Liam Gilmartin – McKeen's Hockey

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: SAN JOSE SHARKS – RANK: #16 – TIER III

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 11:42:58 +0000

San Jose Sharks

#16 San Jose - The Sharks have been prevented from undergoing a full rebuild due to multiple bad contracts at the NHL level, but they have drafted heavily for upside lately, especially at forward, and now a path back to NHL relevence is in sight.

Sweden's William Eklund during the ice hockey match in the training match between Sweden and Denmark on April 28, 2021 in Malmö.
Photo: Mathilda Ahlberg / BILDBYRÅN

William Eklund

While it was a very successful draft season for the 5’10 forward out of the storied Djurgårdens program, it was far from an easy one. Yes, he led the SHL in U20 scoring by a forward (ahead of the likes of Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz) and was the league’s rookie of the year. However, bad luck seemed to follow him like a cloud hanging over him. First, he contracted Covid in December, eliminating him from contention for the Swedish World Junior team. Then he had to have his appendix removed in January after falling ill. Finally, he got injured at the Swedish training camp for the World Championships in May and was not able to participate at that event either.

Eklund’s skating might just be his strongest asset. His mother was a figure skater, and it shows in Eklund’s skating that he has taken advantage of that growing up. His edges are exceptional, and it gives him the opportunity to turn fast (faster than his opponent) and those turns give him the little extra space that he needs to create chances for himself or his teammates. William Eklund is also elusive because of how quick his hands are. As a slightly smaller forward, the Sharks may need to be patient with him as he spends a year or two more in Sweden to further gain strength. Even as one of the older players in the draft, he is still somewhat physically immature. He can get pushed off the puck a little too easily and he needs to become stronger to really make an impact in the NHL. As he gets stronger and builds confidence in his physical abilities, Eklund does have the chance to be a physically intense competitor who is difficult to separate from the puck. He may be the highest future point producer of anyone that was available in 2021. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Thomas Bordeleau

Even surrounded by talents like 2021 top five picks Owen Power, Matthew Beniers, and Kent Johnson, as well as 2020 first rounder Brendan Brisson, Bordeleau stood out as an offensive producer without parallel. His 22 assists were seventh in all of the NCAA ranks, and he wasn’t just teeing them up for a solitary big shot sniper either, as no one among his teammates scored more than 10 times.

A smaller forward, Bordeleau plays a gutsy game, working to get into the hard areas of the ice to create a play, and succeeded more than most. Although he lacks elite speed, he has quick feet, and even quicker hands. He reads opponents very well, and rapidly picks up on their errors, forcing turnovers. His quick hands also work to make him an asset on the faceoff dot. The next step in his progression is to reintroduce his wicked wrist shot as a primary weapon again, as that was his primary selling feature during his time with the USNTDP. Considering how well he managed to perform without the sniper’s approach, the frequency of his setups for linemates, and even his proving that he didn’t need to be protected and could even be a regular penalty killer, the avenues to Bordeleau’s success at the NHL level are multiple. He could turn pro after this coming season, and possibly reach the NHL by 2023-24, with a likely top six outcome. - RW

Ozzy Wiesblatt

After being drafted with the final first-round pick in 2020 by the Sharks, Wiesblatt got a chance to play six AHL games with the Barracuda with the pandemic curtailing major junior hockey in Canada. After the new year, he was returned to the WHL’s Raiders, where he posted 28 points in 21 games to cap a successful campaign.

A feisty, aggressive skater with an explosive first step, Wiesblatt fights through traffic and keeps his feet moving at a frenetic pace, utilizing his low center of gravity. He excels in tight spaces and is a tenacious forechecker without the puck, creating turnovers and opportunities on the penalty kill. He possesses quick hands but perhaps lacks the offensive upside that top-line players usually have. Although he’s a fairly disciplined player, Wiesblatt may need to play more of an agitator role in order to have success at the NHL level. His release is good but lacks velocity, and he will need to continue to add strength to compensate for his lack of size. With another two seasons of junior eligibility remaining, Wiesblatt will almost certainly return to the WHL for 2021-22, where he will likely be one of the top players in the league, and perhaps an invite to the World Junior Championships in December is in the cards as well. - AS

Ryan Merkley

A dynamic offensive defenseman, Merkley started his pro journey last season after four years in the Ontario Hockey League. Given his high-risk style of play, the San Jose Sharks will have to be patient with Merkley as he learns to mitigate risk at the pro level, just as he had to do at the junior level. That was extremely evident with the Barracuda of the AHL in his rookie year. His skating ability and high skill level allows him to keep pace at the pro level...with ease. However, his decision making at both ends still leaves something to be desired.

An electric skater, especially due to his confidence on his edges and his ability to navigate traffic, Merkley can be a real asset in transition. Additionally, his ability to open up lanes on the powerplay with his footwork can give his offensive unit a major advantage. Over the course of his OHL career, his defensive commitment and ability improved, however, to be an NHL player, it will need to improve further. The offensive production this past year for the Barracuda may not be at the level some expected, but it is important to note that Merkley did not get first unit powerplay time, the situation where he would have likely been most effective. Look for him to improve his offensive numbers this year in the AHL with greater responsibility. He still projects as a potential offensively oriented top four defender and powerplay QB, however, he may yet be a few years away from making an impact. - BO

Jonathan Dahlen

Dahlén has absolutely ripped apart the HockeyAllsvenskan over the last two years; he scored an unbelievable total of 148 points in just 96 games. He led the league in points last year with a nine-point lead over the second most productive player (Jens Lööke), who, on the other hand, played seven more games. Dahlén had no reason to stay in the Swedish second tier league; he should be ready for an NHL challenge. Even though he helped his team to promote to the top Swedish league, he´ll fight for a regular spot in the National Hockey League with San Jose.

A Sharks prospect, who was drafted by the Senators in the second round in 2016, signed a one-way contract with the team. He is a dynamic, offensively skilled winger, who would be best in the top-six. The jump from the Swedish second tier to the best league in the world is not easy, but Dahlén´s ridiculous numbers have proven he is capable of playing in a much better league than he did in the last two years. He is speedy and agile and has all the offensive tools in his skillset – he´s a great puck handler, passer and shooter, but he rather relies on his playmaking skills. On the other hand, he lacks grit and there were some consistency issues during his previous North American seasons, but he should be more NHL ready this time. If everything goes right for Dahlén, he is able to be a 0.5 point per game player even next season. - MD

Ben Gaudreau

With a strong performance at the World Under 18 Hockey Championships in Texas, Gaudreau put himself in the conversation with the likes of Jesper Wallstedt and Sebastian Cossa as one of the top goaltenders available. The starter for the gold medal winning Canadians at the event, he was named the tournament’s top goaltender, an award won by the likes of Yaroslav Askarov, Ilya Samsonov, Juuse Saros, and John Gibson in the last decade. An incredibly meticulous and detailed oriented netminder, Gaudreau combines good size (6-2”) with an elite ability to process the action around him.

Ultimately, Gaudreau’s ability to read the play is a major strength. He just seems to be one step ahead of the play unfolding around him, allowing him to consistently be in the correct position. His play tracking ability is among the best of any goaltender to come through the OHL in recent years. Additionally, his movement is so refined. Rarely do you see him over-extend on his pushes, taking him out of the play or putting him out of position. Where Gaudreau sometimes gets himself in trouble is that holes can open up while moving and he can be susceptible to some “softer” goals to the five-hole area and close to the body as he pushes laterally. Like any young goaltender, he will also need to continue to improve his control of his lower body and pads, directing shots away from the slot with more consistency. All that said, Gaudreau definitely has the makeup, athleticism, and temperament to be a top flight NHL goaltender in time. He will return to the OHL this season with Sarnia and look to establish himself as one of the league’s best. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Danil Gushchin

The third member of the relatively new Russian pipeline of talent that flows through Muskegon, Gushchin followed previous transplants Andrei Svechnikov (Car) and Yegor Afanasyev (Nsh) to the shores of Lake Michigan and made it into a home. After three seasons with the Lumberjacks, he departs as the club’s all-time leader in points, and with an NHL contract in hand. Lacking the size of the aforementioned trail setters, Gushchin more than made up for it with superb energy, and continuously growing skill with the puck. Highlight reel plays were par for the course all year long, as he grew more and more confident with the puck, and more and more able to make defenders look silly.

His straight-ahead speed is solid, but he shines playing an East-West game, forcing opponents to move laterally, and creating holes in otherwise airtight defenses. He packs a very heavy shot into his small frame, and plays relatively fearless, even though his lack of size makes him an inviting target and he isn’t shy about putting himself in harm’s way. There is risk in a player like this, particularly in that he might flounder if put in a bottom six role, teamed up with linemates lacking in the ability to play with high-end skills. And while he was a dangerous penalty killer with Muskegon, that risk will remain until he proves otherwise. Thankfully, his abilities wouldn’t look out of place in a top six role in the NHL. Where he plays this season remains to be seen, as he could go to the OHL with Niagara, as previously planned, or play in the AHL as a 19-year-old. - RW

Tristen Robins

Tristen Robins has a motor that is working all the time. What makes him a promising hockey player is that his mind and body work at the same high speed. He is a 200-f00t player that makes quick decisive plays at both ends of the rink. He is capable of driving a line because of strong transition skills and passing ability. When in the offensive zone, he is comfortable with the puck on his stick and capable of picking corners with his shot or picking apart defenses with his passing. He plays the puck into space incredibly well and leads his guys into scoring opportunities. He makes quick passes and is always moving which makes him so difficult to defend. He is not scared of traffic and will carry the puck to the net, where his trigger reflexes enable him to push the puck wide to help break down the defensive zone coverage.

The biggest concern over his game is his size, but he is tenacious and hardworking so it shouldn’t be an issue like it is with other smaller players. Robins is a player that will need a season or two in the AHL where he can adjust to the pace and the size of the players. He will truly begin his pro journey this season with the Barracuda (after a two-game cup of coffee last year) and it will be interesting to see how he adapts. - VG

Joachim Blichfeld

Blichfeld split 2020-21 between the Sharks and the AHL’s Barracuda, dressing in five NHL games and scoring his first-ever goal against the Wild’s Kaapo Kahkonen. He also earned a two-game suspension for a hit on Nathan MacKinnon. In the minors, Blichfeld posted 12 goals and 25 points in 22 games. A seventh-round pick five years ago, Blichfeld has quietly raised his stock and is knocking at the door of full-time NHL duties.

He possesses good wheels but doesn’t always move his feet enough, something that can be fixed with pro seasoning. His bread and butter is as a volume shooter, utilizing his terrific release, but finding the space to do so at the pro level isn’t that easy. Blichfeld is only average with the puck and as a passer, which may destine him as a bottom-six role player in the NHL if he cracks full-time. He needs to add strength in order to withstand the physical rigours of the game, and up his motor to pursue the puck rather than wait in the weeds to unleash his shot. With the Sharks stagnating a bit, undergoing off-ice drama with Evander Kane, and possessing a thin prospect pool, there could be an opportunity to grab a roster spot this fall in camp for the Dane, who has beaten the odds thus far. - AS

Sasha Chmelevski

2020/21 has to be considered a breakout season for Chmelevski at the pro level. The former OHL star was among the leading scorers for the Barracuda, got his first NHL points (in five games), and even performed very well for the U.S. at the World Championships to close out the year. This has set him up nicely for the upcoming season, where he will compete for a full-time roster spot on the Sharks and could even be a front runner for a bottom six role.

Chemelski is a high energy player who can provide a lot of versatility because of his well-rounded skill set and tenacious work ethic. His skating has improved considerably since being drafted by the Sharks, as has his play away from the puck. A talented playmaker, he excels in transition when he is able to back down opposing defenses by driving the middle with speed. Ultimately, he projects as a middle six forward for San Jose who can play in any situation, although he may have to start on the lower lines and as a penalty killer before working his way up. - BO

Brandon Coe

With the OHL on hiatus, Coe played last season in the AHL with the Barracuda, filling a checking line role. The 6’4 winger skates exceptionally well for his size, but he still needs to gain confidence in his ability to carry the puck and be a go-to offensive player. That is why it appears that San Jose is sending him back to the OHL this year for his overage season.

Artemi Knyazev

After three solid seasons in the QMJHL with Chicoutimi, this mobile, two-way blueliner has emerged as a legitimate defensive prospect for the Sharks. He turns pro this season and will look to become an immediate impact player for the Barracuda.

Dillon Hamaliuk

A big power winger, Hamaliuk’s offensive development has not gone according to plan since being drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft. Even as an overager in the WHL this past season, he failed to crack the point per game mark. But the Sharks did sign him and must see him as a potential checking line player. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the AHL this year.

Yegor Spiridonov

A strong defensive center and penalty killer, the Sharks are still waiting for Spirodonov’s offensive game to take that next step forward. He will try to become a KHL regular this season with SKA St. Petersburg before possibly crossing the pond. The upside is not high, but Spiridonov could still become a valuable role player for San Jose in the future.

Liam Gilmartin

Gilmartin was a valuable role player for the U.S. U18 team this past year. He provides a lot of versatility to his coaches because of his all-around skill set and nonstop motor. Gilmartin will play for Dale Hunter and the London Knights this coming season, a coach notoriously good at developing players like Gilmartin.

2021 NHL DRAFT: PACIFIC DIVISION REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:13:36 +0000

2021 NHL Draft Review

Time to review the draft, in depth. As I have done in previous seasons, this review will cover the league one division at a time. For each team, we will offer a quick summary of their draft class, a deeper look at their first pick/first rounder(s), and then a look at what we think to be the best value pick of their draft class, and a final look at their worst value pick. Once the divisions have all been covered, a final article will go over some other miscellaneous trends of the draft that was (odds & ends), and the annual McKeens shadow draft class. Let’s dig in.

Pacific Division

Mason McTavish. Photo Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

Anaheim Ducks

1 (3) Mason McTavish, C, EHC Olten (SL)/ Peterborough (OHL)

2 (34) Olen Zellweger, D, Everett (WHL)

3 (66) Sasha Pastujov, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

3 (76) Tyson Hinds, D, Rimouski (QMJHL)

4 (98) Josh Lopina, C, UMass (NCAA/Hockey East)

5 (130) Sean Tschiegerl, LW, Calgary (WHL)

5 (148) Gage Alexander, G, Winnipeg (WHL)

6 (162) Kyle Kukkonen, C, Maple Grove HS (USHS-MN)

Going into Day One of the draft, it was widely considered that Buffalo would select Owen Power first overall. If not a lock, it was over 90% certain. With the second pick, it was again generally assumed that Seattle would tab Power’s Michigan teammate Matthew Beniers, as their first ever draft pick. Less certain that Power at #1, but still in the 75-80% range. So, we presumed, like many, that the mystery of the draft would really begin to unravel with Anaheim at third overall. The smart money was on a forward, but which one? There were a few that were reasonable candidates for the pick, including William Eklund, Dylan Guenther, Mason McTavish, and even the third Michigan draft eligible, Kent Johnson. I picked McTavish in my mock drafts, but I was never more than 50% sure that was the pick. Maybe even 40%. I ended up correct in that assumption, and now Anaheim has a high-end finisher for the future to go along with the two future faces of the franchise in the playmaker (Zegras) and the puck rusher (Drysdale). The Ducks won’t re-emerge from the wilderness with that one pick, but the core of a future powerhouse is being built.

Anaheim’s eight picks this year skewed towards the offensive, with five forwards, complemented by two blueliners and a goalie. The forwards all have strong histories of offensive production, with a clear lean towards goal scoring over play creation. To be honest, even the two defenders they selected each have promising offensive track records on their respective resumes. The other interesting trend spotted was their reliance on North American talent, with all either being raised on this side of the planet. Sure, McTavish spent time this year in Switzerland, what with the OHL not happening – he was even born in Switzerland, when his father was playing there – but his game was formed and developed in Canada. Also interesting, on a more personal level, for the first time in a while, the Ducks did not draft a player with ties to the Chicago Steel.

First pick – Mason McTavish, C, EHC Olten (SL)/Peterborough Petes (OHL), 3^rd overall

A high-profile prospect from early youth, McTavish wowed OHL watchers as a rookie in 2019-20, scoring 29 goals in 57 games before the pandemic brought an early end to the season. After waiting for a stretch last year in the hopes that the OHL would be able to start, he finally gave up on that dream and returned to Switzerland, the land of his birth, to play with fellow OHL prospect Brennan Othmann at second division Olten. McTavish showed zero difficulties lighting it up overseas as well, scoring nine goals in 13 games. His season proceeded to the WU18s, where he captained Canada to a Gold, and led with his production as much as his example, with 11 points in seven games. Not the fastest, he nonetheless gets going quickly and his hands contain magic. A full season back in the OHL should be enough to ready him for the NHL. He has first line upside and high top six probability. “Zegras to McTavish for the goal” will be heard regularly over the next few years in Orange County.

Best value pick(s) –Sean Tschigerl, LW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL), 130^th overall

I considered third rounder Pastujov, another pure goal scorer here, but his lack of foot speed helped him fall to where Anaheim picked him. Tschigerl, on the other hand, had less reason to still be on the board in the fifth round. Once the fourth overall pick in the WHL Bantam Draft, he struggled as a WHL rookie, but came on in the short season last year, with a goal-heavy point-per-game performance for the Hitmen. Although prone to a few too many mental mistakes, his physical tools all show middle six promise, and his general intensity will help him find a role as a bottom six contributor if he falls short of his ceiling. He is one of the higher probability picks you are bound to find in the fifth round.

Worst value pick – Tyson Hinds, D, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL), 76^th overall

Hinds is certainly an intriguing prospect, with great size, albeit in need of muscular development. He has a big point shot and can be tough to play against in his own zone, given his strength, reach, and intensity, but there are enough questions about his mobility, puck managements, and decisions making, that the risk attached to his profile would dissuade me from picking earlier than the fifth round. If the Hinds and Tschigerl picks were reversed, we would have seen more logic. As is, Anaheim gets both, so all is good.

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

Calgary Flames

1 (13) Matthew Coronato, LW, Chicago (USHL)

2 (45) William Stromgren, LW, MODO Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)

3 (77) Cole Huckins, C, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

3 (89) Cameron Whynot, D, Halifax (QMJHL)

5 (161) Cole Jordan, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

6 (168) Jack Beck, LW/RW, Ottawa (OHL)

6 (173) Lucas Ciona, LW, Seattle (WHL)

7 (205) Arseni Sergeyev, G, Shreveport (NAHL)

For the third year in a row, the Flames used their first-round pick on a scoring forward, with Harvard-bound Matthew Coronato following the footsteps of CHL’ers Jakob Pelletier and Connor Zary. It some ways, for the floundering club, it is a mildly implicit suggestion that they recognize that the run with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan at the top of the lineup will soon be coming to an end – that is if they don’t simply trade one in the run up to the 2021-22 season. Obviously, the NHL is not like the NFL or NBA where drafted players step right into the lineup and assume the roles they were selected for. Zary could plausibly play in the NHL next year, having spent some time in the AHL last year while the WHL plotted its return to the ice. Pelletier has completed his junior hockey eligibility, and will play professionally, although he never has before, and seems likely to at least spend some time on the farm before being considered for the NHL. Finally, 2021 first rounder Coronato will be heading from the USHL to Harvard, where I would expect him to spend three years, as very few go to Harvard for shorter stints. So, the turnover in Calgary promises to be gradual.

As for the rest of the Flames’ 2021 draft class, it was very North American-centric, with only second-rounders William Stromgren having spent the entirety of his development in Europe. Like Anaheim above, Calgary’s picks also leaned towards the offensive, with five forwards, and then adding in two defenders and finishing things off with a netminder. Each CHL league was represented, as were the top two development tracks in the US. Height may not have been a factor, but five of the seven skaters selected were 6-1” or taller, and one of the shorter ones, Coronato is pretty well-built and stocky for his 5-10” height.

First round pick – Matthew Coronato, LW, Chicago Steel (USHL), 13^th overall

As mentioned above, the pick of Coronato will require some time before Calgary sees the fruits of his development, as not only is he college-bound, but he is headed for premier Ivy League school Harvard. The most skillful offensive weapon in the USHL last year, where he led the league in goals on his way to being named the league’s forward of the year. He can beat you with his wheels, featuring both speed and impressive agility, his whippy and powerful shot, or his playmaking ability. The main area of development he needs to improve before turning pro is in utilizing his linemates more readily in the offensive zone and spending less time trying to win shifts by himself. He has great talent, but without quicker puck touches he will be less successful at the higher levels. He has first line upside.

Best value pick – Arseni Sergeyev, G, Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL), 205^th overall

The NAHL is oft overlooked as a source of talent, except when it comes to goalies. Sergeyev, who backstopped Shreveport to a Robertson Cup title last year, came over from Russia two seasons ago, coming a long way both literally and figuratively. He has ideal size, promising athleticism, and reads the game well. Like Coronato, he will be a long-term project, expected to move to the USHL for one year starting now, and then on to the University of Connecticut, to be bested against the NCAA. His trajectory is exciting, and Calgary was fortunate to grab him with their final selection.

Worst value pick – Cole Huckins, C, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL, 77^th overall

Calgary did well to get value with every pick they made, including this one. We chose Huckins simply because we think he is overvalued due to his size and being a key player on one of the QMJHL’s strongest teams last season. He is hard to play against, but his feet are heavier than I prefer, and we think he profiles as more of a fourth line presence with hopefully just enough skill in his hands to be able to take on a net-front role at his peak. That is absolutely worth a draft pick, but we would have been far more interested in Huckins one or two rounds later.

Xavier Bourgault. Photo courtesy of the QMJHL

Edmonton Oilers

1 (22) Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

3 (90) Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20)

4 (116) Jake Chiasson, RW, Brandon (WHL)

6 (180) Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL)

6 (186) Shane LaChance, LW, Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC)

7 (212) Max Wanner, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

In the not too distant past, when the Oilers were in the midst of a seemingly endless run of futility, those who didn’t follow the draft closely sometimes publicly wondered how the team could keep losing, even though they had some high-end talents on the roster. This extended to the early days of Connor McDavid’s career, so it wasn’t just people overestimating the likes of Adam Larsson. It took analysts who understood the draft to see that the team repeatedly failed in the most abject ways possible on literally every pick out of the first round. Between 2007 – 2014, the team drafted only eight players who have reached 100 games played in the NHL. With the exception of Erik Gustafsson, who never even signed with Edmonton, much less played for them, none of those eight were impact players. The team was drafting skill in the first, and size and grit in all latter rounds.

Edmonton hasn’t received much out of the first round since 2014 either, but they did sometimes seem to be drafting for skill with later picks, such as the selections in 2020 of Carter Savoie and Tyler Tullio in the fourth and fifth rounds. Unfortunately, their 2021 draft class looks to be typical of their lean years. First rounder Xavier Bourgault looks like areal keeper. Of the other five players they selected, all position players, they are more notable for being large, than having NHL skillsets. The ongoing experience of the Oilers of the last 15+ years has done more to convince me that NHL teams should draft for skill in all rounds than has the continued success of teams that have followed that advice, like Tampa Bay.

First round pick – Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), 22^nd overall

Not a high-end prospect in his QMJHL draft year, Bourgault has worked hard to raise his game in his time in the QMJHL, where he has emerged as a legit offensive weapon, playing with speed, skill, and just as important, consistency. While Bourgault does not at all resemble Edmonton’s 2020 first rounder, the wrecking ball named Dylan Holloway, he is the type of forward who would benefit from the room created in the offensive zone by the likes of Holloway. His game is well-rounded, and his versatility will help him grab a toe hold on an NHL job sooner than later, while he works his way up to an eventual top six role.

Best value pick – Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL), 180^th overall

If there is any upside past Bourgault in Edmonton’s draft class, it resides in Petrov. The numbers thus far in his career have been only moderate, but there are some markers in his game that suggest better things to come. He skates quite well for his size, has a strong shot with a knack for finishing, and he puts his strength to good use in puck battles. We will need to see how he handles a move up to senior hockey in Russia, but more than any of the other Day Two picks made by Edmonton, Petrov could wind up as more than NHL roster filler.

Worst value pick – Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20), 90^th overall

The top draft prospect out of Germany this year, Munzenberger did not make anyone forget about last year’s trio of Stutzle, Reichel, and Peterka. There are things to like in his profile. He is a big man who skates well and can be physical in his defensive stops. Unfortunately, due to COVID shutdowns in Germany, Munzenberger barely played this year, with his time with Germany’s WJC squad representing just shy of half of all of his annual game action. He looked like a reasonable gamble for the bottom two rounds. The third round was just way too high. Heading to North America to play collegiately for Vermont this year, I will be looking to see him play with greater poise with the puck and looking for competence in his own end.

PLANO, TX USA - APRIL 28: Canada's Brandt Clarke #5 shoots the puck against Latvia in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children’s Health StarCenter on April 28, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Los Angeles Kings

1 (8) Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie (OHL)

2 (42) Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener (OHL)

2 (59) Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga)

3 (84) Kirill Kirsanov, D, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

The Kings were not the only team to make four or fewer picks at the draft this year. They were, however, the only team to finish making selections before the draft was halfway through. The traded away a fifth rounder in order to move up in the second. They added an additional second round pick from Carolina in in exchange for picks in the third and fourth rounds. Their sixth rounder was sent to Calgary in order to move up five spots in the third. Their seventh pick was dealt away during the 2020 draft, another cost of moving up back then. The end result is a draft class that makes up in quality what it lacks in quantity. One could argue that they could have kept at least some of those late picks and possibly still drafted the players they targeted when they moved up, but there are no guarantees. The fact is that LA has one of the deepest and richest prospect pipelines in the sport, one we are ranking third overall in this year’s Annual Guidebook (buy it now!) So, adding a few more lottery tickets won’t really move the needle. The four players LA drafted this year all have a good chance to rise above the players already in the system and be impactful when the Kings are ready once again to compete.

First pick – Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie Colts (OHL), 8^th overall

One of the top tier of defenders available this year, Clarke took his game to Slovakia as the OHL was still unsure of whether it could have a season at all. As it turned out, he made the correct decision. Playing against men in Europe, even though Slovakia is not the top level of competition on the continent, proved that he could succeed against men, even if his skating is not exactly a strength. Clarke plays with extreme poise and top-of-the-line puck skills for a defender. Unlike many teenaged offensive defenders, his game away from the puck is notably responsible. I don’t think he will need to be sheltered once he gets accustomed to the pace of play in the NHL. He is a play driver who makes his teams better, as he demonstrated repeatedly for Gold Medal winning Team Canada at the WU18s. Clarke is a future #1 defender on a good team in the NHL.

Best value pick – Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener Rangers (OHL), 42^nd overall

One of the better players left on the board after the end of the first round, Los Angeles did well to trade up to draft him, losing only a fifth round pick to move up seven spots. As with Clarke, there are those who have concerns about Pinelli’s skating, but no one argues about his results. He plays a smart East-West offensive game, forechecks hard and heavy – albeit clean – finds open space and capitalizes. He has remarkably soft hands and creates for others just as well as he can finish the play himself. There are many successful forwards in the NHL who produce at high rates without having the quickest feet. There is nothing to suggest that Pinelli can’t join them.

Worst value pick – Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga), 59^th overall

LOL. Helenius is actually a very good pick, who profiles similarly to a Brian Boyle. He’s huge and has the toughness and hand-eye coordination to be a very useful net front weapon. Like the others discussed above – as well as third rounder Kisakov – Helenius is not a great skater. He is fine for his gargantuan size, but his success has not been, and will not be predicated on speed. He projects as a bottom six forward who can kill penalties, and make defenses miserable, with both center and the wing as options. He isn’t just big, but he has a mean streak, too, like his father Sami Helenius, a tough stay-at-home defender in the NHL, AHL and IHL around the turn of the century.

Djurgården's William Eklund during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Djurgården and Skellefteå on 16 November 2020 in Stockholm.
Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN /

San Jose Sharks

1 (7) William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

3 (81) Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia (OHL)

4 (103) Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria (WHL)

4 (121) Ethan Cardwell, C, Surahammars IF (HockeyEttan)/Barrie (OHL)

5 (135) Artem Guryev, D, Peterborough (OHL)

5 (156) Max McCue, C, London (OHL)

6 (167) Liam Gilmartin, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

6 (177) Theo Jacobsson, C, Onskoldsvik HF (HockeyEttan)

7 (199) Evgenii Kashnikov, D, Gatineau (QMJHL)

After a 2020 draft class that we adored, with a few exceptions, our feelings on San Jose’s 2021 draft class were not nearly so positive. Of course, the primary exceptions were with their top picks, still giving the Sharks a good chance at a very positive outcome from this year’s amateur scouting efforts. This class is split evenly with four forwards and four defenders, along with one netminder. The team drafted heavily from Ontario-based players, with three taken who did not play any league games at all last year – one of whom did get to play for Canada at the WU18s – and one who many, including ourselves, thought would have been drafted last year, but went to play in Sweden with the OHL failing to launch this year. Even the team’s one player drafted out of the USHL has since committed to moving to the OHL next year. The rest of the class featured two Swedish players, and one each from the QMJHL and the WHL. I also found funny that the player they selected out of the QMJHL was an import from Russia, joining fellows Russian-natives playing in the Q drafted/signed by San Jose including Vladislav Kotkov and Artemi Knyazev.

The main reason we are not so high on the San Jose draft class – again, not counting the exceptions – is the team went heavy on gritty players, even if three of the eight skaters they drafted were not big. Too often, they sacrificed upside for floor, taking players who play hard instead of ones who play well. Eklund turning into the star we expect will allow many to forget the players from this class who fail to make it, but I try to look at draft classes as the expected potential across all picks. Failing with a top ten pick would be a career ending tragedy for a scout and the scouting director, but the ability to add viable NHL contributors with later picks is often the difference between building sustainable winners, and perennial losers.

First round pick – William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL), 7^th overall

A few years ago, a player of Eklund’s pedigree and resume would be pushed to the NHL immediately after the draft, for good or ill. Forget for a moment his success playing against men already, but just from a tools standpoint. There may not have been a more skilled player in the 2021 draft class, and there wasn’t a player with higher hockey IQ. The skills-smarts combo has daylight between Eklund and the next player up with that profile. Even though the Sharks are expected to keep him in Sweden for another year, he is probably the second-best left winger in their system right now, depending on how we feel about Evander Kane. I fully expect Eklund to have a huge season with Djurgardens and come to the NHL ready to take over and lead San Jose out of their current doldrums.

Best value pick – Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia Sting (OHL), 81^st overall

We had tabbed Gaudreau as the number three netminder in the draft, the best behind the two first round locks. The fact that Kolosov went to the Flyers three picks before San Jose drafted Gaudreau is incidental, because we gave Gaudreau second round value, and high second round at that. Of course, he has risk attached to his profile, as do all goalies. He struggled in his OHL rookie season, backstopping a mediocre Sarnia club. And then he missed the entire 2020-21 season due to the COVID shutdown in Ontario. But when the U18s rolled around, he was there, backstopping Canada to a Gold Medal, and being named the top goaltender in the tournament. We then remember that he was though highly enough of to be a top ten pick in the OHL Priority Selection two seasons ago and know that hie performance at the tournament was not merely a flash in the pan. He receives very high grades for his temperament and his ability to read the play. There is a very good chance that Gaudreau is the best goalie drafted by San Jose since Thomas Greiss in 2004.

Worst value pick – Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria Royals (WHL), 103^rd overall

This one was pretty far off the radar, at least in the early fourth round. Laroque was never drafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, and his debut season in the league was unspectacular. He had put up decent numbers in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (Canada’s equivalent of the New England prep scene, but not nearly as established), but his high-level experience was minimal, and unremarkable. Our BC analyst, Arlo Shultz, saw a defender whose only trait that projected as above average was his physical game. Clearly, San Jose’s scouts liked him, and that’s fine, but they most likely could have drafted him a round or two later. He has a very long way to go before being billed as a likely NHL’er.

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Michigan's Matty Beniers in action during their loss to Notre Dame, 2-1, Saturday, November 28, 2020, at Michigan's Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire)

Seattle Kraken

1 (2) Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (NCAA/Big 10)

2 (35) Ryker Evans, D, Regina (WHL)

3 (67) Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton (OHL)

4 (99) Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga)

5 (131) Jacob Melanson, RW, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

6 (163) Semyon Vyazovy, G, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

7 (195) Justin Janicke, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

And so, it begins. As much intrigue as there was in the Kraken’s expansion draft picks, the future of this newest NHL franchise begins with the entry draft. Matthew Beniers will be far more impactful on the eventual success of the organization than any player selected in the expansion draft. The challenge we face in assessing their first go-round selecting amateurs, is to avoid comparing their draft haul with Vegas’ when the latter was a first-time drafter. Seattle did not make any expansion draft side deals, nor any other trades to increase the number of picks they would make, unlike Vegas, which made 12 picks in their inaugural draft. So, we will compare this draft class with the other 32 classes made this year, instead of the Golden Knights in 2017.

But it doesn’t matter what we compare this draft class with, it is underwhelming. Sure, their top pick, second overall selection Matthew Beniers is a franchise maker. The absolute correct choice, and a player who could be for Seattle what Jonathan Toews was for Chicago, or Patrice Bergeron was in Boston. Unfortunately, Beniers was not at all representative of the rest of Seattle’s picks. The team spread their choices geographically, with no more than a single player from any region. They were not afraid of drafting re-draft players, with two fitting that description. They weren’t even concerned with size, with two players standing below 6-0”, and one other just making it. Production seems to have been a factor, but not exclusively, as third rounder Winterton had no history of high scoring totals, and it had been two years since seventh rounder Janicke was lighting lamps with regularity in high school. I think Seattle could have, and should have, done more, but this is just the beginning. We’ll keep watching them

First pick – Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan Wolverines (NCAA/Big 10), 2^nd overall

Before the World Championships, I would have advocated for Beniers to go first overall and had been advocated as such for much of last year, but that year-ending tournament showed that Power was more ready to play a commanding lead role against men. His teammate Beniers, on the other hand, can contribute in any role, in every shift, from beginning of the season to the end, but not necessarily in a leading role. At least, not yet. The epitome of a five-tool player, Beniers, is a strong skater, has good offensive skills, highlighted by amazing puck control, and he always makes the right decisions, no matter the pace of the action. He brings energy to every shift, in all zones. He drives play for his team and helps shut down the plays of his opponents. With all due respect to Power, if this draft had one player to start a franchise with, Beniers was it.

Best value pick – Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL), 67^th overall

Although highly touted as a 16-year-old, to the extent that Hamilton selected him eighth overall in the OHL Priority Selection, Winterton was only scratching the surface of his potential as an OHL rookie, and then saw his development hit a brick wall also known as COVID 19. He had not played at all last year until being named to Canada’s roster at the WU18 tournament, where he had a few memorable moments in a depth role for the Gold Medal winners. He has good size, reads the play well, and has soft hands. Despite not owning any high-end skills, his overall game is well-rounded, and he can contribute in a number of ways. Very young for this draft class, with an early September birthdate, he could have more growth in his game than most others who were drafted. He may not profile as more than a solid third liner but was still fine value in the third round.

Worst value pick – Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga), 99^th overall

Passed over in the draft in his first year of eligibility, while playing for Kitchener in the OHL, Ottovainen went back home to Finland with the OHL season not able to get started this year. His year was then split between JYP’s senior and U20 teams, with a brief stretch in Finland’s second league thrown in for good measure. He was fantastic against juniors but was largely ineffective against men. Both are no more and no less than was expected, but we mark him as a lower value pick because he didn’t impress all that much in 2019-20 and didn’t force us to re-evaluate him that much this year. None of his tools, excepting his large size, stand out as NHL-worthy. It’s hard to see more than up-and-down value at best. Not sure that he couldn’t have been drafted with a later round pick if they really liked him.

PLANO, TX USA - APRIL 27: Belarus's Danila Klimovich #20 controls the puck against Switzerland's Lilian Garessus #22 in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children’s Health StarCenter on April 27, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Vancouver Canucks

2 (41) Danila Klimovich, RW, Minskie Zubry (Belarus Vysshaya)

5 (137) Aku Koskenvuo, G, HIFK U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

5 (140) Jonathan Myrenberg, D, Linkoping J20 (J20 Nationell)

6 (169) Hugo Gabrielsson, D, Halmstad Hammers HC (HockeyEttan)

6 (178) Connor Lockhart, C, Erie (OHL)

7 (201) Lucas Forsell, LW, Farjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)

This was a very Euro-centric draft. The only North American based player the Canucks selected, sixth rounder Connor Lockhart, didn’t even play last year. Not just Euro-centric, though, fully half of Vancouver’s picks were from Sweden, a region that the team has drafted from frequently, and often successfully. Considering that they had only one pick prior to the fifth round, this draft class holds promise. The Canucks drafted with potential in mind, not worried too much about size.

Beyond the Swedish lean, if there was something the Canucks targeted with all of their later round picks, it seems to have been hockey IQ. In fact, the most mistake-prone, or “unreliable” player they selected was their lone early pick, Klimovich, who just happens to be insanely skilled. Even if those later picks have marginal upsides – being late round picks and all – they all look like prospects who should maximize the tools they possess. This is the second year in a row that Vancouver missed out on some early round picks, and given their approach to the later rounds, it would be good to see how they would act with a full complement of picks.

First pick – Danila Klimovich, RW, Minskie Zubry (Belarus Vysshaya), 41^st overall

Klimovich was the most prominent late riser on draft boards, going from obscurity to emergency for all teams after an electrifying performance at the WU18s. He is a gifted finisher, capable of scoring through numerous ways and means. He can pick small holes from near the faceoff circles or bamboozle defenders with slick puck play. The main concern with Klimovich’s projection is that he very little experience playing high levels, but he has succeeded wherever he has played. The Canucks have already given him a contract, and the next question is where he plays next year. Rouyn-Noranda controls his CHL rights, and they seem to have one open spot for an import player. That might be his best bet, as Klimovich needs a new challenge, and he might as well start acclimating to the North American game.

Best value pick – Connor Lockhart, C, Erie Otters (OHL), 178^th overall

In a draft that valued size more than it should have been valued, Lockhart was bound to fall lower than his skill suggested. Listed at 5-9”, 161, he wasn’t going to excite anyone looking for brawn, but there is no reason why he should have fallen as far as the late sixth round. Promising enough to be selected third overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, he had acclimated to the OHL as a rookie in 2019-20. Outside of his physical presence, the rest of his tools have shown intriguing potential. It is probable, if not certain, that he would have been drafted as much as two rounds higher if the OHL had a season last year, so I could be charitable and say that every NHL team passed on him as much as twice more than they should have, allowing Vancouver to draft a skilled sleeper.

Worst value pick – Aku Koskenvuo, G, HIFK U20 (U20 SM-sarja), 137^th overall

A big netminder who forced his way into HIFK’s U20 team in his age 16 season, Koskenvuo is committed to play for Harvard in the coming years – although seemingly not next year – generally a sign of intelligence. His tools all seem fine, especially his athleticism, but we did not rank him as higher than a seventh-round flyer as his numbers have simply never been that good. He resembles a good young goalie, but he really needs to find a way to spot more shots, with greater regularity. Had the Canucks inverted the Lockhart and Koskenvuo picks, I would have had a very hard time picking any of their selections as “worst value pick.”

Vegas Golden Knights

1 (30) Zach Dean, C, Gatineau (QMJHL)

2 (38) Daniil Chayka, D, CSKA Moskva (KHL)/Guelph (OHL)

4 (102) Jakub Brabanec, C/LW, HC Kometa Brno (Czech)

4 (128) Jakub Demek, C, Team Slovakia U18 (Slovakia2)

6 (190) Artur Cholach, D, Sokol Kiev (Ukraine)

7 (222) Carl Lindbom, G, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

Like with Vancouver above, the Golden Knights had a very Euro-centric draft, with only first rounder Zach Dean having played in North America last year. Unlike Vancouver, Vegas spread the wealth in Europe though, with picks from Russia, Czech, Slovakia, Ukraine(!!!), and Sweden. At least three of those European draftees are expected to play CHL hockey next year. Another area where Vegas separated themselves from their division mates from a town starting with the letter ‘V’, was in their push to draft big players. They didn’t draft anyone below 6-0” and added three players to the organization standing 6-4”.

To Vegas’ credit, while drafting for size, skill was not neglected. This isn’t simply a collection of goons on skates. Chayka showed serious two-way potential over two seasons in the OHL. Brabanec probably wasn’t ready for men’s hockey in the Czech Republic last year, but he looked impressive at the WU18s. Demec has produced at all levels in Slovakia. Even Ukrainian Cholach – the first Ukrainian drafted since 2007 – has admirers for his game, even if has never played at high levels before. Goalies are judged differently, but Lindbom was the primary netminder for Sweden’s Bronze Medal win at last year’s WU18s.

First pick – Zach Dean, C, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL), 30^th overall

A well-rounded forward with plus pedigree in junior hockey, Dean has not yet produced offense to live up to his potential in the QMJHL. He can play in all situations and generally seems to be in the right place at the right time. The main concern with his profile, and why we saw him as more of an early second rounder than a late first rounder, is the aforementioned production. He looks like a medium term NHLer, one who could play as a good third line center on a competitive team, but who would be miscast in a top six role. If he takes that next step offensively, we would be happy to reconsider his upside, but his approach has scarcely budged in two years now.

Best value pick – Carl Lindbom, G, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell), 222^nd overall

With the third last pick of the draft, Vegas got Sweden’s top 2003-born goaltender prospect. Younger brother of Rangers’ goaltending prospect Olof Lindbom, Carl has a similar profile, yet his older brother was a high second round pick and Carl lasted until very late in the seventh round. He is an athletic battler who reads plays well and is technically sound in his crease. He isn’t likely to become an NHL starter, but he wouldn’t look out of place as a solid backup if he maintains he developmental trajectory.

Worst value pick – Jakub Demek, C, Team Slovakia U18 (Slovakia2)

Sure, even though Demek was taken in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL, a deeper look at his profile suggests that size is his main factor driving his desirability. His production for Slovakia’s U18 team, which plays a regular schedule in that nation’s second division was meagre, and an honest assessment of his tools suggest that his production has been on par with his skill set. He is more notable for his work off the puck than on, so we are left looking at a forward with fourth line upside, but more who hasn’t yet proven that he can play pro in Slovakia, much less in North America.

2021 NHL DRAFT: SAN JOSE SHARKS REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 19:46:34 +0000

Djurgården's William Eklund during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Djurgården and Skellefteå on 16 November 2020 in Stockholm.
Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN /

San Jose Sharks

1 (7) William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

3 (81) Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia (OHL)

4 (103) Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria (WHL)

4 (121) Ethan Cardwell, C, Surahammars IF (HockeyEttan)/Barrie (OHL)

5 (135) Artem Guryev, D, Peterborough (OHL)

5 (156) Max McCue, C, London (OHL)

6 (167) Liam Gilmartin, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

6 (177) Theo Jacobsson, C, Onskoldsvik HF (HockeyEttan)

7 (199) Evgenii Kashnikov, D, Gatineau (QMJHL)

First round pick – William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL), 7^th overall

Best value pick – Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia Sting (OHL), 81^st overall

Worst value pick – Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria Royals (WHL), 103^rd overall

2021 NHL Draft Wrap-up: Favourite Picks By Round Plus The Best of the Undrafted

Brock Otten — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:00:39 +0000

The weirdest draft year that I have ever covered is finally over, as the 2021 NHL Draft concluded this past weekend. Considering the circumstances, we at McKeen’s are incredibly happy with our coverage this year. 25 of our top 31 were selected in the first round and only five of our top 100 went unselected (the highest being Eric Alarie at #70).

My review will look at my favourite selections in each round, in addition to the best players not selected.

ROUND ONE

Mason McTavish. Photo Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

#3 Overall to Anaheim - Mason McTavish

We had McTavish going to Anaheim in our mock draft and I really like this selection for them. I see Mason providing a lot of versatility to the Ducks in the near future. He could slot behind Trevor Zegras as the team’s number two center, bringing power and tenacity to complement their selection of skilled wingers. However, because of his terrific shot, McTavish could also look extremely comfortable on the first powerplay unit with Zegras, operating as his triggerman and helping to create some space for him to operate.

#18 Overall to Winnipeg - Chaz Lucius

Sure, the injury issues are a concern. It has delayed some development in his skating ability. In addition, Lucius’ playmaking ability and vision could stand to improve. But we had Lucius in our top 10 for a reason. He projects as possibly the best pure goal scorer from this class because of how well he navigates the net front and the middle of the ice. The Jets need someone like Lucius, and he is not only terrific value at this spot, but also a great fit with the organization.

#20 Overall to Minnesota - Jesper Wallstedt

What fantastic value for Minnesota here. The top-rated goaltender on our board and our fifth rated player, Wallstedt slid to number 20 and he gives the Wild a young goaltender to build around in the future. Wallstedt may not have the elite physical tools of Cossa (who went ahead of him), but he is considered one of the best play trackers to come through the draft in recent years.

HM - Fabian Lysell to Boston (#21)

Logan Stankoven. Photo Credit: Allen Douglas / Kamloops Blazers

ROUND TWO

#34 overall to Anaheim - Olen Zellweger

While Anaheim took Zellweger higher than we had him in our rankings (#42), it is still a terrific selection. Zellweger is the perfect defender for today’s NHL because of how well he skates and how well he processes the game. Critical thinkers with pace rarely fail, even if they lack ideal size. If Zellweger had played a full year in the WHL before starring at the U18’s, he could have been selected even higher.

#47 overall to Dallas - Logan Stankoven

While we did not expect Stankoven to go as high as we had him rated (#13), there was a belief that he would go higher than 47. He is proof that size still matters in this draft (see Tyler Boucher at #10). In the mid second round, he provides terrific value to the Stars as he has the skill and compete level to be an Alex Debrincat level star in the NHL.

#52 overall to New York Islanders - Aatu Raty

Our 12th overall rated prospect for the draft, Raty suffered a drastic fall, especially when you consider that he came into the draft season as a potential first overall candidate. The Islanders have to be ecstatic (and they were) to grab Raty since they did not own a first-round selection this year. He was unquestionably higher on their own list, and he has the potential to be an impact player if he can put this year’s disappointment behind him.

HM - Francesco Pinelli to Los Angeles (#42)

Skellefteå's Simon Robertsson during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Skellefteå and Brynäs on 5 December 2020 in Skellefteå.
Photo: Ola Westerberg / BILDBYRÅN

ROUND THREE

#71 overall to St. Louis - Simon Robertsson

Our 14th overall ranked player, the Blues traded up to secure the right to Robertsson after seeing him still available on the board. His U18 performance was no doubt disappointing, but he is still a potentially well rounded, goal scoring winger who could have a very long NHL career. A team without a second-round selection, you have to believe that the Blues had Robertsson ranked significantly higher than this...perhaps even as a first rounder on their board.

#81 overall to San Jose - Ben Gaudreau

After Cossa and Wallstedt went in round one, it would be nearly 60 selections before the next goalie would be selected (Kolosov at #78). We had Gaudreau ranked as a borderline first rounder, and we stand by that ranking. The top goalie from this year’s U18’s, Gaudreau has all the tools you are looking for from a starting NHL netminder and has the potential to be just as good as the players taken in the first round. Had the OHL actually played this year, I don’t believe Gaudreau would be available here.

#95 overall to Buffalo - Josh Bloom

Have to go with a personal favourite here. I had a feeling that he would be selected in the 80-110 range. Bloom didn’t play this year, but the Sabres did not hold that against him. He has everything you look for from a top six supporting winger today; size, speed, skill, and awareness. This has the potential to be a terrific pick for the Sabres.

HM - Stanislav Svozil to Columbus (#69)

Nathan Del Mastor. Photo courtesy of the OHL

ROUND FOUR

#98 overall to Florida - Josh Lopina

A national champion with UMass this year, Lopina was the Hockey East’s rookie of the year. We ranked him to be selected last year and this year, in his second and third years of eligibility. Lopina has a chance to be a Barclay Goodrow kind of player for the Panthers, someone who can excel at both ends and provide positional versatility. It was inevitable that he would be one of the first “re-entry” candidates off the board.

#105 overall to Chicago - Ethan Del Mastro

We had Del Mastro ranked 52nd overall this year, so naturally there is belief from our team that this was a great pick by Chicago. Del Mastro is a big, physical defender who also moves well. Over the course of the U18’s, his play improved, which should not be shocking given that it was his first action of the season. Look for him to show more offensively as he matures.

#125 overall to New York Islanders - Cameron Berg

Like Lopina, we had Berg ranked for last year’s draft. However, after a strong USHL season, he secured his selection this year and it is a shrewd one by the Islanders. Berg has the potential to develop into a strong two-way power center after a few years at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. This is especially true if he can continue to upgrade his skating, which he has done already.

HM - Dylan Duke to Tampa Bay (#126)

Jack Bar. Courtesy of the USHL

ROUND FIVE

#130 overall to Anaheim - Sean Tschigerl

No question, if the WHL season is not severely shortened, Tschigerl has a chance to go much higher than this. Over the final ten games of the season, he was playing as one of the league’s top goal scoring options. He brings speed. He brings physicality. It is easy to see him developing into a terrific middle six scoring option for the Ducks. We had him ranked #92.

#138 overall to Dallas - Jack Bar

Our 37th ranked player, Bar had a terrific year for the Clark Champion Chicago Steel. A Harvard recruit, Bar improved with each passing month in the USHL and steadily climbed our rankings as a result. While he will require patience to reach his full potential, the big, physical defender has the kind of raw tools that often prove to be moldable. Harvard has done a terrific job of developing defenders like Bar in recent years.

#153 overall to Toronto - Ty Voit

Another OHL player who did not play this season, Voit has to be considered one of the draft’s best pure playmakers. No question he needs to bulk up, as he can be too easily pushed off the puck; his size is a concern. But his creativity and puck skill are tremendous, and this is the type of high upside pick good teams take in the middle rounds.

HM - Justin Robidas to Carolina (#147)

Ryan Mast of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

ROUND SIX

#178 overall to Vancouver - Connor Lockhart

The former third overall pick in the OHL Priority Draft, Lockhart had an up and down U17 season the last time the OHL played. Then he did not play this year. Tough for him to prove that he could have been an elite level offensive option. But he does possess that kind of potential. A very high-end skater and someone with terrific skill and instincts, if Lockhart was a point per game player in the OHL this year, he is likely a top 50 selection. Instead, the Canucks get him in the sixth round. Well worth the gamble that he improves.

#180 overall to Edmonton - Matvei Petrov

Petrov is not without his warts. His wavering physical engagement level is concerning. The U18’s were a disaster for him. However, few players in this draft class can shoot the puck like he can. He is absolutely lethal from the faceoff circle, especially on the powerplay. If he can find a way to be consistently motivated without the puck, the potential is extremely high. He will play in the OHL with North Bay next season.

#181 overall to Boston - Ryan Mast

I know it seems like there has been a lot of OHL flavour on this list; maybe I am bias, however I do feel that many OHL players selected will prove to be “steals” due to the circumstances they were dealt with this season. Mast is a very solid defensive defender who has length, mobility, and strong awareness. He was already a top defender for Sarnia as a U17 player but did not play this season (except for the Erie showcase), preventing him from showing progression as an offensive player. It is easy to see him developing into an NHL defender.

HM - Liam Gilmartin to San Jose (#167)

Södertäljes Albert Sjöberg, March 2021 i Stockholm.
Photo: Jesper Zerman / BILDBYRÅN /

ROUND SEVEN

#203 overall to New Jersey - Zakhar Bardakov

A “re-entry” who was terrific for Russia at the World Juniors in a supporting role, Bardakov is someone we had ranked at #138 because we believe in his potential to develop into a quality bottom six, penalty killing option in the NHL. He is likely close to making an impact in New Jersey too.

#207 overall to Dallas - Albert Sjoberg

Our 86th ranked prospect for the draft, Sjoberg is someone we felt would go earlier. However, his disappointing performance against men in the Allsvenskan likely contributed to his fall. This is a player with a great work rate and who has the skill and sense to develop into a high-quality finisher.

#219 overall to Carolina - Joel Nystrom

A smaller defender, but one with a serious chance to become an NHL player because of his strong two-way abilities and mobility. Selected in his second year of draft eligibility, Nystrom showed great improvement at the SHL level as the season progressed, performing especially well in the playoffs for Farjestad. We had him ranked at #169, but there was some belief that he could go even higher than that.

HM - Joe Vrbetic to Montreal (#214)

Eric Alarie (9) Photo by Keith Hershmiller

BEST OF THE UNDRAFTED

Eric Alarie

After a breakout season with Moose Jaw (that saw him over a point per game), this strong, support winger was ranked 71st by us. Ultimately, NHL teams must have felt that his skating still required too much improvement.

Jiri Tichacek

An undersized Czech defender, Tichacek may not have been selected as high as we had him ranked (#76), but to see him go through completely was a surprise. A Jared Spurgeon type, Tichacek will have to continue to prove that his lack of size is not a detriment.

Trevor Wong

One of the draft elite skaters, Wong came into this draft season with a fair amount of hype. A disjointed WHL season likely led to some consistency issues. While he may not be large, he does have the speed and tenacity to make up for it. If he bounces back strong with Kelowna next year, he will be selected.

Florian Elias

One of the breakout stars of this year’s World Junior Championships, it was surprising to see Elias go unselected after starring between Peterka and Stutzle on Germany’s top line. A workhorse type with skill, Elias should remain on the NHL radar.

Marcus Almquist

A poor showing upon returning home to Denmark was the likely reason that this tiny (5’7) play creator was not selected. One of the youngest players eligible, perhaps there is some physical maturation still to occur, allowing him to perform better playing against men.

Cameron Rowe

A former USDP member, Rowe looked like a candidate to be selected in his final year of eligibility and that is why we ranked him at #104. After a strong freshman year at Wisconsin, the 6’3 netminder was named to the Big 10’s all-rookie team (along with high NHL picks Faber, Power, Johnson, Beniers, and Bordeleau). Look for him to be a top free agent candidate down the line if he continues to play well for the Badgers.

Valterri Koskela

A late ‘02 defender, Koskela emerged as a steady two-way defender in Liiga this year despite being a little undersized. As such, we ranked him at #108 because we felt that his mobility could be a big asset at the NHL level. I suppose projection concerns (what role does he play in the NHL?) kept him off the board.

David Gucciardi

A smooth skating, two-way rearguard, Gucciardi had a strong year for Waterloo in the USHL. His decision making does leave some to be desired, but the tools are there. He will now head to Michigan State next year and with a good freshman year, he could easily hear his name called in 2022.

Peter Reynolds

Ranked inside the Top 100 by pretty much every independent scouting agency (except for us at #111), Reynolds was probably the most shocking undrafted player. The former highly touted two-way center didn’t have quite the season expected of him after coming over from the BCHL, but he still has the potential to be an NHL player in some capacity.

Sasha Teleguine

A player whose production did not match his talent level in the BCHL, Teleguine was considered by many to be a mid-round “sleeper.” Committed to the University of Connecticut, the highly skilled and deceptive winger will look to have a strong freshmen year to prove that he should have been selected.

HM - Stuart Rolofs, Hunter Strand, Nick DeGrazia, Miguel Tourigny, Arvid Eljas, Dmitri Zugan, Henry Nelson, James Hardie

2021 IIHF U18 World Championship: Team USA Preview

Ryan Wagman — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 13:30:41 +0000

While the pandemic season had a massively negative impact on the world at large, and the sport of hockey in the smaller sense, the game in the United States was less impacted than were their neighbors to the North. Be it from fewer social restrictions being put in place, or greater access and distribution of vaccines*, most traditional hockey programs in the US played a similar schedule – with some exceptions – to what they would in normal circumstances.

*As I sit to write this preview, I am scheduled to receive my second vaccine shot tomorrow morning. If you have the opportunity to receive a vaccination, and have not yet done so**, please do it as soon as possible. If not for your loved ones, then do it for me.

**And don’t end up like the players mentioned later on, who were forced out of the tournament due to the COVID protocols.

As it concerns the U-18 World Championships, the impact was especially minimal. As always, the US is taking their normal USNTDP U-18 roster to the tournament, conveniently located within their borders, deep in the heart of Texas.

On the plus side, entering the tournament with a lineup that has – fort the most part – spent the better part of the last two seasons playing together is a huge boon. That familiarity has already shown itself to be an advantage against top flight competition, such as when the program destroyed a team of draft-eligible American passport holding players in the USHL at the recent BioSteel All American game. Even though the opposition team featured more likely first round picks this summer, the USNDTP squad - missing their top blueliner (and top prospect altogether), Luke Hughes, no less – walked away with a 6-1 victory that was never in real doubt. I will have more about that event in this space soon.

As always, the program players are all highly skilled, even if they are not all clear top tier draft talents, but they also play a coordinated team game, with players who stick to their roles and their assigned duties. In fact, even though this year’s roster is lacking the overall skill of previous iterations (remember the Bronze-medal winning 2019 squad?), it is deep in future NHL’ers, even if many of them project as bottom half of the lineup players.

If there are pratfalls awaiting this team, they lie more in the injuries that have forced them to call up more members of the U17 squad than they normally do (there are usually 1-2 who make the jump due to performance), than in the opposition, as strong as the rosters sent by Russia, Czech Republic, Finland, and Germany, who will be playing against the US in Pool B of the first round of the tournament.

Even with the injuries, keeping the aforementioned Hughes, and forwards like Jeremy Wilmer, Tyler Boucher, and Caden Brown from playing, and the COVID protocols, which further knocked Chaz Lucius, Andre Gasseau, and Jacob Martin, the replacements, which include probable 2022 first rounders Ruther McGroarty and Isaac Howard, as well as late-2004 birthday boy and likely 2023 first rounder Charlie Stramel, among others, have mostly been playing with the U18 squad for more than one month in most cases.

Another potential shortcoming of this US team is their goaltending situation. Regular USNTDP netminders Kaiden Mbereko and Gibson Homer will be there, along with call-up third goalie Braden Holt, normally the backup for WHL Everett. The challenge is that none of the three have yet to proven themselves as capable of stealing a game. In fact, they have generally shown themselves to need more protection. Moreover, Holt has barely played, with only 10 games total for the Silvertips in the past two seasons combined. Thankfully, the skaters on this team should be both good enough, and cohesive enough that they enter the tournament as favorites to win their Pool, and end up in a podium position. And there is a good chance that podium spot is the most desirable one.

Before we look at 10 likely impactful players from this roster, please note that I am focusing on those from the current U18 class, as they are the most immediately interesting - even if the aforementioned McGroarty and Howard could easily be the best performers on this team – they are both really, really good. Anyway, let’s look at the ten players who will most likely have to play to their potential in the tournament for Team USA to walk away with Golds.

Ten Players to Watch

Adam Hreschuk. Photo by Dan Hickling / Hickling Images

Aidan Hreschuk, D Age: 18 H/W: 5-11/180/ Shoots: L

Hreschuk isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but when he is on, there is a lot to like. The Southern California native and Boston College commit is a fine skating three zone defender, who looks like a perfect fit for the modern game. At his best, he can dazzle on his blades, showing speed (which is assisted by a smooth stride without any wasted motion), edge work and outstanding agility. Although he can sometimes be mistake-prone, the mistakes are more often than not mistakes of action, rather than passivity. Somewhat undersized, he nonetheless plays with some grit, showing aptitude along the boards and uses a strong defensive stick. His puck rushes allow him to stand out, but never at the expense of his defensive zone responsibilities. A good tournament could help him hear his name called in the first round of the upcoming draft, but even without a standout performance, he is unlikely to last to far into the second round.

Redmond Savage, C Age: 17 H/W: 5-11/175/ Shoots: L

I’ve written it before, and I’ll write it again. I don’t like the name “Red Savage” and urge him to go by “Mondo Savage”. Now, onto what he is as a player. Following in his father Brian’s footsteps to Miami University, Savage has a fun blend of hustle, skill and grit in a smaller frame. His skill set is short of high end, and NHL top six is unlikely to be in his future, but he helps in so many ways that he will always find a way to contribute to his team. He is a strong skater, most notably concerning his first few steps, and in how hard he plays, often being the first man on the forecheck, and the first forward back on the backcheck. When he has the puck, he has enough skill to be effective, but even that plays up due to his patience with the puck and his ability to read the zone. He also has a solid enough shot from mid-range to be useful on the power play.

Sasha Pastujov, LW Age: 17 H/W: 6-0/185/ Shoots: L

Right place at the right time is Pastujov in a nutshell, both micro and macro. The Notre Dame commit is not one of the toolsier players on this squad, but there are few who have been able to match his production. Like his older brothers, Michael and former Islanders’ draft pick Nick, Sasha Pastujov is on the slow-footed side. He is not one to lead the rush, but he will join as a trailer and has the quickness in his hands to capitalize on a loose puck near the net, and find a way to get it over the line. Defensively, Pastujov is also liable to being in the right place at the right time, showing a good understanding of how to position himself and help in his team regaining possession. On a macro-sense, in other seasons, a player of his collection of skills and abilities will be more likely to be slotted lower in the lineup, giving him less of a chance to shine – and lesser linemates to help him shine. This year, with the program slightly down from recent seasons, Pastujov and his presence of mind have been vital to the team’s successes, and he has played well with Lucius, earning that trust.

Sean Behrens. Photo by Dan Hickling / Hickling Images

Sean Behrens, D Age: 18 H/W: 5-9/175/ Shoots: L

If Hreschuk is a little undersized, Behrens makes his teammate look big by comparison. A stocky 5-9”, the Denver commit actually plays a pretty physical game. He keeps his feet churning at all times and does everything in his power to make difficult for opponents in his end. In addition to that grit, he also employs an effective defensive stick, which he combines with advanced positioning to get the job done. He is an effective puck mover in a way that is more subtle than flashy. When he looks to pass, he can really find the seams to give his team a big boost up the ice. Behrens gets a lot of point man duties for the USNTDP, leading all blueliners on the team in power play goals and assists. In addition to manning the point, he will also occasionally elect to drive the net, rushing it just like he rushes the puck from blueline to blueline. His size will likely remain at least mildly concerning to pro teams, but there is no reason why he shouldn’t be an impact player for Team USA at the U18 tournament.

Roman Schmidt, D Age: 18 H/W: 6-5/210/ Shoots: R

While Hreschuk and Behrens are impactful players with only moderate natural physical tools, Schmidt is almost the inverse, a physical specimen with a very impressive stride who’s on-ice impacts, especially as measured by point totals, can sometimes feel disappointingly lacking. A strong 6-5”, Schmidt, born in the US, but raised mostly in Canada, is a remarkable skater, bettered only by the injured Luke Hughes in this year’s class. That gift is likely a genetic gift from his parents, both high-end figure skaters. His size and strength also lend to a strong wrist shot, even if he doesn’t regularly pull the trigger. For all of his still untapped potential, Schmidt generally pays more attention to his game away from the puck. He keeps tight gaps, and pinches only seldomly. The Boston College commit is naturally strong along the boards and is happy to leave his mark physically on his opponents. Of all of the players mentioned in this review, Schmidt is the one most likely to have a big impact without appearing in the box score.

Liam Gilmartin, LW Age: 18 H/W: 6-2/190/ Shoots: L

Every year, the USNTDP roster includes one or two forwards who have a solid if unspectacular collection of tools, but who specialize in the game away from the puck. Past years included the likes of Chase Yoder, Owen Lindmark, and Dylan Peterson. These are guys you need to focus on to appreciate the positives they bring to a team. Gilmartin, a Providence commit is that guy this year. The defensive conscience of the forward unit, he is a good skater with great reach and who will unhesitatingly sell out his body to block a shot. Gilmartin is also not without his offensive abilities, though, as he plays hard near the net and shows good touch on his passes to make things happen. He could one day be the best forward on a bottom six line, or move up the lineup to be the number three forward on a top six line. He takes time to learn to appreciate, but once you catch on, he is very easy to root for.

Dylan Duke, C/LW Age: 18 H/W: 5-10/180/ Shoots: L

Another defense-first player, Duke has some similarities to Gilmartin, especially in his ability to play up or down the lineup, but they are not the cut from the same cloth. For one, Duke lacks Gilmartin’s physical side, which shouldn’t be surprising given the other player’s four inch height advantage. ON the other hand, Duke has a touch more offensive impact potential, both from his more skilled hands, and from the additional jump in his step, which can force opponents back on their heels and into forced errors. While Duke is happy and willing to play in the greasy areas, his small, underdeveloped frame blunts his effectiveness in those areas. The Michigan commit is fun to watch and has put up the best numbers of the U18 squad (not counting the U17 squad ringers), but that is more due to the lengthy injury/illness-related absences of Lucius and Pastujov, more than Duke’s own level of dynamic skills. Duke is talented, but I have questions about his ability to project as a top six cornerstone.

Justin Janicke, LW Age: 17 H/W: 6-0/180/ Shoots: L

Following in his older brother Trevor’s (Ana) footsteps in the USNTDP, and soon to follow both Trevor and their father Curtis to play at Notre Dame, Justin Janicke has been easy to overlook on this team, even though it isn’t as strong as some other recent USNTDP squads. At his best, the youngest Janicke succeeds through hustle and determination. He is a solid skater, who can be slippery racing up the boards. He keeps his stick active away from the puck and has been known to force the odd turnover when forechecking. His skill game is moderate, but his work-rate will ensure that he maximizes what he has. He is not a high-impact player in the offensive zone, but he can hit a linemate with a good pass in a dangerous area. Janicke will be overshadowed by more talented forward teammates on this roster, but he still is able to tilt the scales towards the US team in an understated way through positioning, effort, and an avoidance of mistakes.

Ethan Straky, D Age: 18 H/W: 5-11/175/ Shoots: R

Another Californian on the NTDP this year, and another Notre Dame commit, Straky is one of many on this roster who have intriguing elements to their games yet can be overshadowed by their more dynamic teammates at the same positions. Despite being the lowest scoring member of the USA U18 roster - although very little separates Straky from Schmidt, Ty Murchison, or Jake Martin - Straky is the one guy from that foursome about whom it would not at all surprise me if he quickly found a new level. He is a crisp passer of the puck and has a solid and accurate point shot. He keeps tight defensive gaps and handles skilled forwards with comfort thanks to his mobility, positioning, and smart use of the boards. He also plays with more strength than his listed measurements suggest. Even if Straky’s U18 tournament is quiet, I expect his game to continue to grow once he gets to South Bend.

Ty Gallagher, D Age: 18 H/W: 6-0/190/ Shoots: R

Gallagher has had a fairly bumpy year with the U18s, with some good traits prone to be overshadowed by undisciplined play. More of an offensive-oriented blueliner, the Notre Dame commit aims for the dynamic play over the safe one more often than not. He has a good first few steps that allows him to make a good first move and get ahead of the play. His point shot is sound, which has helped him earn time on the USNTDP power play – and should give him more time in the cat-bird seat at the U18s, with Hughes and Martin both out. On the other hand, he can demonstrate questionable footwork defensively, putting his otherwise tight gaps to waste. He can fall guilty to poor decision making, giving up his positioning to go for a big hit, or getting in the offensive zone way too deep for a marginal opportunity, resulting in his side losing the numerical advantage and the puck going in the wrong direction. More than many draft eligible at this tournament, Gallagher could use a strong run here to help ensure that he hears his name called at the draft. At present, it is no sure thing.

Maybe Next Year – Jack Hughes, C Age: 17 H/W: 5-11/160/ Shoots: L

I said that I wouldn’t discuss any of the U17 injury/COVID replacements, but I didn’t say that I would solely focus on 2021 draft eligibles. Of the three late birthday 2003-born players on the roster, Hughes – no relation to the family of Quinn, the former #1 overall pick Jack, and currently injured Luke Hughes – is more interesting based on his play this year than the likes of lower-scoring forward Jack Devine and tandem netminder Gibson Homer. The younger Hughes is a 200-foot player, who keeps his feet moving, shows solid finishing instincts and attention to detail. Committed to Northeastern, it is not currently clear if he intends to start his collegiate career next year, or in 2022-23. There are always a few late birthdate USNTDP players who get their chance to improve their draft stock somewhere else. From last year’s squad, there were Matthew Beniers and Hunter Strand. The former is a candidate to be the first overall pick in the 2021 draft. The latter looks like a good bet somewhere around rounds 2-3. Hughes’ production thus far has been closer to Beniers than Strand, but there is still a ways to go before we pronounce on Hughes’ draft ranking for 2022.

2021 NHL DRAFT: McKeen’s April Rankings – Pre-U18 World Championship – Top 32

Brock Otten — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 21:43:22 +0000

Scouting the draft certainly has not been easy this year. We could go on at length about that. Delays to the WHL season. The (recent) cancelation of the OHL season. Shortened junior seasons in Europe. Constant disruptions due to covid protocols. Rink restrictions. A greater reliance on video. These are the struggles that independent scouting agencies like ourselves have had to endure in order to evaluate and rank the best the 2021 NHL Draft has to offer. But the show must go on. Just because scouting has been different this year does not mean that our scouts have not been putting in the work. That work just looks a little different.

It has been over two months since the release of our preliminary Top 32 ranking. This time around, for our mid-season ranking, we will be increasing the length of our list to 64, along with some honorable mentions.

While the top 5 remains unchanged from our previous list (Beniers, Power, Hughes, Wallstedt, Edvinsson), there have been some pretty significant changes to the way we have ranked the players inside the Top 15. Chaz Lucius, Matthew Coronato, and Sebastian Cossa have made significant jumps, while Carson Lambos, Zachary L’Heureux, and Corson Ceulemans have seen large drops.

Lucius, of the U.S. National Development Team, was injured early on in the season, severely limiting our views of him. Now fully healthy, he is playing exceptional hockey (averaging over a goal per game in the USHL) and has moved up into our Top 10. Coronato has sustained his high level of play from earlier in the USHL season, leading the USHL in goal scoring. While Sebastian Cossa has been sensational to start the WHL season in Edmonton, currently leading the ‘Dub” in save percentage. His 6’6 frame and stopping ability are going to make him very attractive to NHL scouts inside the lottery range. The last time we had two goalies taken inside the Top 15 was 2006 when Jonathan Bernier (11th) and Riku Helenius (15th) were selected. There is a very real possibility of that happening again in 2021.

Carson Lambos is definitely a widely debated prospect these days. His play in Finland (on loan) was indifferent and, unfortunately, his season was ended early due to a medical procedure which halted his WHL season two games in and has prevented him from playing at the World Under 18’s in Texas. Ultimately, our scouts are less sure of his high-end offensive potential than they were a year ago, or even several months ago. Zachary L’Heureux is a talented player, no doubt, but his inability to stay in the Halifax lineup due to suspensions has become a concerning trend. And Ceulemans’ play since the AJHL returned has not been at the same level as it was before the stoppage. His play at the U18’s in support of Brandt Clarke on Team Canada will go a long way in determining his value for the draft.

In total, there are seven new faces ranked inside of our first round compared to last time. Those would be the aforementioned Chaz Lucius, Logan Stankoven, Aidan Hreschuk, Jack Bar, Ayrton Martino, Simon Robertsson, and Ville Koivunen.

Of course, this list is far from being set in stone. The IIHF World Under 18’s in Texas, which commence at the end of April, will be highly scrutinized. With the cancellation of events like the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, the World Junior A Challenge, and the Five Nations, this will be the first time scouts will have an opportunity to compare the top talent against one another. While it is important to not use a single tournament as the basis of your evaluation on a player, there is no doubt that the results of the U18’s will have wide sweeping effects on the year end lists of NHL scouts. Of our ranked top 64, 32 (exactly half) are scheduled to play at the U18’s.

While tempering projections based on the U18’s will be one challenge, the other main one is the cancellation of the OHL season. Typically, nearly 20% of all players drafted come from the Ontario Hockey League. While some of the top players have played in Europe (like Brandt Clarke and Mason McTavish) or will be participating in the Under 18’s (like Ben Gaudreau and Wyatt Johnson), others will have their evaluations and grades based upon their performances last season. That is unless the CHL and Hockey Canada can successfully stage a prospect tournament in a bubble setting sometime before the draft (which is apparently being discussed and on the table). Where to slot OHL based players inside our final rankings will be a challenge.

As mentioned, this time around we have ranked the Top 64. Of course, there were several players who just missed this list. Our ‘Honorable Mentions’ for midseason were as follows (alphabetically): Eric Alarie, William von Barnekow, Josh Doan, Liam Gilmartin, David Gucciardi, Jayden Grubbe, Samuel Helenius, Brent Johnson, Tristan Lennox, Robert Orr, Kyle Masters, Connor Roulette, Joshua Roy, Ryan Winterton, and Trevor Wong.

Without further ado...the McKeen’s April top 32 rankings for the 2021 NHL Draft. Subcribers can access the top 64 by linking here.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Matthew Beniers	C	Michigan (B1G)	6-1/175	5-Nov-02	24-10-14-24
2	Owen Power	D	Michigan (B1G)	6-6/215	22-Nov-02	26-3-13-16
3	Luke Hughes	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/175	9-Sep-03	38-6-28-34
4	Jesper Wallstedt	G	Lulea (SHL)	6-3/200	14-Nov-02	12-10, 2.23, .908
5	Simon Edvinsson	D	Vasteras (Swe 2)	6-4/200	5-Feb-03	14-0-5-5
6	Chaz Lucius	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/175	2-May-03	12-13-5-18
7	Dylan Guenther	RW	Edmonton (WHL)	6-0/170	3-Apr-03	12-12-12-24
8	Brandt Clarke	D	Nove Zamky (Svk)	6-1/180	9-Feb-03	26-5-10-15
9	Fabian Lysell	RW	Lulea (SHL)	5-10/175	19-Jan-03	26-2-1-3
10	William Eklund	LW	Djurgardens (SHL)	5-10/175	10-Dec-02	40-11-12-23
11	Kent Johnson	C	Michigan (B1G)	6-1/170	18-Oct-02	26-9-18-27
12	Aatu Raty	C	Karpat Oulu (Fin)	6-2/185	14-Nov-02	35-3-3-6
13	Matthew Coronato	LW	Chicago (USHL)	5-9/180	14-Nov-02	50-46-37-83
14	Cole Sillinger	LW	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-0/195	16-May-03	31-24-22-46
15	Sebastian Cossa	G	Edmonton (WHL)	6-6/210	21-Nov-02	12-0, 1.61, .939
16	Mason McTavish	C	Olten (Sui 2)	6-0/200	30-Jan-03	13-9-2-11
17	Francesco Pinelli	C	Acroni Jesenice (Slv)	6-0/185	11-Apr-03	13-5-6-11
18	Logan Stankoven	C	Kamloops (WHL)	5-8/170	26-Feb-03	6-7-3-10
19	Oskar Olausson	RW	HV 71 (SHL)	6-1/180	10-Nov-02	16-3-1-4
20	Ryder Korczak	C	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-10/170	23-Sep-02	13-3-11-14
21	William Stromgren	LW	MODO Hockey (Swe 2)	6-3/175	7-Jun-03	27-3-6-9
22	Isak Rosen	RW	Leksands (SHL)	5-11/155	15-Mar-03	22-0-1-1
23	Aidan Hreschuk	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/180	19-Feb-03	43-5-28-33
24	Jack Bar	D	Chicago (USHL)	6-2/190	24-Oct-02	32-5-10-15
25	Corson Ceulemans	D	Brooks (AJHL)	6-1/190	5-May-03	8-4-7-11
26	Simon Robertsson	RW	Skelleftea (SHL)	6-0/190	5-Feb-03	22-1-1-2
27	Ayrton Martino	LW	Omaha (USHL)	5-10/170	28-Sep-02	36-18-36-54
28	Zachary L'Heureux	LW	Halifax (QMJHL)	5-11/195	15-May-03	33-19-20-39
29	Xavier Bourgault	C	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	6-0/170	22-Oct-02	29-20-20-40
30	Stanislav Svozil	D	Kometa Brno (Cze)	6-1/180	17-Jan-03	30-1-2-3
31	Ville Koivunen	LW	Karpat Oulu (Fin Jr)	5-11/160	13-Jun-03	38-23-26-49
32	Brennan Othmann	LW	Olten (Sui 2)	5-11/170	5-Jan-03	34-7-9-16

2021 NHL DRAFT: UNDER THE RADAR DRAFT PICKS

Brock Otten — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 22:15:25 +0000

With the Ontario Hockey League still on hiatus, I have been trying to watch as much of the other North American junior leagues as possible. Cross referencing with public lists and the lists of our regional scouts, I have been trying to get a better read on some of the top prospects available from North America for the 2021 NHL Draft. In doing so, there have actually been numerous other prospects who have caught my eye for one reason or another. These are players generally ranked outside of the first round and all the way into the later rounds of the draft. This article intends to highlight some of those players and bring attention to them as the summer months draw nearer.

USHL

Brent Johnson

Defense, Sioux Falls Stampede

5’11, 165lbs

Johnson is actually a prospect who has garnered significant attention from the internet scouting community. By simply doing a twitter search, you can find many fans of his game who believe he should be someone who ranked near the first round. However, you are more likely to find the University of North Dakota commit ranked in the second or third.

While he has had a terrific season to date (top five in defenseman scoring in the USHL as of writing this), it actually came to an end recently when Johnson had to undergo season ending shoulder surgery. This kept him out of the BioSteel All American game and prevented him from being in consideration as an addition for the U.S. Under 18 team going to Texas. Also unfortunate for Johnson is the fact that there was no Hlinka/Gretzky Cup this year, nor a World Junior A Challenge, two events where he would have had the chance to play a starring role. No doubt scouts have a clear picture of what Johnson brings to the table, however, those high-end comparisons with his peers would have been valuable.

Johnson’s strength lies in his transitional effectiveness and ability to create using his mobility in the offensive zone. A terrific skater in every fashion, Johnson’s exits are nearly always clean, whether he elects to skate with the puck or use the stretch pass. He looks comfortable and poised running the powerplay and uses strong edge work to walk the line and open up exploitable lanes and gaps in coverage. While certainly slight (5’11, 165lbs), Johnson is actually an intense competitor in the defensive end who looks to engage physically and never seems to back down from a challenge. He is also adept at using his four-way mobility to defend transitional attacks, demonstrating terrific gap control. He certainly projects as a strong two-way, modern day NHL defender.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-brent_johnson_-_1st_period_7_54_-_8_6.mp4

While the result of this play is not a goal, Johnson creates a really high-end scoring chance from the slot with his hands and feet. He exploits the over aggressiveness of the forward defending high by walking around him then pushes aggressively to force attackers to leave their man before making a great pass on the back hand to a Sioux Falls teammate for the scoring chance. This play exhibits poise, skill, and mobility, all of which make Johnson a threat when walking or holding the line.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-brent_johnson_-_2nd_period_22_7_-_22_23.mp4

Look at how Johnson exploits the extra ice at four on four in this clip. He pushes out wide to open up the middle of the ice. Upon receiving the pass, he has a clear goal in mind by pivoting quickly to suck his defender in before finding a teammate in the slot with a heads-up pass. These types of plays seem to happen on the regular with Johnson, who controls and understands spacing so effectively. He never seems to stop moving his feet in the offensive zone.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-brent_johnson_-_3rd_period_12_25_-_12_37.mp4

This is a great read from Johnson as he slides into the slot to as he identifies an opening as his teammate peels off the wall. He showcases his skill level too by selling the shot fake and making the no look pass to an open teammate at the side of the net for a tap in. He could have easily hammered that on net with a one timer, but his subtle approach and patience with the puck impressively and consistently seems to find better opportunities to score.

Jack Peart

Defense, Fargo Force

5’11, 180lbs

While Scott Morrow seems to be the Prep School/High School defender generating the most buzz, Jack Peart may actually be the better NHL Draft prospect. This year’s recipient of the Mr. Hockey award in Minnesota (top HS player), Peart has split the year between Grand Rapids High in Minnesota and the Fargo Force of the USHL. He joins some terrific company among defenders who have won the award like Nick Leddy, Ryan McDonagh, and Paul Martin.

When he has played for Fargo, Peart has played quite well for the Force, one of the top teams in the USHL this season. And unlike Johnson, Peart was able to suit up in the BioSteel All American game, although the USHL team got trounced by the NTDP. I thought he might be a candidate to be named to the U.S. Under 18 team as they looked to fill out their roster for the event with outside candidates, but that was not the case.

A St. Cloud State commit, Peart has a similar skill set to aforementioned Brent Johnson. His mobility is excellent. His decision making with the puck is excellent. He defends well, especially in transition. He can QB the powerplay or anchor the PK. This is an all situations, highly intelligent, well rounded defender whose efficiency and consistency will be very attractive to NHL scouts this July.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-jack_peart_-_1st_period_6_26_-_6_38.mp4

As mentioned, Peart’s ability to defend in transition is terrific thanks to his strong four-way mobility and anticipation. He is consistently aggressive when defending attackers, stepping up early to angle them off, close gaps and use effective stick checks. Here is just one example of that. It is a relatively harmless two on two, but Peart acts quickly to get a step ahead and then minds the gap to poke the puck out and flip possession. While Peart struggled a bit at the BioSteel game, this type of consistent efficiency in the defensive end is the usual standard.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-jack_peart_-_1st_overtime_3_12_-_3_24.mp4

Such great patience by Peart here in overtime as Sioux Falls gets caught on a bad line change. He executes the two on one perfectly by working between the dots, faking the pass to get the defender to slide out of position before stopping to set up the game winner.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-jack_peart_-_3rd_period_21_51_-_22_3.mp4

Peart has a quiet efficiency to his game. While he is aggressive at times, he is often more likely to start the breakout with a stretch pass. When he does decide to jump up in the play, it is often calculated and successful, like we see here. He flashes some nice puck skill by evading nearly four stick checks from Sioux Falls players before making a nice dish to a teammate for a high-quality scoring chance. As he gains confidence in his ability to attack (transitioning from high school hockey), I believe he is capable of making more aggressive offensive plays like this.

Liam Gilmartin

Left Wing, NTDP

6’2, 190lbs

Due to the way the U.S. National Development team is constructed, it seems like every year there is a forward who slips under the radar a bit because they are not as innately skilled or “flashy” as their highly rated peers. They do the grunt work. They excel on special teams. They win board battles. They operate as the perfect complementary piece. However, it takes multiple views to generate a great appreciation for their play and their NHL potential. Last year it was Landon Slaggert. Two years ago, it was John Beecher. This year, that player is Liam Gilmartin.

A Providence College commit, Gilmartin moves around the lineup for the U.S. U18 team, moving up to play with Chaz Lucius to create space for him. Moving down to insulate some of the talented U17 players like Rutger McGroarty or Cutter Gauthier. But his play and effort are always consistent and his commitment to playing in the defensive end is extremely valuable to this U.S. team, especially as they gear up for the World Under 18’s. He also had a terrific performance at the Biosteel All American game with a goal and an assist, in addition to his play on the penalty kill being a huge standout.

Gilmartin understands his role as a player on this team and plays it to a tee. He is often the first man into the offensive zone, looking to recover a dump in or force a turnover. Once he establishes possession, he is difficult to separate from the puck as he keeps his feet moving and outworks defenders. He has this same bulldog mentality as he drives the net and takes up position in the slot and net front. However, Gilmartin has better hands than he is given credit for and is skilled enough to create and finish in tight spaces. As mentioned, he is also a very hard worker in all three zones and a physically assertive defensive presence. He certainly profiles as a long time middle six player at the pro level.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-liam_gilmartin_-_1st_period_25_4_-_25_17.mp4

Gilmartin is such an effective penalty killer because of how adept he is at taking away space and anticipating passing lanes. Here he jumps the stretch pass, pokes the puck out and then fights off the check to come away with possession. Then he makes a terrific pass to Ryan St. Louis to set up the scoring chance. The theme with Gilmartin as an offensive player is that he loves to push the pace and bring the fight to you, forcing defenders to try to take away his space, which in turn opens up passing lanes. One thing I look for in players like Gilmartin (that I believe predicates NHL success) is how well they identify passing lanes and how skilled they are as playmakers, and this is a strength of Gilmartin.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-liam-gilmartin-biosteel_blue_7___1_biosteel_white_07.04.2021_-_1st_period_1_23_-_1_40.mp4

Had to show a clip from the BioSteel game, where Gilmartin was terrific. Another great pass from him to set up the opening goal for the USDP. He understands spacing well and again finds his way to the net. The controlled entry by him helped to initiate that play too.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-liam_gilmartin_-_2nd_period_9_51_-_10_3.mp4

Big surprise, Gilmartin drives the net. But this is a skilled play from him to create a significant scoring chance on what should have been a relatively harmless two on two. Beats his defender out wide, then takes away his reach by getting inside position and chipping it back to the middle, fighting off a final stick check to get a shot on goal. I have a feeling that Gilmartin is going to have a heck of a U18 tournament for the U.S. and really put himself in that second-round range come July.

Charles Alexis Legault

Defense, Lincoln Stars

6’3, 190lbs

One of the worst teams in the USHL, the Lincoln Stars have been a bit of a mess this season. Nearly all the high-end draft eligible players who came to Lincoln this year have underwhelmed (Jack O’Brien, James Stefan, Luke Mittelstadt) and that includes Boston University commit Charles Alexis Legault. One of the youngest players available, the rangy and mobile Legault has been in and out of the lineup and when he has played, he has seen limited minutes. However, in those limited minutes he has shown the potential that many thought he had as a fairly hyped defender coming through the Lac St. Louis program in Quebec.

Legault, in fact, started the year in the BCHL with West Kelowna, playing in ten exhibition games (scoring one and three assists) before returning to the USHL. His rights were traded to Lincoln from Muskegon in January and he left to play for the Stars.

As you might expect, Legault is an extremely raw player. His game does not come without blemishes. Unquestionably he would be a long-term project. And as such, he tracks best as a later round pick in 2021. However, scouting is about projections and Legault has some very projectable qualities. His explosiveness and power as a skater are extremely impressive for a big defender. His skating could be a huge asset if developed properly. Legault is also a very physical defender who has a penchant for the big hit and makes himself difficult to win battles against along the wall. At the very least, he could be molded into a strong stay at home type. However, if his confidence with the puck improves, he does seem to possess the skill level to make a larger impact at both ends.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-charles-alexis_legault_-_2nd_period_11_18_-_11_40.mp4

This first clip is from Legault’s time in the BCHL earlier this season. He recovers quickly to beat an opposing forward to the puck behind his net and then starts the breakout. He then jumps up in the play and splits out wide, identifying an open left side. This helps him set up a pretty goal to a teammate with a beautiful cross ice feed.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-charles-alexis_legault_-_1st_period_20_7_-_20_20.mp4

This clip shows off just how powerful his stride is. Reminiscent of DK Metcalf tracking down Budda Baker this year, Legault hustles back following the Lincoln turnover and catches Alex Gaffney just inside the offensive zone. And by catching, I mean manhandling him off the puck. It is this athleticism and projectability that makes Legault so interesting.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-charles-alexis_legault_-_1st_period_4_39_-_4_52.mp4

Solid defensive sequence from Legault here. Closes quickly to negate the turnovers and uses a stick check to sweep the puck to the corner, where he follows and lays a huge hit on a Tri-City player. However, the Storm keep possession and Legault finds himself out of the play, and miscommunication near the crease nearly results in a goal against. This is where Legault can get himself in trouble by skating around looking for those big hits. Because of his skating ability, size, and reach, he has been able to be successful as a rover at lower levels, but that has caught up to him and a lack of structure in his game is what makes him such a raw defender.

WHL

Sean Tschigerl

Left Wing, Calgary Hitmen

6’0, 180lbs

The production thus far this season for the former 4th overall selection in the WHL Bantam draft has been inconsistent. However, the effort and determination have been. It is only a matter of time before he is hitting the score sheet every game. Tschigerl has long been considered one of the top forwards in this Western Canada age group, which is further represented by the ‘A’ he wore for Team Black at the 2019 Under 17’s.

Tschigerl is a very versatile winger because of his speed and tenacity. He can be used in any situation and does so for the Hitmen. His effectiveness on the forecheck is especially noticeable. Ultimately, the question is, what is the offensive upside here? He flashes high end goal scoring ability. He flashes the ability to create in transition with his speed and strong one on one moves. As of writing this, the Calgary Hitmen’s season is on pause due to a covid case, so who knows how many more games he will get in. That said, Tschigerl has certainly shown enough to warrant a place inside the Top 100. He is a low risk, high reward kind of selection, and has the kind of skill set NHL teams have been jumping on earlier, rather than later, at recent drafts.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-sean_tschigerl_-_3rd_period_11_49_-_12_2.mp4

The end result here is not a great look for the Medicine Hat goaltender; definitely a soft goal. But the creation of it by Tschigerl was very impressive. He shows off his ability to change pace quickly as he beats Cole Clayton (the WHL’s leading defenseman scorer) to the outside. The puck control was also impressive as he uses his reach to secure and protect in pulling off this net drive and goal.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-sean_tschigerl_-_1st_period_13_32_-_13_44.mp4

Another skilled play and finish by Tschigerl. He gets inside position on his defender driving the net and goes skate to stick to finish on the backhand under pressure. The offensive consistency has not been there yet, but with his speed and ability to finish in tight, Tschigerl should be receiving more attention than he has been.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-sean_tschigerl_-_2nd_period_21_59_-_22_11.mp4

Again, this kid has great potential as a goal scorer. He was drafted so high and hyped early for good reason. Opens himself up for the one timer and pushes wide to create space and then makes no mistake with a bullet to the top shelf. That is a high end shot and release. It also makes him a dangerous powerplay weapon when utilized correctly.

Jayden Grubbe

Center, Red Deer Rebels

6’3, 200lbs

Grubbe, a powerful two-way center, is the second player on this list to suffer a season ending injury (along with the aforementioned Brent Johnson). The difference being that Grubbe managed to only play five games for Red Deer before tearing his ACL, giving scouts an extremely small sample size this season to work off of.

Much like Tschigerl, Grubbe is a highly thought of member of the 2003 WHL draft crop. Impressively, he was already serving as the captain in Red Deer as an 18-year-old, a rare feat in the CHL. Scouts were hoping to get a read on whether Grubbe’s skating had improved this season and whether he could live up to his potential as a dominant two-way force down the middle. The Rebels’ struggles this season certainly do not help the picture either, as they lost four of the five games Grubbe played (and Brent Sutter recently stepped down as head coach).

However, in watching games from last season and comparing them to this season, Grubbe appears to have worked quite hard to improve his explosiveness and overall quickness. It will still be an area requiring further work, but he certainly commanded attention in this year’s action. His attention to detail at both ends is very impressive and he is certainly not shy about using his size to excel in traffic and outwork opposing defenders. He certainly plays a prototypical heavy, pro-style game. I was also impressed with his hands and ability to protect the puck through transitional attacks. The million-dollar question is, given the nature of his injury, is there concern from NHL scouts over whether it hinders his ability to improve his skating further? Based on what I have seen, I would take that chance.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-Jayden-Grubbe-physicality.mp4

This two clip reel certainly gives you an idea of the kind of effort Grubbe provides in the defensive end and why he prides himself on being a strong two-way center. He is a very intense competitor. In the second half of that clip against Lethbridge, the player he separates from the puck is fellow 2021 draft eligible forward Zach Stringer, who is no slouch in the physicality department either. The lower body strength to ride him off the puck was impressive.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-jayden_grubbe_-_3rd_period_3_55_-_4_12.mp4

Grubbe supports the breakout well and avoids a hit at the blueline to escape the zone cleanly. After dishing off, he skates hard to the net to open up lanes for his linemates, helping to generate a good scoring chance from the slot. You do see that his stride lacks some explosiveness though, as he regains his balance after avoiding the hit. His skating has improved, but it will need to continue to be an area of focus after he rehabs his knee.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-jayden_grubbe_-_1st_period_13_20_-_13_33.mp4

Even though Grubbe plays that power center role to a tee, he does possess a fair amount of skill. That is on display here with his lone goal in the WHL this season before the injury. Great finish in tight on the powerplay.

Zack Ostapchuk

Left Wing, Vancouver Giants

6’3, 200lbs

Listen, size still sells. While less emphasis is placed on it than it used to be, big forwards who can skate, bring physicality, and chip in offensively are still highly coveted by NHL scouts. That is Ostapchuk in a nutshell. The rangy winger has looked good early on with increased minutes in Vancouver and his raw combination of size and skill is definitely enticing.

A North/South attacker, Ostapchuk moves well up and down and possesses good speed for a big kid, which he uses effectively to drive the net and attack in transition. His lateral quickness, agility, and balance could all still use some work, but the basic framework is there for strong skating power forward. Ostapchuk, much like Grubbe, also shows off good hands in puck protection and is able to generate his own chances. Like a lot of bigger forwards at a young age, he will need to learn to balance his physical approach with getting himself into a better position to score. Some of the offensive inconsistency thus far can be attributed to running around a little bit, a frantic approach. But the potential is certainly there for Ostapchuk to develop into, at the very least, a high-end bottom six player at the NHL level.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-Zack-Ostapchuk-Physicality.mp4

Another great montage of physicality. First, Ostapchuk’s speed is on display as he tracks down a Prince George player on the penalty kill and then makes his presence felt physically to separate him from the puck. Ostapchuk is an impressive penalty killer because of his length and quickness. Second, he works the chip and chase and uses the reverse hit very effectively to make sure he keeps the puck alive. Unfortunately, his support is too slow and the play dies, but still an impressive physical play.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-zack_ostapchuk_-_3rd_period_23_3_-_23_15.mp4

Notice how Ostapchuk’s speed really catches the Victoria defender flat footed. He seems to beat defenders on the regular, either on the attack or on retrievals. The question is, are the hands good enough for him to develop into a consistently impactful offensive player? Here he is not able to finish as he loses control after he gets in tight (and because of the well-placed stick check).

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-zack_ostapchuk_-_1st_period_15_11_-_15_23.mp4

Another play and another break for Ostapchuk, as he picks up speed quickly and gets in alone. This time he finishes, going five hole on the Kamloops netminder. If he can truly work on his strength on the puck and ability to maintain possession through more of these rushes, he has a chance to be a high-end role player at the NHL level because of his size and speed combination.

QMJHL

James Malatesta

Left Wing, Quebec Remparts

5’9, 180lbs

No question, the crop of forwards available from the QMJHL this year is pretty deep. James Malatesta often seems to get lost in that group; the forgotten man if you will. He is not the biggest. He is not the most skilled of the group. He does not have NHL bloodlines. However, Malatesta is an impressive player in his own right.

He first caught my eye at the Under 17’s where he showed terrific chemistry with Shane Wright on Canada Black. His performance at that event was certainly eye catching. A very strong rookie season in the QMJHL last year helped fuel more hype. However, his 2020/21 season has not been quite as impressive, with his point per game average down and the Remparts struggling as a team (only four wins in their last twelve). This has caused his stock to drop on many draft lists.

However, as mentioned, Malatesta is still an impressive prospect. He is an absolute bull on the ice and nearly impossible to separate from the puck, despite being 5’9. His speed is also extremely impressive. Not only can he skate by you, but he can skate through you. A high-volume shooter, the question remains about how high Malatesta’s offensive upside is. He has had some trouble finishing off scoring chances this season and his overall consistency has been lacking. That said, I have a lot of time for Malatesta still because I love his determination on and off the puck and I think his speed and power combination will play well at the pro level.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-james_malatesta_-_3rd_period_21_3_-_21_15.mp4

Really nice puck control on display here by Malatesta. Makes a quick move at the line and then takes away the defenders reach by putting him on his back. He then makes a couple deft moves and finds a teammate for the goal. Malatesta may not be tall, but he is so powerful and difficult to separate from the puck.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-james_malatesta_-_3rd_period_2_45_-_2_57.mp4

One of the reasons that Malatesta is so difficult to contain is his speed. If the CHL Top Prospect’s Game would have actually occurred this year, I would have expected him to finish near the top in many of those on ice skating tests (especially the sprints). Look at how quickly he hits that gap and explodes past the defenders to score here.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-james_malatesta_-_3rd_period_25_29_-_25_41.mp4

One of the criticisms I have seen about Malatesta’s game is his decision making with the puck and this turnover certainly is not great; a very poor read. However, no one criticizes Malatesta’s determination and effort. Again, we see his speed as he tracks down the Baie-Comeau forward to negate the breakaway and execute a perfect stick lift to neutralize the situation.

Riley Kidney

Center, Acadie-Bathurst Titan,

5’11, 168lbs

For whatever reason, Riley Kidney seems to be flying under the radar right now among QMJHL eligibles despite performing well at the 2019 Under 17’s and having the third highest point per game average among U18 players in the ‘Q.” I know our QMJHL scout Benoit Belanger is quite high on him and it was one of the reasons that I wanted to watch him play. Needless to say, I came away quite impressed.

Kidney reminds me a lot of all the reasons why I loved Tristen Robins of Saskatoon at last year’s NHL draft (a player we ranked aggressively). There really is not a true weakness in his game. He keeps his feet moving constantly in the offensive end and plays with a lot of energy. Kidney is a player who always seems to be around the puck and that speaks volumes to his IQ and awareness on the ice. It is easy to see him becoming a quality middle six center at the next level because of how many things he does well and how he elevates the play of those around him. Last year Benoit really nailed his under the radar pick in Elliot Desnoyers (who has exploded with Halifax), and I like his odds of nailing this one too.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-Riley-Kidney-Puck-Control.mp4

On a nightly basis Kidney seems to put on a clinic in puck control, as this montage shows. He is just so difficult to separate from the puck. His hands are so quick in tight spaces and his agility is excellent, making him very difficult to pin down. It is what makes him such a high-quality playmaker.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-riley_kidney_-_1st_period_22_38_-_22_55.mp4

As mentioned, Kidney excels in all situations because of his high energy level and excellent anticipation in all three zones. Here is a perfect example of that. Shows off great anticipation by getting his stick in the slot to break up the pass, then beats Sea Dogs to the puck to chip it out, helping to set up a two on one for the Titan.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-riley_kidney_-_1st_period_13_2_-_13_15.mp4

Love this play by Kidney and I believe it really shows off his playmaking chops. Sure, his first shot attempt is blocked, but in reality, he is trying to put a low wrister on net as he identifies that his teammate has inside position near the crease for a redirect. When his shot is blocked, he already has an idea of what he wants to do, making a perfect seam pass to set up the goal. Kidney just seems to be consistently one step ahead of the competition.

Manix Landry

Center, Gatineau Olympiques

5’11, 180lbs

The son of former Montreal Canadiens center Eric Landry, Manix is a really interesting prospect eligible this year. A late born ‘02, his offensive production does not jump off the page at you. However, it is important to note that Gatineau is the third lowest scoring team in the QMJHL, and Landry still sits third in team scoring on top of serving as team Captain.

Interestingly enough, Manix’s father Eric was the long time coach of Gatineau prior to this season, so it is his first time playing without his father in the QMJHL.

What you notice immediately about Landry’s game is his physical intensity level. This is a kid who really plays with a chip on his shoulder and loves to get under the skin of the opposition. However, he also possesses a significant amount of skill with the puck and is an excellent play creator, especially when attacking the offensive zone with speed. He has been red hot lately, with points in 11 of his last 14 games, averaging over a point per game during that time period. If you like feisty and creative centers, then Manix Landry is your guy.

Video Samples

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1-manix_landry_-_3rd_period_28_4_-_28_16.mp4

The first thing you notice about Landry’s game is his ability to create in transition and the aggressiveness with which he attacks the middle of the ice with speed. Landry uses pace changes to beat his defender one on one and then makes a skilled cut to the net where he scores on the second chance. I could have included a couple different instances just like this one.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2-manix_landry_-_1st_overtime_1_32_-_1_44.mp4

Landry has proven himself to be an excellent forechecker over his time in the QMJHL because he can use his quickness and tenacity to apply pressure and retrieve dump ins. Here we see him fight through two checks to maintain possession and then he finds an open teammate in the slot for the goal. Quite often Landry draws in second and third defenders to provide support in separating him from the puck and this opens up the ice for linemates.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/3-manix_landry_-_1st_overtime_1_32_-_1_44.mp4

As mentioned, Landry is at his best when he is playing with fire and intensity. His game really seems to pick up when he is able to make an impact physically. Here he uses the reverse hit very effectively to secure the puck along the wall. Later, we see him get a taste of his own medicine behind the net, but it is important for him to attack and play that pest like role.

USA: Introducing the Class of 2021 USNTDP U18

Ryan Wagman — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:51:46 +0000

Over the last five classes, not counting players who had late birthdays, consigning them too be draft eligible one year after graduating from the program, the USNTDP has seen between nine and seventeen players drafted each year.

	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020
1	(7) Clayton Keller	(19) Josh Norris	(11) Oliver Wahlstrom	(1) Jack Hughes	(5) Jake Sanderson
2	(19) Kieffer Bellows	(61) Grant Mismash	(14) Joel Farabee	(5) Alex Turcotte	(38) Thomas Bordeleau
3	(29) Trent Frederic	(66) Max Gildon	(22) K'Andre Miller	(9) Trevor Zegras	(44) Tyler Kleven
4	(45) Chad Krys	(90) Evan Barratt	(32) Mattias Samuelsson	(12) Matthew Boldy	(45) Brock Faber
5	(49) Ryan Lindgren	(92) David Farrance	(41) Bode Wilde	(13) Spencer Knight	(46) Drew Commesso
6	(62) Joseph Woll	(102) Scott Reedy	(69) Jake Wise	(14) Cameron York	(47) Luke Tuch
7	(64) William Lockwood	(133) Tyler Inamoto	(73) Ty Emberson	(15) Cole Caufield	(74) Ty Smilanic
8	(66) Adam Fox	(201) Logan Cockerill	(95) Jonathan Gruden	(30) John Beecher	(79) Landon Slaggert
9	(72) James Greenway	(208) Philip Kemp	(103) Jacob Pivonka	(43) Alex Vlasic	(86) Dylan Peterson
10	(73) Joey Anderson		(109) Tyler Weiss	(47) Drew Helleson	(116) Eamon Powell
11	(149) Graham McPhee		(131) Spencer Stastney	(90) Domenick Fensore	(134) Brett Berard
12	(193) Nick Pastujov		(174) Gavin Hain	(101) Henry Thrun	(144) Jacob Truscott
13				(118) Case McCarthy	(170) Chase Yoder
14				(137) Owen Lindmark
15				(145) Judd Caulfield
16				(158) Patrick Moynihan
17				(166) Marshall Warren

This year is early (presuming we get to complete what has already been started), and the current USNTDP U18 class has only played around a dozen games as a unit, only two and a half of which have come against USHL competition, with the remainder coming against various NAHL and NCAA DIII schools.

Clearly, it is too early to rank this year’s class, even if they were able to suit up their most talented roster, including currently unavailable forwards Chaz Lucius and Sasha Pastujov, the former of which has not yet played at all, and the latter of which is expected to leave COVID protocol shortly, but has yet to play in any of the USHL league games.

I will not yet judge those two yet, although based on my first two viewings of the program this year, both coming on the road against the Chicago Steel, the two forwards (who one NHL scout mentioned to me are likely the two most talented forwards in the program for this year) might be the difference between this class resembling the thin class of 2017 and the still-thin, but heavier on top class of 2018.

Two years ago, at the 2019 draft in Vancouver, I had the chance to chat briefly with then U18 coach John Wroblewski. I commended him on the team he had just finished leading, noting that the class of 2020 would have a lot to live up to. He replied that he wasn’t very familiar with the 2020s, but as he was scheduled to rotate down to the U17s to lead that crew for two years, he was very optimistic about that group, our current U18 class.

I am here to say that I do not share Worblewski’s 18 month old optimism. With the two missing forwards aside (potentially) and one other exception, this year’s class has some future NHL’ers, but also a paucity of high end talents.

Let’s walk through the roster.

Goalies

Gibson Homer

Kaidan Mbereko

The best I can say here is that Gibson Homer is an incredible name. Better for baseball, true, but incredible nevertheless. He is gigantic as well, but won’t turn 18 until December 29, so he won’t be draft eligible until 2022. He will be playing for another USHL team by then, if he isn’t manning the net for Miami University. Mbereko (pronounced em-BEAR-uh-kah) will be draft eligible this year, but stands only 5-11”, and lacks the all-world athleticism of other recent shorter goalie prospects like Michael DiPietro and Dustin Wolf. He also doesn’t have the phenomenal track record that might allow an NHL team to overlook those two glaring strikes. I don’t see him being drafted.

Defensemen

Luke Hughes

Aidan Hreschuk

Sean Behrens

Ethan Straky

Roman Schmidt

Jacob Martin

Ty Murchison

Ty Gallagher

The blueline seems to be the strength of this team. Start with Luke Hughes, the youngest brother of USNTDP alumni Quinn and Jack. Luke will be a first round pick, likely a top 10 selection, with top 5 not out of the question. He skates like his older brothers, even though he is considerably bigger than either of them. In other words, his feet are high end. He has a smooth, fluid stride that just eats up the ice. His edges are top notch as well, giving him excellent four-way mobility. He doesn’t control the flow like Quinn did in his draft year, but he is also not shy about activating from the blueline and making himself into a threat down low. He has great vision, spotting soft spots in the defense and attacking them, with or without the puck. He uses his size well defensively and is positionally sound. With an early September birthdate, he will also be one of the youngest draft eligible players come the 2021 draft. He is the player to watch.

After Hughes, there are a quarter of defenders of whom I could see a case for a pick in the second or third rounds. I will start with Aidan Hreschuk. A Southern Californian, the Boston College commit can play an unassuming game, forcing you to pay attention to read his strengths and weaknesses. He is not dynamic offensively, but he likes to get involved and will take the puck to the net. He is a smooth skater, allowing his average speed to play up as he minimizes wasted motions. He has average to slightly below size, but he has a strong defensive stick, plays with grit and is tough along the boards. If he was right handed, I might compare him to Brock Faber.

Sticking to the left side, there is Sean Behrens. Clearly the smallest member of this blueline, Behrens is also the toughest. Behrens played up with the U18s last year for a stretch and would have been a candidate to play in the WU18s had that event not been cancelled. He has admirable compete level, with his feet always churning. His reads are very mature and he minimizes mistakes. If he can take more steps offensively, he could solidify his spot in the top half of the draft, but with more and more teams ignoring size on the blueline, he will hear his name called soon enough.

On the right hand side, I have increasing time for Ethan Straky. The Notre Dame commit is another one lacking a bit of size (he has a similar build to Hreschuk), but plays very strong nonetheless. He has a promising two way game, keeping a tight gap and showing that he can effectively mirror skilled and shifty forwards like Matt Coronato, not letting them break loose. Straky has a solid point shot that can generate rebounds and likes to attempt tricky passes, sometimes to his detriment. If he can better balance when to play safe and when to take risks – perhaps with more regular game action, as the program has seen more than its share of games cancelled thus far due to COVID-19-related restrictions – he can blossom.

Rounding off this Fab Four, there is the large (6-5”, 206lbs) Roman Schmidt. Born in Michigan, but Ontario trained, Schmidt is more than just a big body. He, thankfully, knows how to use his big frame, especially along the boards. He has a history of offensive production, but is not one to take unnecessary risks to make a play. His first priority is to shut down the opposition, although he has a strong enough point shot. Most notable in his game is his skating, which is very swift for his size.

As for the other three, none have really left a strong impression on me yet. I am comfortable enough with Jacob Martin to see someone use a late round pick on him. He is a solid skater with a good defensive presence, but no real standout traits, and not enough offensive wherewithal to make his right handed shot noteworthy. Ty Murchison grew up in the same Los Angeles Jr. Kings program as did Hreschuk, but is much rawer. He showed some puck moving ability, but needs to clean up his positioning and decision making. Finally, there is Ty Gallagher. Gallagher’s first few steps are solid, but he has been especially prone to unforced errors in my viewings, without the tools to wish upon that allow me to overlook the flaws yet.

Forwards

Sasha Pastujov

Chaz Lucius

Dylan Duke

Tyler Boucher

Red Savage

Andre Gasseau

Justin Janicke

Liam Gilmartin

Jeremy Wilmer

Ryan St. Louis

Caden Brown

Jack Devine

Jack Hughes

First of all, Devine and Hughes (no relation to the Luke or his brothers) are late birthdays and will not be eligible until 2022. I have liked what I have seen from Devine more so far, but both are capable play drivers and should be high on watch lists next season. Also, as mentioned above, I will not judge either of Pastujov or Lucius yet as they haven’t played in USHL action this year and Lucius hasn’t played at all. They will likely both be the highest drafted forwards from this roster this year.

That brings us to Dylan Duke. The downside is that he is smallish and lacking in strength, which will need to be an area of focus before he one day turns pro. On the other hand, he is the most explosive skater among the forwards here. Despite lacking in strength, he plays without too much fear and is comfortable in the dirty areas. He seems to make his linemates better and can force defenders onto their heels.

More than any of the other forwards, Tyler Boucher has the best combination of size and skill. His skating can be a bit clunky, leading to poor balance, but he has finishing ability and is skilled enough with his stick to surprise. Note that we are already looking at the middle rounds here.

Next up, I would look at Red Savage, who, despite his unfortunate name (given name is Redmond), is fun to watch. He has quick hands, is patient with the puck and makes good reads. His first few steps are explosive, and he can maintain plus top speed. What most catches the eye with him is the fervor he brings to the forecheck and backcheck. He can play a versatile game, contributing on offense while heading up the top PK unit and helping to shut down the opposition when off the puck.

Andre Gasseau is a physical specimen, at a beefy 6-4”. He is a solid skater and is not lacking in puck skills, but not of the type that profiles to a top six role. My main concern with Gasseau – another Los Angeles Jr. Kings alum on this team – is his compete level wavers. He is strong enough to manhandle opponents at the USHL level, but will too often let up. I see him as a project.

Justin Janicke, whose older brother Trevor played in the program a few years back and is now at Notre Dame, is closer to Savage stylistically, but a touch less effective. He is dogged and energetic, but will need to flash more puck skills to be sure of getting drafted. I could say similar things about Liam Gilmartin, who plays in the Owen Lindmark/Judd Caulfield/Chase Yoder role of shutdown forward that the program always seems to have. Gilamartin’s ceiling is lower than Janicke’s, but I also have more faith that he is drafted, as a defensive conscience type of player who skates well and is happy to sacrifice his body for his team.

Jeremy Wilmer is tiny at 5-7” and under 150lbs, but he has skill and is a waterbug of a skater with ankle breaking moves. My concern is that I haven’t seen him show skating or puck skills to the extent that I can overlook his size. He is much closer to Daniyel Dzhaniyev or Sean Dhooghe than he is to Cole Caufield. Ryan St. Louis, son of Hall of Famer Martin, has some similarities to Wilmer, although he is not quite as small. He could be drafted just because of his last name, but he hasn’t really forced his stamp onto the game in my viewings. Playing with Savage, it has clearly been Savage driving the play, with St. Louis benefiting from his teammate’s efforts.

Finally, there is Caden Brown, To be honest, in two games, he didn’t do a single thing to gain my attention. Even when I focused on him, he was just there. In fact, I spent a few minutes keying on hi in the warmups of both games, and both times he obviously lacked in the precision of his teammates during drills.

***

So far, I see 12-14 potential draft picks on this team, with 1-3 going in the first round and 8-9 altogether in the first three rounds. It’s early, but we have to start somewhere.