Love Harenstam – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #13 St. Louis Blues – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sat, 02 May 2026 22:00:59 +0000

Adam Jiricek

Prospect System Ranking – 13th (Last Year - 10th)
GM: Doug Armstrong Hired: July 2010 (Also President of Hockey Operations)
COACH: Jim Montgomery Hired: November 2024

Despite what appeared to be meaningful progress during the 2024–25 season, the St. Louis Blues are now clearly transitioning into a new era. By moving on from established veterans such as Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk, the organization has begun to retool its roster while stockpiling future assets. At the trade deadline, the Blues acquired two additional first-round picks, giving them a total of three in the 2026 NHL Draft. That haul is part of what is expected to be a substantial draft class, with St. Louis currently holding 12 selections in total. It’s quite the contrast compared to their limited three-pick class in 2025. With the team sitting near the bottom of the standings, their own 2026 first-round pick is projected to land near the top of the draft and potentially within the top five.

Those incoming assets will complement a prospect pool already supported by several promising players. While the Blues’ 2025 draft class was small, it produced a notable offensive talent in Justin Carbonneau (38th), who continues to pile up goals in the QMJHL. The 19-year-old co-led the league with 51 goals this season and has scored 97 goals across his last two campaigns. Translation: it’s probably time for him to transition to the professional ranks. In the OHL, the organization’s top-ranked prospect, Adam Jiříček, continues to trend upward. After completing his second full season, the defenseman finished fourth in scoring among OHL blueliners and is expected to play a key role in what could be a deep playoff run for the Brantford Bulldogs. In Springfield, prospects such as Otto Stenberg (63rd) and Theo Lindstein (83rd) continue to track toward their push for NHL opportunities. They join an emerging young core in St. Louis that already includes Jimmy Snuggerud, Dalibor Dvorský, and Logan Mailloux on the back end.

With a growing group of young NHL contributors and a significant influx of draft capital on the way, the Blues may be positioned for a quicker turnaround than expected.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
StL	1	Adam Jiricek	D	19	6-2/180	Brantford (OHL)	55	19	40	59	33
StL	2	Justin Carbonneau	RW	19	6-2/205	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	60	51	29	80	64
StL	3	Otto Stenberg	C	21	5-11/180	Springfield (AHL)	36	4	13	17	6
StL	3	Otto Stenberg	C	21	5-11/180	St. Louis (NHL)	32	3	7	10	5
StL	4	Theo Lindstein	D	21	6-0/180	Springfield (AHL)	59	6	8	14	18
StL	4	Theo Lindstein	D	21	6-0/180	St. Louis (NHL)	17	2	2	4	6
StL	5	Juraj Pekarcik	LW	20	6-2/185	Springfield (AHL)	69	11	24	35	10
StL	6	Dmitri Buchelnikov	LW	22	5-10/170	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	44	14	11	25	10
StL	7	Lukas Fischer	D	19	6-3/180	Sar-Soo (OHL)	65	8	36	44	88
StL	8	Love Harenstam	G	19	6-2/195	Sodertalje (Allsvenskan)	32	14	18	1.81	0.920
StL	9	Jack Finley	C	23	6-6/215	TB-StL (NHL)	44	2	3	5	38
StL	9	Jack Finley	C	23	6-6/215	Syracuse (AHL)	3	1	2	3	0
StL	10	Colin Ralph	D	20	6-4/225	Michigan State (NCAA)	37	1	10	11	29
StL	10	Colin Ralph	D	20	6-4/225	Springfield (AHL)	6	0	2	2	0
StL	11	Aleksanteri Kaskimaki	LW	22	6-0/195	Springfield (AHL)	64	20	24	44	10
StL	11	Aleksanteri Kaskimaki	LW	22	6-0/195	St. Louis (NHL)	5	0	0	0	0
StL	12	Matvei Korotky	C	20	6-1/200	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	43	14	13	27	8
StL	13	Dylan Peterson	RW	24	6-4/200	Springfield (AHL)	57	12	12	24	85
StL	14	Jakub Stancl	LW	21	6-3/200	Springfield (AHL)	60	9	10	19	14
StL	15	Adam Jecho	C	20	6-5/200	Edmonton (WHL)	47	10	26	36	20

Adam Jiricek, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

What a bounce back year it’s been for Jiricek after a disappointing injury riddled first season in the OHL with Brantford last year. Not only has Jiricek emerged as one of the OHL’s top defenders on one of the OHL’s top teams, but he was outstanding at the World Junior Championships. Jiricek was named the tournament’s top defender and helped Czechia earn a silver medal. He has become a standout at both ends and has really picked up confidence as an offensive defender. Defensively, he can be a suffocating physical presence and who clears the net front and rarely loses a battle below the goal line. He’s also got an active stick and is a terrific shot blocker. Offensively, he has a big point shot and his skating has improved, allowing him to have a positive impact on the transition game. Given the improvements that he has made this year, Jiricek’s projection has changed for the better. As a well-rounded defender with strong physical tools, he could end up being a first pairing, minute eater for the Blues in the near future.
Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Justin Carbonneau enjoyed a dominant regular season once again, piling up 51 goals and 29 assists for 80 points in 60 games, tied for the lead in the QMJHL—and the entire CHL—in goals. He’s been the driving force behind a Blainville-Boisbriand Armada squad that has battled injuries yet remains among the league’s contenders. While his overall production mirrors last year, he’s become even more of a scorer this season with almost twice as many goals as assists. Carbonneau remains a pure, natural offensive talent. He attacks fiercely off the rush, recovers pucks effectively and supports breakouts with poise and confidence. His quick hands in tight, unmatched escapability and diverse shooting arsenal—whether a curl-and-drag snapshot or a booming one-timer—make him a constant threat in the offensive zone. Dynamic and creative, he manipulates defenders in small spaces and finds teammates through layers. However, his game still features some familiar flaws. He can force plays, drift from optimal positioning at both ends and lose coverage defensively. His skating also still lacks high-end explosiveness. Projection-wise, Carbonneau profiles as a dynamic top six NHL scorer and power-play weapon if he refines his habits and rounds out his two-way game.
Otto Stenberg, C, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Stenberg’s first full season in North America has gone swimmingly, with Stenberg earning a significant look from the Blues thanks to his strong play with Springfield of the AHL. Stenberg’s high energy approach and high IQ make him a strong two-way player who can provide a lot of versatility to his future coaches. He works hard to earn touches and as he improves his conditioning further, he’s going to be even more successful playing through traffic and getting to the net at the NHL level. He’s not necessarily likely to be a primary play driver; his skill set lends more to being a strong complementary piece, however, he does project as a future middle six piece for the Blues who can play in any situation. Given his strong play for the Blues in a limited look this year, you can probably expect him to earn a permanent roster spot next season when the Blues have a few veteran players coming off the books, or as they enter into a rebuild and clear room via trade.
Theo Lindstein, D, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

A Blues first rounder in 2023, Lindstein is currently playing in his first season in North America after several years in the Brynas program in Sweden. He’s a high IQ, two-way defensive prospect who can make quick decisions with the puck and aid his team’s transition game. His play in the AHL has had its ups and downs and has shown that Lindstein might be a few years from being a potential asset for the Blues. He needs to carve an identity as a player. While he’s an intelligent stick-on-puck defender, he needs to get stronger to win positional battles at the pro level in North America; there needs to be a focus on improving physically. Additionally, his offensive game has never truly improved to the point where you would expect Lindstein to become a prominent point producer from the back end. So that means the key for Lindstein is continuing to improve those physical tools so that he could eventually be a solid and dependable #4-6 defender for the Blues in the future.
Juraj Pekarcik, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

After a breakout season last year with Moncton, that saw Pekarcik capture a QMJHL championship, expectations were sky high for him as he entered his first professional season this year. However, it’s been a bit of a grind for Pekarcik as he has struggled to make a consistent offensive impact. While he’s only been receiving third line ice time, he has been getting regular powerplay time, so a lack of opportunity can’t be blamed as the culprit. Pekarcik is a strong supporting winger who can use his size to win battles down low and get to the net. He excels as a playmaker because of good vision and offensive zone awareness, in addition to being hard to separate from the puck. The key for him is continuing to find consistency in his play away from the puck and physical play to help him develop into a solid two-way menace. Next year should see Pekarcik take a leap offensively at the AHL level, putting him on track to eventually develop into a quality third line winger and powerplay option for the Blues.
Dmitri Buchelnikov, LW, CSKA Moscow (KHL)

Buchelnikov had his breakout season last year playing on one of the worst teams in the KHL, flashing his offensive instincts and scoring abilities. Now playing for CSKA, the production remained as he was producing well before taking a couple months off to recover from a surgery and scoring in his first game back. Buchenlikov's game is centered around his speed and offensive prowess. He pushes the pace, putting pressure on the forecheck and using his speed in transition or to attack loose pucks. In the offensive end, he's a dual threat, with the ability to throw high danger passes to the slot or utilize his strong shot, especially on the man advantage. An intelligent player off the puck in the offensive zone, finding open areas of the ice to attack and put himself in dangerous areas. To find success in North America he must improve on the gritty areas of the game. He struggles under pressure, is ineffective along the boards and is uninvolved defensively. If he comes overseas at the end of his contract, time in the AHL would be beneficial to refine these areas and his path to being a high pace third line scoring option can come to fruition.
Lukas Fischer, D, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

When Fischer was drafted by the Blues in 2024, the second rounder was seen as a major long-term project. He had the physical tools, but he was still learning how to utilize them to be a consistently impactful two-way defender. The question was, what kind of defenseman would Fischer, the son of former Detroit Red Wing Jiri Fischer, be? As he approaches the end of his OHL eligibility, we now have a better idea of that. Splitting the year between Sarnia and the Soo Greyhounds, Fischer has become a standout defensively, using his huge frame to become a physical workhorse. He can still impact the game offensively with his big point shot and galloping strides, however, there’s now a clear path to the NHL for Fischer as a defensive stalwart not unlike his father. Next year, as he enters the pro ranks, it will be interesting to see how Fischer’s offensive game translates. That will give the Blues a better indication of his ultimate upside as an NHL player.
Love Härenstam, G, Södertälje SK (Allsvenskan)

Härenstam, a sixth-round pick of the St. Louis Blues, is proving to be a strong value selection. His season has marked steady progress, particularly with Södertälje SK, where he has posted a 1.81 GAA and .920 save percentage in 32 games while taking on greater responsibility against structured professional competition. He looks increasingly composed under pressure, showing improved puck tracking through traffic and more controlled rebound management, especially in net front scrambles. He also impressed at the WJC, playing a key role in Sweden’s gold medal run. Härenstam handled high-pressure situations well, staying poised and square to shooters, maintaining control in busy defensive situations. Technically, structure remains his foundation. He relies on positioning and reads rather than unnecessary movement, though added strength and explosiveness remain important developmental areas, particularly when dealing with heavy traffic. Long term, Härenstam projects most realistically as an AHL starter or a top goaltender in Europe’s major professional leagues. In a best-case scenario, continued development could open a path toward an NHL backup role, though long-term outcomes for goaltenders remain highly variable.
Jack Finley, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

When the Tampa Bay Lightning put Finley on waivers in early February, making him available to other organizations for free, it presented an opportunity for the Blues that simply made too much sense for them to pass up. St. Louis was already looking to make their NHL roster younger, so why not take a chance on a player who was born and raised in the market while his dad, Jeff, was playing for the team? Jack's role with the Bolts was as a physical, checking-line center at the bottom of the lineup, and that won't change in his new surroundings, at least not immediately. The hope is that he will continue to grow and improve in that role, so that he can eventually take on more difficult assignments and carry a heavier workload. He's no slouch when he has the puck in the offensive zone either, so he might be able to contribute some secondary scoring as well. Finley is signed for two more years at the league's minimum salary, which is terrific value under the salary cap.
Colin Ralph, D, Michigan State University (NCAA) (Currently with Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL)

Ralph has added a level of defensive stability that the Spartans have desperately needed this season. Transferring from St. Cloud State, he has brought his 6-foot-4 frame, his skating speed and mobility to kill plays. Ralph is highly intelligent and mature in the defensive zone, possessing an active stick and a great ability to retrieve the puck to try to flip the ice. He’s been even more effective defending the rush, forcing any and all pressure wide and to the wall. Ralph even has improved his physicality, laying the body with more efficiency this season. He has not taken enormous offensive strides but his puck carrying skills have gotten a lot better. He will likely need one more year at Michigan State before he can be a true contributor to the Blues lineup but he looks like he will eventually get to a place where he is relied upon in some heavy minutes in the NHL. With continued positive development, Ralph could end up being a reliable #4-5 who can anchor a penalty killing unit.
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

A skilled and intelligent playmaker, Kaskimaki needs to carve out an identity to be a permanent fixture on the Blues in the future. He likely needs another year in the AHL to help him find consistency and establish a future role. Best case scenario sees him eventually develop into a middle six player for the Blues.
Matvei Korotky, C, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

As a seventh-round pick there is good reason to be excited about this player, but there are still areas of his game that need to come a long way before he's NHL ready. The skating needs to take a big step, as does his overall involvement and motor. He's not exceptionally skilled so to stick in a bottom six role one day, his intensity, pressure, pace and physicality must develop over the next few years in the KHL.
Dylan Peterson, RW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

When the Blues drafted Peterson, there was never significant thought that he would become a top six player. However, his frame and skating combination, in addition to his physical approach make him an ideal bottom six NHL player.
Jakub Stancl, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

There was definitely an adjustment period for the first year pro this year, but he’s improved nearly every month in Springfield. The big winger is on track to develop into a middle six piece.
Adam Jecho, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

A lack of consistency continues to plague Jecho’s game. He can have a profound impact on the game because of his size and skill, but he still needs a lot of work.

2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE – GOALTENDING POWER RANKING FOR ALL TEN NATIONS

Liam Crouse — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:48:10 +0000

#1 Canada

Carter George. Photo by Andre Ringuette / Freestyle Photography

Projected Starter: Carter George

Projected Backup: Jack Ivankovic

It’s a rare sight to see Canada have both goalies return from a previous year, let alone arguably the second-best goalie tandem at the tournament in 2025. Carter George, while just being an OHL goalie in a tournament of Liiga and Allsvenskan starters, still is the best goalie coming into the World Juniors without much debate. His elite skillset in skating, positioning, and cerebral aspects of the game comes paired with a level of maturity and refinement rarely ever seen in 19-year-old goalies, let alone junior ones. It easily raises him to on par with the best young pro goalies out there; the only problem is that he is signed to the NHL and is still 19 in the Canadian development system. He projects to have a very strong WJC, and as long as his team doesn’t let him down again this year, it’s a strong possibility he can win the goalie of the tournament. Jack Ivankovic would be one of the best starters at the tournament this year, but having to sit behind Carter George means he rides the bench for yet another year. Though he’s good enough to warrant one game, where he will most definitely have a strong outing.

#2 Finland

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

Projected Starter: Petteri Rimpinen

Projected Backup: Kim Saarinen

The 2025 World Juniors saw one of the most well-built American teams ever in the tournament, face off against Petteri Rimpinen in the gold medal game, the entire backbone of the Finnish team. Naturally, the 2025 best goaltender award-winning Rimpinen looks to defend his throne again this year as Finland’s starter. His athleticism is world-class, and there isn’t really anyone who can touch him at this tournament in that aspect. He’s a high compete goalie who practically stole every win for Finland last year, and despite an extremely well-played finals by the Liiga rookie of the year, the team fell short. While not quite living up to his expectations in his club play this year, following a Liiga top three goalie of the year finalist season as a rookie, it is likely that Rimpinen sees every game in the tournament this year. That’s not to say that Saarinen isn’t a good goalie, though. Saarinen is another fellow Liiga goalie who can play nearly on par with Rimpinen, with an abundant skillset and a much bigger frame at 6-foot-4. However, Rimpinen’s game-stealing ability is unmatched, and Finland will need every bit of it if they want to contend for a medal against Canada, Sweden, and Czechia this year.

#3 Sweden

ESPOO, FINLAND - MAY 2: Sweden's Love Harenstam #35 looks on during Quarterfinal Round action against Finland at the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Metro Arena on May 2, 2024 in Espoo, Finland. (Photo by Andr Ringuette/IIHF)

Projected Starter: Love Harenstam

Projected Backup: Herman Liv

All three Swedish netminders for the World Juniors this year are newcomers to the team, with Harenstam and Goos being last year's u18 tandem. However, the undrafted 19-year-old Herman Liv slots in as well and is locked to be at least the backup. Both Harenstam and Liv have had impressive seasons in the Hockey Allsvenskan this year, already making them some of the best goalies and most experienced players at the tournament. Given that Harenstam has been the national team starter for years and has so far seemingly outplayed Liv on one of the worst teams in the league, it appears likely that Harenstam will slot in as the starter for the next two years. Harenstam is an athletic goalie with great mobility, and has greatly improved his cognitive aspects in tracking and play reading, alongside developing a very competitive nature to pair with his athletic prowess. Liv is similar, being well-positioned and boasting solid athletic ability and skating, but may struggle cognitively compared to Harenstam. The gap between the goalies is not great enough for either to have a long leash. Sweden likely will deploy both goaltenders and ride whoever is the hotter one, but it would be hard to make a wrong choice here.

#4 Slovakia

ALLEN, TEXAS - APRIL 28: Slovakia's Michal Pradel #2 tracks the puck in the first period against Latvia during Preliminary Round - Group A action at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Credit Union of Texas Event Center on April 28, 2025 in Allen, Texas, USA. (Photo by Tim Austen/IIHF)

Projected Starter: Michal Pradel

Projected Backup: Alan Lendak

On a rare occasion, Slovakia possesses two very solid goalies who stand on relatively equal footing. While Pradel may be the better prospect as the 6-foot-5 hulk of a goalie drafted in the third round compared to the 6-foot-1 undrafted 19-year-old Lendak, he is still no slouch. Lendak would be considered the more volatile of the two goalies as he is a hyperathlete. Without question, Lendak is one of the quickest and most flexible goalies at the tournament, approaching the likes of Rimpinen and Ivankovic. His game against Czechia last year displayed these qualities despite a four-goal loss. However, getting pulled from his other start, allowing three on five shots, shows the volatility here. In contrast, Pradel plays much slower, focusing on excellent economical proper positioning, backed by a fantastic stance to eclipse the net, and very good play reading. However, while improved, Pradel’s athleticism is lacking compared to some other WJC goalies, and he doesn’t possess elite skating either. Both are great goalies, having respectable USHL seasons, where Pradel is one of the top starters in the league. But, it wouldn’t be out of the box to see Lendak stepping in as his elite athletic ability could be the X-factor needed to steal games if he gets hot.

#5 Switzerland

Goaltender Christian Kirsch of Switzerland during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Switzerland and Slovakia on December 27, 2024 in Ottawa.
Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRÅN

Projected Starter: Christian Kirsch

Projected Backup: Elijah Neuenschwander

It is improbable that there has ever been an era of young Swiss goaltending as good as it is now. Kirsch and Neuenschwander are both returners from last year, and both fourth round draft picks to the NHL. They bear similar skillsets, being large goalies at 6-foot-4, highly athletic, with not a ton of calmness and refinement to their games. At last year’s tournament, it was a rough showing for the Swiss goalies, even when accounting for their team, or lack thereof. But Linards Feldbergs proved that it is possible to play well and even steal a game or two, even on a terrible roster. This year, both goalies have made improvements in their games, as Kirsch has grown into a good starter for Kitchener, leading them to one of the best OHL records. While still not a very good team, the goaltending from Switzerland could very easily lead the squad to several wins, with a likely win coming against Germany, and potentially even some upsets against weaker American and Slovakian teams. These high-risk, high-reward, athletic goalies could either crash and burn alongside the team or rise to the occasion and shock the world.

#6 United States

Projected Starter: Nick Kempf

Projected Backup: Caleb Heil

The United States recently have been tearing up the world juniors and sported three different goalies with the likes of Trey Augustine, Jacob Fowler, and Hampton Slukynsky, all three are blue-chip NHL prospects. Now the task falls to Kempf and Heil, who are not bad goalies by any means; it’s just unfair to compare them to their predecessors. Kempf slots in as the likely number one, being an NCAA starter, with Heil, the USHL goalie, likely backing him up. Both are similar goalies, on the shorter end, being good skaters, and decently refined. Kempf is categorized as the more athletic goalie with a high compete level, whereas Heil is much more centred on efficient skating, depth, and overall quickness. However, both can really struggle with their hands and get picked cleanly pretty easily. Neither goalie has necessarily put together a great full season statistically in junior, but both goalies are still good enough to be at the tournament, with Nick Kempf especially, potentially having the ability to steal games given his motor and athleticism. It will be an uphill battle for the United States to win a medal, let alone gold, and it will all come down to the play of these two in net.

#7 Czechia

Projected Starter: Michal Orsulak

Projected Backup: Matyas Marik

With Jakub Milota out with an injury, the reins should fall to the undrafted 18-year-old Michal Orsulak to steer the Czechian team. While coming up short at last year's draft, Orsulak is by no means a bad goalie or prospect. At 6-foot-4, he is one of the most flexible goalies at the tournament, being able to deploy in a low and wide stance while maintaining a high degree of power and mobility, a rare trait, giving him a significant advantage in tight and down low. He has also seemingly cleaned up his erraticism quite a bit, learning to control his body much better as he has developed into one of the premier starting goalies in the WHL. However, he has his faults, specifically with his hands, as he can get beaten cleanly far too often, making him volatile against the likes of good shooting teams. But given how Marik was initially the third option as Milota was rostered before being ruled out with an injury, subsequently leading to the addition of supposed fourth option Ondrej Stebetak, it’s highly likely that Orsulak will see most, if not all, of the games. Czechia boasts a very strong roster this year, and Orsulak should be good enough to win them a medal as long as his hands don’t become too much of a problem

#8 Germany

Projected Starter: Linus Vieillard

Projected Backup: Lukas Stuhrmann

One of the more under-the-radar goalies from last year's tournament was Linus Vieillard, the then 18-year-old undrafted goalie out of the German U20. He sported a .915 save percentage in 3 games and had an unequivocally excellent performance against Finland. He’s a small goalie who plays very narrowly, but he possesses good skating, quickness, and a very quiet playstyle with athletic abilities that shouldn’t be scoffed at. He isn’t a dominant goalie in any one area, but he also doesn’t possess too many major weaknesses outside of his smaller stature and narrow-framed stance, which has made him susceptible to mid-to-high shots to the outside hands. Behind him is Lukas Stuhrmann, who by no means should be a write-off on the scouting report, should he get into games. He is similar to Vieillard in nearly every aspect, being short, a good skater, quick, pretty quiet, and having solid athleticism. Nothing jumps out at you watching Stuhrmann, but he's shown he can be very capable at a junior level without too many weaknesses, besides, again, the undersized and very narrow gloves issue. Both goalies are good enough that Germany should stave off relegation for yet another year.

#9 Latvia

Projected Starter: Nils Roberts Maurins

Projected Backup: Mikus Vecvanags

Last year’s Latvian team was highlighted by the legendary performance of Linards Feldbergs, who stole a game from Canada. Unfortunately for Latvia this year, their goalies don’t seem to be able to fill in the large shoes Feldbergs left. The starting role is really up in the air this year, and it could realistically be any of the three goalies. Mikus Vecvanags is an NHL draft pick; however, he has been struggling mightily in the North American junior scene, not having played a game in the QMJHL since November 21st, with no report of an injury. Vecvanags has a solid frame and stance at 6’3 and is a decent skater on his feet and an athlete. However, his rebound control is erratic, and he’s had issues with angling, tracking, and compete. Nils Roberts Maurins, from the USHL, is probably the fastest and best skater, who has a great frame, but lacks control and is inconsistent in the butterfly. Ivans Kufterins, the WHL goalie, is probably the better athlete of the three and definitely plays with intensity and speed, but has less control over his body, making his movements and decision-making erratic. We very well could see all three goalies make appearances, with the true starter being picked at the end of the tournament. Their expectations are to just survive.

#10 Denmark

Projected Starter: Anton Emil Wilde Larsen

Projected Backup: Patrick Tiedjen

The starting goalie for Denmark realistically could go to nearly anyone, but Anton Emil Wilde Larsen has appeared in more international games this year and was the U18 D1A starter last year, as well as several games in the top Danish league, making him the probable starter. The 17-year-old goalie Larsen, like his other two counterparts, has been playing in the second-tier professional league, which houses no tracked goalie data on elite prospects. However, it has been found that Larsen has played in 19 games across both leagues and has amassed just one win. The very first game of the season. Hopes, understandably, are not skyrocketing high for this Danish squad, but a draft-year starting goalie is always of intrigue. Despite the obvious lack of results from Larsen's club season (including a game with 13 goals against), he doesn’t seem to be an irredeemable goalie. He has a good frame, has a solid understanding of positioning and tracking, and appears to be a solid skater and athlete as well. It’s not off the table that we see all three Danish goals make an appearance this year, but if Larsen can display even a little talent facing 50+ shots a night, a North American junior team might come calling.

NHL: Affiliated prospects who have made rapid progress this season – Europe Part Two

Matej Deraj, Marek Novotny, Liam Crouse, Chapin Landvogt, Arttu Myllymaki, — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:41:51 +0000

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

Here are the European-based prospects, Part Two:

Arttu Myllymaki - Finnish Regional Scout

Lasse Boelius, Defense, Assat, Liiga (Anaheim Ducks)

Lasse Boelius is a reliable two-way defenseman whose offensive instincts and overall hockey intelligence continue to stand out. With the puck on his stick, he consistently shows an advanced understanding of spacing and timing, waiting for the right lanes to open rather than forcing rushed decisions. He plays with balance, poise, and strong awareness of his options, making him a steady presence in transition and a dependable breakout initiator.

One of Boelius’ most impressive qualities is how effectively he reads developing plays without the puck. Rather than drifting too close to the action; he anticipates where the next option will be, positioning himself early to influence possession and break up threats. His scanning habits are improving rapidly, and he has begun to recognize pressure earlier and react with confidence. Defensively, he uses an active stick intelligently, closing passing lanes and disrupting cycles while maintaining strong body positioning.

Boelius also competes with consistency, showing quick reactions to loose pucks and a growing urgency in retrieval situations. His mobility supports this, he moves efficiently, covers space well, and transitions smoothly from defense to offense. Though known primarily for his offensive strengths, he has shown the ability to translate them to higher levels through smart puck movement and increasingly confident handling.

With his blend of vision, reliability, and improving detail work, Boelius projects as a steady, modern two-way defender with room to grow into a versatile professional player.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-lasse_boelius_-_1st_period_26_10_-_26_22.mp4

#25 Red

Here’s a good example of Boelius’ ability to control the game while having the puck on his stick, keeping the head up and driving to play fast north-south hockey with a stretch pass to the middle. In this clip it also creates an odd-man rush to his team and a dangerous scoring chance.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-lasse_boelius_-_1st_period_0_19_-_0_31.mp4

#25 White/Red

Boelius has improved his game off the puck which you can see here for example by great scanning of the opponent’s next play and reacting to it even before it happens. This combined with a tight gap and an active stick in the neutral zone he can already make defensive stops even before they turn into anything even nearly dangerous and gain possession back to his team.

Chapin Landvogt - Central European Regional Scout

Ludvig Johnson, Defense - HC Fribourg-Gottéron, NL (Utah Mammoth)

The 2025 NHL draft saw a total of four German players and 2 Swiss players get drafted. As opposed to their German counterparts, both of the Swiss draftees have remained in Europe to entertain top opportunities at the pro level. Most interesting to date has been half Swiss, half Swedish defenseman Ludvig Johnson, who was noticeable at last winter’s WJC and capped off his season with some strong play for Swiss powerhouse EV Zug. He headed to Fribourg-Gotteron this season and has, with some hick-ups along the way, worked his way into roughly a top foru role with his new club, which has minutes and responsibility to entrust him with.

Now, the 10 points in 27 games to date slightly outweigh the 10 points he had in 31 games with a better offense last season, but what has us excited about the Utah Mammoth draft pick (a club that also once took Swiss overager JJ Moser and recently selected German overager Maks Szuber, both defensemen) has been the overall step from depth piece to a regular, uptempo player. His team has been relying on him in multiple scenarios and he brings plenty of aggressiveness in all 3 zones to the table. As is usually the case with developing defensemen, we’ve been wanting to see positive development in the “little things” department. And he’s been delivering.

We expect there to be growing pains but Johnson can do some bad in any given instance and still clean his plate. Here we see him (#33) aggressively entering the opposition zone and getting stumped, but he maintains puck control and allows his team to set up shop.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-ludvig_johnson_-_2nd_period_20_24_-_20_36.mp4

In this instance we see Johnson following his assignment all the way to the blueline to then thwart a passing opportunity.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-ludvig_johnson_-_shot_blocking_-_3rd_period_20_15_-_20_22.mp4

There’s nothing flashy to see here but this clip is a prime example of how he plays an oncoming rush a dozen times a game. He’s monitoring gap control (perhaps loosely by some coaches’ standards), helps direct things into the corner, gets his stick active, gathers the puck, and starts pushing everything out of his own zone.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3-ludvig_johnson_-_3rd_period_7_55_-_8_7.mp4

He can take hits too. In this instance (here, wearing gray), he makes sure the puck gets deep after deftly receiving a pass and sidestepping opposition. He then more than holds his own with the ensuing physicality.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-ludvig_johnson_-_3rd_period_20_17_-_20_29.mp4

But let there be no doubt that he’s a mobile player who most flourishes with his play along the blueline. We can watch plays like this all day long and Johnson brings them most every game.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/5-udvig_johnson_-_shooting_from_the_blue_line_-_1st_period_16_26_-_16_33.mp4

Lastly, we are liking the shot. He’s not afraid to release and he does so with slappers and wristers that, quite frankly, we’d like to see more often. There’s more here than the stats show to date. But he has gotten powerplay time and there should be more of this to come down the line, if not already later this season. Heck, we’ll be looking for it at the WJC, which Johnson is still eligible for.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/6-ludvig_johnson_-_2nd_period_27_31_-_27_41.mp4

Liam Crouse - Goaltending Scout

Love Harenstam - G, Södertälje SK, Allsvenskan (St. Louis Blues)

It hasn’t even been a year since Love Harenstam was drafted, yet the development he has seen is completely unprecedented. Jumping from a mediocre U20 Nationell to a great Allsebnekan starter on one of the worst teams in the league isn’t necessarily common. Harenstam has accomplished this feat by playing faster, with more intensity and purpose, and smarter with greatly improved tracking and anticipation. He struggled last year at times with playing with intensity and looked dejected after things didn’t go his way. However, this year, something has flipped a switch mentally for Harenstam. Because even though his new team in the Allsvenskan is worse than his junior team, he is competing much harder, stealing games where he can and giving 100% each game. He’s a smart goalie with incredible vision, but those types of goalies tend to be more laid back, whereas Harenstam is showing that he is fighting and executing his plans with speed when it calls for it, while still being able to slow it down and be calmer in the net. If he can maintain this level of play the entire season as his club continues to struggle, then there shouldn’t be much that could mentally hold him back in the future, which will help immensely in helping him deal with adversity as he makes his way to the NHL.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-love_harenstam_-_2nd_period_1_13_-_1_27.mp4

Here he is aggressively fighting through the screen, and then recovers from the shot with a lot of speed and intensity he didn’t often show last year.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-love_harenstam_-_2nd_period_20_49_-_20_59.mp4

Here he is combining his smarts and athleticism. He deepens, begins to load for the pass he knows is coming, and pushes with a lot of speed and flexibility to make a huge save.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3-love_harenstam_-_2nd_period_31_24_-_31_34.mp4

Every move he makes here is controlled, but with purpose and with speed as he is quickly tracking and reacting to each pass being made.

Marek Novotny - Central European Regional Scout

Vojtech Hradec - Center, BK Mladá Boleslav, Czechia (Utah Mammoth)

Vojtech Hradec has emerged this season as one of the most improved NHL affiliated prospects in the region. After being selected late in the 2024 draft by Utah, the tall center chose to continue his development in the Czech Extraliga with BK Mlada Boleslav and that decision is already paying off. He is producing at a pace slightly ahead of last year despite his team’s uneven start in an extremely tight league table.

Hradec has long been viewed as a reliable defensive forward with a big frame and a strong presence around the crease. Offense was always the question. This season he has begun to answer it. His skating looks smoother and he is far more confident carrying the puck into dangerous areas. He drives the middle of the ice with authority and shows the vision to create for his linemates rather than simply finishing plays. The improvement in his agility and decision making has made him a more dynamic two way option. He continues to show that he can lock down the defensive zone as well. His strength along the boards and his long reach allow him to close space quickly and win difficult battles. He reads opposing rotations well and rarely gets caught chasing the puck, which makes him a trusted player in key situations.

After a productive World Junior Championship and a brief look with the senior national team, he is entering a crucial year. His growth suggests that Utah’s late round gamble may develop into something much more valuable. Around the net he remains a major asset. His frame makes it almost impossible for defenders to move him once he establishes position and he has improved at finding loose pucks and finishing at the far post. His ability to hold off opponents on the wall and then cut inside with possession has become far more consistent. While his skating and puck handling once limited his ceiling, he has made visible strides in both areas this season, narrowing gaps that previously held him back.

VIDEO 1:

Shows growing confidence in transition. Accelerates smoothly through the neutral zone and stays connected to the play. Good puck reception at high speed and impressive deke in tight space. The backhand finish suggests strong puck control and improving creativity around the net.

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

VIDEO 2:

High-effort shift on the penalty kill. Shows increased skating speed and improved mechanics. Protects the puck well despite pressure, fights through multiple opponents, and finishes the play with another controlled backhand.

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

VIDEO 3:

Demonstrates strong vision on a 2-on-1. Uses a quick, intentional shot off the goalie’s pads to create a rebound opportunity, setting up his linemate for an easy tap-in.

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

VIDEO 4:

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

Strong read of the developing play and impressive timing on the rush. Attacks space with purpose and establishes inside positioning. Hands are active and coordinated for a controlled deflection.

Matej Deraj - Central European Regional Scout

Petr Sikora, Center, HC Oceláři Třinec, Czechia (Washington Capitals)

Sikora was a sixth-round pick back in 2024, when he was selected by the Washington Capitals. He wasn´t listed on many boards, but we at McKeen´s had him listed at #150. In his second season after the draft, Sikora is a significantly better player. He´s grown into a true leader in his age group and one of the more hated players in the Czech top tier league, which is a rare occasion for such a young player.

Sikora was known as fearless and energetic, but he has added another layer to his game. He´s a premium pest, who loves to get under the skin of the opponents, playing more physical, despite being 6-foot-0. He´s added a lot more muscle and his checks are much stronger. As shown in the clip, Sikora uses his body well to battle and strip the opponent of the puck.

VIDEO 1

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1-petr_sikora_clip1.mp4

If Sikora makes the NHL, it will be in a bottom-six role, most likely. That projection hasn´t changed, but Sikora is showing more offense to his game and better overall skills. He displays solid playmaking, offensive awareness and can surprise an opponent with a decent shot, as shown in the clip. Sikora has a better offensive toolkit now and became a 0.5 ppg player in one of the most challenging leagues in Europe, again, a rare feat for such a young player. He´s still not a premium offensive threat, but he´s definitely showing there is more to his game.

VIDEO 2

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2-petr_sikora_clip2.mp4

2025 NHL DRAFT: DECEMBER RANKING – TOP 64 + Honourable Mentions – PRE-WJC

Brock Otten — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:10:07 +0000

Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters. Photo courtesy of the OHL.

Ahead of the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, we are updating our draft ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft. For this update, we’re expanding our list to a top 64.

Now sitting atop our list is Erie Otters (and Team Canada) defender Matthew Schaefer, supplanting Boston College (and Team USA) pivot James Hagens. In reality, we like both players and the decision to move Schaefer ahead was not unanimously supported by our scouting team. However, we believe that Schaefer is the complete package as a potential number one defender. Not only does he project as an all-situations minute eater, but he is a natural born leader who could captain and be the face of an NHL franchise too.

While the World Juniors are not always the best showcase for draft eligible talent; it can be tough for underagers to be impactful players. It will be interesting, nonetheless, to see Schaefer (and Porter Martone) square off against Hagens. All three should be playing key roles for potential medal favourites.

Not at the World Juniors is Saginaw center Michael Misa, our third ranked prospect. Misa’s transition back to the middle of the ice has allowed him to become one of the CHL’s most dynamic and highest scoring players. His skating ability, tenacity, and creativity allow him to impact the game in so many different ways and we see him as a potential franchise center.

The previously mentioned Porter Martone rounds out our top four, a group that we consider to have separated themselves from the pack to create a clear grouping of potential first overall candidates. Martone is a pesky power forward who is likely to develop into a first line winger who can play in all situations for his future NHL team. It’s rare to find a winger who can be on the ice whether his team is down a goal or up a goal with a minute to go.

Filling up the rest of our top ten are Brandon center Roger McQueen, Swedish winger Victor Eklund, Tri-City (WHL) defenseman Jackson Smith, Swedish forward Anton Frondell, Moncton pivot Caleb Desnoyers, and Moose Jaw power winger Lynden Lakovic. McQueen is the prototype of the modern-day top NHL pivot, with size and skill, however, injuries have disrupted his development and that is cause for concern. He is slated to return to action around February and will need a huge finish to his WHL season in order to push his way back into top four consideration. Anton Frondell is another player worth discussing as the previously hyped forward has also struggled with injuries and consistency. He has the kind of well-rounded game that makes him a potentially valuable pro player, but have we previously over projected his potential upside?

Among the highest risers on this list are Kitchener defender Cameron Reid, Barrie defender Kashawn Aitcheson, NTDP winger Jack Murtagh, Swedish pivot Eric Nilson, and Kamloops winger Nathan Behm. Reid has been one of the highest scoring defenders in the OHL this year with the surprising Kitchener Rangers; his mobility and two-way sense are very impressive. Aitcheson has really impressed us with the improvements made to his decision making and puck play, helping to elevate his potential upside as a top four, throwback defender. Murtagh has been the best player on the U.S. NTDP U18 team this year and projects as a Ryan Leonard type of top six complementary piece at the NHL level. Eric Nilson, the son of former Calgary Flame and Florida Panther pivot Marcus Nilson, is the same kind of determined two-way player that his father was, however, he’s shown positive progression offensively that has us reevaluating his upside. Lastly, Behm is the kind of intriguing athlete on the wing that NHL teams have been focusing on developing in recent years. There’s room for improvement in a lot of areas, but when he puts everything together and grows into his frame, he could be a real solid top six asset.

One of the biggest fallers on our list is Russian forward Ivan Ryabkin. He remains in our first round for now, but we would be lying if we weren’t concerned about the kind of season he has had and the lack of progression he has shown. As is, his game needs to mature a lot in order for him to be a successful NHL player. The upside is still incredibly tantalizing, but at some point, his lack of production and development needs to be held against him.

You can expect our next ranking sometime early in the new year as we expand our midseason list to a top 100, with honorable mentions.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
1	Matthew Schaefer	D	Erie (OHL)	6-2/180	5-Sep-07	17	7	15	22	8
2	James Hagens	C	Boston College (NCAA)	5-10/170	3-Nov-06	16	5	15	20	4
3	Michael Misa	C	Saginaw (OHL)	5-11/160	16-Feb-07	30	30	31	61	21
4	Porter Martone	RW	Brampton (OHL)	6-3/195	26-Oct-06	26	21	33	54	41
5	Roger McQueen	C	Brandon (WHL)	6-5/190	2-Oct-06	8	8	3	11	18
6	Victor Eklund	LW	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	5-11/160	3-Oct-06	24	8	7	15	31
7	Jackson Smith	D	Tri-City (WHL)	6-3/190	13-May-07	30	2	22	24	26
8	Anton Frondell	C	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	6-0/195	7-May-07	7	1	2	3	6
9	Caleb Desnoyers	C	Moncton (QMJHL)	6-2/190	11-Apr-07	26	17	25	42	14
10	Lynden Lakovic	LW	Moose Jaw (WHL)	6-4/190	12-Dec-06	29	16	22	38	4
11	Radim Mrtka	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-6/200	9-Jun-07	9	2	5	7	10
12	Justin Carbonneau	RW	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	6-1/190	25-Nov-06	31	22	23	45	26
13	Malcolm Spence	LW	Erie (OHL)	6-2/200	22-Sep-06	29	15	22	37	20
14	Cameron Schmidt	RW	Vancouver (WHL)	5-8/150	19-Jan-07	26	24	14	38	16
15	Cullen Potter	C	Arizona State (NCAA)	5-9/160	10-Jan-07	16	4	4	8	6
16	Brady Martin	C	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-0/175	16-Mar-07	28	15	14	29	42
17	Cameron Reid	D	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/160	8-Apr-07	33	6	23	29	20
18	Kashawn Aitcheson	D	Barrie (OHL)	6-1/190	21-Sep-06	29	10	13	23	48
19	Logan Hensler	D	Wisconsin (NCAA)	6-2/185	14-Oct-06	17	0	7	7	19
20	Jack Murtagh	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/180	22-Aug-07	20	10	12	22	10
21	Joshua Ravensbergen	G	Prince George (WHL)	6-4/180	27-Nov-06	24	16	4	3.06	0.899
22	Carter Bear	C	Everett (WHL)	6-0/175	4-Nov-06	26	22	24	46	22
23	Jake O'Brien	C	Brantford (OHL)	6-2/170	16-Jun-07	33	18	23	41	8
24	Luca Romano	RW	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/170	25-Jun-07	32	14	15	29	8
25	Blake Fiddler	D	Edmonton (WHL)	6-3/195	9-Jul-07	27	4	8	12	18
26	Ivan Ryabkin	C	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	6-0/170	25-Apr-07	15	1	11	12	26
27	Ben Kindel	C	Calgary (WHL)	5-10/165	19-Apr-07	29	19	27	46	18
28	Eric Nilson	C	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	5-11/155	11-May-07	23	8	20	28	14
29	Braeden Cootes	C	Seattle (WHL)	5-11/170	9-Feb-07	29	13	17	30	10
30	Nathan Behm	RW	Kamloops (WHL)	6-2/185	18-Apr-07	31	18	19	37	10
31	Kurban Limatov	D	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	6-4/185	20-Mar-07	26	5	11	16	16
32	Will Moore	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/160	24-Mar-07	29	11	11	22	2
33	Henry Brzustewicz	D	London (OHL)	6-1/195	9-Feb-07	32	5	15	20	45
34	Jack Nesbitt	C	Windsor (OHL)	6-4/175	12-Jan-07	33	13	16	29	30
35	Cole Reschny	C	Victoria (WHL)	5-9/160	6-Apr-07	29	11	27	38	28
36	Shane Vansaghi	RW	Michigan State (NCAA)	6-1/190	11-Oct-06	16	2	9	11	16
37	Arvid Drott	RW	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	6-1/180	11-Aug-07	24	13	12	25	10
38	Adam Benak	C	Youngstown (USHL)	5-7/160	10-Apr-07	26	8	16	24	20
39	Tomas Pobezal	C	HK Nitra (Svk)	5-10/170	18-Sep-06	26	12	5	17	14
40	Milton Gastrin	C	MoDo Hockey (Swe J20)	6-2/180	2-Jun-07	20	7	12	19	12
41	Jakob Ihs Wozniak	LW	Lulea (Swe J20)	6-3/180	1-Feb-07	22	7	21	28	6
42	Carter Amico	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-5/205	15-Mar-07	13	0	3	3	10
43	Cole McKinney	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/190	16-Mar-07	26	8	15	23	21
44	Ben Kevan	RW	Des Moines (USHL)	5-11/165	3-Jan-07	16	6	10	16	23
45	Conrad Fondrk	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/175	1-Jun-07	28	6	12	18	2
46	Vojtech Cihar	LW	Karlovy Vary (Czechia)	6-1/170	29-Mar-07	25	3	4	7	6
47	Luka Radivojevic	D	Muskegon (USHL)	5-10/155	3-Jan-07	19	0	10	10	8
48	Alex Huang	D	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	6-0/160	30-Jul-07	31	1	13	14	8
49	Charlie Trethewey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/190	2-Aug-07	29	4	6	10	16
50	Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen	D	Michigan (NCAA)	6-0/170	18-Dec-06	18	1	4	5	2
51	Pyotr Andreyanov	G	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	6-0/205	22-Jan-07	17	10	3	1.83	0.942
52	Zeb Lindgren	D	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	6-2/175	14-Apr-07	22	2	9	11	20
53	Haoxi (Simon) Wang	D	King Rebellion (OJHL)	6-6/210	27-Jul-07	35	3	15	18	69
54	Maxim Agafonov	D	Tolpar Ufa (MHL)	6-0/180	10-Apr-07	20	4	3	7	16
55	Bill Zonnon	LW	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-2/180	3-Oct-06	31	16	29	45	18
56	Ethan Czata	C	Niagara (OHL)	6-0/160	29-May-07	33	15	20	35	35
57	Sascha Boumedienne	D	Boston University (NCAA)	6-1/170	17-Jan-07	16	0	3	3	23
58	Peyton Kettles	D	Swift Current (WHL)	6-4/185	1-Sep-07	20	2	3	5	34
59	Eddie Genborg	LW	Linkopings (Swe J20)	6-2/185	20-Apr-07	22	16	13	29	22
60	Zachary Morin	LW	Saint John (QMJHL)	6-1/185	25-Jan-07	25	10	14	24	2
61	Jimmy Lombardi	C	Flint (OHL)	6-0/180	16-Feb-07	32	5	13	18	17
62	Jack Ivankovic	G	Brampton (OHL)	5-11/180	22-May-07	21	12	7	3.49	0.898
63	Carlos Handel	D	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-0/160	31-Mar-07	28	2	9	11	8
64	Jan Chovan	C	Tappara (Fin-U20)	6-2/180	9-Jan-07	25	9	8	17	4
HM	William Belle	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-4/215	14-Jan-07	28	2	5	7	18
HM	Lasse Boelius	D	Assat (Fin-U20)	6-0/180	16-Mar-07	23	3	8	11	6
HM	Donny Bracco	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/160	26-Jul-07	29	0	9	9	6
HM	Carson Cameron	D	Peterborough (OHL)	6-1/175	27-Jun-07	33	5	9	14	14
HM	Kieren Dervin	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/170	31-Mar-07	1	0	0	0	0
HM	Semyon Frolov	G	MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL)	6-3/170	17-Jan-07	4	2	1	1.48	0.945
HM	Matthew Gard	C	Red Deer (WHL)	6-4/190	7-Apr-07	31	8	11	19	36
HM	Emile Guite	LW	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	6-1/165	31-May-07	30	6	5	11	8
HM	Love Harenstam	G	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	6-1/185	18-Jan-07	8	3	5	3.52	0.899
HM	Lev Katzin	C	Guelph (OHL)	5-8/170	13-May-07	8	5	10	15	0
HM	Viktor Klingsell	LW	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	5-10/170	10-Feb-07	24	7	10	17	0
HM	Ryker Lee	RW	Madison (USHL)	5-9/150	8-Nov-06	20	10	14	24	4
HM	Samuel Meloche	G	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-3/195	22-Jul-07	27	14	6	2.75	0.898
HM	L.J. Mooney	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-7/150	8-Mar-07	14	1	9	10	4
HM	Tomas Poletin	C	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	6-1/195	30-Apr-07	15	11	3	14	6
HM	Max Psenicka	D	HC Plzen (Czechia)	6-4/175	18-Jan-07	13	1	0	1	0
HM	Nathan Quinn	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	5-11/160	29-Aug-07	30	11	21	32	13
HM	Sam Spehar	C	Sioux Falls (USHL)	5-10/170	20-Apr-07	20	8	8	16	2

2025 NHL DRAFT: DECEMBER RANKING – TOP 32 – PRE-WJC

Brock Otten — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:10:01 +0000

Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters. Photo courtesy of the OHL.

Ahead of the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, we are updating our draft ranking for the 2025 NHL Draft. For this update, we’re expanding our list to a top 64.

You can expect our next ranking sometime early in the new year as we expand our midseason list to a top 100, with honorable mentions. The top 32 are available to all in this article. Subscribers can access the top 64 plus honourable mentions by linking here.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
1	Matthew Schaefer	D	Erie (OHL)	6-2/180	5-Sep-07	17	7	15	22	8
2	James Hagens	C	Boston College (NCAA)	5-10/170	3-Nov-06	16	5	15	20	4
3	Michael Misa	C	Saginaw (OHL)	5-11/160	16-Feb-07	30	30	31	61	21
4	Porter Martone	RW	Brampton (OHL)	6-3/195	26-Oct-06	26	21	33	54	41
5	Roger McQueen	C	Brandon (WHL)	6-5/190	2-Oct-06	8	8	3	11	18
6	Victor Eklund	LW	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	5-11/160	3-Oct-06	24	8	7	15	31
7	Jackson Smith	D	Tri-City (WHL)	6-3/190	13-May-07	30	2	22	24	26
8	Anton Frondell	C	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	6-0/195	7-May-07	7	1	2	3	6
9	Caleb Desnoyers	C	Moncton (QMJHL)	6-2/190	11-Apr-07	26	17	25	42	14
10	Lynden Lakovic	LW	Moose Jaw (WHL)	6-4/190	12-Dec-06	29	16	22	38	4
11	Radim Mrtka	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-6/200	9-Jun-07	9	2	5	7	10
12	Justin Carbonneau	RW	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	6-1/190	25-Nov-06	31	22	23	45	26
13	Malcolm Spence	LW	Erie (OHL)	6-2/200	22-Sep-06	29	15	22	37	20
14	Cameron Schmidt	RW	Vancouver (WHL)	5-8/150	19-Jan-07	26	24	14	38	16
15	Cullen Potter	C	Arizona State (NCAA)	5-9/160	10-Jan-07	16	4	4	8	6
16	Brady Martin	C	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-0/175	16-Mar-07	28	15	14	29	42
17	Cameron Reid	D	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/160	8-Apr-07	33	6	23	29	20
18	Kashawn Aitcheson	D	Barrie (OHL)	6-1/190	21-Sep-06	29	10	13	23	48
19	Logan Hensler	D	Wisconsin (NCAA)	6-2/185	14-Oct-06	17	0	7	7	19
20	Jack Murtagh	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/180	22-Aug-07	20	10	12	22	10
21	Joshua Ravensbergen	G	Prince George (WHL)	6-4/180	27-Nov-06	24	16	4	3.06	0.899
22	Carter Bear	C	Everett (WHL)	6-0/175	4-Nov-06	26	22	24	46	22
23	Jake O'Brien	C	Brantford (OHL)	6-2/170	16-Jun-07	33	18	23	41	8
24	Luca Romano	RW	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/170	25-Jun-07	32	14	15	29	8
25	Blake Fiddler	D	Edmonton (WHL)	6-3/195	9-Jul-07	27	4	8	12	18
26	Ivan Ryabkin	C	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	6-0/170	25-Apr-07	15	1	11	12	26
27	Ben Kindel	C	Calgary (WHL)	5-10/165	19-Apr-07	29	19	27	46	18
28	Eric Nilson	C	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	5-11/155	11-May-07	23	8	20	28	14
29	Braeden Cootes	C	Seattle (WHL)	5-11/170	9-Feb-07	29	13	17	30	10
30	Nathan Behm	RW	Kamloops (WHL)	6-2/185	18-Apr-07	31	18	19	37	10
31	Kurban Limatov	D	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	6-4/185	20-Mar-07	26	5	11	16	16
32	Will Moore	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/160	24-Mar-07	29	11	11	22	2

2024 HLINKA GRETZKY CUP PREVIEW: Team overview and players to watch

Brock Otten — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:49:54 +0000

The Hlinka/Gretzky Cup returns to Edmonton next week, after the 2023 version was played in Czechia and Slovakia. Canada will aim to secure its third straight gold medal at the event. For those unfamiliar, the Hlinka/Gretzky is an annual summer U18 event that serves as the unofficial kickoff to the scouting season for the year’s NHL draft, in this case 2025.

Let’s preview each team and give you some of the players to watch!

Group A

Canada

As mentioned, Canada will be attempting to complete the three-peat after winning last year and in 2022. They enter the tournament as the odds-on favourite, even without the services of two of their top players in Michael Misa and Ryan Roobroeck. Misa was a key piece of last year’s gold medal winning team and is taking the time to heal and train following last year’s deep Memorial Cup run with Saginaw. Roobroeck is missing the event due to an injury. Regardless, Canada will have the tournament’s top player in top 2026 draft eligible Gavin McKenna, who is coming off a dominant performance at the recent U18’s as an underager. Safe to say, Canada will go as far as McKenna can carry them.

Five Players to Watch:

Gavin McKenna

The odds-on favourite to be the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, McKenna is also the top player at this tournament. He’s dynamic in every sense of the word and if his performance at the recent U18’s (as an underager) is any indication, he’s going to be dominant in this event.

Cameron Schmidt

Schmidt really opened some eyes at last year’s U17’s, helping Canada White capture gold. He may be small, but the speedy winger is effective because he plays such an aggressive, up-tempo game.

Caleb Desnoyers

Due to Canada’s lack of center depth at the recent U18’s, Desnoyers was thrust into a fairly large role as an underager and he handled it pretty well. The competitive two-way center is going to be a go-to offensive player for Canada and this could serve as a coming out party for him.

Matthew Schaefer

Not only does Schaefer enter this tournament as Canada’s top defender, but he should be one of the best defensemen at the event. He will unquestionably be a big part of Canada’s leadership group and his heady two-way play will be integral.

Jack Ivankovic

Ivankovic is such a calm, cool, and collected young netminder. His play tracking and technical abilities are so advanced for his age. While NHL scouts are bound to criticize his lack of size (under 6’), there’s no doubting his talent level.

Sweden

The 2023 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup was a bit of a nightmare for the Swedes as they failed to make the semifinals for the first time in eight years. They’ll be looking to bounce back in a big way, hoping to capture their first gold since 2007. The only issue is that the team will be missing its best player in potential 2025 top five pick Anton Frondell, as he recovers from an injury that occurred late last season. Additionally, Karl Annborn is mysteriously absent from the final roster, after it was believed that he would be a top defender for the team thanks to his experience internationally. One of the keys for Sweden will be the play of goaltender Love Harenstam, who has a ton of experience for Sweden already, as the team’s starter as an underager at the recent U18’s.

Five Players to Watch:

Jakob Ihs-Wozniak

With Frondell out, eyes will be on Ihs-Wozniak to really step up and drive play. He already has experience at the U18 level and the big winger is considered a potential lottery selection in 2025.

Sascha Boumedienne

Yes, that is former NHL defender Josef Boumedienne’s son. The Boston University commit already plays in North America with Youngstown of the USHL; he was a member of the USHL All-Rookie team last year. He’s a heady, two-way puck mover who should be one of the tournament’s top defenders.

Filip Ekberg

One of the key performers for Sweden at last year’s U17’s, Ekberg is a creative and skilled playmaker. He’s not the biggest or the quickest, but he’s highly effective because of his cerebral advantage. There are heavy rumours that he will be playing for the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL this coming season.

Viggo Bjorck

Thought to be one of the top 2008 born players on the planet, it will be interesting to see how Bjorck performs in his first U18 test internationally. The dynamic forward has a chance to be a special player.

Love Harenstam

As mentioned, Harenstam may just be the key for Sweden should they want to medal at the Hlinka/Gretzky. He should be one of the top netminders at the event after already performing well at the recent U18’s, backstopping Sweden to bronze.

Slovakia

The Slovaks will look to get back to the semifinals for the first time since 2021, when Dalibor Dvorsky and Juraj Slafkovsky led them to a silver medal. Unfortunately, the team’s chances took a big hit when it was announced that two of their top defenders would be skipping the event for different reasons. Potential lottery pick Luka Radivojevic is choosing to prepare for his upcoming SHL season instead, after playing in last year’s Hlinka/Gretzky (much like Canada’s Michael Misa). Whereas Vladimir Dravecky has decided to switch allegiances and play for Czechia. The Slovaks should still be able to score; they have some solid talent up front. But preventing goals could be an issue. Either way, they shouldn’t finish last again like they did last year.

Five Players to Watch:

Tomas Chrenko

Not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2026 due to a later birthday, Chrenko was already one of Slovakia’s top performers at the recent U18’s as an underager. He’s lightning quick and is a highly creative playmaker.

Adam Nemec

The younger brother of New Jersey Devils defender Simon Nemec, Adam is a winger, and is another of the late birthdays not eligible until 2026. He’s a skilled goal scorer who should be a large part of Slovakia’s powerplay at the event.

Tobias Tomik

You guessed it, another high end late 2007 born player who is not eligible until 2026. Like Chrenko, Tomik was already one of Slovakia’s best players at the recent U18’s despite his age. He scored a couple of goals at last year’s Hlinka/Gretzky as an underager too.

Jan Chovan

What? A high-end Slovak forward without a later birthday? Chovan is eligible for this year’s NHL draft and should be one of the team’s top centers. He’s a versatile player because of his power game and two-way ability.

Andreas Straka

Another forward with significant experience at the U18 level internationally already. Straka, like the other four mentioned above, will be a critical component of the team’s top two scoring lines. The competitive two-way forward is slated to play with Quebec of the QMJHL this season.

Switzerland

The Swiss have never medaled at this event and haven’t made the semifinals in over two decades. Are they overdue? You could probably make that argument, but realistically Switzerland doesn’t have the depth to compete with the other teams in their division. They do have some talented and interesting prospects eligible for this year’s NHL draft, but they might be more likely to finish last than medal. Somewhat surprisingly, the team did not opt to take any of their talented 2008’s to play as underagers, just like how few of these players have U18 experience either. It’s a recent shift in philosophy for the Swiss, who used to bring many underagers to help with elevating the depth of their rosters.

Three Players to Watch:

Florian Schenk

At this point, Schenk should be considered Switzerland’s top prospect for the 2025 NHL draft. The big forward may not be the fleetest of foot, but he’s strong and skilled, capable of playing the heavier game needed to outperform the other top nations in this division.

Jeremiah Mundy

Another big forward, Mundy is a power winger who played well for Switzerland at the U17 level internationally last season. He has a strong scorer’s touch in tight and probably enters this event as Switzerland’s second best draft prospect this year.

Lars Steiner

Not eligible for the NHL draft until 2026 due to a late birthday, Steiner may just be the most talented player on this Swiss roster. He has already played a game for HC Davos of the NL and should be the team’s top play driver.

Group B

Finland

Despite some decent recent success at the event, the Finns haven’t won a semifinal matchup at the Hlinka/Gretzky in over a decade. They’ve also never won a gold medal, a somewhat shocking revelation considering their success at the year-end IIHF U18’s. Maybe this is the year that they break through and get through to play for a gold medal. That said, this group is coming off of a last place finish at last year’s World Under 17 Hockey Challenge and it’s largely considered a down birth year for Finland. With a strong Czech team, an underrated German team, and a US team that’s always a wild card in this division, could Finland be headed for another poor performance?

Five Players to Watch:

Jasu Mensonen

One of the top centers on this Finnish team, Mensonen is a high end, cerebral playmaker who makes those around him better. He missed last year’s World Under 17 Hockey Challenge and will look to be a difference maker now.

Jesper Kotajarvi

Possibly the top Finnish player eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, Kotajarvi is a mobile, two-way defender who was one of the few standouts for Finland at last year’s U17’s. Look for him to anchor the top powerplay unit and to log a ton of minutes.

Eetu Orpana

Along with Mensonen, Orpana should be the Finns other top six center, giving them a solid one/two punch down the middle. Orpana is sort of the classic center mold out of Finland, in that he’s got good size, competes at both ends, and makes smart plays with the puck.

Max Westergard

He’s got a Swedish name, and he plays out of Sweden (in the Frolunda program), but Westergard is very Finnish. He’s a solid complementary winger who can put the puck in the net and play a heavy game.

Patrik Kerkola

The likely starting netminder for this Finnish team, Kerkola is one of the early favourites to be one of the top goaltenders chosen in the 2025 NHL Draft. Look for him to join the Barrie Colts of the OHL for the upcoming season.

Czechia

At this point, the Czechs would probably be considered the favourites to win this group. They suffered a devastating OT loss in the gold medal game at last year’s Hlinka/Gretzky and will be hungry to avenge that. Additionally, this talented group of 2007’s lost a heartbreaking semi-final in OT to the United States at last year’s World Under 17 Hockey Challenge. Make no mistake, this group of Czechs could yield double digit NHL draft picks and will be a formidable opponent. Their group of forwards is very deep, and they’ll be a difficult team to outscore, led by the ultra-talented Adam Benak.

Five Players to Watch:

Adam Benak

The diminutive playmaking center was a star at last summer’s Hlinka/Gretzky Cup as an underager and he returns this year in hopes of avenging that tough OT loss. He’s so slippery in the offensive zone and despite his lack of size, has a chance to be a high pick in 2025. He’ll play this season with Youngstown of the USHL.

Matej Pekar

Not to be confused with the former Buffalo Sabres prospect of the same name, Pekar actually led this Czech group in scoring at last year’s U17’s, not Benak. He plays in Switzerland and is a very talented offensive player. He could be a potential breakout star at this event.

Tomas Poletin

Another Czech player who has left Czechia to play, Poletin is a skilled, scoring winger who made the move to Finland. He played at the most recent U18’s, and already has significant experience playing internationally at the U18 level. He will be a go to player.

Adam Novotny

Not NHL eligible until 2026 due to a late birthday, Novotny is another talented forward on this team. He made waves recently as the youngest player to score in the Czech men’s league. He is a dynamic skater and attacker.

Vladimir Dravecky

As mentioned earlier, Dravecky, a mobile puck moving defender, switched allegiances from Slovakia to Czechia for this event. A late birthday, he’s considered one of the better defenders available for the 2026 NHL draft and he should be a minute eater for the Czechs.

United States

You truly never know what you’re going to get from a U.S. team at this event because it’s largely a collection of less hyped prospects outside of the NTDP. Last year they earned their first medal since 2016, a bronze, on the back of strong play from Trevor Connelly. But in 2022 and 2021, they failed to make the medal round. On paper, this year’s roster should be able to score thanks to some talented offensive players, but do they have the depth to compete for a medal for the second straight year?

Five Players to Watch:

Ben Kevan

Coming off a fantastic rookie season in the USHL where Kevan was a near point per game player for Des Moines, all eyes will be on him to be an offensive leader for the U.S. squad. He’s the complete package offensively and this event could be an opportunity for him to prove that he’s a potential first round selection in 2025.

Cooper Simpson

Along with Kevan, Simpson should be the straw that stirs the drink for the U.S.’ offensive attack. He’s a dynamic offensive player who oozes creativity and confidence with the puck. The North Dakota commit will look to have the same kind of impact Trevor Connelly did at last year’s tournament.

Travis Hayes

The only OHL player on this roster, Hayes is the younger brother of Chicago Blackhawks prospect Gavin Hayes. He’s a tenacious winger who was a member of the OHL’s all-rookie team last year after a strong season with the Soo Greyhounds.

Blake Fiddler

One of a few players on the roster with former NHL bloodlines, Blake is the son of Vern Fiddler. Like Hayes, he plays in the CHL, but in the WHL with Edmonton. The big defender is a solid two-way player, and he should be a minute eater at the event. Interestingly enough, he played for Canada at the World Under 17’s last year but has switched to the U.S. for this event.

Jacob Rombach

Another top defender for the United States, Rombach is a massive, but athletic rearguard. He plays for Lincoln of the USHL and is a University of Minnesota commit. His combination of mobility, reach, and physicality is going to intrigue NHL scouts the same way that Adam Kleber did on last year’s team.

Germany

The Germans have never made the semi finals at this event since the commencement of their participation, but that has the potential to change. It’s not a stretch to say that this could be the best team that Germany has ever sent to the Hlinka/Gretzky, with as many as a half dozen potential 2025 NHL Draft selections. They’ve had some strong individual performances, but not the kind of depth that this roster has. I know longtime McKeen’s scout Chapin Landvogt is extremely excited about covering his region this season! Many of these players, as underagers, helped Germany qualify for the main group in the U18’s in 2025, by capturing gold at the Division A tournament this past year. That kind of experience can only help.

Five Players to Watch:

Carlos Handel

While Handel may not be the same quality of defensive prospect as Moritz Seider, he’s still a highly touted player after a few solid seasons in Sweden and some strong International performances. He’s strong at both ends and is going to play a ton for Germany. Interestingly enough, it sounds like Handel will be coming over to play with Halifax in the QMJHL this year.

Max Bleicher

The other minute eater on the German blueline, Bleicher is equally strong at both ends and plays a bit of a meaner game than Handel. He’s also not the same quality of skater, something he’ll need to work on. He’s definitely on the NHL draft radar.

David Lewandowski

Along with Handel, Lewandowski is Germany’s best chance at having a first rounder in 2025. His game improved dramatically last year and he’s the kind of power center that NHL teams are drawn to. Look for him to be a difference maker at the tournament.

Dustin Willhoft

A much different player than Lewandowski, but one that is equally important to the offense of this team. Willhoft is definitely on the small side, but he’s extremely skilled and creative. He’s consistently been the leading scorer of this age group internationally.

Mateu Spath

Spath has been receiving hype from Germany ever since he broke the U17 league scoring record as an underager a few years ago. The talented offensive winger brings speed and finishing ability to the German lineup and could be part of the top powerplay unit along with Lewandowski and Willhoft.

BELL: 20 Prospect Points – Lambert, Öhgren, Celebrini, Catton & More

Josh Bell — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:46:51 +0000

Winnipeg Jets forward Brad Lambert. Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Welcome to 20 Prospect Points, a bi-weekly column where I dive into the trending news surrounding prospects - drafted and draft-eligible - from around the globe.

This edition dives into the impressive play of prospects Brad Lambert and Liam Öhgren, the ridiculous - and historic - play of Macklin Celebini, the recent surge from Michael Hage, and much more.

Drafted Prospects

#1 At this point, it’s fairly safe to call Brad Lambert’s AHL rookie season a success. The Winnipeg Jets’ prospect has been on an extremely impressive run as of late, with 12 points in his last eight games. That brings his total on the season up to 43 (18 goals, 25 assists) in 51 games. He’s leading the Manitoba Moose in points. Keep an eye on the young Finn who might just end up being one of the better steals of the 2022 NHL Draft.

#2 Another player who’s been on a tear is Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect Gavin Hayes. The Soo Greyhounds left winger is riding a nine-game point streak where he’s collected 16 points. That brings his total on the year to 76 points (37 goals, 39 assists). One note though is that this is just about on par with his season last year, and you’d like to see some positive growth here. Keep an eye on him down the stretch to see if he can build on this streak.

#3 Another OHLer that’s been having a stellar season is Slovak Dalibor Dvorsky. It’s hard to believe that this is his first season in North America, because he has not missed a beat. The Sudbury Wolves forward and St. Louis Blues prospect hit the 40-goal mark over the weekend, also seeing his point total on the season rise to 82 (40 goals, 42 assists). He’s a quiet star on that team behind David Goyette and Quentin Musty, but Dvorsky is just as much deserving of the spotlight.

#4 Overseas, Minnesota Wild prospect Liam Öhgren continues to tear up the SHL for Färjestad BK. In fact, he’s getting better and better. He has points in 10 of his last 11, with 13 (seven goals, six assists) over that stretch. That’s through just 26 games and his 0.73 points per game is the highest of any U20 player in the league, including Jonathan Lekkermäki who’s been earning a great deal of attention.

#5 I’ve mentioned Finnish prospect Jesse Kiiskinen before in this column, but he’s deserving of another mention. He wrapped his regular season up with the Pelicans U20 of the U20 SM-sarja, with 10 points in his final four games (sure, he had a six-game performance in there where he had five goals). That’s carried over into the playoffs with three assists in as many games and playing while seeing his ice time increase. The Nashville Predators must be happy with how their 68th overall pick has developed.

#6 Zac Funk just will not stop scoring. Since the last 20 Prospect Points (two weeks ago), the newly signed Washington Capitals prospect has added another 16 points (eight goals, eight assists), bringing his season total to 119 points (67 goals, 52 assists) in 66 games. He’s been absolutely on fire this season. It’s hard to believe that he put up just 58 points last season and he’s now over double that this year. The Caps made the right call here.

#7 In the QMJHL, New Jersey Devils prospect Cam Squires has been taking his game to the next level recently, with 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) through a seven-game stretch which recently just ended. Drafted 122nd overall in the 2023 draft, Squires is on pace to just modestly raise his production from his draft year (71 up from 64) but this late surge is worth keeping an eye on as he heads into playoffs.

#8 Another late draft pick, the Montreal Canadiens drafted Yevgeni Volokhin 144th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, a Russian netminder coming off a 20-6-3 season with Mamonty Yugry where he had a .927 save percentage (SV%). He returned to the MHL this season with Mamonty Yugry and looked even better with a .938 SV% and 22-4-4 record along with five shutouts. That’s gotten even better in playoffs through three games with a remarkable .981 SV% and two shutouts. It’s worth noting that he has four shutouts in his last nine games.

#9 Another 2023 draftee, Jacob Fowler was selected 69th overall by the Canadiens and has been stellar in the NCAA this season. He’s won his last eight games and 13 of his last 14. He has one shutout in that stretch. He’s repping a .923 SV% and a 27-5-1 record. With the NCAA Frozen Four right around the corner, Fowler should continue to be the steady backbone of Boston College.

#10 One last drafted goaltender to mention here is another returnee to this list, Niklas Kokko continues to stand out with the Liiga’s Pelicans. After playing just nine Liiga games before this season, Kokko’s performance deserves attention. The Seattle Kraken prospect is 9-0-3 since being loaned to the Pelicans in January, with a .926 SV% and four shutouts. In fact, he has two shutouts in his last three games.

Draft-Eligible Prospects

#11 Macklin Celebrini just continues to show what he’s projected to be the first overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. The still-17-year-old is third in the entire NCAA in points (55), second in goals (30), and is tied in first for points per game (1.67) with Gabe Perreault. At this point, it seems a one-and-done is likely for the 2024 top prospect.

#12 Up in the WHL, Berkly Catton has been the quiet star of the 2024 group. While the focus seems to have been on Celebrini, Demidov, and the defensive stars, don’t sleep on Catton. I believe he hasn’t been talked about as much as he should be this season. He’s at 113 points (52 goals, 61 assists) in just 66 games, with 20 of those points coming in March. He needs to be looked at in the top five.

#13 Another potentially under-valued prospect in this class is Michael Hage. The Chicago Steel player has been one of my favourites in this class all season and has been really exploding as of late. He has an eight-game point streak rolling right now where he’s had 16 points (seven goals, nine assists), bringing his season total to 65 points (30 goals, 35 assists). He’s third in the league in points now, tied for seventh in points per game, and is tied for fourth in goals.

#14 Cole Eiserman may have been falling down draft rankings all season due to some off-puck play, but man - can he ever score goals. The USNTDP star has 48 goals in 45 games this season, bringing his U18 total (including last season) to 74 in 65 games. That 1.14 goal per game rate is the highest ever for the U18 program. Plus, he’s only eight goals away from Cole Caufield’s career record of 82. Keep an eye on that.

#15 I keep bringing him up, but how about Ondrej Becher? With his season winding down, the Czech forward just hit the 90-point mark on the season, in no small part due to his current 17-game point streak. He has 28 goals and an impressive 62 assists. It helps when you have players like Funk, Riley Heidt, and Terik Parascak putting the puck in the net, but Becher’s ability to find his teammates has been on full display this season. The double-overage should hear his name called this season.

#16 Speaking of Terik Parascak, what a run he’s on. He has eight goals and 16 points in his last six games, crossing the 40-goal, 100-point plateau this season (103 points, 43 goals, 60 assists). He becomes the first CHL rookie to hit 100-points this season. He leads all rookies in points, well ahead of the competition so far. For his recent efforts, he was named WHL Player of the Week.

#17 If there’s a player that an NHL team should bite on early, it’s Michael Brandsegg-Nygård. The Norwegian prospect’s numbers might not jump off the page at first look, but when you take a deeper look at his game you can see the value. McKeen’s Felix Robbins took a deep look at his game here.

This is a player that you should bet on making it.

#18 Looking ahead to the 2025 NHL Draft, Cameron Schmidt has been garnering some attention. The Vancouver Giants forward is playing at nearly a point-per-game pace this season with 56 points (30 goals, 26 assists) in 57 games. That 30th goal puts him in rare company, with only six players hitting that mark at 16 years old: Connor Bedard, Brayden Yager, Nolan Patrick, Brett Connolly, Patrick Marleau, and Gavin McKenna who hit it this season as well.

#19 Michael Misa is going to be a name you hear a lot over the next year, as the exceptional-status prospect enters his draft year in 2024-25. Last year’s OHL Rookie of the Year, Misa has continued his stellar play this season, albeit a little more sporadically than he may like. For example, he recently had nine points in three games - but that came after three games without a point. It’s been a bit of a trend this year, but it will be interesting to see how he progresses in his draft yet.

#20 Another 2025-eligible to keep an eye on, goaltender Love Härenstam has been stellar over the past month and a half - ever since the Five Nations Tournament (where he won both his starts including a 42-save performance against Team USA). Since then, he’s 5-1, regularly facing 30+ shots a night. On the season, he has an impressive .905 SV%. That’s especially impressive as a 17-year-old playing in the J20 Nationell. He’s worth some check ins over the next year.

NHL DRAFT PROSPECTS: 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Preview – Players to Watch

Brock Otten — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:19:17 +0000

The first scouting event of the new draft season is right around the corner, and everyone is rightfully excited. On July 31st, action gets under way at the 2023 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in Breclav and Trencin, with Canada looking to repeat as Champions. Last year, Canada captured gold on the back of strong play by Cal Ritchie, Brayden Yager, and Cam Allen, and they enter this year’s tournament as the favourites again. Once again, Russia will not be participating due to the ongoing war with Ukraine, and Germany will be taking their usual spot.

Let’s go over some of the players to watch for each team.

Group A

Czechia

Adam Jecho - Forward

Amazingly, this will be Jecho’s third Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. He’s still looking for his first goal at the event but should definitely earn it this year as one of the top forwards in the tournament. A potential lottery pick, he has recently signed on with Edmonton of the WHL for this year. The big winger is dynamite in transition with his size and speed.

Adam Jiricek - Defense

The younger brother of top Columbus prospect David Jiricek, Adam plays a similar kind of game. He can have a real positive impact on the game offensively but is still finding his footing as an elite two-way player. He is another potential lottery selection on this roster.

David Svozil - Defense

Another brother of a solid NHL defense prospect, David is the sibling of Stanislav. He too is a smooth skating puck mover, but he has a larger frame than his brother giving him a bit better defensive upside.

Tomas Galvas - Defense

Intelligent, two-way defender with high end skating ability. Galvas has already seen action in the Czech Extraliga. There will be questions about his high-end upside, but this is going to be a big tournament for him to prove that he belongs in the first round conversation like his teammates.

Jakub Fibigr - Defense

If you hadn’t guessed, the defense should be the strong suit of this Czech team with four potential high selections coming into the season. Fibigr is also a smooth skating defender, but one with the potential to quarterback the powerplay and put up points.

Adam Benak (2025) - Forward

One of the few 2007 born players at the event this year, Benak is an incredibly talented center who dazzled at the U17’s last year as an underager, even pulling off “The Michigan.” His role on this Czech squad could be more support oriented, but he’s a potential top prospect for 2025.

Germany

Manuel Schams - Defense

The likely captain of this Germany squad, Schams has been relied upon to be the top defender in the ‘05 age group thus far. A two-way defender and possibly Germany’s best hope to have a 2024 draft selection, look for him to eat heavy minutes.

Rio Kaiser (2025) - Defense

Kaiser is a raw defender with great upside thanks to his massive 6’7 frame. He is a late born 2006, so he’s not NHL draft eligible until 2025. Recently selected by Peterborough in the Import Draft, he will stay in Germany this year.

David Lewandowski (2025) - Forward

The 2007 age group is a much better one for Germany with several players showing the potential to be potential NHL draft selections. Lewandowski is a rangy pivot with strong puck protection skill, and he could be the team’s first line center despite being an underager.

Gustavs Griva (2025) - Forward

Another 2007 born player on the roster who will likely play a large role. Latvian born, but German raised winger who also has a twin on the team (Richards). While both are great players, Gustavs is the likely higher touted for now.

Carlos Handel (2025) - Defense

Yes, another high end 2007. Handel could be one of the top defenders on this German team as an underager. He’s going to be playing this year in Sweden with the Malmo program. There is high hope that he can turn into a Seider/Reinbacher type of prospect in the future.

Sweden

Alexander Zetterberg - Forward

No, he is not the son of former Red Wings star Henrik Zetterberg, but there is apparently some distant relation between the two. What is certain is that Zetterberg enters the year as the top 2006 born Swedish player eligible for the draft (there are other strong late 2005’s). As such, the diminutive, but skilled and feisty center will be counted upon to be an offensive leader for this Swedish team.

Alfons Freij - Defense

An aggressive offensive defender with quick feet, Freij has the potential to be the first Swedish defender selected in 2024. He is ultra confident with the puck on his stick, and he was good for Sweden in a depth role at last year’s World Junior A Challenge, an event containing some pretty solid older prospects.

Anton Olsson - Defense

Not to be confused with the Nashville stay at home defender of the same name. This Anton Olsson is much more offensively oriented and fleet of foot. He should help anchor the blueline with Freij, as he did at last year’s U17’s.

Lucas Pettersson - Forward

Pettersson is an intelligent two-way center who has great playmaking chops. He was the second leading U17 scorer in the Swedish J20 league last year behind Zetterberg and he should form a great 1/2 punch down the middle for Sweden.

Karl Sterner - Forward

Lately there seems to be a big Swedish forward with intriguing athletic potential available every year at the draft. This year, that player appears to be Sterner. He shows an ability to put defenders on his back and control the wall. The skill, size, and skating combination will be very interesting to watch this year.

Linus Eriksson - Forward

Don’t let the limited production at last year’s U17’s fool you, Eriksson was one of Sweden’s top players at the event. He uses his strong skating ability to impact the game in all three zones and has the creativity to be a topflight playmaker. Eriksson’s upside is very high, and he will be one to watch at this tournament and throughout this season.

Victor Eklund (2025) - Forward

A large contingent of the top end forwards on this Swedish team are late birthdays. Victor is the younger brother of top San Jose Sharks prospect William Eklund. He plays the game in a similar way, as a slippery and creative playmaker. However, he did struggle at the J20 level last year and at the U17’s.

Viggo Nordlund (2025) - Forward

Kind of a similar player to Zetterberg…and yes, he is also a late born 2006 player. Nordlund was very noticeable at last year’s U17’s due to his combination of vision, passing ability, and strong agility. He can really keep the puck on a string, and he should play a top six role at this event.

Love Harenstam (2025) - Goaltender

In contention to be the best 2007 born goaltender on the planet, there is no guarantee that Harenstam sees considerable action given that he is an underager. However, he is a player to watch based on his immense upside as the next great Swedish netminder…and of course his amazing name.

United States

Trevor Connelly - Forward

One of the key figures on this U.S. team, Connelly was already an impact player in the USHL last year as a 16-year-old for Tri-City. He brings size, speed, and skill and is a lethal scorer from inside the dots. He also competes hard away from the puck and could ultimately be a first round pick next June.

Mac Swanson - Forward

Not the biggest forward, but Swanson is incredibly skilled. He was a near point per game player in the USHL as a 16-year-old for Fargo and was one of the best players in last year’s Clark Cup playoffs. His playmaking ability and vision are near elite. This tournament will be a big test for him. Players at his size (5’7) need to produce to be drafted.

AJ Spellacy - Forward

A big power forward playing for the Windsor Spitfires who was having a terrific rookie year prior to a season ending knee injury. He was a surprise addition to camp given his injury timeline but ended up making the team. He brings a ton of physicality and energy to the ice and can be a difference maker in transition.

Aidan Park - Forward

One of a few California kids on this roster, Park is a Shattuck St. Mary’s standout who is committed to the University of Michigan in the future. He’s an intelligent two-way forward with good skill and speed who didn’t look out of place in limited USHL action last year.

William Zellers - Forward

Another Shattucks St. Mary’s player on the roster, Zellers is a high IQ support winger who should play on the first two lines of this U.S. team. The Boston University commit is also a member of the Green Bay Gamblers.

Owen Keefe - Defense

Expect Keefe to be a defensive anchor for the U.S. at this event. He’s got a very polished and mature defensive game already thanks to strong mobility, reach, and a high IQ. The Muskegon (USHL) defender is a Boston University commit.

Will Felicio - Defense

Felicio is an undersized, but talented offensive defender who can run the powerplay and move the puck. He was a member of the USHL All Rookie team last year after a great season with Madison. Look for Felicio to run a potentially dangerous powerplay at this event.

Thatcher Bernstein - Goaltender

One of the top goalies in the prep school scene last year as a 16-year-old, Bernstein appears to have the inside edge to be the starting netminder for this U.S. team. He has the size that NHL teams are looking for and he’ll be playing for Dubuque this year in the USHL.

Ryker Lee (2025) - Forward

Lee is yet another Shattuck St. Mary’s player and is perhaps the only one guaranteed to return to the program this year as a late born 2006. He is a highly creative and skilled offensive player who could play a top six role on this team despite some size/strength deficits.

Group B

Canada

Sam Dickinson - Defense

Dickinson, a London Knights defender, is a potential top ten selection this year as a dominant two-way player. He controls the play with his combination of length and mobility, and he can have a profound impact on the transition game. Look for him to be one of the better defensemen at the event.

Henry Mews - Defense

Another potential top ten selection on the blueline out of the OHL, Mews is a different player than Dickinson, but he is equally effective and intriguing as a prospect. He oozes offensive potential thanks to his high-end vision and touch. He will also be an integral part of this Canadian Hlinka team.

Zayne Parekh - Defense

Look for Parekh to quarterback to the top Canadian powerplay after a record-breaking season in the OHL. His 21 goals set a new record for scoring by a U17 defender in the OHL. He’s a hybrid style defender with a high skill level and the skating ability to play aggressively with the puck.

Berkly Catton - Forward

The former first overall pick in the WHL by Spokane, Catton will be one of the main forwards to keep an eye on at this event. He is a potential top five selection thanks to the pivot’s complete game and skill level. He can do it all on the ice.

Cayden Lindstrom - Forward

Lindstrom is a huge, but lanky forward who is still learning how to unlock his physical potential. He can be an absolute force on net drives already and flashes high end skill in transition. Imagine how good he’ll be once he fills out his frame? Expect him to be a draft riser over the course of the year and it could start with a strong performance here.

Maxim Masse - Forward

One of the few players from the QMJHL on the roster this year, Masse was the CHL Rookie of the Year last season. Masse is a skilled scoring winger who also has good size and plays hard away from the puck. The Hlinka/Gretzky offers him an opportunity to show scouts that he has worked hard to improve his skating.

Michael Misa (2025) - Forward

The lone 2007 born player on this Canadian roster, Misa was granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada to enter the OHL early. He did not disappoint in his rookie year, albeit in the face of some injuries. He is a dynamic force when attacking with pace because of his ability to blend speed and skill. His shot is insanely good too. Look for him to be among the team’s offensive leaders despite his age.

Porter Martone (2025) - Forward

Expectations for Martone at this event will be quite high after he was great for Canada in a depth role at the U18’s as an underager. The late born 2006 winger plays a power game and has the size and skill to dominate down low.

Malcolm Spence (2025) - Forward

Another late 2006 born forward on this roster who could play a large role, Spence is an athletic beast. His rookie year with Erie had its ups and downs, but he did enough to flash his high-end offensive upside thanks to his combination of size and skill. Of all the players on this Canadian roster, Spence is the one that I’m most intrigued to see improvement from.

Gabriel D’Aigle (2025) - Goaltender

The last time we saw D’Aigle, he was thrust into action in the medal round for Canada at the U18’s despite being only 16. While he wasn’t fantastic, he held his own under the circumstances and should be one of the best goalies at this event. He’s not NHL draft eligible until 2025 with a late November birthday.

Finland

*of note, top Finnish ‘06’s Aron Kiviharju and Konsta Helenius will compete with Finland in the upcoming U20 showcase in Plymouth instead of the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup.

Veeti Vaisanen - Defense

There is some thought out there that Vaisanen has a chance to push ahead of Kiviharju as the top Finnish defender available this year. With Kiviharju out of the event, he will get his chance to shine. He’s a highly mobile two-way defender who will need to show that his offensive capabilities are high end.

Niilopekka Muhonen - Defense

Muhonen is a big defender who has already been playing at the U18 level for a year now, suiting up at last year’s Hlinka/Gretzky and this year’s U18’s. He’s already very polished in the defensive end and has great upside as a shutdown type. Does he have the upside to match? He could easily be a first-round pick next June if he shows that.

Joona Saarelainen - Forward

Likely to be the first line center and primary play driver for this Finnish entry, Saarelainen is a skilled, but undersized pivot. He played at this tournament last year as an underager and will try to use that experience to help Finland overcome the loss of their two best players.

Roope Vesterinen - Forward

Another undersized, but skilled forward, Vesterinen was lethal at last year’s U17’s, helping Finland take bronze. He thinks the game at a high level and has the high-end skating ability to beat defenders one on one.

Emil Hemming - Forward

A nice contrast to the undersized, high skill forwards in the age group for Finland, Hemming is a skilled power winger who excels driving the middle. The question for Finland is, do they load up a first line with their three top forwards or try to balance out the roster?

Petteri Rimpinen - Goaltender

Rimpinen was on Finland’s Hlinka/Gretzky Cup squad last year as an underager and returns this year as the starter. He may not have the elite size scouts are looking for (currently listed at 6’0), but he does have the athleticism. He was terrific in the Finnish junior leagues last year and has a chance to be the tournament’s best goaltender.

Switzerland

Daniil Ustinkov - Defense

Ustinkov is a player that many scouts will have their eyes on at this tournament, to see how he can lead a strong ‘06 group for Switzerland. He’s a dynamic offensive defender who looks to consistently push pace and who looks poised running the point of the powerplay. He already has a ton of experience at this U18 level internationally too.

Jamiro Reber - Forward

Heading into the tournament, Reber is the other top talent for Switzerland. He is slick and skilled, making him difficult to contain as he pushes into the offensive zone with speed. He’s leaving Switzerland to play in Sweden this year as part of the HV71 program.

Leon Muggli - Defense

Muggli has long been the captain of this strong ‘06 group and he will help anchor the defense along with Ustinkov and Gian Meier. He doesn’t have the flash of Ustinkov, but he is a hyper intelligent blueliner who excels in the defensive end.

Gian Meier - Defense

A big right shot defender, Meier is going to get a ton of ice time at this tournament as part of a strong defensive group for the Swiss. A raw player still trying to find his game, it will be interesting to track his development this year.

Yannik Ponzetto - Forward

Already signed on to play with the Halifax Mooseheads this season, Ponzetto is another integral piece of the forward group along with Reber. The big winger plays a power game, which should blend well with Reber’s skill on the top unit.

Christian Kirsch - Goaltender

Likely to be the starting netminder for the Swiss, Kirsch is a hyper athletic netminder with size. We saw him struggle at the U18’s this year as an underager, but he’s fared much better against his own age group. He has a commitment to UMass and is a draft pick of the Green Bay Gamblers (USHL).

Slovakia

Ondrej Maruna - Forward

Drafted by Charlottetown in the Import draft this year, there is belief that he will end up in the QMJHL this year. He’s a versatile two-way forward with size who may just be the top NHL draft prospect of this 2024 Slovak group. He played at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup as an underager last year too.

Theo Kiss - Forward

A UMass commit who has been playing with Mount St. Charles Academy the last few seasons, Kiss will likely play with Des Moines of the USHL this year. He is a very creative and skilled offensive player and it will be interesting to see what he can do on a larger stage.

Tomas Pobezal (2025) - Forward

The only true star of this 2006 Slovak group, Pobezal has already been on the international stage for a few years now. He played at both last year’s Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and this year’s U18’s. Thanks to a late birthday, he’s not draft eligible until 2025. This will be a big event to prove that he belongs in the conversation with some of the other top Slovaks who have dominated the tournament recently.

Luka Radivojevič (2025) - Defense

The son of former OHL’er and NHL’er Branko Radivojevič, Luka is quite different from his father. He’s a smooth skating, puck moving defender without the elite size his father had. He has been playing in Sweden the last two years and is part of a much stronger 2007 group for the Slovaks.

Tobias Tomik (2026) - Forward

Likely the youngest player at this entire event, Tomik is a December born 2007. He’s already been playing a level up Internationally for the Slovaks and now faces his next challenge as part of the U18 group. He is a pure shooter with high end goal scoring potential.

Love Harenstam – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #13 St. Louis Blues – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 13th (Last Year - 10th) GM: Doug Armstrong Hired: July 2010 (Also President of Hockey Operations) COACH: Jim Montgomery Hired: November 2024

Adam Jiricek, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

Otto Stenberg, C, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Theo Lindstein, D, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Juraj Pekarcik, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Dmitri Buchelnikov, LW, CSKA Moscow (KHL)

Lukas Fischer, D, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Love Härenstam, G, Södertälje SK (Allsvenskan)

Jack Finley, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Colin Ralph, D, Michigan State University (NCAA) (Currently with Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL)

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Matvei Korotky, C, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

Dylan Peterson, RW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Jakub Stancl, LW, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)

Adam Jecho, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

2026 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE – GOALTENDING POWER RANKING FOR ALL TEN NATIONS

#1 Canada

Projected Starter: Carter George

Projected Backup: Jack Ivankovic

#2 Finland

Projected Starter: Petteri Rimpinen

Projected Backup: Kim Saarinen

#3 Sweden

Projected Starter: Love Harenstam

Projected Backup: Herman Liv

#4 Slovakia

Projected Starter: Michal Pradel

Projected Backup: Alan Lendak

#5 Switzerland

Projected Starter: Christian Kirsch

Projected Backup: Elijah Neuenschwander

#6 United States

Projected Starter: Nick Kempf

Projected Backup: Caleb Heil

#7 Czechia

Projected Starter: Michal Orsulak

Projected Backup: Matyas Marik

#8 Germany

Projected Starter: Linus Vieillard

Projected Backup: Lukas Stuhrmann

#9 Latvia

Projected Starter: Nils Roberts Maurins

Projected Backup: Mikus Vecvanags

#10 Denmark

Projected Starter: Anton Emil Wilde Larsen

Projected Backup: Patrick Tiedjen

NHL: Affiliated prospects who have made rapid progress this season – Europe Part Two

Arttu Myllymaki - Finnish Regional Scout

Lasse Boelius, Defense, Assat, Liiga (Anaheim Ducks)

Chapin Landvogt - Central European Regional Scout

Ludvig Johnson, Defense - HC Fribourg-Gottéron, NL (Utah Mammoth)

Liam Crouse - Goaltending Scout

Love Harenstam - G, Södertälje SK, Allsvenskan (St. Louis Blues)

Marek Novotny - Central European Regional Scout

Vojtech Hradec - Center, BK Mladá Boleslav, Czechia (Utah Mammoth)

Matej Deraj - Central European Regional Scout

Petr Sikora, Center, HC Oceláři Třinec, Czechia (Washington Capitals)

2025 NHL DRAFT: DECEMBER RANKING – TOP 64 + Honourable Mentions – PRE-WJC

2025 NHL DRAFT: DECEMBER RANKING – TOP 32 – PRE-WJC

2024 HLINKA GRETZKY CUP PREVIEW: Team overview and players to watch

Group A

Canada

Five Players to Watch:

Gavin McKenna

Cameron Schmidt

Caleb Desnoyers

Matthew Schaefer

Jack Ivankovic

Sweden

Five Players to Watch:

Jakob Ihs-Wozniak

Sascha Boumedienne

Filip Ekberg

Viggo Bjorck

Love Harenstam

Slovakia

Five Players to Watch:

Prospect System Ranking – 13th (Last Year - 10th)
GM: Doug Armstrong Hired: July 2010 (Also President of Hockey Operations)
COACH: Jim Montgomery Hired: November 2024