MacKenzie Entwistle – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS – Team Preview – Player Profiles

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:30:46 +0000

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 13: Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones (4) controls the puck during overtime during a game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks on April 13, 2023 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire)

Review: Going into the 2022-23 campaign, the big question surrounding the Blackhawks wasn’t if they’d make the playoffs, it was if they’d win the draft lottery, securing the rights to draft Connor Bedard. That might sound harsh, but it would be hard to make the argument that Chicago was making any effort to compete in 2022-23 after they even traded Alex DeBrincat, who was coming off a 41-goal campaign and still just 24 years old, for nothing more than draft picks. That’s the kind of trade you only make if your goal is to start almost completely from scratch. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Chicago ranked last offensively – they traded Max Domi and Patrick Kane before the deadline, preventing the team from finishing with even a 50-point player – and near the bottom of the pack defensively. The Blackhawks’ 29-49-7 record was just shy of the worst in the league, but they did end up winning the draft lottery.

What’s Changed? As expected, Chicago used the first overall pick to get Bedard, giving them a new headline player as the Blackhawks move past the Kane/Jonathan Toews era. To give Bedard a mentor and potential linemate, Chicago acquired Taylor Hall from Boston. Another veteran leader joining the Blackhawks is Corey Perry, who inked a one-year, $4 million contract.

What would success look like? A good season for Bedard by itself would be a win this year. He’s not the only Chicago prospect who could have a big season though. Lukas Reichel should serve in a top-six capacity and has a lot of potential. Philipp Kurashev doesn’t have the same level of upside as Reichel or Bedard, but Kurashev has 191 career NHL games under his belt now and might get a chance to play on the second line while surpassing his current career-high of 25 points. On defense, rookie Wyatt Kaiser could prove to be a solid top-four option down the road. Make no mistake though: This is a rebuilding season and Chicago is in no way expected to make the playoffs.

What could go wrong? So much depends on Bedard and if he’ll live up to the unreal levels of hype that have been thrust upon him. Early struggles aren’t the end of the world and even a poor rookie campaign from him wouldn’t necessarily be an indication that he’s a bust. After all, 2019 first overall pick Jack Hughes recorded just 21 points as a rookie but broke out in his fourth campaign with 43 goals and 99 points in 78 contests. However, so much of the Blackhawks hopes are resting on the idea that Bedard will be the next Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid, so it will be hard to navigate through Chicago’s anxiety if any warning signs crop up.

Top Breakout Candidate: Bedard is the obvious choice, but Reichel shouldn’t be slept on either. Reichel showed a lot of promise last season with 20 goals and 51 points in 55 AHL contests along with seven goals and 15 points in 23 games with Chicago. Reichel should be given every opportunity this year and might even play on the same line as Bedard on both even strength and the power play, further tying their fates together.

Forwards

Taylor Hall - RW

The Blackhawks needed a running mate for Connor Bedard and one fell into their laps with the Bruins trading them Taylor Hall for pennies on the dollar, the only expense for the Hawks being his $6 million AAV cap hit for the next two seasons. Hall is a great player to complement the young star because he can take a lot of pressure off him to “do everything” on his line. He loves carrying the puck and having the play go through him on the wing, which should open up some scoring opportunities for Bedard. Hall’s lines are usually a net positive when it comes to how many shots and goals they create and give up. Hall, himself, however, has been on a bit of the downswing in terms of how many goals he scores himself. His shooting has been on the decline, and he plays at a slower, methodical pace than he used to. This was perfect for the Bruins, as he injected some life into their middle-six and was one of their best forwards in the playoffs. Hall is probably a second liner now, so it will be interesting to see how he does going back to being “the guy” on another team, at least until Bedard emerges. He certainly has plenty of experience playing with first overall picks.

Tyler Johnson - C

The former “Tampa Triplet” had somewhat of a bounce-back season, scoring at his highest rate since the 2020 season, albeit with only 32 points in 56 games. Johnson’s career has been constantly interrupted by injuries over the past four years, so getting 50-something games out of him was nice to see. A good chunk of that production came on the power play, as Johnson can still be dangerous if someone sets him up. He just struggles to create on his own with only six of his goals coming at five-on-five and not having that same finish around the net he used to have. There comes a point where the rigors of the NHL do a number on even the most skilled players, and this appears to be the case for Johnson. His saving grace might be that he could thrive as a forechecker or in a defensive role, but the Hawks needed all the offense they could get and he played most of his minutes on scoring lines. With the roster in dire straits, Johnson will likely be in the Hawks top-six and power play units next season, although there is some help on the way with Bedard and Reichel.

Andreas Athanasiou - LW

Athanasiou’s speed is his one tool and it’s not a bad one to have. Still one of the fastest players in the league and coming off one of his best seasons in a while in terms of boxscore stats. Staying healthy and getting lots of opportunities for offense were the biggest factors, playing a full season after missing almost all of 2022 and potting 20 goals for the first time since he was a Detroit Red Wing. His speed is always going to make him a weapon because he can make space for himself and create quick-strike offense out of nothing plays, which is always going to play its part. Playing on a bad team helps you get more opportunities, but the Hawks need skill to work with their top picks and he formed some decent chemistry with their future star Lukas Reichel down the stretch last year. The downside is offense is pretty much all Athansiou has to offer. His value will be married to his point total and if he isn’t scoring, you’ll often ask yourself “what else is he doing?” This, along with his spotty injury history are the risks he brings.

Taylor Raddysh - RW

How many would guess that the Hawks co-leading goal-scorer was Taylor Raddysh? Granted, that’s only 20 goals but still impressive for a player who was unproven heading into the year. Raddysh was a guy the Hawks liked since they acquired him, giving him minutes with Toews and playing him on the top power play regularly. If you watch him, it’s easy to see why because he loves to shoot the puck and has a great release. Does a lot of the little things you need to do when you’re with great playmakers, always being in motion to get yourself open and recognizing where the play is going. Considering he almost never played on the Patrick Kane line, it’s impressive that he got 12 goals while primarily relying on teammates setting him up. He is an intriguing option to play with Bedard, as he has shown that he won’t get killed defensively in the top-six and the great shot is hard to ignore. Raddysh is also in that awkward spot of being in his mid-20’s on an expiring contract, so it will be interesting to see if he’s part of the Hawks plans going forward.

Nick Foligno - LW

It’s no secret that intangibles were a key factor in Chicago signing Nick Foligno, although his $4 million AAV cap hit to reach the floor also helps. Moving on from most of their leadership core in recent years, the Hawks invested in some older players to help bring some of their prospects along as they navigate their way through the rebuild. The ex-Blue Jacket captain is coming off a nice rebound campaign after a disastrous first year in Boston. He got back to double-digit goals and is always a reliable defensive player. Plays a straight-line game and plays more off the puck than he used to, as he doesn’t have that same burst he once did. Still very effective at getting to the net and capitalize on scoring chances and could see some power play time depending on how the Hawks roster looks come October. He could also play more minutes with the Hawks, as Boston had the luxury to play him in the 12-13 minute range on the deepest forward corps in the league.

Corey Perry - RW

Another veteran signed to a one-year deal, Corey Perry is coming off a couple strong years in Tampa and is still a master at getting under other players’ skin. His body can’t handle the full wear-and-tear of a normal top-sixer, but he’s made the most out of limited minutes in his last two years with the Lightning, going to the net to create chances and being a general menace to play against. This is a different situation than what he’s used to though, as he is usually brought in as a supplementary piece to a contending team. The Hawks aren’t contending this year, so Perry is there to be more of a leader and absorb some of the tougher parts of the game. Tampa rejuvenated his career a little, posting 40 points a couple years ago while giving them solid minutes on their fourth line dubbed “The School Bus Line.” Last year he was more of a power play specialist, scoring 12 of his 25 points with the man advantage and creating most of his five-on-five offense off rebounds.

Ryan Donato - RW

Skilled goal-scorers who don’t fit in the top-six sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Fortunately for Ryan Donato, he played on a Seattle team that played their skilled guys lower in the lineup and formed one of the more efficient scoring lines in the league alongside Daniel Sprong. The Harvard grad scored two points per 60 minutes at five-on-five with the Kraken, comparable with the likes of Trevor Zegras and Alex Iafallo. Possessing a fantastic set of hands, Donato can score some very creative goals out of nothing plays and made Seattle one of the deepest teams in the league last year. Whether it’s off the rush or around the net, he is great at settling down loose pucks and putting defenders in a tough spot if he gets the puck with some speed. The reason why he doesn’t play high in the lineup is that his game is pretty one-dimensional. He is not the best passer in the world and has tunnel-vision to the net most times. He is also a streaky scorer, finding the back of the net only one time in the final two months of the season (including no goals in the playoffs). Gives the Hawks another utility player to work with as they enter the year with a blank canvas.

Philipp Kurashev - LW

Out of all the Hawks forward prospects, nobody was given more of a chance to produce more than Kurashev. Playing almost 18 minutes a night in the Hawks top-six, Kurashev the Hawks wanted to see everything they had in the 23-year-old winger. He has good skills individually; great hands, uses his edges well, decent speed and plays with a high motor. In a game situation, he struggled to put it together, often throwing puck away on cycles and dumping the puck in on most of his entries unless it was off a turnover. There would be moments of greatness once every few games, but that’s just what they were, moments. That said, the Hawks liked him enough to retain him for two years, likely having him play lower in the lineup. He has the skills to be a good checking line player with some pop, as he usually takes smart routes to exit the zone and is effective at skating through traffic. Skills that make him a better fit for a counter-attack offense as opposed to a cycle game that you need from your top line. Last year was probably a good year for him and the Hawks as they know what they have in him and how they can use him better going forward.

Boris Katchouk - LW

The trade deadline opens the door for some players to step up and this was the case for Boris Katchouk. Toiling away as a healthy scratch for most of the year, Katchouk finally got some consistent playing time and linemates once some roster spots opened up. He had a nice month in March alongside Joey Anderson and Jujhar Khaira on what ended up as the Hawks first line on some nights. A high scorer both in junior and the AHL, he could translate that to the pros at times. Katchouk can use his size well to play a more skilled game, as he’s a good puck-handler and is very good at stealing pucks to setup plays from behind the net. He didn’t get much of a chance to do so while playing on the Hawks fourth line and struggled to score even when he got a bump in ice time. At 24, he’s still looking to find his role in the NHL but finds himself in a similar situation to last year where he might get lost in the shuffle.

Defense

Seth Jones - D

One year into his seven-year contract with Chicago, it took some time for Seth Jones to get acclimated to his new team. His point total took a hit, but things were a little calmer when he was on the ice. Having his skillset, it’s easy to think that you need to be the guy that does everything, especially on a bad team, and his workload was scaled back. He still logged more minutes than almost anyone else in the NHL but wasn’t pinching at every opportunity and stepped back more often when defending entries instead of meeting forwards at the red line. Ankle injuries have limited his ability to pivot and skate backwards, so Jones has to pay more attention to where the play is going rather than assuming he can shut it down on his own. It’s a new approach, but it should lead to better results once the players around Jones improve. He is showing that he can reinvent his game and still be a top-pair caliber defenseman, although not the game-breaker the Hawks were hoping for. The return of his shot being a threat was nice to see, mostly because he was likely the team’s best option more times than not. Still very good at getting pucks through traffic and was more opportunistic with creating chances than trying to score from long-distance.

Connor Murphy - D

While his game is mostly in the defensive zone, Murphy (who is now the Hawks longest-tenured player) set a career high in goals last year. He will surprise fans with the times he does jump in because it’s rare to see him outside of the defensive zone. Murphy has the mobility to be more active offensively, but he is mostly about cleaning up messes in his own end. He had his minutes reduced last year but still had big responsibilities on the penalty kill. Also played with a rotating cast of partners, sometimes he would be paired with a rookie, other times he was with Jarred Tinordi, a strictly physical defenseman. Very good at blocking shots without sacrificing his body. Takes a lot of abuse with retrieving pucks and struggles to make the first pass out of the zone, although most of that is from being under constant forecheck pressure. Needs a more mobile partner to succeed and will likely have his hands full this coming year with the Hawks blue line lacking experienced puck movers.

Nikita Zaitsev - D

Zaitsev spent most of last season as a part-time player in Ottawa before being placed on waivers and ultimately getting traded to Chicago in a deal that sent the Blackhawks a draft pick for eating the final year of his contract. Used to playing in the 20–22-minute range in his prime, Zaitsev’s game struggles to translate to the quicker pace of the league now. He plays a thankless role as a shot-blocker and a physical defenseman, but there is a limitation on how effective you can be when your puck skills are as limited as his. He is also a little redundant in Chicago’s lineup with a similar player in Murphy in the top-four and another comparable player in Jarred Tinordi also on the roster. He did score his lone goal of the season after being traded to Chicago but was only used in a depth role with a rotating cast of partners. The influx of younger players could force him out of the Hawks lineup, but it’s tough to say with so many unproven options on Chicago’s blue line.

Jarred Tinordi - D

enseman and Maryland native was claimed off waivers from the Rangers at the start of the year and was a regular in the Hawks lineup. The team likes both his size and the physical brand of hockey he plays. He proved to be effective in certain situations, most notably defending zone entries and limiting chances off the rush. Sometimes you need guys who will just play the system and do the little things to get by and this is exactly what Tinordi did. He won’t complete a lot of passes out of the zone, but he can stop the puck along the wall to free it for his partner or be in position to receive a pass to skate it out. When you’re playing 15-17 minutes a night, that’s all you need to do, and the Hawks were happy with what they got out of him. Eventually they’ll need to upgrade, but Tinordi could be a regular next year if none of the prospects from Rockford impress in training camp. It helps that he set career highs in goals and points, as modest as those totals were.

Goaltending

Petr Mrazek - G

There are few teams as obviously hitting the reset button as the Chicago Blackhawks, and there are few goaltenders entering the 2023-24 season who are as obviously cast as parts of a rebuild as Petr Mrazek. With Chicago GM Kyle Davidson openly stating that the team won’t be chasing additional goaltending depth, it’s likely that Blackhawks fans will see more Mrazek than anything for the upcoming year – whether for better or for worse.

Mrazek came to Chicago as a once-highly-touted veteran who dazzled in his league debut, then never quite lived up to the hype. He has the ability to showcase quick hands and fast skating, sliding out of screens and recovering to make last-second desperation saves when things look dire in front of him. But despite his elite-tier athleticism, his consistency has always been a sticking point – and in Chicago, with a smattering of groin issues and a very clearly deconstructed roster skating out in front of him, the Czech netminder had one of the league’s worst performances last year. The fact that he’s the team’s returnee, and not the surprisingly resilient Alex Stalock, is a testament to just how willing the team is to move away from assets that could prevent them from creating a new empire from the ground up; he’ll tandem with Arvid Söderblom in hopes that Mrazek will remain healthy and Söderblom will be able to hold down the fort when needed. It’s not all doom and gloom in Chicago’s crease, since prospect Drew Commesso is under contract and hopefully going to be ready to take over as the team’s heir apparent in a few years time. But for now, Chicago just has to hope that Mrazek is able to come back fully healthy and able to put up his best performance in nearly three years – if they want to show an ability to take a step forward this upcoming year, he’ll have to be better than he was in 2022-23.

Projected starts: 60-65

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS – NHL Player Profiles

Corey Sznajder – Forwards and Defense, Catherine Silverman - Goaltending — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 22:28:52 +0000

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 24: Chicago Blackhawks Defenceman Seth Jones (4) skates in warm-ups before a Los Angeles Kings game versus the Chicago Blackhawks on March 24, 2022 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rob Curtis/Icon Sportswire)

FORWARDS

Patrick Kane

Entering the final year of his contract, the talk surrounding Kane is less about his performance and more about where he’s going to be playing by the end of the season. It’s unknown if he wants to stick around for a teardown rebuild and he will be a coveted player if the Hawks make him available. Still one of the league’s stars, Kane is one of a few players who you can bookmark for at least 90 points regardless of his team situation. He has the hands to make impossible plays happen and his passing can change the pace of the game on a dime, halting for a second to freeze the defense and finding a teammate entering the zone with speed seconds later. It papers over some of his concerns away from the puck and makes any line he’s on dangerous. This year is going to be an interesting transition year for him. Kane usually has a sidekick who can read off of him, whether that’s Artemi Panarin or Alex DeBrincat. This year will be a little different with the talent drain in Chicago. Kane has produced with the likes of Artem Anisimov and Nick Schmaltz before, but it’s hard to say if the Hawks even have players of that quality on their roster now. Elite talent always finds a way to produce, but there’s going to be more pressure on just him to carry the load, which doesn’t seem possible given he’s already averaging 22-23 minutes a night. To say this will be a challenging year for him would be an understatement.

Jonathan Toews

It was obvious that Toews wasn’t himself during the first half of the year. It took him until early December to score his first goal and he struggled to make an impact in any area of the game. This wasn’t unexpected after he missed the entire 2021 season, but it was hard to figure out what the “new normal” would be for the Hawks captain. He turned the corner a bit during the second half, not producing the same way he used to but getting back to being a solid play-driver on a line with Brandon Hagel and Dominik Kubalik. Slow starts were a running theme for Toews even before 2020, so last year wasn’t out of the ordinary. What’s a little concerning for the Hawks is that Toews needs a lot more help from his linemates now. He doesn’t carry the puck as often as he used to and is more of a support player than someone driving the bus. Hagel was a great support guy for him for that reason, a worker bee type of winger to help get the puck from Point A to Point B while Toews drove the middle or provided support on breakouts. His production next year could depend on how much the Hawks pair him with Patrick Kane. Even at their age, they still have instant chemistry and Toews will get his points with Kane by his side. It’s been more of an “in case of emergency” thing for the Hawks recently because of the team’s depth, but with so few options and Toews also on an expiring contract, it might become more of a regular fixture.

Max Domi

Three years have gone by and Max Domi has gone from Montreal’s top-line center to just another guy in Columbus. The Jackets struggled to figure out the best way to use the skilled playmaker, not fitting at the top of their lineup and struggling to find chemistry with anyone. He couldn’t play with the same pace he did in Montreal and found himself relegated a third line role on the wing. His great passing chops would appear in spurts, but more off turnovers and plays where he was standing still to find someone going to the net instead of the play-driver he was at his peak. The same can be said for his brief stint with the Hurricanes where he was just a depth player. He had a few nice games and played hard but only had moments where he was a game-breaker for them. With Chicago, he’s getting another chance to show that he can drive his own line and play in the middle. They have some decent speed on the wing to pair him with, so the door is open for him to show teams he still be a difference maker at the NHL level. A fresh start on a new team (and a year where he isn’t recovering from shoulder surgery) could help.

Andreas Athansiou

Speed to burn. That has been Athanasiou’s tagline since he started playing hockey. Putting the rest of his skillset together has been a challenge aside from one 30-goal season in Detroit. His first year with the Kings was a step in the right direction, as he was used up and down the lineup to form “skilled checking lines” with the likes of Blake Lizotte and Gabriel Vilardi, doing a better job of using his linemates instead of trying to fly for a breakaway on every shift. It earned him a spot on the Danault line before injuries kept him from being a key player in the LA lineup. When healthy, Athansiou was on-pace for one of his best NHL seasons from a point-per-game pace (granted with only 28 games played). Still, he was trusted with some good minutes, ending the regular season on a line with Kopitar and Kempe and providing a jolt of “instant offense” to whatever line he was on. Doing this over 82 games will be a challenge, but on a Chicago team in desperate need of skill, he is a welcomed addition.

Tyler Johnson

It’s easy to forget that this is Tyler Johnson’s second year on the Blackhawks because injuries limited him to only 26 games. Between neck surgery and a concussion, the two-time Cup champion never had a chance to begin his career in Chicago. He started to find some traction late in the year on a line with Toews and Kublaik, recording four of his seven points in the month of April when the Hawks put that unit together. The veteran brings a little of everything to the table. He was a great shooter during his prime years in Tampa Bay and has the hockey sense to play off elite linemates, finding soft spots in the defense, giving them a passing option and being the guy who can carry the puck into the zone. The question is how much of that skillset is still intact after so many injuries. He’s only 32 years old, but with over 615 games to his credit, the miles and wear-and-tear on your body starts to add up. Johnson can still move well enough to be a decent support player on a checking line, but it’s tough to say if he can be a dangerous offensive player now. He should have plenty of opportunities to prove this in Chicago this year.

Sam Lafferty

Acquired in a mid-season trade for Alex Nylander, Lafferty filled some of the Hawks needs. He’s a hard-working forechecker and gave the Hawks a small jolt of energy whenever he was out there. The Hawks moved him around the lineup, including giving him time with Kane and DeBrincat and did his job as someone who will play physical with speed and recover pucks. Making plays with the same pace was a challenge, as his point total would indicate, but his lines did a nice job of at least titling the ice. This isn’t a small accomplishment on last year’s Hawks team, as even their good players got caved in from a territorial standpoint. Don’t expect much offense from Lafferty, but a guy like him is needed on a rebuilding team. There are going to be a lot of tough games and the Hawks need some guys who will at least inject some life into the lineup and can play on different lines.

Colin Blackwell

It’s rare for a player to make the NHL in his late 20’s these days, but Colin Blackwell did just that a couple of years ago. Selected by the Kraken in the expansion draft after a 12-goal season with the Rangers, the Harvard grad found a niche as a nice defensive forward on a line with Yanni Gourde and Mason Appleton. He had some scoring upside with the minors and in his brief stint in New York but excelled more with the details of the game after leaving the Rangers (and Panarin’s right wing). He has a jack of all trades type of skillset and was a fixture on Seattle’s aggressive penalty kill, being one of their leaders in shorthanded entries. It was enough to catch the attention of the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline, who quickly incorporated them as part of their penally kill rotation in the playoffs. The offensive side of the game can be a struggle for Blackwell at times, but his knack for stealing pucks and playing a strong forechecking game make him a great fit on a checking line. This is the role he will likely play in Chicago with some heavy penalty killing duty added in.

Taylor Raddysh

Finally graduating from Syracuse, Raddysh was given every opportunity to succeed in a lower line role with the Lightning. He was a nice player for them and showed that he can play a strong game from the hashmarks down, but he proved to be redundant in their system and he was dealt to Chicago as part of the Brandon Hagel trade. His Hawks career got off to a great start with five goals in his first six games and after that it was tough sailing. Raddysh scored only 4 goals in his last 15 games, two of them coming in the same game, despite getting consistent second line minutes with Jonathan Toews and power play time on top of that. Attempts to make him a goal-scorer who you could setup in the bumper spot didn’t go as smoothly as planned and Raddysh was best utilized as someone who could be the first forward in on the forecheck rather than a scorer. With two years left on his deal, the Hawks have some time to figure out what they have in the former 2^nd round pick. They have plenty of grinders on the roster, so Raddysh developing a scoring touch would help him stick around.

Philipp Kurashev

Kurashev’s highlight reel from his rookie year paints a warped picture of him. He scored some absolutely beautiful goals during the 2021 season and looked like a perfect complementary player for this next chapter of Hawks hockey. Those moments were few and far between, though and Kurashev ended up getting lost in depth forward purgatory by the end of the year. This year was an interesting turn. The goal-scoring touch that he had his rookie year was gone, two of his six goals went off a defender, but there was more of an all-around element to his game. He was more willing to be the first guy into the zone on the forecheck, not trying to split defenders or carry the puck through traffic or force plays that weren’t open. The more direct approach to his game made him a more reliable player away from the puck and helped him find a niche as an energy line type of player with some playmaking upside. A nice player to have for this year, but also a guy who might get lost in the shuffle if there isn’t another level to his game.

DEFENSE

Seth Jones

When Chicago made the trade for Seth Jones and signed him under contract until 2030, the idea was he would be a franchise cornerstone defenseman who could raise the tide of their roster. Instead, they got a defenseman who could log a lot of ice-time, play solid in those minutes but not change the game as much as they hoped. In the vacuum, Jones had a typical season for his standards, and it was a major bounce-back from his final year in Columbus. Some of the warts in his game are still there. He’s a dynamic, explosive skater when the play is moving north and showed that with some of the splash plays he provided on offense. When skating backwards, however, he has trouble containing speed and will misjudge where the puck is going. There aren’t many defensemen who can do both at an elite level, but the Hawks didn’t play with the defensive structure to cover up for Jones’ weakness here. You would see him get caught in the middle while defending entries, unsure if he should protect the middle or chase to the outside. It’s the game you often get stuck in on a team that struggles to control play like the Hawks. The mistakes aren’t always the player’s fault, but they add up overtime. Interim head coach Derek King did a good job of simplifying the games for Jones, but he still carried a heavy burden and only making a major impact on the power play. Jones is stuck in a tough place with a rebuild on the horizon, but he is one of the Hawks go-to guys for now and finding him a partner to replace the departing Calvin de Haan will be a top priority.

Jake McCabe

The longtime Buffalo Sabre set a career high in points with 22 in 75 games, which is a little surprising with how long he has been around. It was a bright spot compared to some of his underlying numbers. McCabe was the victim of Chicago’s volatile defensive system, posting one of the worst Expected Goal Differentials on the team at five-on-five. Part of that is his limited offensive skills and the Hawks exposing some of his weaknesses with defending the rush. He’s a lanky defender with decent puck skills, but not the most agile player in the world and only 12 months removed from knee surgery. He had difficulty turning to retrieve pucks and containing speed, which is concerning for a player who was signed to be more of a steadying presence. Oddly enough, some of his best plays from last year came on at the other side of the rink, showing some decent vision from the left point behind the Hawks top line. Originally signed to play alongside Seth Jones, he could see more time on that pair after spending most of last season in a secondary shutdown role alongside Conor Murphy.

Connor Murphy

Prior to last season, Connor Murphy was the only true shutdown defenseman on the Hawks roster. While mobile, he spent most of his shifts in the defensive zone and was always the one putting out fires there for the Hawks while supplement it with some splash offense off the rush. Last year was another usual season for him, playing on the team’s second pair in a shutdown role with heavy penalty killing duty, but the additions of McCabe, Caleb Jones and Stillman made his skillset a little redundant. He is the most defensively sound member of that group, so his contributions were easy to get lost in the shuffle, although not so much to the Hawks who inked him to a four-year contract. It’s tough to say if Murphy will be relied on for more offense this year. He skates well and has a sneaky good wrist shot when he jumps in, but those moments are becoming once every month now instead of once every few games. It’s less about the willingness to do it and more that he burns so much energy blocking shots and chasing pucks down while defending that he has to change before even thinking about starting a rush. He is someone who could benefit from stronger play-driving in Chicago, which will be tough with the current state of their roster.

Caleb Jones

The younger brother of Seth, it took some time for the Hawks to work Caleb Jones into their lineup, missing the first month of the season with a wrist injury. He was in-and-out of the lineup for most of the season, caught in the middle of not being a trusted veteran and being too “old” to be considered a prospect. Jones had some skills the Hawks needed, as he’s very good at using his stick to disrupt entries and is a good enough skater to keep forwards to the outside. His passing was also a welcome addition to their backend which lacked puck skills, as he provided a nice safety valve for Murphy or McCabe when he got in the lineup. The caveat is that he played a sheltered role for most of the year, exiting the zone on more regroups and controlled plays than beating forechecks. Jones became more of a fixture on the second pair later in the season and is an interesting piece for the Hawks heading into next year. He doesn’t have the reputation as an impact player yet but could be someone Chicago gives more responsibility to with a real lack of mobility on their blue line and a spot on the second power play unit up for grabs.

GOALTENDING

Petr Mrazek

It’s been an up-and-down career for Petr Mrazek, and it’s hard to get overly excited about his latest stop on the league tour. He’ll be presumably taking the reins in Chicago, where a disastrous handful of seasons has left the club – so recently considered a dynasty – sitting at the bottom of the NHL’s standings with little hope of an upward path. That’s a tough fit to consider for the now 30-year-old Mrazek, who most recently struggled behind the ever-mercurial Toronto Maple Leafs.

Mrazek’s game at its best is one characterized by quick, nimble skatework and a willingness to put in the extra legwork to get to those hard-to-reach shots. But when he struggles, Mrazek’s speed can give him an almost sloppy appearance; a lack of crisp positioning leaves leaky gaps in his pads and around his hands that allows pucks to sneak by even when he gets himself into what seems like the perfect position on time. And while he showcased his best work in Carolina, staying on his toes and anticipating defensive breakdowns in time to save the day for the Hurricanes more often than not, he offered Toronto some of his most inconsistent performances in recent memory. Now, he’ll be expected to serve as a stopgap for the clearly-rebuilding Blackhawks; he’s at a point in his career where it’s nearly impossible to see him outlasting their tank efforts. The bright side for him, though, is that it’s hard to see Chicago having much use for him if he does right the ship – and there are a handful of contending teams who don’t have a lot of security in net for the coming year. So, if he sheds the inconsistencies and tightens up the gaps in his pads to kick off the 2022-23 campaign, he could buy himself a one-way ticket to fill a need in net for a playoff franchise midway through the year. The only real question mark? His health – given his propensity for injuries and the lack of much in the way of relief waiting in the wings, it’s a little unsettling trying to predict just what Chicago is going to roll out in net over the course of the year. Ultimately, though, Mrazek is a much better bet for game starts than his tandem partner Alex Stalock – so when it comes to workload, he should at the very least get himself a nice amount of volume.

Projected starts: 60-65

Alex Stalock

If you find yourself surprised that Alex Stalock is still in the NHL for the upcoming season, you aren’t alone – but he’s in for a doozy of a season, set to play a role in Chicago similar to the one Craig Anderson is playing in Buffalo. Fresh off the celebration of his 35th birthday, Stalock arrives in Chicago with just one NHL game to his name in the last two seasons combined.

The Blackhawks are shamelessly throwing their season to the wolves in hopes of building back up from the bottom in the next few seasons, so it’s unlikely they’re worried about Stalock being rusty and costing them wins. But on the bright side, despondent Chicago fans dreading the upcoming season should at the very least enjoy what Stalock has to offer from an entertainment perspective this year – and he’s a genuinely respected presence in the locker room, so there’s little worry that he’ll drag the team down from a morale perspective. He’s one of the most fun goaltenders the modern game has to offer, to boot; with a passion for cutting down angles and challenging shooters, Stalock is practically a living meme. He doesn’t exactly thrive in any one area of his game, but a remarkable level of self-confidence and a near-bottomless bag of tricks he’s willing to pull from leave Stalock operating from a position of strength as he continually keeps shooters guessing. As far as stopgaps go for a club looking to overhaul their lineup, there are few that offer the same entertainment value and feel-good vibes that Stalock does – even if he may not have the kinds of numbers most would associate with free agent acquisitions. And for a team that seems determined to lose a lot, he’s a reasonable bet not to break the tank.

Projected starts: 30-35

TOP 15 PROSPECTS: CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS – RANK: #22 – TIER IV

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:54:11 +0000

Chicago Blackhawks

OSTRAVA, CZECH REPUBLIC - DECEMBER 28: Germany vs Czech Republic preliminary round action of the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship at Ostravar Arena on December 28, 2019 in Ostrava, Czech Republic. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Lukas Reichel - LW

The second German first rounder in 2020 after Ottawa’s Tim Stützle, Reichel enjoyed a fantastic 20-21 season, taking a huge step in not only his maturity and statistical development, but by going from a 2nd/3rd line winger in the 19-20 season to a first line center for DEL champion Eisbären Berlin. Teaming up with former NHL draft pick Marcel Noebels and Olympian Leo Pföderl, Reichel’s line proved to be the cream of the crop in the DEL and Reichel saw his production jump by eight points and +19 in just five more games than his already impressive draft year output. His winter - and Team Germany’s - may have even been better had a bout with Covid and the tourney regulations regarding respective Covid protocols not prevented him from participating in the WJC.

After winning the league championship, Reichel - the nephew of former NHLer Robert Reichel - found himself in a top six role for Team Germany at the men’s World Championships, putting up six points and a +5 in nine total games, although most of those points were collected in the first two games. A heavy check to the head in Game 3 against Kazakhstan ended his day but didn’t knock him out of the tournament. Still, he wasn’t quite the same player afterwards, gaining just one more point along the way. Reichel signed his ELC shortly thereafter and is expected to remain in Berlin for the 21-22 season. Another performance in a top line gig similar to last season could very well have him on the fast track to an NHL job with Chicago, although his NHL breakthrough may just have to come on the wing. - CL

Landon Slaggert - LW

Slaggert is a funny player. The son of one of Notre Dame’s assistant coaches (technically, an associate head coach), and a graduate of the USNTDP program, he gets most of his attention for being an agitator. Some play to score, but Slaggert loves to tussle. Physicality is the point. He will regularly go out of his way to make a hit and create a memory in the mind of the opposing player. And yet, almost unnoticed, he put up close to one point per game as a freshman on a pretty mediocre team, finishing third on the Fighting Irish in points, between only his older brother Graham, and Alex Steeves, who signed as a free agent with Toronto.

So, what is he really? In all honesty, once he turns pro, you can expect the agitating side of his game to be the focal point for his development. His elite energy level is perfectly suited for a bottom six role, neutralizing the opposition’s top scoring forwards at even strength and on the penalty kill. But even in a lower line role, he should be an impactful player for his team. He has quickness in his feet, and flashes above average hand-eye coordination, and the ability to execute the odd bit of magic with his stick. He doesn’t have Brad Marchand upside, but if he is put in a situation where he plays as the third wheel with two other skill guys, he will leave that impression on occasion. - RW

Wyatt Kalynuk - D

Already 20-years-old when he was drafted by Philadelphia, Kalynuk was not compelled to stay on campus for the full four years to become a free agent, instead walking away after a very strong junior campaign, signing with the Blackhawks as a free agent. It would then be an understatement to say that his professional debut exceeded expectations. An offensive-oriented puck moving skilled defender, he topped the point-per-game mark over eight games in the AHL and came four NHL games away from losing prospect eligibility status. In fairness, his ice time in the NHL was fairly sheltered, playing third pairing minutes, although his ice time did gradually increase as the season progressed, and he was the recipient of regular time on the power play.

This year’s Chicago roster will look very different from what he accustomed to as a first-year player, as the turnover on the blueline is especially acute. As good as Kalynuk looked last year, he cannot be said to be guaranteed the same role in 2021-22, even if he did more than hold his own. The top four seems fairly locked up between newcomers Seth Jones and Jake McCabe, along with holdovers Connor Murphy and Calvin De Haan, with five youngsters competing for the remaining three NHL jobs, including former top prospect Ian Mitchell, and the player immediately following Kalynuk on this list. The tools are there for Kalynuk to succeed, but to cement his spot, he will need to convince the coaching staff that he does not need to be limited in his deployment. - RW

Nicolas Beaudin - D

The 2020/21 season was an extremely successful one for the former first round pick out of Drummondville. He lit up the AHL in his sophomore season, earning an extended call up with the Blackhawks where he performed very admirably in a third pairing role, even seeing some powerplay time. He then closed out the season by helping Canada win gold at the World Championships, again in a third pairing role.

Beaudin’s skating ability has always been his calling card and the key to his success. Originally drafted as primarily an offensive defender, Beaudin has worked hard to be more consistently engaged in the defensive end. He is not the biggest defender, but he has added strength to help him win those battles near the crease and along the wall and he has learned how to use his mobility to be better at defending transitional attacks. It appeared that Beaudin would be a shoo-in to start the year with the Blackhawks, however management brought in Seth Jones, Jake McCabe, and Caleb Jones this offseason. That likely pushes Beaudin to the AHL yet again, where he would be one of the Hawks’ top call-up options. His upside is probably that of a #4-5 defender who can play the powerplay and this potential should be reached within the next two seasons. - BO

Alec Regula - D

While the offensive production certainly did not carry over from London in his first AHL season, Regula did draw strong reviews for his work in the defensive end, improving significantly over the course of his rookie year with Rockford. The hulking, right shot defender even earned a late season call up to Chicago, as a reward for his strong play.

Originally acquired in a trade from Detroit for Brendan Perlini, Regula had developed into a very versatile player in the OHL before turning pro. He was being utilized in the bumper position on the powerplay. He was anchoring the penalty kill. He could be on the ice in any situation. As a first year pro, Regula played it relatively safe offensively, working to make quicker decisions with the puck as he adjusted to the pace of play. As he gains confidence and adjusts, he still may become more involved as an offensive player. At face value, his size, physicality, and mobility make him an ideal defensive defender for the modern NHL. With a strong start to the next AHL season, Regula could position himself to be the first call up to Chicago should the Hawks suffer an injury to their d-core. Otherwise, they will likely opt to be patient with the big rearguard, hoping that he can develop into the dominant two-way defender that he was with the London Knights. - BO

Drew Commesso - G

Bearing in mind the small sample, Commesso was one of the better goalies in the Hockey East conference as a freshman last season. As a USNTDP grad, who got better and better as his draft year wore on, but given his abbreviated post-draft season, there isn’t much change to his scouting report, other than the fact that he still hasn’t proved – or been able to prove – that he can handle a starter’s workload. He has average size, solid athleticism, and keeps his feet moving over the course of the game. The area of his game in which he has shown the most potential is actually in his puck handling, as he has long enjoyed skating out of his crease to play the puck, and he does it quite well.

There are some who are very high on Commesso and some who are not yet convinced that he represents the best future bet for Chicago between the pipes. Given his playing time so far, both viewpoints are reasonable, especially considering his steady performances. Chicago seems to also be on the fence so far, as reports were out there connecting them to one of this year’s draft class’ two big goalie prospects (Jesper Wallstedt and Sebastian Cossa), although those died down when they traded down as part of the Seth Jones deal. Commesso clearly has NHL starter upside, but we will need a full season of collegiate hockey to feel secure in that projection. - RW

Colton Dach - C

The younger brother to budding Chicago Blackhawks star Kirby Dach, Colton is following in his brother’s footsteps by playing with the Saskatoon Blades and by being selected by Chicago at the draft. Dach’s game improved significantly in his second year in the WHL as he averaged a point per game in a secondary scoring role for a very deep Blades team.

Like his brother, Colton’s offensive potential and projection are quite high because of his size (6’4, 205lbs) and skill combination. Dach has the ability to dominate shifts down low because of how well he protects the puck, and he is adept at finding soft spots in coverage without the puck. Scouts also like Dach’s versatility as he has shown an ability to successfully play the wing or center, adapting his game to suit the needs and requests of his team and coaching staff. However, at this point, Colton does not skate quite as well as his brother. There is room for improvement in his explosiveness and in the dynamics of his stride (East/West). This would allow him to be a more consistent offensive player and more successful when operating at a quicker pace. Colton could also stand to be a more consistent physical player, as he does not always use his size to the best of his advantage. Most definitely a project who will require patience, Dach does have extremely alluring potential. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Nolan Allan - D

As witnessed with a strong supporting performance at the Under 18’s for Canada, Nolan Allan has a chance to be a long time stay at home NHL defender. He combines good size and reach with excellent mobility and physical intensity, making him a very efficient and consistent defensive player. While he was a bit of a surprise first round selection, it is easy to see why the Blackhawks valued him so greatly.

Allan’s four-way mobility is excellent, as his stride, in addition to his pivots, are clean and efficient. This allows him to be very effective defending in transition, as he steps up quickly to address attackers, often forcing dump-ins because forwards are unable to get around him. Allan is also a physically aggressive player who picks his spots well to go for the big hit and who rarely misses an assignment near the crease; he can be suffocating. He is your classic modern day NHL stopper. However, Allan’s offensive potential appears to be limited due to his lack of innate puck skill. He can clear forecheckers with his feet but needs to be paired with a more confident puck handler to help initiate clean exits. Inside the offensive zone, Allan will often elect to dump pucks into the corner and rarely jumps up into the play to hold the line or keep pucks in, opting to play an extremely conservative brand of defense. Perhaps as he gains confidence, these tools will grow. As of right now, Allan likely projects as a quality third pairing defender who can anchor a penalty killing unit. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Ethan Del Mastro - D

The expectations for Del Mastro heading into this OHL season were pretty high after he showed such great progression in his rookie season, finishing the year as one of Mississauga’s best defenders. However, due to the OHL cancellation, the only game action Del Mastro saw this year was at the U18’s where he helped Canada win gold. While he started slowly in more of a third pairing role, he eventually earned the trust of the coaching staff and became a very valuable member of that gold medal winning squad.

The main allure of Del Mastro is that he skates significantly better than the average 6’4, 205 lbs, physically imposing defender. His long strides are both smooth and powerful, allowing him to pick up speed quickly. Del Mastro also relishes the opportunity to play the body and is extremely physically aggressive. This gets him into penalty trouble at times, but this is the trade-off for a player who prides himself in being difficult to match up against. While Del Mastro does show potential as a puck mover because of his linear power, his offensive skill set is currently most effective when kept simple. Just how high his offensive upside is remains to be seen. Does he have the vision, creativity, or hands to be a strong two-way force or is he more likely to become a stay-at-home defender at the NHL level? Del Mastro will be a leader for the Mississauga Steelheads this year and should see considerable ice time in all situations, aiding in his development as a two-way player. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Evan Barratt - C

A prospect who has been mostly under the radar since his time with the USNTDP, Barratt has slowly and gradually improved his overall game, but the pace of improvement has been so slow and gradual, that it has been barely perceptible. In his time with the program, he was overshadowed by the likes of Quinn Hughes, Brady Tkachuk and Josh Norris, even though Norris was the only one who outproduced him. Playing for Penn State may have continued to keep his expectations lowered, as the school still lacks the cache of the premier college programs, unlike conference rivals Notre Dame, Michigan, and Minnesota.

There was some mild buzz during and after his 43-point sophomore campaign, but Barratt’s inclusion with the American WJC entry had a diminishing impact on his standing, and his scoring regressed to around one point per game in his final season on campus. Barratt’s first pro campaign was again a quiet one, yet only two members of the IceHogs topped his output. You may have also noticed a trend here, in that Barratt consistently puts up solid numbers – not team leading, but close – yet the numbers themselves are not eye-popping, and the way he gets there isn’t exciting, so he is overlooked. Even if it’s boring, he has a good shot, and though he may seem plodding, he plays hard and gets his licks in. The upside is moderate, but he’ll earn it without fanfare. - RW

Michal Teply - LW

The 6’3 playmaking winger started his pro career last year, however he struggled with Rockford as he adjusted to the speed and strength of pro players. He will hope to be better in his sophomore campaign and will try to earn more offensive responsibility this season.

MacKenzie Entwistle G

Entwistle may not have the potential to be a top six player at the NHL level, but he has everything you want from an elite level bottom six player. The competitive two-way forward can play any position and is ready for a full-time role at the NHL level this season.

Wyatt Kaiser - D

A third-round selection in 2020 out of high school, Kaiser had a terrific freshman year for UMD last year, earning a spot on the NCHC all-rookie team. The smooth skating two-way blueliner is a prospect on the rise in the Blackhawks system.

Isaak Phillips - D

With the OHL on hiatus, Phillips was able to play in the AHL a year early and, perhaps surprisingly, he was extremely effective as a first-year pro. Blessed with high-end physical tools, Phillips showed great progression as an offensive player last year, to go with his already refined defensive approach. With a full AHL season on the horizon, Phillips is another Blackhawks prospect trending upwards.

Jakub Galvas - D

After spending two years in Liiga as an everyday player, the Czech defender will head to North America for the first time this year to play with Rockford in the AHL. Far from a flashy player, Galvas succeeds as a two-way defender because he keeps things simple.

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Chicago Blackhawks Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 22 Nov 2020 20:32:18 +0000

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

Ian Mitchell, D (57^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 1)

Mitchell is on the smaller side but is more solid and able to play hard against top opponents. He does not have the flash of some previous top Chicago prospects, but his upside is very high nonetheless and his floor is high as well. His tools all rate as average or better, but his hockey sense and instincts help everything play up, giving him a package that is greater than the sum of its parts. A right-handed shot, he can play on both sides of the point, something helped along by very strong lateral mobility. His defensive footwork is solid as well, and Mitchell generally finds himself in the right spot to nullify most chances against, allowing him to be trusted against much bigger players. He has even been known to drop the occasional opponent with a big hit, belying his compact stature. Mitchell still has the puck moving chops that saw the Blackhawks use a late second rounder on him out of the AJHL in 2017, but as he has greatly refined the rest of his game in college, he now looks like a potential #2/3 defender in short order. – RW

Lukas Reichel, LW (17^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Reichel was deemed worthy of a first-round selection because of his strong performance in the DEL last year, his high-end IQ as an offensive player, and his well-rounded approach to the game. His best asset is the way he thinks the game. He is excellent at finding space in the offensive zone, playing with resilience through traffic. He flashes play driving ability but appears much more comfortable as a strong complementary scoring winger. His pro-level goals have largely come from dirty areas, which makes it easy to see his game translating to the next level. Reichel also excels down low and when working the half wall as his agility is excellent, which makes him tough to pin. His board work has been outstanding, and he shows no worries in using his body to protect the puck, holding his own against extreme physical pressure from men despite his relatively light weight. His skill level is good but not elite. The same could be said for his speed and functional success in transition. - BO

Alec Regula, D (Trade: Oct. 28, 2019. Originally: 67^th overall, 2018 [Detroit]. Previous ranking: 2)

A hulking right shot defender; Regula possesses a unique skill set. He moves extremely well, possessing both power and fluidity in his stride. His ability to play in the buffer position on the power play gives Regula addition means of contributing. He uses quick hands to finish off plays in tight, with a forward’s touch. He is an incredible asset in his own end because of his reach. He was among the league leaders in takeaways per game last year and he suffocates attacking forwards because of that mobility and reach combination. One area that really improved for him was his decision making with the puck in the defensive end. His poise and patience improved and as such, he cut down on his giveaways and improved his ability to start the breakout effectively. The Hawks should be elated to have added Regula to their prospect stable, following a deal from Detroit. He projects as a second pairing, all situations defender who could move quickly through the system, so long as his processing ability holds up to the speed of the pro game. – BO

Drew Commesso, G (46^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Commesso’s specialty is not just allowing his own defenders to start a counterattack from the defensive faceoff dots, but he will regularly shove the puck past the blueline, on the tape to give the rush a major kickstart. Commesso’s numbers have been impressive, with save percentages of .917 and .920 at the different levels played by the USNTDP last year. He cannot be compared to his predecessor, Spencer Knight, but he is a good goaltender in his own right. He has decent size, is agile and plays an athletic game with quick limbs. He keeps his composure in tough situations and rarely lets a bad goal get him down. The Boston University commit has yet to face a heavy workload. There are also elements of his game that will need marked improvement, including his coverage of the posts, where he can leave too many holes, or his ability to control rebounds, preventing second and third chances. - RW

Pius Suter, C/LW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Jul. 16, 2020. Previous ranking: 3)

Following five years in the ZSC Lions program, Suter signed with Chicago after an NLA scoring title and MVP season. He is a relentless puck hound, pushing the pace and attacking. He does the majority of his damage within a few feet of the net. Of course, his finishing ability and shot are also strengths and it is what makes him a successful and consistent goal scorer. He is also a competitive two-way player who uses his strong skating ability to apply back pressure and force turnovers. These traits make Suter a terrific penalty killer. He still has to prove his slight frame will not hinder his play in the NHL. Even if the offensive skill set does not fully translate, there is certainly a good chance that Suter can become a valuable bottom six forward because of his speed and tenacity. Look for him to make an immediate impact (in some shape or form) for Chicago next year. – BO

Landon Slaggert, C (92^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

His game is pure high energy grinder, but Slaggert also has sneaky skills in his mitts. You will first notice him when he bumps an opponent off the puck along the boards, but you should also note how he picked up the puck himself after forcing the turnover and proceeded to flip it stealthily to a linemate streaking up the opposite wing. Son of a coach, he is eminently coachable. Playing with higher end players, it is clear how Slaggert’s subtle skills can play at a higher level. That said, he will be better as a playmaker than a finisher thanks to his vision and reading. That ability to read the ice also helps him immensely on the other side of the puck, where he is an asset to his team. He is a fun player to watch and easier to appreciate than most prospects with his nondescript point totals. He is a swift skater who follows the play and never gives up on the puck. He is a future NHL’er who should be able to fit in wherever he is needed, up or down the lineup. – RW

Wyatt Kalynuk, D (Free Agent, signed: Jul. 16, 2020. Originally: 196^th overall, 2017 [Philadelphia]. Previous ranking: 4)

Not drafted until his third year of eligibility, Kalynuk did a lot well, but nothing spectacularly at the time. Three years at Wisconsin later, the last of which saw him wearing the “C”, the pick looks like a Ron Hextall era steal, even if the Flyers will never reap the rewards from that shrewd bit of scouting. As an overager, Kalynuk was eligible to leave school early and declare free agency, which he did this summer, finally signing with Chicago in July. The Blackhawks are getting a solid two-way defender with sneaky puck skills and a solid point shot, who uses stick and body positioning for defensive stops. He is a good enough skater to keep up with most, without being dynamic. Kalynuk reads the game well and tends to make the right decision to help extend possession for his team. The Blackhawks would be well-served to give him a half to a full season in the AHL to acclimatize to the speed of the professional game, but it should not be long until he is ready for a third pairing role in the NHL, with room for additional minutes on either or both of the special teams units. - RW

Evan Barratt, C (90^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 5)

Barratt couples a heavy game with good hustle and a very strong, effective shot to help tilt the ice in his team’s favor. Nominally a center, he is most effective playing along the boards and behind the net, suggesting a future move to the wing. A top player in his age group with the national program before he was drafted, he got off to a slower start in college hockey, but picked things up as a sophomore, earning a spot on the American WJC team, and he maintained those gains as a junior. He has learned to better utilize his very strong wrist shot, even finding opportunities to shoot from a distance. Barratt follows his shots to the net, getting rebounds and making goalies uncomfortable. He mostly plays a North-South game, although he is not averse to circling back to create room or a different attack angle. Some time on the farm should allow him to get in work both at center and the wing, finding a spot that works best for him within the organizational structure. His versatility and energy would be a boon to the team as an affordable talent in a bottom six role. - RW

Michal Teply, LW (105^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 6)

Teply has become an enigmatic forward for the ICE. At times he controls the ice with his size, good speed, and flashes of elite level hands and shooting ability, while other nights he is a passenger on a team with a lot of good talent. Plus/minus isn’t a great stat but Teply was second worst on the team in that regard. It shows his play away from the puck still needs some work. When Teply is on his game he is on the forecheck pressuring opponents, establishing the cycle game and making skilled net drives. He is a volume shooter and has pretty good vision from the wall toward the middle of the ice. He isn’t an overtly physical player despite having dominant size and doesn’t always play with the intensity you would hope to see. He has all the physical tools and flashes moments where he puts it all together however they are too infrequent to project future NHL stardom just yet. - VG

Lucas Carlsson, D (110^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 7)

Over the past two seasons, Carlsson has been Rockford’s number-one defenseman. He plays top-pair minutes coupled with time on both special teams’ units, putting up points and learning the intricacies of North American defensive play. This has helped the Swede go from fringe farmhand to a legitimate future NHLer. Aggressive with the puck but calm without it, the 23-year-old has a high stress threshold and never seems to panic defensively, waiting patiently for a chance to stick check, hit, or lock someone up against the boards at the right time. He is not particularly quick but plays with pace, carrying the puck through the neutral zone and making defenders miss with his edgework and fantastic hands. He loves to push the play forward and join the rush as a trailer but prefers to pass in most situations instead of using his below-average shot. His lack of skating speed is the only thing pushing him back from being an immediate NHL defenseman, and with the way he plays, his inability to close on top-end forwards might be an issue. For now, he has impressed his way up the depth chart and could possibly make the Chicago roster out of training camp next season. - TD

Brandon Hagel, LW (Free Agent, signed: Oct. 30, 2018. Originally: 159^th overall, 2016 [Buffalo]. Previous ranking: 9)

After ripping up the WHL for 102 points in his final year with Red Deer, Hagel made a quick adjustment to the pro ranks in his first full year in the AHL. His 19 goals led the Rockford roster and earned him a short NHL stint at just 21 years old, but don’t let those goal numbers fool you, as he is a dual-threat passer and scorer. Initially a Buffalo Sabres sixth rounder who went unsigned, Hagel has speed and shooting ability that makes him a playmaker and someone who has to be played tight and hard by defenders. While he is not a blazer, he skates well with his light and lanky frame to drive play. Without the puck, he competes for net-front position and has the poise to operate in that area against stronger players. A fine defensive player, he kills penalties for Rockford and can play deep in the zone at even strength. Without many flaws in his skillset, it was encouraging to see his offense really shine in his first AHL year. A long future as a checking line, depth-scoring winger who can match up against any other line seems inevitable after some more AHL time. - TD

Artur Kayumov, LW (50^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

A former second round selection, Kayumov has been developing slowly, but well, in Russia and recently finished his second full season in the KHL with Lokomotiv. Among U23 players, his 16 goals were second behind top NHL prospect Kirill Kaprizov in the league last year. The 5-11” winger is a dangerous goal scorer because of his quickness, skill level with the puck, and his powerful release. Currently unsigned by Chicago, Kayumov has a contract with Lokomotiv until the end of 2021-22, and if recent events have told us anything, it would appear likely that he plays out that contract before making the jump to the NHL for 2022-23. While this does seem pretty far down the road, Kayumov could be worth the wait and does project as a top six goal scorer and a high impact player, as his game is already practically devoid of any significant weaknesses. - BO

Nicolas Beaudin, D (27^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 11)

One of the QMJHL’s top defensemen in 2018-19, Beaudin was relied upon by Drummondville for basically everything. He played top pair minutes, including both special teams, and was a key factor in everything they did in the offensive zone with his 49 assists being second among all defenders in the Q. His transition to the AHL, playing the same style, was a struggle. He had difficulty putting up points at the higher level and did not seem to improve his pace of play with the puck, which is concerning for a more offensively oriented defenseman. The former first rounder showed why he was taken with such a high 2018 pick; his vision and maturity are both top notch. He sees the game exceptionally well and plays with ice in his veins. He is so good at maneuvering around the ice, waiting for lanes to open and finding his teammates. He defends well with his smarts, which keeps his gaps even and effective and his stick play is great. Patience is arguably his biggest strength, but that lack of assertiveness is worrying as he is a 5-11” defender who might top out as a tweener without more pace to his game. - TD

Jakub Galvas, D (150^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 12)

Galvas had a rather promising season with Jukurit in the Liiga. The Czech defenseman started really well which set expectations high, but ultimately, he was unable to maintain that level of play and faded somewhat as the season went on. The main issues were a lack of consistency and inability to win one-on-one battles on a regular basis. He must be more assertive and stronger in his own end. That said, he also brought many good elements to the team. He is a smooth-skating defenseman, light on his skates and has good four-way mobility. He moves effortlessly around the ice. Not only is his skating fluid, but he also handles the puck with ease, has swift hands and good puck control to operate in tight quarters. He displayed flashes of skill, but those occasions were few and far between in the past season. He has one year remaining on his contract with the Finnish club. - MB

Andrei Altybarmakyan, RW (70^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Another high draft selection out of Russia by the Blackhawks, Altybarmakyan, similarly aged to Kayumov, has actually signed with Chicago and appears ready to make the jump to North America after a strong KHL season with HK Sochi. The 5-11” winger plays a heavy game and does the majority of his work in tight by driving the net and playing in the slot. With a well-rounded toolkit, Altybarmakyan projects as a middle six winger who can use his speed and power to drive the pace and open up space. Given the state of the pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding the AHL season, it appears there is a chance he stays in the KHL next year on a loan from Chicago, as his rights were recently traded to SKA. But he certainly seems much closer to making an impact in the NHL than Kayumov, if only due to contractual elements. – BO

Philipp Kurashev, LW/C (120^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 15)

A point-per-game player with Quebec of the QMJHL before graduating to the Chicago pro system, Kurashev’s game is one with insane offensive skills that can be inconsistent from shift-to-shift. For the Swiss World Junior team in 2019, he was one of the tournament’s best players and exhibited exactly what his game is in a nutshell, dynamic scoring potential but only in short flashes. He has puck-handling skill, decent speed, and a bullet shot that can beat goalies from distance. He is deadly with the puck on his stick on the power play and can pass better than he is given credit for. He will need to be better off the puck, as he can wander away from the play and fail to find open ice, and he is not much of a helper defensively. He is an undoubted boom or bust prospect, and with more consistency can be a top-six scoring winger, but with none, might not stick long-term at all. – TD

Niklas Nordgren, RW (74^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 18)

As a smaller winger without great skating ability, there is a great deal of risk with Nordgren, that if he isn’t putting up big numbers, he will not be able to contribute at the highest levels. He has a strong shot, but it isn’t elite. He is an impressive stick handler, but he lacks a real dynamic element with the puck. He reads the game well but is not a strong enough defender to project a shut-down role or heavy rotation on the penalty kill. Perhaps most concerning is that Nordgren, despite his solid collection of tools, has yet to really break out in men’s league hockey in Finland. He has been spending the bulk of the previous four seasons playing in Finland’s top U20 league, contributing well over one point per game, but has done barely anything in Liiga across 41 games. Still not signed to an NHL contract, Nordgren will need to take that next step sooner than later. - RW

Michael Krutil, D (110^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

A big, right-handed defender, Krutil has yet to receive much playing experience outside of the Czech junior ranks. While he may not have the high-end potential of some other defenders ranked higher up Chicago’s organizational ladder, his size, physicality, and mobility make him an attractive stay at home defenseman option. He skates well enough to evade pressure in the defensive end with the puck and shows fluid four-way agility that allows him to stay ahead of attackers in transition. He also has good reach and makes life very difficult for skilled players in the corners and middle of the ice. He plays a very safe and simple game that fits within team structure and does not take chances with the puck. He has NHL potential as a PK anchor and third pairing defender. Drafted by Kelowna in the most recent CHL Import Draft, there is a chance he moves over to North America this year once play safely resumes. - BO

Isaak Phillips, D (141^st overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Another bigger blueline body from the 2020 draft class, Phillips is a 6-3” defender who possesses intriguing athletic tools. His mobility is an asset, especially when you combine it with his reach. He is very difficult to beat in transition because his gap control is excellent. He has the potential to develop into a high-quality defensive player at the next level. However, his game is also extremely raw. He is not as decisive with the puck as you would like to see. His physical intensity level wavers and he can get lost in his coverage assignments from time to time. He shows flashes of serviceability across all of his tools, but rarely shows more than that, other than his skating, although the steps forward he took in his draft year were promising. Patience will be required, but the pay-off could definitely be large if he can fully harness his athleticism. - BO

MacKenzie Entwistle, C/RW (Trade: Jul. 12, 2018. Originally: 69^th overall, 2017 [Arizona]. Previous ranking: UR)

While Entwistle is further along in his development – closer to reaching his ceiling – than at least the half dozen prospects immediately ahead of him on this list, we cannot rank him any higher as that ceiling is rather modest and there is less of a chance for Entwistle to exceed those projections than the younger players we have chosen ahead of him. He has plus-plus size, which he knows how to utilize, he is fleet of foot, and plays an effective and reliable two-way game. While he stepped forward a touch in his final year of junior hockey, and he was slightly more productive in his professional rookie season than anticipated, Entwistle’s ability to drive the play offensively has never been demonstrated for any lengthy stretch. His hands are OK, but he has struggled to finish too often. Even though he is more likely to play in the NHL than the next half dozen or more higher up this list, it is exceedingly difficult to see him as anything more than a versatile, fourth line energy forward. - RW

Chicago Blackhawks 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Sat, 14 Sep 2019 10:50:04 +0000

Around one month into last season, the Chicago Blackhawks, meandering through a slow start, fired their coach, future Hall of Famer Joel Quenneville. He was replaced by Jeremy Colliton, who had been the head coach of the Blackhawks’ AHL club in nearby Rockford. The new youngest coach in the NHL had only been behind the bench at any level for five years, the first four of which were in Sweden, with Mora, which he helped guide from the Allsvenskan to the SHL before taking the Rockford job.

The hiring was curious for more reasons than just Colliton’s general lack of experience. For another thing, hiring coaches from the AHL has recently fallen out of vogue, at least directly, with many GMs preferring coaching retreads, or, if they want a new face, looking to the college ranks, as was done in Dallas and Broadway, following Philadelphia a few years ago. (Note that exceptions are sometimes made when the incumbent coach is fired or leaves at an awkward time – see Colorado and the hiring of Jared Bednar) Promoting assistants to the top job has also been popular, as we see with the most recent Stanley Cup winner in Craig Berube, or with Ottawa plucking DJ Smith from the backbench of Provincial rival Toronto.

In any case, Colliton’s promotion from Rockford does give us a chance to study how he incorporated some of his old charges from the farm into the NHL lineup. There were a few 2017-18 IceHogs who received significant time in the Chicago lineup in 2018-19. Looking at our top 20 from last year, big blueliner Carl Dahlstrom lost his eligibility after playing in 38 games. Luke Johnson also got into 15 games, retaining his prospect eligibility (which he will try to lose this year as a member of the Minnesota Wild). Netminder Collin Delia got 16 games in net when Corey Crawford was hurt, and put up numbers that were better than ostensible backup Cam Ward’s (although still not that great). Other players having played under Colliton for both teams include Gustav Forsling, Andreas Martinsen, John Hayden, Dennis Gilbert, and Alexandre Fortin.

Notably, none of the players listed above had outsized roles with Collliton’s Blackhawks’ squad as he was able to tell the difference in quality between good AHL players and NHL talent. The Blackhawks nonetheless finished around the same under Colliton as they were with Quenneville. Based on the list below, we also don’t expect the Rockford connection to play a greater role next year, as of the five players listed who primarily played in the AHL last year, three came to the organization from other teams in the offseason, meaning they had never played under Colliton. The two that are holdovers include Dylan Sikura, who actually only played for Colliton in Chicago, and Lucas Carlsson, who was still in Sweden, playing for Brynas, when Colliton was in Rockford.

Even with the overall record not changing much between the two coaches, and the new coach not utilizing much in the way of familiar faces in his new job, the Blackhawks did at least feel more energized under the younger coach. And with one of the deepest systems in the game, there is the hope that Colliton will be better equipped to utilize the young talent entering the system than his predecessor had been.

-Ryan Wagman

Adam Boqvist (27) of the Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire)

1 Kirby Dach, C (3^rd overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Dach is a true game-breaker down the middle of the ice. Few centers bring the combination of size, speed and skill that he provides. He has the ability to make plays in open ice, beat guys one on one or make a pass that cut open defenses. He carries the puck through the neutral zone well and always plays with his head up. He can protect the puck as well as anyone down low and can make passes from anywhere on the ice. He is a very good shooter, too, but his game revolves around his passing ability and ability to hold onto the puck. His defensive game is intriguing as well as he uses his long reach to strip pucks and on the back check can quickly turn the play around with his physical dominance. He needs to improve his consistency over a full season, but he projects as a number one center but could play the wing as early as this season in the NHL. - VG

2 Adam Boqvist, D (8^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 1) An elite offensive defender, Boqvist has the requisite tools to be a high scorer in the NHL. His skating stride is not only smooth, it is powerful, and it allows him to take risks by jumping up into the rush quite frequently. He also possesses fantastic scoring instincts for a defender, sliding down into the slot or using his agility to open up shooting lanes for himself at the blueline. While his offensive game could best be described as dynamic, his defensive game can be summarized as “developing.” Boqvist is a high risk, high reward player who may never be a defensive stalwart but his reads and physical assertiveness will need to improve for him to be a reliable even strength player. He will either play with Chicago, or in the AHL this season. A year of minor pro would likely greatly help his defensive game and make him more equipped to handle the rigors of the NHL. - BO

3 Alex Nylander, LW (8^th overall, 2016 [Buffalo]. Last Year: 3 [Buffalo]) Nylander is a rather controversial and inconsistent player to watch. At his best, he is a gifted playmaker and passer with a great way of seeing the play and anticipating where to be on the ice, however he is rarely at his best. Instead he lacks physicality or any sort of aggressiveness in his game which sees him often times back down from being first to the puck and battles as he is weak on the puck. For a forward with size and a good shot, Nylander has to make sure to keep his feet moving at all times and be stronger so that he can get the opportunities he deserves. He has the skill to be a middle six forward but he will need to make major adjustments to his attitude and consistency in order to make the next level work. He will need to be more aggressive and his work ethic will have to be much better than in previous seasons. - SC

4 Aleksi Saarela, C (89^th overall, 2015 [New York Rangers]. Last Year: 3 [Carolina]) Saarela is a hard-working, dynamic player who wins battles and moves so efficiently that his energy stays high throughout the entirety of each game. He is a great shooter and his accuracy is impressive which makes him a tough opponent to stop. He is an all-around fun and creative player to watch and with his hockey sense and skill, he has the potential to be a top six forward and lead a team despite his size. He flies under the radar but will still need a year in the AHL to gain enough momentum and confidence to be the same type of player once he moves up to the NHL. That being said, should Saarela have another great year and work on being more accurate with his breakout and regroup passes, his transition to the next level will be much easier. He will also need to better his coverage at both ends of the ice. - SC

5 Ian Mitchell, D (57^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 4) Overshadowed in the AJHL in his draft year by Cale Makar, Mitchell is likewise a second fiddle defender in the Chicago pipeline behind Boqvist. That said, he has clearly been the top blueliner for Denver for two years running. He is a fine skater, with four directional ability, and his hands are just as quick. He can dangle and is a natural at walking the blueline and moving off of it to help his team create offense. As good as he is offensively, he is just as sharp in his own zone. He plays with a mature sense of calm and can be relied upon in the hairiest situations. Even with Boqvist in the picture, I would not put a first pairing future past Mitchell, although second pairing is more likely. - RW

Chicago Blackhawks center Dylan Sikura (95) (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire)

6 Dylan Sikura, D (178^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 3) With great speed and incredible hockey vision, Sikura has turned into an absolute steal as a sixth round pick for the Blackhawks. A former OJHL star, he spent four years at Northeastern to ramp up his offensive game to the high level he sits at now. In his first full pro year, he posted a 45-17-18-35 stat line with AHL Rockford while adding eight assists in 33 NHL games. From the standpoint of raw skating, he was one of the best in the AHL and in this very deep farm system. His playmaking has long been his calling card, and he loves to make space for teammates with his speed only to pass it off. He is a smaller center, but does not shy away from doing the dirty work on both ends of the rink. His shot will never be a legitimate weapon, but he can hide his biggest flaw by playing a distributor role instead. He could be a top-six forward -- he routinely plays all three positions -- as soon as this season. - TD

7 Niklas Nordgren, RW (74^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 5) Nordgren was having a strong 2018-19 season until he was injured, which caused him to miss the World Juniors and limited his season to only 15 Liiga games. The 5-9" winger is not the fastest of skaters but has very good passing skills, offensive instincts and vision. He can execute an efficient and quick passing game both in the neutral and offensive zones. He is smart in possession and constantly plays with his head up while scanning his options. Nordgren has a quick and very accurate wrist shot, as well as a hard slap shot, both of which can beat goalies cleanly. He has a goal-scorer's touch around the net. A lack of explosiveness in his skating is concerning, but his top speed is quite good and still improving. He has middle-six upside as an offensive-minded winger. - MB

8 Michal Teply, LW (105^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Teply has been a key player for the Czech youth national teams at the international level. The Blackhawks' third round pick is a very smart winger with no shortage of skill, either. Even when having limited time and space, he can deliver quality passes and stay poised under pressure. He makes quick decisions with the puck and reads the game at a high level. He has good shooting technique and mechanics, making for an accurate, high-velocity wrist shot. He is an agile and fluid skater with good coordination. He can carry the puck into the zone with relative ease, but he would be even more dangerous with improved acceleration, especially from a standstill. Teply projects as a middle-six winger at the NHL level. He will play for WHL's Winnipeg Ice this season. - MB

9 Alex Vlasic, D (43^rd overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) A Chicago-area native, Vlasic gains notice as soon as eyes are laid upon him, considering his towering 6-6” size. His skating needs to be cleaned up, but he gets to a decent top speed, especially considering his frame. Vlasic is still incredibly raw and learning what he can and cannot do against advanced competition, especially as it pertains to his ability to read the play. He has surprisingly good hands and is capable of executing highlight reel passes. His long reach helps him overcome some of his defensive zone foibles, but he flashes enough to suggest that he can grow into competence there. Coupling in the fear factor, as he is not afraid to run guys over, and we have here a blueliner with outsized potential once he decides on the type of player he should be. - RW

10 MacKenzie Entwistle, C/RW (69^th overall, 2017 [Arizona]. Last Year: Not ranked) Like a Swiss army knife, there are many facets to Entwistle’s game. He has size. He skates well. He is a very intelligent player away from the puck and is effective in all three zones. He asserts himself physically and is an excellent forechecker. He can play all three forward positions and slide up and down a lineup depending on need. He provides leadership and is coming off back to back Championships with two different OHL teams. While Entwistle does not possess elite offensive tools, he is the type of player that the coaching staff in Chicago will absolutely love. And, as already alluded to, he is the type of player you win Championships with. His projection is likely of a bottom six forward who can anchor a penalty kill and he should move quickly through Chicago’s system, even if the offensive production is only mediocre. - BO

11 Dominik Kubalik, LW (191^st overall, 2013 [Los Angeles]. Last Year: Not ranked [Los Angeles]) Kubalik put together a breakout season with Ambri-Potta on the Swiss NLA. He was one of the top players for the Czech national tea, throughout the season as well, earning a spot on the team for the World Championships, where he recorded 12 points in 10 games. A skilled a sizeable winger who can score goals, he has a strong shot selection which features a quick release wrist shot and an accurate one-timer. Scoring goals comes naturally to him, especially from the circles. He also has the vision and passing skills to create offensive opportunities for others in the final third. Kubalik is a decent skater. His quickness used to be somewhat of an issue, but he has shown improvements in agility and foot speed. He has versatility and physicality to boot, allowing him to be used up and down an NHL lineup. - MB

12 Nicolas Beaudin, D (27^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 6) While Beaudin’s offensive numbers were down a bit from the previous season, he still showed his amazing passing ability. He can hit any teammate anywhere on the ice, putting them in an optimal scoring position. He adds to his great passing with excellent hockey sense, and 56 points from the blueline is nothing to sneeze at. He can read plays as well as anyone in the QMJHL. What still holds him back is his size and his acceleration. He is an undersized blueliner who does not play physical. While his movement and agility is excellent, his speed is just okay. His acceleration is what hurts his skating the most, although his edgework is great. He can overcompensate on both ends of the puck for this, but he can also make great breakouts and succeed in the offensive zone. He is a very talented offensive defender who can quarterback a power play at the NHL level. - MS

13 Brandon Hagel, LW (159^th overall, 2016 [Buffalo]. Last Year: Not ranked [not affiliated]) Hagel is a previously drafted but unsigned player that had to recommit himself in his 20 year old season to get a shot at a pro career. He excels with the puck on his stick, has very good vision and was a top five scorer in the WHL last season. His shot isn’t blow you away quick but he picks corners incredibly well which makes him a dual threat as a shooter and a passer. He played both special teams units and he is an excellent agitator which enables him to draw a lot of penalties. He needs to improve on his discipline as he can run a little hot and take himself out of his game with foolish penalties. Hagel has a chance to be a very good third line player who can be matched up against anyone and can contribute offense from a depth role but will take a couple seasons in the AHL before he sees any NHL ice time. - VG

14 John Quenneville, C (30^th overall, 2014 [New Jersey]. Last Year: 4 [New Jersey]) It is no secret that Quenneville’s path to success has been somewhat delayed and a little rocky. Last season with Binghamton in the AHL was good but saw him also spend a fair bit of time in the penalty box. He has the hands and natural skill to no doubt be playing in the NHL but where he will end up exactly is up to him. He will need to push himself harder to stay focused and stay caught up with the pace of the NHL game if he wants to be anything higher than a third liner. At his best, Quenneville is a dynamic, aggressive power forward who is hard to stop but this next season is a make or break year and it will be up to him to see if he can secure a full time spot in the lineup with the Blackhawks, an organization that prides itself on its forward development. - SC

15 Evan Barratt, C (90^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 12) After struggling through an occasionally trying freshman campaign, Barratt hit a new level with Penn State last season. He is a strong skater with good playmaking instincts. He reads opposing defenses very well and has a knack for finding linemates in motion. While his offensive game is solid, he doesn’t seem to have enough skill to play in a top six, but thankfully he more than makes up for it with strong defensive zone work. He is a trusted penalty killer and generally has his stick in the right place to break up plays and regain possession. He is also a willing combatant, happy to get his nose dirty and generally not fun to play against. Heading back for his junior season, I expect Barratt to sign next spring and work his way to a third line role. - RW

16 Jakub Galvas, D (150^th overall, 2017. Last Year: Not ranked) The top scoring teenager in the Czech Extraliga last year, Galvas increased his offensive output by around 25% despite playing in two fewer games and once again having his season interrupted by the WJC. Despite lacking size, he is an all-situations defender, who uses his stick well in his own zone while also having a knack for filling in shooting and passing lanes with his body. He has very quick feet, which enable him to join or lead the rush and get back quickly if needed, which, on some occasions, is due to his own turnovers. The former fifth round pick is developing steadily and is readying himself for a big step up in competition as he will be playing in the Liiga for Jukurit this season. He still has much to iron out in his game, but between his skating and puck skills, he has a solid shot at a third pairing spot down the road. - RW

17 Alexis Gravel, G (162^nd overall, 2018. Last Year: 13) Gravel is a big goalie who plays an efficient game. He had a big year last year when he needed to; Halifax was reliant on his game to get them to the big stage, and he was needed at times for a deep Mooseheads playoff run into May. While he carries a lot of muscle at 218 pounds, he can move around the crease quickly and puts himself in good position to make the second and third save when needed. In fact, he makes some tough saves look routine with his great puck tracking and anticipation. Gravel might have gained too much weight too quickly and sapped some quickness a year ago but showed this year that the added weight was not an issue. He has starter potential as he gets quicker and continues to progress. - MS

18 Philipp Kurashev, LW/C (120^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 16) Kurashev is a well-rounded and refined offensive player. For the second year in a row, he scored over one point-per-game, and also for the second year in a row, he impressed at the WJC, with seven points in seven games for Team Switzerland last holiday season while being the centerpiece of his team. In Quebec, he also had to deal with the extra attention of being the top center on his team, and thrived with a defensively-responsible offensive game as a player who can play a ton of minutes. Kurashev wrapped up his season with three games in the AHL with Rockford and finally four points over eight games with Switzerland at the world championships playing against men. He needs to improve his skating speed a bit, but he has the makings of a top-nine contributor at the NHL level. - MS

19 Lucas Carlsson, D (110^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 8) A highly aggressive and entertaining defenseman, Carlsson had a very solid 2018-19 campaign, his first in the North American pro ranks. He paced all of Rockford’s defensemen in most offensive categories on their top defensive pair. His speed and shot are average at best, but his fierce and enthusiastic drive in all three zones is what makes him an intriguing prospect. His stretch passes are tight and quick, but he is capable of weaving through the neutral zone with the hands and edgework that make him a fine two-way blueliner. He loves to join the rush as a trailer and let off a wrister, although his shot is average at best. Defensively, he is never hesitant to pressure an opposing forward with a hit against the boards or a sweep check at the line. He is still a while away from being an NHLer, and his play-tracking on defense will have to improve until then, but I would not be surprised to see him on the Blackhawks’ third pair in the near future. - TD

20 Andrei Altybarmakyan, RW (70^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 20) A gifted player and a fast skater, Altybarmakyan has already accumulated significative pro experience in the last few seasons and is now a full-time KHL player after moving to HC Sochi from SKA. The move panned out well for him as he found more time on ice and a former NHL superstar on the bench in Sergei Zubov. A dangerous player when the ice opens up, Altybarmakyan needs to improve his defensive game, his consistency, and his intensity before trying to move overseas. In the NHL it is hard to rely on talent alone, and at this point, he is nothing more than a project player. However, he has intriguing offensive potential and next year will be key to understanding what his real ceiling is. - ASR

OHL Playoff Preview: Western Conference – Trade deadline talent arms race makes for a wide open battle

Brock Otten — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:21:53 +0000

This week the 2019 OHL playoffs will kick off with first round action getting under way on Thursday. More so than any year that I can remember, the field is wide open. There are favorites to take home the J.Ross Robertson Cup, sure, but the sheer number of candidates to make it to the end is greater than previous years because of how many teams loaded up with talent at this year’s trade deadline. As difficult as it is, I will make my predictions. Just do not place any large bets or wagers based upon it.

First Round

Jean-Luc Foudy of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

#1. London Knights vs. #8. Windsor Spitfires

Season Series: 5-1 for London

Analysis: The Spitfires limped into the playoffs with only one regulation win in their final ten games. Their punishment? A date with London, who narrowly held off Saginaw to take the #1 seed in the West. Even if I don’t expect this to be a close series, it will be a terrific experience for the Spitfires and their talented, young roster. Young players like Jean Luc Foudy and Will Cuylle will get a taste of the playoffs to know what is required of them when Windsor becomes a powerhouse again in a few years’ time. The Knights hold the clear advantage in nearly every area here. The team’s #5 defender, Joey Keane, would be Windsor’s #1. They outscore them by over a goal per game. And even if discipline issues creep up (London is the most penalized team in the Western Conference), their top-rated penalty kill is efficient enough to limit Windsor’s chances of getting back in games. Look for Evan Bouchard to have a big performance after last year’s poor showing in the first round that saw London get swept by Owen Sound.

Prediction: London in 4.

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Evan Bouchard (EDM): As mentioned, Bouchard did not have a good first round performance in last year’s playoffs, something that may have led to his slide to the 10th spot last June. To be honest, I wasn’t enamored with his performance this year either with his offensive production taking a step back and his defensive engagement continuing to be a concern. That said, the best players elevate their game when it matters most and I’ll be looking for Bouchard to do that this playoffs. As deep as London is on the blueline, they need him to be a dominant force at both ends if they want to go for the championship.

Liam Foudy (CBJ): Foudy was another player who looked overmatched in last year’s playoffs against Owen Sound. After a slow start to this year, Foudy finished the season well and ended up second in goals for the Knights. The Knights know that they will be getting production from Formenton and Hancock up front, but again, if they want to go far, they will need the speedy Foudy to be an impact player; someone who can use his speed and puck skills to create consistent scoring chances for himself and his linemates.

Jean-Luc Foudy (2020): It is a Foudy vs. Foudy match-up with Liam going against his younger brother Jean-Luc. Like Liam, Jean-Luc is an absolute lightning bolt on skates. He has shown a penchant for using his speed to be one of the OHL’s elite young playmakers, leading all OHL rookies in assists this year. He is a prime time prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft and it will be interesting to see if he is able to better his brother’s initial playoff performance.

Ryan McLeod of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

#2. Saginaw Spirit vs. #7. Sarnia Sting

Season Series: 3-3 TIE

Analysis: The Sting have played the West Division champion Spirit extremely tight this year, including a recent 7-6 shootout victory in late February. Sarnia has a team of workhorses that just never give up on a play and that tenacity always plays well in the postseason. They have seven different players who had over 15 goals on the year, and that’s not including Jamieson Rees who would have hit that mark easily had he played all year. But Saginaw is a CHL ranked team for a reason. Lately one of the main reasons for their success has been goaltender Ivan Prosvetov, who has only two regulation losses in his last 16 and who finished in the top 5 of nearly every statistical category this year. Rookie winger Cole Perfetti has also been a remarkable story as the first U17 player since Taylor Hall, Steven Stamkos, and John Tavares to score more than 35 goals in a season. He is aided by the likes of Owen Tippett, Bode Wilde, Ryan McLeod, and Cole Coskey on a deep and balanced roster. I expect the Sting to give the Spirit a bit of a scare and be in most games. But the Spirit are rolling on too much of a high and have too much firepower to fall victim to an upset.

Prediction: Saginaw in 6

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Ryan McLeod (EDM): While his production for Saginaw since the trade from Mississauga has been a little underwhelming, McLeod has been a proven playoff performer so far in his OHL career. He was a huge part of Mississauga’s deep run in 2017 and I would expect him to bring himself back to that point per game production. His playmaking ability will be much needed if the Spirit want to eventually come out on top in the Western Conference.

Bode Wilde (NYI): Wilde has been sensational in his first OHL season after coming over from the USHL. No question he is in the conversation for the Max Kaminsky as the league’s top defender. His size and skating combination make him a lethal operator off the rush and very difficult to stop as he cuts through the neutral zone like butter. Defensively, there have been some ups and downs and now he will be getting into his first playoff action. I am very intrigued to see how he responds and looks to take over and control the play at both ends.

Ryan McGregor (TOR): A 2017 draft pick by the Leafs, McGregor is still without an NHL contract. He has had a very good season, establishing himself as one of the OHL’s elite two-way forwards. But a strong playoff series performance for Sarnia here, even if it is in a losing cause, would go a long way to proving to Toronto’s management that he deserves a place in their future plans.

Morgan Frost of the Sault Ste. Marie Grehounds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

#3. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. #6. Owen Sound Attack

Season Series: 2-0 for Sault Ste. Marie

Analysis: Two things are bad news for the Attack. The first, Morgan Frost avoided a longer suspension for cross checking and will be available for the entire first round. The second, Barrett Hayton is back and healthy, showing no rust whatsoever with four goals in two games to close out the year. That means that the ‘Hounds will be operating at full speed offensively and that does not bode well for the Attack, a team that has struggled to keep the puck out of their net this year thanks to inconsistent goaltending. Owen Sound also only has two 20 goal scorers in their lineup and no one operating at over the point per game mark. With a healthy lineup, the Greyhounds have the advantage here in nearly every facet. While I do worry about their depth and supporting cast as the rounds progress, I am confident that they should be able to get past a rebuilding Attack team pretty easily.

Prediction: Sault Ste. Marie in 4

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Barrett Hayton (ARI): Had to be a difficult year for Hayton to settle in and find a groove. Start the year in the NHL. Back to the OHL. Then off to the World Juniors. Then get injured. Through it all, his production has been fantastic with one of the highest point-pergame averages in the league. His game is tailored perfectly for the playoffs because of his high intensity level and how well he plays through traffic in the offensive end. He had a very successful playoffs last year for the Soo as a support player, now let us see how he does as a focal point.

Mac Hollowell (TOR): The front runner for OHL defender of the year was recently rewarded with a much deserved NHL contract from Toronto. Hollowell is an elite offensive defender who is great at using his above average mobility to jump up in the attack. He is also a major weapon on the powerplay, something that any team needs operating at a high level to make a deep run in the playoffs. This guy competes so hard and is easily one of the most underrated players to have played in the OHL in recent years.

Mack Guzda (2019): If Owen Sound hopes to stay in this series, they will need top shelf goaltending and that will have to come from Guzda. He came into the year very highly touted but consistency issues have continued to plague him as they did in his rookie year. He has the size and athleticism that NHL scouts are looking for, but he needs to show that he possess the mental makeup too. Not only will NHL scouts be looking closely at him here, but so will Hockey Canada for the 2019 U18 roster. He can’t afford to be a sieve and look overmatched.

Nick Suzuki of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

#4. Guelph Storm vs. #5. Kitchener Rangers

Season Series: 4-4 TIE

Analysis: With the way the Guelph Storm loaded up at this year’s trade deadline, bringing in Nick Suzuki, Markus Phillips, Sean Durzi, and Mackenzie Entwistle, one would have to consider them the heavy favorite here. And they have been playing some great hockey lately. But so have the Kitchener Rangers; a team that I do not believe can be completely written off. They have five 30 goal scorers, something that matches Guelph and their firepower. Guelph’s Anthony Popovich has struggled down the stretch and is being threatened by Nico Daws for the starting role, so I am slightly concerned about Guelph’s netminding. However, I believe the thing that sways this in Guelph’s favor is their veteran defense. Dmitri Samorukov has been playing out of his mind lately and along with Durzi, Gordeev, Phillips, Hanley, and Lalonde, make up one of the strongest and veteran-heavy defensive units in the OHL. Contrast that with Kitchener, which relies on youngsters like Mike Vukojevic and Donovan Sebrango to play key roles. The Rangers will push the Storm, but ultimately come up short.

Prediction: Guelph in 6

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Nick Suzuki (MTL): Took him a bit of time to really acclimate himself with his new surroundings in Guelph, but he has been on a tear lately and really seems to have settled in. In his last 11 games, he has 5 games with 3 points or more. Suzuki is such a good distributor, but he is at his best when he is active without the puck, forcing turnovers and putting pressure on the opposition in all three zones. He has traditionally performed very well in the playoffs in his career and I would expect nothing less from him here as Guelph gears up for a long run.

Dmitri Samorukov (EDM): Speaking of a tear, few defenders in the OHL have been as hot as Samorukov in the second half. Whether it was the confidence he gained from the World Juniors, or the increased role he received from the trade of Ryan Merkley, Samorukov has blossomed at the right time. He has become extremely aggressive offensively, using his skating ability to create off the rush. He still remains a physically aggressive stalwart in his own end; a true two-way force.

Riley Damiani (DAL): Earlier I spoke of underrated OHL players and few fit that category more than Damiani. Among 2000 born players in the OHL, only Akil Thomas and Barrett Hayton had greater point per game averages as he jumped from 37 points last year to 85 in 2018/19. He has an infectious energy about him on the ice and his dynamic playmaking ability and vision are one of the main reasons why Kitchener’s powerplay has been one of the league’s best this year.

Continued Western Conference Predictions

Conference Semi Finals

#1. London vs. #4. Guelph

#2. Saginaw vs. #3. Sault Ste. Marie

I am taking Guelph and Sault Ste. Marie here. I just was not crazy about what I saw from London in the last month of the year. They are relying on too many younger forwards to create offense and I think they lack a premier playmaker. And on defense, I think they lack the jam necessary to slow down an offensive juggernaut like Guelph. As for the Soo, I like them over Saginaw because I feel that their veteran leadership group consisting of Morgan Frost, Barrett Hayton, Mac Hollowell, Jordan Sambrook, and Keeghan Howdeshell can help to elevate the play of some of their younger support players. I think their abrasive style of play bodes better for playoff success, even though I see potential for Prosvetov to stand on his head. That is a true coin flip, but I am sticking with the Greyhounds.

Western Conference Final

#3. Sault Ste. Marie vs. #4. Guelph

I am all in on Guelph this year to take home the Western Conference title. I feel like they have been constructed the right way and have really found chemistry and hit their stride at the right time. Goaltending is a mild concern for sure, but in the West, I think everyone has similar concerns to a certain degree.

SEE OHL PREVIEW: EASTERN CONFERENCE- LINK HERE

OHL Championship Series

Niagara IceDogs vs. Guelph Storm

Another toss up for me. Ask me tomorrow and I may just choose someone different. Both of their regular season matchups were decided by a single goal. Honestly, this comes down to goaltending. I give Niagara the advantage at forward. I give Guelph the advantage on defense. But in net, I think you have to tip your hat in Stephen Dhillon’s direction. Especially considering that there is no guarantee that Anthony Popovich finishes the postseason as Guelph’s starter. So...I am selecting the Niagara IceDogs as this year’s OHL Champions!

2019 IIHF World Junior Championship Review: Canada

Kevin Olexson — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 18:43:57 +0000

O Canada…….after winning Gold last year, and hosting the World Juniors in Vancouver and Victoria this year, the Canadians were considered favorites coming in to the 2019 World Junior Championships.

The Canadian team was built with an abundance of talent and skill with all but two players on the team drafted and property of NHL teams. The injury bug hit early with Alex Formenton (Knee), Gabriel Vilardi (back), both out for the tournament before Canada had even completed their selection camps. Jared Anderson Dolan played, but was hampered with a wrist injury, and Maxime Comtois, the only returnee from last year’s team, playing hard and leading this team with a separated shoulder. They were hoping to add forward Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, who was part of last year’s gold medal team as well, and would be considered Canada’s best player and expected leader going in to the tournament, but the Blues would not release him from their NHL roster. Tim Hunter (Moose Jaw) took over behind the bench after serving as an assistant coach last year and was joined by Marc Andre Dumont (Cape Breton), Jim Hulton (Charlottetown), and Brett Kisio (Lethbridge). Hunter wanted a fast team that would be aggressive and play an exciting up-tempo style of hockey.

Team Canada opened round robin play with a bang, and a record setting 14-0 romp of Denmark, The offensive onslaught seemed to have almost everyone involved, as Alexis Lafreniere and Noah Dobson were the only players who failed to get on the scoresheet. Led by four goals from captain Maxime Comtois, a three-goal five-point performance from Morgan Frost, four-point games by Cody Glass and Brett Leason, three assists each from Evan Bouchard, Owen Tippett, Jack Studnicka, Barrett Hayton, Ian Mitchell, and Markus Phillips all contributing with multiple points, and then nine other players notching the scoresheet with single points including goaltender Michael DiPietro. DiPietro posted the shutout, stopping all 14 shots that he faced with ease from the Danes, as none of them were all that difficult or dangerous. Things could not have started any better for the host team as they seemed dominant and poised to defend their gold medal.

Their second game of the tournament put the Canadians up against the Swiss, who were a much improved and gritty bunch coming into this year’s tournament. Canada managed to hang on to a 3-2 victory over Switzerland, which was a much different game from their first one. Canada’s Cody Glass opened the scoring 36 seconds into the game as he ripped one by Swiss goaltender Akira Schmid on a slick pass from Nick Suzuki. The Swiss tied it up on the power play when Philipp Kurashev slid into the slot and beat Canadian goalie Ian Scott with a big one timer on a nice pass from the Swiss Captain Nicolas Muller. Almost five minutes later Canada reclaimed the lead when MacKenzie Entwistle beat Schmid from point blank range on a feed from Shane Bowers.

Canada would stretch the lead to two goals when Noah Dobson broke down the right side and fought off Swiss defender Janis Moser cutting to the net and tucking the puck past Schmid. The Canadians failed to put the game away in the third when they were unable to capitalize on three consecutive power plays. Consequently, Switzerland fought back with Kurashev’s second goal of the game when Nick Suzuki was sent off for tripping, and an extra attacker out for the Swiss with the net empty. With both teams trading minor penalties late in the game, the Canadians were able to withstand the Swiss barrage at the end of the game to hold on for the 3-2 victory.

Canada kept their record intact as they beat the Czech Republic 5-1 and have had their way with the Czechs winning 10 of the last 11. Maxime Comtois opened the scoring when he took a blindside pass from Owen Tippett as he was rounding the net and banked the puck in off the back of Czech forward Martin Kaut. Ondre Machala tied the game up after beating goaltender Michael Dipietro on a 2-on-1 taking a great pass from Jan Jenik. With the score tied at one, Czech forward Martin Kaut took a boarding penalty when he pushed Canadian defenceman Evan Bouchard into the boards from behind sending Canada to the powerplay. Brett Leason tipped the point shot by Ty Smith by Czech goaltender Jiri Patera to help Canada regain the lead. 17-year-old Alexis Lafreniere scored as he took a short pass from Jack Studnicka and rifled a hard one timer past Patera. Joe Veleno made a nice pass back to MacKenzie Entwistle, who was the trailer on a 3 on 2, and snapped a quick shot short side to go up 4-1. To cap things off in the 3rd, Czech Captain Martin Necas took a checking from behind penalty as he pasted Canadian defensemen Bouchard into the boards. Canada made quick work of that on the power play as Morgan Frost buried his 4th goal of the tournament on a sweet cross ice pass from Nick Suzuki to make things 5-1. Canada never looked back as they played a strong game, and Dipietro closed the door stopping 23 of the 24 shots that he faced for the win.

Team Canada closed out round robin play on New Year’s Eve with a battle for top spot against Team Russia, who has been dominant in their outings up until that point. This was Canada’s toughest test so far in the tournament, as they walked through Denmark and the Czechs. Canada played short a defenseman as Jared McIsaac sat out with a one-game suspension for a hit to the head during the Czech game. Canada opened the scoring early as Cody Glass poke- checked the puck loose in front of the Russian net where Owen Tippett was able to slide it back quickly to Glass who beat Russian Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov.. Russia tied the game up on the power play with Morgan Frost off for a checking from behind penalty, as Grigori Denisenko took a beautiful cross ice pass from Vitali Kravtsov on his off wing and lifted it up top corner past Dipietro to tie the game.

After a fairly even first period, the Canadian squad came out and dominated the Russians in the second period, playing their best period of the tournament, outshooting Russia 13-4, but Kochetkov played great and really kept the Russians in with many magnificent saves. Russia managed to get back to their game in the third, and a great effort by Pavel Shen who he took a pass in his own end from Alexander Romanov and took it all the way up the right side of the ice powering his way by the Canadian defense, cutting his way to the net and tucking it past Dipietro to give the Russians the lead. DiPietro played well to keep Canada in this game, including stopping two breakaways late in the game to give them a chance. Canada pressed to the end, but Kochetkov shut the door on the Canadians helping his squad earn top spot in the pool.

With Canada losing to Russia, it set them second in the pool earning them a quarterfinal date with Finland, who had finished 3rd in their pool, instead of playing Slovakia, as a victory against Russia would have secured. It was a very tight close game. Finland came out with a strong performance from the start and looked really good against the Canadians. After a scoreless first period, Canada struck first as Barrett Hayton carried the puck in and lost it making a move through the slot. The puck found its way to a pinching Ian Mitchell who slid in and beat Finnish goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen high top shelf to put the host nation on top. This game seemed to be a battle of goalies, as both goaltenders played extremely well. Luukkonen was stellar in this game (and the tournament as a whole) and was the largest factor in the Finnish win.

DiPietro also played exceptionally well for Canada, and bailed them out time and time again, as they seemed to have set into defense mode and tried to preserve the one goal lead as Finland keep on coming on strong. Things went well until the last minute of the third period, when with 46 seconds left and the Finnish goal empty, Eeli Tolvanen carried the puck in and around the Canadian net when he banked the puck off the net, and then threw it in front when it came back to him, and he bankied it off Aleksi Heponiemi’s leg, after which it redirected up DiPietro’s stick and over his shoulder to tie the game. Both teams had opportunities in overtime, but Canada seemed to have had the better opportunities, none better than when defensemen Evan Bouchard poke checked Finnish Captain Tolvanen at the Canadian blue line, breaking away on his own on Luukkonen before Tolvanen slashed Bouchard’s stick out of his hands causing the referee to put up his hands indicating a penalty shot. Hunter chose Captain Maxime Comtois to take the shot. Comtois broke in, Luukkonen flashed the five hole and Comtois tried to slide the puck through but the Finnish net minder closed his legs quickly, making a great save and stoning the captain. Canada continued to press in overtime when Cody Glass broke down the right side and threaded a perfect cross ice pass to a streaking Noah Dobson who leaned in for a one timer on an empty net, only to have his stick shatter, allowing Aleksi Heponiemi to move up ice quickly to Aarne Talvitie who broke in and dropped a pass to Toni Utunen who followed up the play and let a shot go that deflected off of the stick of Cody Glass beating DiPietro to end Canada’s medal hopes.

After the overtime goal was scored by Finland, it was like the life was sucked out of Rogers arena, as the crowd and host nation were in shock. To call this disappointing would probably be an understatement, and surely the Hockey Canada brass was not pleased with the results. You can rest assured that they are already working on changing things for next year’s tournament. Maybe it was the unlucky 13, as It was the 13th time that Canada has hosted the event, and first time that they have failed to come away with a medal. It was also the second time in 21 years that they have failed to get a medal. With a team that was loaded with speed, talent and skill, there is no reason why this team could not have earned a medal on home ice. It just goes to show, no matter how good or stacked that a team may be, the games are still won on the ice, and anything can happen.

This team looked so good to start, as they destroyed Denmark, squeaked by the Swiss, and then handily defeated the Czechs. When the competition got better, things got much more difficult for them. They did manage to open the scoring in each and every game, and they just got caught playing on their heels as Russia and Finland were resilient, and they couldn't switch gears. After scoring 14 goals in their first game, and a total of 22 goals in the first three, they managed only two goals in their final two games. Maxime Comtois led the team in goals with five, and Morgan Frost led the team in points with eight. The top line of Cody Glass, Owen Tippett and Comtois dominated early. Some of the stats are a bit inflated from the Denmark game, and they seemed to fizzle at the end. Mind you they did play two of the best teams in Russia and Finland, and two goaltenders who played great in Kochetkov with a save percentage of 95.3% and goals against of 1.45, and Luukkonen with a save percentage of 93.2% and goals against of 1.80. Michael DiPietro also played great in net for Canada as he put up a save percentage of 95.2% and a goals against of 1.23. His team just didn't score enough goals for to help him out.

Special teams are another category that was not one of their strengths, and in this short tournament, if your special teams can’t capitalize, you won’t go very far. Canada’s power play was the second worst in the tournament, second only to Denmark, as they went 3 for 18 for a 16% success rate. Coach Tim Hunter was reluctant to change things up, and stuck with his unit, even though it couldn't deliver. The penalty kill, was also ranked in the lower tier of the tournament, as it performed at an 80% clip, slightly ahead of Sweden, Slovakia and Denmark. It is a good thing that they were the second least penalized team, with Morgan Frost leading the team with 12 minutes. They struggled on faceoffs and puck possession, as Cody Glass led the team in faceoffs winning 66% of them. The next best were Comtois at 56%, and Jaret Anderson-Dolan at 54%. There are some really good puck possession teams here, and since they lost most of the draws, they were chasing the puck, or allowing teams to come in on them.

Speed was another inconsistent trait of the team. Hunter wanted a fast team, and this team has lots of speed, they just seemed to get stuck on cruise control, showing glimpses here and there, but just not consistently as they were not getting to pucks first or controlling the flow. I am not sure if it was just the style of play that this team wanted, but they never really looked comfortable or confident out there in the latter part of the tournament. Perhaps it was the pressure of an inexperienced group playing in front of home crowd, or maybe they thought it would be easy after the 14-0 thumping in the Denmark game to start the tournament, or maybe they were just the recipients of some bad bounces that didn't go their way. Either way, this was a very disappointing result for Canada.

Some positive take-aways from this year’s tournament: Brett Leason played well in his first world junior with three goals and five points. He showed off his good speed, his ability to go to the net and create scoring chances, as well as his nice set of hands. As one of only two undrafted players on this team, with 29 goals and 68 points in 35 WHL games, he will surely find a taker at this year’s draft, possibly very early. The other being 17-year-old phenom Alexis Lafreniere, who got to see action in his first tournament, playing against such high end competition, and he even scored a goal. Although he played a minor role this year, the projected first overall pick in the 2020 draft will certainly be back next year, and possibly the year after, so this team will very much be his, and it will be his turn to shine. He has good speed, size and strength, and his offensive skills are top notch. Scoring 19 goals and 60 points in 36 games for Rimouski, this was a great learning curve and experience for him. With the rest of the players on this team already drafted, most will move on next year.

Canada’s defense and goaltending played fairly well throughout the tournament. Evan Bouchard has a strong showing, with the Oilers prospect displaying a good transition game, and was very big part of Team Canada. His strength, speed and mobility almost single handedly sent Canada to the semi-finals as he drew the penalty shot in overtime against Finland. Smooth skating defender Ty Smith played a strong transition game and really helped move the puck up ice. Both Ian Mitchell, and Markus Phillips played very well for Canada, and never looked out of place. Mitchell is smaller defender, a smart player who skates well with good offensive instincts and an impressive shot. Phillips is also a good skater who likes to join the rush and get involved with the play. As mentioned above, DiPietro was the best player for Canada, and also posted the best tournament stats for goaltenders. Playing in his future team’s home rink, helped lay a foundation for the youngster as the crowd adored him.

Canadian hockey fans will dissect this in and out, what could have been, what should have been, what went wrong here or there. But one thing is for sure, Hockey Canada will work hard to bring another strong team to next year’s IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in Ostrava and Trinec of the Czech Republic, as they make another run for gold.

2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series: OHL Summary

Shaiyena Côté — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 12:40:50 +0000

Every fall for the past sixteen years leading up to the international U20 tournaments and the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) hosts a series of six games between the Russian Ice Hockey Federation’s top major juniors and the top major juniors playing in the CHL. These games take place across Canada with two games being played in each of the CHL’s three leagues in six different team centers each year. Team Russia takes advantage of Russian players already in Canada playing for CHL teams by rostering them for games during this series.

The first set of games this year took place against the Western Hockey League (WHL) in Kamloops at the Sandman Centre home of the Kamloops Blazers, with the second game being held at the Langley Events Centre home of the Vancouver Giants. The WHL split the game wins with Russia leaving the series tied at one win apiece before coming here to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

The first of the two OHL games was played Thursday November 8^th at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena, home to the OHL’s Sarnia Sting. A few of the players of note rostered with team OHL for the first game were Philadelphia Flyers’ prospects Morgan Frost and Isaac Ratcliffe, Edmonton Oilers’ prospect Evan Bouchard, and Montreal Canadians’ prospect Nick Suzuki. Team Russia’s OHL rostered players included; Edmonton Oilers’ prospects Kirill Maksimov and Dmitri Samorukov of the Niagara IceDogs and Guelph Storm respectively; Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Alexey Lipanov of the Kitchener Rangers and Alexey Toropchenko the St. Louis Blues prospect also from the Guelph Storm, all of whom had the chance to join their countrymen to play against their teammates on the OHL team.

Isaac Ratcliffe of team OHL Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Team OHL got off to a quick start during the first game in Sarnia with Isaac Ratcliffe scoring minutes into the first period off a high slot pass from Arizona Coyotes’ prospect Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Ratclliffe’s goal resulted from one of only four shots in the first period, the shot itself was a bullet going high glove. Team Russia seemed a little shaky at the start, but they were most likely just trying to find their legs again after their previous two games in Western Canada. Both teams took some time to gain line familiarity and worked on finding chemistry throughout the first period.

A lot came out of the first period as three out of the four goals of the game were scored in the first. The second and game winning goal for Team OHL came at the end of the period in the form of a penalty shot. A long stretch pass came from the Canadian blueline on a change to forward Mackenzie Entwistle set him off on a break away. Having full possession of the puck with a good scoring chance the right call was made on the Russian defender Saveliy Olshansky who attempted to slow him down, resulting in Entwistle getting a penalty shot. The right shot Chicago Blackhawks’ prospect made no mistake as he whistled the puck past the blocker of the Russian goaltender, Daniil Tarasov, a Columbus prospect, placing it high in the top left corner.

Stepan Starkov of team Russia Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

The last goal to come in the first period was scored by team Russia. The goal came from an outside drive deep into Canada’s zone by KHL Sochi centre Stepan Starkov who made a clever backdoor pass back to Boston Bruins’ prospect and Ufa KHL centre Pavel Shen as he waited, open in the slot, to net the one-timer. That goal came with 43 seconds left in the opening period.

The second period had more flow as players on both teams became more familiar with each other and more comfortable with their lines. Yet to be really tested were the special teams as there was only one penalty to team Russia in the first period which was successfully killed off by the Russians as Canada’s power play looked to get a little sharper. The second period saw team Russia getting a little more frustrated as they ended up in the box three times with Toropchenko leading the way with four minutes. Team Canada had a roughing minor handed out to Edmonton Oilers’ prospect Ryan McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads.

Barrett Hayton of team OHL Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Team OHL worked well on circulating and moving the puck on the power play but failed to net one as Team Russia successfully shut down the Canadian powerplay. Team Russia’s frustration came after Barrett Hayton netted a highlight reel goal on a break with assists from San Jose Sharks prospect Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm and Owen Sound’s Brady Lyle. Hayton put his puck handling ability on show as he split the two Russian defenders and slipped through the middle leaving him with few options but to deke to avoid the goaltender’s poke check. Hayton’s goal came with half the game remaining but was enough to hold off the Russian team for another thirty minutes.

The rest of the game was played out in good form with both teams looking to up their offensive chances and shots on net. Although Team Russia excelled at killing penalties and quick breakouts, their efforts were shut down by the physicality and aggressive play of the Canadian defence. The third period ended with zero goals being scored and only six minutes in penalties. Evan Bouchard lived up to the hype about him as he played a very solid game and proved why he was drafted 10^th overall in 2018. He showed off his patience with the puck, ability to win battles along the boards and backchecked well on a Russian breakaway. Despite Team OHL outshooting Team Russia 23 to 19, Team OHL had the opportunity to further their lead but the Russian goaltender Daniil Tarasov of the Supreme Hockey League’s (VHL) Neftekamsk managed to come up with some good saves as the Canadians found holes in the Russian defence. Team OHL came out on top of game one with a final score of 3 – 1 but the next game didn’t not go as planned for the Ontario Hockey League Team as they fell to the Russian team by a larger margin than the Russians did in their previous meeting.

The second game of the two game Ontario series was played on November 12 and was won by Team Russia with Russia scoring four goals and a zero response from the Ontario team, a result which left the majority of the fans in the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ontario surprised. Team Russia outshot Team OHL 28 to 23 with the Russians shutting the OHL offence down almost completely in the third period, limiting them to only five shots on goal. The star of the game for Team Russia was their goalie Pyotr Kochetkov who stopped all shots, proving that both of Team Russia’s goaltenders were strong.

Game two saw few roster changes other than the addition of four hometown Oshawa Generals’ players to the lineup; Winnipeg Jets’ prospect Giovanni Vallati was rostered for both games, Florida Panthers’ prospect Serron Noel, undrafted Austen Keating and Boston Bruins’ prospect Jack Studnicka, who wore the ‘C’ for Team OHL, were all new additions to the lineup. Ryan Merkley, Giovanni Vallati, Liam Foudy, Barrett Hayton, MacKenzie Entwistle, Owen Tippett and Ryan McLeod were all dressed for both games.

Alexander Romanov of team Russia Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Game two got off to a quick start for Team Russia as they managed to score 57 seconds in giving them an early lead. Team Russia started with a lot more energy than they had in the previous game, and they were more fired up with a physical presence from the get go. The first period saw ten minutes in penalties in total and two goals from the Russians with one from Montreal prospect Alexander Romanov and the other from Pavel Shen again. Team OHL showed frustration with their lack of productivity and quality chances but were able to keep their penalties to a minimum while making good use of screens in front of the net as they tried to get shots off. MacKenzie Entwistle and Kevin Bahl both picked up penalties for Team OHL while the aforementioned Shen and Veniamin Baranov each picked up penalties for Team Russia. Although Team OHL was down two goals heading into the second period they did not lose their morale playing the second frame and stayed focused and ready to compete with the energized Russians.

The second period was a very entertaining and well played period. Although both teams played a fairly clean game despite a minor penalty given to Team Russia, they were also both kept off the scoreboard. The action bounced back and forth and Team OHL players Studnicka and Ottawa Senators pick Alex Formenton proceeded to stand out for their puck possession skills by making solid passes and getting to the net on rushes. The shots were almost even with the Russians finishing just behind the Canadians in the second as the MVP of the game for Team Russia, goalie Kochetkov put on a show in net turning away all ten good quality chances Team OHL had and flashing the glove multiple times. By the end of the period the OHL players were feeling the pressure of being blanked for another twenty minutes and Team Russia was feeling more confident with their lead.

The end of Team Russia’s Ontario Hockey League stint finished on a high note with the Russians effectively shutting Team OHL down, reducing them to a low five shots on net in the third period and a final score of 4 - 0. Team Russia scored twice as Alexander Yaremchuk and Kirill Slepets both found the back of the net later on in the period to add a softer cushion to their lead. Tempers started to flare a little as Kevin Bahl and Bulat Shafigullin both had roughing penalties and Ryan Merkley ended up with a misconduct penalty. Through all the commotion and short-handed play, Hunter Jones remained calm and collected in his net for Team OHL keeping them in the game as their offence struggled to get the puck down the ice. The period went by slowly for fans who had come to support Team OHL but for the small contingent of Russian fans bearing flags and hats the cheering for their team continued throughout the game and well after the buzzer sounded.

As a final note, the Russian team flew out to Quebec the day following the second game against the OHL for the final two games of the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series. Team Russia met the best of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) first on November 13^th in Sherbrooke and played their second game in Drummondville on November 15^th. Four Russian players playing in the QMJHL; Ivan Chekhovich playing for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, drafted by the San Jose Sharks; Alexander Khovanov playing for the Moncton Wildcats, drafted by the Minnesota Wild; Pavel Koltygin playing for the Drummondville Voltigeurs, drafted by the Nashville Predators and Dmitry Zavgorodniy playing for the Rimouski Oceanic, drafted by the Calgary Flames all joined Team Russia for both games. Russia won both games against the QMJHL (the second game in overtime) to take the six-game series 4 – 2. The fact that Team Russia flew across Canada, played six games in six different cities in ten days against teams made up of different players and still won the series is a possible testament to the strength and skill of Team Russia and the fact that they should not be underestimated in the upcoming World Junior Championship once final team selections are made.

Overall, the play of both teams in the Ontario two-game series was strong and there was a lot of talent showcased on the ice for both Russia and the OHL. Both teams had a few undrafted players to be considered for the 2019 NHL Draft. The 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series marked the start of development camps and tournaments leading up to the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship to be held jointly in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia. With that being said, it will be interesting to see the finished product of Team Canada, once the CHL selection process is complete, and Team Russia, come December 26^th when the puck drops to mark the start of the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship.

OHL Playoff Preview: Greyhounds pacing the pack

Brock Otten — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 20:51:07 +0000

The 2018 Ontario Hockey League playoffs kick off this week after the regular season wrapped up this past weekend. Heading into the playoffs, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds are the clear favorites to come out of the OHL and represent the league at the Memorial Cup in Regina. They have spent the vast majority of the season as the top ranked team in the CHL, one of only two teams to chart the entire season (along with Blainville-Boisbriand of the QMJHL). But competition is always fierce and there are no sure bets in the OHL. Let us now take a look at each first round match-up.

Eastern Conference

#1 - Hamilton Bulldogs vs. #8 - Ottawa 67’s

Season Series: Hamilton leads 5-0

Will Bitten of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Analysis: The Conference Champion Bulldogs face off against the 67’s after the Steelheads won on the final Sunday, securing the number 7 seed. Hamilton has been the cream of the crop of the Eastern Conference for the vast majority of the season. They have been extremely active in trades this year to give them the best chance of coming out of the East. The Bulldogs added Robert Thomas (St. Louis), Riley Stillman (Florida), Nic Caamano (Dallas), Ryan Moore, and Nic Mattinen (Toronto) to an already stacked lineup, giving Ottawa an extremely daunting challenge in round one. This team rolls three powerhouse offensive lines with Matthew Strome (Philadelphia), Will Bitten (Montreal), Mackenzie Entwistle (Arizona), Marian Studenic (New Jersey), and Brandon Saigeon being other top options. Forward Arthur Kaliyev (2019) is another name to watch. He is the first 16 year old to score 30 goals in the OHL since Alex Galchenyuk and he is a potential lottery pick next year as a power winger. In net, the Bulldogs boast one of the OHL’s most improved players this year in Kaden Fulcher (Detroit).

Kevin Bahl of the Ottawa 67's. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Ottawa, on the other hand, is a very young team. In a few years’ time, they could be Memorial Cup contenders. They could have five players drafted in the first three rounds this year (Kody Clark, Mitchell Hoelscher, Merrick Rippon, Kevin Bahl, and Carter Robertson). Offensively, they are paced by Sasha Chmelevski (San Jose), Travis Barron (Colorado), Austen Keating (2018) and Tye Felhaber. Chmelevski was a much hyped prospect who fell hard at last year’s draft (all the way to the 6th), but he has returned much stronger this season. His play away from the puck has greatly improved and it has taken his game to another level. But for all their talent offensively, the 67’s have had a very difficult time keeping the puck out of their own net this year. Overager Olivier Tremblay has not provided the stability that the team had hoped for when they brought him in early this year.

This one has all the makings of a quick series. This Ottawa team, as talented as they are young, is not yet ready for this type of challenge. The Bulldogs are one of the deepest teams in the OHL and their offensive firepower is likely to overwhelm an inexperienced defense and inconsistent netminder. One particular thing worth watching is the 67’s struggling penalty kill going up against one of the league’s best powerplay units from Hamilton. This has to be troubling for Ottawa because they also happen to be one of the league’s most undisciplined teams. And while Ottawa does have some great young offensive talent, the Bulldogs have one of the oldest defensive units in the league and are likely to limit the offensive chances of the 67’s. I look for Robert Thomas to have a big series here (and a big playoff performance overall). His points per game has taken a big dip since joining the Bulldogs, but I think he explodes this postseason.

Prediction: This Hamilton team is just too experienced and too talented for the 67’s. They have the advantage in nearly every area and should dominate. If Ottawa was getting better goaltending, I would say that they might be able to steal a game or two, but I do not even see that happening. Hamilton in 4.

#2 - Barrie Colts vs. #7 - Mississauga Steelheads

Season Series: Mississauga leads 4-2

Michael McLeod of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Analysis: If I was a betting man, I would bet that this is the match-up that Barrie wanted to avoid in the opening round. In fact, it was probably the match-up every team wanted to avoid in the first round. Mississauga has underachieved all season long, but they have shown some signs of finally coming to life the last month or so. Offensive talent is not to be questioned. Their first two lines include names like Michael McLeod (New Jersey), Ryan McLeod (2018), Owen Tippett (Florida), Trent Fox, Albert Michnac (2018), and Mathieu Foget. This group of six matches up well against any top six in the Eastern Conference and it helps to explain why the Steelheads are the third highest scoring team in the Conference. And this excludes their leading scorer, defenseman Nic Hague (Vegas), who was the first OHL defender to score 30+ since Allan Rourke. But keeping the puck out has been a challenge at times. Swedish import and defensive stalwart Jacob Moverare (Los Angeles) has been injured and that has really challenged their younger defensive players to play more minutes than they are ready for. Furthermore, young netminder Jacob Ingham (2018) has had an awful sophomore season that has seen him essentially lose the starting job to Emanuel Vella.

Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

This is potentially trouble because Barrie is the highest scoring team in the Conference and the 3rd highest scoring in the OHL. Their first line of Andrei Svechnikov (2018), Aaron Luchuk (Ottawa), and Dmitry Sokolov (Minnesota) has been absolutely shredding teams of late. The supporting offensive cast includes guys like Ryan Suzuki (2019), Jason Willms (2018), and Zach Magwood who work extremely hard in all three zones and bring energy that exhausts the opposition so that the first line can go to work. The Colts do not have any stars on the blueline, but they are a tight knit unit who work well with Barrie’s forwards to play a terrific team defense. In net, overager Leo Lazerev starts and while he does not necessarily win any games outright for the Colts, he is a mostly reliable presence. It should be noted that he has yet to win an OHL playoff series in his career and probably goes into this match-up with just as many question marks as Mississauga’s tenders.

There is no question that this is not your average #2 versus #7 seed match-up. This is especially true when you consider the fact that Mississauga largely dominated the season series, winning all three games in the new year by a combined score of 18-10. For whatever reason, the speed of Mississauga’s forwards gives the defense of Barrie a tough time and Lazerev has an .840 save percentage against the Fish this season. This is complicated even more by the fact that Andrei Svechnikov has been suspended for the first four games of the series for a head check. But I admit, I have a tough time picking Mississauga to win this series. I do not trust their defense to be able to handle Barrie’s depth up front. And if these games go to an offensive shootout like they did in the regular season, I think Barrie ends up coming out on top this time. Mississauga’s Mathieu Foget has also been suspended for the first four games of the series and his loss might actually be felt more because of Mississauga’s lack of depth. His acquisition really triggered the turnaround for the team. Barrie also needs to stay out of the box. In the regular season, they gave Mississauga almost double the amount of powerplays that they received and it cost them dearly with the Steelheads clicking at over 30% with the man advantage. If they can stay out of the box, and Lazerev can make a few saves, I still like Barrie to come out on top.

Prediction: The result of this series would not surprise me either way, even with the difference in seeding. But depth is critical in the playoffs and Barrie has the advantage there. I am excited to see how the Svechnikov/Luchuk/Sokolov unit handles the pressure of the playoffs. Svechnikov, in particular, can really cement himself as the #2 prospect available in the draft with a strong postseason performance once he returns from suspension (as long as Barrie does not get swept). Barrie in 7.

#3 - Kingston Frontenacs vs. #6 - North Bay Battalion

Season Series: Kingston leads 3-1

Gabriel Vilardi of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Analysis: This is an intriguing match-up because of how differently these two teams approached the OHL season. Kingston brought in Gabe Vilardi (Los Angeles), Max Jones (Anaheim), Cliff Pu (Buffalo), Sean Day (New York Rangers), and Mitchell Byrne at the deadline to bolster an already solid line-up and make them contenders to come out of the East. While they failed to secure a division banner, the results post deadline have been mostly extremely positive. A healthy and re-invigorated Vilardi has provided the biggest boost, as his 1.87 points per game in Kingston is second to only Jordan Kyrou (St. Louis) in the OHL. His strength, on and off the puck, makes him a dominant force in all three zones and the type of player who works to tire and grind out opposing defenses.

Justin Brazeau of the North Bay Battalion. Photo by Terry Wilson /OHL Images,

The North Bay Battalion were sellers at the deadline this year, shipping out veterans Cam Dineen (Arizona), and Brett McKenzie (Vancouver). Those moves only worked to light a fire under the Battalion roster and the team actually improved their record in the New Year thanks to the play of new acquisitions Matthew Struthers (2018), and Jake Henderson, as well as veterans Justin Brazeau (2018), and Adam Thilander (2018). Brazeau, in particular, is a player to watch. The 6-5” winger finished just inside the Top 20 of league scoring and was named as the East’s most underrated player in the recent coaches poll that was released.

If we are measuring up these two teams, we need to give the edge to Kingston in nearly every area. The Fronts lead the season series 3-1, winning the three most recent games (February on). The biggest advantage Kingston has is in net with Jeremy Helvig (Carolina) manning the crease. The overager and veteran netminder has 19 OHL playoff games under his belt and is unquestionably one of the league’s top netminders. Meanwhile, the Battalion will rely on either Christian Propp (2018) or Julian Sime, who have a combined zero OHL playoff appearances. Kingston also has a heavy advantage on special teams, with their powerplay and penalty killing units operating at a higher level. With Robertson and Vilardi operating down low on the powerplay, North Bay is going to need to stay out of the box to have any chance in this series. One wild card to keep an eye on is the health of Max Jones. Jones has been out since the end of January after undergoing surgery on a broken finger. It is likely he returns at some point in these playoffs and he can be a major x-factor.

Prediction: Ultimately, Kingston’s experience and leadership should carry them to a relatively easy victory in this match-up. Gabe Vilardi and Sean Day won a Memorial Cup together last year. Mitchell Byrne won an OHL Championship last year. And Cliff Pu and Max Jones won an OHL Title and Memorial Cup in 2016. Kingston in 5.

#4 - Niagara IceDogs vs. #5 - Oshawa Generals

Season Series: Tied at 1 game apiece

Akil Thomas of the Niagara IceDogs. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Analysis: Two teams that do not see a ton of each other match-up in round one. Niagara and Oshawa also happen to be two of the hotter teams in the OHL heading into the playoffs. The IceDogs are a team that rely on speed and energy to play an up tempo and offensively oriented style of game. They get after it on the forecheck and have a powerplay that has been much improved since the acquisition of overager Sam Miletic (Pittsburgh) from London. On top of Miletic, Niagara has a trio of offensive weapons that they rely on in Kirill Maksimov (Edmonton), Akil Thomas (2018), and Ben Jones (Vegas).

Jack Studnicka of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Oshawa, on the other hand, prefers to slow things down and grind it out in the offensive end. Their fearless leader is Jack Studnicka (Boston), an excellent two-way center who makes an impact in so many different ways. A pair of first time draft eligible forwards support Studnicka; Serron Noel (2018), and Allan McShane (2018). Defenseman Matt Brassard (Vancouver) is also critical to their offensive success. He was one of the highest scoring defenders in the league in the second half and finished the year 7th in defensive scoring.

If we are truly comparing these two teams, it is difficult to determine who has a clear advantage. In goal, the nod should be given to Oshawa and their starter Kyle Keyser (Boston). Keyser has been a stable presence in net this year, definitely more so than Stephen Dhillon who has struggled for Niagara this year, or the inexperienced Colton Incze. Up front, I give the slight edge to Niagara because of their explosiveness and depth. On defense, the two teams boast slightly inexperienced units who are mobile, but can be mistake prone. Ultimately, I see two things possibly tipping the favor in Niagara’s direction. The first is special teams play. As mentioned, Niagara’s powerplay has been performing at a high level lately and Oshawa has one of the league’s worst penalty killing units. The second is home ice advantage, which Niagara owns after finishing the regular season on a 7 game winning streak.

Prediction: With home ice advantage, better special teams play, and a slightly more explosive offense, I like Niagara to win this series. Their goaltending concerns me slightly, but between Dhillon or Incze, they should be able to make enough big saves to at least get the IceDogs into the second round. But this one will be close. Niagara in 7.

Western Conference

#1 - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. #8 - Saginaw Spirit

Season Series: SSM leads 7-1

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League. Photo by Terry Wilson

Analysis: The juggernaut Greyhounds kick off their Memorial Cup push against the Saginaw Spirit, whose five game losing streak to end the season forced them down the standings and into this first round match-up. Sault Ste. Marie has nine NHL draft picks on their roster and two more potential first rounders for 2018. Up front, Boris Katchouk (Tampa Bay), Taylor Raddysh (Tampa Bay), Jack Kopacka (Anaheim), Tim Gettinger (New York Rangers), Barrett Hayton (2018), and the underrated Hayden Verbeek pace the attack. But the real star is OHL 2nd leading scorer Morgan Frost (Philadelphia), one of the breakout stars of this season. On the backend, the Hounds are equally strong, led by Conor Timmins (Colorado), and Rasmus Sandin (2018). Neither seem to make a mistake with the puck and both are just as good in their own end as they are offensively. In net, Matthew Villalta (Los Angeles) has been a steady presence who makes the saves when he needs to.

Evan Cormier of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Saginaw’s strength actually starts in net where overager Evan Cormier (New Jersey) keeps the Spirit in a lot of games that they do not deserve to be in. This is important because the Spirit struggle to score goals. They were only one of three teams in the OHL to not score 200 goals on the season and the other two finished dead last in their conferences (Flint and Sudbury). Furthermore, their powerplay was a league worst 14.7%. There is definitely some offensive talent on this team, but the team’s best days are ahead of them as guys like Blade Jenkins (2018), Nicholas Porco (2019), Ryan Stepien (2020), Aidan Prueter (2020), and Damien Giroux (2018) gain experience. In fact, the team’s only NHL drafted forward, Brady Gilmour (Detroit) finished 9th in team scoring.

In all honesty, this series should not be close and is not likely to be close. The Spirit have a talented young roster, but they are not currently an equal to the Greyhounds. Sault Ste. Marie has the advantage in nearly every area except maybe goaltending. Even then, Evan Cormier can only do so much. Heck, we might see the Greyhounds score more shorthanded goals than the Spirit score powerplay goals in the series.

Prediction: I want to say that Evan Cormier can do enough to steal a game for the Spirit in this series, but I cannot even see the Spirit winning a game. The Greyhounds are just too strong. SSM in 4.

#2 - Kitchener Rangers vs. #7 - Guelph Storm

Season Series: Kitchener leads 5-3

Logan Brown of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Analysis: This is an interesting first round match-up between two teams that did not end the regular season the way they wanted to. Kitchener, a strong team all season, struggled down the stretch, although managed to hang on to their Division crown. Meanwhile, the Guelph Storm were one of the league’s worst teams in the last few months that saw them lose their grip on the #6 spot in the West. Kitchener loaded up at the deadline by bringing in Logan Brown (Ottawa), Givani Smith (Detroit), Mario Culina, and Austin McEneny. I think it would be fair to say that Kitchener is still waiting to see the best out of three of those four, with Culina playing well so far as a starter. It has been the guys around all season like Adam Mascherin (Florida), Kole Sherwood (Columbus), Joseph Gareffa, Logan Stanley (Winnipeg), and Riley Damiani (2018) that have been driving the team’s success. Moving into the playoffs, it will be about whether the newer faces can finally find chemistry or not. The health of defensive stalwart Connor Hall (Pittsburgh) could also impact the series.

Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Guelph, as mentioned, has also struggled down the stretch, especially when it comes to preventing goals. Goaltender Anthony Popovich (2018) appeared to tire of late after seeing a huge jump in workload this season. The defensive group, led by Ryan Merkley (2018), and Dmitri Samorukov (Edmonton) also struggled, to the point where Merkley was a healthy scratch at times down the stretch. The Storm do have a hard working forward group who is capable of icing multiple scoring lines. The offensive leaders are unquestionably Isaac Ratcliffe (Philadelphia) and Cam Hillis (2018), who along with Alexei Toropchenko (St. Louis) form a quality first line.

Looking at this series a little more under the microscope, it is probably closer than people are making it out to be. The special teams match-up pretty well. Neither team has a dominant goaltender that one would qualify as a game-changer (no offense meant to Culina or Popovich). Both teams struggled down the stretch with team chemistry issues. The tipping point for me is experience. The Rangers have the clear advantage there, especially on the defensive end. Guys like Logan Stanley and Austin McEneny, who won a Memorial Cup together with Windsor last year, should really help to stabilize things, even without Connor Hall. I also look for longtime Rangers like Mascherin or Connor Bunnaman (Philadelphia) to really step up offensively to get this team over the first round hump.

Prediction: As mentioned, I feel like Kitchener’s experience advantage will help them come out on top in this series. I also feel that they have a much better team defense approach that likely plays out better for success in the playoffs. Guelph has talent, but they play a very high risk game that, without a ton of playoff experience, could be their undoing. It will be close, but Kitchener in 6.

#3 - Sarnia Sting vs. #6 - Windsor Spitfires

Season Series: Sarnia leads 5-1

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Analysis: No offense meant to the rest of the Windsor Spitfires, but this match-up is about two things. The Sarnia offense (2nd best in the OHL) versus the goaltending of Michael DiPietro (Vancouver). The dynamic DiPietro is one of the few goaltenders in the OHL who is capable of stealing a series victory for his team. The Spitfires rebuilt, dealing off the majority of their veterans held over from their Memorial Cup victory last year, but decided to hang on to their star netminder for this reason. They battle hard in the offensive end behind the likes of Curtis Douglas (2018), Cole Purboo (2018), Cody Morgan (2019), Luke Boka, and Matthew MacDougall (2018). And they play smart in their own end thanks to Connor Corcoran (2018), Nathan Staios (2019), Grayson Ladd (2019), and Zach Shankar. But this team has zero NHL drafted players outside of DiPietro and are incredibly inexperienced.

Jordan Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

The Sting, conversely, were one of the biggest buyers throughout this OHL season, bringing in talented veterans like Cam Dineen (Arizona), Jonathan Ang (Florida), and Michael Pezzetta (Montreal). The lifeblood of the team is Jordan Kyrou (St. Louis), the league’s leader in points per game this year and possibly the best offensive player in the OHL. He is currently zero for three in first round appearances and is likely to do everything in his power to finally reach the second round (and beyond). You could likely argue that overager Justin Fazio is the team’s second most important player in the series, especially considering that he has to match-up against DiPietro. The margin for error is slim.

One of Sarnia’s biggest strengths is on the powerplay where Kyrou, Adam Ruzicka (Calgary), and Drake Rymsha (Los Angeles) have a combined 34 powerplay goals this year. Problem is, Windsor takes among the least amount of penalties in the OHL so as long as Windsor can continue to stay out of the box, Sarnia is going to need to beat DiPietro 5 on 5. The question I have is, how will Windsor manage to score goals, at least enough goals to win this 7 game series? It will not be with the man advantage either (likely) as the Sting have the league’s top penalty killing unit. I am slightly worried about Sarnia’s inexperienced defense though, but that concern is more directed towards round two or three (if the Sting advance that far). Sarnia will need big guys like Ruzicka, Pezzetta, Jordan Ernst, and Hugo Leufvenius (2018) to crowd DiPietro’s space as much as possible and really make him uncomfortable. Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. Windsor fans can tell you, sometimes the best way to beat Michael DiPietro is through sheer luck and bad bounces.

Prediction: As much as I want to predict a Windsor victory, I do not see it in the cards. DiPietro will steal a few games and he will make Sarnia sweat. But the offensive firepower of Sarnia, combined with the inexperience of Windsor’s defense is likely to give the Sting too many scoring chances for the Spitfires’ star netminder to handle. Sarnia in 6.

#4 - Owen Sound Attack vs. #5 - London Knights

Season Series: London leads 4-2

Evan Bouchard of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images.

Analysis: As is usually the case, the 4/5 matchup in the Western Conference looks to be the closest match-up of the first round, and subsequently the most difficult to prognosticate. London traded off the vast majority of their big guns to retool to fight another day. Instead, the team played inspired hockey down the stretch led by a host of younger players eager to make their mark. When talking about London, we have to start with defenseman Evan Bouchard (2018), the lifeblood of the Knights. His 87 points are the highest by a blueliner since Ryan Ellis hit the 100 point mark in 2011. The speedy Alex Formenton (Ottawa) is also playing the best hockey of his OHL career thus far with 12 goals in 14 games to close out the regular season. And you cannot talk about London without mentioning how good the “kid” line of Liam Foudy (2018), Billy Moskal (2018), and Nathan Dunkley (2018) has been since the trade deadline. This trio was challenged to step up their games with increased ice time and they all responded accordingly.

Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Owen Sound, on the other hand, was expected to be one of the top teams in the OHL this year but struggled to keep their star players healthy all year and subsequently struggled to perform consistently. That is, until the last few months when they have been, arguably, the OHL’s best. This team is scary good when healthy and they are now finally healthy. They roll three outstanding scoring lines, including a top unit of Jonah Gadjovich (Vancouver), Kevin Hancock (2018), and Nick Suzuki (Vegas) that has been one of the OHL’s best over the last two seasons. They also have one of the OHL’s top offensive blueliners in Sean Durzi (2018), who if he did not get injured, likely could have challenged Bouchard for the defenceman scoring title. It is in net where Owen Sound has struggled this season as Olivier Lafreniere and Mack Guzda (2019) have battled to find consistency. No question, Owen Sound has to have their offense rolling to win because they are not going to win many 2-1 games.

So who has the advantage going into this match-up? Experience wise, the nod has to be given to Owen Sound...and by a wide margin. The Attack are returning the vast majority of a roster that lost in the Conference finals last season. The Knights are an extremely well coached team, but they are relying on a lot of rookies and sophomores in key roles and that can often prove to be a recipe for disaster in the postseason. The deciding factor in this series probably comes down to the goaltending. So long as Owen Sound can get at least adequate goaltending from one of Lafreniere or Guzda, they should win this series. But if their goaltending struggles and team is forced to constantly play catch-up, the series tips in London’s favor, a team with nothing to lose.

Prediction: I have to give the nod to Owen Sound here because now that they are fully healthy, they look like a tough team to stop. This is especially true for a team as inexperienced as London; even if they are extremely talented. The Attack can get the saves they need to win this one, even if London pushes them and makes them sweat. Owen Sound in 6

OHL Finals Prediction

When the field is finally narrowed down to two teams who battle it out for OHL supremacy, I expect those two teams to be the Kingston Frontenacs and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

From the East I like Kingston for a couple reasons. The first is experience. As I already alluded to, they have a lot of players on that roster who have already won a Memorial Cup or OHL Championship (or both). That type of leadership goes a long way in the playoffs. The second is special teams play. The great Scotty Bowman always said combined special teams play was a great indicator of postseason success. Well the Fronts have the best powerplay in the league and the second best penalty kill. The third is goaltending. Jeremy Helvig is a veteran netminder who is about as consistent as they come. I have a ton of confidence in his ability to make saves when he needs to.

From the West, I like the Soo Greyhounds as they have looked about as dominant as anyone in the OHL has over the last few years. Their 116 points is the most since Barrie put up 116 in 2010. This team has it all. Special teams success. Good goaltending. Speed. Physicality. But most of all...depth. Drew Bannister’s players rarely seem to take a shift off and they rarely make mistakes with the puck. That composure at both ends of the ice makes them the favorite.

For the OHL Title, I am taking the Soo Greyhounds to win their first J. Ross Robertson Cup since they won back to back championships in the early 90ś.

Scouting Reports: OHL – Mackenzie Entwhistle (Hamilton – Arizona), Jason Robertson (Kingston – Dallas)

Scott Crawford — Sat, 28 Oct 2017 11:25:37 +0000

Scott Crawford provides detailed scouting reports on two OHL prospects. Jason Robertson dropped into Dallas's lap in the early second round of the draft that Crawford identifies as a steal. Find out why below. Arizona prospect two-way workhorse MacKenzie Entwhistle continues to progress.

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

Mackenzie Entwistle	2017 Draft (69h - Arizona Coyotes)
Position: RW, Shoots R	H/W: 6'3", 180 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL (5-0-3-3-2)

MacKenzie Entwistle of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Skating: Entwistle was known as a good skater last season, this season he made major improvements to better his game to be more active in the offensive zone. For instance, his acceleration using little space to get from one corner to the other corner in the weak side of the offensive zone improved dramatically. His improved knee bend, and forward leg extension give his forward stride in small spaces more leverage to skate to the puck first. His improved c-cuts are on display when he has to transition from offense to defense. He has a strong athletic start and manages to catch his opponent with the puck before his opponent crosses Entwistle’s blue line. He continues to be speedster on the forecheck and his value for skating hard against defenseman with the puck in his own zone continues to be important in Hamilton’s defensive coverage. Grade: 55

Shot: Entwistle continues to struggle with his shot accuracy. It was one issue last season that many scouts hoped he would correct to help build his offensive potential. Skating to the net on a zone entry he will release a wrist shot, but most times the shot will sail wide making the offensive drive obsolete. Entwistle is leaning his shoulders in more towards his shaft when he shoots which helps his shot go to the net more, but that is when he is standing still. When he is moving his shoulders are leaned back with less weight in his shot, causing more misses on his opponent’s net. Grade: 45

Skills: This season you could tell Entwistle put a lot of effort into his stick handling skills. So far, he has been more aggressive when carrying the puck into the offensive zone, while showing patience. He struggles to move the puck behind the net, but when he is travelling outside the Grade A house with the puck he is skating quick and making plays. Grade: 50

Smarts: Last season Entwistle proved he could play defense with a strategy. However, his offensive IQ left much to be desired. This season so far, he has shown the ability to make plays around the net more when he enters the zone. He can be creative, but again his struggles with possessing the puck in the Grade A areas of the offensive zone leave him limited in creating offensive chances. He relies too much on odd man rushes to create plays, he needs to be better at playing on even strength in the offensive zone. Faceoffs Entwistle is showing he is no slouch as he is relied on in the top line to deliver results. His coaches are putting more trust in him to be on their top line and not just be a defensive forward. Grade: 55

Physicality: Easily Hamilton’s best hitter on the team. He is relied upon to forecheck the offensive drive for his supporting cast to pick up the loose puck after his hit. Entwistle is smart enough to understand that his physical size can be used more along the boards as he is pinning players more in an acceptable way that will not get him a penalty. Grade: 60

Summary: Everyone wants to see Entwistle focus more on his offensive production this season to better his development as a professional hockey player, but in hindsight his strengths lie within his rough and tumble play. He is comfortable in his role as a two way forward with little offensive stride, but understands that he can improve his offensive output. As a team player though he chooses to do what’s best for his teammates and that is becoming an expert in the little things good hockey players need to do be efficient. His checking will help him be more agile in the offensive zone and his improved skating in the offensive zone could help him score more goals. His shot is still a question mark, but he will continue to develop and enter the NHL in a couple seasons. He is a workhorse who wants to get better and as an Arizona Coyotes prospect there are open opportunities for him to possibly play sooner rather than later.

Overall Future Projection (OFP): 51.75

Jason Robertson	2017 Draft (39th - Dallas stars)
Position: LW, Shoots L	H/W: 6'2", 195 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	Kingston Frontenacs, OHL (12-7-5-12-10)

Jason Robertson of the Kingston Frontenacs. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Skate: Still a smooth skater, Robertson has shown consistency entering this season with his skating helping him move around to create offense. Last season he did not demonstrate fast enough tight turns, but this season I have noticed he is turning better thanks in large part to his skate positioning. Simple case of when he turns left his left leg he is leaning better and his right skate is drifting better with the left skate. It looks as though he is more comfortable with his improved edge work and it does not feel foreign to him anymore. Grade: 60

Shoot: Unbelievable shot from Robertson and he continues to make his shots faster. His signature wrist shot is more accurate off the offensive rush and he is more confident shooting in front of players that try to block his shot. For example, if he is in a 1-on-1 situation he will use the defender as a screen to shoot, rather than try to skate around the defender like he normally did last season. He can still shoot from anywhere in the offensive zone. Grade: 55

Skills: Robertson is one of the more skilled prospects in the OHL, it was still a surprise to see him last until the second round because his puck skill alone is the reason why he can dominate the league. His strength continues to be his ability to find ice and move to the open space as his first option. Once he does he makes his mark and uses his creativity to move the puck up ice. Grade: 60

Smarts: Robertson is calmer than he was last season. His poise this season allows him to not rush the play, but make more sense of where his linemates are or what is the best way to get the puck on net. From a sports psychology perspective, Robertson displays a maturity not seen from a lot of 18-year-old players. He demonstrates strong communication with his teammates and knows exactly what he wants his style of play to be. Grade: 55

Physicality: He is interesting to watch when it comes to hitting this year. He has the big body to throw his weight around, but understands he does not have to do it all the time because he knows there are other Frontenac players that will do that. He will play in the dirty areas if he must. In corner battles Robertson is active using a standard stick check to play against opponents, but will use his stick and body to protect the puck if he is being challenged in the corners or along the half boards. Grade: 50

Summary: Dallas stole a pick here as Robertson will demonstrate this year that he can play a second line role in the NHL. His maturity will help him excel quicker than most hockey prospects and his size and skill will benefit his development forward. He possesses both the capability to make plays happen or play in front of the net when needed to prepare for one timers or to screen the goaltender. He does not always have an active physical game, but that has more to do with his style of play than reluctance. His shot improvement and placement will help him score more goals this season than previously. With his improved offensive capabilities, I expect Robertson to reach the 100-point plateau if he avoids injuries.

Overall Future Projection (OFP): 57

MacKenzie Entwistle – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS – Team Preview – Player Profiles

Forwards

Taylor Hall - RW

Tyler Johnson - C

Andreas Athanasiou - LW

Taylor Raddysh - RW

Nick Foligno - LW

Corey Perry - RW

Ryan Donato - RW

Philipp Kurashev - LW

Boris Katchouk - LW

Defense

Seth Jones - D

Connor Murphy - D

Nikita Zaitsev - D

Jarred Tinordi - D

Goaltending

Petr Mrazek - G

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS – NHL Player Profiles

TOP 15 PROSPECTS: CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS – RANK: #22 – TIER IV

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Chicago Blackhawks Top 20 Prospects

Ian Mitchell, D (57th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 1)

Lukas Reichel, LW (17th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Alec Regula, D (Trade: Oct. 28, 2019. Originally: 67th overall, 2018 [Detroit]. Previous ranking: 2)

Drew Commesso, G (46th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Pius Suter, C/LW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Jul. 16, 2020. Previous ranking: 3)

Landon Slaggert, C (92nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Wyatt Kalynuk, D (Free Agent, signed: Jul. 16, 2020. Originally: 196th overall, 2017 [Philadelphia]. Previous ranking: 4)

Evan Barratt, C (90th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 5)

Michal Teply, LW (105th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 6)

Lucas Carlsson, D (110th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 7)

Brandon Hagel, LW (Free Agent, signed: Oct. 30, 2018. Originally: 159th overall, 2016 [Buffalo]. Previous ranking: 9)

Artur Kayumov, LW (50th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

Nicolas Beaudin, D (27th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 11)

Jakub Galvas, D (150th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 12)

Andrei Altybarmakyan, RW (70th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Philipp Kurashev, LW/C (120th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 15)

Niklas Nordgren, RW (74th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 18)

Michael Krutil, D (110th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Isaak Phillips, D (141st overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

MacKenzie Entwistle, C/RW (Trade: Jul. 12, 2018. Originally: 69th overall, 2017 [Arizona]. Previous ranking: UR)

Chicago Blackhawks 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

OHL Playoff Preview: Western Conference – Trade deadline talent arms race makes for a wide open battle

First Round

#1. London Knights vs. #8. Windsor Spitfires

NHL Prospects to Watch:

#2. Saginaw Spirit vs. #7. Sarnia Sting

NHL Prospects to Watch:

#3. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. #6. Owen Sound Attack

NHL Prospects to Watch:

#4. Guelph Storm vs. #5. Kitchener Rangers

NHL Prospects to Watch:

Continued Western Conference Predictions

Conference Semi Finals

#1. London vs. #4. Guelph

#2. Saginaw vs. #3. Sault Ste. Marie

Western Conference Final

#3. Sault Ste. Marie vs. #4. Guelph

SEE OHL PREVIEW: EASTERN CONFERENCE- LINK HERE

2019 IIHF World Junior Championship Review: Canada

2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series: OHL Summary

OHL Playoff Preview: Greyhounds pacing the pack

Scouting Reports: OHL – Mackenzie Entwhistle (Hamilton – Arizona), Jason Robertson (Kingston – Dallas)

Ian Mitchell, D (57^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 1)

Lukas Reichel, LW (17^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Alec Regula, D (Trade: Oct. 28, 2019. Originally: 67^th overall, 2018 [Detroit]. Previous ranking: 2)

Drew Commesso, G (46^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Landon Slaggert, C (92^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Wyatt Kalynuk, D (Free Agent, signed: Jul. 16, 2020. Originally: 196^th overall, 2017 [Philadelphia]. Previous ranking: 4)

Evan Barratt, C (90^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 5)

Michal Teply, LW (105^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 6)

Lucas Carlsson, D (110^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 7)

Brandon Hagel, LW (Free Agent, signed: Oct. 30, 2018. Originally: 159^th overall, 2016 [Buffalo]. Previous ranking: 9)

Artur Kayumov, LW (50^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 10)

Nicolas Beaudin, D (27^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 11)

Jakub Galvas, D (150^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 12)

Andrei Altybarmakyan, RW (70^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 13)

Philipp Kurashev, LW/C (120^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 15)

Niklas Nordgren, RW (74^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 18)

Michael Krutil, D (110^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Isaak Phillips, D (141^st overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

MacKenzie Entwistle, C/RW (Trade: Jul. 12, 2018. Originally: 69^th overall, 2017 [Arizona]. Previous ranking: UR)