the team’s only first round selection in the last five years, had a terrific sophomore season after hitting the transfer portal the previous offseason. Howard shifted from Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State, and it had a very positive impact on his development. He led the Spartans in scoring last year and also played a crucial role for the United States at the WJC’s, helping them capture gold. Howard was noticeably stronger on the puck last season, helping him take greater advantage of his strong skating ability to generate scoring chances. He’s a very dangerous player on the counterattack, and despite his low goal total at Michigan State, actually possesses high upside as a goal scorer because of his quick release. Howard will return to Michigan State this year as a junior and he should be considered a preseason candidate for the Hobey Baker. He might just have the highest upside of any player in Tampa’s system.

4. Niko Huuhtanen

Huuhtanen continued on the terrific development path that he started after a breakout season with WHL Everett in 2022. Two years ago, he was the rookie of the year in Liiga and this past year he led Jukurit in scoring. The big power forward signed late last season and finished his year in the AHL, giving him a taste of what to expect this coming year, his first as a pro in North America. Huuhtanen is a throwback power winger who plays a very heavy game. He’s a relentless physical player who is still learning how to walk the line in terms of discipline. However, he is most effective when he plays the power game, dominating the wall and the net front area. Huuhtanen is a prolific goal scorer, too, thanks to a very heavy release and one timer. His positive development curve has put him on a path to become a quality middle six option for the Lightning in the near future.

5. Gage Goncalves

It’s been a long road for Goncalves. The former WHL standout has now played three seasons in the AHL, improving in each of them. He led Syracuse in scoring by a significant margin this past season and finally earned a cup of coffee with the Lightning. The two-way pivot has proven to be a versatile pro. He plays an intelligent game at both ends, excelling on and off the puck. His attention to detail as a defensive player is likely going to be the thing that gets him into the NHL in a depth role before he carves out a larger one. As an offensive player, his vision and playmaking ability stand out most. He understands how to alter pace to manipulate defenses and is hard on pucks to help his line prolong offensive zone time. This year, Goncalves will need to pass through waivers in order to go to the AHL, so it seems likely that if he has a good camp, he will be given a bottom six role in Tampa Bay.

6. Max Crozier

The Lightning have to be ecstatic about what Crozier showed this past season after turning pro. Earlier last season he did not look out of place in Tampa Bay when the Lightning were having serious injury issues on the blueline. Closing out the year with Syracuse, Crozier was a near point per game defender in the AHL. Full of confidence, we saw the full scope of the impact that he can have on the game at both ends. The 6-foot-2 right shot defender does a lot of things well. He defends well thanks to an aggressive approach, a long reach, and good mobility. He takes away space from opposing forwards and defends tight spaces well thanks to his physical assertiveness. Crozier also makes a clean exit pass and has flashed an ability to quarterback the powerplay, with a strong ability to get shots through traffic. While Crozier might not have significant NHL upside, he looks like someone who can be a stable #4 or 5 defender for many years.

7. Declan Carlile

Carlile is about to be a third-year pro after a strong performance at Merrimack College and is a standout in the defensive end. He projects as a quality stay at home defender at the NHL level and he may be ready for an NHL roster spot as early as this season. He has the size. He has the reach. He is mobile. He brings physicality. He has an active stick but is also aggressive in taking away space. Carlile looks like he can help anchor a penalty killing unit in the NHL. As an offensive player, his heavy point shot helps to generate scoring chances or goals and he can make a good exit pass, but he is at his best when he keeps things simple. Much like Max Crozier, Carlile looks like a long time NHL defender for Tampa Bay, but probably tops out as a third pairing type.

8. Dylan Duke

On a Michigan team full of potential front end NHL players, Duke stood out consistently for all the right reasons this past season, finishing third in scoring and first in goals on the Wolverines. It was a very promising junior season for the diminutive pivot. Duke has always been a highly skilled playmaker who creates time and space for himself with his hands, but upgrades to his strength, off puck play, shot, and skating really upgraded his projection as a pro. Somewhat surprisingly, Duke decided to turn pro, signing with Tampa Bay at the end of the season. It might have been wise for him to return to Michigan to continue to upgrade his physical tools; he would have had a shot at being one of the better players in College Hockey this year. However, it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the AHL level. While he may still be a bit of a long shot given his lack of high-end physical tools, his upside remains intriguing.

9. Jack Finley

The massive center took a nice step forward in his second pro season with Syracuse last year. Teams have to be patient with bigger forwards as they grow into their frame and Finley has been no different. He dominated down low at the WHL level before turning pro but had to continue to upgrade his strength and conditioning in order to do that at the AHL level. Behind the net is his office and he has very good vision coming off the wall and the cycle. Finley has also had to adjust to the pace of the pro game, especially as an only average skater. He’s likely still a bit away from making an impact in Tampa Bay, but the Lightning have to be hoping that he can continue to develop into an Adam Lowry kind of high end third line center in the future. The Lightning will be hoping that Finley can inch closer to the point per game mark with Syracuse this year.

10. Daniil Pylenkov

Pylenkov’s development has been steady since the Lightning drafted him in 2021 in his second last year of eligibility. Now 23 (turning 24 soon), Pylenkov has emerged as one of the top young defencemen in the KHL. He still has a year remaining on his KHL deal so he won’t be coming over this year, but after that? He could be an option for Tampa as a bottom pairing defender. Pylenkov is certainly not a flashy player, however he’s a very crafty one. He makes a clean exit. He is a great stick on-puck defender. He makes sound decisions with his reads with and without the puck. His NHL upside is likely limited, but the progression of his offensive game in the KHL suggests that his projection could continue to improve. Defensive depth never hurts and Tampa has built that up well.

11. Hagen Burrows

Last year’s winner of Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey Award, Burrows was a fourth-round pick of the Lightning in 2024. The big winger was excellent last season, splitting time between the USHL and high school hockey. Burrows plays a mature game, tough to separate from the puck and an excellent playmaker coming off the wall. There’s a definitive need for him to improve his skating and he’ll try to do that at the University of Denver this season.

12. Hugo Alnefelt

13. Jayson Shaugabay

One of the most skilled and creative players in Tampa’s system, Shaugabay opted to play a full season in the USHL last season before making the jump to the NCAA. This allowed the diminutive forward to continue to build strength so that he can take greater advantage of his offensive gifts. Shaugabay will now head to Minnesota-Duluth this year and will likely be given a good shot to play a key offensive role as a freshman.

14. Lucas Edmonds

After a strong rookie season in the AHL two years ago, last season was a step back for Edmonds. No question, he’s a talented playmaker. However, there’s a strong need for him to upgrade his physical tools still to be a more consistent pro. 2024/25 is going to be a critical season for his development. A qualifying offer is likely dependent on his performance and progress.

15. Gabriel Szturc

The Lightning have had some good success signing free agents out of the CHL and the team dipped into that pool again a few times last year. Czech pivot and former Kelowna Rocket captain Gabriel Szturc is one such player. He’s a competitive, two-way, playmaker who, ignoring the cliche, plays much larger than his size. He projects as a versatile bottom six forward for Tampa Bay.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #29 Tampa Bay Lightning – Organizational Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Tue, 28 May 2024 20:15:54 +0000

240102 Isaac Howard of USA during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship quarter final game between USA and Latvia on January 2, 2024 in Gothenburg.
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN / kod CS / CS0475

They are only two seasons removed from a Stanley Cup Final appearance, following back-to-back cup wins. Two first-round exits in a row have many analysts questioning whether the window to win is closing. GM Julien Brisebois has been at the helm for the success and has been clear he still very much believes in this core to become champions once again and has repeatedly pushed his chips to the center of the table, trading future for the present. They are one of only two teams with no graduated prospects in the last five years. They do not pick until the fifth round in 2024 and have already moved their 2025 pick in a massive package of picks for Tanner Jeannot. Their 2024 pick was used in a package (including a 2023 1st round pick and other pieces) for Brandon Hagel.

Jeannot is 26 years old, and a UFA at the end of the season, while Hagel is 25, and has subsequently signed an eight-year extension with the team. They join a core group that is not as old as reports would have you believe. 34-year-old Steven Stamkos and his free agency will dominate the news over the offseason. Victor Hedman is 33 years old but showed he still has a lot to offer this season after a down year in 2022-23. If Stamkos does sign elsewhere, it will free up valuable cap space. An issue that has been a continuous challenge for the organization. The Lightning are focused on winning with this core. They include one of the best players in the world in Nikita Kucherov, who is only 30 years old, and elite goaltender Andrei Vasilevsky at 29, along with 28-year-old Brayden Point, and 25-year-old Mikhail Sergachev (injured this past season). You have a core that is elite and knows how to win. With or without Stamkos, Tampa will be a contender for a few years yet.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Ethan Gauthier	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	`23(37th)	64	36	35	71	42
2	Isaac Howard	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	`22(31st)	36	8	28	36	10
3	Niko Huuhtanen	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	`21(224th)	52	19	27	46	46
4	Gage Goncalves	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	`20(62nd)	69	13	45	58	43
5	Max Crozier	D	24	6-1/195	Syracuse (AHL)	`19(120th)	49	4	17	21	43
5	Max Crozier	D	24	6-1/195	Tampa Bay (NHL)	`19(120th)	13	0	2	2	7
6	Declan Carlile	D	23	6-2/190	Syracuse (AHL)	FA(3/22)	61	7	20	27	26
7	Hugo Alnefelt	G	22	6-3/195	Syracuse (AHL)	`19(71st)	30	14	8	2.76	0.893
8	Jack Finley	C	21	6-6/215	Syracuse (AHL)	`20(57th)	52	13	19	32	29
9	Dylan Duke	LW	21	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	`21(126th)	41	26	23	49	30
10	Daniil Pylenkov	D	23	6-1/195	Dynamo Moskva (KHL)	`21(196th)	67	7	22	29	18
11	Dyllan Gill	D	19	6-1/180	Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)	`22(223rd)	12	1	8	9	2
12	Jayson Shaugabay	RW	18	5-9/155	Green Bay (USHL)	`23(115th)	62	15	40	55	12
13	Lucas Edmonds	RW	23	5-10/180	Syracuse (AHL)	`22(86th)	45	9	7	16	6
14	Connor Kurth	RW	20	5-11/205	Minnesota (B1G)	`22(192nd)	37	7	14	21	14
15	Roman Schmidt	D	21	6-5/210	Kit-Kgn (OHL)	`21(96th)	47	8	24	32	62

1. Ethan Gauthier, RW, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

Ethan Gauthier, the son of former NHL defender Denis Gauthier and the 37th overall pick in last year’s draft, had another successful season in the QMJHL, this time with Drummondville after an offseason trade. The physically assertive forward plays a pro-style game that revolves around being able to earn touches between the hash marks. He drives the net, forechecks hard, and has continued to round out his game as a two-way player. He also shoots the puck well and his goal-scoring ability is the component of his offensive arsenal that likely translates the best to the pro level. To be an effective pro, he continues to work on his skating, working to become more explosive and agile. He’ll return to the QMJHL next season and should be one of the league’s top forwards as a 20-year-old. Depending on the development of his off puck play and skating, he could be NHL ready, sooner, rather than later.

2. Isaac Howard, LW, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Isaac Howard, the team’s only first round selection in the last four years, had a terrific sophomore season after hitting the transfer portal last offseason. Howard shifted from Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State, and it had a very positive impact on his development. He led the Spartans in scoring this year and also played a crucial role for the United States at the WJC’s, helping them capture gold. He was noticeably stronger on the puck this year, helping him take greater advantage of his strong skating ability to generate scoring chances. He’s a very dangerous player on the counterattack, and despite his low goal total at Michigan State, actually possesses high upside as a goal scorer because of his quick release. Howard will return to Michigan State next year as a junior and he should be considered a preseason candidate for the Hobey Baker. Without question, he has the highest upside of any player in Tampa’s system.

3. Niko Huuhtanen, RW, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Niko Huuhtanen has continued on the terrific development path that he started after a breakout season with Everett of the WHL in 2022. Last year he was the rookie of the year in Liiga and this year he led Jukurit in scoring. The big, power forward remains unsigned, but there has to be a strong chance that he signs soon and plays next year in North America again. Huuhtanen is a throwback power winger who plays a very heavy game. He’s a relentless physical player who is still learning how to walk the line in terms of discipline. However, he is most effective when he plays the power game, dominating the wall and the net front area. He is a prolific goal scorer too, thanks to a very heavy release and one timer. His positive development curve has put him on a path to become a quality middle six option for the Lightning in the near future.

4. Gage Goncalves, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

It’s been a long road for Goncalves. The former WHL standout has now played three seasons in the AHL, improving in each of them. He led Syracuse in scoring by a significant margin this year and finally earned a cup of coffee with the Lightning. The two-way pivot has proven to be a versatile pro. He plays an intelligent game at both ends, excelling on and off the puck. His attention to detail as a defensive player is likely going to be the thing that gets him into the NHL in a depth role before he carves out a larger one. As an offensive player, his vision and playmaking ability stand out most. He understands how to alter pace to manipulate defenses and is hard on pucks to help his line prolong offensive zone time. Next year, He will need to pass through waivers in order to go to the AHL, so it seems likely that if he has a good camp, he will be given a bottom six role.

5. Max Crozier, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

The Lightning have to be ecstatic about what Max Crozier has shown this year after turning pro. Earlier this season he did not look out of place in Tampa Bay when the Lightning were having serious injury issues on the blueline. Closing out the year in the AHL, he has been a near point per game defender. Full of confidence, we’re seeing the full scope of the impact that he can have on the game at both ends. The 6’ 2”, right shot defender is one of those players who does a lot of things well. He defends well thanks to an aggressive approach, a long reach, and good mobility. He takes away space from opposing forwards and defends tight spaces well thanks to his physical assertiveness. He makes a clean exit pass and has flashed an ability to quarterback the powerplay, with a strong ability to get shots through traffic. While he might not have significant NHL upside, he can be a stable #4 or 5 defender for many years.

6. Declan Carlile, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

A second-year pro after a strong performance at Merrimack College, Carlile is a standout in the defensive end. He projects as a quality stay at home defender at the NHL level and he may be ready for an NHL roster spot as early as next season. He possesses the size. He has the reach. He is mobile. He brings physicality. He owns an active stick, but is also aggressive in taking away space. Carlile looks like someone who can help anchor a penalty killing unit in the NHL. As an offensive player, his heavy point shot helps to generate scoring chances or goals and he can make a good exit pass, but he is at his best when he keeps things simple. Much like Max Crozier, he looks like a long time NHL defender for Tampa Bay, but probably tops out as a third pairing type.

7. Hugo Alnefelt, G, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Expectations were pretty high for Alnefelt a few years ago when he made the jump from the SHL to the AHL in Tampa’s system. At the time, he was considered one of the top European goaltending prospects. Since then, his development has stagnated to a certain degree. He hasn’t been awful for Syracuse, but he also hasn’t shown the kind of growth you would expect from a future NHL netminder. He has the tools to be one, but consistency has remained an issue for him. However, without much else in the system at the moment, Alnefelt remains the team’s top option for the future behind Vasilevsky. He will compete for the back-up job next year but does still have another year of waiver eligibility remaining. That means he probably returns to Syracuse, where Tampa will be hoping he finally takes that next step as one of the AHL’s top netminders.

8. Jack Finley, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

The massive center has taken a nice step forward in his second pro season with Syracuse. Teams have to be patient with bigger forwards as they grow into their frame and he has been no different. He dominated down low at the WHL level before turning pro but had to continue to upgrade his strength and conditioning in order to do that at the AHL level. Behind the net is his office and he has very good vision coming off the wall and the cycle. Finley has also had to adjust to the pace of the pro game, especially as an only average skater. He’s likely still a bit away from making an impact in Tampa Bay, but the Lightning have to be hoping that he can continue to develop into an Adam Lowry kind of high end third line center in the future.

9. Dylan Duke, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

On a Michigan team full of potential front end NHL players, Duke stood out consistently for all the right reasons this year, finishing third in scoring and first in goals on the Wolverines. It was a very promising junior season for the diminutive pivot. He has always been a highly skilled playmaker who creates time and space for himself with his hands, but upgrades to his strength, off puck play, shot, and skating really upgraded his projection as a pro. Somewhat surprisingly, Duke decided to turn pro, signing with Tampa Bay recently. It might have been wise for him to return to Michigan to continue to upgrade his physical tools; he would have had a shot at being one of the better players in college hockey next year. While he may still be a bit of a long shot given his lack of high-end physical tools, his upside remains intriguing. Outside of Isaac Howard, no one in this system has the offensive upside that he possesses.

10. Daniil Pylenkov, D, Dynamo Moskva (KHL)

Daniil Pylenkov’s development has been steady since the Lightning drafted him in 2021 in his second last year of eligibility. Now 23, Pylenkov has emerged as one of the top young defensemen in the KHL. He still has a year remaining on his KHL deal so he won’t be coming over next year, but after that? He could be an option for Tampa as a bottom pairing defender. Pylenkov is certainly not a flashy player. However, he’s a very crafty one. He makes a clean exit. He is a great stick on puck defender. He makes sound decisions with his reads with and without the puck. His NHL upside is likely limited, but the progression of his offensive game in the KHL does suggest that his projection could continue to improve.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #32

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 18:59:22 +0000

Top 20 Tampa Bay Lightning Prospects

1. Isaac Howard

One of the more recent additions to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospect pool, Howard was drafted 31st overall in 2022, after putting up 82 points in 60 games with the USNTDP, as well as an impressive 11-point performance at U18s en route to a silver medal for Team USA. Last season, he moved on to the NCAA’s University of Minnesota-Duluth where he didn’t find that same offensive production and obviously wasn’t happy with his season as he has since transferred to Michigan State University for 2023-24. Howard is a speedy and creative playmaker who plays a strong small-area game. He can be a bit inconsistent in his effort level, but with the right coaching and development, he can reach his ceiling as a dependable second-line winger in the NHL. Lightning fans may need to be patient with him through his development as he works the kinks out.

2. Ethan Gauthier

After pumping in 6 goals and 7 points in 5 games for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, all eyes were on Gauthier’s QMJHL performance last season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix. Ultimately, the righty shot improved upon the 18 goals and 39 points of his freshman campaign into 30 goals and 69 points for his draft year, adding another 11 points in the playoffs and being named “Best Professional Prospect” in the Q for his efforts. A relentless pursuer of the puck who forces his opponents to make quick decisions, particularly on the forecheck, Gauthier possesses a smooth, mechanically-sound stride that utilizes sound crossovers and applies quick acceleration to create opportunities for his line. This is the fundamental strength and basis of his game that should allow for an NHL career in some capacity. Tampa Bay selected him 37th overall this summer with the hope that his keen understanding of how to apply his tools for generating offense will have him looking like a top-line support winger who plays a heavy game. His QMJHL rights were dealt to Drummondville, where the Lightning organization hopes he’ll enjoy a dominating offensive season before going pro.

3. Niko Huuhtanen

From being the last player selected in 2021 to the number three prospect in the Lightning system is a testament to both the development of Huuhtanen as well as an admission that he was drafted too low. The Finnish forward was selected after his second full season in the U20 SM-sarja, producing nearly a point-per-game. After being selected, he came overseas to the WHL’s Everett Silvertips where he impressed, leading all rookies in goals with 37 in just 65 games. He returned to Finland last season, but this time to the Liiga, where he again led all rookies in goals (17) as well as points (30). He has pro size and plays a hard, physical game while boasting a heavy shot. Huuhtanen is well on his way to slotting in as a bottom six contributor but could play up the lineup if called upon.

4. Jack Finley

It’s hard to miss Finley on the ice, standing at 6- 6” and 223 pounds. The Lightning took notice, selecting him 57th overall in 2020. He was coming off a strong sophomore season in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs but lost almost the entire 2020-21 season due to a torn labrum. He returned to the WHL for one final season, taking time to get back up to speed but looking strong down the stretch. He moved up to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch last season, again taking time to adjust but fitting in well as the season wore on. He’s likely not going to be a high-skill player but should bring strong possession ability and be a net-front presence. He needs to improve his skating and to learn how to use his size to his advantage, but he’s a raw, intriguing prospect. Finley could be a bottom-six forward when all is said and done.

5. Jack Thompson

Thompson was another product of the 2020 NHL Draft, 93rd overall, after doubling his scoring output in his second OHL season. He headed overseas to play in the HockeyEttan during the cancelled 2020-21 season, contributing a point-per-game as a defender. He came back to the OHL in 2021-22 as the captain of the Sudbury Wolves before a trade to the Soo. Thompson’s season including leading all OHL defenders in goals (21) and helping Canada to a World Juniors gold medal. He jumped to the AHL last season, looking extremely comfortable in the process. He’s capable of playing big minutes, thrives when getting involved offensively, and has shown steps forward on the defensive side of the puck as well. He’s a pretty well-rounded player without excelling in one specific area and has the potential to be a bottom-four, two-way presence, especially if he can maintain his offensive success at the pro levels.

6. Hugo Alnefelt

It feels as though Alnefelt has been on the cusp of the NHL ever since he was selected in the third round by the Lightning in 2019. The goaltender was coming off a good season in the J20 SuperElit, while standing out internationally in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning a silver medal, as well as in the U18s, winning a gold. The next two seasons were spent in the SHL while appearing in back-to-back World Juniors. Alnefelt moved to North America in 2021-22 and struggled in his first season, before looking more comfortable with the Crunch last season. When he’s on, he angles out shooters well and is quite agile in the net. He controls rebound well and has good athleticism. He’s been quite inconsistent thus far and can let in soft shots at times. He could become a reliable backup in the NHL and could make that move relatively soon.

7. Gage Goncalves

Goncalves has followed a steady trajectory in his development, showing some improving each season. After two seasons in the WHL, the Lightning took note, using the 62nd pick in 2020 to select him. Goncalves returned to the WHL for one more season in 2020-21, as the alternate captain, earning his first NHL contract and moving to the AHL in 2021-22. His professional transition was rather seamless and looked even better in his second go-round last season. As seems to be a theme with Lightning prospects, he’s a competitive forward who never quits on a play. He’s a strong playmaker with a knack for feeding the slot, plays a smart game, and rarely makes a mistake. Goncalves seems well on his way to an NHL roster where he should be able to secure a spot as a bottom six player who could play up if needed. The Lightning have definitely been looking for players of his specific type in recent years.

8. Lucas Edmonds

Originally eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft, Lucas Edmonds finally heard his name called in the 2022, 86th overall. After playing in Sweden in his first two draft eligible seasons, mainly in the J20 SuperElit, he split time between the HockeyAllsvenskan and HockeyEttan in 2020-21 and decided a change was needed, moving to the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs in 2021-22, where he put up 113 points in just 68 games, leading the league in assists (79). The Lightning bit, immediately signing him to an entry-level deal, and bringing him to the AHL. Edmonds played well last season, employing an intelligent, well-rounded game. A playmaker who knows how to create offense, his path has been an interesting one, but he likely tops out as an AHLer and call-up option. That said, there is a reasonable chance that he finds a regular role as a bottom-line winger as well, considering his quick adjustment to the AHL.

9. Dylan Duke

High energy, highly competitive prospects give themselves a better chance to make it and the Lightning are betting on just that with Duke. He was selected 126th overall in 2021 after a point-per-game season with the USNTDP, which included being named a top-three player in the U18s. He moved on to the NCAA with the University of Michigan in 2021-22, falling victim to a lack of ice time on a deep Wolverines team, and seeing his production dip in the process. He took on a bigger role last season, increasing in offense and earning the call to Team USA at the World Juniors, winning bronze. Duke is a tenacious winger with only one gear – high! He battles hard, always working to get the puck back on his team’s sticks. If everything pans out, he could be a very entertaining middle-six winger.

10. Jayson Shaugabay

Shaugabay is a shifty and highly deceptive playmaking winger with significant offensive upside. When playing in the Minnesota high school loop, he was the best player in the State, earning the coveted Mr. Hockey award for the season. He also started and finished the year with USHL Green Bay and was a standout for the Gamblers too, with one of the highest point per game averages on the team, albeit in a smaller sample size of games played. Shaugabay was one of the most skilled and creative players with the puck from the 2023 draft class. He routinely creates extra time and space for himself by beating the first and second layers of pressure, turning would-be defenders into pylons. That said, there are a lot of areas to his game that will need work for him to reach his high ceiling, particularly his skating and strength on the puck, especially given his size. Minnesota-Duluth should be a great place for him, a program that tends to draw players who are more polished off the puck and incorporate power into their game, which could help his creative style flourish while transforming him into a more well-rounded player.

11. Declan Carlilie

There is a very quiet effectiveness to Carlile’s game. Efficient at both ends, he can start the breakout or squash the opposition’s. After a very solid first full year in the AHL, the former Merrimack defender has put himself in contention for a roster spot with Tampa Bay.

12. Daniil Pylenkov

Pylenkov is quickly becoming one of the better young defenders in Russia after a strong KHL season. A standout in the defensive end, he could probably play a third pairing role already. However, he still has two years remaining on his KHL deal and there are questions as to whether he’s actually interested in coming over.

13. Cole Koepke

A goal scoring winger with some jam to his game, Koepke has yet to live up to the high expectations that the Lightning had for him through two pro seasons. He struggled in a cup of coffee with Tampa last season, but there’s still some hope that he can be a quality third line option, even though he’s already 25.

14. Nick Malik

It was a step backwards for Malik last year after he lost his starting role with KooKoo due to inconsistent play. The son of former NHL defender Marek Malik, Nick is a tremendous athlete, but he is still working to refine his approach in the crease.

15. Roman Schmidt

Schmidt is a massive defender who also happens to be fairly mobile for his size. After a few seasons in the OHL with Kitchener, he will turn pro this year. His focus will be on improving his puck management.

16. Gabriel Fortier

The offensive upside is not significant, but Fortier will likely be an NHL player in some capacity in the future due to his tenaciousness and the energy he brings in whatever role that is asked of him. He could be a full time fourth liner this upcoming season.

17. Max Crozier

Even with some decent offensive production at Providence, Crozier’s future in the NHL will probably be in more of a defensive role similar to the way Nick Perbix quickly rose through the system. The right shot defender moves well and brings a physical element. He will play with Syracuse this year.

18. Connor Kurth

A former USHL standout, Kurth is a very talented offensive player. However, his freshman production was pretty pedestrian as he got buried in the Gophers lineup. Tampa Bay is hoping that he can earn a larger role as a sophomore.

19. Waltteri Merela

Signed out of Finland this offseason, Merela is a big winger with strong puck protection skills. He helped Tappara capture Liiga and Champions League titles last year and could easily make the Lightning lineup out of camp.

20. Jack Harvey

Taken by Tampa in his final year of draft eligibility, Harvey will head to Boston University this fall after a few good seasons with Chicago of the USHL. His off-puck play improved a lot this year, prompting his selection.

2023 NHL DRAFT: A Review

Chase Rochon — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:10:53 +0000

Another long year of amazing hockey has come and passed as we oficially end the 2023 scouting season and shift from the star-studded offensive draft class to the defensive-heavy 2024 NHL draft. This year's class was super fun and had the potential to bring the big stars and deep depth that we saw in the 2015 draft. This makes it very difficult to rank the winners and losers as every team acquired some very talented athletes in their organization that should make an impact for many years to come. Some teams acquired some elite star players at draft positions they didn't think would be possible at lower picks and later rounds. Those picks make the difference between good and great drafting by ﬁnding those diamonds in the rough.

NHL hockey operations departments are made up of the best of the best in the industry and have been through more drafts and different case studies over more years than I have been alive, which creates some hesitation in handing out grades for teams that we felt drafted poorly or passed on talent or upside. It is important to remember that teams take into consideration so many intangibles and factors outside any eye test or analytics can tell us. They have considerable resources and information networks public scouting teams can only dream of.

Most importantly, people need to remember these young athletes are human beings that just had the best week of their lives and treating them disrespectfully and pre-judging a young man that has yet to fully develop mentally and physically is completely unfair. I think every fan base should be showing love and support for the future players that are going to put in blood sweat and tears for the team you cheer for and go to war against the opposition.

With all that in mind, here is how I think all 32 teams performed at the 2023 NHL Draft based on my own rankings as well as the wonderful team at McKeen’s that I have the pleasure working alongside.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA - DECEMBER 29: Canada's Connor Bedard #16 backhands the puck while Austria's Tim Geifes #21 defends during Preliminary Round - Group A action at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Scotiabank Centre on December 29, 2022 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/IIHF)

#1 Chicago Blackhawks (A+)

1 Connor Bedard (F)

19 Oliver Moore (F)

35 Adam Gajan (G)

44 Roman Kantserov (F)

55 Martin Misiak (F)

67 Nick Lardis (F)

93 Jiri Felcman (F)

99 Alex Pharand (F)

131 Marcel Marcel (F)

167 Milton Oscarson (F)

195 Janne Peltonen (D)

It feels very ﬁtting that the number one ranked team had the number one pick this year in the generational talent of Connor Bedard, who is expected to make an immediate impact. Kyle Davidson clearly agrees by bringing in some veteran support this summer in Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno and Corey Perry. This pick was obvious. What makes the Blackhawks stand out is what might be my favourite selection of the entire draft in Oliver Moore at 19th overall, where I, alongside Davidson, was in shock this player was still on the board—followed by selecting one of if not one of the best goaltenders in Adam Gajan. We absolutely loved Nick Lardis at McKeens, and we ﬁnd this to be amazing value in the early third round. Roman Kantserov, Martin Misiak, Alex Pharand and Marcel Marcel are other great pickups to round out the real depth of this draft class for the Blackhawks as they build the next generation in Chicago.

#2 Columbus Blue Jackets (A)

3 Adam Fantilli (F)

34 Gavin Brindley (F)

66 William Whitelaw (F)

98 Andrew Strathmann (D)

114 Luca Pinelli (F)

156 Melvin Strahl (G)

194 Oiva Keskinen (F)

224 Tyler Peddle (F)

The Blue Jackets' dreams came true when Adam Fantilli was still waiting for them at third overall, as the rookie Hobey Baker winner would have been selected ﬁrst overall in any other draft. Followed up by his Michigan teammate Gavin Brindley who we at McKeens had ranked #26. William Whitelaw ranked at #39 by McKeen’s, and Andrew Strathmann, ranked #39 by me, are amazing values. I really like Luca Pinelli at #114 and thought it was a great move to trade for the last pick in the draft and select Tyler Peddle, who was in attendance and should have been selected much higher. This will be the draft that could really put the Blue Jackets over the top to be a future contender in the Metro.

#3 Philadelphia Flyers (A)

7 Matvei Michkov (F)

22 Oliver Bonk (D)

51 Carson Bjarnason (G)

87 Yegor Zavragin (G)

95 Denver Barkey (F)

103 Cole Knuble (F)

120 Alex Ciernik (F)

135 Carter Sotheran (D)

172 Ryan MacPherson (F)

199 Matteo Mann (D)

The Flyers got a player with arguably the highest upside in the class in 7th overall in Matvei Michkov alone, which is enough to rank them this high. Aside from whether there is any truth to rumours that he somehow orchestrated his way to Philadelphia, he was genuinely excited to be drafted by the organization. The possibility that he will be coming to play in North America perhaps sooner rather than later could completely alter the landscape of the rebuild for GM Daniel Briere. They followed up by selecting Oliver Bonk, who our Ontario scouts adore at McKeens, including myself. Bonk will continue to develop in London. The Carson Bjarnson pick could age very well as a good young goaltender with a long road of development ahead. Denver Barkey and Alex Cienik are great value picks at 95th and 120th.

#4 Seattle Kraken (A-)

20 Eduard Sale (F)

50 Carson Rehkopf (F)

52 Oscar Fisker Mølgaard (F)

57 Lukas Dragicevic (D)

84 Caden Price (D)

116 Andrei Loshko (F)

148 Kaden Hammell (D)

168 Visa Vedenpää (G)

180 Zeb Forsfjäll (F)

212 Zaccharya Wisdom (F)

Seattle has been consistently one of the better drafting teams since they entered the league, and they continued that streak in Nashville. Eduard Sale is very much a gamble with questions about his compete lvel and lack of production against pros. However, he possesses elite ﬁnishing ability and was dominant against players his own age. He has a very high ceiling that I believe can be developed properly in the OHL, followed by the development team in Seattle. At the end of the day, with such a great prospect pool, you can take a swing for upside at #20 overall and can add a true top-line ﬁnisher for Shane Wright or Matty Beniers. The Kraken continues to favour the CHL and loaded up with more players in Carson Rehkopf, Lukas Dragicevic and Caden Price in the late second round. They had all been viewed as late ﬁrst/early second round talents. Oscar Fisker Mølgaard has the potential to bring some real energy to the bottom six and PK and become a really good role player for the team. I had him ranked at #30th betting on his high motor and relentless pressure with some ﬁnishing ability.

#5 Carolina Hurricanes (A-)

30 Bradly Nadeau (F)

62 Felix Unger Sörum (F)

94 Jayden Perron (F)

100 Alexander Rykov (F)

126 Stanislav Yarovoy (F)

139 Charles-Alexis Legault (D)

158 Ruslan Khazheyev (G)

163 Timur Mukhanov (F)

190 Michael Emerson (F)

222 Yegor Velmakin (G)

Bradley Nadeau was the highest player selected from the BCHL after having a monster year. He was ranked #27 by McKeens, which makes for a good pick late in the ﬁrst. Where Carolina impressed us was how well they drafted in the later rounds picking up some of the biggest steals of the draft in Jayden Perron who we ranked 34th and Timur Mukhanov ranked 98th. As they typically do, Carolina drafted great to add to the loaded prospect pool.

#6 Buffalo Sabres (A-)

13 Zach Benson (F)

39 Anton Wahlberg (F)

45 Maxim Strbak (D)

86 Gavin McCarthy (D)

109 Ethan Miedema (F)

141 Scott Ratzlaff (G)

173 Sean Keohane (D)

205 Norwin Panocha (D)

Draft after draft Buffalo ﬁnds themselves selecting some great players but I think Zach Benson could be the final elite piece they need to take them back to the playoffs and end the long drought. Benson is the smartest player in the draft after Connor Bedard. They followed up with good picks in Anton Wahlberg and Maxim Strbak. I really like the value of Ethan Miedema and Scott Ratzlaff in rounds 4 and 5.

#7 St. Louis Blues (B+)

10 Dalibor Dvorský (F)

25 Otto Stenberg (F)

29 Theo Lindstein (D)

74 Quinton Burns (D)

76 Juraj Pekarcik (F)

106 Jakub Stancl (F)

138 Paul Fischer (D)

170 Matthew Mayich (D)

202 Nikita Susuyev (F)

Dalibor Dvorský and Otto Stenberg could be an amazing one-two punch down the middle in the near future as the Blues shift towards the future and away from the team that won them the 2019 Stanley Cup. I think Dvorsky and Stenberg both have been underrated as they tend to be looked at as “safe picks” - a term that I sometimes hate because it shouldn’t discount the true skill these players have. Because they are viewed as having lower ceilings than some other top names in the class they fell at the draft, and St. Louis took full advantage and selected the best player available. The rest of the Blues draft was very average, not making any poor selections but also not taking any swings on some big names with upside.

#8 Washington Capitals (B+)

8 Ryan Leonard (F)

40 Andrew Cristall (F)

104 Patrick Thomas (F)

136 Cameron Allen (D)

200 Brett Hyland (F)

206 Antoine Keller (G)

The Capitals may not have had the luck they had hoped for in having Michkov fall to them, but they were very quick to the podium to select the NTDP gritty winger in Ryan Leonard. He brings a hard game and that’s no slight on the raw skill this kid has. After this year’s playoffs, NHL teams are looking to mold their roster after the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights and Leonard ﬁts that profile. Many, including myself, expected Andrew Cristall to fall on draft day but to 40th overall was quite surprising and Washington took full advantage, taking some risk on a junior perimeter player. Going into the draft year we expected Cameron Allen to be the ﬁrst OHL player off the board, but after a brutal season his stock plummeted. It’s hard to believe this talented young player entirely forgot how to play hockey and I think the Caps were willing to take this bet at 136.

#9 Colorado Avalanche (B)

27 Calum Ritchie (F)

31 Mikhail Gulyayev (D)

155 Nikita Ishimnikov (D)

187 Jeremy Hanzel (D)

219 Maros Jedlicka (F)

The Avalanche wouldn’t have expected to select Calum Ritchie and Mikhail Gulyayev with these very late ﬁrst rounders who we ranked 19th and 24th. This is great value at these picks. I ﬁnd it very interesting that they went with a very smart player who has a low ceiling and a high ﬂoor in Ritchie but then took a bit of a gamble on Gulyayev who is the polar opposite with a high ceiling and low ﬂoor. Not having many picks, and not many high ones, they can consider it a win if Colorado can get a couple NHLers from such minimal selections.

#10 Los Angeles Kings (B)

54 Jakub Dvorak (D)

78 Koehn Ziemmer (F)

118 Hampton Slukynsky (G)

150 Matthew Mania (D)

182 Ryan Conmy (F)

Jakub Dvorak has been such an underrated player all season long because he hasn’t been playing due to injury and is not flashy and doesn’t have much of a highlight reel but he might be the best defensive defenseman to come from this draft class. Big frame players like Dvorak are rare and hard to ﬁnd and are typically viewed as underrated even in the NHL because they are never noticeable with the puck. Dvorak shut down all the top players in the U.S. NTDP top line, Dvorsky, Michkov and even Connor Bedard at international competitions. He makes life so hard for attackers and will be a nightmare for goal scorers in the NHL and people will wonder how he was selected so late. The Kings followed this up with good picks in Koehn Ziemmer and Matthew Mania.

#11 Florida Panthers (B)

63 Gracyn Sawchyn (F)

127 Albert Wikman (D)

159 Olof Glifford (G)

191 Luke Coughlin (D)

198 Stepan Zvyagin (F)

Florida was another team that capitalized on an underrated player who slid on draft day in Gracyn Sawchyn. He played on a star-studded Seattle Thunderbirds team and didn’t get the opportunity to play top minutes but that didn’t stop him from putting up over a point per game. He will continue to grow under a great development program as he gains more ice time and expect him to put up monster numbers in the WHL for the next two seasons.

#12 Dallas Stars (C+)

61 Tristan Bertucci (D)

79 Brad Gardiner (F)

125 Aram Minnetian (D)

157 Arno Tiefensee (G)

189 Angus MacDonell (F)

221 Sebastian Bradshaw (F)

Dallas had very minimal draft capital and made the absolute most of it to no one's surprise as they usually do. Amazing value in Tristan Bertucci and Aram Minnetian.

#13 Vegas Golden Knights (B-)

32 David Edstrom (F)

77 Mathieu Cataford (F)

96 Arttu Kärki (D)

192 Tuomas Uronen (F)

Vegas selecting David Edstrom almost felt destined to happen as the last pick of the first round as we expected him to be selected in the ﬁrst round. Great pick for the Stanley Cup winners. Arttu Karki was also my favorite Finnish defense this year and I think 96 is excellent value for a player of his skill.

#14 San Jose Sharks (B-)

4 Will Smith (F)

26 Quentin Musty (F)

36 Kasper Halttunen (F)

71 Brandon Svoboda (F)

123 Luca Cagnoni (D)

130 Axel Landén (D)

132 Eric Pohlkamp (D)

196 David Klee (F)

203 Yegor Rimashevsky (F)

The Sharks drafted the highly skilled forward Will Smith very high, and I know he has gained some real hype over the past few months to get into the top 5 but personally having him just outside the top 10 makes it very hard to justify so much talent and other options at pick 4. This is a take that really could come back to bite me but I just don't love what Smith and Musty bring to the table outside of the high offensive skill that they clearly both have. In terms of value picks I think Halttunen is the Sharks best pick. If he played in London last season, he would have been called on day one of the draft and still has the opportunity to come over next season and be one of the best players in the league right away. The Sharks drafted very well but 13 other teams just did better.

#15 Calgary Flames (B-)

16 Samuel Honzek (F)

48 Étienne Morin (D)

80 Aydar Suniev (F)

112 Jaden Lipinski (F)

176 Yegor Yegorov (G)

208 Axel Hurtig (D)

The Flames had a solid draft and got a player we can expect the be a safe NHLer in Samuel Honzek that was expected in this range. I think Etienne Mornin could be the steal for them. This is a player that is extremely intelligent, and I personally have a lot of faith will continue to have success in his own development each season and could be viewed as a late ﬁrst rounder in the near future. Aydar Suniev at 80th overall is also great value.

#16 Montréal Canadiens (B-)

5 David Reinbacher (D)

69 Jacob Fowler (G)

101 Florian Xhekaj (F)

110 Bogdan Konyushkov (D)

128 Quentin Miller (G)

133 Sam Harris (F)

144 Yevgeni Volokhin (G)

165 Filip Eriksson (F)

197 Luke Mittelstadt (D)

Montréal might be the most talked about team post draft for all the wrong reasons so being dead in the middle at 16 may come as a surprise to most. The dislike for me comes from picks 101-197 where they took seven guys they could have gotten in rounds 6 or 7, and unfortunately some of those picks were in rounds 4 and 5. Jacob Fowler is a good goalie that could be huge for them, with the organization having such little depth in that department. Now Reinbacher who is the talk of Twitter and unfortunately for terrible reasons. The only argument I can understand against him is that Michkov should have been the pick, but there were many question marks surrounding the Russian and his intentions, leaving the Habs in a situation with lots of uncertainty at pick #5. So, they understandably took a player with a lot of certainty in elite defenseman David Reinbacher. He has been the only player under 18 shutting down grown professional athletes and ex-NHLers for two years. If that's not impressive enough he didn't just defend, he also produced higher than anyone in their DY-2 and DY-1 ever.

David has a good head on his shoulders and will develop all the necessary skills to round out his game to become a high-end defenseman who will eat lots of minutes and make a huge impact. He may not put up great offensive numbers or make highlight reel plays. That's ok, he plays defense for a reason. Leave that for the loads of talented players you already have and let Reinbacher make the other team's life a living hell and win hockey games, because that's what it's all about.

#17 Arizona Coyotes (B-)

6 Dmitri Simashev (D)

12 Daniil But (F)

38 Michael Hrabal (G)

70 Jonathan Castagna (F)

72 Noel Nordh (F)

81 Tanner Ludtke (F)

88 Vadim Moroz (F)

102 Terrell Goldsmith (D)

134 Melker Thelin (G)

160 Justin Kipkie (D)

162 Samu Bau (F)

166 Carsen Musser (G)

Arizona may have not drafted our best player available in their slots, but they took an interesting strategy to this year's draft that might have been the best option based on the current state of the team. Dmitri Simashev was our number one ranked defenseman in the class while Danill But has displayed shades of Evgeni Malkin at times. Both played on the same team this past season. This put Arizona in a safer situation to swing on upside and internally develop them together and could very well be a big payoff. Hrabal is the pick that gives some extra value as my personal favorite goaltender in the class. Drafting all players over 6'0" is another interesting strategy that is hard to disagree with. Middle of the pack supports my mixed feelings on the drafting of the Coyotes.

#18 Winnipeg Jets (C)

18 Colby Barlow (F)

82 Zachary Nehring (F)

146 Jacob Julien (F)

151 Thomas Milic (G)

210 Connor Levis (F)

Winnipeg is facing a lot of potential turnover on their roster this season. Colby Barlow makes an excellent pick for the Jets, bringing in a character Canadian guy, on and off the ice, as a key piece to build upon. You can expect Barlow to score lots of goals in the near future. The rest of the picks are very average, so they receive an average grade.

#19 New York Rangers (C)

23 Gabe Perreault (F)

90 Drew Fortescue (D)

152 Rasmus Larsson (D)

178 Dylan Roobroeck (F)

183 Ty Henricks (F)

Gabe Perreault was good value at 23rd as I thought his production this season would lead to him going much higher than he should have and I think this was a good range for him. A smart player who can be a great complement to some high-end skill just like he did with the NTDP. The rest of the picks were not very average.

#20 Detroit Red Wings (C)

9 Nate Danielson (F)

17 Axel Sandin Pellikka (D)

41 Trey Augustine (G)

42 Andrew Gibson (D)

47 Brady Cleveland (D)

73 Noah Dower Nilsson (F)

117 Larry Keenan (D)

137 Jack Phelan (D)

147 Kevin Bicker (F)

169 Rudy Guimond (G)

201 Emmitt Finnie (F)

Detroit's draft was very interesting to me because I find it hard to criticize Steve Yzerman’s picks which have been excellent in the past with some home runs to show for it. Nate Danielson and Axel-Sandin Pellika are great players who will be NHLers and good ones. They just didn't strike me as the types of players Detroit has recently drafted with some hard nose battlers that are going to be warriors. I think it might take a while for either to become impact playoff players relative to some of the skill still left on the board, such as Oliver Moore at pick #9 and still available at #17. They pass with a C as most other picks were good, but just that they were good and not great, where teams ahead of them made some great picks.

#21 Edmonton Oilers (C)

56 Beau Akey (D)

184 Nathaniel Day (G)

216 Matt Copponi (F)

Beau Akey is a good pick that has a good path in front of him to reﬁne his offensive talents and become a threat from the point for the Colts over the next couple of seasons and get a real chance to make the Oilers. Hard to judge a team with such little options at the draft.

Leo Carlsson of Sweden at a practice session during the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship on May 25, 2023 in Riga.
Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN /

#22 Anaheim Ducks (C-)

2 Leo Carlsson (F)

33 Nico Myatovic (F)

59 Carey Terrance (F)

60 Damian Clara (G)

65 Coulson Pitre (F)

85 Yegor Sidorov (F)

97 Konnor Smith (D)

129 Rodwin Dionicio (D)

161 Vojtech Port (D)

I think passing on Fantilli will be something that will haunt Anaheim for a long time and really hurts their grade even though they are getting a great talent in Leo Carlsson. Unfortunately, I have a hard time seeing Carlsson being the 2nd best player that comes from this class and when they are a top team in the league soon this selection might be the difference between a contender and a champion. Other than that, Myatovic, Terrance and Pitre are solid picks.

#23 Vancouver Canucks (D+)

11 Tom Willander (D)

75 Hunter Brzustewicz (C-)

89 Sawyer Mynio (D)

105 Ty Mueller (F)

107 Vilmer Alriksson (F)

119 Matthew Perkins (F)

171 Aiden Celebrini (D)

Willander was ranked 23rd by us at McKeens and is a great defenseman who happens to be in a star studded offensive heavy draft. I think the Canuks were guilty of drafting for need rather than best player available and that affected the grade. Other than that, there isn’t too much to like in the class other than Hunter Brzustewicz at 75 was a great selection.

#24 Nashville Predators (C-)

15 Matthew Wood (F)

24 Tanner Molendyk (D)

43 Felix Nilsson (F)

46 Kalan Lind (F)

68 Jesse Kiiskinen (F)

83 Dylan MacKinnon (D)

111 Joseph Willis (F)

121 Juha Jatkola (G)

143 Sutter Muzzatti (F)

175 Austin Roest

218 Aiden Fink

Nashville was the host of this year’s draft and advised by new GM Barry Trotz in an interview to take some swings on high upside to add some high-end skill to the prospect pool. Well, they just didn’t do any of that and delivered a mediocre draft outside of top prospect Matthew Wood. What makes their draft so disappointing is that after 10 consecutive picks, the next best value pick was David Poiles last pick in Aiden Fink in the 7th round. Expectations were high and far from reached.

#25 Tampa Bay Lightning (D)

37 Ethan Gauthier (F)

115 Jayson Shaugabay (F)

179 Warren Clark (D)

193 Jack Harvey (F)

211 Ethan Hay (F)

Tampa will ﬁnd a way to develop these players, especially Ethan Gauthier, because that’s what they do best within their system. I just believe they could have done it with the better options available and left talent on the table with every pick.

#26 New Jersey Devils (D+)

58 Lenni Hämeenaho (F)

122 Cam Squires (F)

154 Chase Cheslock (D)

164 Cole Brown (F)

186 Daniil Karpovich (D)

New Jersey was very inactive and didn’t take many swings this year and they are in a situation where they didn’t need to. Lenni Hameenaho was ranked 84 for us at McKeens and was a bit of a reach.

#27 Ottawa Senators (D)

108 Hoyt Stanley (D)

140 Matthew Andonovski (D)

204 Owen Beckner (F)

207 Vladimir Nikitin (G)

215 Nicholas VanTassell (F)

Ottawa did not have many picks and none very high. Hoyt Stanley is the only pick which has had some hype going into the draft and been noticeable this season. I wouldn’t expect anyone from the class to make the roster.

#28 Pittsburgh Penguins (D-)

14 Brayden Yager (F)

91 Emil Pieniniemi (D)

142 Mikhail Ye. Ilyin (F)

174 Cooper Foster (F)

217 Emil Järventie (F)

223 Kalle Kangas (D)

Another situation where good players were selected but when I look at this class, and Emil Jarventie is the best value pick in the 7th round, that is an issue for me. Yes, Brayden Yager is an excellent player with a deadly shot and a good head on his shoulders. It’s hard to give high grades when top 5-10 talents were still available where he was picked. This strikes me as more of a situation where the Penguins scouting staff were left to make the pick, more so than Dubas, and they went with the guy they targetted going into the draft rather than the best player available.

#29 Toronto Maple Leafs (D-)

28 Easton Cowan (F)

153 Hudson Malinoski (F)

185 Noah Chadwick (D)

The Easton Cowan pick is very difficult to grade because it really could go both ways. I understand the pick because you’re getting, debatably, the hardest working player in the class whose development is skyrocketing at a high pace under the teachings of the Hunters in London. You can expect this growth to continue over the next couple seasons. It woudl appear the Leafs aren’t selecting the 28th best player currently and are banking on Cowan being a ﬁrst round talent in 3-5 years, an approach I agree with. The issue I have with this pick is I really think you could have selected him later, and possibly much later. The 2nd round Is still a reach but at least you’re not leaving talent on the table in this deep draft and getting the maximum value out of each pick. I just think this was some poor asset management and the Leafs just focused on getting their guy. Time will be the true indicator.

#30 New York Islanders (D)

49 Danny Nelson (F)

113 Jesse Nurmi (F)

145 Justin Gill (F)

177 Zach Schulz (D)

209 Dennis Good Bogg (D)

Islanders drafted some good leadership in a pair of Captains in Danny Nelson and Zach Shulz. When that is the best thing to be said about the selections that is an issue.

#31 Boston Bruins (F+)

92 Christopher Pelosi (F)

124 Beckett Hendrickson (F)

188 Ryan Walsh (F)

214 Casper Nässén (F)

220 Kristian Kostadinski (D)

Beckett Hendrickson is the only reason they aren’t ranked 32nd.

#32 Minnesota Wild (F)

21 Charlie Stramel (F)

53 Rasmus Kumpulainen (F)

64 Riley Heidt (F)

149 Aaron Pionk (D)

181 Kalem Parker (D)

213 Jimmy Clark (F)

The Wild are the only team that gets an F grade. It’s not because I don't like the players in Charlie Stramel and Rasmus Kumpulainen because they are prospects I had on my personal board, but it’s very hard to justify these picks with the options still available on the board at the time of the picks. These are just too far off the board to not trade back and still get the player you want. We at McKeens ranked both these players as 3rd round talents.

2023 NHL Combine: Part One – Fitness Testing Overview & Results

Chase Rochon and Joely Stockl — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 22:07:17 +0000

Another NHL Combine has come and gone in Buffalo, NY this past week. For the 106 invited players, it was a week full of 1-on-1 interviews with NHL teams, interviews with the media, and a variety of fitness tests. The fitness testing results mean more to some NHL executives than they do to others, but nonetheless it is always fascinating to see who finished atop the leaderboards in the fitness testing categories. The Combine is also the final opportunity for players to submit their height and weight, which is always an intriguing progression to monitor. The NHL Combine is the perfect precursor to the NHL Draft. It is some of these player’s first times meeting their competitors on the draft board, and it allows for these players to meet their future management of the team that drafts them in Nashville in just a few weeks.

Standouts

Nick Lardis of the Hamilton Bulldogs placed 1st in four categories: Vertical Jump, Squat Jump, No Arm Jump, & Pull Ups (15). This standout performance puts more eyes on the late riser, who arrived in Hamilton and tore it up through the second half of the season putting up 46 points in 33 games. Lardis has skyrocketed on many draft boards, including McKeen’s, as he finished 32nd overall and snuck his way into the tail end of the first round. He is a player that has certainly benefited from being the “go-to” player on the Bulldogs, and his success will hopefully lead into next season as the team moves to Brantford.

Another player from the OHL, Brad Gardiner also performed exceptionally well in the fitness tests. The two-way centre from the Ottawa 67’s finished in the top 10 in five of the categories completed on the weekend of the Combine, as well as in the Grip Strength test completed earlier in the week. Gardiner likely drew some more attention with this performance, as he was one of the later ranked players out of the 106 at the Combine (McKeen’s has Brad Gardiner ranked at 163rd).

Leading the results in the consensus “most difficult” category, the VO2 MAX, was Seattle Thunderbirds forward Nico Myatovic. In their media availability, nearly every player stated that the VO2 MAX was the hardest fitness test of them all. The VO2 MAX is a gruelling test of oxygen utilized during maximum effort. By winning in this category, Myatovic has likely gained some respect points from teams and players.

The tallest player at the Combine measured up at 6 '6.75”, and that was Czech goaltender Michael Hrabal. Hrabal is one of the top ranked goaltenders heading into the NHL Draft, and he was one of seven goalies invited to the Combine. Hrabal’s size is definitely a draw for some teams, as we see NHL goaltenders getting taller and taller each year.

Fitness Testing Results (excluding Functional Movement Screen & Grip Strength)

Top 10 from each category;

VO2 Max

Nico Myatovic
Brad Gardiner
Bradly Nadeau
Beckett Hendrickson
Noel Nordh
Easton Cowan
Aram Minnetian
Paul Fischer
Axel Sandin Pellikka
Hunter Brzustewicz

Wingate Test

Noah Dower Nlsson
Danny Nelson
Tom Willander
Hunter Brzustewicz
Cameron Allen
David Edstrom
Brayden Yager
Tanner Molendyk
Samuel Honzek
Jonathan Castagna

Pull Ups

Nick Lardis- 15
Danny Nelson- 14
Bradly Nadeau- 14
Cameron Allen- 14
Connor Bedard- 14
Brad Gardiner- 13
Jaden Lipinski- 13
Nate Danielson- 13
Oliver Moore- 13
Denver Barkey- 12

Pro Agility (Right)

Easton Cowan
Jonathan Castagna
Brady Cleveland
Samuel Honzek
Scott Ratzlaff
Brandon Svoboda
Brad Gardiner
Beau Akey
Andrew Gibson
Hunter Brzustewicz

Pro Agility (Left)

Easton Cowan
Jonathan Castagna
Oliver Moore
Brandon Svoboda
Jayden Perron
Brad Gardiner
Ethan Gauthier
Beau Akey
Andrew Gibson
Bradly Nadeau

Bench Press (50% of Body Weight)

Axel Sandin Pellikka
Charlie Stramel
Mathieu Cataford
Lukas Dragicevic
Ryan Leonard
Cameron Allen
Jonathan Castagna
Bradly Nadeau
Brad Gardiner
Nate Danielson

Standing Long Jump

Charlie Stramel- 118”
Samuel Honzek- 117.5”
Cameron Allen- 117”
Tom Willander- 116.5”
Beau Akey- 116”
Nick Lardis- 114.5”
Maxim Strbak- 112.8”
David Reinbacher- 112”
Nate Danielson- 111.5”
Jayden Perron- 111”

Vertical Jump

Nick Lardis
Cameron Allen
Colby Barlow
Caden Price
Charlie Stramel
Nate Danielson
Jesse Nurmi
Beau Akey
Oliver Moore
Ethan Gauthier

No Arm Jump

Nick Lardis
Oliver Moore
Samuel Honzek
Jesse Nurmi
Colby Barlow
Cameron Allen
Jayden Perron
Jonathan Castagna
Nate Danielson
Charlie Stramel

Squat Jump

Nick Lardis
Jesse Nurmi
Colby Barlow
Nate Danielson
Jonathan Castagna
Cameron Allen
Tanner Molendyk
Noah Dower Nilsson
Oliver Moore
Tom Willander

Heights & Weights

Name Height /Weight

Beau Akey 6’0”/175

Cameron Allen 6’0”/192

Trey Augustine 6’1.25”/190

Denver Barkey 5’8.75”/155

Colby Barlow 6’0.5”/195

Connor Bedard 5’9.75”/185

Zach Benson 5’9.75”/170

Tristan Bertucci 6’1.75”/175

Carson Bjarnason 6’3.25”/190

Oliver Bonk 6’1.5”/180

Gavin Brindley 5’8”/168

Hunter Brzustewicz 5’11.75”/190

Luca Cagnoni 5’9”/182

Jonathan Castagna 6’2.25” /195

Mathieu Cataford 5’11”/190

Alex Ciernik 5’10.25”/174

Brady Cleveland 6’4.75”//210

Easton Cowan 5’10.5”/170

Andrew Cristall 5’9.5”/175

Nate Danielson 6’1.5”/186

Noah Dower Nilsson 5’11.75 “/185

Lukas Dragicevic 6’1”/194

Jakub Dvorak 6’5”/210

Dalibor Dvorsky 6’1”/200

David Edstrom 6’3”/185

Paul Fischer 6’1”/200

Drew Fortescue 6’1”/176

Adam Gajan 6’2.75”/180

Brad Gardiner 6’1”/184

Ethan Gauthier 5’11.5”/183

Andrew Gibson 6’2.75”/202

Terrell Goldsmith 6’4”/220

Kasper Halttunen 6’3.25”/215

Lenni Hameenaho 6’1”/185

Riley Heidt 5’10.5”/180

Beckett Hendrickson 6’1.5”/174

Samuel Honzek 6’3.25”/195

Michael Hrabel 6’6.75”/215

Larry Keenan 6’3.25”/186

Jesse Kiiskinen 6’0.25”/190

Rasmus Kumpulainen 6’2.75”/190

Nick Lardis 5’11”/168

Ryan Leonard 5’11.75 “/190

Kalan Lind 6’0.5”/158

Theo Lindstein 6’0”/185

Jaden Lipinski 6’3.75”/210

Dylan MacKinnon 6’2”/190

Matteo Mann 6’5.5”/230

Gavin McCarthy 6’1.5”/186

Ethan Miedema 6’4”/208

Aram Minnetian 5’11”/195

Martin Misiak 6’1.5”/200

Tanner Molendyk 5’11”/181

Oscar Fisker Molgaard 5’11.75“/166

Oliver Moore 5’11”/195

Etienne Morin 6’0”/180

Carsen Musser 6’4”/212

Quentin Musty 6’1.5”/200

Nico Myatovic 6’2.5”/180

Sawyer Mynio 6’0.5”/163

Bradly Nadeau 5’10.25”/160

Zach Nehring 6’2.75”/182

Danny Nelson 6’3”/212

Felix Nilsson 6’0.5”/187

Noel Nordh 6’1.5”/200

Jesse Nurmi 5’11”/168

Tyler Peddle 6’1”/204

Gabriel Perreault 5’10.75”/163

Jayden Perron 5’9”/166

Alex Pharand 6’2.5”/205

Emil Pieniniemi 6’2.25”/175

Luca Pinelli 5’8.75”/167

Aaron Pionk 6’0.75”/173

Coulson Pitre 6’0.75”/170

Caden Price 6’0.5”/190

Scott Ratzlaff 6’0.5”/175

Carson Rehkopf 6’2.5”/195

David Reinbacher 6’2.25”/194

Eduard Sale 6’1.75”/175

Axel Sandin-Pellikka 5’11”/180

Gracyn Sawchyn 5’10.75”/155

Zachary Schulz 6’1”/197

Jayson Shaugabay 5’9.25”/165

William Smith 5’11.75 “/180

Jakub Stancl 6’3”/202

Otto Stenberg 5’11”/185

Charlie Stramel 6’3”/222

Andrew Strathmann 5’10.75”/185

Maxim Strbak 6’1.25”/198

Aydar Suniev 6’1.5”/192

Brandon Svoboda 6’3.25”/209

Carey Terrance 6’0.25”/178

Jordan Tourigny 5’11.25”/165

Anton Wahlberg 6’3.25”/192

William Whitelaw 5’8.75”/175

Tom Willander 6’1”/180

Matthew Wood 6’4”/197

Brayden Yager 5’11”/170

Koehn Ziemmer 6’0.25”/210

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL DRAFT – FINAL RANKINGS – TOP 224 Plus Honourable Mentions

McKeen's Scouting Team - Director of Scouting, Brock Otten — Sun, 28 May 2023 16:20:45 +0000

It’s that time! The McKeen’s scouting staff has finalized our final rankings for the 2023 NHL Draft ahead of the release of our draft guide in a few weeks. As per usual, our list runs 224 players deep to match the number of selections in the draft, but we have included over 300 players when you include our Honorable Mentions.

Much to the surprise of no one, Connor Bedard remains our top ranked player, as he has been all season long. In fact, our top three remains unchanged from our midseason rankings with Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson holding down the second and third spots, respectively. There has been one change in our top five with Will Smith leapfrogging Matvei Michkov into the fourth position following his dominant second half and U18’s.

Russian defender Dmitry Simashev remains our top ranked blueliner but has now moved into the top ten. His combination of size, mobility, physicality, and improving offensive skill set is going to be alluring to NHL teams and we feel that his upside is the highest in a weaker crop for defenders.

A trio of Swedish players are among our biggest risers from our midseason list, with Tom Willander, Anton Wahlberg, and David Edstrom all jumping up into the first round. All three were excellent in the second half of the season, which culminated with strong performances at the U18’s. Willander, in particular, has a huge fan in our Director of Scouting, Brock Otten. “If you were to ask me who my favourite defender in the draft class is, I’d probably say Willander. He rarely makes a poor play and I believe that we are underappreciating his potential as an NHL defender because of how efficient and safe his game can be. I would be shocked if he does not become a quality second pairing guy at the NHL level and I don’t think the other defenders ranked in the first have that same assurance,” said Otten.

Another massive jumper in our list is Hamilton Bulldogs winger Nick Lardis. 98th on our midseason list, Lardis now finds himself ranked just inside of our first round. His play with Hamilton, following a trade from Peterborough has vaulted him up draft boards, including ours. His combination of quickness and scoring ability gives him a solid projection at the NHL level.

Despite having two goaltenders inside of our first round at midseason (Carson Bjarnason and Michael Hrabal), we ended the year with none. Trey Augustine is now our top ranked netminder, ranked in the mid second round. However, Augustine, Bjarnason, Hrabal, and USHL Clark Cup MVP Jacob Fowler are all closely ranked in that range.

Look for the release of our 2023 Draft Guide in the next couple weeks. It will include all of our rankings and reports, a mock draft, a preview of the 2024 NHL Draft, and much more.

As a subscriber, link to our full ranking with links to the player pages here - McKeen's Draft Rankings - You can download the ranking as an excel file as well.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	HT/WT	DOB	NATION	TEAM	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Connor Bedard	C	5-10/185	17-Jul-05	Canada	Regina (WHL)	57-71-72-143
2	Adam Fantilli	C	6-2/195	12-Oct-04	Canada	Michigan (B1G)	36-30-35-65
3	Leo Carlsson	C	6-3/200	26-Dec-04	Sweden	Orebro (SHL)	44-10-15-25
4	Will Smith	C	6-0/175	17-Mar-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	59-51-75-126
5	Matvei Michkov	RW	5-10/170	9-Dec-04	Russia	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	30-9-11-20
6	Zach Benson	LW	5-9/160	12-May-05	Canada	Winnipeg (WHL)	60-36-62-98
7	Dalibor Dvorsky	C	6-1/200	15-Jun-05	Slovakia	AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)	38-6-8-14
8	Ryan Leonard	RW	5-11/190	21-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	56-50-43-93
9	Dmitri Simashev	D	6-4/200	4-Feb-05	Russia	Loko Yaroslavl-Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)	33-1-11-12
10	Matthew Wood	RW	6-3/195	6-Feb-05	Canada	Connecticut (HE)	35-11-23-34
11	Oliver Moore	C	5-11/185	22-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	60-31-43-74
12	Colby Barlow	LW	6-0/195	14-Feb-05	Canada	Owen Sound (OHL)	59-46-33-79
13	Nate Danielson	C	6-1/185	27-Sep-04	Canada	Brandon (WHL)	68-33-45-78
14	Axel Sandin Pellikka	D	5-11/180	11-Mar-05	Sweden	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	31-16-20-36
15	Daniil But	LW	6-5/200	15-Feb-05	Russia	Loko Yaroslavl-Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)	32-18-14-32
16	David Reinbacher	D	6-2/185	25-Oct-04	Austria	Kloten (Sui-NL)	46-3-19-22
17	Eduard Sale	LW	6-1/170	10-Mar-05	Czech	HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)	43-7-7-14
18	Samuel Honzek	LW	6-3/185	12-Nov-04	Slovakia	Vancouver (WHL)	43-23-33-56
19	Mikhail Gulyayev	D	5-11/170	26-Apr-05	Russia	Omskie Yastreby (MHL)	22-2-23-25
20	Lukas Dragicevic	D	6-1/190	25-Apr-05	Canada	Tri-City (WHL)	68-15-60-75
21	Gabe Perreault	RW	5-11/165	7-May-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	62-53-79-132
22	Otto Stenberg	C	5-11/180	29-May-05	Sweden	Frolunda (Swe J20)	29-11-15-26
23	Tom Willander	D	6-1/180	9-Feb-05	Sweden	Rogle (Swe J20)	39-4-21-25
24	Calum Ritchie	C	6-2/185	21-Jan-05	Canada	Oshawa (OHL)	59-24-35-59
25	Andrew Cristall	LW	5-9/165	4-Feb-05	Canada	Kelowna (WHL)	54-39-56-95
26	Gavin Brindley	C	5-8/165	5-Oct-04	USA	Michigan (B1G)	41-12-26-38
27	Bradly Nadeau	LW	5-10/165	5-May-05	Canada	Penticton (BCHL)	54-45-68-113
28	Anton Wahlberg	C	6-3/195	4-Jul-05	Sweden	Malmo (Swe J20)	32-14-13-27
29	Riley Heidt	C	5-10/180	25-Mar-05	Canada	Prince George (WHL)	68-25-72-97
30	Brayden Yager	C	5-11/165	3-Jan-05	Canada	Moose Jaw (WHL)	67-28-50-78
31	David Edstrom	C	6-3/185	18-Feb-05	Sweden	Frolunda (Swe J20)	28-15-13-28
32	Nick Lardis	LW	5-10/165	8-Jul-05	Canada	Pbo-Ham (OHL)	69-37-28-65
33	Kasper Halttunen	RW	6-3/205	7-Jun-05	Finland	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	27-0-1-1
34	Jayden Perron	RW	5-9/165	11-Jan-05	Canada	Chicago (USHL)	61-24-48-72
35	Oliver Bonk	D	6-2/175	9-Jan-05	Canada	London (OHL)	67-10-30-40
36	Quentin Musty	LW	6-2/200	6-Jul-05	USA	Sudbury (OHL)	53-26-52-78
37	Trey Augustine	G	6-1/185	23-Feb-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	28-1, 2.14, 0.925
38	Tanner Molendyk	D	5-11/185	3-Feb-05	Canada	Saskatoon (WHL)	67-9-28-37
39	William Whitelaw	RW	5-9/170	5-Feb-05	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	62-36-25-61
40	Ethan Gauthier	RW	5-11/175	26-Jan-05	Canada	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	66-30-39-69
41	Gracyn Sawchyn	C	5-11/160	19-Jan-05	USA	Seattle (WHL)	58-18-40-58
42	Carson Bjarnason	G	6-3/185	30-Jun-05	Canada	Brandon (WHL)	21-19, 3.08, 0.900
43	Aram Minnetian	D	5-11/190	19-Mar-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	61-7-24-31
44	Michael Hrabal	G	6-6/210	20-Jan-05	Czech	Omaha (USHL)	9-13, 2.86, 0.908
45	Jacob Fowler	G	6-1/215	24-Nov-04	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	27-9, 2.28, 0.921
46	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	C	6-0/165	18-Feb-05	Denmark	HV 71 (SHL)	41-4-3-7
47	Carson Rehkopf	LW	6-1/195	7-Jan-05	Canada	Kitchener (OHL)	68-30-29-59
48	Beau Akey	D	5-11/170	11-Feb-05	Canada	Barrie (OHL)	66-11-36-47
49	Danny Nelson	C	6-3/200	3-Aug-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	61-20-26-46
50	Etienne Morin	D	6-0/180	9-Mar-05	Canada	Moncton (QMJHL)	67-21-51-72
51	Felix Nilsson	C	6-0/175	22-Jun-05	Sweden	Rogle (Swe J20)	36-19-22-41
52	Maxim Strbak	D	6-1/205	13-Apr-05	Slovakia	Sioux Falls (USHL)	46-5-13-18
53	Jakub Dvorak	D	6-5/205	25-May-05	Czech	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia)	24-0-2-2
54	Carey Terrance	C	6-0/175	10-May-05	USA	Erie (OHL)	67-30-17-47
55	Jesse Kiiskinen	RW	5-11/180	23-Aug-05	Finland	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	31-20-23-43
56	Mathieu Cataford	C	5-11/185	1-Mar-05	Canada	Halifax (QMJHL)	68-31-44-75
57	Roman Kantserov	RW	5-9/175	20-Sep-04	Russia	Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)	45-27-27-54
58	Tristan Bertucci	D	6-1/170	12-Jul-05	Canada	Flint (OHL)	63-11-39-50
59	Andrew Gibson	D	6-3/195	13-Feb-05	Canada	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	45-7-14-21
60	Caden Price	D	6-0/185	24-Aug-05	Canada	Kelowna (WHL)	65-5-35-40
61	Charlie Stramel	C	6-3/215	15-Oct-04	USA	Wisconsin (B1G)	33-5-7-12
62	Coulson Pitre	RW	6-0/170	13-Dec-04	Canada	Flint (OHL)	59-25-35-60
63	Adam Gajan	G	6-2/165	6-May-04	Slovakia	Chippewa Steel (NAHL)	19-12, 2.57, 0.917
64	Hoyt Stanley	D	6-2/185	4-Feb-05	Canada	Victoria (BCHL)	53-4-34-38
65	Andrew Strathmann	D	5-10/190	27-Feb-05	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	56-3-35-38
66	Hunter Brzustewicz	D	5-11/185	29-Nov-04	USA	Kitchener (OHL)	68-6-51-57
67	Luca Pinelli	C	5-8/165	5-Apr-05	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	67-29-34-63
68	Cam Allen	D	6-0/195	7-Jan-05	Canada	Guelph (OHL)	62-5-20-25
69	Tanner Ludtke	C	6-0/185	27-Nov-04	USA	Lincoln (USHL)	57-32-34-66
70	Theo Lindstein	D	6-0/180	5-Jan-05	Sweden	Brynas (SHL)	32-1-1-2
71	Koehn Ziemmer	RW	6-0/205	8-Dec-04	Canada	Prince George (WHL)	68-41-48-89
72	Carter Sotheran	D	6-3/195	26-Jun-05	Canada	Portland (WHL)	68-4-19-23
73	Arttu Karki	D	6-1/175	8-Dec-04	Finland	Tappara (Fin-U20)	36-13-26-39
74	Albert Wikman	D	6-0/190	10-Mar-05	Sweden	Farjestads (Swe J20)	43-2-10-12
75	Quinton Burns	D	6-1/180	14-Apr-05	Canada	Kingston (OHL)	54-2-27-29
76	Nico Myatovic	LW	6-2/180	1-Dec-04	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	68-30-30-60
77	Jeremy Hanzel	D	6-0/190	27-Feb-03	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	66-13-35-48
78	Easton Cowan	RW	5-10/170	20-May-05	Canada	London (OHL)	68-20-33-53
79	Juraj Pekarcik	LW	6-2/185	12-Sep-05	Slovakia	HK Nitra (Slovakia)	30-0-3-3
80	Denver Barkey	C	5-8/160	27-Apr-05	Canada	London (OHL)	61-22-37-59
81	Martin Misiak	RW	6-2/195	30-Sep-04	Slovakia	HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)	29-1-9-10
82	Drew Fortescue	D	6-1/175	28-Apr-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	61-1-25-26
83	Felix Unger Sorum	RW	5-11/170	14-Sep-05	Sweden	Leksands (Swe J20)	42-10-36-46
84	Lenni Hameenaho	RW	6-0/175	7-Nov-04	Finland	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	51-9-12-21
85	Kalan Lind	LW	6-0/160	25-Jan-05	Canada	Red Deer (WHL)	43-16-28-44
86	Rasmus Kumpulainen	C	6-2/190	8-Aug-05	Finland	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	41-11-23-34
87	Alex Ciernik	LW	5-11/175	8-Oct-04	Slovakia	Sodertalje-Vasterviks (HockeyAllsvenskan)	25-3-9-12
88	Alexander Rykov	RW	6-0/175	14-Jul-05	Russia	Chelmet Chelyabinsk (VHL)	20-4-7-11
89	Scott Ratzlaff	G	6-0/175	9-Mar-05	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	25-8, 2.15, 0.918
90	Yegor Rimashevsky	RW	6-3/200	1-Feb-05	Belarus	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	29-13-13-26
91	Jesse Nurmi	LW	5-10/165	7-Mar-05	Finland	KooKoo (Fin-U20)	41-21-29-50
92	Kaden Hammell	D	6-1/175	12-Mar-05	Canada	Kam-Evt (WHL)	67-8-18-26
93	Jayson Shaugabay	RW	5-9/155	4-May-05	USA	Warroad (USHS-MN)	31-33-63-96
94	Noel Nordh	RW	6-2/195	25-Jan-05	Sweden	Brynas (Swe J20)	38-13-14-27
95	Gavin McCarthy	D	6-1/180	2-Jun-05	USA	Muskegon (USHL)	42-8-19-27
96	Tyler Peddle	LW	6-0/195	28-Jan-05	Canada	Drummondville (QMJHL)	64-24-17-41
97	Francesco Dell'Elce	D	6-0/165	23-Jun-05	Canada	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	51-20-42-62
98	Timur Mukhanov	LW	5-8/170	17-Jun-05	Russia	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	31-4-4-8
99	Larry Keenan	D	6-3/185	15-Mar-05	Russia	Culver Academy (USHS-IN)	49-11-26-37
100	Emil Jarventie	LW	5-9/165	4-Apr-05	Finland	Ilves (Fin-U20)	21-8-11-19
101	Matthew Mania	D	6-1/180	11-Jan-05	USA	Sudbury (OHL)	67-10-28-38
102	Juha Jatkola	G	6-1/175	12-Sep-02	Finland	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	20-11, 2.16, 0.903
103	Zach Nehring	RW	6-3/180	7-Mar-05	USA	Shattuck-SM (USHS-MN)	48-34-40-74
104	Austin Roest	C	5-9/175	22-Jan-04	Canada	Everett (WHL)	60-32-46-78
105	Hedqvist, Isac	C	5-10/165	22-Mar-05	Sweden	Lulea (Swe J20)	41-14-20-34
106	Stephen Peck	G	6-2/170	18-Jan-05	USA	Avon Old Farms (USHS-CT)	28GP, 1.26, 0.948
107	Yegor Klimovich	RW	5-9/160	14-May-05	Russia	Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL)	36-19-30-49
108	Nikita Susuyev	RW	6-0/170	6-Feb-05	Russia	MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL)	38-11-17-28
109	Ethan Miedema	LW	6-4/205	22-Mar-05	Canada	Wsr-Kgn (OHL)	68-20-32-52
110	Luca Cagnoni	D	5-9/180	21-Dec-04	Canada	Portland (WHL)	67-17-47-64
111	Jakub Stancl	LW	6-3/200	10-Apr-05	Czech	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	35-11-6-17
112	Aydar Suniev	LW	6-1/200	16-Nov-04	Russia	Penticton (BCHL)	50-45-45-90
113	Ty Henricks	LW	6-4/205	28-Jun-05	USA	Fgo-Mus (USHL)	47-9-10-19
114	Yegor Vinogradov	C	6-2/180	17-Apr-03	Russia	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	53-7-10-17
115	Yegor Sidorov	RW	5-11/180	18-Jun-04	Belarus	Saskatoon (WHL)	53-40-36-76
116	Will Vote	RW	5-8/155	22-Feb-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	60-16-29-45
117	Brandon Svoboda	C	6-3/210	4-Feb-05	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	59-16-10-26
118	Axel Landen	D	6-1/185	29-Mar-05	Sweden	HV 71 (Swe J20)	44-10-6-16
119	Alexander Hellnemo	G	6-2/180	5-Jan-04	Sweden	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	15-8, 2.32, 0.916
120	Nikita Nedopyokin	C	5-10/185	22-Mar-05	Russia	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	37-14-18-32
121	Brady Cleveland	D	6-5/210	1-Apr-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	54-0-6-6
122	Ondrej Molnar	LW	5-10/170	8-Feb-05	Slovakia	Erie (OHL)	34-4-15-19
123	Noah Dower Nilsson	LW	6-0/175	25-Apr-05	Sweden	Frolunda (Swe J20)	37-26-28-54
124	Jordan Tourigny	D	5-10/165	28-Feb-05	Canada	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	67-6-35-41
125	Cole Knuble	C	5-11/175	1-Jul-04	USA	Fargo (USHL)	57-30-36-66
126	Erik Pahlsson	C	6-0/170	9-Apr-04	Sweden	HV 71 (Swe J20)	46-26-37-63
127	Eric Pohlkamp	D	5-10/200	23-Mar-04	USA	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	59-16-35-51
128	Dylan MacKinnon	D	6-1/185	12-Jan-05	Canada	Halifax (QMJHL)	61-6-17-23
129	German Tochilkin	LW	6-2/180	24-Sep-03	Russia	Kunlun Red Star (KHL)	21-4-2-6
130	Jake Fisher	C	6-1/180	27-Mar-05	USA	Cretin-Durham Hall (USHS-MN)	29-34-29-63
131	Damian Clara	G	6-6/215	13-Jan-05	Italy	Farjestads (Swe J20)	17-17, 2.79, 0.903
132	Aiden Fink	RW	5-9/155	24-Nov-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	54-41-56-97
133	Bogdan Konyushkov	D	5-11/175	20-Dec-02	Russia	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	64-2-23-25
134	Yegor Zavragin	G	6-2/185	23-Aug-05	Russia	Mamonty Yugry (MHL)	11-6, 2.49, 0.920
135	Ty Halaburda	C	5-11/175	22-Apr-05	Canada	Vancouver (WHL)	66-21-16-37
136	Cole Burbidge	LW	6-1/160	26-Aug-05	Canada	Saint John (QMJHL)	68-19-31-50
137	Daniil Karpovich	D	6-3/210	6-Dec-04	Belarus	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	47-10-25-35
138	Andrei Loshko	C	6-1/175	7-Oct-04	Belarus	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	67-22-48-70
139	Beckett Hendrickson	C	6-1/175	24-Jun-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	51-13-21-34
140	Alex Pharand	C	6-3/205	1-May-05	Canada	Sudbury (OHL)	67-18-21-39
141	Zeb Forsfjall	C	5-9/170	16-Jan-05	Sweden	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	34-8-14-22
142	Joe Connor	C	5-9/170	31-Mar-05	USA	Avon Old Farms (USHS-CT)	28-21-23-44
143	Samuel Urban	G	6-1/195	1-May-05	Slovakia	Team Slovakia U18 (Svk2)	1-13, 4.51, 0.897
144	Mazden Leslie	D	6-0/195	15-Apr-05	Canada	Vancouver (WHL)	66-12-38-50
145	Maxim Fedotov	D	5-10/170	22-Jan-02	Russia	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	64-9-17-26
146	Joey Willis	C	5-10/170	14-Mar-05	USA	Saginaw (OHL)	68-15-29-44
147	Artyom Kashtanov	C	6-6/190	9-Dec-04	Russia	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	43-15-25-40
148	Angus MacDonell	C	5-9/180	11-May-05	Canada	Sar-Mis (OHL)	64-29-12-41
149	Konstantin Volochko	D	6-0/170	19-Jun-05	Belarus	Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk (MHL)	46-8-12-20
150	Hannes Hellberg	LW	6-0/175	19-Jun-05	Sweden	Leksands (Swe J20)	42-34-23-57
151	Carsen Musser	G	6-4/215	19-May-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	14-6, 3.07, 0.890
152	Yaroslav Tsulygin	D	6-0/160	19-May-05	Russia	Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)	44-0-2-2
153	Thomas Milic	G	6-0/180	14-Apr-03	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	27-3, 2.08, 0.928
154	Arno Tiefensee	G	6-4/190	1-May-02	Germany	Adler Mannheim (DEL)	13-10, 2.43, 0.910
155	Quinn Mantei	D	5-11/180	23-Apr-05	Canada	Brandon (WHL)	67-2-23-25
156	Matthew Soto	RW	5-10/180	31-Aug-05	Canada	Kingston (OHL)	54-15-27-42
157	Matt Copponi	C	5-10/165	3-Jun-03	USA	Merrimack (HE)	37-14-15-29
158	Vojtech Port	D	6-2/170	3-Aug-05	Czech	RD-Edm (WHL)	48-4-13-17
159	Michael DeAngelo	LW	5-11/180	19-Nov-04	USA	Green Bay (USHL)	52-11-24-35
160	Matteo Mann	D	6-5/225	31-Dec-04	Canada	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	45-0-5-5
161	Paul Fischer	D	6-1/190	30-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	55-4-17-21
162	Hudson Malinoski	C	6-0/175	19-May-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	44-16-53-69
163	Brad Gardiner	C	6-0/180	6-Mar-05	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	68-19-20-39
164	Zaccharya Wisdom	RW	6-0/175	29-Apr-04	Canada	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	59-28-20-48
165	Jonathan Castagna	C	6-1/185	20-Apr-05	Canada	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	50-29-43-72
166	Tanner Adams	RW	5-11/185	2-Sep-05	USA	Tri-City (USHL)	49-12-21-33
167	Grayden Siepmann	D	5-10/185	26-May-04	Canada	Calgary (WHL)	61-9-34-43
168	Axel Hurtig	D	6-3/200	10-Jun-05	Sweden	Rogle (Swe J20)	34-2-6-8
169	Ian Scherzer	C	6-0/180	3-Jul-05	Austria	Rogle (Swe J20)	30-3-4-7
170	Ryan Conmy	RW	5-9/190	23-Oct-04	USA	Sioux City (USHL)	60-33-29-62
171	Ethan Hay	C	6-1/190	15-Jan-05	Canada	Flint (OHL)	64-17-11-28
172	Rodwin Dionicio	D	6-2/205	30-Mar-04	Switzerland	Nia-Wsr (OHL)	50-15-35-50
173	Josh Van Mulligen	D	6-2/180	26-Jul-05	Canada	Medicine Hat (WHL)	68-1-8-9
174	Nikita Ishimnikov	D	6-3/195	21-Apr-05	Russia	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	41-11-7-18
175	Justin Kipkie	D	6-4/190	28-Jul-05	Canada	Victoria (WHL)	67-8-25-33
176	Sawyer Mynio	D	6-1/175	30-Apr-05	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	68-5-26-31
177	Brady Stonehouse	RW	5-9/180	6-Aug-04	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	68-37-20-57
178	Hunter Anderson	LW	5-9/175	28-Apr-05	USA	Shattuck-SM (USHS-MN)	48-52-47-99
179	Spencer Sova	D	6-0/185	10-Jan-04	Canada	Erie (OHL)	68-16-23-39
180	Oliver Tulk	C	5-7/170	19-Jan-05	Canada	Calgary (WHL)	68-24-36-60
181	Isac Born	C	5-11/165	7-Jul-04	Sweden	Frolunda (SHL)	36-2-3-5
182	Beau Jelsma	C	5-9/175	28-Apr-04	Canada	Barrie (OHL)	67-31-30-61
183	Carmelo Crandell	RW	5-11/170	2-Mar-05	Canada	Sherwood Park (AJHL)	49-17-37-54
184	Stanislav Yarovoy	LW	6-2/195	26-Aug-03	Russia	Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)	45-9-7-16
185	Elliot Stahlberg	LW	6-0/185	29-Mar-05	Sweden	Farjestads (Swe J20)	35-9-12-21
186	Ivan Anoshko	C	5-11/170	7-Oct-04	Belarus	Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk (MHL)	53-21-32-53
187	Jake Livanavage	D	5-10/175	6-May-04	USA	Chicago (USHL)	48-6-30-36
188	Adrian Carnebo	D	6-2/185	1-May-04	Sweden	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	43-7-28-35
189	Jaden Lipinski	C	6-3/205	2-Dec-04	USA	Vancouver (WHL)	66-19-32-51
190	Ian Blomquist	G	6-2/185	29-Mar-03	Sweden	Vasteras (HockeyAllsvenskan)	4-11, 2.97, 0.904
191	Emil Pieniniemi	D	6-2/170	2-Mar-05	Finland	Karpat (Fin-U20)	31-1-12-13
192	Oskar Asplund	D	5-11/175	18-Nov-03	Sweden	Almtuna (HockeyAllsvenskan)	49-6-24-30
193	Daniil Davydov	C	5-11/165	6-Mar-04	Russia	MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)	47-11-35-46
194	Victor Sjoholm	D	5-9/175	8-Jul-03	Sweden	HV 71 (Swe J20)	37-2-8-10
195	Aron Jessli	LW	5-11/185	29-Oct-04	Norway	Pickering (OJHL)	52-25-43-68
196	Adam Dybal	G	6-1/165	2-Sep-05	Czech	Karlovy Vary (Czechia U20)	29-15, 1.85, 0.942
197	Jonathan Fauchon	C	5-10/170	13-Jan-04	Canada	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	53-25-40-65
198	Luke Mittelstadt	D	5-11/175	22-Jan-03	USA	Minnesota (B1G)	38-5-16-21
199	Owen Beckner	C	6-1/175	27-Feb-05	Canada	Salmon Arm (BCHL)	53-17-33-50
200	Ilya Kanarsky	G	6-2/165	6-Dec-04	Russia	AKM-Junior Tula Region (MHL)	4-19, 3.59, 0.919
201	Braeden Bowman	RW	6-1/205	26-Jun-03	Canada	Guelph (OHL)	54-33-39-72
202	Luke Coughlin	D	5-9/170	11-Apr-05	Canada	Rimouski (QMJHL)	37-5-14-19
203	Norwin Panocha	D	6-1/185	24-Feb-05	Germany	Eisbaren Juniors Berlin (DNL U20)	34-6-16-22
204	Cole Brown	LW	6-2/180	27-Apr-05	Canada	Hamilton (OHL)	60-17-25-42
205	Tomas Suchanek	G	6-0/180	30-Apr-03	Czech	Tri-City (WHL)	27-14, 3.05, 0.912
206	Vadim Moroz	RW	6-2/185	20-Nov-03	Belarus	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	39-5-9-14
207	Davis Burnside	RW	5-11/175	22-Sep-03	USA	Ohio State (B1G)	40-14-7-21
208	Maros Jedlicka	C	6-1/185	23-Oct-02	Slovakia	HKM Zvolen (Slovakia)	39-17-18-35
209	Gavyn Thoreson	RW	5-8/180	30-Oct-04	USA	Andover High (USHS-MN)	31-41-56-97
210	Austin Burnevik	RW	6-3/200	3-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	43-6-13-19
211	Elmeri Laakso	D	6-1/185	19-Jul-04	Finland	SaiPa (Fin-Liiga)	32-4-7-11
212	Frantisek Dej	C	6-4/200	28-Feb-05	Slovakia	HC Modre Kridla Slovan (Slovakia2)	24-8-13-21
213	Matvei Maximov	C	6-0/175	18-Jan-05	Russia	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	48-18-19-37
214	Connor Levis	RW	6-1/190	5-Oct-04	Canada	Kamloops (WHL)	68-27-40-67
215	Teddy Townsend	C	5-10/160	2-Sep-05	USA	Eden Prairie (USHS-MN)	27-14-25-39
216	Petter Vesterheim	C	5-11/165	30-Sep-04	Norway	Mora (Swe J20)	41-12-27-39
217	Justin Gill	C	6-1/190	27-Jan-03	Canada	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	68-44-49-93
218	Alex Weiermair	C	6-0/190	10-May-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	55-11-15-26
219	Jan Sprynar	RW	6-1/175	26-Feb-05	Czech	Rimouski (QMJHL)	60-23-17-40
220	Ty Higgins	D	6-0/185	26-Sep-04	Canada	Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)	68-13-28-41
221	Tom Leppa	C	6-0/175	31-Jul-05	Finland	Jokerit (Fin-U20)	45-19-12-31
222	Aaron Pionk	D	6-1/175	16-Jan-03	USA	Waterloo (USHL)	60-12-24-36
223	Hampton Slukynsky	G	6-1/180	2-Jul-05	USA	Warroad (USHS-MN)	28-1, 1.47, 0.941
224	Noah Erliden	G	5-10/170	9-Sep-05	Sweden	HV71 (Swe J20)	10-8, 2.93, 0.912
HM	Matthew Andonovski	D	6-1/200	14-Mar-05	Canada	Kitchener (OHL)	67-0-16-16
HM	Gleb Artsatbanov	G	6-2/170	2-Mar-04	Ukraine	Sparta Praha (Czechia U20)	13-10, 1.95, 0.938
HM	Cale Ashcroft	D	5-10/200	5-Aug-04	Canada	Tri-City (USHL)	62-8-29-37
HM	Alex Assadourian	LW	5-8/170	24-Jul-05	Canada	Sby-Nia (OHL)	66-12-29-41
HM	Arvid Bergstrom	D	5-11/160	12-Jun-05	Sweden	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	41-2-21-23
HM	Kevin Bicker	LW	6-0/175	29-Jan-05	Germany	Jungadler Mannheim (DNL U20)	20-10-11-21
HM	Philippe Blais-Savoie	D	6-0/185	10-Jun-05	USA	Tri-City (USHL)	61-2-9-11
HM	Linus Brandl	C	5-11/185	1-Apr-05	Germany	Jungadler Mannheim (DNL U20)	32-25-22-47
HM	Finn Brink	LW	5-9/180	6-Apr-05	USA	Maple Grove (USHS-MN)	31-31-38-69
HM	Yaroslav Busygin	D	6-3/185	14-Feb-03	Russia	Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)	42-1-2-3
HM	Kalle Carlsson	C	6-0/175	2-Mar-05	Sweden	Orebro (Swe J20)	44-11-24-35
HM	Adam Cedzo	RW	5-10/165	23-Feb-05	Slovakia	HC Ocelari Trinec (Czechia U20)	39-23-23-46
HM	Aiden Celebrini	D	6-1/185	26-Oct-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	47-5-16-21
HM	Andon Cerbone	C	5-8/150	13-Apr-04	USA	Oma-Yng (USHL)	64-24-39-63
HM	Chase Cheslock	D	6-3/210	25-Oct-04	USA	Rogers High (USHS-MN)	28-4-27-31
HM	Sam Court	D	5-10/180	7-Jan-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	52-13-59-72
HM	Adam Csabi	LW	5-10/160	17-Feb-05	Czech	SaiPa (Fin-U18)	28-16-15-31
HM	Nathaniel Davis	D	6-1/185	15-Nov-04	Canada	Burlington (OJHL)	45-10-26-36
HM	Nathan Day	G	6-2/180	4-Feb-05	Canada	Flint (OHL)	17-10, 3.91, 0.874
HM	Kocha Delic	C	5-10/185	11-Mar-04	Canada	Sudbury (OHL)	46-22-30-52
HM	Tyler Duke	D	5-8/180	19-Jul-04	USA	Ohio State (B1G)	40-4-8-12
HM	Filip Eriksson	C	6-0/170	5-Nov-04	Sweden	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	11-5-5-10
HM	Jiri Felcman	C	6-4/190	17-Apr-05	Czech	Langnau U20 (Sui-U20-Elit)	40-10-21-31
HM	Samuel Fiala	C	6-1/170	9-Apr-05	Czech	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia U20)	44-19-9-28
HM	Mans Forsfjall	D	6-0/180	30-Jul-02	Sweden	Skelleftea (SHL)	52-2-12-14
HM	Cooper Foster	C	5-11/170	4-Jun-05	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	63-19-17-36
HM	Salvatore Guzzo	RW	6-0/185	17-Apr-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	58-17-11-28
HM	Michael Hagens	D	5-11/170	18-Feb-05	USA	Chicago (USHL)	60-9-17-26
HM	Sam Harris	LW	5-11/190	14-Oct-03	USA	Sioux Falls (USHL)	56-30-26-56
HM	Jack Harvey	C	5-10/175	31-Mar-03	USA	Chicago (USHL)	62-40-34-74
HM	Bogdans Hodass	D	6-2/200	13-Apr-03	Latvia	Medicine Hat (WHL)	56-11-24-35
HM	Ryan Hopkins	D	6-1/180	15-Apr-04	Canada	Penticton (BCHL)	48-10-39-49
HM	Ewan Huet	G	6-0/170	8-Feb-05	Switzerland	Lausanne (Sui U20-Elit)	14-12, 2.73
HM	Gustaf Kangas	C	6-0/175	27-Jul-05	Sweden	Vasteras (Swe J20)	27-7-13-20
HM	Sean Keohane	D	6-3/180	4-Nov-04	USA	Dexter Southfield(USHS-MA)	32-4-12-16
HM	Oiva Keskinen	C	6-0/175	28-Feb-04	Finland	Tappara (Fin-U20)	38-20-21-41
HM	Ruslan Khazheyev	G	6-4/200	20-Nov-04	Russia	Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)	8-8, 2.38, 0.923
HM	Matteo Koci	D	6-0/165	7-Jun-05	Czech	HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czechia U20)	36-7-13-20
HM	Ryan Koering	D	6-3/185	11-Feb-05	USA	Eden Prairie (USHS-MN)	27-6-10-16
HM	Cameron Korpi	G	6-2/150	26-May-04	USA	Tri-City (USHL)	13-4, 2.52, 0.911
HM	Sergei Kosovets	D	6-5/250	17-Jul-02	Russia	HK Sochi (KHL)	26-2-2-4
HM	Artyom Kudashov	D	6-0/160	10-Jan-05	Russia	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	42-2-7-9
HM	Roman Kukumberg	LW	6-0/185	21-Mar-05	Slovakia	HC Modre Kridla Slovan (Slovakia2)	33-5-6-11
HM	Emil Kuusla	LW	5-9/165	11-Jan-05	Finland	Jokerit (Fin-U20)	36-18-17-35
HM	Jani Lampinen	G	6-2/185	14-Feb-03	Finland	Kiekko-Espoo (Fin-Mestis)	15-6, 2.35, 0.902
HM	Charles-Alexis Legault	D	6-3/205	5-Sep-03	Canada	Quinnipiac (ECAC)	40-2-7-9
HM	Aiden Long	LW	6-3/190	13-Mar-05	Canada	Whitecourt (AJHL)	50-19-27-46
HM	Connor MacPherson	RW	6-0/170	2-Mar-05	Canada	Leamington (GOJHL)	43-28-35-63
HM	Matthew Mayich	D	6-2/185	21-Dec-04	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	64-5-17-22
HM	Donovan McCoy	D	6-0/200	11-Oct-04	Canada	Peterborough (OHL)	65-2-11-13
HM	Cole Miller	C	6-4/175	4-Feb-05	Canada	Edmonton (WHL)	61-10-9-19
HM	Lucas Moore	D	5-9/180	7-Jun-05	Canada	Hamilton (OHL)	65-3-25-28
HM	Josh Nadeau	RW	5-7/145	22-Oct-03	Canada	Penticton (BCHL)	54-44-66-110
HM	Alexei Noskov	G	6-2/205	13-Nov-04	Russia	Taifun Primorsky Krai (MHL)	7-26, 3.86, 0.905
HM	Owen Outwater	LW	6-2/160	4-Jan-05	Canada	Kingston (OHL)	62-16-25-41
HM	Joe Palodichuk	D	6-0/165	26-Feb-03	USA	Fargo (USHL)	44-8-21-29
HM	Petr Pavelec	LW	6-0/200	10-Feb-05	Czech	HC Vitkovice (Czechia U20)	46-8-5-13
HM	Oliver Peer	RW	6-0/165	9-Mar-03	Canada	Windsor (OHL)	63-22-45-67
HM	Chris Pelosi	C	6-1/180	6-Mar-05	USA	Sioux Falls (USHL)	43-13-6-19
HM	Matthew Perkins	LW	5-11/175	21-Jan-04	Canada	Youngstown (USHL)	60-15-29-44
HM	Nico Pertuch	G	6-2/200	29-Jul-05	Germany	EV Landshut (DNL U20)	15GP, 3.57
HM	Dominik Petr	C	6-2/165	30-Apr-05	Czech	Lukko (Fin-U20)	18-1-0-1
HM	Chase Pietila	D	6-1/180	3-Mar-04	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	60-7-29-36
HM	Chase Pirtle	RW	6-2/185	8-Mar-05	USA	Mount St. Charles 18U AAA (USHS-RI)	47-20-24-44
HM	Benjamin Poitras	C	5-10/175	18-Jul-05	Canada	Sioux City (USHL)	61-14-24-38
HM	Connor Punnett	D	6-1/200	16-Jun-03	Canada	Barrie (OHL)	66-14-34-48
HM	Ivan Remezovsky	D	6-1/165	8-Feb-05	Russia	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	45-0-13-13
HM	Charlie Robertson	G	6-3/165	2-Apr-05	Canada	North Bay (OHL)	12-6, 3.17, 0.892
HM	Pier-Olivier Roy	D	5-9/175	5-Mar-04	Canada	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	68-6-62-68
HM	Rainers Rullers	C	6-4/195	11-Dec-04	Latvia	Zemgale (Fin-Mestis)	46-4-6-10
HM	Bennett Schimek	RW	5-11/180	15-Apr-03	USA	Providence (HE)	37-11-9-20
HM	Zach Schulz	D	6-1/195	14-Jun-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	51-1-9-10
HM	Magomed Sharakanov	D	6-1/200	11-Oct-04	Russia	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	44-7-25-32
HM	Cam Squires	RW	5-11/165	11-Apr-05	Canada	Cape Breton (QMJHL)	67-30-34-64
HM	Julius Sumpf	C	6-1/175	11-Jan-05	Germany	RB Hockey Juniors (AlpsHL)	23-9-9-18
HM	Alexander Suvorov	RW	5-9/160	30-Nov-02	Belarus	Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)	47-13-11-24
HM	Gabriel Szturc	C	5-11/185	24-Sep-03	Czech	Kelowna (WHL)	56-24-55-79
HM	Nikita Telegin	C	6-1/155	21-Jun-05	Russia	Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)	22-6-4-10
HM	Patrick Thomas	C	5-11/160	21-Aug-04	Canada	Hamilton (OHL)	66-17-39-56
HM	Hudson Thornton	D	5-11/180	4-Nov-03	Canada	Prince George (WHL)	68-23-51-74
HM	Jiri Tichacek	D	5-9/170	30-Jan-03	Czech	Rytiri Kladno (Czechia)	39-0-6-6
HM	Djibril Toure	D	6-6/200	5-Jun-03	Canada	Sudbury (OHL)	57-5-11-16
HM	Tuomas Uronen	RW	5-11/180	19-Mar-05	Finland	HIFK (Fin-U20)	39-20-23-43
HM	Noa Vali	G	6-0/160	19-Apr-05	Finland	TPS (Fin-U20)	17-8, 2.38, 0.912
HM	Nicholas Vantassell	RW	6-4/195	18-Apr-04	USA	Green Bay (USHL)	62-19-18-37
HM	Visa Vedenpaa	G	6-2/170	11-May-05	Finland	Karpat (Fin-U20)	31GP, 0.886
HM	Evgeny Volokhin	G	6-3/170	6-Apr-05	Russia	Mamonty Yugry (MHL)	20-6, 2.12, 0.927
HM	Declan Waddick	C	5-10/170	24-Jan-05	Canada	Niagara (OHL)	64-28-21-49
HM	Saige Weinstein	D	6-0/180	30-May-05	Canada	Spokane (WHL)	57-4-14-18
HM	Ethan Whitcomb	LW	6-4/190	13-May-04	Canada	Muskegon (USHL)	53-24-24-48
HM	Raul Yakupov	RW	6-1/180	21-Jun-04	Russia	Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (MHL)	49-32-29-61

Jayson Shaugabay – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #25 Tampa Bay Lightning – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Rank – 25th (Last Year - 29th) GM: Julien BriseBois Hired: September 2018 COACH: Jon Cooper Hired: March 2013

1. Sam O'Reilly, C, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

2. Benjamin Rautiainen, C, Tappara (Liiga)

3. Ethan Gauthier, RW, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

4. Dylan Duke, LW, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

5. Ethan Czata, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL) (Currently with Syracuse Crunch, AHL)

6. Daniil Pylenkov, D, Dymano Moscow (KHL)

7. Jayson Shaugabay, RW, University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

8. Maxim Groshev, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

9. Everett Baldwin, D, Saint John's Sea Dogs (QMJHL) (Currently with Syracuse Crunch, AHL)

10. Joe Connor, LW, Northeastern University (NCAA)

11. Jan Golicic, D, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

12. Noah Steen, LW, Örebro HK (SHL) (Currently with Syracuse Crunch, AHL)

13. Marco Mignosa, RW, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

14. Ethan Samson, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

15. Lucas Murcuri, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

NHL: Affiliated prospects who have made rapid progress this season – North America Part One

Brock Otten - Director of Scouting

Harry Nansi - Wing, Owen Sound Attack, OHL (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Linc Zdancewicz - U.S. Regional Scout

Dean Letourneau, Center, Boston College (Boston Bruins)

Jeremy Tremblay - QMJHL Regional Scout

Mateo Nobert, Center, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, QMJHL(Vegas Golden Knights)

Kyle Pereira - U.S. Regional Scout

Jayson Shaugabay, Winger - University of Minnesota-Duluth (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Kyle Dalla Zanna - Western Canada Regional Scout

Nathan Behm - Wing - Kamloops Blazers (Chicago Blackhawks)

Liam Staples - Ontario Regional Scout

Jordan Charron - Wing - Soo Greyhounds (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Ben Misfeldt - North American Video Scout

Will Horcoff - Center, University of Michigan (Pittsburgh Penguins)

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #29

Tampa Bay Lightning Top-15 Prospects

1 - Sam O'Reilly

2 - Ethan Gauthier

3 - Max Crozier

4 - Ethan Czata

5 - Dylan Duke

6 - Connor Kurth

7 - Niko Huuhtanen

8 - Jack Finley

9 - Everett Baldwin

10 - Daniil Pylenkov

11- Jayson Shaugabay

12 - Gabriel Szturc

13 - Hagen Burrows

14 - Roman Schmidt

15 - Dyllan Gill

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #26 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTING – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #30

Tampa Bay Lightning Top-15 Prospects

1. Conor Geekie

2. Ethan Gauthier

3. Isaac Howard

4. Niko Huuhtanen

5. Gage Goncalves

6. Max Crozier

7. Declan Carlile

8. Dylan Duke

9. Jack Finley

10. Daniil Pylenkov

11. Hagen Burrows

12. Hugo Alnefelt

13. Jayson Shaugabay

14. Lucas Edmonds

15. Gabriel Szturc

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #29 Tampa Bay Lightning – Organizational Overview – Top 15 Prospects

1. Ethan Gauthier, RW, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

2. Isaac Howard, LW, Michigan State University (NCAA)

3. Niko Huuhtanen, RW, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

4. Gage Goncalves, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

5. Max Crozier, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

6. Declan Carlile, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

7. Hugo Alnefelt, G, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

8. Jack Finley, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

9. Dylan Duke, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

10. Daniil Pylenkov, D, Dynamo Moskva (KHL)

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #32

Prospect System Rank – 25th (Last Year - 29th)
GM: Julien BriseBois Hired: September 2018
COACH: Jon Cooper Hired: March 2013