Keean Washkurak – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – ST. LOUIS BLUES – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors – Brock Otten, Chapin Landvogt, Ethan Hetu, Dylan Krill, — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 20:44:46 +0000

ST. LOUIS, MO - NOVEMBER 22: St. Louis Blues defenseman Scott Perunovich (48) during a NHL game between the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the St. Louis Blues on November 22, 2021, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire),

1 -Scott Perunovich D

Last year was actually Perunovich’s rookie pro season. The former Hobey Baker winner injured his shoulder after turning pro and missed the entire 2020-21 season. Splitting time between St. Louis and Springfield, he was an immediate stand out. In the AHL, he was one of the league’s best defenders, even as a rookie. With the Blues, even in a limited role, he was impressive. That is why the Blues activated Perunovich from the IR in the middle of the playoffs and put him in the lineup and on the powerplay. Of course, the Blues had to activate him off the injured list in the first place because he missed an extended period of time after wrist surgery. Is he proving to be injury prone as an NHL player? Too early to say, but the undersized defender does need to stay healthy this year to prove that he is durable enough to be a longtime NHL player. What is clear is that Perunovich is talented enough to be a top four, puck moving defender. He skates well. He is highly intelligent. He is competitive. He has the potential to be one of the NHL’s elite powerplay quarterbacks. The only question mark is durability. Looking at St. Louis’ blueline currently, one might wonder how Perunovich can earn playing time. Their depth is strong. Yet, you could also argue that they need to find a way to get him in there every game because he has the talent to be a difference maker. - BO

2 - Zachary Bolduc C

55 goals. That’s how many goals Zachary Bolduc scored for the Quebec Remparts last season, and it is entirely possible that he breaks the 60-mark next season. Bolduc plays a very projectable game as a top 6 player: He’s relentless in transition, can score from anywhere on the ice and dangle with ease through opponents. This playstyle is what made the St. Louis Blues draft him 17^th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. Playing in his DY-1 season with the Oceanic Rimouski alongside Alexis Lafrenière made a lot of people question if he was really all that great or if he was just a product of the superstar. In his draft +1 year, he proved all the doubters wrong and was a crucial piece for the Rimouski Oceanic. Returning to the QMJHL this season, there is still lots of room for him to improve. He can stand to get quicker. He can continue to improve his off puck play and consistency playing through traffic. He can continue to improve on his decision making with the puck. Thus far, his progression has gone extremely well, and he does appear to be tracking towards being a future top six contributor for the Blues. - EB

3 - Jake Neighbours LW

The Blues were so impressed by Neighbours and his ability to excel in a support role that they gave him a nine-game audition to start the 2021/22 season. While they did ultimately return him to Edmonton, it speaks volumes as to their love for him as a player. The return to Edmonton was great for Neighbours, however, as he captained the Oil Kings to a WHL Championship. Off the puck, Neighbours is at his best. He is relentless on the forecheck and backcheck and has both the speed and strength to force turnovers regularly. He is also an intelligent complementary offensive piece with how he finds soft spots in coverage, works to maintain possession along the wall, and gets himself to the net front. While his finishing ability and hands probably only grade out to being average, perhaps limiting his offensive potential at the NHL level, he does so many other things well that it is very likely he carves out a long career in the NHL as a middle six player who can play in a variety of different situations. There is a strong chance that Neighbours makes St. Louis in a checking line role this season, however, they may also opt to send him to the AHL to allow him to build confidence in his offensive abilities and adjust to the speed of the pro game. Either way, he is likely very close to being a full time St. Louis Blue. - BO

4 - Jimmy Snuggerud RW

While Jimmy Snuggerud might have fallen under the radar a bit by playing frequently on a line with 2022 top-five picks Logan Cooley and Cutter Gauthier, Snuggerud’s rise up draft boards to ultimately being selected 23rd overall by the Blues wasn’t simply due to him riding his linemates’ coattails. No, Snuggerud is a promising, intriguing prospect in his own right. So much of his game is devoted to maximizing whoever he’s playing with. Cooley and Gauthier are both top prospects on their own but playing with Snuggerud undoubtedly gave their games a strong boost. HIs six-foot-one frame is well-filled despite being on the younger side for his draft class and displays his strength regularly on the ice. Snuggerud is an adept protector of the puck, and he approaches board battles tactically, finding the best way to leverage his strength into success in physical engagements. He knows he’s stronger than many other players, but he doesn’t simply rely on that strength to carry his game. He views his strength as simply one of his tools, and that approach is evidenced by his well-rounded offensive approach. He’s just as comfortable setting up teammates from the perimeter as he is heading through the middle of the ice and creating chances from the more difficult areas other wingers would stay away from. Snuggerud’s small-area game is quite developed as well, and he’s just as comfortable finding a play along the boards as he is firing a crisp open-ice pass. The most notable weakness in his game is his skating, and his lack of a separation gear could limit his offensive upside in the NHL. If Snuggerud can keep his skating above water and continue to create space for playmaking through his puck protection, he could be a scoring-line power forward in the NHL. If his offense plateaus due to his lack of foot speed, there’s still a promising NHL future for Snuggerud a role player. - EH

5 - Joel Hofer G

A late bloomer, Hofer just keeps getting better, season after season. In 2020, he was a standout in the WHL with Portland and backstopped Canada to a gold medal at the World Juniors, capturing the tournament’s top goaltender award in the process. Even last season, his second pro year, he showed remarkable growth over the course of the season. He helped Springfield advance deep into the Calder Cup playoffs and was one of the AHL’s best netminders in the closing months. That bodes well for this year, where he will be carrying a ton of confidence and momentum as a player and prospect. The Blues’ goaltender of the future has pushed through a crowded crease (St. Louis has four netminders under the age of 22 under contract) to rise to the top. In a lot of ways Hofer resembles current NHL netminder Matt Murray. With a tall, lanky frame (6’5, 172lbs), he takes away the bottom of the net so well and his positioning and play tracking ability are sound. He will need to continue to improve his agility and quickness to better challenge pro shooters and have more control over his body, but he has the potential to be the heir apparent to Jordan Binnington in St. Louis’ crease. The Blues will send Hofer back to the AHL this coming season in hopes that he can be one of the league’s top netminders. If he plays like he did in last year’s playoffs, he will be. - BO

6 - Nikita Alexandrov C

It is hard not to see Alexandrov developing into an NHL player in some shape or form. He is such a versatile player, with a game that has few weaknesses. He is a competitive two-way player. He is poised with the puck and has good vision down low. He is a strong forechecker. He is a strong skater. One might look at his mediocre AHL production last year and question his NHL upside, however he still finished fifth in team scoring on a very stacked veteran team. He was among Springfield’s best players in the AHL playoffs, helping them go on a deep run. For those reasons, many believe that Alexandrov is actually very close to earning a spot in the Blues’ lineup. He could easily start lower in the lineup and eventually earn his way up. For now, the Blues will send the former QMJHL standout back to Springfield for another season, where they hope that he will take a step forward offensively and be a leader at the AHL level. Even with a ton of fringe veteran depth at the forward position, he could play his way into an injury callup should the need arise. A projected middle six forward, Alexandrov may be among the game’s most underrated prospects. - BO

7- Simon Robertsson RW

The 71^st overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft, Robertsson was viewed higher in the public sphere before falling to the third round into grateful the hands of the St. Louis Blues. Robertsson is best known for his wicked shot, which has a precise release point that is often accurate while packing a punch. When he doesn’t have the puck, Robertsson always seems to be lurking in the high-danger scoring areas waiting for a pass from his teammates. When transitioning the puck, he loves to attack the middle of the ice, using speed and deception to get inside access. He is also a proficient forechecker, often being aggressive in his opportunities to strip the opposition of the puck. Robertsson split the past couple of seasons between the J20 and the SHL. In his draft year, he produced 20 points in 15 J20 games while also adding 2 points over 22 SHL games. This past season he produced similarly, with 14 goals and 23 points in 21 J20 games, while playing a more limited role in the SHL, often between 2-11 minutes per game, in which he scored 5 times in 48 appearances. Blues fans are hoping that he is given a larger scoring role in the SHL this year and is able to prove why many in the public sphere believed he should have been selected higher. - ZS

8 - Michael Buchinger

The 88th selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Michael Buchinger was one half of one of the best young defense pairings in the OHL last season, playing with 2023 NHL Draft eligible Cam Allen. After missing the 2020-2021 OHL season due to the Covid-19 shutdown, Buchinger, like others, had to make the adaptation quickly to standout in his draft year. During the 2021-2022 season, Buchinger was able to compliment Allen’s play perfectly, having great positioning away from the puck, understanding when to play conservative to allow Allen to be more aggressive and just making smart and simple plays with great execution. One thing that stands out with Buchinger is that he always looks calm and plays with such poise, never looking overwhelmed. Being utilized in all situations, Buchinger was a big asset to the Strom, eating big minutes and playing on both special teams. At the end of the season Buchinger finished with 44 points (5G,39A) in 63 games, which was 17th in points and 12th in assists in the league by a defenseman and also 2nd in points in the league by a rookie defenseman. Buchinger’s best assets are his hockey sense and competitiveness. He seems to make other teammates better when he’s on the ice, doing the dirty work and making the simple plays so efficiently. He’s a great puck mover, especially in transition where he’s able to connect on stretch passes through traffic to move the puck quickly out of the defensive zone. Buchinger is very effective along the boards, using both a strong active stick to apply pressure and his body to use physicality when needed to knock his opponents off the puck. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Buchinger and his teammate Cam Allen will be one of the leagues best defensive pairings in the league. You could expect an increase in points. - DK

9 - Tanner Dickinson C

Dickinson was in the midst of a breakout year with the Soo Greyhounds when it all came crashing down. Sent flying into the boards, the speedy forward suffered a broken femur and missed the rest of the season. In fact, Dickinson is still rehabbing the injury as of this writing, in order to be ready for the start of Blues’ training camp, but that is no guarantee. As alluded to, skating is his strength. He is lightning quick. Dickinson loves to attack the offensive zone with pace, pushing defenders back on their heels. He also uses his speed to apply pressure on both the forecheck and backcheck. His strength on and off the puck, along with his physical involvement were all significantly improved, at least before the injury. How the injury impacts his development moving forward remains to be seen. That said, the Blues should be happy with how he performed in the OHL and with the progression he has already shown. At some point, when healthy, Dickinson will play at the AHL level this year. Tempering expectations will be important as he regains his touch and confidence. However long term, he possesses some intriguing qualities that could make him an NHL player in some capacity. - BO

10 - Aleksanteri Kaskimaki LW

A solidly built 6-foot, 182-pound multi-dimensional forward, Kaskimäki was selected in the third round of this summer’s draft by the St. Louis Blues. Fully expected to continue his development with the HIFK program in Helsinki, where he could split time between the senior and U20 teams, Kaskimäki got his name entrenched in the scouts’ notebooks when he scored 3 goals at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, then proceeded to put up 19 goals, 40 points, and a +19 in just 31 games for HIFK’s U20 squad. A brief stint in for the Liiga side was also successful. All this earned the strong-skating lefty shot a spot at the U18 Worlds, where he contributed 4 points over 6 games, helping his nation win the bronze. His late tip-in goal against Canada to push the game to overtime was one of the tournament highlights. Kaskimäki is a hustler who looks to create space for his wrist shot, a preferred weapon that has exceptional velocity. Shifty in tight corners, he makes optimal use of his husky build to protect the puck and bully his way through traffic. Give him space and he can deke. He is also very comfortable moving through traffic and parking himself in the opposition slot. Overall, Kaskimäki is a raw player who St. Louis can be patient with over the next few seasons. A strong fall could very well lead to a spot at the WJC in Moncton. – CL

11 - Leo Loof

A steady stay at home defender, Loof switched from his native Sweden to playing in Finland last season and the results were excellent as he helped Ilves to a third-place finish. He will play in Liiga again this year and continue to improve his confidence with the puck.

12 - Tyler Tucker

The focus for Tucker has always been to improve his feet and that’s exactly what he has been doing. The stocky defender already wore an “A” for Springfield last season in his second year of pro and his throwback, physical style could make him a future third pairing type.

13 - Matt Kessel

Kessel, a steady and physical stay at home defender with a big shot, turned pro at the end of last season and was an impact player for Springfield, helping them advance deep into the AHL playoffs. If he continues to improve his mobility, he could move quickly through the system.

14 - Arseni Koromyslov

A raw two-way defender, Koromyslov had a bit of a disappointing draft year in the MHL and was selected late in the fourth round by St. Louis. He possesses some intriguing skills but will take time to develop.

15 - Alexei Toropchenko

The former Guelph Storm winger closed out last season with the Blues. The big forward can drive the net and control the puck down low, but his offensive game looks limited.

16 - Hugh McGing

The speedy and creative undersized forward was much better in the AHL as a sophomore, but he will need to take another step forward offensively this season in order to stay in St. Louis’ plans.

17 - Dylan Peterson

The Blues knew that Peterson was going to be a project pick when they drafted him in 2020. The big center skates well and has the profile to be a great shutdown pivot, however his puck skill and IQ limits were unknown. He took a big step forward as a sophomore with Boston University and could do so again this season as a junior.

18 - Keean Washkurak

Washkurak proved to be a solid depth piece for Springfield in his first pro season. The high energy forward can kill penalties and excel on the forecheck. His pro potential may be limited.

19 - Colten Ellis

The former third round pick played most of his first pro season in the ECHL thanks to St. Louis’ goaltending depth. He may have to again this season too.

20 - Noah Beck

The older brother of Calgary prospect (and OHL’er) Jack Beck, Noah is a big, right shot defender who is coming off a breakout year at Clarkson. He is quite mobile for his frame (6’4) and is improving in the defensive end. Not to be confused with the TikTok star and former soccer player.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: ST. LOUIS BLUES – RANK: #24 – TIER IV

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 00:46:21 +0000

St. Louis Blues

#24 St. Louis - Another case of small draft classes killing depth. This system has a huge dropoff after the top seven.

Jake Neighbours

Jake Neighbours

Jake Neighbours is an effort-based player whose work and desire are never questioned in a game. Not huge, Neighbours is still incredibly strong with a good base that allows him to protect the puck with a wide stance. He has a good burst, and his top speed is fine, but he isn’t a natural burner. When he doesn’t have the puck, he is dogged in pursuit of it. On the forecheck he is very effective as the first man. He closes guys off and takes away options, overall creating chaos and forcing turnovers which can be used to create offensive scoring chances.

In the offensive zone he is more than just a worker as he has some deft puck skills and creativity with the puck. He can move away from pressure and create lanes for his passes. He is a dual threat with a good shot and very good passing ability. He is a player that can hold onto the puck in traffic for that extra second to make a play, and he is comfortable moving through traffic with the puck. Neighbours is a player that will have to prove his offensive chops in the AHL before moving up, but he has the potential to be a middle six, all situations winger. First, he will return to the WHL this season and should be among the leading scorers in the league with an elite Edmonton Oil Kings team. - VG

Zachary Bolduc

The Rimouski centre has several redeeming qualities as a player: visibly silky hands, a relatively fluid and fully extended stride in straight lines when he exerts himself, and a penchant for getting a ton of pucks on net (8.7 shot attempts / 4.27 shots on goal per game). But for Bolduc, his in-game implementation doesn’t allow him to truly leverage his strengths as a player. As such, he may be one of the higher risk players selected in 2021.

A high-volume shooter and strong puckhandler, Bolduc’s scoring potential is high. Armed with a powerful wrist shot and a bevy of confidence, Bolduc is a threat to score from anywhere on the ice. Bolduc also has the potential to develop into a high-end NHL skater. He can show flashes of explosiveness and velocity in straight lines when pursuing loose pucks and can hit gaps quickly to capitalize on scoring chances. Something that could really aid Bolduc to become a more consistent player is adding strength to his lanky frame. Offensively, he will make the effort to initiate contact and get inside of opponents – which is an encouraging habit when it comes to his effort level offensively – but seldom does he emerge in a beneficial situation given his current general lack of strength. A first round talent (and selection by the Blues) because of his offensive potential, Bolduc does not come without some risk attached. If all of his skills do blend together eventually and he becomes more consistent, Bolduc could emerge as a top six center for the Blues. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Klim Kostin

Kostin's 2020/21 season was the hockey remake of The Ugly Duckling story. A good chunk of time has passed since he was drafted by the Blues in the first round and his development at the AHL level did not go as planned. When he arrived on loan to the KHL, he actually struggled as he was looking lost on the ice, failing to impress his coaches. Coach Bob Hartley was patient with him though, as his game improved over the course of the season. Hartley turned him not into a beautiful swan, but rather into a crushing beast: Kostin started to hit everything that moved and if it didn't move, he would just move it himself. With that being said he did more in his KHL stint than serve as a pugilist; he was an effective offensive player who blended power and skill, just as he was supposed to do when drafted.

Heading into the next season Kostin should be ready to finally take on a full-time role with the Blues as he is a NHL-ready power forward now and can contribute on that level. He always had the talent, and he now knows how to utilize it properly. Kostin just needs the opportunity and if the Blues are smart, they will supply him with it. He may have to start on the lower lines and work his way up, but Kostin projects as a middle six power forward who can be an intimidating net front presence on the powerplay. - VF

Scott Perunovich

As last season finally got underway, Perunovich was a taxi squad member. Coming off a Hobey Baker Award, given to a defenseman who led his conference in scoring, and prior to that being a critical member of back-to-back NCAA champions in Minnesota-Duluth, Perunovich was previously an easy choice as St. Louis’ top prospect. He was very much expected to find his way into NHL games soon, as a key piece of their blueline of the future. And then in mid-February, it was announced that he would be undergoing shoulder surgery that would keep him off the ice for the remainder of the season.

So Perunovich did not play last year, bringing a screeching halt to the amazing progress he had made on the ice after going undrafted in his first two years of eligibility, first as an incredibly raw high schooler, and then as a skilled, but inconsistent and very weak off-the-puck defender in the USHL. His game took off in college, and those three years – plus a freshman season interlude with Team USA at the WJC that really cemented the attention of NHL scouts – are what we have to go off now. His fantastic skating should not have been impacted by the shoulder injury, and hopefully his puck skills are also unaffected. Noting that he is expected to be healthy for the start of 2021-22, everything else is wait and see. - RW

Simon Robertsson

The 6’0 winger has a very well-rounded skill set, but also possesses a fair amount of offensive potential because of his shooting ability. Bouncing around between the J20, SHL, HockeyEttan and the Swedish national teams, Robertsson’s production was not always consistent. However, his effort and engagement usually were. That is why it was surprising to see him fall to the third round this past draft.

Robertsson’s shot and scoring ability were among the best in this draft class. He is also a reliable and consistent player without the puck. He excels on the forecheck due to his good top speed and compete level. He shows good awareness and anticipation in the offensive end, especially in the slot area where pucks just seem to find his stick. Obviously, he is not a perfect player; he does have some characteristics that need to improve and those do partially explain his inconsistencies. The first is his decision making with the puck. Additionally, scouts are looking for him to continue to add more dynamics to his stride, especially while in possession of the puck. If Robertsson’s development goes according to plan, he has the chance to be a top six goal scoring winger who can play in a variety of situations for the Blues (including likely becoming a top penalty killing option). However, even if his play with the puck never improves, he does enough things well to suggest that he could make a reliable middle six supporting winger who can line up alongside more skilled players to help finish off plays and provide two-way stability. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Nikita Alexandrov

Certainly not a sexy prospect, Alexandrov has a terrific chance of developing into an NHL player in the future because of his well-rounded skill set. Previously, he spent three solid years in the QMJHL with Charlottetown and was a top performer at the World Juniors as a 20-year-old. Last season, he started the year with KooKoo in Liiga (Finland), performing well in a middle six role, before finishing with Utica in the AHL.

As mentioned, Alexandrov is a very polished player who should find immediate success at the pro level in North America. He skates well. He protects the puck well. He is competitive in all three zones and excels as a forechecker. He can play any role that is asked of him. While he may not have first line upside, Alexandrov does possess the ability to be a capable middle six forward for the Blues in the near future. A strong first full season in the AHL this season should give management an indication of how close he is to reaching that potential. Given the strength of St. Louis’ farm system currently, there could be an opening for him to move quickly. - BO

Joel Hofer

It was an up-and-down pro debut for Hofer, who made 10 appearances in goal for the Utica Comets, winning four of 10 games with fairly pedestrian numbers but with two shutout performances as well, showcasing a glimpse of the form he displayed in junior and at the WJC backstopping Canada to gold in 2020. Hofer is a calm, patient goalie who stays square to shooters and utilizes his fantastic size well. Although he doesn’t move much in net, his reflexes are excellent and he reads the play well. His focus and mindset bode well for handling a starter’s workload at some point in the future, if he continues to refine his mechanics and gain more experience at the pro level, as he is quite raw still.

The pandemic didn’t help matters, shortening the past two seasons that were critical in his development. Hofer needs playing time and will hopefully get it as he has the inside track to be the Comets starter in 2021-22, though he will have to hold off the likes of Evan Fitzpatrick or even the fast-rising Colten Ellis. An important season looms. He still possesses the best odds of any young goalie in the system to push Jordan Binnington for starts in the St. Louis crease in the future. - AS

Tyler Tucker

All things considered, Tucker’s first pro season with Utica was highly successful. He established himself as a top four defender for the Comets, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. While the offensive production may have been somewhat limited, Tucker anchored Utica’s penalty killing unit and demonstrated that he could be a standout in the defensive zone at the AHL level.

The key to Tucker’s development has always been his ability to improve his conditioning and skating ability. His lack of mobility was the primary reason he initially fell to the seventh round in 2018. However, he has worked very hard to become a better overall skater and the results showed at the AHL level last season. He looks every bit a future NHL defender, at the very least as a high end third pairing/depth option. With his physicality and defensive approach transitioning seamlessly, Tucker will look to increase his confidence and effectiveness with the puck this coming season, perhaps even earning a greater look on the powerplay so he can utilize his booming point shot. While Tucker may not be an NHL player for a few years still, his progression is on the right path. - BO

Keean Washkurak

Washkurak is another OHL player who was forced to find an alternative means to playing this past season due to the pandemic cancellation. Along with a few Ontario players, Washkurak went to Slovakia to play in the second men’s league, performing very admirably. At the conclusion of his Slovak season, he joined Utica for a brief time, but this coming season will serve as his first full year in the AHL.

Washkurak is like a waterbug on the ice; his energy level is infectious. An intense competitor, he excels on the forecheck, in the defensive zone, and on the penalty kill. As an offensive player, Washkurak’s best assets are his ability to push the pace with his speed, and his vision with the puck. While his offensive potential at the NHL level is likely rather limited, he does have the potential to be an NHL player because of his quickness and well-rounded skill set that is tailored to be a checking line player for the Blues in the future. Look for Washkurak to spend a few seasons in the AHL first, building up confidence in his offensive abilities, before he makes the jump. - BO

Dylan Peterson

There are only a few teams in which Peterson would fit as a top 10 prospect, and even with St. Louis, one of the shallower systems in the league, he just barely worked his way on. A third round pick out of the USNTDP as a very big and rangy center with tremendously advanced defensive utility, the Blues would not have been expecting a big scorer here. So, his meagre six point output as a freshman at Boston University should not have been a surprise in the least.

He was still able to flash the attributes that got him drafted in the first place. The size is an asset as mentioned. He will do anything to help his team win, for example excelling as a shot blocker. He didn’t play as traditionally physical a game as a freshman as one might hope, but he is by no means a shy player. The other impressive element of his game that stuck around is his great skating. He has a very fluid, clean stride and he simply eats up the ice at full speed. Those traits made him a trusted penalty killer as a freshman, and they will help him eventually reach his floor as a prospect, that being as a bottom six forward who can keep things very tight playing shut-down hockey. Not exciting, but pretty useful regardless. - RW

Colten Ellis

Ellis, playing as an overager in the QMJHL this past season, posted the best save percentage and the best GAA in the league on a strong Charlottetown team. The former third rounder took the steps forward that St. Louis wanted to see and now heads into his first pro season riding a wave of confidence.

Tanner Dickinson

Due to the cancellation of the 2020/21 OHL season, Dickinson barely played last year, seeing marginal action with Utica in the AHL under an exemption. The speedy playmaker will be a go-to player for the Soo Greyhounds this year, as he looks to make up for lost time and development.

Matt Kessel

An NCAA champion last year with UMass, Kessel emerged as one of Hockey East’s top two-way defenders as a sophomore. The heavy hitting and hard shooting 6’3 defender will return to the Minutemen, wearing an ‘A” this coming season.

Jake Walman

Time is running out for this former NCAA All Star to become more than just organizational depth for the Blues. He did spend the entire year with the Blues but played sporadically. The sixth defender position is clearly up for grabs going into training camp and Walman will look to secure it.

Mathias Laferriere

An impact player in the QMJHL the past three seasons, Laferriere is an intelligent and versatile forward who has a chance to carve out a career as a bottom six forward for the Blues. He will finally turn pro this season and will probably need a few years in the AHL to build up his confidence offensively before making the jump.

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: St. Louis Blues Top 20 Prospects

Rachel Howard — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 21:49:03 +0000

McKeen's Top 20 New York Rangers prospects for the 2020-21 season. You can read an organizational assessment prior to the draft in Ryan Wagman's article found here. Following the draft we provided a review on each teams performance based on our rankings found here.

Scott Perunovich, D (45^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 1)

There are late bloomers and there are late exploders. A few weeks after signing with the Blues, shortly after the premature end of his freshman season with Minnesota-Duluth, Perunovich justifiably won the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top men’s ice hockey player in NCAA. He is very small, but his skating has improved since being drafted to now be a real draw for his game. He can generally hold his own in his own end, but the best way I can describe his game is by recapping the sequence that led to a goal against Western Michigan this year. Perunovich got puck at his own blueline, and tried to pass it to center ice, but the puck went off an opponent's skate, bouncing right back to the man in question, who then skated it past center ice and passed to a teammate on the right boards. Immediately after passing, Perunovich kicked into overdrive and charged the net, getting the pass back from the same teammate a few feet from the crease, where he proceeded to chip it over a diving goalie and into the net. Between his high-end skating, hands, creativity and vision, Perunovich could be a star. – RW

Jake Neighbours, LW (26^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

More steady than flashy, Neighbours has a stocky frame and more strength than many in this draft class, making him difficult to play against, and especially strong on faceoffs and in puck battles at either end. Even though he is not overly aggressive, he doesn’t shy away from physical play and is a very effective forechecker. The strength of his game is as a playmaker. His passing game is high end as he sees lanes that few others can, with the ability to execute on those options at will. He is equally as comfortable setting up linemates from his backhand as he is from his forehand, allowing him to play on either side of center. Neighbours will quarterback from the top of the slot and either cycle, or penetrate the home plate area, depending on the defensive structure. A high-volume shooter, Neighbours could be even more effective as a playmaker if he was more judicious in his shooting, notwithstanding a quick release that can take advantage of gaps from any angle, forehand or backhand. Regardless, I think the young center will continue to make the adjustments to maximize his ability in this game. – RW

Tyler Tucker, D (200^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

By improving his conditioning and becoming a more powerful and fluid four-way skater, Tucker has emerged as a serious contender for a future NHL blueline job. A throwback player, he relishes playing the body. He is very aggressive in trying to deny zone entries by stepping up on would be attackers. His improved skating has allowed him to have better gap control. He also possesses some above average offensive qualities. His booming point shot gives him the potential to quarterback a powerplay. With an improved stride, Tucker was able to make more of a consistent impact frequently jumping up into or leading the rush. Blues fans should be very happy with his progression and emergence as a legitimate NHL prospect. With his physical approach and underrated puck skills, he has the potential to develop into a quality #4-5 defender who can play in all situations. Continued improvement will be needed from his skating, primarily to maintain a stout defensive projection. Patience will be required, and he may need a few years in the AHL to adapt to the speed of the pro game. – BO

Klim Kostin, RW (31^st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 3)

Sooner or later, the powerful and skillful forward was going to figure it all out; on came the 2019-20 season. Kostin reached new career highs in goals and points in the AHL and scored his first career NHL goal. His physical prowess was on full display at both levels, as the power forward’s superb puck-protection, balance, and ability to maintain skating momentum shifting back and forth on his feet impressed. His heavy wrist shot, and fast, deceptive puck-handling round out his offensive package, although his skating and acceleration can be sluggish. He seemed to unlock the capability of playing that assertive style consistently, which has boosted his confidence and his overall potential. Kostin has finally reminded us of why he was so revered in his draft year. After three full AHL seasons, it would not shock me to see him instantly placed into the top-six role he is well-suited for with St. Louis for next season. - TD

Joel Hofer, G (107^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

From a backup goalie who let in too many soft goals in and lose his net too frequently, to a start who kept his mask above water on a weak WHL team, to stealing a spot on Canada’s Gold Medal winning WJC roster – where he ended up the starter, Hofer has taken several big steps in the past few years. He brings a calm and relaxed presence in the crease. The soft goals have mostly evaporated, as has his past tendency to lose positioning and be forced to scramble. What’s left is an incredibly poised netminder, playing within himself and using his immense frame to do the work for him. His movement is controlled, he tracks the puck laterally very well and competes hard. His puck handling is not a strength, but most of the rest is. Hofer is able to park a bad play or a soft goal and move on and now shows NHL starter potential. - VG

Nikita Alexandrov, C (62^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

The first impression of the bulky forward is that he is a force along the boards due to his strong frame and low center-of-gravity. Alexandrov is nearly impossible to knock off the puck when he takes root along the wall, with very strong legs and a very powerful core. He protects the puck well. His acceleration is excellent due to his short and choppy stride, but his top speed is merely good, potentially holding him back at the highest level. His hockey IQ is very strong, and his reads make him strong on the backcheck and as a playmaker. Alexandrov is largely a North-South player, but he has good hands in tight, especially close to the net and along the boards. He can also be a solid net-front player, combining his strong body and quick hands into the ability to find and deflect pucks. What may hold him back is his tendency to keep it simple. Alexandrov needs more confidence in his potential to become a stronger player. At minimum, he can be a strong-willed secondary scorer at the top level but will need to work on his stride. – MS

Dylan Peterson, C (86^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

One of the top defensive forwards in the 2020 draft class, Peterson combines an ideal frame, big and strong, with high end athleticism. He is an excellent skater, particularly considering his size. In the mold of 2019 first rounder John Beecher, Peterson was not used in a heavy offensive capacity for the U18s this year, but when he had the chance, he would generally be found parked in front of the opposing goalie. He has the hands to play in tight and chip the odd puck in. He can shoot from the rush as well and has soft hands. He can be counted on to carry the puck through traffic in the neutral zone, and to direct the puck smartly once the puck is in the offensive end. He plays with solid touch and can work from behind the net as well. Low end middle six is his realistic ceiling. He plays without fear while positioning himself to inflict maximal disruption, stuffing shooting and passing lanes. He could stand to be more physically assertive, but he does a nice job of taking space away and being difficult to play against. – RW

Ville Husso, G (94^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 6)

The Blues found their goalie of the future in the otherwise unheralded Jordan Binnington, but before that, their most prized netminding pupil was Husso. After a disastrous 2018-19 season, Husso needed a comeback campaign in 2019-20 to return to a high spot in the Blues farm system and his efforts with AHL San Antonio did exactly that. Behind a Rampage team which fielded a fairly weak defense, the Finn rebounded to the tune of a 2.56 GAA and .909 SV%. Husso’s raw athletic skills never faded, but his ability to read plays and confidently position himself to shut down any danger early looked much improved compared to last season. The way he propels himself laterally with his quick foot movement and long legs gives him total coverage of the lower half of the goal, and his rebound control and pre-shot preparation looked better, though his glove hand speed and positioning remain flaws. At 25, he looks like a near finished product and could be a long-term 1B goaltender for the Blues as soon as next season, especially with a frantically compressed schedule that will require the use of several goaltenders. - TD

Niko Mikkola, D (127^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 7)

Mikkola’s style of play will eventually be a perfect fit in the heavily structured, physical system of play in St. Louis. The massive 2014 fifth-round pick has been steadily maturing into a solid stay-at-home defenseman and would probably be a lineup fixture on a team with a lesser defensive core. A strong skater for a d-man with a 6-5” frame with the capability of playing heavy, demanding physical minutes against high-end opposing forward lines, Mikkola can end plays below the goal line and excels at defending with his stick and muscular upper body. With a high hockey IQ, he anticipates the moves of his opponents and, with poke checks and decent lateral agility, can effectively keep them from getting center position and testing the goaltender from high-danger areas. Though his offensive skill is sorely limited, he at least can get the puck out of the zone. Someone who plays this kind of style does not need much more polishing, and he quickly earned the trust of the Blues coaches in his five-game NHL stint with some key PK minutes. A role as a stay-at-home depth blueliner is in the near future for the big Finnish lefthander. - TD

Hugh McGing, C (138^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 8)

Like Perunovich above, Hugh McGing is an undersized player who was not drafted until his third year of eligibility. In almost all other respects the Western Michigan grad is a very different kind of prospect. While the Bronco’s captains put up good numbers throughout his collegiate career, he projects as more of a heart-and-soul forward who could set up shop in a bottom six and play for years in the NHL, while occasionally moonlighting higher up the lineup as a short-term injury replacement. McGing has quick feet and a plus top speed, but he is just as notable for playing a very gritty game, getting involved in the dirty areas and coming out clean. He has skilled hands and can maneuver the puck from in tight. He is reliable in any type of game situation. Even if he lacks the dynamic skill set you want to see in a top six player, he is fun to watch and there is enough there to expect him to be an injury call up as soon as this season. - RW

Keean Washkurak, C (155^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

One thing that is critical for tracking the future success of a prospect is how well they close out their draft plus one season. Washkurak did so extremely well, finishing with 22 points in the final 15 games, helping the Steelheads surge before the season was abruptly ended. While he may not have high end upside at the pro level, he is a fantastic skater and energy player who excels on the forecheck and the penalty kill. Next year, Mississauga should be a contender in the Eastern Conference and Washkurak will be a large part of that success. He has the chance to become a real fan favorite in St. Louis down the line as fans grow to love the tenacity and consistent effort that he plays with. - BO

Colten Ellis, G (93^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 10)

The newest Charlottetown Islander is a quick netminder who dazzles with his athleticism but has the tendency to over-commit to the puck. His quick play, especially his fast feet and post-to-post movement, is enough at the Q level to shine, but will need to be coached out of his game to succeed in the pros. His size, standing 6-1”, is also not ideal. However, he is a battler who does not give up on a play, even though he might lose sight of the puck a time or two. Ellis is a fan-favorite goaltender for the highlight reel save, but those kinds of saves are usually born out of a lapse in positioning or reading the play. Having said that, there is a solid foundation of technical skills to build upon. Ellis has some work to do, but his athleticism and his hard-working nature could prove him to be a diamond in the rough. – MS

Leo Loof, D (88^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

A lanky defender who skates well and hits very hard, Loof is one of a set of identical twins in the Farjestad system. Brother Linus is a center, but Leo is the one with a legitimate NHL projection. Twice named the best defenseman of his age-group in the youth levels of Sweden, Leo is also frequently called on by the national team and contributed a pair of assists to the Bronze Medal winning group at last year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. You would like to see him improve his decision making and spend less time in the penalty box, but Loof has enough to offer to imagine a future as a #4-6 blueliner in the NHL. In addition to his wheels, he is a smart and proficient puck mover who helps keep the puck heading in the right direction. He also demonstrates admirable hockey IQ, with the look of a defender who could feature in a shutdown role and take on PK time. The main limitation to his game is a weak point shot that will curtail his offensive production and prevent him from receiving too many power play minutes. – RW

Will Cranley, G (163^rd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

A late bloomer among the 2020 draft class, Cranley hit his stride in the few months before last season was cancelled. His starts were certainly sheltered a bit as Ottawa's back-up, with lots of games against the league’s bottom feeders, and put up a .925 save percentage in his final ten games. A 6-4” netminder who trending in the right direction performance-wise and possesses great athletic tools is always worthy of a draft-day gamble, even for an organization whose strength is in the crease. He sees the ice very well thanks to his size and has some of the technical components of the position well-honed. Cranley is raw and it will take time to iron out some technical issues, with rebound control a particular bugbear. However, he definitely has the make-up of an NHL netminder. First, he will need to seize the starting job with the Ottawa 67s when the OHL resumes play and pick up where he left off last season. – BO

Austin Poganski, RW (110^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 11)

The former North Dakota captain earned an NHL debut amid a 30-point AHL season as a two-way winger with speed and size. The Blues threw their San Antonio assistant captain a bone with a one-game, six-minute NHL stint, rewarding him for his reliability and versatility in the minors with a taste of the Stanley Cup champions’ roster. A strong PK guy who can control the defensive zone with his stick-positioning and one-on-one coverage, Poganski’s offensive game is evolving, notably with an improving shot and an added sense of assertiveness to carry the puck. He will never be an elite skater, but his high hockey IQ and maturity allow him to remain on the cusp of an NHL job. The fourth-round pick in 2014 has potential to be a solid, albeit unimpressive bottom-six NHL winger for St. Louis soon, though one more AHL season would help him round his two-way game out. – TD

Mitch Reinke, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed, Mar. 25, 2018. Previous ranking: 12)

Reinke is admittedly a hard player to evaluate and project, with inconsistencies and struggles mixed in with flashes of offensive brilliance and skill. After an excellent rookie season in the AHL that earned the right-hander league All-Rookie team honors in 2018-19, Reinke fell back down to earth after taking a larger helping of minutes and being assigned defensive roles against opposing top-six units. Although his positioning and initial blueline defense suppressed a good amount of shots against and kept shooters from getting inside angles, his lack of size and strength was exposed at times, and with a greater responsibility on defense, his offensive contributions at even strength and in transition were somewhat subdued. If he can balance out the two sides of the game, he can be a dynamic transition piece at the highest level of the game; his passing and puck-handling skills are high-end and his skating is strong enough to weave through the neutral zone solo. Perhaps the American will need sheltered minutes to be able to put up points in the NHL, but he can be a serviceable, depth offensive defenseman with St. Louis in short term. - TD

Jake Walman, D (82^nd overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 13)

Coming off his best pro season to date, the 2014 third-round selection showed again why he was once considered a top-five prospect in this system. His offensive potential that looked limited at the AHL level just one season ago appears to have blossomed with a career-best 27 points (eight goals, 19 assists) in 57 games. Walman, like Poganski, was given a one-night NHL shot as a reward for his efforts with San Antonio, leading the blueline in goals and plus/minus (+3). A great skater, he plays aggressively with the puck on his stick and has improved his passing through the neutral and offensive zones. Defensively, he chooses to play the body and retrieve the puck after, using his large frame and long reach to dislodge the puck early in transitional defense. He possesses a good shot from the point and loves to use it, especially on the power play. He remains a fringe prospect who has been passed on the depth chart by other young blueliners (Mikkola and Perunovich of note) but has played himself back into an NHL conversation. – TD

Tanner Dickinson, C (119^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Immediately noticeable because of his speed, Dickinson made a solid impression in his OHL debut campaign, having spent the previous season playing AAA hockey in the Detroit area. He is explosive and gains the offensive zone with ease, also excelling as a forechecker. He has never demonstrated a great scoring touch, especially struggling to put up points at even strength, but showed a bit of a knack as a playmaker. His best attribute outside of his wheels is his hockey IQ. Despite having very little high-level junior experience, he had no problem whatsoever keeping up with the pace of the game in the OHL. Another thing that may hold him back is that he is very slight and gets knocked off the puck too easily right now. All newly drafted players need to bulk up and physically mature, but Dickinson needs to more than most. The hope here is that the lack of experience against top competition gives him a greater hidden upside than many other middle to late round picks. – BO

Mathias Laferriere, C (69^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Laferrière started a key development year on the shelf with a dislocated shoulder and missed more than a month with the ailment but came back strong to show the same offensive touch in 2020 from his break-out 2018-19 campaign. His offensive skills tend to skew more towards his strong shot than his playmaking ability, but he can open up ice with the threat of his shot, and he can feed his linemates with a strong pass. He is a jack-of-all-trades forward; as in, good in most areas, master of none. His consistency has improved in the last two years, but is still an issue at times, and he will need to bulk up to be a ready contributor in the pro ranks. Laferrière’s skillset would make him a good middle-six offensive player at the maximum of his potential, but it will take some work for him to get there. – MS

Nolan Stevens, C (125^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 15)

2019-20 was a prove-it season in some sense for Nolan Stevens. Previously an exclusively defensive player with little to offer on offense, the Northeastern alum showed he can be a 200-foot center who can wrestle his counterparts off the puck and use his large, 6-3” frame to run a beastly cycle. Improving by 13 points from last season in nine fewer games with roughly the same amount of ice time in the San Antonio top six, the son of former NHL head coach John Stevens is not much of a skater or puck-carrier, but can maintain possession for an extended duration (reminiscent of the Blues’ top skaters), and is a strong, intelligent facilitator from tight spaces. Playing deep in his own zone to assist defensively, Stevens uses his long stick to strip the puck from opponents and his big body to get into shot lanes. A restricted free agent going into next season, Stevens will likely return to the AHL club and hopefully increase his goal-scoring output to somewhere near his 24-goal final season at the NCAA level. - TD

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – ST LOUIS BLUES – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 31

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 11:40:39 +0000

St. Louis Blues

Flags fly forever.

The St. Louis Blues first Stanley Cup Championship last summer was unexpected, but more than welcome. It’s not that the team was not expected to be good. After all, they dealt a package of three players, including a recent first rounder, and two picks, including last year’s first rounder and a future second rounder, to Buffalo for eventual Conn Smythe winner Ryan O’Reilly. So, there was some belief in the team from within.

On the other hand, while expectations may have been – should have been – modest, the NHL brain trust also knew that the core of the roster was veteran heavy and their window to win would not be extensive. Before the current season began, the Blues traded another big piece of their future, former first rounder Dominik Bokk to Carolina for Justin Faulk, a solid veteran two-way blueliner, who also acts as insurance should team captain Alex Pietrangelo walk as a free agent this offseason.

That makes three first rounders, past and future, traded away in a short span of time. The NHL team is not without youth, namely the emerging star Robert Thomas, and next-in-line Jordan Kyrou, who both lost prospect eligibility in the last two seasons.

When you read on to the rest of this section, reviewing the Blues Top 15, there are players here, players who could feasibly play roles in the NHL. But this list also has more than a few players on it who would not appear on any other team’s top 15. There is but one player on this list who looks like a future high end NHLer. There is another maybe two, maybe three players who could find their way to the top half of a given roster in the right situation. And there are three guys who will vie to one day be given the job as backup goalie for the Blues. Everyone else just wants to get a foot over the boards.

More than any other team going into the 2020-21 season, the strength of the St. Louis pipeline will be dependent on their 2020 draft haul. A haul that at present consists of five picks as they have traded away three picks already (2^nd, 6^th, and 7^th rounds) and added an extra pick in the 5^th.

The team has built itself well enough to win a championship, and many of the players who were key to that title were either drafted by the Blues, or acquired in trades that saw the Blues surrender draft picks or players who were recent draft picks. And although most of those prominent picks were high picks, there is no risk of this draft era being looked at like the Edmonton Oilers’ draft classes of 5-10 years ago, where only the top picks made it. After all, a flag flies forever. And a flag will allow people to forgive many sins, not least of which is an empty pipeline.

Even so, the Blues will need to begin looking to the future soon. When the current core ages out of Stanley Cup contention, they don’t want to fall like the current Detroit Red Wings or Los Angeles Kings have fallen. There is a path to remain strong, but they need to act quickly. - RW

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs defenseman Scott Perunovich (7) takes a shot during the college hockey game between the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs and the Minnesota State Mavericks on December 28, 2018 at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire)

Scott Perunovich, D (45^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 4)

It’s not often that a player passed over twice in the draft emerges as a strong prospect in his third year. It’s not often that a player passed over twice in the draft emerges as one of the better prospects in the game by the time he is 21. There are late bloomers and there are late exploders. Scott Perunovich is in the latter group. He wasn’t drafted out of Hibbing-Chisholm High School in Minnesota. He wasn’t selected out of Cedar Rapids in the USHL. At both stops, he was seen as little more than a waterbug defender who was far better with the puck than without, but not good enough with to be worth the gamble.

Things changed once Perunovich arrived at Minnesota-Duluth. As a freshman, he not only led the Bulldogs in scoring, but he also led them to an NCAA title, with a stop in the middle to help Team USA win a Bronze Medal at the WJC. Everything simply clicked. As a sophomore, he won a second NCAA title, this time as the team’s third leading scorer. When the pandemic halted his junior campaign on the eve of the NCHC playoffs, he was leading the team in scoring once again. A few weeks after signing with the Blues, Perunovich justifiably won the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top men’s ice hockey player in NCAA.

He is still small, but his skating has improved to be a real draw for his game. He can generally hold his own in his own end, but the best way I can describe his game is by recapping the sequence that led to a goal against Western Michigan this year. Perunovich got puck at his own blueline, and tried to pass it to center ice, but the puck went off an opponent's skate, bouncing right back to the man in question, who then skated it past center ice and passed to a teammate on the right boards. Immediately after passing, Perunovich kicked into overdrive and charged the net, getting the pass back from the same teammate a few feet from the crease, where he chipped it over a diving goalie and into the net. Between his high-end skating, hands, creativity and vision, Perunovich could be a star. - RW

Tyler Tucker, D (200^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Originally a seventh-round selection, Tucker’s projection as an NHL player has always been tied to his ability to improve his skating. Without question, he has done that. By improving his conditioning and becoming a more powerful and fluid four-way skater, Tucker has emerged as a serious contender for an NHL blueline spot in the future.

Very much a throwback player, Tucker relishes in the opportunity to play the body, placing first in his Conference for best body checker in the last two OHL Coaches polls. He is very aggressive in trying to deny zone entries by stepping up on would be attackers. However, his improved skating has allowed him to have better gap control, making him one of the better overall defenders in the league.

Tucker also possesses some above average qualities as an offensive player. His booming point shot has seen him score 31 goals over the last two seasons and he has the potential to quarterback a powerplay because of it. With an improved stride, Tucker was able to make more of a consistent impact as someone who can jump up into or lead the rush.

Blues fans should be very happy with Tucker’s progression and emergence as a legitimate NHL prospect. With his physical approach and underrated puck skills, he has the potential to develop into a quality #4-5 defender who can play in all situations. However, continued improvement will be needed from his skating, especially in order for him to continue to function as a stout player in his own end. As such, patience will be required. He may need a few years in the AHL to adapt to the speed of the pro game. - BO

ST. LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 12: Klim Kostin #37 of the St. Louis Blues poses for his official headshot for the 2019-2020 season on September 12, 2019 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Rovak/NHLI via Getty Images)

Klim Kostin, RW (31^st overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 3)

Before his name was called in the 2017 Draft, the most frequent player comparison to Klim Kostin, from a stylistic standpoint, was Evgeni Malkin. That was incredibly high praise for the fellow Russian, and since being drafted 31st overall that summer and joining the Blues’ AHL affiliate in San Antonio, the hockey world has waited for Kostin to finally break out. It’s easy to forget that he was the top-ranked European skater in the final 2017 Central Scouting rankings, ahead of Calder winner Elias Pettersson and All-Star Miro Heiskanen. Sooner or later, the freakishly powerful and skillful forward was going to figure it all out; on came the 2019-20 season. Kostin scored a career high 13 goals and 30 points in the AHL as well as his first NHL goal last campaign, earning top-line minutes with San Antonio and a recall to the defending Stanley Cup champs.

His physical prowess was on full display at both levels, as the power forward’s superb puck-protection, balance, and ability to maintain skating momentum shifting back and forth on his feet impressed. His heavy wrist shot and fast, deceptive puck-handling helps him round out his offensive package, although his skating speed and acceleration can be sluggish. He has always had the build (6-3”, 221 lbs) of an NHLer, but he has seemed to unlock the capability of playing that assertive style consistently, which has boosted his confidence and his overall potential. While he will never be Malkin, or as impactful on his team’s success as Heiskanen or Pettersson, Kostin has reminded us of why he was so revered in his draft year. After three completed AHL seasons, it would not shock me to see him instantly placed into the top-six scorer role he is well-suited for with St. Louis for next season. - TD

Joel Hofer, G (107^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 20)

Joel Hofer has grown on me as I followed his development. Initially the backup goalie for the Swift Current Broncos power house WHL Champions he seemed to let a few too many soft goals in and lose his net too frequently. When the starting job became his, the Broncos’ roster had aged out and what was left was a shell of it had been and yet Hofer managed to keep his save percentage over .900 through 30 games with a team that routinely got out shot 2:1 in games. Portland traded for him and he has provided solid goaltending for one of the WHL’s top teams culminating in stealing the starting crease for Team Canada at the 2020 World Juniors, leading the team to a Gold Medal.

What Hofer brings is a calm and relaxed presence in the crease. Gone seem to be the soft goals (although they still occasionally happen), the lost crease, and the scrabbly play. Now he is one of the more poised goalies in the league playing within himself and using his immense frame to do the work for him. His movement is controlled, he tracks the puck laterally very well and competes hard. His puck handling is not a strength at this point but what he does in the crease certainly is. He is able to park a bad play or a soft goal and move on. He has gone from fringe NHL prospect to a legitimate NHL prospect with starting goalie potential. With the Blues crease sorted for the foreseeable future he is a long-term play, but he is trending in a very positive direction. - VG

ST. LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 12: Nikita Alexandrov #32 of the St. Louis Blues poses for his official headshot for the 2019-2020 season on September 12, 2019 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Rovak/NHLI via Getty Images)

Nikita Alexandrov, C (62^nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 8)

The German-born Russian forward had another strong season in the Q this year and is ready for the pro game. The first impression of the bulky forward is that he is a force along the boards due to his strong frame and low center-of-gravity. He is nearly impossible to knock off the puck when he takes root along the wall, as he has very strong legs and a very powerful core. He also has honed in on protecting the puck well, and that makes him a strong possession player. Alexandrov’s acceleration is excellent due to his short and choppy stride, but his top speed is merely good; it could be what prevents him from being a top line forward at the highest level where the margin for talent is at its smallest.

His hockey IQ is very strong, and he is strong on the backcheck because of his ability to follow and read the play. His playmaking relies on play-reading, and he has strong passing skills. Alexandrov is more of a North-South player, but he has good hands in tight, especially close to the net and along the boards. He can also be a strong net-front player, pairing his strong body with his ability to find and deflect pucks, and his quick hands. What can hold Alexandrov back is his tendency to keep it simple. He needs more confidence in his abilities to become a stronger player. The team that unlocks him will get a hard-nosed player with a good creative mind. Failing that, he can be a strong-willed secondary scorer at the top level but will need to work on his stride. - MS

Ville Husso, G (94^th overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 12)

Husso’s raw athletic skills never faded, but his ability to read plays and confidently position himself to shut down any danger early looked much improved compared to last season. The way he propels himself laterally with his quick foot movement and long legs gives him total coverage of the lower half of the goal, and his rebound control and pre-shot preparation looked better, though his glove hand speed and positioning remain flaws. At 25, he looks like a near finished product and could be a long-term 1B goaltender for the Blues as soon as next season, especially with a frantically compressed schedule that will require the use of several goaltenders. - TD

Niko Mikkola, D (127^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: UR)

With a high hockey IQ, he anticipates the moves of his opponents and, with poke checks and decent lateral agility, can effectively keep them from getting center position and testing the goaltender from high-danger areas. Though his offensive skill is sorely limited, he at least can get the puck out of the zone. Someone who plays this kind of style does not need much more polishing, and he quickly earned the trust of the Blues coaches in his five-game NHL stint with some key PK minutes. A role as a stay-at-home depth blueliner is in the near future for the big Finnish lefthander. - TD

Hugh McGing, C (138^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 15)

McGing has quick feet and a plus top speed, but he is just as notable for playing a very gritty game, getting involved in the dirty areas and coming out clean. He has skilled hands and can maneuver the puck from in tight. He is reliable in any type of game situation. Even if he lacks the dynamic skill set you want to see in a top six player, he is fun to watch and there is enough there to expect him to be an injury call up as soon as this season. - RW

Keean Washkurak, C (155^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 7)

Next year, Mississauga should be a contender in the Eastern Conference and Washkurak will be a large part of that success. He has the chance to become a real fan favorite in St. Louis down the line as fans grow to love the tenacity and consistent effort that he plays with. - BO

Colten Ellis, G (93^rd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank 13)

Ellis is a fan-favorite goaltender for the highlight reel save, but those kinds of saves are usually born out of a lapse in positioning or reading the play. Having said that, there is a solid foundation of technical skills to build upon. Ellis has some work to do, but his athleticism and his hard-working nature could prove him to be a diamond in the rough. - MS

Austin Poganski, RW (110^th overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: UR)

He will never be an elite skater, but his high hockey IQ and maturity allow him to remain on the cusp of an NHL job. The fourth-round pick in 2014 has potential to be a solid, albeit unimpressive bottom-six NHL winger for St. Louis soon, though one more AHL season would help him round his two-way game out. – TD

Mitch Reinke, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed, Mar. 25, 2018. 2019 Rank: 9)

Although his positioning and initial blueline defense suppressed a good amount of shots against and kept shooters from getting inside angles, his lack of size and strength was exposed at times, and with a greater responsibility on defense, his offensive contributions at even strength and in transition were somewhat subdued.

If he can balance out the two sides of the game, he can be a dynamic transition piece at the highest level of the game; his passing and puck-handling skills are high-end and his skating is strong enough to weave through the neutral zone solo. Perhaps the American will need sheltered minutes to be able to put up points in the NHL, but he can be a serviceable, depth offensive defenseman with St. Louis in short term. - TD

Jake Walman, D (82^nd overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 16)

A great skater, he plays aggressively with the puck on his stick and has improved his passing through the neutral and offensive zones. Defensively, he chooses to play the body and retrieve the puck after, using his large frame and long reach to dislodge the puck early in transitional defense. He possesses a good shot from the point and loves to use it, especially on the power play. He remains a fringe prospect who has been passed on the depth chart by other young blueliners (Mikkola and Perunovich of note) but has played himself back into an NHL conversation. - TD

Mathias Laferriere, C (69^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

He is a jack-of-all-trades forward; as in, good in most areas, master of none. His consistency has improved in the last two years, but is still an issue at times, and he will need to bulk up to be a ready contributor in the pro ranks. Laferrière’s skillset would make him a good middle-six offensive player at the maximum of his potential, but it will take some work for him to get there. – MS

Nolan Stevens, C (125^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 17)

Improving by 13 points from last season in nine fewer games with roughly the same amount of ice time in the San Antonio top six, the son of former NHL head coach John Stevens is not much of a skater or puck-carrier, but can maintain possession for an extended duration (reminiscent of the Blues’ top skaters), and is a strong, intelligent facilitator from tight spaces.

Playing deep in his own zone to assist defensively, Stevens uses his long stick to strip the puck from opponents and his big body to get into shot lanes. A restricted free agent going into next season, Stevens will likely return to the AHL club and hopefully increase his goal-scoring output to somewhere near his 24-goal final season at the NCAA level. - TD

St. Louis Blues 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 13:06:09 +0000

In 2017-18, the St. Louis did not have its own AHL club, leaving it to split most of its minor pros between the San Antonio Rampage (then belonging to Colorado) and the Chicago Wolves (ostensibly a Vegas affiliate), with some players sent further afield, most notably Jordan Binnington to Providence, and Jake Walman to Binghamton. The NHL Blues missed the postseason.

Last season, St. Louis took over the San Antonio AHL club, as Colorado opened their own, more local team in-state. All of the Blues’ top tier minor leaguers were housed together, and coached as one unit in South-Central Texas. The Blues, as we all know, won the Stanley Cup for the first time in the franchise’s 52 year history. It would be so easy to correlate the two facts. After all, the aforementioned Binnington earned his first NHL recall around mid-season and took a last place team on a run for the ages, ending only in a parade. Right?

Of course not. For every AHL success story in the organization last year (Binnington was really the only one), there was another story of a once highly-touted prospect who took a step backwards. Think about how Binnington earned the call. The St. Louis goalies were playing poorly, with backup Chad Johnson earning a trip to the waiver wire while incumbent starter Jake Allen continued to disappoint with erratic play. St. Louis had been grooming Finnish puck stopper Ville Husso as the heir apparent in between the pipes , but the latter had seemingly hit a wall last season. Repeatedly. Husso’s two previous seasons in the AHL – one with Chicago and the second with San Antonio were very impressive. But he was having trouble stopping beach balls last season.

Binnington, on the other hand, one year after being shunted to a different organization’s AHL club, had a save percentage .056 higher. Why not go with the hot hand? To be honest, it wasn’t even a case of a hot hand. Binnington’s .927 AHL save percentage was practically the same as his .926 mark with Providence from the year before. And he maintained that .927 level over the remainder of the regular season with St. Louis, finally slowing down a touch in the postseason.

If we want more success stories from St. Louis’ first season with a full time affiliate in San Antonio, we could point to Jordan Kyrou, who seemingly mastered the level in his first season as a pro, although could not impact the NHL roster and was slowed by a knee injury requiring offseason surgery in the second half. Sammy Blais was also almost as good in his second season in Texas, earning a prolonged stint in the NHL and a relatively regular role in the postseason to boot. He didn’t exactly improve his projection, but he maintained it. Mackenzie MacEachern also earned his first NHL recall and did well enough even if he never saw the ice in the playoffs. Mitch Reinke proved to be a nice NCAA free agent signing as a rookie pro.

But there is also a downside. Jake Walman was repatriated by the organization and struggled mightily. Klim Kostin continued to tease with potential but still hasn’t taken a step forward. Erik Foley missed the entire season with concussion symptoms. Most of the other prospects on the farm simply failed to do much of anything. The Blues still had their parade and should be OK with the stasis on the AHL front, but we can rest assured that the new AHL franchise had no real role on the title, even if it should be to the organization’s benefit in the long run.

-Ryan Wagman

St. Louis Blues center Jordan Kyrou (33) (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire)

1 Jordan Kyrou, RW/C (35^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 3) An AHL All-Star last season, the Blues’ top-ranked prospect earned that honor as one of the most consistently dangerous players in the league. With San Antonio, the 21-year-old posted a 47-16-27-43 stat line in a season -- his first as a pro -- that featured some brief stints up in the NHL. His ferocious speed is matched by few opposing defensemen, and his acute technical footwork only plays it up. His shot is developing into a strong auxiliary weapon capable of testing netminders from mid-to-high danger areas, while his playmaking is coming along as well, though only tied to his speed. As a center, he is incredibly disciplined defensively, and his calm and composed mental game allows him to stay focused on the task at hand. Though the Blues are plenty stacked on centers at the moment, the club has an elite one-two punch of young pivots in the established Robert Thomas and the emerging Kyrou, who will have his shot at an NHL spot this training camp. - TD

2 Dominik Bokk, RW (25^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 4) Bokk had a sneaky good first full SHL season. His 23 points were third among junior-aged players. He at least showed that his progress as a player is steadily moving forward in his career. This upcoming season he will play a bigger role on a smaller SHL. He still has much to improve in his all-around game, but his pure skills are elite. His puck handling and creativity on the power play stand out. He has the offensive tools needed for a top line forward in the NHL, but he still has much to learn in how to use them effectively. His compete level needs to be higher including in his offensive game, such as going hard for his own rebounds instead of gliding out admiring his shot or learning when to make the boring, effective play rather than the pretty play with the puck. He has a high ceiling, but is a couple of years away before reaching it. - JH

3 Klim Kostin, RW (31^st overall, 2017. Last Year: 2) A top-five prospect in the St. Louis system for the third season running, Kostin was a risky pick back in 2017. But the hulking Russian has shown some flashes of downright dominance as an offensive player with San Antonio and in recent international appearances, enough to maintain a high spot on this rundown. Though he went through another underwhelming AHL season, the 6-3”, 212lbs 20-year-old impressed scouts with his body control, momentum on his skates, and his physical, power-forward game. A fast shot and nifty puck-protection skills make Kostin a fun player to watch when he gets to enter the zone with momentum, though his lack of speed and assertiveness can hold him back. He is still very young for an AHL player, and is still adjusting to the differing styles on the small ice. He may never be the player that drew comparisons to Evgeni Malkin during his draft year, but he can still be a useful NHL player within a year or two. - TD

4 Scott Perunovich, D (45^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 11) Two years of collegiate hockey, two NCAA championships. The team won thanks to efforts up and down the lineup, but Perunovich was the leading scorer as a freshman, and finished third on the team last year, leading all blueliners and only four points back of the top. He lacks the pure speed of the prototypical modern day blueliner, but he is an exceptionally shifty skater and slips past the first line of defense to pinch in deep at every opportunity. He will always need help in his own zone as he is small and lean, but if his partner can get the puck, Perunovich is the type that will ensure his team keeps it through the conclusion of a scoring chance. He has the tool set to play on a second unit in the NHL and receive power play time as well, a very valuable contributor as long as his weaknesses are kept in mind. - RW

5 Samuel Blais, LW (176^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 6) Rarely does a sixth-round pick play NHL hockey, and even more scarce are those that have the instant impact Blais had at that level. Inserted into the Blues lineup midway through their playoff run, the former QMJHL star was a spark of non-stop energy and a physical edge on every shift, playing all over the lineup and producing throughout. Aside from the hard work and grittiness that has drawn the respect of his teammates, the left-hander excels at getting into the right positions away from the puck, using his whippy, heavy shot at any opportunity. His offensive vision is not as impressive as his sizzling shot, but the 23-year-old is capable of making space for teammates by drawing defenders his way through his dominant puck-protection skills. He projects to be a depth scorer and energy line winger going forward, but his versatility and reliability can push him up into the top six if his coach needs a jolt. At 23, he is NHL ready. - TD

6 Tyler Tucker, D (200^th overall, 2018. Last Year: Not ranked) A real throwback defender, Tucker is one of the most physical defenders in the OHL. He is very effective at lining up attacking forwards as they cut across the blueline or attempt to cut to the middle of the ice. There are more facets to his game than just brutality. He has proven himself to be a very capable offensive defender who can quarterback the powerplay effectively with a good low shot and improving vision. His skating has also improved greatly in the last year. While further gains need to be made, especially to his four way mobility, there is no doubt that if he had progressed as a skater like this in his draft year, he would not have been a seventh round pick. Tucker’s high end projection would be a 4th or 5th defender who can play in a variety of situations and bring some toughness. - BO

7 Keean Washkurak, C (155^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) The best way to describe Washkurak’s game is that he plays much bigger than his size of 5-10”. He backs down from no challenge on the ice and is bound to be a coaches’ favorite as he moves up in levels because of this. When you combine his strong skating ability with his tenaciousness, on and off the puck, you have a terrific energy player who can provide change of pace, forechecking, and strong penalty killing to his team. It remains to be seen just how good his offensive game can become. He shows good vision when operating as a puck carrier below the hash marks and identifies passing lanes well. He will need to improve his ability to handle the puck and make plays at his top speed, in addition to his shot, if he wants to be more than a bottom six forward at the NHL level. There will always be places in the lineup for players like Washkurak. -BO

8 Nikita Alexandrov, C (62^nd overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) The German-born Russian Alexandrov turned heads last season, nearly doubling his point total from the previous year by adding mass to his frame and developing his skating ability. He was a decent skater, but refined his stride and position this season, and it paid off. He is a rock with the puck thanks to his anchored legs; he can spread out and make himself nearly impossible to knock off the puck. It has paid dividends along the wall and on the forecheck, as he is much stronger on his feet. Alexandrov is a two-way threat who is always able to jump in transition to form an offensive chance. He has the hockey sense to play low in the lineup, and the offensive ability to keep him in the top-six. - MS

9 Mitch Reinke, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 25, 2018. Last Year: 17) Not often do smooth-skating, offensively-inclined, right-handed defensemen go undrafted like Reinke, but judging by his rookie season with San Antonio, the Blues found themselves an absolute gem with the Michigan Tech product. Completing a 76-12-33-45 season with the Rampage as a rookie is a remarkable accomplishment, and one fueled by his skilled, heads-up offensive play. His speed allows him to frequently exit the defensive zone, while his vision and hockey sense give him the instincts to put the puck in the right place. He can jump into the play and let off his strong, accurate wrist shot, but he is more of a facilitator than anything. His defensive game will need to improve, especially his initial blue line defense and stick activeness, but he has shown some nastiness around the boards. Reinke, whose ceiling appears to be middle-pair puck-rusher, is arguably NHL ready, but it depends on what kind of game the Blues coaching staff wants him to play. - TD

10 Dakota Joshua, C (128^th overall, 2014 [Toronto]. Last Year: 18 [Toronto]) Drafted in the fifth round by Toronto in the pre-Kyle Dubas days, the current Maple Leafs regime is more about speed and skill than size and muscle and traded the graduating Joshua to St. Louis for future considerations before his rights were set to expire. All of which is not to say that he is not a player without skill. He protects the puck well with a long reach and has good enough hands to play in tight quarters. His shot is also an effective weapon. Joshua plays in a style that accentuates his size and strength, with his offensive game generally of secondary importance. He is a moderate skater, but it plays up thanks to his smarts and size. His ceiling isn’t much above the fourth line, but he is pretty close to being there now and could be an NHL contributor sooner than later. - RW

11 Erik Foley, LW (78^th overall, 2015 [Winnipeg]. Last Year: 9) Once in a while, we have a previously highly touted prospect who misses a full season to reasons out of his control. Foley is one of two in these pages (see also Timmins, Conor from Colorado) who missed a critical season of development due to post concussion symptoms. The skilled forward who averaged close to one point per game over both his sophomore and junior seasons at Providence is still in there, but without playing in game situations for now over 12 months, the rust has accumulated. As of this writing, there is no news regarding his status for the upcoming season, or at all. Consider this a place-holder then. Should he return to full health, there is no reason that his ability to drive the net with speed and protect the puck could not play on a middle six. - RW

12 Ville Husso, G (94^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 7) All while the previously unheralded Jordan Binnington stole the show in the crease, Husso had a horrendous season that further damaged his falling prospect stock. After a strong 2017-18 campaign, the Finn went 6-18-0 with a 3.67 GAA and .871 Sv% in 2018-19, eventually losing the clear-cut starting job to a slew of random cast-offs that featured Binnington and Jared Coreau. Husso still has the raw skill to make a name for himself, including his athleticism, size (and more importantly, the way he uses it), and his ability to read plays as they develop and position himself accordingly. He is an incredibly mature and calm netminder, even in epic defeats, maintaining a soft composure in the crease. He may never be better than an “okay” goalie after previously showing starter-potential; regardless, he will need another year or two. - TD

13 Colten Ellis, G (93^rd overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Ellis is a goaltender with a ton of talent. He is very quick, especially with his feet, and can track the puck with the best junior goalies in Canada. His biggest issue is one that can be solved with time and coaching from goalie coach David Alexander as he is raw. His movements are quick and his anticipation is top-notch, but he has a lot of wasted movement that could be refined. His fundamentals are solid, and he has the confidence to make it, but he needs to further refine his skills. His puckhandling is adequate, but simple. On a team where Jordan Binnington came out of nowhere to win a Cup, the Blues of all teams are fine with letting Ellis marinade a bit until he is ready, but he definitely has star goaltender potential. - MS

14 Alexei Toropchenko, RW (113^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 16) One of those players who passes the eye test quite often, but who just has not translated that to consistent production in the OHL. His playoff and Memorial Cup performance this year aside, Toropchenko continues to be an enigma offensively. He has the toolbox, be it long powerful strides that allow him to work effectively driving the puck to the net, or a quick wrist shot that has the ability to beat goaltenders clean. His lack of production could possibly be attributed to a limited hockey IQ and vision. With his size and skill advantage, he should be way more of a consistent threat, both with and without the puck on his stick. Patience will be required as the high end potential is quite alluring. If his playoff performance in this year’s OHL playoffs was his breakthrough moment, then the Blues could have a good one. - BO

15 Hugh McGing, C (138^th overall, 2018. Last Year: Not ranked) Drafted in his third year of eligibility, the undersized McGing has been quietly producing at fine levels since his age 18 year with Cedar Rapids of the USHL. One might consider his first post draft year to have been a mild disappointment, as he only equalized his point accumulation from the previous year, and in one additional game, to boot. On the other hand, the shape of his production shifted, as he went from a player who put up two assists for every goal over his underclassmen years to getting over half of his production from finishing as a junior. McGing is a shifty skater with plus hands but lacks the high end speed we would like to see in a player of his stature (5-9”, 174). He will finish his eligibility at Western Michigan before the Blues decide whether or not to offer him an ELC. At this point, I would consider a contract to be likely for the two-way forward. - RW

16 Jake Walman, D (82^nd overall, 2014. Last Year: 5) With limited offensive upside at this level, Walman instead plays the type of game that has made fellow Blues defensemen some of the toughest in the game to play against; he is physical, plays tight to his opposition, and is very aggressive with his stick. The 2014 third-rounder had a borderline awful 2018-19 season. He is smart and composed, lulling opponents to the outside of the lanes and playing assertively with his body and stick to force tough shot angles. A solid skater, he is one who can shut down rushes the other way with his foot speed, rarely losing inside position on an opposing forward. He has a good shot from the point and decent setup skills, but does not play forcefully enough on offense. He was a sleeper pick to make the Blues’ NHL roster last season, but failed, and it looks like Walman -- who now appears to be a depth d-man at best -- will simmer in the AHL again in 2019-20. - TD

17 Nolan Stevens, C (125^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 8) Standing 6-3”, Stevens reinforces the Blues’ stress on developing players with overwhelming size to succeed in their physical, possession-oriented lineup. Although his numbers with San Antonio (57-9-9-18 last season) are not turning any heads, his play as one of the Rampage’s most consistent two-way threats is inspiring. He is a very reliable two-way centerman who plays deep in his own zone, has the wheels to exit the zone with the puck, and can be a beast on the cycle with the playmaking vision and skill to make something happen out of the set behind the net. He is hard on the puck and can force it away from others with his long reach. However, his straight-line speed is horrid, and he has little in terms of shooting prowess. Before turning pro, there were concerns that Stevens was being carried by offensive catalysts like Dylan Sikura (CHI) and Adam Gaudette (VAN) with Northeastern. His first year in the AHL did little to combat that theory, and he looks like a career AHLer or up-and-down guy right now. - TD

18 Mackenzie MacEachern, LW (67^th overall, 2012. Last Year: Not ranked) One of the biggest surprises among Blues prospects last season was the onset of MacEachern, whose physical scoring game from his days at Michigan State looked to be around again with San Antonio and St. Louis last year. At 25, he has been knocking on the door of a full-time NHL depth winger role in spite of being an afterthought for most of his pro career. His combination of size and hand quickness/puck-handling proficiency is very intriguing, while his high-end work ethic and maturity make him an impactful penalty killer at both levels. Whether he is a long-term option in the Cup champs’ 12-man forward unit is an open question, but it is one that would not have been entertained as recently as last offseason. At 25, he is NHL ready as he is basically finished developing. - TD

19 Nathan Walker, LW (89^th overall, 2014 [Washington]. Last Year: 16 [Washington]) Despite his lack of size, Walker does well to make up for that in the speed and playmaking departments. He is quick and aggressive and plays with determination and the right amount of grit in his game to prove himself at the next level. Having already been present during the Washington Capitals recent Stanley Cup win, Walker knows a thing or two about playing at the NHL level, however consistency is key and that is something he will need to work on more next season. His last season with the Hershey Bears was his strongest year yet as a pro but he is still failing to prove himself to be better than a bottom six forward. He will need to work on finding more ways of getting to the net and staying cool and consistent throughout the season to prove to the St. Louis Blues that he is worthy of earning a spot on their roster. - SC

20 Joel Hofer, G (107^th overall, 2018. Last Year: Not ranked) Hofer has what teams look for in goaltenders these days. He is over 6-3”. Within that frame he is very athletic and quick. In his draft year he had firmly established himself as a backup ready to take a starter’s role, however Swift Current wasn’t the same team when he got a chance to start and his numbers dropped off playing on a team that struggled in all aspects of the game. He had a nice little uptick in performance after being traded to Portland but hasn’t shown much statistical progression year over year. When he is on he has a lot of poise and agility where he can make highlight reel saves and keep composed while under siege. He battles hard even when his team is overmatched, outshot and caved it. He endured a lot mentally this year and he seems to have come out the other side well. This strong mental side is key to becoming a very effective back-up goalie which is what Hofer projects to in the NHL. - VG

2019 NHL Draft Reviews: Central Division Part 2 – Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis, Winnipeg

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 12:29:29 +0000

With the 2019 draft in the books, it is time to come to grips with the 217 players that were selected and the hundreds of hopefuls who were not (some of whom made the trip to Vancouver) and give some thoughts to what it all means. I don’t like the concept of grading the draft one year out, and definitely not three days out, so I will not be pronouncing winners and losers in this series, but I will assess each teams draft class, division by division, looking at some trends and comparing the real outcome against our scouting profiles for the players. And I will give each team a draft score.

The score will consist of 1 point per first round player taken, .85 for second rounders, .75 for third rounders, .65 or fourth rounders and .5 points for players taken in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds. Add to that the drafted player’s OFP, divided by 100. So first overall pick Jack Hughes would be worth 1.645 points to the Devils, while Massimo Rizzo, taken with second to last pick, would be worth 1.025. Players for whom we don’t have OFPs available will be assigned an OFP 48.5.

Minnesota Wild

Last year was the first draft fully conducted by then rookie GM Paul Fenton, who came to Minnesota from Nashville with an entrenched reputation as a scouting guru. While it is way too early to pass judgement on their 2018 draft class, I was underwhelmed at the time, and the ensuing twelve months have not made my early assessment any more cheerful. First rounder Filip Johansson seemed like a vast overdraft at the time, and he struggled mightily in the last season. Even a pick we applauded, like first of three third rounder Jack McBain, struggled in his first taste of the NCAA. It wasn’t all bad, and 12 months later, Alexander Khovanov, Connor Dewar, Simon Johansson, and Sam Hentges are trending in the right direction. That said, I was hoping to see better results now that Fenton has had a full season to arrange his scouting department in his image.

After pondering Fenton’s second go round heading the draft table, I can now say that I am impressed. The Wild made eight selections, including multiple picks in the second and sixth rounds (no pick in the fourth) and picked up a nice blend of long terms and short terms prospects, high ceilings and high floors, although more the former than the latter.

There were a few curious features to their draft, though. They did not draft a single player from out of Europe, although three of their picks, second rounder Vladislav Firstov, fifth rounder Matvey Guskov, and seventh rounder Filip Lindberg, are all European born and raised, but spent their draft years playing in North America. Another oddity is that while only one of the Wild’s eight picks was used on a defender (we’ll talk more about him later), they selected two goaltenders, which is something you don’t see very often. The organization was light on netminders, but this was still a curious path to follow. Finally, in keeping with Minnesota drafting tradition, the Wild used five of eight picks on players that are already, or expected to end up playing collegiately and only three from the CHL. The draft class looks good now and there are multiple ways that I can be proven right over the long haul.

First Round Pick: Matthew Boldy, LW, 1/12, USNTDP, USHL

Early in the year, my impression of Boldy was mixed. He could clearly add to the offense, but he seemed limited in the ways he could contribute to his team. As the season progressed, it became clear that he was more multi-faceted than at first appeared. Outside of a physical game, he can do everything. He is a solid skater with a killer shot and the ability to beat defenses with his puck skills. He has also developed into a fine defensive forward who can take a regular shift on the PK. He’s headed to Boston College, but it may not be for long.

Best Later Value Selection: Marshall Warren, D, 6/166, USHL, USNTDP

I knew going into the draft that I was probably the high analyst on Warren, a dynamic skater defenseman who does not neglect his duties in his own zone, no matter how hard he pushes the pace on offense. But to see him fall as far as he did was a bit much. Despite being behind Cam York and Dominick Fensore on the PP depth chart for the USNTDP, he has shown repeatedly that he can play in any role and be effective. Going with Boldy to BC, he will need longer, but his kind of upside to be drafted in the sixth round is a mini coup.

Biggest Head Scratcher: Vladislav Firstov, LW, 2/41, Waterloo, USHL

Firstov is a fine offensive talent, and his production with Waterloo, coming in his first season of North American hockey, was quite impressive, missing the point per game range by less than a handful of points. He has an NHL skill set and certainly could prove to be worth this draft slot in time, but I have concerns about his style of play, in that he sticks to the perimeter too often and will need to play more between the dots to succeed at the higher levels. He is committed to play at the University of Connecticut next season but was also selected by Brandon in the CHL Import Draft, so he has options.

Also selected: Hunter Jones, G, 2/59, Peterborough, OHL; Adam Beckman, C, 3/75, Spokane, WHL; Matvey Guskov, C, 5/149, London, OHL; Nikita Nesterenko, C, 6/172, Lawrenceville HS, USHS-NJ; Filip Lindberg, G, 7/197, UMass Amherst, Hockey East

Draft Score: 9.79

Nashville Predators

More than most teams in recent years, the Nashville Predators eschew the CHL on the draft floor. Before getting to Vancouver for the draft, the system had a single player playing CHL hockey last year, that being former fifth round pick Vladislav Yeryomenko, who played with Calgary in the WHL last year. So it was somewhat surprising that the Predators used their first round pick on Philip Tomasino, not because Tomasino was not good enough for the slot – he absolutely was – but because he is an OHL’er and there were a great number of European and college bound players – Nashville’s usual preferences – still available.

The Predators returned to form after selecting Tomasino, though, as they did not use a single pick from their remaining seven on a CHL player. Instead, they picked up four players who are college bound, or already in school, and three Europeans players, one each from Russia, Sweden, and Finland, in that order. Well, only three are college bound/in-college, as second rounder Egor Afanasyev recently de-committed from Michigan State and is expected to suit up for the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires next season.

The Predator draft was also very forward heavy, with each of their first three picks playing upfront, and five forward drafted in total. As they are prone to doing, the team also used a late round pick on a goalie flyer, in this case, Ethan Haider’s sparkling numbers in the NAHL certainly make him as good a candidate for that as anyone.

Another notable aspect of the players they drafted is that four of the eight are on the extreme young end of the draft class, which I define as born June 1, 2001 or later. For a team noted in its investment in analytics, I get the sense that this was not a fluke. While I doubt that anyone from this draft class outside of Tomasino is able to make an NHL impact within two years, there are enough players with solid long term prognoses that I predict that the class will be looked back upon fondly when all is said and done.

First Round Pick: Philip Tomasino, C, 1/24, Niagara, OHL

A top end player wherever he has played going back years, Tomasino took a huge step last season, justifying Niagara’s usage of the 5^th overall pick of the OHL Priority Selection, tripling his offensive production from his rookie campaign. He is incredibly athletic and a fantastic skater who has a knack for creating offense and easy top six upside. To his credit, he is also a hard worker and should be able to play lower in the lineup depending on roster construction.

Best Later Value Selection: Semyon Chistyakov, D, 4/117, Tolpar Ufa, MHL

Looking at the entirety of the Predators’ selections, there were some players selected where I thought they got great value, and some who I thought were overdrafted, and a couple who were pretty much on the head. The undersized Chistyakov is selected to represent Russia at all major events, joining the team for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the WJAC and the WU18s last season. He is a great skater with high IQ and good puck skills. I have no clue when he would think about coming to North America, but he has top four upside.

Biggest Head Scratcher: Alexander Campbell, LW/C, 3/65, Victoria, BCHL

I know that Campbell had a lot of supporters in the industry, and for good reason. He is a solid skater, has good puck skills and impressive hockey sense. On the other hand, he lacks any real standout tools that push him above others. Furthermore, while his numbers last year for the Grizzlies were pretty good, there is an open question as to how much was a product of playing with Alex Newhook, which wasn’t helped by a poor showing for Canada West at the WJAC. The Clarkson commit may spend next season in the USHL with Omaha, which holds his rights.

Also selected: Egor Afanasyev, LW/C, 2/45, Muskegon, USHL; Marc Del Gaizo, D, 4/109, UMass Amherst, Hockey East; Ethan Haider, G, 5/148, Minnesota, NAHL; Isak Walther, LW/RW, 6/179, Sodertalje J18, J18 Elit; Juuso Parssinen, LW, 7/210, TPS U20, Jr. A SM-liiga

Draft Score: 9.605

St. Louis Blues

If you win the Stanley Cup, your subsequent draft haul is barely even a secondary consideration. Of course, even if fans are still euphoric, the organization still had a bevy of scouts scouring the planet for young talent, and the knowledge gained by those men of the road should still be put to some use.

So, it was for St. Louis. They had traded their first rounder to Buffalo far before they realized that they had a chance – before last season had even begun, in fact. The Blues also passed through the draft without picks in the fourth or fifth rounds. That extra seventh rounder they possessed did not really make up for the other lost opportunities.

If you were paying attention about the Minnesota draft class above, you may remember my comment about the oddity of selecting two goaltenders. Well, at least Minnesota pulled off that feat at part of an eight-player haul. St. Louis used two of their five picks on netminders. On the one hand, with the graduation of Jordan Binnington, the depths of the system are nearly devoid of netminders. On the other hand, Binnington is still pretty young. The other notable element of the post Stanley Cup draft haul for St. Louis is the fact that it seems that only the QMJHL scouts were sober, as three of the five players selected were from the Q.

First Second Round Pick: Nikita Alexandrov, C, 2/62, Charlottetown, QMJHL

A Russian born and raised in Germany, Alexandrov was born only one day too late to have been eligible for the 2018 draft class. He does a number of things well, although he lacks one particular carrying tool, which suggests that he would be hard pressed to elevate beyond a bottom six role down the road. To his credit, he has produced just as well in the QMJHL postseason as he has in the regular season and his solid all-around game is reasonable value for the end of the second round, if not quite a cause for excitement from your team’s first pick.

Best Later Value Selection: Keean Washkurak, C, 5/155, Mississauga, OHL

If I was told that only one player from the St. Louis 2019 draft class would have an NHL career >200 games, I would not be surprised. If I was also told that Washkurak would be that player, I also wouldn’t be surprised. He plays a smart, 200-foot game with a good modicum of grit and a lot of speed. Even though his offensive tools are so-so at best, those other traits could make him a fourth line and PK staple.

Biggest Head Scratcher: Vadim Zherenko, G, 7/207, MHL Dynamo Moskva, MHL

In fairness to the Blues, I have read exactly zero reports on Zherevko. His MHL numbers were pretty good as well. In fact, the only other 2001-born netminder with a better save percentage (and only by .001 at that) is 5-10”. I can’t even fault Zherevko for never having been selected to play internationally for Russia, as 2020 eligible Yaroslav Askarov is taking all of the goaltending helium in Russia. But why pick two goalies when you only have five total picks? They had already selected a nice one in Colten Ellis. They didn’t draft a single blueliner. They couldn’t pick a decent one in the seventh round here? It’s just odd from a strategic point of view.

Also selected: Colten Ellis, G, 3/93, Rimouski, QMJHL; Jeremy Michel, RW, 7/217 (Mr. Irrelevent), Val-d’Or, QMJHL

Draft Score: 5.6725

Winnipeg Jets

Unlike some of the other teams lacking in total picks, the Jets made the wise decision to abstain from the back end of the draft instead of the front end. They had actually traded their first rounder to the Rangers around the deadline for Kevin Hayes but re-acquired the pick in the run up to the draft, as part of the return on the rights to RFA Jacob Trouba.

One striking aspect of the Jets’ small haul is that they seem to have gone for mostly mature players. Some, like first rounder Ville Heinola, has high level experience playing in his native Finland, as well as a reputation for playing a mature all-around game. Others, like second rounder Simon Lundmark or fourth rounder Henri Nikkanen, have simple spent a good portion of their respective draft years playing in the top men’ league in their native lands. While their final two picks do not have high level hockey experience, both being products of the BCHL, the latter of the two, netminder Logan Neaton, is in his third year of eligibility.

Looking at their draft class as a whole, there is a lot of high floor, but little that suggests more than a moderate ceiling. The Jets have drafted well out of Scandinavia in recent years, so they could well be seeing things that I do not, but while I wouldn’t put it past seeing three of these players spend time in the NHL, I’m not sure how many have significant careers or play in the top half of the lineup.

First Round Pick: Ville Heinola, D, 1/20, Lukko, Liiga

Thinking about the final paragraph above, Heinola has both the highest floor and the highest ceiling of anyone in the Jets’ 2019 draft class. He performed very well as a 17-year-old in Liiga and was also instrumental to Finland’s U20 and U18 teams at the WJC and WU18 tournaments respectively. He lacks size, but has an incredible mind for the game, and could be one year of physical maturity away from the NHL. His offensive tools grade out well, but if even one takes an unexpected step forward, I will gladly concede that he could be a decent #3 in the NHL.

Best Later Value Selection: Harrison Blaisdell, C, 5/134, Chilliwack, BCHL

If there is a player likely to have untapped, hidden upside in the Jets’ draft class, Blaisdell is my guess for where it lies. The son of former NHLer Mike Blaisdell, Harrison has solid offensive tools and led his BCHL team in goals scored this year. He also demonstrated a keen goal scoring touch for Canada West at the 2019 WJAC. Not currently projected to start school (he is committed to North Dakota) until 2020-21 season, he is a long-term play, but definitely one to keep in mind.

Biggest Head Scratcher: Henri Nikkanen, C, 4/113, Jukurit U20, Jr. A SM-liiga

Limited to only 25 games across three levels during the regular season, Nikkanen saved his best for first, as he had a six point showing at the pre-season Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Further, the fact that he played in nine games at the Liiga level for Jukurit this year speaks to his hockey sense and maturity. He has good size as well. So why do I consider him to be the Jets’ biggest head scratcher? Outside of his solid puck skills, Nikkanen’s other tools project closer to average and there is no selling element to his game and outside of his performance in the Hlinka, his production has never stood out at the Jr. A level in Finland. He could have been available with one of Winnipeg’s two fifth rounders.

Also selected: Simon Lundmark, D, 2/51, Linkoping, SHL; Logan Neaton, G, 5/144, Prince George, BCHL

Draft Score: 6.1075

McKeen’s Choice Awards: OHL

Brock Otten — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 13:45:50 +0000

Brock Otten’s OHL Choice Awards

The 2019 NHL Draft is under a month away. What better way to dissect the players available from the OHL than to compare them through a “best of” article. Here are my selections for the top-rated players across several categories.

Connor McMichael of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Best Hockey Sense - Connor McMichael, London Knights

McMichael is the type of player who succeeds because of his high IQ in the offensive end. He is consistently one step ahead of the competition and is equally as effective without the puck as he is with it. This higher order processing is put to use in all three zones too.

Also Considered: Arthur Kaliyev, Ryan Suzuki, Nick Robertson, Cole Mackay

Most Skilled - Nicholas Robertson, Peterborough Petes

Robertson, despite being less physically mature than some of his fellow draft eligible players, is so difficult to stop in the offensive zone because of the things that he can do with the puck. He drives offensive possession, operating just as well in transition as he does when the game slows down.

Also Considered: Graeme Clarke, Ryan Suzuki, Thomas Harley, Arthur Kaliyev

Hardest to Play Against - Jamieson Rees, Sarnia Sting

Rees’ energy level and tenaciousness knows no bounds. He is constantly looking to use his speed to disrupt the play and can be characterized as a “puck hound.” This was perfectly on display at this year’s U18’s, where he was Canada’s spark plug and a top penalty killer.

Also Considered: Vladislav Kolyachonok, Ethan Keppen, Michael Vukojevic, Keegan Stevenson, Keean Washkurak

Best Playmaker - Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts

Suzuki is the type of center who seems to have eyes in the back of his head. His vision on the ice and ability to thread passes through traffic is unrivaled among OHL players in this draft class. With the extra room to operate on the powerplay, he can be especially dangerous.

Also Considered: Thomas Harley, Nick Robertson, Philip Tomasino

Thomas Harley of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Best Skater - Thomas Harley, Mississauga Steelheads

There are some terrific skaters available from the OHL this year, but Harley is the best of the bunch. He generates such power with long explosive strides and as such is able to carve up the neutral zone with relative ease. In my viewings of Harley this year, he seemed to average at least one end to end rush per game.

Also Considered: Jamieson Rees, Philip Tomasino, Billy Constantinou, Connor McMichael, Keean Washkurak, Vladislav Kolyachonok

Best Shot - Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs

In this year’s OHL coaches’ poll, not only was Kaliyev voted as having the best shot in the OHL’s Eastern Conference, he was voted as having the hardest shot too. He has a variety of weapons in his arsenal. From a quick, but accurate wrist shot, which he uses in transition. To a booming slap shot (that can be effectively one timed), which he utilizes while running the point or half wall on the powerplay. His 50 goals this year were no fluke.

Also Considered: Graeme Clarke, Nick Robertson, Connor McMichael

Best Stickhandler - Nick Robertson, Peterborough Petes

Robertson is such a slick and creative playmaker because of his skill level. His ability to change pace and direction with the puck, makes him incredibly elusive in the offensive end and gives him the ability to make defenders look very, very bad. He dictates tempo as well as any forward in this draft.

Also Considered: Graeme Clarke, Ryan Suzuki, Jamieson Rees, Philip Tomasino

Best Body Checker - Navrin Mutter, Hamilton Bulldogs

Mutter is a human torpedo on the ice; a real throwback player to an era that put more value on physical intimidation. His physicality can be reckless at times, but his hits can do damage for the positive, especially when it comes to forcing turnovers and creating space in the offensive end.

Also Considered: Nikita Okhotyuk, Jamieson Rees, Ethan Keppen, Mike Vukojevic

Jamieson Rees of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Best Defensive Forward - Jamieson Rees, Sarnia Sting

Strong two-way awareness and effort is not always something that is present in draft eligible forwards. And it can almost always be improved upon. But Jamieson Rees has to be considered the most well-rounded prospect available from the OHL this year. He is good at using his speed to break up plays on the backcheck and will use his physicality to separate his man from the puck in all three zones. These characteristics also make him a terrific penalty killer.

Also Considered: Connor McMichael, Cole Schwindt, Cole Mackay, Petr Cajka

Best Defensive Defender - Nikita Okhotyuk, Ottawa 67’s

The OHL is absolutely loaded with talented defensive stalwarts on the back-end this year, with all six of the players I have listed for this category looking like NHL draft selections. But Okhotyuk should be considered the best one because of his blend of size, physicality, and mobility. He was leaned on heavily by the first place Ottawa 67’s to protect leads late in games, match up against opposing top lines and to kill penalties.

Also Considered: Mike Vukojevic, Jacob LeGuerrier, Vladislav Kolyachonok, Liam Ross, Mitchell Brewer

Best Offensive Defender - Thomas Harley, Mississauga Steelheads

There is a reason why Harley is considered a possible top 20 selection at this year’s draft. His blend of size, mobility, puck skill, and vision have teams envisioning him as a future powerplay QB and point producer at the next level. He is ultra-aggressive in his attacks already, constantly looking to push the pace and drive the play with his speed and skill. As he continues to gain strength and confidence, how high can his game climb? Many compare Harley to current Ottawa Senator Thomas Chabot.

Also Considered: Billy Constantinou, Vladislav Kolyachonok, Jack York

Fastest Skater - Connor McMichael, London Knights

This one is tight between a few different players, but McMichael’s speed is key to his effectiveness as a contributor in all three zones. Sometimes he does not play the game as quick as he should, but that does not mean that his speed is not impressive. When he turns on the jets, few players in this league can catch him. He finished first in the forward skate sprint at the CHL Top Prospect’s Game testing this year.

Also Considered: Jamieson Rees, Philip Tomasino, Vladislav Kolyachonok, Keean Washkurak

Top Goalie - Hunter Jones, Peterborough Petes

At mid-season, Jones was looking like someone who could challenge Spencer Knight for the top goalie available in North America. But his second half performance was not strong, and his ranking has slipped accordingly. That said, his combination of size and athleticism are going to be very attractive to NHL scouts. Consistency is often the last thing top notch goaltending prospects figure out.

Also Considered: Jet Greaves, Mack Guzda

OHL: Keean Washkurak, C, Mississauga

Brock Otten — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 11:30:10 +0000

With speed to burn, tenaciousness in all three zones, and some nice playmaking vision, Keean Washkurak profiles best as a 3rd or 4th line center at the next level, who can kill penalties and be a spark plug for his team.

However, if he can find a way to improve his ability to create at full speed and improve his shot, he could actually have more offensive potential than that. A fan favorite in Mississauga, he will continue to be just that for whatever organization drafts him.

Keean Washkurak	2019 NHL Draft Eligible
Position: C, Shoots: L	H/W: 5-10", 185lbs
Stats to Date: (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	Mississauga Steelheads, OHL (66-16-31-47-58)
	Canada U18, WU18 (7-0-1-1-14)

Keean Washkurak of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Skating: Washkurak has to be considered one of the best skating draft eligible forwards in the OHL. His top end speed is excellent. He can really fly out there, which helps him to be such an effective player without the puck, especially on the penalty kill. Washkurak’s first few strides are quite powerful too, as it does not take him long to get up to full speed. And despite being only 5-10”, he exhibits great strength and balance, making him very difficult to separate from the puck along the wall. All in all, he is a premium skater. Grade: 60

Shot: This is an identified area of growth for Washkurak. At this current moment, he is most definitely a pass first center. He scored 16 goals this year, but most were scored within a few feet of the net. His release is quick, which helps him to deposit those chances in tight. That said, his shot, especially his wrist shot, needs to become heavier. He could also stand to improve his ability to shoot the puck while in full stride. It would really make him a more dynamic offensive player if he could become more of a scoring threat off of the rush with his speed. Grade: 50

Skills: Despite possessing near elite skating ability, Washkurak’s skill with the puck can best be described as raw. He is faster without the puck than he is with it, because he can occasionally struggle to maintain possession when operating at full speed. It is a cliche but, his hands have yet to truly catch up to his feet at the OHL level. Once established in the offensive end, Washkurak can be a very effective player below the hash marks, despite being undersized. He does a very good job of keeping his feet moving and is difficult to separate from the puck, especially behind the net. He also possesses good vision and sets up his share of goals from that “Wayne Gretzky office.” Grade: 50

Smarts: As mentioned, Washkurak’s playmaking ability and vision are both quite excellent. He makes good decisions with the puck in all three zones, and despite possessing elite speed, he is not one to force plays in transition. Is not afraid to dump it in and outwork the opposition, rather than try to go through them. Sometimes players with Washkurak’s speed lack the ability to slow the game down, but he does not. He also possesses great work ethic and smarts in all three zones. Uses his speed very effectively to break up plays on the back check and has a great stick in the neutral zone. He is an outstanding penalty killer for all the reasons listed above. Grade: 55

Physicality: Washkurak is like the little engine that could out there on the ice. He can best be described as a pest and shows little fear in the face of bigger, stronger players. He dropped the gloves on more than one occasion this year with larger players and is the type of player who wears his heart on his sleeve. He will engage physically, especially when attacking on the forecheck and he constantly finds himself involved in extracurricular activities post whistle. That said, I would not call him a ferocious body checker. Washkurak, because of the high intensity level he plays with, would still need to be graded well in the physicality department. Grade: 55

Overall Future Projection (OFP): 53.75

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity

MCKEEN’S 2019 NHL DRAFT GUIDE: Final Rankings – Top 217 Plus 100 Honourable Mention

Iain Morrell — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 17:52:23 +0000

MCKEEN'S RELEASES FINAL 2019 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS

KOSICE, SLOVAKIA - MAY 13: USA's Jack Hughes #6 and Finland's Kaapo Kakko #24 shake hands following a 3-2 overtime win for team USA during preliminary round action of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at Steel Arena on May 13, 2019 in Kosice, Slovakia. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

American center Jack Hughes or Finnish Winger Kaapo Kakko?

That is the decision facing the New Jersey Devils who won the draft lottery for the second time in the past three seasons and hold the top pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Hughes (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) led the USA Hockey National Team Development Program under-18 team in scoring while setting the NTDP career record for assists (154) and points (228) in two seasons (110 games) with the program.

He earned the highest Overall Future Projection (OFP) score of 64.50, as per the 20/80 grading system developed by McKeen's Director of Scouting Ryan Wagman.

Skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ, physicality - these are the attributes measured for skaters using the 20/80 grading system to arrive at an Overall Future Projection (OFP) score.

Six areas are assessed for goalies: athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling.

BROADWAY KAAPO

Kakko (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) earned the next highest OFP score at 64.00.

The Turku, Finland native will go to the New York Rangers with the second pick, their highest draft position since taking Brad Park in 1966 before expansion (1967-68).

Kakko led Finland with six goals while winning gold at the 2019 World Championships at just 18 years, 102 days old to become the youngest player in IIHF history to win gold at the Under-18, Under-20, and WM (World Men) levels, supplanting Connor McDavid of Canada (19 years, 130 days) from the record books.

The Chicago Blackhawks have the number three pick with the top defenseman Bowen Byram of the Vancouver Giants next on the McKeen's OFP scale (63.40).

Seven players in total received OFP scores of at least 60.00 this season, up from five in 2018 - and just two in 2017 when the Devils selected Nino Hischier first overall.

The next five spots in the rankings are all centers - Kirby Dach of Saskatoon (63.20 OFP), Dylan Cozens of Lethbridge (61.40), the NTDP duo of Trevor Zegras (61.25) and Alex Turcotte (60.00), and Peyton Krebs of Kootenay (59.65).

ALL AMERICAN

Spencer Knight. Photo courtesy of the USNTDP.

Spencer Knight of the NTDP is the top-rated goaltender available (55.75 OFP) at No. 32 in the McKeen's rankings.

Knight will likely go in the opening round of what will be a record haul for the U.S. National Team Development Program as upwards of eight players could be taken in the top 31 selections.

As for past records, the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) had four players taken in the opening round of the 1979 NHL Draft - as did the Toronto Marlboros (OHA) in 1972 and the Montreal Junior Canadiens (OHA) in 1969.

Along with Hughes (1st), Zegras (6th), and Turcotte (7th), wingers Matthew Boldy and Cole Caufield are ranked at No. 12 and 13 on the McKeen's list, with defenseman Cam York at No. 17 and center John Beecher at 30th.

Caufield (5-foot-7, 165 pounds) scored 14 goals at the U18 World Junior Championship, tying Alex Ovechkin's single-tournament goals record. However, the United States lost in a shootout to Russia in the semi-finals.

There are also four others in the program ranked in the 32 to 62 range (second round) - all defensemen - Marshall Warren (35th), Alex Vlasic (54th), Henry Thrun (58th) and Drew Helleson (62nd).

In total, 16 players from the NTDP are ranked among the top 100.

SWEDE GOLD - SWEET SEIDER

ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN - APRIL 23: Swedens Philip Broberg #4 makes a pass during preliminary round action against Russia at the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Fjallraven Center on April 23, 2019 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. (Photo by Steve Kingsman/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Sweden won a first-ever gold medal at the U18 World Juniors.

Four blueliners on that Swedish team are first-round candidates led by Philip Broberg of AIK, named 'Top Defenceman' at the U18 tournament, and Victor Soderstrom of Brynas, ranked No. 9 and 10 respectively on McKeen's.

U18 captain Tobias Bjornfot of Djurgardens is ranked 19th and Albert Johansson of Farjestads is 26th.

Following Dominik Bokk's selection in 2018 (25th to St. Louis), Germany will produce another first-round pick this year in Adler Mannheim defenseman Moritz Seider.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound, right-shot blueliner displayed impressive skills and maturity for his age while appearing at the 2019 World Championships (5-2-0-2).

Seider earned an OFP score of 57.50 and is ranked No. 15.

He will become the highest-selected German-born player at the NHL Draft since the Edmonton Oilers took Leon Draisaitl third overall in 2014.

Here are our final 2019 NHL Draft Rankings. They are a culmination of a season’s worth of prospect analysis and coverage on mckeenshockey.com and the tremendous work put in rinks and looking at screens and numbers from our committed team. Enjoy!

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	Nation
1	Jack Hughes	C	NTDP (USA)	5-10/170	14-May-01	USA
2	Kaapo Kakko	RW	TPS Turku (Fin)	6-2/195	13-Feb-01	Finland
3	Bowen Byram	D	Vancouver (WHL)	6-0/195	13-Jun-01	Canada
4	Kirby Dach	C	Saskatoon (WHL)	6-3/200	21-Jan-01	Canada
5	Dylan Cozens	C	Lethbridge (WHL)	6-3/185	9-Feb-01	Canada
6	Trevor Zegras	C	NTDP (USA)	6-0/170	20-Mar-01	USA
7	Alex Turcotte	C	NTDP (USA)	5-11/185	26-Feb-01	USA
8	Peyton Krebs	C	Kootenay (WHL)	5-11/180	26-Jan-01	Canada
9	Philip Broberg	D	AIK (Swe 2)	6-3/200	25-Jun-01	Sweden
10	Victor Soderstrom	D	Brynas (Swe)	5-11/180	26-Feb-01	Sweden
11	Vasili Podkolzin	RW	SKA-1946 St. Pete. (Rus Jr)	6-1/190	24-Jun-01	Russia
12	Matthew Boldy	LW	NTDP (USA)	6-1/190	5-Apr-01	USA
13	Cole Caufield	RW	NTDP (USA)	5-7/165	2-Jan-01	USA
14	Raphael Lavoie	RW	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-4/195	25-Sep-00	Canada
15	Moritz Seider	D	Adler Mannheim (DEL)	6-3/185	6-Apr-01	Germany
16	Simon Holmstrom	RW	HV 71 (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	24-May-01	Sweden
17	Cam York	D	NTDP (USA)	5-11/175	5-Jan-01	USA
18	Alex Newhook	C	Victoria (BCHL)	5-10/195	28-Jan-01	Canada
19	Tobias Bjornfot	D	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	6-0/200	6-Apr-01	Sweden
20	Philip Tomasino	C	Niagara (OHL)	5-11/180	28-Jul-01	Canada
21	Arthur Kaliyev	RW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-2/190	26-Jun-01	USA
22	Ryan Suzuki	C	Barrie (OHL)	6-0/180	28-May-01	Canada
23	Samuel Poulin	LW	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	6-1/205	25-Feb-01	Canada
24	Thomas Harley	D	Mississauga (OHL)	6-3/190	19-Aug-01	Canada
25	Ryan Johnson	D	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-0/175	24-Jul-01	USA
26	Albert Johansson	D	Farjestads (Swe Jr)	5-11/165	4-Jan-01	Sweden
27	Robert Mastrosimone	LW	Chicago (USHL)	5-10/160	24-Jan-01	USA
28	Connor McMichael	C	London (OHL)	5-11/175	15-Jan-01	Canada
29	Matthew Robertson	D	Edmonton (WHL)	6-3/200	9-Mar-01	Canada
30	John Beecher	C	NTDP (USA)	6-3/210	5-Apr-01	USA
31	Pavel Dorofeyev	LW	Magnitogorsk (KHL)	6-1/170	26-Oct-00	Russia
32	Spencer Knight	G	NTDP (USA)	6-3/195	19-Apr-01	USA
33	Bobby Brink	RW	Sioux City (USHL)	5-10/165	8-Jul-01	USA
34	Brett Leason	RW	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-4/200	30-Apr-99	Canada
35	Marshall Warren	D	NTDP (USA)	5-11/170	20-Apr-01	USA
36	Egor Afanasyev	RW	Muskegon (USHL)	6-3/205	23-Jan-01	Russia
37	Ville Heinola	D	Lukko Rauma (Fin)	5-11/180	3-Feb-01	Finland
38	Nolan Foote	LW	Kelowna (WHL)	6-3/190	29-Nov-00	Canada
39	Samuel Fagemo	RW	Frolunda (Swe)	6-0/195	14-Mar-00	Sweden
40	Nick Robertson	LW	Peterborough (OHL)	5-9/160	11-Sep-01	USA
41	Nils Hoglander	RW	Rogle (Swe)	5-9/185	20-Dec-00	Sweden
42	Jamieson Rees	C	Sarnia (OHL)	5-10/175	26-Feb-01	Canada
43	Jakob Pelletier	LW	Moncton (QMJHL)	5-9/165	7-Mar-01	Canada
44	Antti Tuomisto	D	Assat Pori (Fin Jr)	6-4/190	20-Jan-01	Finland
45	Lassi Thomson	D	Kelowna (WHL)	5-11/190	24-Sep-00	Finland
46	Michal Teply	LW	Bili Tygri Liberec (Cze)	6-3/185	27-May-01	Czech
47	Brayden Tracey	LW	Moose Jaw (WHL)	6-0/175	28-May-01	Canada
48	Arseni Gritsyuk	RW	Omskie Yastreby (Rus Jr)	5-10/170	15-Mar-01	Russia
49	Yegor Chinakhov	RW	Omskie Yastreby (Rus Jr)	6-0/175	1-Feb-01	Russia
50	Mattias Norlinder	D	MoDo (Swe Jr)	5-11/180	12-Apr-00	Sweden
51	Karl Henriksson	C	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	5-9/165	5-Feb-01	Sweden
52	Vladislav Kolyachonok	D	Flint (OHL)	6-1/185	26-May-01	Belarus
53	Nikola Pasic	RW	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	5-10/185	16-Oct-00	Sweden
54	Alex Vlasic	D	NTDP (USA)	6-6/200	5-Jun-01	USA
55	Pyotr Kochetkov	G	HK Ryazan (Rus 2)	6-1/175	25-Jun-99	Russia
56	Albin Grewe	RW	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-11/190	22-Mar-01	Sweden
57	Trevor Janicke	C	Central Illinois (USHL)	5-10/195	25-Dec-00	USA
58	Henry Thrun	D	NTDP (USA)	6-2/190	12-Mar-01	USA
59	Yegor Spiridonov	C	Stalnye Lisy Mag. (Rus Jr)	6-2/195	22-Jan-01	Russia
60	Patrik Puistola	LW	Tappara (Fin Jr)	6-0/175	11-Jan-01	Finland
61	Ilya Nikolayev	C	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	6-0/190	26-Jun-01	Russia
62	Drew Helleson	D	NTDP (USA)	6-3/195	26-Mar-01	USA
63	Graeme Clarke	RW	Ottawa (OHL)	5-11/175	24-Apr-01	Canada
64	Ronnie Attard	D	Tri-City (USHL)	6-3/210	20-Mar-99	USA
65	Mads Sogaard	G	Medicine Hat (WHL)	6-7/195	13-Dec-00	Denmark
66	Oleg Zaitsev	C	Red Deer (WHL)	6-1/185	7-Jan-01	Russia
67	Isaiah Saville	G	Tri-City (USHL)	6-1/190	21-Sep-00	USA
68	Kaedan Korczak	D	Kelowna (WHL)	6-3/190	29-Jan-01	Canada
69	Adam Najman	C	Benatky nad Jizerou (Cze 2)	5-11/175	23-Jan-01	Czech
70	Mikko Kokkonen	D	Jukurit (Fin)	5-11/200	18-Jan-01	Finland
71	Michael Vukojevic	D	Kitchener (OHL)	6-3/210	8-Jun-01	Canada
72	Patrick Moynihan	RW	NTDP (USA)	5-11/185	23-Jan-01	USA
73	Michael Gildon	LW	NTDP (USA)	6-1/195	21-Jun-01	USA
74	Judd Caulfield	RW	NTDP (USA)	6-3/205	19-Mar-01	USA
75	Vladislav Firstov	LW	Waterloo (USHL)	6-1/180	19-Jun-01	USA
76	Hugo Alnefelt	G	HV 71 (Swe Jr)	6-3/195	4-Jun-01	Sweden
77	Gianni Fairbrother	D	Everett (WHL)	6-0/195	30-Sep-00	Canada
78	Jackson Lacombe	D	Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN)	6-1/170	9-Jan-01	USA
79	Ethan Keppen	LW	Flint (OHL)	6-2/210	20-Mar-01	Canada
80	Anttoni Honka	D	JyP Jyvaskyla (Fin)	5-10/180	5-Oct-00	Finland
81	Roman Bychkov	D	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	5-11/160	10-Feb-01	Russia
82	Ryder Donovan	C	Duluth East (USHS-MN)	6-3/185	4-Oct-00	USA
83	Nathan Legare	RW	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	6-0/205	11-Jan-01	Canada
84	Billy Constantinou	D	Kingston (OHL)	6-0/185	25-Mar-01	Canada
85	Vojtech Strondala	C	Slavia Trebic (Cze 2)	5-7/155	17-Dec-00	Czech
86	Case McCarthy	D	NTDP (USA)	6-1/195	9-Jan-01	USA
87	Simon Lundmark	D	Linkopings (Swe)	6-2/200	8-Oct-00	Sweden
88	Zac Jones	D	Tri-City (USHL)	5-10/175	18-Oct-00	USA
89	Erik Portillo	G	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	6-6/210	3-Sep-00	Sweden
90	Daniil Misyul	D	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	6-3/180	20-Oct-00	Russia
91	Daniil Gutik	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	6-3/180	31-Aug-01	Russia
92	Hunter Jones	G	Peterborough (OHL)	6-4/195	21-Sep-00	Canada
93	Michael Koster	D	Chaska (USHS-MN)	5-9/175	13-Apr-01	USA
94	Aliaksei Protas	C	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-5/205	6-Jan-01	Belarus
95	Blake Murray	C	Sudbury (OHL)	6-2/190	5-Jul-01	Canada
96	Cole MacKay	RW	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	5-10/190	13-Jun-01	Canada
97	Trent Miner	G	Vancouver (WHL)	6-0/185	5-Jan-01	Canada
98	Semyon Chistyakov	D	Tolpar Ufa (Rus Jr)	5-10/170	7-Aug-01	Russia
99	Leevi Aaltonen	RW	KalPa (Fin Jr)	5-9/175	24-Jan-01	Finland
100	Antti Saarela	C	Lukko Rauma (Fin)	5-11/185	27-Jun-01	Finland
101	John Farinacci	C	Dexter (USHS-MA)	5-11/185	14-Feb-01	USA
102	Marcus Kallionkieli	LW	Sioux City (USHL)	6-2/195	20-Mar-01	Finland
103	Andre Lee	LW	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-4/200	26-Jul-00	Sweden
104	Kirill Slepets	RW	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	5-10/165	6-Apr-99	Russia
105	Shane Pinto	C	Tri-City (USHL)	6-2/190	12-Nov-00	USA
106	Jordan Spence	D	Moncton (QMJHL)	5-10/165	24-Feb-01	Canada
107	Keean Washkurak	C	Mississauga (OHL)	5-10/185	16-Aug-01	Canada
108	Owen Lindmark	C	NTDP (USA)	6-0/195	17-May-01	USA
109	Matej Blumel	RW	Waterloo (USHL)	5-11/200	31-May-00	Czech
110	Jack Malone	RW	Youngstown (USHL)	6-1/190	13-Oct-00	USA
111	Jayden Struble	D	St. Sebastian's (USHS-MA)	6-0/195	8-Sep-01	USA
112	Artemi Knyazev	D	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	5-11/180	4-Jan-01	Russia
113	Maxim Cajkovic	RW	Saint John (QMJHL)	5-11/185	3-Jan-01	Slovakia
114	Matvey Guskov	C	London (OHL)	6-1/180	30-Jan-01	Russia
115	Nikita Okhotyuk	D	Ottawa (OHL)	6-1/195	4-Dec-00	Russia
116	Valeri Orekhov	D	Barys Astana (KHL)	6-1/190	17-Jul-99	Kazakhstan
117	Zdenek Sedlak	RW	Karpat Oulu (Fin)	6-2/205	23-Mar-00	Czech
118	Alexander Yakovenko	D	Muskegon (USHL)	5-11/175	22-Feb-98	Russia
119	Yannick Bruschweiler	C	GC Kusnacht Lions (Sui 2)	5-10/175	29-Aug-99	Switzerland
120	Ilya Mironov	D	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	6-3/200	15-Mar-01	Russia
121	Albert Lyckasen	D	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	5-10/180	29-Jul-01	Sweden
122	Keegan Stevenson	C	Guelph (OHL)	6-1/185	31-Dec-00	Canada
123	Ilya Konovalov	G	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	6-0/195	13-Jul-98	Russia
124	Cole Schwindt	RW	Mississauga (OHL)	6-2/185	25-Apr-01	Canada
125	Domenick Fensore	D	NTDP (USA)	5-7/155	7-Sep-01	USA
126	William Francis	D	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	6-5/210	16-Nov-00	USA
127	Simon Gnyp	D	Kolner (Ger Jr)	5-11/180	10-Sep-01	Germany
128	Tuukka Tieksola	RW	Karpat Oulu (Fin Jr)	5-10/150	22-Jun-01	Finland
129	Ethan Phillips	C	Sioux Falls (USHL)	5-9/150	7-May-01	Canada
130	Linus Pettersson	RW	MoDo (Swe)	5-7/145	11-Apr-00	Sweden
131	Matias Maccelli	LW	Dubuque (USHL)	5-11/170	14-Oct-00	Finland
132	Anthony Romano	C	Sioux Falls (USHL)	5-11/185	7-Oct-00	Canada
133	Nikita Alexandrov	C	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	6-0/180	16-Sep-00	Germany
134	Arturs Silovs	G	HS Riga (Lat)	6-4/205	22-Mar-01	Latvia
135	August Hedlund	G	AIK (Swe Jr)	6-4/185	7-Jan-00	Sweden
136	Nicholas Porco	LW	Saginaw (OHL)	6-0/175	12-Mar-01	Canada
137	Joe Carroll	C	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	6-2/200	1-Feb-01	Canada
138	Alex Beaucage	RW	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-1/195	25-Jul-01	Canada
139	Luke Toporowski	C	Spokane (WHL)	5-11/180	12-Apr-01	USA
140	Sasha Mutala	RW	Tri-City (WHL)	6-0/200	6-May-01	Canada
141	Harrison Blaisdell	C	Chilliwack (BCHL)	5-11/180	18-Mar-01	Canada
142	Valentin Nussbaumer	C	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	5-11/165	25-Sep-00	Switzerland
143	Dustin Wolf	G	Everett (WHL)	6-0/155	16-Apr-01	USA
144	Ondrej Psenicka	RW	Sparta Praha (Cze Jr)	6-5/195	7-Jan-01	Czech
145	Juuso Parssinen	C	TPS Turku (Fin Jr)	6-2/205	1-Feb-01	Finland
146	Mitchell Brewer	D	Oshawa (OHL)	6-0/205	20-Mar-01	Canada
147	Lukas Parik	G	Liberec (Cze Jr)	6-4/185	15-Mar-01	Czech
148	Grant Silianoff	RW	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	5-11/170	4-Jan-01	USA
149	Josh Nodler	C	Fargo (USHL)	5-11/195	27-Apr-01	USA
150	Bryce Brodzinski	RW	Blaine (USHS-MN)	6-0/195	9-Aug-00	USA
151	Colten Ellis	G	Rimouski (QMJHL)	6-1/190	5-Oct-00	Canada
152	Rhett Pitlick	LW	Chaska (USHS-MN)	5-9/160	7-Feb-01	USA
153	Dillon Hamaliuk	LW	Seattle (WHL)	6-3/190	30-Oct-00	Canada
154	Aleksei Sergeev	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	5-9/185	22-May-00	Russia
155	Jack York	D	Barrie (OHL)	6-0/190	17-Sep-00	Canada
156	Jacob LeGuerrier	D	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	6-1/200	22-Nov-00	Canada
157	Zach Uens	D	Wellington (OJHL)	6-1/180	13-May-01	Canada
158	Josh Williams	RW	Edmonton (WHL)	6-1/195	8-Mar-01	Canada
159	Elmer Soderblom	RW	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	6-6/220	5-Jul-01	Sweden
160	Kyle Topping	C	Kelowna (WHL)	5-11/185	18-Nov-99	Canada
161	Albin Sundsvik	C	Skelleftea (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	27-Apr-01	Sweden
162	Cameron Rowe	G	NTDP (USA)	6-2/200	1-Jun-01	USA
163	Filip Lindberg	G	Massachusetts (HE)	6-0/180	31-Jan-99	Finland
164	Liam Svensson	C	Frolunda (Swe Jr 18)	6-3/195	2-Feb-01	Sweden
165	Xavier Simoneau	C	Drummondville (QMJHL)	5-6/170	19-May-01	Canada
166	Pavel Gogolev	RW	Guelph (OHL)	6-0/175	19-Feb-00	Russia
167	Danil Antropov	LW	Oshawa (OHL)	6-1/185	20-Dec-00	Canada
168	Daniel D'Amico	LW	Windsor (OHL)	5-9/185	26-Jan-01	Canada
169	Vladimir Alistrov	LW	Edmonton (WHL)	6-2/175	12-Feb-01	Belarus
170	Reece Newkirk	C	Portland (WHL)	5-11/175	20-Feb-01	Canada
171	Sergei Alkhimov	LW	Regina (WHL)	6-0/210	3-Jul-01	Russia
172	Adam Beckman	LW	Spokane (WHL)	6-1/170	10-May-01	Canada
173	Alexander Campbell	LW	Victoria (BCHL)	5-10/150	27-Feb-01	Canada
174	Taylor Gauthier	G	Prince George (WHL)	6-1/195	15-Feb-01	Canada
175	Max Crozier	D	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-1/195	19-Apr-00	Canada
176	Santeri Hatakka	D	Jokerit (Fin Jr)	6-0/175	15-Jan-01	Finland
177	Kalle Loponen	D	Hermes (Fin 2)	5-10/185	13-Mar-01	Finland
178	Eric Ciccolini	RW	Toronto Jr Canadiens (OJHL)	5-11/160	14-Jan-01	Canada
179	Aku Raty	RW	Karpat Oulu (Fin Jr)	5-11/170	5-Jul-01	Finland
180	Arvid Costmar	C	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	5-11/180	7-Jul-01	Sweden
181	Matt Brown	LW	Des Moines (USHL)	5-9/180	9-Aug-99	USA
182	Sven Leuenberger	C	Zug (Sui)	5-10/185	18-Feb-99	Switzerland
183	Jasper Patrikainen	G	Pelicans (Fin)	6-0/175	1-Jul-00	Finland
184	Jack Williams	G	Springfield (NAHL)	6-3/175	21-Jun-01	USA
185	Mikhail Abramov	C	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	5-10/160	26-Mar-01	Russia
186	Ben Brinkman	D	Minnesota (B1G)	6-0/215	4-Oct-00	USA
187	Chris Giroday	D	Green Bay (USHL)	6-1/175	13-Dec-00	Canada
188	Petr Cajka	C	Erie (OHL)	6-0/170	11-Dec-00	Czech
189	Mark Kastelic	C	Calgary (WHL)	6-3/215	11-Mar-99	USA
190	Kevin Wall	RW	Chilliwack (BCHL)	6-0/190	1-Feb-00	USA
191	Lucas Edmonds	RW	Karlskrona (Swe Jr)	5-11/175	27-Jan-01	Sweden
192	Carter Gylander	G	Sherwood Park (AJHL)	6-5/175	5-Jun-01	Canada
193	Ethan de Jong	RW	Quinnipiac (ECAC)	5-10/170	12-Jul-99	Canada
194	Wiljami Myllyla	RW	HIFK Helsinki (Fin Jr)	6-0/170	9-Apr-01	Finland
195	Yaroslav Likhachyov	RW	Gatineau (QMJHL)	5-10/170	2-Sep-01	Russia
196	Layton Ahac	D	Prince George (BCHL)	6-2/195	22-Feb-01	Canada
197	Alfred Barklund	D	Orebro (Swe Jr)	6-2/200	21-Oct-00	Sweden
198	Radek Muzik	LW	Lulea (Swe Jr)	6-3/180	25-Mar-01	Sweden
199	Marcus Pedersen	RW	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	6-2/165	25-May-01	Sweden
200	Filip Koffer	RW	Pardubice (Cze Jr)	5-11/175	4-Mar-01	Czech
201	Henri Nikkanen	C	Jukurit (Fin Jr)	6-3/200	28-Apr-01	Finland
202	Marc Del Gaizo	D	Massachusetts (HE)	5-9/190	11-Oct-99	USA
203	Tag Bertuzzi	LW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-0/200	18-Feb-01	Canada
204	Martin Hugo Has	D	Tappara (Fin Jr)	6-4/190	2-Feb-01	Czech
205	Jet Greaves	G	Barrie (OHL)	5-11/165	30-Mar-01	Canada
206	Mason Millman	D	Saginaw (OHL)	6-1/175	18-Jul-01	Canada
207	Janis Jerome Moser	D	Biel-Bienne (Sui)	6-0/160	6-Jun-00	Switzerland
208	Nick Abruzzese	C	Chicago (USHL)	5-9/160	4-Jun-99	USA
209	Logan Barlage	C	Lethbridge (WHL)	6-4/200	7-Jan-01	Canada
210	Carter Berger	D	Victoria (BCHL)	6-0/200	17-Sep-99	Canada
211	Nando Eggenberger	LW	Oshawa (OHL)	6-2/205	7-Oct-99	Switzerland
212	Tyce Thompson	RW	Providence (HE)	6-1/180	12-Jul-99	USA
213	Nolan Maier	G	Saskatoon (WHL)	6-0/175	10-Jan-01	Canada
214	Massimo Rizzo	C	Penticton (BCHL)	5-10/180	13-Jun-01	Canada
215	Matthew Steinburg	C	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	6-1/185	7-Oct-00	Canada
216	Jake Lee	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-1/215	13-Jul-01	Canada
217	Luke Bast	D	Brooks (AJHL)	5-9/170	20-Nov-00	Canada

100 HONOURABLE MENTION IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	Nation
HM	Nathan Allensen	D	Barrie (OHL)	5-11/180	3-May-01	Canada
HM	Ethan Anders	G	Red Deer (WHL)	6-1/175	26-Sep-00	Canada
HM	Nicklas Andrews	D	Des Moines (USHL)	5-10/185	6-Jul-01	USA
HM	Tyler Angle	C	Windsor (OHL)	5-9/165	30-Sep-00	Canada
HM	Marcel Barinka	C	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-0/165	3-Jan-01	Czech
HM	Roman Basran	G	Kelowna (WHL)	6-1/195	26-Jul-01	Canada
HM	Luke Bignell	C	Barrie (OHL)	6-0/170	3-Nov-00	Canada
HM	Mathieu Bizier	C	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-1/185	13-May-01	Canada
HM	Oscar Bjerselius	C	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-11/185	18-Feb-01	Sweden
HM	Kaden Bohlsen	C	Fargo (USHL)	6-3/190	10-Jan-01	USA
HM	Samuel Bolduc	D	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	6-3/210	9-Dec-00	Canada
HM	Jakob Bondesson	D	Rogle (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	22-May-00	Sweden
HM	Cole Brady	G	Janesville (NAHL)	6-5/165	12-Feb-01	Canada
HM	Alex Brannstam	D	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-11/170	3-Jun-01	Sweden
HM	Lynden Breen	C	Central Illinois (USHL)	5-9/165	31-May-01	USA
HM	Jonas Brondberg	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe Jr)	6-4/190	26-Jan-01	Sweden
HM	Jeremie Bucheler	D	Victoria (BCHL)	6-4/200	31-Mar-00	Canada
HM	Brett Budgell	LW	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	5-11/190	1-Jun-01	Canada
HM	Luka Burzan	RW	Brandon (WHL)	6-0/190	7-Jan-00	Canada
HM	Felix Carenfelt	LW	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-10/185	13-Feb-00	Sweden
HM	Luke Cavallin	G	Flint (OHL)	6-1/190	29-Apr-01	Canada
HM	Filip Cederqvist	LW	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe)	6-1/185	23-Aug-00	Sweden
HM	Cole Coskey	RW	Saginaw (OHL)	6-0/190	1-Jun-99	USA
HM	Braden Doyle	D	Lawrence Academy (USHS-MA)	5-11/170	24-Aug-01	USA
HM	Justin Ducharme	LW	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	5-10/180	22-Feb-00	Canada
HM	Nathan Dunkley	C	London (OHL)	5-11/195	3-May-00	Canada
HM	Pontus Englund	D	Timra (Swe Jr)	6-3/205	15-Jul-00	Sweden
HM	Lucas Feuk	LW	Sodertalje (Swe Jr)	6-0/185	19-Feb-01	Sweden
HM	Parker Ford	C	Sioux City (USHL)	5-8/170	20-Jul-00	USA
HM	Ethan Frisch	D	Fargo (USHL)	5-11/190	29-Oct-00	USA
HM	Maxim Golod	LW	Erie (OHL)	5-11/175	18-Aug-00	Canada
HM	Jacob Gronhagen	C	HV 71 (Swe Jr)	6-6/215	18-Jan-01	Sweden
HM	Maxence Guenette	D	Val d'Or (QMJHL)	6-1/180	28-Apr-01	Canada
HM	Hugo Gustafsson	C	Sodertalje (Swe 2)	5-10/160	23-Feb-00	Sweden
HM	Mack Guzda	G	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-4/215	11-Jan-01	USA
HM	Aidan Harper	G	Skipjacks HC 18U (USPHL)	6-2/170	28-May-01	USA
HM	Ludvig Hedstrom	D	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-11/175	14-Apr-01	Sweden
HM	Konsta Hirvonen	LW	HIFK Helsinki (Fin Jr)	5-11/165	1-Nov-00	Finland
HM	Eric Hjorth	D	Linkopings (Swe Jr 18)	6-3/190	8-Jan-01	Sweden
HM	Samuel Hlavaj	G	Lincoln (USHL)	6-4/185	29-May-01	Slovakia
HM	Krystof Hrabik	C	Tri-City (WHL)	6-4/220	24-Sep-99	Czech
HM	Rickard Hugg	C	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/190	18-Jan-99	Sweden
HM	Aaron Huglen	RW	Roseau (USHS-MN)	5-11/165	6-Mar-01	USA
HM	Aarne Intonen	C	TPS Turku (Fin Jr)	5-11/180	17-Jul-01	Finland
HM	Michal Ivan	D	Drummondville (QMJHL)	6-1/185	18-Nov-99	Slovakia
HM	Dylan Jackson	RW	Dubuque (USHL)	5-9/175	6-Sep-01	Canada
HM	Ty Jackson	C	Dubuque (USHL)	5-7/150	6-Sep-01	Canada
HM	Taro Jentzsch	C	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	6-1/155	11-Jun-00	Germany
HM	Samuel Johannesson	D	Rogle (Swe Jr)	5-11/175	27-Dec-00	Sweden
HM	Wilson Johansson	RW	Farjestads (Swe Jr)	5-11/175	11-Oct-00	Sweden
HM	Brooklyn Kalmikov	C	Cape Breton (QMJHL)	6-0/165	21-Apr-01	Canada
HM	David Karlstrom	C	AIK (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	12-Mar-01	Sweden
HM	Mans Kramer	D	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	6-2/180	6-Mar-01	Sweden
HM	Jami Krannila	C	Sioux Falls (USHL)	5-10/160	3-Oct-00	Finland
HM	Grayson Ladd	D	Windsor (OHL)	6-1/175	1-Mar-01	Canada
HM	Martin Lang	LW	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/170	15-Sep-01	Czech
HM	Oscar Lawner	LW	Farjestads (Swe Jr)	5-11/185	13-Feb-01	Sweden
HM	Jonathan Lemieux	G	Val d'Or (QMJHL)	6-0/185	8-Jun-01	Canada
HM	Hugo Leufvenius	LW	Sarnia (OHL)	6-3/230	26-Mar-99	Sweden
HM	Ethan Leyh	LW	Langley (BCHL)	6-0/190	7-Sep-01	Canada
HM	Josh Lopina	C	Lincoln (USHL)	6-1/175	16-Feb-01	USA
HM	Emil Malysjev	D	Saskatoon (WHL)	6-3/190	1-May-01	Sweden
HM	Matias Mantykivi	C	SaiPa (Fin Jr)	5-11/160	21-Jun-01	Finland
HM	Jeremy McKenna	RW	Moncton (QMJHL)	5-10/175	20-Apr-99	Canada
HM	Billy Moskal	C	London (OHL)	6-0/185	22-Mar-00	Canada
HM	Derek Mullahy	G	Dexter (USHS-MA)	6-0/180	20-Mar-01	USA
HM	Kim Nousiainen	D	KalPa (Fin Jr)	5-9/170	14-Nov-00	Finland
HM	Zachary Okabe	RW	Grande Prairie (AJHL)	5-8/165	4-Jan-01	Canada
HM	Oliver Okuliar	LW	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	6-1/190	24-May-00	Slovakia
HM	Quinn Olson	LW	Okotoks (AJHL)	5-10/170	9-May-01	Canada
HM	Xavier Parent	LW	Halifax (QMJHL)	5-8/170	23-Mar-01	Canada
HM	Tommy Pasanen	D	Sioux City (USHL)	6-3/220	30-Jul-01	Germany
HM	Thomas Pelletier	D	Drummondville (QMJHL)	6-2/195	23-Aug-01	Canada
HM	Andrew Perrott	D	Owen Sound (OHL)	5-11/205	24-Aug-01	USA
HM	Kari Piiroinen	G	Windsor (OHL)	6-0/175	1-Jul-01	Finland
HM	Lukas Pilo	D	Orebro (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	7-Sep-99	Sweden
HM	Garrett Pinoniemi	C	Holy Family Catholic (USHS-MN)	5-11/150	15-Jun-01	USA
HM	Mason Primeau	C	North Bay (OHL)	6-5/205	28-Jul-01	Canada
HM	Kirby Proctor	D	Des Moines (USHL)	6-3/190	19-Apr-01	Canada
HM	Liam Ross	D	Sudbury (OHL)	6-2/195	13-May-01	Canada
HM	Henrik Rybinski	RW	Seattle (WHL)	6-0/175	26-Jun-01	Canada
HM	Nikita Sedov	D	Regina (WHL)	6-1/185	5-May-01	Russia
HM	Egor Serdyuk	RW	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	5-10/160	3-Jun-01	Russia
HM	Nikita Shashkov	LW	Sibir Novosibirsk (KHL)	5-11/180	26-Mar-99	Russia
HM	Ryan Siedem	D	Central Illinois (USHL)	6-2/190	25-Feb-01	USA
HM	Samuel Sjolund	D	AIK (Swe Jr)	6-1/175	19-May-01	Sweden
HM	Hunter Skinner	D	Muskegon (USHL)	6-2/175	29-Apr-01	USA
HM	Dominik Sojka	C	Banska Bystrica (Svk Jr)	6-5/210	16-Feb-01	Slovakia
HM	Kyen Sopa	RW	Niagara (OHL)	5-9/185	30-Sep-00	Switzerland
HM	Tyler Spott	D	Green Bay (USHL)	5-10/170	17-Jun-00	Canada
HM	Matthew Struthers	C	North Bay (OHL)	6-2/210	26-Dec-99	Canada
HM	Roope Taponen	G	HIFK Helsinki (Fin Jr)	6-0/165	14-Mar-01	Finland
HM	Jacob Tortora	LW	Barrie (OHL)	5-6/165	25-Jul-99	USA
HM	Bobby Trivigno	LW	Massachusetts (HE)	5-8/155	19-Jan-99	USA
HM	Eric Uba	RW	Flint (OHL)	6-0/195	17-Dec-00	Canada
HM	Max Wahlgren	RW	MoDo (Swe)	6-1/185	9-May-01	Sweden
HM	Carl Wang	D	Sodertalje (Swe Jr)	6-2/195	28-Mar-01	Sweden
HM	Matteus Ward	G	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	6-0/170	7-Mar-01	Sweden
HM	Lukas Wernblom	C	MoDo (Swe 2)	5-9/170	22-Jul-00	Sweden
HM	Jonathan Yantsis	RW	Kitchener (OHL)	6-2/210	28-Apr-99	Canada

Keean Washkurak – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – ST. LOUIS BLUES – Top 20 Prospects

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: ST. LOUIS BLUES – RANK: #24 – TIER IV

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: St. Louis Blues Top 20 Prospects

Scott Perunovich, D (45th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 1)

Jake Neighbours, LW (26th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Tyler Tucker, D (200th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Klim Kostin, RW (31st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 3)

Joel Hofer, G (107th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Nikita Alexandrov, C (62nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Dylan Peterson, C (86th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Ville Husso, G (94th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 6)

Niko Mikkola, D (127th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 7)

Hugh McGing, C (138th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 8)

Keean Washkurak, C (155th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Colten Ellis, G (93rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 10)

Leo Loof, D (88th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Will Cranley, G (163rd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Austin Poganski, RW (110th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 11)

Mitch Reinke, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed, Mar. 25, 2018. Previous ranking: 12)

Jake Walman, D (82nd overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 13)

Tanner Dickinson, C (119th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Mathias Laferriere, C (69th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Nolan Stevens, C (125th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 15)

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – ST LOUIS BLUES – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 31

St. Louis Blues

Scott Perunovich, D (45th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 4)

Tyler Tucker, D (200th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Klim Kostin, RW (31st overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 3)

Joel Hofer, G (107th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 20)

Nikita Alexandrov, C (62nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 8)

Ville Husso, G (94th overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 12)

Niko Mikkola, D (127th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: UR)

Hugh McGing, C (138th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 15)

Keean Washkurak, C (155th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 7)

Colten Ellis, G (93rd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank 13)

Austin Poganski, RW (110th overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: UR)

Mitch Reinke, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed, Mar. 25, 2018. 2019 Rank: 9)

Jake Walman, D (82nd overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 16)

Mathias Laferriere, C (69th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

Nolan Stevens, C (125th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 17)

St. Louis Blues 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

2019 NHL Draft Reviews: Central Division Part 2 – Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis, Winnipeg

Minnesota Wild

Nashville Predators

St. Louis Blues

Winnipeg Jets

McKeen’s Choice Awards: OHL

Brock Otten’s OHL Choice Awards

Best Hockey Sense - Connor McMichael, London Knights

Also Considered: Arthur Kaliyev, Ryan Suzuki, Nick Robertson, Cole Mackay

Most Skilled - Nicholas Robertson, Peterborough Petes

Also Considered: Graeme Clarke, Ryan Suzuki, Thomas Harley, Arthur Kaliyev

Hardest to Play Against - Jamieson Rees, Sarnia Sting

Also Considered: Vladislav Kolyachonok, Ethan Keppen, Michael Vukojevic, Keegan Stevenson, Keean Washkurak

Best Playmaker - Ryan Suzuki, Barrie Colts

Also Considered: Thomas Harley, Nick Robertson, Philip Tomasino

Best Skater - Thomas Harley, Mississauga Steelheads

Also Considered: Jamieson Rees, Philip Tomasino, Billy Constantinou, Connor McMichael, Keean Washkurak, Vladislav Kolyachonok

Best Shot - Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton Bulldogs

Also Considered: Graeme Clarke, Nick Robertson, Connor McMichael

Best Stickhandler - Nick Robertson, Peterborough Petes

Best Body Checker - Navrin Mutter, Hamilton Bulldogs

Also Considered: Nikita Okhotyuk, Jamieson Rees, Ethan Keppen, Mike Vukojevic

Best Defensive Forward - Jamieson Rees, Sarnia Sting

Also Considered: Connor McMichael, Cole Schwindt, Cole Mackay, Petr Cajka

Best Defensive Defender - Nikita Okhotyuk, Ottawa 67’s

Also Considered: Mike Vukojevic, Jacob LeGuerrier, Vladislav Kolyachonok, Liam Ross, Mitchell Brewer

Best Offensive Defender - Thomas Harley, Mississauga Steelheads

Also Considered: Billy Constantinou, Vladislav Kolyachonok, Jack York

Fastest Skater - Connor McMichael, London Knights

Also Considered: Jamieson Rees, Philip Tomasino, Vladislav Kolyachonok, Keean Washkurak

Top Goalie - Hunter Jones, Peterborough Petes

Also Considered: Jet Greaves, Mack Guzda

OHL: Keean Washkurak, C, Mississauga

MCKEEN’S 2019 NHL DRAFT GUIDE: Final Rankings – Top 217 Plus 100 Honourable Mention

MCKEEN'S RELEASES FINAL 2019 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS

Scott Perunovich, D (45^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 1)

Jake Neighbours, LW (26^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Tyler Tucker, D (200^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 2)

Klim Kostin, RW (31^st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 3)

Joel Hofer, G (107^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Nikita Alexandrov, C (62^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 5)

Dylan Peterson, C (86^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Ville Husso, G (94^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 6)

Niko Mikkola, D (127^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 7)

Hugh McGing, C (138^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 8)

Keean Washkurak, C (155^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 9)

Colten Ellis, G (93^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 10)

Leo Loof, D (88^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Will Cranley, G (163^rd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Austin Poganski, RW (110^th overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 11)

Jake Walman, D (82^nd overall, 2014. Previous ranking: 13)

Tanner Dickinson, C (119^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Mathias Laferriere, C (69^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Nolan Stevens, C (125^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 15)

Scott Perunovich, D (45^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 4)

Tyler Tucker, D (200^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 6)

Klim Kostin, RW (31^st overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 3)

Joel Hofer, G (107^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 20)

Nikita Alexandrov, C (62^nd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 8)

Ville Husso, G (94^th overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 12)

Niko Mikkola, D (127^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: UR)

Hugh McGing, C (138^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 15)

Keean Washkurak, C (155^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 7)

Colten Ellis, G (93^rd overall, 2019. 2019 Rank* 13*)

Austin Poganski, RW (110^th overall, 2014. 2019 Rank:* UR*)

Jake Walman, D (82^nd overall, 2014. 2019 Rank: 16)

Mathias Laferriere, C (69^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

Nolan Stevens, C (125^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 17)