Tucker Robertson – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – SEATTLE KRAKEN – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #16

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 18:18:15 +0000

Top 20 Seattle Kraken Prospects

1. Shane Wright

To say that Wright had an eventful season would be an understatement. He went from the NHL to the AHL, then to the World Juniors, then back to the OHL, where he joined Windsor for the first time following the trading of his rights, and finally back to the AHL for Coachella Valley's playoff run. His results over that span were a very mixed bag. He didn't look NHL-ready in the fall but left a serious statement in his early AHL stint. He won a World Juniors gold as Canada's captain but didn't personally dominate during the tournament. He was great during the OHL regular season, but quiet as his team was swept in the opening round of the playoffs. Overall, it wasn't the performance that people expected out of a player who had been projected by many to go first overall in 2022, though you can't discount the possible impact of all the instability. Finding a steady environment for him next season will be paramount.

2. Eduard Sale

A slick trickster, Sale entered the last season looking like a possible top 10 pick in the 2023 draft, ultimately slipping to the Seattle Kraken at 20th overall. Coming off his first full season in the Czech Extraliga, where he led all rookies with 14 points and took home Rookie of the Year honors, Sale also made his presence known for his country at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, WJC, and U18 Worlds. In fact, it was at that last tournament, as an underager in 2022, where he really arrived on the scene as a top prospect, racking up 8 assists in 6 games while being the prime set-up master for top prospect Jiri Kulich. Sale’s movement stands out as a top trait, stemming from technically-sound skating mechanics. He’s able to accelerate quite quickly, reaching his top speed effortlessly while displaying strong edges that he utilizes to change direction on a dime. Deceptive with quick shoulder drops and head fakes, his puck-handling is another top-flight trait and is perhaps only topped by his instinctive passes. That he’s also strong in small-area battles will be a big plus, because he’s scheduled to join the OHL Barrie Colts for 2023-24, which should be a wonderful barometer for determining just how far he is in his development.

3. Ryker Evans

Seattle made a bold move when they selected Evans with the 35th overall pick in 2021, going way outside the consensus of publicly published draft lists to nab the overager. That decision is looking better and better as time passes. Coachella Valley was one of the best teams in the AHL in 2022-23, and despite being a rookie he was already one of their best players. He is a dynamic difference-maker from the back end, able to break pucks out of his own zone, move them safely up the ice, and contribute to getting them in the opposing net. He makes a big impact at both even strength and on the powerplay. He defends pretty well too, by focusing on his gaps and getting sticks on pucks precisely. Evans was a number one defenseman in his days with WHL Regina, and if he stays on his current trajectory, he should become top half of the lineup kind of player for the Kraken, too.

4. Jagger Firkus

There is a certain ’X factor‘ to Firkus that is difficult to describe, but anyone who has watched him a lot can attest to its presence. There are times where it looks like he just inherently knows that he's going to beat you offensively, and in those moments, there is absolutely nothing that you can do to stop him. If it weren't for some other WHLer named Connor Bedard, Fircus’ goal-scoring prowess would get a lot more attention. Not only can his shot find any bit of space that a goalie is careless enough to offer up, but his ability to sneak into dangerous ice in the offensive zone is almost supernatural. A scout's common sense might note that small, scrawny players with questionable skating ability don't usually pan out in the NHL. Then again, Firkus is anything but common.

5. Jani Nyman

There are still games where Nyman blends into the scenery a little too much, but when he's really on his game he is one of the best players on the ice, even against older competition. He's a hulking winger who can work a cycle, score from in tight or distance, find teammates with high-danger passes at the right times, and move up and down the ice with momentum. Even more exciting is his continued progress in all these different areas, and if that continues, the end result could see him become an exhausting nightmare to contain or defend against at the highest levels, very similar to someone like Alex Tuch in Buffalo. If Seattle is smart, they will patiently let Nyman lay as much groundwork as necessary and then take his time building upon it to ensure he eventually reaches his highest possible ceiling.

6. David Goyette

Goyette is one of the smoothest skaters that you'll ever see at the junior level. He's just so fast, agile, and nimble, which allows him to create separation in all directions. He's also an impressively clean puck handler in motion, so it won't come as a surprise then that he is a go-to player in transition or that he is at his most effective offensively off the rush. When he does get in tight, he can deke goalies into paralysis. His lack of strength is a weakness, and it looks unlikely that he will ever be able to bulk up much, but you can't hit what you can't catch, so he should be able to remain successful so long as he doesn't lose a step with his skating. Goyette is a true leader in Sudbury and was instrumental in pulling them out of the OHL's basement and back into the playoffs last season.

7. Ty Nelson

Heading into the 2022 NHL Draft weekend there was talk that Nelson could sneak into the first round, but he ultimately fell a lot further than that, all the way down to the third round. Seattle certainly isn't complaining now, because they selected a player who suddenly had a chip on his shoulder, determined to prove the doubter wrongs, which is exactly what happened. The first overall pick in the 2020 OHL draft cemented himself as one of the best defensemen in the league, logging a mountain of minutes and leading the blueline for a Battalion team that finished second during the regular season. For a small guy he has a big personality, an elite compete level, and a cannon of a shot. Nelson could become a special player if he can continue harnessing his energy into explosive play without being too reckless.

8. Lukas Dragicevic

When it comes to offensive defensemen, there simply aren't many others who are as dangerous as Dragicevic from the offensive blueline onward. He possesses elusive footwork and slick hands, which he can use in tandem to dance around and embarrass anyone who tries to recklessly pressure him. He has a bomb of a slapshot that he loves to uncork, but he also has a hard, accurate wrister that he can use to try to beat goalies clean or send in for a deflection. As good as he is on the attacking line, he's also not shy about getting closer to the net to generate offense. Unsurprisingly, he's a monster on the powerplay. Dragicevic is additionally a major factor at driving the play up the ice. However, as easily as he can pull you out of your seat when h has the puck, he can just as easily make you pull out your hair with his mistakes and inconsistency. His decision-making is downright baffling at times, with frequent unforced turnovers. He can get lost in his own end, and worse yet, will often completely shut off his effort. He will need the right shutdown-minded partner on his left side who can cover for his risk-taking.

9. Carson Rehkopf

Rehkopf’s strong athletic profile made him a very intriguing player for scouts this year, even with concerns over the variance in his engagement level. His skating explosiveness is a strength and it makes him a great quick strike player who can consistently beat defenders to spots or pucks. Additionally, his shot was one of the heaviest in the 2023 draft class. When he’s on, Rehkopf is dialled in physically and flashes the tools to be a very good two-way player and potential shutdown type. When he’s off, he tends to disappear and makes little impact. Are the issues with consistency related to conditioning, mindset, confidence, or all three? We’ll find out the answer in the next few years, but for now, Seattle will need to be patient with Rehkopf as he figures out what kind of player he wants to be. With OHL Kitchener rebuilding this year, he’ll get all the ice time that he can handle, barring a trade to a more stacked club.

10. Oscar Fisker Molgaard

One has to wonder if there’s any such thing as a coincidence when a team hires one of the few former Danish NHLers (namely Frans Nielsen) and a few months later selects the only Danish player of note in the following draft. Regardless of any external motivations, Seattle has added a player to its suddenly burgeoning prospect bin who was one of this season’s biggest surprises in the Swedish SHL. Coming seemingly out of nowhere, Molgaard suited up for 41 SHL games, with his +6 for a struggling club being perhaps the most noticeable outcome of his play. A fleet-footed lightweight who has shown himself to be a playmaker at the junior level, he approaches the game with maturity and a strong understanding of play both with and without the puck. Tricky and creative with the puck, Molgaard is very adept at finding shooting lanes and displaying slick mitts around the goalmouth area. His forte in an offensive sense nonetheless remains the carrying and distribution of pucks. Translating those abilities to SHL play turned heads in the scouting community last season. With time on his side, he’s scheduled to continue his development with HV71 this season.

11. Caden Price

A recent draft pick of the Kraken, Price had a disappointing draft year on a poor Kelowna team. There’s a lot of hope that his play will pick up as the team around him improves. Decision making can be an issue, but Price has the potential to be an impact defender at both ends.

12. Tye Kartye

Talk about a great story. Kartye has gone from obscure OHL free agent signing to scoring big goals in the NHL playoffs for the Kraken within a single season. Kartye is so good away from the puck, a testament to the way he thinks the game. He could be a longtime fixture on Seattle’s third line.

13. Ryan Winterton

Winterton just needs to stay healthy. That’s it, that’s all. When he’s on the ice, like last season’s OHL playoffs, he’s an impact player. But the injuries remain a lingering issue, especially given the power forward style that he likes to play. He’ll turn pro this year and fingers crossed that he has put the injuries behind him.

14. Tucker Robertson

Robertson is such an easy player to cheer for given his tenacious style of play. His engine never stops. He was a pillar of strength for Peterborough in their OHL title run last year and it will be interesting to see how his offensive game translates to the pro level this year. The keys are continuing to improve his speed and quickness.

15. Jacob Melanson

The improvement over his QMJHL career was outstanding, with Melanson ending his time in the Q scoring 50 goals last season. Better yet, he brings value outside of scoring with his physicality. Another player to watch as he turns pro this year.

16 Niklas Kokko

A second-round selection in 2022, Kokko had a promising season, split between Liiga and the Finnish second tier. Signed by the Kraken, where Kokko plays this year remains a bit of a mystery, but at this point he appears to be the top goaltending prospect in the system.

17. Semyon Vyazovoi

Evaluating Russian goaltenders pre-KHL can be difficult. But Vyazovoi has been lights out in the MHL and was even impressive in the Russian second league (VHL) last year. Seattle is hoping that he can get some time in the KHL as a 20-year-old this season.

18. Ville Ottavainen

Offense will never be a big part of Ottavainen’s game, but he shows a lot of promise in the defensive end with his combination of length, mobility, and physicality. After two good seasons in Finland, he’ll be playing in Coachella Valley this year.

19. Tyson Jugnauth

Not a lot of players had good years on Wisconsin last year, but Jugnauth was one of the few. His freshman season showed a ton of promise, especially in the offensive end. He’s likely to be a three- or four-year college project, but the upside is big.

20. Logan Morrison

When Morrison finally signed an NHL deal towards the end of the OHL season, those who follow the OHL closely rejoiced. No one deserved it more. Yes, there are concerns over his skating and projection, but the IQ and playmaking ability are high end.

2023 MEMORIAL CUP PREVIEW: Team Previews with top five prospects to keep an eye out for on each side

Adam Tate, Joely Stockl and Jérémi Plourde — Thu, 25 May 2023 17:28:55 +0000

On Friday, May 26, the 103rd edition of the Memorial Cup will kick off in Kamloops, British Columbia. The field includes the WHL champion Seattle Thunderbirds, the OHL champion Peterborough Petes, the QMJHL champion Quebec Remparts, and of course, the host Kamloops Blazers. Last year the host Saint John Sea Dogs captured the trophy by defeating the Hamilton Bulldogs in the final. This year, the loaded Seattle Thunderbirds enter the tournament as the favourites, but as we have learned, anything can happen at the Memorial Cup. The kickoff game on Friday sees Quebec playing Kamloops and TSN will have all the action for Canadian viewers.

To get you ready for this year’s Memorial Cup, our regional scouts have written previews for each competing team, complete with the top players you need to watch out for!

WHL Champions - Seattle Thunderbirds

By Adam Tate

The Seattle Thunderbirds tallied 111 points in the regular season, good for the second most points in the WHL and the top playoff seed in the Western Conference. The team was dominant all season long, especially as their NHL drafted players returned to the roster after attending NHL training camps. Not satisfied with the roster, they were active at the WHL trade deadline, adding Dylan Guenther, Brad Lambert, and Colton Dach. After adding those players, they typically had a lineup containing 10 NHL draftees, as well as six players with the potential to be selected in the upcoming NHL draft. It’s little wonder that they were able to make easy work of the second leg of the regular season. They followed that up with 16 wins in 19 playoff games on their way to their second Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions. The forward unit is talented and deep, led by Dylan Guenther, Brad Lambert, and Jared Davidson. Their group on defence is also strong with the likes of Kevin Korchinski, Jeremy Hanzel, and Nolan Allan patrolling the blue line. Their goaltending tandem of Thomas Milic and Scott Ratzlaff is excellent, with both players likely to have their names called in this summer’s NHL Entry Draft.

Top Five NHL Prospects to Watch

Dylan Guenther (Arizona Coyotes)

Guenther played 33 games with the Arizona Coyotes this season before being returned to the WHL after playing in the WJC for Canada. At the World Junior Championship, he scored the second most goals (7 in 7 games played), trailing only Connor Bedard. In his first season with Seattle, he registered more than a point per game (29pts in 20 games) during his shortened regular season. In the WHL playoffs all he did was lead the entire CHL in goals. The tournament's goaltenders will need to know where he is on the ice at all times. Arizona got a good one.

Brad Lambert (Winnipeg Jets)

Lambert also played some pro games this season, getting into 13 games with the Manitoba Moose, the Jets AHL team. After a quiet WJC for Team Finland, he signed with Seattle, who had acquired his rights in the summer of 2022. Lambert had a very good regular season (38 pts in 26 games) and continued to establish chemistry with Guenther in the playoffs. Lambert ended up in a tie for the second most assists in the CHL playoffs with 20 in 17 games. His playmaking will be one of the keys to Seattle’s attack.

Kevin Korchinski (Chicago Blackhawks)

Korchinski parlayed a very good 2022 into an early first round selection by Chicago in last summer’s NHL Draft. He has given them no reason to doubt the pick as he had an excellent WHL season, becoming a better than point per game player for the first time with 73 points in 54 games. He was also a mainstay on Canada’s WJC blueline. His excellent all-around play continued in the WHL playoffs as one of the pillars of Seattle’s defence.

Reid Schaefer (Nashville Predators)

Like his teammates above, Schaefer has had a terrific year for Seattle, becoming a point a game player in both the regular season and the WHL playoffs. He was also on Team Canada at the WJC where he played more of a bottom six role. Between his size, desire to score goals, and ability to forecheck or dish out hits, he’s a lot to deal with. But he also has an intelligent defensive game and is relied on for PK minutes. Schaefer looks to be a very interesting piece for Nashville’s forward unit in the years to come.

Gracyn Sawchyn (2023 NHL Entry Draft Eligible)

There are easily another six or so players on the Thunderbirds that I could put in this space, but I wanted to write about one of the draft eligible players on the team. I had the chance to see Sawchyn live three times this season, including in the CHL Top Prospects game (a game in which he stood out). Despite being relegated to more of a secondary role as the team added players, he still ended up a point a game player in his first year in the WHL. A skilled player with a good motor and room to grow, he should be selected within the first three rounds of the upcoming NHL Draft.

Host City - Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

By Adam Tate

The Kamloops Blazers are the 2023 Memorial Cup Host Team. But while the Blazers are the hosts for this year’s tournament, they are no also-ran pushover, having won the BC Division while posting the third best point total in the WHL. Despite being a very strong team, the Blazers pulled off one of the biggest blockbuster trades in WHL history at the trade deadline, acquiring Olen Zellweger and Ryan Hofer from the Everett Silvertips for four players and ten draft picks. The Blazers went on a run in the playoffs, sweeping Vancouver and Portland in the first two rounds. While they did lose the Western Conference Final in six games to Seattle, they were also the team that gave the Thunderbirds the most difficulty in the WHL playoffs. The team is led by its two stars, Logan Stankoven and Zellweger. The forward group has talent beyond Stankoven, with Caedan Bankier, Matthew Seminoff, and Hofer piling up the points. The defensive unit isn’t quite as strong with Kyle Masters and Logan Bairos filling out the unit behind Zellweger. In net, the Blazers are led by NHL Entry Draft eligible Dylan Ernst. In total the Blazers have nine NHL drafted players and at least 2 with the potential to be drafted this summer.

Top Five NHL Prospects to Watch

Logan Stankoven (Dallas Stars)

Stankoven is a bona fide star at this level. Averaging two points per game in both the WHL regular season and playoffs, and better than a point per game for Team Canada at this year’s WJC, it’s possible his skill level might only be matched by that Bedard kid playing in Regina. Stankoven led the WHL in playoff scoring this year and now has the chance to play for the Memorial Cup for the host team in his hometown. It's easy to see how important this tournament likely is to Stankoven. His fearless north-south game, desire to go to the hard parts of the ice, and unrelenting motor are just a few more reasons why he’s likely to be a big factor in the tournament.

Olen Zellweger (Anaheim Ducks)

The main piece in one of the biggest WHL trades ever, Zellweger brought his offensive star power to Kamloops at the trade deadline. Like a lot of the prospects highlighted for Seattle, he was a featured player at the WJC this year. In fact, his time with the U-20 team for Canada is likely the only reason why he wasn’t the WHL’s leading scoring defenceman for the second year in a row. Instead, he had to settle for being the WHL’s best defenceman for the second year in a row. Powered by some of the purest skating skill in the entire CHL, Zellweger joins or leads the rush at will. Expect that he’ll put the other teams in the tournament on their heels often.

Caedan Bankier (Minnesota Wild)

Bankier broke out this season, scoring 37 goals and 85 points, good enough for a top 15 placement in WHL scoring. He turned that high level of play into more than a point per game in the playoffs. He was also a member of Team Canada’s U-20 roster at this year’s WJC, playing in more of a bottom six forward role. While this is more likely where he’ll end up if he makes the NHL, there’s still a lot to like about his shot and his playmaking ability at this level. His production will be needed if the Blazers are to go far in the tournament.

Fraser Minten (Toronto Maple Leafs)

The Kamloops Blazers are a big team, so much so that the 6’1”, 190lbs Minten doesn’t really stand out. But that doesn’t prevent him from being a big, regular hitter on their forward lines. Nor does it prevent him from using a great shot (one-timer or curl and drag wrister) to score a lot of goals. In fact, he scored 31 goals in the regular season, which wasn’t too far behind Stankoven’s total of 34. His playoffs were a bit quiet as he started out injured and is still working himself back into playing form.

Connor Levis (2023 NHL Entry Draft Eligible)

Like with Seattle, there were a few other prospects I could’ve written about here, but Connor Levis is Kamloops’ player most likely to be selected in the upcoming NHL draft. I was able to see Levis six times in person this season, including the CHL Top Prospects game and a playoff game. He’s a strong skater with excellent size for a forward who possesses good hockey awareness in the offensive zone. He makes a lot of smart support plays in the offensive zone to help create and maintain offensive possession. He ended the regular season with just under a point per game but had a quieter playoffs. The Blazers will need more from him in this tournament.

OHL Champions - Peterborough Petes

By Joely Stockl

The offensive powerhouse Peterborough Petes were able to bring it all together at the perfect time. The Petes were indeed busy on the trade front, from adding Brennan Othmann in November 2022, to bringing in Owen Beck, Avery Hayes, and Gavin White at the trade deadline. Their lineup changed drastically, and it took the team until the playoffs to be able to unite and play well as a group, finishing only fourth in the Eastern Conference. There was nothing stopping the Petes during the playoffs, despite several injuries and Owen Beck’s suspension in the finals. In addition to their offensive abilities, Playoff MVP Michael Simpson was stellar, starting in every single playoff game for the Petes. Making 36 of 37 stops in the final game against the London Knights, Simpson was a deciding factor in his team’s success. From sweeping the Sudbury Wolves, to eliminating the league leading Ottawa 67’s, to finally defeating the London Knights in 6 games, Peterborough will be a force to be reckoned with at the 2023 Memorial Cup.

Top Five NHL Prospects to Watch

Brennan Othmann (New York Rangers)

Brennan Othmann came to Peterborough to help this team win, and that is exactly what he did. The offensive prowess was a massive factor in the Petes’ offensive success. Othmann has it all, the shot, the skill, the offensive awareness, and the grit. He is so creative in the offensive zone, and he is a pure play driver who makes the players around him better. Being traded midway through the season is a difficult situation to handle, and Othmann took it in full stride to lead this team to the championship.

Tucker Robertson (Seattle Kraken)

After a tough run last season, getting eliminated in the 1st round, Tucker Robertson returned hungry for success. Robertson’s point totals don’t tell the whole story, even though he put up an astounding 90 points in the regular season. He is also one of the best penalty killing forwards in the league and has scored 11 shorthanded goals in the last two seasons. Robertson has been a huge part of this team’s core for the last two years, and he has been performing through thick and through thin for this team. The Seattle Kraken picked a good one in Robertson, even if it was one season after his original draft year.

Owen Beck (Montreal Canadiens)

Owen Beck split his time between Peterborough and the Mississauga Steelheads this season, and was a key player brought in by Petes General Manager, Mike Oke. Though Beck didn’t necessarily play lights out in the playoffs, he played his game, and he remained steady. Beck is likely the best 200-foot centerman in the entire OHL, and he is heavily relied upon to take faceoffs (59% on faceoffs in the regular season) slotting in as the Petes' 1st line centre. His suspension in the finals left a massive hole to fill at the center spot, but his team was able to finish the job. Montreal should be grateful that Beck dropped to the 2nd round of the 2022 NHL Draft; this is a mature player and a pick that will most definitely pay off in the future. Of note, it has been reported that Beck’s suspension will not carry over to the Memorial Cup and he will be eligible to play game one.

J.R. Avon (Philadelphia Flyers)

Similarly to Tucker Robertson, J.R. Avon has been a valuable part of this team’s core for the last two seasons. The sneaky, shifty winger is difficult to handle as one of the fastest skaters in the OHL. He has also been a big part of the Petes’ penalty kill for that reason. Avon put up just over a point per game in the regular season, potting 29 goals over the course of the season. The soon to be overage forward wears an ‘A’ on his jersey for a reason, as he is a large part of the heartbeat of this team. Any player that gets signed as a free agent has overcome some adversity in their career, and Avon was a part of the “COVID Draft Class” which made it difficult for him to be seen by scouts. Avon’s work ethic translates on and off the ice, and that was evident all season long.

Gavin White (Dallas Stars)

Continuing on the topic of overcoming adversity, OHL U18 Draft selection Gavin White is another inspiring story. It is incredibly difficult to find a roster spot in the OHL after being picked in the U18 Draft, but White defied the odds when he got selected by the Dallas Stars in last year’s draft. White arrived in Peterborough in a package deal with Avery Hayes, who were both viable factors in the Hamilton Bulldogs OHL Championship run in 2022. The offensive weapon from the blue line served on the Petes 1st powerplay unit for the majority of the playoffs (save for the finals when they made the switch to an all forward top unit), as their only real offensively-minded defender. White is a phenomenal skater who knows how to pick his spots and activate offensively, in addition to his dangerous transition game.

QMJHL Champions - Quebec Remparts

By Jérémi Plourde

It is definitely not a surprise to see the Québec Remparts bring the Gilles Courteau trophy home this year. Patrick Roy’s team has been simply phenomenal this year, dominating and finishing first with a 53-12-3 record and winning 16 of their 18 playoff games. Québec has swept everyone except the Halifax Mooseheads, including the Gatineau Olympiques, who were only four points behind them in the standings. They are champions for the first time since 1976, rewarding their fan base for the constant support throughout the season with an average attendance of 9762 fans (most in the CHL). The Remparts are now heading to Kamloops to compete for the Memorial Cup. Their first game will be against the hosting team, the Kamloops Blazers, on Friday.

Top Five NHL Prospects to Watch

Zachary Bolduc (St. Louis Blues)

Zachary Bolduc is possibly the best NHL prospect currently in the QMJHL. This year, he has scored 110 points in 61 games, which ranks him 3rd in the entire league in points per game. Bolduc has been a steady goal scorer for Québec during these playoffs, with 11 goals and 19 points in 18 games. The St. Louis Blues first rounder in 2021 will most likely be playing his last junior games in Kamloops, as he should take the next step and play in the AHL next year.

Nathan Gaucher (Anaheim Ducks)

Nathan Gaucher has shown this year why he is perfect for the NHL’s third line role, steadily scoring at about a point per game pace throughout both the regular season and the playoffs while being an important physical presence for Québec. He has been alternating between the second and third line, always as the center. He too, will likely turn pro next year as a 2003 born player, and should definitely find a role in the Anaheim Ducks’ bottom six in the coming years.

James Malatesta (Columbus Blue Jackets)

James Malatesta was the Columbus Blue Jackets’ 5th round pick back in 2021, and it would be fair to say that this is not a pick they are regretting. The Remparts right winger has scored 66 points in only 55 games this season, and 14 goals in 18 games in the playoffs, averaging almost 0.8 goals per game. His goal scoring skills have been a central part of Québec’s playoffs, making him the 2023 playoffs MVP.

Jérémy Langlois (Arizona Coyotes)

Jérémy Langlois was drafted last year in the 3rd round by the Arizona Coyotes and has been slowly but steadily improving this year. Ever since being traded from the Cape Breton Eagles to the Québec Remparts, Langlois has scored at about a point per game pace through 34 games, and while only receiving 3rd pairing minutes, he has managed to get 7 points in the 18 playoff games. With players leaving next year, Langlois will get a ton of ice time and will look to establish himself as one of the best defensive prospects in the QMJHL.

Evan Nause (Florida Panthers)

Evan Nause is another premier NHL prospect from the QMJHL who plays for the Remparts. He was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the 2nd round back in 2021, and although from a statistical standpoint he has not really taken a next step this year, his all-around game has steadily improved. Nause has been on the Remparts’ second pairing throughout the playoffs and has been tremendous, scoring 5 goals in only 18 games as a defenceman, good for first in the league among players of his position. In a few years, expect to see him find a role in the Panthers’ bottom four.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #20 Seattle Kraken

Derek Neumeier — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:33:15 +0000

The second-year expansion team made the playoffs, and upset the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Colorado Avalanche, in a remarkably quick rise to competitiveness. They fell in the organizational rankings year over year with the graduation of Matty Beniers, and not surprising they are in the bottom third, as it takes time to build organizational depth. Much of their trading to date has been aimed at gathering draft picks. They had nine picks in the first four rounds of the 2022 NHL Draft and landed the third overall ranked prospect in Shane Wright, along with Jagger Firkus #88, Jani Nyman #106, David Goyette #123, Ty Nelson #131. Wright is likely to make the leap to the NHL next season, but patience will still be required with the others. GM Ron Francis has carefully crafted a competitive squad, but it is unlikely he will follow his fellow expansion team the Golden Knights in sacrificing future for immediate returns.

A tight, well-coached team with an intense forecheck, they are creating a good environment for prospects to thrive in. The only significant trade that involved picks made in the last two years was a great success, prying Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Blue Jackets for a third and fourth round pick. Well ahead of schedule both in the regular season and the playoffs, patience will remain the order of the day, adding both character and skill around their two young centerman, Beniers and Wright.

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 06: Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright (51) skates after the puck during an NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Seattle Kraken on December 6, 2022 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire)

Shane Wright

To say that Wright had an eventful season would be an understatement. He went from the NHL to the AHL, then to the World Juniors, then back to the OHL where he joined Windsor for the first time following the trading of his rights, and back to the AHL for Coachella Valley's playoffs. The results over that span have been a very mixed bag. He didn't look NHL-ready in the fall but left a serious statement in his early AHL stint. He won World Juniors gold as Canada's captain but didn't dominate. He was great in the OHL regular season, but quiet as his team was swept in the opening round. Overall, it wasn't the performance that people expected out of the player who was projected to go 1^st overall in 2022, though you can't discount the possible impact of all the instability. Finding a steady environment for him next season will be paramount.

2. Jagger Firkus

There is a certain "X factor" to Firkus that is difficult to describe, but anyone who has watched him a lot can attest that it exists. There are times where it looks like he just inherently knows that he's going to beat you offensively, and in those moments, there is absolutely nothing that you can do to stop him. If it weren't for some other WHL kid named Connor Bedard his goal-scoring prowess would get a lot more attention. Not only can his shot find any bit of space that a goalie is careless enough to give up, but his ability also to sneak into dangerous ice in the offensive zone is almost supernatural. A scout's common sense might tell him or her that small, scrawny players with questionable skating ability don't usually pan out in the NHL. Then again, Firkus is anything but common.

3. Jani Nyman

There are still games where Nyman blends into the scenery a little too much, but when he's really on his game he is one of the best players on the ice, even against older competition. He's a hulking winger who can work a cycle, score from in tight or distance, find teammates with high-danger passes at the right times, and move up and down the ice with momentum. What's really exciting, though, is that he keeps making progress in all these different areas, and if that continues, the end result could see him become a player who is an exhausting nightmare to contain or defend, very similar to someone like Alex Tuch in Buffalo. If Seattle is smart, they will patiently let Nyman lay as much groundwork as necessary and then take his time building upon it to ensure he eventually reaches his highest possible ceiling.

4. David Goyette

Goyette is one of the smoothest skaters that you'll ever see at the junior level. He's just so fast and agile and nimble, which allows him to create separation in all directions. He's also an impressively clean puck handler in motion, so it won't come as a surprise then that he is a go-to player in transition or that he is at his most effective offensively off the rush. When he does get in tight, he can deke goalies into paralysis. His lack of strength is a weakness, and it looks unlikely that he will ever be able to bulk up much, but you can't hit what you can't catch, so he should be able to remain successful so long as he doesn't lose a step with his skating. Goyette is a true leader in Sudbury and was instrumental at pulling them out of the OHL's basement and back into the playoffs.

5. Ty Nelson

Heading into last year's draft weekend there was talk that Nelson could sneak into the 1st round, but he ultimately fell a lot further than that, all the way down to the 3rd round. Seattle certainly isn't complaining now, though, because they selected a player who was fired up this season and determined to prove people wrong, and that's exactly what happened. The 1st overall pick in the 2020 OHL draft cemented himself as one of the best defensemen in the league, logging a mountain of minutes and leading the blueline for a Battalion team that finished 2nd in the regular season. For a small guy he has a big personality, an elite compete level and a serious cannon of a shot. Nelson could become a special player if he can continue harnessing his energy into explosive play without being too reckless doing so.

6. Ryker Evans

Seattle made a bold move when they selected Evans with the 35th overall pick in 2021, going way outside the consensus of publicly published draft lists. However, that decision is looking better and better as time passes. Coachella Valley is one of the best teams in the AHL, and despite being a rookie he is already one of their best players. He is a dynamic difference-maker from the back end, able to break pucks out of his own zone, move them safely up the ice, and contribute to them ending up in the opposing net. Makes a big impact at both even strength and on the powerplay. Defends pretty well too, by focusing on his gaps and getting sticks on pucks precisely. Evans was a number one defenseman in his days with Regina, and if he stays on his current trajectory, he should become that same kind of player for the Kraken.

7. Tucker Robertson

Robertson had a good 16-year-old season in the OHL but didn't play a single game anywhere in 2020-21 due to COVID, and then didn't have his name get called in the 2021 draft. However, it's fair to say in hindsight that he would have gotten picked if he would have played, because he dropped an impressive 41-goal, 81-point season as soon as the OHL resumed play and was scooped up by Seattle as a re-entry prospect. His work ethic and attitude are elite, as he plays a lot of minutes in all situations and never seems to take a shift off or lose his confidence. He's a natural leader, letting his play do most of the talking and set a positive example, and it's clear that his teammates rally behind him. While his game might not fully translate to the NHL he easily projects as someone who will carve out a role and win over his coaches.

8. Jacob Melanson

Melanson got the best of two worlds this season: being a go-to, top-line player for the front half with Acadie-Bathurst, before getting traded to one of the best teams in the league and a serious championship contender in Sherbrooke in the back half. He is a blue-collar forward who is more than happy to put in work in all three zones, but undoubtedly gets the most enjoyment out of taking shots in and around the opposing net front. He can score from that area by out-working defenders for garbage goals, but he also has a high level of talent with his hand-eye coordination and timing that can't fully be taught. While what Melanson does isn't particularly exciting, the results are undeniable, and he shouldn't need to adjust his style all that much throughout his career.

9. Ryan Winterton

Once considered a top prospect heading into the OHL, Winterton hasn't quite lived up to his billing, but in his defense a lot has happened that has been outside of his control. COVID robbed him of his entire 2020-21 season with the exception of the IIHF U18s, and then he fought through shoulder problems in both of the next two years that caused him to miss even more action. Luckily for him the games he has played in have both been with very good teams, last year with a Hamilton club that went to the Memorial Cup and now with London. He is a multifaceted winger or center who can play in all situations and make an impact in any of them. If Winterton can stay healthy in the coming years he has the potential to become one of the best middle-of-the-lineup forwards in hockey.

10. Tye Kartye

The Kraken have only been around for two NHL drafts, so they have needed to roll the dice on some young free agents to fill out their system. And with the signing of Kartye they rolled themselves a Yahtzee. He grew into a leadership role with the Soo Greyhounds in his last season there, and that cultivated maturity turned out to be wildly valuable, as he exceeded all expectations as an AHL rookie. His weaknesses in size and skating ability are immaculately overcome by his mental approach, always knowing what his responsibilities are and how to get the edge on opponents to accomplish them. Kartye doesn't project very highly, but there's a decent floor to his game as a responsible, bottom six glue guy, and he conceivably might even wear a letter on his sweater at some point.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – SEATTLE KRAKEN – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors – Brock Otten, Chapin Landvogt, Ethan Hetu, Dylan Krill, — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 21:14:08 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - JULY 07: Seattle Kraken pick Shane Wright stands between management during the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft on July 07, 2022 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Matthew Beniers C

Despite the fact that he’s only played in ten NHL games, Matthew “Matty” Beniers is quickly becoming the face of the NHL’s newest franchise. When the Kraken drafted Shane Wright at the 2022 draft, Beniers was one of the first to reach out to welcome him to the team, a team Beniers himself is still quite new to. The Kraken have taken a bit of a different route to their fellow recent expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights, in building their team, but make no mistake about it: any winner GM Ron Francis is attempting to build has Beniers as its centerpiece. If one takes just a short look at Beniers’ game film, it’d be easy to mistake the 19-year-old for being a seasoned NHL veteran. Beniers has an ever-active motor, and he’s always either around the play or in movement looking to get involved. His skill level keeps pace with his energy level, and his hands are the sort of sneaky good that only Kraken fans may come to appreciate fully. Beniers is a pass-first playmaker who drives any line he centers, and he’s a center with real potential to be one of those players who elevates the production of any linemate fortunate enough to be stapled to his wing. Beniers was extremely impressive in his short NHL action last year, and he could be counted on as a true top-six center as immediately as next season by coach Dave Hakstol. It’s challenging for any young player to take on a center role in the NHL, let alone a top-six one, but Beniers has what it takes to handle it. If he can keep up his progress, he can become a two-way force as a top-six center, anchoring a scoring line and the Kraken’s special teams. - EH

2 - Shane Wright C

The 4th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Shane Wright may have slipped in the draft farther than expected, but there is no question that he could still become the best player out of the draft. The former 1st overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft had the opportunity to play in the OHL as a 15-year-old after being granted exceptional status. In his rookie year, Wright finished with 66 points (39G,27A) in 58 games. Like others, Wright was forced to miss the 2020-2021 season due to the Covid-19 shutdown. Fortunately for Wright, he got the opportunity to play in the U18 World Championship, being named captain for team Canada. In the 2021-2022 season, Wright finished with 94 points (32,62) in 63 games, which was 8th in the league in points, 6th in the league in assists and 2nd on the team in points. Wright’s best assets are his hockey sense and playmaking. He consistently makes smart decisions with and without the puck that help create high danger chances for his team and suppress chances against. He has a great understanding of how to create space for himself and teammates, attracting defenders to allow his teammates to get open for a pass or shot. Although Wright isn’t the flashiest player, he makes up for it because he’s so mature and plays a defensively committed 200ft game. He’s excellent in transition, both in driving the play and finding teammates for a quick give-and-go. Having the ability to find holes through defenders and execute with crisp and accurate passes. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Wright will be highly motivated to prove that three teams made a mistake on passing him. You can expect him to be one of the best players in the OHL, as well as a top producer, if not the very top. - DK

3 - Jagger Firkus RW

A favourite of ours at McKeen’s during our 2022 draft coverage, the Seattle Kraken made an astute selection with the dynamic, but undersized winger. Firkus is remarkably skilled. His ability to maintain control of the puck through changes of pace and direction makes him incredibly difficult to contain in transition, even without elite speed or strength. His shot is a major weapon, especially since it is incredibly deceptive due to his ability to shoot in motion and alter his quick release. Firkus is also a hard worker who has the tenaciousness that you look for in slightly smaller wingers. The key for him moving forward is to continue to upgrade those physical tools. Not a poor skater by any standards, but given his smaller frame, it would be beneficial for him to improve his speed and explosiveness. Additionally, he needs to bulk up to be better at playing through traffic, allowing him to be more consistent. Firkus will return to Moose Jaw this season where he will look to push for the WHL’s scoring title. He should also play a role on Canada’s WJC team in December. His projection currently remains the same as it was in our draft guide; we see him as a potential first line winger who can be one of Seattle’s top offensive options. - BO

4 - David Goyette C

The 61^st overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, David Goyette was a bit of a shock to some to see him drop out of the top 50 as he was projected by some to go in the first round because of his high-end tools and elite skating. Goyette has always been a highly talented player who has produced at a highly at every level. Goyette was the 11^th overall selection in the 2020 OHL Draft and was able to find some ice during the 2020-2021 OHL shutdown season, playing four games in the National Collegiate Development Conference for the P.A.L. Junior Islanders, finishing with six points (3G,3A). In the 2021-2022 season, Goyette was relied upon heavily as he was given the role of 1C on a line with two other rookies. Goyette took a little to adjust, but once he became more comfortable, his confidence became very high, and he started to produce and never seemed to stop. Finishing the year with 73 points (33G,40A) in 66 games, Goyette lead his team, all rookies and 27^th in the league in points for a very successful year. Goyette’s best assets are his skating and playmaking. He is an elite skater who controls the pace when the puck is on his stick. He can keep up with anyone and is very deceptive and difficult to defend against because of his quickness and agility. His ability to make plays in-tight and at high-pace are so effective, he can be dangerous anywhere in the offensive zone. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Goyette will be one of the most exciting players to watch in the OHL as his creativity and high skill catch eyes very easily. You could expect Goyette to be near the top in points in the OHL next season. - DK

5 - Ty Nelson D

The 68^th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Ty Nelson will look to have a big year to prove that he fell too far in the draft, as some viewed him as a potential late first round pick. Due to his size and not being an elite skater was most likely a result, but Nelson has the tools and ability to reach a level where he could become a very useful defenseman in the NHL. The former 1^st overall pick in the 2020 OHL Draft was unfortunate like others from that draft as they were hit with Covid-19 shutting down the 2020-2021 OHL season. Nelson took that opportunity to continue to grow and become stronger. Getting more off-season training than usual may have helped Nelson with being able to adapt to the OHL easier. During the 2021-2022 season, the Battalion relied on Nelson heavily. Playing on the top pair, playing in all situations and being the go-to guy on the blue line as a rookie is very impressive. Nelson was asked to do a lot, and he succeeded. Finishing the season with 51 points (9G,42A) in 66 games which was 6^th on his team in points, 6^th in OHL rookie points and also first in OHL rookie assists. Nelson’s best assets are his competitiveness and his hockey sense. Nelson is very noticeable when he’s on the ice. He flies around with great speed and plays like a bulldog, not backing down from any battle, no matter who the opponent is. Nelson also reads play very well and makes it difficult to play against because he doesn’t give up much space and plays very aggressive. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Nelson will once again be relied upon heavily and will be the main blue liner on the Battalion. You could expect an increase in points. - DK

6 - Jani Nyman RW

Taken 49^th overall this summer, Nyman is a 6’3”, 207-pound winger who just turned 18 on July 30th. His season was very unique for a 17-year-old, having suited up 34 times for the second league Mestis team Koovee, and putting up an outstanding 18 goals and 35 points, good for 25th overall in league scoring, causing observers to recall Roby Järventie (OTT), who had similar draft year production and more recently spearheaded the Finnish attack to a silver medal at this summer’s WJC. Will Nyman be doing the same as soon as this winter? His 34 Mestis games weren’t his only action this past season, as he added another two points in two postseason games and dressed for 10 Liiga games. He had already gotten his season off to a good start, with seven points in five Hlinka Gretzky Cup contests, and he wrapped things up nicely with four points in seven games as a key member of bronze-medal-winning Finland’s second line at the U18 Worlds. Nyman’s greatest asset is his shot. His wrister, snapshot and one-timer, are all legit weapons, with impressive velocity. He can also display some very sleek hands, moving along swiftly with the puck on his stick. He tends to play slower when he doesn’t have the puck on his stick. Additionally, his overall physical play isn’t indicative of his size. At the end of the day, Seattle feels very strongly that the shot and size are there for an NHL career. Nyman is scheduled to suit up for Ilves of the Finnish Liiga this winter. – CL

7 - Ryan Winterton RW

It certainly hasn’t been easy for Winterton in recent years. Like the other OHL players in his NHL draft class, he did not get to play much in his draft year due to the OHL hiatus. However, unlike most of his peers, he didn’t get to return to play immediately with the OHL returning this season. A shoulder injury kept him out of action for the first few months. Upon returning however, he was excellent. He was an integral part of a Championship winning Hamilton Bulldogs team. Not only is he a versatile player because of his strong IQ and two-way competence, but Winterton is also a skilled play driver who can create chances for himself or his linemates. His skating ability looked much improved this past season and he is difficult to separate from the puck as he drives the net and controls the wall. On many occasions, it was difficult to distinguish between Winterton and Mason McTavish (with both having jersey numbers in the 20’s), an excellent complement for the Seattle prospect. The only concern, at this point, is health and longevity. Winterton re-injured his shoulder in the OHL playoffs but should be ready for the start of this coming OHL season. If he can remain healthy, he will be a go-to offensive player on Hamilton and should be in line for a big year. He has a chance to be a really nice middle six option for Seattle in a few years. - BO

8 - Ryker Evans D

The Kraken shocked a lot of people, us included, when they selected Evans early in 2021. He was entering his final year of draft eligibility, and while we expected him to go, it was a bit shocking to see him go that high. However, it is easy to see why the Kraken liked, and continue to like Evans. He has elite level escapability on the back end, which makes him difficult to pin down in the defensive zone. There is a real effectiveness to his ability to start the breakout. Evans, a strong four-way mover, is also solid inside the offensive zone. He moves well laterally and is aggressive in seeking the middle of the ice and rotating down low to help create better puck movement. Evans is also a solid defender who is physically intense and makes opposing forwards earn space against him. Even if his production this year needs to be viewed with the lens that he was an overager, there is no doubting that Seattle has to be happy with his progression at both ends. He will start his pro career this season playing in Coachella Valley and given the state of Seattle’s system, he could move quickly if he plays well. At this point, Evans looks like a future #4-5 defender. - BO

9 - Kole Lind RW

A former WHL star and former high draft pick (33rd overall by Vancouver in 2017), Lind has yet to emerge as a definitive NHL player. After three years in the Vancouver system, Lind was selected by Seattle in the expansion draft. It looked like he would finally crack the NHL full time, but that was not the case as he split the year between the AHL (with Charlotte) and the Kraken. The good news is that Lind had his best professional season yet. The bad news is that his window to become an NHL player is closing fast. He is your classic power forward. He is at his best when he can dominate physically and find his way to the net. He has a big shot and good hands in tight, but also excels as a playmaker coming off the wall. The thing that has been holding him back is his skating ability and quickness. At the NHL level, Lind’s pace just hasn’t been up to par. This coming season Seattle has some openings in their bottom six and Lind is a candidate to grab one of them. Did he put in the work this offseason to improve his ability to keep up? There is still a chance that he can settle into a third line role in the future, but as mentioned, those chances become slimmer with each passing season. - BO

10 - Tucker Robertson C

The 123rd selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Tucker Robertson had a lot to prove this past season being an overager in the OHL, but he quickly found a way to stand out and stayed consistent throughout the year. Robertson had a good rookie season on a stacked Petes team, finishing with 18 points (8G,10A) in 55 games. Unfortunately for Robertson, he missed the 2020-2021 season due to Covid-19, which was most likely a reason why he went undrafted in the 2021 NHL Draft. During the 2021-2022 season, Robertson went on to have a breakout season. He produced 81 points (41G,40A) in 68 games, which was 17th in the league in points, tied for 11th in the league for goals, 2nd on the team in points and assists and 1st on the team in goals. Robertson’s best assets are his competitiveness and puck handling. He plays with a great blend of skill and tenacity, having a bite to his game. He rarely takes a shift off and is always applying great pressure on puck carriers, making it difficult to play against. He’s not afraid to use his body and play physical, but he has the understanding of when it’s appropriate or when he should stay conservative, displaying good discipline. Robertson has the ability to beat opponents one-on-one with his deceptive and quick hands. He’s very strong along the boards and can contain possession for his team when needed, also being very effective in front of the net. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Robertson will be looked at again to be a leader for the Petes and be a top points producer in the league. - DK

11 - Ville Petman

A free agent signing by the Kraken after a breakout season in Liiga that saw Petman lead Saipa in scoring. A competitive two-way winger, his finishing skill and puck skill improved significantly last year.

12 - Jacob Melanson

A physically aggressive power forward, Melanson is a terror on the forecheck. However, his confidence and skill as a goal scorer took a huge step forward last season with Acadie-Bathurst.

13 - Niklas Kokko

A second-round selection by the Kraken in 2022, Kokko is a 6’3 Finnish netminder with good technical skill and improving athleticism. He will attempt to crack Liiga full time this season.

14 - Ville Ottavainen

A massive defender, Ottavainen is coming off his best season in Liiga yet. His mobility continues to improve, and he’s added a physical element to his game now too. He will continue his development in Finland this season.

15 - Tye Kartye

One of the OHL’s leading goal scorers this season, Kartye is a player who relies on his IQ to play in a variety of situations. He is deadly near the net front and the puck seems magnetically drawn to him. Improving his skating will be the focus as he turns pro this year.

16 - Tyson Jugnauth

This offensive defender out of the BCHL has a high ceiling because of his ability to create in transition. He loves to lead the attack. How he defends at higher levels is a mystery, but more will be known after his freshman year at Wisconsin next season.

17 - Semyon Vyazovoy

Vyazovoy was one of the top goalies in the MHL for the second season in a row, a year after being selected by Seattle. The Kraken are hoping that he can finally see some time in a men’s league this season, either the VHL or KHL.

18 - Justin Janicke

A hard-working checking line forward, Janicke’s effort is consistent in all three zones. The Notre Dame winger likely doesn’t have high upside as a pro player but could be a solid role player for the Kraken in the future.

19 - Alexander True

The big Danish center has proven that he can put up big numbers in the AHL, but has had trouble cracking the NHL full time. Is this the year he finally does it?

20 - Peetro Seppala

The Kraken signed Seppala, much like Petman, after a breakout season in Liiga last year. Seppala emerged as one of the top Finnish league’s best defenders and will be given every opportunity to crack Seattle’s roster this year.

2022 NHL DRAFT REVIEW: WESTERN DIVISION – SCOUT’S FAVOURITES

Brock Otten, Will Scouch and Sam McGilligan — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 18:19:51 +0000

The 2022 NHL Draft has come and gone. Montreal was a gracious host to not only NHL organizations and selected players, but also to McKeens' very own Brock Otten, Will Scouch, and Sam McGilligan. The three were in Montreal and in the thick of the action last week. To recap the draft, the three have highlighted their favourite selections for both Conferences. Additionally, we have provided a listing of each team's selections, coinciding with where the McKeen's scouting team had them ranked

Brock Otten’s Favourite Selections

-In no particular order

Pavel Mintyukov of the Saginaw Spirit. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

1. Pavel Mintyukov (ANA, #10)

I have said this a bunch on social media, on podcasts/radio hits, and in written work at McKeen’s; I truly believe that Mintyukov has the highest upside of any defender available this year. He is so innately skilled, and I think a lot of the issues he had defensively this year stemmed from team related usage issues (Saginaw just wasn’t great and struggled with injuries, forcing Mintyukov to play a ton).

Sam Rinzel (CHI, #25)

Speaking of upside, I also believe that Rinzel could be among the best defenders in this class in five years. He is a very raw talent, however what he can do offensively when he jumps up into the play is impressive. I think there is Brent Burns kind of potential here. He needs to learn how to use his size and mobility to be more consistent in the defensive zone, but that’s what College is for.

Ivan Zhigalov (COL, #225)

We ranked Zhigalov as one of the best goaltenders available this year and getting him with the final pick of the draft, when the Avs had only two picks this year, is outstanding. Look, Zhigalov is not perfect. But no goaltender in this class is. He has the athleticism and size to be an impact player on a night-to-night basis. Really curious to see how he does in the OHL next year with Kingston.

George Fegaras (DAL, #83)

I have made my like for Fegaras known in a bunch of different pieces this year and it is why we ranked him inside our Top 100 for the draft. He is a major long-term project. USHL next year, Cornell the next. He’s three or four years away from even truly showing what his high-end upside could be. However, there are some really interesting pieces to his game like his big point shot, penchant for the big hit, and his improving mobility from the right side.

Servac Petrovsky (MIN, #185)

The fact that Petrovsky fell this far is a head scratcher to me. He was a consistent performer for Owen Sound as a first year OHL player and was impactful in many different forms of usage. He is extremely versatile. His offensive upside may not be extremely high, but he does look great in transition and flashes the kind of creativity that suggests he may not have shown us what he is truly capable of with the puck on his stick.

Adam Ingram (NSH, #82)

Ingram may be a late birthday 2003, but he is one of the most physically immature players in this draft class. This helps to explain why he faded down the stretch in his first USHL season, which was his first year playing at a truly high level. He has a high-level shot, great instincts at both ends, and I think his skating ability will improve a lot over his collegiate career. This is a potential all situations top six forward.

David Goyette (SEA, #61)

I kind of figured that Goyette would end up being selected later than we had him ranked, but slipping this low was shocking. Kind of reminds me of when scouts let Jordan Kyrou slip out of the first too. Those two had similar strengths and similar concerns as draft eligible players. As the Wolves become a dominant team in the OHL, Goyette should be smack dab in the middle of it.

Tucker Robertson (SEA, #123)

Robertson was my favourite re-entry available this year. He was one of the highest scoring 2003 born players in the OHL this year, progressing better than many already NHL drafted players. He does so many things well. I think that he will eventually become one of the OHL’s best and most complete forwards and that Seattle will be very happy with his projection as a middle six contributor.

Daimon Gardner (VAN, #112)

This is very much a long-term project. What high school prospect isn’t? However, finding big centers with skill and decent skating are hard to find and you usually have to draft them a lot higher than this. He will play next year in the BCHL with Chilliwack before heading to Clarkson. At Clarkson, he will get a chance to play big minutes and could be the next face of that program.

Matyas Sapovaliv (VGS, #48)

Sapovaliv wasn’t always the most consistent in Saginaw this year, but he showed some really intriguing qualities and that made him one of my favourites from the OHL. I really like his on and off the puck intelligence/vision. I’m really curious to see how his game develops as his movement capabilities do.

Will Scouch’s Favourite Selections

Shane Wright (SEA, #4)

I don’t think Seattle really minds how this went down in Montreal. They get a player who could become one of the better transition centres in the draft and one of the most threatening offensive centres as well in Shane Wright. He slipped further than I thought he would, but Seattle now has my last two top rated players in the draft and between Wright and Beniers, they have an extremely strong foundation down the middle to work around.

Brad Lambert (WPG, #30)

It’d be dangerously off brand for me not to include Lambert in here somewhere. Look, I get the concerns, but I watched a lot of hockey, and Lambert going after some of the names that went as high as 15 or 20 picks higher left me a little bewildered. I really, really hope that Winnipeg knows what they may have with Lambert and look forward to him getting the reset he needs and starting a new journey.

Mattias Havelid (SJS, #45)

There are certainly concerns with Havelid’s likelihood of huge NHL success. He needs to diversify his offensive game, certainly improve his defensive coverage and physical strength, and he relies far too much on his admittedly good release on his shot to generate chances offensively. However, his skill, mobility on his feet and yes, his shot quality is awesome in combination. He’s a swing, but a fun one.

Jagger Firkus (SEA, #35)

I really thought that through everything, Jagger Firkus would have been taken somewhere in the first round. Some teams fell back on old habits avoiding the undersized scoring wizard, but Seattle took the plunge early on day 2. Firkus is skilled, agile, and has a great scoring release with a playmaker’s streak off the boards, doing so under pressure at times. He’s going to need to build a bit more of an escape gear and certainly get stronger, but he’s got huge offensive tools and could be a great supplement for someone like Shane Wright in the future.

Jordan Gustafson (VGK, #79)

Jordan Gustafson feels like a player where if his ability to generate speed and use the space he creates for himself, he could be a massive get at 79. He’s smart, adapts to pressure well, uses linemates effectively with a good sense of timing on the puck, and drove very good transition results in my tracking.

Adam Zlnka (ARZ, 204)

Honestly, outside of Logan Cooley at 3, the Arizona Coyotes’ most interesting pick came near the end of the draft. Zlnka scored at a huge rate in Slovakia, better than Adam Sykora as a teammate last year before joining the Sioux Falls Stampede. Unfortunately, an ACL injury put him out for the remainder of the season right when he seemed to be adjusting to the USHL, but he’s a highly skilled, offensive minded winger. I’ve seen this guy do spin-o-ramas on zone entries for crying out loud. He’s a ton of fun and I hope he works out over time now that he’s back playing at Arizona’s rookie camp.

Ty Nelson (SEA, #68)

I wasn’t shocked to see Nelson fall to 68, but when he’s the sixth player you draft, I think that’s great value. He’s a flawed defender with somewhat limited mobility to apply pressure and close gaps, but the tools are clearly there. He shoots like few other defenders, just shoots far too often. He’s a gifted puck carrier but controlling transitions through his passing was abysmal on paper. I’d love to see Nelson hit another gear and think that he’s a great buy low pick in the early third round.

Fabian Wagner (WPG, #175)

Wagner is probably the best example of a guy who once in a while has “holy moly” moments, then disappears for a while. There’s great skill and creativity with Wagner, and as much as he fell down my board as I watched him, 175 felt extremely late for him to go. Winnipeg is swinging for upside with Wagner, and I’ll have a keen eye on him.

Samuel Savoie (CHI, #81)

I have a lot of admiration for how Savoie plays. I think he was drafted really high for what he’s capable of, but he’s energetic, quick, and plays with a ton of pace. Controlling pucks at that pace and creating offense in possession isn’t quite there yet, but with time and development, there could be a neat pick up here for Chicago, even if it was a little high in my view.

Ryan Healey (MIN, #121)

I’ve watched Healey for two years and have always wondered how he hasn’t produced more. I love the skill, agility and fluid footwork, as well as the confidence Healey has to step into space and try to make plays. A player I had in my back pocket for a potential late round pick, Judd Brackett of course had to go out and pick him at the early ranges of where I’d consider taking a flyer on him. I’m a fan of his upside with the right encouragement and development.

Sam McGilligan’s Favourite Selections

(No order)

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

1: Brad Lambert (WPG, #30)

Surprise, surprise. Turns out Brad Lambert did fall after all. For the Jets, this is easily the best pick they could have made and it's not even close if you ask me. Regardless of what you think about his "hockey IQ" (it's really good by the way), the talent level is so far above every other player in this range that swinging on him here is the easiest decision one can make. He may arguably be the best skater outside of the NHL right now, and he has a set of hands that fully complement this mobility with zero wasted movement. There is legitimate 1C upside here and a third line floor on most teams. Best pick of the draft, easily.

2: Shane Wright (SEA, #4)

I mean, duh, right? Shane Wright being available at four felt like an impossibility moments before the draft started. It was likely the easiest pick any team had to make in the draft, but nonetheless, Seattle deserves credit for not overthinking things and taking the clear-cut best player available. Wright is extremely likely to be a top six center and the safest best to be a high-end player as the 2022 class can offer.

3: Liam Öhgren (MIN, #19)

Liam Öhgren being the last of the Djurgårdens' forwards to be drafted is not what I had envisioned prior to the draft. He's such a safe projection to an NHL team's middle six within just a few years that I thought he'd go higher just on that fact alone. Fortunately for Minnesota fans, Öhgren has upside far higher than just the middle six. He's brilliant, can play comfortably in both perimeter and middle ice, can manipulate to create both passing and shooting lanes and is highly competent in his own zone. His playstyle is so adaptable that he can fit alongside any offensive play drivers, regardless of their personal approach to the game. This was a very easy selection to make, and it's not surprising that the Wild nailed yet another draft pick.

4: Jack Hughes (LA, #52)

I am kind of surprised Jack Hughes was still available for LA to select in the first place. He's a highly mobile and active forward who showed he can adapt to higher pace hockey with ease. The toolkit and approach to the game are currently at a bit of a war with each other, as the toolkit boasts the upside of a top six guy but the actual implementation of it is currently being used in a bottom six fashion. But that's par for the course when you're this young making an adjustment to play in the NCAA, and I'm not sure it fully describes what he can be five years down the line. Either way, I think this was a great selection for a team without a first-round pick.

5: Joakim Kemell (NSH, #17)

This feels a bit funny to write because I believed Joakim Kemell was overvalued by many for a significant portion of the year; however, that only is a problem if Kemell goes top ten. Getting to draft Kemell at 17th overall? That's a huge win, and the Predators should be very happy with their new off-puck scorer. Kemell has a great sense for how play in the OZ will unfold, as well as great timing for knowing when to be in the right spot at the right time. He's an adaptable goal scorer who offers precision on his shot from awkward body positions. He's also quite the energetic forechecker as well. I don't think there's enough passing upside to warrant a selection higher than this, but 17 is a great spot for this type of player.

6: Jagger Firkus (SEA, #35)

No player rose up my final board more than Jagger Firkus did. Firkus possesses some of the best puck skills in the draft, demonstrating ridiculous levels of control starting at the very moment his stick makes contact with the puck upon reception. He's also one of the draft's best shooters, and has the mobility required to blend these two traits together to consistently gain access to middle ice to shoot and distribute. His smaller stature is the only reason he wasn't a day one pick, and I think a few teams are going to regret passing on him.

7: Ty Nelson (SEA, #68)

This shorter defender has the physicality, skating and skill to overcome his size deficit and become a truly dynamic PMD at the NHL level. Unfortunately, he isn't in a team environment right now where he gets to utilize these skills in such a way, and it makes it harder to project him to the NHL because his strengths aren't being fully realized. However, when you're picking in the third round, it's a risk worth taking when you're potentially getting a mobile top four guy. He also broke a puck in half so.. there's that.

8: Mattias Havelid (SJ, #45)

Mattias Havelid carries risk, but in the mid second that's more than okay. His defensive game needs to go up at least a few tiers in order to cleanly project, but there's enough there fundamentally that it isn't a ridiculous idea. Offensively, Havelid overly relies on a few patterns where almost all of them end in generating a shot lane for himself. His game is far from what it needs to be in the NHL, but at this point in the draft that can be said of most players. Not many offer the same upside he does.

9: David Goyette (SEA, #61)

I am kind of floored that Goyette fell this late in the draft? The bulk of his results come from clearly understanding how hockey is played within a team structure. He's the type of center that glues his line together through quick decision making and precise off-puck routing. Add a little bit more speed, physical durability and skill with the puck and I think Goyette projects rather cleanly as a third line center.

10: Christian Kyrou (DAL, #50)

Kyrou is as hilariously creative as one can find in a CHL defender this year, and it does not surprise me one bit that it was the Dallas Stars who decided to take a swing on him. His defensive game is far from consistent, let alone NHL worthy, and that might just be too large a hurdle for him to overcome in development… but if he does figure it out then Kyrou has serious top 4, PP potential.

2022 NHL DRAFT
Anaheim Ducks
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Pavel Mintyukov	D	10	11
Nathan Gaucher	C	22	43
Noah Warren	D	42	38
Tristan Luneau	D	53	29
Ben King	C	107	155
Connor Hvidston	C/W	139	HM
Michael Callow	W	154	HM
Vyacheslav Buteyets	G	174	NR

Arizona Coyotes
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Logan Cooley	C	3	2
Conor Geekie	C	11	14
Maveric Lamoureux	D	29	58
Artem Duda	D	36	57
Julian Lutz	W	43	52
Miko Matikka	W	67	176
Jeremy Langlois	D	94	135
Matthew Morden	D	131	211
Maksymilian Szuber	D	163	HM
Adam Zlnka	W	204	NR

Calgary Flames
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Topi Ronni	C	59	85
Parker Bell	W	155	186
Cade Littler	C	219	HM

Chicago Blackhawks
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Kevin Korchinski	D	7	18
Frank Nazar	C	13	12
Sam Rinzel	D	25	28
Paul Ludwinski	C/W	39	50
Ryan Greene	C	57	93
Gavin Hayes	W	66	59
Samuel Savoie	W	81	133
Aidan Thompson	C	90	NR
Dominic James	C	173	223
Nils Juntorp	W	188	NR
Riku Tohila	C	199	NR

Colorado Avalanche
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Chris Romaine	D	193	NR
Ivan Zhigalov	G	225	125
Dallas Stars
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Lian Bichsel	D	18	41
Christian Kyrou	D	50	86
George Fegaras	D	83	100
Gavin White	D	115	188
Maxim Mayorov	G	147	157
Matthew Seminoff	W	170	62

Edmonton Oilers
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Reid Schaefer	W	32	64
Samuel Jonsson	G	158	NR
Nikita Yevseyev	D	190	175
Joel Maatta	C	222	NR

Los Angeles Kings
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Jack Hughes	C	52	51
Kenny Connors	C	103	HM
Angus Booth	D	116	113
Otto Salin	D	148	67
Jared Wright	W	169	NR
Jack Sparkes	D	180	HM
Kaleb Lawrence	C	215	NR

Minnesota Wild
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Liam Ohgren	W	19	21
Danila Yurov	C/W	24	10
Hunter Haight	C	47	70
Rieger Lorenz	W	56	77
Mikey Milne	W	89	87
Ryan Healey	D	121	HM
David Spacek	D	153	92
Servac Petrovsky	C/W	185	117

Nashville Predators
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Joakim Kemell	W	17	7
Adam Ingram	C/W	82	49
Kasper Kulonummi	D	84	55
Cole O'Hara	W	114	NR
Graham Sward	D	146	222
Ben Strinden	C	210	NR

San Jose Sharks
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Filip Bystedt	C/W	27	60
Cameron Lund	C	34	65
Mattias Havelid	D	45	42
Michael Fisher	D	76	89
Mason Beaupit	G	109	160
Jake Furlong	D	140	154
Joey Muldowney	W	172	NR
Eli Barnett	D	195	NR
Reese Laubach	C	217	NR

Seattle Kraken
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Shane Wright	C	4	1
Jagger Firkus	W	35	20
Jani Nyman	W	49	47
Niklas Kokko	G	58	NR
David Goyette	C	61	27
Ty Nelson	D	68	46
Ben Macdonald	C	91	HM
Tyson Jugnauth	D	100	146
Tucker Robertson	C	123	120
Barrett Hall	C	164	NR
Kyle Jackson	C	196	HM

St. Louis Blues
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Jimmy Snuggerud	W	23	31
Aleksanteri Kaskimaki	W	73	74
Michael Buchinger	D	88	94
Arseni Koromyslov	D	120	79
Marc-Andre Gaudet	D	152	HM
Landon Sim	W	184	NR

Vancouver Canucks
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Jonathan Lekkerimaki	W	15	9
Elias Pettersson	D	80	152
Daimon Gardner	C	112	145
Ty Young	G	144	NR
Jackson Dorrington	D	176	150
Kirill Kudryavtsev	D	208	218

Vegas Golden Knights
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Matyas Sapovaliv	C	48	44
Jordan Gustafson	C	79	80
Cameron Whitehead	G	128	201
Patrick Guay	C	145	NR
Ben Hemmerling	W	177	107
Abram Wiebe	D	209	NR

Winnipeg Jets
2022 NHL Draft Selections:

Name	Position	NHL Selection	McKeen's Ranking
Rutger McGroarty	W	14	36
Brad Lambert	C	30	8
Elias Salomonsson	D	55	56
Danil Zhilkin	C	77	54
Garrett Brown	D	99	NR
Fabian Wagner	C/W	175	159
Domenic Divincentiis	G	207	NR

2022 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES, PART 1 – NHL Draft Re-Entry Candidates from Canada

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:10:42 +0000

In a normal year, scouting hockey is marred by imperfection. Every year high end players get skipped over at the NHL draft for various reasons. Maybe they suffered through injuries. Maybe their team struggled, and it prevented scouts from getting a good read on them. Maybe their team was too good, forcing them down the depth chart with limited minutes and exposure opportunities. Or...maybe they just were not good enough. But thankfully human development is nonlinear and therefore unpredictable. Teenage hockey players are far from a finished product on the ice as their games mature just as the rest of their body and mind does. That is why it is critical to track players as they move through their second and third years of draft eligibility (or fourth years of eligibility for some European players).

This year, it feels like we are playing catch-up because of how disjointed last year was in the scouting community. The OHL did not play. Other leagues played only partially. How much was development stunted? Better yet, how many players have surprised this year with their progression given that they were not able to show said progression last year (such as the OHL players). Will we see an extraordinary number of “re-entry” players selected this year as NHL scouting teams gobble up all of these players who slipped through the cracks of the pandemic scouting year?

North American players with birth dates from January 1st to September 15th, will be eligible for three NHL drafts. Players with birth dates from September 16th to December 31st, will be eligible for two NHL drafts. And for European players (in European leagues), extend that eligibility by one year in both cases. Recently, NHL scouts have increased the rate with which they are selecting “re-entry” candidates, or players previously passed over. Contract limits have made it critical for teams to spread out where they select players from, in addition to their age. This has made second- and third-year eligible U.S. and European based players especially attractive. However, these players have had a lot of success in recent years too. Look around the league and you see these players everywhere. For example, Florida Panthers standout defender Mackenzie Weegar was one. So too was Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck. Standout Arizona Coyotes rookie Janis Moser was one last year.

Speaking of last year, ten “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 100; Ryker Evans, Josh Doan, Janis Moser, Carter Mazur, Alexei Kolosov, Taige Harding, Andrei Buyalsky, Josh Lopina, Ville Ottavainen, and Jakub Malek In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1:) (Part 2: )( Part 3) we wrote about eight of these ten. In total there were 34 taken, actually below the trend of over 40 being selected in other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 34, we identified and wrote about 17 (half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2022, we have some very interesting candidates. Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs was near the top of OHL scoring all season. Stephen Halliday of Dubuque had one of the best statistical seasons in the history of the USHL. Dmitri Buchelnikov completely obliterated the MHL, a year after being passed over as one of the youngest eligible players in 2021. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% (if the average is restored) this year.

OHL

Lucas Edmonds of the Kingston Frontenacs. Brandon Taylor/OHL Images

Lucas Edmonds - Wing - Kingston Frontenacs

Edmonds is a strange case. Playing as an overager in the OHL (2001 born), Edmonds falls under European eligibility requirements because of his playing past. The same thing happened with Colorado Avalanche 2021 selection Andrei Buyalsky (who we mentioned above) when he played in the USHL a year ago. Edmonds grew up playing in the GTHL (even playing with Nashville Predator Phil Tomasino) but moved to Sweden as a teenager. The 5’11, 185lbs winger is not your average overage player physically. A late bloomer, Edmonds struggled to make an impact playing against men in Sweden, so he returned to Ontario to play in the OHL this season (not an import as he was originally drafted into the OHL in 2017). The decision was a good one as Edmonds was consistently one of the best players in the league and consistently among its leading scorers. On a lot of nights, Edmonds (and Kingston’s strong second line with the recently signed Jordan Frasca and Dallas pick Francesco Arcuri) overshadowed potential first overall pick Shane Wright. It would appear that it is not a case of whether Edmonds gets drafted this year, but when.

“The two things that immediately jump out at you about Edmonds are his hands and his intelligence. He always has his head up and his anticipation in the offensive end is terrific. The puck just gravitates in his direction, and he always seems to be around it. He creates time and space so well with his hands too. He can stickhandle in a phone booth; he has elite escapability. Equal parts playmaker and finisher there really is not a weak spot in his game as an offensive player.

The only question mark is his skating. East/West Edmonds is solid. He uses his edges well and can evade checks at the OHL level with strong agility. He is also strong and balanced, giving him the ability to consistently win battles in traffic. However, his acceleration and linear quickness is below average. As an average sized skilled forward, can he overcome that? Can his quickness be improved? There is certainly a chance that he won’t be able to keep pace in the NHL, and/or earn the kind of puck touches he will need to produce. That said, what he has shown this year has been extremely impressive and he is more than worthy of a draft selection.” - Brock Otten

Samuel Mayer - Defense - Peterborough Petes

It was not a terrific year for the Petes, but one of the few positives was the emergence of Samuel Mayer as the team’s number one defender. The 6’3, 200lbs blueliner came out of nowhere to not only claim a roster spot (he was a U18 draft pick, a source of talent that rarely pays off), but become a minute eater. He played in all situations for the Petes and was the team’s defensive scoring leader by a significant margin. In fact, among all U19 defenders in the OHL, Mayer finished in the top ten, ahead of many NHL drafted players.

“The first time I saw Mayer play, I was surprised with how effective he was. Given his size and lack of experience at a higher level, I expected his mobility to be poor. However, for a bigger defender, his mobility is good. There is certainly room for him to improve his quickness, but the four-way mobility is better than some of the 2003 defenders taken last year by NHL teams. Mayer impresses with his ability to lead the rush and run the point inside the offensive blueline. His puck skills are surprisingly sound, and he has a big point shot that will be a huge weapon in the OHL over the next few seasons. Best of all, Mayer is very solid in the defensive end. He is a physically intense competitor with a penchant for the big hit. And he routinely blows up transitional attacks. As he gains experience, he has a chance to become one of the better two-way defenders in the OHL. His pro aspirations will hinge on continued improvement in his quickness and decision making, but without question, his season has put him on some draft lists.” - Brock Otten

Gavin White - Defense - Hamilton Bulldogs

The Hamilton Bulldogs are one of the best teams in the OHL this year and a potential favourite for the Memorial Cup. Just look at how they’ve blown up the playoffs thus far. One of the reasons? The breakout season of mobile, puck mover Gavin White. A depth player the last time the OHL took the ice, White is now a critical, top four defender on a dominant offensive team. The 6’0, right shot defender was actually a U18 pick, much like Samuel Mayer (discussed above). He was in the top ten of blueline scoring all season long and is a truly dynamic puck mover because of his effortless stride and movement capabilities.

“I actually thought that there could be a chance White got drafted last year after how good he looked at that OHL showcase event organized in Erie. He was one of the better defenders there and even earned an invite to the San Jose Sharks training camp because of it. White’s game is perfectly tailored for the modern-day NHL. His four-way mobility is terrific. His confidence on his edges, ability to build speed out of cuts, and his four-way quickness are all among the best of any defender in the OHL. He is so elusive and creative in the offensive zone because of this. Defensively, I think he still has room to grow as a player, but his game seems to improve with each passing month. This year’s OHL playoffs will be a great test for him to prove to scouts that he can dominate at both ends when it matters most (so far so good).” - Brock Otten

Patrick Leaver - Goaltender - Oshawa Generals

Leaver narrowly missed being eligible for the draft for the first time this year by only a few weeks (born September 4th, 2003). But with no hockey in Ontario last year, he did not have a chance to showcase his abilities at a higher level after playing in the CCHL2 as a 16-year-old. Even this year, Leaver was supposed to be the backup to overage standout Zachary Paputsakis. However, with Paputsakis getting a late start to the year, Leaver was thrust into a starting role in Oshawa and pretty much never relinquished it (however, the Generals crease did become more of a platoon).

Oshawa was a bit all over the map this season, but Leaver was consistently solid as an OHL rookie and the stats back that up. A poor stretch to close out the year ruined his save percentage a bit, but it was among the best in the league nearly all season. Leaver does not have the size scouts are looking for; he is only 6’0. However, more and more small netminders are having success at the pro level and Leaver is certainly worthy of an opportunity.

“Leaver has that elite athleticism that you look for in smaller netminders. Post to post, he is one of the quickest in the OHL. It seems like he is hitting the highlight reels monthly with a miraculous athletic save. And quite frankly, he keeps the Generals in a lot of games with the big saves he comes up with and the way he tracks the play. He always seems to get himself square to shooters. Leaver is just downright fun to watch.

There are some things that will probably concern NHL scouts. His rebound control is a work in progress. He needs to do a better job of playing bigger in the crease by fighting through traffic and being more aggressive in challenging shooters. He can be beaten high for that reason. Yet, these are coachable and improvable attributes. Given how young he is and how weak this year’s goaltending crop is, I absolutely view Leaver as a potential pick this year.” - Brock Otten

Kirill Steklov - Defense - London Knights

The journey back to the OHL has been a long and arduous one for Steklov. He played for London in his original draft year (2019/20) but returned home to Russia after the pandemic started. This year, he split time between the KHL and MHL and made the Russian roster for the abruptly halted World Juniors. It was after that event that Steklov decided to return to the Knights after a year and a half away. In London, he was an absolute workhorse, stepping right into a top four role. Just about every facet of his game has improved and the 6’4 defender commands attention when he is on the ice.

“I remember I watched one of Steklov’s first games back in the OHL and I couldn’t believe that it was the same player I saw struggle in his rookie year as an Import nearly two years ago. Night and day. There are not many 6’4 defenders who can move like he does. He covers the ice so effortlessly. His play and confidence with the puck has really improved too. There are still some moments with the puck that make you wonder how well he sees the ice/processes the game at a higher pace, however he is unquestionably a significantly improved player and prospect. It would be shocking if an NHL team did not give him a look this year given his floor as a Dmitri Kulikov type who can defend pace with his feet and reach.” - Brock Otten

Matt Maggio - Wing - Windsor Spitfires

Maggio is another of the OHL’s most improved players this year (a year where there are obviously a lot of them). With a late 2002 birthday, Maggio was first time eligible last year, where he played out the pandemic in the Swedish third league. Unfortunately, his disappointing rookie season in the OHL the year prior really left a sour taste in the mouths of scouts. This year, however, Maggio has consistently been one of Windsor’s best players, which has helped them to be one of the surprise teams in the OHL (and still going in this year’s playoffs). One of the league’s leading goal scorers, Maggio is an extremely dangerous player in transition and his tenaciousness really gives him a chance of being a pro.

“I have been trying to watch more of Windsor of late and every time I do, Maggio stands out. His linear quickness and explosiveness have really improved. And this is great because his confidence on his edges and overall agility has always been good. These improvements have allowed Maggio to become one of the OHL’s best counter attackers. His shot is also a major weapon. He consistently seems to find his way to the middle of the ice and when he gets the puck in the home plate area, he rarely seems to miss. Maggio is also a competitive player who likes to get under the skin of the opposition. I wouldn’t call him a power forward, but he has become the perfect complementary winger, especially when paired with Wyatt Johnston, because of how active he is without the puck, how quickly he can strike, and how well he plays with pace.” - Brock Otten

Tucker Robertson - Center - Peterborough Petes

At this point, the competition for the top re-entry this year could be between two OHL’ers, Tucker Robertson and the aforementioned Edmonds. Robertson was a standout as an OHL rookie two seasons ago because of his high energy approach and tenaciousness, however the OHL hiatus did not give him an opportunity to show that he could be a standout offensively. Fast forward to this season and Robertson has done just that. Not only did he remain a standout energy player (a terrific penalty killer, great on faceoffs, physical and tenacious), but Robertson finished as one of the highest scoring 2003 born players in the OHL this year. He is proving that, without a doubt, he should have been selected last year after being one of the top players at the makeshift Erie showcase.

“Many players in the OHL that lost their draft-year season needed to have big re-entry seasons to really catch scouts’ attention. Tucker Robertson is one player that started the year very hot and never seemed to slow down. He’s an all-around player who brings great energy on each shift. He’s not afraid to go to dirty areas for redirections and rebounds. He has great hands along the boards and in-tight and is able to control and protect the puck well in traffic. He has a scoring mentality, always attacking the slot and driving to the net to create chances. He has a quick release on his wrist shot but could improve the power.

Not only is he an effective goal scorer, his vision and playmaking are just as good. Displaying great patience to wait for passing lanes to open, avoiding forced passes that could lead to turnovers. Robertson reads plays very well and is almost always in the right spot at the right time. Consistently supporting teammates in the defensive zone, getting into open space to give passing options, and also having great awareness and positioning on the penalty kill.

He has a great motor that never seems to quit, out-battling opponents for the puck and playing physical when needed, showing he can handle a limited role and still be effective. One area that Robertson still needs to improve is when he’s skating with the puck in transition, before entering the offensive zone, he seems to stop moving his feet and just glides into the zone, losing speed and momentum, making it much easier on defenders to read and shutdown. I believe Robertson could become a middle-six forward that has the ability to kill penalties and also become a depth scorer in the NHL.”- Dylan Krill

James Hardie - Wing - Mississauga Steelheads

It seems like Hardie has been a mainstay on this list the last two seasons after he shockingly went undrafted following a 34-goal season in 2019/20. But scouts had concerns about how well his scoring numbers would translate given his lack of dynamic skating ability, outside shooting tendencies, and one-dimensional play. Now an OHL veteran and in his final year of draft eligibility, Hardie makes this list again because he helped the Steelheads to a surprisingly solid season and because he has improved many of the areas of concern. He is never going to win a Selke trophy, but Hardie has found a way to be more middle lane focused and has increased his physical intensity. Of course, he still has one of the OHL’s best shots and has the potential to be a solid complementary scorer at the pro level.

“James Hardie is a player who many in the public sphere thought would be drafted, both last year and in his original draft eligible season. This is the last draft that Hardie is eligible for, and I think that he's proved himself worthy of being selected. After missing his DY+1, Hardie knew he had to produce more this year and he didn’t hold back, putting up new career highs in both goals (41) and assists (36), finishing the year with 77 points in 68 games. Hardie had a very successful season and It’s clear that Hardie can find the back of the net. His shot is very quick and accurate, but what makes him so effective is his offensive awareness and ability to understand where to be and when to get there in perfect time. He doesn’t make it easy on defenders, always looking for open space to set-up teammates for high-danger scoring chances.

Hardie has made significant improvement in his skating. His first three steps are much stronger and quicker, producing much more efficient acceleration. His top speed looks faster, and he’s been able create many chances on breakaways because of it. He’s been much more active on the transition and is someone the Steelheads often look at to drive play. One area Hardie could look to improve is his passing accuracy and becoming less impulsive with the puck. There are times where he could wait an extra second or two to give himself more time to read the play and choose the best play possible, avoiding turnovers and prolonging his team’s puck possession. With Hardie’s offensive tools, he could become an effective middle-six depth scorer on a team at the next level. Having the ability to compliment a playmaker very well with his goal scoring touch.” - Dylan Krill

Kyle Jackson - Center - North Bay Battalion

There are a lot of parallels between Jackson and the aforementioned Matt Maggio. Both late born 2002’s. Both Ottawa area kids. Both highly hyped but struggled in their rookie OHL seasons. Unlike Maggio, Jackson did not head overseas last year, making it a lost year of development for him. However, like Maggio, Jackson was a standout this year, proving that he was originally worth the hype as a young CCHL player. While he has struggled with injuries this year, when healthy he has been an impact player for the Battalion, who have also been surprisingly strong in the Eastern Conference. This includes the playoffs, where Jackson has been terrific. The 6’2 forward is both versatile and skilled and should be on the draft radar this season.

“Kyle Jackson started the year on the second line, but it didn’t take long until he gained the trust of his coaches and became the Battalions first line center for the rest of the year. Despite battling injury, Jackson still managed to produce 62 points (30G,32A) in 45 games, finishing 4th on his team in points. Not only did he score over a point per game, he also went two consecutive games without scoring only three times during the season, bringing value to his team every night. Jackson is a strong player who uses his size to drive play well. He’s able to out-battle opponents for the puck often and is strong on his stick, forcing many turnovers in both the defensive and neutral zone. He is a strong finisher by the net, having a nose for the dirty areas, being able to clean up rebounds and tap-ins. There’s still room for Jackson to improve with his skating, as there are times where he quits moving his feet and isn’t able to accelerate quick enough. Also, his feet look a bit heavy at times, so he could look to improve there as well. He’s very aware defensively and is active at suppressing chances, using both his body and stick to takeaway space quickly. I believe Jackson has proved that he’s worth being drafted because of his ability to handle a bottom-six role at the next level.” - Dylan Krill

Amadeus Lombardi - Center - Flint Firebirds (OHL)

Lombardi has to be considered one of the league's most underrated players after a very positive rookie season. He had barely played above the AAA level before this year, but came into Flint, locked down a top six role, and finished as the team's second leading scorer. He has continued that success into the OHL playoffs too. An intelligent, playmaking pivot, Lombardi has likely put himself on many draft lists with his solid progression over the course of the year.

“I really love how he sees the ice. Just so calm and composed in the offensive zone. As he gets stronger, I think he has a chance to be one of the league's best playmaking centers. His vision and poise with the puck is a standout quality. There is lots of room for him to improve on some of those classic physical tools (quickness, strength through traffic, etc), but he is essentially playing in his first year of hockey above the AAA level. That is a HUGE jump. If he puts in the work, the innate qualities of his game have the opportunity to shine even brighter. His playoff performance likely dictates whether he gets drafted and thus far, he's been excellent.” - Brock Otten

WHL

Graham Sward. Photo by Larry Brunt

Mikey Milne - Wing - Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

One of the most improved players in the WHL this year, Milne exploded offensively for the WHL leading Ice. Sure, he plays with some talented offensive players, but Milne’s hard work, determination, speed, and awareness have made him the perfect complement to the likes of Savoie, Geekie, McClennon, Finley, etc. He excels in all situations and finished just outside the top 10 of WHL scoring. Additionally, his +56 was second in the entire WHL this year. In our opinion (at McKeen’s) he is one of the top re-entry players eligible this year (across all leagues and countries).

“It’s hard to turn on a Winnipeg Ice game and not be entertained by the star talent they have. Whether it’s draft eligibles Matthew Savoie or Conor Geekie, or even a young star like Zach Benson, the Ice have the talent to catch your eye and make your jaw drop on a game-to-game basis. One of these eye-catchers is overager Mikey Milne, the 5’11”, 185lbs left wing from Abbotsford, British Columbia. The skilled winger has totaled 81 points in 68 WHL games, trailing only Savoie in scoring for the Ice, and finishing twelfth in scoring for the entire league. It’s difficult for an overager to prove that the league made a mistake passing on them, but I believe Milne has done this in spades. The forward may never be a high-impact scorer for an NHL team, but his off-puck routing, work ethic and contact fundamentals allow Milne to be an aggressive forechecker that constantly applies calculated pressure on the opposition. There is certainly a role for Milne in the future, one where he can complement more dynamic puck carriers by being the skilled finisher that leaps into the dirty areas of the ice to ensure possession. There are few overagers in this class that project to the NHL in a versatile role, but Mikey Milne is certainly one of them. A team taking him in the third or beyond could find a useful NHLer within just a few years.” - Sam McGilligan

Graham Sward - Defense - Spokane Chiefs

A former highly touted prospect and one of the youngest players eligible in 2021, Sward went unselected after playing sparingly in a shortened WHL season. He returned with a bang this season, emerging as a top defender for Spokane. Among ‘03 defenders in the WHL, Sward’s 43 points were top five overall and ahead of highly touted and highly drafted players like Stanislav Svozil and Nolan Allan. Considering his calling card is probably in the defensive end, this is just gravy and points to really positive progression.

“Graham Sward is a staunch, reliable defender who enjoyed a breakout offensive season in his third year in the league. Billed strictly as a shut-down guy last year, Sward took another step in rounding out his game with 43 points in 57 games as an all-situations player for the rebuilding Spokane Chiefs. His calling card remains his combination of skating ability and physical presence. As a mid to late-round pick, Sward could project as a bottom-pairing NHL defender if his game continues to evolve.” - Arlo Schulz

James Stefan - Wing - Portland Winterhawks

Last year was a tumultuous one for Stefan. He decided to go to the USHL with the WHL delayed and he struggled with Lincoln. Then he left Lincoln and returned briefly to Portland before the season ended. Just not a strong draft year for a former promising prospect. The son of former first overall pick Patrik Stefan, James has rebounded nicely this year. His 79 points were second on the Winterhawks behind Red Wings prospect Cross Hanas, while his 34 goals were tops.

“In Portland, James Stefan broke out for a 79-point season as a third-year junior playing in Mike Johnston’s pro-calibre development system, placing him firmly on scouts’ radar for the upcoming draft. Despite not being a great skater, Stefan is adept at getting to the right spots on the ice and exhibits good hockey sense and timing. A functional player who can be an asset on the forecheck, Stefan can produce on the powerplay as well with an accurate shot that he finally began to utilize more this past season. The son of former 1st overall pick Patrik Stefan is also fairly industrious without the puck and is rounding into a reliable player that won’t necessarily blow you away in any one category, but exhibits a good enough floor as a player that he may evolve into a decent pro.” - Arlo Schulz

Thomas Milic - Goaltender - Seattle Thunderbirds

Size bias is a real thing for goaltenders these days, even with some smaller netminders finding success in the NHL. The sample size was small but Milic was solid last year between the WHL and the U18’s. However, the 6’0 stopper went unselected. So what did he do? Return to Seattle and put together another solid year over a full year’s work this time. His .912 save percentage was just outside the top five in the league. A strong playoff performance for Seattle could lead him to be selected late this time around.

“Perhaps no position was as affected by last year’s shortened season as much as goaltenders, who simply didn’t get the reps needed for development and as a result were passed over in 2021. Thomas Milic of the Seattle Thunderbirds is one example. He lacks the size that NHL scouts covet these days but reads the play well and is a terrific skater. He tracks pucks fairly well and can elevate his play in pressure situations. His rebound control needs work as do his puck skills. Smaller goalies will always need to do extra in order to attract scouts’ attention (fairly or not), so we will see if this ends up keeping him out of the 2022 draft or not.” - Arlo Schulz

Braden Holt - Goaltender - Everett Silvertips

Holt split starting duties for Everett this year but was generally solid after barely playing last season. Even a spot on the US U18 team did not give Holt playing time as he spent the tournament as the third goaltender. Even though he finished the season on a bit of a down note, he might be more highly touted this year than he was last.

“Braden Holt’s stats improved in his third year, but it remains to be seen if he did enough to get drafted this upcoming summer. His positioning and athleticism are his strongest traits, and he reads the play fairly well, but can lose sight of the puck in traffic and doesn’t display quick enough footwork. He needs to improve his decision making when handling the puck and continue to refine his focus and consistency." - Arlo Schulz

Bogdans Hodass - Defense - Medicine Hat Tigers

A 6’3 defender from Latvia, Hodass had a very positive first year in the WHL, emerging as a top four defender for the rebuilding Tigers. He was named Medicine Hat’s rookie of the year this season and played in all situations. It is very likely you have heard of Hodass based on his name alone as it appears quite often on lists of the best names available, however his play on the ice also deserves recognition.

“Medicine Hat was really, really bad this year. Logan Barlage led the team in scoring…with 33 points. That was both a blessing and a curse for Hodass. He received a ton of minutes. Early in the year, he looked great. However, as the year went on, the season appeared to take a toll on him as he went the final 16 games without registering a point. Hodass’ skating and overall four way mobility isn’t bad. There is potential there for it to improve further, making him a real standout defensive player. He is aggressive in denying entry to the defensive zone and plays a physical game down low. Offensively, playing on such a poor team made it difficult to truly ascertain what he’s capable of. He can lead the attack and he can make a clean exit, but the offensive ceiling may have been hidden due to his constant defending. Overall, there is a solid overall profile here with potential to be better at both ends due to some positive athletic traits.” - Brock Otten

Michal Gut - Center - Everett Silvertips

While Everett’s season didn’t exactly go according to plan after an upset in round one of the WHL playoffs, they did have a good season and Gut’s emergence as a topflight playmaking center has to be considered one of the main reasons for that. Returning to the WHL after a year playing in the Czech men’s second league, Gut finished just outside the top ten of assists with 53. He also looked great at the World Juniors for Czechia before the tournament was abruptly canceled.

“Once upon a time ago, Gut came to Everett with lofty expectations in his NHL Draft year. However, his battles with consistency, along with a clunky skating stride led him to go unselected. Fast forward to 2022 and Gut looks like a different player after a year away. Even when he’s not helping to create offensively, he is making a positive impact with his energy, physicality, and improving defensive awareness/abilities. His ability to control the puck down low, in and around traffic remains his best quality. He consistently prolongs possession with his hands and quick feet. When you combine that with his great vision, you have a playmaker who can be a difference maker. Gut still isn’t the quickest or fastest player on the ice, but improvements made to nearly every other component should make him a possible draft selection.” - Brock Otten

Ben King - Center - Red Deer Rebels

A former highly touted prospect, we started to see the breakout of King last year in the pandemic shortened WHL season. However, this year it came to fruition as King emerged as one of the top offensive players in the WHL. His 52 goals led the WHL. His 105 points were second to teammate Arshdeep Bains. The 6’3, 200lbs center plays a heavy game that should translate very well to the next level and his ability to put Red Deer on his back at times this year was impressive. In fact, his 15 game winning goals were the second most all time in the WHL for a single season, one off Brian Propp’s record of 16 in 1979.

“While King is far from the WHL’s most impressive skater, he has worked to improve his quickness and that has allowed him to really take a positive step forward. Now, his skating still has a ways to go before he can be an NHL player, but there are so many other components to his game that translate well. He’s a physical, two-way center who is very difficult to play against. He competes consistently away from the puck and his ability to protect the puck down low is impressive. His shot is a major weapon, and he hunts down scoring opportunities well, pointing to great offensive awareness. When you look at how his overall profile has improved this year, he should definitely get a look in 2022.” - Brock Otten

QMJHL

David Spacek, Sherbrooke. Photo by Iften Redjah/QMJHL

David Spacek - Defense - Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)

The son of former NHL defender Jaroslav Spacek, David had a terrific rookie season in the QMJHL with Sherbrooke after not playing much last year (due to pandemic related effects on the Czech junior leagues). His 50 points were ninth among all defenders this year and as of writing this, he leads all defenders in playoff scoring so far. After progressing so well in the Q this year, Spacek was also named to the Czech U20 roster, where he would have played a large role had the tournament actually occurred.

“The Sherbrooke Phoenix is an incredible team loaded with talent across their roster -notably with QMJHL top scorer and Montreal Canadiens’ prospect Joshua Roy, who’s having a fantastic DY+1 season after somewhat of a lackluster draft year. Another player who’s shining this year is their top-scoring defenseman, overager David Spacek. This season, the Czech defenseman tallied 50 points in 57 regular season games, placing him 4th in team scoring. The Columbus, Ohio native isn’t going to “wow” you with high-end skills or blazing speed but instead, will shine with his excellent understanding of the game and intelligence. David is very efficient at both ends of the ice.

On defense, he ties up his man well, maintains a good stick-gap in rushes, and communicates a lot with his teammates to ensure the maintenance of a good defensive structure. Offensively, the smart defenseman will make hard and precise passes to launch the attack, remain calm when facing pressure and has a powerful and accurate shot from the point. Being the son of former NHLer Jaroslav Spacek, David displays a very mature and well-rounded brand of hockey on the ice, which much of it could be credited to his father. Spacek has a great chance to become a well-rounded, bottom-pairing defenseman at the NHL level. Teams should be looking to draft him in the 3rd or 4th round of the upcoming 2022 NHL Draft.” - Éloi Biondo

Frédéric Brunet – Defense - Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

A converted forward, Brunet has been one of the QMJHL’s most improved players this season. The 6’2, offensive blueliner emerged as Rimouski’s primary powerplay quarterback and was one of the team’s most important players this year. Given that he has not always played defense, there could be some untapped potential and upside to Brunet’s game.

“Tall, puck-moving defensemen are a rare asset in today’s NHL, and Frédéric Brunet might have the potential to become just that. Last year, the Gatineau, QC native had a relatively modest draft year season in the Circuit Courteau, putting up nine points in 33 games. But this campaign, the 6’2 defenseman exploded offensively, amassing 46 points in 63 games, leading over the second-best scoring defenseman of his team by double the points. Brunet possesses some very tempting attributes that teams might be interested in; he’s a very mobile defender who plays with confidence and loves to carry the puck through the neutral zone. He walks the blue line on the power-play for the Oceanic as he dictates the play from the point with his great playmaking abilities and deceptive moves to fake defenders.

On the flip side, Frédéric is not as effective defensively; he’s not the most aggressive on the puck carrier, and he frequently makes mistakes in his zone with the puck on his stick. He also gets caught flat-footed from time to time when defending rushes. However, he can correct himself sometimes due to his excellent skating ability, but that won’t cut it at the next level. If he manages to fix those inconsistencies, I think he could be a nice project pick for a team in the draft's later rounds.” - Éloi Biondo

Ivan Zhigalov - Goaltender - Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)

A Belarussian import netminder, Zhigalov has been largely excellent in his first North American season. The 6’3, right-handed catcher (a rarity) combines athleticism and size in a way that has intrigued NHL scouts to the point where he could very well be the first goaltender off the board in Montreal. The second ranked North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting was also excellent at the CHL Top Prospect’s Game this year.

“Another player from the talented Sherbrooke Phoenix, Ivan Zhigalov, impressed more than one with his highlight-reel saves and confidence in his crease this season. The 6’3 Belarussian goaltender shouldn’t go undrafted in the 2022 draft - his size, lateral mobility, and work ethic are too prevalent for teams to pass on. The athletic netminder never gives up on a play. While his goaltending style creates more rebound chances for the opposition, he still manages to give a second effort on a play and uses his great side-to-side movements to make saves skillfully. On the weaker side, Zhigalov plays a bit deep in his crease, which creates more openings for shooters. Also, the big netminder isn’t great at handling the puck, as he’ll often make bad reads with it and make not-so-well-timed net exits. Due to the lack of elite goaltending talent this year, I could see a team take a swing at him as early as the third round.” - Éloi Biondo

William Rousseau - Goaltender - Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)

A former highly touted netminder from the Trois-Rivieres area, Rousseau has been considerably better in his second QMJHL season after struggling last year as a rookie (in limited action). The 6’1 netminder split duties with veteran overager Fabio Iacobo and should be ready to be a full-time starter for the Remparts next year.

“Continuing on the topic of goaltenders, William Rousseau has been one of the better ones in the QMJHL this season. The 6’1’’ netminder has put up a .899% save percentage this campaign, improving his numbers drastically compared to last year, where he put up more disappointing numbers in his short sample size of games with a .833% save percentage. Playing for the mighty Québec Remparts, Rousseau has been a very calming presence in front of their net. He is always well positioned; he places himself up in the crease to challenge shooters and leaves very few rebounds to the opposition. However, he doesn’t have the best lateral mobility and can move too far from his net from time to time.

Despite having a good season, he has had to split the net with his partner Fabio Iacobo for the season, which might affect his draft stock down the line. Due to his good size and a good understanding of the position, he might get drafted later in the draft if he continues to perform well for his team. With Patrick Roy as a coach, I don’t think it’s crazy to say that Rousseau has much chance of seeing improvement in his game in the near future.” - Éloi Biondo

Maxime Pellerin - Center - Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

The captain of the Tigres, Pellerin was a depth player during the team’s championship run last season. Now the former first round QMJHL draft selection has had his chance to shine as the team’s top line center and leading scorer. Pellerin nearly doubled the offensive production of his next closest teammate this year, giving you an indication of his importance.

“Some players take more time than others to blossom into their full potential, which is the case with Maxime Pellerin. Playing for his hometown team, he didn’t impress the most in his first two seasons, putting up 12 points in 56 games in his rookie season and seven points in 26 games last year. Maxime seems to have risen from adversity and has elevated his game to an entirely new level this year, scoring 60 points in 65 games and being named captain of his team. With an average size of 6’0”, I was surprised by Pellerin's ability to win puck battles along the walls, using clever body positioning and balance to outsmart bigger opponents.

He has some decent puck handling to create lanes for himself in transition. Although he has good hands, Maxime doesn’t have the best skating; his top speed is decent enough, but his acceleration is limited due to his short skating strides, restricting him from creating separation from players. He’s a decent player defensively, supporting his teammates along the walls and is not afraid to block shots in crucial moments in a game. At last, Pellerin seems to have blossomed into a great junior player at 19, but he doesn’t offer enough upside, in my opinion, for him to get drafted by an NHL organization.” - Éloi Biondo

Zach Biggar - Defense - Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL)

Ranked last year by NHL Central Scouting, Biggar ultimately went unselected, possibly due to the limited number of games the maritime teams played last season. This year, Biggar has emerged as one of the Titan’s most important defenders as they look to challenge for a QMJHL Championship.

“Zach Biggar is a responsible puck-moving defenseman playing for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. The Prince Edward Island native has upgraded his points totals from 11 in 33 games last season to 32 in 63 this year. At the time I’m writing this, the 6’0”, 179lbs blue-liner has been one of the main point-getters for his franchise in the playoffs, tallying 5 points in 4 games played. Zach Biggar plays a sound defensive game. He maintains good gap control between the attackers to prevent them from gaining access to the middle of the ice, always knows where the opponents are and will position himself accordingly to neutralize them.

His defensive acumen doesn’t prevent him from contributing offensively, as he’ll frequently join the rush, make accurate first passes and quarterback the power play efficiently. Although Biggar moves smoothly around the ice, he’s an average skater and doesn’t possess that extra gear to create much separation between defenders. In the end, Zach is a pretty complete player but could work on expanding his skill set and top speed to garner more attention from scouts. If he continues to make noise in the playoffs, I think he could be picked in the draft’s later rounds.” - Éloi Biondo

Miguël Tourigny – Defense - Acadie-Bathurst Titan

This is Tourigny’s second straight year appearing in this article. The undersized defender was one of the QMJHL’s leading blueline scorers last season, however, he’s taken his game to an even higher level this season with 80 points in 65 games. That was a single point back of Vegas Golden Knights third rounder Lukas Cormier for the league lead among defensemen.

“Lots of players have all the talent in the world and an irreproachable work ethic, but only one detail holds them back: their size. Miguel Tourigny is the perfect example of that, with a height of 5’8” and weighing 172lbs, he’s been scaring off a lot of scouts for the past few years. This season, the dynamic blueliner tallied an astounding 80 points in 65 games, with 31 of them being goals. Miguël has now been ignored in two consecutive drafts, but with the season he’s had, he’s making it very hard for NHL organizations to ignore him for the third time.

The Victoriaville native can take over a game with his jaw-dropping puck skills, slick skating and impressive offensive instincts. The little defenseman fancies carrying the puck by himself in transitions, where he won’t be shy to challenge opponents directly one-on-one or navigate himself through heavy traffic with impressive dangles. Tourigny is also no slouch defensively as he aggressively battles in the corners and, surprisingly, will often come out on top, even against bigger opponents. That combativity is due to his excellent work ethic, which allowed his game to progress to where it is through his years in junior. The offensive upside is just too good to pass on, and Miguël could reward a lucky team for taking a chance on him later in the draft.” - Éloi Biondo

Evan Boucher - Wing - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)

The sample size might be too small for NHL scouts to take a chance on him, but you can’t look past the success he had this year after transitioning from the CCHL. A gifted goal scorer, Boucher was signed as a free agent by Halifax half way through the year and scored 25 goals in 37 games for them to close out the year. Lethal on the powerplay, Boucher combines great size with a menacing shot and goal scoring instincts. In his last year of draft eligibility, NHL teams may want to see him play an overage year before they truly offer up, but he is certainly one to watch.

“It’s uncommon to see players make their QMJHL debut at 19 years old, but Evan Boucher did just that. The forward started this season with the Brockville Braves of the CCHL in Ontario before signing as a free agent with the Mooseheads in December. To say Boucher adapted quickly to his new environment would be an understatement, as he notched five goals and had two assists in his first three games as a moose. The Timmins native finished the regular season with an impressive 40 points in 37 games, 25 of them being goals. The best part of Evan's game is, without a doubt, his goalscoring instincts. He’s got a heavy and accurate wrist shot he can release from anywhere on the ice. He can also use his big frame to battle for rebounds in front of the net, displaying great versatility in his goal scoring.

Boucher isn’t the best skater mechanically; he’s got heavy feet and lacks quickness and acceleration, but once he reaches his top speed, he can be pretty hard to stop down the wing for defenders. A drawback of his game would be his playmaking. His vision is a bit lackluster as he’ll often make blind passes without scanning or make a play too quickly, resulting in passes to no one. This year, Boucher might find some interest in the later rounds of the draft due to how well he’s played this season. He has a slight chance of becoming a complementary goalscoring option at the next level.” - Éloi Biondo

Julien Beland - Center - Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

It hasn’t been the easiest road for Beland thus far in his hockey career. Injuries and crowded lineups have prevented him from previously cracking a QMJHL roster. But this year he finally did it and he was an impact player for the Oceanic in a depth role. Combining size (6’3), with speed and physicality, Beland has put himself on the draft radar, even if his offensive production isn’t outstanding.

“So far, the tall 6’3’’ and 183 lbs. forward’s young career has been ravaged with injuries and bad luck. Béland missed his 16-year-old season in the Quebec U16 AAA league due to a concussion. The next year, he was cut from Gatineau Olympiques’ training camp, therefore, missed an entire season of play due to the COVID-19 stopping the AAA circuit’s activities. The Rimouski Oceanic then acquired him in the offseason for Gabriel Jackson and two 4th round picks. The Québec, QC native has proven to be a great addition to the rebuilding Bas-Saint-Laurent's formation, bringing some physicality and experience to their young players.

Béland plays a simple yet effective game style; the centerman uses his great reach and speed to pressure hard on the forecheck and to steal pucks from opponents frequently.

He also plays a good net-front game and is responsible defensively. But apart from that, there’s not much else that stands out from the 18 years old’s game. There are no ‘’skills’’ that particularly stand out. While his frame allows him to be effective against junior players, I don’t think it will enable him to produce at a level where opponents are more physically mature. He also doesn’t have a great point production as an overager, having only 29 points in 53 games. That being said, while I don’t think that Béland should be drafted this year, if he works on expanding his puck skills and creativity, he could garner some NHL team’s attention in the future.” - Éloi Biondo

AJHL

Zach Bookman - Defense - Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

How could you not be impressed with what Bookman was able to do this year in the AJHL? In his final year of draft eligibility, the Merrimack commit has produced at a clip rarely seen in the AJHL. His 1.86 point per game is by far the best this millennium (Cale Makar and Michael Benning were at 1.39 in their draft years, albeit at a younger age).

“It should come as no surprise for me to say that Bookman is a highly aggressive offensive defender. He consistently activates in transition and will even push deep down low in the offensive zone, earning breakaways and clear looks in tight (his heat map does not look like the typical defender profile). His stride is not the most powerful, but his hands and anticipation are excellent, helping to afford him the time and space he needs to operate. He defends similarly to how he plays offensively; aggressively. He tries to jump passing lanes. He steps up early on attackers with stick checks. This leads to some bad plays. But it also leads to some positive ones.

No doubt his approach will need to be refined at the NCAA level, let alone the pro level.

He will also need to put in the work to improve his quickness and his physical engagement and strength down low. However, you have to applaud what he has done this year, even if he has an age advantage over the competition. He is well worth a draft selection as a re-entry player because of his vision, puck skill, and overall offensive potential from the back end.” - Brock Otten

Boston Buckberger - Defense - Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

Ironically, Buckberger is the common defensive partner for the aforementioned Bookman on a strong Brooks team. At first glance, Buckberger’s production is nothing to scoff at. He is in his second year of draft eligibility (born in June of 2003) and sits outside of the Top 20 of league defenseman scoring. However, there is more to the story. Firstly, he is playing in his first year above the Saskatchewan AAA level, barely playing last year due to the pandemic. Secondly, the majority of his production this year has come at even strength with the aforementioned Zach Bookman swallowing up powerplay time with Brooks (although he does pair with Bookman at even strength on the top pairing).

“Without question, Buckberger passes the eye test, and it is why a prestigious program like the University of Wisconsin has given him a scholarship. As a skater, Buckberger has a lot of potential. Moving forward he shows solid explosiveness and agility, with the ability to use quick and sharp linear crossovers to alter direction but maintain pace. This helps him to be an effective transitional catalyst. However, similar to a guy like Brandt Clarke, his legs are a bit stiff when transitioning or trying to defend and it limits his four-way mobility. Buckberger also shows well as a physical defender, eager to close gaps quickly and aggressively. The rest of his game is a major work in progress, with inconsistencies showing in his puck management, multi-zone awareness, and overall effectiveness at both ends. It is very obvious that he has not played much at a higher level. Yet this also makes him somewhat alluring as with the right development team and program to guide him, there is raw potential.” - Brock Otten

SJHL

Kevin Anderson - Center - Notre Dame (SJHL)

Anderson missed the cut-off to be first time draft eligible this year by a single day (with a September 15 birth date). The Princeton commit led a storied Notre Dame Hounds program in scoring this season and finished second overall in SJHL scoring. A disappointing playoff performance and a first-round loss might have taken a bit of shine off that, but his overall body of work is impressive. It has been nearly 20 years since the SJHL had an NHL draft pick, but perhaps this year that streak is broken.

“Leave no stone unturned. That should be every NHL team’s scouting mantra. The SJHL surely isn’t the powerhouse of a league that it once was in the 1980’s, but it still produces talent. Anderson is a very strong linear skater who generates power quickly. He also alters pace well, making him dynamic in transition, as he looks to attack the offensive zone and puts opposing defenders on their heels. Anderson is also a competitive player who battles hard along the wall and near the crease. Honestly, it’s pretty difficult to ascertain the high-end potential. But Princeton is a good spot for him. They bring out the best in competitive, quick, and skilled forwards and he will have a long time to develop physically in the Ivy League. He may not end up being selected, but he’s worth tracking down the line.” - Brock Otten

Connor McGrath - Center - Humboldt (SJHL)

Like Anderson, McGrath is a September birthday who just narrowly missed being first time eligible for the draft. And like Anderson, McGrath has a chance to be the league’s first draft selection in some time on the back of a remarkable season. McGrath led the SJHL in scoring with 84 points, which was the most by a U19 player in the SJHL in nearly 15 years (Rylan Schwartz, brother of Seattle’s Jaden, had 88 in 2009 before starring for Colorado College). A Ferris State commit, McGrath is an intriguing name to watch.

“As mentioned with Anderson, NHL scouts need to be doing their due diligence on these two SJHL standouts. For my money, McGrath might be the better pro prospect. His skating stands out in a big way. He skates circles around the competition in the SJHL and is just too much for opposing defenders to handle on a lot of shifts. What really impresses me is his vision at full speed. He draws in multiple defenders by circling the zone or by attacking with pace, and then exploits those openings by finding teammates in the slot for scoring chances. As he gets stronger, he could be a really good player at the NCAA level. It’s really too bad that the World Junior A Challenge didn’t happen this year. It would have been a great event to showcase talents like McGrath this season.” - Brock Otten

2022 NHL DRAFT MIDSEASON RANKING: TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES WITH VIDEO – #91 thru #100

Brock Otten — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 19:32:51 +0000

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

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

Yoan Loshing. Photo by Daneil St. Louis.

Yoan Loshing - Center - Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Loshing is an interesting case study. Born and raised in Quebec, Loshing played in the GTHL for the Mississauga Senators during his QMJHL draft year. What he lacks in size (at 5’9), he makes up for with quickness and skill. He loves to lead the attack and is a very dynamic mover who can back up defenders with his speed or maneuver around them with strong edgework and nonlinear movement. This makes him such a tough cover in the offensive zone. He brings energy without the puck too and is willing to use his speed to forecheck and apply pressure. Outside of his speed, his shot is his second-best quality. He can really pick corners and doesn’t need a ton of time and space to do so. After a bit of a slow start, Loshing was playing his best hockey of the season right before the pandemic hiatus. Hopefully he is able to pick up where he left off after the restart and become a more consistent offensive contributor.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-91-yoan_loshing_-_2nd_period_12_4_-_12_16.mp4

Jack Devine - Wing - Denver (NCAA)

A freshman at the University of Denver this year, Devine was previously a member of the U.S. National Development program. He has had a really solid start to his NCAA career, especially when you consider his inconsistent ice time on a stacked Pioneers team. Devine’s best asset is his intelligence level, especially as a playmaker/facilitator. Not the most dynamic or naturally gifted skater, Devine makes the best of his skill set by protecting the puck well, reading coverage, and making quick decisions with the puck. Even without an explosive stride and terrific size, he manages to consistently find soft spots through advanced anticipation and by outworking other defenders. Without elite physical tools, you are unlikely to see him climb scouting lists much higher than this, but he has a real solid chance of becoming a quality pro because of his processing ability and work rate. Playing out of a solid program in Denver will also give him a chance to upgrade his skating and improve his strength before turning pro.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-92-jack_devine_-_1st_period_4_15_-_4_28.mp4

Ruslan Gazizov - Wing - London Knights (OHL)

At this point, Dale Hunter looks a little perplexed on what to do with this talented Russian forward. Gazizov’s hands and playmaking ability are top notch. He does really well to create extra time and space for himself in the offensive end because he can keep the puck on a string. He also shows terrific vision and has even run the point of the powerplay at times this year. However, it’s clear that he has some deficiencies that need to be cleaned up before he truly earns the trust of London’s coaching staff. His defensive zone engagement and physical play has been a notch below what was expected (given his previous performances internationally). Additionally, it is clear that he will need to upgrade his explosiveness to find consistent success in North America on the smaller ice surface. All that said, his offensive ceiling is quite high because of his creativity and skill. He will be a player to truly keep an eye on in the second half to see if he can make some necessary adjustments.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-93-ruslan_gazizov_-_1st_period_20_28_-_20_40.mp4

Jackson Dorrington - Defense - Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)

Dorrington has to be considered one of the most physical defenders available for the draft this year. He consistently lowers the boom on attackers as they try to cross the blueline and he is equally relentless near the crease and below the goal line. However, he is also a strong mover, and this allows him to really play a suffocating brand of defense. The offensive skill set is raw. He looks comfortable carrying the puck at times, and tentative at others. Playing in his first USHL season, he has plenty of time to build confidence in his ability to start the breakout with his feet. Even if the offensive game ends up having limitations, he has the skill set to develop into a strong stay at home type at the next level. Dorrington also has an interesting story. He is a distant cousin of Art Dorrington, the first black player to sign an NHL contract (with the New York Rangers in 1950). Jackson will head to Northeastern next year, a good place for his development.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-94-jackson_dorrington_-_1st_period_18_37_-_18_49.mp4

Jorian Donovan - Defense - Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)

The son of former NHL’er Shean Donovan, Jorian inherited his father’s quickness and explosive stride. He looks most comfortable leading the breakout where he is extremely confident and aggressive, pushing deep into opposing territory. His transitional attacking skills give him significant offensive potential. The rest of his game is a major work in progress. His decision-making leaves some to be desired. His defensive play can be erratic as he loses himself in coverage. That said, since an extremely rocky start, he has improved with each passing month and is learning to get the best out of his strong physical toolset. The turnovers are becoming less frequent. He is playing with more physical intensity in the defensive end. Moving down the lineup and playing less has really allowed him to breathe and settle down, allowing the game to come to him, rather than forcing it. No question, given his size, skating, and skill, in addition to his pedigree, Donovan will be a player highly coveted by NHL teams, perhaps more so than independent scouting rankings (like ours) indicate.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-95-jorian_donovan_-_1st_period_11_19_-_11_31.mp4

Jere Lassila - Center - JyP (Fin U20)

A few years ago, Lassila was thought to be, perhaps, the best of the 2004 Finnish class. Heck, even this summer he served as the captain of Finland’s entry at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. A hyper intelligent two-way center, Lassila’s physical tools just haven’t developed at the same rate as his peers who have since passed him. Pushing 5’10, and 175lbs, Lassila’s lack of strength and power prevents him from being a consistent contributor at this point in time, even at the U20 level, where he has not shown significant progression from a year ago. His skating mechanics are solid, and so is his agility, however there is room for him to get quicker and more powerful in order to get the kind of separation he needs to be the play driver that he was at the lower levels. Our Finnish scouting team still really likes him as a longer-term project, with the belief that once he matures physically, he will emerge as a solid prospect again because of his vision, creativity, and overall awareness at both ends.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-96-jere_lassila_-_2nd_period_19_21_-_19_34.mp4

Tucker Robertson - Center/Wing - Peterborough Petes (OHL)

We had Tucker Robertson ranked as an HM in our draft rankings last year after a really strong performance at the Erie Invitational (organized to give OHL players a chance to impress scouts after the cancellation of the season). He went undrafted in 2021 and it turns out, not only were we wrong to not have him on our final list, but so were NHL scouts. Robertson has been lights out for the Petes this year. He brings a consistently high energy level and is an aggressive forechecker who just always seems to be around the puck. However, his skill development has been terrific this year as he looks quicker, more poised and creative, and is showing the ability to make moves at full speed. Robertson has been lethal in all situations for the Petes, excelling especially as a penalty killer. There is no doubt that he will be selected this time around, the question is how high? We believe he is a strong candidate for the first three rounds.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-97-tucker_robertson_-_2nd_period_9_51_-_10_6.mp4

Noah Warren - Defense - Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

Unquestionably, Warren belongs in the relatively large group of impressive big and athletic defenders available this year. The 6’5, right shot defender is an impressive skater, with especially strong four-way mobility for such a big, young man. Warren already excels in the defensive end with his ability to close gaps and physically impose his will down low. His potential as a stay-at-home defender is quite significant. However, the big, athletic defenders ranked ahead of Warren (in that first/second round range) have shown more offensively to date. Warren can struggle with his exits and his overall decision making with the puck. At this point in time, his puck skills do look somewhat limited which could, in turn, limit his NHL potential. However, the package of size and athleticism is going to be very alluring. The floor is still relatively high, but the ceiling is extremely high if he is able to harness some of his raw offensive tools.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-98-noah_warren_-_1st_period_13_53_-_14_5.mp4

Zakary Lavoie - Wing - Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

Selected seventh overall by the Steelheads in the 2020 Draft, Lavoie was thought to be among the best goal scorers in this Ontario age group. And while that hasn’t quite come to fruition yet, Lavoie has progressed well in his rookie OHL season. Forming excellent chemistry with Owen Beck (who is ranked inside of our first round), Lavoie has become a terrific complementary winger. He forechecks hard. He backchecks hard. He brings a physical element. He’s an above average skater who can beat defenders wide and to loose pucks. And best of all, he still has that big wrist shot that he is slowly gaining confidence in using. At this point, his strength on the puck and overall puck skills will need to improve in order for him to be the focal point and someone who can consistently lead the attack. However, even as is, there’s upside here as a hard working, middle six goal scorer.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-99-zakary_lavoie_-_3rd_period_8_52_-_9_5.mp4

Boston Buckberger - Defense - Brooks Bandits (AJHL)

Another re-entry that cracks our Top 100, Buckberger is playing in his first season above the AAA level, joining the storied Brooks Bandits franchise (who have a good recent track record of developing offensive defenders). The Wisconsin commit actually attended the Philadelphia Flyers training camp this past offseason as their scouts took notice of his play in the Saskatchewan minor hockey loop. Like another former Bandit’s defender, Buckberger’s best asset is his mobility. He really stands out with his ability to lead the attack out of the defensive zone and create plays off the line. The rest of his game is a bit of a work in progress. He’s very much a long-term project. But there is a lot of offensive upside here. The cancellation of the World Junior A Challenge really hurts a player like him, but Brooks should have a lengthy playoff run in the AJHL, giving Buckberger a chance to shine down the stretch.

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Top-100-100-boston_buckberger_-_3rd_period_29_16_-_29_28.mp4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tucker Robertson – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – SEATTLE KRAKEN – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #16

Top 20 Seattle Kraken Prospects

1. Shane Wright

2. Eduard Sale

3. Ryker Evans

4. Jagger Firkus

5. Jani Nyman

6. David Goyette

7. Ty Nelson

8. Lukas Dragicevic

9. Carson Rehkopf

10. Oscar Fisker Molgaard

11. Caden Price

12. Tye Kartye

13. Ryan Winterton

14. Tucker Robertson

15. Jacob Melanson

16 Niklas Kokko

17. Semyon Vyazovoi

18. Ville Ottavainen

19. Tyson Jugnauth

20. Logan Morrison

2023 MEMORIAL CUP PREVIEW: Team Previews with top five prospects to keep an eye out for on each side

WHL Champions - Seattle Thunderbirds

Top Five NHL Prospects to Watch

Dylan Guenther (Arizona Coyotes)

Brad Lambert (Winnipeg Jets)

Kevin Korchinski (Chicago Blackhawks)

Reid Schaefer (Nashville Predators)

Gracyn Sawchyn (2023 NHL Entry Draft Eligible)

Host City - Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

Top Five NHL Prospects to Watch

Logan Stankoven (Dallas Stars)

Olen Zellweger (Anaheim Ducks)

Caedan Bankier (Minnesota Wild)

Fraser Minten (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Connor Levis (2023 NHL Entry Draft Eligible)

OHL Champions - Peterborough Petes

Top Five NHL Prospects to Watch

Brennan Othmann (New York Rangers)

Tucker Robertson (Seattle Kraken)

Owen Beck (Montreal Canadiens)

J.R. Avon (Philadelphia Flyers)

Gavin White (Dallas Stars)

QMJHL Champions - Quebec Remparts

Top Five NHL Prospects to Watch

Zachary Bolduc (St. Louis Blues)

Nathan Gaucher (Anaheim Ducks)

James Malatesta (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Jérémy Langlois (Arizona Coyotes)

Evan Nause (Florida Panthers)

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #20 Seattle Kraken

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – SEATTLE KRAKEN – Top 20 Prospects

2022 NHL DRAFT REVIEW: WESTERN DIVISION – SCOUT’S FAVOURITES

Brock Otten’s Favourite Selections

-In no particular order

1. Pavel Mintyukov (ANA, #10)

Sam Rinzel (CHI, #25)

Ivan Zhigalov (COL, #225)

George Fegaras (DAL, #83)

Servac Petrovsky (MIN, #185)

Adam Ingram (NSH, #82)

David Goyette (SEA, #61)

Tucker Robertson (SEA, #123)

Daimon Gardner (VAN, #112)

Matyas Sapovaliv (VGS, #48)

Will Scouch’s Favourite Selections

Shane Wright (SEA, #4)

Brad Lambert (WPG, #30)

Mattias Havelid (SJS, #45)

Jagger Firkus (SEA, #35)

Jordan Gustafson (VGK, #79)

Adam Zlnka (ARZ, 204)

Ty Nelson (SEA, #68)

Fabian Wagner (WPG, #175)

Samuel Savoie (CHI, #81)

Ryan Healey (MIN, #121)

Sam McGilligan’s Favourite Selections

1: Brad Lambert (WPG, #30)