Lucas Edmonds – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTING – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #30

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Brock Otten — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 13:00:39 +0000

_{NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 25: Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Maxwell Crozier (65) looks on during a game between the against the against the Tampa Bay Lightning and New Jersey Devils on February 25, 2024 at Prudential Center in the Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Rank – 30th (Previous Rank - 29th)
GM: Julien BriseBois Hired: September 2018
COACH: Jon Cooper Hired: March 2013

The Tampa Bay Lightning continues to embody the "run it back" philosophy, relying on a veteran core to remain competitive year after year. It's hard to argue with the results, as they are just two years removed from three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and back-to-back championships. However, with aging veterans and little value sitting on the shelves, the end of the runway may be in sight.

Julien BriseBois has been notably averse to first-round picks, having selected in the first round only twice since his hiring in 2018. Unless future trades are made, that trend could continue into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft after bringing back a familiar face in Ryan McDonough for a top 10 protected first pick.

However, for the first time in what feels like a decade, perhaps we’ve finally seen a change in strategy.

In a surprising move, the Lightning acquired top prospect Conor Geekie (ranked 32nd by McKeen’s) from the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for 26-year-old Mikael Sergachev. This trade gives Tampa Bay their first top 50 McKeen’s ranked prospect in quite some time and may signal a shift towards replenishing their prospect pool—an unfamiliar prospect for Lightning fans.

Adding the likes of Geekie, who may even see games in the 2024-25 campaign, is a step in the right direction, but there is still a long road ahead.

Gage Goncalves, a 2020 second-round pick, has been developing steadily in Syracuse, coming off a strong season with 58 points in 69 games to finish just outside the top 10 in AHL scoring. At 23 years old, he’s likely to be given a longer leash after a brief stint in the 2023-24 season.

Isaac Howard (157th), the Lightnings’ only first-round draft pick in the last five years, remains a key part of their future, though he will continue to develop at the collegiate level with Michigan State. While there’s hope he could see NHL ice time as early as this spring, the team’s status as a perennial playoff contender raises questions about whether rushing him into the lineup is the best course of action.

The recent swap of Steven Stamkos for Jake Guentzel indicates that the Lightning will continue their push to remain relevant as long as players like Victor Hedman (33), Nikita Kucherov (31), Brayden Point (28) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (30) are in town.

Tampa Bay’s championship window is still wide open, but with little depth, and a lack of draft capital, they are treading in dangerous waters for the future.

Tampa Bay Lightning Top-15 Prospects

1. Conor Geekie

One of the big pieces acquired from Utah in the Mikhail Sergachev deal, Geekie immediately became Tampa’s best prospect. The big power pivot is such a difficult player to stop North/South, as he drives the middle lane with speed and advanced puck protection ability. The former 11th overall selection nearly broke the 100-point barrier in the WHL last season and is ready to take that next step as a pro. The big debate surrounding Geekie revolves around his upside as an NHL player. When his size and power advantage is neutralized, how effective will he be as an offensive player? Does he think the game at a high enough level to drive play and make those around him better at the NHL level? Geekie’s future could take a variety of different turns. Could he be a top six power center cut from the same cloth as the Tkachuk brothers? Or is he destined to be more of a bottom six contributor? Tampa Bay will learn a lot more about Geekie’s upside this year at the pro level.

2. Ethan Gauthier

Gauthier, the son of former NHL defender Denis Gauthier, and the 37th overall pick in last year’s draft, had another successful season in the QMJHL, this time with Drummondville after an offseason trade. The physically assertive forward plays a pro style game that revolves around being able to earn touches between the hash marks. He drives the net, forechecks hard, and has continued to round out his game as a two-way player. Gauthier also shoots the puck well and his goal scoring ability is the component of his offensive arsenal that likely translates the best to the pro level. To be an effective pro, Gauthier continues to work on his skating, working to become more explosive and agile. He’ll return to the QMJHL this season and should be one of the league’s top forwards as a 20-year-old. Depending on the development of his off puck play and skating, he could be NHL ready, sooner rather than later.

3. Isaac Howard

Howard, the team’s only first round selection in the last five years, had a terrific sophomore season after hitting the transfer portal the previous offseason. Howard shifted from Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State, and it had a very positive impact on his development. He led the Spartans in scoring last year and also played a crucial role for the United States at the WJC’s, helping them capture gold. Howard was noticeably stronger on the puck last season, helping him take greater advantage of his strong skating ability to generate scoring chances. He’s a very dangerous player on the counterattack, and despite his low goal total at Michigan State, actually possesses high upside as a goal scorer because of his quick release. Howard will return to Michigan State this year as a junior and he should be considered a preseason candidate for the Hobey Baker. He might just have the highest upside of any player in Tampa’s system.

4. Niko Huuhtanen

Huuhtanen continued on the terrific development path that he started after a breakout season with WHL Everett in 2022. Two years ago, he was the rookie of the year in Liiga and this past year he led Jukurit in scoring. The big power forward signed late last season and finished his year in the AHL, giving him a taste of what to expect this coming year, his first as a pro in North America. Huuhtanen is a throwback power winger who plays a very heavy game. He’s a relentless physical player who is still learning how to walk the line in terms of discipline. However, he is most effective when he plays the power game, dominating the wall and the net front area. Huuhtanen is a prolific goal scorer, too, thanks to a very heavy release and one timer. His positive development curve has put him on a path to become a quality middle six option for the Lightning in the near future.

5. Gage Goncalves

It’s been a long road for Goncalves. The former WHL standout has now played three seasons in the AHL, improving in each of them. He led Syracuse in scoring by a significant margin this past season and finally earned a cup of coffee with the Lightning. The two-way pivot has proven to be a versatile pro. He plays an intelligent game at both ends, excelling on and off the puck. His attention to detail as a defensive player is likely going to be the thing that gets him into the NHL in a depth role before he carves out a larger one. As an offensive player, his vision and playmaking ability stand out most. He understands how to alter pace to manipulate defenses and is hard on pucks to help his line prolong offensive zone time. This year, Goncalves will need to pass through waivers in order to go to the AHL, so it seems likely that if he has a good camp, he will be given a bottom six role in Tampa Bay.

6. Max Crozier

The Lightning have to be ecstatic about what Crozier showed this past season after turning pro. Earlier last season he did not look out of place in Tampa Bay when the Lightning were having serious injury issues on the blueline. Closing out the year with Syracuse, Crozier was a near point per game defender in the AHL. Full of confidence, we saw the full scope of the impact that he can have on the game at both ends. The 6-foot-2 right shot defender does a lot of things well. He defends well thanks to an aggressive approach, a long reach, and good mobility. He takes away space from opposing forwards and defends tight spaces well thanks to his physical assertiveness. Crozier also makes a clean exit pass and has flashed an ability to quarterback the powerplay, with a strong ability to get shots through traffic. While Crozier might not have significant NHL upside, he looks like someone who can be a stable #4 or 5 defender for many years.

7. Declan Carlile

Carlile is about to be a third-year pro after a strong performance at Merrimack College and is a standout in the defensive end. He projects as a quality stay at home defender at the NHL level and he may be ready for an NHL roster spot as early as this season. He has the size. He has the reach. He is mobile. He brings physicality. He has an active stick but is also aggressive in taking away space. Carlile looks like he can help anchor a penalty killing unit in the NHL. As an offensive player, his heavy point shot helps to generate scoring chances or goals and he can make a good exit pass, but he is at his best when he keeps things simple. Much like Max Crozier, Carlile looks like a long time NHL defender for Tampa Bay, but probably tops out as a third pairing type.

8. Dylan Duke

On a Michigan team full of potential front end NHL players, Duke stood out consistently for all the right reasons this past season, finishing third in scoring and first in goals on the Wolverines. It was a very promising junior season for the diminutive pivot. Duke has always been a highly skilled playmaker who creates time and space for himself with his hands, but upgrades to his strength, off puck play, shot, and skating really upgraded his projection as a pro. Somewhat surprisingly, Duke decided to turn pro, signing with Tampa Bay at the end of the season. It might have been wise for him to return to Michigan to continue to upgrade his physical tools; he would have had a shot at being one of the better players in College Hockey this year. However, it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the AHL level. While he may still be a bit of a long shot given his lack of high-end physical tools, his upside remains intriguing.

9. Jack Finley

The massive center took a nice step forward in his second pro season with Syracuse last year. Teams have to be patient with bigger forwards as they grow into their frame and Finley has been no different. He dominated down low at the WHL level before turning pro but had to continue to upgrade his strength and conditioning in order to do that at the AHL level. Behind the net is his office and he has very good vision coming off the wall and the cycle. Finley has also had to adjust to the pace of the pro game, especially as an only average skater. He’s likely still a bit away from making an impact in Tampa Bay, but the Lightning have to be hoping that he can continue to develop into an Adam Lowry kind of high end third line center in the future. The Lightning will be hoping that Finley can inch closer to the point per game mark with Syracuse this year.

10. Daniil Pylenkov

Pylenkov’s development has been steady since the Lightning drafted him in 2021 in his second last year of eligibility. Now 23 (turning 24 soon), Pylenkov has emerged as one of the top young defencemen in the KHL. He still has a year remaining on his KHL deal so he won’t be coming over this year, but after that? He could be an option for Tampa as a bottom pairing defender. Pylenkov is certainly not a flashy player, however he’s a very crafty one. He makes a clean exit. He is a great stick on-puck defender. He makes sound decisions with his reads with and without the puck. His NHL upside is likely limited, but the progression of his offensive game in the KHL suggests that his projection could continue to improve. Defensive depth never hurts and Tampa has built that up well.

11. Hagen Burrows

Last year’s winner of Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey Award, Burrows was a fourth-round pick of the Lightning in 2024. The big winger was excellent last season, splitting time between the USHL and high school hockey. Burrows plays a mature game, tough to separate from the puck and an excellent playmaker coming off the wall. There’s a definitive need for him to improve his skating and he’ll try to do that at the University of Denver this season.

12. Hugo Alnefelt

13. Jayson Shaugabay

One of the most skilled and creative players in Tampa’s system, Shaugabay opted to play a full season in the USHL last season before making the jump to the NCAA. This allowed the diminutive forward to continue to build strength so that he can take greater advantage of his offensive gifts. Shaugabay will now head to Minnesota-Duluth this year and will likely be given a good shot to play a key offensive role as a freshman.

14. Lucas Edmonds

After a strong rookie season in the AHL two years ago, last season was a step back for Edmonds. No question, he’s a talented playmaker. However, there’s a strong need for him to upgrade his physical tools still to be a more consistent pro. 2024/25 is going to be a critical season for his development. A qualifying offer is likely dependent on his performance and progress.

15. Gabriel Szturc

The Lightning have had some good success signing free agents out of the CHL and the team dipped into that pool again a few times last year. Czech pivot and former Kelowna Rocket captain Gabriel Szturc is one such player. He’s a competitive, two-way, playmaker who, ignoring the cliche, plays much larger than his size. He projects as a versatile bottom six forward for Tampa Bay.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #29 Tampa Bay Lightning – Organizational Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Tue, 28 May 2024 20:15:54 +0000

240102 Isaac Howard of USA during the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship quarter final game between USA and Latvia on January 2, 2024 in Gothenburg.
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN / kod CS / CS0475

They are only two seasons removed from a Stanley Cup Final appearance, following back-to-back cup wins. Two first-round exits in a row have many analysts questioning whether the window to win is closing. GM Julien Brisebois has been at the helm for the success and has been clear he still very much believes in this core to become champions once again and has repeatedly pushed his chips to the center of the table, trading future for the present. They are one of only two teams with no graduated prospects in the last five years. They do not pick until the fifth round in 2024 and have already moved their 2025 pick in a massive package of picks for Tanner Jeannot. Their 2024 pick was used in a package (including a 2023 1st round pick and other pieces) for Brandon Hagel.

Jeannot is 26 years old, and a UFA at the end of the season, while Hagel is 25, and has subsequently signed an eight-year extension with the team. They join a core group that is not as old as reports would have you believe. 34-year-old Steven Stamkos and his free agency will dominate the news over the offseason. Victor Hedman is 33 years old but showed he still has a lot to offer this season after a down year in 2022-23. If Stamkos does sign elsewhere, it will free up valuable cap space. An issue that has been a continuous challenge for the organization. The Lightning are focused on winning with this core. They include one of the best players in the world in Nikita Kucherov, who is only 30 years old, and elite goaltender Andrei Vasilevsky at 29, along with 28-year-old Brayden Point, and 25-year-old Mikhail Sergachev (injured this past season). You have a core that is elite and knows how to win. With or without Stamkos, Tampa will be a contender for a few years yet.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Ethan Gauthier	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	`23(37th)	64	36	35	71	42
2	Isaac Howard	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	`22(31st)	36	8	28	36	10
3	Niko Huuhtanen	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	`21(224th)	52	19	27	46	46
4	Gage Goncalves	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	`20(62nd)	69	13	45	58	43
5	Max Crozier	D	24	6-1/195	Syracuse (AHL)	`19(120th)	49	4	17	21	43
5	Max Crozier	D	24	6-1/195	Tampa Bay (NHL)	`19(120th)	13	0	2	2	7
6	Declan Carlile	D	23	6-2/190	Syracuse (AHL)	FA(3/22)	61	7	20	27	26
7	Hugo Alnefelt	G	22	6-3/195	Syracuse (AHL)	`19(71st)	30	14	8	2.76	0.893
8	Jack Finley	C	21	6-6/215	Syracuse (AHL)	`20(57th)	52	13	19	32	29
9	Dylan Duke	LW	21	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	`21(126th)	41	26	23	49	30
10	Daniil Pylenkov	D	23	6-1/195	Dynamo Moskva (KHL)	`21(196th)	67	7	22	29	18
11	Dyllan Gill	D	19	6-1/180	Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)	`22(223rd)	12	1	8	9	2
12	Jayson Shaugabay	RW	18	5-9/155	Green Bay (USHL)	`23(115th)	62	15	40	55	12
13	Lucas Edmonds	RW	23	5-10/180	Syracuse (AHL)	`22(86th)	45	9	7	16	6
14	Connor Kurth	RW	20	5-11/205	Minnesota (B1G)	`22(192nd)	37	7	14	21	14
15	Roman Schmidt	D	21	6-5/210	Kit-Kgn (OHL)	`21(96th)	47	8	24	32	62

1. Ethan Gauthier, RW, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

Ethan Gauthier, the son of former NHL defender Denis Gauthier and the 37th overall pick in last year’s draft, had another successful season in the QMJHL, this time with Drummondville after an offseason trade. The physically assertive forward plays a pro-style game that revolves around being able to earn touches between the hash marks. He drives the net, forechecks hard, and has continued to round out his game as a two-way player. He also shoots the puck well and his goal-scoring ability is the component of his offensive arsenal that likely translates the best to the pro level. To be an effective pro, he continues to work on his skating, working to become more explosive and agile. He’ll return to the QMJHL next season and should be one of the league’s top forwards as a 20-year-old. Depending on the development of his off puck play and skating, he could be NHL ready, sooner, rather than later.

2. Isaac Howard, LW, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Isaac Howard, the team’s only first round selection in the last four years, had a terrific sophomore season after hitting the transfer portal last offseason. Howard shifted from Minnesota-Duluth to Michigan State, and it had a very positive impact on his development. He led the Spartans in scoring this year and also played a crucial role for the United States at the WJC’s, helping them capture gold. He was noticeably stronger on the puck this year, helping him take greater advantage of his strong skating ability to generate scoring chances. He’s a very dangerous player on the counterattack, and despite his low goal total at Michigan State, actually possesses high upside as a goal scorer because of his quick release. Howard will return to Michigan State next year as a junior and he should be considered a preseason candidate for the Hobey Baker. Without question, he has the highest upside of any player in Tampa’s system.

3. Niko Huuhtanen, RW, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Niko Huuhtanen has continued on the terrific development path that he started after a breakout season with Everett of the WHL in 2022. Last year he was the rookie of the year in Liiga and this year he led Jukurit in scoring. The big, power forward remains unsigned, but there has to be a strong chance that he signs soon and plays next year in North America again. Huuhtanen is a throwback power winger who plays a very heavy game. He’s a relentless physical player who is still learning how to walk the line in terms of discipline. However, he is most effective when he plays the power game, dominating the wall and the net front area. He is a prolific goal scorer too, thanks to a very heavy release and one timer. His positive development curve has put him on a path to become a quality middle six option for the Lightning in the near future.

4. Gage Goncalves, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

It’s been a long road for Goncalves. The former WHL standout has now played three seasons in the AHL, improving in each of them. He led Syracuse in scoring by a significant margin this year and finally earned a cup of coffee with the Lightning. The two-way pivot has proven to be a versatile pro. He plays an intelligent game at both ends, excelling on and off the puck. His attention to detail as a defensive player is likely going to be the thing that gets him into the NHL in a depth role before he carves out a larger one. As an offensive player, his vision and playmaking ability stand out most. He understands how to alter pace to manipulate defenses and is hard on pucks to help his line prolong offensive zone time. Next year, He will need to pass through waivers in order to go to the AHL, so it seems likely that if he has a good camp, he will be given a bottom six role.

5. Max Crozier, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

The Lightning have to be ecstatic about what Max Crozier has shown this year after turning pro. Earlier this season he did not look out of place in Tampa Bay when the Lightning were having serious injury issues on the blueline. Closing out the year in the AHL, he has been a near point per game defender. Full of confidence, we’re seeing the full scope of the impact that he can have on the game at both ends. The 6’ 2”, right shot defender is one of those players who does a lot of things well. He defends well thanks to an aggressive approach, a long reach, and good mobility. He takes away space from opposing forwards and defends tight spaces well thanks to his physical assertiveness. He makes a clean exit pass and has flashed an ability to quarterback the powerplay, with a strong ability to get shots through traffic. While he might not have significant NHL upside, he can be a stable #4 or 5 defender for many years.

6. Declan Carlile, D, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

A second-year pro after a strong performance at Merrimack College, Carlile is a standout in the defensive end. He projects as a quality stay at home defender at the NHL level and he may be ready for an NHL roster spot as early as next season. He possesses the size. He has the reach. He is mobile. He brings physicality. He owns an active stick, but is also aggressive in taking away space. Carlile looks like someone who can help anchor a penalty killing unit in the NHL. As an offensive player, his heavy point shot helps to generate scoring chances or goals and he can make a good exit pass, but he is at his best when he keeps things simple. Much like Max Crozier, he looks like a long time NHL defender for Tampa Bay, but probably tops out as a third pairing type.

7. Hugo Alnefelt, G, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

Expectations were pretty high for Alnefelt a few years ago when he made the jump from the SHL to the AHL in Tampa’s system. At the time, he was considered one of the top European goaltending prospects. Since then, his development has stagnated to a certain degree. He hasn’t been awful for Syracuse, but he also hasn’t shown the kind of growth you would expect from a future NHL netminder. He has the tools to be one, but consistency has remained an issue for him. However, without much else in the system at the moment, Alnefelt remains the team’s top option for the future behind Vasilevsky. He will compete for the back-up job next year but does still have another year of waiver eligibility remaining. That means he probably returns to Syracuse, where Tampa will be hoping he finally takes that next step as one of the AHL’s top netminders.

8. Jack Finley, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

The massive center has taken a nice step forward in his second pro season with Syracuse. Teams have to be patient with bigger forwards as they grow into their frame and he has been no different. He dominated down low at the WHL level before turning pro but had to continue to upgrade his strength and conditioning in order to do that at the AHL level. Behind the net is his office and he has very good vision coming off the wall and the cycle. Finley has also had to adjust to the pace of the pro game, especially as an only average skater. He’s likely still a bit away from making an impact in Tampa Bay, but the Lightning have to be hoping that he can continue to develop into an Adam Lowry kind of high end third line center in the future.

9. Dylan Duke, C, Syracuse Crunch (AHL)

On a Michigan team full of potential front end NHL players, Duke stood out consistently for all the right reasons this year, finishing third in scoring and first in goals on the Wolverines. It was a very promising junior season for the diminutive pivot. He has always been a highly skilled playmaker who creates time and space for himself with his hands, but upgrades to his strength, off puck play, shot, and skating really upgraded his projection as a pro. Somewhat surprisingly, Duke decided to turn pro, signing with Tampa Bay recently. It might have been wise for him to return to Michigan to continue to upgrade his physical tools; he would have had a shot at being one of the better players in college hockey next year. While he may still be a bit of a long shot given his lack of high-end physical tools, his upside remains intriguing. Outside of Isaac Howard, no one in this system has the offensive upside that he possesses.

10. Daniil Pylenkov, D, Dynamo Moskva (KHL)

Daniil Pylenkov’s development has been steady since the Lightning drafted him in 2021 in his second last year of eligibility. Now 23, Pylenkov has emerged as one of the top young defensemen in the KHL. He still has a year remaining on his KHL deal so he won’t be coming over next year, but after that? He could be an option for Tampa as a bottom pairing defender. Pylenkov is certainly not a flashy player. However, he’s a very crafty one. He makes a clean exit. He is a great stick on puck defender. He makes sound decisions with his reads with and without the puck. His NHL upside is likely limited, but the progression of his offensive game in the KHL does suggest that his projection could continue to improve.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #32

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 18:59:22 +0000

Top 20 Tampa Bay Lightning Prospects

1. Isaac Howard

One of the more recent additions to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospect pool, Howard was drafted 31st overall in 2022, after putting up 82 points in 60 games with the USNTDP, as well as an impressive 11-point performance at U18s en route to a silver medal for Team USA. Last season, he moved on to the NCAA’s University of Minnesota-Duluth where he didn’t find that same offensive production and obviously wasn’t happy with his season as he has since transferred to Michigan State University for 2023-24. Howard is a speedy and creative playmaker who plays a strong small-area game. He can be a bit inconsistent in his effort level, but with the right coaching and development, he can reach his ceiling as a dependable second-line winger in the NHL. Lightning fans may need to be patient with him through his development as he works the kinks out.

2. Ethan Gauthier

After pumping in 6 goals and 7 points in 5 games for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, all eyes were on Gauthier’s QMJHL performance last season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix. Ultimately, the righty shot improved upon the 18 goals and 39 points of his freshman campaign into 30 goals and 69 points for his draft year, adding another 11 points in the playoffs and being named “Best Professional Prospect” in the Q for his efforts. A relentless pursuer of the puck who forces his opponents to make quick decisions, particularly on the forecheck, Gauthier possesses a smooth, mechanically-sound stride that utilizes sound crossovers and applies quick acceleration to create opportunities for his line. This is the fundamental strength and basis of his game that should allow for an NHL career in some capacity. Tampa Bay selected him 37th overall this summer with the hope that his keen understanding of how to apply his tools for generating offense will have him looking like a top-line support winger who plays a heavy game. His QMJHL rights were dealt to Drummondville, where the Lightning organization hopes he’ll enjoy a dominating offensive season before going pro.

3. Niko Huuhtanen

From being the last player selected in 2021 to the number three prospect in the Lightning system is a testament to both the development of Huuhtanen as well as an admission that he was drafted too low. The Finnish forward was selected after his second full season in the U20 SM-sarja, producing nearly a point-per-game. After being selected, he came overseas to the WHL’s Everett Silvertips where he impressed, leading all rookies in goals with 37 in just 65 games. He returned to Finland last season, but this time to the Liiga, where he again led all rookies in goals (17) as well as points (30). He has pro size and plays a hard, physical game while boasting a heavy shot. Huuhtanen is well on his way to slotting in as a bottom six contributor but could play up the lineup if called upon.

4. Jack Finley

It’s hard to miss Finley on the ice, standing at 6- 6” and 223 pounds. The Lightning took notice, selecting him 57th overall in 2020. He was coming off a strong sophomore season in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs but lost almost the entire 2020-21 season due to a torn labrum. He returned to the WHL for one final season, taking time to get back up to speed but looking strong down the stretch. He moved up to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch last season, again taking time to adjust but fitting in well as the season wore on. He’s likely not going to be a high-skill player but should bring strong possession ability and be a net-front presence. He needs to improve his skating and to learn how to use his size to his advantage, but he’s a raw, intriguing prospect. Finley could be a bottom-six forward when all is said and done.

5. Jack Thompson

Thompson was another product of the 2020 NHL Draft, 93rd overall, after doubling his scoring output in his second OHL season. He headed overseas to play in the HockeyEttan during the cancelled 2020-21 season, contributing a point-per-game as a defender. He came back to the OHL in 2021-22 as the captain of the Sudbury Wolves before a trade to the Soo. Thompson’s season including leading all OHL defenders in goals (21) and helping Canada to a World Juniors gold medal. He jumped to the AHL last season, looking extremely comfortable in the process. He’s capable of playing big minutes, thrives when getting involved offensively, and has shown steps forward on the defensive side of the puck as well. He’s a pretty well-rounded player without excelling in one specific area and has the potential to be a bottom-four, two-way presence, especially if he can maintain his offensive success at the pro levels.

6. Hugo Alnefelt

It feels as though Alnefelt has been on the cusp of the NHL ever since he was selected in the third round by the Lightning in 2019. The goaltender was coming off a good season in the J20 SuperElit, while standing out internationally in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning a silver medal, as well as in the U18s, winning a gold. The next two seasons were spent in the SHL while appearing in back-to-back World Juniors. Alnefelt moved to North America in 2021-22 and struggled in his first season, before looking more comfortable with the Crunch last season. When he’s on, he angles out shooters well and is quite agile in the net. He controls rebound well and has good athleticism. He’s been quite inconsistent thus far and can let in soft shots at times. He could become a reliable backup in the NHL and could make that move relatively soon.

7. Gage Goncalves

Goncalves has followed a steady trajectory in his development, showing some improving each season. After two seasons in the WHL, the Lightning took note, using the 62nd pick in 2020 to select him. Goncalves returned to the WHL for one more season in 2020-21, as the alternate captain, earning his first NHL contract and moving to the AHL in 2021-22. His professional transition was rather seamless and looked even better in his second go-round last season. As seems to be a theme with Lightning prospects, he’s a competitive forward who never quits on a play. He’s a strong playmaker with a knack for feeding the slot, plays a smart game, and rarely makes a mistake. Goncalves seems well on his way to an NHL roster where he should be able to secure a spot as a bottom six player who could play up if needed. The Lightning have definitely been looking for players of his specific type in recent years.

8. Lucas Edmonds

Originally eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft, Lucas Edmonds finally heard his name called in the 2022, 86th overall. After playing in Sweden in his first two draft eligible seasons, mainly in the J20 SuperElit, he split time between the HockeyAllsvenskan and HockeyEttan in 2020-21 and decided a change was needed, moving to the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs in 2021-22, where he put up 113 points in just 68 games, leading the league in assists (79). The Lightning bit, immediately signing him to an entry-level deal, and bringing him to the AHL. Edmonds played well last season, employing an intelligent, well-rounded game. A playmaker who knows how to create offense, his path has been an interesting one, but he likely tops out as an AHLer and call-up option. That said, there is a reasonable chance that he finds a regular role as a bottom-line winger as well, considering his quick adjustment to the AHL.

9. Dylan Duke

High energy, highly competitive prospects give themselves a better chance to make it and the Lightning are betting on just that with Duke. He was selected 126th overall in 2021 after a point-per-game season with the USNTDP, which included being named a top-three player in the U18s. He moved on to the NCAA with the University of Michigan in 2021-22, falling victim to a lack of ice time on a deep Wolverines team, and seeing his production dip in the process. He took on a bigger role last season, increasing in offense and earning the call to Team USA at the World Juniors, winning bronze. Duke is a tenacious winger with only one gear – high! He battles hard, always working to get the puck back on his team’s sticks. If everything pans out, he could be a very entertaining middle-six winger.

10. Jayson Shaugabay

Shaugabay is a shifty and highly deceptive playmaking winger with significant offensive upside. When playing in the Minnesota high school loop, he was the best player in the State, earning the coveted Mr. Hockey award for the season. He also started and finished the year with USHL Green Bay and was a standout for the Gamblers too, with one of the highest point per game averages on the team, albeit in a smaller sample size of games played. Shaugabay was one of the most skilled and creative players with the puck from the 2023 draft class. He routinely creates extra time and space for himself by beating the first and second layers of pressure, turning would-be defenders into pylons. That said, there are a lot of areas to his game that will need work for him to reach his high ceiling, particularly his skating and strength on the puck, especially given his size. Minnesota-Duluth should be a great place for him, a program that tends to draw players who are more polished off the puck and incorporate power into their game, which could help his creative style flourish while transforming him into a more well-rounded player.

11. Declan Carlilie

There is a very quiet effectiveness to Carlile’s game. Efficient at both ends, he can start the breakout or squash the opposition’s. After a very solid first full year in the AHL, the former Merrimack defender has put himself in contention for a roster spot with Tampa Bay.

12. Daniil Pylenkov

Pylenkov is quickly becoming one of the better young defenders in Russia after a strong KHL season. A standout in the defensive end, he could probably play a third pairing role already. However, he still has two years remaining on his KHL deal and there are questions as to whether he’s actually interested in coming over.

13. Cole Koepke

A goal scoring winger with some jam to his game, Koepke has yet to live up to the high expectations that the Lightning had for him through two pro seasons. He struggled in a cup of coffee with Tampa last season, but there’s still some hope that he can be a quality third line option, even though he’s already 25.

14. Nick Malik

It was a step backwards for Malik last year after he lost his starting role with KooKoo due to inconsistent play. The son of former NHL defender Marek Malik, Nick is a tremendous athlete, but he is still working to refine his approach in the crease.

15. Roman Schmidt

Schmidt is a massive defender who also happens to be fairly mobile for his size. After a few seasons in the OHL with Kitchener, he will turn pro this year. His focus will be on improving his puck management.

16. Gabriel Fortier

The offensive upside is not significant, but Fortier will likely be an NHL player in some capacity in the future due to his tenaciousness and the energy he brings in whatever role that is asked of him. He could be a full time fourth liner this upcoming season.

17. Max Crozier

Even with some decent offensive production at Providence, Crozier’s future in the NHL will probably be in more of a defensive role similar to the way Nick Perbix quickly rose through the system. The right shot defender moves well and brings a physical element. He will play with Syracuse this year.

18. Connor Kurth

A former USHL standout, Kurth is a very talented offensive player. However, his freshman production was pretty pedestrian as he got buried in the Gophers lineup. Tampa Bay is hoping that he can earn a larger role as a sophomore.

19. Waltteri Merela

Signed out of Finland this offseason, Merela is a big winger with strong puck protection skills. He helped Tappara capture Liiga and Champions League titles last year and could easily make the Lightning lineup out of camp.

20. Jack Harvey

Taken by Tampa in his final year of draft eligibility, Harvey will head to Boston University this fall after a few good seasons with Chicago of the USHL. His off-puck play improved a lot this year, prompting his selection.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #32 – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

Josh Bell — Thu, 11 May 2023 23:08:10 +0000

Prospect System Rank – 32nd

Two Stanley Cups and a final appearance last season was well worth spending future assets for current needs. The Lightning has consistently emptied the prospect cupboard each season successfully in search of championships. They are one of two teams who have not graduated any drafted prospects from the last five drafts as a result. This season was no different as they cleared whatever they had left in the tank to acquire 25-year-old Tanner Jeannot for Cal Foote, 2023 3rd round pick, 2023 4th round pick, 2023 5th round pick, 2024 2nd round pick, 2025 1st round pick (Top 10 protected). A rich haul for a restricted free agent at season’s end. He is presumably part of their plans going forward. They enter the current draft with only a 6^th and 7^th round pick.

Their current group of prospects do not offer any immediate help as they are still focused on winning for the next few seasons. The highest ranked prospect is Isaac Howard who is #119 overall (their only 1^st round pick since 2019 – Nolan Foote who has been subsequently traded and they have only two in the top 200 (Niko Huuhtanen #189). They have been known for their development and have had success filling from within without high picks. Cole Koepke is the best bet to add something from their depth but look for Lightning to continue to look for veteran depth adds at the expense of youth. They do not have many chips left to play with regards to picks.

Isaac Howard

One of the more recent additions to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospect pool, Isaac Howard was drafted 31st overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. This was after putting up 82 points in 60 games with the USNTDP, and an impressive 11-point performance at U18s en route to a silver medal for Team USA. This season, he’s moved on to the NCAA’s University of Minnesota-Duluth where he didn’t find that same offensive production and obviously wasn’t happy with his season as he’s transferring to Michigan State University for 2023-24. Howard is a speedy, creative, playmaker that plays a strong small-area game. He can be a bit inconsistent in his effort level at times, but with the right coaching and development, he can become a dependable second-line winger in the NHL. Lightning fans may need to be patient with him though as he develops and works the kinks out.

2. Niko Huuhtanen

From being the last player selected in the 2021 NHL Draft to the number two prospect in the Lightning system is a testament to both the development of Niko Huuhtanen as well as the fact that the forward was probably drafted too low. The Finnish forward was selected after his second full season in the U20 SM-sarja, playing at nearly a point-per-game clip. After being selected, he came overseas to the WHL’s Everett Silverstips where he impressed, leading all rookies in goals with 37 in just 65 games. He’s returned to Finland this season but to the Liiga, where he led all rookies in goals (17) and points (30). He has pro size and plays a hard, physical game while boasting a heavy shot. He’s well on his way to slotting in as a bottom six contributor but could play up the lineup if called upon.

3. Jack Finley

It’s hard to miss Jack Finley on the ice, standing at 6-foot-6 and 223 pounds. The Lightning took notice, selecting him 57th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. He was coming off a strong sophomore season with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL but lost almost the entire 2020-21 season with a torn labrum. He returned to the WHL for one last season, taking some time to get back up to speed but looking strong down the stretch. He moved up to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch this season, again taking some time to adjust but fitting in well. He’s likely not going to be a high-skill player but should be a player that can bring strong possession and be a net-front presence. He needs to improve his skating and he needs to learn how to use his size to his advantage, but he’s a raw, intriguing prospect. He could be a bottom six forward when all is said and done.

4. Jack Thompson

Jack Thompson was also selected in the 2020 NHL Draft, 93rd overall after doubling his output in his second OHL season. He headed overseas to play in the HockeyEttan during the cancelled 2020-21 season, going a point-per-game as a defender. He came back to the OHL in 2021-22 as the captain of the Sudbury Wolves before getting traded to the Soo Greyhounds. He led all defenders in goals (21) and helped Canada to a World Juniors gold medal in the process. He’s jumped to the AHL this season, looking extremely comfortable in the process. He’s capable of playing big minutes, thrives at getting involved offensively, and has shown steps forward on the defensive side of the puck. He’s a pretty well-rounded player without excelling in one specific area. He has the potential to be a bottom-four, two-way presence, especially if he can maintain his offensive success at the pro levels.

5. Hugo Alnefelt

It’s felt as though Hugo Alnefelt has been on the cusp of the NHL ever since he was selected by the Lightning in 2019, 71st overall. The goaltender was coming off a good season in the J20 SuperElit, while standing out internationally in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, winning a silver medal, and in the U18s, winning a gold. The next two seasons were spent in the SHL while appearing in back-to-back World Juniors. He moved to North America in 2021-22 and struggled in the AHL before settling in this season with the Crunch. When he’s on, he angles out shooters well and is quite agile in the net. He controls rebound well and has good athleticism. He’s been quite inconsistent though and can let in some soft shots at times. He could become a reliable backup in the NHL and could make that move relatively soon.

6. Dylan Duke

Prospects that play a high energy, highly competitive game tend to make it and the Lightning are betting on just that in Dylan Duke. They selected him 126th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft after a point-per-game season with the USNTDP and being named a top-three player in the U18s. He moved on to the NCAA and the University of Michigan in 2021-22, falling victim to playing on a deep Wolverines team and seeing his production dip. He took on a bigger role this season, seeing a noticeable increase in offense and getting the call to Team USA at the World Juniors, winning bronze. He’s a tenacious winger that only has one gear - go. He battles hard, always working to get the puck back on his team’s sticks. If everything pans out, he could be a very entertaining middle-six winger which is great value for where they drafted him.

7. Cole Koepke

It’s been a long road for Cole Koepke, drafted way back in 2018, 183rd overall. But the Lightning have stuck with him, keeping him in the system. They selected him out of the USHL, taking a flier on him later in the draft. He moved on to the NCAA’s University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he spent three seasons, winning a National Championship in his rookie year. The Lightning liked what they saw, signing him to his entry-level deal and moving him to the AHL in 2021-22 where he had a strong season, arguably looking better than he did in college. His production has dipped this season, but he’s earned time in the NHL as well, already proving to be a success considering where he was drafted. He’s likely in his role now as a call-up option but could carve out a bottom six spot for himself at some point.

8. Gage Goncalves

Gage Goncalves has followed a steady trajectory in his development, steadily improving each season. After two seasons in the WHL, the Lightning saw this, using the 62nd overall pick in 2020 to call his name. He returned to the WHL for one more season as the alternate captain, earning his first NHL contract and moving to the AHL in 2021-22. He stepped right into the league without skipping a step and has looked even better this season. As seems to be a theme with Lightning prospects, he’s a competitive forward that never quits on a play. He’s a strong playmaker with a knack for feeding the slot. He plays a smart game and rarely makes a mistake. He seems well on his way to an NHL roster where he should be able to steal a spot as a bottom six player that could play up if needed. The Lightning have definitely been looking for a specific type of player in recent years.

9. Daniil Pylenkov

Yet another late draft pick, the Lightning selected Daniil Pylenkov 196th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft as an overager. At that time, he had already completed his second full season in the KHL, where he’s been stuck ever since. He had a strong season this year, especially after being traded from SKA St. Petersburg to Severstal Cherepovets and seeing his minutes increase dramatically. He’s a physical defender that keeps an active stick and isn’t afraid to dive in front of a shot. He has some sneaky offensive ability too, mainly through his playmaking. But in the NHL, it’s his defensive game that shines. He’s developed well since being selected and looks poised to earn his entry-level deal. Expect him to spend some time in the AHL first, but he should be a call-up option fairly quickly and could slot in as a bottom-pairing defender.

10. Lucas Edmonds

Originally eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft, Lucas Edmond finally heard his name called in the 2022 NHL Draft, 86th overall. After playing in Sweden in his draft year, mainly in the J20 SuperElit, and then again in 2019-20, he split time between the HockeyAllsvenskan and HockeyEttan in 2020-21 and decided a change was needed. He moved to the OHL’s Kingston Frontencas in 2021-22, putting up 113 points in just 68 games, leading the league in assists (79). The Lighting bit, immediately signing him to an entry-level deal and bringing him to the AHL. He’s played well this season, playing an intelligent, well-rounded game. He’s a playmaker that knows how to create offense. His path is an interesting one, but he likely remains an AHLer that could be a call-up option throughout his career. However, he could be a bottom-line winger as well, based on how well he’s adjusted in the AHL.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 21:30:56 +0000

1 - Isaac Howard LW

Isaac Howard is an interesting prospect, as, just looking at it on paper, his selection near the back of the first round of the NHL draft is a bit confusing. His production is there, as he scored at a far-above point-per-game rate at the U.S. National Team Development Program. Howard also plays with the skill level of a top-end offensive prospect, with the playmaking skill, puckhandling, and skating ability. The tools are all there with Howard. But the concerns with his profile, and the factors that likely contributed to his selection late in the first round, are largely based on his style. Howard’s offensive tools are strong, but the way he uses them can be, at times, inefficient. The best offensive prospects in hockey are the ones who are able to reach a different level of thinking when it comes to each shift. Shane Wright, for example, is exceptional at leveraging his space on the ice without the puck to create space for his teammates. Kent Johnson, as another example, has, like Howard, a high skill level, but he deploys that skill level with such ingenuity, creativity, and unpredictability that he’ll find ways to remain productive even against talented NHL defensemen. Howard’s skill level rivals the best prospects in his age group, but he’s a bit behind on how he actually utilizes his wide array of talents. He’s relentless and willing to attack the difficult middle of the ice, but he doesn’t deceive his opponents or manipulate play the way other prospects can. Howard can create a significant number of chances for himself and his linemates, but one wonders how effective he’ll be at higher levels of hockey when he needs to find a way to remain productive with two or three chances a game, rather than ten. Thankfully, though, Howard will head to college where he’ll have a long runway to refine his offensive approach and make it more translatable to the pro game. He has all the tools to become an NHL scorer, he just needs to improve his toolbox. - EH

2 - Jack Thompson D

The 93rd overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, Jack Thompson had a great season in the OHL split between two teams, being an impact player on both sides of the puck. The former 30th overall selection in the 2018 OHL Draft had a good rookie year, finishing with 16 points (6G,10A) in 52 games. During the 2019-2020 season, Thompson took a step in his development and became a very effective defenseman for the Wolves, leading the teams’ blue line in points with 32 (13G,19A) in 63 games while still being solid defensively. During the 2020-2021 season while the OHL was shutdown due to Covid-19, Thompson made the decision like others to go play in Europe. Thompson played in the HockeyEttan and was very productive, finishing with 18 points (9G,9A) in 18 games. Thompson also got the opportunity like some others to play in the AHL, which was an exception made because of the OHL being shutdown. In the 2021-2022 season, Thompson had a great year, being a top producing defenseman on both the Wolves and the Greyhounds. Altogether between both teams he finished with 57 points (21G,36A) in 65 games, which was 7th in the league for points by a defenseman, tied for 1st in the league for goals by a defenseman and 4th on the team in points. Thompson’s best assets are his shot and hockey sense. Thompson is an offensive threat, especially on the power play with his cannon of a shot. He has a great shot, and he understands how to use it, getting shots through traffic and on net consistently. He has great awareness in all three zones and displays smart decision making on each shift, staying very responsible. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Thompson should make a jump into the AHL and be an effective asset, especially on the power play. - DK

3 - Nick Perbix D

A sixth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2017 NHL draft, Perbix has taken the long road to pro hockey. He spent the year after he was drafted in the USHL before beginning a four-year collegiate career at St. Cloud State, a career that would end with him graduating and signing an entry-level contract with the Lightning. Impressively, Perbix stepped into the AHL and looked the part almost immediately. Despite having spent most of his season in college, Perbix ended up playing a major role for the Crunch as they solidified their place in the AHL playoffs. Head coach Benoit Groulx trusted Perbix to play top-four minutes, significant power play time, and even time on the penalty kill, an indication of just how pro-ready Perbix was right after he left college. Now 24 years old and entering his first full professional season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the six-foot-four Perbix exit training camp having beaten out teammates Darren Raddysh and Sean Day as the Lighting’s eighth defenseman on their depth chart. Perbix isn’t a finished product, but he knows what he’s good at and knows when he needs to not be noticed. Despite his impressive size, Perbix may not have a future handling the toughest defensive minutes. Instead, he could thrive in a role as a depth defenseman who offers value in transition, pace-pushing play, and doesn’t look out of place in his own zone. - EH

4 - Maxim Groshev RW

Maxim Groshev is a mobile, hard-working forward with solid finishing ability, yet his upside looks rather limited, and the best-case projection would be a bottom-six NHL winger, so he is a prospect of note without being intriguing. Even so, he is the type of player who is really valuable for the postseason and thus a good fit for the Lightning organization. Last season was disappointing for Groshev, as he failed to earn a regular role with his KHL team and only got the ice time he needs to develop after he was demoted to play in the VHL. On the other hand, he is still only 20 years old, and he did look legit at the VHL level, so the year wasn’t too disappointing. As of this writing, he has been producing very well in the KHL preseason, and there are still more than enough reasons to remain positive about his future. We absolutely expect Groshev to break through with a fulltime KHL role this year. It should also be mentioned that this is the last year of his current KHL contract and with the way things are going, there is a solid possibility that both the Lightning and Groshev will agree that the best way to further his development might be playing for the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL with the hopes using that opportunity to springboard an NHL career. - VF

5 - Jack Finley C

A massive pivot, and the son of former NHL defender Jeff Finley, Jack was a second-round selection of Tampa in 2020. Finley can flat out dominate down low and when working the cycle with how difficult he is to separate from the puck. Below the goal line is his office and he works feverishly to prolong possession and to tire out opposing defenders. He has good, but not great hands, however, he does have good vision when working below the goal line to spot open teammates. Finley is also an intelligent two-way player who uses his size and reach effectively in the defensive zone to be disruptive. The key for him moving forward is to continue to improve his quickness and overall skating ability. It did improve some as a WHL player, but not to the point where it needs to be for him to be a quality pro. Additionally, there has to be some concern that Finley never hit the point per game mark as a WHL player over four seasons (even if he basically lost one due to the pandemic). His offensive upside might be fairly limited moving forward as a pro, with the best-case scenario being that Finley develops into an Adam Lowry type of player for the Lightning in the future. - BO

6 - Hugo Alnefelt G

After the 20-21 season – which saw Tampa Bay’s 2019 3^rd rounder lose the starting job on a club facing relegation out of SHL – put a damper on his prospect status, Alnefelt’s 21-22 AHL season once again left much to be desired. His record wasn’t necessarily anything to worry about, but his GAA and save percentage both fell short. In addition, he gained plenty of competition from Tampa’s Russian 2020 6^th rounder, Amir Miftakhov, for the back-up spot to veteran Max Lagacé, who was clearly AHL Syracuse’s go-to goaltender. The lack of playing time for the 6’3” hulk saw him get several (ultimately winless) outings with Orlando of the ECHL, putting up even worse GAA and save percentage statistics. Several years ago, Alnefelt’s star was quite bright, and it was felt that he was close to being the organization’s top prospect. That has since changed drastically and although he is still regarded as a solid goaltending prospect who will simply need playing time, the organization added Nick Malik this past summer, a 20-year-old who is internationally experienced and excelled for KooKoo of the Finnish Liiga last season. With ideal size, Alnefelt is scheduled to be the full-time back-up, or 1B, for Syracuse this winter as Miftakhov has signed on with Kazan, so there is a chance for redemption. With Andrei Vasilevsky still considered among perhaps the top three goaltenders on the planet and ageless veteran Brian Elliot still trucking along in the back-up role, Alnefelt continues to have plenty of time to live up to the organization’s hopes. – CL

7 - Declan Carlile D

The Lightning have traded many picks and prospects in recent years as part of their chase of Stanley Cup rings, a chase that has been highly successful thus far. The result of these trades has been the Lightning need to use other avenues to add prospects to their system, and one way they’ve added some young talent has been through college free agency. An undrafted player, Carlile signed with the lightning last spring after finishing his season with Hockey East’s Merrimack College. At Merrimack, Carlile was a top-of-the-lineup defenseman who matched defensive prowess with offensive competence. Now with AHL Syracuse, Carlile’s game will likely be a bit more one-dimensional. Carlile is a six-foot-two defenseman who is at his best in his own zone. He’ll do anything to keep a puck from ending up at the back of his net, and he can at times be a ferocious physical presence. Carlile saw time on the Crunch’s penalty kill in his limited action last season and should have an expanded role there this coming year. Carlile’s defensive game is his calling card, and it should be good enough to allow him to be a trusted defensive defenseman for the Crunch next season. If he can find a way to squeeze some production out of his limited offensive toolbox, maybe he can become something more. Otherwise, his defensive game should be good enough to help him hold down an AHL job and maybe get some NHL games as a safe call-up option for the Lightning. - EH

8 - Gabriel Fortier C

Is Gabriel Fortier the next in a line of smaller, but impactful homegrown talents for the Lightning? Signs might be pointing to yes. Not only did Fortier earn a ten game callup last season in his first full pro year, but he proved to be an extremely impactful role player at the AHL level with Syracuse too. Tampa is always looking at ways to lower their cap number and that means banking on young players to step forward in checking line roles. Fortier’s game is tailored to do that. He is an animal on the forecheck, wreaking havoc with his speed and his tenaciousness. Fortier never seems to quit on a play and is already a competent two-way player who can handle penalty killing duties. How much offensive potential does Fortier have? He is not likely to be more than a quality third line player. There are some skill limitations at work here. The majority of his offensive chances are created through speed, hustle, and sound instincts. However, he should be able to carve out a nice career in that role. It would not be surprising to see him breaking camp with the Lightning this coming season and quickly earning the trust of Jon Cooper and his staff. At the very least, he should split the year between the NHL and AHL. - BO

9 - Gage Goncalves C

A late bloomer out of the Everett Silvertips program, there is a lot of hope internally that Goncalves can develop into the Lightning’s next lockdown third liner. His first pro season in Syracuse was a success as he finished fourth in goal scoring on the Crunch, while receiving significant powerplay time. The reason why the Crunch featured him on the man advantage so consistently has to do with his booming one timer and ability to control the half wall. However, he is more than just a pure shooter. He is a competitor at both ends and he has great instincts as a defensive player. As he becomes stronger, he should also become a physical standout in the defensive end who can be used in that aforementioned shutdown role. At this point, he looks like a more natural fit on the wing, but there is a chance they could shift him back to center for the upcoming year. He is versatile. This coming season Goncalves will return to the Crunch and the Lightning will be looking for him to take a step forward at both ends as a pro. If he does, he could position himself as a possible injury call up with an eye on a full-time role in 2023-24. - BO

10 - Cole Koepke LW

Already 24 years old, the Lightning have been very patient with Koepke’s development. He spent three years at the University of Minnesota-Duluth before finally turning pro last year. The goal scoring power winger turned in an impressive rookie AHL season, too. His 20 goals were good for third on the Crunch and he proved that his goal scoring ability from the collegiate level could translate well to the pro level. Armed with a heavy shot and a willingness to use his size physically, Koepke is a potential middle six, complementary goal scorer in the NHL. The key will be improving his speed and quickness. Although it should also be stated that Jon Cooper and the Lightning have found ways to use competitive forwards with footspeed issues, so long as they have other talents. Tampa Bay does not have a strong farm system at the moment, so Koepke will, undoubtedly be given a chance to be an NHL player at some point. Given his advanced age, that could occur as early as this season at some point. Otherwise, he can position himself with a chance the following year, so long as he continues to progress at the AHL level. - BO

11 - Simon Ryfors

There was definitely an adjustment period for Ryfors after signing last offseason from the SHL. He struggled to adapt to the AHL initially but was much better in the second half. Ryfors plays a high energy game and is strong away from the puck. Can he show more offensively in his second AHL season?

12 - Niko Huuhtanen

After a terrific WHL season with Everett, Huuhtanen has returned to Finland this year. The big ice will be great for him to continue to improve his quickness and overall skating ability. The big power forward owns a booming shot.

13 - Lucas Edmonds

Edmonds is a great success story from the OHL this past season. The late bloomer left Sweden and joined Kingston as an overager, becoming one of the league’s best and most consistent offensive players. His hands and offensive IQ are top notch, but he will need to continue to get quicker to transfer his production to the pro level.

14 - Roman Schmidt

The big defender has intriguing potential as an NHL blueliner. He is physical. His mobility is improving. He has a big point shot. He will return to Kitchener this year of the OHL and will look to become one of the league’s top two-way defenders.

15 - Daniil Pylenkov

The steady two-way defender is not flashy, but he is efficient at moving the puck and sound defensively. He has established himself as a KHL regular the last two years and could cross the pond in the near future if he shows continued growth.

16 - Nick Malik

Malik has slowly emerged as a quality goaltending prospect after finding ways to better harness his athleticism. He was one of Liiga’s top netminders last year and has firmly put a disastrous initial draft season behind him.

17 - Ilya Usau

The Lightning signed Usau as a free agent this offseason after a strong showing for Dinamo in the KHL and for Belarus internationally. The sturdy pivot is tough to separate from the puck and he is an adept passer. He’ll suit up in the AHL this season.

18 - Max Crozier

The talented powerplay quarterback is a mobile blueliner who is entering his senior season at Providence. The Lightning will be looking for him to take a step forward to become an elite NCAA, two-way blueliner this season.

19 - Dylan Duke

A skilled pivot and former U.S. NTDP’er, Duke was solid for Michigan in his freshman year. His upside remains high, but he will need to continue to focus his development on improving his quickness and strength on the puck.

20 - Eamon Powell

Thus far at the NCAA level, Powell’s development has been underwhelming and unspectacular. His feet are good, but he still hasn’t found the confidence to be a truly impactful two-way defender. Powell will return to Boston College for his junior season.

2022 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES, PART 1 – NHL Draft Re-Entry Candidates from Canada

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:10:42 +0000

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

This year, it feels like we are playing catch-up because of how disjointed last year was in the scouting community. The OHL did not play. Other leagues played only partially. How much was development stunted? Better yet, how many players have surprised this year with their progression given that they were not able to show said progression last year (such as the OHL players). Will we see an extraordinary number of “re-entry” players selected this year as NHL scouting teams gobble up all of these players who slipped through the cracks of the pandemic scouting year?

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

Speaking of last year, ten “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 100; Ryker Evans, Josh Doan, Janis Moser, Carter Mazur, Alexei Kolosov, Taige Harding, Andrei Buyalsky, Josh Lopina, Ville Ottavainen, and Jakub Malek In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1:) (Part 2: )( Part 3) we wrote about eight of these ten. In total there were 34 taken, actually below the trend of over 40 being selected in other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 34, we identified and wrote about 17 (half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2022, we have some very interesting candidates. Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs was near the top of OHL scoring all season. Stephen Halliday of Dubuque had one of the best statistical seasons in the history of the USHL. Dmitri Buchelnikov completely obliterated the MHL, a year after being passed over as one of the youngest eligible players in 2021. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% (if the average is restored) this year.

OHL

Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs. Brandon Taylor/OHL Images

Lucas Edmonds - Wing - Kingston Frontenacs

Edmonds is a strange case. Playing as an overager in the OHL (2001 born), Edmonds falls under European eligibility requirements because of his playing past. The same thing happened with Colorado Avalanche 2021 selection Andrei Buyalsky (who we mentioned above) when he played in the USHL a year ago. Edmonds grew up playing in the GTHL (even playing with Nashville Predator Phil Tomasino) but moved to Sweden as a teenager. The 5’11, 185lbs winger is not your average overage player physically. A late bloomer, Edmonds struggled to make an impact playing against men in Sweden, so he returned to Ontario to play in the OHL this season (not an import as he was originally drafted into the OHL in 2017). The decision was a good one as Edmonds was consistently one of the best players in the league and consistently among its leading scorers. On a lot of nights, Edmonds (and Kingston’s strong second line with the recently signed Jordan Frasca and Dallas pick Francesco Arcuri) overshadowed potential first overall pick Shane Wright. It would appear that it is not a case of whether Edmonds gets drafted this year, but when.

“The two things that immediately jump out at you about Edmonds are his hands and his intelligence. He always has his head up and his anticipation in the offensive end is terrific. The puck just gravitates in his direction, and he always seems to be around it. He creates time and space so well with his hands too. He can stickhandle in a phone booth; he has elite escapability. Equal parts playmaker and finisher there really is not a weak spot in his game as an offensive player.

The only question mark is his skating. East/West Edmonds is solid. He uses his edges well and can evade checks at the OHL level with strong agility. He is also strong and balanced, giving him the ability to consistently win battles in traffic. However, his acceleration and linear quickness is below average. As an average sized skilled forward, can he overcome that? Can his quickness be improved? There is certainly a chance that he won’t be able to keep pace in the NHL, and/or earn the kind of puck touches he will need to produce. That said, what he has shown this year has been extremely impressive and he is more than worthy of a draft selection.” - Brock Otten

Samuel Mayer - Defense - Peterborough Petes

It was not a terrific year for the Petes, but one of the few positives was the emergence of Samuel Mayer as the team’s number one defender. The 6’3, 200lbs blueliner came out of nowhere to not only claim a roster spot (he was a U18 draft pick, a source of talent that rarely pays off), but become a minute eater. He played in all situations for the Petes and was the team’s defensive scoring leader by a significant margin. In fact, among all U19 defenders in the OHL, Mayer finished in the top ten, ahead of many NHL drafted players.

“The first time I saw Mayer play, I was surprised with how effective he was. Given his size and lack of experience at a higher level, I expected his mobility to be poor. However, for a bigger defender, his mobility is good. There is certainly room for him to improve his quickness, but the four-way mobility is better than some of the 2003 defenders taken last year by NHL teams. Mayer impresses with his ability to lead the rush and run the point inside the offensive blueline. His puck skills are surprisingly sound, and he has a big point shot that will be a huge weapon in the OHL over the next few seasons. Best of all, Mayer is very solid in the defensive end. He is a physically intense competitor with a penchant for the big hit. And he routinely blows up transitional attacks. As he gains experience, he has a chance to become one of the better two-way defenders in the OHL. His pro aspirations will hinge on continued improvement in his quickness and decision making, but without question, his season has put him on some draft lists.” - Brock Otten

Gavin White - Defense - Hamilton Bulldogs

The Hamilton Bulldogs are one of the best teams in the OHL this year and a potential favourite for the Memorial Cup. Just look at how they’ve blown up the playoffs thus far. One of the reasons? The breakout season of mobile, puck mover Gavin White. A depth player the last time the OHL took the ice, White is now a critical, top four defender on a dominant offensive team. The 6’0, right shot defender was actually a U18 pick, much like Samuel Mayer (discussed above). He was in the top ten of blueline scoring all season long and is a truly dynamic puck mover because of his effortless stride and movement capabilities.

“I actually thought that there could be a chance White got drafted last year after how good he looked at that OHL showcase event organized in Erie. He was one of the better defenders there and even earned an invite to the San Jose Sharks training camp because of it. White’s game is perfectly tailored for the modern-day NHL. His four-way mobility is terrific. His confidence on his edges, ability to build speed out of cuts, and his four-way quickness are all among the best of any defender in the OHL. He is so elusive and creative in the offensive zone because of this. Defensively, I think he still has room to grow as a player, but his game seems to improve with each passing month. This year’s OHL playoffs will be a great test for him to prove to scouts that he can dominate at both ends when it matters most (so far so good).” - Brock Otten

Patrick Leaver - Goaltender - Oshawa Generals

Leaver narrowly missed being eligible for the draft for the first time this year by only a few weeks (born September 4th, 2003). But with no hockey in Ontario last year, he did not have a chance to showcase his abilities at a higher level after playing in the CCHL2 as a 16-year-old. Even this year, Leaver was supposed to be the backup to overage standout Zachary Paputsakis. However, with Paputsakis getting a late start to the year, Leaver was thrust into a starting role in Oshawa and pretty much never relinquished it (however, the Generals crease did become more of a platoon).

Oshawa was a bit all over the map this season, but Leaver was consistently solid as an OHL rookie and the stats back that up. A poor stretch to close out the year ruined his save percentage a bit, but it was among the best in the league nearly all season. Leaver does not have the size scouts are looking for; he is only 6’0. However, more and more small netminders are having success at the pro level and Leaver is certainly worthy of an opportunity.

“Leaver has that elite athleticism that you look for in smaller netminders. Post to post, he is one of the quickest in the OHL. It seems like he is hitting the highlight reels monthly with a miraculous athletic save. And quite frankly, he keeps the Generals in a lot of games with the big saves he comes up with and the way he tracks the play. He always seems to get himself square to shooters. Leaver is just downright fun to watch.

There are some things that will probably concern NHL scouts. His rebound control is a work in progress. He needs to do a better job of playing bigger in the crease by fighting through traffic and being more aggressive in challenging shooters. He can be beaten high for that reason. Yet, these are coachable and improvable attributes. Given how young he is and how weak this year’s goaltending crop is, I absolutely view Leaver as a potential pick this year.” - Brock Otten

Kirill Steklov - Defense - London Knights

The journey back to the OHL has been a long and arduous one for Steklov. He played for London in his original draft year (2019/20) but returned home to Russia after the pandemic started. This year, he split time between the KHL and MHL and made the Russian roster for the abruptly halted World Juniors. It was after that event that Steklov decided to return to the Knights after a year and a half away. In London, he was an absolute workhorse, stepping right into a top four role. Just about every facet of his game has improved and the 6’4 defender commands attention when he is on the ice.

“I remember I watched one of Steklov’s first games back in the OHL and I couldn’t believe that it was the same player I saw struggle in his rookie year as an Import nearly two years ago. Night and day. There are not many 6’4 defenders who can move like he does. He covers the ice so effortlessly. His play and confidence with the puck has really improved too. There are still some moments with the puck that make you wonder how well he sees the ice/processes the game at a higher pace, however he is unquestionably a significantly improved player and prospect. It would be shocking if an NHL team did not give him a look this year given his floor as a Dmitri Kulikov type who can defend pace with his feet and reach.” - Brock Otten

Matt Maggio - Wing - Windsor Spitfires

Maggio is another of the OHL’s most improved players this year (a year where there are obviously a lot of them). With a late 2002 birthday, Maggio was first time eligible last year, where he played out the pandemic in the Swedish third league. Unfortunately, his disappointing rookie season in the OHL the year prior really left a sour taste in the mouths of scouts. This year, however, Maggio has consistently been one of Windsor’s best players, which has helped them to be one of the surprise teams in the OHL (and still going in this year’s playoffs). One of the league’s leading goal scorers, Maggio is an extremely dangerous player in transition and his tenaciousness really gives him a chance of being a pro.

“I have been trying to watch more of Windsor of late and every time I do, Maggio stands out. His linear quickness and explosiveness have really improved. And this is great because his confidence on his edges and overall agility has always been good. These improvements have allowed Maggio to become one of the OHL’s best counter attackers. His shot is also a major weapon. He consistently seems to find his way to the middle of the ice and when he gets the puck in the home plate area, he rarely seems to miss. Maggio is also a competitive player who likes to get under the skin of the opposition. I wouldn’t call him a power forward, but he has become the perfect complementary winger, especially when paired with Wyatt Johnston, because of how active he is without the puck, how quickly he can strike, and how well he plays with pace.” - Brock Otten

Tucker Robertson - Center - Peterborough Petes

At this point, the competition for the top re-entry this year could be between two OHL’ers, Tucker Robertson and the aforementioned Edmonds. Robertson was a standout as an OHL rookie two seasons ago because of his high energy approach and tenaciousness, however the OHL hiatus did not give him an opportunity to show that he could be a standout offensively. Fast forward to this season and Robertson has done just that. Not only did he remain a standout energy player (a terrific penalty killer, great on faceoffs, physical and tenacious), but Robertson finished as one of the highest scoring 2003 born players in the OHL this year. He is proving that, without a doubt, he should have been selected last year after being one of the top players at the makeshift Erie showcase.

“Many players in the OHL that lost their draft-year season needed to have big re-entry seasons to really catch scouts’ attention. Tucker Robertson is one player that started the year very hot and never seemed to slow down. He’s an all-around player who brings great energy on each shift. He’s not afraid to go to dirty areas for redirections and rebounds. He has great hands along the boards and in-tight and is able to control and protect the puck well in traffic. He has a scoring mentality, always attacking the slot and driving to the net to create chances. He has a quick release on his wrist shot but could improve the power.

Not only is he an effective goal scorer, his vision and playmaking are just as good. Displaying great patience to wait for passing lanes to open, avoiding forced passes that could lead to turnovers. Robertson reads plays very well and is almost always in the right spot at the right time. Consistently supporting teammates in the defensive zone, getting into open space to give passing options, and also having great awareness and positioning on the penalty kill.

He has a great motor that never seems to quit, out-battling opponents for the puck and playing physical when needed, showing he can handle a limited role and still be effective. One area that Robertson still needs to improve is when he’s skating with the puck in transition, before entering the offensive zone, he seems to stop moving his feet and just glides into the zone, losing speed and momentum, making it much easier on defenders to read and shutdown. I believe Robertson could become a middle-six forward that has the ability to kill penalties and also become a depth scorer in the NHL.”- Dylan Krill

James Hardie - Wing - Mississauga Steelheads

It seems like Hardie has been a mainstay on this list the last two seasons after he shockingly went undrafted following a 34-goal season in 2019/20. But scouts had concerns about how well his scoring numbers would translate given his lack of dynamic skating ability, outside shooting tendencies, and one-dimensional play. Now an OHL veteran and in his final year of draft eligibility, Hardie makes this list again because he helped the Steelheads to a surprisingly solid season and because he has improved many of the areas of concern. He is never going to win a Selke trophy, but Hardie has found a way to be more middle lane focused and has increased his physical intensity. Of course, he still has one of the OHL’s best shots and has the potential to be a solid complementary scorer at the pro level.

“James Hardie is a player who many in the public sphere thought would be drafted, both last year and in his original draft eligible season. This is the last draft that Hardie is eligible for, and I think that he's proved himself worthy of being selected. After missing his DY+1, Hardie knew he had to produce more this year and he didn’t hold back, putting up new career highs in both goals (41) and assists (36), finishing the year with 77 points in 68 games. Hardie had a very successful season and It’s clear that Hardie can find the back of the net. His shot is very quick and accurate, but what makes him so effective is his offensive awareness and ability to understand where to be and when to get there in perfect time. He doesn’t make it easy on defenders, always looking for open space to set-up teammates for high-danger scoring chances.

Hardie has made significant improvement in his skating. His first three steps are much stronger and quicker, producing much more efficient acceleration. His top speed looks faster, and he’s been able create many chances on breakaways because of it. He’s been much more active on the transition and is someone the Steelheads often look at to drive play. One area Hardie could look to improve is his passing accuracy and becoming less impulsive with the puck. There are times where he could wait an extra second or two to give himself more time to read the play and choose the best play possible, avoiding turnovers and prolonging his team’s puck possession. With Hardie’s offensive tools, he could become an effective middle-six depth scorer on a team at the next level. Having the ability to compliment a playmaker very well with his goal scoring touch.” - Dylan Krill

Kyle Jackson - Center - North Bay Battalion

There are a lot of parallels between Jackson and the aforementioned Matt Maggio. Both late born 2002’s. Both Ottawa area kids. Both highly hyped but struggled in their rookie OHL seasons. Unlike Maggio, Jackson did not head overseas last year, making it a lost year of development for him. However, like Maggio, Jackson was a standout this year, proving that he was originally worth the hype as a young CCHL player. While he has struggled with injuries this year, when healthy he has been an impact player for the Battalion, who have also been surprisingly strong in the Eastern Conference. This includes the playoffs, where Jackson has been terrific. The 6’2 forward is both versatile and skilled and should be on the draft radar this season.

“Kyle Jackson started the year on the second line, but it didn’t take long until he gained the trust of his coaches and became the Battalions first line center for the rest of the year. Despite battling injury, Jackson still managed to produce 62 points (30G,32A) in 45 games, finishing 4th on his team in points. Not only did he score over a point per game, he also went two consecutive games without scoring only three times during the season, bringing value to his team every night. Jackson is a strong player who uses his size to drive play well. He’s able to out-battle opponents for the puck often and is strong on his stick, forcing many turnovers in both the defensive and neutral zone. He is a strong finisher by the net, having a nose for the dirty areas, being able to clean up rebounds and tap-ins. There’s still room for Jackson to improve with his skating, as there are times where he quits moving his feet and isn’t able to accelerate quick enough. Also, his feet look a bit heavy at times, so he could look to improve there as well. He’s very aware defensively and is active at suppressing chances, using both his body and stick to takeaway space quickly. I believe Jackson has proved that he’s worth being drafted because of his ability to handle a bottom-six role at the next level.” - Dylan Krill

Amadeus Lombardi - Center - Flint Firebirds (OHL)

Lombardi has to be considered one of the league's most underrated players after a very positive rookie season. He had barely played above the AAA level before this year, but came into Flint, locked down a top six role, and finished as the team's second leading scorer. He has continued that success into the OHL playoffs too. An intelligent, playmaking pivot, Lombardi has likely put himself on many draft lists with his solid progression over the course of the year.

“I really love how he sees the ice. Just so calm and composed in the offensive zone. As he gets stronger, I think he has a chance to be one of the league's best playmaking centers. His vision and poise with the puck is a standout quality. There is lots of room for him to improve on some of those classic physical tools (quickness, strength through traffic, etc), but he is essentially playing in his first year of hockey above the AAA level. That is a HUGE jump. If he puts in the work, the innate qualities of his game have the opportunity to shine even brighter. His playoff performance likely dictates whether he gets drafted and thus far, he's been excellent.” - Brock Otten

WHL

Graham Sward. Photo by Larry Brunt

Mikey Milne - Wing - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

One of the most improved players in the WHL this year, Milne exploded offensively for the WHL leading Ice. Sure, he plays with some talented offensive players, but Milne’s hard work, determination, speed, and awareness have made him the perfect complement to the likes of Savoie, Geekie, McClennon, Finley, etc. He excels in all situations and finished just outside the top 10 of WHL scoring. Additionally, his +56 was second in the entire WHL this year. In our opinion (at McKeen’s) he is one of the top re-entry players eligible this year (across all leagues and countries).

“It’s hard to turn on a Winnipeg Ice game and not be entertained by the star talent they have. Whether it’s draft eligibles Matthew Savoie or Conor Geekie, or even a young star like Zach Benson, the Ice have the talent to catch your eye and make your jaw drop on a game-to-game basis. One of these eye-catchers is overager Mikey Milne, the 5’11”, 185lbs left wing from Abbotsford, British Columbia. The skilled winger has totaled 81 points in 68 WHL games, trailing only Savoie in scoring for the Ice, and finishing twelfth in scoring for the entire league. It’s difficult for an overager to prove that the league made a mistake passing on them, but I believe Milne has done this in spades. The forward may never be a high-impact scorer for an NHL team, but his off-puck routing, work ethic and contact fundamentals allow Milne to be an aggressive forechecker that constantly applies calculated pressure on the opposition. There is certainly a role for Milne in the future, one where he can complement more dynamic puck carriers by being the skilled finisher that leaps into the dirty areas of the ice to ensure possession. There are few overagers in this class that project to the NHL in a versatile role, but Mikey Milne is certainly one of them. A team taking him in the third or beyond could find a useful NHLer within just a few years.” - Sam McGilligan

Graham Sward - Defense - Spokane Chiefs

A former highly touted prospect and one of the youngest players eligible in 2021, Sward went unselected after playing sparingly in a shortened WHL season. He returned with a bang this season, emerging as a top defender for Spokane. Among ‘03 defenders in the WHL, Sward’s 43 points were top five overall and ahead of highly touted and highly drafted players like Stanislav Svozil and Nolan Allan. Considering his calling card is probably in the defensive end, this is just gravy and points to really positive progression.

“Graham Sward is a staunch, reliable defender who enjoyed a breakout offensive season in his third year in the league. Billed strictly as a shut-down guy last year, Sward took another step in rounding out his game with 43 points in 57 games as an all-situations player for the rebuilding Spokane Chiefs. His calling card remains his combination of skating ability and physical presence. As a mid to late-round pick, Sward could project as a bottom-pairing NHL defender if his game continues to evolve.” - Arlo Schulz

James Stefan - Wing - Portland Winterhawks

Last year was a tumultuous one for Stefan. He decided to go to the USHL with the WHL delayed and he struggled with Lincoln. Then he left Lincoln and returned briefly to Portland before the season ended. Just not a strong draft year for a former promising prospect. The son of former first overall pick Patrik Stefan, James has rebounded nicely this year. His 79 points were second on the Winterhawks behind Red Wings prospect Cross Hanas, while his 34 goals were tops.

“In Portland, James Stefan broke out for a 79-point season as a third-year junior playing in Mike Johnston’s pro-calibre development system, placing him firmly on scouts’ radar for the upcoming draft. Despite not being a great skater, Stefan is adept at getting to the right spots on the ice and exhibits good hockey sense and timing. A functional player who can be an asset on the forecheck, Stefan can produce on the powerplay as well with an accurate shot that he finally began to utilize more this past season. The son of former 1st overall pick Patrik Stefan is also fairly industrious without the puck and is rounding into a reliable player that won’t necessarily blow you away in any one category, but exhibits a good enough floor as a player that he may evolve into a decent pro.” - Arlo Schulz

Thomas Milic - Goaltender - Seattle Thunderbirds

Size bias is a real thing for goaltenders these days, even with some smaller netminders finding success in the NHL. The sample size was small but Milic was solid last year between the WHL and the U18’s. However, the 6’0 stopper went unselected. So what did he do? Return to Seattle and put together another solid year over a full year’s work this time. His .912 save percentage was just outside the top five in the league. A strong playoff performance for Seattle could lead him to be selected late this time around.

“Perhaps no position was as affected by last year’s shortened season as much as goaltenders, who simply didn’t get the reps needed for development and as a result were passed over in 2021. Thomas Milic of the Seattle Thunderbirds is one example. He lacks the size that NHL scouts covet these days but reads the play well and is a terrific skater. He tracks pucks fairly well and can elevate his play in pressure situations. His rebound control needs work as do his puck skills. Smaller goalies will always need to do extra in order to attract scouts’ attention (fairly or not), so we will see if this ends up keeping him out of the 2022 draft or not.” - Arlo Schulz

Braden Holt - Goaltender - Everett Silvertips

Holt split starting duties for Everett this year but was generally solid after barely playing last season. Even a spot on the US U18 team did not give Holt playing time as he spent the tournament as the third goaltender. Even though he finished the season on a bit of a down note, he might be more highly touted this year than he was last.

“Braden Holt’s stats improved in his third year, but it remains to be seen if he did enough to get drafted this upcoming summer. His positioning and athleticism are his strongest traits, and he reads the play fairly well, but can lose sight of the puck in traffic and doesn’t display quick enough footwork. He needs to improve his decision making when handling the puck and continue to refine his focus and consistency." - Arlo Schulz

Bogdans Hodass - Defense - Medicine Hat Tigers

A 6’3 defender from Latvia, Hodass had a very positive first year in the WHL, emerging as a top four defender for the rebuilding Tigers. He was named Medicine Hat’s rookie of the year this season and played in all situations. It is very likely you have heard of Hodass based on his name alone as it appears quite often on lists of the best names available, however his play on the ice also deserves recognition.

“Medicine Hat was really, really bad this year. Logan Barlage led the team in scoring…with 33 points. That was both a blessing and a curse for Hodass. He received a ton of minutes. Early in the year, he looked great. However, as the year went on, the season appeared to take a toll on him as he went the final 16 games without registering a point. Hodass’ skating and overall four way mobility isn’t bad. There is potential there for it to improve further, making him a real standout defensive player. He is aggressive in denying entry to the defensive zone and plays a physical game down low. Offensively, playing on such a poor team made it difficult to truly ascertain what he’s capable of. He can lead the attack and he can make a clean exit, but the offensive ceiling may have been hidden due to his constant defending. Overall, there is a solid overall profile here with potential to be better at both ends due to some positive athletic traits.” - Brock Otten

Michal Gut - Center - Everett Silvertips

While Everett’s season didn’t exactly go according to plan after an upset in round one of the WHL playoffs, they did have a good season and Gut’s emergence as a topflight playmaking center has to be considered one of the main reasons for that. Returning to the WHL after a year playing in the Czech men’s second league, Gut finished just outside the top ten of assists with 53. He also looked great at the World Juniors for Czechia before the tournament was abruptly canceled.

“Once upon a time ago, Gut came to Everett with lofty expectations in his NHL Draft year. However, his battles with consistency, along with a clunky skating stride led him to go unselected. Fast forward to 2022 and Gut looks like a different player after a year away. Even when he’s not helping to create offensively, he is making a positive impact with his energy, physicality, and improving defensive awareness/abilities. His ability to control the puck down low, in and around traffic remains his best quality. He consistently prolongs possession with his hands and quick feet. When you combine that with his great vision, you have a playmaker who can be a difference maker. Gut still isn’t the quickest or fastest player on the ice, but improvements made to nearly every other component should make him a possible draft selection.” - Brock Otten

Ben King - Center - Red Deer Rebels

A former highly touted prospect, we started to see the breakout of King last year in the pandemic shortened WHL season. However, this year it came to fruition as King emerged as one of the top offensive players in the WHL. His 52 goals led the WHL. His 105 points were second to teammate Arshdeep Bains. The 6’3, 200lbs center plays a heavy game that should translate very well to the next level and his ability to put Red Deer on his back at times this year was impressive. In fact, his 15 game winning goals were the second most all time in the WHL for a single season, one off Brian Propp’s record of 16 in 1979.

“While King is far from the WHL’s most impressive skater, he has worked to improve his quickness and that has allowed him to really take a positive step forward. Now, his skating still has a ways to go before he can be an NHL player, but there are so many other components to his game that translate well. He’s a physical, two-way center who is very difficult to play against. He competes consistently away from the puck and his ability to protect the puck down low is impressive. His shot is a major weapon, and he hunts down scoring opportunities well, pointing to great offensive awareness. When you look at how his overall profile has improved this year, he should definitely get a look in 2022.” - Brock Otten

QMJHL

David Spacek, Sherbrooke. Photo by Iften Redjah/QMJHL

David Spacek - Defense - Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)

The son of former NHL defender Jaroslav Spacek, David had a terrific rookie season in the QMJHL with Sherbrooke after not playing much last year (due to pandemic related effects on the Czech junior leagues). His 50 points were ninth among all defenders this year and as of writing this, he leads all defenders in playoff scoring so far. After progressing so well in the Q this year, Spacek was also named to the Czech U20 roster, where he would have played a large role had the tournament actually occurred.

“The Sherbrooke Phoenix is an incredible team loaded with talent across their roster -notably with QMJHL top scorer and Montreal Canadiens’ prospect Joshua Roy, who’s having a fantastic DY+1 season after somewhat of a lackluster draft year. Another player who’s shining this year is their top-scoring defenseman, overager David Spacek. This season, the Czech defenseman tallied 50 points in 57 regular season games, placing him 4th in team scoring. The Columbus, Ohio native isn’t going to “wow” you with high-end skills or blazing speed but instead, will shine with his excellent understanding of the game and intelligence. David is very efficient at both ends of the ice.

On defense, he ties up his man well, maintains a good stick-gap in rushes, and communicates a lot with his teammates to ensure the maintenance of a good defensive structure. Offensively, the smart defenseman will make hard and precise passes to launch the attack, remain calm when facing pressure and has a powerful and accurate shot from the point. Being the son of former NHLer Jaroslav Spacek, David displays a very mature and well-rounded brand of hockey on the ice, which much of it could be credited to his father. Spacek has a great chance to become a well-rounded, bottom-pairing defenseman at the NHL level. Teams should be looking to draft him in the 3rd or 4th round of the upcoming 2022 NHL Draft.” - Éloi Biondo

Frédéric Brunet – Defense - Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

A converted forward, Brunet has been one of the QMJHL’s most improved players this season. The 6’2, offensive blueliner emerged as Rimouski’s primary powerplay quarterback and was one of the team’s most important players this year. Given that he has not always played defense, there could be some untapped potential and upside to Brunet’s game.

“Tall, puck-moving defensemen are a rare asset in today’s NHL, and Frédéric Brunet might have the potential to become just that. Last year, the Gatineau, QC native had a relatively modest draft year season in the Circuit Courteau, putting up nine points in 33 games. But this campaign, the 6’2 defenseman exploded offensively, amassing 46 points in 63 games, leading over the second-best scoring defenseman of his team by double the points. Brunet possesses some very tempting attributes that teams might be interested in; he’s a very mobile defender who plays with confidence and loves to carry the puck through the neutral zone. He walks the blue line on the power-play for the Oceanic as he dictates the play from the point with his great playmaking abilities and deceptive moves to fake defenders.

On the flip side, Frédéric is not as effective defensively; he’s not the most aggressive on the puck carrier, and he frequently makes mistakes in his zone with the puck on his stick. He also gets caught flat-footed from time to time when defending rushes. However, he can correct himself sometimes due to his excellent skating ability, but that won’t cut it at the next level. If he manages to fix those inconsistencies, I think he could be a nice project pick for a team in the draft's later rounds.” - Éloi Biondo

Ivan Zhigalov - Goaltender - Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)

A Belarussian import netminder, Zhigalov has been largely excellent in his first North American season. The 6’3, right-handed catcher (a rarity) combines athleticism and size in a way that has intrigued NHL scouts to the point where he could very well be the first goaltender off the board in Montreal. The second ranked North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting was also excellent at the CHL Top Prospect’s Game this year.

“Another player from the talented Sherbrooke Phoenix, Ivan Zhigalov, impressed more than one with his highlight-reel saves and confidence in his crease this season. The 6’3 Belarussian goaltender shouldn’t go undrafted in the 2022 draft - his size, lateral mobility, and work ethic are too prevalent for teams to pass on. The athletic netminder never gives up on a play. While his goaltending style creates more rebound chances for the opposition, he still manages to give a second effort on a play and uses his great side-to-side movements to make saves skillfully. On the weaker side, Zhigalov plays a bit deep in his crease, which creates more openings for shooters. Also, the big netminder isn’t great at handling the puck, as he’ll often make bad reads with it and make not-so-well-timed net exits. Due to the lack of elite goaltending talent this year, I could see a team take a swing at him as early as the third round.” - Éloi Biondo

William Rousseau - Goaltender - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

A former highly touted netminder from the Trois-Rivieres area, Rousseau has been considerably better in his second QMJHL season after struggling last year as a rookie (in limited action). The 6’1 netminder split duties with veteran overager Fabio Iacobo and should be ready to be a full-time starter for the Remparts next year.

“Continuing on the topic of goaltenders, William Rousseau has been one of the better ones in the QMJHL this season. The 6’1’’ netminder has put up a .899% save percentage this campaign, improving his numbers drastically compared to last year, where he put up more disappointing numbers in his short sample size of games with a .833% save percentage. Playing for the mighty Québec Remparts, Rousseau has been a very calming presence in front of their net. He is always well positioned; he places himself up in the crease to challenge shooters and leaves very few rebounds to the opposition. However, he doesn’t have the best lateral mobility and can move too far from his net from time to time.

Despite having a good season, he has had to split the net with his partner Fabio Iacobo for the season, which might affect his draft stock down the line. Due to his good size and a good understanding of the position, he might get drafted later in the draft if he continues to perform well for his team. With Patrick Roy as a coach, I don’t think it’s crazy to say that Rousseau has much chance of seeing improvement in his game in the near future.” - Éloi Biondo

Maxime Pellerin - Center - Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

The captain of the Tigres, Pellerin was a depth player during the team’s championship run last season. Now the former first round QMJHL draft selection has had his chance to shine as the team’s top line center and leading scorer. Pellerin nearly doubled the offensive production of his next closest teammate this year, giving you an indication of his importance.

“Some players take more time than others to blossom into their full potential, which is the case with Maxime Pellerin. Playing for his hometown team, he didn’t impress the most in his first two seasons, putting up 12 points in 56 games in his rookie season and seven points in 26 games last year. Maxime seems to have risen from adversity and has elevated his game to an entirely new level this year, scoring 60 points in 65 games and being named captain of his team. With an average size of 6’0”, I was surprised by Pellerin's ability to win puck battles along the walls, using clever body positioning and balance to outsmart bigger opponents.

He has some decent puck handling to create lanes for himself in transition. Although he has good hands, Maxime doesn’t have the best skating; his top speed is decent enough, but his acceleration is limited due to his short skating strides, restricting him from creating separation from players. He’s a decent player defensively, supporting his teammates along the walls and is not afraid to block shots in crucial moments in a game. At last, Pellerin seems to have blossomed into a great junior player at 19, but he doesn’t offer enough upside, in my opinion, for him to get drafted by an NHL organization.” - Éloi Biondo

Zach Biggar - Defense - Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)

Ranked last year by NHL Central Scouting, Biggar ultimately went unselected, possibly due to the limited number of games the maritime teams played last season. This year, Biggar has emerged as one of the Titan’s most important defenders as they look to challenge for a QMJHL Championship.

“Zach Biggar is a responsible puck-moving defenseman playing for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. The Prince Edward Island native has upgraded his points totals from 11 in 33 games last season to 32 in 63 this year. At the time I’m writing this, the 6’0”, 179lbs blue-liner has been one of the main point-getters for his franchise in the playoffs, tallying 5 points in 4 games played. Zach Biggar plays a sound defensive game. He maintains good gap control between the attackers to prevent them from gaining access to the middle of the ice, always knows where the opponents are and will position himself accordingly to neutralize them.

His defensive acumen doesn’t prevent him from contributing offensively, as he’ll frequently join the rush, make accurate first passes and quarterback the power play efficiently. Although Biggar moves smoothly around the ice, he’s an average skater and doesn’t possess that extra gear to create much separation between defenders. In the end, Zach is a pretty complete player but could work on expanding his skill set and top speed to garner more attention from scouts. If he continues to make noise in the playoffs, I think he could be picked in the draft’s later rounds.” - Éloi Biondo

Miguël Tourigny – Defense - Acadie-Bathurst Titan

This is Tourigny’s second straight year appearing in this article. The undersized defender was one of the QMJHL’s leading blueline scorers last season, however, he’s taken his game to an even higher level this season with 80 points in 65 games. That was a single point back of Vegas Golden Knights third rounder Lukas Cormier for the league lead among defensemen.

“Lots of players have all the talent in the world and an irreproachable work ethic, but only one detail holds them back: their size. Miguel Tourigny is the perfect example of that, with a height of 5’8” and weighing 172lbs, he’s been scaring off a lot of scouts for the past few years. This season, the dynamic blueliner tallied an astounding 80 points in 65 games, with 31 of them being goals. Miguël has now been ignored in two consecutive drafts, but with the season he’s had, he’s making it very hard for NHL organizations to ignore him for the third time.

The Victoriaville native can take over a game with his jaw-dropping puck skills, slick skating and impressive offensive instincts. The little defenseman fancies carrying the puck by himself in transitions, where he won’t be shy to challenge opponents directly one-on-one or navigate himself through heavy traffic with impressive dangles. Tourigny is also no slouch defensively as he aggressively battles in the corners and, surprisingly, will often come out on top, even against bigger opponents. That combativity is due to his excellent work ethic, which allowed his game to progress to where it is through his years in junior. The offensive upside is just too good to pass on, and Miguël could reward a lucky team for taking a chance on him later in the draft.” - Éloi Biondo

Evan Boucher - Wing - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

The sample size might be too small for NHL scouts to take a chance on him, but you can’t look past the success he had this year after transitioning from the CCHL. A gifted goal scorer, Boucher was signed as a free agent by Halifax half way through the year and scored 25 goals in 37 games for them to close out the year. Lethal on the powerplay, Boucher combines great size with a menacing shot and goal scoring instincts. In his last year of draft eligibility, NHL teams may want to see him play an overage year before they truly offer up, but he is certainly one to watch.

“It’s uncommon to see players make their QMJHL debut at 19 years old, but Evan Boucher did just that. The forward started this season with the Brockville Braves of the CCHL in Ontario before signing as a free agent with the Mooseheads in December. To say Boucher adapted quickly to his new environment would be an understatement, as he notched five goals and had two assists in his first three games as a moose. The Timmins native finished the regular season with an impressive 40 points in 37 games, 25 of them being goals. The best part of Evan's game is, without a doubt, his goalscoring instincts. He’s got a heavy and accurate wrist shot he can release from anywhere on the ice. He can also use his big frame to battle for rebounds in front of the net, displaying great versatility in his goal scoring.

Boucher isn’t the best skater mechanically; he’s got heavy feet and lacks quickness and acceleration, but once he reaches his top speed, he can be pretty hard to stop down the wing for defenders. A drawback of his game would be his playmaking. His vision is a bit lackluster as he’ll often make blind passes without scanning or make a play too quickly, resulting in passes to no one. This year, Boucher might find some interest in the later rounds of the draft due to how well he’s played this season. He has a slight chance of becoming a complementary goalscoring option at the next level.” - Éloi Biondo

Julien Beland - Center - Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

It hasn’t been the easiest road for Beland thus far in his hockey career. Injuries and crowded lineups have prevented him from previously cracking a QMJHL roster. But this year he finally did it and he was an impact player for the Oceanic in a depth role. Combining size (6’3), with speed and physicality, Beland has put himself on the draft radar, even if his offensive production isn’t outstanding.

“So far, the tall 6’3’’ and 183 lbs. forward’s young career has been ravaged with injuries and bad luck. Béland missed his 16-year-old season in the Quebec U16 AAA league due to a concussion. The next year, he was cut from Gatineau Olympiques’ training camp, therefore, missed an entire season of play due to the COVID-19 stopping the AAA circuit’s activities. The Rimouski Oceanic then acquired him in the offseason for Gabriel Jackson and two 4th round picks. The Québec, QC native has proven to be a great addition to the rebuilding Bas-Saint-Laurent's formation, bringing some physicality and experience to their young players.

Béland plays a simple yet effective game style; the centerman uses his great reach and speed to pressure hard on the forecheck and to steal pucks from opponents frequently.

He also plays a good net-front game and is responsible defensively. But apart from that, there’s not much else that stands out from the 18 years old’s game. There are no ‘’skills’’ that particularly stand out. While his frame allows him to be effective against junior players, I don’t think it will enable him to produce at a level where opponents are more physically mature. He also doesn’t have a great point production as an overager, having only 29 points in 53 games. That being said, while I don’t think that Béland should be drafted this year, if he works on expanding his puck skills and creativity, he could garner some NHL team’s attention in the future.” - Éloi Biondo

AJHL

Zach Bookman - Defense - Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

How could you not be impressed with what Bookman was able to do this year in the AJHL? In his final year of draft eligibility, the Merrimack commit has produced at a clip rarely seen in the AJHL. His 1.86 point per game is by far the best this millennium (Cale Makar and Michael Benning were at 1.39 in their draft years, albeit at a younger age).

“It should come as no surprise for me to say that Bookman is a highly aggressive offensive defender. He consistently activates in transition and will even push deep down low in the offensive zone, earning breakaways and clear looks in tight (his heat map does not look like the typical defender profile). His stride is not the most powerful, but his hands and anticipation are excellent, helping to afford him the time and space he needs to operate. He defends similarly to how he plays offensively; aggressively. He tries to jump passing lanes. He steps up early on attackers with stick checks. This leads to some bad plays. But it also leads to some positive ones.

No doubt his approach will need to be refined at the NCAA level, let alone the pro level.

He will also need to put in the work to improve his quickness and his physical engagement and strength down low. However, you have to applaud what he has done this year, even if he has an age advantage over the competition. He is well worth a draft selection as a re-entry player because of his vision, puck skill, and overall offensive potential from the back end.” - Brock Otten

Boston Buckberger - Defense - Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

Ironically, Buckberger is the common defensive partner for the aforementioned Bookman on a strong Brooks team. At first glance, Buckberger’s production is nothing to scoff at. He is in his second year of draft eligibility (born in June of 2003) and sits outside of the Top 20 of league defenseman scoring. However, there is more to the story. Firstly, he is playing in his first year above the Saskatchewan AAA level, barely playing last year due to the pandemic. Secondly, the majority of his production this year has come at even strength with the aforementioned Zach Bookman swallowing up powerplay time with Brooks (although he does pair with Bookman at even strength on the top pairing).

“Without question, Buckberger passes the eye test, and it is why a prestigious program like the University of Wisconsin has given him a scholarship. As a skater, Buckberger has a lot of potential. Moving forward he shows solid explosiveness and agility, with the ability to use quick and sharp linear crossovers to alter direction but maintain pace. This helps him to be an effective transitional catalyst. However, similar to a guy like Brandt Clarke, his legs are a bit stiff when transitioning or trying to defend and it limits his four-way mobility. Buckberger also shows well as a physical defender, eager to close gaps quickly and aggressively. The rest of his game is a major work in progress, with inconsistencies showing in his puck management, multi-zone awareness, and overall effectiveness at both ends. It is very obvious that he has not played much at a higher level. Yet this also makes him somewhat alluring as with the right development team and program to guide him, there is raw potential.” - Brock Otten

SJHL

Kevin Anderson - Center - Notre Dame (SJHL)

Anderson missed the cut-off to be first time draft eligible this year by a single day (with a September 15 birth date). The Princeton commit led a storied Notre Dame Hounds program in scoring this season and finished second overall in SJHL scoring. A disappointing playoff performance and a first-round loss might have taken a bit of shine off that, but his overall body of work is impressive. It has been nearly 20 years since the SJHL had an NHL draft pick, but perhaps this year that streak is broken.

“Leave no stone unturned. That should be every NHL team’s scouting mantra. The SJHL surely isn’t the powerhouse of a league that it once was in the 1980’s, but it still produces talent. Anderson is a very strong linear skater who generates power quickly. He also alters pace well, making him dynamic in transition, as he looks to attack the offensive zone and puts opposing defenders on their heels. Anderson is also a competitive player who battles hard along the wall and near the crease. Honestly, it’s pretty difficult to ascertain the high-end potential. But Princeton is a good spot for him. They bring out the best in competitive, quick, and skilled forwards and he will have a long time to develop physically in the Ivy League. He may not end up being selected, but he’s worth tracking down the line.” - Brock Otten

Connor McGrath - Center - Humboldt (SJHL)

Like Anderson, McGrath is a September birthday who just narrowly missed being first time eligible for the draft. And like Anderson, McGrath has a chance to be the league’s first draft selection in some time on the back of a remarkable season. McGrath led the SJHL in scoring with 84 points, which was the most by a U19 player in the SJHL in nearly 15 years (Rylan Schwartz, brother of Seattle’s Jaden, had 88 in 2009 before starring for Colorado College). A Ferris State commit, McGrath is an intriguing name to watch.

“As mentioned with Anderson, NHL scouts need to be doing their due diligence on these two SJHL standouts. For my money, McGrath might be the better pro prospect. His skating stands out in a big way. He skates circles around the competition in the SJHL and is just too much for opposing defenders to handle on a lot of shifts. What really impresses me is his vision at full speed. He draws in multiple defenders by circling the zone or by attacking with pace, and then exploits those openings by finding teammates in the slot for scoring chances. As he gets stronger, he could be a really good player at the NCAA level. It’s really too bad that the World Junior A Challenge didn’t happen this year. It would have been a great event to showcase talents like McGrath this season.” - Brock Otten

2022 NHL DRAFT MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING TOP 100 – HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 16:42:02 +0000

Recently, we released our mid-season Top 100 for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft (found here). As you might expect, we were not able to fit all of our favourites inside of our mid-season ranking. In this article, we highlighted some honorable mentions. Our scouts spoke to some of their personal favourites that just missed the cut.

Lucas Edmonds of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

Lucas Edmonds - Wing - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

5”11, 183lbs

DOB: 2001-01-27

Edmonds is a very interesting case. Born and partially raised in Canada, Edmonds played the majority of his minor hockey in Canada and in the GTHL (a former minor hockey teammate of young Nashville Predators budding young star Phil Tomasino). However, he left to play in Sweden at the age of 16 and had been there since. A late bloomer physically, Edmonds made the decision to return home this year where he is playing and starring for Kingston as an overager. Typically, CHL overagers are not eligible to be drafted, however the NHL ruled that Edmonds falls under European draft eligibility because of his time there and as such can be selected in 2022. A fixture in the top five of OHL scoring through the first half of the OHL season, Edmonds excels because of his high-end vision and skill with the puck. The Frontenacs powerplay runs through Edmonds, and not Shane Wright, because of how well Edmonds navigates traffic and problem solves on the fly to maintain possession. A very well rounded offensive player, the only thing missing from his game is a lack of dynamic skating ability. Obviously given his lack of elite size, this is a concern. However, as stated, Edmonds is a late bloomer physically and with the right training, there is a chance this could be improved. For that reason, he is certainly a candidate for the first three rounds in 2022 if you believe that you can improve his explosiveness. - Brock Otten

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Beau Jelsma - Wing/Center - Barrie Colts (OHL)

5”9, 174lbs

DOB: 2004-04-28

Jelsma is a favourite of our video scouting team and our OHL scouting team and if you watch him play it is easy to see why. A little ball of energy, Jelsma is a lot of fun to watch. Early on in the year, he was making the most of limited ice time on a deep Barrie Colts’ team, consistently creating scoring chances by using his speed and skill to attack. However, after dealing Colorado Avalanche prospect Oskar Olausson at the trade deadline, Jelsma was elevated in the lineup and his offensive performance and consistency has improved. Jelsma may not be big, but he is strong and this allows him to not only play through contact, but also initiate it. His combination of quickness, skill, physical intensity, and goal scoring ability makes him a very interesting prospect. The true question mark about his game is his vision. Jelsma is always looking to push the pace, however, turnovers have been an issue from time to time as he tries to force things through the middle. Playing with older and more skilled players more consistently, can Jelsma identify passing lanes on the fly and do a better job of utilizing his linemates to help sustain pressure for longer periods of time? He is a player to watch in the second half, especially on a red hot Barrie Colts team who had previously underwhelmed this season. - Brock Otten

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Julian Lutz - Wing - EHC Munchen (DEL)

6”2, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-02-29

Entering this season, Julian Lutz was widely seen in the scouting community as the biggest thing out of Germany since, well, Tim Stützle. This was due in strong part to him putting on an incredibly promising show with the Red Bull Juniors in his DY -1 as primarily a 16-year-old, finishing second on his team in scoring in the AlpsHL, a fascinating central European pro league in which the U23 team plays against established men. A wonderful skater with powerful strides and a strong drive to the goal, Lutz can shoot with authority while seemingly always having an open eye for better-positioned teammates. As such, Lutz spent last season looking like a top 50 option for next summer's draft, if not possibly a first round talent. He even signed a contract with Red Bull Munich this past summer. Unfortunately for Lutz, who has also been underwhelming internationally in the last calendar year, he has missed the entire 21-22 season thus far. More worrisome is that his exact injury still has not been reported and although the team initially reported he'd return to action around mid-November, we're quickly headed into February and he has yet to suit up for anybody this season. As such, our leaving him out of the top 100 is based very much on what has NOT happened this season as opposed to what has. There is no body of work to grade this season. There's simply no measure on his progress or the level of his abilities to be made; not even with respect to when and if he'll play again. Will he be drafted, even if he doesn't play a minute this season? As long as the injury isn't career-threatening (and there's no indication it is), most certainly. Someone will take him based on what he has shown to date, which is an overall package of skill and physicality often worthy of that of a first round selection. Any return to action this season that sees him even somewhat thrive at the DEL level could catapult him right back into top 50 consideration, but the hockey world needs to see that this kid is going to play again. - Chapin Landvogt

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Cruz Lucius - Wing - US U18 NTDP (USHL)

6”0, 176lbs

DOB: 2004-04-05

Lucius is the brother of Chaz Lucius, the 18th overall pick of the Winnipeg Jets in the most recent draft. Like Chaz, Cruz Lucius is currently playing his draft year with the NTDP and will join his brother at the University of Minnesota next season (assuming Chaz, who is having an excellent freshman season, hasn’t already graduated to the pro game by then). Cruz had 42 points in 42 games for the U17s last year, but has played only 8 games with the U18s in 2021-22 due to injury. He doesn’t boast the exceptional scoring ability that his brother possesses but is a shifty forward with good hands who can threaten off the rush. Lucius could be a candidate to rise if he can get healthy over the second half of the season, but the major question will be the degree to which his injuries have impacted his skill development. Without a standout skill like his brother Chaz, it will be more difficult for Cruz to establish himself as a prospect who demands a high selection on draft day. Lucius can stickhandle and he moves well, but he’s struggled to get to dangerous areas this year and I think that’s the root of his troubles in the games that he’s been healthy for this season. There have been times where he gets out in space and gets to really put his puck skills to use, and those are times where he looks like a top pick, but he hasn’t been consistent in those flashes. - Sam Happi

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Fabian Wagner - Wing - Linkoping J20 (Swe-J20)

6”0, 176lbs

DOB: 2004-05-07

Wagner seems to be flying a little under the radar in Sweden, perhaps as a result of the greater attention concentrated on his Linkoping teammate Filip Bystedt (a big, skilled centre rated as a near first-rounder by McKeen’s). Wagner has been similarly effective for Linkoping’s U20 team, sitting at just under the point per game benchmark. Moreover, Wagner has played eight SHL games this season: a signal that his game is near pro-level and that he isn’t simply riding the coattails of Bystedt and Linkoping’s other talented players. Like other facets of his profile, Wagner’s international resume isn’t quite as strong as Bystedt’s, but Wagner boasts a highly respectable seven points in nine U18 games, including four in five at the Hlinka tournament. Wagner is a skilled puck-carrier who navigates pressure very well on entries, able to control the puck through checks and establish offensive zone possession, but he’s still figuring out how to become an offensive threat after gaining the line. He is contained outside too easily and too easily settles to just go for a skate around the perimeter of the offensive zone. Learning to leverage his puck skills to get to the middle of the ice is the next challenge in Wagner’s development. - Sam Happi

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Santeri Sulku - Center/Wing - Jokerit U20 (FIN-U20)

6”3, 187lbs

DOB: 2004-06-13

Sulku is a 6’3” center with an excellent shot and pretty good instincts for space in the offensive zone. He has 24 points in 22 games in Finland’s junior circuit this season, nine of them being goals. As a scorer, Sulku inflicts his damage largely from stationary positions: one-timers or catch-and-release shots from the wing, quick shots off a pass into the slot, those types of plays. A result of that playstyle is that he’s quite powerplay-centric in his impact, excelling in slower situations where the puck can be worked around the offensive zone but not as dangerous in more fluid, often even-strength situations. His ability to threaten in motion with the puck is ultimately what’s holding him back from being a higher-level prospect. He doesn’t skate particularly well nor is he a great puckhandler, so Sulku isn’t a very consistent rush threat or a player that really commands the play in any direction. He’s often in the right spots to finish a play, but he doesn’t move the puck to the right spots himself, and teams are generally looking for players with more play-driving ability with their earlier draft selections. Still, finishing is a valuable skill to have and Sulku could have an NHL future if he can increase his speed and continue to get open at higher levels of play. - Sam Happi

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Devin Kaplan - Wing - US U18 NTDP (USHL)

6’3, 198lbs

DOB: 2004-01-10

Kaplan caught my eye early in the year, and setting aside his lackluster production, he brings a ton to the table worth exploring. He’s 6’3” and gifted with a great set of hands to attack opponents one on one with power and skill, with good north/south speed to get up the ice. Kaplan is a top-5 offensive transition player I’ve tracked to this point, and while not the most efficient player in transition, he’s a key transporter whenever he’s on the ice. There are inconsistent, but notable instincts to get pucks to the middle of the ice, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he’s still learning how best to apply his package of talents. He gives me strong Landon Slaggert vibes, and I won’t undervalue that type of player again. Big, quick, skilled, with some good data to back it up. - Will Scouch

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Joel Jonsson - Wing - Mora IK J20 (Swe-J20)

5”9, 152lbs

DOB: 2004-03-09

This is a huge shot in the dark. He’s an undersized winger playing for Mora’s junior team, bringing excellent raw quickness and skill, driving great offensive transition results. He’s small, but rambunctious and has some of the best flashes of talent I’ve seen relative to the talk I’ve heard about him, which is almost zero. My tracking data isn’t as optimistic, but he’s an efficient, high volume offensive transition quarterback with questionable offensive threat generation at 5v5, but he has only just started playing J20 hockey this season and has plenty of raw talent to improve over the next few years. - Will Scouch

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Adam Sýkora - Winger/Center - HK Nitra (SVK)

5”10, 172lbs

DOB: 2004-09-07

An agile and feisty winger who plays a 200-foot game. Sýkora is always the first one on the puck; he is constantly making the defenseman’s job difficult with his tireless forechecking and fighting for the puck. Even though he’s undersized, Sýkora is fearless and doesn’t shy away from physical battles. He displays decent offensive qualities as well, but he’s best used as a forechecking forward and on the penalty kill. He’s willing to sacrifice his body and block a lot of shots. Sýkora is getting a lot of exposure in the 2021-22 season, since he’s playing on the same team as one of the top prospects for the next draft, Šimon Nemec. Sýkora started the year as a bottom six center, but was eventually moved to the wing, where he played the last year, and it more fits his playing style. He has recently moved from the bottom six to Nitra’s second line, which significantly helped his scoring. Sýkora’s weakness might be a lower ceiling, but there’s a lot to like about him; he’s a great skater and a fearless and dynamic two-way forward. He doesn’t have the same amount of potential as the upcoming top prospects from Slovakia but could be a fine middle-round pick. - Matej Deraj

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Kirill Kudryavtsev - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

5”11, 200lbs

DOB: 2001-02-05

Kudryavtsev started his first season in North America showing no difficulty adjusting to a new league and competition. As a rookie, Kudryavtsev has been very effective and has been relied on heavily, with an average time on ice of 23 minutes per game, spending time on both the power play and penalty kill. Kudryavtsev is contributing offense consistently throughout the season, currently 18th in points for defencemen, and 3rd for most assists for rookies. When you watch Kudryavtsev, you’ll quickly see that his defensive ability is where he’s best. Rarely ever out of position, Kudryavtsev is very aware of his surroundings and understands when he needs to be aggressive and use both his great stick positioning to apply pressure on puck carriers and block passing lanes, but also when to use his body to help protect the puck and initiate contact. What also stands out is his reaction time and ability to read and anticipate play. Understanding where he needs to be to suppress chances defensively, but also getting into open space to create passing options for his teammates. Only responsible for two penalties this year, Kudryavtsev is also very disciplined, making smart plays consistently that don’t cost his team. If points continue to come, then Kudryavtsev will be one of the top defencemen drafted from the OHL. - Dylan Krill

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-HM-Kirill-Kudryavtsev-Deke-1.mp4

Tnias Mathurin - Defense - North Bay Battalion (OHL)

6”3, 183lbs

DOB: 2001-01-15

The more games I watch of Mathurin, the more I’m becoming a big fan. Looking at his stats alone, nothing jumps out and catches your eye, but what is so intriguing about Mathurin is the fine details that he brings on a shift-to-shift basis. That includes being one of the most consistent defensive defensemen in the OHL at suppressing plays in his own zone and being very efficient at creating DZ exits and transitioning up the ice by either skating and carrying the puck or finding an open teammate to start the breakout. What impresses me most, is how poised and calm he looks in high pressure moments, whether it’s defending an odd man rush or escaping pressure in the DZ. Staying calm allows Mathurin to not become overwhelmed, so he can focus on the play in front of him and make the smart decision. The best part of Mathurin’s game is his gap control, but most specifically, his stick positioning and use of his body to defend. He is actively using his stick to apply pressure on the puck carrier, forcing them to make a play, but also uses his size appropriately, bringing physicality. It’s still a bit unknown how high Mathurin’s offensive ceiling is, but with his defensive abilities alone, he should be a target for many teams at the draft. - Dylan Krill

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-HM-Tnias-Mathurin-Defending-on-the-transition.mp4

Tomas Hamara - Defense - Tappara (Liiga/U20)

6”0, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-03-09

A solid puck mover, Hamara can have a very positive impact on the game from an offensive perspective. He blends quickness and solid puck skills to be an active and successful leader of the breakout, consistently pushing across the opposing blueline to help his team set up in the offensive zone. Once in the zone, he surveys the ice well and holds the opposing blueline with strong lateral pushes, making him a capable powerplay quarterback. A Czech defender who has played in Finland the last four seasons, Hamara has even earned a long look at the Liiga level this year and has not looked out of place. Hamara should also be a big part of the Czech team at the U18’s this April. He didn’t make our Top 100 over concerns that he does not have any standout qualities other than his mobility. His play in the defensive zone could be classified as average, and even his offensive upside remains a bit of a mystery. The U18’s will be a huge event for Hamara to prove that he should be ranked higher. - Brock Otten

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Cole Knuble - Wing - Fargo Force (USHL)

5”10, 170lbs

DOB: 2004-07-01

Cole Knuble, the son of former NHL netfront presence Mike Knuble, is definitely a different player than his father. He certainly possesses the same competitiveness as his Dad but is not blessed with the same kind of size and strength down low. Cole is more of a high-energy attacker who loves to drive the net and apply pressure on the forecheck. He has a high end shot and good instincts to find space in the middle too. His puck skills would probably best be classified as average giving him more of a bottom six projection at the NHL level. Additionally, he may not be the type of dynamic skater you like to see in a 5’10 winger whose game is predicated on the ability to attack. For that reason, he just missed our top 100. However, he is a player we like and someone who does have a shot at a long NHL career. Cole will attend Notre Dame next year and a few years at college will give him an opportunity to add strength to be a more consistent offensive contributor to match his high work rate. - Brock Otten

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-HM-cole_knuble_-_3rd_period_31_19_-_31_31.mp4

Liam Steele - Defense - Stanstead College (CAHS)

6”4, 216lbs

DOB: 2004-04-21

What a story it would be to see Steele drafted this year, another NHL prospect out of Great Britain. And I would be shocked if he is not. Sure, he plays out of Stanstead College, a Canadian prep school out of Quebec (which Mark Jankowski was drafted out of). This makes evaluating him difficult. There is always a chance that scouts wait for him to head to the BCHL next year before heading to Cornell the year after, to see him against a bit better competition. However, big, physical defenders who move as well as Steele do not grow on trees, even if the finer points of his game and approach are extremely raw. His four-way mobility is smooth and he shows massive potential as a stay at home type, at the very least. He has been able to make an impact as a puck mover at the prep level this year, but it remains to be seen whether that is translatable. Given the many question marks, it seems reasonable to keep him outside of our Top 100 for the time being. However, he is still a player worth mentioning and is someone an NHL team could easily view as a higher selection with upside. - Brock Otten

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-HM-liam_steele_-_1st_period_7_44_-_7_57.mp4

Matthew Morden - Defense - St. Andrew’s College (CISAA)

6”5, 200lbs

DOB: 2004-07-29

Much like Steele, Morden is a Canadian prep school defender who has an intriguing size/mobility combination. He looks like a man among boys oftentimes at the prep level, even playing against high end U.S. programs like Shattuck’s St. Marys. He stays with attackers well off the rush and is a potential beast down low. Morden also shows potential as an offensive defender at the level, consistently cycling down deep in the offensive zone to help maintain, gain, or prolong possession. Morden did recently play a couple games with Muskegon of the USHL and did not look out of place. Hopefully he sees a few more games at that level once the CISAA season is complete as it serves as a great comparison for scouts. As is, the physical tools are very alluring. Morden was one of my favourite defense prospects going back to his OHL draft year, and I love the fact that he’s headed to Harvard, who have developed defencemen really well under Ted Donato. - Brock Otten

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Jace Weir - Defense - Red Deer Rebels (WHL)

6’2, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-05-21

Weir’s numbers don’t jump off the page and suggest that he is a must draft prospect, but in the details of his game you can see the potential for him to make it at the next level. Weir staked himself as the top defender on the right side for Steve Konowalchuk’s Rebels this year, ahead of the previously drafted Kyle Masters, which shows how quickly his game has matured. The reason for this is his poise, particularly with the puck. He is a player that has a very calm and controlled style. He is a good passer and makes good decisions with the puck while also having some decent puck skills. He doesn’t wow you with an end-to-end rush, but he can hold the puck for an extra second and create a lane but will also take a hit to make a smart play in his own zone. He has worked himself onto the second powerplay unit in the last dozen games and has shown he can both distribute and shoot from the blue line. He isn’t overly physical, but he doesn’t get out matched physically. He uses his reach and stick to break up plays and is particularly effective with his gap control. His skating is fine, but he could use another gear at the top to show more dynamism to his game. Being a right shot with size only adds to the reasons I have him as a mid-round pick at this point. - Vince Gibbons

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-HM-jace_weir_-_3rd_period_11_59_-_12_11.mp4

Hunter Mayo - Defense - Red Deer Rebels

6’1, 200lbs

DOB: 2004-05-07

Hunter’s game is based around his competitive and highly engaged personality. He is a player that is hard to play against and doesn’t give an inch in any battle. Because of his competitiveness, he wins more battles than he should. He is a strong player along the wall where his thick frame allows him to lean on wingers and make them work constantly to keep the puck moving. In his own zone he is a presence where he can physically impose himself on his opposition, he is very strong in front of his own net and equally effective as a player defending the cycle. He plays within himself and rarely pinches or takes risks. His puck movement game is a bit pedestrian, but it suits his style of game. He is a strong penalty killer who has an active stick when he isn’t physically engaged and for his style of game rarely crosses the line discipline-wise. He provides a physical presence that teams always like to have in their lineup. Mayo doesn’t cherry pick his hits, and is willing to make an open ice hit, either at the offensive blue line or in the neutral zone. He picks his spots and rarely gets caught out of position after laying the body. His footwork can be a little clunky, but he gets to where he needs to be. He can jump his gap and lower a hit as good as anyone in the league these days and manages to do so within the rules. He is in control of his body when he hits. If he makes it, he will do so as a penalty killer and physical guy playing on the 3^rd pairing which is why he is still intriguing despite his limited offensive upside. - Vince Gibbons

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Kirill Dolzhenkov - Wing - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

6’6, 235lbs

DOB: 2004-04-20

You might expect such a massive winger like Dolzhenkov to be a poor skater, especially since we currently have him ranked outside of our Top 100. But, that is actually not the case. There is certainly some room for improvement in his overall agility and ability to change direction, however Dolzhenkov is actually fairly quick in a straight line, especially for a guy his size. Due to this and his size advantage, he finds a lot of success driving the net. He is also a physical player who looks to use that huge frame to impose his will on the opposition. Offensively, his big shot is his biggest weapon, giving him solid potential as a goal scorer. His offensive contributions have been fairly inconsistent this year (although he has performed better lately), and our European scouting staff does wonder how well he anticipates play in the offensive zone. However, players like Dolzhenkov are pretty rare these days and if he closes the season well (hopefully earning a spot on the Russian U18 roster), he could easily push for a spot inside of our Top 100 before the draft. - Brock Otten

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Kyren Gronick - Wing - Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

5’11, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-02-27

Gronick has perhaps slipped under the radar for the 2022 draft class so far but look for his trajectory to rise from now until June. He was the 2nd highest scoring 15-year-old in Saskatchewan in 2019-20, and burst on the WHL scene in the shortened pandemic mini-season in 2021 with the Prince George Cougars, posting 11 points in 17 games as a rookie. He started this season slowly, requested a trade, and was dealt back to his home province Saskatoon Blades, where his point pace has almost doubled so far. The Cougars are a weak program, so this move will likely be good for his development. Gronick is under six feet tall but has a fairly sturdy build with good strength on his skates. He is unafraid to go into corners and to the front of the net, able to create offense both off the rush and off the cycle with equal comfort. His skating is constantly improving, and he possesses a nice offensive skill set with good playmaking abilities and a soft pair of hands. He can kill penalties and is a threat to score shorthanded too. As his confidence continues to grow down the stretch, look for Gronick to establish himself as a mid-round prospect with a chance to shoot up the board on draft day. - Arlo Schulz

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Alexis Gendron - Center - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

5’10, 174lbs

DOB: 2003-12-20

Gendron is a late-born 2003 forward who plays for the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL. He’s the son of former NHLer, Martin Gendron, who now works for the Philadelphia Flyers as their Eastern Canada amateur Scout. Gendron is a small, but speedy winger that doesn’t refuse any challenges on the physical side of the game. Gendron’s temper can get his team into trouble with undisciplined penalties at times, but at the same time it’s a trait that he’ll need to carry on in order to be successful at the next level. It’s about finding a balance. Despite his lack of size (only 5’10 and 175 pounds), he isn’t the kind of guy that gets intimidated by others and will play through contact because he often gets to the puck first after chipping the puck behind defensemen. Gendron’s quick hands and speed are his bread and butter on the ice. He’s one of the few players in this league that can make highly skilled plays at top speed. The release on his shot is pretty scary for goalies as well, as he’s accurate and powerful. On the downside, Gendron will need to improve more in his own zone. He has the tendency to cheat a little bit on the offensive side of things, which has resulted in odd man rushes for the opposing team at times. If you look at his stats (18 points in 31 games), you won’t be impressed by any means, but it’s the positive impact that he creates on the ice that is really intriguing with him. Just by using his speed, he puts the defensemen on their heels and that generates space for his teammates to gain the offensive zone. - Charles Lassonde

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Brayden Schmitt - Defense - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)

5’11, 160lbs

DOB: 2004-03-18

Schmitt is an intriguing defenseman who has slowly improved throughout the season. Being with top offensive defender Miguel Tourigny early in the season didn’t really help him, because he had to focus more on the defensive side of things and had to cover up for Tourigny’s offensive-minded game style. Without Tourigny (who was dealt), Schmitt has thrived more and has appeared more and more confident and consistent on the ice. In my mind, he’s a defenseman that has a dual package, being good in transition and reliable in his own zone. He makes high percentage plays, which always eases the breakouts for his team. He also has played a big role on the power-play units (playing on both lines). His shots aren't lethal by any means, but he is able to generate scoring chances by simply finding the shooting lane and getting the puck there for rebounds. His main strategy in the offensive end is more to distribute pucks from the top of the umbrella, feeding guys like Tourigny, Pinard and Gendron. In the most recent stage of the season, he has begun to jump up even more and take offensive chances, which makes me believe that he’ll thrive even more as a defenseman without Tourigny in the line-up (more ice-time). - Charles Lassonde

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Fraser Minten - Center/Wing - Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

6’1, 185lbs

DOB: 2004-07-05

Playing with our 75th ranked prospect Matthew Seminoff in Kamloops, Minten has been a consistent source of secondary scoring for the red hot Blazers. The duo works extremely well off of each other, grinding to wear down opposing defenders. Like Seminoff, Minten is an extremely versatile player. He is receiving tough defensive assignments and leading the penalty kill. But he also plays net front on the powerplay and has a solid understanding of how to slip in and out of coverage to get open looks. From my understanding, his skating has also improved considerably this season, which has allowed him to be more effective in transition. In terms of individual skill and creativity, Minten’s game does have some limitations. But as a hardworking, intelligent, two-way center, Minten does have potential as a middle six player and is someone who has a great chance of moving into our Top 100 before the draft. - Brock Otten

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Stefan Milosevic - Defense - Frolunda HC (SHL)

6”3, 214lbs

DOB: 2003-12-02

Milosevic is a bit similar to Jacob Moverare in the LA Kings system. He is big, strong and gets the job done, be it in the corners or in-front of the net. He has to do some work in regard to his skating, be it laterally and in a north-south direction. But his hockey IQ is very strong, and he uses that smartness to read the game well and position himself right on the ice. His shot is heavy, and he can place it with accuracy. The interesting thing with Milosevic, which makes him a bit of an outlier, is the fact that he has risen from Sweden's division 2 (the fourth level) to the SHL with Frölunda (albeit in limited minutes) in less than a year. He practices with Frölunda's trade team, and the confidence he has gained from Roger Rönnberg is impressive. I don't foresee him getting picked in any of the top three rounds, but it would not surprise me to see him being picked after the top 100 has passed. A team will find him intriguing and can use a later pick on a big strong defender and since he is in Frölunda, I predict it will be the Redwings. - Patrik Bexell

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McKeens Choice Awards: Sweden

Jimmy Hamrin — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 15:25:08 +0000

Jimmy Hamrin’s Sweden-based Choice Awards

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

Victor Söderström
Photo: Kenta Jönsson / BILDBYRÅN / Cop 210

Best Hockey Sense – Victor Soderstrom, Brynas, SHL

Soderstrom stepped right into the SHL from the junior league and played almost the same game. The more structured game suited him well and he showed consistency in his decision-making and stayed in SHL for the rest of the season. Soderstrom sees the ice well and is a strong zone-exit player as well as zone-entries. He reads the game well on both sides of the ice.

Also Considered: Simon Holmstrom, Albert Johansson, Tobias Bjornfot, Karl Henriksson

Most Skilled – Simon Holmstrom, HV71, SuperElit

Holmstrom is the only forward in this Swedish draft core that both can give you highlight reel stick handling and control the pace of the game. He is a strong playmaker but also has a good release on his shots and skates fast with ease. He has strong zone-entries and can dominate the game in the offensive zone.

Also Considered: Nils Hoglander, Samuel Fagemo, Linus Pettersson, Victor Soderstrom

Nils Höglander
Photo: Jonas Ljungdahl / BILDBYRÅN

Hardest to Play Against – Nils Hoglander, Rogle, SHL

There’s no obvious choice here in the Swedish draft core. Neither Henriksson, Grewe or Hoglander has the size to scare opponents physically but they are all work horses on the ice. Grewe with agitating and offensive hits. Henriksson with hockey sense and “puck hounding”. The one I picked is Hoglander though. Hoglander is an intense player who can combine a hard forecheck with strong balance and slippery turns with the puck. In his cycling game Hoglander can be hard to catch as it’s hard to read his creative moves with the puck.

Also Considered: Albin Grewe, Nils Hoglander, Karl Henriksson, Tobias Bjornfot,

Best Playmaker – Simon Holmstrom, HV71, SuperElit

Holmstrom is a typical playmaking forward. He likes to play drive the play from the left outside seeking a pass (too much sometimes) and from behind the net. His passing is precise, and he sees open lanes and can make creative passes as quickly as he sees them. Holmstrom has some nice power play moves like passing from behind his back from behind the net or to trick the opponents with a faked shot to find an open shooter in the slot.

Also Considered: Victor Soderstrom, Albert Johansson, Karl Henriksson

Best Skater – Philip Broberg, AIK, Allsvenskan

First off, the more unknown prospect Mattias Norlinder gives Broberg a tough match for this title. They are both fast and agile but Broberg’s foot speed and ability to take control over a game is a bit more impressive than Norlinder’s. Broberg’s skating is elite and with the combination of his size, reach and good puck handling is a super weapon in his game. His north-to-south skating is most impressive, but his east-to-west agility is also very good as he can deke and be creative that way.

Also Considered: Mattias Norlinder, Simon Holmstrom, Victor Soderstrom, Tobias Bjornfot, Nicola Pasic

Best Shot – Samuel Fagemo, Frolunda, SHL

Samuel Fagemo had one of the best shots from Sweden last year but has excelled this season. He is clearly the best shooter in this Swedish draft class. A typical goal scorer with a quick release and accurate shooting from all over the offensive zone. He had a tough World Junior’s but showed in the SHL playoffs that he can score in that kind of environment as well.

Also Considered: Lukas Feuk, Lucas Wernblom

Best Stickhandler – Nils Hoglander, Rogle, SHL

Google search “SHL Lacrosse goal”. Hoglander has tremendous puck control. The puck seems glued to his stick. He can get pushed around, fall even, but keep control of the puck. He is elusive, slick and creative. Hoglander is a clear winner but I recommend you google “Linus Pettersson drömmål” as well.

Also Considered: Linus Pettersson, Lucas Edmonds, Simon Holmstrom, Samuel Fagemo, Albin Grewe

Best Body Checker – Albin Grewe, Djurgarden, SuperElit

This year’s Swedish draft class lacks typical physical defensemen with strong open ice hits. Instead it’s a competition between undersized forwards with an edge to their game. Grewe has strong balance on his skates and is good at protecting the puck and whose offensive hits catches defensemen off guard.

Also Considered: Lucas Wernblom, Nils Hoglander

Karl Henriksson
Photo: Simon Eliasson / BILDBYRÅN

Best Defensive Forward – Karl Henriksson, Frolunda, SuperElit

Henriksson plays a 200-foot game. He works hard and smart. He anticipates where the game is going and acts on it. He hounds the puck and is strong winning possession and keeping possession. He never gives up on a play and is fearless in the physical battles even though he is small in size.

Also Considered: Albin Sundsvik, Oscar Lawner, Oscar Bjerselius.

Best Defensive Defender – Tobias Bjornfot, Djurgarden, SuperElit

I can’t find a pure defensive defenseman who is better at defending than the best two-way defenseman. I picked Bjornfot as he is most defensively solid of the top three smartest defensemen. I particularly remembered watching Bjornfot’s SHL debut where he made a mistake early but later in the game he truly showed that he’d learned from that mistake. In the U18 Worlds, he didn’t have a bad game all tournament and seem to be able to do come up on the right side of almost every defensive battle.

Also Considered: Albert Johansson, Victor Soderstrom, Philip Broberg.

Best Offensive Defender – Philip Broberg, AIK, Allsvenskan

At even strength he is clearly the most dangerous defenseman. He can create a scoring chance all by himself from his own end. His skating and puck control are a weapon that few players have. On the power play I wouldn’t say the absolute best in this group, but he still has tools there as well. A good shot and good puck skills.

Also Considered: Victor Soderstrom, Albert Johansson, Tobias Bjornfot

Fastest Skater – Philip Broberg, AIK, Allsvenskan

I haven’t clocked them, but my sense is that Broberg is slightly faster than Norlinder, but I’m not certain. Those two are clearly ahead of the rest.

Also Considered: Mattias Norlinder

Top Goalie – Hugo Alnefelt, HV71, SuperElit

Alnefelt had a strong season, maybe not stats wise but if you look at his game there are few flaws. He could get a bit stronger in his upper body and with that he’ll be more stable. At the U18 Worlds he was the best goalie on the ice in every playoff game leading up to the gold medal. He is the best goalie prospect and is only challenged by two second year eligible goalies.

Also Considered: Erik Portillo, August Hedlund

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

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

MCKEEN'S RELEASES FINAL 2019 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS

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

American center Jack Hughes or Finnish Winger Kaapo Kakko?

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

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

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

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

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

BROADWAY KAAPO

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL AMERICAN

Spencer Knight. Photo courtesy of the USNTDP.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SWEDE GOLD - SWEET SEIDER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

100 HONOURABLE MENTION IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

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