Tristan Lennox – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #30 New York Islanders – Organizational Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Tue, 28 May 2024 17:13:58 +0000

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 26: New York Islanders Right Wing William Dufour (v56) in action during the National Hockey League Preseason game between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers on September 26, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire)

Typically, a prospect pool that ranks near the bottom reflects a team that has been deeply involved in the playoffs for a number of years, with a championship in sight. Lou Lamoriello took over as GM in 2018 and has made one first round pick in the last five years. The key pieces he acquired in the deals remain in the organization hiowever, in Bo Horvat, Alex Romanov and Kyle Palmieri and J.G. Pageau, so not strictly rentals. Lamoriello was quiet on the trade front this season, but the big change that was made was bringing in fiery coach Patrick Roy in January. The team were 13th in the league in win percentage until the end of the season under his leadershop, after ranking in the bottom third prior. He improved the team enough to make a playoff push, when they were finally looking like they might be sellers. The GM stood pat largely, other than adding Robert Bortuzzo, but that could change prior to the draft.

There is not a lot in the system that will make likely make an impact in the near future. Number one prospect, power forward William Dufour, is still likely a year away. Ruslan Iskhakov, Bridgeport’s best player last season, is the only prospect with a realistic shot at the roster next year. There are some good youthful core pieces in Mathew Barzal and Noah Dobson. Romanov is only 24 and elite goalie Ilya Sorokin is only 28. The franchise is likely facing a crossroads, with an aging roster, on what appears to be a borderline playoff team consistently in recent years, rather than a consistent cup contender. The prospect cupboard reflects the latter effort, without the results. Lamouriello and Roy are unlikely to look at rebuilding, after the encouraging finish, so what limited prospect resources available may likely yet move.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	William Dufour	RW	22	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	`20(152nd)	55	15	10	25	35
2	Ruslan Iskhakov	C	23	5-8/155	Bridgeport (AHL)	`18(43rd)	69	18	32	50	30
3	Danny Nelson	C	18	6-3/200	Notre Dame (B1G)	`23(49th)	30	9	14	23	32
4	Calle Odelius	D	19	6-0/190	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	`22(65th)	10	0	4	4	2
5	Matt Maggio	RW	21	5-10/185	Bridgeport (AHL)	`22(142nd)	55	15	10	25	35
6	Justin Gill	C	21	6-1/190	Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)	`23(145th)	65	40	58	98	66
7	Cameron Berg	C	22	6-0/195	North Dakota (NCHC)	`21(125th)	40	20	17	37	8
8	Alex Jefferies	LW	22	6-0/195	Merrimack (HE)	`20(121st)	22	13	10	23	19
9	Quinn Finley	LW	19	6-0/165	Wisconsin (B1G)	`22(78th)	36	10	6	16	16
10	Isaiah George	D	20	6-0/195	London (OHL)	`22(98th)	68	6	24	30	54
11	Tristan Lennox	G	21	6-4/190	Worcester (ECHL)	`21(93rd)	13	5	6	2.94	0.909
12	Eetu Liukas	LW	21	6-2/200	Bridgeport (AHL)	`21(157th)	47	3	4	7	34
13	Jesse Nurmi	LW	19	5-10/165	KooKoo (Fin-Liiga)	`23(113th)	19	0	2	2	2
14	Travis Mitchell	D	24	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	FA(3/23)	34	1	3	4	36
15	Zach Schulz	D	18	6-1/195	Wisconsin (B1G)	`23(177th)	34	2	4	6	6

1. William Dufour, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

The big power forward remains the Islanders top prospect despite a down year in production as an AHL sophomore. However, context is important. Bridgeport is one of the worst and lowest scoring teams in the AHL this year. Despite a decrease in production, Dufour is still second on the Sound Tigers in goals scored and he’s still shown potential as a middle six option. The former QMJHL and Memorial Cup MVP is a real load to handle for defenses as he drives the net, and he has a clear understanding of his role on a scoring line as someone who can clear space and play through the middle. To take that next step as an NHL player, his skating continues to need to improve, something that he has worked hard on since being drafted. He could probably play a depth role next year, but it might make more sense to have him play a third year in the AHL to continue to build up his confidence as an offensive leader.

2. Ruslan Iskhakov, C, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

It seems like Ruslan Iskhakov has been in the Islanders system forever. However, he’s still only turning 24. It’s likely the wacky and wild journey that he has taken along the way that makes it seem that way. Since being drafted he’s gone from the MHL, to the NCAA, to Liiga in Finland, to the DEL in Germany, and now to the AHL. Last year, he was a great secondary scoring piece on a stronger and more veteran laden Bridgeport team. This year, he’s unquestionably become the team’s best player. He’s a truly dynamic offensive player who seems to routinely hit the highlight reels with his dazzling shootout moves and ability to beat defenders one on one. What’s great about Iskhakov’s game and makes him more likely to succeed as an NHL player despite a lack of stature, is that he’s competitive and scrappy. He takes on larger defenders and is far from a perimeter player. Will next season finally be the year that he makes his NHL debut?

3. Danny Nelson, C, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

The team’s first pick in the 2023 NHL Draft is coming off a successful freshman year with Notre Dame. He finished near the top of the team’s scoring chart and was highly effective as a two-way player on a low scoring, defense first Fighting Irish squad. Last year, Nelson rose significantly up the draft rankings late in the year with a great second half and U18’s on a deep NTDP team. A big, power center, he was able to prove that he had more offensive upside than previously thought with his strong offensive finish to the year. He skates well for a heavy pivot and he uses that to his advantage to drive the net and to be a factor in puck pursuit. He shows strong awareness at both ends and already has some great pro-like tendencies in his game. As his development and game continue to tick upwards, the likelihood of him becoming a solid middle six center for the Islanders becomes greater.

4. Calle Odelius, D, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

It has been a tough season on the injury front for the team’s first pick in 2022. Odelius suffered a broken ankle at the end of the 2023 calendar year, and it has been a battle to get back into the thick of things. Limited to only 10 games at the pro level in Sweden with Djurgardens, one could argue that it’s been a lost year of development. Signed by the Islanders, one would think that the plan is for him to play in the AHL next year with Bridgeport. His best asset remains his mobility. An intelligent two-way player, his high-end upside remains a mystery. Due to his strong skating, he has offensive upside as a puck mover, but he has yet to truly unlock that at any level. Additionally, because of his mobility and high IQ, he possesses upside in the defensive end too. Jack-of-all-trade type defenders can be a bit difficult to project and more will be known about his upside and NHL potential once he plays in North America.

5. Matt Maggio, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

The reigning Red Tilson winner from the OHL as the league’s most outstanding player, Matt Maggio virtually came out of nowhere to dominate the CHL a year ago. His first pro season in the AHL has had its ups and downs. He’s been in and out of the lineup a few times with minor injuries and consistency has definitely been lacking. However, he still finished tied for second on the team in goals scored and he’s comfortably inside the top 20 of rookie goal scorers in the league. More shifty than truly quick, Maggio’s focus this offseason will be on continuing to improve his quickness and top speed. Additionally, he’ll look to add strength to help him improve the consistency of his play on and off the puck. But the Islanders have to be happy with the flashes that were shown this year; he has been the best player on the ice in some AHL games. Look for him taking a big step forward next year as an AHL sophomore.

6. Alex Jefferies, LW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

Alex Jefferies recently turned pro after four solid years at Merrimack. As a senior, Jefferies battled injuries, but he still managed to lead Merrimack in goals scored for the second straight year. Jefferies is at his best in transition because of his high-end skating ability. Not only is he quick, but he’s great and confident on his edges, making him very difficult to pin down. Deadly on the counterattack, he also plays a high energy game, hunting pucks to earn touches; he uses his skating ability to be a difference maker in all three zones. As an offensive player, he’s equal parts playmaker and goal scorer, but the quick release on his wrist shot might be his best asset. Jefferies will play out next year in Bridgeport after finishing the year strong at the pro level this season.

7. Quinn Finley, LW, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

After being selected in the third round by the Islanders in 2022, Finley decided to play another year in the USHL rather than attend Wisconsin. This was a wise decision as it allowed him to add strength and build up confidence before making the big jump to the NCAA. We saw the importance of that decision this year after his excellent freshman year for the Badgers. Not only was he a key secondary contributor for them, but he played a solid depth role on team USA at the WJC’s, helping them win gold. He has a lot of upside as a goal scorer because of his excellent puck skill and quick release. He can create his own chances through speed and skill, but he also works well as a complementary piece with his ability to find soft spots in coverage and his high-end shooting ability. Wisconsin is on an upward trend as a program again and Finley should be right at the forefront of that over the next few seasons.

8. Justin Gill, C, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)

It worked for Matt Maggio, why not for Justin Gill. Both players were drafted in their final year of draft eligibility. Both players were sent back to the CHL for their overage seasons. And just like Maggio, Gill has been phenomenal and one of the league’s top players. Switching to Baie-Comeau this year, He has continued to progress as a terrific two-way center. His game is already very pro ready. He’s excellent in all situations and is one of the top defensive forwards in the QMJHL. He’s also a physical presence who plays a high energy game that is predicated on quick touches and middle lane activation. You name it, he can do it. Is he the most individually skilled or creative pivot? No, and that’s why he’s probably best suited to become a solid bottom six player for the Islanders in the future. However, at this point, Gill looks like a terrific selection by New York and someone who could potentially replace Casey Cizikas in the future.

9. Cameron Berg, C, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

After two somewhat stagnant development years with the University of Nebraska Omaha, Berg hit the transfer portal and landed with North Dakota, a decision that has had a profound impact on his play and projection. He set new career highs in every statistical category and finished third in scoring for UND. The power center does his best work near the crease or in transition. He’ll work for touches along the wall or near the net; it’s cliche but he plays a lot bigger than his average size would indicate. He is also a committed two-way and off puck player. For that reason, he projects as the kind of pro who can be used in any situation. Look for Berg to return to UND for his senior year, where he has a chance to be one of the better offensive players. His projection still remains the same as it was when he was drafted; a quality middle six forward. Yet, after a strong junior year, he seems more likely to reach that upside.

10. Isaiah George, D, London Knights (OHL)

Without a doubt, Isaiah George has to be considered one of the better skating defender prospects on the planet. His four-way movement is so fluid thanks to his crisp edgework and explosive first few strides. It’s truly a sight to behold. However, his offensive skill set never really developed in the OHL the way many anticipated it would. He lacks the high-end skill and creativity to truly take advantage of his skating gift. However, he has developed well as a defensive player. Due to his high-end mobility, his gap control and rush defense are excellent. He’s also really found his confidence as a physical player this past year, something that has elevated his defensive game in coverage. What’s in store for George as a pro? At this point, he looks like he could develop into a solid third pairing type who can bring some versatility. However, he may need time to adjust to the pace of the pro game from a decision-making standpoint.

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

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #28

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 12:30:44 +0000

ELMONT, NY - JANUARY 28: New York Islanders Right Wing Samuel Bolduc (4) skates with the puck during the second period of the National Hockey League game between the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Islanders on January 28, 2023, at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

Top 20 New York Islander Prospects

1. William Dufour

It was an interesting QMJHL career for Dufour, to say the least. Over his four years in the league, he played with four different teams. That included three before he was even drafted, 152nd overall in 2020. He had a short and strong DY+1 season but his +2 season with the Saint John Sea Dogs was something else altogether. With 116 points and a league-leading 56 goals in 66 games, he was named league MVP and then led the Sea Dogs to a Memorial Cup title, also being named MVP for the tournament. Oh, and he found time for a World Junior gold medal in between. Dufour made the jump to the AHL last season, sliding in extremely well and impressing with his production. He has a pro frame which has helped him muscle his way into success at the higher level. His skating has improved, he has a great wrist shot, and his hands are looking softer by the game. There’s middle-six potential here.

2. Samuel Bolduc

One of the best young d-men in the AHL last season, it’s been a slow burn for Bolduc since being drafted 57th overall in 2019. He’s had a slow and steady pace of improvement each season throughout his QMJHL career and now into the AHL, other than 2021-22 - his AHL sophomore season. Thankfully, he made up for that down campaign last season, earning a spot on the NHL roster. All signs are pointing to him graduating from prospectdom sooner rather than later. He plays a consistent, two-way game with excellent mobility, he has a knack for getting in the passing lanes in his end, and he’s shown that he can contribute offensively, especially with his big shot. He looks like a viable bottom-four rearguard right now, but should be able to produce more offense as he gets more settled in the NHL.

3. Ruslan Iskhakov

The path taken by Iskhakov is an case study for why you should never give up on your dream. The Islanders drafted the Russian out of the MHL way back in the 2018 NHL Draft. From there, he joined NCAA University of Connecticut, where he spent two seasons. He then went back overseas, spending a season with TPS in the Liiga before playing a year in the DEL with Adler Mannheim. Iskhakov just wrapped up his third-straight rookie season in a pro league, this time with the AHL Bridgeport Islanders. Even better, he had an excellent season and was among the leaders both on the team and among rookies around the league. While he’s on the smaller side at 5- 8”, 165 pounds, he’s extremely elusive, from his quick hands to his light footwork, and his offensive awareness stands out. He has the skill to be a middle-six contributor but give him some more time in the AHL first.

4. Calle Odelius

Selected 65th overall in the 2022 Draft, Odelius is a bit of a polarizing prospect as some believe he can be a game-breaker, while others lean more toward a depth defender. Depending on the game you watch, you can understand either assessment. The Islanders selected him out of the J20 Nationell, where he had a strong season, earning seven games in the SHL. With Djurgardens being demoted to the HockeyAllsvenskan, he didn’t progress as one would hope, struggling to pop offensively or show development in other areas of the game. When he’s on, he’s a good four-way skater, and solid in his own end, breaking up plays and turning the puck up the other way. He may even end up more defensive leaning as he progresses. He could still surprise, but a depth defender is likely where he ends up.

5. Danny Nelson

For two thirds of the year, Nelson struggled with consistency as his role within the USNTDP team changed repeatedly. After getting his own line with the role of shutdown center in the bottom six and a top penalty killing option, his game and confidence took off. He capped off his draft season with an extremely strong performance at the U18’s in helping the USA take home gold. Nelson is intriguing because of his high floor, strong athletic foundation, and because of his great progression over the course of the season. One of the youngest players eligible in 2023 (with an August birthday), he is already 6- 3”, 200 pounds and his skating ability has already improved considerably. Although his lack of creativity and high-end skill may ultimately make him more of a bottom six player at the NHL level, the opportunity to escape the shadows of Will Smith and Oliver Moore while developing at Notre Dame may bring out the best in him.

6. Matt Maggio

Maggio was one of the many OHLers impacted by the OHL season shutting down due to the pandemic in his draft year. While he already had two seasons of OHL action under his belt, he wanted to get scouts’ eyes on him and headed overseas, playing with Sweden’s SK Lejon in the HockeyEttan. It wasn’t enough though, as he went undrafted. Heading back to the OHL in 2021-22, with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, Maggio took a huge step forward with 85 points. Last season, he took an even bigger jump forward, leading the OHL in goals (54) and points (111). His strength, ability to get into the high-danger areas, and competitiveness have all contributed to this progression. While making it as a pro isn’t a sure thing, these are all aspects that should help him get there as a reliable bottom six player.

7. Otto Koivula

One of the older players still considered a prospect by McKeen’s, Koivula heard his name called back in the 2016 Draft, 120th overall. Islanders’ fans have had to be patient with the forward since then. He was selected out of the U20 SM-liiga, where he helped Ilves to a championship, earning playoff MVP in the process. The next season, he made the jump to the Liiga where he led all rookies in assists (20) and points (30) and was named Rookie of the Year. The 6-5” forward spent one more season in the Liiga before making the jump to North America, where he has stuck ever since, spending most of his time in the AHL. He’s been good in the AHL but just hasn’t been able to stick in the NHL. He’s likely at his ceiling now, bouncing between leagues.

8. Alex Jeffries

Drafted out of the high school prep circuit in the 2020, Jefferies had a strong draft year with The Gunnery and played AAA with the Rochester Coalition. In both leagues, he was named to All-Star teams. He then made the jump to Merrimack College, where he’s been getting better and better each season, playing at over a point per game last season and leading the team in scoring. He plays a fast-paced game, has an excellent shot, and has an improving ability to find space in the offensive zone. Jeffries is an above-average skater with good vision and even brings a decent level of two-way ability. How exactly he translates to the next level remains to be seen, but as a late bloomer, his stock seems to be trending up. He likely peaks as a depth forward who might bounce between the AHL and NHL.

9. Quinn Finley

Drafted by the Islanders in the 2022, 78th overall, the organization has to be happy with Finley’s progression last season. This was after his sophomore season in the USHL with the Madison Capitols, where he was considered a player to watch although he didn’t stand out. Last season, he was back in the USHL and split the season with the Capitols and the Chicago Steel, doubling his production from the previous season. He also participated in the World Junior A Challenge, producing a point per game, and helping Team USA to a gold medal. Finley is very intelligent and processes the game very well. He doesn’t seem to truly drive his line or take over plays, limiting his overall ceiling. While his progression has impressed, at this point he seems likely to be a depth player. However, he will have some time to continue developing and will move to the University of Wisconsin next season, which will be very telling.

10. Jesse Nurmi

A skilled young man with some real jump in his game when motivated, Nurmi was widely seen as a top 100 candidate in the 2023 draft after an unspectacular Hlinka Gretzky Cup performance turned into a tremendous season in Finland’s U20 circuit, where his output over 41 games was good for 6th overall and only six points behind the league leader. As such, the Islanders didn’t hesitate in announcing his name 113th overall with only their second pick of the draft. To be clear, Nurmi has much to do before the pieces of his puzzle are put together. Despite strong performance in the Finnish junior ranks, we have not yet seen much from him internationally and his game without the puck still leaves much to be desired. A coordinated and athletic player, his average height and lack of weight will have to be compensated for in the coming years. If he manages to bulk up accordingly, there’s ample offensive skill and energy for him to become a viable option moving forward. He’s in line for a regular role with his Liiga club this season, the success of which will be very telling with respect to his developmental curve. He is also a strong WJC candidate for Finland.

11. Isaiah George

One of the better skaters in the OHL, George went on a lengthy run with the London Knights last season, playing a crucial role. His mobility can be a major asset in the defensive end, however his offensive development has yet to take that next step.

12. Eetu Liukas

Liukas is a power forward who loves to apply himself physically and who is coming off a breakout offensive season in Liiga action where he finished third in goals for HPK. At the very least, he could be a great replacement for Cal Clutterbuck in a few seasons.

13. Robin Salo

It’s taken Salo a long time to get there, but the former second round pick finally appears to have turned the corner. The next step is solidifying himself as an NHL regular. Competition will be tight at training camp, but his mobility and improving defensive game may give him an edge.

14. Cameron Berg

After two decent years with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Berg has transferred to North Dakota for the upcoming season. It will be interesting to see what kind of effect that has on his development. A two-way power center, Berg still has middle six upside.

15. Arnaud Durandeau

Durandeau had a breakout offensive season last year for Bridgeport, as he emerged as a scoring leader for the Sound Tigers. Offense isn’t likely to be his game at the NHL level though. He’s a future bottom six, energy guy who can play the penalty kill.

16. Tristan Lennox

After battling injuries and the Covid shutdown in the OHL, Lennox’s development finally got back on track last year with Saginaw. The former highly touted prospect will hope to use a strong OA year as a springboard to a strong first pro season.

17. Jakub Skarek

Skarek is likely reaching a crossroads in the Islanders organization after three mediocre pro seasons. The big Czech netminder will need a big year to stave off competition and to remain in the Islanders’ future plans.

18. Daylan Kueffler

Kueffler is very much a throwback to the power forwards of yesteryear. He throws big hits. He drops the mitts. He’s a net front presence. Skating may ultimately limit his NHL upside, but his first pro season with Bridgeport should provide greater feedback.

19. Travis Mitchell

Signed as a free agent out of Cornell, Mitchell is far from an exciting blueline prospect. He won’t wow you with skill or high-end mobility, but he is a staunch defensive presence with a chance of being a bottom pairing, PK type for New York in the future.

20. Aidan Fulp

Another heavy defender signed out of college (Western Michigan), Fulp will be competing for a role with the aforementioned Mitchell in the future. Of the two, who can adapt to the pace of the pro level the best while maintaining their physical advantage?

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #26 New York Islanders

Josh Bell — Sat, 13 May 2023 15:19:06 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 26^th (30^th last year)

The Islanders under Lou Lamoriello (GM since 2018) remain in ‘win now’ mode, despite missing the playoffs for the last two years. Prior to that they advanced to the Semi-Finals and the Conference Finals (under coach Barry Trotz). Lane Lamber took over as coach for the past season, narrowly missing the postseason. Lamoreillo had traded his first pick for the three past years. This past season he acquired leading free agent Bo Horvat, for his 2023 first, prospect Aatu Raty, and Anthony Beauvillier. Prior to the start of the season, he sent his 2022 1^st for Alexander Romanov from Montreal. The season prior was for Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac. This has left the prospect pipeline depleted, with not a lot on the horizon.

Despite the lack of high picks, they have placed five prospects in our top 200 (Dufour, Bolduc, Iskhakov, Odelius, and Maggio). Simon Holmstom, Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson have all graduated for the 2019 and 2018 first rounds. Credit to scouting and development with Dobson emerging as a star. A core built around Horvat, Barzal and Brock Nelson down the middle (Barzal has been on wing at times) with Dobson, Pulock, and Romanov on defense, and one of the best goalies in the league in Sorokin, will keep them looking to add. Past is prologue and expect Lamoriello to follow the same playbook next season.

1. William Dufour

It was an interesting QMJHL career for William Dufour, to say the least. Over his four years in the league, he played with four different teams. That included three before he was even drafted, selected 152nd overall in 2020. He had a short but strong DY+1 season but his +2 season with the Saint John Sea Dogs was something else. With 116 points and a league-leading 56 goals in 66 games, he was named MVP and then lead the Sea Dogs to a Memorial Cup title, also being named MVP. Oh, and he had a World Junior gold medal in there too. He’s made the jump to the AHL this season, sliding in extremely well and impressing with his production. He has a pro frame which has helped him muscle his way into succeeding at the higher level. His skating has improved, he has a great wrist shot, and his hands are looking softer by the game. There’s middle-six potential here.

2. Samuel Bolduc

One of the best young d-men in the AHL this season, it’s been a slow burn for Samuel Bolduc since being drafted 57th overall in 2019. He’s had a steady pace of slowly getting better and better each season throughout his QMJHL career and now into the AHL, other than 2021-22 - his sophomore season in the AHL. But he’s made up for his slow year this season, earning a spot on the NHL roster. All signs are pointing to him being a graduate sooner rather than later. He plays a consistent, two-way game with excellent mobility, he has a knack for getting in the passing lanes in his end, and he’s shown that he can contribute offensively, especially with his big shot. He should stick where he is, as a bottom-four rearguard, but should be able to produce more offense as he gets more settled in the NHL.

3. Ruslan Iskhakov

The path of Ruslan Iskhakov is an example of why you can never give up on your dream. The Islanders drafted the Russian out of the MHL way back in the 2018 NHL Draft. From there, he joined the University of Connecticut in the NCAA, where he spent two seasons. He then went back overseas, spending a season with TPS in the Liiga before playing a year in the DEL with Adler Mannheim. Iskhakov is now in his third-straight rookie season in a pro league, but in the AHL with the Bridgeport Islanders. Even better, he’s having an excellent season, among the leaders on the team and with rookies around the league. While he’s on the smaller size at 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, he’s extremely elusive, from his quick hands to his light footwork and his offensive awareness stands out. He has the skill to be a middle-six contributor but give him some more time in the AHL first.

4. Calle Odelius

Just selected in the recent 2022 NHL Draft, 65th overall, Calle Odelius is a bit of a polarizing prospect where some believe he can be a game-breaker and others lean more toward a depth defender. Depending on the game you watch, you can understand one assessment or the other. The Islanders selected him out of the J20 Nationell, where he had a strong season and earned seven games in the SHL. With Djurgardens being demoted to the HockeyAllsvenskan, he hasn’t progressed as one would hope, struggling to pop offensively or in other areas of the game. When he’s on, he’s a good four-way skater, and is solid in his own end, breaking up plays and turning them up the other way. He may even end up more defensive leaning as he progressed. He could still surprise, but a depth defender likely is where he ends up.

5. Matt Maggio

Matt Maggio was one of the many OHLers impacted by the OHL season shutting down due to the pandemic in his draft year. While he already had two seasons of OHL action under his belt, he wanted to get scout’s eyes on him and headed overseas, playing with Sweden’s SK Lejon in the HockeyEttan. It wasn’t enough though, as he went undrafted. Heading back to the OHL in 2021-22, Maggio had a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, taking a huge step forward with 85 points. This season, he’s taken an even bigger jump forward, leading the OHL in goals (54) and points (111). His strength, ability to get into the high-danger areas, and competitiveness have all contributed to this progression. While making it as a pro isn’t a sure thing, these are all aspects that should help him get there as a reliable bottom-six player.

6. Otto Koivula

One of the older players still considered a prospect by McKeen’s, Otto Koivula heard his name called back in the 2016 NHL Draft, 120th overall. Islander’s fans have had to be patient with the forward since then. They selected him out of the U20 SM-liiga, where he helped Ilves to a championship and was named playoff MVP in the process. The next season, he made the jump to the Liiga where he led all rookies in assists (20) and points (30) and was named Rookie of the Year. The 6-foot-5 forward spent one more season in the Liiga before making the jump to North America, where he’s stuck ever since, spending most of his time in the AHL. He’s been good in the AHL but just hasn’t been able to find that success in the NHL. He’s likely at his ceiling now, bouncing between the leagues.

7. Alex Jefferies

Drafted out of the high school prep circuit in the 2020 NHL Draft, Alex Jefferies had a strong draft year with The Gunnery and played AAA with the Rochester Coalition. In both leagues, he was named to All-Star teams. He then made the jump to Merrimack College, where he’s been getting better and better each season, playing at over a point per game this season and leading the team in scoring. He plays a fast-paced game, has an excellent shot and has an improving ability to find space in the offensive zone. He’s an above-average skater with good vision and even brings a level of two-way ability. How exactly he translates to the next level remains to be seen, but as a late bloomer, his stock does seem to be trending up. He likely peaks as a depth forward that might bounce between the AHL and NHL.

8. Quinn Finley

Recently drafted by the Islanders in the 2022 NHL Draft, 78th overall, the Islanders have to be happy with his progression this season. This was after his sophomore season in the USHL with the Madison Capitols, where he was a player to watch but didn’t overly stand out. This season, he’s back in the USHL and split the season with the Capitols and the Chicago Steel, doubling his production from a year ago. He also participated in the World Junior A Challenge, producing a point per game and helping Team USA to a gold medal. Finley is a very intelligent player that processes the game very well. He doesn’t seem to truly drive his line or take over plays, limiting his overall ceiling. While his progression has impressed, at this point he seems likely to be a depth player. However, he will have some time to continue to develop and will move to the University of Wisconsin next season, which will be very telling.

9. Isaiah George

Another 2022 NHL Draft selection, Isaiah George was selected 98th overall from the OHL’s London Knights as a rookie. It would have been his sophomore season had it not been for the cancelled season. George could be an interesting prospect, as he could explode at any minute with the Knights, as soon as he gets bigger minutes. He’s an underrated two-way defender, who plays a very confident, reliable game. He’s good in transition and his awareness in his own end stands out. He’s a versatile defender able to play on either side of the rink. It has to be wondered if playing on the deep Knights has slowed his progression, but he does have some processing issues at times that also need to be factored in. George could still surprise when given the chance, but at this point, he looks like a depth, two-way defender.

10. Eetu Liukas

Playing in the Finnish TPS organization his entire career - until this season - Eetu Liukas has a steady path of progression. The Islanders saw that ahead of the 2021 NHL Draft, calling his name 157th overall. He was just making the jump to the Liiga that season, still playing mainly in the U20 SM-sarja. That pendulum swung in 2021-22, as he spent the majority of his time in the Liiga but still saw some time in the junior ranks. This season, he was full-time in the Liiga and showed a significant step in the right direction. He has a pro frame and plays with a ton of strength. He has a sneaky good shot but does often wait for the play and the puck to come to him rather than taking charge on the ice. If he can reach the NHL, he’s likely to be a call-up option at this point.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 19:37:39 +0000

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: New York Islanders Center Aatu Raty (61) controls the puck during the second period of the National Hockey League game between the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers on September 28, 2021 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Aatu Raty C

Since being drafted 52^nd overall in the summer of 2021, Räty has been on vengeance tour to prove to the hockey world that he should not have lasted as long in the draft as he did. Räty was fantastic for Finland at the U20 Five Nations Tournament in 2021 following the draft and then went on to have one of the best pro seasons of any drafted U23 player in Europe. After a slow start, he exploded after being loaned out to Jukurit, clipping at just under a point-per-game pace during the regular season. With an ELC already in his pocket, Räty completed the year with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, putting up a goal and four points in six postseason games. He then was one of the best overall players in this summer’s rescheduled WJC, where he finished 5^th in scoring with three goals and 10 points in seven games winning a silver medal. Despite all this progress and the consistency with which he has produced since being drafted, Räty continues to have a rather stiff skating stride and a subpar second gear. Quite shifty in traffic and very adept with the puck, his tendencies lean towards playmaking although his wrist shot and one-timer have proven deadly time and again. The Islanders say he’s tabbed for Bridgeport this season, but don’t be surprised if he keeps proving the doubters wrong and gets NHL games. - CL

2 - William Dufour RW

Dufour just had an exceptional season with the Saint John’s Sea Dogs: he won the league MVP award with 56 goals and 60 assists in just 66 games and won the Memorial Cup, winning the tournament’s MVP award there as well. To add a cherry on top, he played an instrumental role on the first line (at times) of Team Canada at the World Junior Championship helping them win a gold medal. Dufour’s standout attribute is his shot: it is hard, heavy and has pinpoint accuracy. He rounds out this attribute with a very efficient physical game and explosive skating. In his draft year, some scouts were pointing out Dufour’s lack of intensity. It’s now safe to say that William corrected this part of his game as he always plays aggressive on the forecheck and provides a consistent physical edge. William’s 6’3” frame combined with his great north-south skating and his excellent release gives him a great chance to develop nicely into a good middle-six scoring option at the NHL level. This upcoming season, Dufour will have a chance to prove himself furthermore with the Bridgeport Islanders as he was drafted in the 5^th round by the New York Islanders back in 2020. In retrospect, it looks like a steal of a pick by the Isles who must be thrilled by Dufour’s progression so far. - EB

3 - Robin Salo D

Making a name for himself thanks to his strong lateral movement along the opposition blueline, Salo has been taking his time to mature since being drafted 46^th overall in 2017. After more than six full seasons of professional hockey experience in Europe, this past season was his first in North America and it ended with mixed reviews. He suited up for the New York Islanders 21 times and earning time on the second power play unit. Heady, active, and confident in rushing the puck, Salo looked overwhelmed at times when it came to pressure exhibited by forecheckers. His corner and net-front work continue to be a work in progress, but there was no lack of effort or confidence playing a two-way, game from the blueline. His 46 total games of AHL play saw him begin and end with a good bit of responsibility as a top two defenseman, but he hit a wall mid-season. This could be attributed to playing more games than he ever had before, but the midseason Covid lull may have also impacted his second half slide. He looked like a certainty for a February call-up, but Parker Wotherspoon got the call instead with the Islanders noting that Salo wasn’t where he needed to be in his play at the time. The Islanders now enter the 22-23 season with an open spot on the left-hand side and the decision should come down to Salo, Sebastian Aho, or newly acquired Dennis Cholowski. – CL

4 - Otto Koivula C

A 2016 4^th rounder, the 6’4”, 220-pound Koivula is coming off his best season as a pro. Not only did he set career highs with 35 assists and 47 points in 56 AHL contests, he also suited up eight times for the Islanders, collecting his first two NHL assists. A tall player with a very formidable build, you wouldn’t be blamed for mistaking Koivula for Islander top goal-scorer Brock Nelson, as the two look incredibly similar in the way they carry themselves, but the similarity stops there. The speed of the NHL game is still a bit overwhelming for the Finn and he played very conservatively, looking to make quick, safe plays at every juncture. Overall, his time on Long Island saw him deployed in a bottom six capacity, averaging 11 minutes per outing. Originally a left wing whose greatest holdback has been his skating, Koivula was a bit of a prospect sensation for the Islanders when he was immediately moved to center during his rookie AHL season in 18-19 and proceeded to put up 46 points. Nonetheless, his progress has somewhat stalled since then and his future role in the organization is uncertain. He heads into the upcoming season with two years remaining on his second contract and finds himself as the 5^th man on the center depth chart. Huge production on the farm could be just the tonic necessary to make the jump for an Islanders team that is constantly seeking more offense. - CL

5 - Simon Holmstrom RW

Drafted 23^rd overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Holmström was widely seen as an off-the-board pick despite being one of Sweden’s top forwards available that year. In light of the progress of players such as Philip Tomasino, Connor McMichael, and Arthur Kaliyev (not to mention fellow Swede Nils Höglander), all currently taking NHL shifts and having been selected shortly after Holmström, the belief that he was a poor selection persists. Nonetheless, he has shown progress and it is too early to write him off. He spent the majority of last season healthy and forced his way into a top six role for the Bridgeport Islanders. His 12 goals and 43 regular season points were good for third on the team. At 6’1”, 195 lbs., Holmström is solidly built and has been working hard on moving from a largely perimeter game to one with more sandpaper and a greater readiness to make his way to the net through traffic. His playmaking continues to be strong, and he occasionally pulls off the type of move that pulls viewers out of their seats. An NHL debut this season is not unthinkable, but the Islanders still find themselves in a “win-now” mode and are looking for Holmstrom to take a greater step as a go-to guy on the attack for the AHL outfit. Ultimately, contracts for players like Zach Parise and Josh Bailey are winding down and the organization sees Holmström as a high priority to ultimately fill those future lineup holes. - CL

6 - Calle Odelius D

Odelius was selected with the 65^th overall pick by the New York Islanders in the most recent draft. He projects as a two-way defenceman with solid mobility and playmaking ability. He spent this past season playing with Djurgårdens in the J20 league, producing 30 points in 43 games. His skating stride stands out as he has strong ankle flexion, good balance and impressive four-way mobility. He is often able to read plays before they occur and position himself to break up offensive chances. Once he breaks up possession, he quickly looks to transition the puck, either with a crisp pass through the neutral zone or with his smooth north-south skating. While his offensive game isn’t dynamic per se, his ability to assess passing lanes and complete passes at an efficient rate make him a decent offensive option. He is extremely athletic and uses his frame to edge out opponents for the puck. Odelius was part of a large group of draft eligible players playing for Djurgårdens at the junior level last season and will look to develop along with that group moving forward. He will work on rounding out his game, splitting time between the Allsvenskan and the J20 league for Djurgårdens in the upcoming season. - ZS

7 - Isaiah George D

The 98th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Isaiah George dropped farther than some were expecting, as he was projected as a potential 2nd round pick by some. Like others, George missed the 2020-2021 season due to the Covid-19 shutdown. During the 2021-2022 season, George was given little opportunity to play, as do most London Knights rookies, especially defensemen. Despite not given a lot of time on ice, George was able to make the most of his time, being very effective in transition, both offensively and defensively. George displayed great strength and mobility when breaking up and shutting down plays in transition in the defensive zone. Being able to keep a strong gap control with good four-way mobility, an active stick and being physical when needed. At the end of the season, George finished with 23 points (6G,17A) in 67 games, which was 7th on the team in points and 2nd in points for a defenseman on the Knights despite playing minimal minutes. During the skills testing at the CHL Top Prospects Game, George did very well, ranking 1st in 30m backward skating with and without the puck, and 3rd in 30m forward skating with and without puck which resulted in George finishing 4th overall. George’s best assets are his skating and puck handling. He has the ability to play with great speed and pace each shift, having the acceleration and agility to separate himself from opponents and create space for himself. He’s able to use his quick hands to stay deceptive and keep control of the puck in traffic, showing great poise. Going into the 2022-2023 season, George will most likely see an increase in minutes and be given more of an opportunity to play in more situations. His point totals should also see an increase in production. - DK

8 - Cameron Berg C

A player who was passed up in his first year of NHL draft eligibility, Cameron Berg’s 2020-21 USHL campaign was strong enough for him to be selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL draft. Berg’s time as a Muskegon Lumberjack was far more fruitful than his time with the Omaha Lancers, but despite that Berg chose to head back to Omaha for his collegiate career, suiting up for the University of Nebraska-Omaha. There, Berg had a solid first college season, scoring 23 points in 37 games. Berg wasn’t a top player at even strength, but he received solid power play minutes and flashed some real offensive upside in those situations, times when he wasn’t as hard-pressed to create space due to the man advantage. Berg doesn’t have a standout offensive tool, instead relying on his hard work and persistence to be effective on the attack. This will likely be enough for him to survive as a scoring threat in college, but it severely limits his NHL upside. Still, Berg should take a jump next season and be a top scorer for Nebraska next season. If he can do that, maybe his offensive upside as a pro will warrant a second look. But right now, Berg’s motor will be the most likely tool that carries him as a pro, and he’ll need to prepare for the inevitable transition he’ll make into being more of a role player without a lot of offensive opportunities. While the expected jump in production many expect for Berg will draw more attention, it’s the improvements that he does or does not make in his two-way game that will have more of an impact on his chances of becoming an NHL player. - EH

9 - Quinn Finley LW

Quinn Finley, one of the younger players available at the 2022 draft, was a bit of a divisive prospect. Ultimately drafted 78th overall by the Islanders, some saw the pick as a reach for a player yet to put all his talent together at the USHL level, while others saw it as an appropriate home run swing for an organization that has a prospect pipeline short on skilled offensive players. While Finley’s numbers — 29 points in 39 games for the Madison Capitals — Finley has legitimate scoring upside. Finley is both a threat as a passer and a shooter, although he’ll likely do his most damage in a role as the latter. Finley can pick a corner on a goalie and score from a perimeter. His shot is his best tool, and it’s what contributes the most to his NHL upside. That being said, Finley needs to get better at finding the right places and times to unleash his shot, and while he isn’t a perimeter-only player he can stand to get better at scoring goals from closer to the net. As a playmaker, Finley showed the chops to set up teammates in the USHL, but he’ll need to develop his approach and add more deception in order to be a playmaker at higher levels. How far Finley goes will largely depend on how far his shot and speed tools can carry him. Barring any major developments to his away-from-the-puck game, Finley has the upside to be a speedy goal-scoring specialist at the NHL level. His odds of actually achieving that upside will come down to how he spends his time in college at the University of Wisconsin. Finley has all the tools to outperform his third-round draft billing, and he’ll be one of the freshmen players to watch in college hockey next season. - EH

10 - Eetu Liukas LW

Built like a truck, the 2021 5^th rounder spent last season becoming a verifiable NHL prospect. 10 goals and 20 points in 13 U20-league games showed he can score, but 12 goals in a lower line role over 65 games for TPS of Liiga make him more interesting still, with a game that is all about taking the body and getting under opponent’s skin. This is exactly what he did for Finland at this summer’s WJC, with two assists and a +3 in six games while throwing his weight around and contributing to the penalty kill. One indicative play from late in the Gold Medal game saw him win a puck battle in Canada’s corner, send a tape-to-tape pass to his onrushing defenseman, charge the net, partially screening the goalie while gaining the attention of both Canadian defensemen, giving Joakim Kemell just the time and space necessary to score on a one-timer. Liukas has a strong build and understands his role to a T, playing a throwback style harkening the likes of Esa Tikkanen. He can be unpleasant, tough along the boards, and dish out some hurt, but he keeps his penalty minutes to a minimum. On top of it all, he has a surprisingly hard and accurate shot. He is signed on this season with HPK with the intent of securing a top nine role. A strong season could lead to an ELC next summer. - CL

11 - Alex Jefferies

Jefferies, a slippery and skilled playmaking winger, has had two good, but not great seasons at Merrimack to start his NCAA run. The Islanders will be looking for him to truly take that next step as an offensive leader as a junior.

12 - Jakub Skarek

A former third round pick of the Islanders, Skarek has been playing with Bridgeport the last three seasons. Last year was his best as a pro, which does breed some confidence that he can be an NHL netminder if he can continue to progress this year.

13 -- Matt Maggio

The competitive goal scoring winger took massive strides forward with Windsor of the OHL this past season. He could turn pro this season or return to Windsor for his overage year.

14 - Ruslan Iskhakov

The road to prospect relevancy has not been standard for Ishakov. Two years at UConn, a year in Liiga, and a year in the DEL (most recently). However, the undersized playmaking center has produced at each of those levels and will now try his hand in the AHL next year.

15 - Tristan Lennox

Last season was pretty much a write off for the former highly touted goaltending prospect. Injuries plagued his year, and the Spirit were pretty bad in front of him when he did. Without a strong overage season next year, the Islanders may not elect to sign him.

16 - Blade Jenkins

After three mediocre OHL seasons, Jenkins has now had two mediocre AHL seasons with Bridgeport. The big forward needs to have a much better third pro season to stay in New York’s plans.

17 - Bode Wilde

No question Wilde is talented. He is athletic. He is skilled. There were many OHL games during his time with Saginaw where he was the best player on the ice. However, as a pro, his lack of game awareness has limited him. He will return to the AHL this year after a year abroad in Sweden last year.

18 - Arnaud Durandeau

There is a path to the NHL for Durandeau, a lunch pail type of winger who can be used in a variety of different situations. The upside may not be more than as a fourth liner, but he could still have a productive career.

19 - Matias Rajaniemi

A hulking Finnish defender, Rajaniemi has become a regular in Liiga with Pelicans the last two seasons. He’s not the fleetest of foot, but there is value in his shutdown capabilities.

20 - Samuel Bolduc

Bolduc’s pro debut with Bridgeport was solid in the shortened, watered down AHL season two years ago, but last year was a major step backward. The big defender is more of an offensive powerplay QB, rather than a staunch, physical force (as you might expect given his 6’4, 220lbs frame).

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: NEW YORK ISLANDERS – RANK: #31 – TIER VII

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:30:08 +0000

New York Islanders

#31 NY Islanders - Too many failed picks or players who have been rushed to the NHL, losing prospect eligibility. For all of NYI's success at the NHL level, they need to draft better. Much better.

TRINEC, CZECH REPUBLIC - DECEMBER 29: Kazakhstan vs Finland preliminary round action at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship at Werk Arena on December 29, 2019 in Trinec, Czech Republic. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Aatu Raty

At this time last year, Aatu Raty was the front runner to be the first overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. The 6’1, 181lbs center had a trying year that saw his production in Liiga (with Karpat) plateau and his spot on the Finnish WJC team disappear. Given the disappointing season he had, the Islanders were able to secure his rights in the back half of the second round. That said he has the skill to be a top line center in the NHL. Raty has some fairly dynamic elements and makes things happen with his individual play. His stickhandling ability is very good as he is capable of stickhandling through multiple opponents and making plays with limited time and space. He has quick hands, and he can catch defenders off guard by attacking to the middle from the wall. He also protects the puck well with his body and he is effective on the cycle.

There are definitely some areas of his game that Raty needs to improve to finally progress his game after hitting said plateau. He will need to improve his first step quickness, his shot selection, and the consistency of his physical engagement level. While Raty does still possess a high ceiling, even if he does not reach his full potential, he could still bring value to the Islanders. He could play in different roles and up and down the lineup due to his versatility and understanding of the game. Given his terrific performance at the recent World Junior Summer Showcase, Raty is a likely bounce back candidate who could have a terrific season in Liiga with Karpat. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Robin Salo

A second rounder in 2017, Salo has taken his sweet time in developing, especially for a defender who was drafted right off of a fairly full - and highly successful - season of Liiga play. But if last season was any indication, the time in the incubator is about to truly pay off. After a 19-20 season that saw him finally take a more positive step in development with 27 points split between Liiga and SHL action, the heady defenseman with a penchant for making smooth passes really exploded on the scene this past season. Overall, he was one of Örebro’s top three defenders and often eclipsed 20 minutes of play per night. A dancer on the blueline, and very active both with and without the puck, his 30 regular season points placed him 10th overall in scoring among SHL defenders while he was tied for 5th league-wide with a +17 rating.

The upcoming season will be spent in North America and although the general thought is that he’d be well-served spending the first year of his ELC in the AHL, the fact that the Islanders have moved Devon Toews and Nick Leddy in successive years, while not having replaced either through free agency (particularly the latter), should have Salo headed to the US staring at a job opening right on Long Island. Very mobile and strong in all four directions, it only seems a matter of time before he gets a prolonged NHL shot, especially for a team that’ll now be in good need of blueliners capable of a strong first pass and ready to rush the puck in transition. It would seem a safe bet that Salo will make his NHL debut at some point in the upcoming season, even if current Islanders leadership tends to work in rookies seldom and slowly at that. - CL

Samuel Bolduc

Coming out of the QMJHL, the former second round pick may not have had the hype of some other ‘Q” defenders, but a very strong first pro season has certainly raised some eyebrows. An AHL All-Star for Bridgeport last season, Bolduc proved that his offensive capabilities could translate to the pro level, while also providing a more stable defensive presence than many expected.

The 6’4, 210 lbs defender is not the type of player you would expect him to be. He is a smooth skating puck moving defender who can quarterback a powerplay with a booming point shot. His physical play and assertiveness in the defensive end have always been marked as a weakness. Additionally, his decision making with the puck had been, at best, inconsistent. However, reports suggest that both of those areas showed marked improvement as a pro with Bridgeport. At this point, Bolduc seems ticketed for another year in the AHL, however his strong performance has likely caused him to pass Bode Wilde as the Islanders’ top injury call up and as such, he could see action this year. His long-term projection is that of a second or third pairing defender who could possibly quarterback the Islanders’ powerplay. - BO

Bode Wilde

With Bode Wilde, it has always been about whether his elite physical tools could allow him to transform into a high-end NHL defender. Blessed with a combination of size, mobility, and skill, Wilde often previously did as he pleased in the OHL, dominating shifts at both ends of the ice. Yet, his decision making and awareness at both ends have always been criticized, leading some to believe that he would not be able to process the game well enough to be an NHL defender.

In his first full pro season with Bridgeport, Wilde continued to show flashes of his high-end potential. However, turnovers and poor reads continued to plague him, suggesting that the Islanders may need to continue to be patient with his development. Wilde will return to Bridgeport this coming season and will look to establish himself as one of the team’s top defenders. If he can make the necessary adjustments, he still stands a chance of being a future top four defender for the Islanders. If he does not, Wilde likely projects as more of a higher risk, third pairing defender who could see some powerplay time and sheltered minutes to try to limit his minutes in the defensive zone. Unquestionably, this is a big year for his development. - BO

Simon Holmstrom

For New York Islander fans, Holmstrom’s second season of organizational membership did little to suppress the feeling that their favorite team may not have made the wisest choice with its first-round selection in 2019. A creative puck-handler who is known to combine strong overall wherewithal and good hockey sense with sound 3-zone decisions, he surprisingly began his Islander career by appearing in 46 AHL games as an 18-year-old in the 19-20 season – to mixed reviews.

His 20-21 season kicked off with him playing for Vita Hästen in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. There, Holmstrom tallied just one goal and two points in 10 games, playing primarily in a lower line role and looking a little out of his depth. That impression continued somewhat at the WJC, where Holmstrom at times showed a slick pair of mitts while being one of Sweden’s best producers with five points in as many games but had a hard time dealing with physical play and often looking like little more than a perimeter player who could be rather easily separated from the puck. Upon returning to the AHL, he was basically force-fed top line minutes, suiting up for all of Bridgeport’s 24 games and getting a fair share of power play duties. Seeing as how his scoring pace was less than in his rookie year, one has to ask if he hasn’t ultimately been overwhelmed by coming to the AHL at such a young age, especially coming off a draft year cut short by a handful of injuries? For certain, a lot is on the line for Holmstrom in the 21-22 season, in which he’ll need to give some indication of what can be expected of him in the not-so-distant future. He is, after all, the only first rounder the team has had in the past three drafts. - CL

Kieffer Bellows

Only 23-years-old, it is still far too early to close the door on Bellows. But the door isn’t open as wide as it was when he was the deadliest scorer in his class, scoring 50 goals in his draft year with the USDP, many off passes from the likes of Clayton Keller and Adam Fox. His path to today has been circuitous, involving a one year stay at Boston University, where he struggled to have an impact at either end. From there, he moved for one year to Portland of the WHL, where he scored 41 goals playing with Cody Glass. Course seemingly corrected, Bellows turned pro and saw his career trajectory take another dip.

That rookie pro season was a real challenge, finishing with only 19 points in 73 games, and spending far too much time in the penalty box. While his enhanced physicality was not unwelcomed, the Islanders were looking to Bellows for offense. Some of that returned in 2019-20, as Bellows more than doubled his point per game rate and earned an eight game NHL stint, before COVID mucked everything up for all of us. He spent all of last year with the Islanders, but appeared in only 14 games, scoring three times. It could be that Bellows’ impulsiveness and occasional selfishness on the puck are simply not a good fit under coach Barry Trotz, but Bellows is running out of time to make the needed adjustments to his game to reach his ceiling of a top six scoring winger. - RW

Ruslan Iskhakov

Iskhakov, a former second-round pick by the Isles in 2018, has certainly taken the road less traveled. Drafted out of the MHL, he then played two seasons at the University of Connecticut (where he was relatively underwhelming), before spending last season in Liiga with TPS. TPS ended up finishing as the season finalists and Iskhakov played a large role in that, which would have likely made the Islanders very happy.

This coming season he is set to play in the DEL with Adler Mannheim, who are perennial powerhouses in Germany. At the conclusion of the season (June 1, 2022), the Islanders will finally have to make a decision on whether to sign Iskhakov or let his rights expire. A strong playmaking center, Iskhakov certainly is not large (5’8), but he competes hard and can play with pace. His defensive play improved greatly in Finland last season and the Islanders will likely be looking for him to continue to progress as a two-way player in Germany this season. He projects as a middle six center, however, is probably still a few years away from making an impact with the Islanders (if they elect to offer him a contract). - BO

Tristan Lennox

It had to have been tough on Lennox to not get the opportunity to show scouts his true colours this season due to the OHL’s pandemic cancellation. Last season was a rough one for Lennox. A late born ‘02, he got injured as the starter for Canada at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup and it really derailed his entire year. He has the size and athleticism combination that scouts look for in goaltenders these days, but the technical components to his game just need to become more consistent, especially his rebound control and positioning.

Heading into the 2021/22 OHL season, the league’s return to normalcy, Lennox will once again be expected to start for Saginaw and emerge as one of the OHL’s elite netminders. With a strong showing he can put himself in contention for the World Juniors, and as a late born 2002, it also makes him a candidate to be signed by the Isles so that he can start his pro career the following season. Lennox does possess the potential to be an NHL netminder and a significant asset to the Isles, but he will need to stay healthy and find his confidence again. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Cameron Berg

Berg’s performance this year justified our belief in him, as he entered the 2021 draft as one of our highest ranked undrafted players in 2020. A hard hitting, goal scoring, power center, Berg exploded with Muskegon over a full season, finishing in the top 10 in USHL scoring. This led to his selection by the Islanders in the fourth round in 2021.

He could still stand to improve his skating so as to maintain speed over longer distances, but he is a pure sniper who can score anywhere from the dots and in, with underrated puck skills and a relish for laying into opponents with big hits. Berg is the type of player who can play in all situations, excelling at both ends of the ice. This versatility was no doubt intriguing to the Islanders scouting staff. His next stop will be the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he should be an immediate impact player for the Mavericks. His production as a freshman should give us a better indication of the type of NHL potential he possesses, but as of right now he looks like a middle six candidate after two or three seasons at the NCAA level. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Sebastian Aho

After three years of largely above-average play in the AHL, including several appearances in the AHL all-star game, the 20-21 season proved a very difficult one for Aho. A permanent member of the New York Islanders’ taxi squad, the clever puck-mover saw all of three games of action. From the outside, his two points in those three games speaks very well for a surely rusty player who was thrown into the fire in the middle of an important stretch. Alas, several defensive breakdowns, some outmuscling along the way, and a few instances where he was clearly slower than the competition saw Aho replaced by Thomas Hickey, who went on to play five games.

Complicating Aho’s situation was that the Islanders spent a large majority of the season playing with the same six defenders and hardly anyone else got into any action on that blueline. In fact, four of the defensemen played all 56 games and another got into 55. With Nick Leddy having been moved this offseason, Aho may appear to some to be a logical candidate to fill that void in light of his being an offensively oriented left-side defender, but few in the business can see him being entrusted with anything close to a top six role. The most likely scenario for Sebastian as long as he’s an Islander is that he’ll continue to serve solely as organizational depth until injuries set in and he perhaps excels in a more prolonged shot or finds himself suiting up for another franchise, either being traded or perhaps plucked from waivers should the Islanders look to reassign him to the AHL. - CL

William Dufour

A big power winger with soft hands, Dufour loves to put defenders on his back and drive the net. He has improved each year in the QMJHL and will play next season with Saint John, his fourth team in as many years. Improving his explosiveness is a must.

Reece Newkirk

After three very successful seasons with the Portland Winterhawks (WHL), Newkirk will turn pro this year and play with Bridgeport in the AHL. The tenacious playmaking center must show that his offensive skill set can translate to the next level.

Alex Jefferies

A fourth-round selection in 2020 out of The Gunnery prep school, Jefferies had a very good (albeit abbreviated) freshman year for Merrimack last season. The hockey program shut down early due to covid, but the strong skating and creative winger will look to be even better this year as a sophomore. A hidden gem in the Isles system?

Otto Koivula

A big, power winger, Koivula has not yet been able to have that breakthrough moment as a pro after three seasons in the AHL. His development appears to have stagnated, although he may get another shot this training camp to earn a fourth line role for the Islanders.

Alexander Ljungkrantz

The Islanders third round selection in 2020, Ljungkrantz is an intelligent, two-way forward who is still trying to establish himself as an SHL forward in Sweden. The hope is that he can find a consistent place in Brynas’ lineup this coming season and take that next step as an offensive player that the Islanders are looking for.

2021 NHL DRAFT: METROPOLITAN DIVISION

Ryan Wagman — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 19:53:16 +0000

2021 NHL Draft Review

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

Metropolitan Division

Scott Morrow. Photo by Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

Carolina Hurricanes

2 (40) Scott Morrow, D, Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep (USHS-MN)

2 (44) Aleksi Heimosalmi, D, Assat (Liiga)

2 (51) Ville Koivunen, LW, Karpat U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

3 (83) Patrik Hamrla, G, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czech)

3 (94) Aidan Hreschuk, D, USNTDP (USHL)

4 (109) Jackson Blake, RW, Chicago (USHL)

5 (136) Robert Orr, C, Halifax (QMJHL)

5 (147) Justin Robidas, C, Val-d’Or (QMJHL)

6 (170) Bryce Montgomery, D, London (OHL)

6 (187) Nikita Quapp, G, Krefeld Pinguine (DEL)

7 (200) Yegor Naumov, G, MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva (MHL)

7 (209) Nikita Guslistov, C, Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)

7(219) Joel Nystrom, D, Farjestad (SHL)

Carolina traded its first-round pick on Draft Day, to Nashville, for two second rounders. The Hurricanes acquired an additional second rounder from Columbus in exchange for Jake Bean, and then traded away their own second rounder to Los Angeles for extra picks in both the third and fourth rounds. One of those extra third rounders was then traded to LA for a later third rounder as well as an extra fifth rounder. They got another third rounder from Detroit as part of the Alex Nedeljkovic/Jonathan Bernier swap, and then finally traded away their own, natural third rounder to Vegas for a third rounder next year. Shortly thereafter, Carolina traded away its own fourth round pick to Ottawa for extra picks in the fifth and sixth rounds. That doesn’t account for all of the pre-shuffling done to the picks that Carolina eventually made, as they had already added a few late round selections from trades in 2019 and 2020. At the end of the two days of drafting, Carolina had added 13 prospects to its already overflowing system.

When a team makes close to double its allotted picks, there are bound to be some head scratchers, and the new Hurricanes include their share. For example, it is rare for teams to draft multiple goaltenders in a single year, although it happens occasionally. But drafting three goalies in a single year? It has not happened, but rarely, and this was only the second such occurrence in the seven-round era of the draft, which began in 2005. Here is the full list:

Montreal, 1972 (Michel Larocque, Dave Elenbaas, Yves Archambeault, Graham Parsons)

Philadelphia, 1972 (Daryl Fedorak, David Hastings, Raynald Boutin)

Minnesota North Stars, 1974 (Pete LoPresti, Dave Heitz, Brian Holderness)

Washington, 1974 (Garth Malarchuk, Kelvin Erickson, Bob Blanchet)

Buffalo, 1975 (Bob Sauve, Don Edwards, Len Moher)

NY Rangers, 1975 (Doug Soetaert, Bill Cheropita, Tom McNamara)

St. Louis, 1976 (Mike Liut, Paul Skidmore, Jim Bales)

Montreal, 1977 (Robert Holland, Richard Sevigny, Barry Borrett, Mark Holden, Carey Walker, Jean Belisle, Bob Daly)

Philadelphia, 1977 (Yves Guillemette, Pete Peeters, Steve Jones, Mike Laycock)

St. Louis, 1978 (Jim Lockhurst, Bob Froese, Carl Bloomberg)

Winnipeg, 1981 (Marc Behrend, Bob O'Connor, Greg Dick)

Boston, 1983 (Allan LaRochelle, Terry Taillefer, Norm Foster)

Buffalo, 1983 (Tom Barrasso, Daren Puppa, Marc Hamelin)

Winnipeg, 1985 (Daniel Berthiaume, Tom Draper, Dave Quigley Jr)

New Jersey, 1988 (Chad Erickson, Bryan LaFort, Charles Hughes II)

Minnesota North Stars, 1989 (Bryan Schoen, Scott Cashman, Arturs Irbe)

Quebec Nordiques, 1989 (John Tanner, Sergei Mylnikov, Paul Krake)

Minnesota North Stars, 1990 (Roman Turek, Jeff Levy, J.P. McKersie)

New Jersey, 1990 (Martin Brodeur, Mike Dunham, Corey Schwab)

Los Angeles, 1991 (Pauli Jaks, Craig Brown, Andre Bouliane)

Minnesota North Stars, 1991 (Mike Torchia, Geoff Finch, Derek Herlofsky)

Detroit, 1992 (Greg Scott, C.J. Denomme, Ryan Bach)

Quebec, 1992 (Manny Fernandez, Steve Passmore, Aaron Ellis)

Anaheim, 1993 (Joel Gagnon, Mikhail Shtalenkov, Tom Askey)

Boston, 1994 (Yevgeni Ryabchikov, John Grahame, Neil Savary)

NY Rangers, 1997 (Jason McLean, Shawn Degagne, Johan Holmqvist)

Florida, 1999 (Alex Auld, Jean-Francois Laniel, Jonathan Charron)

Nashville, 1999 (Brian Finley, Jan Lasak, Kyle Kettles)

Los Angeles, 2001 (Terry Denike, Cristobal Huet, Sebastien Laplante)

Tampa Bay, 2002 (Joseph Pearce, Fredrik Norrena, Vasili Koshechkin)

Vancouver, 2002 (Lukas Mensator, Robert McVicar, Matt Violin)

Nashville, 2003 (Teemu Lassila, Rustam Sidikov, Miroslav Hanuljak)

Philadelphia, 2003 (David Tremblay, Rejean Beauchemin, Ville Hostikka)

San Jose, 2004 (Thomas Greiss, Jason Churchill, Derek Macintyre, Brian Mahoney-Wilson)

Philadelphia, 2015 (Felix Sandstrom, Matej Tomek, Ivan Fedotov)

Carolina, 2021 (Patrik Hamrla, Nikita Quapp, Yegor Naumov)

Just check out that Montreal draft from 1977 – seven goalies! Of course, in many of those early years, teams could just keep making selections for as long as they wanted. Carolina threw in five blueliners five forwards to go along with the goalie trio, and made selections from around the hockey playing world, including – as this is Carolina – two picks among their first three, from Finland.

First pick – Scott Morrow, D, Shattuck St. Mary’s U18 Prep (USHS MN), 40^th overall

A pick with significant risk of flopping, but also the potential for a significant reward, if Morrow learns to play away from the puck, and his high-end skating and puck skills, with which he dominated at the prep level against weak competition. Playing against low level opponents for much of the last two years, he did not have to worry about risk taking as he was simply bigger, faster, and more skilled than everyone on the ice. In a late draft-year cameo with Fargo of the USHL, he was met with the limits to his approach for the first time. His risky plays were easily snuffed by opponents. The tools are as good as any defenseman in this draft class, outside of top six picks Power, Hughes, and Edvinsson, but he will need a complete reassessment of how to play his game in order to achieve his potential ceiling. His next steps will be made at UMass, which has an impressive recent history of developing blueliners. Carolina was perfectly positioned to take on this type of risk considering the sheer number of picks they had to play with.

Best value pick(s) –Justin Robidas, C, Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL), 147^th overall

Carolina drafted quite a few players marginally later than we had them ranked, suggesting a lot of good value was accrued, but Robidas was the one and only pick among their baker’s dozen that we would wholeheartedly classify as a steal. In a draft that prioritized size, Robidas was easy to slip through the cracks, standing only 5-7” and all. Son of longtime NHL’er Stephane Robidas, young Justin is a born leader – he wore the ‘A’ in his draft year and is slated to wear the ‘C’ this coming season – skates well, is reliable in all ends, and has impressive puck skills, to boot. He plays a fearless style as well, allowing you to sometimes forget his lack of height. If the Hurricanes give him any kind of chance at all, Robidas will maximize his potential.

Worst value pick – Patrik Hamrla, G, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czech), 83^rd overall

If you take three goalies, it stands to reason that you have misgivings about the first one. Look at that list above, of the 35 times in NHL history that a team selected three or more goalies in a single draft class. The goalies listed after each team and year are listed in the order they were selected. How many of the 35 panned out? Michel Larocque, Bob Sauve, Tom Barrasso, Martin Brodeur, Roman Turek, Manny Fernandez, and Thomas Greiss. That is one out of five. Beyond that, you have to wonder why Hamrla didn’t get into a single game at the WU18s, as the Czech team’s top two goalies, Oliver Satny and Tomas Suchanek, both struggled mightily. If I have to pick one goalie out of the Carolina three – all of whom are 6-3”, and between 190-200 pounds, I will take sixth rounder Quapp, but that’s just a hunch. None of the three are sure things, even for goalies.

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

Columbus Blue Jackets

1 (5) Kent Johnson, C, Michigan (NCAA/Big 10)

1 (12) Cole Sillinger, LW, Sioux Falls (USHL)

1 (25) Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks (AJHL)

3 (69) Stanislav Svozil, D, HC Kometa Brno (Czech)

4 (101) Guillaume Richard, D, Tri-City (USHL)

5 (132) Nikolai Makorov, D, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)

5 (133) James Malatesta, LW, Quebec (QMJHL)

6 (165) Ben Boyd, C, Charlottetown (QMJHL)

7 (197) Martin Rysavy, LW, HC Prerov (Czech 2)

After a few years of shallow draft classes, GM Jarmo Kekalainen fully embraced the rebuild this year, admitting that their second-round adventures were the best the previous core could achieve, and trading NHL assets for additional picks, and ending up as the only team with three first rounders, only the second time in team history to have had that distinction. At first blush, the Blue Jackets did a far better job selecting their three new candidates for ‘Face of the Franchise’ status than they did in 2013, when they had selected Alexander Wennberg, Kerby Rychel, and Marko Dano in the draft’s opening round.

Columbus leaned towards bigger players, with only fifth rounder James Malatesta measuring under 6-0”. Another interesting tidbit about this draft class is the presence of two Czech-based players, giving the Blue Jackets a full third of all Czech-based drafted players. Beyond that, the team actually drafted more North American than they have usually done in recent years, with only one Russian player joining the two Czechs, as opposed to the six North Americans they drafted. There are more than a few players here who should be a part of the next competitive Columbus team.

First first round pick – Kent Johnson, C, University of Michigan Wolverines (NCAA/Big 10), 5^th overall

There was not another person in this draft class with a greater puck handling game than Johnson. Some of the moves he pulled off this year, there isn’t a defender in the sport at any level who could stop him. Now, that will change as teams see more video of him, scout him more, come to expect his brand of trickery. There are a few things that Johnson needs to clean up before being ready for the NHL, and the path to retaining his style of play while adjusting to a top six NHL role might be thinner than the Blue Jackets hope, but they should still be expecting a top line caliber forward (he is a center for Michigan, but I expect him to be a winger down the line). He needs to learn to make the simple play more often, and show the ability to make the adjustment to the defense, instead of making the defense always adjust to him. If he can pull that off, he will be an All Star.

Second first round pick – Cole Sillinger, LW, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)

One of the better finishers in the draft class, Sillinger left the WHL for the USHL last year due to the uncertainty surrounding the former league in terms being able to have a season. He made the adjustment to the new league seamlessly, winning the USHL Rookie of the Year award despite only playing roughly 60% of the season. Unlike most finishers, he has a solid two-way game, and is strong enough off the puck to be putu on the ice to defend late leads. Sillinger, son of former Blue Jacket Mike Sillinger, and born in Columbus while his father was a team member, lacks Johnson’s upside, but he might be closer to his own ceiling and more ready to play in the NHL.

Third first round pick – Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

The only team with three first round picks, Columbus went for a blueliner after nabbing the two high end forwards to kick off their draft. The Blue Jackets’ reward for sending the last month and change of Nick Foligno’s contract to Toronto, Ceulemans has a very well-balanced game, with equal parts offense and defense, just as able to kill a rush as to generate one. He has a strong NHL frame and puts it to good use, with a physical side that few offensively inclined defenders display these days. He will spend the next few years with Wisconsin, where he will have to show that he can make the adjustment from the AJHL to a significantly higher level of the sport. He has #2/3 upside.

Best value pick – Stanislav Svozil, D, HC Kometa Brno, Czech, 69^th overall

An absolute steal of a pick, Svozil had a lot of people giving him first round grades earlier in the year, but moderate performances in both the WJC and the WU18s. But even with those tournaments in consideration, he should have been selected sometime in the second round, considering his strong skating ability and hockey IQ, refined over two seasons playing against men in the Czech pro leagues. It is fair to question his offensive upside, but even there, he flashes enough hints of ability that I would not be surprised to see him one day getting regular, if not primary, power play minutes at the highest level. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Svozil ends up a more valuable NHLer than Ceulemans one day, even if it would be a mild upset.

Worst value pick – Ben Boyd, C, Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL, 165^th overall

This is no disrespect to Boyd, a big center who puts that size to use. He was just way off the radar and never showed any substantial offensive upside. In the sixth round, taking gambles should be encouraged and this placement is not meant to chide Columbus either. Boyd is on the younger side of this draft class, and more development could very well be coming. This distinction is really just a way of noting that we quite liked Columbus’ approach to the draft this year and saw no faults in any of their other picks.

.Jack Hughes. Photo by Rena Laverty/USA Hockey

New Jersey Devils

1 (4) Luke Hughes, D, USNTDP (USHL)

1 (29) Chase Stillman, RW, Esbjerg U20 (Denmark U20)/ Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

3 (68) Samu Salminen, C, Jokerit U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

4 (100) Jakub Malek, G, VHK Vsetin (Czech 2)

5 (129) Topias Vilen, D, Pelicans (Liiga)

6 (164) Viktor Hurtig, D, Vasteras IK J20 (J20 Nationell)

7 (203) Zakhar Bardakov, C, Vityaz Podolsk (KHL)

Early as it is, I have to admit that I liked Tom Fitzgerald’s first draft more than I do this one. How much was actually by his design, I cannot say, but I can say that I had a few plausible choices for ‘worst value pick’ from this draft class. On the other hand, the Devils made the absolutely correct decision with their first pick, and I’m not even considering the PR boost they got from drafting the brother of recent #1 overall pick Jack Hughes in making that assessment. While Hughes has a touch more potential to fail to reach his ceiling that do the players selected in the top three (Power, Beniers, McTavish), it just so happens that his ceiling is higher than them all, partially due to his birth date, and partially due to his tools and how raw they are.

If there was anything truly curious about the New Jersey 2021 draft class, it is that, after Hughes, all of the other picks were based in Europe, at least this year. Even their second first rounder, Chase Stillman, ostensibly an OHL player, played most of his season in Denmark, before joining up with Team Canada for the WU18s. Their day two included two Finns, a Czech, a Swede, and a Russian. I can only presume that if they had any additional picks, they would have used them on players from Slovakia, Germany, Austria, and/or Switzerland. Incidentally, New Jersey has drafted players from each of those countries, with the exception of Germany, in recent years. Thankfully, Nico Daws, who they drafted out of the OHL last year, spent time last year in Germany, so they have covered all of the main hockey bases in Europe. Size may have been a mild theme for them, though, as every player they selected this year is at least 6-0” tall. Fitzgerald was a 6-footer, too.

First first round pick – Luke Hughes, D, USNTDP (USHL), 4^th overall

Bar none, Hughes was the best skater in the 2021 draft class. That is almost to be expected given what we know about his older brothers, Quinn and future teammate Jack. Where he starts to differ from his brothers is that Luke also has ideal NHL size for a blueliner, already standing 6-2”, and given his birthdate being less than one week before the cutoff, he has more room for additional biological growth than practically all players drafted this year. More than just a speed demon, Hughes’ other tools also all grade out as plus, and the only reason he wasn’t talked about as much as top two picks Power and Beniers was that a laceration from a skate to his leg knocked him out for the second half of the season, including the WU18s. He was healthy before the draft, though, and after a season or two at Michigan, he will be ready to start the climb towards future #1 NHL defender.

Second first round pick – Chase Stillman, RW, Esbjerg U20 (Denmark U20)/Sudbury (OHL)

Son of longtime NHLer Cory Stillman, and brother of current Blackhawk Riley Stillman, Chase lacks the upside traditionally associated with the first round, but his floor was among the highest of those available as Day One wound down. The most impressive element of his game is his physicality. Not in the sense that he is a face-puncher, but that it can be miserable to play against him. He skates well enough, and demonstrates solid decision making, allowing for him to be utilized in all manner of roles and in all situations. Had the Devils still owned their second-round pick, which would have been only seven spots later, I suspect that Stillman would have still been available, and would have been more understandable. Using that late first rounder that they received from the Islanders in the Kyle Palmieri deal on Still says more about what they thought of the other options than an indication on Stillman’s projected future role with the club.

Best value pick - Zakhar Bardakov, C, Vityaz Podolsk (KHL)

Drafted in his third year of eligibility, Bardakov broke into the KHL this year and showed a lot of same strengths and weaknesses as did Stillman. He has a big frame, skates well, and is reliable in all three zones and all situations. On the down side, Bardakov’s offensive potential isn’t much to get too excited about. Furthermore, as a 20-year-old, there is only so much more growth that we can expect out of his game. Even so, as a seventh-round pick who Russian contract expires after next season, he could provide near-immediate value to the club, if only in a bottom-line role. Also, Yegor Sharangovich had a fairly similar profile as a 20-year-old when the Devils used a fifth-round pick on him in 2018.

Worst value pick – Jakub Malek, G, VHK Vsetin (Czech 2), 100^th overall

I admit that I might have a blind spot in player evaluation, as I am generally not very high on goalies who played in lower-level European leagues and have little to no international competitive experience. And that’s where Malek falls. He is a very big guy who has never played above the Czech second division. Even that experience has been limited. Had the Devils drafted Topias Vilen in the fourth round and held off on Malek until the fifth round, I would have had a real dilemma as to who to put here. They drafted both though, so I suppose it’s really a case of ‘no harm, no foul.’.

New York Islanders

2 (52) Aatu Raty, C, Karpat (Liiga)

3 (93) Tristan Lennox, G, Saginaw (OHL)

4 (125) Cameron Berg, C, Muskegon (USHL)

5 (157) Eetu Liukas, LW, TPS (Liiga)

6 (189) Aleksi Malinen, D, JYP (Liiga)

7 (221) Tomas Machu, D, Draci Sumperk (Czech 2)

The Islanders recent draft history has not been especially kind. Sure, some of their first rounders have hit big (Barzal, Beauvilier), and a few others are trending in the right direction (Dobson, Wahlstrom), but even among the top end picks, there have been prominent flops (Dal Colle, Ho-Sang), and there has been an absolute lack of impact from any pick outside of the first round, with literally zero earning extended time since the 2014 draft class. Among the top candidates to break that post-first-round losing streak are a pair of Finnish prospects in Robin Salo and Otto Koivula, both listed in our top 15 for the Islanders (see upcoming McKeens annual). Another top prospect, Ruslan Iskhakov, spent last season in Finland as well.

Perhaps seeing a trend, the Islanders went heavy into Finland this year. Their first pick, taken in the second round, was as close to a no-brainer as one can get after the top few picks. More on Raty below, but him being available where he was is ridiculous. The Islanders went back to Finland for picks in the fifth and sixth rounds as well. The Islanders didn’t draft any smaller players, with all six picks standing 6-0” or taller, but one was a goalie, so that doesn’t really count, and two of the other five are exactly 6-0”, and only two of their skater picks measure in at 6-2” or greater, so I wouldn’t go so far as to say the Isles targeted size. I am not yet sure that this draft class will break that cycle of emptiness past the first round, but I am more optimistic about these picks than I have been about any recent NYI draft

First pick – Aatu Raty, C, Karpat (Liiga), 52^nd overall

There were a few players selected on day two of the draft for whom many in the preseason thought would be first round candidates, or even locks. Only Raty was in consideration as a top five pick. There were even voices that had him as the favorite for first overall before the 2020-21 season kicked off. Admittedly, Raty’s season did not go as hoped. He struggled a fair bit in the first half, to the extent that he wasn’t selected for Finland’s WJC roster, which was especially surprising as he had been a member of their WJC team in 2019, and was pretty good, to boot. So Raty’s stock had clearly dropped, but he was already turning things around in the second half. He spent the bulk of the season playing against men in Liiga, albeit in limited minutes and roles. He still has a sublime skillset with the puck and still lacks any glaring weaknesses in his projection. The Islanders getting him in the second round – late in the second no less! – is nothing short of grand larceny. And as if to emphasize that point, Raty put up 14 points in six games with Finland’s U20 team in summer tournaments.

Best value pick – Cameron Berg, C, Muskegon (USHL), 125^th overall

I might be biased, having followed Berg’s progression for two seasons now, but the value isn’t even that the Islanders drafted a player with third round talents in the fourth round. It’s that Berg should have been drafted last year, after one of the best second halves in the USHL. His second year of eligibility was another step forward for the second half of his first go-round, exceeding one point per game playing with San Jose prospect Daniil Gushchin. He showed more skill as a playmaker, without losing any of the fire of his shot. He added more grit to his game. If he can improve his skating even marginally at Nebraska-Omaha, he will have middle six NHL upside.

Worst value pick – Eetu Liukas, LW, TPS (Liiga), 157^th overall

To be honest, the Islanders didn’t have any poor value picks this year. Seventh rounder Tomas Machu wasn’t really on our radars, but he’s massive and played a big defensive role against men in the Czech second division last year, and should be a featured blueliner on the Czech WJC team this year. Liukas isn’t a bad gamble for the fifth round either. He can shoot the puck, he’s quite physical, and plays a reliable two-way game. He is simply the only other Islanders’ pick, besides Machu, which didn’t cause me to immediately say “nice pick”. It was fine. There is fourth line upside here if it all works out.

Brennan Othmann of the Flint Firebirds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

New York Rangers

1 (16) Brennan Othmann, LW, EHC Olten (SL)/Flint (OHL)

3 (65) Jayden Grubbe, C, Red Deer (WHL)

3 (75) Ryder Korczak, C, Moose Jaw (WHL)

4 (104) Brody Lamb, LW/RW, Dodge County HS (USHS-MN)

4 (106) Kalle Vaisanen, LW, TPS U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

4 (112) Talyn Boyko, G, Tri-City (WHL)

5 (144) Jaroslav Chmelar, RW, Jokerit U18 (U18 SM-sarja)

7 (208) Hank Kempf, D, Muskegon (USHL)

After a few years of picking at the top, a result of their stated goal to rebuild, the Rangers have turned their organization back around, to a position around the middle of the pack. Seemingly as a result, instead of holding a ton of top picks, drafting for immediate upside, Chris Drury’s first draft as GM saw him focus on complementary types with the first few picks, and extremely raw players later on. It would be fair to categorize their first three picks, and the final one, in the complementary bucket, while their fourth and fifth rounders fit the mold of dart throws on long term upside. For three of the four in the second grouping, part of that supposed upside rests in their extreme physical dimensions, with Boyko, in particular fitting that bill, as the second 6-8” netminder drafted by the Rangers in the past two drafts.

A final note, that may be more coincidental than anything, on Day Two, the Rangers drafted exclusively from three geographical buckets. Canada was represented by three players out of the WHL. The US was represented by two players headed to the college route, one of whom played in high school last year and the other a USHL veteran. Finally, Europe was represented by two players drafted out of the Finnish junior leagues, one a native Finn, the other a Czech import. Both played in the year-ending WU18 tournament, along with the Rangers first rounder, an OHL’er who happened to spend the Ontario-wide hockey cancellation playing in Switzerland.

First round pick – Brennan Othmann, LW, EHC Olten, SL/Flint Firebirds (OHL), 16^th overall

Othman does a lot well, but the one area where he truly stands out is as a finisher, given a very strong shot and a willingness to follow it to the net, and pay the price to collect rebounds. He impressed during the OHL cancellation by playing in the Swiss second men’s division, where he teamed up wit the draft’s eventual third overall pick, Mason McTavish. Othmann lacks the flash of recent Rangers’ first rounders, but he brings a solid combination of upside (2^nd line) and certainty (pro-style game, solid frame, well-rounded, grit). His year end work with Gold-Medal winning Team Canada also showed that he could produce respectably playing with other high-end talents, without looking like a passenger.

Best value pick – Ryder Korczak, C, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL), 75^th overall

Korczak is small, and his production tis year with Moose Jaw was a step down from what he did in the full season before he was draft eligible, but there is still more than enough to like in his profile, suggestive of a player who can find a way to contribute at the NHL level. A gifted playmaker, he thinks nothing of taking physical punishment to make a play, his numbers should also improve if the level of his linemates improves. He has also worn the ‘A’ for the Warriors for two seasons already, a testament to the intangibles he brings.

Worst value pick – Brody Lamb, LW/RW, Dodge County Wildcats (USHS-MN), 104^th overall

A rambunctious winger who scored at a breathtaking clip in the Minnesota high school ranks, Lamb struggled to adjust to the higher level of play in the USHL after his prep season had ended. He can shoot the puck and gets involved physically, but his game lacks the structure that most other draft eligible have and it is hard to see him progress to the point of NHL utility. In fact, it is hard to even now how long it would take if he were to make that leap. Committed to Minnesota, he is lined up to spend two years in the USHL as an intermediate step before entering the collegiate world. Even if he does figure it out, the timeline is so long that the implied value in the selection can only diminish. As a seventh-round pick, he would have made a lot more sense.

Samu Tuomaala.

Philadelphia Flyers

2 (46) Samu Tuomaala, RW, Karpat U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

3 (78) Alexei Kolosov, G, Dinamo-Molodechno (Belarus)

4 (110) Brian Zanetti, D, Lugano U20 (U20 Elit)

5 (158) Ty Murchison, D, USNTDP (USHL)

6 (174) Ethan Samson, D, Prince George (WHL)

7 (206) Owen McLaughlin, C, Mount St. Charles Academy 18U AAA (USHS-RI)

From 2014 until 2018, under the stewardship of former General Manager Ron Hextall, the Flyers drafted seven goaltenders across five years. It only took two drafts under current GM Chuck Fletcher for the Flyers to add another netminder to their pool. A good one, too. Third round pick Alexei Kolosov was the third goalie drafted this year, and the first after the first round. We had him ranked fourth among his fellow crease guardians, but either way the young Belarussian is now the team’s top puck stopping prospect.

Beyond that little tidbit, there isn’t much to note trend-wise, besides perhaps the organization’s stronger lean towards European talent than any year since 2018, where they selected three out of Sweden. First pick (second round) Samu Tuomaala was actually the first Finn drafted by Philadelphia since (scroll, scroll, scroll) Joonas Lehtivuori, a fourth rounder from 2006. Kosolev was actually the first player drafted out of Belarus in franchise history, as the other Belarussian they selected (Maxim Sushko, 4^th round, 2017) was playing in the OHL at the time. As for Switzerland, homeland of fourth rounder Brian Zanetti, he was the third Swiss national drafted by the Flyers, and the second who was actually playing in his homeland at the time, after 2003 fourth rounder Kevin Romy. Neat factoids, if not that meaningful.

First pick – Samu Tuomaala, RW, Karpat U20 (U20 SM-sarja), 46^th overall

A top performer for Finland’s WU18 team – and one of the best in the entire tournament on any team - Tuomaala is small, but can fly, and has a well-rounded set of tools for the offensive zone, and a promising sense of responsibility off the puck. He even plays with a healthy dose of grit. In fact, if teams weren’t so inexplicably drawn to size this year, he could easily have been a good fit in the late first round. The Flyers have already signed him to an Entry Level Contract, although they have loaned him back to Karpat to continue his development at home for another season. Expect Tuomaala to battle for a spot on Finland’s WJC roster as well. This is their best – although not only – value pick.

Best value pick – Alexei Kolosov, G, Dinamo-Molodechno (Belarus), 115^th overall

On the smaller side for a modern netminder, Kolosov is nevertheless a very promising young ‘tender. He split his regular season between the Belarussian league and Belarus’ KHL squad and put up numbers that surpassed his crease-mates with both clubs. He was also Belarus’ starter during the World Championships and is expected to play for his homeland in the upcoming Winter Olympics. The question is whether he will leave his club team for the Olympics, or if he will join Erie of the OHL, where he would have played last year if the OHL had had a season. His best trait is his ability to read the flow of the game, while he has no obvious real weak spots.

Worst value pick – Ty Murchison, D, USNTDP (USHL), 158^th overall

With all due respect to Murchison, who has had his good moments for the USNTDP, and has decent size, there were eight draft eligible defensemen on the USNTDP last year, and I would have drafted seven of them before calling on the Arizona State commit. Not only that, three of the ones I would have preferred (Ty Gallagher, who was eventually drafted, and Jacob Martin and Ethan Straky, who were not) were still available at the time. It isn’t that Murchison is bad, but there is just mothering about his game that sticks out as an NHL-level tool.

Pittsburgh Penguins

2 (58) Tristan Broz, LW/C, Fargo (USHL)

5 (154) Isaac Beliveau, D, Rimouski (QMJHL)

7 (194) Ryan McCleary, D, Calgary (WHL)

7 (215) Daniel Laatsch, D, Sioux City (USHL)

7 (218) Kirill Tankov, C, SKA-Varyagi im. Morozova (MHL)

With only five more players added to the system, once again, the Penguins went (relatively) without at the draft. It has now been nine draft classes in a row in which Pittsburgh has made fewer than the allotted seven picks. Next year is already slated to make a ten-draft run with missing picks, as the Penguins’ third rounder has already been dealt to Los Angeles. Furthermore, they are still stuck on only two first rounders in that nine-year stretch.

On the one hand, missing picks isn’t that big a deal when you are winning, and the Penguins have done an awful lot of that over the years, with two Stanley Cups. On the other hand, the team hasn’t escaped the first round (which meant a loss in the playoff qualifiers in 2020) in three years, and the NHL roster core isn’t getting any younger. At some point – a point that they may have already passed – the Penguins will need to bring fresh faces into the lineup, and the best place to find fresh faces has traditionally been from within. Teddy Blugers was the last prospect to rise from within to secure a regular NHL job, and the prospects they keep adding with the picks they do keep are in his vein; well-rounded, lunch bucket, bottom half of the lineup types. Someday soon, Crosby and Malkin won’t be able to carry the torch anymore and the Penguins won’t have anyone ready to step up in their place. Not that anyone can really take over from those two, but there won’t even be any legitimate top six options left.

First pick – Tristan Broz, LW/C, Fargo Force (USHL), 58^th overall

Not that Broz is going to be the guy to jump into a top six spot in the next few years, but he could be a really good third line option. He looks like an NHL forward with his frame and smooth, clean skating stride. His puck skills are OK, but he reads the zone very well and is a talented playmaker, who will take a hit to make the play. He doesn’t get shy when the games get tighter, and was the primary reason behind Fargo’s reaching the Clark Cup finals last year. I expect him to play three years at Minnesota, but Broz might not need any additional AHL seasoning after that. A strong pick for the end of the second round. Good thing, too, as Pittsburgh had to wait for nearly 100 more players to be taken off the board before they could make another selection.

Best value pick – Daniel Laatsch, D, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL), 215^th overall

Laatsch is no sure thing, but for a late seventh round pick, one of the final ten players selected (although not Pittsburgh’s last selection), he is a very fun, intriguing gamble. A unique player, he is very tall, but also very thin. His offensive game will occasionally flash an awkward utility, as he drives the puck deep into the offensive zone, but his core skills are better suited for simplicity. Despite his reed-thin frame, he has fearless physicality. The USNTDP grad, who needed a year away from the program to be draft-worthy, Laatsch is headed to Wisconsin, which has done a solid job developing blueliners in recent years. I don’t know that he fits into a traditional NHL role, but he could have real value within a few years.

Worst value pick – Ryan McCleary, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL), 194^th overall

As I have mentioned a few times in this series, there is almost no such thing as bad value in the seventh round. They are all gambles by that point, with minimal honest expectations of ever playing in the NHL. But when a team only makes five picks, and three of those are in the seventh round, I have to pick someone. So why McCleary? Two reasons. First, when you only have five picks, it is imperative that you swing for the fences. McCleary is physically underdeveloped and has never demonstrated a big upside, even in U18 hockey in Saskatchewan. The best we can say about McCleary is that he will take the hit to make the play, and that he was born in September, 2003, making him one of the youngest players drafted this year. Second, the other four guys Pittsburgh drafted have more elements going for them. We will know more once he plays a full season in the WHL.

Vincent Iorio. Courtesy of the WHL.

Washington Capitals

2 (55) Vincent Iorio, D, Brandon (WHL)

3 (80) Brent Johnson, D, Sioux Falls (USHL)

4 (119) Joaquim Lemay, D, Salmon Arm (BCHL)

5 (151) Haakon Hanelt, LW/RW, Eisbaren Berlin (DEL)

6 (176) Dru Krebs, D, Medicine Hat (WHL)

6 (183) Chase Clark, G, Jersey Hitmen (NCDA)

With only six picks – missing the all-important first rounder, but not quite making up for it by having an extra sixth rounder instead of picking in the seventh, Washington went heavy on the blueline this year, using four of the six picks on a rearguard, five picks, if you include the goalie. While the positional lean may have been a fluke of circumstance, how the Washington draft board shook out in this pandemic season, what is absolutely not a fluke, but a systemic lean that goes back years, is the team’s preference for drafting players out of Western Canada. Two of five in 2020. Two of four in 2019. Four of seven in 2018. None in 2017, but three of seven in 2016. I could go on. Of their six picks this year, three were out of the WHL and one more came from the BCHL. At least we can say that Washington didn’t follow the herd this year, fetishizing size and brawn. Their first pick is big, as is the goalie selection (Clark is actually huge). But the others are average sized, or smaller.

First pick – Vincent Iorio, D, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), 55^th overall

The one big skater drafted by the Capitals this year, Iorio is a very good skater for his size, and has a strong defensive zone game, but has never shown much propensity for offensive zone impact. On a rate basis, his 12 points in 22 games last year with the Wheat Kings was far and away his best junior hockey showing. His best anywhere since playing at the 14U level for Shattuck St. Mary’s back in 2016-17. His feet, length, and ability to make clean, yet hard defensive stops allow for a safe projection of a number four with some PK utility as a ceiling.

Best value pick – Brent Johnson, D, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), 80^th overall

Small, but occasionally very feisty, Johnson had a very strong debut season in the USHL, his first of high-level hockey. A strong puck rusher with a knack for sticking his nose everywhere, his play was often unrefined, but his risks paid off far more often than they backfired. As his game matures, he will need to learn when to take a chance and when to play conservatively, both in terms of offensive risks as well as in his physical play, to avoid injuries like the shoulder ailment that ended his season early. The North Dakota commit is a fun player to watch and easy to root for, especially if you like to see growth of the game. Johnson is a native Texan.

Worst value pick – Joaquim Lemay, D, Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL), 119^th overall

In his second year of eligibility, the nomadic Lemay, a Quebec native, made his debut in the BCHL, after a year spent playing prep hockey in Rhode Island. He was OK. His ability to play and move the puck is his only real positive, while on the downside, he can play a bit shy, and his skating is average at best. Committed to Nebraska-Omaha, he may need another year in the BCHL or the USHL (Lincoln owns his rights and has protected him ahead of training camp), before going to campus. Were he taken with a later round pick; it would be a fine gamble. In the fourth round, for an organization that rarely takes all seven of its picks, it seems to be a needless risk with a marginal upside.

2021 NHL DRAFT: NEW YORK ISLANDERS REVIEW

Ryan Wagman — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 18:53:39 +0000

New York Islanders

2 (52) Aatu Raty, C, Karpat (Liiga)

3 (93) Tristan Lennox, G, Saginaw (OHL)

4 (125) Cameron Berg, C, Muskegon (USHL)

5 (157) Eetu Liukas, LW, TPS (Liiga)

6 (189) Aleksi Malinen, D, JYP (Liiga)

7 (221) Tomas Machu, D, Draci Sumperk (Czech 2)

First pick – Aatu Raty, C, Karpat (Liiga), 52^nd overall

Best value pick – Cameron Berg, C, Muskegon (USHL), 125^th overall

Worst value pick – Eetu Liukas, LW, TPS (Liiga), 157^th overall

2021 NHL DRAFT: Unheralded Draft Worthy OHL Players – Goalies and Defense

Brock Otten — Sun, 30 May 2021 17:08:37 +0000

The level of frustration among Ontario based hockey players has to be extremely high after the difficult decision was made to cancel the 2021 OHL season due to the covid pandemic. This decision affects many groups of players equally. Overagers lose their final year of eligibility and a huge chapter of their life is closed abruptly. Rookies lose out on the opportunity to adjust to a higher level and learn what it takes to be an OHL player (a year before their NHL draft seasons). Second and third year eligible NHL draft prospects are deprived of the chance to showcase improvements made to their games in hopes of being drafted or signed this time around. Finally, first year eligible draft prospects now have to hope that NHL scouts like what they saw from them last year in the OHL (or Tier 2), or for a fortunate few, what they saw at the World Under 17’s. At this point in time, previous notes and video scouting are the only way to determine the value and ranking of Ontario based players.

There was hope that the CHL and Hockey Canada would work together to host a top prospect style tournament in a protected environment sometime before the NHL Draft. However, that appears to be dead in the water now. As an alternative, a group of OHL players have organized a tournament in Erie to showcase their talents to NHL scouts (PBHH Invitational). That is set to occur soon (June 1-June 13). It will be a great opportunity for those participating to showcase any potential improvements made to their games.

As we prepare for the home stretch in our NHL draft coverage (the NHL Draft is set for July 23-24), I am going to look at some of the more unheralded OHL prospects available in a three part series. This series is not going to focus on the Brandt Clarke’s or Mason McTavish’s; not even the Wyatt Johnson’s or Ryan Winterton’s. It is going to provide a closer look at the OHL’ers who are candidates for the latter half of the draft. In total, 31 players will actually be featured. Previous editions in this series stated 29, but two additional defenders were added later to make this as comprehensive as possible

It should be noted that this series will not look at the Import players because those were already profiled by me in an earlier series. Here is part one (featuring the likes of Artyom Grushnikov and Daniil Sobolev):. Here is part two (featuring the likes of Matvei Petrov and Vsevolod Gaidamak)

This final part in the series looks at goaltenders and defense.

THE GOALIES

Joe Vrbetic - North Bay Battalion

6’6, 181lbs

2019-20 Stats: 14 wins, 4.23 GAA, .881 SV%

Vrbetic will be one of two goaltenders mentioned in this series, along with Tristan Lennox (Ben Gaudreau will be featured more prominently in a scouting report for McKeen’s). A late October 2002 birthday, Vrbetic is certainly a little more seasoned than some of the others on this list. He has a full season in the NOJHL and a full season in the OHL under his belt. Last year playing for North Bay, Vrbetic had his ups and downs as the starter for a young, rebuilding team. There were some really poor performances and some really strong ones. It seemed like he was playing his best hockey when the league shutdown due to the pandemic, which is unfortunate. He would have definitely been on the radar for the World Under 18’s, had they occurred last year.

Obviously, Vrbetic’s huge build is something that scouts are going to be highly interested in. At 6’6, he takes up a lot of the net. Vrbetic also plays a bit of a hybrid style that utilizes his size advantage well and that is a little unorthodox for goaltenders today. I believe a lot of that has to do with the fact that Vrbetic is still working to be quicker in the net, improving his up/down speed from his butterfly and his lateral quickness. So, he will stand up to attackers longer than most before committing to the butterfly. Although over the course of last year, he became more comfortable dropping down, so it is clear that he put in the work. It also means that he has a tendency to play a little deeper in his net than most, again, so that he limits his movement in the crease.

But Vrbetic is a really slight kid (think Matt Murray). There are a lot of similarities in their games at a young age, with Murray committing to becoming quicker and stronger in order to hold his post more effectively and to allow him to challenge shooters more efficiently. Vrbetic has that similar projection as he matures physically. What he does do well is track the play and it keeps him in a lot of flurries, making sure he is one step ahead of the play to square to shooters. His rebound control is also quite good for a larger goaltender. More of a “stopper,” at this point, Vrbetic’s upside is alluring. Especially when you factor in how much better he looked at the end of last year compared to the beginning.

Videos

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/joe_vrbetic-1.mp4

In this first montage, we get a good idea of some of Vrbetic’s strengths and weaknesses. In the first play, he does not have that explosive push to get across to try to disrupt the Mississauga shooter and gets lucky that he fans on the shot attempt. In the second play, he makes a fantastic save on a similar play by stretching out. Again, there is a lack of a big push, but he’s long enough to take away the shot and reads the play well to make sure the Guelph player’s options are limited.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/joe_vrbetic-2_-_3rd_period_5_32_-_5_44.mp4

As Vrbetic improves his quickness and his confidence in his athletic abilities, he will be able to challenge shooters more aggressively and more consistently. In this clip, we see him caught too deep in the blue paint as he is unable to take away more of the shooting angle. When he is “on,” Vrbetic is further out in the crease and more aggressive, but when he is not (like this game, which was not a strong performance for Vrbetic), he becomes more passive and reverts into more of a shell to protect.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Joe-Vrbetic-3.mp4

I think what this montage of clips shows us is that Vrbetic can be a very effective puck stopper when he is aggressive in his crease. When he plays near the top of the blue paint, with his size, he can be difficult to beat. However, as is the case in the previous clips and in other poor performances, Vrbetic becomes too complacent at times and does have a tendency to get caught deep. The other thing that these clips show is that, again, for a larger netminder, Vrbetic’s rebound control is solid.

Grades: Athleticism/Quickness/Speed: 50 Compete/Temperament: 55 Vision/Play Reading: 55 Technique/Style: 50 Rebound Control: 55 Puck Handling: 50

OFP: 52.75

Tristan Lennox - Saginaw Spirit

6’4, 190lbs

2019-20 Stats: 20 wins, 3.63 GAA, .876 SV%

The 2019/20 season started off great for Lennox. He was stealing the show at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup as the starter for team Canada (with a miniscule 0.95 GAA and a .951 save percentage). Then, it all came crashing down. Lennox suffered an injury in the shootout portion of the semifinals against Sweden (which he won despite being in obvious pain). This kept him out of the Gold Medal game (which Canada lost), and while he did not miss any OHL time because of it, he just did not look like the same goaltender that we saw as a rookie in 2018/19 or the star stopper he was at the Hlinka/Gretzky. It is clear to me that the injury really derailed him, both physically and mentally. Coming into the year, he was a favourite for the OHL goaltender of the Year award on a strong Spirit team, but instead he spent most of the year fighting the puck and ended up splitting games with Marshall Frappier in a platoon role as Saginaw searched for someone who could give them what they needed between the pipes.

It is really too bad as I believe that Lennox is a very good goaltender who would have bounced back strong and put himself in contention with Gaudreau and Cossa as the second-best goaltender available behind Wallstedt. Instead, the most recent memories we have of Lennox are not overwhelmingly positive. He did sign an ATO with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL in February but was released a few weeks later and did not play a game.

When he is at his best, Lennox is a wall. He is 6’4, but he is very athletic and aggressive in his crease, which means he challenges shooters at the top of the blue paint, but also possesses the quickness to recover and track the puck effectively. He is just solid across the board in almost all areas and truly possesses the potential to be a number one netminder at the NHL level. His rebound control on low shots is definitely something that he will need to work on, as he can tend to kick pucks back into the slot from his pads.

However, last year, he just seemed unsure in the net; his confidence was shot. He was not covering his posts well. He was leaving holes while moving and had a tough time squeezing and securing shots cleanly. Again, though, I do truly believe that he just never completely recovered from that early season injury, physically or mentally. The fact that he is still earning the respect of scouts, as he appears high on many lists for 2021, tells you all you need to know about whether they think Lennox can bounce back.

Videos

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tristan-Lennox-1-Hlinka.mp4

First some great clips of Lennox at the 2019 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. He was truly dialed in and focused. He was fighting through traffic to make saves. He was corralling shots to the body and limiting his rebounds. He was challenging shooters and holding his posts well. His positioning was overall excellent.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tristan-Lennox-2-Bad.mp4

Now some goals against from last season in the OHL with Saginaw. Notice the difference. Lennox fought to contain and secure pucks, especially when it came to finding shots through traffic. He just was not tracking the play as well as he did previously and his confidence in the crease really seemed quite low. As a comparison, according to InStat, in his rookie OHL season in 2018/19, Lennox had a save percentage of 99 on shots from the half wall area. Last year, it dropped to 94. His save percentage from in tight, that home plate area? Dropped from 80 percent to 76 percent. A lot of that had to do with how many second chance opportunities he was giving up.

Grades: Athleticism/Quickness/Speed: 55 Compete/Temperament: 55 Vision/Play Reading: 55 Technique/Style: 55 Rebound Control: 50 Puck Handling: 50

OFP: 53.75

THE DEFENSE

Paul Christopoulous - North Bay Battalion

5’10, 187lbs

2019-20 Stats: 53 games, 4 goals, 7 assists, 11 points, 31 PIM, -41

Christopoulous, a smaller, yet mobile two-way defender, was part of the juggernaut Don Mills Flyers team that won the 2019 OHL Cup (along with the likes of Shane Wright, Brennan Othmann, and Brandt Clarke). Christopoulous actually often paired with either Clarke or Roman Schmidt, who now plays for the USDP and is a potential top three round selection. He was a standout on that team and one of the better defenders in the GTHL during his OHL draft year. Last season, his rookie year in the OHL, was certainly a learning experience for Christopoulous given that he played for a younger team (as mentioned with Vrbetic). His -41 was actually second worst in the entire OHL, however I do not believe that it was indicative of his play. Despite modest stats and that ugly +/-, he was named to the second all-rookie team. This season, expectations would have been high for Christopoulous, as he would have been given more ice time and likely even greater responsibility as a powerplay QB.

One of the driving forces of his success as a player is his mobility. Christopoulous is a very strong skater in all four directions. While his explosiveness and first few strides could stand to improve due to his lack of size and shorter stride, his overall mobility and agility are impressive. He can walk the line and maintain possession using strong edgework and pivots. He moves well backwards and laterally and minds his gaps well from a defensive perspective. All good things in his game come from his feet. There is a Ryan Merkley feel to his technique and effectiveness and it would have been interesting to see what he could do this year and whether his quickness would have improved. Christopoulous is also an efficient puck mover. He sees the ice well and identifies passing lanes, even in the face of pressure.

In U16 with Don Mills, he showcased a terrific point shot, among the best in his age group on the back end, but that was something we did not see enough of as an OHL rookie due to a lack of confidence. In the defensive end, he defended well in transition in one-on-one situations because of his advantages as a skater, but he struggled in coverage through the middle of the ice and had a tendency to get pinned in his own zone a lot due to a lack of strength to win those 50/50 battles. He is not a soft player, but he had trouble tying up forwards in that slot and crease area. Over the course of the season, Christopoulous’ offensive game slowed down a bit so that he could focus on improving in the defensive end, with that area of his game improving over the course of the season. I do believe he projects as a strong two-way defender.

Videos

- Christopoulous wears #4 for the Battalion

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Paul-Christopoulous-1-defense.mp4

The clips in this montage show how Christopoulous can struggle defending the slot and net front because he gets outmuscled or is too passive. The majority of the goals in his (-41) profile last season came as a result of either losing a battle near the net, or failing to be aggressive with his stick or body to take away a scoring opportunity from a shooter or attacker.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/paul_christopoulos-2_-_1st_period_6_1_-_6_14.mp4

While Christopoulous can struggle a bit with his decision making and assertiveness when defending in transition, over the course of the season his one on one stopping abilities greatly improved. Two clips here from the same game that show Christopoulous angling off the attackers and separating them from the puck, then making a clean pass to help initiate the breakout. In larger groups (three on three, two on two, overall zone coverage), he becomes too passive, but in these types of situations, he often neutralizes attacks well.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Paul-Christopoulous-3-Offense.mp4

This montage of Christopoulous shows his strong transitional attacking skills and his overall offensive profile. In the first two clips you will notice that he just does not yet have the strength to extend his attacks deep, as he can still be easily pushed off the puck. With added strength and awareness, I would expect that he is able to gain the offensive blueline and maintain possession, becoming a major asset to the Battalion because of his ability to enter the zone with control. We see glimpses of that in the primary assist that he picks up in the third clip. Notice that in all four clips, however, Christopoulous is aggressive in transition and will look to push and attack, applying pressure to opposing defenses and flipping the script quickly.

Grades: Skating: 55 Shot: 50 Skills: 50 Smarts: 55 Physicality: 45

OFP: 51.75

Ranvir Gill Shane - Ottawa 67’s

6’3, 185lbs

2019-20 Stats (OTT): 9 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, 4 PIM, +3

2019-20 Stats (CCHL): 51 games, 8 goals, 19 assists, 27 points, 16 PIM

Originally a fourth-round selection by the Ottawa 67’s, the big right shot defender spent the majority of last season in the CCHL (split between Ottawa and Kenata). There, he was a standout earning all-rookie team honours and establishing himself as one of the best young defenders not in the OHL. When he did play for the 67’s, as a call-up, he performed very admirably on a strong Ottawa 67’s team in a limited role. This season he would have competed with the likes of Jack Matier (Canadian U18 team) and Teddy Sawyer (2022 eligible) for consistent ice time and a permanent role.

Despite only playing nine OHL games last season (and playing sparingly at that), Gill-Shane is going to draw interest from NHL scouts because of his size and skating combination. He is a very fluid mover, who changes direction very well and this allows him to cover a ton of ice with his reach and long strides. He is also explosive moving forward and has significant potential as a puck moving defender because of his ability to carve up space.

At the OHL level, he largely played a very safe game. We did not get a real shot to see his capability as an attacker. He mostly deferred to his defensive partner or his supporting forwards to lead the exit. However, at the CCHL level and in the HEO previously (in his OHL draft year), Gill-Shane showed a real impressive ability to push the pace given his powerful stride. Defensively, he looked good at the OHL level in a limited role too. He had some trouble with the forecheck at times and a few bad turnovers resulted. However, one could argue that as he gains confidence at the OHL level, he would be able to use his skating ability better to create time and space for himself to make cleaner exit passes. Ultimately, these are the types of players NHL scouts are going to make their salary on this season; raw, athletic defenders with a real projectable skill set.

Videos

- Gill-Shane wears #5 for the 67’s

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ranvir-Gill-Shane-1-OHL-2.mp4

Let us start off with some clips of Gill-Shane from his OHL draft year when he played with the Ottawa Jr. Senators in the HEO. Here we see how Gill-Shane can negotiate space and attack using his speed. That package of size and quickness is very impressive.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ranvir-Gill-Shane-2-OHL-1.mp4

This montage serves as a look at how Gill-Shane can use his quickness, mobility, and reach to make a positive impact as a defensive player. Notice the play he makes against Serron Noel at the end of the montage. Noel is one of the most difficult players in the OHL to stop one on one because of his size and power and Gill-Shane stops him with ease. Again, Gill-Shane oozes potential in the defensive end.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ranvir-Gill-Shane-3-U18.mp4

As mentioned, there were not a lot of instances in his nine games in the OHL last year where Gill-Shane was confident enough to lead the attack or even take liberties from an offensive perspective. Here were two. The first shows Gill-Shane gaining the offensive zone (with the help of a good pick). The second shows a bad turnover that results in a three on one. Ultimately, the million-dollar question is, does Gill-Shane have the vision and awareness to be a consistent offensive contributor (using his skating ability)? I don’t think we can answer that, at this time. What we can say, for certain, is that Gill-Shane does possess the physical tools to be an asset in the defensive end at the very least.

Grades: Skating: 55 Shot: 50 Skills: 55 Smarts: 50 Physicality: 50

OFP: 52

Jacob Holmes - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

6’1, 185lbs

2019-20 Stats: 57 games, 3 goals, 6 assists, 9 points, 12 PIM, +9

Long considered one of the better defenders in this age group in Ontario, Jacob Holmes saw limited ice time for the Greyhounds last year in a third pairing role as an OHL rookie. The club’s first round pick in 2019, Holmes was one of Team Ontario’s most integral defenders at the 2019 Canada Winter Games (ahead of the likes of Roman Schmidt and Ethan Del Mastro on the depth chart). He also suited up for Canada Red at the 2019 World Under 17’s. Needless to say, there is a pedigree here. The Soo Greyhounds are notorious for bringing their defenders along slowly and given the team’s outstanding defensive depth, there is no guarantee that his role would have been significantly greater this season had it occurred. However, there is also no doubting Holmes’ potential as a two-way defender.

At various parts of last season, Holmes did see significant responsibility on Sault Ste. Marie’s powerplay, and he did the same on Canada Red at the U17’s. This is because of his big point shot, his best weapon as an offensive player. Holmes does a good job using his feet to create shooting lanes, either to use a quick wrister while in motion, or off the puck so that he can get set up for the one timer. He definitely has the potential to be a triggerman on the powerplay at the next level too.

The rest of his game offensively is pretty raw. Holmes struggled with his exits and turnovers over the course of his first OHL season. His decision making with the puck definitely needs to improve, especially in the face of pressure. Defensively, though, Holmes was solid and reliable. His positioning and anticipation is good and he uses both his strong agility and his stick to neutralize attackers and defend the middle of the ice. As said, the potential is there for him to develop into a two-way defender. The question is, how will scouts view Holmes’ vision and his potential as an offensive player outside of his big point shot?

Videos

- Holmes wears #6 for the Greyhounds

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Holmes-shot-1.mp4

As mentioned, Holmes is a heck of a triggerman. His point shot is a major asset. Here we see evidence of that. A couple big one timers for goals. A couple of great plays with his feet to open up a lane for his wrist shot. He utilizes both shots pretty equally and is a multi faceted scorer from the point. This is why he projects as someone who can play regularly on the powerplay, although likely paired with a more traditional powerplay QB.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Holmes-turnovers-2.mp4

Where Holmes tends to struggle is with the puck in the defensive end. Too many of his exits fail to find the mark. Turnovers are an issue in the face of a forecheck. He will need to clean that up and learn to make quicker decisions. He will also need to learn when to take chances and when to play it safe. This is not an uncommon problem for 16 year old defenders in the OHL, as they adjust to the pace of play in the OHL. Would he have improved this part of his game this year?

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Holmes-3-jacob_holmes_-_2nd_period_8_53_-_9_6.mp4

This play is the type of play NHL scouts probably would have liked to see more from Holmes last season. Great cross ice pass here to find Dickinson for the goal. In my views of Holmes, it was also one of the only times that he rotated down closer to the hash marks. This season, the main focus would have been on whether Holmes could improve his playmaking ability and play a little more aggressively offensively to make plays in other ways besides shooting from just inside the blueline.

Grades: Skating: 55 Shot: 55 Skills: 50 Smarts: 50 Physicality: 50

OFP: 51.75

Isaac Enright - Niagara IceDogs

6’0, 170lbs

2019-20 Stats: 53 games, 1 goals, 8 assists, 9 points, 34 PIM, -23

Enright, much like Jacob Holmes, was an OHL first round pick and a highly touted defender coming into the league. He too played at the Canadian Winter Games (for Team Ontario) and at the World Under 17’s (for Canada White). However, unlike Holmes, Enright got pretty significant ice time for Niagara due to the fact that they were a rebuilding team. This definitely led to a steeper learning curve as he was asked to play in all situations and was not sheltered in the least.

Like some of the other defenders mentioned, Enright is on the NHL draft radar because he is a fluid skater and has a projection as an all situations, two-way defender. He definitely plays with some sandpaper and was a lot more physically assertive than your average 16/17-year-old defender. He will finish his checks along the wall, he will lead with his body to separate his man from the puck, and he will stand up forwards at the blueline. He is stronger than his slight frame would indicate, and I would imagine that as he becomes more confident, the physical side of his game would only become more prominent.

However, he does have some bad tendencies as a defensive player that were magnified playing on a poor Niagara team. He gets caught puck watching too much and seems to lose communication or get lost in the defensive zone at times. Additionally, he has a tendency to reach with his stick and stop moving his feet when defending in transition, which totally negates his strengths as a mover. These two things led to the majority of his errors that led to goals last season.

Offensively, Enright is a safe player. That means he made less mistakes than your average rookie defender with the puck, but it also meant that he was not able to create as much either. Lots of chip or dump outs. He certainly has the ability to lead the attack and did so at times, especially when working the powerplay. However, his shot is not a strength, and I am not confident he possesses the puck skill or creativity to be a top end playmaker. So, with Enright, the projection looks stronger on the defensive side of things.

Videos

- Enright wears #4 for the IceDogs

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Isaac-Enright-1-Bad-defense.mp4

Here we see a collection of some of Enright’s defensive miscues this season. As mentioned, he does not utilize his mobility as well as he could when defending transitional attacks because he has a tendency to get caught standing still. Additionally, this extends to his coverage in the defensive zone, as he gets caught watching the puck or miscommunicates with his defensive partner. It is important to note that these mistakes do get amplified because of Niagara’s struggles, especially on the defensive side of things.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Isaac-Enright-2-good-offense.mp4

This montage gives you a pretty good idea of what Enright brings to the table as an offensive player at this current moment. He holds the line and is able to make quick decisions with the puck or use his feet to give himself room. He can make a quick outlet or lead the attack. Generally speaking, he is not flashy and he could stand to be a little more patient with the puck given his skating ability, but he also limits his mistakes.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/isaac_enright_3-_3rd_period_23_6_-_23_28.mp4

As mentioned, Enright is a tough kid who plays a lot bigger than his size and frame would indicate. Here is one of a couple fights that he got into last season. He stands up fellow 2021 draft eligible OHL’er Mason McTavish and then the two square off in a lopsided game. Not much of a fight, but it shows that Enright is a more than willing physical combatant.

Grades: Skating: 55 Shot: 45 Skills: 50 Smarts: 50 Physicality: 55

OFP: 51.75

Braden Haché - Kingston Frontenacs

6’2, 187lbs

2019-20 Stats: 29 games, 0 goals, 5 assists, 5 points, 15 PIM, +1

A physically imposing, stay at home defender, Haché is someone who started last year seeing minimal ice time, but by February and March, he had earned a regular spot in the lineup and had nearly doubled his ice time. A U16 teammate of fellow defensive listee Jacob Holmes, Haché is also a noted humanitarian and was the only U17 player nominated for the Dan Snyder Humanitarian of the year award in the OHL last season. His work with Hockey Fights Cancer and Hockey Gives Blood should be noted as his character is something that will unquestionably impress NHL scouts. This is a future captain.

On the ice, Haché is at his best and his most comfortable in the defensive end. He is a suffocating one on one defender who is as strong as an ox and is an absolutely imposing and dominant physical player. Haché revels in the chance to finish his checks and he makes his presence felt along the wall. Not only does he find success winning those 50/50 battles and separating attackers from the puck, but he also forces players into rash, quick decisions because they fear Haché’s thunder.

Haché also has a pretty good stick, which combined with his reach, makes him someone who usually can combat transitional attacks and net drives. There are some flaws in his skating that prevent him from being a more dominant defensive force at this time. His functional agility and four-way mobility have room for improvement. He can have trouble with his transitions or in keeping up with forwards who use their edges well to change direction or pace. Haché skates well in a straight line, so he is able to help track down loose pucks or play catch up but improving the fluidity of his stride will be a priority moving forward. Overall though, I do think that he has a chance to be an average skater considering his size and strength.

Offensively, Haché’s game has limitations currently. He shows flashes of an ability to carry the puck, which given his ability to physically dominate down low, would be a huge asset if he could gain confidence in this area. Ditto for his exit pass. When he does try to push forward or take chances with the puck, he seems to struggle with making quick decisions and turnovers can be the result. However, he does do a good job of holding the line and getting pucks on net with a quick wrist shot.

Ultimately, the question is, can Haché’s skating ability and his offensive effectiveness improve to at least average, making him a potentially elite stay at home defender? Without question, there are some similarities here between Kevin Bahl and Braden Haché at the same age.

Videos

- Haché wears #5 for the Frontenacs

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Braden-Hache-1-physicality.mp4

What more is there to say here? Haché hits hard. Keep in mind that this is a 16 year old kid. Imagine the physical potential he possesses as he gets even bigger and stronger? The other thing I love about Haché is that his hits fit well within the game flow. He does not simply skate around looking for the big hit like some physically assertive young CHL players have a tendency to do. Rarely do Haché’s hits take him out of position and they are well timed. This is a kid who understands when to play the body and when to use his reach or mind his gap.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Braden-Hache-2-defensive-miscues.mp4

That said, as mentioned, there are some things currently holding Hache back from being a more dominant defensive player. Again, keep in mind his age. You do not come into the OHL at 16 and become a dominant defensive player. As you can see from these clips, Haché can struggle with quicker forwards or players who can change direction quickly. He also needs to improve his awareness when covering the slot or trying to defend the crease. As he gains confidence and experience, I do expect him to develop into one of the OHL’s elite stay at home defenders.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Braden-Hache-3-offense.mp4

There were certainly moments last year where we saw Haché make positive plays with the puck. Be it an effective rush and entry, a great stretch pass, or a strong hold of the blueline. However, there were other times where he struggled under pressure, especially when trying to make pushes past his own blueline. In his rookie OHL season, he was at his best when he kept things simple. But, do those flashes offer a glimpse of greater offensive potential as Haché’s confidence with the puck grows, or is his upside limited by a lack of creativity and puck skill?

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 45, Skills: 45, Smarts: 50 Physicality: 65

OFP: 51.75

Bryce Montgomery - London Knights

6’5, 220lbs

2019-20 Stats: 33 games, 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, 9 PIM, +3

Surface level, Montgomery probably does not look like an NHL draft pick. To the naked eye, you see a late born 2002 who played sparingly for the London Knights last season as an OHL rookie. Of the 33 games he played last season for London, Montgomery only played over 12 minutes in five of those, even seeing some action at forward. But this had more to do with London’s depth and not with Montgomery’s ability and potential. This is a kid who gave up on a scholarship with Providence to join London and who would have likely been a part of London’s top four on defense had the OHL season been played this year. In classic London fashion, he likely would have been a breakout candidate in his draft year.

From my understanding with chatting with those who cover the Prep school scene, Montgomery is a kid who has improved drastically over the last couple of years, putting in the work to improve all facets of his game to land on the NHL draft radar. The profile here is similar to Sudbury’s Isaak Phillips last year, in that Montgomery may be older than some of the players eligible, but he is also far from a polished product as a projectable defender with size and mobility. Montgomery moves quite well forward, especially once he gets a few strides in. His top speed is impressive for a big defender and as such, he can really chew up a lot of ice in a short period of time. However, he also turns and pivots well, giving him some elusiveness and potential as a puck carrier.

The ice time was not consistent, and the confidence is not always there, but he flashes an ability to be someone who can have a real positive impact with the puck on his stick. Montgomery also shows the potential to be a solid triggerman. He has good shooting mechanics and gets a lot of power behind a one timer which he keeps low (both of his assists on the year were from similar one timed point shots). I do not believe that he is a natural goal scorer from the point, but if he can continue to get pucks quickly to the net and keep them low, he can generate scoring chances from it.

From a defensive perspective, Montgomery has a ton of potential because of his size and mobility. You might expect a player of his size to be extremely mean, but that would not be the case at this current moment. That is not to say that Montgomery is soft; far from it. However, he is more of a stick on puck defender who tries to stay ahead of the attack and will look to use his reach to break up plays or flip possession along the wall. Think along the same lines as the way we describe Owen Power’s game in the defensive end. If he can add a little more of a physical element to his game, he would be that much more effective.

Ultimately the key word when describing Montgomery is potential. With his raw, physical tools, there is a lot for the London Knights and an NHL development staff to work with.

Videos

- Montgomery wears #58 for the Knights

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Bryce-Montgomery-1-Offense.mp4

This is a nice collection of some real positive work by Montgomery offensively. Two nice rushes and entries by Montgomery that showcases not only his power but agility too. Then we get an offensive sequence where Montgomery sets up Antonio Stranges with a great cross ice pass, making a quick decision to thread the needle back to him. Finally we see his only two assists on the year, both coming from one timed point shots, as I alluded to earlier. Considering how little Montgomery played and how conservative he looked at times, these instances show some serious potential. Stick tap to Billy Sullivan for helping me locate some hard to find clips too.

Bryce Montgomery 2 Screen Recording 2021-04-27 at 5.14.19 PM

Yes...this shift is at the end of a game that is already decided. But, it still demonstrates some of Montgomery’s strength and it is a real positive shift for him. Hustle back to the defensive zone after missing on the one timer then some good footwork to evade the forecheck and start the breakout. This is followed later by another strong offensive zone entry that results in a scoring chance. And it culminated with a nice defensive play on the backcheck to negate a two on one. We see the full spectrum of his skill set here.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Bryce-Montgomery-3-bad.mp4

A lot of the miscues that Montgomery made last season stemmed from indecisiveness. A lot of that probably had to do with the fact that he was playing to not make mistakes, rather than more aggressively. With his reach and above average mobility, he is often able to negate these mistakes, especially when defending in transition. However, you would love to see him close gaps a little faster and take more chances to break up plays in the neutral zone, given his reach and ability to recover. Dictate the play and take charge. I feel like as he gains confidence, we will likely see him develop into that kind of defender.

Grades: Skating: 55 Shot: 52.5 Skills: 50 Smarts: 52.5 Physicality: 55

OFP: 53.25

Connor Punnett - Barrie Colts

6’1, 176lbs

2019-20 Stats: 51 games, 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 points, 28 PIM, +3

Acquired by Barrie last season as part of the transaction that sent Ryan Suzuki to Saginaw, Punnett split last season between the Colts and Spirit. A first round pick by Saginaw in 2019, Punnett also suited up for Canada Red at the U17’s (along with his defensive partner at the event, Jacob Holmes) and has long been considered one of the better defenders in this Ontario age crop. In a likelihood, he would have had a chance to be a top four defender for the Colts this season, after receiving inconsistent ice time last year (which actually dwindled in the second half).

Punnett’s rookie OHL season had its ups and downs. His ice time fluctuated heavily with both Saginaw and Barrie, so it felt like he never truly got comfortable. That said, I thought he was one of Canada’s (across all three teams) best defenseman at the U17’s. At that event he showed multiple layers to his game at both ends of the ice, with his playmaking ability standing out way more against his peers than it did in the OHL. At the OHL level, the majority of Punnett’s created chances were from him firing shots from the point. He showed flashes of being able to lead the attack and gain the zone, even pinching aggressively to follow his dump ins, but not much was ever created. Additionally, his exit pass definitely needs improvement as too many missed their mark, especially when Punnett was in movement. However, as you can see from some of the clips, he skates well and he does show potential as a puck mover. He just needs to clean things up a bit.

One area of Punnett’s game that definitely stood out as an OHL rookie was his physicality. Right from the get-go, he showed a penchant for the big hit, catching attackers with their heads down or angling them to the wall and finishing strong. This physicality needs to translate more to net front coverage though, if he truly wants to be a difficult defender to match up against. However, defensive miscues were largely kept to a minimum. Most stemmed from a lack of aggressiveness or from puck watching in coverage. But given his mobility, his physicality, and the fact that he showed growth over the year, Punnett does project as someone who can be a lockdown defender. NHL scouts would probably prefer he was a little bigger with a longer reach, but he makes up for it with aggressiveness and determination. I suppose the question I have is, does Punnett have good enough vision with the puck to be a two-way NHL defender?

Videos

- Punnett wore #5, 62, and 2 at different points last year for the Colts and Spirit

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Connor-Punnett-1-Physicality.mp4

As mentioned, Punnett revels in the opportunity to lay a big hit. He is especially physical in the neutral zone and along the wall. This gives him a competitive edge when tracking down loose pucks, as forwards have a tendency to rush their decisions even if they beat him to it, because they fear Punnett’s thunder.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Connor-Punnet-2-2-on-1.mp4

I think this is an incredible sequence and it speaks to Punnett’s ability to learn from previous mistakes. We have three 2 on 1’s that Punnett was forced to defend last year. It goes in order from oldest to newest (so earlier in the season to later in the season). The first one he plays horribly, as he is just way too passive, taking away neither the pass or the shot. The second one he plays too aggressively, committing to the shooter too early. The third one, he plays perfectly, forcing the puck carrier to show his hand and make the first move, then he takes away the pass with a sliding block.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Connor-Punnett-3-offense.mp4

Here we have a mash-up of some of Punnett’s best offensive plays from the past calendar year. You see the potential here. He skates well moving forward and has some explosiveness in his stride that allows him to push through the neutral zone. As mentioned though, given the struggles he had with his exit last year and that many of his extended rushes ended with dump ins and not set ups for his teammates, it makes me wonder about whether he sees the ice well enough to be a consistent point producer.

Grades: Skating: 55 Shot: 50 Skills: 50 Smarts: 50 Physicality: 57.5

OFP: 52.75

Ryan Mast - Sarnia Sting

6’4, 190lbs

2019-20 Stats: 58 games, 1 goals, 10 assists, 11 points, 31 PIM, -15

I think that there was a fair amount of surprise in the OHL scouting community when the Sting were able to sign Mast last season, after he was a 9th round selection by Sarnia. A standout with the Detroit Compuware program, getting a commitment from him was huge for the organization, especially given their struggles defensively. He lived up to the hype too, playing an immediate top four role for the Sting as a 16/17 year old. Sure, Sarnia struggled mightily as a team defensively last season, but Mast showed moments of being an impact defender in this league. In my opinion, he would have been a member of Team USA at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, had it occurred this past summer.

Given his size, Mast has immense potential as a defensive player first, and foremost. He is not an innately skilled defender; flashy is not the word you would use to describe him. You are not likely to see Mast blast his way through the neutral zone or lead the charge from an offensive perspective. His explosiveness and forward speed would only be considered average. However, his ability to start the breakout with heads up passes and quick decision making was very noticeable in his rookie season. It is clear that Mast is an intelligent kid and has a great understanding of how to play at an up tempo pace. In watching games for this piece, Mast navigates the forecheck extremely well and has that high panic threshold that you look for from more stay at home oriented defenders.

His meal ticket as a potential NHL defender will definitely be in the defensive end. While Mast’s explosiveness in all four directions could use improvement, the fluidity of his stride laterally and backwards, and his overall agility, are good for a 6’4 defender. This really makes him an asset in defending transitional attacks, as he can use his size and reach to angle attackers to the wall and strip them of the puck. He is also aggressive when defending, bringing the attack to the opposition, showing way more confidence than the usual rookie defender when it comes to stepping up in the neutral zone or early in the defensive zone to disrupt puck carriers.

Overall, his decision making, just as it does with the puck, stands out positively as a defensive player. He has such an active stick and he anticipates passes and movement well to be a disruptive force. I am sure NHL scouts would love to see him use his 6’4 frame to be more of a consistent physical force, especially when it comes to playing the net front, but that may come with added experience and confidence. Ultimately, what we have in Mast is a 6’4, right shot defender who profiles as a strong defensive presence, but who may also have some untapped offensive potential because of a high IQ.

Videos

- Mast wears #3 for the Sting

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ryan-Mast-1-skating.mp4

As you can see from these clips, Mast does struggle to generate power and speed in those first few strides. He does not have the same recovery ability as some other defenders might have, meaning his margin for error is greater. This prevents him from being more a consistent factor offensively in transition for two reasons. The first is the fear that if he does make a mistake, he is not able to chew up ice and recover the way a guy like Thomas Harley could. The second, is that he lacks that explosiveness to allow him to cover a lot of ground quickly when carrying the puck, so he often takes a more methodical approach. This is why it is so critical that his exit pass is as strong as it is.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ryan-Mast-2-passing.mp4

Mast is a kid who just seems to make very few mistakes with the puck, even if he is not blessed with the kind of “silky mitts” you might expect from an offensive defender. He can be successful because of how quickly and how well he processes the game and because of the precision of his passes. In these last few clips as part of this montage, we also see how his transitional defense can lead to transitional offense extremely quickly because of how aggressive he is with his stick.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ryan-Mast-3-defense.mp4

The final two clips (as mentioned) in the previous collection segway nicely into this collection. Mast has such great reach and his gap control is consistently excellent. Additionally, he takes such great routes to collect pucks or cut off lanes from attackers, allowing him to initiate the breakout quicker. With greater defensive support from his teammates (an issue in Sarnia), Mast should eventually become one of the better stay at home defenders in the OHL.

Grades: Skating: 50 Shot: 50 Skills: 50 Smarts: 57.5 Physicality: 55

OFP: 53.25

Simon Motew - Kitchener Rangers

5’11, 172lbs

2019-20 Stats (OHL): 34 games, 1 goals, 10 assists, 11 points, 21 PIM, +11

2020-21 Stats (USPHL): 21 games, 16 goals, 29 assists, 45 points, 28 PIM

Motew, a highly talented offensive defenseman and former Chicago Mission defender, was a top recruit by the Rangers two years ago. In 2019/20, he rotated in and out of the lineup, playing third pairing minutes when he did get into game action. However, he made the most of his opportunities and often stood out in a positive way despite limited ice time and sheltered responsibilities. This year, he stayed home to play in the USPHL, a lower level College Hockey feeder league. It's not really the highest quality, but Motew torched the league with 2.14 points per game, one of the best seasons in league history from the back-end. We have two comparisons that we can make, Pittsburgh Penguins defender John Marino and current Toronto Maple Leafs defense prospect Joseph Duszak. Marino was drafted out of the USPHL with South Shore when he was well under a point per game. Duszak was just over a point per game in his U18 year with the P.A.L. Junior Islanders.

At the heart of Motew’s game is his skating ability. For my money, Motew has the potential to be the best skating defender available from the OHL this year. His top speed and ability to generate speed quickly is only a little above average, however I think the potential is there for him to really become more powerful as he gains lower body strength and learns to utilize those lateral crossovers more effectively and consistently. However, he is dynamic and fluid on his edges. This allows him to vary pace and avoid stick checks cutting through the neutral zone. It also allows him to keep the puck on a string when patrolling the point just inside the blueline. He routinely makes the first defender miss, which contributes to breakdowns in defensive coverage and opens up passing/shooting lanes for him.

He didn’t really get any powerplay time with the Rangers, but if he did, his production would have been even more impressive. Of course, given Motew’s skating, skill, and creativity, he plays a higher risk game. He is consistently looking for opportunities to jump up into the play or pinch. Sometimes this leads to an odd man rush the other way. Sometimes he tries to force a play at the line and fails to get a puck in deep, resulting in a turnover and an odd man rush the other way. As he gains experience, it will be interesting to see how he balances this and picks his spots, hopefully cutting down on some of those turnovers. At the USPHL level, it seemed like he was able to do whatever he wanted with the puck and was not quite challenged enough, leading to the odd complacent play.

Defensively, I thought he was actually better as a rookie with Kitchener than he looked in the USPHL with Chicago this year. This year, there were plays where he looked completely disinterested from playing in his own end. Whereas as an OHL rookie two years ago, Motew actually was fairly sturdy in his own end, showing good awareness in the slot specifically to intercept or break up passes, and obviously his mobility gives him an advantage when it comes to defending transitional attacks. I kind of got the vibe from watching some games with Chicago this year, that Motew was just out there having fun and, perhaps, didn’t take his three zone responsibilities quite as seriously. Either way, as an average sized defender, Motew will need to prove that he can defend net front and consistently win those battles in the corner by increasing his physical intensity and getting stronger. It is cliched, but it is definitely true in this case. Any way you slice it, Motew has to be considered one of the highest ceiling offensive defenders available from the OHL this year.

Videos

- Motew wears #46 for the Rangers & #11 for Chicago (USPHL)

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Simon-Motew-1-Good-HSPHL.mp4

As you can see, Motew had a lot of fun playing in the USPHL this year. He consistently walked around defenders and created scoring chances, playing a high tempo...although higher risk kind of offensive game. This is an extremely skilled kid. Hopefully he can carry over this level of confidence to the OHL when it returns to play.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Simon-Motew-2-Bad-USPHL.mp4

Sometimes creative and confident puck handlers turn the puck over. It is the nature of hockey. They won’t beat defenders one on one every shift. This is the case for Motew as you can see from the first two clips in this collection. Defensively though, his effort was pretty inconsistent in the USPHL. You see from one clip as he defends a transitional attack by doing the opposite of closing his gap, essentially giving the attacker free reign. In another clip, you see Motew completely ignore the forward in front of his net, instead of tying him up as he taps one in. Again though, in watching him in the OHL, these issues were not that prevalent, so I believe this to be a case of a player not being challenged enough and falling into some bad habits because of it.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Simon-Motew-3-Good-OHL.mp4

Here we see some positive offensive plays by Motew in his rookie year with Kitchener. As you can see, he is capable of doing the sort of things he did in the USPHL, in the OHL too. His first OHL goal against Erie was an absolute beauty and is included here, as he went end to end, walked a defender and scored. It will be very interesting to see what he is capable of with more confidence and perhaps a little more power. The upside is tremendous.

Grades: Skating: 55 Shot: 55 Skills: 60 Smarts: 50 Physicality: 45

OFP: 52.25

Ben Roger - London Knights

6’4, 194lbs

2019-20 Stats (OHL): 35 games, 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 points, 6 PIM, -2

Much like Bryce Montgomery, Roger is a late born 2002 who was an OHL rookie the last time the league took the ice. And like Montgomery, Roger was used in a third pairing role, cycling in and out of London’s lineup due to their depth. Given his age, you would have liked to have seen him play more for evaluation purposes, but such is the hand that we have been dealt. At 6’4 and nearly 200lbs, Roger is going to entice scouts because of his size, right shot, and his strong mobility. In a lot of ways, Roger has the same sort of profile as a few of the defenders on this list, like his teammate Montgomery, or Ryan Mast, or Ranvir Gill Shane. The physical tools are there, but a lack of true responsibility and ice time may prevent true assessment of potential.

As mentioned, Roger’s best asset, without a doubt, is his feet. Even at 6’4, he has to be considered one of the smoothest skaters among this Ontario draft class. That is most certainly why NHL Central Scouting has him as high as they do. He generates speed quickly with his long, powerful strides and this allows him to be quick to loose pucks and aid in the exit out of London’s zone. Interestingly enough, the majority of the instances of Roger using his quickness to lead the attack or jump up in the play occurred earlier in the season, with him playing much more conservatively later on. It would have been very interesting to see how his confidence would have improved materializing into potentially more created scoring chances this season. There is certainly offensive potential there.

From a defensive perspective, Roger uses his feet to play aggressively when defending in transition, minding a close gap and using his stick to force turnovers. He occasionally flashes an ability to play the body, so like his offensive potential, it will be interesting to see if he becomes more physically assertive with age, experience, and confidence. Much like some of the other defenders on this list, Roger played very conservatively in the offensive zone, which makes it difficult to ascertain just how skilled and creative he can be. He holds the offensive blueline well, however, he often settles for low percentage quick wrist or snap shots when pressured, rather than using his feet to create space or lanes. He definitely looks a bit stiff and rigid, similar to some of my concerns with Daniil Chayka. He did score two goals on the season, but his shot did seem to find the wall or shin pads more often than it found the net.

Ultimately, with Roger, what you are looking at is a big right shot defender with the potential to develop into a strong two-way player. His mobility is a big asset and he is certainly in the right spot to develop with London (look at what London did with a similar player in Alec Regula). If NHL scouts are convinced that his skill and vision with the puck are high end, he could come off the board early, just like a few of the other similarly profiled defenders mentioned in this article.

Videos

- Roger wears #74 for the Knights

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ben-Roger-1-offense.mp4

In this collection, we see some of the offensive potential Roger possesses. Couple quick wrist shots that find their way through traffic for goals. But most importantly, we see how explosive he is moving forward with the puck and how that could perhaps lead to him taking a larger offensive role in the future with London.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ben-Roger-2-Defense.mp4

Three similar defensive plays by Roger, defending attackers with pace. Three similar outcomes. He is just so difficult to maneuver around because of his mobility and reach. Really like how early he closed off the lane in the first clip against the Steelheads, stepping up just inside the blueline to stop the attacker. I watched a lot of clips of him defending pace, and I didn’t see anyone beat him to the outside.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ben_roger-3_-_2nd_period_10_1_-_10_16.mp4

This was from relatively early on in the season in 2019/20. A really poor decision to pinch by Roger leads to an odd man rush the other way, but thankfully not a goal. As the season went on, we saw him fall into a shell a little bit as an offensive player and I wonder if it was because of plays like this causing his confidence to drop. When you play for a team as deep as London, there is a pressure to play mistake free as a young player so that you stay in the lineup.

Grades: Skating: 57.5 Shot: 45 Skills: 50 Smarts: 50 Physicality: 55

OFP: 52.375

Artem Guryev - Peterborough Petes

6’3, 198lbs

2019-20 Stats (OTT): 14 games, 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, 4 PIM, +3

2019-20 Stats (OJHL): 20 games, 3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points, 66 PIM

Coming out of U16 with the Toronto Marlboros, Guryev was billed as one of the most physically intense players available, in addition to possessing some untapped offensive potential due to a big point shot and adequate puck skill. In 2019/20, he split the year between Peterbrough and Lindsay of the OJHL, although played a relatively limited role with the Petes. Like some of the other defenders on this list, it has made it tough to get a read on him.

With the Marlboros in his U16 (OHL Draft) year, and with Lindsay, Guryev showed an ability to be one of the most physically feared players in this age group. It is something that can get him in penalty trouble, as discipline can be an issue, however he hits hard, and he hits with authority. However, at the OHL level, he seemed hesitant to really throw some of those big hits that he is known for, fearing that he would mistime it or take himself out of the play, so he kept things simple, minding his gaps, using his stick, and rarely leaving the net front area in the defensive end. While this conservative approach did limit his mistakes as a defensive player, it also limited his impact on the game.

Guryev is actually a pretty mobile defender, especially for a guy his size. So, he has the ability to challenge opposing players more consistently, ranging out to the corners and roving more to apply both physical and stick pressure. Offensively, with Lindsay he showed more than he did with Peterborough. The big point shot showed well in the OJHL, with Guryev even showing the ability to use his feet to create shooting lanes for himself. However, at the OHL level, again, his conservative approach prevented him from seeking those shooting opportunities.

With the puck in the defensive end, he struggled with his breakout passes when he did attempt them, and seemed to get himself bottled up a lot. This comes from him not trusting his skating ability to create that space he is capable of earning. But I don't believe we have seen the best of Guryev, not even close. Defensively, he has the potential to be a real asset because of his physical approach, size, and mobility. Even if the offensive side of things never progresses, NHL teams are likely to take a chance on him hoping that he can at least be a serviceable third pairing defender who can keep things simple and be an intimidating presence.

Videos

- Guryev wears #24 for the Petes and #27 for Lindsay (OJHL)

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/artem_guryev-1_-_Big-Hit.mp4

Ironically, the largest hit we saw Guryev throw in the OHL last year was actually on the attack offensively. He just plows through Swiss Import Kyen Sopa and exits the zone. Again, this is a kid who is known as a punishing body checker, but we did not see that at the OHL level last year.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Artem-Guryev-2-GB.mp4

Two clips here, one bad and one good. First is the bad. I spoke of Guryev’s hesitancy to use his size and play a physical game at the OHL and we see that in the first clip. In the OJHL or in U16, Guryev is throwing a huge hit there in order to secure that dump in. But here, he is too passive and Peterborough ends up losing that 50/50 battle and Oshawa sets up in their zone. The second clip is a terrific defensive play by Guryev, defending the two on one perfectly. In open ice and when defending the slot area, I found Guryev to be very successful as a defensive player. When forced to venture out, he looked hesitant and did not find near the same amount of success.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Artem-Guryev-2-GB.mp4

Here we have a collection of Guryev turnovers from a year ago, both at the OHL and OJHL level. As mentioned, his exit pass will need work and he does seem to struggle when trying to make quick decisions to get the puck up ice.

Grades: Skating: 55 Shot: 50 Skills: 45 Smarts: 50 Physicality: 57.5

OFP: 52

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2019-20 OHL Preview

Brock Otten — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 01:03:50 +0000

The 2019/20 OHL season is already underway, but it is not too late to preview some of the top teams and top players in the league this year. Who are the Championship contenders? Who are the top NHL prospects playing in the league this year? Who are the top NHL draft prospects for 2020? Keep reading to find out.

Graeme Clarke of the Ottawa 67''s. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Eastern Conference

Championship Contenders

Ottawa 67’s

While there have been some losses up front for the 67’s (Sasha Chmelevski, Tye Felhaber, Kody Clark, Kyle Maksimovich, Lucas Chiodo all graduated), the defending Eastern Conference Champions do return their entire blueline and one of their starting goaltenders. Kevin Bahl (Arizona), Noel Hoefenmayer (UFA), Merrick Rippon (2020), Nikita Okhotyuk (New Jersey), Hudson Wilson (UFA), and Alec Belanger (2020) all return and should give the 67’s a chance to repeat as the top defensive team in the Ontario Hockey League (the 67’s led the league in goals against in 2018/19). Additionally, Cedrick Andree (2020) mans the crease again, a year after finishing fourth in the OHL in wins, despite splitting time late in the year with Michael Dipietro after the latter’s acquisition from Windsor. While the club’s secondary scoring remains a bit of a mystery, the top line of Austen Keating (UFA), Marco Rossi (2020), and Graeme Clarke (New Jersey) should score a ton. Management also has a boatload of draft picks (five 2nd rounders and five 3rd rounders over the next three seasons) to make moves should they require upgrades.

Sudbury Wolves

This is the Quinton Byfield (2020) show. Last year, the Wolves were led by one of the best goaltending performances that the league has ever seen from Buffalo prospect Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen. But this year, top 2020 NHL draft prospect Byfield is ready to be the catalyst and one of the best players in the OHL. Sudbury has surrounded him with enough veteran talent too, that includes Carolina draft pick Blake Murray (Carolina). But preventing goals may be the Achilles Heel of this team heading into the year. The defense is on the younger side, and neither Christian Purboo (2020) nor Mitchell Weeks (2020) have proven to be strong starting netminders. Keep an eye on two 2020 draft prospects in Jack Thompson (2020) and Isaak Phillips (2020) here, as they will be seeing a ton of minutes and could rocket up draft boards with strong performances. In a slightly weaker division, look for Sudbury to overcome some holes and earn home ice in the first round.

Peterborough Petes

Unfortunately for Peterborough, they play in the same division as the 67’s, which means one of these teams will finish third in the Conference. But Peterborough should be considered the second-best team in the East right now, even with the Ryan Merkley (San Jose) conundrum surrounding the team. The Sharks first rounder awaits a trade from the Petes after the club decided to go in a different direction. This could no doubt be a distraction, but Peterborough is a very talented team. Nick Robertson (Toronto) leads the way and is a serious candidate to lead the league in scoring and win the Red Tilson as the league’s most outstanding player. Hunter Jones (Minnesota) is a candidate to win the newly named Jim Rutherford award as the league’s top goaltender. Declan Chisholm (Winnipeg) is a top candidate to win the Max Kaminski as the league’s top defender. There is star power at every position, in addition to depth. This team is going to score a lot, and like Ottawa, they have a bevy of draft picks in the cupboard that they could use to improve further.

Oshawa Generals

While there are some serious questions surrounding the quality of goaltending Oshawa could receive this year, there are no questions about the talent level playing in front of said goaltender(s). The Generals return nearly their entire defense from a year ago, led by two NHL draft picks, Gio Vallati (Winnipeg), Nico Gross (NY Rangers), in addition to top 2020 draft prospect Lleyton Moore (2020). At forward, Serron Noel (Florida), and Allan McShane (Montreal) are the stars, but a strong supporting cast surrounds them. Look for Noel to have an absolutely monster year from an offensive perspective. His size and skill combination is so difficult for some of the league’s smaller defenders to handle. If the Generals do falter and find themselves in the middle of the pack, look for them to trade away some of their graduating players like Noel, McShane, and Vallati, in order retool for next year when the team’s goaltending could be addressed more definitively.

Barrie Colts

The Colts are a real wild card heading into the year. They underachieved last year, but a lot of that had to do with some injuries. Additionally, coach Dale Hawerchuk had to step away during training camp due to health concerns, so management brought in veteran Warren Rychel to steer the ship. Despite the turmoil, this is a very talented team. Ryan Suzuki (Carolina) should be better equipped to handle the pressure of being a top offensive option, and Matej Pekar (Buffalo) is healthy and off to a great start. On defense, Tyler Tucker (St. Louis) should be one of the better defenders in the league. Look out for rookie Brandt Clarke (2021), who is an immediate impact player and is the favorite to take home the league’s Emms Family Trophy as the top rookie after leading the OHL in preseason scoring...as a blueliner. Barrie may also have the best goaltending tandem in the OHL with Jet Greaves (2020) and Arturs Silovs (Vancouver) manning the crease. Don’t be surprised if Barrie pushes Sudbury for the Central Division.

Standings Prediction:

Ottawa
Sudbury
Peterborough
Oshawa
Barrie
Mississauga
Hamilton
North Bay
Niagara
Kingston

Western Conference

Championship Contenders

Saginaw Spirit

Cole Coskey of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Make no bones about it, this year’s Saginaw Spirit are one strong team. At the heart of the Spirit is Red Tilson contender and top 2020 draft prospect Cole Perfetti (2020). He could be a candidate to lead the league in scoring and is such an electric player in the offensive end. There is also a strong supporting cast of characters including NHL draft picks Damien Giroux (Minnesota), Blade Jenkins (NY Islanders), Nicholas Porco (Dallas), Cole Coskey (NY Islanders), and Mason Millman (Philadelphia). The real wild card here is whether the New York Islanders send star defender Bode Wilde back to the OHL for another year, even though he is eligible to play in the AHL. Another name to watch is goaltender Tristan Lennox (2021), who was a standout at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup this summer, but is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2021 because of an October birth date. This year’s Spirit team has to be considered the favorite in the West because of their depth and star power.

Kitchener Rangers

It has become abundantly clear that the Kitchener Rangers intend to compete for an OHL Championship this year because of how aggressive they have been already in making key additions to the club. This summer they brought in Axel Bergkvist (Arizona) and Ville Ottavainen (2020) through the Import Draft, and goaltender Jacob Ingham (Los Angeles) through trade. All three figure to be key components. In particular, those imports will help the Rangers defense move the puck more efficiently, an area that they struggled with last year. Recently, Kitchener also traded for OA Liam Hawel (UFA), who is a big upgrade to their top six forward group. Up front, Riley Damiani (Dallas), Greg Meireles (Florida), and Jonathan Yantsis (UFA) will be star players and all three have a chance to be near the top of the OHL scoring race. This is a very well constructed group with no glaring weakness.

London Knights

There was a lot of discussion in OHL circles last week when the London Knights were named the top team in the CHL in the preseason rankings heading into the year. Many, myself included, felt that this was not warranted. This is a London team with a completely rebuilt defense that outside of Alec Regula (Detroit), has almost no OHL experience (save Gerard Keane (2020) and his limited playing time last year). Additionally, Regula is out with a concussion and star forward Liam Foudy (Columbus) is set to miss 4-6 weeks with an upper body injury. That is not a recipe for early season success. That said, this is a talented group. Connor McMichael (Washington) should be in for a big year and will look to carry the load and help this team through some opening season challenges.

Flint Firebirds

They could not be in the OHL basement forever, right? As Flint’s high end draft selections gain more experience, this could be a very dangerous team that should break out in a big way. The team brought in veteran Anthony Popovich (UFA) to man the crease, fresh off winning an OHL Championship with Guelph last year and his veteran presence should help. Ty Dellandrea (Dallas), assuming he is returned from the Stars, will be one of the OHL’s top players and a leader at both ends of the ice. Look for Vladislav Kolyachonok (Florida) and Dennis Busby (Arizona) to really break out on the back-end, too, and have terrific seasons. Another unheralded player is Jake Durham (UFA), who returns as an OA after a breakout season last year. He has already started strong and could be among the league leaders in goal scoring. This is another well rounded team.

Erie Otters

Much like Barrie in the Eastern Conference, the Otters are being underrated in many preseason polls up to this point. This is a team that is near the top in goals returning from the previous year, and while they may not have the star power up front of other teams in the Conference, they are a very efficient unit. On the back-end though, they most definitely have a star in Jamie Drysdale (2020), who is a potential top 10 selection for this year’s NHL draft. He is an electric skater and is my preseason selection for the Max Kaminski, given to the league’s top defender. At forward, look for Hayden Fowler (2020) and Maxim Golod (2020) to breakout in a big way, too. Do not sleep on this team.

Standings Prediction

Saginaw
Kitchener
London
Flint
Erie
Windsor
Sault Ste. Marie
Owen Sound
Sarnia
Guelph

Ty Dellandrea of the Flint Firebirds. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Top NHL Prospects to Watch

Ty Dellandrea, Flint (Dallas)

Seems likely to stick around for a few games in Dallas, but has the captaincy in Flint waiting for him upon his return. Strong two-way center who will be able to better showcase his offensive abilities this year.

Arthur Kaliyev, Hamilton (Los Angeles)

Fell at the draft to the second round, but is one of the best goal scorers in the OHL. Will look to show scouts that he can play with more pace this year and improve his engagement level without the puck.

Philip Tomasino, Niagara (Nashville)

With a rebuild in Niagara likely, one has to wonder if he finishes the year with the IceDogs. Tomasino should see a nice increase in production this year with more powerplay time and another year of added strength.

Thomas Harley, Mississauga (Dallas)

Has had a very strong training camp with Dallas, but will return to Mississauga where he will look to improve his play in the defensive zone to match his dynamic offensive ability and skating stride.

Ryan Suzuki, Barrie (Carolina)

While his brother Nick starts his pro career, possibly even in the NHL, Ryan will look to lead the Barrie Colts to a division title. Ryan is an exceptional playmaker, but he will look to play more between the dots this year and increase his intensity level.

Serron Noel, Oshawa (Florida)

Noel is a physical specimen who can dominate because of his size and skill combination. The power winger drives play through the middle of the ice.

Liam Foudy, London (Columbus)

Speed is the name of Foudy’s game. He will miss the start of the year with an injury, but will look to become a more consistent offensive player upon his return.

Akil Thomas, Niagara (Los Angeles)

Like Tomasino, it seems unlikely that Thomas finishes the year in Niagara. He will be a highly coveted player because of his playmaking ability.

Nick Robertson, Peterborough (Toronto)

Because of his skill level with the puck and his tenacity without it, Robertson is one of the most exciting players to watch in the OHL. If he can stay healthy, he should have a monster season.

Connor McMichael, London (Washington)

McMichael is a versatile forward who profiles best as a goal scorer. The Washington Capitals first rounder will likely need to do a lot of heavy lifting early in the year for London.

Wild Card #1 - Barrett Hayton, Sault Ste. Marie (Arizona)

It seems very likely that Hayton spends the year in Arizona as a checking line player. Should he return to Sault Ste. Marie on the other hand, he will be one of the top players in the OHL and the top NHL prospect.

Wild Card #2 - Bode Wilde, Saginaw (NY Islanders)

With the option to keep Wilde in the AHL for the season because he was drafted out of the USDP, it seems likely that that occurs. However, should he return to the OHL, Wilde will be able to play with an incredibly talented offensive group in Saginaw and would be a favorite to lead the league in defensive scoring.

Wild Card #3 - Ryan Merkley, Peterborough (San Jose)

The Merkley trade watch is still on. Still in San Jose’s camp as he awaits a new OHL team, Merkley’s talent level is undeniable. But his attitude has him about to play for his third OHL team in as many years.

Quinton Byfield on the Sudbury Wolves. Photo courtesy of the OHL.

Top 2020 NHL Draft Prospects to Watch

Quinton Byfield, Sudbury

The name Eric Lindros has been thrown around recently because of how dominant Byfield can be below the hashmarks. His skating ability is tremendous for such a big player.

Jamie Drysdale, Erie

Drysdale is a beautiful skater himself and he uses this to impact the game both offensively and defensively. So hard to pin down in his own end, he is a breakout machine.

Cole Perfetti, Saginaw

“Goal” Perfetti, as TSN’s Craig Button calls him, is an offensive dynamo because of how well he processes the game with and without the puck.

Marco Rossi, Ottawa

Rossi is as slippery as an eel in the offensive end. He is undersized, but he plays with a lot of jam and has the skill set to match.

Jacob Perreault, Sarnia

A surprise cut from the Canadian Hlinka/Gretzky team, Perreault, the son of former NHL’er Yanic, is a terrific goal scorer who understands how to play without the puck in the offensive zone.

Antonio Stranges, London

Armed with an elusive 10 to 2 skating stride, dynamic puck skill, and a wicked backhand, Stranges is a human highlight reel. What kind of progress can other parts of his game make this year?

Jean Luc Foudy, Windsor

Brother to London’s Liam, Jean Luc is an equally gifted skater. As dangerous as he is as a playmaker in transition, Foudy will need to show that he can play through traffic more effectively.

Will Cuylle, Windsor

Power winger with a nice goal scorer’s touch. Cuylle has drawn comparisons to NHL’er James Van Riemsdyk for that reason. Needs to find a way to impact the game when he is not scoring.

Jaromir Pytlik, Sault Ste. Marie

With Hayton in Arizona, at least to start the year, the pressure will be on Pytlik to carry the offensive load in the Soo. After only playing half of last year, scouts will get a better look at him this year.

Ryan O’Rourke, Sault Ste. Marie

Hard-nosed defensive stalwart who will be looking to prove that he can be a two-way defender and possesses the offensive upside to be a high NHL draft pick.

Tristan Lennox – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #30 New York Islanders – Organizational Overview – Top 15 Prospects

1. William Dufour, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

2. Ruslan Iskhakov, C, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

3. Danny Nelson, C, University of Notre Dame (NCAA)

4. Calle Odelius, D, Djurgardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

5. Matt Maggio, RW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

6. Alex Jefferies, LW, Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

7. Quinn Finley, LW, University of Wisconsin (NCAA)

8. Justin Gill, C, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)

9. Cameron Berg, C, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

10. Isaiah George, D, London Knights (OHL)

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #28

Top 20 New York Islander Prospects

1. William Dufour

2. Samuel Bolduc

3. Ruslan Iskhakov

4. Calle Odelius

5. Danny Nelson

6. Matt Maggio

7. Otto Koivula

8. Alex Jeffries

9. Quinn Finley

10. Jesse Nurmi

11. Isaiah George

12. Eetu Liukas

13. Robin Salo

14. Cameron Berg

15. Arnaud Durandeau

16. Tristan Lennox

17. Jakub Skarek

18. Daylan Kueffler

19. Travis Mitchell

20. Aidan Fulp

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #26 New York Islanders

Prospect System Ranking – 26th (30th last year)

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – NEW YORK ISLANDERS – Top 20 Prospects

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: NEW YORK ISLANDERS – RANK: #31 – TIER VII

2021 NHL DRAFT: METROPOLITAN DIVISION

Carolina Hurricanes

Columbus Blue Jackets

New Jersey Devils

New York Islanders

New York Rangers

Philadelphia Flyers

Pittsburgh Penguins

Washington Capitals

2021 NHL DRAFT: NEW YORK ISLANDERS REVIEW

2021 NHL DRAFT: Unheralded Draft Worthy OHL Players – Goalies and Defense

THE GOALIES

Joe Vrbetic - North Bay Battalion

6’6, 181lbs

2019-20 Stats: 14 wins, 4.23 GAA, .881 SV%

Tristan Lennox - Saginaw Spirit

6’4, 190lbs

2019-20 Stats: 20 wins, 3.63 GAA, .876 SV%

THE DEFENSE

Paul Christopoulous - North Bay Battalion

5’10, 187lbs

2019-20 Stats: 53 games, 4 goals, 7 assists, 11 points, 31 PIM, -41

Ranvir Gill Shane - Ottawa 67’s

6’3, 185lbs

2019-20 Stats (OTT): 9 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, 4 PIM, +3

2019-20 Stats (CCHL): 51 games, 8 goals, 19 assists, 27 points, 16 PIM

Jacob Holmes - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

6’1, 185lbs

2019-20 Stats: 57 games, 3 goals, 6 assists, 9 points, 12 PIM, +9

Isaac Enright - Niagara IceDogs

6’0, 170lbs

2019-20 Stats: 53 games, 1 goals, 8 assists, 9 points, 34 PIM, -23

Braden Haché - Kingston Frontenacs

6’2, 187lbs

2019-20 Stats: 29 games, 0 goals, 5 assists, 5 points, 15 PIM, +1

Bryce Montgomery - London Knights

6’5, 220lbs

2019-20 Stats: 33 games, 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, 9 PIM, +3

Connor Punnett - Barrie Colts

6’1, 176lbs

2019-20 Stats: 51 games, 2 goals, 4 assists, 6 points, 28 PIM, +3

Ryan Mast - Sarnia Sting

Prospect System Ranking – 26^th (30^th last year)