Tyson Jugnauth – McKeen's Hockey

McKeen’s 2025-26 Late, Late Show: Sleepers

Peter Harling — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:37:15 +0000

One of the greatest joys of participating in fantasy hockey is drafting a player in the way late rounds that not many others have heard of, and to have that player go on to not only make your fantasy roster but have good value. Each year there is an influx of new fantasy prospects that have the potential to deliver value from the final rounds of your draft. These imports can come from Europe or the NCAA, or some late blooming prospects poised for a breakout. To help give you a competitive edge in your fantasy league, here are some of the prospects who could prove to be gems, mined in the late, late rounds.

Coming to America – European Imports

Arseni Gritsyuk, RW – New Jersey Devils

The European imports on this list are usually undrafted players, but Gritsyuk was selected by the Devils way back in 2019 129^th overall. He is a long-forgotten afterthought in many leagues. Since his draft he has quickly developed in the KHL winning the Rookie of the Year, and a Gagarian Cup. A highly skilled and offensive winger his best season was his last where he scored 44 points in 49 games. Signed by the Devils he will make his NHL debut right away. He should be drafted in the mid-rounds, but if he slips to the late rounds he would have tremendous value with good offensive upside, and little to zero wait time before he contributes.

Maxim Shabanov, RW – New York Islanders

For the second straight year the Islanders have signed the top free agent from Europe. Last year it was Maxim Tsyplakov who headlined this list and delivered with a 35-point rookie season. Can Shabanov follow suit? In Tsyplakov’s last KHL season he posted 47 points in 65 games, while Shabanov just had a 67-point season in 65 games. However, Tsyplakov has NHL size at 6-foot-3 while Shabanov is well undersized at 5-foot-8, 157 pounds. In the later rounds, that is a gamble I will make all day as it has very little risk with a potential massive payoff.

Viljami Marjala, LW – Edmonton Oilers

Originally drafted by Buffalo in 2021, he became a free agent and was signed to a two-year contract by the Oilers. The Finnish winger previously played junior in Quebec, but since has been developing in the Liiga and posted a 52-point season in 54 games with TPS. The Oilers prospect pool is thin, and he may need a season in the AHL before he is NHL ready, but he has great sleeper value.

Juho Lammikko, C – New Jersey Devils

Lammikko is actually coming back to America as he previously played 159 career NHL games with Florida and Vancouver. Lammikko has limited offensive upside, he posted a career total of 26 points in the NHL but can add some hits and is strong on draws. In a late round you would be getting a player that should play in the AHL but has solid NHL recall options when injuries occur. However, if Cody Glass fails to deliver on his new $2.5 million contract, Lammikko would offer a much more cap friendly fourth line center option for the Devils.

Charles-Edouard D’Astous, D – Tampa Bay Lightning

A 27-year-old, undrafted and unknown player that you want to draft is D’Astous. His resume highlights include such hits like, QMJHL, ECHL, and SHL Defenceman of the Year, Liiga First Team All-Star. The 6-foot-2 left shot defender posted 39 points and 67 PIM in 49 SHL games with Brynas last season, good for 15^th overall, and second overall in defence scoring. Tampa signed him to a one-year contract, he will play in the AHL, but if he hits it could be well worth a late round dart at the draft board.

Top Of The Class – NCAA Free Agents

Tim Washe, C – Anaheim Ducks

After he captained Western Michigan University to their first national championship, the Ducks signed the 6-foot-3, 215-pound center as a free agent to a one-year contract, and he made his NHL debut. Currently a RFA Washe brings size, a two-way game, leadership, physicality and a commanding presence in the face-off circle. He may top out as a AHL player or possibly a bottom six NHL center. He has limited upside, but in a dynasty league where he would have minors' eligibility and provide face off wins and greasy stats, he has some value.

Quinn Hutson, RW – Edmonton Oilers

The third and oldest of the Hutson brothers is a forward and the biggest at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds. Like his brothers he played NCAA at Boston University and lead the Terriers in scoring last year with 50 points in 38 games. The Oilers signed the free agent to a two-year contract, and he made his NHL debut playing in two games and burning the first year of the contract. He made a strong impression at the Oilers development camp but would be a long shot to make the NHL in his rookie year. At 23-years-old, he should need little AHL time before we know if he can make the cut in the NHL. Given his family pedigree, I will bet he makes it.

Carter King, C – Calgary Flames

The Calgary native signed a one-year contract after playing a key role in the NCAA with Denver, where he won two national championships. King finished the season in the AHL on an ATO with two points in two games. King was a near point per game player in his final two campaigns in NCAA forecasting to the NHL, after a season in the AHL he could be a solid bottom six, energy center for the Flames. Despite being sub six-feet tall he plays a physical game.

Luke Haymes, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs signed the unheralded NCAA free agent to a two-year contract, and he finished the year in the AHL with the Marlies on an ATO. In his AHL audition of nine games Haymes made a strong impression with six points. The Ottawa native had strong sophomore and junior seasons with 1.16 and 0.82 points per game in each, showcasing his offensive upside. Still only 21-years-old and with three seasons of development in the NCAA at Dartmouth, Haymes is a legit prospect for the Leafs with top six upside. But it may be a season or two before he is ready for that role.

John Prokop, LD – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs double dipped in the NCAA free agent pool and landed the top defenceman in big 6-foot-3, 190-pound Prokop. While Prokop may have been one of the top free agent targets in the NCAA this year, his role will be as a big, physical defensive defender, which will not have the same value in fantasy leagues. His NCAA career stat line of 85 points and 83 PIM in 107 games is promising and gives some optimism that he can provide more offensive punch than last years free agent NCAA signing in Cade Webber.

Late Bloomers – Rookies

Tyson Jugnauth, LD – Seattle Kraken

After leaving Wisconsin and the NCAA in his sophomore season for the WHL, Jugnauth had a breakout season in his final year in junior leading the WHL in defence scoring with 89-points in 65 games. Drafted 100^th overall by the Kraken in 2022, his breakout performance earned him a three-year ELC, and he will begin his pro career in the AHL with Coachella. Jugnauth is still under the radar as a fantasy prospect with low Fantrax roster percentage making him a great value add.

Patrick Thomas, C – Washington Capitals

The Capitals signed their 2023 fourth round pick on the heals of his 104-point breakout season. The 20-year-old hit new highs across the board offensively but had quietly been a steady and consistent scorer throughout his junior career. There is some concern however as he has average size and we have seen senior players with big fourth seasons before that fail to make an impact in the NHL. But with a late pick, it is well worth a gamble.

Tuomas Uronen, RW – Vegas Golden Knights

The Finnish winger came to the CHL via the Import Draft in the 2023-24 season with the Ottawa 67’s, but injury limited him to just 11 games. He was traded to Kingston last year and had a breakout season with the Fronts scoring 38 goals and 90 points in 63 games. His play at the WJC winning Silver with Finland caught the Vegas managements eye and he was signed to his ELC. The Knights may have found a gem with the 2023 192^nd overall pick.

Tyler Thorpe, RW – Montreal Canadiens

As a member of the Vancouver Giants, 6-foot-5 Thorpe lived up to the name “Giant.” The massive winger plays a physical game, posting 69 PIM but also shows impressive skill for a man of his size. Passed over in the 2023 draft, the Canadiens spent a fifth-round pick in 2024 on him, and he signed with Montreal in April and made his AHL debut and posted two points. The big man is a prospect on the rise and a player to target in fantasy.

Blake Smith, LD – Toronto Maple Leafs

The NHL is certainly favouring big, physical defence again and Smith fits that bill perfectly. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound defender was undrafted, but posted 32 points and 54 PIM in 64 games this season in the OHL with Flint. The 20-year-old Oshawa native signed his three-year ELC with the Leafs and they hope he brings the aggressive physical edge he played with in the OHL. His offensive upside will be limited at the pro level, but if you need hits, PIM and blocks, Smith is your man.

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.

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: TIER 2 LEAGUES (USHS, CJHL, ETC.) TOP PROSPECTS – Part One – Defense and Goaltenders

Brock Otten — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 20:14:44 +0000

McKeen's Director of Scouting, Brock Otten, provides a close examination of all the top "Tier 2" players available for the draft this year (USHS, CJHL, etc). The first in the series highlights the defensemen and goaltenders.

Sam Rinzel

Defense - Chaska High (USHS-MN)/Waterloo (USHL)

6’4, 180lbs

Grades: Skating: 60, Shot: 55, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 54

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/sam_rinzel_-_1st_period_13_1_-_13_15.mp4

Notes: At this point, Rinzel appears to be the favourite high school hockey player available this year and our scouting team agrees with that assessment. Rinzel is unquestionably a very raw player. Defensively, he has acquired some bad habits from playing at a lower level and finds himself in poor position in the defensive end, chasing the puck, and making questionable decisions with the puck. This was evident at the BioSteel All American Game where Rinzel had a pretty disastrous showing. However, Rinzel’s physical tools are just so alluring. He’s already a top end skater, doing what he wishes at the high school level, and even finding success offensively at the USHL level. Given his length and quickness, he has that ability to carve up the neutral zone when leading transitional attacks and as such, he is a major asset when it comes to gaining the offensive zone. Rinzel also shows a high-end skill level, blending a soft touch and creativity, even when at full speed. Defensively, there are times where he looks like he could be a major asset, particularly when he is using his quickness and reach to be aggressive when defending transitional attacks. He defends well one on one, but his zone coverage and intensity down low needs to be more consistent. However, big defenders with mobility and skill do not grow on trees, especially from the right side. The potential for him to develop into a top-notch prospect is significant, even if his true vision and sense is slightly a mystery. A few years at the University of Minnesota should really help him improve his conditioning and give us a better indication of his ceiling.

Michael Fisher

Defense - St. Mark’s School (USHS-Prep)

6’3, 194lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 53

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/michael_fisher_-_2nd_period_15_28_-_15_41.mp4

Notes: Finding video of Fisher from the current season was not an easy endeavor. Playing out of St. Mark’s in the Massachusetts prep loop (with Scott Young being the most notable NHL alumni), Fisher is an athletic offensive defender who has run roughshod over the east coast prep scene this year. Recent third round pick Ian Moore (2020) also played his NHL draft year with St. Mark’s and Fisher’s production has been better this season. The focal point of Fisher’s game is his four-way mobility. An effortless skater in any direction, Fisher’s ability to quickly transition from forwards to backwards (and vice versa), in addition to his lateral quickness and balance on his edges makes him a real threat to create any time he is on the ice. It also gives him a real escapability, be it from the forecheck or when holding the line to create exploitable lanes. This mobility, in combination with a strong compete level in the defensive end, also gives him upside as a defensive player once his game evolves. Fisher is currently slated to head to Princeton next year, but it would be great to see him play a few games at the USHL level (his rights are held by Youngstown) before the conclusion of the season, just as a proper measuring stick. At this point, Fisher seems to have a similar profile to Sam Rinzel, only Rinzel’s profile is currently greater given the larger hype and attention given to Minnesota hockey.

Liam Steele

Defense - Stanstead College (CAHS)

6’4, 216lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 45, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 60

OFP: 52.5

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/liam_steele_-_1st_period_7_44_-_7_57.mp4

Notes: While Stanstead College might be an unfamiliar playing location to some, this is a top-notch Canadian prep program that has helped develop some quality players, like Mark Jankowski and current Nashville prospect Alexander Campbell (who is playing at Cornell currently, where Steele is committed to). The product of Great Britain is the classic potential “project pick.” Whoever drafts him will need to be extremely patient with his development. He’s scheduled to play in the BCHL next year with Chilliwack (although is also drafted by Chicago of the USHL), then will need time at Cornell. However, there are some really alluring physical tools here. At 6’4, 216lbs, his skating is above average. There is still some work to be done but considering that he’s coming from a non-traditional setting and is playing prep, one would believe that his explosiveness and four-way mobility will continue to improve as he climbs the ladder. Steele is also a physical player who closes gaps quickly and loves to engage below the goalline, helping to squash the cycle game or prevent the opposition from gaining possession on the forecheck. Offensively, there are times where he looks good, leading the charge out of the offensive zone, or making skilled plays to hold the line. Then there are others where he struggles to execute clean breakouts, fumbles the puck when trying to exit the zone or looks clumsy inside the offensive zone. It is just downright difficult to assess Steele’s true potential given the quality of his competition, even internationally with Great Britain. That said, he is worthy of a draft pick this year given those raw physical tools.

Matthew Morden

Defense - St. Andrew’s College (CISAA)/Muskegon (USHL)

6’5, 203lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 60

OFP: 52

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/matthew_morden_-_2nd_period_17_43_-_17_56.mp4

Notes: Morden was a favourite of mine back in his OHL draft year with the Toronto Titans of the GTHL (where he was eventually a second-round selection of Sarnia). A big, physically imposing blueliner, Morden is a real throwback. He loves to use his size down low and will step up early on attackers, with a penchant for the big hit. At the prep school level, his skating stands out in combination with his size, allowing him to both lead transitional attacks and squash them. However, at the USHL level, he has had some difficulty with the increased pace of play in a small sample size. This has been particularly evident as he has struggled to start the breakout and had difficulty maintaining his gap when defending in transition. Given his reach, size advantage, and penchant for physicality, he still has the potential to develop into a high end stay at home defender, even if his skating never gets to be above average. The real question is, what kind of offensive potential does he possess? With St. Andrew’s, Morden quarterbacks the powerplay and looks confident with the puck in the offensive zone, even consistently rotating deep down below the goal line to use his size and strength to keep the cycle alive. However, again, at the USHL level his confidence just doesn’t seem to be there yet. I love that he is going to Harvard. Ted Donato has done a great job developing defenders in recent years and I have a lot of faith in that program.

Zach Bookman

Defense - Brooks (AJHL)

5’10, 176lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 50, Skills: 55, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 45

OFP: 51.25

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/zach_bookman_-_1st_period_3_29_-_3_41.mp4

Notes: It has been a remarkable season for Bookman, a Syracuse, New York native playing his second season out of the AJHL. In his final year of draft eligibility, the Merrimack commit has produced at a clip rarely seen in the AJHL. His 1.85 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.

Boston Buckberger

Defense - Brooks (AJHL)

5’11, 172lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 50, Smarts: 45, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 50.75

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/boston_buckberger_-_3rd_period_29_16_-_29_28.mp4

Notes: 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.

Tyson Jugnauth

Defense - West Kelowna (BCHL)

5’11, 160lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 45, Skills: 55, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 45

OFP: 52

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/tyson_jugnauth_-_3rd_period_23_44_-_23_56.mp4

Notes: Jugnauth is a slick skating, Wisconsin recruit who is a very effective and creative puck mover. He uses linear crossovers well when leading transitional attacks, allowing him to disguise his directional intentions as he cuts through the neutral zone. When you combine that with his quick hands, it makes Jugnauth very effective at gaining the offensive zone. His ability to miss sticks and use subtle cuts/fakes also proves to be effective inside the offensive zone as he holds the line well and is able to break down zone coverage as a point man. More agile than explosive, Jugnauth could be aided by a little more explosiveness in his stride, but his four-way movement is pretty effortless overall. Jugnauth also is a creative problem solver in the defensive end who makes up for a lack of strength/reach by taking great routes to loose pucks and incorporating shoulder checks to help him execute the breakout cleanly. Defensively, he is a fairly passive stick checker, but his positioning is generally pretty solid, and he anticipates passing lanes well, pointing to an overall solid on ice intelligence. He’s not likely to ever be more than average in his own end, but with added strength, he may be able to do a better job of consistently winning those 50/50 battles in traffic areas and not getting manhandled near the crease. Operating near the point per game mark nearly all season, this former first round WHL bantam selection definitely has the potential to develop into a capable puck mover at the next level.

Ryan Hopkins

Defense - Penticton (BCHL)

6’2, 175lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 45, Skills: 45, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 60

OFP: 52.25

https://www.mckeenshockey.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ryan_hopkins_-_3rd_period_23_8_-_23_20.mp4

Notes: A transplanted Nova Scotian and former high pick of the Moncton Wildcats, Hopkins is a good sized, right shot defender with a commitment to Maine. The first thing you notice about him is his physical tenaciousness. With a penchant for the big hit, Hopkins also rarely loses a battle for the puck along the wall. This competitive and suffocating approach gives him a high ceiling (at the NCAA level, at the very least) as a stay-at-home defender. However, Hopkins also shows good vision and decision making with the puck as he elects to keep things simple. He does quarterback the top powerplay unit in Penticton and moves the puck quickly and efficiently, also doing a good job of getting his shot through traffic. He will never be confused for being the most skilled or creative player, but he appears to understand that, rarely complicating or forcing plays. It’s all about quick decision making and efficient movement. There are currently some limitations in the skating department. His forward stride isn’t incredibly explosive, which limits his recovery when he takes himself out of position for those big hits. Additionally, his transitional skating is not always the cleanest. However, he also shows some solid lateral quickness and given his length, there is room for him to evolve further as a four-way mover. Hopkins has some options on where to play next year. He could continue with Penticton (a solid program). He could play with Chicago of the USHL. Or he could play in Maine. The offensive capabilities aren’t likely to be his ticket, but he definitely has an intriguing skill set from a defensive perspective and could be an asset in that regard in the future. I could definitely see an NHL team using a later round selection on him this July.

Emanuelson Charbonneau

Defense - Alberni Valley (BCHL)

6’3, 198lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 45, Skills: 45, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 51

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Notes: Charbonneau is a very interesting stay at home defensive prospect with a commitment to the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The physical tools here are very intriguing. Thanks to a powerful stride in all four directions, Charbonneau really chews up space and closes quickly on puck carriers and dump-ins. His ability to maintain that power needs work, but the quickness laterally really helps him suffocate and play aggressively in the defensive zone. Charbonneau is also a tough customer to play against. He is not a big open ice hitter, but more the type that engages hard along the wall and makes you earn space near the crease. Best of all, he is 6’3 and has a right shot. Big, mobile, physical, right shot shutdown defenders do not grow on trees. Offensively, the upside is not significant. He plays it safe a lot of the time, looking to chip out or make a quick exit pass, however there are times where he will use those long strides to lead the attack and it is an impressive sight. Additionally, Charbonneau will jump up into the rush as the third or fourth man in, looking for a pass as the trailer. The majority of his offense comes from this. As he gains confidence and continues to work on his ability to handle the puck at full speed, could we see further growth in this area? This is one hundred percent a project pick for an NHL team and one they will have to be patient with. But there is upside here for him to develop into a quality shutdown defender at the next level. I would have loved to have seen Charbonneau play at a slightly higher level to see how he handles increased pace because in the BCHL he neutralizes it extremely well.

Marian Mosko

Defense - Selects Academy (18U-AAA)/Lincoln (USHL)

5’11, 175lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 45, Physicality/Compete: 45

OFP: 48

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Notes: Mosko first caught my eye at the Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, where he played a supporting role for the silver medal winning Slovaks, mostly as the defensive partner of top prospect Simon Nemec. There were times that he struggled in the tournament, especially with his decision making and execution at both ends (the gold medal game in particular). There were others where he looked comfortable on the point and started the breakout efficiently. Mosko, at the prep level, is definitely a high-volume shooter from the back end and he actually does a good job of getting his shot through to the net. However, the other parts of his game are not going to be all that attractive to NHL scouts. His mobility, while average, does not stand out. His four-way quickness is solid, but not dynamic. He can move the puck, but I would not say that he is overly creative or dynamic in this regard either. As a defensive player, he relies on stick checks and the ability to beat forwards to the right spot, and as such, he leaves himself open to losing battles in higher traffic areas due to a lack of strength/tenaciousness. The good news is that he is heading to Cornell, a school that has one of the best defensive systems in the entire NCAA. It is a great spot for him to develop his skills further.

Leo Gruba

Defense - Hill-Murray (USHS-MN)

6’2, 205lbs

Grades: Skating: 55, Shot: 50, Skills: 45, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 53

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Notes: Gruba is just a really solid two-way defender at the high school level, eating heavy minutes, while impacting the game in a lot of meaningful ways. The sturdy, right shot defender is a consistent physical presence who loves to step up aggressively on attackers, denying a clean zone entry. He makes forwards earn their space in the offensive zone. There are some scrambling tendencies in coverage as he gets overexposed for being too aggressive in chasing, but that should get worked out of his system at the college level. Gruba does defend pace very well with quick feet and an aggressive mentally. He also has terrific body positioning and gap control, blocking shots and getting his stick in passing/shooting lanes. His potential to develop into a very solid defensive player is sound. As an offensive player, he does have some tools. The skating is a plus and it allows him to lead the attack if given a runway. His shot can also be a weapon, especially his ability to one-time pucks from the blueline. However, I do believe that there are some skill limitations, which could prevent his offensive ceiling from being extremely high at the next level. As he picks up pace, there is a tendency to overhandle or lose control and he seems to be at his best when he keeps things simple and moving in a straight line. Currently without an NCAA commitment and a USHL tender, where Gruba goes next remains to be seen. He’s also a late born 2003 player, meaning he has a little more experience. My guess would be that he ends up being selected fairly high in the second phase of this year’s USHL draft and plays next season out there before committing to an NCAA location. But of the prep and high school defenders I have watched, Gruba is one of my favourites because the combination of mobility, intelligence, and physicality, all from the right side, gives him a chance of being a pro defender in some capacity.

Tristan Sarsland

Defense - Benilde-St. Margaret’s (USHS-MN)

6’0, 185lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 50, Physicality/Compete: 45

OFP: 49.5

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Notes: Sarsland, a mobile offensive defender, originally had a commitment to Colorado College but that recently fell through, leaving him without an NCAA commitment currently. A member of Minnesota’s All State team, Sarsland is all about efficiency as a puck mover. More fluid east/west than north/south, Sarsland uses his feet to create space so that he can make a quick exit pass. He definitely appears more likely to exit the zone with a stretch pass than with a rush, rarely extending through the neutral zone at even strength. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that Sarsland is not necessarily a dynamic linear skater. The four-way mobility is sound, but the quickness as a true puck mover is lacking. As such, most of Sarsland’s damage as an offensive player comes with the man advantage, where he can use either a hard wrist shot or a one timer to get pucks through traffic. Defensively, Sarsland is a stick defender, who looks to use his fluid stride to help him maintain gaps, so that he can stay square and prevent clean looks. However, his physical engagement level will need to improve. Overall, in watching him in a variety of settings (USHS, NAHL, US Hlinka/Gretzky camp), I just wanted him to take the bull by the horns a little bit more. At the high school level or prep level, one thing that I’m looking for is dominance against what should be many inferior opponents, and I just didn’t see it from Sarsland. I know that he has his fans though (including scouts I respect), so it is possible that I just didn’t see the right games.

Kazimier Sobieski

Defense - Shattuck St. Mary’s (USHS-Prep)

6’0, 180lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 45, Skills: 45, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 50

OFP: 50.25

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Notes: It’s not a great draft year for Shattuck St. Mary’s. The team has a ton of talent (like Macklin Celebrini, Cole Eiserman, and William Whitelaw), but more so for future drafts. For 2022, two-way defender Kazimier Sobieski is likely the only serious NHL candidate. The UMass commit has a well-rounded profile and operates as a two-way minute eater for Shattuck St. Mary’s. For what he lacks in physical tools, he makes up for in intelligence and awareness. His routes to retrievals are excellent and he shields the puck well from attackers, using his feet and body to escape with his head up and momentum moving forward. As such, his ability to exit the zone is generally pretty solid and consistent. Defensively, his stick positioning is solid and so is his four-way mobility, allowing him to maintain gaps well when defending in transition. However, one could also argue that it is difficult to see Sobieski’s potential as a player at the NHL level. Already a sort of “jack of all trades” type at the prep level, what kind of role will he settle into at the NCAA level, let alone the NHL level? The overall puck skill is not terrific, as Sobieski relies on quick movement rather than creativity and skill to help create offense. When challenged, he can struggle to problem solve his way out of high-pressure situations with the puck. Additionally, while his defensive abilities generally stand out at the prep level, the lack of elite physical tools makes one wonder how that will translate to the NCAA level, given the pace and skill increase. If you really like the processing ability, you draft him late hoping some of the other skills can increase with maturity. Otherwise, he’s more likely to be the type that NHL teams closely follow over the next two years of his eligibility to see how he develops physically.

George Fegaras

Defense - North York (OJHL)

6’2, 185lbs

Grades: Skating: 50, Shot: 55, Skills: 50, Smarts: 55, Physicality/Compete: 55

OFP: 53

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Notes: I am very familiar with Fegaras’ game dating back to his OHL draft year with Richmond Hill of the GTHL. Already a dependable two-way defender then, Fegaras’ game has improved by leaps and bounds since. Up near the defensive scoring leaders as a U18 player in the OJHL, Fegaras’ production compares very favorably to other former top OJHL defenders (and now NHL players or prospects) like Mario Ferraro and Declan Carlisle. The biggest difference for me is Fegaras’ improved mobility. Previously, I had found him to be pretty rigid as a U16 player. He relied on his vision and big point shot to create offense, but creating pace consistently was difficult. Now, he is fully engaged, confident, and assertive in all facets of the game because of how much his linear quickness has improved. There is still room for improvement in his lateral quickness and four-way mobility, but I love the progression. As mentioned, Fegaras’ point shot is a big weapon. He can really rip it and his shot creates so many scoring opportunities because of how well he gets it through traffic. As a defensive player, Fegaras is very aggressive, perhaps too aggressive at times. He loves to go for the big hit, even if it takes him out of the play at times. But he is a difficult player to match up against and as his frame fills out further, Fegaras has real workhorse potential. From a skill perspective, Fegaras is more of a quick thinker than a dynamic creator. He can lead the rush, but he often stops once he gains the line and keeps things simple, via a dump in or a pivot to survey the ice. When pressured, sometimes he can have trouble escaping because the hands are only average, but he rarely puts himself in these positions anyway because of how quickly he makes decisions. Wherever he goes next, be it Cornell or a year in the USHL first, I would expect Fegaras to be an immediate impact defender, especially if he continues to improve his overall mobility. This is a player I would definitely be advocating as a draft selection in the mid rounds.

Jack Sparkes

Defense - St. Michael’s (OJHL)

6’8, 230lbs

Grades: Skating: 45, Shot: 50, Skills: 45, Smarts: 45, Physicality/Compete: 60

OFP: 48.5

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Notes: An absolute behemoth on the ice. Interestingly enough, Sparkes has actually been that height for a few years, dating back to his GTHL days with the Toronto Titans and Don Mills Flyers. However, he has added about 30+ pounds since and has had a very good first year in the OJHL with St. Michael’s. Even if Sparkes is a late born 2003, he is very much a project because of the fact that his game is still evolving, and he is growing into his frame. Physically, he has a major advantage, and he is not afraid to use it. However, the limitations in his lateral and backwards mobility mean that his hits have to be perfectly timed, otherwise he takes himself completely out of position. You can see the hesitation at times from him because of this. And for as much as he is able to physically manhandle forwards at the Junior A level, players do manage to escape his grasp along the wall. He needs to do a better job of getting to puck carriers quicker so that he can pin and seal them more effectively and consistently. But his defensive positioning is fairly sound, and he squares to shooters well, using his reach to disrupt and his body to block shots. He swallows up a lot of opportunities, especially in transition, even with some mobility limitations. Moving forward, his stride is actually not bad. He can jump up in the rush and he really builds momentum moving linearly. His big, long strides cover a lot of ground quickly in a straight line. However, his confidence on his edges limits his ability to carry the puck, as his balance and stability are areas of weakness. Sparkes’ offensive abilities revolve around his big point shot, which he actually likes to utilize. He is not shy to shoot it. However, he needs to get it off quicker and he needs to do a better job of getting it through to the net. His puck skills are fairly limited and turnovers in the defensive zone are a bit of an issue. Most of the time he relies on basic swings or chip outs, which do not positively progress play. So, what’s the allure? Why is Sparkes rated fairly highly by NHL Central Scouting (one of the highest players on this list #71 in North America)? The size and physicality combination will be intriguing for NHL teams, especially given that there are some components of his mobility that are serviceable. He is also going to a strong program at Michigan State, where he will be brought along slowly (likely). Would I draft him? No. Is it likely that someone does? I could see it.

Luca Di Pasquo. Photo by Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

Luca Di Pasquo

Goaltender - Maryland (NAHL)/Green Bay (USHL)

6’1, 181lbs

Grades: Athleticism: 60, Compete/Temperament: 55, Vision/Reading Play: 50, Technique/Style: 45, Rebound Control: 45, Puck Handling: 50

OFP: 51.25

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Notes: With Drew DeRidder graduating after this season, Di Pasquo actually has a chance to come in and start for Michigan State next season. The late born 2003 netminder has been a standout in the NAHL this year for Maryland and even won his only USHL start for Green Bay. Di Pasquo is an ultra-aggressive and athletic netminder who relies on his quickness to make saves. He is very tough to beat low because of how quick he is post to post and in recovery; his pads are swift. He also understands that he needs to be aggressive in the crease because he only possesses average size, so he comes way out of the blue paint to challenge shooters. This really helps to cut down angles and he has the recovery quickness to adjust when needed. Di Pasquo also seems very eager to play the puck and help out his defenders, a trait that is rare these days. Problem is that sometimes that gets him into trouble, as his decision making in this regard is not always sound. Where Di Pasquo tends to give up a lot of his goals are high to the body and glove side. A right-handed catcher, Di Pasquo will need to improve his ability to catch pucks cleanly and secure rebounds up high. He has a tendency to give up second chances on higher shots. And while his pads and feet are lightning quick, he also needs to be better at directing low shots to the corners and away from the slot. As a hyper athletic netminder, Di Pasquo relies a lot on his quickness, and this has developed a bit of a tendency to scramble. He’s certainly a bit chaotic in the crease and this takes him out of position as he drops down too early or overextends on his pushes. At the higher level, this will get exploited. All that said, there is a lot to work with here. In a down year for netminders overall, Di Pasquo is definitely one of the most athletic ones that I’ve seen available this year. With strong goaltending coaches (and Michigan State knows a thing or two about developing netminders), his athleticism can be reined in and he could become a quality stopper. This is definitely someone that I would take a long, hard look at for the draft.

A note on the 20-80 scale used above. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.