Julius Miettinen – McKeen's Hockey

2026 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: Daily Recap- January 5th, 2026 – Game Summaries – Standout Performances – Notable Draft Eligible Prospects

Kyle Pereira and Linc Zdancewicz — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:28:36 +0000

Viggo Björck of Sweden celebrates after winning the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship final game between Sweden and Czech Republic on January 5, 2026 in Saint Paul.
Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN

CANADA V FINLAND

On the final day of the World Juniors 2026 tournament, we get started with the Bronze Medal game between Team Canada and Team Finland. Coming into this game, Finland had taken Sweden all the way to an eight round shootout before falling in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Canada would lose for the third consecutive tournament to the Czechs, ending in a one-goal loss.

The Canadians would get things rolling early, as just over a minute into the contest, Michael Hage would have a burst of speed through the neutral zone, flying up ice and creating a 2-on-1. He would make an excellent move around a sprawling Finnish defender before sliding the puck across to Sam O’Reilly, who scores the opener. Just a few minutes later, Canada would continue a tough trend of allowing quick responses, as Arttu Valila scored off a drop pass from Heikki Ruohonen on the rush, knotting the game at one. Braeden Cootes would score about a minute later, as this game began to look similar to their group stage shoot-out, after Keaton Verhoeff found him at the high slot, where he whipped a shot past Petteri Rimpinen to take the lead right back. Halfway through the first, after things settled down, Zayne Parekh would take a holding penalty, resulting in the Finns taking the man advantage. On that powerplay, the Finns would even the score once again, as Julius Miettinen would fire a heavy shot past Carter George. It all started with Joona Saarelainen holding the zone on an attempted clearance, allowing the Finns to get set-up, with Lasse Boelius setting up Miettinen for the goal. Late in the first, Boelius would take a penalty for cross-checking, giving the Canadians a powerplay. They would not disappoint, as they showcased some outstanding puck movement, resulting in Parekh scoring in what has been a remarkable tournament for the Calgary Flames defender.

Heading into the second period with the lead, Canada would get started early, applying pressure immediately on the Finns. With the Finns getting tired, Parekh would pinch down on a clearance attempt, easily knocking the puck down to Tij Iginla, who would drive towards the net before setting up Porter Martone, who would give Canada the two-goal lead. Finland would make another costly mistake, with Ruohonen taking a slashing penalty and giving the Canadians another man advantage opportunity. Once again, they would exhibit outstanding passing ability, with Gavin McKenna threading the needle on a shot-pass to O’Reilly on the back door for his second of the game. Canada would then transition into a pure shut-down style, not really pushing the pace and instead keeping plays out wide and chipping pucks up and out consistently. The Finns would receive a positive break late in the period, when a Leo Tuuva takeaway led to a breakout, where he set up Ruohonen for the entry, and he walks in and fires it right past George, getting within two ahead of the third.

In the third period, Finland would control much of the play, but couldn’t quite get the dangerous looks they needed. When they did get quality chances, however, George was up for the task and shut the Finns out. But the Finns made one mistake, turning the puck over in their offensive end, leading to a McKenna rush up ice. They would get multiple dangerous looks, completely shut down by Rimpinen, before the puck found McKenna on the doorstep, with Rimpinen scrambling, and he did not miss. Finland once again would keep pushing, but George and the Canadians did not let them get one through, and Canada would be crowned this year's Bronze Medal winners.

MVPs:

Canada: Michael Hage, Gavin McKenna, Zayne Parekh

Finland: Heikki Ruohonen, Julius Miettinen, Joona Saarelainen

SWEDEN V CZECHIA

The first all-European Gold Medal Game since 2016 promised to bring a level of high intensity as both teams looked very heavy in their semifinal matchups from the day prior. The game got underway slowly, both teams defending the other’s chances quite well. No one quite looked offensively dominant but they both have tended to score greasy goals during this tournament. Czechia looked to get the upperhand in terms of advantage, getting two power plays in five minutes during the middle of the period. However, Jack Berglund would pick the puck up on a broken power play and drive the net, almost score, keep the play going and shoved it to Casper Justovaara who tapped it in for the Swedish lead on a shorthanded goal. The remainder of the period went back to the fundamentals for both teams, which consisted of shutting eachother down and using the body heavily.

The second period started with much of the same, but Sweden was playing to their strengths way more. The young guns Viggo Bjorck and Ivar Stenberg were playing excellent, driving play, establishing possession in the offensive zone and even showing up defensively. The Czechs were really showing that their match against Canada was wearing on them, just then, Vojtech Cihar cross-checked Ivar Stenberg in the back to put Sweden up on the powerplay. After some close bending, Victor Eklund finally broke the Czech penalty kill on a clean up goal dished to him by Jack Berglund.

The Swedes fully took control in the possession game from then on, absolutely shutting the door on the Czechs in the second period. Even when Czechia was on a PP, Sweden was shutting everything down. The second period wound down quietly with Sweden looking dominant, with just one period to go before winning their first gold since 2012. The third period started again with the Swedes bringing the pressure heavy, resulting in a quick Ivar Stenberg zone entry that kept going until he set up Sascha Boumedienne for an earth shattering clap bomb from the wall to give the Swedes a 3-0 lead in the third. Time continued to tick down on the Czechs chances but none were converting. Michal Orsulak was pulled with over three minutes remaining and off that 6v5, Adam Jiricek found the back of the net for the first time in this game. The netminder stayed out of the net and the Czechs continued to go to work in their offensive zone, until Matej Kubiesa found a lane to make it 3-2 Sweden with under 24 seconds to go. Some maybe thought Czechia had a slim chance to maybe tie, going back into the offensive zone yet again, but after a blocked shot, Ivar Stenberg rushed to the puck and buried the empty netter to seal the Swedish victory up in a bow. The Swedes finally break their curse and win their first gold medal since 2012, grabbing yet another gold from this 2006 birth year that has been so successful for Sweden.

MVP’s

Sweden: Viggo Bjorck, Jack Berglund, Ivar Stenberg

Czechia: Michal Orsulak, Adam Jiricek, Adam Novotny

INDIVIDUAL REPORTS

Heikki Ruohonen (FIN) (1G 1A)

After being nails all tournament, Ruohonen showed his more crafty side against Canada when on offense. His usual game was evident throughout the match, throwing the body around and causing general disruption for the Canadians in all three zones, he already looks like a Flyer. Ruohonen shone just as brightly on offense, showing how deadly he can be on rushes, carrying the puck up ice, dropping it to Arttu Valila and screening his shot to help tie the Canadians early in the bronze medal game. Later on, he showed another great rush play, escaping pressure with the puck, getting a ton of space and scoring a tricky goal to shorten the Canadian lead in the second period. Ruohonen has shown a ton of translatable two-way traits in his time at this tournament, his ability to be everywhere in the defensive and neutral zones are fantastic and offensively he had a solid tournament, setting up a great many quality chances that didn’t show up on the stat sheet.

Jack Berglund (SWE) (2A)

Berglund, the Philadelphia Flyers second round selection in the 2024 draft and captain of Team Sweden, had one last year of eligibility left to play in the U20s. Boy did he ever make a statement with it. He battled for the entire tournament, playing physical, going into board battles hard and winning pucks more often than not. He also chipped in plenty of offense, with 10 points in those seven games, including two in the one that mattered most. He was noticeable every single game because of his work ethic and sheer will to lead his team. Berglund did so many of the little things right, and this tournament showed that he can play amongst the best young players in the world, a key step towards his NHL dreams. He looks like the kind of player an NHL team would love to have, but hate to play against, especially come playoff time. The Flyers look to have a very good player for their future in the young leader and, now Gold Medal winner.

DRAFT ELIGIBLES

Gavin McKenna (CAN) (1G 3A)

Gavin McKenna finished his tournament with 14 points, adding four in the bronze medal game. His offensive zone mastery is the biggest takeaway I had from his entire tournament, he was so crafty with his passes, seeing lanes that you couldn’t even imagine if you had a bird’s eye view. His first two assists were secondary, feeding Michael Hage who’s chemistry with McKenna was crucial for Canada’s offense the entire tournament. His forechecking, though not as consistent against Czechia, was evident against the Finns albeit not as strong as his QF and Group stage games, it was still a strong trait that will give him a great leg up in Penn State when he goes back for his second semester. McKenna’s biggest highlight was his shot pass to Sam O’Reilly to put Canada up 5-2 on the power play. He wired the puck the second he got it to fool the entire Finnish defense, it was truly special, just another crazy pass in his repertoire. His goal later on to even further the lead, started from a great feed through traffic to Michael Hage, whos subsequent shot led to a rebound coming right to him to clean up. McKenna’s tournament, if nothing else, has established him as an insanely talented passer and deadly forward in the offensive zone, something that was already known but emphasized from the past two weeks. However, what was truly refreshing was to see McKenna routinely become a surprising disruptor from time to time, being fully on opponents on the forecheck during spurts of the tournament. If shown just a bit more consistently from this point forward, he will absolutely lock down #1 for himself.

Viggo Bjorck (SWE) (2A)

Bjorck, a projected early selection in the 2026 NHL draft, came into this tournament with minimal expectations in comparison to his teammate and other 2026 eligible, Ivar Stenberg. Yet, it feels no one did more in this tournament to raise their stock than Bjorck, who was active all over the ice, consistently. He officially finished with seven points in six games, including two assists in the most important game to clinch Gold. He dominated in his minutes, easily finishing as one of the best chance generators on the Swedish squad, and in the whole tournament, which is mighty impressive considering just how much talent is on Sweden. That came from his ability to use his strong skating to beat defenders wide, then use his lower center of gravity and lower-body strength to drive hard towards the net. He also showcased his incredible off-puck ability, consistently getting to the net front and finding open ice in dangerous areas all tournament long. Bjorck was also one of the best faceoff takers in the tournament, leading all Swedes with a 57% faceoff win percentage, allowing Sweden opportunities to control pucks in key spots. Not only was he key at driving offense and generating opportunities for possession off draws, but he was a key penalty killer in the gold medal game. His edge work, smarts, strong active stick and motor all shone bright in those spots, as he was able to clog up passing lanes incredibly well, and applied a ton of pressure on puck carriers who came into his area. He was outstanding all tournament long in so many different ways for Sweden. Bjorck certainly created a ton of buzz around his name, as he looks to earn a top-10 bid on draft day. One last note that deserves mention is Bjorck’s incredible character. He was absolutely wonderful to talk to after games and was noticeably loved by his teammates in the room. He’s a young kid that an NHL team surely would love to have.

2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE – FINLAND – Team Preview, Key Players and Draft Eligible Profiles

Jeremy Rivet and Arttu Myllymäki — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:07:25 +0000

Finland heads into the 2026 World Junior Championship in the United States as a fascinating dark horse; never the loudest roster, but always a problem when the stakes rise. Over the past decade, the Finns have won multiple medals and a handful of golds by leaning on structure, responsibility, and elite goaltending rather than headline talent. Even in years when their lineup has looked thin on paper, Finland has repeatedly knocked out bigger hockey countries by playing disciplined, tactical hockey and trusting team chemistry and the system.

This year, however, the team has absorbed a significant early blow: the Buffalo Sabres declined to release Konsta Helenius for the tournament. His absence is a major disappointment for Finland and one of the biggest losses in the tournament, as Helenius could have been among the best players in the entire event, and certainly Finland’s most important skater.

Expectations still fall somewhere between cautious and optimistic. Finland has earned enough recent success to make a semifinal push feel realistic, but the margin for error is small. They are known for producing smart defensemen and mature two-way forwards, yet there are always questions about whether they can generate enough offense to win high-scoring games against the United States, Canada, or Sweden.

The traditional Finnish strengths remain unchanged: a trustworthy defensive foundation, strong special teams, and a commitment to team defense from the top line down. Their neutral-zone structure can frustrate skilled opponents, and when they get a lead, they are one of the hardest teams in the world to break down.

The weakness, as usual, lies in finishing ability. Finland can rarely bring a lineup filled with future NHL stars, and they often rely on team scoring. For them, timely goals matter more than volume.

Still, the identity travels well. A confident goaltender, a blue line that moves the puck efficiently, and disciplined forward group give Finland an outside, but very real chance at another medal. Nobody circles Finland as a tournament favorite, yet they always seem to appear when the medals are handed out.

Key Players to Watch

Goaltender Petteri Rimpinen of Finland during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Canada on December 26, 2024 in Ottawa.
Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN

Petteri Rimpinen – Goaltender (Los Angeles Kings)

Petteri Rimpinen enters the 2026 World Junior Championship as arguably Finland’s most critical player, and once again the starting goaltender. After a breakout 2024–25 season in the Finnish Liiga with Kiekko-Espoo, where he posted strong numbers as an 18-year-old rookie, Rimpinen announced himself internationally at last year’s World Juniors by backstopping Finland to a silver medal. He led all netminders in saves and finished with a stellar save percentage, earning Best Goaltender honors and a place on the tournament all-star team.

Rimpinen’s game is built around elite poise, quick reflexes, and strong positioning, traits that help compensate for his relatively modest 6-foot frame by modern goaltending standards. Scouts praise his calm under pressure and ability to make key saves in high-leverage moments, qualities that will be vital for Finland’s medal hopes in a deep and competitive tournament.

With Finland’s roster lacking overwhelming star power up front, Rimpinen’s performance between the pipes could very well determine how far the team advances. He’ll anchor Finland’s structure with heavy workload minutes, especially in tight, low-scoring games.

231226 Emil Hemming of Finland during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Canada on December 26, 2023 in Gothenburg.
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN / kod CS / CS0473

Emil Hemming – Forward (Dallas Stars)

Emil Hemming is one of Finland’s most accomplished forwards heading into the 2026 World Junior Championship and brings a proven mix of scoring, playmaking, and two-way responsibility to the lineup. The 19-year-old right winger was selected 29th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2024 NHL Draft, becoming a first-round pick on the strength of his size, shot quality, and hockey IQ.

This season, Hemming has been a key contributor for the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League, rejoining the club after a brief stint in the AHL with the Texas Stars and quickly establishing himself among Barrie’s top offensive players with 28 points in his first 17 games early in the 2025–26 season. His ability to produce consistently, even in bunches, and his growing shot volume underscore his offensive upside, whether finishing plays or setting up teammates.

Internationally, Hemming brings valuable experience, having already represented Finland at multiple junior events and contributing at past World Junior Championships. Scouts view him as a versatile forward who blends scoring instincts with a responsible defensive game and strong compete level. While he isn’t strictly a pure sniper, his shot release and vision make him a dangerous threat on the power play or in transition.

For Finland, Hemming is expected to play a top line role and in the first powerplay-unit, generate offense, and help drive possession. His leadership and ability to impact momentum could be key in tight games as the Finns chase another medal.

Aron Kiviharju – Defenseman (Minnesota Wild)

Aron Kiviharju arrives at the 2026 World Junior Championship as one of Finland’s most experienced and dynamic blueliners, bringing both leadership and playmaking instincts to the roster. The 19-year-old was selected 122nd overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2024 NHL Draft and has since established himself as a key top four defenseman with HIFK in Finland’s Liiga, where he has logged regular minutes and contributed seven points in 24 games this season.

Kiviharju’s game centers on high hockey IQ, smart puck movement, and transition play. He excels at creating offense from the back end with crisp passes and good vision, traits that have made him a quarterback on the power play and a catalyst in Finland’s breakout game. While not the biggest defenseman on the ice, his skating and decision-making allow him to impact both ends of the rink consistently.

Internationally, Kiviharju brings valuable experience, having captained Finland at junior levels and played a major role during their run to the silver medal at the recent World Juniors 2025, averaging heavy minutes even in tight, high-pressure situations. His leadership and calm presence make him a vital part of Finland’s defensive core and a potential difference-maker in transition and special teams. You can expect him to drive play from the back, manage difficult zone exits in a rush, and help set the tone for Finland’s structured style throughout the tournament.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - JANUARY 2: Julius Miettinen #27 of Finland shoots the puck against Samuel Urban #30 of Slovakia in Quarterfinal Round action at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at TD Place on January 2, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/IIHF)

Julius Miettinen – Wing (Seattle Kraken)

Julius Miettinen enters the 2026 World Junior Championship as one of Finland’s key returning forwards and a player poised to take on a much larger role than he held a year ago. After serving primarily on the bottom-six at the previous tournament alongside Emil Hemming, the 6-foot-4 forward is now expected to be one of Finland’s main offensive drivers, bringing size, structure, and a mature two-way game to the lineup. Drafted 40th overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2024 NHL Draft, Miettinen projects as a pro-style power forward whose impact extends well beyond the scoresheet.

Now in his third WHL season with the Everett Silvertips, Miettinen has taken a clear step forward offensively. He is on pace for his best season in the WHL (projected to close to 100 points) and has been one of Everett’s most productive and reliable players, leading the team in scoring while forming a highly effective Finnish tandem with Matias Vanhanen. His current production reflects steady growth from last season, when he posted 67 points in 66 games, and underscores his increased confidence and responsibility in all situations for a strong Silvertips club.

Miettinen’s game is built on power, positioning, and consistency. He plays a heavy North-American style, wins battles along the boards, and excels at creating traffic and chaos around the net. Offensively, he thrives by skating direct routes, timing his releases into soft areas, and making efficient, intelligent plays rather than attempting high-risk creativity. Defensively, he is positionally sound, supports low in the zone, clears the net front, and reliably regains possession through physical engagement and anticipation.

For Finland, Miettinen is expected to be used in a top six role with power-play responsibility, where his net-front presence, puck protection, and detail-oriented approach can complement more dynamic skill players. His combination of size, competitiveness, and disciplined two-way play gives the coaching staff a dependable option in key moments, particularly in tight, physical games. While he may not be a primary rush driver, Miettinen’s ability to impose structure, wear down opponents, and contribute offense through effort and execution makes him an important piece in Finland’s pursuit of a medal in Minnesota.

Jasper Kuhta – Wing (2026 Draft, second year of eligibility)

After being passed on at the last NHL Draft, Jasper Kuhta transitioned to North America, and he now heads into the 2026 World Junior Championship after having a strong first half of the season with a surprising Ottawa 67s team. He is leaving for the tournament as the second best point producer for the 67s with 30 points in 32 games. Khuta’s game can be defined as a versatile two-way forward who continues to earn trust through detail, positioning, and special-teams reliability. While not always the most noticeable player shift-to-shift, Kuhta has shown an ability to impact games in key moments. His usage on both the power play and penalty kill underlines the coaching staff’s confidence in his awareness and hockey sense.

Offensively, Kuhta is a natural shooter who consistently finds open space in the offensive zone. He owns a quick, accurate release and has proven effective from his one-timer spot on the power play, where his puck distribution and decision-making have also stood out. He has contributed both goals and assists by reading plays well, retrieving pucks on the forecheck, and making timely passes into high-danger areas, including backdoor feeds and shot passes that create rebounds. While he can fade for stretches, his best games have come when his intensity remains consistent, and he asserts himself earlier in shifts.

Away from the puck, Kuhta brings structure and responsibility. He plays a sound two-way game, supports well defensively, and is generally positioned correctly to disrupt plays and extend possession. He may not be punishing physicality, but he does not shy away from contact and is effective on the forecheck through anticipation and stick pressure rather than brute force. His skating has improved, allowing him to keep pace and arrive on time to support plays.

For Finland, Kuhta profiles as a middle-six option who can be deployed in matchup situations, contribute on both special teams, and provide secondary offense. If he maintains a higher baseline of engagement throughout games, his combination of shooting ability, hockey sense, and reliability could make him a valuable complementary piece in Finland’s lineup during the tournament.

Aatos Koivu – Center/Wing (Montreal Canadiens)

Aatos Koivu did not make the team last year, but at the Summer Showcase last summer, he was probably the best player for Finland with an eye-opening performance. Now, he got the chance to show that again as he enters the 2026 World Junior Championship as one of Finland’s most dangerous shooting threats and a power-play weapon. He has struggled with offensive production in the Liiga this year, but Koivu has a polished shooting mechanics, confidence, and ability to produce or generate chances when given time and space, particularly with the man advantage.

Koivu’s offensive game is built around an above average release. He owns one of the most refined one-timers in his age group and complements it with a diverse shooting arsenal that includes curl-and-drag wrist shots and the ability to shoot effectively off either leg. At recent international events, he has been a focal point on Finland’s power play, generating goals and primary assists through shot volume, rebound creation, and quick puck recoveries. His confidence has clearly grown, and with it, his willingness to assert himself offensively.

At five-on-five, Koivu has shown flashes of effectiveness, particularly when used at center, where his puck support, small-area decision-making, and awareness on both sides of the puck become more apparent. He can make smart, subtle plays that keep possession alive and occasionally attack the middle of the ice with the puck. He has also started to show more grit and physical engagement in his game especially on the forecheck which could help Finland to be effective at.

For Finland, Koivu is expected to play a scoring role, likely featuring on one of the power-play units where his shot can be maximized. If he can complement his shooting with more consistent five-on-five impact, he has the potential to be one of Finland’s most productive forwards in Minnesota and a difference-maker in tight, special-teams-driven games.

Other Draft Eligible Players to Watch

Oliver Suvanto – Center (2026)

Oliver Suvanto is the top ranked Finnish player for the 2026 Draft, and he arrives as one of the more intriguing pieces in Finland’s forward group, offering size, intelligence, and a strong foundational two-way game. He was a standout for Finland at the last Hlinka-Gretzky with his six points in six games. Tall and lean, with significant physical upside still to come, Suvanto has already shown he can hold his own against older competition in the Liiga this season, playing with maturity, composure, and a consistent compete level.

Suvanto’s game is rooted in responsibility and effort. Defensively, he is engaged, positionally sound, and reliable on the backcheck, often serving as one of the first forwards back to support his defensemen. He uses his reach and stick effectively to deny passing lanes and disrupt plays, and he is willing to block shots and absorb contact to make the right play. His forechecking is a strength, as he applies pressure with purpose and uses his frame well along the boards to sustain offensive-zone time.

Offensively, Suvanto shows flashes of touch and awareness rather than pure creativity. He protects the puck well, makes precise passes in motion, and displays good instincts in reading when to drive the net or hold his position higher in the zone. His background as a center is evident even when deployed on the wing, particularly in his support habits and understanding of spacing. While his top speed is adequate for his size, improvements in explosiveness and agility will be key to unlocking a higher offensive ceiling.

For Finland, Suvanto projects as a dependable bottom six option who can be trusted late in games and in defensive situations, but there is a possibility to see him move up the lineup as the tournament unfolds. His ceiling will ultimately be defined by how much offense he can add against stronger, faster opponents, but his size, hockey IQ, and already-advanced defensive game give him a clear path to being an effective, reliable contributor at the World Junior level and beyond.

Juho Piiparinen – Defense (2026 Draft)

With a defense group that will have only two players at 6-foot-2 or taller, The 6-foot-3, Juho Piiparinen, will bring size to the Finnish blue line. He also brings structure, strength, and composure to that group. Built like a modern defensive defenseman, Piiparinen plays a relatively simple, pro-style game that emphasizes positioning, puck management, and physical engagement rather than high-end creativity. His ability to handle pace and pressure against older competition has already been evident at the Liiga level with Tappara, reinforcing his projection as a reliable option in a tournament setting.

Defensively, Piiparinen’s game is built on details. He uses his size and reach effectively to close gaps, angle attackers to the outside, and win battles along the boards and in front of the net. His stick work is a clear strength, as he consistently takes away time and space and disrupts plays before they develop. He is willing to block shots, plays with edge in net-front situations, and has shown the awareness to protect leads late in games. While not an explosive skater, he moves really well for his size and has enough mobility to stay within structure and recover when plays extend.

With the puck, the projected first-rounder has shown encouraging poise and decision-making. He is strong on breakouts, delivering crisp, accurate passes in transition and showing patience under pressure rather than defaulting to low-percentage clears. When options are limited, he is comfortable skating the puck out or placing it safely behind the defense to reset play. His shot selection is disciplined, and he has demonstrated the ability to contribute offensively through timely point shots, deceptive puck movement, and occasional activation from the blue line, including power-play usage.

For Finland, Piiparinen projects as a dependable, minutes-eating defender who can be trusted on the penalty kill and in match-up situations against heavier lines. His offensive involvement has grown as his confidence has increased, though continued refinement in choosing when to activate will be important to avoid overextending defensively. Overall, his combination of size, strength, and calm puck management makes him a strong candidate to play a stabilizing role on Finland’s back end during the World Juniors.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – SEATTLE KRAKEN – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #6

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:49:09 +0000

Jake O’Brien

Prospect System Ranking – 6th (May 2025 - 6th)
GM: Ron Francis Hired: July 2019
COACH: Lane Lambert Hired: May 2025

The Seattle Kraken’s prospect system slips one spot but remains in strong shape. After parting ways with Dan Bylsma following just one season, the team brought in Lane Lambert as its third head coach since entering the league in 2022-23.

On the ice, the organization has already seen a wave of youth secure full-time NHL roles, with Shane Wright, Matty Beniers, and Ryker Evans all playing significant minutes in 2024-25. The next group is ready to follow suit.

Jani Nyman led Coachella Valley in goals and finished second among all AHL rookies with 28, using his elite release to emerge as a power play threat. After a brief NHL audition, he appears ready to compete for a full-time spot in Seattle. Berkly Catton, McKeen’s 12th-ranked prospect, capped his junior career with 109 regular season points and an additional 42 in the playoffs, leaving little left to prove before turning pro. He’ll likely join Carson Rehkopf, who graduates from the OHL after a productive 250-game career that saw him score at over a point-per-game pace.

They’ll bolster a deep group of developing talent that includes Jagger Firkus, David Goyette, Eduard Sale, Ty Nelson, and goaltender Niklas Kokko—each coming off promising rookie seasons with the Firebirds and pushing toward NHL readiness.

The Kraken also added another notable piece in 2025, selecting Jake O’Brien from the OHL, a versatile forward who debuts as McKeen’s 42nd-ranked prospect. In the second round, they grabbed right-shot defenseman Blake Fiddler from the Edmonton Oil Kings, adding mobility to their blueline pipeline.

Looking ahead, Seattle holds an enviable stockpile of draft capital: five first round and five second round picks over the next three drafts. Their slow and deliberate build hasn’t yet produced playoff success. Still, with an NHL roster already bolstered by homegrown talent and another wave of reinforcements on the way, the payoff appears to be just around the corner.

Seattle Kraken Top-15 Prospects

1 - Berkly Catton

After back-to-back 100-point seasons in the WHL you can bet that the Kraken are going to take a long, hard look at Catton in their training camp and preseason this upcoming fall. Playing in the NHL as a teenager is no easy feat, and teams always need to be careful when they allow it, but he's an exceptionally special talent, and it wouldn't surprise anyone if he more than proved that he was up to the task. The way that he can control the puck, see the ice and make correct decisions while flying full speed around the rink is a sight to behold for fans, and an absolute nightmare for opposing defenders. Where he deserves more credit than he usually gets, though, is with his defensive play, as his awareness is astute and he doesn't skip doing necessary dirty work in ways that many other top prospects do. Between Matty Beniers, Shane Wright and soon Catton, the Kraken might be set down the middle for a decade.

2 - Jake O’Brien

An elite playmaking pivot, the Kraken made O’Brien the eighth overall selection in the 2025 draft. There’s no doubt that he has among the highest offensive upsides of any player selected in the most recent draft. The focus for O’Brien has to be on bulking up to help him to drive play more consistently at even strength. He’s an elite level processor who has the skill and vision to make passes few can execute. However, he can be too easily separated from the puck currently and it helps to explain why his numbers at five-on-five have lagged behind his exceptional power play production. An underrated component of O’Brien’s game is his defensive play. He can kill penalties, and his high IQ translates very well to being a disruptive force in his own end. Again, adding strength will help him be even more effective in this regard. O’Brien will return to Brantford of the OHL this coming year and is a candidate to lead the league in scoring on a strong Bulldogs team.

3 - Jani Nyman

Nyman’s first professional season in North America was a highly successful one as he led Coachella Valley in goal scoring and even found success in a cup of coffee with Seattle. This is a player who is ready for a full time NHL role next season. The big winger is a credible goal scorer thanks to his big shot, strong scoring instincts, and his ability to work to the inside. As he matures physically and continues to add muscle, he’s only going to become more dangerous and consistent. This will also help him round out his game to become a more effective player off the puck and in all three zones. As mentioned, look for Nyman to be a full-time NHL player next year, playing in Seattle’s top nine. He is a potential perennial 30-goal scorer and someone who can help finish off plays and clear space for Seattle’s terrific young playmakers.

4 - Carson Rehkopf

Traded from Kitchener to Brampton this past year, Rehkopf had another solid OHL season that saw him post 40+ goals for the second straight year. This saw him shift to the wing full time after seeing some time at center with Kitchener previously; the wing is where his NHL future is. He still offers very intriguing NHL upside because of the power game he flashes and the NHL quality shot that he possesses. His play away from the puck remains fairly inconsistent, but on the puck, he can be a load for defenders because of his strength and ability to protect the puck. He also projects as a power play weapon at the NHL level because of that heavy one timer from the flank. It will all come down to whether Rehkopf is able to find more consistency in his physical intensity level. He has top six upside but will need seasoning in the AHL to round out his game further.

5 - Jagger Firkus

There were definitely some growing pains for the reigning CHL player of the year as he began his pro journey this past season. However, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t expect that. Firkus is highly skilled. He’s a tremendous goal scorer thanks to his lightning quick release and instincts. His quick feet and agility allow him to escape pressure and control the pace of play. Yet, the growing pains were expected because Firkus is slight, and he needs to pack on muscle to play the kind of no fear game at the pro level that he did at the WHL level. With Coachella, he was kept to the perimeter too often and should work to further improve his explosiveness as an average sized winger to help him get the kind of separation he needs. Firkus’ offensive upside remains sky high. This is someone who could be a point-per-game NHL player. However, he’s going to need a few seasons to really improve his conditioning and adjust to playing against men. Thankfully, Seattle can be patient thanks to strong system depth.

6 - Niklas Kokko

After a great Liiga season and playoff run as a 19-year-old, Kokko transitioned seamlessly to the AHL for his 20-year-old season. He’s been a very reliable and high-end starter for Coachella. He’s smart and a great play-reader. He often makes the correct save selection or alteration to his positioning based on the play that he’s reading. He’s also a very good skater with very strong pushes and quick, active feet that he pairs with smart routes to travel through the crease with ease. He’s also pretty athletic, which gives him a good chance of making stretched saves. His only real problems are that he seems to completely lack any kind of rebound control and looks to lose track of the puck on the more chaotic rebounds or if the shot is blocked. His tracking otherwise seems fine, which is why it shouldn’t be much of a concern. His rapid development at a young age and skill set bodes well for his future as a potential starter in the NHL.

7 - Ty Nelson

After a successful OHL career with North Bay that saw Nelson improve considerably defensively, he took the plunge into the waters of the professional level this past year with Coachella Valley. It was largely a successful endeavour too, with Nelson’s offensive and defensive abilities translating well thus far. Nelson isn’t a long defender, but he’s stocky and strong as an ox. He hasn’t backed down an inch as a pro, showing a competitive streak in the defensive end that you don’t always see from rookie defenders, especially ones with Nelson’s offensive skill set. He didn’t receive a ton of power play time thanks to Coachella Valley’s depth, but he created well at even strength with his heavy point shot and strong puck rushing ability. His decision making with the puck was solid as a rookie pro too. With another strong year in the AHL next season, hopefully with even more ice time and responsibility, Nelson should position himself for a full-time role with Seattle.

8 - Blake Fiddler

Heading into the 2025 draft Seattle's prospect pool skewed heavily towards the forward positions, in terms of both quality and quantity, so there was a clear need to add at least one defenceman with one of their earlier picks. They lucked out nicely, getting Fiddler at 36th overall, more than 10 spots lower than his final ranking on the McKeen's draft board. Blake doesn't play center like his dad Vernon did over the course of the latter's long and respected NHL career, but he shares the same knack for being a shutdown specialist. The younger Fiddler is lanky, strong, and doesn't flinch when he has to stare down the most dangerous offensive weapons on other teams, all of which make him hard to beat defensively. There is some scoring prowess to his game at times too, usually coming from finding opportunities with his keen awareness, opposed to breaking things open through skill. Fiddler is a pretty safe bet to become an NHLer, which will help the Kraken buy time as they look to acquire other young blueliners.

9 - Lukas Dragicevic

Dragicevic joined the Raiders via trade last summer a month before the team made a separate deal to acquire another talented prospect in forward Tomas Mrsic, and the duo certainly made the most of the big changes, leading Prince Albert to their first divisional title since 2019-20. The right-shooting defender is a true power play specialist from the blueline, and he quarterbacked his squad to the third-best success rate in the league during the regular season. His best weapon is easily his shot, which is an absolute howitzer that he's not shy at all about using. The main knocks against him have always revolved around poor decision-making and poor effort, but while those issues haven't been removed from his game completely, they have been reduced by a lot. If the Kraken are patient with Dragicevic and can find the right partners for him then he could eventually reach his NHL ceiling as a middle-pair defender and go-to option when his team has a man advantage.

10 - Julius Miettinen

The Silvertips finished with the best regular season record in the WHL in 2024-25, and Miettinen was a huge part of that success, even in spite of missing nearly three months due to injury. Their record was notably better with him in the lineup than it was with him out. The big Finnish center is a major workhorse for that team, taking a ton of faceoffs and logging a lot of minutes, including both sides of special teams. There are few prospects out there who are better at working in tight to the net on power plays, and that includes goalie screens and defender tie-ups, which is crucial work that usually doesn’t show up on the score sheet. He’s also put in a ton of work on his skating and conditioning since coming over to North America, which has led to more influence all over the ice. Miettinen has “NHLer” written all over him.

11 - Eduard Sale

Sale is starting to earn the reputation of being a supremely talented player who simply can’t put consistently impressive seasons together. As a first-year pro with Coachella Valley (although still eligible for OHL play), Sale’s rather unspectacular AHL totals included a fair share of ups and downs, and minimal playoff action, but he did shine at the WJC with a six-goal, eight-point performance for the bronze medal winning Czechs, a team he captained. Very young, top six potential abounds.

12 - Ryan Winterton

Winterton hasn’t had a completely healthy season for as long as we can remember going back to his DY-1. But when he has played, he always looked like a future NHLer. This past regular season was his best and most well-rounded to date. It was no surprise that he got into 12 NHL games at this point, even if his -11 was cringeworthy. He’s knocking on the door, but things are getting crowded in Seattle.

13 - David Goyette

It was a tough first year of pro play for the physically underdeveloped Goyette, who - like many CHL stars before him - got a dose of reality discovering that the speed, size, and strength of AHL players requires better conditioning on his part and more attention to details. Patience will be key for Seattle, which can at least build on Goyette’s having ended last season on a high note. Nonetheless, there’s plenty of prospect competition on the AHL roster, so Goyette will need to show more.

14 - Oscar Fisker Mølgaard

Don’t let the slight drop in SHL points (in 13 fewer games) this past season fool you; the Danish forward saw his game improve in leaps and bounds as an all-rounder this year. By the time the Men’s Worlds rolled around, Mølgaard was one of the best players on the ice for upstart host Denmark, sneaking in seven points in 10 games. Seattle has plenty of reasons to be excited about his prospects as a middle six center with strong transitional abilities.

15 - Semyon Vyazovoi

After two very promising seasons in Russia’s second flight VHL, the former sixth-round draft pick arrived on the scene as a bonafide 1B in the KHL this year, even getting into nine playoff contests for Salavat, effectively taking over the starting job in the second round. He’ll be part of the same goaltending tandem this season and Seattle will be hoping he has his eyes on the prize that is the starting job for one of the league’s most competitive outfits.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #6 Seattle Kraken– Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 12:41:38 +0000

PARADISE, NV - JUNE 28: Berkly Catton of the Spokane Chiefs is drafted by the Seattle Kraken in the first round during the Upper Deck NHL Draft on June 28, 2024 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)

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Seattle 25 Prospects

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Preview – Team Finland

Jeremy Rivet — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:00:26 +0000

_{Aron Kiviharju}

After losing the bronze medal game for the 10th time last year in Gothenburg (Sweden), which is the most by any country in the history of the IIHF World Junior Championship, Finland will be looking to bounce back to try to win its 6th gold medal this year in Ottawa. Since 2014, the gold medal has been split between three countries: Canada, United States and Finland. We could say that it is a successful sequence for Finland, but there were some disappointing results during this period where they finished 6th in 2018 in Buffalo and 7th in 2015 in Toronto. However, the most shocking result was in 2017 in Montréal where they had to fight to avoid relegation and stay in the top division. Things seem to have settled for Finland since their last gold medal in 2019 in Vancouver where their lowest result was 5th place in 2023 in Halifax and they ended on the podium in both editions presented in Edmonton in 2021 (bronze) and 2022 (silver).

This year, Finland will have seven returning players from last year's edition that the team can rely on. Their group will have 17 players who were drafted in the NHL and that includes two first-round picks and three second-round picks. Additionally, the majority of the players are playing against men in pro-level hockey (AHL, SHL or Liiga). The players on this team are fully capable of playing the hard and intense type of game which is what we are used to seeing from Finland teams historically.

Offensively, they will be led by the four returning forwards which are Konsta Helenius, Rasmus Kumpalainen, Kasper Halttunen and Emil Hemming. They will be joined by Seattle’s second-round pick Julius Miettinen who plays for the Everett Silvertips in the WHL and who should play a big offensive role for them. Defensively, there are two returning defensemen that will be defensive pillars for Finland, Emil Pieniniemi and Kalle Kangas. They are both 2023 NHL draft picks by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In net, Noa Vali is the only goaltender back from last year after Finland decided to cut Oilers’ prospect Eemil Vinni.

This year Finland’s team has a strong balance of size, skill, offensive threats and role players that will be hard to play against. It would not be an out-of-the-box statement to think that they are one of the favorites for a medal behind Canada and the United States, but they are also in a tough group with the Canadians and the Americans. To have success this year, they will have to avoid a false start like last year, where they lost their first two games against Canada and Germany which put them in a tough situation. Logically, they should expect to finish third in the strongest group but they certainly have the offensive elements to upset one of the top teams of group A. The question is, do they have a strong enough defense depth and a goaltender that can make the difference to challenge the top countries?

Key Players

Konsta Helenius, Center

He is one of the returning players from last year's edition. The Buffalo Sabres first-round pick from the 2024 NHL draft will have to take the lead of the offense for Finland and have a better tournament than last where he ended up with only 2 points in 7 games. This year is the first North American season for Helenius who plays for the Rochester Americans in the AHL. At only 18 years old, he has had a good start to the season with 16 points in 26 games. He is known for his well-rounded game on both sides of the ice and his intelligence in the offensive zone. Even if he is not the oldest player for Finland, he will be the go-to guy that should be used in every situation.

Kasper Halttunen, Winger

Another veteran from 2024 and one of their highest-scoring returning players with 6 points (3 goals - 3 assists) in 7 games. The 6-foot-3 winger is a second-round pick by the San Jose Sharks in 2023 and he will be looking at repeating his performance. He is a typical power forward with a heavy shot and good puck-handling skills as well as a physical aspect in his game. He will be a threat on the power play for Finland as he likes to take one-timers from the left half-wall. This season, he spent the month of October in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda (4 pts in 6 games) before being loaned to the London Knights in the OHL (6 pts in 9 games) where he played last year.

Emil Hemming, Winger

The 6-foot-1 right-winger is the third forward who has experience from last year. Like Helenius, the Dallas Stars’ first-round pick in 2024 will be one of the main offensive threats for Finland and will be looking to have a bigger impact than his 2 points in 7 games last year. Now as a veteran, he will have more ice time and have some big power play minutes with the shot he has, which is his best weapon. His overall game is not to be underestimated though. He is responsible defensively as well and he doesn’t shy away from the physical game and he likes to drive the net. After playing in the Liiga last season, this year he made the jump to the OHL with a strong Barrie Colts team, although his production thus far has been underwhelming (20 pts in 30 games).

Rasmus Kumpalainen, Center

The last forward returnee for Finland is a big 6-foot-4 center who played for the Oshawa Generals in the OHL last season and ended the year with almost a point per game (56 pts in 58 games) before going back to Finland in the Liiga with the Pelicans. In his first year of pro hockey, the Minnesota Wild’s second-round pick in 2023 has 11 points in 29 games so far. Kumpalainen is mostly a two-way center that is engaged defensively and physically but he also has offensive skills that should not be overlooked. He is also strong with puck protection along the boards and he likes to bring them to the inside. Last year, he finished the tournament with 2 goals in 7 games and he should be a good complement to Helenius as a second-line center for Finland.

Emil Pieniniemi, Defense

He is the first of two defensemen that is returning from last year for Finland. Pieniniemi is a big 6-foot-3 left-handed defenseman who was drafted in the third round in 2023 by the Pittsburgh Penguins. This season he crossed the Atlantic to play in the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs after spending last season in the Liiga. He is a solid two-way defenseman who can be used in all situations and can be trusted to log big minutes. So far this season, he has produced 34 points in 32 games in the OHL. He is not afraid of the physical game and he can support the attack. He will probably be the most reliable defenseman for Finland this year.

Kalle Kangas, Defense

He is the other Finnish defenseman that belongs to the Pittsburgh Penguins who drafted him in the seventh round in 2023. The 6-foot-4 defenseman was at the World Juniors last year as well and he will be looking to make a bigger impact for Finland this year by being reliable on the defensive side. He is a guy that moves the puck well, and uses his size and reach to kill plays. He will be a physical presence in Finland’s defensemen group and will probably see ice time on the penalty kill. So far this year, he has played 23 games in the Liiga producing 5 points.

Noa Vali, Goaltender

Like I wrote earlier, Vali is the only goaltender that is coming back from the past edition. Last year, he came into the tournament as the number two and became the number one for the last two games of the preliminary round. This switch proved crucial for Finland after they lost their first two games against Canada and Germany. Vali produced a shutout against Latvia before winning an important game in a shootout against Sweden. He played only these two games and ended the tournament with a .929 save percentage and a 1.94 goals against average. Even though he had a good showing and is the only veteran within the goaltender group, his number one spot is not guaranteed and he will have to fight for it. But he showed that he can do the job in a tournament like that and he will want to show again what he can do to maybe attract the attention of the NHL scouts as he went undrafted last NHL draft.

Aron Kiviharju, Defense

It was a disappointing season last year for Kiviharju due to an injury where he played only 7 games in the Liiga before he finished the year at the U18 World Junior Championships. Two years ago, he was seen as a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft but he fell to the 4th round with the Minnesota Wild. This season, it is going better for him in the Liiga where he has produced 10 points in 32 games. Kiviharju’s main attributes are his speed, his mobility, his puck-handling skills and his vision. He will probably be the man to run the first powerplay unit from the blue line for Finland.

Julius Miettinen, Winger

He is the typical power-forward type of player. The 6-foot-3 left-handed winger has the combination of speed, size, skills and compete level that made him a high second-round pick last year by Seattle. He plays physical, he is hard on pucks along the boards, and he likes to create chaos around the net. This season, he is playing for his second season with the Everett Silvertips in the WHL and has 34 points in 30 games after producing 67 points in 66 games last year.

Jesse Kiiskinen, Winger

The 6-foot right-handed winger was drafted in the third round in 2023 by Nashville but was recently traded to Detroit. Last season, after producing 21 points in 8 games in the U20 SM-Sarja, he was promoted in the Liiga with the Pelicans and had 10 points in 38 games. This year, he was transferred to HPK in the Liiga and he has 22 points in 26 games so far. He is a player that possesses excellent offensive skills and he uses his speed and his good shot to create scoring chances. He will add offensive depth to the Finland team and his experience playing at the pro level should be really useful for him and the team.

Sleeper Player

Topias Hynninen, Center

Hynninen was ignored by the 32 NHL teams at the 2024 draft and he will be looking to use this opportunity to show the scouts what he can do. At 5-foot-11, his size can be a disadvantage for him, but the left-handed center plays with a high-level motor and he is a consistent threat on the forecheck and on the counter-attacks. He played in the Liiga last season and produced 9 points in 43 games. This year, his progression is impressive. So far, he has a production of 24 points in 32 games in the Liiga. He is a good playmaker and can make plays at a high pace. He should be playing big minutes at this year's World Juniors for Finland.

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – SEATTLE KRAKEN – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #5

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Brock Otten — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 18:00:09 +0000

_{CALGARY, AB - SEPTEMBER 25: Seattle Kraken Forward Carson Rehkopf (74) skates during the first period of an NHL preseason game between the Calgary Flames and the Seattle Kraken on September 25, 2023, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 5th (Previous Rank - 8th)
GM: Ron Francis Hired: July 2019
COACH: Dan Bylsma Hired: May 2024

Now under the guidance of new bench boss Dan Bylsma, the Seattle Kraken head into their fourth NHL season with a rapidly growing prospect pipeline, climbing to the fifth spot in our rankings. This development comes from leveraging 14 first/seconds-round (four first rounds/10 second rounds) picks over their first four years, injecting a plethora of young talent in quick succession.

With their inaugural draft picks, Matty Beniers and Ryker Evans, now graduated, the next wave from the 2022 draft class is set to make their professional debuts. Second rounders Jagger Firkus (62nd), Jani Nyman (103rd), David Goyette (108th), and third-rounder Ty Nelson (154th) are all poised to begin their pro careers down in Coachella Valley, while Shane Wright (12th), the fourth overall pick in 2022, appears to be ready for his first full-time NHL opportunity.

Looking at the 2023 and 2024 drafts, Seattle’s top picks are progressing well in their junior careers. Berkley Catton (17th), their most recent first-round selection, just completed an explosive 116-point campaign with the Spokane Chiefs. Meanwhile, Carson Rehkopf (89th) (2023 second rounder) finished with 95 points for the Kitchener Rangers, defenceman Lukas Dragicevic (194th) (2023 second rounder) tallied 50 points for the Tri-City Americans, and Eduard Šalé (166th) (2023 first rounder) nearly reached a point-per-game pace after transitioning to the OHL from Czechia mid-season. All this to say, the Kraken's system is budding nicely and is well on track to continue churning out mid-to-high ranged pedigree talent.

Despite signing Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour to large contracts this summer, the Kraken have essentially maintained the core of last season’s 34-35-13 roster. Although still a few years away from true contention, the Kraken are steadily positioning themselves for long-term success in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Kraken Top-15 Prospects

1. Shane Wright

Has Shane Wright lived up to the hype that is usually attached to former CHL exceptional status players? Most would argue no. However, he’s still a top-notch NHL prospect who had a very solid first professional season. Wright was particularly strong in the second half, showing well with Seattle in a cup of coffee and helping Coachella Valley reach the Calder Cup finals. The real difference in Wright’s improved play has been his adjustment to the pace of the pro game. Later in the year, Wright began to use his speed more to his advantage, with and without the puck, and the results were terrific. This has always been something that has been inconsistently applied and hindered his production. Of course, Wright remains a highly intelligent pivot with a high upside as a goal scorer because of his quick release. While the likelihood that Wright becomes a superstar, as once predicted, has decreased, he is still a potential long-time contributor in Seattle’s top six; the one/two punch of Beniers and Wright remains tantalizing.

2. Berkly Catton

Given the strength of this year’s defender crop at the draft and the fact that Seattle had yet to use a first on a defenseman, most people (us included) expected the Kraken to take a blueliner at 8th overall. They sure fooled us all when they took dynamic Spokane pivot Berkly Catton. Catton is a more dynamic play creator compared to Beniers and Wright. He’s exceptionally slick and creative with that unique ability to consistently evade pressure. The lack of size is going to concern some, but Catton’s tenaciousness is an underrated component of his game. Having three quality young centers is a problem most franchises would kill to have. Catton will almost certainly return to the WHL this season. Individual success seems inevitable, but what Seattle would really love to see is Catton help Spokane make a deep playoff run; the Chiefs have not had a strong team in his two years in the WHL.

3. Jagger Firkus

The leading scorer in the WHL last year, Firkus had a tremendous season with Moose Jaw. The former high second round selection has developed according to plan as a dominant offensive player. Firkus is an elite manager of the game who can keep the puck on a string and who manages to work inside consistently despite being on the smaller side. Over his WHL career, he’s worked hard to improve his strength on the puck to increase his chances of becoming a top-notch offensive contributor at the NHL level. In a nutshell, Firkus is the complete package as an offensive player, and he has the upside to be a point per game player in the NHL. Firkus will turn pro this year, and what that means remains to be seen. The smart prediction would have Firkus spending the majority of a year in the AHL, just as former WHL standout Logan Stankoven did last season. However, don’t count out Firkus from making an impact at the NHL level at some point.

4. Carson Rehkopf

While Rehkopf wasn’t quite able to sustain the blistering pace he started the year with, it was a very positive draft plus one year for him with Kitchener. An emerging OHL star, Rehkopf has so many intriguing physical tools. The size and skating combination makes him very tough to stop in motion, however he’s also very strong on the puck, making him difficult to stop down low. Opposing defences need to key in on him away from the puck because of his high-end shooting ability. He can really rifle the puck, and this makes him a monster weapon on the powerplay on the flank where he can cleanly one-time pucks past netminders. The next step for Rehkopf is to continue to improve his engagement level as a two-way, physical player. This would help him truly dominate in all fashions and make him a top NHL prospect.

5. Jani Nyman

It seems like most of the Kraken’s top prospects progressed terrifically last year and Nyman certainly falls under that category. He exploded in Liiga, scoring 26 goals in Finland’s top professional league. He was also a standout at the World Junior Championship, playing against his peers. Nyman’s skating and play on the puck has improved greatly since being drafted. He’s extremely confident in his ability to drive the net and he’s difficult to separate from the puck along the wall and inside the dots. He’s not an overtly physical player. Even though he’s got a big frame, at 6-foot-4, he’s not really a power winger. However, Nyman projects as a complementary piece on a scoring line thanks to his scoring ability and the consistency with which he works inside to open up space. He’ll be in North America to start this year, likely playing in Coachella Valley to start.

6. David Goyette

The second Kraken prospect to lead his CHL league in scoring last year, Goyette was remarkable for the OHL Sudbury Wolves. The preseason favourite to win the OHL’s Eddie Powers trophy, Goyette followed through by posting 117 points. In a system with so many high-end goal scorers like Shane Wright, Carson Rehkopf, and Jani Nyman, Goyette stands out for his excellent playmaking ability. He extends plays with his feet and his hands, and he has outstanding vision. Simply put, he is the type of player who makes those around him better. Goyette is also an underrated off puck player who competes hard for loose pucks and in the defensive end. This part of his game has grown substantially since being drafted and it has improved his projection. Like others in the system, he will turn pro next year and should be an immediate contributor for Coachella Valley.

7. Ty Nelson

After such a monster season two years ago, expectations for Nelson were sky high coming into last year. He never quite reached those, but he still had a solid year, and his development remains on a positive track. Nelson was one of the better defenders in the OHL, helped North Bay to another solid season, and played for Canada at the World Junior Championships. The stocky defender’s best weapon remains his booming point shot. He is a prime scoring weapon from the backend, however he’s also a strong overall puck mover because of his mobility. Nelson has worked hard since being drafted to become a better defensive player and he is now at the point where he is ready for a new challenge at the pro level. Continuing to focus on his decision making, with and without the puck, will be key as he adjusts to the AHL level next season. Nelson is a potential top four defender and powerplay quarterback down the line.

8. Eduard Sale

The 20th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Sale’s first season in North America didn’t quite go as well as many had anticipated. Splitting the year between Barrie and Kitchener of the OHL, Sale never quite found the confidence and effectiveness to be a consistent scoring threat. Watching Sale in the OHL, it’s plainly obvious that his skill level is high. He can beat defenders one on one, and he can be dangerous in transition and on the powerplay when he has extra room to operate. However, his game has been too perimeter-oriented, and he has struggled to play through contact on the smaller ice surfaces of the OHL. There is a need for him to add strength this offseason so that he can find more success playing through the middle of the ice. Sale remains a forward with high upside, but it’s become apparent that he may be more of a longer-term project than initially believed. He could turn pro next in the AHL or return to Kitchener of the OHL this year.

9. Niklas Kokko

Don’t let Kokko’s disappointing World Juniors performance shape your opinion of him. While he unquestionably struggled at that event, he was lights out in Liiga action last season, helping Pelicans reach the Liiga final; for a 20-year-old netminder this is remarkable. The 6-foot-4 goaltender plays a hybrid style that is very technically sound. He covers his angles well and plays up his size well, ensuring that he takes up as much of the net as possible. He’s improved as an athlete since being drafted and this is helping him to challenge shooters more consistently. Kokko is already signed by Seattle, so one would have to think that after his strong end to season, that he will come over to play in the AHL next season. Chris Driedger has moved on to another organization, so the starting gig in Coachella Valley is up for grabs. As of right now, he’s emerged as one of the better netminders outside of North America.

10. Julius Miettinen

We ranked Miettinen as a first-round prospect for the 2024 Draft; needless to say we approved of Seattle’s selection of him at 40th overall. The big pivot improved so much over the course of his first season in North America with Everett of the WHL. In particular, his skating made huge strides, allowing him to become dominant on the puck at times. Equal parts goal scorer and playmaker, Miettinen uses his size well to make plays in high traffic areas. Miettinen is also a dedicated two-way player who can provide versatility to his coaches. So long as he continues to improve his skating, he projects as a quality middle six center for Seattle in the future. This coming year, Miettinen will return to Everett and the expectation is that he becomes one of the better forwards in the WHL, on top of leading the Silvertips deeper in the playoffs.

11. Ryan Winterton

For Winterton, it was always about staying healthy. He’s always been a talented player with an NHL future, but shoulder injuries had previously derailed his development in the OHL. The great news is that this past year in the AHL Winterton has remained healthy, and the results were terrific. He has emerged as one of Seattle’s most NHL-ready prospects, as evidenced by his semi long call up to the Kraken last year.

12. Oscar Fisker Mølgaard

The Danish forward secured a permanent position at the SHL level last year with HV71 and played a secondary scoring role for them, helping them narrowly avoid relegation to the Hockey Allsvenskan. Fisker Mølgaard is a well-rounded offensive player who excels as a playmaker because of his vision and quick feet. A second-round selection last year, he remains more of a longer term project, but one who could play a middle six role in the future for Seattle.

13. Lukas Dragicevic

Being a top defender on one of the worst teams in your league can never be easy, but it was likely good for Dragicevic’s development this past year. Tri-City finished near the basement of the WHL, but Dragicevic still produced at a nice clip from the backend. The highly skilled rearguard will return to the WHL, now with a better Prince Albert team, to continue rounding out his game.

14. Logan Morrison

A savvy free agent signing by Seattle out of the OHL, Morrison was one of the AHL’s top rookies last year, helping Coachella Valley make a deep playoff run. Skating has always been the knock for Morrison, but thus far he’s proved that his high-end vision and offensive awareness are good enough to help him overcome that.

15. Caden Price

Another 2023 draft pick who had a strong draft plus one year, Price emerged as one of the WHL’s best two-way defenders last year. The Kelowna Rockets have proven to be a defenceman factory the last few decades and Price could be the next in line. Continuing to tighten up his reads and decision making will be key for him moving forward.

MCKEEN’S HOCKEY 2024 NHL DRAFT GUIDE: TWO-ROUND MOCK DRAFT

Brock Otten — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:03:17 +0000

#1. San Jose Sharks - Macklin Celebrini - C - Boston University (HE)

At this point, San Jose might as well announce this now. The entire hockey world knows that Celebrini is going to be its guy. This is a pivot without any true weaknesses who projects as a franchise leader for the Sharks moving forward. Think of the impact that Jonathan Toews had on turning the Blackhawks rebuild around.

#2. Chicago Blackhawks - Artyom Levshunov – D - Michigan State (B1G)

Part of me believes that Chicago might really like Sam Dickinson because of how much value they have been placing on skating in recent drafts, but another part believes that Levshunov will be the Hawks guy. We prefer Dickinson, but there’s no doubting that Levshunov has among the highest two-way upside of any defender in this draft. With his high-end skill and offensive aggressiveness, he’ll be able to give the Hawks a dynamic puck mover on both of their first two pairings (with Korchinski).

#3. Anaheim Ducks - Anton Silayev – D - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

On one hand, the Ducks haven’t used a Top 50 pick on a Russian based player (as in playing in the KHL, MHL, etc) since Stanislav Chistov in 2001. It’s obvious that they have preferences for other regions. However, what’s also obvious is the fit here. The Ducks have so many terrific puck moving defenders. The system is loaded. However, the team’s high end defensively oriented prospects have had their development stall like Noah Warren and Drew Helleson. Anaheim could see Silayev as an amazing fit beside guys like Mintyukov and Zellweger, allowing them to play freely and aggressively.

#4. Columbus Blue Jackets - Ivan Demidov – RW - SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)

The Jackets have had great success with young Russian players recently, even forming a great Russian kid line involving Chinakhov, Voronkov, and Marchenko. Not only is Demidov clearly the best player available at this point, but he also helps add significant skill to the wing for the organization that needs it. This is an offensive play driver solely needed.

#5. Montreal Canadiens - Cayden Lindstrom – C - Medicine Hat (WHL)

This is one of the best-case scenarios for Montreal. Is Lindstrom’s injury history a concern? Likely for some teams. However, the upside here is too large for Montreal to pass up. Not only is Lindstrom a fantastic young player, but he also helps the Canadiens get bigger and heavier up front, which was a reason for preferring Slafkovsky at first overall two years ago.

#6. Utah Hockey Club - Zeev Buium – D - Denver (NCHC)

Seems likely that Utah could lean towards taking one of the high-end offensive defenders available with this pick. In the last five drafts, the Coyotes have not taken a single player out of the OHL. This leads me to believe that Buium is a guy that the team could find really attractive at #6. He’s such an intelligent playmaker from the backend and he would really help Utah improve their transitional game and powerplay production.

#7. Ottawa Senators - Sam Dickinson – D - London (OHL)

Dickinson is the perfect defender for the modern era thanks to his high-end skating ability. He’s the kind of blueliner who projects as an all situations, minute eater. Given how terrific he has been in this year’s OHL playoffs (and the Memorial Cup), Ottawa likely sees him as a terrific fit as a “winner” who can help them get over the hump in the coming years. The Sens really need to hit on this pick and Dickinson is as safe as safe can be to be an impact player.

#8. Seattle Kraken - Beckett Sennecke – RW - Oshawa (OHL)

There is a ton of traction for Sennecke to be a high pick and Seattle strikes us as a likely landing spot. They’ve targeted the OHL pretty heavily and, playing in the Pacific, they want to load up their lineup with heavier players who can withstand the punishing style in the division. Sennecke oozes upside as an athletic winger still growing into his frame. He is skilled, physical, and intelligent. A great combination. Logic says Seattle finally uses their first on a defender, but something about this spot screams Sennecke.

#9. Calgary Flames - Tij Iginla – C - Kelowna (WHL)

Maybe this is far-fetched. But maybe it’s not. Teams don’t use top ten selections for the sole purpose of nostalgia. But how can you pass up the opportunity to draft an iconic name, who also happens to be worthy in this spot. Iginla was terrific in the second half of the year, and this gives Calgary an injection of skill and tenacity. He could have a similar impact to his father in Calgary.

#10. New Jersey Devils - Konsta Helenius – C - Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)

The Devils are a team that definitely don’t want to be picking in this range. The organization has been trying to escape the rebuilding phase, so would it not make sense for them to target a player who has great upside, but who can also make an impact pretty quickly? Helenius fits in well with the players already in New Jersey and the Devils have liked the region in recent drafts.

#11. Buffalo Sabres - Zayne Parekh – D - Saginaw (OHL)

Yeah, we know that the Sabres already have Dahlin and Power on the back end. That powerplay unit is already loaded. However, at some point, you have to say that Parekh is too good to let slide further. One of the draft’s most creative and intelligent defenders, Parekh is the ultimate wild card. He could go as high as the top five or fall out of the lottery all together. This would be great value for the Sabres.

#12. Philadelphia Flyers - Cole Eiserman – LW - U. S. NTDP U18

Often tagged as being the draft’s purest goal scorer, Eiserman had an up and down year with the NTDP. However, he still managed to break the program’s scoring record and that is impressive. Big wingers who can put the puck in the net do not grow on trees. While the Flyers could go defense here, having just dealt top prospect Cutter Gauthier for defender Jamie Drysdale, it seems unlikely that they will go that route.

#13. Minnesota Wild - Carter Yakemchuk – D - Calgary (WHL)

This seems low for Yakemchuk. But someone is going to need to fall a bit considering the talent available in the lottery. While Yakemchuk’s upside is significant, we think teams may have concerns over his puck management and skating combination. That said, he’s a great fit in Minnesota as a potential puck mover and triggerman who can help their powerplay and move quickly through the system.

#14. San Jose Sharks (via Pittsburgh Penguins) - Stian Solberg – D - Valerenga (Norway)

The draft is bound to get pretty wild around this point given the wild fluctuation among rankings. Solberg has had a ton of momentum the last month and we really like this fit. Solberg was tremendous at the World Championships, showing that he can impact the game in a lot of different ways. This is someone who can come in and be a defensive stalwart for the Sharks in the future.

#15. Detroit Red Wings - Berkly Catton – C - Spokane (WHL)

This is much lower than our ranking for Catton, but we realize that we may be more aggressive on him compared to the NHL community. He is the kind of play driver who can elevate Detroit’s first two lines in the future. He’s more skilled than Danielson and Kasper, but he has that same kind of high-end work ethic. If Catton is still available at fifteen, this should one hundred percent be his landing spot.

#16. St. Louis Blues - Trevor Connelly – LW - Tri-City (USHL)

Where does Connelly go? That’s one of the draft’s biggest questions considering the noise around his off-ice “issues.” However, we do think that someone bites considering Connelly has among the highest offensive upsides of any forward in this draft. The Blues need more firepower. They need more play drivers. Connelly is someone who can make this St. Louis team better down the line if he progresses well.

#17. Washington Capitals - Adam Jiricek – D - Plzen (Czechia)

It was a pretty tough draft year for Jiricek, after he missed the majority of the year with injury. However, he came into the year as a potential top ten selection for a reason. He’s talented and a potential two-way stalwart like his brother David. So many options here but could see the Caps lean defense if Jiricek is still on the board.

#18. Chicago Blackhawks (via New York Islanders) - Michael Brandsegg Nygard – RW - Mora (Allsvenskan)

The Hawks have really been focusing on selecting strong skaters in recent years, so there’s a chance that they team will jump on a guy like Jett Luchanko here. However, we like Brandsegg Nygard here for a few reasons. One, he’s one of the best players available. Two, he’s an excellent fit alongside some of the high-end skill that Chicago has brought in. His hard work and attention to detail could make him the kind of high-end role player that Chicago had during their Cup runs.

#19. Vegas Golden Knights - EJ Emery – D - U. S. NTDP U18

Did you know that Vegas has never drafted a player out of the U.S. NTDP? Seems wild, but this could be the year. Vegas has used their first selection on a center every year of existence. That kind of commitment is impressive. However, we believe that this is the year that the streak breaks. We love Emery’s physical tools and upside as a defensive stalwart, and he fits the exact mold of the kind of defender Vegas seems to love. The team’s defensive core is getting older, and he could be a great fit there in a few years.

#20. New York Islanders (via Tampa Bay Lightning) - Michael Hage – C - Chicago (USHL)

We like this potential landing spot for Hage. He was, perhaps, the best player in the USHL in the second half of the year. This was the real Michael Hage, after he put some personal turmoil behind him. He has upside as a top six, power center and his skill is badly needed in a prospect pool that is currently lacking it.

#21. Los Angeles Kings - Jett Luchanko – C - Guelph (OHL)

We know the Kings love the OHL. Luchanko would be a great pick here. The tenacious and intelligent pivot brings speed and playmaking ability to the table and looks like a future fixture as a second line center. There aren’t a ton of natural pivots in the system right now, so it also makes sense for Los Angeles to target that position, if a good one is available.

#22. Nashville Predators - Leo Sahlin Wallenius – D - Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)

A strong skating, potential two-way defender, Sahlin Wallenius proved to be a bit of a chameleon in his draft year. What’s his real future role? Regardless, the physical tools are going to be intriguing to a team like Nashville.

#23. Toronto Maple Leafs - Harrison Brunicke – D - Kamloops (WHL)

This would be the first time since 2018 that Toronto uses its first-round selection on a defender. We’d say it’s needed. Brunicke is a strong skating rearguard with upside at both ends. He excelled defensively at the U18’s and he’s the kind of modern-day defender that Toronto sorely lacks. The organization would have also seen a fair amount of Brunicke while scouting Fraser Minten in Kamloops.

#24. Colorado Avalanche - Igor Chernyshov – LW - Dynamo Moskva (KHL)

We could see Colorado moving this pick at the draft for some immediate help after their disappointing playoff performance. However, if they keep this selection, a guy like Chernyshov could make a ton of sense. He can attack with speed and power, playing a North/South game that fits their system.

#25. Ottawa Senators (via Boston Bruins) - Liam Greentree – RW - Windsor (OHL)

Back-to-back OHL players for Ottawa in our mock, this time the team selects Windsor winger Greentree, who has the potential to be a Jason Robertson kind of player in the future. He is creative and skilled but needs to improve his skating. We believe improving the team’s skill and finishing ability on the wing should be a focus.

#26. Montreal Canadiens (via Winnipeg Jets) - Sam O’Reilly – RW - London (OHL)

With a strong OHL playoffs and Memorial Cup performance, O’Reilly has surged up draft rankings to close out the year. The physical, two-way center has more offensive upside than he has shown thus far playing in a secondary scoring role. Worst case scenario could see him developing into a Scott Laughton type, which would still be terrific value at this point of the first.

#27. Carolina Hurricanes - Alfons Freij – D - Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)

The Hurricanes always seem to love the same kind of players that the amateur scouting community love. Freij is one of those amateur scouting darlings this year that we (as a community) seem to love more than the NHL community (as a whole). The skating ability and skill are evident. He was a standout at nearly every international event for Sweden and projects as a skilled top four defende

#28. Calgary Flames (via Vancouver Canucks) - Cole Beaudoin – C - Barrie (OHL)

After drafting Iginla early, the Flames opt for a different kind of forward late in the first. Beaudoin projects as the kind of guy you win in the playoffs with. He brings versatility. He brings leadership. He brings consistency. He is an intelligent playmaker and can excel as a middle six complementary piece. Just seems very likely that at least one NHL team likes his intangibles enough to draft him in the first.

#29. Dallas Stars - Emil Hemming – RW - TPS (Fin-Liiga)

The Stars haven’t drafted a player out of Finland since Miro Heiskanen in 2017, but we’d say that has worked out pretty well. At this point, Hemming fills a need and represents the best player available. He brings tenaciousness and he is one of the draft’s best goal scorers from the wing.

#30. New York Rangers - Charlie Elick - D - Brandon (WHL)

Elick has a similar profile to Braden Schneider when the Rangers drafted him and that worked out pretty well. The size, skating, and physicality combination make Elick a potential shutdown defender for a decade. His decision making needs to improve, but New York has actually improved this component in several of their defensive prospects.

#31. Anaheim Ducks (via Edmonton Oilers) - Julius Miettinen – C - Everett (WHL)

Miettinen improved by leaps and bounds over the course of the year and represents a big body with skill. His skating took a big leap from the beginning of the year to the end, and it has really improved his projection as a top six forward. Anaheim really seems to favor forwards with a well-rounded profile and that’s Miettinen.

#32. Philadelphia Flyers (via Florida Panthers) - Ben Danford – D - Oshawa (OHL)

This pick might surprise some people, but Danford is a player who rocketed up rankings in the second half as part of an Oshawa team that went to the OHL finals. He’s one of the better defensive players in the draft; a shot blocking expert who has terrific defensive instincts. He’s also a strong skater who has shown flashes of more offensively. Shades of Oliver Bonk here and that worked out really well so far.

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#33. San Jose Sharks - Dean Letourneau – C - St. Andrew's (CHS-Ontario)

There’s definitely a chance that Letourneau goes in the first, but we feel that teams may be more comfortable using a second on a prep player given that many of those chosen in the first have not developed well. The Sharks can take a chance on Letourneau, given the team’s window is a ways away. The big man oozes upside because of his athleticism.

#34. Chicago Blackhawks - Henry Mews – D - Ottawa (OHL)

With the Hawks focusing so much on strong skating ability, Mews makes sense here. He’s a terrific four-way mover who possesses excellent upside as an offensive defender. He’s a creative rush attacker and his defense did improve over the course of the season.

#35. Anaheim Ducks - Terik Parascak – RW - Prince George (WHL)

A highly intelligent playmaker, Parascak makes up for only average skating by being a step ahead of others mentally. He’s skilled. He’s tenacious. He projects as a quality complementary piece in the top six and he would fit in perfectly with what Anaheim already has in the system.

#36. Philadelphia Flyers (via Columbus Blue Jackets) - Sacha Boisvert – C - Muskegon (USHL)

Why not double down on a top goal scorer? After drafting the draft’s best in Cole Eiserman, the Flyers now take one of the other best options in power center Sasha Boivert. His skating needs to continue to improve, but he can really fire it.

#37. Winnipeg Jets (via Montreal Canadiens) - Cole Hutson – D - U. S. NTDP U18

Wouldn’t it be fitting if the Jets used the Montreal pick to select Lane’s brother Cole? Cole battled some injuries this year, but he closed out the year on a high note by returning for the U18’s. He can control the tempo with his handling ability and mobility. His defensive game is also probably more advanced compared to Lane’s at the same age.

#38. Utah Hockey Club - Teddy Stiga – C - U. S. NTDP U18

Back-to-back NTDP members are chosen here as Stiga ends up being Utah’s pick. He is a terrific complementary piece who was one of the NTDP’s most improved players this year. He plays at a feverish pace, and he is skilled and intelligent enough to play with high end, creative playmakers. Could be the perfect future linemate for Logan Cooley.

#39. Ottawa Senators - Linus Eriksson – C - Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)

Erikson is a strong skating, two-way center with a strong chance of developing into an excellent and versatile middle six piece. He was solid for Sweden internationally this year and adds great depth to Ottawa’s center position down the line.

#40. Seattle Kraken - Will Skahan – D - U. S. NTDP U18

One of the draft’s most physical defenders, Skahan is big, reasonably mobile, and projects as a top four shutdown blueliner. Seattle has never really drafted a player like Skahan, and we would argue that in order for them to take that next step, they’ll need players like him in the Pacific.

#41. Calgary Flames - Dominik Badinka – D - Malmo (SHL)

Strong, two-way defender who played a ton at the SHL level. His true offensive upside was hidden by playing sheltered minutes against men. The Flames opt for defense here and have had some luck taking Swedish based defenders in recent years (Badinka is Czech but played out of Sweden).

#42. San Jose Sharks (via New Jersey Devils) - Andrew Basha – LW - Medicine Hat (WHL)

The Sharks opt for a bit of a safer selection at this spot after really rolling the dice with the previous two picks. Basha is an excellent complementary piece who projects as someone who can elevate the play of a creative and skilled pivot. He could be the perfect linemate for the likes of Celebrini, Smith, or Eklund because he is skilled and does the dirty work to open up ice.

#43. Buffalo Sabres - Maxim Masse – RW - Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

Buffalo makes Masse the first QMJHL player off the board. He’s one of the better pure goal scorers in the draft and he plays a mature, pro style game that sees him get to the middle of the ice. The skating needs to keep improving, but this is a player who could fit in well with some of the others in Buffalo’s system.

#44. Pittsburgh Penguins (via Philadelphia Flyers) - Lucas Pettersson – C - MoDo Hockey (Swe J20)

With their first pick in the draft, the Penguins opt for Swedish center Lucas Pettersson. He’s a strong skating, two-way pivot who projects as a solid middle six piece who can play in a variety of different situations. Building up prospect depth needs to be a focus of Kyle Dubas, after the system was bled dry for the last half a decade.

#45. Minnesota Wild - Brodie Ziemer – RW - U. S. NTDP U18

A Minnesota native heading to the University of Minnesota, the Wild get the captain of this year’s NTDP. He projects as a terrific complementary piece in the top nine who can help bring out the best in more skilled players. He plays a heavier game, which fits in with the theme that Minnesota seems to be focusing on at the draft in recent years.

#46. Pittsburgh Penguins - Aron Kiviharju – D - HIFK (Fin-Liiga)

If there is a team that is going to take a chance on Kiviharju bringing everything together, the Penguins make a ton of sense. With a couple of seconds, they should be focusing on bringing in high upside players and Kiviharju is just that. Is there concern that he has plateaued? Absolutely. However, there’s also a chance that injuries this year really prevented him from being at his best.

#47. Detroit Red Wings - Leon Muggli – D - Zug (Sui-NL)

The Red Wings opt for Leon Muggli, a Swiss defender who really emerged as a top-notch NHL prospect this year. He showed well playing against men in the NL. He’s intelligent and mobile and should have a solid floor as an NHL rearguard in some capacity.

#48. St. Louis Blues - Matvei Shuravin – C - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

Long and lean Russian defender with intriguing two-way upside. He was a player who was hard to get a read on this year with his limited minutes in the KHL, however he has an intriguing combination of size and mobility. It’s possible that he reminds the Blues of drafting Colton Parayko back in the day.

#49. Utah Hockey Club (via Washington Capitals) - Yegor Surin – C - Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

Utah and their scouts have not been shy about selecting Russian players in recent drafts. Surin is better than the 49th player selected. He is a competitive, but skilled pivot who could end up developing into a versatile player for Utah down the line. Maybe the perfect linemate for fellow Russian Daniil But?

#50. Chicago Blackhawks (via New York Islanders) - John Mustard – C - Waterloo (USHL)

One of the best names in the draft, but also one of the best skaters. Mustard had a breakout campaign in the USHL this year. He’s an explosive player and a talented goal scorer. However, he is also an intense competitor, something that should make Mustard an NHL player in some capacity if the offensive game doesn’t translate.

#51. Philadelphia Flyers (Compensation Pick for Jay O’Brien) - Ryder Ritchie – RW - Prince Albert (WHL)

Ranked as a first rounder by us, there is thought that we are higher on him than NHL scouts after a bit of a disappointing second half mired by injuries. Ritchie is a competitive winger who plays bigger than his size (excuse the cliche). He has solid upside as a complementary piece on a scoring line. This is a nice swing for Philadelphia with their compensation pick.

#52. Washington Capitals (via Vegas Golden Knights) - Marek Vanacker – LW - Brantford (OHL)

The Capitals opt for speedy Hamilton winger Marek Vanacker, the last of our first round graded players. He was extremely consistent all year long and has intriguing offensive upside because of the pace he can play at. Washington would be very familiar with him thanks to their scouting of Patrick Thomas.

#53. Nashville Predators (via Tampa Bay Lightning) - Heikki Ruohonen – C - Kiekko-Espoo (Fin-U20)

The Preds have long loved Finnish players, with a strong presence in that market. Ruohonen was one of the biggest risers in the second half of the year; he was excellent at the U18’s for the Finns. He is a competitive, two-way, power center eventually heading to Harvard.

#54. New York Islanders (via Los Angeles Kings) - Adam Kleber – D - Lincoln (USHL)

Kleber is a massive defender whose game really improved over the second half of the year. His mobility, in particular, really took a positive step forward. The USHL rearguard projects as a physical stay at home type, but he does flash some intriguing offensive tools too.

#55. Nashville Predators - Mikhail Yegorov – G - Omaha (USHL)

There has been a ton of talk about Nashville moving on from Juuse Saros, handing over the keys to Askarov. However, there isn’t much of a back-up plan behind Askarov if he doesn't pan out. Taking a goalie makes sense for the Preds in round two and Yegorov is an excellent athlete who their goaltending development coaches can really work with.

#56. St. Louis Blues (via Toronto Maple Leafs) - Luke Misa – C - Mississauga (OHL)

Misa is a speedy, two-way forward who projects as a solid middle six option for St. Louis down the line. He had a solid year for Mississauga in the OHL and is the type of player who could move quickly through the system as a later birthday.

#57. Montreal Canadiens (via Colorado Avalanche) - Tory Pitner - Youngstown (USHL)

Montreal has done well by selecting heady defenders in recent years and Pitner is definitely that. He’s one of the draft's most intelligent blueliners, especially in the defensive end. He competes hard and projects as a solid two-way, second pairing type.

#58. Anaheim Ducks (via Boston Bruins) - Tarin Smith – D - Everett (WHL)

A team with an already loaded defensive talent pool can afford to take chances on high upside defenders like Smith. He’s very raw, but his physical tools are excellent. He skates well. He can create offense. How it all comes together remains to be seen, but Anaheim can afford to be patient.

#59. Nashville Predators (via Winnipeg Jets) - Adam Jecho – C - Edmonton (WHL)

An enigma to the highest degree, Jecho is one of the draft’s ultimate boom or bust prospects. At times, he dominates in the offensive end with his size and skill. Other times, he looks lumbering, lazy, and disengaged. Which Jecho will emerge as the real one? Nashville has always loved wingers like this with high end physical tools.

#60. Carolina Hurricanes - Nikita Artamonov – LW - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

This just seems like an amazing fit. The Canes have loved players like Artamanov. High end processor. Not the quickest or most physical, but efficient. They’ve also been one of the most aggressive NHL franchises in drafting Russian talent recently.

#61. New York Islanders (via Vancouver Canucks) - AJ Spellacy – RW - Windsor (OHL)

Spellacy was outstanding in the second half of the OHL season after he fully recovered from a knee injury. He has great length and speed and projects as a high end third line player who can be an elite penalty killer and defensive forward. The last Windsor forward NYI took worked out well.

#62. Calgary Flames (via Dallas Stars) - Raoul Boilard – C - Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

What’s the finished product going to look like with Boilard? This is completely unknown due to some consistency issues. However, the Flames need to improve their center depth in the organization and Boilard is a rangy pivot who could end up being a solid middle six piece.

#63. Seattle Kraken (via New York Rangers) - Jesse Pulkkinen – D - JYP (Fin-Liiga)

The first re-entry to go in this mock draft, Seattle has not shied away from selecting players outside of their first year of eligibility. Pulkkinen is a big offensive defender who plays an aggressive style. He needs major refinement, but the tools are there.

#64. Edmonton Oilers - Pavel Moysevich – G - SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

Have to think the Oilers go with a goalie here if there is one on the board that they really like. Moysevich is a re-entry who was fantastic in the KHL this past season. He is one of the draft’s best athletes and he could move quickly through the system.

#65. Utah Hockey Club (via Florida Panthers) - Jack Pridham – RW - West Kelowna (BCHL)

There is a connection between Utah (previously Arizona) and the St. Andrew’s College program of late. Pridham is a graduate of that program who had a solid year in the BCHL. He is a big winger with great skating ability. The upside is a bit of a mystery, but the tools are legitimate.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL DRAFT GUIDE – TOP 32 FINAL RANKINGS

Brock Otten — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 16:00:27 +0000

It’s that time! The McKeen’s scouting staff has finalized our final rankings for the 2024 NHL Draft ahead of the release of our draft guide releasing soon. This year, the McKeen’s team has made the executive decision to rank 300 players outright, rather than include honorable mentions. This is a change in our previous methodology.

As has been the case all season long, Macklin Celebrini remains our top ranked prospect and we expect him to be the first overall selection by the San Jose Sharks. Rounding out the top five are Russian winger Ivan Demidov, London defenseman Sam Dickinson, power center Cayden Lindstrom, and the fast-rising Tij Iginla. Iginla was ranked 12th on our midseason list, but his strong finish to the WHL season, coupled with his excellent U18 performance, has elevated him into our top five.

Filling out our top ten are Michigan State defender Artyom Levshunov, spark plug center Berkly Catton, towering defender Anton Silayev, Denver defender Zeev Buium, and Western defender Carter Yakemchuk. Buium moves up from 15th at midseason thanks to his remarkable consistency all year long, in addition to a great Frozen Four performance for Denver. While Russian blueliner Silayev moves out of our top five after a lukewarm second half that saw his offensive production drop off.

Other players who have elevated their stock significantly include Norwegian defender Stian Solberg, Oshawa winger Beckett Sennecke, NTDP defender EJ Emery, Finnish power forward Julius Miettinen, offensive blueliner Cole Hutson, gritty Barrie forward Cole Beaudoin, Oshawa defender Ben Danford, and speedy Brantford winger Marek Vanacker. Solberg jumps up over 30 spots, springboarding into our first round after a terrific second half in the Norwegian men’s league, followed by an eye-opening performance at the men’s World Championships. The athletic and projectable Sennecke also makes a huge jump, from the late first to the earlier first after an outstanding second half and playoff performance for Oshawa, helping the team make the OHL finals.

Other players who have seen their stock drop include Henry Mews, Adam Jecho, Maxim Masse, Raoul Boilard, Jesse Pulkkinen, Aron Kiviharju, and Simon Zether. Ottawa defender Henry Mews has fallen out of our first round due to consistency and defensive engagement concerns. We still value his upside but believe other players have had stronger second half pushes. The same can be said about Finnish defender Aron Kiviharju. Injuries derailed his development this year and his performance at the U18’s (albeit coming off a long layoff) was uninspiring.

As far as goaltenders go, none cracked our top 50. We love the depth for the position this year, and as such, we would feel more comfortable waiting longer to select our first netminder in 2024. Owen Sound’s Carter George, and Russian netminders Pavel Moysevich and Mikhail Yegorov are our top netminders.

Overall, the strength of this draft crop has really grown on us as a scouting team. Early on in the season, we weren’t enamored with the quality of top end players available, nor the depth. The defenseman group available has always been deemed as strong, but what has really elevated this crop is the fact that so many forwards finished the year well, altering their projection and draft standing. We feel that those drafting inside the top 20 have a great chance of grabbing a high impact player.

Look for the release of our 2024 Draft Guide soon (Week of June 10^th). It will include all of our rankings and reports, a mock draft, a preview of the 2025 NHL Draft, and much more.

Subscribers can see the full Top 300 Ranking here.

If you are interested in a subscription, you can learn more here.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	HT/WT	DOB	TEAM	GP	G/GAA	A/SV%	PTS	PIM
1	Macklin Celebrini	C	6-0/190	13-Jun-06	Boston University (HE)	38	32	32	64	18
2	Ivan Demidov	RW	5-11/180	10-Dec-05	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	30	23	37	60	20
3	Sam Dickinson	D	6-3/200	7-Jun-06	London (OHL)	68	18	52	70	30
4	Cayden Lindstrom	C	6-3/210	3-Feb-06	Medicine Hat (WHL)	32	27	19	46	66
5	Tij Iginla	C	6-0/185	1-Aug-06	Kelowna (WHL)	64	47	37	84	35
6	Artyom Levshunov	D	6-2/205	28-Oct-05	Michigan State (B1G)	38	9	26	35	44
7	Berkly Catton	C	5-10/170	14-Jan-06	Spokane (WHL)	68	54	62	116	41
8	Anton Silayev	D	6-7/210	11-Apr-06	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	63	3	8	11	10
9	Zeev Buium	D	6-0/185	7-Dec-05	Denver (NCHC)	42	11	39	50	20
10	Carter Yakemchuk	D	6-3/200	29-Sep-05	Calgary (WHL)	66	30	41	71	120
11	Zayne Parekh	D	6-0/180	15-Feb-06	Saginaw (OHL)	66	33	63	96	64
12	Michael Hage	C	6-0/190	14-Apr-06	Chicago (USHL)	54	33	42	75	53
13	Konsta Helenius	C	5-11/180	11-May-06	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	51	14	22	36	10
14	Beckett Sennecke	RW	6-2/175	28-Jan-06	Oshawa (OHL)	63	27	41	68	67
15	Cole Eiserman	LW	6-0/195	29-Aug-06	USN U18 (USDP)	57	58	31	89	34
16	Michael Brandsegg-Nygard	RW	6-1/195	5-Oct-05	Mora (Allsvenskan)	41	8	10	18	19
17	Liam Greentree	RW	6-2/210	1-Jan-06	Windsor (OHL)	64	36	54	90	33
18	Trevor Connelly	LW	6-0/160	28-Feb-06	Tri-City (USHL)	52	31	47	78	88
19	Alfons Freij	D	6-0/185	12-Feb-06	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	40	14	19	33	14
20	EJ Emery	D	6-3/185	30-Mar-06	USN U18 (USDP)	61	0	16	16	61
21	Jett Luchanko	C	5-11/185	21-Aug-06	Guelph (OHL)	68	20	54	74	36
22	Harrison Brunicke	D	6-2/185	8-May-06	Kamloops (WHL)	49	10	11	21	47
23	Stian Solberg	D	6-2/195	29-Dec-05	Valerenga (Norway)	42	5	10	15	47
24	Adam Jiricek	D	6-2/180	28-Jun-06	Plzen (Czechia)	19	0	1	1	2
25	Emil Hemming	RW	6-1/200	27-Jun-06	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	40	7	4	11	0
26	Ryder Ritchie	RW	6-0/175	3-Aug-06	Prince Albert (WHL)	47	19	25	44	24
27	Dominik Badinka	D	6-3/185	27-Nov-05	Malmo (SHL)	33	1	3	4	6
28	Sacha Boisvert	C	6-2/180	17-Mar-06	Muskegon (USHL)	61	36	32	68	86
29	Julius Miettinen	C	6-2/205	20-Jan-06	Everett (WHL)	66	31	36	67	32
30	Yegor Surin	C	6-1/190	1-Aug-06	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	42	22	30	52	108
31	Leo Sahlin Wallenius	D	5-11/175	10-Apr-06	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	43	11	31	42	38
32	Marek Vanacker	LW	6-0/175	12-Apr-06	Brantford (OHL)	68	36	46	82	55

2024 NHL DRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON TOP 100 – Celebrini sits comfortably on top – Demidov and Parekh among risers in ranking – Strong defense group defines this draft class

Brock Otten — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:58:41 +0000

It’s time to update and expand our 2024 NHL Draft rankings. Since our preliminary ranking in December, we’ve passed some major events on the scouting calendar, like the World Juniors, CHL Top Prospect’s Game, World Junior A Challenge, and the USA Hockey All American Game.

Macklin Celebrini still sits comfortably at the top of our rankings. Not only has he continued to be a difference maker for Boston University, but he was also a solid contributor at the World Juniors for an underwhelming Canadian team, an impressive feat for a double underager. In our opinion, he is unquestionably the top prospect available this year and is the one player we view as a near surefire high impact player at the NHL level.

One player moving up our ranking inside the top ten is Ivan Demidov. While ice time issues have limited his impact at the KHL level, he has been an absolute monster at the MHL level and in a draft that we feel lacks high end upside, he stands out as a potential difference maker. One player falling inside of our top ten is Cole Eiserman. While the goal scoring ability is unquestionably impressive, we’ve been left wanting more from the rest of his game and feel that his development is showing signs of plateauing.

Saginaw defenseman Zayne Parekh is another big-time mover and shaker for us as he pushes his way inside the top ten. At this point, his production and offensive upside is too vast to ignore. Yes, there are questions regarding his defensive game. Yes, there are questions about how he fits into an NHL system given Saginaw’s unique modern approach. However, the skill and sense are so high end that we believe the reward outweighs the risk.

Other movers and shakers include Jett Luchanko (40th to 18th), Alfons Freij (32nd to 21st), Harrison Brunicke (HM to 25th), and Dom Badinka (58th to 28th). Luchanko is a speedy, playmaking pivot who brings consistent effort in all three zones. As he bulks up, he should be able to become a more consistent point producer. Freij has been terrific internationally this year for the Swedish U18 team and is starting to remind us of Tom Willander in regard to his steady presence on the ice at both ends. Brunicke is a very mobile, right-handed shot defender with size who remains a work in progress. He flashes high end skill and upside in the defensive end, and we believe that he is just scratching the surface of what he is capable of. Dom Badinka has a similar profile to Freij in the sense that he has a very projectable frame and skill set. He has been steadily improving in the SHL this year with Malmo and the Czech blueliner projects as an all situations top four, right shot blueliner.

Overall, 2024 is still holding strong as a quality draft for defenders. In fact, 14 of our first round graded players are defenseman. On the other hand, the strength of this goaltending crop remains to be seen. OHL netminders Carter George and Ryerson Leenders remain our top ranked goalies and the only ones inside of our Top 70. There are others pushing up the list (like NTDP netminder Nick Kempf and WHL re-entry Lukas Matecha), but it’s not looking like the ideal year to use a high pick on a stopper.

In the coming weeks, expect to see a podcast on our new YT channel (here), where Director of Scouting, Brock Otten, Associate Director of Scouting, Derek Neumeier, and Director of Video Scouting, Josh Bell, debate the midseason list and provide some insight into why certain players are ranked where they are.

RK	Name	POS	TEAM	GP	G/GAA	A/SV%	TP	PIM	HT/WT	DOB
1	Macklin Celebrini	C	Boston University (HE)	25	22	19	41	10	6-0/190	13-Jun-06
2	Sam Dickinson	D	London (OHL)	52	14	39	53	24	6-3/195	7-Jun-06
3	Ivan Demidov	RW	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	23	20	25	45	16	5-11/170	10-Dec-05
4	Anton Silayev	D	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	57	3	8	11	8	6-7/210	11-Apr-06
5	Cayden Lindstrom	C	Medicine Hat (WHL)	32	27	19	46	66	6-4/215	3-Feb-06
6	Berkly Catton	C	Spokane (WHL)	49	38	44	82	37	5-11/170	14-Jan-06
7	Artyom Levshunov	D	Michigan State (B1G)	30	8	20	28	40	6-2/200	28-Oct-05
8	Konsta Helenius	C	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	40	12	19	31	6	5-11/180	11-May-06
9	Cole Eiserman	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	37	38	22	60	28	6-0/195	29-Aug-06
10	Zayne Parekh	D	Saginaw (OHL)	49	25	49	74	40	6-0/180	15-Feb-06
11	Carter Yakemchuk	D	Calgary (WHL)	48	24	29	53	95	6-3/190	29-Sep-05
12	Tij Iginla	C	Kelowna (WHL)	48	35	28	63	25	6-0/185	1-Aug-06
13	Liam Greentree	RW	Windsor (OHL)	46	28	41	69	25	6-2/200	1-Jan-06
14	Trevor Connelly	LW	Tri-City (USHL)	34	17	31	48	40	6-1/160	28-Feb-06
15	Zeev Buium	D	Denver (NCHC)	26	7	27	34	16	6-0/185	7-Dec-05
16	Michael Brandsegg Nygard	RW	Mora (Allsvenskan)	32	6	7	13	14	6-1/195	5-Oct-05
17	Adam Jiříček	D	HC Plzen (Czechia)	19	0	1	1	2	6-2/175	28-Jun-06
18	Jett Luchanko	C	Guelph (OHL)	50	17	37	54	32	5-11/185	21-Aug-06
19	Matvei Shuravin	D	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	22	0	7	7	26	6-2/170	22-Mar-06
20	Michael Hage	C	Chicago (USHL)	37	21	23	44	35	6-1/190	14-Apr-06
21	Alfons Freij	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	33	11	15	26	12	6-1/190	12-Feb-06
22	Emil Hemming	RW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	35	7	4	11	0	6-1/200	27-Jun-06
23	Ryder Ritchie	RW	Prince Albert (WHL)	34	13	18	31	16	6-0/175	3-Aug-06
24	Sacha Boisvert	C	Muskegon (USHL)	41	27	18	45	42	6-2/180	17-Mar-06
25	Harrison Brunicke	D	Kamloops (WHL)	46	10	11	21	45	6-3/185	8-May-06
26	Andrew Basha	LW	Medicine Hat (WHL)	47	23	44	67	32	6-0/185	8-Nov-05
27	Henry Mews	D	Ottawa (OHL)	46	8	34	42	46	6-0/185	9-Mar-06
28	Dom Badinka	D	Malmo (Swe J20)	15	2	10	12	39	6-3/185	27-Nov-05
29	Beckett Sennecke	RW	Oshawa (OHL)	46	19	26	45	53	6-2/180	28-Jan-06
30	Igor Chernyshov	LW	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	18	10	14	24	8	6-2/190	30-Nov-05
31	E.J. Emery	D	USN U18 (USDP)	41	0	10	10	51	6-3/185	30-Mar-06
32	Leo Sahlin Wallenius	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	34	7	23	30	30	6-0/180	10-Apr-06
33	Dean Letourneau	C	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	14	14	11	25	6	6-7/210	21-Feb-06
34	Yegor Surin	C	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	37	19	27	46	104	6-1/190	1-Aug-06
35	Adam Jecho	C	Edmonton (WHL)	38	15	17	32	18	6-5/200	24-Mar-06
36	Maxim Massé	RW	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	51	26	26	52	16	6-2/190	7-Apr-06
37	Lucas Pettersson	C	MoDo Hockey (Swe J20)	36	20	23	43	38	5-11/170	17-Apr-06
38	Charlie Elick	D	Brandon (WHL)	51	4	19	23	47	6-3/200	17-Jan-06
39	Raoul Boilard	C	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	52	21	31	52	32	6-2/190	7-Jan-06
40	Matvei Gridin	RW	Muskegon (USHL)	41	20	30	50	28	6-1/185	1-Mar-06
41	Nikita Artamonov	LW	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	48	7	15	22	12	5-11/185	17-Nov-05
42	Jesse Pulkkinen	D	JYP (Fin-U20)	18	11	17	28	47	6-6/215	27-Dec-04
43	Leon Muggli	D	Zug (Sui-NL)	4	0	2	2	4	6-0/165	9-Jul-06
44	Teddy Stiga	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	41	24	25	49	26	5-10/155	5-Apr-06
45	Aron Kiviharju	D	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	7	1	1	2	0	5-10/165	25-Jan-06
46	Miguel Marques	RW	Lethbridge (WHL)	50	22	37	59	47	5-11/170	8-Mar-06
47	John Mustard	C	Waterloo (USHL)	39	22	18	40	22	6-0/185	16-Aug-06
48	Lukas Fischer	D	Sarnia (OHL)	52	4	22	26	50	6-4/180	6-Sep-06
49	Simon Zether	C	Rogle (Swe J20)	17	11	16	27	25	6-3/185	18-Oct-05
50	Luke Misa	C	Mississauga (OHL)	51	21	46	67	8	5-10/175	25-Nov-05
51	Sebastian Soini	D	Ilves (Fin-U20)	8	0	0	0	8	6-2/195	10-Jun-06
52	Carson Wetsch	RW	Calgary (WHL)	49	19	20	39	53	6-2/185	4-May-06
53	Terik Parascak	RW	Prince George (WHL)	52	31	42	73	37	5-11/180	28-May-06
54	Christian Humphreys	C	USN U18 (USDP)	35	15	25	40	14	5-11/170	4-Feb-06
55	Cole Hutson	D	USN U18 (USDP)	41	11	26	37	44	5-10/160	28-Jun-06
56	Cole Beaudoin	C	Barrie (OHL)	48	23	25	48	23	6-2/200	24-Apr-06
57	Marek Vanacker	LW	Brantford (OHL)	51	27	34	61	41	6-0/165	12-Apr-06
58	Stian Solberg	D	Vålerenga (Nor)	34	3	9	12	12	6-2/200	29-Dec-06
59	Herman Traff	RW	HV71 (Swe J20)	22	11	7	18	69	6-3/195	31-Dec-05
60	Kamil Bednarik	C	USN U18 (USDP)	41	18	25	43	40	6-0/185	26-May-06
61	Tomáš Galvas	D	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia)	26	2	4	6	6	5-10/150	11-Feb-06
62	Carter George	G	Owen Sound (OHL)	41	3.09	0.914	-	-	6-0/160	20-May-06
63	Ryerson Leenders	G	Mississauga (OHL)	38	3.19	0.909	-	-	6-1/175	1-Jun-06
64	Tanner Howe	LW	Regina (WHL)	52	24	38	62	48	5-11/180	28-Nov-05
65	Colton Roberts	D	Vancouver (WHL)	50	7	17	24	45	6-4/195	8-Jun-06
66	Ben Danford	D	Oshawa (OHL)	51	1	30	31	21	6-0/175	6-Feb-06
67	Eriks Mateiko	LW	Saint John (QMJHL)	40	19	19	38	18	6-4/210	18-Nov-05
68	Daniil Ustinkov	D	ZSC (Sui-NL)	18	0	1	1	0	6-0/200	26-Aug-06
69	Veeti Vaisanen	D	KooKoo (Fin-Liiga)	40	2	7	9	12	6-0/175	15-Feb-06
70	Clarke Caswell	C	Swift Current (WHL)	51	16	37	53	14	5-11/170	2-Feb-06
71	Jakub Fibigr	D	Mississauga (OHL)	44	6	20	26	33	6-0/170	22-Jul-06
72	Ondrej Kos	LW	KOOVEE (Fin-Liiga)	14	3	2	5	8	6-1/150	7-Mar-06
73	Sam O'Reilly	RW	London (OHL)	52	15	30	45	24	6-1/175	30-Mar-06
74	Jack Berglund	C	Färjestad BK (Swe J20)	37	14	18	32	18	6-3/210	10-Apr-06
75	Linus Eriksson	C	Djurgardens IF (Swe J20)	24	5	16	21	8	6-0/185	23-Mar-06
76	Tarin Smith	D	Everett (WHL)	54	7	30	37	45	6-1/175	24-Mar-06
77	Nick Kempf	G	USN U18 (USDP)	22	3.02	0.901			6-2/190	1-Mar-06
78	Melvin Fernstrom	RW	Örebro HK (Swe J20)	38	26	28	54	26	6-1/185	28-Feb-06
79	Alexander Zetterberg	C	Örebro HK J20	35	19	27	46	10	5-9/160	27-Apr-06
80	Spencer Gill	D	Rimouski (QMJHL)	50	9	23	32	50	6-3/180	17-Aug-06
81	Kevin He	LW	Niagara (OHL)	51	26	18	44	47	5-11/185	30-Apr-06
82	Aatos Koivu	C	TPS (Fin-U20)	23	15	14	29	28	6-0/165	22-Jun-06
83	Will Skahan	D	USN U18 (USDP)	40	2	7	9	63	6-4/210	14-May-06
84	Justin Poirier	RW	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	52	40	20	60	58	5-8/185	4-Sep-06
85	Maxmilian Curran	C	Tri-City (WHL)	40	5	27	32	25	6-3/190	27-Aug-06
86	Tory Pitner	D	Youngstown (USHL)	33	7	14	21	34	6-1/185	6-Mar-06
87	Lukas Matecha	G	Tri-City (WHL)	29	3.14	0.910			6-3/195	21-Mar-05
88	Brodie Ziemer	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	41	20	22	42	14	5-10/190	22-Feb-06
89	Niilopekka Muhonen	D	KalPa (Fin U20)	25	4	6	10		6-4/185	28-Feb-06
90	Anthony Romani	D	North Bay (OHL)	51	44	40	84	16	6-0/180	12-Jul-05
91	Julius Miettinen	RW	Everett (WHL)	53	22	24	46	30	6-3/205	20-Jan-06
92	Luca Marrelli	D	Oshawa (OHL)	50	2	38	40	14	6-1/185	4-Oct-05
93	Filip Sitar	C	Malmo (Swe J20)	33	12	31	43	10	5-11/175	29-Jun-05
94	Noel Fransen	D	Färjestad BK (Swe J20)	36	17	21	38	16	6-0/185	7-Dec-05
95	William Zellers	LW	Shattuck St. Marys (USHS-Prep)	43	41	43	84	20	5-10/165	4-Apr-06
96	Gabriel Eliasson	D	HV71 J20	27	0	3	3	81	6-6/205	9-Sep-06
97	Kim Saarinen	G	HPK (Fin-U20)	22	2.34	0.918			6-4/180	22-Jul-06
98	Max Vilen	D	Malmo (Swe J20)	39	1	12	13	8	6-2/200	29-Jun-06
99	Gabriel Frasca	C	Kingston (OHL)	26	9	9	18	10	6-0/170	18-Feb-06
100	Harrison Meneghin	G	Lethbridge (WHL)	41	2.46	0.922			6-3/165	13-Sep-06
HM	Tanner Adams	RW	Providence (NCAA)	27	5	12	17	2	5-11/185	2-Sep
HM	Alexandre Blais	C	Rimouski (QMJHL)	53	18	48	66	30	5-10/155	14-Nov-05
HM	Viggo Gustavsson	D	HV71 (Swe J20)	33	1	10	11	38	6-2/195	11-Sep-06
HM	Andrei Krutov	LW	Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)	35	15	24	39	10	5-11/175	25-Apr-06
HM	Darels Uljanskis	D	AIK (Swe J20)	35	7	16	23	14	6-1/185	25-Aug-06
HM	Pavel Moysevich	G	SKA St. Petersburg (VHL)	19	2.31	0.927			6-5/175	29-Sep-04
HM	Ondrej Becher	C	Prince George (WHL)	42	19	40	59	32	6-1/175	22-Feb-04
HM	Veit Oswald	RW	EHC Munchen (DEL)	32	8	4	12	0	6-1/165	31-Aug-04
HM	Nathan Villeneuve	C	Sudbury (OHL)	47	18	21	39	52	6-0/185	13-Apr-06
HM	Petr Sikora	C	HC Ocelari Trinec (Cze U20)	27	12	21	33	26	5-11/170	2-Jan-06
HM	Oskar Vuollet	C	Skelleftea AIK (Swe J20)	32	17	24	41	6	5-10/170	3-Dec-05
HM	Kenta Isogai	F	Wenatchee (WHL)	49	25	48	73	22	5-11/155	28-Aug-04
HM	Marcus Kearsey	D	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	51	5	32	37	14	5-11/170	17-03-06
HM	Nate Misskey	D	Victoria (WHL	40	6	26	32	52	6-3/210	1-Dec-05
HM	Thomas Desruisseaux	C	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	52	10	34	44	16	5-11/160	10-Mar-06
HM	Jonathan Morello	C	St. Michaels (OJHL)	44	23	27	50	20	6-1/175	31-Jul-06
HM	Kieron Walton	LW	Sudbury (OHL)	47	15	19	34	12	6-5/205	22-Apr-06
HM	Adam Kleber	D	Lincoln (USHL)	33	5	13	18	20	6-5/205	24-Mar-06
HM	Riley Patterson	C	Barrie (OHL)	49	18	27	45	4	6-0/175	22-Mar-06
HM	Eemil Vinni	G	JoKP (Fin-Liiga)	27	2.5	0.9	-	-	6-2/285	18-Dec-06