Nikolai Kovalenko – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: CULLEN – 20 FANTASY POINTS – Avalanche overhaul goaltending, Bedard heating up, Wright establishing himself, Montreal’s power play more dangerous with Hutson feeding Laine, and much more!

Scott Cullen — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:05:50 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - DECEMBER 07: Patrik Laine (92) of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the third period of the NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens on Dec 07 2024, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

Each week, I’ll dig into the stats to find information that can help you make better fantasy hockey decisions. This week, the Avalanche have overhauled their goaltending, Connor Bedard is heating up, Shane Wright is establishing himself, Montreal’s power play is more dangerous with Lane Hutson feeding Patrik Laine, and much more!

Here is this week’s edition of 20 Fantasy Points:

#1 Give the Colorado Avalanche credit. They saw the direction that their goaltending was heading this season and decided that an abrupt change of course was necessary. In two separate deals, the Avs acquired Scott Wedgewood from the Nashville Predators, and then landed Mackenzie Blackwood from the San Jose Sharks. Blackwood becomes immediately more intriguing from a fantasy perspective because he will play for an Avalanche team that is more likely to win than the Sharks squad from which he departs. Blackwood had a .909 save percentage and 5.10 Goals Saved Above Expected in 19 games for San Jose. His play has been uneven since a strong rookie campaign in 2019-2020, but playing for Colorado is a prime opportunity for 28-year-old Blackwood to achieve his potential.

#2 Going to San Jose as part of the deal, in addition to slumping goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, is rookie winger Nikolai Kovalenko. The 25-year-old’s ice time was dwindling in Colorado, where he had eight points (4 G, 4 A) in 29 games but, in his Sharks debut, Kovalenko was dropped onto the left side of San Jose’s top line, with Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli, and Kovalenko contributed three assists in Thursday’s 4-3 win at St. Louis. At this point, Kovalenko would only be a consideration in deep leagues, but if he can stick with Celebrini, he could become much more appealing in a hurry.

#3 It has been a trying season for Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard, the first pick in the 2023 Draft who had a stellar rookie campaign in 2023-2024. Through 21 games, he had 15 points, but just three goals and 55 shots on goal, which is not enough for a player with his considerable offensive gifts. In the past eight games, though, Bedard has contributed nine points (3 G, 6 A) with 18 shots on goal. Perhaps this is the beginning of a turnaround for Chicago’s franchise player, though more shots would still be ideal.

#4 Seattle Kraken centre Shane Wright has not had the easiest time since he was the fourth pick in the 2022 Draft, struggling just to get into the NHL lineup. He appears to be hitting his stride now, however. In his past 10 games, Wright has delivered 11 points (6 G, 5 A), though with just 14 shots on goal. Obviously, that shot rate is not high enough to sustain that kind of production, but as the points start to accumulate, Wright’s ice time goes up. He has played more than 14 minutes in six of those 10 games after crossing that threshold twice in his first 18 games.

#5 A healthy Patrik Laine has finally joined the Montreal Canadiens, and the early returns are encouraging. His all-around game still needs plenty of work to get up to speed, but he does one very important thing very well and that is shoot the puck. In five games, Laine has scored three goals, all on the power play, and added one assist at even strength. He is one of the rare players who can score clean goals from distance, so Montreal should give him linemates that are focused on getting Laine opportunities to shoot the puck. He has 12 shots on goal in five games, which is okay, but could be better.

#6 One of the players who is doing a fine job getting Laine the puck is Canadiens rookie defenceman Lane Hutson, who has assists on all three of Laine’s goals. Hutson did not find the scoresheet in Thursday’s 9-2 loss to Pittsburgh, snapping a seven-game point streak during which he contributed eight assists. He has played an average of 22:49 per game, which puts him more than three minutes per game ahead of any other rookie defenceman (Philadelphia’s Emil Andrae is averaging 19:26 time on ice per game). In any case, Hutson is playing a lot and with some accomplished shooters on the Canadiens roster, should be in position to keep producing points from the blueline.

#7 When the St. Louis Blues signed Dylan Holloway to an offer sheet in the offseason, it was with the expectation that the former Edmonton Oilers winger would have a bigger role with his new team. While that was indeed happening, Holloway’s production has been super-charged since the Blues made a coaching change, bringing in Jim Montgomery to replace Drew Bannister. In eight games with Montgomery behind the bench, Holloway has put up 11 points (6 G, 5 A) and 26 shots on goal while averaging 16:27 of ice time per game. For a player who had averaged just 10:21 of ice time in 89 games for the Oilers, this increase in role and production has been substantial.

#8 Utah Hockey club centre Logan Cooley is building on what was a promising rookie season in 2023-2024. In his past 10 games, Cooley has produced 12 points (4 G, 8 A) with 20 shots on goal. He forms a brilliant combination with Dylan Guenther, who has 14 points (5 G, 9 A) and 21 shots on goal in the past 10 games. Guenther is up to 28 points (12 G, 16 A) in 29 games for the season. Both young forwards have great potential and are already at the point of providing fantasy value.

#9 Although it seems that his career has been on a straight downward trajectory since arriving in Calgary, Flames left winger Jonathan Huberdeau is currently riding a six-game point streak, during which he has nine points (4 G, 5 A) and 14 shots on goal. Huberdeau has 11 goals and 10 assists for the season, which is a highly unusual goal-to-assist ratio. Last season, for example, he scored 12 goals and had 40 assists and 2017-2018 was the last season in which he had less than twice as many assists as goals.

#10 When the Chicago Blackhawks signed 6-foot-6 defenceman Alex Vlasic to a contract extension in the offseason, it was an indication that he would play a big role on the blueline for the foreseeable future. Vlasic can already play in a shutdown role, but he is starting to contribute offensively, too. With Seth Jones injured, Vlasic is quarterbacking the Blackhawks’ top power play unit and has six points (2 G, 4 A) with 20 shots on goal while playing more than 24 minutes per game in his past seven games.

#11 After tallying three points against the Blackhawks on Thursday, New York Islanders right winger Simon Holmstrom has continued to elevate his game in his third NHL season. Since Mathew Barzal was injured at the end of October, Holmstrom has seen his ice time go up and so has his production. In the past 21 games, Holmstrom has played more than 17 minutes per game, leading to him scoring 16 points (8 G, 8 A) with 29 shots on goal. In deep leagues, that just might be worth consideration.

#12 As mediocre as the Pittsburgh Penguins have been this season, there is some value to be found with their veteran wingers. Bryan Rust has been a reliable contributor for the Penguins over the years and in his past eight games, he has 12 points (7 G, 5 A) with 28 shots on goal. Skating on Sidney Crosby’s wing does tend to bring opportunities. Rickard Rakell is skating on the other wing of Pittsburgh’s top line, and in that eight-game span, Rakell has 10 points (6 G, 4 A) with 22 shots on goal. The Penguins have also won six of those eight games, so there are some signs of progress coinciding with more reliable production from some of their top players.

#13 A big offseason signing for the Seattle Kraken, centre Chandler Stephenson did not have a great start with his new team, managing one goal and 10 points in his first 19 games. In the past 11 games, he has 11 points (2 G, 9 A) but he also has just 10 shots on goal in that time and is getting buried during five-on-five play. Stephenson does have a spot on the Kraken’s top power play unit, though, and has scored 11 of his 21 points this season with the man advantage.

#14 Washington Capitals right winger Aliaksei Protas is really coming into his own. He scored 29 points last season but managed just six goals in 78 games, so his offensive contributions weren’t fully realized, but that’s changing. He has eight points (4 G, 4 A) in his past seven games, but it’s important to note that this production has been going on all season as he has 26 points (11 G, 15 A) in 28 games. The 6-foot-6 winger is proving to be more than merely a complementary piece.

#15 The leading goal scorer among defencemen, on a per-game basis (minimum 20 games played), is the Capitals’ Jakob Chychrun, who has eight goals (and 10 assists) in 23 games. This is not entirely unusual for Chychrun. Since 2019-2020, he ranks fifth in goals per game among defensemen (minimum 200 games), behind Cale Makar, Roman Josi, Zach Werenski, and Dougie Hamilton. The issue for Chychrun, frequently, has been staying healthy, as last season was the first time in his career that he played more than 70 games in a season.

#16 Vancouver Canucks centre Pius Suter has been a valuable complementary piece, particularly while the Canucks were missing J.T. Miller recently. Since the beginning of November, Suter has 14 points (9 G, 5 A) with 39 shots on goal in 19 games. Skating on a line with Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua, there is the chance for consistent even strength production to continue. Suter is tied for 16th in the league with 10 even strength goals.

#17 Coming off a career-best season, during which he scored 37 goals and 60 points, Anaheim Ducks winger Frank Vatrano has had a more difficult time of it this season. He has 14 points (7 G, 7 A) in 27 games but does have 93 shots on goal and that high shot rate is a reason for hope and it is trending in the right direction. In his past nine games, Vatrano has seven points (5 G, 2 A) with 37 shots on goal and players that are putting four shots on goal per game tend to find goals and points, too.

#18 Despite playing very little (11:21 ATOI per game) Penguins centre Blake Lizotte has been surprisingly productive, with 10 points (6 G, 4 A) in 15 games. He has scored on 35.3 percent of his shots, which is unsustainable for anyone, but especially a player who typically scores on 10 percent of his shots. Among players that have appeared in at least 10 games, Lizotte ranks 11th with 1.61 goals per game during five-on-five play. Skating on Lizotte’s wing, Michael Bunting is raising his level, too, putting up seven points (3 G, 4 A) with 15 shots on goal in the past six games.

#19 Pittsburgh’s improved play is bringing better results from goaltender Tristan Jarry, who has typically been an above average goaltender in his career, but not so much this season. In his first three games, Jarry had a .836 save percentage, which is virtually unplayable for a team with playoff aspirations, so the Penguins didn’t play him for a month, and since he has returned, he has a .896 save percentage in nine games. That’s not enough to get excited, but if the Penguins keep winning, their goaltender could still offer potential value.

#20 With Connor Ingram out with an upper-body injury, the Utah Hockey Club has been fortunate enough to have Karel Vejmelka step up his game. In his past 13 games, Vejmelka has a .923 save percentage, posting a 5-5-2 record. His track record does not necessarily track with this level of play, but fantasy managers could do worse than to take a shot on a goaltender that is running hot.

*Advanced stats via Natural Stat Trick

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD – Boston Struggling, Colorado returns to health and much more

Ryan Dadoun — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 15:47:10 +0000

Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman (1) (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

If you compare every team since the beginning of the salary cap era (2005-06), you’ll find that the Boston Bruins rank as the best defensively, allowing an average of just 2.55 goals per game. That’s not shocking when you consider that the Bruins have gone from Tim Thomas to Tuukka Rask to the duo of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman over that period.

Elite goaltending has simply become the norm in Boston, and it didn’t look like it was going to change. Sure, Ullmark was dealt to Ottawa for cap reasons, but the 25-year-old Swayman seemed ready to take his place as Boston’s clear No. 1, and yes, the negotiations got tense, resulting in him missing the preseason, but in the end, he signed an eight-year, $66 million contract, ending the saga with a resolution that both sides can be happy with. Except, noone has much reason to be happy with the Bruins right now.

Boston is a middling 8-8-2, a dramatic drop from its 47-20-15 finish in 2023-24, and Swayman has been part of the problem with his 5-6-2 record, 3.35 GAA and .888 save percentage in 13 starts. He leads the league in goals allowed (42), and his goals saved above expected is minus-4.6, per Moneypuck, which puts him in 65th place through Thursday’s action -- not exactly the type of return you’d expect from someone with an $8.25 million cap hit.

Maybe missing the preseason put him behind the curve, contributing to his shaky start, but he doesn’t seem to be stabilizing as the campaign goes on. To be fair, he does have his moments, but his good starts have been counterbalanced by disastrous ones, like allowing six goals on 22 shots en route to an 8-2 loss to Carolina on Oct. 31 or surrendering seven goals on 38 shots in Boston’s 7-2 loss to Dallas on Thursday. Swayman also just has a lot of uninspired starts sprinkled in there -- nine of his 13 outings have involved him surrendering at least three goals.

Maybe it’s the pressure of the contract getting to him, especially with how much he appeared to have to battle to get that deal. There’s a big mental aspect to goaltending, so it’s not hard to see how a slow start, coupled with the new deal, and perhaps even the absence of his longtime friend and goaltending partner Ullmark, could all snowball to create this outcome. Whatever the case, though, Boston is in waters that have been rare for it since the start of the cap era: They have a problem between the pipes.

Colorado has endured its own goaltending issues, but at least the Avalanche are tied for 10th offensively with 3.47 goals per game and could do even better now that their forward corps is largely healthy. They’re still missing Gabriel Landeskog (knee) and Ross Colton (foot), but Jonathan Drouin (upper body), Valeri Nichushkin (suspension) and Artturi Lehkonen (shoulder) are all back, giving them far more options than they’ve had in a while.

This is being written before Friday’s game against Washington, which is set to see the return of Nichushkin, but it looks like the tentative plan is to run two elite lines. Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen typically play together, giving the Avalanche one nearly unstoppable unit, but instead, Colorado is slated to break them up, putting MacKinnon with Lehkonen and Drouin while Rantanen will share the ice with Nichushkin and Casey Mittelstadt. If that works out, then it could make things extremely tough on the opposition's defense. It’s a luxury the Avalanche arguably couldn’t afford earlier in the season because the quality of the linemates for MacKinnon and Rantanen wouldn’t have been sufficient to split them, but at this point, it’s something they can experiment with.

It also means Ivan Ivan and Nikolai Kovalenko are now firmly in the bottom six. There was an opportunity for one or both to show what they could do with greater responsibilities when the team was ravaged by injuries, but neither stepped up. At this stage, it seems reasonable to project that Ivan and Kovalenko won’t have significant fantasy value this year, but at least they’re still okay complimentary pieces for the Avalanche.

All-in-all, Colorado’s offense looks strong at this point. The Avalanche are already on a roll, winning four of their past five games, and Colorado could continue to shine from here.

Anaheim Ducks – Mon @ DAL, Tue @ CHI, Fri vs BUF

You can get whiplash going from a conversation about the Avalanche’s offense to Anaheim’s. MacKinnon has 33 points through 17 games by himself. That equals the combined point totals of the Ducks’ top four scorers -- Troy Terry (11 points), Mason McTavish (eight), Leo Carlsson (seven) and Ryan Strome (seven).

The Ducks are consequently unlikely to generate much offense when they play in Dallas on Monday, but Anaheim might have more success in Chicago on Tuesday and when hosting Buffalo on Friday.

Health will be a factor in that. McTavish has missed the Ducks’ past two games because of an upper-body injury, but he’s day-to-day, so there’s a real chance he’ll be fine for next week’s action.

Even with him back, though, the Ducks need help on offense. A resurgence of Trevor Zegras would be the most obvious boost. However, he had just 15 points in 31 contests in 2023-24 and has diminished further to just three points through 15 appearances this season -- a far cry from his back-to-back 60-plus point campaigns in 2021-22 and 2022-23. He’s still just 23 years old, so it seems wrong to suggest he’s washed up, but then what is the problem?

First off, his lone goal this campaign was scored on an empty net, so you’d have to go back to April 13 to find the last time he beat an NHL goaltender in a regular-season game. He’s averaging 6.3 shots per 60 minutes in 2024-25, which is down from 8.1 in 2021-22 and 7.2 in 2022-23, so that doesn’t help. Seven of his 27 shots this year have been fired from a high-danger position, which puts him below the league average of 7.9 among forwards. All that’s bad, but not to the extent where he should have literally zero goals against goaltenders.

Moneypuck gives him an xG of 3.6, he has a PDO of 951 along with exactly zero secondary assists and his IPP of 42.9 is leagues below his career average. All that suggests some of his offensive woes are due to poor luck. Still, three points in 15 appearances is so bad that it’s hard to imagine him having a good campaign even if the luck was balanced.

Still, he’s worth keeping an eye on. The talent is there, and there are some indications that he’s been shifting to a more complete game despite his lack of offense, as Patrick Present of The Hockey News recently noted. Plus, he’s still young, and when coupled with him attempting to adjust his game, some growing pains are understandable. Don’t expect this to be a big campaign from him, but also don’t write him off yet.

Boston Bruins – Mon vs CBJ, Thu vs UTA, Sat @ DET

We talked about Swayman’s woes up top. Perhaps it will help him that the Bruins’ opponents next week rank in the bottom half of the league in terms of goals per game. Boston is set to host the Blue Jackets on Monday and Utah HC on Thursday before playing in Detroit on Saturday.

Swayman is the headline issue for the Bruins, but he isn’t the only one. The forward corps is also leaving something to be desired. We’ve seen better out of David Pastrnak (eight goals and 17 points through 18 games) and Brad Marchand (five goals and 13 points), but both are doing well enough, even when measured against the high standards they’re held to. The problem is no other player on the team has reached double digits in points.

Elias Lindholm, who signed a seven-year, $54.25 million contract over the summer, was the Bruins’ big offseason get to solidify the team up the middle. However, he hasn’t been that great. After scoring two goals and five points over his first three games with Boston, Lindholm has been limited to four assists across his past 15 outings. To be fair, he’s known for his two-way game, and his relative CF% and FF% are outstanding at plus-8.8 and plus-12.2, respectively. Still, you’d like to see more scoring out of him when he’s spending almost all of his 5-on-5 time alongside at least one of Pastrnak and Marchand.

Pavel Zacha has left something to be desired too with three goals and seven points through 18 outings after finishing 2023-24 with 59 points. He might be heating up, though. Zacha has two goals and four points through his past four appearances, so perhaps he can carry that momentum into next week, especially given the mediocre nature of Boston’s upcoming competition.

Chicago Blackhawks – Tue vs ANA, Thu vs FLA, Sat @ PHI

Chicago will host the Ducks and the Panthers on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, before visiting Philadelphia on Saturday. Florida is a tough team, but the Ducks and the Flyers haven’t looked good so far in 2024-25.

Not that the Blackhawks have impressed either with their 6-10-1 record. Petr Mrazek has largely held his own with a 2.79 GAA and a .906 save percentage in 13 appearances, which are solid numbers when you consider that Chicago ranks 28th in xGA/60 (3.39), which suggests Mrazek hasn’t gotten much help from his teammates defensively.

They also haven’t helped Mrazek offensively. Chicago is tied for 29th with just 2.41 goals per game, and even Connor Bedard has left something to be desired with three goals and 13 points through 17 appearances. Bedard is on an eight-game goal-scoring slump with four assists in that span, but let’s not be too hard on him. He’s still just 19 years old, so some streaky play is expected, and he has a healthy enough 21 shots during that slump, so eventually he’ll break through.

I’m more disappointed in Teuvo Teravainen. He signed a three-year, $16.2 million contract over the summer to come to Chicago from Carolina and has been primarily used alongside Bedard. However, Teravainen hasn’t been able to generate much of anything in 5-on-5 play with the young star. The 30-year-old has four goals and eight points through 17 appearances with just two of those points (one goal) coming at even strength. Interesting, his 5-on-5 xG is also just one, so the issue isn’t exactly bad puck luck.

Bedard has also been tried with Taylor Hall and/or Tyler Bertuzzi, but significantly less often than Teravainen. Philipp Kurashev has seen significant time alongside Bedard as well, though Kurashev has just three goals and four points through 16 outings. That’s a massive drop from Kurashev’s 54-point showing in 2023-24, and the decline is largely due to a lack of assists.

The line mixing is likely to continue to happen as long as Chicago’s offense remains cold. In the long run, it would be nice to see Kurashev and Bedard rekindle some of their 2023-24 chemistry -- they showed up together on the scoresheet 25 times last season. If we start seeing some of that, then Kurashev would become a good buy-low candidate.

Dallas Stars – Mon vs ANA, Wed vs SJS, Sat @ TBL

Dallas will start the week by hosting the lowly Ducks and Sharks on Monday and Wednesday, respectively. The Stars will then travel to Tampa Bay to play the Lightning on Saturday.

Matt Duchene will look to extend his recent success during that stretch. He has a phenomenal eight goals and 17 points across his past 10 appearances, including two goals and five points over his last two games. He’s been seeing time alongside Mason Marchment, who is also on fire with two goals and seven points over his past two outings, so that duo could do a lot of damage, especially against rebuilding squads like Anaheim and San Jose.

At the other end of the spectrum, Dallas could use more out of Roope Hintz. His six goals and 10 points through 15 outings aren’t bad, but it’s below the pace Dallas has come to expect after seeing Hintz record at least 30 goals and 65 points in each of his previous three campaigns. Hintz did endure a four-game scoring drought from Oct. 26-Nov. 7, but there’s a silver lining here because he’s found the back of the net twice over his past three games, so perhaps the worst is over.

The action is also spread out enough that Jake Oettinger might start in all three of those games. He’s 8-3-0 with a 2.39 GAA and .914 save percentage in 11 appearances in 2024-25. He’s also coming off two really strong victories, stopping 43 of 46 shots in blowout wins against Pittsburgh and Boston.

Detroit Red Wings – Mon @ SJS, Thu vs NYI, Sat vs BOS

The Red Wings will play in San Jose on Monday before hosting the Islanders on Thursday and the Bruins on Saturday. Detroit will be looking to gain some ground after a mediocre 7-7-1 start.

Detroit has to be disappointed with Vladimir Tarasenko, who inked a two-year, $9.5 million contract over the summer but has just two goals and four points through 14 appearances. This one is a bit of a “the chicken or the egg” problem. Tarasenko is averaging just 13:41 of ice time while typically serving on the third line alongside Jonatan Berggren and Marco Kasper. That’s not a recipe for success or the top six role many envisioned when he signed his deal. At the same time, he hasn’t done anything to force himself into a bigger role. From Oct. 22-Nov. 2, he appeared in five games without even recording a single shot.

You’re not going to move up in the lineup with that kind of play. On the plus side, he has logged an assist and seven shots over his past two outings, so maybe we’re witnessing the start of him getting some going. I’m skeptical, but it’s worthy of monitoring.

Detroit could certainly use another source of secondary scoring. The Red Wings rank 28th offensively with just 2.47 goals per game. Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin have done fine with 14, 13 and 12 points, respectively, through 15 appearances and Patrick Kane is holding his own at 35, providing three goals and 10 points. The rest of the offense hasn’t been anything to write home about, though, and no one aside from maybe Tarasenko jumps out to me as a struggling forward to watch.

That includes Michael Rasmussen. He was taken with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, but he has never even reached the 35-point mark and has just two goals and four points in 15 outings in 2024-25. He’s a towering presence, but at the age of 25, I think it’s fair to believe that the offense isn’t coming.

Edmonton Oilers – Mon @ MTL, Tue @ OTT, Thu vs MIN, Sat vs COL

The Oilers will open the week with road games in Montreal on Monday and Ottawa on Tuesday. They’ll then return to Edmonton to host the Wild on Thursday and the Rangers on Saturday.

Edmonton had a mixed start to the season in part because of inconsistent offensive production, but it’s okay now: Connor McDavid remembered that he’s Connor McDavid. The superstar has posted three straight multi-point efforts, causing him to jump to six goals and 19 points through 14 appearances despite a weirdly human start in which he recorded three goals and 10 points in his first 11 outings -- good for others, not for him.

If McDavid has found his grove, then Edmonton is in a far better position, but the Oilers do still have some areas of concern. Stuart Skinner is still a mixed bag with a 5-5-1 record, 3.22 GAA and .881 save percentage in 11 outings. You’ll likely remember that Skinner had a terrible start to 2023-24 before turning a corner, and it could be argued that his Nov. 24 25-save shutout over Washington was when everything started working out for him last year. In other words, we’re getting to roughly the same stage of the year, and we’ll have to see if Skinner can once again find his rhythm or if he doesn’t enjoy that same kind of turnaround in 2024-25.

Edmonton’s offseason attempts at deepening the offense also haven’t paid off yet. Jeff Skinner has just three goals and six points while Viktor Arvidsson has two goals and five points. Arvidsson is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, so we might not see him this week. Meanwhile, Skinner has been relegated to the fourth line recently. Skinner has had a weird career full of amazing highs and significant lows. There’s consequently no guarantee that a turnaround is forthcoming this year, but if he does get another look on Edmonton’s top six, which I think is just a matter of time, then he’ll be worth keeping an eye on.

San Jose Sharks – Mon vs DET, Wed @ DAL, Thu @ STL, Sat vs BUF

I like to highlight teams who are set to play four games in a week over those with three or two games on the docket, but there aren’t many examples of that upcoming. San Jose is one of the exceptions. The Sharks’ busy schedule will begin by hosting the Red Wings on Monday. They’ll then play in Dallas on Wednesday and St. Louis on Thursday before returning home to face the Sabres on Saturday.

Naturally, if you’re going to watch Sharks hockey, the player you’ll be most interested in is Macklin Celebrini. Taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, he was out from Oct. 12-Nov. 2 due to a lower-body injury. Unfortunately, he’s been mostly quiet since, providing two goals Nov. 7 but also being held off the scoresheet entirely in his other four appearances dating back to his Nov. 5 return.

It's too small of a sample size to read too much into it, but Celebrini is a tremendous talent who is averaging 19:25 of ice time and has recorded 20 shots over six outings in 2024-25, so I expect him to start producing at a good pace as the campaign progresses.

In the meantime, Mikael Granlund has done his part. He has seven goals and 18 points in 18 games to lead the Sharks offensively this season. A lot of that was due to him recording five goals and 12 points across seven outings from Oct. 17-28, though. He’s been fine since, but his two goals and five points over his past eight contests are a noticeable decline. There might be some merit to selling him high, but I think his goal-scoring pace, which would lead to him finishing with 32 markers, has actual merit.

He’s never reached the 30-goal milestone before and finished 2023-24 with just 12 goals, but he’s traditionally been a very conservative shooter. That’s changed in a big way this year -- he's averaging a career-high 9.9 shots per 60 minutes, and that includes 14 high-danger shots, which puts him on track for 64, up from 44 last year. His increase in shots also means that his 10.9 shooting percentage isn’t significantly off his career average (10.3) despite his big jump in goals.

Granlund and Celebrini are currently centering different lines, but they share the ice on the power play. Although Sharks rank 23rd in terms of power-play percentage (16.4), that might improve as Celebrini gets going, which would also benefit Granlund.

Utah HC – Mon vs WAS, Thu @ BOS, Sat @ PIT, Sun @ TOR

Utah HC is another squad with four games on the schedule next week. The club will host the Capitals on Monday before a road trip that will place Utah HC in Boston on Thursday, Pittsburgh on Saturday and Toronto on Sunday.

Utah has been an interesting team. It got off to a 3-0-0 start fueled by some great offensive performances, but the scoring has cooled, and the club is now 7-6-3.

One positive is Mikhail Sergachev has messed well with his new team after being dealt from Tampa Bay in June. Sergachev has three goals and 11 points in 16 outings in 2024-25 while averaging 25:35 of ice time -- that'll be a career high if he maintains it for the full campaign. He also has a big power-play role and has collected three points (one goal) with the man advantage. It’s reasonable to project he’ll surpass the 50-point milestone for the second time in his career as long as he stays healthy.

Up front, Clayton Keller (six goals, 14 points), Dylan Guenther (seven goals, 13 points), Nick Schmaltz (12 assists) and Logan Cooley (two goals, 11 points) have been leading the charge, but none of them are especially hot right now. Nick Bjugstad is an interesting forward, though. He’s capable of being a solid secondary scorer, but he averaged just 13:20 of ice time this season, down from 17:27 in 2023-24. He did make his mark Wednesday, though, scoring his first two goals of the campaign to lead Utah to a 4-1 victory over Carolina. Bjugstad is getting a chance to play alongside Keller and Schmaltz, so he might be able to build off that strong showing.

That would help Utah, but what the club needs more than anything is reliability between the pipes. Although Connor Ingram has a respectable 6-3-3 record, his 3.40 GAA and .879 aren’t inspiring. Meanwhile, Karel Vejmelka is just 1-3-0, but he has a 2.37 GAA and a .926 save percentage. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vejmelka get more work, perhaps leading to him starting in at least two of Utah’s games next week.

NHL: CULLEN – 20 FANTASY POINTS – Youngsters making the most of their opportunity – McMichael, Clarke and Sillinger

Scott Cullen — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:01:22 +0000

Los Angeles Kings Defenceman Brandt Clarke (92)(Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Each week, I’ll dig into the stats to find information that can help you make better fantasy hockey decisions. This week, Connor McMichael steps forward in Washington, Brandt Clarke is making the most of his opportunity in Los Angeles, William Karlsson returns to the Vegas lineup, Cole Sillinger is responding on Columbus’ top line, and much more!

Here is this week’s edition of 20 Fantasy Points:

#1 It has been a very gradual progression for Washington Capitals 2019 first-round pick Connor McMichael, who had a career-high 33 points (18 G, 15 A) last season. Early in this season, McMichael has taken his game to a new level, though, putting up 10 points (5 G, 5 A) and 27 shots on goal in the first 10 games. He does have higher percentages working in his favor, but the increasing shot rate is encouraging, and McMichael is finding his groove on Washington’s second line with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tom Wilson, in addition to getting second unit power play time.

#2 When Drew Doughty was injured in the preseason, there was some debate over whether Brandt Clarke or Jordan Spence would reap the rewards of extra ice time in Doughty’s absence. There isn’t much debate anymore, as Clarke has produced 11 points (1 G, 10 A) in 11 games, with five of those points coming via the power play. He is only playing a little more than 18 minutes per game, so it’s not like the Kings are force-feeding Clarke minutes, but they are allowing him to play to his considerable puck-moving strengths.

#3 Vegas Golden Knights centre William Karlsson missed the first eight games of the season due to injury but provided an immediate jolt to the lineup upon his return. In his first three games, Karlsson contributed four points (1 G, 3 A) and eight shots on goal, skating on a line with Tanner Pearson and Alexander Holtz. Karlsson does not necessarily get a prime role on the power play and with Tomas Hertl and Jack Eichel also skating at centre for Vegas, there are some limits to what Karlsson can do at even strength, but he had 30 goals and 60 points in 70 games last season, so it’s fair to expect Wild Bill to fulfill a significant offensive role.

#4 While there have been ups and downs in the career of Cole Sillinger, the 12th pick in the 2021 Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, he is making the most of the opportunity he is getting in Columbus this season. Sillinger is skating on Columbus’ top line with Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko, contributing eight points (2 G, 6 A) with 20 shots on goal in nine games. He is also averaging a career-high 18 minutes of ice time per game, so there is a real chance for Sillinger to play in a scoring role for as long as he continues to produce.

#5 Veteran Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin has missed a couple of games with a lower-body injury, but has delivered eight points (4 G, 4 A) in six games. Tread carefully with the 32-year-old, however, as Seguin has managed just eight shots on goal and is only averaging 15:47 of ice time per game, his lowest average since his rookie season in 2010-2011.

#6 A late bloomer who scored a career-best 37 points (14 G, 23 A) as a 30-year-old last season, New Jersey Devils right winger Stefan Noesen has handled a bigger role in his return to New Jersey. Noesen is averaging more than 14 minutes per game for the first time in his NHL career, and he has 12 points (5 G, 7 A) and 20 shots on goal in 13 games. That shot volume is a little concerning and Noesen has been riding favorable percentages, but he has also landed a spot on the Devils’ top power play and four of his 12 points have come via the man advantage, so he offers some deep league appeal.

#7 There may be a ceiling to what Buffalo Sabres defenceman Owen Power can produce offensively, because Rasmus Dahlin is the locked-in quarterback on Buffalo’s top power play unit, but Power is currently riding a five-game point streak during which he has seven even-strength points (1 G, 6 A) and nine shots on goal. The first pick in the 2021 Draft, Power has had a couple of quality seasons, but if he can contribute more offensively, that will both improve the outlook for both him individually and the Sabres as a team.

#8 Coming into the season, 24-year-old Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev had contributed 33 points (20 G, 13 A) in 67 career games, which provided a decent indication that he could be a viable option to provide secondary scoring. He has stepped up in his past five games, delivering seven points (4 G, 3 A) and 22 shots on goal. Half of Dorofeyev’s six goals this season have come on the power play, but he has been able to generate offense at five-on-five and that is what gives him a chance to keep earning a bigger role.

#9 When the Anaheim Ducks lost goaltender John Gibson to appendicitis late in the preseason, that thrust goaltender Lukas Dostal into the starter’s role and the 24-year-old netminder has risen to the challenge. In eight starts, Dostal has a .945 save percentage and he already has 14.01 Goals Saved Above Expected, the best mark in the league. With trade rumours swirling around Gibson, Dostal’s play could make it easier for the Ducks to pull the trigger on a deal.

#10 Another late bloomer, 29-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood had a career-high 27 points (10 G, 17 A) in 68 games, earning a free agent contract with the Canucks. Sherwood has started his Vancouver career with five points (2 G, 3 A) in nine games, but for fantasy managers, it’s the hits that make the difference. Sherwood has an astonishing 64 hits in nine games, which would prorate to 583 hits over a full season, an absurd number. Sherwood has enjoyed success skating on a line with Danton Heinen and Teddy Blueger and looks like he is well on his way to the best season of his career.

#11 A few weeks ago, Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton was a top-tier pickup after moving to left wing on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Then he managed to survive potential injury at Utah only to suffer a broken foot two games later against Chicago. This will keep him out for 6-8 weeks. As a result, rookie Nikolai Kovalenko moves up the depth chart to skate on the top line in Colorado. Kovalenko has four points (1 G, 3 A) and 12 shots on goal in 11 games, so it is a big jump to move to that line. He has also hit the net on just 12 of 29 shot attempts, 41.4 percent, compared to Colton, who has 37 shots on goal in 60 shot attempts, 61.7 percent. Maybe playing with the superstars will give Kovalenko better quality chances and he will hit the net more frequently.

#12 Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen was off to an excellent start this season, posting a .941 save percentage in four starts, but he is hurt now, considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury. That should mean more consistent starts for Pyotr Kochetkov, the 25-year-old netminder who has won four of five starts, but has a .891 save percentage.

#13 Although he had a rough game against Toronto in Winnipeg’s only loss this season, on the ice for all six Maple Leafs goals, Jets defenseman Neal Pionk is otherwise off to an outstanding start this season, producing 12 points (3 G, 9 A) with 25 shots on goal in 10 games. Pionk also has 16 blocked shots and 13 hits, so he is filling categories across the board, making him more valuable than ever.

#14 It was a surprise that the San Jose Sharks landed defenseman Jake Walman from the Detroit Red Wings in the offseason, but it has provided him a bigger opportunity and he has responded with more production. Walman is playing 22:53 per game, up more than three minutes per game from last season, and he has contributed nine points (1 G, 8 A) and 32 shots on goal in a dozen games. He moves the puck in the right direction when he is on the ice, which is not commonplace among the Sharks, and he is getting first unit power play time, though he has just one power play point.

#15 Second-year New York Rangers left winger Will Cuylle showed some promise as a rookie, particularly with his tendency to hit and hit a lot, but he is bringing enough offense early in the season to make himself fantasy relevant. Cuylle has eight points (3 G, 5 A) and 18 shots on goal in nine games, but he also has 39 hits. Playing on a thriving third line with Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko, as well as delivering more than four hits per game makes Cuylle more appealing in most leagues, but especially in banger leagues in which those hits are rewarded.

#16 San Jose Sharks right winger Fabian Zetterlund broke through last season with career highs of 24 goals and 44 points, taking advantage of the bigger role afforded to him after he had been acquired from New Jersey. Even with his ice time down a couple of minutes per game, Zetterlund is off to a strong start with eight points (6 G, 2 A) and 28 shots on goal in 12 games. He is thriving in a complementary role, skating on a line with Alex Wennberg and rookie Danil Guschin, in addition to getting second unit power play time.

#17 When Thatcher Demko was deemed not to be ready to start the season in net for the Vancouver Canucks, they signed Kevin Lankinen to give them a steady veteran to play alongside rookie Arturs Silovs. Lankinen has excelled in the role, earning six starts, and has a .920 save percentage, making him the better option between the pipes for Vancouver. Presumably, Demko should return to action at some point this season but, in the meantime, Lankinen is a viable option. He has never started more than the 37 games that he started as a rookie, but Lankinen has been an above-average backup for the past couple of seasons and has probably reached the point at which he is capable of handling more responsibility than he had previously. At least in the short term, it makes him a valuable addition for the Canucks.

#18 He has been held off the scoresheet for three straight games, but Washington Capitals centre Pierre-Luc Dubois might be worth considering as a buy-low option. He has five points (1 G, 4 A) in nine games, with just one goal on 19 shots on goal. He has never scored on less than 11.0 percent of his shots on goal, so it would be highly unlikely that Dubois continues to linger around 5.3 percent, where he currently sits. After a disastrous 2023-2024 season in Los Angeles, Dubois’ value is relatively low and his lack of goal production early in this season only deepens that perception, but that is why he could very well provide value as an addition from the fantasy waiver wire.

#19 When seeking out potential buy-low options, one place to look is for players who are underperforming their rate of individual expected goals. Expected goals try to incorporate some measure of shot quality, so that we have some idea about the quality of chances that they are receiving. The forwards whose expected goals are exceeding their actual goal production include Zach Hyman (-4.79), Dubois (-3.79), Dylan Cozens (-3.46), Steven Stamkos (-3.45), Michael Bunting (-3.42), Cutter Gauthier (-3.14), William Eklund (-2.99), Morgan Frost (-2.98), Brad Marchand (-2.95), and Auston Matthews (-2.89). Some of these players are off to very slow starts, but they are clearly generating scoring chances, so all hope is not lost.

#20 At the other end of the spectrum are players that are exceeding their expected goals. Great finishers will typically score more than the average player given the same number and quality of chances, but these players also need to be monitored as they might be beneficiaries of unsustainably good luck early in the season. The forwards that have most exceeded their expected goals this season include Cole Caufield (+5.65), Kyle Connor (+5.63), Leon Draisaitl (+4.59), Nikita Kucherov (+4.33), Tage Thompson (+4.06), Sam Bennett (+4.06), Sam Reinhart (+3.67), Claude Giroux (+3.53), Ryan Donato (+3.53), and Ivan Barbashev (+3.26).

*Advanced stats via Natural Stat Trick.

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD – Kicking Off the 2024-25 NHL Season

Ryan Dadoun — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:00:04 +0000

_{CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) looks on during a game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Chicago Blackhawks on October 21, 2023 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire)}

The season’s underway, but it’s important not to read too much into the early numbers. Instead, it’s better to focus on how players are being utilized, especially which players seem to be getting new opportunities this season.

In our first Look Ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, I’ll be focused on highlighting players in such positions and discuss what we might see from them this year.

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo will be on the road next week, but the competition is relatively favorable with visits to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Columbus on Thursday and Chicago on Saturday.

The Sabres started their season with three straight losses while managing just one goal in each of those games. Fans weren’t expecting them to be Stanley Cup contenders, but the hope is that they’ll at least compete for a playoff spot this campaign, especially given that they haven’t been to the postseason since 2011. Still, it’s very early, and the upcoming schedule is favorable, so there’s an opportunity here for Buffalo to make up some lost ground.

Zach Benson in particular is one to watch in Buffalo. The 19-year-old didn’t stand out as a rookie with his 11 goals and 30 points across 71 games, but it was impressive for the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft to make the jump straight from WHL Winnipeg to the NHL. The only other players from his draft class that logged at least 40 games last season were No. 1-3 picks Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson and Adam Fantilli.

Benson should do significantly better this season, especially given how he’s been utilized so far. He averaged 18:16 of ice time over his first two games this season, up from 14:31 in 2023-24. Of particular note is the fact that Benson has averaged 4:16 with the man advantage this year. He logged just two power-play points last year, so there’s a lot of room for increased production there.

Bowen Byram is also getting plenty of power-play ice time -- an average of 3:39 through three contests. He was never utilized much with the man advantage during his Avalanche days and consequently went into this campaign with just eight career power-play points. If Buffalo continues to use him in this way, then Byram might take a big leap up from his 29-point showing in 2023-24.

Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina has a trio of contests next week against teams that failed to make the playoffs in 2023-24. The Hurricanes will host the Devils on Tuesday, then visit Pittsburgh and St. Louis on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

The Hurricanes haven’t made their season debut at the time of writing, but one player I’m very interested in is Brent Burns. He’s recorded at least 40 points in 10 of his past 11 seasons, and you’d have to go back to 2013-14 when he was utilized as a forward to find the last time he averaged less than 20 minutes per game over the course of a season. Still, he’s 39 now with his 40th birthday coming March 9, so I have to wonder how much more he has left in the tank. It wouldn’t surprise me if Burns’ role is somewhat reduced this campaign, and he might even serve on the No. 2 power-play unit with Shayne Gostisbehere being utilized on the first. For that reason, it wouldn’t shock me if Burns ends up with closer to 30 points instead of 40.

This might prove to be an up-season for Jack Roslovic, though. After signing a one-year, $2.8 million contract with Carolina over the summer, Roslovic seems set to skate on the top line alongside Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho. That’s a great position for the 27-year-old to be in after he was limited to nine goals and 31 points across 59 regular-season outings between Columbus and the Rangers in 2023-24.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks will play in Calgary on Tuesday before heading home for contests against the Sharks and Sabres on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. None of Chicago’s competitors next week made the playoffs.

Not that the Blackhawks made the playoffs either -- far from it, they finished with a 23-53-6 record. Chicago isn’t expected to do much better this season, but the team does have a bit more veteran help.

Teuvo Teravainen signed a three-year, $16.2 million contract with Chicago over the summer and is getting a chance to play alongside Connor Bedard. That duo has already developed some chemistry with Bedard setting up Teravainen’s goal in Chicago’s season opener versus Utah on Tuesday.

Bedard is a legitimate candidate to finish with over 80 points this season after recording 22 goals and 61 points across 68 contests as a rookie, so naturally playing on his line is the best assignment Chicago can offer. Still, the Blackhawks’ second unit might not be as lackluster as it was in 2023-24. Tyler Bertuzzi was also lured to Chicago over the summer, inking a four-year, $22 million contract, and he figures to serve primarily on the second line alongside Taylor Hall, who missed all-but 10 games last season due to a knee injury.

Bertuzzi and Hall aren’t likely to set the league on fire, but they could put up decent numbers this year, especially while sharing the ice with Philipp Kurashev, who was second to Bedard in Blackhawks scoring in 2023-24 with 54 points (18 goals).

None of this is likely to help goaltender Petr Mrazek much, though. He did his best for the rebuilding squad last year, but still finished with an 18-31-4 record, 3.04 GAA and .907 save percentage in 56 games. He’ll probably have rough numbers again this time around.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche will be busy next week, hosting the Islanders on Monday, Boston on Wednesday and Anaheim on Friday. Colorado will then head to San Jose for a contest Sunday.

The hope in Colorado is that Gabriel Landeskog (knee) will make his return this season, but there’s no timetable for that. He hasn’t played since June 26, 2022. The Avalanche are currently also missing Artturi Lehkonen (shoulder) and Valeri Nichushkin (suspension), which leaves their top six a little thin. Adding to the Avalanche’s woes, Jonathan Drouin is hurt now too, and the team announced Friday that he was likely to miss the next few games.

Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen can be counted on to carry the offense on most nights and Drouin has been an effective option to share the ice with them, but he’s hurt so the Avalanche will need a replacement. Perhaps the 22-year-old Ivan Ivan or the veteran Miles Wood will get a look in that spot. Neither is anything close to an ideal option for Colorado, but either would see a temporary boost in fantasy value by virtue of playing alongside two elite forwards.

Then there’s the second line. Casey Mittelstadt is the obvious option to center it, but finding wingers for him is a bigger challenge.

For now, the 19-year-old Calum Ritchie appears to be getting a chance on the second unit. He does have a good amount of offensive upside, so he’s worth keeping an eye on, but it remains to be seen if he’s ready to serve a big role in the NHL at this time. Nikolai Kovalenko also got a look on the second line during Wednesday’s 8-4 loss to Vegas. Kovalenko was reassigned to the minors Thursday, but that might just be a paper transaction for cap purposes, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him promptly recalled before Colorado’s next contest.

Like Ritchie, Wednesday’s game was Kovalenko is largely unproven in the NHL, but the 24-year-old has years’ worth of experience in the KHL. He accumulated 32 goals and 89 points over 98 regular-season games with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo between 2022-23 and 20223-24. He might be worth a short-term pickup if Colorado does continue to utilize Kovalenko in a second-line role, but keep in mind he’ll likely dip in the depth charts once Colorado has at least one or two of Lehkonen, Nichushkin or Landeskog available.

Keep in mind that with Drouin hurt, it’s also possible that Ritchie or Kovalenko will get a look on the top line, which would further thin the second unit, but it just speaks to how difficult a position Colorado is in for the moment.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings are on the road next week, but they have four games on the docket, including three versus teams that failed to make the playoffs in 2023-24. They’ll be in Canada to kickoff the week, visiting Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Los Angeles will then head closer to home to play against the Ducks on Sunday.

This is part of a larger seven-game road trip to open the season. Crypto.com Arena, the home of the Kings, has been undergoing renovations, which is why the Kings’ home opener isn’t until Oct. 24. The silver lining is LA will play 13 of their final 19 games at home, so don’t be surprised if the Kings end the regular season on a high note.

Of course, they would rather not be dependent on a late push to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, LA already is off to a rough start after losing Drew Doughty to an ankle injury that will sideline him for months. His absence increases the importance of 23-year-old Jordan Spence, who logged 22:07 of ice time in LA’s season opener Thursday, including 4:26 with the man advantage. That’s a huge jump from his average of 14:26 in 2023-24 and makes Spence an interesting pickup option. He had two goals and 24 points in 71 regular-season contests last campaign, which isn’t remarkable, but also not bad given his previously limited role. He’s also shown a lot of offensive potential at the AHL level, recording 87 points across 102 regular-season appearances between 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Getting a good season out of Spencer would go a long way towards improving the Kings’ playoff aspirations, but goaltender Darcy Kuemper’s performance figures to hold more weight. He’s coming off a rough campaign with Washington in which he had a 14-13-3 record, 3.31 GAA and .890 save percentage across 33 regular-season contests, but he’s moving from a team that was mediocre defensively last season (Washington ranked 19th with a 3.15 xGA/60, per moneypuck) to one of the strongest defenses (LA finished sixth with 2.82 xGA/60), so that might help the veteran goaltender rebound.

New Jersey Devils

The Sheldon Keefe-era in New Jersey will continue next week with games in Carolina and Ottawa on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, as well as home games versus Utah and Washington on Monday and Saturday, respectively.

Dougie Hamilton, who was limited to 20 games last season due to a pectoral injury, hasn’t recorded a point through three games in 2024-25, but the most important thing is he’s averaged 4:35 of power-play ice time over that span. The big question, though, is what’s going to happen once Luke Hughes (shoulder) and Hamilton are healthy at the same time. Hughes took over as the Devils’ top power-play quarterback during Hamilton’s absence last year and flourished in that role, but there’s no guarantee Hughes will be in that position over Hamilton once the 21-year-old Hughes is healthy. It's a situation worth monitoring closely because the outcome should have a significant impact on both of those defensemen’s fantasy value.

Seamus Casey is also a consideration in all this. The 20-year-old rookie defenseman recorded his first NHL point when he found the back of the net on the power play during New Jersey’s 3-1 victory over Buffalo on Oct. 5. Casey is on the second power-play unit, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him lose that role once Hughes is healthy. Losing that assignment might prevent Casey from generating enough offensive production to be appealing in standard fantasy leagues this season, but he does have long-term upside. The Florida native scored seven goals and 45 points across 40 games with the University of Michigan last season.

Regardless of who is playing with the man advantage, New Jersey figures to be a high-scoring team this season so long as they can stay relatively healthy -- something that evaded the Devils last season. That should aid Jacob Markstrom, who was acquired from Calgary over the summer. Markstrom is a goaltender capable of outshining the defense in front of him, and with that goal support, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him hit the 30-win mark for just the second time in his career.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh is set to play in Montreal on Monday before a two-game home stint involving the Sabres on Wednesday and the Hurricanes on Friday. The Penguins will conclude the week with a road contest versus Winnipeg on Sunday.

Being a largely veteran team led by aging superstars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang, there isn’t much room for surprise here, but injuries have resulted in a bit of a shakeup. Bryan Rust (lower body) would typically play alongside Crosby, but he missed the first two games of the campaign and his status for next week remains in question. For now, Anthony Beauvillier is on the top line and is taking full advantage, providing a pair of goals Thursday, both assisted by Crosby.

Pittsburgh is also missing Alex Nedeljkovic (lower body), which led to Joel Blomqvist making his NHL debut Thursday. Blomqvist saved 29 of 32 shots en route to a 6-3 victory over Detroit. It wasn’t a bad showing, and given Tristan Jarry’s struggles -- he lost the starting gig toward the end of the 2023-24 campaign and opened this season by surrendering six goals on 40 shots to the Rangers -- it will be interesting to see how much work Blomqvist gets before Nedeljkovic returns. Pittsburgh’s schedule isn’t tight enough to pressure the Penguins to use a backup next week, but Blomqvist might get a start all the same if Nedeljkovic remains unavailable.

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks will begin the week with a three-game road trip involving stops in Dallas on Tuesday, Chicago on Thursday and Winnipeg on Friday. San Jose will end the week by hosting the Avalanche on Sunday.

Not much is expected of the Sharks this season, but the presence of 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini gives them something to be excited about. Celebrini immediately made his presence felt, recording a goal and an assist in his debut Thursday, though San Jose still lost that game in overtime to St. Louis. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Celebrini’s track this season be somewhat similar to what we saw out of Bedard last year. Like Bedard, Celebrini is an elite prospect joining a team that will utilize him on the first line and top power-play unit.

Unfortunately, like Bedard, Celebrini might not play the full 82 games as a rookie. The 18-year-old missed Friday’s practice because of a lower-body injury and as of the time of writing is still being evaluated. The Sharks just have to hope that it’s nothing that will keep Celebrini off the ice for long.

When Celebrini is healthy, playing alongside him is by far the best assignment the Sharks can offer. William Eklund and Tyler Toffoli were the first to serve as his wingers. Eklund is an especially interesting option. He logged his first full NHL campaign in 2023-24, providing 16 goals and 45 points across 80 games. The 21-year-old is another important piece of the Sharks’ future and could make major strides this season, especially if he develops chemistry with Celebrini.

The 19-year-old Will Smith is another key part of that youth movement. He made his NHL debut Thursday, so his performance didn’t draw the same kind of praise afforded to Celebrini -- Smith had no points and two shots in 13:41 of ice time. If Celebrini does miss a time due to injury, then it might be Smith who moves up to the top line.

Also keep an eye on Logan Couture’s (groin) situation. It doesn’t seem like he’s anywhere close to returning after logging just six contests last season, but getting the 35-year-old back would naturally big a significant boost to the Sharks’ offense. Couture might play alongside Celebrini at even strength once he’s healthy, and at the least, the two would share the ice during the power play.

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – COLORADO AVALANCHE – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #25

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Josh Bell — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 18:00:53 +0000

_{OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 16: Colorado Avalanche Goalie Justus Annunen (60) looks to make a save during first period National Hockey League action between the Colorado Avalanche and Ottawa Senators on January 16, 2024, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 25th (Previous Rank - 20th)
GM: Chris MacFarland Hired: July 2022
COACH: Jared Bednar Hired: August 2016

With both Alex Newhook and Bowen Byram now graduated and dealt elsewhere, the Colorado Avalanche dropped five spots in our McKeen’s prospect rankings to finish well within the bottom 10 of the list.

That said, the 2024-25 season saw several of their young prospects make solid strides in their development. Ivan Ivan made a smooth transition to the AHL, posting 31 points, while Oskar Olausson (226th) matched his rookie totals (20 points) in nearly half the games during his sophomore season. Sean Behrens (169th) also made his professional debut with the Eagles’ after winning a National Championship while being named the NCAA (NCHC) Best Defensive Defenceman with Denver. Meanwhile, goaltender Justus Annunen (195th) continued to impress between the pipes, recording a 14-5-4 record to bring his career AHL ledger to a solid 60-29-19 through 114 games. Annunen is poised to officially graduate and become the backup goaltender for the Avalanche behind Alexandar Georgiev next season.

Away from the farm, the club’s top two rated prospects, Calum Ritchie and Mikhail Gulyayev, continue to develop well. Ritchie, who sits just inside McKeen’s top 50 at 48th, increased his stock with the Oshawa Generals, finishing with a career-high 80 points in 50 games. Gulyayev (64th), Colorado’s 2023 first-round pick, continues to log solid minutes as an 18-year-old (now 19) over in Russia. Both are progressing, but still far from arm's reach to directly contribute to the big club.

Although the Avalanche did not have a first-round pick in the 2024 Draft, they managed to inject a healthy dose of fresh talent into their pipeline by selecting nine prospects in total. Ilya Nabokov (250th), a double-overaged goaltender, offers a solid future option in net. Meanwhile, William Zellers could provide some low-key offensive upside down the road. Aside from them, the jury is still out on the remaining seven names.

With a top-flight core featuring Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar and Devon Toews, the Avalanche’s winning ways are likely to continue. However, some roster turnover should be expected over the next few seasons as the team looks to – no, needs to – graduate more of their younger players. First up is McKeen’s 77th-ranked prospect, Nikolai Kovalenko, who is expected to slot into the NHL lineup out of training camp.

Colorado Avalanche Top-15 Prospects

1. Cal Ritchie

Ritchie, the Avalanche's first-round pick (#27) in 2023, put together a dominant season with the Oshawa Generals. The 6-foot-0 center exploded offensively, putting up a career-high 80 points (28 goals, 52 assists) in 50 games. This production came alongside a strong +45 plus/minus rating, showcasing his two-way awareness. While the gaudy numbers are impressive, it’s important to remain cautious. Ritchie's offensive outburst came in a sheltered role with the Generals, raising questions about his ability to translate that production against tougher competition. There are also concerns about his consistency – flashes of brilliance can be overshadowed by stretches of disappearing acts. Still, Ritchie's overall performance solidified his status as a top prospect. His skating and playmaking ability are undeniable, and his defensive awareness is improving. He'll likely spend another year in the OHL before turning pro but don't be surprised to see him pushing for a roster spot in Colorado sooner rather than later.

2. Mikhail Gulyayev

Drafted 18th overall in 2023, Gulyayev opted to stay in Russia in his DY+1. He spent the year honing his craft in the KHL with Omsk Avangard. He stood out there for a young defenceman, racking up 12 points in 64 games. His offensive prowess, particularly his transition ability, remains his calling card. Skating and mobility separate him from most of his age group peers. Explosive speed, a smooth utilization of crossovers, and a wonderfully fluid stride really pop out during transitions, guiding his team’s exits and entries, or executing give-and-go plays. However, questions about his defensive consistency persist. While he's not a liability in his own zone, there is a need to see a stronger showing in this area moving forward. Gulyayev's path remains unclear, especially since he’s signed through the 2025-26 season in the KHL. One thing's for sure: His offensive talent is undeniable. The key will be rounding out his game and proving he can be a reliable two-way force.

3. Nikolai Kovalenko

Kovalenko turned heads in the KHL in 2023-24. After signing an entry-level contract with Colorado but remaining in Russia on loan, the 24-year-old winger thrived for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. He finished his KHL campaign strong, putting up 11 goals and 35 points in 42 games. Kovalenko's blend of size (6-foot-0, 192 pounds) and skill makes him a dangerous offensive threat. He can overpower defenders and possesses a knack for finding the net. He thrives in his small-area game, thanks to excellent hands and creativity. He stands out as a playmaker but is able to find the back of the net on his own too. However, questions linger about his overall consistency and defensive awareness. While flashes of brilliance exist, stretches of disappearing acts raise concerns. His performance will be crucial in determining his NHL readiness. Regardless, his KHL showing solidified his status as a top prospect.

4. Sean Behrens

Behrens solidified himself as a defensive cornerstone for the Denver Pioneers in 2023-24. The smooth-skating defenceman (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) led the team in blocked shots (58) and chipped in offensively with 31 points, ranking third among Denver's defencemen. His season wasn't without hiccups. A brief injury sidelined him for four games, and his consistency can occasionally waver. However, his strong two-way play earned him the NCHC's "Defensive Defenceman of the Year" award en route to the NCAA Championship where he was also named to the All-Tournament Team. Behrens' performance solidified his status as a potential top four NHL defenceman. He moves exactly as well as you’d want an undersized blueliner to move, and his mobility gives him upside as a transitional defenceman. His stride is extremely smooth and looks almost effortless when he’s picking up the puck in his own zone in order to lead a breakout. While questions about his offensive ceiling remain, his ability to shut down attackers and contribute on offence makes him a valuable prospect to watch.

5. Justus Annunen

Justus Annunen's 2023-24 campaign was a turning point. After splitting time between the AHL and NHL early on, the Finnish netminder solidified his place in Colorado with a late-season surge. In 14 NHL appearances, he boasted a strong 0.928 save percentage and a respectable 2.55 GAA. Even more impressive were his two shutouts, showcasing his ability to steal games. This strong showing earned him a two-year extension, signalling their confidence in him as a future starter. Questions remain – his sample size is small, and consistency will be key. But Annunen's composure and athleticism have fans and analysts alike buzzing. Could he be the heir apparent to the Avalanche crease? Only time will tell, but his 2023-24 performance was a promising step in that direction. Look for him to stick with the big club this season as the backup to Alexandar Georgiev.

6. Jean-Luc Foudy

Foudy's 2023-24 campaign was a glimpse of his potential but lacked consistency. Despite a strong showing in the AHL (14 points in 26 games), a brief NHL stint was forgettable (one goal in four games). Injuries played a role, limiting his overall development. His calling card remains his blend of size, skill, and skating. He can protect the puck and create scoring chances, as evidenced by his AHL success. However, translating that into the NHL will require more from him. Decision-making needs to be sharpened, and defensive awareness has to improve. Foudy's future hinges on refining his game. Another year in the AHL could be crucial. If he can elevate his all-around performance, a more permanent NHL role could be within reach. The Avalanche still views him as a valuable prospect, but the clock is ticking for him to solidify his spot.

7. Oskar Olausson

Olausson's 2023-24 campaign was a rollercoaster. After a decent start with 20 points in 39 AHL games for the Colorado Eagles, shoulder surgery abruptly ended his season. His offensive flash – a lethal shot and smooth hands – was evident. He displayed the tools that made him a first-round pick in 2021. Feed him the puck in the offensive zone and give him enough time and space and there's a good chance he'll make the other team pay, primarily through his hard, accurate release. Unfortunately, he runs into trouble creating scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates, and his off puck play leaves a lot to be desired. There were stretches where he dominated, followed by stretches of disappearing acts. The injury throws a wrench into his development. While his offensive upside remains enticing, the key question remains: Can he find consistency and become a reliable producer? The 2024-25 season will be crucial in answering that question and determining his NHL arrival timeline.

8. Ilya Nabokov

Ilya Nabokov should have been drafted in 2023 based on his MHL All-Star performance, having posted impressive numbers over three seasons: 61-27-10 record, 0.930 SV%, and a 2.02 GAA. Instead, he had to wait - to the benefit of Colorado. In his draft year, Nabokov excelled in the KHL, quickly securing the starting role for Metallurg Magnitogorsk. He went 23-13-3 with a 0.930 SV% and a 2.15 GAA in 43 games and was even better in the playoffs with a 0.942 SV% and 1.82 GAA, earning Rookie of the Year, Playoff MVP, and helping his team win the Gagarin Cup. His seven shutouts highlight an outstanding year. Nabokov is technically sound and makes athletic saves when needed, always staying in position. While his mobility can be uneven and his rebound control needs improvement, his overall performance makes him a promising prospect.

9. Sam Malinski

Malinski's 2023-24 campaign was a grinder's delight. The Avalanche prospect spent most of the year with the Colorado Eagles, chipping in 27 points (5 goals, 22 assists) in 46 games while suiting up for his first 23 NHL games. While the point totals might not jump off the page, Malinski's value lies in his defensive acumen. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he’s not the biggest but uses his frame effectively to protect the puck and clog passing lanes. His skating is a strength, allowing him to stay mobile and make plays in transition. However, offensive flashes remain inconsistent. There are moments where he displays a good shot and the ability to join the rush, but these are overshadowed by stretches of quiet play. The question is one of offensive development. Can he refine his offensive skillset and become a more consistent contributor at both ends? If he does, there is the potential to be a reliable bottom six defender in the NHL.

10. William Zellers

Zellers was a challenging prospect for NHL teams to evaluate in his draft year. He excelled at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and with Shattucks, showcasing high-end skill, vision, and competitiveness. His ability to consistently find the net and problem-solve is evident, but his NHL projection is complicated by his skating. Zellers relies on his hands and spatial awareness rather than dynamic speed. Although he’s agile and explosive on his edges, allowing him to exploit poor defensive coverage and cut into the slot, he isn’t as effective in linear skating. His quick release means he doesn’t need much space to score. However, there are questions about his overall skill level. If he can enhance his athleticism and physical tools over the next few years at North Dakota, his offensive abilities could make him a valuable complementary player in the NHL.

11. Ivan Ivan

Ivan Ivan made a strong impression in his first pro season, leading Colorado Eagles rookies with 12 goals, 19 assists, and 31 points in 67 AHL games. While his offensive skills are evident, his skating and defensive awareness need improvement. The Avalanche signed him to a two-year NHL deal, and although a full-time role this season seems unlikely, expect him to get NHL exposure. His future depends on refining his defensive game and translating his AHL success to the NHL.

12. Tory Pitner

Tory Pitner is a stay-at-home defenceman who excels in his role, demonstrated by his solid performance with the Youngstown Phantoms and his leadership in his draft year. At 6-foot-1 and 183 pounds, he uses his strength effectively to win battles and disrupt plays. His stick work and rush defence are strong, though he lacks offensive skill. Committed to the University of Denver for 2024-25, Pitner is expected to develop further. He has potential as a bottom-pairing shutdown defender.

13. Jake Fisher

Surprised that Fisher went undrafted last year despite being ranked 130th, he has since made a strong case for himself with Fargo, capturing a Clark Cup and returning to the draft radar. Fisher is a well-rounded center with good size, strong two-way play, a powerful shot, and improved skating. While he shows promise as a top NCAA player for the Denver Pioneers, his lack of a standout skill may limit his upside.

14. Maros Jedlicka

After being passed over in the NHL Draft twice, the Avalanche took a flier on Slovak forward Maros Jedlicka. After a strong showing in the 2023 camp, he ended up missing the entire season due to shoulder surgery. He’s heading to Czechia for the 2024-25 season, where the Avs hope that he can get right back on track in his development.

15. Matthew Steinburg

It’s been a long road for Matthew Steinburg who was drafted back in 2019 and then spent all four years in the NCAA before joining the AHL’s Colorado Eagles in 2023-24. He played more of a depth role, which does seem like the role he will stick with moving forward. He’s likely reached or is approaching his ceiling at this point.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #20 Colorado Avalanche – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Josh Bell — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:26:11 +0000

Oshawa Generals #21 Calum Ritchie. Photo by Brandon Taylor/ OHL Images

A Stanley Cup in the books, with an elite core at the beginning of their prime in Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen, who all rate among the very best at their position. The quest to return to the Stanley Cup Final was derailed by injuries (again) and a tough Dallas Stars team in the second round. General manager Chris MacFarland has proven that the focus is on winning now, moving future pieces for some help now. Acquiring Casey Mittelstadt for Bowen Byram looks like a win for both teams, and the Sean Walker deal was steep but looks solid as well. The faith is in the core though, with MacFarland locking down MacKinnon, Devon Toews, and Valeri Nichushkin to long-term deals.

The Avalanche still retain two of their next three first-round picks for the upcoming three seasons, but that is likely to change. After two earlier-than-expected playoff exits, expect some moves to come. Captain Gabriel Landeskog has been missed this season as he remains sidelined, especially in the playoffs, so if he can come back that would be a big addition on its own. For the young players in the system, Justus Annunen often looked not only like the goalie of the future, but the goaltender of now. Expect his games played to go up next season. Cal Ritchie looks like he might have been a steal, Nikolai Kovalenko is finally over in North America after another strong season in Russia, and Mikhail Gulyayev looks like a potential star. A strong 2023 NHL Draft with their two first-round picks (Ritchie and Gulyayev) went a long way to boost their organizational ranking.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Calum Ritchie	C	19	6-2/185	Oshawa (OHL)	`23(27th)	50	28	52	80	20
2	Mikhail Gulyayev	D	19	5-11/170	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	`23(31st)	64	4	8	12	8
3	Nikolai Kovalenko	RW	24	5-10/180	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	`18(171st)	42	11	24	35	30
4	Sean Behrens	D	21	5-10/175	Denver (NCHC)	`21(61st)	44	4	27	31	53
5	Jean-Luc Foudy	C	21	5-11/175	Colorado (AHL)	`20(75th)	26	4	10	14	18
6	Oskar Olausson	RW	21	6-1/180	Colorado (AHL)	`21(28th)	39	11	9	20	24
7	Justus Annunen	G	24	6-4/210	Colorado (AHL)	`18(64th)	23	14	5	2.65	0.908
8	Sam Malinski	D	25	5-11/190	Colorado (AHL)	FA(3/23)	46	5	22	27	20
					Colorado (NHL)	FA(3/23)	23	3	7	10	6
9	Graham Sward	D	20	6-4/186	Wenatchee (WHL)	T(Nsh-3/24)	66	15	66	81	48
10	Ivan Ivan	C	21	6-0/190	Colorado (AHL)	FA(3/24)	67	12	19	31	20
11	Matt Stienburg	C	23	6-1/185	Colorado (AHL)	`19(63rd)	54	5	8	13	63
12	Maros Jedlicka	C	21	6-2/194	HKM Zvolen (Slovakia) - DNP	`23(219th)	0	0	0	0	0
13	Alex Beaucage	RW	22	6-1/195	Utah (ECHL)	`19(78th)	29	11	14	25	26
					Colorado (AHL)	`19(78th)	21	1	6	7	6
14	Trent Miner	G	23	6-1/185	Colorado (AHL)	`19(202nd)	18	9	6	2.10	0.930
15	Jason Polin	RW	24	6-0/195	Colorado (AHL)	FA(3/23)	42	4	6	10	21

1. Calum Ritchie, C, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Ritchie, the Colorado Avalanche's first-round pick (#27) in 2023, put together a dominant season with the Oshawa Generals. The 6-foot center exploded offensively, putting up a career-high 80 points (28 goals, 52 assists) in 50 games. This production came alongside a strong +45 plus/minus rating, showcasing his two-way awareness. While the gaudy numbers are impressive, it’s important to remain cautious. Ritchie's offensive outburst came in a sheltered role with the Generals, raising questions about his ability to translate that production against tougher competition. There are also concerns about his consistency – flashes of brilliance can be overshadowed by stretches of disappearing acts. Still, Ritchie's overall performance solidified his status as a top prospect. His skating and playmaking ability are undeniable, and his defensive awareness is improving. He'll likely spend another year in the OHL before turning pro but don't be surprised to see him pushing for a roster spot in Colorado sooner rather than later.

2. Mikhail Gulyayev, D, Avangard Omsk (KHL)

Drafted 18th overall in 2023, Gulyayev opted to stay in Russia this season. He spent the year honing his craft in the KHL with Omsk Avangard. He stood out there for a young defenseman, racking up 12 points in 64 games. His offensive prowess, particularly his transition ability, remains his calling card. Skating and mobility separate him from most of his age group peers. Explosive speed, a smooth utilization of crossovers, and a wonderfully fluid stride really pop out during transitions, guiding his team’s exits and entries, or executing give-and-go plays. However, questions about his defensive consistency persist. While he's not a liability in his own zone, there is a need to see a stronger showing in this area moving forward. Gulyayev's path remains unclear, especially since he’s signed through the 2025-26 season in the KHL. One thing's for sure: His offensive talent is undeniable. The key will be rounding out his game and proving he can be a reliable two-way force.

3. Nikolai Kovalenko, RW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

Kovalenko turned heads in the KHL this season. After signing an entry-level contract with Colorado but remaining in Russia on loan, the 24-year-old winger thrived for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. He finished his KHL campaign strong, putting up 11 goals and 35 points in 42 games. Kovalenko's blend of size (6’, 192 lbs) and skill makes him a dangerous offensive threat. He can overpower defenders and possesses a knack for finding the net. He thrives in his small-area game, thanks to excellent hands and creativity. He stands out as a playmaker but is able to find the back of the net on his own too. However, questions linger about his overall consistency and defensive awareness. While flashes of brilliance exist, stretches of disappearing acts raise concerns. His performance will be crucial in determining his NHL readiness. Regardless, his KHL showing solidified his status as a top prospect.

4. Sean Behrens, D, University of Denver (NCAA)

Behrens solidified himself as a defensive cornerstone for the Denver Pioneers in 2023-24. The smooth-skating defenseman (5’ 10”, 190 lbs) led the team in blocked shots (58) and chipped in offensively with 31 points, ranking third among Denver's defensemen. His season wasn't without hiccups. A brief injury sidelined him for four games, and his consistency can occasionally waver. However, his strong two-way play earned him the NCHC's "Defensive Defenseman of the Year" award en route to the NCAA Championship where he was also named to the All-Tournament Team. Behrens' performance solidified his status as a potential top-four NHL defenseman. He moves exactly as well as you’d want an undersized defenseman to move, and his mobility gives him upside as a transitional defenseman. His stride is extremely smooth and looks almost effortless when he’s picking up the puck in his own zone in order to lead a breakout. While questions about his offensive ceiling remain, his ability to shut down attackers and contribute on offense makes him a valuable prospect to watch.

5. Jean-Luc Foudy, C, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

6. Oskar Olausson, RW, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Olausson's 2023-24 campaign was a rollercoaster. After a decent start with 20 points in 39 AHL games for the Colorado Eagles, shoulder surgery abruptly ended his season. His offensive flash – a lethal shot and smooth hands – was evident. He displayed the tools that made him a first-round pick in 2021. Feed him the puck in the offensive zone and give him enough time and space and there's a good chance he'll make the other team pay, primarily through his hard, accurate release. Unfortunately, he runs into trouble creating scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates, and his-off puck play leaves a lot to be desired. There were stretches where he dominated, followed by stretches of disappearing acts. The injury throws a wrench into his development. While his offensive upside remains enticing, the key question remains: can he find consistency and become a reliable producer? This coming season will be crucial in answering that question and determining his NHL arrival timeline.

7. Justus Annunen, G, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Justus Annunen's 2023-24 campaign was a turning point. After splitting time between the AHL and NHL early on, the Finnish netminder solidified his place in Colorado with a late-season surge. In 14 NHL appearances, he boasted a strong .928 save percentage and a respectable 2.55 GAA. Even more impressive were his two shutouts, showcasing his ability to steal games. This strong showing earned him a two-year extension, signaling their confidence in him as a future starter. Questions remain – his sample size is small, and consistency will be key. But Annunen's composure and athleticism have fans and analysts alike buzzing. Could he be the heir apparent to the Avalanche crease? Only time will tell, but his 2023-24 performance was a promising step in that direction.

8. Sam Malinski, D, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Malinski's 2023-24 campaign was a grinder's delight. The Avalanche prospect spent most of the year with the Colorado Eagles, chipping in 27 points (5 goals, 22 assists) in 46 games, while suiting up for his first 23 NHL games. While the point totals might not jump off the page, Malinski's value lies in his defensive acumen. At 5’ 1” and 190 lbs, he’s not the biggest but uses his frame effectively to protect the puck and clog passing lanes. His skating is a strength, allowing him to stay mobile and make plays in transition. However, offensive flashes remain inconsistent. There are moments where he displays a good shot and the ability to join the rush, but these are overshadowed by stretches of quiet play. The question is one of offensive development. Can he refine his offensive skillset and become a more consistent contributor at both ends? If he does, there is the potential to be a reliable bottom six defender in the NHL.

9. Graham Sward, D, Wenatchee Wild (WHL)

Graham Sward is a physical and skilled defenseman with a well-rounded game. He took a huge step forward this season with the Wenatchee Wild, putting up 81 points (15 goals, 66 assists) in 66 games and nearly doubling the output from his rookie season that led to the Avs drafting him. He excels in his own end, using his quick feet and active stick to shut down opponents' attacks and clear the zone with ease. His vision and anticipation allow him to spark transition play, and his accurate shot makes him a threat from the point. He's also a physical presence, using his size and strength to win battles and protect his teammates. With continued development, Sward has the potential to become a top-four defenseman and a key contributor on the Colorado Avalanche's blue line. His upside as a reliable, two-way defender makes him an intriguing prospect in the Avs' pipeline.

10. Ivan Ivan, C, Colorado Eagles (AHL)

Ivan Ivan, a name that lives up to the hype (and then some), turned heads in his first pro season. Leading all Colorado Eagles rookies in goals (12), assists (19), and points (31) in 67 AHL games, his offensive production was undeniable. But is he all flash and no substance? His skating is a work in progress, and questions linger about his defensive awareness. However, his ability to create offense and find teammates in scoring positions is undeniable. The Avalanche rewarded Ivan with a two-year NHL deal. While a full-time role seems unlikely next season, expect him to get a taste of the big leagues. His ceiling hinges on his development as a well-rounded player. Can he refine his defensive game and translate his offensive dominance to the NHL? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: He is a prospect worth watching.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 30 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:22:26 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first, this ranking, follows the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Our team of 16 scouts are based in key markets around the world, in the rinks, supported by video scouting. They utilize some terrific tools from Hudl/InStat, which can isolate so many aspects of a player’s game, along with proprietary statistics. They spend countless hours in rinks and in front of screens and are deeply familiar with these players and their progression. Our management team of Brock Otten (Director of Scouting) and Derek Neumeier (Assistant Director of Scouting/Senior Western Regional Scout), along with Video Scouting Coordinator, Josh Bell, will take the teams input and finalize the list you see below. Brock, Derek and Josh are responsible for the player write-ups in the Prospect Guide.

The organizational rankings are based on an algorithm that takes into account how many prospects are ranked within the top 200. The teams are broken down by the number of prospects in our top 1 -25, 26 - 50, 51 - 100, and 101 - 200. A weight is attached to each group and then some subjective tweaking is done based on our knowledge of the players. There can be a wider discrepancy in the top 25 group than the latter groupings that needs to be taken into account.

Here is our definition of an NHL prospect: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in one season (25 for goalies).

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft. We are releasing out top 30 NHL Prospects free to non-subscribers. If you want to learn more, link here.

Subscribers can link to the full top 200 listing here

Here is an excerpt of Brock Otten's Risers and Fallers article from the magazine to give you more perspective and a little taste of our content.

The best part of scouting is the somewhat unpredictable nature of human development. Some players improve dramatically from one year to the next…others do not. When we compare the rankings from our 2023-24 NHL Yearbook (where we did a Top 300 prospect ranking) to now, these are the players who have risen/fallen the most.

Risers

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 22: Dallas Stars center Logan Stankoven (11) reacts to a goal score during game one of the Western Conference First Round between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights on April 22, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire)

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

Stankoven’s jump from one of the best players in the WHL to one of the best players in the AHL has been impressive. So has his quick start in the NHL.

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

Leonard is returning to Boston College after a Championship barely eluded him this year. However, he has proven to be an elite play driver to go with his strong off puck play.

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 11: Look on Montreal Canadiens right wing Joshua Roy (89) during warm-up before the St. Louis Blues versus the Montreal Canadiens game on February 11, 2024, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

Roy continues to prove doubters wrong after a terrific AHL season with Laval. His skill set has become so well rounded since being drafted.

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

Geekie’s power game from the middle of the ice makes him such an interesting prospect for today’s NHL. His skating continues to improve.

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

Bourque emerged as one of the best players in the AHL this season as a sophomore professional. He’s ready to take that next step with the Stars.

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

Once thought to be the third wheel on the talented Will Smith/Ryan Leonard threesome, Perreault’s progression as a play driver at Boston College this season has altered the perception that he can be a front-line NHL player.

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

Drafting early out of the BCHL has yielded inconsistent results, however Nadeau was exceptional as a freshman at Maine. Did he leave school too early though?

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

Firkus took his game to another level this year in his final WHL season, leading the league in scoring. He’s ready to be a pro.

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

One of the most improved players in the NCAA this year, Brindley emerged as a star for the University of Michigan and really altered his projection as a potential top six forward.

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

The dynamic American winger worked hard to fine tune components of his game in Sudbury this year and deserves a bump for improving his consistency.

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

Nyman emerged as one of the top goal scorers in Finland this season as a U20 player. This, combined with his strong WJC performance, has helped push him up our board north.

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

Mailloux proved to be way more refined at the AHL level than previously perceived. Simply put, he was one of the best defensive prospects in the AHL this year.

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

What a terrific story to the end of the Coyotes franchise. Doan emerged as a potential star this season and finished the year strong in the NHL, scoring in his debut.

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

We still don’t understand how Heidt fell as far as he did in the 2023 draft, however he is proving NHL scouts wrong thus far after a remarkable year with Prince George.

Ville Koivunen (165 to 71) – Pittsburgh Penguins

The main piece of the Jake Guentzel to Carolina deal, Koivunen emerged as one of the top players in Liiga this year.

Ethan Del Mastro (169 to 73) – Chicago Blackhawks

There was little doubt that Del Mastro’s strong defensive ability would translate to the AHL level well, but he continues to improve offensively and that has altered his projection.

Theo Lindstein (185 to 91) – St. Louis Blues

Lindstein’s strong year for Brynas has helped to elevate his upside as a two-way defender. We may have ranked him too low in our 2023 Draft Rankings.

Carson Rehkopf (201 to 69) – Seattle Kraken

Consistency off the puck and a lack of engagement held Rehkopf back last year. This year marked improvement in those areas helped him emerge as a top offensive talent in the OHL.

Easton Cowan (204 to 67) – Toronto Maple Leafs

One of the surprises of the 2023 draft, Cowan set a new OHL record with a 42-game point streak. More than just a high energy guy now, he can be a difference maker offensively.

Seamus Casey (214 to 63) – New Jersey Devils

Casey continues to improve in the NCAA. He may not have elite size, but he has everything else, and it has the Devils excited about his future.

Jacob Fowler (222 to 52) – Montreal Canadiens

Fowler compiled a list of accolades as a freshman this year at Boston College, emerging as one of the top goaltending prospects in the game.

Fraser Minten (226 to 84) – Toronto Maple Leafs

After starting the year with the Leafs, Minten returned to the WHL and ended up captaining Canada at the World Juniors.

Jackson Blake (277 to 117) – Carolina Hurricanes

A finalist for the Hobey Baker this year, Blake became an NCAA star for North Dakota, and he now turns pro.

Erik Portillo (Unranked to 118) – Los Angeles Kings

Acquired by the Kings, Portillo turned pro after three years at Michigan and he was one of the best goaltenders in the AHL as a first-year pro.

Rodwin Dionicio (Unranked to 139) – Anaheim Ducks

Dionicio still plays a high risk, high reward game from the back end, but his offensive upside has become too large to ignore.

Fallers

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

Xavier Bourgault (from 48 to 113) – Edmonton Oilers

After a mediocre first professional year last season, Bourgault was even more disappointing as a sophomore with Bakersfield. The Oilers just haven’t been developing prospects well in recent years.

Eduard Sale (72 to 140) – Seattle Kraken

Sale’s first year in North America did not go according to plan as he struggled to be a consistent impact player in the OHL.

Jack Rathbone (96 to not ranked) – Pittsburgh Penguins

Perhaps we ranked Rathbone too aggressively this summer, but not only did he fail to earn a spot on Vancouver, but he’s now an NHL after thought after entering Pittsburgh’s organization via trade.

Jacob Perreault (127 to not ranked) – Montreal Canadiens

Perreault’s off puck play and skating just haven’t improved to the point where he can be a consistent pro and it caused the Ducks to move on from him, trading him to Montreal.

Jan Jenik (156 to not ranked) - Utah

Once a highly ranked prospect, Jenik continues to fall. He just hasn’t been able to take that next step and even passed through waivers this year unclaimed.

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17

2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 200 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 25 May 2024 17:02:31 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first is following the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft.

Subscribers can link to the listing here

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17
31	Brad Lambert	Wpg	C	20	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	64	21	34	55	38
32	Ivan Miroshnichenko	Wsh	LW	20	6-1/185	Washington (NHL)	21	2	4	6	6
33	Axel Sandin Pellikka	Det	D	19	5-11/180	Skelleftea (SHL)	39	10	8	18	17
34	Bradly Nadeau	Car	LW	18	5-10/165	Maine (HE)	37	19	27	46	12
35	Joshua Roy	Mtl	RW	20	6-0/190	Montreal (NHL)	23	4	5	9	0
36	Denton Mateychuk	CBJ	D	19	5-11/190	Moose Jaw (WHL)	52	17	58	75	31
37	Brayden Yager	Pit	C	19	5-11/165	Moose Jaw (WHL)	57	35	60	95	20
38	Calum Ritchie	Col	C	19	6-2/185	Oshawa (OHL)	50	28	52	80	20
39	Joakim Kemell	Nsh	RW	20	5-10/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	67	16	25	41	23
40	Colby Barlow	Wpg	LW	19	6-0/195	Owen Sound (OHL)	50	40	18	58	27
41	Jimmy Snuggerud	StL	RW	19	6-1/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	21	13	34	42
42	Matthew Coronato	Cgy	RW	21	5-10/183	Calgary (NHL)	34	3	6	9	4
43	Frank Nazar	Chi	C	20	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	41	17	24	41	18
44	Riley Heidt	Min	C	19	5-10/180	Prince George (WHL)	66	37	80	117	42
45	Logan Mailloux	Mtl	D	21	6-3/215	Laval (AHL)	72	14	33	47	91
46	Sebastian Cossa	Det	G	21	6-6/229	Grand Rapids (AHL)	40	22	9	2.41	0.913
47	Jagger Firkus	Sea	RW	20	5-10/155	Moose Jaw (WHL)	63	61	65	126	30
48	Mikhail Gulyayev	Col	D	19	5-11/170	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	64	4	8	12	8
49	Scott Morrow	Car	D	21	6-2/195	Massachusetts (HE)	37	6	24	30	25
50	Matthew Wood	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/195	Connecticut (HE)	35	16	12	28	43
51	Quentin Musty	SJ	LW	18	6-2/200	Sudbury (OHL)	53	43	59	102	72
52	Jacob Fowler	Mtl	G	19	6-1/215	Boston College (HE)	39	32	6	2.14	0.926
53	Fabian Lysell	Bos	RW	21	5-11/181	Providence (AHL)	56	15	35	50	37
54	Shakir Mukhamadullin	SJ	D	22	6-3/180	San Jose (AHL)	55	7	27	34	24
55	Josh Doan	Ari	RW	22	6-1/183	Arizona (NHL)	11	5	4	9	0
56	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	22	5-9/180	San Jose (NHL)	27	6	5	11	18
57	Lian Bichsel	Dal	D	19	6-6/233	Rogle (SHL)	29	2	2	4	28
58	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	24	5-10/180	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	42	11	24	35	30
59	Aatu Raty	Van	C	21	6-2/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	72	18	34	52	18
60	Oliver Moore	Chi	C	19	5-11/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	9	24	33	8
61	Samuel Honzek	Cgy	LW	19	6-4/186	Vancouver (WHL)	33	10	21	31	18
62	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	23	5-9/170	Calgary (NHL)	13	1	2	3	2
63	Seamus Casey	NJ	D	20	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	7	38	45	14
64	Tristan Luneau	Ana	D	20	6-1/195	Anaheim (NHL)	7	1	2	3	4
65	Chaz Lucius	Wpg	C	20	6-1/185	Manitoba (AHL)	17	2	11	13	6
66	Gavin Brindley	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	25	28	53	28
67	Easton Cowan	Tor	RW	18	5-10/170	London (OHL)	54	34	62	96	64
68	Zachary L'Heureux	Nsh	LW	20	5-11/195	Milwaukee (AHL)	66	19	29	48	197
69	Carson Rehkopf	Sea	LW	19	6-1/195	Kitchener (OHL)	60	52	43	95	45
70	Filip Bystedt	SJ	C	20	6-4/205	Linkopings (SHL)	47	8	9	17	2
71	Ville Koivunen	Pit	LW	20	6-0/175	Karpat (Fin-Liiga)	59	22	34	56	26
72	Noah Ostlund	Buf	C	20	5-11/163	Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)	38	12	11	23	4
73	Ethan Del Mastro	Chi	D	21	6-4/210	Rockford (AHL)	69	7	30	37	54
74	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	22	5-10/180	Henderson (AHL)	58	4	16	20	33
75	Liam Ohgren	Min	LW	20	6-1/200	Farjestads (SHL)	26	12	7	19	12
76	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	21	5-11/175	Minnesota (NHL)	16	1	3	4	6
77	Mackie Samoskevich	Fla	RW	21	5-11/190	Charlotte (AHL)	62	22	32	54	24
78	Stanislav Svozil	CBJ	D	21	6-1/180	Cleveland (AHL)	57	5	18	23	24
79	Zachary Bolduc	StL	LW	21	6-1/175	St. Louis (NHL)	25	5	4	9	6
80	Rutger McGroarty	Wpg	LW	20	6-1/200	Michigan (B1G)	36	16	36	52	6
81	Jani Nyman	Sea	RW	19	6-3/215	Ilves (Fin-Liiga)	48	26	17	43	2
82	Andrew Cristall	Wsh	LW	19	5-9/165	Kelowna (WHL)	62	40	71	111	46
83	Oliver Bonk	Phi	D	19	6-2/175	London (OHL)	60	24	43	67	32
84	Fraser Minten	Tor	C	19	6-1/185	Kam-Sas (WHL)	43	22	26	48	25
85	Tanner Molendyk	Nsh	D	19	5-11/185	Saskatoon (WHL)	50	10	46	56	18
86	David Goyette	Sea	C	20	5-10/175	Sudbury (OHL)	68	40	77	117	29
87	David Edstrom	SJ	C	19	6-3/185	Frolunda (SHL)	44	7	12	19	8
88	Anton Wahlberg	Buf	C	18	6-3/194	Malmo (SHL)	43	5	5	10	4
89	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	22	5-9/185	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	61	5	27	32	66
90	Trey Augustine	Det	G	19	6-1/185	Michigan State (B1G)	35	23	9	2.96	0.915
91	Theo Lindstein	StL	D	19	6-0/180	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	49	4	11	15	4
92	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	23	6-7/195	Belleville (AHL)	32	18	9	2.45	0.916
93	Isak Rosen	Buf	RW	21	6-0/175	Rochester (AHL)	67	20	30	50	12
94	Maveric Lamoureux	Ari	D	20	6-7/214	Drummondville (QMJHL)	39	9	24	33	53
95	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	21	6-2/180	Rockford (AHL)	38	18	16	2.65	0.906
96	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	23	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	41	10	17	27	24
97	Carter Mazur	Det	LW	22	6-0/170	Grand Rapids (AHL)	60	17	20	37	48
98	Otto Stenberg	StL	C	18	5-11/180	Frolunda (SHL)	31	3	3	6	8
99	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	LW	23	6-3/205	Milwaukee (AHL)	56	27	27	54	60
100	Nikita Chibrikov	Wpg	RW	21	5-10/170	Manitoba (AHL)	70	17	30	47	53
101	Zach Dean	StL	C	21	6-0/175	Springfield (AHL)	49	9	5	14	24
102	William Dufour	NYI	RW	22	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	55	15	10	25	35
103	Sam Rinzel	Chi	D	19	6-4/180	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	26	28	20
104	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	22	6-2/185	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	45	25	12	2.16	0.921
105	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	23	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	50	19	19	38	8
106	Corson Ceulemans	CBJ	D	20	6-2/200	Cleveland (AHL)	47	3	9	12	12
107	Michael Hrabal	Ari	G	19	6-6/209	Massachusetts (HE)	30	16	12	2.59	0.912
108	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	22	5-11/180	Vegas (NHL)	15	2	6	8	2
109	Owen Pickering	Pit	D	20	6-4/180	Swift Current (WHL)	59	7	39	46	35
110	Owen Beck	Mtl	C	20	5-11/185	Pbo-Sag (OHL)	57	34	47	81	18
111	William Wallinder	Det	D	21	6-4/190	Grand Rapids (AHL)	65	3	12	15	10
112	Xavier Bourgault	Edm	C	21	6-0/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	55	8	12	20	24
113	Jordan Dumais	CBJ	RW	20	5-8/165	Halifax (QMJHL)	21	16	31	47	6
114	Aleksi Heimosalmi	Car	D	20	5-11/170	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	47	2	14	16	12
115	Brandon Bussi	Bos	G	25	6-4/218	Providence (AHL)	41	23	10	2.67	0.913
116	Jackson Blake	Car	RW	20	5-10/160	North Dakota (NCHC)	40	22	38	60	26
117	Erik Portillo	LA	G	23	6-6/210	Ontario (AHL)	39	24	11	2.50	0.918
118	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	22	5-8/175	Laval (AHL)	47	9	19	28	10
119	Kasper Halttunen	SJ	RW	18	6-3/205	London (OHL)	57	32	29	61	61
120	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	22	5-11/165	Toronto (AHL)	68	8	31	39	43
121	Ethan Gauthier	TB	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	64	36	35	71	42
122	Daniil Miromanov	Cgy	D	26	6-4/200	VGK-Cgy (NHL)	24	3	4	7	8
123	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	23	5-8/155	Bridgeport (AHL)	69	18	32	50	30
124	Shai Buium	Det	D	21	6-3/210	Denver (NCHC)	43	7	29	36	14
125	Jakub Dobes	Mtl	G	22	6-3/200	Laval (AHL)	51	24	18	2.93	0.906
126	Oliver Kapanen	Mtl	C	20	6-0/170	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	51	14	20	34	32
127	Danny Nelson	NYI	C	18	6-3/200	Notre Dame (B1G)	30	9	14	23	32
128	Lenni Hameenaho	NJ	RW	19	6-0/175	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	46	14	17	31	10
129	Nick Lardis	Chi	LW	18	5-11/165	Brantford (OHL)	37	29	21	50	12
130	Ty Nelson	Sea	D	20	5-10/195	North Bay (OHL)	54	16	36	52	50
131	Isaac Howard	TB	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	36	8	28	36	10
132	Fyodor Svechkov	Nsh	C	21	6-0/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	57	16	23	39	18
133	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	21	6-1/196	Calgary (AHL)	23	3	10	13	22
134	Reid Schaefer	Nsh	LW	20	6-3/215	Milwaukee (AHL)	63	7	14	21	39
135	Zack Ostapchuk	Ott	C	20	6-3/205	Belleville (AHL)	69	17	11	28	47
136	Nathan Gaucher	Ana	C	20	6-3/207	San Diego (AHL)	72	10	15	25	68
137	Rodwin Dionicio	Ana	D	20	6-2/207	Wsr-Sag (OHL)	60	25	48	73	108
138	Eduard Sale	Sea	LW	19	6-1/170	Bar-Kit (OHL)	49	15	23	38	8
139	Danil Gushchin	SJ	RW	22	5-8/165	San Jose (AHL)	56	20	34	54	24
140	Sean Behrens	Col	D	21	5-10/175	Denver (NCHC)	44	4	27	31	53
141	Christian Kyrou	Dal	D	20	5-10/170	Texas (AHL)	57	8	15	23	22
142	Niklas Kokko	Sea	G	20	6-3/185	Pelicans (Fin-Liiga)	13	9	0	1.49	0.926
143	Vasily Ponomarev	Pit	C	22	5-10/180	Tuc-Chi-WBS (AHL)	45	9	21	30	16
144	Ryan Winterton	Sea	RW	20	6-2/190	Coachella Valley (AHL)	58	22	13	35	23
145	Dmitri Buchelnikov	Det	LW	20	5-10/165	Admiral Vladivostok (KHL)	55	13	16	29	8
146	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	Sea	C	19	6-0/165	HV 71 (SHL)	50	9	12	21	6
147	Aku Raty	Ari	RW	22	6-1/190	Tucson (AHL)	55	15	29	44	22
148	Matyas Sapovaliv	VGK	C	20	6-3/180	Saginaw (OHL)	54	19	43	62	22
149	Georgii Merkulov	Bos	C	23	5-11/175	Providence (AHL)	67	30	35	65	20
150	Topias Vilen	NJ	D	21	6-1/195	Utica (AHL)	54	2	27	29	16
151	Ryan Chesley	Wsh	D	20	6-0/200	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	6	8	19
152	Jayden Perron	Car	RW	19	5-9/165	North Dakota (NCHC)	39	11	7	18	8
153	Tristen Robins	SJ	C	22	5-10/175	San Jose (AHL)	42	7	11	18	12
154	Calle Odelius	NYI	D	19	6-0/190	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	10	0	4	4	2
155	Vincent Iorio	Wsh	D	21	6-2/190	Hershey (AHL)	60	4	10	14	30
156	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	23	6-4/215	Bakersfield (AHL)	66	28	22	50	64
157	Ronnie Attard	Phi	D	25	6-3/210	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	48	10	17	27	37
158	Niko Huuhtanen	TB	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	52	19	27	46	46
159	Carson Bjarnason	Phi	G	18	6-3/185	Brandon (WHL)	46	24	17	3.01	0.907
160	Lukas Dragicevic	Sea	D	19	6-1/190	Tri-City (WHL)	66	14	36	50	52
161	Leevi Merilainen	Ott	G	21	6-2/160	Belleville (AHL)	24	10	9	2.87	0.906
162	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	22	6-4/200	Belleville (AHL)	53	5	16	21	51
163	Hunter Brzustewicz	Cgy	D	19	5-11/185	Kitchener (OHL)	67	13	79	92	24
164	Ryan Greene	Chi	C	20	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	40	12	24	36	6
165	Damian Clara	Ana	G	19	6-6/214	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	34	25	8	2.23	0.913
166	Carson Lambos	Min	D	21	6-1/200	Iowa (AHL)	69	4	10	14	64
167	Denver Barkey	Phi	C	19	5-8/160	London (OHL)	64	35	67	102	28
168	Gage Goncalves	TB	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	69	13	45	58	43
169	Arshdeep Bains	Van	LW	23	6-0/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	59	16	39	55	28
170	Bogdan Konyushkov	Mtl	D	21	5-11/175	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	65	6	22	28	18
171	Alexei Kolosov	Phi	G	22	6-1/185	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	47	22	21	2.39	0.907
172	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	24	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	50	43	19	62	26
173	Filip Mesar	Mtl	C	20	5-9/175	Kitchener (OHL)	45	19	33	52	12
174	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	23	6-3/200	Hartford (AHL)	68	4	17	21	49
175	Adam Engstrom	Mtl	D	20	6-2/185	Rogle (SHL)	51	4	18	22	4
176	Michael Buchinger	StL	D	20	5-11/185	Guelph (OHL)	52	10	37	47	37
177	Semyon Chistyakov	Nsh	D	22	5-11/180	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	59	4	20	24	16
178	John Farinacci	Bos	C	23	5-11/197	Providence (AHL)	71	12	26	38	16
179	Angus Crookshank	Ott	LW	24	5-10/180	Belleville (AHL)	50	24	22	46	60
180	Yegor Sidorov	Ana	RW	19	6-0/180	Saskatoon (WHL)	66	50	38	88	66
181	Samu Tuomaala	Phi	RW	21	5-10/175	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	69	15	28	43	12
182	Logan Morrison	Sea	C	21	6-0/180	Coachella Valley (AHL)	64	16	25	41	4
183	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	21	5-11/175	Colorado (AHL)	26	4	10	14	18
184	Adam Gajan	Chi	G	19	6-3/167	Green Bay (USHL)	43	23	12	3.35	0.893
185	Nolan Allan	Chi	D	21	6-2/195	Rockford (AHL)	60	5	12	17	47
186	Oskar Olausson	Col	RW	21	6-1/180	Colorado (AHL)	39	11	9	20	24
187	Samuel Poulin	Pit	C	23	6-1/205	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	41	16	15	31	35
188	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	21	5-9/165	Hartford (AHL)	71	25	23	48	62
189	Colton Dach	Chi	C	21	6-4/205	Rockford (AHL)	48	11	15	26	39
190	Jack Thompson	SJ	D	22	6-0/180	Syr-SJ (AHL)	62	6	35	41	16
191	Riley Kidney	Mtl	C	21	5-11/170	Laval (AHL)	65	7	13	20	41
192	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	21	6-3/195	Belleville (AHL)	22	9	11	20	22
193	Carey Terrance	Ana	C	18	6-1/175	Erie (OHL)	56	29	23	52	25
194	Luca Del Bel Belluz	CBJ	C	20	6-1/185	Cleveland (AHL)	58	9	22	31	12
195	Luca Pinelli	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Ottawa (OHL)	68	48	34	82	44
196	Francesco Pinelli	LA	C	21	6-1/185	Ontario (AHL)	67	13	7	20	24
197	Elias Salomonsson	Wpg	D	19	6-1/185	Skelleftea (SHL)	31	2	9	11	58
198	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	21	6-2/205	Western Michigan (NCHC)	38	24	19	43	23
199	Sasha Pastujov	Ana	RW	20	6-0/185	San Diego (AHL)	46	10	13	23	14
200	Andrew Gibson	Det	D	19	6-3/195	Saul St. Marie (OHL)	68	12	32	44	58

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #29 – Colorado Avalanche

Derek Neuemeier — Fri, 12 May 2023 17:15:38 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 29^th

A Stanley Cup in the books, with an elite core at the beginning of their prime in MacKinnon, Makar and Rantanen, who all rate among the very best at their position. Their quest to repeat was derailed by injuries and a surprising Seattle team in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. They have graduated three first rounders from 2018 (Martin Kaut, 16th) and 2019 (Bowen Byram, 4^th and Alex Newhook, 16^th) and traded another in Justin Barron for Artturi Lehkonen, who was a useful piece of the Stanley Cup puzzle. They have done a good job of development, but the pipeline is not deep at this point. Surpising Nikolai Kovalenko had a tremendous year but remains in Russia. Jean Luc-Foudy has exceeded expectations nicely as a third-round pick and may be close to the NHL in the next two years.

The Avalanche still retain their first-round picks for the upcoming three seasons, but that is likely to change. Captain Gabriel Landeskog is slated to miss all of next season, along with some other glaring holes that remained unfulfilled by last season departing free agents, most notably Nazem Kadiri. The hope had been that Alex Newhook would be able to step into the second line role, but he struggled to carry that load. It is unlikely the Avalanche will risk that chance again and look for them to be active with the resources they have. By the time they picked in 2022, it was in the sixth round. They only have four picks for 2023, so you can count on a similar scenario.

Sean Behrens

Nikolai Kovalenko

The son of former NHLer Andrei Kovalenko, Nikolai took a massive leap forward this season in the KHL. Joining his third different team in three years, which could have gone poorly, turned out to be exactly what the doctor ordered, as his scoring totals exploded with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. He had the highest point-per-game total among all KHL players under the age of 25 and was the top scorer on his team. With his NHL bloodlines and being a two-time MHL champion, the foundation was always there for him to break out as a pro, but this much success was a surprise. He loves to have the puck on his stick and lead play driving, and repeatedly attacks the opposing net with pace and purpose. He should be ready for a role with Colorado whenever he decides that he wants to cross the pond.

2. Jean-Luc Foudy

Foudy has always had elite speed, and he is a fascinating case study for how far a prospect can go when they have that one defining trait in particular. It took him some time to really understand how to translate that dangerous tool into actual scoring results and not just wasted energy, but he seems to have figured it out now, producing at nearly a point-per-game clip this year. His hands and vision have notably caught up a lot with his feet, which not only help him do more actual damage when he creates separation space for himself, they also allow him to have more of an impact when the play has to slow down, especially on the powerplay. He'll be a full-time NHLer soon enough, and it's scary to think of how well he could mesh with the likes of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

3. Sean Behrens

If Behrens were a little bigger he would have gone a lot higher than 61^st overall in the 2021 draft. You'd be hard-pressed to find a single scout who has seen him who wouldn't make time for him and how he plays, but the question has always been around how likely it is that he can become an impact player in the NHL. Defensemen his age don't get much more smart or competitive, he never seems to back down from a challenge, and the brighter the spotlight, the better he plays (see: Denver's 2022 NCAA championship). He competes hard in all three zones and rarely makes any mistakes. The lack of size, the lack of high-end skating, and the lack of true offensive pop make him a little hard to project at the sport's highest level, however, underestimate him at your own peril.

4. Oskar Olausson

There's no denying that Olausson has talent, but the actual results of his play have been quite inconsistent since his draft year. Feed him the puck in the offensive zone and give him enough time and space and there's a good chance he'll make the other team pay, primarily through the hard, accurate release of his wrist shots and one-timers. Unfortunately, he runs into troubles creating scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates, and his-off puck play leaves a lot to be desired. Puck watching and low pace are two bad habits that have persisted for a while and still need to be corrected. In fairness, he has played in six different leagues spread across three different countries over the past three seasons, which surely made it harder to really get his game to the highest level that it could be at right now.

5. Justus Annunen

As much of a built-in advantage that large goalies can have when it comes to naturally taking up a lot of the net, the challenge is supplementing that size with enough corresponding quickness, athleticism, flexibility and reflexes. That's the challenge that Annunen has been trying to overcome ever since his draft year, and while progress has undeniably been made, there is still a lot of work left to do. He relies on a pretty straightforward blocking style of goaltending, keeping focused on what's happening in front of him, trying to stay square to shooters, and letting his butterfly do the work. However, if teams can get him moving around in the crease, they can open him up, and they figure that out quickly. Colorado is thin for prospect goaltending depth, so Annunen will keep getting starts in the AHL to see how much progress he can make.

6. Ben Meyers

The Avalanche signed Meyers straight out of college in 2022, he scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game, and while he wasn't actually eligible to play for Colorado during their Stanley Cup championship run it must have been both a surreal and valuable experience being around that team. Now in his first full year as a pro he is firmly a part of their attempt at a repeat. He is a sharp-minded forward who never takes a shift off and works hard for every inch of his ice. While he doesn't generate a lot of offense or really excel in a defensive role, a coach can send him over the boards with a lot of trust. The hope is that Meyers can elevate his game to the kind of high level it reached at the end of his time in the NCAA.

7. Sampo Ranta

Ranta now has 18 total NHL games under his belt between the regular season and the playoffs but is still searching for his first career point at that level. Colorado probably isn't too concerned about that, though, and will likely keep giving him looks because he has produced offense at lower levels and has a combination of attributes that should lead to further results. He has long, strong skating strides that can create separation moving north or south, he can use his frame and reach to fend off opponents and possesses some finishing touch. That, really, is his game in a nutshell, and he hasn't diversified it much or added layers to it, even going back as far as his draft year. He knows what he is and sticks to what he knows, which can be both a good and a bad thing at times.

8. Ryan Merkley

The enigmatic Merkley struggled to live up to his potential while he was a member of the Sharks organization, and requested a trade just four and a half years after San Jose used a 1st-round pick on him. The good news is that his wish was granted. The bad news is that he is struggling just as much as he did before, if not moreso. He was drafted in the 1^st round in 2018 because of his superb offensive vision, puck skill, playmaking and shot, despite red flags with his discipline and defending. To succeed he always needed his pros to shine enough to outweigh his cons, but ever since turning pro that hasn't happened. His skills aren't translating. The clock is ticking, and Merkley is running out of time to figure these problems out find a way to prove that he belongs in the NHL.

9. Alex Beaucage

Beaucage has been pretty quiet in his two years since turning pro, but there were times in the QMJHL where he was able to really elevate his game and sometimes even looked like one of the best players in the league, so the Avalanche are hoping that he will be able to figure out how to reach those kinds of levels again. He is a toolsy winger with size, though his goal-scoring really stands out as his biggest asset. His shot can be outright terrifying and unstoppable on occasion. The challenge for him now is fully understanding the difference between scoring goals at the two different levels, as he has less time and space to work with now and can't shrug off opposing defenders as easily as before. Utilizing his size better would also be a welcome change. Beaucage is a prospect worth being patient for.

10. Colby Ambrosio

Ambrosio led his USHL team in goals and points in his draft year as a 17-year-old and was a dynamic force, so it's a bit of a mystery as to why he hasn't been able to find a similar level of effectiveness yet after three years at Boston College. He's a quick player, but not necessarily a fast one, and that distinction is important. He can use his quickness to capitalize on small windows of opportunity created by lucky bounces or small mistakes, but he isn't really adept at creating opportunities at this level. And if he can't do it in the NCAA, how will he be able to do it in the NHL? As easy as it is to commend Ambrosio's high pace and work rate, those attributions can only do so much when a player has a natural size disadvantage.

MCKEENS 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – Risers and fallers over the 22-23 season

Brock Otten — Thu, 11 May 2023 23:14:11 +0000

The last time we ranked the NHL’s top prospects was late in the summer when we published our annual Yearbook. A lot can change in a year and as such there were several significant movers and shakers in our latest rankings for this prospect guide. Here are fifteen of the biggest risers and five of the largest fallers.

You can find our most recent ranking here.

Risers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 27: Minnesota Gophers forward Jimmy Snuggerud (81) celebrates a goal during the college hockey game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Minnesota Gophers on January 27th, 2022, at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire)

Jimmy Snuggerud (94 to 19) - St. Louis Blues

When Snuggerud was the 23rd overall pick at last year’s draft, many were fans of his game, but there were certainly concerns that his success as part of the NTDP could be attributed to the stars he was playing with. However, early returns on this selection by St. Louis are fantastic as Snuggerud was one of the top performing freshmen in the NCAA this year with Minnesota and starred for Team USA at the WJC’s, where he helped them capture a bronze medal. Snuggerud continues to improve his skating and play with the puck, and it has improved his odds of being a long time top six player in the NHL.

Marco Kasper (79 to 24) - Detroit Red Wings

In our draft guide last year, we ranked Kasper 24th over concerns regarding his offensive upside, but the 8th overall pick has progressed nicely in his second SHL season, improving his offensive production, in addition to dominating physically at times. While there is a chance that Kasper ends up as more of a middle six type, he has deservedly moved up our list because of his unique blend of power and skill.

Alexander Nikishin (130 to 27) - Carolina Hurricanes

It has been quite a development year for Nikishin as the 21-year-old defender has emerged as one of the top defenders in the KHL. He led the KHL in scoring among defensemen with 55 points. Not only was that the highest point total by a U22 defender in the history of the league, but it was also the highest point total of any player period, breaking Kirill Kaprizov’s mark from a few years ago. The bad news? Nikishin’s contract with SKA runs until 2025.

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 18: Boston University Terriers defenseman Lane Hutson (20) carries the puck during the Hockey East Championship game between the Boston University Terriers and the Merrimack College Warriors on March 18, 2023, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Lane Hutson (158 to 38) - Montreal Canadiens

Calling a player a “steal” immediately after the conclusion of the draft can be a dangerous proposition. Players often fall for a reason. In the case of Lane Hutson, everyone in the scouting community believed that the Canadiens had obtained great value from selecting him late in the second round. As a freshman for Boston University, Hutson had a historically good year, finishing with 48 points, beating Adam Fox’s total of 40 (along with top prospect Luke Hughes) to be the highest scoring U20 defender in the NCAA this millennium. Sure, he’s still undersized. Sure, there are aspects of his game that worry us slightly. But you have to respect just how impressive this past year was.

Joshus Roy (178 to 44) - Montreal Canadiens

It has been a steady rise for Roy since being drafted in the fifth round by Montreal two years ago. The former highly touted minor hockey player had a disastrous draft year that caused his fall, but his development has been terrific since. He has improved his skating and his off-puck play, allowing him to dominate the QMJHL. However, it was electrifying performance for Canada at this year’s WJC’s that really sold us of his potential.

William Wallinder (225 to 52) - Detroit Red Wings

A strong skating, two-way defender with size, Wallinder has progressed well in Sweden with Rögle, the same team that helped nurture Moritz Seider into the star that he is today. Now he appears ready to take that next step and will play in North America next year, perhaps even with the Red Wings if his training camp performance is strong enough.

Lian Bichsel (163 to 53) - Dallas Stars

While Bichsel’s offensive production failed to improve significantly in the SHL this year, his defensive game and confidence to impose himself physically definitely has. While his true NHL upside remains a slight mystery, he is starting to look the part of a future shutdown defender…at the very least.

Filip Bystedt (239 to 69) - San Jose Sharks

Bystedt was a bit of a surprise first round pick last year, but it appears that San Jose knew exactly what they were doing. Bystedt was a breakout star this year, emerging as one of the highest scoring U20 players in the SHL, in addition to performing extremely well at the WJC’s for Sweden. The big man skates extremely well and his coordination and skill are really catching up, giving him a unique upside.

Nikolai Kovalenko (285 to 76) - Colorado Avalanche

The son of former NHL’er Andrei Kovalenko, Nikolai emerged as an offensive star in the KHL this year as a 23-year-old and now looks like a potential impact player for the Avalanche. His KHL contract expires at the end of next year, so he may be close to crossing the pond. Kovalenko would be a breath of fresh air for an Avalanche team that is facing a bit of a cap crunch.

Connor Zary (266 to 79) - Calgary Flames

Last year, Zary was one of our biggest fallers after a poor showing in the AHL as a rookie, where the increased pace appeared to overwhelm him. Kudos to Zary for making the necessary adjustments because he has been much better as a sophomore and is knocking on the door of a permanent spot on the Flames. Thanks to increased pace and strength, Zary looks like a near lock to be a middle six option for years to come.

Nikita Alexandrov (222 to 81) - St. Louis Blues

The Blues have been very patient with Alexandrov, a former QMJHL standout and WJC star. This year, that patience has paid off as his improved play in the AHL has led to his first NHL action, where he did not look out of place. Alexandrov should claim a permanent spot in the NHL next year and he looks like the versatile, middle six forward we expected he could become a few years ago.

Zach Ostapchuk (218 to 91) - Ottawa Senators

The big forward and former high second round pick’s development took an extremely positive step forward this year. He set new career highs in the WHL (splitting time between Vancouver and Winnipeg) and he played a crucial checking line role for Canada at the WJC’s, capturing consecutive gold medals. Ostapchuk has everything NHL management wants from their third liners these days. He’s big. He’s physical. He has positional versatility. He’s strong in all three zones. He skates well. His skill and finishing ability are developing well. Look for him to make a run at the Senators’ roster as early as next year.

William Dufour (192 to 95) - New York Islanders

Was Dufour’s breakout last year, when he was named the QMJHL’s most valuable player, a result of a prospect truly turning a corner, or was it the result of a large, power forward, dominating younger players physically? That was the million-dollar question coming into this year. Well, the early results in the AHL suggest the former. Dufour has been one of Bridgeport’s best players this year and he has even earned a cup of coffee with New York because of it.

Reid Schaefer (267 to 98) - Nashville Predators

Now a member of the Predators after the Mattias Ekholm trade, Schaefer has progressed well with Seattle this year in the WHL, and he looks ready to start his pro journey in the AHL next season. His true offensive upside still remains a bit of a question mark, but he was the key component of that Edmonton/Nashville blockbuster for a reason. Nashville values his power forward potential.

Carter Mazur (Unranked to 99) - Detroit Red Wings

After winning a National Championship with Denver last year as a freshman, Mazur returned for his sophomore year this year and improved his goal scoring totals, pacing the Pioneers with 22 goals. Mazur is a prototypical third line winger who should be able to become an excellent role player for the Wings over the next decade, however his offensive skills are better than many give him credit for. Mazur recently signed his ELC, has turned pro, and should move quickly up the ladder in Detroit’s system.

Fallers

SAINT PAUL, MN - APRIL 29: Colorado Avalanche Left Wing Ben Meyers (59) lines up for a faceoff during the NHL game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild on April 29th, 2022, at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire)

Prokhor Poltapov (75 to 175) - Buffalo Sabres

Poltapov finally emerged as a KHL regular this season, even scoring five goals, which is not terrible for a U20 player. However, the power winger’s offensive potential is starting to look lower than many believed it would be. Playing in a deep Buffalo system, he may soon become an afterthought in Russia.

Grigori Denisenko (105 to 158) - Florida Panthers

Playing in his third North American season, Denisenko has still not become an NHL regular with Florida. In fact, his performance playing in the AHL continues to disappoint too. Denisenko is nearing waivers eligibility and that will put Florida in a difficult position, especially given his lackluster play. Will we find him in a different NHL uniform soon, ala Vitali Kravtsov?

Cayden Primeau (126 to Unranked) - Montreal Canadiens

Primeau has proved to be quite the enigma as a pro, something that has frustrated both Canadiens’ fans and management. The former Mike Richter winner has shown flashes of being one of the top goaltending prospects on the planet, however consistency has remained a major issue, even in his fourth pro year. He may still become a quality NHL goaltender, but other more promising prospects at the position have unquestionably passed him by.

Justin Sourdif (138 to Unranked) - Florida Panthers

A standout in the WHL last year, Sourdif has struggled to be a consistent offensive point producer in his first pro season. It’s way, way too early to give up on him as an NHL prospect and he is still valued within the Florida organization, but other prospects have leap frogged him at this point.

Ben Meyers (146 to Unranked) - Colorado Avalanche

The former Hobey Baker candidate and World Championship standout was a high profile signing by the Avs out of the University of Minnesota. Many expected him to make the immediate jump to the NHL this year, including us. However, Meyers has struggled in the NHL this year and as a 24-year-old, this may point to a limited ceiling, if/when he does crack the Colorado roster full time.