Mats Lindgren – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #2 Buffalo Sabres – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Josh Bell — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 11:48:29 +0000

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 28:Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (20) skates with the puck during the second period in the NHL preseason game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres on September 28, 2023, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

There is genuine excitement building in Buffalo. It has one of the best young cores in the NHL, built around draftees Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Jack Quinn, John-Jason Peterka, Dylan Cozens, Zach Benson, and Devon Levi. There’s also Peyton Krebs, acquired in the Jack Eichel trade, and Bowen Byram, acquired in a swap for Casey Mittelstadt. At the 2023 NHL Draft, the team added Benson 13th overall who made the immediate jump to the NHL. The fact that this team still has Matthew Savoie (10th ranked prospect by McKeen’s), Jiri Kulich (22nd), Noah Ostlund (72nd), and Isak Rosen (93rd) and still rank this highly in organizational depth is a testament to their scouts and development team.

General manager Kevyn Adams took over in June 2020, right before the draft, and has drawn good reviews as a steady hand. He was proactive in signing his two franchise centerman Tage Thompson (25 years old) and Dylan Cozens (22) to long-term deals at a reasonable AAV of $7.1 million that will benefit the team for years, followed up by locking down his two core defenders in Owen Power (seven years, $8.35 million) and Rasmus Dahlin (eight years, $11 million). His biggest trade was moving Jack Eichel for a first and a second, hometown hero Alex Tuch, who is thriving, along with the former 17th overall pick, Peyton Krebs. Adams brought in a lot of futures and changed the culture seemingly overnight in a high-pressure transaction. Eichel has gone on to thrive in Vegas, but the pieces Adams extracted are already fixtures in the line-up and Ostlund is a promising prospect. The Sabres will be competitive as soon as next season and will only get better as this group hits their prime. A reward to Buffalo fans who have been waiting 13 years for a playoff appearance and have seen their share of dysfunction.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Matthew Savoie	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	`22(9th)	34	30	41	71	10
2	Devon Levi	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	T(Fla-7/21)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
3	Jiri Kulich	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	`22(28th)	57	27	18	45	26
4	Noah Ostlund	C	20	5-11/163	Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)	`22(16th)	38	12	11	23	4
5	Anton Wahlberg	C	18	6-3/194	Malmo (SHL)	`23(39th)	43	5	5	10	4
6	Isak Rosen	RW	21	6-0/175	Rochester (AHL)	`21(14th)	67	20	30	50	12
7	Maxim Strbak	D	19	6-2/205	Michigan State (B1G)	`23(45th)	32	2	7	9	17
8	Viktor Neuchev	LW	20	6-2/165	Rochester (AHL)	`22(74th)	57	11	17	28	8
9	Alexander Kisakov	LW	21	5-10/160	Rochester (AHL)	`21(53rd)	32	5	8	13	12
10	Vsevolod Komarov	D	20	6-2/182	Que-Dru (QMJHL)	`22(134th)	60	14	55	69	105
11	Nikita Novikov	D	20	6-4/198	Rochester (AHL)	`21(188th)	65	3	20	23	42
12	Prokhor Poltapov	LW	21	6-0/176	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	`21(33rd)	56	5	8	13	12
13	Jake Richard	RW	19	6-1/171	Connecticut (HE)	`22(170th)	36	7	11	18	6
14	Mats Lindgren	D	19	6-0/183	Red Deer (WHL)	`22(106th)	63	7	34	41	42
15	Topias Leinonen	G	19	6-5/234	JYP (Fin-Liiga)	`22(41st)	6	0	4	4.41	0.844

1. Matthew Savoie, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Savoie's a dynamic offensive threat with a lethal combination of speed, skill, and hockey sense. He can beat defenders with his skating ability and dangle his way through traffic to create scoring chances for himself and his linemates. He possesses a high-end shot with a knack for finding the net, and his vision on the ice allows him to set up teammates with pinpoint passes. Savoie has drawn comparisons to players like Patrice Bergeron and Aleksander Barkov, and for good reason. While not quite the physical force that Bergeron is, Savoie shares his intelligence and two-way ability. Similarly, Savoie's offensive game evokes Barkov's blend of skill and finesse. There are questions about Savoie's size (5’ 10”, 180 lbs) but his compete level and ability to play bigger than his frame help mitigate those concerns. Savoie is close to a sure thing at the NHL level. The only question mark is how quickly he can adapt to the pro game.

2. Devon Levi, G, Rochester Americans (AHL)

Devon Levi's meteoric rise through the NCAA ranks had scouts raving about his potential as a future NHL star. The buzz stemmed from his remarkable calmness in net, his ability to make highlight-reel saves with a feline grace, and his knack for stealing games for his team. Levi's arrival in the NHL hasn't quite been the seamless transition many expected. While the raw talent is undeniable, there's a sense that the pro game's quicker pace and tighter margins have exposed some weaknesses in his game. His save percentages haven't reached the heights he achieved in college, and there have been moments where his positioning seems a touch off. The key for Levi is to remain patient. Adjusting to the NHL is a challenge for any goalie, and Levi's underlying numbers suggest there's still plenty to be optimistic about. He has the tools to be a difference-maker at this level, but it might take some time for him to fully adjust and find his rhythm.

3. Jiri Kulich, C/LW, Rochester Americans (AHL)

Kulich isn't the biggest forward on the ice, but he plays with a heart that belies his frame. He boasts a powerful skating stride that translates to dangerous rushes and the ability to create separation in tight spaces. Don't be fooled by his speed – Kulich isn't afraid to mix it up in the dirty areas. He battles for pucks along the boards with a willingness to go to the net to create scoring chances. But his true calling card is his offensive arsenal. He possesses a wicked wrist shot with a deceptive release, making him a constant threat from the perimeter. He's not a one-trick pony, though. Kulich displays slick hands and a knack for finding open ice in scoring areas. His hockey IQ shines in his ability to anticipate plays and make smart decisions. While all that is enticing, there's room for improvement in his overall strength. Consistency can also be a concern. If he addresses those issues, Kulich has top-six forward potential with a knack for scoring goals.

4. Noah Ostlund, C, Vaxjo Lakers HC (SHL)

Don't be fooled by his size – Noah Ostlund conducts the offense like a seasoned veteran. The Swedish center boasts a smooth skating stride and elite puckhandling ability, weaving through defenders with a magician's touch. His vision on the ice is a thing of beauty, threading needlepoint passes to spring linemates for breakaways. While not a prolific scorer himself, Ostlund elevates the play of everyone around him, a true playmaking maestro. Questions linger about his finishing touch. Despite flashes of a deceptive shot, consistency in finding the net remains a work in progress. Adding some physicality to his frame wouldn't hurt either, allowing him to battle harder in the trenches and win those board battles. Despite these areas for improvement, Ostlund's potential as a top-six center with elite playmaking skills is undeniable. If he can add some scoring punch and a bit of grit, he could become a difference maker at the NHL level.

5. Anton Wahlberg, C, Malmo Redhawks (SHL)

After a limited stint with the Malmö Redhawks in the SHL, where he put up 10 points in 43 games, Wahlberg found his footing in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. In nine games with the Americans, Wahlberg notched one goal and three assists for four points. While the point totals aren't eye-popping, it's important to remember Wahlberg is a young player (just 18 years old) adjusting to the pro game. The small sample size in the AHL makes it difficult to draw major conclusions, but the fact that he was able to produce at all is a positive sign. Those familiar with Wahlberg's scouting reports will likely point to his hockey IQ and playmaking ability as his biggest strengths. While his offensive upside remains to be seen, his performance in the AHL suggests he can be a productive player at that level. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the Sabres decide to utilize him. Another year in the AHL could be in the cards.

6. Isak Rosen, C/W, Rochester Americans (AHL)

Isak Rosen wasn't expected to light up the scoresheet in his second AHL season, but the young Swede did just that. After a decent rookie campaign, Rosen exploded offensively in 2023-24, putting up a respectable 50 points (20 goals, 30 assists) in 67 games for the Rochester Americans. His improved playmaking ability was particularly noteworthy, suggesting a well-rounded offensive skillset emerging. Questions linger, however. While he can create scoring chances, his finishing touch remains a work in progress. Consistency was also an issue – stretches of dominance were occasionally punctuated by quiet periods. Did Rosen finally earn his NHL call-up many predicted last season? The answer is a tantalizing ‘almost.’ He saw limited action with the Sabres, failing to register a point. His development this season was a positive step, but the jury's still out on his NHL readiness. Can he refine his finishing and translate his AHL success to the big leagues? The next year will be crucial in determining if Rosen becomes a reliable NHL contributor or remains a top AHL producer.

7. Maxim Strbak, D, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Drafted 45th overall by Buffalo, Maxim Strbak's freshman year at Michigan State was a solid, if unspectacular, debut. Known for his strong defensive positioning and ability to clear the crease, Strbak solidified himself as a reliable presence on the Spartans' blue line. While his offensive contributions were limited (two goals, nine points in 32 games), his defensive awareness and strong work ethic were valuable assets for the team. Strbak's skating remains a work in progress, particularly his top speed. This could limit his offensive upside at the NHL level. However, his ability to shut down plays, and make smart decisions with the puck, suggests he can carve out a niche as a dependable two-way defenseman. His development in the coming years will be crucial in determining whether he can become a top-four option for the Sabres.

8. Viktor Neuchev, LW, Rochester Americans (AHL)

Viktor Neuchev is a tantalizing prospect with a rare blend of speed, skill, and creativity. At 6’ 3” and 190 pounds, he has the frame to play a power-forward role at the NHL level. Neuchev possesses a heavy shot that he can unleash with a quick release. He’s also surprisingly nimble for his size, showing good edgework and acceleration. The Russian winger boasts elite-level quickness, able to separate from defenders with ease and generate high-danger scoring chances. His vision and anticipation are equally impressive, consistently identifying soft spots in coverage and delivering precision passes to exploit them. While Neuchev must continue to develop his physicality and defensive awareness, his upside is significant. With continued growth, he could become a dynamic, top-six forward and a key contributor on the power play. Neuchev's ceiling is high, and he's an exciting addition to the Sabres' prospect pipeline.

9. Aleksander Kisakov, C/LW, Rochester Americans (AHL)

A skating threat with high-end offensive instincts, Aleksandr Kisakov boasts exceptional speed, agility, and edge work, allowing him to weave around defenders and create high-danger scoring chances. Kisakov's vision and anticipation are impressive, consistently identifying soft spots in coverage and delivering precision passes to exploit them. He possesses a dangerous shot with a quick release, and his ability to create space for himself and his linemates makes him a constant offensive threat. Kisakov’s vision on the ice is a plus, and he’s not afraid to mix it up along the boards to win puck battles. With continued development, Kisakov has the offensive potential to become a top-six forward and a key contributor on the Buffalo Sabres' top lines, but his defensive awareness will need to see improvement if he is to reach that height. His upside as a playmaking, goal-scoring winger makes him an exciting prospect in the Sabres' system.

10. Vsevolod Komarov, D, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

Drafted 134th overall in 2022, the Sabres saw something in the 6’ 3”, 187-pound Vsevolod Komarov. The defender was coming off his first season in the QMJHL and while he had modest production, Buffalo believed in him. That appeared to be the right choice as the defenseman led all QMJHL defenders in assists (55) and points (69) this past season, earning him the Emile-Bouchard Trophy as the top defender in the league. The Russian defender has steadily improved since coming to North America, showing off creativity at the blue line, an ability to draw defenders in, and the knack for finding his open teammates. He’s not afraid to fire a shot himself either. Defensively, he utilizes his size very well, using his strength to muscle people off pucks and his reach to knock pucks away and get in the passing lanes. While there was some question about his upside and potential, Komarov is looking more and more like an NHL player.

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 – BUFFALO SABRES – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #7

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 21:04:44 +0000

Top 20 Buffalo Sabre Prospects

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 03: Rochester Americans right wing Jiri Kulich (25) on the ice during the first period of the American Hockey League game between the Rochester Americans and Cleveland Monsters on December 3, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

1. Jiri Kulich

While Matthew Savoie was the Sabres’ top-10 selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, it’s been 28th-overall-pick Kulich looking more and more like the team’s top prospect. The Czech forward made the jump overseas last season, going straight to the AHL as a teenager and fitting right in. The transition to the league wasn’t a difficult one for the centreman, having spent the previous season with HC Energie Karlovy Vary in the top men’s league in Czechia. He has also been a regular and a standout player on Team Czechia, most recently helping them to a 2023 World Juniors silver medal. Kulich plays hard, fast, and smart - the perfect trifecta for any NHL player. He could be thrown into any role or situation and thrive. At this point, there’s little question of whether or not he’ll make it to the NHL, but only when.

2. Zach Benson

It's not controversial to suggest that Benson is the single smartest prospect in all of hockey. His sense and innate understanding of the game allow him to legitimately thrive against his peers. The way he tracks, breaks down, and anticipates the play is exceptional. He always seems to have a complete understanding at all times of where every player is on the ice, and what their next move is likely to be, and he is constantly re-running those calculations in his head as his shifts progress. He can leave an impact in so many ways, with his zone exits and entries, forechecking, neutral zone positioning and work on both special teams. His shrewd fine details belie a long-time professional. His puck control, playmaking, and shooting abilities are all very good. His agility, crossovers, edge work, and overall skating mechanics help him overcome a short stride, and he has a motor that simply doesn't quit. Not content with being the smartest player on the ice, Benson is also usually the hardest-working and most driven. His consistently high competitiveness is terminator-like. He is a high-character winger who will undoubtedly be a core piece of an NHL roster in the future.

3. Devon Levi

What a successful journey it’s been for Levi. Starting with the CCHL’s Carleton Place Canadians in 2019-20, the goaltender has been MVP of the CCHL and 2019 World Junior A Challenge, Player of the Year in the CJHL and Hockey East, and on top of that, Top Goaltender of the NCAA (twice) as well as the 2021 World Juniors. And that’s just the Cole’s Notes version of his extensive resume to date. While critics will be quick to point out his size, at “just” six feet, he has all of the other attributes that should lead him to continued success throughout his career. He’s so quick and precise in his movement, using strong edges to maintain his positioning. His tracking is among the best of any goaltending prospect and his patience is elite. The wait for Levi to be an NHL regular shouldn’t be long, as the prospect has already signed his entry-level deal and made the jump to the NHL from Northwestern University at the end of last season, looking sharp in his first cameo.

4. Matthew Savoie

In terms of dynamic prospects, you’d be hard-pressed to find one better than Savoie. The Winnipeg Ice centreman has been tearing up the WHL for the past two seasons, eclipsing 35 goals and 90 points in both campaigns. He led all rookies in points in his first season and was rewarded by being selected ninth overall by the Sabres. He’s so difficult to defend due to his excellent edgework and impressive hands to match. He might just be one of the best skaters not in the NHL right now. Savoie is a well-rounded, offensive threat, with a shot that will stand out in the NHL along with strong playmaking and a knack for feeding the slot. He plays at a high pace and isn’t afraid to dive into battles, despite his 5-foot-9 frame. He has the talent to be a top line threat and seems like a safe bet for the top six, at the very least.

5. Isak Rosen

Like Kulich, Rosen just wrapped up his first season in North America and has wasted no time getting accustomed to the game on this side of the Atlantic. This should come as no surprise since the Swede spent the two seasons prior playing in the SHL with Leksands IF. The Sabres drafted him in 2021 at 14th overall, and he spent just one more season in Sweden before heading directly to the AHL. Rosen is such a fun player to watch, stemming from how light he is on his feet and how quickly he can change directions, making him extremely unpredictable. He is very patient, and his intelligence shows with the puck on his stick, waiting for the opportune moment to make a move and create chances. Consistency and finding ways to break through to the middle of the ice appear to be the biggest hurdles for him right now, but he’s well on his way to being a productive middle-six winger.

6. Noah Ostlund

Sticking with the top Swedes in the prospect pool, Ostlund is the third prospect on this list from the Sabres’ ridiculous 2022 first round. Ostlund was the second player taken, 16th overall. He may take some more time than Rosen to make the jump though, playing just 11 SHL games in 2021-22, without recording a point. He played in the second tier HockeyAllsvenskan last season with Djurgardens IF, where he was getting used to playing against men. The centreman brings a promising two-way presence combined with very agile feet. He can tend to be outmuscled on the puck rather often, so there is some concern about how that will translate once he comes overseas. This complicates his projection, but he has both the talent and the work ethic to be a contributing middle-six forward. Another year in Sweden, plus some time in the AHL will be beneficial to his overall development.

7. Anton Wahlberg

When you watch Wahlberg, it's easy to get excited about what he could look like five or 10 years down the road. He leaves an impact through his blend of size, mobility, and puck skill. He is tall and lanky, covering more ice in two strides than many prospects can cover in four. With a slight build, he is light on his feet and doesn't get slowed down by carrying extra weight. He also possesses an enormous wingspan, and his hands are good enough at extension to regularly play keep-away with the puck when opponents get too close and try to steal it from him. Occasionally he will have a shift where he is really feeling it, getting up to his top speed and making gorgeous sweeping dekes as he flies around defenders. He's also getting better at fending off pressure with his shoulder or free arm. These kinds of moments can be breathtaking, and if he can make them happen on a consistent basis, he will be a nightmare for to defend. There is a real chance, albeit a small one, that Wahlberg can become a force-of-nature kind of center once he matures and reaches his peak.

8. Prokhor Poltapov

The Sabres have shown in recent drafts that they’re going to bet on skill and all the rest will fall into place. That seems to be the thought process behind selecting Russian forward Poltapov 33rd overall in 2021. The forward also fits a Sabres mould in his energy level, playing like a wind-up car when he’s on the ice. He has the potential to pull off highlight-reel plays, although that isn’t always on display consistently. That makes him a player to always keep an eye on, as you never know when he’s going to go off. After spending the 2021-22 season bouncing between the MHL, VHL, and KHL, he carved out a role for himself in the KHL last season, albeit in an extremely limited role. His ceiling isn’t overly high, especially due to those aforementioned inconsistencies, but he is signed in Russia until 2024-25, so he has some time to figure it out.

9. Maxim Strbak

Strbak is a lot better than his production with Sioux Falls of the USHL would indicate. He has been a standout for Slovakia internationally over the last two seasons, particularly this past calendar year when he took on a leadership role with both the U18 and U20 teams. At minimum, Strbak projects as a quality stay-at-home defender at the NHL level because he brings physicality, strong positioning and awareness, and a high compete level. He also flashes the skill to evade pressure at both ends which helps him to be a competent facilitator . Even without high-end mobility, he often handles the forecheck well to start the breakout because he has good scanning habits and makes a great first pass. Improving his lateral quickness and agility will be the keys to unlocking any sort of offensive upside at the NCAA or pro levels. Strbak is heading to Michigan State where he should get a ton of ice time and the strength/conditioning program there should help him with his heavy boots. That will be the difference between him developing into a top four defender for Buffalo versus becoming more of a third pairing or depth type.

10. Ryan Johnson

In a system light on high-end defenders, Johnson could easily be higher on this - but that’s a testament to the team’s depth up front than it is a reflection on Johnson right now. Drafted 31st overall in 2019, the swift blueliner was coming off a one-and-done USHL season where he was named to the All-Rookie Team. He then jumped to the NCAA’s University of Minnesota where he was a huge part of their competitive program. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he was still the No. 1 defender on the NCAA’s top team. His reliability, excellent mobility, and his ability to dictate the play all stand out as highly coveted, easily translatable traits. There’s likely not a ton of offensive upside to his game, but there’s also not a lot of downside to his game. He just wrapped up his senior year and doesn’t seem far off from stepping into an NHL role - potentially the top four.

11. Aleksander Kisakov

Kisakov remains a work in progress. The skill level and upside are undeniable, but he remains too slight to be a consistent offensive contributor at the pro level. The Sabres will be looking for him to take on a larger role in Rochester this season.

12. Olivier Nadeau

After a very strong QMJHL career, Nadeau will be turning pro this year and is expected to play with AHL Rochester. A big winger with strong puck protection skills, Nadeau will need to focus on improving his skating to be a consistent contributor at the next level.

13. Lukas Rousek

The leading scorer in Rochester last season, Rousek is a skilled playmaking winger who has a very real chance of earning an NHL roster spot with Buffalo this year. At 24, he is on the older side of the age scale for prospects, but his upside is still solid.

14. Viktor Neuchev

The former third round pick finally broke through to become a KHL regular last season and that parlayed into an NHL deal with Buffalo. He should be making the trek to Rochester this year but will likely be brought along slowly like Kisakov was. A creative offensive player, Neuchev’s offensive ceiling is high.

15. Brandon Biro

Now is the time for the former Penn State star to grab an NHL roster spot. He has been one of Rochester’s best players over the last two years, but he is now out of options at the NHL level. He will need a very strong training camp to stay in Buffalo’s long-term plans.

16. Brett Murray

Another player that is out of options and is no longer exempt from waivers. The big, power winger has improved every year at the AHL level and could be ready to push for a bottom six role with Buffalo.

17. Topias Leinonen

2022-23 was a season to forget for the first netminder taken in the 2022 Draft. He struggled to find his game, even at the U20 level in Finland, and was passed over for the Finnish squad at the WJC’s. The massive netminder will look to bounce back this season.

18. Gavin McCarthy

A third-round selection this past draft, McCarthy is a competitive two-way defender who will be attending Boston University this year. McCarthy’s ultimate projection is still a mystery, but the tools are intriguing.

19. Jake Richard

The decision to return to the USHL last year, delaying his enrollment at UConn, ended up being a solid one for Richard as he finished among the leading scorers in the league. A skilled playmaker who is dangerous down low, Richard will be focusing on improving his skating as he begins his NCAA career.

20. Mats Lindgren

Buffalo will be looking for Lindgren, a mobile, puck moving defender, to become one of the better defencemen in the WHL this season as they face a decision on whether or not to sign him. The upside is high for this son of the former NHL’er of the same name.

PROSPECTS: 2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW – One Drafted and One Draft Eligible Prospect from Each Scouting Region

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 13:39:38 +0000

The 2023 scouting season is upon us! As we head into a new draft season, we, at McKeen’s Hockey, have made a few changes to our roster of writers and scouts. This piece serves as an opportunity to not only meet the team, but also preview some of the players to watch across the globe this hockey season. We asked our staff to give us one draft eligible player and one already drafted player from their region to keep a close eye on.

Director of Scouting/Ontario Region - Brock Otten

https://twitter.com/BrockOtten

2023 Player to Watch: Beau Akey, D, Barrie Colts

"Akey is a highly mobile two-way defender with the Colts who will likely take on a top four role on a strong Barrie team this year. He would have likely been on the Canadian Hlinka team this summer had he not picked up an injury at the beginning of camp. Akey is a preseason regional favourite of mine and after a strong preseason performance, he looks poised to be a steady riser over the season."

Already Drafted to Watch: Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia Sting

The San Jose Sharks draft pick heads into the OHL season as my preseason favourite to be the OHL's top netminder (Jim Rutherford award) this year. He doesn't have an NHL contract yet and is playing for one this season, but I fully expect him to earn one. The athletic Gaudreau should also be the starting netminder for Canada at the WJC's this year.

Benjamin Gaudreau of the Sarnia Sting. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Assistant Director of Scouting/Western Canada Region - Derek Neumeier

https://twitter.com/Derek_N_NHL

2023 Player to Watch: Riley Heidt, C, Prince George Cougars

The Cougars haven't had a winning season since 2016-17, but they also haven't had a prospect as good as Heidt to help turn that tide until now. His hockey sense and puck skills are high-end, and he has the right mental makeup to handle the pressure that will be placed upon him as his team's number one center and best player.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Logan Stankoven, C, Kamloops Blazers

The reigning WHL Player of the Year has already accomplished a lot (including winning World Juniors gold) but will have a new challenge this season: leading his Blazers team as they host the 2023 Memorial Cup. It barely seems possible that Stankoven could be more dynamic or terrorizing offensively, but he always finds a way to surpass expectations.

Western Canada Region - Arlo Schulz

2023 Player to Watch: Andrew Cristall, F, Kelowna Rockets

"Cristall begins this season under the radar as all eyes are on Connor Bedard in the WHL this year, but that won't last long. Cristall had a terrific rookie season last year and with the young Rockets returning almost their entire roster, they won't need time to gel and Cristall could explode out of the gate. He possesses elite offensive instincts, a slick set of hands, and is constantly creating something out of nothing in the offensive zone. He lacks explosiveness but focused on his skating during the offseason and showed well at the Hlinka in August. He projects as a 1st-rounder and could shoot up draft boards as the year progresses."

Already Drafted to Watch: Mats Lindgren, D, Red Deer Rebels

"Lindgren is a beautiful skater who was projected to go in the top two rounds last draft but slipped to the 4th round (Sabres) amid concerns about his inconsistency and offensive upside. An effortless mover who can carry the puck with ease and distribute well, Lindgren was one of the youngest players in his draft class and could take a massive step forward in his D+1 season. He requested a trade and was dealt to the Rebels, where he will assume greater responsibilities and play in all situations. His skillset is tailor-made for the modern game, as a mobile defenseman with terrific instincts. It will be fascinating to watch if the rest of his game catches up to his potential this year."

Sweden Region - Jacob Smeds

https://twitter.com/Scouting_Jacob

2023 Player to Watch: Kalle Carlsson, C, Örebro HK

Kalle Carlsson is a potential riser throughout the season. He is a playmaker who creates space for his teammates with his strong skating and high hockey IQ. In the same way that his hockey sense allows him to thrive offensively, he can also play defense efficiently thanks to his smartness.

Already Drafted to Watch: Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Djurgårdens IF

Lekkerimäki is a pure goal scorer with tremendous offensive instincts. In the offensive zone, he works hard off the puck to create space to shoot. He also brings the puck to the net to challenge goalies in tight using his soft hands. Lekkerimäki is looking to establish himself at the pro level in the Swedish second tier league this winter and his preseason bears the promise of a smooth transition from the junior leagues.

211021 Djurgårdens Jonathan Lekkerimäki under ishockeymatchen i SHL mellan Djurgården och Oskarshamn den 21 oktober 2021 i Stockholm.
Foto: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN / COP 106 / AE0062

Eastern Canada Region - Éloi Biondo

https://twitter.com/eloi632211

2023 Player to Watch: Etienne Morin, D, Moncton Wildcats

Etienne Morin is a mobile two-way defenseman who can move the puck up the ice very effectively and make plays in the offensive zone. He averaged 21 minutes a game last year as a rookie blue-liner for the Wildcats and tallied an impressive 34 points in 70 games. Morin could’ve probably played at the most recent Hlinka-Gretzky cup tournament, but Team Canada probably preferred a more steady and physical option on their blue line— something that Morin will have to work on this upcoming season.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Jordan Dumais, RW, Halifax Mooseheads

Dumais was one of the most polarizing prospects for the most recent NHL Draft. The undersized winger has been scoring at historic rates in the QMJHL and is poised for another big year with the Moose. Such numbers and offensive abilities would usually guarantee you of a high-end draft pick. However, Dumais’ skating and physical tools are just not what you want in an NHL prospect, which made him a third-round selection by the Columbus Blue Jackets, instead of a higher selection. It will definitely be very interesting to see how he progresses this upcoming season.

Western Canada Region - Adam Tate

https://twitter.com/ADTate39

2023 Draft Eligible Player to Watch: Riley Heidt, C, Prince George Cougars

Having led the Cougars in scoring last season, Riley Heidt will be looked upon to be the “do everything” centre for the team again this year. Coming off a strong showing in this past summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, I’m looking forward to seeing if he can solidify a middle of the 1st round draft ranking.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Owen Pickering, D, Swift Current Broncos

The first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in last year’s NHL draft, Owen Pickering is looking to improve his raw talents in Swift Current this season. If his skating and offense can start to catch up to his size and transitional skills, he could very well secure a spot on Canada’s WJC roster this year.

Russia Region - Viktor Fomich

https://twitter.com/RUSProspects

2023 Player to Watch: Roman Kantserov, W, Stalnie Lisy Magnitogorsk, MHL

Roman Kantserov is a winger whose every movement is just oozing attacking skill. He might not always be showing that on a consistent basis, but when he is on his game he is definitely as electrifying to watch as the top Russian guys like Matvei Michkov or Mikhail Gulyayev. He still should be evaluated more closely to find out what outweighs here: skill or inconsistency.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Nikolai Kovalenko, W, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL

For Colorado Avalanche wing prospect Nikolai Kovalenko, last season was one to forget due to a heavy concussion that left a question mark on his NHL upside. After an amazing start to this KHL season, he suffered another concussion. Even though he is back now, we have the same questions about his health and ability to reach the NHL level in two years (when his KHL contract is up). This season should provide some answers though.

Director of Video Scouting - Will Scouch

https://twitter.com/Scouching

2023 Player to Watch: Caden Price, D, Kelowna Rockets

After a strong Hlinka camp and tournament performance logging tons of minutes, Price is exactly the defender I'm looking for. Mobile, quick, skilled, jumps into offensive situations, deceptive with the puck and a reliance on his feet to do a lot of defensive work. There's creativity in spades to execute plays well, and his youth in this draft class combined with his current ability are tantalizing to consider. He's been ranked in late first rounds at times but I get the feeling that keen-eyed observers will come around a little more.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Simon Robertsson, W, Skellefteå AIK

I've been a big believer in Robertsson and believe that patience will be rewarded with more development in Sweden. A slow start in the SHL gave way for a relatively strong finish in very limited minutes, but Robertsson's shot, evasive skill, and improving straight line speed could make him a more threatening SHL scorer this season. There may be better players out there right now developing, but Robertsson's offensive upside is hard to ignore and still has plenty of time to emerge against men.

Video Scout - Zack Szweras

https://twitter.com/Zack_Szweras

2023 Player to Watch: Otto Stenberg, W, Frölunda, SHL

Stenberg is an exciting offensive winger, with plenty of creativity as both a playmaker and scorer. Stenberg captained team Sweden to a silver medal recently in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He also led the team in scoring. After a strong tournament, Stenberg has a good chance to increase his draft stock with his flashy and crafty play.

Already Drafted Player: Noah Ostlund, C, Djurgardens IF, SHL

Ostlund, the 16th overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL Draft, is poised for a larger role at the pro level. Ostlund will split time between the J20 and HockeyAllsvenskan for Djurgårdens IF. He produced over a point per game in the J20 last season but will be looking to achieve that playing against men. Ostlund is a strong playmaking centre, who will have a chance to crack Sweden’s World Junior roster in December too.

Djurgården's Noah Östlund celebrates after 1-2 during the final in the Junior SM for J20 between Djurgården and Linköping on April 10, 2022 in Nyköping.
Photo: Tobias Sterner / BILDBYRÅN /

Central Europe Region - Chapin Landvogt

https://twitter.com/Csomichapin

GERMANY

2023 Player to Watch: Linus Brandl, F, Mannheim Jungadler (DNL)

In a season where not a single name stands out as a surefire draft pick next summer, the 6-foot Brandl has followed up a somewhat eye-opening, yet unassuming Gretzky Hlinka Cup (2-3-5 in 4 games) by kicking off the DNL season with 5-5-10 in 6 games. Brandl won't stick out with any specific tool, but he simply never fails to produce. He just "gets it" when it comes to generating offense with what he has. Pro play is in the cards this season.

Already Drafted to Watch: Dominik Bokk, RW, Frankfurt Lions

The DEL's new team has brought in a big fish in Dominik Bokk, who already concluded last season (minimally) helping Berlin grab the league title. Growing long in the prospect tooth and clearly not looking like a player in Carolina's plans, the 22-year-old has kicked off things with a bang, going 4-3-7 with a +4 in his first 4 games of the season.

SWITZERLAND

2023 Player to Watch: Leo Braillard, F, Biel-Bienne U20

Playing together with skilled overager Mattheo Reinhard, Braillard has put up 7-3-10 numbers in 6 U20 games thus far. Already having represented Switzerland at every level between U16-U18, he has been a constant producer for his club, having captained the U17 outfit last season for which he put up 62 points in 30 games. A U18 Worlds appearance at home next spring is a given after his 4-1-5 output at the Gretzky Hlinka Cup this summer.

Already Drafted to Watch: Simon Knak, RW, HC Davos

After being drafted as an overager, Knak went from being a productive winger for the Portland Winterhawks to chugging away in the pro ranks as a 19-year-old to the tune of 15 points in 51 games. A multi-year captain of the U20 team, Knak is back at it for Davos this season and has a 1-1-2 statline in 4 NL games this year. More importantly, he's playing a line higher than last year, averaging just over 14 minutes a night.

Ontario Region - Dylan Krill

https://twitter.com/dylan_krill

2023 Player to Watch: Cam Allen, D, Guelph Storm

Allen is a high-end two-way defenseman who looked like a veteran in his rookie year. After a strong Hlinka tournament where he served as captain for team Canada, Allen will look to have a big season with Guelph, establishing himself as the premier defenseman of the 2023 NHL Draft.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: David Goyette, C, Sudbury Wolves

The 61st overall selection by the Seattle Kraken in the 2022 draft, David Goyette was my favourite player last year because of his blend of high-end creativity and puck skills with elite skating. After finishing with the most points by a rookie, he will look to have another big season on an improved Sudbury team.

David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves. Photo by Robert Lefebvre /OHL Images.

Slovak and Czech Region - Matej Deraj

https://twitter.com/MatoDeraj

2023 Player to Watch: Ondrej Molnár, W, HK Nitra

Molnár is an electric winger who has nifty hands, good hockey sense and a dangerous shot, although he’s more of a playmaker. His biggest asset is his skating; he’s quick, agile and his acceleration is at the top level. The main room for improvement is in his defensive game and awareness. Overall, an intriguing player to watch who’s dangerous every time he steps on the ice.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Adam Sýkora, W/C, HK Nitra

Sýkora has gained a lot of confidence since last year. The second-round pick of the 2022 draft had impressed everybody with his tremendous worth ethic and compete level, but the expectations are now higher for the Rangers prospect. I believe Sýkora will use his speed and skills to improve his last year’s point record and earn a call-up to the Men’s National Team.

Eastern Canada Region - Charles Lassonde

https://twitter.com/cl_hockeyscout

2023 Player to Watch: Mathieu Cataford, RW, Halifax Mooseheads

Cataford has been outstanding since the second half of the last season with Halifax. He elevated his game to a higher standard and had a strong showing in the playoffs. Despite a quiet Hlinka-Gretzky tournament, I really think that everything is set for Cataford to establish himself as a 1st round pick or at least a second-round selection in the 2023 NHL draft. His skating remains the weakness in his game, but his skill level, intensity, hockey sense and responsible 200-feet game style will quickly erase the doubts of the scouts in Cataford’s game

Already Drafted to Watch: Tristan Luneau, RD, Gatineau Olympiques

The Anaheim Ducks 2nd round pick has already been sent back to Gatineau after getting two points (1 goal and 1 assist) in his only exhibition game with the Ducks. Despite dealing with injuries in the 2020-21 season, Luneau surely didn’t show the best of himself last year. Knowing him from the M18AAA in Quebec, I’m sure that he’ll be in a better shape and ready to bring his game to the level he knows it can be.

AHL Coverage - Josh Bell

https://twitter.com/JoshuaBell31

Already Drafted to Watch: Yaroslav Askarov, G, Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

The Nashville Predators 11th overall draft pick in 2020 is finally making the trip overseas, joining the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals as he adjusts to the North American game. Touted as the next Carey Price in his draft year, the Russian netminder will likely be sharing the crease with another strong goaltending prospect in Connor Ingram, but Askarov will get his share of starts and is one injury or hot streak away from taking over the starting reins.

Already Drafted to Watch: Jiri Kulich, C, Rochester Americans (AHL)

One of my favourite prospects in the 2022 NHL Draft, Kulich is entering his first professional season in North America. He had a remarkable 2021-22 campaign, leading all rookies in points in the top-Czech men’s league before captaining the Czechs in the World Under-18s, leading the tournament in goals and being named MVP. Plus, he finished over a point-per-game at the U20s. I’m excited to see how he adjusts in the AHL.

U.S. Region - Ethan Hetu

https://twitter.com/EthanHetu

2023 Player to Watch: William Whitelaw, C/RW, Youngstown Phantoms

The University of Wisconsin commit starred last year at Shattuck St. Mary’s alongside top 2024 prospect Macklin Celebrini and now will play his draft season as “the guy” for the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms. Whitelaw is a creative playmaker and an aggressive, pace-pushing offensive generator. Whitelaw has said that he’d like to improve his defensive game and become the most well-rounded player of the 2023 class, so it’ll be intriguing to see how he evolves as he strives to commit more to the 200-foot game.

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Lane Hutson, D, Boston University

Concerns about how Lane Hutson’s size (he is listed at five-foot-nine, 155 pounds) would limit his game’s translatability to more difficult levels of hockey caused the dynamic blueliner to have to wait until the 62nd pick of the 2022 draft to hear his name called. A more difficult level of hockey has now arrived for Hutson, who at Boston University will look to continue to break the mold of what the modern NHL defenseman “should” look like.

Lane Hutson

Russia Region - Dmitri Blokhin

https://twitter.com/DVBlokhin

2023 Player to Watch: Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Omsk Yastreby VHL

Gulyayev shines bright and stands out among Russian draft eligibles because of his hockey IQ. He is really great with the puck in the offensive zone and he’s also very confident and reliable in the defensive end. He has a high skill level, playmaking and quarter-backing ability, and character. He started this season with VHL team Omskiye Krylia and already played several games with Avangard KHL. The expectations are high for him.

Already Drafted to Watch: Alexander Perevalov, F, Kunlun Red Star KHL

Selected in the 3rd round of the 2022 draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, Perevalov has high expectations due to his talent level. His last season was a controversial one with his play being inconsistent and his character being questionable. Nevertheless, he gets a trade from CSKA system in the new season and finds himself with the Kunlun Red Star KHL team. He's already showing more confidence, and in a recent game against CSKA he scored 2 goals and was successful in the game winning penalty shot. If his growth is consistent, he'll be able to develop his talent to 100% and play in the NHL after his current contract expires.

Eastern Canada Region - Benoit Belanger

https://twitter.com/BenoitGBelanger

2023 Player to Watch: Miguel Tourigny, D, Shawinigan Cataractes

At just 16, he turned heads with a stellar performance in the President's Cup Championship and Memorial Cup. His calm play, his intelligence, his maturity, combined with his skills, make him a player with great potential. He did very well during the U18 Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. Very good across 200 feet, very good hockey sense, with good passing and skating skills. He is a player to watch.

Already Drafted to Watch: Angus Booth, D, Shawinigan Cataractes

After an emotional and experience-filled season, including a President's Cup and a Memorial Cup appearance, Booth saw that memorable season come to a close with his 4th round selection by the Los Angeles Kings. It will be a totally different situation for him this year, with a team starting a junior cycle again. But it will be interesting to follow how he will react to this challenge and if he will be able to take his level of play to another level. I'm curious to see the full extent of his intelligence being passed on to his younger teammates.

Finland Region - Mikko Kuikka

https://twitter.com/mijukui83

2023 Player to Watch: Arttu Karki, D, Tappara U20 SM

“Karki is a very mobile defenseman with good shooting skills. Overall, he is a puck moving defenseman with good size (187cm) and good skating. At the moment, Karki is a 2nd/3rd-round talent, but if he has another great year, he could climb higher.”

Already Drafted Player to Watch: Joakim Kemell, W, Jyp

“Kemell is a strong shooter who can also create his own chances. Drafted by Nashville Predators 2022 Draft as a first-round pick, he is playing this season at Jyp Jyvaskyla (Finnish liiga) as a loan player from Nashville Predators. I hope he makes this an injury free season that will show his real potential playing at the men's level.”

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – BUFFALO SABRES – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 15:06:25 +0000

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) holds the point on the power play during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres on April 28, 2022, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Owen Power D

The top prospect of the 2021 draft, Owen Power has met all the lofty expectations placed upon him, if not exceeded them. Power’s unorthodox choice to play an extra season in the NCAA after being drafted proved useful to his development, as he used his sophomore season at Michigan to refine his offensive toolbox and add some more polish to his game. Power’s choice to wait a bit longer to join the Sabres also allowed him to take part in the Beijing Winter Olympics, where he represented Canada and looked the part playing against some of the best players outside the NHL. By the time he stepped into the Sabres’ lineup in the spring of 2022, Power looked comfortable on NHL ice and found himself ready to weather the challenges of being a minute-eating defenseman at the game’s highest level. Power’s size is what most immediately sticks out to observers and forwards looking to score when he’s on the ice. Standing at six-foot-six, Power’s size allows him to impose himself on puck carriers and interrupt their plans in his zone. Power has exceptional reach and that reach when combined with his size and hockey IQ gives him a strong floor to work with as an NHL prospect. Even if his NCAA scoring doesn’t translate to the professional game, he should still be able to have a career as a high-end defensive defenseman. But, thankfully for the Sabres, Power has a strong chance to become a difference-maker offensively as well. Power is an extremely good skater for someone of his size, and his skating and exceptional on-ice vision help the Sabres’ transition game immediately next season. If Power can continue to grow more comfortable with the puck on his stick, he should be able to become a do-it-all top-of-the-lineup number-one defenseman. - EH

2 - Jack Quinn RW

The 8th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, Jack Quinn has emerged as one of top prospects outside of the NHL after a dominating performance in the AHL this past season. The former Ottawa 67 hasn’t had the easiest ride to prospect stardom, but not all paths to the NHL are created equally. After a breakout OHL campaign that saw him earn a spot in the top 10 of the 2020 draft, Quinn had a rough start to his pro career during the 2020-21 season, when the pandemic forced the cancellation of the OHL season, pushing him into an AHL role likely before he was ready. Inconsistent performance and a season ending hernia injury mired that season. However, just as he had done during his OHL career, Quinn made the necessary adjustments to find success and this has him positioned for a full time NHL role this coming season. Two of Quinn’s best assets are his shot and his on-ice awareness. He is fantastic at finding space inside the offensive zone, positioning himself for quality scoring chances. This, in combination with his great shot, makes him a terrific complementary player to pair with a quality playmaking center. However, Quinn proved this year that he can create his own chances at the pro level by improving his explosiveness and confidence with the puck. He was often the primary play driver for Rochester, and this should have Sabres fans excited about his potential as an offensive star. Furthermore, he is more than just a one-dimensional offensive player. He excels in all three zones and his high IQ allows him to be a terrific defensive player too. As long as he can avoid injury (a lower body injury prevented him from emerging as a full time NHL’er late last season), Quinn should be a lock to be in the NHL this year. - BO

3 - Matthew Savoie C

Savoie is one of those players that is impossible to not root for when you watch him play. He makes up for his lack of stature with an entertaining package of slick puck skill, high-end hockey IQ, an abundance of heart and an enviable fearlessness. He is difficult to defend when he has some time and space to work with, because he innately thinks the game one step ahead of his opponents and can dissect them offensively in different ways. The Winnipeg Ice successfully convinced their 1st-overall selection in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft to join the club, eschewing a prior verbal commitment he had made to the NCAA’s University of Denver, and after COVID-related detours to the AJHL and USHL in 2020-21 he finally made his full-time WHL debut in 2021-22, scoring a sparkling 90 points in 65 contests. For his efforts he was nabbed by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1st round, 9th overall, of the 2022 draft. He is still at least one full year away from NHL duty, which will be bad news for almost all of the WHL, as he will be reuniting on the Ice with fellow 2022 top prospect Conor Geekie and 2023-eligible phenom Zach Benson. It will also be the best-case situation for him health-wise, as it will allow him time to add on some much-needed muscle to better handle the physical challenges of the sport, which will be especially useful considering his love of attacking the net and lack of shyness about getting into the dirty areas. Savoie has plenty of upside as a possession-driving offensive forward, and since the Sabres have an abundance of talented young forwards that they can spread heavy lifting and difficult matchups between, you have to love his odds of reaching that ceiling. – DN

4 - John-Jason Peterka LW

Part of the reason why the Rochester Americans were so fun to watch last year was the dynamic duo of Jack Quinn and John-Jason Peterka. The two showed tremendous chemistry together as they tore apart the AHL. Peterka ended up leading the AHL in rookie point production (68) and goals (28). If you are a history buff, it is worth noting that Peterka’s 68 points were the third most all time by a U20 player in the AHL, and the first to top 60 points since Patrice Bergeron scored 61 in 2005 and Mikko Rantanen scored 60 in 2016. That is mighty impressive. This has caused Peterka to rocket up the rankings, making him one of the better young forwards currently outside of the NHL. That may not be for long. Many have him penciled into the Sabres lineup for the coming season, perhaps even as part of a “kid” line with Jack Quinn. Peterka has a skill set built for the modern NHL game. Not only is he a dynamic skater who can lead the attack or support it, but his development as a skilled puck carrier has been tremendous. Peterka is also someone who won’t hurt you playing limited minutes to start (increasing his odds of making the NHL this season) because he competes hard at both ends and already has an advanced understanding of how to play without the puck. The excitement over this budding German star is legitimate. - BO

5 - Devon Levi G

Despite posting an extremely good 941 save percentage in his draft season for the Carleton Place Canadians of the CCHL, Devon Levi had to wait until the seventh round of the 2020 draft to hear his name called, going 212th overall to the Florida Panthers. The main reason for that? While his,941 save percentage mark was elite (albeit against lower-tier competition) NHL teams seemingly cared far more about another number: 72. That’s how many inches Levi stands above the ground, clocking in at just six feet tall. He’s undersized by the standards modern NHL front offices apply to goalies, and as a result his future projection was cloudy. He could be an elite goalie at a lower level, sure, but would his lack of size leave him exposed at the more difficult NCAA level? In his freshman year at Northeastern University, Levi resoundingly answered that question. Levi posted a .952 save percentage and authored one of the most impressive individual seasons by any prospect this year. He already flashed that talent last year, representing Canada at the World Juniors, and now he proved it by laying waste to the college hockey landscape. Now a Buffalo Sabre, Levi’s incredible performance has solidified his place as their presumed “goalie of the future.” Levi’s game shares a lot of similarities to another legendary college performer, Jonathan Quick. Like Quick, Levi relies on his athleticism and mobility to make saves, aggressively challenging shooters and making himself look bigger than he is. Levi’s size will always bring those who question whether his game will work at the pro level, and there have been many talented junior or college goalies who flame out against more dangerous offenses. Levi’s no guarantee, but there are few goalie prospects who ooze talent like Levi does. - EH

6 - Noah Ostlund C

The 16^th overall selection in the 2022 draft, Ostlund is one of three centres the Buffalo Sabres selected in the first round this year. Buffalo has now selected a player from Sweden in back-to-back first rounds after selecting Isak Rosen last year. Ostlund should be considered a two-way centre, as he excels at both ends of the ice. He is agile and has a smooth skating stride with four-way mobility. He is strong in the faceoff circle and on both special teams. His calling card on offence is his strong playmaking ability. He is a menace in transition using his silky hands and smooth stride to weave through defenders. When he is given time and space, Ostlund will draw the opposition’s attention and wait for a passing lane to open up before rifling the puck to a teammate. The concern with Ostlund is his lack of size and strength, which could affect his ability to play down the middle over the long run. If he can add strength, Ostlund could be a staple down the middle for the Sabres in the near future. At worst, he projects to be a middle-six playmaking forward with the ability to contribute on both special team units. After dominating the J20 league last year, Ostlund will look to split time this year between the J20 and the SHL with Djurgårdens. - ZS

7 - Jiri Kulich C

The Czech forward made a huge impression at the recent World Juniors, scoring twice and adding six assists in seven matches. He was one of the main reasons for the Czechs reaching the semifinals. The Buffalo Sabres first rounder is a smart two-way forward who plays the game at a high pace. He has an absolute cannon of a shot and cannot be left unguarded. He excels at finding open spots for himself and shooting one-timers. Kulich has no notable weakness to his game; he is very good at both ends of the rink, can withstand the physical play, is very good along the boards, and he reads the game well. Kulich has proven himself at the senior level, scoring 14 points (9+5) in 49 games for Karlove Vary in Czech top tier league last year. Moreover, he absolutely tore up the last U18 World Championships, scoring 9 goals (and 2 assists) in six games as Czechia’s captain, earning an MVP title. Kulich should remain with Karlove Vary next season, although we could see him in North America at some point. He is ready to play with the pros with his well-rounded game, as he has already demonstrated. Kulich´s versality and confidence bring a lot of hope for Sabres fans that he should appear in the NHL within a few years. - MD

8 - Prokhor Poltapov LW

Selected #33 overall by Buffalo Sabres, Prokhor Poltapov continues to show steady progression. This year he has played for the Russian U-25 national team and for CSKA (KHL). Thus far, playing against men (last year and this year), Poltapov has proven to be an effective player because of his ability to work below the goal line and his high skill level. However, it is also obvious that he still needs to get stronger to perform well at higher levels. Poltapov is a proactive player with great hockey sense who can compete effectively at both ends of the ice. A competitive goal scorer, he also possesses a strong shot and scoring instincts. Poltapov battles hard for the puck, especially in the offensive zone, and is solid in the corners and behind the net. He shows great potential physically against his peers. He protects the puck extremely well and is difficult to knock off stride. While Poltapov has to be considered a mobile player with good agility, he could still stand to improve his quickness. His KHL contract ends after the 2024-25 season, which means that he will continue to develop in Russia until then. However, this will give him the chance to be a strong pro player even before coming to North America, meaning that at that time, he could step right into an NHL lineup and be an effective role player. His upside is probably that of a strong two-way middle six forward. - DB

9 - Isak Rosen RW

Rosen was selected 14^th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2021 NHL draft. He is a speedy winger who possesses a lethal shot, good puck handling skills, and strong playmaking ability. Rosen’s skating stride is textbook, as he is light on his feet with good ankle flexion and the ability to stop and pivot on a dime. He combines his skating stride with elite hands, allowing him to have plenty of success in transition. If you give Rosen enough space, he will hurt you with his scoring ability. One of the best pure scorers in last year’s draft, Rosen can beat you with a wrister or one-timer. When Rosen shoots, he has immaculate accuracy. If you give him too much time and space, he will find a way to put it in the back of the net. Last season, Rosen spent the majority of his time in the SHL in a sheltered bottom-six role where, considering the ice-time limitations, he was still able to put up 4 points in 28 games. When Rosen played in the J20 league with a larger role, he produced 4 goals and 9 points in 8 games. He recently made a strong impact for team Sweden in the August World Juniors, playing top-six minutes and contributing 4 points in 6 games. It is expected that Rosen will make the leap over to North America this upcoming season, where he will get a look from the NHL club during training camp, although he is most likely to spend majority of the season in Rochester playing for Buffalo’s AHL team. - ZS

10 - Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen G

The road to becoming an NHL netminder has not been easy thus far for the former OHL Star and Red Tilson winner (given to the league’s best player). His first pro season in 2020 was a near write-off as he attempted to return following offseason hip surgery. Then each of the last two seasons have also seen him battle various other injuries. However, last year was unquestionably his most promising as a pro. He performed extremely well in the NHL for the Sabres…before ultimately suffering a lower body injury that kept him out for a month. Upon returning to Rochester after the injury, he was not nearly as successful either. Without question, Luukkonen is talented enough to be an NHL netminder. He proved that this past year. He has the size. He has the athleticism. He reads the play well and competes for angles. There is a reason why he dominated the OHL and the World Juniors not too long ago. However, with each accumulating injury, you have to worry about Luukkonen’s long-term health and ability to succeed. First, and foremost, staying healthy will be important this season. The Sabres signed Eric Comrie from Winnipeg to split time with Craig Anderson in the Buffalo crease, putting less pressure on UPL. However, it seems likely that he sees some NHL action this year, even if only as an injury fill in. With Devon Levi knocking on the door as the Sabres goalie of the future, Luukkonen likely has a limited window to prove that he still deserves to be in that discussion. - BO

11 -Ryan Johnson

In a surprise turn of events, the former first round pick will return to Minnesota (NCAA) for his senior year, rather than turn pro. Will there be signability concerns with the smooth skating defensively oriented rearguard?

12 - Erik Portillo

The 6’6 netminder was one of the best goaltenders in the NCAA last season with Michigan, his sophomore year. Now he returns to Michigan for his junior year and is a top candidate for the Mike Richter award.

13 - Alexander Kisakov

After a small step backward in the MHL last year, Kisakov has decided to turn pro and will play in Rochester of the AHL this year. The Sabres will be looking for more consistency from the skilled, but competitive winger.

14 - Josh Bloom

The Saginaw Spirit weren’t great last year, but Bloom emerged as an excellent prospect. A high IQ winger, Bloom excels as a playmaker and shows potential as a strong two-way forward.

15 - Oskari Laaksonen

A former third round pick of the Sabres, Laaksonen’s first full season in North America was a major success as he became one of Rochester’s most dependable defenders. A mobile puck mover, he could be in play as a Buffalo call up this year.

16 - Mats Lindgren

Drafted later than we anticipated he would be, Lindgren is a mobile, pucking moving defender. The focus for him will be to improve his play in the defensive zone while maintaining his strong offensive play.

17 - Viktor Neuchev

A recent third round selection by the Sabres, Neuchev has a very high offensive ceiling due to his combination of speed and skill. He will continue his development in Russia this coming season.

18 - Olivier Nadeau

The playmaking winger won a QMJHL championship with Shawinigan last season. His athletic tools are still developing, but his offensive zone awareness is a major strength that makes him the perfect complementary player on a scoring line.

19 - Topias Leinonen

The highest selected goalie in the 2022 NHL Draft, Leinonen is a massive netminder who pairs his size with improving athletic traits. Consistency is an issue he has a long time to iron out.

20 - Brett Murray

The big, power winger, formerly of Penn State, has played well the last two seasons with Rochester of the AHL. After a strong NHL audition last year, he will be looking to make the jump permanently this season.

2022 NHL DRAFT: WHL – Mats Lindgren, D, Kamloops Blazers

Arlo Schulz — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 20:10:41 +0000

Mats Lindgren is the type of prospect that elicits a wide variety of opinions (and projections) from scouts. His package of offensive skills is tantalizing. An effortless skater with an uncanny ability to escape trouble and find daylight, Lindgren combines that trait with great vision and playmaking abilities and good anticipation. When the puck is on his stick, he’s an offensive weapon. However, his focus wanes in the defensive zone. When this happens, there’s a noticeable lack of effort and tendency to glide. Additionally, Lindgren’s defensive reads can be questionable at times, leaving one to wonder if he doesn’t understand his assignment or is simply not mentally engaged in that moment. He can be physically overpowered defensively and will have to add strength as well. Lindgren struggles at times with consistency but when he is on, there are few blueliners who are more exciting to watch. His skating is pure poetry in motion, and when you combine that with great puck skills and playmaking ability, you have a prospect that titillates scouts and likely has a NHL team calling his name in the first round this June.

Mats Lindgren. Photo by Allen Douglas

Mats Lindgren	2022 NHL Draft Eligible
Position: D, Shoots L	H/W: 6-0", 175 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	Kamloops Blazers, WHL (59-5-35-40-38)

Skating – Where to begin? Lindgren could well be the best skater in the entire draft class. Let’s be clear: he’s not the fastest skater, but could still be the best skater. His top end speed is just average and his acceleration slightly above, but what sets Lindgren’s feet apart are his finesse and escapability. He possesses an effortless stride, to the point where it can appear like he isn’t trying on some shifts. A very efficient, quiet stride with no “chaos” or “noise” that choppy mechanics can bring. His edgework and ability to change directions on a dime, is off the charts. Smooth and slippery are two adjectives that come to mind, a result of effortless crossovers and unders. Lindgren is a master at “walking the line” in the offensive zone and avoiding forecheckers, with deft changes of pace or direction that allow him to find the tiny bit of space needed to escape. He likes to utilize the spin-o-rama at times in situations like these, something that likely won’t fly at the next level but showcases his agility nonetheless. A natural fit on the powerplay. Grade: 65

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Lindgren shows off his terrific small area quickness, weaving ability, and sharp agility on this clean exit and entry in transition. He escapes the first forechecker with a cut, then evades a defender in the neutral zone with a sharp directional change. Neither requires him to break stride or lose speed and this helps him gain the offensive zone with ease, allowing his team to set up possession down low.

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Here we see a bad turnover from Lindgren because he does not build quickness fast enough to escape the forecheck. As mentioned, the one weakness in his stride is a lack of true speed. Over-reliance on c-cuts and mohawking to clear the zone at times leads to turnovers. By adding more explosiveness to his first few strides, Lindgren would be quicker in a straight line and help to prevent turnovers.

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After a broken play in the offensive zone while up a man, Lindgren gets the puck at the point and showcases his ability to hold the line against an aggressive forward. With all four teammates caught low, Lindgren is on an island but rather than safely move the puck deep, he shows off his lateral agility in walking the blueline, sucking in the pressure before executing a flawless (albeit risky) spin move, opening up ice for the next point of attack.

Shot – This is one part of Lindgren’s game that doesn’t really pop. He almost never takes slapshots, and when he does they aren’t much of a threat. His wrister isn’t a muffin, but it lacks deception and is read fairly easily by goalies. Lindgren’s shot accuracy when joining the rush is decent, but he struggles to get pucks through traffic from the point and usually chooses to defer the shot anyway. He doesn’t utilize the one-timer and is always looking to set up a teammate, sometimes even from prime scoring areas. This is an area that Lindgren will look to improve in order to become a powerplay weapon at the pro level, although to be fair there are quality NHL defensemen who have played that role without a good shot (ie TJ Brodie). Nevertheless, goal scoring is one aspect of Lindgren’s game that leaves a bit to be desired. Grade: 45

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In this clip, Lindgren does well to recognize the opportunity to walk into dangerous ice, but his wrist shot is lacking velocity, and his release is telegraphed. The goaltender reads Lindgren’s intent with ease and turns the shot aside on an opportunity that really should have been more dangerous.

Skills – Lindgren possesses a nice array of offensive skills. His best attribute is his vision, allowing him to pick out the open man either on the powerplay, or at even-strength on the breakout. He’s a gifted passer, not only in terms of his accuracy but also in his sense of tempo and timing. Those receiving his passes aren’t often put in poor situations without time or space; in other words, Lindgren’s distributing ability makes his teammates look good. He is an excellent stickhandler and makes carrying the puck look easy, even through traffic. He has that ability to buy himself extra time and space, drawing defenders in before dishing to the open man at exactly the right moment. His skillset is perfectly suited to the powerplay but is an asset at even-strength with the puck as well. Grade: 60

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This is a great example of Lindgren’s skillset on the powerplay. As previously mentioned, he fails to get his shot through traffic but picks the puck back up and circles back on his backhand side, losing the defender with an effortless change of direction and just enough acceleration. From there, he forces both defensemen to respect the obvious passing lane to the bumper, before throwing it cross-seam directly into the wheelhouse of the weak-side winger for a great finish.

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There is so much deception in Lindgren’s game. Here we see him do well to pick the puck out of traffic and immediately turn and head up ice with his head on a swivel. He evades the F3 with ease with a sharp change in angle before feeding his winger in full flight. The timing on this pass is perfect; a split second later and the defender would have broken it up, any earlier and the winger wouldn’t have been in full flight to beat the defenseman wide. This is a great example of how when Lindgren touches the puck, he allows his teammates to look better.

Smarts – Lindgren’s offensive awareness is beautiful to watch. Like a good quarterback, he seems to know where each of his teammates are at all times and usually makes the correct read with the puck. He has an extremely low panic threshold and always seems to have a “backup” option to escape any trouble that seems to appear. His anticipation allows him to be in the right place more often than not, and at times it feels like he is thinking a few seconds ahead of the actual play. With that said, sometimes Lindgren will be prone to a turnover as he can overestimate the amount of time he has to make a play, or at times rely too much on his escapability and get caught. The speed of the pro game is night and day from major junior, and it will be interesting to see if Lindgren’s ability to think ahead disappears at the next level, or if he seamlessly adjusts to a much faster game to maintain his edge. There are some concerns about Lindgren’s defensive reads as well, although some of his shortcomings there appear to be more related to focus and effort without the puck, than actual lack of understanding about his defensive assignments. This is something to monitor in the next few seasons of development as Lindgren prepares to go pro. Grade: 60

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Here Lindgren makes a great read to step up and intercept the long outlet pass; a play not without risk as it’s an odd-man rush against if he misses. However, he confidently carries the puck into the zone, inviting pressure before slipping the puck downhill to his onrushing winger, leading to a goal.

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Lindgren gets caught trying to do too much on the powerplay. He is on his strong side and could easily hold the line and move the puck down low, but instead inexplicably chooses to turn into traffic, resulting in a turnover and a developing odd-man rush against, forcing Lindgren into a penalty to negate his team’s advantage.

Physicality – This is a major weakness in Lindgren’s game. First of all, he lacks size and will have to add both upper and lower-body strength in order to play at the next level. But more concerning is his lack of engagement physically on the defensive side. Lindgren is easily overpowered in front of his own net by opposing forwards and is often unable to tie up their stick, leading to chances against in the slot on deflections and rebounds. With the puck, Lindgren actually does a decent job staying strong on his skates, using a wide stance to protect the biscuit. But without it, he isn’t able to disrupt opponents carrying the puck, or move opponents from difficult areas. He can be beat one-on-one and this leads to minor penalties. Grade: 45

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Lindgren tries to pin a bigger forward in a routine board battle, but simply doesn’t have the strength to do so. He ends up going down and the puck stays in his teams zone, on a play that could have been much more dangerous had the winger fed his center in open ice, or reversed the puck rather than blindly going low-to-high.

Overall Future Projection (OFP): 56.75

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

2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 50 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #21 thru #30

Brock Otten — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 15:10:39 +0000

With this series of articles it is our intention is to briefly introduce you to each of the players ranked in our Top 50. Below you will find a short summary of their games in addition to a top highlight. In the coming months you will see in depth scouting reports published by our regional scouts on each of these players.

Djurgården's Jonathan Lekkerimäki during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Djurgården and Oskarshamn on October 21, 2021 in Stockholm.
Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN

Jonathan Lekkerimaki - Center - Djurgårdens J20 (Swe J20)

A shoot first center, Lekkerimaki is definitely in contention for being the top goal scoring forward available this year. He possesses both an elite shot and terrific scoring instincts, allowing him to be a threat to score everytime he takes the ice. His performance this draft year has been terrific. One of the offensive leaders in the J20 league, Lekkermaki has also performed admirably in limited SHL action. Additionally, his five goals were tied for third at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup last summer. The only issue is that our scouts are not entirely convinced that he skates well enough to be a consistent impact player at the next level. If he were larger, this would be less of an issue, but as a sub six-foot player, we do wish that he possessed a slightly more explosive stride. As he matures physically, there is certainly hope that he can get quicker and if he does, there is no question that his ceiling is that of a consistent 30-goal scorer at the NHL level.

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Tristan Luneau - Defense - Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Luneau got a late start to his season after recovering from offseason surgery on a nagging lower-body injury. Coming into the year, there was some thought that Luneau could be one of the top defenders available in 2022 and a potential top 10 selection. However, the injury and slow start have pushed him further down draft boards, including our own. This is because Luneau’s upside may be lower than initially thought, as his projection changes to that of a solid second pairing defender, rather than a potential workhorse. His game has few holes. He does everything relatively well. He skates well. He moves the puck well. He defends well. He can quarterback the powerplay or lead a penalty killing group. He also has good size and a right handed shot. But one has to question whether he does any of these things at an elite level. Additionally, he will need to increase his physical intensity level to be more consistent. The QMJHL covid hiatus will be ending soon and Luneau will look to show progression in his game down the stretch.

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Nathan Gaucher - Center - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

No one will confuse Nathan Gaucher with Connor McDavid. He is not the most dynamic or creative player available this year. However, his tools are highly projectable to the next level, with upside as a high-end middle six center. A physical, two-way, power center, Gaucher is incredibly difficult to play against. He can push the pace with long, powerful strides, driving the middle to apply pressure. He excels playing through contact and controls the wall well, rarely giving up possession deep in the offensive zone. While you would like to see greater offensive production from him given his age (a late born ‘03), there is no denying how well his skill set could translate to the NHL level. To a certain extent, many parallels can be made between Gaucher and recent selection Dawson Mercer. At worst, Gaucher could develop into a shutdown center who anchors a penalty kill and takes tough defensive assignments. That type of floor is going to be very attractive to teams in the later first round who are looking for a more pro ready prospect who can make an impact sooner, rather than later.

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Ty Nelson of the North Bay Battalion. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Ty Nelson - Defense - North Bay Battalion (OHL)

The former first overall selection in his OHL priority draft, Nelson is a player who has shown tremendous progression thus far in his short OHL career. The competitive, yet diminutive defender has worked hard to improve his decision making and composure in the defensive end. He is one of the most natural powerplay quarterbacks available this year because of his vision and bomb of a point shot. He loves to step up on attackers early and plays an aggressive brand of defense to counterbalance his lack of reach. He is not a prospect without warts. While his forward stride does generate power, his transitions and overall four-way mobility will need to improve for a defender of his size. Additionally, he will need to continue to improve his reads in zone coverage. However, he has improved with each passing month for the Battalion and has elevated himself into the upper echelon of OHL defenders already. Nelson has the skill set and drive to have a Ryan Ellis like career at the NHL level as a dependable #2-3 defender. Scouts have to be impressed with his willingness to accept instruction and progress thus far.

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Vladimir Grudinin - Defense - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

Grudinin is a player who was really hurt by the cancellation of the World Juniors this year. The late born ‘03 was gaining more ice time and responsibility with each passing game for the Russians. And with his late birth date, he is not eligible for the U18’s this year. The undersized Russian defender is a natural powerplay QB, much like Nelson ranked ahead of him. He has performed well at every level he has played at this year, including a half dozen games in the KHL. Due to varying opinions on his physical tools and his ceiling as a defensive player, he has become a very divisive prospect in the scouting community. While we have him ranked as a first-round selection, NHL Central Scouting has him 40th in Europe alone (putting him essentially outside of their Top 100). We have a lot of faith in Grudinin’s offensive skill set and his intelligence level and do believe that he can develop into a quality NHL player and an asset as a puck moving defender.

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Owen Beck of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

Owen Beck - Center - Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

A favourite of our OHL regional scouts, Beck has exploded onto the scouting scene this year for a surprisingly fantastic Mississauga Steelheads team. Beck blends quickness, skill, and tenaciousness into a package that makes him the perfect modern-day middle six center. Hands down one of the fastest skaters available this year, Beck consistently explodes through the neutral zone, putting defenders on their heels. Unlike many highly quick and deceptive players, Beck also shows great touch and awareness when operating at full speed. Beck is also a competitive two-way forward who is excellent on faceoffs, can kill penalties, and who uses his speed to be disruptive on the backcheck and forecheck. There may ultimately be some limitations to his skill development, creativity, and upside, but he is armed with enough offensive tools to suggest that he could be a very valuable and longtime NHL player. Beck is the perfect player for the modern-day NHL game, a game predicated on speed and the ability to dictate pace.

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Simon Forsmark - Defense - Orebro (SHL)

Forsmark may not be the flashiest defender available, but it is his dependability and projectability that has us and other scouts intrigued about his NHL upside. A strong two-way blueliner, Forsmark can shut down the transition game with his mobility and strong gap control. He consistently wins one on one battles, using his 6’2 frame to play aggressively and take away space in the middle of the ice. He also exhibits good poise with the puck, consistently making heads up break outs, helping to clear the zone. While the offensive production has not carried over from the J20 league to the SHL thus far, he has been able to play a steady, mistake free game against men and that is impressive given his age (even as a late born ‘03). The ultimate question being asked is, how much can Forsmark’s offensive abilities be improved? Does he project as more of a dependable stay at home type at the NHL level, or can he be a highly impactful #3 defender who can play in any situation. Our Swedish scouts love his game and believe that what he has shown at the J20 level this year is a better indication of his offensive potential.

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Mats Lindgren - Defense - Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

The son of former NHL forward…Mats Lindgren, junior is a highly mobile puck moving defender who has had a strong year for Kamloops of the Western Hockey League. One of the draft’s best skating defenders, Lindgren’s fluid stride is a sight to behold. An effortless mover in all four directions, Lindgren can positively impact the transition game by leading the breakout. While his shot is not yet an asset, he does show tremendous potential as a powerplay quarterback because of high-end vision and the ability to use his lateral quickness to evade sticks and hold the line. The part missing from his game at this point is consistency. He goes stretches without making the kind of impact that you would expect from such a dominant skater. His defensive game also leaves some to be desired, as mental lapses can be an issue, especially in zone coverage situations. However, these areas of weakness can be improved upon, whereas Lindgren’s puck moving abilities and skating abilities are more innate. The upside is quite high, so long as the NHL team that selects him is patient with his development as he builds up confidence in his abilities at both ends of the ice.

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Rutger McGroarty - Wing - NTDP U18 (USHL)

A budding power forward prospect, McGroarty plays a heavy game in the offensive end. He shows terrific puck protection skills and tendencies, possessing the strength and skill to put opposing defenders on his back as he drives the net, in addition to consistently winning one on one battles along the wall. McGroarty combines this effective physical and power game with great scoring instincts and a terrific shot. That combination gives him definitive top six upside, especially after a few years at the University of Michigan, where he is scheduled to play next season. The only real issue with his game is a lack of power in his stride which prevents him from building speed quickly to create separation. This does not really hurt him from being a consistent offensive contributor at the USHL level (or even the NCAA level in those exhibitions), however it could definitely hinder his effectiveness at the NHL level where he won’t be able to overwhelm defenders physically with ease. If McGroarty was a high-level skater, we would be discussing him as a potential top ten selection. With the right developmental team, coaches, and patience, McGroarty could become a great complementary offensive piece for his future team.

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Jiri Kulich - Center - Karlovy Vary (Cze)

Flying under the radar thus far, Kulich is low key having a terrific season in the Czech men’s league as a U18 player. His production has been right on par with Carolina Hurricanes former first round pick and young contributor Martin Necas at the same age. Kulich loves to attack the offensive end with speed, even if there is room for improvement in his explosiveness and power. He succeeds because of his creativity and ability to maintain control through directional changes and pivots. A well-rounded offensive player, Kulich is equal parts playmaker and goal scorer. He is especially dangerous in the home plate area with a quick and deceptive wrist shot. Kulich also excels at times as a defensive player and projects as a strong two-way center once he fills out and matures physically. He has very much been a prospect trending up in recent months and he should get a great opportunity to show what he is truly capable of at the U18’s in April, where he will likely serve as the captain for Czechia.

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2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 100

Brock Otten — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:59:29 +0000

RED DEER, ALBERTA - DECEMBER 26: USA vs Slovakia preliminary round action at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship at WP Centrium on December 26, 2021 in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

A new year means a new draft ranking at McKeen’s Hockey, as we expand our list at mid-season to a Top 100. Back in mid-November, we released our preliminary ranking, a top 32, so this serves not only as an update, but an expansion too.

Like many, we were disappointed with the abrupt ending of the World Junior Championships, not just because it robbed us of some terrific hockey, but because it prevented a high-quality look at some of the best talents in this draft year. While a poor showing at the World Juniors is often dismissed, a strong showing can really help elevate a player’s standing. Ultimately, the decision to stop the tournament was the correct one, given the circumstances, however, hopefully the World Under 18’s can occur in Germany as planned in April.

At this point Kingston Frontenacs center and former CHL exceptional status player Shane Wright remains at the top of our rankings, however the gap is admittedly closing between him and some of the other players inside of our top five. Defenseman Simon Nemec is having a historically good season in the Slovak men’s league and will play for Slovakia at the Olympics. Center Logan Cooley is proving to be a dynamic two-way threat and is fresh off a terrific performance at the Biosteel All American Game. Center Matthew Savoie of the Winnipeg Ice continues to lead the WHL in scoring on the top ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League. A year ago, it was unfathomable to imagine anyone else but Wright being selected first overall. That concept is not as far-fetched today. Without question, Wright will need to pick up his play in the second half to withstand his competitors.

Looking specifically at those ranked inside our first round (top 32), the positional breakdown is as follows: 10 defenders, 22 forwards, and zero goaltenders. In fact, we do not have a single goaltender ranked inside the first two rounds. Tyler Brennan and Topias Leinonen are our top goaltenders, ranked 84th and 87th, respectively. The quality and depth of goaltenders available this year may be the worst that we have ever seen as a scouting staff.

Regionally, the breakdown is as follows: ten players from the CHL, seven players from the USHL (more specifically the NTDP), four players in Sweden, four players in Russia, three players in Finland, two players in Slovakia, and two players in Czechia. The U.S. National Development program is extremely well represented with ten players inside of our first two rounds.

This top 100 was formed in consultation with our regional scouts and our video scouting team. Now that we have our midseason list formed, look for our annual, in-depth individual scouting reports to start being published in the very near future.

Shane Wright of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Shane Wright	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/190	5-Jan-04	25-12-19-31
2	Simon Nemec	D	HK Nitra (Svk)	6-1/190	15-Feb-04	28-0-19-19
3	Matthew Savoie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	5-9/180	1-Jan-04	35-19-34-53
4	Logan Cooley	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	4-May-04	25-15-20-35
5	Danila Yurov	RW	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	6-1/175	22-Dec-03	21-0-0-0
6	Joakim Kemell	RW	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/175	27-Apr-04	21-12-6-18
7	Juraj Slafkovsky	LW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	6-4/225	30-Mar-04	20-1-3-4
8	Conor Geekie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	6-4/205	5-May-04	35-11-27-38
9	Brad Lambert	C	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	6-0/180	19-Dec-03	24-2-4-6
10	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	6-1/185	4-Feb-04	30-9-6-15
11	David Jiricek	D	HC Plzen (Cze)	6-3/190	28-Nov-03	29-5-6-11
12	Filip Mesar	C	HK Poprad (Svk)	5-10/165	3-Jan-04	22-6-5-11
13	Pavel Mintyukov	D	Saginaw (OHL)	6-1/190	25-Nov-03	31-6-17-23
14	Denton Mateychuk	D	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-11/190	12-Jul-04	35-7-24-31
15	Marco Kasper	C	Rogle BK (SHL)	6-1/185	8-Apr-04	27-4-2-6
16	Alexander Perevalov	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	6-0/190	16-Apr-04	29-19-20-39
17	Seamus Casey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/160	8-Jan-04	31-5-13-18
18	Frank Nazar	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/175	14-Jan-04	33-15-23-38
19	Noah Ostlund	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-10/160	11-Mar-04	19-6-18-24
20	Cutter Gauthier	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/190	19-Jan-04	33-20-12-32
21	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-11/170	24-Jul-04	25-19-15-34
22	Tristan Luneau	D	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-2/175	12-Jan-04	26-5-10-15
23	Nathan Gaucher	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	6-3/205	6-Nov-03	30-15-11-26
24	Ty Nelson	D	North Bay (OHL)	5-9/195	30-Mar-04	33-5-21-26
25	Vladimir Grudinin	D	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	5-10/160	9-Dec-03	15-2-7-9
26	Owen Beck	C	Mississauga (OHL)	5-11/190	3-Feb-04	33-13-16-29
27	Simon Forsmark	D	Orebro (SHL)	6-2/195	17-Oct-03	22-0-1-1
28	Mats Lindgren	D	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/175	26-Aug-04	34-2-19-21
29	Rutger McGroarty	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/205	30-Mar-04	27-15-17-32
30	Jiri Kulich	C	Karlovy Vary (Cze)	6-0/175	14-Apr-04	31-7-4-11
31	Isaac Howard	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	30-Mar-04	33-15-24-39
32	Jimmy Snuggerud	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/185	1-Jun-04	33-16-22-38
33	Filip Bystedt	C	Linkopings (SHL)	6-4/185	4-Feb-04	14-1-1-2
34	Brandon Lisowsky	LW	Saskatoon (WHL)	5-8/175	13-Apr-04	35-19-10-29
35	Jagger Firkus	RW	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-10/155	29-Apr-04	38-23-21-44
36	Maveric Lamoureux	D	Drummondville (QMJHL)	6-7/195	13-Jan-04	30-3-8-11
37	Matthew Poitras	C	Guelph (OHL)	5-11/175	10-Mar-04	29-10-13-23
38	Adam Ingram	C	Youngstown (USHL)	6-2/165	14-Oct-03	27-16-20-36
39	Liam Ohgren	LW	Djurgardens (SHL)	6-0/185	28-Jan-04	21-1-1-2
40	Calle Odelius	D	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	6-0/185	30-May-04	28-4-17-21
41	Sam Rinzel	D	Chaska (USHS-MN)	6-4/180	25-Jun-04	13-3-13-16
42	Ludwig Persson	LW	Frolunda J20 (Swe J20)	6-0/180	8-Oct-03	24-16-19-35
43	Artyom Duda	D	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (Rus)	6-1/180	8-Apr-04	36-11-20-31
44	Jani Nyman	RW	KOOVEE (Fin-Mestis)	6-3/210	30-Jul-04	23-14-9-23
45	Matyas Sapovaliv	C	Saginaw (OHL)	6-3/180	12-Feb-04	31-10-16-26
46	Kevin Korchinski	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-1/185	21-Jun-04	32-4-24-28
47	Gleb Trikozov	RW	Omskie Yastreby (MHL)	6-1/185	12-Aug-04	17-9-8-17
48	David Goyette	C	Sudbury (OHL)	5-11/170	27-Mar-04	32-12-18-30
49	Owen Pickering	D	Swift Current (WHL)	6-3/180	27-Jan-04	34-6-15-21
50	Lian Bichsel	D	Leksands (SHL)	6-5/215	18-May-04	13-0-1-1
51	Paul Ludwinski	LW	Kingston (OHL)	5-11/175	23-Apr-04	28-6-13-19
52	Jordan Dumais	RW	Halifax (QMJHL)	5-8/165	15-Apr-04	30-16-31-47
53	Aleksanteri Kaskimaki	LW	HIFK (Fin U20)	6-0/185	6-Feb-04	22-15-14-29
54	Luca Del Bel Belluz	C	Mississauga (OHL)	6-1/180	10-Nov-03	33-18-27-45
55	Ryan Chesley	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/195	27-Feb-04	32-2-5-7
56	Danny Zhilkin	C	Guelph (OHL)	6-2/185	19-Dec-03	27-10-14-24
57	Isaiah George	D	London (OHL)	6-0/195	15-Feb-04	29-1-9-10
58	Rieger Lorenz	LW	Okotoks (AJHL)	6-1/185	30-Mar-04	43-28-39-67
59	Tyler Duke	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-8/180	19-Jul-04	27-1-7-8
60	Mattias Havelid	D	Linkopings (SHL)	5-9/170	1-Jan-04	12-0-0-0
61	Arseni Koromyslov	D	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	6-3/180	3-Nov-03	22-0-8-8
62	Jack Hughes 2	C	Northeastern (NCAA-HE)	6-0/165	2-Nov-03	22-5-4-9
63	Lane Hutson	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-8/150	14-Feb-04	33-4-25-29
64	Gavin Hayes	RW	Flint (OHL)	6-1/175	14-May-04	30-8-9-17
65	Otto Salin	D	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/185	7-Mar-04	5-0-1-1
66	Hunter Haight	C	Barrie (OHL)	5-10/175	4-Apr-04	24-8-6-14
67	Antonin Verreault	LW	Gatineau (QMJHL)	5-8/165	28-Jul-04	29-8-18-26
68	Cameron Lund	RW	Green Bay (USHL)	6-2/185	7-Jun-04	30-11-9-20
69	Bryce McConnell-Barker	C	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-1/185	4-Jun-04	34-11-12-23
70	Brennan Ali	C	Lincoln (USHL)	6-1/195	9-Feb-04	2-0-0-0
71	David Spacek	D	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	6-0/170	18-Feb-03	27-5-20-25
72	Angus Booth	D	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	6-0/175	27-Apr-04	30-1-20-21
73	Jake Livanavage	D	Chicago (USHL)	5-9/160	6-May-04	32-2-25-27
74	Markus Vidicek	C	Halifax (QMJHL)	5-10/160	21-Mar-04	30-9-18-27
75	Matthew Seminoff	RW	Kamloops (WHL)	5-10/160	27-Dec-03	30-15-18-33
76	Kasper Kulonummi	D	Jokerit (Fin U20)	6-0/175	1-Mar-04	25-2-16-18
77	Vinzenz Rohrer	RW	Ottawa (OHL)	5-10/160	9-Sep-04	30-9-14-23
78	Elias Salomonsson	D	Skelleftea J20 (Swe J20)	6-1/170	31-Aug-04	24-8-9-17
79	Liam Arnsby	C	North Bay (OHL)	5-10/180	20-Nov-03	32-8-10-18
80	Daniil Orlov	D	Sakhalinskiye Akuly (MHL)	6-2/180	21-Dec-03	44-8-18-26
81	Quinn Finley	LW	Madison (USHL)	6-0/170	8-Aug-04	14-5-5-10
82	Topi Ronni	C	Tappara (Fin U20)	6-1/180	5-May-04	21-7-11-18
83	Jordan Gustafson	C	Seattle (WHL)	5-11/180	20-Jan-04	29-13-18-31
84	Tyler Brennan	G	Prince George (WHL)	6-4/190	27-Sep-03	8-11-2, 3.34, .902
85	Cole Spicer	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/175	13-Jun-04	31-10-12-22
86	Ryan Greene	C	Green Bay (USHL)	6-1/175	21-Oct-03	28-10-16-26
87	Topias Leinonen	G	JyP (Fin U20)	6-4/215	19-Jul-04	17GP, 2.17, .919
88	Alexander Suzdalev	LW	HV 71 J20 (Swe J20)	6-2/175	5-Mar-04	31-11-22-33
89	Pano Fimis	C	Niagara (OHL)	5-10/175	17-Jun-04	27-5-14-19
90	Spencer Sova	D	Erie (OHL)	6-1/185	10-Jan-04	30-2-12-14
91	Yoan Loshing	C	Moncton (QMJHL)	5-9/160	29-Feb-04	19-8-5-13
92	Jack Devine	RW	Denver (NCHC)	5-11/175	1-Oct-03	19-2-12-14
93	Ruslan Gazizov	RW	London (OHL)	5-11/185	21-Jan-04	20-5-11-16
94	Jackson Dorrington	D	Des Moines (USHL)	6-2/190	13-Apr-04	27-3-7-10
95	Jorian Donovan	D	Hamilton (OHL)	6-1/180	5-Apr-04	31-3-9-12
96	Jere Lassila	C	JyP (Fin U20)	5-9/170	8-Mar-04	13-7-4-11
97	Tucker Robertson	C	Peterborough (OHL)	5-11/190	22-Jun-03	31-19-23-42
98	Noah Warren	D	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-5/215	15-Jul-04	29-3-9-12
99	Zakary Lavoie	RW	Mississauga (OHL)	5-11/170	15-Mar-04	31-10-15-25
100	Boston Buckberger	D	Brooks (AJHL)	5-10/175	1-Jun-03	42-11-9-20

2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 32

Brock Otten — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:58:52 +0000

Shane Wright of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Shane Wright	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/190	5-Jan-04	25-12-19-31
2	Simon Nemec	D	HK Nitra (Svk)	6-1/190	15-Feb-04	28-0-19-19
3	Matthew Savoie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	5-9/180	1-Jan-04	35-19-34-53
4	Logan Cooley	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	4-May-04	25-15-20-35
5	Danila Yurov	RW	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	6-1/175	22-Dec-03	21-0-0-0
6	Joakim Kemell	RW	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/175	27-Apr-04	21-12-6-18
7	Juraj Slafkovsky	LW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	6-4/225	30-Mar-04	20-1-3-4
8	Conor Geekie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	6-4/205	5-May-04	35-11-27-38
9	Brad Lambert	C	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	6-0/180	19-Dec-03	24-2-4-6
10	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	6-1/185	4-Feb-04	30-9-6-15
11	David Jiricek	D	HC Plzen (Cze)	6-3/190	28-Nov-03	29-5-6-11
12	Filip Mesar	C	HK Poprad (Svk)	5-10/165	3-Jan-04	22-6-5-11
13	Pavel Mintyukov	D	Saginaw (OHL)	6-1/190	25-Nov-03	31-6-17-23
14	Denton Mateychuk	D	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-11/190	12-Jul-04	35-7-24-31
15	Marco Kasper	C	Rogle BK (SHL)	6-1/185	8-Apr-04	27-4-2-6
16	Alexander Perevalov	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	6-0/190	16-Apr-04	29-19-20-39
17	Seamus Casey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/160	8-Jan-04	31-5-13-18
18	Frank Nazar	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/175	14-Jan-04	33-15-23-38
19	Noah Ostlund	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-10/160	11-Mar-04	19-6-18-24
20	Cutter Gauthier	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/190	19-Jan-04	33-20-12-32
21	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-11/170	24-Jul-04	25-19-15-34
22	Tristan Luneau	D	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-2/175	12-Jan-04	26-5-10-15
23	Nathan Gaucher	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	6-3/205	6-Nov-03	30-15-11-26
24	Ty Nelson	D	North Bay (OHL)	5-9/195	30-Mar-04	33-5-21-26
25	Vladimir Grudinin	D	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	5-10/160	9-Dec-03	15-2-7-9
26	Owen Beck	C	Mississauga (OHL)	5-11/190	3-Feb-04	33-13-16-29
27	Simon Forsmark	D	Orebro (SHL)	6-2/195	17-Oct-03	22-0-1-1
28	Mats Lindgren	D	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/175	26-Aug-04	34-2-19-21
29	Rutger McGroarty	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/205	30-Mar-04	27-15-17-32
30	Jiri Kulich	C	Karlovy Vary (Cze)	6-0/175	14-Apr-04	31-7-4-11
31	Isaac Howard	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	30-Mar-04	33-15-24-39
32	Jimmy Snuggerud	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/185	1-Jun-04	33-16-22-38

MCKEEN’S 2022 NHL DRAFT PRELIMINARY RANKING

Brock Otten — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:44:35 +0000

Shane Wright of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

It seems like just yesterday that we were putting the finishing touches on the 2021 NHL Entry Draft Guide, thanks to a late July date that was one month later than normal. The turnaround to the 2022 scouting season was short, yet in a way that is refreshing. The 2021 Draft was such a difficult one to scout with so many leagues on condensed or non-existent schedules. So far, the 2022 scouting season has seemed, well...normal and that is what is refreshing about it.

Other than a lack of Canadian participation, the 2021 Hlinka/Gretzky cup was held to kick off the season. The OHL has returned and the entire CHL is playing a full schedule. The Swedish junior leagues are back and the country looks to have a strong crop again. Every league being scouted across the globe is operating as per usual and it has made our job that much easier.

Our first 2022 NHL Draft ranking takes into account some international performances, in addition to league start-ups. The McKeen’s scouting team has been hard at work behind the scenes and we feel very confident in this early assessment.

Let’s look at a few breakdowns…

Positionally, our Top 32 includes 9 defensemen, 23 forwards, and zero goaltenders. This is the first time in a while where our list has not included a goaltender in the first round. Obviously, things can change, but right now it does not look like there is a Wallstedt, Cossa, or Spencer Knight in this group.

Regionally, our Top 32 includes ten CHL players, three players playing in Finland, six members of the U.S. U18 team (out of the USHL), six players playing in Sweden, three players playing in Russia, two players playing in Slovakia, one playing in the Czech Republic, and one playing in the AJHL.

It should come as no surprise to see Shane Wright at the top of our rankings. He is awakening from his slow start and is the reigning OHL player of the week. The brilliant two-way center still looks like a lock to be the first overall selection.

Other notables include:

Winnipeg Ice forward Matthew Savoie at #2, who is playing phenomenal hockey for arguably the CHL’s top team at the current moment.
Finnish winger Joakim Kemell at #3, who is currently leading Liiga in goal scoring and is on pace for the best U18 season in Finnish hockey history.
Long hyped Finnish winger Brad Lambert at #10, who has struggled to start the year and has become a very polarizing player already, including within our scouting ranks. His ranking at #10 serves as a middle ground compromise considering some within our team argued for him at the end of the first round, while others argued for him to be inside the top five.
Austrian born power center Marco Kasper at #18, who has been terrific playing for Rogle in the SHL and has become a favourite of our Swedish scout Patrik Bexell.
Stocky offensive defender Ty Nelson of the North Bay Battalion who makes up for a lack of ideal size with plus mobility, an intense physical approach, and a booming point shot. Like Lambert, Nelson was heavily debated, but our video scout team are huge fans of him.

Also listed are ten honorable mentions. These HM’s received heavy consideration based on the recommendation of our regional scouts. However, we just could not fit them into our first round ranking at this time. You can find those HM’s at the bottom of the list.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Shane Wright	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/190	5-Jan-04	14-6-12-18
2	Matthew Savoie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	5-9/180	1-Jan-04	18-8-21-29
3	Joakim Kemell	RW	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/175	27-Apr-04	16-12-6-18
4	Juraj Slafkovsky	LW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	6-4/225	30-Mar-04	13-0-3-3
5	Simon Nemec	D	HK Nitra (Svk)	6-1/190	15-Feb-04	15-0-8-8
6	Danila Yurov	RW	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	6-1/175	22-Dec-03	17-0-0-0
7	Conor Geekie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	6-4/205	5-May-04	18-6-17-23
8	Logan Cooley	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	4-May-04	15-9-11-20
9	David Jiricek	D	HC Plzen (Cze)	6-3/190	28-Nov-03	20-4-5-9
10	Brad Lambert	C	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	6-0/180	19-Dec-03	15-1-3-4
11	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	6-1/185	4-Feb-04	20-4-5-9
12	Frank Nazar	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/175	14-Jan-04	18-7-13-20
13	Noah Ostlund	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-10/160	11-Mar-04	10-2-13-15
14	Elias Salomonsson	D	Skelleftea J20 (Swe J20)	6-1/170	31-Aug-04	14-5-5-10
15	Tristan Luneau	D	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-2/175	12-Jan-04	13-1-6-7
16	Seamus Casey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/160	8-Jan-04	18-5-8-13
17	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-11/170	24-Jul-04	16-16-9-25
18	Marco Kasper	C	Rogle BK (SHL)	6-1/185	8-Apr-04	16-4-2-6
19	Ryan Chesley	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/195	27-Feb-04	17-1-3-4
20	Filip Mesar	C	HK Poprad (Svk)	5-10/165	3-Jan-04	13-4-3-7
21	Nathan Gaucher	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	6-3/205	6-Nov-03	17-7-8-15
22	Alexander Perevalov	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	6-0/190	16-Apr-04	22-17-16-33
23	Rutger McGroarty	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/205	30-Mar-04	12-8-10-18
24	Rieger Lorenz	LW	Okotoks (AJHL)	6-1/185	30-Mar-04	22-12-20-32
25	Matthew Poitras	C	Guelph (OHL)	5-11/175	10-Mar-04	16-4-9-13
26	Ty Nelson	D	North Bay (OHL)	5-9/195	30-Mar-04	16-4-11-15
27	Ludwig Persson	LW	Frolunda J20 (Swe J20)	6-0/180	8-Oct-03	14-5-14-19
28	Denton Mateychuk	D	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-11/190	12-Jul-04	16-6-9-15
29	Mats Lindgren	D	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/175	26-Aug-04	15-1-8-9
30	Isaac Howard	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	30-Mar-04	18-8-12-20
31	Liam Ohgren	LW	Djurgardens (SHL)	6-0/185	28-Jan-04	14-1-1-2
32	Paul Ludwinski	LW	Kingston (OHL)	5-11/175	23-Apr-04	14-3-7-10

	HONOURABLE MENTIONS

	Simon Forsmark	D	Orebro J20 (Swe J20)	6-2/195	17-Oct-03	19-3-18-21
	Jack Hughes	C	Northeastern (NCAA-HE)	6-0/165	2-Nov-03	12-3-2-5
	Hunter Haight	C	Barrie (OHL)	5-10/175	4-Apr-04	14-4-4-8
	Bryce McConnell-Barker	C	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-1/185	4-Jun-04	16-8-4-12
	Vladimir Grudinin	D	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	5-10/160	9-Dec-03	14-2-6-8
	Kevin Korchinski	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-1/185	21-Jun-04	14-0-8-8
	Devin Kaplan	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/200	10-Jan-04	18-4-10-14
	Lian Bichsel	D	Leksands (SHL)	6-5/215	18-May-04	6-0-1-1
	Cutter Gauthier	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/190	19-Jan-04	18-8-9-17
	Gleb Trikozov	RW	Omskie Yastreby (MHL)	6-1/185	12-Aug-04	8-7-4-11

Mats Lindgren – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #2 Buffalo Sabres – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

1. Matthew Savoie, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

2. Devon Levi, G, Rochester Americans (AHL)

3. Jiri Kulich, C/LW, Rochester Americans (AHL)

4. Noah Ostlund, C, Vaxjo Lakers HC (SHL)

5. Anton Wahlberg, C, Malmo Redhawks (SHL)

6. Isak Rosen, C/W, Rochester Americans (AHL)

7. Maxim Strbak, D, Michigan State University (NCAA)

8. Viktor Neuchev, LW, Rochester Americans (AHL)

9. Aleksander Kisakov, C/LW, Rochester Americans (AHL)

10. Vsevolod Komarov, D, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – BUFFALO SABRES – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #7

Top 20 Buffalo Sabre Prospects

1. Jiri Kulich

2. Zach Benson

3. Devon Levi

4. Matthew Savoie

5. Isak Rosen

6. Noah Ostlund

7. Anton Wahlberg

8. Prokhor Poltapov

9. Maxim Strbak

10. Ryan Johnson

11. Aleksander Kisakov

12. Olivier Nadeau

13. Lukas Rousek

14. Viktor Neuchev

15. Brandon Biro

16. Brett Murray

17. Topias Leinonen

18. Gavin McCarthy

19. Jake Richard

20. Mats Lindgren

PROSPECTS: 2022-23 SEASON PREVIEW – One Drafted and One Draft Eligible Prospect from Each Scouting Region

Director of Scouting/Ontario Region - Brock Otten

Assistant Director of Scouting/Western Canada Region - Derek Neumeier

Western Canada Region - Arlo Schulz

Sweden Region - Jacob Smeds

Eastern Canada Region - Éloi Biondo

Western Canada Region - Adam Tate

Russia Region - Viktor Fomich

Director of Video Scouting - Will Scouch

Video Scout - Zack Szweras

Central Europe Region - Chapin Landvogt

Ontario Region - Dylan Krill

Slovak and Czech Region - Matej Deraj

Eastern Canada Region - Charles Lassonde

AHL Coverage - Josh Bell

U.S. Region - Ethan Hetu

Russia Region - Dmitri Blokhin

Eastern Canada Region - Benoit Belanger

Finland Region - Mikko Kuikka

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – BUFFALO SABRES – Top 20 Prospects

2022 NHL DRAFT: WHL – Mats Lindgren, D, Kamloops Blazers

2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 50 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #21 thru #30

Jonathan Lekkerimaki - Center - Djurgårdens J20 (Swe J20)

Tristan Luneau - Defense - Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Nathan Gaucher - Center - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

Ty Nelson - Defense - North Bay Battalion (OHL)

Vladimir Grudinin - Defense - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

Owen Beck - Center - Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Simon Forsmark - Defense - Orebro (SHL)

Mats Lindgren - Defense - Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Rutger McGroarty - Wing - NTDP U18 (USHL)

Jiri Kulich - Center - Karlovy Vary (Cze)

2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 100

2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 32

MCKEEN’S 2022 NHL DRAFT PRELIMINARY RANKING