Samuel Honzek – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – CALGARY FLAMES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #13

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 20:39:55 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 13th (May 2025 - 11th)
GM: Craig Conroy Hired: May 2023
COACH: Ryan Huska Hired: June 2023

The Calgary Flames continue to benefit from the impact of a stellar 2024 draft, which injected 10 new prospects into the system—four of whom landed in McKeen’s top 200. Even with a slight dip in our rankings, Calgary’s pipeline remains one of the strongest assets in GM Craig Conroy’s rebuild, combining high-end talent with promising depth.

Leading the charge is Zayne Parekh, the first OHL defenseman in over a decade to hit the 100-point mark, a feat last achieved by Ryan Ellis. Parekh capped his draft-plus-one season with a one-game NHL call-up, scoring his first goal on a net-front deflection. Ranked fifth among McKeen’s defensive prospects, the dynamic right-handed blueliner looks poised for a prolific NHL career.

The 2025 draft brought further reinforcements, with Calgary adding two significant pieces to its prospect core: Cullen Potter and Cole Reschny, who now sit second and third in the organizational rankings behind Parekh.

The AHL’s Calgary Wranglers are teeming with talent ready to challenge for NHL jobs. Rory Kerins, William Strömgren, Jeremie Poirier, Samuel Honzek, and Hunter Brzustewicz all made notable strides, with Kerins, Honzek, and Brzustewicz already getting NHL minutes.

In junior, Jacob Battaglia broke out with a 90-point season in 68 games for the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), cementing himself as a forward on the rise. Meanwhile, 2024 second-rounder Andrew Basha looked primed for a breakout WHL season before injuries slowed his draft-plus-one campaign.

With Parekh nearing NHL readiness, multiple AHLers pushing for roster spots, and a steady stream of junior standouts on the horizon, the Flames’ prospect system remains a cornerstone of their rebuild. If Conroy can continue to balance patient development with timely opportunities, Calgary could see its next competitive window arrive sooner than expected.

Calgary Flames Top-15 Prospects

1 - Zayne Parekh

The first OHL defender to hit the 100-point mark since Ryan Ellis did over a decade ago. That’s a pretty significant accomplishment, especially when you consider all the talent that has passed through Ontario during that time. It’s a testament to Parekh’s skill and vision. Few control the offensive blueline the way that he does. In the same way that Lane Hutson has taken the NHL by storm with Montreal, Parekh consistently creates offence; he routinely escapes pressure to get pucks on net or to the middle of the ice thanks to the way his feet work in sync with his hands. Parekh has taken a positive step forward as a defensive player too. He’ll never be mistaken for Chris Chelios, but he’s worked hard to become tougher to play against and he only needs to be passable in the defensive end given what he can do with the puck. No offence to Mackenzie Weegar or Rasmus Andersson, but this is Calgary’s power play quarterback sooner, rather than later.

2 - Cullen Potter

Fewer prospects were more fun to watch than Arizona State’s Cullen Potter this past season. Bursting on the NCAA scene with his exhilarating speed, stick skill, and shot, Potter proved his doubters wrong and had a successful freshman year in college despite his size. Due to the role he filled on the Sun Devils’ power play and in transition on five-on-five, Potter will only see an increase in points and overall offensive power in a bigger role in Tempe next season. Combining all of his offensive upside with his relentless motor in all three zones of the ice, we had no choice but to rank him as the Flames’ second-best prospect, notably ahead of Cole Reschny, who was drafted ahead of him. When talking about his NHL upside, it is imperative to bring up that Cullen Potter is just a shade under 5-foot-10, so it will be more of an uphill climb for him to be a mainstay in Calgary. There will also need to be some rounding out in his offensive game, specifically in his passing game. However, after examining the full package, Cullen Potter looks like a potentially special prospect for the up-and-coming Calgary Flames.

3 - Cole Reschny

The newest top prospect in the organization's pipeline, Reschny made all kinds of sense as Calgary's target with their first pick in the 2025 draft. Not only is he a true center, which filled the biggest hole that the organization had in their prospect pipeline, his high character and blue collar, rural, Western Canadian roots fit the identity of what they’re trying to build. There were some questions about him starting to bubble up in the scouting community after a slower start than expected last season, but he silenced all critics with a phenomenal finish as Victoria’s go-to forward. After two impressive seasons in the WHL it's a smart choice by him to now be heading to the NCAA, especially when you consider that all the extra training time should help him improve his skating ability, which would then in turn allow him to unlock another level to his game. There's a lot to like about Reschny, and he should be a core piece of the Flames roster in due time.

4 - Samuel Honzek

This season was the most relatively healthy that Honzek was able to stay over the last few years, and that's probably the most important 2024-25 takeaway for him. Despite what his modest point totals thus far in his career might suggest, his toolbox is overflowing: he has size, he skates well, he can shoot, he can handle the puck, and he can make plays at a high level. More willingness to engage physically would be preferred but isn’t a necessity. The challenge has always been that he needed more time and experience than other top prospects to get better at blending everything together, especially when he was starting to get regular reps playing center instead of wing, and those long-term plans have been repeatedly disrupted by injuries. Luckily for the Flames, they have accumulated enough young depth at forward that they can afford to be patient with Honzek while hoping that everything eventually starts to click for him sooner or later.

5 - Matvei Gridin

After being selected 28th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2024 NHL Draft, Matvei Gridin left the USHL to join the Shawinigan Cataractes in the QMJHL. In his debut season, he posted 79 points in 56 games, ranking fifth in league scoring and first on his team. Gridin was also able to tally 17 points in 16 playoff games, leading the Cataractes once again. Unfortunately, his team lost to the Oceanic in an intense seven game series. The Russian winger has been one of the QMJHL’s most dominant players, showing why the Flames used a first-round pick on him. Gridin is a highly talented and flashy player, especially when carrying the puck at speed. Standing at 6-foot-2 and with ridiculous top speed, puck abilities and offensive tools, Gridin brings a complete offensive potential. That said, as he progresses in his career, he will need to find other ways to be an efficient player, especially off the puck. Improving this while maintaining his special offensive talent could turn him into a solid middle six winger. Having signed his entry level contract, Gridin could see AHL time as early as next season.

6 - Hunter Brzustewicz

The Flames were flush with promising young left-shot defencemen in the AHL this season, which made it easier for the right-shooting Brzustewicz to play important minutes. And it's not like he didn't earn that ice time, either. Much like when he was playing with Kitchener in the OHL, he did a great job for the Wranglers as a confident, heads-up defender who could safely protect the puck while also opening things up offensively from the attack blueline. His strong play even led to him making his NHL debut, which was also fully earned. While he's not nearly as effective without the puck, stemming from his average size and average mobility, he has made a lot of progress throughout his first year as a pro and things are clearly trending in the right direction on that front. Expect Brzustewicz to play a bigger role in the organization next season, which could also include more call-up duty to the NHL.

7 - Jacob Battaglia

Calgary’s 2024 selections out of Ontario look terrific thus far, with Battaglia being another player who took a huge step forward this past season. The big winger is such an intelligent player. Few players are as good as he is at working the wall in the OHL and he has the playmaking chops to take advantage of the extra time he creates through his protection skill. His pace of play really improved too, although his power and speed will need to continue to improve in order for him to be as dynamic at the higher levels. It’s important to note that Battaglia should not be miscast as a power forward, despite his size. Physicality isn’t likely to ever be a huge part of his game; he’s more of a high IQ, finesse player who just happens to have the size to be an asset down low and in the cycle. At this point, Battaglia’s improvement as an offensive player suggests that he could be capable of being a top six support winger for Calgary in the future.

8 - Henry Mews

Perhaps lost in the Zayne Parekh hype was the outstanding draft plus one year that Henry Mews had in the OHL, split between Ottawa and Sudbury. Mews finished the year third in defenceman scoring and second in power play assists. He’s dynamic and talented in his own right and has the potential to be a great option behind Parekh in the future, as a puck mover and power play quarterback. In a perfect world, both defenders can slot into Calgary’s top four, paired with more stable defensive players. Like Parekh, Mews plays a higher risk offensive game that can come with turnovers; it’s a tradeoff you have to live with. However, like Parekh, he has worked hard to be more assertive physically this year and his play in his own end has been more stable because of it. Refining his decision making further is a need, but Calgary has to be happy with his progress thus far. Taking advantage of the new eligibility rules, Mews will play for the Michigan Wolverines next year, hoping that the NCAA can help him refine his defensive abilities.

9 - Étienne Morin

Étienne Morin was the first defenceman drafted out of the QMJHL in 2023, at 48 overall by the Calgary Flames. In his draft year, he tallied 72 points in 67 games, ranking third among QMJHL defencemen and tying for first on his team. He was also able to score 17 points in 12 games in the playoffs. Since then, Morin’s production has dipped below a point-per-game pace in consecutive seasons. While his game has rounded out, it is surprising to see that such a talented offensive defenceman has not ran through the QMJHL, given his heavy usage on a strong Moncton team. His defensive game, especially the breakouts and the decision making, has developed, as he was relied upon a ton by the Wildcats in their dominant season, but visibly at the expense of his offence. Questions remain about his physical game, and the skating and mobility concerns noted in his draft year are still present. Morin will likely play in the AHL next season, and a lot of questions will be answered regarding his projection for the rest of his career. Morin will need to rekindle his offensive spark from his draft year going forward, as ultimately, he is an offensive defenceman.

10 - Andrew Basha

It surely must have been a frustrating year for Basha, who missed the majority of his season due to injury. On the bright side, he did get back into the lineup just in time to help Medicine Hat clinch their WHL title and take part in the Memorial Cup, though he was clearly not fully healthy for any of those games. To some degree, bangs and bruises come with the territory of his game. He plays fast and hard, with a fiery focus and intense competitiveness that few others can match. The real appeal with him, though, is how well he can still handle the puck and make plays when he's zooming around the ice with pace and purpose. Despite the health setback, Basha will likely force his way up to the NHL eventually in some capacity, and the homegrown Calgarian has what it takes to become a local fan favourite. He’s eligible to play in the AHL for2025-26 but could also go back to the Tigers for his overage season if it’s deemed to be the best thing for his long-term development.

11 - Aydar Suniev

Suniev is a skilled playmaker with an electrifying quality about him thanks to his heavy shot and passing ability. Having now spent two years in the NCAA, where he was above a point per game in his final season, he’ll now make the jump to the AHL to refine his overall game. The Flames may have a diamond in the rough if he can refine his overall game.

12 - William Stromgren

Stromgren is a deft stickhandler that possesses a hard shot, often breaking down defenders one-on-one in the AHL. He has the size, mobility, and skill to potentially crack an NHL top six, but his quickness will need to continue to improve. Entering his third pro season in North America, he will look to crack the Flames’ lineup out of camp.

13 - Jeremie Poirier

Poirier is a physically strong puck moving defenseman. Although not the fleetest of foot, he uses smart angles and his larger frame to win puck battles and track oncoming attackers. In addition, he can aggressively seek out offensive chances. With three AHL seasons now under his belt, he seems poised to challenge for NHL duty in the near future, but how well he adjusts to the NHL speed will ultimately determine his upside there.

14 - Rory Kerins

Kerins is a scrappy forward who isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas, often battling through traffic and contact to find a close-range chance. With 33 goals in the AHL last season, the question now becomes whether he can translate that production to the NHL level. Now entering his fourth pro season, he could be primed to make the leap to Calgary.

15 - Luke Misa

Misa is a quick and crafty forward coming off two strong seasons in the OHL where he put up 80-plus points. He’s headed to Penn State in the fall, where he’ll have an opportunity to build on his under-sized frame. He could be a guy that carves out a career as a high IQ depth forward with some skill, with upside to play above that.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #11 Calgary Flames – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Wed, 28 May 2025 12:23:23 +0000

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 17: Calgary Flames Defenseman Zayne Parekh (89) takes his “Rookie Lap” before his first NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings versus the Calgary Flames on April 17th, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rob Curtis/Icon Sportswire)

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Calgary 25 Prospects

NHL: CULLEN – 20 FANTASY POINTS – Young Players Getting Exciting Opportunities

Scott Cullen — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:42:36 +0000

_{PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 28:Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (20) skates with the puck during the second period in the NHL preseason game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres on September 28, 2023, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)}

Each week, I’ll dig into the stats to find information that can help you make better fantasy hockey decisions. With so few games played, this week will look at some players getting exciting opportunities to start the year, including Dylan Guenther, Alex Laferriere, Matvei Michkov, and more!

Here is this season’s first edition of 20 Fantasy Points:

#1 Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov was helped off the ice after suffering an apparent injury in Ottawa on Thursday night. If Barkov misses any time, Anton Lundell could be an intriguing addition for fantasy managers. Lundell is in his fourth NHL season and while he has not yet matched the 44 points that he had as a rookie, he did have 17 points in 24 playoff games last season. Lundell has one assist and nine shots on goal through the Panthers’ first two games.

#2 It has been a whirlwind year for Utah Hockey Club right winger Dylan Guenther, who finished last season with a flourish, putting up 23 points (12 G, 11 A) in his last 23 games. That earned him a contract extension in the summer. The 8-year, $57.14 million contract seemed like a lot given his lack of NHL experience, but it might already be a bargain. Teammates gush about Guenther’s shot and he has started this season with four goals in his first two games. As great as Guenther’s shot is, he is not going to keep scoring on 50 percent of his shots on goal, but there are early indications that Guenther and centre Logan Cooley are poised to have breakthrough seasons for Utah, with both skating on the second line and getting top unit power play time.

#3 Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov is the betting favorite to win the Calder Trophy, and it’s not merely based on his track record in Russia, which is admittedly excellent. Michkov had 41 points in 48 KHL games last season and the 19-year-old is starting his NHL career on Philadelphia’s top line and first power play unit. The Flyers are opening the season with Ducks defenseman Jamie Drysdale getting first crack at quarterbacking the Flyers’ power play. Drysdale is a smooth skater who has tallied 15 of his 50 career points on the power play.

#4 Former Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier was traded to Anaheim last season and the Ducks are putting Gauthier in position to succeed, giving him time on the first line (with Leo Carlsson and Alex Killorn) and top power play right out of the gate. Gauthier had 65 points (38 G, 27 A) in 41 games as a sophomore at Boston College last season and he has impressive international credentials too, scoring nine points (7 G, 2 A) in 10 games at the 2023 World Championships and 12 points (2 G, 10 A) in seven games at the 2024 World Juniors.

#5 Second-year Los Angeles Kings left winger Alex Laferriere is starting the season on the Kings’ No. 1 line and top power play unit. Laferriere had 23 points (12 G, 11 A) as a rookie. He produced 73 points (35 G, 38 A) in 69 games in two seasons at Harvard, so there could be some offensive upside there, but with limited pedigree, he may be in a precarious position if he hits a slump.

#6 Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is out month-to-month after breaking his ankle in the preseason, so the expectation was that Brandt Clarke would move up to play on the Kings’ top power play unit. In Los Angeles’ first game, however, Jordan Spence played 4:26 on the power play for the Kings, compared to Brandt’s 3:34, so that is a situation worth keeping an eye on to see how it shakes out.

#7 With winger J.J. Peterka getting hurt in Prague, the Sabres have inserted top prospect Jiri Kulich into the lineup, taking Peterka’s place on Buffalo’s top line. Kulich was a first-round pick in 2022, and the 20-year-old winger has already played two seasons in the AHL, putting up 91 points (51 G, 40 A) in 119 games for Rochester.

#8 Montreal Canadiens rookie defenceman Lane Hutson is not quarterbacking Montreal’s top power play, but it may only be a matter of time. Hutson had a pair of assists against Boston on Thursday, giving him four assists in his first four NHL games, going back to last season. He produced 97 points (30 G, 67 A) in 77 games across two seasons at Boston University.

#9 A late summer free agent signing, Jack Roslovic is getting a chance to play on Carolina’s top line, with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis. Roslovic set career highs of 22 goals and 45 points in 2021-2022, but if he is playing on Carolina’s top line, he could challenge those numbers.

#10 The Calgary Flames are entering a rebuilding process and part of that is giving young players significant opportunities. Samuel Honzek, a 2023 first-round pick has not only made the team, but he is getting a look on Calgary’s top line, alongside Nazem Kadri and Andrei Kuzmenko. Honzek, a 6-foot-4 winger, does not have a power play role yet, so his fantasy appeal is limited, but is very interesting as a long-term prospect. Connor Zary, a 2022 first-round pick, is taking on a bigger role in his second NHL season. Zary had 34 points (14 G, 20 A) in 63 games as a rookie last season and is getting first unit power play time to start this season. He scored a beauty in overtime to help the Flames to a win in Calgary on opening night and that should only fuel his confidence.

#11 There are times that it seems like there is a revolving door on Sidney Crosby’s wings in Pittsburgh, so don’t necessarily dive head-first into supporting these players, but Anthony Beauvillier and Drew O’Connor are skating on Sidney Crosby’s wings, at least while Bryan Rust remains out of the Penguins lineup. Beauvillier is coming off a down season, in which he scored just 17 points (5 G, 12 A) in 60 games, but he did net a pair of goals in Thursday’s win at Detroit. O’Connor had 33 points (16 G, 17 A) in 79 games last season and added a goal against Detroit.

#12 Opportunity is knocking in St. Louis for Dylan Holloway and Jake Neighbours, who are skating on a line with Robert Thomas, the Blues’ brilliant playmaking center. Holloway, who was signed to an offer sheet to lure him away from Edmonton in the summer, has one assist while averaging 15:02 ice time per game in his first two games with St. Louis. He averaged 10:21 of ice time per game in 89 games with the Oilers over the past two seasons. Neighbours broke through with a 27-goal season, including eight on the power play in 2023-2024 and should continue to play an even more prominent role in the Blues’ attack.

#13 Still eligible for the Calder Trophy after scoring 14 points (8 G, 6 A) in 24 games for the Dallas Stars last season, Logan Stankoven is starting the 2024-2025 season on Dallas’ top line, skating on the right side with Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz. Stankoven only played 12:29 in a season-opening win at Nashville on Thursday, but he also put up three assists, so that should keep him in a prime position.

#14 The New York Islanders signed Russian winger Maxim Tsyplakov as a free agent after he had 47 points (31 G, 16 A) in 65 games for Moscow Spartak in the KHL last season. The 26-year-old forward scored in his NHL debut against Utah on Thursday, and played an eye-popping 20:46, including 7:38 on the power play. Getting first unit power play time with the Islanders is a great opportunity for Tsyplakov to build on last season’s career-best results in the KHL.

#15 After scoring 40 points (21 G, 19 A) in 82 games as a rookie last season, Marco Rossi is centering Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello on Minnesota’s top line to start the 2024-2025 season. He is not getting first unit power play time – that goes to Kaprizov, Zuccarello, Joel Eriksson Ek, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber – but if Rossi can stick alongside Kaprizov long-term, that will raise his offensive ceiling.

#16 Oft-injured Ottawa Senators centre Josh Norris is healthy to start the season and getting a prime opportunity to skate on the Sens’ to power play, ahead of veteran Claude Giroux. Norris had 55 points (35 G, 20 A) in 66 games in 2021-2022, but has managed 33 points (18 G, 15 A) in 55 games across the past two seasons since then while dealing with persistent shoulder problems. Norris played more than 18 minutes in Ottawa’s season-opening win against Florida, recording an assist while skating on a line with Ridly Greig and Drake Batherson. If he’s healthy, Norris could offer quality fantasy value.

#17 With Florida Panthers defenceman Adam Boqvist out of the lineup after taking a puck in the face during the Panthers’ opening game, Aaron Ekblad is listed on Florida’s top power play unit, though Uvis Balinskis saw more power play time in Thursday’s loss at Ottawa. Ekblad is likely to play a big role on the Panthers’ blueline and has frequently been a contributor on the power play, with 111 of his 348 career points coming via the man advantage. Last season, he had just four power play points while delivering 18 points (4 G, 14 A) in 51 games, but with Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson departing via free agency, there are minutes to be earned on the Panthers power play. A healthy Boqvist might have the inside track, but Ekblad’s experience should not be overlooked.

#18 The Nashville Predators were movers and shakers in free agency and the arrival of 40-goal scorers Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault bumped Gustav Nyquist off Nashville’s top power play unit. Nyquist recorded a career-high 75 points last season, including 24 points on the power play, but he is not the same kind of proven scoring option, so that leaves Nyquist on the second power play unit in Nashville.

#19 Stamkos’ old team, the Tampa Bay Lightning are sorting out their own power play set up in his absence. To start the season, the Lightning are running two defencemen – Victor Hedman and Darren Raddysh – on their top power play unit, which is very unusual these days. Hedman has been a power play threat throughout his career, including last season when 31 of his 76 points were accrued with the man advantage. Raddysh, the 28-year-old blueliner, is something of a late bloomer, but he did have 33 points, including 11 on the power play, last season, which was his first full NHL campaign. It will be interesting to see how the Lightning play this going forward, whether they stick with the two defencemen or whether someone like Brandon Hagel or Nick Paul finds a spot on the top power play unit.

#20 After going through some tough seasons, including spending time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, Jakub Vrana has returned to Washington, where his NHL career began, and earned a contract with the Capitals. Vrana, 28, has been an outstanding five-on-five scorer. Sincer 2018-2019, Vrana has scored 1.41 goals per 60 minutes of five-on-five play. Among players that have played more than 50 games, there are only two – Auston Matthews (1.66) and David Pastrnak (1.41) – who rank higher than Vrana in that metric, and Pastrnak and Vrana are virtually tied. This doesn’t mean that Vrana is automatically going to provide fantasy value, as he has rarely been a power play performer, but for a player who was on the verge of washing out of the league, he is getting a fresh start and has the track record to suggest that he could be a productive secondary scorer for the Capitals.

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – CALGARY FLAMES – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #9

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Josh Bell — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:00:53 +0000

_{VANCOUVER, BC - SEPTEMBER 25: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) in net during their preseason NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on September 25, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 9th (Previous Rank - 12th)
GM: Craig Conroy Hired: May 2023
COACH: Ryan Huska Hired: June 2023

Thanks to a recent trade haul that saw the Flames inject four of their top 15 McKeen’s ranked prospects into the system, Calgary has clawed their way into the top 10 of our prospect rankings.

This surge is highlighted by Zayne Parekh (ranked 27th), one of the most dynamic defencemen the organization has seen in years. Parekh exemplifies the modern-day offensive defenceman and carries tremendous potential as a future NHL powerhouse. He’ll return to his Saginaw Spirit team, fresh off a Memorial Cup victory as tournament hosts. Alongside Parekh, Calgary added key names like Matvei Gridin (186th), Andrew Basha (205th), and Henry Mews (249th) who all show promise as potential future NHL’ers.

The Flames graduated just one prospect in 2023-24 (Connor Zary), but that list is set to grow significantly within the next year. Four of the club’s top six prospects will push for spots on the main roster, and most are likely to succeed. Dustin Wolf, ranked 20th overall and the third-ranked goalie at McKeen’s, will likely be making the biggest impact. With Jacob Markstrom now out of the picture, there is a starting job to apply for, and he’ll battle Dan Vladař for that role. He’ll be joined by Matthew Coronato (56th) and Jakob Pelletier (96th) as hopefuls looking to crack the Flames’ roster.

On the rise is 2023 first-rounder Samuel Honzek (81st), who will begin his professional rookie campaign alongside the recently acquired Hunter Brzustewicz (199th). Both are considered big pieces to the Flames’ future and will have the opportunity to develop one step away from their ultimate goal in the NHL. Additionally, Jérémie Poirier (160th), Yan Kuznetsov, and forward William Strömgren continue to make strides with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.

The retooling process is just beginning in Calgary, but with a healthy flow of young talent and four first-round picks over the next two years, GM Craig Conroy has positioned the Flames to bolster their roster significantly over the coming seasons.

Calgary Flames Top-15 Prospects

1. Dustin Wolf

Dustin Wolf's rookie season wasn't the anticipated breakthrough season that many expected. After a stellar NHL debut in 2023, his 2023-24 campaign was a rollercoaster. A 0.923 save percentage in the AHL is decent, but not quite his previous dominance. At times throughout the season, we saw flashes of brilliance, but consistency eluded him. Questions arose. Was the pressure of the backup role a factor? Did the increased competition expose weaknesses? While the jury's still out, Wolf did show glimpses of his star potential and still remains a top goaltending prospect in the world. He’s extremely athletic and focused, his puck tracking is extremely impressive, and he’s continued to mature over the years as a calm and composed netminder. The 2023-24 season served as a reality check for Wolf. The path to NHL stardom is rarely linear. How he responds to this adversity will be a major storyline heading into next year.

2. Zayne Parekh

Zayne Parekh had a record-breaking season as an 18-year-old OHL defender, surpassing even stars like Ryan Ellis, Drew Doughty, and Alex Pietrangelo at the same age. His performance earned him the title of top defender in both the OHL and CHL. Despite being injured in the playoffs, he bounced back to help the Saginaw Spirit win the Memorial Cup, showcasing his resilience. Parekh is an exceptionally creative player with a high hockey IQ and vision, making him a reliable offensive threat. His lateral movement and edgework allow him to navigate the offensive zone with ease, while his defensive stick work is an underrated aspect of his game. However, concerns about his slight frame and average first-step acceleration have kept him just outside the top ten rankings. While he occasionally cheats for offence, his potential is undeniable. As Parekh matures, he could develop into an elite offensive defenceman, with tremendous upside from the back end.

3. Matthew Coronato

Matthew Coronato didn't disappoint in his much-anticipated rookie season with the Flames. While not quite cracking the Calder Trophy conversation, he solidified his reputation as an offensive weapon. The 2021 13th-overall draft pick’s speed and puck handling created havoc for defenders throughout the season. He wasn't afraid to mix it up in the dirty areas either, using his frame to protect the puck and win board battles. He plays a very confident game and loves to drive the play. He also shows off a quick, hard shot that he can get off from anywhere on the ice. Questions remain about his defensive consistency, but his offensive contributions were undeniable. Coronato's strong rookie campaign suggests a bright future in Calgary. He's already a legitimate NHL contributor, and further refinement in his defensive game could elevate him into a top six role. Flames fans have a lot to be excited about with Coronato on their wing.

4. Samuel Honzek

The Flames' first rounder in 2023, Samuel Honzek had a 2023-24 season defined by inconsistency. A pre-season injury delayed his WHL return, and while he looked electric upon returning (seven points in five games), his production dipped significantly afterward. The World Juniors offered a bounce-back (three goals, one assist), but consistency remained the biggest issue for the prospect. Despite leading the Giants in scoring last year, Honzek finished the 2023-24 season with a pedestrian 31 points in 33 games. Questions linger about his ability to adapt to a new role (center) and translate his offensive dominance to the pro level. However, flashes of brilliance and a strong showing at the World Juniors offer a glimmer of hope. Development will be key for Honzek, and the Flames will be closely monitoring his progress this season. His future remains uncertain at this point though.

5. Jakob Pelletier

Pelletier's 2023-24 campaign was a season of flashes and frustrations. An upper-body injury delayed his NHL debut, limiting him to just 13 games with the Flames in a season many thought he would stick with the big club. While he managed a goal and three points, the limited sample size makes a full evaluation difficult. However, glimpses of the skilled winger Flames fans were excited about did emerge. He’s such an intelligent player who helps drive his team’s pace and play. He always keeps his foot on the gas and makes opponents rush decisions, forcing turnovers. The question remains: can he translate those flashes into consistent NHL production? Pelletier's development hinges on staying healthy and earning a more permanent role with the Flames. If he can improve his defensive awareness, a breakout season could still be in the cards in the near future.

6. Jeremie Poirier

Poirier's 2023-24 campaign was derailed by a skate laceration just four games into the season with the Calgary Wranglers. The promising defenceman, known for his offensive instincts, was sidelined for months while recovering from surgery. Poirier finally returned to the lineup in March, but his impact was limited. In his 23 games, he managed three goals and 10 assists, a decent output considering the long absence. However, questions remain about his conditioning and overall effectiveness. The Flames' defensive shakeup at the trade deadline opened a potential window for a permanent NHL call-up that never materialized. Despite the lost season, Poirier's talent is undeniable and the improvement he’s shown since being drafted hasn’t gone unnoticed. He makes fewer and fewer mistakes, showcasing the offensive instincts and transition ability that had him earning first-round discussion in his draft year. The upcoming year will be crucial in determining if he can recapture his pre-injury form and establish himself as a future NHL contributor.

7. Matvei Gridin

Matvei Gridin, a Russian prospect, took an uncommon path by moving to North America early, playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL. After a solid first season, he broke out in 2023, leading the league in points and earning a spot at the University of Michigan for the upcoming NCAA season. At 6-foot-1 and 182 pounds, Gridin has good size and a well-rounded skill set, but his offensive abilities, particularly his shot, stand out. His hard, accurate shot can surprise goaltenders, and his creativity and unpredictability make him a dangerous offensive player. He often leads zone entries and is relentless in his pursuit once in the offensive zone. However, his off puck play outside the offensive zone remains inconsistent and will need improvement, especially in his own end. Despite this, Gridin’s intelligence and quick decision-making make him a very promising prospect.

8. Hunter Brzustewicz

Hunter Brzustewicz is a mobile and intelligent defenceman with high upside. Acquired this past season from the Vancouver Canucks in the Elias Lindholm deal, the defender easily becomes one of the most exciting prospects in the system. He excels at reading plays and anticipating opponents' attacks, using his quick feet and active stick to intercept passes and clear the zone. Brzustewicz's vision and anticipation allow him to spark transition play, and his accurate shot makes him a threat from the point, although he’s more likely to find a pass, hence his OHL-leading 79 assists in 2023-24. He's also a physical presence, using his size and strength to win battles and protect his teammates. With continued development, Brzustewicz has the potential to become a top four defenceman and a key contributor on the Flames blue line. His upside as a reliable, two-way defender makes him an exciting prospect in the Flames' pipeline.

9. Andrew Basha

Andrew Basha’s game is built on quickness—quick reads, decisions, footwork, and puck plays. Basha’s speed allows him to navigate through traffic while keeping the puck glued to his stick, often dazzling spectators. He’s also effective in regaining possession, whether on the forecheck or in his defensive zone and quickly transitions into creating scoring chances. Despite his smaller stature, Basha plays with an edge, fearlessly battling bigger defenders for position or taking hits to make plays. While Basha had a standout season, it’s important to note that he has a late 2005 birthday and is in his third WHL campaign, putting him ahead in development compared to his draft-class peers. Scouts agree he has NHL potential, but opinions vary on his long-term upside. Will he be a top six scorer or settle into a bottom six, energy role? The Flames hope that it will be the former.

10. Henry Mews

Mews was one of the most debated prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft, known for his inconsistent defensive play and decision-making. Having only recently transitioned to defence, he shows flashes of brilliance but struggles with consistency, often varying from dominant to frustrating even within the same game. Despite these challenges, Mews possesses significant upside. He's highly skilled with the puck, excels in transition with his speed and edgework, and shows potential as a powerplay quarterback due to his scoring instincts. However, his decision-making falters under pressure in the defensive zone, leading to turnovers. His physical engagement is inconsistent, and his defensive game suffers from a lack of intensity and elite size. Mews embodies the "boom/bust" label—if he refines his game, he could be a major point producer from the back end. If not, his NHL future remains uncertain.

11. Etienne Morin

Drafted 48th overall by Calgary in 2023, Morin's season with the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats saw a dip in offensive production, with 12 goals and 49 points in 58 games. Despite this, his shot generation improved, and his vision and confidence with the puck are notable. While he shows defensive promise, especially in board battles, inconsistency and struggles defending the rush remain concerns. His development will depend on refining his offensive instincts and adapting to the pro game.

12. Aydar Suniev

Aydar Suniev’s freshman year at UMass highlighted his offensive potential, with 12 goals and 25 points in 36 games. Drafted by Calgary in the third round, he impressed with his shot and skillful hands. However, his skating, while not a liability, doesn’t fully match his offensive tools, and consistency was an issue. Suniev’s future depends on improving his skating and maintaining his production; if he succeeds, he could be a steal for the Flames, but skating limitations could cap his NHL ceiling.

13. Cole Schwindt

While not a breakout year, Schwindt showcased his potential with strong skating and puck protection. However, his offensive consistency and decision-making need improvement, as he was sometimes dominant but also disappeared at times. At 22, he has room to grow and briefly played with the Flames, earning no points in four games. This NHL experience could drive him to improve. Schwindt’s future depends on addressing these inconsistencies and regularly displaying his offensive skills; success in these areas could lead to a full-time role with Calgary.

14. Rory Kerins

Rory Kerins has been on a steady trajectory since the Flames drafted him in 2020, making selecting him at 174th overall look like some stellar scouting for Calgary. He’s coming off his first full season in the AHL, where he showed off his balanced offensive talent with 16 goals and 16 assists. He can tend to disappear at times, and his off-puck play is somewhat lacking, but he’s still trending the right way.

15. William Stromgren

The Flames drafted Stromgren for his potential as a dominant winger, flashing exceptional talent at times. However, his play has been inconsistent, oscillating between hot and cold, with his best performance coming during his draft year. Despite mixed results in the seasons since, Calgary signed him to an entry-level contract, hoping he'll develop into a top six NHL scoring threat, allowing him time to grow within the system.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #12 Calgary Flames – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Josh Bell — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 18:00:58 +0000

VANCOUVER, BC - SEPTEMBER 25: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) in net during their preseason NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on September 25, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)

The Calgary Flames had to make a tough decision on their direction this season, after coming into the year hoping to take a step forward with a solid, veteran group, and a new general manager in Craig Conroy, and coach in Ryan Huska. Conroy made the call to start breaking this group up, making some massive trades this season, moving Noah Hanafin, Chris Tanev, Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, and Tyler Toffoli. But in doing that, he’s added Yegor Sharangovich, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, Artem Grushnikov, and Daniil Miromanov, on top of a plethora of draft pick, including two first rounders.

They have a gem in goalie Dustin Wolf, #13 on McKeen’s list and the third-ranked goalie. He did make the jump to the NHL this season, looking like he could stick next season. Connor Zary also graduated to the NHL and Matthew Coronato looks to be following right behind. They have an opportunity at the draft to build a solid foundation for many years to come. They have five first-round picks over the next three drafts and eight in the first four rounds in the 2024 draft. They also have some promising pieces in Jakob Pelletier, Samuel Honzek, and Jeremie Poirier, on top of the players they’ve added via trade over the past year. The Flames were very active this season on the trade market and remain in the rumour mill, in particular around the future of goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who could well be on the move. Leading up to the 2024 NHL Draft and free agency, keep an eye on this team as they continue to stockpile future pieces.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Dustin Wolf	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	`19(214th)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
2	Matthew Coronato	RW	21	5-10/183	Calgary (AHL)	`21(13th)	41	15	27	42	19
					Calgary (NHL)	`21(13th)	34	3	6	9	4
3	Samuel Honzek	LW	19	6-4/186	Vancouver (WHL)	`23(16th)	33	10	21	31	18
4	Jakob Pelletier	LW	23	5-9/170	Calgary (AHL)	`19(26th)	18	5	7	12	10
					Calgary (NHL)	`19(26th)	13	1	2	3	2
5	Daniil Miromanov	D	26	6-4/200	VGK-Cgy (NHL)	T(VGK-3/24)	24	3	4	7	8
6	Jeremie Poirier	D	21	6-1/196	Calgary (AHL)	`20(72nd)	23	3	10	13	22
7	Hunter Brzustewicz	D	19	5-11/185	Kitchener (OHL)	T(Van-1/24)	67	13	79	92	24
8	Etienne Morin	D	19	6-0/180	Moncton (QMJHL)	`23(48th)	58	12	37	49	31
9	Cole Schwindt	RW	23	6-2/182	Calgary (AHL)	T(Fla-7/22)	66	14	22	36	31
10	Aydar Suniev	LW	19	6-2/198	Massachusetts (HE)	`23(80th)	36	12	13	25	25
11	Rory Kerins	C	22	5-10/175	Calgary (AHL)	`20(174th)	54	16	16	32	8
12	William Stromgren	LW	20	6-3/175	Calgary (AHL)	`21(45th)	68	7	20	27	16
13	Yan Kuznetsov	D	22	6-4/209	Calgary (AHL)	`20(50th)	63	5	8	13	27
14	Parker Bell	LW	20	6-4/192	Tri-City (WHL)	`22(155th)	59	33	31	64	38
15	Ilya Solovyov	D	23	6-3/208	Calgary (AHL)	`20(205th)	51	5	10	15	34
					Calgary (NHL)	`20(205th)	10	0	3	3	4

1. Dustin Wolf, G, Calgary Wranglers (AHL)

Dustin Wolf's rookie season wasn't the anticipated breakthrough season that many expected. After a stellar NHL debut in 2023, his 2023-24 campaign was a rollercoaster. A .923 save percentage in the AHL is decent, but not quite his previous dominance. While some nights in the season we saw flashes of brilliance, but consistency eluded him. Questions arose. Was the pressure of the backup role a factor? Did the increased competition expose weaknesses? While the jury's still out, Wolf did show glimpses of his star potential and still remains a top goaltending prospect in the world. He’s extremely athletic and focused, his puck tracking is extremely impressive, and he’s continued to mature over the years as a calm and composed netminder. This season served as a reality check for Wolf. The path to NHL stardom is rarely linear. How he responds to this adversity will be a major storyline heading into next year.

2. Matthew Coronato, RW, Calgary Wranglers (AHL)

Matthew Coronato didn't disappoint in his much-anticipated rookie season with the Calgary Flames. While not quite cracking the Calder Trophy conversation, he solidified his reputation as an offensive weapon. The 2021 13th-overall draft pick’s speed and puck handling created havoc for defenders throughout the season. He wasn't afraid to mix it up in the dirty areas either, using his frame to protect the puck and win board battles. He plays a very confident game and loves to drive the play. He also shows off a quick, hard shot that he can get off from anywhere on the ice. Questions remain about his defensive consistency, but his offensive contributions were undeniable. Coronato's strong rookie campaign suggests a bright future in Calgary. He's already a legitimate NHL contributor, and further refinement in his defensive game could elevate him into a top-six role. Flames fans have a lot to be excited about with Coronato on their wing.

3. Samuel Honzek, LW, Vancouver Giants (WHL)

The Flames' first rounder in 2023, had a season defined by inconsistency. A pre-season injury delayed his WHL return, and while he looked electric upon returning (seven points in five games), his production dipped significantly afterward. The World Juniors offered a bounce-back (three goals, one assist), but consistency remained elusive. Despite leading the Giants in scoring last year, Honzek finished the 2023-24 season with a pedestrian 31 points in 33 games. Questions linger about his ability to adapt to a new role (center) and translate his offensive dominance to the pro level. However, flashes of brilliance and a strong showing at the World Juniors offer a glimmer of hope. Development will be key for Honzek, and the Flames will be closely monitoring his progress next season.

4. Jakob Pelletier, LW, Calgary Wranglers (AHL)

Pelletier's 2023-24 campaign was a season of flashes and frustrations. An upper-body injury delayed his NHL debut, limiting him to just 13 games with the Flames in a season many thought he would stick with the big club. While he managed a goal and three points, the limited sample size makes a full evaluation difficult. However, glimpses of the skilled winger Flames fans were excited about did emerge. He’s such an intelligent player who helps drive his team’s pace and play. He always keeps his foot on the gas and makes opponents rush decisions, forcing turnovers. The question remains: can he translate those flashes into consistent NHL production? Pelletier's development hinges on staying healthy and earning a more permanent role with the Flames. If he can improve his defensive awareness and stay healthy, a breakout season could still be in the cards in the near future.

5. Daniil Miromanov, D, Calgary Flames (NHL)

Miromanov's season started with a whimper, not a bang. A lingering injury kept him out until January, forcing him to prove himself in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights. There, he flashed his offensive potential with six points in five games. The trade to the Calgary Flames in March offered a fresh start. While cracking the lineup consistently proved challenging, Miromanov did manage seven points in 20 games. However, his defensive struggles – a knock on him previously – were evident at times. Overall, Miromanov's 2023-24 was a season of transition. While glimpses of his offensive talent emerged, consistency and defensive refinement remain key questions. The Flames signed him to a two-year extension, suggesting they believe in his upside. Can he develop into a reliable NHL contributor next season? That's the burning question for the young Russian defenseman.

6. Jeremie Poirier, D, Calgary Wranglers (AHL)

Poirier's 2023-24 campaign was derailed by a skate laceration just four games into the season with the Calgary Wranglers. The promising defenseman, known for his offensive instincts, was sidelined for months while recovering from surgery. Poirier finally returned to the lineup in March, but his impact was limited. In his 23 games, he managed three goals and 10 assists, a decent output considering the long absence. However, questions remain about his conditioning and overall effectiveness. The Flames' defensive shakeup at the trade deadline opened a potential window for A permanent NHL call-up never materialized. Despite the lost season, Poirier's talent is undeniable and the improvement he’s shown since being drafted hasn’t gone unnoticed. He makes less and less mistakes, showcasing the offensive instincts and transition ability that had him earning first-round discussion in his draft year. The upcoming year will be crucial in determining if he can recapture his pre-injury form and establish himself as a future NHL contributor.

7. Hunter Brzustewicz, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)

Hunter Brzustewicz is a mobile and intelligent defenseman with a high upside. Acquired this season from the Vancouver Canucks in the Elias Lindholm deal, the defender easily becomes one of the most exciting prospects in the system. He excels at reading plays and anticipating opponents' attacks, using his quick feet and active stick to intercept passes and clear the zone. Brzustewicz's vision and anticipation allow him to spark transition play, and his accurate shot makes him a threat from the point, although he’s more likely to find a pass, hence his OHL-leading 79 assists this season. He's also a physical presence, using his size and strength to win battles and protect his teammates. With continued development, Brzustewicz has the potential to become a top-four defenseman and a key contributor on the Calgary Flames' blue line. His upside as a reliable, two-way defender makes him an exciting prospect in the Flames' pipeline.

8. Etienne Morin, D, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Drafted 48th overall by Calgary in 2023, Morin spent the majority of his season with the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats. While Morin's offensive production in Moncton dipped compared to his draft year (12 goals, 49 points in 58 games), his underlying shot generation improved. The season might be a bit of a disappointment after his breakout season a year ago, but the prospect still has impressive tools worth keeping an eye on. He loves to jump up in the rush and his vision stands out whenever he has the puck. He’s solid carrying the puck himself too, an area where his confidence has noticeably grown over the past year. While the defender shows some defensive prowess in his board battles and his stick-checking, he struggles in defending the rush. The jury's still out on Morin. The flashes of offensive potential are encouraging, but consistency remains a question mark. His development will hinge on refining his offensive instincts and adapting to the pro game.

9. Cole Schwindt, RW, Calgary Wranglers (AHL)

While it wasn't a breakout year, Schwindt showed flashes of his potential, particularly his strong skating and ability to protect the puck. However, questions about his offensive consistency remain. There were stretches where he looked like a dominant force, only to disappear at other times. His decision-making also needs refinement, with turnovers occasionally disrupting the flow of play. The good news: he is still young (22 years old) and has time to develop. He did see a brief stint with the Flames, registering no points in four games. This taste of NHL action could be a motivator heading into next season. Schwindt's future hinges on ironing out his inconsistencies and displaying his offensive prowess more regularly. If he can do that, a call-up to Calgary could become a reality.

10. Aydar Suniev, LW, University of Massachusetts (NCAA)

Aydar Suniev's freshman year at UMass was a showcase of his offensive potential. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the third round, Suniev wasted no time turning heads with his impressive shot and slick hands. He impressed with 12 goals and 25 points in 36 games, showcasing his ability to find the net and create for linemates. However, questions remain about his skating. While not a liability, it doesn't quite match his offensive tools. Consistency was also an issue, with stretches of dominance punctuated by quieter periods. Suniev's future hinges on refining his skating and maintaining his offensive production. If he can do that, he could become a steal for the Flames. But if skating limitations persist, his NHL ceiling might be a bottom-six role. This season was a promising start, but the next chapter will reveal whether Suniev can address his weaknesses and solidify his status as a future NHL contributor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subscribers can link to the full top 200 listing here

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

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

Risers

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

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

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

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

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

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

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

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

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

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

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

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

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

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

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

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

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

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

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

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

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

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

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

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

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

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

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

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

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

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

Ville Koivunen (165 to 71) – Pittsburgh Penguins

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

Ethan Del Mastro (169 to 73) – Chicago Blackhawks

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

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

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

Carson Rehkopf (201 to 69) – Seattle Kraken

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

Easton Cowan (204 to 67) – Toronto Maple Leafs

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

Seamus Casey (214 to 63) – New Jersey Devils

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

Jacob Fowler (222 to 52) – Montreal Canadiens

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

Fraser Minten (226 to 84) – Toronto Maple Leafs

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

Jackson Blake (277 to 117) – Carolina Hurricanes

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

Erik Portillo (Unranked to 118) – Los Angeles Kings

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

Rodwin Dionicio (Unranked to 139) – Anaheim Ducks

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

Fallers

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

Xavier Bourgault (from 48 to 113) – Edmonton Oilers

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

Eduard Sale (72 to 140) – Seattle Kraken

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

Jack Rathbone (96 to not ranked) – Pittsburgh Penguins

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

Jacob Perreault (127 to not ranked) – Montreal Canadiens

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

Jan Jenik (156 to not ranked) - Utah

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

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

2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 200 NHL PROSPECTS

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

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

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

Subscribers can link to the listing here

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

2024 WORLD JUNIORS CHAMPIONSHIP – December 29th, 2024 Game Recaps

Adam Tate — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 15:15:15 +0000

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - DECEMBER 29: Juraj Pekarcik #19 of Slovakia celebrates his first period goal against Norway with teammates, Dalibor Dvorsky #15, Alex Ciernik #22, Milan Pisoja #3 and Luka Radivojevic #11 in Preliminary Round - Group B action at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship at Frolundaborg on December 29, 2023 in Gothenburg, Sweden. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/IIHF)

Slovakia 8, Norway 4

With a day off yesterday after beating Switzerland 3-0, Slovakia came into today’s game ready to play. From the drop of the puck, it was clear that they had a speed and skill advantage over Norway. Slovakia was down early with Norway’s Michael Brandsegg-Nygard scoring just over three minutes into the first period. They tied the game up about 10 minutes later with Samuel Honzek evening the score with a power play goal. Juraj Pekarcik would score for Slovakia less than a minute later and they would never look back. They broke the game open in the second period with five goals. Dalibor Dvorsky had a very strong game with four points (two goals and two assists). The aforementioned Brandsegg-Nygard (2024 NHL Draft eligible) had a three-point game (2 goals and one assist) and was Norway’s Player of the Game. Norway would need both their goaltenders in this game. They didn’t dress Markus Stensrud, choosing to save him for tomorrow’s game against Switzerland, as that could be a relegation game.

Finland 4, Latvia 0

Finland needed a better result today after having lost to Germany on Wednesday to avoid any potential relegation scenarios. They got the job done in a must-win game against Latvia. Finland’s Captain, Jere Lassila factored in on all of their goals with a goal and three assists. He wasn’t going to let Finland continue to slide down the standings in Group A. Konsta Helenius, the hyped 2024 NHL Draft eligible player, had another quiet game, only hitting the scoresheet with a penalty in the third period. Latvia’s scoring struggles continued this game and they haven’t scored in any of their three games in the tournament so far. Even combining their two drafted players, forwards Dans Locmelis and Sandis Vilmanis, they still struggled to find consistent offense. Their goaltender, Deivs Rolovs, was the Player of the Game for Latvia despite giving up four goals as he stopped 39 of 43 shots. Without Rolovs, this game would’ve been much worse for Latvia.

USA 4, Czechia 3 (Shootout Win)

The closest game in terms of score today, USA edged Czechia in a shootout to win their game 4-3. Isaac Howard would start the scoring with the first goal of the game, and he ended the game with the Shootout winner in the 7th round. The goals were equal in each period but the play was not. USA had the run of play in the 1st, outshooting Czechia 15-5 and looking more dangerous overall, including a couple of good shorthanded chances. The game favored Czechia more in the 2nd period as they held the shot advantage (12-9) and had the only power play of the period. The 3rd and overtime settled nothing, though USA had the most chances in OT, so the game went to a shootout. USA must win their game against Slovakia in order to win Group B as they only collect 2 points for the win today.

Sweden 2, Canada 0

This was the marquee matchup of the day and it did not disappoint. Sweden and Canada played an intense back and forth game with both teams wanting to show the fans in attendance that they were the best team in Group A. Both goaltenders, Hugo Havelid for Sweden, and Mathis Rousseau for Canada, made tremendous high danger saves. The forward groups showed a lot of skill and speed. The defence for both teams were tenacious and hard hitting. It was the kind of game you hope to see from this tournament.

Swedish defenceman Tom Willander opened the scoring in the second period with a nice rush up the ice and used a Canadian defenceman as a screen to score. Noah Ostlund would score on a rebound from a Jonathan Lekkerimaki shot from the blue line. Canada would have a couple of power play opportunities after those goals, but Havelid shut the door. Rousseau played his best game for Canada so far with some outstanding saves. Sweden has yet to be scored on in the tournament through three games.

Three Stars of the Day

#1 - Dalibor Dvorsky - Forward - Slovakia

The 10th overall selection by the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft finally factored into Slovakia’s scoring with four points today (2 goals, 2 assists). He was a play driver for his line and pushed Norway to their limit. His first goal to make it 3-1 was a rush to the net on the power play where he turned the defenceman and made a move across the crease to open up the goaltender. His second goal was a rush down the middle of the ice with a nice wrist shot after he crossed Norway’s blue line, using the defenceman as a screen. Anytime Dvorsky was on the ice he was beating Norway with speed and strength, and they had no answer for him.

Honorable Mention goes to Servac Petrovsky who also had a four-point game and is now leading the tournament in scoring.

#2 - Jere Lassila - Forward - Finland

The Finnish Captain had his best day in international play to this point in his career today. Factoring in on all four of Finland’s goals in a must-win situation to avoid having to deal with relegation is the best way to lead by example. He would not let Finland lose today. His goal opened the scoring of the game and came on the power play. He was positioned in front of the net and banged home a rebound. Two of his three assists also came on the power play as he was a key factor in that situation. He played 19:06, leading all Finnish forwards in ice time.

#3 - Mathis Rousseau - Goaltender - Canada

Despite losing 2-0, Mathis Rousseau provided Canada with outstanding play in goal today. He made a number of incredible saves and kept Canada in the game. While only seeing 24 shots in the game, an average goaltending performance today would’ve resulted in a 4-0 or 5-0 win for Sweden. It’s hard to blame Rousseau for either of Sweden’s goals. On Tom Willander’s he was screened by his own teammate and didn’t see the shot until it was too late. On the second goal, Rousseau stopped two shots from Jonathan Lekkerimaki, including one where he was by himself in the slot, before giving up a rebound goal to Ostlund. I wouldn’t blame Rousseau for this goal either as Ostlund made a good play to get behind Canada’s defence and wasn’t accounted for when he scored. Rousseau was Canada’s best player today, and he deserves a star despite the loss.

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

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

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

Slovakia 6 vs. Czechia 2

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

Canada 5 vs. Finland 2

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

United States 4 vs Norway 1

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

Sweden 6 vs. Latvia 0

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

Three Stars:

1) Gavin Brindley — United States

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

2) Maveric Lamoureux — Canada

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

3) Adam Gajan — Slovakia

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

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – CALGARY FLAMES – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #17

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 11:22:01 +0000

Top 20 Calgary Flames Prospects

1. Dustin Wolf

Is there a better value pick in the past five NHL drafts than Calgary nabbing Wolf all the way down at 214th overall in 2019? After mercilessly shutting down the WHL for four straight seasons, he transitioned masterfully to the AHL without missing a beat, immediately establishing himself as one of the best goalies in the league — THE best goalie, actually, winning the Baz Bastien Memorial Award as top netminder in 2021-22 and again in 2022-23. It's very rare to see goalies of Wolf's size thrive in the NHL, but his technique, focus, composure, play tracking, and overall understanding of the position are all just so advanced that you cannot underestimate him. Had he been given the chance last season, would he have outperformed the two goalies ahead of him in Calgary's system?

2. Matthew Coronato

Coronato decided to turn pro after just two seasons at Harvard, and just in time, because the Flames desperately need more offensive injections coming in through their prospect pipeline. He's also a capable and committed off-puck player, which should give him a little more leeway for a roster spot in the NHL. He sees the ice and understands the game at an impressive level, while also playing at a consistently high pace, so he gets a lot of puck touches and drives a lot of possession even though he isn't overly fast. Coronato is very adept at the all-important ability of scoring wingers to optimize the positioning of the puck before firing, and the power and accuracy of his shots are already at a professional level. While some scorers have trouble understanding the difference between what works at lower levels and what works in the NHL, that shouldn't be a problem at all for Coronato.

3. Jakob Pelletier

Pelletier is technically still a prospect by the guidelines being used here, but it's safe to say that he's not going back to the AHL soon, if ever again. It took him very little time at all to provide a necessary injection of quickness and offensive generation into Calgary's lineup, and he hasn't looked out of place at all in their top-six when given the occasional opportunity. His game is built around a razor-sharp hockey sense and top-notch pacing, which allow him to stay active in the play, strategically apply pressure, and then pounce on the small opportunities that open up. His motor just never seems to run out of gas, and as he gains more experience he's going to keep getting better and better at forcing opposing players into making costly mistakes. He's the type of guy who plays much bigger than his size and makes an outsized impact.

4. Samuel Honzek

Honzek was a revelation this past season. The package of tools and traits that he brings to the table is incredibly enticing. It's rare to find forwards with his size and reach who can also skate and control the puck like he can. He generates a lot of speed and power through his lower body, and even though his skating technique is a little stiff and upright it doesn't slow him down much. He isn't shy at all about shooting, and the puck comes off his stick with surprising quickness and unexpectedly little flex, but he's more of a natural playmaker than a goal-scorer, able to make sharp, tape-to-tape passes through tight gaps. He does a good job of protecting the puck out from his body when necessary, keeping it away from enemies as he tries to turn and block them with his huge frame. It would be nice, though, to see him use his size and strength more effectively, as he's something of a gentle giant right now. The best-case scenario for Honzek long-term is as a massive top-line forward who can play both a power game and a skilled game.

5. Connor Zary

Zary doesn't put up eye-popping point totals and rarely shows up in highlight reels, but the longer he plays for a team the better it gets, and that's not a coincidence. He's a two-way pivot who out-thinks and out-works the majority of his opponents, allowing him to be successful in spite of having average size on top of below average skating ability. When he does put up points it's usually through how well he understands systems and tactics, breaking down defensive structures by getting into the right positions and making the right decisions with the puck. He's less concerned with flashy dekes and passes, and more concerned with precision and consistency, which he accomplishes well. His off-puck play is built around superb positioning and anticipation. He should have a long career as a middle-six center.

6. Jeremie Poirier

Poirier had more than enough first-round skill in his draft year but slid down to the third round because his lacklustre decision-making and effort level often drove scouts crazy. But credit where credit is due, as he really grew to recognize those weaknesses and committed himself to getting them to a workable level. The overall package right now looks very promising, as he became a key piece on a top AHL team in his first year as a pro. He can quarterback a power play with the best of them and can be effective in transition with how elusive he is with his hands and feet. Poirier is trending in the right direction as an offensive defenseman and could become a truly dynamic NHLer one day in that niche if he is allowed to play to his strengths and is used in a system that can minimize his weaknesses.

7. Etienne Morin

It was quite the coming-out party for Etienne Morin last season in the QMJHL. He exploded by more than doubling his production as a draft eligible player. In 67 games, he scored 21 goals - leading the league among defenders - and added 51 assists for 72 points, leading to his selection in the second round by Calgary. As one might expect, Morin’s talents in the offensive end of the ice are what truly stand out. His vision is top tier, thanks to his constant scanning and his ability to seemingly know where everyone is on the ice. While the defender shows some defensive prowess in his board battles and his stick-checking, he struggles in defending the rush thanks to some skating inefficiencies. With improvements to his skating, Morin has the potential to become a bottom-four, offensive defender who could see some time on a second power-play unit. He may take an extra year or two to get there, but there’s strong potential here.

8. William Stromgren

The Flames used a pretty high draft pick on Stromgren because he occasionally flashes huge upside as a rangy, offensively dominant winger. He'll tease you with the odd play or shift where he looks like a truly exceptional talent. The problem is that he oscillates wildly between hot and cold, sometimes for long stretches. Even more perplexing, his best play at a professional level, to date, came during his draft year, while the two seasons since have been a mixed bag. That's a concerning sign since he has a lot of improvement left to make. However, he has already earned his entry-level contract because Calgary knows that there is still a chance that he one day becomes a legitimate top-six scoring threat at the NHL level. With other scoring wingers in the system providing him a buffer to continue his development, Stromgren will get as much time as he needs to marinate.

9. Cole Schwindt

Schwindt was an overlooked piece of the blockbuster Matthew Tkachuk-Jonathan Huberdeau trade, but if he keeps developing like he has over the past few years then that will surely change. He somewhat surprisingly became a number one centre in Mississauga as an 18-year-old and really shined in that role, which is a good sign for how high his ceiling could still go. Luckily the COVID shutdowns didn't seem to stunt his growth too badly, as he hasn't looked out of place or overwhelmed since getting into the AHL. He is very athletic and toolsy, and has shown the ability to continue learning how to utilize those tools. Schwindt should find his way into the NHL role at some point as a player who can move up or down a lineup, play wing or centre, and chip in on both sides of special teams.

10. Yan Kuznetsov

Kuznetsov has played in four different leagues in the past five seasons, with some international tournaments mixed in as well. Amazingly, all those changes of scenery don't seem to have hindered his year-over-year progression, as where he is right now is pretty much in line with his projection dating back to his draft year. He also got a Memorial Cup title out of it in 2021-22 with Saint John, which undoubtedly made his transfer to the QMJHL worth it. However, could he make even bigger gains if given a couple years of consistency with the Wranglers? There are no debates about what his game is or what he brings — he's a shutdown defender through and through — but he is a true specialist of that domain and could eventually become one of the better players in the NHL in that role.

11. Emilio Pettersen

Now is the time for this former Denver standout and Norwegian forward to claim a spot on the Flames. He is no longer exempt from waivers and the team has some openings in their forward group. The skilled playmaker is coming off his best season to date in the AHL.

12. Topi Ronni

Ronni is a solid two-way center that Calgary took in the second round last year. This season in Liiga, the Flames will be looking for him to improve his offensive contribution and earn more ice time playing against men with Tappara.

13. Aydar Suniev

Suniev is very much a long-term project, but one with terrific upside. He is incredibly skilled, but the skating needs to come a long way for the big winger to become an impact player at the highest level. His freshman year at UMass this season will be a huge test for him coming out of the BCHL.

14. Parker Bell

A hard working, power winger, Bell took huge steps forward this year with Tri-City of the WHL. The question is, where does he play this season? Calgary could sign him and have him play in the AHL or they could return him to the WHL for his OA year. Training camp performance likely dictates that outcome.

15. Arseni Sergeev

Sergeev is a big netminder who had a very good freshman year with UConn last year, splitting time in a platoon role. However, with new competition for the crease arriving via the transfer portal, pay attention to his playing time as it will greatly impact his continued development.

16. Rory Kerins

Injuries disrupted Kerins’ first pro season that saw him play mostly in the ECHL. However, the Flames have not given up on the former OHL star. Continuing to improve his skating is the key for him as he looks to become a full time AHL’er this year.

17. Ilya Solovyov

Solovyov continues to progress positively at the AHL level and with another good AHL year under his belt, he could put himself in contention for a roster spot with Calgary. The big defender impresses with his mobility and his defensive game has improved since his OHL days.

18. Jaden Lipinski

A big forward with the Vancouver Giants, Lipinski was a recent fourth round selection. He plays a traditional North/South power game from the middle and will be given every opportunity to play a larger role with the Giants this upcoming season in the WHL.

19. Cade Littler

Littler was drafted with the understanding that he would be a long-term project. He spent this past year repeating the BCHL level and will now spend next year in the USHL with Cedar Rapids before heading to North Dakota. Skating development is key.

20. Daniil Chechelev

Chechelev’s first two pro seasons haven’t really provided inspiring results as he has struggled to advance past the ECHL level. Ironically, he has been doing so on an AHL deal and has not yet earned an ELC. What the future holds for him is a bit of a mystery.