Nico Daws – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD (February 26th to March 3rd) – Matthews at the center of Maple Leafs run – Favourable schedules and players to target

Ryan Dadoun — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 15:00:03 +0000

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 26: Toronto Maple Leafs Center Auston Matthews (34) chases the play during the regular season NHL game between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs on April 26, 2022 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.(Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire)

The Maple Leafs haven’t just won their last six games, they’ve outscored their competition an incredible 33-14 over that span. At the center of that run has been Auston Matthews, who’s provided 10 goals and 13 points over his past five contests. That gives him 52 goals and 76 points through 55 outings in 2023-24.

There was a time when Sam Reinhart was challenging Matthews for the goal-scoring lead, but Matthews’ edge in that battle has jumped to 13 goals. Not only did Matthews reach the 50-goal milestone before any other player hit 40, but there are still just 10 other skaters with at least 30 tallies this year.

Even after factoring in the Toronto game Matthews was unavailable for, the star forward is on pace for 76 markers. If he could actually do that, it would leave him in a four-way tie for fifth in the all-time single-season goal-scoring list. Along the way, he would also become the first player to reach the 70-goal mark since Teemu Selanne and Alexander Mogilny in 1992-93.

Of course, his pace has been skewed by his recent hot streak, but part of what makes Matthews impressive is how consistent he is. Dating back to Dec. 2, Matthews hasn’t had a goal drought last longer than two games (Dec. 30-Jan. 2, Jan. 13-14), and he’s provided at least one marker in 12 of his last 15 appearances.

It'll be exciting to see what he can do over the final weeks of the campaign and his pursuit of the 70-goal milestone adds an interesting wrinkle to a Hart Trophy conversation that’s been largely dominated by Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon, who are leading the Art Trophy race with 95 points (36 goals) and 93 points (34), respectively.

Arizona Coyotes - TUE @ MTL, THU @ TOR, FRI @ OTT (BTB), SUN @ WSH

The Coyotes are on the road next week and are set to play in Montreal on Tuesday, Toronto on Thursday, Ottawa on Friday and Washington on Sunday. Although an extended road trip is far from ideal, three of those four adversaries are well outside a playoff spot.

Arizona has lost 11 straight games, so it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that there aren’t many Coyotes players who have looked great recently. That said, it’s worth keeping an eye on Dylan Guenther. With the team focused on the future, the 20-year-old is serving on the first line and top power-play unit, leading to him averaging 18:17 of ice time, including 4:39 with the man advantage, over his past four contests. He hasn’t been good, but not great so far, providing six goals and 11 points across 19 outings this season, but given his high-end offensive upside, and the choice minutes he’s been receiving, Guenther has the potential to finish the campaign on a high note.

At the other end of the spectrum, veteran forward Jason Zucker has seen his role fade, to the point where he’s logged just 10:47 per game over his last three appearances, compared to his season average of 14:06. Although the Coyotes are likely to shop him ahead of the deadline, his $5.3 million cap hit might scare off contenders, and even if he does get moved, his new team likely wouldn’t use him as more than a third liner. Zucker has had periods this campaign where he’s performed well enough to be worth utilizing in fantasy, but only managers in particularly deep leagues should be using him at this time.

On the goaltending front, Connor Ingram has been dealing with an undisclosed injury, but based on his original 7-10 day timetable from Feb. 14, he should be about ready to return. The 26-year-old goaltender has been one of the bright spots for Arizona this campaign with a 17-13-2 record, 2.76 GAA and .912 save percentage across 35 outings. He’d be worth starting in fantasy on any night next week except for Thursday versus Toronto.

Dallas Stars - MON VS NYI, TUE @ COL (BTB), THU VS WPG, SAT VS SJS

The Stars will play in Colorado on Tuesday, but outside of that, they’ll be at home, hosting matches against the Islanders on Monday, the Jets on Thursday and the Sharks on Saturday. It’s one of the tougher schedules I’m highlighting, but Stars players will at least get plenty of opportunities to make an impact next week with four games ahead of them.

This hasn’t been a great campaign for Jake Oettinger, who has a 20-10-4 record, 2.98 GAA and .902 save percentage through 35 contests and he’s been particularly rough recently, allowing 10 goals on 65 shots (.846 save percentage) over his past three games. Scott Wedgewood, who has a 13-6-4 record, 2.97 GAA and .899 save percentage in 13 outings, isn’t an ideal alternative, but perhaps the backup goaltender will get some additional work next week so Oettinger can rest and regroup. If nothing else, Wedgewood should start either Monday or Tuesday. If he gets the Avalanche assignment, then it would be best to avoid him, but the Islanders are in a three-way tie for 21st offensively with 2.93 goals per game, so that would be a favorable adversary for the backup goaltender.

Goaltending hasn’t been Dallas’ only problem. The Stars have also been held to just two goals over their last two contests. Joe Pavelski has done alright in that span, providing a goal and an assist. He went through a slump from Jan. 23-Feb. 19 in which he was limited to four assists across 10 games, but the veteran forward seems to be heating up again. Even at the age of 39, he’s one of Dallas’ top performers with 20 goals and 48 points in 58 appearances.

Jamie Benn has also managed to stand out during the Stars’ recent struggles, supplying an assist in each of his last three games. He has just nine goals and 33 points through 58 outings this season, which is a major step down from his 78-point 2022-23 campaign. However, he’s been playing alongside Pavelski at even strength and serves on the top power-play unit, so Benn is in a position to be productive down the stretch.

Edmonton Oilers - MON VS LAK, WED VS STL, SAT @ SEA, SUN @ PIT (BTB)

Edmonton will host the Kings and the Blues on Monday and Wednesday, respectively. After that, the Oilers will travel to Seattle on Saturday and Pittsburgh on Sunday. LA and St. Louis are having decent, but not amazing campaigns while Seattle and Pittsburgh are behind in the battle for a wild-card spot.

The good times for Stuart Skinner appear to be behind him. He’s posted a 2-2-1 record, 4.20 GAA and .863 save percentage over his past five games, making this his worst stretch since his early season struggles. While Skinner still might shake this off and get hot again, this might create an opening for Jack Campbell, who has been paying his dues with AHL Bakersfield, to get a fresh opportunity. The veteran netminder has a .919 save percentage over his last 12 AHL appearances, so he’s settled down and would be worth keeping a close eye on if Edmonton calls him up.

While goaltending is something of a question mark for the Oilers, their offense is as strong as ever. Connor McDavid has been leading the charge as usual, providing an unreal 14 assists over his last five games alone. Meanwhile, Corey Perry seems to be fitting in with the Oilers, supplying three goals and four points over his past four contests. He hasn’t seen much power-play ice time, but he has shared the ice with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl at even strength.

Perry should be a good pickup for as long as he’s seeing time on either of the top two lines, but you’ll want to continue to monitor that situation. Edmonton might still add another skilled forward before the March 8 deadline, and if they do, then Perry might shift to serving primarily on the third unit, which would significantly hurt his fantasy value.

Florida Panthers - TUE VS BUF, THU VS MTL, SAT @ DET

The Panthers are one of the rare teams I’m covering with just three scheduled games, but they’re well-positioned to win all three contests. They’ll host the Sabres and the Canadiens on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, before heading to Detroit for a match on Saturday. Of those adversaries, the Red Wings are the only ones still with playoff aspirations.

Florida has won 10 of its last 12 games, but the Panthers were dealt a potentially massive blow Thursday when Gustav Forsling and Matthew Tkachuk were forced to exit the match due to undisclosed injuries. At the time of writing, it’s not clear how significant those injuries are, but those are two key players for the Panthers.

If Tkachuk, who has 20 goals and 65 points through 57 games, is forced to miss time then William Lockwood will likely draw into the lineup for the first time since Jan. 19 and play regularly. The 25-year-old would serve primarily on the fourth line, so he wouldn’t at all be directly replacing Tkachuk, but Lockwood is a good source of hits when he is in the lineup, so he’s worthy of note in very specific fantasy circumstances.

We might also see Evan Rodrigues shift into a top-six role and move up to the first power-play unit if Tkachuk is unavailable. That would be a meaningful boost for Rodrigues, who has eight goals and 33 points through 57 appearances in 2023-24.

Forsling has eight goals and 27 points in 56 contests this season, but he’s only used sparingly with the man advantage, so his absence wouldn’t meaningfully impact the Panthers in that regard. In terms of even-strength minutes, though, we might see Oliver Ekman-Larsson asked to do significantly more. Josh Mahura would also likely start playing regularly after spending Florida’s past two contests as a healthy scratch.

Minnesota Wild - TUE VS CAR, THU @ NSH, SAT @ STL, SUN VS SJS (BTB)

Minnesota will host the Hurricanes on Tuesday, and then the Wild will have a two-game road trip with games in Nashville on Thursday and St. Louis on Saturday. They’ll conclude the week with a home contest versus the Sharks. Carolina is a tough opponent, but the Predators and the Blues are middle-of-the-road squads while San Jose is near the bottom of the pack.

With a 26-24-6 record, the Wild are running out of time to prove to management that they shouldn’t be sellers at the deadline. If they’re able to convince the front office of that, it will be thanks in large part to the efforts of their top line.

Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy are three of the hottest forwards in the league. Kaprizov is on a six-game scoring streak in which he’s provided five goals and 14 points. Over the same span, Eriksson Ek has supplied seven goals and 13 points while Boldy has contributed four goals and 11 points. Minnesota has gone from 17-20-5 on Jan. 13 to 26-24-6 at the time of writing, which is a significant climb, but the Wild are still on the outside looking in on the wild-card race. The Wild have little margin for error, which might serve to further motivate that star trio.

If Minnesota does start selling, though, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury will likely be among those moved. The 39-year-old is having a rough campaign with an 11-10-3 record, 2.96 GAA and .897 save percentage across 27 contests, but contenders will appreciate the added goaltending depth he can provide coupled with the wealth of playoff experience he brings to the table. It’s worth monitoring the situation because, with a strong team playing in front of him, Fleury might have some use down the stretch, although his playing time will likely be limited.

Should the Wild deal Fleury and write off this campaign, it will be interesting to see if they give Jesper Wallstedt another shot. He had a disastrous introduction to the NHL, allowing seven goals on 34 shots to Dallas on Jan. 10, but that’s obviously a small sample size and the 21-year-old is a highly regarded goaltending prospect, so it might be worth it to give him some starts down the stretch to provide him with more NHL experience. Alternatively, if the Wild believe his development is better served remaining with AHL Iowa, then veteran journeyman Zane McIntyre might finish the campaign with Minnesota. In that scenario, Filip Gustavsson would likely be leaned on massively down the stretch, as would McIntyre in Iowa.

New Jersey Devils - TUE @ SJS, FRI @ ARI, SUN @ LAK

The Devils will spend the week on the road, playing against the Sharks on Tuesday, the Coyotes on Friday and the Kings on Sunday. Although they’re playing in just three games, Anaheim and San Jose rank 30th and 31st, respectively, in the standings, which makes Devils players especially appealing next week.

Nico Daws has allowed 11 goals over his past two games, bringing him down to 6-8-0 with a 3.32 GAA and .895 save percentage through 14 appearances this season. Vitek Vanecek (lower body) might return soon, but he has a 17-9-3 record, 3.18 GAA and .890 save percentage in 32 contests, so he’s hardly an ideal alternative.

New Jersey will likely make a strong push to get a goaltender before the deadline. Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom seems like one possibility, provided he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade. If they get him or another netminder, then Daws will likely be sent to the minors while Vanecek, who is in the second season of his three-year, $10.2 million contract, would be relegated to the backup role.

At least the Devils have a strong forward corps. Tyler Toffoli isn’t the headliner of it, but he’s certainly a noteworthy component. The 31-year-old is on a four-game scoring streak (two goals, four points), which brings him up to 24 goals and 39 points in 55 contests this season. Jack Hughes is also dialled in with three goals and six points over his past six appearances.

Ottawa Senators - MON @ WSH, TUE @ NSH (BTB), FRI VS ARI, SAT @ PHI (BTB)

Ottawa will open the week with road contests versus the Capitals on Monday and the Predators on Tuesday. The Senators will then host the Coyotes on Friday before playing in Philadelphia on Saturday. None of those opponents is high-end, though Nashville still has playoff aspirations while Philadelphia is currently in a reasonably secure position in the battle for a postseason berth.

The Senators won’t make the playoffs, but that won’t be for lack of trying on the part of Claude Giroux. The 36-year-old forward is on a seven-game scoring streak in which he’s collected three goals and nine points. That gives him 18 goals and 51 points through 54 outings in 2023-24. Giroux’s three-year, $19.5 million contract runs through 2024-25, and he has a no-movement clause, so he’s unlikely to be traded before the deadline, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s any temptation there for him to reevaluate his plans. He’s never won a Cup, and Ottawa might not be able to provide him with a great shot at a serious playoff run before his contract is up.

Still, that’s a decision Giroux is more likely to make next season. Instead, Vladimir Tarasenko, who is playing through a one-year, $5 million deal, is far more likely to be moved in the coming weeks. It is worth noting that he has a full no-trade clause, so Tarasenko will have a lot of sway over where he goes. The 32-year-old winger has 15 goals and 37 points over 52 contests this season and would be a great middle-six forward for most contenders.

As Ottawa sells and looks toward the future, Ridly Greig might also start playing an expanded role. The 21-year-old has nine goals and 21 points in 44 outings while averaging 14:27 of ice time, including a modest 0:43 with the man advantage. In particular, that power-play time might expand down the stretch, which could aid Greig in finishing the campaign on a positive note.

Washington Capitals - MON VS OTT, TUE @ DET (BTB), FRI VS PHI, SUN VS ARI

The Capitals will spend most of the week at home, hosting Ottawa on Monday, Philadelphia on Friday and Arizona on Sunday. The Capitals will also have a brief excursion to Detroit for a contest Tuesday. The Senators and the Coyotes are set to be sellers at the deadline, making them the more vulnerable of the Capitals’ upcoming adversaries.

Alex Ovechkin was limited to just six goals and 20 points across his first 33 games in 2023-24, but that rough stretch is well behind him. First, he provided an impressive two goals and seven points through six games from Dec. 30-Jan. 11, then the 38-year-old truly caught fire starting on Jan. 24, contributing eight goals and 14 points over his past 10 appearances.

Ovechkin’s resurgence isn’t shocking -- he always seems to find a way to bounce back when people start writing him off -- but Connor McMichael’s recent success is eyebrow-raising. The 23-year-old has supplied four tallies over his last two games and five goals in his past four appearances. That brings him up to 12 goals and 22 points through 53 contests this campaign. It helps that he’s been playing in a somewhat expanded role recently, averaging 16:11 of ice time over his past eight contests compared to 15:07 prior to that point. Keep an eye on him because while McMichael has been somewhat slow to establish himself in the NHL, he does have serious potential.

It's not all good news for Washington, though. T.J. Oshie sustained a lower-body injury Thursday. If he ends up missing time, then Sonny Milano might serve in an expanded role. Milano has five goals and 10 points in 26 contests, including two points over three games since returning from his own injury.

NHL: CULLEN – 20 Fantasy Points – Stephenson, Faber, Tippett, Lyon, Luukkonen, Daws and much, much more

Scott Cullen — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 17:08:47 +0000

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 05: Philadelphia Flyers Right Wing Owen Tippett (74) skates with the puck during the third period of the National Hockey League game between the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers on October 5, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

Each week, I dive into the numbers to help make decisions when it comes time to make fantasy hockey decisions.

This week, injuries are creating opportunities for Chandler Stephenson and Brock Faber, Owen Tippett is firing pucks, the season of unpredictable goaltending has turned attention to Alex Lyon, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Nico Daws, and much, much more!

#1 With both Jack Eichel and William Karlsson injured and out of the Las Vegas lineup, there is more opportunity available down the middle of the ice. Chandler Stephenson is the prime beneficiary, skating on the top line and first power play unit. Stephenson has four points (1 G, 3 A) in three games since Eichel is out week-to-week following lower-body surgery, which does give Stephenson more value. Nicolas Roy has also moved up the depth chart and has recorded three assists in the past three games, averaging more than 18 minutes of ice time per game.

#2 Minnesota Wild rookie defenceman Brock Faber has enjoyed a fantastic first season and is going to have more heavy lifting to do on the Wild blueline. Captain and standout defender Jared Spurgeon is out for the rest of the season following hip and back surgeries. That leaves even more responsibility for Faber, who has 10 points (1 G, 9 A) and 35 shots on goal while averaging more than 25 minutes of ice time per game in 16 games over the past month.

#3 Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett scored a pair of goals in Thursday’s 5-1 win against the Dallas Stars, the fifth straight win for a surging Flyers squad. Tippett now has six goals and 31 shots on goal in his past six games and since the calendar turned to 2024, Tippett leads the NHL with 15.42 shots on goal per 60 minutes of five-on-five play. He has been skating on the Flyers’ top line with Sean Couturier and Travis Konecny and is getting first-unit power play time. With this kind of production, Tippett should remain in this prime spot in the Philadelphia lineup.

#4 During a season in which goaltending has been a consistent point of concern, it makes complete sense that one of the best goaltenders in the NHL this season has been Alex Lyon, a 31-year-old who had started 31 games in his career prior to this season. Lyon has started 15 games for the Red Wings this season and has a .923 save percentage. He saved the Florida Panthers’ season last year and Lyon is doing something similar for the Red Wings this season.

#5 At the start of the season, the Buffalo Sabres were giving rookie netminder Devon Levi every opportunity to run with the starting goaltender job. Levi has a .889 save percentage in 19 games and has lost the starting job to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the 24-year-old who has recorded back-to-back shutouts and has a .956 save percentage in his past six starts. It’s not as though Luukkonen has established long-term trustworthiness, but if you’re looking for goaltending at this point in the season, you probably have to take some risks.

#6 New Jersey’s goaltending has been such a disaster that they demoted Akira Schmid to the AHL and recalled Nico Daws. While the 23-year-old netminder has a 3-3 record in six starts for the Devils, Daws also has a .916 save percentage which is a massive upgrade over the work of Schmid and Vitek Vanecek this season.

#7 With Winnipeg Jets centre Mark Scheifele banged up, Adam Lowry has moved up the depth chart to play on the first line between Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi. Lowry has six points (1 G, 5 A) and 11 shots on goal in his past five games, the last two of which have been without Scheifele. Lowry tallied a career-high 36 points (13 G, 23 A) last season and with 23 points (8 G, 15 A) in 43 games this season, he is on pace to surpass that total.

#8 Los Angeles Kings centre Philip Danault was held without a point in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Nashville, snapping a six-game point streak during which he had recorded eight points (2 G, 6 A). Danault is skating between Trevor Moore and Kevin Fiala, which is an upgrade in his typical offensive situation. Danault and Moore have played together a lot and Moore is enjoying the best season of his career, but Fiala is a proven point producer who has 110 points (33 G, 77 A) in 111 games with the Kings.

#9 Florida Panthers centre Sam Bennett is starting to heat up, perhaps not surprisingly as his right winger, Matthew Tkachuk, has emerged from his relatively slow start to the season. Since December 30, Bennett has eight points (5 G, 3 A) and 24 shots on goal in nine games. Playing with Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe is a prime spot for Bennett to be a productive force, at least when he is healthy.

#10 Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, a potentially crushing blow for the Avalanche. Nichushkin was averaging 21:49 of ice time per game, which ranks fourth among forwards behind Mikko Rantanen, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov. In his last month of action, Nichushkin played 15 games and put up 21 points (12 G, 9 A) with 58 shots on goal. His absence is going to leave a giant hole in the Avalanche lineup. Hard working Avs right winger Logan O’Connor is doing his part to increase his offensive output and has contributed eight points (3 G, 5 A) in his past nine games.

#11 Detroit Red Wings right winger Patrick Kane suffered a lower-body injury and will be out of the lineup. The Red Wings insist that it is not a hip injury, which would obviously raise concerns after he had his surgery in the offseason. After a bit of a slow start with Detroit, Kane has 14 points (6 G, 8 A) and 43 shots on goal in his past 13 games. If you’re looking for a veteran Red Wings winger, consider David Perron, who has seven points (2 G, 5 A) and 16 shots on goal in his past eight games.

#12 Ottawa Senators rookie centre Ridly Greig is picking up the scoring pace, making the most of the opportunity afforded to him by Josh Norris’ injury, producing six points (2 G, 4 A) with 12 shots on goal in his past five games. Greig has been bumped up the depth chart to skate between Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux on the Senators’ top line and while it might be ambitious to expect Greig to handle that responsibility already, he is probably the best option for now. Remember, suspended centre Shane Pinto is eligible to return to Ottawa’s lineup this weekend and that will give Ottawa more choices down the middle of the ice.

#13 Anaheim Ducks rookie defenceman Pavel Mintyukov is out with a separated shoulder and it has created an opportunity for another Ducks rookie blueliner. Jackson LaCombe is getting a taste of first unit power play action for Anaheim and has three assists in his past five games after recording four assists in the previous 35 games. It’s too soon to start recommending LaCombe but, for dynasty leagues, this does offer a chance to LaCombe to prove that he can contribute more offensively, so that bears watching. Mintyukov has had a stellar start to his career, with 19 points (2 G, 17 A), including seven on the power play, in 40 games. In a Ducks organization that is well stocked with young defencemen, Mintyukov may be the prize of the bunch.

#14 In his first 18 games this season, Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell managed zero goals and four assists, a ridiculously low level of production for a skilled player who has endured some lengthy slumps in his career. He has snapped out of it, though, and now has 12 points (5 G, 7 A) and 33 shots on goal in his past 12 games. He is playing with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel, which is a good place for ensuring future production.

#15 One of the biggest surprises in the NHL this season has been the performance of Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman, who has 38 points (20 G, 18 A), tying his career high in points that he established last season. He is scoring on 18.9 percent of his shots, after never scoring on even 12 percent in any of his previous seasons, but the 32-year-old is offering fantasy value when he is producing at this level.

#16 Looking at forwards who might be due for some better shooting luck for the rest of the season, Alex Ovechkin might be the leading candidate. The Capitals superstar has two goals on 81 shots during five-on-five play and while everyone is aware of Ovi’s office on the power play, it is stunning that he has just two five-on-five goals more than halfway through a season. While in recent seasons it has seemed inevitable that Ovechkin would catch Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goal-scoring record, the 38-year-old sniper will have to recover his even-strength production to have a chance. For fantasy managers, Ovechkin does represent a potential buy-low opportunity because. His productivity is so far below his reputation, but if his shooting percentage bounces back, he still gets enough shots to make an impact, even if his 3.55 shots on goal per game is a career-low rate for him.

#17 Along the same reasoning, consider Columbus’ Johnny Gaudreau as a possible buy-low value play. Gaudreau has 28 points (7 G, 21 A) in 44 games and, during five-on-five play, has scored three goals on 65 shots. That is an unsustainable rate, but it is made even worse by the fact that Gaudreau is averaging 2.05 shots on goal per game. He has picked up three assists with nine shots on goal in his past two games, so that could be the start of something more promising. Gaudreau has never had less than 0.80 points per game in a full season and is sitting at 0.64 points per game now.

#18 When it comes to players that could be due for some improved fortune around assists, check out some of the players with lower on-ice shooting percentages during five-on-five play. Some are fourth-line players who play with other fourth-line players and those low on-ice percentages are consistent from year to year. A skilled forward with a low on-ice shooting percentage has more reasonable expectations for regression to work in their favour. Ducks rookie centre Leo Carlsson has an on-ice shooting percentage of 4.6 percent, which should be due for improvement as he continues to get more comfortable in the league. Injured Ducks centre Trevor Zegras has a 5.3 percent on-ice shooting percentage. Capitals right winger Tom Wilson is at 5.2 percent, Seattle’s Matty Beniers is at 5.6 percent, and New Jersey’s Timo Meier is at 6.6 percent. Meier has three even strength assists in 29 games, which is obviously too low to be a sustainable rate.

#19 Looking at the other end of the spectrum feeling like raining on someone’s parade, announcing the unsustainability of their current level of production. Senators rookie Ridly Greig, who has been bumped up the depth chart, also has a five-on-five on-ice shooting percentage of 15.7 percent. That can’t last. Vancouver’s success this season has been driven in part by high percentages, as Elias Pettersson (15.3), J.T. Miller (15.0), and Brock Boeser (14.2) have percentages among the highest in the league. Matt Duchene (13.5), Gabriel Vilardi (13.3), and Casey Mittelstadt (12.8) are among the forwards that have had their production elevated by favourable on-ice percentages and are probably due for some regression.

#20 The leaders in five-on-five individual expected goal per 60 minutes this month have been: Yanni Gourde (1.61), Jake Guentzel (1.48), Lawson Crouse (1.48), Gabriel Vilardi (1.46), Evander Kane (1.45), and Ridly Greig (1.41), so those are players who are at least generating high quality chances. Whether they can continue to do that over the long term will affect their true value for the rest of the season. At the other end, Ryan Johansen (0.15) is not getting chances in January. Mika Zibanejad (0.26), Mats Zuccarello (0.29), Evgeny Kuznetsov (0.31), Jonathan Huberdeau (0.31), and Adrian Kempe (0.34) are among the more notable forwards that are not generating scoring chances at five-on-five.

CULLEN: 20 FANTASY POINTS – Coyle thriving in Boston – Rakell emerging from brutal slump – Lyon is king of the crease in Detroit – Kings call up their top prospect and much, much more!

Scott Cullen — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 20:51:03 +0000

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 04: Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rickard Rakell (67) starts up ice during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 4, 2024, at TD garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Each week, I dive into the numbers to help make decisions when it comes time to make fantasy hockey decisions.

This week, Charlie Coyle is thriving in Boston, Rickard Rakell is emerging from a brutal slump, Alex Lyon is king of the crease in Detroit, the Kings call up their top prospect and much, much more!

#1 One of the more surprising developments of this season has been the production that the Boston Bruins have received from their centres in the wake of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retiring. Charlie Coyle, for example, has exceeded 50 points in a season once in his career and it happened in 2016-2017 when he played for the Minnesota Wild. He has seven points (3 G, 4 A) during a five-game point streak, giving him 28 points (134 G, 15 A) in 37 games. Coyle has a good thing going with linemates Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk. DeBrusk also has a five-game point streak, during which he has scored seven points (3 G, 4 A) and Marchand has eight points (2 G, 6 A) in his past six contests.

#2 Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell endured a miserable start to the season, going 19 games without a goal, despite putting 48 shots on net. Since then, Rakell has started to come around, putting up seven points (3 G, 4 A) and 18 shots on goal in the past six games. He has been moved up to the top line, with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel, as well as holding down a spot on Pittsburgh’s top power play unit.

#3 When the Detroit Red Wings signed Alex Lyon as a free agent, it appeared that he would be a strong No. 3 option behind Ville Husso and James Reimer. Given the performance of Husso and Reimer, however, Lyon has now claimed the starting job. After stopping 40 of 43 shots in Thursday’s 4-3 shootout win at Los Angeles, Lyon has a .919 save percentage in 11 games. A 31-year-old who had made 31 career NHL starts prior to this season Lyon’s performance has earned him his place in the Red Wings crease. His track record can make it uneasy to put too much weight on Lyon’s performance, but if you need a goaltender, adding one that has performed well in a small sample is preferable to those that have struggled in a larger sample and it seems that there are a lot of candidates from the latter category.

#4 Veteran winger Gustav Nyquist remains quietly productive. Now on his fifth team, the Nashville Predators, Nyquist has 10 points (4 G, 6 A) during a seven-game point streak, making the most of his opportunity to skate on the top line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly. Since the start of last season, Nyquist has 57 points in 90 games. His 0.63 points per game in that time is the same as Matty Beniers, Phillip Danault, David Perron, and more.

#5 After putting up a goal and an assist in Thursday’s 6-1 rout at Montreal, Buffalo Sabres centre Casey Mittelstadt is riding a hot streak. In his past nine games, the 25-year-old pivot has produced 11 points (5 G, 6 A) with 16 shots on goal. Although he is skating between Jordan Greenway and rookie Zach Benson at even strength, Mittelstadt is still getting top unit power play time and has scored 30 of his 33 points this season at even strength.

#6 The Los Angeles Kings have called up defenceman Brandt Clarke from Ontario of the American Hockey League. Clarke was the eighth overall pick in the 2021 Draft and played nine games for the Kings in 2022-2023 before he was returned to junior. That season, between regular season and playoffs, he compiled 84 points (30 G, 54 A) in just 43 games for Barrie. The 20-year-old right shot defenceman has put up 32 points (7 G, 25 A) in 30 games in the AHL this season, so he is one of the most exciting prospects in the game and it looks like he is going to get his chance soon with the Kings. In dynasty leagues, he is already super valuable, but Clarke might be worth a look in deeper redraft leagues, too. It will depend on how big his role is on the Los Angeles power play.

#7 Clarke’s U16 AAA teammate with the Don Mills Flyers (where they played with Seattle Kraken prospect Shayne Wright), Brennan Othmann, has just been promoted to the NHL by the New York Rangers. Othmann was the 16^th pick in the 2021 Draft and the rangy winger produced 23 points (9 G, 14 A) in 28 games for Hartford in the AHL to earn his call up. With injuries hitting the Rangers forward ranks – Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, and Tyler Pitlick are all out of the lineup – the door was opened for Othmann to make his NHL debut, skating on the fourth line with Nick Bonino and Jonny Brodzinski. Othmann does not have as much immediate appeal as Clarke, so he is more a player to keep an eye on for the future, when he might find a spot higher on the depth chart.

#8 A 27-year-old winger who has never recorded more than 30 points in an NHL season, Warren Foegele has moved up to play with Leon Draisaitl and he dropped a five-point game on the Anaheim Ducks on New Year’s Eve. Foegele has eight points (3 G, 5 A) and, importantly, 17 shots on goal in his past five games. As long as he is getting ice time in Edmonton’s top six, Foegele has fantasy value, but it is also a precarious situation – the moment that Kris Knoblauch removes Foegele from that spot, his fantasy appeal becomes very limited.

#9 Moving up to left wing with Draisaitl, Ryan McLeod has typically been a checking centre for most of his time in Edmonton, but is getting a greater offensive opportunity and has suddenly produced eight points (5 G, 3 A) with 11 shots on goal in his past six games. Like Foegele, McLeod’s value may be closely tied to his role, and having the chance to play with a premier playmaker like Draisaitl, but in the short term it does give him more fantasy value than he has had to this point in his career.

#10 Known more for his sound defensive play, Vancouver Canucks centre Pius Suter is adding some offensive pop to his play, contributing seven points (4 G, 3 A) with 13 shots on goal in his past seven games. The recent opportunity to slide up the depth chart and skate on the wing with highly-skilled forwards like J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser raises Suter’s offensive ceiling and should put him on the radar for fantasy managers.

#11 After struggling in 2022-2023, his first season in Dallas, power forward Mason Marchment has found his form this season while skating on a line with veterans Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin. Marchment had a hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks on New Year’s Eve and has eight points (4 G, 4 A) in the past three games. It is remarkable that Marchment is producing more this season because he is playing a minute per game less than last season and his shot rate is down from 2.18 per game to 1.89 per game. The big difference is that Marchment is scoring on 18.6 percent of his shots after scoring on just 8.1 percent last season.

#12 While his name has landed in recent trade rumors, Carolina Hurricanes winger Michael Bunting has not been hurting his value any, contributing nine points (3 G, 6 A) with 20 shots on goal in his past nine games. While he is skating with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Martin Necas at even strength, Bunting is on Carolina’s top power play unit, so six of those nine points have come via the power play. If he does get traded, that may not hurt Bunting’s value too much, as any team that acquires him would presumably like him to do what he does best, agitate the opposition and get to the front of the net as often as possible.

#13 Although he does not score a ton, New York Islanders defenceman Alexander Romanov is contributing in peripheral fantasy categories, especially as he takes on more ice time while several of his fellow Islanders defencemen are injured. In the past 10 games, Romanov has four points (2 G, 2 A) but also has 16 hits and 29 blocked shots while playing more than 23 minutes per game. That is not going to give him universal appeal, but to fill hits, blocked shots, and time on ice categories, Romanov has worked his way into fantasy relevance.

#14 San Jose Sharks defenceman Mario Ferraro brings similar value. He does have six assists in his past seven games, which is a sudden offensive surge, but he has 19 blocked shots in those seven games. Ferraro played more than 21 minutes in six of those seven games, with the only exception coming against Colorado on New Year’s Eve when he suffered an upper-body injury after getting hit by Nathan MacKinnon and left the game early. Even so, Ferraro was recovered enough to eat minutes and block shots in San Jose’s next game.

#15 Known more for his physical play, which includes leading his team with 15 fights over the past three seasons, Bruins centre Trent Frederic is starting to contribute on the scoreboard, too. Frederic has six points (3 G, 3 A) in his past six games. While he only has nine shots on goal in that time, Frederic has recorded 12 hits, which elevates him into being worthy of fantasy consideration in deep or banger leagues. His offensive upside is not huge, but he is scoring enough right now to at least warrant fantasy consideration.

#16 Versatile veteran forward Vladislav Namestnikov started the season on Winnipeg’s fourth line but has found himself playing higher on the depth chart, often centering the Jets’ second line. In his past 21 games, Namestnikov has quietly produced 16 points (3 G, 13 A), though it has come with just 20 shots on goal. Nevertheless, in deep leagues that production makes Namestnikov intriguing, especially if he can fill a position on the wing for fantasy managers.

#17 With Wild starting goaltender Filip Gustavsson sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury, 39-year-old Marc-Andre Fleury is going to see more consistent action in the Minnesota net. Fleury has a .896 save percentage in 15 games this season. That would match his 21-game stint in 2003-2004 for his lowest save percentage in an NHL season. He does have a .918 save percentage in his eight appearances since the beginning of December, so that is moving in the right direction, and getting more consistent starts will at least offer value for fantasy managers.

#18 Having demoted Akira Schmid to the American Hockey League, the New Jersey Devils have turned to 23-year-old netminder Nico Daws in goal. He has won his first two starts of the season for the Devils, managing a respectable .906 save percentage. Daws had offseason hip surgery so he only appeared in three games for the Utica Devils, posting a .929 save percentage, before he got the call to the NHL. That was probably not the original plan for the young goaltender’s development but the struggles of Schmid and Vitek Vanecek forced the Devils to be more aggressive about trying to solve their goaltending woes.

#19 Buffalo Sabres winger J.J. Peterka might be an interesting buy-low candidate as he has gone 10 games without a goal. He does have five assists and 26 shots on goal in that stretch, though, so the 21-year-old is still creating chances and is likely to break through soon. Even though he fills a secondary scoring role in Buffalo, Peterka is on a line with Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn, a line of talented young players that should not be held down for long.

#20 On the other hand, it might be time to let Pierre-Luc Dubois, so that he can experience the fantasy waiver wire. Even after chipping in a couple of helpers for the Los Angeles Kings in Thursday’s win over Detroit, Dubois has just five points (2 G, 3 A) in his past 16 games, which is abysmal fantasy production, particularly from a player who tallied a career-high 63 points (27 G, 36 A) in Winnipeg last season. The Kings have put Adrian Kempe on the wing with Dubois, and maybe that will jumpstart the centre’s offensive production, but it is getting surprisingly easy to find more productive options on the waiver wire.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW JERSEY DEVILS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #5

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:15:37 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 13: Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (43) stickhandles into the offensive zone during the New Jersey Devils versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on April 13, 2023 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire)

Top 20 New Jersey Devils Prospects

1. Luke Hughes

Selected fourth overall in the 2021 Draft, it was just a matter of time before Hughes made the jump to the NHL to join his brother Jack with the Devils. There may very well be a point where, looking back at this draft, Luke Hughes emerges as the top player from his class. Drafted as the clear No. 1 defender from the USNTDP, he made the jump to the NCAA’s University of Michigan in 2021-22, where he had a very strong year as one of the most productive defenders in the league. He was honoured as a Hobey Baker finalist, the Big Ten Rookie of the Year, and named to numerous All-Star Teams. Last year, he had an even better season, including captaining Team USA to a Bronze Medal at the WJC. He’s a poster child for the modern-era defenseman, with a transition game that will translate effortlessly to the NHL, albeit with greater size than many who share the other traits of his game, such as older brother Quinn, of the Vancouver Canucks. He’ll be a top two defender for the Devils and looks to stick in the NHL this season.

2. Simon Nemec

Yet another potential game-breaking defender in the Devils’ system, Nemec was selected second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft after an incredible 2021-22 season. His draft year included being named MVP of the Hlinka Gretzky, an Olympic Bronze medal, and a World Championship appearance, on top of a dominant regular season and playoff run with HK Nitra in his homeland of Slovakia. His introduction to North America started off slow but he found his game as the season progressed and seemed to be back to his exceptional ways by the end of the year. He’s a very mature, calm player that can surprise you with his speed and creativity. He drives the play, quarterbacking his team from the back end. He’s a very strong puck mover, capable of using both his feet or his hands to make plays. He’s also solid in his own end, showing off impressive defensive awareness. He has top two potential and could very well become one of the best offensive defenders in the league.

3. Alexander Holtz

With many top players from the 2020 Draft already impacting at the NHL level, patience has seemed to grow thin for seventh-overall pick Holtz. Selected from Djurgardens in the SHL, he spent just one more season in the league before coming overseas. He joined the AHL’s Utica Comets full-time in 2021-22, playing at nearly a point-per-game pace throughout the season. He was close to that level again last season and has seen time in the NHL in both seasons as well. Holtz is very likely to make the shift to full-time NHLer this season, thanks to his hard, accurate shot, his impressive movement of the puck, and his improving ability to get to the high-danger areas, which has been a work in progress throughout his development. He has the potential to be a top line sniper and could be one of the best goal-scorers in the league during his prime.

4. Arseny Gritsyuk

Drafted way down at 129th overall in 2019, Gritsyuk has continued to outplay that selection. When the Devils drafted him, he had just finished his rookie season in the MHL and had helped Team Russia to a bronze medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as well as a silver medal at the Under-18s. He has remained in Russia through his four post-draft seasons as well, working his way up to the KHL where he has become a full-time player the past two seasons, which included winning the KHL Rookie of the Year award in 2021-22. The forward boasts a hard, deceptive shot but can dish it out as well, doing well to drive the puck to the middle via passing or carrying it in himself. He’s very light on his feet and is fearless in his pursuit. He should be an excellent secondary-scoring winger in the NHL. He’s signed with Avangard Omsk through the 2024-25 season, so additional patience will be required.

5. Seamus Casey

Casey has the potential to be the steal of the 2022 Draft. His draft year was a little up and down with the USNTDP, resulting in him being selected 46th overall despite early thoughts of him as a first rounder. Now with NCAA University of Michigan, he’s back to the style of play that earned him first-round consideration. He’s an excellent quarterback, using great vision to scan the ice and lead his team’s attack. He has a very fluid approach that makes it seem like the game comes easily to him. His four-way mobility stands out in the offensive end, where he can surprise teams with his agility and creativity. There have been some concerns regarding his processing and decision-making, but he took great strides in these areas last season. He’s well on his way to outplaying his draft slot and becoming a top four NHL defender.

6. Josh Filmon

It’s not often that a player drafted in the sixth round is signed and makes the jump to the next level the following season, but that’s exactly what Filmon has done. Selected 166th overall in the 2022 Draft from the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos, he returned to the Broncos as an alternate captain, putting up 75 points and 47 goals in just 64 games. The Devils’ brass saw all they needed to, signing him to his entry-level deal and bringing him up to the AHL to end the season. The winger seems to do all the little things right, playing a really smart, consistent game. His skating is an area that needs to improve if he is to succeed in the AHL and NHL. Still, he’s long seemed like his game would translate easily to the next level. He could carve out a bottom six role for himself, but it’s more likely that he’s a depth option.

7. Nolan Foote

A prospect acquired by the Devils via trade, Foote was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019, 27th overall. He went back to the WHL Kelowna Rockets in 2019-20 as the team captain, and the Devils landed him later that season in a deadline swap and didn’t waste any time. They had him playing in the AHL in 2020-21 and he has spent the past three seasons there, with brief appearances in the NHL each season. He’s taken notable steps forward each year, improving his speed, his awareness, and his hands. He hasn’t taken over the AHL as was hoped, but he’s looking better and better each year and his production reflects that. While he no longer looks like a top six option, he still has middle-six potential and should be a reliable secondary scoring option. Now it’s just a matter of when.

8. Topias Vilen

The Devils have had an excellent run of quality later round picks in recent drafts, and Vilen is a poster child for that. The Devils called his name 129th overall in 2021 from the Liiga’s Pelicans. Looking at his stats, it can seem that he hasn’t taken huge strides forward in his development. However, Vilen is more of a defensive defender, and his mature style of play is enough to carry him to the AHL and potentially the NHL. He plays big minutes, his angling out on the rush and his active stick are very impressive, and when he needs to, he can kick off transition with a solid first pass. Last season he began showing that he can contribute on the scoreboard too, a nice addition to the package he brings. His ceiling isn’t overly high, but he could come in as a bottom-pairing, shut-down d-man that is used heavily on the penalty kill.

9. Akira Schmid

One of the most improved players in New Jersey’s system last season. Actually, Schmid may have been one of the most improved prospects in all of hockey. From platoon netminder in the AHL to starting NHL playoff games, his progression has been rapid and impressive. Is this sustainable? We’ve seen other young netminders rise through the Devils’ system quickly in recent years, such as Mackenzie Blackwood and Nico Daws, only to see them quickly crash back down. Somehow, Schmid feels different. The big netminder is an incredible athlete and his play tracking ability has improved so much since his USHL days. He flat out stole some games for the Devils down the stretch last year and he enters this season in direct competition with Vitek Vanecek for the starting job. While he is no longer eligible for the Calder trophy, he has definitely emerged as one of the top young goalies in the NHL and should be set to have a good season with an upstart Devils team.

10. Graeme Clarke

New Jersey’s patience with Clarke has paid off as he rewarded them with a tremendous third pro year at AHL Utica, leading the team in scoring by a significant margin. No one has ever doubted Clarke’s skill level, and the skating continues to improve making him a better pro. The road to success for Clarke has been long and winding. The former Ottawa 67 and older brother to top Los Angeles Kings’ prospect Brandt Clarke, Graeme has significant adversity. He had to spend some time in Slovakia during the OHL Covid shutdown. He has also battled shoulder injuries. But this has all led to him finally having a breakout year at the pro level and he is now positioned as a top call up option heading into 2023-24. Clarke’s skill level with the puck is among the best in the New Jersey organization and as his strength has improved, he’s been able to create chances more consistently at the pro level. Clarke’s shot is also a weapon, especially on the powerplay. Not all paths to the NHL are created equal and Clarke is very much still a candidate to become a top six forward in the future.11. Lenni Hameenaho
A recent second round selection, Hameenaho has a chance to be a solid pro because of his combination of high IQ and work ethic away from the puck. How high his offensive upside is remains a question mark, but he should at least become a quality role player.

12. Tyce Thompson

Thompson’s return to full season play following a shoulder injury the year prior was a bit of a disappointment. Hopefully a healthy offseason and a restart can help him regain his form this year and push him back near the top of New Jersey’s prospect pool.

13. Chase Stillman

While Stillman may never live up to the hype associated with being a first-round selection, he still provides a lot of value on the ice with his energy, physicality, and pest-like demeanour. Stillman will be turning pro this year and expectations regarding his offensive contributions should probably be tempered.

14. Nico Daws

Daws may have been passed on the depth chart by Schmid, but he’s still a solid goaltending prospect. The big man continues to work hard to improve his quickness and play tracking and he has a chance to push for a full-time back-up role in the near future.

15. Samu Salminen

It took some time for Salminen’s eligibility to be confirmed, but when he arrived at UConn, he performed well as a freshman. Salminen’s IQ is his best quality and it will be interesting to see what he can do with a full year at the college level this season.

16. Ethan Edwards

Edwards is really settling in at the college level with the University of Michigan as he is steadily climbing their depth chart. He heads into his junior year as one of the team’s prominent returning players and could be in line for a breakout season.

18. Shane Bowers

A former first round pick, it’s been a struggle for Bowers through four pro seasons. After being acquired for Reilly Walsh, maybe the Devils can finally unlock Bowers’ upside and turn him into a useful NHLer.

19. Tyler Brennan

It seems very likely that Brennan will need to begin his pro career at the ECHL level this season, and that’s totally fine. However, he never really reached the heights many expected of him during his WHL career. Tracking his development will be interesting.

20. Charlie Leddy

Leddy’s future role at the pro level will probably be strictly defensive oriented. His offensive upside from the blueline is likely limited, but he’s mobile, competitive, and can play the right side. He is returning to Boston College for his sophomore season.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW JERSEY DEVILS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 19:31:17 +0000

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 04: New Jersey Devils right wing Alexander Holtz (10) skates during the first period of the pre-season National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals on October 4, 2021 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Luke Hughes D

While the NHL at large may be more familiar with the two Hughes brothers currently playing in the NHL, Jack, and Quinn, there’s another Hughes brother on the horizon, and he’s got a strong chance to be just as much of a star as his brothers are. Luke Hughes, the fourth-overall pick of the 2021 draft, is among the most gifted defensive prospects in hockey. Hughes’ last season was his freshman year at the University of Michigan, and he led all blueliners in the entire NCAA in scoring. Again, he did that not only as a freshman but also as one of the youngest players in college hockey. Hughes, next to 2022 second-overall pick Simon Nemec, is the face of a next generation of Devils blueliners that looks more and more promising with each passing year. The core of Hughes’ on-ice profile is his skating. Hughes is as close to a mechanically perfect skater as one can be, with a stride that’s as smooth as butter. There’s an efficiency to the way he moves that also forms the foundation to his offensive game. The manipulation of his own speed, timing, and stop-and-start ability lets him create space on the ice. He’s active offensively both with the puck on his stick and without it. With the puck on his stick, he aggressively looks to make plays for his teammates, and he’s extremely good at getting pucks to the net and finding ways to score goals from the blueline. Without the puck on his stick, Hughes has shown an ability and willingness to leverage his mobility to clear room on the ice for his teammates. His overall offensive toolbox is so refined that it makes for an easy projection to the NHL level. His defense, while more of a work-in-progress, has made great strides since his days at the National Team Development Program. He may not end up a shutdown force at the NHL level, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he finds his way onto an NHL penalty kill. In total, Hughes is an extremely promising defenseman who matches both raw talent and careful polish. He has a real chance to become a number-one defenseman in the NHL. - EH

2 - Simon Nemec D

Nemec broke all sorts of records for U20 defensemen in the Slovak men’s league and then led all defensemen in postseason points. After a successful season, he became the 2^nd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and the highest-drafted defenseman in his draft class. The young Slovak has played among men for the past three seasons and represented his country internationally at two World Championships and one Olympics. He is an extremely mature player for his age. Whether he gets a shot with the New Jersey Devils at the start of the season should be within his grasp, however it is more likely he will spend the majority of the year in the AHL, due to the full right-side of the Devils´ defense. Nemec is a two-way defenseman who likes to join the attack and play offensively. He is a capable powerplay option, an extremely smart player with great vision and passing game. He is not overly physical but is quite strong and can stand his own. A notable weakness is his shot, especially given the lack of strength he puts to it. Nemec has really good hands for a defenseman and enjoys having the puck on his stick. He is not as flashy as some of other top choices in the recent draft, but his floor is among the highest in his entire draft class. He projects as a top-pairing defenseman who should contribute offensively and run the PP. - MD

3 - Alexander Holtz RW

If you are the New Jersey Devils, do you make room on the roster this year for one of the best prospects in the NHL after his encouraging performance in the AHL last year? After bringing in Ondrej Palat and Erik Haula this offseason, their forward ranks are extremely crowded. Yet Holtz (and a few other prospects) proved that they are ready for the NHL with their performance in Utica last year. Holtz’s game is built to be a top six, complementary offensive weapon at the NHL level. Not only does he possess an excellent shot, but he also has great scoring instincts. The puck seems magnetically drawn to him within ten feet of the crease and he rarely whiffs on his opportunities. Holtz supports play in the offensive zone well too, with a game predicated on quick touches meant to keep plays alive deep in the zone. As he continues to upgrade his speed and his strength on the puck, he should develop into a consistent 30 goal scorer at the NHL level. So, what do the Devils do with him this season? If he plays in the NHL, it will likely be on a scoring line, and he will have a very real shot at putting up the kind of numbers required of a Calder Trophy winner. Otherwise, New Jersey probably sends him to the AHL for another year (until an injury dictates his call-up) or negotiates a loan to Sweden for a year until a few contracts come off the books (like Haula, Tatar, Johnsson, and Wood). - BO

4 - Arseni Gritsyuk RW

It would be fair to say that Arseny Gritsyuk has established himself as a top KHL prospect over the last season, even though he really had to earn the trust of coach Bob Hartley and has also received a few trophies to back up that claim, including the KHL rookie of the year award and the Olympics silver medal. Furthermore, Gritsyuk played a major role in making that silver medal happen for the Russian team, scoring the winner in the nerve-wrecking semifinal shootout. Looking at the coming season it should be a near lock for him to take on a top six role for his KHL team and even though a sophomore slump is a possibility, it doesn’t feel likely in this case, as Gritsyuk has the smarts and creativity in addition to a rich skillset. It should also be mentioned that he is in the final year of his contract and if everything goes well there is a good chance that he will be able to crack the NHL roster short thereafter. There are plenty of reasons for Devils fans to be excited and follow Gritsyuk closely this season, not to mention the parallels in his development with that of another recent Russian 5th round pick in Kirill Kaprizov. Not that we expect Grisyuk to be another Kaprizov, but this is a fun prospect to be excited about and the hype train is picking up speed. - VF

5 - Shakir Mukhamadullin D

A surprise first round pick by the Devils in 2020, Mukhamadullin has already signed with New Jersey. After finishing last year in the AHL with Utica, he returned to Salavat Yulayev of KHL this season under loan. He's a huge defender who is confident in his mobility and readiness to join the rushing game. He is someone who is extremely confident on the ice; he knows his role and plays it. Mukhamadullin is aggressive physically as a defensive player and will step up to make plays. He also knows how to keep his man in front of him by exhibiting good gap control and positioning. Offensively, his biggest weapon is a strong shot from the point. As a puck mover, he is not extremely dynamic, and his decision making will need to improve for him to be a point producer at the NHL level. Mukhumadullin is spending the upcoming season at Salavat Yulaev (as mentioned on loan), after which he will probably move on to the NHL. More should be known about his upside after this current season, as the Devils will be looking for him to take on a larger role as a puck carrier in the KHL. If he can continue to make adjustments, he has the physical tools to be a strong two-way, second pairing defender. - DB

6 - Fabian Zetterlund LW

It might shock people, but Zetterlund is more likely to earn a permanent roster spot with the Devils this year than is top prospect Alexander Holtz. The reason is two-fold. Firstly, Zetterlund has progressed extremely well at the pro level, improving each of his three seasons in the AHL, and even scoring 8 points in 14 games with New Jersey last year. Secondly, he is no longer exempt from waivers, which forces the hand of the Devils unless they want to lose him for nothing. The reality is that Zetterlund is also built to play a checking line role (at least to start) more effectively than Holtz. Zetterlund has a game built to excel in a high energy, bottom six role. He consistently chases down and battles for pucks, using his strong lower body to keep plays alive. He brings it physically and is an excellent forechecker. He plays with pace and crashes the net, excelling in high traffic areas, rather than steering clear of them. His offensive upside is higher than that of your basic fourth line grinder, but it might be a role that he has to start at this coming season. The former third round pick (back in 2017) has emerged as a quality pro prospect and one of the best in a strong and deep New Jersey system. - BO

7 -Reilly Walsh D

A former standout with Harvard, Walsh has positioned himself well to challenge for a roster spot this coming season. The Devils’ blueline group largely struggled to contribute offensively last year and Walsh would go a long way to helping with that. An offensive standout, he can have a profound impact on the transition game. He can skate the puck out of trouble with his quick feet and he is a natural at quarterbacking the powerplay. Coming out of college, there were some concerns about his ability to defend at even strength, but his positioning, engagement, and overall effectiveness in his own end has improved considerably. Interestingly enough, the Devils acquired John Marino this offseason, who was one of Walsh’s defensive partners at Harvard. Is it possible that New Jersey sees the two of them pairing up this coming year in a third pairing role (with Walsh QB’ing the second powerplay unit behind Dougie Hamilton)? Walsh does have minor league options remaining, though, and that means he may be a numbers casualty due to the terrific blueline depth New Jersey has accrued. The smooth skating, offensive rearguard is definitely trending in the right direction and looks like a future top four defender for the Devils…at least at some point in the near future. - BO

8 - Nolan Foote LW

The son of former NHL defender Adam Foote, Nolan is coming off of his second pro season in the Devils’ system after being acquired for Blake Coleman. The big power forward has performed well at the AHL level and even in two cups of coffee with New Jersey. This is especially true of last season, where he scored three goals in seven games with the Devils. Foote will never be confused with a speedster, but he has worked hard to become a little quicker so that he can keep pace at the NHL level. He understands his role as a complementary piece and plays it to a tee. He drives the net with his stick on the ice and can be a fearsome net front presence. He is physical in pursuit of the puck and can dominate shifts down low, below the goal line. Foote is more than just a grinder, however, as he possesses great finishing ability because of his quick release and smooth hands. It is easy to see him becoming a long time middle six option at the NHL level, so long as he continues to improve his skating. The issue, much like was stated with Alexander Holtz, is that New Jersey’s forward group is currently crowded and that probably means Foote gets caught in a numbers game again this season. Another year in the AHL wouldn’t hurt his development as he can hopefully become one of Utica’s top scoring options and get closer to the point per game mark there before fully taking that next step. - BO

9 - Nico Daws G

It is not too often that you see a first year pro netminder thrust into NHL action, but injuries thrust Daws into significant time with the Devils last year. He handled it pretty well too, given the state of New Jersey’s defense and rebuild. The former OHL late bloomer has given New Jersey fans a lot of hope for the future with his strong rookie pro performance, however he should be given more time to develop at the AHL level this year. The Devils traded for Vitek Vanecek to pair with Mackenzie Blackwood, allowing Daws to split time with Akira Schmid at Utica. Of course, Daws could be recalled again as an injury fill-in, but at least the Devils now know that he can handle it. The 6’4 netminder can be a brick wall at times because of his positioning and play reading ability. He tracks the play extremely well and has worked hard over the last few seasons to improve his quickness, allowing him to challenge shooters more consistently. He has also worked hard to improve his ability to cleanly corral rebounds, transforming from more of a pure stopper into a true goaltender. With another strong performance at the AHL level this year, Daws could put himself into serious consideration as one of the best goaltending prospects in the NHL and push Mackenzie Blackwood as the team’s netminder of the future. - BO

10 - Seamus Casey D

Seamus Casey’s fall to 46th overall at the 2022 NHL draft was a bit of a surprise, as multiple outlets had placed late first-round or early second-round grades on the talented blueliner, who was among the best defenders at the U.S. National Team Development Program last season. But it made sense based on the defenders who went before him, as for all the attention the changing expectations of NHL defensemen get many NHL teams still prefer their blueliners to come with a bit of size. Standing at five feet and ten inches tall, Casey doesn’t have that. But he makes up for his lack of size with a few standout tools. First and foremost, Casey’s skating sets him apart. He weaves his way through the neutral zone with the puck on his stick, and his upside as a puck-moving defenseman at the NHL level is clear. Casey also can work as a power play quarterback, with the vision and hockey IQ to be a strong facilitator of play in the offensive zone. Casey’s defensive game has some holes, but that’s not due to a lack of effort. Casey is a diligent defender in his own zone, and his skating gives him value there as he can make it easier for his team to exit the zone, something that carries real defensive value. That being said, it’s simply too easy for more talented forwards to create chances with him on the ice, and Casey’s issues in the size and strength department are evident when he’s tasked with disrupting a bigger forward looking to create a scoring chance. Casey might need to be placed in a more sheltered role as a pro, but his offensive tools are definitely good enough to give him NHL upside. As a power play threat and puck mover, Casey could fashion a nice NHL career for himself after a few years of development in college. - EH

11 - Tyce Thompson

The first full season at the pro level for the former Providence star was a grind. A shoulder injury limited him, but he finished the year strong with Utica. Thompson is a power center who excels down low and near the crease. He could be a full time NHL’er by season’s end.

12 - Kevin Bahl

The hulking blueliner continues to develop nicely in the Devils’ system and has positioned himself to be in contention for an NHL role this year. He continues to work on his four way mobility.

13 - Michael Vukojevic

A potential stay at home defender for the Devils, Vukojevic just finished his second pro season with Utica. His skating and confidence with the puck continue to improve and with it, so does his projection as a future #4-6 defender.

14 - Nikita Okhotyuk

Another strong defensively oriented blueliner with Utica and former OHL’er, Okhotyuk hits like a truck and is fairly mobile for the game he plays. His upside is limited, but his strong defensive acumen makes him a potential NHL player in some regard.

15 --Chase Stillman

Thus far, Stillman’s development has not gone according to plan. His offensive game took a step back and not forward last OHL season. This season the Petes will be counting on the former first rounder to step up and be a consistent scoring threat.

16 - Graeme Clarke

The older brother of Kings’ top prospect Brandt Clarke, Graeme is a scoring winger with similar skating concerns. Adapting to the pace of play in the AHL has been a challenge, but Clarke is talented enough to eventually figure it out.

17 - Daniil Misyul

After three full years at the KHL level, Misyul’s offensive game is still non-existent. However, his combination of length and mobility does give him intriguing defensive potential. The 21 year old blueliner will spend another year in the KHL this season.

18 - Jakub Malek

A big Czech netminder Malek will be moving to Finland this season to play in Liiga with Ilves. This will be a great test for the former fourth round selection.

19 - Aarne Talvitie

Talvitie, a former Penn State product and Word Juniors standout, played well for Utica last year in his first full pro season. His NHL upside might be limited, but the competitive forward is a strong two-way presence and should carve out a career as a penalty killer and depth player.

20 - Akira Schmid

The Swiss netminder was a surprise standout for Utica this past season and has pushed his way into New Jersey’s plans. A strong athlete at 6’5, Schmid’s development has given New Jersey great depth at the goaltending position moving forward.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: NEW JERSEY DEVILS – RANK: #7 – TIER II

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:28:03 +0000

New Jersey Devils

#7 New Jersey - The top of this system is less dynamic than others in this tier, but New Jersey's system doesn't have the steep dropoff after the top ten either.

Luke Huhges

Luke Hughes

In many ways, Luke Hughes is like his older brothers, Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes, and New Jersey’s Jack Hughes. The easy comparison begins with his feet. The speed is elite, but so are the edges/ The sharpness and tightness of his turning capacity. The comparison continues with the way young Luke reads the ice. He sees the play develop a few seconds before it actually does, so he is able to do things that no one else sees coming. It will certainly be interesting to see Luke develop alongside his brother Jack in New Jersey. The sheer joy and elation shown by Jack when Luke was selected was a draft day highlight.

One of the youngest players selected in 2021, Luke may take time to develop. Unlike some of the other highly ranked defenders on this list and in the 2021 draft, he has far from a polished product. At the University of Michigan, he will look to improve both physically, and in his own end. Just how much Luke’s game can improve defensively will dictate how high his upside is, as he may not be as innately skilled with the puck as his brother Quinn is. It is likely that Luke plays a couple seasons for the Wolverines before turning pro. However, he does possess top pairing upside. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Alexander Holtz

The seventh overall pick in the 2020 draft, Holtz basically did more of the same in the 20-21 season. A player expected to one day be a sniper in the NHL, Holtz had a hard time finding the back of the net this past season, as did much of the Djurgarden line-up. In addition, his star took a bit of a back seat to thi summer’s seventh overall, William Eklund, who happened to be his center for much of the 20-21 season. All in all, Holtz totaled the same nine goals he had the season before. He increased his point total from 16 to 22 but needed eight more games to do so. In addition, he entered the WJC tournament as one of Sweden’s go-to players but couldn’t manage to make anything resembling the impact his nation would have needed in order to medal, granted his two most likely centers were absent due to Covid-related reasons. Three points in five games put him at about the same pace as the five points in the seven games he had the winter before, but his lack of production was a key reason Sweden bowed out earlier than was expected of its star-studded line-up.

At the conclusion of his SHL season, the Devils assigned Holtz to their AHL affiliate in Binghamton, where he managed to get into 10 games and gain valuable experience while collecting three points. Improving game after game, he took 28 shots in those 10 games and showed a quick propensity to find holes quicker on the smaller ice as the games passed by. In the coming years, New Jersey will continue to be looking for all types of offense and currently boasts three centers with above-average playmaking attributes in Jack Hughes, Nico Hishier, and even Pavel Zacha. Holtz is supposed to be the beneficiary of their passes in the years to come, so he’ll continue to be given every bit of developmental direction in the immediate future and remains one of New Jersey’s absolute top prospects. - CL

Dawson Mercer

2020/21 was a superb season for the young Newfoundland player. He finished 4th in the league in points per game, registering 19 goals and 17 assists in 23 games. He was excellent in the playoffs as well, finishing with 17 points in just nine games. At the World Junior Championships, Mercer performed well for Canada in a variety of roles, making the best of any scoring chance he earned, showing he can be a clutch player when needed. We saw the versatile player he can be, and he seemed less raw than in the seasons past.

His QMJHL career is likely finished because he can graduate to AHL next season as he turns 20 in October and honestly, he's ready to take the leap (AHL). He's very mature in his game and he's smart on the ice. He is not a risky player and he can adapt his game quickly to the style of play.He projects to become a second line winger capable of being used in any way. He has the potential to produce offensively while helping his team on defensive tasks and during special teams. Look for him to be an immediate impact player in the AHL and push for playing time quickly in New Jersey. - BB

Nolan Foote

Nolan Foote's game has really evolved since his draft year. Drafted as a shooter with a good-sized frame and power forward tendencies, he has grown to add more depth to his offensive game. His production at the AHL level earned him some minutes at the NHL level where he has already collected his first goal and assist in just six games. His size makes him a great wall and cycle player. He uses his frame well for puck protection and generating space for his excellent, elusive shot that jumps off his stick giving goalies real trouble, even from a distance. As a draft eligible player, he was more of a triggerman who would set up in the offensive zone and needed to shoot from a stand still. However, he has added more dynamics to his shooting ability now.

He is also a much better puck handler than he was in his draft year and has confidence with the puck to make a play rather than just shoot the puck. He can make some good passes out of the cycle and is able to find guys as he moves off the wall. Additionally, Foote is willing to drive to the net and compete for space once he gets there. There is still a bit of a concern about his feet, but his speed and explosiveness has improved to at least an average level, so it is less of a hindrance than it looked like in his draft year. Foote could start in the NHL this year with a middle six role depending on his performance at training camp, though the addition of Tomas Tatar could hurt his chances. - VG

Shakir Mukhamadullin

Mukhamadullin was a rather surprising first round pick for the Devils last year, as there were a lot of opinions about him as being kind of a raw player with a lot of things needing to get improved to play at the pro level, particularly in terms of his decision making and defensive play. This past season showed that he is perhaps further along in his development than was believed, as he became a rather consistent and regular KHL player and performed well at the World Junior Championships. Unfortunately, in February he suffered a shoulder injury and is still recovering from it.

Due to the injury and rehabilitation, Mukhamadullin may have to start from scratch as a KHL player this coming season, because he has to re-establish himself at the KHL level now. He is also expected to be among the leaders at the World Juniors. His current KHL contract ends after the coming season and some big decisions will have to be made about where to continue his development. The Devils will likely want their first-round selection in North America as soon as possible. His potential is trending upwards, pending a full recovery from his shoulder injury. Mukhamadullin is a potential top four defender for the Devils. - VF

Chase Stillman

Chase Stillman, the brother of Chicago Blackhawks defender Riley, and the son of former NHL’er (and current NHL assistant coach) Cory, is an intensely competitive forward. He makes a consistent impact every game with his physicality and can be the perfect complementary piece on a scoring line due to his aggressive nature. Stillman played very well for Canada at the U18’s in this role, likely raising his draft stock and making him a first round selection by the Devils.

This is a player who loves to get under the skin of opponents and who seeks out contact consistently. Stillman also drives the net and seems to live for the joust in front, showing little fear of having to take a hit to make a play. His anticipation in the offensive zone is also good. While his physicality is a major weapon for him, his awareness and positioning are also components to his game that make him a great support player to more individually skilled linemates. He slips through traffic and coverage well and also has shown improvement in his vision and playmaking ability. However, his game does still have some limitations. His shot will need to improve. Additionally, Stillman does not possess the sort of one-on-one creativity to be an offensive focal point. That is not to say that these things cannot be improved. At worst, Stillman is likely a high-end checking line player and at best he could be a complementary piece on a scoring line. He will look to establish himself as a more consistent, go-to offensive player in Sudbury (OHL) this season. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Kevin Bahl

The former center piece of the Taylor Hall trade with Arizona, Bahl is a massive two-way defender who has progressed well thus far as an NHL prospect since being drafted in the second round. No doubt, the part of his game that has progressed the most is his skating. By working hard to improve his four-way mobility, Bahl has been able to transform himself into one of the NHL elite stay at home defender prospects.

In his rookie pro season, Bahl played well in Binghamton, establishing himself as a physical presence in the AHL. The offensive production was limited, but as his confidence grows, that could change (just as it did at the OHL level). Bahl also earned a short stint in the NHL with New Jersey, where he played well to close out the 2020/21 season. With the acquisitions of Dougie Hamilton, Ryan Graves, and Jonas Siegenthaler, the Devils have shored up their defense heading into this season, meaning Bahl is likely given the opportunity to play in the AHL all year to allow him to fully adapt to the speed of the pro game, which in turn could see his offensive production increase. Even if it does not, Bahl still projects as a quality #4-5 defender who can anchor New Jersey’s penalty killing unit and be a long-time contributor to the team. - BO

Reilly Walsh

An oft-overlooked holdover prospect from the middle of the otherwise failed Ray Shero regime, Reilly Walsh has shown steady, if slow, improvement in his overall game since he was drafted out of the USHL in 2017. A right-handed blueliner, who has recently filled out his frame to approximately NHL average size, he does everything well, but is mostly known for his offensive game. As a rookie pro with Binghamton, he was the team’s top offensive producer among defenders, playing at a good pace and with an understated, yet effective physical game to boot. That latter component will be key to establishing himself in the next two years as an NHL’er.

As promising as his offensive game is, the likelihood of Walsh supplanting the likes of newly signed Dougie Hamilton, or 2018 first rounder Ty Smith – who had a similar season to Walsh last year from a number’s standpoint, only Smith did it in the NHL as a rookie pro – as power play options is slim. Walsh’s path to the NHL lies in combining puck moving flair with grit away from the puck, proving to his coaches that he can play effectively at both ends. Of course, he could also continue to demonstrate steady improvements to his game, and really force the issue, but at some point, the growth will stop. He is already looking like a good #4 without further growth. - RW

Michael Vukojevic

This season was supposed to be a big one for Vukojevic. He was going to be a workhorse for the Kitchener Rangers and the expectation was that his offensive game would finally take that next step forward as he received more powerplay time and offensive responsibility. It was going to be great for his confidence. With the OHL on hiatus, that never came to fruition. However, when one door closes, another opens. Vukojevic was part of a handful of U20 OHL players who got to play in the AHL early and he really surprised the Devils with how well he played and how easy the transition was.

Drafted as a strong stay at home type, Vukojevic’s confidence with the puck and his ability to start the breakout has really improved the last few seasons. The same can be said for his four-way mobility, as he has worked hard to improve his quickness to close gaps and retrieve pucks faster and more effectively. A strong and intimidating physical presence, he can be a suffocating defensive player, which is why his bread and butter will always be his effectiveness in his own end. Last year, the majority of his production and responsibility came at even strength, playing a lesser role. This coming year, expect him to be given more ice time as a sophomore. Likely still a few seasons away from contributing for New Jersey, he profiles as a strong and reliable #4 defender. - BO

Graeme Clarke

The transition to the pro game a year earlier than expected (due to the OHL season’s cancellation) certainly was not seamless for Clarke. However, it was not expected to be after playing so sparingly the year prior in the OHL due to shoulder surgery. This past season was supposed to be his breakout year in the OHL, where he would emerge as one of the league’s most talented offensive producers. Instead, he was thrust into AHL action early. Consistency was an issue, but Clarke did his best to prove that he could play at the pro level, even as a U20 player.

In terms of individual offensive skill and creativity, Clarke would rank near the top of all Devils’ prospects. As an offensive player, his skill set is extremely complete. He thinks the game at a high level. He is a wizard with the puck. He can shoot it with the best of them. However, his lack of dynamic skating ability has previously held him back from fully utilizing these gifts. This year in the AHL, he did look quicker and was able to be more of a factor in transition, rather than operate purely as a powerplay specialist. Moving forward, he will need to continue to get quicker and stronger to realize his potential as a top six winger at the NHL level. - BO

Nikita Okhotyuk

A former standout with the Ottawa 67’s, Okhotyuk is a physical, stay at home defender who can make quick decisions with the puck and provide a stable presence. He received a lot of ice time and responsibility in his first AHL season and will look to build upon that this coming year.

Tyce Thompson

After three solid seasons at Providence College, the skilled centerman turned pro at the conclusion of this season, even earning a limited look at the NHL level with New Jersey. It seems likely that he plays the majority of this season in the AHL, but he should move quickly through the system as a possible middle six forward.

Nico Daws

Rather than return to the OHL for another season (thanks to the hiatus), Daws used his German heritage to secure a spot with ERC Ingolstadt of the DEL last year, serving as the back-up to former AHL’er Michael Garteig. Daws performed admirably but will start his North American pro career this year, battling Akira Schmid for the back-up role behind Scott Wedgewood in the AHL.

Arseni Gritsyuk

A speedy and creative offensive winger, Gritsyuk has yet to establish himself as a KHL regular, but definitely still possesses a high upside as a pro. He has two more years on his KHL deal with Omsk, so New Jersey can be patient.

Jaromir Pytlik

With the OHL on hiatus, Pytlik left the Soo Greyhounds to play in his native Czech Republic this past season, however injuries wreaked havoc on his year and caused him to miss the majority of the World Juniors. Still unsigned by the Devils, the big, rangy, playmaking forward has signed on with KaIPa of Liiga this year.

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: New Jersey Devils Top 20 Prospects

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 15:37:00 +0000

McKeen's Top 20 New Jersey Devils prospects for the 2020-21 season. You can read an organizational assessment prior to the draft in Ryan Wagman's article found here. Following the draft we provided a review on each teams performance based on our rankings found here.

Alexander Holtz, RW (7^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

The prized tool in Holtz’ scouting report is his shot. His wrist shot is incredibly powerful and accurate and comes with a quick trigger. He can additionally make you play with a slap shot, or a tip. He also has high end puck skills and can pull off daring maneuvers at his best. He can make skilled zone entries using speed and quick touches. He doesn’t force plays but utilizes his linemates to drive scoring chances. Holtz is well-built, with a mature, muscular frame. He gives a good effort across all three zones and can play angry, using his strength and aggression to keep defenders at bay while he works the puck. Holtz has very good top speed, without overly exerting himself to get to full throttle, as he seems to glide. He is agile with four-directional mobility and good balance. It should also be noted that Holtz is able to tie all of those physical skills and characteristics together with through a refined hockey brain and doesn’t take his skills for granted. He is very close to being NHL ready and he has the makings of a high-end first line winger who can pot 35-40 goals a season regularly. – RW

Ty Smith, D (17^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 1)

Smith has all the intangibles that you want in a player beyond his talent. His skating stride is high end, and he is incredibly comfortable with the puck on his stick. He drives the play a lot for a defender and is a constant threat to jump into the rush. He is able to generate so much offense because of how quick he makes reads and moves the puck. His movement without the puck make him difficult to track and he can quarterback from the blue line very efficiently. His passing from the top of the blue line is lethal, with excellent vision to see plays and gaps as they develop. He finds open ice very well and makes himself available to receive the puck. He is a boss on zone exits where his puck carrying and vision enable him to keep teams guessing. In his own zone, Smith is improving and his strength is becoming less of an issue as he matures physically. He engages and uses his quickness and elusiveness to strip pucks and avoid forecheckers. With a little work on his defensive game, he will be an effective player on the Devils’ blue line for many years. – VG

Dawson Mercer, RW (18^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

While his game is polished and mature, Mercer’s physical tools are still raw and improving as he has only recently begun to focus on conditioning and strength. He is such a versatile player because of his high IQ. He excels in any role asked of him, wing or center, offensive driver, or shutdown backchecker. He brings energy and tenaciousness in puck pursuit, always in the right place at the right time. He excels physically, especially on the forecheck and in retrievals. He has the lower-body strength to win puck battles consistently and knows how to maintain possession. Offensively, Mercer plays a simple game, making quick decisions, with the hands to go through defenders. His shot is also an asset, with a quick release. Mercer’s skating still needs work before he reaches the NHL. His lateral mobility and edges are fine, but he lacks explosiveness. A quality two-way workhorse whose offensive game still has more room for growth as his physical tools mature, Mercer’s ceiling is lower than some other first rounders, but his floor is higher, making him an ideal complementary player on a scoring line. – BO

Nolan Foote, D (27^th overall, 2019 [Tampa Bay]. Previous ranking: 2)

Foote’s shot has long been elite in terms of power, accuracy and quickness of release. Since being drafted, he has added multiple levels to his game. His playmaking isn’t ever going his main strength, but he is becoming a very effective passer, helping him make better decisions when his shot is taken away. His foot speed remains a knock, but he is fine for the type of game he plays. Foote is a big body that can get in on the forecheck and disrupt opponents leaving the zone. He can be a net front guy but really excels cycling the puck and coming off the wall, shooting from around the circle. He also has a good one timer. Foote is a complementary player, and when matched with the right center, (which the Devils have a nice collection of these days) should be a top six winger with 25-30 goal potential. – VG

Shakir Mukhamadullin, D (20^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Mukhamadullin was chosen to represent his country as an underager at last year’s WU18 and again this year at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as well as the WJAC. Playing against his peers, he flashed first rounder tools and ability. His time in the Russian junior league (MHL) was even more impressive, making up for his scant ice time in the KHL. He can display agile, four-way skating, with plus acceleration for a player of his size. Playing with the puck, he shows a good set of hands and the ability to set up teammates for chances in the offensive zone. Even his shot is strong, if unrefined. The challenge to scouting Mukhamadullin was that in the KHL, anything that could be linked to confidence was gone. He played a very passive, tentative game, and that absence of fluidity led to more mistakes than one can easily excuse due to youth. He has the raw ingredients to be cooked up into a tasty player down the road, and his early play this season is a hint of that, but patience will be required. – RW

Janne Kuokkanen, LW (43^rd overall, 2016 [Carolina]. Previous ranking: 3)

Kuokkanen is a rare fully adaptable players, gifted with a simple playing style as both a grinder and power forward, driven enough to carry the top powerplay unit, and reliable enough to kill penalties as well. A master of simplicity, he finds space by either staying high or carrying the puck deep. His skill set is strong and his hands and individual play help to distinguish him from other forwards. Not that he is a selfish player, but he is a skilled one at doing the individual things he needs to do to get the job done. Kuokkanen will have to improve his consistency at the next level regarding the amount of effort he puts in throughout the entirety of a game as there are periods where he seems unnoticeable, in addition to question about his ability to win board battles. He is a highly skilled player capable of executing under pressure, and with top six upside. - SC

Kevin Bahl, D (55^th overall, 2018 [Arizona]. Previous ranking: 4)

Acquired in the Taylor Hall trade Bahl is a mountainous presence in the defensive end. Throughout his OHL career, he has improved his mobility, decision making, and offensive confidence considerably. He has also learned to manage the puck better in his own end, improving his breakout pass and his confidence in handling the puck in the face of forecheckers. Of course, his bread and butter is his ability to shut down the opposition’s best by smothering them with his size, reach, and physicality. He hits to hurt and is an intimidating presence who makes skilled players wary of bringing the fight to the middle of the ice. He is also very intelligent in his own end. He does a good job using his long reach to break up passes, anticipating the play around him. He will not quarterback a powerplay or be a high point producer who leads the rush; however his puck skills are good enough to play top four minutes. I would expect him to move quickly through New Jersey’s system, after adjusting to the processing speed required of him at the pro level. - BO

Reilly Walsh, D (81^st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Walsh was drafted in the third round after spending four years in prep school at Proctor Academy in New Hampshire. As a senior, he was an alternate captain and averaged over two points per game. He also spent time during his senior year with Chicago of the USHL, where his dynamic elements convinced scouts that he wasn’t simply beating up on high schoolers. Upon concluding his career at Proctor, he went straight to Harvard as a true freshman, where he was named to the ECAC All-Rookie team thanks to his immediate impact. Walsh is a high-scoring offensive defenseman who netted 31 points and 12 goals as a sophomore. He plays on the power play, puts power behind his passes and moves skillfully in the offensive zone. Defensively, Walsh still has to improve. He has soft hands to cleanly take the puck from opponents and he uses his long reach well. He is patient but sometimes too patient in the defensive zone, which allows opponents to beat him. Walsh projects as a middle-pairing defender at maturity. - JS

Arseni Gritsyuk, LW (129^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 7)

A smallish winger with a lot of quickness in his game. Gritsyuk moves both his hands and feet quickly. He is electrifying to watch and scores beautiful goals. He has explosive speed and can separate himself impressively from opponents. He is also very slick with the puck in the offensive zone. He has a quick released wrist shot as a weapon to use as well. Most of his goals come from near range, though. He is effective on breakaways and it is dangerous to leave him any room in the offensive zone. That said, he will also battle to lose pucks in front of the net. Gritsyuk is offensively smart and is a strong zone entry player with his speed. I would say he is more of a transition player that needs to play at high speed to be successful rather than a playmaker that controls the play at varying pace. His defensive awareness is good, and he works hard without the puck. He has top six forward potential but will play at least one more year in Russia. - JH

Tyce Thompson, RW (96^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 8)

After playing prep hockey at Salisbury School in Connecticut, Thompson spent a season in the USHL. He netted a modest number of points, but it wasn’t until college that Thompson broke out as a prospect of note. Specifically, not until his sophomore season, when he was tied for third in scoring nationally and ranked second on the team behind only Jack Dugan, who led the country. Thompson isn’t exactly small at 6-0”, but he is only 165 pounds. He uses his size to his advantage with a long reach, but he lacks physicality in his game. He may be lean, but he can outskate his opponents. He excels as a two-way forward with his calm demeanor. Thompson, who played on both the penalty kill and the power play for Providence, also skates well employing sharp turns. As a fourth-round draft pick, Thompson is turning out to be a steal and projects as a potential second-line forward if his recent gains can be maintained. - JS

Michael McLeod, C (12^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 9)

Time is getting tight for McLeod, whose first-round status may not be enough to save him from slipping through the cracks of New Jersey’s system. He still has the skill, size and talent to play at the NHL level, but it is just up in the air as to whether or not he will be playing for the Devils in the future or for another club. To start, McLeod is a strong forechecker and good at keeping the puck on his stick. He makes plays, passes and gets it deep. A downside however comes when he holds onto the puck too long or fails to finish which causes turnovers, especially in the neutral zone, which then leads to him taking a few too many penalties. It will be McLeod’s last chance at staying up as a call up this season with hopes of ending his time in the AHL, but he will have to prove to New Jersey that he really wants to be there, and will do what it takes as a bottom six forward to start. - SC

Michael Vukojevic, D (82^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 10)

An assistant captain with the Kitchener Rangers, Vukojevic is a hard-nosed stay at home defender with great size at 6-3”, 215lbs. He is one of the more difficult defenders to match up against in the OHL because not only is he highly intelligent, but he is aggressive and assertive when it comes to taking away space. His lateral and backwards mobility are also good for a player of his ilk. As Vukojevic returns to the OHL next year, the expectation is that he can round out his game by becoming a more confident offensive player. As is, he probably projects as a quality third pairing defender who can help anchor a team’s penalty kill. However, if he can improve his play with the puck and his forward skating stride, it is possible that he could play higher up in the lineup. - BO

Nikita Okhotyuk, D (61^st overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 11)

If there is one market that the New Jersey Devils have cornered, it is elite stay-at-home defenders from the OHL. Okhotyuk may not have the elite size that Bahl and Vukojevic possess, but he is the best skater of the bunch, while being just as physically assertive. He had a tough year battling a gruesome finger injury but was extremely effective for the first place 67’s playing as Kevin Bahl’s usual defensive partner later in the year. While the underlying offensive numbers are not eye popping, Okhotyuk is actually a confident player with the puck who will jump up in the play occasionally. He will turn pro this year and could also move quickly as long as he can stay healthy (something he had had a difficult time doing in his three years in the OHL). He projects as a third pairing shutdown defender, similar to Vukojevic. – BO

Nico Daws, G (84^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

In his third year of draft eligibility, Daws’ improvements could not be ignored. He got in better shape and his results were astounding. From start to finish, Daws was the best goaltender in the OHL, with a .924 save percentage was tops in the league. He has the size that NHL scouts covet in the position, and with the weight loss, his movement in the crease had greatly improved, allowing him to be more aggressive in challenging shooters. His ability to read the play is also a major asset, as he shows good anticipation and play tracking, especially noteworthy on the penalty kill. His ability to cover his posts and find point shots through traffic is very impressive. He also excels as a puckhandler, acting as a third defenseman at times. While projecting goaltenders can be a difficult endeavor, Daws’ progression and development is encouraging and suggests that he has the ability to be an NHL netminder. – BO

Jaromir Pytlik, C (99^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Pytlik is a mature two-way forward who plays a very heavy, pro-style game. He excels playing through traffic, prolonging possession along the wall, and finishing off plays tight to the crease. He competes hard at both ends and shows high end anticipation as a defensive forward and penalty killer. He has also proven to be versatile with the ability to play center and wing for the Soo Greyhounds. Although he had been seen as a potential first rounder heading into last season, his game has unfortunately proven to lack dynamic qualities, lowering his projection. His offensive skill set is average in almost every way and that likely limits his upside at the NHL level. Additionally concerning is that he plays a rather perimeter-centric game, despite carrying a bigger frame than most in his age group, to the extent that he was called on to play against men in his native Czech Republic as a 17 year old. With an additional gear to his stride and more assertiveness, he might have a higher ceiling than he has yet let on. – BO

Nikola Pasic, RW (189^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 12)

Pasic is a strong skater who plays a good two-way game and can play both center and wing. He is a strong puck carrier, has nice hands and works intensely. Last season he stepped up from junior hockey to the senior level in Allsvenskan as an 18-going-on-19-year-old. He scored an impressive 35 points in 45 games in his first senior season. That said, he played on a high scoring team and had six players ahead of him in team scoring, but he showed that his game translated well from junior to senior hockey. He almost exclusively played wing and could have created more shots and goals. He scored only seven goals but didn’t have that many shots on goals either. He has a good wrist shot and should use it more. He is a decent middle six prospect and will play in the SHL next season. - JH

Daniil Misyul, D (70^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

A tall and strong defensive defenseman. Misyul is a good skater who gets to the corners fast and is strong in winning puck battles, even at the KHL level as a junior-aged defenseman. He plays physical and is strong one-on-one in the defensive zone and is a strong defenseman in front of his own net. His skating is not perfect though and with better lower body balance he would be able to use more of his reach. His offensive game is limited, and he rarely gets involved in the offensive zone. He is a good puck mover, though, and has good puck control and a solid first pass. He plays a smart and simplistic game and is effective defensively. He did not get a ton of ice time with Yaroslav but played a third pairing role well and was effective for his team when called upon. His NHL projection is probably in that same role and I would say he is ready to step over soon and compete for a spot, but he has three more years left on his contract with Yaroslav. - JH

Eetu Pakkila, LW (203^rd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Pakkila split the 2019-20 season between the Liiga and Mestis, Finland's second-highest league. He played a very good two-way game in Mestis. He also played well for Ilves in the Liiga and showed that he can hold his own against tougher competition. He is a hard-working, purposeful winger with great skating ability. He has a quick first few strides and can reach top speed in a hurry. He was a proficient point producer in the junior level. With his good scoring touch, potent shot and skating speed, he has the potential to score goals at the pro level, too. His versatility is another asset. He can play up and down the lineup and in a number of roles. His checking game is effective, and he does many things that do not show on the scoresheet. He has progressed well and become a more complete player since being drafted two years ago. He could break out in the upcoming Liiga season. - MB

Patrick Moynihan, RW/C (158^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Moynihan lately a teammate of fellow Devils’ prospect Tyce Thompson, was drafted in the same season, albeit two rounds later than his older teammate. Unlike Thompson, Moynihan spent his pre-Providence College time with the USNTDP. Moynihan also won gold at the U17 World Hockey Championship. That said, the program was stacked in his class, and he didn’t get the ice time his skills may have otherwise deserved. Last year he was part of a solid group of underclassmen who propelled Providence’s offense while Moynihan netted his own fair share of goals as well. He is a good skater with speed. Moynihan isn’t physical or big – he is only 5-11” - but he carries more weight on his frame than it looks. He also makes up for his lack of size with his speed, shot, skills, and smarts. He has power on his shot and quick hands. Moynihan also has good hockey sense. He is a skill forward, but time will tell whether the skill set is dynamic enough to play top six minutes at the highest level. – JS

Graeme Clarke, RW (80^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 16)

Although injuries cut into his draft year, and almost ended his post draft season before it had really begun, Clarke returned late and produced like he never had in the OHL before. One would like to see him actuate all of his occasionally stellar offensive tools at once, and for a more prolonged period, but what he has flashed makes him a hidden gem in this system. He is still physically immature, which may be part of the cause for his lack of staying power, but at his best he shows a high-end sniper’s shot and scintillating puck skills. His reads and vision are even more scattershot, although it is fairer to attribute that to the injuries that have kept him off the ice for so long. More than most, Clarke needs a full season of health to find his true level and ensure that the Devils extend an ELC before they lose his rights. - RW

MCKEENS PROSPECT REPORT: OHL 2019 Draft Class Revisited: Underrated group making their case in D+1 year

Brock Otten — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:34:01 +0000

Thomas Harley of the Mississauga Steelheads. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Heading into the 2019 NHL Draft, amateur and NHL scouts alike had pretty negative things to say about the group of OHL players eligible. Around the rinks you would hear phrases like, “worst crop of OHL prospects that I’ve scouted for the draft,” or “I’m not sure we’ll be selecting many OHL players this year.” Prophetically, the results backed up these claims. Thomas Harley was the first OHL player selected...at 18th overall. The 1986 NHL Draft was the last time it took that long for an OHL player to be selected (Ken McRae to Quebec). Overall, only 25 OHL players were selected in 2019, a remarkably low number for a league that is usually in the low 40’s. Needless to say, it was not a good showing for the league.

Even a year later, the optics are not great when comparing this OHL crop to previous years. The 2018 draft had Andrei Svechnikov and Barrett Hayton. Svechnikov is already a budding NHL star who is coming off a near point per game season in his second year in the league. He was also terrific in the NHL restart before suffering that gruesome ankle injury that essentially crushed the Hurricanes chances of beating the Bruins in round one. The 2017 draft had Nick Suzuki and Robert Thomas. Of course Thomas already has a Stanley Cup ring with the St. Louis Blues and Suzuki was one of the best rookies in the NHL this season, elevating his game further in the bubble to help Montreal get past Pittsburgh in the qualifying round.

Due to the low number of 2019 draft selections out of the OHL, a remarkably high number of NHL teams did not even have a single prospect play out of the Ontario Hockey League this past season. That total was seven, including Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Detroit, Colorado, Calgary, Boston.

That said, as we examine some of the names on our top prospect’s list a year later and it would be fair to say that perhaps we (as a scouting community) undervalued many of the OHL players available, at least based on the progression that they have shown as prospects in a short amount of time. Guys like Nick Robertson, Thomas Harley, Philip Tomasino, Connor McMichael all took massive steps forward and established themselves as among the best NHL prospects on the planet.

Nick Robertson of the Peterborough Petes. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images

Nick Robertson, a late second round selection a year ago by the Toronto Maple Leafs, had one of the best goal scoring seasons in recent CHL history. With 55 goals in 46 games, his 1.2 goals per game average was seventh highest all time and right in line with the likes of John Tavares and Patrick Kane in modern times. A tenacious winger, armed with a ridiculously lethal wrist shot, Robertson also made waves for playing games for the Leafs in the qualifying round of this year’s NHL playoffs, scoring a goal in the series against Columbus (that the Leafs ultimately lost). He has emerged as one of the top goal scoring prospects on the planet and could very well be a full time NHL player next season in his draft +2 year.

Thomas Harley, the aforementioned highest OHL player selected, also got into NHL playoff action as he played a game for Dallas in the round robin portion. The smooth skating rearguard combines size and mobility to be a dynamic puck mover. However, his defensive game and physical intensity improved drastically this past season and it has vaulted him near the top of many lists of the top defensive prospects in hockey. It could certainly be argued that Harley has progressed better than players like Broberg, Soderstrom, and York, who were drafted ahead of him in 2019. Like Robertson, there may be an opening for Harley to be a full time NHL player next year.

Tomasino and McMichael finished the year third and fourth in OHL scoring, both cracking the 100-point mark. Tomasino is a dynamic play creator who plays at a pace that should translate to the NHL well. McMichael is an intelligent goal scorer who is being groomed in the Dale Hunter school of hockey; a highly successful development path. Both players have moved up prospect rankings with terrific seasons and are even potential NHL players already in 2020/21. Without sounding too much like a broken record, both Tomasino and McMichael could be in the NHL next year.

Of course, there’s also the case of Arthur Kaliyev. Ranked by some as the top OHL player available in 2019, Kaliyev fell to the second round where the Los Angeles Kings selected him. The talented offensive winger fell over concerns about his engagement level without the puck and whether his pace of play will translate well. Yet, all he does is continue to produce, finishing fifth in OHL scoring this past season. Many prospect analysts still believe in him and his potential to be an impact offensive player at the NHL level is still high.

Having only discussed the players drafted in the opening rounds, no successful draft class can be evaluated without looking at the depth of talent; or the players selected later. This 2019 OHL crop is starting to show that as well. Two players stand out specifically; Cole Schwindt and Mason Millman. Schwindt, a Panthers pick in the third round, is a rangy two-way pivot who is coming off of a terrific draft +1 year with the Mississauga Steelheads. By upgrading his skating, defensive intensity, and confidence with the puck, Schwindt was able to elevate himself among the league’s elite two-way centers. Millman, a fourth-round selection of Philadelphia, is an explosive offensive defender who played a key role for the Saginaw Spirit this past season. In the second half, he was performing at the point per game mark and has the size and mobility to excel at the next level. Both players were among the most improved prospects in the OHL this year and are starting to look like legitimate NHL prospects.

Another player to mention is actually a 2020 draft eligible player: goaltender Nico Daws of the Guelph Storm. Ranked, but not selected in 2019, Daws returned to the OHL this year and captured the league’s Jim Rutherford Trophy as the top goaltender. As such, he’s considered one of the top goalies available for the upcoming October draft and a potential second round selection. Of course, any NHL team could have had his rights already if they had simply used a seventh-round selection on him in 2019. Hindsight is 20/20, but Daws’ success is further proof that last year’s draft class may have been underrated.

While the 2019 NHL Draft will likely never go down as one of the OHL’s best, or even in the second tier of talent crops, branding it as one of the worst is certainly starting to look like hyperbole. This crop could have at least four 19-year olds playing in the NHL next season. With many of the OHL players selected progressing extremely well, they are the ones re-writing the script. As you read through our prospect guide and prospect lists, this will become apparent.

McKEENS NHL DRAFT GUIDE – FINAL MOCK DRAFT 2020 – TWO ROUNDS

Ryan Wagman and Brock Otten — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 13:48:42 +0000

I know, I know. You are not here for the preamble, so I will keep it extremely brief. For this mock, we are only looking at the part of the first round for which we know the order. That is, the top 29 picks, split amongst the teams that are no longer contending for the Stanley Cup. The 30th pick will go to the team that loses in the Stanley Cup Finals, and the Champions will pick 31st. Notably, Western Conference champs Dallas own their first round pick, while Eastern Conference champs Tampa’s pick belongs to San Jose as a result of the Barclay Goodrow trade. For the sake of timing, we are completing this mock with the presumption that the Lightning, with the better regular season pedigree, and one win away, will win.

We had to wait out a pandemic and two stages of a draft lottery to get here. In the first stage, we saw the third pick going to Ottawa, the pick they received from the currently hapless San Jose Sharks in the Erik Karlsson trade. The second pick was secured by the Los Angeles Kings. The first pick was reserved for a placeholder team, one of the eight teams who appeared in the play-in round but could not break through to the official first round of the postseason.

Those eight teams all had equal 12.5% (1 in 8) chances of winning the top pick, the lottery for which was held a few weeks ago. The New York Rangers won the honors. After the top three picks, the rest of the 4-15 set is set by regular season record. Picks 16-28 were also be decided by regular season record, including all teams who were knocked out in the first or second rounds of the postseason.

The picks made here are not based on insider intelligence, but through an understanding of the players available, and our knowledge of team tendencies and needs.

Let’s Draft!

1. New York Rangers - Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

There is a very reasonable argument to be made that the highest upside among the 2020 draft class actually belongs to Quinton Byfield. I have time for that argument, considering positional value (Byfield is a center and Lafreniere is a let winger), age (Lafreniere is a late ’01 born, while Byfield has an August 2002 birthdate, giving Byfield 10 extra month of physical development to come), and size (Lafreniere has good size, Byfield is a physical specimen). That said, I would not hesitate in the slightest to select Lafreniere here.
Lafreniere is ready to step right into an NHL roster and play a top six role on day one. The six years of team control that the Rangers would have would all be valuable years and they would be starting immediately. Byfield, on the other hand, may be ready to play in the NHL right now, but he would likely need a season or so before he can start to impose himself on the game. This is basically a parallel to the two players’ respective roles on the Canadian WJC roster. Both made the team, but Lafreniere was the tournament MVP, while Byfield barely saw the ice by the end. Although a winger, Lafreniere will soon be making his linemates better, much like John Tavares used to do across town in Long Island. RW

2. Los Angeles Kings – Tim Stutzle, LW, Adler Mannheim (DEL)

After Lafreniere, the gap in expected value between Stutzle and Byfield is slight at best. The Kings organization has a vested interest in German hockey, holding ownership over the Eisbaren Berlin franchise. At minimum, that should give them added comfort in terms of what they would be getting in Stutzle, likely more so than any other team. Stutzle’s game works at top pace, and he has enough elements to be plugged in anywhere in the lineup right away and work his way into a top line role in due time. As an added bonus, Stutzle will be able to maintain game shape in Germany until the NHL is up and running once again. RW

3. Ottawa Senators (from San Jose Sharks) - Quinton Byfield, C, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

We know that Lafreniere will not be available at this slot, giving Ottawa the easiest selection of the draft here. They simply take whoever is left on the board between Lafreniere, Stutze and Quinton Byfield. There is a pretty clear drop off in expected future value after these three in this first round. In this scenario, Byfield falls in Ottawa’s lap, and they will not be complaining to get a player they could begin grooming to be their future top line center. Physically overwhelming at the junior level, Byfield has the tools to continue dominating at the NHL level, although many believe that he needs to process the game a gear quicker to allow for all of his tools to play to their capacity at the top level. Ottawa will need more patience with Byfield than the Rangers or Kings would need with Lafreniere or Stutzle, but the payoff will be worth it. RW

4. Detroit Red Wings – Cole Perfetti, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The Red Wings are the biggest losers with the draft lottery outcomes. After one of the worst seasons by any team this century, they certainly had to be hoping for a shot at one of the top three, even if the top pick was out of reach. Even though there is a drop off after the top three, the Red Wings will still get a high-end player at #4. There have been numerous rumors connecting the Wings with Perfetti, who has been playing just up the road from Detroit in Saginaw. There are good arguments to be had for Detroit to pick one of the big Swedes in this draft class, but Perfetti offers a better organizational fit for Detroit as the top center outside of Byfield. There is also something to the comp between Perfetti and Brayden Point, one of Detroit GM Steve Yzerman’s biggest draft prizes from his time atop the Tampa Bay organization. Patience will be important for Detroit with Perfetti – as it would be for anyone available at this point in this scenario – but he has first line center upside. RW

5. Ottawa Senators - Jake Sanderson, D, USNTDP (USHL)

The inclination here is to connect the Senators with one of the big Swedes considering the team’s history with drafting franchise changers from Sweden (Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson) and both Raymond and Alexander Holtz would be good fits at this stage of the draft. But before making the easy choice, I should point out that the Senators’ scouting staff is not at all the same as the staff that picked Karlsson and Alfredsson. The team has only drafted two players out of Sweden in the previous four drafts. If the Senators go to Sweden it wouldn’t be crazy, and they would more than likely draft Raymond in that case. But with Byfield already a Senator in this scenario, I like them drafting the top defenseman in the draft class. Sanderson and Drysdale are very close in our rankings, a matter of taste, really, and I think Sanderson is more likely here as the Senators under Pierre Dorion tend to go with bigger, more physical players. Sanderson has a clear physical edge on Drysdale at this stage in their respective careers. Sanderson is moving on to North Dakota next season, where he will be playing alongside former Sens’ first rounder Jacob Bernard-Docker. That could be the start of a long-term relationship between the two high end blueline prospects. RW

6. Anaheim Ducks - Jamie Drysdale, D, Erie Otters (OHL)

Drysdale is both arguably the best player available in this scenario, and fits a clear need for the Ducks, who have seen their once vaunted blueline depth dwindle in recent years due to some trades that didn’t exactly work out. The Ducks haven’t used a top pick on an OHL’er since drafting Max Jones in the 2016 first round, but Drysdale would bring a new dimension to their transition game, generally helping make Anaheim a faster paced team. He could reasonably be ready for the NHL by 2021-22. RW

7. New Jersey Devils – Lucas Raymond, LW, Frolunda HC (SHL)

A very good outcome for the Devils, Raymond would give the young team a third potential game breaking talent to go along with their two recent first overall picks Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Raymond is a truly dynamic puck player who can make things happen on any given shift and has excelled playing against youth, even if he has struggled to assert himself playing against men in the SHL. There are scenarios where Raymond is already off the board a few picks before New Jersey gets the chance, so they will take this if things play out like this. If Raymond is gone, I see them going to the other Swede, Alexander Holtz over one of the defensemen taken fifth and sixth. RW

8. Buffalo Sabres - Marco Rossi, C, Ottawa 67s (OHL)

The Sabres are once again entering a new regime. The Jason Botterill anti-CHL drafting is a thing of the past. New GM Kevyn Adams has no track record to look to for speculation about how the team might draft. There is a general sense though that metrics will play a deeper role in their selections, especially considering the mass layoffs among the Buffalo scouting staff. So the player who le the OHL in assists and points would be a good fit in that regards. Rossi’s overall hustle and grit would also help make Buffalo tougher to play against, giving opponents a second line after Eichel’s to worry about. RW

9. Minnesota Wild – Yaroslav Askarov, G, Neva St. Petersburg (VHL)

While not as much of a wild card at the draft as the new-look Sabres, this will also be the first draft for new Minnesota GM Bill Guerin, who had been an assistant GM with Pittsburgh for the five seasons prior to this one. He would certainly have seen the value of drafting goalies, but the Penguins had only one first round pick in his time as AGM. The Wild also have new Co-Directors of Amateur Scouting in P.J. Fenton and Darren Yopyk. Had the Penguins given their 2020 first rounder to Minnesota instead of deferring to their 2021 pick, I might have gone in a different direction here, but given the choice between a potential franchise goaltender (Askarov), and a few wingers who project as top six (Anton Lundell, Alexander Holtz, Jack Quinn), I see Guerin and company going with the one who can help define a franchise. RW

10. Winnipeg Jets – Alexander Holtz, RW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

I get the sense that the Jets would sign off on this scenario in a heartbeat. It would not be hard to imagine an alternate scenario wherein Holtz is off the board at pick 5/6. Three years ago, the Jets drafted a big, skilled winger playing in Sweden named Kristian Vesalainen. Vesalainen has been jerked around since being drafted, spending time in the NHL, AHL, KHL and Liiga. Holtz is not the physical specimen that Vesalainen was, but his offensive instincts are more refined, and his draft year production put Vesalainen’s to shame. Holtz’ toolkit is robust and deep such that even though he is best known for his finishing skills, he can contribute in all facets. He may not be far at all from the NHL. RW

11. Nashville Predators – Jack Quinn, RW, Ottawa 67s (OHL)

With the level of talent still available levelling off, I see Poile and company looking for a player who can help sooner than later. While there aren’t any immediate contributors available, Quinn may be pretty close. The Predators showed no compunction in going to the OHL for their first rounder last year, and Philip Tomasino has taken huge steps forward in his first post draft year. Adding Quinn to a collection of prospects up front including Tomasino, Eeli Tolvanen, Egor Afanasyev, Rem Pitlick and others would give the Predators more offensive skill on the way than perhaps at any other time in franchise history. RW

12. Florida Panthers – Braden Schneider, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Dale Tallon is on the way out in South Florida and TBD is taking his place. With that much uncertainty surrounding the organization, I would generally proceed with a strict “Best Player Available” mantra. There are three forwards and two defenders who are all pretty close in terms of expected future value. In this case, I don’t mind going heavy on positional need, as most of the Panthers’ top prospects after 20191 first rounder, goaltender Spencer Knight are forwards, while the system is very shallow on the blueline. The organization is especially shallow on the right side of the blue line, so I will give the edge to Braden Schneider here over lefty Kaiden Guhle. But in truth, either would be a solid fit. RW

13. Carolina Hurricanes (from Toronto Maple Leafs) – Anton Lundell, C, HIFK (Liiga)

If the Hurricanes, under own Tom Dundon, are adamantly opposed to drafting a defenseman in the first round, I have a hard time imaging them springing for a goalie either. With three forwards of note to consider, I see them drafting the Finn Anton Lundell over either of Seth Jarvis or Dawson Mercer as the Hurricanes and Finnish prospects have been de rigueur for quite some time now. Also, Lundell is very good, plays a mature, NHL near-ready game, and has the versatility to play anywhere in the lineup, up or down the lines, at center or on the wing. I could also see the Hurricanes being the high team on Russian forward Rodion Amirov, but Lundell’s overall game, predicated on skills and smarts, would be hard to resist here. RW

14. Edmonton Oilers – Seth Jarvis, C, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Look for the Oilers to continue to build organizational depth up front, as the team has long had a hard time putting the puck in the net without one or both of McDavid or Draisaitl on the ice. The German connection could be a thing if the Oilers were interested in JJ Peterka but recall that Draisaitl was drafted out of the WHL. Instead, I see them staying closer to home. Both Portland’s Seth Jarvis and Kamloops’ Connor Zary could be good fits here. While Zary could be a good fit in the way he can help control a slower tempo, with a speedy star like McDavid on the roster, the faster option is a better fit. Jarvis could be moved to the wing to play in the top six, or kept up the middle, allowing Edmonton to eventually move Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to a permanent top six wing position. Either way, Jarvis will make the Oilers that much more dangerous game in and game out. RW

15. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Pittsburgh Penguins) – Rodion Amirov, LW, Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)

Given Toronto’s stated preference for speed, skill, and smarts in their prospects, some of the available options at this point are not great fits, such as defender Kaiden Guhle, or forwards Connor Zary or Dawson Mercer. The Leafs could really go in many different directions here, including trading down a ew spots to gain additional assets, but if I am keeping the pick, the best fits Toronto’s profile is Russian forward Amirov. He is physically underdeveloped, but his skill game is top six worthy, he reads the ice at a very mature level and can play at a good clip as well. Considering Toronto’s recent run of free agent signings from the KHL (Ozhiganov, Mikheyev, Barabanov), we know they are comfortable with bets on Russian talent. RW

16. Montreal Canadiens – Hendrix Lapierre, C, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)

One of the reasons I have respected how Montreal has drafted in the Bergevin era, is that they are willing to place bets on players from leagues outside the norm. Last year alone, they drafted players playing in Denmark and AAA in Alberta. This pick would not meet that definition, but it is a home run swing, nonetheless. Once Lapierre’s injury was reported to have been a neck injury and not a second concussion, some worries over his future were alleviated. There is also the slow start to his year to be considered, but coming into the season, many had assumed that the skilled playmaker would be long gone by this point. If Lapierre recovers his previous trajectory, this would be a big win. RW

17. Chicago Blackhawks – John-Jason Peterka, LW/RW, EHC Munchen (DEL)

Chicago would jump on Askarov if the Russian netminder somehow fell this far. Seeing as how he is not, and the strength of the system is defensemen – 7 of the club’s top 15 prospects is a blueliner, and that count doesn’t include Boqvist – look for the Blackhawks to add scoring depth. Two years ago, they signed Dominik Kahun as a free agent out of EHC Munchen in Germany. That worked out pretty well. Peterka is more of a scorer than the playmaking Kahun, but he also has a very reasonable top six projection. RW

18. New Jersey Devils (from Arizona Coyotes) – Kaiden Guhle, D, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

With Lucas Raymond already under wraps, and another first rounder coming up, the Devils can afford to diversify their approach, hearken back to the drafting of Ty Smith, and draft another defenseman from the WHL in the middle of the first round. Guhle is a much different style of defender than Smith but could be a compliment to him as the other left handed defender in the top four. Guhle skates well and is one of the more physical defenders in this draft class. RW

19. Calgary Flames – Connor Zary, C, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

The Flames need offensive talent for a second wave, especially if Johnny Gaudreau’s days are getting shorter in Calgary. Other than 2019 first rounder Jakob Pelletier, the cupboard is conspicuously empty. They could be opportunistic in this scenario and grab a future top six center in Connor Zary. His footspeed prevents him from being taken higher, but he reads the game very well and plays a positioning and puck skill game that doesn’t rely on being faster than opponents. Winger Dawson Mercer would also be a very worthy possibility here. RW

20. New Jersey Devils (from Vancouver Canucks) – Dawson Mercer, RW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)

In this scenario, the Devils have already stocked up their system with Lucas Raymond and Kaiden Guhle. In adding Mercer to their group, they get another talented winger who could team up in a few years with recent high-end picks like Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Michael McLeod. Mercer isn’t as flashy as Raymond – or as the centers – but he has excellent touch with the puck, and a highly advanced sense of where to be in the offensive zone to generate the most positive impact for his team. The WJC gold medalist from the 2020 event, he could be ready for the NHL faster than most other players still available. RW

21. Columbus Blue Jackets – Mavrik Bourque, C, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

If Columbus, which has not had their full complement of picks in recent years, as they have pushed to be a competitive playoff team, can be said to have a type, it is for instinctive forwards who play versatile games that could fit up and down the lineup. If there is a player available right now who could follow in the footsteps of Alexandre Texier and Liam Foudy, Bourque fits the bill. He has high end puck skills and instincts and plays a gritty game that maximizes his tools. The system is currently weaker on the blueline, but the draft class is forward heavy and those who should be considered in this range are already off the board (Schneider, Guhle). The dropoff in forward talent between this pick and when Columbus picks again (4th round) is far steeper than the dropoff among blueline prospects. RW

22. New York Rangers (from Carolina Hurricanes) – Jan Mysak, C, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)

Contrary to popular belief, the New York Rangers 2020 draft class will be judged on more than just what they get out of presumptive first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere. I often advocate for a diversified portfolio when teams make multiple picks in the first round, but four of the top 6 prospects in the Rangers’ system prior to the draft were defensemen, and the forwards available here are better anyway. Mysak fits in the Rangers’ worldview, considering their heavy lean towards European talents in the first round of late. While the skilled Czech pivot spent the second half of the season in the OHL with Hamilton, the first half of his draft year was played out against men in his homeland. The relative success of Filip Chytil should give the Rangers’ brass comfort in the Czech option and Mysak has outproduced his strong skill set for a while now. RW

23. Philadelphia Flyers – Dylan Holloway, RW, Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA/Big 10)

Both the Ron Hextall and Chuck Fletcher regimes have been very comfortable scouting the college bound talents and seven of the club’s top 15 prospects heading into the draft spent last year playing NCAA hockey. As such, the club would have had many extra opportunities to scout Holloway, who spent his first year of eligibility playing for the Badgers, occasionally outshining recent first round picks like Alex Turcotte (LA), Cole Caufield (Mtl), and K’Andre Miller (NYR). Holloway plays a powerful North-South game with speed and skill. When he remembers to slow the game down, his non-stop motor helps his tools play up. He can fit in an energy role if top six spots are unavailable. RW

24. Washington Capitals – Lukas Reichel, LW, Eisbaren Berlin (DEL)

Outside of 2019 first rounder Connor McMichael, the Capitals have a pretty downtrodden system, with a clear lack in offensive talent. Never a team to shy away from European prospects, Reichel is one of the players that could benefit from the late draft. The German dynamo has started his 2020-21 season very strong in international play, continuing on his upward trajectory in his “natural” draft year. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts with Reichel, and he might be no more than one year away from pushing for an NHL job. RW

25. Colorado Avalanche – Noel Gunler, RW, Lulea (SHL)

The Avalanche have done well in recent drafts by just seeing where the chips fall in front of them and then taking advantage of the best talent available. Thinking back to how Alex Newhook had some doubters at the time because of his being prominently left off some Canadian teams in international competition. Perhaps a similar bit of context will make it easier for the Avalanche to pull the trigger on Noel Gunler, who is seemingly always a late cut on various Team Sweden rosters. Gunler’s offensive tools are all high end and with a bit of glue to pull it all together over the next few years as part of an increased role with Lulea in the SHL, could turn out to be one of the best value picks of the entire 2020 draft class. RW

26. St. Louis Blues – Brendan Brisson, C, Chicago Steel (USHL)

St. Louis has spread the love in terms of where they have drafted from in recent years, although they have seemed to shy away from Finland in recent years. That said, the system is altogether lacking in high end talent at this time, with many of their best having graduated to the NHL. Brisson offers an exciting, point-producing talent who will require patience as he heads of the play for the Michigan Wolverines as soon as Big 10 hockey picks back up. Brisson has line driving capabilities but will need time to mature physically. RW

27. Anaheim Ducks (from Boston Bruins) – Sam Colangelo, RW, Chicago Steel (USHL)

The Ducks already have a defenseman in this scenario, in Jamie Drysdale. If they take Colangelo now, it is because they suspect he might not be around for their next pick (#36) as the Chicago winger is one of the few power forwards in this draft class. Further, the Ducks always take players with connections to the Steel (Jack Badini in 2017, Blake McLaughlin in 2018, and Jackson Lacombe in 2019). The Ducks still value players who play heavy games as in the golden days of the Pacific Division and Colangelo has enough skill with his sandpaper to fit in the more modern game. RW

28. Ottawa Senators (from New York Islanders) – Ridly Greig, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

In our scenario here, the Senators have already drafted Quinton Byfield and Jake Sanderson. Anything else is gravy, really. On poutine. The Senators under Pierre Dorion like players who are hard to play against. I can’t say that I disagree with that preference, even in the first round, where upside is king. At the very least, a skilled player who is tough to play against can find a home down the lineup if he doesn’t reach his perceived ceiling. A late bloomer, in the sense that he needed a few months into his draft year to find his stride, Greig is certainly tough to play against, despite his still growing frame. Greig is among those who have moved over to Europe (in his case, Sweden) to stay in game shape during the COVID-delays. RW

29. Vegas Golden Knights (from New York Islanders) – Helge Grans, D, Malmo J20 (SuperElit)

The Golden Knights may be among the top half dozen teams in the NHL, but their organizational depth betrays their expansion team status. Only three years into their existence, they were so good so soon that they have already traded away the bulk of the future advantage that similar teams tend to receive. A big right-handed shooter who could have given his draft stock a tangible boost with a good U18 performance, Grans plays a tight two way game, although his off puck play is currently more advanced than his offensive ability. If he can meld all of his tools together, he profiles as a strong option for the second pairing at maturity. RW

30. Dallas Stars – Kasper Simontaival, RW, Tappara U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga)

Edmonton Oil Kings’ center Jake Neighbours feels like a Dallas type pick, but this team really needs some dynamic players in their lineup. Someone who can dangle through some opponents and has a knack for scoring. This team has long honed in on Finland and Simontaival certainly knows how to put the puck in the net, owning one of the most lethal shots in the draft class. He would offer a different look to anything currently in the system. RW

31. San Jose Sharks (from Tampa Bay Lightning) – Justin Barron, D, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

After pick 20 or so, the talent level of available prospects starts to flatten out considerably. So, you go with a player that makes you comfortable. Barron’s fans suspect he would have been long off the board by this point had he not missed a large chunk of the season to a scary blood clot issue. Now recovered, he could bring the Sharks a well-rounded, right-handed shot from the blueline who can take care of things in both ends. San Jose has heavily scouted the QMJHL in recent years, too, so they will surely have a good read on Barron. RW

32. Detroit Red Wings - Jacob Perreault, RW, Sarnia Sting (OHL)

It would certainly be a bit of a surprise if Perreault falls outside of the first round, but scouts are definitely concerned about the consistency of his effort level at both ends of the rink and the ability to get the most out of his skill set. One of the best goal scorers available, his upside is quite high and it’s why he could easily slot inside the top 20 too. The Wings snag him with the first pick of the second round, envisioning a potential powerplay set up that includes Perreault as the triggerman alongside the likes of Perfetti and Zadina. BO

33. Ottawa Senators - Ryan O’Rourke, D, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)

O’Rourke is best described as a throwback style defender, whose game would have fit in well during the 1980’s-90’s. He plays the game hard and makes the opposition earn every inch of ice against him. However, his offensive upside may have been hidden given his role with the Greyhounds last year. His decision making with the puck is high end and he projects as a top four two-way defender in the future. Between the selection of Jake Sanderson in the first round and O’Rourke in the second, Ottawa is set to become a very difficult team to play against in a few years. BO

34. San Jose Sharks - Luke Evangelista, RW, London Knights (OHL)

Might be a bit of a shock to see Evangelista drafted ahead of a few other higher ranked OHL players, but don’t sleep on this breakout star for the London Knights. There are certainly NHL teams who see him as a potential first round selection and put a ton of stock into the London and Dale Hunter development program. San Jose would have seen a lot of Luke last year while checking in on the progress of Ryan Merkley and are likely to have been impressed with what they saw. A well-rounded winger, Evangelista’s potential as a playmaker could be higher than currently envisioned. BO

35. Los Angeles Kings - Dylan Peterson, C, USNTDP (USHL)

Peterson is the kind of player who NHL teams love a lot more than the independent scouting community. A big center who skates extremely well, Peterson profiles as both a potential playmaker and shutdown center, depending on how his development in college goes. No doubt, scouts would have taken notice of his improvement over the course of last year; the cancellation of the World U18’s likely hurt his chance of creeping into the first round with a strong performance. However, looking at the make-up of their division and conference rivals in the West, the Kings know that they will eventually need big forwards who can skate like Peterson. BO

36. Anaheim Ducks - Tyson Foerster, RW, Barrie Colts (OHL)

After taking Jamie Drysdale in round one, the Ducks turned their attention to goal scoring in the second round by selecting Barrie winger Tyson Foerster. Armed with one of the best shots in the draft, Foerster is lethal on the powerplay. His lack of a dynamic skating stride keeps him out of the first round, but his potential is too much to turn down in the early second. As he works to improve his pace and round out his game, Foerster could easily become a top six forward at the NHL level. BO

37. Nashville Predators (from New Jersey Devils) - Tyler Kleven, D, USNTDP (USHL)

No question, Tyler Kleven is another defender who NHL scouts are bound to like more than scouting agencies or independent scouts. While his offensive upside may be limited, the combination of his size, skating ability, and physicality, makes him a good candidate to develop into a modern-day shutdown defender. Nashville seeks to re-emerge as a tough team to play against again, a moniker that they held firmly a decade ago, but have lost touch with in recent years. This has caused a slide down the standings. Kleven, along with Dante Fabbro, can give the Preds those rocks on the back end that can allow players like Josi space to roam. BO

38. Buffalo Sabres - William Wallinder, D, Modo J20 (SuperElit)

Definitely a polarizing player for this year’s draft, Wallinder has physical tools in spades. A high-end mover from the back-end, he can dazzle at times and this has some scouts wondering about his high end potential if they are patient. The word patient is used because Wallinder is still learning to utilize his skill set, a fact that has other scouts questioning his IQ and vision on the ice. Whether you like him or not, defenders like Wallinder always go high in the draft because all it takes is for one franchise to believe in his potential. Buffalo, hoping to hit the jackpot, rolls the dice on the big Swede. BO

39. Minnesota Wild - Luke Tuch, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

When his brother Alex was draft eligible, and subsequently a first round selection, he was universally ranked in that first round range. While Luke does not appear to have the offensive upside of his brother, he is ranked as a possible second round selection by many publications (even if we have him well outside that range). Given Alex’s strong playoff performance this year and that bubble hockey proved that size, skill, and toughness still wins in the playoffs, look for Luke to be drafted earlier rather than later. After rolling the dice on Askarov in round one, Minnesota looks to secure a sure-fire NHL player here. BO

40. Winnipeg Jets - Jack Finley, C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

One of the biggest players in the draft and also one of the youngest available, Finley’s raw potential is most certainly alluring. A potentially dominant playmaker down low once he fills out, Finley is a player who was starting to trend upwards before the WHL season was halted. Jack Finley’s father, long time NHL defender Jeff Finley, is a scout with Winnipeg, so there are obvious connections to the organization on top of him being a high upside selection. BO

41. Carolina Hurricanes (from New York Rangers) - Ty Smilanic, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

Smilanic is best described as an enigma because depending on what night you see him on, he could be one of the best or one of the worst players on the ice. If he can iron out some of those consistency issues, he could develop into a high-end offensive producer at the NHL level; no one doubts his skill level with the puck. Carolina, looking to add another skilled winger to their prospect pool, takes a chance on Smilanic. BO

42. Nashville Predators - Topi Niemela, D, Karpat (Liiga)

After taking Tyler Kleven with their first second round selection, the Predators took a different approach with their second pick in the round, selecting Finnish offensive defender Topi Niemela. A skilled playmaker from the back-end, Niemela may be lacking in the physical tools that Kleven possesses, but his high IQ and safe game allows him to move the puck effectively and it is easy to see his game translating well to the NHL level. BO

43. Florida Panthers - Marat Khusnutdinov, C, St. Petersburg (MHL)

Looking for a potentially elite two-way center, the Panthers select Russian forward Marat Khusnutdinov with their second-round pick. A powerful skater, Khusnutdinov is both a talented playmaker and a hard-working defensive center. There are some who question his upside as a top six forward, and because of that, the lure of the KHL is a real concern. However, there is no doubting that he deserves to be a top 50 selection and Florida makes a great pick here. BO

44. Toronto Maple Leafs - Jean Luc Foudy, RW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

It is definitely possible that the Leafs opt for a forward with a little more size who skates well (like Torgersson or Jarventie) at this position, however Foudy may be too alluring for Leafs’ management to pass up. After playing against his brother Liam in this year’s playoffs and seeing his speed make him one of Columbus’ most effective players, the Leafs opt for Jean Luc. Adding speed to the current lineup (and system) has to be a priority and JL Foudy is one of the draft’s quickest. He has time to iron out some of the concerns about his game (perimeter play, defensive consistency, shot confidence), and if Toronto is patient, he could turn out to be a steal. BO

45. Detroit Red Wings (from Edmonton Oilers) - Drew Commesso, G, USNTDP (USHL)

Askarov is very clearly the top goaltender available this year, but the second goalie off the board is much more of a mystery. There are a lot of players in contention for that honor. One of them is Drew Commesso, the starter for the U.S. U18 team. Commesso was consistently a standout in the USHL this year and has all the tools that teams are looking for in a potential starter. Looking to improve the team’s prospect depth at the position, Detroit takes the Boston University commit in hopes that he can be their goalie of the future. BO

46. Chicago Blackhawks (from Pittsburgh Penguins) - Nico Daws, G, Guelph Storm (OHL)

It is very possible that goaltenders go back to back at this spot in the second round, given the lack of goaltending depth in both Detroit and Chicago’s system. Looking for a goalie who is closer to the show, Chicago selects Nico Daws, an OHL netminder in his final year of eligibility. The OHL goaltender of the year, Daws improved his conditioning last offseason and the results were incredible. A massive netminder at 6’4, 200lbs, Daws looks and plays the part of a future standout for the Hawks and a possible replacement for Corey Crawford. BO

47. Montreal Canadiens - Jake Neighbours, LW, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Neighbours, ranked inside or near the first round by nearly every publication (including us) takes a bit of a tumble at the draft due to a perceived lack of upside. However, he plays the kind of heavy game that the Canadiens are looking to inject into their system and lineup. Even if he only tops out as a high end third line winger, he could provide value to Montreal in that role. BO

48. Montreal Canadiens (from Chicago Blackhawks) - Ian Moore, D, St. Marks (USHS)

Montreal has taken two high end prep school defenders in recent drafts (Struble and Harris), so why not make it a trifecta? With so many selections this year, Montreal is most definitely going to select some players who will require patience (and also not require a contract offer for several years). Moore fits the bill. A high-end skater from the back-end, it remains unknown how Moore’s skill set will translate to a higher level. However, he is set to play for Chicago (USHL) this year and then attend Harvard the following year; two fantastic programs. This is the kind of high upside selection that teams with many picks always make. BO

49. Arizona Coyotes - Pick Forfeited

This selection was forfeited by Arizona as punishment for breaking league rules surrounding the individual testing of draft eligible players.

50. Calgary Flames - Daniel Torgersson, LW, Frolunda J20 (SuperElit)

Playing out of the West, and with some great power forward type prospects available in this range, it is very possible that the Flames try to inject size and skill into the organization with this selection. Will Cuylle could be a possibility, but Calgary opts for a better skater in Torgersson. Like any potential young power forward, consistency is an issue but the potential reward here is high. BO

51. Los Angeles Kings (from Vancouver Canucks) - Jeremie Poirier, D, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

No question, someone could take a chance on Poirier a heck of a lot earlier than this. He is one of the draft’s top offensive defender prospects. His ability to QB the powerplay and jump up into the rush is elite. However, concerns over his defensive commitment and four-way mobility could push him down the board on draft day. The Kings have one of the NHL’s best farm systems so they can afford to take the chance that Poirier can eventually put his skills to use at the NHL level. BO

52. Ottawa Senators (from Columbus Blue Jackets) - Thomas Bordeleau, C, USNTDP (USHL)

Bordeleau, the son of former NHL’er Sebastien, is an undersized, but well-rounded offensive center out of the U.S. Development program. The University of Michigan commit has one of the quickest releases in the draft class and his play through traffic really improved over the course of the last USHL season. The concern that his skating is not dynamic enough, given his lack of size, pushes him down the draft board slightly, but he ends up as a great selection for the Senators. BO

53. Carolina Hurricanes - Tristen Robins, C/RW, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Some draft publications have Robins in the first round. Some have him in the fourth round. Where will he truly fall come draft day? Our second-round ranking seems like a more likely reality. What is unquestionably true, however, is that Robins was one of the best players in the WHL in the second half of last season before the stoppage. If an organization is convinced that he can stick down the middle and that his offensive upside places him as a top six forward, he could go higher. Carolina is known to put a premium on hockey sense, over physical tools (at times) and it is very possible that they are the team that selects him. BO

54. Philadelphia Flyers - Will Cuylle, LW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

They may not be the Broadstreet Bullies anymore, but the Flyers will always be a team that looks to assert themselves physically. That said, this is also a team that finds themselves in the bottom half of the league in hits over the last three seasons. Adding a physical power forward like Will Cuylle would make a lot of sense. Cuylle may not have had the kind of offensive season that was expected of him, but he still possesses the upside to be a high-end middle six winger and is a better goal scorer than the numbers would indicate. BO

55. San Jose Sharks (from Colorado Avalanche) - Danil Gushchin, W, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

One of the NHL’s weakest farm systems, compounded by the fact that they gave up the third overall selection this year, San Jose will look to swing for the fences on a few selections this draft. Enter Danil Gushchin. A highly skilled offensive player, Gushchin is the definition of a boom or bust pick. When he is on, he is electric. When he is off, he is invisible. He will suit up with Niagara of the OHL this year and will look to develop more consistency in helping a young team make the playoffs. For San Jose, he can be a possible difference maker if his development goes according to plan. BO

56. Detroit Red Wings (from Washington Capitals) - Brock Faber, D, USNTDP (USHL)

Even with the selection of Moritz Seider last year, and a few good young defenders in the system, the Wings are likely to continue to add quality blueliners to the organization at this year’s draft. Faber is a favourite in the analytics community because of his offensive efficiency. An intelligent two-way defender, Faber’s high IQ is likely to interest Detroit due to the decision-making issues some of their current young defenders have. BO

57. Montreal Canadiens (from St. Louis Blues) - Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, Ufa (MHL)

The whipping boy of the internet scouting community, Mukhamadullin certainly has his detractors. Many believe that he will never be able to properly utilize his physical tools because he does not think the game well enough. However, he remains...a defender with high end physical tools and that alone will draw the interest of NHL scouts. His strong start to the KHL season does not hurt either. A few years ago, Montreal rolled the dice on another raw Russian defender (Romanov) and that has worked out pretty well so far. Seeing them do it again is not farfetched. BO

58. Boston Bruins - Ozzy Wiesblatt, RW, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

A high energy winger who excels on the forecheck and in pushing the pace, it is not hard to see why the Boston Bruins could have interest in Wiesblatt. Universally ranked higher by scouts, Wiesblatt falls a bit in a similar way to Jake Neighbours, because of a perceived lack of upside. However, Boston has never been shy to select highly probable NHL players over those with higher upside but higher bust potential. BO

59. OTT (via NYI) - Martin Chromiak, W, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

After coming over to the OHL at the mid-way point of last season, Chromiak really found his game alongside the talented Shane Wright and fellow 2020 draft eligible prospect Zayde Wisdom. A terrific support player due to his vision and ability to control the wall, Chromiak has even more to show us as a potential offensive leader. As he gains confidence, look for his goal scoring ability to become a highlight of his skills package. Ottawa would have likely seen a lot of Chromiak this year, given the close proximity and his skill set would fit in well with the team’s current young core. BO

60. Los Angeles Kings (from Vegas Golden Knights) - Pavel Gogolev, LW, Guelph Storm (OHL)

If there is a team in the NHL who loves to take a chance on second- and third-year eligible players it is the Los Angeles Kings. One of the best available this year is Guelph Storm winger Pavel Gogolev, who emerged as one of the top offensive players in the OHL last year. Once a one-dimensional goal scorer, Gogolev has worked hard to add other layers to his game and it should make him an attractive top 100 selection this October. He could move quickly through LA’s system too, even if it is incredibly strong and deep. BO

61. Ottawa Senators (from Dallas Stars) - Zayde Wisdom, RW, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

After taking Chromiak a few picks earlier, the Senators opt for his teammate and linemate in Zayde Wisdom with this pick. Wisdom is a hard-working complementary piece who plays a very well rounded game. This is a kid who is highly motivated and continues to work hard to improve his game. It is not hard to see him becoming an NHL player. The question is, will the Senators still be bad enough to earn a shot at Shane Wright in 2022? BO

62. Tampa Bay Lightning - Roby Jarventie, LW, Koovee (Mestis)

While Tampa Bay may opt for a high upside defender here such as Wyatt Kaiser, Emil Andrae, or Anton Johanesson, they instead take the enigmatic Jarventie. Jarventie is the kind of winger that all NHL teams are looking for these days; big, quick, and a skilled scorer. Yet, he disappears for stretches and his international performances have left some to be desired. However, Tampa, without a first rounder, sees the upside here and hopes that he can help to offset that loss by developing into a high-end NHL scorer. BO

OHL: Nico Daws, G, Guelph (2020)

Brock Otten — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 13:40:21 +0000

In what appears to be a down year for goaltenders in North America, Nico Daws has emerged as perhaps the top option available outside of Europe. Even though he is in his final year of draft eligibility, the improvement that he has shown this year has greatly impressed scouts and made him a potential top 50 selection. With his size, composure, and improving quickness, Daws has been one of the top goaltenders in the CHL this season. Even with a very underwhelming World Junior performance behind him, he remains a quality goaltending prospect and a potential NHL netminder.

Nico Daws	2020 NHL Draft Eligible
Position: G, Catches: L	H/W: 6-4", 203lbs
Stats to Date: (GP-GAA-SV%)	Guelph Storm, OHL (38-2.48-.924)
	Canada U20, WJC (2-5.83-.840)

Nico Daws of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Athleticism/Quickness/Speed: If there is one thing that has improved greatly this year, it is Daws’ quickness in the crease. A lot of that has to do with Daws using the keto diet to drop 25lbs this summer and it has really transformed his game and helped him to become one of the top goaltenders available in this year’s draft as a re-entry. Daws is a large goalie, but he is aggressive in challenging shooters and coming out at the top of the blue paint, relying on strong pushes to track the play and maintain his posts. His recovery agility and overall mobility are not elite level, but when combined with his size, it is a major asset. Grade: 55

Compete/Temperament: People will point to Daws’ poor play at the World Junior Championships and question his mental toughness. However, he has been an absolute rock all season long for the Guelph Storm, helping them to overachieve as a potential playoff team during what was supposed to be a rebuilding year. Generally speaking, he bounces back well from bad goals, fights for his positioning, and is an absolute workhorse who is not only the last line of defense, but a vocal leader on the ice. Grade: 55

Vision/Play Reading: One thing that was evident last year as a first time eligible player, Daws reads and reacts to the play well, showing above average tracking ability. The difference is that now he is much quicker post to post with the improvement in his conditioning and this is allowing him to cover his angles consistently. This is especially evident on the penalty kill. The Storm have had one of the league’s better PK units all season and a lot of that is because of Daws and his ability to cover his posts and find point shots through traffic. Grade: 55

Technique/Style: As mentioned, Daws is terrific at taking advantage of his size in the crease. He uses the butterfly and his long legs to take away the bottom of the net. But he is also aggressive in coming out to the top of his crease to challenge shooters, rarely getting caught deep in his net. He is calm and composed in the crease, rarely caught out of position from going down too early or from overcommitting. Daws is also strong at holding his posts, rarely beat on wrap arounds or from bad angles. Grade: 55

Rebound Control: At this point, Daws’ rebound control remains the area that requires the most growth. He generally does well on low shots, using his pads to deflect shots to the corners and limits kickbacks in the slot. Additionally, his glove hand is solid. However, when fighting through traffic or making saves on shots from further out, he can have difficulty handling higher shots to his body. He has a tendency to lose pucks after they hit him, giving crease bound attackers second chances. This is an area that bigger goaltenders almost always have a tough time with as they try to transition from being pure stoppers. I believe that Daws will improve in this regard and that he already has since last year. Grade: 50

Puck Handling: In an era where the puckhandling ability of goaltenders is not quite as important, Daws stands out as an extremely confident puck mover. He is aggressive in leaving his crease to help his defense out and makes quick decisions with the puck to start the breakout and prevent opposing teams from establishing zone time. This can occasionally lead to the odd gaffe simply because of how aggressive he is. However, Daws’ puckhandling ability generally stands out for the positive in a time where most goalies simply stop the puck behind the net and let defenders do the work. Grade: 55

Overall Future Projection (OFP): 54.25

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

Nico Daws – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD (February 26th to March 3rd) – Matthews at the center of Maple Leafs run – Favourable schedules and players to target

Arizona Coyotes - TUE @ MTL, THU @ TOR, FRI @ OTT (BTB), SUN @ WSH

Dallas Stars - MON VS NYI, TUE @ COL (BTB), THU VS WPG, SAT VS SJS

Edmonton Oilers - MON VS LAK, WED VS STL, SAT @ SEA, SUN @ PIT (BTB)

Florida Panthers - TUE VS BUF, THU VS MTL, SAT @ DET

Minnesota Wild - TUE VS CAR, THU @ NSH, SAT @ STL, SUN VS SJS (BTB)

New Jersey Devils - TUE @ SJS, FRI @ ARI, SUN @ LAK

Ottawa Senators - MON @ WSH, TUE @ NSH (BTB), FRI VS ARI, SAT @ PHI (BTB)

Washington Capitals - MON VS OTT, TUE @ DET (BTB), FRI VS PHI, SUN VS ARI

NHL: CULLEN – 20 Fantasy Points – Stephenson, Faber, Tippett, Lyon, Luukkonen, Daws and much, much more

CULLEN: 20 FANTASY POINTS – Coyle thriving in Boston – Rakell emerging from brutal slump – Lyon is king of the crease in Detroit – Kings call up their top prospect and much, much more!

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW JERSEY DEVILS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #5

1. Luke Hughes

2. Simon Nemec

3. Alexander Holtz

4. Arseny Gritsyuk

5. Seamus Casey

6. Josh Filmon

7. Nolan Foote

8. Topias Vilen

9. Akira Schmid

10. Graeme Clarke

12. Tyce Thompson

13. Chase Stillman

14. Nico Daws

15. Samu Salminen

16. Ethan Edwards

18. Shane Bowers

19. Tyler Brennan

20. Charlie Leddy

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW JERSEY DEVILS – Top 20 Prospects

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: NEW JERSEY DEVILS – RANK: #7 – TIER II

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: New Jersey Devils Top 20 Prospects

Alexander Holtz, RW (7th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Ty Smith, D (17th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 1)

Dawson Mercer, RW (18th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Nolan Foote, D (27th overall, 2019 [Tampa Bay]. Previous ranking: 2)

Shakir Mukhamadullin, D (20th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Janne Kuokkanen, LW (43rd overall, 2016 [Carolina]. Previous ranking: 3)

Kevin Bahl, D (55th overall, 2018 [Arizona]. Previous ranking: 4)

Reilly Walsh, D (81st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Arseni Gritsyuk, LW (129th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 7)

Tyce Thompson, RW (96th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 8)

Michael McLeod, C (12th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 9)

Michael Vukojevic, D (82nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 10)

Nikita Okhotyuk, D (61st overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 11)

Nico Daws, G (84th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Jaromir Pytlik, C (99th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Nikola Pasic, RW (189th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 12)

Daniil Misyul, D (70th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Eetu Pakkila, LW (203rd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Patrick Moynihan, RW/C (158th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Graeme Clarke, RW (80th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 16)

MCKEENS PROSPECT REPORT: OHL 2019 Draft Class Revisited: Underrated group making their case in D+1 year

McKEENS NHL DRAFT GUIDE – FINAL MOCK DRAFT 2020 – TWO ROUNDS

OHL: Nico Daws, G, Guelph (2020)

Alexander Holtz, RW (7^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Ty Smith, D (17^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 1)

Dawson Mercer, RW (18^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Nolan Foote, D (27^th overall, 2019 [Tampa Bay]. Previous ranking: 2)

Shakir Mukhamadullin, D (20^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Janne Kuokkanen, LW (43^rd overall, 2016 [Carolina]. Previous ranking: 3)

Kevin Bahl, D (55^th overall, 2018 [Arizona]. Previous ranking: 4)

Reilly Walsh, D (81^st overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 6)

Arseni Gritsyuk, LW (129^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 7)

Tyce Thompson, RW (96^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 8)

Michael McLeod, C (12^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 9)

Michael Vukojevic, D (82^nd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 10)

Nikita Okhotyuk, D (61^st overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 11)

Nico Daws, G (84^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Jaromir Pytlik, C (99^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Nikola Pasic, RW (189^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 12)

Daniil Misyul, D (70^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Eetu Pakkila, LW (203^rd overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Patrick Moynihan, RW/C (158^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Graeme Clarke, RW (80^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 16)