Marcel Barinka – McKeen's Hockey

2021 NHL DRAFT: Re-Entry Candidates – 2nd and 3rd Year Eligible Prospects to Watch – Part Two: Europe

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 15:50:06 +0000

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

However, this has certainly not been a normal year. Given that play for some leagues has been limited or even nonexistent (the OHL), one has to wonder if NHL scouts may choose to select more players who narrowly went undrafted last year; the top remaining ones from their list a year ago. This is especially true if said players have shown positive progression this season.

North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. Recently, NHL scouts have increased the rate with which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European based players especially attractive. However, these players have had a lot of success in recent years too. The reigning Vezina trophy winner in the NHL and one of the best goaltenders in the league was one; Connor Hellebuyck.

Last year, eight “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 100; Yegor Chinahkov, Mason Lohrei, Yegor Sokolov, Gage Goncalves, Nico Daws, Trevor Kuntar, Daniil Chechelev, Sam Stange. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1: Part 2: Part 3:) we wrote about five of these eight. In total there were 41 taken, right in line with the trend of over 40 being selected in other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 41, we identified and wrote about 18 in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2021, we have some very interesting candidates. Cameron Rowe and Josh Lopina were two of the best freshmen in the NCAA this season. Josh Doan, the son of former Arizona Coyotes star Shane Doan, has exploded with the Chicago Steel of the USHL. Zakhar Bardakov had a terrific World Junior Championships and has played well in the KHL. Speaking of the WJC’s, Florian Elias was a breakout star for Germany at the event. Swiss defender Janis Moser has had the best U21 season in NLA history for a blueliner. And of course, many CHL players have stood out too (even transplanted OHL players). This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

Europe

RUSSIA

Zakhar Bardakov of Russia during the Beijer Hockey Games between Russia and Czech Republic on February 14, 2021 in Malmö.
Photo: Ludvig Thunman / BILDBYRÅN /

Zakhar Bardakov - Center/Left Wing - Vityaz Podolsk (KHL)

The production was not quite there at the World Junior Championships, but there is more than meets the eye. Even if Bardakov did not fill the stat sheet for Russia at the event, he was mightily impressive as a role player and penalty killer. The 6’2, 200lbs power forward then returned home to the KHL and had a terrific second half to his season, finishing among the U20 scoring leaders in the league (out producing the likes of Vasili Podkolzin). No question he is on the radar of NHL scouts who view him as a potentially successful middle six forward.

“First word that comes to my mind when I think of Zakhar Bardakov is motor — sometimes it feels like he never stops moving his feet. The second word is power, as he is strong, enjoys the physical game, loves going to the dirty areas, and has got some character too. The combo of these two words makes up the base of Bardakov's draft stock, as the scouts highly praised him for that already during the WJC, where he didn't get a lot of points. People weren't too high on his offense though, but after returning to the KHL from the WJC, Bardakov added a cherry to the top of this season by directly or indirectly contributing to a large amount of his team's goals. As a result of all that, I totally wouldn't be surprised to see Bardakov picked in the Top 100 of this year's draft.” - Viktor Fomich

Ilya Safonov - Center - Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)

Like Bardakov, Safonov is another Russian two-way forward who pushed his way into the spotlight with a strong supporting performance at the World Junior Championships. Safonov was used in a defensive role, killing penalties, winning key faceoffs, and using his 6’4, 200lbs frame to bring physicality. In the KHL, Safonov’s production was not quite as strong, but his ice time fluctuated greatly for Ak Bars. When he was moved up the lineup, he often responded with offensive production. Given his size down the middle and his strong overall game, he is definitely a target of NHL teams in 2021.

“Size is something you can't teach and Ilya Safonov isn't just really big, he also plays big (Kirby Dach can confirm). To add to that there is also a decent attacking skill set: very good hands, playmaking, and shooting ability. There are concerns about his skating, however you have to give some discount for his size here. Last season was uneven for Safonov but ended on a high note with a solid VHL playoff performance, which still wasn't enough to get drafted. This year he continued to improve and was noticeable both for his KHL team and Russia U20 WJC team, finishing the season with three points in the Game 7 of the KHL Eastern Conference Finals. Naturally, reports about NHL team interest started to appear after that and some are even talking about the third round of the coming draft.” - Viktor Fomich

Daniil Pylenkov - Defense - Vityaz Podolsk (KHL)

A Russian defender in his final year of draft eligibility, Pylenkov exploded in the KHL this season, becoming the highest scoring U21 defender in the league by a large margin; a league that is not easy for young defenders to score in. As a comparison, top Edmonton Oilers prospect Dmitri Samorukov (a year older than Pylenkov) had 8 points this year, whereas Pylenkov had 19. Truly an impressive showing for the 6’1, left shot defenseman.

“At the 2020 WJC Daniil Pylenkov played together with some high-end defense prospects and didn't look much worse than them, yet a rather limited role as just a reliable D guy both there and in the KHL didn't attract too much attention from NHL organizations. This year he has been given Top4 opportunity on his KHL team, definitely didn't miss that chance and at the end of the day we see Pylenkov as a top scorer among young KHL defensemen. Good size/skating combination, confident at puck handling and orchestrating the powerplay, as well as having a powerful shot and all that while leaving an impression that he is still in an active phase of his development — I think there should be enough reasons for NHL managers to want to secure his rights in his final year of draft eligibility.” - Viktor Fomich

Yegor Guskov - Goaltender - Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

While NHL scouts are no doubt biased towards larger goaltenders, you simply cannot argue with the results that Guskov (5’11, 200lbs) has produced at a high level thus far. He burst onto the scene last year at the World Junior A Challenge, where he backstopped Russia to a gold medal, outdueling the terrific Devon Levi. But it was not enough to get drafted. This season, the 19-year-old was flat out dominant in the MHL, leading the league in pretty much every major category (including a .946 save percentage). Many smaller goaltenders are having success in the NHL this season (Alex Nedeljkovic and Juuse Saros finished top five in save percentage). When will NHL scouts give players like Guskov the benefit of the doubt?

“Let's start with the main issue about Yegor Guskov: he is a goalie and is just under 6'0", which is almost a death sentence for the draft chances. Aside from that though, Guskov has done basically everything you could be willing to see from a 19-year-old goalie. After some impressive international appearances last season, this year, in his first MHL season as a full-time starter, he has become an undisputed best goalie in the league. Guskov is an extremely consistent goalie, with good positioning, technique and puck handling. I think that for some teams it might outweigh the size issue on draft day.” - Viktor Fomich

Danil Bashkirov - Left Wing - Salavat Yulaev UFA (KHL)

Another forward who had a positive showing for Team Russia at the World Junior Championships in Edmonton, despite inconsistent ice time, Bashkirov may have put himself on the NHL scouting radar. He spent the vast majority of the season in the KHL with Salavat Yulaev, where he scored his first three KHL goals. At 6’2, and with some snarl to his game, Bashkirov could certainly make an impact as a bottom six forward at the NHL level if his development goes according to plan.

“Boy does Salavat Yulaev have an underrated group of young players out and about. Rodion Amirov is the primary one, but Alex Pashin, Yegor Suchkov, Danil Alalykin, Alexei Pustozaryov, and the subject of this report, Daniil Bashkirov are only the most notable ones to me. They’re so fun to watch with so much creativity and flair, and Bashkirov is no different. I was pleasantly surprised to see Igor Larionov take him to the World Juniors, and further pleasantly surprised to see him seem to take on a larger role as time went on with an underwhelming Russian team. Bashkirov is a hard-working two-way player with flashes of skill and rotational mobility to change angles, open ice and pull pucks all over the surface. Is there an NHL player there? I’m not so sure, but the good thing is you can hold onto his rights indefinitely as he continues to develop in Russia with a fun, creative program full of skilled talent.” - Will Scouch

Färjestad's Joel Nyström during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Linköping and Färjestad on 10 December 2020 in Linköping.
Photo: Peter Holgersson / BILDBYRÅN / COP 102 / PH0043201210 Färjestad's Joel Nyström during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Linköping and Färjestad on 10 December 2020 in Linköping.
Photo: Peter Holgersson / BILDBYRÅN /

SWEDEN

Joel Nystrom - Defense - Farjestad BK (SHL)

A 5’10, puck moving defender, Nystrom has made a name for himself this season with his play in the SHL and the SHL playoffs. In only his second year of eligibility, Nystrom established himself as a regular SHL defender in the second half of the season after dominating the U20 circuit earlier in the year. During Farjestad’s last playoff series against Vaxjo, his ice time increased each game and he was the only U19 defender to play a regular role in the playoffs and the only to score a point.

“Nyström is a defenseman on the smaller side who possesses a lot of potential. He played a lot on Färjestad this year, but he was playing in a smaller role where his focus was more on the defensive side of things rather than the offensive part of the game. Nyström is a puck-moving defenseman whose skating is very good. He can utilize his skating in every situation of the game both defensively and offensively. He reads the game well and has good control of his opponents when they attack him. He is calm with the puck and plays the puck in a simple but effective way. His slighter stature isn’t as much of an issue as one would think because he uses his skating and hands efficiently with the puck to escape any tougher situations. Without the puck he is strong enough to move players off the puck if needed and he can utilize his stick to win the puck back in an efficient way. He played a lot of games for Färjestad this year with mixed ice time and with a point production that wasn’t impressive but with his role, it is easy to understand why it was like that. In the J20 league he produced at a good pace scoring 4 goals and 7 assists in 15 games.” - Mikael Holm

Erik Hedlund - Right Wing - Leksands IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

Hedlund is a player who was hyped at a young age because of the fact that he dominated a Swedish men’s league (third division, however) at the age of 15. He has been a fixture on Swedish international teams since, winning a bronze medal at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in 2020. However, his development appeared to plateau as he struggled at the J20 level in his draft year last season. This year, he has taken positive strides, showing some of the potential that he once flashed. A strong performance in the J20 league (which ended early due to covid) earned him a short promotion to the main club in the SHL.

“Hedlund is a winger with solid skill, and he is equipped with very good skating. He can beat his opposition with his speed at any level and his hands are good enough to get out of tough areas and create space for him in the offensive zone. Hedlund can set up his teammates from anywhere on the ice and is very confident with the puck. He needs to grow stronger but he isn't a pushover by any means at the SHL level. Hedlund hasn’t played much this season, mostly because the Swedish junior league was shut down in early November last year. He played 14 games and scored eight goals and eight assists for Leksand in J20 Nationell. He also had the opportunity to debut for Leksand in the SHL but he didn’t score any points in those games.” - Mikael Holm

Hugo Pettersson - Center/Left Wing - Linden Hockey (HockeyEttan)

A top five scorer in the Swedish J20 league this year before the season ended abruptly due to the pandemic, Pettersson has emerged as one of the most improved young players in Sweden the last calendar year. After excelling in the J20, he saw a brief period of time in the SHL but mostly played with Linden Hockey in HockeyEttan, Sweden’s third division, and was successful there too. His 11 goals were the most scored by a U19 player in that league (just ahead of fellow re-entry candidate and import Ethan Cardwell). While only average sized at 5’10, Pettersson is a hard-working player who plays with physical intensity, which should alleviate size concerns.

“Pettersson had an incredible goal scoring season, playing 18 games for Södertälje in the J20 league and scoring 16 goals in those games. Add to those 11 assists and he finished the shortened J20 season in Sweden with 27 points in 18 games. He also had the opportunity to debut for Södertälje in HockeyAllsvenskan but he didn’t make the scoresheet in those games. He was later loaned out to Linden in HockeyEttan and there he scored 11 goals and 9 assists in 25 games. His skating is fundamentally solid but he needs to improve his quickness and top speed. His hands are able to create space or find openings to release his shot, which is his strongest asset, in tough areas. He has an innate ability to find where the puck is in the dangerous areas and he gets a lot of "easy" goals from that ability. When Pettersson has a little bit of time on his hands in the offensive zone, he scores. His wrist shot is accurate and powerful, he regularly picks the corners on goaltenders who are expecting his shot to come.” - Mikael Holm

Gabriel Sall - Left Wing - SK Lejon (HockeyEttan)

While Sall’s offensive production in the J20 league this year is not likely to impress you much (sixth points in 15 games), he did perform very well in HockeyEttan with SK Lejon (where he was a teammate of McKeen’s 47th ranked player Logan Mailloux) to close out the season. A strong skater, Sall is likely to intrigue NHL scouts with the versatility he provides and his ability to play multiple roles due to his speed.

“Säll is another player that maybe hasn’t scored a lot this year, but his toolset is intriguing. He is a fast skater with quick hands that enables him to enter the offensive zone with the puck under control on a consistent basis. He is confident with the puck on his stick, and he can beat his opponents consistently with his speed and hands. His shot is good, and he can be a threat from all over the offensive zone. Säll can play in all situations and if he is given time to develop, he could become a useful player that could play almost anywhere in the lineup. Säll’s production isn’t the most impressive with scoring three goals and three assists in 15 games for Skellefteå in the J20 league. Outside of that he played three games in the SHL for Skellefteå, without being on the scoresheet. In the later parts of the season, he was loaned out to SK Lejon in HockeyEttan where he produced a little bit better with five goals and four assists in 11 games.” - Mikael Holm

FINLAND

Kari Piiroinen of Finland makes a glove save during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship bronze medal game between Finland and Russia on January 5, 2021 in Edmonton.
Photo: Andy Devlin / BILDBYRÅN /

Kari Piiroinen - Goaltender - TUTU Hockey (Mestis)

Originally a fairly hyped NHL draft prospect a few years ago, Piiroinen struggled in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires for two seasons, including his initial draft year. Granted, Windsor struggled defensively during this period, but Piiroinen largely struggled to remain a consistent stopper. However, upon returning to Finland, he was fantastic this season. He was named the best goaltender in the Mestis (Finnish second division) and also backstopped Finland to a bronze medal at the 2021 World Junior Championships. Piiroinen also was loaned out for three Liiga games (with Tappara and TPS) and was sensational there too. Needless to say, heading home has done wonders for his confidence and abilities.

“Piiroinen is a reliable and consistent goaltender who does a good job of being square to the puck and cutting down angles. He has good rebound control, and he uses his pads and stick well to direct pucks out of danger and into spots where his teammates can collect them quickly. He is mentally strong as he stays calm and collected even when facing a significant number of shots. However, at times he does not read the game particularly well and he can be late to read and recognize passing plays. He moves well laterally and across the crease, but when there is traffic in front of him, he has occasional problems to maintain visual contact with the puck. His strong performances at the World Juniors and in Mestis, where he was named the best goalie of the season, indicate that his development curve is heading up. He has many good attributes in his game, and he works very hard to improve. He could be a nice late-round pick for a team that can afford to be patient and is willing to put in the work to help him develop further.” - Marco Bombino

Oliver Suni - Right Wing - Lukko U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

Many people were shocked when Suni was not drafted last year after a strong season with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. A determined two-way winger, Suni ended up making the OHL second all-rookie team and was rated as a top four round player by many scouting agencies (including us at McKeen’s - 118th). This year, due to the OHL being on hiatus, Suni was loaned back to Finland where he played in the Lukko organization. Due to securing the loan a bit later and the fact that he suffered a season ending injury, he only played in 13 games with Lukko, but was far and away the team’s leading goal scorer during his limited time. The question is, are these injuries concerning NHL scouts? A shoulder injury did keep him out for a chunk of the OHL season last year, including missing the CHL Top Prospect’s Game.

“Suni is a big-bodied winger who plays well on both sides of the puck. He has good offensive instincts and can execute an effective passing game. He is a goal-scorer with a quick and accurate wrist shot. He also has a potent one-timer with good timing, weight transfer and follow-through. He has good scoring touch and scores many of his goals from point blank range – he knows action is at the net. In his own end he covers shooting lanes well and blocks shots from time to time. He is dependable and does not leak defensively. His straight-line speed stands out; however his lateral mobility is less than stellar. His stride isn't the prettiest, but he moves effectively enough around the ice. His season with Lukko U20 ended sooner than anticipated due to injury, but I think he played very well, and NHL teams should consider drafting him this time around.” - Marco Bombino

Christoffer Sedoff - Defense - SaiPa (Liiga)

Like Suni, Sedoff is another Finnish player who shockingly went undrafted last year after a solid rookie season with Red Deer in the WHL. For example, we ranked him at 99th in our 2020 Draft Guide. Due to the late start of the WHL season (due to the pandemic), Sedoff, like Suni, secured a loan to return home and played a depth role for SaiPa in Liiga, the Finnish top men’s league. He was one of only eight U19 defenders to play 25+ games in Liiga this year. The offensive production has been limited, but our scouting staff believes that his play has been significantly better than the statline would indicate.

“Sedoff has played really well for SaiPa in the Liiga this season. He has logged almost 20 minutes of ice-time per game and has displayed strong puck moving abilities. He has a high-panic threshold as he stays calm while pressured and he makes a good first pass to exit the defensive zone and move the play forward quickly. He is a strong skater with good mobility in all directions. He shows good edge work and can make shifty moves with the puck. His shot is not a cannon, but he shoots precisely and with a purpose. Defensively, he maintains tight gaps and has a quick stick that he uses to break up plays. He can cover quite a bit of ice and he's a willing shot blocker. He has had injuries which have slowed his development. I also think he was brought too quickly to HIFK's U20 team a few seasons ago, which didn't seem to help his development either. However, when he has been healthy this season, he has displayed a great deal of potential as a versatile and confident defenseman with athleticism, awareness, calculated decision making and quick processing ability.” - Marco Bombino

Jere Henriksson - RW - Tappara (Liiga & U20 SM-sarja)

This list is all about highlighting late bloomers and Henriksson is just that. A 2001 born winger, he exploded in the Finnish U20 this year, averaging nearly two points per game (best in the league for those who played over 20 games) before earning a call up to the main club in Liiga. His production against men was not quite as impressive, however one has to take note of what he did against his peers and the fact that he was able to play 35 games with Tappara’s main club too.

“Henriksson was excellent in the Finnish U20 league, putting up video game like numbers before earning a promotion to Tappara's Liiga team. The winger has vision, lots of puck skill and creates offense with his individual play. His hands are both quick and sturdy and his superb puck control allows him to operate well in small spaces. He presents both goal-scoring and playmaking options which makes him a dual threat and capable of executing the right decisions in different situations. He scored his first career Liiga goal in style with a top corner finish from the slot. He has already got some power play time in the Liiga which is also a positive. He is not the fastest or the most technically skilled skater, but he can keep up with the pros. He works hard, brings energy and is quite tenacious, yet he does not bring a whole lot of physicality. An interesting player who has made a ton of progress in a rather short period of time.” - Marco Bombino

CZECH REPUBLIC

Filip Prikryl - Center - HC Plzen (Czech Extraliga)

Talk about living out of a suitcase! Prikryl, a 6’1, 2001 born center played for seven different teams this season when you combine his international appearances (including the bubble WJC’s in Edmonton). He spent most of the season in the Czech Extraliga with HC Plzen where his 10 goals and 13 points were the most by any U20 player. His 10 goals and gpg pace were the most by a U20 player in the Czech Extraliga since Tomas Hertl had 18 in 2013. Definitely an impressive performance that surely caught the eyes of NHL scouts.

“Přikryl is a skilled forward who performed really well in the Czech Extraliga in spite of his limited ice time. Although he only played ten minutes a night on average, he managed to score ten goals in thirty matches. This puts him to the second place in goals per game out of all players. Přikryl is more of a shooter than a passer, but he also controls the puck really well. He goes to the net, a place he likes to play in front of, fights for the puck and is extremely valuable on the forecheck. He plays with his head up and sees the ice really well. His skating is okay, he is not slow by any means, but he relies rather on his strong positioning game. On the other hand, he sometimes seems like he lacks enthusiasm from playing the game. He should be more dedicated and get more involved in defense, even though his overall game has improved a lot since playing with the pros.” - Matej Deraj

SLOVAKIA

Oliver Okuliar - Left Wing - HK Dukla Trencin (Slovakia)

Okuliar is no stranger to this list. Playing out of Lethbridge, he was mentioned last year as part of the WHL group. But yet again, he went undrafted. Returning to Slovakia this year, Okuliar was fantastic in the top men’s league, finishing just outside the top 10 of league scoring and second in scoring for Dukla Trencin. A 2000 born, we believe Okuliar is still eligible for one final year because his original draft year was played out of Slovakia, making him part of the European entry draft eligibility rules.

“Okuliar has always been an offensively gifted, goal-scoring power forward and he was no different in his first pro season. Having started the year with the weakest Slovak league member from Liptovský Mikuláš, he managed to do really well and earned a spot with his hometown team, Dukla Trenčín. Since then, he did not slow down and was fighting for a Top 10 spot between the league's scoring leaders. At the end of the regular season, he finished eleventh, which is still respectable. Despite being only 20, Okuliar has proven his game is ready for pro hockey. In addition to his hard shot, he is always able to find a dangerous spot he can shoot the puck from and go for the goal. He likes driving to the net, playing a hard-nosed style and getting under the opponent´s skin. He doesn't shy away from the physical game and board battles. However, Okuliar tends to take unnecessary penalties from time to time, as he is a bit of a hotheaded player who should learn to cool down more. His skating has room for some improvement as well.” - Matej Deraj

GERMANY

Tobias Ancicka - Goaltender - Eisbaren Berlin (DEL)

Originally thought to be the next great German goaltender when he was first eligible for the NHL draft two years ago, Ancicka’s development has not exactly gone according to plan. He started in Germany, then went to Finland last year, then returned to Germany again this season. Unfortunately, he was set to be the starting goaltender for Team Germany at this year’s World Junior Championships, but much like Chicago Blackhawks first round pick Lukas Reichel, he was ineligible due to covid protocols. But he had a very strong season in the DEL as a U20 goaltender this season, with his .917 save percentage ranking top 10 in the league. In fact, it is the best performance by a U20 goaltender in the DEL since Thomas Greiss in 2005-06 (who posted a .926 save percentage).

“Ancicka’s father was a long-time Czech national pro at a number of Germany’s levels of play and Tobias has spent some time honing his craft in Finland’s junior leagues, thus he’s got a good bit of internationalism ingrained in his hockey soul and experience. Alas, various things seem to have thrown him off track as an NHL prospect over the past few years and it looked very much like this would be no different as he missed out on a starting gig with the WJC team due to Covid-19 restrictions. Then something started happening for Tobias right in the DEL. He started getting more and more appearances in goal for the Eisbären Berlin. It’s now been 13 games and although he’s only sporting a 5-6 record, he also has a 2.34 GAA and .918 save percentage. Word is, interest has started growing again. His team is a playoff favorite, so this year’s story may not yet be fully written.” - Chapin Landvogt

Florian Elias - Center - Adler Mannheim (DEL)

Ranked 146th by us at McKeen’s last year, Elias was certainly someone that we were surprised was not taken with a mid-late round draft pick. Undersized as he might be, Elias’ dogged determination and all-around skill set makes him a very effective offensive player. That was on display this year at the World Junior Championships, where Elias averaged nearly two points per game playing alongside Tim Stutzle and JJ Peterka. However, it is important to note that Elias did not simply ride the coattails of his talented linemates. He was equally important to the success of that trio and in a few of Germany’s games, he was their most effective player. The likelihood of him slipping through another NHL draft is extremely slim.

“We were big on him last year before the 2020 draft and felt there weren’t necessarily 215 better prospects to select from, but the cancelled 2020 U18 WC combined with the fact that he basically only played in Germany’s DNL junior league had us thinking he’d be a real long shot to get drafted. Fast forward to the 2020 WJC, which has left us with no doubt that he’s officially on everyone’s map. Playing for a Covid-weakened Team Germany that saw no less than first line forward Lukas Reichel and likely #1 goaltender Tobias Ancicka left back in Germany, then ravaged to the tune of only 14 available skaters for the nation’s first three games, Elias centered the line with wunderkind Tim Stützle and Buffalo 2nd rounder JJ Peterka with which he quietly, yet emphatically, chipped in four goals and nine points while serving as the line’s defensive conscious.

A wonderful little all-rounder who just seems to keep on achieving despite an overall blandness in his very multifaceted toolkit, Elias is not only Germany’s top overage draft possibility, he’s downright the nation’s top draft-eligible player. Hard to imagine that the kid who has since contributed three goals and nine points in 35 DEL games for Mannheim would go completely undrafted for a second year in a row. We might also mention that Elias was among the youngest players eligible in last fall’s draft, so there’s that!” - Chapin Landvogt

Marcel Barinka - Center - Kolner Haie (DEL)

After two disappointing seasons in the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads, the formerly hyped Barinka took his talents to Germany this season to play in the DEL. The results were terrific for the 6’0 center and estranged son of former NHL’er Michal Barinka. His 22 points this season were right near the likes of Lukas Reichel and JJ Peterka in the DEL among those under 20 in the league. While scouts may not be so quick to forget the disappointment of his time in the QMJHL, his performance in Europe would have certainly opened some eyes and brought attention back to him again.

“The grandson of famed Czech national team coach Alois Hadamczik, and biological son to estranged father Michal Barinka, a former part-time NHLer, 20-year-old Marcel Barinka has ice hockey in his bloodlines like few others do. He also has a German player pass, which is a long story in and of itself. Alas, after two seasons of lower line play for the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL in which he put up almost identical seven goal, sub-20-point seasons, the righty shooting center made his way back to Europe - and somehow landed on the DEL’s Cologne Sharks and under the tutelage of former Stanley Cup winner Uwe Krupp.

The move has proven to be nothing short of career-boosting. Often playing on the team’s second line, the wiry Barinka ended up playing all 38 games and chipped in eight goals and 22 points. More impressively, he concluded the season with a +9 rating, the best on a non-playoff team. His skating and offensive play looked very mature, and his understanding of the pro game belies his age, leaving some wondering how could have possibly been such a terribly average CHLer. What’s now left to be seen is whether NHL scouts have a positive answer to that question.” - Chapin Landvogt

Alexander Blank - Center - Krefeld Pinguine (DEL)

A former member of the famed Red Bull Academy in Austria, Blank’s progression through the German hockey ranks has been slow. However, this year he firmly established himself as a DEL player as a 19-year-old (2002 born) and it has put him on the scouting map. His 13 points in the league as a U19 player put him Top 15 all time in the DEL and it has earned him the chance to play for Germany at this year’s men’s IIHF World Hockey Championships.

“Folks who follow Germany’s junior scene have known that Alexander Blank is a kid who may have some possibilities. He’s mostly played where his father, a former long-year DELer who is now the assistant coach of the Krefeld Penguins, has played or worked, which has meant that he hasn’t spent recent years in any of Germany’s top programs. Then the 20-21 season came and wow, he is now officially a pro player for whom the sky's the limit. Having just turned 19 in February, the 5’10”, 176-pound Blank kicked off the year with Krefeld’s farm team, which plays in Germany’s 3rd pro circuit. There, he had five goals and 27 points (!) in just 16 games, before joining the DEL club (which has experienced more turmoil this season than you can shake a stick at) and never looking back. His six goals and 13 points in 37 games for the league’s clearly worst team, and offense, opened many eyes along the way as he never really looked out of place, had an impressive nose for the net, eyes for his teammates, and no problem dealing with the rough stuff. And he only got better as the season progressed. As a reward, he has been invited to Team Germany’s camp in preparation for the upcoming World Championships.” - Chapin Landvogt

SWITZERLAND

Janis Jerome Moser - Defense - EHC Biel-Bienne (NLA)

Unquestionably, Moser has to be considered one of the top re-entry candidates for this year’s NHL draft after his recent season in the NL. In his final year of draft eligibility, Moser not only served as the captain of Biel-Bienne, but he emerged as one of the league’s top defenseman. The 6’1 defender was on the scouting map last year as a re-entry after a strong performance at the World Junior Championships and in the NL. However, his 30 points in the league this year made him the highest scoring U21 defender in the NL’s storied history. He also played a role at this year’s World Championships for Switzerland; another opportunity to impress scouts further.

“Imagine being a 20-year-old defenseman who has just completed his 3rd full season of NL play in Switzerland, led the league in scoring among Swiss defensemen, has already dressed for his country in two WJCs, a U18 Worlds, and a men’s World Championship, and has never been drafted. We can just hear New Islanders’ defensive prospect Sebastian Aho belting out “Welcome to my world!” Alas, this is Janis Moser’s story and it’s one many believe will culminate in hearing his name called in the 2021 NHL draft. After all, there aren’t many defensemen who can put up nine goals and 30 points in 48 NL games before even being of legal drinking age in the USA. Interestingly, the 6’1”, 175-pound defenseman is actually known for his very sound skating and solid defensive abilities, making this season’s offense have some in Switzerland asking whether there’s another Roman Josi on the way. We won’t go that far at this point, but if he’s somehow not drafted, then expect an NHL team to give him an ELC basically the day after the draft.” - Chapin Landvogt

Dario Allenspach - Left Wing - EVZ Academy (SL)

It was a strong year for the 5’11 winger out of Switzerland, a year that has put him back on the NHL scouting map after being passed over in 2020. While he played sparingly in the NL with Zug, he did see significant action with the EVZ Academy in the SL (Swiss second league) and played quite well. With 21 points in 32 games, his production was similar to some of the top 2021 prospects loaned to the SL from North America (like Brennan Othmann). Allenspach was also a bright spot for a disappointing Swiss team at the World Junior Championships last December/January.

“Allenspach is but 5’11” and 160 pounds. A spit in the bucket, some would say. But the talented, energetic, and often hounding forward was one of the few bright spots on a very disappointing Swiss WJC entry, where he played in a top six role and collected three assists in four games. Also of note is that he would have been only 17 in last year’s draft had it been held in June and won’t even have turned 19 by this year’s draft, seeing as how he has a late August birthday. These factors have been making Allenspach a player the scouts have simply had to keep a closer eye on. With nine goals and 21 points in 32 Swiss League (2nd pro circuit) games and 11 points in 11 U20 league games, he had a very productive winter that also saw him suit up for 11 games with Zug of the NL, scoring his first top league goal in the process. Chances are that any possible draft interest at this juncture is minimal, with the scouting community likely hoping to see what Allenspach can deliver next winter and during the next WJC, where he'll be one of Switzerland’s top forward options.” - Chapin Landvogt

Mika Henauer - Defense - SC Bern (NLA)

Like Moser, Henauer is a Swiss defender in his final year of draft eligibility. Playing with SC Bern, Henauer has become a regular in the top men’s league and helped the team win the very last Swiss Cup (as the event will no longer occur after this year). Henauer also won a championship last season with SC Langenthal of the SL (second league). While undersized at 5’10, he has proven himself to be a future top defender in the Swiss program internationally and as such, may generate draft interest this year.

“For Mika Henauer, the accolades are not nearly that of Moser’s, but his rise to a regular shift in the Swiss NL has been methodical and proper. Each step along the way saw him master the league he was in, then move up. Until this year. It was his first full season in the NL and it became pretty much his best season to date, seeing him post three goals, 17 points, and a -1 rating in 40 games for SC Bern. There were nights where he was seeing top 4 ice time. The 5’10”, 180-pound rookie also collected 33 penalty minutes and rounded out into a very usable top 6 defenseman. This said, it would be most surprising if he’s drafted at this juncture, but in a year like this one, it’s anybody’s call on who is looking for what in light of so many talents having barely seen in-game action. And like Moser, he could be sought after in another capacity if he doesn’t go drafted.” - Chapin Landvogt

AUSTRIA

Sebastian Wraneschitz - Goaltender - Vienna Capitals (ICEHL)

Anyone who watched this year’s World Juniors would be familiar with Wraneschitz, who single handedly kept Austria in games at the tournament. Average sized, but ultra-athletic, he certainly put himself on the scouting map in Edmonton. His numbers back in Austria were not as eye catching, as his .886 save percentage would indicate. But it is important to consider that the ICEHL is a men’s league, with Wraneschitz even sharing his crease with Calvin Pickard at one point this season. A 2002 born player, he would still have a few drafts of eligibility after this one and another World Junior Championship to play in next season.

“If you look at Sebastian Wraneschitz’ very pedestrian 5-7-0 record accompanied by a 3.18 GAA and .896 save percentage in 12 games as the back-up for the Vienna Capitals, he won’t jump out at you as a viable NHL prospect. You also can’t be faulted for seeing his 7.45 GAA in three games at the WJC and have the same impression. But if you saw the athletic young man with a decent glove hand at the WJC, then you witnessed a player who was shot at basically 60-minutes long and managed to hold teams at bay in a manner few goaltenders would, with a few superhuman saves along the way. Facing 73 shots against the United States, then another 65 against Sweden the next night (only a 4-0 loss), Wraneschitz was front and center for the scouting world to see. Should the relatively unknown goalie be selected in July, he’d not be the first goaltender a team would take a flyer on after an immense WJC showing.” - Chapin Landvogt

Philipp Wimmer - Defense - RB Hockey Juniors (AlpsHL)

Wimmer might be most remembered for his suspension at this year’s World Junior Championships for a hit to the head of the U.S.’ Patrick Moynihan. However, he was also a top pairing defender for that Austrian team. Outside of the WJC’s, Wimmer was a key defender for the Red Bull program that plays out of the AlpsHL, a European second league which would have drawn more interest from scouts this season due to the fact that many North American draft prospects were loaned there. At 6’4 and 200lbs, Wimmer’s size and physicality were sure to draw some eyes, even if he may be a longshot to be drafted this year.

“A 6’4”, 200-pound giant, Wimmer has been cooking slowly and nicely in the Red Bull Academy program, having contributed five goals, 10 points, and a +8 rating in 30 games this winter. A defensive defenseman by trade, Wimmer is a very decent all-round player who can do some real nice things along the blueline, makes a solid first outlet pass, and has no problem playing a physical game. He’s got a bit of a ways to go to be called a complete player, but he now has WJC experience and the size plus tools component may just be something a few teams have noticed, especially with Red Bull Academy having played a full season with regular viewage.” - Chapin Landvogt

BELARUS

Alexei Kolosov - Goaltender - Dinamo Minsk (KHL)

Kolosov, a 6’1 netminder, was supposed to play this year for the Erie Otters, but the OHL cancellation messed with those plans. Ironically, it may have actually been better for Kolosov as he was able to play in the KHL with Dinamo Minsk and play well at that. His .911 save percentage this year was the best on the team, and he was the only U19 goaltender to see significant KHL action this year besides Yaroslav Askarov. Additionally, Kolosov made team Belarus at the World Championships, performing admirably. All signs point to him being on the NHL scouting radar.

“I did a fair amount of scouting on this kid in preparation for the OHL season as it was anticipated that he would be Erie’s starter this year and I know the organization was very high on him. Even with the OHL cancellation, I kept tabs on him. This is an impressive young goalie and the one that has the potential to be the international starter for this strong group of young Belarussian players emerging as of late. He is a hyper athletic goalie who moves extremely well post to post and forwards/backwards. This allows him to come out and challenge shooters at the top of the blue paint, however he recovers so well post to post when needed. He makes a lot of those highlight reel saves off of cross ice feeds, especially on the powerplay. However, technically he will need some work. Sometimes his pushes take him out of position and he does not hold his posts consistently. Additionally, he has a tendency to drop down into the butterfly too early, giving up the top of the net and forcing him to “flop” around to attempt to save those second or third chance opportunities. However, NHL scouting staffs are likely to be excited about the opportunity to work with him more closely from a development point of view and I think they will see enough potential in him to select him at some point this July.” - Brock Otten

GERMANY: Prospects Musings II

Chapin Landvogt — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 20:08:10 +0000

GERMAN FRONT PROSPECT MUSINGS II

As March has kicked off and Germany’s pro leagues are either hitting mid-season form or moving rapidly towards a final jostling for playoff positioning, this season has thus far been one for the youth - but yet it hasn’t. The number of players aged 16-20 taking a regular shift, much less those having made their pro debuts, in one of Germany’s top three pro circuits, has been like nothing before. Hardly a team out there hasn’t had at least one 18 or younger player suit up for it. Many have a good handful or more of players 21 or younger.

Naturally, the realities of a world pandemic have in some cases forced the teams’ hands while a shortage of opportunity at junior levels (the DNL, for example, is still on hiatus) has given pro teams a wealth of teenagers to choose from to round out their rosters and ensure well-attended practice sessions. And therein lies the crux of the problem. Many junior players have nowhere to play right now as they sit around and hope that the DNL leagues will somehow continue their season at some point, which is looking unlikely in a country that has seen many corners locked down for a good five weeks now.

These circumstances have turned this season into a completely wasted year for a generation of players. Mind you, we’re not speaking of solely the DNL junior league, but also every organized league under that as well as men’s amateur levels, which have often been a breeding ground for younger players as well.

A positive to be taken here though is that this has meant “opportunity” abounds and a number of the younger players are riding with it. Cologne (8) and Nuremberg (4) alone have each suited up a handful of players aged between 16 and 20, something very notable for a league that is notorious for having precious few players even as young as 23 on its rosters. The DEL2 and Oberligas have been more than sprinkled with players 18 or younger to the point where hardly a team isn’t making use of players this age, even if the reasons for going this route may also be of a financial nature.

Max Glötzl

Draftee pool 2021

Things have changed since early December and several of the prospects felt to be the most important for this draft class have seen their fortunes dissipate, none more so than the top prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft at the time, Haakon Hänelt. After an injury derailed him for the first half of the DEL season, he has managed to get into 13 DEL games for the Eisbären Berlin, but has just one goal to his name, coming in at an even +/- rating in the process for a team that is currently atop the North Group standings. Making matters a bit worse for Hänelt and his draft ambitions is that the team has been winning a lot lately, often by high scores, so there is no rush to give him a larger role. Will he get a shot via a reassignment to the DEL2? That is an option, but he is currently on the mends again after a recent minor injury. Naturally, he is lined up for the U18 Worlds in Texas, so there may be a push from the German Ice Hockey Federation to see if he can’t get a larger role somewhere else over the next six weeks, especially in a rehabbing capacity.

Our big risers to kick off the season, forwards Sebastian Cimmermann and Bennet Rossmy, have both come down to earth since then. Both remain players to watch and are basically surefire candidates for the U18 team. In Rossmy’s case, he may be looking a lot more “human” than he did to start things off for the Lausitz Foxes of the DEL2, but he has continued to play regularly for the team (getting sometimes more, sometimes less ice time) and has a respectable three goals and 11 points in 34 games. His -11 is nothing to write home about, but he is a 17-year-old in a giant body playing against men, a challenge scouts are very familiar with and can make time for.

Cimmermann simply hasn’t been getting the reps, having only suited up for 12 games since the beginning of December, but seven goals, 15 points, and an overall +16 rating for the Red Bull juniors in 22 games is more than respectable, especially with the number of U23 player options that team can suit up. The AlpsHL playoffs are just around the corner, so it will be interesting to see if he manages to get ice time when the chips are all on the table.

This leads us to the other two players who built our initial top 5 group before Christmas, namely WJC participants Florian Elias and Max Glötzl, both second year eligibles. For Elias - and we would like to once again point out that he is about as young a second time eligible as you can find -, we can only say that his coming out party at the U20 Worlds has been followed by going straight to Mannheim where he has taken a regular shift and seen time pivoting the 2nd line and showing up on the team’s 2nd power play unit. The two goals, four points, and -1 rating over 16 games have been minimal, but the youngster has been highly involved all over the ice and right in the middle of plenty of other opportunities to date for a team that should be scoring more goals, but nonetheless comfortably sits at the top of the DEL’s standings. It should be added that both of Elias’ goals were bullet wrist shots from a distance that simply beat the goaltender cleanly. If we would have to gander, he is looking like the most certain German to be drafted this year. Nonetheless, he was just sent down to the DEL2 to get extra shifts.

Glötzl’s WJC appearance was not one to get excited about. Sure, he saw plenty of ice time, but he looked like a player stretched beyond the limits of his capabilities and didn’t necessarily have the kind of decision-making prowess that screams “future NHLer”. The size is right and it’s not like he is afraid to go where it hurts and dish out some hurt as well, but unless he was a bit overwhelmed by Germany’s Covid-induced circumstances, his status as an unknown prospect of note has likely been parked. There was just too much vanilla in his game and a handful of unforced errors along the way. Since returning to Germany, he has continued to see regular ice time for Bad Nauheim in the DEL2 (22 games, seven assists, -5) and even suited up for three games with Cologne in the DEL (no points), but there is little reason to think that he is a prospect for the 2021 Draft at this juncture.

On the horizon

As the season has progressed, some other names are busy arriving on the scene to some degree. After putting on a very solid WJC performance, save for roughly 10 minutes against Switzerland, goaltender Florian Bugl has continued to be the go-to man in goal for Red Bull Juniors. A 2.62 GAA, .910 save percentage, and 16-11 record are what the 18-year-old has to show for his efforts in a men’s league.

Due to Swedish juniors being put on extended pause, forward Roman Kechter - a probable candidate for the upcoming U18 team - has headed down to become a lower line regular for the Nuremberg Ice Tigers, which continues to be the DEL’s bottom feeder. The lack of more than one assist and -8 rating in 11 games are nothing to smile about, but his team has been offensively futile for much of 2021 and Kechter hasn’t looked out of place with respect to pace and physicality. He has also been receiving over ten minutes of ice time per game, with it increasing incrementally as the season progresses. Although nothing has come of them, several of his passes not only set up teammates perfectly but have displayed the kind of vision and on-your-toes thinking that you don’t often find around the DEL. Kechter will not be returning to Rögle to complete the season, so scouts will be able to see how he continues to develop over the next 18 DEL contests.

A player who continues to gain our interest is Danjo Leonhardt, who has improved as the season has progressed. The 18-year-old is a teammate of Bugl’s and has put up 11 goals and 33 points over 32 games, making him one of the team’s most frequently dressed players and its top scorer. He also has a +17 rating in the process. There are no glaring weaknesses in his game and yet his offensive flair has only seemed to grow this season. Basically a non-prospect for last fall’s draft, yet still only 18 until August 22nd, we have got to think the scouts following the Red Bull Akademie program know very well who Danjo is and what he is capable of against men.

Lastly, we would like to mention Markus Schweiger as a first time eligible who is worth keeping on your radar. A victim of the Covid protocol, the 5-6” forward only suited up for Germany’s last two games but was immediately placed on the second line and showed a good bit of moxie, tournament-level wheels, and a good head on his shoulders. He looked sturdy and had little problem with the rough stuff. There were no points at the WJC and he has only amassed four in 14 games with Kaufbeuren of the DEL2 since returning from the WJC, but he chipped in 12 in nine DNL games before the pause and is a player the German program is very high on. Unfortunately, he has aged out of the U18 team.

Limbo

We mentioned after the WJC that defenseman Luca Münzenberger was, along with Elias, the big winner for Germany in gaining notoriety on the prospect front. He has not been able to do anything to enhance that status since, but this is to no fault of his own. As a player committed to the University of Vermont, and with the DNL currently inactive, there is simply no place for him to play. Pro teams would love to incorporate him right now, including his parent club, Cologne, but that would of course strip him of college hockey eligibility. For players such as himself, there has been no destination to turn to. His ice time since the WJC seems to have consisted solely of practices.

The situation isn’t nearly as vicious for Nikita Quapp, as well as WJC participant Arno Tiefensee, the two goaltenders most noteworthy on Germany’s prospect front. Although Tiefensee basically got rocked in his two WJC outings and hasn’t really put up the type of numbers for the DEL2’s Heilbronn Falcons, the 6-4”, 190-pound giant has nonetheless split duties at that level and sports a 5-8 record for a team that is unexpectedly mired in last place. The slightly smaller Quapp, coming in at 6-3”, 187 lbs., has now gotten into five DEL games, most of them over the last 10 outings, and has gone from looking overwhelmed to nearly pitching shutouts, collecting a 1-2 record to date. This has been a breath of fresh air for a Krefeld team that won’t be exiting last place this season. He has seen action in seven Oberliga games, where his numbers have been completely underwhelming.

The point of mentioning these two is that they were scheduled to be integral go-to pieces for their respective DNL clubs and thus, aren’t getting to experience the type of age-conducive play that would give the scouting community a true look at just what type of prospects they are, much less allow them a steady presence and role in net. Being a 2003-born player, Quapp can at least look forward to what should be a starting job on the U18 team.

Overaging it

It is always hard to tell just what it means to see double overagers achieving things at a nation’s highest pro level, but Germany does have several players we simply must mention, as their ice time - and to a degree, their achievements - demand some attention. Former QMJHLer Taro Jentzsch has one more shot at the draft and has a very respectable 14 points and +1 in 20 DEL games for Iserlohn, even if he has slowed down a bit recently. He only has three goals, but they have all been of the highlight reel variety.

Likewise, 19-year-old Alexander Blank has been seeing more and more top six minutes and power play time for the hapless Krefeld Penguins, chipping in seven points in 20 games. The son of long-term DEL scorer Boris, he is plugging away for a team lacking offense and he spent the first part of the season with Krefeld’s Oberliga team, with which he racked up an outstanding 27 points in 16 games. The way things are going, it is hard to think he won’t be with Germany’s WJC squad next December. We know that he has entered the discussion for Germany’s U23 squad, which in normal years appears at tournaments such as the Deutschland Cup.

Cologne center Marcel Barinka has also been playing top six minutes and has 14 points and +3 in 20 games. He is a Czech national with a German player pass and is also the son of former part-time NHLer Michal Barinka. After two unspectacular seasons in the QMJHL, the 19-year-old has been making his mark at the DEL level against professionals, looking like he has a whole new lease on his hockey life.

An honorable mention may also be in store for goaltender Tobias Ancicka, who just turned 20 a week ago. Left off Team Germany as the first to fail a Covid test (ironically back in action in Germany a good week ahead of the WJC), the expected #1 in net has played six games for Berlin in the DEL and 11 for its DEL2 affiliate. His numbers for the Lausitz Foxes, currently two points out of last place, have not been shiny, but the 1.95 GAA and .928 save percentage at the DEL level have raised some eyebrows, with these numbers having come very recently. He is expected to be the back-up for the Eisbären for the rest of the season.

Several of the overagers we had hoped to see something from, namely Nino Kinder in Berlin, Elias Lindner in Munich, and Simon Gnyp in Cologne, haven’t put anything of note together, which is a shame for particularly the latter after he led all WJC defenders with 29:57 minutes of power play time and overall average ice time with 27:09 minutes per game. There is 20-year-old defenseman Philipp Mass in Krefeld, who has three points and a -7 in 12 games and was getting more than 17 minutes of ice time per game over his first three contests after having kicked off the season with five points in 13 games for the Red Bull Juniors in the AlpsHL. Just down the highway in Cologne, undersized 20-year-old Jan-Luca Sennhenn has been getting roughly 12 minutes per game (two assists, -2) in his 19 outings for Coach Uwe Krupp, which has come as a surprise to the many who had figured both Gnyp and Glötzl would be ahead of him in the pecking order.

Then, of course, there are forwards Jakub Borzecki (15 points and +10 in 22 games), Manuel Alberg (15 and +2 in 22), Jozef Eham (19 and +6 in 31), Sam Dubé (10 in 18), and defenseman Maks Szuber (11 and +11 in 27) playing for the Red Bull Juniors as well, three of whom we saw at the WJC. A strong end to the AlpsHL season could show a team enough to consider such players with a late round pick, even if that kind of thing is seeming less common nowadays.

Lastly, 6-3” Josh Samanski played a regular shift at the WJC and played for the Owen Sound Attack last season. He would have been there this year too, but he is getting plenty of experience and opportunity with Ravensburg of the DEL2, where he has three goals, 13 points, and a +2 over 29 games. He is a regular and will be playing playoff hockey this season, should he not be returning to Owen Sound. The son of a long-term coach in Germany, he very well understands the KISS principle and seems to be appreciated wherever he plays.

Swiss mades

Speaking of overagers, Leipzig native Daniel Neumann has spent the past few years playing in Switzerland’s junior ranks. Having just turned 19 two weeks ago, he is worth keeping an eye on because he seems to be a bit of a shoo-in for next winter’s WJC. We say this considering his 23 points (and +26) in 24 games for Zug’s U20 team, which has led to a promotion to the Zug Academy men’s team, which plays in Switzerland’s SL, the second tier of pro play. There, he has added another 15 points and +4 in 27 games, showing that he is not out of place at the pro level.

A more interesting first year eligible for the scouting community is 5-11” forward Connor Korte, who continues to ply his trade with Davos’ U20 program, where he has 17 goals and 25 points in 35 games. He just turned 18 on January 31st, and thus, is eligible for U18 team play, which is looking likely at this point. He has been one of the few German juniors who has been able to get in a whole season of play.

U18 on the way

Team Germany will find itself in another “Group of Death” at the upcoming U18 in Texas, but everyone is just happy that the event is taking place. In light of the dubious circumstances described throughout these musings, one can imagine that the U18 team will consist of a lot of young players who have gained pro experience this year. We have named several here, but there are a couple more of note who are likely in strong contention.

Defenseman Adrian Klein has suited up for 21 DEL games this season and another six in the Oberliga. There is nothing in the line of points worth mentioning, but he is simply -2 at the DEL level and has been raved about with respect to his ability to understand the game and play within his limits. Kai Zernickel is 6-5” and 180 lbs. and has also gotten into four DEL games. Both of these players are just 17.

Up front, Iserlohn’s youngsters Yannick Proske (19 games) and Nils Elten (4 games) have seen some action in lower line roles and there is not a point between them, but Proske in particular has gained the coach’s faith in taking a regular 4th line shift. He was supposed to be a big part of the story for Mannheim’s DNL team this season.

We would also be surprised if 17-year-old Luigi Calce of the Mannheim program wasn’t part of the equation. Expected to be one of the DNL’s top players this season, he has since dressed for nine DEL2 games and has three points. In addition, several members of the Red Bull program are also likely in contention, namely twins Thomas and Nicolaus Heigl, Philip Feist, Sten Fischer, and 16-year-old defenseman Jesse Kauhanen.

We will have a more complete preview of this team as the tournament approaches.

Sweet 16

In our last installment, we mentioned the name Julian Lutz as Germany’s top 16-year-old talent and he still is. His success with the Red bull Hockey Juniors in the pro AlpsHL (14 goals, 26 points in 30 games) has led to a one-game debut with Red Bull Munich (one assist) and now seven games with EC Salzburg of the ICEHL (formerly EBEL) in Austria, where he has two goals and three points. He continues to be a rising star who we will be keeping a close eye on in light of a game that has a few thinking he could be the next Tim Stützle.

The age of 16 has become a very interesting one on the German hockey front this season. Florian may be the most sought-after prospect in Germany for now, but his younger brother Moritz Elias has spent time in the DEL as well this year, having suited up for 15 games thus far and collecting a goal and two points. Most impressive has been his 0 +/- rating thus far, because his Nuremberg team is mired in last place in the DEL’s southern group and has let in plenty of goals against. New DEL coach Frank Fischöder came over to the team directly from Mannheim’s junior ranks and brought Moritz, among others, with him. The youngster has been a good one to date and recently faced off against brother Florian, which no-one would have suspected before this season.

We would also like to mention Luca Hauf. He just turned 17 on January 11th but has played much of the season as a 16-year-old for Krefeld 1981 in Germany’s 3rd circuit where he has 12 goals and 28 points in 31 games, good for third on the team in scoring thus far. He is only 5-11” and a slight 155 lbs., but his journey has only just begun, and the lefty shot has raised plenty of eyes in Germany’s ice hockey landscape and beyond. He got into his first DEL game just this past week and will be watched closely moving forward.

Forwards aren’t the only 16-year-olds of note thus far this season. Defenseman Leo Hafenrichter (6-0”, 170) has played two games for Cologne in the DEL and three for Bad Nauheim in the DEL2. He has only received a few shifts at the DEL level, but he is looking like one of Germany’s strongest prospects for the 2022 draft and defensemen this age don’t typically even get considered for top league play. He too has a good shot at representing Germany in Texas later this spring, a tournament we’ll have much to report on in our next edition.

2021 World Junior Championship: Czech Republic Training Camp Roster Preview

Derek O'Brien — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:42:22 +0000

National junior head coach Karel Mlejnek named the Czech Republic’s preliminary 45-man roster for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship at a press conference on Wednesday (Dec. 2, 2020). As expected, the list includes 10 returnees from last season’s team and nine players who have been drafted by NHL teams.

In a group that includes Russia, Sweden, the USA and Austria, the Czechs are projected to finish fourth and advance to the quarter-finals. Whatever they achieve beyond that would be a pleasant surprise.

With the unusual circumstances that have affected all teams in the tournament to varying degrees, the Czech Republic was hit hard by a second wave of COVID-19 in the autumn, resulting in a shutdown of all organized sports for much of October and November. Furthermore, many teams have been forced to quarantine for additional time due to localized positive tests. While all of the team’s CHL-based players have returned home, some have been limited to only a handful of games.

While the Czech national junior team hasn’t played this season, save for a three-game series with Slovakia back in July, 10 junior-aged players were named to the Czech senior men’s team that competed at the Karjala Cup in Finland in November.

The last two years, the Czechs were led by Anaheim Ducks prospect Lukas Dostal in goal, but he’s too old this year. Last season, Dostal missed a couple of games due to injury, which gave Lukas Parik and Nick Malik an opportunity to get into some game action. The three goalies on the roster this time will be Parik, Malik and Jan Bednar, but the starting job is wide open.

Last year’s young defence corps will be this year’s gain, with four returning defencemen – Martin Has, Karel Klikora, Simon Kubicek, and Radek Kucerik. But the most interesting names on defence from a scouting perspective are 17-year-olds Stanislav Svozil and David Jiricek. Both were born in 2003 but their birthdays mean Svozil will be eligible to be drafted in 2021 and Jiricek in 2022. Additionally, both played at the Karjala Cup and Mlejnek indicated they both have a good shot at making the team.

“Based to their play so far, their chances are very high,” Mlejnek said at the press conference. “I don’t think they seemed out of place at all at the Karjala by being so young. They adjusted to the opportunities they were given and played with confidence. We believe that they will continue to prove that throughout December.”

Up front, the consensus top two lines based on Mlejnek’s lines in July and at the Karjala Cup in November consist of Jan Mysak centering Pavel Novak and Adam Raska and Jaromir Pytlik between Michal Teply and Filip Koffer. Novak – a 2002-born Minnesota Wild prospect – and Koffer will be playing in their first WJC while the other four all return from last year. After the top six, the talent up front drops off significantly. Marcel Barinka, who spent the past two seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads, had a solid shot at being the third-line center but declined the invitation to camp, having just signed with German club Kolner Haie and wanting to have a good camp there in anticipation of a December 17 opening to the DEL season.

Jan Mysak during the ice hockey quarter final game in The IIHF U18 World Championship between Sweden and The Czech Republic
Photo: Jonas Forsberg / BILDBYRÅN

Lukas Parik, G

While it’s not totally clear who the Czechs’ starting goalie will be, national team general manager Filip Pesan may have tipped his hand when he named Parik to the Karjala Cup roster. He played in one game there and stopped 27 of 30 shots against a Russian team that consisted exclusively of junior-aged players and will largely be the same squad that the Czechs will face in Group B in Edmonton. The other two goalies in contention are Nick Malik and Jan Bednar, who are both a year younger. At 6-4”, Parik is a big goalie who relies on his size and positioning to stop pucks, in contrast to the equally big but more acrobatic Bednar.

Martin Has, D

Has has only played in a couple games this season for second-division HC Benatky nad Jizerou, making this the first time he has played for a club in his home country since he was 16. The Washington Capitals‘ draft pick has spent two seasons with Tappara Tampere‘s junior squad in Finland, where his mobility and hockey sense were occasional issues. Has played last season in the OHL with the Guelph Storm. The right-shot defenseman is an intriguing blueliner with a promising tool set, but he looks very raw at the moment. At his first WJC he had a solid tournament with three points in six games, and will be heavily relied upon this time around.

Simon Kubicek, D

Kubicek is a very well-rounded two-way defender who plays physical and is tough to compete against in the defensive zone, although it has been noted that his speed needs to improve if he wants to make it to the next level, which may be why he was passed over in the 2020 Draft. The late-born 2001 has been a standout the last two years for Seattle and played well at the World Juniors for the Czechs, and they will count on him to be even better this season. So far he has spent this season with HC Stadion Litomerice in the Czech second division, where he has played on the team’s top defensive pair.

Stanislav Svozil, D

A potential first-round pick for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Svozil debuted in the Extraliga last season as a 16-year-old and didn’t look out of place in the pros, tallying five points in 41 games. This year, he has become a regular on the Kometa Brno defense and made his senior national team debut at the Karjala Cup, although that hasn’t translated into offensive production. While not particularly big for a defenseman at 6-1” and 172lbs, he is known for his speed, allowing him to contribute offensively without sacrificing anything on the back end. Being 10 months older than fellow 17-year-old Jiricek, Svozil probably has a slightly better chance of making the team.

Jan Mysak, C

A second-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in this year’s NHL Draft, 2002-born Mysak will be expected to carry the offensive load for the Czechs in his second World Junior Championship. After scoring at better than a point-per-game clip last season for Hamilton in the OHL, he is back home in Litvinov this season but has been held pointless in his first nine games of the season, averaging about 14 minutes per game on the Extraliga’s lowest-scoring team. Internationally he has shown a scoring touch, with four points in three games for the U20 national team back in July, and an assist in two games for the senior men’s team in November. In these games, he has mostly been centering a line with speedy, undersized wingers Pavel Novak and Adam Raska.

Michal Teply, LW

Teply is another player who has seen limited action back home in the Czech Republic after playing last season in the CHL, coming from the Winnipeg Ice to Mlada Boleslav and Litomerice, where he has played only a handful of games so far. He is a skilled and instinctive offensive-minded player whose passing skills and vision are his biggest strengths. He makes the right choices with the puck and his overall skill level is very high. He has a good, accurate wrist shot and the potential to be a good goal-scorer at the pro level. At 6-3” and 192lbs, he is one of the biggest forwards on this Czech team. In pre-tournament games, Teply has been playing the left side with Jaromir Pytlik and Filip Koffer.

Jaromir Pytlik, C

A member of the Soo Greyhounds now playing for HC Litomerice in the Czech second division, Pytlik is another returning player and top-six forward on this team. Last season, he began the tournament on a line with Jan Jenik but that lasted all of 15 seconds before the team’s star forward went down with a knee injury. After that, the Czech forward lines were a mess and Pytlik played a depth role. He is a mature two-way forward who plays a very heavy, pro-ready game. The versatile New Jersey Devils prospect excels playing through traffic, prolonging possession along the wall, and finishing off plays tight to the crease. He competes hard at both ends and shows high-end anticipation as a defensive forward and penalty killer.

Adam Raska, RW

After spending last season with the Rimouski Oceanic, tallying 21 points and 37 penalty minutes in just 35 games and then getting drafted by the San Jose Sharks, Raska has returned to the club that developed him, split this season so far between Trinec in the Extraliga and second-league affiliate Frydek-Mistek. Raska was a depth forward at last year’s WJC but will be a top-six forward this year, lining up on Mysak’s right side, where he should get a chance to display his goal-scoring touch. While somewhat undersized at 5-10” and 168lbs, he plays bigger than his size, not shying away from the physical play, which should only improve as he bulks up.

Goaltenders:
Lukáš Pařík (Benátky nad Jizerou), Jan Bednář (Karlovy Vary), Nick Malík, Tomáš Suchánek (both Frýdek-Místek), Šimon Zajíček (Litvínov).

Defencemen:
Karel Klikorka (Mladá Boleslav), Martin Hugo Haš (Benátky nad Jizerou), Michal Hrádek (Pardubice), Stanislav Svozil (Kometa Brno), Adam Rutar (Olomouc), David Jiříček, Vladimír Kremláček (both Plzeň), Ondřej Baláž, Michael Krutil, Šimon Kubíček, Jan Mlčák, Daniel Poizl (all Litoměřice), Radek Kučeřík (Přerov), Jiří Suhrada (Zlín).

Forwards:
Adam Najman, Jakub Rychlovský (both Liberec), Michal Gut (Sokolov), Martin Beránek (České Budějovice), Jonáš Peterek, Adam Raška (both Frýdek-Místek), Jakub Brabenec (Kometa Brno), Sebastián Malát (Plzeň), David Vitouch (Sparta Praha), David Jindra, Filip Koffer, Martin Lang, Pavel Novák, Filip Přikryl, Jaromír Pytlík, Michal Teplý, Matěj Toman (all Litoměřice), Jan Myšák (Litvínov), Ivan Ivan (Vítkovice), Martin Ryšavý (Přerov), Radek Mužík (Lulea, Sweden), Theodor Pištěk (Örebro, S), Ondřej Pšenička (Waterloo, USHL).

2019 WJAC: Standout performances, rising draft stock

Derek Neumeier — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 14:33:54 +0000

When it comes to exciting junior hockey tournaments that start in December, the World Juniors aren't the only game in town.

While lesser known as an international event, the annual World Junior A Challenge has steadily become a must-see event for scouts. Whereas the WJC usually skews toward 19-year-olds, the WJAC is a lot younger on average, making it easier for draft-eligible prospects to make the roster of the participating countries.

There is no shortage of big NHL names that have played in the event in recent years, including (but not limited to) Vladimir Tarasenko, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Cale Makar and Kyle Turris. While it's impossible to predict the future, don't be surprised if a number of different players from this year's iteration of the WJAC end up becoming household NHL names one day.

Hosted this year in Dawson Creek, B.C. (no, it has nothing to do with the former television show) and featuring the United States, Russia, the Czech Republic and two Canadian teams made up solely of Junior A-level players (Canada East and Canada West), the tournament was a real treat to watch, for both fans and scouts alike. Entertaining hockey was played from start to finish, ultimately culminating in a thrilling gold-medal game that saw Russia defeat the Canada-East squad in double overtime.

Here now is a breakdown of each of the five teams and how they performed.

Canada West

To say it was a disappointing finish for the Canada West team on home ice would be a major understatement. With Carolina Hurricanes 2019 7th-rounder Massimo Rizzo, the BCHL's leading scorer in Kent Johnson, and big-time point-producing Okotoks Oilers teammates Carter Savoie and Michael Benning, it was expected that Canada West would be an offensive powerhouse. And yet, that presumed flame turned out to be little more than a fizzle, as the group won just one preliminary game and failed to reach the semifinals.

Johnson, Savoie, and Benning all had a few moments that looked good, but overall, they failed to make much of an impact, to the disappointment of the eyes of scouts. Savoie and Benning specifically read the very ice well and are able to strike when they get the puck with room to operate, but both prospects really had trouble creating it for themselves and their teammates.

Spruce Grove Saints netminder Matthew Davis, a tournament returnee, was ultimately Canada West's main bright spot, outperforming Detroit Red Wings pick Carter Gylander and guiding the team to their lone victory with a 25-save shutout that included stopping four of five shots in a shootout. It seems unlikely that he did enough to put him on the draft radar of NHL clubs, considering his slight 6-0” frame, though he will have a few years at the University of Denver to refine his game.

Czech Republic

Despite bringing the oldest roster among all the teams, it was another disappointing World Junior A Challenge for the Czechs, who only have one bronze medal (in 2017) to their credit since becoming a part of the tournament. Things started off well for them, pulling off wins over Russia, Canada West and Canada East in the round-robin, but they were handily trounced 5-1 by Russia in the semifinals and then narrowly edged 2-1 in overtime in the bronze-medal game by the Americans. Offense was quite a team effort, as 13 different players picked up two points or more, though Halifax Mooseheads forward Marcel Barinka led the team in scoring with three goals and four assists in seven games.

Big netminder Jakub Dobes was passed over in the 2019 NHL draft, but his strong play in Dawson Creek might help him get his name called this upcoming June. He naturally fills the net well and has good technique and reflexes, so there is enough of a base there for teams to develop long-term. He took his development to North America a few years ago and recently bumped himself up from the Topeka Pilots of the NAHL to the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, where he will likely stay until he's ready to attend Ohio State University.

United States

The high-flying American team was easily the tournament's most entertaining, and they rolled through the preliminary games undefeated while racking up a couple of lopsided wins. So, it came as quite an upset when they were stopped by Canada East in the semifinals. Led offensively by Chicago Steel teammates Brendan Brisson, Sean Farrell, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, and Sam Colangelo, the quartet of forwards carried their lethal chemistry from Illinois to Dawson Creek and made playing defense an absolute nightmare for opposing squads.

Brisson ended up as the tournament’s leading scorer, with the brunt of his production coming through his lethal one-timer from the right faceoff circle, but that strategy became a little predictable by the end of the tournament and he was held off the score sheet in the final two games. Farrell, an alumnus of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, was always noticeable in a good way because of his advanced hockey sense and non-stop motor.

The U.S. also received plenty of depth production beyond the four Steel teammates, most notably from sturdy forward Trevor Kuntar (who scored the bronze medal-winning overtime goal) and blueliners Mike Koster (a 2019 Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick, who had six points in six games) and Mitchell Miller (who also had six points in six games), the latter two both from the USHL’s Tri-City program. On the flip side, it was a bit of a disappointing showing for Waterloo Blackhawks forward (and another NTDP alumni) in Ryder Rolston, who has a lot of natural offensive tools but really struggled to get into a rhythm here.

Canada East

For much of this year's World Junior A Challenge, Canada East's hopes were hung on goaltender Devon Levi — but luckily for them, he was more than up to the task. Levi was simply sensational in this event, making save after save after save for a Canada East team that was outshot in every contest. He is not the biggest of goalies but has very advanced control of his crease movement and was superb at tracking shots through traffic. He got pulled in a lopsided round-robin match versus the U.S., but the Carleton Place Canadians netminder would exact his revenge against the Americans in the semifinal, turning aside 41 of 42 shots to steal a dramatic victory.

He was equally impressive in the gold-medal game, making 36 saves (including nine in extra time), but a Russian powerplay goal in double overtime ended his Cinderella run. He was deservingly named tournament MVP for his heroic efforts, and almost certainly improved his odds of being selected in the 2020 NHL draft.

Offense was fairly spread out on the Canada East roster, with Ayrton Martino, Ryland Mosley and Philippe Chapleau finishing tied for the team's scoring lead with five points apiece. And though he didn't appear often on the score sheet, Charles Tremblay's speed to the outside was another major weapon for his team.

Russia

Russia had the youngest roster at this year's World Junior A Challenge (every player was 16 or 17), but they also had one that was talented, deep and balanced, and in the end their young age didn't end up being a detriment. They actually struggled in the preliminary round, managing just one win (which came in overtime), but they brought their "A" game when it mattered most: the elimination games.

For my money, center Vasili Ponomaryov was the best forward in the entire tournament, using his excellent blend of sense, skill, and work ethic to make a consistently positive difference in all three zones. His stats from the event don't jump off the page at you, but he created offense in ways that should translate well to the NHL. Daniil Gushchin was another a standout up front, using his blazing acceleration to generate odd man rushes with impressive frequency. He also has the hands and shot to make good on those chances, converting for three goals.

Quick, undersized forwards Marat Khusnutdinov and Alexander Pashin were nice complementary pieces on the roster, but their performances were a little disappointing because they failed to live up to strong showings from last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. On the back end, with Daniil Chayka, Shakir Mukhamadullin, Kirill Kirsanov, Yan Kuznetsov, and Kirill Steklov, their big and mobile defense group was just too hard for opposing teams to crack. Chayka, a member of the OHL’s Guelph Storm, was especially impressive, covering the ice very well and moving the puck with consistency and composure. Mukhamadullin was an easy player to notice — for both good and bad reasons. He makes open ice disappear for opponents thanks to his reach and skating, and his slapshot from the point was a frequent offensive weapon, but he still has a lot of work to do with puck movement and own-zone decision-making.

Even when Russia's stout defense did crack, undersized-but-fast goaltender Yegor Guskov was there to bail them out, posting a .959 save percentage. Even though it is rare for goalies of Guskov's size (about 5-foot-11) to get drafted and play in the NHL these days, he does a lot of the things that are necessary for guys like him to succeed.

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

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

MCKEEN'S RELEASES FINAL 2019 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS

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

American center Jack Hughes or Finnish Winger Kaapo Kakko?

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

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

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

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

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

BROADWAY KAAPO

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL AMERICAN

Spencer Knight. Photo courtesy of the USNTDP.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SWEDE GOLD - SWEET SEIDER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

100 HONOURABLE MENTION IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

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

IIHF 2019 U18 World Championship Notebook: Day 8 -Quarterfinals – USA 6-FIN 0, SWE 4-CZE 2

Jimmy Hamrin — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 11:45:09 +0000

Day 8 Notebook:

Quarterfinals:

USA-Finland 6-0

- Another easy win for this remarkably dominating American team. Jack Hughes was electrifying to watch today. He was on his best game and dominated from his first shift. In the middle of the game he scored a natural hat trick and picked up a primary assist as well. His speed, smartness and quick hands are just outstanding. Even his goal scoring has high elite touch to it. Trevor Zegras had a good game, even by his standards, as well with four assists and has seven assists in the three games he has played this tournament. The centreman looks to be a solid top 10 pick in the upcoming draft.

This was my first time watching this Finnish team and while they were heavily outplayed, I saw many interesting prospects making a mark on the game. Patrik Puistola broke pattern with his creativity and hands and even if his speed is average, he’s quite elusive. Ville Heinola is a smart two-way defenseman. His decision-making and defensive abilities impressed me though. I can see a future NHL defenseman in him. His skating doesn’t look elite but it’s okay. Mikko Petman showed that he’s a strong puck protector with some creativity to him.

Sweden-Czech Republic 4-2

- The Czechs had a bad start to the game, but they were the better team the last 38 minutes of the game. Sweden had a strong start with two fast goals and an easy third goal in the beginning of the second period. Sweden’s top two lines, the one with Alexander Holtz and Lucas Raymond plus the one with Albin Grewe and Simon Holmstrom had most of their shifts end up in the offensive zone. The best Swedish forward overall was Zion Nybeck. He has slick hands, strong playmaking and could drive the play for his line. The underaged and somewhat undersized forward has had an impressive tournament.

Sweden is playing without Victor Soderstrom and that effects the team, but Albert Lyckasen is stepping up well as the replacement and Albert Johansson is looking better and better in this tournament. The best Swede for the day was Hugo Alnefelt who made a lot pf big saves keeping Sweden in the lead for the whole game.

I thought Marcel Barinka (Halifax) and Radek Muzik (Lulea) were the best Czechs in the game and also scored the goals. The Czechs has an evenly strong team but lacks elite NHL talents. They missed too many good scoring chances where they weren’t sharp enough.

On Saturday we’ll see USA play Russia and Canada play Sweden. The four best teams so far are also the four teams that’ve earned a spot in the semifinal. I’ll be there for whole weekend to cover the end of this year’s U18 WJC.

IIHF 2019 U18 World Championship Notebook: Day 4 – CZE 4-FIN 2, CAN 11-BEL 1

Marco Bombino — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 23:18:09 +0000

Day 4 Notebook

Game 1: Finland – Czech Republic 2-4

In what was a very important game for both teams, the Czech Republic scored only 37 seconds into the first period after an offensive zone turnover from the Finns. Martin Lang finished off a nice passing play from Filip Prikryl and Radek Muzik. Patrik Puistola would tie the game in the second period with a finish from the slot. The Czechs took the lead again, this time on the power play, as Jan Mysak made a great cross-ice pass finding Marcel Barinka and Filip Koffer put rebound home. They extended their lead to 4-1 with two goals in the third period, from Matej Toman and Koffer. Defenseman Santeri Hatakka scored in the final minute of the game as he joined the attack and got to the rebound, but the Finns couldn't come closer to tie the game.

The Finns came close several times to scoring more goals, but it was either Lukas Parik, the posts or crossbar that denied those scoring attempts. Coming off a great performance against Switzerland, Parik was again terrific with 47 saves today. He moved very well side to side and his glove was quick. At 6'4”, he took away large portions of the net and read the game well in front of him. With this kind of goaltening, this Czech team will definitely have good a chance to reach the medal round.

Jan Mysak was another standout from the Czechs. The winger has great hands, vision and a quick-release wrist shot. He started the tournament as the 13^th forward, but he has been impressive after being promoted to the second line. Sizeable 6'2” center Jonas Peterek had a decent game. He can protect the puck well using body to keep opponents at bay. I didn't see a whole lot ot flash in his game but he did have an assist where he was left wide open in the middle as three Finns went to the corner for the puck. He then made a nice, unselfish pass despite being in a scoring position.

From the Finnish team, 2021 draft eligible center Aatu Räty was more noticeable than in the previous two games. His line had a good amount of offensive zone time and Räty was the main catalyst, displaying finesse, very good hands and poise. Like in the previous games, he was rather strong at the face-off dot, too. It was evident that he has chemistry with his older brother Aku, who was energetic and around the puck.

Patrik Puistola showed flashes of great passing and offensive vision in some situations. However, I thought he still tried to occasionally do too much on his own. While he hasn't produced a lot, it has not been due a lack of effort, as he did compete hard off the puck.

Defenseman Santeri Hatakka showcased the attributes he has been known for in Jokerit juniors: strong skating and two-way game, along with the willingness to compete in his own end. There is some offensive potential; he can move the puck quite well and his shot isn't bad either. A potential mid to late round pick with decent upside.

UMEA, SWEDEN - APRIL 21: Canada's Jamieson Rees #14 fends off Belarus' Sergei Kuznetsov #22 during the preliminary round of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at A3 Arena on April 21, 2019 in Umea, Sweden. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Game 2: Belarus – Canada 1-11

Team Canada ran away quickly in a 11-1 win over Belarus. They got offensive contributions from all of the four lines, however the first line of Peyton Krebs, Dylan Cozens and Alex Newhook did put up five goals. The Canadians took nine penalties, so they need to be more disciplined going forward.

Several forwards stood out for Canada in the high-scoring affair. Once more I really liked the play of Jamieson Rees. Very high skills level, is quick to pucks and plays every shift like it is his last. He set up one goal in which he separated from the defender instantly after receiving the puck at the offensive blueline. He's a dynamic, relentless player and a potential first round NHL Draft pick in my opinion.

Dylan Cozens and Peyton Krebs were excellent as well. Cozens has a complete offensive toolbox - he can be equally adept as a playmaker and goal-scorer. Very good offensive instincts and makes timely passes. Krebs is an extremely quick and clever center who attacks with speed and has excellent stick skills. The captain put his speed on display on a goal where he gained a step ahead and finished off from close range.

The player that stood out most from the Belarussian team was defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok. He has good skating mechanics and moves well in all directions. Excels at the point where he can both distribute the puck and fire quick wristers on net. Moves the puck well and remains calm under pressure. Kolyachonok has been one of the top defensemen so far in Group A of the tournament and his draft stock is surely rising. I see a very bright future ahead for him as an all-around defenseman.

IIHF 2019 U18 World Championship Preview – Czech Republic

Marco Bombino — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 21:40:16 +0000

CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA - APRIL 29: The Czech Republic's Michal Teply #25 celebrates after scoring a second period goal against Sweden during bronze medal game action at the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship. (Photo by Steve Kingsman/HHOF-IIHF Images)

The Czech Republic will have two returning players from last year: forward Michal Teply and defenseman Hugo Has. They will bring four forwards from North America (Marcel Barinka, Martin Lang, Filip Prikryl and Michal Toman), as well as defenseman Simon Kubicek from the WHL. Kubicek is expected to be play a key role on the backend alongside Has. Lukas Parik will likely be the starting goalie, with either Jan Skorpik or 2002 born Jan Bednar being the backup.

Two surprising cuts were made before the start of the tournament, with underage goalie Nick Malik and forward Jaromir Pytlik being left off the roster. Since the Czechs do not have too much depth on the roster, it makes these decisions somewhat odd, especially in Pytlik's case. The center has been one of the top Czech players in some of the international tournaments prior the World Championship.

Despite all of this, the Czechs will have a potent offense. The defensemen may not contribute a ton on the offensive side of things which could be an issue, but if the goalies will bring their A-game, they have a chance to reach the medal round.

Here are three players to watch:

Michal Teply, LW

Teply is the player to keep a close eye on from the Czech team. He's a skilled and instinctive player with impressive passing skills and vision. His overall skill level is very high – quick hands and soft touch on the puck. Has a precise wrist shot, good shooting technique and mechanics. What's more, Teply is an agile skater with good mobility and coordination at 6'3” and 187 lbs.

Hugo Has, D

Has is a towering 6'4" defenseman who looks very raw right now, but could develop into a solid player when all is said and done. The right-shot blueliner has a great point shot and gets a lot of power behind his slap shot and wrister. His mobility is okay, and puck skills need some work as well. There might be some untapped potential if he can work on his above-mentioned weaknesses and elevate his offensive game. Could be a decent mid-round pick in the draft.

Adam Najman, C

A smallish center with an intriguing offensive skill set. Najman sees the ice and his options very well and finds his teammates with pinpoint passing in the final third. Stylistically, I think he's more of a playmaker than scorer, but he has found the back of the net regularly with the national team, scoring eight goals this season. His strides are a bit short, not allowing to generate a whole lot of power. However, he thinks the game well and has a lot of skill.

Marcel Barinka – McKeen's Hockey

2021 NHL DRAFT: Re-Entry Candidates – 2nd and 3rd Year Eligible Prospects to Watch – Part Two: Europe

Europe

RUSSIA

Zakhar Bardakov - Center/Left Wing - Vityaz Podolsk (KHL)

Ilya Safonov - Center - Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)

Daniil Pylenkov - Defense - Vityaz Podolsk (KHL)

Yegor Guskov - Goaltender - Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

Danil Bashkirov - Left Wing - Salavat Yulaev UFA (KHL)

SWEDEN

Joel Nystrom - Defense - Farjestad BK (SHL)

Erik Hedlund - Right Wing - Leksands IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

Hugo Pettersson - Center/Left Wing - Linden Hockey (HockeyEttan)

Gabriel Sall - Left Wing - SK Lejon (HockeyEttan)

FINLAND

Kari Piiroinen - Goaltender - TUTU Hockey (Mestis)

Oliver Suni - Right Wing - Lukko U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

Christoffer Sedoff - Defense - SaiPa (Liiga)

Jere Henriksson - RW - Tappara (Liiga & U20 SM-sarja)

CZECH REPUBLIC

Filip Prikryl - Center - HC Plzen (Czech Extraliga)

SLOVAKIA

Oliver Okuliar - Left Wing - HK Dukla Trencin (Slovakia)

GERMANY

Tobias Ancicka - Goaltender - Eisbaren Berlin (DEL)

Florian Elias - Center - Adler Mannheim (DEL)

Marcel Barinka - Center - Kolner Haie (DEL)

Alexander Blank - Center - Krefeld Pinguine (DEL)

SWITZERLAND

Janis Jerome Moser - Defense - EHC Biel-Bienne (NLA)

Dario Allenspach - Left Wing - EVZ Academy (SL)

Mika Henauer - Defense - SC Bern (NLA)

AUSTRIA

Sebastian Wraneschitz - Goaltender - Vienna Capitals (ICEHL)

Philipp Wimmer - Defense - RB Hockey Juniors (AlpsHL)

BELARUS

Alexei Kolosov - Goaltender - Dinamo Minsk (KHL)

GERMANY: Prospects Musings II

Draftee pool 2021

On the horizon

Limbo

Overaging it

Swiss mades

U18 on the way

Sweet 16

2021 World Junior Championship: Czech Republic Training Camp Roster Preview

Lukas Parik, G

Martin Has, D

Simon Kubicek, D

Stanislav Svozil, D

Jan Mysak, C

Michal Teply, LW

Jaromir Pytlik, C

Adam Raska, RW

Goaltenders: Lukáš Pařík (Benátky nad Jizerou), Jan Bednář (Karlovy Vary), Nick Malík, Tomáš Suchánek (both Frýdek-Místek), Šimon Zajíček (Litvínov).

2019 WJAC: Standout performances, rising draft stock

Canada West

Czech Republic

United States

Canada East

Russia

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

MCKEEN'S RELEASES FINAL 2019 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS

IIHF 2019 U18 World Championship Notebook: Day 8 -Quarterfinals – USA 6-FIN 0, SWE 4-CZE 2

Day 8 Notebook:

Quarterfinals:

USA-Finland 6-0

IIHF 2019 U18 World Championship Notebook: Day 4 – CZE 4-FIN 2, CAN 11-BEL 1

Day 4 Notebook

Game 1: Finland – Czech Republic 2-4

Game 2: Belarus – Canada 1-11

IIHF 2019 U18 World Championship Preview – Czech Republic

Michal Teply, LW

Hugo Has, D

Adam Najman, C

Goaltenders:
Lukáš Pařík (Benátky nad Jizerou), Jan Bednář (Karlovy Vary), Nick Malík, Tomáš Suchánek (both Frýdek-Místek), Šimon Zajíček (Litvínov).