Matthew Lansing – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #22 Vancouver Canucks – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:00:37 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 22nd (Last Year - 20th)
GM: TBD
COACH: Adam Foote Hired: May 2025

Things went from bad to worse for the Vancouver Canucks in 2025–26, as the organization finally committed to a full-scale rebuild. With franchise cornerstone and captain Quinn Hughes no longer in the picture, a new era has begun in Vancouver — one centred on rising young players such as Zeev Buium. Complicating matters is a prospect system that currently lacks the kind of elite, high-end talent typically associated with rebuilding teams. That outlook could begin to change at the upcoming draft, where Vancouver holds an impressive 10 selections, including a top-3 pick. Still, it may take several draft cycles before those additions significantly reshape the organization’s pipeline.

There are, however, some encouraging signs within the system. Young defensemen Tom Willander and Elias Pettersson have already established themselves as full-time NHL contributors, while Sawyer Mynio (167th) and Kirill Kudryavtsev (174th) have become reliable presences on the blue line for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL. Meanwhile, Braeden Cootes (29th) currently sits atop the organization’s prospect rankings and has already appeared in three NHL games. While the AHL may be the most appropriate next step for the 2026–27 season under the league’s updated eligibility rules, he should remain firmly on Vancouver’s NHL radar. Jonathan Lekkerimäki (33rd) has also shown promising offensive instincts in the AHL, emerging as one of Abbotsford’s most dangerous goal scorers. However, injuries have slowed his development and prevented him from fully translating that scoring touch at the NHL level.

A rebuild is now firmly underway in Vancouver, and the road ahead may involve some difficult seasons in the standings. Yet, with the possibility of selecting near the top of the draft this June, the Canucks could take an important first step toward reshaping their future.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Van	1	Braeden Cootes	C	19	6-0/185	Sea-PA (WHL)	45	24	39	63	8
Van	1	Braeden Cootes	C	19	6-0/185	Vancouver (NHL)	3	0	0	0	0
Van	2	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	RW	21	5-11/170	Abbotsford (AHL)	21	13	7	20	8
Van	2	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	RW	21	5-11/170	Vancouver (NHL)	13	2	1	3	0
Van	3	Sawyer Mynio	D	21	6-1/175	Abbotsford (AHL)	58	3	18	21	42
Van	4	Kirill Kudryavtsev	D	22	5-11/200	Abbotsford (AHL)	44	2	18	20	4
Van	4	Kirill Kudryavtsev	D	22	5-11/200	Vancouver (NHL)	3	0	2	2	0
Van	5	Aleksei Medvedev	G	18	6-3/180	London (OHL)	36	16	15	3.26	0.891
Van	6	Victor Mancini	D	24	6-3/215	Abbotsford (AHL)	33	4	8	12	16
Van	6	Victor Mancini	D	24	6-3/215	Vancouver (NHL)	24	0	3	3	7
Van	7	Ty Mueller	C	23	5-11/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	61	16	21	37	30
Van	7	Ty Mueller	C	23	5-11/185	Vancouver (NHL)	6	1	0	1	2
Van	8	Wilson Bjorck	C	20	6-0/165	Colorado College (NCAA)	31	5	10	15	16
Van	9	Anthony Romani	D	20	6-0/185	Michigan State (NCAA)	37	14	14	28	12
Van	10	Riley Patterson	C	20	6-0/190	Niagara (OHL)	60	40	44	84	16
Van	10	Riley Patterson	C	20	6-0/190	Abbotsford (AHL)	4	1	1	2	4
Van	11	Nikita Tolopilo	G	25	6-6/230	Abbotsford (AHL)	19	8	8	3.07	0.897
Van	12	Danila Klimovich	RW	23	6-1/200	Abbotsford (AHL)	63	18	16	34	62
Van	13	Vilmer Alriksson	LW	21	6-6/215	Abbotsford (AHL)	43	6	3	9	56
Van	14	Kieren Dervin	C	19	6-1/180	Kingston (OHL)	53	17	25	42	20
Van	15	Matthew Lansing	C	19	6-1/185	Quinnipiac (NCAA)	40	8	10	18	20

Braeden Cootes, C, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Braeden Cootes surprised everyone when he made the Vancouver Canucks coming out of training camp. While that may have spoken as much to the Canucks depth (or lack thereof) at centre, it also spoke to Cootes’s pro-ready game. He averaged just under 11 minutes per game in three contests with the Canucks before being reassigned to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. Cootes was selected to play for Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he helped the team win a bronze medal. After the tournament, he was traded to the Prince Albert Raiders. Cootes is a high energy, high motor forward who plays a 200-foot, detail-oriented game. His skating is a calling card and is already pro ready. He plays on both the power play and penalty kill at the junior level, but there’s some question as to how much of a scorer he’ll be as a pro. His forechecking and defensive play puts his floor as a third line center, but if his offensive skills and play driving continue to improve, he could be a dynamic second line player.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)

Jonathan Lekkerimaki is a talented offensive forward who has a great release that should net him a significant number of goals once he graduates to full-time status at the NHL level. Lekkerimaki can rip pucks home from the top of the circle, but he’s also got an extremely capable one-timer that can beat goalies cleanly on the power play. Lekkerimaki isn’t just a one-dimensional shooter, however; he also has a nice pair of hands to go along with a cerebral hockey sense that suggests he will pile up assists at the next level. Defensively, Lekkerimaki has gotten better at playing against men in his own zone, and while he isn’t the most physical of players, he competes well enough for pucks that Canucks fans shouldn’t be too worried about his lack of physicality. Lekkerimaki will definitely need to play with linemates that are willing to go grind to help him retrieve the puck, but once he finds those linemates, look out. This player is a 60+ point player in the making, and it’s only a matter of time before we see him break out with the Canucks.
Sawyer Mynio, D, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)

Sawyer Mynio has come along nicely as a defensive prospect within the Vancouver Canucks’ system, where he has been tasked with playing tough minutes this year for a post-championship (but depleted) Abbotsford Canucks team. Mynio’s game starts with solid play in his own zone. He’s as reliable as they come defensively, and at times this season with Abbotsford, he has looked like a player beyond his years in his own zone, exhibiting poise with the puck while facing extreme pressure from opposing players. Mynio is also a capable defender who can move the puck well in transition, which won’t harm his deployment at the NHL level. Mynio won’t become a power play option at the NHL level, but he should be able to carve out a nice career as a top four defender who can play reliable minutes on both sides of the puck. Expect Mynio to spend another season in Abbotsford building experience and confidence in his game, but once he gets his NHL opportunity, lookout. He won’t be in the AHL for too long.
Kirill Kudryavtsev, D, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)

Kirill Kudryavtsev is one of the more intriguing prospects in the Vancouver Canucks’ system; he is a sturdy defender who also has good offensive ability, and this combination of attributes is becoming more and more of a rarity in today’s NHL. When Kudryavtsev is in the offensive zone, he’s exceptional at using tight space along the wall to create give-and-go plays with his teammates. He’s also good at creating passing lanes using his deceptive stickhandling, and he has a nice release from the point that can beat goalies through screens. Kudryavtsev is also a capable defender in his own zone, but he still has room to improve the level of physicality and mean streak he displays in his own end. He can also be too passive at times with his gap control, which gives opposing forwards more time and space to make plays. Kudryavtsev ultimately projects as a bottom-pairing defender who can play on both sides of the puck and may develop into a second-unit penalty killer at the NHL level.
Alexei Medvedev, G, London Knights (OHL)

Numbers-wise, Medvedev has seen a large dip in save percentage, but such is to be expected on a retooling London squad that lost loads of integral parts from their back-to-back championship runs. Medvedev has remained calm and composed in the Knights’ crease, with strong positioning and technical movement. His athleticism is very good, allowing him to get cross-crease quickly and deny one-timers. The key weakness to his game this year has been his tracking through traffic, and occasionally, he’s gotten beaten trying to lean off-center and peek through bodies. The Canucks did not hesitate to select Alexei in the top 50 in the 2025 draft, clearly seeing him as a potential successor to Demko. In terms of NHL projection, Medvedev projects as more of a 1B goalie in a tandem, as he’s been far more effective splitting time in the crease and rarely has faced a high work rate.
Victor Mancini, D, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL) (Currently on Vancouver Canucks, NHL)

Victor Mancini is a strong defender with good size who competes extremely hard in his own end. Mancini is never going to wow you offensively, but he has a good first pass for a player of his size (6-foot-3, 229 pounds), and he can make simple plays in the offensive zone to keep the pressure alive for his forwards. Mancini’s bread and butter ultimately comes with his play in his own zone, where he’s excellent at using his frame to angle opposing players away from his own net. He’s also very good at using his stick to get into shooting lanes, which forces pucks away from his own goal and out of trouble. The Abbotsford Canucks have struggled this year in their own zone after their Calder Cup championship last season, but when Mancini is on the ice, their play in their own zone has vastly improved and it’s due in part to Mancini’s calming presence. Mancini ultimately projects as a bottom-pairing defenceman who can be counted upon to kill penalties at the NHL level.
Ty Mueller, C, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)

Ty Mueller has really come a long way as a prospect since his freshman year at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the NCAA. Drafted as an older forward, Mueller is a dependable player at both ends of the ice. He does not have any one standout offensive attribute that screams high-end NHL skill, but he is good at everything and can be a very good complementary piece to players that are more skilled on his line. Defensively, Mueller tracks pucks well and always puts himself into good positioning, which allows him to break up plays in his own zone before they happen with his impressive reads. Projecting Mueller to the NHL level is difficult, however, because he is not talented enough offensively to play in an NHL top six, but also not strong enough defensively to really occupy a checking role at the NHL level. Nevertheless, Mueller has continued to grind away at his game, particularly on the defensive side of the puck, and there’s a chance he could become a fourth line forward at the NHL level.
Wilson Bjorck, RW, Colorado College (NCAA)

Bjorck dominated in the Swedish J20 bracket last season. His motor was on full display, showcasing an unrelenting energy on the ice. His feet were always moving, either on the forecheck, on the back check, or to get into good spots for his teammates. Bjorck had a good feel for where to be, when to be there, and the proper angles to take to maximize what his end goal was. His skating was only above average, and some questions remained about his game translating to the smaller ice surfaces of North America. Bjorck would make the move overseas for this season, joining Colorado College. Despite the questions, his game did translate quite well to the college scene. Despite his production being only modest, his underlying stats show that he was an important piece of the team. His transitional game has been a bright spot, where he has been leaned on heavily by his peers. There are definitely still moments where he struggles with time and space with the puck on his stick, thanks to the smaller ice surface, but with another two seasons in the NCAA, he will almost certainly be adjusted and able to produce more offence. He projects as a potential middle six energy winger with center capabilities.
Anthony Romani, RW, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Romani, a sixth-round pick of the Vancouver Canucks, was drafted out of the OHL’s North Bay Battalion. His selection comes after he produced 111 points in 68 games, including 58 goals, after previously going undrafted in 2023. His shooting ability, as evidenced by his OHL-leading goal totals, was on display consistently. Romani’s playmaking ability was also evident at times, though it was overshadowed by his goal-scoring traits. The very next season, he would play just six games with North Bay, before being dealt to the Barrie Colts. In total, he played 35 games and registered 35 points, including 21 goals. While his regular season was nowhere near the same level as the previous season, it was in the playoffs where he shined. In 16 postseason games with Barrie, he posted 24 points. The following season, he made the jump to the NCAA, joining Michigan State. In 35 games this season he has produced 27 points. His shot is still a weapon, though he hasn’t been a dominant goalscorer just yet. With another year or two in the NCAA, as his role expands and he becomes more comfortable at the collegiate level, Romani has the skillset to shine. He projects as a middle six goal-scoring winger with power play upside.
Riley Patterson, C, Niagara IceDogs (OHL) (Currently on Abbotsford Canucks, AHL)

Patterson was traded over the offseason from Barrie to Niagara after wanting a fresh start, and he made his mark on a floundering Ice Dogs group. The Etobicoke native’s production has taken a massive step in 2025-26, bringing him within striking distance of the league lead in points. His shot is a great asset. He shoots low, rarely misses the net, and forces goaltenders to make difficult saves when coming across the crease. He gets power and a quick release from his wrister, and his one-timer is extremely consistent in forcing rebounds if not scoring. His wheels give him added depth, allowing him to contribute on the rush, and while he doesn’t throw hard hits, he uses his body effectively in battles to separate the puck from opponents. It’s clear the Vancouver Canucks made a savvy selection at 125th with Riley, and this past fall, they signed him to an entry-level contract. Most likely, expect Patterson to return to the OHL for the 2026-27 season, but with the dreadful outlook of the Canucks over the next 24 months, spots could open up if he puts on a masterclass at training camp.
Nikita Tolopilo, G, Vancouver Canucks (NHL)

Just barely still eligible for our list due to his age, Tolopilo has strung together back-to-back solid AHL seasons and has been largely excellent in limited NHL action this year too. The big Belarussian goaltender may not be a future starter, but he does look like someone who could work in a platoon or back-up role moving forward.
Danila Klimovich, RW, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)

It seems like we’ve been waiting forever for a breakout from Klimovich, a big Belarussian winger. Instead, we’ve seen regression this year and that may mean that his time in the organization is drawing close to the end.
Vilmer Alriksson, LW, Abbotsford Canucks (AHL)

While Alriksson does seem to have his fans in the Canucks’ fan base, having modest expectations for him is important. The big winger can bang bodies and he’s athletic for his size, but he’s not likely to develop into more than a fourth line option for the Canucks in the future.
Kieren Dervin, C, Kingston Frotencas (OHL)

Drafted out of the storied St. Andrew’s College program, Dervin has the skill and creativity to be a pro player. But, the physical tools need time to catch up. He’s been OK with the Frontenacs this year in the OHL, but the Canucks won’t know what they have in Dervin until he’s played a few years at Penn State.
Matthew Lansing, C, Quinnipiac University (NCAA)

Best described as a lunch pail type. Lansing is a hard working pivot who projects as a bottom six, penalty killer. However, he has had an impressive freshman season with Quinnipiac.

2024 HLINKA GRETZKY CUP: Three standout performances by country

Adam Tate — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 20:14:30 +0000

The unofficial start of the scouting season, the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup is a summer tournament that gives scouts and teams their first looks at the players to see how they’ve improved with a summer of training. This year’s tournament took place from August 5th to 10th in Edmonton, Alberta, and McKeen’s Hockey was there to take in the action and get some early impressions of the players.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an international tournament for U-18 players looking to jump start their seasons, represent their countries, and show off their current level of play. Though not sanctioned by the IIHF, it’s still a prominent event for NHL clubs, and is well attended by scouts and team management. The participating players are generally in their draft eligible seasons. Some teams may bring 16-year-olds to the tournament if there is room on the roster and their play warrants inclusion.

This year’s tournament was won by Canada, with Czechia taking the silver medal. They were the two best teams of the tournament, with both squads going undefeated in the group stage. Sweden won the bronze medal game over the USA. Slovakia had a good tournament only losing to Canada and Sweden (in overtime). Finland posted a disappointing result, only winning their last game of the tournament. Germany only won one game as well, but it was against Finland, and the Germans seemed like they were on the cusp of better things. Finally, Switzerland struggled at the tournament and didn’t have the talent level to match the other teams, only scoring five goals in four games.

Here are our three Standouts from each team. Included with each is a video highlight from their play at the tournament.

Canada

This year’s squad from Canada was loaded with talent, as is usually the case. Led by Captain Matthew Schaefer, the team rarely struggled and deserved the Gold Medal. The team was loaded with upwards of six possible first round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft (not to mention Gavin McKenna, who’s only eligible to be drafted in 2026), was well balanced, and most players saw their fair share of ice in front of the scouts. It’s almost unfair to only pick three standouts.

Matthew Schaefer - Defense

Schaefer turned this tournament into his coming out party to the world. The smooth skating, two-way defender was everything for Canada. He played in all situations, frequently double shifted, and was one point off the team scoring lead. He was dynamic on the ice, using his skating to play in all parts of the offensive zone. He was a force defensively, showing some physicality to go along with excellent positioning and stick disruption. He may have played his way into a top three pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/matthew_schaefer_-_3rd_period_4_7_-_4_29.mp4

This clip shows a little of everything that makes Schaefer (#5 in red) so great. From helping win the faceoff in his own zone, to taking advantage of a mistake by his opponent to create a zone exit and leading the rush for Canada, to the nice drop pass in the offensive zone, to getting back into position to have an effective pinch to keep the puck in the offensive zone for longer. All while killing 20 seconds of a Czechia power play.

Gavin McKenna - Forward

By the already lofty standards that he’s set, McKenna had a good, but not great, tournament. He was tied for Canada’s goal scoring lead, and shared second place in the team’s points race with Schaefer. He was dynamic with the puck, often playing a game of keep away with his opponents. He used his skating and puck handling skills to circle the offensive zone, looking for weaknesses. His shot was hard and accurate, often picking top corners of the net. He flashed his next level talent, but didn’t dominate as perhaps expected, even as a 16-year-old.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gavin_mckenna_-_1st_period_18_26_-_18_38.mp4

This is an otherworldly shot from McKenna on the power play for Canada. Picking the top short side top corner on a shot from that distance is not a skill that every player possesses.

Caleb Desnoyers - Forward

While not the most offensively talented forward on Team Canada, Desnoyers was relied upon in all situations, and was often used as its top Center. He was a jack of all trades for Canada, and it suited his skill set. That being said, he was still dangerous on the ice and produced at a point per game pace, with a goal and four assists. He was strong on the puck and hard to play against in all three zones. Desnoyers should hear his name called in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft and will likely be the first player from the QMJHL taken.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/caleb_desnoyers_-_1st_period_14_3_-_14_16.mp4

This clip shows Desnoyers operating on the power play, taking the puck down below the goal line and then taking advantage of the defender’s opened up triangle.

Czechia

Team Czechia’s goal this year was to win the tournament, after coming in second place to Canada last summer. The players made it a point to let people know that they wanted “revenge” on Canada for last year’s loss. They brought a top-heavy roster loaded with offensive talent with the likes of Adam Benak, Vit Zahejsky, Adam Novotny (2026 draft eligible), and Tomas Poletin. Unfortunately, they were unable to win the big prize and settled for Silver for the second year in a row.

Adam Benak - Forward

Easily one of the most gifted offensive players in this year’s tournament, Benak led the Czechs in scoring and was second in overall tournament scoring. Benak’s footspeed and shot were outstanding in this tournament, and he was difficult to contain at all times. You could see the determination in his play every game, and he led the Czechs by example. Despite being a smaller player, it wouldn't surprise to see him selected in the first round of the 2025 Draft due to his offensive talent. He’s going to play in the USHL with Youngstown this year, and a good season will help his draft stock.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/adam_benak_-_2nd_period_3_58_-_4_11.mp4

Another player with a next level shot, this top corner short side goal by Benak is almost impossible to stop.

Radim Mrtka - Defense

The large (6’6” / 198 lbs) right-handed defenseman got better with every game and was a solid two-way defender. While he didn’t score much, his zone transition work with his skating and passing was really good. He was strong in his own end, using his positioning, size, and length to disrupt passing lanes. In the offensive zone, he activated from the blue line often and created chaos for opposing defenses. Already in consideration for a mid-round pick in the 2025 Draft, Mrtka may move into the first round if he continues to play this well in the regular season. Mrkta may also jump over to the WHL and join the Seattle Thunderbirds this season if he’s not playing in the men’s league in Czechia.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/radim_mrtka_-_1st_period_0_31_-_1_6.mp4

This clip is from the first minute of the Gold Medal game against Canada. Mrtka (#5 in white) helps lead the rush, something he got more and more comfortable doing as the tournament went along, and then sets the tone by absolutely crushing a Canadian player in their own zone.

Vit Zahejsky - Forward

Another Czech player that improved during the tournament, Zahejsky was promoted to the top line after the group stage and posted 7 points (3g - 4a) in 5 games. A slick offensive player that was used on the power play and 4 on 4 situations, Zahejsky showed good offensive awareness with both his passing and his shooting. Another potential mid-round pick who could move up if this level of play continues, Zahejsky will play for Kamloops in the WHL this season. He should see plenty of ice time and opportunity there.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/vit_zahejsky_-_1st_period_33_40_-_33_53.mp4

Czechia’s power play was lethal in this tournament, and it’s goals like this one from Zahejsky that made it so.

Sweden

While it would be hard to call Sweden’s Bronze medal a disappointment, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the team felt that way. It’s still a step in the right direction for a program that didn’t medal in last year’s tournament, but with talent up front and in goal, more could’ve been possible. Anton Frondell, Sweden’s best prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, was unable to take part due to injury, and top prospects Sascha Boumedienne and Jakob Ihs-Wozniak had disappointing tournaments compared to what was expected of them. Despite all of that, Sweden only lost to Canada in the group stage and Czechia in the semi-final.

Viktor Klingsell - Forward

With Frondell unable to play, Klingsell took it upon himself to help lead the team, and was the top scoring forward in the tournament. His 12 points (4g - 8a) were one point better than Czechia’s Adam Benak. Klingsell was a constant at both even strength and on the power play, and had points in all but one of Sweden’s games. His game shined in the offensive zone where he was able to use his hockey sense to create for his teammates.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/viktor_klingsell_-_1st_period_28_16_-_28_29.mp4

Klingsell’s (#25 in yellow) vision and offensive awareness are the highlights in this clip as he makes a nice pass over to Ivar Stenberg for an easy goal.

Ivar Stenberg - Forward

Another consistently good offensive player for Sweden, Stenberg was tied for third in scoring for the tournament with Milton Gastrin. A late 2007 birthday, Stenberg isn’t eligible for the NHL Draft until 2026, but his age didn’t stop him from standing out on a line with Klingsell and Gastrin. Stenberg will likely start his regular season in Sweden’s J20 league and is expected to be a high level prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ivar_stenberg_-_2nd_period_18_7_-_18_20.mp4

This is a really nice goal from Stenberg (#15 in yellow). He identifies time and space for himself in the offensive zone, and then loads up a hard and accurate wrist shot that goes into the top corner.

Milton Gastrin - Forward

The center of the line with Klingsell and Stenberg, Gastrin was still a factor despite being a bit less heralded than his linemates. He, perhaps more so than his linemates, took advantage of their big game versus Switzerland to add to his point total. That being said, he was still one of the team’s better playmakers in this tournament.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/milton_gastrin_-_1st_period_27_11_-_27_24.mp4

This is a great pass from Gastrin (#22 in yellow) to a streaking Klingsell for a goal.

USA

Ending the tournament just outside of the medals, it’s hard to consider the result a failure by Team USA as they generally don’t bring their best prospects to this event. The USNTDP players don’t play here, so it can be hard for them to compete against nations that bring their best of the best, like Canada and Czechia. Despite that, they were still in a tier above nations like Slovakia and Finland.

Matthew Lansing - Forward

Lansing was USA’s top center and one of, if not their best, forwards. He was used in all situations by the coaching staff and was usually one of the first players over the boards for power plays and penalty kills. As good a playmaker as a goal scorer, he used his skating to slash into the offensive zone with the puck and get defenses to commit to him to open up passing lanes. He was equally as creative taking the puck to the net for his own scoring chances where he had a bit more success. Not considered a top draft prospect currently, this tournament along with a strong season in the USHL might make teams take more notice.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/matthew_lansing_-_2nd_period_8_3_-_8_16.mp4

Lansing’s (#22 in blue) display of deft pucking handling along with some good skating allow him to keep this puck all the way to Sweden’s goal where he takes advantage of their goaltender committing first.

Blake Fiddler - Defense

The Captain of this US team, Fiddler was asked to play a defensive defenseman role by the coaching staff, and he played the role very well. The right handed defender snuffed out plays with good gap control, stick work, and physicality throughout the tournament. He showed he’s capable of defending at a higher level than seen in his first season in the WHL, and it bodes well for his draft stock. He even found opportunities to rush the puck from his own end and scored a nice goal. There were rumblings from the media that this tournament may have raised his stock to the first round of the NHL Draft.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/blake_fiddler_-_1st_period_2_55_-_3_8.mp4

The aforementioned nice goal. Fiddler (#3 in white) creates a zone exit and a zone entry with the puck on his stick, dangles a German defender, and then makes a power forward type move to the net to score.

Ben Kevan - Forward

This spot could’ve easily belonged to Sam Spehar or Alexander Donovan, but Ben Kevan’s consistently high compete level makes the selection easier. Kevan was used in all situations by the US coaching staff, and was noticeable every game they played. He played with pace and was always looking to be on the right side of the puck. His skating ability was one of his better traits. He had a couple of multi point games as well. Kevan is expected to be a mid-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, but a season where he plays like he did in this tournament might see his stock rise.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/usa_ben_kevan_01.mp4

This clip is a little longer but is a good example of Kevan’s (#7 in white) overall game. He was always looking to disrupt opposition puck carriers while getting himself into advantageous positions in the offensive zone.

Slovakia

Winners of the fifth place game in this year’s tournament, Slovakia didn’t have as many players with 2025 NHL Draft pedigree as the nations that finished ahead of it. That being said, they do have some standout players such as Jan Chovan, as well as some that could rise in the draft rankings over the course of the season such as Andreas Straka and Tobias Tomik. They have some dark horse players eligible for the draft as well that stood out in this tournament.

Jan Chovan - Forward

Easily Slovakia’s best forward in the tournament, and likely its best player, Chovan was their top line center and played in all situations. He had points in all of Slovakia’s games and used good footspeed to get up and down the ice. He possesses good size and skating ability. He showed good playmaking skills in the offensive zone, and some defensive play in the neutral and defensive zones where he got himself into passing lanes regularly. He plays in Finland during the regular season, and will either start his season with Tappara’s U20 team or join the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. If he has a good season, it’s possible to see him picked in the second or third round of the 2025 Draft.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/jan_chovan_-_3rd_period_4_53_-_5_6.mp4

This is a really nice pass from Chovan (#26 in blue) on Slovakia’s power play. It displays really nice vision and awareness on Chovan’s part. The goal scorer may never score an easier goal in his life.

Michal Svrcek - Forward

Playing on Jan Chovan’s wing, Svrcek was the recipient of much of Chovan’s playmaking, and scored goals in three of Slovakia’s four games. He scored the overtime game winner in the fifth place game. He has really nice puck skills and can get creative in the offensive zone. He’s played his regular season games in Sweden the last two years, moving up Brynas’s system, and he’ll likely start with their J20 team this year.

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This clip is a good example of Svrcek’s (#10 in blue) ability to score goals. Leading the rush and starting the give and go on a two on one is a good way to get the lone defender moving and the goaltender scrambling.

Michal Pradel - Goaltender

It might seem a bit unusual to list a fifth place team goaltender as a standout, but Pradel was really good for a Slovakian squad that was underwhelming defensively. He was very good in two of the three games he played in, but was pulled in the game against Canada. He battles hard, covers the bottom of the net well, and has good lateral movement. He has great size for a goaltender at 6’4” / 194 lbs. It will be interesting to see how he develops over the year in Europe and see if he can play his way into a mid to late round 2025 NHL Draft selection.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/michal_pradel_-_1st_period_12_30_-_12_52.mp4

This video of Pradel making some saves using good positioning only tells half the story here. With Sweden already up by a goal mid-way through the first period, Pradel needs to shut the door to keep Slovakia from falling too far behind in the game, and in this series of chances, he’s able to do that.

Germany

Starting the tournament with an overtime win over Finland, Germany must’ve been thrilled with the win knowing that they had to face Czechia and the USA in the group stage. The win got them into the fifth place game where they were downed by Slovakia, but it proved to be a worthwhile tournament for the Germans overall. Some of their more hyped prospects like David Lewandowski and Max Bleicher had decent tournaments, but the best Germans were some of their lesser regarded players. If they can continue to improve, this year’s class of German players could see a few more players picked in the NHL Draft.

Carlos Handel - Defense

Handel was Germany’s best two-way defender and his transition play from zone to zone either by carrying or passing the puck was a highlight for this year’s team. A good skater with and without the puck, he was able to activate offensively by using his speed. His puck skills are a plus as well. His defensive play will need to be an area of focus moving forward. Handel was drafted by Moncton of the QMJHL in this summer’s Import Draft, and it’s expected he will play there. A good season in the Q will help his draft stock.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/carlos_handel_-_3rd_period_21_51_-_22_4.mp4

Perhaps the best play of Handel’s (#7 in black) tournament, his ability to transition the puck while leading the rush, is something scouts saw often from him. The goal at the end is really nice as well as he loads up a wrist shot to pick a top corner.

Dustin Willhoft - Forward

Willhoft was one of the smaller players at the tournament this year, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in skill and desire. He skates very well and uses his foot speed and pace to slash into the offensive zone with the puck where he looks to make plays or take the puck to the net. He’s not a perimeter player and will go to the slot with and without the puck. His play in his own zone isn’t as polished as his offensive play and he struggles a bit with a lack of length due to his height. He’s a notable prospect for the Germans, but it would likely take a massive breakout season to put him on the NHL’s radar for the Draft.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/dustin_willhoft_-_2nd_period_26_21_-_26_34.mp4

This is one of Willhoft’s nicer goals and he’s able to elevate the puck even with the Czech defender harassing him.

Gustavs & Rihards Griva - Forwards

Is it a cheat to include the twins together as one standout player? Yes, probably, but these two were attached at the hip and were tied for the scoring lead for Germany in the tournament. They finished with four points each (both had 2g - 2a) and they bookended Germany’s goal scoring with the first and last goals of the tournament. They also combined for the game winning goal against Finland, and in this case, that’s enough to be a combined standout for this squad. They will likely continue to play together in Germany this upcoming season as they try to raise their draft profiles.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gustavs_griva_-_3rd_period_26_54_-_27_7.mp4

This play has Gustavs (#28 in white) using his hockey sense to steal the pass from the goaltender and get the puck to Rihards (#27) in the slot. Rihard’s shot is good and finds the top corner of the net. Any goal a twin scored, the other had an assist.

Finland

A bit of a disappointing tournament for Finland this year, only managing a seventh place finish. There was a lack of high end offense and star power on this year’s team and they averaged only a goal per game in the group stage of the tournament. They broke the seventh place game open, scoring five goals against Switzerland, but by then the tournament had gotten away from them. Jesper Kotajarvi, their best prospect heading into the tournament, struggled and wasn’t the effective mobile, puck moving defenseman that was expected for the most part.

Patrik Kerkola - Goaltender

Just on statistics alone, Kerkola was one of the better goaltenders of the tournament, despite his team’s record and overall play. He had the third best save % (.913) and third best goals against (2.31) of the goaltenders who started most of their team’s games. More so, behind a less than stellar Finnish defense, Kerkola’s steady play stood out and he gave his team a chance to win all of the games he started. The netminder has strong fundamentals and could start his season with Barrie in the OHL, who took him 75th in this summer’s CHL Import Draft.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/patrik_kerkola_-_1st_period_18_47_-_19_0.mp4

This is a good breakaway save by Kerkola, especially given that the puck was turned over in his zone, not giving him much time to prepare.

Max Westergard - Forward

One of the best Finnish skaters at this year’s tournament, Westergard led the team in goal scoring with three, scoring in all of their games but one. A strong skater with good pace, Westergard is able to get up and down the ice quickly with or without the puck. He’s skilled with the puck and can flash in the offensive zone when he has some room to make a play. He played in Sweden last year and was very good in their J18 league. With a birthday close to the cutoff for the 2025 NHL Draft, it’ll be interesting to see how he fairs if he continues to play with Frolunda’s J20 team.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/max_westergard_-_3rd_period_11_20_-_11_33.mp4

This is the easiest, but also nicest, goal Westergard scored in the tournament this year.

Lasse Boelius - Defense

The best overall defender for Finland in the tournament, Boelius was able to use his skating to be an effective transitional defenseman. He was noticeable for all the right reasons when bringing the puck out of his own end, either with his skating or passing. He was used on the power play and showed good passing touch. His play in his own zone needs improvement as he struggled with puck battles along the boards and wasn’t very physical anywhere in the zone.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lasse_boelius_-_1st_period_32_29_-_33_1.mp4

This is a good zone exit clip from Boelius (#9 in white). His patience, vision, and skating allow him to find space to skate the puck out of the defensive zone with ease.

Switzerland

The last place team in the tournament, Switzerland lacked the overall talent that the other teams had, and it showed. They gave Slovakia a scare before losing in overtime, this after losing to Canada and Sweden by 10+ goals in their games. Switzerland was another team that lacked 2025 NHL Draft pedigree, but a few of their players may have made an early impression on NHL scouts.

Mike Aeschlimann - Forward

Their leading scorer and goal scorer, Aeschlimann scored two of Switzerland’s five goals in the tournament. He scored both of his goals in the seventh place game against Finland and one was a very nice backhand shot that found the back of the net. A decent skater who flashed some offensive skill, Aeschlimann will return to Langnau’s U20 team this upcoming season.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mike_aeschlimann_-_1st_period_31_38_-_31_51.mp4

This is a great goal from Aeschlimann (#11 in white), from the steal at the defensive blue line to create his own breakaway to the backhand shot that finds the top of the net, it’s a high quality play at each step.

Florian Schenk - Forward

Their top center, Schenk was used in all situations by the Swiss coaching staff. He added a goal and an assist to Switzerland’s scoring totals in the tournament, but his real value was in being as good defensively as he was offensively. He had a good hit on Gavin McKenna early in the game against Canada, and he was committed to good two way play. Schenk will have an opportunity to improve this season as he has committed to the St. John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL, who selected him seventh overall in this summer’s CHL Import Draft.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/florian_schenk_-_3rd_period_26_19_-_26_32.mp4

For a team that didn’t score very many goals, this is a pretty good one from Schenk (#21 in white). Good positioning in the middle of the neutral zone helps to force the Slovakian puck carrier to make a poor passing decision. From there Schenk goes to the net and scores off the rebound. Solid play in both zones from Schenk.

Lars Steiner - Forward

Steiner played with Schenk on Switzerland’s top line and contributed with a goal and an assist during the tournament, with both of his points coming in the game against Slovakia. His goal was a nice shot from the right wing that found the top corner of the net. Another Swiss player drafted to the QMJHL in the CHL Import Draft, Steiner will play for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies this upcoming season. A late 2007 birthday, Steiner is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lars_steiner_-_3rd_period_25_26_-_25_39.mp4

The aforementioned goal from Steiner (#15 in white). He starts the play by looking for an outlet to pass to but he decides to keep the puck and place a hard wrist shot into the back of the net.

2024 HLINKA GRETZKY CUP — Top 10 2025 NHL Draft Prospects

Derek Neumeier — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 19:01:52 +0000

The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is almost a full calendar year away, but the work that goes into the decisions that will be made that weekend has already begun in earnest. Scouts always need to gather a dizzying number of views on the top prospects, which includes both regular season games and special events.

Even ones that happen in the heat of summer, such as the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which just took place entirely within the past week up in the host city of Edmonton, Alberta.

Hockey teams from eight different nations took part in this under-18 tournament, fielding rosters that featured many of the best players in the entire world who were born in the years 2007 and 2008.

Canadian forward Gavin McKenna, the budding superstar who plays for the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, was on the ice for the entertainment of both fans and scouts alike, but due to his birthday falling later in the year he will actually have to wait all the way until the 2026 draft before he is eligible to get picked (which will likely happen with the very first selection. He’s just that good, already).

However, there were a lot of other young men in Edmonton who prepared for weeks or months to showcase their stuff specifically at that event. And while most of those names aren’t well-known right now to casual hockey fans, that anonymity won’t last for long, because the majority of them are now entering their all-important draft years and will later be hearing their names get called by NHL teams next June.

Here now is a rundown of the 10 draft-eligible prospects for 2025 that had the strongest tournaments at this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. They’re arranged alphabetically, and this list isn’t a ranking or a prediction for which ones will get picked the highest in 2025, but rather, a snapshot in time of which ones stood out the most in this instance.

Adam Benák — Forward — Czechia

Benák talked during the tournament about his quest for revenge against Canada, in reference to the gold medal game at this same event back in 2023. Unfortunately for him, the Czechs once again had to settle for silver at the hands of the Canadians. However, one impressive consolation prize that he walked away with was the new tournament record for points, with 21 in total split between last summer and this one. He is an electrifying presence who deals damage through his combination of quickness, hockey sense and slick hands.

Adam Benák and his 4th goal of the tournament , 19 point all-time. He's just absolutely phenomenal today#2025NHLDraft #HlinkaGretzkyCup
pic.twitter.com/txRQtoENUG

— Honza Zoufal (@HZoufal) August 9, 2024

Blake Fiddler — Defense — United States

Fiddler was an absolute rock on the back end for the Americans. He was always in the right position without the puck and consistently stopped opposing possessions whenever they came near him. The U.S. captain even chipped in a bit of offense as well, including a gorgeous individual goal in a win over Germany. He played his heart out in the bronze medal game against Sweden, but despite playing a mountain of shifts and emptying the gas tank he wasn't able to will his team to victory.

captain and @EdmOilKings d-man Blake Fiddler splits the defence! #HlinkaGretzkyCup pic.twitter.com/y3kxPq6ISo

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) August 7, 2024

Jack Ivankovic — Goaltender — Canada

Ivankovic may be a little lacking with regards to his height, but he makes up for that by being one of the best big-game goalies that Canada has produced in quite some time. He started four of his team's five games and provided exactly what was needed in all of them, with expert efficiency on all the routine saves he had to make, and then a few show-stopping ones mixed in as well. He was in complete control between the pipes, and you could clearly see how much confidence that his teammates had in him.

2025 #NHLDraft prospect Jack Ivankovic of the @OHLSteelheads was in fine form on Wednesday, making 23 saves to backstop Canada past Sweden and into the #HlinkaGretzkyCup semi-final pic.twitter.com/OLvvQdlMq9

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) August 9, 2024

Viktor Klingsell — Forward — Sweden

Klingsell wasn't involved in a particularly high quantity of offensive chances for the Swedes, but he certainly made the most of those opportunities, finishing as the tournament's top scorer, with 12 points in just five games. That’s now two events in a row where he filled up the score sheet, with a point-per-game pace at last year’s World U-17 Hockey Challenge. The skilled winger has quick-strike ability in the offensive zone, with a small edge to his goal-scoring over his playmaking.

Viktor Klingsell (2025 draft eligible) impressive in stretching the ice from D zone to O zone on breakouts. Shows impressive vision on cross ice seam passes. Threat in walking downhill on the PP. pic.twitter.com/6YwQEichex

— cellycenter (@cellycenter) August 10, 2024

Matthew Lansing — Forward — United States

Lansing hasn’t been much of a scorer while coming up the ranks over the past couple of seasons, but you wouldn’t have been able to guess that by his play at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The top center for the Americans, he had four goals throughout his five games, including one of the fanciest of the entire tournament. But far from being a one-trick pony, he was also one of the best defensive forwards on his team, killing a lot of penalties and handling touch matchups. This was a great showing for him to get on the radar of NHL scouts.

WHAT A PHENOMENAL INDIVIDUAL EFFORT FROM MATTHEW LANSING.

The United States has life thanks to this absolutely filthy goal. #HlinkaGretzkyCup pic.twitter.com/Og0MeCxMaS

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 10, 2024

Radim Mrtka — Defense — Czechia

Most NHL scouts in attendance at this year's tournament surely watched all of Mrtka's shifts with enhanced focus and scrutiny, because defenders like him are a hot commodity in the league these days. He's huge (listed at the event at 6-foot-6), a right-handed shot, makes smart decisions, plays assertively in all three zones, and has workable mobility and puck control. His shutdown abilities were instrumental in Czechia's march to the championship game, and he helped generate some offensive chances, too, by constantly looking for opportunities to activate up the ice. There were some hiccups with his play here or there, but overall, it was easy to get excited about his long-term potential.

Radim Mrtka hits the post #HlinkaGretzkyCup pic.twitter.com/RGgoQ31fyG

— Sajdlik. (@Sajdlik667) August 9, 2024

Eric Nilson — Forward — Sweden

The son of former NHLer Marcus Nilson, Eric saved his very best performance of the tournament for the bronze medal game, scoring a hat trick and adding one assist against the United States. He didn't generate very much offense in his other outings, but he was a workhorse for the Swedes in other ways in those contests, taking a lot of important faceoffs and doing crucial work on the penalty kill. And just like his dad, his NHL upside is more so as a two-way forward than as a major point-producer.

Eric Nilson double dips for his second goal of the game as he UNLEASHES a one-timer at the net.

The Swedish forward came into the Bronze medal game seeking his first point of the tournament, and currently has two goals and an assist!

Sweden leads 4-2! #HlinkaGretzkyCup pic.twitter.com/1INZEDOgfY

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 10, 2024

Michal Pradel — Goaltender — Slovakia

Slovakia wrapped up their trip with a victory over Germany in the 5th-place game, but they likely would have finished even lower than that had it not been for the play of their number one netminder, Pradel. The massive, 6-foot-5 goalie naturally covers up a lot of the net, but he also displays a lot of maturity and fine details that echo how netminders that are his size play in the NHL. His 42 saves against Sweden helped eke out an important point in that overtime loss, and his save percentage for the tournament would have ended up a lot higher had it not been for his team badly falling apart in front of him in the game against Canada, a match where he still managed to turn aside 38 shots before being mercy pulled.

SR18 proti Švédsku siahala na senzáciu:
zvláštny meter rozhodcov nás nerozhodil a vrátili sme sa do zápasu z 1:3 na 3:3, to sa často u našich nevidí
škoda nevyužitej PP v predĺžení
Michal Prádel zaslúžene vyhlásený našim najl. hráčom, svoj výkon okorenil top zákrokom: pic.twitter.com/vOjcFpBi7T

— Peter Vretenička (@vretenicka) August 5, 2024

Matthew Schaefer — Defense — Canada

With all due respect to McKenna and also to the other names on this list, Schaefer was easily the best player at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, from his very first shift all the way up until his last. The two-way blueliner is an excellent skater and has a prodigious level of hockey IQ, and he maximized those traits to influence this tournament at his whim. Canada consistently tilted the ice whenever their captain was out there, and his ability to carve through traffic and then distribute the puck resulted in some beautiful assists at key junctures. There's already early buzz about him being the undisputed best defenseman available for the 2025 NHL draft, and don't be surprised if he never loses that status between now and then.

Matthew Schaefer Hlinka-Gretzky Cup reel.

The fourth gold medal of his young career pic.twitter.com/pDer0qUX8H

— Kyle Watson (@kyle_nw) August 11, 2024

Vit Záhejský — Forward — Czechia

The Robin to Benák’s Batman, Záhejský really turned heads in Edmonton, both metaphorically and literally. He’s dangerously slippery and is quite adept with the puck, and he prefers to keep himself in motion as much as possible, which makes him that much harder to contain. He put forth great performances against Finland in the preliminary round and then against Sweden in the semifinals, and finished with seven points in five games overall.

David Hrubý finishes off the sweet pass from Vít Záhejský, 2-0 CZE.#HlinkaGretzkyCup

pic.twitter.com/q6csGWL9o1

— Czech Prospects (@CZprospects) August 7, 2024