Nate Schweitzer – McKeen's Hockey

USHL: 2020-21 Playoff Preview – Expect Entertaining Hockey with Chicago a Clear Favourite

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:27:15 +0000

If there is an exception to the across-the-board negative impact of COVID-19 on the world of hockey, it may rest in the USHL. As north of the border, the three leagues of the CHL were in disarray – at best – the USHL, played a fairly “normal” year.

Sure, the league proceeded without the participation of the Madison Capitals (regional COVID restrictions) or the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders (a Derecho huffed and puffed and blew the arena down), but the rest of the league played (an approximately) 54 game schedule with rather few disruptions.

Not only that, but in terms of quality, the league was better than ever, as a number of players who had expected to suit up for Canadian teams – both CHL and Jr. A – were given an opportunity to play for various USHL teams as their regular leagues were delayed indefinitely, or outright cancelled. Those bonus players included some that were drafted already, including Cross Hanas, Bear Hughes, and Danil Gushchin*. Other drafted players came in from the Ivy League schools, who did not play a hockey schedule this year. In addition to the likes of Henry Thrun, Jack Malone, and Austin Wong coming to the USHL after some time in college, others like Sean Farrell and Alex Laferriere, who had intended to start collegiate life this year, were forced to stay back for one more year in the Midwest.

*Gushchin, who had played the previous two seasons with Muskegon, was expected to play in Ontario with Niagara for the 2020-21 season, but with the OHL in permanent statis, he was loaned back to the Lumberjacks, where he put up his best season yet.

And then there were the draft-eligible ringers who unexpectedly joined the league and played so well that they have legitimate first round consideration at the end of it. I am thinking, of course, of Cole Sillinger, who joined Sioux Falls, before it was known when, or if, the WHL would get going, and Ayrton Martino and Jack Bar, who had played in Ontario last year and had been planning on playing in the BCHL this year before Canadian restrictions pushed them to the USHL, with Omaha and Chicago, respectively.

Of course, there were many other unexpected players in the league this year, with those mentioned only scratching the surface of the most famous names.

So, before we preview the postseason, which begins this Friday (Apr. 30), let’s pour one out for the six teams that didn’t make, and give a word to the top 1-3 draft eligible players from those squads.

Team USA

One point behind Dubuque for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference – although far further back via points percentage (.510-.481), the USNTDP team that would have played in the USHL playoffs had they made it would have been the U17 team. The best of that group – Rutger McGroarty, Isaac Howard, Ryan Chesley, Lane Hutson, Charlie Stramel and others – are playing with the U18 team in Texas at the WU18 tournament. No draft eligibles but remember those names for next season.

Youngstown Phantoms

By points percentage, easily the weakest team in the league. The aforementioned Jack Malone, a Vancouver draft pick, was far and away the top performer on the team, which is to be expected from a player with a year at Cornell under his belt. Among first year draft eligibles, Japanese import Yusako Ando was the most notable, although his second year in the league was worse than his first. He can create for others, but he doesn’t skate well enough to make up for his slight 5-7” frame. The only other draft eligible who ever made a positive impression on me from this roster was blueliner Austen May. The Providence commit is on the small side, but he is really fleet of foot and shows decent attention to detail off the puck.

Des Moines Buccaneers

Despite the presence of three drafted players – Alex Laferriere (LA), Noah Ellis (Vgk), and Lucas Mercuri (Car), the Buccaneers struggled this year, particularly in terms of putting the puck in the net. The drafted guys were all solid, but too few of the rest of the roster could match their output. Perhaps things would have been different if Paul Davey hadn’t of left mid-season for a stint back home in Connecticut. Davey and Scout Truman were the two most notable first time draft eligible on the roster, but neither really put their stamp on the season. If there are to be any Buccaneers drafted this year, they will be among the redraft candidates. To that end, file away the names of Matt Choupani and Remington Koepple. Choupani is a forward who lacks much in the way of physical tools but can play the puck well. Koepple is a goalie who had decent numbers in his first year in the league, although he has only average size and athleticism and he chocked in the BioSteel game, hurting his standing for some.

Lincoln Stars

The Stars went heavy on the ringers partway through the season. Cross Hanas was already mentioned, but he was just one of four players brought in from the WHL Portland Winterhawks, joining Clay Hanas (no relation), Jack O’Brien, and James Stefan, as well as Charles-Alexis Legault from West Kelowna in the BCHL and Michael Mastrodomenico from AAA hockey in Quebec. Simply put, the shuffled team never gelled, and the newcomers couldn’t get into the swing of the USHL.

O’Brien was the biggest disappointment. There was some expectation that he could be a high round pick this year, but one goal and six assists in 23 games ended that sentiment. Blueliner Legault didn’t hurt his stock too much, as he still has great size and skates well and shoots from his right side. Stefan, son of former first overall pick Patrik Stefan, had enough moments to maybe convince some team to call his name in the late rounds. A kind word also to big bruising winger Gleb Veremeyev. Veremeyev isn’t an offensive threat, but one of the top PIM players in the league is a threat, nonetheless. The USHL is not a very physical league, and when a player has that size and plays with that snarl, he sometimes gets drafted, such as we saw with Nick Capone last year and Martin Pospisil in 2018.

Waterloo Black Hawks

Generally contenders, the Black Hawks find themselves out of the playoffs for the first time since 2014-15, and only the second time in 14 seasons for which there were playoffs. Fielding one of the smaller and least experienced lineups in the league, this just wasn’t their year. Their one drafted player, Toronto’s Wyatt Schingoethe, regressed heavily from his strong draft year. The team cycled through goalies, with three seeing significant minutes. Remember the name of Emmett Croteau, the best performing of their netminders, as he won’t be draft eligible until 2022.

Among players eligible this year, the most impressive were second time eligible defenseman Cooper Wylie, a USHL rookie, who can play the puck and skate well enough to make his ornery game effective, if not spectacular. He could be drafted. On the other hand, David Gucciardi, acquired in an early season trade from Youngstown, will be drafted. His game is raw, and his mistakes are often critical, but he has tools, and his instincts are good enough to think he can be a good one if he relies on his instincts all the time.

Sioux Falls Stampede

The Western Conference bottom feeders are a mystery. In the last USHL playoffs, the Stampede took home the title. In addition to their usual solid team, this year they brought in the highest profile ringer in Cole Sillinger, who didn’t disappoint, with a team leading 46 points despite only playing in 31 games. He is a sniper with an NHL style game who will be back in the WHL next year. The USHL rarely sees a player of his caliber, whether talking about skill or about reading the game, yet he couldn’t drag the Stampede upwards on his own. I would be surprised if he isn’t the first player from this year’s USH: crop to play in the NHL.

Defender Brent Johnson was one of the better draft eligible defenders in the league as well. A power play specialist with good wheels and an ornery side, his season ended right before the BioSteel All American Game due to a shoulder injury, but could hear his name called in the 50-80 range of the draft if his medicals hold up.

Although not as high profile, I also have time for second time eligible, defenseman Nate Schweitzer, who can do a lot well, but nothing spectacularly, and winger Mike Citara, who can skate and shoot. I don’t expect either to be drafted, but I wouldn’t be surprised if either was.

The Playoffs

The format this year is simple. The top four teams from each conference made it in. All series are best-of-threes. Top seed plays the fourth seed, and second seed plays the third seed. All games are hosted by the higher seed. One series per weekend until one team lifts the Clark Cup. Let’s go!

Western Conference

Jack Peart. Photo Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Tri-City Storm vs #4 Fargo Force

The Western Conference was incredibly tight at the top with the playoff picture not being settled until the final weekend of the regular season. The points percentage difference between Tri-City and Fargo (32 percentage points) was less than between Fargo and fifth place Des Moines (34 percentage points).

Fargo was the third best defensive team in the league, although Tri-City was the best at keeping the puck out of its net. Neither team is known for filling their opponents’ nets either, but both had generally done enough to walk away with points more often than not. In fact, they are quite evenly matched. The difference in these three games (outside of home ice advantage) is likely to rest in special teams. Fargo was mediocre on both the power play and the penalty kill, while the Storm were strong with the man advantage and almost impregnable on the penalty kill, leading the league with a breathtaking 88.3% kill rate. To Fargo’s credit, they have played far more of their season at 5-on-5 than Tri-City. And they will have to do that again this weekend to keep their season alive.

Beyond the expected close games, another reason to watch this series is the head-to-head matchup between two very interesting and talented draft eligibles. On Fargo, that would be Tristan Broz, a two-way center with a good motor and the vision to be a power play weapon. The Minnesota commit ran away with the scoring lead on his team. His numbers would be even more impressive if he had more talented teammates to play with. On Tri-City, the man of the hour is Matthew Knies. Knies started his season painfully slow, but ended it on fire, with 20 points in his final 11 games. Knies has heavier feet, but a very mature build and at his best, can take over the game. He will join Broz with the Golden Gophers next year.

Knies and Broz are not the only intriguing draft eligible players in this series. In fact, Fargo blueliner Jack Peart has a very good chance to be the highest drafted player in this series. The St. Cloud State commit split his season between Fargo and Grand Rapids High School (Mn). He is a good skater with a very strong first few steps, who plays with preternatural poise. He controls the puck like a much older player and plays a strong 200-foot game. Had Peart spent the entire season in Fargo, the final standings may have looked very different. For Fargo, also keep an eye on Aaron Huglen, a Buffalo draft pick who returned from over a full year on the sidelines after around a third of this season was done and has played a skilled game ever since.

On Tri-City, Knies is joined by a pair of intriguing draft eligible players in Hunter Strand and Carter Mazur, the latter of whom is a second time eligible player. Strand is a USNTDP alum, whose late birthday prevented him from being drafted last year. The Alaska native is a great skater and plays a patient game with the puck. Mazur has more of an East-West style game, helped along by plus edges. He can play the pest role as well and retains utility off the puck. Strand and Mazur both outscored Knies this year, but Knies already had a big reputation through his big pre-draft year and his run to end the year keeps him top of mind.

Prediction: Fargo in three. A mild upset to be sure. The return of Peart helps Fargo just as much as the loss of top blueliner Guillaume Richard hurts Tri-City. Richard is currently representing Team Canada at the WU18s in Texas. Neither team has stellar goaltending, but Fargo’s Brennan Boynton should be able to roughly match Tri-City’s Todd Scott.

#2 Omaha Lancers vs #3 Sioux City Musketeers

Both Omaha and Sioux City put up 63 points in 53 games, but their paths to getting there could scarcely have been more different. Consider that Omaha’s goal differential was a mediocre +13, while Sioux City outscored their opponents on aggregate by 35 goals, with the league’s best – by far – defense.

The two teams are both led by high end goaltending, each starting one of the three drafted netminders in the league. For Sioux City, that man is the Swiss Akira Schmid, a New Jersey prospect, while Montreal draftee Jakob Dobes, from Czechia, mans the pipes for Omaha. Dobes was a true workhorse for the Lancers, playing in 47 of the team’s 53 games, while Schmid played roughly two-third of the time for Sioux City, as his back up was more reliable.

Schmid will need to be at his best in this series, however, as Omaha has one of the biggest offensive weapons in the league at their disposal in Ayrton Martino. Martino joined the club shortly after the calendar flipped into 2021 and took the league by storm, with the fifth best points-per-game ratio in the USHL (1.47). A great skater with a fantastic shot, Martino did not let his slight frame prevent him from dominating, and his playmaking game is just as strong as his finishing ability. If Sioux City can shut Martino down, the Lancers don’t have too many other weapons at their disposal as their secondary scoring is largely in the hands of USHL veterans like Ryan Lautenbach, Nolan Renwick and Zach Dubinsky. The Omaha roster is one of the oldest in the league.

Sioux City, on the other hand, has a few more weapons at its disposal. Detroit draft pick Chase Bradley and New Jersey pick Ethan Edwards were both in the team’s top four in scoring, while Buffalo pick Matteo Costantini showed well after joining the league mid-season. Although the Musketeers don’t have a draft eligible player the likes of Martino, don’t sleep on defenseman Shai Buium. A USHL rookie out of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s program, he combines quick hands with smooth, if not quick, feet. He plays a strong two-way game and if he were a better skater (he isn’t bad, but he isn’t great), we would be hearing more people call for him as a first round type of talent. As is, he has enough raw skill to dream on a big, late-blooming future. I am also keeping an eye on redraft candidates defenseman Daniel Laatsch and center Justin Hryckowian. Laatsch is a USNTDP alum who has great size and some burgeoning skill, but is still raw, while Hryckowian has a fun skill game, but an injury-filled history and a sub-optimal build.

Prediction: Sioux City’s depth overcomes Martino’s solo skill in three games.

Western Conference Final Prediction: Sioux City over Fargo in three games. Sioux City is just too difficult to score against and has enough offensive weapons to get the job done.

Eastern Conference

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Chicago Steel vs #4 Dubuque Fighting Saints

By all accounts, this should be a washout. Chicago is, by great lengths, the top team in the USHL. They enter the postseason on an eight-game undefeated streak, and won 38 of 54 games this year, often by wide margins. Their goaltending has been shoddy at times, but far more often than not, they were able to outscore their troubles and their total of 265 goals scored was 24 more than the runners-up. Dubuque, on the other hand, won only 24 of 51 games, securing the final playoff spot in the east thanks to a win in their final game coupled with a loss from the U17 USNTDP squad.

If Dubuque is to have a hope in this series, look to their defensive players. Goalie Lukas Parik, a Los Angeles draft pick, struggled since joining the team, in late-January from the Czech second division, but shut out Green Bay in his final game, reminding us of what he is capable. On the blueline, fellow LA pick Braden Doyle teams up with Anaheim draft pick Henry Thrun to give the Fighting Saints a pair of weapons. Up front, Dubuque has a balanced attack, but the man to watch is Robert Cronin. While too old to be drafted this year Cronin is a late bloomer with speed and skill who will be a good follow next year once he joins the University of New Hampshire. The boy to watch, on the other hand, is Matthew Savoie. The 17-year-old is a 2022 draft eligible, who should have been playing in the WHL, but the uncertainty in that league led him to Dubuque, where he immediately played a central, and at time dominating, role. He’s going to be really fun to watch next year.

Looking at draft eligibles for this summer, keep your eyes on Connor Kurth and Andrei Buyalsky. Buylasky is actually the same age (born three days later) as Cronin, but as he is considered a foreign player (this is his first season in North America), the Kazakhstani forward is draft eligible while the American Cronin is not. Buyalsky is an impressive skater with impressive finishing ability. Kurth, on the other hand, has no particular big attributes to his game, but he finds a way to put up good numbers. He has a very stocky build but moves well enough regardless.

Moving on to Chicago, almost every skater on the roster is worthy of mention. Start with Montreal draft pick Sean Farrell, a USNTDP alum who would have been with Harvard this season had the Crimson actually played. Instead, he put up a breathtaking 101-point season for the Steel. His playmaking ability is simply unfair to most opponents on most nights. Then there is Matthew Coronato, a likely first round pick, who scored 48 goals in 51 games. Sure, it helps to have Farrell playing on your team, but the two actually rarely played together at even strength. Coronato is an offensive dynamo, who is content to cycle on his own for multiple full loops of the offensive end before he sees a seam to exploit.

Then there is Jack Bar, a late add to the roster from the BCHL. After a brief period acclimating to the league, he began to dominate. The defenseman likes to get deep into the offensive zone but is also a physical and committed defender. He has some first round upside. Of course, I also have to mention Mackie Samoskevich, who at one time was seen as a better draft prospect than Coronato. Samoskevich struggled somewhat after a midseason injury but is another gifted playmaker and a fantastic skater to boot.

I don’t want to get into the weeds too much, but I also expect Josh Doan (son of Shane), Ryan Ufko, and Jackson Blake to be drafted this summer, and Jack Harvey being drafted wouldn’t surprise me either. Anaheim draft pick Ian Moore has been impressive in his first season in the USHL, and 2023(!!) eligible forward Adam Fantilli is a burgeoning superstar. As good as everyone else already mentioned on this roster is, Fantilli’s upside is the highest. I am talking top three in the draft upside.

Prediction: Chicago in two, barring a complete breakdown in net. Chicago in three if the goalies stumble.

#2 Muskegon Lumberjacks vs #3 Green Bay Gamblers

A testament to how tight the West is, the Muskegon-Green Bay series is the second most lopsided duel after Chicago-Dubuque, with .040 percentage points separating the Lumberjacks and the Gamblers. Muskegon plays an up-tempo, high-event game with red lights going off at both ends. Green Bay is best when they keep goals to a minimum, and actually ended the season with the fewest goals allowed in the conference.

Green Bay’s chances are led by a pair of Boston Bruins’ draft picks in defender Mason Lohrei and center Jake Schmaltz. The latter is a two-way forward, who after three seasons in the USHL, has figured out how to be a factor offensively. He does a lot of little things well but lacks any dynamic elements. Lohrei was a surprise second rounder last season but has grown his game even more this year. He is big, skates very well, has a big point shot and plays a tough game at all ends. The Gamblers will go as far as he can take them. Vancouver draft pick Jackson Kunz and Vegas pick Jackson Hallum are also on the roster, and while both have shown the ability to provide secondary offense, neither can make things happen on their own. 2022 eligible Ryan Greene is an interesting player, but if there is a wild card in Green Bay, it is Camden Thiesing. The Tennessee native combines skill with grit, finishing third in the league in PIMs. He will work to make things happen on his own, and when he stays out of the penalty box, he is dangerous.

Led by San Jose draft pick Danil Gushchin, Muskegon is incredibly entertaining. Gushchin is a dynamo, who is not the most consistent player, but when he is involved and engaged, is one of the top handful of forwards in the league. He is joined by a deep roster of talented players, a few of whom should be drafted this summer, many of those in their second year of eligibility. The best of that secondary bunch is center Cameron Berg. Berg finished last year hot after a slow start and didn’t miss a beat coming into this year. He has a high-end wrist shot and knows how to create space for himself to rip one off. Winger Quinn Hutson is another second-year eligible forward who made waves this year. The type of player to get to the right spot at the right time, he knows how to finish what his linemates create. On the blueline, there are a trio to watch. The offensive blueline is Jacob Guevin, a power play specialist, whose production overshadows his average tools. Alex Gagne and Hank Kempf are bigger, more physical blueliners who make life difficult for attacking forwards. I could see all three drafted this summer.

Prediction: Muskegon in three games.

Eastern Conference Final prediction: Chicago in three games over Muskegon. This would be an immensely entertaining series.

Clark Cup Final Prediction: Chicago over Sioux City in three games. It’s really hard to bet against the Steel this year.

2020 NHL DRAFT: Scouting U.S. High School Prospects Part One

Tom Dorsa — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 15:26:17 +0000

From the standpoint of looking purely at the annual National Hockey League draft, this is an interesting era in high school hockey. The United States Hockey League and North American Hockey League have emerged as a legitimate junior development paths for American youngsters, who have mass migrated from the high school ranks to these leagues over the last two decades.

High school hockey in prominent states such as Minnesota have done their best to counteract this player exodus. Extending period length from 15 to 17 minutes, doubling the qualifiers for the famous state championship tournament, and prolonging the season from 22 to 25 games are some of the major moves enacted by the Minnesota State High School League to keep players around.

It some cases, it has worked, but young stars see greener pastures in higher junior leagues. Thus, the raw emotional spectacle of high school hockey has been diminished to a degree.

But it’s far from over, and this class of 2020 NHL Draft eligible high school stars are a big reason as to why. Of course, the Draft will be dominated by Canadian major junior stalwarts and some highly-regarded European anchors, but this group of prep school athletes is one to take seriously.

Succeeding a solid crop of prep school prospects last year that included Jackson Lacombe (#39 overall, Anaheim), Jayden Struble (#46, Montreal), John Farinacci (#76, Arizona), and Ryder Donovan (#110, Vegas), the 2020 class is chock full of exciting forwards with size and skill as well as versatile, speedy defenseman.

Grading out for their future potential, we will examine each of the 16 high schoolers (including three Canadian high schoolers) featured in this piece in five categories: skating, shot, skills, smarts, and physicality. Obviously, scouting goes far beyond those simple subsets, but these traits are often what NHL scouts look at first when evaluating potential draft selections.

The 2020 NHL Draft is scheduled to kick off in Montreal, Quebec on June 26 (Round One) and continues on June 27 (Rounds 2-7). The likelihood of seeing any of these players on night one remains low, but we should see a bounty of them taken on the second day of the selection process.

Wyatt Kaiser	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position D, Shoots L	H/W: 5-11", 170 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Andover High School (USHS-MN): 25-9-25-34-36
	Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL): 11-0-3-3-6

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 50, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality: 55. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 51.5
Summary: Kaiser is a long-term project with a lot to like about him. Committed to Minnesota-Duluth, he probably will not suit up for a pro game until years from now, so whichever team takes him will have to monitor his development closely. The first thing that stands out about the Minnesotan is his physicality, as he loves to power up for open ice hits, employs tight gaps with lots of body contact, and is tough to beat for the puck in the corner, all in a frame that stands under six feet. He possesses solid vision and likes to transition the puck with quickness, using his accurate and fast passing abilities to move the puck up the ice. His quick feet and advanced two-step acceleration play up his moderate top speed, while his ineffective and hesitant shot along with his heavy hands limit his offensive capabilities in the long term. Don’t be surprised to see a team take a flier on Kaiser, with a pick in the middle rounds of the NHL Draft.

Jake Ratzlaff	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position D, Shoots R	H/W: 6-3", 185 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Rosemount High School (USHS-MN): 25-6-7-13-32
	Green Bay Gamblers (USHL): 3-0-0-0-0
	Team USA U18 (Hlinka Gretzky Cup): 4-1-1-2-2

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality: 55. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 50.75
Summary: Ratzlaff first appeared on the radar of pro scouts after a solid performance with Team USA in the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and with his size and smoothness, he never left their sights. Blessed with soft hands and respectable agility for a big guy, he is a smooth skater with the ability to stretch into offensive plays, but displays NHL potential with his defensive game; his decision-making is confident and clean, capable of deceiving forechecking forwards and passing up the ice with precision, his long stick and balanced gap control deters many zone entries, and his immense physical size for his age group makes him a beast to contend with against the boards. The massive right-handed defenseman is committed to the University of Minnesota, where under a Big Ten spotlight, he will hopefully work out some of his larger flaws, such as his sloppy skating strides and lack of shift-to-shift consistency and focus. He could be a steal as a future depth defenseman in the later rounds of the Draft.

Ian Moore	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position D, Shoots R	H/W: 6-3", 165 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	St. Marks High School (USHS-MN): 28-11-34-45-N/A
	Boston Little Bruins 18U (EHF 18U Elite): 10-6-5-11-4
	Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC): 3-0-0-0-14
	U.S. National U18 Team (USDP): 1-0-0-0-0

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 60, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality: 55. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 54.75
Summary: Moore is the definition of a raw prospect. The Harvard commit’s 6-3” frame and menacing open-ice speed make him one of the most intriguing defensemen in this draft class, but there is still work to be done. While his skating speed and agility check out as above average, his hands are slow and hesitant. And while he is smart positionally, with long gaps that lull forwards into trying to take the outside lane, he can be a little impatient with the puck and push up the ice before the play calls for it. It would not surprise me to see Moore be picked as the first high school prospect taken in the 2020 NHL Draft (and there have been scouting whispers that Moore could be a surprise first rounder), but it also would not shock me to see him drop to the later rounds.

Carsen Richels	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position LW, Shoots L	H/W: 6-3", 209 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Blaine High School (USHS-MN): 25-27-25-52-12
	Team Northeast (UMHSEHL): 13-6-9-15-8

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 55, Shot: 55, Skills: 55, Smarts: 45, Physicality: 50. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 53
Summary: In terms of raw talent, there are few players in this draft class -- regardless of age or league -- with more than Richels, who is committed to New Hampshire. The captain of his Blaine squad is a pure goal-scoring freak, with power forward size and balance, a ridiculous shot, and terrific top skating speed and coasting speed. He possesses slick and deceptive hands, which helps him reach into his endless bag of one-on-one moves in the offensive zone. However, there are reasons why Richels has fallen off the radar for many over the last few months; his defensive positioning and level of effort are poor, his rink sense is below average, and he can really only play left wing. Some of these things are teachable, some will be part of his finished package, but he should be worth a mid-round pick as someone who can be coached up into an NHL player down the road.

Nate Schweitzer	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position D, Shoots R	H/W: 6-0", 185 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Benilde-St. Margaret's (USHS-MN): 21-5-21-26-10
	Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL): 4-0-0-0-2

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 60, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality: 50. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 53.25
Summary: With scary acceleration and effortless transitions, Schweitzer is one of Minnesota high school hockey’s best skaters, and that is merely where his package begins. His fast and accurate passes can spark steady break outs on every shift, as his vision and inventiveness through the neutral zone is pro-like, making him a dangerous power-play quarterback. Though his initial blue line defense is flawed (too little action with his stick), he is tough in his own zone and matches opposing forwards stride for stride to limit high-danger chances, which he excels at on the penalty kill. His shot is not a weapon at all, with too little power in the delivery, but otherwise he is as complete any draft eligible defenseman from the prep hockey ranks and I see the Colorado College commit as a third- or fourth-round pick.

Blake Biondi	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position C, Shoots R	H/W: 6-0", 181 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Hermantown (USHS-MN): 25-37-39-76-42
	Sioux City Musketeers (USHL): 10-1-2-3-8

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality: 45. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 51.75
Summary: Biondi plays with confidence and purpose as the captain of his Hermantown, Minnesota team, which is a must with his playing style. The centerman has great vision, can find open ice with the best of them, and possesses high-end anticipation of developing plays, which allows his positioning away from the puck to be his biggest asset. His skating is average at top speed, and features good balance and solid two-step acceleration, but he lacks agility and cutting skills. His shot is fast and one taken often, but his long, time-consuming windup will need to be improved upon. Decent hands in tight, but not the most skilled player. Committed to Minnesota-Duluth, it would not surprise me to see Biondi, with his skill set, scrape out a bottom-six NHL role in the long-term future.

Jake Boltmann	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position D, Shoots R	H/W: 6-0", 181 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Edina (USHS-MN): 25-4-9-13-18
	Lincoln Stars (USHL): 17-2-7-9-20

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 60, Smarts: 55, Physicality: 55. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 54.75
Summary: Boltmann is one of the most dynamic defenseman in this year’s prep school draft class. The Minnesota commit is a right-hander who can do a little bit of everything, with his fast and skillful passing, beautiful strides to get up to full skating speed, and great situational decision-making. On defense, he is rock solid, displaying tough, tight gaps and a feistiness against the boards. He tracks the puck exceptionally and can switch sides or defensive matchups with ease. Of course, as a defenseman as talented and as assertive as he is, there can be some mistakes and defensive blunders, and Boltmann is not immune to those. But if an NHL organization can look past those flaws and show confidence in the former USA Today boys all-high school second teamer working on them at the NCAA level, he could be a mid third-rounder.

Mason Langenbrunner	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position D, Shoots R	H/W: 6'2", 166 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Eden Prairie (USHS-MN): 25-5-14-19-14
	Team North (UMHSEHL): 16-0-9-9-6

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 60, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality: 50. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 53.25
Summary: The Langenbrunner name has a rich hockey past and a bright hockey future. The son of two-time Stanley Cup champ and former Calder Trophy nominee Jamie Langenbrunner will be carrying on the legacy at Harvard and not long after, the pro ranks. One of the fastest and most athletic skaters at his level, the two-way defenseman can blaze past the opposition and create plays with his slick hands, crisp passing, and dynamic vision. Controlling play when on the ice, he is a solid, albeit not incredible, defender, employing relaxed gaps that force forwards to the outside and using his long reach to steal the puck. Langenbrunner is not much of a physical force despite his 6-2” frame, and he will need more meat on his bones in the coming years to round himself out. Nevertheless, that is not what he will be drafted for, more so his insane speed and offensive potential, which will likely land him in a third or fourth-round slot.

Alex Jefferies	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position RW, Shoots R	H/W: 5-11", 185 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	The Gunnery Prep (USHS-CT): Not available
	Rochester Selects U18 (BEAST U18): 8-5-6-11-28

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 45, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality: 45. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 49.5
Summary: Jefferies is admittedly a confusing prospect to take in. A Merrimack College commit, the forward does not grade out above average in any individual skill based on my viewings of him, and yet will have some isolated stretches of absolute dominance in New England prep hockey. How does he do it? Well, for one, he shoots a lot; and it’s more about his intelligent shot selection and deceptive angling of his shot than the pure speed or accuracy of it that can bamboozle opposing goaltenders. His smarts translate to his vision out there as well as his high-end defensive responsibility. His skating and hands are both average or below, as his top speed lags but he gets up to speed very quickly. All in all, he is a fairly complete player who just is not elite in any special regard, and could be worthy of a mid-or late-round flier.

Kienan Draper	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position RW, Shoots R	H/W: 6'1", 185 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	St. Andrews (CISAA): 11-3-3-6-12

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 55, Shot: 45, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality: 50. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 51.25
Summary: The son of four-time Stanley Cup champion Kris Draper, Kienan’s game is inarguably much different than his dad’s. A skilled right winger with dazzling hands and slick one-on-one dekes, Draper compensates for a slow skating speed with his ability to keep his skating momentum thanks to great balance that allows him to take the puck to the net with tenacity. Right in the blue paint is where most of his goals are scored, as his power-forward skillset masks his flawed shot with the confidence to drive to tough areas. Defensively, his smarts play into effect, as he has a knack for picking off passes. However, he can force some bad feeds pretty often, and his mobility lags for someone who is pretty athletic. The Miami commit is a hard worker with NHL bloodlines, so I could see him getting a call in the sixth or seventh round of the 2020 Draft.

Frankie Carogioiello	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position RW/C, Shoots R	H/W: 5-8", 154 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	St. Andrews (CISAA): 10-6-4-10-20
	Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL): 10-1-4-5-22

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 60, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality: 40. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 52.75
Summary: Carogioiello is a scary, high-energy speedster whose offensive package comes with loads of potential. A blazing fast skater, the Miami Ohio commit has more than just pure speed, as his deceptive pivots and effective two-step acceleration can give him the extra inches he needs in a race for the puck. His high hockey IQ makes him a dangerous playmaker from the wing, where his impressive passing skills and hands can dazzle both opponents and spectators. His positional awareness checks out as well as his stick-readiness for incoming passes. Though his smaller frame hurts his balance and effectiveness in the defensive zone, it should not slow him down in the faster NCAA and pro ranks.

Mark Hillier	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position C, Shoots L	H/W: 6'0", 172 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	St. Andrews (CISAA): 11-13-8-21-0
	St. Andrews (CAHS): 48-43-48-91-4

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 50, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 60, Physicality: 50. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 51.5
Summary: If I didn’t have the room to describe him further, I would just say Hillier is a coach’s best friend. The Merrimack College commit is a pest on defense, with a highly active stick, great body control and puck protection, and the anticipation to limit high-danger chances against as a defensive centerman. Long term, depth defensive center is probably his absolute ceiling, though I will give his sneaky and elusive dekes/cuts some credit on offense. He is not the best skater in spite of a pretty high level of athleticism, and hands and shot are both below average. We have seen some teams grab low-ceiling guys with elite single tools (in Hillier’s case, his defensive excellence) before, so you could see him get picked late in the 2020 Draft.

Artem Shlaine	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position C, Shoots L	H/W: 6-1", 174 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN): 46-26-52-78-24
	Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL): 6-2-1-3-0

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 50, Shot: 45, Skills: 55, Smarts: 60, Physicality: 45. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 52.25
Summary: A dual citizen from Moscow, Shlaine apparently caught the Russian playmaker bug before his move overseas at a young age. A crazy talented, patient passer with a high hockey IQ, the Boston University commit plays top-line center at Shattuck-St. Mary’s with time on both the penalty kill and the power play. He is a feisty puck-hunter with a great work ethic and excels at skating with the puck, where he uses his short but quick strides to weave through traffic. His shot is slow and his delivery hesitant, but he is a pass-first player to begin with. The only issue is how he can often take too long to decide on where to go with the puck, and he will absolutely need to speed up in that regard, but I expect a fourth or fifth-round pick for Shlaine.

Jackson Kunz	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position C/RW, Shoots L	H/W: 6-3", 209 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN): 49-40-29-69-56
	Green Bay Gamblers (USHL): 5-1-0-1-4

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 45, Shot: 45, Skills: 55, Smarts: 55, Physicality: 55. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 51
Summary: One look at Kunz tells you what you’re getting out of him: a massive, versatile forward. That is what North Dakota will be getting in Kunz’ commitment, and that is what an NHL organization will get when the Grand Forks native is taken in the later rounds of the draft. One of the best cycle players in prep hockey this season, he is a forechecking extraordinaire who can shield the puck from any defender and cycle it outward to linemates with his vision and long reach. He is also an excellent defender who stays deep in the zone to chop down pucks in pass lanes. He is less dynamic than some of his Shattuck-St. Mary’s teammates, though, and his skating is the main reason; though his strides are fairly long, his top speed lags, his agility is nowhere to be found, and he is slow with the puck. He will be picked late into the draft based on potential, but he will need to improve upon his skating.

David Ma	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position D, Shoots L	H/W: 5-11", 170 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN): 36-4-29-33-28
	Chicago Steel (USHL): 1-0-0-0-0
	Team USA U18 (Hlinka Gretzky Cup): 4-0-0-0-4

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 55, Shot: 45, Skills: 55, Smarts: 55, Physicality: 45. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 52
Summary: A highly effective puck-rushing defenseman who appeared in four games with Team USA in 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Ma is the prototypical modern defenseman, whose lack of size is less of a detriment and more of a strong suit. His skinny 5-10” frame allows him to fly up and down the ice with ease, and his high hockey IQ makes him a dangerous facilitating blueliner on every shift. His physical size does not limit him defensively, as he is a highly competitive defender who uses great angles and can win puck battles with his stick and feet. The Princeton commit will have to prove in the future that he was not being carried by the forwards of Shattuck-St. Mary’s (a Minnesota powerhouse that features multiple likely NHL Draft picks this year), and that his high point totals and effectiveness in the neutral zone was his own making. For now, he should be a solid mid-round pick.

Winter Wallace	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position C/RW, Shoots R	H/W: 6-3", 201 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-P-PIM)	Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN): 44-31-19-50-56

Grades (projected for future player development): Skating: 45, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality: 55. Overall Future Projection (OFP): 48.5
Summary: What Wallace lacks in skill and skating, he makes up for in creativity and the confidence to take on defenders one-on-one. That is what the Boulder, Colorado native specializes in; he is a power forward who can shield the puck with his big, strong frame and use his hands to make defenders miss in the offensive zone. The lanky righty can squeeze past checks and possesses good balance, but otherwise, his skating is poor, with awkward foot rhythm, sloppy acceleration, and a medium top speed at best. Not much of a defensive player or passer by my observations, either. A last two-round selection is the best possible outcome for Wallace, who is committed to play for Michigan State.