Max Wanner – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: TRADE DEADLINE – Meet the prospects on the move – Minten, Ostapchuk, Grebenkin, Brisson plus more

Brock Otten — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:01:34 +0000

Another NHL trade deadline day has come and gone. It was a fairly active deadline this year with over 40 deals completed. Let’s take a look at ten of the top prospects moved, in addition to what can be expected of said prospects in their new organizations.

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 30: Ottawa Senators Center Zack Ostapchuk (38) applies pressure on the forecheck during first period National Hockey League action between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators on January 30, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)

Zach Ostapchuk - Center - San Jose Sharks

A former standout with the Canadian World Junior team, Ostapchuk was part of a rather surprising deal with the San Jose Sharks involving Fabian Zetterlund. He has spent the majority of this year with Ottawa, playing as the team’s fourth line center, although was recently demoted to the AHL to allow him to get more ice time and responsibility to help his offensive game blossom. At the bare minimum, Ostapchuk projects to be a reliable bottom six center who can kill penalties and take on tough defensive assignments. His combination of size, skating ability, and physicality allow him to be effective in that role. The question is, how much more can his offensive game grow as a pro? In the AHL this year, Ostapchuk has played well offensively, excelling as a playmaker with his ability to push pace, create space, and prolong possession. You can see the vision that Mike Grier has here for Ostapchuk, hopefully developing into an elite, third line center who can insulate the high-end skill San Jose is building up. Once that team has matured, someone is going to need to be able to take key draws and take on key defensive assignments late in games and Ostapchuk could end up being that kind of player. I’d expect him to, at some point, receive a call up from the Sharks so that they can get a good look at him in their lineup before the end of the season.

MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 30: Fraser Minten (39) of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates during the first period of the NHL pre-season game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens on September 30, 2023, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

Fraser Minten - Center/Wing - Boston Bruins

It has been a fairly successful first pro season for Minten, one of the top prospects in the Leafs’ system. A well-rounded player with a mature game, it was not surprising to see him earn ice time in Toronto this year coming out of the WHL. What made Minten attractive to the Bruins is the fact that he projects to be a very versatile NHL player. While not elite in any one category, he is effective because of his ability to make plays in all three zones and get pucks, and or his body to the net. Minten does flash offensive upside as a goal scorer because of a quick release and good hands near the crease. He brings a physical element, although there does appear to be a need for him to bulk up a bit more to be more consistent in this area as an NHL player. While he does not project to be a game breaker for the Bruins, Minten could end up as a very high end third line player who can play on both special teams’ units. Given the big sell off that they had at the deadline, don’t be shocked to see Minten get a strong look to close out this season, with an eye on including him in the team’s main lineup next year.

Chase Stillman - Wing - Pittsburgh Penguins

A former first round selection by the New Jersey Devils, Stillman had a very promising first pro season in their system last year, after a rather disappointing OHL career that saw his offensive production stagnate. It gave some hope that he could, in fact, develop into a useful NHL player. However, in his second pro year in the AHL, Stillman’s taken a step back and that likely led to the trade to Pittsburgh. At this point, Stillman’s NHL upside is pretty limited. He hasn’t developed the offensive tools to be a significant contributor to an NHL lineup. However, there’s still a chance that he could become a high energy, fourth line winger for the Penguins. He’s an intense competitor who can retrieve pucks, get to the net, and bring a physical element. The key for Stillman will be to continue to improve his two-way game so that he can be more trusted in that role, in addition to obviously improving his puck skill and confidence with the puck. A weaker Pens system could offer him an opportunity to earn NHL ice time in the coming years.

William Zellers - Wing - Boston Bruins

Zellers is a player with significant offensive upside as a pro, but there will need to be a lot of patience exhibited by the Bruins. Drafted out of Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS-Prep) last year, Zellers opted to play in the USHL this year with Green Bay before heading to North Dakota (NCAA). That decision has paid dividends as Zellers has been one of the USHL’s top performers all season long, leading the league in goals by a significant margin. Coming out of the prep loop, his game needed a lot of refinement and there was some concern that he wasn’t powerful or dynamic enough to carry over his offensive prowess to higher levels. With his strong USHL play this season, that’s the first rung of the ladder checked off. Zellers may not be dynamic in terms of explosiveness, but he’s got quick feet and he’s great at finding gaps in coverage to utilize his excellent shot. Zellers’ hands are also excellent, as he routinely escapes pressure and creates extra time/space for himself to prolong possession or get pucks into the slot. Likely at least a three-year player at UND, the Bruins won’t quite know what they have in Zellers for a few years, but the progress he has shown this year offers hope that he can be a potential top six player in the future for them.

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 20: Toronto Maple Leafs Right Wing Nikita Grebenkin (71) reacts during the NHL regular season game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 20, 2024, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire)

Nikita Grebenkin - Wing - Philadelphia Flyers

A key piece in the Scott Laughton deal, Grebenkin (or Grebyonkin as it is sometimes spelled) is a player Philly fans are likely to really admire. He brings both physicality and skill from the wing and has had a solid start to his pro career in North America this year, following a breakout season in the KHL last year. Grebenkin’s hands are top notch, and he can be a real asset deep in the offensive zone with how he can protect the puck and prolong possession. He’s also a very consistent physical player; a pest if you will, who is active on the forecheck and who has a desire to get to the net and play through the middle. He’s received a few looks from the Leafs this year in a limited role and I’d expect him to get a good look in Philadelphia to close out the year. Interestingly enough, he’s close with top Flyers’ rookie Matvei Michkov. One would expect them to get a look playing alongside each other. The best-case scenario here for Philadelphia would be that Grebenkin develops into a solid middle six option in the near future.

Calum Ritchie - Center - New York Islanders

The top NHL prospect moved this deadline, the Islanders got a good one in Cal Ritchie. A first rounder by the Avs, Ritchie started the year in Colorado before being sent back to Oshawa of the OHL. The big pivot is a naturally talented playmaker; the kind of player who elevates the play of their wingers with how well he sees the ice. He controls the pace of play well thanks to strong skating ability and puck control, and he has worked hard to be more “middle of the ice centric.” He’s terrific at drawing in pressure before dishing off; an expert of the slip pass into the slot. Ritchie has also worked hard to make his two-way game more consistent by upping his physical play and intensity level. While I’m not sure I see Ritchie as a true number one center, he does project as a second line staple who can be a consistent offensive contributor in the future. Depending on how Ritchie’s offseason goes, he could end up playing a middle six role for the Islanders as early as next year, especially if they end up moving one of their higher priced forwards to help with their cap crunch.

Marat Khusnutdinov - Center - Boston Bruins

A full time NHL player since coming over from the KHL, you could definitely make the argument that he’s no longer a prospect. However, I’ve included Khusnutdinov because he’s been used in such a minimal role thus far in Minnesota, that I’m not sure we’ve gotten a great read on his true NHL upside. A competitive two-way pivot, Khusnutdinov projects almost similarly to the recently acquired Fraser Minten; it would be interesting to see them on the same line at some point to close out the year. He skates fairly well and can push pace. He’s active on the forecheck and backcheck. He is aggressive physically. He’s not really a high skill guy, which likely limits his offensive upside. However, he’s probably got a little bit more to offer offensively than what we have seen thus far. A short trip to the AHL (where Khusnutdinov has yet to play) might actually be beneficial to him, allowing him to play a more offensive role to build confidence in his on puck play.

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 22: Vegas Golden Knights center Brendan Brisson (19) looks on during a game between the Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils on January 22, 2024 at Prudential Center in the Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire)

Brendan Brisson - Wing - New York Rangers

After it looked like Brisson’s development had stagnated in the Vegas system, a change of scenery could do him well. A former first round selection of the Golden Knights, Brisson is the son of super-agent Pat Brisson. A strong offensive player, Brisson’s point production has dried up this year, his third as a pro. He’s now facing a major crossroads in his career as his ELC ends at the end of the year and his waiver eligibility dries up. With the Rangers, it could be a make-or-break situation. Interestingly enough, Brisson’s bread and butter as a junior and college player was his shot and ability to execute on the powerplay, however, thus far as a pro that hasn’t really been the case. The Rangers would be smart to try to nurture that in Hartford, to get his game back on track. The million-dollar question is, does Brisson have the kind of physical attributes required (dynamic skating, physicality), or the high-end skill required to be a top six NHL player? It’s becoming more and more likely that he settles as more of a tweener, but let’s see how the change of scenery in New York affects him.

Herman Traff - Wing - Anaheim Ducks

One of our draft favourites last year, Traff has had a solid year in Sweden playing a depth role at the pro level (split between the SHL and Allsvenskan). He has really intriguing physical tools; size, speed, and tenacity. He plays a “hard” game. He is really effective as a forechecker and as a net front presence. This was on display at this year’s World Junior Championships, where Traff was a really solid and visible role player for Sweden. Traff’s offensive upside as an NHL player is likely capped; we’re not looking at a top of the lineup player. However, we do love the fit for him in Anaheim where he can operate as a potentially solid, middle of the lineup complement to some of the higher skilled players they’ve accumulated. The question is, where does Traff play next year? Will Anaheim bring him over to play in the AHL or will they let him play another year of pro in Sweden?

Max Wanner - Defense - Boston Bruins

A big right shot defender, Wanner was proving to be one of the most underrated players in the Oilers’ system after a strong pro debut last year. However, his role hasn’t been as concrete this year and he’s taken a step backwards. So, what is Wanner moving forward? The answer to that question remains to be seen. Wanner has solid mobility for a bigger defender. He can be tough to play against physically. He can move the puck effectively and execute a breakout. At the WHL level, he showed an ability to quarterback the powerplay. There are some solid pieces there, but they just haven’t come together. If the Bruins develop him well, there’s a chance that he could develop into a solid third pairing defender for them who can kill penalties and play a reliable game. There aren’t many pro ready blueline prospects in the Bruins’ system so if Wanner can put things together in a new system, he could end up a solid depth option, sooner rather than later.

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – EDMONTON OILERS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #28

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Brock Otten — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 13:00:29 +0000

_{LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 30: Edmonton Oilers forward Raphael Lavoie (62) during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings on December 30, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 28th (Previous Rank - 32nd)
GM: Stan Bowman Hired: July 2024
COACH: Kris Knoblauch Hired: November 2023

How does a team jump five spots from McKeen’s bottom-ranked prospect system to 28th, you ask? Simple: you trade for a top 40 prospect. Sitting 38th overall in McKeen’s rankings, Matthew Savoie heads to Northern Alberta following a deal that sent 24-year-old Ryan McLeod to Buffalo. Once regarded as a top-flight prospect and top 10 draft pick, Savoie is coming off a fruitful WHL career, where he notched 263 points (103G, 160A) in just 183 games—an impressive 1.44 points-per-game average across four seasons. He’s set to take his talents to the AHL, where he’s already shown promise, registering two goals and five points during a brief six-game stint. The local Alberta native not only stands as the Oilers' highest-rated prospect but also represents their best hope for bolstering secondary offensive production in the near future.

But Savoie wasn’t the only prospect the Oilers acquired this summer. Moving on from their 2021 first-rounder, Xavier Bourgault, the club brought in McKeen’s 233rd-ranked prospect, Roby Järventie, from the Ottawa Senators. With three seasons of AHL experience in Belleville under his belt, Järventie is tracking nicely and could see NHL action in the not-so-distant future. If his development continues to trend accordingly, the Oilers might consider him as a call-up option as early as the 2024-25 campaign.

In addition to these trades, the Oilers had their busiest NHL Draft since 2017, selecting seven players in total. Under the guidance of (former) Interim GM Jeff Jackson, they made a bold move to trade up and select Sam O’Reilly (158th) and added some depth in goal with Eemil Vinni.

Speaking of goaltending, Olivier Rodrigue is coming off his best statistical season in the AHL, posting a winning record behind Jack Campbell of 19-12-5. He may not be ready to take on NHL duties quite yet, but you have to respect the progression.

Despite relying heavily on their dynamic core—Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard—the Oilers managed to graduate two key players in Dylan Holloway and defenceman Philip Broberg. Of course, both have successfully signed offer sheets and will head to St. Louis after an aggressive move by Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong. To counter the loss, the Oilers brought in Vasily Podkolzin, a Canucks graduate who has struggled to find his footing in Vancouver.

Now under the leadership of the reinstated Stan Bowman, the Oilers will look to keep their championship window open.

Edmonton Oilers Top-15 Prospects

1. Matthew Savoie

Recently acquired by the Oilers in the Ryan McLeod trade with Buffalo, Savoie immediately becomes Edmonton’s top prospect. The former 9th overall pick (in 2022) has done nothing but dominate the WHL since being drafted. He helped Winnipeg reach a WHL final two years ago and helped Moose Jaw win one this past season. He loves to play the game at a feverish pace, consistently attacking the offensive zone with speed. He is both creative and skilled and he possesses significant offensive upside. Taking a chance on him had to be a no-brainer for Edmonton, a team that has had difficulty developing a home-grown winger to play alongside Connor McDavid and/or Leon Draisaitl. That said, there are some concerns over Savoie’s projectability. He struggled at both this past year’s World Juniors and Memorial Cup, suggesting that he could have difficulty scoring consistently in higher intensity matchups. As an undersized forward, can he make adjustments to adapt at the next level? Ironically, the Oilers just chose not to qualify his brother Carter, over similar concerns. Savoie’s first year of pro hockey this season will be an interesting measuring stick.

2. Sam O’Reilly

The Oilers’ first round selection this year was a steady riser throughout his draft year. Playing for the London Knights, O’Reilly slowly earned more ice time under Dale Hunter, eventually becoming an integral component of their run to an OHL Championship and Memorial Cup appearance. O’Reilly is a competitive two-way forward who brings a ton of versatility to the table. He was one of the draft’s most polished defensive forwards and he brings a consistent physical element to every shift. However, O’Reilly’s confidence as a playmaker grew substantially over the course of the season, pointing to the fact that he may have the upside to be a solid and dependable middle six piece at the NHL level. O’Reilly will return to London this coming season and could be part of a dominant first line for the Knights, featuring him, Easton Cowan, and Denver Barkey. Expect O’Reilly to have a major breakout season, as is the tradition for major prospects coming out of London in their draft plus one year.

3. Roby Jarventie

Sometimes a change of scenery can do a prospect well. Acquired from Ottawa, Jarventie just needs to stay healthy. He’s battled injuries the last two seasons in Belleville; he lost most of last year after knee surgery. The good news is that the knee has apparently been the source of his issues the last two years. This could be the permanent fix, allowing him to develop uninterrupted. The big power winger excels playing a North/South game thanks to his speed and skill when driving wide. His upside as a goal scorer was what likely attracted Edmonton, as he could end up as a consistent 25 goal guy with the Oilers in the future. Just when is that future? It will depend on his rehab following the knee surgery. It seems safe to assume that Edmonton will want him in the AHL again when he returns to try to ease him back in and that delays his timeline. But good things come to those who are patient.

4. Raphael Lavoie

It’s not too often that a player who has passed through waivers remains this high on a team’s prospect list, but that’s the reality of the Oilers’ prospect pool right now. Lavoie has continued to score at the AHL level, having led Bakersfield in goal scoring the last two seasons. He’s even found a way to be more consistently physically engaged, a knock against him previously. But in limited NHL action, he’s been a virtual non-factor. The strong North/South attacker still has NHL upside as a middle six scorer. He received a qualifying offer from the Oilers because of their lack of system depth. They still have hope that he can find his way. However, after bringing in Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner, is there even an opportunity for Lavoie to break in? It is fair to say that this year’s training camp will be his last chance at prospect relevance. It’s do or die time for him.

5. Beau Akey

Unfortunately, Akey essentially had a lost season of development after his dislocated shoulder required season ending surgery in November. The Oilers’ top pick in the 2023 draft will return to Barrie this year and will aim to be one of the top defenders in the OHL, on what should be a strong Colts team. He’ll also have his eyes set on a potential spot on Team Canada for the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa. Akey remains an incredibly intriguing blueline prospect because of his high-end mobility. As he gains confidence in his puck carrying ability and improves his physical strength, he could be a solid two-way defender as a pro cut from the same cloth as a guy like TJ Brodie. With a strong season in 2024-25, he has a chance to vault closer to the top of Edmonton’s prospect pool.

6. Matvey Petrov

The Condors had a pretty veteran laden roster last year and that made it difficult for Petrov to get significant ice time in his rookie AHL season. The former North Bay Battalion standout has a well-rounded offensive game thanks to a terrific release and strong puck skill and creativity. The key for him moving forward is to continue to find consistency in his off puck play to help him earn touches. He is at his best when he plays with a bit of an edge and if he can find that at the pro level, he may just have the highest offensive upside of any player in the Oilers’ system outside of Savoie. Hopefully, this season, he can earn more ice time and power play time with Bakersfield and really build up confidence at the pro level. He’s probably still a few years away from making a potential impact in Edmonton.

7. Olivier Rodrigue

It has taken a while, but Rodrigue has finally turned the corner as a prospect. He was one of the better goaltenders in the AHL last year, in his fourth pro season. Facing waivers this coming year, it seems likely that Edmonton will give him an opportunity to beat out Calvin Pickard to be Stuart Skinner’s back-up, a fantastic opportunity for Rodrigue to prove his worth. However, given Pickard’s performance last year, that may be a tall task. The hyper athletic, butterfly netminder has improved the technical components of his game under Dustin Schwartz and his father Sylvain in Bakersfield. With improved positioning, play tracking, and rebound control, Rodrigue has been able to improve his consistency. What’s the ultimate upside here? That remains to be seen. At the very least, Rodrigue looks like a potential back up option for Edmonton, both now and in the future.

8. Eemil Vinni

One of the first goaltenders off the board in 2024, Vinni gives Edmonton much better organizational depth at the position. At first glance, his numbers last year don’t inspire a ton of confidence, however it’s important to note that Vinni was tasked with being the starting netminder on a pro team (in the second Finnish men’s league), a difficult task for an 18 year old. Vinni’s combination of size and athleticism gives him the upside to develop into an NHL netminder. He’s aggressive in his crease but needs to refine his play reading and positioning to improve his consistency. This coming season, Vinni will move up to Liiga, the top men’s league, with HIFK. Expect him to be the back-up to Roope Taponen, who has started for HIFK the last few years. This will allow Vinni to slowly build confidence at the highest level. Patience will be key here.

9. Max Wanner

Wanner put a year to forget behind him with a very solid freshman campaign in the AHL with Bakersfield. Wanner was limited to only 44 WHL games the previous year after being suspended indefinitely for an off-ice incident. However, his play on the ice has been largely positive, as the former seventh round pick has progressed incredibly well since being selected by Edmonton. The 6-foot-3, right-shot defender brings strong mobility, physicality, and great defensive instincts to the blueline. At the very least, he has excellent defensive upside at the NHL level as more of a steady, stay-at-home type. But he does have some offensive upside built around his ability to get pucks on net and his ability to make quick outlets to start the breakout. With another strong year in Bakersfield, Wanner likely puts himself in the conversation for a roster spot in Edmonton.

10. Jayden Grubbe

The former New York Rangers draft pick was acquired by the Oilers and subsequently signed last year. Grubbe, a former captain of the Red Deer Rebels, is your prototypical bottom six forward prospect. The big centerman is physical. He’s got great two-way instincts. He can play in a variety of different roles. His puck skill is fairly limited and he’s not a high-end scoring threat, but there’s upside there as a future third or fourth line pivot. The key for Grubbe, just as it was when he was drafted, is improving his skating. A knee injury suffered in his draft year definitely hindered the development of his explosiveness and speed. It seems like he’s been playing catch-up ever since and it’s part of the reason why the Rangers moved on from their former third rounder. The Oilers are going to need to be patient with Grubbe as he finds a way to adjust to the pace of the pro game, while also continuing to work on improving his feet so that he can play that shut down defensive role well at the NHL level.

11. Shane LaChance

12. Matt Copponi

After three years at Merrimack College, including two as a top scorer, Copponi has transferred to Boston University for his senior year (where he will play with fellow Oilers’ prospect Shane LaChance). A strong two-way forward and versatile player, it will be interesting to see how this affects his development.

13. Maxim Berezkin

The hulking winger is coming off his best KHL season to date, helping Lokomotiv reach the KHL finals. He is a creative and skilled handler, but the question has always been whether his skating could improve enough to make him a pro option. He has one more year left on his KHL deal and one would assume Edmonton will try to bring him over after that.

14. Nikita Yevseyev

A step back for Yevseyev this past season as he went from a KHL regular to splitting the season between the KHL and the VHL (Russia’s second league). The strong skating rearguard projects best as a defensive first type in the NHL and the hope is that he can return to the KHL full time this coming year.

15. James Stefan

The son of former first overall pick Patrick Stefan, James used a strong overage season with Portland of the WHL to earn an entry level contract from the Oilers. Stefan has long been on the scouting radar, so it seemed inevitable that someone would take a chance on his offensive upside.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #32 Edmonton Oilers

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Mon, 27 May 2024 19:13:52 +0000

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

The Oilers organizational depth drops to the bottom of the league prior to the NHL Draft. There were no new graduates out of their system this season, and it only made three picks in the last draft, two of them late in the 6th and 7th rounds. Beau Akey, picked 56th overall, was the only meaningful addition, ranking as the team’s third best prospect. Edmonton finds themselves, once again, without a first-round pick, GM Holland moved it in the deadline trade package for Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick. As a team clearly in a win-now mindset, with Connor McDavid in his prime and Leon Draisaitl a free agent after next season, Holland will continue to move any assets available to provide the support pieces needed to win the Stanley Cup.

They remain hopeful some young players currently in their line-up, such as Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg can contribute more. However, both have appeared in trade rumours for more immediate help. Evan Bouchard broke out as star offensive defenseman this season after emerging in the latter part of last year, following the Tyson Barrie trade. Ryan McCleod graduated last season and is an important part of the bottom six. Where the organization has had some luck with their youngster is in the net. It became a glaring problem when Jack Campbell imploded to start the year, Stuart Skinner did step up to provide some assurance and collective sigh of relief from management. While it was not flawless, that is not surprising for a 25-year-old and looks like he will be a long-term solution. The Oilers must also be very happy with the steady development of 5th ranked, 23-year-old Olivier Rodrigue, who has emerged as one of the better goalies in the AHL and could have shot at backing up Skinner to start next season or make another interesting trade chip. It is all about right now.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Xavier Bourgault	C	21	6-0/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	`21(22nd)	55	8	12	20	24
2	Raphael Lavoie	RW	23	6-4/215	Bakersfield (AHL)	`19(38th)	66	28	22	50	64
3	Beau Akey	D	19	6-0/185	Barrie (OHL)	`23(56th)	14	4	5	9	12
4	Matvey Petrov	LW	21	6-2/180	Bakersfield (AHL)	`21(180th)	53	9	5	14	34
5	Olivier Rodrigue	G	23	6-1/165	Bakersfield (AHL)	`18(62nd)	37	19	12	2.73	0.916
6	Max Wanner	D	21	6-3/185	Bakersfield (AHL)	`21(212th)	68	7	10	17	37
7	Carter Savoie	LW	22	5-9/190	Bakersfield (AHL)	`20(100th)	63	10	12	22	22
8	Ty Tullio	RW	22	5-10/165	Bakersfield (AHL)	`20(126th)	54	9	12	21	36
9	Jayden Grubbe	C	21	6-3/200	Bakersfield (AHL)	T(NYR-5/23)	67	8	6	14	53
10	Shane Lachance	LW	20	6-4/195	Boston University (HE)	`21(186th)	40	13	14	27	12
11	Matt Copponi	C	20	5-11/175	Merrimack (HE)	`23(216th)	30	7	25	32	48
12	Luca Munzenberger	D	21	6-2/195	Vermont (HE)	`21(90th)	32	1	2	3	51
13	Maxim Berezkin	RW	22	6-2/200	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	`20(138th)	62	8	22	30	18
14	Nikita Yevseyev	D	19	6-1/185	Bars Kazan-Neftyanik Almetievsk (VHL)	`22(190th)	38	2	10	12	40
14	Nikita Yevseyev	D	19	6-1/185	Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)	`22(190th)	19	1	2	3	6
15	Ryan Fanti	G	24	6-3/200	Fort Wayne (ECHL)	FA(3/22)	17	9	6	2.75	0.915

1. Xavier Bourgault, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

It certainly hasn’t been the best year for Bourgault and his development. The former first round pick hit a sophomore slump in the AHL with Bakersfield and has been particularly ineffective in the second half of the season. The Condors have a pretty veteran laden roster, especially up front, and Bourgault just hasn’t been able to earn consistent ice time and offensive opportunities because of it. However, it’s way too early to give up on the talented pivot. He still possesses top six upside, particularly because of his scoring ability and high end shot. The focus for him needs to be on continuing to improve his quickness and his strength to allow him to earn more touches. He needs to do a better job playing through contact and this summer will be a big one for him from a conditioning standpoint.

2. Raphael Lavoie, C/RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

It’s not too often that a player who has passed through waivers remains this high on a team’s prospect list, but that’s the reality of the Oilers’ prospect pool right now. Lavoie has continued to score at the AHL level, just as he has the last two seasons. He’s even found a way to be more consistently physically engaged, a knock against him previously. But in limited NHL action this season, he’s been a virtual non-factor. The strong North/South attacker still has NHL upside as a middle six scorer. He’s still likely to get a qualifying offer from the Oilers because of their lack of system depth. The Oilers also have six bottom nine forwards coming off the books this offseason. There will be another opportunity for Lavoie to earn a spot next year. But that will be his last chance at prospect relevance. It’s do or die time for him.

3. Beau Akey, D, Barrie Colts (OHL)

Unfortunately, Akey has essentially had a lost season of development after his dislocated shoulder required season ending surgery in November. The Oilers’ top pick in the 2023 draft will return to Barrie next year and will aim to be one of the top defenders in the OHL, on what should be a strong Colts team. He’ll also have his eyes set on a potential spot on Team Canada for the 2025 World Junior Championships in Ottawa. Akey remains an incredibly intriguing blueline prospect because of his high-end mobility. As he gains confidence in his puck carrying ability and improves his physical strength, he could be a solid two-way defender as a pro cut from the same cloth as a guy like TJ Brodie. With a strong season in 2024-25, he has a chance to vault to the top of Edmonton’s prospect pool.

4. Matvey Petrov, RW/LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

As mentioned with Bourgault, the Condors have a pretty veteran laden roster this year and that’s made it difficult for Petrov to get significant ice time in his rookie AHL season. The former North Bay Bay Battalion standout has a well-rounded offensive game thanks to a terrific release and strong puck skill and creativity. The key for him moving forward is to continue to find consistency in his off puck play to help him earn touches. He is at his best when he plays with a bit of an edge and if he can find that at the pro level, he may just have the highest offensive upside of any player in the Oilers’ system. Hopefully, next season, he can earn more ice time and power play time with Bakersfield and really build up confidence at the pro level. He’s probably still a few years away from making a potential impact in Edmonton.

5. Olivier Rodrigue, G, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

It has taken a while, but Rodrigue has finally turned the corner as a prospect. He has been one of the better goaltenders in the AHL this year in his fourth pro season. Facing waivers next year, it seems likely that Edmonton will start the year with him backing up Stuart Skinner; a fantastic opportunity for Rodrigue to prove his worth. The hyper athletic, butterfly netminder has improved the technical components of his game under Dustin Schwartz and his father Sylvain in Bakersfield. With improved positioning, play tracking, and rebound control, Rodrigue has been able to improve his consistency. What’s the ultimate upside here? That remains to be seen. At the very least Rodrigue looks like a potential back up option for Edmonton, both now and in the future.

6. Max Wanner, D, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

Wanner has put a year to forget behind him as he’s put together a very solid freshman campaign in the AHL with Bakersfield. Wanner was limited to only 44 WHL games last year after being suspended indefinitely for an off ice incident. However, his play on the ice has been largely positive, as the former seventh round pick has progressed incredibly well since being selected by Edmonton. The 6’3”, right shot defender brings strong mobility, physicality, and great defensive instincts to the blueline. At the very least, he has excellent defensive upside at the NHL level as more of a steady, stay at home type. But he does have some offensive upside built around his ability to get pucks on net and his ability to make quick outlets to start the breakout. With another strong year in Bakersfield, Wanner likely puts himself in the conversation for a roster spot in Edmonton.

7. Carter Savoie, LW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

After winning an NCAA championship with Denver in 2022, Savoie turned pro with Edmonton, something that caught some people in the scouting community off guard. While he unquestionably had a strong sophomore year, there was belief that he still needed to get quicker and stronger to withstand the rigors of the pro game given his lack of stature. After two mediocre pro seasons in Bakersfield, it appears that those critics were correct. That said, it’s way too early to give up on Carter. He still possesses high end skill and vision with the puck, and he still has great offensive upside as a pro. This is going to be a big offseason for him. There’s still a need for him to work on his quickness to give him that elusiveness he needs as a smaller player. Can he step up next year and earn more ice time after some of Bakersfield’s veteran forwards move on?

8. Tyler Tullio, C/RW, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

The former Oshawa Generals standout is currently in his second pro year, and he wasn’t able to take that next step as an offensive player with Bakersfield. Entering the pro ranks, there was some concern about Tullio’s offensive game translating and thus far those concerns have proven correct. That said, Tullio brings value as a high energy player away from the puck. He competes for touches on retrievals and along the wall. He forechecks hard. He backchecks hard. He still has upside as a bottom six player for the Oilers if he can continue to improve his confidence with the puck and continue to build up strength that would allow him to play this type of game at the NHL level at his size. As mentioned with other players in the Oilers’ system, Tullio stands to earn more ice time next year and that will be a huge one for his development.

9. Jayden Grubbe, C, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)

The former New York Rangers draft pick was acquired by the Oilers and subsequently signed last year. Grubbe, a former captain of the Red Deer Rebels, is your prototypical bottom six forward prospect. The big centerman is physical. He’s got great two-way instincts. He can play in a variety of different roles. His puck skill is fairly limited and he’s not a high-end scoring threat, but there’s upside there as a future third- or fourth-line pivot. The key for Grubbe, just as it was when he was drafted, is improving his skating. A knee injury suffered in his draft year definitely hindered the development of his explosiveness and speed; it seems like he’s been playing catch-up ever since and it’s part of the reason why the Rangers moved on from their former third rounder. The Oilers are going to need to be patient but the hope remains that he can play that shut down defensive role well at the NHL level someday.

10. Shane LaChance, LW, Boston University (NCAA)

Bigger forwards simply take longer to develop and LaChance is the perfect example of that. It’s been a long road for the son of former NHL’er Scott LaChance. He was drafted out of the Boston Jr. Bruins program back in 2021, then he played two years in the USHL after being drafted, a rarity for sure. However, this allowed him to build up confidence in his offensive game and improve his puck skill and skating. His offensive explosion with Youngstown has proved to be no fluke after LaChance was fantastic for Boston University this year as a freshman. He proved to be an excellent complementary player to Macklin Celebrini, seeing consistent ice time with the likely first overall pick, helping to open up ice and prolong possessions for him and fellow linemate Jack Harvey. The real test will be next year when Celebrini inevitably turns pro and other components of BU’s roster get an overhaul. Can LaChance take on more offensive responsibility and drive play more individually?

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 – EDMONTON OILERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #29

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 21:29:49 +0000

Top 20 Edmonton Oilers Prospects

1. Xavier Bourgault - C

Bourgault surely learned a lot from his four years in Shawinigan, helping them pivot from being one of the worst teams in the QMJHL all the way to winning a league championship and appearing in the Memorial Cup in his fourth year with the club. And while the "Q" has run into trouble lately with their top producers making the jump to the pros, that doesn't appear to be the case with Bourgault, who has emerged immediately as one of the best players on the Condors. None of his physical tools truly grade out as elite, but how he sees the ice and how well he stays composed under pressure are both high-end attributes. He is consistent and reliable, but also able to elevate his game at big moments, and those types of players usually go on to have long, successful careers thanks to the trust they earn from coaches.

2. Raphael Lavoie - RW

Lavoie was a frustrating player to scout at times because his effectiveness wavered a lot from game to game, even shift to shift, but the Oilers still selected him relatively high because he had such an enticing collection of tools. That said, development is a marathon not a sprint, and Lavoie has really started to blossom in the years since. Getting to play most of a full season in Sweden at the height of the pandemic not only kept his development on track, but it actually provided him with a perfect bridge between the QMJHL and the AHL. He can play both a power game and a skill game and can single-handedly break through defences in the cycle as well as on the rush. When he gets all the cylinders firing at once he is such a handful for opposing defenders. He led Bakersfield in goals last season, which shows how close he already is to getting into the NHL.

3. Beau Akey - D

The foundation of Akey’s game is his strong four-way mobility. One of the better skating defenders available for the 2023 draft, Akey can impact the game at both ends with his quickness and agility. However, he is very much a player who is still learning to use his skating ability to his advantage. He can seem hesitant to extend his rushes, and his ability to start the breakout could benefit from him trusting his feet more. In reality, assertiveness and confidence are two things that could make a huge difference for Akey’s consistency and performance. He flashes high end skill, as he gains confidence in his ability to blend his feet and hands to make plays. His ceiling is quite high, despite the strides he still needs to take to reach it. If Akey’s development goes according to plan, he could easily develop into a TJ Brodie type of defender at the NHL level, another player who also took time at the junior level to understand how to be a difference maker at both ends with his athletic gifts.

4. Matvey Petrov - LW

Petrov has turned out to be a major hidden gem for the Oilers as a sixth-round draft pick and has played a pivotal role in helping turn North Bay around from one of the worst teams in the OHL to one of the league's very best. He was recently voted by a poll of OHL coaches as one of the best playmakers in the league and it's easy to understand why, as his passes are hard and crisp, and he can find the narrowest of lanes. He's not especially big or strong but can protect pucks well with his hands and reach. He's also a stellar shooter, as evidenced by his 40 goals in the 2021-22 season, but he elected to play more deferentially last year. Petrov has been arguably one of the most underrated prospects in all of junior hockey, though that is unlikely to persist as he looks to play professionally this season.

5. Carter Savoie - LW

Savoie is one of the most interesting case studies active among all NHL prospects. Look solely at his incredible scoring numbers from the AJHL and NCAA and he seems like an elite talent. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before he will be able to cut it in the NHL, as evidenced by the steep drop-off in his numbers since hitting the AHL. The good in his game? There are few prospects in the world more dangerous with the puck in the offensive zone, able to snipe goals with ease and find passing lanes that others cannot. The bad? His skating and pacing are atrocious, and his off-puck contributions are practically non-existent. There just aren't any players in the NHL right now who play like he does. Can he blaze an entirely new trail, or will he need to make serious tweaks to his game in order to make it?

6. Tyler Tullio - RW

Tullio was one of only a handful of top Ontario-based prospects to find a place to play during 2021-21, heading to Slovakia while the entire OHL season was cancelled. Those 19 games might not have seemed like much, but they were invaluable for him in his attempt to keep his game polished and improving, as he put forth a monstrous performance in his final year with Oshawa. For a former fifth-round pick, his first season in the AHL was relatively solid, as he scored at a decent clip and looked right at home against professional competition. He's small but feisty and combative and can find different ways to make his team better, bringing energy and grit when he isn't contributing as much on the score sheet. He can play up or down a lineup, which significantly increases his odds of finding a long-term NHL gig.

7. Max Wanner - D

Unfortunately, Wanner made more waves off the ice than on it last year after being suspended indefinitely for an off-ice incident, along with several of his Moose Jaw teammates. However, Wanner was allowed to return to action for the playoffs. On the ice, Wanner’s game actually improved significantly, a fact that shocked few after his breakout performance at last year’s Oilers’ development camp. His skating has improved considerably since being drafted in the seventh round and that has transformed him into a defensive stalwart. He shuts down transitional attacks and defends pace extremely well with his length and mobility. His defensive game has always been his bread and butter, but it has evolved to the point where he could easily be an NHL shut down type. His game has also improved offensively. Will that carry over to the pro level? Time will tell as Wanner starts his pro journey this season. Hopefully he can put a turbulent year behind him and learn from past mistakes to be better off the ice, keeping the focus on his improvement on the ice.

8. Nikita Yevseyev - D

Russia's VHL, a league above the under-20 MHL but below the highly-talented KHL, similar to the AHL in North America, can be a sneaky good environment for prospects to develop in. Yevseyev played most of his draft season there as a member of the established Kazan organization, and while he didn't draw a lot of fanfare to himself, he nevertheless put in a lot of work on his game. It should come as little surprise then, that he jumped up a level this past season. What is more of a shocker though, is that he was arguably the best junior-aged defenseman in the entire KHL as a rookie. His game is mostly built around his skating, with strong edges, long strides, and a lot of power generation, and he already knows how to use his mobility to stick to professional opponents and disrupt their offensive intentions. It's incredibly early, but Yevseyev is currently looking like one of the shrewdest picks of the 2022 draft.

9. Olivier Rodrigue - G

Stuart Skinner has emerged as both Edmonton's goalie of the present and of their future, but Rodrigue is probably going to be given a few more years’ worth of opportunities to prove that he could at least become a backup for the Oilers down the line. He's not a particularly big goaltender, but he is fast and flexible, and that can still be a workable formula for success even though the margin for error is narrower. The sudden emergence of COVID-19 in early 2020 robbed him of what was shaping up to be a QMJHL championship run in Moncton, and the two preceding years of pandemic-influenced hockey were harder on netminders than players at any other position. He did, however, bounce back quite nicely last season in Bakersfield, in his third season at the level.

10. Jayden Grubbe - C

After it was announced that the New York Rangers would not be signing Grubbe, the team’s third round pick in 2021, the Edmonton Oilers jumped at the opportunity to trade for, and sign the Alberta-born and raised center. Grubbe’s rehab following a serious knee injury has been slow, but he put together a solid season for Red Deer last year, captaining the Rebels into the second round of the WHL playoffs. His skating will still need to improve; no question that will be the focus of his pro development. However, Grubbe has the potential to be a solid bottom six option for the Oilers in the future because of his strong physical play, advanced defensive game, and more than adequate playmaking ability/vision. Due to the ongoing need for improvements to his skating, the pace of the pro game may initially overwhelm him. The Oilers may need to be patient with Grubbe. However, after a few years, he very well could end up ending up similar to an Ethan Moreau or Rem Murray type, who, despite their limitations, were pivotal role players during that deep 2006 playoff run.

11. Luca Munzenberger - D

A German defender at the University of Vermont, Munzenberger is very much a “what you see is what you get” kind of prospect. There is unlikely to be much development offensively, but he understands his role well as a staunch, physical, stay-at-home type.

12. Jake Chiasson - RW

Chiasson is an interesting prospect because he never really reached the heights that we expected of him in the WHL, yet he nevertheless earned a contract from Edmonton. The big forward has a big shot to match his physique and will be turning pro this season.

13. Matt Copponi - C

After a terrific sophomore season at Merrimack College, the Oilers selected Copponi at this past draft. He is a high IQ, strong complementary piece with a great work ethic. He definitely has a chance to be a bottom six player for the Oilers in the future.

14. Shane Lachance - LW

The big winger is the son of former NHL defender Scott Lachance and is headed to Boston University this fall. He had a great 2022-23 season in the USHL, winning a championship with Youngstown, while serving as the team’s captain.

15. Joel Maatta - C

Another Oilers prospect at the University of Vermont, Maatta’s offensive upside is fairly limited. He tracks as a potential defensively-oriented fourth line center thanks to his IQ and compete level. Edmonton will be looking for him to improve his offensive production as a junior this season.

16. Maxim Berezkin - RW

The good news is that Berezkin broke out last season in the KHL, emerging as a strong supporting piece for Lokomotiv. The bad news is that he recently resigned in the KHL for another two seasons, meaning Edmonton won’t have the opportunity to bring him over until after 2024-25.

17. Tomas Mazura - C

The route for Mazura thus far certainly wouldn’t have followed Edmonton’s exact plan for him. The former prep star has bounced between leagues, countries, and programs the last few years. It appears he has finally found a home at St. Lawrence University, but he remains a longshot, long-term project.

18. Carl Berglund - C

A free agent signing for the Oilers out of UMass-Lowell, Berglund has led the River Hawks in scoring the last two seasons, serving as captain last year. Like some others on this list, his NHL upside is probably limited to a depth role, but his IQ gives him a chance to play in some capacity.

19. Noah Philp

It’s pretty rare to see players from CIS make the jump to the NHL, but after a solid rookie year in the AHL, Philp has put himself in contention for a bottom six role on the Oilers. The big center plays a power game and can be a net front presence.

20. Ryan Fanti - G

Signed as a free agent out of Minnesota-Duluth last year, Fanti’s first pro season had mixed results. The big netminder has intriguing athletic upside, but his play needs to find more consistency in his second pro year. Likely ticketed for the ECHL again.

2021 NHL DRAFT: PACIFIC DIVISION REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:13:36 +0000

2021 NHL Draft Review

Time to review the draft, in depth. As I have done in previous seasons, this review will cover the league one division at a time. For each team, we will offer a quick summary of their draft class, a deeper look at their first pick/first rounder(s), and then a look at what we think to be the best value pick of their draft class, and a final look at their worst value pick. Once the divisions have all been covered, a final article will go over some other miscellaneous trends of the draft that was (odds & ends), and the annual McKeens shadow draft class. Let’s dig in.

Pacific Division

Mason McTavish. Photo Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

Anaheim Ducks

1 (3) Mason McTavish, C, EHC Olten (SL)/ Peterborough (OHL)

2 (34) Olen Zellweger, D, Everett (WHL)

3 (66) Sasha Pastujov, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

3 (76) Tyson Hinds, D, Rimouski (QMJHL)

4 (98) Josh Lopina, C, UMass (NCAA/Hockey East)

5 (130) Sean Tschiegerl, LW, Calgary (WHL)

5 (148) Gage Alexander, G, Winnipeg (WHL)

6 (162) Kyle Kukkonen, C, Maple Grove HS (USHS-MN)

Going into Day One of the draft, it was widely considered that Buffalo would select Owen Power first overall. If not a lock, it was over 90% certain. With the second pick, it was again generally assumed that Seattle would tab Power’s Michigan teammate Matthew Beniers, as their first ever draft pick. Less certain that Power at #1, but still in the 75-80% range. So, we presumed, like many, that the mystery of the draft would really begin to unravel with Anaheim at third overall. The smart money was on a forward, but which one? There were a few that were reasonable candidates for the pick, including William Eklund, Dylan Guenther, Mason McTavish, and even the third Michigan draft eligible, Kent Johnson. I picked McTavish in my mock drafts, but I was never more than 50% sure that was the pick. Maybe even 40%. I ended up correct in that assumption, and now Anaheim has a high-end finisher for the future to go along with the two future faces of the franchise in the playmaker (Zegras) and the puck rusher (Drysdale). The Ducks won’t re-emerge from the wilderness with that one pick, but the core of a future powerhouse is being built.

Anaheim’s eight picks this year skewed towards the offensive, with five forwards, complemented by two blueliners and a goalie. The forwards all have strong histories of offensive production, with a clear lean towards goal scoring over play creation. To be honest, even the two defenders they selected each have promising offensive track records on their respective resumes. The other interesting trend spotted was their reliance on North American talent, with all either being raised on this side of the planet. Sure, McTavish spent time this year in Switzerland, what with the OHL not happening – he was even born in Switzerland, when his father was playing there – but his game was formed and developed in Canada. Also interesting, on a more personal level, for the first time in a while, the Ducks did not draft a player with ties to the Chicago Steel.

First pick – Mason McTavish, C, EHC Olten (SL)/Peterborough Petes (OHL), 3^rd overall

A high-profile prospect from early youth, McTavish wowed OHL watchers as a rookie in 2019-20, scoring 29 goals in 57 games before the pandemic brought an early end to the season. After waiting for a stretch last year in the hopes that the OHL would be able to start, he finally gave up on that dream and returned to Switzerland, the land of his birth, to play with fellow OHL prospect Brennan Othmann at second division Olten. McTavish showed zero difficulties lighting it up overseas as well, scoring nine goals in 13 games. His season proceeded to the WU18s, where he captained Canada to a Gold, and led with his production as much as his example, with 11 points in seven games. Not the fastest, he nonetheless gets going quickly and his hands contain magic. A full season back in the OHL should be enough to ready him for the NHL. He has first line upside and high top six probability. “Zegras to McTavish for the goal” will be heard regularly over the next few years in Orange County.

Best value pick(s) –Sean Tschigerl, LW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL), 130^th overall

I considered third rounder Pastujov, another pure goal scorer here, but his lack of foot speed helped him fall to where Anaheim picked him. Tschigerl, on the other hand, had less reason to still be on the board in the fifth round. Once the fourth overall pick in the WHL Bantam Draft, he struggled as a WHL rookie, but came on in the short season last year, with a goal-heavy point-per-game performance for the Hitmen. Although prone to a few too many mental mistakes, his physical tools all show middle six promise, and his general intensity will help him find a role as a bottom six contributor if he falls short of his ceiling. He is one of the higher probability picks you are bound to find in the fifth round.

Worst value pick – Tyson Hinds, D, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL), 76^th overall

Hinds is certainly an intriguing prospect, with great size, albeit in need of muscular development. He has a big point shot and can be tough to play against in his own zone, given his strength, reach, and intensity, but there are enough questions about his mobility, puck managements, and decisions making, that the risk attached to his profile would dissuade me from picking earlier than the fifth round. If the Hinds and Tschigerl picks were reversed, we would have seen more logic. As is, Anaheim gets both, so all is good.

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

Calgary Flames

1 (13) Matthew Coronato, LW, Chicago (USHL)

2 (45) William Stromgren, LW, MODO Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)

3 (77) Cole Huckins, C, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

3 (89) Cameron Whynot, D, Halifax (QMJHL)

5 (161) Cole Jordan, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

6 (168) Jack Beck, LW/RW, Ottawa (OHL)

6 (173) Lucas Ciona, LW, Seattle (WHL)

7 (205) Arseni Sergeyev, G, Shreveport (NAHL)

For the third year in a row, the Flames used their first-round pick on a scoring forward, with Harvard-bound Matthew Coronato following the footsteps of CHL’ers Jakob Pelletier and Connor Zary. It some ways, for the floundering club, it is a mildly implicit suggestion that they recognize that the run with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan at the top of the lineup will soon be coming to an end – that is if they don’t simply trade one in the run up to the 2021-22 season. Obviously, the NHL is not like the NFL or NBA where drafted players step right into the lineup and assume the roles they were selected for. Zary could plausibly play in the NHL next year, having spent some time in the AHL last year while the WHL plotted its return to the ice. Pelletier has completed his junior hockey eligibility, and will play professionally, although he never has before, and seems likely to at least spend some time on the farm before being considered for the NHL. Finally, 2021 first rounder Coronato will be heading from the USHL to Harvard, where I would expect him to spend three years, as very few go to Harvard for shorter stints. So, the turnover in Calgary promises to be gradual.

As for the rest of the Flames’ 2021 draft class, it was very North American-centric, with only second-rounders William Stromgren having spent the entirety of his development in Europe. Like Anaheim above, Calgary’s picks also leaned towards the offensive, with five forwards, and then adding in two defenders and finishing things off with a netminder. Each CHL league was represented, as were the top two development tracks in the US. Height may not have been a factor, but five of the seven skaters selected were 6-1” or taller, and one of the shorter ones, Coronato is pretty well-built and stocky for his 5-10” height.

First round pick – Matthew Coronato, LW, Chicago Steel (USHL), 13^th overall

As mentioned above, the pick of Coronato will require some time before Calgary sees the fruits of his development, as not only is he college-bound, but he is headed for premier Ivy League school Harvard. The most skillful offensive weapon in the USHL last year, where he led the league in goals on his way to being named the league’s forward of the year. He can beat you with his wheels, featuring both speed and impressive agility, his whippy and powerful shot, or his playmaking ability. The main area of development he needs to improve before turning pro is in utilizing his linemates more readily in the offensive zone and spending less time trying to win shifts by himself. He has great talent, but without quicker puck touches he will be less successful at the higher levels. He has first line upside.

Best value pick – Arseni Sergeyev, G, Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL), 205^th overall

The NAHL is oft overlooked as a source of talent, except when it comes to goalies. Sergeyev, who backstopped Shreveport to a Robertson Cup title last year, came over from Russia two seasons ago, coming a long way both literally and figuratively. He has ideal size, promising athleticism, and reads the game well. Like Coronato, he will be a long-term project, expected to move to the USHL for one year starting now, and then on to the University of Connecticut, to be bested against the NCAA. His trajectory is exciting, and Calgary was fortunate to grab him with their final selection.

Worst value pick – Cole Huckins, C, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL, 77^th overall

Calgary did well to get value with every pick they made, including this one. We chose Huckins simply because we think he is overvalued due to his size and being a key player on one of the QMJHL’s strongest teams last season. He is hard to play against, but his feet are heavier than I prefer, and we think he profiles as more of a fourth line presence with hopefully just enough skill in his hands to be able to take on a net-front role at his peak. That is absolutely worth a draft pick, but we would have been far more interested in Huckins one or two rounds later.

Xavier Bourgault. Photo courtesy of the QMJHL

Edmonton Oilers

1 (22) Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

3 (90) Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20)

4 (116) Jake Chiasson, RW, Brandon (WHL)

6 (180) Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL)

6 (186) Shane LaChance, LW, Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC)

7 (212) Max Wanner, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

In the not too distant past, when the Oilers were in the midst of a seemingly endless run of futility, those who didn’t follow the draft closely sometimes publicly wondered how the team could keep losing, even though they had some high-end talents on the roster. This extended to the early days of Connor McDavid’s career, so it wasn’t just people overestimating the likes of Adam Larsson. It took analysts who understood the draft to see that the team repeatedly failed in the most abject ways possible on literally every pick out of the first round. Between 2007 – 2014, the team drafted only eight players who have reached 100 games played in the NHL. With the exception of Erik Gustafsson, who never even signed with Edmonton, much less played for them, none of those eight were impact players. The team was drafting skill in the first, and size and grit in all latter rounds.

Edmonton hasn’t received much out of the first round since 2014 either, but they did sometimes seem to be drafting for skill with later picks, such as the selections in 2020 of Carter Savoie and Tyler Tullio in the fourth and fifth rounds. Unfortunately, their 2021 draft class looks to be typical of their lean years. First rounder Xavier Bourgault looks like areal keeper. Of the other five players they selected, all position players, they are more notable for being large, than having NHL skillsets. The ongoing experience of the Oilers of the last 15+ years has done more to convince me that NHL teams should draft for skill in all rounds than has the continued success of teams that have followed that advice, like Tampa Bay.

First round pick – Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), 22^nd overall

Not a high-end prospect in his QMJHL draft year, Bourgault has worked hard to raise his game in his time in the QMJHL, where he has emerged as a legit offensive weapon, playing with speed, skill, and just as important, consistency. While Bourgault does not at all resemble Edmonton’s 2020 first rounder, the wrecking ball named Dylan Holloway, he is the type of forward who would benefit from the room created in the offensive zone by the likes of Holloway. His game is well-rounded, and his versatility will help him grab a toe hold on an NHL job sooner than later, while he works his way up to an eventual top six role.

Best value pick – Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL), 180^th overall

If there is any upside past Bourgault in Edmonton’s draft class, it resides in Petrov. The numbers thus far in his career have been only moderate, but there are some markers in his game that suggest better things to come. He skates quite well for his size, has a strong shot with a knack for finishing, and he puts his strength to good use in puck battles. We will need to see how he handles a move up to senior hockey in Russia, but more than any of the other Day Two picks made by Edmonton, Petrov could wind up as more than NHL roster filler.

Worst value pick – Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20), 90^th overall

The top draft prospect out of Germany this year, Munzenberger did not make anyone forget about last year’s trio of Stutzle, Reichel, and Peterka. There are things to like in his profile. He is a big man who skates well and can be physical in his defensive stops. Unfortunately, due to COVID shutdowns in Germany, Munzenberger barely played this year, with his time with Germany’s WJC squad representing just shy of half of all of his annual game action. He looked like a reasonable gamble for the bottom two rounds. The third round was just way too high. Heading to North America to play collegiately for Vermont this year, I will be looking to see him play with greater poise with the puck and looking for competence in his own end.

PLANO, TX USA - APRIL 28: Canada's Brandt Clarke #5 shoots the puck against Latvia in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children’s Health StarCenter on April 28, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Los Angeles Kings

1 (8) Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie (OHL)

2 (42) Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener (OHL)

2 (59) Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga)

3 (84) Kirill Kirsanov, D, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

The Kings were not the only team to make four or fewer picks at the draft this year. They were, however, the only team to finish making selections before the draft was halfway through. The traded away a fifth rounder in order to move up in the second. They added an additional second round pick from Carolina in in exchange for picks in the third and fourth rounds. Their sixth rounder was sent to Calgary in order to move up five spots in the third. Their seventh pick was dealt away during the 2020 draft, another cost of moving up back then. The end result is a draft class that makes up in quality what it lacks in quantity. One could argue that they could have kept at least some of those late picks and possibly still drafted the players they targeted when they moved up, but there are no guarantees. The fact is that LA has one of the deepest and richest prospect pipelines in the sport, one we are ranking third overall in this year’s Annual Guidebook (buy it now!) So, adding a few more lottery tickets won’t really move the needle. The four players LA drafted this year all have a good chance to rise above the players already in the system and be impactful when the Kings are ready once again to compete.

First pick – Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie Colts (OHL), 8^th overall

One of the top tier of defenders available this year, Clarke took his game to Slovakia as the OHL was still unsure of whether it could have a season at all. As it turned out, he made the correct decision. Playing against men in Europe, even though Slovakia is not the top level of competition on the continent, proved that he could succeed against men, even if his skating is not exactly a strength. Clarke plays with extreme poise and top-of-the-line puck skills for a defender. Unlike many teenaged offensive defenders, his game away from the puck is notably responsible. I don’t think he will need to be sheltered once he gets accustomed to the pace of play in the NHL. He is a play driver who makes his teams better, as he demonstrated repeatedly for Gold Medal winning Team Canada at the WU18s. Clarke is a future #1 defender on a good team in the NHL.

Best value pick – Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener Rangers (OHL), 42^nd overall

One of the better players left on the board after the end of the first round, Los Angeles did well to trade up to draft him, losing only a fifth round pick to move up seven spots. As with Clarke, there are those who have concerns about Pinelli’s skating, but no one argues about his results. He plays a smart East-West offensive game, forechecks hard and heavy – albeit clean – finds open space and capitalizes. He has remarkably soft hands and creates for others just as well as he can finish the play himself. There are many successful forwards in the NHL who produce at high rates without having the quickest feet. There is nothing to suggest that Pinelli can’t join them.

Worst value pick – Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga), 59^th overall

LOL. Helenius is actually a very good pick, who profiles similarly to a Brian Boyle. He’s huge and has the toughness and hand-eye coordination to be a very useful net front weapon. Like the others discussed above – as well as third rounder Kisakov – Helenius is not a great skater. He is fine for his gargantuan size, but his success has not been, and will not be predicated on speed. He projects as a bottom six forward who can kill penalties, and make defenses miserable, with both center and the wing as options. He isn’t just big, but he has a mean streak, too, like his father Sami Helenius, a tough stay-at-home defender in the NHL, AHL and IHL around the turn of the century.

Djurgården's William Eklund during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Djurgården and Skellefteå on 16 November 2020 in Stockholm.
Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN /

San Jose Sharks

1 (7) William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

3 (81) Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia (OHL)

4 (103) Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria (WHL)

4 (121) Ethan Cardwell, C, Surahammars IF (HockeyEttan)/Barrie (OHL)

5 (135) Artem Guryev, D, Peterborough (OHL)

5 (156) Max McCue, C, London (OHL)

6 (167) Liam Gilmartin, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

6 (177) Theo Jacobsson, C, Onskoldsvik HF (HockeyEttan)

7 (199) Evgenii Kashnikov, D, Gatineau (QMJHL)

After a 2020 draft class that we adored, with a few exceptions, our feelings on San Jose’s 2021 draft class were not nearly so positive. Of course, the primary exceptions were with their top picks, still giving the Sharks a good chance at a very positive outcome from this year’s amateur scouting efforts. This class is split evenly with four forwards and four defenders, along with one netminder. The team drafted heavily from Ontario-based players, with three taken who did not play any league games at all last year – one of whom did get to play for Canada at the WU18s – and one who many, including ourselves, thought would have been drafted last year, but went to play in Sweden with the OHL failing to launch this year. Even the team’s one player drafted out of the USHL has since committed to moving to the OHL next year. The rest of the class featured two Swedish players, and one each from the QMJHL and the WHL. I also found funny that the player they selected out of the QMJHL was an import from Russia, joining fellows Russian-natives playing in the Q drafted/signed by San Jose including Vladislav Kotkov and Artemi Knyazev.

The main reason we are not so high on the San Jose draft class – again, not counting the exceptions – is the team went heavy on gritty players, even if three of the eight skaters they drafted were not big. Too often, they sacrificed upside for floor, taking players who play hard instead of ones who play well. Eklund turning into the star we expect will allow many to forget the players from this class who fail to make it, but I try to look at draft classes as the expected potential across all picks. Failing with a top ten pick would be a career ending tragedy for a scout and the scouting director, but the ability to add viable NHL contributors with later picks is often the difference between building sustainable winners, and perennial losers.

First round pick – William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL), 7^th overall

A few years ago, a player of Eklund’s pedigree and resume would be pushed to the NHL immediately after the draft, for good or ill. Forget for a moment his success playing against men already, but just from a tools standpoint. There may not have been a more skilled player in the 2021 draft class, and there wasn’t a player with higher hockey IQ. The skills-smarts combo has daylight between Eklund and the next player up with that profile. Even though the Sharks are expected to keep him in Sweden for another year, he is probably the second-best left winger in their system right now, depending on how we feel about Evander Kane. I fully expect Eklund to have a huge season with Djurgardens and come to the NHL ready to take over and lead San Jose out of their current doldrums.

Best value pick – Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia Sting (OHL), 81^st overall

We had tabbed Gaudreau as the number three netminder in the draft, the best behind the two first round locks. The fact that Kolosov went to the Flyers three picks before San Jose drafted Gaudreau is incidental, because we gave Gaudreau second round value, and high second round at that. Of course, he has risk attached to his profile, as do all goalies. He struggled in his OHL rookie season, backstopping a mediocre Sarnia club. And then he missed the entire 2020-21 season due to the COVID shutdown in Ontario. But when the U18s rolled around, he was there, backstopping Canada to a Gold Medal, and being named the top goaltender in the tournament. We then remember that he was though highly enough of to be a top ten pick in the OHL Priority Selection two seasons ago and know that hie performance at the tournament was not merely a flash in the pan. He receives very high grades for his temperament and his ability to read the play. There is a very good chance that Gaudreau is the best goalie drafted by San Jose since Thomas Greiss in 2004.

Worst value pick – Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria Royals (WHL), 103^rd overall

This one was pretty far off the radar, at least in the early fourth round. Laroque was never drafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, and his debut season in the league was unspectacular. He had put up decent numbers in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (Canada’s equivalent of the New England prep scene, but not nearly as established), but his high-level experience was minimal, and unremarkable. Our BC analyst, Arlo Shultz, saw a defender whose only trait that projected as above average was his physical game. Clearly, San Jose’s scouts liked him, and that’s fine, but they most likely could have drafted him a round or two later. He has a very long way to go before being billed as a likely NHL’er.

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Michigan's Matty Beniers in action during their loss to Notre Dame, 2-1, Saturday, November 28, 2020, at Michigan's Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire)

Seattle Kraken

1 (2) Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (NCAA/Big 10)

2 (35) Ryker Evans, D, Regina (WHL)

3 (67) Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton (OHL)

4 (99) Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga)

5 (131) Jacob Melanson, RW, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

6 (163) Semyon Vyazovy, G, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

7 (195) Justin Janicke, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

And so, it begins. As much intrigue as there was in the Kraken’s expansion draft picks, the future of this newest NHL franchise begins with the entry draft. Matthew Beniers will be far more impactful on the eventual success of the organization than any player selected in the expansion draft. The challenge we face in assessing their first go-round selecting amateurs, is to avoid comparing their draft haul with Vegas’ when the latter was a first-time drafter. Seattle did not make any expansion draft side deals, nor any other trades to increase the number of picks they would make, unlike Vegas, which made 12 picks in their inaugural draft. So, we will compare this draft class with the other 32 classes made this year, instead of the Golden Knights in 2017.

But it doesn’t matter what we compare this draft class with, it is underwhelming. Sure, their top pick, second overall selection Matthew Beniers is a franchise maker. The absolute correct choice, and a player who could be for Seattle what Jonathan Toews was for Chicago, or Patrice Bergeron was in Boston. Unfortunately, Beniers was not at all representative of the rest of Seattle’s picks. The team spread their choices geographically, with no more than a single player from any region. They were not afraid of drafting re-draft players, with two fitting that description. They weren’t even concerned with size, with two players standing below 6-0”, and one other just making it. Production seems to have been a factor, but not exclusively, as third rounder Winterton had no history of high scoring totals, and it had been two years since seventh rounder Janicke was lighting lamps with regularity in high school. I think Seattle could have, and should have, done more, but this is just the beginning. We’ll keep watching them

First pick – Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan Wolverines (NCAA/Big 10), 2^nd overall

Before the World Championships, I would have advocated for Beniers to go first overall and had been advocated as such for much of last year, but that year-ending tournament showed that Power was more ready to play a commanding lead role against men. His teammate Beniers, on the other hand, can contribute in any role, in every shift, from beginning of the season to the end, but not necessarily in a leading role. At least, not yet. The epitome of a five-tool player, Beniers, is a strong skater, has good offensive skills, highlighted by amazing puck control, and he always makes the right decisions, no matter the pace of the action. He brings energy to every shift, in all zones. He drives play for his team and helps shut down the plays of his opponents. With all due respect to Power, if this draft had one player to start a franchise with, Beniers was it.

Best value pick – Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL), 67^th overall

Although highly touted as a 16-year-old, to the extent that Hamilton selected him eighth overall in the OHL Priority Selection, Winterton was only scratching the surface of his potential as an OHL rookie, and then saw his development hit a brick wall also known as COVID 19. He had not played at all last year until being named to Canada’s roster at the WU18 tournament, where he had a few memorable moments in a depth role for the Gold Medal winners. He has good size, reads the play well, and has soft hands. Despite not owning any high-end skills, his overall game is well-rounded, and he can contribute in a number of ways. Very young for this draft class, with an early September birthdate, he could have more growth in his game than most others who were drafted. He may not profile as more than a solid third liner but was still fine value in the third round.

Worst value pick – Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga), 99^th overall

Passed over in the draft in his first year of eligibility, while playing for Kitchener in the OHL, Ottovainen went back home to Finland with the OHL season not able to get started this year. His year was then split between JYP’s senior and U20 teams, with a brief stretch in Finland’s second league thrown in for good measure. He was fantastic against juniors but was largely ineffective against men. Both are no more and no less than was expected, but we mark him as a lower value pick because he didn’t impress all that much in 2019-20 and didn’t force us to re-evaluate him that much this year. None of his tools, excepting his large size, stand out as NHL-worthy. It’s hard to see more than up-and-down value at best. Not sure that he couldn’t have been drafted with a later round pick if they really liked him.

PLANO, TX USA - APRIL 27: Belarus's Danila Klimovich #20 controls the puck against Switzerland's Lilian Garessus #22 in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children’s Health StarCenter on April 27, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Vancouver Canucks

2 (41) Danila Klimovich, RW, Minskie Zubry (Belarus Vysshaya)

5 (137) Aku Koskenvuo, G, HIFK U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

5 (140) Jonathan Myrenberg, D, Linkoping J20 (J20 Nationell)

6 (169) Hugo Gabrielsson, D, Halmstad Hammers HC (HockeyEttan)

6 (178) Connor Lockhart, C, Erie (OHL)

7 (201) Lucas Forsell, LW, Farjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)

This was a very Euro-centric draft. The only North American based player the Canucks selected, sixth rounder Connor Lockhart, didn’t even play last year. Not just Euro-centric, though, fully half of Vancouver’s picks were from Sweden, a region that the team has drafted from frequently, and often successfully. Considering that they had only one pick prior to the fifth round, this draft class holds promise. The Canucks drafted with potential in mind, not worried too much about size.

Beyond the Swedish lean, if there was something the Canucks targeted with all of their later round picks, it seems to have been hockey IQ. In fact, the most mistake-prone, or “unreliable” player they selected was their lone early pick, Klimovich, who just happens to be insanely skilled. Even if those later picks have marginal upsides – being late round picks and all – they all look like prospects who should maximize the tools they possess. This is the second year in a row that Vancouver missed out on some early round picks, and given their approach to the later rounds, it would be good to see how they would act with a full complement of picks.

First pick – Danila Klimovich, RW, Minskie Zubry (Belarus Vysshaya), 41^st overall

Klimovich was the most prominent late riser on draft boards, going from obscurity to emergency for all teams after an electrifying performance at the WU18s. He is a gifted finisher, capable of scoring through numerous ways and means. He can pick small holes from near the faceoff circles or bamboozle defenders with slick puck play. The main concern with Klimovich’s projection is that he very little experience playing high levels, but he has succeeded wherever he has played. The Canucks have already given him a contract, and the next question is where he plays next year. Rouyn-Noranda controls his CHL rights, and they seem to have one open spot for an import player. That might be his best bet, as Klimovich needs a new challenge, and he might as well start acclimating to the North American game.

Best value pick – Connor Lockhart, C, Erie Otters (OHL), 178^th overall

In a draft that valued size more than it should have been valued, Lockhart was bound to fall lower than his skill suggested. Listed at 5-9”, 161, he wasn’t going to excite anyone looking for brawn, but there is no reason why he should have fallen as far as the late sixth round. Promising enough to be selected third overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, he had acclimated to the OHL as a rookie in 2019-20. Outside of his physical presence, the rest of his tools have shown intriguing potential. It is probable, if not certain, that he would have been drafted as much as two rounds higher if the OHL had a season last year, so I could be charitable and say that every NHL team passed on him as much as twice more than they should have, allowing Vancouver to draft a skilled sleeper.

Worst value pick – Aku Koskenvuo, G, HIFK U20 (U20 SM-sarja), 137^th overall

A big netminder who forced his way into HIFK’s U20 team in his age 16 season, Koskenvuo is committed to play for Harvard in the coming years – although seemingly not next year – generally a sign of intelligence. His tools all seem fine, especially his athleticism, but we did not rank him as higher than a seventh-round flyer as his numbers have simply never been that good. He resembles a good young goalie, but he really needs to find a way to spot more shots, with greater regularity. Had the Canucks inverted the Lockhart and Koskenvuo picks, I would have had a very hard time picking any of their selections as “worst value pick.”

Vegas Golden Knights

1 (30) Zach Dean, C, Gatineau (QMJHL)

2 (38) Daniil Chayka, D, CSKA Moskva (KHL)/Guelph (OHL)

4 (102) Jakub Brabanec, C/LW, HC Kometa Brno (Czech)

4 (128) Jakub Demek, C, Team Slovakia U18 (Slovakia2)

6 (190) Artur Cholach, D, Sokol Kiev (Ukraine)

7 (222) Carl Lindbom, G, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

Like with Vancouver above, the Golden Knights had a very Euro-centric draft, with only first rounder Zach Dean having played in North America last year. Unlike Vancouver, Vegas spread the wealth in Europe though, with picks from Russia, Czech, Slovakia, Ukraine(!!!), and Sweden. At least three of those European draftees are expected to play CHL hockey next year. Another area where Vegas separated themselves from their division mates from a town starting with the letter ‘V’, was in their push to draft big players. They didn’t draft anyone below 6-0” and added three players to the organization standing 6-4”.

To Vegas’ credit, while drafting for size, skill was not neglected. This isn’t simply a collection of goons on skates. Chayka showed serious two-way potential over two seasons in the OHL. Brabanec probably wasn’t ready for men’s hockey in the Czech Republic last year, but he looked impressive at the WU18s. Demec has produced at all levels in Slovakia. Even Ukrainian Cholach – the first Ukrainian drafted since 2007 – has admirers for his game, even if has never played at high levels before. Goalies are judged differently, but Lindbom was the primary netminder for Sweden’s Bronze Medal win at last year’s WU18s.

First pick – Zach Dean, C, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL), 30^th overall

A well-rounded forward with plus pedigree in junior hockey, Dean has not yet produced offense to live up to his potential in the QMJHL. He can play in all situations and generally seems to be in the right place at the right time. The main concern with his profile, and why we saw him as more of an early second rounder than a late first rounder, is the aforementioned production. He looks like a medium term NHLer, one who could play as a good third line center on a competitive team, but who would be miscast in a top six role. If he takes that next step offensively, we would be happy to reconsider his upside, but his approach has scarcely budged in two years now.

Best value pick – Carl Lindbom, G, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell), 222^nd overall

With the third last pick of the draft, Vegas got Sweden’s top 2003-born goaltender prospect. Younger brother of Rangers’ goaltending prospect Olof Lindbom, Carl has a similar profile, yet his older brother was a high second round pick and Carl lasted until very late in the seventh round. He is an athletic battler who reads plays well and is technically sound in his crease. He isn’t likely to become an NHL starter, but he wouldn’t look out of place as a solid backup if he maintains he developmental trajectory.

Worst value pick – Jakub Demek, C, Team Slovakia U18 (Slovakia2)

Sure, even though Demek was taken in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL, a deeper look at his profile suggests that size is his main factor driving his desirability. His production for Slovakia’s U18 team, which plays a regular schedule in that nation’s second division was meagre, and an honest assessment of his tools suggest that his production has been on par with his skill set. He is more notable for his work off the puck than on, so we are left looking at a forward with fourth line upside, but more who hasn’t yet proven that he can play pro in Slovakia, much less in North America.

2021 NHL DRAFT: EDMONTON OILERS REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 19:32:43 +0000

Xavier Bourgault. Photo courtesy of the QMJHL

Edmonton Oilers

1 (22) Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

3 (90) Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20)

4 (116) Jake Chiasson, RW, Brandon (WHL)

6 (180) Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL)

6 (186) Shane LaChance, LW, Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC)

7 (212) Max Wanner, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

First round pick – Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), 22^nd overall

Best value pick – Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL), 180^th overall

Worst value pick – Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20), 90^th overall