Topi Ronni – McKeen's Hockey

BELL: 20 Prospect Points – Stankoven, McGroarty, Demidov, Greentree & More

Josh Bell — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:00:36 +0000

Michigan forward Rutger McGroarty (2) (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire)

Welcome to 20 Prospect Points, a bi-weekly column where I dive into the trending prospects - drafted and draft-eligible - from around the globe.

This edition dives into the latest news around one of the biggest scouting events of the year, the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, the incredible rookie season that Logan Stankoven is having in the AHL, and the ridiculous output from draft-eligible Ivan Demidov.

The end of the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game?

#1 You read that right. The 2024 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game is reportedly the last one, according to Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek. He also mentioned that a two-game series between the best prospects in the CHL and the best prospects in the US may replace it. CHL All-Stars versus USHL/NCAA All-Stars? Yes, please. This is the right direction.

Drafted Prospects

#2 What a rookie season for Dallas Stars’ prospect Logan Stankoven. The young forward has been on fire in the league, leading all players (not just rookies) in points with 50. His 20 goals sit fourth in the league and his 30 assists are third. Standing at 5-foot-8, 170 pounds, Stakoven continues to prove that size isn’t everything when it comes to being a productive and contributing hockey player.

#3 Rutger McGroarty has come back from the World Juniors on an absolute mission. The University of Michigan star has put up 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in his six games back in the NCAA and shows no signs of slowing down. It seems that gold looks good of the Winnipeg Jets’ star who has returned with an extra boost of confidence in his step. He leads the team and sits fifth in the NCAA in points.

#4 You can’t talk about the NCAA and not mention Massimo Rizzo right now. The Philadelphia Flyers prospect is sitting atop to NCAA in points with 42 (10 goals, 32 points). The prospect was also named to the Team Canada roster for the 2023 Spengler Cup, picking up two assists there in the men’s tournament. He’s a player on the rise after being drafted back in 2019, 216th overall. This has the makings of a scouting success story for the Flyers.

#5 It’s been a strange ride for German prospect Julien Lutz, from his injury-riddled time in the DEL to his move to North American hockey and the USHL. Well, it seems that things are starting to come together for the Arizona Coyotes prospect. Playing with the Green Bay Gamblers, Lutz is riding a nine-game points streak, sandwiching the World Juniors. He has 14 points over that time, bringing him to 34 (12 goals, 22 assists) in 25 games. There’s no question that his development has been impacted over the past two years, look for him to really come into his own now that he’s playing consistently.

#6 There was some hope that Calgary Flames’ prospect Topi Ronni would take a step forward in the Liiga this season, but with just two points in 19 games, that appears not to be the case. However, his play in the U20 SM-sarja has been excellent. In his last eight games, he’s racked up 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) and has been playing big minutes, skating over 26 minutes twice in that stretch. Seeing that he might have outgrown the U20 SM-sarja and he’s not quite ready for the Liiga, perhaps a change of scenery is coming in the 2024-25 season.

#7 Noah Ostlund, on the other hand, is doing just fine at the men’s level. The Buffalo Sabres’ prized prospect has taken his success from the World Juniors back to Vaxjo Lakers HC, where he’s potted 10 points (four goals, six assists) in eight games since returning. While he’s currently on pace to match last year’s total, it’s important to note that last year was in the HockeyAllsvenskan with Djurgardens and this year is in the SHL.

#8 Speaking of players that are hot lately, if you haven’t been keeping an eye on Quentin Musty - you need to. The San Jose Sharks prospect has been one of the most prospects in the world over the past two weeks with 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in his last six games. He’s playing confidently, and finding success. While Team USA did win World Juniors gold, you can’t help but wonder what Musty would have looked like in the red, white, and blue.

#9 What a segue to another Team USA player! Oliver Moore, like McGroarty, has returned to the University of Minnesota and just continues to produce. He has a seven-game point streak currently, tallying 13 points (four goals, nine assists). He seems practically unstoppable at this point, playing at nearly a point per game as a rookie.

#10 Over in Russia, Carolina Hurricanes’ prospect Alexander Rykov is tearing up the VHL, playing at nearly a point-per-game pace. He’s up to 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) in 27 games, and has added another six goals and two assists in the KHL this year. In fact, he’s riding a three-game goal streak in the KHL, even though he played just 3:28 in one of those games. He’s under contract with Chelyabinsk for one more season. Could a North American move follow?

Draft-Eligible Prospects

#11 Another Russian prospect, this one has been absolutely dominating the public sphere discussion as of late. I’ve previously written about the emergence of Ivan Demidov since he was moved to the MHL for a consistent stint, and now? He’s dominant. He has points in his last 12 games, with multiple points in nine of those. That stretch has seen his point total rise by 32 points, bringing his season total to 45 (20 goals, 25 assists) in just 23 games. He even has 11 points in his past TWO games. Where does he fit on your draft board?

#12 I’m not sure that anyone is truly appreciating what Zeev Buium is doing in the NCAA right now. He’s producing at a 1.38 points-per-game rate - the highest rate for a U19 defender in about 40 years and higher than players such as Brian Leetch, Lane Hutson, and Adam Fox. According to Chace McCallum (@CMhockey66), he’s currently scoring at a rate that top-scoring NHL defenders hit in their age 20 season. Yeah, that seems good.

#13 Is Liam Greentree underappreciated? It’s quite possible. EliteProspects’ consolidated ranking puts him 15th overall. But the Windsor Spitfires captain is on pace for 100 points this season, already potting 64 (27 goals, 37 assists) in 41 games. His ability to produce was on full display on January 27th when he put up six points (three goals, three assists) against the Peterborough Petes. He’s worth a closer look.

#14 Jett Luchanko might just be another underappreciated OHLer available for this draft, but perhaps his on-ice testing for the Top Prospects Game will change that. He finished fourth in the 30m skate, third in the 30m skate with the puck, third in the 30m backwards skate with the puck, second in transition ability with the puck, third in reaction, first in reaction with the puck and ultimately, first overall. He’s quite deserving of some recognition.

#15 We keep coming back to players that have been strong since returning from the World Juniors and we’re doing it one last time. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has returned to Mora IK in the Hockey Allsvenskan with a newfound level of confidence, currently riding a six-game point streak, with seven points (four goals, three assists) over that time. He does appear to be dealing with an injury as well, so if he’s not held out for too long, perhaps the best is yet to come.

#16 Over in the WHL, Tij Iginla, one of the recent starts of the CHL Top Prospects Game, is a player that has just been on the tip of everyone’s tongue all season it seems. His 57 points (32 goals, 25 assists) in 42 games is absolutely impressive, sitting fourth among U18 players (his 32 goals are first), but it’s everything else that really draws you in. His competitiveness, his creativity, and his elusiveness all add up to an extremely promising prospect. He’ll be a candidate to be taken earlier than expected in my eyes.

#17 A name not often talked about in this draft class, Chase Wutzke is a goaltender that needs to be on your radar. The Red Deer Rebels netminder is currently on an eight-game winning streak, bringing his total to 15 on the season (15-2-1). He has a .922 save percentage, which sites this in the league. He’s been one of the strongest goalies in the league as of late, and arguably one of the best all season long.

#18 From the QMJHL, Raoul Boilard caught the attention of scouts at the CHL Top Prospects Game, scoring twice and adding an assist for Team Red in a 3-1 win over Team White. He was named the Player of the Game for his team. He’s been playing at nearly a point-per-game this season for Baie-Comeau Drakkar with 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 47 games. Likely a second-rounder, he’s one to keep an eye on on the second day of the draft.

#19 In the USHL, Joe Connor may be a slightly hidden gem in this draft class. The Muskegon Lumberjacks forward has been playing in the shadows of highly touted players Matvei Gridin and Sacha Boisvert, but Connor has been impressive as well with 31 points in 27 games this season. In fact, that point-per-game pace (1.15) is second on the team, just behind Gridin (1.19).

#20 Sticking in the USHL, goaltender Louka Cloutier started the season not-so-hot (losing his first four-straight and five of six) but has truly been coming into his own as of late. He’s taken over the starters job and has now rattled off five straight wins, including his first USHL shutout. The rookie’s numbers don’t stand out at 8-8-1 and a .898 save percentage, but with consistent playing time, and the Chicago Steel looking better in the second half of the season, he’s been impressive in net.

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

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)

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.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #16 Calgary Flames

Derek Neumeier — Sat, 20 May 2023 12:34:47 +0000

A season with no shortage of drama, kicked off by having their two biggest stars decide they wanted to play elsewhere. Brad Treliving initially earned high praise for turning a tough situation around, adding Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar by trading Tkachuck, and also signing Nazem Kadri in free agency. Huberdeau had a particularly disastrous season, with Weegar not far behind. The team never meshed and went from a potential Stanley Cup threat to out of the playoffs. Both Treliving and coach Darryl Sutter were out as a result. With no replacements named yet, it is difficult to divine the direction they will take. With respect to prospects, Sutter has long faced criticism for not giving opportunity to young players, as seen by no graduated players from the last five drafts. It leaves the Flames system with a number of prospects who could make the jump next year as a result.

They have a gem in goalie Dustin Wolf, #17 on our list and the third ranked goalie. He was named top netminder in the WHL this past season. Matthew Coronato plays a style of game suited to the NHL, committed defensively with a good understanding of the game, and brings a scoring touch to the wing. Jakob Pelletier for all intents and purposes has made the Flames roster next season, making his presence felt in his time in the line-up. He did not look out of place in his time in the top six. The Flames have three firsts (one from Florida) and all their second-round picks for the next three drafts. New management will have options in setting a direction whichever way they choose to go.

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 for 2021-2022, and he's a shoo-in to repeat when the winner is announced in May. 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 underestimated him. Had he been given the chance this 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, and also plays 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. He's very adept at the all-important ability as a scoring winger of optimizing 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 6 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 do 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. Connor Zary

Zary is the kind of player who 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 average size and 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.

5. Jeremie Poirier

Poirier had more than enough 1^st round skill in his draft year but slid down to the 3rd round because his lackluster 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 powerplay with the best of then 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.

6. 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, and 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 Stromgren will get as much time as he needs to marinate.

7. 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 center 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 center, and chip in on both sides of special teams.

8. 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 last year 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.

9. Matthew Phillips

The fan discussions around Phillips this year, from Twitter to pubs and water coolers all across Calgary, has been fierce. Just why hasn't one of the best players in the AHL been given a proper look with his big club, especially when the Flames have struggled to score goals and win games? The answer isn't fully clear, even when the team has discussed it. Granted, players his size are seldomly successful in the NHL, but he also hasn't been given a real chance yet to prove himself. He competes hard, he's offensively crafty, and he's dangerous with the puck. The real X factor is whether or not his skating is good enough, as that is usually what makes or breaks a smaller player's chances. He's a pending unrestricted free agent, so it will be interesting to see if he decides to find another organization that might give him a more thorough NHL opportunity.

10. Emilio Pettersen

For a 6th-round pick, the Flames have to be pretty content with how far Pettersen has come in the six seasons since. The nifty Norwegian just gets better and better every year and has successfully transitioned his scoring ways from the USHL through the NCAA and now into the AHL. The jump to the NHL is the hardest one of all, but with his track record he seems capable of making it happen. Give him too much time and space in the offensive zone and he can make you pay in different ways. His short stature and short reach can deceive opposing defenders, as he is sturdier on his skates and harder to knock off the puck than he looks. If he does carve out an NHL career it will likely be more so as a supplementary scorer than a true top six guy.

2023 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP – TEAM PREVIEW – FINLAND

Josh Bell — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 16:14:44 +0000

Joakim Kemell of Finland celebrates after scoring 2-2 during the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship final between Canada and Finland on August 20, 2022 in Edmonton.
Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN /

Team Finland Preview

After shocking many hockey fans with a silver medal finish at the 2022 World Junior Championship only four months ago, a very different Team Finland will be hitting the ice at the 2023 edition of the tournament. The group has just six players returning from that group, including Brad Lambert (Winnipeg), Joakim Kemell (Nashville), Aleksi Heimosalmi (Carolina), Ville Koivunen (Carolina), Oliver Kapanen (Montreal), and Kalle Vaisanen (Rangers).

The team's success will largely depend on the performance of the big names up front. Lambert, Kemell, and Koivunen will be heavily relied upon to produce offense. They’ll have some secondary support from Jani Nyman (Seattle), Kapanen, Vaisanen, and Niko Huuhtanen (Tampa Bay), but it does trail off offensively after these six. That being said, they do have some good soldiers in Topi Ronni (Calgary), Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (St. Louis), and Sami Paivarinta (Undrafted), all of whom could surprise.

On defense, Heimosalmi will be the top man, leading the team’s power play and transition game. The mobile defender is very likely to be a top player on the team and could very well be a contender for the top d-man in the event. Behind him, Aron Kiviharu (2024) is a key player to watch, who could be the team’s number two defenseman as the tournament progresses. Jimi Suomi (Undrafted), Aleksi Malinen (Islanders), and Topis Vilen (New Jersey) will likely be leaned on as well as the team fights for a medal.

In net, it looks like it’s Aku Koskenvuo’s (Vancouver) net to lose since he’s had some success with the National Team in the past. Niklas Kokko (Seattle) could be nipping at his heels, but Koskenvuo’s resume likely sees him in the net to start.

Sitting in Pool B, Finland kicks off their tournament on December 26th versus Switzerland, followed by Slovakia the next day, and Latvia on the 29th. They’ll wrap up their round-robin in what will likely be a crucial match against the USA on New Year’s Eve.

10 to Watch

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - DECEMBER 26: Finland vs Germany preliminary round action at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship at Rogers Place on December 26, 2021 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Brad Lambert, (WPG) C/RW

Lambert is entering his third World Juniors tournament, with a bronze and silver medal around his neck. There’s only one medal missing. If Lambert and the Finns can get that gold medal, it’s that Lambert that will need to show up. He’ll need to carry a large load of the offense if this team has a chance. He’s a dynamic forward with elite skating that has the ability to go through an entire team when he wants to. He also has excellent puck skills but can get caught trying to do too much himself at times. Once considered a top-two selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, he ended up sliding to 30th overall by the Winnipeg Jets, and since he’s made the jump right to the AHL. It’s been a slow start so far with just three points in 14 games, but the World Juniors could be a great turnaround in his season.

Joakim Kemell, (NAS) RW

If there’s one player with as much offensive pressure on their shoulders as Lambert, it’s Kemell. The winger is coming into his second World Juniors, with his first experience resulting in a silver medal and a nod to the All-Star team after collecting 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in seven games. He’s currently playing in his second full season with the Liiga’s JYP, where he’s been a focal point on offense with 10 points (eight goals, two assists) in 24 games. In order to help the Finns push for another medal, Kemell’s goalscoring will need to be at the forefront. On top of his full arsenal of shots, he has a knack for getting into the high-danger spots and breaking free from coverage. He also knows how to get physical, never shying away from contact. Look for him to once again be an All-Star candidate.

Aleksi Heimosalmi, (CAR) D

The face of the Finnish defensive corps is very much Heimosalmi. He could challenge Lambert for being the best skater in this lineup. In the 2022 edition, the defender showed just how important he is to the team, putting up seven points (one goal, six assists) in as many games. While he brings offense, he’s just as effective in his own end. In both ends, this is largely due to his feet. He’s explosive, fluid, and has the ability to separate what his feet do from his hands and head. He has great vision and is a very accurate passer. Expect Heimosalmi to run the team’s top power-play unit while being a true contender for the defender of the tournament. The Carolina Hurricanes’ prospect is having a strong season with Assat in the Liiga, with 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 25 games.

Aron Kiviharju, (2024) D

While Finland remains a team to contend for a medal, they’re also a team looking to the future and Kiviharju is the face of that future. The defender is a top prospect eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft and has already been turning scout’s heads in Finland and at the international level. This past summer, the defender had six points (one goal, five assists) in five games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, en route to a bronze medal. He’s playing at a nearly point-per-game pace in the U20 SM-sarja with 12 assists in 13 games while appearing in six Liiga games with TPS at 16 years old. He processes the game at an elite level, with a level of creativity and mobility rarely seen at this age. While he might have sheltered minutes to start the event, look for him to take a larger role as the tournament rolls on.

Ville Koivunen, (CAR) C/RW

Another Hurricanes’ prospect, Koivunen may not carry as much of the offensive pressure as Lambert and Kemell, but it’s close. Last season in the Liiga, he led all rookies in assists (18) and points (29) and so far this season, has 13 points (seven goals, six assists). He’s an excellent playmaker with a high motor that never gives up on a play. He jumps into puck battles consistently and is more often than not the one to come out with the puck. He’s very likely going to find himself on a line with Lambert and Kemell and while they may be the heavy lifters, he’s a crucial piece on the line. He’ll be depended upon to be the one digging in the corners and battling in front of the net. Playing with Team Finland, he regularly stands out and elevates his game to the occasion. Expect him to do that here.

Jani Nyman, (SEA) RW

Entering his first-ever World Juniors event, this could very well be a bit of a coming-out party for Jani Nyman. The Seattle Kraken prospect stood out in the recent pre-World Juniors tune-up tournament, collecting seven points (four goals, three assists) to help the Finns to an undefeated record. In eight U20 games this season, he’s racked up 13 points (seven goals, six assists). He’s a big winger that excels at putting the puck in the net. He’s a huge shot generator that has a fearless edge when driving to the net. For a big body, he has no problem in tight spaces thanks to some slick hands. Nyman won’t have the speed of the top line, which will be his biggest issue in the event. He’ll need to be a huge factor in the team’s secondary scoring.

Oliver Kapanen, (MTL) C

Another returning player to this lineup, Kapanen will be expected to be a leader on this team and He’s arguably the best two-way player in the lineup, thanks to his tenacity on the puck and puck carrier. He’s a relentless forechecker and defender, consistently forcing turnovers for his team. He’s currently in his first full season in the Liiga, where he’s recorded 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 32 games. There’s a chance he could be bumped up to the top line, but more likely in my opinion would be centering the second line. The Canadiens’ prospect will be a key player on the power play and the penalty kill and while he won’t be a top offensive threat, he will likely be one of the most important players on this roster. The team needs him to show up in a big way if they are going to come away with a medal.

Kalle Vaisanen, (NYR) LW

The last returning player to the Finns lineup, Vaisanen is going to be a less-prominent factor in this lineup but a key player to watch, nonetheless. He’s very likely going to be a bottom-six winger in this lineup but has shown this season in his time with the U20 group that he can produce. In five games, he has just as many goals. Drafted 106th overall in 2021 by the New York Rangers, the Finn is going to bring some speed to the bottom half of the lineup while adding physicality and playmaking ability. He has a solid wrist shot as well, which the Finns will be hoping to see in action. Playing with Kiviharju with TPS, he’s potted three goals in 27 games this season. Based on how he’s popped with the U20 team so far this season, he’s one to keep an eye on to surprise in this event.

Niko Huuhtanen, (TBL) RW

He may have been drafted last in the 2021 NHL Draft (224th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning), but Huuhtanen looks like he’s already outplaying that selection. After being drafted, he made the jump to the WHL’s Everett Silvertips where he collected 77 points (37 goals, 40 points) in 65 games, putting up the most goals by a rookie. This season, he’s gone back to Finland with Jukurit, where he’s tied for first on the team with goals (nine). He has an extremely dangerous shot and plays with an edge. It’s not easy to go into the WHL and succeed, especially coming from Europe, but that’s exactly what he did. He can get himself into trouble with penalties at times, which could bite the Finns if it gets out of control so that will be something he needs to keep under control. He’s on a mission to prove every team wrong for not drafting him earlier and this is an excellent stage to do just that.

Topi Ronni, (CGY) C

Other than Kapanen, Ronni is the next-best two-way player on this lineup. He may skew to more of a defensive player in this roster but is capable of being a solid playmaker as well. The Calgary Flames' prospect has been productive with the U20 squad this season, with seven points (two goals, five assists) in six games. He’s still a pretty raw prospect but looking at this lineup, he’ll need to be relied upon fairly heavily. He should fit into a middle-six role and could very well see time on both the second power-play unit and the first penalty-kill group. Ronni’s possession game will be important for the Finns, as he protects the puck well and keeps it out of danger. This is combined with a lack of taking risks or carrying into high-danger areas though. His style is needed in this lineup, but he will need to step his game up to succeed in the event.

Sleeper - Lenni Hameenaho, (2023) LW

The only player on this roster eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft, Hameenaho has stepped into the Liiga this season and put together a solid draft-eligible campaign. He’s recorded 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 28 games for Assat, good for third on the team. He’s been outperforming well-known prospect and fellow draft-eligible Kasper Halttunen in the top Finnish league and shows no signs of slowing down. This tournament could shine a light on his skill and give him a bigger spotlight in this draft class. Going along with what seems like a theme on this Finnish roster, Hameenaho brings a combination of skill and grit to his game. He’s a highly competitive player that will go toe-to-toe with anyone on the ice. He’s well-rounded, without really excelling in one area, which may hurt his draft stock but will keep him in the conversation. However, he could be a name that many more discuss during and after this tournament.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – CALGARY FLAMES – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 15:15:24 +0000

ABBOTSFORD, BC - SEPTEMBER 27: Calgary Flames Left Wing Jakob Pelletier (49) plays the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during their NHL preseason game at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre on September 27, 2021 in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Devin Manky/Icon Sportswire)

1 -Jakob Pelletier LW

What an impressive pro debut Pelletier put forward last season. The former first round pick was nearly a point per game player for Stockton and was named to the AHL’s All Rookie team. One has to believe that this has him well positioned to be the replacement in Calgary’s top six for Gaudreau. If that is indeed the case, he would have to be considered one of the preseason favorites for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie. If there is one thing that Pelletier has done since being drafted it has been to improve his quickness and speed. He now consistently makes plays at a high pace. Not necessarily a dynamic or creative offensive player, Pelletier relies on his ability to read the play, his quickness, and his tenaciousness to be an impactful player in the offensive end. Pelletier, while not large, is also a capable two-way player because he always seems to be around the puck and has worked hard to become stronger to overcome his lack of stature. Ironically, it seems like Pelletier will be competing with the older, yet equally smaller Matthew Phillips to replace the also diminutive Johnny Gaudreau. It’s a small world after all. While early projections had Pelletier pegged for more of a middle six role, his strong pro performance thus far and positive development trajectory has caused many to re-evaluate his upside. A future as a permanent top six fixture is not outside the realm of possibility. - BO

2 - Dustin Wolf G

While the selection of larger netminders and the avoidance of smaller netminders remains the predominant philosophy in today’s scouting landscape, the success of players like Dustin Wolf, Devon Levi and Juuse Saros (at the NHL level) has caused many to pause and reflect. There is just no way to possibly ignore what Wolf has been able to do the last three seasons: 2020 WHL goaltender of the year, 2021 WHL goaltender of the year, and 2022 AHL goaltender of the year (in his first year of pro hockey). His success with Stockton last year, in particular, is the most impressive given the usual adjustment period for CHL netminders upon turning pro. Undersized or not (at 6’0), Wolf has emerged as one of the top goaltending prospects in the world. Like any successful smaller netminder, Wolf is extremely athletic and possesses an aggressive mentality to help him fight through crowds to gain and hold his position. He is also technically efficient and holds his ground well, ensuring that he does not give away the upper portion of the net too early. Other than a lack of size (giving him less room for error), Wolf really does not have a true weakness in the crease. He has the potential to be one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. When that happens…well that remains to be seen. Jacob Markstrom has another four years remaining on his contract. If Wolf continues to perform well, he should begin to apply internal pressure as early as the next season. - BO

3 - Matthew Coronato RW

As a member of the Chicago Steel, a USHL powerhouse, in his draft season, Matthew Coronato seemed to score at will. With a team filled to the brim with top prospects, it looked like there was no challenge the USHL could present that Coronato and the Steel could not meet. The five-foot-ten Coronato’s high energy level combined with his immense skill with the puck on his stick to form an offensive chance-creator that few USHL defensemen were equipped to properly handle. As a freshman at Harvard, many wondered if Coronato’s offensive game would translate to the NCAA level, where defenders would be bigger, faster, and smarter than those in the USHL. Coronato answered those questions as a freshman at Harvard, scoring at above a point-per-game rate. Coronato’s motor and skill level, the two main tools that carried him to success in Chicago, were readily apparent at Harvard. His speed and relentless offensive style were often too much for college defenders to handle, and many were left looking to simply pick up the pieces after a Coronato-generated scoring chance. Coronato’s adept at creating space for both himself and his teammates through his skating and his puck skills. Coronato’s offensive game is based on problem-solving rather than simply beating his opponents on his talent alone. That, along with Coronato’s work ethic and energy level, provides safety to his pro projection. Coronato has a chance to become a meaningful top-six scorer in the NHL, and even if his development stagnates a bit, he still looks like a relatively safe bet to play NHL games as a secondary offensive option. - EH

4 - Adam Ruzicka C

The Calgary Flames have had to be patient with Ruzicka but that patience is certainly paying off. Not only did Ruzicka improve in every year of his OHL career, but he has done the same over his three professional seasons thus far, culminating with his best to date last season. This was rewarded with a 28-game stint in Calgary that saw him score five goals. One thing that Ruzicka has worked very hard on over his pro career is on improving his conditioning, which would subsequently improve his pace of play and explosiveness. The 6’4 center is not someone that you would call a traditional power forward, but he can and does use his power to push his way to the net, succeeding through the middle of the ice. He has also worked hard to improve his play away from the puck and his physical engagement, something that will need to improve further if he wants to get into Darryl Sutter’s good books. No longer exempt from waivers, Ruzicka would need to clear waivers to be sent to the AHL this coming season. Given his progression, it seems unlikely that Calgary would do that. As such, he probably has the inside track at the fourth line center role for the Flames and he does have eventual upside as a middle six option for Calgary. - BO

5 - Jeremie Poirier D

Jérémie Poirier is an offensive-minded with tremendous tools and upside. Poirier’s got everything you could dream of offensively: He’s an amazing puck handler, a great skater and has a booming shot from the point. However, he’s not so great defensively and that’s why he slipped all the way to Calgary in the third round of the 2020 NHL draft. It’s also why he didn’t get named to the Canadian WJC team. However, there is some optimism that after he helped win the Memorial Cup this season with the Sea Dogs, Poirier has turned a corner. Jérémie will be on his way to the AHL to play with the Calgary Wranglers this coming season and how his first AHL season will go remains unpredictable. Can he defend at the pro level against men? Does he have the consistent compete level and engagement level to be a reliable pro? If he produces at an elite clip offensively, he still has a chance to be an NHL player in some capacity, even if his defensive game remains a weakness. However, if he wants to become a top four defender who does not need to be sheltered, there is much work to be done. - EB

6 - Matthew Phillips RW

At some point in a young player’s career, they hit a crossroads. Matthew Phillips is most definitely at that crossroads. The undersized scoring star had to be somewhat insulted when Calgary waived him after training camp and no NHL teams claimed him. He responded by having his best pro season, leading the Flames’ AHL affiliate in scoring. This earned him another one-year deal from Calgary, likely his last contract in the Flames’ organization if he is not able to take that next step as an NHL player this year. There are spots up for grabs in Calgary’s forward lineup this season and competition will be fierce in training camp. Phillips has to realize that not only is he auditioning for Calgary, but also the other NHL franchises, as should they waive him again, he would be hoping for a claim and a fresh start this time around. He is not the type of player who is going to make a living in the bottom six. He’s not a physical player or a strong defensive presence. He is in the lineup to create offense and he needs to prove that he can do that at the NHL level, playing against and escaping from larger defenders. He needs to find a way to get himself inside the hash marks. While undersized, Phillips is a strong skater, especially in terms of agility and elusiveness. However, playing through contact with the puck has been an issue at Calgary training camps previously. On a prospect list like ours, Phillips is still going to rank fairly high because of his high offensive upside. However, time is unquestionably running out. - BO

7 - Connor Zary C

A former first round selection by Calgary in 2020, Zary’s development since then has not been terrific. There was some concern that his lack of dynamic skating ability would inhibit him from reaching his potential at the pro level and those concerns proved to be legitimate after a disappointing first AHL season last year. The former Kamloops Blazer standout is definitely an intelligent player. That is why he still has the potential to develop into a high-end middle six center. It would be absolutely foolish to write him off after last season. His two-way understanding and sense are terrific. He has a strong shot. He shows good vision down low and can work the wall well. It is just that his pace needs to increase, and his four-way quickness needs to continue to improve. With a few openings in Calgary (leading to AHL graduations like Pelletier and Phillips), Zary should play higher up on the depth chart in the AHL this coming season. Hopefully this leads to more consistent production and improved confidence. After this year, based on the adjustments he makes, we should get a much better idea of how far away Zary is from making an impact at the NHL level and what his potential might be. - BO

8 - Cole Schwindt RW

Newly acquired from the Panthers in the Matthew Tkachuk deal, Schwindt is coming off of a strong professional debut in the AHL (discounting the 10 games he played the year prior with the OHL shut down). The rangy pivot is already a defensive standout and is someone who can be groomed to be a shutdown center at the NHL level. He has worked hard across his OHL career and thus far as a pro to improve his speed and quickness. This will be critical for him if he wants to be a true standout in a checking line role at the NHL level. His three-zone awareness is definitely a strength; his positioning and anticipation in the defensive zone, in particular, is extremely strong. Schwindt can have a positive effect on the transition game too, with how he protects the puck as a carrier, and this makes him a strong playmaker from the middle of the ice. Ultimately, Schwindt’s offensive upside as an NHL player is not likely significant. In fact, his performance as an AHL rookie was actually a pleasant surprise, as it was expected that he was a bit more of a longer-term project. Instead, he already has three NHL games under his belt. Is Schwindt a darkhorse to earn a bottom six role with the Flames this year? Definitely. However, he will need to beat out more experienced, homegrown Calgary prospects. In all likelihood, he spends another year in the AHL and then is ready to assume a permanent role as a penalty killer and defensive specialist in the NHL. - BO

9 - Rory Kerins C

There were quite a few major breakout stars in the OHL this past season, considering that the league was on hiatus the year prior. One of those was Soo Greyhounds forward Rory Kerins, who went from being under a point per game in his NHL draft year to the OHL’s second leading scorer this past year. More of a complementary player the last time we saw him, Kerins became a dominant offensive player, both at even strength and on the powerplay. His IQ and awareness have always been strengths, but his skill and confidence with the puck were much improved. He also has a good shot and a competitive streak, something that will serve him well at the next level given that he is below six feet. The range of outcomes for Kerins as a pro are vast; he is an extremely versatile player whose offensive explosion was not necessarily expected. How much this newfound offensive confidence carries over to the pro level will depend on how he can continue to upgrade his quickness. Few smaller forwards are able to play key offensive roles in the NHL without being above average skaters. Kerins’ pro journey begins this coming season in the AHL. There could be some growing pains and patience may be required. However, Kerins should eventually find a niche and develop into an option for the Flames. - BO

10 - Topi Ronni C

The 6’2”, 183-pound Rönni is a top-flight athlete with very little body fat. His size is ideal, and his frame is ready for the addition of muscle, a necessity in the development of Calgary’s 2022 2^nd round pick. The astute center kicked off his draft season with a 6-point performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He followed that up with 31 points in 32 total U20 games, adding some time in both Mestis (2 games) and Liiga (19 games) for good measure. In the latter stop, he showed that he should be ready for full time Liiga action this season. Rönni also represented Finland at the U18 Worlds, contributing 4 points to a bronze medal outcome. Very aware of his defensive duties and constantly hovering around the slot and corners of his own end of the rink ready to pick up his assignment, Rönni shines as a supportive player who excels in first-pass transition. He is highly adept at getting open for passes and then shooting or moving the puck quickly. He has a solid wrist shot and makes regular use of it. On the attack, he likes to position himself in the opposing slot. Rönni can be a fluid skater but needs to add lower body strength. His solid skill set will be more valuable when he is able to push his legs more often and bring consistent energy in his shifts. Calgary surely sees him as a future middle six center at the NHL level. – CL

11 - Yan Kuznetsov

Kuznetsov started the year in the AHL but was loaned to the QMJHL to close out the year. His offensive upside may be limited, but he projects as a dependable third pairing, shutdown defender.

12 - Mathias Emilio Pettersen

The former University of Denver standout has struggled to be a consistent offensive player at the AHL level so far, but it is too early to give up on the Norwegian’s high offensive ceiling.

13 - Martin Pospisil

Pospisil is about as tenacious as they come, never taking a shift off. However, he may be more talented offensively than we give him credit for. Look for him to be a fourth line winger for Calgary as early as this coming season.

14 - William Stromgren

A high selection in 2021, Stromgren’s draft +1 year wasn't a success. The speedy winger was not even a truly impact player at the J20 level. Calgary will be hoping to see progression this season.

15 - Jack Beck

One of the OHL’s most intelligent players, Beck’s season was derailed by a serious injury to his kidney. He has improved his skating and remains a solid two-way presence. Look for him to have a big 2022/23 season with the 67’s.

16 - Ilya Nikolayev

A strong skating playmaking center, Nikolayev played last year in the USHL as an overager. His performance was encouraging, and he will now try to take that next step in the AHL.

17 - Daniel Vladar

Perhaps a stretch to include Vladar as a prospect after spending all of last year as Calgary’s back-up but he still fits our qualification standards. The big, Czech netminder will return to the role this season.

18 - Cameron Whynot

An athletic defender with Halifax, Whynot’s offensive game has been a disappointment, but he does possess some intriguing qualities that could make him a defensive type at the NHL level.

19 - Daniil Chechelev

Playing on an AHL deal, Chechelev struggled to be a consistent starter at the ECHL level last year, his first in North America. Given Dustin Wolf’s place in the AHL, Chechelev may return to the ECHL again this year.

20 - Cole Huckins

The power forward gets a fresh start in the QMJHL this season with Sherbrooke, after struggling with Acadie-Bathurst last year. He still needs to upgrade his skating.

2022 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Notes and Quotes – Finland vs. Sweden – Havelid solid in net, heartbreaking loss for Finland

Chapin Landvogt — Sun, 01 May 2022 16:33:39 +0000

LANDSHUT, GERMANY - APRIL 30: Sweden’s Jonathan Lekkerimaki #23 celebrates with Liam Ohgren #20 and Noah Ostlund #11 after scoring a third period goal against Finland during Semifinal Round action at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Fanatec Arena on April 30, 2022 in Landshut, Germany. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Notes & Quotes – FIN vs SWE

NOTES:

Hitting, hitting, hitting: Like in previous games, most especially against Canada, the Finns came out of the gate ready to put the hurt on and play physically. They are well aware of who the Swedes are and that the Finns have a fairly clear size advantage in this tournament. The throwing of weight around makes it clear that it's an integral part of the gameplan. Several big hits right off the bat set the tone.

Get the puck to the net: Another clear goal for Finland must have been to get the puck to the net. Over and over again. Hugo Havelid was tested solidly several times early and it continued right on through the third. More on that soon.

Big and mobile: Filip Bystedt came to play. For all that size, viewers may wonder why he isn’t throwing the body around more. They shouldn’t. He moves really well for a player his size. Really well. And he loves to have the puck and make his way around defenders, which that size of his makes very possible. He puts his shoulder into it and uses his leg to ward off offenders and their sticks. He had strong edges and of course his own reach. So corralling the puck and moving around defenders is something he’s turned into a regular occurrence today and in this tournament. How much production is there is another story. He does shoot and he does dish the puck off, so it’s understandable why some feel the numbers will eventually come.

Always in the thick of things: Finnish captain Jere Lassila is all of 5’10” and 175 pounds, but he looks even smaller on the ice. In addition, his speed can’t be classified as anything but average. But this young man is involved all over the place. Very sound, very solid with the basics, and always on the ice when things matter most, it’s been very noticeable that the coaching staff trusts him immensely. Still, – have to talk about him. All over the place. In the middle of everything, he played all of 25 games this past winter, so this tournament has given some important insight on one of Finland’s prime go-to guys.

Confidence boost: As much as the game has been a chess match throughout the first few periods, the Finnish team has played like a team with incredible confidence. It may be their most engaged 3-zone effort yet. Almost looks like defeating Canada was just the confidence boost this team needed.

Tall allrounder up for grabs: It’s easy to see why Topi Ronni (2022) has his appreciators. There’s good size, solid skating, confident moves, and involvement. He’s simply been a heady player all game long and very ready to make life as difficult as possible for the Swedes.

Filling in on the blueline: Swedish defender Elias Salomonsson was suspended for this contest after a poorly chosen hit from behind against Germany in the quarterfinals. Getting his spot in the line-up has been Theo Lindstein (2023), an underager who has played all tournament, but really showed up today, having to deal with a lot of physical play against some big boys on Team Finland. And he has been run at several times. There’s no backing down and he must be endearing himself to those making notes for the 2023 draft.

Filling in on the blueline part deux: Just six foot, 185 pounds, first line defender Calle Odelius (2022) has been playing what may be his best game yet. The decisions have been solid, and he’s been throwing checks as almost a one-man answer to Finland’s aggressive play. If we didn’t know better, you’d think he’s three inches taller based on how much he’s been ready to answer the call. If you like classic defensemen who don’t stick out too much because they just aren’t doing much wrong, while seemingly always recognizing when they have to do what to be effective, then this young man is one you’ll want to watch. Good reason to think he’ll be an important player for an organization when he's got his man weight.

Looking forward to what will be: He continues to be spoon-fed ice time, which tells you all you need to know about Aron Kiviharju and why he’s already a hot topic for the 2024 draft. The skating won’t yet knock you off your socks, but it looks more like a strength issue than anything else. He’s young. But in the way his teammates incorporate him on the attack and get the puck back to him to have him to lead the breakout. He’s gotten plenty of ice time in every game and been out there the whole time in this contest too.

Listen to me: Whenever the puck was in Sweden’s end, you could hear the yapping. Initially, you’d have to think it was the refs telling the players to move the puck or move away from each other, but in this case, it ended up being goalie Hugo Havelid talking to his teammates. It quickly became clear that it’s a way of life for him. When you see how focused he is, you know it’s part of the routine.

Give that man an award: Today has only come to verify that is there was an award for fluidity in one’s game, you’d have to give it to Swedish center Noah Ostlund. Time and time and time again, he moves with the puck in clear, fluid motion and time and time again, he moves the puck to teammates with rhyme and reason. On top of it all, he’s on the ice for most all situations, especially on the PK unit, and always found in the face-off circle. That the young man only weighs 163 pounds is evident and you sometimes wonder how he seems to move freely on the ice without paying a physical price, but his understanding of the game has made him one of the main players, and it’s clear why.

Heartbreaking: Finland tied the game at one late and then made a push. A real hard push. They had the momentum, and it was clear they could feel that 2-1 goal on their stick. Then it happened. An offensive zone penalty. In a game where it looked like the refs had put their whistles away for the third. In the last two minutes of the game. And it wasn’t just anybody, it was team leader Joakim Kemell (2022). On the forecheck, his stickwork on a Swedish defender led him right to the penalty box. Irate, he let the ref know how unfathomable it was at that phase of the game. And yet there it was – Sweden finishing off a 1-1 game on the power play.

Practice makes perfect: Team Sweden had a ton of power play time against Germany, scoring five power play goals. Then the special team’s unit went to work in the waning moments of the game. And as if all of time and space had designed this scenario, Ostlund made another perfect pass over to sniper Jere Lekkerimaki, whose father is Finnish, and he hammered the puck from the left circle as he has done so many times before. But instead of seeing an amazing bullet of a shot hit the back of the net or an incredible save by Topias Leinonen, who was clearly dialed in, the puck was partially blocked by the Finnish defenseman and slipped by in an almost inexplicable manner. The universe had taken its quirky course once again.

Player of the game for Finland: G Topias Leinonen

Player of the game for Sweden: G Hugo Havelid

For Finland, the following three players were named the players of the tournament: F Joakim Kemell (2022), F Kasper Halttunen (2023), D Aron Kiviharju (2023)

For Sweden, the following three players were named the players of the tournament: D Mathias Havelid (2022), C Noah Ostlund (2022), G5 Hugo Havelid (2022)

QUOTES:

Press conference FIN vs SWE

Finnish goaltender Topias Leinonen and forward Topi Ronni

On being so solid only to have to such a goal go in as the game-winner…

Leinonen: It’s really just so difficult to analyze the game at this moment. We’re still digesting this.

On playing so physically and setting the tone for so long against this rival…

Ronni: Yes, we tried to play our game. It worked quite well for a long while. But we couldn’t score, and I don’t know. Can’t really describe what happened. I don’t think the better team won today. There’s nothing we can do now.

On taking this loss in, but getting ready for a medal game not a whole day later…

Ronni: We just have to get prepared. We have to find focus and be ready. We need to prepare just as we have all tournament long. That’s what we have to do.

On helping Kemell digest the late penalty he took that lead to the game-winner…

Ronni: Oh, well, we had a chance to decide this game and then the ref makes the call. That’s it. I don’t know. Honestly, I can’t really answer that question.

Finnish coach Mikka Marttila

On the late penalty after there had been so many questionable non-calls throughout the last half of the game…

Marttila: It’s very difficult to think about that in the aftermath. One of our chief goals in this game was not to take penalties. We knew about the Swedish power play efficiency in this tournament. Now it has happened. The ref blew the whistle. The call went against us. That’s it.

On getting ready for the bronze medal game so short after such a difficult loss…

Marttila: There will be no problem with motivation tomorrow. We’re going to have a meeting today and we’re going blow this bad feeling away. We’ll be ready for the game tomorrow because it’s a very rare opportunity to play for a medal and win something at a world championship.

On Finland’s game in general, aside from those fatal last two minutes…

Marttila: Our third periods have been very good in this tournament. The first game against Sweden and then the tilt against Canada, we had great third periods. Today, both teams respected each other and knew each other. It was a typical one-goal game at the end of the day.

On the play of underagers Aron Kiviharju and Kasper Halttunen during the tournament…

Marttila: Kiviharju is very smart. He’s very skillful. He will have a bright future in the NHL. Halttunen is a big, physical guy with a good shot. He’s been one of our top players in this tournament.

Swedish goaltender Hugo Havelid and right wing Jere Lekkerimaki

On handling the over 40 shots thrown his way by Finland…

Havelid: It’s always fun when you’re the goalie to see a lot of rubber. Not always as fun when your team is always in the offensive zone. We handled everything well and there was good synergy between the defensemen and the forwards. We had to work a lot in the defensive zone and we did well today.

On his game-winning goal and noticing that the puck had been deflected…

Lekkerimaki: I got a great pass. I shot the puck. It went in. It’s just an amazing feeling. Yes, it did take a second for me to see that I had scored because the defenseman got a piece of the shot. But once it was in, it was amazing.

On his tendency to talk a lot with his teammates on the ice….

Havelid: I like to be involved in the game. When I’m talking a lot, it also allows me to focus. It keeps me concentrated. I like to think it helps the defenseman a lot with things like letting them know how much time they have. It’s good to know if they have an extra second and pick up their head for opportunities. I’ve been doing this almost my whole career, back in Sweden too. It’s never been seen as bad by the others, so I keep doing it.

On the difficulty of facing rival Finland in a playoff game…

Havelid: We’ve played against them a lot and it’s never been easy. There’s an extra level of happiness when we beat them. If we beat a team like the Czech Republic, we’re happy, but it’s a whole new level with Finland.

On the refs allowing a lot of rough stuff…

Havelid: Maybe a little bit, but you know what, I like games that have flow better than having the ref blow the whistle all the time and dishing out penalties. I like it that way. I can’t complain.

On his Finnish last name, Finnish connections and what makes this rivalry even more special for him…

Lekkerimaki: Yes, it’s a Finnish name and my father is from Finland. Playing them is always very special. It’s a special rivalry and I like it. And sure, there’s some trash talk on the ice coming from me, but a whole lot of it coming from them too.

On the progression of Sweden’s team since the loss against Latvia to open things up…

Havelid: I think we’ve played better and better every game. We’re going to keep trying to do that. I think we’re going to play our best game yet tomorrow.

On playing the USA for the final…

Havelid: We had a test game against them before the tournament and it was a tough game. Real hard to play. I think they’re considered the favorite for gold tomorrow, so I think we gotta go out and win it. Can’t complain about the underdog role.

Swedish coach Magnus Havelid

On the irony of having so much power play time against Germany and then using that power play to win late against Finland…

Havelid: We had a timeout before that goal. We hadn’t had our edge on the prior power plays. So we took the timeout, got the guys together and told them to feel comfortable. To trust each other. Don’t force anything with the shots and the passes. When you’ve got guys like Lekkerimaki, Ostlund, and Mathias Havelid, we know that we can score goals. So yes, I think those five goals against Germany helped us today. When you believe in it, you can make it happen.

On the difficulty of facing the Finns again in the tournament and getting ready for that match-up…

Havelid: The teams know each other, but you know what, it’s the semifinal and we know what the next step is. I mean there was more physical play than before. That definitely picked up since Kaufbeuren. But it’s the semifinal. We have to step it up and handle that situation. And I think we did. We had really, really steady goaltending and it’s a bit about their type of hockey and our type of hockey. Sometimes, I as the coach tell the guys we have to speed things up. We have to increase the puck-moving tempo. Stuff like that. Sometimes we give the puck away too easy and that’s something we’ll have to be better at tomorrow.

On how the three players of the tournament for Sweden took the reigns and stepped up from the first day to the last…

Havelid: Well, they are my three key players. You know going into a game that this is not going to be, say, a 5-1 affair. It’s going to be tight. You know that these guys have to step up. They did it tonight again and I hope they’ll do it once again tomorrow.

On the importance of Noah Ostlund, who got plenty of ice time…

Havelid: We had three centers today. He’s my best face-off guy. He got a lot of ice time, especially on the PK unit. He’s a playmaker, but he also works so hard. He can do so much to help us out in the defensive zone. He’s simply a very, very important player for this team.

On facing the USA for gold…

Havelid: Well, you know, they’re the big favorite because of the program they have. Those boys play together for two years. But that’s a great challenge for my team. We played against them before the tournament. They are a bit better. But now we have to be better for a night. We have to be really strong defensively but continue to play and go for it. I’m really looking forward to this.

On the often scrutinizing hockey media in Sweden and how they’ll view Sweden’s achievement here…

Havelid: Yes, I think they will. This game was broadcast back in Sweden, and this is good. You know, I know about Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz. When we won back in Sweden a few years back, we had tremendous media coverage and positive PR for the program. Now we have Lekkerimaki, and he was big in U20 play this year and got into the SHL as way, so he’s a big name for the younger kids out there watching. He’s now being compared to Holtz and Raymond. We’ve often been criticized for not having true goal scorers. So I told them about these guys and how Raymond and Holtz and Lekkerimaki are now there to fill that hole and be the role models for the next generation. It’s great that we’re in the final and that will be seen positively, but it’s also just wonderful to see what it means to the kids coming up.

2022 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Daily Update – Latvia shocks Sweden, Howard steals spotlight in fast paced 8-3 win over Canada, Kulich leads Czechia comeback over Germany

Zack Szweras — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 13:23:57 +0000

Finland 6-2 Switzerland

The very first game of the 2022 Under-18 Tournament featured one of Group B favourite’s, Finland, and an exciting, inexperienced Switzerland. Overall, this was a very undisciplined game for both teams, resulting in ten penalties given out. This led to more of a special teams game for both, and usually this benefits the team with more talent, which is Finland in this case. Already making a large impact for Finland’s U18 team was 2024 top prospect defenceman, Aron Kiviharju. Not only did he perform well, but he was handed a large role off the bat, playing top-pair minutes as well as time on the second power play. Finland got the majority of their scoring from 2022 draft eligible players Jere Lassila, Jokiam Kemell, Jani Nyman and Topi Ronni. All four beat the Swiss goaltender for goals. Kemell and Nyman were able to score powerplay goals within a couple minutes of each other. Overall, Finland, as expected, dominated the majority of the game and will look to continue their success against the Latvian team that shocked the hockey world yesterday.

Czechia 4-2 Germany

With this tournament taking place in Germany, it was only right to see the German team take the lead to start their tournament. It was top 2022 draft eligible German prospect Julien Lutz who started the play off with a rapid shot from the right faceoff dot only to be squeezed by the goalie and stopped on the goal line. Luckily, teammate Roman Kechter was hovering around the net and was able to tap the puck in, to give the host team the lead. After a hot start, Germany was sitting in a good position up 2-1 in the middle of the second before Czechia’s first line took the game over. Czechia’s first line consisted of projected top round 2022 draft eligible Jiri Kulich and two top 2023 draft eligible players in Eduard Sale and Dominik Petr. Jiri Kulich led the comeback scoring two goals, including the equalizer, to lead the Czechia team to a victory over Germany. In addition to Kulich’s goals, the first line combined for a total of seven points in the match. There is a good chance that this Czechia team will be able to keep the momentum and ride it through the qualifiers into the playoffs.

Jiri Kilich with the snipe!@narodnitym evens the score against @deb_teams #U18Worlds #CZEGER pic.twitter.com/vbgjyxuQx7

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) April 23, 2022

Latvia 3-2 Sweden

What many believed to be an easy first game for Sweden, against a lackluster Latvian team, ended up being a tight match. Throughout the game, Sweden looked disorganized and unprepared for their tournament opener. This led to a couple uncharacteristic penalties in the first period. Latvia made no mistake and capitalized on one with a goal from 2022 draft eligible prospect Rainers Darzins. It was not until the jam-packed second period where Sweden was able to get on the board, thanks to another 2022 draft eligible prospect, Noah Ostlund, who scored on the power play. However, Latvia was able to respond quickly with a slick pass from Martins Kruklitis through the crease to Erasts Nazarenko who buried it home to take back the lead. Later in the period, Sweden was able to score another on the power play, this time from fellow 2022 draft eligible Filip Bystedt, to tie the game up 2-2. While the score was close, it was clear to all that the Swedish effort wasn’t there against a determined Latvian team. The effort and determination were shown one more time when 16-year-old Latvian Eriks Mateiko scored the GWG and brought Latvia to a 3-2 lead. Unable to answer in the third period, Sweden was shockingly upset. After a poor performance from a Swedish team expected to be one of the top teams in Group B, there are many questions that this team will need to answer and they must do it quickly.

US 8-3 Canada

This is the game that everyone had circled to start the tournament, the United States against defending gold medallists Canada. This game featured a ton of top 2022 and 2023 draft eligible players. Team Canada is highlighted by 16-year-old phenom Connor Bedard and fellow 2023 top prospect Adam Fantilli. While Canada may possess some great players, the United States team has the overall advantage as the majority of the team consists of members of the U-18 US National Development Team Program. The US team has played the last two seasons together (in the USHL), spending valuable time gaining chemistry with one another and growing together as a team. It is safe to say that this game did not disappoint. The pace of both the Canadian and American teams was much quicker than any of the previous games mentioned above. While it was fun seeing a glimpse of the talent Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli have, the show was stolen by none other than US top 2022 prospect Isaac Howard, as he found the back of the net four times on the way to an 8-3 victory over Canada. Although 8-3 may seem like a lopsided game, it probably would have been much worse if it was not for the amazing effort of Canada’s starting goaltender Reid Dyck. His incredible saves in the first two periods were the reason Canada was able to stay close up until the third period. On top of Howard’s performance, team USA had fantastic help on the blueline from 2022 draft eligible players Ryan Chesley and Lane Hutson. Both of these defencemen excelled at starting the breakout and moving the puck in transition. The effort by them did not go unnoticed as they ended up contributing on the scoresheet as well. While the majority of the game was dominated by the play of the entire US team, it would be a mistake not to talk about the play of Connor Bedard. Even at 16 years of age, in an under 18 tournament, it is almost impossible not to notice him when he is on the ice. Team Canada clearly has the talent up front, but needs to get more consistency from their depth forwards and their defencemen if they plan on challenging for gold. The Canadian defense had zero structure and were chasing the puck, leaving massive gaps in coverage. Coming out of this game, the U.S. look like the clear favourites.

Connor Bedard giving us some solid Connor McDavid vibes.#U18Worlds @HockeyCanada @WHLPats pic.twitter.com/eybq3AKrQb

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) April 24, 2022

Isaac Howard. Photo by Rena Laverty/USA Hockey

Daily Top Performers

Best Forward: US, LW Isaac Howard (4G, 1A, 5P)

The decision for best forward was between Isaac Howard and Czechia’s Jiri Kulich, but it is nearly impossible to not pick Howard after putting up four goals against the reigning gold medalists. While some of the credit can be given to playing with linemates, like the talented Frank Nazar and top 2023 prospect Gavin Brindley, it was the finishing ability of Howard that was able to get the job done. On his second of four goals, Howard was able to get two dangerous shot attempts, after the first one was saved by Dyck, the rebound came back to him in the slot where he made no mistake and zipped it by Dyck for the goal. Coming into this tournament, Howard has been viewed as a fringe 1^st-2^nd round prospect for the upcoming 2022 NHL draft. There is no doubt that this has already had a positive effect on his draft stock and will likely make scouts go watch earlier games of Howard to get the full picture of the prospect he will be.

ISAAC HOWARD BACK TO BACK! @usahockey goes up 2-0 over @HockeyCanada as Howard picks up the rebound for the goal. #U18Worlds #CANUSA pic.twitter.com/9PtUlrBZs7

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) April 23, 2022

Best Defenceman: US, D Ryan Chesley (1G, 1A, 2P)

This was a tough choice between two United States defencemen, Ryan Chesley and Lane Hutson. Both of these defenseman played top-pair minutes, excelling at both ends of the ice. Ultimately, I decided to go with the defenceman who scored the goal to break the momentum team Canada was building off of the Bedard Goal. Chesley had an outstanding game covering his gaps, recognizing and exploiting the open passing and shooting lanes. Part of Chesley’s task as a top defenceman was keeping both Adam Fantilli and Connor Bedard’s lines in check. He held the dynamic duo to a total of two points (both by Bedard). If Chesley can keep up his play throughout the tournament, it can very well open some scouts’ eyes as the 2022 draft in July inches closer.

Only a little room to work with, but it was no problem for @ryanchesley_'s first!#U18MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/Def5SODORi

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) April 23, 2022

Best Goaltender: LAT, G Deivs Rolovs (2.00 GAA, .925 SV%)

Hands up if you thought that it would be the Latvian goaltender winning any best goaltender award, let alone against Sweden? While Sweden definitely was not on their ‘A’ game today, the team still consists of top 2022 and 2023 draft eligible talent. The most impressive part of Rolovs’ performance was that the two goals he let in were when the Latvian team was shorthanded, meaning he was able to shut out team Sweden at even strength. If Latvia continues to get solid goaltending from Rolovs the rest of the tournament, maybe this one game surprise can become a dark horse team to medal.

2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #81 thru #90

Brock Otten — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 19:19:53 +0000

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

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

Quinn Finley - Wing - Madison Capitals (USHL)

If not for an injury suffered in November, Finley could easily be ranked higher on our list. However, he has yet to suit up again, even missing the Biosteel All American Game recently. The University of Wisconsin commit has terrific offensive upside, perhaps the highest of any non-NTDP USHL forward available this year. His puck skills and quickness are very high-end. He is most noticeable leading the charge across the blueline, forcing defenders to their heels with his speed. However, his ability to manipulate the puck and problem solve creatively helps him gain the space he needs to operate in the offensive zone. He will likely never be known for his play away from the puck or his defensive prowess, but with the puck on his stick, Finley can make things happen. As he improves his ability to play through traffic, his game should have less risk associated with it and he should become a more consistent playmaker. First and foremost, he needs to get healthy and return this season.

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Topi Ronni - Center - Tappara (Fin U20)

Ronni has produced offensively at almost every level he has played at this year. The U20 league. The Mestis. Liiga. The Hlinka/Gretzky last summer. He may not be the most individually creative or skilled, but he is a very efficient playmaker because of his vision and awareness in the offensive end. He also skates well for a 6’2 center and is able to make an impact in a lot of different ways because of it. This combination of size, quickness, and intelligence makes him a serious candidate to be a middle six center at the NHL level. His physical intensity level could be a little more consistent, but that could come as his frame fills out. It is hard to argue with the results that he has achieved this year and his projection as a power center is intriguing. He should be a key player for Finland at the U18’s this year and it will be a chance for him to really push up draft lists.

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Jordan Gustafson - Center - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

There is a lot to like about this high energy, pace pushing center. His production this year for Seattle has been terrific and he is one of the leaders in point per game among 2004 born players in the entire CHL. Gustafson has very quick feet and is extremely elusive in the offensive end as he works to get down low, darting in and out of traffic. More agile and explosive than fast, Gustafson relies on his quick feet and edgework to create space and separation. Gustafson is also a high energy player without the puck who rarely stops moving his feet and this allows him to be an impactful player in all three zones. A well-rounded offensive talent, our scouts do have some questions about his upside at the next level, however he has been fantastic for the Thunderbirds this year and is a prospect whose stock is likely far from peaking. If he continues to play well, look for him to continue to push up draft boards in the second half.

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Tyler Brennan photo by James Doyle

Tyler Brennan - Goaltender - Prince George Cougars (WHL)

How rare is it to have the first goaltender on the list ranked in the mid 80’s? That’s the kind of NHL draft year it is. The goaltending crop is just not strong. Tyler Brennan entered the year as the likely top goaltender available and that still appears to be the case. He has not been nearly as consistent for Prince George this year, but he still has the package of size and athleticism that NHL scouts are looking for these days. At 6’4, he moves very well post to post and can be aggressive in challenging shooters or in trying to fight through traffic. There are some fundamental flaws in his technique that have led to his inconsistency, such as his rebound control and the quietness of his movements, but the shell of an NHL netminder is there. He also has to do a better job of tracking pucks consistently, avoiding lapses of a loss of focus. He has played better of late but is looking more like a late second/third round selection rather than a first round candidate which was the expectation entering the year.

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Cole Spicer - Center - USNDP (USHL)

It seems like every U.S. U18 team has an unsung hero or two; guys who may not be as flashy as the higher skilled top prospects on the roster, but who are consistent difference makers still worthy of attention. This year that player is Spicer. He isn’t as quick as Cooley or Nazar. He isn’t as physical as McGroarty. He doesn’t have the finishing skills of Gauthier or Snuggerud. And he doesn’t have the scanning habits and vision of Howard. Yet, he has above average skills across the board in all of those areas and it has made him the perfect complement to those aforementioned first round candidates. His ability to get to the middle and make quick plays is impressive given his lack of elite size. He will occasionally dazzle with a creative one on one move too, making you wonder if he were capable of more if given the keys to the offense. The University of North Dakota commit should end up being a high-end college player and he has a skill set that could project well to a middle six role at the NHL level too. Three years at the college level would do wonders for him to improve some of those physical tools (quickness, strength, etc).

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Ryan Greene - Center - Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)

One could certainly argue that Greene deserves to be higher given his size, skill, and speed combination from the middle. A former Newfoundland prodigy, Greene is a skilled attacker who is at his best when he is pushing the pace and driving the net. He can shoot while in full stride. He can cut quickly to the slot or beat defenders one on one. His upside as an offensive player is sound and he will have time to develop at Boston University. That said, one could also argue that Greene hasn’t quite progressed the way some anticipated he would this year. He can have trouble being a difference maker when the game slows down, and turnovers have been an issue for him as he looks to force plays to the middle. He needs to get stronger on the puck and add other elements to his game to truly reach his potential. One of the oldest first time eligibles available this year, our scouts are looking for greater consistency from Greene.

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Topias Leinonen - Goaltender - JyP (Fin U20)

The largest (no pun intended) competitor to Tyler Brennan as the top goaltender available this year, Leinonen is a giant netminder who is far from a finished product. Standing at 6’5 and 215lbs, Leinonen really fills the net. In a lot of ways, he is the antithesis of Brennan. Leionen’s composure and positioning are very sound. It is his quickness that has to improve in order for him to take that next step. He can struggle covering his posts and does not yet seem truly comfortable coming out to the top of the blue paint consistently, knowing that he lacks the quickness and agility to recover his positioning when needed. The U18’s will be a huge event for Leinonen this year as he will look to backstop Finland to a strong performance. His stats in limited action against men this year (in Liiga and Mestis) are not pretty.

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Alexander Suzdalev - Wing - HV 71 J20 (Swe J20)

The start of this draft season wasn’t the best for Suzdalev. He had to miss the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup with covid and struggled upon returning to J20 action once recovered. But the Russian born, Swedish trained winger has picked up his play for the better part of the last few months. He has an intriguing package of size and skill. He is a strong linear attacker, and he is a very skilled puckhandler, a combination which allows him to be a dangerous weapon on the counter attack. However, he could also stand to add more dynamic qualities to his stride (moving East/West) in order to be less predictable in his attacks. Additionally, he needs to find a way to get to the net and to find success through the middle more consistently, especially given his penchant for a power game. Now playing well, Suzdalev should earn a place on the Swedish U18 team for the World Championships in Germany (he does represent Sweden and not Russia). It will be a big event for him to prove that he deserves to be rated closer to the other top end Swedish talents available this year.

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Pano Fimis - Center - Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

A former high selection in the OHL priority draft, Fimis has had his ups and downs playing for a rebuilding Niagara IceDogs club this season. He excels as a playmaker in transition because of his quick hands, quick feet, and creativity. When defenders think they have him pinned, he finds a way out of it and is able to maintain possession. Fimis also has terrific vision and works the half wall area well by anticipating passing lanes and the movement of his teammates. It seems very likely that Fimis eventually develops into a high end OHL player. The question is, does his skill set project well to the NHL level? His physical tools are not terrific. He’s not large. He’s not an elite skater. He has struggled to find success near the net and in traffic consistently the way that he did in the GTHL previously. The IQ and creativity give him upside, but he will need to work hard to get quicker and stronger to be a true difference maker.

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Spencer Sova - Defense - Erie Otters (OHL)

Sova is a terrific mover on the back end, with one of the more fluid and natural strides of any defender available this year. The rest of his game? Well, it’s a work in progress. The expectation was that Sova would come into the league this year and be a premier offensive defender. That has not been the case. He is still gaining confidence in his puck transporting abilities and needs to recognize that he can be a little more aggressive in leading the attack, rather than deferring. Sova also needs to be more assertive in the defensive end. He has struggled to consistently win battles in the corners and tie up players near the crease. However, he has these flashes of brilliance that make you wonder what he is capable of when he matures physically and gains a better understanding of his abilities. The upside is still too large to pass up and he has played well enough in spurts to suggest there is a chance he reaches it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topi Ronni – McKeen's Hockey

BELL: 20 Prospect Points – Stankoven, McGroarty, Demidov, Greentree & More

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

Top 20 Calgary Flames Prospects

1. Dustin Wolf

2. Matthew Coronato

3. Jakob Pelletier

4. Samuel Honzek

5. Connor Zary

6. Jeremie Poirier

7. Etienne Morin

8. William Stromgren

9. Cole Schwindt

10. Yan Kuznetsov

11. Emilio Pettersen

12. Topi Ronni

13. Aydar Suniev

14. Parker Bell

15. Arseni Sergeev

16. Rory Kerins

17. Ilya Solovyov

18. Jaden Lipinski

19. Cade Littler

20. Daniil Chechelev

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NOTES:

QUOTES:

2022 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: Daily Update – Latvia shocks Sweden, Howard steals spotlight in fast paced 8-3 win over Canada, Kulich leads Czechia comeback over Germany

2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #81 thru #90

Quinn Finley - Wing - Madison Capitals (USHL)

Topi Ronni - Center - Tappara (Fin U20)

Jordan Gustafson - Center - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

Tyler Brennan - Goaltender - Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Cole Spicer - Center - USNDP (USHL)

Ryan Greene - Center - Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)

Topias Leinonen - Goaltender - JyP (Fin U20)

Alexander Suzdalev - Wing - HV 71 J20 (Swe J20)

Pano Fimis - Center - Niagara IceDogs (OHL)

Spencer Sova - Defense - Erie Otters (OHL)

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

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