Vasili Ponomaryov – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: BELL – 2024 Trade Deadline – Insight into Each NHL Team’s New Prospects

Josh Bell — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:00:01 +0000

_{ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 08: Anaheim Ducks right wing Jacob Perreault (64) on the ice making his NHL debut during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers played on January 8, 2022 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire)}

The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone. Some teams bolstered their lineup with the hopes of a deep playoff run (I’m looking at you, Vegas Golden Knights), and others sold off help now for potential later (Calgary Flames).

While the focus of the trade deadline is always the big NHL names that move teams - the Jake Guentzals, the Noah Hanafins, the Tomas Hertls - quite often there are names attached to these big moves that fly under the radar. Sure, some of the top prospects might get a mention or two, but the unsigned guys, the guys that likely need a fresh start, and some of the forgotten names get, well, forgotten.

If your team acquired a new prospect within the two weeks leading up to the deadline, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a brief scouting report on every prospect moved over the 14 days leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.

Zakhar Bardakov, F, Colorado Avalanche

Zakhar Bardakov embodies the classic power forward archetype, standing at an imposing 6-foot-2, 198 pounds. His prowess lies in net-front presence, excelling in board battles, and tip-ins. While possessing a powerful and accurate shot, Bardakov's offensive awareness and overall skill is a work in progress. Though not the fastest skater, his adequate skating is complemented by a strong penalty-killing ability and relentless forechecking. Expect Bardakov to evolve into a bottom-six winger, contributing on special teams and wearing down opponents.

Cole Brady, G, Dallas Stars

Cole Brady displays promise with good reflexes and occasional moments of brilliance. However, consistency remains a challenge for him. With continued development, the 6-foot-5 netminder has the potential to get a look in the NHL, but that role very much remains to be determined. Fine-tuning his technique and enhancing consistency are crucial steps for reaching his full potential and continuing to climb the ladder.

Riley Damiani, C, Calgary Flames

Despite standing at 5-foot-10, Riley Damiani's speed and strong work ethic make him a valuable prospect in the pipeline. Known for defensive play initially, Damiani has showcased offensive potential, particularly on the power play, with a good shot and adept plays in tight spaces. However, enhancing his offensive consistency is a priority. Damiani is projected to be a reliable two-way center contributing at the NHL level, likely in the bottom six.

David Edstrom, C, San Jose Sharks

David Edstrom, a raw, yet talented center with a 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame, exhibits effective skating, decent acceleration, and balance. While not flashy, he uses his size and strength for puck protection and board battles. Edstrom demonstrates offensive potential with a strong shot and glimpses of playmaking ability. Despite solid defensive efforts, his awareness can be inconsistent. With added muscle and refined defensive skills, Edstrom has the potential to be a top-six center excelling on both ends of the ice. More likely, expect him to fit into the middle six.

Artyom Grushnikov, D, Calgary Flames

Artyom Grushnikov may lack offensive flair, but his exceptional skating and hockey IQ make him a coveted asset in any farm system. Known for shutting down plays in the neutral zone and maintaining tight gap control, Grushnikov reads the game well. He’s not going to appear often on the scoreboard, but he occasionally contributes with his skating ability. Expect Grushnikov to develop into a reliable, shutdown defenseman excelling in his own zone.

Jeremy Hanzel, D, Nashville Predators

Jeremy Hanzel could be a hidden gem for the Nashville Predators. The defender combines modern offensive skills with intelligence. Hanzel, a deceptive puck handler, creates space and finds teammates with slick moves. While his defensive game is under development, Hanzel's offensive potential is evident. Refining defensive awareness and positioning is crucial for him to become a well-rounded defenseman.

Ville Koivunen, F, Pittsburgh Penguins

Selected likely too low in the 2021 NHL Draft (51st overall), Ville Koivunen may not be a guaranteed star, but he does have the potential to develop into just that. Skilled, with a nose for the net, Koivunen's shifty puck handling and high hockey IQ make him a very promising player. While his defensive awareness could stand to improve, Koivunen's overall game is strong. With added strength, he could become a top-six winger, and be a key returning piece in the Jake Guentzal trade.

Cruz Lucius, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins

Cruz Lucius, a right-wing prospect, boasts an impressive offensive skill set thanks to his ability as a playmaker. Standing at 6-foot, 179 pounds, Lucius’ key contributions come in his own end though through his retrievals and support in the defensive end. He lacks the shot that his brother, Chaz, has, but don’t underestimate it. The biggest opportunity for Lucius is to add a level of consistent pace to his play, which will be a determining factor in his future success.

Jan Mysak, F, Anaheim Ducks

Jan Mysak brings a well-rounded skill set to the Anaheim Ducks, with strong hockey IQ and vision. His above-average skating aids offensive transitions, and his versatility allows him to play center and wing. Mysak's scoring threat is enhanced by a strong shot and the ability to find open ice. Mysak was on a strong path forward in his development, and it will be interesting to see how he does with the change of scenery. A personal favourite since the NHL Draft, I believe Mysak could develop into a top-six winger still.

Dmitri Ovchinnikov, F, Minnesota Wild

Dmitri Ovchinnikov possesses good hands and a knack for scoring in tight spaces. Playing a smart, offensive game with a strong compete level, Ovchinnikov plays a very fast game and utilizes his agility effectively. While not the biggest player at 5-foot-10, he plays a bigger game and consistently pushes the pace of play. Continued development and added strength could see Ovchinnikov as a reliable middle-six forward with an intriguing offensive upside.

Jacob Perreault, W, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens fans have reason to be excited about Jacob Perreault, a right-handed winger with a strong skating stride and elite shot. He seems to have taken a bit of a step back in his development, but a move to a new organization in his home province could be just what he needs to get back on track. His play off the puck will be one of the biggest question marks moving forward, as he’s been quite inconsistent. If the Habs development team can get him on track, Perreault could still become a dangerous NHL sniper.

Mathias Emilio Pettersen, W, Dallas Stars

You never truly know how a prospect is going to develop, and Mathias Emilio Pettersen is an example of that. Drafted 167th overall in 2018, he’s progressed very well and has become a very reliable asset in the AHL. His vision and ability to set up teammates are top-notch, accompanied by a powerful and accurate shot. Questions about his size and strength linger, but if he continues on the path he’s on, Pettersen has the potential to be a bottom-six, contributing forward.

Vasili Ponomaryov, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins fans can anticipate excitement with Vasili Ponomaryov, a tenacious two-way center excelling in puck pursuit and offensive spark. His stickhandling and creativity make him a threat in transition, and relentless forechecking creates turnovers. Ponomarev's balance and lower-body strength contribute to his competitiveness. With tightened defensive play and improved positioning, Ponomarev could evolve into a reliable middle-six pivot. He’s been another favourite of mine since his draft year.

Calle Själin, D, Buffalo Sabres

Calle Själin, a 24-year-old lefty, is a reliable puck-moving defender who makes smart decisions in his own zone. While not a physical force, his effective defending stems from skating and positioning. His offensive upside does appear to be quite limited, he tends to be a safer, more passive player which will always limit the excitement he brings to the ice. But Själin's reliability and intelligence could be enough to earn him a look in the future, maybe even carve out a spot on a bottom-pairing line.

Kirill Slepets, W, Toronto Maple Leafs

Kirill Slepets is a winger who brings tremendous speed, and solid skill and creativity. Slepets' ability to navigate defenders and create scoring chances is impressive, particularly on the power play. He’s on the smaller size at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, but his skating might just be enough to make up for that. With his KHL contract ending, the Russian forward could be an intriguing option for the Maple Leafs next season if he decides to sign.

Graham Sward, D, Colorado Avalanche

Graham Sward, a two-way defenseman, demonstrates solid positioning and awareness. Standing at 6-foot-3, 192 pounds, his high on-ice intelligence compensates for some much-needed skating improvements. His movement of the puck is strong, especially in transition. Sward's ability to read plays and make smart decisions positions him as a potential reliable bottom-pair defenseman, but his movement does need some improvements to reach that potential.

Ty Taylor, G, Edmonton Oilers

The future is uncertain for Ty Taylor, drafted by Tampa Bay back in 2018. With an uninspiring NCAA career and mixed performance in professional leagues, including playing in Scotland, Taylor's pro aspirations may be quickly fading. He has good size at 6-foot-4, 201 pounds, and has had glimpses of technically sound play (especially back in his BCHL days), but he has yet to take significant steps forward since his draft year. Granted - goalies are weird.

Jack Thompson, D, San Jose Sharks

Jack Thompson is a well-rounded defenseman who can contribute offensively and excels in his own zone. Thompson's major asset is his skating, allowing him to thrive in all three zones. Not afraid to join the rush, he possesses a booming slapshot and efficient breakout passes. Defensively, Thompson is positionally sound and reads the play well. While not the biggest defender, his mobility allows him to shut down plays effectively. With continued development, Thompson has the potential to be a top-four force contributing on both ends.

Luke Toporowski, C, Minnesota Wild

Luke Toporowski is a centreman with a high motor and relentless work ethic. His speed creates scoring chances, and his well-rounded two-way game is evident. He did seem to be stalling in his development this season, but a move to the Minnesota pipeline could be just what he needs to get on the right track. Toporowski's good defensive awareness and positioning suggest he could become a valuable two-way center with continued development.

Cade Webber, D, Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs fans can anticipate the imposing presence of Cade Webber on the blue line, standing at an impressive 6-foot-6. Known for his physicality that challenges opponents, his zone exits are a strength. Don’t expect him to be on the scoresheet too often though, as his offensive talent is not what attracts scouts to his game. Instead, Webber has the potential to become a shutdown defenseman, contributing effectively on the penalty kill. He could be a piece that the Maple Leafs have long been searching for.

2022 World Junior Championship: Team Russia facing many uncertainties heading into training camp

Viktor Fomich — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 14:12:30 +0000

As the Team Russia World Juniors training camp is just starting, it is very hard to define the expectations for the team, yet it is rather easy to notice the challenges the team is facing. One of them is related to the last moment coaching change, as Igor Larionov has been replaced by Sergei Zubov. Zubov aready has plenty of experience coaching in the KHL already, yet has never worked with junior teams and is now facing the challenge of implementing his tactical model for this team in a very short time frame. Adding some more uncertainties, it still hasn't been decided and announced which NA-based players will be called up to the camp when the team arrives in Canada and if any will be at all. With all that being said, we still can look at the camp roster names and analyze a bit, so let's do exactly that.

Omissions

Since every year when the camp roster gets announced you hear a lot of questions of the "Where is *insert_prospect's_name_here*?" type, let's quickly run through the most notable omissions from the roster. As every year, there are some injury troubles and apparently this year the Canadiens prospect Dmitri Kostenko has fallen in this category, although, while Team Russia could use a right-handed defenseman, he was far from being granted a roster spot anyway. Sabres prospect Alexander Kisakov isn't on the roster for a much simpler reason — he is having a bad season, likely due to being hopelessly stuck in the MHL due to his organization's VHL affiliation troubles and therefore is lacking motivation. Maple Leafs prospect Dmitri Ovchinnikov is in the KHL but is spending much more time on the bench than on the ice and that doesn't give you a WJC roster spot. Another Sabres prospect Prokhor Poltapov is doing fine at developing, but just not good enough yet to overcome the forward roster depth of the Team Russia, he will have his chance next year. Those are the most notable Russian-based names not on the roster, as for the NA-based players it is impossible to tell at this point for the reasons mentioned before.

ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWEDEN - APRIL 28: RussiaÕs Marat Khusnutdinov #28 shoots the puck during gold medal game action against Sweden at the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Fjallraven Center on April 28, 2019 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden. (Photo by Steve Kingsman/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Returnees

The special category are the players, who already have the WJC experience under the belt, as they know a thing or two about playing in the tournament and are psychologically more ready, which really matters at this level. Yaroslav Askarov is heading to the tournament with tons of experience, but also tons of expectations as he should be the undisputed starter. We will see if he can get his confidence back, he will need it. Marat Khusnutdinov is the most likely candidate for the role of team's captain, but as for the role on the ice it is something still to be determined. Vasili Ponomaryov was used in a rather simple role last year, but this time much more of his trademark creativity will be required from him. Then there is Kirill Kirsanov, who had just a sensational first half of the KHL season eating up first-pairing minutes there like it is no big deal, he could be a real stalwart for the defense this year. Recent Devils signing Shakir Mukhamadullin might haven't developed a high level of reliability yet, but his attacking skills have started to transfer to the KHL level. To add to those two more players with the tournament experience might join the team later — Daniil Chayka and Yan Kuznetsov.

FRISCO, TX USA - MAY 6: Russia's Fyodor Svechkov #9 skates with the puck while Canada's Corson Ceulemans #4 looks on during gold medal game action at the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Comerica Center on May 6, 2021 in Frisco, TX USA. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Young Guns

Even though Team Russia has the stereotype surrounding it about preferring older and more experienced players, there is just too much younger talent this year to ignore. As usually in the recent times all eyes in the camp will be on the young sensation Matvei Michkov (eligible for the 2023 draft), as he is doing amazing things at every level he plays. In the recent MHL games he was playing on a line with Fyodor Svechkov and Nikita Chibrikov and the resulting concentration of skill was enormous there. One of the most important questions that should be answered in the camp is if this line is good to go for the tournament, as obviously the skill alone won't be enough. Another youngster and this year's top draft-eligible prospect Danila Yurov has been very consistent when playing for the team in the recent 4 Nations Tournament and likely will be named on the final roster too. Things aren't looking as good for another top draft prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko, but he still has every chance to prove that he belongs there, as the team could use his power and right-handed shot. Speaking of the draft-eligible prospects, Vladimir Grudinin and Arseni Koromyslov are also legit candidates for the roster spots on the defense and they shouldn't be overlooked.

As I write this article the Team Russia World Juniors camp has just started, players are in self-isolation due to the Covid protocols, so everything might seem calm there, but the players are definitely full of motivation and just can't wait to hit the ice and prove what they are worth. In about a month time we will find that out, but for now their big journey is just about to begin.

2019 WJAC: Standout performances, rising draft stock

Derek Neumeier — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 14:33:54 +0000

When it comes to exciting junior hockey tournaments that start in December, the World Juniors aren't the only game in town.

While lesser known as an international event, the annual World Junior A Challenge has steadily become a must-see event for scouts. Whereas the WJC usually skews toward 19-year-olds, the WJAC is a lot younger on average, making it easier for draft-eligible prospects to make the roster of the participating countries.

There is no shortage of big NHL names that have played in the event in recent years, including (but not limited to) Vladimir Tarasenko, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Cale Makar and Kyle Turris. While it's impossible to predict the future, don't be surprised if a number of different players from this year's iteration of the WJAC end up becoming household NHL names one day.

Hosted this year in Dawson Creek, B.C. (no, it has nothing to do with the former television show) and featuring the United States, Russia, the Czech Republic and two Canadian teams made up solely of Junior A-level players (Canada East and Canada West), the tournament was a real treat to watch, for both fans and scouts alike. Entertaining hockey was played from start to finish, ultimately culminating in a thrilling gold-medal game that saw Russia defeat the Canada-East squad in double overtime.

Here now is a breakdown of each of the five teams and how they performed.

Canada West

To say it was a disappointing finish for the Canada West team on home ice would be a major understatement. With Carolina Hurricanes 2019 7th-rounder Massimo Rizzo, the BCHL's leading scorer in Kent Johnson, and big-time point-producing Okotoks Oilers teammates Carter Savoie and Michael Benning, it was expected that Canada West would be an offensive powerhouse. And yet, that presumed flame turned out to be little more than a fizzle, as the group won just one preliminary game and failed to reach the semifinals.

Johnson, Savoie, and Benning all had a few moments that looked good, but overall, they failed to make much of an impact, to the disappointment of the eyes of scouts. Savoie and Benning specifically read the very ice well and are able to strike when they get the puck with room to operate, but both prospects really had trouble creating it for themselves and their teammates.

Spruce Grove Saints netminder Matthew Davis, a tournament returnee, was ultimately Canada West's main bright spot, outperforming Detroit Red Wings pick Carter Gylander and guiding the team to their lone victory with a 25-save shutout that included stopping four of five shots in a shootout. It seems unlikely that he did enough to put him on the draft radar of NHL clubs, considering his slight 6-0” frame, though he will have a few years at the University of Denver to refine his game.

Czech Republic

Despite bringing the oldest roster among all the teams, it was another disappointing World Junior A Challenge for the Czechs, who only have one bronze medal (in 2017) to their credit since becoming a part of the tournament. Things started off well for them, pulling off wins over Russia, Canada West and Canada East in the round-robin, but they were handily trounced 5-1 by Russia in the semifinals and then narrowly edged 2-1 in overtime in the bronze-medal game by the Americans. Offense was quite a team effort, as 13 different players picked up two points or more, though Halifax Mooseheads forward Marcel Barinka led the team in scoring with three goals and four assists in seven games.

Big netminder Jakub Dobes was passed over in the 2019 NHL draft, but his strong play in Dawson Creek might help him get his name called this upcoming June. He naturally fills the net well and has good technique and reflexes, so there is enough of a base there for teams to develop long-term. He took his development to North America a few years ago and recently bumped himself up from the Topeka Pilots of the NAHL to the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, where he will likely stay until he's ready to attend Ohio State University.

United States

The high-flying American team was easily the tournament's most entertaining, and they rolled through the preliminary games undefeated while racking up a couple of lopsided wins. So, it came as quite an upset when they were stopped by Canada East in the semifinals. Led offensively by Chicago Steel teammates Brendan Brisson, Sean Farrell, Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, and Sam Colangelo, the quartet of forwards carried their lethal chemistry from Illinois to Dawson Creek and made playing defense an absolute nightmare for opposing squads.

Brisson ended up as the tournament’s leading scorer, with the brunt of his production coming through his lethal one-timer from the right faceoff circle, but that strategy became a little predictable by the end of the tournament and he was held off the score sheet in the final two games. Farrell, an alumnus of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, was always noticeable in a good way because of his advanced hockey sense and non-stop motor.

The U.S. also received plenty of depth production beyond the four Steel teammates, most notably from sturdy forward Trevor Kuntar (who scored the bronze medal-winning overtime goal) and blueliners Mike Koster (a 2019 Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick, who had six points in six games) and Mitchell Miller (who also had six points in six games), the latter two both from the USHL’s Tri-City program. On the flip side, it was a bit of a disappointing showing for Waterloo Blackhawks forward (and another NTDP alumni) in Ryder Rolston, who has a lot of natural offensive tools but really struggled to get into a rhythm here.

Canada East

For much of this year's World Junior A Challenge, Canada East's hopes were hung on goaltender Devon Levi — but luckily for them, he was more than up to the task. Levi was simply sensational in this event, making save after save after save for a Canada East team that was outshot in every contest. He is not the biggest of goalies but has very advanced control of his crease movement and was superb at tracking shots through traffic. He got pulled in a lopsided round-robin match versus the U.S., but the Carleton Place Canadians netminder would exact his revenge against the Americans in the semifinal, turning aside 41 of 42 shots to steal a dramatic victory.

He was equally impressive in the gold-medal game, making 36 saves (including nine in extra time), but a Russian powerplay goal in double overtime ended his Cinderella run. He was deservingly named tournament MVP for his heroic efforts, and almost certainly improved his odds of being selected in the 2020 NHL draft.

Offense was fairly spread out on the Canada East roster, with Ayrton Martino, Ryland Mosley and Philippe Chapleau finishing tied for the team's scoring lead with five points apiece. And though he didn't appear often on the score sheet, Charles Tremblay's speed to the outside was another major weapon for his team.

Russia

Russia had the youngest roster at this year's World Junior A Challenge (every player was 16 or 17), but they also had one that was talented, deep and balanced, and in the end their young age didn't end up being a detriment. They actually struggled in the preliminary round, managing just one win (which came in overtime), but they brought their "A" game when it mattered most: the elimination games.

For my money, center Vasili Ponomaryov was the best forward in the entire tournament, using his excellent blend of sense, skill, and work ethic to make a consistently positive difference in all three zones. His stats from the event don't jump off the page at you, but he created offense in ways that should translate well to the NHL. Daniil Gushchin was another a standout up front, using his blazing acceleration to generate odd man rushes with impressive frequency. He also has the hands and shot to make good on those chances, converting for three goals.

Quick, undersized forwards Marat Khusnutdinov and Alexander Pashin were nice complementary pieces on the roster, but their performances were a little disappointing because they failed to live up to strong showings from last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. On the back end, with Daniil Chayka, Shakir Mukhamadullin, Kirill Kirsanov, Yan Kuznetsov, and Kirill Steklov, their big and mobile defense group was just too hard for opposing teams to crack. Chayka, a member of the OHL’s Guelph Storm, was especially impressive, covering the ice very well and moving the puck with consistency and composure. Mukhamadullin was an easy player to notice — for both good and bad reasons. He makes open ice disappear for opponents thanks to his reach and skating, and his slapshot from the point was a frequent offensive weapon, but he still has a lot of work to do with puck movement and own-zone decision-making.

Even when Russia's stout defense did crack, undersized-but-fast goaltender Yegor Guskov was there to bail them out, posting a .959 save percentage. Even though it is rare for goalies of Guskov's size (about 5-foot-11) to get drafted and play in the NHL these days, he does a lot of the things that are necessary for guys like him to succeed.