Rieger Lorenz – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #24 Minnesota Wild – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:01:57 +0000

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 14: Michigan State Spartans forward Charlie Stramel (15) reacts after a play during a men's college hockey game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on November 14, 2025 at the Compton Family Ice Arena in South Bend IN. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 24th (Last Year - 14th)
GM: Bill Guerin Hired: August 2019
COACH: John Hynes Hired: November 2023

It has been a slow build in Minnesota, and one that veered slightly off course for a few seasons. But with Kirill Kaprizov locked into a long-term deal and players like Matt Boldy continuing to develop into one of the NHL’s premier goal scorers, general manager Bill Guerin decided to take a major swing.

Taking advantage of a turbulent situation in the Pacific Northwest, Guerin made one of the most significant moves in franchise history. Parting with a trio of key future assets, along with the club’s 2027 first-round pick, he acquired star defenceman Quinn Hughes. The price was steep, but landing one of the world’s elite blueliners instantly elevated the Wild into legitimate contender status.

Minnesota’s sharp drop in the prospect rankings, however, is not solely tied to the Hughes trade. The more significant factor has been the graduation of several highly regarded prospects, including Zeev Buium, Liam Öhgren (both now traded), and Danila Yurov, who have all moved beyond prospect status and into the NHL picture. Their departures have naturally thinned what was previously considered one of the league’s mid-range pipelines. Now leading the next wave is Charlie Stramel (87th), who is thriving in his junior season at Michigan State as an assistant captain and one of the program’s top offensive contributors. The former first-round pick appears poised to sign his professional contract this spring as he prepares to make the transition to the pro ranks.

Another player enjoying a breakout campaign is 2025 fourth-round selection Adam Benák, a recent Western Michigan commit. The skilled forward has emerged as one of the OHL’s top point-per-game producers while playing a key role for a strong Brantford Bulldogs squad. Meanwhile, at the professional level, prospects such as Riley Heidt (100th), David Špaček (139th), and Hunter Haight are gaining valuable AHL experience and could push for NHL opportunities in the near future.

With Quinn Hughes now anchoring the blue line and a talented forward core already in place, Minnesota appears firmly committed to maximizing its current competitive window. The organization has already sacrificed significant draft capital, including its 2026 first-round pick and second-round selections in the next three drafts. All signs point toward pushing their chips toward contention. The window is open, and the time to capitalize is now.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Min	1	Charlie Stramel	C	21	6-3/215	Michigan State (NCAA)	37	19	25	44	32
Min	2	Riley Heidt	C	21	5-10/180	Iowa (AHL)	71	8	17	25	38
Min	3	David Spacek	D	23	5-11/175	Iowa (AHL)	59	7	29	36	16
Min	3	David Spacek	D	23	5-11/175	Minnesota (NHL)	2	0	0	0	0
Min	4	Ryder Ritchie	RW	19	6-0/175	Boston University (NCAA)	36	7	10	17	28
Min	5	Adam Benak	C	19	5-8/165	Brantford (OHL)	48	28	49	77	29
Min	6	Aron Kiviharju	D	20	5-10/185	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	48	6	11	17	6
Min	7	Hunter Haight	C	22	5-10/175	Iowa (AHL)	54	18	14	32	22
Min	7	Hunter Haight	C	22	5-10/175	Minnesota (NHL)	9	1	1	2	4
Min	8	Carson Lambos	D	23	6-1/200	Iowa (AHL)	70	8	11	19	48
Min	8	Carson Lambos	D	23	6-1/200	Minnesota (NHL)	1	0	0	0	0
Min	9	Justin Kipkie	D	20	6-4/205	Arizona State (NCAA)	35	4	9	13	16
Min	10	Theodor Hallquisth	D	18	6-2/185	Troja-Ljungby (Allsvenskan)	30	0	3	3	14
Min	10	Theodor Hallquisth	D	18	6-2/185	Orebro (Swe J20)	17	0	6	6	29
Min	10	Theodor Hallquisth	D	18	6-2/185	Orebro (SHL)	8	0	1	1	2
Min	11	Caedan Bankier	C	23	6-2/190	Iowa (AHL)	66	10	10	20	18
Min	12	Jack Peart	D	23	5-11/185	Iowa (AHL)	61	4	11	15	24
Min	13	Rasmus Kumpulainen	C	20	6-2/190	Iowa (AHL)	48	1	4	5	24
Min	13	Rasmus Kumpulainen	C	20	6-2/190	Iowa (ECHL)	24	5	11	16	16
Min	14	Rieger Lorenz	LW	22	6-3/210	Denver (NCAA)	43	17	18	35	38
Min	14	Rieger Lorenz	LW	22	6-3/210	Iowa (AHL)	3	0	0	0	4
Min	15	Carter Klippenstein	C	19	6-3/180	Brandon (WHL)	38	11	17	28	74

1. Charlie Stramel, C, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Sometimes it is worth it for a prospect to play four years in college, Charlie Stramel is proof of why. Ever since transferring to Michigan State, he has added an offensive dimension sorely needed in his game, without losing the two-way prowess that made him special. Stramel’s strong and quick skating is the foundation of his play in every zone. He is a great backchecker, forechecker and is great at annoying opponents during rushes. Adam Nightengale has fully awakened his offensive game, as Stramel nearly eclipsed 20 goals and 50 points this season. Much of the improvement has stemmed from offensive IQ, getting Stramel to become more involved in the offensive zone, and the results have been incredible. The Minnesota Wild are desperate to get this young man over to St. Paul for their playoff run. He is going to be a solid depth center for them this season, and many to come. Is Stramel a potential top six center? Even with this year's breakout, it seems unlikely. However, he has so many quality pro intangibles, it would be wise not to underestimate him.

2. Riley Heidt, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Riley Heidt has faced some expected struggles in his rookie AHL season and hasn’t been able to translate his high-octane playmaking to the next level thus far. This was always the concern with Heidt as a prospect and one of the main reasons his elite WHL scoring ability did not translate into his draft stock being anything higher than a late 2nd round pick. As a smaller player with average skating, it’s incredibly difficult to create the separation needed for offensive creation at higher levels, especially on the playmaking side. However, Heidt is still very young and many players struggle in their first professional season. Next season will be crucial for him to rebound and start showcasing the elite playmaking ability that allowed him to excel in junior. He’s still a ways away from getting a proper look in the NHL at this point but the ceiling remains fairly high with natural offensive ability. In terms of his ceiling, I still think it’s possible he can become a top six player, though a big rebound is needed before that can happen.

3. David Spacek, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Spacek is in his third full season of professional hockey and has emerged as a projectable bottom pairing defenseman in the NHL. He’s a safe defenseman who coaches can trust and is dependable when it comes to putting in a full effort every game. Despite playing in the AHL, he cracked Team Czechia’s roster for the Olympics, which is no easy feat. Spacek also earned his first crack at the NHL, having played in two games so far this season. I would expect him to start earning more time in the big leagues and eventually carve out a role as a bottom-pairing defenseman by the end of next season. Given his play style and career trajectory to this point, it’s unlikely he develops into a top four defenseman but his floor is high and there are signs he’s already outgrowing AHL hockey. Look for him to potentially earn a spot out of training camp next season.

4. Ryder Ritchie, RW, Boston University (NCAA)

Ritchie made the much-anticipated move to college hockey this offseason, heading to Boston University, and he has actually shown some solid strides as a prospect. In a year where almost every Terrier has taken a step back, Ritchie has led all BU freshmen in points, exhibiting some great flashes of his shot and playmaking ability. He’s even made adjustments to improve his game away from the puck, Ritchie has been steadily developing as an offensive threat. However, his move to the NCAA has proved that his upside is as limited as some feared. His skating is still average, and he will likely never be a play driver at any level. Additionally, he doesn’t have the willingness to use his 6’2 frame to play a more two-way game. Ritchie is still showing a limited game as he did in the WHL, however, the offensive upside in spite of his lack of speed gives many hope that with another year in college, he can round into a solid support scorer in the NHL.

5. Adam Benak, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Selected 102nd overall in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild. Benak spent last season playing with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, recording 59 points in 56 games. After being selected second overall in the CHL Import Draft by the Brantford Bulldogs, Benak decided to make the move to play in the CHL this season. Benak got off to a real hot start with the Bulldogs recording 20 points in his first 10 games. Benak is currently averaging over 1.5 points per game playing on Brantford’s top line. Benak is a highly skilled playmaking center who can shift to the wing. Listed at 5-foot-8, Benak had little difficulty transitioning to the USHL and OHL, showcasing his elite creativity with the puck while producing at a high rate. There is no question he possesses the offensive skill, skating ability, and hockey IQ to project as a scoring winger at the NHL level. The challenge for Benak will come with handling the physical side of pro hockey as an undersized forward. He will need to find a way to bring a high level of consistency to every aspect in his game on the ice. He will need to continue working on winning puck battles against larger opponents through anticipation and body positioning, maintain a high tenacity on loose pucks, and find ways to avoid being closed out of plays. Minnesota is hoping Benak falls towards his ceiling potential and become a mid-round pick player that teams possibly regret overlooking on drafting earlier due to his size.

6. Aron Kiviharju, D, HIFK (Liiga)

Aron Kiviharju, selected 122nd overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2024 NHL Draft, remains one of the most intellectually gifted defenders in his cohort. Once considered a consensus top-tier prospect early in his draft cycle, Kiviharju’s trajectory was interrupted by a significant knee injury in his draft year, causing him to slip in the draft. Since then, he has focused on steady development with HIFK in Liiga, cementing his reputation as a cerebral, high-IQ game manager who prioritizes processing speed over raw physical force. Kiviharju’s game is built on a foundation of elite anticipation and vision. While he is not the biggest defender at 5-foot-10, he relies on active stick-work, tight gap control, and exceptional positioning to negate rush attempts and kill plays efficiently. The primary developmental hurdle remains physical maturity and translating his high-end offensive awareness against heavy professional competition. Projection-wise, Kiviharju profiles as a potential middle-pair NHL defenseman and a specialist on the second power-play unit. His success at the next level will depend on his ability to continue adding strength to his frame to withstand the grind of the professional game while maintaining the elite processing speed that defines his ceiling.

7. Hunter Haight, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

In his sophomore AHL season, Haight has largely failed to increase his stock as a prospect. He has been an average AHL player for almost two seasons now, earning a five game NHL stint in the process. Haight has always been a prospect that scouts like based on his projectable tools. I liked him a lot back in his draft year and thought it was a fine pick by the Wild at #47. The progression hasn’t been ideal since then. The tools are all there – Haight is an above average skater, has good puck handling and can even mix it up physically. There are times he looks like a legit NHLer. For some reason, it is yet to all click for him despite being over 100 games into his pro career. For him, the floor is as a top six AHLer, similar to what he is now. If he can use his tools more effectively, I see a player who can mesh in the bottom-six despite his lack of size.

8. Carson Lambos, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Time is running out for the former first-round pick to live up to expectations. There just hasn’t been significant progression in his development since he was drafted. The knock on Lambos has always been that he lacks any elite traits that will make him an impactful defenseman at the NHL level. This is still very evident in his game and is something that is incredibly difficult to overcome. He's not particularly big or physical, his skating is average and he doesn’t provide much offense from the back end. The concern is that his skating and hockey sense won’t be able to keep up with the NHL pace. He’s already a serviceable AHLer and continues to improve but at this point the ceiling for Lambos is that of a bottom-pairing defenseman. It’s hard to see him reaching top-4 potential the Wild hoped for when they picked him. That being said, he played his first NHL game this season. Perhaps the Wild see him as being fairly close to NHL ready.

9. Justin Kipkie, D, Arizona State University (NCAA)

The aggressive and speedy NCHC conference was a perfect destination for Justin Kipkie. With his solid speed and great dexterity, he has adapted to the quickness of his opponents well, supporting his team on entries and defending the rush. The WHL prepared him at the latter, with his strong stick and gap control being his best facets at killing plays. His aggressiveness can get him in trouble at times, pinching too hard or trying to jump into plays prematurely, leaving him out of position to defend. Kipkie will likely be trusted with more minutes next season as a sophomore, as he has become more disciplined throughout his year. At that time, you could probably expect an uptick in offensive production as he continues to make the adjustment from the WHL to the NCAA. Kipkie's projection remains that of a solid bottom pairing type who could aid in the transition game.

10. Theo Hallquisth, D, Örebro HK (SHL)

While picking long-term project Hallquisth at 52nd overall in the 2025 NHL Draft is still seen as a reach, the Wild should be pretty pleased about how he’s coming along. The young RHD is logging serious minutes in the HockeyAllsvenskan with Troja-Ljungby, where he sees time on both the PK and PP. He’s even getting into SHL games with Orebro. Hallquisth is a mobile, physical defenceman who defends the rush well and is a very reliable passer. There is almost no risk to his game - Hallquisth isn’t someone who makes things happen, he’s more of a play settler and calming presence. He’s got a quick shot from the point, but otherwise his offensive zone play is limited. His gap management and skating quickness have taken steps and look very solid at the pro level. However, defending the cycle is a bit of a challenge currently. Like many young defencemen, he is prone to lapses in concentration and makes mistakes. Hallquisth is at his best when he keeps his game simple. Continued improvement to his overall mobility, physical strength and defensive reads may bear fruit for the Wild in a couple of years. Hallquisth projects to be a defence-first bottom pair defenceman who can PK.

11. Caedan Bankier, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Not a lot of growth from Bankier over these last few seasons and that has to be concerning to the Wild. A former WHL standout and Canadian WJC team member, Bankier may be on the bubble to be qualified.

12. Jack Peart, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Even throughout Peart’s NCAA time, he never really found that next level as an offensive defender. No question he’s intelligent, but average sized, jack of all trades type defenders have a pretty low hit rate. Now in his second pro season, the ceiling looks limited.

13. Rasmus Kumpulainen, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

Playing in his first pro season, Kumpulainen has struggled to adapt. He’s spent half the year in the ECHL for that reason. The big pivot is a solid two-way player, but he looks a long way off.

14. Rieger Lorenz, LW, University of Denver (NCAA)

Lorenz is in the midst of his best NCAA season as a senior at the University of Denver, but the former AJHL standout has failed to really breakthrough offensively as a star at the college level. As such, he could be on the bubble to be signed when this NCAA season ends.

15. Carter Klippenstein, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

The offensive ceiling as a pro is pretty limited. But that’s not why the Wild drafted Klippenstein in the fourth-round last year. He has the size, skating ability, defensive IQ, and physicality to develop into an elite fourth line center and penalty killer.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – MINNESOTA WILD – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 18:44:27 +0000

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 06: Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (23) skates with the puck during the NHL game between Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins on January 6, 2022, at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Marco Rossi C

The last two years have not been easy for Marco Rossi, the ninth overall pick by Minnesota in 2020. For those unaware, he missed nearly all of the 2020-21 season due to Covid-19 complications. For the average person, this would be quite the setback. However, Rossi is a notoriously hard worker and gym rat and he worked hard to get himself back for the start of last season. It was a highly successful one for him too, as he led the Iowa Wild in scoring and even earned a cup of coffee with Minnesota: quite the remarkable bounce back. The Austrian pivot is a tremendous playmaker. His vision and passing precision may be among the best of any player currently outside of the NHL. He may not be huge, but he is also as strong as an ox, allowing Rossi to control the wall and the puck in open ice. He is so difficult to separate from the puck. He is also a strong two-way presence who brings physical intensity and a hunger for the puck on every shift. If his development goes well, Rossi could easily find himself a candidate for the Selke Trophy at some point during his career. One of the only things missing from his game at a younger age are explosiveness and first step quickness. An average skater, Rossi will need to continue to improve in this department to unlock his full potential. The Wild will be forced to make a tough decision this coming season. It is very likely he will push hard for a spot on the Wild’s main roster; however, Minnesota’s forward depth is very strong right now. They could use Rossi in a fourth line center role and ease him in, using him on the penalty kill and higher in the lineup pending injuries, or they could return him to Iowa so that he can play first line minutes again. Either way, he is not far from making an impact at the NHL level. - BO

2 - Jesper Wallstedt G

The 20^th overall selection in the 2021 NHL draft by the Minnesota Wild, Wallstedt fell on draft day from where many in the public eye thought he was supposed to go. It is fairly hard to evaluate young goaltenders as most are wild cards, but Wallstedt has been a special talent for a long time and continues to prove why. In his draft eligible year, he did something that no other draft eligible goalie has ever done, which was play his entire 18-year-old season as the starting goaltender in the SHL. Not only did Wallstedt start, but he performed surprisingly well, finishing the year with 12 wins, a 2.23 GAA and a .908 SV% in 22 games on a poor Luleå team. He may not be the biggest goalie prospect but at 6’3” he is not small. For his age, he never seems to lose his composure even when faced with pressure. He tracks shots extremely well from all angles and has strong rebound control, rarely allowing a second shot on net. Wallstedt built on his draft eligible season by improving his numbers this past season, producing 12 wins, a 1.98 GAA and a .918 SV% over 22 games. He also recently played for Sweden in the August World Juniors, where he dominated the field, putting up a 1.62 GAA and a .940 SV% on route to help Sweden capture bronze. He was also named best goaltender in the entire tournament. Wallstedt signed his entry level contract with the Wild and is expected to transition to North America and start the year in the AHL playing for the Iowa Wild. Time will tell, but Wallstedt seems like a generational goalie and someone who folks will wonder how he ever fell to the 20^th pick in his draft year. - ZS

3 - Danila Yurov RW

One of the biggest surprises of the 2022 draft was Yurov lasting as long as the 24^th pick. Even taking the new Russian factor into consideration, a player who was considered a Top 10 talent and has been a consistent performer all season long, falling that much just doesn’t make sense, although Wild fans and management are happy to take advantage of the situation. Yurov has complete player potential, as he demonstrates potential greatness in every area of his game, giving him clear top six upside. One of the internal jokes between the draft analysts was his usage in the KHL last season, as he barely got any ice time there at all despite his number of games there being solid on paper, yet he was mostly dressed as the 13^th forward there. The good news is that, according to his coaches’ comments and as seen in preseason games, it is expected that he will get a full-time role on the KHL team next season. It should also be mentioned that Yurov is in the final year of his KHL contract, although it is not out of the question that he would sign an extension. The quality of opportunity provided to him will likely play an outsized role in how much longer Yurov stays in Russia. - VF

4 - Brock Faber D

Brock Faber may have been selected in the second round of the 2020 NHL draft, but it’s difficult to imagine that he’d fall that far if the draft was re-done today. Faber, half of the Wild’s return package as part of the Kevin Fiala trade, has been a treat to watch at Minnesota, doing just about everything a coach could want a shutdown defenseman to do. Faber has been a minutes-eating defenseman for the Golden Gophers, operating in any sort of high-leverage situation his team might find themselves in. The safety that’s present in Faber’s game works to his advantage. When play is at its most hectic, Faber has this way of calming things down and stabilizing his team’s defensive effort. Faber is a goalie’s best friend, and he also should be able to handle a role as an anchor for a more aggressive offensive defenseman who has defensive deficiencies. Albeit very rare, there are some defensemen who are never great scorers at lower levels only to unlock a new level of production as professionals. Faber could be one of those defensemen, likely if he’s paired with offense-first defensemen and therefore placed in more advantageous offensive situations. Faber isn’t enough of an individual creator to rubber-stamp as a potential number-one defenseman, but he looks like as safe of a bet to eventually become a leader in a team’s top-four as any prospect can realistically be. - EH

5 - Liam Ohgren LW

Ohgren was selected 19^th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the most recent NHL draft. He had a dominant draft year in the J20 league playing for Djurgårdens. Statistically, Ohgren put up one of the strongest DY numbers in the J20 league, with 33 goals and 58 points in only 30 games. He also spent some time in the SHL for Djurgårdens, producing 2 points in 25 games in a limited role. Internationally is where Ohgren really stood out. In the April U18 tournament, he was named captain and led his team to a gold medal finish. He left a statement on that tournament with 9 points in 6 games, topped off with 2 goals – including the game winner - and an assist in the gold medal game. Ohgren is balanced offensively, having both power and finesse. He generates power and speed with a quick release which often catches goaltenders off guard. Standing at 6’1”, 200 pounds, he uses his size to protect the puck nicely. The next step needed to elevate his game is to work on the first step in his skating stride. If he can elevate the speed he generates on his skating stride, Ohgren will have plenty of success in the NHL. He should play for Djurgårdens this season, mainly with the senior team. Hopefully his role in the men’s league (Allsvenskan, as the team was relegated last season) will increase, giving him a larger opportunity to showcase and develop his offensive talent. - ZS

6 - Calen Addison D

Acquired as part of the package in the Jason Zucker to Pittsburgh trade a few years ago, Addison has been a standout in the Wild system thus far since turning pro. His offensive skill set and powerplay quarterbacking abilities have transitioned seamlessly to the pro level and it appears that he has significant potential as a point producer on the back end at the NHL level. An undersized defender, Addison has actually proven that he can defend well as a professional. He never backs down from a physical challenge and has developed into a pretty good open ice hitter. So, what’s stopping him from taking that next step as a permanent NHL player? Minnesota’s depth on the blueline is a team strength, even more so after trading for Jacob Middleton late last season. The reality is that there just isn’t space for Addison right now, unless they want him sitting in the press box, which would not be the best thing for his development. So, like he did last year, he will serve as the team’s top defensive call-up in case of injury. Maybe that means at some point this year he earns a permanent spot. He did get into 15 games last year. However, there is also a possibility that Minnesota uses Addison as a trade chip at some point, as the team has championship aspirations in 2022-23. - BO

7 - Carson Lambos D

After missing almost all of his abbreviated draft year, it was great to see Lambos healthy and playing again in Winnipeg. A near point per game player on the blueline for the Ice, he helped them to a terrific year: although with a disappointing finish after they lost to Edmonton in the Conference finals. Lambos is an excellent athlete. His four-way movement is sound, and he has great quickness, exploding quickly to evade forechecks and start the breakout. He may not be a natural offensive defender; his hands and shot probably grade out as average at the NHL level, however he does have some potential to be a point producer. Due to his combination of size, mobility, and physicality, Lambos’ NHL future may be tied to his defensive development. When he plays aggressively, he can be a difference maker in the defensive end. However, there are moments where his concentration seems to wane and his decision making suffers. There is room for improvement in his defensive zone reads. His difficulty with pace was one of the reasons why he was scratched for the majority of the recent WJC’s in Edmonton. This coming season Lambos will return to Winnipeg where he should be one of the WHL’s top defenders. With a strong year of development at both ends, he could push for a spot on Minnesota’s blueline the following season and projects as a solid second pairing defender. - BO

8 - Ryan O'Rourke D

The 39th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, Ryan O’Rourke has continued to look like a solid pick for the Wild. The former 20th overall selection in the 2018 OHL Draft had a great rookie season, finishing with 22 points (8G,14A) in 62 games. During the 2019-2020 season, O’Rourke was named captain of the Greyhounds and had another great season, finishing with 37 points (7G,30A) in 54 games. In the 2020-2021 season, O’Rourke got the opportunity like some others to play in the AHL, which was an exception made because of the OHL being shutdown. He made the adjustment well and didn’t look out of place, finishing the season with seven points (1G,6A) in 33 games. Getting the experience to play in the AHL as a young defenseman is a great opportunity to grow and O’Rourke definitely did just that. In the 2021-2022 season, O’Rourke made the return to the OHL and had another great season, finishing with 46 points (10G,36A) in 51 games, which was 15th in the league for points by a defenseman and 3rd on the team for assists. O’Rourke’s best assets are his competitiveness and physicality. You know when he’s on the ice because he’s always in the battle for the puck, having a relentless motor that allows him to out-battle any opponent. Not only does he have a motor that never quits, but he also uses great physicality whenever the chance is there, making opponents feel his presences. He’s great at closing gaps in transition and suppressing chances by the net by clearing space well with his body. Going into the 2022-2023 season, O’Rourke will make a return to the AHL and look to continue to be a strong defensive defenseman that can move the puck well. - DK

9 - Marat Khusnutdinov C

Marat Khusnutdinov was selected #37 by the Minnesota Wild in 2020. He has become a more well-rounded player since being selected in the draft. He has also proven to be a team leader, serving as the captain of Russian national teams. And although his production is still below the norm, he hasn't lost his speed advantage over KHL players and has proven, already, to be an excellent role player. Khusnutdinov can be a dynamic offensive player. He has the ability to draw people to him then find that open guy and slide it to him. His hockey IQ is impressive, and he plays a consistent 200-foot game. He is very shifty, always around the puck, battles for every loose puck and needs very little space to make something happen. Khusnutdinov could stand to be better at protecting the puck at full speed and this would allow him to be more of a focal point offensively. Off to a quick start at the KHL level already this season, he will play out both this season and next season under a new contract. After 2023/24, he will have to make a decision on whether to make the jump to Minnesota in an attempt to make the Wild. Given his well-rounded profile, he projects as a middle six center for Minnesota who could potentially play in all situations. - DB

10 - Rieger Lorenz LW

It’s not incredibly common that a player spending his draft season in Canadian Junior A. gets picked in the first two rounds of the NHL draft, but as taking the NCAA becomes more and more of a viable option for Canadian prospects, more picks from leagues such as the AJHL and BCHL will happen. Winger Rieger Lorenz was the 56th overall pick at the 2022 draft, earning his selection there on the backs of an 85-point regular-season campaign with the AJHL’s Okotoks Oilers. The six-foot-two Lorenz looked overqualified for that level. There was little pressure that defenders could apply to Lorenz that Lorenz couldn’t handle. NHL scorers typically must either create space with their skating or their puck protection skills to be impactful offensive players, and at the AJHL level Lorenz was able to create space using both tools. Lorenz protects the puck well in order to give himself space to operate, and he has the edgework to create room with his skating as well. Lorenz will head to the University of Denver next season, and there he will attempt to answer some questions that could keep him from living up to the promise he shows as a second-round pick. Firstly, Lorenz will need to show that his skating is still good enough to separate against top-end college defenders. Secondly, Lorenz will need to improve his play without the puck. He was so dominant at the AJHL level that he simply didn’t need to be a two-way force, as he could have his way offensively more often than not. In the NCAA, Lorenz will face greater tests. He has a chance to become a second or third-line scoring winger at the NHL level if he spends his time at Denver well. - EH

11 - Adam Beckman

There were some ups and downs for the former WHL standout in his first full pro season. His IQ is a major positive, but his skating still needs upgrades before he becomes a consistent offensive threat at the pro level.

12 - Jack Peart

The former second round pick had a strong freshman year at St. Cloud State last season. Creating offense from the backend is his speciality. Even bigger things are expected of him as a sophomore.

13 - Daemon Hunt

If Hunt could only stay healthy. When he’s played, Hunt has been a standout at both ends with the mobility, skill, and physicality to be an impactful two-way defender. However, as he enters his first pro season, durability is a concern.

14 - Filip Gustavsson

Acquired for veteran Cam Talbot, the former Senators young netminder will likely serve as Marc Andre Fleury’s backup this year. Jury is still out on whether he has what it takes to be a starter down the line.

15 - Hunter Haight

Thanks to a lost season (due to the pandemic), Haight is a player who struggled with on ice identity as an OHL rookie and draft eligible player last season. He has a lot of intriguing tools, but how they come together remains to be seen.

16 - David Spacek

The son of former NHL defender Jaroslav Spacek, David is an intelligent two-way puck mover who plays in the QMJHL with Sherbrooke. Upgrading his athleticism and mobility is priority number one.

17 - Vladislav Firstov

After a disappointing junior season with UConn, Firstov has turned pro and will join Iowa next year. The big winger is plenty skilled, but consistency remains an issue.

18 - Michael Milne

A 2022 draft selection, Milne looks like a surefire NHL player in some capacity thanks to his speed, tenacity, and improving skill. The Winnipeg Ice standout has options on where to play this coming year, but he should turn pro.

19 - Marshall Warren

Warren will return to Boston College for his senior season after improving each of his first three NCAA seasons. Warren is mobile and moves the puck efficiently. What will his role at the NHL level be without truly dominant qualities at either end?

20 - Mitchell Chaffee

The big winger, formerly of UMass, continues to be a standout at the AHL level since signing as an FA. He was second in goal scoring for Iowa last year. Durability has proven to be a concern, however, as he has had trouble staying healthy and sustaining momentum which would lead to him cracking Minnesota full time.

2022 IIHF ICE HOCKEY U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Key Storylines – Players to Watch – Predictions

Brock Otten — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 17:09:06 +0000

The 2022 IIHF World Under 18’s kickoff this weekend in Germany. Every year, this is one of the top events on the scouting calendar as many players are given one final chance to impress (on the ice) prior to the NHL Draft. Last year, the U18’s occurred in a bubble in Texas, with team Canada taking home the gold thanks to Shane Wright and Connor Bedard.

This year’s tournament may not be occurring in a bubble, but it’s far from normal either. Due to the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine, Russia and Belarus have been removed and thus the event will run with only eight teams. That means all eight teams will make the quarterfinals. It also means that for the second straight year, no teams will be relegated.

At this point, the tournament is wide open. Like any year, the United States enters the U18’s as the favourite because of team cohesiveness (and of course high-end talent). Sweden, Finland, and reigning champion Canada also enter the tournament as favourites. Originally, it was expected that Canada would struggle to field a competitive team given the circumstances (such as the extension of the CHL regular season), however their stack of Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli down the middle may be the best one/two punch in the tournament.

Let’s look at each team closely; the storylines, the top players to watch, and a prediction.

Division A

Canada

FRISCO, TX USA - MAY 5: Canada’s Connor Bedard #17, Shane Wright #15, and Corson Ceulemans #4 stand while the national anthem plays after a 8-1 win over Sweden during semifinal round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on May 5, 2021 in Frisco, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Storylines to Watch:

1) Did anyone say Defense?

There is absolutely no denying the talent Canada is bringing at forward. It compares favorably with the best the other nations have to offer. Adam Fantilli and Connor Bedard are an absolutely dynamic one/two punch down the middle. They will be flanked by some talented wingers. This team WILL score. But will they be able to keep pucks out of their net? Outside of Owen Pickering (and 2023 eligible Lukas Dragicevic), there may not be a Top 100 draft defender on this roster. Who the third pairing will be remains a complete mystery and could be a revolving door. Likely starting netminder Reid Dyck was terrific at the Top Prospect’s Game, but he has struggled mightily of late with Swift Current. Can he re-find his game? Realistically, Dyck is going to have to be the best goaltender in this tournament for Canada to escape the medal round and compete for gold.

2) The 2023 Draft to the rescue.

This Canadian team is not loaded with talent available for the 2022 draft like the other nations in this tournament. Owen Pickering may be the closest thing to a lock for the first round, with a few others like Goyette and Lorenz having an outside shot. However, the talent available for 2023 is this team’s saving grace. First, we have Bedard and Fantilli, who could be the first two players selected next year. Then we have BCHL’er Matthew Wood, WHL defender Lukas Dragicevic and a few other late born 2004 players who could be standouts. Not to mention the late 2005 born Tanner Howe, who will be one of the youngest players in the tournament, but who is coming off a tremendous season in the WHL.

3) U18 scoring records in jeopardy?

All eyes will be on Connor Bedard for a lot of reasons. It is pretty rare for outstanding players to repeat this tournament. Bedard helped Canada win gold last year on the strength of 14 points in seven games. Now let’s look at some records. Mat Barzal is the leading scorer for Canada all time at this event with 16 points (in 14 games). Bedard needs only three points to break that. Jack Hughes is the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 32 points over 14 games. Bedard would need 19 points to break that. Lastly, Nikita Kucherov holds the record for most points in a tournament with 21. Bedard could obviously best that.

Top Players to Watch:

Connor Bedard (2023)

The first player to receive exceptional status in the WHL, Bedard has been nothing short of amazing in his two WHL seasons to date. He hit the 50 goal and 100-point plateaus this season. He was incredible at last year’s U18’s, so what can he do this year? The dynamic and creative pivot should be the best player at this year’s tournament.

Adam Fantilli (2023)

Due to the fact that he went south of the border to play for the Chicago Steel, it feels like the Fantilli hype train has not quite hit Canada yet. But it will after this tournament. Fantilli is the real deal. A true power center who can play through you or around you, his combination of size, skill, and power is truly rare. It will be exciting to see him star at this tournament, especially given that his participation was a surprise because Chicago is starting the USHL playoffs without him.

Owen Pickering (2022)

The Swift Current Broncos defender is going to have to be a serious minute eater for Canada, especially against tough competition. A big defender with a smooth stride, Pickering is already solid in the defensive end. His physicality will be a real asset. However, Canada needs him to contribute with the puck too, which has been an area scouts are still unsure of in regard to Pickering. This is a big tournament for him.

Matthew Wood (2023)

A big winger, Wood was sensational in the BCHL this year, leading the league in scoring as a 16/17-year-old. For comparison’s sake, Wood’s 85 points were the best of any U17 player in the league in this millennium, blowing away the seasons of Kyle Turris and Alex Newhook. And in the more modern era, only Paul Kariya had a better points per game average. He’s not yet the world's most dynamic mover, still growing into his frame, however his skill level is extremely high. Expect him to play a large role.

Rieger Lorenz (2022)

Much like Wood, Lorenz played this past season in tier 2. He was the fifth leading scorer in the AJHL and is headed to play for the reigning NCAA Champion Denver Pioneers next season. A fringe first round talent at this current moment, Lorenz will be looking to seize a top six role on this team to increase his draft stock. A big and versatile forward, Lorenz is a very capable scorer. Scouts will be looking for his play away from the puck to be more consistent, especially given that he is unlikely to be the focal point of his line if he flanks one of Bedard or Fantilli.

David Goyette (2022)

The top OHL player on this squad, Goyette is a very talented offensive player. He can play center, or the wing and that versatility will prove to be important for Canada. Goyette finished second behind only Shane Wright among U18 scorers in the OHL this season for Sudbury and was especially dynamite in the second half. His speed and creativity will be great assets, and this could be a great showcase for Goyette to help him solidify his spot in the first round come July.

Tanner Howe (2024)

One of the youngest players in this tournament, Howe is a late 2005 born player. That makes him ineligible for the NHL draft until 2024. Playing with Bedard in Regina (WHL) this year, Howe finished tied for second in U17 scoring with 69 points. That’s tied for the fourth best total by a U17 player in this millennium. For an undersized winger (5’8), Howe isn’t the fastest, but he is already a terrific two-way player and is extremely intelligent. He is the type of player the Canadian coaching staff could use in any situation.

Nick Moldenhauer (2022)

It’s been a bit of a tumultuous year for Moldenhauer. He came into the year as a possible first round talent, but a leg injury delayed the start to his year and upon returning to the Chicago Steel (USHL) lineup, he struggled. However, in the second half of the USHL season, he emerged as one of the better players in the league and has his game definitively back on track. A highly skilled and quick attacker, Moldenhauer is cut from a similar cloth to David Goyette. Look for him to have a big tournament and to really raise his draft stock.

Reid Dyck (2022)

It would appear that Dyck has the inside track to be the starting netminder for Canada, even if his play down the stretch for Swift Current wasn’t great. Dyck was a star in the CHL’s Top Prospect game and definitely has a chance to be one of the top netminders from this draft class due to his play reading ability and athleticism. With a defensive group that lacks depth, Dyck will need to be terrific for Canada should they want to medal.

Prediction: Bronze Medal

United States

Logan Cooley. Photo by Rena Laverty/USA Hockey

Storylines to Watch:

1) Can they end the drought?

The United States has largely dominated the gold medal position since the creation of the NTDP…except for the last few years. They have not won gold at the event since 2017 and did not even medal on home soil in Texas last year. Quite frankly, there are no excuses given how this team is assembled and the familiarity that they have with each other. The talent on this team (multiple first round selections) is exceptional and nothing short of a trip to the gold medal game will be labeled as anything but a disappointment.

2) Will the defense and the goaltending hold up?

The talent at forward is ridiculous. This team is as deep, skilled, and quick as any forward unit in this tournament. They are physical. They can fire the puck. Their powerplay unit is lethal. Yet, the defense is on the smaller side and has had some problems with bigger, physical teams in the USHL (and College exhibition) this year. Additionally, goaltending is a real question mark. One of the team’s 2004 born starters, Dylan Silverstein, has battled injuries since making the U.S. World Junior (U20) team and did not make the trip to Germany. That means Tyler Muselik will need to handle the reins and his play has been inconsistent this season. Even if this forward group is talented, the U.S. will not make it back to the gold medal game if they can’t defend the talented forwards from Canada, Sweden, and Finland.

3) Cooley and Nazar to the rescue.

Talent at center is so important in this tournament. Lucky for the U.S. they have a tremendous one/two punch in Logan Cooley and Frank Nazar, two potential top ten selections this year. Best of all, both Cooley and Nazar are lightning quick, without question two of the better skaters at this event. They can really keep defenders on their heels and that is bad news for the competition.

Top Players to Watch:

Logan Cooley (2022)

At one point this year, Cooley was receiving some consideration for first overall (ahead of Shane Wright) from the internet scouting community. There's a good reason why. Cooley is the ultimate pace pusher and is a dynamic transitional attacker. Skilled, tenacious, intelligent; Cooley has it all. He is not the biggest, but his awareness and two-way approach will remind people of Matty Beniers. Simply put, Cooley is fun to watch and is a near slam dunk to be a top five selection this year.

Frank Nazar (2022)

Additionally, at one point this year Cooley was thought to be far and away the top draft prospect on this NTDP squad. However, Nazar has closed the gap down the stretch and with a strong tournament could put himself in contention to be a top five pick. A dynamic and creative player, Nazar blends speed and skill to be a near automatic zone entry attacker. There may not be a player in this draft who has more pure offensive potential.

Cutter Gauthier (2022)

Gauthier is a player built to play in the NHL. He has size. He skates well. He is physical. He is a strong supporting player in all three zones. He can shoot the puck. He is the perfect modern-day winger. Gauthier will be a big part of this U.S.’ offense and there is some belief in scouting circles that he could go as high as the top ten this year, especially if he has a strong tournament here.

Jimmy Snuggerud (2022)

Thanks to improvements made to his explosiveness and overall skating stride, Snuggerud has been the most improved player on the NTDP this year. As such, he has vaulted himself into the conversation for the first round. Snuggerud is a very versatile forward who can play nearly any role asked of him, but one who also has great finishing skills and scoring instincts. High IQ/awareness is definitely his best asset.

Isaac Howard (2022)

Sometimes it seems like Howard is the forgotten man on this team, even though he led them in scoring this season across the USHL and exhibition games. He’s not as quick as Cooley, as creative as Nazar, as physical as Gauthier, or as smart as Snuggerud, but he blends intelligence and skill to have an attacking mentality in transition. The only thing missing from his game is consistent physicality and an ability to play through contact, something he will need to do at this tournament to prove that he belongs in the first round.

Rutger McGroarty (2022)

It may sound cliche, but if McGroarty could skate like Cooley/Nazar,or even Cutter Gauthier, we would be talking about him as a potential top 15 selection. The big, power forward competes at both ends of the rink, is an intelligent player, and has a rocket of a shot. The key to his development will be the continued improvement of his stride power, to make him more explosive.

Gavin Brindley (2023)

Most years USA Hockey will add a player or two from outside the NTDP for this tournament. This year that player is Gavin Brindley. A former Florida Alliance player (and teammate of Seamus Casey), Brindley is an electric offensive player. He always seems to keep plays alive in the offensive zone with his feet and he should be the perfect complementary player on a scoring line, giving this team even more depth offensively. A late born 2004, Brindley is not eligible until 2023 for the NHL draft.

Ryan Chesley (2022)

One could probably argue that Chesley is this team’s top defender, even if they don’t have the kind of dominant two-way blueliner that we’re used to seeing. Chesley is staunch defensively. He is as strong as an ox down low and is nearly impossible to beat one on one due to his mobility and gap control. His play with the puck and overall decision making can be inconsistent, so scouts will be really focused on that at this tournament.

Charlie Stramel (2023)

It has been a bit of a tough year on the injury front for Stramel and this has caused him to fall down the depth chart a bit, but he is a terrific NHL draft prospect. Like McGroarty, Stramel is a big and physical power forward who lives to drive the net and play through the middle. However, he is also a solid skater for a bigger winger, and this gives him significant upside as an NHL player. With a late 2004 birthday, Stramel is not eligible for the NHL Draft until next year, when he will be playing for the University of Wisconsin.

Seamus Casey (2022)

This is going to be a big tournament for Casey. Currently there seems to be a divide in love for Casey as an NHL draft prospect. Some worry about his lack of size and production given his profile. Others (like our video scout team) absolutely love his combination of mobility and IQ. What he will need to show at this tournament is that he can consistently defend talented players, show up for big games, and impact the game a little more consistently from an offensive perspective (especially in terms of the score sheet).

Prediction: Gold

Czechia

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - DECEMBER 27: Germany vs Czech Republic preliminary round action at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place on December 27, 2021 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Storylines to Watch:

1) Dynamic duo down the middle.

The overlying theme of this division seems to be center depth. The Czechs have it too. Jiri Kulich and Matyas Sapovaliv are both potential first round selections who can make their wingers better. Both show well in all three zones. Both are high IQ players. If they can really elevate their play and give Czechia two prolific scoring lines, the Czechs could surprise some teams at this tournament and make the semifinals.

2) The great Eduard Sale.

The 2023 pick who no one seems to be talking about because he is being overshadowed by the other dynamic talents. While the likes of Bedard, Fantilli, Michkov, etc have been setting records in their own respective leagues, Sale has been doing just the same in Czechia. He broke the all-time scoring record for a U17 player in the Czech U20 league, besting the likes of Miroslav Satan, Jakub Voracek, Petr Sykora, and Ales Hemsky. He also beat the previous record by 11 points. Sale also managed to score his first two Czech men’s league goals with Brno. The skilled and speedy winger is a name to watch, and he will be a main contributor on this Czech team.

3) Do they have what it takes to upset one of the big four?

If the Czechs want to make the semifinals, they will need to upset one of the big four (Canada, US, Sweden, or Finland). That could mean a round robin win against the US or Canada, likely setting up an easier QF matchup against one of Switzerland or Latvia. That could mean beating one of Sweden or Finland in the quarterfinals. Either way, their record to a strong tournament will go through a better (or at least deeper) team on paper. This Czech team does have high end talent, so it is entirely possible.

Players to Watch:

Matyas Sapovaliv (2022)

Even though the Saginaw Spirit struggled as a team, Sapovaliv’s first season in the OHL was a success. He improved over the course of the year and has emerged as a serious first round candidate. The lanky pivot uses his reach so well in all three zones, to help him protect the puck in the offensive zone and to help him disrupt puck carriers and passing lanes in the defensive zone. As his skating continues to improve, he could be a terrific NHL player.

Jiri Kulich (2022)

If you missed it, the first Scouching report for 2022 dropped recently profiling Kulich (found here). The Czech pivot is a strong two-way player already (much like teammate Sapovaliv) and has terrific goal scoring instincts. He has struggled to find consistent success in the Czech men’s league this year due to a lack of strength, so it will be very interesting to see how he performs against his own age group at this tournament.

Eduard Sale (2023)

We just mentioned Sale above. He is coming off the best season by a Czech U17 player in ages. Sale oozes skill and creativity and is already 6’1. It is likely that he pairs up with either Sapovaliv or Kulich and he should be one of the top performing 2005’s in this tournament.

Simon Slavicek (2022)

Even though the Flint Firebirds are in the midst of a (hopefully) long playoff run, they allowed Slavicek to join team Czechia for this event. Slavicek’s first season in the OHL did not elicit terrific results, however the Firebirds are a deep team and Slavicek’s ice time wavered. This is because he came over a few months into the season and it was tough to work his way into an already solidified top six. As a checking line player, Slavicek did improve over the course of the year, but this tournament will be an opportunity for him to prove that he is the high-quality prospect we thought he was coming into the year.

Tomas Hamara (2022)

The top defender on this Czech team, Hamara has been playing out of Finland the last few years and established himself as a Liiga regular this season. The smooth skating, high IQ defender will likely quarterback the top powerplay unit and see significant ice time at even strength. A borderline top two round prospect currently, Hamara can solidify his place with a strong performance.

Prediction: 5th

Germany

FRISCO, TX USA - APRIL 26: Germany's Julian Lutz #16 skates with the puck while the Czech Republic's Jakub Altrichter #18 chases him down during preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on April 26, 2021 in Frisco, TX USA. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Storylines to Watch:

1) The return of Julian Lutz

Coming into the season, Lutz was considered the next in line of German prospects to be selected in the first round. However, injuries have derailed his season and he has fallen like a rock because of it. Lutz will need to be the straw the stirs the drink for Germany and if he can have a strong tournament, it could really help to save his draft stock given how little NHL scouts have seen him this season.

2) Will home ice give them an advantage?

In 2015, Switzerland hosted the U18’s and used the tremendous fan support (and strong performances from Denis Malgin and Jonas Siegenthaler) to help them make the semi-finals. Can Germany do the same this year? Given the strength of their division, Germany will be in tough but maybe home ice advantage will carry them to an upset or two.

3) Can they upset someone…anyone?

As mentioned, Germany is going to need to upset someone to even win a game in this tournament. Division A is the stronger division, with Canada, the United States, and Czechia all significantly stronger on paper. If they lose every game in the round robin, they’ll probably need to upset one of Sweden or Finland in the quarterfinals to play on. Again, this is an uphill battle, but not impossible given the one game nature of these types of tournaments.

Players to Watch:

Julian Lutz (2022)

The 6’2 winger combines a powerful stride with great puck control skill. Unfortunately, the injury issues he’s had this year have really limited his opportunities to showcase his offensive capabilities and overall potential. He will unquestionably be the offensive leader for this German team, and he will need to do his best to stand out, even if the Germans find themselves under a constant barrage. Given how little he has played this year, he will be under the microscope of NHL scouts eager to get more of a glimpse of him in a larger role.

Rayan Bettahar (2022)

Bettahar is coming off his first season in the WHL with Swift Current, a season that had mixed results. There are times where Bettahar’s talent shines through, as he provides a physical element and finds success leading the breakout. Then there are other times where he struggles to execute basic skilled plays and with his decision making. Bettahar is on the fringe of being drafted, but he will get a ton of ice time in this tournament to showcase his worth and potential.

Luca Hauf (2022)

The highest ranked German player eligible this year behind Lutz, Hauf is an intelligent, playmaking winger. He didn’t have a terrific Hlinka/Gretzky cup this past summer, but he did manage to play a bunch in the DEL this year and has a high offensive ceiling because of his hands and vision. However, his play away from the puck is a major weakness right now. This tournament will provide him an opportunity to help generate offense with Lutz as part of Germany’s first line.

Prediction: 7th

Division B

Sweden

Djurgården's Jonathan Lekkerimäki during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Djurgården and Oskarshamn on October 21, 2021 in Stockholm.
Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN

Storylines to Watch:

1) Will their defense hold up?

If you’ve noticed, this is a storyline to watch for nearly every team in the tournament. The reason? Many of the top defenders available this year are ineligible for the tournament as late 2003 born players (like Jiricek), are not at the tournament because their teams did not qualify or are not allowed (like Nemec or Grudinin) or are not at the tournament because they were not released for it (like Mateychuk). Among our top ten ranked defenders at midseason, only one will be at this tournament (Seamus Casey). So, what about Sweden? They have some talented defenders like Salomonsson, Odelius, and Havelid. But these are all players whose defensive games and effectiveness have been questioned this year. This team will be able to score but will they be able to shutdown opponents to win in the medal round?

2) Medal streak continued?

Sweden has medaled at this event the last three years the tournament has run (with 2020 being canceled due to the pandemic). They have made the semifinals in the last five tournaments. That’s quite the streak and one that is very likely to continue this year. In that streak is only one gold, something they will be working hard to change in 2022.

3) The health of Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Leo Carlsson.

Two of Sweden’s top players are coming into this tournament banged up and their effectiveness may be limited. Potential top ten pick Jonathan Lekkerimaki is just getting over mono and we know how that can negatively impact a player due to weight/strength loss. Additionally, top 2023 prospect Leo Carlsson has/had an elbow injury that was originally thought to be keeping him out of this tournament. These are two key players. Are they healthy enough to make the kind of impact they are capable of?

Players to Watch:

Jonathan Lekkerimaki (2022)

As mentioned, Lekkerimaki is returning from mono, and his effectiveness may be limited. It’s not even known whether he starts the tournament or starts playing later on, closer to the medal round. On the strength of a superb SHL performance in the second half, Lekkerimaki has rocketed up draft lists. His goal scoring ability is among the best in this draft class, and he will be a weapon on the powerplay.

Elias Salomonsson (2022)

Salomonsson came into the season as a potential top ten selection and was receiving consideration as the top defender available over Nemec and Jiricek. However, his draft year has not gone according to plan. He oozes offensive potential because of his skating ability and transitional skills; however, his defensive intensity and effectiveness has been weak. This is a huge tournament for his draft stock. Another poor performance likely pushes him even further down the draft board, while a strong performance probably vaults him back into the first round.

Leo Carlsson (2023)

The 6’3 center is a top prospect for the 2023 draft, a draft which is looking like one for the ages. Carlsson will be one of many 2023 prospects playing in this event, so it will be interesting to compare them a year out. An elbow injury was thought to be keeping him out of action, but it looks like he will play. In all likelihood, Carlsson will either anchor the third line or shift to wing in the top six.

Liam Ohgren (2022)

Few players available this year have scored the way that Ohgren has this season. He started the year off with a bang at the Hlinka/Gretzky and never looked back as one of the top performers in the Swedish J20 league. The intelligent and skilled winger will be a fixture on a scoring line and a strong performance at this event could bring him out from under the radar to be a potential top ten selection.

Noah Ostlund (2022)

A highly polarizing player eligible this year, Ostlund is a competitive, two-way center. His offensive production hasn’t been quite as high as you would like this year and his performance internationally has left something to be desired. However, he will be the team’s first- or second-line center and will be given every opportunity to show what he is truly capable of.

Filip Bystedt (2022)

Bystedt is the kind of athletic and rangy pivot that NHL teams seem to gravitate towards these days. Strong in puck protection scenarios and effective below the goal line, Bystedt is already proficient at using his 6’4 frame to shield the puck. There are some concerns about his potential and overall skill level, but he will likely be the other scoring line center with Ostlund, a great opportunity for him to shine.

Calle Odelius (2022)

Odelius seems to be a favourite of the online scouting community. Our video scouting team loves him. His ability to positively affect the game with his mobility gives him intriguing potential. However, there are some concerns over his game management ability and defensive effectiveness. He will see a ton of ice time here and a strong defensive performance could make him a serious first round candidate.

Mattias Havelid (2022)

The Swedish powerplay QB, Havelid is the son of former NHL defender Nic Havelid (and the twin brother of starting U18 goaltender Hugo Havelid). Mattias Havelid has a howitzer of a point shot and walks the line well with excellent four-way mobility. As an undersized defender, he will need to prove that he can be effective at even strength, especially in the defensive end.

Prediction: Silver Medal

Finland

FRISCO, TX USA - APRIL 27: Finland's Joakim Kemell #25 skates with the puck during preliminary round action against Russia at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on April 27, 2021 in Frisco, TX USA. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Storylines to Watch:

1) Will Joakim Kemell meet expectations?

Kemell started the season on fire in Liiga play and was on pace to have the best season ever by an under-18 player in the top Finnish men’s league. However, injuries and fatigue caught up to him and this resulted in a very disappointing second half. This is a very important tournament for Kemell, as he will be expected to be one of the best players and highest scorers at the event. Anything less than that will be considered a disappointment.

2) Secondary scoring.

It isn’t the deepest draft crop out of Finland this year, at least in comparison to other recent years. Kemell is terrific. There are a few other high-end forwards like Nyman and Kaskimaki. But this Finnish team does not have the depth that the other big nations have this year and that could prove to be problematic for them. Finland will need a few other players to really step up to provide secondary scoring if they want to escape the quarterfinals, let alone the semi-finals.

3) Aron Kiviharju the phenom.

The youngest player at this event (2006 born), it will be important to temper expectations for Kiviharju. However, the talented offensive defender just finished top five in the U20 Finnish league in defensive scoring…as a 15/16-year-old. He outproduced the other, older defenders on this team at the same level save for Otto Salin. It was the best offensive season by a U16 defender ever in the league. However, it will be tough for him to stand out against the best U18 players on the planet. The best offensive performance by a U16 defender in the history event belongs to Samuel Knazko of Slovakia. That was three points. Can Kiviharju beat that? How much of a role will he be given?

Players to Watch:

Joakim Kemell (2022)

Kemell should be one of the best forwards at this event. The key is…should be. He hasn’t had the best second half (as discussed). However, he is an electric goal scorer because of his shot, scoring instincts, and creativity with the puck on his stick. He will need to put this Finnish team on his back and dominate his touches if Finland has any hope of capturing gold.

Jani Nyman (2022)

A big, power winger, Nyman blends size with skill and finishing ability. He comes into the event as a bubble first round pick, but we know how much NHL GM’s covet players like Nyman. He has a big opportunity here. He definitely has some fans in the scouting community, and he will be given every opportunity to be a standout in this event.

Otto Salin (2022)

The top defender on this Finnish team, Salin is a highly intelligent puck mover who is excellent in transition because of his quickness and four-way mobility. A likely top two round selection, Salin is going to see a ton of ice time in all situations for Finland and thus will be given a great opportunity to raise his draft stock with a strong performance.

Aron Kiviharju (2024)

We already spoke about this phenom earlier. He is the youngest player in the tournament and is coming off a record setting season in the Finnish U20 league. The dynamic offensive defender is not guaranteed to play a large role, but he is most definitely a player of interest. Watch for his dynamic skating ability, which makes him an effortless puck mover and transition player. Can Kiviharju put his name in the hat as the early favourite for first overall in 2024…if he hasn’t done so already?

Topias Leinonen (2022)

Who the top goaltender selected will be this year is a total mystery. It’s not a strong year and we may need to wait until the third round before one hears their name called. One of the contenders is Leinonen because of his massive frame and projectable athleticism. Consistency has been an issue, but what young goaltender doesn’t face issues in their play reading ability and mental toughness?

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (2022)

In the earlier ‘storylines to follow’ piece, we mentioned how Finland would need secondary scoring options to step up. Kaskimaki is one of those players. He is one of the better skating forwards in this event and can be a real load to handle as he attacks the offensive zone. However, he has a tendency to disappear as the game slows down and has struggled to play through the middle at times. Finland will need him to increase his physical engagement level and be a consistent scoring threat.

Prediction: Fourth

Switzerland

Storylines to Watch:

1) The health of Lian Bischel.

As of now, Bischel is not on the Swiss roster for this event, which is a real shame. He hasn’t played in over a month after taking a bad hit in the SHL. Without question, Bischel would have been the team’s captain and most important player. The potential first rounder would have been playing over 30 minutes a night on the top pairing. Maybe there’s a chance he heals up in time to join the Swiss after the start of the tournament, but that seems like a longshot at this point.

2) Can they beat Latvia?

Even though the Swiss played Canada tough in a pre-tournament game, the expectations for this team are fairly low. They are very unlikely to beat Sweden or Finland in their division. That means…the round robin game against Latvia will be integral for them. It could be the difference between finishing top six, or dead last. Additionally, it would give them a slightly easier QF matchup.

3) Can they keep things competitive?

This Swiss team is likely to face at least three highly competitive teams in Sweden, Finland, and whoever they face in the quarterfinals. While winning those games may be a stretch, it would be great for them if they could keep the games competitive and close. After all, the players on this team are trying to impress NHL scouts and keeping games close would be the best way to do that.

Players to Watch:

Lian Bischel (2022)

As mentioned, Bischel is unlikely to play in this tournament. It is a real shame too. Bischel, a massive, but mobile blueliner, has played well in the SHL this year and is a likely first round selection. It would have been great to have seen him lineup against the best of other nations at this event. As mentioned, maybe there’s a chance he joins later in the tournament if he is cleared or feels up to it.

Mattheo Reinhard (2022)

With no Bischel, Reinhard is probably the top draft prospect on this Swiss team. He’s not big (5’8), but he has a great motor, and it helps him find success through the middle despite his lack of size/strength. Reinhard will be the first line center for Switzerland and the team’s offense will need to flow through his energy and ability to play with pace.

Prediction: 6th

Latvia

Storylines to Watch:

1) Can they beat Switzerland?

As mentioned in the Swiss write-up, third place in this division likely comes down to the winner between Latvia and Switzerland. The winner gets a sense of pride and an easier quarterfinal matchup. On paper, this game could be a tossup. How it ends up is anyone’s guess.

2) Can Sandis Vilmanis lead the way?

Vilmanis may actually be the best draft prospect among those playing in that Swiss/Latvian match-up, so he will be fully under the microscope. Tournaments like this are huge for players like Vilmanis; prospects from lower ranked hockey nations. While he does play in the Swedish J20 league, this tournament gives him a chance to be a true offensive leader as Latvia’s offense will flow through him.

3) Can they keep things competitive?

I feel like this is something I have written a few times. It seems like every time we have a competitive hockey tournament these days, blowouts are met with backlash on social media over whether IIHF events need to be restructured to limit these blowouts. It’s a tiresome topic of conversation. Personally, I think that the only way countries like Latvia, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, etc, improve is by playing the best in the world. Being challenged is integral for growth. So hopefully Latvia can keep these games close. Realistically, they would have been the odds-on favourite to be relegated, had there been relegation this year.

Player to Watch:

Sandis Vilmanis (2022)

Playing out of the Lulea program in Sweden, Vilmanis had a solid season in J20 action, finishing tied for first in team goal scoring with Latvian teammate Dans Locmelis. The big winger also helped Latvia earn promotion to the main group at the U20’s this summer, after a strong performance at the Division IA championships late in 2021. Vilmanis blends size and quickness on the wing to help him be a competent goal scorer. Not only is he competing to impress NHL scouts, but CHL scouts will also be closely watching his performance for Import Draft purposes.

Prediction: 8th

2022 NHL DRAFT: TIER 2 LEAGUES (USHS, CJHL, ETC.) TOP PROSPECTS – Part Two – Forwards

Brock Otten — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 19:48:55 +0000

McKeen's Director of Scouting, Brock Otten, provides a close examination of all the top "Tier 2" players available for the draft this year (USHS, CJHL, etc). The second in the series highlights the forwards. You can read Part One here.

Alex Bump. Photo by Dan Hickliing/Hickling Images.

Alex Bump

Wing - Prior Lake High (USHS-MIN)/Omaha (USHL)

6’0, 194lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 53

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Notes: One of the sharpest rising prospects in the second half thanks to a dominating performance during the Minnesota high school hockey playoffs, Bump is a tenacious goal scoring winger. His ability to protect the puck through contact and drive the net makes him a nearly unstoppable player at the high school level. High school defenders just can’t seem to separate him from the puck, allowing him to navigate the offensive zone at his own free will. Bump also shows great hands and a scorer’s touch in the slot, with the ability to create his own scoring chances through quick cuts or subtle dekes to pull the puck around skates and sticks, creating shooting lanes for himself. He also brings a consistent physical element, to go with a high motor and tenaciousness playing through the middle. The major concern here is a bit of an ugly and inefficient stride that prevents Bump from building speed quickly. His lack of explosiveness was most noticeable at the USHL level. Bump’s confidence on his edges and ability to maintain possession through lateral pushes or pivots is strong and once he builds to full speed; he can be dangerous in transition. However, his first few strides and ability to maintain speed will need to improve to play at the next level. Additionally, Bump can be prone to overhandling the puck, with his decision making and overall vision being a bit of a question mark. The Vermont commit does have the strength and skill to be a solid complementary goal scorer, and given his strong finish to the year, he is certainly a candidate for the Top 100 if a team is convinced that his skating can be improved.

Zam Plante

Center/Wing - Hermantown High (USHS-MIN)/Chicago (USHL)

5’9, 161lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 52.75

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Notes: The son of former NHL’er Derek Plante, Zam has split the season between Chicago and Hermantown, originally starting the year with the Steel before heading back to Minnesota. With Chicago, he mostly filled a depth role on a deep Steel team, providing energy on the wing of a checking line. In Hermantown, he is a dynamic, pace pushing center who has become one of the elite players in high school hockey. Regardless of the role, one thing remains consistent about his game and that is his effort and tenacity away from the puck. Don’t let the low penalty minutes fool you. He’s not the type to make big hits or bully his way to the net, but physicality and competitiveness can be measured in other ways…ways that Plante has in spades. He is a relentless forechecker and a very competent boards player, who has a terrific stick that compensates for his lack of size/strength at the current time. His ability to use stick lifts or his feet to gain inside leverage allows him to keep plays alive and his awareness and determination allows him to force turnovers that can be capitalized on. Plante also has the quickness that you like to see from a smaller player, even if there might be room for further development in his stability and edgework. Additionally, he possesses the kind of creativity that is rare from a competitive, high-energy attacker like Plante. This makes him a dangerous playmaker who can strike quickly following turnovers and elevate the play of those around him. His defensive game is also sound. Ultimately the question remains, what is Plante’s upside? As he adds further quickness and builds up the strength to play through contact more consistently through the middle, Plante does possess the attributes of a middle six forward.

Brennan Ali

Center - Avon Old Farms (USHS-Prep)/Lincoln (USHL)

6’1, 194lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 60

OFP: 53.25

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/brennan_ali_-_1st_period_7_7_-_7_24.mp4

Notes: Ali is an easy player to like due to his motor and intelligence as a playmaker. He has been a standout from the get-go this draft season, starting with a strong performance at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup in the summer. He generates power quickly with explosive strides and this allows him to really make an impact in transition and as a forechecker. Ali is also a physical player who relishes the opportunity to play the body, in any zone. Given his skating ability, length, effort, and physicality, he likely has a chance to develop into a high-end defensive player and penalty killer. The question is…just how skilled is Ali? His shot is not currently a consistent weapon for him. He will need to improve the quickness of his release, the power behind it, and his confidence in using his wrister from the slot or outside. Additionally, there are times where his feet are moving too fast for his hands, and he is not able to maintain possession through contact or forced directional changes. There are other times where his playmaking ability really stands out, as he keeps plays alive along the wall, drives time of possession, and is able to spin off checks to set up teammates in the home plate area for high end chances. At this point, Ali does look like more of a bottom six forward at the NHL level, although he will be given every opportunity at the University of Notre Dame to improve his play with the puck and creativity.

Luke Devlin

Center - St Andrew’s College (CISAA)

6’3, 181lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 60

OFP: 50

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Notes: A big power center playing out of St. Andrew’s College, Devlin, fittingly, is a Cornell recruit. His game is tailored extremely well to play at that program, where he can transform into a high-end two-way center at the college level. Devlin’s most noticeable trait is the physicality he brings. He loves to throw his weight around, especially on the forecheck. This is extremely noticeable at the prep level and was a big part of his game at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, where he played a depth role for the U.S. Devlin is also a very capable net front presence, who has the hands to finish in tight or deflect pucks and he exhibits solid protection skills through traffic. For a big man, Devlin’s explosiveness is also quite good, allowing him to close quickly on loose pucks or surprise defenders with a quick burst to the net. His ability to sustain speed or move East/West is where further progression is required. From a skill standpoint, Devlin shows well as a pass first center who can keep plays alive along the wall and distribute well playing through the middle in transition. His ability to make skilled plays at full speed is not terrific and his shot is not NHL caliber at this time. The offensive upside here may be fairly limited. However, there is certainly some potential for him to develop into a net driving, defensively oriented, power center after three or four years in the Ivy conference. For those wondering, Devlin is the son of current Toronto Raptors broadcaster Matt Devlin.

Eli Sebastian

Center - St. Andrew’s College (CISAA)

5’11, 180lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 45, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 49.75

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Notes: Patience will be key here. Sebastian does have a verbal commitment to Northeastern, however he is also set to play next year with Penticton of the BCHL before making the jump to the NCAA the year after. Sebastian is a fairly competitive two-way center who has quick feet and the mind set to push the pace and attack the net. His positioning and awareness in the defensive zone is a positive, and when combined with a pretty solid compete level, it makes him a strong defensive presence for St. Andrew’s. Sebastian can force turnovers and then use his quick and powerful stride to jet up ice in transition on the counterattack. The hands and creativity do not stand out in a majorly positive way, even at the prep level, as he can struggle to maintain possession through contact or to secure pucks at top speed. This could limit his offensive potential at the next level. As he gets stronger and matures physically, we may get a better indication of his offensive capabilities. Playing out of the BCHL next year, with a great program, should help us gain a better understanding of Sebastian’s pro potential. As such, he may not be a true draft candidate this year, but instead a player scouts opt to follow closely moving forward, to see if his game with the puck can take that next step.

Rieger Lorenz

Wing - Okotoks (AJHL)

6’2, 185lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 53.25

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Notes: Lorenz has had a terrific season with Okotoks of the AJHL, consistently finding himself in the top five of league scoring despite being a U18 player. While his production isn’t quite at the same level of recent high picks Dylan Holloway and Carter Savoie, it does compare favorably to other recent AJHL picks like Alex Young, Quinn Olson, and Brandon Biro (signed and not drafted), who are currently having or had a lot of success at the NCAA level. Without the World Junior A Challenge this year or a CJHL Top Prospect’s Game, scouts are left with only Lorenz’s AJHL play to assess him to this point (although he is a near shoe-in to be a member of Canada’s U18 team once that situation irons itself out). Lorenz’s skill and creativity may be fairly average, all things considered, but he does have an intriguing blend of size, quickness, and playmaking IQ. His straight-line speed is impressive, and he uses it really well to both, push pace without the puck, and apply pressure on the forecheck without it. He’s not an overtly physical player, but his engagement level is fairly solid and his work rate in the offensive end is very impressive. The consistency with which that work rate is applied in the defensive end is more inconsistent, but given his quickness, reach, and awareness, there is a chance that he could develop into a high-end defensive forward once his conditioning improves further. Equal parts playmaker and finisher, Lorenz works the half wall area in impressive fashion, sliding in and out of coverage to find lanes and to hunt down chances. A Denver commit (joining the aforementioned Carter Savoie), Lorenz’s physical tools will be very intriguing to NHL teams this year and it would be shocking to see him still on the board past the 50th pick.

Bowden Singleton

Wing - Okotoks (AJHL)

5’9, 154lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 40

OFP: 50.75

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Notes: It is worth noting that at one point early on in the AJHL season, Singleton was leading the AJHL in scoring. However, an ice cold second half has the North Dakota commit under the point per game rate and has led to him being a fairly large disappointment overall in his draft year. Coming into the 2022 draft season, he and Lorenz were viewed fairly similarly, and the expectation was that he could be a high pick. For what it’s worth, only one AJHL forward has ever been drafted into the NHL while averaging under a point per game (Austin Wong in 2018). As an undersized and underperforming player, the odds are against Singleton. Yet, because of his high-end offensive potential, Singleton will draw looks and interest. He is quick and shifty in the offensive zone, possessing the extra gear to create separation in transition. He quarterbacks the powerplay and shows good instincts and puck skill in that role, helping to move the puck. There are times where his shot shows well, with a quick release, and others where he struggles to get himself into scoring position and fumbles attempts/fails to capitalize on good chances. So what’s the disconnect? First and foremost, a lack of strength really hinders him, even at a tier 2 level. He can be easily knocked off stride and is largely limited to being a true complementary piece most of the time, especially once he’s inside the offensive zone. He’s also a fairly one-dimensional player currently and one who will need to increase his overall engagement level when the puck isn’t in the offensive zone. He could probably benefit from a year in the USHL next year before heading to North Dakota to help him bulk up and iron out inconsistencies.

Parker Murray

Wing - Oakville (OJHL)/Wenatchee (BCHL)

6’4, 225lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 45, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 49.25

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/parker_murray_-_1st_period_7_34_-_8_0.mp4

Notes: Currently without an NCAA commitment, Parker Murray is a big power forward who clearly molds his game after his father Glen. He started the year with Oakville in the OJHL, but when Ontario went through another pandemic related shutdown, he had his rights transferred to Wenatchee in the BCHL. Murray’s scoring has come in bunches this year, both in the OJHL and the BCHL. Consistency has certainly been an issue for him in his first year at a higher level of play, but there are flashes that suggest he could have upside as a big, complementary goal scorer. He actually generates a fair amount of power with big, galloping strides and that makes him a real threat North/South. The agility and stability through pivots/cuts needs work, but he has the potential to be a quality mover given his massive frame. Murray also shows a nice goal scoring touch in tight and consistently finds his way to the net. He plays a physical game down low and generally keeps his feet moving in the offensive zone. However, there are currently some skill limitations. Firstly, the shot is mighty powerful, but his release is lumbering. He gets himself in good scoring position, but he needs to catch pucks cleaner and work to generate velocity without such a prolonged windup. This is a critical next step for him, especially if he wants to be a high-end goal scorer at the next level he plays at. Additionally, Murray struggles at times to receive passes cleanly at full speed or maintain possession through the neutral zone. Being able to blend his powerful stride with better puck control is another required next step. But there is a solid pedigree here and it’s clear that his game is very raw but does not lack upside. It wouldn’t shock me to see an NHL team toss a late round pick his way to secure his rights over what will be a very long development period. It will also be interesting to see what program eventually secures Murray’s rights (although he is also property of Chicago of the USHL and Portland of the WHL).

Cade Littler

Center - Wenatchee (BCHL)

6’3, 200lbs

Grades: Skating: 45, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 50.75

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Notes: Playing for his father, Bliss Littler, with the Wenatchee Wild, Cade recently committed to Minnesota State University. Watching him, it’s obvious that he is the son of a highly respected coach, as his awareness, positioning, and vision are all major strengths. Littler dominates down low and in the cycle by keeping his feet moving and he has the vision and skill to set up plays by spinning off checks and escaping from the wall. He looks very comfortable working down low on the powerplay, showing a soft touch and a penchant for taking the puck to the net, using his size to shield it well. Littler also seems to anticipate the play well without the puck by working to get open looks from the slot to use his solid wrist shot. There really is a lot to like here about his game and the little ways that he can make an impact in a variety of situations. Unfortunately, the skating is holding him back at this current moment. He has a strong base and his ability to maintain possession through pivots is solid, however he often finds himself trailing the play and he makes little impact in the transition game. He has these long strides, but they generate very little power currently. His explosiveness and top end speed will need to be majorly upgraded in order for him to become a serious NHL prospect. However, he is also young for this draft (July birthdate) and has recently hit a growth spurt. As he fills out and builds strength, it is very possible that he could improve his skating and power. And if he is able to do that, he could actually be quite the find for a team because the size, IQ and, well rounded skill profile, do give him upside as a potential middle six, two-way player.

Tyson Dyck

Wing - Cranbrook (BCHL)

6’0, 170lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 45

OFP: 52

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Notes: The highest scoring ‘04 in the BCHL this season, Dyck is a quick strike goal scorer who has steadily improved over the course of the 2021/22 season. Dyck is like a waterbug in the offensive zone, weaving in and out of traffic to help create scoring chances. His hands are high end and he is able to blend skill and East/West movement well, stopping, starting, pivoting, and cutting, all on a dime, while maintaining possession. This makes him a difficult player to pin down. Dyck also shows very well as a potential goal scorer with a heavy wrist shot and a quick release that sees him convert on a lot of his chances from the slot. His awareness and effort in the offensive zone is also high without the puck. He is a tenacious forechecker and a player who never seems to give up on a play in the offensive zone. There is a real command to have the puck on his stick. That said, his game at the other end is quite non-existent, making him a fairly one-dimensional player at this current time. Increasing his overall physical intensity level will be a must moving forward, especially as someone who clearly wants to have the puck on his stick. Do not let the high penalty totals fool you, as the majority of these are undisciplined stick infractions from Dyck trying to reclaim the puck. Additionally, Dyck will need to upgrade his overall linear quickness to help him further gain separation at the next level. In a lot of ways, there are similarities in stride and skating strengths to former BCHL’er Ayrton Martino, with Dyck being more “shifty” than quick. One thing that has me somewhat perplexed is that Dyck has yet to commit to an NCAA program. Where he settles on going will be important for his development as he looks to round out his game. However, Dyck does have some standout qualities as an offensive player and his ceiling is high pending his physical attributes take a step forward.

Grayson Badger

Wing - Dexter Southfield (USHS-Prep)

6’0, 170lbs

Grades: Skating: 60, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 45, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 52.25

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Notes: Sometimes it can be truly difficult to assess the skating ability of prep players, especially those at the upper echelon, because of how poor some of the lower end players are. However, in certain cases, like Scott Morrow last year, or Grayson Badger this year, you can see just how elite their skating qualities are. Watching Badger in the summer U17 Hlinka/Gretzky camp confirmed how quick he is, with the ability to compare him to other elite players. His top speed is extremely impressive, and he changes direction effortlessly, altering his path to help apply pressure or be first to pucks. Another admirable quality of Badger is his tenacity. While not consistently applied in every zone, he will drive the net, engage to help gain possession, and work hard to earn ice. Now comes the difficult part…for all of his physical tools, his skill application is currently described as inconsistent at best. There are times where he turns multiple defenders inside out to get a look in the slot. There are many others where his feet are moving too fast for his hands and maintaining possession becomes difficult for him. One hundred percent, the phrase “his hands need to catch up to his feet,'' applies perfectly here. Additionally, his understanding of spacing and how to play without the puck in the offensive zone needs refinement. There are times where he goes to occupy a lane already occupied in transition, providing little support to puck carriers, or others where he makes blind, forced passes to the slot with no teammate in sight. Is this a lack of experience playing with higher end players or a flaw in his conceptual understanding of the game? Either way, Badger is a player that I would be one hundred percent on board with my team taking a chance on at the draft. He is headed to a great program at Northeastern and his combination of quickness and tenaciousness could, at the very least, make him a capable energy guy after strong coaching and development. However, if the hands do catch up to the feet and his development path continues on a positive trajectory (from my understanding, he has already improved by leaps and bounds over the last two seasons), then an NHL team could have unearthed a diamond in the rough.

Michael Callow

Wing - St. Sebastian’s (USHS-Prep)

6’4, 194lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 50.5

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Notes: A Harvard commit, Callow is a massive power winger who is still growing into his frame and learning how to use his size to his benefit in the offensive end. He moves well North/South for a bigger player, even incorporating linear crossovers well to help him gain inside leverage on defenders in transition. However, his four way agility and stability need to improve in order for him to be a consistent offensive contributor moving forward. This is especially noticeable as he attempts to shake defenders when working the wall. From what I understand, his skating has improved greatly already in the last calendar year, so perhaps there is even further growth potential. Callow’s overall offensive skill set does not truly stand out, with his scoring ability, hands, passing touch, and vision all grading out about average. He does drive the net well and shows potential as a goal scoring power forward with finishing ability in tight. However, the overall offensive upside may be somewhat limited. The physical components of his game do likely have great potential, however. Given his size, reach, and solid linear quickness, Callow shows well as a forechecker and as his conditioning improves further, he could develop into the type of player coaches can employ in an energy role, hoping to clear space and help secure retrievals to establish offensive zone possession. However, the consistency of his physical game is not yet sound. In all likelihood, NHL scouts will definitely be intrigued by his physical tools and potential.

Colin Kessler

Center - Culver Academy (USHS-Prep)

5’11, 170lbs

Grades: Skating: 45, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 51.25

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Notes: There is a lot to like about this intelligent and versatile pivot. The offensive leader for Culver Military Academy, Kessler excels on and off the puck with a well-rounded skill set. While he is certainly a high-volume shooter, and one who possesses a powerful and quick wrist shot, he also has terrific scanning habits and vision and shows real promise as a playmaker. As his game evolves and he plays with better overall players, it is actually possible that the playmaking side of his game becomes his calling card. Kessler also shows well without the puck, engaged on the forecheck and the backcheck, looking to force turnovers and get his stick in passing lanes. The real downside here is a rather ugly stride. At the prep level, he finds success because of his awareness, and enough strength on the puck to play through contact. However, his wide base and short strides prevent him from really generating power quickly or being agile enough to prolong possession down low at the higher levels. The other real wild card here is that Kessler has yet to commit to an NCAA program. One has to wonder if he intends to play with Omaha in the USHL next year before making a decision on where to go. Another thing to consider, Kessler will need to improve his work on the draw. It’s not often you find such a dominant prep center hovering in that 30/40% rate every night. However, Kessler is the exact kind of pick certain organizations (who value analytics and possession metrics over physical tools) will be highly interested in. It is clear that he possesses a high-end mind for the game and his point per game average this year is among the highest in Culver school history (and they have had some good players come through that program). Get him with the right skating coach and development team and he could be a nice long-term play.

Ben MacDonald

Center - Noble & Greenough (USHS-Prep)

5’11, 165lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 45

OFP: 50.5

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Notes: While Noble & Greenough is not one of the most known prep programs in Massachusetts, it has produced NHL talent in recent years such as the Hayes brothers (Kevin & Jimmy) and Miles Wood. That said, finding quality video on MacDonald was pretty difficult, the most difficult of any player I am writing about for this feature. So the majority of this assessment comes from his performance at the U.S. Hlinka/Gretzky camp last summer. MacDonald’s highest marks come in the goal scoring department as a shoot first pivot. His release and scoring instincts stand out, and he has a real nose for the net that should make him successful eventually at the NCAA level (with a commitment to Harvard). At the Prep level, he looks engaged defensively and physically, competing in all three zones. At the Hlinka/Gretzky camp, that was not the case, and the opposite was true. The rest of his profile rounds out as fairly average. He can generate some power to create separation with linear crossovers, but his sustainable speed and overall power need improvement. Additionally, he is not the most dynamic or creative player with the puck, leading me to believe that his future might be on the wing given his goal scoring prowess and ability to work off the puck in the offensive zone. If an NHL team selects MacDonald, it will be on the back of his goal scoring potential and the hope that the rest of his game blossoms slowly as he takes that next step (possibly with Des Moines of the USHL next year before attending Harvard the following season).

Daimon Gardner

Center - Warroad High (USHS-MN)/Omaha (USHL)

6’4, 200lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 52.75

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Notes: Big centers who skate the way that Gardner does, and who can impact the transition game the way that he does, do not grow on trees. Gardner builds up to a very solid top speed and will also incorporate confident edgework into his stride to allow him to alter direction and pace, giving his attacks variance. This speed makes him an excellent forechecker too. There is likely still room for his explosiveness to improve, allowing him to stop and start more efficiently, but for such a big, young man, the skating qualities are impressive. Gardner’s overall sense on the ice in all three zones is also impressive. He uses his length well in the defensive end and fully encapsulates and understands his defensive assignments from the center position. While he’s not an overtly physical player like you might expect him to be given his size advantage at the prep level, he does drive the net, compete hard for loose pucks/retrievals, and use his size well to shield the puck. As he continues to mature, I would expect the physical qualities of his game to end up grading out above average. The real question here is, how much skill and creativity does Gardner possess and what would his upside be as a player at the next level? His ability to blend skill plays with the puck with his skating power, and his ability to finish off plays, is best described as inconsistent. There are flashes of brilliance (even at the USHL level), and there are stretches where he looks better suited to being a support player (especially at the USHL level). However, skill can be improved, and he is going to be a long-term project as he has already deferred his ride to Clarkson until the following year to play with Chilliwack of the BCHL next season. Unquestionably, there is a potential payoff here to the team willing to be patient with his development curve.

Dylan Godbout

Wing - Hill-Murray (USHS-MN)

5’11, 185lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 45

OFP: 50.75

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Notes: Godbout is a talented goal scoring forward who has hovered around the goal per game mark for Hill-Murray, while serving as the team’s captain. His release and goal scoring instincts are major positives. He has a very powerful wrist shot that allows him to score from anywhere on the ice. Watching a collection of his goals from the past two seasons, he has popped a lot of water bottles. The rest of his game lags behind a bit. His top speed is decent, and it does allow him to excel in transition at the high school level, but the first few steps lack explosiveness in any direction, and I would be curious to see how that impacts his game as a goal scorer at the higher levels. Hopefully he gets in a few games with Sioux City (USHL) to close out the year to see how he would handle a pace increase. I also find Godbout to be fairly straight forward in his approach. He is not the type to wow you with immense one on one skill or an ability to consistently create for himself. His game is about the practical application of his goal scoring skill set; quick touches down low, dump and chase, working his way into the slot. I think there is also a lot of room for him to develop as a more complete player. Outside the offensive zone, he is not all that noticeable, and he is not a consistent physical presence, even in puck pursuit situations. What Godbout is, potentially, is a high-end complementary goal scorer who may take some time to hit his true potential due to some current skating limitations. He will head to the University of Wisconsin and certainly has a chance to be a big part of that program there.

Cameron O’Neill

Wing - Mount St. Charles Academy (USHS

6’1, 194lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 51.25

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Notes: O’Neill is a pesky, goal scoring winger with a commitment to play at UMass. It is likely, however, that he plays in the USHL next year (Tri-City holds his rights), before joining the Minutemen. A Maryland native, O’Neill plays an up-tempo, high-energy game in the offensive end as he looks to use his size and speed combination to force turnovers, secure pucks, crash the net, and generally be a pain in the arse to play against. He shows a nice finishing touch in the slot and near the crease and has good enough hands to play a scoring line role at the NCAA level (at the very least) at some point. O’Neill can struggle to maintain possession at full speed when he leads the charge, with his application of skill and problem solving being more noticeable when he’s trying to escape traffic along the wall or work his way into the middle. While he is generally extremely energetic in the offensive end, that same tenacity is not evenly or consistently applied in the defensive end. This is an issue for many prep players, however, and given how he likes to play, it is reasonable to suggest that as he matures, improves conditioning, and gains confidence, he could develop into a very solid two-way winger. At the U.S. Hlinka/Gretzky camp he played some center, but largely plays the wing for Mount St. Charles and that would be the fit for him moving forward given his strengths are best suited to off the puck play. With some size, potential to develop into a high-level skater, and traits that could make him a solid complementary goal scorer, it is very conceivable that an NHL team could call O’Neill’s name this July. It would be the second consecutive year that Mount St. Charles would have an NHL draft pick after Owen McLaughlin and Nate Benoit were taken in the seventh round and sixth round, respectively, last year.

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.

2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #51 thru #60

Brock Otten — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 20:50:31 +0000

In case you missed it, we updated our 2022 NHL Draft rankings recently. You can find that here. Shane Wright still headlines the list but the gap is unquestionably closing as other candidates elevate their play.

With this piece our intention is to briefly introduce you to each of the players that fill out the rest of the Top 100 (ranked 50-100), after previously looking at the Top 50. Below you will find a short summary of their games in addition to a top highlight. In the coming months you will see in-depth scouting reports published by our regional scouts on each of these players (like this one on Shane Wright).

Paul Ludwinski of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

Paul Ludwinski - Center/Wing - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Early on in the OHL season, Ludwinski, a former high draft pick in the OHL priority selection, was being used as the third wheel on the team’s first line with Shane Wright and Martin Chromiak. The fit just wasn’t right. Since shifting back to center in a middle six role, Ludwinski has been more noticeable as someone who can lead the attack into the offensive zone and not simply support it. His skating, specifically his quickness, is a major asset and Ludwinski puts it to good use at both ends. His energy level is consistently high as he works to apply back pressure or retrieve loose pucks. There are moments where he flashes high-end skill and creativity, especially when attacking the offensive zone. There are others where his hands seem to lag behind his feet, and he fails to execute which leads to a loss of possession or a missed opportunity. At the very least Ludwinski profiles as a quality bottom six center at the NHL with his two-way awareness and energy. At best, some of those flashes become more consistent and Ludwinski becomes a play driver with his attacking tendencies.

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Jordan Dumais - Wing - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

The track record for players like Dumais is not terrific. He is a smaller forward (5’9) who also happens to lack dynamic qualities in his stride and quickness. If he is not able to improve his skating, he probably tops out as a high end AHL player or European pro player. However, if he does, he has the skill, sense, and creativity to be a very good offensive player in the NHL; the kind of guy who we reflect on in five years and say, “how on earth did this guy get drafted where he did.” Dumais has consistently been among the QMJHL’s leading scorers this year and was on fire prior to the league’s shutdown due to the east coast’s pandemic restrictions. Even as is, his maneuverability in tight is strong and it allows him to be elusive and escape pressure in the offensive zone. He is, simply put, a puck magnet. Many players in recent years have proven that skating, especially quickness, can be improved. But the things that Dumais does well are much harder to upgrade.

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Aleksanteri Kaskimaki - Wing - HIFK (Fin U20)

A strong skating, attacking winger, Kaskimaki has had a very strong statistical season in the Finnish junior leagues this year. He is exceptionally dangerous on the counter and in transition because of his linear quickness and ability to catch defenders flat footed. Kaskimaki also shows strong awareness as a playmaker and does well to scan the ice when at full speed to find open teammates before pressure collapses around him. Physicality is not really a large component to his game, but he does show well as a two-way player at the junior level with his positioning and active stick. Similar to some other players ranked in this range, currently there are some skill limitations to what Kaskimaki can accomplish. His hands do not always operate as quickly as his feet, especially as he attempts to alter pace or direction to evade traffic. If he can add some other layers to his game, or perform well at the Liiga level, he could move up this list by season’s end.

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Luca Del Bel Belluz - Center - Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Unquestionably, LDBB (as OHL scouts have come to know him) has been one of the most improved players this year. A former teammate of Adam Fantilli in the GTHL, DelBelBelluz struggled with the pace of the OHL game in his rookie year two years ago (he is a late born ‘03). However, he is now stronger, quicker, and more confident. The results speak for themselves. He is the first line center on one of the best teams in the OHL and has emerged as one of the league’s premier two-way pivots. DelBelBelluz solves problems so efficiently in the offensive zone because of his quick hands; he is a tough player to pin down. For all his strengths, his skating ability remains an area requiring growth, especially given that much of his game is predicated on his ability to lead the attack and maneuver through traffic. That said, his agility and quickness out of pivots already looks much improved from the start of the year. DelBelBelluz is a player who just seems to be getting better and better and he is majorly trending upwards.

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Ryan Chesley. Photo by Rena Laverty/USA Hockey

Ryan Chesley - Defense - USNDP (USHL)

Admittedly, Chesley is a player that we have ranked lower than our contemporaries. There is a lot to like about Chesley’s game. He is an absolute workhorse in the defensive end and one of the more physically punishing and suffocating defenders available this year. He is as strong as an ox down low. Chesley is also a high-end skater who shows quickness in bursts as he escapes pressure to lead the breakout. He occasionally quarterbacks the powerplay of the U.S. U18 team and does show an ability to use his four-way quickness to open up lanes for him or teammates to exploit. Our concern revolves around his awareness and vision. For every positive play Chesley makes, he can make a negative one with the puck by skating into traffic or telegraphing a pass that gets picked off. Because of his physical tools, he should become an NHL defender. However, we question his upside as a two-way defender and wonder if he is better suited to play a simple, stay at home role similar to former NHL defender Tim Gleason, who had similar issues and strengths as a junior player.

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Danny Zhilkin - Center - Guelph Storm (OHL)

It is hard not to appreciate the physical tools that Zhilkin brings to the table. He can be a dynamic transitional attacker with his speed and hands. It seems like every game he is able to break through on a rush by beating one or two defenders to the net in order to get a look in tight. Zhilkin has also transformed his game to become a quality two-way player whose effort and physical intensity in the defensive end is strong. The disconnect is that Zhilkin can have tunnel vision as an offensive player, which makes you question just how well he processes the game at full speed. He does not show a consistent ability to make his attacks unpredictable by altering pace and, as a result, he can be turnover prone. As a late born 2003 player, there is a little less room for improvement too, even if he has shown considerable growth as a player this year. The physical shell of an NHL center is present, but one has to wonder if the processing ability is good enough to be a top six player.

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Isaiah George - Defense - London Knights (OHL)

Everyone knows the London Knights are a development factory. This year is no different with several players likely to be drafted inside the Top 100. The best of the bunch according to us is mobile defender Isaiah George. Early on, George showed well as a simple stay at home defender who consistently squashed transitional attacks with his ability to maintain close gaps. However, he has slowly gained confidence in his ability to use his quickness to be a difference maker offensively. He now leads the attack out of the defensive zone and is consistently pushing deep in the offensive zone. He won’t wow you with skill, but there is a real efficiency to his game. Despite the return of Logan Mailloux and import Kirill Steklov, he continues to see significant minutes from Dale Hunter and has really earned his trust. It is easy to see George becoming an NHL defender in some capacity because of his elite mobility, especially under the watchful eye of the Knights’ development staff.

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Rieger Lorenz - Wing - Okotoks Oilers (AJHL)

Lorenz received a first-round grade from us early in the season, however now finds himself rated a little lower to no fault of his own. It is more of a case of others stepping up to surpass him, rather than Lorenz playing poorly. He has remained one of the highest scoring players in the AJHL and consistently produces every time he hits the ice. He does a lot of things well. He has a good combination of size, quickness, and skill and is consistently able to work his way into the slot at the AJHL level to create scoring chances. He competes hard away from the puck and is eager to be a difference maker away from the puck. Like any tier two prospect, the question is, what is the upside? How skilled is Lorenz really? The University of Denver commit would have benefited greatly from the World Junior A Challenge occurring, but sadly it was axed again this year. So, scouts (us included) will have to wait and see if Lorenz ends up making the Canadian U18 team this year to give them a comparison and a true assessment of his abilities and potential. Is there an elite quality in his game?

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Tyler Duke. Photo by Rena Laverty, USNTDP

Tyler Duke - Defense - USNDP (USHL)

Duke is the kind of player you have to see play to truly appreciate how greatly he impacts the game. His production has been modest, especially for an undersized defender. No question, it would be great to see him be a little more aggressive offensively to be more of a game breaker. But his game is so efficient. A breakout machine, Duke rarely gets pinned in the defensive zone and has such terrific scanning habits and instincts under pressure. His four-way mobility is good and it allows him to create space so that he can make those clean exits. It is rare to see Duke turn the puck over or fail to exit the zone. His overall game management skills are terrific, as he holds the line and keeps pucks in or communicates in the defensive end to ensure zone coverage holds up. He will lose marks for his lack of size and game breaking offensive skill set; however his measure of dependability has to be worth something. One has to wonder if he were placed in a different role and received more powerplay time, would we see his offensive confidence blossom?

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Mattias Havelid - Defense - Linkoping (SHL)

Another undersized defender, Havelid is an intelligent and impressive two-way player. The son of former Anaheim Ducks defender Niclas Havelid, Mattias was one of the best defensemen at last summer’s Hlinka/Gretzky cup. His poised and mature approach has also earned him a long look at the SHL level this season. Havelid manages the powerplay well with quick feet and a big point shot, and he shows well as an overall puck mover thanks to his vision. His defensive zone awareness is also solid, and it makes him a very competent and dependable all situations defender. However, does Havelid do anything at an elite or above average level that would see him project as a true top four defender? He’s mobile, but he could be quicker given his lack of size. He is skilled, but is he skilled enough to be a top unit powerplay QB in the NHL? The jack of all trades mantra can be a kiss of death for undersized defenders. That said, Havelid does have pedigree and a solid IQ, which should carry him to a pro career in some capacity. All eyes will be on him at the U18’s as he tries to replicate his success from the Hlinka/Gretzky.

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2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 100

Brock Otten — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:59:29 +0000

RED DEER, ALBERTA - DECEMBER 26: USA vs Slovakia preliminary round action at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship at WP Centrium on December 26, 2021 in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

A new year means a new draft ranking at McKeen’s Hockey, as we expand our list at mid-season to a Top 100. Back in mid-November, we released our preliminary ranking, a top 32, so this serves not only as an update, but an expansion too.

Like many, we were disappointed with the abrupt ending of the World Junior Championships, not just because it robbed us of some terrific hockey, but because it prevented a high-quality look at some of the best talents in this draft year. While a poor showing at the World Juniors is often dismissed, a strong showing can really help elevate a player’s standing. Ultimately, the decision to stop the tournament was the correct one, given the circumstances, however, hopefully the World Under 18’s can occur in Germany as planned in April.

At this point Kingston Frontenacs center and former CHL exceptional status player Shane Wright remains at the top of our rankings, however the gap is admittedly closing between him and some of the other players inside of our top five. Defenseman Simon Nemec is having a historically good season in the Slovak men’s league and will play for Slovakia at the Olympics. Center Logan Cooley is proving to be a dynamic two-way threat and is fresh off a terrific performance at the Biosteel All American Game. Center Matthew Savoie of the Winnipeg Ice continues to lead the WHL in scoring on the top ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League. A year ago, it was unfathomable to imagine anyone else but Wright being selected first overall. That concept is not as far-fetched today. Without question, Wright will need to pick up his play in the second half to withstand his competitors.

Looking specifically at those ranked inside our first round (top 32), the positional breakdown is as follows: 10 defenders, 22 forwards, and zero goaltenders. In fact, we do not have a single goaltender ranked inside the first two rounds. Tyler Brennan and Topias Leinonen are our top goaltenders, ranked 84th and 87th, respectively. The quality and depth of goaltenders available this year may be the worst that we have ever seen as a scouting staff.

Regionally, the breakdown is as follows: ten players from the CHL, seven players from the USHL (more specifically the NTDP), four players in Sweden, four players in Russia, three players in Finland, two players in Slovakia, and two players in Czechia. The U.S. National Development program is extremely well represented with ten players inside of our first two rounds.

This top 100 was formed in consultation with our regional scouts and our video scouting team. Now that we have our midseason list formed, look for our annual, in-depth individual scouting reports to start being published in the very near future.

Shane Wright of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Shane Wright	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/190	5-Jan-04	25-12-19-31
2	Simon Nemec	D	HK Nitra (Svk)	6-1/190	15-Feb-04	28-0-19-19
3	Matthew Savoie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	5-9/180	1-Jan-04	35-19-34-53
4	Logan Cooley	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	4-May-04	25-15-20-35
5	Danila Yurov	RW	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	6-1/175	22-Dec-03	21-0-0-0
6	Joakim Kemell	RW	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/175	27-Apr-04	21-12-6-18
7	Juraj Slafkovsky	LW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	6-4/225	30-Mar-04	20-1-3-4
8	Conor Geekie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	6-4/205	5-May-04	35-11-27-38
9	Brad Lambert	C	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	6-0/180	19-Dec-03	24-2-4-6
10	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	6-1/185	4-Feb-04	30-9-6-15
11	David Jiricek	D	HC Plzen (Cze)	6-3/190	28-Nov-03	29-5-6-11
12	Filip Mesar	C	HK Poprad (Svk)	5-10/165	3-Jan-04	22-6-5-11
13	Pavel Mintyukov	D	Saginaw (OHL)	6-1/190	25-Nov-03	31-6-17-23
14	Denton Mateychuk	D	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-11/190	12-Jul-04	35-7-24-31
15	Marco Kasper	C	Rogle BK (SHL)	6-1/185	8-Apr-04	27-4-2-6
16	Alexander Perevalov	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	6-0/190	16-Apr-04	29-19-20-39
17	Seamus Casey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/160	8-Jan-04	31-5-13-18
18	Frank Nazar	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/175	14-Jan-04	33-15-23-38
19	Noah Ostlund	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-10/160	11-Mar-04	19-6-18-24
20	Cutter Gauthier	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/190	19-Jan-04	33-20-12-32
21	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-11/170	24-Jul-04	25-19-15-34
22	Tristan Luneau	D	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-2/175	12-Jan-04	26-5-10-15
23	Nathan Gaucher	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	6-3/205	6-Nov-03	30-15-11-26
24	Ty Nelson	D	North Bay (OHL)	5-9/195	30-Mar-04	33-5-21-26
25	Vladimir Grudinin	D	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	5-10/160	9-Dec-03	15-2-7-9
26	Owen Beck	C	Mississauga (OHL)	5-11/190	3-Feb-04	33-13-16-29
27	Simon Forsmark	D	Orebro (SHL)	6-2/195	17-Oct-03	22-0-1-1
28	Mats Lindgren	D	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/175	26-Aug-04	34-2-19-21
29	Rutger McGroarty	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/205	30-Mar-04	27-15-17-32
30	Jiri Kulich	C	Karlovy Vary (Cze)	6-0/175	14-Apr-04	31-7-4-11
31	Isaac Howard	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	30-Mar-04	33-15-24-39
32	Jimmy Snuggerud	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/185	1-Jun-04	33-16-22-38
33	Filip Bystedt	C	Linkopings (SHL)	6-4/185	4-Feb-04	14-1-1-2
34	Brandon Lisowsky	LW	Saskatoon (WHL)	5-8/175	13-Apr-04	35-19-10-29
35	Jagger Firkus	RW	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-10/155	29-Apr-04	38-23-21-44
36	Maveric Lamoureux	D	Drummondville (QMJHL)	6-7/195	13-Jan-04	30-3-8-11
37	Matthew Poitras	C	Guelph (OHL)	5-11/175	10-Mar-04	29-10-13-23
38	Adam Ingram	C	Youngstown (USHL)	6-2/165	14-Oct-03	27-16-20-36
39	Liam Ohgren	LW	Djurgardens (SHL)	6-0/185	28-Jan-04	21-1-1-2
40	Calle Odelius	D	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	6-0/185	30-May-04	28-4-17-21
41	Sam Rinzel	D	Chaska (USHS-MN)	6-4/180	25-Jun-04	13-3-13-16
42	Ludwig Persson	LW	Frolunda J20 (Swe J20)	6-0/180	8-Oct-03	24-16-19-35
43	Artyom Duda	D	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (Rus)	6-1/180	8-Apr-04	36-11-20-31
44	Jani Nyman	RW	KOOVEE (Fin-Mestis)	6-3/210	30-Jul-04	23-14-9-23
45	Matyas Sapovaliv	C	Saginaw (OHL)	6-3/180	12-Feb-04	31-10-16-26
46	Kevin Korchinski	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-1/185	21-Jun-04	32-4-24-28
47	Gleb Trikozov	RW	Omskie Yastreby (MHL)	6-1/185	12-Aug-04	17-9-8-17
48	David Goyette	C	Sudbury (OHL)	5-11/170	27-Mar-04	32-12-18-30
49	Owen Pickering	D	Swift Current (WHL)	6-3/180	27-Jan-04	34-6-15-21
50	Lian Bichsel	D	Leksands (SHL)	6-5/215	18-May-04	13-0-1-1
51	Paul Ludwinski	LW	Kingston (OHL)	5-11/175	23-Apr-04	28-6-13-19
52	Jordan Dumais	RW	Halifax (QMJHL)	5-8/165	15-Apr-04	30-16-31-47
53	Aleksanteri Kaskimaki	LW	HIFK (Fin U20)	6-0/185	6-Feb-04	22-15-14-29
54	Luca Del Bel Belluz	C	Mississauga (OHL)	6-1/180	10-Nov-03	33-18-27-45
55	Ryan Chesley	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/195	27-Feb-04	32-2-5-7
56	Danny Zhilkin	C	Guelph (OHL)	6-2/185	19-Dec-03	27-10-14-24
57	Isaiah George	D	London (OHL)	6-0/195	15-Feb-04	29-1-9-10
58	Rieger Lorenz	LW	Okotoks (AJHL)	6-1/185	30-Mar-04	43-28-39-67
59	Tyler Duke	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-8/180	19-Jul-04	27-1-7-8
60	Mattias Havelid	D	Linkopings (SHL)	5-9/170	1-Jan-04	12-0-0-0
61	Arseni Koromyslov	D	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	6-3/180	3-Nov-03	22-0-8-8
62	Jack Hughes 2	C	Northeastern (NCAA-HE)	6-0/165	2-Nov-03	22-5-4-9
63	Lane Hutson	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-8/150	14-Feb-04	33-4-25-29
64	Gavin Hayes	RW	Flint (OHL)	6-1/175	14-May-04	30-8-9-17
65	Otto Salin	D	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/185	7-Mar-04	5-0-1-1
66	Hunter Haight	C	Barrie (OHL)	5-10/175	4-Apr-04	24-8-6-14
67	Antonin Verreault	LW	Gatineau (QMJHL)	5-8/165	28-Jul-04	29-8-18-26
68	Cameron Lund	RW	Green Bay (USHL)	6-2/185	7-Jun-04	30-11-9-20
69	Bryce McConnell-Barker	C	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-1/185	4-Jun-04	34-11-12-23
70	Brennan Ali	C	Lincoln (USHL)	6-1/195	9-Feb-04	2-0-0-0
71	David Spacek	D	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	6-0/170	18-Feb-03	27-5-20-25
72	Angus Booth	D	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	6-0/175	27-Apr-04	30-1-20-21
73	Jake Livanavage	D	Chicago (USHL)	5-9/160	6-May-04	32-2-25-27
74	Markus Vidicek	C	Halifax (QMJHL)	5-10/160	21-Mar-04	30-9-18-27
75	Matthew Seminoff	RW	Kamloops (WHL)	5-10/160	27-Dec-03	30-15-18-33
76	Kasper Kulonummi	D	Jokerit (Fin U20)	6-0/175	1-Mar-04	25-2-16-18
77	Vinzenz Rohrer	RW	Ottawa (OHL)	5-10/160	9-Sep-04	30-9-14-23
78	Elias Salomonsson	D	Skelleftea J20 (Swe J20)	6-1/170	31-Aug-04	24-8-9-17
79	Liam Arnsby	C	North Bay (OHL)	5-10/180	20-Nov-03	32-8-10-18
80	Daniil Orlov	D	Sakhalinskiye Akuly (MHL)	6-2/180	21-Dec-03	44-8-18-26
81	Quinn Finley	LW	Madison (USHL)	6-0/170	8-Aug-04	14-5-5-10
82	Topi Ronni	C	Tappara (Fin U20)	6-1/180	5-May-04	21-7-11-18
83	Jordan Gustafson	C	Seattle (WHL)	5-11/180	20-Jan-04	29-13-18-31
84	Tyler Brennan	G	Prince George (WHL)	6-4/190	27-Sep-03	8-11-2, 3.34, .902
85	Cole Spicer	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/175	13-Jun-04	31-10-12-22
86	Ryan Greene	C	Green Bay (USHL)	6-1/175	21-Oct-03	28-10-16-26
87	Topias Leinonen	G	JyP (Fin U20)	6-4/215	19-Jul-04	17GP, 2.17, .919
88	Alexander Suzdalev	LW	HV 71 J20 (Swe J20)	6-2/175	5-Mar-04	31-11-22-33
89	Pano Fimis	C	Niagara (OHL)	5-10/175	17-Jun-04	27-5-14-19
90	Spencer Sova	D	Erie (OHL)	6-1/185	10-Jan-04	30-2-12-14
91	Yoan Loshing	C	Moncton (QMJHL)	5-9/160	29-Feb-04	19-8-5-13
92	Jack Devine	RW	Denver (NCHC)	5-11/175	1-Oct-03	19-2-12-14
93	Ruslan Gazizov	RW	London (OHL)	5-11/185	21-Jan-04	20-5-11-16
94	Jackson Dorrington	D	Des Moines (USHL)	6-2/190	13-Apr-04	27-3-7-10
95	Jorian Donovan	D	Hamilton (OHL)	6-1/180	5-Apr-04	31-3-9-12
96	Jere Lassila	C	JyP (Fin U20)	5-9/170	8-Mar-04	13-7-4-11
97	Tucker Robertson	C	Peterborough (OHL)	5-11/190	22-Jun-03	31-19-23-42
98	Noah Warren	D	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-5/215	15-Jul-04	29-3-9-12
99	Zakary Lavoie	RW	Mississauga (OHL)	5-11/170	15-Mar-04	31-10-15-25
100	Boston Buckberger	D	Brooks (AJHL)	5-10/175	1-Jun-03	42-11-9-20

2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 32

Brock Otten — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 20:58:52 +0000

Shane Wright of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Shane Wright	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/190	5-Jan-04	25-12-19-31
2	Simon Nemec	D	HK Nitra (Svk)	6-1/190	15-Feb-04	28-0-19-19
3	Matthew Savoie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	5-9/180	1-Jan-04	35-19-34-53
4	Logan Cooley	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	4-May-04	25-15-20-35
5	Danila Yurov	RW	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	6-1/175	22-Dec-03	21-0-0-0
6	Joakim Kemell	RW	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/175	27-Apr-04	21-12-6-18
7	Juraj Slafkovsky	LW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	6-4/225	30-Mar-04	20-1-3-4
8	Conor Geekie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	6-4/205	5-May-04	35-11-27-38
9	Brad Lambert	C	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	6-0/180	19-Dec-03	24-2-4-6
10	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	6-1/185	4-Feb-04	30-9-6-15
11	David Jiricek	D	HC Plzen (Cze)	6-3/190	28-Nov-03	29-5-6-11
12	Filip Mesar	C	HK Poprad (Svk)	5-10/165	3-Jan-04	22-6-5-11
13	Pavel Mintyukov	D	Saginaw (OHL)	6-1/190	25-Nov-03	31-6-17-23
14	Denton Mateychuk	D	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-11/190	12-Jul-04	35-7-24-31
15	Marco Kasper	C	Rogle BK (SHL)	6-1/185	8-Apr-04	27-4-2-6
16	Alexander Perevalov	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	6-0/190	16-Apr-04	29-19-20-39
17	Seamus Casey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/160	8-Jan-04	31-5-13-18
18	Frank Nazar	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/175	14-Jan-04	33-15-23-38
19	Noah Ostlund	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-10/160	11-Mar-04	19-6-18-24
20	Cutter Gauthier	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/190	19-Jan-04	33-20-12-32
21	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-11/170	24-Jul-04	25-19-15-34
22	Tristan Luneau	D	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-2/175	12-Jan-04	26-5-10-15
23	Nathan Gaucher	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	6-3/205	6-Nov-03	30-15-11-26
24	Ty Nelson	D	North Bay (OHL)	5-9/195	30-Mar-04	33-5-21-26
25	Vladimir Grudinin	D	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	5-10/160	9-Dec-03	15-2-7-9
26	Owen Beck	C	Mississauga (OHL)	5-11/190	3-Feb-04	33-13-16-29
27	Simon Forsmark	D	Orebro (SHL)	6-2/195	17-Oct-03	22-0-1-1
28	Mats Lindgren	D	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/175	26-Aug-04	34-2-19-21
29	Rutger McGroarty	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/205	30-Mar-04	27-15-17-32
30	Jiri Kulich	C	Karlovy Vary (Cze)	6-0/175	14-Apr-04	31-7-4-11
31	Isaac Howard	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	30-Mar-04	33-15-24-39
32	Jimmy Snuggerud	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/185	1-Jun-04	33-16-22-38

MCKEEN’S 2022 NHL DRAFT PRELIMINARY RANKING

Brock Otten — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 23:44:35 +0000

Shane Wright of the KIngston Frontenacs. Photo by Robert Lefebvre/OHL Images.

It seems like just yesterday that we were putting the finishing touches on the 2021 NHL Entry Draft Guide, thanks to a late July date that was one month later than normal. The turnaround to the 2022 scouting season was short, yet in a way that is refreshing. The 2021 Draft was such a difficult one to scout with so many leagues on condensed or non-existent schedules. So far, the 2022 scouting season has seemed, well...normal and that is what is refreshing about it.

Other than a lack of Canadian participation, the 2021 Hlinka/Gretzky cup was held to kick off the season. The OHL has returned and the entire CHL is playing a full schedule. The Swedish junior leagues are back and the country looks to have a strong crop again. Every league being scouted across the globe is operating as per usual and it has made our job that much easier.

Our first 2022 NHL Draft ranking takes into account some international performances, in addition to league start-ups. The McKeen’s scouting team has been hard at work behind the scenes and we feel very confident in this early assessment.

Let’s look at a few breakdowns…

Positionally, our Top 32 includes 9 defensemen, 23 forwards, and zero goaltenders. This is the first time in a while where our list has not included a goaltender in the first round. Obviously, things can change, but right now it does not look like there is a Wallstedt, Cossa, or Spencer Knight in this group.

Regionally, our Top 32 includes ten CHL players, three players playing in Finland, six members of the U.S. U18 team (out of the USHL), six players playing in Sweden, three players playing in Russia, two players playing in Slovakia, one playing in the Czech Republic, and one playing in the AJHL.

It should come as no surprise to see Shane Wright at the top of our rankings. He is awakening from his slow start and is the reigning OHL player of the week. The brilliant two-way center still looks like a lock to be the first overall selection.

Other notables include:

Winnipeg Ice forward Matthew Savoie at #2, who is playing phenomenal hockey for arguably the CHL’s top team at the current moment.
Finnish winger Joakim Kemell at #3, who is currently leading Liiga in goal scoring and is on pace for the best U18 season in Finnish hockey history.
Long hyped Finnish winger Brad Lambert at #10, who has struggled to start the year and has become a very polarizing player already, including within our scouting ranks. His ranking at #10 serves as a middle ground compromise considering some within our team argued for him at the end of the first round, while others argued for him to be inside the top five.
Austrian born power center Marco Kasper at #18, who has been terrific playing for Rogle in the SHL and has become a favourite of our Swedish scout Patrik Bexell.
Stocky offensive defender Ty Nelson of the North Bay Battalion who makes up for a lack of ideal size with plus mobility, an intense physical approach, and a booming point shot. Like Lambert, Nelson was heavily debated, but our video scout team are huge fans of him.

Also listed are ten honorable mentions. These HM’s received heavy consideration based on the recommendation of our regional scouts. However, we just could not fit them into our first round ranking at this time. You can find those HM’s at the bottom of the list.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Shane Wright	C	Kingston (OHL)	6-1/190	5-Jan-04	14-6-12-18
2	Matthew Savoie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	5-9/180	1-Jan-04	18-8-21-29
3	Joakim Kemell	RW	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	5-11/175	27-Apr-04	16-12-6-18
4	Juraj Slafkovsky	LW	TPS (Fin-Liiga)	6-4/225	30-Mar-04	13-0-3-3
5	Simon Nemec	D	HK Nitra (Svk)	6-1/190	15-Feb-04	15-0-8-8
6	Danila Yurov	RW	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	6-1/175	22-Dec-03	17-0-0-0
7	Conor Geekie	C	Winnipeg (WHL)	6-4/205	5-May-04	18-6-17-23
8	Logan Cooley	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	4-May-04	15-9-11-20
9	David Jiricek	D	HC Plzen (Cze)	6-3/190	28-Nov-03	20-4-5-9
10	Brad Lambert	C	JyP (Fin-Liiga)	6-0/180	19-Dec-03	15-1-3-4
11	Ivan Miroshnichenko	LW	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	6-1/185	4-Feb-04	20-4-5-9
12	Frank Nazar	C	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/175	14-Jan-04	18-7-13-20
13	Noah Ostlund	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-10/160	11-Mar-04	10-2-13-15
14	Elias Salomonsson	D	Skelleftea J20 (Swe J20)	6-1/170	31-Aug-04	14-5-5-10
15	Tristan Luneau	D	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-2/175	12-Jan-04	13-1-6-7
16	Seamus Casey	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/160	8-Jan-04	18-5-8-13
17	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	C	Djurgardens J20 (Swe J20)	5-11/170	24-Jul-04	16-16-9-25
18	Marco Kasper	C	Rogle BK (SHL)	6-1/185	8-Apr-04	16-4-2-6
19	Ryan Chesley	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/195	27-Feb-04	17-1-3-4
20	Filip Mesar	C	HK Poprad (Svk)	5-10/165	3-Jan-04	13-4-3-7
21	Nathan Gaucher	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	6-3/205	6-Nov-03	17-7-8-15
22	Alexander Perevalov	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)	6-0/190	16-Apr-04	22-17-16-33
23	Rutger McGroarty	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-1/205	30-Mar-04	12-8-10-18
24	Rieger Lorenz	LW	Okotoks (AJHL)	6-1/185	30-Mar-04	22-12-20-32
25	Matthew Poitras	C	Guelph (OHL)	5-11/175	10-Mar-04	16-4-9-13
26	Ty Nelson	D	North Bay (OHL)	5-9/195	30-Mar-04	16-4-11-15
27	Ludwig Persson	LW	Frolunda J20 (Swe J20)	6-0/180	8-Oct-03	14-5-14-19
28	Denton Mateychuk	D	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-11/190	12-Jul-04	16-6-9-15
29	Mats Lindgren	D	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/175	26-Aug-04	15-1-8-9
30	Isaac Howard	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	5-10/180	30-Mar-04	18-8-12-20
31	Liam Ohgren	LW	Djurgardens (SHL)	6-0/185	28-Jan-04	14-1-1-2
32	Paul Ludwinski	LW	Kingston (OHL)	5-11/175	23-Apr-04	14-3-7-10

	HONOURABLE MENTIONS

	Simon Forsmark	D	Orebro J20 (Swe J20)	6-2/195	17-Oct-03	19-3-18-21
	Jack Hughes	C	Northeastern (NCAA-HE)	6-0/165	2-Nov-03	12-3-2-5
	Hunter Haight	C	Barrie (OHL)	5-10/175	4-Apr-04	14-4-4-8
	Bryce McConnell-Barker	C	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	6-1/185	4-Jun-04	16-8-4-12
	Vladimir Grudinin	D	Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)	5-10/160	9-Dec-03	14-2-6-8
	Kevin Korchinski	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-1/185	21-Jun-04	14-0-8-8
	Devin Kaplan	RW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/200	10-Jan-04	18-4-10-14
	Lian Bichsel	D	Leksands (SHL)	6-5/215	18-May-04	6-0-1-1
	Cutter Gauthier	LW	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/190	19-Jan-04	18-8-9-17
	Gleb Trikozov	RW	Omskie Yastreby (MHL)	6-1/185	12-Aug-04	8-7-4-11

Rieger Lorenz – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #24 Minnesota Wild – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 24th (Last Year - 14th) GM: Bill Guerin Hired: August 2019 COACH: John Hynes Hired: November 2023

1. Charlie Stramel, C, Michigan State University (NCAA)

2. Riley Heidt, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

3. David Spacek, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

4. Ryder Ritchie, RW, Boston University (NCAA)

5. Adam Benak, C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

6. Aron Kiviharju, D, HIFK (Liiga)

7. Hunter Haight, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

8. Carson Lambos, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

9. Justin Kipkie, D, Arizona State University (NCAA)

10. Theo Hallquisth, D, Örebro HK (SHL)

11. Caedan Bankier, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

12. Jack Peart, D, Iowa Wild (AHL)

13. Rasmus Kumpulainen, C, Iowa Wild (AHL)

14. Rieger Lorenz, LW, University of Denver (NCAA)

15. Carter Klippenstein, C, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – MINNESOTA WILD – Top 20 Prospects

2022 IIHF ICE HOCKEY U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Key Storylines – Players to Watch – Predictions

Division A

Canada

Storylines to Watch:

Top Players to Watch:

United States

Storylines to Watch:

Top Players to Watch:

Czechia

Storylines to Watch:

Players to Watch:

Germany

Storylines to Watch:

Players to Watch:

Division B

Sweden

Storylines to Watch:

Players to Watch:

Finland

Storylines to Watch:

Players to Watch:

Switzerland

Storylines to Watch:

Players to Watch:

Latvia

Storylines to Watch:

Player to Watch:

2022 NHL DRAFT: TIER 2 LEAGUES (USHS, CJHL, ETC.) TOP PROSPECTS – Part Two – Forwards

Zam Plante

Brennan Ali

Luke Devlin

Eli Sebastian

Rieger Lorenz

Bowden Singleton

Parker Murray

Cade Littler

Tyson Dyck

Grayson Badger

Michael Callow

Colin Kessler

Ben MacDonald

Daimon Gardner

Dylan Godbout

Cameron O’Neill

2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #51 thru #60

Paul Ludwinski - Center/Wing - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

Jordan Dumais - Wing - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

Aleksanteri Kaskimaki - Wing - HIFK (Fin U20)

Luca Del Bel Belluz - Center - Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Ryan Chesley - Defense - USNDP (USHL)

Danny Zhilkin - Center - Guelph Storm (OHL)

Isaiah George - Defense - London Knights (OHL)

Rieger Lorenz - Wing - Okotoks Oilers (AJHL)

Tyler Duke - Defense - USNDP (USHL)

Mattias Havelid - Defense - Linkoping (SHL)

2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 100

2022 NHLDRAFT: MCKEEN’S MID-SEASON RANKING – TOP 32

MCKEEN’S 2022 NHL DRAFT PRELIMINARY RANKING

Prospect System Ranking – 24th (Last Year - 14th)
GM: Bill Guerin Hired: August 2019
COACH: John Hynes Hired: November 2023