Samuel Hlavaj – McKeen's Hockey

WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – SLOVAKIA: Experienced Defensive Core and Goaltending Keys to Improvement

Matej Deraj — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 23:00:22 +0000

With all lower division championship tournaments cancelled, the Slovaks don´t need to worry about relegation this year. The nation has been in the elite category for 25 straight years and will certainly add another one after this one. Slovakia will face Switzerland, Canada, Germany and Finland in the A-group. The games against the Swiss and the Germans should especially be of the must win variety, if the Slovaks want to improve upon their 8^th place finish from each of the last two tournaments. The team will certainly miss Maxim Cajkovic, who was excluded from the lineup for “serious violation of sports and human values” after the expected offensive leader allegedly threw a couple of dirty hits in an intrasquad game. One of them left fellow forward Samuel Krajc with a concussion and ruined the latter’s chances to perform at the WJC

Goaltending

Slovakia´s success always relies heavily on goalies. Whether it was Jan Lasak (1999) or Denis Godla (2015), their respective performances were crucial to winning the bronze medals. Jaroslav Janus also played exceptionally well in 2009, when the Slovaks finished fourth. The expected No. 1 goalie, 19-year-old Samuel Hlavaj, hasn‘t played a competitive game yet this season. After a successful year in the QMJHL (2.25 GAA, 91.5 SVS%, 33-3-2 record in 39 GP), Hlavaj was expected to return to Sherbrooke Phoenix for this season. Due to the pandemic, it has not yet been possible. Even with the lack of recent game experience, he is still considered the best option for the Slovak net. The 6-4” Hlavaj needs to be at his peak performance – certainly better than he performed at his two previous WJC runs - if the Slovaks want to be competitive.

Defense

Defense should be one of Team Slovakia´s main strengths. They have an experienced core with five returnees from last two WJCs. Samuel Knazko and Marko Stacha (both 2002-born) have particularly proven themselves at the last championship and their progress has only continued since then. Knazko (the 78^th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft), showed signs of his great potential at last year´s WJCs. The Blue Jackets prospect is ready to take the leadership spot in the Slovak roster. Stacha had a really rough start to the season, but is ready to fight for recognition at the next NHL Draft, after he was passed over last time around.

Forwards

The offense seemed to be a major problem at the last WJCs. Team Slovakia only managed to score nine goals in five games. The quality of Slovak forwards is not very impressive, although they do have some talented individuals. With Cajkovic already gone, Martin Chromiak needs to be an immediate threat at his first World Juniors. The questionable decision to cut him from the team just before the 2020 World Juniors is still being discussed in Slovak hockey circles even to this day.

Dominik Jendek and Michal Mrazik are another pair of interesting names on the Slovak team. Both played at the last WJCs and they should be important players this year, even though neither are viewed as the primary threats. Jendek is a speedy, two-way winger, who plays the game with a lot of energy and grit. Another big framed player, 6-4” Michal Mrazik, will help Team Slovakia with his great shot and physical play.

FIVE TO WATCH

Samuel Knazko of Slovakia during the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Slovakia on December 28, 2019 in Trinec.
Photo: Simon Hastegård / BILDBYRÅN /

SAMUEL KNAZKO, D

The highest drafted Slovak on the team, Samuel Knazko (the 78^th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft), showed signs of his great potential at last year´s WJCs. The Blue Jackets prospect is a mobile, playmaking defenseman, who should be a threat on the PP. His sharp passes and great on-ice vision will bring pressure to opponents´ defenses. Knazko is playing his third season in Finland with TPS Turku’s U20 team and has proven himself as one of the leading Ds on the team. That is the same role the Slovaks expect him to have in Canada. The Dubnica native is coming to the tournament as a drafted prospect, constantly consulting his game and progress with the Blue Jackets organization. His confidence is rising and he is ready to be one of team´s leaders.

YEAR TEAM GP G A PTS PIM

2019-20 TPS Turku (Fin Jr) 48 7 21 28 6

2020-21 TPS Turku (Fin Jr) 22 4 9 13 22

MARTIN CHROMIAK, F

Chromiak did not start the 2019-20 season at his best, but the move to OHL has proven to be beneficial. On the Frontenacs´ elite line, he made a lot of great plays alongside Shane Wright, a top prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft. Chromiak has impressed every Slovak fan so far during the 2020-21 season with his fantastic playmaking ability, flashy moves and improved skating. The skilled winger recorded five points (2+3) in eight Extraliga matches this year. The Kings prospect, surprisingly only drafted in the 5^th round, should be an immediate threat at his first World Juniors. Due to Cajkovic´s absence, Chromiak will need to step up and help Slovakia to score some goals. He has an above-average shot, but his most valuable asset is in his passing game.

YEAR TEAM GP G A PTS PIM

2019-20 Kingston (OHL) 28 11 22 33 2

2020-21 Trencin (Svk) 8 2 3 5 0

MARKO STACHA, D

Stacha was one of three best players at the last WJC, even though he started the tournament as a healthy scratch. After a disappointing NHL Draft, during which he was not selected, and playing his first 2020-21 matches back in the junior league, his game is still developing. He is a two-way D with great vision, who is not afraid of physical play, and works hard. The 18-year-old is expected to join the Vancouver Giants (WHL) after the World Juniors are over. He has already played dozens of games in the highest Slovak men´s league despite his young age. Stacha will indubitably benefit from his previous experience and should get a very solid portion of the ice time on the Slovakian blueline.

YEAR TEAM GP G A PTS PIM

2019-20 Trencin (SVK) 48 2 4 6 43

2020-21 Trencin (SVK) 9 1 1 2 4

SAMUEL HLAVAJ, G

After a successful year in the QMJHL, Hlavaj was expected to return to Sherbrooke Phoenix. Due to the pandemic, it has not yet been possible. Last year´s Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy winner has already played for his homeland at two WJCs. Hlavaj was definitely not at his best at the last tournament - other than in the first game vs. Kazakhstan (22 saves in a 3-1 W), his performance was actually quite disappointing. Poor performance at the last World Juniors is certainly one of the reasons why he went undrafted. The 6-4” native of Martin needs to play much better this time. However, an invitation to the Arizona Coyotes development camp should help his confidence, although confidence is definitely not a thing Hlavaj lacks.

YEAR TEAM GP W L GAA SV%

2019-20 Sherbrooke (QMJHL) 39 33 3 2.25 91.5

2020-21 Sherbrooke (QMJHL) - - - - -

SIMON NEMEC, D

Sixteen-year olds usually don´t get a chance at the WJC, and not a single one of them has appeared in any of previous three tournaments. Simon Nemec is the youngest player to ever record a point in the Slovak top tier league, and the second youngest to play in even one game. Incredibly skilled and mature for his age, Nemec should be a great addition to the Slovakia defense. Most guys usually don´t run a powerplay for a men´s team at age 16, but he does. Expect him to have the same role at the World Juniors. He is a mobile D with very good skating and a passion for constructive plays. One of the top prospects for the 2022 NHL Draft is the last 16-year-old Slovak defenseman to appear at the WJC since Erik Cernak in 2014. Nemec is already looking much better than Cernak, a current Stanley Cup winner, did back then.

YEAR TEAM GP G A PTS PIM

2019-20 Slovakia U18 (Svk-2/Jr) 28 4 7 11 14

2020-21 Nitra (Svk) 13 1 3 4 4

2021 World Junior Championship: Team Slovakia Training Camp Preview

Matej Deraj — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 12:04:44 +0000

With all lower division U20 championship tournaments cancelled, the Slovaks don´t need to worry about relegation this year. The nation has been in the elite category for 25 straight years and will certainly add another one after this one. Head coach Robert Petrovicky is ready to send a significantly younger team this time. The first gems from the “golden” 2004 birth year might (and should) appear in a national jersey.

Forty-five players have received an invitation to the first camp (beginning on Nov. 30, 2020). The Slovaks will be preparing from within their own bubble, splitting into two equal teams two play two matches against one another. After the first cuts, the National Team is expected to take flight to Canada on December 13^th.

Slovakia will face Switzerland, Canada, Germany and Finland in the A-group. The games against the Swiss and the Germans should clearly be of the must win category, if the Slovaks want to improve upon their 8^th place from each of the two previous tournaments.

Samuel Knazko of Slovakia during the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Slovakia on December 28, 2019 in Trinec.
Photo: Simon Hastegård / BILDBYRÅN /

GOALIES

Slovakia´s success has always depended heavily on goaltending. Whether it was Jan Lasak (1999) or Denis Godla (2015), their respective performances were crucial to winning the bronze medals. Jaroslav Janus also played exceptionally well in 2009, when the Slovaks finished fourth.

The expected No. 1 goalie, 19-year-old Samuel Hlavaj, hasn‘t played a game yet this season. After a successful year in the QMJHL (2.25 GAA, 91.5 SVS%, 33-3-2 record in 39 GP), Hlavaj was expected to return to Sherbrooke Phoenix for this season. Due to the pandemic, it has not yet been possible. Even with the lack of recent game experience, Hlavaj is still considered the best option for the Slovak net.

Last year´s Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy winner has already played at two WJCs. Hlavaj was definitely not at his best at the last tournament. Other than in the first game vs. Kazakhstan (22 saves in a 3-1 W), his performance was actually quite disappointing. That poor performance is certainly one of the reasons why he went undrafted. The 6-4” native of Martin needs to be at his peak performance if the Slovaks want to be competitive.

The other spots are available for two of Simon Latkoczy, Eugen Rabcan and Patrik Kozel. Rabcan was already close to making the team last year, as he was one of the final cuts. Both he and Kozel play in the Slovak top tier league. Latkoczy is the only 2002-born here. He is a rather smallish goalie (5-11”), but is extremely quick and mobile and performed better than his numbers suggest last season with Madison of the USHL.

DEFENDERS

Defence should be one of Team Slovakia´s main strengths. They have an experienced core with five returnees from the last two WJCs. Samuel Knazko and Marko Stacha (both 2002-born), in particular, have proven themselves at the last championship and their progress has only continued since then.

One of three best players at the last WJC, Marko Stacha, had a really rough start to the season. After a disappointing NHL Draft, wherein he was not selected, and playing his first 2020-21 matches back in the junior league, his game is still developing. He is a two-way D with great vision, is not afraid of physical play and works hard. The 18-year-old is expected to join the Vancouver Giants (WHL) after the World Juniors are over and fight for recognition at the next NHL Draft.

Sixteen-year olds usually don´t get a chance at the WJC, and not a single one of them has appeared in any of previous three tournaments. Simon Nemec (2022 eligible) is going to do his best to change that trend. The Nitra defenseman is the youngest player to ever record a point in the Slovak top tier league, and the second youngest to play a game. Incredibly skilled and mature for his age, Nemec should be a great addition to the Slovakia defence. Most guys usually don´t run a powerplay for a men´s team at 16, but he does.

There are three additional returnees – David Mudrak, Oliver Turan (both have played at 2020 World Juniors) and Andrej Golian (has played at 2019 WJC). We will also see if the head coach will take his own son to Canada. Rayen Petrovicky, Robert´s son is currently playing in Finland. He is an offensively gifted player and the leading scorer among defensemen on his team.

FORWARDS

The offence seemed to be a major problem at the last WJCs. Team Slovakia only managed to score nine goals in five games. The quality of Slovak forwards is not very impressive, although they do have some talented individuals. However, it is still quite difficult to predict who will make the team, because of the many possible line combinations and similar quality level of players.

Maxim Cajkovic should take the leadership spot in the young Slovak roster. The Lightning prospect began the season in the Austrian ICE Hockey League. With nine points (2+7) in 12 games, the Bratislava native has adapted himself well against tough, mature competition. With his experience and skill, he is able to take over shifts.

The questionable decision to cut Martin Chromiak from the team just before the 2020 World Juniors is still being discussed in Slovak hockey circles even to this day. Chromiak did not start the 2019-20 season at his best, but the move to Kingston (OHL) has proven to be beneficial. The skilled winger has impressed every Slovak fan in the 2020-21 season with his fantastic playmaking ability, flashy moves and improved skating. Chromiak recorded five points (2+3) in eight Extraliga matches so far this year. The Kings prospect, surprisingly only drafted in the 5^th round, should be an immediate threat at his first World Juniors.

First gems from the very strong ´04 birthyear seem ready to appear in the attack as well. Juraj Slafkovsky has already played three U20 NT games in the summer. He was a joy to watch, as he has continuously managed to perform better and better on the ice. With his monstrous frame (6-4”) for a 16-year-old, 2022 NHL Draft eligible Slafkovsky is a real danger for every opponent, even if he lacks substantial experience at higher levels.

Dominik Jendek and Michal Mrazik are another pair of interesting names on the Slovak team. Both have played at the last WJCs and they should be important players this year, even though neither are viewed as primary threats.

Dominik Jendek is a speedy, two-way winger, who plays the game with a lot of energy and grit. Recently committed to the Sudbury Wolves (OHL), Jendek is expected to stay in Canada after the tournament. He is a lock to play with the Slovakian forwards at the tournament, especially with his experience from the last World Juniors and top tier men’s league. The 19-year-old should be a key player on the penalty kill. He is used to the role of a PK specialist from the men’s league. Don’t expect a lot of goals from him - but he is definitely valuable to the Slovak team.

Another big framed winger, 6-4” Michal Mrazik, has spent the last three seasons (including this one) in Sweden. 2001-born Mrazik is a stable member of the National Team. He has played at one WJC-20, two WJC-18s and one Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Team Slovakia will benefit from his solid shot and physical play.

Other notable players have joined the bubble from Extraliga. Juraj Elias seems to have very good puckhandling skills for a player of his size (6-4”). The 19 year old might also help the team to neutralize opponents’ skilled forwards. Elias is playing up the middle, which is usually the most problematic position for Slovak National Teams of all age groups. Samuel Rehak and Samuel Krajc, both 2002-born, are valuable for their two-way game. Both of them should be considered for regular roles in the middle six, since they provide a bit of offensive skill as well.

TEAM SLOVAKIA PROJECTED LINEUP

SAMUEL HLAVAJ

EUGEN RABCAN (SIMON LATKOCZY)

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SAMUEL KNAZKO – DAVID MUDRAK

ANDREJ GOLIAN – MARKO STACHA

OLIVER FATUL – SIMON NEMEC

RAYEN PETROVICKY – OLIVER TURAN

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MICHAL MRAZIK – SIMON JELLUS – MAXIM CAJKOVIC

MARTIN CHROMIAK – SAMUEL REHAK – JURAJ SLAFKOVSKY

DOMINIK JENDEK – JURAJ ELIAS – SAMUEL KRAJC

JAKUB KOLENIC – MAROS JEDLICKA – MATEJ KASLIK

OLEKSIY MYKLUKHA, JAN LASAK

2020 NHL Draft: Odds and Ends plus Annual Shadow Draft

Ryan Wagman — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 11:08:08 +0000

Last year, I did this part first, before summing up the draft classes of the NHL’s 31 teams. This year, I think we did a better job, so I held off on the self-congratulations. And how did we do?

As you may recall, we rank 217 players (we would have dropped one person had we known that the Coyotes would have to forfeit their second rounder). We then threw in an extra 100 players who we had deemed as Honorable Mention worthy. They weren’t who we would have drafted, but they were promising enough, had made strong enough impressions in their most recent season, that we would not have shaken our collective heads to hear their names called. 25 of those 100 players were, in fact, drafted this year. All told, of the 216 players who were drafted, only 39 of them had completely escaped our admiration. 22 who escaped our attention altogether, and another 17 who we just weren’t that into.

Many were overagers who were perceived by NHL teams to have made enough of a mark to be worth picking up, but not all of them. One way or the other, the earliest player drafted who was completely off of our board was Ottawa third rounder Leevi Merilainen, who played in a lesser junior league in Finland. He was one of only three completely off-the-board players to be selected in the top 100. There was one other top 100 pick who we simply didn’t like at all.

Another way to look at the top 100 is in reverse. How many of our top 100 were not drafted? In most recent seasons, 92-94 of our top 100 were selected. This time we inched our record slightly better. 95 of our top 100 ranked draft prospects were selected, with the highest ranked player to miss the cut being 71^st ranked netminder Samuel Hlavaj. What did we miss there? He has the size and performed very well in his second season of eligibility, and his first season playing in the QMJHL. Perhaps NHL teams were more convinced that his second poor performance for Slovakia at the WJC was more important than his strong play guarding the crease for QMJHL contender Sherbrooke.

Our other misses do not fit any one pattern. James Hardie (ranked 80^th) is a goal scoring winger from the OHL who needs to improve his skating. Juuso Maenpaa (90^th) is a talented playmaker from the Finnish junior leagues, but he is tiny. Pavel Tyutnev (93^rd) is also quite small but has scored at a decent clip both in the MHL and for Russia internationally in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the WJAC. Finally, Christoffer Sedoff (99^th) was a decent, if quiet defender from Finland who more than held his own in his first North American season playing with Red Deer in the WHL.

The final measurement to judge by, essentially the inverse of the others, is how many our top 217 were drafted. That number is 152. Our top 11 ranked players were the first 11 players selected, with only a couple of small flips standing between us and a straight run. We had Stutzle over Byfield by a hair, but they were selected in reverse order by LA and then Ottawa. We had 8, 9, 10 going Perfetti, Rossi, Quinn. The actual order was Quinn, Rossi, Perfetti. 26 of our top 31 were off the boards by the end of the first round.

If I spoke to any member of our scouting team, they would pick their own personal favorite who missed the cut, but there was no distinct pattern that we, as a team, missed on. Personally, I liked Jesse Tucker (149^th) and Cameron Berg (156^th). I will live with those misses, although it is easier for me to let go than for Jesse and Cameron.

I don’t believe in proclaiming winners and losers immediately after the draft. Additionally, providing draft grades seems silly. The truth is that we won’t know how the 31 teams did until maybe 10 years down the road. Anyone who claims otherwise just wants you to click their link. Click the link because you believe in the analysis. Some instant analyses are largely determined by the number of picks a team has. Others are unduly colored through a few relationships the analyst has with some members of the NHL scouting fraternity*.

*I know and applaud the inclusion of a very small number of females in this fraternity, and look for the day there is more gender inclusivity in the scouting world. But the world we live in today is over 99% male. It is also largely white male.

The best we can do while remaining honest, is look at the slots where a team picked, and looked at our current impressions of the talent they acquired. In that light, here are a few teams whose drafts I really liked (in alphabetical order):

Dallas Stars – Only five picks, but four of them were drafted later than we had ranked. Dallas lacked dynamic offensive talents on their NHL roster and in the pipeline. Those top four picks all fit that mold. Mavrik Bourque is marquee player, but I wouldn’t sleep on Antonio Stranges, Daniel Ljungman, or Evgeni Oksentyuk, either.

Florida Panthers – I loved this draft. Absolutely loved it. With the possible exception of fourth rounder Zachary Uens, it often seemed as if the Panthers were using the McKeen’s list to draft. Third rounder Ty Smilanic was our last first round talent on the board, but Bill Zito’s team was sniping leftover studs with every pick.

Los Angeles Kings – I didn’t love every single pick, but the Kings had nine. And there were more picks that I loved than picks I questioned. Kasper Simontaival in the third round and Martin Chromiak in the first are two of the steals of the draft. When the Kings are competing for titles again, this draft will be pointed to as critical, either for the on-ice talent, or for players they acquired in return for some of these players.

Minnesota Wild – Only five picks, but each one was knocked out of the park. Marco Rossi could play this year and I think defenders Ryan O’Rourke and Daemon Hunt could both outplay their respective draft slots down the road.

New York Rangers – Not just Lafreniere. Braden Schneider helps give the Blueshirts one of the deepest blueline pipelines in the game, along with Colorado and Ottawa. William Cuylle is a worthy gamble where they took him and their fifth-round haul of Evan Vierling and Brett Berard is downright glorious.

Philadelphia Flyers – Another short but sweet haul. I wasn’t totally on board with Tyson Foerster in the first, but think they got tremendous value with each of their other four picks.

Toronto Maple Leafs – Skills and smarts. Skills and smarts. Continue. Some of their lottery tickets in the 6^th and 7^th were off the board, but their willingness to keep going to Europe in the top few rounds, coming away with Rodion Amirov, Roni Hirvonen, and Topi Niemela among others will pay off.

Here are some draft classes I wasn’t too fond of on first impression:

Boston Bruins – Only four picks and all of them long distance long shots. Maybe Trevor Kuntar could be a decent bottom six heavy with decent offense one day, but I don’t see a world in which Mason Lohrei lives up to his billing as a second rounder.

Columbus Blue Jackets – This all comes down to Yegor Chinakhov. If Jarmo Kekalianen and Ville Siren are smarter than all of us, they will laugh until retirement. We liked Chinakhov more than most public scouting services, which is to say that we thought he would be a solid target for the 6^th round. We didn’t like any of their other picks anymore.

Nashville Predators – We were on board with Russian goalie Yaroslav Askarov 11^th overall, and we liked some of their other picks, namely Luke Evangelista and Gunnarwofle Fontaine, but too many questions marks for me, starting with third round pick Luke Prokop.

New York Islanders – In fairness, their first pick was 90^th overall. Only Arizona had to wait longer to make their first pick. I liked some of the shots the Coyotes took. I’m not sure I see an NHL’er among the Islanders picks. Alexander Ljungkrantz and William Dufour should receive opportunities, but they aren’t the types who can force the matter.

Pittsburgh Penguins – Only five picks and two of them – the first two!!! – are used on goalies?!?!? Their first goalie pick, Joel Blomqvist, was our second highest ranked goalie in the draft class, and I think 6^th rounder Chase Yoder can play, but underwhelming at best.

There is more that I liked than I didn’t. I tend to be optimistic around the draft.

The shadow draft. I love this exercise. This is our fourth year running this exercise, and McKeens has developed a nice little prospect pipeline. As a reminder, the rules are very simple.

We draft 16^th in every round. No trades
We take the best player on our board when the 16^th pick of each round comes up.
After drafting goalies with our second and third round picks in 2017, I implemented a positional balancing rule. No more than one goalie in seven rounds and at least two defensemen and two forwards in each class.

In each of our first three drafts, we ended up with two players who were not drafted at all. Our first undrafted player needed two more years, but Kirill Slepets, who we took in the sixth round in 2017, was actually eventually drafted by Carolina in the fifth round in 2019. A second player we took that the NHL at large passed over was drafted this year. Last year, our highest undrafted player was a young Russian forward named Yegor Chinakhov. We had him ranked 49^th at the time. He was the top man on the board when we took our fifth-round pick. Columbus rectified that league-wide mistake this year, shocking the world by selecting him in the first round. An overcorrection if you ask me and every hockey insider outside of the Columbus organization, but I like seeing his name called.

Coming into this year, here were our previous draft classes:

Pick #	Player	McKeens Rank	Actual Draft slot	Actual Pick
16	Kristian Vesalainen	9	24	Juuso Valimaki
47	Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen	32	54	Alex Formenton
78	Keith Petruzzelli	37	88	Stuart Skinner
109	Adam Ruzicka	40	109	Adam Ruzicka
140	Sasha Chmelevski	61	185	Zach Fischer
171	Kirill Slepets	74	Undrafted	D'Artagnan Joly
202	Emil Oksanen	76	Undrafted	Filip Sveningsson

Pick #	Player	McKeens Rank	Actual Draft slot	Actual Pick
16	Joe Veleno	10	30	Martin Kaut
47	Akil Thomas	26	51	Kody Clark
78	Blake McLaughlin	40	79	Sampo Ranta
109	Aidan Dudas	52	113	Tyler Weiss
140	Alexis Gravel	67	162	Brandon Saigeon
171	Merrick Rippon	85	Undrafted	Nikolai Kovalenko
202	Danila Galenyuk	96	Undrafted	Shamil Shmakov

Pick #	Player	McKeens Rank	Actual Draft slot	Actual Pick
16	Peyton Krebs	8	17	Alex Newhook
47	Albert Johansson	26	60	Drew Helleson
78	Pavel Dorofeyev	31	79	Alex Beaucage
109	Marshall Warren	35	166	Marc Del Gaizo
140	Yegor Chinakhov	49	Undrafted	Sasha Mutala
171	Nikola Pasic	53	189	Luka Burzan
202	Oleg Zaytsev	66	Undrafted	Trent Miner

So how did we do this year?

Pick #	Player	McKeens Rank	Actual Draft slot	Actual Pick
16	Dawson Mercer	13	18	Kaiden Guhle
47	Jan Mysak	27	48	Luke Tuch
78	Carter Savoie	32	100	Samuel Knazko
109	Brett Berard	40	134	Blake Biondi
140	Jacob Truscott	68	144	Ben Meehan
171	Samuel Hlavaj	71	Undrafted	Alexander Gordin
202	Christoffer Sedoff	99	Undrafted	Gunnarwolfe Fontaine

Maybe our draft was a little North American-centric, with all seven being domestic players, although three (Mysak, Hlavaj, Sedoff) were all imports from Europe. We started heavy with dynamic forwards, but I think fifth rounder Truscott could be one of the steals of the draft – the real draft and our shadow draft. If my team came away with this haul at the draft, I would be very, very happy.

Our system is now very forward heavy, but we have some interesting netminders as well. The blueline is shallow, and that could be an indication that we are systematically underrating them across the board. If so, it isn’t by much, but that is something I would be open to looking into as we head into our off-season.

Thank you for following along with us during this crazy season. I hope that you and your loved ones are healthy, sane, and gainfully employed. And I hope that when we reconvene for the 2020-21 season, the world is in a better place.

QMJHL: Samuel Hlavaj, G, Sherbrooke (2020)

Michael Sanderson — Thu, 21 May 2020 11:32:35 +0000

Samuel Hlavaj is one of the more polarizing goaltending prospects eligible for this upcoming entry draft. On the one hand, he had an excellent year with the Phoenix this season, and a 33-5 record is impressive regardless of any circumstances. Hlavaj was personally 20-1 since December 1st and did not give up more than four goals in any of his starts over that span. In fact, four goals against was his high-water mark for the season, save for one seven-goal effort against Chicoutimi. When his team has needed him, he has passed the test. His international experience as an already-two-time starter for the Slovakian World Junior team is also a big feather in his cap. While his game is raw, his quickness and his anticipation will be massive assets for his prospective career.

On the other hand, detractors will point to the fact that Hlavaj played in front of the second-best defensive team in the QMJHL this past year, a team that surrendered the third-least shots against per-game, and that Hlavaj, while boasting very good numbers, was only third in save percentage. The question about the netminder is whether he is as good as he looks, or the product of an excellent team. The fact that Hlavaj has an inefficient technique and issues with consistency despite a 33-5 record says a lot.

This was the Slovakian’s second season in North America, as last year, in front of a woeful Lincoln Stars team of the USHL, he did not look nearly as polished or as strong as he did this year. His growth year-over-year is remarkable, but he is still raw, wastes movement and shows holes in his stance that he has to close.

That debate will persist next year as well, as the Phoenix are likely to be a contender again with Hlavaj in goal. What is clear is that this season, whether he is responsible for it or not, he did not mess it up, and that counts for something. Despite his flaws, Hlavaj already has pro size, and is an exciting and entertaining goaltender who will benefit from more seasoning, and his raw talents will continue to mould into a promising goaltending prospect.

Samuel Hlavaj	Eligible 2020 NHL Draft
Position: G, Catches: L	H/W: 6-4", 207 lbs
Statistics (GP- GAA-SAV%)	Sherbrooke Phoenix, QMJHL (39-2.25-.915)
	Slovakia U20, WJC (5-5.37-.851)

Samuel Hlavaj. Photo by Vincent L. Rousseau. Courtesy of the QMJHL.

Athleticism/Quickness/Speed: Hlavaj has the quickness and anticipation to set himself in position on any shot he sees, but it takes him some movement to get there. He makes it in time, but it is not the most efficient style. His big frame and strong body allow him to handle any issue in front of the net, and his speed post-to-post keep him in the proper position through any offensive chance. His speed cross-crease is among the best in the QMJHL. Grade: 60

Compete/Temperament: Hlavaj fights for the puck, fights for his position in front of the net well, and gets right in the thick of things in front of his cage. He does not sit back and wait for the play to come to him. It can cause him to make desperation saves and rely on his quickness, but he is a battler. He followed up every loss this season with a win, so he does not get discouraged or slide too far into a slump, although his team helped him out with their league-leading record this season. His worst effort of the season, a seven-goal loss to Chicoutimi, was followed up by nine straight wins to finish the incomplete season. Grade: 55

Vision/Reading Play: Hlavaj has no trouble tracking the puck nor does he have any issues with anticipating the play. He may not arrive there in the most beautiful way, but he will get there when he needs to and make the save attempt. He is not a goalie who waits for his defenders to clear the path, he will do what he can to see the puck and gets low in his stance to keep an eye on it. His reads keep him in the play when he has scrambled and needs to make a sliding save. Grade: 60

Technique/Style: Hlavaj is a battling, scramble goaltender who plays smaller than his 6-4” frame. He plays low to the ice and can surrender the shoulders to cover the seal of the ice. He is not afraid to make a save with any part of his body. He insists on staying in front of the shooter at all times, which can mean small pushes instead of keeping ahead and minimizing movement, but that can be coached out of his game. His compete level and his quickness cannot be taught, but it needs to be harnessed a bit more. Despite his solid statistics though, pucks got through him more than one would like at times this season, in particular between the arms and the body. Grade: 50

Rebound Control: Hlavaj played so well in tandem with his defenders that rebounds were not a big issue this season. He is a goalie who plays well on second and third chances with his quickness and his anticipation. Having said that, his technique could be further nurtured to minimize the rebounds. He had games where his rebound control was top notch, with other games where rebounds needed to be cleared. Inconsistency in this regard is more the issue than the technique itself. Grade: 55

Puck Handling: Hlavaj’s puck handling is as entertaining as the rest of his game. He is not afraid to venture out and play the puck to a teammate, in the corners or in the defensive zone if need be. He hits passes well to teammates but does end up in close calls where a giveaway would end up in the back of his net on occasion. He plays risky, but his passing can make up for it. Grade: 50

Overall Future Projection (OFP): 56

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.

2020 NHL DRAFT: Re-entry Candidates Part One – Canada (WHL, OHL, QMJHL, BCHL)

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 11:56:12 +0000

The art of scouting is an imperfect science. For various reasons, players get missed. Maybe said player was on a bad team and was subsequently under-scouted. Maybe said player worked through injuries in their draft year and as a result could never fully show what he was capable of. Or maybe said player did not get the ice time required to shine.

On the other hand, players can be skipped over because scouts felt that they were not good enough. That said, teenagers are far from a finished product on the ice. Their games mature just as their minds and bodies do. That is why it is critical to track players as they move through their second and third years of draft eligibility. For North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, they will be eligible for three NHL drafts. For players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, they will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (who are still developing in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases.

In recent years, we have had a major shift in drafting philosophy, with more teams selecting players in their second and third years of eligibility. For one, these players are finding success at the NHL level, such as Cam Atkinson, Mike Hoffman, Ryan Dzingel, Brandon Montour, and Connor Hellebuyck, to name just a few. Secondly, teams are able to draft more polished products who have shown a steep progression curve. And thirdly, in the case of draft and follow NCAA bound players, NHL teams will have a few years longer to decide whether they want to sign said players to one of their precious 50 contracts inside the limit.

Last year, eleven “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 100 alone (four more than 2018); Pyotr Kochetkov, Samuel Fagemo, Brett Leason, Mattias Norlinder, Erik Portillo, John Ludvig, Ronnie Attard, Ilya Konovalov, Viktor Lodin, Tyce Thompson, Matej Blumel. In our “second chances” article last year (LINK HERE Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 ) we wrote about six of these eleven. In total 42 were taken among the 217 total players drafted in Vancouver. While that is down from the 46 taken in 2018, it is still nearly 20% of all draft picks. Additionally, of those 42, we identified and wrote about 14 in our aforementioned second chances series. We hope to identify even more this year.

In 2020, we have some very interesting candidates. OHL goaltender Nico Daws has been one of the best goaltenders in the CHL and was a member of Team Canada at the WJC. Lethbridge defenseman Alex Cotton currently leads all WHL defenseman in scoring only a year after being passed over at the draft. Hulking Slovakian goaltender Samuel Hlavaj has been one of the best goaltenders in the QMJHL and played for team Slovakia (again) at the WJC’s. Parker Ford of Providence is among the top freshman scorers in the NCAA and played for team U.S.A. at the WJC. This series of articles intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year. We start with the Canadian Junior Leagues - WHL, OHL, QMJHL and the BCHL. Tomorrow we will publish the prospects playing in the US in the USHL and the NCAA. We will wrap up the series with the European prospects on Sunday.

Western Hockey League

Josh Williams. Photo by Andy Devlin. Courtesy of the WHL

Alex Cotton - Defenseman - Lethbridge Hurricanes

Cotton, an 18 year old (2001 born), 6-2” defender, has been an absolute revelation in the WHL this year. After scoring only 11 points in his rookie year (and first draft year) last year, he has exploded in 2019-20. He leads all WHL defenseman in scoring with 51 points (as of this writing) and is one of only two U19 defenders to be averaging over a point per game in the CHL (along with Jamie Drysdale, with Thomas Harley and Isaac Belliveau just below). This is especially impressive considering that the Hurricanes find themselves as one of the top teams in the WHL thanks in part to Cotton’s contributions.

“Cotton is a big part of a lethal powerplay unit and that has inflated his numbers a bit (5 goals and 20 assists on the powerplay), but his overall game has improved dramatically from a year ago. He is solid in his own zone and uses his size to protect the net area. He has an active stick in traffic that enables him to poke pucks out of harm’s way. He is also capable along the wall where he can pin opponents and move the puck along the wall. He was always a capable first pass defender who started zone exits but this year he is more comfortable with the puck on his stick. His confidence with the puck is a huge part of his impressive start to the season. He is a volume shooter from the point and gets his shot through with a combination of one-timers and quick release wrist shots. With teams starting to attack his shot more he has been able to open some passing lanes and has started to pile up the assists. His skating motion isn’t the most fluid but he moves around the ice fine. His offensive production this year has more than tripled that of his draft year which is an impressive progression that certainly merits him being considered for the draft this time around.” (Vince Gibbons)

Oliver Okuliar - Left Wing - Lethbridge Hurricanes

A teammate of Cotton’s in Lethbridge, Okuliar is playing in his first season in the WHL after switching CHL leagues this offseason, transferring from the QMJHL. He has been sensational for the Hurricanes, second on the team in scoring behind Dylan Cozens, and top five in the WHL in goal scoring with 28. He also recently suited up for Team Slovakia at the WJC’s, where he was a solid contributor. A 6-1” winger, Okuliar has been passed over in two straight NHL drafts, despite producing offensively. However, his new pace and the improvements made to his game may have NHL teams taking a longer look at him now.

“Oliver Okuliar has taken his game to new heights since joining the Western League this year. The physical play and tight defensive style have really brought out the best in his two-way game. What he has shown this season makes you think he looks the part of an NHL prospect. He has a good frame that he uses well in puck protection, cycling the puck, being a net front presence, and getting in on the forecheck. His production has improved dramatically in part because of opportunity but also because of consistency. He has been held pointless only six times this season and has only been held pointless in back to back games once. His skating won’t wow you, but he moves around the ice fine and has a pretty good burst, especially going after loose pucks. He processes the game very well and picks up the right man on the back check. He is on the first unit for both the power play and the penalty kill where he is still a threat to score because of his good anticipation and work ethic. His shot in terms of quality of the shots he takes and his release/accuracy are strong parts to his game. His passing skills are good and he has found strong chemistry playing with Dylan Cozens (Buf) each having already scored 20 goals before the halfway mark of the season.” (Vince Gibbons)

Josh Williams - Right Wing - Edmonton Oil Kings

Last year was a very tough season for Williams. He entered the year as a potential first round selection after a very strong performance at the Ivan Hlinka, where he led Canada in goals en route to a gold medal. However, his WHL season was a major disappointment and it saw him dealt from Medicine Hat to Edmonton. He ended up going undrafted (which was still a surprise, despite his poor season). This year, he has really turned things around. He currently leads the Oil Kings in goals, is averaging just under a point per game, and has become a much more engaged player without the puck. One would have to think that he is back on the draft radar again.

“Josh Williams has at times over the past two seasons looked like a legitimate goal scoring threat. He has also looked completely disinterested and frustrated with his game. At the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament he looked a finisher, absolutely lethal, quick on forecheck and engaged ready to push for top half of the draft but returning to Medicine Hat he struggled to find his game. He was pushed down the line up then traded, then pushed down the line up again due to a lack of consistency and production. This year he has found his stride. He is engaged on the forecheck, playing physical and working hard. This has led to a huge increase in confidence and production on the Division leading Oil Kings. He has rediscovered his scoring touch leading the team in goals, and second in points. His shot rates per game have nearly doubled as has his shooting %. This increase is from driving the net more and getting to scoring areas rather than shooting from the perimeter. His feet aren’t great but his work rate is back up this year and you can see that in his game now.” (Vince Gibbons)

Ontario Hockey League

Nico Daws of the Guelph Storm. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Nico Daws - Goaltender - Guelph Storm

An OHL champion in his draft year with the Guelph Storm, Daws did not get much opportunity to show scouts what he was capable of, playing behind veteran Anthony Popovich. This year, the Storm were supposed to be a bottom feeding rebuilding team, but Daws’ performance has carried them back into playoff position. He has been one of the best goaltenders in the OHL this year, leading the league in both GAA and save percentage. And while his WJC performance may not have been terrific, he has no doubt shown enough to scouts to suggest that he could be a top 100 draft selection in June. Although the fact that he had to miss the CHL Top Prospect’s Game with an oblique injury had to be disappointing for those same scouts.

“What a difference a year can make. Last year, Guelph rode veteran Anthony Popovich hard as they could not trust Daws in critical situations in a Championship year. But Daws dedicated himself to improving his conditioning this offseason, shedding 25lbs. The difference that this has made to his game has been astounding. He is a new goaltender. He is noticeably quicker post to post, exhibiting more explosiveness in his pushes. This is allowing him to use his 6-4” frame more aggressively to challenge and square up to shooters. His confidence level has been sky high, as he is seeing pucks well and controlling his rebounds quite well for a larger goaltender. He does a terrific job of fighting through traffic to locate pucks and rarely gives up second chances. People will point to his poor showing at the WJC and discredit his NHL potential, but Daws has everything you want from a pro goalie. Those who see him regularly in the OHL know how good he has been and can look past a couple bad games at the International level (a new experience for him). He is unquestionably the top goaltender available from the OHL for this year’s draft. Guelph has struggled to start the second half though, so it will be worth watching to see how he closes out his season.” (Brock Otten)

Pavel Gogolev - Left Wing - Guelph Storm

Speaking of the Guelph Storm, another of the players heavily responsible for their surprise season is Gogolev. Two years ago, Gogolev was perhaps the most surprising undrafted player at the 2018 NHL Draft, after posting 30 goals for the Peterborough Petes. We at McKeens Hockey had him ranked 74th and multiple other scouting agencies also had him inside their top 100. However, concerns over his engagement level away from the puck scared scouts away despite the great production. Last year, he was traded to the Storm (in exchange for Ryan Merkley), but lost a good chunk of his season to a fractured ankle. This year, in his final year of NHL Draft eligibility, he has returned with a vengeance, with over 1.5 points per game and a consistent spot inside the top 10 of OHL scoring.

“I was a fan in his original draft year and was pretty shocked when he went undrafted in 2018. However, he did have some warts, in particular his vision/poise with the puck and his engagement level without it. Fast forward two years and he is a completely different player. He still has that terrific shot and ability to drive the pace of play across the blueline, but he has really cut down on his turnovers and improved his decision making. He has also increased his intensity level ten-fold, hustling for loose pucks in all three zones, battling hard in the corners, and excelling in traffic with improved strength and conditioning. What he has done for Guelph this year, putting the team on his back offensively some nights, has been really impressive. Gogolev 100% deserves to be drafted finally this year.” (Brock Otten)

Billy Constantinou - Defense - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Like Gogolev, Constantinou is another player to have been ranked inside McKeens’ Top 100, only to go undrafted, this time in 2019. A trade to the lowly Kingston Frontenacs really killed his draft stock as it magnified his weaknesses defensively and prevented him from showcasing his offensive abilities. After a slow start, Constantinou found himself dealt again, this time to Sault Ste. Marie, and it has allowed him to blossom into the player many thought that he could become. Up close to a point per game as a defender, he is in the midst of a breakout season and at only 18 (2001 born), Constantinou should receive very heavy consideration at the draft in 2020.

“Quite frankly, he was not good in Kingston, last year or to start this year. Turnovers and engagement level were major issues to start the year. But the trade to Sault Ste. Marie has really allowed his game to blossom. He is back to being a prominent puck mover and is seeing regular time on the powerplay, where his decision making is really improving. His decision making five on five, has also improved greatly as he is making better decisions on when to be aggressive with the puck and is trusting his skating ability to help him open up breakout lanes. Defensively, improvement is still needed, but he has been way more engaged and involved with the Soo, taking more pride in his play below the hash marks, competing for space and becoming more difficult to play against. By the end of the year, he could be top 5 in defenseman scoring and given his adequate size (6-0”) and mobility, he should be a lock to be selected this time in June.” (Brock Otten)

Evgeniy Oksentyuk - Left Wing - Flint Firebirds

After an electric performance at last year’s U18s that helped Belarus make the quarterfinals, many expected that the diminutive (5-7”) Oksentyuk would draw consideration for the NHL draft. After going undrafted, he was selected by Flint in the CHL Import Draft and has been an impact player in the OHL this season. He currently sits second behind Ty Dellandrea in scoring for the Firebirds and is the 6th highest scoring 2001 born player in the league as of this writing (ahead of top NHL prospects like Jamieson Rees, Yegor Afanasyev, and Ryan Suzuki). The NHL is changing for the better when it comes to embracing undersized forwards, but his 5-7” build may still scare some scouts away. However, his skill level is undeniable.

“A tireless player who possesses an inordinate amount of skill with the puck. His motor never seems to stop running and he plays a lot bigger than his 5-7” frame. Oksentyuk certainly does not back down from physical challenges and is willing to play through the middle of the ice. He has extremely quick feet and accelerates quickly, which allows him to be a quick strike kind of player who excels in transition to create odd man rushes. What is most noticeable about Oksentyuk is his ability to handle the puck and keep possession through the moves that he makes at top speed. His edgework is terrific, as he can stop and turn on a dime. But maintaining possession of the puck, while at full speed, and while making these cuts, makes him very difficult to defend. He has left many OHL defenders looking like pylons this season. Equal parts playmaker and goal scorer, Oksentyuk has the skill level to be a pro player. Yes, he is undersized. However, he plays with the ferocity needed to overcome that lack of size, and I believe deserves to be drafted this time around.” (Brock Otten)

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Egor Sokolov. Photo courtesy of the QMJHL.

Egor Sokolov - Right Wing - Cape Breton Eagles

Massive Russian winger who is currently in his third year in the QMJHL and his third year of draft eligibility. The 6-4”, 240lbs forward has consistently been in the top 5 of QMJHL scoring this year and recently suited up for Team Russia at the World Junior Championships. He has improved every year in the ‘Q’ and scouts are very likely to have taken notice.

“The big Russian winger is actually a slightly trimmer Russian winger from last season – with his pounds down from 241 to 231 this season – and the 6-4” mountain of a man has used that slimmer build to improve his skating speed. His stride is much improved, and that has allowed the Yekaterinberg giant to more-than-double his points-per-game from last season for the Cape Breton Eagles. His strength is a huge calling card, and one that should continue in the pro ranks, as he has excellent balance and great puck protection. He’s not afraid to go to the net and sniff out rebounds, either. His skating is still a bit of an issue for his future prospects, but his improvements in this area show a lot of promise. He has attended one NHL camp, with Columbus in 2018, and he really wants to stay in North America to continue playing. A feature role on the silver-medal-achieving Russians only further demonstrates his uses. A team will take a flyer on the beast from the far east.” (Mike Sanderson)

Samuel Hlavaj - Goaltender - Sherbrooke Phoenix

The 6-4” Hlavaj has been one of the better goaltenders in the QMJHL this year, in his first year in the league after transferring from the USHL. The Slovakian netminder was highly ranked by NHL Central Scouting for last year’s draft but was not selected. Now, the 19-year-old has posted the highest save percentage in the Q and one of the highest in the CHL. While his numbers at the WJC were not terrific, he was better than they would indicate for a weaker Slovakian team.

“Most scouts will tell you – play anywhere and if you’re good enough, they’ll find you. While that might be true, it mustn’t have felt true for Hlavaj, the rookie sensation in the nets for the top team in the QMJHL, the Sherbrooke Phoenix. While a fixture on his native Slovakian international teams, he didn’t generate much interest stateside with his pedestrian numbers with a woeful Lincoln Stars team last season. Still, the Phoenix saw enough potential in the 6-4” netminder to make him their first import selection in June and he has blown away all expectations in the QMJHL, being a large factor in their best start in franchise history. Hlavaj is a big netminder and plays like it, covering lots of cage even in desperation, but he also moves very fast, especially post-to-post. He is a very confident goalie and doesn’t get fazed by much, paired with his impressive league leading GAA and save percentage numbers. A starting nod for a second year in a row at the World Juniors doesn’t hurt the profile, either.” (Mike Sanderson)

Shawn Element - Center - Cape Breton Eagles

Element is a two-way center who was recently dealt from Acadie-Bathurst to Cape Breton, after starting the season as the Titan captain. The 2000 born, 6-0” forward has already set new career highs in both goals and points and is poised to be part of a long playoff run with Cape Breton. Element also took part in the CHL Super Series against Russia as part of team QMJHL.

“Element’s talents were never strictly to pick up points; even as a QMJHL first rounder his projection was as a useful, energy, strong two-way forechecking forward who would pick up points, but not as his calling card. The boxcar numbers would belie his true value, and this was true even in midget, with just 21 points in 32 games in his 15-year-old season. Two factors have brought Element into the conversation as an NHL prospect – playing a very important role for a rebuilding Acadie-Bathurst squad, and putting up strong boxcar numbers for the first time. Element’s 34 points in 32 games with the Titan was the first time he was over a point-a-game in his career for a significant chunk of time, and his physical play and feistiness was only amplified as captain of the floundering Titan. He has continued that hot stick with the Cape Breton Eagles after a mid-season trade. Element does all the little things well, and can play up and down the lineup, making him a sure professional, even if most only noticed a year or two later.” (Mike Sanderson)

Brett Budgell - Left Wing - Charlottetown Islanders

A former highly touted prospect once thought to be a first round candidate at the NHL Draft, Budgell had a very disappointing draft year last season and went undrafted. The 6-0”, Newfoundland native has returned to Charlottetown and is playing inspired hockey, leading the low scoring, but effective Islanders, in scoring. Like Josh Williams, mentioned earlier in this article, Budgell may have put himself back on the scouting map.

“Like many on this list, Budgell benefitted from an increased role on an Islanders team that needed scoring. Budgell fits that category, while still providing his typical full-out effort every night. His other advantage is finding chemistry with the most talented member on his team – St. Louis prospect Nikita Alexandrov. The pair have been very solid when put together, as both have low centers of gravity and work magic along the boards in the offensive zone. Budgell is a touch undersized for the pro ranks to play the role he does – grinder, energy forward who generates off the forecheck and off the rush – but he continues to show promise to put it all together. He also shows great chemistry playing with talented linemates, as not only does Alexandrov feature in his best highlights, but his midget linemate was Carolina first rounder Ryan Suzuki.” (Mike Sanderson)

BCHL

Danny Weight - Center - Penticton Vees

Last year was a tough one for Danny Weight, son of former NHL Stanley Cup Champion Doug Weight. He became buried on the depth chart of a strong U.S. U18 squad and was eventually left off of the roster for the IIHF U18’s. This demotion essentially killed his chances of being drafted. However, he has bounced back strong this year in the BCHL with Penticton (along with Flyers first round pick Jay O’Brien), finding himself near the top of league scoring. The Boston College commit was also recently named to the CJHL Top Prospect’s Game, one of the few 2001’s at the event. It would appear that his resurgence has him back on the map as an NHL draft prospect.

“After spending the past few years with the US development program, the son of NHL veteran Doug Weight brought his talents to the Penticton Vees in the BCHL. Although it’s only for this season, as he is committed to Boston College next season, it's a very good move as he can step into a much larger role after playing on a very deep USNTDP. Playing in such a deep program wasn't giving him the opportunity to play in all roles and get a good portion of ice time. Weight was one of only a handful of players from the USNTDP that didn't get drafted and needed to make a change in response to the snub. He comes from NHL bloodlines, has decent size, can play physical, has some offensive skills as he is producing at a point per game ratio, and plays a well-rounded game. Although he needs to improve in a few areas, his goal is to get drafted, but he may be more likely to do a couple more camp invites as an undrafted player.” (Kevin Olexson)

Philippe Lapointe - Right Wing/Center - Trail Smoke Eaters

A university of Michigan recruit, Lapointe is the son of former NHL’er Martin. After playing the last few years in the USHL, Lapointe switched to the BCHL this year where he has been the captain of one of the league’s best teams and has also one of the league’s best point per game averages (just behind teammate and top 2021 draft prospect Kent Johnson).

“The son of ex NHLer Martin Lapointe has stepped into a big role in his first season with Trail in the BCHL. After overcoming an injury to start the season, he has settled in and looks really comfortable playing for the Smoke Eaters. Lapointe is hard working and very focused, has good leadership qualities and was rewarded for his efforts by being named the team’s Captain in his first season. He is a nice offensively gifted player, with 15 goals and 28 assists in only 24 games, he is producing at almost 2 points a game pace and is determined to become a top player. He keeps his head up, has a good shot, distributes the puck very well, and has been an impact player and difference maker. Lapointe is a smart 2-way player who competes hard, knows where to go on the ice, and leads by example. He has committed and set his sights on the University of Michigan program for next season and should continue to flourish.” (Kevin Olexson)

**Special thanks to the McKeen’s Hockey staff for contributing to this article (Ryan Wagman, Vince Gibbons, Mike Sanderson, Kevin Olexson, Marco Bombino, Jimmy Hamrin, Alessandro Seren Rosso, and Viktor Fomich). Additionally, thanks to Russ Cohen (@sportsology) and Will Scouch (@Scouching) for their contributions.

2020 World Junior Championship Recap: Day Two

Derek O'Brien — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 22:37:02 +0000

OSTRAVA, CZECH REPUBLIC - DECEMBER 27: GermanyÕs Tim Stutzle #8 skates with the puck while USAÕs Nicholas Robertson #16 chases him down during preliminary round action at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship at Ostravar Arena on December 27, 2019 in Ostrava, Czech Republic. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

For a while, it looked like the USA might in danger of falling to 0-2 in Group B of the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, trailing 3-2 in the second period to a talented German squad that everybody was curious to see in action.

Germany built its lead thanks to a goal and two assists from Dominik Bokk and two power-play goals from John Peterka (as he’s now apparently called). But the Americans came back with four straight goals to win 6-3. Anaheim Ducks prospect Trevor Zegras assisted on the first four American goals, the last being a nifty spinarama behind the net and a feed out front to Curtis Hall for the winning goal. Ottawa Senators prospect Shane Pinto had a goal and an assist, and now has six points in two games.

“I don’t think any of us think that was our best effort, but we definitely came on strong when we needed to and got the win. That was big,” said U.S. captain Mattias Samuelsson, whose team was playing the second of back-to-back games. “The Canada game was a physical one, for sure, but no excuses. We’ve got a day off now and looking to put forth our A game in the last two games coming up, because I don’t think we’ve played it yet.”

“This was a big game for us and I think there are a lot of good things we can take from this game,” acknowledged Bokk, a St. Louis Blues prospect who plays for BK Rogle in the Swedish Hockey League. “Our power play was working really well. We maybe have to tighten up a little better defensively, but I think this gives us some confidence heading into tomorrow’s game. We know that’s going to be a big one.”

Indeed, the Germany vs Czech Republic game was projected before the tournament to be one that might decide which team gets relegated from this group and, despite the Czechs’ opening-day win over Russia, that might still be the case.

In what was figured to be a big game to decide which team would avoid last place in Group A in Trinec, Slovakia had its hands full with Kazakhstan but eventually won 3-1. Sherbrooke Phoenix goalie Samuel Hlavaj made 22 saves and was chosen Slovakia’s player of the game. The 18-year-old is already playing in his second World Junior Championships. Goals were scored by Hlavaj’s former Sherbrooke teammate Oliver Okuliar, now with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Daniel Tkac and an empty-netter by Robert Dzugan.

“Michal Mrazik took the puck behind the net and found me backdoor – he’s a righty and he found my stick,” said Tkac, who scored the winning goal with just 2:56 remaining in regulation time. “All I had to do what tap it in. It was a really nice play by him.”

The lone Kazakh goal was scored by 18-year-old Maxim Musorov, who now shares the tournament’s goal-scoring lead with Pinto – each have three after two days. The Kazakhs have now put scares into both Switzerland and Slovakia but still have zero points, and with their remaining games against Sweden and Finland, it now looks very unlikely that they’ll be able to avoid the relegation round.

As the game wore on, Tkac said: “We just came in with the same mentality as if we were playing Sweden or anybody. We knew what we had to do. We just had to stay positive and keep going and we did it.”

Tkac, a dual Slovak and American citizen who was born in Pittsburgh, currently plays for the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL and, in his last year of junior eligibility, is hoping to use a successful World Junior Championship to help springboard him into U.S. collegiate hockey.

Day two of the World Juniors revealed some bad news for a couple of knee injuries to AHL players that occurred on day one. The Czech Republic’s Jakub Lauko and Finland’s Rasmus Kupari are both done for the tournament. Lauko was involved in a collision just six seconds into the game with Russia and should be out of action for a few weeks, while reports are that Kupari could be out months.

“I felt a stab immediately, and when I tried to put push myself up off the ice, I knew it wasn’t good,” Lauko told the media on Friday. On being forced to miss the rest of the tournament, he said, “The pain in my knee is no comparison to the pain inside.”

MCKEEN’S 2020 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR GUIDE: SLOVAKIA

Derek O'Brien — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 20:35:31 +0000

VICTORIA, BC - DECEMBER 29: Finland's Linus Nyman #23 takes a shot on Slovakia's Samuel Hlavaj #2 during preliminary round action at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on December 29, 2018 in Victoria, BC Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Since rising to the elite level of the World Junior Championships in 1996, Slovakia has never been relegated and has twice won the bronze medal – in 1999 and 2015. While a medal is always a dream, the first thing the team has to contend with is advancing from its group. Slovakia has finished fourth out of five teams each of the last four years. Last season, the Slovaks managed just one win against Kazakhstan, and then lost big to Russia in the quarterfinals. This year, they are again in a group with Kazakhstan, as well as Switzerland, Sweden and Finland. Playing in Trinec, which is situated less than 20 km from the Slovak border, the Slovaks expect significant fan support in their quest to advance.

Last year, 17-year-old goalie Samuel Hlavaj was the Slovaks’ last line of defense in many games where they were overmatched by powerful teams. Back with another year of experience, he will be the youngest of the three goalies on Slovakia’s roster this time around, but still expected to start. The team’s other two returnees are both on the back end – 19-year-old Marcel Dlugos and 18-year-old Andrej Golian, who are both regulars in the Slovak Liga. Their experience will be relied upon heavily, with only four 2000-born defensemen on the roster.

All of Slovakia’s forwards are playing in their first World Junior Championship and only one of them – 18-year-old Maxim Cajkovic – has been drafted. There are several players, however, that could parlay a strong tournament into a shot at getting drafted next summer. Leading the way in that regard are the two other forwards playing in the CHL: Oliver Okuliar and Martin Fasko-Rudas.

Many players on the Slovak roster split time between pro hockey and the country’s top junior league. Besides Dlugos and Golian, others who have performed well in the top Slovak league are centers Kristian Kovacik and Jakub Minarik, right winger Dominik Jendek and 17-year-old defenseman Marko Stacha. The number of potential returning players on the Slovak roster should bode well for the 2021 World Juniors.

Maxim Cajkovic, RW

The Tampa Bay third rounder last June was not chosen by the Slovaks last season despite a decently impressive rookie season in the QMJHL with the Saint John Sea Dogs. Cajkovic is showing the same talents that made him the first overall pick in the CHL import draft in 2018, despite an early season injury that forced him out of the lineup for nearly two months. Upon returning, Cajkovic had an eight-game point streak. He comes into the tournament hot, with six points in his last three games, all multi-point efforts. Cajkovic loves to drive the play from the right wing and control the puck, but he also uses his teammates effectively. Expect Cajkovic to be used as a triggerman off either wing as a potent offensive threat.

Samuel Hlavaj, G

Hlavaj has been a major reason why Sherbrooke is the top team in Canada; his top-notch goaltending has been massive for the Phoenix in allowing them to play with confidence in the offensive zone and play loose. His 17-4 record is by far the best in the league, as is his 2.14 GAA and .925 save percentage. Hlavaj played in four games last year at the World Juniors, after being expected to be the third netminder on the squad, and he impressed there. At 6’4”, he has the size scouts drool over, and the lateral quickness post-to-post. He also seals the bottom of the net very effectively. He is expected to get the lion’s share of the starts as the incumbent for the Slovaks.

Marcel Dlugos, D

Last year, Dlugos was one of only two underagers (the other being Hlavaj) to play for Slovakia at the World Juniors. This year, the Slovaks will look to him as a solidifying force on the blueline. At 6’4” and 207 pounds, Dlugos is not afraid to use his size against men, with 82 penalty minutes so far this season in 38 games split between three teams in Slovakia’s top two professional leagues. On a Slovak team that is going to have to play a fair bit in its own zone against elite teams, expect Dlugos to log a lot of minutes and punish opposing forwards who try to forecheck too hard.

Oliver Okuliar

Oliver Okuliar has had an impressive start to his WHL career. After flopping from East (QMJHL) to West (WHL) he showcased himself as a power forward with a real goal scoring prowess. He leads all non-overagers with 23 goals in his first 32 games. He has been very productive playing on the top powerplay unit scoring seven goals there, but perhaps even more impressive is his three shorthanded goals at this point in the season. He is a legitimate threat to score on every shift. Defensively he is excellent on the back check which creates a lot of turnovers and counterattack opportunities. Offensively he is very effective cycling the puck and driving to the net. He can score some effort-driven goals around the crease, but he has a good shot as well and can be dangerous when given space. He is very consistent offensively as shown by him only have one, two game pointless streak in the first half of the season. For Slovakia he will be a go to forward in all situations and relied on heavily for offensive production.

MCKEEN’S 2019 NHL DRAFT GUIDE: Final Rankings – Top 217 Plus 100 Honourable Mention

Iain Morrell — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 17:52:23 +0000

MCKEEN'S RELEASES FINAL 2019 NHL DRAFT RANKINGS

KOSICE, SLOVAKIA - MAY 13: USA's Jack Hughes #6 and Finland's Kaapo Kakko #24 shake hands following a 3-2 overtime win for team USA during preliminary round action of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at Steel Arena on May 13, 2019 in Kosice, Slovakia. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

American center Jack Hughes or Finnish Winger Kaapo Kakko?

That is the decision facing the New Jersey Devils who won the draft lottery for the second time in the past three seasons and hold the top pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Hughes (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) led the USA Hockey National Team Development Program under-18 team in scoring while setting the NTDP career record for assists (154) and points (228) in two seasons (110 games) with the program.

He earned the highest Overall Future Projection (OFP) score of 64.50, as per the 20/80 grading system developed by McKeen's Director of Scouting Ryan Wagman.

Skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ, physicality - these are the attributes measured for skaters using the 20/80 grading system to arrive at an Overall Future Projection (OFP) score.

Six areas are assessed for goalies: athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling.

BROADWAY KAAPO

Kakko (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) earned the next highest OFP score at 64.00.

The Turku, Finland native will go to the New York Rangers with the second pick, their highest draft position since taking Brad Park in 1966 before expansion (1967-68).

Kakko led Finland with six goals while winning gold at the 2019 World Championships at just 18 years, 102 days old to become the youngest player in IIHF history to win gold at the Under-18, Under-20, and WM (World Men) levels, supplanting Connor McDavid of Canada (19 years, 130 days) from the record books.

The Chicago Blackhawks have the number three pick with the top defenseman Bowen Byram of the Vancouver Giants next on the McKeen's OFP scale (63.40).

Seven players in total received OFP scores of at least 60.00 this season, up from five in 2018 - and just two in 2017 when the Devils selected Nino Hischier first overall.

The next five spots in the rankings are all centers - Kirby Dach of Saskatoon (63.20 OFP), Dylan Cozens of Lethbridge (61.40), the NTDP duo of Trevor Zegras (61.25) and Alex Turcotte (60.00), and Peyton Krebs of Kootenay (59.65).

ALL AMERICAN

Spencer Knight. Photo courtesy of the USNTDP.

Spencer Knight of the NTDP is the top-rated goaltender available (55.75 OFP) at No. 32 in the McKeen's rankings.

Knight will likely go in the opening round of what will be a record haul for the U.S. National Team Development Program as upwards of eight players could be taken in the top 31 selections.

As for past records, the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) had four players taken in the opening round of the 1979 NHL Draft - as did the Toronto Marlboros (OHA) in 1972 and the Montreal Junior Canadiens (OHA) in 1969.

Along with Hughes (1st), Zegras (6th), and Turcotte (7th), wingers Matthew Boldy and Cole Caufield are ranked at No. 12 and 13 on the McKeen's list, with defenseman Cam York at No. 17 and center John Beecher at 30th.

Caufield (5-foot-7, 165 pounds) scored 14 goals at the U18 World Junior Championship, tying Alex Ovechkin's single-tournament goals record. However, the United States lost in a shootout to Russia in the semi-finals.

There are also four others in the program ranked in the 32 to 62 range (second round) - all defensemen - Marshall Warren (35th), Alex Vlasic (54th), Henry Thrun (58th) and Drew Helleson (62nd).

In total, 16 players from the NTDP are ranked among the top 100.

SWEDE GOLD - SWEET SEIDER

ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN - APRIL 23: Swedens Philip Broberg #4 makes a pass during preliminary round action against Russia at the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Fjallraven Center on April 23, 2019 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. (Photo by Steve Kingsman/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Sweden won a first-ever gold medal at the U18 World Juniors.

Four blueliners on that Swedish team are first-round candidates led by Philip Broberg of AIK, named 'Top Defenceman' at the U18 tournament, and Victor Soderstrom of Brynas, ranked No. 9 and 10 respectively on McKeen's.

U18 captain Tobias Bjornfot of Djurgardens is ranked 19th and Albert Johansson of Farjestads is 26th.

Following Dominik Bokk's selection in 2018 (25th to St. Louis), Germany will produce another first-round pick this year in Adler Mannheim defenseman Moritz Seider.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound, right-shot blueliner displayed impressive skills and maturity for his age while appearing at the 2019 World Championships (5-2-0-2).

Seider earned an OFP score of 57.50 and is ranked No. 15.

He will become the highest-selected German-born player at the NHL Draft since the Edmonton Oilers took Leon Draisaitl third overall in 2014.

Here are our final 2019 NHL Draft Rankings. They are a culmination of a season’s worth of prospect analysis and coverage on mckeenshockey.com and the tremendous work put in rinks and looking at screens and numbers from our committed team. Enjoy!

RANK	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	Nation
1	Jack Hughes	C	NTDP (USA)	5-10/170	14-May-01	USA
2	Kaapo Kakko	RW	TPS Turku (Fin)	6-2/195	13-Feb-01	Finland
3	Bowen Byram	D	Vancouver (WHL)	6-0/195	13-Jun-01	Canada
4	Kirby Dach	C	Saskatoon (WHL)	6-3/200	21-Jan-01	Canada
5	Dylan Cozens	C	Lethbridge (WHL)	6-3/185	9-Feb-01	Canada
6	Trevor Zegras	C	NTDP (USA)	6-0/170	20-Mar-01	USA
7	Alex Turcotte	C	NTDP (USA)	5-11/185	26-Feb-01	USA
8	Peyton Krebs	C	Kootenay (WHL)	5-11/180	26-Jan-01	Canada
9	Philip Broberg	D	AIK (Swe 2)	6-3/200	25-Jun-01	Sweden
10	Victor Soderstrom	D	Brynas (Swe)	5-11/180	26-Feb-01	Sweden
11	Vasili Podkolzin	RW	SKA-1946 St. Pete. (Rus Jr)	6-1/190	24-Jun-01	Russia
12	Matthew Boldy	LW	NTDP (USA)	6-1/190	5-Apr-01	USA
13	Cole Caufield	RW	NTDP (USA)	5-7/165	2-Jan-01	USA
14	Raphael Lavoie	RW	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-4/195	25-Sep-00	Canada
15	Moritz Seider	D	Adler Mannheim (DEL)	6-3/185	6-Apr-01	Germany
16	Simon Holmstrom	RW	HV 71 (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	24-May-01	Sweden
17	Cam York	D	NTDP (USA)	5-11/175	5-Jan-01	USA
18	Alex Newhook	C	Victoria (BCHL)	5-10/195	28-Jan-01	Canada
19	Tobias Bjornfot	D	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	6-0/200	6-Apr-01	Sweden
20	Philip Tomasino	C	Niagara (OHL)	5-11/180	28-Jul-01	Canada
21	Arthur Kaliyev	RW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-2/190	26-Jun-01	USA
22	Ryan Suzuki	C	Barrie (OHL)	6-0/180	28-May-01	Canada
23	Samuel Poulin	LW	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	6-1/205	25-Feb-01	Canada
24	Thomas Harley	D	Mississauga (OHL)	6-3/190	19-Aug-01	Canada
25	Ryan Johnson	D	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-0/175	24-Jul-01	USA
26	Albert Johansson	D	Farjestads (Swe Jr)	5-11/165	4-Jan-01	Sweden
27	Robert Mastrosimone	LW	Chicago (USHL)	5-10/160	24-Jan-01	USA
28	Connor McMichael	C	London (OHL)	5-11/175	15-Jan-01	Canada
29	Matthew Robertson	D	Edmonton (WHL)	6-3/200	9-Mar-01	Canada
30	John Beecher	C	NTDP (USA)	6-3/210	5-Apr-01	USA
31	Pavel Dorofeyev	LW	Magnitogorsk (KHL)	6-1/170	26-Oct-00	Russia
32	Spencer Knight	G	NTDP (USA)	6-3/195	19-Apr-01	USA
33	Bobby Brink	RW	Sioux City (USHL)	5-10/165	8-Jul-01	USA
34	Brett Leason	RW	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-4/200	30-Apr-99	Canada
35	Marshall Warren	D	NTDP (USA)	5-11/170	20-Apr-01	USA
36	Egor Afanasyev	RW	Muskegon (USHL)	6-3/205	23-Jan-01	Russia
37	Ville Heinola	D	Lukko Rauma (Fin)	5-11/180	3-Feb-01	Finland
38	Nolan Foote	LW	Kelowna (WHL)	6-3/190	29-Nov-00	Canada
39	Samuel Fagemo	RW	Frolunda (Swe)	6-0/195	14-Mar-00	Sweden
40	Nick Robertson	LW	Peterborough (OHL)	5-9/160	11-Sep-01	USA
41	Nils Hoglander	RW	Rogle (Swe)	5-9/185	20-Dec-00	Sweden
42	Jamieson Rees	C	Sarnia (OHL)	5-10/175	26-Feb-01	Canada
43	Jakob Pelletier	LW	Moncton (QMJHL)	5-9/165	7-Mar-01	Canada
44	Antti Tuomisto	D	Assat Pori (Fin Jr)	6-4/190	20-Jan-01	Finland
45	Lassi Thomson	D	Kelowna (WHL)	5-11/190	24-Sep-00	Finland
46	Michal Teply	LW	Bili Tygri Liberec (Cze)	6-3/185	27-May-01	Czech
47	Brayden Tracey	LW	Moose Jaw (WHL)	6-0/175	28-May-01	Canada
48	Arseni Gritsyuk	RW	Omskie Yastreby (Rus Jr)	5-10/170	15-Mar-01	Russia
49	Yegor Chinakhov	RW	Omskie Yastreby (Rus Jr)	6-0/175	1-Feb-01	Russia
50	Mattias Norlinder	D	MoDo (Swe Jr)	5-11/180	12-Apr-00	Sweden
51	Karl Henriksson	C	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	5-9/165	5-Feb-01	Sweden
52	Vladislav Kolyachonok	D	Flint (OHL)	6-1/185	26-May-01	Belarus
53	Nikola Pasic	RW	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	5-10/185	16-Oct-00	Sweden
54	Alex Vlasic	D	NTDP (USA)	6-6/200	5-Jun-01	USA
55	Pyotr Kochetkov	G	HK Ryazan (Rus 2)	6-1/175	25-Jun-99	Russia
56	Albin Grewe	RW	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-11/190	22-Mar-01	Sweden
57	Trevor Janicke	C	Central Illinois (USHL)	5-10/195	25-Dec-00	USA
58	Henry Thrun	D	NTDP (USA)	6-2/190	12-Mar-01	USA
59	Yegor Spiridonov	C	Stalnye Lisy Mag. (Rus Jr)	6-2/195	22-Jan-01	Russia
60	Patrik Puistola	LW	Tappara (Fin Jr)	6-0/175	11-Jan-01	Finland
61	Ilya Nikolayev	C	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	6-0/190	26-Jun-01	Russia
62	Drew Helleson	D	NTDP (USA)	6-3/195	26-Mar-01	USA
63	Graeme Clarke	RW	Ottawa (OHL)	5-11/175	24-Apr-01	Canada
64	Ronnie Attard	D	Tri-City (USHL)	6-3/210	20-Mar-99	USA
65	Mads Sogaard	G	Medicine Hat (WHL)	6-7/195	13-Dec-00	Denmark
66	Oleg Zaitsev	C	Red Deer (WHL)	6-1/185	7-Jan-01	Russia
67	Isaiah Saville	G	Tri-City (USHL)	6-1/190	21-Sep-00	USA
68	Kaedan Korczak	D	Kelowna (WHL)	6-3/190	29-Jan-01	Canada
69	Adam Najman	C	Benatky nad Jizerou (Cze 2)	5-11/175	23-Jan-01	Czech
70	Mikko Kokkonen	D	Jukurit (Fin)	5-11/200	18-Jan-01	Finland
71	Michael Vukojevic	D	Kitchener (OHL)	6-3/210	8-Jun-01	Canada
72	Patrick Moynihan	RW	NTDP (USA)	5-11/185	23-Jan-01	USA
73	Michael Gildon	LW	NTDP (USA)	6-1/195	21-Jun-01	USA
74	Judd Caulfield	RW	NTDP (USA)	6-3/205	19-Mar-01	USA
75	Vladislav Firstov	LW	Waterloo (USHL)	6-1/180	19-Jun-01	USA
76	Hugo Alnefelt	G	HV 71 (Swe Jr)	6-3/195	4-Jun-01	Sweden
77	Gianni Fairbrother	D	Everett (WHL)	6-0/195	30-Sep-00	Canada
78	Jackson Lacombe	D	Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS-MN)	6-1/170	9-Jan-01	USA
79	Ethan Keppen	LW	Flint (OHL)	6-2/210	20-Mar-01	Canada
80	Anttoni Honka	D	JyP Jyvaskyla (Fin)	5-10/180	5-Oct-00	Finland
81	Roman Bychkov	D	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	5-11/160	10-Feb-01	Russia
82	Ryder Donovan	C	Duluth East (USHS-MN)	6-3/185	4-Oct-00	USA
83	Nathan Legare	RW	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	6-0/205	11-Jan-01	Canada
84	Billy Constantinou	D	Kingston (OHL)	6-0/185	25-Mar-01	Canada
85	Vojtech Strondala	C	Slavia Trebic (Cze 2)	5-7/155	17-Dec-00	Czech
86	Case McCarthy	D	NTDP (USA)	6-1/195	9-Jan-01	USA
87	Simon Lundmark	D	Linkopings (Swe)	6-2/200	8-Oct-00	Sweden
88	Zac Jones	D	Tri-City (USHL)	5-10/175	18-Oct-00	USA
89	Erik Portillo	G	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	6-6/210	3-Sep-00	Sweden
90	Daniil Misyul	D	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	6-3/180	20-Oct-00	Russia
91	Daniil Gutik	LW	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	6-3/180	31-Aug-01	Russia
92	Hunter Jones	G	Peterborough (OHL)	6-4/195	21-Sep-00	Canada
93	Michael Koster	D	Chaska (USHS-MN)	5-9/175	13-Apr-01	USA
94	Aliaksei Protas	C	Prince Albert (WHL)	6-5/205	6-Jan-01	Belarus
95	Blake Murray	C	Sudbury (OHL)	6-2/190	5-Jul-01	Canada
96	Cole MacKay	RW	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	5-10/190	13-Jun-01	Canada
97	Trent Miner	G	Vancouver (WHL)	6-0/185	5-Jan-01	Canada
98	Semyon Chistyakov	D	Tolpar Ufa (Rus Jr)	5-10/170	7-Aug-01	Russia
99	Leevi Aaltonen	RW	KalPa (Fin Jr)	5-9/175	24-Jan-01	Finland
100	Antti Saarela	C	Lukko Rauma (Fin)	5-11/185	27-Jun-01	Finland
101	John Farinacci	C	Dexter (USHS-MA)	5-11/185	14-Feb-01	USA
102	Marcus Kallionkieli	LW	Sioux City (USHL)	6-2/195	20-Mar-01	Finland
103	Andre Lee	LW	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-4/200	26-Jul-00	Sweden
104	Kirill Slepets	RW	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	5-10/165	6-Apr-99	Russia
105	Shane Pinto	C	Tri-City (USHL)	6-2/190	12-Nov-00	USA
106	Jordan Spence	D	Moncton (QMJHL)	5-10/165	24-Feb-01	Canada
107	Keean Washkurak	C	Mississauga (OHL)	5-10/185	16-Aug-01	Canada
108	Owen Lindmark	C	NTDP (USA)	6-0/195	17-May-01	USA
109	Matej Blumel	RW	Waterloo (USHL)	5-11/200	31-May-00	Czech
110	Jack Malone	RW	Youngstown (USHL)	6-1/190	13-Oct-00	USA
111	Jayden Struble	D	St. Sebastian's (USHS-MA)	6-0/195	8-Sep-01	USA
112	Artemi Knyazev	D	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	5-11/180	4-Jan-01	Russia
113	Maxim Cajkovic	RW	Saint John (QMJHL)	5-11/185	3-Jan-01	Slovakia
114	Matvey Guskov	C	London (OHL)	6-1/180	30-Jan-01	Russia
115	Nikita Okhotyuk	D	Ottawa (OHL)	6-1/195	4-Dec-00	Russia
116	Valeri Orekhov	D	Barys Astana (KHL)	6-1/190	17-Jul-99	Kazakhstan
117	Zdenek Sedlak	RW	Karpat Oulu (Fin)	6-2/205	23-Mar-00	Czech
118	Alexander Yakovenko	D	Muskegon (USHL)	5-11/175	22-Feb-98	Russia
119	Yannick Bruschweiler	C	GC Kusnacht Lions (Sui 2)	5-10/175	29-Aug-99	Switzerland
120	Ilya Mironov	D	Loko Yaroslavl (Rus Jr)	6-3/200	15-Mar-01	Russia
121	Albert Lyckasen	D	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	5-10/180	29-Jul-01	Sweden
122	Keegan Stevenson	C	Guelph (OHL)	6-1/185	31-Dec-00	Canada
123	Ilya Konovalov	G	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	6-0/195	13-Jul-98	Russia
124	Cole Schwindt	RW	Mississauga (OHL)	6-2/185	25-Apr-01	Canada
125	Domenick Fensore	D	NTDP (USA)	5-7/155	7-Sep-01	USA
126	William Francis	D	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	6-5/210	16-Nov-00	USA
127	Simon Gnyp	D	Kolner (Ger Jr)	5-11/180	10-Sep-01	Germany
128	Tuukka Tieksola	RW	Karpat Oulu (Fin Jr)	5-10/150	22-Jun-01	Finland
129	Ethan Phillips	C	Sioux Falls (USHL)	5-9/150	7-May-01	Canada
130	Linus Pettersson	RW	MoDo (Swe)	5-7/145	11-Apr-00	Sweden
131	Matias Maccelli	LW	Dubuque (USHL)	5-11/170	14-Oct-00	Finland
132	Anthony Romano	C	Sioux Falls (USHL)	5-11/185	7-Oct-00	Canada
133	Nikita Alexandrov	C	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	6-0/180	16-Sep-00	Germany
134	Arturs Silovs	G	HS Riga (Lat)	6-4/205	22-Mar-01	Latvia
135	August Hedlund	G	AIK (Swe Jr)	6-4/185	7-Jan-00	Sweden
136	Nicholas Porco	LW	Saginaw (OHL)	6-0/175	12-Mar-01	Canada
137	Joe Carroll	C	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	6-2/200	1-Feb-01	Canada
138	Alex Beaucage	RW	Rouyn Noranda (QMJHL)	6-1/195	25-Jul-01	Canada
139	Luke Toporowski	C	Spokane (WHL)	5-11/180	12-Apr-01	USA
140	Sasha Mutala	RW	Tri-City (WHL)	6-0/200	6-May-01	Canada
141	Harrison Blaisdell	C	Chilliwack (BCHL)	5-11/180	18-Mar-01	Canada
142	Valentin Nussbaumer	C	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	5-11/165	25-Sep-00	Switzerland
143	Dustin Wolf	G	Everett (WHL)	6-0/155	16-Apr-01	USA
144	Ondrej Psenicka	RW	Sparta Praha (Cze Jr)	6-5/195	7-Jan-01	Czech
145	Juuso Parssinen	C	TPS Turku (Fin Jr)	6-2/205	1-Feb-01	Finland
146	Mitchell Brewer	D	Oshawa (OHL)	6-0/205	20-Mar-01	Canada
147	Lukas Parik	G	Liberec (Cze Jr)	6-4/185	15-Mar-01	Czech
148	Grant Silianoff	RW	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	5-11/170	4-Jan-01	USA
149	Josh Nodler	C	Fargo (USHL)	5-11/195	27-Apr-01	USA
150	Bryce Brodzinski	RW	Blaine (USHS-MN)	6-0/195	9-Aug-00	USA
151	Colten Ellis	G	Rimouski (QMJHL)	6-1/190	5-Oct-00	Canada
152	Rhett Pitlick	LW	Chaska (USHS-MN)	5-9/160	7-Feb-01	USA
153	Dillon Hamaliuk	LW	Seattle (WHL)	6-3/190	30-Oct-00	Canada
154	Aleksei Sergeev	C	Quebec (QMJHL)	5-9/185	22-May-00	Russia
155	Jack York	D	Barrie (OHL)	6-0/190	17-Sep-00	Canada
156	Jacob LeGuerrier	D	Sault Ste Marie (OHL)	6-1/200	22-Nov-00	Canada
157	Zach Uens	D	Wellington (OJHL)	6-1/180	13-May-01	Canada
158	Josh Williams	RW	Edmonton (WHL)	6-1/195	8-Mar-01	Canada
159	Elmer Soderblom	RW	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	6-6/220	5-Jul-01	Sweden
160	Kyle Topping	C	Kelowna (WHL)	5-11/185	18-Nov-99	Canada
161	Albin Sundsvik	C	Skelleftea (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	27-Apr-01	Sweden
162	Cameron Rowe	G	NTDP (USA)	6-2/200	1-Jun-01	USA
163	Filip Lindberg	G	Massachusetts (HE)	6-0/180	31-Jan-99	Finland
164	Liam Svensson	C	Frolunda (Swe Jr 18)	6-3/195	2-Feb-01	Sweden
165	Xavier Simoneau	C	Drummondville (QMJHL)	5-6/170	19-May-01	Canada
166	Pavel Gogolev	RW	Guelph (OHL)	6-0/175	19-Feb-00	Russia
167	Danil Antropov	LW	Oshawa (OHL)	6-1/185	20-Dec-00	Canada
168	Daniel D'Amico	LW	Windsor (OHL)	5-9/185	26-Jan-01	Canada
169	Vladimir Alistrov	LW	Edmonton (WHL)	6-2/175	12-Feb-01	Belarus
170	Reece Newkirk	C	Portland (WHL)	5-11/175	20-Feb-01	Canada
171	Sergei Alkhimov	LW	Regina (WHL)	6-0/210	3-Jul-01	Russia
172	Adam Beckman	LW	Spokane (WHL)	6-1/170	10-May-01	Canada
173	Alexander Campbell	LW	Victoria (BCHL)	5-10/150	27-Feb-01	Canada
174	Taylor Gauthier	G	Prince George (WHL)	6-1/195	15-Feb-01	Canada
175	Max Crozier	D	Sioux Falls (USHL)	6-1/195	19-Apr-00	Canada
176	Santeri Hatakka	D	Jokerit (Fin Jr)	6-0/175	15-Jan-01	Finland
177	Kalle Loponen	D	Hermes (Fin 2)	5-10/185	13-Mar-01	Finland
178	Eric Ciccolini	RW	Toronto Jr Canadiens (OJHL)	5-11/160	14-Jan-01	Canada
179	Aku Raty	RW	Karpat Oulu (Fin Jr)	5-11/170	5-Jul-01	Finland
180	Arvid Costmar	C	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	5-11/180	7-Jul-01	Sweden
181	Matt Brown	LW	Des Moines (USHL)	5-9/180	9-Aug-99	USA
182	Sven Leuenberger	C	Zug (Sui)	5-10/185	18-Feb-99	Switzerland
183	Jasper Patrikainen	G	Pelicans (Fin)	6-0/175	1-Jul-00	Finland
184	Jack Williams	G	Springfield (NAHL)	6-3/175	21-Jun-01	USA
185	Mikhail Abramov	C	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	5-10/160	26-Mar-01	Russia
186	Ben Brinkman	D	Minnesota (B1G)	6-0/215	4-Oct-00	USA
187	Chris Giroday	D	Green Bay (USHL)	6-1/175	13-Dec-00	Canada
188	Petr Cajka	C	Erie (OHL)	6-0/170	11-Dec-00	Czech
189	Mark Kastelic	C	Calgary (WHL)	6-3/215	11-Mar-99	USA
190	Kevin Wall	RW	Chilliwack (BCHL)	6-0/190	1-Feb-00	USA
191	Lucas Edmonds	RW	Karlskrona (Swe Jr)	5-11/175	27-Jan-01	Sweden
192	Carter Gylander	G	Sherwood Park (AJHL)	6-5/175	5-Jun-01	Canada
193	Ethan de Jong	RW	Quinnipiac (ECAC)	5-10/170	12-Jul-99	Canada
194	Wiljami Myllyla	RW	HIFK Helsinki (Fin Jr)	6-0/170	9-Apr-01	Finland
195	Yaroslav Likhachyov	RW	Gatineau (QMJHL)	5-10/170	2-Sep-01	Russia
196	Layton Ahac	D	Prince George (BCHL)	6-2/195	22-Feb-01	Canada
197	Alfred Barklund	D	Orebro (Swe Jr)	6-2/200	21-Oct-00	Sweden
198	Radek Muzik	LW	Lulea (Swe Jr)	6-3/180	25-Mar-01	Sweden
199	Marcus Pedersen	RW	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	6-2/165	25-May-01	Sweden
200	Filip Koffer	RW	Pardubice (Cze Jr)	5-11/175	4-Mar-01	Czech
201	Henri Nikkanen	C	Jukurit (Fin Jr)	6-3/200	28-Apr-01	Finland
202	Marc Del Gaizo	D	Massachusetts (HE)	5-9/190	11-Oct-99	USA
203	Tag Bertuzzi	LW	Hamilton (OHL)	6-0/200	18-Feb-01	Canada
204	Martin Hugo Has	D	Tappara (Fin Jr)	6-4/190	2-Feb-01	Czech
205	Jet Greaves	G	Barrie (OHL)	5-11/165	30-Mar-01	Canada
206	Mason Millman	D	Saginaw (OHL)	6-1/175	18-Jul-01	Canada
207	Janis Jerome Moser	D	Biel-Bienne (Sui)	6-0/160	6-Jun-00	Switzerland
208	Nick Abruzzese	C	Chicago (USHL)	5-9/160	4-Jun-99	USA
209	Logan Barlage	C	Lethbridge (WHL)	6-4/200	7-Jan-01	Canada
210	Carter Berger	D	Victoria (BCHL)	6-0/200	17-Sep-99	Canada
211	Nando Eggenberger	LW	Oshawa (OHL)	6-2/205	7-Oct-99	Switzerland
212	Tyce Thompson	RW	Providence (HE)	6-1/180	12-Jul-99	USA
213	Nolan Maier	G	Saskatoon (WHL)	6-0/175	10-Jan-01	Canada
214	Massimo Rizzo	C	Penticton (BCHL)	5-10/180	13-Jun-01	Canada
215	Matthew Steinburg	C	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	6-1/185	7-Oct-00	Canada
216	Jake Lee	D	Seattle (WHL)	6-1/215	13-Jul-01	Canada
217	Luke Bast	D	Brooks (AJHL)	5-9/170	20-Nov-00	Canada

100 HONOURABLE MENTION IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

	PLAYER	POS	TEAM	HT/WT	DOB	Nation
HM	Nathan Allensen	D	Barrie (OHL)	5-11/180	3-May-01	Canada
HM	Ethan Anders	G	Red Deer (WHL)	6-1/175	26-Sep-00	Canada
HM	Nicklas Andrews	D	Des Moines (USHL)	5-10/185	6-Jul-01	USA
HM	Tyler Angle	C	Windsor (OHL)	5-9/165	30-Sep-00	Canada
HM	Marcel Barinka	C	Halifax (QMJHL)	6-0/165	3-Jan-01	Czech
HM	Roman Basran	G	Kelowna (WHL)	6-1/195	26-Jul-01	Canada
HM	Luke Bignell	C	Barrie (OHL)	6-0/170	3-Nov-00	Canada
HM	Mathieu Bizier	C	Gatineau (QMJHL)	6-1/185	13-May-01	Canada
HM	Oscar Bjerselius	C	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-11/185	18-Feb-01	Sweden
HM	Kaden Bohlsen	C	Fargo (USHL)	6-3/190	10-Jan-01	USA
HM	Samuel Bolduc	D	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	6-3/210	9-Dec-00	Canada
HM	Jakob Bondesson	D	Rogle (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	22-May-00	Sweden
HM	Cole Brady	G	Janesville (NAHL)	6-5/165	12-Feb-01	Canada
HM	Alex Brannstam	D	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-11/170	3-Jun-01	Sweden
HM	Lynden Breen	C	Central Illinois (USHL)	5-9/165	31-May-01	USA
HM	Jonas Brondberg	D	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe Jr)	6-4/190	26-Jan-01	Sweden
HM	Jeremie Bucheler	D	Victoria (BCHL)	6-4/200	31-Mar-00	Canada
HM	Brett Budgell	LW	Charlottetown (QMJHL)	5-11/190	1-Jun-01	Canada
HM	Luka Burzan	RW	Brandon (WHL)	6-0/190	7-Jan-00	Canada
HM	Felix Carenfelt	LW	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-10/185	13-Feb-00	Sweden
HM	Luke Cavallin	G	Flint (OHL)	6-1/190	29-Apr-01	Canada
HM	Filip Cederqvist	LW	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe)	6-1/185	23-Aug-00	Sweden
HM	Cole Coskey	RW	Saginaw (OHL)	6-0/190	1-Jun-99	USA
HM	Braden Doyle	D	Lawrence Academy (USHS-MA)	5-11/170	24-Aug-01	USA
HM	Justin Ducharme	LW	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	5-10/180	22-Feb-00	Canada
HM	Nathan Dunkley	C	London (OHL)	5-11/195	3-May-00	Canada
HM	Pontus Englund	D	Timra (Swe Jr)	6-3/205	15-Jul-00	Sweden
HM	Lucas Feuk	LW	Sodertalje (Swe Jr)	6-0/185	19-Feb-01	Sweden
HM	Parker Ford	C	Sioux City (USHL)	5-8/170	20-Jul-00	USA
HM	Ethan Frisch	D	Fargo (USHL)	5-11/190	29-Oct-00	USA
HM	Maxim Golod	LW	Erie (OHL)	5-11/175	18-Aug-00	Canada
HM	Jacob Gronhagen	C	HV 71 (Swe Jr)	6-6/215	18-Jan-01	Sweden
HM	Maxence Guenette	D	Val d'Or (QMJHL)	6-1/180	28-Apr-01	Canada
HM	Hugo Gustafsson	C	Sodertalje (Swe 2)	5-10/160	23-Feb-00	Sweden
HM	Mack Guzda	G	Owen Sound (OHL)	6-4/215	11-Jan-01	USA
HM	Aidan Harper	G	Skipjacks HC 18U (USPHL)	6-2/170	28-May-01	USA
HM	Ludvig Hedstrom	D	Djurgardens (Swe Jr)	5-11/175	14-Apr-01	Sweden
HM	Konsta Hirvonen	LW	HIFK Helsinki (Fin Jr)	5-11/165	1-Nov-00	Finland
HM	Eric Hjorth	D	Linkopings (Swe Jr 18)	6-3/190	8-Jan-01	Sweden
HM	Samuel Hlavaj	G	Lincoln (USHL)	6-4/185	29-May-01	Slovakia
HM	Krystof Hrabik	C	Tri-City (WHL)	6-4/220	24-Sep-99	Czech
HM	Rickard Hugg	C	Kitchener (OHL)	5-11/190	18-Jan-99	Sweden
HM	Aaron Huglen	RW	Roseau (USHS-MN)	5-11/165	6-Mar-01	USA
HM	Aarne Intonen	C	TPS Turku (Fin Jr)	5-11/180	17-Jul-01	Finland
HM	Michal Ivan	D	Drummondville (QMJHL)	6-1/185	18-Nov-99	Slovakia
HM	Dylan Jackson	RW	Dubuque (USHL)	5-9/175	6-Sep-01	Canada
HM	Ty Jackson	C	Dubuque (USHL)	5-7/150	6-Sep-01	Canada
HM	Taro Jentzsch	C	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	6-1/155	11-Jun-00	Germany
HM	Samuel Johannesson	D	Rogle (Swe Jr)	5-11/175	27-Dec-00	Sweden
HM	Wilson Johansson	RW	Farjestads (Swe Jr)	5-11/175	11-Oct-00	Sweden
HM	Brooklyn Kalmikov	C	Cape Breton (QMJHL)	6-0/165	21-Apr-01	Canada
HM	David Karlstrom	C	AIK (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	12-Mar-01	Sweden
HM	Mans Kramer	D	Frolunda (Swe Jr)	6-2/180	6-Mar-01	Sweden
HM	Jami Krannila	C	Sioux Falls (USHL)	5-10/160	3-Oct-00	Finland
HM	Grayson Ladd	D	Windsor (OHL)	6-1/175	1-Mar-01	Canada
HM	Martin Lang	LW	Kamloops (WHL)	5-11/170	15-Sep-01	Czech
HM	Oscar Lawner	LW	Farjestads (Swe Jr)	5-11/185	13-Feb-01	Sweden
HM	Jonathan Lemieux	G	Val d'Or (QMJHL)	6-0/185	8-Jun-01	Canada
HM	Hugo Leufvenius	LW	Sarnia (OHL)	6-3/230	26-Mar-99	Sweden
HM	Ethan Leyh	LW	Langley (BCHL)	6-0/190	7-Sep-01	Canada
HM	Josh Lopina	C	Lincoln (USHL)	6-1/175	16-Feb-01	USA
HM	Emil Malysjev	D	Saskatoon (WHL)	6-3/190	1-May-01	Sweden
HM	Matias Mantykivi	C	SaiPa (Fin Jr)	5-11/160	21-Jun-01	Finland
HM	Jeremy McKenna	RW	Moncton (QMJHL)	5-10/175	20-Apr-99	Canada
HM	Billy Moskal	C	London (OHL)	6-0/185	22-Mar-00	Canada
HM	Derek Mullahy	G	Dexter (USHS-MA)	6-0/180	20-Mar-01	USA
HM	Kim Nousiainen	D	KalPa (Fin Jr)	5-9/170	14-Nov-00	Finland
HM	Zachary Okabe	RW	Grande Prairie (AJHL)	5-8/165	4-Jan-01	Canada
HM	Oliver Okuliar	LW	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	6-1/190	24-May-00	Slovakia
HM	Quinn Olson	LW	Okotoks (AJHL)	5-10/170	9-May-01	Canada
HM	Xavier Parent	LW	Halifax (QMJHL)	5-8/170	23-Mar-01	Canada
HM	Tommy Pasanen	D	Sioux City (USHL)	6-3/220	30-Jul-01	Germany
HM	Thomas Pelletier	D	Drummondville (QMJHL)	6-2/195	23-Aug-01	Canada
HM	Andrew Perrott	D	Owen Sound (OHL)	5-11/205	24-Aug-01	USA
HM	Kari Piiroinen	G	Windsor (OHL)	6-0/175	1-Jul-01	Finland
HM	Lukas Pilo	D	Orebro (Swe Jr)	6-1/185	7-Sep-99	Sweden
HM	Garrett Pinoniemi	C	Holy Family Catholic (USHS-MN)	5-11/150	15-Jun-01	USA
HM	Mason Primeau	C	North Bay (OHL)	6-5/205	28-Jul-01	Canada
HM	Kirby Proctor	D	Des Moines (USHL)	6-3/190	19-Apr-01	Canada
HM	Liam Ross	D	Sudbury (OHL)	6-2/195	13-May-01	Canada
HM	Henrik Rybinski	RW	Seattle (WHL)	6-0/175	26-Jun-01	Canada
HM	Nikita Sedov	D	Regina (WHL)	6-1/185	5-May-01	Russia
HM	Egor Serdyuk	RW	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	5-10/160	3-Jun-01	Russia
HM	Nikita Shashkov	LW	Sibir Novosibirsk (KHL)	5-11/180	26-Mar-99	Russia
HM	Ryan Siedem	D	Central Illinois (USHL)	6-2/190	25-Feb-01	USA
HM	Samuel Sjolund	D	AIK (Swe Jr)	6-1/175	19-May-01	Sweden
HM	Hunter Skinner	D	Muskegon (USHL)	6-2/175	29-Apr-01	USA
HM	Dominik Sojka	C	Banska Bystrica (Svk Jr)	6-5/210	16-Feb-01	Slovakia
HM	Kyen Sopa	RW	Niagara (OHL)	5-9/185	30-Sep-00	Switzerland
HM	Tyler Spott	D	Green Bay (USHL)	5-10/170	17-Jun-00	Canada
HM	Matthew Struthers	C	North Bay (OHL)	6-2/210	26-Dec-99	Canada
HM	Roope Taponen	G	HIFK Helsinki (Fin Jr)	6-0/165	14-Mar-01	Finland
HM	Jacob Tortora	LW	Barrie (OHL)	5-6/165	25-Jul-99	USA
HM	Bobby Trivigno	LW	Massachusetts (HE)	5-8/155	19-Jan-99	USA
HM	Eric Uba	RW	Flint (OHL)	6-0/195	17-Dec-00	Canada
HM	Max Wahlgren	RW	MoDo (Swe)	6-1/185	9-May-01	Sweden
HM	Carl Wang	D	Sodertalje (Swe Jr)	6-2/195	28-Mar-01	Sweden
HM	Matteus Ward	G	Linkopings (Swe Jr)	6-0/170	7-Mar-01	Sweden
HM	Lukas Wernblom	C	MoDo (Swe 2)	5-9/170	22-Jul-00	Sweden
HM	Jonathan Yantsis	RW	Kitchener (OHL)	6-2/210	28-Apr-99	Canada

MCKEEN’S 2019 NHL DRAFT GUIDE: Central Europe – Seider charging up the rankings

Marco Bombino — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 13:05:34 +0000

In most NHL draft years Central Europe can be counted on to offer some high-end talent - and some gems unearthed in later rounds.

This year is no exception with Germany's Moritz Seider steadily climbing McKeen's draft rankings all season to land in the top 15. He is the fourth defenseman after clear leader Bowen Byram and two Swedish defenders Philip Broberg and Victor Soderstrom. Michal Teply and Adam Najman could hear their names in the early rounds and offer upside.

Czech Republic

CHELYABINSK, RUSSIA - APRIL 29: The Czech Republic's Michal Teply #25 celebrates after scoring a second period goal against Sweden during bronze medal game action at the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship. (Photo by Steve Kingsman/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Big 6'3" winger Michal Teply is the top draft eligible forward from the Czech leagues. A clever player with very good passing skills, he makes the right choices with the puck and sees the entire ice better than many of his peers. His wrist shot is very accurate, and he can pick his spots well. He uses his teammates effectively and to simply put it, he plays the game the right way. Teply has the ceiling of a top-nine NHL winger.

Centers Jonas Peterek, Adam Najman and goalie Lukas Parik each played well for the U18 national team this past season. Peterek has good size, hockey sense and puck protection skills. He could be a good mid- to late-round pick as there are some intriguing elements in his game. Smallish Najman is a skilled playmaking center who can drive the play and finish too. He values possession and has good vision in the offensive zone. However, Najman is not the most economical skater and could work on his stride power. Parik impressed with his play reading, flexibility and lateral movement at the IIHF U18 World Championship. He carried a heavy workload but was able to hold his game together and make some critical saves.

Slovakia

Goalie Samuel Hlavaj left the Slovakian U20 league for USHL's Lincoln Stars in January. The 6-4" netminder played a total of eight games at the World Juniors and U18 World Championship. Hlavaj is a calm and relaxed goalie who reads the game well. He plays an economical style as he doesn't make many unnecessary movements. Patrik Kozel showed some promise with Sport in the Finnish U18 league this past season. He tracks the puck and reads shooters well, has a quick glove and is flexible. He could be a worthwhile late round pick if a team believes that he can put the pieces of his game together and gain consistency. Hlavaj is more likely of the two to be selected, his game is more polished and he has a higher ceiling.

Switzerland

The Swiss 2001-born agegroup does not have the talent to match some of the previous ones. However, there are some players re-entering the draft that could be worth another look. 2000-born defenseman Janis Moser was named to the World Championship team and managed well in the three games he played before suffering a wrist injury. Moser was calm in his own end, moved the puck well and showed good hockey sense. 1999 born forward Yannick Bruschweiler had a strong World Juniors tournament and got on the scoresheet with four points. Bruschweiler is a technical and agile winger who can create space with the puck and take advantage of it. A good goal-scorer who put his finishing ability on display at the World Juniors. Bruschweiler will join Zürich Lions in the Swiss top league next season.

Germany

KOSICE, SLOVAKIA - MAY 14: Germany's Moritz Seider #21 scores on France's Florian Hardy #49 in the first period during preliminary round action of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at Steel Arena on May 14, 2019 in Kosice, Slovakia. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Moritz Seider was named the rookie of the year in the DEL, the German top league where it is rare to see players make an impact at such a young age. The strong-skating defenseman reads the game really well and can join the rush when the opportunity presents itself. Calm and smart in possession, he moves the puck into good spots and can rip it from the point with accurate shots. Seider has a high ceiling and will likely be picked in the first round of the draft. Other than Seider, Germany doesn't have much high-level talent to offer this year. Goalie Tobias Ancicka, who signed a four-year contract with Lukko in Finland, could be a decent late round gamble as a long-term project.

IIHF 2019 U18 World Championship Notebook: Day 4 – USA 6-RUS 3, SWE 5-SVK 1

Jimmy Hamrin — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 22:59:16 +0000

Day 4 Notebook:

Game 1: USA – Russia 6-3

- A dominating performance by the USA. Russia got off to a good start with two early power plays with the second goal was especially a beauty. Vasili Podkolzin showed great patience and vision with a behind-the-back-pass to Rodion Amirov to score with an open net. Even though USA dominated the puck possession I liked Podkolzin's game. He killed penalties as well and is a very strong player along the boards. He can take and deliver hits and he works hard.

The USA got Trevor Zegras and Bobby Brink back for this game and they impressed. Zegras had great chemistry with Jack Hughes and those two walked around the Russians and created a ton of scoring chances in the game. Jack Hughes was truly amazing and by far the best player on the ice. The finisher on this line, Cole Caufield, had a quieter game but still scored two goals. Brink isn’t as an impressive skater like Zegras but he showed a lot of smartness in the offensive zone. Brink played on a line with Matthew Boldy and Alex Turcotte. Boldy had a handful of beautiful plays in the game. His assist on a goal by Turcotte was a pure beauty. He walked in on a 2-on-1 and sauced the puck between the legs of the Russian defender to Turcotte who roofed it. Brink set up Boldy well on his goal in the game as well. Boldy’s top speed might not be elite but his agility and elusiveness stands out.

A lot of Americans had a stand out game but if I’m going to mention one more guy I’d name defenseman Domenick Fensore and his skating. He traveled all over the ice and skated with ease. The Russians played a kind of collapsing defense which gave him the room to skate long distances with the puck.

The best Russian for the day was 2002-born goalie Yaroslav Askarov. He has good size and played tight within the crease with good positioning. The rebound control was strong. He has his glove in his right hand, which kind of rare these days. His glove is fast, and he made some good saves with it. He got pulled in the third period, but it looked more to be because of cramps or some equipment issues.

Game 2: Slovakia – Sweden 1-5

- Sweden’s best game so far, they started a bit sloppy but grew during the game. They posted 54 shots on goal and dominated the Slovaks. The big names on defense, Philip Broberg, Victor Soderstrom and Tobias Bjornfot were dominant pieces in the game. The fourth highest ranked guy, Albert Johansson, still hasn’t played a full good game yet. He tries to do too much with the puck and seeks plays that aren’t there, which is uncommon for him to do, having seen him playing well a lot this spring. He doesn’t play either the power play or the penalty kill, so maybe he wants to show that he should get more ice time. Broberg impressed greatly with three primary assists and a solid defensive game as well. He took more action and showed some creativity which he kind of hasn’t with AIK the later half of the season.

The best forward so far for Sweden has been 2002 born Alexander Holtz. Kind of unbelievable that he has just scored one goal so far. He works hard all over the ice, wins puck battles with nice stick work, shows skill and shoots a lot, but the puck just won’t go in for him, which is uncommon for him. A player that won’t get too many headlines at this tournament but is playing a good defensive game is Albin Sundsvik. The two-way center hasn’t made many mistakes so far and seems to make the right decisions in his defensive game. He doesn’t get many offensive chances but plays his part well.

Again, the 2002-born Slovakian forward Martin Chromiak stands out. He has good skating and individual skills. He has been putting up good numbers in their U20 league so he looks interesting for next years draft. I looked a lot at their high ranked USHL goalie, Samuel Hlavaj, this game and I can see some evidence of why he’s high ranked with his size, reactions and good puck tracking but he needs to put a lot of work in his technique as he reacts more to the game rather than systematize it. He made some good saves in the game though.