Noel Gunler – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #11 Carolina Hurricanes – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Derek Neumeier, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:11:21 +0000

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 19: UMASS Minutemen defenseman Scott Morrow (23) during the Hockey East Championship game between the University of Massachusetts Minutemen and the University of Connecticut Huskies on March 19, 2022 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Since coach Rod Brind’Amour was hired, shortly after Don Waddell was installed as GM, the team has been to the Conference Final twice in the last six years. They have never missed the playoffs in that time, and advanced to at least the second round in each of the last four years. An impressive record, and even more so because in that time they have built a tremendous young core, learning how to win together. They are now entering their prime. Waddell is now leaving the team and the search is on for his replacement, while Eric Tulsky fills in as interim GM. Waddell had been patient over the years. Brent Burns was added in summer of 2022, but it wasn’t really until this trade deadline that he went for it. Adding Jake Guentzel from Pittsburgh for a huge package of prospects and picks. Guentzel is a free agent, but there does seem to be a mutual desire to work something out. If that does not come to fruition, they will likely be aggressive in free agency and on the trade front.

That such a successful organization ranks 11th in the league for their prospect pool is a testament to their scouting staff and development team. They have a talent for recognizing talent in later rounds and developing them into stars. They have only picked in the first round three times in the last five years. Those picks include last year’s 30th overall pick Bradly Nadeau (ranked 34th by McKeens), and emerging superstar Seth Jarvis, just off a breakout season, capped off by an outstanding playoff. They have graduated only one of three goalies in the entire NHL in second round pick Pyotr Kotchetkov. Leading the group is McKeen’s 7th ranked prospect in 6’ 3” Alexander Nikishin, drafted in the third round in 2020, who led his team, and all defensemen, in scoring in KHL. His contract is through 2024-25 and he can make an immediate impact when he is ready to come over. Ready to make the roster as early as next season is Scott Morrow (ranked 49th), who has signed his entry level contract.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Alexander Nikishin	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	`20(69th)	67	17	39	56	39
2	Bradly Nadeau	LW	18	5-10/165	Maine (HE)	`23(30th)	37	19	27	46	12
3	Scott Morrow	D	21	6-2/195	Massachusetts (HE)	`21(40th)	37	6	24	30	25
4	Aleksi Heimosalmi	D	20	5-11/170	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	`21(44th)	47	2	14	16	12
5	Jackson Blake	RW	20	5-10/160	North Dakota (NCHC)	`21(109th)	40	22	38	60	26
6	Jayden Perron	RW	19	5-9/165	North Dakota (NCHC)	`23(94th)	39	11	7	18	8
7	Gleb Trikozov	LW	19	6-1/185	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	`22(60th)	39	11	10	21	18
8	Felix Unger Sorum	RW	18	5-11/170	Leksands (SHL)	`23(62nd)	35	3	12	15	2
9	Anttoni Honka	D	23	5-10/180	JYP (Fin-Liiga)	`19(83rd)	48	2	21	23	12
10	Ronan Seeley	D	21	6-0/175	Chicago (AHL)	`20(208th)	58	2	12	14	16
11	Domenick Fensore	D	22	5-7/155	Chicago (AHL)	`19(90th)	39	2	14	16	18
12	Noel Gunler	RW	22	6-2/180	Karpat (Fin-Liiga)	`20(41st)	24	5	3	5	6
13	Zion Nybeck	LW	21	5-8/182	AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)	`20(115th)	52	17	27	44	12
14	Simon Forsmark	D	20	6-2/195	Timra (SHL)	`22(101st)	52	6	13	19	2
15	Vladimir Grudinin	D	20	5-10/160	CSKA-Severstal (KHL)	`22(156th)	53	2	8	10	10

1. Alexander Nikishin, D, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

Not only has Nikishin emerged as one of the best defense prospects in hockey, he is also arguably the best defenseman anywhere in the world outside of the NHL, at any age. This season he was named the captain of the storied KHL franchise SKA, he ended up as that team’s leading scorer, and he had the most points out of any defensemen in the league, all of which are simply incredible for a prospect who is still just 22 years old. The way that he is able to leave a huge impact with both his skill and his physical play, in all zones and all situations, is so rare. Carolina landing him in the 3rd round, 69th overall, in 2020 is looking like one of the biggest draft steals in recent history, and they have to be licking their chops about getting him to the NHL as soon as possible.

2. Bradley Nadeau, LW, University of Maine (NCAA)

You could give Nadeau the nickname Mr. Coast-to-Coast, both for his extreme continental crisscrossing over the past few seasons, as well as for his ability to make highlight-reel plays in transition. What he accomplished this year was nothing short of incredible, entering the NCAA as an 18-year-old and then leading his team in scoring with well over a point-per-game average. However, his success unfortunately flew under the radar a bit because Maine is usually a weaker program with a lower national profile compared to other schools that are top threats most seasons. He's a shifty, multi-faceted offensive weapon, and his high-end proficiency and deception as both a shooter and playmaker make him hard to defend against. Luckily for other college teams, the Hurricanes wanted him to turn pro sooner rather than later and already got him signed to his entry-level contract.

3. Scott Morrow, D, University of Massachusetts (NCAA)

Morrow was a little bit of a risky pick for the Hurricanes at 40th overall in the 2021 draft, but he has rewarded their trust admirably in the years since, emerging as one of the best defense prospects in all of hockey. The program at UMass-Amherst turned out to be an ideal environment for his development, and after two consecutive seasons as his team’s leading scorer he signed his entry-level contract. Even more impressive, he joined Carolina’s roster immediately and made his NHL debut only a few short days after leaving college. He has sublime all-direction skating ability, crisp puck skills and a big shot from the point. There were prior concerns about his defensive play and his risky, freewheeling style, but those have mostly abated. Don’t be surprised if he never sees time in the AHL at all and starts next season with the Canes.

4. Aleksi Heimosalmi, D, Assat (Liiga)

There has never been any doubt that Heimosalmi is a highly skilled defenseman. His talents as a skater are superb, and so is his ability to control and make moves with the puck while flying around the ice at his highest gear. The difficulty, however, has involved him figuring out how to actually make the most out of his given gifts. His production this season was almost identical to what it was last year with the exact same team, and it’s never great to see stagnation in a young prospect instead of improvement. He has the physical tools to be more of a difference-maker on the scoresheet but needs to get a little more crafty and aware when it comes to dissecting opposing defensive structures. He’s already under contract for a few more years, so Carolina has plenty of time to help his offense come along.

5. Jackson Blake, RW, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

Yet another recent alumni from the vaunted Chicago Steel prospect factory, Blake played like a man possessed this year for North Dakota. He was one of the top offensive producers in all of college hockey, and scored a staggering 31 more points than his nearest teammate, which goes to show just how integral he was for his squad. His efforts also made him a finalist for the Hobey Baker award, and rightfully so, though he did lose to the fully deserving wunderkind Macklin Celebrini. His dad, former NHLer Jason Blake, overcame his short stature with outsized perseverance, craftiness and work ethic, and the apple didn't fall far from the tree here. He’ll get a good, long look from the Hurricanes in training camp in the fall to see if he's ready for full-time NHL duty, but some duty in the AHL instead shouldn’t slow down his current rate of progression.

6. Jayden Perron, RW, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

Perron didn't necessarily have a seamless transition to the NCAA this season while following the same path as Blake, going from the star-studded Steel in the USHL to a more blue collar North Dakota group. The good news is that things eventually start to come together for him. That was fully expected, too, considering how great his hockey IQ and drive to improve are. He still likes to play bigger than his size and is already showing a proficiency for getting back into high danger scoring areas against the bigger and older opponents he is now facing. He'll likely still need a few more years in college before he's ready for the pro leagues, but that will provide him plenty of time to keep adapting his offensive tools and add other elements to his game, which will both be essential for bolstering his chances of becoming an NHLer.

7. Gleb Trikozov, LW, Omskie Krylia (VHL)

Trikozov is an electrifying, winger forward who has consistently produced points over the past few seasons in Russia, in spite of regular shuttling up and down levels, albeit within the same parent organization. He has as deep of a bag of puck tricks as any other forward prospect out there, and always relishes beating enemy defenders one-on-one in dramatic fashion. And if that wasn’t enough, he can absolutely bury shots, including when others feed him for the one-timer. There are questions about how his loose playing style and tendency to try doing everything himself will translate to the NHL or just how well he can play within greater structure, and his defensive commitment often isn’t where it needs to be. However, Carolina just signed him to an entry-level contract this spring, so they’re willing to see how everything unfolds, which is the right call for such an inherently talented prospect.

8. Felix Unger Sorum, RW, Leksands IF (SHL)

Unger Sorum is a highly entertaining player to watch because he's so slippery and elusive out on the ice. He loves to attack east-west in the neutral and offensive zones and slants heavily towards passing instead of shooting, and despite that book on him already being well known by now it doesn't make it much easier for opponents to actually stop him, because he's just that effective in the way that he plays. There are undoubtedly still some major adjustments that he will need to make before being NHL-ready, especially the extra strength and sturdiness needed to bounce off of checks on the smaller North American ice, but there’s no rush for that to happen, and his seamless transition from the J20 to the SHL this year for Leksand is a great sign for his ability to adjust to new challenges.

9. Anttoni Honka, D, JYP (Liiga)

Honka crossed the pond to North America for all of last season but then returned home to Jyväskylä for 2023-24 because of Carolina's lack of an AHL affiliate. Those globe-trotting circumstances don't appear to be doing him any favors, as his development seems to have stalled as of late. That's a worrying sign for various reasons, including the fact that something very similar happened to his brother, Julius, a former high draft pick of the Dallas Stars who is an almost identical style of blueliner and fell out of the NHL much sooner than expected. It's not easy to make a living as an undersized puck-moving defenseman, and Honka needs to soon demonstrate an elite proficiency in the role that he plays, because only the best of the very best are able to survive. Time is running out for him quickly.

10. Ronan Seeley, D, Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Seeley is one of the few Hurricanes prospects who stuck around with the Chicago Wolves after the minor league organization severed ties with their former NHL affiliate, and he seemed to be especially affected by the troubled and unusual circumstances, seemingly taking a step backwards in his development. Once a steady, trustworthy and well-rounded defender, he now looks like a shell of his former self. Just how much of that is his situation, and how much is an individual struggle to elevate his play to the AHL level? That jump is a steep one to make, even for former top defenders in junior leagues, and many never make it. He has one year left on his ELC with Carolina to figure everything out, but he'll need to solidify his professional identity and reaffirm what kind of value he could provide for the franchise long-term.

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).

NHL: BELL – Scout’s Notebook – Midseason Stock Watch on 10 Prospects

Josh Bell — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:28:09 +0000

HV71s Oscar Fisker Molgaard
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN /

We’re past the midpoint of the 2023-24 hockey season, with eyes already starting to look towards playoffs or in the case of some NHL teams - the NHL Draft.

Reaching this point in the campaign provides an excellent sample size to analyze which players are meeting expectations or which aren’t taking the steps forward that were hoped. There’s enough hockey left to be played that players' trajectories can still shift, but in all likelihood, the path they’re on at this point is how their season will be remembered.

I looked at prospects across the globe and highlighted 10 that have either raised their stock so far this season or have seen their stock fall. By no means is this a comprehensive list, but simply 10 that have stood out to me enough versus pre-season expectations - positively or negatively.

Stock Down: Xavier Bourgault, Bakersfield Condors, AHL (Edmonton Oilers)

Xavier Bourgault entered the AHL last season as a rookie and truly impressed, fitting in extremely well with the Bakersfield Condors. The Edmonton Oilers top prospect put up respectable numbers in his first year and all signs pointed to 2024-25 being another step in the right direction. That hasn’t been the case. Bourgault is on pace to fall below his stat totals in goals and assists this season, despite looking to play 10 extra games.

Drafted 22nd overall in 2021, there was hope from the Oilers that he would become an offensive threat in the NHL. Looking at where his points are coming from right now though, he may fall into a special-teams role in the long term. His ability to produce (especially to score) at even strength has taken a step backward if anything. There’s still potential here but right now, Bourgault is looking like a bottom-six, complementary player.

Stock Up: Oscar Fisker Molgaard, HV71, SHL (Seattle Kraken)

In his sophomore season in the SHL, Oscar Fisker Molgaard seems to be getting more comfortable with every game played. And it’s starting to show. The 52nd selection of the Seattle Kraken in the 2023 NHL Draft, Fisker Molgaard returned to HV71 this season and has seen his time on ice slowly increase throughout. After helping Team Denmark to a World Juniors (D1A) Bronze Medal, he’s back in the SHL and on fire, with points in 10 of his last 14 games.

To make this even more impressive, he’s doing it playing as a centre. Most 18-year-olds in the SHL would be slid to the wing to play with a more veteran pivot. Not Fisker Molgaard, whose intelligence and improving playmaking have been making him look like a potential middle-six centreman in the NHL. What’s more impressive is that he’s likely to continue to get better. He currently weighs in at 168 pounds. How will he play with another 10-15 pounds? Could this be a potential 2C? This is very much a player to continue to keep an eye on as he develops.

Stock Up: Nikita Grebyonkin, Metallurg Magnitogors, KHL (Toronto Maple Leafs)

He may not have heard his name until 135th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, but Nikita Grebyonkin is not looking like a fifth-round pick right now. After being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Russian forward returned to play in the KHL, leading all rookies in points (26) and earning the honour of the league’s Best Rookie Award. Now in his sophomore season, he’s looking even stronger, getting regular minutes on the power play and playing a more complete game.

The competitiveness that the young forward brings stands out in both ends of the ice. His shot looks better, in both his power and his accuracy, which has led to him being on pace to double his goal total from a year ago. This is all while playing LESS on average this season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk than he did a year ago with Amur Khabarovsk. Grebyonkin will be an interesting name to keep an eye on in the coming months, as his KHL deal is over at the end of this season. Will the Maple Leafs be able to bring him to North America?

Stock Down: Noel Gunler, Karpat, Liiga (Carolina Hurricanes)

It wasn’t that long ago that public discussions about Noel Gunler were around whether or not he should be ranked in the top 10 of the 2020 NHL Draft. He ended up hearing his name called 41st by the Carolina Hurricanes, sliding out of the first round likely due to some off-ice issues that were discussed. Either way, the thought was maybe they got a steal. Since being drafted though, Gunler hasn’t developed into that player that many hoped. He did even head overseas to play in the AHL for the 2022-23 season but ultimately headed back to Europe this season.

Now playing in the Liiga with Karpat (he was in the SHL before his year with the Chicago Wolves), Gunler hasn’t been able to settle in, collecting just eight points in 24 games, including five goals. Not great for a player who is known for his goal-scoring. Now adding to this, Gunler hasn’t played since January 10th, due to a transfer dispute between the Malmo Redhawks and Karpat. So it seems unlikely that he’ll be able to bounce back at this point. Gunler’s future is in question at this point, and whether he’s still on a path to being an NHLer is up for debate.

Stock Up: Niko Huuhtanen, Jukurit, Liiga (Tampa Bay Lightning)

When you get into the later rounds of the NHL Draft, you’re really just crossing your fingers that you’re selecting a future NHLer. You bet on a trait or traits that your scouting department has put high value on (skill, physicality, size, etc.), and hope for the best. In the 2021 NHL Draft, with the final selection, the Tampa Bay Lighting were likely doing just that when they called Niko Huuhtanen’s name 224th overall. The next season, he led the WHL in goals for a rookie (37). In 2022-23? He led the Liiga in goals AND points from a rookie, earning Rookie of the Year honours. And now - he’s looking even better.

The Finn has truly taken steps forward in each season, and that has continued this year in the Liiga with Jukurit. He’s on pace to nearly double his output from his rookie year, largely thanks to his tremendous improvement in his playmaking. He’s very much a goal scorer, but his vision and ability to distribute the puck have stood out this season. With his contract up at the end of the season, perhaps a move to the AHL is next for Huuhtanen.

Stock Down: Danila Klimovich, Abbotsford Canucks, AHL (Vancouver Canucks)

The Vancouver Canucks made a fairly bold choice drafting Danila Klimovich 41st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. After all, it’s not often that a player gets drafted playing in Belarus. But the young prospect had done enough to show the Canucks’ brass that he was their guy. He immediately came overseas for the 2021-22 season and then took a noticeable step forward in 2022-23. All signs were positive.

This season though, has been a different story. He’s been in and out of the lineup, often scratched but there have also been some injuries along the way. His point totals are way down, across the board with just four points in 17 games, a long stretch from the 29 last season or even the 18 the year prior. There are aspects of his game to love, like his pace and creativity, but the rest of his game is falling behind. If he’s going to become an NHL regular, he’ll need to show some positive steps soon.

Stock Up: Robert Orr, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL (Carolina Hurricanes)

When the Carolina Hurricanes drafted the next Bobby Orr 136th overall in 2021, they were drafting a never-give-up prospect that plays a hard-nosed game. He was a younger player in the class, with a September 1st birthdate. Well, it looks like his development may be catching up. He’s among the QMJHL leaders in points this season with 63 in just 47 games, already setting a career-high in the league.

Orr was traded to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan last season and seems to have settled in this year. He’s been playing with a tremendous amount of confidence and is already looking like a player destined for the NHL. I was high on him in his draft year, and it’s excellent to see him coming into his own. It’s important to note that he’s now an older player in the league, so this level of play is expected of him, but it’s fantastic to see him taking those steps. Look for him to jump to the AHL next season.

Carson Rehkopfi of the Kitchener Rangers. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Stock Up: Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers, OHL (Seattle Kraken)

I’ve already covered Carson Rehkopf’s tremendous season in a previous article, but he’s very much worth the mention here as well. The Kitchener Ranger star forward has exploded offensively this season, currently sitting second in the league in goals (37) and eighth in points per game (1.57). His play this season even earned him a spot on Team Canada for the World Juniors, where he stayed hot with four points in five games.

Rehkopf’s ability to score goals might just be enough to carry him all the way to the NHL. That’s always been a staple of his game and while it’s gotten better this year, so has the rest of his game, elevating him to another level in the OHL. He’s showing the potential to be a top-six winger for the Kraken down the line, an excellent projection for the 50th overall pick in 2023.

Stock Down: David Reinbacher, Kloten, NL (Montreal Canadiens)

When the Montreal Canadiens shocked and drafted Austrian defender David Reinbacher fifth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, they put some lofty expectations on the defender. He was coming off an outstanding year, earning NL honours as Youngster (Rookie) of the Year, standing out at the World Juniors, and even earning a spot in the World Championships for Team Austria. To cap it off by being drafted fifth overall in a tough market, expectations skyrocketed for the young player.

Unfortunately, things haven’t gone as hoped for Reinbacher. Back in Switzerland with EHC Kloten, he’s struggled to match his rookie-year output. Part of this may be due to an injury he had to start the year, and he hasn’t exactly seemed 100% healthy. Looking at his game, it’s obvious that there are still strides needed in his development to become a potential top-four defender in the NHL. He has a lot of tools to like, such as his mobility and confidence defensively, but that two-way ability seems to have stalled. Still, I expect him to move to the AHL next season, where at least one full year would be helpful to his game.

Stock Up: Massimo Rizzo, University of Denver, NCAA (Philadelphia Flyers)

The last highlighted prospect, Massimo Rizzo has been dominating the NCAA this season with the University of Denver. He currently leads the entire nation in points with 44 in just 28 games. Drafted way back in 2019 and way down at 216th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes, this is outstanding progression for the young forward. For his efforts, he’s been nominated for the 2024 Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player.

As well, Rizzo earned a sport with Team Canada this season, playing in the Spengler Cup in Switzerland, where he looked extremely comfortable playing against men. The Philadelphia Flyers acquired Rizzo in the offseason along with a 2025 fifth-round pick for the rights to David Kase, a deal that’s already looking excellent for the Flyers. Rizzo’s rights expire in August 2025, so you can bet that the Flyers will be looking to lock him up prior to that.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – CAROLINA HURRICANES – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #15

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 18:10:16 +0000

SUNRISE, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Jamieson Rees #81 of the Carolina Hurricanes skating during the game between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, FL on September 29, 2022. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire)

Top 20 Carolina Hurricanes Prospects

1. Alexander Nikishin - D

There might not be a hotter prospect right now than Nikishin. Drafted 69th overall in 2020, the defender was coming off of his first season in the KHL, playing a solid defensive game with some flashes of two-way potential. That became the expectation for Nikishin, until last season. Sticking in the KHL with a new team, SKA St. Petersburg, the Russian exploded in the regular season, putting up a massive 55 points in 65 games. He finished sitting third all-time in points in a season from a defender and setting the record for a U20 defender. His strength is arguably his biggest asset. From his heavy shot to his physicality, opponents know when he’s on the ice. Despite the high scoring totals last season, don’t bet on him being overly offensive in the NHL. He likely falls into a solid two-way role, potentially even leaning more defensively. Canes fans will need to be patient though, as he’s signed through 2024-25 in Russia.

2. Scott Morrow - D

It’s not too often that you can nab a truly high-end prospect out of high school, but so far, it looks like that’s exactly what the Hurricanes did when they selected Morrow 40th overall in 2021. The mobile defender had a very strong career with Shattuck leading up to his draft year, showing off his ability to move the puck with either his feet or his stick. Post-draft, he joined the University of Massachusetts where he has continued to thrive. In his first season, he helped the team to a Hockey East Championship, while being named a First Team All-Star, All-American, and All-Rookie. He’s so strong in transition, using directional changes and his edges to create entries and ultimately, chances. His defensive game has been a concern since his draft year, drifting out of position and getting caught when he takes risks. Further development is needed, but the potential for him to be a highly offensive, top four defender is very real.

3. Bradly Nadeau - LW

Nadeau is the type of player who is a threat every time he touches the puck. He has such a well-rounded collection of abilities that he blends together, or can pick and chose from at will. He is a fast, sleek skater who has a great top gear and can shift all the way upwards in a hurry. His hands are dangerous, and he is self-assured about using them to try complicated things. He can play the roles of playmaker and shooter equally well and displays a great understanding of which one is best in any given situation. He can especially get his one-timer unloaded cleanly and with the exactitude of placing it in the top corner. He is also a diligent and effective defensive forward, applying himself getting back into his own zone, and aided by his high-end skating he is a major disruptive force as a backchecker. So much of his offense starts from his work to help his team regain possession, followed by his quick-strike ability to transition the puck back downhill. Not only is he a fairly safe prospect, there is also the real chance that his elite scoring prowess could carry over with him as his career progresses.

4. Ville Koivunen - LW

Another second-round selection from 2021, the Hurricanes selected Koivunen 51st overall out of the U20 SM-sarja, where he was Rookie of the Year. It turns out it was also his only year in the league, jumping to the Liiga where he’s spent the last two campaigns. He led all rookies in assists (18) and points (29) in his first year while dressing for Team Finland at the World Juniors both years as well, helping them to a silver medal in the 2022 edition. Koivunen is a very promising winger, who leans more toward a playmaker thanks to his excellent vision and accurate passing. He can bury the puck as well though. He has a talent for finding open space, both for himself and his teammates. He didn’t really take a step forward in his development last season, and he’s not the most defensive forward out there, but he’s still young. His ceiling looks to be a contributing middle-six winger.

5. Aleksi Heimosalmi -D

The Hurricanes have shown a lot of love towards Finnish players in recent years, and Heimosalmi is another one to add to the list. The defender is on the smaller size at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, but he has an excellent skating stride and strong four-way mobility. After being drafted 44th overall in 2021, he remained in Finland, spending the last two seasons with Assat in the Liiga. After being a big riser in his draft year thanks to his movement, especially with the puck on his stick, he hasn’t quite found his groove in the Liiga. He has taken a small step forward each year, but he’s not continuing that steep rise that was seen in 2020-21. As seen in his draft year, his decision-making can still be a cause for concern and his strength is a definite area of improvement. He is already signed by the Hurricanes, so it will be interesting to see how the team handles his development. Whichever route, be patient with him.

6. Ryan Suzuki - C

Suzuki has had a rough path since being drafted 28th overall in 2019. On top of the impacts of the pandemic, he’s had a long list of injuries, including a high stick to the eye that left him with a permanent blind spot. Still, he’s played three seasons now in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves. Granted, he has yes to play a full season, playing in just 26, 34, and 50 games in each season. If he can remain healthy, he’s a very promising prospect. He’s a line driver, consistently pushing the pace and leading his team to scoring opportunities. He has great hands, with highlight-reel abilities when one-on-one with defenders. The ceiling for Suzuki has lowered since his draft day, but there’s still a clear route to the NHL for him. Instead of a potential top six, he looks more like a middle-six/bottom nine player though. His NHL debut doesn’t seem that far off at this point.

7. Vasili Ponomarev - C

It’s been an interesting path for Ponomaryov. The centreman started his playing career in Russia before heading to the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes for two seasons. He then went back to Russia in 2021-22, seeing time in the MHL, VHL, and KHL, while already signed by the Hurricanes. After the Russian season ended in 2021-22, he made the jump to the AHL, looking very comfortable and strong to end the season, even helping the team to a Calder Cup Championship. He continued to look comfortable in the AHL last season, showing off two-way skill and all-around offensive ability. Ponomarev isn’t going to wow or dazzle with his skill, but he’s consistent and seems to do all the little things right. Those are the exact type of players needed to fill out a roster. He’s not likely to be a star at the next level but could be a reliable forward to move up and down the lineup.

8. Jamieson Rees - C

After a strong OHL career with the Sarnia Sting and hearing his name called 44th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Rees made the jump to the AHL in 2020-21. The forward fit in very well at the next level, a sign of things to come. His second season saw some slight regression though, although he was a contributor to the team winning the AHL Championship. Last season, he seemed to have bounced back and is had a very good campaign. Rees is a player that you can’t help but notice. He’s a highly competitive, highly energetic player that seems to be involved in every puck battle when he’s on the ice. He has the skill to back up his tenacious play as well, especially in his puck handling. There are still some kinks to work out in regard to his decision-making, but it does seem like all the pieces are there for him to be a contributing NHLer in the near future.

9. Jayden Perron - RW

We headed to the draft thinking that Jayden Perron was one of the more exciting prospects available, perhaps even an “end of the first round” kind of player. We also knew that, despite his considerable skill set and gaudy USHL numbers, he was only 5’8” and 157 pounds. Still, that he was first plucked 94th overall was a bit of a surprise considering Perron was one of the top playmakers in the entire class. We weren’t surprised to see Carolina be the team that decided to stop his fall late in the 3rd round. Perron’s game is all about puck distribution and creativity with his stick. He’s constantly scanning the ice and seems to always know where his teammates are. Possessing great patience, he’s adept at pulling defenders out of position and then hitting his teammates with bullseye passes. His on-ice intelligence is remarkable and certainly plays a role in his being johnny-on-the-spot so often, day in and day out, even if he could stand to shoot more. Alas, his lack of strength is evident in all facets of his game, including a lack of explosiveness in his skating. He heads to the University of North Dakota this fall where he’ll keep marinating his dreamy skill with added experience and a considerable addition of strength in the years to come.

10. Noel Gunler - RW

Ever since his DY-1 season, Gunler has been a polarizing prospect that no one can agree on. Coming up with Sweden’s Lulea, he got a taste of the SHL in 2018-19 before becoming a consistent SHLer in 2019-20. He showed enough for the Hurricanes to select him 41st overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. He continued in the SHL for two seasons and at the end of the 2021-22 SHL season, he signed with the Hurricanes. He headed to the AHL where he’s been fine, but not particularly standing out in the way that he has the potential to. Gunler has so much skill, from his elite shot to his excellent hands. But his work ethic, skating, and defensive game have been points of concern, however valid, since he started garnering attention. The Hurricanes are an excellent team at developing prospects, so expect them to be patient with Gunler and for them to find a way for him to reach his potential.

11. Jackson Blake - RW

The son of former NHL’er Jason Blake, Jackson is coming off of a fantastic freshman season with North Dakota that saw him named as the NCHC Rookie of the Year. He returns to UND this year and is starting to look like a very solid, future middle six piece for the Canes.

12. Gleb Trikozov - LW

A favourite of the amateur scouting community last year, Trikozov had a solid season in the VHL. His offensive upside remains high due to his creativity and skill, but hopefully he can get more reps at the KHL level this year.

13. Felix Unger Sorum - RW

Unger Sorum is a high energy complementary winger who was terrific for Sweden internationally last year, leading to his high selection by the Canes. He likely is left to develop in Sweden over the next few years in the hopes that he can become an SHL regular before making the jump.

14. Zion Nybeck - LW

Zion took positive steps forward this year for AIK in the Allsvenskan, emerging as a top offensive option at the pro level. The key for Nybeck is to continue to improve his game off the puck, especially given his lack of size.

15. Justin Robidas - C

A Memorial cup champion this year with Quebec, Robidas closed out his QMJHL career in grand fashion. The tenacious and stocky pivot projects as a middle six option in the future and will begin his pro career this year.

16. Anttoni Honka - D

Honka’s offensive skills translated seamlessly to the AHL in his first pro year in North America as he finished in the top five of AHL rookie defenseman scoring. The offensive game has never been doubted. Can he continue to improve enough defensively to be an NHL defender?

17. Ronan Seeley - D

The highly mobile Seeley is one of the better skaters in the Carolina system and is coming off a strong rookie season in the AHL. He will look to continue to build confidence in his offensive abilities with Chicago before taking that next step.

18. Domenick Fensore - D

Pint sized defender who was a great four year NCAA player with Boston University, serving as the captain last year as a senior. Fensore has finally turned pro and will play with Chicago this year. The million dollar question is…can he defend against pro level players?

19. Alexander Rykov - RW

A high-end playmaker who already got experience playing against men in the KHL and VHL last year. Rykov’s offensive upside is high, but he’s very much a long-term project…as you might expect from a recent fourth round pick.

20. Cruz Lucius - RW

Not a lot went well for the University of Wisconsin last year, but Lucius was one of the lone bright spots as the team’s leading scorer in his freshman year. Lucius is plenty skilled, and he excels as a playmaker because of it. The focus for his development is on his skating.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #13 Carolina Hurricanes

Derek Neumeier — Sun, 21 May 2023 12:58:39 +0000

Since Rod Brind’Amour became coach of the Hurricanes they have not missed the playoffs and have always advanced beyond the first round except once. As of this writing they find themselves headed for a second Conference Final under his leadership. This has been accomplished with what remains a very young core group – Sebastian Aho (25-years old), Andre Svechnikov (23), injured for these playoffs, and Martin Necas (24). While a solid veteran core did much of the heavy lifting, the experience received by these young players will be invaluable in the future. They are joined by emerging star Seth Jarvis (21) and a late blooming Jesper Kotkaniemi (22), showing poise in the playoffs. Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (23) looks to be the future in net.

GM Don Waddell, in place since 2018, retains a full slate of draft picks for the next three years, with a couple of late round additions. He owns a prospect pool led by one of the hottest prospects currently in Alexander Nikishin. He is signed in Russia until 2024-25 but adds another high-end piece down the road. The team has nine prospects in our top 200, which shows the depth of their development pipeline. There are a variety of styles and roles in that group, including plug and play Jack Drury (ranked #50) who could be a part of the mix as soon as next season. With a solid foundation that has had playoff success already, Waddell will continue to let the current line-up develop under a coach they continue to respond to. The Brent Burns addition in the summer points to the select moves they are likely to make. They are a perennial Stanley Cup threat for the foreseeable future and beyond.

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 29: Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Jack Drury (18) skates during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Carolina Hurricanes on November 29, 2022, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Alexander Nikishin

There might not be a hotter prospect right now than Alex Nikishin. Drafted 69th overall in 2020, the defender was coming off of his first season in the KHL, playing a solid defensive game with some flashes of two-way potential. That became the expectation for Nikishin, until this season. Sticking in the KHL with a new team, SKA St. Petersburg, the Russian exploded in the regular season, putting up a massive 55 points in 65 games. He finished sitting third-all-time in points in a season from a defender and setting the record for a U20 defender. His strength is arguably his biggest strength. From his heavy shot to his physicality, opponents know when he’s on the ice. Despite the high-scoring totals this season, don’t bet on him being overly offensive in the NHL. He likely falls into a solid two-way role, potentially even leaning more defensively. Canes fans will need to be patient though, as he’s signed through 2024-25 in Russia.

2. Jack Drury

It’s been a long road for Jack Drury, after being selected way back in 2018, 42nd overall. When the Hurricanes selected him, he was coming off a solid season as the captain of the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks, being named to the Second All-Star Team. He’s seemed to get even better since then though. He first joined Harvard University for two seasons, being named to All-Star teams in both seasons while winning a World Juniors silver medal in there too. In the COVID-impacted 2020-21 season, he headed to Sweden and played in the SHL, winning a league championship. Since then, he’s signed with the Canes, mainly playing in the AHL. He’s not going to rack up the points in the NHL, but he looks like he should become a player that can plug in anywhere in the lineup and perform. He likely graduates in the very near future.

3. Scott Morrow

It’s not too often that you can nab a truly high-end prospect out of high school, but so far, it looks like that’s exactly what the Hurricanes did when they selected Scott Morrow 40th overall in 2021. The mobile defender had a very strong career with Shattuck leading up to his draft year, showing off his ability to move the puck with either his feet or his stick. Post-draft, he’s joined the University of Massachusetts where he continues to thrive. In his first season, he helped the team to a Hockey East Championship, while being named a First Team All-Stay, All-American, and All-Rookie. He’s so strong in transition, using directional changes and his edges to create entries and ultimately, chances. His defensive game has been a concern since his draft year, drifting out of position and getting caught when he takes risks. Further development is needed, but the potential for him to be a highly offensive, top-four defender is very real.

4. Ville Koivunen

Another second-round selection from 2021, the Hurricanes selected Ville Koivunen 51st overall out of the U20 SM-sarja, where he was Rookie of the Year. It turns out it was also his only year in the league, jumping to the Liiga where he’s spent the last two campaigns. He led all rookies in assists (18) and points (29) in his first year while dressing for Team Finland at the World Juniors both years as well, helping them to a silver medal in the 2022 edition. Koivunen is a very promising winger, who leans more toward a playmaker thanks to his excellent vision and accurate passing. He can bury the puck as well though. He has a talent for finding open space, both for himself and his teammates. He didn’t really take a step forward in his development this season, and he’s not the most defensive forward out there, but he’s still young. His ceiling looks to be a contributing middle-six winger.

5. Aleksi Heimosalmi

The Hurricanes have shown a lot of love towards Finish players in recent years, and Aleksi Heimosalmi is another one to add to the list. The defender is on the smaller size at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, but he has an excellent skating stride and strong four-way mobility. After being drafted 44th overall in 2021. he’s remained in Finland, spending the last two seasons with Assat in the Liiga. After being a big riser in his draft year thanks to his movement, especially with the puck on his stick, he hasn’t found his groove in the Liiga. He has taken a small step forward each year, but he’s not continuing that steep rise that was seen in 2020-21. As seen in his draft year, his decision-making can still be a cause for concern and his strength is a definite area of improvement. He is already signed by the Hurricanes, so it will be interesting to see how the team handles his development. Whichever route, be patient with him.

6. Ryan Suzuki

Ryan Suzuki has had a rough path since being drafted 28th overall in 2019. On top of the impacts of the pandemic, he’s had a long list of injuries, including a high stick to the eye that left him with a permanent blind spot. Still, he’s playing in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves, already in his third season with the team. Granted, he played just 26 and 34 games in the previous two campaigns. If he can remain healthy, he’s a very promising prospect. He’s a line driver, consistently pushing the pace and leading his team to scoring opportunities. He has great hands, with highlight-reel abilities when one-on-one with defenders. The ceiling for Suzuki has lowered since his draft day, but there’s still a clear route to the NHL for him. Instead of a potential top-six, he looks more like a middle-six/bottom-nine player though. His NHL debut doesn’t seem that far off at this point.

7. Vasily Ponomarev

It’s been an interesting path for Vasili Ponomaryov. The centreman started his playing career in Russia before heading to the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes for two seasons. He then went back to Russia in 2021-22, seeing time in the MHL, VHL, and KHL, while already signed by the Hurricanes. After the Russian seasons ended, he made the jump to the AHL, looking very comfortable and strong to end the season, even helping the team to a Calder Cup Championship. He continues to look comfortable in the AHL this season, showing off two-way skill and all-around offensive ability. Ponomarev isn’t going to wow or dazzle with his skill, but he’s consistent and seems to do all the little things right. Those are the exact type of players needed to fill out a roster. He’s not likely to be a star at the next level but could be a reliable forward to move up and down the lineup.

8. Jamieson Rees

After a strong OHL career with the Sarnia Sting and hearing his name called 44th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Jamieson Rees made the jump to the AHL in 2020-21. The forward fit in very well at the next level, a sign of things to come. His second season saw some slight regression though, although he was a contributor to the team winning the AHL Championship. This season, he seems to have bounced back and is having a very good campaign. Rees is a player that you can’t help but notice. He’s a highly competitive, highly energetic player that seems to be involved in every puck battle when he’s on the ice. He has the skill to back up his tenacious play as well, especially in his puck handling. There are still some kinks to work out in regards to his decision-making, but it does seem like all the pieces are there for him to be a contributing NHLer in the near future.

9. Noel Gunler

Ever since his DY-1 season, Noel Gunler has been a polarizing prospect that no one can agree on. Coming up with Sweden’s Lulea, he got a taste of the SHL in 2018-19 before becoming a consistent SHLer in 2019-20. He showed enough for the Hurricanes to select him 41st overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. He continued in the SHL for two seasons and at the end of the 2021-22 SHL season, he signed with the Hurricanes. He headed to the AHL where he’s been fine, but not particularly standing out in the way that he has the potential to. Gunler has so much skill, from his elite shot to his excellent hands. But his work ethic, skating, and defensive game have been points of concern, however valid, since he was garnering attention. The Hurricanes are an excellent team at developing prospects, so expect them to be patient with Gunler and for them to find a way for him to reach his potential.

10. Gleb Trikozov

A recent draft pick selected 60th overall in 2022, Gleb Trikozov could very well be the most exciting forward prospect in the Hurricanes system. His time has been split this season between the MHL and the VHL, playing over a point per game in the MHL. He is very strong at finding open ice for himself, utilizing his edges to create space and his puckhandling to navigate traffic. He’s a dual, offensive threat as he has a great shot that’s well-balanced with his passing ability. His commitment to both sides of the puck does need work, as the effort he shows offensively isn’t always there in his own end. If he can work on his off-puck play, the ceiling is high for Trikozov. He’s well on his way to being a bottom-nine forward, but he will have lots of development time before that time comes.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 Prospect Rankings – Risers and Fallers

Brock Otten — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 20:51:54 +0000

As we release the 2022/23 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook, it is time to reflect back on the last calendar year to see which NHL prospects have raised their stock the most…and which have seen their stock fall.

If you recall, in last year’s yearbook our top rated prospect was Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras. He went on to finish second in Calder Trophy voting to our former sixth rated prospect, Moritz Seider. Our second rated prospect last year, Buffalo’s Owen Power, makes a return appearance on the list and is now our number one ranked prospect in hockey. Where will Power ultimately rank in Calder trophy voting at the end of the 2023 season?

First, let’s look at some of the prospects whose strong seasons propelled them up our top prospect’s list (organized by last year’s ranking):

You can access the full list by linking here.

Risers

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 05: Buffalo Sabres right wing Jack Quinn (22) skates with the puck during the first period in the preseason NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres on October 5, 2021, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Jack Quinn - Buffalo Sabres

Movement: (37 to 11)

The 2022 AHL Rookie of the Year, Quinn emerged as one of the top forward prospects outside of the NHL last season; a bounce back campaign after an injury plagued rookie pro year. Quinn’s high IQ, terrific shot, and strong two-way acumen makes him not only a near shoe-in to be a top nine NHL forward, but also a strong Calder trophy candidate this season.

Xavier Bourgault - Edmonton Oilers

Movement: (60 to 27)

The 22nd overall selection in 2021, Bourgault had a terrific post draft season, helping to lead Shawinigan to a QMJHL Championship. The talented winger has worked hard to round out his offensive profile and will begin his pro career this season in the Oilers system.

Brennan Othmann - Flint Firebirds

Movement: (78 to 33)

The list of players who have scored 50 goals in their 19 year old post NHL draft OHL season is not extremely long. The competitive goal scorer can hammer the puck and his combination of tenaciousness and scoring ability is rare among prospects.

JJ Peterka - Buffalo Sabres

Movement: (80 to 22)

Peterka is coming off the best U20 season in the AHL in this millennium, beating Patrice Bergeron, who scored 61 points in 2005 and Mikko Rantanen, who scored 60 in 2016. That’s some impressive company. His speed and offensive awareness make him a potential star for the Sabres.

ABBOTSFORD, BC - SEPTEMBER 27: Calgary Flames Left Wing Jakob Pelletier (49) plays the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during their NHL preseason game at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre on September 27, 2021 in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Devin Manky/Icon Sportswire)

Jakob Pelletier - Calgary Flames

Movement: (89 to 39)

Entering his first pro season with Stockton, the offensive upside of the smaller, but tenacious former first round pick was a bit of a mystery. However, he passed his first test with flying colours by averaging nearly a point per game with Stockton and now has positioned himself to earn a spot with Calgary this season.

Kirill Marchenko - Columbus Blue Jackets

Movement: (91 to 37)

The big Russian winger will finally make the trek to North America this season where he has a good shot of cracking Columbus’ top nine. Another solid goal scoring year in the KHL has him moving up our list.

Mavrik Bourque - Dallas Stars

Movement: (99 to 31)

Like Bourgault, Bourque captured a QMJHL Championship with Shawinigan last season. However, Bourque was the MVP of the playoffs and had a terrific Memorial Cup to boot. He is one of the smartest prospects outside of the NHL and has progressed extremely well since being drafted.

Scott Perunovich - St. Louis Blues

Movement: (102 to 43)

After an injury wiped out Perunovich’s first pro season, he was excellent in his “true” debut last year, split between the NHL and AHL. He looks like an offensive star in the making on the blueline and his NHL metrics were terrific in a limited role.

Logan Stankoven - Dallas Stars

Movement: (104 to 30)

Maybe Stankoven should have been drafted earlier in 2021? The early results have been spectacular for the undersized forward. He was the 2022 CHL Player of the Year and was a key player for Canada at the recent WJC’s during their race to a gold medal.

Olen Zellweger - Anaheim Ducks

Movement: (119 to 28)

Speaking of players who should have been selected higher, insert the dynamic Zellweger. Not only was Zellweger the WHL’s top defenseman this past season, but he was one of the best at the recent WJC’s, playing a top pairing role for Canada. He has already emerged as one of the top defensive prospects on the planet.

Brock Faber - Minnesota Wild

Movement: (142 to 72)

The major piece in the Kevin Fiala trade, Faber moved from the Kings to the hometown Wild. He will return to the University of Minnesota for his junior year but his work internationally for the United States has really turned heads in the scouting community.

Dustin Wolf - Calgary Flames

Movement: (154 to 45)

Never underestimate the smaller netminder. How Wolf would adjust to the AHL level was a bit of a mystery, coming off back to back WHL goaltender of the year awards. He passed the test with flying colours, capturing the AHL’s goaltender of the year award too. Is the next step the Vezina?

Wyatt Johnston - Dallas Stars

Movement: (158 to 16)

Easily one of the OHL’s most improved players last season, Johnston dominated the league on route to capturing a Red Tilson trophy as the league’s top player. He controls the play at both ends of the ice and will push for a roster spot in Dallas sooner, rather than later.

Luke Evangelista - Nashville Predators

Movement: (189 to 67)

Not only was Evangelista the OHL’s goal scoring leader last season, but he worked hard to improve his play without the puck and strength on it. By becoming a more consistently dangerous player, he has greatly improved his projection as an NHL player.

Bobby Brink - Philadelphia Flyers

Movement: (201 to 64)

A finalist for the Hobey Baker last season, Brink helped the University of Denver capture an NCAA title. There are still some concerns over his skating, but he’s just so skilled and intelligent. Unfortunately, Brink underwent hip surgery in late July and will miss a large majority of his first pro season.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 28: Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (52) against the New York Rangers during Game 6 of round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs on May 28, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

Pyotr Kochetkov - Carolina Hurricanes

Movement: (235 to 71)

The former high second round selection is coming off a season that saw him establish himself as one of the elite goaltending prospects in hockey. Ignore the challenges in the NHL playoffs after he was thrust into the role. Focus on how dominant he was at the AHL level and in the KHL before crossing the pond.

Jordan Spence - Los Angeles Kings

Movement: (249 to 62)

How can you not be impressed with what Spence was able to do in his first pro season? He dominated the AHL level and even looked right at home in the NHL across 24 games (barely keeping his Calder eligibility). There is no doubt that he processes the game well enough to provide an offensive spark from the blueline at the NHL level.

Devon Levi - Buffalo Sabres

Movement: (279 to 34)

The player who makes the largest jump in our rankings, Levi has been remarkable over the last twelve months, establishing himself as one of the top goaltending prospects on the planet. He was this past year’s Mike Richter award winner as the top goalie in the NCAA. His play tracking and positioning are elite.

Matthew Knies - Toronto Maple Leafs

Movement: (283 to 61)

A power winger coming off of a tremendous freshman season with the University of Minnesota, Knies is proving that he should have been drafted higher in 2021. He will return as a sophomore and expectations will be high.

Arseni Gritsyuk - New Jersey Devils

Movement: (NR to 63)

The KHL’s rookie of the year last season, Gritsyuk was remarkable for Avangard Omsk across the regular season and playoffs. He also helped Russia win a silver medal at the Olympics. The former fifth round pick has quickly gone from an under the radar mystery to one of the top young players in Europe.

Scott Morrow - Carolina Hurricanes

Movement: (NR to 74)

An enigma as a draft eligible player, Morrow was thought of as a high upside, but project selection in 2021. However, his performance as a freshman for UMass was terrific, finishing second in team scoring as a defender. The key moving forward will be his development as a defensive player, but the skating ability and skill level are dynamic.

Now let’s look at some of the prospects who fell down our list for various reasons. These are organized according to their rank in last year’s yearbook:

Fallers

Victor Soderstrom - Arizona Coyotes

Movement: (26 to 111)

The 11th overall pick in 2019, Soderstrom has yet to find his way to a full time NHL role, despite limited talent and depth in Arizona. His play in the AHL hasn’t been poor, but it hasn’t been eye opening either. A mobile, two-way defender, one has to wonder if his NHL upside is truly significant. He still looks like a future NHL defender, but it might be in more of a supporting role and not a lead one.

Chaz Lucius - Winnipeg Jets

Movement: (36 to 144)

Realistically, part of this fall comes from a likely overrank by us in last year’s yearbook. The other part comes from an average freshman year with the University of Minnesota that saw him battle injuries yet again. Now Lucius has left college after only one year, despite the fact that he might not be ready for the AHL. Does Winnipeg find a spot in the WHL for him to help him improve his quickness and strength, while also respecting his injury history?

Connor Zary - Calgary Flames

Movement: (45 to 266)

Heading into this season, his first as a pro, there was already some concern that Zary’s development had plateaued in the WHL. After a poor rookie year with Stockton, the concerns over his quickness and pace appear even more real. Is Zary going to be more than a potential third line center? This will be a big season for him.

Justin Barron - Montreal Canadiens

Movement: (64 to 164)

Now a member of the Montreal Canadiens after coming over from Colorado in the Lehkonen trade, Barron didn’t have a poor first pro season. However, at this point, what have injuries done to his development? He even missed the end of the past season with an ankle injury, preventing him from finishing out the year with Montreal in the NHL. The athletic tools are enticing, but he might end up settling into more of a supporting role as a pro without high end processing ability.

Oskar Olausson - Colorado Avalanche

Movement: (67 to 245)

Expectations were very high for Olausson as he signed on to play in the OHL a year ago. However, his OHL season was not an impressive one, split between Barrie and Oshawa. He struggled with decision making and shot selection, which makes one wonder about the likelihood of him reaching his middle six upside as a pro.

Ozzy Wiesblatt - San Jose Sharks

Movement: (68 to 216)

Granted, Prince Albert (WHL) was a pretty low scoring team this year, but any time a 20-year CHL player takes a step backwards offensively, it rings alarm bells. This is especially true considering Wiesblatt has always been considered more of a high energy, middle six type. Now, his projection looks like more of a high energy, bottom six type.

Jacob Bernard Docker - Ottawa Senators

Movement: (92 to Honorable Mention)

The offensive production and confidence have not translated to the pro level since JBD has turned pro. He’s still a solid presence in the defensive zone, but he is also in danger of being passed by others on the depth chart. At this point, is JBD more than a potential bottom six defender?

John Beecher - Boston Bruins

Movement: (109 to 234)

Beecher, unquestionably, still looks like a future NHL center. The combination of size, physicality, and quickness is still likely to make him a contributor in some way. However, the offensive game just never developed at Michigan, and he now turns pro. He could move quickly through Boston’s system, but the upside is likely quite limited.

Noel Gunler - Carolina Hurricanes

Movement: (113 to 242)

The big winger is actually coming off his best season to date in the SHL and showed glimpses of greatness at the end of the year in the AHL. However, consistency remains a big issue for him, the same as it was when he was drafted early in the second round in 2020. At this point, we just aren’t as comfortable ranking him highly and prefer others in that top 200 range.

William Stromgren - Calgary Flames

Movement: (116 to Honorable Mention)

It is way too early to give up on Stromgen considering he was only recently drafted by Calgary, but they have to be somewhat discouraged by his post draft year where he failed to reach the point per game mark in the Swedish J20 league and failed to secure a more permanent role in the SHL. The speedy sniper will look to take the next step this year, however, he remains a long-term project.

David Farrance - NHL Free Agent

Movement: (134 to Not Ranked)

The former Boston University standout did not get a qualifying offer from Nashville and remains an NHL free agent after signing an AHL deal with the Chicago Wolves. The former Hobey Baker finalist’s first pro season was not an impressive one and he will now have to fight an uphill battle to become prospect relevant again.

Michael Dipietro - Vancouver Canucks

Movement: (144 to Honorable Mention)

Dipietro’s development path has been less than traditional thus far. The Canucks’ decision to keep him on the pandemic taxi squad, rather than have him get consistent starts in the AHL, remains a head scratcher. The relationship between him and Canucks management seems strained too. Dipietro still has NHL potential, but he needs to show that he can be a quality and consistent AHL netminder first.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – CAROLINA HURRICANES – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 16:07:00 +0000

1 - Pyotr Kochetkov G

It was quite the whirlwind year for Kochetkov, a former second round pick of the Hurricanes. He started the year in the KHL, where he performed well. Then he came over to North America in March to play in the AHL…where he performed well. This was followed by the necessity of Kochetkov being thrown into a handful of starts in the NHL playoffs for Carolina due to injuries to both Freddie Andersen and Antti Raanta. Lastly, his season culminated with a reassignment to AHL Chicago (after the Hurricanes were eliminated) where he helped the Wolves capture a Calder Cup. Not too shabby for a pro debut in North America. Kochetkov has proven to be so successful thus far because of his quickness and aggressiveness in the crease. A highly agile netminder, he can afford to cut down angles aggressively because he recovers so well moving post to post and front to back. Of course, NHL goaltending coaches (like Carolina’s Jason Muzzatti) will work to refine Kochetkov’s movement to make him a little quieter in the crease. However, he definitely has the make-up and resume of a topflight goaltending prospect, something that is reflected in our prospect rankings. As of right now, Kochetkov is projected to start the season in the AHL as Chicago’s starting netminder because both Andersen and Raanta have recovered from their knee injuries. A full year as a starter in North America will be great for his development. With the two goalies ahead of him set to become UFA’s after this coming season, it seems likely that Kochetkov is being groomed for an NHL position in 2023-24. - BO

2 - Scott Morrow D

To a certain extent, Scott Morrow’s freshman season at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst was a success. He was the team’s second-highest scorer and flashed the sort of offensive talent that isn’t commonly seen in defensemen, let alone defensemen who fall to the second round of the NHL draft. Morrow is a creative problem-solver in the offensive zone, acting with decisiveness and conviction when he has a chance in mind that he wants to create. For someone of his size (six-foot-two-, 195 pounds) Morrow moves very well and has definite upside as a transition defenseman in the NHL. He can deftly sift his way through traffic to facilitate zone entries, and the way he uses his big frame to protect the puck while he’s carrying it through the neutral zone is absolutely notable. Morrow’s offensive game is strong enough that he has the upside to eventually become a power play quarterback in the NHL. But while the offensive side to Morrow’s game is quite promising and developed, it’s the defensive side of his game that could hold him back. Morrow isn’t a physical player yet, and his reads in the defensive zone need improvement. There’s a great canvas of tools for an NHL development staff to work with in improving Morrow’s all-around game, but he’ll need to possibly make sacrifices in his offense in order to get there. If he can make some adjustments to make his game more sustainable and well-rounded, Morrow can become an extremely impactful NHL defenseman. If he remains an aggressive, risk-taking offensive force, he’ll still get his NHL chances, and could become a power-play specialist at the next level if no defensive development occurs. - EH

3 - Jack Drury C

The son of former NHL’er Ted Drury, and the nephew of current New York Rangers General Manager Chris Drury, Jack was excellent in his first AHL season last year. He was among the rookie scoring leaders during the regular season and then took his game to another level in the playoffs, averaging over a point per game in helping the Wolves capture the Calder Cup. Drury was even rewarded with a brief NHL call up that saw him score in both contests, while playing key minutes on the penalty kill. At this point, he seems destined to be a long-time middle six player for the Hurricanes thanks to his well-rounded skill set. There really isn’t anything that Drury does not do well, and this gives him such great versatility as a player. His coaches can employ him in any situation. With several openings in their bottom six this coming year, it seems likely that he will be a full time NHL player. Carolina believes that someone like Drury can replace Vincent Trocheck and Nino Niederreiter internally and on a cheap entry level contract, helping them to alleviate any cap concerns that they might have. One has to wonder if the Hurricanes see Drury as a replacement for pending UFA Jordan Staal in a year’s time if he performs admirably this year. - BO

4 - Alexander Nikishin D

It’s amazing how much can change in just one year and Alexander Nikishin is a perfect example of it: on year ago, in August of 2021, the biggest concerns regarding the blueliner revolved around his cardiac abnormalities, which he had to overcome to be able to play regular hockey and have a chance to establish himself as a full-time KHL player, but he did all of that and much more. Over 2021-22, Nikishin has become the top young defenseman in the KHL and even earned himself an Olympic invitation, where he won a silver medal. In the offseason he was the main part of a blockbuster KHL trade in which the powerhouse SKA traded nine (nine!!!) player assets for him including some of their top prospects. For Hurricanes fans this trade had some negative side effects, as it was announced that Nikishin will not only earn notably more money now, but also will add one more year to his contract length, locking him to the KHL through the 2024/25 season. That said, he will be only 23 when he frees up and with the way he is developing we can expect him to become a reliable hard-hitting top-4 D with some nice attacking abilities including a hard shot and a solid first pass. Until then, playing for a top KHL contender would give Nikishin a chance to push his game to new heights. - VF

5 - Ryan Suzuki C

Luck has not been on Ryan Suzuki’s side since the Hurricanes selected him in the first round of the 2019 draft. The year after being drafted, Suzuki suffered a significant eye injury that has left him with a permanent blind spot in that injured eye. Then the pandemic happened, and Suzuki was thrust into the AHL in a limited role, rather than starring for the OHL in his final year of junior eligibility. Last season, injuries plagued him yet again, limiting him to only 34 games. This included him missing the entire Calder Cup playoffs. The younger brother of Montreal Canadiens young star Nick, 21-year-old Ryan is far too young to give up on as a serious NHL prospect. Ryan is actually a better skater than his older brother and he possesses the same kind of passing touch and sense in the offensive zone. Despite battling injuries, he has taken steps forward to become a better and more engaged player without the puck. That said, the younger Suzuki’s calling card will be his ability to play as a top six center who can make plays with the puck for his wingers and push the pace of play. Until he stays healthy and emerges as a top producer at the AHL level, he likely will not push for a spot on the Hurricanes. Patience will be key here for Carolina and their development staff. - BO

6 - Gleb Trikozov LW

Gleb Trikozov, selected No. 60 by the Carolina Hurricanes, had a remarkable second half of the season. He looked incredible in the MHL (Russia's 1st youth league) playoffs, helping his team make a deep run. A decent sized forward, Trikozov has an effective offensive game, good hockey sense and skill. His skating is great, and he uses it effectively, especially in assisting in zone entries for his team. His explosiveness with the puck is also excellent. Without the puck, Trikozov constantly applies pressure, but could stand to play a little more physically to help him secure turnovers. Offensively he is calm and patient. This helps him maintain possession deep into the offensive zone. Trikozov is also a strong shooter. He often moves to the right before he shoots; his size allows him to create separation from his opponent in two steps, creating a good shooting lane. He effectively finds free space in the offensive zone, reacting and adapting to the play smartly. Moving forward it will be about proving himself at the higher levels in Russia before making the jump to North America. Adding strength and improving his ability to utilize his teammates are key next steps. Look for him to split this year between the VHL, MHL, and KHL. - DB

7 - Alexander Perevalov - LW

The first half of Alexander Perevalov’s MHL season was one of the most dominant performances of his age at this level that have been witnessed in years and even though the second half of the season wasn’t as bright, it is still curious how or why he lasted until the third round of the 2022 draft. A right-handed left-wing sniper who needs just a bit of time and space to make goalies look just useless, Perevalov has clear top six upside, and the Hurricanes and their fans should be pleased to have him in the organization. It won’t be a smooth path for him though, as his Lokomotiv KHL organization is a strong one and is not expected to give him big role next season, so the realistic outcome that we can hope for him will be splitting time between the MHL junior league and a 13th forward role in the KHL. Short-term role aside, Perevalov’s abilities can allow him to be effective even in a limited role (especially if the inconsistency issues of the second half of the season are over) and, hopefully gradually earn him more trust and ice time. Perevalov’s KHL contract runs for two more seasons so it is a bit early to discuss the possibility of him crossing the pond at this point, but it is a likely eventuality if he will not be getting enough development opportunities at home. - VF

8 - Ville Koivunen LW

A 2021 draftee of the Carolina Hurricanes, Koivunen continues to be very slenderly built with his 162-pound frame but that didn’t stop him from spending this past winter excelling in the Finnish Liiga. In his draft year, Koivunen played for Kärpät’s U20 team and was named the circuit’s Rookie of the Year, earning a multi-year contract in the process. He already began paying that back in spades this year earning a regular spot among the club’s top nine and collecting himself 29 points, making him one of the pro league’s top rookies. After a 10-point effort at the U18 Worlds in 2021, Koivunen was quiet on the scoresheet in a checking line role for Finland at this summer’s WJC but is staring at a prime spot on a scoring line for this winter’s tournament. Talented as both a playmaker and finisher, Koivunen is a complimentary player who demonstrates a calm and collective game with strong hockey IQ. Adept with the puck, he avoids crumbling under pressure and makes it hard on opponents to separate him from the puck. Whereas continued practice and the addition of leg and lower body strength will surely have a very positive effect on his skating, he’s still a ways away from possessing the type of skating that would allow him to make effective use of his skills at the NHL level. Intensity and conditioning over 60 minutes will need to improve as well, but there’s plenty of time for the young winger. In light of the importance of Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen for the Canes, it’s no wonder that the team enjoys success in selecting the few Finns is adds every couple of drafts. - CL

9 - Aleksi Heimosalmi D

A 2021 second round selection of the Carolina Hurricanes, Heimosalmi has continued in his development where he left off at the 2021 U18 Worlds, where he was named the tournament’s top defender thanks to his two goal, eight point effort over seven games. Although his role was often quite small, he spent this past season entirely in Liiga action, learning many of the nuances of professional play. Those lessons were on full display in this summer’s WJC as he put up a goal, seven points, and a +4 on his way to gaining a silver medal. There, he showed great edges, a strong command of the puck all along the blueline, and a keen ability to conduct productive transitions. His skating ability allows him to be highly effective in defending without having to overexert himself physically. The Hurricanes were all about accumulating bodies at the 2021 NHL draft, even moving back out of the first round to grab more darts in the second, where they selected Heimosalmi and fellow Finn Ville Koivunen. Both have continued to look like steals to date. For Heimosalmi, who is still under contract with Ässat, the key this season will be to take on more responsibility for his club team, ultimately exerting more of his exceptional talent along the opposition blueline. His fantastic skating and stickhandling will be his calling card moving forward, but he’ll need to continue adding strength every step of the way so as to avoid the kind of role he had last season. Having made 40 selections over the past four drafts, the Hurricanes have a stacked prospect bin and will happily give Heimosalmi all the time he needs. The hopes are high that he’ll one day be a prime transitional defenseman at the NHL level. – CL

10 - Noel Gunler RW

The 41^st overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft, Noel Gunler has proven that the inconsistency and character issues that were looming over him on draft day do not affect his immense skill for the game. The Carolina Hurricanes were able to take a flyer on Gunler in the 2^nd round due to other teams’ concerns about those issues and it has already paid dividends as the forward finished 5^th in SHL scoring for players 21 and under. Gunler saw his role with Brynas decrease as the year went on finishing the year averaging 10-14 minutes of ice time while producing 23 points in 52 games. After his SHL season was over, the Hurricanes brought him over to North America where he finished off the year with the AHL Chicago Wolves. In his time with Chicago, Gunler netted 5 points in 11 regular season games before playing 10 playoff games. Gunler’s game is based off the immense skill he possesses, and he has the unique ability to find the soft areas of the ice when off the puck, often positioning himself in high-danger areas of the ice. When he is in those high-danger areas, he uses his goal scoring instincts and quick release to beat goaltenders. In order to take his game to the next level, Gunler could work on improving his first step and his east-west movement. He is expected to be at NHL training camp with the Hurricanes and will most likely end up playing top-six minutes for Chicago in the AHL. Gunler projects as a top-nine forward who can inject scoring into the lineup. – ZS

11 - Vasily Ponomarev

The energetic, playmaking center played most of the year on loan in Russia but returned to North America in time to help Chicago win a Calder Cup Championship.

12 - Joey Keane

In an odd turn of events, just as Keane was set to become a full time NHL defender, he signed a one year deal in the KHL. He was one of the better defenders in the AHL last year and Carolina will retain his rights.

13 – Ronan Seeley

The two-way defender with great mobility served as the captain of the Everett Silvertips of the WHL last season and recently helped Canada win the August World Juniors. His pro upside may be a bit of an unknown, but he does have pro qualities.

14 - Anttoni Honka

An undersized, but strong skating, offensive defender, Honka led Liiga in assists from the back-end last season and will make his North American pro debut this coming season.

15 - Vladimir Grudinin

We had Grudinin ranked quite high for the draft, so it was surprising to see him fall the way he did. An intelligent two-way defender, Grudinin will try to break in as a full time KHL player this season.

16 - Jamieson Rees

A high energy forward with an aggressive attacking mentality, Rees helped Chicago win an AHL Championship this year in a depth role. The Hurricanes will be looking for him to take on more offensive responsibility this coming season.

17 - Justin Robidas

The son of former NHL defender Stephane Robidas, Justin is an intelligent and pesky center who never backs down from a challenge despite his size limitations. He had a great year as captain of Val’d’or last season.

18 - Domenick Fensore

Fensore’s junior season at Boston University served as a breakout campaign for the small, but skilled defender. He will return for a senior year and serve as captain of the Terriers.

19 - Jackson Blake

Opting to play another year in the USHL this season with Chicago, Blake will make his NCAA debut this season with UND. The son of former NHL’er Jason Blake, Jackson plays a similar up-tempo game.

20 - Patrik Puistola

A sharpshooting winger with a shoot first mentality, Puistola is coming off of his best Liiga season to date with 16 goals. He will look to take another step forward this season in the Jukurit program.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: CAROLINA HURRICANES – RANK: #14 – TIER III

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:28:03 +0000

Carolina Hurricanes

#14 Carolina - Carolina has drafted for quantity as much as quality over teh last few seasons, and their system reflects that, lacking too many top flight guys, but going very long on that next tier.

Seth Jarvis. Photo by Keith Dwiggins/Portland Winterhawks

Seth Jarvis - RW

To say Jarvis’ AHL debut was a success would be an understatement. With the pandemic allowing underage players to participate in a few pro games last season, Jarvis made the most of his opportunity, posting seven goals and 11 points in just nine games for the Chicago Wolves. He led the league in scoring at the moment in time when he was sent back to Portland to finish the season in the WHL. There he added 27 more points in 24 games to close out an extremely successful draft-plus-one campaign.

Jarvis is a supremely talented player with electrifying skills. His skating and stickhandling make him a force in the neutral zone, creating turnovers and leading the rush the other way. In the offensive zone, Jarvis attacks with pace and is able to execute at top speed. He sees the ice well and is a creative playmaker but can also finish with precision in a variety of ways. He displayed a keen sense of time and space at the faster AHL pace and adapted well. Ineligible for the AHL this upcoming season, the odds are the Hurricanes will send Jarvis back to Portland for a final junior season, as they generally like to let their prospects over-ripen. However, one could argue that Jarvis has nothing left to prove at the junior level and excelled playing against men last season already. His ability to play wing or center could see him earn a spot in the NHL in 2021-22 with a strong training camp. - AS

Dominik Bokk - RW

Currently 21-years-old, Dominik Bokk is a former 1st rounder of the St. Louis Blues who was acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes in the deal that sent defenseman Justin Faulk to St. Louis. Entering the 20-21 season, Bokk had parts of three SHL seasons - including two full seasons - under his belt, having peaked to date with 23 points for Rögle BK in the 18-19 season. A strong WJC with six goals as well as an uptick in his SHL goalscoring from eight to 11 took place in the 19-20 season, but this year began in a manner that quickly had him in limbo. Surprisingly scheduled to play for DEL bottom feeder Krefeld heading into the season, the delayed DEL start led to Bokk looking for greener pastures, landing once again in Sweden and admittedly with his third SHL organization, Djurgarden.

A team desperate for offense at the time of his arrival, the Stockholmers lived through 20 games of Bokk’s most ineffective play as a professional. Known for his fantastic mitts, some shake-n-bake moves, and a strong ability to find teammates in scoring positions, Book couldn’t muster up more than his three points despite being given a prime opportunity on a scoring line upon his arrival. Carolina brought him over to the AHL once the league got going and it proved to be the breath of fresh air that Bokk so desperately needed. Suiting up for 29 games with the Chicago Wolves, Bokk's first sojourn to North America saw him rack up nine goals and 18 points, most over the second half of his AHL season, finding a real groove while learning what challenges await him as part of a Carolina system that is generally stacked with forward prospects. The key is that he has gotten acclimated and was able to make some noise. Carolina will be needing to look for some affordable, extra scoring on the wings over the next few seasons and one of those could be Bokk. - CL

Ryan Suzuki - C

All things considered; it was a very successful season for the former Hurricanes first round pick. After helping Canada win silver at the World Junior Championships, Suzuki joined the Chicago Wolves of the AHL with the OHL on hiatus. With Chicago, Suzuki was very productive and impressive in a bottom six role for the Wolves, his first taste of pro action. The younger brother of Montreal’s Nick Suzuki, Ryan appears well on track to be an NHL player.

The two areas of Ryan’s game that needed to be improved upon to find success at the pro level definitely improved this season. The first would be his assertiveness and aggressiveness with the puck, showing a willingness to attack the middle and play through contact. The second would be his confidence in using his shot and being more deliberate with the puck. By improving these two areas, Suzuki was able to be a more consistent and reliable offensive player and it improves his odds of becoming a high-end middle six forward at the NHL level. He will need to continue to get stronger and quicker, however he will get the opportunity to return to Chicago this upcoming season, where he will take on a larger role and show that he can be an offensive leader in the AHL before moving on to the next challenge at the NHL level. - BO

Noel Gunler - RW

After not getting much ice time with his hometown team Lulea HF, Gunler was traded to Brynäs IF in the first months of the 2020-21 season. His role significantly improved after the move, as he was getting more Top six and power play minutes. He was given a chance in 32 Swedish Hockey League games, and his production was alright for a 19-year-old: eight goals and five assists, a total of 13 points.

The Swedish winger is a skilled shooter, he proved his abilities in both SHL and the World Junior Championships (four goals in five matches). He still projects as a second-line forward, due to his awesome shot, size (6-2”), physicality and overall offensive abilities. His PPG was the 3^rd highest behind two Top seven 2020 NHL Draft picks, Alexander Holtz and Lucas Raymond, out of all D+1 SHL players. A pre-draft consensus 1^st round candidate himself, he has the potential to become one of the steals of last year's draft. He was surprisingly taken in the second round (41^st overall) by the Hurricanes. Gunler is expected to start the next season with Brynäs, which is a really good move. The 19-year-old needs to spend more time with the pros, working on his weaknesses (his play without the puck, consistency issues) and after improving his production, he should find his way to North America. - MD

Ville Koivunen - LW

A winger who has not been receiving near the amount of respect he is deserving of, Koivunen parlayed a U20 season this year into a league Rookie of the Year award and a three-year extension with Karpat’s main club. His reputation as an offensive weapon was only strengthened with a 10-point performance at the U18 championships. Koivunen brings a combination of puck skills and hockey sense that should allow him to continue performing at a top six clip as he moves into the men’s leagues on a full-time basis this year. For those reasons, he was a terrific second round selection by Carolina this year.

Equally talented in a set-up capacity or as a finisher, Koivunen plays off of his linemates well, and demonstrates very mature poise on the puck, regardless of the level of pressure being placed on him by the defense. His skating will need some real improvement before he can be considered NHL-ready, which considers technique, leg strength, and just the stamina/drive to keep his feet moving and prevent splaying throughout the entirety of the shift. All of the impact tools are here for a future top six winger, with relatively small tweaks standing in the way of success. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Jamieson Rees - C

A highly competitive, yet skilled forward, Rees’ development has gone very well since being drafted by the Hurricanes in the second round of the 2019 Draft. Even with the OHL on hiatus this past season, Rees was able to carve out a significant role on the Chicago Wolves in the AHL as an underage player (playing on an exemption). Rees (and Ryan Suzuki, for that matter), brought energy, tenaciousness, and offensive production in a checking line role on a very strong Wolves team.

Rees is most electric and dangerous in transition, where he can use his speed to push the pace. However, he loves to drive the middle and crash the net; playing the pest role is something he seems to really enjoy. While Rees has the individual puck skill and creativity to consistently create chances, he is equally adept at finishing off plays and finding open space in the slot to use his high end shot release. A well-rounded player, it seems likely that Rees should at least be able to carve out a long career as a versatile and valuable third line forward. However, he will need to learn to play with more discipline as the penalty issues that plagued him in the OHL were also an issue in his first pro season. Look for Rees to play another full season in the AHL before pushing for playing time in Carolina. - BO

Pyotr Kochetkov - G

Looking back at Kochetkov's season it started very hopefully, as he was given a full-time backup roster spot (with the possibility to prove himself as a potential starter too) at Vityaz KHL team, but unfortunately, he didn't use that opportunity very well. Additionally, at the same time, the team's third goalie had a breakout season, so it didn't take long until Kochetkov found himself not in the position to succeed anymore. A trade to the Torpedo team at the KHL deadline solved the situation a bit, as he was able to get himself some starts again, but still, that couldn't really save his season.

Kochetkov has signed with the Hurricanes but was immediately loaned back to Torpedo for the coming season. He will have to compete for his starts there again, as, judging by the roster situation in Torpedo, he won't be getting those handed to him. What he really needs to do next season to further his development (aside from winning as many starts as possible) is to work on his technique and consistency, as he is still a pretty raw goalie, which is worrying considering his age. In other words, the Canes goaltending coaching staff will need to address that and do their work to make him an NHL level goalie. - VF

Jack Drury - C

Ivy Leaguers typically stay in school for the full four years, or at least three, but the pandemic we are still living through has led to far stranger things than a talented player walking away from Harvard after only two seasons in uniform. A player who has always been able to contribute above the level of his disparate skills, Drury leveraged the global pandemic to leave school early, not to sign an NHL contract, but to sign for a season in Sweden with SHL Vaxjo, with whom he captured a league title, leading the team in scoring in the postseason to boot. Drury is the type that requires numerous viewings to truly appreciate, as none of his individual skills, on their own, stand out. He just gets the job done.

Carolina has a fairly deep organization, both at the NHL level and in the minors, so there is no reason to expect Drury to play in the NHL for any significant length of time in 2021-22. But with six of the centers either clearly above him or vying for NHL time with him looking at expiring contracts at the end of the upcoming season, Drury’s timeline to a strong NHL opportunity is relatively short. The lack of any one selling tool perhaps limits Drury to a middle six upside, but by this time, it would surprise roughly no one if he exceeded his tools yet again once he gets to the NHL. - RW

Joey Keane - D

An AHL All-Star as a rookie in 2019/20, Keane was rewarded midseason with a trade from the Rangers to the Hurricanes (in exchange for Julien Gauthier). In his first full season with the Canes organization, Keane continued to be an AHL stand out with the Checkers. This led to the reward of a cup of coffee with the Canes, allowing management to evaluate his future prospects with the organization.

The highlight of Keane’s game is his mobility. An elite level skater in all four directions, Keane always seems to be a step ahead of the competition. A tenacious physical player, Keane stands out in the defensive end, first and foremost, because of his ability to quell transitional attacks. Offensively, he will take his chances to lead and jump into the attack, given his quickness. However, his decision making is still called into question at times, leading some to believe that he may settle into more of a defensive role at the NHL level. Keane stands to receive a chance to be a full time third pairing defender next year if he has a strong camp and preseason as he will likely be competing with the recently acquired Ethan Bear for playing time. While his upside remains a bit of a question mark, his odds of becoming an NHL defender, in some capacity, seem good. - BO

Tuukka Tieksola - RW

Even though there was some disappointment over Tieksola not making the Finnish World Junior squad this year, he did experience a breakout performance in Liiga with Karpat. His 18 points in 37 games was the sixth best production by a U20 player in Liiga. The speedy and crafty winger turned this performance into a contract with the Hurricanes.

Tieksola’s game revolves around his quick feet and hands. Shifty and elusive in the offensive zone, he is great at finding soft spots in coverage. His top end speed can be an asset in transition too, and he has really dialed up his physical intensity level since being drafted to become a competent forechecker and boards player. Even with a contract in hand, the Hurricanes will be loaning Tieksola back to Finland for the year. He will rejoin Karpat and look to improve his production and establish himself as a go-to offensive player in Liiga. He projects as a middle six scoring option for Carolina but is probably still a few years off of reaching that potential. - BO

Aleksi Heimosalmi - D

A recent second round selection by Carolina, Heimosalmi was one of the breakout stars of this year’s World Under 18’s, earning the tournament’s top defender honor. Blessed with excellent skating ability, Heimosalmi is a dynamic puck mover, but he will look to improve his play in his own end as he becomes a Liiga regular this season with Assat.

Anttoni Honka - D

Since being drafted in 2019, Honka has done nothing but improve and is coming off of his best season yet in Liiga with JYP. The smooth skating offensive defender will return to Finland for another year and then should be ready to cross the pond and push for the Carolina roster.

Scott Morrow - D

Another recent second round selection, Morrow was billed as one of the 2021 draft’s best skaters. However, he has seen limited action above the prep school level and remains a long-term project, albeit one with high upside. Morrow will suit up for UMass this year, which has done a terrific job of developing defenders in recent years.

David Cotton - LW

Cotton had a very good first pro season with Charlotte after four very strong seasons at Boston College. The strong two-way center is someone who projects as a middle six forward for the Hurricanes and could see action as early as this year in Carolina.

Eetu Makiniemi - G

Fresh off his first full season as a starter in Liiga, Makiniemi has signed with Carolina and will head to North America to play in the AHL this year. He will compete to be the starter in Charlotte and has the package of size and athleticism that could make him a back-up at minimum in the future.

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: Playoff Round Preview and Player Standouts to date

Brock Otten — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 20:53:07 +0000

As we ring in the New Year, we also prepare for the playoff round at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. The action kicks off tomorrow as the Germans take on Russia at 12pm EST in the first quarterfinal.

The opening round certainly brought us some great stories. Team Germany overcame a shorthanded roster on the backs of their dominant first line (Stützle, Peterka, Elias) to make the quarterfinals for the first time. Team Sweden saw their preliminary round winning streak come to an end with an overtime loss to Russia (and an additional loss to the U.S.), snapping a run of 54 straight victories. North America rose to the top of the pools as Canada captured pool A in dominating fashion, while the United States captured pool B after overcoming an opening game loss to Russia. Most importantly, the bubble atmosphere managed to keep players and staff safe, as positive covid tests were kept to a minimum.

In anticipation of tomorrow’s quarterfinal action, here is a closer look at the matchups.

Rodion Amirov of Russia skates during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Russia and Sweden on December 30, 2020 in Edmonton.
Photo: Andy Devlin / BILDBYRÅN

Game One - Team Germany vs. Team Russia (12 pm EST)

Five Standouts of the Preliminary Round

Tim Stüetzle (GER)

Team Germany needed Stützle to be one of the best players in the tournament in order to advance to the quarterfinals and he has been just that. The Ottawa Senators third overall selection has demonstrated his dynamic offensive abilities, finishing tied for third in scoring thus far. He has also had to be an absolute workhorse, playing over 25 minutes per game consistently.

J.J. Peterka (GER)

Tied with Stüetzle with 10 points (third in tournament scoring), the Buffalo Sabres second round selection has shown that he probably should have been a first round selection in 2020, more in line with the 17th overall ranking we gave him at McKeen’s. He has also been a workhorse for the Germans and his strong play away from the puck and his strength in puck battles has been the perfect complement to the slick and creative Stützle.

Florian Elias (GER)

A favourite of McKeen’s German scout Chapin Landvogt, Elias was someone we had ranked 146th for the 2020 NHL Draft, before he ultimately went undrafted. However, he has had a tremendous tournament thus far as the middleman between Stützle and Peterka on the tournament’s top line. Undersized, but tenacious, Elias has shown well in all three zones and has demonstrated a high enough skill level to keep up with his highly drafted NHL linemates. Perhaps a strong performance here will be enough to get him drafted in 2021.

Rodion Amirov (RUS)

The 2020 first round selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been terrific for the Russians, pacing their offensive attack along with the likes of Vasili Podkolzin, Egor Afanasyev, and Marat Khusnutdinov. Amirov, playing in his first World Junior Championships, has looked terrific in all aspects, using his speed to be a threat in transition, but also his strength down low to help Russia maintain offensive zone time.

Artemi Knyazev (RUS)

While some other players could have been included here for Russia, Knyazev has been a bit of an unsung hero for the Russians thus far as one of the better defenders in the tournament. The San Jose Sharks second round selection is an excellent skater and he has looked good helping Russia deflect pace defensively, while also helping them push pace offensively.

Team Germany will win if…

They can get quality goaltending from starter Florian Bugl and sustained offensive pressure from their secondary scoring lines. We know that the Stützle, Peterka, and Elias line will get their chances. But if Germany is constantly hemmed in their own zone when those three are off the ice, their likelihood of pulling off the upset is slim.

Team Russia will win if…

They can shut down the Stützle, Peterka, and Elias line, stay out of the penalty box, and get quality goaltending from Yaroslav Askarov. Thus far Askarov has been only mediocre and he will need to improve his game should Russia want to move forward in this tournament. Germany also possesses one of the tournament’s top powerplays, so Russia will need to play disciplined, allowing their depth advantage to apply consistent offensive pressure.

Prediction:

Russia wins 4-1.

Game Two - Team Finland vs. Team Sweden (3:30 pm EST)

Five Standouts of the Preliminary Round

Topi Niemela (FIN)

Arguably the tournament’s top defender thus far, Niemela has been sensational at both ends of the ice for Finland. A recent Toronto Maple Leafs third round selection, Niemela’s seven points lead defenseman scoring thus far. His game is tailored to playing in today’s NHL with his quick feet and ability to process the game being standout qualities.

Anton Lundell (FIN)

His poor play against Canada aside, Lundell certainly has been one of Finland’s best players and one of the top forwards in the tournament. The 12th overall pick by Florida in 2020 had been terrific in Liiga action prior to the tournament, top five in league scoring, and is doing his best to alleviate concerns that his offensive upside was lacking.

Brad Lambert (FIN)

One of the top 2022 draft eligible prospects on the planet, Lambert has looked terrific for a recently turned 17 year old in this tournament. The Saskatchewan born, but Finnish raised forward scored a beautiful goal against Canada and has been consistently dangerous against other competitors, even if he has only amassed three points so far.

Noel Gunler (SWE)

On a team with Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz, it has been Gunler, a Carolina second rounder, that has been the standout offensively for the Swedes. An enigma as a draft eligible player last year, he has found a way to be successful through the middle of the ice at the tournament, generating scoring chances and finishing them all the same.

Victor Soderstrom (SWE)

The 11th overall selection in 2019 by Arizona, Soderstrom has been terrific for team Sweden yet again. A standout last year for the bronze medal winners, Soderstrom is wearing an ‘A’ this time around and has been sensational at both ends. His five assists tie him with Niemela and Cam York among defenseman leaders, however it has been his work defensively that has helped Sweden be so effective in transition.

Team Finland will win if…

They can get quality goaltending from Kari Piiroinen, they can continue to shut down Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz, and if Ville Heinola proves healthy. Piiroinen has largely been solid for Finland so far, but he is going to need to be better than he was against Canada in the matchup against Sweden. Heinola, one of team Finland’s workhorses, injured his hand blocking a shot against Canada and they will need him operating at full speed if they want to advance further. However, the team’s overall team defense approach has worked thus far and that could be trouble for Sweden’s offense, which has underwhelmed to a certain degree.

Team Sweden will win if…

They can get quality goaltending from...someone and if Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz awake from their slumber. At the writing of this article, Sweden has not yet announced who will be their starter today, after Hugo Alnefelt laid an egg against the United States in the preliminary round. Whether they come back to Alnefelt or go with 2021 eligible Jesper Wallstedt, either has to be better. Coming into the tournament, many expected Raymond and Holtz to run wild at the event, but they have been relatively silent thus far (although admittedly snake bitten). It is rare to win at the World Juniors if your best players are not your best players and Sweden needs them to find the score sheet. Additionally, like Finland, Sweden is facing injury issues on their blueline as Edmonton first round pick Philip Broberg appears to be held together with duct tape at this point.

Prediction:

Finland wins 3-2 in OT.

Game Three - Team Canada vs. Team Czech Republic (7 pm EST)

Five Standouts of the Preliminary Round

Dylan Cozens (CAN)

Currently second in tournament scoring behind Trevor Zegras, Cozens has been sensational so far for the Canadians. Operating as a fill-in captain (following the injury to Kirby Dachs), Cozens has dominated all three zones. While his transitional play has been noteworthy, it has been his work in the defensive zone and neutral zone that has really propelled Canada to first in their division. As a strong two-way force, Cozens is showing that he is ready to play in the NHL this coming year with the Buffalo Sabres.

Philip Tomasino (CAN)

Starting the tournament as a healthy scratch, Tomasino has slowly worked his way into regular rotation. Because of their depth, it seems like Canada has a player do that every tournament and this year it has been the Nashville first round pick. Despite receiving limited ice time, Tomasino is third in scoring for Canada and has been a consistent play creator, using his speed to push the pace and help apply pressure as a forechecker.

Devon Levi (CAN)

Levi seems to be the only goaltender in the tournament thus far that has not had a hiccup. Not tested as much as the likes of Askarov and Knight, Levi has done what he has needed to. He has been a rock for Canada, with the only two goals beating him thus far being deflections off of the sticks of his own defenders. Levi is so economical in his movements as he always seems to be in the right position to make even harder saves look easy. The Northeastern commit and Florida draft pick is probably the front runner for top goaltender at this time.

Martin Lang (CZE)

Undrafted after two seasons in the WHL (with Kamloops and Moose Jaw), Lang has been a surprise standout for the Czechs thus far, operating alongside captain Jan Mysak on the top line. He has been aggressive in driving the middle, trying to open up lanes and has shown good hands and finishing ability in tight with three goals. Every year this tournament gives NHL scouts a chance to re-evaluate previously passed over prospects and along with Florian Elias, Lang has made the most of it.

Stanislav Svozil (CZE)

The last Czech defender to be drafted in the first round? That would be Jakub Kindl in 2005. However, Svozil looks like a lock to break that drought at this point. Despite being 17 years old, Svozil has logged significant ice time for the Czech Republic and has been a big part of the team’s powerplay. His skating ability is an obvious strength, however his poise under pressure with the puck has also stood out for a double underager. His strong performance here is generating buzz and he looks the part of a potential lottery selection in 2021.

Team Canada will win if…

They continue to play the way that they have been playing. This sounds cliche, but Canada’s performance thus far has been nothing short of dominating. Their forecheck has suffocated opposing defenders to the point where they have dominated possession under the appearance of a period long powerplay. Canada has received scoring from all four lines and great goaltending from Devon Levi. So long as Levi remains sharp and they do not underestimate the Czechs, they should take this game in a similar fashion to their other victories in this tournament.

Team Czech Republic will win if…

They get quality goaltending from either Lukas Parik or Nick Malik, can shutdown Canada’s fierce top line, and can force Canada into penalty trouble. Outside of their victory against Russia, the goaltending for the Czechs has not been strong and they are going to need one of Parik or Malik to stand on their head to defeat the Canadians. The best way to disrupt Canada’s offense is to apply offensive pressure of their own and in turn, force Canada into taking penalties that keeps them from dominating at five on five. A consistent and aggressive forecheck will be required to help the Czechs establish that prolonged pressure. No team in the tournament has been able to hem Canada in their own end consistently and prevent their lethal transitional attack, so that will be key to coming up with the upset.

Prediction:

Canada wins 6-1.

Game Four - Team U.S.A. vs. Team Slovakia (10:30 pm EST)

Five Standouts of the Preliminary Round

Trevor Zegras (USA)

The current points leader in the tournament, Zegras has been nothing short of dominant so far. The assist leader at last year’s tournament, Zegras has returned even better this year, showing more confidence in his shot and an improved commitment to playing outside of the offensive zone. The Anaheim Ducks top prospect is the current favourite for the tournament’s top forward award, however a strong performance in the medal round is needed. Either way, he has shown an electric creativity that should fit in well this coming NHL season.

Cam York (USA)

The captain of the U.S. squad, York has been terrific thus far, especially as the quarterback of the top powerplay unit. After playing more of a depth role at last year’s tournament, York has moved to the forefront and his vision and high IQ with the puck has been on full display. A Philadelphia Flyers first round pick, York will return to the University of Michigan for his sophomore season after the tournament in hopes of capturing a National Championship.

Matthew Beniers (USA)

It is normally rare for first time draft eligible players to stand out in a positive way at this tournament, but we have seen many (Wallstedt, Svozil, Olausson, Kirsanov, etc) do just that. Beniers, even though he only has two assists thus far, may be the cream of that crop. His tenacious and aggressive offensive playing style has made him consistently noticeable for the U.S. as he drives the pace and plays between the dots. Look for him to continue to cement himself as a top 10 selection in 2021.

Spencer Knight (USA)

No question, Knight was not at his best in the opening game of the tournament against Russia. However, after sitting against Austria, Knight returned as strong as ever to post back-to-back shutouts against the Czech Republic and Sweden. In those two games he has looked every part the top goaltending prospect he is considered to be. Of course, his overall performance will be graded by how well the U.S. does in the medal round, however he deserves to be on this list at this point in the competition.

Simon Nemec (SVK)

Like Brad Lambert of Finland, Nemec is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2022. However, unlike Lambert, Nemec is still 16. With three assists thus far, Nemec has already entered the record book at the tournament as the highest scoring U17 defender at the tournament in the last 40 years. In the last two decades, only Rasmus Dahlin had managed two points or greater. While he has had some struggles defensively, Nemec has looked like a natural with the puck on his stick and the future is clearly bright for this Slovak future star. Rumour is that many CHL teams are already salivating at the thought of adding Nemec at the next Import Draft.

Team USA will win if…

They stay the course and play the way that they have in their last two games against the Czechs and Sweden. In those two games, they have suffocated the opposition with their speed and skill and their defense has done a terrific job of starting the breakout quickly, preventing opposing teams from having prolonged zone time. In their loss against Russia, the U.S. defense were extremely turnover prone as they tried to force plays in the face of a forecheck. Since then, they have really cleaned things up, using their mobility to create those passing lanes. It sounds obvious, but limiting defensive turnovers is key to preventing Slovakia from completing the upset, as the Slovaks are unlikely to be able to create consistently in transition.

Team Slovakia will win if…

They can get quality goaltending and if they can find a way to score goals. Thanks Captain Obvious. But let’s be frank, Slovakia is going to need either Samuel Hlavaj or Simon Latkoczy to really stand on their head in order to have a chance against this high-powered American offense. Both are certainly capable and have shown flashes of brilliance in this tournament. Los Angeles Kings draft pick Martin Chromiak only has one goal in this tournament so far and he and the Slovak offense really need to be able to apply more pressure than they have. Against Canada, Slovakia did a terrific job blocking shots and getting their sticks in passing lanes in order to stifle the creativity of the Canadian forwards. This is also going to be a key to shutting down Trevor Zegras and team U.S.A.

Prediction:

USA wins 5-0.

Continued Medal Round Predictions

Semi Final #1 - Canada vs. Russia

In what could easily be considered a matchup of the pre-tournament favourites, Canada would face Russia if my quarterfinal predictions come true. In this matchup, I see Canada continuing their path to Gold. I like the mobility of Canada’s defense and their ability to handle the Russian forecheck better than the U.S. did in their preliminary round matchup. I also believe that the Canadian team is gelling at the right time with all four lines showing great chemistry, and this is going to prove to be too much for the Russians to handle over three periods, even if I expect Yaroslav Askarov to have his best game of the tournament.

Prediction:

Canada wins 3-2 in OT.

Semi Final #2 - U.S.A. vs. Finland

Ultimately, I see the U.S. taking this matchup for the following reasons. The first is an advantage in net. Spencer Knight has shown himself to be dialed in the last couple of games and while Kari Piiroinen has been solid, he is not likely to stand on his head the way that he may need to in order for Finland to move forward. In a goalie duel between those two, I’ll take Knight. Secondly, like Canada, I see the U.S. really coming together at the right time as an offensive team. The defense has really improved their ability to handle the forecheck and the US forward group, led by Trevor Zegras, is smothering the opposition by consistently getting pucks in deep. Much the way Canada dominated time of possession against Finland, I expect the U.S. to do the same.

Prediction:

U.S.A. wins 3-1.

Bronze Medal Game - Russia vs. Finland

No one wants to play for bronze but ultimately someone has to win it. In this matchup I like Russia, with Igor Larionov looking to prove that he can bring home a medal in his first year behind the bench at the U20 level. Similar to how the Canadian and U.S. forecheck gives Finland fits, the Russians increase their physical tenaciousness to really keep pressure in the offensive zone. And, again, I am not confident in Finland’s goaltending being able to come up huge in a duel with Askarov.

Prediction:

Russia wins 4-1.

Gold Medal Game - Canada vs. U.S.A.

Look for the Canadians to copy the Russian model that worked so well in the preliminary round against the U.S. Luckily, this does not deviate from the team’s master plan in the first place. The thing about Canada is that not only have their forwards been dynamic in transition, applying consistent pressure, but their best players have also been strong in the defensive end by playing the way Andre Tourigny likes his team to play. So long as Devon Levi continues to impress and the team gets contributions from all four lines, I believe that this team should capture gold.

Prediction:

Canada wins 5-3.

Tournament Award Predictions

Top Forward: Trevor Zegras

Top Defenseman: Topi Niemela

Top Goaltender: Devon Levi

Tournament MVP: Dylan Cozens

Tournament All Stars (regardless of forward position):

Trevor Zegras

Tim Stützle

Dylan Cozens

Topi Niemela

Cam York

Devon Levi

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: Can Sweden Overcome the Huge Hurdles?

Jimmy Hamrin — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 15:00:39 +0000

Can Sweden overcome the hurdles?

Team Sweden or “juniorkronorna” as they are called in Sweden are always a competitive team at World Juniors, and this year is no exception. Usually the pre-tournament talk is on their remarkable round robin winning streak and how stacked they are at defense. This is, as you all know, a very different year. An evil tongue might call the Swedes “juniorCORONArna” this year instead with all that has happened this fall and during the camp.

Alexander Holtz and Lucas Raymond of Sweden against Santeri Tatakka of Finland during the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship bronze medal game between Sweden and Finland on January 5, 2020 in Ostrava.
Photo: Simon Hastegård / BILDBYRÅN /

The COVID-situation:
Sweden is, like the whole world, having a tough time with the virus. I am not going into a political discussion here of which government has been right and which has been wrong as Sweden has had a different strategy than many other western countries. But, as of now, Sweden is struggling. Therefore there are many people here in Sweden thinking it is madness to send these young players across the globe to play at the WJC. To some part, I, of course, agree. The tournament is not THAT important. To another degree I am very happy that this tournament is going to be played. I also think that the NHL showed that you can have a safe bubble if you keep everything strict. As the team now are in that bubble I truly hope for a safe and entertaining tournament. In our lockdowns (yes, we have restrictions in Sweden too) a bit of high value entertainment like the World Juniors will give us a well needed distraction.

Sweden’s preparations have not been without pandemic issues though. They were supposed to play Finland in November but during the first gameday they had to call it off due to a positive COVID-test from a member of the Swedish team. In December they put together a 34-man roster to go into a training camp bubble before the tournament. That ended up with four players (William Eklund (2021), William Wallinder (DET), Karl Henriksson (NYR) and Albin Grewe (DET)) getting ejected from the camp with positive COVID-results. Added to that, FIVE individuals from their management group were infected with COVID and that has reduced them heavily as they will not be able to send other coaches or leaders to the bubble. Sweden’s head coach Tomas Montén is one of the leaders that had to stay behind. He will need to lead his team from his home in Sweden. Joel Ronnmark, an inexperienced 30 year, old will be team’s head coach in Edmonton.

The roster selection:

I was not a happy man when Sweden finalized its roster. The big guns in goal, at defense and up front are all in, of course. But the way they chose the bottom of the roster irritates me. The biggest and most surprising cut was defenseman Helge Grans (LAK). He is a power play player at the SHL level and would be a top 4 defenseman for most other countries in the tournament. He is also capable of playing other roles and is an all-around smart defenseman. New for this tournament is that you can have a bigger roster. So that they picked eight defenseman and could not find a spot for Grans cannot be rationally explained. Keep in mind that Grans is a right handed defenseman and six of the eight defensemen picked are left handed.

I also would have wanted Sweden to give Simon Edvinsson (2021) a shot. He is already a better player than at least three of the picked defensemen. I guess that Sweden is looking at roles and picking players to play a specific role and I get that idea but you also have to look at how capable the better offensive defenseman is at playing a defensive role if needed. It is not that guys such as non-drafted players Ludvig Hedstrom and Alex Brannstam are defensive monsters. They can both have trouble defending their own junior teams at times. Up front, I would have liked to see Daniel Ljungman (DAL) getting a spot. The smart center/winger is useful in many situations but also has strong offensive weapons.

An overall assessment of the team:
Sweden will not have as strong of a team as Canada, Russia and USA have on paper. The strong parts of this Swedish team are the goalies, the top defenseman and the offensive star power of Lucas Raymond (DET) and Alexander Holtz (NJD). Losing out on Karl Henriksson will make a weak team down the middle even weaker. Losing out on William Eklund will make it harder to find three or even two productive lines for the big games. It sounds like they are playing Theodor Niederbach as the top center and that could be exciting. I am not sure that it will be beneficial for the whole roster to have offensively gifted right-hand shooters on the same line though.

I am not capable of projecting how big of an impact the reduced management team will have, but if they can overcome all of the hurdles and bring home a bronze medal, that would be a successful tournament outcome for this team. I think the roster is competitive and on paper they should be one of the teams in a semifinal. It will also be interesting if Sweden will have an advantage in that their players actually played real games during the fall in comparison to the North American teams where many players have not played at all since March.

Top 10 to watch:

10 - Noel Gunler W (CAR)
The polarizing goal scorer is finally getting a chance to show himself at a major international event. Gunler will have a big part on a second scoring line and get a chance on the power play. He did not receive increased ice time with Lulea at the start of the season and fell in the draft but has had a better opportunity since he changed his SHL team. I am predicting that he will score at least 4 goals at this tournament.

9 - Theodor Niederbach C (DET)
Niederbach is not the fastest player but he is one of the smartest on this Swedish roster. He has absolutely dominated the Swedish junior league with 35 points in 19 games. He will get a chance to play on the top line with Raymond and Holtz and that will give him a good chance to produce big points in this tournament. His biggest strength is finding open spots in the offensive zone and taking advantage of them. He can both set up and score goals and he will complement the stars well.

8 - Tobias Bjornfot D (LAK)
Bjornfot has not had an impressive season so far. After a good season in North America he has not been able to earn a leading role on his SHL team. He is a strong player at both ends of the ice and has the tools you need to become a regular NHL defenseman. He will crack the LA roster sooner than later. Here he will not be a primary power play guy but I expect him be defensively strong in important situations and be a strong puck mover from the back end.

7 - Hugo Alnefelt G (TBL)
I do not know how Sweden will play their goalies this year as they have two potential starters. For that reason, I do not see Alnefelt as the best choice but when you look at international experience he has always come through for Sweden. He was one of Sweden’s most valuable players in the U18 gold-medal winning squad in 2019 and the U20 bronze in 2020. He is a composed and calm goalie with a strong all-around game. He would be the easier choice as the players and coaches all know what they will get from him and they trust him.

6 - Philip Broberg D (EDM)
Broberg is a somewhat polarizing player as well. He still has visual flaws in his defensive game and still is a year or two from being ready to play in the NHL. The ceiling is hard to deny though with big reach and exploding speed. In SHL action, he started well but has had a rough last month with more mistakes defensively and less offensive production. He was the best defenseman at the U18 WJC in 2019 but was up-and-down at the U20 WJC in 2020. Sweden will need him to be as dominant as he was at the U18s where he closed things down defensively with his reach and pushed the offensive attack with his skating and puck skills.

5 - Albert Johansson D (DET)
The most underrated Swedish prospect. Johansson has been nothing but excellent for two seasons in the SHL and seems to have improved with every game I have seen him play. He is a smart, humble, hard-working two-way defenseman who skates fast and with ease. He has grown of late but I have always felt that Detroit got a steal picking him 60^th overall in 2019. He will probably not play the power play but will push the play and be a reliable player at even strength as a top 4 defenseman.

4 - Jesper Wallstedt G (2021)
As a 17/18-year-old goalie Wallstedt has been impressive in SHL and will probably finish the season as the starter for his team in playoffs. He has elite hockey sense. I have not seen a Swedish goalie that can read the play the way that he can in a very long time. He is not as athletically spectacular as Yaroslav Askarov but he is more consistent as he always seem to be in a good spot to make an easy save. I would want him to be Sweden’s starter and he probably will at least get one of the earlier games either way.

3 - Victor Soderstrom D (ARI)
Soderstrom was one of Sweden’s best defenseman already last year and will be a THE guy this year. Concerningly he has been suffering with injuries so I do not know what the state his body will be in as the tournament starts. Hockey sense is the right-handed defenseman’s best tool. He moves well and reads the game very well. He is maybe not as exciting as Broberg but he is more consistent and reliable. He will be one Sweden’s most important players and will soon be ready to play in the NHL.

2 - Alexander Holtz W (NJD)
As a 17-year-old he scored five points last year in a third line (with PP-time) role. He has the potential to double that this year as he will be playing in a top line role and starting every power play and getting a lot of offensive zone starts. The shooter has been improving at the SHL level this season and has also been producing at a higher rate. He looks more physically mature than he did in his rookie season. I believe he will be ready the play in the NHL at the start of the 21/22 season. Holtz plays a good two-way game and has one the best shots in the whole tournament. That will be a strong weapon for Sweden in important situations in important games.

1 - Lucas Raymond W (DET)
I would have wanted to see even more production from Raymond in the SHL but Frolunda is a weird organization that way. They play four almost evenly matched lines and play them 12-17 minutes per game. Raymond plays 14 minutes per game and is still not their top go-to-guy. For this tournament though, he will be for Sweden. He is a high event player with impressive hockey sense and puck skills. He will drive Sweden’s offense and be both goal scorer and an offensive creator. Sweden’s success will be most reliant on Raymond’s play as he also is a player that needs to be good for other players to succeed.

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Top 300 Prospect Rankings

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 17:09:56 +0000

These are our final prospect ranking prior to the start of the season. As a subscriber you can download the list in an excel chart and can link to the player pages in the chart found here. As always, the rankings you see below are based on our 20-80 scouting system looking at five categories for skaters (Skating, Shot, Puck Skills, Hockey Smarts, Physicality) and six for netminders (Athleticism/Quickness/Speed, Compete/Temperament, Vision/Play Reading, Technique/Style, Rebound Control, Puck Handling). Our prospect team spent large portions of their last few months pre-COVID in the rinks, watching the players below and many others, and further work on video (Instat Hockey has been a terrific resource in recent days) before passing judgement on their future projections.

The 20-80 scouting system is meant to allow players from different leagues in different parts of the world to be compared to one another, such that grades on a player in the OHL can be directly compared to grades from an AHL player, and to grades of someone playing in the MHL.

PROSPECT CRITERIA

Players under 26 years of age as of the September 15th prior (Sep. 15, 1994) to the season in question who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in any one season – or 25 last year (20 for goalies, 15 last season) are considered prospects

RANK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	ACQUIRED
1	Alexis Lafreniere	NYR	LW	19	6-1/195	`20(1st)
2	Tim Stutzle	Ott	C	18	6-1/185	`20(3rd)
3	Quinton Byfield	LA	C	18	6-4/215	`20(2nd)
4	Trevor Zegras	Ana	C	19	6-0/170	`19(9th)
5	Kirill Kaprizov	Min	LW	23	5-10/200	`15(135th)
6	Lucas Raymond	Det	LW	18	5-11/170	`20(4th)
7	Dylan Cozens	Buf	C	19	6-3/185	`19(7th)
8	Bowen Byram	Col	D	19	6-0/195	`19(4th)
9	Peyton Krebs	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`19(17th)
10	Jake Sanderson	Ott	D	18	6-1/185	`20(5th)
11	Moritz Seider	Det	D	19	6-3/185	`19(6th)
12	Jamie Drysdale	Ana	D	18	5-11/175	`20(6th)
13	Igor Shesterkin	NYR	G	25	6-1/190	`14(118th)
14	Alexander Holtz	NJ	RW	18	6-0/190	`20(7th)
15	Cole Perfetti	Wpg	LW	19	5-10/180	`20(10th)
16	Marco Rossi	Min	C	19	5-9/185	`20(9th)
17	Vasili Podkolzin	Van	RW	19	6-1/190	`19(10th)
18	Victor Soderstrom	Ari	D	19	5-11/180	`19(11th)
19	Nick Robertson	Tor	LW	19	5-9/160	`19(53rd)
20	Cole Caufield	Mtl	RW	19	5-7/165	`19(15th)
21	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	18	6-3/175	`20(11th)
22	Spencer Knight	Fla	G	19	6-3/195	`19(13th)
23	Philip Broberg	Edm	D	19	6-3/200	`19(8th)
24	Jack Quinn	Buf	RW	19	6-0/180	`20(8th)
25	Matthew Boldy	Min	LW	19	6-1/190	`19(12th)
26	Nils Lundkvist	NYR	D	20	5-11/180	`18(28th)
27	Seth Jarvis	Car	RW	18	5-10/175	`20(13th)
28	Ty Smith	NJ	D	20	5-10/180	`18(17th)
29	Grigori Denisenko	Fla	LW	20	5-11/185	`18(15th)
30	Barrett Hayton	Ari	C	20	6-1/190	`18(5th)
31	Alex Newhook	Col	C	19	5-10/195	`19(16th)
32	Thomas Harley	Dal	D	19	6-3/190	`19(18th)
33	Alex Turcotte	LA	C	19	5-11/185	`19(5th)
34	Vitali Kravtsov	NYR	RW	21	6-3/185	`18(9th)
35	Philip Tomasino	Nsh	C	19	5-11/180	`19(24th)
36	Connor McMichael	Wsh	C	19	5-11/175	`19(25th)
37	Dawson Mercer	NJ	C	19	6-0/180	`20(18th)
38	Ilya Sorokin	NYI	G	25	6-2/180	`14(78th)
39	Gabriel Vilardi	LA	RW	21	6-3/200	`17(11th)
40	Ryan Merkley	SJ	D	20	5-11/170	`18(21st)
41	Alexander Romanov	Mtl	D	20	5-11/185	`18(38th)
42	Kaiden Guhle	Mtl	D	18	6-2/190	`20(16th)
43	Samuel Poulin	Pit	LW	19	6-1/205	`19(21st)
44	K'Andre Miller	NYR	D	20	6-3/205	`18(22nd)
45	Scott Perunovich	StL	D	22	5-10/175	`18(45th)
46	Evan Bouchard	Edm	D	21	6-2/195	`18(10th)
47	Braden Schneider	NYR	D	19	6-2/200	`20(19th)
48	Juuso Valimaki	Cgy	D	22	6-2/205	`17(16th)
49	Cam York	Phi	D	19	5-11/175	`19(14th)
50	Anton Lundell	Fla	C	19	6-1/185	`20(12th)
51	Morgan Frost	Phi	C	21	5-11/180	`17(27th)
52	Owen Tippett	Fla	RW	21	6-1/200	`17(10th)
53	Albert Johansson	Det	D	19	5-11/165	`19(60th)
54	Liam Foudy	CBJ	C	20	6-0/175	`18(18th)
55	Kieffer Bellows	NYI	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(19th)
56	Arthur Kaliyev	LA	RW	19	6-2/190	`19(33rd)
57	Oliver Wahlstrom	NYI	RW	20	6-1/205	`18(11th)
58	Nils Hoglander	Van	RW	20	5-9/185	`19(40th)
59	Matias Maccelli	Ari	LW	20	5-11/170	`19(98th)
60	Tobias Bjornfot	LA	D	19	6-0/200	`19(22nd)
61	Jacob Bernard-Docker	Ott	D	20	6-0/180	`18(26th)
62	Connor Zary	Cgy	C	19	6-0/180	`20(24th)
63	Dominik Bokk	Car	RW	20	6-1/180	T(StL-9/19)
64	Ryan Suzuki	Car	C	19	6-0/180	`19(28th)
65	Dylan Samberg	Wpg	D	21	6-3/190	`17(43rd)
66	Jake Bean	Car	D	22	6-1/175	`16(13th)
67	Josh Norris	Ott	C	21	6-1/195	T(SJ-9/18)
68	Rasmus Kupari	LA	C	20	6-1/185	`18(20th)
69	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	19	5-9/165	`19(26th)
70	Drake Batherson	Ott	RW	22	6-1/190	`17(121st)
71	Jan Jenik	Ari	RW	20	6-1/180	`18(65th)
72	John-Jason Peterka	Buf	LW	18	5-11/190	`20(34th)
73	Kirill Marchenko	CBJ	LW	20	6-3/190	`18(49th)
74	Bode Wilde	NYI	D	20	6-2/195	`18(41st)
75	John Beecher	Bos	C	19	6-3/210	`19(30th)
76	Tyler Madden	LA	C	21	5-10/155	T(Van-2/20)
77	Jack Studnicka	Bos	C	21	6-1/170	`17(53rd)
78	Jake Oettinger	Dal	G	22	6-4/210	`17(26th)
79	Alex Formenton	Ott	LW	21	6-2/165	`17(47th)
80	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	19	6-3/200	`19(49th)
81	Calen Addison	Min	D	20	5-10/180	T(Pit-2/20)
82	Ty Dellandrea	Dal	C	20	6-0/185	`18(13th)
83	Akil Thomas	LA	C	20	5-11/170	`18(51st)
84	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	18	5-10/180	`20(30th)
85	Ian Mitchell	Chi	D	21	5-11/175	`17(57th)
86	Jason Robertson	Dal	LW	21	6-2/195	`17(39th)
87	Hendrix Lapierre	Wsh	C	18	5-11/180	`20(22nd)
88	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	19	5-11/180	`20(29th)
89	Theodor Niederbach	Det	C	18	5-11/175	`20(51st)
90	Zac Jones	NYR	D	20	5-10/175	`19(68th)
91	Robert Mastrosimone	Det	LW	19	5-10/160	`19(54th)
92	Joe Veleno	Det	C	20	6-1/195	`18(30th)
93	Rodion Amirov	Tor	LW	19	6-0/170	`20(15th)
94	Jake Neighbours	StL	LW	18	5-11/195	`20(26th)
95	Julien Gauthier	NYR	RW	23	6-4/225	T(Car-2/20)
96	Justus Annunen	Col	G	20	6-4/215	`18(64th)
97	Egor Zamula	Phi	D	20	6-4/175	FA(9/18)
98	Shane Pinto	Ott	C	20	6-2/190	`19(32nd)
99	Noel Gunler	Car	RW	19	6-2/175	`20(41st)
100	Ridly Greig	Ott	C	18	5-11/165	`20(28th)
101	Jesse Ylonen	Mtl	RW	21	6-1/185	`18(35th)
102	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	20	6-0/195	`19(50th)
103	Mattias Norlinder	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`19(64th)
104	Olli Juolevi	Van	D	22	6-3/200	`16(5th)
105	Kristian Vesalainen	Wpg	LW	21	6-3/205	`17(24th)
106	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	20	6-4/195	`19(38th)
107	Jan Mysak	Mtl	C	18	5-11/180	`20(49th)
108	Cayden Primeau	Mtl	G	21	6-3/180	`17(199th)
109	Pavel Dorofeyev	VGK	LW	20	6-1/170	`19(79th)
110	Morgan Barron	NYR	C	22	6-2/200	`17(174th)
111	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	19	5-11/180	`19(20th)
112	Dylan Holloway	Edm	C	19	6-0/205	`20(14th)
113	Jack Dugan	VGK	RW	22	6-2/185	`17(142nd)
114	Alexander Khovanov	Min	C	20	5-11/195	`18(86th)
115	Jacob Perreault	Ana	RW	18	5-11/195	`20(27th)
116	Jake Evans	Mtl	C	24	6-0/185	`14(207th)
117	Adam Beckman	Min	LW	19	6-1/170	`19(75th)
118	Jett Woo	Van	D	20	6-0/205	`18(37th)
119	Nolan Foote	NJ	LW	20	6-3/190	T(TB-2/20)
120	Logan Brown	Ott	C	22	6-6/220	`16(11th)
121	Martin Kaut	Col	RW	21	6-1/175	`18(16th)
122	Jack Rathbone	Van	D	21	5-10/175	`17(95th)
123	Ozzy Wiesblatt	SJ	RW	18	5-10/185	`20(31st)
124	Ryan O'Rourke	Min	D	18	6-0/180	`20(39th)
125	Lukas Reichel	Chi	LW	18	6-0/170	`20(17th)
126	Jordan Harris	Mtl	D	20	5-11/180	`18(71st)
127	Lukas Dostal	Ana	G	20	6-1/170	`18(85th)
128	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/205	`19(45th)
129	Conor Timmins	Col	D	22	6-1/185	`17(32nd)
130	Lassi Thomson	Ott	D	20	6-0/190	`19(19th)
131	Eeli Tolvanen	Nsh	RW	21	5-10/175	`17(30th)
132	Kasper Simontaival	LA	RW	18	5-9/180	`20(66th)
133	Roni Hirvonen	Tor	C	18	5-9/165	`20(59th)
134	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	18	5-9/180	`20(38th)
135	Benoit-Olivier Groulx	Ana	C	20	6-1/195	`18(54th)
136	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	18	6-4/200	`20(44th)
137	Tyson Foerster	Phi	C	18	6-1/195	`20(23rd)
138	Helge Grans	LA	D	18	6-2/205	`20(35th)
139	Jonathan Dahlen	SJ	LW	23	5-11/185	T(Van-2/19)
140	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	18	5-11/175	`20(37th)
141	Alexander Alexeyev	Wsh	D	21	6-3/200	`18(31st)
142	Pierre-Olivier Joseph	Pit	D	21	6-2/170	`17(23rd)
143	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	18	5-10/160	`20(64th)
144	Oskari Laaksonen	Buf	D	21	6-2/165	`17(89th)
145	Filip Hallander	Tor	LW	20	6-1/185	T(Pit-8/20)
146	Serron Noel	Fla	RW	20	6-5/205	`18(34th)
147	Martin Chromiak	LA	LW	18	6-0/185	`20(128th)
148	Shakir Mukhamadullin	NJ	D	18	6-3/180	`20(20th)
149	Mattias Samuelsson	Buf	D	20	6-3/215	`18(32nd)
150	Janne Kuokkanen	NJ	LW	22	6-1/190	T(Car-2/20)
151	Ryan Johnson	Buf	D	19	6-0/175	`19(31st)
152	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	19	5-8/175	`20(124th)
153	Martin Fehervary	Wsh	D	21	6-1/190	`18(46th)
154	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	Buf	G	21	6-4/195	`17(54th)
155	Will Lockwood	Van	RW	22	5-11/175	`16(64th)
156	Isac Lundestrom	Ana	C	21	6-0/185	`18(23rd)
157	Michael DiPietro	Van	G	21	6-0/195	`17(64th)
158	Jonatan Berggren	Det	RW	20	5-10/185	`18(33rd)
159	Kevin Bahl	NJ	D	20	6-6/230	T(Ari-12/19)
160	Aliaksei Protas	Wsh	C	19	6-5/205	`19(91st)
161	Reilly Walsh	NJ	D	21	5-11/180	`17(81st)
162	Nick Abruzzese	Tor	C	21	5-9/160	`19(124th)
163	Tyler Tucker	StL	D	20	6-1/205	`18(200th)
164	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	19	5-10/170	`19(129th)
165	Klim Kostin	StL	C	21	6-3/195	`17(31st)
166	Brayden Tracey	Ana	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(29th)
167	Joel Hofer	StL	G	20	6-3/160	`18(107th)
168	Joey Anderson	Tor	RW	22	6-0/195	T(NJ-10/20)
169	Yegor Spiridonov	SJ	C	19	6-2/195	`19(108th)
170	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	19	6-1/205	`20(36th)
171	Joey Keane	Car	D	21	6-0/185	T(NYR-2/20)
172	Jared McIsaac	Det	D	20	6-1/195	`18(36th)
173	Jamieson Rees	Car	C	19	5-10/175	`19(44th)
174	Ivan Morozov	VGK	C	20	6-1/180	`18(61st)
175	Rem Pitlick	Nsh	C	23	5-11/200	`16(76th)
176	Tyce Thompson	NJ	RW	21	6-0/170	`19(96th)
177	Michael McLeod	NJ	C	22	6-2/195	`16(12th)
178	Jaret Anderson-Dolan	LA	C	21	5-11/190	`17(41st)
179	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	19	6-0/165	`19(214th)
180	Antti Tuomisto	Det	D	19	6-4/190	`19(35th)
181	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	18	5-9/155	`20(134th)
182	Luke Evangelista	Nsh	RW	18	5-11/170	`20(42nd)
183	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	18	6-1/180	`20(52nd)
184	Joni Ikonen	Mtl	C	21	5-10/170	`17(58th)
185	Olivier Rodrigue	Edm	G	20	6-1/165	`18(62nd)
186	Lucas Elvenes	VGK	RW	21	6-0/175	`17(127th)
187	Anthony Angello	Pit	RW	24	6-5/205	`14(145th)
188	Tuukka Tieksola	Car	RW	19	5-10/160	`19(121st)
189	Declan Chisholm	Wpg	D	20	6-1/190	`18(150th)
190	Cole Koepke	TB	LW	22	6-1/195	`18(183rd)
191	Valtteri Puustinen	Pit	RW	21	5-9/185	`19(203rd)
192	Ty Smilanic	Fla	C	18	6-1/175	`20(74th)
193	Patrik Puistola	Car	LW	19	6-0/175	`19(73rd)
194	Justin Barron	Col	D	19	6-2/190	`20(25th)
195	Andrew Peeke	CBJ	D	22	6-3/210	`16(34th)
196	Michael Vukojevic	NJ	D	19	6-3/210	`19(82nd)
197	Alec Regula	Chi	D	20	6-3/200	T(Det-10/19)
198	Connor Corcoran	VGK	D	20	6-1/185	`18(154th)
199	Jeremy Swayman	Bos	G	22	6-1/190	`17(111th)
200	Pyotr Kochetkov	Car	G	21	6-1/175	`19(36th)
201	Mikey Anderson	LA	D	21	6-0/195	`17(103rd)
202	Carter Savoie	Edm	LW	18	5-9/190	`20(100th)
203	Samuel Walker	TB	C	21	5-11/160	`17(200th)
204	William Wallinder	Det	D	18	6-4/190	`20(32nd)
205	Jack Drury	Car	C	20	5-11/180	`18(42nd)
206	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	18	5-9/185	`20(54th)
207	Cal Petersen	LA	G	26	6-3/190	FA(7/17)
208	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	18	6-0/200	`20(72nd)
209	Tarmo Reunanen	NYR	D	22	6-0/180	`16(98th)
210	Simon Holmstrom	NYI	RW	19	6-1/185	`19(23rd)
211	Aleksi Saarela	Fla	RW	23	5-11/200	T(Chi-10/19)
212	Anton Johannesson	Wpg	D	18	5-9/155	`20(133rd)
213	Lauri Pajuniemi	NYR	RW	21	6-0/185	`18(132nd)
214	Morgan Geekie	Car	C	22	6-2/180	`17(67th)
215	Shane Bowers	Col	C	21	6-2/190	T(Ott-11/17)
216	Sasha Chmelevski	SJ	C	21	5-11/190	`17(185th)
217	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	20	5-8/155	`18(43rd)
218	Cole Schwindt	Fla	RW	19	6-2/185	`19(81st)
219	Hugo Alnefelt	TB	G	19	6-3/195	`19(71st)
220	Nikita Okhotyuk	NJ	D	20	6-1/195	`19(61st)
221	Sampo Ranta	Col	LW	20	6-2/205	`18(78th)
222	Alexander Volkov	TB	LW	23	6-1/190	`17(48th)
223	Alexander True	SJ	C	23	6-5/205	FA(7/18)
224	John Leonard	SJ	C	22	5-11/190	`18(182nd)
225	Carl Grundstrom	LA	LW	23	6-0/195	T(Tor-1/19)
226	Dmitri Semykin	TB	D	20	6-3/200	`18(90th)
227	Cal Foote	TB	D	22	6-4/215	`17(14th)
228	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	18	5-11/175	`20(75th)
229	Alex Barre-Boulet	TB	C	23	5-10/165	FA(3/18)
230	Tristen Robins	SJ	RW	19	5-10/175	`20(56th)
231	Max Gildon	Fla	D	21	6-3/190	`17(66th)
232	Nikita Alexandrov	StL	C	20	6-0/180	`19(62nd)
233	Michael Benning	Fla	D	18	5-9/180	`20(95th)
234	Justin Sourdif	Fla	RW	18	5-11/175	`20(87th)
235	Tanner Laczynski	Phi	C	23	6-1/200	`16(169th)
236	Eamon Powell	TB	D	18	5-11/165	`20(116th)
237	Kaedan Korczak	VGK	D	19	6-3/190	`19(41st)
238	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	18	6-1/180	`20(47th)
239	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	21	5-10/175	`18(171st)
240	Pius Suter	Chi	C	24	5-11/170	FA(7/20)
241	Wade Allison	Phi	RW	23	6-2/205	`16(52nd)
242	Bobby Brink	Phi	RW	19	5-10/165	`19(34th)
243	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	18	5-10/180	`20(68th)
244	David Farrance	Nsh	D	21	5-11/190	`17(92nd)
245	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	18	6-2/185	`20(33rd)
246	Dmitri Voronkov	CBJ	LW	20	6-4/190	`19(114th)
247	German Rubtsov	Phi	C	22	6-2/190	`16(22nd)
248	Vitaly Abramov	Ott	RW	22	5-9/175	T(CBJ-2/19)
249	Alex Laferriere	LA	RW	19	6-0/175	`20(83rd)
250	Trey Fix-Wolansky	CBJ	RW	21	5-8/185	`18(204th)
251	Isaac Ratcliffe	Phi	LW	21	6-5/200	`17(35th)
252	Kale Clague	LA	D	22	6-0/180	`16(51st)
253	Landon Slaggert	Chi	LW	18	5-11/180	`20(79th)
254	Wyatt Kalynuk	Chi	D	23	6-1/180	FA(7/20)
255	Mikko Kokkonen	Tor	D	19	5-11/200	`19(84th)
256	Kevin Mandolese	Ott	G	20	6-4/180	`18(157th)
257	Daniil Tarasov	CBJ	G	21	6-5/185	`17(86th)
258	Evan Barratt	Chi	C	21	6-0/190	`17(90th)
259	Tyler Benson	Edm	LW	22	6-0/200	`16(32nd)
260	Yegor Korshkov	Tor	RW	24	6-4/215	`16(31st)
261	Hunter Skinner	NYR	D	19	6-2/175	`19(112th)
262	Riley Damiani	Dal	C	20	5-9/165	`18(137th)
263	Ryan McLeod	Edm	C	21	6-2/205	`18(40th)
264	Ilya Konovalov	Edm	G	22	6-0/195	`19(85th)
265	Will Cuylle	NYR	LW	18	6-3/205	`20(60th)
266	Evan Vierling	NYR	C	18	6-0/165	`20(127th)
267	Emil Heineman	Fla	LW	19	6-0/180	`20(43rd)
268	Zayde Wisdom	Phi	RW	18	5-10/195	`20(94th)
269	Hunter Jones	Min	G	20	6-4/195	`19(59th)
270	Ty Tullio	Edm	RW	18	5-10/165	`20(126th)
271	Jordan Spence	LA	D	19	5-10/165	`19(95th)
272	Dmitri Zavgorodny	Cgy	LW	20	5-9/175	`18(198th)
273	Alex Beaucage	Col	RW	19	6-1/195	`19(78th)
274	Matiss Kivlenieks	CBJ	G	24	6-2/190	FA(5/17)
275	Artyom Zub	Ott	D	25	6-2/200	FA(5/20)
276	Urho Vaakanainen	Bos	D	22	6-0/185	`17(18th)
277	Dmitri Samorukov	Edm	D	21	6-2/180	`17(84th)
278	Michal Teply	Chi	LW	19	6-3/185	`19(105th)
279	Colby Ambrosio	Col	C	18	5-8/170	`20(118th)
280	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	20	6-7/195	`19(37th)
281	Jeremy Lauzon	Bos	D	23	6-3/205	`15(52nd)
282	Dennis Gilbert	Col	D	24	6-2/200	T(Chi-10/20)
283	Trent Frederic	Bos	C	22	6-4/215	`16(29th)
284	Lucas Carlsson	Chi	D	23	6-0/190	`16(110th)
285	Zack Macewen	Van	RW	24	6-3/205	FA(3/17)
286	Brandon Hagel	Chi	LW	22	6-1/175	FA(10/18)
287	Vasily Ponomarev	Car	C	18	5-10/180	`20(53rd)
288	Jakub Zboril	Bos	D	23	6-1/200	`15(13th)
289	Garrett Pilon	Wsh	RW	22	5-11/190	`16(87th)
290	Jeremy Bracco	Car	RW	23	5-9/180	FA(10/20)
291	Dylan Sikura	VGK	RW	25	6-0/170	T(Chi-9/20)
292	Kyle Capobianco	Ari	D	23	6-1/180	`15(63rd)
293	Sami Niku	Wpg	D	24	6-0/175	`15(198th)
294	John Farinacci	Ari	C	19	5-11/185	`19(76th)
295	Jackson Lacombe	Ana	D	19	6-1/170	`19(39th)
296	David Cotton	Car	LW	23	6-3/205	`15(169th)
297	Erik Portillo	Buf	G	20	6-6/210	`19(67th)
298	Jacob Truscott	Van	D	18	6-1/170	`20(144th)
299	Mikhail Berdin	Wpg	G	22	6-2/165	`16(157th)
300	Cam Hillis	Mtl	C	20	5-10/170	`18(66th)