Samuel Helenius – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #18

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 18:21:43 +0000

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 20: Los Angeles Kings Defenseman Brandt Clarke (92) moves the puck during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings on October 20, 2022, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

Top 20 Los Angeles Kings Prospects

1. Brandt Clarke - D

If the Kings' plan all along was to give Clarke just a taste of the NHL before letting him go back to the OHL so that he would set the entire league on fire, then boy, mission accomplished. The growth in his game from 2021-22 to last season was meteoric, which really goes to show how much of a difference it can make to be around some of the best players in the world for a few weeks. His hockey sense in the offensive zone is almost spooky, as he loves to rove around and change position, and no matter where he goes or what he does the puck always seems to find him like a magnet. Opposing teams just have no answer for defending him when he activates like that. He will be given every opportunity to stay with Los Angeles for the entirety of this season.

2. Jordan Spence - D

Spence might have been ready to be a full-time NHLer last season considering the impressive audition that he gave in 2021-22, which even included some playoff games, but the Kings decided to not rush things and to let him marinate a little longer, and he's still young enough that it won't have hindered his ultimate upside in any way. There are few defensemen in his age range who think the sport as well as Spence does, and that goes a long way towards overcoming some of the limitations that he has between his size and mobility. He works very well on the power play, not necessarily as the one driving things through his stick, but more so by setting his teammates up to be more effective. Spence has a long NHL career ahead of him, though it's still a little murky to project how high up in a defence corps he will be able to play.

3. Alex Turcotte - C

Turcotte simply cannot catch a break when it comes to staying healthy. Ever since his draft year his career has been beleaguered by injuries and illnesses, from hip issues to mononucleosis to COVID to two concussions. Despite being the fifth overall pick in 2019, he has only played in 12 NHL games thus far and is still searching for his first NHL point. Even more concerning, the missed games have made it hard for him to fully find his game even down at the AHL level. When healthy and at his best he is a two-way possession specialist, always in the right position, and always making the right decisions with the puck. Where do things go for him from here? The Kings have been patient, but with his smaller stature, average footspeed, and lengthy injury history it's difficult to not worry about what the physicality of the NHL could do to him.

4. Samuel Fagemo - RW

Fagemo's name was one of the most surprising to not hear get called at the 2018 draft, his first year of eligibility. His natural knack for scoring goals was clearly evident even back then, but the rest of his game was still coming along. It didn't take him long to make every NHL team look foolish though, as he stormed out of the gate the very next season and hasn't stopped lighting the lamp at any level since. His shot is nasty, with a quick, hard release that he can both disguise and unload from difficult angles. His play without the puck is still very rough to watch at times, as he is easy to box out and he doesn't generate many scoring chances for himself or his teammates, but prospects who can find the back of the net with the frequency Fagemo can don't grow on trees.

5. Francesco Pinelli - C

The Kitchener Rangers badly underperformed as a team this season, but they did have one bright and shining constant: their captain, superstar Pinelli. He really came into his own last season as one of the best players in the entire league, crossing the 40-goal plateau and becoming a real three-zone, 200-foot force in a way that he hadn’t been before. He saved his very best hockey for the playoffs, helping the Rangers upset the heavily favoured Windsor Spitfires in the opening round. He is an impressively well-rounded and complete player, though his mental makeup stands out as his strongest quality. He's very focused and driven and maintains an even keel through the tougher times of the season. If Pinelli can continue improving his skating, which he will probably work tirelessly to accomplish, then he should be able to reach an even higher level.

6. Jakub Dvorak - D

One of the most enticing physical specimens of the 2023 draft, Dvorak spent last season solidifying himself as one of the top defensive options in his league at any age, leading to his 2nd round selection by the Kings. Looking surprisingly coordinated despite his considerable height, Dvorak spent this past season (as a 17-year-old) entirely with powerhouse Liberec in Czechia’s top men’s league. Featuring a wide wingspan, which he uses to good effect as a poke-checker, Dvorak has been a devastating physical force against his peers internationally, albeit a cage-wearing target playing pro back home. Always ready to apply himself physically, he has been nondescript in his work with the puck but is quite capable of making decent breakout passes and getting pucks to the net from the blueline. Czechia made heavy use of him at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and U18 Worlds last season, where he logged over 19 minutes of ice time per game in every outing. Looking like a future beast on the PK, Dvorak eats up time and space with his long reach and affinity for board work. He’s docked to spend the upcoming season gaining further experience and responsibility with Liberec in the Czech Extraliga.

7. Alex Laferriere - RW

Laferriere just keeps getting a little better and a little better year over year, and he's done it so many years in a row now that it would be foolish to expect anything else. His game is unassuming in a way, as he doesn't have a single tool that really jumps out at you, but he's seemingly always around the puck, and when you check the box scores he often has more points than you would have expected. He certainly helps advance Harvard's reputation for being a place that recruits and fosters smart prospects. Laferriere plays in a way that is simple yet effective, and safely projects as a 40-50 point-scorer in the show at his peak, even if he never plays higher than the second or third line and slots most comfortably in a supplementary role.

9. Aatu Jamsen - RW

There is no feeling as uniquely satisfying for a scout than vouching for a prospect in the seventh round who turns out to be a solid professional player and eventually becomes a regular NHLer. Jämsen has accomplished the former and is on a good trajectory for the latter, so the Kings scouts who facilitated that selection must be at least a little excited right now. He is a toolsy winger who has played for his hometown hockey organization, the Lahti Pelicans, from their youth programs up through every single level to Finland's highest league, the Liiga. And it was in the Liiga last season where he showed that his credibility as an offensive threat wasn't just confined to junior. Due to a lack of international exposure, Jämsen is currently one of the best-kept secrets in the prospect world.

10. Erik Portillo - RW

Portillo saw the writing on the wall in Buffalo, with the Sabres having fellow highly-touted young netminders in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in their system, and made it clear that he didn't wish to sign his first NHL contract with them. The team eventually agreed and his rights were traded to the Kings, where his path to success is more clear. He's an enormous, fairly technically sound goalie who was a late bloomer and has since flashed tantalizing potential. He still needs to refine the details in his play. He put up some dazzling numbers with Michigan, but on the flip side, had the luxury of playing behind a team that usually had the puck. The AHL might be an eye-opening challenge for him, and how he responds could be indicative of just how good he really is — and how good he could still become.

11. Akil Thomas - G

Injuries, specifically a shoulder injury, have really derailed Thomas’ development, limiting him to only 13 games last season. The former Canadian WJC hero still has terrific offensive upside, but he just needs to find a way to stay healthy.

12. Tyler Madden - C

2022-23 was a step back for Madden as he saw his offensive production (on a point per game basis) decrease from the year prior. Time is running out for the once promising prospect as he is no longer exempt from waivers. The talent level is still high but he continues to have trouble with consistency and is prone to playing primarily on the perimeter.

13. Martin Chromiak - C

Chromiak’s first pro year had its ups and downs, but he showed enough promise to remain a highly thought of prospect in the system. The focus moving forward needs to be on getting both quicker and stronger.

14. Samuel Helenius - C

The massive center was a huge (no pun intended) disappointment in his first full pro season in North America, scoring all of two goals for AHL Ontario. It’s starting to look like his offensive upside may be pretty limited, but the physical tools nevertheless give him a chance to be a solid bottom six center.

15. Jack Hughes - C

A slippery offensive player, Hughes’ skill shines through as he looks to attack the offensive zone. Strength and speed deficits continue to prevent him from being a more consistent player and he’ll look to take a big step forward in his junior season with Northeastern this year.

16. Kasper Simontaival - RW

An undersized, but competitive winger, Simontaival continues to improve every year in Finland. Positive progression is a good thing and he is starting to look like a future middle six candidate for Los Angeles in the near future.

17. Kenny Connors - C

The big surprise of the Kings’ system last year, Connors adjusted to the NCAA game seamlessly with UMass and even earned a place on the American WJC team. A competitive, two-way center, he is altering the perception of his upside.

18. Otto Salin - D

A mobile, offensively oriented defender, Salin is coming off a strong rookie season in Liiga with HIFK. A potential powerplay quarterback, the Kings are looking for him to tighten up his decision making and play in his own end.

19. Kim Nousiainen - D

The smaller defender’s development appears to be headed in the wrong direction. Once thought to be a top defender in the system, his play in the AHL thus far has been uninspiring. This is likely a big year for his development, especially given LA’s depth.

20. Matthew Mania - D

It was pretty shocking for us to see Mania fall as far as he did on draft day, but the Kings may have gotten a good one here. Mania is an impressive mover on the back-end and he is still gaining confidence in how to use it to his advantage offensively. Defensively, he is a work in progress, but the upside is high.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #15 Los Angeles Kings

Derek Neumeier — Sat, 20 May 2023 12:46:52 +0000

Long heralded for one of the best prospect systems in the NHL, recent success with two successive playoff appearances and their best winning percent (0.634) since 1990-91 and the Wayne Gretzky era, has caused them to slip from 8^th ranked to the middle of the pack with graduations. They still boast #7 ranked Brandt Clarke on defense as the crown jewel of their prospect group and should join graduated prospects, Quinton Byfield, Arthur Kaliyev, Rasmus Kupari, Tobias Bjornfot. Jordan Spence has continued to develop and looks ready for the NHL. Whether in LA or elsewhere in the NHL. Alex Turcotte has seen his rank diminish due to injury concerns, a slight build and average skating, whether his initial promise will be able to deliver in the pro rank. Samuel Fagemo remains a sniper, whose skills can’t be taught, but an adventure without the puck, and it remains to be seen if he can put it together.

GM Rob Blake, in the chair since 2017, has not been very active on the trade front, preferring to focus on the free agent market, acquiring Kevin Fiala, Philip Danault, Viktor Arvidsson, as key pieces in recent years. He did move his first and third round pick (plus Jonathan Quick – who was subsequently moved to Vegas) for Joonas Korpisalo and Vladislav Gavrikov at the deadline. That may signal a more aggressive push in coming seasons to move picks and prospects than he has been willing to do so far. Blake has his core and will work around it in pursuit of a championship.

Brandt Clarke

If the Kings' plan all along was to give Clarke just a taste of the NHL before letting him go back to the OHL so that he would set the entire league on fire, then boy, mission accomplished. The growth in his game from last year to this year was meteoric, which really goes to show how much of a difference it can make to be around some of the best players in the world for a few weeks. His hockey sense in the offensive zone is almost spooky, as he loves to rove around and change position, and no matter where he goes or what he does the puck always seems to find him like a magnet. Opposing teams just have no answer for defending him when he activates like that. He will be given every opportunity to stay with Los Angeles for the entirety of next season.

2. Jordan Spence

Spence might have been ready to be a full-time NHLer this season considering the impressive audition that he gave last year, which even included some playoff games, but the Kings decided to not rush things and to let him marinate a little longer, and he's still young enough that it won't have hindered his ultimate upside in any way. There are few defensemen in his age range who think the sport as well as he does, and that goes a long way towards overcoming some limitations that he has with size and mobility. Works very well on the powerplay, not necessarily as the one driving things through his stick, but moreso by managing it in a way that sets his teammates up to be more effective. Spence has a long NHL career ahead of him, though it's still a little murky to project how up in a defense corps he will be able to play.

3. Alex Turcotte

Turcotte simply cannot catch a break when it comes to staying healthy. Ever since his draft year his career has been beleaguered by injuries and illnesses, from hip issues to mononucleosis to COVID to two concussions. Despite being the 5^th overall pick in 2019 he has only played in 12 NHL games thus far and is still searching for his first NHL point. Even more concerning, the missed games have made it hard for him to fully find his game even down at the AHL level. When healthy and at his best he is a two-way possession specialist, always in the right position, and always making the right decisions with the puck. Where do things go for him from here? The Kings have been patient, but with his smaller stature, average footspeed and lengthy injury history it's difficult to not worry about what the physicality of the NHL could do to him.

4. Samuel Fagemo

Fagemo's name was one of the most surprising to not hear get called at the 2018 draft, his first year of eligibility. His natural knack for scoring goals was clearly evident even back then, but the rest of his game was still coming along. It didn't take him long to make every NHL team look foolish, though, as he stormed out of the gate the very next season and hasn't stopped lighting the lamp at any point since. His shot is nasty, with a quick, hard release that he can both disguise and unload from difficult angles. Sure, his play without the puck is very rough to watch at times, he is easy to box out and he doesn't generate many scoring chances for himself or his teammates, but prospects who can find the back of the net with the frequency he can don't grow on trees.

5. Helge Grans

Grans still has a lot of work left to do before he'll be ready to hack it at the NHL level, and his play thus far in the AHL hasn't lived up to expectations, but the long-term upside that he still possesses is undeniable. He checks off a lot of boxes that you want to see in a defenseman: athleticism, size, reach, mobility, puck movement. Heck, he even shoots right instead of left, which is always a perk. Unfortunately, he still struggles to blend all these tools together. There are fair questions about his hockey sense and processing speed, and for a blueliner with his profile he you'd like to see more sandpaper and a stronger willingness to work hard to win positioning and pucks. Grans could be the type of prospect who blows up in his mid 20s, or he might never become much more than he is right now.

6. Francesco Pinelli

The Kitchener Rangers badly underperformed as a team this season, but they did have one bright and shining constant: their superstar and captain Pinelli. He really came into his own this season as one of the best players in the entire league, crossing the 40-goal plateau and becoming a real three-zone, 200-foot force in a way that he wasn't before. He saved his very best hockey for the playoffs, though, helping his team upset the heavily favored Windsor Spitfires in the opening round. He is an impressively well-rounded and complete player, though his mental makeup stands out as his strongest quality. He's very focused and driven and maintains an even keel through the times where things get tougher. If Pinelli can keep improving his skating, which he will probably work tirelessly to accomplish, then he should be able to reach an even higher level than he's at right now.

7. Alex Laferriere

Laferriere just keeps getting a little better and a little better year over year, and he's done it so many years in a row now that it would be foolish to expect anything else from happening. His game is unassuming in a way, as he doesn't have a single tool that really jumps out at you, but he's seemingly always around the puck, and when you check the boxscores after a game he often has more points than you would have expected. He certainly helps advance Harvard's reputation for being a place that recruits and fosters smart prospects. Laferriere plays in a way that is simple yet effective, and safely projects as someone who could be a 40-50 point-scorer in the show at his peak, even if he never plays higher than the second or third line and slots most comfortably in a supplementary role.

8. Akil Thomas

Thomas's last few years have gone oddly, and unfortunately, similar to Turcotte's. Once seen as a top prospect who could generate offense in a top six center role and lead a dangerous powerplay, his transition to professional hockey has been marred by injuries, while also highlighting existing and unrealized limitations with his athleticism and skating. There are genuine differences between what works in junior and what works in the AHL or NHL, and some players have more trouble than others at transforming and elevating their game in the necessary ways. Thomas still has a lot of time left in his career to turn things around, and if Los Angeles eventually decides to part ways with him there will surely be other teams willing to give him an opportunity for redemption and reclamation in a new environment.

9. Erik Portillo

Portillo saw the writing on the wall in Buffalo, with the Sabres having fellow highly-touted young netminders in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in their system, and made it clear that he didn't prefer to sign his first NHL contract with them. The team eventually agreed, and his rights were traded to the Kings, where his path to success is more apparent. He's an enormous, fairly technically sound goalie who was a late bloomer and has since flashes some tantalizing potential. Still needs to refine the details in his play. He put up some dazzling numbers with Michigan, but on the flip side, had the luxury of playing behind a team that usually had the puck. The AHL might be an eye-opening challenge for him, and how he responds could be indicative of just how good he really is — and how good he could still become.

10. Aatu Jamsen

There is no feeling as uniquely satisfying for a scout than vouching for a prospect in the 7^th round who turns out to be a solid professional player and eventually becomes a regular NHLer. Jämsen has accomplished the former and is on a good trajectory for the latter, so the Kings scouts who facilitated that selection must be at least a little excited right now. He is a toolsy winger who has played for his hometown hockey organization, the Lahti Pelicans, from their youth programs all the way up through every single level to Finland's highest league, the Liiga. And it was in the Liiga this season where he showed that his ability to be a credible offensive threat wasn't just confined to junior. Due to a lack of international exposure Jämsen is currently one of the best-kept secrets in the prospect world.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – LOS ANGELES KINGS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 18:37:35 +0000

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 12: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence (53) carries the puck during the NHL game between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings on March 12, 2022 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Brandt Clarke D

The 8th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Brandt Clarke has continued to prove why he was deserving of a top 10 pick, consistently showcasing his high-end skill and hockey sense every shift. He’s able to create plays that others don’t think about trying and he consistently executes. The former 4th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft didn’t take long to make an impact and adapt to the league, finishing his rookie year with 38 points (6G,32A) in 57 games. During the 2020-2021 season as the OHL was shutdown due to Covid-19, Clarke elected to play in Europe like some other OHL players. Clarke played 26 games in the Slovakian league and was able to produce 15 points (5G,10A). Clarke also had the opportunity to play in the U18 World Championship and had a successful tournament, finishing with seven points (2G,5A) in seven games. In the 2021-2022 season, Clarke finished with 59 points (11G,48A) in 55 games, which was 2nd on the team in points, 1st on the team in assists and 5th in the league in points by a defenseman. A knee injury that required surgery unfortunately forced Clarke to miss the end of the season and also the playoffs. Clarke’s best assets are his playmaking and hockey sense. He has the ability to make others around him better by executing perfect passes and opening up space for teammates. He understands how to change the pace of the game, manipulate opponents with deception and find the best play possible consistently, making him a very useful asset. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Clarke should once again be one of the best defensemen in the league, if not the best. He’ll be playing heavy minutes, and in all situations, being a go-to player for the Colts. - DK

2- Jordan Spence D

Talk about an explosive pro debut. The Kings have one of the best groups of young talent in the NHL, one easy to get lost in. This is especially true of a later round draft pick like Spence, even if he had a quality run in the QMJHL. However, Spence was an immediate impact player in the AHL, which led him to be recalled by Los Angeles, where he finished out the season. Not only did Spence end up being named to the AHL First All-Star team, but he was highly productive in the NHL, positioning himself well for a full-time role this coming season. He is most at home in the offensive zone. He has great four-way mobility, and this allows him to walk the line well to open up lanes for exploiting. He has good vision and hands and the combination of all of these things makes him a potential powerplay quarterback. In fact, Spence could be the quarterback of Los Angeles’ first unit this season, something that could make him a Calder Trophy candidate (he is still barely eligible after playing 24 games last year, one short of the limit). How far up the lineup Spence ends up playing in the future will depend on the development of his defensive game. The 5’10 blueliner will need to keep getting stronger and improving in this area, otherwise he runs the risk of having his usage sheltered. However, there may not be a prospect in the NHL who improved their status more than Spence has in the last calendar year. - BO

3 - Alex Turcotte C

It seems like many in the industry have already forgotten about Turcotte, writing him off because of his laundry list of injuries the last few years. Obviously, his inability to stay healthy is concerning, especially given the aggressive way he likes to play. However, he should still be considered a top prospect because when he has played, his performance has been solid. He is still only 21 years old. Turcotte is impressive for the versatility he provides. He can attack the offensive zone with pace because of his quickness and silky hands. He can also excel when the pace slows because of the way he works the wall, crashes the net, and makes plays through traffic. A physical player, Turcotte is tenacious and skilled, a combination not many centers possess. That is why he was such a high pick in the first place. He still possesses the potential to be a top six player for the Kings in the future. Ultimately, he may have to change the way he plays a bit to avoid the injury bug, but even a less physical Turcotte should have a place in the NHL. Next season, the Kings would be wise to be more patient with his development. Given the depth the team has at the pro level, let him play out a full year in the AHL and show that he can stay healthy. Then give him a full time look to start 2023-24 with the main club in a key role. - BO

4 - Samuel Fagemo RW

A Los Angeles Kings 2^nd rounder in 2019, drafted as an overager, Fagemo has developed very impressively manner and is now coming his best professional season. The compact 5’11” forward enjoyed several strong seasons in the SHL, as well as an incredible 2020 WJC (13 points in 7 games) before beginning his North American venture at the tail end of the 20-21 season. If his initial introduction to the AHL wasn’t exciting enough, his sophomore effort has Los Angeles once again looking like they’re getting everything right with their plethora of recent draft picks. His offensive production improved to be one of the top contributors for the Reign. Consistently showing himself to be primarily a goal-scorer, Fagemo has very solid hands and a good bit of creativity. His drive to the goal and propensity to seek shooting options are the defining aspects to his game. His one-timer and wrister – both seen frequently on the power play – can be extremely accurate and tricky for goaltenders. His skating won’t hold him back from making the NHL, but it’s not his strongest suit. There are times he can be somewhat manhandled and faster players can make him a bit of a non-factor in certain situations. Los Angeles is loaded with prospects, but Fagemo will enter this season having a shot at a spot on the wing, even if LA’s transitioning of centers such as Gabe Vilardi will increase his competition for a spot in the show. – CL

5 - Jaret Anderson-Dolan C

This is a big year for Anderson-Dolan. It is time for him to prove that he is an NHL player and can stick in the league full time. After playing out the 2020-21 season with the Kings (in the pandemic year), he got caught in a numbers game last year and spent the majority of it in the AHL. This year, JAD is no longer exempt from waivers, something that could give him an advantage over other young Kings’ players when it comes to breaking camp with Los Angeles. The other thing that could give him a leg up is his versatility. Not only did he have a breakout offensive campaign at the AHL level last year, but he is also a well-rounded player who could play a variety of different roles for LA. He can play center or the wing. He can kill penalties. He is active on the forecheck and responsible defensively. His shot is still a weapon, and he can be used on the flank of the powerplay. There is still a safe projection with Anderson-Dolan as a middle six NHL forward. Will that be with the Kings or another organization? At some point, Los Angeles will have to figure out what to do with their depth. Even if his future might not be in L.A., Anderson-Dolan is a likely NHL roster player this season. - BO

6 - Helge Grans D

The 35^th overall in 2020, Grans is a well-built defenseman who brings a safe game and skill set to the table. The righty sticks out due to his combination of skill and mobility in a sizable package. Already a 26-game SHL veteran in his draft year, another full season in the SHL following his selection, chipping in 12 points over the course of 43 games. The Kings gave him an ELC and brought the 6’3”, 205-pounder over to the AHL. Despite missing a quarter of the schedule, this past season proved to be a resounding success for Grans. He nailed down a top four job and contributed at both ends. Unlike many of his LA King prospect brethren, Grans’ 22-23 season began early as held a first pairing role for Team Sweden at the summer edition WJC. He contributed nicely to the bronze-medal winners, with four assists and a +5 rating in seven games for what was a low-scoring, defensively adept Swedish club. Moreover, he played between 17.5 - 22 minutes per game, getting more ice time in the elimination games. Smothering at times, Grans excels at taking away space and working opponents to the outside until their plays die along the boards. His progress to date indicates the quality to be a second pairing defender for the Kings at some point in the near future, although he is expected to start the season back in the AHL. – CL

7 - Francesco Pinelli C

The 42nd overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Francesco Pinelli had a good season as the captain of the Rangers and continued to show that he’s a very effective and creative player. The former 13th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft found success early in the league, quickly making an impact and finishing the season with 41 points (18G,23A) in 59 games. During the 2020-2021 season while the OHL was shutdown due to Covid-19, Pinelli made the trip to Europe like some others and played in the Alps Hockey League, producing 11 points (5G,6A) in 13 games. Pinelli also got the opportunity to play in the U18 World Championship. During the 2021-2022 season, Pinelli missed some games due to a lower body injury but was still able to finish the season with 60 points (22G,38A) in 55 games, which was 3rd on the team in points, 3rd on the team in goals and 2nd on the team in assists. Pinelli’s best assets are his hockey sense and playmaking. He reads and anticipates play very well in all three zones, having great positioning and awareness. He’s the type of player who seems to always know where everyone is on the ice, being so effective at making smart plays at high pace and while under pressure. Pinelli has the ability to make crisp and accurate passes to high danger scoring areas very consistently, making him a threat when he has the puck in the offensive zone. He combines great deception and creativity to open space up for himself and teammates. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Pinelli will be looked at again to be a leader for the Rangers and be a top points producer in the league. - DK

8 - Kirill Kirsanov D

Kirill Kirsanov is one of the most talented young defenders in Russia. He was selected at No. 84 overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2021 and played a large portion of last year in the KHL. The defenseman had offers from North America, but he chose to stay in Russia to try to become a full time KHL player this season. Kirsanov is a strong two-way defender. He is consistent with his defensive play, but also shows good ability to move the puck into the offensive zone. He is strong and difficult to play against as he rarely makes any mistakes, handles the forecheck well and keeps opponents to the outside. He has the potential to be a real general on the backend who can lead the breakout and his offensive upside does remain significant. Kirsanov is also a strong mover, something that he uses to his advantage in every zone. At the very least, he should become a quality defensive first player, given his good size, mobility, and awareness. How his offensive game develops will be the thing the Kings focus on most. Kirsanov's current contract in Russia ends after the 2022-23 season and there is a chance he comes to North America then. - DB

9 - Jack Hughes C

While Jack Hughes might only be known to some because he’s the son of Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes, he’s a talented prospect in his own right. A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, Hughes chose to head to college earlier than some of his peers and spent the entirety of his draft season playing for Northeastern University. Hughes had a decent season, but it was far from the resounding endorsement of his merits as a first-round caliber prospect that some had hoped it would be, and as a result he saw his stock slip into second-round territory, where he was nabbed by the Los Angeles Kings 51st overall. Hughes’ season at Northeastern showed the positives and negatives in his profile quite well. On one hand, he showed that he could stick at a difficult competition level and function competently within a disciplined, structured game. He executed coach Jerry Keefe’s system well, and on a night-to-night basis he looked like the kind of player who could fit seamlessly into the professional ranks. But that pro-ready style could have also contributed to his fall from first-round consideration, as there was the feeling that Hughes consistently left scouts wanting a bit more. Just a bit more offensive flair, some more consistent production, some more creativity, et cetera. It is an open question if Hughes’ skill level is high enough for him to become an impact offensive player, but at the very least Hughes looks like a pretty safe bet to have an NHL career as a bottom-six player who pleases coaches and fans alike with safe, responsible two-way play. - EH

10 - Akil Thomas C

Evaluating Thomas’ sophomore pro season is fairly difficult. Surface level, one might look at his 13 points on the year and consider it a disappointment. But context is required. Thomas did not play until about the halfway point of the year, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Immediately upon returning, he was eased back in a light role. Slowly, he looked more comfortable, and he finished the year extremely well, moving up into the top six by the Calder Cup playoffs. That makes the coming season a very important one for him. The Los Angeles system is extremely deep, and Thomas needs to find a way to stand out. That means finally producing at a consistent clip in the AHL. While he is far from a one-dimensional player, his meal ticket to the NHL will be based on his ability to create scoring chances. A strong playmaker, Thomas has excellent hands and vision. His passing touch was his calling card as an OHL player, and it should be as a pro as well. The key for him this offseason will be to further improve his athletic tools. He needs to get stronger to be able to consistently play through traffic and contact. He also needs to get quicker to create separation from pro level defenders. A generous philanthropist, Thomas has a great head on his shoulders. Mature beyond his years, the hockey community will be cheering for him to take that next step as a pro. - BO

11 - Martin Chromiak

Even though Chromiak was one the OHL’s top goal scorers this past season with Kingston, his game may not have truly progressed all that much. He’s highly intelligent but there is still a need for him to improve his pace and physical intensity.

12 - Tyler Madden

Injuries have been tough on Madden so far at the pro level. The former Northeastern star badly needs to bulk up to handle the rigors of the pro level. However, it’s too early to give up on his high talent level and potential.

13 - Samuel Helenius

The Kings should get a better read on the massive center’s offensive upside after his first pro season with Ontario this coming year. Helenius owns an intriguing skill set, but can he handle the pace of the pro game in North America?

14 - Kasper Simontaival

The undersized winger has a blistering shot and excellent scoring potential. He will return to Finland this year and attempt to establish himself as a top six forward in Liiga before potentially crossing the pond.

15 - Kim Nousiainen

After establishing himself as a quality Liiga defender the last few seasons, Nousiainen will play for Ontario this season in the AHL. Nousiainen may be undersized, but he’s proven a capable two-way defender in Finland.

16 - Jacob Moverare

It’s been a long road for the former 2016 selection, but he has finally emerged as an option for the Kings on the backend. He plays a simple game, but his defensive zone effectiveness makes him a potential third pairing defender for Los Angeles.

17 - Aidan Dudas

There is definitely a path that brings Dudas to the NHL. The competitive forward excels as a forechecker and on the penalty kill and could be a long time fourth line option for the Kings.

18 - Jacob Ingham

The competition for playing time in net in LA’s farm system is extremely competitive due to their depth. Ingham may very well have to return to the ECHL for another season this year.

19 - David Hrenak

The Slovak netminder was a five-year standout at St. Cloud State (NCAA) before finally turning pro late last season. The highly athletic Hrenak will compete for time at the AHL level this season.

20 - Taylor Ward

The former UNO standout was an immediate impact player for Ontario after signing as a free agent late last season. The power winger is the son of former NHL’er Dixon Ward. He excels driving the net and playing near the crease.

2022 IIHF World Junior Championship Preview

Zack Szweras — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 13:26:09 +0000

World Juniors’ Preview

Group A:

There is going to be a ton of competition out of this group, between Canada, Finland and Czechia. With this tournament being held in August, there will be omissions of players attending NHL training camp with the hope of making their respective NHL rosters. It will be interesting to see which countries will benefit the most from this.

Czechia

Line Projections

Jiri Kulich – Michal Gut – Jan Mysak

Ivan Ivan – Gabriel Szturc – Petr Hauser

Martin Rysavy – Matyas Sapovaliv – Jaroslav Chmelar

Tomas Urban – Matous Mensik – Jakub Kos

Stanislav Svozil – David Jiricek

Jiri Tichacek – Stepan Nemec

Tomas Hamara – David Spacek

Jan Bednar

Tomas Suchanek

Czechia is entering this tournament with one of the more complete group of defencemen. Highlighted by Columbus Blue Jacket’s prospects David Jiricek and Stanislav Svozil, it will be tough to get around their big-bodied defence. On top of that, Tomas Hamara, David Spacek and Jiri Tichacek can provide offence from the blueline. Currently David Jiricek did not travel with the team as he tested positive for COVID.

To complement their defence, they also have NHL drafted forwards spread through their lineup. The most notable names include Jiri Kulich, who was recently selected 28th in the 2022 entry draft from the Buffalo Sabres, Jan Mysak the Canadiens prospect who produced this year for the Hamilton Bulldogs on their way to win the OHL cup and Matyas Sapovaliv, the playmaking power forward taken in the 2nd round of this year’s draft by the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Everett Silvertips’ center Michal Gut will look to provide his improved playmaking, likely playing alongside goal scorers Kulich and Mysak.

Lastly, they will be looking for solid goaltending from Detroit Red Wings’ prospect Jan Bednar. With all their skill in their top-six forwards and on their blueline, Czechia will have to hope their depth can hold up and keep up with powerhouses like Finland and Canada.

Canada

Josh Roy – Mason McTavish – Connor Bedard

Kent Johnson– Logan Stankoven – Tyson Forester

Brennan Othman – Ridley Greig – William Dufour

Will Cuylle – Elliot Desnoyers – Nathan Gaucher

Donovan Sebrango – Olen Zellweger

Ryan O’Rourke – Lukas Cormier

Ronan Seely – Jack Thompson

Dylan Garand

Brett Brochu

While the Canadian team looks drastically different from the cancelled January World Juniors, they still have a strong chance of going far in this tournament. Offensively, Canada is loaded with the likes of Mason McTavish, Kent Johnson, Logan Stankoven and of course, 2023 projected first overall pick, Connor Bedard. Mason McTavish looked dominant in the January World Juniors. Using his combination of size, speed and skill to bully opponents, he will look to continue his success. The potential pairing of Kent Johnson and Logan Stankoven should be extremely fun to watch, as Johnson has elite skill often undressing defenders and Stankoven dominated the WHL last year, winning not only the WHL but the CHL player of the year award. Lastly, who can forget the name Connor Bedard, the 17-year-old phenom is coming off a season in which he produced 100 points in 61 WHL games and don’t forget he became the second 16-year-old to score a hat trick for Canada in the cancelled January World Juniors since some guy named Wayne Gretzky.

Defensively, Canada took a large blow losing both Kaiden Guhle and Owen Power, however they still have plenty of talent with Olen Zellweger, Ryan O’Rourke and Lukas Cormier. Olen Zellweger took his offensive game to another level last year producing 78 points in 55 games as an 18-year-old. He will see time running Canada’s powerplay. O’Rourke is a strong two-way defenceman who never takes a shift off, always trying to be involved, whether it’s a big hit, transition pass or a poke check to change momentum. O’Rourke will likely be paired with Lukas Cormier as Cormier is an extremely gifted offensive defenceman. While O’Rourke can bring strong defensive presence, Cormier will look for opportunities to transition the puck and join the odd man rush.

The final question for Canada is their goaltending. They are coming into the tournament with three solid options in Dylan Garand, Brett Brochu and Sebastian Cossa. All indications point to Garand and Brochu battling it out for the starting goaltending position. No matter who takes the net, Canada should be comfortable with all options available. Canada will be a team to beat this tournament.

Slovakia

Line Projections

Maros Jedlicka – Jakub Demek – Adam Sykora

Servac Petrovsky – Oleksiy Myklukha – Matej Kaslik

Samuel Honzek – Dalibor Dvorsky – Roman Faith

Oliver Stumpel – Peter Repcik – Lubomir Kupco

Rayen Petrovicky – Viliam Kmec

Adam Stripai – Maxim Strbak

Simon Groch – Boris Zabka

Tomas Bolo

Patrik Andrisik

Slovakia has taken a large hit from the tournament being held in August rather than December as top prospects Juraj Slafkovsky, Simon Nemec and Filip Mesar are not on the roster as they focus on NHL training camps. With that being said, there are still plenty of names worth watching. Looking at the forwards, Slovakia will be leaning on New York Rangers’ forward Adam Sykora to generate offence, who has made a strong impact on all international teams for Slovakia over the past year. Besides Sykora, Slovakia will be looking at Maros Jedlicka, who had a strong season in Slovakia, Minnesota Wild’s prospect Servac Petrovsky and Vegas

Golden Knights’ prospect Jakub Demek to provide support. The biggest name to watch for Slovakia, however, will be 2023 draft eligible Dalibor Dvorsky. Dvorsky as of now is seen as a top 10 talent in the upcoming draft and continues to find success internationally. The blueline is truly taking a toll with 2nd overall pick Simon Nemec opting not to participate in this tournament. Slovakia will look to rely on Rayen Petrovicky to give them top pairing minutes and solid defence from the backend. With the lack of depth, another 2023 draft eligible, Maxim Strbak, will be asked to step up to the plate. Strbak was a large piece of the Slovak team that won silver medal at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and looks to make his name known as someone to keep an eye on during his draft year.

Finally, in net Slovakia will most likely look towards 20-year-old Tomas Bolo as the starter for the team. Bolo has consistently played for Slovakia in international play and played well for Slovakia at the start of the cancelled World Juniors this past January. Overall, Slovakia will be an exciting team to watch, but will need to overcome the lack of depth in order to compete in a strong Group A.

Finland

Line Projections

Roni Hirvonen – Aatu Raty – Joakim Kemell

Ville Koivunen – Samuel Helenius – Brad Lambert

Roby Jarventie – Juuso Maenpaa – Kasper Simontaival

Eetu Liukas – Oliver Kapanen – Kalle Vaisanen

Petteri Nurmi – Topi Niemela

Eemil Viro – Ruben Rafkin

Aleksi Heimosalmi – Kasper Puutio

Leevi Merilainen

Jani Lampinen

There is legitimate competition between Finland and Canada for the top team in this Group A. Finland is loaded with a ton of talent up front, with every player in their projected top-six being selected in the 1st or 2nd round in their NHL draft. Both Aatu Raty and Brad Lambert have a chip on their shoulder to score this tournament as they each went into their draft years as projected top three picks and ended up sliding down on draft day. Finland is also lucky to have some strong playmakers on offence as Roni Hirvonen and Ville Koivunen have both proven their ability to set teammates up in Liiga. When Finland is looking for someone to bury the puck, the first option will almost always be Joakim Kemell, the elite goal scorer started last season on an absolute tear and finished with 15 goals in 39 Liiga games while battling through injuries in his draft year.

Transitioning to defence, Finland is lucky to be anchored by the player awarded best defenceman in the 2020 World Juniors in Toronto Maple Leafs’ defenceman Topi Niemela. Niemela is likely to be paired with defensive defenceman and Montreal Canadiens’ prospect Petteri Nurmi in order to give Niemela the comfort to get involved in the offensive game. Another name to watch closely on the blue line is Carolina Hurricanes’ prospect Aleksi Heimosalmi, who is an extremely strong skater that thrives in the transition game. Finland is backing it all up with Ottawa Senators’ prospect Leevi Merilainen as the projected starter. While he struggled in his first year playing for the Kingston Frontenacs, Merilainen has produced during his time with the international squad. It will be extremely exciting to see the skill of this Finnish team.

Latvia

Line Projections

Girts Silkalns – Klavs Veinbergs – Arni Ravinskis

Peteris Purmalis – Dans Locmelis – Sandis Vilmanis

Felikss Gavars – Martins Lavins – Darels Durkurs

Rainers Darzins – Raimonds Vitolins – Danils Andersons

Ralfs Bergmanis – Niks Fenenko

Harijs Brants – Rihards Simanovics

Bogdans Hodass – Gustavs Ozolins

Bruno Bruveris

Patrick Berzins

In a strong Group A, Latvia seems likely to finish in the bottom of the standings. While there are still talented players on this team, it would take a miracle for Latvia to advance to the quarterfinals. Taking a look at the forwards, Latvia will likely pair MHL teammates Girts Silkalns and Klavs Veinbergs together. Continuing the teammate trend, Dans Locmelis and Sandis Vilmanis will likely see a large amount of ice time together for Latvia coming off a strong season together playing in the J20 league producing 34 and 32 points, respectively. Both Locmelis and Vilmanis were recently drafted in the 2022 NHL draft, Locemlis was taken in the 4th round by the Boston Bruins and Vilmanis was selected in the 5th round by the Florida Panthers.

Latvia’s blueline will be anchored by 17-year-old defenceman Niks Fenenko. Fenenko went undrafted in the 2022 NHL draft despite having a fairly solid season playing the QMJHL scoring 40 points in 62 games. Projected to partner with Fenenko is University of Vermont commit, Ralfs Bergmanis. Although he is only 5’10”, Bergmanis is willing to throw his body around and disrupt play. The likely starter in net for Latvia will be 20-year-old Bruno Bruveris, who spent the past year playing with Cedar Rapids of the USHL, posting a 3.02 GAA with a .873 SV%. It would be an upset to see Latvia make the quarterfinals let alone win a game in this tough Group.

Group B:

Group B is expected to be dominated by two powerhouses in the United States and Sweden. It will be exciting to see if any of Germany, Switzerland or Austria can challenge either powerhouse and shake up the group. Even with losing players due to NHL training camps, the United States and Sweden are still positioned to make it far in this tournament.

United States

Line Projections

Matthew Knies – Logan Cooley – Matthew Coronato

Landon Slaggert – Thomas Bordeleau – Carter Mazur

Sasha Pastujov – Hunter Mckown – Brett Berard

Red Savage – Charlie Stramel – Mackie Samoskevich

Wyatt Kaiser – Sean Behrens

Tyler Kleven – Ian Moore

Jacob Truscott – Brock Faber

Remington Keopple

Andrew Oke

The United States are coming into this tournament with an extreme amount of talent on both the offensive and defensive side of the ice. While they may have one of the most talented rosters entering the August World Juniors, they have one major concern, the goaltending. No matter which goaltender starts the tournament for them, it will be an undrafted goaltender. Before we dig deeper, let us take a look at their firepower upfront. It will be extremely exciting to be able to see a line consisting of Matthew Knies, Logan Cooley and Matthew Coronato. All three have played for the USNTDP and each are considered offensive forces.

On top of that, the US finally will be able to have Thomas Bordeleau play for them as he unfortunately missed the last several World Juniors. The depth of the US forwards is something to be amazed at. Players like Sasha Pastujov and Mackie Samozkevich, each have immense skill and will provide scoring depth throughout the lineup. In addition, 2023 draft eligible Charlie Stramel looks to have made a strong impression and has carved out a role on this team. It will be interesting to see how this boosts his draft stock entering his draft year.

Taking a look at the US defence, it may be one of the most talented pools of defenceman in this tournament. There are many reliable names defensively on the backend including captain Brock Faber, Tyler Kleven, Jacob Truscott and Wyatt Kaiser. Offensively, the US will lean on Sean Behrens and Ian Moore to pinch and provide odd man rushes from the blueline. It is extremely important for their defence to play up to the level that many expect them to as they are going to play behind lesser named goaltenders in Remington Keopple and Andrew Oke. Keopple, the older of the two goalies, played this past season with Des Moines of the USHL, putting up a 3.06 GAA and a .896 SV%. Oke, who is only 18, had a worse season playing for a poor Saginaw team in the OHL. He produced a 4.63 GAA with a .848 SV%. If the US can protect their goaltenders they will be in for a long run.

Switzerland

Line Projections

Simon Knak – Joshua Fahrni – Jonas Taibel

Fabian Ritzmann – Joel Henry – Marlon Graf

Attilio Biasca – Micolas Baechler – Kevin Nicolet

Joel Marchon – Mats Alge – Tim Muggli

Giancarlo Chanton – Noah Delemont

Nick Meile – Dario Sidler

Rodwin Dionicio – Arno Nussbaumer

Noah Patenaude

Andri Henauer

The battle for the third spot in Group B will be a close one to watch and Switzerland will have to rely on a mix of veteran and youth to avoid relegation. The most notable forward for Switzerland is 20-year-old Nashville Predators’ prospect Simon Knak who has split time between the WHL and the Swiss National League. Knak has a knack for forechecking, often using his skating ability to provide pressure to puck carriers hoping to pounce on loose pucks. Switzerland will also rely on the youth, with 17-year-old Jonas Taibel likely playing top line minutes. He finished the previous season with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, producing 21 points in 57 games.

On the backend, Switzerland will turn to 20-year-old Noah Delemont to cover significant minutes for them. Delemont is calm cool and collected on the ice, which allows him to scan theice and use his strong vision to pass the puck. Like their forwards, Switzerland will again look to the youth and 18-year-old Nick Melie, who has been a consistent part of Switzerland’s international teams, producing four points in nine games at the U18’s. Switzerland is most comfortable with their goaltending. Noah Patenaude has proven to be reliable, playing for Saint John in the QMJHL producing a 2.96 GAA and a .914 SV%. With a little luck and strong goaltending, Switzerland has the chance to steal a couple games.

Germany

Line Projections

Alexander Blank – Danjo Leonhardt – Josef Eham

Markus Schweiger – Joshua Samanski – Justin Volek

Haakon Hanlet – Bennett Rossmy – Maciej Rutkowski

Thomas Heigl – Luca Hauf – Yannick Proske

Maksymilian Szuber – Luca Munzenberger

Adrian Klein – Maximilian Glotzl

Arkadiusz Dziambor – Korbinian Geibel

Florian Bugl

Niklas Lunemann

Germany was one of the unfortunate teams that were heavily affected by having the tournament moved from January to August as they had to replace seven players from the January roster. On offence, Germany will be leaning on Alexander Blank, Danjo Leonhardt and Josef Eham. Alexander Blank was off to a hot start for Germany in January scoring 3 points in 2 games before it was cancelled. Leonhardt, on the other hand, had a strong season playing in the Alps Hockey League finishing the past season with 35 points in 32 games. Both Leonhardt and Eham are teammates for RB Hockey in the Alps Hockey League and their chemistry should be used on a line together. Eham, like Leonhardt, had a great season finishing with a 1.14 point per game.

Defensively, the go-to player for Germany will be Luca Munzenberger. The former 3rd round pick of the Edmonton Oilers played the previous season for the University of Vermont. At Vermont, Munzernberger has polished his defence working on his gap control. Projected to play across from Munzenberger is Maksymilian Szuber who spent the majority of the season in the DEL playing for EHC Munchen. Szuber, an Arizona Coyotes’ draft pick, is a large raw defenceman who uses his body to his advantage.

In net, Germany will rely on 20-year-old Florian Bugl who dominated the Alps Hockey League last season producing a 2.27 GAA and a .916 SV%. Bugl looked fairly sturdy in January in his lone game in the cancelled World Juniors. Germany will be in a strong battle to avoid relegation and make the quarterfinals.

Austria

Line Projections

Oskar Maier – Leon Wallner – Moritz Lackner

Jonas Dobnig – Ian Scherzer – Senna Peeters

Fin Vann Ee – Luca Auer – Maximilian Hengelmuller

Tim Geifes – Janick Wernicke – Nico Kramer

Tobias Sablattnig – Martin Urbanek

David Reinbacher – Christoph Tialler

Lukas Horl – Lukas Necesany

Leon Sommer

Thomas Pfarrmaier

Similar to Switzerland and Germany, Austria will be trying to avoid relegation and will fight for a spot in the quarterfinals. The majority of Austria’s offence will be ran through Oskar Maier and Leon Wallner. Maier was named captain of the RB Hockey team in the Alps hockey league last year, finishing the season with 24 points in 27 games. Wallner, on the other hand, played his season in Sweden in the J20 league, producing 37 points in 28 games. An exciting name to watch for Austria this World Juniors is 2023 draft eligible Ian Scherzer. Last season, Scherzer excelled in the Swedish J18 league scoring 15 points in 17 games. He will be using this tournament as a platform to get himself noticed by NHL scouts.

Austria’s backend will be fortified by the youth with the likes of 19-year-old Tobias Sablattnig and 17-year-old David Reinbacher. Sablattnig spent the majority of the season in the Alps Hockey League where the 6’0” defenceman was able to put up 16 points in 37 games. Reinbacher has spent the past season between the U-20 Elit league and the Swiss League. The 2023 draft eligible put up a combined 33 points in 50 games and will look to use this tournament as a platform to get drafted.

Lastly, the net will be occupied by Leon Sommer who played for a poor Steel Wings Linz of the Alps Hockey league allowing 3.16 GAA while carrying a .910 SV%. Austria will hope their youth will be able to step up and lead their team to a few victories.

Sweden

Oskar Olausson – Daniel Ljungman – Fabian Lysell

Isak Rosen – Theodor Neiderbach – Jonathan Lekkerimaki

Linus Sjodin – Ake Stakkestad – Daniel Torgersson

Oskar Magnusson – Victor Stjernborg – Albert Sjoberg

Simon Edvinsson – Helge Grans

Leo Loof – Mans Forsfjall

Emil Andrae – William Wallinder

Jesper Wallstedt

Calle Clang

The other power house in Group B, Sweden has an enormous amount of talent up front and will look to lean on their skill to bring them a medal. The projected first line of Oskar Olausson, Daniel Ljungman and Fabian Lysell will be looked upon to set the offensive tone for Sweden. Olausson and Lysell both have a combination of speed and skill, which they use to transition the puck and attack the offensive zone. Ljungman has proven to be a good two-way centre who will provide support on both sides of the ice. Sweden still has options down the line including a pair of first round picks in Buffalo Sabres’ prospect Isak Rosen and Vancouver Canucks’ prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki. Both these players spent a large chunk of the previous season in the SHL in limited roles and were still able to produce.

The backend is where Sweden will excel, anchoring it will be none other than 6’6” Detroit Red Wings’ prospect Simon Edvinsson who has a unique combination of size, physicality and speed. Opposite of Edvinsson should be Helge Grans, the two-way defender uses his speed and long reach to close gaps and attack forwards turning over possession. To show the depth on this defence, the projected bottom pairing, Emil Andrae and William Wallinder, should make a large impact for Sweden. Andrae is an extremely skilled offensive defenceman who put up 33 points in 41 games in the Hockey Allsvenkan league. His partner Wallinder is a big bruising 6’4” defenceman who will crush any player in his way.

In net is where Sweden has the largest advantage though, with Minnesota Wild’s prospect Jesper Wallstedt. Wallstedt improved on his draft year season playing 22 games in the SHL and putting up ridiculous numbers with a 1.98 GAA and a .918 SV%. It is going to be extremely difficult to score on Sweden in this tournament.

WJ Predicitons

Group A

Canada

Finland

Czechia

Slovakia

Latvia

Group B

Sweden

USA

Germany

Switzerland

Austria

Quarterfinals

Canada over Switzerland

Finland over Germany

Czechia over USA

Sweden over Slovakia

Semifinals

Canada over Finland

Sweden over Czechia

Medals

Sweden – Gold

Canada – Silver

Finland – Bronze

Tournament MVP – Connor Bedard

Best Forward – Mason McTavish

Best Defenceman – Simon Edvinsson

Best Goaltender – Jesper Wallsted

All-Tournament team

F – Connor Bedard

F – Mason McTavish

F – Logan Cooley

D – Simon Edvinsson

D – Topi Niemela

G – Jesper Wallstedt

2021 NHL DRAFT: PACIFIC DIVISION REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:13:36 +0000

2021 NHL Draft Review

Time to review the draft, in depth. As I have done in previous seasons, this review will cover the league one division at a time. For each team, we will offer a quick summary of their draft class, a deeper look at their first pick/first rounder(s), and then a look at what we think to be the best value pick of their draft class, and a final look at their worst value pick. Once the divisions have all been covered, a final article will go over some other miscellaneous trends of the draft that was (odds & ends), and the annual McKeens shadow draft class. Let’s dig in.

Pacific Division

Mason McTavish. Photo Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

Anaheim Ducks

1 (3) Mason McTavish, C, EHC Olten (SL)/ Peterborough (OHL)

2 (34) Olen Zellweger, D, Everett (WHL)

3 (66) Sasha Pastujov, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

3 (76) Tyson Hinds, D, Rimouski (QMJHL)

4 (98) Josh Lopina, C, UMass (NCAA/Hockey East)

5 (130) Sean Tschiegerl, LW, Calgary (WHL)

5 (148) Gage Alexander, G, Winnipeg (WHL)

6 (162) Kyle Kukkonen, C, Maple Grove HS (USHS-MN)

Going into Day One of the draft, it was widely considered that Buffalo would select Owen Power first overall. If not a lock, it was over 90% certain. With the second pick, it was again generally assumed that Seattle would tab Power’s Michigan teammate Matthew Beniers, as their first ever draft pick. Less certain that Power at #1, but still in the 75-80% range. So, we presumed, like many, that the mystery of the draft would really begin to unravel with Anaheim at third overall. The smart money was on a forward, but which one? There were a few that were reasonable candidates for the pick, including William Eklund, Dylan Guenther, Mason McTavish, and even the third Michigan draft eligible, Kent Johnson. I picked McTavish in my mock drafts, but I was never more than 50% sure that was the pick. Maybe even 40%. I ended up correct in that assumption, and now Anaheim has a high-end finisher for the future to go along with the two future faces of the franchise in the playmaker (Zegras) and the puck rusher (Drysdale). The Ducks won’t re-emerge from the wilderness with that one pick, but the core of a future powerhouse is being built.

Anaheim’s eight picks this year skewed towards the offensive, with five forwards, complemented by two blueliners and a goalie. The forwards all have strong histories of offensive production, with a clear lean towards goal scoring over play creation. To be honest, even the two defenders they selected each have promising offensive track records on their respective resumes. The other interesting trend spotted was their reliance on North American talent, with all either being raised on this side of the planet. Sure, McTavish spent time this year in Switzerland, what with the OHL not happening – he was even born in Switzerland, when his father was playing there – but his game was formed and developed in Canada. Also interesting, on a more personal level, for the first time in a while, the Ducks did not draft a player with ties to the Chicago Steel.

First pick – Mason McTavish, C, EHC Olten (SL)/Peterborough Petes (OHL), 3^rd overall

A high-profile prospect from early youth, McTavish wowed OHL watchers as a rookie in 2019-20, scoring 29 goals in 57 games before the pandemic brought an early end to the season. After waiting for a stretch last year in the hopes that the OHL would be able to start, he finally gave up on that dream and returned to Switzerland, the land of his birth, to play with fellow OHL prospect Brennan Othmann at second division Olten. McTavish showed zero difficulties lighting it up overseas as well, scoring nine goals in 13 games. His season proceeded to the WU18s, where he captained Canada to a Gold, and led with his production as much as his example, with 11 points in seven games. Not the fastest, he nonetheless gets going quickly and his hands contain magic. A full season back in the OHL should be enough to ready him for the NHL. He has first line upside and high top six probability. “Zegras to McTavish for the goal” will be heard regularly over the next few years in Orange County.

Best value pick(s) –Sean Tschigerl, LW, Calgary Hitmen (WHL), 130^th overall

I considered third rounder Pastujov, another pure goal scorer here, but his lack of foot speed helped him fall to where Anaheim picked him. Tschigerl, on the other hand, had less reason to still be on the board in the fifth round. Once the fourth overall pick in the WHL Bantam Draft, he struggled as a WHL rookie, but came on in the short season last year, with a goal-heavy point-per-game performance for the Hitmen. Although prone to a few too many mental mistakes, his physical tools all show middle six promise, and his general intensity will help him find a role as a bottom six contributor if he falls short of his ceiling. He is one of the higher probability picks you are bound to find in the fifth round.

Worst value pick – Tyson Hinds, D, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL), 76^th overall

Hinds is certainly an intriguing prospect, with great size, albeit in need of muscular development. He has a big point shot and can be tough to play against in his own zone, given his strength, reach, and intensity, but there are enough questions about his mobility, puck managements, and decisions making, that the risk attached to his profile would dissuade me from picking earlier than the fifth round. If the Hinds and Tschigerl picks were reversed, we would have seen more logic. As is, Anaheim gets both, so all is good.

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

Calgary Flames

1 (13) Matthew Coronato, LW, Chicago (USHL)

2 (45) William Stromgren, LW, MODO Hockey (HockeyAllsvenskan)

3 (77) Cole Huckins, C, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

3 (89) Cameron Whynot, D, Halifax (QMJHL)

5 (161) Cole Jordan, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

6 (168) Jack Beck, LW/RW, Ottawa (OHL)

6 (173) Lucas Ciona, LW, Seattle (WHL)

7 (205) Arseni Sergeyev, G, Shreveport (NAHL)

For the third year in a row, the Flames used their first-round pick on a scoring forward, with Harvard-bound Matthew Coronato following the footsteps of CHL’ers Jakob Pelletier and Connor Zary. It some ways, for the floundering club, it is a mildly implicit suggestion that they recognize that the run with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan at the top of the lineup will soon be coming to an end – that is if they don’t simply trade one in the run up to the 2021-22 season. Obviously, the NHL is not like the NFL or NBA where drafted players step right into the lineup and assume the roles they were selected for. Zary could plausibly play in the NHL next year, having spent some time in the AHL last year while the WHL plotted its return to the ice. Pelletier has completed his junior hockey eligibility, and will play professionally, although he never has before, and seems likely to at least spend some time on the farm before being considered for the NHL. Finally, 2021 first rounder Coronato will be heading from the USHL to Harvard, where I would expect him to spend three years, as very few go to Harvard for shorter stints. So, the turnover in Calgary promises to be gradual.

As for the rest of the Flames’ 2021 draft class, it was very North American-centric, with only second-rounders William Stromgren having spent the entirety of his development in Europe. Like Anaheim above, Calgary’s picks also leaned towards the offensive, with five forwards, and then adding in two defenders and finishing things off with a netminder. Each CHL league was represented, as were the top two development tracks in the US. Height may not have been a factor, but five of the seven skaters selected were 6-1” or taller, and one of the shorter ones, Coronato is pretty well-built and stocky for his 5-10” height.

First round pick – Matthew Coronato, LW, Chicago Steel (USHL), 13^th overall

As mentioned above, the pick of Coronato will require some time before Calgary sees the fruits of his development, as not only is he college-bound, but he is headed for premier Ivy League school Harvard. The most skillful offensive weapon in the USHL last year, where he led the league in goals on his way to being named the league’s forward of the year. He can beat you with his wheels, featuring both speed and impressive agility, his whippy and powerful shot, or his playmaking ability. The main area of development he needs to improve before turning pro is in utilizing his linemates more readily in the offensive zone and spending less time trying to win shifts by himself. He has great talent, but without quicker puck touches he will be less successful at the higher levels. He has first line upside.

Best value pick – Arseni Sergeyev, G, Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL), 205^th overall

The NAHL is oft overlooked as a source of talent, except when it comes to goalies. Sergeyev, who backstopped Shreveport to a Robertson Cup title last year, came over from Russia two seasons ago, coming a long way both literally and figuratively. He has ideal size, promising athleticism, and reads the game well. Like Coronato, he will be a long-term project, expected to move to the USHL for one year starting now, and then on to the University of Connecticut, to be bested against the NCAA. His trajectory is exciting, and Calgary was fortunate to grab him with their final selection.

Worst value pick – Cole Huckins, C, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, QMJHL, 77^th overall

Calgary did well to get value with every pick they made, including this one. We chose Huckins simply because we think he is overvalued due to his size and being a key player on one of the QMJHL’s strongest teams last season. He is hard to play against, but his feet are heavier than I prefer, and we think he profiles as more of a fourth line presence with hopefully just enough skill in his hands to be able to take on a net-front role at his peak. That is absolutely worth a draft pick, but we would have been far more interested in Huckins one or two rounds later.

Xavier Bourgault. Photo courtesy of the QMJHL

Edmonton Oilers

1 (22) Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

3 (90) Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20)

4 (116) Jake Chiasson, RW, Brandon (WHL)

6 (180) Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL)

6 (186) Shane LaChance, LW, Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC)

7 (212) Max Wanner, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

In the not too distant past, when the Oilers were in the midst of a seemingly endless run of futility, those who didn’t follow the draft closely sometimes publicly wondered how the team could keep losing, even though they had some high-end talents on the roster. This extended to the early days of Connor McDavid’s career, so it wasn’t just people overestimating the likes of Adam Larsson. It took analysts who understood the draft to see that the team repeatedly failed in the most abject ways possible on literally every pick out of the first round. Between 2007 – 2014, the team drafted only eight players who have reached 100 games played in the NHL. With the exception of Erik Gustafsson, who never even signed with Edmonton, much less played for them, none of those eight were impact players. The team was drafting skill in the first, and size and grit in all latter rounds.

Edmonton hasn’t received much out of the first round since 2014 either, but they did sometimes seem to be drafting for skill with later picks, such as the selections in 2020 of Carter Savoie and Tyler Tullio in the fourth and fifth rounds. Unfortunately, their 2021 draft class looks to be typical of their lean years. First rounder Xavier Bourgault looks like areal keeper. Of the other five players they selected, all position players, they are more notable for being large, than having NHL skillsets. The ongoing experience of the Oilers of the last 15+ years has done more to convince me that NHL teams should draft for skill in all rounds than has the continued success of teams that have followed that advice, like Tampa Bay.

First round pick – Xavier Bourgault, C, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), 22^nd overall

Not a high-end prospect in his QMJHL draft year, Bourgault has worked hard to raise his game in his time in the QMJHL, where he has emerged as a legit offensive weapon, playing with speed, skill, and just as important, consistency. While Bourgault does not at all resemble Edmonton’s 2020 first rounder, the wrecking ball named Dylan Holloway, he is the type of forward who would benefit from the room created in the offensive zone by the likes of Holloway. His game is well-rounded, and his versatility will help him grab a toe hold on an NHL job sooner than later, while he works his way up to an eventual top six role.

Best value pick – Matvei Petrov, LW, MHL Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL), 180^th overall

If there is any upside past Bourgault in Edmonton’s draft class, it resides in Petrov. The numbers thus far in his career have been only moderate, but there are some markers in his game that suggest better things to come. He skates quite well for his size, has a strong shot with a knack for finishing, and he puts his strength to good use in puck battles. We will need to see how he handles a move up to senior hockey in Russia, but more than any of the other Day Two picks made by Edmonton, Petrov could wind up as more than NHL roster filler.

Worst value pick – Luca Munzenberger, D, Kolner Junghaie U20 (DNL U20), 90^th overall

The top draft prospect out of Germany this year, Munzenberger did not make anyone forget about last year’s trio of Stutzle, Reichel, and Peterka. There are things to like in his profile. He is a big man who skates well and can be physical in his defensive stops. Unfortunately, due to COVID shutdowns in Germany, Munzenberger barely played this year, with his time with Germany’s WJC squad representing just shy of half of all of his annual game action. He looked like a reasonable gamble for the bottom two rounds. The third round was just way too high. Heading to North America to play collegiately for Vermont this year, I will be looking to see him play with greater poise with the puck and looking for competence in his own end.

PLANO, TX USA - APRIL 28: Canada's Brandt Clarke #5 shoots the puck against Latvia in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children’s Health StarCenter on April 28, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Los Angeles Kings

1 (8) Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie (OHL)

2 (42) Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener (OHL)

2 (59) Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga)

3 (84) Kirill Kirsanov, D, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

The Kings were not the only team to make four or fewer picks at the draft this year. They were, however, the only team to finish making selections before the draft was halfway through. The traded away a fifth rounder in order to move up in the second. They added an additional second round pick from Carolina in in exchange for picks in the third and fourth rounds. Their sixth rounder was sent to Calgary in order to move up five spots in the third. Their seventh pick was dealt away during the 2020 draft, another cost of moving up back then. The end result is a draft class that makes up in quality what it lacks in quantity. One could argue that they could have kept at least some of those late picks and possibly still drafted the players they targeted when they moved up, but there are no guarantees. The fact is that LA has one of the deepest and richest prospect pipelines in the sport, one we are ranking third overall in this year’s Annual Guidebook (buy it now!) So, adding a few more lottery tickets won’t really move the needle. The four players LA drafted this year all have a good chance to rise above the players already in the system and be impactful when the Kings are ready once again to compete.

First pick – Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie Colts (OHL), 8^th overall

One of the top tier of defenders available this year, Clarke took his game to Slovakia as the OHL was still unsure of whether it could have a season at all. As it turned out, he made the correct decision. Playing against men in Europe, even though Slovakia is not the top level of competition on the continent, proved that he could succeed against men, even if his skating is not exactly a strength. Clarke plays with extreme poise and top-of-the-line puck skills for a defender. Unlike many teenaged offensive defenders, his game away from the puck is notably responsible. I don’t think he will need to be sheltered once he gets accustomed to the pace of play in the NHL. He is a play driver who makes his teams better, as he demonstrated repeatedly for Gold Medal winning Team Canada at the WU18s. Clarke is a future #1 defender on a good team in the NHL.

Best value pick – Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener Rangers (OHL), 42^nd overall

One of the better players left on the board after the end of the first round, Los Angeles did well to trade up to draft him, losing only a fifth round pick to move up seven spots. As with Clarke, there are those who have concerns about Pinelli’s skating, but no one argues about his results. He plays a smart East-West offensive game, forechecks hard and heavy – albeit clean – finds open space and capitalizes. He has remarkably soft hands and creates for others just as well as he can finish the play himself. There are many successful forwards in the NHL who produce at high rates without having the quickest feet. There is nothing to suggest that Pinelli can’t join them.

Worst value pick – Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga), 59^th overall

LOL. Helenius is actually a very good pick, who profiles similarly to a Brian Boyle. He’s huge and has the toughness and hand-eye coordination to be a very useful net front weapon. Like the others discussed above – as well as third rounder Kisakov – Helenius is not a great skater. He is fine for his gargantuan size, but his success has not been, and will not be predicated on speed. He projects as a bottom six forward who can kill penalties, and make defenses miserable, with both center and the wing as options. He isn’t just big, but he has a mean streak, too, like his father Sami Helenius, a tough stay-at-home defender in the NHL, AHL and IHL around the turn of the century.

Djurgården's William Eklund during the ice hockey match in the SHL between Djurgården and Skellefteå on 16 November 2020 in Stockholm.
Photo: Andreas L Eriksson / BILDBYRÅN /

San Jose Sharks

1 (7) William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

3 (81) Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia (OHL)

4 (103) Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria (WHL)

4 (121) Ethan Cardwell, C, Surahammars IF (HockeyEttan)/Barrie (OHL)

5 (135) Artem Guryev, D, Peterborough (OHL)

5 (156) Max McCue, C, London (OHL)

6 (167) Liam Gilmartin, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

6 (177) Theo Jacobsson, C, Onskoldsvik HF (HockeyEttan)

7 (199) Evgenii Kashnikov, D, Gatineau (QMJHL)

After a 2020 draft class that we adored, with a few exceptions, our feelings on San Jose’s 2021 draft class were not nearly so positive. Of course, the primary exceptions were with their top picks, still giving the Sharks a good chance at a very positive outcome from this year’s amateur scouting efforts. This class is split evenly with four forwards and four defenders, along with one netminder. The team drafted heavily from Ontario-based players, with three taken who did not play any league games at all last year – one of whom did get to play for Canada at the WU18s – and one who many, including ourselves, thought would have been drafted last year, but went to play in Sweden with the OHL failing to launch this year. Even the team’s one player drafted out of the USHL has since committed to moving to the OHL next year. The rest of the class featured two Swedish players, and one each from the QMJHL and the WHL. I also found funny that the player they selected out of the QMJHL was an import from Russia, joining fellows Russian-natives playing in the Q drafted/signed by San Jose including Vladislav Kotkov and Artemi Knyazev.

The main reason we are not so high on the San Jose draft class – again, not counting the exceptions – is the team went heavy on gritty players, even if three of the eight skaters they drafted were not big. Too often, they sacrificed upside for floor, taking players who play hard instead of ones who play well. Eklund turning into the star we expect will allow many to forget the players from this class who fail to make it, but I try to look at draft classes as the expected potential across all picks. Failing with a top ten pick would be a career ending tragedy for a scout and the scouting director, but the ability to add viable NHL contributors with later picks is often the difference between building sustainable winners, and perennial losers.

First round pick – William Eklund, LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL), 7^th overall

A few years ago, a player of Eklund’s pedigree and resume would be pushed to the NHL immediately after the draft, for good or ill. Forget for a moment his success playing against men already, but just from a tools standpoint. There may not have been a more skilled player in the 2021 draft class, and there wasn’t a player with higher hockey IQ. The skills-smarts combo has daylight between Eklund and the next player up with that profile. Even though the Sharks are expected to keep him in Sweden for another year, he is probably the second-best left winger in their system right now, depending on how we feel about Evander Kane. I fully expect Eklund to have a huge season with Djurgardens and come to the NHL ready to take over and lead San Jose out of their current doldrums.

Best value pick – Ben Gaudreau, G, Sarnia Sting (OHL), 81^st overall

We had tabbed Gaudreau as the number three netminder in the draft, the best behind the two first round locks. The fact that Kolosov went to the Flyers three picks before San Jose drafted Gaudreau is incidental, because we gave Gaudreau second round value, and high second round at that. Of course, he has risk attached to his profile, as do all goalies. He struggled in his OHL rookie season, backstopping a mediocre Sarnia club. And then he missed the entire 2020-21 season due to the COVID shutdown in Ontario. But when the U18s rolled around, he was there, backstopping Canada to a Gold Medal, and being named the top goaltender in the tournament. We then remember that he was though highly enough of to be a top ten pick in the OHL Priority Selection two seasons ago and know that hie performance at the tournament was not merely a flash in the pan. He receives very high grades for his temperament and his ability to read the play. There is a very good chance that Gaudreau is the best goalie drafted by San Jose since Thomas Greiss in 2004.

Worst value pick – Gannon Laroque, D, Victoria Royals (WHL), 103^rd overall

This one was pretty far off the radar, at least in the early fourth round. Laroque was never drafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, and his debut season in the league was unspectacular. He had put up decent numbers in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (Canada’s equivalent of the New England prep scene, but not nearly as established), but his high-level experience was minimal, and unremarkable. Our BC analyst, Arlo Shultz, saw a defender whose only trait that projected as above average was his physical game. Clearly, San Jose’s scouts liked him, and that’s fine, but they most likely could have drafted him a round or two later. He has a very long way to go before being billed as a likely NHL’er.

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Michigan's Matty Beniers in action during their loss to Notre Dame, 2-1, Saturday, November 28, 2020, at Michigan's Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire)

Seattle Kraken

1 (2) Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan (NCAA/Big 10)

2 (35) Ryker Evans, D, Regina (WHL)

3 (67) Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton (OHL)

4 (99) Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga)

5 (131) Jacob Melanson, RW, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

6 (163) Semyon Vyazovy, G, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)

7 (195) Justin Janicke, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

And so, it begins. As much intrigue as there was in the Kraken’s expansion draft picks, the future of this newest NHL franchise begins with the entry draft. Matthew Beniers will be far more impactful on the eventual success of the organization than any player selected in the expansion draft. The challenge we face in assessing their first go-round selecting amateurs, is to avoid comparing their draft haul with Vegas’ when the latter was a first-time drafter. Seattle did not make any expansion draft side deals, nor any other trades to increase the number of picks they would make, unlike Vegas, which made 12 picks in their inaugural draft. So, we will compare this draft class with the other 32 classes made this year, instead of the Golden Knights in 2017.

But it doesn’t matter what we compare this draft class with, it is underwhelming. Sure, their top pick, second overall selection Matthew Beniers is a franchise maker. The absolute correct choice, and a player who could be for Seattle what Jonathan Toews was for Chicago, or Patrice Bergeron was in Boston. Unfortunately, Beniers was not at all representative of the rest of Seattle’s picks. The team spread their choices geographically, with no more than a single player from any region. They were not afraid of drafting re-draft players, with two fitting that description. They weren’t even concerned with size, with two players standing below 6-0”, and one other just making it. Production seems to have been a factor, but not exclusively, as third rounder Winterton had no history of high scoring totals, and it had been two years since seventh rounder Janicke was lighting lamps with regularity in high school. I think Seattle could have, and should have, done more, but this is just the beginning. We’ll keep watching them

First pick – Matthew Beniers, C, Michigan Wolverines (NCAA/Big 10), 2^nd overall

Before the World Championships, I would have advocated for Beniers to go first overall and had been advocated as such for much of last year, but that year-ending tournament showed that Power was more ready to play a commanding lead role against men. His teammate Beniers, on the other hand, can contribute in any role, in every shift, from beginning of the season to the end, but not necessarily in a leading role. At least, not yet. The epitome of a five-tool player, Beniers, is a strong skater, has good offensive skills, highlighted by amazing puck control, and he always makes the right decisions, no matter the pace of the action. He brings energy to every shift, in all zones. He drives play for his team and helps shut down the plays of his opponents. With all due respect to Power, if this draft had one player to start a franchise with, Beniers was it.

Best value pick – Ryan Winterton, C, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL), 67^th overall

Although highly touted as a 16-year-old, to the extent that Hamilton selected him eighth overall in the OHL Priority Selection, Winterton was only scratching the surface of his potential as an OHL rookie, and then saw his development hit a brick wall also known as COVID 19. He had not played at all last year until being named to Canada’s roster at the WU18 tournament, where he had a few memorable moments in a depth role for the Gold Medal winners. He has good size, reads the play well, and has soft hands. Despite not owning any high-end skills, his overall game is well-rounded, and he can contribute in a number of ways. Very young for this draft class, with an early September birthdate, he could have more growth in his game than most others who were drafted. He may not profile as more than a solid third liner but was still fine value in the third round.

Worst value pick – Ville Ottovainen, D, JYP (Liiga), 99^th overall

Passed over in the draft in his first year of eligibility, while playing for Kitchener in the OHL, Ottovainen went back home to Finland with the OHL season not able to get started this year. His year was then split between JYP’s senior and U20 teams, with a brief stretch in Finland’s second league thrown in for good measure. He was fantastic against juniors but was largely ineffective against men. Both are no more and no less than was expected, but we mark him as a lower value pick because he didn’t impress all that much in 2019-20 and didn’t force us to re-evaluate him that much this year. None of his tools, excepting his large size, stand out as NHL-worthy. It’s hard to see more than up-and-down value at best. Not sure that he couldn’t have been drafted with a later round pick if they really liked him.

PLANO, TX USA - APRIL 27: Belarus's Danila Klimovich #20 controls the puck against Switzerland's Lilian Garessus #22 in preliminary round action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Children’s Health StarCenter on April 27, 2021 in Plano, TX USA. (Photo by Ryan McCullough/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Vancouver Canucks

2 (41) Danila Klimovich, RW, Minskie Zubry (Belarus Vysshaya)

5 (137) Aku Koskenvuo, G, HIFK U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

5 (140) Jonathan Myrenberg, D, Linkoping J20 (J20 Nationell)

6 (169) Hugo Gabrielsson, D, Halmstad Hammers HC (HockeyEttan)

6 (178) Connor Lockhart, C, Erie (OHL)

7 (201) Lucas Forsell, LW, Farjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)

This was a very Euro-centric draft. The only North American based player the Canucks selected, sixth rounder Connor Lockhart, didn’t even play last year. Not just Euro-centric, though, fully half of Vancouver’s picks were from Sweden, a region that the team has drafted from frequently, and often successfully. Considering that they had only one pick prior to the fifth round, this draft class holds promise. The Canucks drafted with potential in mind, not worried too much about size.

Beyond the Swedish lean, if there was something the Canucks targeted with all of their later round picks, it seems to have been hockey IQ. In fact, the most mistake-prone, or “unreliable” player they selected was their lone early pick, Klimovich, who just happens to be insanely skilled. Even if those later picks have marginal upsides – being late round picks and all – they all look like prospects who should maximize the tools they possess. This is the second year in a row that Vancouver missed out on some early round picks, and given their approach to the later rounds, it would be good to see how they would act with a full complement of picks.

First pick – Danila Klimovich, RW, Minskie Zubry (Belarus Vysshaya), 41^st overall

Klimovich was the most prominent late riser on draft boards, going from obscurity to emergency for all teams after an electrifying performance at the WU18s. He is a gifted finisher, capable of scoring through numerous ways and means. He can pick small holes from near the faceoff circles or bamboozle defenders with slick puck play. The main concern with Klimovich’s projection is that he very little experience playing high levels, but he has succeeded wherever he has played. The Canucks have already given him a contract, and the next question is where he plays next year. Rouyn-Noranda controls his CHL rights, and they seem to have one open spot for an import player. That might be his best bet, as Klimovich needs a new challenge, and he might as well start acclimating to the North American game.

Best value pick – Connor Lockhart, C, Erie Otters (OHL), 178^th overall

In a draft that valued size more than it should have been valued, Lockhart was bound to fall lower than his skill suggested. Listed at 5-9”, 161, he wasn’t going to excite anyone looking for brawn, but there is no reason why he should have fallen as far as the late sixth round. Promising enough to be selected third overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, he had acclimated to the OHL as a rookie in 2019-20. Outside of his physical presence, the rest of his tools have shown intriguing potential. It is probable, if not certain, that he would have been drafted as much as two rounds higher if the OHL had a season last year, so I could be charitable and say that every NHL team passed on him as much as twice more than they should have, allowing Vancouver to draft a skilled sleeper.

Worst value pick – Aku Koskenvuo, G, HIFK U20 (U20 SM-sarja), 137^th overall

A big netminder who forced his way into HIFK’s U20 team in his age 16 season, Koskenvuo is committed to play for Harvard in the coming years – although seemingly not next year – generally a sign of intelligence. His tools all seem fine, especially his athleticism, but we did not rank him as higher than a seventh-round flyer as his numbers have simply never been that good. He resembles a good young goalie, but he really needs to find a way to spot more shots, with greater regularity. Had the Canucks inverted the Lockhart and Koskenvuo picks, I would have had a very hard time picking any of their selections as “worst value pick.”

Vegas Golden Knights

1 (30) Zach Dean, C, Gatineau (QMJHL)

2 (38) Daniil Chayka, D, CSKA Moskva (KHL)/Guelph (OHL)

4 (102) Jakub Brabanec, C/LW, HC Kometa Brno (Czech)

4 (128) Jakub Demek, C, Team Slovakia U18 (Slovakia2)

6 (190) Artur Cholach, D, Sokol Kiev (Ukraine)

7 (222) Carl Lindbom, G, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)

Like with Vancouver above, the Golden Knights had a very Euro-centric draft, with only first rounder Zach Dean having played in North America last year. Unlike Vancouver, Vegas spread the wealth in Europe though, with picks from Russia, Czech, Slovakia, Ukraine(!!!), and Sweden. At least three of those European draftees are expected to play CHL hockey next year. Another area where Vegas separated themselves from their division mates from a town starting with the letter ‘V’, was in their push to draft big players. They didn’t draft anyone below 6-0” and added three players to the organization standing 6-4”.

To Vegas’ credit, while drafting for size, skill was not neglected. This isn’t simply a collection of goons on skates. Chayka showed serious two-way potential over two seasons in the OHL. Brabanec probably wasn’t ready for men’s hockey in the Czech Republic last year, but he looked impressive at the WU18s. Demec has produced at all levels in Slovakia. Even Ukrainian Cholach – the first Ukrainian drafted since 2007 – has admirers for his game, even if has never played at high levels before. Goalies are judged differently, but Lindbom was the primary netminder for Sweden’s Bronze Medal win at last year’s WU18s.

First pick – Zach Dean, C, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL), 30^th overall

A well-rounded forward with plus pedigree in junior hockey, Dean has not yet produced offense to live up to his potential in the QMJHL. He can play in all situations and generally seems to be in the right place at the right time. The main concern with his profile, and why we saw him as more of an early second rounder than a late first rounder, is the aforementioned production. He looks like a medium term NHLer, one who could play as a good third line center on a competitive team, but who would be miscast in a top six role. If he takes that next step offensively, we would be happy to reconsider his upside, but his approach has scarcely budged in two years now.

Best value pick – Carl Lindbom, G, Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell), 222^nd overall

With the third last pick of the draft, Vegas got Sweden’s top 2003-born goaltender prospect. Younger brother of Rangers’ goaltending prospect Olof Lindbom, Carl has a similar profile, yet his older brother was a high second round pick and Carl lasted until very late in the seventh round. He is an athletic battler who reads plays well and is technically sound in his crease. He isn’t likely to become an NHL starter, but he wouldn’t look out of place as a solid backup if he maintains he developmental trajectory.

Worst value pick – Jakub Demek, C, Team Slovakia U18 (Slovakia2)

Sure, even though Demek was taken in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL, a deeper look at his profile suggests that size is his main factor driving his desirability. His production for Slovakia’s U18 team, which plays a regular schedule in that nation’s second division was meagre, and an honest assessment of his tools suggest that his production has been on par with his skill set. He is more notable for his work off the puck than on, so we are left looking at a forward with fourth line upside, but more who hasn’t yet proven that he can play pro in Slovakia, much less in North America.

2021 NHL DRAFT: LOS ANGELES KINGS REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 19:41:39 +0000

Los Angeles Kings

1 (8) Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie (OHL)

2 (42) Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener (OHL)

2 (59) Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga)

3 (84) Kirill Kirsanov, D, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

First pick – Brandt Clarke, D, HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)/Barrie Colts (OHL), 8^th overall

Best value pick – Francesco Pinelli, C, HDD Jesenice (AlpsHL)/Kitchener Rangers (OHL), 42^nd overall

Worst value pick – Samuel Helenius, C, JYP (Liiga), 59^th overall

FINLAND: Samuel Helenius, C, JYP, Liiga, 2021 NHL Draft Eligible

Marco Bombino — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:18:09 +0000

Samuel Helenius of Finland skates during the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship bronze medal game between Finland and Russia on January 5, 2021 in Edmonton.
Photo: Andy Devlin / BILDBYRÅN

Samuel Helenius is a towering center with many traits that could enable him to have a career in the National Hockey League. He acclimated to the pro game in the Liiga last season, earned trust from coaches quickly and proved his value as an excellent penalty killer. Despite registering 14 points, he experienced a lengthy scoring drought as most of his points came in the first half of the season. To his credit, not too many people anticipated that he would spend the entire season in the Liiga.

Helenius is a two-way player who has a keen understanding of his defensive assignments - he shines on the defensive side of the puck. He uses his long reach to disrupt opponents and his gap closure is really good. He has a blend of physicality, defensive awareness, and maturity which I think will be attractive to NHL teams in the draft. At the end of the day, I think he will play in the NHL for many years, in more of a defensive role while killing penalties and helping his team in all facets of the game.

Samuel Helenius	2021 NHL Draft Eligible
Position: C, Shoots L	H/W: 6-6", 201 lbs
Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS)	JYP, Liiga (54-7-7-14-61)
	Finland U20, WJC-20 (7-2-2-4-18)

Skating: Helenius has long legs and reaches a good top-end speed, allowing him to cover a lot of ice. His skating mechanics require improvement. His edge work and small-area agility are lacking right now. There isn't anything about his skating that can't be fixable though, and he has already smoothed out his stride which is promising. Grade: 50

Shot: He has a nose for the net and when he gets into a preferable position in the slot, he will most likely bury his chances. He has a good finishing touch, he can corral pucks well, and releases heavy wrist shots without much set up. He does not have the most deceptive shot release, but he is able to surprise goalies with shots that combine sufficient power and accuracy. Grade: 55

Skills: He can skate with the puck out of trouble and has the potential to be efficient in offensive transitions. Ultimately, my question is whether he has enough puck skill to play higher than on the third or fourth line in the NHL. On a more positive note, I love his defensive prowess, as he excels on the defensive side of the puck. He closes space quickly and disrupts opponents effectively at both ends of the ice. Face-offs require considerable improvement as he posted a win rate of less than 40 percent in the Liiga last season. Grade: 50

Smarts: He reads the game well, plays with his head on a swivel and shows awareness of his surroundings. In his own end, Helenius defends the middle of the ice well, applies stick pressure, and gets into lanes. He is active away from the puck and understands his responsibilities in a multitude of game situations. Grade: 55

Physicality: Helenius loves to throw his weight around and finishes his checks with authority. Tough to contain along the boards due to his strength and massive size and is difficult to push away from the net front. Knows how to make effective contact, has situational toughness and does not shy away from a confrontation. He has a very strong physical presence - when he fills out, he is going to be a nightmare to play against. Grade: 60

Overall Future Projection (OFP): 53.5

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

2021 NHL DRAFT: McKeen’s April Rankings – Pre-U18 World Championship – Top 32

Brock Otten — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 21:43:22 +0000

Scouting the draft certainly has not been easy this year. We could go on at length about that. Delays to the WHL season. The (recent) cancelation of the OHL season. Shortened junior seasons in Europe. Constant disruptions due to covid protocols. Rink restrictions. A greater reliance on video. These are the struggles that independent scouting agencies like ourselves have had to endure in order to evaluate and rank the best the 2021 NHL Draft has to offer. But the show must go on. Just because scouting has been different this year does not mean that our scouts have not been putting in the work. That work just looks a little different.

It has been over two months since the release of our preliminary Top 32 ranking. This time around, for our mid-season ranking, we will be increasing the length of our list to 64, along with some honorable mentions.

While the top 5 remains unchanged from our previous list (Beniers, Power, Hughes, Wallstedt, Edvinsson), there have been some pretty significant changes to the way we have ranked the players inside the Top 15. Chaz Lucius, Matthew Coronato, and Sebastian Cossa have made significant jumps, while Carson Lambos, Zachary L’Heureux, and Corson Ceulemans have seen large drops.

Lucius, of the U.S. National Development Team, was injured early on in the season, severely limiting our views of him. Now fully healthy, he is playing exceptional hockey (averaging over a goal per game in the USHL) and has moved up into our Top 10. Coronato has sustained his high level of play from earlier in the USHL season, leading the USHL in goal scoring. While Sebastian Cossa has been sensational to start the WHL season in Edmonton, currently leading the ‘Dub” in save percentage. His 6’6 frame and stopping ability are going to make him very attractive to NHL scouts inside the lottery range. The last time we had two goalies taken inside the Top 15 was 2006 when Jonathan Bernier (11th) and Riku Helenius (15th) were selected. There is a very real possibility of that happening again in 2021.

Carson Lambos is definitely a widely debated prospect these days. His play in Finland (on loan) was indifferent and, unfortunately, his season was ended early due to a medical procedure which halted his WHL season two games in and has prevented him from playing at the World Under 18’s in Texas. Ultimately, our scouts are less sure of his high-end offensive potential than they were a year ago, or even several months ago. Zachary L’Heureux is a talented player, no doubt, but his inability to stay in the Halifax lineup due to suspensions has become a concerning trend. And Ceulemans’ play since the AJHL returned has not been at the same level as it was before the stoppage. His play at the U18’s in support of Brandt Clarke on Team Canada will go a long way in determining his value for the draft.

In total, there are seven new faces ranked inside of our first round compared to last time. Those would be the aforementioned Chaz Lucius, Logan Stankoven, Aidan Hreschuk, Jack Bar, Ayrton Martino, Simon Robertsson, and Ville Koivunen.

Of course, this list is far from being set in stone. The IIHF World Under 18’s in Texas, which commence at the end of April, will be highly scrutinized. With the cancellation of events like the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, the World Junior A Challenge, and the Five Nations, this will be the first time scouts will have an opportunity to compare the top talent against one another. While it is important to not use a single tournament as the basis of your evaluation on a player, there is no doubt that the results of the U18’s will have wide sweeping effects on the year end lists of NHL scouts. Of our ranked top 64, 32 (exactly half) are scheduled to play at the U18’s.

While tempering projections based on the U18’s will be one challenge, the other main one is the cancellation of the OHL season. Typically, nearly 20% of all players drafted come from the Ontario Hockey League. While some of the top players have played in Europe (like Brandt Clarke and Mason McTavish) or will be participating in the Under 18’s (like Ben Gaudreau and Wyatt Johnson), others will have their evaluations and grades based upon their performances last season. That is unless the CHL and Hockey Canada can successfully stage a prospect tournament in a bubble setting sometime before the draft (which is apparently being discussed and on the table). Where to slot OHL based players inside our final rankings will be a challenge.

As mentioned, this time around we have ranked the Top 64. Of course, there were several players who just missed this list. Our ‘Honorable Mentions’ for midseason were as follows (alphabetically): Eric Alarie, William von Barnekow, Josh Doan, Liam Gilmartin, David Gucciardi, Jayden Grubbe, Samuel Helenius, Brent Johnson, Tristan Lennox, Robert Orr, Kyle Masters, Connor Roulette, Joshua Roy, Ryan Winterton, and Trevor Wong.

Without further ado...the McKeen’s April top 32 rankings for the 2021 NHL Draft. Subcribers can access the top 64 by linking here.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Matthew Beniers	C	Michigan (B1G)	6-1/175	5-Nov-02	24-10-14-24
2	Owen Power	D	Michigan (B1G)	6-6/215	22-Nov-02	26-3-13-16
3	Luke Hughes	D	USN U18 (USDP)	6-2/175	9-Sep-03	38-6-28-34
4	Jesper Wallstedt	G	Lulea (SHL)	6-3/200	14-Nov-02	12-10, 2.23, .908
5	Simon Edvinsson	D	Vasteras (Swe 2)	6-4/200	5-Feb-03	14-0-5-5
6	Chaz Lucius	C	USN U18 (USDP)	6-0/175	2-May-03	12-13-5-18
7	Dylan Guenther	RW	Edmonton (WHL)	6-0/170	3-Apr-03	12-12-12-24
8	Brandt Clarke	D	Nove Zamky (Svk)	6-1/180	9-Feb-03	26-5-10-15
9	Fabian Lysell	RW	Lulea (SHL)	5-10/175	19-Jan-03	26-2-1-3
10	William Eklund	LW	Djurgardens (SHL)	5-10/175	10-Dec-02	40-11-12-23
11	Kent Johnson	C	Michigan (B1G)	6-1/170	18-Oct-02	26-9-18-27
12	Aatu Raty	C	Karpat Oulu (Fin)	6-2/185	14-Nov-02	35-3-3-6
13	Matthew Coronato	LW	Chicago (USHL)	5-9/180	14-Nov-02	50-46-37-83
14	Cole Sillinger	LW	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-0/195	16-May-03	31-24-22-46
15	Sebastian Cossa	G	Edmonton (WHL)	6-6/210	21-Nov-02	12-0, 1.61, .939
16	Mason McTavish	C	Olten (Sui 2)	6-0/200	30-Jan-03	13-9-2-11
17	Francesco Pinelli	C	Acroni Jesenice (Slv)	6-0/185	11-Apr-03	13-5-6-11
18	Logan Stankoven	C	Kamloops (WHL)	5-8/170	26-Feb-03	6-7-3-10
19	Oskar Olausson	RW	HV 71 (SHL)	6-1/180	10-Nov-02	16-3-1-4
20	Ryder Korczak	C	Moose Jaw (WHL)	5-10/170	23-Sep-02	13-3-11-14
21	William Stromgren	LW	MODO Hockey (Swe 2)	6-3/175	7-Jun-03	27-3-6-9
22	Isak Rosen	RW	Leksands (SHL)	5-11/155	15-Mar-03	22-0-1-1
23	Aidan Hreschuk	D	USN U18 (USDP)	5-11/180	19-Feb-03	43-5-28-33
24	Jack Bar	D	Chicago (USHL)	6-2/190	24-Oct-02	32-5-10-15
25	Corson Ceulemans	D	Brooks (AJHL)	6-1/190	5-May-03	8-4-7-11
26	Simon Robertsson	RW	Skelleftea (SHL)	6-0/190	5-Feb-03	22-1-1-2
27	Ayrton Martino	LW	Omaha (USHL)	5-10/170	28-Sep-02	36-18-36-54
28	Zachary L'Heureux	LW	Halifax (QMJHL)	5-11/195	15-May-03	33-19-20-39
29	Xavier Bourgault	C	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	6-0/170	22-Oct-02	29-20-20-40
30	Stanislav Svozil	D	Kometa Brno (Cze)	6-1/180	17-Jan-03	30-1-2-3
31	Ville Koivunen	LW	Karpat Oulu (Fin Jr)	5-11/160	13-Jun-03	38-23-26-49
32	Brennan Othmann	LW	Olten (Sui 2)	5-11/170	5-Jan-03	34-7-9-16

2021 NHL DRAFT: McKeen’s Staff Honourable Mentions for the First Round

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:45:11 +0000

Recently, we at McKeen’s Hockey released our preliminary Top 32 ranking for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. In any year, that first list is always a difficult one to create as regional scouts try to determine how their prospects compare to those in other regions. However, the global COVID pandemic made that exercise infinitely more difficult this season, especially with many players on loan to other leagues/countries and the OHL/WHL still on hiatus.

If you recall, we listed 11 honorable mentions who just missed the cut on that initial list. The intent of this article is to highlight some of those honorable mentions (in addition to a few others) who have a chance to move into the first round later this season. Each of our regional scouts has submitted the player(s) they feel fit the criteria and should be closely monitored as the season progresses.

Europe

Simon Robertsson - RW - Skelleftea AIK (SHL)

Robertsson is a smart offensive winger. He is a top six forward talent with good traits to reach that potential. He has a powerful skating stride and uses it effectively and can shift his pace when needed, too. He does not just skate at top speed and can be agile in tight places. One thing that also sticks out with Robertsson is his quick release. He is a good goal scorer and strong from the right side on a power play. He plays more with his head than power though. He can read defenses well and uses his skills to manipulate the space around him. He detects open spaces well and acts fast creating chances for himself and others. He lacks high elite traits (from an offensive point of view) and is therefore ranked outside our top 32 at this moment. He prematurely plays a 12^th/13^th forward role in the SHL and that is the only hockey he plays now while junior hockey is shut down. The situation is not beneficial for him and maybe a loan to Allsvenskan would be preferable. - Jimmy Hamrin

*BONUS

Simon Robertsson is a player that has caught my eye as a potential steal if he’s not drafted in the 1st round this year. His ability to generate speed and use open ice to attack the neutral zone with and without the puck has taken big steps since last year. His offensive tools are diverse, but his shot has been a hallmark. His release is excellent and his quick footwork and agility allows him to find open ice quickly and let his shot go. My tracking work isn’t as optimistic as I am on him, but his offensive transition success rate is excellent across both bluelines, and he hasn’t lost a step in his transition to the SHL. His ability to clog the neutral zone and cut off transitions has steadily improved game over game in my work, all while registering stronger and stronger pass completion rates. With his natural instincts away from the puck, and the fundamental tools he has, I would like to see him build on his puck skill over time and show a bit more confidence in the offensive zone to put defenders on their heels a bit more, as he seems to be sticking more to the perimeter in the SHL. I’ve got Robertsson in my 2nd tier, and ranked side by side with Simon Edvinsson at 10/11 overall. Exciting player with tons of potential. - Will Scouch

Anton Olsson - D - Malmo (SHL)

Olsson is a highly competitive and physical defenseman with good puck skills. He plays a two-way game and plays well with the puck. He is a good skater with a long stride and strong balance. His potential in the defensive zone is higher than in the offensive zone. He can use his skating and defensive smarts to play with good gap control and does not shy away from being physical either. With the puck, he has good individual puck skills. He is a good first passer and has a good shot. He can also deke creatively and has good control of the puck. Although he has the skill, he does not have the offensive hockey IQ to use it effectively in the offensive zone. He plays simplistic with the puck and does not have power play potential. I can see him more as a defensive second or third pair defenseman. His competitiveness stands out but nothing else is elite in his game. For that reason I see him more as a second round pick for the draft but that said, he plays regularly in the SHL at 17 which is not common by a player with his traits. - Jimmy Hamrin

Samuel Helenius - C - JYP (Liiga)

Samuel Helenius has been one of the few bright spots for JYP in the Liiga this season. He brings energy and physicality each night, plays well on the penalty kill and can chip in offensively. He also played really well as a fourth-line center at the World Juniors. The massive forward moves well and can reach a good top speed. He has smoothed out his stride and his mobility has improved. In his own end, he clogs passing lanes, applies stick pressure and plays with his head on a swivel. He reads the game well and shows awareness of his surroundings. In the offensive zone, he knows where to go to be effective. He has an accurate and hard wrist shot with a quick release, and he does not need many chances before the puck is in the back of the net. Helenius is physical and tenacious, finishes his checks with authority and pressures opponents into bad decisions. He can cover a lot of the ice. I think he could sneak into the late first round if he keeps improving his offensive game. Overall, I like how his game is trending. He has been a player to watch for a few years already, but his skating has gotten much better and it has enabled him to emerge as a quality NHL draft prospect. - Marco Bombino

Kirill Kirsanov - D - SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

Kirill Kirsanov seems to be the kind of a defenseman who likes to play cerebral game, and while there is still some progress to be made, his defensive awareness is already good enough to not look too shabby at both the KHL and WJC levels. Additionally he is already pretty physical and is competent at both shooting the puck and distributing it to teammates. The limiting factor here is the skating, as it isn't remarkable in any way, therefore I am quite skeptical about his first round chances. With that being said, while Kirsanov doesn't look like a stereotypical first round pick, I can't exclude that in the year of pandemic, and playing all season long might be beneficial for his chances. At this point I can think of Kirsanov developing into someone like Vladislav Gavrikov and that ceiling sounds totally worthy of a second round pick to me. - Viktor Fomich

Fyodor Svechkov - C/LW - Lada Togliatti (MHL/VHL)

Evaluating Russians can be tough, but I am relatively confident with my read on Svechkov. He might be one of the smarter and more dynamic positional centers available in this draft. He can play with pace, but doesn’t often have to. He can play with skill, but doesn’t often have to. He is a tremendous offensive transition driver, maintaining control on 60/80 total offensive transitions against VHL competition, and his ability to drive dangerous shot attempts is impressive. Of his team’s ten total dangerous shot attempts through five games tracked, Svechkov has taken four of them. That’s the other side of the coin. Lada Togliatti is… not a good hockey team. Svechkov’s pass percentage is well below average, but his head is in the right place. Teammates giving up pucks under no pressure, flying through the neutral zone before Svechkov can even spot them, and plenty more funny business can hide the positives in Svechkov’s game. His work rate and intelligence anticipating board cycles is not matched by many of his linemates, and with his ability to grab turnovers and turn play around, leading to excellent transition results, I am willing to bet that he will continue to put up better and better results, especially if he can get himself onto a better program. - Will Scouch

North America

Artyom Grushnikov - D - Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)

Grushnikov is a player who has long been hyped as one of the top Russian players available for the 2021 draft. The last few years, he has played up a level with the Russian National team, excelling at the U17’s two years ago as a 16 year old and playing at the Hlinka/Gretzky and World Junior A Challenge last year as a 17 year old. Touted as a strong two-way defender, there is a certain level of mystique surrounding Grushnikov’s true offensive capabilities because he has been playing with players older than him, thus requiring him to play more of a simple game while deferring to older linemates or defensive partners to lead the breakout or entry. Following the most recent CHL Import Draft, Grushnikov signed on with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL, which would have been a terrific litmus test for him. Hamilton has a strong forward group, but needed an all situations, top pairing defender to eat minutes and help facilitate offense. Needless to say, playing for the Bulldogs would have given scouts a much better idea of his offensive skill set. Unfortunately, the OHL has yet to begin the year and this has left Grushnikov in limbo. If, or when, the OHL can actually commence, he could quickly move up draft boards if he shows the necessary progression from a year ago. His mobility and tenaciousness could make him a strong stay at home, top six defender at minimum. - Brock Otten

Benjamin Gaudreau - Goaltender - Sarnia Sting (OHL)/Tristan Lennox - Goaltender - Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

McKeen’s already had two goaltenders in their preliminary Top 32 (Wallstedt and Cossa), however these two OHL netminders are not far behind. Coming out of U16 in North Bay, Gaudreau was thought to be one of the best goaltending prospects out of Ontario in recent years. His rookie season in Sarnia had many ups and downs, mostly because of Sarnia’s defensive struggles. Hung out to dry on many occasions, Gaudreau faced over 35 shots on most nights, yet he held his own and flashed the ability to steal games for Sarnia. He is an extremely technically sound goaltender whose strength lies in his ability to track pucks and cut down angles. Lennox, on the other hand, has already played two OHL seasons with an October 2002 birth date. Despite the hype which preceded him, Lennox’s 2019-20 season did not go according to plan. He suffered a lower body injury while starting for Canada at the Hlinka/Gretzky and when he returned to the OHL in late September, his game never got on track as he struggled with consistency and positioning. Lennox is still extremely highly regarded, as his inclusion at this year’s Canadian World Junior camp would indicate (even if he was cut). Interestingly enough, he recently signed an ATO with the Toronto Marlies. His combination of size and athleticism is intriguing and he is certainly capable of being one of the OHL’s (and CHL’s) elite netminders. No question, if the OHL is able to start, both of these goaltenders have the potential to push Sebastian Cossa as the second best goaltender available behind Jesper Wallstedt, and subsequently could be considered first round candidates. - Brock Otten

Chaz Lucius - C - USDP (USHL)

Lucius garnering a spot as a Honorable Mentionee in our first draft ranking set is paying homage to past accomplishments. Like most young players from the OHL or the WHL, Lucius has yet to play in a competitive game this year. Unlike his cohort north of the border, who are prevented from playing due to the pandemic preventing their respective leagues from starting, Lucius has not yet suited up due to a reported lower body injury. Lucius tied for the U17 team lead in scoring last year across all competition, along with Sasha Pastujov, and looked pretty sharp in a relatively brief cameo playing up with the U18s. Scouts who have tracked the USNTDP class closely are still convinced that the highest skilled forwards on the roster are Lucius and Pastujov. The hope is that Lucius returns soon enough to give scouts something recent to chew on before slotting him in their own teams’ draft lists. If he isn’t too rusty, there aren’t any current U18 members who have been playing well enough to keep him from a top six role. - Ryan Wagman

(update – Lucius made his league debut last Friday – Feb 19 – scoring twice in a victory over the league leading Chicago Steel)

Aidan Hreschuk - D - USDP (USHL)

Without any real flash or pizzaz to his game, Hreschuk is the early favorite to be the second defenseman drafted out of this year’s USNTDP class. His size is moderate to average, but he plays a strong, gritty game defensively, with good work along the boards and a dependable defensive stick. He is vocal, too, an underrated trait that speaks to his maturity as a player and a potential leader. While his defensive contributions might be the first that catches the eye – that is what caught my eye first – Hreschuk also has intriguing offensive elements to his game. He is a very smooth skater, helping his average foot speed play up. He takes direct routes to the play on both sides of the puck. In the offensive zone, he is liable to drive the net with the puck and do his part to generate scoring chances. His game reminds me a bit of Brock Faber’s from last year’s USNTDP, but with maybe a touch higher upside. The Southern Californian is committed to play at Boston College starting next year. - Ryan Wagman

Mackie Samoskevich - C - Chicago Steel (USHL)

Before an injury kept him off the ice since January 8 (he returned this Sunday – Feb. 21), allowing Matt Coronato to run away with the scoring lead on the team – and the USHL in total – Samoskevich was neck and neck with his high scoring teammate in terms of draft stock. In fact, I would often flip the two in my own internal preference list after almost every game in the early going. Samoskevich is a dynamic skater, with great short area speed and quickness. He can win any puck race and would blow by opposing defenders with regularity. He is on the slighter side and doesn’t grind very much in the dirty areas, but the Michigan commit has a very high skill level and is the type of center that makes his linemates look better thanks to his work. He is a play driver and phenomenal passer, currently sitting at just under one assist per game. What Samoskevich really needs to improve upon over the remainder of the season is his game-to-game consistency. Whereas Coronato famously started the season on a 19 game point streak, Samoskevich has six multi-point games (including a season opening five point performance against Muskegon), but also six games where he failed to put his name on the scoresheet. Like with Lucius, a return to action, which we are expecting in a couple of weeks*, could play an outsized role on Samoskevich’s draft stock - Ryan Wagman

*He returned this Sunday – Feb. 21 – scoring an overtime winner against the USNTDP U17 squad,

Brent Johnson - D - Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)

I was recently pointed in his direction on a livestream and I’m glad that I was. Johnson is a quick, skilled defensive defenseman who has continuously gotten more and more comfortable on USHL ice after playing at the 16U level, and just two years removed from AAA hockey in his hometown of Dallas, Texas. His ability to create turnovers, grab pucks and quickly turn them around through carrying or hard, quick passing decisions is an excellent fundamental set of strengths for a modern defender. He is mobile, can be physical if necessary, and at the time of writing, has registered 13 points in 14 games since the new year compared to just 5 points in his previous 14. He is a fast riser in my books and is on the verge of breaking into my 1st round. His puck management can be a bit panicky under pressure, but he is evasive with his feet and hands, and is rarely taken out of the play. With a few years of development there could be a real player here who seems to be staying well under the radar. - Will Scouch

Logan Stankoven - C - Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Logan Stankoven is a great small area skater as his low center of gravity and strength on his skates enable him to make quick explosive turns and pivots. This helps him be a very effective forechecker where despite not being overly physical, he is highly effective by quickly closing off space, forcing turnovers and preventing clean zone exits. He has been a volume shooter and led all draft eligible players in shots and goals last time the WHL played. His shot is a real weapon with his quick release. He does not have incredible power on his shot but it leaves his stick so quickly that he is still able to beat goalies from midrange positions. What also impresses is the developing 200 foot game, as he is relentless with his back pressure as well as on the forecheck. His defensive awareness in his own zone helps him get into lanes, rare for a player in his draft -1 season. There are two concerns with his game that keep him out of the first round for me. The first is he is only an average passer/playmaker which can make him a bit one dimensional offensively and the second is his size. - Vince Gibbons

Conner Roulette - LW - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Conner Roulette was one of the more interesting players to have a strong draft -1 season in the WHL. On a team that had suffered from regression from most of its top talents, Roulette was able to carve out a top six role where he produced effectively at 5-on-5. He is an effective player that has good skill, good use of his body, a good shot, good puck handling skills, and good passing skills. What makes him stand out is his effort, particularly in the offensive zone. He works very hard in the cycle game, goes and gets pucks, wins more than his fair share of 50/50 battles, and is always willing to drive to the net. His offensive skill is solid overall but he lacks any truly dynamic skill. His puck handling is not a weakness but for a player with his offensive instincts it sometimes lets him down as he can be prone to turning the puck over. - Vince Gibbons

Evan Nause - D - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

It’s easy for Evan Nause : he has faults that go with his positive qualities. What do I mean by that? He is not flashy. He will not carry the puck from one end of the ice to the other. He is not going to deke five players before scoring a Lacrosse style goal. Does that mean he can't do it? I do not know. But above all, there is no need to do so. He is efficient and that’s what matters. The fact that he's not flamboyant and doesn't rack up a ton of offensive stats makes him less noticeable; he goes under the radar for the moment in my opinion. However, he is a great player and I believe that the more he develops, the more you will notice his tremendous qualities. He is an excellent skater, he moves the puck very well and he is excellent in transition (the quality of his first pass is really impressive). He can be used as much to lead a power play as to defend a one goal-lead or kill a penalty. Right now what most keeps him from being classified as a 1st round player is his focus on doing the little things well instead of trying to impress. Plus, he had to adapt to a change of league, and a new team, in the complicated times of COVID-19. We can already see a certain adaptation on his part since the Christmas break, as we see him more at ease, more comfortable. He is definitely a type of player every coach would want on his roster. The offensive side and the points will come, no doubt about that. - Benoit Belanger

Justin Robidas - C - Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL)

He is 5-7” tall. That’s it. I do not agree at all with that but it is the sad reality, even still in 2021. Seriously, that's the only explanation I see. It's true that there aren't many established players with this size in the NHL. It's cliché, but I don't find that to be a factor in Justin Robidas' case. He has a lot of energy and grit. He likes to get involved in 1-on-1 duels. He goes in the corners, in front of the net, and in traffic. Of course, for a center, in order to offer excellent support in all three zones, he must still add physical maturity. So far, he is doing very well using his high IQ and excellent vision for the game. He is a great skater and an excellent playmaker. It might take a little longer than for other players but I believe in the end he will become a pro one day. His coaches never hesitate to send him out in any situation, powerplay or penalty killing. He is a real catalyst and he has the seed of a captain with his leadership. I would love to see him land at the end of the 1st round in the draft because I think that's where he stands in terms of talent and Hockey IQ. - Benoit Belanger

Joshua Roy - C/RW - Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)

On several lists (not to say “all lists”), he finds himself behind Zachary Bolduc, L’Heureux and Dean. Yet statistically, Joshua Roy is doing very well. Among players born in 2003, he is (as I write these lines) the leader in goals (13) and points, with 24. So what's the matter with Joshua Roy? I will attempt an explanation, which may not be the answer but a hypothesis. When we watch Joshua Roy play, he doesn't seem like the most involved player. He is not the one who is going to go into the physical fights, the 1-on-1 duels. This is reflected in his low number of penalties he receives (just 4 penalties so far in his junior career). When you look at him closely, he seems lazy at times, uninvolved and/or interested. With experience, I would say that this is often a criticism that is attributed to certain talented players. One assumption is that they see the "game" in a superior way to others. This means they don't have to shout out in one-on-one battles to get to their end. Roy is skilled enough to do this without committing physically. He has incredible eye/hand coordination. His puck handling is excellent and he uses his body well to win his duels. In addition, the quality of his shot is excellent. He manages to change the angle of his shot just before he shoots and he has excellent accuracy. His skating is mediocre. He is not particularly explosive, but he is average. It is mostly his intelligence that makes him such a formidable player. He is constantly in the right place on the ice (especially in the offensive zone). He has always impressed me with his ability to successfully exit the zone. Additionally, he shows an ability to play the off-wing as he is a left-hander that has played as a right winger since the start of the current season (in both St-John and Sherbrooke). Recently he was traded following a request on his part and he landed in Sherbrooke a month ago. His lack of involvement in the game at times and his lack of consistency in energy are currently why he is pushing out of the 1st round of the draft. Scouts may be worried that his game won't translate well to the professional level, where it takes a lot more consistent commitment. - Benoit Belanger

Zach Dean - C - Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Zach Dean possesses two attributes that you need to have in order to break into the NHL, which are skating and smarts. His skating compliments the way he thinks the game on both ends. Offensively he is able to make tight turns with his edge work which allows him to skate in small spaces to move around his opponents. When faced with double coverage against the boards he is able to read the issue and either use his speed to move the puck closer to the net or move the puck up the boards to a teammate who is closer. In the defensive zone he is the support player you want. He will not overuse his energy to follow opponents with the puck but read the ice and understand where his opponents and his teammates are going to be. Once he understands where the puck will be played he will support his teammate if there is a 50/50 battle in the corner to gather the loose pucks or assist his teammate if they turn the puck over in the defensive zone. His smarts also help him enter the zone with the puck. If he understands he can move past a player he will take the chance but if he is evenly matched one on one he will dump the puck in and use his speed to chase the puck down. His weakness is his upper body strength which does not help him in 50/50 battles as he is usually the support player and not the fighter in the dirty areas. - Scott Crawford

Finland: Top 10 2021 NHL Draft Prospects to Watch

Marco Bombino — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 15:04:56 +0000

Several Finnish prospects have gotten off to impressive starts ahead of the 2021 NHL Draft. I would mention forwards Samuel Helenius (JYP), Samu Salminen (Jokerit), Ville Koivunen (Karpat) and Oliver Kapanen (KalPa) as the players who have impressed me the most so far this season. There has been lots of talent on display in the Finnish U20 league and a few notable names have gotten the opportunity to show their abilities in the Liiga.

My overall view is that this Finnish draft class includes lots of potential picks, albeit not as much high-end talent as in some recent years. Nevertheless, even outside of the most highly touted players there are many notable names – some of whom are flying under the radar - that I feel have a chance to improve their draft stocks as the season goes on. Without further ado, here are the top ten NHL draft eligibles to watch in Finland.

Matias Macceli, Aatu Räty and Lenni Killinen of Finland celebrate the 4-0 goal during the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Slovakia on December 28, 2019 in Trinec.
Photo: Simon Hastegård / BILDBYRÅN /

Aatu Raty

Raty remains the top draft eligible Finnish prospect despite having had only a decent start to the season. The intelligent two-way pivot has all the tools to develop into a top-end NHL player. He does a great job of carrying the puck through the neutral zone and he uses the middle of the ice effectively. He has good rhythm in his offensive game and moves the puck to his teammates in a timely manner. His stickhandling is very good and he thinks the game at a high level. He can be a dual threat to score as he creates chances with his passing skills and offensive vision. Raty has a good glide and skating mechanics, but I haven't noticed significant improvement in terms of quickness or top gear. He protects the puck well and can make plays off the cycle. Another thing I like about him is that he can play up and down the lineup. He has passion for the game and the will to improve.

Samu Tuomaala

Tuomaala has rounded out his game in the early stages of the season. The winger gets in on the forecheck, hunts down pucks and is very active away from the puck. He can generate scoring chances with his speed, shot and vision. He has a blistering, quick wrist shot and a heavy one-timer – a real sniper. However, at times I would like to see him shoot more often from inside the dots. He sees he ice really well and shows awareness of his surroundings. Although he has improved defensively quite a bit, he doesn't project as a penalty killer at the next level. He is a fast and powerful skater with a great glide and initial burst. A potential first round pick for the 2021 draft as he has lots of offensive upside and excellent technical skills.

Samu Salminen

Salminen has been centering the first line for Jokerit U20 this season. The 17-year-old has taken on a leadership role and plays a strong two-way game. He is a smart, well-rounded player who plays a direct and purposeful game. He attacks to the net with his head up, he sees the ice well and has quality passing skills. He excels at the face-dot, having won more than 60% of his draws according to InStat Hockey. He uses his size to his advantage and shows a quick stick to disrupt puck carriers. He has leadership attributes, he takes charge and plays well when the stakes are high. I see Salminen s a potential second round pick right now, but late first round isn't out of his reach either.

Samuel Helenius

There are a lot of things to like about the 6-6” center who has been a solid player for JYP in his first Liiga season. His skating continues to improve. He has smoothed out his stride, has long legs and uses powerful strides to reach good top speed. He understands his defensive responsibilities, applies stick pressure and clogs passing lanes. He finishes his checks with authority, as he is tenacious and doesn't back down from anybody. He is not the flashiest player offensively, but he possesses good scoring touch and reads the game well – knowing how to get open in the offensive zone. Helenius already plays a strong two-way game and projects as a middle-six NHL center who can make an impact in each zone and on the penalty kill. There are still many things he can improve upon, but he looks very promising and his development curve is heading straight up.

Aleksi Malinen

Malinen is currently sidelined with an injury and has only appeared in two Liiga games so far this season, but he showed great tools in the U20 league last season and performed pretty well with the U17 national team as well. He is an elegant, smooth skater with a quick and powerful first step. He has great four-way mobility and he can evade forecheckers with shifty moves and find open ice. There are few flaws, if any, in his skating. He has good puck control and can start the play up the ice with a firm first pass. His quick hands enable him to quickly pick pucks off the wall. Malinen does not play with a whole lot of natural aggression, but he is able to suffocate opposing rushes and he takes good angles to pressure the puck carrier. He could be less reactive in his own end at times. He could end up being the best Finnish defenseman in his age group when all is said and done.

Niko Huuhtanen

Huuhtanen is a big-bodied winger with a lot of puck skill and a strong shot selection. He can maneuver in and out of traffic and stickhandle his way into the middle of the ice. He has the vision to make passes that catch defensemen off guard. He has a quick and heavy release on his wrist shot and gets a lot of power behind it. He can also fire dangerous one-timers on the power play. He is a very physical player, he has some nasty to his game and finishes his checks with regularity. According to InStat Hockey, he leads Tappara U20 in shots on goal (69) and hits (32) this season. The biggest challenge for Huuhtanen is his skating. He has a hunched over skating style and he considerably lacks in quickness and agility. If he is able to elevate his skating to at least a decent level, he could be a high draft pick. Every NHL team needs to add prospects who can score and set them up and Huuhtanen has excelled at both in his career thus far.

Jimi Suomi

Suomi has been playing very well for Jokerit U20, logging 20 minutes of ice-time per game and running the power play well. It is possible that he will join the the USHL's Chicago Steel later on this season, depending on the progress of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The smallish defenseman is an excellent skater. He is light on his skates, highly mobile and can travel with the puck. He shows great edge work. He skates very well backwards and keeps his gaps tight, and as a result he is seldom beaten by an opposing rush. Clever offensively, he shows some deception with the puck and has excellent accuracy in his passing, even his long-range passes arrive on the tape more often than not. He lacks ideal strength and reach and that might hinder his defensive impact at the pro level, but I have seen a great deal of improvement in many parts of his game since last season, including shooting and consistency. His skating, puck skills and awareness are all at a high level.

Ville Koivunen

Koivunen has been the best player for Kärpät U20 this season. The winger has an excellent understanding of the game and and makes the right choices all over the ice. He takes smart forecheck routes and his checking game is effective. His head is up with the puck as he scans the ice and processes his options. This allows him to make quick decisions and see openings for transition plays. He is a high-end playmaker and has a slick stick in traffic. He can make defenders miss in open ice and create quality scoring chances for himself and his teammates. He has to put in the work to improve his physicality and this has started to pay dividends. He is still not the smoothest or quickest of skaters, but there has been improvement since last season. He seems to play well with pretty much anyone and he does not have to rely on his linemates in order to produce points. Koivunen has a very good chance to be an NHL draft pick next year.

Oliver Kapanen

Kapanen's meteoric rise onto the NHL draft scene has been interesting to see. He was good in younger juniors, but didn't really look like a top-end talent until his U18 season. He has been one of the top players with KalPa U20. He is a skilled and shifty center who packs offensive punch. He keeps his feet moving with and without the puck, he plays with pace and accelerates well with his crossovers. He has a powerful and whippy one-timer and he can catch goalies off guard with his wrist shot. He has smooth hands and consistently good puck touches. His situational awareness stands out as well. The quality in his puck handling, passing and shooting is evident. He is also dependable off the puck and committed to playing the entire 200 feet. His rapid development suggests that he is only scratching the surface of his full potential.

Viljami Juusola

After starting the season with Karpat U20, Juusola moved to Sweden to play for Luleå J20. He is a skilled defenseman who moves the puck well in transition and helps his team exit the defensive zone with possession. He has the patience to look for good passing lanes and he does not panic under pressure. He can quarterback a power play with his mobility, shot and the ability to distribute the puck. He shows strong defensive prowess as well. He trusts his skating, defends well with his stick and breaks up plays. He has good balance which also helps him in defensive situations. He is a potential middle-round NHL draft pick with good potential in the long term.