Petrus Palmu – McKeen's Hockey

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Vancouver Canucks Top 20 Prospects

Rachel Howard — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 22:39:00 +0000

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

Vasili Podkolzin, RW (10^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Podkolzin is a dynamic winger with a lot of good assets in his toolbox. He is a strong skater with terrific balance and is technically solid. He can get to top speed within a few strides. He is exceptionally good at puck protection and has a creative hockey mind. He works hard and plays a physical game. He still lacks a bit of consistency in his production, but he has been a teenager playing against men and he gets pushed out physically when he tries to create. He is not a typical transition player; he likes to play tight to the body and create from down low which makes a lack of physical strength a natural problem. Podkolzin also sometimes tries to be too creative instead of just making the easy play. He will always aid his team’s puck possession with elite skills and do good things with that possession. Although he did not score many points, his underlying numbers were good, and it is expected that he will receive a bigger role in the KHL this season. He has one more year with St Petersburg after which he could compete for a top six role with the Canucks. - JH

Nils Hoglander, LW (40^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 2)

WJC star Hoglander plays intensively and is particularly strong in the corners and around the net. He will set up a power play or drive the play all over the ice. His passes to the slot were more frequent during the WJC than in the SHL as he was constantly trying to create. He is small and is not to able to break away from his opponents in the corners in the same way at the senior level as he did at the World Juniors, and that could be a concern as he prepares to transition to North America and the NHL, as his game prevails through stick handling, covering the puck and making quick turns and creative plays. That type of game will be tough for him in the NHL and he will need to vary his game. Hoglander was supposed to start the 2020-21 season with the Canucks organization, trying to earn a spot in the NHL; While he waits for the NHL to start, he has returned to the SHL, where his offensive game has begun to take off. - JH

Olli Juolevi, D (5^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 3)

After playing his first nearly full season as a professional with AHL Utica, Juolevi seemed to be playing back to the same high level as made him the fifth overall pick in 2016. He brings a high hockey IQ and composure to any situation and as he grew more comfortable facilitating more scoring chances as well. He is a good skater, a good puck handler, and the type of player you forget is on the ice until he helps out in scoring or putting the puck in the net himself. He should certainly be making his long-awaited debut with the Canucks’ bottom pairing in 2020-21, where he will stay until he has mastered the NHL game enough to move up the lineup. Juolevi will simply have to be more physical to differentiate himself and to earn added trust from the coaching staff, learning to protect himself better in an organization that is not known for their grit. - SC

Jett Woo, D (37^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Woo has the potential to play on a second pairing but lacks the offensive toolkit that many were expecting after his eye-popping seasons in Moose Jaw. He is an effective, physical, in-your-face defender who skates well and competes hard for every inch of ice. He is tenacious in his own zone using big hits, stick checks, good reads and aggression to minimize the opponent’s ability to get to his net. His gap control is good, and opponents know he will step up if they bobble the puck or show any hesitation in the neutral zone. He is a fine passer, capable of making good plays to start the transition, however his decision making in the offensive zone is concerning. His vision is good, but he frequently tries to do too much and turns over the puck at inopportune times. While Woo is capable of recovering better than most, he is more the complementary defender than the one the dictates the offense. He plays the game the right way and has an edge and abrasiveness in handling himself. He is willing to jump into the rush and has the speed to get himself into the play as a trailer. - VG

Jack Rathbone, D (95^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 5)

From the moment Rathbone stepped on the ice at Harvard, even as a freshman, he made an impact. While there is usually an adjustment period for rookies when transitioning to college hockey, especially for those who come straight from prep school as he did, some, like Rathbone, are exceptions. An offensive defenseman, last year he ranked fourth on the team in scoring, leading all Crimson defenders. His shot is characterized by a quick release. He appeared on the team’s second penalty kill unit and the first power play unit. He was possibly the team’s best puck mover on the power play. He is excellent at running the unit from the point. Defensively, he has a very active and quick stick and is able to poke check effectively, minimizing the negative impact of his smaller stature. Rahtbone’s offensive capabilities as well as his solid defensive skills give him a legitimate chance at making the NHL in a top half of roster role, a journey which will move to the professional ranks next season. - JS

Will Lockwood, RW (64^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 6)

On the small side, but incredibly feisty, Lockwood spent the full four seasons at the University of Michigan, before finally signing an ELC with the Canucks shortly after COVID-19 paused play the world over. The former USNTDP grinder had an up-and-down collegiate career with the Wolverines, but his best two seasons were certainly his last two. He is a strong skater who can flash creativity with the puck in the offensive zone, can tend to play too deliberately as well, negating his inherent skill set. When he plays decisively, Lockwood has been a disruptive presence at the collegiate level. He plays a physical game, especially when he plays angry and relishes open ice checking. He is the type of player who could be ready for the NHL within one season of turning pro, but whose reasonable upside is never more than a bottom six winger, who could frustrate with the hints of more, but who can’t show it consistently enough for the possibility to be reasonable. - RW

Michael DiPietro, G (64^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 7)

DiPietro brings a new definition to the word ‘focus’ with an ultra-dialed-in and intense personality. He performs reliably well every game and gives maximum effort, no matter the opponent. He has a good track record for performing well under pressure and for keeping a good attitude, going above and beyond when it comes to athleticism, which he must due to his smaller size. He reads plays well and does well in one on one situations however he will have to battle harder to get to his position in net scrambles, as he works towards a permanent NHL role. The future is bright for DiPietro, who is so naturally gifted with the right instincts, attitude, and athleticism needed to be a top level goaltender, look for him to have a go at an NHL job within the next season should he start off the upcoming season the same way with Utica. - SC

Zack MacEwen, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 3, 2017. Previous ranking: 8)

MacEwen is not a cookie cutter smooth-skating type. Instead he is the hard working, crash and bang guy that brings a lot of energy to a roster. He is not the most graceful of skaters and does not stand out for skill either, but he does well at completing the little things. He is a steady net front presence, forces turnovers, and plays the body at the right times. A little clumsy at times, he has learned to be a good backchecker and defend well in his own zone, however he still needs to work on his passing in order to avoid turnovers and better contribute to the breakout. It is no surprise that MacEwen has earned a spot on the Vancouver Canucks 2020 playoff roster as he brings the right energy and can get the job done in a way that the other players cannot, which is why he is an asset to their bottom six, and should continue to play at the highest level as long as his cap hit remains low. – SC

Jacob Truscott, D (144^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

In every game with the USNDTP, there will be one or two moments where Truscott authors a play that makes you take notice. And each of those moments were substantially different. Those good plays would not be at all possible if he were not an above average skater, with impressive acceleration, very good edges and pivots and top speed, and mostly incredible backwards skating. The package plays into his heads-up game. He reads and processes the game fast and is very decisive when the situation calls for action. He can react correctly to a broken play. He can also excel in driving the play, as he can set and alternately vary the pace. He plays with mature composure. On the other hand, Truscott lacks flash. He has a decent wrist shot from the point, but not a power play quarterback rocket. He can skate with the puck but doesn’t often execute high level trickery. He can time the odd big hit but lacks the big frame to play that style with regularity. At the end of the day, he can leverage what he has into a long and successful career on a good team’s second pairing. – RW

Joni Jurmo, D (82^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking NA)

Jurmo is a big-risk/big-reward player. The physical tools are impossible to miss. He skates beautifully, with a fast and powerful stride. His edges are solid and his has four-way mobility, and the speed is remarkable. His carries out of his own end are thrilling. On the other hand, he is still incredibly raw. He has not often shown the ability to slow the game down, regroup and let the play come to him. He has shown significant improvement in his own zone work this year, to his credit, reading the play better and forcing opposing forwards to the outside, but he still has a way to go in this regard. There could also be some concern that he lacks experience at high levels, or at prestigious age-group tournaments. Jurmo recently moved from the Jokerit system to JyP, where he is expected to play in Liiga this season. If Vancouver can be patient, he represents a potential play on a future top four defender with dynamic qualities. He has come a long way in the last two seasons and still has room for added development. He might not get there, but it was a gamble worth taking. – RW

Kole Lind, RW (33^rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 9)

Lind has finally had the breakout confidence-replenishing year that staff and writers were hoping for. He is a good shooter and good at making quick plays and reacting to what is going on around him. He can be relied upon to play special teams, however he is not the smoothest of skaters, but he makes up for it in the way he gets to the net and his work ethic on the forecheck. Lind will certainly have to get faster and more agile on his blades, but his hands and his passing are good and lead him oftentimes to contributing to good scoring opportunities or assisting on plays. He will most likely earn his chance to crack the Canucks lineup this coming season as a potential third liner alternating in the bottom six if he finds another gear for his skating and on ice agility while continuing to work on his two way play. - SC

Brogan Rafferty, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed 1, 2019. Previous ranking: 10)

After leading the AHL Utica Comets in points for defensemen it is safe to say that Rafferty is a strong and dependable defenseman in the Vancouver pipeline. All of his skills are good, and his positioning and hockey IQ are what lead him to stand out, earning points in nearly every game. He will need to get a bit tougher when it comes to physicality and taking the body, but aside from that there is nothing of concern. He brings a great two-way game and is nearly always in the right position which could be an asset for the Canucks looking into next season, despite this past season only being Rafferty’s rookie year. A late bloomer, his potential may be surprisingly high because of the progression he has had so far, however when he gets the call up look to see him as part of the bottom four to start proving himself. - SC

Aidan McDonough, LW (195^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 12)

McDonough’s value may turn out to be higher than his seventh-round draft pick status. After graduating from prep school at Thayer Academy, McDonough spent one season in the USHL with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders before entering the collegiate ranks. As a freshman, he was one of the highest-scoring players for Northeastern and the highest-scoring freshman by a mile and earned the team’s rookie of the year award. He has a big frame but could be stronger on the puck, although he is not afraid to engage in puck battles. While he needs to pump his legs on his strides, he is very hard to contain in the offensive zone as he glides around. McDonough is a sharp passer and can score from multiple spots but buzzes frequently around the net. While he certainly held his own as a freshman, he is still raw and needs to refine his game more before turning pro. - JS

Marc Michaelis, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 19, 2020. Previous ranking: 13)

The NCAA’s top scorer over the past four seasons, Michaelis was a First Team WCHA All American through each of his four seasons at Minnesota State. The slight German winger already had a lengthy history of high-level international play, including two appearances at the World Championships for his homeland before signing as a free agent with Vancouver a few days into the COVID-19 lockdown. Michaelis makes himself seen through high end skating ability, which allowed him to skate laps around the WCHA competition, as well as very interesting playmaking potential, with vision and creativity. The skating will have to be his ticket to the NHL though, as his playmaking ability has been more a function of brains than pure skill, leaving in question how much those brains will allow him to play up as a pro. If Michaelis makes the adjustment to the pro pace and continues to make his presence felt in the offensive end, he could push himself up to the highest level for a lengthy stay. – RW

Dmitri Zlodeyev, C (175^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Zlodeyev is a strong two-way center who shows extremely well off the puck. He uses his strong skating to apply pressure on the forecheck and was one of the anchors of Russia’s penalty killing unit at the U18 level. Additionally, he excels at the faceoff dot. As an offensive player, he is at his best working the half wall, where he can use his quick feet to elude checks and create lanes to attack. He is more of a playmaker than a goal scorer but is willing to drive the net and can finish from in tight with a quick release. The remaining question is his upside. Zlodeyev is a skill player, but it is not clearly enough yet to project to a scoring line role in North America, and without the strength to play in a bottom six role, he may be stuck as a tweener. His early work this year in the VHL (Russia’s second men’s league) is promising enough that he might just make it work, even if he is only in the early stages of his journey. – BO

Linus Karlsson, C (Trade: Feb. 25, 2019. Originally: 87^thoverall, 2018 [San Jose]. Previous ranking: 14)

A big center with nice hands who was acquired in a pure Swedish prospect trade, as Jonathan Dahlen was sent the other way to San Jose. Karlsson is not as a big name in Sweden as Dahlen is but Karlsson is a decent prospect in his own right, and he scored 40 points in Allsvenskan as a 20-year-old. He is an offensive minded center with an above average shot and above average hands. He is not elite an any way but a decent depth prospect, and if everything goes well, he could be a good third line option in the future. He needs to work on his skating and play at a faster pace to reach the highest level. He will have a couple more years of development before he can be ready to compete for a spot. I would be surprised if he has a long NHL career, but I can definitely see him being a good SHL player in near future. – JH

Guillaume Brisebois, D (66^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 11)

The last three seasons with the Utica Comets for Brisebois have not gone as originally hoped since his near fifty-point final season in the QMJHL. Brisebois has struggled to produce a similar offensive output and anywhere near the success he had in major junior. He plays with grit and passion and brings a focus to every game that is admirable as he is always ready to make a play. The downside to his game is the fact that he has not been able to find the same confidence as he once had, and he has struggled to even get his passing game going. The hope is that next season Brisebois will finally find the extra gear he once seemed to have and reach his potential before it is too late. He will most likely be able to qualify for one more crack at a roster spot on the Canucks, hoping to find a home at the bottom of the defensive rotation. - SC

Arvid Costmar, C (215^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

The 215th pick in 2019 took good steps during the season. He was a steady top line center for the junior team and played big minutes. His production went up and he doubled his goal total last season despite playing 15 games less than the year before. He received some cups of tea at the senior level as well, but without success. In Allsvenskan he had a more diminished role when he played. His skating speed needs to improve but is a skilled offensive-minded player with good hands. His puck skills excel well on the power play as he likes to set up the play. He is also skilled one-on-one and can make nice dekes. For next season, I would like to see him earn a top six role on an Allsvenskan team and compete for a WJC roster spot. To do so he will need to work on his all-around game and play at a higher pace. – JH

Petrus Palmu, LW/RW (181^st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 16)

One of the smallest drafted prospects around, Palmu tore up the OHL as an Import player, but has spent the bulk of the past three seasons back in Finland. At every stop, he has left little doubt but that he is a dynamic, productive offensive player, with only the mild exception of his 12-game stint in the AHL in 2018-19. Just from a tools perspective, he isn’t the most impressive. He skates well, but questionably whether he is fleet enough to overcome his size concern. He has fast hands, and reads the game well, but neither approaching elite. He is not a sniper. But somehow, he has made it all work well together to give him an overall package that has been greater than the sum of his parts. Like all players of his stature, even ones who play with his courage, Palmu will need to prove himself anew at every new level, and next up is the AHL, to which he is expected to play this year. - RW

Carson Focht, C (133^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 17)

Drafted as a moderately offensive second year eligible, Focht’s post draft performance was somewhat disappointing, as he failed to take his game to another level in the WHL. Not meeting expectations is not new for Focht, the one-time seventh overall pick in the WHL Bantam Draft. This is not to imply that his professional prospects are dead, as his game has elements that could fit in a bottom six role. He has decent size, and he can play with some grit up and down the ice. When his team has possession, he some smooth hands and the wherewithal to keep the play moving in the right direction. On the right day, he can even look like a sniper, with a very quick release on his snapshot. He just doesn’t do it all at once, or consistently. Still unsigned, it is unclear where he will play this year, as he turns 21 in early February. - RW

Finland: 2019-20 Season Preview

Marco Bombino — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 13:27:15 +0000

UMEA, SWEDEN - APRIL 18: Finland's Anton Lundell #20 stickhandles the puck against Canada's Peyton Krebs #19 during preliminary round action of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at A3 Arena on Apirl 18, 2019 in Umea, Sweden. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Nowadays Finland is producing plenty of talented youngsters and it shows both in the senior and junior leagues. Here is a look into the Liiga contenders, the top NHL drafted prospects to watch from the Liiga and the top draft eligibles to watch across the Finnish leagues.

LIIGA CONTENDERS

Kärpät – The finalists from the past season lost quite a few key players, but also added a few top players to the roster, namely Jesse Puljujärvi, Juho Lammikko, Janne Pesonen and Jakub Krejcik. Kärpät plays a fast-paced game and has the depth necessary to win the championship this season. Their brightest youngsters include goalie Justus Annunen (COL), winger Aku Räty (ARI) and his younger brother Aatu Räty, a 16-year-old top forward prospect who won't be draft eligible until 2021.

Tappara – The team has been off to an excellent start and is looking to get back to the finals as they have done many times in the past few seasons. Tappara plays a structured defensive game but they also have a lot of skill and depth up front, as well as two solid goalies in Michal Garteig and Christian Heljanko. Defenseman Toni Utunen (VAN) has yet to play this season due to injury, but Patrik Puistola (CAR) has shown promise with limited ice-time.

Lukko – After reaching the quarterfinals last season, Lukko will look to improve with a much different roster. They acquired defenseman Robin Press and forwards Ponthus and Pathrik Westerholm from the Swedish SHL. Thus far each of them has proved to strengthen the team. Tarmo Reunanen (NYR) will lead the defense offensively. Lukko has two drafted defensemen in Miska Kukkonen (BUF) and Antti Palojärvi (PIT) but neither has yet to take a big role on the team. Two undrafted prospects to keep an eye on are winger Linus Nyman and goalie Lassi Lehtinen.

JYP – After a below-average past season for its standards, JYP is surely prepared to show that it belongs to the top-tier of the league. They have an experienced team with good depth at forward in particular. Forward Petrus Palmu (VAN) joined the team in early October and will add more to the depth and scoring. Anttoni Honka (CAR), Patrik Siikanen (EDM) and Jerry Turkulainen, a potential free agent signing, are the prospects of interest on the team.

Pelicans – The start to the season has been unspectacular for this Pelicans team, however there is potential for better results if they can put all the pieces together. Jesse Ylönen (MTL) is one of the most promising young players in the Liiga and defenseman Santtu Kinnunen (FLA) has shown solid long-term potential as well. There are also a few undrafted prospects to notice, such as forwards Aleks Haatanen, Samuel Salonen and goalie Jasper Patrikainen.

HPK – The reigning champions currently sit in the middle of the standings. They haven't been able to play a similar puck possession game as last season. Combined with several poor goaltending performances, the start of the season has been rough for HPK. That said, seventh rounder Valtteri Puustinen (PIT) has been very good, with 12 points in as many games. He is an energetic, quick forward with smarts and upside, but it remains to be seen whether he can maintain the offensive output.

TOP NHL PROSPECTS TO WATCH

Lassi Thomson, Ilves (Ottawa) – Thomson had a rough start to the season, just like the entire Ilves team, but he has elevated his game lately. His shot can be a real threat from the point due to the velocity and power on it. Thomson plays an ultra competitive game, has some snarl and a high work rate. He still needs time to adjust to the pro game, but the ceiling is very high with this defenseman.

Jesse Ylönen, Pelicans (Montreal) – Ylönen is a high-end skater with terrific stickhandling skills and boasts plenty of potential. However, the Pelicans winger has been ineffective and a bit of a perimeter player this season. He could be one of the best players in the entire league if he begins to play a more straight-forward game and generate more offense in the middle of the ice and inside the dots.

Lukas Dostal, Ilves (Anaheim) – Dostal joined Ilves in the midst of the last season from Kometa Brno and proved to be the cornerstone in net as the team reached the playoffs. A highly athletic goalie with very good reaction speed, he can make flashy saves and is tough to beat low. He still needs to refine a few parts of his game, but the Czech netminer has shown lots of potential during his time in Finland.

Matias Maccelli, Ilves (Arizona) – Maccelli had a great preseason with Ilves and has not failed to meet the expectations in the regular season. The winger is small but has lots of puck skill, can dangle and set up his teammates by using his vision and precise passing. His overall game requires work, though his defensive play has gotten better lately. Maccelli is very smart and generates offensive opportunities both for himself and his teammates.

Patrik Puistola, Tappara (Carolina) – Puistola's ice-time has been very limited in the Liiga but there is no doubting his offensive abilities. The winger can dangle, make smart passes and score goals from primary scoring areas. He shoots with a purpose. Skating has held him back at times, however if he gains the Tappara coaches' trust, expect him to contribute more offensively.

Tarmo Reunanen, Lukko (NY Rangers) – Reunanen was among the final cuts from the Rangers' training camp roster and thus returned to Lukko. He evolved into an on-ice leader last season. He can create a lot of offense with his vision, swift hands and smart, creative passing. Great on the power play. Reunanen has shown the potential to become an everyday NHL defenseman.

Oskari Laaksonen, Ilves (Buffalo) – Much like above-mentioned Thomson, Laaksonen's start to the Liiga season with Ilves was less than stellar. The right-shot defenseman hasn't shown similar ability to drive the play from the backend as he did last season and there have been some defensive issues as well. However, his offensive gifts haven't disappeared anywhere and I am certain that he will elevate his game as the season progressess.

Kim Nousiainen, KalPa (Los Angeles) – A small, skilled defenseman whom the Kings selected in the fourth round of this year's draft, Nousiainen is a skilled playmaker with quick feet and hands. However, I think his smarts make him such an interesting prospect. The KalPa blueliner makes calculated decisions with possession and shows noticeable composure for an 18-year-old defenseman.

Justus Annunen, Kärpät (Colorado) – Annunen is off to an impressive start with Kärpät and has already recorded three shutouts on the season. He continues to be difficult to beat low, he reads shooters effectively and remains square to the puck. He is calm and moves well in the crease showing strong overall skating ability.

Jakub Galvas, Jukurit (Chicago) – Galvas has impressed offensively for Jukurit in the early stages of the season and has recorded eight assists. He is a mobile defenseman with good playmaking skills and moves the puck into good spots. He can quarterback the power play. Galvas has made occasional mistakes both with and without puck, but he continues to play with confidence and poise. He looks like a solid find by the Blackhawks in the fifth round of the 2017 draft.

HM: Lenni Killinen (Carolina), Arttu Ruotsalainen (Buffalo), Daniil Tarasov (Columbus), Anttoni Honka (Carolina), Robin Salo (NY Islanders).

TOP 2020 NHL DRAFT PROSPECTS TO WATCH

Anton Lundell, C/LW, HIFK – Lundell already spent the majority of the past season in the Liiga and has been getting quality ice-time this season. The smart center reads and anticipates the game extremely well and consistently puts himself in a good position to make plays. He has skill, protects the puck well, wins face-offs and can play in any situation. The main issue is his skating which lacks both power and speed, but he is a potential top 10 pick as he plays such an efficient game in all three zones.

Roni Hirvonen, C, Ässät – Hirvonen has impressed as a rookie in the Liiga, using his strengths, namely his offensive abilities, to his advantage. Although a natural center, he has been playing on the wing against men. A very smart playmaker who can finish, too, he has great vision, offensive instincts and can be creative with the puck. He is also good skater with quick feet, agility and nimble footwork. His style of play is reminiscent of Sebastian Aho.

Topi Niemelä, D, Kärpät – Niemelä is a mobile right-shot defenseman who has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential. He has a quick first step, great glide and moves well laterally. His puck handling skills are high end and he plays with plenty of poise. He has been able to hold his own defensively at the pro level. He could be a first rounder if his development keeps trending upwards.

Joel Blomqvist, G, Kärpät U20 – Blomqvist has been a standout ever since playing in the U16 league as an underager and currently excels with Kärpät U20. The 6-1" netminder is quick, flexible and shows calculated movements – he is constantly in control and remains calm regardless of the situation he is in. His technical skills are solid and he tracks pucks well.

Kasper Simontaival, C/RW, Tappara U20 – Simontaival's development has suffered from injuries over the past couple of seasons, but he remains one of the top Finnish prospects among 2002's. He is a precision shooter who can rifle the puck and has a good shot selection. He shows some flash with his puck skills and has nifty hands. His skating isn't high end and being a smaller forward, that could hurt his game in the future. However, because of his offensive abilities, he could be selected inside the top two rounds.

Roby Järventie, F, Ilves U20

Eemil Viro, D, TPS U20

Joni Jurmo, D, Jokerit U20

Veeti Miettinen, RW, Kiekko-Espoo U20

Juuso Mäenpää, F, Jokerit U20

Veeti Korkalainen, F, KooKoo U20

Rami Määttä, D, Ässät U20

Joonas Oden, LW, KooKoo

Oskari Luoto, F, Tappara U20

Peetro Seppälä, KooKoo

Vancouver Canucks Prospect System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 14:58:51 +0000

There are teams that have depth throughout their organization. They draft from everywhere, and affiliated players of theirs dot rosters across the planet, from their own AHL and ECHL affiliates, and found here and there on various CHL teams, on college campuses in the US and on teams in the best European leagues. And if a player passes through the draft and catches their eyes, the team does not hesitate to sign that player as an undrafted free agent to round out the system.

Those teams have high end talent, young men who are destined to challenge for roles atop the NHL lineup, they have versatile players who can be plugged in and play wherever and however needed. And they have depth in numbers, understanding that not all shiny new prospects reach their projected ceilings. It is always good to have players in the system who can hold their own without too much embarrassment, ready to fill in at a moment’s notice, even if the filling is only for a moment.

The Canucks do not have all of that in their system. They have some, but not everything.

They have players from everywhere. Prospects from the Vancouver system spent last year in the AHL of course. There were a few collegians. They had eyes on players from the top leagues in both Sweden and Finland, as well as the top flights of both Russia and the Czech Republic. They did not have anybody who was playing in the QMJHL (which is not all that rare), but there were Canucks’ prospects playing in the OHL, WHL, USHL and even the MJHL and in a Massachusetts prep school.

As will be discussed in more detail below, this organization certainly has its share high end prospects, with 6-9 of these players projected as top half of lineup players and up to four of them who could for whom stardom could be in the offing.

The Canucks also have a second tier below those guys, a tier perhaps five or six deep with guys who could fit into that comfortable middle of the team. The Canucks don’t need to count on these guys, but they are glad to have them. But what the Canucks lack is that depth. When we talk about depth, we are usually looking at guys already in the AHL, who have some professional experience and are ready to contribute, even if those contributions are mild.

When the Canucks needed a decent player to come up as an injury replacement, their options were painfully limited. Instead of using that as an opportunity to give a potential future contributor a cup of NHL coffee, instead they had to bring up older journeymen, such as Ashton Sautner (five games), Jayson Megna (one game), Philip Holm (one game), and Michael Chaput (nine games). Those four players combined for a grand total of two points, both from Sautner.

This lack of viable depth is a direct result of questionable drafting in the later rounds. Those top players were selected early, but the Canucks have neglected to sign a number of recent late round picks, such as Carl Neill and Tate Olson from their 2015 draft class and fully two thirds of their 2016 draft class in Cole Candella, Jakob Stukel, Rodrigo Abols, and Brett McKenzie.

The Canucks seem to be acing the hardest part of the rebuild but are flunking the easiest portion.

Elias Pettersson

1 Elias Pettersson, C/LW (5^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 2^nd) Among the handful of most dynamic prospects in the game, Pettersson laid the SHL to waste in his age 18 season, winning both league rookie of the year and MVP awards. His season with Vaxjo was simply one of the best by a teenager in any European league ever. A ridiculously talented sniper, his shot is near elite on a few fronts. The release is incredibly quick, but his patience with the puck helps the release seem even quicker. A talented dangler, he can use his hips to great effect to sell a deke. Unlike many scoring sensations of his ilk, Pettersson is also responsible in his own end. One of the top candidates to win the Calder this season, he should pair with the Canucks’ other recent Calder finalist to give the team two high caliber goal scorers for years to come.

2 Quinn Hughes, D (7^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) The most dynamic draft eligible defenseman in North America last season, Hughes played a minor role as a double under-ager for Team USA at the WJC and then saw his game absolutely take off over the second half of the NCAA season. By the end, he was the engine for Michigan’s Frozen Four team. A brilliant skater and thrilling puck handler, his rushes up the ice are breathtaking, yet he still has the wherewithal to slow the game down in the offensive end. As he acclimatized to the collegiate game, Hughes also began to show more reliability in his defensive responsibilities. If he did not elect to return to the Wolverines for his sophomore season, he would have stood a chance of playing in the NHL right away. Hughes looks like Vancouver’s future number one defender.

3 Olli Juolevi, D (5^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 1^st) As much as Olli Juolevi has been somewhat disappointing since being drafted fifth overall in 2016, thanks to an underwhelming follow up campaign with the London Knights, make no mistake, but he is still trending towards a career with first pairing potential. Instead of going back to London for a third go-round, Juolevi returned home to Finland instead, spending the year with TPS, where he impressed playing for the first time against men, while dominating in his third WJC. He is an excellent passer and puck mover who has an advanced understanding of the game and rarely makes the wrong play. He is expected to come back to North America this year and challenge for an NHL job, although some time in the AHL would not hurt him, or the rebuilding Canucks.

4 Thatcher Demko, G (36^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 7^th) Drafted as a true freshman out of Boston College, Demko improved his save percentage year over year over year during his collegiate career, going from .919 to .925 to .935 before leaving campus for the professional world. In that final year, he was named Hockey East Player of the Year, was an NCAA East All American, and took home the Mike Richter Award as the best netminder in the country. While his first season in the AHL was occasionally rocky, he rebounded in his second season, finishing tied for sixth in save percentage in the league. Demko has ideal size for the net, and grades out very highly for his calm demeanor, ability to read the play, mature technical form, and ability to stifle second chances. Expect him to battle for an NHL job out of camp this year.

Jonathan Dahlen

5 Jonathan Dahlen, LW/C (Trade: Feb. 27, 2017 [Ottawa]) Last Year: 4^th) Coming off a season in which he was named best forward and MVP of Sweden’s second tier men’s league (Allsvenskan), Dahlen, who was on loan at Timra, is ready for the AHL game. He has never been a high-end skater, but the smallish winger has improved a fair bit in that area since he was drafted and there is no longer reason to believe that it will hold him back. Both his puck skills and his hockey smarts are at very high levels, and he has proven able to score at every single level he has played at thus far in his burgeoning career. He will need some time in the AHL to get used to the rougher physical game in North America but should be able to find himself playing in in the NHL by the end of the season.

6 Kole Lind, RW (33^rd overall, 2017. Last Year: 6^th) The Canucks would have been very pleased to track Lind’s development in his first post draft season. He showed the ability to play with greater pace and was more assertive all around. Already an accomplished offensive player, he contributed eight more points for Kelowna this year, even though he played in 12 fewer games. He is a gifted puck player who couples finishing skills with the instincts of a playmaker. He does not play a soft game, although he could stand to put on a few pounds as he prepares for a full season as a professional, likely in the AHL. He could be knocking on the NHL door before the season is out.

7 Adam Gaudette, C (149^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 9^th) It is easy to look at the gaudy point totals of the 2018 Hobey Baker Award winner and think that Gaudette is a sure-fire top prospect. He is not without skill. He skates well, has a nice shot and is a very talented playmaker and stick handler. He even played some on the PK with Northeastern and has a well-developed hockey IQ. The reason why we cannot rank him higher up this list is that a very hefty proportion of his offensive output cam on the man advantage (27 of 60 points). Yes, there were former first rounders in the NCAA that could not match his even strength output, but there are questions about whether he is dynamic enough to continue to earn time on the power play as a pro. Either way, he will have a chance to play in Vancouver this year.

8 Will Lockwood, RW (64^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 11^th) A skilled grinder, Lockwood plays with an immense amount of energy that brings to mind a slightly taller Brendan Gallagher. This is not to say that Lockwood is a future 30 goals scorer in the NHL, but he is a future fan favorite. A born hustler, he has the wheels to match his intensity, and despite underwhelming point totals over the years, a fair bit of individual skill lurking in his stick. As he prepares to return from major shoulder surgery to fix an injury sustained in the WJC, he will have to show that he can rein in his physical proclivities and play smart when playing tough might not be the answer. If he can remain healthy, he should rank higher on this list next year.

9 Michael DiPietro, G (64^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 8^th) If you don’t like DiPietro, “you must not like winning.” That quote, reportedly spoken by DiPietro to unnamed team officials during interviews at the NHL scouting combine last year will follow him throughout his career, wherever it takes him. He had reason to be cocky, having just come off leading his Windsor Spitfires to a Memorial Cup championship on home ice. Although his numbers slumped somewhat as Windsor iced a much younger, less talented roster this year, he is still the same athletic, hyper-competitive netminder who reads the ice well and controls rebounds. He will head back to the OHL for one more season and is expected to challenge for a spot with Team Canada at the next WJC – in Vancouver.

Jett Woo

10 Jett Woo, D (37^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) Like Lockwood above, Woo is a hard-hitting throwback type of player who missed a large chunk of last season with a shoulder injury. In Woo’s case, as it was hist draft year, not only did it take away crucial development time, but also likely hurt his draft stock, leaving him on the board for Vancouver’s second round pick. A defender whose game is predicated on a dollop of hockey IQ and a heaping of truculence, he has shown just enough offensive skill and mobility to suggest better health could allow him to profile as a top four blueliner at the highest level. Is work ethic and other intangibles should help him maximize his abilities.

11 Jonah Gadjovich, LW (55^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 10^th) Somewhat of a surprise selection to represent Team Canada at last year’s WJC, the former 46 goal scorer with Owen Sound took on more of a depth line role at the prestige tournament, killing penalties and scrumming for space in front of the opponent’s net on the power play. An instinctual goal scorer, he has an impressively long reach and a strong shot when he can lean on one from the slot. Gadjovich has a big, burly frame, and while that helps him at times, it works against him at others, as his first few steps can be sluggish. Further, while his strength was a clear asset in the OHL, he was so much more physically mature than most of the competition, that he often left observers wanting more. He is ready for AHL action.

12 Lukas Jasek, RW (174^th overall, 2015. Last Year: not ranked) Jasek was puttering along anonymously in the lower reaches of the Czech hockey system, occasionally popping up (and not doing anything) at an international tournament for his age group. He finally spent most of last year in the top Czech division and did relatively well for a 20-year-old (second in league scoring among the 21U set) while he dazzled in the European Champions Hockey League for Bili Tygri. To top it off, he came to Utica at the tail end of the season and put up seven points in six games. An energetic, conscientious player, he plays hard and recognizes scoring chances well, making up for a moderate skill set.

13 Tyler Madden, C (68^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) A chip off the old block. Madden, whose father John was a Selke Award winner in the 1990s with New Jersey, is a defense first center with some skill. Short and slight, he is more than just a defensive specialist as he has flashed plus skills as a playmaker and puckhandler, while his shot makes up in timing what it lacks in force. As he moves to offensive powerhouse Northeastern for the next few years, he will have every opportunity to not only add bulk to his underdeveloped frame, but also to explore the extent of his offensive skills as he is very refined away from the puck.

Guillaume Brisebois

14 Guillaume Brisebois, D (66^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 12^th) Tall, yet slight, Brisebois is a strong skater who took his lumps last year as an AHL rookie but played well enough throughout to maintain his standing as a prospect. He is not a flashy player but moves the puck with efficiency. He plays well away from the puck and was trusted with heavy usage with a Utica team that much in the way of high end skill. Mostly playing a finesse game, he has the frame to handle burly opposition, although he still looks as if he could use 10-15 more pounds of bulk to give back as good as he gets. A second AHL season will go a long way to letting the Canucks know what they have in Brisebois.

15 Matthew Thiessen, G (192^nd overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) The top draft eligible netminder in any of the Tier I leagues across Canada, Thiessen gained some public notoriety as he backstopped the Steinbach Pistons to the MJHL championship and a spot in the RBC Cup. Athletic and competitive, he has decent size for the modern game and has demonstrated a strong ability to read the play in front of him. As with any netminder (or skater for that matter) coming out of a lower level of competition such as the MJHL, he will have to answer questions about his ability to perform at a high level against better opponents. He will get his first chance to step up next year, playing with Dubuque of the USHL, before moving on to Maine, in Hockey East.

16 Matt Brassard, D (188^th overall, 2017. Last Year: not ranked) Although he went undrafted in his first year of eligibility, the Canucks took a chance on the puck moving Brassard after a strong age 18 season split between Barrie and Oshawa of the OHL. He rewarded them with even better performance at age 19 last year, although it was not enough for Vancouver to extend an ELC his way (yet). A decent at best skater, Brassard has good offensive tools between his point shot and his puck handling skills. While he also has good size, he does not it to good effect. His defensive zone reads are also unrefined which will impact his potential to advance if it is not addressed.

17 Toni Utunen, D (130^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) Small, and not very toolsy, everything about Utunen plays up thanks to his highly advanced hockey IQ. While he rarely flashes high end skill, he is seemingly always in the right place to impact the game positively for his team. It could be by starting the transition out of his own zone, as he is equally comfortable carrying the puck out or passing it upstream to a waiting teammate. It could also be his fearlessness in getting into the shooting lane while killing a penalty. It could be the fact that he spent his draft year playing with men in Finland, splitting the year between the top two leagues in the land. Expect this sleeper to play a bigger role this year.

18 Petrus Palmu, LW/RW (181^st overall, 2017. Last Year: not ranked) Ten or fifteen years ago, a player of Palmu’s stature would likely have been passed over at the draft, as 5-7” just would not play in that era, no matter how fast or skilled the player was. Even today, a player as small as he is needs to prove himself over and over before getting the call. Vancouver selected Palmu in his third year of draft eligibility, after he doubled his offensive output from 49 too 98 points for Owen Sound. Having completed his CHL eligibility, he went back to Finland and had a very strong rookie season, earning an ELC. Prone to overhandling, he is stronger than he looks and can take a hit to make a play, although he will never be a force at any level. He should spend this upcoming season in the AHL.

19 Jalen Chatfield, D (UDFA: Mar. 13, 2017. Last Year: 19^th) A teammate of Michael DiPietro’s on the Memorial Cup winning Windsor Spitfires in 2016-17, Chatfield showed enough two-way potential, along with intangibles, to earn an ELC as an undrafted free agent towards the end of the OHL regular season. While his offensive game cratered in his professional debut, to his credit, he never really looked out of place with the Comets. Chatfield profiles as no more than a third pairing, or seventh defenseman in the NHL, but his hockey IQ is refined enough that he could carve out a long career despite a lack of any one high end tool.

20 Zack MacEwen, C (UDFA: Mar. 3, 2017. Last Year: 13^th) A big rugged forward signed as an undrafted free agent out of Gatineau in the QMJHL, MacEwen struggled with parts of the transition to the pros. On the one hand, he was able to contribute offensively at a reasonable clip, finishing fourth in team scoring with Utica – and tops among prospect eligible players. On the other hand, he struggled on the other side of the puck. As flawed as the plus-minus metric is, it can be telling, and MacEwen’s negative 22 (second worst on the team) is a black mark. Between his great size and willingness to crash and bang, he could carve out a role at the bottom of an NHL lineup, but needs to prove he can be reliable in his own end.

Finland: Markus Niemeläinen (HPK- Edmonton), Petrus Palmu (TPS – Vancouver)

Marco Bombino — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 14:26:14 +0000

Edmonton prospect Markus Niemeläinen ranked 12th out of 20 in our McKeen's Yearbook ranking of prospects. Ryan Wagman, McKeen's prospect director, says "Due to his offensive limitations, his floor is a lot higher than his ceiling." After two seasons in the OHL with the Saginaw Spirit which saw his offence diminish to nine points in 59 games he returns to Finland this season to play for HPK in the Finnish Elite League. Marco Bombino provides a look at his progress so far this season.

Petrus Palmu is an intriguing prospect for Vancouver, exploding in 2016-17, doubling his point total to 98 in 62 games (62-40-58-98) with the Owen Sound attack. He also returns to Finland to play for TPS in the Elite League. A detailed scouting report below.

Markus Niemeläinen	2016 Draft (63rd - Edmonton Oilers)
Position: D, Shoots L	H/W: 6-6", 205 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	HPK, Liiga (6-0-0-0-4)
	LeKi, Mestis (1-0-0-0-0)

Markus Niemelainan at the 2016 NHL Draft in Buffalo, NY on Saturday June 25, 2016. Photo by Aaron Bell/CHL Images

Skating: Niemeläinen has respectable mobility for a player of his size and does not suffer from awkwardness like many other bigger young defensemen. He is a very coordinated skater, with the acceleration to get up and down the ice effectively. He is surprisingly agile and has deceptive top-end speed. Grade: 50

Shot: Both his slap shot and wrist shot are very heavy, but the release could be a tad quicker. He could also work on his shot accuracy. Does not use his shot nearly enough to be a constant threat from the point. Grade: 45

Skills: Handles the puck fairly well and mostly plays a simple game without much flash or dash. He is a pass first defenseman, but he can skate well with the puck. Thanks to an active stick he can disrupt opposition forwards and prevent zone entries. Just do not expect a whole lot of offense from him. Grade: 50

Smarts: Niemeläinen is positionally extremely sound and maintains good gap control. He angles opponents and uses his long reach really effectively to poke pucks away from oncoming forwards. He usually makes the smart play with the puck and rarely overhandles it. He lacks in creativity and offensive instincts, but could be developed into a solid shutdown defenseman with time. Grade: 55

Physicality: The towering defenseman is pretty effective at using his body in board and corner battles, but could still engage more often in physical battles. Has some grit but would benefit from playing with a little bit more snarl and intensity. He still needs to add more muscle. Grade: 50

Summary: Markus Niemeläinen is a big, versatile defenseman with the potential to emerge as an NHLer one day, although it will require plenty of development. He is the type of defenseman who does not excel in one particular area, but does not have any clear weaknesses either. I still would like to see him play a more physical game and make more plays offensively. I think he could be a stable third-pairing defenseman in the NHL, one who can be reliable defensively and kill penalties.

Overall Future Projection (OFP): 50.75

Petrus Palmu	2017 Draft (181st - Vancouver Canucks)
Position: LW, Shoots L	H/W: 5-6", 170 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	TPS, Liiga (21-7-6-13-8)

Skating: Palmu is a superb, fast skater with excellent agility and quickness in his first few strides. He has breakaway speed and he is elusive, with the ability to make tight turns and cuts with the puck. Possesses good balance on his skates. Grade: 60

Shot: Palmu is a dangerous shooter with a great shot selection. Has a good wrist shot as well as a backhander, both featuring accuracy and power. Can also score with a one-timer and has great patience around the net. The biggest negative is that he could use his shot much more frequently. Grade: 55

Skills: A highly skilled and dangerous finesse forward with silky smooth hands. He can handle the puck at full speed and stickhandle through players while moving up the ice. He is a good possession player and plays a pretty composed game with the puck. Grade: 50

Smarts: Palmu has a tendency to carry the puck for overly long periods, leading to numerous giveaways and easy mistakes. It might be part of adapting to the Liiga game and something that he can get rid of soon, but he has not yet displayed a whole lot of awareness. This aspect of the game has left me wanting more from Palmu. Grade: 45

Physicality: Palmu is extremely undersized, yet rather strong considering his size and definitely does not shy away from contact. He plays with some grit, has great attitude and brings a consistent effort. However, he tends to stay on the perimeter at times, especially when the opposing teams efficiently defend the middle of the ice. Grade: 45

Summary: Petrus Palmu is an undersized but very skilled prospect who put up big numbers in the OHL in the 2016-2017 season. He has had a pretty productive start to his Liiga career, although he has cooled off a bit since the early stages of the season. He is a high-end skater with plus-level puck skills and a good shot. I have also been particularly impressed with his attitude in each viewing. His decision making and ability to make quick decisions have been question marks, though. The Vancouver Canucks selected a very interesting player in the 6th round of the 2017 draft. Palmu has pretty high potential and I could see him as a 3rd or 2nd line NHL forward in the future.

2017 NHL Draft Grades: Pacific Division – Vancouver Canucks

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 16:04:59 +0000

Shortly after 1:00pm CST, on Saturday, June 24, 2017, the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins selected William Reilly, a defenseman from RPI as the 217^th player selected, bringing the 2017 Entry Draft to an end. With a few days of hindsight between me and the bowels of the United Center, the urge to spew out hot takes flushed away, it is time to analyze the strategies and selections employed by the league’s 31 teams.

The analysis will focus on the first five rounds, as it is clear to most long-time observers that the final two rounds are often taken up with long-shots, favours to regional scouts, among other reasons. I will, of course, call out some astute late picks, but will not judge a team for the names called in the final hour. The apocryphal story of Pekka Rinne, drafted as an eighth round after-thought in 2004 based mostly on his play in game warm-ups. Few other scouts would have seen him at all, and he has had a very good career, which is not yet over. For the most part, though, those picks have little statistical likelihood of having NHL careers and teams should not be judged there.

Each draft class will be graded using the 20-80 scale that we use in our player specific scouting reports throughout the site. In this context, a 50 is essentially an average grade in light of the picks the team had on draft day. A 20 would mean the draft is an unmitigated disaster while an 80 would be the best draft class of all time. As those things can only be truly seen in retrospect, most classes will trend towards 50 at this point, so pay attention to those we see as outliers.

Finally, all grades are incomplete. Actual winners and losers in this draft class will not be known until 2023 at the earliest, after those who will have “made it” will have played out their entry-level contracts. What I am looking at here is whether, knowing what we know now, the drafting team got good value.

RD	#	CS	MCK	PLAYER	P	AGE	HT/WT	TEAM
1	5	2-E	11	Elias PETTERSSON	C	18	6-2/165	Timra (Swe 2)
2	33	23-N	34	Kole LIND	RW	18	6-1/180	Kelowna (WHL)
2	55	39-N	80	Jonah GADJOVICH	LW	18	6-2/210	Owen Sound (OHL)
3	64	4-NG	53	Michael DIPIETRO	G	18	6-0/195	Windsor (OHL)
4	95	57-N	105	Jack RATHBONE	D	18	5-10/175	Dexter (USHS-MA)
5	135	NR		Kristoffer GUNNARSSON	D	20	6-1/205	Oskarshamn (Swe 2)
6	181	NR		Petrus PALMU	LW	20	5-6/170	Owen Sound (OHL)
7	188	137-N		Matt BRASSARD	D	19	6-2/200	Bar-Osh (OHL)

RD	#	PLAYER	P	TEAM	GP (W)	G (L)	A (T)	PTS (GA)	PIM (Sv%)
1	5	Elias PETTERSSON	C	Timra (Swe 2)	43	19	22	41	14
2	33	Kole LIND	RW	Kelowna (WHL)	70	30	57	87	79
2	55	Jonah GADJOVICH	LW	Owen Sound (OHL)	60	46	28	74	32
3	64	Michael DIPIETRO	G	Windsor (OHL)	30	12	6	2.35	0.917
4	95	Jack RATHBONE	D	Dexter (USHS-MA)	22	16	19	35	0
4	95			Youngstown (USHL)	4	0	1	1	0
5	135	Kristoffer GUNNARSSON	D	Oskarshamn (Swe 2)	29	1	1	2	8
5	135			Frolunda (Swe)	10	0	0	0	29
5	135	Kristoffer GUNNARSSON	D	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	4	0	0	0	0
6	181	Petrus PALMU	LW	Owen Sound (OHL)	62	40	58	98	34
7	188	Matt BRASSARD	D	Bar-Osh (OHL)	62	12	20	32	81

Vancouver Canucks – Draft Grade: 55

Five CHLers, two Swedes and a New England prep schooler. The Canucks drafted a nice blend of safety and upside with their eight picks. After drafting two defensemen in their first three picks last year, each of their first three selections this year were forwards. With the fifth overall selection, they drafted Elias Pettersson, one of the best teenaged scorers - best scorers of any age - in Sweden’s Allsvenskan, the second highest men’s league. Interestingly enough, the only U20 player to outscore Pettersson in the league was Jonathan Dahlen, who the Canucks acquired from Ottawa in a deadline day trade. Pettersson desperately needs to fill out a very lean frame, but his shot, puck skills and hockey IQ all grade out as easy pluses. When the Sedins are finally starting to slow down, Pettersson will ensure that Vancouver has Swedish presence in their scoring lines.

They added more scoring talent to the organization with their two second rounders, used on Kelowna’s Kole Lind and Owen Sound’s Jonah Gadjovich, two wingers who look better on paper than with the eye test, but they both look great on paper, scoring a combined 85 regular season goals last year. Lind is average or better across the board, although lacking in any one standout area, while Gadjovich uses great positioning to make up for merely OK feet. Their other notable pick was third rounder Michael DiPietro. Although somewhat undersized for a modern netminder (6-0”), he was brilliant in leading the Windsor Spitfires to the Memorial Cup title and has already shown that he is a workhorse goalie with high end athleticism.

Michael DiPietro of the Windsor Spitfires. Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Best value: Michael DiPietro, G, Windsor (3/64): I will rarely applaud the selection of a goalie in any round, but DiPietro is one of the few exceptions this season. He makes up for his size deficit with great battle, agility, and play reading. The Canucks are grooming Thatcher Demko as the goalie of the future, but DiPietro is a great backup plan.

Biggest head-scratcher: Kristoffer Gunnarsson, D, IK Oskarshamn (5/135): At this stage of the draft, almost anything can be excusable, but Gunnarsson has two clear marks against him. First, he is a double overager. Second, he has no discernable offensive game, compiling two measly points across 43 league games split between the SHL, Allsvenskan and SuperElit.

Youngblood: Top 10 – New Faces in the OHL

Brendan Ross — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 15:54:38 +0000

In the first part of a series of Top 10s, Youngblood will explore ten exciting players who are embarking on their first OHL seasons. Destined to become fan favourites and fill arena seats around the league, the following prospects are part of a freshmen group who have promising hockey futures. Without further ado, let’s introduce hockey fans to Youngblood’s favourite new OHLers.

10. Roy Radke, RW, Barrie Colts (2015 draft eligible)

Drafted by Barrie as a 12^th round flier in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection Draft, Radke is a promising power forward who has quickly shown fans that his physicality, swift skating skills and untapped offensive potential was worthy of a homerun swing. Radke entered Colts camp full of enthusiasm and playing his rough and tumble style, gained confidence in his possession game as the days unfolded. Having a player with Radke’s ability in the lineup will provide Head Coach Dale Hawerchuk with flexibility as he can be used to energize the lineup or dominate in the possession game deep inside the offensive zone. Radke enters his NHL draft season as a sleeper but he certainly has Top 60 potential and will be looking to get on scout’s radars quickly.

9. Petrus Palmu, RW, Owen Sound Attack (2015 draft eligible)

Finnish import Petrus Palmu (22^nd overall, 2014 CHL Import Draft) will be an electrifying talent to watch and should cause scouts to wrestle with the idea of drafting this pint-sized 5-foot-4 winger (ahem, Nathan Gerbe, you’ve got competition). Just weeks ago, Palmu finished second (tie) in Ivan Hlinka tournament scoring after racking up four goals and eight points (4-4-4-8). Accumulating points has never been an issue for the small winger and he proved that after posting the highest point-per-game production (1.74 PPG) of any Jr.B SM-sarja player who skated in at least 20 games (31-25-29-54). Palmu hopes to show scouts that his plus hockey sense, advanced skating abilities and thick frame all trump the fact that he is limited in height.

8. Ivan Kashtanov, LW, Sudbury Wolves (2015 draft eligible)

The Russian pipeline of talented hockey prospects remains open and the Sudbury Wolves are welcoming their 2^nd round import selection, Ivan Kashtanov, with open arms. Expectations are high in Sudbury for both of their import forwards, Pavel Jenys (Minnesota Wild) and Kashtanov, as the duo paired up to excite fans in preseason action. While Jenys is the power forward of the two, Kashtanov is being praised for his offensive creativity, leadership qualities and rather robust style. The young Russian stands at only 5-foot-10 but boasts a stocky frame and isn’t shy about mixing it up, an element that NHL scouts will fancy as they follow him in his draft season.

7. Artur Tyanulin, RW, Ottawa 67’s (2015 draft eligible)

Dominant at the 2013 World Under-17 Championships, Artur Tyanulin exploded for seven goals and a dozen points (six games) for Russia which was good enough to place third in tournament scoring. The Ottawa 67’s fancied Tyanulin’s skillset and made him the 7^th overall selection (third among OHLers) in the 2014 import draft. With a similar build as new teammate (and fellow draft eligible forward) Travis Konecny, the 5-foot-9 winger from Kazan is a dynamic offensive talent with outstanding puck skills. Between Konecny and Tyanulin, Ottawa fans may never find the backs of their seats.

6. Michael McLeod, RC, Mississauga Steelheads (2016 draft eligible)

The Mississauga Steelheads would be the first ones to admit they landed an absolute steal when they selected Michael McLeod 5^th overall last season, after many had the high potential pivot as a top-two candidate. Blessed with elite skating abilities and a lengthy frame, McLeod spent last season flashing jaw-dropping end-to-end rushes with the Toronto Marlboros minor midget squad. It was a familiar scene as McLeod took the ice during Steelheads camp scrimmages and proceeded to finish off a dazzling goal line-to-goal line rush that found the back of the net as the buzzer sounded to end the opening frame. His new veteran teammates were in awe as they sat in the stands watching this rare skillset that will soon be the face of the Steelheads. With the Steelheads looking to add some more bite to their offense, look for McLeod to play an important role in his OHL rookie season.

5. Luke Kirwan, LW, Windsor Spitfires (2016 draft eligible)

Void of a 1^st round selection in the 2013 draft because of recruiting sanctions, Windsor struck a deal with Guelph earlier this summer to acquire the Storm’s 2013 2^nd round selection, Luke Kirwan. The New York native acquisition helps ease the pain of the Spitfires’ lost pick as Kirwan certainly offers first-round worthy talent. Early signs are pointing toward Like Kirwan being the stud that the Spitfires envision after he notched three points in his opening camp scrimmage and then added six goals in the second. Sure, Kirwan will need to prove that he can score at the OHL level in regular season action but his scoring prowess and large power forward frame are qualities that can’t be taught. Kirwan is a projected top 10 pick for the 2016 NHL draft and will immediately provide Windsor with a high-end offensive threat as he competes as a top candidate for OHL Rookie of the Year.

4. Rasmus Andersson, RD, Barrie Colts (2015 draft eligible)

It was a pleasant addition when the Barrie Colts were able to draft and receive commitment from Rasmus Andersson after the team graduated franchise defenseman Aaron Ekblad (2015 1^st overall NHL selection). Andersson enters the seasons as one of the top defenseman available for the 2015 draft. The swift skating, highly confident Swede possesses a high-panic threshold and handles the puck with the ease of a savvy veteran as he shows an ability to move through the neutral zone untouched. He was a standout instantly at Barrie’s training camp showing virtually no problems transitioning to North America. As the puck drops on the Colts season, look for Hawerchuk to utilize Andersson’s offensive instincts on the powerplay as the blueliner attempts to lock down a first round selection for the 2015 draft.

3. Jakob Chychrun, LD, Sarnia Sting (2016 draft eligible)

For the third time in nine years, Sarnia held the first overall selection in the annual OHL Priority Selection Draft. With highly competitive defenseman Jakob Chychrun pegged as the unanimous top ranked prospect, Sarnia made the Florida native its top choice, following similar paths as Sting top picks Steven Stamkos (2006) and Alex Galchenyuk (2010). Chychrun enters an organization built for the future and he will earn top-pairing minutes right out of the gate as Sarnia looks to showcase their young budding talent. Capable of end-to-end rushes, bone-crushing hits or unleashing a booming point shot, Chychrun has the luxury of opportunity on his side to showcase his natural athleticism and skills. A top prospect for the 2016 draft, Chychrun has the leadership abilities, maturity and professionalism to develop into the franchise defenseman that Sarnia has been missing.

2. Sonny Milano, LW, Plymouth Whalers (16^th overall, 2014; Columbus Blue Jackets)

The Sonny Milano story has been front and centre after the Blue Jackets drafted the highly skilled forward 16^th overall at the 2014 draft. Milano struggled internally to make a decision on his immediate future and whether he should honour his commitment to Boston College (a life-long dream) or potentially fast-track his way to the NHL by heading to the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers. In the end, Milano opted to join the Whalers and his individual talent instantly makes him one of the league’s most skilled forwards. It’s expected that Milano will be the centerpiece of the Whalers’ offensive attack looking to extend their 23-season playoff streak. Milano should compete for the league scoring title.

1. Pavel Zacha, LC, Sarnia Sting (2015 draft eligible)

Under new General Manager Nick Sinclair, Sarnia made national headlines when they selected talented Czech forward Pavel Zacha, only for the his agent to immediately rip the franchise publically for drafting a player who was expected not to report. Since then, cooler heads have prevailed and Pavel Zacha, his agent and the Sarnia Sting are happy that the skilled pivot is preparing to embark on his first OHL season with the Sarnia Sting. Zacha will step into first line duties alongside fellow draft eligible winger Nikita Korostelev and if the preseason is any indication of what is to come, Zacha and Korostelev are in for big offensive seasons. As a key cog of the Sting’s young offensive line, Zacha’s vision and playmaking abilities have been outstanding throughout preseason but as the 6-foot-3 pivot continues to acclimate himself to the OHL game, he will continue to shine even brighter. Pavel Zacha is projected as a potential top 10 selection for the upcoming star-studded 2015 NHL Draft class.

Honorable Mentions

Logan Brown, LC, Windsor Spitfires (2016 draft eligible)

The highly publicized rookie acquisition, 2014 6^th overall selection Logan Brown can finally call Windsor home after the Spitfires acquired his rights from Niagara for a boatload of draft picks. Destined for big time action with the future Spitfires, Brown will use his rookie campaign to carve out his niche as a complementary scorer among a group including Joshua Ho-Sang (New York Islanders) and rookie Luke Kirwan.

Tobias Lindberg, LC/RW, Oshawa Generals (102^nd overall, 2013; Ottawa Senators)

Scott Laughton is off to play professional hockey so Tobias Lindberg will eat up some of those departing minutes. Skating at 6-foot-2, the Stockholm native is a powerful winger who shows good physicality. He won’t dangle through defenders but his speed and ability to drive wide and to the net are difficult to contain. Lindberg projects as a complementary forward for the Generals and will be looking to impress the Senators to earn an entry-level contract.

Ryan Mantha, RD, Niagara IceDogs (104^th overall, 2014; New York Rangers)

The Niagara IceDogs are expected to move into their new rink come mid-October and fans will need to familiarize themselves with the sound of Ryan Mantha’s board-rattling body checks. Mantha is an impressive skating defenseman who will anchor the IceDogs blue line providing admirable puck-moving abilities and an intimidating physical presence.

Dominik Masin, LD, Peterborough Petes (35^th overall, 2014; Tampa Bay Lightning)

Looking as though the Petes will be among the Eastern Conference contenders, adding import defender and Lightning second rounder, Dominik Masin, will help solidify a blueline that had some question marks surrounding it after Clark Seymour and Nelson Armstrong graduated. Masin will provide the blueline with stability as this stay-at-home defenseman owns the size, strength and defensive acumen to stifle opposing offenses. It will be interesting to see whether Masin will attempt to employ more offensive rushes into his game at the OHL level which is an area where he certainly could improve. Either way, look for Masin to provide good defensive value for an improving Petes franchise.

Be sure to follow the McKeen’s Hockey Youngblood series as Brendan Ross (@RossyYoungblood) continues to break down the happenings inside the hockey prospect world.

Petrus Palmu – McKeen's Hockey

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Vancouver Canucks Top 20 Prospects

Vasili Podkolzin, RW (10^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Nils Hoglander, LW (40^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 2)

Olli Juolevi, D (5^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 3)

Jett Woo, D (37^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Jack Rathbone, D (95^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 5)

Will Lockwood, RW (64^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 6)

Michael DiPietro, G (64^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 7)

Zack MacEwen, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 3, 2017. Previous ranking: 8)

Jacob Truscott, D (144^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Joni Jurmo, D (82^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking NA)

Kole Lind, RW (33^rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 9)

Brogan Rafferty, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed 1, 2019. Previous ranking: 10)

Aidan McDonough, LW (195^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 12)

Marc Michaelis, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 19, 2020. Previous ranking: 13)

Dmitri Zlodeyev, C (175^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Linus Karlsson, C (Trade: Feb. 25, 2019. Originally: 87^thoverall, 2018 [San Jose]. Previous ranking: 14)

Guillaume Brisebois, D (66^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 11)

Arvid Costmar, C (215^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Petrus Palmu, LW/RW (181^st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 16)

Carson Focht, C (133^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 17)

Finland: 2019-20 Season Preview

Vancouver Canucks Prospect System Overview

Finland: Markus Niemeläinen (HPK- Edmonton), Petrus Palmu (TPS – Vancouver)

2017 NHL Draft Grades: Pacific Division – Vancouver Canucks

Youngblood: Top 10 – New Faces in the OHL

Petrus Palmu – McKeen's Hockey

McKeen’s 2020-21 Hockey Yearbook: Vancouver Canucks Top 20 Prospects

Vasili Podkolzin, RW (10th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Nils Hoglander, LW (40th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 2)

Olli Juolevi, D (5th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 3)

Jett Woo, D (37th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Jack Rathbone, D (95th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 5)

Will Lockwood, RW (64th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 6)

Michael DiPietro, G (64th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 7)

Zack MacEwen, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 3, 2017. Previous ranking: 8)

Jacob Truscott, D (144th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Joni Jurmo, D (82nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking NA)

Kole Lind, RW (33rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 9)

Brogan Rafferty, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed 1, 2019. Previous ranking: 10)

Aidan McDonough, LW (195th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 12)

Marc Michaelis, RW (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 19, 2020. Previous ranking: 13)

Dmitri Zlodeyev, C (175th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Linus Karlsson, C (Trade: Feb. 25, 2019. Originally: 87th overall, 2018 [San Jose]. Previous ranking: 14)

Guillaume Brisebois, D (66th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 11)

Arvid Costmar, C (215th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Petrus Palmu, LW/RW (181st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 16)

Carson Focht, C (133rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 17)

Finland: 2019-20 Season Preview

Vancouver Canucks Prospect System Overview

Finland: Markus Niemeläinen (HPK- Edmonton), Petrus Palmu (TPS – Vancouver)

2017 NHL Draft Grades: Pacific Division – Vancouver Canucks

Youngblood: Top 10 – New Faces in the OHL

Vasili Podkolzin, RW (10^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Nils Hoglander, LW (40^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 2)

Olli Juolevi, D (5^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 3)

Jett Woo, D (37^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 4)

Jack Rathbone, D (95^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 5)

Will Lockwood, RW (64^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 6)

Michael DiPietro, G (64^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 7)

Jacob Truscott, D (144^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Joni Jurmo, D (82^nd overall, 2020. Previous ranking NA)

Kole Lind, RW (33^rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 9)

Aidan McDonough, LW (195^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 12)

Dmitri Zlodeyev, C (175^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Linus Karlsson, C (Trade: Feb. 25, 2019. Originally: 87^thoverall, 2018 [San Jose]. Previous ranking: 14)

Guillaume Brisebois, D (66^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 11)

Arvid Costmar, C (215^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 15)

Petrus Palmu, LW/RW (181^st overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 16)

Carson Focht, C (133^rd overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 17)