Martin Chromiak – McKeen's Hockey

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #25 LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:47:45 +0000

PARADISE, NV - JUNE 28: Liam Greentree is drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the first round during the Upper Deck NHL Draft on June 28, 2024 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)

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Los Angeles 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #21

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Josh Bell — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 18:00:21 +0000

_{PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 18: Los Angeles Kings Defenceman Brandt Clarke (92) passes the puck during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings on February 18, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 21st (Previous Rank - 15th)
GM: Rob Blake Hired: April 2017
COACH: Jim Hiller Hired: February 2024

Once considered one of the league’s premier pipelines, the Los Angeles Kings’ pool of young talent has gradually taken steps back. However, our fifth-ranked prospect, Brandt Clarke, continues to prop them up quite nicely. Fresh off his official rookie year in Ontario, Clarke fell just shy of contributing at a point-per-game clip with 46 points in 50 games. At 21, he’s poised to secure a permanent role on the Kings’ blueline, joining recent graduate Jordan Spence on the big club’s defence.

Goaltender Erik Portillo (140th) showed tremendous promise in his rookie AHL season, posting the fifth-best win total league wide with a 24-11-3 record. The addition of NHL veteran Darcy Kuemper and now 2024 second-rounder Carter George (236th) adds competition both in the short and long term, but the former Michigan Wolverine has unsurprisingly tracked well. Portillo recently signed a three-year contract with the Kings.

In the 2024 NHL Draft, the Kings managed to snag tremendous value at 26th overall, selecting the Windsor Spitfires’ captain Liam Greentree (87th). Coming off a 90-point OHL season, the Oshawa native tracks well to become a dual-threat contributor for the Kings. Considering the team had only four picks in 2024, they hit big on value with each of their two affirmed mentioned picks (Greentree and George)

While the remaining depth chart continues to offer substance with longstanding names like Alex Turcotte (182nd), Martin Chromiak, and Akil Thomas, the outlook is a distant cry from where it was just a few seasons ago. Then again, graduating names like Quinton Byfield and Arthur Kaliyev (RFA) and trading away Gabe Vilardi will certainly have that type of impact.

Despite making just four picks in the 2024 NHL Draft—first, second, fifth, and sixth rounds—GM Rob Blake has retained most of the team’s future draft capital, except for a 2025 second rounder. The big question now is whether these assets will be used to keep Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty’s Stanley Cup dreams alive or if the team will take a step back to retool while awaiting the full emergence of the Byfield and Clarke era.

Los Angeles Kings Top-15 Prospects

1. Brandt Clarke

Bypassing the CHL for the AHL, Brandt Clarke's pro debut with the Ontario Reign was a learning experience. The offensively gifted defenceman (eighth overall pick in 2021) surprised many with his strong play, leading all AHL rookie defenders in assists (36 and 46 points in 50 games) and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Clarke's offensive instincts and poise with the puck were on display, showcasing the offensive potential that had scouts buzzing pre-draft. However, questions about his defensive awareness and overall physicality remain. While he's not a liability, some consistency issues cropped up throughout the season. The Kings likely view Clarke's season as a success. He adapted well to the pro game and showed flashes of NHL-caliber ability. Another year in the AHL seems likely to refine his defensive game, but a late-season NHL call-up wouldn't be a shock. Clarke's future remains bright, and his offensive potential is undeniable. The key will be solidifying his defensive play and becoming a complete two-way force.

2. Liam Greentree

Greentree had been a standout for McKeen’s throughout his draft year, making an impact for a struggling Windsor Spitfires team despite limited skating skills. His potential draws a parallel with Dallas’ Jason Robertson, suggesting a similar upside if an NHL team remains patient with his development. Though his skating needs work, Greentree shows commitment and leadership as an OHL captain. His stride and posture are decent, but he struggles with speed, which could improve with better strength and conditioning. Offensively, Greentree’s puck skills are exceptional—he deftly avoids pressure and excels in battles along the wall, showcasing strong hands and a powerful wrist shot. His game sense is sharp, minimizing turnovers with quick decisions. However, his two-way play and physicality need improvement. Despite a less impressive U18 performance, Greentree remains a high-upside prospect with the potential to evolve into a top six NHL contributor.

3. Erik Portillo

Erik Portillo's arrival in the pros wasn't without its growing pains. Signed by the Kings after a stellar college career at Michigan, Portillo spent his season with the AHL's Ontario Reign. His AHL numbers (24 wins, 0.918 SV%) were solid, and continued to impress as he improved on his NCAA numbers from the year prior. There were flashes of the netminder who dominated college hockey, but consistency remained elusive. While Portillo's raw talent is undeniable, his pro adaptation has been a learning curve. Questions linger about his ability to handle the faster pace and increased workload of the NHL. The Kings likely view him as a long-term project, but another year in the AHL to refine his game seems like the most likely course. Patience will be key for both Portillo and the Kings organization and the netminder continues to develop and improve on his game.

4. Alex Turcotte

Alex Turcotte's 2023-24 campaign was a season of split results. The Kings' 2019 first rounder started with a brief NHL stint, notching four points in 20 games. While the production was decent, consistency remained elusive. Turcotte struggled to carve out a permanent role and found himself back in the AHL with the Ontario Reign. There, his offensive light shone brighter. He amassed 29 points in 35 games, showcasing his impressive skillset. However, questions about his defensive awareness and overall decision-making lingered. Turcotte's future hinges on ironing out these inconsistencies. The tools are there – his skating and offensive instincts are undeniable. But can he become a reliable two-way contributor? The Kings will be watching closely this season to see if Turcotte can take that next step. There is a risk that he may never reach the potential that was placed on him as a fifth-round pick though.

5. Carter George

Carter George had an impressive 2023-24 season marked by remarkable consistency. He led Canada to gold at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and was a key player for the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL, keeping them competitive in many games. He closed the year with another gold at the U18 World Championship, earning top goaltender honours. Although George lacks the high-end mobility and size that scouts often seek (standing at 6-foot-1), his play tracking and positioning are exceptional. He consistently covers his angles and shows excellent body control, improving his rebound control significantly over the season. An underrated strength is his puck handling; he operates confidently as a third defender, greatly aiding the transition game. His size is a concern, but his technical skills and puck management make him a standout prospect. With continued development, George has the potential to be the top goaltender coming from this draft class.

6. Francesco Pinelli

Francesco Pinelli is a dynamic and creative center with a high offensive ceiling. He boasts exceptional speed and agility, allowing him to dance around defenders and create scoring chances in tight spaces. His vision and anticipation are elite, consistently identifying soft spots in coverage and delivering precision passes to exploit them. His shot is accurate and heavy, making him a threat from anywhere on the ice. He is an impressively well-rounded and complete player, though his mental makeup stands out as his strongest quality. He's very focused and driven and maintains an even keel through the times where things get tougher. With continued development, Pinelli has the potential to become a top six forward and a key contributor on the Kings' power play. His upside as a playmaking center with a scoring touch makes him one of the most exciting prospects for the Kings.

7. Jakub Dvorak

Jakub Dvorak is a physical defenceman with a compelling combination of size, speed, and skill. Featuring a wide wingspan, he excels at shutting down opponents' attacks, using his quick feet and active stick to intercept passes and clear the zone. His vision and anticipation allow him to spark transition play, and his accurate shot makes him a threat from the point. He's also a physical presence, using his size and strength to win battles and protect his teammates. Looking like a future beast on the penalty kill, he eats up time and space with his long reach and affinity for board work. With continued development, he has the potential to become a top four defenceman and a key contributor on the Kings' blue line. His upside as a reliable, two-way defender should help him get there.

8. Samuel Fagemo

Samuel Fagemo's 2023-24 season was a tale of two leagues. In the AHL with the Ontario Reign, he was a force. Fagemo tore up the league, leading the Reign in goals (43) while showcasing his power play prowess (16 goals). His offensive dominance earned him a brief call-up to the NHL with both the Kings and Predators, where things were less rosy. Fagemo only managed one goal in eight combined NHL games, highlighting the gulf between AHL dominance and NHL success. While his skating and physical tools translate well, his decision-making needs refinement at the highest level. Fagemo's future hinges on translating his AHL success. Can he develop the hockey IQ to complement his offensive arsenal? Another strong AHL season could earn him a longer NHL look, but consistency and decision-making will be his biggest tests.

9. Koehn Ziemmer

Drafted 78th overall by the LA Kings in 2023, Koehn Ziemmer continued his development with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. While a mid-season injury sidelined him for a stretch, Ziemmer put up an impressive 31 points in just 23 games. His scoring touch remains a strength, with a knack for finding the net (11 goals). However, consistency remains an area for improvement. There were stretches where he dominated offensively, followed by periods of quieter production. The Kings inked Ziemmer to a three-year entry-level contract in November, signaling their belief in his future. His skating, a past weakness, has shown improvement, but further refinement is needed for the NHL level. His defensive awareness is a work in progress as well. Overall, 2023-24 was a season of steady progress. He'll likely spend another year in the WHL to refine his all-around game. If he can improve his consistency and defensive play, Ziemmer could develop into a solid middle-six forward for the Kings.

10. Hampton Slukynsky

Hampton Slukynsky is a talented and athletic goaltender with a high ceiling. He boasts exceptional quickness and agility, allowing him to cover a lot of ground in the crease and make highlight-reel saves. His vision and anticipation are also impressive, as he consistently reads plays and positions himself to cut off shooting lanes. He has a penchant for the highlight reel save because of his play-reading ability and because he never quits on a save, always competing for sight lines and pushing to make those second/third chance saves. His glove hand is particularly strong, and he shows poise and confidence in his game. A classic butterfly netminder, he does have a tendency to scramble in his crease and can be taken out of position. With continued development, Slukynsky has the potential to become a backup goaltender in the NHL due to his upside as an athletic and agile netminder.

11. Akil Thomas

Akil Thomas is a dynamic forward with exceptional skating and playmaking skills. His sharp hockey sense and ability to create scoring opportunities make him a constant offensive threat. Thomas excels in transition and has a knack for finding open space. While he could improve his defensive game, his offensive creativity and vision highlight his potential as a future top six NHL forward.

12. Martin Chromiak

Martin Chromiak’s 2023-24 season was a solid but unspectacular progression for the Kings prospect. Drafted 128th overall in 2020, he recorded 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 70 games with the Ontario Reign, showing offensive versatility. While his powerful skating and scoring ability were evident, consistency and game awareness remain concerns. Chromiak’s future depends on improving his consistency and decision-making to potentially secure a spot in the Kings' bottom six. The 2023-24 season was a good start, but he needs to build on it with a more complete performance.

13. Aatu Jamsen

Aatu Jamsen is an intriguing forward with excellent offensive instincts and creativity. His impressive vision and playmaking skills allow him to set up scoring opportunities effectively. Jamsen’s skating is smooth, and he demonstrates a strong hockey IQ. While he could work on his defensive game and physicality, his offensive upside and potential make him a promising prospect for future NHL contributions.

14. Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes stands out with his exceptional skating and offensive creativity. His vision and playmaking abilities allow him to create scoring opportunities and drive the attack. While he needs to refine his defensive game and consistency, Hughes' high hockey IQ and dynamic skills make him a promising prospect with significant NHL potential.

15. Otto Salin

Otto Salin is an adept defenceman with impressive puck-moving skills and a keen offensive instinct. His smooth skating and agility allow him to transition play effectively and contribute to the power play. While his defensive positioning needs refinement, Salin’s vision and ability to generate offence from the blue line highlight his potential as a future NHL contributor.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #21 Los Angeles Kings – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Josh Bell — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 18:55:13 +0000

Los Angeles Kings Defenseman Brandt Clarke (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Long heralded as one of the best prospect systems in the NHL, recent success with three successive playoff appearances has caused them to slip way down to 21st overall. They still boast No. 3-ranked Brandt Clarke on defence as the crown jewel of their prospect group and should join recently graduated prospects Quinton Byfield, Arthur Kaliyev, Rasmus Kupari, Tobias Bjornfot, and Jordan Spence. Alex Turcotte has seen his rank diminish due to injury concerns, a slight build and average skating, whether his initial promise will be able to deliver in the pro rank. Samuel Fagemo remains a sniper, whose skills can’t be taught, but an adventurer without the puck, and it remains to be seen if he can put it together despite a strong season in the AHL. A big bright spot of the season was Alex Laferriere, who made the roster out of training camp and never looked back.

General manager Rob Blake, in the chair since 2017, has not been overly active on the trade front, preferring to focus on the free agent market, acquiring Kevin Fiala, Philip Danault, Viktor Arvidsson, as key pieces in recent years. He did, however, make a big deal last offseason, acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois for promising young pieces Gabe Vilardi and Rasmus Kupari. He also managed to re-sign Vladislav Gavrikov, a trade acquisition from a 2022-23. All of this may signal a more aggressive push in coming seasons to move picks and prospects than he has been willing to do so far. Blake has his core and will work around it in pursuit of a championship.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Brandt Clarke	D	21	6-2/185	Ontario (AHL)	`21(8th)	50	10	36	46	49
					Los Angeles (NHL)	`21(8th)	16	2	4	6	10
2	Erik Portillo	G	23	6-6/210	Ontario (AHL)	T(Buf-3/23)	39	24	11	2.50	0.918
3	Samuel Fagemo	RW	24	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	W(Nsh-11/23)	50	43	19	62	26
					Nsh-LA (NHL)	W(Nsh-11/23)	8	1	0	1	0
4	Francesco Pinelli	C	21	6-1/185	Ontario (AHL)	`21(42nd)	67	13	7	20	24
5	Jakub Dvorak	D	18	6-5/205	Swift Current (WHL)	`23(54th)	21	2	8	10	12
					Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia)	`23(54th)	19	2	1	3	20
6	Alex Turcotte	C	23	5-11/185	Ontario (AHL)	`19(5th)	35	10	19	29	12
					Los Angeles (NHL)	`19(5th)	20	1	3	4	6
7	Koehn Ziemmer	RW	19	6-0/205	Prince George (WHL)	`23(78th)	23	11	20	31	11
8	Martin Chromiak	LW	21	6-0/185	Ontario (AHL)	`20(128th)	70	15	17	32	38
9	Kasper Simontaival	RW	22	5-9/180	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	`20(66th)	56	17	16	33	20
10	Hampton Slukynsky	G	18	6-1/180	Fargo (USHL)	`23(118th)	33	28	3	1.86	0.923
11	Aatu Jamsen	RW	21	6-2/160	Pelicans (Fin-Liiga)	`20(190th)	36	14	11	25	16
12	Samuel Helenius	C	21	6-6/200	Ontario (AHL)	`21(59th)	69	8	11	19	53
13	Jack Hughes 2	C	20	5-11/170	Boston University (HE)	`22(51st)	38	7	12	19	12
14	Kenny Connors	C	21	6-0/190	Massachusetts (HE)	`22(103rd)	37	7	15	22	14
15	Akil Thomas	C	24	5-11/170	Ontario (AHL)	`18(51st)	64	22	24	46	41
					Los Angeles (NHL)	`18(51st)	7	3	1	4	2

1. Brandt Clarke, D, Ontario Reign (AHL)

Bypassing the CHL for the AHL, Clarke's pro debut with the Ontario Reign was a learning experience. The offensively gifted defenseman (eighth overall pick in 2021) surprised many with his strong play, leading all AHL rookie defenders in assists (36 and 46 points in 50 games) and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team. His offensive instincts and poise with the puck were on display, showcasing the offensive potential that had scouts buzzing pre-draft. However, questions about his defensive awareness and overall physicality remain. While he's not a liability, some consistency issues cropped up throughout the season. The Kings likely view Clarke's season as a success. He adapted well to the pro game and showed flashes of NHL-caliber ability. Another year in the AHL seems likely to refine his defensive game, but a late-season NHL call-up wouldn't be a shock. His future remains bright, and his offensive potential is undeniable. The key will be solidifying his defensive play and becoming a complete two-way force.

2. Erik Portillo, G, Ontario Reign (AHL)

Erik Portillo's arrival in the pros wasn't without its growing pains. Signed by the Kings after a stellar college career at Michigan, he spent his season with the AHL's Ontario Reign. His AHL numbers (24 wins, .918 SV%) were solid, and impressively improved on his NCAA numbers from the year prior. There were flashes of the netminder who dominated college hockey, but consistency remained elusive. While his raw talent is undeniable, his pro adaptation has been a learning curve. Questions linger about his ability to handle the faster pace and increased workload of the NHL. The team likely view him as a long-term project, but another year in the AHL to refine his game seems the most likely course. Patience will be key for both Portillo and the organization.

3. Samuel Fagemo, RW, Ontario Reign (AHL)

Samuel Fagemo's season was a tale of two leagues. In the AHL with the Ontario Reign, he was a force. He tore up the league, leading the team in goals (43) while showcasing his power-play prowess (16 goals). His offensive dominance earned him a brief call-up to the NHL with both the Kings and the Predators, where things were less rosy, after he was claimed on waivers from LA, only to be put back on waivers by Nashville a month later. The Kings took him back into the fold. He only managed one goal in eight combined NHL games, highlighting the gulf between AHL dominance and NHL success. While his skating and physical tools translate well, his decision making needs refinement at the highest level. His future hinges on translating his AHL success. Can he develop the hockey IQ to complement his offensive arsenal? Another strong AHL season could earn him a longer NHL look, but consistency and decision-making will be his biggest tests.

4. Francesco Pinelli, C, Ontario Reign (AHL)

5. Jakub Dvorak, D, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)

Jakub Dvorak is a skilled and physical defenseman with a compelling combination of size, speed, and skill. Featuring a wide wingspan, he excels at shutting down opponents' attacks, using his quick feet and active stick to intercept passes and clear the zone. His vision and anticipation allow him to spark transition play, and his accurate shot makes him a threat from the point. He's also a physical presence, using his size and strength to win battles and protect his teammates. Looking like a future beast on the PK, he eats up time and space with his long reach and affinity for board work. With continued development, he has the potential to become a top-four defenseman and a key contributor on the Kings' blue line. His upside as a reliable, two-way defender should help him get there.

6. Alex Turcotte, C, Ontario Reign (AHL)

Alex Turcotte's 2023-24 campaign was a season of split results. The Kings' 2019 first rounder started with a brief NHL stint, notching four points in 20 games. While the production was decent, consistency remained elusive. He struggled to carve out a permanent role and found himself back in the AHL with the Ontario Reign. There, his offensive light shone brighter. He amassed 29 points in 35 games, showcasing his impressive skillset. When healthy and at his best he is a two-way possession specialist, always in the right position, and always making the right decisions with the puck. However, questions about his defensive awareness and overall decision-making lingered. Turcotte's future hinges on ironing out these inconsistencies. The tools are there – his skating and offensive instincts are undeniable. But can he become a reliable two-way contributor? The Kings will be watching closely next season to see if Turcotte can take that next step.

7. Koehn Ziemmer, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Drafted 78th overall by the Kings in 2023, Koehn Ziemmer continued his development with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. While a mid-season injury sidelined him for a stretch, he put up an impressive 31 points in just 23 games. His scoring touch remains a strength, with a knack for finding the net (11 goals). However, consistency remains an area for improvement. There were stretches where he dominated offensively, followed by periods of quieter production. The Kings inked him to a three-year entry-level contract in November, signaling their belief in his future. His skating, a past weakness, has shown improvement, but further refinement is needed for the NHL level. His defensive awareness is a work in progress as well. Overall, 2023-24 was a season of steady progress. He'll likely spend another year in the WHL to refine his all-around game. If he can improve his consistency and defensive play, Ziemmer could develop into a solid middle-six forward.

8. Martin Chromiak, C, Ontario Reign (AHL)

Martin Chromiak's 2023-24 season wasn't a headline grabber, but it was a solid step forward for the Kings prospect. Drafted 128th overall in 2020, he spent the entire year with the Ontario Reign. He chipped in with 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 70 games, showcasing his offensive versatility. While the point totals are decent, inconsistency remains a question mark. There were stretches where his powerful skating and knack for creating scoring chances were on full display. However, disappearing acts also cropped up, raising concerns about his overall game awareness. Chromiak's future hinges on refining his consistency. If he can elevate his decision-making and become a more well-rounded player, he has the tools to crack the Kings' bottom-six in the coming seasons. This season was a building block, but the next step requires a more complete performance.

9. Kasper Simontaival, RW, KalPa (Liiga)

Finnish winger Kasper Simontaival continued his development in the Liiga with KalPa this season. After a career-high 33 points (17 goals, 16 assists) in 56 games, the Kings' 2020 third rounder solidified his reputation as an offensive weapon. His elite playmaking and quick hands remain his biggest strengths, as he consistently creates scoring chances for himself and his linemates. However, consistency remains a question mark. While flashes of brilliance are undeniable, there are stretches where he disappears offensively. Additionally, his defensive play, while improved, still isn't a major selling point. The Kings face a decision: bring him over next season or let him refine his game in Finland. Regardless, Simontaival's offensive potential is undeniable. The key will be ironing out his inconsistencies and becoming a more well-rounded player.

10. Hampton Slukynsky, G, Fargo Force (USHL)

Hampton Slukynsky is a talented and athletic goaltender with a high ceiling. He boasts exceptional quickness and agility, allowing him to cover a lot of ground in the crease and make highlight-reel saves. His vision and anticipation are also impressive, as he consistently reads plays and positions himself to cut off shooting lanes. He has a penchant for the highlight reel save because of his play reading ability and because he never quits on a save, always competing for sight lines and to push to make those second/third chance saves. His glove hand is particularly strong, and he shows poise and confidence in his game. A classic butterfly netminder, he does have a tendency to scramble in his crease and can be taken out of position. With continued development, Slukynsky has the potential to become a backup goaltender in the NHL due to his upside as an athletic and agile netminder.

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

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #18

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 18:21:43 +0000

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 20: Los Angeles Kings Defenseman Brandt Clarke (92) moves the puck during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings on October 20, 2022, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Top 20 Los Angeles Kings Prospects

1. Brandt Clarke - D

If the Kings' plan all along was to give Clarke just a taste of the NHL before letting him go back to the OHL so that he would set the entire league on fire, then boy, mission accomplished. The growth in his game from 2021-22 to last season was meteoric, which really goes to show how much of a difference it can make to be around some of the best players in the world for a few weeks. His hockey sense in the offensive zone is almost spooky, as he loves to rove around and change position, and no matter where he goes or what he does the puck always seems to find him like a magnet. Opposing teams just have no answer for defending him when he activates like that. He will be given every opportunity to stay with Los Angeles for the entirety of this season.

2. Jordan Spence - D

Spence might have been ready to be a full-time NHLer last season considering the impressive audition that he gave in 2021-22, which even included some playoff games, but the Kings decided to not rush things and to let him marinate a little longer, and he's still young enough that it won't have hindered his ultimate upside in any way. There are few defensemen in his age range who think the sport as well as Spence does, and that goes a long way towards overcoming some of the limitations that he has between his size and mobility. He works very well on the power play, not necessarily as the one driving things through his stick, but more so by setting his teammates up to be more effective. Spence has a long NHL career ahead of him, though it's still a little murky to project how high up in a defence corps he will be able to play.

3. Alex Turcotte - C

Turcotte simply cannot catch a break when it comes to staying healthy. Ever since his draft year his career has been beleaguered by injuries and illnesses, from hip issues to mononucleosis to COVID to two concussions. Despite being the fifth overall pick in 2019, he has only played in 12 NHL games thus far and is still searching for his first NHL point. Even more concerning, the missed games have made it hard for him to fully find his game even down at the AHL level. When healthy and at his best he is a two-way possession specialist, always in the right position, and always making the right decisions with the puck. Where do things go for him from here? The Kings have been patient, but with his smaller stature, average footspeed, and lengthy injury history it's difficult to not worry about what the physicality of the NHL could do to him.

4. Samuel Fagemo - RW

Fagemo's name was one of the most surprising to not hear get called at the 2018 draft, his first year of eligibility. His natural knack for scoring goals was clearly evident even back then, but the rest of his game was still coming along. It didn't take him long to make every NHL team look foolish though, as he stormed out of the gate the very next season and hasn't stopped lighting the lamp at any level since. His shot is nasty, with a quick, hard release that he can both disguise and unload from difficult angles. His play without the puck is still very rough to watch at times, as he is easy to box out and he doesn't generate many scoring chances for himself or his teammates, but prospects who can find the back of the net with the frequency Fagemo can don't grow on trees.

5. Francesco Pinelli - C

The Kitchener Rangers badly underperformed as a team this season, but they did have one bright and shining constant: their captain, superstar Pinelli. He really came into his own last season as one of the best players in the entire league, crossing the 40-goal plateau and becoming a real three-zone, 200-foot force in a way that he hadn’t been before. He saved his very best hockey for the playoffs, helping the Rangers upset the heavily favoured Windsor Spitfires in the opening round. He is an impressively well-rounded and complete player, though his mental makeup stands out as his strongest quality. He's very focused and driven and maintains an even keel through the tougher times of the season. If Pinelli can continue improving his skating, which he will probably work tirelessly to accomplish, then he should be able to reach an even higher level.

6. Jakub Dvorak - D

One of the most enticing physical specimens of the 2023 draft, Dvorak spent last season solidifying himself as one of the top defensive options in his league at any age, leading to his 2nd round selection by the Kings. Looking surprisingly coordinated despite his considerable height, Dvorak spent this past season (as a 17-year-old) entirely with powerhouse Liberec in Czechia’s top men’s league. Featuring a wide wingspan, which he uses to good effect as a poke-checker, Dvorak has been a devastating physical force against his peers internationally, albeit a cage-wearing target playing pro back home. Always ready to apply himself physically, he has been nondescript in his work with the puck but is quite capable of making decent breakout passes and getting pucks to the net from the blueline. Czechia made heavy use of him at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and U18 Worlds last season, where he logged over 19 minutes of ice time per game in every outing. Looking like a future beast on the PK, Dvorak eats up time and space with his long reach and affinity for board work. He’s docked to spend the upcoming season gaining further experience and responsibility with Liberec in the Czech Extraliga.

7. Alex Laferriere - RW

Laferriere just keeps getting a little better and a little better year over year, and he's done it so many years in a row now that it would be foolish to expect anything else. His game is unassuming in a way, as he doesn't have a single tool that really jumps out at you, but he's seemingly always around the puck, and when you check the box scores he often has more points than you would have expected. He certainly helps advance Harvard's reputation for being a place that recruits and fosters smart prospects. Laferriere plays in a way that is simple yet effective, and safely projects as a 40-50 point-scorer in the show at his peak, even if he never plays higher than the second or third line and slots most comfortably in a supplementary role.

9. Aatu Jamsen - RW

There is no feeling as uniquely satisfying for a scout than vouching for a prospect in the seventh round who turns out to be a solid professional player and eventually becomes a regular NHLer. Jämsen has accomplished the former and is on a good trajectory for the latter, so the Kings scouts who facilitated that selection must be at least a little excited right now. He is a toolsy winger who has played for his hometown hockey organization, the Lahti Pelicans, from their youth programs up through every single level to Finland's highest league, the Liiga. And it was in the Liiga last season where he showed that his credibility as an offensive threat wasn't just confined to junior. Due to a lack of international exposure, Jämsen is currently one of the best-kept secrets in the prospect world.

10. Erik Portillo - RW

Portillo saw the writing on the wall in Buffalo, with the Sabres having fellow highly-touted young netminders in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in their system, and made it clear that he didn't wish to sign his first NHL contract with them. The team eventually agreed and his rights were traded to the Kings, where his path to success is more clear. He's an enormous, fairly technically sound goalie who was a late bloomer and has since flashed tantalizing potential. He still needs to refine the details in his play. He put up some dazzling numbers with Michigan, but on the flip side, had the luxury of playing behind a team that usually had the puck. The AHL might be an eye-opening challenge for him, and how he responds could be indicative of just how good he really is — and how good he could still become.

11. Akil Thomas - G

Injuries, specifically a shoulder injury, have really derailed Thomas’ development, limiting him to only 13 games last season. The former Canadian WJC hero still has terrific offensive upside, but he just needs to find a way to stay healthy.

12. Tyler Madden - C

2022-23 was a step back for Madden as he saw his offensive production (on a point per game basis) decrease from the year prior. Time is running out for the once promising prospect as he is no longer exempt from waivers. The talent level is still high but he continues to have trouble with consistency and is prone to playing primarily on the perimeter.

13. Martin Chromiak - C

Chromiak’s first pro year had its ups and downs, but he showed enough promise to remain a highly thought of prospect in the system. The focus moving forward needs to be on getting both quicker and stronger.

14. Samuel Helenius - C

The massive center was a huge (no pun intended) disappointment in his first full pro season in North America, scoring all of two goals for AHL Ontario. It’s starting to look like his offensive upside may be pretty limited, but the physical tools nevertheless give him a chance to be a solid bottom six center.

15. Jack Hughes - C

A slippery offensive player, Hughes’ skill shines through as he looks to attack the offensive zone. Strength and speed deficits continue to prevent him from being a more consistent player and he’ll look to take a big step forward in his junior season with Northeastern this year.

16. Kasper Simontaival - RW

An undersized, but competitive winger, Simontaival continues to improve every year in Finland. Positive progression is a good thing and he is starting to look like a future middle six candidate for Los Angeles in the near future.

17. Kenny Connors - C

The big surprise of the Kings’ system last year, Connors adjusted to the NCAA game seamlessly with UMass and even earned a place on the American WJC team. A competitive, two-way center, he is altering the perception of his upside.

18. Otto Salin - D

A mobile, offensively oriented defender, Salin is coming off a strong rookie season in Liiga with HIFK. A potential powerplay quarterback, the Kings are looking for him to tighten up his decision making and play in his own end.

19. Kim Nousiainen - D

The smaller defender’s development appears to be headed in the wrong direction. Once thought to be a top defender in the system, his play in the AHL thus far has been uninspiring. This is likely a big year for his development, especially given LA’s depth.

20. Matthew Mania - D

It was pretty shocking for us to see Mania fall as far as he did on draft day, but the Kings may have gotten a good one here. Mania is an impressive mover on the back-end and he is still gaining confidence in how to use it to his advantage offensively. Defensively, he is a work in progress, but the upside is high.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #15 Los Angeles Kings

Derek Neumeier — Sat, 20 May 2023 12:46:52 +0000

Long heralded for one of the best prospect systems in the NHL, recent success with two successive playoff appearances and their best winning percent (0.634) since 1990-91 and the Wayne Gretzky era, has caused them to slip from 8^th ranked to the middle of the pack with graduations. They still boast #7 ranked Brandt Clarke on defense as the crown jewel of their prospect group and should join graduated prospects, Quinton Byfield, Arthur Kaliyev, Rasmus Kupari, Tobias Bjornfot. Jordan Spence has continued to develop and looks ready for the NHL. Whether in LA or elsewhere in the NHL. Alex Turcotte has seen his rank diminish due to injury concerns, a slight build and average skating, whether his initial promise will be able to deliver in the pro rank. Samuel Fagemo remains a sniper, whose skills can’t be taught, but an adventure without the puck, and it remains to be seen if he can put it together.

GM Rob Blake, in the chair since 2017, has not been very active on the trade front, preferring to focus on the free agent market, acquiring Kevin Fiala, Philip Danault, Viktor Arvidsson, as key pieces in recent years. He did move his first and third round pick (plus Jonathan Quick – who was subsequently moved to Vegas) for Joonas Korpisalo and Vladislav Gavrikov at the deadline. That may signal a more aggressive push in coming seasons to move picks and prospects than he has been willing to do so far. Blake has his core and will work around it in pursuit of a championship.

Brandt Clarke

If the Kings' plan all along was to give Clarke just a taste of the NHL before letting him go back to the OHL so that he would set the entire league on fire, then boy, mission accomplished. The growth in his game from last year to this year was meteoric, which really goes to show how much of a difference it can make to be around some of the best players in the world for a few weeks. His hockey sense in the offensive zone is almost spooky, as he loves to rove around and change position, and no matter where he goes or what he does the puck always seems to find him like a magnet. Opposing teams just have no answer for defending him when he activates like that. He will be given every opportunity to stay with Los Angeles for the entirety of next season.

2. Jordan Spence

Spence might have been ready to be a full-time NHLer this season considering the impressive audition that he gave last year, which even included some playoff games, but the Kings decided to not rush things and to let him marinate a little longer, and he's still young enough that it won't have hindered his ultimate upside in any way. There are few defensemen in his age range who think the sport as well as he does, and that goes a long way towards overcoming some limitations that he has with size and mobility. Works very well on the powerplay, not necessarily as the one driving things through his stick, but moreso by managing it in a way that sets his teammates up to be more effective. Spence has a long NHL career ahead of him, though it's still a little murky to project how up in a defense corps he will be able to play.

3. Alex Turcotte

Turcotte simply cannot catch a break when it comes to staying healthy. Ever since his draft year his career has been beleaguered by injuries and illnesses, from hip issues to mononucleosis to COVID to two concussions. Despite being the 5^th overall pick in 2019 he has only played in 12 NHL games thus far and is still searching for his first NHL point. Even more concerning, the missed games have made it hard for him to fully find his game even down at the AHL level. When healthy and at his best he is a two-way possession specialist, always in the right position, and always making the right decisions with the puck. Where do things go for him from here? The Kings have been patient, but with his smaller stature, average footspeed and lengthy injury history it's difficult to not worry about what the physicality of the NHL could do to him.

4. Samuel Fagemo

Fagemo's name was one of the most surprising to not hear get called at the 2018 draft, his first year of eligibility. His natural knack for scoring goals was clearly evident even back then, but the rest of his game was still coming along. It didn't take him long to make every NHL team look foolish, though, as he stormed out of the gate the very next season and hasn't stopped lighting the lamp at any point since. His shot is nasty, with a quick, hard release that he can both disguise and unload from difficult angles. Sure, his play without the puck is very rough to watch at times, he is easy to box out and he doesn't generate many scoring chances for himself or his teammates, but prospects who can find the back of the net with the frequency he can don't grow on trees.

5. Helge Grans

Grans still has a lot of work left to do before he'll be ready to hack it at the NHL level, and his play thus far in the AHL hasn't lived up to expectations, but the long-term upside that he still possesses is undeniable. He checks off a lot of boxes that you want to see in a defenseman: athleticism, size, reach, mobility, puck movement. Heck, he even shoots right instead of left, which is always a perk. Unfortunately, he still struggles to blend all these tools together. There are fair questions about his hockey sense and processing speed, and for a blueliner with his profile he you'd like to see more sandpaper and a stronger willingness to work hard to win positioning and pucks. Grans could be the type of prospect who blows up in his mid 20s, or he might never become much more than he is right now.

6. Francesco Pinelli

The Kitchener Rangers badly underperformed as a team this season, but they did have one bright and shining constant: their superstar and captain Pinelli. He really came into his own this season as one of the best players in the entire league, crossing the 40-goal plateau and becoming a real three-zone, 200-foot force in a way that he wasn't before. He saved his very best hockey for the playoffs, though, helping his team upset the heavily favored Windsor Spitfires in the opening round. He is an impressively well-rounded and complete player, though his mental makeup stands out as his strongest quality. He's very focused and driven and maintains an even keel through the times where things get tougher. If Pinelli can keep improving his skating, which he will probably work tirelessly to accomplish, then he should be able to reach an even higher level than he's at right now.

7. Alex Laferriere

Laferriere just keeps getting a little better and a little better year over year, and he's done it so many years in a row now that it would be foolish to expect anything else from happening. His game is unassuming in a way, as he doesn't have a single tool that really jumps out at you, but he's seemingly always around the puck, and when you check the boxscores after a game he often has more points than you would have expected. He certainly helps advance Harvard's reputation for being a place that recruits and fosters smart prospects. Laferriere plays in a way that is simple yet effective, and safely projects as someone who could be a 40-50 point-scorer in the show at his peak, even if he never plays higher than the second or third line and slots most comfortably in a supplementary role.

8. Akil Thomas

Thomas's last few years have gone oddly, and unfortunately, similar to Turcotte's. Once seen as a top prospect who could generate offense in a top six center role and lead a dangerous powerplay, his transition to professional hockey has been marred by injuries, while also highlighting existing and unrealized limitations with his athleticism and skating. There are genuine differences between what works in junior and what works in the AHL or NHL, and some players have more trouble than others at transforming and elevating their game in the necessary ways. Thomas still has a lot of time left in his career to turn things around, and if Los Angeles eventually decides to part ways with him there will surely be other teams willing to give him an opportunity for redemption and reclamation in a new environment.

9. Erik Portillo

Portillo saw the writing on the wall in Buffalo, with the Sabres having fellow highly-touted young netminders in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in their system, and made it clear that he didn't prefer to sign his first NHL contract with them. The team eventually agreed, and his rights were traded to the Kings, where his path to success is more apparent. He's an enormous, fairly technically sound goalie who was a late bloomer and has since flashes some tantalizing potential. Still needs to refine the details in his play. He put up some dazzling numbers with Michigan, but on the flip side, had the luxury of playing behind a team that usually had the puck. The AHL might be an eye-opening challenge for him, and how he responds could be indicative of just how good he really is — and how good he could still become.

10. Aatu Jamsen

There is no feeling as uniquely satisfying for a scout than vouching for a prospect in the 7^th round who turns out to be a solid professional player and eventually becomes a regular NHLer. Jämsen has accomplished the former and is on a good trajectory for the latter, so the Kings scouts who facilitated that selection must be at least a little excited right now. He is a toolsy winger who has played for his hometown hockey organization, the Lahti Pelicans, from their youth programs all the way up through every single level to Finland's highest league, the Liiga. And it was in the Liiga this season where he showed that his ability to be a credible offensive threat wasn't just confined to junior. Due to a lack of international exposure Jämsen is currently one of the best-kept secrets in the prospect world.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 18:37:35 +0000

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 12: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence (53) carries the puck during the NHL game between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings on March 12, 2022 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Brandt Clarke D

The 8th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Brandt Clarke has continued to prove why he was deserving of a top 10 pick, consistently showcasing his high-end skill and hockey sense every shift. He’s able to create plays that others don’t think about trying and he consistently executes. The former 4th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft didn’t take long to make an impact and adapt to the league, finishing his rookie year with 38 points (6G,32A) in 57 games. During the 2020-2021 season as the OHL was shutdown due to Covid-19, Clarke elected to play in Europe like some other OHL players. Clarke played 26 games in the Slovakian league and was able to produce 15 points (5G,10A). Clarke also had the opportunity to play in the U18 World Championship and had a successful tournament, finishing with seven points (2G,5A) in seven games. In the 2021-2022 season, Clarke finished with 59 points (11G,48A) in 55 games, which was 2nd on the team in points, 1st on the team in assists and 5th in the league in points by a defenseman. A knee injury that required surgery unfortunately forced Clarke to miss the end of the season and also the playoffs. Clarke’s best assets are his playmaking and hockey sense. He has the ability to make others around him better by executing perfect passes and opening up space for teammates. He understands how to change the pace of the game, manipulate opponents with deception and find the best play possible consistently, making him a very useful asset. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Clarke should once again be one of the best defensemen in the league, if not the best. He’ll be playing heavy minutes, and in all situations, being a go-to player for the Colts. - DK

2- Jordan Spence D

Talk about an explosive pro debut. The Kings have one of the best groups of young talent in the NHL, one easy to get lost in. This is especially true of a later round draft pick like Spence, even if he had a quality run in the QMJHL. However, Spence was an immediate impact player in the AHL, which led him to be recalled by Los Angeles, where he finished out the season. Not only did Spence end up being named to the AHL First All-Star team, but he was highly productive in the NHL, positioning himself well for a full-time role this coming season. He is most at home in the offensive zone. He has great four-way mobility, and this allows him to walk the line well to open up lanes for exploiting. He has good vision and hands and the combination of all of these things makes him a potential powerplay quarterback. In fact, Spence could be the quarterback of Los Angeles’ first unit this season, something that could make him a Calder Trophy candidate (he is still barely eligible after playing 24 games last year, one short of the limit). How far up the lineup Spence ends up playing in the future will depend on the development of his defensive game. The 5’10 blueliner will need to keep getting stronger and improving in this area, otherwise he runs the risk of having his usage sheltered. However, there may not be a prospect in the NHL who improved their status more than Spence has in the last calendar year. - BO

3 - Alex Turcotte C

It seems like many in the industry have already forgotten about Turcotte, writing him off because of his laundry list of injuries the last few years. Obviously, his inability to stay healthy is concerning, especially given the aggressive way he likes to play. However, he should still be considered a top prospect because when he has played, his performance has been solid. He is still only 21 years old. Turcotte is impressive for the versatility he provides. He can attack the offensive zone with pace because of his quickness and silky hands. He can also excel when the pace slows because of the way he works the wall, crashes the net, and makes plays through traffic. A physical player, Turcotte is tenacious and skilled, a combination not many centers possess. That is why he was such a high pick in the first place. He still possesses the potential to be a top six player for the Kings in the future. Ultimately, he may have to change the way he plays a bit to avoid the injury bug, but even a less physical Turcotte should have a place in the NHL. Next season, the Kings would be wise to be more patient with his development. Given the depth the team has at the pro level, let him play out a full year in the AHL and show that he can stay healthy. Then give him a full time look to start 2023-24 with the main club in a key role. - BO

4 - Samuel Fagemo RW

A Los Angeles Kings 2^nd rounder in 2019, drafted as an overager, Fagemo has developed very impressively manner and is now coming his best professional season. The compact 5’11” forward enjoyed several strong seasons in the SHL, as well as an incredible 2020 WJC (13 points in 7 games) before beginning his North American venture at the tail end of the 20-21 season. If his initial introduction to the AHL wasn’t exciting enough, his sophomore effort has Los Angeles once again looking like they’re getting everything right with their plethora of recent draft picks. His offensive production improved to be one of the top contributors for the Reign. Consistently showing himself to be primarily a goal-scorer, Fagemo has very solid hands and a good bit of creativity. His drive to the goal and propensity to seek shooting options are the defining aspects to his game. His one-timer and wrister – both seen frequently on the power play – can be extremely accurate and tricky for goaltenders. His skating won’t hold him back from making the NHL, but it’s not his strongest suit. There are times he can be somewhat manhandled and faster players can make him a bit of a non-factor in certain situations. Los Angeles is loaded with prospects, but Fagemo will enter this season having a shot at a spot on the wing, even if LA’s transitioning of centers such as Gabe Vilardi will increase his competition for a spot in the show. – CL

5 - Jaret Anderson-Dolan C

This is a big year for Anderson-Dolan. It is time for him to prove that he is an NHL player and can stick in the league full time. After playing out the 2020-21 season with the Kings (in the pandemic year), he got caught in a numbers game last year and spent the majority of it in the AHL. This year, JAD is no longer exempt from waivers, something that could give him an advantage over other young Kings’ players when it comes to breaking camp with Los Angeles. The other thing that could give him a leg up is his versatility. Not only did he have a breakout offensive campaign at the AHL level last year, but he is also a well-rounded player who could play a variety of different roles for LA. He can play center or the wing. He can kill penalties. He is active on the forecheck and responsible defensively. His shot is still a weapon, and he can be used on the flank of the powerplay. There is still a safe projection with Anderson-Dolan as a middle six NHL forward. Will that be with the Kings or another organization? At some point, Los Angeles will have to figure out what to do with their depth. Even if his future might not be in L.A., Anderson-Dolan is a likely NHL roster player this season. - BO

6 - Helge Grans D

The 35^th overall in 2020, Grans is a well-built defenseman who brings a safe game and skill set to the table. The righty sticks out due to his combination of skill and mobility in a sizable package. Already a 26-game SHL veteran in his draft year, another full season in the SHL following his selection, chipping in 12 points over the course of 43 games. The Kings gave him an ELC and brought the 6’3”, 205-pounder over to the AHL. Despite missing a quarter of the schedule, this past season proved to be a resounding success for Grans. He nailed down a top four job and contributed at both ends. Unlike many of his LA King prospect brethren, Grans’ 22-23 season began early as held a first pairing role for Team Sweden at the summer edition WJC. He contributed nicely to the bronze-medal winners, with four assists and a +5 rating in seven games for what was a low-scoring, defensively adept Swedish club. Moreover, he played between 17.5 - 22 minutes per game, getting more ice time in the elimination games. Smothering at times, Grans excels at taking away space and working opponents to the outside until their plays die along the boards. His progress to date indicates the quality to be a second pairing defender for the Kings at some point in the near future, although he is expected to start the season back in the AHL. – CL

7 - Francesco Pinelli C

The 42nd overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Francesco Pinelli had a good season as the captain of the Rangers and continued to show that he’s a very effective and creative player. The former 13th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft found success early in the league, quickly making an impact and finishing the season with 41 points (18G,23A) in 59 games. During the 2020-2021 season while the OHL was shutdown due to Covid-19, Pinelli made the trip to Europe like some others and played in the Alps Hockey League, producing 11 points (5G,6A) in 13 games. Pinelli also got the opportunity to play in the U18 World Championship. During the 2021-2022 season, Pinelli missed some games due to a lower body injury but was still able to finish the season with 60 points (22G,38A) in 55 games, which was 3rd on the team in points, 3rd on the team in goals and 2nd on the team in assists. Pinelli’s best assets are his hockey sense and playmaking. He reads and anticipates play very well in all three zones, having great positioning and awareness. He’s the type of player who seems to always know where everyone is on the ice, being so effective at making smart plays at high pace and while under pressure. Pinelli has the ability to make crisp and accurate passes to high danger scoring areas very consistently, making him a threat when he has the puck in the offensive zone. He combines great deception and creativity to open space up for himself and teammates. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Pinelli will be looked at again to be a leader for the Rangers and be a top points producer in the league. - DK

8 - Kirill Kirsanov D

Kirill Kirsanov is one of the most talented young defenders in Russia. He was selected at No. 84 overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2021 and played a large portion of last year in the KHL. The defenseman had offers from North America, but he chose to stay in Russia to try to become a full time KHL player this season. Kirsanov is a strong two-way defender. He is consistent with his defensive play, but also shows good ability to move the puck into the offensive zone. He is strong and difficult to play against as he rarely makes any mistakes, handles the forecheck well and keeps opponents to the outside. He has the potential to be a real general on the backend who can lead the breakout and his offensive upside does remain significant. Kirsanov is also a strong mover, something that he uses to his advantage in every zone. At the very least, he should become a quality defensive first player, given his good size, mobility, and awareness. How his offensive game develops will be the thing the Kings focus on most. Kirsanov's current contract in Russia ends after the 2022-23 season and there is a chance he comes to North America then. - DB

9 - Jack Hughes C

While Jack Hughes might only be known to some because he’s the son of Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes, he’s a talented prospect in his own right. A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, Hughes chose to head to college earlier than some of his peers and spent the entirety of his draft season playing for Northeastern University. Hughes had a decent season, but it was far from the resounding endorsement of his merits as a first-round caliber prospect that some had hoped it would be, and as a result he saw his stock slip into second-round territory, where he was nabbed by the Los Angeles Kings 51st overall. Hughes’ season at Northeastern showed the positives and negatives in his profile quite well. On one hand, he showed that he could stick at a difficult competition level and function competently within a disciplined, structured game. He executed coach Jerry Keefe’s system well, and on a night-to-night basis he looked like the kind of player who could fit seamlessly into the professional ranks. But that pro-ready style could have also contributed to his fall from first-round consideration, as there was the feeling that Hughes consistently left scouts wanting a bit more. Just a bit more offensive flair, some more consistent production, some more creativity, et cetera. It is an open question if Hughes’ skill level is high enough for him to become an impact offensive player, but at the very least Hughes looks like a pretty safe bet to have an NHL career as a bottom-six player who pleases coaches and fans alike with safe, responsible two-way play. - EH

10 - Akil Thomas C

Evaluating Thomas’ sophomore pro season is fairly difficult. Surface level, one might look at his 13 points on the year and consider it a disappointment. But context is required. Thomas did not play until about the halfway point of the year, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Immediately upon returning, he was eased back in a light role. Slowly, he looked more comfortable, and he finished the year extremely well, moving up into the top six by the Calder Cup playoffs. That makes the coming season a very important one for him. The Los Angeles system is extremely deep, and Thomas needs to find a way to stand out. That means finally producing at a consistent clip in the AHL. While he is far from a one-dimensional player, his meal ticket to the NHL will be based on his ability to create scoring chances. A strong playmaker, Thomas has excellent hands and vision. His passing touch was his calling card as an OHL player, and it should be as a pro as well. The key for him this offseason will be to further improve his athletic tools. He needs to get stronger to be able to consistently play through traffic and contact. He also needs to get quicker to create separation from pro level defenders. A generous philanthropist, Thomas has a great head on his shoulders. Mature beyond his years, the hockey community will be cheering for him to take that next step as a pro. - BO

11 - Martin Chromiak

Even though Chromiak was one the OHL’s top goal scorers this past season with Kingston, his game may not have truly progressed all that much. He’s highly intelligent but there is still a need for him to improve his pace and physical intensity.

12 - Tyler Madden

Injuries have been tough on Madden so far at the pro level. The former Northeastern star badly needs to bulk up to handle the rigors of the pro level. However, it’s too early to give up on his high talent level and potential.

13 - Samuel Helenius

The Kings should get a better read on the massive center’s offensive upside after his first pro season with Ontario this coming year. Helenius owns an intriguing skill set, but can he handle the pace of the pro game in North America?

14 - Kasper Simontaival

The undersized winger has a blistering shot and excellent scoring potential. He will return to Finland this year and attempt to establish himself as a top six forward in Liiga before potentially crossing the pond.

15 - Kim Nousiainen

After establishing himself as a quality Liiga defender the last few seasons, Nousiainen will play for Ontario this season in the AHL. Nousiainen may be undersized, but he’s proven a capable two-way defender in Finland.

16 - Jacob Moverare

It’s been a long road for the former 2016 selection, but he has finally emerged as an option for the Kings on the backend. He plays a simple game, but his defensive zone effectiveness makes him a potential third pairing defender for Los Angeles.

17 - Aidan Dudas

There is definitely a path that brings Dudas to the NHL. The competitive forward excels as a forechecker and on the penalty kill and could be a long time fourth line option for the Kings.

18 - Jacob Ingham

The competition for playing time in net in LA’s farm system is extremely competitive due to their depth. Ingham may very well have to return to the ECHL for another season this year.

19 - David Hrenak

The Slovak netminder was a five-year standout at St. Cloud State (NCAA) before finally turning pro late last season. The highly athletic Hrenak will compete for time at the AHL level this season.

20 - Taylor Ward

The former UNO standout was an immediate impact player for Ontario after signing as a free agent late last season. The power winger is the son of former NHL’er Dixon Ward. He excels driving the net and playing near the crease.

2022 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – TEAM SLOVAKIA: Cinderella Hopeful with Previously Unseen Talent Depth

Matej Deraj — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 22:25:43 +0000

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – SLOVAKIA: Cinderella Hopeful with Previously Unseen Talent Depth

Last year was mainly about gaining experience for Team Slovakia. The youngest team of the tournament with fourteen underagers, including three 16-year-olds, managed to beat Switzerland 1-0 on the opening night and reach the quarterfinals. This year, thirteen out of fourteen returnees are back, and they are not shy of having big dreams.

Slovakia is hoping to be the next Cinderella story. They should be a fun to watch team regardless if it works out or not; this team is young, offensive and energic with a total of four top prospects for the next two NHL Entry Drafts. With eight players who won silver at the summer Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the young Slovaks know the feeling of winning a medal and they wish to upset the favourites from the big five even more. Their preliminary group is tough (United States, Sweden, Russia and Switzerland), but play-offs do not seem unreachable for the Slovak team.

Goaltending

Šimon Latkóczy was a surprising starter last year. He played a tremendous ROLE in the Slovak quarterfinals advancement, getting a shutout in the first game and earning a Top 3 Player on the Team honor. After the World Juniors, he went on having a great year in the USHL with the Chicago Steel that ended up winning the championship. This year, Latkóczy´s starter status is without doubt. The other two goalies are Tomáš Boľo (2002-born) and Rastislav Eliaš (2004), who lack WJC experience.

Defense

The clear two key defensemen are already set. Blue Jackets prospect Samuel Kňažko has the experience from two World Juniors under his belt. He was Team Slovakia´s captain last year and if nothing unexpected happens, he should wear the C this year as well. Highly-touted Šimon Nemec will get a ton of minutes too. The 2022 NHL Draft top prospect had a great tournament last year and he should boost his performance even more. Apart from the obvious, 2023 eligible Maxim Štrbák should be a name to watch. The one of two 16-year-olds on the team has proven himself very well at his first U20 tournament in November.

Forwards

The scoring depth they possess has not been seen before for Team Slovakia, which usually struggles with scoring goals. They bring a lot of high-end talent in Juraj Slafkovský, Filip Mešár, Martin Chromiak and last but not least, Dalibor Dvorský. Slafkovský, Mešár and Chromiak should be the main offense drivers with their experience and skill. Dvorský is the only one who has not played at the World Juniors yet, but he has proven his qualities at the last Hlinka Gretzky Cup, almost winning the scoring race. Returning ´02-borns Matej Kašlík, Oleksiy Myklukha and Maroš Jedlička should all get a t`op nine role each and contribute to the scoring.

TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH

RIGA, LATVIA - MAY 23: Slovakia's Simon Nemec #5 skates up ice in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at Olympic Sports Centre on May 23, 2021 in Riga, Latvia. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)

ŠIMON NEMEC, D

He was a surprising Slovak scoring leader at the last World Juniors with four points (all assists), despite being only 16. The HK Nitra defenseman is in his draft year now and he has gained a lot of experience over the last year, including his appearance at both Men´s World Championships and Olympic Games Qualification. Nemec is a leading candidate for the highest drafted defenseman this year, sitting at #5 in our own McKeen´s 2022 NHL Draft Preliminary Rankings. He is an extremely smart two-way D who displays great offensive skills and plays a mature game. Nemec is already playing his third pro year in Slovakia and has earned a major role on Nitra´s blueline.

EDMONTON, AB CANADA - DECEMBER 28: Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkvovsky #18 skates with the puck while Germany's Maximilian Glotzl #22 defends during preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place on December 28, 2020 in Edmonton, AB Canada. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

JURAJ SLAFKOVSKÝ, F

Monstrous frame (6-4”, 225 lbs), but soft hands with a playmaking touch describe Slafkovský the best. Despite his size, he is not a typical power forward; while he is able to use his body well, he likes to play with the puck and dish it to his teammates. Slafkovský is playing his first season with TPS Turku´s men´s team in Liiga. Having already scored his first Liiga goal, he is looking to add his first at the World Juniors. Despite performing quite well for a 16-year-old rookie, he went scoreless last year. Slafkovský is another 2022 NHL Draft top prospect, the #4 in our McKeen´s Preliminary Rankings. The bulking winger has the size and skill combo NHL executives love.

2021 IIHF World Junior Championship - Edmonton, AB Canada Game #15 - Finland vs Slovakia preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place on December 30, 2020 in Edmonton, AB Canada. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

FILIP MEŠÁR, F

Mešár closes the trio of top prospects from the upcoming draft. He has become one of the biggest risers as the public recognised his game and skill more. The #20 on our draft board. The Spišská Belá native is playing his second pro season with HK Poprad in the highest domestic league. Mešár is a flashy centre able to play on the right wing as well, whose skating and playmaking abilities stand out the most. He likes to drive to the offensive zone and have the puck on his stick. He displays great vision and his shot is not far behind. Mešár also has some Men´s National Team games under his belt and he did not look out of pace at all. He was not fully prepared for the World Juniors last year, but now, he is looking forward to being one of the Slovak leaders.

DALIBOR DVORSKÝ, F

Even though the aforementioned trio are coming for a really high spot in the 2022 NHL Draft, none of them might actually be the most talented player on the team. Probably the best Slovak prospect in the recent 15 to 20 years, Dalibor Dvorský is set to play at his first World Junior Championship. The 16-year-old already has a few records in his resume; he is the youngest scorer in Slovak top tier league´s history and also the youngest foreign Swedish second tier scorer. Dvorský, Connor Bedard and Matvei Michkov will have a decent battle of the top three 2023 NHL Draft prospects at the WJC. The Slovak centre has a great shot and solid playmaking game, but he is mostly a scoring threat.

MARTIN CHROMIAK, F

Chromiak has the potential to become one of the biggest 2020 NHL Draft steals; he fell to the 5^th round, where he was picked by the Los Angeles Kings. The Kingston Frontenacs forward is playing on Shane Wright´s wing and both benefit from the connection. Chromiak is another talented prospect from the already stacked Kings´ prospect pool. His shooting and playmaking abilities are on a high level and he has also improved his physical play significantly and added on some muscle. Chromiak should be a clear choice on the 1^st Slovak line.

SAMUEL KŇAŽKO, D

The Blue Jackets prospect has already played on the Men´s National Team too and held his own really well. A former offensively-minded, mistake-prone and risky-playing defenseman has improved his defensive play tremendously. Kňažko is a modern two-way D who still displays great offensive skills, but can be relied on heavily, as he most likely will by Team Slovakia, since he is the supposed leader and captain. Kňažko started this season in Finland but changed to the WHL last month. He played his first five games with the Seattle Thunderbirds before leaving for the WJC camp.

JAKUB DEMEK, F

Demek was the only Slovak selected in the 2021 NHL Draft and his selection was quite surprising, even in Slovakia. This year, he plays like the 4^th round pick he is, yet even better. The huge centre (6-4”, 189 lbs) is currently on a sixteen-game point streak, which is still active at the moment. This leaves Demek tied for the best Slovak point streak in the CHL leagues history. Demek is a solid two-way playmaker who uses his body well and is not afraid to get his nose dirty. He may not play on the first two lines because of the unusual depth, but he should be a name to watch due to his current success.

ŠIMON LATKÓCZY, G

An undersized goalie (6-0”) who could have been drafted if he had grown two or three inches more. Latkóczy was a USHL champion with Chicago Steel last year, who established himself as the starting goalie. He returned to the Madison Capitols for the 2021-22 season. Latkóczy played extremely well during the last World Juniors and was one of the top three Slovak players. He will be relied on heavily this year. The goalie always plays a massive role in Team Slovakia´s success and it will not be any different for the 2022 World Junior Championships.

SERVÁC PETROVSKÝ, F

The three best 2022 NHL Draft Slovak prospects are clear, but Servác Petrovský has established himself as the No. 4 guy. Petrovský is an Owen Sound Attack player and gets a lot of minutes in the OHL, playing both the power play and the penalty kill. The Slovak centre has an exceptional shot and scoring touch, but his playmaking ability and vision are at a high level as well. Petrovský is a capable two-way forward who should be an intriguing name to watch for scouts at the World Juniors.

MAROŠ JEDLIČKA, F

Jedlička is the clear scoring leader of all U20 players in the Slovak top tier league, leaving both Šimon Nemec and Filip Mešár behind. Last year’s champion with HKM Zvolen is playing on the first line, which has helped his points production significantly. Jedlička currently has five times more points than he had last year. He is a two-way forward able to play all three positions, has solid offensive skills and physical play.

SLEEPER

ADAM SÝKORA, F

Sýkora is a player who never runs out of gas – his feet keep moving at a significant speed throughout the entire game. He may not have the upside of Slafkovský or Mešár, but should be an interesting player to watch for the 2022 Draft anyway, as one of the youngest eligible players (born September 7, 2004). Sýkora is playing his second season with HK Nitra in the Slovak top tier league. He is a bit undersized, but feisty, agile and extremely energic forward who is a great forechecker and an excellent choice for the bottom-six.

TOP 15 PROSPECTS: LOS ANGELES KINGS – RANK: #3 – TIER I

McKeen's Hockey — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 23:22:40 +0000

Los Angeles Kings

#3 Los Angeles - This tier requires both depth and high-end talent. LA has four in our top 50 and could get 30 names in before other teams have their respective top 15s.

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 30: Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield (55) in action during a game against the Anaheim Ducks played on April 30, 2021 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire)

Quinton Byfield

The second overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Byfield was able to play a full season in the American Hockey League this past season because the OHL season was canceled due to the pandemic. This is not a luxury afforded to U20 CHL players in a normal year, as the collective agreement states that they must be returned to their CHL clubs should they not make their NHL roster. Byfield was one of many U20 CHL players (OHL and WHL) who got significant development time in the league because of the pandemic.

The hulking 6’4 center got off to a bit of a slow start with Ontario (upon returning from the World Junior Championships); the Reign struggled mightily out of the gate. However, with each passing month his confidence grew as he eventually earned a call up to the Kings. Later in the season, he appeared to gain a better understanding of how to use his advantage consistently to dominate the middle of the ice and below the hash marks the way that he did in the OHL with Sudbury. As he gains further confidence at the pro level, and continues to get stronger, the sky remains the limit for his potential as an NHL player. He could earn a permanent spot in Los Angeles’ top nine forward group as early as next season and is still on track to develop into a star offensive forward that the Kings can build around. - BO

Brandt Clarke

When discussing the most intelligent players available for the draft in 2021, Barrie Colts defender Brandt Clarke was often one of the first names mentioned. The talented offensive blueliner possesses elite processing ability and as such, he tends to dominate touches in the offensive end and is an exemplary playmaker who can run the point of the powerplay. No question, the Los Angeles Kings envision Clarke as a future top four defender and powerplay QB for them in the near future.

Like all Ontario based players this season, it was not easy for Clarke thanks to the cancellation of the OHL season. The 6’2, 190lbs, right shot defender took his talents to Slovakia to play in the top men's league there with HC Nove Zamky. The adjustment period for him was certainly significant. He eventually left Slovakia early to lead the Canadian blueline at this year’s World Under 18 Championships in Texas. And lead he did, helping Canada win a gold medal, earning an appointment to the tournament’s all-star team after posting a point per game and a +12 rating. While an offensive defender first and foremost, Clarke should have no issues developing into a terrific two-way defender at the NHL level because of his ability to process the game. Clarke’s skating mechanics are the biggest concern for scouts. His ‘knock-kneed’ approach limits his explosiveness in all four directions. When he gets moving, he possesses the kind of speed required to lead the attack. The Kings will no doubt have him work with skating coaches to refine his technique, allowing him to have quicker startups and cleaner pivots. He will return to the OHL this coming season, where he should be among the league’s better defenders for the Barrie Colts. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Alex Turcotte

Turcotte has always been a hard prospect to figure out. What makes him so difficult to comprehend is that it isn’t so clear what makes him good. Of course, he puts up the numbers you want to see. He doesn’t have any real weaknesses to his game. When you try to isolate the components to his game, they all look pretty good, or slightly better than that, yet his production always far outpaced his skills. So, you might say that the whole is greater than the sum of his parts. He isn’t the only prospect about whom you can say that on this list, however there is not another one whose total is that much better than the sum of his parts.

Turcotte is a very high energy player, not rare by any means, but he differentiates himself in that not one flicker of that energy is wasted or even misplaced. There are many who leave it all out on the ice, and Turcotte does too, but because he focuses his energy so expertly, you don’t see it in every shift, as not every shift presents itself with an opportunity to make an impact. So, when Turcotte is skating and there is even a glimmer of a chance to make something happen, he is all over it, and maximizing that opportunity for his team. Able to play in any forward role, it is only a matter of time before he is a permanent top-six hometown favorite. - RW

Arthur Kaliyev

One of the NHL’s most polarizing top prospects, there is no doubting the high talent level that Arthur Kaliyev possesses. An elite level finisher, Kaliyev has scored wherever he has played, including in his first NHL game this past season. Playing in the AHL under an exemption (due to the cancellation of the OHL season), Kaliyev got off to a slow start with Ontario, scoring only once in his first 13 games. However, he showed marked improvement over the course of the year and has certainly set himself up with an opportunity to play with Los Angeles full time this upcoming season.

The reason why Kaliyev is such a polarizing prospect (and has drawn comparisons to a player like Thomas Vanek), is because of the varied opinions on his skating ability, in addition to his lack of involvement and commitment to playing in his own end. Will Kaliyev ever be a strong two-way forward? Unlikely. However, if he can continue to improve his ability to play with pace and learn to compete more consistently in the offensive end, he does have a chance to be an impact offensive player at the NHL level. As mentioned, Kaliyev has a strong chance to earn a spot on the Kings out of training camp and if he does, he could be a darkhorse candidate for Calder trophy consideration (based solely on his potential to produce). - BO

Rasmus Kupari

While Kupari’s injury filled first pro season in 2019/20 was extremely forgettable, his bounce back performance in 2020/21 had to be very encouraging. He finished the season third in scoring with the Ontario Reign and even earned a brief cup of coffee with the Kings, scoring his first NHL goal against the Colorado Avalanche with a nice shot from the slot. The former 20th overall pick’s development has not been all sunshine and roses, but it does appear to be back on the right track.

For Kupari it has been about the need to add strength for him to find success in North America on a smaller ice surface. He is an excellent playmaker with soft hands, a creative touch, and deceptive speed. However, he has previously struggled to prolong plays, with turnovers becoming an issue, because he is too easily separated from the puck. This past season, positive steps forward were taken, but further growth is still needed for him to hit his top end potential as a top six forward. His versatility and ability to play any forward position does give him a bit of a leg up on other forward competitors this training camp, however with the Kings bringing in some veteran forwards, it seems likely that Kupari will spend another year in the AHL honing his craft. - BO

Francesco Pinelli

Francesco Pinelli was one of the most well-rounded players available for the NHL Draft this year. The 6’1, 185 lbs pivot is such an intelligent and crafty player and it is incredibly easy to envision him as a longtime middle six center in the NHL. With the OHL cancellation this year, Pinelli took the common route of going to Slovenia to play with HDD Jesenice in the AlpsHL, a mid-tier European men’s league with teams spread out across many countries in Central Europe. His performance in that league was fairly indifferent, however he did play very well for Canada at the U18’s, taking on a secondary scoring role for the tournament champions.

The talking point with Pinelli’s game is his skating ability. A strong linear skater, Pinelli lacks a dynamic quality to his stride, showing an inability to alter direction when in full stride or utilize linear crossovers to build speed alternatively. His base mechanics are strong, however working with skating coaches will be required to help him become a better overall mover. This will be critical for his future success at the NHL level. However, the rest of Pinelli’s game is extremely solid. He is a skilled player who manipulates space well and does have the hands to consistently win one on one challenges with defenders. He has an excellent wrist shot that is both powerful and precise, giving Pinelli excellent potential as a goal scoring forward at the NHL level. It is easy to see Pinelli’s projection being similar to another former Los Angeles Kings star (and Kitchener Rangers great) in Mike Richards. He, too, had to make some improvements to his stride, but ended up succeeding at the NHL level because of his blend of skill, competitiveness, and intelligence. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Brock Faber

First comes the mea culpa. We were too low on Faber as a draft eligible, ranking him as a mid-to-late round talent. The Kings disagreed with us and took him in the middle of the second round and they were correct to do so. Faber’s brand of quiet, puck moving defense work was challenged to stick out as part of a blueline crew that had talent from 1-8 (USNTDP often rolls with four pairings), especially when there is no one highlight area component to his game that demands attention.

The best part of his game is his mental side, which must be watched carefully. He simply reads opponent drives masterfully, and he shuts them down efficiently, without flash or exuberant physicality. He gets into the right lane, gaps up tightly, uses his stick like a 12-year pro, and has a panic threshold so high, it might as well not even be there. His reads can be extended to the offensive game as well, as he has a knack for finding small passing seams through traffic, allowing him to play a critical, but often overlooked role in the attack, that being getting it all started. Faber played heavy minutes for Minnesota – another club full of high caliber defensive prospects – owning the shutdown role and manning the PK. That is what we now expect from him once he turns pro, which could be sooner than later. - RW

Tyler Madden

A skilled center with some of the same shutdown defensive instincts as his father, former New Jersey Devils great, and Selke Award winner John Madden, Tyler Madden’s young career has already featured a few unexpected changes of trajectory. In his pre-draft years, his general hockey IQ was widely lauded, and he looked for all the world like a ‘safe’, low upside talent, with high NHL likelihood, but meagre chances of top six appeal. The Vancouver Canucks selected him in the third round, maybe a little higher than the consensus opinion, but then the young Madden’s game took off at Northeastern, a stint that included an impressive performance for a Silver Medal Team USA at the 2019 WJC.

Shortly thereafter, Vancouver dealt him to LA as a key part of the Tyler Toffoli trade, and Madden’s offensive game continued to flourish – at least until the end of his sophomore season. He turned pro at the end of the campaign, but his season was impacted by injury, which kept him off the ice for most of March and April, in addition to the ubiquitous COVID, effectively stalling his development. More than most, Madden’s 2020-21 season should be granted a mulligan. His developmental trajectory was uncommonly upwards for the previous few seasons, and even if that has plateaued, his likelihood of an impact NHL career is greater than it was when he was drafted. He will be one to keep a sharp eye on in 2021-22. - RW

Akil Thomas

Playing a full season in the AHL, Thomas showed great confidence as a rookie, finishing second on his team in points and goals. Throughout the season he displayed great puck skills with his hand-eye coordination and quick hands. He used his vision to make effective plays through traffic and was using his creativity to not become predictable. Additionally, he worked his way into the slot and finished with his quick and accurate release.

As the season progressed, he gained more confidence from his coaches, and with that, his time on ice increased, ending the season with 11 points in his last eight games. He was used on both the penalty kill and power play and displayed that he is effective in the faceoff circle, winning 55%. Thomas projects to be a useful center that can adapt to many roles in the top nine thanks to his reliability and responsibility in all zones. Thomas has shown that with more experience, he keeps adapting with little difficulty and his confidence grows as a result. With the potential that Byfield makes the Kings full-time, Akil’s ice-time and responsibilities could have a significant increase with Ontario next season. If he continues his hot streak from last season, he could receive a call up for a few games, but it’s most likely he spends the majority of next season with the Reign. He will need more experience at the pro level and needs to continue to add strength to further his strong development. - DK

Samuel Fagemo

Drafted as an overager coming off a very impressive SHL season in 2019, the water bug goal-scorer saw a slight drop in production during his 19-20 SHL season, which nonetheless saw him put in a monster WJC performance (13 points in 7 games) as well as take on a key role in Frölunda’s march to a CHL championship, in which he contributed seven goals. The 20-21 season saw him ply his wares on two fronts. It was kicked off playing for Södertälje of the Allsvenskan, a considerable rung below Frölunda of the SHL, which was the result of an SHL policy voiding players simply on loan in this pandemic-influenced season, even those originally from Sweden. There he got into 18 games and contributed six goals and 11 points.

Things took on a bit of a new life for Fagemo once he crossed the pond to play for Ontario of the AHL, where he suited up for 33 games, including playoffs, and found himself in a top nine role more or less right from the get-go. A player with a keen sense of finding open ice and who revels at the opportunity to shoot the puck, his 10 goals and 18 points had him on pace for a 25-goal, 45-point season, keeping him well in the mix for an NHL shot in the coming years. With Los Angeles clearly in possession of one of the deepest and broadest pools of prospect talent in the league, Fagemo will need to continue progressing this upcoming season, improving on his primarily defensive weaknesses while continually establishing goal-scoring as his calling card. This will be important not only for his chances with Los Angeles, but in making himself an attractive trading piece should he get lost in the numbers game. - CL

Helge Grans

A high selection in 2020 (35th overall), Grans would be a top 10 prospect in almost every other system in the league, but the Kings are just that deep. The right shot defender has the skill set (size, mobility, skill) to be a quality second pairing defender for the Kings and will start his North American pro journey this year in the AHL with Ontario.

Jordan Spence

A former QMJHL defenseman of the year, Spence’s final QMJHL season was equally impressive last year, especially a long playoff run with Val-d’Or. Spence has the qualities to become a very good powerplay quarterback at the NHL level and will look to become an immediate impact player at the AHL level this season.

Kim Nousiainen

He may not be large, but Nousiainen has become one of the top young defenders in Finland, even helping Finland capture silver at the most recent World Championships. A solid two-way presence, he will return to Liiga this season before possibly crossing the pond the following year.

Kasper Simontaival

A prolific goal scorer at 5’9, Simontaival had a terrific World Junior Championships for Finland this year and followed that up with a solid first pro season in his native country. He will return to Finland this year in hopes of earning a larger role in Liiga and will once again suit up for Finland at the WJC’s.

Martin Chromiak

The good news is that Chromiak will return to the OHL this season to line up alongside the exceptional Shane Wright in Kingston. A calculated offensive player, Chromiak will look to gain confidence with the puck to become more than just a support piece.

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – SLOVAKIA: Experienced Defensive Core and Goaltending Keys to Improvement

Matej Deraj — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 23:00:22 +0000

With all lower division championship tournaments cancelled, the Slovaks don´t need to worry about relegation this year. The nation has been in the elite category for 25 straight years and will certainly add another one after this one. Slovakia will face Switzerland, Canada, Germany and Finland in the A-group. The games against the Swiss and the Germans should especially be of the must win variety, if the Slovaks want to improve upon their 8^th place finish from each of the last two tournaments. The team will certainly miss Maxim Cajkovic, who was excluded from the lineup for “serious violation of sports and human values” after the expected offensive leader allegedly threw a couple of dirty hits in an intrasquad game. One of them left fellow forward Samuel Krajc with a concussion and ruined the latter’s chances to perform at the WJC

Goaltending

Slovakia´s success always relies heavily on goalies. Whether it was Jan Lasak (1999) or Denis Godla (2015), their respective performances were crucial to winning the bronze medals. Jaroslav Janus also played exceptionally well in 2009, when the Slovaks finished fourth. The expected No. 1 goalie, 19-year-old Samuel Hlavaj, hasn‘t played a competitive game yet this season. After a successful year in the QMJHL (2.25 GAA, 91.5 SVS%, 33-3-2 record in 39 GP), Hlavaj was expected to return to Sherbrooke Phoenix for this season. Due to the pandemic, it has not yet been possible. Even with the lack of recent game experience, he is still considered the best option for the Slovak net. The 6-4” Hlavaj needs to be at his peak performance – certainly better than he performed at his two previous WJC runs - if the Slovaks want to be competitive.

Defense

Defense should be one of Team Slovakia´s main strengths. They have an experienced core with five returnees from last two WJCs. Samuel Knazko and Marko Stacha (both 2002-born) have particularly proven themselves at the last championship and their progress has only continued since then. Knazko (the 78^th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft), showed signs of his great potential at last year´s WJCs. The Blue Jackets prospect is ready to take the leadership spot in the Slovak roster. Stacha had a really rough start to the season, but is ready to fight for recognition at the next NHL Draft, after he was passed over last time around.

Forwards

The offense seemed to be a major problem at the last WJCs. Team Slovakia only managed to score nine goals in five games. The quality of Slovak forwards is not very impressive, although they do have some talented individuals. With Cajkovic already gone, Martin Chromiak needs to be an immediate threat at his first World Juniors. The questionable decision to cut him from the team just before the 2020 World Juniors is still being discussed in Slovak hockey circles even to this day.

Dominik Jendek and Michal Mrazik are another pair of interesting names on the Slovak team. Both played at the last WJCs and they should be important players this year, even though neither are viewed as the primary threats. Jendek is a speedy, two-way winger, who plays the game with a lot of energy and grit. Another big framed player, 6-4” Michal Mrazik, will help Team Slovakia with his great shot and physical play.

FIVE TO WATCH

Samuel Knazko of Slovakia during the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Slovakia on December 28, 2019 in Trinec.
Photo: Simon Hastegård / BILDBYRÅN /

SAMUEL KNAZKO, D

The highest drafted Slovak on the team, Samuel Knazko (the 78^th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft), showed signs of his great potential at last year´s WJCs. The Blue Jackets prospect is a mobile, playmaking defenseman, who should be a threat on the PP. His sharp passes and great on-ice vision will bring pressure to opponents´ defenses. Knazko is playing his third season in Finland with TPS Turku’s U20 team and has proven himself as one of the leading Ds on the team. That is the same role the Slovaks expect him to have in Canada. The Dubnica native is coming to the tournament as a drafted prospect, constantly consulting his game and progress with the Blue Jackets organization. His confidence is rising and he is ready to be one of team´s leaders.

YEAR TEAM GP G A PTS PIM

2019-20 TPS Turku (Fin Jr) 48 7 21 28 6

2020-21 TPS Turku (Fin Jr) 22 4 9 13 22

MARTIN CHROMIAK, F

Chromiak did not start the 2019-20 season at his best, but the move to OHL has proven to be beneficial. On the Frontenacs´ elite line, he made a lot of great plays alongside Shane Wright, a top prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft. Chromiak has impressed every Slovak fan so far during the 2020-21 season with his fantastic playmaking ability, flashy moves and improved skating. The skilled winger recorded five points (2+3) in eight Extraliga matches this year. The Kings prospect, surprisingly only drafted in the 5^th round, should be an immediate threat at his first World Juniors. Due to Cajkovic´s absence, Chromiak will need to step up and help Slovakia to score some goals. He has an above-average shot, but his most valuable asset is in his passing game.

YEAR TEAM GP G A PTS PIM

2019-20 Kingston (OHL) 28 11 22 33 2

2020-21 Trencin (Svk) 8 2 3 5 0

MARKO STACHA, D

Stacha was one of three best players at the last WJC, even though he started the tournament as a healthy scratch. After a disappointing NHL Draft, during which he was not selected, and playing his first 2020-21 matches back in the junior league, his game is still developing. He is a two-way D with great vision, who is not afraid of physical play, and works hard. The 18-year-old is expected to join the Vancouver Giants (WHL) after the World Juniors are over. He has already played dozens of games in the highest Slovak men´s league despite his young age. Stacha will indubitably benefit from his previous experience and should get a very solid portion of the ice time on the Slovakian blueline.

YEAR TEAM GP G A PTS PIM

2019-20 Trencin (SVK) 48 2 4 6 43

2020-21 Trencin (SVK) 9 1 1 2 4

SAMUEL HLAVAJ, G

After a successful year in the QMJHL, Hlavaj was expected to return to Sherbrooke Phoenix. Due to the pandemic, it has not yet been possible. Last year´s Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy winner has already played for his homeland at two WJCs. Hlavaj was definitely not at his best at the last tournament - other than in the first game vs. Kazakhstan (22 saves in a 3-1 W), his performance was actually quite disappointing. Poor performance at the last World Juniors is certainly one of the reasons why he went undrafted. The 6-4” native of Martin needs to play much better this time. However, an invitation to the Arizona Coyotes development camp should help his confidence, although confidence is definitely not a thing Hlavaj lacks.

YEAR TEAM GP W L GAA SV%

2019-20 Sherbrooke (QMJHL) 39 33 3 2.25 91.5

2020-21 Sherbrooke (QMJHL) - - - - -

SIMON NEMEC, D

Sixteen-year olds usually don´t get a chance at the WJC, and not a single one of them has appeared in any of previous three tournaments. Simon Nemec is the youngest player to ever record a point in the Slovak top tier league, and the second youngest to play in even one game. Incredibly skilled and mature for his age, Nemec should be a great addition to the Slovakia defense. Most guys usually don´t run a powerplay for a men´s team at age 16, but he does. Expect him to have the same role at the World Juniors. He is a mobile D with very good skating and a passion for constructive plays. One of the top prospects for the 2022 NHL Draft is the last 16-year-old Slovak defenseman to appear at the WJC since Erik Cernak in 2014. Nemec is already looking much better than Cernak, a current Stanley Cup winner, did back then.

YEAR TEAM GP G A PTS PIM

2019-20 Slovakia U18 (Svk-2/Jr) 28 4 7 11 14

2020-21 Nitra (Svk) 13 1 3 4 4

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:09:56 +0000

These are our final prospect ranking prior to the start of the season. As a subscriber you can download the list in an excel chart and can link to the player pages in the chart found here. As always, the rankings you see below are based on our 20-80 scouting system looking at five categories for skaters (Skating, Shot, Puck Skills, Hockey Smarts, Physicality) and six for netminders (Athleticism/Quickness/Speed, Compete/Temperament, Vision/Play Reading, Technique/Style, Rebound Control, Puck Handling). Our prospect team spent large portions of their last few months pre-COVID in the rinks, watching the players below and many others, and further work on video (Instat Hockey has been a terrific resource in recent days) before passing judgement on their future projections.

The 20-80 scouting system is meant to allow players from different leagues in different parts of the world to be compared to one another, such that grades on a player in the OHL can be directly compared to grades from an AHL player, and to grades of someone playing in the MHL.

PROSPECT CRITERIA

Players under 26 years of age as of the September 15th prior (Sep. 15, 1994) to the season in question who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in any one season – or 25 last year (20 for goalies, 15 last season) are considered prospects

RANK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	ACQUIRED
1	Alexis Lafreniere	NYR	LW	19	6-1/195	`20(1st)
2	Tim Stutzle	Ott	C	18	6-1/185	`20(3rd)
3	Quinton Byfield	LA	C	18	6-4/215	`20(2nd)
4	Trevor Zegras	Ana	C	19	6-0/170	`19(9th)
5	Kirill Kaprizov	Min	LW	23	5-10/200	`15(135th)
6	Lucas Raymond	Det	LW	18	5-11/170	`20(4th)
7	Dylan Cozens	Buf	C	19	6-3/185	`19(7th)
8	Bowen Byram	Col	D	19	6-0/195	`19(4th)
9	Peyton Krebs	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`19(17th)
10	Jake Sanderson	Ott	D	18	6-1/185	`20(5th)
11	Moritz Seider	Det	D	19	6-3/185	`19(6th)
12	Jamie Drysdale	Ana	D	18	5-11/175	`20(6th)
13	Igor Shesterkin	NYR	G	25	6-1/190	`14(118th)
14	Alexander Holtz	NJ	RW	18	6-0/190	`20(7th)
15	Cole Perfetti	Wpg	LW	19	5-10/180	`20(10th)
16	Marco Rossi	Min	C	19	5-9/185	`20(9th)
17	Vasili Podkolzin	Van	RW	19	6-1/190	`19(10th)
18	Victor Soderstrom	Ari	D	19	5-11/180	`19(11th)
19	Nick Robertson	Tor	LW	19	5-9/160	`19(53rd)
20	Cole Caufield	Mtl	RW	19	5-7/165	`19(15th)
21	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	18	6-3/175	`20(11th)
22	Spencer Knight	Fla	G	19	6-3/195	`19(13th)
23	Philip Broberg	Edm	D	19	6-3/200	`19(8th)
24	Jack Quinn	Buf	RW	19	6-0/180	`20(8th)
25	Matthew Boldy	Min	LW	19	6-1/190	`19(12th)
26	Nils Lundkvist	NYR	D	20	5-11/180	`18(28th)
27	Seth Jarvis	Car	RW	18	5-10/175	`20(13th)
28	Ty Smith	NJ	D	20	5-10/180	`18(17th)
29	Grigori Denisenko	Fla	LW	20	5-11/185	`18(15th)
30	Barrett Hayton	Ari	C	20	6-1/190	`18(5th)
31	Alex Newhook	Col	C	19	5-10/195	`19(16th)
32	Thomas Harley	Dal	D	19	6-3/190	`19(18th)
33	Alex Turcotte	LA	C	19	5-11/185	`19(5th)
34	Vitali Kravtsov	NYR	RW	21	6-3/185	`18(9th)
35	Philip Tomasino	Nsh	C	19	5-11/180	`19(24th)
36	Connor McMichael	Wsh	C	19	5-11/175	`19(25th)
37	Dawson Mercer	NJ	C	19	6-0/180	`20(18th)
38	Ilya Sorokin	NYI	G	25	6-2/180	`14(78th)
39	Gabriel Vilardi	LA	RW	21	6-3/200	`17(11th)
40	Ryan Merkley	SJ	D	20	5-11/170	`18(21st)
41	Alexander Romanov	Mtl	D	20	5-11/185	`18(38th)
42	Kaiden Guhle	Mtl	D	18	6-2/190	`20(16th)
43	Samuel Poulin	Pit	LW	19	6-1/205	`19(21st)
44	K'Andre Miller	NYR	D	20	6-3/205	`18(22nd)
45	Scott Perunovich	StL	D	22	5-10/175	`18(45th)
46	Evan Bouchard	Edm	D	21	6-2/195	`18(10th)
47	Braden Schneider	NYR	D	19	6-2/200	`20(19th)
48	Juuso Valimaki	Cgy	D	22	6-2/205	`17(16th)
49	Cam York	Phi	D	19	5-11/175	`19(14th)
50	Anton Lundell	Fla	C	19	6-1/185	`20(12th)
51	Morgan Frost	Phi	C	21	5-11/180	`17(27th)
52	Owen Tippett	Fla	RW	21	6-1/200	`17(10th)
53	Albert Johansson	Det	D	19	5-11/165	`19(60th)
54	Liam Foudy	CBJ	C	20	6-0/175	`18(18th)
55	Kieffer Bellows	NYI	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(19th)
56	Arthur Kaliyev	LA	RW	19	6-2/190	`19(33rd)
57	Oliver Wahlstrom	NYI	RW	20	6-1/205	`18(11th)
58	Nils Hoglander	Van	RW	20	5-9/185	`19(40th)
59	Matias Maccelli	Ari	LW	20	5-11/170	`19(98th)
60	Tobias Bjornfot	LA	D	19	6-0/200	`19(22nd)
61	Jacob Bernard-Docker	Ott	D	20	6-0/180	`18(26th)
62	Connor Zary	Cgy	C	19	6-0/180	`20(24th)
63	Dominik Bokk	Car	RW	20	6-1/180	T(StL-9/19)
64	Ryan Suzuki	Car	C	19	6-0/180	`19(28th)
65	Dylan Samberg	Wpg	D	21	6-3/190	`17(43rd)
66	Jake Bean	Car	D	22	6-1/175	`16(13th)
67	Josh Norris	Ott	C	21	6-1/195	T(SJ-9/18)
68	Rasmus Kupari	LA	C	20	6-1/185	`18(20th)
69	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	19	5-9/165	`19(26th)
70	Drake Batherson	Ott	RW	22	6-1/190	`17(121st)
71	Jan Jenik	Ari	RW	20	6-1/180	`18(65th)
72	John-Jason Peterka	Buf	LW	18	5-11/190	`20(34th)
73	Kirill Marchenko	CBJ	LW	20	6-3/190	`18(49th)
74	Bode Wilde	NYI	D	20	6-2/195	`18(41st)
75	John Beecher	Bos	C	19	6-3/210	`19(30th)
76	Tyler Madden	LA	C	21	5-10/155	T(Van-2/20)
77	Jack Studnicka	Bos	C	21	6-1/170	`17(53rd)
78	Jake Oettinger	Dal	G	22	6-4/210	`17(26th)
79	Alex Formenton	Ott	LW	21	6-2/165	`17(47th)
80	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	19	6-3/200	`19(49th)
81	Calen Addison	Min	D	20	5-10/180	T(Pit-2/20)
82	Ty Dellandrea	Dal	C	20	6-0/185	`18(13th)
83	Akil Thomas	LA	C	20	5-11/170	`18(51st)
84	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	18	5-10/180	`20(30th)
85	Ian Mitchell	Chi	D	21	5-11/175	`17(57th)
86	Jason Robertson	Dal	LW	21	6-2/195	`17(39th)
87	Hendrix Lapierre	Wsh	C	18	5-11/180	`20(22nd)
88	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`20(29th)
89	Theodor Niederbach	Det	C	18	5-11/175	`20(51st)
90	Zac Jones	NYR	D	20	5-10/175	`19(68th)
91	Robert Mastrosimone	Det	LW	19	5-10/160	`19(54th)
92	Joe Veleno	Det	C	20	6-1/195	`18(30th)
93	Rodion Amirov	Tor	LW	19	6-0/170	`20(15th)
94	Jake Neighbours	StL	LW	18	5-11/195	`20(26th)
95	Julien Gauthier	NYR	RW	23	6-4/225	T(Car-2/20)
96	Justus Annunen	Col	G	20	6-4/215	`18(64th)
97	Egor Zamula	Phi	D	20	6-4/175	FA(9/18)
98	Shane Pinto	Ott	C	20	6-2/190	`19(32nd)
99	Noel Gunler	Car	RW	19	6-2/175	`20(41st)
100	Ridly Greig	Ott	C	18	5-11/165	`20(28th)
101	Jesse Ylonen	Mtl	RW	21	6-1/185	`18(35th)
102	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	20	6-0/195	`19(50th)
103	Mattias Norlinder	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`19(64th)
104	Olli Juolevi	Van	D	22	6-3/200	`16(5th)
105	Kristian Vesalainen	Wpg	LW	21	6-3/205	`17(24th)
106	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	20	6-4/195	`19(38th)
107	Jan Mysak	Mtl	C	18	5-11/180	`20(49th)
108	Cayden Primeau	Mtl	G	21	6-3/180	`17(199th)
109	Pavel Dorofeyev	VGK	LW	20	6-1/170	`19(79th)
110	Morgan Barron	NYR	C	22	6-2/200	`17(174th)
111	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	19	5-11/180	`19(20th)
112	Dylan Holloway	Edm	C	19	6-0/205	`20(14th)
113	Jack Dugan	VGK	RW	22	6-2/185	`17(142nd)
114	Alexander Khovanov	Min	C	20	5-11/195	`18(86th)
115	Jacob Perreault	Ana	RW	18	5-11/195	`20(27th)
116	Jake Evans	Mtl	C	24	6-0/185	`14(207th)
117	Adam Beckman	Min	LW	19	6-1/170	`19(75th)
118	Jett Woo	Van	D	20	6-0/205	`18(37th)
119	Nolan Foote	NJ	LW	20	6-3/190	T(TB-2/20)
120	Logan Brown	Ott	C	22	6-6/220	`16(11th)
121	Martin Kaut	Col	RW	21	6-1/175	`18(16th)
122	Jack Rathbone	Van	D	21	5-10/175	`17(95th)
123	Ozzy Wiesblatt	SJ	RW	18	5-10/185	`20(31st)
124	Ryan O'Rourke	Min	D	18	6-0/180	`20(39th)
125	Lukas Reichel	Chi	LW	18	6-0/170	`20(17th)
126	Jordan Harris	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`18(71st)
127	Lukas Dostal	Ana	G	20	6-1/170	`18(85th)
128	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/205	`19(45th)
129	Conor Timmins	Col	D	22	6-1/185	`17(32nd)
130	Lassi Thomson	Ott	D	20	6-0/190	`19(19th)
131	Eeli Tolvanen	Nsh	RW	21	5-10/175	`17(30th)
132	Kasper Simontaival	LA	RW	18	5-9/180	`20(66th)
133	Roni Hirvonen	Tor	C	18	5-9/165	`20(59th)
134	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	18	5-9/180	`20(38th)
135	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	Ana	C	20	6-1/195	`18(54th)
136	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	18	6-4/200	`20(44th)
137	Tyson Foerster	Phi	C	18	6-1/195	`20(23rd)
138	Helge Grans	LA	D	18	6-2/205	`20(35th)
139	Jonathan Dahlen	SJ	LW	23	5-11/185	T(Van-2/19)
140	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	18	5-11/175	`20(37th)
141	Alexander Alexeyev	Wsh	D	21	6-3/200	`18(31st)
142	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	Pit	D	21	6-2/170	`17(23rd)
143	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	18	5-10/160	`20(64th)
144	Oskari Laaksonen	Buf	D	21	6-2/165	`17(89th)
145	Filip Hallander	Tor	LW	20	6-1/185	T(Pit-8/20)
146	Serron Noel	Fla	RW	20	6-5/205	`18(34th)
147	Martin Chromiak	LA	LW	18	6-0/185	`20(128th)
148	Shakir Mukhamadullin	NJ	D	18	6-3/180	`20(20th)
149	Mattias Samuelsson	Buf	D	20	6-3/215	`18(32nd)
150	Janne Kuokkanen	NJ	LW	22	6-1/190	T(Car-2/20)
151	Ryan Johnson	Buf	D	19	6-0/175	`19(31st)
152	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	19	5-8/175	`20(124th)
153	Martin Fehervary	Wsh	D	21	6-1/190	`18(46th)
154	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	Buf	G	21	6-4/195	`17(54th)
155	Will Lockwood	Van	RW	22	5-11/175	`16(64th)
156	Isac Lundestrom	Ana	C	21	6-0/185	`18(23rd)
157	Michael DiPietro	Van	G	21	6-0/195	`17(64th)
158	Jonatan Berggren	Det	RW	20	5-10/185	`18(33rd)
159	Kevin Bahl	NJ	D	20	6-6/230	T(Ari-12/19)
160	Aliaksei Protas	Wsh	C	19	6-5/205	`19(91st)
161	Reilly Walsh	NJ	D	21	5-11/180	`17(81st)
162	Nick Abruzzese	Tor	C	21	5-9/160	`19(124th)
163	Tyler Tucker	StL	D	20	6-1/205	`18(200th)
164	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	19	5-10/170	`19(129th)
165	Klim Kostin	StL	C	21	6-3/195	`17(31st)
166	Brayden Tracey	Ana	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(29th)
167	Joel Hofer	StL	G	20	6-3/160	`18(107th)
168	Joey Anderson	Tor	RW	22	6-0/195	T(NJ-10/20)
169	Yegor Spiridonov	SJ	C	19	6-2/195	`19(108th)
170	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	19	6-1/205	`20(36th)
171	Joey Keane	Car	D	21	6-0/185	T(NYR-2/20)
172	Jared McIsaac	Det	D	20	6-1/195	`18(36th)
173	Jamieson Rees	Car	C	19	5-10/175	`19(44th)
174	Ivan Morozov	VGK	C	20	6-1/180	`18(61st)
175	Rem Pitlick	Nsh	C	23	5-11/200	`16(76th)
176	Tyce Thompson	NJ	RW	21	6-0/170	`19(96th)
177	Michael McLeod	NJ	C	22	6-2/195	`16(12th)
178	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	LA	C	21	5-11/190	`17(41st)
179	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	19	6-0/165	`19(214th)
180	Antti Tuomisto	Det	D	19	6-4/190	`19(35th)
181	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	18	5-9/155	`20(134th)
182	Luke Evangelista	Nsh	RW	18	5-11/170	`20(42nd)
183	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	18	6-1/180	`20(52nd)
184	Joni Ikonen	Mtl	C	21	5-10/170	`17(58th)
185	Olivier Rodrigue	Edm	G	20	6-1/165	`18(62nd)
186	Lucas Elvenes	VGK	RW	21	6-0/175	`17(127th)
187	Anthony Angello	Pit	RW	24	6-5/205	`14(145th)
188	Tuukka Tieksola	Car	RW	19	5-10/160	`19(121st)
189	Declan Chisholm	Wpg	D	20	6-1/190	`18(150th)
190	Cole Koepke	TB	LW	22	6-1/195	`18(183rd)
191	Valtteri Puustinen	Pit	RW	21	5-9/185	`19(203rd)
192	Ty Smilanic	Fla	C	18	6-1/175	`20(74th)
193	Patrik Puistola	Car	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(73rd)
194	Justin Barron	Col	D	19	6-2/190	`20(25th)
195	Andrew Peeke	CBJ	D	22	6-3/210	`16(34th)
196	Michael Vukojevic	NJ	D	19	6-3/210	`19(82nd)
197	Alec Regula	Chi	D	20	6-3/200	T(Det-10/19)
198	Connor Corcoran	VGK	D	20	6-1/185	`18(154th)
199	Jeremy Swayman	Bos	G	22	6-1/190	`17(111th)
200	Pyotr Kochetkov	Car	G	21	6-1/175	`19(36th)
201	Mikey Anderson	LA	D	21	6-0/195	`17(103rd)
202	Carter Savoie	Edm	LW	18	5-9/190	`20(100th)
203	Samuel Walker	TB	C	21	5-11/160	`17(200th)
204	William Wallinder	Det	D	18	6-4/190	`20(32nd)
205	Jack Drury	Car	C	20	5-11/180	`18(42nd)
206	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	18	5-9/185	`20(54th)
207	Cal Petersen	LA	G	26	6-3/190	FA(7/17)
208	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	18	6-0/200	`20(72nd)
209	Tarmo Reunanen	NYR	D	22	6-0/180	`16(98th)
210	Simon Holmstrom	NYI	RW	19	6-1/185	`19(23rd)
211	Aleksi Saarela	Fla	RW	23	5-11/200	T(Chi-10/19)
212	Anton Johannesson	Wpg	D	18	5-9/155	`20(133rd)
213	Lauri Pajuniemi	NYR	RW	21	6-0/185	`18(132nd)
214	Morgan Geekie	Car	C	22	6-2/180	`17(67th)
215	Shane Bowers	Col	C	21	6-2/190	T(Ott-11/17)
216	Sasha Chmelevski	SJ	C	21	5-11/190	`17(185th)
217	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	20	5-8/155	`18(43rd)
218	Cole Schwindt	Fla	RW	19	6-2/185	`19(81st)
219	Hugo Alnefelt	TB	G	19	6-3/195	`19(71st)
220	Nikita Okhotyuk	NJ	D	20	6-1/195	`19(61st)
221	Sampo Ranta	Col	LW	20	6-2/205	`18(78th)
222	Alexander Volkov	TB	LW	23	6-1/190	`17(48th)
223	Alexander True	SJ	C	23	6-5/205	FA(7/18)
224	John Leonard	SJ	C	22	5-11/190	`18(182nd)
225	Carl Grundstrom	LA	LW	23	6-0/195	T(Tor-1/19)
226	Dmitri Semykin	TB	D	20	6-3/200	`18(90th)
227	Cal Foote	TB	D	22	6-4/215	`17(14th)
228	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	18	5-11/175	`20(75th)
229	Alex Barre-Boulet	TB	C	23	5-10/165	FA(3/18)
230	Tristen Robins	SJ	RW	19	5-10/175	`20(56th)
231	Max Gildon	Fla	D	21	6-3/190	`17(66th)
232	Nikita Alexandrov	StL	C	20	6-0/180	`19(62nd)
233	Michael Benning	Fla	D	18	5-9/180	`20(95th)
234	Justin Sourdif	Fla	RW	18	5-11/175	`20(87th)
235	Tanner Laczynski	Phi	C	23	6-1/200	`16(169th)
236	Eamon Powell	TB	D	18	5-11/165	`20(116th)
237	Kaedan Korczak	VGK	D	19	6-3/190	`19(41st)
238	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	18	6-1/180	`20(47th)
239	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	21	5-10/175	`18(171st)
240	Pius Suter	Chi	C	24	5-11/170	FA(7/20)
241	Wade Allison	Phi	RW	23	6-2/205	`16(52nd)
242	Bobby Brink	Phi	RW	19	5-10/165	`19(34th)
243	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	18	5-10/180	`20(68th)
244	David Farrance	Nsh	D	21	5-11/190	`17(92nd)
245	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	18	6-2/185	`20(33rd)
246	Dmitri Voronkov	CBJ	LW	20	6-4/190	`19(114th)
247	German Rubtsov	Phi	C	22	6-2/190	`16(22nd)
248	Vitaly Abramov	Ott	RW	22	5-9/175	T(CBJ-2/19)
249	Alex Laferriere	LA	RW	19	6-0/175	`20(83rd)
250	Trey Fix-Wolansky	CBJ	RW	21	5-8/185	`18(204th)
251	Isaac Ratcliffe	Phi	LW	21	6-5/200	`17(35th)
252	Kale Clague	LA	D	22	6-0/180	`16(51st)
253	Landon Slaggert	Chi	LW	18	5-11/180	`20(79th)
254	Wyatt Kalynuk	Chi	D	23	6-1/180	FA(7/20)
255	Mikko Kokkonen	Tor	D	19	5-11/200	`19(84th)
256	Kevin Mandolese	Ott	G	20	6-4/180	`18(157th)
257	Daniil Tarasov	CBJ	G	21	6-5/185	`17(86th)
258	Evan Barratt	Chi	C	21	6-0/190	`17(90th)
259	Tyler Benson	Edm	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(32nd)
260	Yegor Korshkov	Tor	RW	24	6-4/215	`16(31st)
261	Hunter Skinner	NYR	D	19	6-2/175	`19(112th)
262	Riley Damiani	Dal	C	20	5-9/165	`18(137th)
263	Ryan McLeod	Edm	C	21	6-2/205	`18(40th)
264	Ilya Konovalov	Edm	G	22	6-0/195	`19(85th)
265	Will Cuylle	NYR	LW	18	6-3/205	`20(60th)
266	Evan Vierling	NYR	C	18	6-0/165	`20(127th)
267	Emil Heineman	Fla	LW	19	6-0/180	`20(43rd)
268	Zayde Wisdom	Phi	RW	18	5-10/195	`20(94th)
269	Hunter Jones	Min	G	20	6-4/195	`19(59th)
270	Ty Tullio	Edm	RW	18	5-10/165	`20(126th)
271	Jordan Spence	LA	D	19	5-10/165	`19(95th)
272	Dmitri Zavgorodny	Cgy	LW	20	5-9/175	`18(198th)
273	Alex Beaucage	Col	RW	19	6-1/195	`19(78th)
274	Matiss Kivlenieks	CBJ	G	24	6-2/190	FA(5/17)
275	Artyom Zub	Ott	D	25	6-2/200	FA(5/20)
276	Urho Vaakanainen	Bos	D	22	6-0/185	`17(18th)
277	Dmitri Samorukov	Edm	D	21	6-2/180	`17(84th)
278	Michal Teply	Chi	LW	19	6-3/185	`19(105th)
279	Colby Ambrosio	Col	C	18	5-8/170	`20(118th)
280	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	20	6-7/195	`19(37th)
281	Jeremy Lauzon	Bos	D	23	6-3/205	`15(52nd)
282	Dennis Gilbert	Col	D	24	6-2/200	T(Chi-10/20)
283	Trent Frederic	Bos	C	22	6-4/215	`16(29th)
284	Lucas Carlsson	Chi	D	23	6-0/190	`16(110th)
285	Zack Macewen	Van	RW	24	6-3/205	FA(3/17)
286	Brandon Hagel	Chi	LW	22	6-1/175	FA(10/18)
287	Vasily Ponomarev	Car	C	18	5-10/180	`20(53rd)
288	Jakub Zboril	Bos	D	23	6-1/200	`15(13th)
289	Garrett Pilon	Wsh	RW	22	5-11/190	`16(87th)
290	Jeremy Bracco	Car	RW	23	5-9/180	FA(10/20)
291	Dylan Sikura	VGK	RW	25	6-0/170	T(Chi-9/20)
292	Kyle Capobianco	Ari	D	23	6-1/180	`15(63rd)
293	Sami Niku	Wpg	D	24	6-0/175	`15(198th)
294	John Farinacci	Ari	C	19	5-11/185	`19(76th)
295	Jackson Lacombe	Ana	D	19	6-1/170	`19(39th)
296	David Cotton	Car	LW	23	6-3/205	`15(169th)
297	Erik Portillo	Buf	G	20	6-6/210	`19(67th)
298	Jacob Truscott	Van	D	18	6-1/170	`20(144th)
299	Mikhail Berdin	Wpg	G	22	6-2/165	`16(157th)
300	Cam Hillis	Mtl	C	20	5-10/170	`18(66th)