Kalle Carlsson – McKeen's Hockey

2024 NHL DRAFT: RE-ENTRY CANDIDATES – EUROPE

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:21:32 +0000

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

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

Last year, eight “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 110; Adam Gajan, Yegor Sidorov, Vadim Moroz, Florian Xhekaj, Cole Knuble, Patrick Thomas, Ty Mueller, and Bogdan Konyushkov. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1): (Part 2): (Part 3): We wrote about five of those eight. In total there were 40 taken, right around the trend of other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 40, we identified and wrote about 28 (well over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2024, we have some very interesting candidates. Maybe not at the level of Adam Gajan, who was nearly a first-round pick, but there are definitely a few players who could…and should go inside the Top 100. Finland’s Jesse Pulkkinen seems like the top candidate to go first among this group and has had a terrific year offensively. Tri-City netminder Lukas Matecha has been terrific in the WHL as an Import and played in this year’s CHL Top Prospect’s Game. North Bay’s Anthony Romani has been among the leaders in OHL scoring all season. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

This is part three of the series, putting the spotlight on those re-entries available from leagues across Europe.

Finland

LANDSHUT, GERMANY - MAY 1: Finland's Jere Lassila #28 stick handles the puck away from Czechia's Jan Gaspar #26 during Bronze Medal game action at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Fanatec Arena on April 30, 2022 in Landshut, Germany on May 1, 2022 (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Jesse Pulkkinen - Defense - JYP (Liiga)

Pulkkinen should be the first re-entry selected this season, the 6’6” defender has come leaps and bounds from last season where he put up only 4 assists in 43 games in Finland’s U20 junior league - this season he has 11 goals and 17 assists in 18 games in the same league. Safe to say his progression from last year has been significant. In the 29 Liiga games Pulkkinen has played this year, he hasn’t looked out of place and has screamed the word “potential” with his play. He has showcased his mobility at his size, and how he isn’t afraid of taking risks with the puck while activating from the blueline. He is quite aggressive defending and although his play can be inconsistent in the defensive end at times, his size and skating combo point to this being an area that he can improve on significantly post-draft. (Steven Graves)

Jere Lassila - Center - JYP (Liiga)

Team Finlands captian, and leading scorer at the 2024 World Juniors has enjoyed a fantastic season for JYP in Finland's best mens league where he has 26 points in 45 games. Twice passed over in the draft, 2024 will be the last year in which Lassila is eligible to be selected. Lassila is a very smart player who boasts great vision and work ethic on the ice. He is able to thread passes through multiple players with precision and accuracy. He has an incredible motor that just chugs along all game long - Lassila is proficient in winning his 50/50 puck battles even though his frame isn’t great. Lassila seems like a good bet to carve out a career as a bottom-6 energy guy in the NHL one day. (Steven Graves)

Benjamin Rautianen - Wing - Tappara U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

Rautianen, a 2005 born winger has been obliterating the Finnish U20 league this season. His 1.72 P/PG average ranks second in the league. He is very dangerous with the puck on his stick, able to weave through defenders, change directions quickly, and protect the puck at a high level. Rautianen is an offensive first player who is always trying to make something happen when the puck is on his stick. He could be worth the investment in the mid-late rounds of the draft if a team thinks he can continue to develop into a scoring winger at the NHL level. (Steven Graves)

Noa Vali - Goaltender - TPS (Liiga)

Vali is one of the more intriguing goaltending prospects in this year's class. He isn’t the biggest goalie standing at 6’1” but he is technically sound in how he positions himself for oncoming shots and is quite athletic in the net, never giving up on a play and always trying to make a save. Although his numbers don’t look amazing this season, for a goaltender his junior to get as many reps in the Liiga as he has - you can’t help but be impressed at what TPS has entrusted him with. Vali won’t be the first goalie off the board, but could definitely hear his name called in 2024, after being passed over completely in 2023. (Steven Graves)

Kasper Lundell - Center - HPK (Liiga)

Florida Panthers centreman Anton Lundell’s younger brother is in his second last year of draft eligibility in 2024. Kasper is a similar player to his older brother in that he is a strong two-way center that lacks foot speed. But what he lacks for in foot speed he makes up for with how he anticipates and reads plays at both ends of the rink. Kasper is great at putting himself into excellent positions at both ends of the rink, this allows him to nullify plays in the defensive zone and also be an important piece in transition as a trailing forward. The questions persist with Lundell as they always have, “what can he be at the NHL level?” And I don’t think we’re closer to that answer this year like in years past. (Steven Graves)

Janne Naukkarinen - Center/Wing - SaiPa (Liiga)

Naukkarinen has sort of come out of nowhere to become a productive player in the Liiga this season. The 6’1 forward has really impressed with his consistency, vision, smarts, skating ability and playmaking. While it’s unclear what kind of player he can develop into, he has an intriguing physical profile and set of skills to grab an NHL teams attention ahead of the 2024 draft. (Steven Graves)

Peetu Kiukas - Defense - SaiPa (Liiga)

Kiukas has enjoyed himself a stellar offensive season from the blueline this season and because of it he may have found himself on NHL team’s radars. Kiukas is a slick offensive blueliner that is able to facilitate offence in an efficient manner from the blueline. He is great at moving the puck, so naturally his first pass and puck retrievals are some of his best assets. He is a bit on the shorter side for a defender, standing at only 5’11” but he is a competent defender in the Liiga, even if he has his warts from time to time. (Steven Graves)

Nestor Noiva - Wing - Assat (Liiga)

Noiva is a fascinating prospect for this year's draft. He struggled to produce at a high rate in Finland’s under 20 league this season as one of the older players in the league but once he played against men he didn’t look out of place, at all. Noiva has, in his arsenal, a very good snapshot, and if given time and space will make you pay. He is also a hound around the goal mouth, not afraid to get his nose dirty to corral a rebound. He is a player I think teams are going to appreciate. I think in three years’ time he could continue to develop into a hard nose bottom six player in the NHL. (Steven Graves)

Santeri Huovila - Wing - JYP U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

The leading scorer in Finland’s under 20 league has consistently shown flashes of offensive brilliance this season. But the question has to be asked if it is because he is developing, or if he is playing inferior competition? He has struggled to produce at Liiga level, although he just recently earned a contract extension with JYP and stands to earn more ice time next season. He is an aggressive offensive weapon who is always looking to score and create offense while on the ice. As a double overager for this draft, Huovila hopes he has shown enough offensive promise that an NHL team picks him in hopes he can harness that promise in the NHL one day. (Steven Graves)

Sweden

Luleås Isac Hedqvist under ishockeymatchen i SHL mellan Växjö och Luleå den 30 januari 2024 i Växjö.
Foto: Jonas Ljungdahl / BILDBYRÅN

Filip Sitar - Center/Wing - Malmo J20

After making the jump from AIK of the Allsvenskan to Malmo of the SHL, Sitar finds himself in a similar situation as last year. He has been piling on the points in the J20 but hasn’t had more than a cup of coffee with the senior team. He is still very intelligent and reads the ice exceptionally well. He still positions himself well off the puck and keeps an active defensive stick. The skating has even taken a step in the right direction, though there is still a way to go there. However, he is still being forced to the perimeter due to a lack of physical strength and intensity. His playmaking and passing ideas are quite good, yet there is a lack of precision on the execution. There is still a lot of room for growth, and betting on high IQ players gaining muscle and improving quickness isn’t completely ridiculous. However, teams must decide if the offensive upside is good enough to take a flyer on. (Felix Robbins)

Frans Haara - Defense - Skellfteå AIK (SHL)

While spending the year mostly a J20/SHL tweener, Haara got a nice long look in the top four of the senior squad filling in for an injured Axel Sandin-Pellika. He’s a mobile puck moving RHD who can skate it coast to coast and who looks comfortable jumping up as a 4th F on the rush as well. Straight line attacker lacks a bit of dimension/layers. A decent passer but wouldn’t say he’s much of a playmaker. He does have a booming shot, which he uses to generate a bit of offence. Haara seems to put a great deal of focus on play in his own zone at the SHL level, while showing much more offensive risk in the J20. He has the mobility to activate into play more than he does but chooses not to. I admire his commitment to playing a more well-rounded game. While his mobility is quite good and he’ll be a solid defender once he gets stronger, I wonder if he’s shown enough upside to entice NHL teams to take a flyer on him. However, right-shot defencemen are always coveted assets. Maybe he continues to build his 2-way game up from his strong skating and tops out as a bottom pair defensive puck mover – if he’s lucky. (Felix Robbins)

Svante Sjodin - Center - Orebro HK (SHL)

The youngest player eligible for the 2023 draft didn’t show enough to get drafted, but that may have been for the best. He was incredibly unrefined, but the straight-line skating and the work ethic was undeniable. This year, a clearer picture of what type of player Sjödin will be at higher levels has started to emerge. He’s added some delay to his skating patterns, so his rush attacks aren’t as predictable. He’s grown an inch and added a bit of muscle, helping him out-grind foes for possession along the wall and for prime netfront real estate. These promising steps have seen his point production in the J20 triple what it was last year. However, it was Sjödin’s contagious energy and his effort in the defensive zone that landed him a role with the senior club. With the steps he’s already taken this year combined with the fact that he’s got a ton of developmental runway left, I’m sure NHL teams are taking a good long look at Sjödin for a late round swing. (Felix Robbins)

Hugo Lejon - Wing - Vasterås IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Despite an impressive draft year campaign, the very skilled (but very raw) Hugo Lejon didn’t get his name called by any NHL clubs in 2023. He has bounced right back, putting up an obscene number of points in the J20 and earned an extended stay with the Västerås senior club. While the good parts of his tactical playmaking and deceptive on-puck game are still there, some positive growth has given more reason for optimism. His skating has taken a step, he’s showing more determination and a willingness to battle, and he’s getting more involved in play outside of the offensive zone - at least at the HockeyAllsvenskan level. He’s also developed some nice zing to his wrister, something that was missing from his offensive arsenal last year. Despite the encouraging signs, Lejon is still far from a finished product. His physical game still needs a good amount of work, and he could always get quicker. I think that with the improvement Lejon has shown this year, NHL teams would be wise to scoop him up before he becomes too hot of a commodity. (Felix Robbins)

David Granberg - Center - Luleå HF (SHL)

After a paltry draft year splitting time across multiple levels of play, Granberg took on a great deal more responsibility this year and has looked solid all the way. He’s worn the “C” for the Luleå J20 squad (scoring over a point per game doing so), done a stint with Piteå HC in the HockeyEttan, and had a taste of SHL action. The most consistent aspect of young Granberg’s play across multiple levels of hockey this season has been his strong commitment to his defensive game. He plays low, helping out his defensemen battle for retrievals and to provide a relief outlet to get breakouts started. He positions himself smartly away from the puck, reading play alertly and reacting appropriately. However, his offensive zone off-puck movement and willingness to drive to the net, which lead to so much of his production at the J20, hasn’t shown up at higher levels. He lacks the quickness and the strength to create space for himself. He lacks the hands, the creativity and the deception to do so for others. Granberg is an intelligent player with good physical habits and strong defensive instincts, but I worry that he may not have the offensive upside that NHL teams are looking for. If he can find some sort of space creator for himself in the SHL or learn how to be a more effective garbage collector, he may be worth taking a flyer on. (Felix Robbins)

Isac Hedqvist - Wing - Luleå HF (SHL)

It became very apparent very quickly that Isac Hedqvist was a standout prospect in an already deep Swedish prospect pool in 2023, yet he wasn’t selected by an NHL team. This year, Hedqvist has made those same teams look very foolish by bulldozing competition in the juniors and seizing an everyday spot on Luleå’s senior squad. His excellent motor is still running. He’s still quick on his feet. He’s still inside driven. He’s still tenacious in possession battles and never shies away from physical confrontation. His playmaking has taken a big jump. He sees passing lanes open up at their earliest and executes with precision. I love his involvement in all three zones, and he’s so dang feisty and competitive. I wouldn’t worry about his point totals in the SHL - His offensive contribution will come alongside physical maturation. Plus, he hit his previous year’s J20 point total in 20 less games. He could, however, stand to add some zing to his shot. Otherwise, I have nothing but praises to sing about Hedqvist. He is a stud of a prospect and really should have been drafted the 1st time. Hopefully NHL teams come to their senses and don’t make the same mistake twice. (Felix Robbins)

Isac Born - Center/Wing - Frolunda HC (SHL)

In his 3rd year of eligibility and enjoying his first full year with the Frolunda senior club, we have a pretty good idea of who Isac Born is. He brings a ton of energy to the lineup. He is a very strong skater who plays with a lot of pace. He gets his feet moving and keeps an active stick to mount pressure on puck carriers on the forecheck and in the defensive zone. He can generate some offence by carrying the puck in transition, slipping past defenders and funneling pucks to the net. Despite his excellent skating, he has a hard time moving off puck to get open, both in transition and on offence. As a result, he doesn’t get hit with many passes - most of his offensive possession time comes from grinding for pucks along the wall. At this point, it’s hard to see a path to North America for Born. He’s topping out as a bottom six energy forward with limited offensive production in the SHL, which doesn’t bode well for his NHL upside. You’ve got to really believe in his skating and work ethic to have him on your list for the upcoming draft. (Felix Robbins)

Lucas Nordstrom - Defense - Leksands IF J20

For a kid who didn’t play in the J20 at all in his draft year, Nordstrom has got a clean handle on the level of play. He’s an incredibly smooth skater with solid 4-way mobility. He’s calm, self-aware, and reads plays well. He looks very comfortable skating the puck out of his zone in transition and activating into play below the blue line. He keeps a clean gap and has a good, active stick. He definitely needs to pack on some pounds, as he’s ineffective at clearing the crease and physically knocking guys off the puck. He does have a willingness to battle, though. For someone who should profile as an offensive puck mover, the offence is limited. He tends to keep his passes short and simple, not showing much risk or creativity to his playmaking. He doesn’t show much deception or manipulation, and his hands are quite average. It’s rare to see a defensive puck mover make it in the NHL at his size, but the skating, the smarts and the physical/board play habits give reason for optimism. Nordstrom is an intriguing prospect, but he’s also still quite raw. NHL teams considering drafting him must be patient, as he’ll have a long developmental road ahead of him. (Felix Robbins)

Hugo Fransson - Defense - HV71 (SHL)

After a pair of rather disappointing years of draft eligibility, Fransson has finally had a stellar one his 3rd time around. He’s been playing pro all year long, splitting time between Nybro Vikings of the HockeyAllsvenskan, where he’s been very productive (4G, 13A in 26 GP), and HV71 of the SHL, where he’s been focused on his defensive and transitional play. Fransson is a smooth skating, mobile, offensive defenceman with solid defensive habits. He does a great job keeping his feet moving and instigating physically when engaging his man. When he’s not the first one in on retrievals, he makes sure to support his partner by staying close and open for a pass. Fransson has great vision. More than a few of his points this season have come from hard passes from his end to spring a streaking teammate for a breakaway. He’s also more than comfortable pinching and activating into play below the blue line, thanks to his excellent hands and agility. Fransson has shown he can be a very confident and dangerous playmaker who could probably distribute some pucks on a 2nd PP unit. Fransson isn’t perfect, however. He still needs to add a bit of mass to his fairly average frame, and sometimes the decision making after he’s retrieved pucks in his own end isn’t always great. Still, the pros outweigh the cons. Fransson is a very exciting offensive defenceman who is far from a liability in his own end. He can impact play in all 3 zones, and probably score a bunch of points while doing so. I think he’d be an incredibly intriguing option in the later rounds for NHL teams who need close-to-ready defensive depth with some offensive upside. (Felix Robbins)

Simon Carlsson - Goaltender - AIK J20

Carlsson gives his team a chance to win every night, and it shows in his numbers with AIK’s J20 squad. Watching him play tells more of the story. Stellar rebound control. Pucks shot at the chest and glove are swallowed up and never to be seen again. Kept a tight crease, no wild movements or adventures. Stays composed overall but can look a bit antsy when moving from the top of his crease and backwards. Could use a bit more agility, his lateral strides were consistently short and lacked power. He was able to mitigate that with some good athleticism/flexibility. Reads play very well, even through traffic. Goalies are voodoo, but Carlsson shows good habits and has a cool temperament. NHL teams could take a chance on him in the later rounds and let him marinate in Sweden - he might be something after a few years of pro hockey experience. (Felix Robbins)

Kalle Carlsson - Center - Örebro HK J20

Another year, another very productive season in the J20 for Carlsson. Will it be enough to get selected this time around? He has great vision and some interesting and creative playmaking ideas. I like the way he moves around the offensive zone, always on the hunt for some soft ice. He’s got nice hands that he uses to dance the puck around defenders sticks and come away with possession. Not sure it’ll ever be a separation tool, but he displays good patience and manipulation skills. His skating quickness is still not where it needs to be to be in the driver’s seat when on-puck, or to keep up with play off-puck. Instead, he relies on his hockey sense to read play and anticipate where the puck will end up, and paths accordingly. Same story on defence - he positions himself smartly in anticipation of incoming passes or skaters and uses a good stick to intercept the puck. While that is a nice workaround in many static situations, it renders him rather invisible in transition, limiting his impact on play as a whole. He’s also got to pack some more meat on his bones, as some pure strength would be a difference maker in forechecking and defensive situations. I think Carlsson’s intelligence, creativity and playmaking ability are standout traits of his that should have scouts mulling over whether or not it’s worth taking a risk on him. However, the skating may simply not be good enough to warrant a pick. (Felix Robbins)

Hannes Hellberg - Wing - Vasterås IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

In his first full professional season in the HockeyAllsvenskan, Hellberg has established himself as an offensive threat. He’s quite skilled on puck - he can chain moves together to open up passing lanes or to undress a goalie for a tap in goal. His wrister is a dangerous weapon for him up close and from a distance, and his release is quick. He doesn’t always see every potential play or pass option available to him, but there is still a decent amount of vision and awareness there. He’s got quick feet which helps his rush attack, though a tad more agility would really aid his ability to get around defenders. Despite his success on the offensive side of the puck, I didn’t find Hellberg’s involvement on defence or in transition too inspiring. He tends to let his teammates do most of the work along the wall, and he tends to cheat for offence along the opposing blue line too much for my liking. Compete and intensity is just as important as fine skill to team AND individual success. If he can figure out how to put even 20% more effort into his play in all three zones, I think Hellberg would be a very interesting option for teams looking for a skilled forward prospect in the later rounds. (Felix Robbins)

Russia

Pavel Moysevich - Goaltender - SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

The big Belarussian netminder (6’5) has been a revelation in the KHL this year, emerging as a potential star. He set the new save percentage record (.942) by a U20 player, beating Ilya Samsonov’s previous record of .936. NHL stars like Andrei Vasilevsky and Ilya Sorokin also find themselves on that list, putting Moysevich in some pretty impressive company. His size is so impressive. When he’s aggressive at the top of the blue paint, he gives shooters pretty much nothing, and when he collapses deep, he has great posture to remain upright, again, eating up space and making himself difficult to beat. He has quick pads for a bigger netminder and his rebound control is pretty refined for someone who is getting his first taste of the professional level. Being so slight, it’s obvious that he’ll need to improve his lower body strength to become more powerful in his pushes. He’s not the quickest post to post, relying on his sheer leg and wing span to make saves laterally. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of watching Matt Murray in his OHL draft year because of that. The upside here is tremendous and he should be ranked accordingly. (Brock Otten)

Ilya Ivantsov - Center - Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)

A player in his final year of draft eligibility, Ivantsov has taken that next step as a KHL player this season. His 35 points were fourth among U21 players and Ivantsov was the only player in the top six yet to be drafted. He shines defensively with exceptional awareness and positioning. His high hockey IQ allows him to anticipate plays and win puck battles despite his smaller stature. He utilizes impressive stickwork to disrupt plays and excels on the penalty kill. Offensively, he has some projectable talent with strong drives to the net and playmaking ability. However, inconsistency has been an issue, leading to hesitation with the puck and a lack of assertiveness. Further development in offensive confidence and physicality could unlock his full potential as a valuable two-way forward in a bottom-six role. (Josh Bell)

Nikita Telegin - Center - Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)

One of the MHL’s most improved players this year, Telegin offers a blend of finesse and physicality, making him a fairly versatile center. He’s a skilled puckhandler and an aggressive forechecker, impacting the game in all situations. He excels in faceoffs and provides a reliable, dependable presence on the ice. While not flashy offensively, Telegin has solid passing abilities and a surprising shot. He maintains excellent awareness, scanning for passing lanes, and pressuring opponents without the puck. However, his defensive game could benefit from bringing that forechecking pressure and improved lane coverage. Despite average skating, Telegin keeps pace with the play in most situations. His reliability and well-rounded skill set make him a potential candidate for bottom-six or depth roles. (Josh Bell)

Nikita Surayev - Wing - SKA (MHL)

When he was passed over last year, Surayev was one of the youngest players eligible (born September 12th). As one of the highest scoring players in the MHL this year, he’s put himself back on the draft radar. Surayev impresses with a dynamic blend of speed and skill. His puckhandling abilities, especially at high speeds, are noteworthy. His strong hockey IQ allows him to capitalize on scoring opportunities and excel in transition play. He does bring an impressive ability to put the puck in the net. Surayev does lack physical strength and needs to work on his defensive awareness and overall commitment though. If he can address these weaknesses, Surayev's offensive potential is promising, making him a prospect with NHL-depth upside. (Josh Bell)

Ilya Nabokov - Goaltender - Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

Another 2003 born player in his final year of draft eligibility, Nabokov has been a revelation in the KHL this season. Despite being slightly ‘undersized’ for a goaltender (6-foot, 179 pounds), Nabokov compensates with exceptional agility and athleticism. His strong positional awareness and anticipation skills are complemented by a quick glove hand and solid rebound control, limiting second chances. He has excelled in the KHL this season as a rookie and his impressive .930 save percentage is quite promising. His track record thus far leads me to believe that this isn’t a one-off season and the Russian netminder could very well be the real deal. Nabokov's raw talent and proven results in the KHL make him an intriguing goaltending prospect for a patient NHL team, despite going previously undrafted. (Josh Bell)

Dmitri Gamzin - Goaltender - CSKA Moskva (KHL)

Yup, you guessed it, another 2003 born player who has turned some heads this year. Gamzin shows off strong agility, reflexes, and anticipation skills, allowing him to make key saves and maintain a solid defensive stance. His technically sound game is complemented by impressive puck handling under pressure as well. He put up impressive statistics in the VHL (.922 SV%) and KHL (.937 SV%) this season, although I’d like to see him play with a heavier workload to really test how well he would translate to the NHL. His technical skills and athleticism make him a promising goalie, and he could be a late-round gamble for a team looking for some goalie prospect depth. (Josh Bell)

Mikhail Grass - Center - Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

In a matter of a year, Grass has gone from being an MHL support player to being one of the top young centers in the KHL, earning a three-year contract extension from Metallurg. That kind of progression is impressive, especially when you factor in that Grass is a 6’4, 200lbs center. It’s clear that his game is still very raw, but what’s he going to look like in three years when his KHL contract expires? The skating is still a work in progress. He builds to a solid top speed for a big man and actually has good edgework, but the first few steps are lumbering and lack power. He also can struggle to corral pucks or maintain possession at full speed, which makes one wonder about the skill upside. However, he’s already a competitive two-way player. He is dangerous in the slot and near the crease. He flashes a very heavy shot (even if his release needs some work), that gives him excellent scoring potential. While he’s probably a draft longshot, don’t count out NHL teams from being enamored with his size and two-way upside. (Brock Otten)

Vladimir Mikhalyov - Wing - Sibir Novosibirsk (KHL)

Mikhalyov was on a few draft lists last year after a good year in the MHL, but he’s been even more impressive this year, splitting time between the KHL and MHL. He’s flashed high end creativity and puck skill at the KHL level, even scoring a highlight reel between the legs goal. He’s also a very intelligent off puck player who times cuts well and who succeeds in high traffic areas despite having only average size/strength. Additionally, his skating looks to have taken a nice step forward this year, improving his projection and upside. The MHL stats won’t blow you away, but context is important; his team is low scoring. What is also important is how well he’s played in the KHL as a 19-year-old with limited ice time. If he’s not on the radar of NHL teams, he definitely should be. (Brock Otten)

Makar Khanin - Wing - Dynamo St. Petersburg (VHL)

Another 2005 born Russian forward who has taken huge steps forward this year. He’s gone from being an MHL depth player to being the highest scoring U20 player in the VHL, ahead of some NHL drafted players. He’s a high-end skill guy who is both creative and confident with the puck on his stick. More slippery than quick, he can keep the puck on a string to help him escape pressure in the offensive end. For an average sized guy, he’s not an extremely quick or dynamic skater. He’s also a pretty one-dimensional player at this point. But, that one dimension is pretty impressive. Khanin’s offensive upside is pretty significant and the rapid progression he has shown this year is bound to have drawn some eyeballs. (Brock Otten)

Amir Nugmanov - Wing - Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)

A longshot to be drafted because he’s undersized and not a dynamic skater, but Nugmanov deserves mention for his progression this year. One of the youngest players eligible last year, Nugmanov struggled to be an impact player at the MHL level and was never really on the draft radar. This year? He’s become a standout in the MHL and even earned a call up to the KHL level where he performed admirably. He makes up for a lack of elite size/strength/quickness by being tenacious. A tremendous forechecker, Nugmanov is quite the pest. He consistently forces turnovers with his energy and physicality, and he has the skill to capitalize on them. He also possesses a great wrist shot and a quick release, making him a quick strike player. Nugmanov is someone worth monitoring in the future. (Brock Otten)

Switzerland

Simone Terraneo - Defense - Ambrì Piotta - NL

One of the most appealing aspects of the Swiss NL is that it is chock full of former NHLers, even featuring players coming straight over from the NHL each and every season. And beyond that, the league attracts many of Europe’s top scorers every summer, plenty of whom are members of their respective national teams. Outside of the NHL, there may not be a league on the planet featuring this many pro athletes that were, at some point, an NHL property. So, when a young Swissman 21 or younger finds himself taking a regular shift in this league, it usually indicates that he’s someone NHL scouts have good reason to be watching. Enter Simone Terraneo, a defenseman in his DY+2 season who will nonetheless first turn 20 a day after the 2024 Draft concludes. When we first started taking notice of the 5’11”, 190-pound blueliner, he was captaining a disappointing Swiss U18 Worlds outfit in which he jumped out at us as the most competitive and overall effective player for his nation. There was little about his U20 league play that season that had us thinking he could perform at this level, but that’s exactly what he did in Kaufbeuren, Germany. And this had us very curious about his DY+1 season, which ended up being a resounding success. Terraneo proved far too good for the U20 circuit (22 points in 16 games) and suited up 35 times second leagueist Ticino Rockets, for whom he racked up 21 points. This pretty impressive performance, done entirely as an 18-year-old, did not lead to him being drafted, but it did secure an NL contract and he hasn’t looked back since. Mobile, physical, smart, and competitive, Terraneo has quietly put up 5 points and +3 in 34 games for a sub-.500 club while averaging a bit over 10 minutes of ice time per night. His 3 points and +3 at the WJC weren’t too shabby either. Seeing as how it took JJ Moser 3 years of eligibility to get drafted, we can see Terraneo sliding through once again, but he’s given the scouting world plenty of reason to give him a good hard look. (Chapin Landvogt)

Kevin Pasche - Goaltender - Lausanne - NL

At just 5’10”, 170-pounds, Pasche provides nothing in the way of ideal goaltending measurements, especially in a day and age where it’s commonplace to see 6’3” giants in goal, often even at the junior level. Instead, Pasche makes a living in the net with flashy hands and incredibly quick movements and slides. His legwork and balance, not only in stopping pucks, but batting them to the side boards, are often so lightning quick that you don’t notice he was actually down in the splits making a save because he’s right back up on his feet again in no time flat. His recovery time is simply fascinating. And when you’re his size, there aren’t many advantages to spending too much time on your knees, so he’s clearly made “recovery” a key component of his make-up. His numbers in two WJCs and an U18 Worlds won’t jump out at you in a particularly positive sense, but that he garnered the kind of trust from the program that saw him getting at least 3 outings in each of these three tournaments should. Now, before we get into the nitty gritty of why the scouting community simply can’t look past him at this point, it’s important to know that he’s playing his first pro season after two straight seasons with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. For a small Swiss netminder, that is a path less traveled. Heading into this season, it was felt he’d primarily be a second-league SL goaltender, likely platooning with fellow 21-year old Noah Patenaude, who spent three seasons in the QMJHL not long ago. Welp, a 9-4 record with a 1.76 GAA, 3 shutouts, and a .942 SV% quickly put an end to that. Joining NL club Lausanne at the end of October, Pasche has gone on to become the team’s 1A goaltender and almost hasn’t missed a beat, what with a 11-4-2 with a 2.10 GAA, 2 shutouts, and a .923 SV%. This makes him not only the top U25 goaltender in the league, but 5th overall in GAA and 6th overall in save percentage. The size will surely spook off a number of teams, if not a majority, but if Pasche were say 6’2”, it’s hard to imagine he’d slip through 7 rounds without hearing his name called. (Chapin Landvogt)

Tommaso de Luca - Center - Ambri-Piotta - NL

Italian U20 national team program center de Luca spent his draft year playing for the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL and truth be told, his 49 points in 65 games were not only good for 3rd in team scoring but were also clearly one of the better first year appearances a Swiss-trained player has had in Canadian juniors in recent years. There were voices out there who felt he was worthy of a late-round pick in last summer’s draft, even if we at McKeen’s were not one of them. There was then some surprise when de Luca decided not to remain in the WHL for another crack at it, especially in light of the continued opportunity to play with a talent like Berkly Catton. Seeing what’s become of import forwards Rasmus Ekström and Lukas Kral, we imagine Spokane surely wishes he had. But the call of pro-league payment in Switzerland can be a tempting one and de Luca has proven worthy of it, ultimately becoming one of the absolute few U20 players in the NL to find himself taking a regular shift. In fact, he’s now gotten into 35 games, having seen between 10-15 minutes of ice in 25 of them. He even collected a hat-trick in a recent outing. All in all, the former WHL playmaker now has nine goals and 16 points to go with a +1 for a team in the bottom third of the standings. If anything, de Luca’s performance has proven that he’s not only pro-ready, but capable of taking on responsibility. He’d have likely played more NL games this season, but represented Italy at the D1B WJC, where his 10 points in 5 games were good for 2nd on the team, tying him for 3rd in the tournament. Italy will host the D1A Men’s World Championships this spring and it’s hard to imagine that the decision makers would leave the most successful Italian scorer in the Swiss NL off the roster. (Chapin Landvogt)

Germany

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA - DECEMBER 28: Germany's Roman Kechter #24 celebrates at the bench with teammates after scoring a first period goal against Canada during Preliminary Round - Group A action at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Scotiabank Centre on December 28, 2022 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/IIHF)

Veit Oswald - Wing - Red Bull Munich - DEL

This is one of those seasons where someone who’s piqued our curiosity for several years now just simply arrives on the scene to make a convincing statement about what he’s all about. Now, we’ve talked about Veit Oswald in the past and were already feeling really good about him last fall, but this season has continued to unravel like a fairy tale ever since. And it’s one the 6’2” winger continues to be authoring with one feat after another. His climb from a solid lower line role last October and November, in which the youngster has gone from seeing between 8-12 to 15+ minutes of DEL ice time, has seen him pitted in all sorts of roles no-one could have possibly expected before the season, including some shifts here and there on the powerplay as well as in the waning moments of a tight lead. If anyone can be called the DEL’s shooting star, it’s Oswald! What has also made this season all that much more impressive is that he finally arrived on the scene internationally, serving as a key contributor to Germany’s successful effort to retain the class thanks to 3 goals, 5 points, 27 penalty minutes, and +1 in 4 contests, including several of the tournament’s absolute highlight reel goals. Before that, his name was surely just scribbled in the odd notebook here and there when his first year of draft eligibility saw him lead the German DNL in scoring and then earn a spot on the U18 team for a World’s tourney held right in his hometown of Landshut. His 3 points in 4 games there tied him for second in team scoring. He then entered the pro ranks the season thereafter, where he was solid in the country’s 3rd pro circuit, getting into 25 under-the-radar contests with Munich in the DEL (3 assists). That was accompanied by last winter’s WJC appearance, in which he had 2 points for a terribly low-scoring German side. Since coming home from Sweden in January, he’s taken his game to the next level. Four goals and 7 points in 10 games have accompanied a +5 rating, giving him 9 goals, 14 points, and a +4 in 38 total games to date. He was also selected to be part of a special Team Germany U25 outfit that looked mighty promising in several test games against the Slovakian national team earlier this month. Full of flair, possessing a strong motor, and constantly finding himself in the right place, it’s all but certain that Oswald will hear his name called at this summer’s draft, which will be a DY+2 affair for him. Despite that, a nice treat on top is that he first turns 20 on August 31st. We won’t be surprised if it’s with a DEL championship in his pocket. (Chapin Landvogt)

Roman Kechter - Wing/Center - Nuremberg Ice Tigers - DEL

Roman Kechter is a player we first talked about when he was 16 and found himself suiting up for 21 DEL games in the league’s pandemic-shortened 20-21 season, one in which admittedly many U21 players found themselves playing as cost-saving measures, if nothing else. Still, this made him one of the youngest players the league had ever seen. Also, he was coming in from his junior play with Rögle in Sweden, so he was certainly already understood as an above-average German talent. As normality returned, he and many other youngsters found themselves back in juniors and Kechter’s progress seemed to stall in Sweden. He improved, certainly, but the expectations after his DEL outing were obviously unrealistic and his decent, but by no means outstanding, showing with Rögle’s U20 outfit went largely unnoticed. A captaincy at the U18 Worlds couldn’t boost his draft chances. He then found himself in another 21 DEL games as well as 29 3rd league games (17 points) in his DY+1 season, which was accompanied by a solid WJC performance, but it was all too unspectacular for the 5’11”, 185-pounder to gain any notoriety. Having now just turned 20 in mid-February, Kechter has spent this season displaying a much different and more mature version of his abilities. Sure, his 17 points in 38 games are already a career high while his +2 rating sees him as one of only 5 players on his team without a negative rating, but he’s playing like a seasoned vet and making sound decisions across the board. His work outside of the offensive zone pops up as much as anything else. He also had himself a solid WJC, doing much of his team’s yeoman work in keeping an undermanned unit from getting relegated. Before that, he had formed a powerful line with Kevin Bicker and Moritz Elias in pre-tourney competition, one with which he put up 15 points in 5 preparation games. It only takes one team to like what they’ve seen to make the 3rd time around the charm for this budding forward talent, one who’s been reaping praise throughout the DEL this season. (Chapin Landvogt)

Adrian Klein - Defense - Straubing Tigers - DEL

Much like Kechter, Klein found himself in the DEL as a 16-year-old during the pandemic-shortened season. He actually got into 31 games at the time, scoring his first goal along the way. That was accompanied by another 9 pro games spread out among the 2nd and 3rd pro leagues as well as a U18 Worlds outing in Texas. Pretty nice experience for a player still a year removed from his draft, which came and went without much fanfare. The DEL time decreased in his draft year and even though the quality minutes increased in his DEL2, growing into what is now a 6’3”, 212-pound body had its growing pains and there was a lot of less-than-impressive hockey along the way. Or just the normal learning curve of an up-and-coming defenseman? A WJC appearance was in the cards as well that year, but it was especially clear at that event that he was still a good bit removed from his international peers. His DY+1 felt like a repeat of his draft year, admittedly getting in more DEL action while also experiencing a bit of a step back at both the DEL2 level and WJC. This brings us to this season where the best bet would be to assume more of the same, but he’s changed all that. Right from Day 1 of training camp, Klein played with a purpose and made it clear that he’s a capable DEL defenseman with upside. He’s even been paired the bulk of the season with former NHLer Justin Braun or DEL shooting star Nicolas Mattinen. With 2 goals, 7 points, and a +1 in all 48 games thus far, it’s clearly a career year to date, but what we like is that his 4-way ability has picked up considerably. His feet are moving. He’s got more urgency in his game. He catches and then launches pucks in almost one single motion. He’s heady. He’s aware. He blocks shots and battles out there. We’re seeing a level of confidence not yet seen from him. Whereas a drafting this summer is still highly unlikely, he should become a free agent topic in the coming years if he can continue blooming at the rate displayed this season. (Chapin Landvogt)

Czechia

Jiří Ticháček - Defense - Rytíři Kladno

Ticháček is a small (5'9") yet dynamic offensive defenseman who hasn't been selected in the last three drafts and now it's his last chance. He has taken a significant leap forward compared to last year. Although Ticháček plays for the worst team in the Czech Extraliga, he has a key role and even set a club record for points scored by a defenseman. Ticháček is limited by his height, which is probably the reason he hasn't been picked yet, but after a record-breaking season, he should at least have a chance to make the move to North America. He has exceptional puck-handling skills, remarkable agility and keen ice awareness. He's skilled at stealing the puck from opponents, but it's evident his weaker physical abilities hold him back a bit when it comes to defense. It's questionable whether he will ever make it to the NHL, but Ticháček's record-breaking season should not go unnoticed. (Matej Deraj)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2023 NHL DRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON TOP 100 RANKING (SUBSCRIBERS)

Brock Otten — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:05:54 +0000

Connor Bedard. Photo by Candice Ward.

Many important scouting events have come and gone, such as the World Junior Championships, the World Junior A Challenge, the Biosteel All American game, and the CHL Top Prospect’s Game. That means it is time for McKeen’s Hockey to update our draft rankings for the 2023 NHL draft. Back in November, we released our preliminary top 50 (found here). This time around, we have expanded our ranking to a top 100 (plus 20 honorable mentions).

The first round of this list continues to be dominated by the Western Hockey League. Four of our top ten and nine of our top 32 (first round graded) are WHL players. The United States has a very strong presence in our first round ranking too, with eight players playing south of the Canadian border.

Positionally, forwards continue to dominate the vast majority of our first-round spots, with only six defenders and two goaltenders bucking that trend. Of particular interest, we do not have a defender ranked inside of our Top 13. Is it possible that no defender is drafted inside of the top 10 in Nashville this June? According to our scouts…yes. However, it is also important to note that this is exceptionally rare. The last time no defender was taken inside of the Top 10 was 1983 (Bobby Dollas at 14th overall to Winnipeg)!

Several players made huge leaps upward in our midseason rankings. Among them are Ryan Leonard, Oliver Moore, Dmitri Simashev, Oliver Bonk, David Reinbacher, and Quentin Musty. Leonard is a strong two-way goal scoring winger with an athletic skill set. Oliver Moore is one of the best skating forwards available this year and also plays a mature two-way game. Both have stood out positively of late for the U.S. NTDP. Dmitri Simashev is a massive defender who brings physicality and mobility, but who is also gaining confidence in his offensive abilities. Oliver Bonk has emerged as one of the top defensive defenders in the OHL; a fact that was on display at this year’s Top Prospect’s Game. David Reinbacher continues to perform well in Switzerland and was a standout for an overmatched Austrian squad at the WJC’s. All three defenders are surging up our rankings and could finish the year even higher with continued strong play. Meanwhile, Quentin Musty has played very well in Sudbury post coaching change and his upside remains extremely intriguing.

Without further ado, here is our Top 100 (with 20 honorable mentions):

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Connor Bedard	C	Regina (WHL)	5-10/185	17-Jul-05	34-42-43-85
2	Adam Fantilli	C	Michigan (B1G)	6-2/195	12-Oct-04	22-16-24-40
3	Leo Carlsson	C	Orebro (SHL)	6-3/200	26-Dec-04	31-5-13-18
4	Matvei Michkov	RW	HK Sochi (KHL)	5-10/170	9-Dec-04	14-4-2-6
5	Will Smith	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/175	17-Mar-05	36-28-41-69
6	Andrew Cristall	LW	Kelowna (WHL)	5-9/165	4-Feb-05	36-26-36-62
7	Zach Benson	LW	Winnipeg (WHL)	5-9/160	12-May-05	41-25-41-66
8	Nate Danielson	C	Brandon (WHL)	6-1/185	27-Sep-04	45-23-33-56
9	Eduard Sale	LW	Kometa Brno (Cze)	6-2/175	10-Mar-05	34-3-5-8
10	Dalibor Dvorsky	C	AIK (Allsvenskan)	6-1/200	15-Jun-05	27-4-7-11
11	Ryan Leonard	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/190	21-Jan-05	34-25-27-52
12	Oliver Moore	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/185	22-Jan-05	37-21-26-47
13	Brayden Yager	C	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-11/165	3-Jan-05	48-20-35-55
14	Dmitri Simashev	D	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	6-4/200	4-Feb-05	15-0-0-0
15	Colby Barlow	LW	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-0/195	14-Feb-05	42-36-27-63
16	Lukas Dragicevic	D	Tri-City (WHL)	6-1/190	25-Apr-05	44-13-42-55
17	Axel Sandin Pellikka	D	Skelleftea (SHL)	5-11/180	11-Mar-05	19-2-3-5
18	Mikhail Gulyayev	D	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	5-11/170	26-Apr-05	12-0-1-1
19	Daniil But	LW	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	6-5/200	15-Feb-05	12-1-0-1
20	Carson Bjarnason	G	Brandon (WHL)	6-3/185	30-Jun-05	17-14-2, 2.90, .911
21	Calum Ritchie	C	Oshawa (OHL)	6-2/185	21-Jan-05	43-19-25-44
22	Gavin Brindley	C	Michigan (B1G)	5-8/165	5-Oct-04	26-3-14-17
23	Gabe Perreault	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/165	7-May-05	39-35-41-76
24	Matthew Wood	RW	UConn (HE)	6-3/195	6-Feb-05	27-9-16-25
25	Riley Heidt	C	Prince George (WHL)	5-10/180	25-Mar-05	44-19-41-60
26	David Reinbacher	D	Kloten (Sui-NL)	6-2/185	25-Oct-04	36-2-17-19
27	Caden Price	D	Kelowna (WHL)	6-0/185	24-Aug-05	44-5-19-24
28	Ethan Gauthier	RW	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	5-11/175	26-Jan-05	45-17-32-49
29	Quentin Musty	LW	Sudbury (OHL)	6-2/200	6-Jul-05	32-12-36-48
30	Kasper Halttunen	LW	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	6-3/205	7-Jun-05	24-0-1-1
31	Otto Stenberg	C	Frolunda (Swe J20)	5-11/180	29-May-05	23-8-12-20
32	Michael Hrabal	G	Omaha (USHL)	6-6/210	20-Jan-05	6-9-3, 3.18, .899
33	Samuel Honzek	LW	Vancouver (WHL)	6-3/185	12-Nov-04	31-17-26-43
34	Jayden Perron	RW	Chicago (USHL)	5-9/165	11-Jan-05	37-16-18-34
35	Carson Rehkopf	LW	Kitchener (OHL)	6-1/195	7-Jan-05	42-19-18-37
36	Roman Kantserov	RW	Stalnye Lisy (MHL)	5-9/175	20-Sep-04	38-21-22-43
37	Oliver Bonk	D	London (OHL)	6-2/175	9-Jan-05	43-9-19-28
38	Beau Akey	D	Barrie (OHL)	5-11/170	11-Feb-05	42-7-29-36
39	Timur Mukhanov	C	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	5-8/170	17-Jun-05	28-3-4-7
40	Koehn Ziemmer	RW	Prince George (WHL)	6-0/205	8-Dec-04	44-26-36-62
41	Bradly Nadeau	LW	Penticton (BCHL)	5-10/165	5-May-05	37-31-42-73
42	Tom Willander	D	Rogle (Swe J20)	6-1/180	9-Feb-05	30-4-15-19
43	Luca Pinelli	C	Ottawa (OHL)	5-8/165	5-Apr-05	44-20-27-47
44	William Whitelaw	RW	Youngstown (USHL)	5-9/170	5-Feb-05	35-20-15-35
45	Trey Augustine	G	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/185	23-Feb-05	14-0-2, 2.29, .925
46	Theo Lindstein	D	Brynas (SHL)	6-0/180	5-Jan-05	19-1-1-2
47	Mathieu Cataford	C	Halifax (QMJHL)	5-11/185	1-Mar-05	45-22-31-53
48	Charlie Stramel	C	Wisconsin (B1G)	6-3/215	15-Oct-04	23-5-4-9
49	Kaden Hammell	D	Kam-Evt (WHL)	6-1/175	12-Mar-05	45-6-10-16
50	Alexander Rykov	RW	Chelmet Chelyabinsk (VHL)	5-11/170	14-Jul-05	20-4-7-11
51	Maxim Strbak	D	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-1/205	13-Apr-05	29-5-10-15
52	Tanner Molendyk	D	Saskatoon (WHL)	5-11/185	3-Feb-05	43-6-19-25
53	Anton Wahlberg	C	Malmo (Swe J20)	6-3/195	4-Jul-05	32-14-13-27
54	Carey Terrance	C	Erie (OHL)	6-0/175	10-May-05	43-20-11-31
55	Cam Allen	D	Guelph (OHL)	6-0/195	7-Jan-05	39-4-15-19
56	Tyler Peddle	LW	Drummondville (QMJHL)	6-0/195	28-Jan-05	45-18-13-31
57	Gracyn Sawchyn	C	Seattle (WHL)	5-11/160	19-Jan-05	43-15-32-47
58	Jesse Nurmi	LW	KooKoo (Fin-U20)	5-10/165	7-Mar-05	35-19-27-46
59	Carter Sotheran	D	Portland (WHL)	6-3/195	26-Jun-05	45-3-16-19
60	Nikita Susuyev	RW	MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL)	6-0/170	6-Feb-05	34-9-16-25
61	Aram Minnetian	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/190	19-Mar-05	38-5-18-23
62	Arttu Karki	D	Tappara (Fin-U20)	6-1/175	8-Dec-04	30-12-22-34
63	Noah Dower Nilsson	LW	Frolunda (Swe J20)	6-0/175	25-Apr-05	26-24-21-45
64	Scott Ratzlaff	G	Seattle (WHL)	6-0/175	9-Mar-05	17-5-0, 2.26, .917
65	Andrew Strathmann	D	Youngstown (USHL)	5-10/190	27-Feb-05	29-2-23-25
66	Kalan Lind	LW	Red Deer (WHL)	6-0/160	25-Jan-05	41-15-27-42
67	Jesse Kiiskinen	RW	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	5-11/180	23-Aug-05	27-17-21-38
68	Etienne Morin	D	Moncton (QMJHL)	6-0/180	9-Mar-05	43-15-31-46
69	Coulson Pitre	RW	Flint (OHL)	6-0/170	13-Dec-04	41-19-22-41
70	Felix Nilsson	C	Rogle (Swe J20)	6-0/176	22-Jun-05	26-16-17-33
71	Hunter Brzustewicz	D	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/185	29-Nov-04	42-3-30-33
72	Jakub Dvorak	D	Bili Tygri Liberec (Cze)	6-5/205	25-May-05	24-0-2-2
73	Andrew Gibson	D	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-3/195	13-Feb-05	38-7-11-18
74	Ondrej Molnar	LW	Erie (OHL)	5-10/170	8-Feb-05	16-2-7-9
75	Martin Misiak	RW	Nove Zamky (Svk)	6-2/195	30-Sep-04	29-1-9-10
76	Luca Cagnoni	D	Portland (WHL)	5-9/180	21-Dec-04	44-12-34-46
77	Lenni Hameenaho	RW	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	6-0/175	7-Nov-04	35-5-10-15
78	Alex Ciernik	LW	Sodertalje (Swe J20)	5-11/175	8-Oct-04	11-7-7-14
79	Denver Barkey	C	London (OHL)	5-8/160	27-Apr-05	43-12-28-40
80	Oliver Tulk	C	Calgary (WHL)	5-7/170	19-Jan-05	46-19-22-41
81	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	C	HV 71 (SHL)	6-0/165	18-Feb-05	28-4-1-5
82	Matthew Mania	D	Sudbury (OHL)	6-1/180	11-Jan-05	43-7-18-25
83	Gavin McCarthy	D	Muskegon (USHL)	6-1/180	2-Jun-05	20-4-14-18
84	Noel Nordh	RW	Brynas (SHL)	6-3/195	25-Jan-05	10-1-0-1
85	Jacob Fowler	G	Youngstown (USHL)	6-1/215	24-Nov-04	13-6-3, 2.63, .914
86	Aydar Suniev	LW	Penticton (BCHL)	6-1/200	16-Nov-04	33-26-31-57
87	Emil Jarventie	LW	Ilves (Fin-U20)	5-9/165	4-Apr-05	21-8-11-19
88	Danny Nelson	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-3/200	3-Aug-05	38-12-16-28
89	Yegor Klimovich	RW	Sibirskie Snaipery (MHL)	5-9/160	14-May-05	28-9-21-30
90	Adam Gajan	G	Green Bay (USHL)	6-2/165	6-May-04	5-1-0, 2.48, .906
91	Quinton Burns	D	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/180	14-Apr-05	36-1-20-21
92	Grayden Siepmann	D	Calgary (WHL)	5-10/185	26-May-04	45-8-27-35
93	Yegor Zavragin	G	Mamonty Yugry (MHL)	6-2/185	23-Aug-05	9-6-1, 2.55, .919
94	Owen Beckner	C	Salmon Arm (BCHL)	6-1/175	27-Feb-05	36-12-21-33
95	Aiden Fink	RW	Brooks (AJHL)	5-9/155	24-Nov-04	43-30-50-80
96	Matthew Soto	RW	Kingston (OHL)	5-10/180	31-Aug-05	44-13-22-35
97	Eric Pohlkamp	D	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	5-10/200	23-Mar-04	31-12-20-32
98	Nick Lardis	LW	Pbo-Ham (OHL)	5-10/165	8-Jul-05	41-21-16-35
99	Jayson Shaugabay	RW	Warroad (USHS-MN)	5-9/155	4-May-05	18-22-39-61
100	Brad Gardiner	C	Ottawa (OHL)	6-0/180	6-Mar-05	45-17-11-28
HM	Ethan Miedema	LW	Wsr-Kgn (OHL)	6-4/205	22-Mar-05	45-12-22-35
HM	Brady Cleveland	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-5/210	1-Apr-05	34-0-5-5
HM	Joey Willis	C	Saginaw (OHL)	5-10/170	14-Mar-05	44-9-17-26
HM	Juraj Pekarcik	LW	Nitra (Svk)	6-1/185	12-Sep-05	26-0-3-3
HM	Spencer Sova	D	Erie (OHL)	6-0/185	10-Jan-04	44-14-17-31
HM	Zeb Forsfjall	C	Skelleftea (SHL)	5-9/170	16-Jan-05	10-1-0-1
HM	Kalle Carlsson	C	Orebro (Swe J20)	6-0/175	2-Mar-05	34-6-21-27
HM	David Edstrom	C	Frolunda (Swe J20)	6-3/185	18-Feb-05	22-10-12-22
HM	Felix Unger Sorum	RW	Leksands (Swe J20)	5-11/170	14-Sep-05	32-9-30-39
HM	Alex Pharand	C	Sudbury (OHL)	6-3/205	1-May-05	44-16-14-30
HM	Tuomas Uronen	RW	HIFK (Fin-U20)	5-11/180	19-Mar-05	31-13-19-32
HM	Tanner Adams	RW	Tri-City (USHL)	5-11/185	2-Sep-05	27-8-10-18
HM	Mazden Leslie	D	Vancouver (WHL)	6-0/195	15-Apr-05	45-8-25-33
HM	Juha Jatkola	G	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	6-1/175	12-Sep-02	16-10-6, 2.14, .909
HM	Connor Levis	RW	Kamloops (WHL)	6-1/190	5-Oct-04	43-11-25-36
HM	Owen Outwater	LW	Kingston (OHL)	6-2/160	4-Jan-05	39-10-18-28
HM	Easton Cowan	RW	London (OHL)	5-10/170	20-May-05	44-12-17-29
HM	Rasmus Kumpulainen	C	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	6-2/190	8-Aug-05	36-11-20-31
HM	Emil Pieniniemi	D	Karpat (Fin-U20)	6-2/170	2-Mar-05	26-0-10-10
HM	Austin Roest	C	Everett (WHL)	5-9/175	22-Jan-04	46-26-35-61

PROSPECTS: 2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW – One Drafted and One Draft Eligible Prospect from Each Scouting Region

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 13:39:38 +0000

The 2023 scouting season is upon us! As we head into a new draft season, we, at McKeen’s Hockey, have made a few changes to our roster of writers and scouts. This piece serves as an opportunity to not only meet the team, but also preview some of the players to watch across the globe this hockey season. We asked our staff to give us one draft eligible player and one already drafted player from their region to keep a close eye on.

Director of Scouting/Ontario Region - Brock Otten

https://twitter.com/BrockOtten

2023 Player to Watch: Beau Akey, D, Barrie Colts

"Akey is a highly mobile two-way defender with the Colts who will likely take on a top four role on a strong Barrie team this year. He would have likely been on the Canadian Hlinka team this summer had he not picked up an injury at the beginning of camp. Akey is a preseason regional favourite of mine and after a strong preseason performance, he looks poised to be a steady riser over the season."

Already Drafted to Watch: Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia Sting

The San Jose Sharks draft pick heads into the OHL season as my preseason favourite to be the OHL's top netminder (Jim Rutherford award) this year. He doesn't have an NHL contract yet and is playing for one this season, but I fully expect him to earn one. The athletic Gaudreau should also be the starting netminder for Canada at the WJC's this year.

Benjamin Gaudreau of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Assistant Director of Scouting/Western Canada Region - Derek Neumeier

https://twitter.com/Derek_N_NHL

2023 Player to Watch: Riley Heidt, C, Prince George Cougars

The Cougars haven't had a winning season since 2016-17, but they also haven't had a prospect as good as Heidt to help turn that tide until now. His hockey sense and puck skills are high-end, and he has the right mental makeup to handle the pressure that will be placed upon him as his team's number one center and best player.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Logan Stankoven, C, Kamloops Blazers

The reigning WHL Player of the Year has already accomplished a lot (including winning World Juniors gold) but will have a new challenge this season: leading his Blazers team as they host the 2023 Memorial Cup. It barely seems possible that Stankoven could be more dynamic or terrorizing offensively, but he always finds a way to surpass expectations.

Western Canada Region - Arlo Schulz

2023 Player to Watch: Andrew Cristall, F, Kelowna Rockets

"Cristall begins this season under the radar as all eyes are on Connor Bedard in the WHL this year, but that won't last long. Cristall had a terrific rookie season last year and with the young Rockets returning almost their entire roster, they won't need time to gel and Cristall could explode out of the gate. He possesses elite offensive instincts, a slick set of hands, and is constantly creating something out of nothing in the offensive zone. He lacks explosiveness but focused on his skating during the offseason and showed well at the Hlinka in August. He projects as a 1st-rounder and could shoot up draft boards as the year progresses."

Already Drafted to Watch: Mats Lindgren, D, Red Deer Rebels

"Lindgren is a beautiful skater who was projected to go in the top two rounds last draft but slipped to the 4th round (Sabres) amid concerns about his inconsistency and offensive upside. An effortless mover who can carry the puck with ease and distribute well, Lindgren was one of the youngest players in his draft class and could take a massive step forward in his D+1 season. He requested a trade and was dealt to the Rebels, where he will assume greater responsibilities and play in all situations. His skillset is tailor-made for the modern game, as a mobile defenseman with terrific instincts. It will be fascinating to watch if the rest of his game catches up to his potential this year."

Sweden Region - Jacob Smeds

https://twitter.com/Scouting_Jacob

2023 Player to Watch: Kalle Carlsson, C, Örebro HK

Kalle Carlsson is a potential riser throughout the season. He is a playmaker who creates space for his teammates with his strong skating and high hockey IQ. In the same way that his hockey sense allows him to thrive offensively, he can also play defense efficiently thanks to his smartness.

Already Drafted to Watch: Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Djurgårdens IF

Lekkerimäki is a pure goal scorer with tremendous offensive instincts. In the offensive zone, he works hard off the puck to create space to shoot. He also brings the puck to the net to challenge goalies in tight using his soft hands. Lekkerimäki is looking to establish himself at the pro level in the Swedish second tier league this winter and his preseason bears the promise of a smooth transition from the junior leagues.

211021 Djurgårdens Jonathan Lekkerimäki under ishockeymatchen i SHL mellan Djurgården och Oskarshamn den 21 oktober 2021 i Stockholm.
Foto: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN / COP 106 / AE0062

Eastern Canada Region - Éloi Biondo

https://twitter.com/eloi632211

2023 Player to Watch: Etienne Morin, D, Moncton Wildcats

Etienne Morin is a mobile two-way defenseman who can move the puck up the ice very effectively and make plays in the offensive zone. He averaged 21 minutes a game last year as a rookie blue-liner for the Wildcats and tallied an impressive 34 points in 70 games. Morin could’ve probably played at the most recent Hlinka-Gretzky cup tournament, but Team Canada probably preferred a more steady and physical option on their blue line— something that Morin will have to work on this upcoming season.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Jordan Dumais, RW, Halifax Mooseheads

Dumais was one of the most polarizing prospects for the most recent NHL Draft. The undersized winger has been scoring at historic rates in the QMJHL and is poised for another big year with the Moose. Such numbers and offensive abilities would usually guarantee you of a high-end draft pick. However, Dumais’ skating and physical tools are just not what you want in an NHL prospect, which made him a third-round selection by the Columbus Blue Jackets, instead of a higher selection. It will definitely be very interesting to see how he progresses this upcoming season.

Western Canada Region - Adam Tate

https://twitter.com/ADTate39

2023 Draft Eligible Player to Watch: Riley Heidt, C, Prince George Cougars

Having led the Cougars in scoring last season, Riley Heidt will be looked upon to be the “do everything” centre for the team again this year. Coming off a strong showing in this past summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, I’m looking forward to seeing if he can solidify a middle of the 1st round draft ranking.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Owen Pickering, D, Swift Current Broncos

The first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in last year’s NHL draft, Owen Pickering is looking to improve his raw talents in Swift Current this season. If his skating and offense can start to catch up to his size and transitional skills, he could very well secure a spot on Canada’s WJC roster this year.

Russia Region - Viktor Fomich

https://twitter.com/RUSProspects

2023 Player to Watch: Roman Kantserov, W, Stalnie Lisy Magnitogorsk, MHL

Roman Kantserov is a winger whose every movement is just oozing attacking skill. He might not always be showing that on a consistent basis, but when he is on his game he is definitely as electrifying to watch as the top Russian guys like Matvei Michkov or Mikhail Gulyayev. He still should be evaluated more closely to find out what outweighs here: skill or inconsistency.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Nikolai Kovalenko, W, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL

For Colorado Avalanche wing prospect Nikolai Kovalenko, last season was one to forget due to a heavy concussion that left a question mark on his NHL upside. After an amazing start to this KHL season, he suffered another concussion. Even though he is back now, we have the same questions about his health and ability to reach the NHL level in two years (when his KHL contract is up). This season should provide some answers though.

Director of Video Scouting - Will Scouch

https://twitter.com/Scouching

2023 Player to Watch: Caden Price, D, Kelowna Rockets

After a strong Hlinka camp and tournament performance logging tons of minutes, Price is exactly the defender I'm looking for. Mobile, quick, skilled, jumps into offensive situations, deceptive with the puck and a reliance on his feet to do a lot of defensive work. There's creativity in spades to execute plays well, and his youth in this draft class combined with his current ability are tantalizing to consider. He's been ranked in late first rounds at times but I get the feeling that keen-eyed observers will come around a little more.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Simon Robertsson, W, Skellefteå AIK

I've been a big believer in Robertsson and believe that patience will be rewarded with more development in Sweden. A slow start in the SHL gave way for a relatively strong finish in very limited minutes, but Robertsson's shot, evasive skill, and improving straight line speed could make him a more threatening SHL scorer this season. There may be better players out there right now developing, but Robertsson's offensive upside is hard to ignore and still has plenty of time to emerge against men.

Video Scout - Zack Szweras

https://twitter.com/Zack_Szweras

2023 Player to Watch: Otto Stenberg, W, Frölunda, SHL

Stenberg is an exciting offensive winger, with plenty of creativity as both a playmaker and scorer. Stenberg captained team Sweden to a silver medal recently in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He also led the team in scoring. After a strong tournament, Stenberg has a good chance to increase his draft stock with his flashy and crafty play.

Already Drafted Player: Noah Ostlund, C, Djurgardens IF, SHL

Ostlund, the 16th overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL Draft, is poised for a larger role at the pro level. Ostlund will split time between the J20 and HockeyAllsvenskan for Djurgårdens IF. He produced over a point per game in the J20 last season but will be looking to achieve that playing against men. Ostlund is a strong playmaking centre, who will have a chance to crack Sweden’s World Junior roster in December too.

Djurgården's Noah Östlund celebrates after 1-2 during the final in the Junior SM for J20 between Djurgården and Linköping on April 10, 2022 in Nyköping.
Photo: Tobias Sterner / BILDBYRÅN /

Central Europe Region - Chapin Landvogt

https://twitter.com/Csomichapin

GERMANY

2023 Player to Watch: Linus Brandl, F, Mannheim Jungadler (DNL)

In a season where not a single name stands out as a surefire draft pick next summer, the 6-foot Brandl has followed up a somewhat eye-opening, yet unassuming Gretzky Hlinka Cup (2-3-5 in 4 games) by kicking off the DNL season with 5-5-10 in 6 games. Brandl won't stick out with any specific tool, but he simply never fails to produce. He just "gets it" when it comes to generating offense with what he has. Pro play is in the cards this season.

Already Drafted to Watch: Dominik Bokk, RW, Frankfurt Lions

The DEL's new team has brought in a big fish in Dominik Bokk, who already concluded last season (minimally) helping Berlin grab the league title. Growing long in the prospect tooth and clearly not looking like a player in Carolina's plans, the 22-year-old has kicked off things with a bang, going 4-3-7 with a +4 in his first 4 games of the season.

SWITZERLAND

2023 Player to Watch: Leo Braillard, F, Biel-Bienne U20

Playing together with skilled overager Mattheo Reinhard, Braillard has put up 7-3-10 numbers in 6 U20 games thus far. Already having represented Switzerland at every level between U16-U18, he has been a constant producer for his club, having captained the U17 outfit last season for which he put up 62 points in 30 games. A U18 Worlds appearance at home next spring is a given after his 4-1-5 output at the Gretzky Hlinka Cup this summer.

Already Drafted to Watch: Simon Knak, RW, HC Davos

After being drafted as an overager, Knak went from being a productive winger for the Portland Winterhawks to chugging away in the pro ranks as a 19-year-old to the tune of 15 points in 51 games. A multi-year captain of the U20 team, Knak is back at it for Davos this season and has a 1-1-2 statline in 4 NL games this year. More importantly, he's playing a line higher than last year, averaging just over 14 minutes a night.

Ontario Region - Dylan Krill

https://twitter.com/dylan_krill

2023 Player to Watch: Cam Allen, D, Guelph Storm

Allen is a high-end two-way defenseman who looked like a veteran in his rookie year. After a strong Hlinka tournament where he served as captain for team Canada, Allen will look to have a big season with Guelph, establishing himself as the premier defenseman of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: David Goyette, C, Sudbury Wolves

The 61st overall selection by the Seattle Kraken in the 2022 draft, David Goyette was my favourite player last year because of his blend of high-end creativity and puck skills with elite skating. After finishing with the most points by a rookie, he will look to have another big season on an improved Sudbury team.

David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by Robert Lefebvre /OHL Images.

Slovak and Czech Region - Matej Deraj

https://twitter.com/MatoDeraj

2023 Player to Watch: Ondrej Molnár, W, HK Nitra

Molnár is an electric winger who has nifty hands, good hockey sense and a dangerous shot, although he’s more of a playmaker. His biggest asset is his skating; he’s quick, agile and his acceleration is at the top level. The main room for improvement is in his defensive game and awareness. Overall, an intriguing player to watch who’s dangerous every time he steps on the ice.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Adam Sýkora, W/C, HK Nitra

Sýkora has gained a lot of confidence since last year. The second-round pick of the 2022 draft had impressed everybody with his tremendous worth ethic and compete level, but the expectations are now higher for the Rangers prospect. I believe Sýkora will use his speed and skills to improve his last year’s point record and earn a call-up to the Men’s National Team.

Eastern Canada Region - Charles Lassonde

https://twitter.com/cl_hockeyscout

2023 Player to Watch: Mathieu Cataford, RW, Halifax Mooseheads

Cataford has been outstanding since the second half of the last season with Halifax. He elevated his game to a higher standard and had a strong showing in the playoffs. Despite a quiet Hlinka-Gretzky tournament, I really think that everything is set for Cataford to establish himself as a 1st round pick or at least a second-round selection in the 2023 NHL draft. His skating remains the weakness in his game, but his skill level, intensity, hockey sense and responsible 200-feet game style will quickly erase the doubts of the scouts in Cataford’s game

Already Drafted to Watch: Tristan Luneau, RD, Gatineau Olympiques

The Anaheim Ducks 2nd round pick has already been sent back to Gatineau after getting two points (1 goal and 1 assist) in his only exhibition game with the Ducks. Despite dealing with injuries in the 2020-21 season, Luneau surely didn’t show the best of himself last year. Knowing him from the M18AAA in Quebec, I’m sure that he’ll be in a better shape and ready to bring his game to the level he knows it can be.

AHL Coverage - Josh Bell

https://twitter.com/JoshuaBell31

Already Drafted to Watch: Yaroslav Askarov, G, Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

The Nashville Predators 11th overall draft pick in 2020 is finally making the trip overseas, joining the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals as he adjusts to the North American game. Touted as the next Carey Price in his draft year, the Russian netminder will likely be sharing the crease with another strong goaltending prospect in Connor Ingram, but Askarov will get his share of starts and is one injury or hot streak away from taking over the starting reins.

Already Drafted to Watch: Jiri Kulich, C, Rochester Americans (AHL)

One of my favourite prospects in the 2022 NHL Draft, Kulich is entering his first professional season in North America. He had a remarkable 2021-22 campaign, leading all rookies in points in the top-Czech men’s league before captaining the Czechs in the World Under-18s, leading the tournament in goals and being named MVP. Plus, he finished over a point-per-game at the U20s. I’m excited to see how he adjusts in the AHL.

U.S. Region - Ethan Hetu

https://twitter.com/EthanHetu

2023 Player to Watch: William Whitelaw, C/RW, Youngstown Phantoms

The University of Wisconsin commit starred last year at Shattuck St. Mary’s alongside top 2024 prospect Macklin Celebrini and now will play his draft season as “the guy” for the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms. Whitelaw is a creative playmaker and an aggressive, pace-pushing offensive generator. Whitelaw has said that he’d like to improve his defensive game and become the most well-rounded player of the 2023 class, so it’ll be intriguing to see how he evolves as he strives to commit more to the 200-foot game.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Lane Hutson, D, Boston University

Concerns about how Lane Hutson’s size (he is listed at five-foot-nine, 155 pounds) would limit his game’s translatability to more difficult levels of hockey caused the dynamic blueliner to have to wait until the 62nd pick of the 2022 draft to hear his name called. A more difficult level of hockey has now arrived for Hutson, who at Boston University will look to continue to break the mold of what the modern NHL defenseman “should” look like.

Lane Hutson

Russia Region - Dmitri Blokhin

https://twitter.com/DVBlokhin

2023 Player to Watch: Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Omsk Yastreby VHL

Gulyayev shines bright and stands out among Russian draft eligibles because of his hockey IQ. He is really great with the puck in the offensive zone and he’s also very confident and reliable in the defensive end. He has a high skill level, playmaking and quarter-backing ability, and character. He started this season with VHL team Omskiye Krylia and already played several games with Avangard KHL. The expectations are high for him.

Already Drafted to Watch: Alexander Perevalov, F, Kunlun Red Star KHL

Selected in the 3rd round of the 2022 draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, Perevalov has high expectations due to his talent level. His last season was a controversial one with his play being inconsistent and his character being questionable. Nevertheless, he gets a trade from CSKA system in the new season and finds himself with the Kunlun Red Star KHL team. He's already showing more confidence, and in a recent game against CSKA he scored 2 goals and was successful in the game winning penalty shot. If his growth is consistent, he'll be able to develop his talent to 100% and play in the NHL after his current contract expires.

Eastern Canada Region - Benoit Belanger

https://twitter.com/BenoitGBelanger

2023 Player to Watch: Miguel Tourigny, D, Shawinigan Cataractes

At just 16, he turned heads with a stellar performance in the President's Cup Championship and Memorial Cup. His calm play, his intelligence, his maturity, combined with his skills, make him a player with great potential. He did very well during the U18 Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. Very good across 200 feet, very good hockey sense, with good passing and skating skills. He is a player to watch.

Already Drafted to Watch: Angus Booth, D, Shawinigan Cataractes

After an emotional and experience-filled season, including a President's Cup and a Memorial Cup appearance, Booth saw that memorable season come to a close with his 4th round selection by the Los Angeles Kings. It will be a totally different situation for him this year, with a team starting a junior cycle again. But it will be interesting to follow how he will react to this challenge and if he will be able to take his level of play to another level. I'm curious to see the full extent of his intelligence being passed on to his younger teammates.

Finland Region - Mikko Kuikka

https://twitter.com/mijukui83

2023 Player to Watch: Arttu Karki, D, Tappara U20 SM

“Karki is a very mobile defenseman with good shooting skills. Overall, he is a puck moving defenseman with good size (187cm) and good skating. At the moment, Karki is a 2nd/3rd-round talent, but if he has another great year, he could climb higher.”

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Joakim Kemell, W, Jyp

“Kemell is a strong shooter who can also create his own chances. Drafted by Nashville Predators 2022 Draft as a first-round pick, he is playing this season at Jyp Jyvaskyla (Finnish liiga) as a loan player from Nashville Predators. I hope he makes this an injury free season that will show his real potential playing at the men's level.”

2023 NHL DRAFT: 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Preview – Team Overview, Players to Watch, Predictions

Brock Otten — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 19:19:12 +0000

If you are an avid follower of the NHL draft, you would know how highly regarded the 2023 NHL Draft class is heading into the season. This has many excited for this year’s Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in (exclusively) Red Deer. It is important to note that the early “big three” of this draft, Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, and Matvei Michkov, will not be at the event. Bedard will be playing with Canada at the U20 event in Edmonton. Fantilli is not eligible as a late born 2004. Michkov and Russia were not invited to the event. Regardless, the talent on display should be extremely high.

With the tournament kicking off (officially) on Sunday, let’s look at each participating team, the players to watch, and make some predictions.

Canada

Not only is Canada participating in the Hlinka/Gretzky again, after skipping last year’s event (due to pandemic related concerns), but they’re also looking to get back to the top of the podium after losing to Russia in the Gold medal game of the 2019 tournament. On paper, this is the team to beat. This Canadian team could have double digit first round selections on it, led by an incredibly strong contingent of players from Western Canada.

Players to Watch:

Calum Ritchie

The Oshawa Generals center is an incredibly talented playmaker and attacker. He enters the tournament centering one of the team’s top lines and he will get all the ice time that he can handle.

Brayden Yager

Yager is the reigning CHL Rookie of the Year and is the other top six center heading into the tournament. The shoot first center plays an aggressive game and after a bit of a slow start to camp, he appears to be rounding into form after strong performances against the Canadian U20 teams.

Riley Heidt

Heidt is shifting to the wing for the event, playing with Yager, however his competitiveness and speed should make him someone that Canada relies on in nearly every situation at the event.

Matthew Wood

The BCHL top scorer had a bit of a rough performance at the U18’s in April, playing for Canada as an underager, however he should rebound nicely against his age-appropriate peers. The big and skilled winger looked quicker at development camp and has a serious chance to be Canada’s leading scorer at this event.

Zach Benson

Scouts and fans alike should quickly learn to love Benson. He is ultra-quick, ultra-competitive, and ultra-intelligent. This combination makes him such a fun player to watch as he dominates shifts in the offensive zone.

Cam Allen

The captain of this Canadian entry, Allen is a strong two-way defender who is a candidate to be the first defender drafted in 2023. He does pretty much everything at a high level and Canada will likely lean on him to play serious minutes.

Caden Price

The surprise of training camp for those who don’t cover the WHL (since every scout I know from Western Canada already loves Price), Price has emerged as one of the top defenders on this team. Watch for his ability to lead the rush with dynamic attacking ability.

Jordan Tourigny

The younger brother of Canadiens’ prospect and star QMJHL defender Miguel Tourigny, Jordan has a similar skill set with a larger frame. He should be a standout on the Canadian powerplay and like Allen and Price, one of Canada’s go to blueliners.

Scott Ratzlaff

Ratzlaff was incredible during training camp and in the scrimmage against the U20 team. It seems almost assured that he will be the team’s starter and he has a chance to be the top goaltender at the event.

Prediction: GOLD

Sweden

Would you believe that it has been 15 years since the Swedes took home gold at this event? Seems crazy, but it’s true. However, they’ve been close, with medals in three straight. Is this the year that they get over the hump? Like Canada, the Swedes have many talented players and projected first round picks. Unfortunately, these two powerhouses (on paper) are in the same division.

Players to Watch

Theo Lindstein

Like the aforementioned Cam Allen, Lindstein is a contender to be the top defender selected at this year’s draft. He will be the anchor of this Swedish entry and will likely see a ton of ice time in all situations.

Otto Stenberg

A highly skilled and dynamic offensive player, Stenberg will be counted on to be the go-to point producer for the Swedes. The creative pivot already helped Sweden take home gold at the U18’s last April, playing as an underager.

Kalle Carlsson

A skilled playmaking center, Carlsson will likely form a great one/two punch with Stenberg down the middle, unless they opt to move Stenberg to the wing (thanks to great center depth). Carlsson is another of the first-round candidates to watch.

Noah Dower Nilsson

Another natural center, Dower Nilsson is the younger brother of Red Wings’ prospect Liam. He is a highly intelligent and creative player, although not quite as physically involved as his older brother. Something to note, he is 2005 born and not 2006 born, as incorrectly stated on the Hlinka/Gretzky website.

Noel Nordh

A big winger, Nordh is an import selection of the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL. He plays as a net front presence and skilled forechecker beside the Swedes creative centers. This is a power forward type who should have a strong tournament.

Prediction: 4th

Slovakia

Slovakia rising! If you recall, in our draft guide our cover story focused on the resurgence of Slovak hockey. They had the top two selections in the 2022 NHL Draft (Slafkovsky and Nemec) and they finished second at last year’s Hlinka/Gretzky. This year? The Slovaks have a very strong group of eligible prospects again. The issue is that several of them are playing at the U20’s like Dalibor Dvorsky (a potential top five pick) and Maxim Strbak or are not eligible for the event due to late birthdays, like Alex Ciernik and Martin Misiak. This will be a great test of Slovakia’s depth as a result.

Players to Watch

Ondrej Molnar

This is Molnar’s second year at the Hlinka/Gretzky after helping Slovakia win silver last year. He was a big part of that team as an underager and he will be the go-to player this year. Molnar is a dynamic attacking winger with great scoring instincts and the creativity to beat defenders one on one.

Samuel Sisik

Sisik makes up for a lack of size with an inordinate amount of skill. Like the ‘Little Engine That Could’, he just keeps coming and look for him to be highly noticeable throughout the tournament.

Jakub Chromiak

The top defender on this Slovak team, Jakub is the younger brother of Kings’ prospect Martin Chromiak. Not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2024, Jakub is a skilled offensive defender who loves to lead the attack and who can quarterback the powerplay effectively.

Tomas Pobezal

The youngest player in the tournament, Pobezal is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2025 due to his late 2006 birthday. He serves as the next big hope for Slovakia, already competing at last year’s Division 2 U18’s, helping the Slovak’s climb back to the top level. The skilled center is not guaranteed to play a huge role here, but he is a name worth mentioning.

Prediction: 6th

Switzerland

The Swiss have never medalled at this event and have not made the semifinals since 2002. Unfortunately, that seems likely again this year. Not only is this Swiss roster on the weaker side, but Switzerland also draws the pool of death with Canada, Sweden, and Slovakia.

Players to Watch

Valdemar Hull

A returning player from last year’s Hlinka/Gretzky team, Hull will be a top line winger and a go-to offensive player for the Swiss this year. He is an import selection of the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL.

Prediction: 8th

Finland

Believe it or not, but Finland has actually really struggled at this event in recent years, even with their many successes at other U20 International tournaments. Would you believe that they haven’t medalled at the Hlinka in a decade? This includes two straight semifinal losses, the last two Hlinka/Gretzky’s. Will that change this year? It’s certainly possible, but this is also a very young Finnish team, especially on the back end with three 2006 born defenders. There is also concern that this age group doesn’t have the kind of playmakers necessary for success from the center position.

Players to Watch

Aron Kiviharju

One of the top 2006 born players on the planet at this current time, Kiviharju looked good at the U18’s in April as a double underager. Now he comes into this tournament (still a single underager), but with a boatload of confidence. He is electric offensively from the back end with quick feet and hands.

Kasper Halttunen

The big power forward was another Finnish player who excelled at the recent U18’s as an underager. He is deadly near the crease, and he plays with a ton of energy in the offensive end. A potential lottery selection this year, he should be Finland’s top forward.

Jesse Kiiskinen

While Kiiskinen didn’t play up a level internationally the way a few of his peers did, he did stand out in a big way as part of Finland’s U17 team. One of the top Finnish players in this 2005 age group, Kiiskinen is a talented goal scoring winger.

Emil Jarventie

Yet another talented winger on this Finnish team, Emil is the younger brother of Ottawa Senators prospect Roby. He started last year in the USHL as an Import, but returned to Finland in the second half.

Tuomas Uronen

Yup…you guessed it, another solid winger. Uronen was a standout as an underager on the Finnish U18 in April. He is not as naturally skilled or as creative as the others listed above him, but he is the perfect complementary piece due to his strong skating and tenacity.

Prediction: 5th

United States

One of the biggest complaints about this tournament is that the U.S. does not send “their best.” Rather than send the NTDP, they bring together a collection of non-NTDP players from various leagues like the USHL, CHL, USHS, Prep, etc. As a result, they have only won this tournament once in its history (2003). Consistency has certainly been an issue. All that said, this year’s roster for the United States may just be the best that they have sent for this event. The majority of this roster absolutely dominated the U17 Five Nations last year (including Czechia and Slovakia). There is a strong chance that they end the nation’s five-year medal drought.

Players to Watch

William Whitelaw

Whitelaw is insanely talented and creative. If you watched Shattuck St. Mary’s at all recently, he would have stood out to you. He absolutely torched the Five Nations last year and has a chance to be one of the leading scorers of this tournament too.

Quentin Musty

Perhaps the best pro prospect on this team, Musty is the former first overall pick of the Sudbury Wolves and is coming off a pretty solid rookie year in the OHL. The big winger is extremely skilled one on one and loves to attack the offensive zone with speed.

Gavin McCarthy

One of the strengths of this U.S. team will be their defense and McCarthy should be a big part of that. He was a standout in the defensive end as a 16-year-old with Muskegon (USHL) last year and plays a physical game.

Lucas St. Louis

Yes, Lucas is the son of Montreal Canadiens’ coach Marty. Lucas has apparently improved a lot in the last calendar year and is another quality member of this team’s blueline. He has a big shot and can lead the attack offensively.

Andrew Strathmann

We’ve mentioned a lot about the strength of this U.S. team being on the back-end and the top guy there is Strathmann. Much like Canada’s Cam Allen, Strathmann is a potentially dominant two-way defender and is coming off a terrific first year in the USHL.

Tanner Adams

Strong skating and competitive forward who plays both ends of the ice, but also has the skill to be a solid complementary winger on a scoring line. Adams was one of the highest scoring 2005 born players in the USHL last year.

Carey Terrance

While Terrance’s rookie OHL season with the Erie Otters may not have gone according to plan, he did show promising flashes in the second half. Speed is the name of the game for Terrance. He is lightning quick. Terrance was terrific at the Five Nations event last year, playing alongside Whitelaw. Could the U.S. put them back together again?

Prediction: Silver

Czechia

This is a very strong group for the Czechs, and they represent the country’s best chance to medal since 2017. This team has a good balance of talent at forward, on the back-end, and one of the top goaltenders at the Hlinka. Many of the team’s top players (like Sale and Petr) are also seasoned veterans internationally already.

Players to Watch

Eduard Sale

A top prospect for the 2023 draft, Sale obliterated the Czech U20 league last season and was terrific at the previous U18’s as an underager. Sale’s poise and vision with the puck is impressive and he has a chance to be one of the Hlinka/Gretzky’s top scorers.

Dominik Petr

Like Sale, Petr is someone who has already had a fair amount of success playing at the U18 level internationally for Czechia. He got hurt at the previous U18’s, but is healthy now and will form a dynamic one/two punch with Sale for the Czechs.

Michael Hrabal

Hrabal is a massive (6’6) goaltender who enters this event as one of the highest rated goaltenders. It is likely he spends this year in the USHL before attending UMass, not the most traditional route for a Czech player, but it shows how highly regarded Hrabal is.

Jakub Dvorak

Arguably the top defender on the Czech team, Dvorak is a 6’4 blueliner who will eat a ton of minutes in all situations. He was a standout for Czechia across U17 events last year and even played at the U18’s as an underager.

Jan Sprynar

The top secondary scoring option for this Czech team, Sprynar will be looking to prove that he belongs in the same conversation as Sale and Petr. He was a standout at the U17 level and has signed on to play with Rimouski (QMJHL) this season.

Adam Zidlicky

The son of former NHL defender Marek Zidlicky, Adam is a winger who plays with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL (as a non-import). Adam is a terrific complementary player with his speed and tenacity, and he likely starts the tournament playing alongside Sale and Petr on Czechia’s top line.

Prediction: Bronze

Germany

Much like Switzerland, Germany is going to be in tough at this event. The talent level of the other nations here is just a touch ahead of what Germany is bringing (on paper). It does, unfortunately, seem likely that they will be beat up on by Finland, the U.S., and the Czechs.

Players to Watch

Paul Mayer

The one potential high end NHL draft prospect on this German roster, Mayer is not eligible until 2024 due to his late birthday. The big defender will be the anchor of this German team and he should be able to make a name for himself as someone to watch.