Massimo Rizzo – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: BELL – Scout’s Notebook – Midseason Stock Watch on 10 Prospects

Josh Bell — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:28:09 +0000

HV71s Oscar Fisker Molgaard
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN /

We’re past the midpoint of the 2023-24 hockey season, with eyes already starting to look towards playoffs or in the case of some NHL teams - the NHL Draft.

Reaching this point in the campaign provides an excellent sample size to analyze which players are meeting expectations or which aren’t taking the steps forward that were hoped. There’s enough hockey left to be played that players' trajectories can still shift, but in all likelihood, the path they’re on at this point is how their season will be remembered.

I looked at prospects across the globe and highlighted 10 that have either raised their stock so far this season or have seen their stock fall. By no means is this a comprehensive list, but simply 10 that have stood out to me enough versus pre-season expectations - positively or negatively.

Stock Down: Xavier Bourgault, Bakersfield Condors, AHL (Edmonton Oilers)

Xavier Bourgault entered the AHL last season as a rookie and truly impressed, fitting in extremely well with the Bakersfield Condors. The Edmonton Oilers top prospect put up respectable numbers in his first year and all signs pointed to 2024-25 being another step in the right direction. That hasn’t been the case. Bourgault is on pace to fall below his stat totals in goals and assists this season, despite looking to play 10 extra games.

Drafted 22nd overall in 2021, there was hope from the Oilers that he would become an offensive threat in the NHL. Looking at where his points are coming from right now though, he may fall into a special-teams role in the long term. His ability to produce (especially to score) at even strength has taken a step backward if anything. There’s still potential here but right now, Bourgault is looking like a bottom-six, complementary player.

Stock Up: Oscar Fisker Molgaard, HV71, SHL (Seattle Kraken)

In his sophomore season in the SHL, Oscar Fisker Molgaard seems to be getting more comfortable with every game played. And it’s starting to show. The 52nd selection of the Seattle Kraken in the 2023 NHL Draft, Fisker Molgaard returned to HV71 this season and has seen his time on ice slowly increase throughout. After helping Team Denmark to a World Juniors (D1A) Bronze Medal, he’s back in the SHL and on fire, with points in 10 of his last 14 games.

To make this even more impressive, he’s doing it playing as a centre. Most 18-year-olds in the SHL would be slid to the wing to play with a more veteran pivot. Not Fisker Molgaard, whose intelligence and improving playmaking have been making him look like a potential middle-six centreman in the NHL. What’s more impressive is that he’s likely to continue to get better. He currently weighs in at 168 pounds. How will he play with another 10-15 pounds? Could this be a potential 2C? This is very much a player to continue to keep an eye on as he develops.

Stock Up: Nikita Grebyonkin, Metallurg Magnitogors, KHL (Toronto Maple Leafs)

He may not have heard his name until 135th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, but Nikita Grebyonkin is not looking like a fifth-round pick right now. After being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Russian forward returned to play in the KHL, leading all rookies in points (26) and earning the honour of the league’s Best Rookie Award. Now in his sophomore season, he’s looking even stronger, getting regular minutes on the power play and playing a more complete game.

The competitiveness that the young forward brings stands out in both ends of the ice. His shot looks better, in both his power and his accuracy, which has led to him being on pace to double his goal total from a year ago. This is all while playing LESS on average this season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk than he did a year ago with Amur Khabarovsk. Grebyonkin will be an interesting name to keep an eye on in the coming months, as his KHL deal is over at the end of this season. Will the Maple Leafs be able to bring him to North America?

Stock Down: Noel Gunler, Karpat, Liiga (Carolina Hurricanes)

It wasn’t that long ago that public discussions about Noel Gunler were around whether or not he should be ranked in the top 10 of the 2020 NHL Draft. He ended up hearing his name called 41st by the Carolina Hurricanes, sliding out of the first round likely due to some off-ice issues that were discussed. Either way, the thought was maybe they got a steal. Since being drafted though, Gunler hasn’t developed into that player that many hoped. He did even head overseas to play in the AHL for the 2022-23 season but ultimately headed back to Europe this season.

Now playing in the Liiga with Karpat (he was in the SHL before his year with the Chicago Wolves), Gunler hasn’t been able to settle in, collecting just eight points in 24 games, including five goals. Not great for a player who is known for his goal-scoring. Now adding to this, Gunler hasn’t played since January 10th, due to a transfer dispute between the Malmo Redhawks and Karpat. So it seems unlikely that he’ll be able to bounce back at this point. Gunler’s future is in question at this point, and whether he’s still on a path to being an NHLer is up for debate.

Stock Up: Niko Huuhtanen, Jukurit, Liiga (Tampa Bay Lightning)

When you get into the later rounds of the NHL Draft, you’re really just crossing your fingers that you’re selecting a future NHLer. You bet on a trait or traits that your scouting department has put high value on (skill, physicality, size, etc.), and hope for the best. In the 2021 NHL Draft, with the final selection, the Tampa Bay Lighting were likely doing just that when they called Niko Huuhtanen’s name 224th overall. The next season, he led the WHL in goals for a rookie (37). In 2022-23? He led the Liiga in goals AND points from a rookie, earning Rookie of the Year honours. And now - he’s looking even better.

The Finn has truly taken steps forward in each season, and that has continued this year in the Liiga with Jukurit. He’s on pace to nearly double his output from his rookie year, largely thanks to his tremendous improvement in his playmaking. He’s very much a goal scorer, but his vision and ability to distribute the puck have stood out this season. With his contract up at the end of the season, perhaps a move to the AHL is next for Huuhtanen.

Stock Down: Danila Klimovich, Abbotsford Canucks, AHL (Vancouver Canucks)

The Vancouver Canucks made a fairly bold choice drafting Danila Klimovich 41st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. After all, it’s not often that a player gets drafted playing in Belarus. But the young prospect had done enough to show the Canucks’ brass that he was their guy. He immediately came overseas for the 2021-22 season and then took a noticeable step forward in 2022-23. All signs were positive.

This season though, has been a different story. He’s been in and out of the lineup, often scratched but there have also been some injuries along the way. His point totals are way down, across the board with just four points in 17 games, a long stretch from the 29 last season or even the 18 the year prior. There are aspects of his game to love, like his pace and creativity, but the rest of his game is falling behind. If he’s going to become an NHL regular, he’ll need to show some positive steps soon.

Stock Up: Robert Orr, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL (Carolina Hurricanes)

When the Carolina Hurricanes drafted the next Bobby Orr 136th overall in 2021, they were drafting a never-give-up prospect that plays a hard-nosed game. He was a younger player in the class, with a September 1st birthdate. Well, it looks like his development may be catching up. He’s among the QMJHL leaders in points this season with 63 in just 47 games, already setting a career-high in the league.

Orr was traded to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan last season and seems to have settled in this year. He’s been playing with a tremendous amount of confidence and is already looking like a player destined for the NHL. I was high on him in his draft year, and it’s excellent to see him coming into his own. It’s important to note that he’s now an older player in the league, so this level of play is expected of him, but it’s fantastic to see him taking those steps. Look for him to jump to the AHL next season.

Carson Rehkopfi of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Stock Up: Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers, OHL (Seattle Kraken)

I’ve already covered Carson Rehkopf’s tremendous season in a previous article, but he’s very much worth the mention here as well. The Kitchener Ranger star forward has exploded offensively this season, currently sitting second in the league in goals (37) and eighth in points per game (1.57). His play this season even earned him a spot on Team Canada for the World Juniors, where he stayed hot with four points in five games.

Rehkopf’s ability to score goals might just be enough to carry him all the way to the NHL. That’s always been a staple of his game and while it’s gotten better this year, so has the rest of his game, elevating him to another level in the OHL. He’s showing the potential to be a top-six winger for the Kraken down the line, an excellent projection for the 50th overall pick in 2023.

Stock Down: David Reinbacher, Kloten, NL (Montreal Canadiens)

When the Montreal Canadiens shocked and drafted Austrian defender David Reinbacher fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, they put some lofty expectations on the defender. He was coming off an outstanding year, earning NL honours as Youngster (Rookie) of the Year, standing out at the World Juniors, and even earning a spot in the World Championships for Team Austria. To cap it off by being drafted fifth overall in a tough market, expectations skyrocketed for the young player.

Unfortunately, things haven’t gone as hoped for Reinbacher. Back in Switzerland with EHC Kloten, he’s struggled to match his rookie-year output. Part of this may be due to an injury he had to start the year, and he hasn’t exactly seemed 100% healthy. Looking at his game, it’s obvious that there are still strides needed in his development to become a potential top-four defender in the NHL. He has a lot of tools to like, such as his mobility and confidence defensively, but that two-way ability seems to have stalled. Still, I expect him to move to the AHL next season, where at least one full year would be helpful to his game.

Stock Up: Massimo Rizzo, University of Denver, NCAA (Philadelphia Flyers)

The last highlighted prospect, Massimo Rizzo has been dominating the NCAA this season with the University of Denver. He currently leads the entire nation in points with 44 in just 28 games. Drafted way back in 2019 and way down at 216th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes, this is outstanding progression for the young forward. For his efforts, he’s been nominated for the 2024 Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player.

As well, Rizzo earned a sport with Team Canada this season, playing in the Spengler Cup in Switzerland, where he looked extremely comfortable playing against men. The Philadelphia Flyers acquired Rizzo in the offseason along with a 2025 fifth-round pick for the rights to David Kase, a deal that’s already looking excellent for the Flyers. Rizzo’s rights expire in August 2025, so you can bet that the Flyers will be looking to lock him up prior to that.

BELL: 20 Prospect Points – Stankoven, McGroarty, Demidov, Greentree & More

Josh Bell — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:00:36 +0000

Michigan forward Rutger McGroarty (2) (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire)

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

This edition dives into the latest news around one of the biggest scouting events of the year, the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, the incredible rookie season that Logan Stankoven is having in the AHL, and the ridiculous output from draft-eligible Ivan Demidov.

The end of the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game?

#1 You read that right. The 2024 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is reportedly the last one, according to Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek. He also mentioned that a two-game series between the best prospects in the CHL and the best prospects in the US may replace it. CHL All-Stars versus USHL/NCAA All-Stars? Yes, please. This is the right direction.

Drafted Prospects

#2 What a rookie season for Dallas Stars’ prospect Logan Stankoven. The young forward has been on fire in the league, leading all players (not just rookies) in points with 50. His 20 goals sit fourth in the league and his 30 assists are third. Standing at 5-foot-8, 170 pounds, Stakoven continues to prove that size isn’t everything when it comes to being a productive and contributing hockey player.

#3 Rutger McGroarty has come back from the World Juniors on an absolute mission. The University of Michigan star has put up 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in his six games back in the NCAA and shows no signs of slowing down. It seems that gold looks good of the Winnipeg Jets’ star who has returned with an extra boost of confidence in his step. He leads the team and sits fifth in the NCAA in points.

#4 You can’t talk about the NCAA and not mention Massimo Rizzo right now. The Philadelphia Flyers prospect is sitting atop to NCAA in points with 42 (10 goals, 32 points). The prospect was also named to the Team Canada roster for the 2023 Spengler Cup, picking up two assists there in the men’s tournament. He’s a player on the rise after being drafted back in 2019, 216th overall. This has the makings of a scouting success story for the Flyers.

#5 It’s been a strange ride for German prospect Julien Lutz, from his injury-riddled time in the DEL to his move to North American hockey and the USHL. Well, it seems that things are starting to come together for the Arizona Coyotes prospect. Playing with the Green Bay Gamblers, Lutz is riding a nine-game points streak, sandwiching the World Juniors. He has 14 points over that time, bringing him to 34 (12 goals, 22 assists) in 25 games. There’s no question that his development has been impacted over the past two years, look for him to really come into his own now that he’s playing consistently.

#6 There was some hope that Calgary Flames’ prospect Topi Ronni would take a step forward in the Liiga this season, but with just two points in 19 games, that appears not to be the case. However, his play in the U20 SM-sarja has been excellent. In his last eight games, he’s racked up 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) and has been playing big minutes, skating over 26 minutes twice in that stretch. Seeing that he might have outgrown the U20 SM-sarja and he’s not quite ready for the Liiga, perhaps a change of scenery is coming in the 2024-25 season.

#7 Noah Ostlund, on the other hand, is doing just fine at the men’s level. The Buffalo Sabres’ prized prospect has taken his success from the World Juniors back to Vaxjo Lakers HC, where he’s potted 10 points (four goals, six assists) in eight games since returning. While he’s currently on pace to match last year’s total, it’s important to note that last year was in the HockeyAllsvenskan with Djurgardens and this year is in the SHL.

#8 Speaking of players that are hot lately, if you haven’t been keeping an eye on Quentin Musty - you need to. The San Jose Sharks prospect has been one of the most prospects in the world over the past two weeks with 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in his last six games. He’s playing confidently, and finding success. While Team USA did win World Juniors gold, you can’t help but wonder what Musty would have looked like in the red, white, and blue.

#9 What a segue to another Team USA player! Oliver Moore, like McGroarty, has returned to the University of Minnesota and just continues to produce. He has a seven-game point streak currently, tallying 13 points (four goals, nine assists). He seems practically unstoppable at this point, playing at nearly a point per game as a rookie.

#10 Over in Russia, Carolina Hurricanes’ prospect Alexander Rykov is tearing up the VHL, playing at nearly a point-per-game pace. He’s up to 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) in 27 games, and has added another six goals and two assists in the KHL this year. In fact, he’s riding a three-game goal streak in the KHL, even though he played just 3:28 in one of those games. He’s under contract with Chelyabinsk for one more season. Could a North American move follow?

Draft-Eligible Prospects

#11 Another Russian prospect, this one has been absolutely dominating the public sphere discussion as of late. I’ve previously written about the emergence of Ivan Demidov since he was moved to the MHL for a consistent stint, and now? He’s dominant. He has points in his last 12 games, with multiple points in nine of those. That stretch has seen his point total rise by 32 points, bringing his season total to 45 (20 goals, 25 assists) in just 23 games. He even has 11 points in his past TWO games. Where does he fit on your draft board?

#12 I’m not sure that anyone is truly appreciating what Zeev Buium is doing in the NCAA right now. He’s producing at a 1.38 points-per-game rate - the highest rate for a U19 defender in about 40 years and higher than players such as Brian Leetch, Lane Hutson, and Adam Fox. According to Chace McCallum (@CMhockey66), he’s currently scoring at a rate that top-scoring NHL defenders hit in their age 20 season. Yeah, that seems good.

#13 Is Liam Greentree underappreciated? It’s quite possible. EliteProspects’ consolidated ranking puts him 15th overall. But the Windsor Spitfires captain is on pace for 100 points this season, already potting 64 (27 goals, 37 assists) in 41 games. His ability to produce was on full display on January 27th when he put up six points (three goals, three assists) against the Peterborough Petes. He’s worth a closer look.

#14 Jett Luchanko might just be another underappreciated OHLer available for this draft, but perhaps his on-ice testing for the Top Prospects Game will change that. He finished fourth in the 30m skate, third in the 30m skate with the puck, third in the 30m backwards skate with the puck, second in transition ability with the puck, third in reaction, first in reaction with the puck and ultimately, first overall. He’s quite deserving of some recognition.

#15 We keep coming back to players that have been strong since returning from the World Juniors and we’re doing it one last time. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has returned to Mora IK in the Hockey Allsvenskan with a newfound level of confidence, currently riding a six-game point streak, with seven points (four goals, three assists) over that time. He does appear to be dealing with an injury as well, so if he’s not held out for too long, perhaps the best is yet to come.

#16 Over in the WHL, Tij Iginla, one of the recent starts of the CHL Top Prospects Game, is a player that has just been on the tip of everyone’s tongue all season it seems. His 57 points (32 goals, 25 assists) in 42 games is absolutely impressive, sitting fourth among U18 players (his 32 goals are first), but it’s everything else that really draws you in. His competitiveness, his creativity, and his elusiveness all add up to an extremely promising prospect. He’ll be a candidate to be taken earlier than expected in my eyes.

#17 A name not often talked about in this draft class, Chase Wutzke is a goaltender that needs to be on your radar. The Red Deer Rebels netminder is currently on an eight-game winning streak, bringing his total to 15 on the season (15-2-1). He has a .922 save percentage, which sites this in the league. He’s been one of the strongest goalies in the league as of late, and arguably one of the best all season long.

#18 From the QMJHL, Raoul Boilard caught the attention of scouts at the CHL Top Prospects Game, scoring twice and adding an assist for Team Red in a 3-1 win over Team White. He was named the Player of the Game for his team. He’s been playing at nearly a point-per-game this season for Baie-Comeau Drakkar with 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 47 games. Likely a second-rounder, he’s one to keep an eye on on the second day of the draft.

#19 In the USHL, Joe Connor may be a slightly hidden gem in this draft class. The Muskegon Lumberjacks forward has been playing in the shadows of highly touted players Matvei Gridin and Sacha Boisvert, but Connor has been impressive as well with 31 points in 27 games this season. In fact, that point-per-game pace (1.15) is second on the team, just behind Gridin (1.19).

#20 Sticking in the USHL, goaltender Louka Cloutier started the season not-so-hot (losing his first four-straight and five of six) but has truly been coming into his own as of late. He’s taken over the starters job and has now rattled off five straight wins, including his first USHL shutout. The rookie’s numbers don’t stand out at 8-8-1 and a .898 save percentage, but with consistent playing time, and the Chicago Steel looking better in the second half of the season, he’s been impressive in net.

2019 WJAC: Standout performances, rising draft stock

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canada West

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

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

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

Czech Republic

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

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

United States

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

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

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

Canada East

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

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

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

Russia

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

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

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

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

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

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

MCKEEN'S RELEASES FINAL 2019 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS

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

American center Jack Hughes or Finnish Winger Kaapo Kakko?

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

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

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

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

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

BROADWAY KAAPO

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL AMERICAN

Spencer Knight. Photo courtesy of the USNTDP.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SWEDE GOLD - SWEET SEIDER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

100 HONOURABLE MENTION IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

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

World Junior A Challenge (December 2018) review

Ryan Wagman — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 15:57:18 +0000

Now roughly six weeks in the rear-view mirror, it is time to discuss everyone’s favorite red-headed stepchild of a hockey tournament, the World Junior A Challenge.

I say this not to further diminish this event, but to acknowledge that it plays so little a role in the collective hockey consciousness. The tournament is meant to showcase players who are playing away from the bright lights of the CHL (with some exceptions among the European clubs involved), or NCAA or the top pro leagues in Europe. The participating teams sometimes vary, with Switzerland not showing up this year, but four nations showed up making five teams in the event, with Canada, as per usual, fielding dual squads, one each for the Eastern and Western halves of the country.

The US squad, made up of USHL talent – without USNTDP representation – walked away with the title, beating a Russian team featuring top 2019 draft prospect Vasili Podkolzin.

Mike Sanderson was able to represent McKeens at the event last year, but we were not able to send a regular contributor into the field this year in Bonneyville, Alberta. So, we had the next best thing.

A friend of McKeens, who had a close personal connection to a player who competed at the tournament, offered up his personal takes of the players who stuck out. To avoid any bias, this contributor and his/her connection will remain anonymous. The player he/she is connected to has been seen a few times by other McKeens contributors and that player’s notes are reflective of the McKeens contributor. To establish the veracity of the opinions of the friend of McKeens, I will only note that he/she has played at a high level in the past, and coaches to this day.

The worst team at this year’s tournament came from Canada East, who failed to win a game, finishing with the following line:

4 GP, 0 W, 4 L, 9 GS, 22 GA

Perhaps uncoincidentally, our observer had little of note to report on this squad. The team had only one line of note, which featured Jamie Engelbert and Riley McCutcheon, both of whom play together with Coboug of the OJHL. The former provided the line with edge and the latter player with some skill. Despite a lack of size, the best pro prospect on the team was 5-9”, 175 blueliner Simon Mack (Brockville, CCHL), who played a mature game in all situations and generally looked better than the one drafted player on the team, Dustyn McFaul (Boston, 6^th round, 2018).

With one win in regulation and one in overtime, the Czech Republic team finished in fourth after losing in the bronze medal game. While Canada East was dubbed a one-line team, the Czechs were twice as good, with two lines that showed up to play. The most notable of the forwards was Matej Blumel, currently making a strong case to be drafted in his second year of eligibility on the back of a strong USHL campaign with Waterloo. He played with high work ethic, skill, and more bang for the buck than would be expected from his 5-11”, 190 lbs frame. Fellow USHLer Jan Kern, who went immediately from the WJAC to the WJC, and Jan Bambula, who plays for AZ Havirov in the Czech second division, completed the first line. As a unit, they were most noteworthy for their smart puck movement. Bambula, in particular, would hesitate to shoot, seemingly preferring to play the puck to one of his linemates.

The drafted eligible Michal Teply, currently playing in the top Czech men’s league for Bili Tygri Liberec, played an advanced game for a 17-year-old, although his sluggish pace may set him back. He has great size and needs to grow into his frame. Vojtech Strondala, another first time eligible, similarly playing in the top men’s league, for HC Kometa Brno, was the opposite in terms of his style of play. The tiny 5-7”, 154 lbs center played a big style game. The final player called out by our observer was Jaroslav Dvorak, spending most of his season in the second tier of Czech men’s hockey for HC Stadion Litomerice. Not a big time scorer, Dvorak perhaps lacks the hands for the highest levels of the game, but he plays with a bit of an edge and was generally the fastest player on the ice.

Back to Canada now for the so-called hosts in Canada West. During the round-robin phase, they had one each of a regulation win, regulation loss, overtime win and overtime loss. Not much different than the Czechs, except for the fact that when they squared off in the bronze medal game, the Canadians won.

The main attraction from the Canada West team was always going to be Alex Newhook (Victoria, BCHL), who we have ranked 15^th in the midterm draft class. With four assists in six games, Newhook had flashes of his potential, but was mostly notable for his inconsistency. He is a fantastic skater and slick passer with killer crossovers. While it was apparent that his inherent skill was on a different level than that of his teammates and much of the opposition, he had a tendency to float in games. He has the vision and the skill to excel, but it will not be enough for him to play to the level of his competition.

The team’s leading scorer was Harrison Blaisdell (Chilliwack, BCHL), who impressed with his powerful shot. Massimo Rizzo (Penticton, BCHL) had a strong tournament, as did Ethan Leyh (Langley, BCHL) who played with an edge throughout. The one drafted player on the squad, Austin Wong (Winnipeg, 7^th round, 2018 – playing with Okotoks of the AJHL) was always in the middle of the play, and despite his reputation for excessive penalty minutes – 18 of which he piled up in six games here – he did not strike the observer as being particularly undisciplined. Netminder Matthew Davis (Spruce Grove, AJHL) is small by modern goaltending standards, standing under 6-0” tall, but was fantastic under pressure and could be worth a late round gamble.

Even with likely first rounder Newhook on the team, though, the most impressive player for Canada West was likely 2020 draft candidate Dylan Holloway (Okotoks, AJHL), a 200-foot player who tied for the team lead with five points in six matches. He misses 2019 draft eligibility by just over one week and will play his draft season in the NCAA with Wisconsin. He has the total package to be a high pick next year.

The Russian contingent happened to go undefeated in the round-robin stage, but fell at the most important hurdle, losing in the gold medal game. That said, their unblemished round robin record owed a large debt of gratitude to team USA for pulling their netminder late in a tie game as the Americans attempted to win in regulation to help in tie-breaker scenarios. Our observer was rather impressed with the Russian team, which had a built-in advantage of rostering five CHL players, all of whom are somewhat prominent names for the upcoming draft (the Czechs had two OHLers and one collegian). Further, the top overall prospect at this tournament suited up for Russia in the form of team captain Vasili Podkolzin (SKA-1946 St. Petersburg), who we have ranked third for the midterm draft list.

In the words of our observer, Russia had “the most talented team at the tourney.” They played with a 2-3 trap, even when down a goal and were extremely hard to get through, allowing only eight goals in the four games of the round robin. All of this despite fielding a roster entirely made up of players who are first year draft eligible – or younger (younger than any other roster at the event by more than half a year of age, on average). The aforementioned Podkolzin played “the right way”, but with a very high skill set. He made plays in all three zones. While he plays with an edge, it is not without respect for his opponents. He has a very high hockey IQ. When the comparison to Jack Hughes, the presumptive number one pick in June, came up, the observer pointed out that while Podkolzin is stronger than Hughes, the latter is more skilled.

Ilya Nikolayev (Loko Yaroslavl) was another who impressed with a combination of skill and emotion. He trailed only Podkolzin in scoring for the Russians. Blueliner Artemi Knyazev (Chicoutimi), one of the team’s CHL ringers impressed with his smarts, structural positioning, and sharp first passes. Helping him in the back was Semyon Chistakov (Tolpar Ufa), who was much harder to play against than his diminutive size would suggest. He was aggressive, tough in the corners, and consistently made good decisions. He also was given the ‘C’ to wear when regular captain Podkolzin was suspended. A kind word is also due to big defender Ilya Mironov (Loko Yaroslavl). He made up for his relative lack of speed with a tough, physical game. Forward Rodion Amirov (Tolpar Ufa), who gained some attention at the Ivan Hlinka over the summer, impressed despite playing with two tangibly less talented linemates. His slick hands were especially notable. The last skater of note for Russia was forward Dmitri Sheshin (Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk). Although tiny (easily the smallest on his team), he was incredibly fast, and had a knack for forcing turnovers, many through his kamikaze hard forechecks.

The tournament was also a chance for 16-year-old netminder Yaroslav Askarov (SKA-Varyagi im. Morozova) to again show why he may be the top netminder for the 2020 draft. He was easily the best goaltender in the tournament. He was verbal in directing his blueliners. He played a calm, steady and quiet game positionally, not moving if he didn’t need to. His size is already adequate and promises to improve before his draft date. He was good at the Hlinka but was near unbeatable in Bonneyville.

The champion American side, as mentioned above, was chalk-full of players from the non-USNTDP version of the USHL. One team member (Ryan O’Reilly, 4^th round, 2018 – Detroit) was drafted last year, and a good number more will hear their names called this summer in Vancouver. Per our observer, their championship at the WJAC was a team effort, with all players playing in all situations. That was also reflected on the stats page, as 13 of the 20 skaters scored goals, and only four skaters – all blueliners – failed to register a point in the six games.

Both American netminders were great throughout, but Isaiah Saville (Tri-City) was particularly fantastic with a .944 save percentage. He is athletic, quick, and had a knack for seizing the moment when it mattered most.

On the blueline, 19-year-old Ronnie Attard (Tri-City) has taken big steps in his third draft eligible season. He was a team leader and skates beautifully, especially when considering his size. He has enough skill but showed a propensity for questionable puck decisions, such as numerous passed up shooting opportunities. On the other hand, he is advanced at exiting the defensive zone with a pass, a chip, or by skating it out. Ryan Johnson (Sioux Falls) began the tournament as the team’s seventh defenseman but kept proving his coaches wrong and was on the top pairing by the end of the event. While he needs to gain muscle before turning pro, he is a great skater, with a high hockey IQ. Despite being one of the few without a point, he moves the puck well. Another standout on the blueline was Zac Jones (Tri-City), whose skill set is somewhat deceptive. He prefers trying to make the dynamic play but will not totally eschew the safe play when called for.

Leading scorer Bobby Brink (Sioux City) actually gained some toughness credibility in Bonneyville, when he broke his ankle blocking a shot and kept playing, although he missed around six weeks of action – including the USHL Top Prospect Game - after the tournament. He is a great scorer, a good north-south skater, although he could use some brushing up with his agility. The fact that he blocked the shot while killing a penalty only enhances his reputation. He finally returned to game action last week. Trevor Janicke (Central Illinois), who finished second in team scoring, is a solid all-around player. The former USNTDP member, who moved from the program to the Flying Aces this year as he has a late birthdate, plays a low flash game. He works hard, forechecks hard, is good on the draw and has strong wheels. Matthew Brown (Des Moines), one of the few 19-year olds on the team, is a high-energy guy. He scored more than his fair share this year for the Buccaneers in league play, but he actually is more natural as a playmaker, as he would often pass up on a chance to shoot, preferring to distribute instead. He has a solid chance to be drafted in his third year of eligibility. Robert Mastrosimone (Chicago) is another 200 foot player, in some ways, though, the inverse of Brown. He is a skilled passer but is shot is actually his best weapon. He lacks somewhat in size but plays with an edge. He had a solid tournament but was actually more impactful at the Ivan Hlinka.

Jack Malone (Youngstown) and Shane Pinto (Tri-City now, Lincoln then) have both developed slowly but have come on strong in their draft years. Malone is a good skater with size, who could stand to improve his edges. Pinto was a non-entity on the prospect scene until fairly late in the process but has a lot to recommend him as a mid-round pick. Josh Nodler (Fargo) is another two-way forward. He is a very intelligent, cerebral player. He plays with strength and is a great, understated passer whose vision is his best trait. Grant Silianoff (Cedar Rapids) played a much different role than his normal net front slot with the RoughRiders. The former first overall pick in the 2017 USHL entry draft will need to up his production across the last third of the season to ensure that he is drafted, although he always shows hints of his potential. Griffin Ness (Waterloo) is more of a longshot to hear his name called on draft day, but also had a nice tournament, with a pair of goals, including one overtime winner. A hard-nosed, hard-working forward, with nice hands, but little flash to his game, he was tough to play against, like much of his team. Finally, a word on the aforementioned O’Reilly (Fargo). He is a big forward with gargantuan feet, which can get in his way. He has skill in his hands and a high end shot, but his footwork needs a lot of improvement before getting to the next level.