Owen Beck – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: Victor Nuño – Dynasty Stock Watch – Montreal Canadiens Edition

Victor Nuño — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:12:45 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 16: Michigan Wolverines forward Michael Hage (19) skates with the puck during a college hockey game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Michigan Wolverines on January 16, 2026, at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)

McKeen's Hockey: Dynasty Stock Watch

Montreal Canadiens Edition

Team Outlook

After their surprise run to the Stanley Cup Final in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, the Canadiens missed the playoffs for three straight years before returning in 2024-25, where they were eliminated in the first round. Now, Montreal appears to be entering its true competitive window, with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield in their prime years and a new wave of emerging talent led by Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson, and Jacob Fowler. The prospects in this system will either push their way into that core or develop into important supporting pieces as the Canadiens work toward their 25th Stanley Cup championship.

Buy Candidates

Michael Hage, C

Hage has emerged as the best long-term center prospect in Montreal’s system. His game is driven by strong skating and high-end offensive awareness, allowing him to push pace through the neutral zone while consistently identifying and creating scoring opportunities. He processes the game quickly and uses subtle puck movement to manipulate defenders, traits that have translated into a standout NCAA season where he currently ranks sixth in points per game and has helped lead Michigan to the number one ranking in the country heading into the Frozen Four.

His pNHLe has climbed to around 80, suggesting legitimate top-six offensive potential, even if that level may come in peaks rather than sustained production. The bigger question for Montreal is whether Hage can solidify himself as their long-term second-line center, a role he is currently the best internal candidate to fill. While his development will still require patience, his trajectory, production, and underlying tools point to a player whose value could continue to rise, making him an appealing target in dynasty formats if there is still any skepticism tied to his timeline.

Alexander Zharovsky, LW

Zharovsky brings one of the more exciting offensive skill sets in Montreal’s pipeline, combining high-end puck handling with excellent edgework to create separation in tight areas and generate chances both off the rush and in sustained offensive-zone play. His creativity and ability to manipulate defenders make him a constant offensive threat, though like many skill-driven wingers, his long-term success will depend on continuing to refine his decision-making and consistency against higher levels of competition.

After not appearing in the KHL last season, Zharovsky has broken out in his draft-plus-one year with Salavat Yulaev Ufa, posting 41 points in 58 games, the top point-per-game mark among teenage players in the league. That performance has fueled a dramatic rise in his Hockey Prospecting profile, with his star probability jumping from 18% to 48%, a rare leap that signals legitimate upside. With that kind of trajectory, he is quickly becoming one of the more appealing high-upside targets in dynasty formats and a prospect worth investing in before his value climbs further.

Bryce Pickford, D

Pickford is in the midst of an excellent draft-plus-one season, currently leading WHL defensemen in points-per-game for the Medicine Hat Tigers. His production has been backed by strong underlying metrics, as his Fantasy Hockey Life skater card highlights strengths across play driving, transition, and puck battles, pointing to a well-rounded offensive profile rather than just inflated scoring totals.

He stands out as an offensive-minded defense prospect whose style translates well to fantasy formats. Pickford consistently activates into the play, joins the rush, and looks to create shooting lanes from the blue line, using his mobility to stay involved while maintaining enough defensive structure. If that offensive confidence and versatility carry over to higher levels and he earns power-play deployment, he has the potential to become a fantasy-relevant contributor from the back end.

Sell Candidates

David Reinbacher, D

Reinbacher is still widely viewed as one of Montreal’s safest defense prospects, and for good reason. He plays a composed, efficient two-way game, defends well, moves the puck cleanly, and brings the size and mobility NHL teams want in a top-four blueliner. He should help the Canadiens play more structured, reliable hockey as he matures, which gives him clear real-life value within the organization.

For dynasty managers, though, the concern is his offensive ceiling. Reinbacher’s game is built more on stability and efficiency than high-end creativity, and his pNHLe has trended downward since his draft year. His play-driving metrics in the AHL have also been poor, which adds another layer of concern when projecting his long-term fantasy upside. That does not mean he lacks value, but it does make it less likely that he develops into a strong fantasy asset, especially in formats that do not reward peripheral contributions. If his current dynasty value still reflects expectations of notable power-play production or top-end scoring from the back end, this may be the right time to sell before his profile settles in as a dependable but lower-scoring NHL defenseman.

Owen Beck, C

Beck has built a reputation as one of the more dependable two-way centers in Montreal’s prospect system. His strengths include faceoff ability, responsible defensive play, and strong positioning across all three zones, all traits that tend to earn trust from coaches. He has also been a reasonable producer in the AHL, which supports the view that he can become a useful NHL player. Still, his profile points more toward a reliable, play-driving bottom-six center than an offensive focal point.

For dynasty purposes, that limits the appeal. Hockey Prospecting gives him a zero percent chance of becoming a star, which may be a little harsh, but its NHLer probability has him at nearly a 50% chance of playing 200 games, a mark that feels realistic. Beck should have real-life value if he becomes the type of center who can drive play, handle tough minutes, and stabilize a lower line, but that role does not usually translate into strong fantasy value unless the league is especially deep. If another manager still views him as a potential top-six offensive contributor, this could be a good time to explore moving him.

LJ Mooney, RW

Mooney is one of the more entertaining skill prospects in Montreal’s system, relying on creativity, puckhandling, and offensive flair to generate scoring chances. He is tenacious, competes hard in every situation, and plays with the kind of energy that makes him easy to root for. His Fantasy Hockey Life skater card also highlights how effective he is in several key areas, especially puck battles won and loose-puck recoveries, which are particularly important traits for a smaller player trying to overcome physical disadvantages. Those details help explain why he has become such an intriguing prospect despite his lack of size.

That said, it is still difficult to ignore his stature. At just 5-foot-8, the barrier to entry to the NHL remains immense, and projecting smaller skill forwards into meaningful scoring roles always carries added uncertainty. As the competition gets stronger, faster, and more physical, players who rely on finesse have to consistently prove they can create space and hold up against bigger defenders. I would love to see Mooney succeed, but the odds are still working against him, and if his current dynasty value already reflects a top-six offensive projection, this may be the prudent time to sell while optimism remains high.

Summary

Player	Role	Key Insight
Michael Hage	Buy	Skilled center with strong offensive-driver potential
Alexander Zharovsky	Buy	Creative winger with under-the-radar upside
Bryce Pickford	Buy	Offensive-minded defense prospect worth monitoring
David Reinbacher	Sell	Excellent real-life defender but uncertain fantasy ceiling
Owen Beck	Sell	Reliable center whose role may limit scoring output
LJ Mooney	Sell	High-skill prospect with significant projection risk

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – MONTREAL CANADIENS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #3

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:55:59 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 25:Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Reinbacher (64) waits for a face-off during the New Jersey Devils versus the Montreal Canadiens preseason game on September 25, 2023, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 3rd (May 2025 - 1st)
GM: Kent Hughes Hired: January 2022
COACH: Martin St. Louis Hired: February 2022

The Ivan Demidov era has officially arrived. After posting the most points by a rookie in the KHL, McKeen’s second-ranked prospect made his NHL debut this spring and immediately captured the Bell Centre faithful with a goal and an assist. His arrival, coupled with the established presence of Lane Hutson and young NHLers Cole Caulfield, Nick Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovský, signals that Kent Hughes’s rebuild is shifting into high gear—backed by one of the NHL’s deepest prospect pools.

David Reinbacher, their top prospect behind Demidov, was limited to just 10 regular-season games in his North American debut before returning for a stronger postseason showing. Still, his upside remains prevalent. Suiting up with him in Laval is a cluster of skilled forwards—Joshua Roy, Owen Beck, Luke Tuch, and Oliver Kapanen—who have all made good progress. Beck’s 44-point rookie campaign ranked ninth among all AHL freshmen, while Roy added 35 of his own. Both have seen NHL time and are close to securing full time spots.

Hughes wasn’t afraid to augment his system with established young NHLers, either. The addition of Noah Dobson gives Montreal a cornerstone defender to go alongside Hutson, even at the expense of back-to-back 2025 firsts. Meanwhile, Zachary Bolduc was acquired from St. Louis in a swap for Logan Mailloux, further deepening the forward group.

In goal, Jacob Fowler continues to emerge as one of the Habs’ biggest steals. The 2023 third rounder captured the Mike Richter Award as the NCAA’s top goaltender before joining Laval, where he carried over his success with a 3-3-0 playoff record. While he’s not guaranteed an NHL role in 2025-26, the battle between Fowler and Jakub Dobes—who emerged as a surprise NHL option—could provide Montreal with stability in net for years to come.

Montreal Canadiens Top-15 Prospects

1 - Ivan Demidov

Despite adversity, Demidov took advantage of every second he was given and proved why he was arguably the best prospect outside of the NHL. He is one of the most dynamic players in the world, dominating at the KHL level as he weaves through opponents with elite handiwork and impressive speed. He showed off his smarts, reading defensive schemes and setting his teammates up with highlight reel passes in situations that look impossible for a goal to be created. Defensively, he will still need to polish some timing and positioning issues, but he is a hardworking, disciplined player who will be able to hold his own against the world’s best. Ivan could have easily played on Montreal’s roster last season and immediately proved his worth, showing some flashy playmaking and even contributing in Montreal's return to the playoffs. Ivan will be a gamechanger in the Canadien’s top six for years to come and will be a perennial MVP challenger in the prime of his career.

2 - David Reinbacher

It’s unfortunate that David Reinbacher missed so much time due to injury this past season, as it may have postponed the expectation that Reinbacher would suit up for the Montreal Canadiens as a full-time defender as early as this coming season. Reinbacher was first sidelined after an awkward collision in an NHL preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which resulted in early-season knee surgery for the talented young defenceman. Reinbacher did later return to play for the Laval Rocket, and even looked quite good in important playoff minutes, but it looks like he will start this coming season with Laval. As for his game, the tools are still there; he defends very well with his stick, he can skate with the best, and he can break up plays before they happen. It may just take a bit more time, through no fault of his own, until he becomes a full-time top four defender at the NHL level.

3 - Jacob Fowler

Fowler improved greatly upon his already phenomenal freshman season after winning the Mike Richter award as the country’s top goalie in the NCAA. He’s an elite positional goalie who has exceptional footwork, play-reading and has surprisingly great quickness and athleticism. His consistency is incredible and is rarely seen from a 20-year-old goalie, only allowing more than three goals on two occasions this year in 35 games. He can get beat cleanly high, a product of subpar tracking and inactive hands, something to be concerned about but it isn’t detrimental. He plays a very projectable game to the NHL with few gaping faults and a lot of elite strengths. Even though he has chosen to leave Boston College to turn pro, he still shouldn’t be rushed into the NHL like fellow Mike Richter Trophy-winning goalie Devon Levi. He still needs to develop his hands and tracking, he will need time in the AHL or else he will get picked apart by NHL shooters, losing confidence and stunting his growth. If done right, he could turn out to be an elite goalie.

4 - Michael Hage

Michael Hage has adapted greatly to the college game, showcasing high-end speed, awareness, and stickhandling that enable him to drive play through controlled zone entries. His offensive impact is evident in his ability to pursue open space and maintain offensive zone time. He actively engages in loose puck battles and stick checks, leading to extended offensive pressure and aiding in defensive zone breakouts. Hage has also displayed solid defensive coverage and positioning, demonstrating growth towards a complete 200-foot game. While his offensive instincts and play-driving abilities are clear strengths, he can further improve by consistently supporting breakouts in the defensive zone. His deployment on the power play indicates his offensive potential, and his commitment to backchecking and staying engaged in puck play points to a well-rounded development path. As he continues refining his defensive consistency, Hage projects as a skilled forward with the potential to be a top six contributor in all situations at the NHL level.

5 - Owen Beck

Owen Beck was a very good player at both ends of the ice last season with the Laval Rocket, and he did it while being asked to play in all situations. When Beck’s playing his game, he utilizes his skating and physicality to hound opposing players for loose pucks. He’s also extremely trustworthy at both ends of the ice - when you need a goal, or need to prevent a goal, Beck can be counted on. Beck’s compete and battle level was on full display last season with both the Laval Rocket and Montreal Canadiens, albeit for the latter while playing in a bit of a lesser role, but his overall game screams a surefire NHL player. He probably won’t develop into a first-line offensive forward at the NHL level, as he has good but not great offensive skill, but he should enjoy a long career as a trustworthy, two-way middle six forward. Beck should be battling to carve out a full-time fourth-line role this fall with the Canadiens.

6 - Oliver Kapanen

Kapanen made the Canadiens out of camp but couldn’t quite stick it for very long. Rather than go to the AHL, Kapanen went on loan to Timrå of the SHL and absolutely lit it up. He was always a step ahead of the game, reading play near-perfectly and having a well-thought-out plan before touching the puck. His stellar hockey sense and work ethic drive a lot of good results offensively and defensively. However, despite scoring almost a point per game in the SHL, his offensive upside probably won’t be that great in the NHL. He can’t drive a line, but he can work well within space and compliment teammates with more dynamic playmaking qualities. Kapanen already looks like a capable young NHLer who will only look more comfortable as he gets more games under his belt. A player with Kapanen’s toolkit is better suited for a bottom six center role in the NHL but could play higher in the Canadiens line up if need be.

7 - Jakub Dobes

Jakub Dobes has made early headway into the NHL, solidifying himself as a reliable backup for Montreal this past year. Dobes is a very strong positional goalie, often opting for the Hellebuyck style to play deeper, allowing the play to come to him in place of it dictating his movement. However, his skating isn’t amazing or fluid, he often looks clunky, and while it’s passable, his speed and athleticism are on the weaker side for NHL goalies. To offset this, he has to have good play-reading capabilities, which luckily, he possesses. This, paired with his positioning, can hide his lack of physical talents, but it puts a cap on his ceiling. It’s questionable if Dobes could become a true starting level goalie, but he’s already shown to be an NHL capable goalie regardless of role at a young age, something that most have not been able to do. To break through his current ceiling, he will have to improve upon his skating, a very difficult thing to do at this point, but not impossible.

8 - Josh Roy

Josh Roy put together another solid professional season, where he split time in a number of different roles with the Laval Rocket and the Montreal Canadiens in 2024-2025. It was expected that Roy would make the Canadiens full time out of camp at the beginning of last season, but he was a final cut and began the year with the Laval Rocket. While playing in Laval, Roy put his offensive abilities on full display, where he was a constant scoring threat each time he entered the offensive zone. Roy also worked on his defensive game last season and can be counted upon to provide energy in a bottom six role. There’s debate over what kind of player Roy can be at the NHL level, but it’s looking right now that his ceiling appears to be that of a third line forward. He does have to continue to work on his compete level, especially if he hopes to make the Canadiens this fall, but he possesses the offensive abilities of a full-time NHL player.

9 - Adam Engström

Adam Engström was arguably one of the best rookies in the AHL last season, and he did it while playing significant minutes for a very good Laval Rocket team. What’s particularly impressive about Engström’s game is his hockey awareness at both ends of the ice. He’s a great passer, but he’s also an extremely capable defender off the rush. These skills allow Engström to turn good defence into good offence, where he can break up plays in transition and turn them into quick outlet passes, creating opportunities off the rush for his forwards. There’s no question that Engström carries the potential to become a top four NHL defenceman with his unique size and athleticism, but he will need to continue working on his game in Laval to reach that projection. There’s still room for Engström to improve his offence, and his defensive game could really use some increased physicality. Look for Engström to continue to play a big role with the Rocket this upcoming season and get some games in limited minutes with the Montreal Canadiens.

10 - Alex Zharovsky

Alexander Zharovsky may become one of the steals of the draft after Montreal was able to snatch him up at the start of the second round. Zharovsky’s hands are elite and allow him to maneuver through complex situations like very few others at the junior level. He slips around defenders with ease and at times, it looks like the puck is fastened to his stick with string as he is able to maintain possession through some heavy pressure. His playmaking is also very good. He is able to plan his decisions and execute them with precision to create dangerous looks. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done if we are going to see Alex reach his potential. He lags behind other top picks in skating and shooting and will need to improve his effort on the defensive side of the puck. He looks to have a top six ceiling who could be a game breaking playmaker for the Habs.

11 - Florian Xhekaj

Xhekaj turned heads in his rookie pro season thanks to 24 goals, and a whopping 175 penalty minutes. His competitiveness in puck pursuit is a standout trait, but he also has speed and an ability to generate scoring chances that could make him an intriguing depth player in the NHL. The next step for Xhekaj will be to continue to establish himself as a reliable pro.

12 - Filip Mesar

Mesar has not yet lived up to his first-round billing, especially with a disappointing rookie season in Laval from an offensive standpoint. However, the tools are still there, as Mesar’s quickness and hands in tight remained intact. Although he might not “wow”, Mesar still profiles as a solid pro and should see some improvement in Laval this year.

13 - Sean Farrell

Farrell took a step forward offensively this season, posting 20 goals in the AHL and carving out a bit of a niche in the bumper position on the power play. Farrell has an intriguing offensive toolkit, with good passing vision and a hard shot. To take the next step, though, he’ll have to continue to add strength and speed. He will compete for an NHL job this fall, likely returning to the AHL thereafter.

14 - Bogdan Konyushkov

Konyushkov logged heavy minutes in the KHL last season, playing nearly 23 minutes a night for Torpedo. He was featured both on the power play and on the penalty kill and has an ability to get involved offensively while making a solid first pass. He is under KHL contract through the end of the 2026-27 season, where he will be able to make the jump to North America.

15 - Yevgeni Volokhin

Volokhin made the jump to the KHL this season to mostly solid results after two very impressive seasons in the MHL. Despite not possessing elite size, he has active hands in the net that help him get to difficult shots. He has plenty of runway in the KHL to continue to improve his game.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #1 MONTREAL CANADIENS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:17:46 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 16:Ivan Demidov (93) of the Montreal Canadiens shoots the puck during the second period of the NHL game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens on Apr 16 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

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Montreal 25 Prospects

2025 NHL PROSPECT REPORT: Top 200 NHL Affiliated Prospects (Top 50 Free) – Biggest risers in 2024-25

Brock Otten — Tue, 13 May 2025 11:36:55 +0000

You will find at the bottom of this article a chart with the top 50 prospects in the NHL currently. Comparing the current ranking of prospects in our report to their previous ranking in our summer yearbook (which is a top 300), these are the affiliated prospects who have improved their stock the most this season. 25 Risers for 2025. Subscribers can access the top 200 prospects with links to the players page and full profiles here.

We are releasing our team rankings in descending order from the worst prospect pool to the best on our site over the next few weeks. Subscribers can read the full profiles and the team overview and learn about the future stars of your favourite team. If you would like to subscribe you can link here.

RALEIGH, NC - APRIL 12: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Scott Morrow (56) looks to pass the puck during the NHL game between the New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes on April 12, 2025 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Katherine Gawlik/Icon Sportswire)

Scott Morrow - Defense - Carolina Hurricanes

Previous Ranking: 65, New Ranking: 20

In his first full pro season after signing out of UMass, Morrow has been an immediate impact player. He was one of the top offensive defenders in the AHL and has since performed very well in a late season call up with the Hurricanes.

Tristan Luneau - Defense - Anaheim Ducks

Previous Ranking: 84, New Ranking: 32

The rich get richer. After missing most of last season due to injury, Luneau has returned with a vengeance this season. He’s been a two-way standout at the AHL level and should push for a full time roster spot in the very near future…even with Anaheim’s incredible U25 depth.

Liam Greentree - Wing - Los Angeles Kings

Previous Ranking: 87, New Ranking: 35

A late first round selection of the Kings last year, Greentree was one of the best players in the OHL this past season, helping the Windsor Spitfires go from worst to first. The power winger continues to improve his skating and looks the part of a future NHL standout.

Cole Hutson - Defense - Washington Capitals

Previous Ranking: 246, New Ranking: 44

Few affiliated prospects in the game improved their stock more than Cole Hutson this year. Look at the resume: One of the highest scoring defenders in the NCAA as a freshman, A WJC gold medal and a spot on the tournament all-star team, and a National Championship appearance with Boston University.

Owen Pickering - Defense - Pittsburgh Penguins

Previous Ranking: 131, New Ranking: 49

Sure, the Penguins prospect pool is hurting and that’s given Pickering a chance to perform at a high level with significant ice time as a rookie pro, but he’s handled it extremely well and looks the part of a longtime top four defender for Pittsburgh.

Sam Rinzel - Defense - Chicago Blackhawks

Previous Ranking: 125, New Ranking: 51

Rinzel has always been considered a long-term project, the Hawks knew this when they drafted him in the first round out of Minnesota High School hockey in 2022. But the pick is bearing fruit now. Rinzel was one of the top defenders in the NCAA this year and he looks near NHL ready.

Oliver Kapanen - Center - Montreal Canadiens

Previous Ranking: 142, New Ranking: 52

One of the biggest risers in our yearbook this past summer, thanks to a strong performance at the World Championships for Finland, Kapanen continues to rise. He nearly made the Canadiens full time this year and then was a near point per game player in the SHL. An intelligent two-way center, he looks like an NHL lock.

Luca Cagnoni - Defense - San Jose Sharks

Previous Ranking: 231, New Ranking: 60

We’re approaching the “sometimes you’re just wrong on a prospect” space with Cagnoni, a player that we’ve been skeptical about previously. But, he’s made the leap to the pro level just fine, with his offensive talent translating effortlessly.

Isaac Howard - Wing - Tampa Bay Lightning

Previous Ranking: 157, New Ranking: 61

The former first round selection exploded in his junior season with Michigan State and was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker. Improvements to his strength and conditioning have done wonders for his play with the puck. The question is…will he sign with Tampa Bay?

Owen Beck - Center - Montreal Canadiens

Previous Ranking: 132, New Ranking: 65

You could probably make the argument that Beck has looked better as a first year pro in the AHL than he did over his three OHL seasons. His game just screams long time NHL standout thanks to his speed, tenacity, and IQ. But the skill has translated better than expected.

Dmitri Buchelnikov - Wing - Detroit Red Wings

Previous Ranking: 134, New Ranking: 66

Year to year improvement is the hallmark of a strong prospect and Buchelnikov has done just that. He was one of the top rookies in the KHL two years ago. This past year, he emerged as an offensive star. Next stop NHL? Detroit will have to wait because he still has contract time left with his KHL team.

Nick Lardis - Wing - Chicago Blackhawks

Previous Ranking: 152, New Ranking: 69

Putting a wrist injury behind him, Lardis exploded in his final junior season to be the first OHL player to score 70 goals since John Tavares. He was dominant in every fashion. Lardis is such a dangerous player because of the combination of his skating ability and shot. His progression this year has given him a more optimistic outlook as a top six contributor for the Hawks.

Igor Chernyshov - Wing - San Jose Sharks

Previous Ranking: 185, New Ranking: 72

Talk about meeting the hype of a long-awaited debut. When Chernyshov’s shoulder rehab finally finished and he suited up for the Saginaw Spirit (OHL), he immediately became one of the OHL’s elite players, leading the league in points per game this season.

Leevi Merilainen - Goaltender - Ottawa Senators

Previous Ranking: 196, New Ranking: 90

Merilainen has really turned things around after a couple disappointing post draft years. He’s improved every year as a pro and has been fantastic in limited starts for the Senators this season. Have the Senators finally found their netminder of the future?

Ilya Protas - Wing - Washington Capitals

Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 91

One of two prospects to go from being unranked previously, to inside of our top 100. Protas was one of the best players in the OHL this season with Windsor. His skating does still need work, but everything else about his game is top notch. Protas is a highly intelligent player.

Colton Dach - Center - Chicago Blackhawks

Previous Ranking: 227, New Ranking: 96

Even if injuries continue to be an issue (a recent elbow injury has limited his NHL participation), he’s had a terrific season split between the AHL and the NHL. The big, power pivot is the ideal middle six pivot for the Hawks rebuild.

William Stromgren - Wing - Calgary Flames

Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 99

The other prospect to climb from outside of the top 300 to inside the top 100, Stromgren is an elite skating winger whose offensive skill set has finally caught up to his feet. He’s been one of the best players in Calgary’s system this year and has put himself in contention for a roster spot next year.

Ilya Nabokov - Goaltender - Colorado Avalanche

Previous Ranking: 250, New Ranking: 102

Nabokov has proven this year that he’s no fluke, after coming out of nowhere to capture the KHL rookie of the year and KHL playoffs MVP awards last year. He’s been equally strong in Russia and Colorado may look to bring him into the fold sooner, rather than later.

Luca Del Bel Belluz - Center - Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous Ranking: 238, New Ranking: 103

A strong shooting and creative pivot with a center lane mentality, Del Bel Belluz had a terrific second pro season in the Jackets system. Not only was he a standout at the AHL level, but he’s produced offensively when called upon by the Blue Jackets.

Roman Kantserov - Wing - Chicago Blackhawks

Previous Ranking: 230, New Ranking: 104

An undersized, but highly skilled winger, Kantserov exploded offensively in the KHL this season, more than doubling his output from the previous year. He has another year on his KHL contract, but after that? He could be a big part of Chicago’s rebuild.

Elias Pettersson - Defense - Vancouver Canucks

Previous Ranking: 300, New Ranking: 106

Not every high-end defensive prospect needs to be a world beater offensively. Pettersson has climbed the prospect rankings thanks to his attention to detail at both ends and his outstanding upside as a defensive stalwart. He hasn’t looked out of place as an NHL player this season.

Mikhail Yegorov - Goaltender - New Jersey Devils

Previous Ranking: 253, New Ranking: 110

It’s no exaggeration to suggest that Yegorov may have saved Boston University’s season, after making the jump from the USHL at midseason. He shored up their shaky netminding, helping them reach the National Championship.

Alex Bump - Wing - Philadelphia Flyers

Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 120

A breakout star in the NCAA with Western Michigan, Bump may just be one of the most underrated affiliated prospects in hockey. He’s a dynamic creator in transition and could be a real diamond in the rough for the Flyers.

Jesse Kiiskinen - Wing - Detroit Red Wings

Previous Ranking: Outside Top 300, New Ranking: 133

The Andrew Gibson for Kiiskinen swap between the Predators and Red Wings has worked out incredibly well in Detroit’s favor after Kiiskinen’s breakout season in Liiga, where he was a near point per game player as a U20.

Tarin Smith - Defense - Anaheim Ducks

Previous Ranking: 269, New Ranking: 144

Drafted in the third-round last year, Smith’s offensive upside was considered a major strength and he’s shown that this year, emerging as one of the WHL’s most dangerous scoring blueliners with Everett. As he continues to improve defensively, the sky is the limit.

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	Acquired	TM - 2024-25 Stats	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Ivan Demidov	Mtl	RW	19	5-11/180	`24(5th)	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	65	19	30	49	22
2	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	20	5-11/190	`23(8th)	Boston College (HE)	37	30	19	49	46
3	Sam Dickinson	SJ	D	18	6-3/205	`24(11th)	London (OHL)	55	29	62	91	39
4	Artyom Levshunov	Chi	D	19	6-2/205	`24(2nd)	Rockford (AHL)	52	5	17	22	59
5	Berkly Catton	Sea	C	19	5-10/175	`24(8th)	Spokane (WHL)	57	38	71	109	30
6	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	23	6-4/215	`20(69th)	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	61	17	29	46	32
7	Yaroslav Askarov	SJ	G	22	6-3/175	T(Nsh-8/24)	San Jose (AHL)	22	11	9	2.45	0.923
8	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	20	5-11/170	`22(15th)	Abbotsford (AHL)	36	19	9	28	0
9	Beckett Sennecke	Ana	RW	19	6-2/175	`24(3rd)	Oshawa (OHL)	56	36	50	86	66
10	Zeev Buium	Min	D	19	6-0/185	`24(12th)	Denver (NCHC)	41	13	35	48	44
11	Zayne Parekh	Cgy	D	19	6-0/180	`24(9th)	Saginaw (OHL)	61	33	74	107	96
12	Anton Silayev	NJ	D	19	6-7/210	`24(10th)	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	63	2	10	12	37
13	Tij Iginla	Uta	C	18	6-0/190	`24(6th)	Kelowna (WHL)	21	14	18	32	13
14	Daniil But	Uta	LW	20	6-5/203	`23(12th)	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	54	9	19	28	16
15	Axel Sandin-Pellikka	Det	D	20	5-11/180	`23(17th)	Skelleftea AIK (SHL)	46	12	17	29	22
16	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	21	6-1/175	`22(24th)	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	46	13	12	25	10
17	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	19	6-1/200	`23(10th)	Springfield (AHL)	61	21	24	45	22
18	Matthew Savoie	Edm	C	21	5-9/180	T(Buf-7/24)	Bakersfield (AHL)	66	19	35	54	28
19	Brad Lambert	Wpg	C	21	6-0/180	`22(30th)	Manitoba (AHL)	61	7	28	35	28
20	Scott Morrow	Car	D	22	6-2/195	`21(40th)	Chicago (AHL)	52	13	26	39	47
21	Bradly Nadeau	Car	LW	19	5-10/165	`23(30th)	Chicago (AHL)	64	32	26	58	36
22	Dmitri Simashev	Uta	D	20	6-4/198	`23(6th)	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	56	1	5	6	4
23	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	19	5-11/165	`23(23rd)	Boston College (HE)	37	16	32	48	25
24	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	20	6-2/185	`23(5th)	Laval (AHL)	10	2	3	5	10
25	Liam Ohgren	Min	LW	21	6-1/200	`22(19th)	Iowa (AHL)	41	19	18	37	10
26	Carter Yakemchuk	Ott	D	19	6-3/200	`24(7th)	Calgary (WHL)	56	17	32	49	82
27	Sebastian Cossa	Det	G	22	6-6/229	`21(15th)	Grand Rapids (AHL)	41	21	15	2.45	0.911
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	20	6-1/180	`23(11th)	Boston University (HE)	39	2	22	24	8
29	Easton Cowan	Tor	RW	19	5-10/170	`23(28th)	London (OHL)	46	29	40	69	41
30	Calum Ritchie	NYI	C	20	6-2/185	T(Col-3/25)	Oshawa (OHL)	47	15	55	70	50
31	Cayden Lindstrom	CBJ	C	19	6-3/215	`24(4th)	Medicine Hat (WHL)	0	0	0	0	0
32	Tristan Luneau	Ana	D	21	6-1/195	`22(53rd)	San Diego (AHL)	59	9	43	52	21
33	Denton Mateychuk	CBJ	D	20	5-11/190	`22(12th)	Columbus (NHL)	45	4	9	13	20
34	Jacob Fowler	Mtl	G	20	6-1/215	`23(69th)	Boston College (HE)	35	25	7	1.63	0.940
35	Liam Greentree	LA	RW	19	6-3/215	`24(26th)	Windsor (OHL)	64	49	70	119	59
36	Michael Hage	Mtl	C	19	6-1/190	`24(21st)	Michigan (B1G)	33	13	21	34	23
37	Konsta Helenius	Buf	C	18	5-11/190	`24(14th)	Rochester (AHL)	65	14	21	35	28
38	Jimmy Snuggerud	StL	RW	20	6-2/185	`22(23rd)	Minnesota (B1G)	40	24	27	51	29
39	Lian Bichsel	Dal	D	20	6-6/233	`22(18th)	Dallas (NHL)	38	4	5	9	41
40	Quentin Musty	SJ	LW	19	6-2/200	`23(26th)	Sudbury (OHL)	33	30	29	59	14
41	Joshua Roy	Mtl	RW	21	6-0/190	`21(150th)	Laval (AHL)	47	20	15	35	10
42	Jett Luchanko	Phi	C	18	5-11/185	`24(13th)	Guelph (OHL)	46	21	35	56	46
43	Seamus Casey	NJ	D	21	5-9/165	`22(46th)	Utica (AHL)	30	3	15	18	8
44	Cole Hutson	Wsh	D	18	5-10/165	`24(43rd)	Boston University (HE)	39	14	34	48	64
45	Logan Mailloux	Mtl	D	22	6-3/215	`21(31st)	Laval (AHL)	63	12	21	33	74
46	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	22	6-3/215	`21(20th)	Iowa (AHL)	27	9	14	3.59	0.879
47	Cole Eiserman	NYI	LW	18	6-0/195	`24(20th)	Boston University (HE)	39	25	11	36	27
48	Ivan Miroshnichenko	Wsh	LW	21	6-1/185	`22(20th)	Hershey (AHL)	53	23	19	42	28
49	Owen Pickering	Pit	D	21	6-4/180	`22(21st)	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	47	2	11	13	10
50	Nate Danielson	Det	C	20	6-2/185	`23(9th)	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	12	27	39	33

AHL: Owen Beck C, Laval Rocket (Montreal Canadiens) – Detailed Scouting Report (Video + Grades)

Michael Moroz — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:42:46 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 19: Owen Beck (62) of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the first period of the NHL game between the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens on Jan 19 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

Owen Beck

2022 NHL Entry Draft (Round 2, #33, Montreal)

Position: C, Shoots: R

H/W: 6’0”, 199lbs

Date of Birth: 2004-02-03

Stats to Date: 47GP, 13-19-32, 41 PIM with Laval (AHL); 8 GP, 0-1-1, 0 PIM with Montreal (NHL)

Owen Beck is more than just a battle-tested competitor; he’s the ultimate team-first winner. Beck initially burst onto the Ontario Hockey League scene after having a great minor hockey career with the Quinte Red Devils program, where he was selected by the Mississauga (now Brampton) Steelheads during the second round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection. Despite not playing during his first season of eligibility (since league games were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Beck hit the ground running in 2021-2022, where he played a big role on a strong Mississauga Steelheads team with the likes of Luca Del Bel Belluz (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Ethan Del Mastro (Chicago Blackhawks). Beck parlayed his strong OHL freshman campaign, where he displayed strong playmaking, skating, and two-way abilities, into a well-deserved second round selection by the Montreal Canadiens in 2022.

After being selected by the Canadiens, Beck returned to the OHL for two seasons where he filled a variety of roles on championship-winning teams. On the international stage, Beck was named the replacement player for the injured Colton Dach (Chicago Blackhawks) for Canada at the 2022-2023 WJC, and played well despite having limited minutes in a bottom-six role. Canada ultimately ended up winning the tournament on the back of a spectacular performance from Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks). After completing the tournament, Beck was traded from the Mississauga Steelheads to the Peterborough Petes, and Peterborough ended up winning the OHL Championship in 2023. Beck’s final season in junior also housed another trade for the former OHL champion, where he was dealt from the Peterborough Petes to the Saginaw Spirit, and Beck played a pivotal top-six role on that 2024 Memorial Cup-winning team. Beck’s the ultimate team-first player that every NHL team is looking to add; a player that will fill any role that he’s asked, and one that he will perform to the best of his abilities.

Beck has many strengths to his game. Beck’s skating is already of great caliber, arguably his best skill, and he can compete as a skater with the best the NHL has to offer. In other words, Beck has the skating speed and edgework of an NHLer; and his current skills would actually put him in the NHL’s upper class. Other impressive aspects of Beck’s game are his playmaking abilities; he’s a good passer that can make quick plays in-tight, and he rarely tries to force a play that’s not there. The last piece of his game that really positions him well for full-time NHL duty is his two-way acumen; for Beck, good defense leads to good offense, and he looks to have rounded out his play at both ends of the ice. It’s not a matter of if Beck will make the NHL, it’s simply a matter of when. A bit remains uncertain with how high Beck’s offensive ceiling is; can he be more than a reliable second or third-line center? Is he capable of putting up 60+ points? I surmise that he won’t become a top-line player, but I have been wrong before.

Skating

Beck’s skating alone could carve him out a solid 15-year NHL career, and this is assuming he has no skill in other areas of his game (but he does, which really makes him scary to opposing defenders). His skating is just so impressive to watch because he’s such a strong, fluid skater. Combine his skating strength with an almost effortless stride, and you can see why Canadiens’ staff are so high on Beck as a prospect. Beck can use his top speed to break wide past NHL-caliber defenders, he can use his quick edgework to change his method of attack, and he can combine fakes with pivots to trick opposing goalies. Put simply, Beck can do it all as a skater, and Montreal Canadiens fans should be really excited. It’s near impossible to offer critiques on Beck’s skating because his speed and mechanics are so excellent. Enjoy watching some of his clips below, and don’t be afraid to search for more on YouTube!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKATING-1-owen_beck_-_shooting_from_the_slot_-_1st_overtime_0_4_-_0_11.mp4

This clip is a perfect example of Beck’s near effortless stride. Beck takes a few steps and is on a partial breakaway against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKATING-2-owen_beck_-_shooting_from_the_slot_-_2nd_period_35_22_-_35_29.mp4

Here’s a clip of Beck doing a bit of a give-and-go with the puck in the offensive zone. Beck’s skating is so dynamic; it doesn’t take much to create offensive chances for the forward.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKATING-3-owen_beck_-_3rd_period_26_37_-_27_3.mp4

This is a bit of a longer clip, but I kept it this way on purpose. Beck comes off the bench, receives a quick pass, and gets a goal out of nothing. Great skating here from Beck.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKATING-4-owen_beck_-_1st_period_15_10_-_15_23.mp4

Watch Beck track from the middle of the ice. He uses his speed as the F1 to make a hit on the Utica Comets’ defender. This is what he will need to do to be successful in the NHL.

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Here’s a second clip of Beck as the F1. He gets in on the attack quite quickly, but notice that he’s not moving his legs at full speed. This is what’s particularly impressive about Beck’s skating; his stride is almost effortless.

GRADE: 57.5

Shot

Although Beck’s shot is not as strong as his skating, he still has an NHL-caliber release. Beck can score goals in-tight on excellent goalies, and he can rip pucks from afar with pinpoint accuracy. Beck’s more of a playmaker than he is a shooter, however, so many times he’ll simply defer from taking a shot in favor of passing to an open teammate. That approach is totally fine, as making plays is just as important as utilizing scoring opportunities on your own, especially at the NHL level. Beck seems to have struck a good balance between individual and team play, although part of me would like him to shoot more because he’s definitely a capable shooter. Beck can perhaps be a bit more selfish with the puck when it’s on his stick.

I’m also going to touch a bit on Beck’s deceptive release. There are times when you think Beck’s going to load up with a heavy shot, but then he changes his approach and quickly snaps his wrists with no hesitancy at all. This will serve him well at the NHL level, especially when he’s in-tight, because there’s just not as much time and space as there will be at the AHL level. Overall, Beck’s a talented shooter with a very detail-oriented approach. He can definitely score, and don’t be surprised when he surpasses 20 goals this season in the AHL.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHOT-1-owen_beck_-_1st_period_26_50_-_27_16.mp4

Here’s a bit of a longer clip, but it’s a good highlight of Beck’s skating in combination with his pinpoint accuracy. Beck picks up speed as the F3 and scores on a nice release against the Hartford Wolf Pack.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHOT-2-owen_beck_-_3rd_period_41_19_-_41_45.mp4

This is that deceptive release that I was mentioning previously. Beck takes the puck, skates wide and scores against the Toronto Marlies. Yes Canadiens fans, I’d bet he does this against the Maple Leafs one day as well.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHOT-3-owen_beck_-_1st_period_4_58_-_5_11.mp4

This shot is not a perfect one from Beck, but he gets some good power behind it and scores against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHOT-4-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_14_25_-_14_51.mp4

Nice one-timer here from the Laval Rocket forward.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHOT-5-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_1_31_-_1_57.mp4

Beck uses his skating, hounds the available puck, and pots a quick release. Nice stuff here.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SHOT-6-owen_beck_-_shooting_from_the_slot_-_3rd_period_37_50_-_37_57.mp4

Beck gets a good shot off here but doesn’t score. Still gets a good scoring chance, however.

GRADE: 50

Skills

Beck’s a very skilled player at both ends of the ice. He’s good at creating time and space for his teammates in the offensive zone, where he can use his body to shield the puck from opposing defenders. He’s also great on the forecheck; there are many instances during a given game where you’ll see Beck as the F1, and he’ll utilize his speed and stick positioning to close on opposing players, which ultimately prevents them from making open plays. It’s also important to note that Beck’s a good faceoff player as well. He consistently wins draws at both ends of the ice and can be counted on to take a big draw when the game is on the line. In summary, Beck’s a relentless machine, and it’s his positioning (both with his body and stick) that really allows him to dictate the play on his own terms. He’s a very trustworthy player, and that’s exactly what NHL coaches are looking for in a prototypical bottom-six penalty killing role.

Beck’s also a very skilled player when the puck is on his stick. He doesn’t hesitate to make simple plays, which is a really important skill at the pro level. I wasn’t sure Beck’s game would translate as easily as it has to the pro game; he hasn’t looked out of place when playing against players that are bigger and more experienced than he is. I’m also of the view that Beck’s a capable playmaker. I’m not sure he’ll ever evolve into a playmaking machine at the NHL level, but I’m quite comfortable projecting Beck in that consistent 20-to-30 assist range. Beck can make plays and definitely has the skill of a second NHL powerplay unit type of player.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKILLS-1-owen_beck_-_3rd_period_40_16_-_40_29-1.mp4

This is a great play from Beck. He makes a perfect pass here, which is very difficult to do. Great poise and skill on display with the puck from the Laval Rocket forward.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKILLS-2-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_38_16_-_38_29.mp4

I like this clip because it shows Beck’s willingness to make a simple, open play. He makes a cross-ice pass to set up a goal against the Cleveland Monsters.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKILLS-3-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_13_8_-_13_21.mp4

Another cross-ice pass from Beck. Tape-to-tape!

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKILLS-4-owen_beck_-_1st_period_16_20_-_16_33.mp4

Here’s Beck combining his hands with his offensive awareness. He makes a nice move and sets up a goal against the Toronto Marlies.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKILLS-5-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_2_19_-_2_32.mp4

This was a bit of a lucky play by Beck, but it’s a nice stretch pass. This is a tough play to make.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKILLS-6-owen_beck_-_3rd_period_15_46_-_15_59.mp4

I like Beck’s engagement here in the faceoff circle. Many young forwards wouldn’t attempt to tie-up the opposing centerman, but Beck tries to do that here. This allows his teammate to retrieve the puck, which leads to a scoring chance. Great stuff here by Beck.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKILLS-7-owen_beck_-_3rd_period_15_36_-_15_49.mp4

A nice faceoff win by Beck leads to a goal.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKILLS-8-owen_beck_-_3rd_period_27_48_-_28_1.mp4

A good defensive zone faceoff win here by Beck in a tied game. He’s a very trustworthy player.

GRADE: 55

Smarts

Beck is a smart player at both ends of the ice. He’s just as trustworthy in a penalty killing role in the defensive zone as he is with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone. He simply knows what to do and where to be. This will really help Beck establish himself as a future NHL regular with the Montreal Canadiens, as he will have to work for the opportunity to play higher in the lineup with the amount of young forward prospects the Canadiens have coming. When called upon, Beck will be ready to play that bottom-six, penalty killing role, and he should excel. I’m really hoping he gets his chance this year because he looks very close to NHL ready.

The hallmark of a great playmaker is the ability to make plays that do not appear to be there. You have to be able to read your teammates, understand what their skills are, and determine where they’re going in order to make an inapparent play. Beck has the smarts to do all of those things, and he really excels in transition and off the rush. I also really like Beck’s work on the powerplay; he knows where his teammates are and can make plays accordingly. He’s just as cerebral as he is responsible, and that’s a really exciting feat that is not easily accomplished. Beck’s just a smart hockey player and he makes his teammates better.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SMARTS-1-owen_beck_-_3rd_period_23_31_-_23_44.mp4

Look at this subtle deception here from Beck. He draws a defender in, then makes a quick pass that sets up a goal against the Syracuse Crunch. Smart play here by the Laval Rocket forward.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SMARTS-2-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_38_16_-_38_29.mp4

I used this clip earlier, but look at Beck’s head before he makes the pass. He already knows where his teammate is before he makes the pass.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SMARTS-3-owen_beck_-_1st_period_3_10_-_3_36.mp4

This is a bit of a slow developing play, but Beck knows exactly where to go: the net. He hovers around the net, then capitalizes on a scoring chance against the Hartford Wolf Pack.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SMARTS-4-owen_beck_-_3rd_period_33_50_-_34_3.mp4

This is a smart system play here. Beck makes the pass to the middle and gets the primary assist on a goal against the Belleville Senators.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SMARTS-5-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_1_6_-_1_19.mp4

I like this clip here. Beck goes straight to the net after the faceoff.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SMARTS-6-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_8_24_-_8_37.mp4

This is another good clip of Beck’s smarts. Rather than skating himself out of position, he stays put so his teammate has the option of passing to him for the open one-timer.

GRADE: 57.5

Physicality/Compete

I’m a huge fan of Beck’s motor and compete. He never gives up when he’s out on the ice. Although there have been some learning moments this season, He has really played hard on a consistent basis, which is exactly what you want to see if you are a Montreal Canadiens fan. Beck’s compete was part of the reason he was rewarded with NHL games this season, and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a full-time player in the Canadiens’ lineup. The Canadiens might not have another player exactly like Beck with his combination of skating, skill and determination.

Although Beck’s not the tallest player, he’s a heavy player to play against. He’s hard on pucks, he’s good at using his body, and he’s relentless with his stick. He’s going to be a very good penalty killer for the Montreal Canadiens, and he’s going to be a very difficult player to play against in a playoff-type scenario. I’ve been really impressed by Beck this season.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PHYSICAL-1-owen_beck_-_shot_blocking_-_2nd_period_35_25_-_35_32.mp4

Here’s that consistent effort we see every night from Beck. Great stuff here.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PHYSICAL-2-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_39_17_-_39_30.mp4

Hard hit by Beck here against the Cleveland Monsters.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PHYSICAL-3-owen_beck_-_shot_blocking_-_1st_period_34_50_-_34_57.mp4

Again, Beck’s compete is on full display. He’s unafraid to get in the shooting lane to block a shot against the Utica Comets.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PHYSICAL-4-owen_beck_-_shot_blocking_-_1st_period_24_16_-_24_23.mp4

Another good shot block here by Beck.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PHYSICAL-5-owen_beck_-_3rd_period_31_12_-_31_25.mp4

Heavy hit here by Beck. If necessary, Beck can hit to hurt.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PHYSICAL-6-owen_beck_-_2nd_period_1_31_-_1_57.mp4

I love this sequence here by Beck. He loses his stick, rushes back to the bench, comes back and strips a defender of the puck, then utilizes a quick release to score. Fantastic stuff here from the Laval Rocket forward.

GRADE: 57.5

OFP: 55.75

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

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – MONTREAL CANADIENS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #2

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Derek Neumeier — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:00:12 +0000

_{PARADISE, NV - JUNE 28: Ivan Demidov is drafted by the Montreal Canadians in the first round during the Upper Deck NHL Draft on June 28, 2024 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 2nd (Previous Rank - 4th)
GM: Kent Hughes Hired: January 2022
COACH: Martin St. Louis Hired: February 2022

The Montreal Canadiens passed on Matvei Michkov in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft to select defenceman David Reinbacher. Sitting 30th in our McKeen’s rankings, Reinbacher split his draft-plus-one campaign between the Swiss league and AHL and will now take on his official rookie year in Laval.

Montreal's foresight paid off, snagging a Russian phenom of their own in Ivan Demidov at the 2024 draft podium. Ranked as our third-best prospect, Demidov is regarded by many as a more complete player than Michkov, combining strong offensive instincts with an all-around versatile game. Simply put, his services change the future trajectory of the Canadiens overnight.

Reinbacher isn’t the only defensive prospect creating a buzz in Quebec. Boston University standout Lane Hutson (40th) has signed his papers and is ready to shift his game to the NHL circuit. The 20-year-old thrived at the collegiate level, posting 97 points over 77 games from the blueline, and picked up several personal accolades along the way. He embodies the modern offensive defenceman. Similarly, Logan Mailloux (59th) has made good strides in his development and, in reality, could push for an NHL roster spot out of training camp.

Joshua Roy, who appeared in 23 games for the Canadiens last season, is also on the verge of an NHL breakthrough. Roy is poised to join the likes of Juraj Slafkovský, Jayden Struble, Kaiden Guhle, and Cole Caufield as recent McKeen’s graduates making their mark on the NHL.

In goal, 2023 third-round pick Jacob Fowler has proven to be a strong bet. Backstopping Boston College to a Hockey East Championship, Fowler posted a 32-6-1 record in his freshman year and was named a First Team All-Star. While he’s still a few years away from NHL action, we could be looking at the Habs' goaltender of the future.

Montreal's competitive roster is beginning to take shape, bolstered by a recent mid-August trade that brought Patrik Laine to the team. They now boast a forward core led by Juraj Slafkovský (20), Nick Suzuki (25), Cole Caufield (23), Alex Newhook (23), Kirby Dach (23), and Patrik Laine (26). They will soon be joined by the young prospects mentioned above. On defence, the Canadiens’ future is promising with the likes of Lane Hutson (20), David Reinbacher (19), Logan Mailloux (20), and Kaiden Guhle (22).

After four consecutive postseason misses, things are finally looking up for the devoted fans of Les Habitants. The pieces are falling into place for a promising future.

Montreal Canadiens Top-15 Prospects

1. Ivan Demidov

The Canadiens already had one of the best prospect pools in the league prior to the 2024 draft, but the one thing it needed was a game-breaking forward. That's why their decision to pick Demidov 5th overall, as opposed to some other very appealing options that were also still available at the time, made all the sense in the world. He's a dynamic talent with a deep bag of tricks, along with the confidence to utilize all of them, and the smarts and awareness to pick the right times to do so. He's the type of player who can make a goal happen out of nothing, which is both valuable and rare within the tight defensive structures seen in the NHL. He also has a big-game mentality and thrives in the spotlight, which will be incredibly useful and much appreciated by fans in a hockey-mad market like Montreal.

2. David Reinbacher

It certainly can't be easy to be Reinbacher these days, with all that noise generated by the fervent Montreal fans and media, especially the noise that’s related to his somewhat controversial draft slot. Knowing that, it says a lot about his character that he was able to quickly move past an injury-dampened and loss-filled season in Switzerland and immediately start looking comfortable with Laval in the AHL. The Habs want him to be a top-pairing, all-situations, minute-munching blueliner, and he's on a good enough trajectory with his development so far that he genuinely could reach that ceiling. He already has all of the necessary tools in his toolbox. However, he's still a long ways away from that goal as of right now, and progress won't happen overnight. If the team and the city can be patient enough they could get rewarded handsomely.

3. Lane Hutson

Never tell Hutson the odds. It’s understandable, to a degree, why teams were nervous about him in his draft year, because it’s exceedingly rare for blueliners of his small stature to become core roster players. That said, it’s always been pretty apparent that this particular pint-sized defender was special, and now there are probably a number of teams that are kicking themselves for not being believers, especially since he has grown a bit since then. When it comes to puck-rushing defencemen he is as dynamic as they come, with explosive all-direction mobility and the desire to play on his toes at all times. He also deserves full marks for his mental traits, as he is utterly fearless and endlessly driven, and he reads and reacts to the play in front of him at lightning speed with near perfect precision. He’s a truly unique kind of talent.

4. Michael Hage

The feel-good story of the 2024 draft was Montreal picking Hage, whose father, Alain, was a diehard Canadiens fan up until his sudden and tragic death in the summer of 2023. Now Michael is committed to using his dad's memory and legacy as fuel for his own growth as a player. And what a player he is, as an athletic center who moves around the ice well and can do a lot of damage as both a shooter and a playmaker. And there aren't many development paths that are better than going from the USHL's Chicago Steel to the NCAA's University of Michigan, as both organizations have produced a plethora of great prospects in recent years. He's still a little unrefined right now, but the sky's the limit for him, and his first game at the Bell Centre will surely be an emotional affair.

5. Joshua Roy

Nearly three years have now passed since the 2021 draft, and yet it’s only gotten more and more perplexing over time why Roy wasn’t picked until the 5th round, 150th overall. Sure, hindsight is always 20/20, and absolutely no one was confident that he would be quite this good by this age, but he was a former 1st-overall pick into the QMJHL who scored at a point-per-game pace that season split between two lackluster teams, and a profile like that seems like it would be worth a roll of the dice at least a round or two sooner. The Canadiens certainly aren’t complaining about how things worked out, though. He’s already putting in work and looking solid as a support scorer, and that will keep him around for a long time, even if he never becomes a primary creator.

6. Logan Mailloux

Much has already been said and written about Mailloux’s past and the highly controversial decision by the Canadiens to select him in the 1st round in the 2021 draft, and that story will be talked about again and relitigated in depth once he eventually becomes an NHL regular. For right now, though, there is another story that has emerged with him, and it’s about how well he’s managed to tune out all that chatter and channel his energy into his on-ice performance, which cannot be an easy focus to maintain. He is intensely attuned to his development and the on-ice results that stem from it, perhaps knowing that his career will always be on uniquely thinner ice than others, and he’s become one of the best defence prospects in all of hockey. If the Habs keep maintaining their long-term investment in him then he’ll win a full-time spot with the big club in short order.

7. Jacob Fowler

A popular hockey saying goes that goalies are voodoo, but thus far into his career Fowler is almost boringly, simplistically excellent. Put on the pads, stop almost all the pucks, win the game, repeat. And that's been the same song and dance for him going as far back as his stats were even recorded. His technique and positioning are impeccably fine-tuned for a goalie his age, and the quality of his mental approach is rare. He just never seems to have a bad game, and on the rare occasion that he lets in a bad goal he’s always able to shake it off and immediately refocus. He came remarkably close to winning back-to-back league championships, after leading Youngstown to a USHL title last season, but Boston College was overpowered in the final of the Frozen Four. If he keeps improving his quickness and athleticism he could become quite a solid NHL starter.

8. Owen Beck

In this past spring Beck suited up for his third OHL team in the span of three years, but he probably didn’t complain too much about it, because he was guaranteed a return trip to the Memorial Cup tournament, now as a member of the host Saginaw Spirit, after getting there the harder way the year before with the Peterborough Petes. Montreal must be pleased that he received all this high-quality experience, because it’s nothing but pure benefit for him. He’s a reliable, competitive, two-way center by nature, and after all of this it’s easy to imagine how prepared he’s going to be for playoff hockey in the NHL once he gets there. It seems like his ceiling will end up being a little lower than what was initially hoped for, but he should still be able to fit in just fine with what the Canadiens are building long-term.

9. Oliver Kapanen

Yet another member of the Kapanen clan, Oliver comes from quite a bloodline of hockey players. To say that he lived and breathed hockey growing up probably wouldn't be much of a stretch or understatement. He was also practically raised by the Kalpa organization in Finland, playing with them for so many years that they watched him grow from a boy into a man, so there must have been a lot of pride being felt when he exploded in the Liiga playoffs this spring, scoring at a point per game pace and helping them advance far into the postseason. The skill and hockey IQ have always been in place for him, and he continues to make necessary progress on his strength and conditioning, improvements that he'll need to be able to play in the NHL one day. Montreal, with all their young forward depth, can afford to be patient with Kapanen.

10. Jakub Dobes

Among all AHL goalies this season Dobes finished tied for the lead for game appearances and was solely in second place for total minutes between the pipes, which is quite a rare thing for a rookie netminder in that league to accomplish. He has a remarkable ability to step into a totally new environment and look uncharacteristically right at home, which he’s done recently with both Ohio State and now Laval as well, winning the starter’s job upon arrival each time and never relinquishing it. His play just keeps getting better and better as he continues growing into his sprawling frame and gaining more natural coordination. Making things even more enticing, he still looks like he’s not even close to reaching the limits of that progression. If a re-do for the 2020 draft were to happen tomorrow Dobes might get picked as many as 100 spots higher.

11. Filip Mesar

A longtime friend and international teammate of Juraj Slafkovský, Mesar is Montreal's other young Slovak forward, but his development hasn't begun to soar nearly as much in comparison. On the bright side, he has a knack for saving his best hockey for the biggest games, from the World Juniors to the OHL playoffs, which is never a bad sign. He’s an offense-first winger who is at his most dangerous off the rush.

12. Bogdan Konyushkov

Sometimes it makes sense to select older, previously undrafted prospects, because more is already known about them. Konyushkov was the oldest player to get drafted in 2023, but he had just played a full season in the KHL, so the Habs had enough material to inform their decision. He has the requisite determination and pacing needed for smaller blueliners, utilizing his feet to be fast and shifty on puck retrievals and breakouts, while keeping tight gaps to defend with pokechecks.

13. Sean Farrell

Farrell was a top offensive contributor in both the USHL and the NCAA, so further point production is expected of him. That might just take longer than expected, because of how much progress he still needs to make with his strength and conditioning. Few can match his ability to see the ice and anticipate the flow of play, and he pairs that with an innate touch for the puck, but he needs to get more explosive and apply pressure with more intensity.

14. Adam Engström

Engström is a bit of a sleeper in Montreal's crowded system, but he just keeps quietly getting better and better playing overseas in the SHL. He was also one of Rögle's regular defensemen in their surprise underdog run to the league finals, which is the type of experience that can really boost a young player's development. His game is all about crisp puck movement that is carried out at a brisk pace.

15. Riley Kidney

Kidney rattled off repeat 100-point seasons during his QMJHL tenure, so Habs fans shouldn't get too concerned that he had a quiet rookie campaign in the AHL. It wasn't a secret that he would need more time to get his strength and conditioning up to par, and he still possesses the same sharp offensive vision and precise playmaking that he had before. The Canadiens have enough prospect depth that they can let Kidney develop at a pace that works for him.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #4 Montreal Canadiens – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Derek Neumeier, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 15:00:05 +0000

Kent Hughes has been one of the more active and creative GM’s in the NHL in a little over two years. Two drafts under his belt, and he has shown he is going to follow his own instincts, as both first overall picks were not the consensus at the time. He has received vindication for taking Juraj Slafkovsky first overall in 2022 as he broke out this season and showed considerable ceiling as an elite power forward. There were some raised eyebrows about picking 6’2” right shot defenseman, David Reinbacher, given there were flashier options on the table at the time. He is followed by the #2 prospect, Lane Hutson, also on defense, and looking like one of the great steals from the 2022 Draft at 62nd. He also gets high marks for drafting goaltender Jacob Fowler in the second round, currently ranked as the sixth best prospect goaltender by McKeens. He will certainly add to the fourth best prospect pool with two first-round picks in 2024 and two firsts in 2025, and a slew of picks in both drafts.

Hughes, an ex-player agent, is a master of using his cap space to land prospects and picks. He took Sean Monahan off of Calgary’s hands (future considerations) for a first-round pick in the summer of 2022. Monahan had a strong 2023-24 season and recouped another first at the 2024 deadline. We do not have enough space here to cover all the wheeling and dealing but it has created a wealth of future potential, but also to add key young pieces to the core in reclamation projects in two former first round 23-year-olds in Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook. They are building around forwards Nick Suzuki (24) and Cole Caufield (23), who have established themselves as stars, and are signed through 2029-30 at very reasonable, identical AAV of $7.875 million. They are a few years out from contending, there is real momentum and excitement in one of the most jaded fan bases.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	David Reinbacher	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	`23(5th)	35	1	10	11	18
					Laval (AHL)	`23(5th)	11	2	3	5	4
2	Lane Hutson	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	`22(62nd)	38	15	34	49	24
					Montreal (NHL)	`22(62nd)	2	0	2	2	0
3	Joshua Roy	RW	20	6-0/190	Laval (AHL)	`21(150th)	41	13	19	32	12
					Montreal (NHL)	`21(150th)	23	4	5	9	0
4	Logan Mailloux	D	21	6-3/215	Laval (AHL)	`21(31st)	72	14	33	47	91
5	Jacob Fowler	G	19	6-1/215	Boston College (HE)	`23(69th)	39	32	6	2.14	0.926
6	Owen Beck	C	20	5-11/185	Pbo-Sag (OHL)	`22(33rd)	57	34	47	81	18
7	Sean Farrell	C	22	5-8/175	Laval (AHL)	`20(124th)	47	9	19	28	10
8	Jakub Dobes	G	22	6-3/200	Laval (AHL)	`20(136th)	51	24	18	2.93	0.906
9	Oliver Kapanen	C	20	6-0/170	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	`21(64th)	51	14	20	34	32
10	Bogdan Konyushkov	D	21	5-11/175	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	`23(110th)	65	6	22	28	18
11	Filip Mesar	C	20	5-9/175	Kitchener (OHL)	`22(26th)	45	19	33	52	12
12	Adam Engstrom	D	20	6-2/185	Rogle (SHL)	`22(92nd)	51	4	18	22	4
13	Riley Kidney	C	21	5-11/170	Laval (AHL)	`21(63rd)	65	7	13	20	41
14	Emil Heineman	LW	22	6-1/185	Laval (AHL)	T(Cgy-2/22)	48	15	14	29	25
					Montreal (NHL)	T(Cgy-2/22)	4	0	0	0	0
15	William Trudeau	D	21	6-0/190	Laval (AHL)	`21(113th)	70	8	16	24	69

1. David Reinbacher, D, Kloten (NL)/Laval Rocket (AHL)

2. Lane Hutson, D, Boston University (NCAA)

Never tell Hutson the odds. It’s understandable, to a degree, why teams were nervous about him in his draft year, because it’s exceedingly rare for blueliners of his small stature to become core roster players. That said, it’s always been pretty apparent that this particular pint-sized defender was special, and now there are probably a number of teams that are kicking themselves for not being believers. When it comes to puck-rushing defensemen he is as dynamic as they come, with explosive all-direction mobility and the desire to play on his toes at all times. He also deserves full marks for his mental traits, as he is utterly fearless and endlessly driven, and he reads and reacts to the play in front of him at lightning speed with near perfect precision. Can Hutson reach a similar level to Quinn Hughes in Vancouver? Habs fans are already dreaming about it.

3. Joshua Roy, RW, Laval Rocket (AHL)

Nearly three years have now passed since the 2021 draft, and yet it’s only gotten more and more perplexing over time why Roy wasn’t picked until the 5th round and 150th overall. Sure, hindsight is always 20/20, and absolutely no one was confident that he would be quite this good by this age, but he was a former 1st-overall pick into the QMJHL who scored at a point-per-game pace that season split between two lackluster teams, and a profile like that seems like it would be worth a roll of the dice at least a round or two sooner. The Canadiens certainly aren’t complaining about how things worked out, though. He’s already putting in work and looking solid as a support scorer, and that will keep him around for a long time, even if he never becomes a primary creator.

4. Logan Mailloux, D, Laval Rocket (AHL)

Much has already been said and written about Mailloux’s past and the highly controversial decision by the Canadiens to select him in the 1st round in the 2021 draft, and that story will be talked about again and relitigated in depth once he eventually becomes an NHL regular. For right now, though, there is another story that has emerged with him, and it’s about how well he’s managed to tune out all that chatter and channel his energy into his on-ice performance, which cannot be an easy focus to maintain. He is intensely attuned to his development and the on-ice results that stem from it, perhaps knowing that his career will always be on uniquely thinner ice than others, and he’s become one of the best defense prospects in all of hockey. If the Habs keep maintaining their long-term investment in him then he’ll win a full-time spot with the big club in short order.

5. Jacob Fowler, G, Boston College (NCAA)

6. Owen Beck, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Beck is now playing for his third OHL team in the span of three years, but he’s probably not complaining too much, since he’s guaranteed a return trip to the Memorial Cup tournament, this time as a member of the host Saginaw Spirit after getting there the harder way last year with the Peterborough Petes. Montreal must be pleased that he’s getting all of this high-quality experience, because it’s nothing but pure benefit for him. He’s a reliable, competitive two-way center by nature, and after all of this it’s easy to imagine how prepared he’s going to be for playoff hockey in the NHL once he gets there. It seems like his ceiling will end up being a little lower than what was initially hoped for, but he should still be able to fit in just fine with what the Canadiens are building long-term.

7. Sean Farrell, C, Laval Rocket (AHL)

Farrell proved himself to be a top-tier offensive contributor in both the USHL and the NCAA, so further point production is expected to be a part of his future. That might just take longer than Habs fans expect, though, because of the higher importance of strength and conditioning at the professional levels, and how much progress he still needs to make in these areas. Few can match his ability to see the ice in front of him and anticipate the flow of play, and he pairs that with an innate touch for the puck and a confidence for playmaking. He’s an ace at slowing things down and letting his options unfurl themselves, and that’s always a great trait to possess, but he will also need to round things out by getting more explosive with his skating and applying pressure with more intensity.

8. Jakub Dobes, G, Laval Rocket (AHL)

Among all AHL goalies this season Dobes finished in a tie for game appearances and was solely in second place for total minutes between the pipes, which is quite a rare thing for a rookie netminder in the league to accomplish. He has a remarkable ability to step into a totally new environment and look uncharacteristically right at home, which he’s done recently with both Ohio State and now Laval as well, winning the starter’s job upon arrival each time and never relinquishing it. His play just keeps getting better and better as he continues growing into his sprawling frame and gaining more natural coordination, and making things even more enticing, he still looks like he’s not even close to reaching the limits of that progression. If a re-do for the 2020 draft were to happen tomorrow Dobes might get picked as many as 100 spots higher.

9. Oliver Kapanen, C, KalPa (Liiga)

Yet another member of the Kapanen clap, Oliver comes from quite a bloodline of hockey players. To say that he lived and breathed hockey growing up probably wouldn't be much of a stretch or understatement. He was also practically raised by the Kalpa organization in Finland, playing with them for so many years that they watched him grow from a boy into a man, so there must have been a lot of pride being felt when he exploded in the Liiga playoffs this spring, scoring at a point per game pace and helping them make it far. The skill and hockey IQ have always been in place for him, and he continues to make necessary progress on his strength and conditioning, improvements that he'll need to be able to play in the NHL one day. Montreal, with all their young forward depth, can afford to be patient with Kapanen.

10. Bogdan Konyushkov, D, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

Sometimes it makes a lot of sense to draft older prospects, even if they've gone unpicked before, because more is already known about them, and less guess work is needed about their development. Konyushkov was the single oldest player to hear his name get called in the 2023 draft, but he had just played a full season in the KHL, so the Habs had a lot of good material to help inform their decision and must have been pretty comfortable in their assessment of him. Additionally, his coach for the past two seasons with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod was the legendary Igor “The Professor” Larionov, which was surely a nice bonus. He has the requisite determination and pacing needed for smaller blueliners, utilizing his feet to be fast and shifty on puck retrievals and breakouts, while keeping tight gaps to defend with pokechecks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subscribers can link to the full top 200 listing here

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

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

Risers

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

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

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

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

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

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

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

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

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

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

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

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

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

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

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

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

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

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

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

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

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

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

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

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

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

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

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

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

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

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

Ville Koivunen (165 to 71) – Pittsburgh Penguins

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

Ethan Del Mastro (169 to 73) – Chicago Blackhawks

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

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

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

Carson Rehkopf (201 to 69) – Seattle Kraken

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

Easton Cowan (204 to 67) – Toronto Maple Leafs

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

Seamus Casey (214 to 63) – New Jersey Devils

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

Jacob Fowler (222 to 52) – Montreal Canadiens

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

Fraser Minten (226 to 84) – Toronto Maple Leafs

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

Jackson Blake (277 to 117) – Carolina Hurricanes

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

Erik Portillo (Unranked to 118) – Los Angeles Kings

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

Rodwin Dionicio (Unranked to 139) – Anaheim Ducks

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

Fallers

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

Xavier Bourgault (from 48 to 113) – Edmonton Oilers

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

Eduard Sale (72 to 140) – Seattle Kraken

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

Jack Rathbone (96 to not ranked) – Pittsburgh Penguins

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

Jacob Perreault (127 to not ranked) – Montreal Canadiens

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

Jan Jenik (156 to not ranked) - Utah

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

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

2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 200 NHL PROSPECTS

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

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

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

Subscribers can link to the listing here

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

2024 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – December 26th, 2023 Game Review

Derek Neumeier — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 13:29:51 +0000

Gavin Brindley of USA during the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship between USA and Norway on December 26, 2023 in Gothenburg.
Photo: Carl Sandin / BILDBYRÅN

Slovakia 6 vs. Czechia 2

The most recent match between these hockey rivals and former nation siblings went in the favour of Slovakia, with the Slovakians riding a three-goal burst early in the third period to extend a narrow 2-1 lead into a 5-1 rout and eventual 6-2 finale. It was an impressive victory considering their last medal at this tournament was a bronze in 2015, as well as the fact that the two best eligible players for their country, Juraj Slafkovský and Šimon Nemec, are currently playing for their NHL clubs instead. Forward Servác Petrovský led the way offensively for the winning side, with two goals and one assist, while Samuel Honzek, Filip Mešár, Maxim Štrbák and Viliam Kmec all chipped in two points apiece. Czech starting netminder Michal Hrabal was never quite able to find stable ground in his crease, allowing six goals on 34 shots while looking shaky throughout.

Canada 5 vs. Finland 2

Canada's depth and balance will be their most important attributes at this year's event, and they utilized both masterfully on Tuesday, skating away with a 5-2 win in a game that they were in control of throughout, aside for some penalty troubles. Despite being assembled as more of a checking line, the trio of Nate Danielson, Owen Beck and Owen Allard was Canada's best overall, generating the first two goals and tilting the ice throughout most of their shifts. Projected 2024 1st-overall draft selection Macklin Celebrini also had a huge goal in the second frame on a net-front scramble that needed video review to be confirmed. Crucially, the undrafted Mathis Rousseau made 24 saves and looked plenty sharp, instilling some confidence about the team's seeming weakness between the pipes. Defenseman Arttu Kärki recorded assists on both Finnish goals, while goaltender Niklas Kokko turned aside numerous quality scoring chances but wasn't able to deny all of them.

United States 4 vs Norway 1

If the Americans were expecting a casual skate in their tournament opener, they were given a quick wake-up call, as the heavy underdog Norwegians came out ready to play hard. While the outcome of a U.S. win was easily predicted the narrowness of the 4-1 score and the back-and-forth exchange of scoring chances in the first half certainly wasn't. Gavin Brindley's 2-0 goal finally broke the dam for the red, white and blue, and he followed it up with another two and a half minutes later, snuffing out most of the spark that their opponents showed early on. The diminutive Markus Stensrud was simply sensational in net for Norway, making a multitude of stellar saves, and 40 overall, while preventing the score from getting obscene, which could end up being important later on in the tournament if goal differential comes into play as a tiebreaker.

Sweden 6 vs. Latvia 0

The last match of the day was by far and away the least eventful of the opening four, as the host Swedes outshot Latvia 35-20 and trounced them on the scoreboard to the tune of 6-0. At no point did the game ever really seem close, though that didn't deter the cheers from the raucous home crowd. Latvia had a five-minute powerplay just 25 seconds into the first period, on a nasty boarding penalty by Swedish defender Elias Salomonsson, but wasn't able to generate anything from it, and shortly after it ended it was obvious that a vitally important opportunity for them as underdogs had been unfortunately squandered. Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Filip Bystedt, 1st-round picks of the Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks, respectively, each scored two goals apiece, while goaltender Hugo Hävelid didn't face the toughest of tests to earn the 20-save shutout.

Three Stars:

1) Gavin Brindley — United States

The first half of the game between the United States and Norway had all the necessary ingredients for an historic upset. However, Brindley had other ideas. A notorious workhorse and spark plug who was also part of the bronze medal-winning American roster last year, he narrowly pounded home a powerplay one-timer to make it 2-0 and then went beautifully bar down shortly afterwards to make it 3-0. That second marker took the wind out of Norway's sails for a while and they never fully recovered.

2) Maveric Lamoureux — Canada

Lamoureux didn't have a particularly flashy or exciting game, but that was by design, focusing his attentions instead on keeping the Finns quiet and under control over the course of his team-leading 24:50 of ice time. The rangy blueliner was a suffocating defensive presence and undoubtedly frustrating for his opponents to get through. He did, however, help create the game's opening goal when his shot from the point went off Danielson and in, and he was similarly rewarded on the score sheet in the dying minutes when he calmly buried an empty-net goal from center ice.

3) Adam Gajan — Slovakia

Things easily could have gone south for the Slovakian netminder Gajan after allowing a goal just 1:01 after puck drop, but to his credit he immediately bounced back and once again looked like the star player who was crucial in almost upsetting Canada in the quarterfinals of the 2023 tournament. Dialed in and on his toes, he kept things tight and tidy for the remainder of the game's opening 40 minutes, which in turn helped his confident teammates break the deadlock late in the second period and then produce their outburst of goals in the third.