Yegor Sidorov – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #12 Anaheim Ducks – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Sun, 03 May 2026 18:00:59 +0000

SAN JOSE, CA - OCTOBER 01: Stian Solberg #50 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during a preseason NHL game against the San Jose Sharks on October 1, 2025 at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 12th (Last Year - 8th)
GM: Pat Verbeek Hired: February 2022
COACH: Joel Quenneville Hired: May 2025

The 2025–26 season appears to mark a turning point for the Anaheim Ducks, shifting from a perennial lottery team — having missed the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons — to a legitimate contender.

For those who have followed the organization closely, this progression comes as little surprise. Anaheim has steadily built a strong foundation with top-10 picks in seven consecutive drafts and has now begun complementing that group with experienced additions, including veteran defenseman John Carlson at the trade deadline. With a core featuring emerging stars such as Beckett Sennecke, Cutter Gauthier, and Leo Carlsson, combined with seasoned leadership and the presence of head coach Joel Quenneville, the Ducks have positioned themselves well to take the next step.

Anaheim continued its trend of drafting high-end talent with another top-10 selection in 2025, selecting Roger McQueen. He made an immediate impact in his freshman season at Providence, recording 27 points while contributing to a team with national championship aspirations. The Ducks followed that selection by adding Eric Nilson in the second round, who is also enjoying his freshman campaign at Michigan State. On the blue line, several prospects are nearing NHL readiness. Tristan Luneau (78th) continues to impress despite a slight dip in production, building off a strong 52-point season in 59 AHL games last year. Meanwhile, Stian Solberg (69th) continues to bring a physical, defence-first presence that projects well at the NHL level.

The Ducks’ long-awaited transition from rebuilding to competing, and in 2025-26, they appear to be on the right path.

NHL	RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	2024-25 TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
Ana	1	Roger McQueen	C	19	6-6/195	Providence (NCAA)	36	11	16	27	45
Ana	1	Roger McQueen	C	19	6-6/195	San Diego (AHL)	7	1	2	3	6
Ana	2	Stian Solberg	D	20	6-2/205	San Diego (AHL)	71	12	12	24	102
Ana	3	Tristan Luneau	D	22	6-1/195	San Diego (AHL)	70	10	31	41	29
Ana	3	Tristan Luneau	D	22	6-1/195	Anaheim (NHL)	1	1	0	1	0
Ana	4	Tarin Smith	D	20	6-1/185	Everett (WHL)	65	16	55	71	98
Ana	5	Eric Nilson	C	19	6-0/165	Michigan State (NCAA)	35	3	8	11	41
Ana	6	Lucas Pettersson	C	20	6-0/175	Brynas (SHL)	41	10	10	20	0
Ana	6	Lucas Pettersson	C	20	6-0/175	San Diego (AHL)	4	0	0	0	0
Ana	7	Lasse Boelius	D	19	6-1/190	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	40	1	7	8	8
Ana	8	Tim Washe	C	24	6-3/215	Anaheim (NHL)	39	2	3	5	14
Ana	8	Tim Washe	C	24	6-3/215	San Diego (AHL)	36	14	13	27	28
Ana	9	Herman Traff	RW	20	6-3/215	Oskarshamn (Allsvenskan)	51	23	18	41	32
Ana	9	Herman Traff	RW	20	6-3/215	San Diego (AHL)	3	0	0	0	0
Ana	10	Maxim Masse	RW	20	6-3/200	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	63	51	51	102	40
Ana	11	Sam Colangelo	RW	24	6-2/205	San Diego (AHL)	49	12	24	36	25
Ana	11	Sam Colangelo	RW	24	6-2/205	Anaheim (NHL)	9	1	0	1	4
Ana	12	Calle Clang	G	24	6-2/195	San Diego (AHL)	36	18	9	2.80	0.897
Ana	13	Sasha Pastujov	RW	22	6-0/187	San Diego (AHL)	71	21	36	57	26
Ana	14	Yegor Sidorov	RW	21	6-0/180	San Diego (AHL)	68	15	14	29	36
Ana	15	Austin Burnevik	RW	21	6-4/200	St. Cloud State (NCAA)	36	20	18	38	6

Roger McQueen, C, Providence College (NCAA) (currently with San Diego Gulls, AHL)

The 10th overall pick of the 2025 draft has grown into his game as the NCAA season has progressed. There was concern regarding how well he would adapt to the tighter-checking NCAA game, but those fears appear to have been allayed. His strength, agility, and quickness have visibly improved, which is encouraging given how much time he missed in his draft year. The production is there, but McQueen has yet to truly take over games with his skill and stickhandling in college like he did in the WHL. The biggest question now is just how high his ceiling is in the NHL. Although McQueen is littered with fascinating tools, it doesn’t all come together on a regular basis, and you don’t quite see the type of game-breaking skill and playmaking that matches his reputation. That being said, he still safely profiles as a second line forward, whether that’s on the wing or at center. Given his shot, smarts, and mobility, he should be able to fit right in on a line next to Beckett Sennecke or Leo Carlsson eventually.
Stian Solberg, D, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Solberg has not lit up the scoresheet in his first pro North American season, yet the tools that made him a first round pick remain evident. He constantly seeks to initiate contact, closing gaps on his opponents to lay punishing checks. Despite the low production, Solberg’s offensive game is growing as well. San Diego uses him on the power play, where he finds himself on his off-wing at times to make use of a powerful one-timer. Pair this with frequent incursions into the offensive zone, and Solberg’s game looks to be expanding. However, this is a bit of a double-edged sword at times. Solberg can get a bit too adventurous offensively, roaming deep into the offensive zone and being a bit reckless with the puck. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though. Solberg is expanding his game and testing what he can and can’t get away with at the pro level. Given his strong defensive and physical base already, if he can even add just a bit more offence, he has serious top four defenceman potential.
Tristan Luneau, D, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Luneau’s season has not gone according to plan after a standout season last year. The former second round pick’s production has nosedived after a stellar rookie season in the AHL, all while not making the jump to the NHL that he might have expected. However, the traits that made him a coveted prospect are still there. He skates well, moves the puck efficiently, has a physical side to him, and can make plays. The question now for Luneau is when he will be able to make the jump to the NHL given Anaheim’s crowded blueline. Given that Anaheim just added John Carlson, who may be back next season, that picture just got even murkier. Yet, whether it’s with Anaheim or another NHL franchise, there simply is no good reason that Luneau can’t make the leap eventually. There are times where he still precipitates his decision making, but there aren’t too many defenceman with his combination of size, skating, and right-shot. At worst, he projects as a third-pairing defenceman, he can reach much higher if things break right. On the positive, he seems to be closing out the year on a high note after that disappointing start.
Tarin Smith, D, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Smith has been the model of consistency for the Everett Silvertips, the team that he has spent his entire WHL tenure with. Not only has he remained an effective two-way defender, he’s steadily improved his play in all areas, developing into a more dangerous threat offensively while also becoming a harder and more attuned defender off the puck. His growth and commitment have clearly been acknowledged by his teammates and coaches, as he was named Everett’s captain for the 2025-26 season. He’s a high-end skater who has a clear understanding of how to maximize that advantage, always bringing a very up-tempo approach, whether that’s driving play up the ice or aggressively taking time and space away from opponents. The Silvertips finished with the best record in the WHL last season and are currently sitting atop the league standings once again, so Smith could be the beneficiary of a long playoff run (and possible trip to the Memorial Cup) in the spring, which would be a nice boon for his long-term development.
Eric Nilson, C, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Nilson has seamlessly fit into a powerhouse Michigan State University squad. His combination of size, skating, and skill have stood out in college, and continue to bolster his middle-six projection. The next step for him will be to continue to develop physically, while growing his confidence to make plays. Nilson is the prototypical top nine forward in the modern NHL. He can skate well, while having the ability to carry the puck and make plays with it. Defensively, he’s smart, filling lanes, using his stick, and quickly closing gaps. He is the kind of player that coaches love, and that would fit into any lineup. Whether he’s a center or a winger, he has all the makings of a longtime pro. The Ducks currently have a bottom six littered with older veterans, so there is a clear opportunity for Nilson to step into the lineup once he’s ready to do so. There are few truly safe NHL projections in the prospect world, but Nilson is one of them. The final questions now are how quickly he gets to the NHL, and just how high his offensive ceiling can be.
Lucas Pettersson, C, Brynas IF (SHL) (currently with San Diego Gulls, AHL)

Signing with Brynäs after his hometown team MoDo was relegated to the Hockey Allsvenskan was seen as the best thing for his development at the time, given the opportunity to learn from former NHL stars like Niklas Bäckström and Jakob Sliferberg. The results have been encouraging so far. Winning gold and scoring a point per game at the WJC doesn’t hurt either. Pettersson is a speedy, smooth skating playmaking forward with a good feel for the game. He’s got an excellent north-south offensive game and has a quick and accurate wrist shot. When Pettersson is moving his feet and handles the puck with authority, he looks like a future NHL top six playmaker. However, those moments are so far and few between. He is pushed to the outside and defers puck handling duties to his linemates far too often. He needs to gain some more muscle and deal with board play situations better. Pettersson does have a low floor, but it’s too soon to make a judgement on his NHL certainty. He is still only 19 years old, so he has time to iron out his inconsistencies. Another year in the SHL before joining the AHL may be best for his development.
Lasse Boelius, D, Assat (Liiga)

Lasse Boelius, selected 60th overall in 2025 by the Anaheim Ducks, has quietly positioned himself as one of Finland’s most credible draft-eligible defenders in a relatively thin class in 2025. After steady progression through the Ässät system, Boelius handled meaningful Liigaminutes this season while continuing to drive results internationally, including a strong showing at the World Juniors with a point-per-game performance. His calling card is mobility. A fluid, agile skater with strong edge control, Boelius escapes forecheck pressure and activates intelligently into space. His first-pass precision and poise under duress improved over the year, and he showed legitimate value running a secondary power-play unit. He supports transition well and can close gaps effectively using his feet and stick detail. The main refinement area remains defensive-zone positioning and play selection. At times, he overextends offensively or forces breakout plays, leading to turnovers. Added lower-body explosiveness and strength will also be important.Projection-wise, Boelius profiles as a potential third-pair NHL defenceman with power-play utility, with upside for more if his decision-making and defensive consistency continue to trend upward.
Tim Washe, C, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Washe has parlayed stellar production in the AHL into regular NHL duty. Washe is the prototypical small-area player. He has good hands in tight, and is a detailed battler, leveraging his frame and positioning to gain advantages. He wins big faceoffs and has earned the coaching staff’s trust by making safe, north-south type plays. Foot speed will never be a strength of his, which is an issue that will often pop up in the neutral and defensive zones. But he mostly compensates for that with his motor and sound positioning. Offensively, he’s more than willing to drive to the net, and his small-area puck control allows him to create scoring opportunities in those sequences. He won’t dazzle with his hands, but they allow him to go where he needs to when he’s in the offensive zone. He probably tops out as a fourth liner, and because he’s not the most physical, he could be replaced by a grittier type, depending on the coach’s preference. But he’s proven he can hang in the NHL and should be able to find himself on NHL teams for the foreseeable future, whether that be in Anaheim or elsewhere.
Herman Traff, RW, IF Oskarshamn (SHL) (currently with San Diego Gulls, AHL)

After a couple of up and down years with the HV71 program, Träff signed with his hometown team of Oskarshamn IK and has absolutely lit it up. I don’t know if it’s mamma Träff’s home cooking or what, but he has looked like a game changer at the HockeyAllsvenskan level. The best part is he hasn’t strayed away from the core of his game. He’s still that confident, pacey, physical winger with a good skill level and strong finishing around the net. His hockey sense can be questionable at times, especially on the decision-making front. Harmful penalties and moments of iffy puck management are not uncommon. Still, Träff has never looked more primed for a move across the pond. After a year in the AHL, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him step into a bottom six NHL role. He can supply depth scoring and heaviness to any line. Although, with the upside he’s teasing this season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him tried higher in the lineup.
Maxim Masse, RW, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)

In his third QMJHL season, Maxim Masse has emerged as the offensive catalyst for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, one of the CHL’s top clubs and finishing second in the QMJHL standings. Masse totaled 51 goals and 102 points in 63 games, leading the league and his teamsitting 26 points ahead of the next closest Saguenéensscorer.His production reflects both solid consistency and a knack for clutch scoring, as he continues to establish himself among the league’s most reliable offensive threats. With a commitment to UMass next season, he’ll have an ideal environment to round out his game ahead of turning pro. Masse is a north–south, cerebral winger who scans the ice well and anticipates plays, finding soft spots in coverage. A volume shooter with a heavy one-timer, he thrives from the high slot and as a trailing option, using his size to protect pucks and generate chances around the crease. He competes hard in all three zones and offers dependable two-way value. However, he lacks high-end dynamism and creativity, and his skating—particularly his edgework and agility—remains a concern. Nonetheless, his size, scoring touch, and responsible habits project him as a complementary,middle-six forward at the NHL level.
Sam Colangelo, RW, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

The former NCAA standout just hasn’t been able to break through as an NHL player despite a few successful cups of coffee. His clock may be running out in the Ducks’ organization.
Calle Clang, G, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

A holdover from the Rickard Rakell trade with Pittsburgh, Clang has had his best season in North America this year. Clang tracks pucks well and is finally finding consistency in the AHL.
Sasha Pastujov, RW, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

AHL production hasn’t really been the issue for Pastujov, a former high scorer from the OHL. Concerns over his skill set translating to the NHL have prevented him from truly breaking outand earning a look from the Ducks.
Yegor Sidorov, RW, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

The Belarusian winger can really rifle the puck, and his second AHL season has seen him slightly improve his production. He has to keep improving his physical tools.
Austin Burnevik, RW, St. Cloud State University (NCAA)

It has been another solid NCAA year for Burnevik as he paces St. Cloud State offensively. The big winger is detail oriented away from the puck and could be a future bottom six option for the Ducks.

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #8

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 17:18:19 +0000

Beckett Sennecke #45 of the Oshawa Generals (Kalvin Taylor/Goodall Media)

Prospect System Ranking – 8th (May 2025 - 5th)
GM: Pat Verbeek Hired: February 2022
COACH: Joel Quenneville Hired: May 2025

The Anaheim Ducks missed the playoffs for a seventh straight season in 2024-25, but brighter days are on the horizon. The club’s young core is beginning to ripen, and the prospect pipeline remains among the league’s best.

For the seventh consecutive year, Anaheim made a top 10 selection at the NHL Draft, this time landing Roger McQueen—an imposing talent who might have gone in the top five if not for a lingering back injury. They followed that by selecting Eric Nilson in the second round, another addition to their top 10 prospects list.

The foundation in Anaheim is already strong, with recent graduates Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and a youthful blue line led by Pavel Mintyukov, Olen Zellweger, and Jackson LaCombe. That group will now be guided by Joel Quenneville, a controversial but accomplished head coach whose experience could be the catalyst for a breakthrough.

Several prospects are knocking on the NHL door. Sam Colangelo emerged as a surprise AHL rookie standout, producing 40 points in 40 games for San Diego before earning 32 NHL appearances. On defense, Tristan Luneau impressed with 52 points in 59 AHL games and is pressing hard for a roster spot despite a crowded back end.

Stian Solberg, meanwhile, had a strong audition in the American League to cap off his 2024-25 campaign. His physical game is NHL ready, though he’s still likely a couple of years from making his debut.

In the CHL, Beckett Sennecke continues to headline the system after another stellar year in Oshawa, amassing 209 points in 180 career junior games. With little left to prove at that level, a nine-game NHL audition in 2025-26 seems probable.

With Quenneville’s guidance and a blend of NHL-ready prospects alongside an emerging core, Anaheim appears poised to end its playoff drought. The Ducks’ youth movement is ready to take flight—and contention could arrive sooner rather than later.

Anaheim Ducks Top-15 Prospects

1 - Beckett Sennecke

No one was more shocked to see Sennecke drafted third overall last year than Sennecke himself, which made for some outstanding memes. However, he was worthy of a high selection thanks to his high-end physical tools, high-end skill, and improving frame. He got off to a late start this past year thanks to a foot fracture, but he had a positive draft year plus one as an offensive leader for the Oshawa Generals. He dominated puck touches the way that you would expect, using his soft hands and reach to help protect the puck and prolong possession. He excels near the crease and has worked hard to improve his release, making him more dangerous in the scoring area. As he continues to build strength, his physicality and off puck play is also becoming more consistent. The projection for Sennecke has not changed; he remains a potential top six forward and should challenge for a roster spot as early as this coming season.

2 - Roger McQueen

The concerns that NHL teams had about McQueen's back issues going into the 2025 draft were justified, but at a certain point the potential reward of drafting him outweighed any potential risks. For the Ducks in particular, who have stockpiled a lot of great young assets in recent years, especially at forward, they were perfectly positioned to roll the dice on him when they did, at 10th overall. The big, smooth, versatile pivot brings a variety of different and desirable attributes to the table and could reach quite a high ceiling once he's fully developed, if everything goes according to plan and he can stay healthy. Every NHL team wants more guys with his package of size and skill. After missing so much time last season due to injury his recent decision to join Providence College in the NCAA in the fall is a gamble, as their schedule of games will be much shorter than Brandon's in the WHL, and he'll have a lot of rust to shake off.

3 - Tristan Luneau

Turning the page and hoping for continued luck regarding health, Tristan Luneau will be looking to crack the NHL lineup for the Anaheim Ducks. Two years in a row he’s had stints with the main club and with a good preseason he might be part of the lineup on day one. The Quebec-born defenceman possesses solid skating ability, using lateral and crossover movements to create space for himself offensively. With his good hockey IQ, he scans for the best options in breakouts and supports his team in zone entries. While Tristan is almost point-per-game at the AHL level, he does not possess a dynamic offence that will translate to the NHL. But a future as a top four defenceman playing the second power play unit is not too far off a reach.

4 - Stian Solberg

The jump from Norwegian pro hockey to the SHL was a tricky adjustment to make for Solberg. Yet somehow, the jump to the AHL was seamless. His style of hockey is perfect for North America. The smaller ice surface lets him close gaps quicker and inflict pain on opponents, his favourite thing to do. He’s tapping into some of his upside at the offensive blueline and puck moving through the neutral zone, which was on full display at the World Championships. He still needs to work on his back skating and his defensive reads, but that’ll come with in time. All things considered, he doesn’t look all that far off from NHL ready. For Solberg, the key is to keep doing what you’re doing. Listen to your coaches and trainers, keep getting reps, and keep playing your brand of hard-nosed hockey. It’s a matter of when, not if, Solberg will earn his spot in Anaheim’s bottom four.

5 - Sam Colangelo

Sam took great steps this past season. Making the switch from any junior/college league is tough but Colangelo adjusted quite well. Pretty much had a 50/50 split, he was point per game at the AHL level in 40 games and had solid production at the NHL level when he got called up for 32 stints. For being a bigger guy, Sam has good north-south skating ability. The strength in his skating lies in transitioning through the neutral zone and possesses solid power in his first strides. He’s got a solid shot but it’s not going to beat goalies cleanly on a consistent basis at the NHL level. However, Sam is good at finding open space and with his strong net-front presence he will find opportunities to finish rebounds. His defensive game still needs work, especially if he wants to have a permanent spot with the big club. It’ll be interesting to see if the experience in his first pro year and another summer of training will result in Sam turning into a more complete player.

6 - Tarin Smith

Smith is one of the best-kept secrets in the WHL right now, but that likely won't last for long, especially after he was just invited by Hockey Canada a few months ago to participate in the World Junior Summer Showcase. The Silvertips emerged as the best team in the league this regular season and he was an essential piece of their success, using his explosive skating ability to drive play up ice and create offensive opportunities for both himself and his teammates. While Everett’s playoff dreams were stopped earlier than expected this past spring, the team should be a top championship contender in 202025-26, which will be valuable experience for Smith. Even though the Ducks are loaded with young defenceman, both inside and outside of the NHL, their success with fellow puck-rushers in Jackson LaCombe and Olen Zellweger suggests that they will find ways to utilize Smith's talents whenever he's ready.

7 - Eric Nilson

Nilson’s versatility and two-way play were key factors in Djurgarden sweeping the major Swedish junior championships (J18 and J20) this season. Despite being pushed down the lineup by other talents, Nilson’s upside is immense. He’s an explosive, shifty skater and dynamically skilled on the puck. He reads the game far, far beyond the junior level. He was only held out of pro competition because of his poor physical strength. A major knock on Nilson has been his teenager-like build and his ability to put on weight, but genetics and his commitment to MSU hockey for the 2025-2026 season could completely eliminate those concerns. It should also help him get some strength behind his shot and help him drive inside more. He’ll never hold an NHL job if he never gets bigger, but Nilson could be one of the biggest steals of the draft if his development goes as expected, with his NHL ceiling being that of a second line center who can impact play in all three zones.

8 - Sasha Pastujov

The Anaheim Ducks seem to have an abundance of offensive talent at their minor league club, and Sasha Pastujov is part of that group. Like Sam Colangelo, Sasha was point per game in his second pro season but did not get to spend time with the NHL club. There have been question marks about his skating and off-puck play but Sasha has removed those doubts. He skates hard and consistently gets up to speed in odd man rushes, while also improving his defensive game in both effort and making plays. The shot has always been good, and he continues to score in multiple different ways. It’s going to be a bloodbath to battle for a roster spot with the Ducks but thanks to his progression in his overall game there is a possibility for him to make an impact.

9 - Ian Moore

At 23 years old, Ian Moore is certainly one of the elder statesmen on this list, but the 2020 third-round pick just turned pro after a full four years at Harvard University. Moore, Harvard’s captain in his Junior and Senior seasons, played in all situations for the Crimson. When he was drafted, it looked as if he may be able to parlay his skating and confidence with the puck into a bit more offence, but he has since become a more responsible two-way blueliner. The mobile 6-foot-3 defender supplied some offence at the college level but will not be relied on for many points as a pro. While he isn’t an offensive creator, he can be counted on to move the puck effectively and get it up ice. Defensively, he uses his skating very effectively as a rush defender, which is a deadly combination with his large frame. Moore should be able to contribute in Anaheim as a bottom-pair blueliner within the next year or two.

10 - Lucas Pettersson

It was a tough season for Petterson. The SHL proved to be too tough for him at his current stage of development. He didn’t have enough offensive oomph to play in MoDo’s top six and didn’t have enough physicality or resilience to play in the bottom six. In addition, he was left off of Sweden’s WJC. If it weren’t for his loan to Ostersunds IK in the HA, there would be bust allegations being lodged against him. He racked up 19 points in 29 games and looked like a dynamic talent with sure-fire top six NHL upside. He can push the pace with high-end skill, high-end skating, strong IQ and creativity… he just does it so inconsistently. He also doesn’t have that physical game that you need to stick it at levels beyond the NHL yet. Despite the challenging year, Pettersson signed his ELC and will get another go around in the SHL on loan with Brynäs. There, he’ll be mentored by former NHLers like Jakob Silfverberg and the legendary Nicklas Bäckström. If that doesn’t help him take a big step, I don’t know what will.

11 - Damian Clara

At 6-foot- 6, Clara possesses a strong technical foundation and moves efficiently in the crease. He flashed some potential in a two-game AHL stint last season once his Liiga campaign had concluded. Despite not being the quickest goalie, Clara has NHL potential thanks to his size and technical ability. He will be making the jump to the SHL with Brynas this fall and should be splitting time with long time pro Collin Delia.

12 - Rodwin Dionicio

Dionicio has NHL size at 6-foot- 2, 205 pounds, and has flashed offensively at every level. Yet, a turbulent AHL season saw him return to Switzerland midstream, where he split time in the NLA and the junior level. Dionicio is not a great mover but has the sense and vision to potentially be a third pairing, power play point man in the NHL. He’ll get another crack at AHL duty this season.

13 - Yegor Sidorov

The skilled Sidorov improved as the year went on in the AHL. In the early going, he still flashed junior habits, often flying the zone and cheating for offence. By season’s end, though, he was a much more active forechecker and showed improved strength along the boards. The NHL path in Anaheim might be difficult, but another solid AHL season for the 21-year-old could set him up for NHL duty down the road.

14 - Maxim Masse

Masse has an NHL frame and a solid skating stride. A responsible player, he also possesses a heavy shot and has the hockey sense to find teammates. The only question is how much of that offence in the QMJHL will translate at the next level, but he has the details and work rate to be a long time NHLer. Sidelined by injury last season, expect him to take another step offensively for Chicoutimi this year.

15 - Nathan Gaucher

Gaucher has struggled to replicate his junior production in the AHL, posting 19 points in 56 games in his second pro season. Nevertheless, Gaucher still possesses NHL tools thanks to his size and strength. Although he doesn’t possess a standout offensive trait, he’s a clever passer in small areas and got power play time as a net-front presence in San Diego. Look for him to try to earn a call-up to Anaheim this season.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #5 ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:19:41 +0000

PARADISE, NV - JUNE 28: Beckett Sennecke of the Oshawa Generals is drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round during the NHL Draft on June 28, 2024 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)

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Anaheim 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #4

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Brock Otten — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:00:10 +0000

_{LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) skates with the puck during an NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings on April 13, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 4th (Previous Rank - 7th)
GM: Pat Verbeek Hired: February 2022
COACH: Greg Cronin Hired: June 2023

It’s been seven years since the people of Anaheim have experienced playoff hockey. While this drought may be frustrating, the silver lining is the organization has now churned out one of the more potent prospect pipelines in the entire NHL.

The Ducks have elevated their prospect pool significantly, now boasting three players in McKeen’s top 30 rankings. Leading the charge is Olen Zellweger (ranked 22nd), who made waves in his rookie campaign on the San Diego Gulls’ blueline. GM Pat Verbeek continued to stockpile talent by acquiring high-pedigree names such as Cutter Gauthier (ranked 6th) via the Jamie Drysdale trade and drafting Beckett Sennecke (ranked 28th) with the third overall pick at the 2024 NHL Draft.

Zellweger, who split time between Anaheim and San Diego last season, is now competing with fellow rising star and 2023-24 graduate Pavel Mintyukov for a top four spot on the Ducks’ roating six. Gauthier, a Hobey Baker Finalist, joins the Ducks full-time after an impressive NCAA career, tallying 102 points in 73 games. He’s already made his presence felt by picking up an assist in his first NHL game. Meanwhile, Sennecke will continue his development with the Oshawa Generals in the OHL.

On the farm, prospects such as Sasha Pastujov (244th), Jan Myšák, Tyson Hinds (254th), Nathan Gaucher (201st), and Tristan Luneau (84th) are either starting or continuing to build their AHL careers with an eye on future NHL opportunities. Verbeek also added some intriguing talent to the pipeline through the draft, including defencemen Stian Solberg (88th) and Tarin Smith (269th). Both bring contrasting styles of play but add intriguing depth and versatility to the Ducks’ future defensive core.

As the team explores potential trade options for longtime goaltender John Gibson, Lukas Dostal has officially staked his claim as the NHL backup. Meanwhile, Damian Clara, the club’s 2023 second-round pick, continues to shine overseas. As a rookie goaltender in the Allsvenskan, Clara posted an incredible 25-8-0 record and went 10-1-0 in the playoffs, securing a championship and promotion to the SHL. He was named Rookie of the Year for his efforts.

The Ducks now boast one of the top prospect systems in the NHL, and their youthful core is already showing great promise. With Leo Carlsson (19), Mason McTavish (21), Pavel Mintyukov (20), Troy Terry (26), and Trevor Zegras (23) leading the charge—Zegras’s situation still to be determined—the Ducks are set for a bright future filled with skill, youth, and excitement.

Anaheim Ducks Top-15 Prospects

1. Cutter Gauthier

The Ducks and Flyers shocked the hockey world when they pulled off a blockbuster at the beginning of January. Anaheim sent often injured younger defender Jamie Drysdale to Philadelphia and Philadelphia sent top prospect Cutter Gauthier to Anaheim. Gauthier was coming off a gold medal victory with Team USA at the IIHF World Juniors, a tournament where he was named the best forward and an all-star. As one of the top young players outside of the NHL, Gauthier has vaulted to the top of Anaheim’s star-studded prospect pool. He had a remarkable sophomore season for Boston College and was a Hobey Baker candidate. His 37 goals were the second most scored in the NCAA in the last 25 years. He excels as a North/South attacker because of his strong skating ability, coupled with his dynamic goal scoring ability. Whether he plays center or wing at the pro level remains to be seen, but his two-way ability also shows significant potential. Gauthier has signed with Anaheim and has a good chance of earning a top nine role this season; he is a preseason Calder favourite.

2. Olen Zellweger

Zellweger’s transition to the pro level was pretty seamless. He really gained confidence through a late season callup to Anaheim. An AHL all-star last season, Anaheim was able to be patient with Olen given their depth and position in the standings. This really helped him gain confidence in his ability to defend at the pro level, which was the only truly questionable part of his game coming into the year. There was no question that the offensive ability would translate, but could he excel in the defensive end? The answer to that question was yes…at least at the AHL level. The late season callup to the NHL proved he still has work to do to defend at that level. A tremendous four-way mover, Zellweger rarely gets boxed in the defensive zone and is a breakout machine. He also uses said mobility to quarterback the powerplay with remarkably efficiency. A heads-up passer and high IQ player, it seems inevitable at this point that Zellweger will become a high-end offensive defender at the NHL level…perhaps as early as next season. His ability to add strength and improve his physical intensity will dictate his ultimate ceiling as a two-way player.

3. Beckett Sennecke

The Ducks shocked the hockey world (and Sennecke himself) when they selected him at third overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. The lanky winger oozes upside due to his athleticism and rare combination of size and skill. On the back of a tremendous second half performance (including the playoffs), Sennecke rocketed up draft boards late in the year. The Oshawa Generals forward is the complete package as a potential power winger. He is explosive on his edges and moves well for a bigger player who has recently undergone a massive growth spurt. He is creative and skilled with the puck, capable of consistently escaping pressure. He shows well as both a goal scorer and a playmaker, exhibiting better vision and passing ability than your average bigger winger. The key for Sennecke is to bulk up to add strength to his frame, helping him be a more consistent off puck player. He will most certainly return to Oshawa this year in hopes of becoming one of the league’s elite players. He has the upside to be a longtime top six forward for Anaheim.

4. Tristan Luneau

Last season was a bit of a year to forget for Luneau. The former QMJHL defender of the year started the year well and even earned ice time in Anaheim. He was then loaned to Team Canada for the World Junior Championships and that’s when things went downhill. Luneau contracted the flu, then acquired a serious knee infection that saw him hospitalized. This effectively ended his season. But such a flukey thing does not tarnish Luneau’s upside or his likelihood of becoming a high-end NHL defender. The strong skating, two-way defender is a high-end processor whose offensive game and puck carrying ability have improved greatly since being selected by Anaheim in the second round. He will never be confused for a physical stalwart, but he uses his mobility and defensive awareness to keep the play in front of him. Hopefully Luneau can come to camp healthy this year and battle for a roster spot again. Although last year’s issues may cause Anaheim to be patient with Luneau, meaning that an AHL stint may be in store for him just as it was for Zellweger last season.

5. Stian Solberg

Whenever a team trades up to secure a player’s rights, it’s an indication of how greatly said team coveted said player. Insert physical Norwegian defender Stian Solberg, who the Ducks moved up to 23rd to select. Much like third overall pick Beckett Sennecke, Solberg was a late riser thanks to his strong performance at the World Championships for Norway. Solberg is a modern-day shutdown defender thanks to his size, mobility, and physical approach. He flashes greater upside as an offensive player and that will be the focus for him this coming season as he leaves Norway for Sweden; he has signed to play with Farjestad of the SHL. Solberg had struggles with his decision making with the puck at times this year and will need to work to make quicker decisions under pressure. Anaheim is hoping that Solberg can grow in Sweden the same way Moritz Seider did when he left Germany to aid in his development.

6. Damian Clara

The Big Italian netminder had an excellent draft plus one year in Sweden playing for Brynas of the Allsvenskan. Despite being only 19, he established himself as one of the top netminders in the league and was subsequently named the league’s top junior (or new player/ROY). An excellent athlete for his size, Clara has terrific upside as an NHL netminder, a reason why he was selected in the second round by the Ducks last year. Next year, Clara will take his talents to the SHL with Farjestad (playing along with recent first rounder Stian Solberg); a logical stepping stone to one day playing in the NHL. Clara is an impressive athlete for a bigger netminder, but the focus will be on refining that athleticism to make him a more consistent stopper. If he can replicate his success in the SHL, he’ll push his way to the top of many goaltending prospect lists.

7. Sam Colangelo

Lots of discussion about the NCAA’s transfer portal in recent months, but it’s designed to help players like Colangelo. It was obvious that his game had plateaued at Northeastern, and a move to Western Michigan helped to truly unlock Colangelo's potential as a power forward. He led WMU in goal scoring last year and has worked hard to put himself back on the map as a potential middle six player for the Ducks in the future. After a late season signing, Colangelo actually scored his first career NHL goal and proved that he might just be ready to battle for a roster spot this coming season. His transition to the pro level should be pretty seamless given his strength, strong two-way ability, and high IQ. However, there’s also a chance that Anaheim would prefer to see him play out some time in the AHL with more offensive responsibility, rather than have him see limited minutes with the big club.

8. Nathan Gaucher

Last season was Gaucher’s first as a pro with San Diego of the AHL and the offensive numbers don’t jump off the page at you. That said, Gaucher was never drafted to be an offensive juggernaut. With terrific speed, strength, and two-way awareness, the plan all along was for him to develop into a versatile middle six player for Anaheim who could help shut down the opposition’s best. While the offensive game was inconsistent as a rookie pro, the defensive and physical components of his game still earned praise and that’s what is most important. Anaheim is likely to let Gaucher repeat in the AHL this season, with the goal of improving his offensive production. Then they can ease him into the big club’s lineup slowly in a bottom six role in the future when his offensive confidence is at its highest.

9. Rodwin Dionicio

The selection of Dionicio as a draft re-entry in 2023 is bearing some pretty spectacular fruit early on. Dionicio emerged as one of the OHL’s top defenders last year and won a Memorial Cup with the Saginaw Spirit later in May. Dionicio is an electrifying offensive talent. He routinely carries the puck from end to end, showcasing his high-end puck skill and creativity. As a powerplay quarterback, he consistently helps to breakdown coverage with his ability to work inside, beating pressure at the point. Dionicio is also a highly physical player who has a penchant for the big hit and who makes opposing players earn touches and open space when he is on the ice. The decision making still wavers; he is and can be a high risk/high reward player. As such, the transition to the pro level could be challenging for him. However, with patience, he could become a very productive and entertaining NHL player.

10. Lucas Pettersson

A strong skating, two-way pivot, Pettersson was the 35th overall pick by the Ducks in the most recent NHL draft. He excels on both sides of the puck thanks to a high IQ. Offensively, Pettersson is equal parts goal scorer and playmaker and he has a terrific understanding of how to leverage his speed to create chances. Defensively, he competes hard in puck pursuit and can be counted upon in all situations. Despite being recently selected by Saginaw in the CHL’s Import Draft, the expectation is still that Pettersson returns to Sweden to make MoDo full time in the SHL. Even if it’s in a limited role, earning full time minutes in the SHL would be crucial for Pettersson’s development as he learns to adjust to the speed and strength of the pro game. He looks to have upside as a potential middle six contributor for Anaheim in the future.

11. Carey Terrance

Terrance is a speedy and versatile two-way forward. Moving forward, the key for Terrance is finding consistency offensively. If he can find a way to truly unlock his speed and improve his puck skill and carrying ability, Terrance could end up improving his outlook and upside as a pro. If not, he could still end up a very valuable bottom six player and penalty killer ala Paul Byron.

12. Yegor Sidorov

Sidorov just keeps getting better and it’s improving his outlook and progression as an NHL player. He upped his physical intensity level and it resulted in greater consistency as a scorer and play driver. Sidorov is highly creative with the puck and his quick release gives him great upside as a scorer at the pro level. Sidorov will turn pro next year, likely playing in the AHL in order to adjust to the pace of the pro game and the size/strength of pro level players.

13. Sasha Pastujov

His transition to the pro level has definitely been a bit of a bumpy ride. However, Pastujov closed out last year on a major high and that’s provided a lot of optimism about his future. Pastujov is still such a dangerous player in small spaces because of his quick hands and quick release. Ultimately, how much he can improve his skating and off-puck play will be the key to him becoming an NHL player in the future for the Ducks.

14. Tyson Hinds

Much to the surprise of no one, Hinds, the former winner of the QMJHL’s Kevin Lowe trophy (as the QMJHL’s top defensive defender), was an immediately impactful player on the defensive side of things at the pro level last year. However, his offensive game showed some growing pains and that will be the focus in his second pro year, to improve his decision making and confidence with the puck.

15. Maxim Masse

An early third round selection by Anaheim in 2024, Masse was originally thought to be the top player eligible from the QMJHL, but he slipped to 66th due to concerns over his pace and skating ability. A confident goal scorer, Masse will look to round out his game and improve his quickness in the QMJHL this coming season. Similar to the chance Anaheim took on Sasha Pastujov, the Ducks will be hoping Masse can eventually contribute as a middle six winger.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #7 Anaheim Ducks – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 15:04:53 +0000

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger (51) skates with the puck during an NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings on April 13, 2024 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)

The Anaheim Ducks have now missed the playoffs for six straight years, never finishing higher than sixth in their division. In the second season under GM Pat Verbeek, he continued much as he did in his first, moving out veterans at the deadline for picks and prospects. This year saw Sam Carrick and Adam Henrique end up on the Oilers for a first-round pick and a fifth. The years of futility have returned high draft pick after high draft pick and 2024 will be no different with the third overall pick. They have now picked second overall (2023 – Leo Carlsson), 10th (2022 – Pavel Mintyukov), third (2021 – Mason McTavish), sixth (2020 – Jamie Drysdale) and ninth (2019 – Trevor Zegras). All of those picks have graduated to the NHL, yet the organization ranks seventh among NHL teams in prospect strength, leaving arguably the deepest group of young potential stars in the league. Drysdale (along with a second-round pick) was moved for the 4th overall ranked affiliated prospect in Cutter Gauthier, and he is expected to make an impact in the NHL as soon as next season. A second-round pick in 2021, Olen Zellweger (ranked 15th by McKeens), is also on the cusp of making the team after appearing in 26 games last year.

The Ducks have the most graduations in the last five drafts in the NHL. That will not change anytime soon, as next year’s third overall pick will be a high-end player that should see the NHL before too long joining Gauthier and Zellweger. They are also in no danger of falling out of the rankings for the best prospect pool with seven picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 NHL Draft. They also have a deep pool to draw on with nine of their top ten prospects ranked with our top 200.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Cutter Gauthier	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	T(Phi-1/24)	41	38	27	65	18
2	Olen Zellweger	D	20	5-9/180	San Diego (AHL)	`21(34th)	44	12	25	37	16
					Anaheim (NHL)	`21(34th)	26	2	7	9	4
3	Tristan Luneau	D	20	6-1/195	Anaheim (NHL)	`22(53rd)	7	1	2	3	4
					San Diego (AHL)	`22(53rd)	6	0	2	2	2
4	Nathan Gaucher	C	20	6-3/207	San Diego (AHL)	`22(22nd)	72	10	15	25	68
5	Rodwin Dionicio	D	20	6-2/207	Wsr-Sag (OHL)	`23(129th)	60	25	48	73	108
6	Damian Clara	G	19	6-6/214	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	`23(60th)	34	25	8	2.23	0.913
7	Yegor Sidorov	RW	19	6-0/180	Saskatoon (WHL)	`23(85th)	66	50	38	88	66
8	Carey Terrance	C	18	6-1/175	Erie (OHL)	`23(59th)	56	29	23	52	25
9	Sam Colangelo	RW	21	6-2/205	Western Michigan (NCHC)	`20(36th)	38	24	19	43	23
10	Sasha Pastujov	RW	20	6-0/187	San Diego (AHL)	`21(66th)	46	10	13	23	14
11	Tyson Hinds	D	21	6-3/188	San Diego (AHL)	`21(76th)	71	2	8	10	42
12	Nico Myatovic	LW	19	6-2/180	Seattle (WHL)	`23(33rd)	34	9	21	30	20
13	Coulson Pitre	RW	19	6-1/170	Flint (OHL)	`23(65th)	55	27	28	55	41
14	Noah Warren	D	19	6-4/216	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	`22(42nd)	50	6	7	13	35
15	Drew Helleson	D	23	6-3/205	San Diego (AHL)	T(Col-3/22)	59	4	14	18	44

1. Cutter Gauthier, LW, Boston College (NCAA)

The Ducks and Flyers shocked the hockey world when they pulled off a blockbuster at the beginning of January. Anaheim sent often injured young defender Jamie Drysdale to Philadelphia in return for top prospect Cutter Gauthier. Coming off a gold medal victory with Team USA at the IIHF World Juniors, and named the best forward and an all-star, he has vaulted to the top of Anaheim’s star-studded prospect pool. He’s had a remarkable sophomore season for Boston College and is a Hobey Baker candidate. His 37 goals are the second most scored in the NCAA in the last 25 years. He excels as a North/South attacker because of his strong skating ability, coupled with his dynamic goal scoring ability. Whether he plays center or wing at the pro level remains to be seen, regardless where he plays, his two-way ability shows significant potential. Unquestionably turning pro at the conclusion of this season, he could be an impact player as early as next year.

2. Olen Zellweger, D, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Zellweger’s transition to the pro level has been pretty seamless and it resulted in a late season call up. An AHL all-star this season, Anaheim was able to be patient with Olen given their depth and position in the standings. This has helped him gain confidence in his ability to defend at the pro level, which was the only truly questionable part of his game coming into the year. There was no question about his offensive ability, but could he excel in the defensive end? The answer to that question has been yes…at least at the AHL level. A tremendous four-way mover, Zellweger rarely gets boxed in the defensive zone and is a breakout machine. He also uses said mobility to quarterback the powerplay with remarkably efficiency. A heads-up passer and high IQ player, it seems inevitable he will become a high-end offensive defender at the NHL level…perhaps as early as next season. His ability to add strength and improve his physical intensity will dictate his ultimate ceiling as a two-way player.

3. Tristan Luneau, D, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

It’s been a bit of a year to forget for Luneau. The former QMJHL defender of the year started well and even earned ice time in Anaheim. He was then loaned to Team Canada for the World Junior Championships and that’s when things went downhill. Luneau contracted the flu, then acquired a serious knee infection that saw him hospitalized. This effectively ended his season. But such a flukey thing does not tarnish Luneau’s upside or his likelihood of becoming a high-end NHL defender. The strong skating, two-way defender is a high-end processor whose offensive game and puck carrying ability have improved greatly since being selected in the second round. He will never be confused for a physical stalwart, but he uses his mobility and defensive awareness to keep the play in front of him. While there is hope he can battle for a roster spot, this year’s issues may cause Anaheim to be patient, meaning that an AHL stint may be in store just as it was for Zellweger this season.

4. Nathan Gaucher, C, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Gaucher is finishing up his first season as a pro with San Diego of the AHL and the offensive numbers don’t jump off the page at you. That said, Gaucher was never drafted to be an offensive juggernaut. With terrific speed, strength, and two-way awareness, the plan all along was for him to develop into a versatile middle six player for Anaheim who could help shut down the opposition’s best. While the offensive game has been inconsistent as a rookie pro, the defensive and physical components of his game have still earned praise and that’s what is most important. Anaheim is likely to let Gaucher repeat in the AHL next season, with the goal of improving his offensive production. Then they can ease him into the big club’s lineup slowly in a bottom six role in the future when his offensive confidence is at its highest.

5. Rodwin Dionicio, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The selection of Dionicio as a draft re-entry last year is bearing some pretty spectacular fruit early on. Dionicio has emerged as one of the OHL’s top defenders and will be playing for a Memorial Cup with the Saginaw Spirit later in May. Dionicio is an electrifying offensive talent. He routinely carries the puck from end to end, showcasing his high-end puck skill and creativity. As a powerplay quarterback, he consistently helps to breakdown coverage with his ability to work inside, beating pressure at the point. Dionicio is also a highly physical player who has a penchant for the big hit and who makes opposing players earn touches and open space when he is on the ice. The decision making still wavers; he is and can be a high risk/high reward player. As such, the transition to the pro level could be challenging for him. However, with patience, he could become a very productive and entertaining NHL player.

6. Damian Clara, G, Brynas IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

The Big Italian netminder has had an excellent draft plus one year in Sweden playing for Brynas of the Allsvenskan. Despite being only 19, he established himself as one of the top netminders in the league and was subsequently named the league’s top junior (or new player/ROY). He also helped Brynas get promoted to the SHL after posting a .931 SV% and a 1.68 GAA in the Allsvenskan playoffs. An excellent athlete for his size, Clara has terrific upside as an NHL netminder, a reason why he was selected in the second round by the Ducks last year. Next year, Clara will take his talents to the SHL with Farjestad; a logical stepping stone to one day playing in the NHL. If he can replicate his success in the SHL, he’ll push his way to the top of many goaltending prospect lists.

7. Yegor Sidorov, RW, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

Sidorov just keeps getting better and it’s improving his outlook and progression as an NHL player. His 50 goals this year for Saskatoon put him in a tie for fourth in the WHL. Sidorov also currently leads the WHL playoffs in goal scoring, as of writing this profile. He upped his physical intensity level and it resulted in greater consistency as a scorer and play driver. Sidorov is highly creative with the puck and his quick release gives him great upside as a scorer at the pro level. Recently signed by the Ducks, Sidorov will turn pro next year, likely playing in the AHL in order to adjust to the pace of the pro game and the size/strength of pro level players. Realistically, Sidorov is a bit of a boom or bust prospect. His goal scoring prowess will either translate to the NHL level and he'll end up as a top six forward and powerplay option, or he'll end up overseas as a scoring option in a Euro league.

8. Carey Terrance, C, Erie Otters (OHL)

One of the OHL’s most underrated players, Terrance had a good year for the Erie Otters even if he failed to hit the point per game mark. Because of his speed and strong two-way commitment level, he brings such versatility to his coaches. Offensively, his best asset is his shot, something that helped him score 29 goals and lead Erie in goal scoring this year. Terrance also was a member of the U.S.’ gold medal winning WJC squad, but he did not see game action. Moving forward, the key for Terrance is finding consistency offensively. If he can find a way to truly unlock his speed and improve his puck skill and carrying ability, Terrance could end up improving his outlook and upside as a pro. If not, he could still end up a very valuable bottom six player and penalty killer ala Paul Byron.

9. Sam Colangelo, RW, Western Michigan University (NCAA)

Lots of discussion about the NCAA’s transfer portal in recent months, but it’s designed to help players like Colangelo. It was obvious that his game had plateaued at Northeastern, and a move to Western Michigan helped to truly unlock Colangelo's potential as a power forward. He led WMU in goal scoring this year and has worked hard to put himself back on the map as a potential middle six player for the Ducks in the future. Recently signed, Colangelo finished out the year at the pro level with Anaheim and San Diego, even scoring his first NHL goal. He did not look out of place, which should come as no surprise given that his transition to the pro level should be pretty seamless because of his strength, strong two-way ability, and high IQ.

10. Sasha Pastujov, RW, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Given Pastujov’s lack of dynamic skating ability, there was certainly some concern heading into his first pro season this year. Just how well would he transition to the AHL? It’s definitely been a bit of a bumpy ride. The first half was mired with inconsistency and a lower body injury, but he actually closed out the year on a major high and that’s provided a lot of optimism about his future. Pastujov is still such a dangerous player in small spaces because of his quick hands and quick release. He’s active in puck pursuit in the offensive end and continues to work hard to improve his quickness. Ultimately, how much he can improve his skating and off puck play will be the key to him becoming an NHL player in the future for the Ducks.

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

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 30 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 12:22:26 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first, this ranking, follows the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Our team of 16 scouts are based in key markets around the world, in the rinks, supported by video scouting. They utilize some terrific tools from Hudl/InStat, which can isolate so many aspects of a player’s game, along with proprietary statistics. They spend countless hours in rinks and in front of screens and are deeply familiar with these players and their progression. Our management team of Brock Otten (Director of Scouting) and Derek Neumeier (Assistant Director of Scouting/Senior Western Regional Scout), along with Video Scouting Coordinator, Josh Bell, will take the teams input and finalize the list you see below. Brock, Derek and Josh are responsible for the player write-ups in the Prospect Guide.

The organizational rankings are based on an algorithm that takes into account how many prospects are ranked within the top 200. The teams are broken down by the number of prospects in our top 1 -25, 26 - 50, 51 - 100, and 101 - 200. A weight is attached to each group and then some subjective tweaking is done based on our knowledge of the players. There can be a wider discrepancy in the top 25 group than the latter groupings that needs to be taken into account.

Here is our definition of an NHL prospect: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 NHL games (30 for goalies) and less than 35 in one season (25 for goalies).

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft. We are releasing out top 30 NHL Prospects free to non-subscribers. If you want to learn more, link here.

Subscribers can link to the full top 200 listing here

Here is an excerpt of Brock Otten's Risers and Fallers article from the magazine to give you more perspective and a little taste of our content.

The best part of scouting is the somewhat unpredictable nature of human development. Some players improve dramatically from one year to the next…others do not. When we compare the rankings from our 2023-24 NHL Yearbook (where we did a Top 300 prospect ranking) to now, these are the players who have risen/fallen the most.

Risers

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 22: Dallas Stars center Logan Stankoven (11) reacts to a goal score during game one of the Western Conference First Round between the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights on April 22, 2024 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire)

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

Stankoven’s jump from one of the best players in the WHL to one of the best players in the AHL has been impressive. So has his quick start in the NHL.

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

Leonard is returning to Boston College after a Championship barely eluded him this year. However, he has proven to be an elite play driver to go with his strong off puck play.

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 11: Look on Montreal Canadiens right wing Joshua Roy (89) during warm-up before the St. Louis Blues versus the Montreal Canadiens game on February 11, 2024, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

Roy continues to prove doubters wrong after a terrific AHL season with Laval. His skill set has become so well rounded since being drafted.

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

Geekie’s power game from the middle of the ice makes him such an interesting prospect for today’s NHL. His skating continues to improve.

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

Bourque emerged as one of the best players in the AHL this season as a sophomore professional. He’s ready to take that next step with the Stars.

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

Once thought to be the third wheel on the talented Will Smith/Ryan Leonard threesome, Perreault’s progression as a play driver at Boston College this season has altered the perception that he can be a front-line NHL player.

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

Drafting early out of the BCHL has yielded inconsistent results, however Nadeau was exceptional as a freshman at Maine. Did he leave school too early though?

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

Firkus took his game to another level this year in his final WHL season, leading the league in scoring. He’s ready to be a pro.

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

One of the most improved players in the NCAA this year, Brindley emerged as a star for the University of Michigan and really altered his projection as a potential top six forward.

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

The dynamic American winger worked hard to fine tune components of his game in Sudbury this year and deserves a bump for improving his consistency.

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

Nyman emerged as one of the top goal scorers in Finland this season as a U20 player. This, combined with his strong WJC performance, has helped push him up our board north.

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

Mailloux proved to be way more refined at the AHL level than previously perceived. Simply put, he was one of the best defensive prospects in the AHL this year.

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

What a terrific story to the end of the Coyotes franchise. Doan emerged as a potential star this season and finished the year strong in the NHL, scoring in his debut.

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

We still don’t understand how Heidt fell as far as he did in the 2023 draft, however he is proving NHL scouts wrong thus far after a remarkable year with Prince George.

Ville Koivunen (165 to 71) – Pittsburgh Penguins

The main piece of the Jake Guentzel to Carolina deal, Koivunen emerged as one of the top players in Liiga this year.

Ethan Del Mastro (169 to 73) – Chicago Blackhawks

There was little doubt that Del Mastro’s strong defensive ability would translate to the AHL level well, but he continues to improve offensively and that has altered his projection.

Theo Lindstein (185 to 91) – St. Louis Blues

Lindstein’s strong year for Brynas has helped to elevate his upside as a two-way defender. We may have ranked him too low in our 2023 Draft Rankings.

Carson Rehkopf (201 to 69) – Seattle Kraken

Consistency off the puck and a lack of engagement held Rehkopf back last year. This year marked improvement in those areas helped him emerge as a top offensive talent in the OHL.

Easton Cowan (204 to 67) – Toronto Maple Leafs

One of the surprises of the 2023 draft, Cowan set a new OHL record with a 42-game point streak. More than just a high energy guy now, he can be a difference maker offensively.

Seamus Casey (214 to 63) – New Jersey Devils

Casey continues to improve in the NCAA. He may not have elite size, but he has everything else, and it has the Devils excited about his future.

Jacob Fowler (222 to 52) – Montreal Canadiens

Fowler compiled a list of accolades as a freshman this year at Boston College, emerging as one of the top goaltending prospects in the game.

Fraser Minten (226 to 84) – Toronto Maple Leafs

After starting the year with the Leafs, Minten returned to the WHL and ended up captaining Canada at the World Juniors.

Jackson Blake (277 to 117) – Carolina Hurricanes

A finalist for the Hobey Baker this year, Blake became an NCAA star for North Dakota, and he now turns pro.

Erik Portillo (Unranked to 118) – Los Angeles Kings

Acquired by the Kings, Portillo turned pro after three years at Michigan and he was one of the best goaltenders in the AHL as a first-year pro.

Rodwin Dionicio (Unranked to 139) – Anaheim Ducks

Dionicio still plays a high risk, high reward game from the back end, but his offensive upside has become too large to ignore.

Fallers

EDM - Xavier Bourgault

Xavier Bourgault (from 48 to 113) – Edmonton Oilers

After a mediocre first professional year last season, Bourgault was even more disappointing as a sophomore with Bakersfield. The Oilers just haven’t been developing prospects well in recent years.

Eduard Sale (72 to 140) – Seattle Kraken

Sale’s first year in North America did not go according to plan as he struggled to be a consistent impact player in the OHL.

Jack Rathbone (96 to not ranked) – Pittsburgh Penguins

Perhaps we ranked Rathbone too aggressively this summer, but not only did he fail to earn a spot on Vancouver, but he’s now an NHL after thought after entering Pittsburgh’s organization via trade.

Jacob Perreault (127 to not ranked) – Montreal Canadiens

Perreault’s off puck play and skating just haven’t improved to the point where he can be a consistent pro and it caused the Ducks to move on from him, trading him to Montreal.

Jan Jenik (156 to not ranked) - Utah

Once a highly ranked prospect, Jenik continues to fall. He just hasn’t been able to take that next step and even passed through waivers this year unclaimed.

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17

2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 200 NHL PROSPECTS

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 25 May 2024 17:02:31 +0000

At McKeen’s Hockey we do a ranked affiliated prospect list twice a season. Our first is following the end of the regular season for most prospects but does not include the playoffs. It is a ranking of the top 200, plus the top 15 by team, prior to the NHL Draft. Once the NHL Draft is complete, we begin the process of updating the organizational ranking to a top 20, and then rank the top 300. That is completed in August, once the dust has settled on free agency, and any trades that are made in the meantime. We include that ranking in our McKeen’s NHL Yearbook, published in late August, Early September.

Check back in with us in the fall to see how things change following the draft.

Subscribers can link to the listing here

RNK	PLAYER	NHL	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Will Smith	SJ	C	19	6-0/175	Boston College (HE)	41	25	46	71	14
2	Matvei Michkov	Phi	RW	19	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	48	19	22	41	26
3	Brandt Clarke	LA	D	21	6-2/185	Los Angeles (NHL)	16	2	4	6	10
4	Cutter Gauthier	Ana	LW	20	6-2/190	Boston College (HE)	41	38	27	65	18
5	Logan Stankoven	Dal	C	21	5-8/170	Dallas (NHL)	24	6	8	14	4
6	Ryan Leonard	Wsh	RW	19	5-11/190	Boston College (HE)	41	31	29	60	38
7	Alexander Nikishin	Car	D	22	6-3/195	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	67	17	39	56	39
8	Yaroslav Askarov	Nsh	G	21	6-3/175	Milwaukee (AHL)	44	30	13	2.39	0.911
9	Jesper Wallstedt	Min	G	21	6-3/215	Iowa (AHL)	45	22	19	2.70	0.910
10	Matthew Savoie	Buf	C	20	5-9/179	Wen-MJ (WHL)	34	30	41	71	10
11	Simon Edvinsson	Det	D	21	6-6/215	Detroit (NHL)	16	1	1	2	4
12	Jonathan Lekkerimaki	Van	RW	19	5-11/170	Orebro (SHL)	46	19	12	31	10
13	Dustin Wolf	Cgy	G	23	6-0/166	Calgary (AHL)	36	20	12	2.45	0.922
14	Devon Levi	Buf	G	21	6-0/192	Rochester (AHL)	26	16	6	2.42	0.927
15	Olen Zellweger	Ana	D	20	5-9/180	Anaheim (NHL)	26	2	7	9	4
16	Dmitri Simashev	Ari	D	19	6-4/198	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	63	4	6	10	18
17	David Reinbacher	Mtl	D	19	6-2/185	Kloten (Sui-NL)	35	1	10	11	18
18	Conor Geekie	Ari	C	19	6-3/193	Wen-SC (WHL)	55	43	56	99	66
19	Gabe Perreault	NYR	RW	18	5-11/165	Boston College (HE)	36	19	41	60	29
20	Daniil But	Ari	LW	19	6-5/203	Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)	55	10	11	21	10
21	Shane Wright	Sea	C	20	6-0/200	Coachella Valley (AHL)	59	22	25	47	18
22	Jiri Kulich	Buf	C	20	6-1/186	Rochester (AHL)	57	27	18	45	26
23	Mavrik Bourque	Dal	C	22	5-10/190	Texas (AHL)	71	26	51	77	32
24	Nate Danielson	Det	C	19	6-2/185	Bdn-Por (WHL)	54	24	43	67	42
25	Danila Yurov	Min	RW	19	6-1/175	Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)	62	21	28	49	35
26	Brennan Othmann	NYR	LW	21	6-0/175	Hartford (AHL)	67	21	28	49	65
27	Lane Hutson	Mtl	D	20	5-10/160	Boston University (HE)	38	15	34	49	24
28	Tom Willander	Van	D	19	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	38	4	21	25	12
29	Marco Kasper	Det	C	20	6-1/185	Grand Rapids (AHL)	71	14	21	35	30
30	Dalibor Dvorsky	StL	C	18	6-1/200	Sudbury (OHL)	52	45	43	88	17
31	Brad Lambert	Wpg	C	20	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	64	21	34	55	38
32	Ivan Miroshnichenko	Wsh	LW	20	6-1/185	Washington (NHL)	21	2	4	6	6
33	Axel Sandin Pellikka	Det	D	19	5-11/180	Skelleftea (SHL)	39	10	8	18	17
34	Bradly Nadeau	Car	LW	18	5-10/165	Maine (HE)	37	19	27	46	12
35	Joshua Roy	Mtl	RW	20	6-0/190	Montreal (NHL)	23	4	5	9	0
36	Denton Mateychuk	CBJ	D	19	5-11/190	Moose Jaw (WHL)	52	17	58	75	31
37	Brayden Yager	Pit	C	19	5-11/165	Moose Jaw (WHL)	57	35	60	95	20
38	Calum Ritchie	Col	C	19	6-2/185	Oshawa (OHL)	50	28	52	80	20
39	Joakim Kemell	Nsh	RW	20	5-10/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	67	16	25	41	23
40	Colby Barlow	Wpg	LW	19	6-0/195	Owen Sound (OHL)	50	40	18	58	27
41	Jimmy Snuggerud	StL	RW	19	6-1/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	21	13	34	42
42	Matthew Coronato	Cgy	RW	21	5-10/183	Calgary (NHL)	34	3	6	9	4
43	Frank Nazar	Chi	C	20	5-10/180	Michigan (B1G)	41	17	24	41	18
44	Riley Heidt	Min	C	19	5-10/180	Prince George (WHL)	66	37	80	117	42
45	Logan Mailloux	Mtl	D	21	6-3/215	Laval (AHL)	72	14	33	47	91
46	Sebastian Cossa	Det	G	21	6-6/229	Grand Rapids (AHL)	40	22	9	2.41	0.913
47	Jagger Firkus	Sea	RW	20	5-10/155	Moose Jaw (WHL)	63	61	65	126	30
48	Mikhail Gulyayev	Col	D	19	5-11/170	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	64	4	8	12	8
49	Scott Morrow	Car	D	21	6-2/195	Massachusetts (HE)	37	6	24	30	25
50	Matthew Wood	Nsh	RW	19	6-3/195	Connecticut (HE)	35	16	12	28	43
51	Quentin Musty	SJ	LW	18	6-2/200	Sudbury (OHL)	53	43	59	102	72
52	Jacob Fowler	Mtl	G	19	6-1/215	Boston College (HE)	39	32	6	2.14	0.926
53	Fabian Lysell	Bos	RW	21	5-11/181	Providence (AHL)	56	15	35	50	37
54	Shakir Mukhamadullin	SJ	D	22	6-3/180	San Jose (AHL)	55	7	27	34	24
55	Josh Doan	Ari	RW	22	6-1/183	Arizona (NHL)	11	5	4	9	0
56	Thomas Bordeleau	SJ	C	22	5-9/180	San Jose (NHL)	27	6	5	11	18
57	Lian Bichsel	Dal	D	19	6-6/233	Rogle (SHL)	29	2	2	4	28
58	Nikolai Kovalenko	Col	RW	24	5-10/180	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	42	11	24	35	30
59	Aatu Raty	Van	C	21	6-2/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	72	18	34	52	18
60	Oliver Moore	Chi	C	19	5-11/185	Minnesota (B1G)	39	9	24	33	8
61	Samuel Honzek	Cgy	LW	19	6-4/186	Vancouver (WHL)	33	10	21	31	18
62	Jakob Pelletier	Cgy	LW	23	5-9/170	Calgary (NHL)	13	1	2	3	2
63	Seamus Casey	NJ	D	20	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	7	38	45	14
64	Tristan Luneau	Ana	D	20	6-1/195	Anaheim (NHL)	7	1	2	3	4
65	Chaz Lucius	Wpg	C	20	6-1/185	Manitoba (AHL)	17	2	11	13	6
66	Gavin Brindley	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Michigan (B1G)	40	25	28	53	28
67	Easton Cowan	Tor	RW	18	5-10/170	London (OHL)	54	34	62	96	64
68	Zachary L'Heureux	Nsh	LW	20	5-11/195	Milwaukee (AHL)	66	19	29	48	197
69	Carson Rehkopf	Sea	LW	19	6-1/195	Kitchener (OHL)	60	52	43	95	45
70	Filip Bystedt	SJ	C	20	6-4/205	Linkopings (SHL)	47	8	9	17	2
71	Ville Koivunen	Pit	LW	20	6-0/175	Karpat (Fin-Liiga)	59	22	34	56	26
72	Noah Ostlund	Buf	C	20	5-11/163	Vaxjo Lakers (SHL)	38	12	11	23	4
73	Ethan Del Mastro	Chi	D	21	6-4/210	Rockford (AHL)	69	7	30	37	54
74	Lukas Cormier	VGK	D	22	5-10/180	Henderson (AHL)	58	4	16	20	33
75	Liam Ohgren	Min	LW	20	6-1/200	Farjestads (SHL)	26	12	7	19	12
76	Marat Khusnutdinov	Min	C	21	5-11/175	Minnesota (NHL)	16	1	3	4	6
77	Mackie Samoskevich	Fla	RW	21	5-11/190	Charlotte (AHL)	62	22	32	54	24
78	Stanislav Svozil	CBJ	D	21	6-1/180	Cleveland (AHL)	57	5	18	23	24
79	Zachary Bolduc	StL	LW	21	6-1/175	St. Louis (NHL)	25	5	4	9	6
80	Rutger McGroarty	Wpg	LW	20	6-1/200	Michigan (B1G)	36	16	36	52	6
81	Jani Nyman	Sea	RW	19	6-3/215	Ilves (Fin-Liiga)	48	26	17	43	2
82	Andrew Cristall	Wsh	LW	19	5-9/165	Kelowna (WHL)	62	40	71	111	46
83	Oliver Bonk	Phi	D	19	6-2/175	London (OHL)	60	24	43	67	32
84	Fraser Minten	Tor	C	19	6-1/185	Kam-Sas (WHL)	43	22	26	48	25
85	Tanner Molendyk	Nsh	D	19	5-11/185	Saskatoon (WHL)	50	10	46	56	18
86	David Goyette	Sea	C	20	5-10/175	Sudbury (OHL)	68	40	77	117	29
87	David Edstrom	SJ	C	19	6-3/185	Frolunda (SHL)	44	7	12	19	8
88	Anton Wahlberg	Buf	C	18	6-3/194	Malmo (SHL)	43	5	5	10	4
89	Emil Andrae	Phi	D	22	5-9/185	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	61	5	27	32	66
90	Trey Augustine	Det	G	19	6-1/185	Michigan State (B1G)	35	23	9	2.96	0.915
91	Theo Lindstein	StL	D	19	6-0/180	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	49	4	11	15	4
92	Mads Sogaard	Ott	G	23	6-7/195	Belleville (AHL)	32	18	9	2.45	0.916
93	Isak Rosen	Buf	RW	21	6-0/175	Rochester (AHL)	67	20	30	50	12
94	Maveric Lamoureux	Ari	D	20	6-7/214	Drummondville (QMJHL)	39	9	24	33	53
95	Drew Commesso	Chi	G	21	6-2/180	Rockford (AHL)	38	18	16	2.65	0.906
96	Ville Heinola	Wpg	D	23	6-0/180	Manitoba (AHL)	41	10	17	27	24
97	Carter Mazur	Det	LW	22	6-0/170	Grand Rapids (AHL)	60	17	20	37	48
98	Otto Stenberg	StL	C	18	5-11/180	Frolunda (SHL)	31	3	3	6	8
99	Egor Afanasyev	Nsh	LW	23	6-3/205	Milwaukee (AHL)	56	27	27	54	60
100	Nikita Chibrikov	Wpg	RW	21	5-10/170	Manitoba (AHL)	70	17	30	47	53
101	Zach Dean	StL	C	21	6-0/175	Springfield (AHL)	49	9	5	14	24
102	William Dufour	NYI	RW	22	6-2/195	Bridgeport (AHL)	55	15	10	25	35
103	Sam Rinzel	Chi	D	19	6-4/180	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	26	28	20
104	Joel Blomqvist	Pit	G	22	6-2/185	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	45	25	12	2.16	0.921
105	Arseni Gritsyuk	NJ	RW	23	5-10/170	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)	50	19	19	38	8
106	Corson Ceulemans	CBJ	D	20	6-2/200	Cleveland (AHL)	47	3	9	12	12
107	Michael Hrabal	Ari	G	19	6-6/209	Massachusetts (HE)	30	16	12	2.59	0.912
108	Brendan Brisson	VGK	C	22	5-11/180	Vegas (NHL)	15	2	6	8	2
109	Owen Pickering	Pit	D	20	6-4/180	Swift Current (WHL)	59	7	39	46	35
110	Owen Beck	Mtl	C	20	5-11/185	Pbo-Sag (OHL)	57	34	47	81	18
111	William Wallinder	Det	D	21	6-4/190	Grand Rapids (AHL)	65	3	12	15	10
112	Xavier Bourgault	Edm	C	21	6-0/170	Bakersfield (AHL)	55	8	12	20	24
113	Jordan Dumais	CBJ	RW	20	5-8/165	Halifax (QMJHL)	21	16	31	47	6
114	Aleksi Heimosalmi	Car	D	20	5-11/170	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	47	2	14	16	12
115	Brandon Bussi	Bos	G	25	6-4/218	Providence (AHL)	41	23	10	2.67	0.913
116	Jackson Blake	Car	RW	20	5-10/160	North Dakota (NCHC)	40	22	38	60	26
117	Erik Portillo	LA	G	23	6-6/210	Ontario (AHL)	39	24	11	2.50	0.918
118	Sean Farrell	Mtl	C	22	5-8/175	Laval (AHL)	47	9	19	28	10
119	Kasper Halttunen	SJ	RW	18	6-3/205	London (OHL)	57	32	29	61	61
120	Topi Niemela	Tor	D	22	5-11/165	Toronto (AHL)	68	8	31	39	43
121	Ethan Gauthier	TB	RW	19	5-11/175	Drummondville (QMJHL)	64	36	35	71	42
122	Daniil Miromanov	Cgy	D	26	6-4/200	VGK-Cgy (NHL)	24	3	4	7	8
123	Ruslan Iskhakov	NYI	C	23	5-8/155	Bridgeport (AHL)	69	18	32	50	30
124	Shai Buium	Det	D	21	6-3/210	Denver (NCHC)	43	7	29	36	14
125	Jakub Dobes	Mtl	G	22	6-3/200	Laval (AHL)	51	24	18	2.93	0.906
126	Oliver Kapanen	Mtl	C	20	6-0/170	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	51	14	20	34	32
127	Danny Nelson	NYI	C	18	6-3/200	Notre Dame (B1G)	30	9	14	23	32
128	Lenni Hameenaho	NJ	RW	19	6-0/175	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	46	14	17	31	10
129	Nick Lardis	Chi	LW	18	5-11/165	Brantford (OHL)	37	29	21	50	12
130	Ty Nelson	Sea	D	20	5-10/195	North Bay (OHL)	54	16	36	52	50
131	Isaac Howard	TB	LW	20	5-10/185	Michigan State (B1G)	36	8	28	36	10
132	Fyodor Svechkov	Nsh	C	21	6-0/185	Milwaukee (AHL)	57	16	23	39	18
133	Jeremie Poirier	Cgy	D	21	6-1/196	Calgary (AHL)	23	3	10	13	22
134	Reid Schaefer	Nsh	LW	20	6-3/215	Milwaukee (AHL)	63	7	14	21	39
135	Zack Ostapchuk	Ott	C	20	6-3/205	Belleville (AHL)	69	17	11	28	47
136	Nathan Gaucher	Ana	C	20	6-3/207	San Diego (AHL)	72	10	15	25	68
137	Rodwin Dionicio	Ana	D	20	6-2/207	Wsr-Sag (OHL)	60	25	48	73	108
138	Eduard Sale	Sea	LW	19	6-1/170	Bar-Kit (OHL)	49	15	23	38	8
139	Danil Gushchin	SJ	RW	22	5-8/165	San Jose (AHL)	56	20	34	54	24
140	Sean Behrens	Col	D	21	5-10/175	Denver (NCHC)	44	4	27	31	53
141	Christian Kyrou	Dal	D	20	5-10/170	Texas (AHL)	57	8	15	23	22
142	Niklas Kokko	Sea	G	20	6-3/185	Pelicans (Fin-Liiga)	13	9	0	1.49	0.926
143	Vasily Ponomarev	Pit	C	22	5-10/180	Tuc-Chi-WBS (AHL)	45	9	21	30	16
144	Ryan Winterton	Sea	RW	20	6-2/190	Coachella Valley (AHL)	58	22	13	35	23
145	Dmitri Buchelnikov	Det	LW	20	5-10/165	Admiral Vladivostok (KHL)	55	13	16	29	8
146	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	Sea	C	19	6-0/165	HV 71 (SHL)	50	9	12	21	6
147	Aku Raty	Ari	RW	22	6-1/190	Tucson (AHL)	55	15	29	44	22
148	Matyas Sapovaliv	VGK	C	20	6-3/180	Saginaw (OHL)	54	19	43	62	22
149	Georgii Merkulov	Bos	C	23	5-11/175	Providence (AHL)	67	30	35	65	20
150	Topias Vilen	NJ	D	21	6-1/195	Utica (AHL)	54	2	27	29	16
151	Ryan Chesley	Wsh	D	20	6-0/200	Minnesota (B1G)	39	2	6	8	19
152	Jayden Perron	Car	RW	19	5-9/165	North Dakota (NCHC)	39	11	7	18	8
153	Tristen Robins	SJ	C	22	5-10/175	San Jose (AHL)	42	7	11	18	12
154	Calle Odelius	NYI	D	19	6-0/190	Djurgardens (HockeyAllsvenskan)	10	0	4	4	2
155	Vincent Iorio	Wsh	D	21	6-2/190	Hershey (AHL)	60	4	10	14	30
156	Raphael Lavoie	Edm	RW	23	6-4/215	Bakersfield (AHL)	66	28	22	50	64
157	Ronnie Attard	Phi	D	25	6-3/210	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	48	10	17	27	37
158	Niko Huuhtanen	TB	RW	20	6-2/205	Jukurit (Fin-Liiga)	52	19	27	46	46
159	Carson Bjarnason	Phi	G	18	6-3/185	Brandon (WHL)	46	24	17	3.01	0.907
160	Lukas Dragicevic	Sea	D	19	6-1/190	Tri-City (WHL)	66	14	36	50	52
161	Leevi Merilainen	Ott	G	21	6-2/160	Belleville (AHL)	24	10	9	2.87	0.906
162	Tyler Kleven	Ott	D	22	6-4/200	Belleville (AHL)	53	5	16	21	51
163	Hunter Brzustewicz	Cgy	D	19	5-11/185	Kitchener (OHL)	67	13	79	92	24
164	Ryan Greene	Chi	C	20	6-1/180	Boston University (HE)	40	12	24	36	6
165	Damian Clara	Ana	G	19	6-6/214	Brynas (HockeyAllsvenskan)	34	25	8	2.23	0.913
166	Carson Lambos	Min	D	21	6-1/200	Iowa (AHL)	69	4	10	14	64
167	Denver Barkey	Phi	C	19	5-8/160	London (OHL)	64	35	67	102	28
168	Gage Goncalves	TB	C	23	6-1/170	Syracuse (AHL)	69	13	45	58	43
169	Arshdeep Bains	Van	LW	23	6-0/185	Abbotsford (AHL)	59	16	39	55	28
170	Bogdan Konyushkov	Mtl	D	21	5-11/175	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	65	6	22	28	18
171	Alexei Kolosov	Phi	G	22	6-1/185	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	47	22	21	2.39	0.907
172	Samuel Fagemo	LA	RW	24	6-0/195	Ontario (AHL)	50	43	19	62	26
173	Filip Mesar	Mtl	C	20	5-9/175	Kitchener (OHL)	45	19	33	52	12
174	Matthew Robertson	NYR	D	23	6-3/200	Hartford (AHL)	68	4	17	21	49
175	Adam Engstrom	Mtl	D	20	6-2/185	Rogle (SHL)	51	4	18	22	4
176	Michael Buchinger	StL	D	20	5-11/185	Guelph (OHL)	52	10	37	47	37
177	Semyon Chistyakov	Nsh	D	22	5-11/180	Avangard Omsk (KHL)	59	4	20	24	16
178	John Farinacci	Bos	C	23	5-11/197	Providence (AHL)	71	12	26	38	16
179	Angus Crookshank	Ott	LW	24	5-10/180	Belleville (AHL)	50	24	22	46	60
180	Yegor Sidorov	Ana	RW	19	6-0/180	Saskatoon (WHL)	66	50	38	88	66
181	Samu Tuomaala	Phi	RW	21	5-10/175	Lehigh Valley (AHL)	69	15	28	43	12
182	Logan Morrison	Sea	C	21	6-0/180	Coachella Valley (AHL)	64	16	25	41	4
183	Jean-Luc Foudy	Col	C	21	5-11/175	Colorado (AHL)	26	4	10	14	18
184	Adam Gajan	Chi	G	19	6-3/167	Green Bay (USHL)	43	23	12	3.35	0.893
185	Nolan Allan	Chi	D	21	6-2/195	Rockford (AHL)	60	5	12	17	47
186	Oskar Olausson	Col	RW	21	6-1/180	Colorado (AHL)	39	11	9	20	24
187	Samuel Poulin	Pit	C	23	6-1/205	Wilkes-Barre (AHL)	41	16	15	31	35
188	Brett Berard	NYR	LW	21	5-9/165	Hartford (AHL)	71	25	23	48	62
189	Colton Dach	Chi	C	21	6-4/205	Rockford (AHL)	48	11	15	26	39
190	Jack Thompson	SJ	D	22	6-0/180	Syr-SJ (AHL)	62	6	35	41	16
191	Riley Kidney	Mtl	C	21	5-11/170	Laval (AHL)	65	7	13	20	41
192	Roby Jarventie	Ott	RW	21	6-3/195	Belleville (AHL)	22	9	11	20	22
193	Carey Terrance	Ana	C	18	6-1/175	Erie (OHL)	56	29	23	52	25
194	Luca Del Bel Belluz	CBJ	C	20	6-1/185	Cleveland (AHL)	58	9	22	31	12
195	Luca Pinelli	CBJ	C	19	5-9/165	Ottawa (OHL)	68	48	34	82	44
196	Francesco Pinelli	LA	C	21	6-1/185	Ontario (AHL)	67	13	7	20	24
197	Elias Salomonsson	Wpg	D	19	6-1/185	Skelleftea (SHL)	31	2	9	11	58
198	Sam Colangelo	Ana	RW	21	6-2/205	Western Michigan (NCHC)	38	24	19	43	23
199	Sasha Pastujov	Ana	RW	20	6-0/185	San Diego (AHL)	46	10	13	23	14
200	Andrew Gibson	Det	D	19	6-3/195	Saul St. Marie (OHL)	68	12	32	44	58

NHL PROSPECTS/2024 NHL DRAFT: BELL – 20 Prospect Points – CHL/NCAA agreement, Michkov, Celebrini, Iginla and more

Josh Bell — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:37:00 +0000

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

This edition dives into the latest news around the potential CHL and NCAA agreement, the latest update from the IIHF regarding Russia and Belarus, the incredible seasons from Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini, and much more.

Scouting/Prospect News

#1 Very briefly, it seemed like the entire North American development model was about to change. News came out that the NCAA was considering a major policy change that would allow CHL players to be eligible for American college hockey. The next step here is to go to a vote of the NCAA’s coaches - where it looks like the idea will be shot down, but nothing is certain as of yet. The coaches will be meeting in May to discuss this, so we’ll need to be patient for a decision here.

#2 We won’t, however, need to wait for an IIHF decision on Russia and Belarus’ eligibility in international events. The IIHF recently released a statement that they will uphold the current ban on Russian and Belarussian teams from participating in international events for the 2024-25 season. This will be reviewed again next year, but the two countries remain on the sidelines for international competition.

Drafted Prospects

#3 Philadelphia Flyers’ top prospect Matvei Michkov continues to impress in the KHL this season, breaking the D+1 record for points in the KHL with 37. Eeli Tolvanen previously held the mark with 36 points. With the Flyers’ recently parting ways with another top prospect in Cutter Gauthier, you can bet they’re excited with how their 2023 draft pick has been progressing.

#4 Another Russian prospect that has captured attention is Shakir Mukhamadullin, who played his first three NHL games with the San Jose Sharks recently. Mukhamadullin is currently having a strong first full season in North America with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, earning a spot in the AHL All-Star Game. He played well in his first NHL stint, even picking up his first NHL assist, but the AHL is the right place for him for now to continue developing his game.

#5 There may not be a hotter prospect over the past two weeks than the Seattle Kraken’s David Goyette. The Sudbury Wolves star is currently riding an eight-game point streak where he’s racked up 17 points (five goals, 12 assists). The 61st overall pick in 2022 is now up to 84 points (31 goals, 53 assists) in 50 games, on pace for a staggering 114 points. He currently sits atop the OHL leaderboard in points, tied with 2024 re-entry Anthony Romani. But we’ll get to him.

#6 Another Kraken prospect worth noting is over in Finland, goaltender Niklas Kokko. The netminder recently transferred to the Pelicans from Karpat in the Liiga, and the move has been a positive development. After repping a .906 save percentage (SV%) and a 2-5-0 record with Karpat, he’s already gone 3-0-1 with a .933 SV% thanks to two shutouts with the Pelicans. Expect him to finish the season strong on his new team.

#7 Sticking to a Finnish prospect, Nashville Predators’ Jesse Kiiskinen stood out at the recent U19 Five Nations Tournament. He had 11 points (three goals, eight assists) through four games played, leading the event. This was right after a big game in the U20 SM sarja where he had a five-point night. Outside of that one game, he’s spent his season in the Liiga with the Pelicans.

#8 In the USHL, 2023 NHL Draftee Juraj Pekarcik of the Dubuque Fighting Saints has been commanding attention. The St. Louis Blues’ prospect is currently playing in his first season in North America and has collected 39 points (seven goals, 32 assists) in just 27 games. That includes a recent five-point explosion against the Chicago Steel. As he gets more and more comfortable in North America, look for him to continue to turn heads.

#9 In the last few editions of this column, I always have Yegor Sidorov right on the edge of being included. It’s now time. The Anaheim Ducks prospect has been on fire in the WHL with the Saskatoon Blades, already potting 70 points (42 goals. 28 assists) in 51 games. He’s on pace for 90 points so far. The Blades are in the midst of a very strong year, and Sidorov is a core piece of that group, sitting second on the team in points and second in the league in goals.

#10 Back in the USHL, if there’s a candidate for most improved among drafted prospects, you might need to take a look at Zam Plante. The Pittsburgh Penguins prospect finished last season with 33 points. This season, he’s already up to 50 (19 goals, 31 assists) and is on pace for 79. He’s currently second in the league in points, and eighth in points per game (1.39). He’s committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for next season and will be an intriguing freshman to keep tabs on.

#11 It’s been quite the season for Dallas Stars goaltending prospect Maxim Mayorov. Playing with Loko Yaroslavl in the MHL, he’s gone 10-1-1 with an impressive .931 SV% and four shutouts to date. He’s been splitting the crease with Penguins prospect Sergei Murashov who’s been equally as impressive with a record of 19-4-2, a .930 SV%, and an equal four shutouts. This is a goaltending battle that Loko Yaroslavl must be extremely happy about.

Draft-Eligible Prospects

#12 Macklin Celebrini continues to absolutely dominate the NCAA and impress scouts. At this point, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t have him as their number-one prospect in the 2024 class. If you do, chances are they are looking for some clicks. The future NHL game-changer is currently LEADING the NCAA in goals (23) and sits third in points (42) while being the youngest player in the nation. His 1.62 points per game are third all-time for a U18 player in the NCAA. The hype is real.

#13 At this point, I may be contractually obligated to mention Ivan Demidov in these columns. The Russian star is now up to a 17-game streak in the MHL with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg, where he’s racked up a massive 44 points. That’s an average of 2.6 points per game. Overall, he has 1.96 points per game this season, the most from a U19 player in the MHL ever (minimum five games). It’s even higher than Nikita Kucherov (1.87) - both through 23 games.

#14 From EP Rinkside’s Cam Robinson:(in their) draft-eligible seasons:

Jarome Iginla: 33 goals in 72 WHL games
Tij Iginla: 35 goals in 46 WHL games

That’s worth a mention in this list! The younger Iginla is not going to be able to avoid the comparison to his pops throughout his career, but he’s off to an excellent start by outscoring his dad to this point in his career. He’s up to 63 points this season and shows no signs of slowing down.

#15 Konsta Helenius has been a prospect that public scouts seemed to have soured on, but he’s been extremely impressive and quite consistent in the Liiga this season. He’s up to 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 41 Liiga games so far this season. His point total is already fifth all-time for a U18 player, and his 0.76 points per game are sixth (minimum three games played). He’s on pace for 39 points, which would put him third all-time for a U18 player in the league. That seems good.

#16 A prospect that seems to be the quiet star in the top-10 of this class, no draft-eligible prospect has as many points as Berkly Catton over the past two weeks, with his 11 (seven goals, four assists) in six games. That brings his total to 82 (38 goals, 44 assists) in just 49 games - a 114-point pace. He’s a player that should be stirring some more conversation as a target for your team and likely will down the stretch.

#17 The first of three players from the recent 2024 U18 Five Nations Tournament, American Teddy Stiga kicks it off as the tournament leader in points. While his team fell to Sweden in the final, he stood out throughout the event, with nine points (three goals, six assists) in the event’s four games. Stiga has been a player who has improved throughout the season and looks like a second rounder at this point.

#18 While Stiga led the tournament in points, the star of the event was likely Swedish defender and team captain Leo Sahlin Wallenius. He tied for the team lead in points with seven (one goal, six assists) in four games. His ability to move the puck around in the offensive zone, especially on the power play, was particularly on display in the event, as was his fluid movement.

#19 The final player I’ll mention from the event is Finland’s Joona Saarelainen. A bit of an unknown prospect in this class, Saarelainen loves to don the blue and white. He tied for the tournament lead in goals (six) and has been a regular fixture for the Finns on international ice, already dressing for the Word Under-17 Challenge, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (twice, once as captain), and numerous other events. He’s very much a player to add to your list if you haven’t seen him already.

#20 Last but not least, we’re going to look at an overager for the 2024 NHL Draft, Anthony Romani. Romani is currently tied with Goyette for the points lead in the OHL, with 84 points (44 goals, 40 assists) for the North Bay Battalion. This includes 11 points (six goals, five assists) in his last four games. In the conversation for overagers to hear their name called in this class, Romani is one to discuss.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL DRAFT – FINAL RANKINGS – TOP 224 Plus Honourable Mentions

McKeen's Scouting Team - Director of Scouting, Brock Otten — Sun, 28 May 2023 16:20:45 +0000

It’s that time! The McKeen’s scouting staff has finalized our final rankings for the 2023 NHL Draft ahead of the release of our draft guide in a few weeks. As per usual, our list runs 224 players deep to match the number of selections in the draft, but we have included over 300 players when you include our Honorable Mentions.

Much to the surprise of no one, Connor Bedard remains our top ranked player, as he has been all season long. In fact, our top three remains unchanged from our midseason rankings with Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson holding down the second and third spots, respectively. There has been one change in our top five with Will Smith leapfrogging Matvei Michkov into the fourth position following his dominant second half and U18’s.

Russian defender Dmitry Simashev remains our top ranked blueliner but has now moved into the top ten. His combination of size, mobility, physicality, and improving offensive skill set is going to be alluring to NHL teams and we feel that his upside is the highest in a weaker crop for defenders.

A trio of Swedish players are among our biggest risers from our midseason list, with Tom Willander, Anton Wahlberg, and David Edstrom all jumping up into the first round. All three were excellent in the second half of the season, which culminated with strong performances at the U18’s. Willander, in particular, has a huge fan in our Director of Scouting, Brock Otten. “If you were to ask me who my favourite defender in the draft class is, I’d probably say Willander. He rarely makes a poor play and I believe that we are underappreciating his potential as an NHL defender because of how efficient and safe his game can be. I would be shocked if he does not become a quality second pairing guy at the NHL level and I don’t think the other defenders ranked in the first have that same assurance,” said Otten.

Another massive jumper in our list is Hamilton Bulldogs winger Nick Lardis. 98th on our midseason list, Lardis now finds himself ranked just inside of our first round. His play with Hamilton, following a trade from Peterborough has vaulted him up draft boards, including ours. His combination of quickness and scoring ability gives him a solid projection at the NHL level.

Despite having two goaltenders inside of our first round at midseason (Carson Bjarnason and Michael Hrabal), we ended the year with none. Trey Augustine is now our top ranked netminder, ranked in the mid second round. However, Augustine, Bjarnason, Hrabal, and USHL Clark Cup MVP Jacob Fowler are all closely ranked in that range.

Look for the release of our 2023 Draft Guide in the next couple weeks. It will include all of our rankings and reports, a mock draft, a preview of the 2024 NHL Draft, and much more.

As a subscriber, link to our full ranking with links to the player pages here - McKeen's Draft Rankings - You can download the ranking as an excel file as well.

RANK	PLAYER	POS	HT/WT	DOB	NATION	TEAM	GP-G-A-PTS
1	Connor Bedard	C	5-10/185	17-Jul-05	Canada	Regina (WHL)	57-71-72-143
2	Adam Fantilli	C	6-2/195	12-Oct-04	Canada	Michigan (B1G)	36-30-35-65
3	Leo Carlsson	C	6-3/200	26-Dec-04	Sweden	Orebro (SHL)	44-10-15-25
4	Will Smith	C	6-0/175	17-Mar-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	59-51-75-126
5	Matvei Michkov	RW	5-10/170	9-Dec-04	Russia	SKA St. Petersburg-HK Sochi (KHL)	30-9-11-20
6	Zach Benson	LW	5-9/160	12-May-05	Canada	Winnipeg (WHL)	60-36-62-98
7	Dalibor Dvorsky	C	6-1/200	15-Jun-05	Slovakia	AIK (HockeyAllsvenskan)	38-6-8-14
8	Ryan Leonard	RW	5-11/190	21-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	56-50-43-93
9	Dmitri Simashev	D	6-4/200	4-Feb-05	Russia	Loko Yaroslavl-Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)	33-1-11-12
10	Matthew Wood	RW	6-3/195	6-Feb-05	Canada	Connecticut (HE)	35-11-23-34
11	Oliver Moore	C	5-11/185	22-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	60-31-43-74
12	Colby Barlow	LW	6-0/195	14-Feb-05	Canada	Owen Sound (OHL)	59-46-33-79
13	Nate Danielson	C	6-1/185	27-Sep-04	Canada	Brandon (WHL)	68-33-45-78
14	Axel Sandin Pellikka	D	5-11/180	11-Mar-05	Sweden	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	31-16-20-36
15	Daniil But	LW	6-5/200	15-Feb-05	Russia	Loko Yaroslavl-Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)	32-18-14-32
16	David Reinbacher	D	6-2/185	25-Oct-04	Austria	Kloten (Sui-NL)	46-3-19-22
17	Eduard Sale	LW	6-1/170	10-Mar-05	Czech	HC Kometa Brno (Czechia)	43-7-7-14
18	Samuel Honzek	LW	6-3/185	12-Nov-04	Slovakia	Vancouver (WHL)	43-23-33-56
19	Mikhail Gulyayev	D	5-11/170	26-Apr-05	Russia	Omskie Yastreby (MHL)	22-2-23-25
20	Lukas Dragicevic	D	6-1/190	25-Apr-05	Canada	Tri-City (WHL)	68-15-60-75
21	Gabe Perreault	RW	5-11/165	7-May-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	62-53-79-132
22	Otto Stenberg	C	5-11/180	29-May-05	Sweden	Frolunda (Swe J20)	29-11-15-26
23	Tom Willander	D	6-1/180	9-Feb-05	Sweden	Rogle (Swe J20)	39-4-21-25
24	Calum Ritchie	C	6-2/185	21-Jan-05	Canada	Oshawa (OHL)	59-24-35-59
25	Andrew Cristall	LW	5-9/165	4-Feb-05	Canada	Kelowna (WHL)	54-39-56-95
26	Gavin Brindley	C	5-8/165	5-Oct-04	USA	Michigan (B1G)	41-12-26-38
27	Bradly Nadeau	LW	5-10/165	5-May-05	Canada	Penticton (BCHL)	54-45-68-113
28	Anton Wahlberg	C	6-3/195	4-Jul-05	Sweden	Malmo (Swe J20)	32-14-13-27
29	Riley Heidt	C	5-10/180	25-Mar-05	Canada	Prince George (WHL)	68-25-72-97
30	Brayden Yager	C	5-11/165	3-Jan-05	Canada	Moose Jaw (WHL)	67-28-50-78
31	David Edstrom	C	6-3/185	18-Feb-05	Sweden	Frolunda (Swe J20)	28-15-13-28
32	Nick Lardis	LW	5-10/165	8-Jul-05	Canada	Pbo-Ham (OHL)	69-37-28-65
33	Kasper Halttunen	RW	6-3/205	7-Jun-05	Finland	HIFK (Fin-Liiga)	27-0-1-1
34	Jayden Perron	RW	5-9/165	11-Jan-05	Canada	Chicago (USHL)	61-24-48-72
35	Oliver Bonk	D	6-2/175	9-Jan-05	Canada	London (OHL)	67-10-30-40
36	Quentin Musty	LW	6-2/200	6-Jul-05	USA	Sudbury (OHL)	53-26-52-78
37	Trey Augustine	G	6-1/185	23-Feb-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	28-1, 2.14, 0.925
38	Tanner Molendyk	D	5-11/185	3-Feb-05	Canada	Saskatoon (WHL)	67-9-28-37
39	William Whitelaw	RW	5-9/170	5-Feb-05	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	62-36-25-61
40	Ethan Gauthier	RW	5-11/175	26-Jan-05	Canada	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	66-30-39-69
41	Gracyn Sawchyn	C	5-11/160	19-Jan-05	USA	Seattle (WHL)	58-18-40-58
42	Carson Bjarnason	G	6-3/185	30-Jun-05	Canada	Brandon (WHL)	21-19, 3.08, 0.900
43	Aram Minnetian	D	5-11/190	19-Mar-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	61-7-24-31
44	Michael Hrabal	G	6-6/210	20-Jan-05	Czech	Omaha (USHL)	9-13, 2.86, 0.908
45	Jacob Fowler	G	6-1/215	24-Nov-04	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	27-9, 2.28, 0.921
46	Oscar Fisker Molgaard	C	6-0/165	18-Feb-05	Denmark	HV 71 (SHL)	41-4-3-7
47	Carson Rehkopf	LW	6-1/195	7-Jan-05	Canada	Kitchener (OHL)	68-30-29-59
48	Beau Akey	D	5-11/170	11-Feb-05	Canada	Barrie (OHL)	66-11-36-47
49	Danny Nelson	C	6-3/200	3-Aug-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	61-20-26-46
50	Etienne Morin	D	6-0/180	9-Mar-05	Canada	Moncton (QMJHL)	67-21-51-72
51	Felix Nilsson	C	6-0/175	22-Jun-05	Sweden	Rogle (Swe J20)	36-19-22-41
52	Maxim Strbak	D	6-1/205	13-Apr-05	Slovakia	Sioux Falls (USHL)	46-5-13-18
53	Jakub Dvorak	D	6-5/205	25-May-05	Czech	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia)	24-0-2-2
54	Carey Terrance	C	6-0/175	10-May-05	USA	Erie (OHL)	67-30-17-47
55	Jesse Kiiskinen	RW	5-11/180	23-Aug-05	Finland	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	31-20-23-43
56	Mathieu Cataford	C	5-11/185	1-Mar-05	Canada	Halifax (QMJHL)	68-31-44-75
57	Roman Kantserov	RW	5-9/175	20-Sep-04	Russia	Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)	45-27-27-54
58	Tristan Bertucci	D	6-1/170	12-Jul-05	Canada	Flint (OHL)	63-11-39-50
59	Andrew Gibson	D	6-3/195	13-Feb-05	Canada	Soo Greyhounds (OHL)	45-7-14-21
60	Caden Price	D	6-0/185	24-Aug-05	Canada	Kelowna (WHL)	65-5-35-40
61	Charlie Stramel	C	6-3/215	15-Oct-04	USA	Wisconsin (B1G)	33-5-7-12
62	Coulson Pitre	RW	6-0/170	13-Dec-04	Canada	Flint (OHL)	59-25-35-60
63	Adam Gajan	G	6-2/165	6-May-04	Slovakia	Chippewa Steel (NAHL)	19-12, 2.57, 0.917
64	Hoyt Stanley	D	6-2/185	4-Feb-05	Canada	Victoria (BCHL)	53-4-34-38
65	Andrew Strathmann	D	5-10/190	27-Feb-05	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	56-3-35-38
66	Hunter Brzustewicz	D	5-11/185	29-Nov-04	USA	Kitchener (OHL)	68-6-51-57
67	Luca Pinelli	C	5-8/165	5-Apr-05	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	67-29-34-63
68	Cam Allen	D	6-0/195	7-Jan-05	Canada	Guelph (OHL)	62-5-20-25
69	Tanner Ludtke	C	6-0/185	27-Nov-04	USA	Lincoln (USHL)	57-32-34-66
70	Theo Lindstein	D	6-0/180	5-Jan-05	Sweden	Brynas (SHL)	32-1-1-2
71	Koehn Ziemmer	RW	6-0/205	8-Dec-04	Canada	Prince George (WHL)	68-41-48-89
72	Carter Sotheran	D	6-3/195	26-Jun-05	Canada	Portland (WHL)	68-4-19-23
73	Arttu Karki	D	6-1/175	8-Dec-04	Finland	Tappara (Fin-U20)	36-13-26-39
74	Albert Wikman	D	6-0/190	10-Mar-05	Sweden	Farjestads (Swe J20)	43-2-10-12
75	Quinton Burns	D	6-1/180	14-Apr-05	Canada	Kingston (OHL)	54-2-27-29
76	Nico Myatovic	LW	6-2/180	1-Dec-04	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	68-30-30-60
77	Jeremy Hanzel	D	6-0/190	27-Feb-03	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	66-13-35-48
78	Easton Cowan	RW	5-10/170	20-May-05	Canada	London (OHL)	68-20-33-53
79	Juraj Pekarcik	LW	6-2/185	12-Sep-05	Slovakia	HK Nitra (Slovakia)	30-0-3-3
80	Denver Barkey	C	5-8/160	27-Apr-05	Canada	London (OHL)	61-22-37-59
81	Martin Misiak	RW	6-2/195	30-Sep-04	Slovakia	HC Nove Zamky (Slovakia)	29-1-9-10
82	Drew Fortescue	D	6-1/175	28-Apr-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	61-1-25-26
83	Felix Unger Sorum	RW	5-11/170	14-Sep-05	Sweden	Leksands (Swe J20)	42-10-36-46
84	Lenni Hameenaho	RW	6-0/175	7-Nov-04	Finland	Assat (Fin-Liiga)	51-9-12-21
85	Kalan Lind	LW	6-0/160	25-Jan-05	Canada	Red Deer (WHL)	43-16-28-44
86	Rasmus Kumpulainen	C	6-2/190	8-Aug-05	Finland	Pelicans (Fin-U20)	41-11-23-34
87	Alex Ciernik	LW	5-11/175	8-Oct-04	Slovakia	Sodertalje-Vasterviks (HockeyAllsvenskan)	25-3-9-12
88	Alexander Rykov	RW	6-0/175	14-Jul-05	Russia	Chelmet Chelyabinsk (VHL)	20-4-7-11
89	Scott Ratzlaff	G	6-0/175	9-Mar-05	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	25-8, 2.15, 0.918
90	Yegor Rimashevsky	RW	6-3/200	1-Feb-05	Belarus	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	29-13-13-26
91	Jesse Nurmi	LW	5-10/165	7-Mar-05	Finland	KooKoo (Fin-U20)	41-21-29-50
92	Kaden Hammell	D	6-1/175	12-Mar-05	Canada	Kam-Evt (WHL)	67-8-18-26
93	Jayson Shaugabay	RW	5-9/155	4-May-05	USA	Warroad (USHS-MN)	31-33-63-96
94	Noel Nordh	RW	6-2/195	25-Jan-05	Sweden	Brynas (Swe J20)	38-13-14-27
95	Gavin McCarthy	D	6-1/180	2-Jun-05	USA	Muskegon (USHL)	42-8-19-27
96	Tyler Peddle	LW	6-0/195	28-Jan-05	Canada	Drummondville (QMJHL)	64-24-17-41
97	Francesco Dell'Elce	D	6-0/165	23-Jun-05	Canada	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	51-20-42-62
98	Timur Mukhanov	LW	5-8/170	17-Jun-05	Russia	Omskie Krylia (VHL)	31-4-4-8
99	Larry Keenan	D	6-3/185	15-Mar-05	Russia	Culver Academy (USHS-IN)	49-11-26-37
100	Emil Jarventie	LW	5-9/165	4-Apr-05	Finland	Ilves (Fin-U20)	21-8-11-19
101	Matthew Mania	D	6-1/180	11-Jan-05	USA	Sudbury (OHL)	67-10-28-38
102	Juha Jatkola	G	6-1/175	12-Sep-02	Finland	KalPa (Fin-Liiga)	20-11, 2.16, 0.903
103	Zach Nehring	RW	6-3/180	7-Mar-05	USA	Shattuck-SM (USHS-MN)	48-34-40-74
104	Austin Roest	C	5-9/175	22-Jan-04	Canada	Everett (WHL)	60-32-46-78
105	Hedqvist, Isac	C	5-10/165	22-Mar-05	Sweden	Lulea (Swe J20)	41-14-20-34
106	Stephen Peck	G	6-2/170	18-Jan-05	USA	Avon Old Farms (USHS-CT)	28GP, 1.26, 0.948
107	Yegor Klimovich	RW	5-9/160	14-May-05	Russia	Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL)	36-19-30-49
108	Nikita Susuyev	RW	6-0/170	6-Feb-05	Russia	MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL)	38-11-17-28
109	Ethan Miedema	LW	6-4/205	22-Mar-05	Canada	Wsr-Kgn (OHL)	68-20-32-52
110	Luca Cagnoni	D	5-9/180	21-Dec-04	Canada	Portland (WHL)	67-17-47-64
111	Jakub Stancl	LW	6-3/200	10-Apr-05	Czech	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	35-11-6-17
112	Aydar Suniev	LW	6-1/200	16-Nov-04	Russia	Penticton (BCHL)	50-45-45-90
113	Ty Henricks	LW	6-4/205	28-Jun-05	USA	Fgo-Mus (USHL)	47-9-10-19
114	Yegor Vinogradov	C	6-2/180	17-Apr-03	Russia	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	53-7-10-17
115	Yegor Sidorov	RW	5-11/180	18-Jun-04	Belarus	Saskatoon (WHL)	53-40-36-76
116	Will Vote	RW	5-8/155	22-Feb-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	60-16-29-45
117	Brandon Svoboda	C	6-3/210	4-Feb-05	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	59-16-10-26
118	Axel Landen	D	6-1/185	29-Mar-05	Sweden	HV 71 (Swe J20)	44-10-6-16
119	Alexander Hellnemo	G	6-2/180	5-Jan-04	Sweden	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	15-8, 2.32, 0.916
120	Nikita Nedopyokin	C	5-10/185	22-Mar-05	Russia	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	37-14-18-32
121	Brady Cleveland	D	6-5/210	1-Apr-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	54-0-6-6
122	Ondrej Molnar	LW	5-10/170	8-Feb-05	Slovakia	Erie (OHL)	34-4-15-19
123	Noah Dower Nilsson	LW	6-0/175	25-Apr-05	Sweden	Frolunda (Swe J20)	37-26-28-54
124	Jordan Tourigny	D	5-10/165	28-Feb-05	Canada	Shawinigan (QMJHL)	67-6-35-41
125	Cole Knuble	C	5-11/175	1-Jul-04	USA	Fargo (USHL)	57-30-36-66
126	Erik Pahlsson	C	6-0/170	9-Apr-04	Sweden	HV 71 (Swe J20)	46-26-37-63
127	Eric Pohlkamp	D	5-10/200	23-Mar-04	USA	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	59-16-35-51
128	Dylan MacKinnon	D	6-1/185	12-Jan-05	Canada	Halifax (QMJHL)	61-6-17-23
129	German Tochilkin	LW	6-2/180	24-Sep-03	Russia	Kunlun Red Star (KHL)	21-4-2-6
130	Jake Fisher	C	6-1/180	27-Mar-05	USA	Cretin-Durham Hall (USHS-MN)	29-34-29-63
131	Damian Clara	G	6-6/215	13-Jan-05	Italy	Farjestads (Swe J20)	17-17, 2.79, 0.903
132	Aiden Fink	RW	5-9/155	24-Nov-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	54-41-56-97
133	Bogdan Konyushkov	D	5-11/175	20-Dec-02	Russia	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	64-2-23-25
134	Yegor Zavragin	G	6-2/185	23-Aug-05	Russia	Mamonty Yugry (MHL)	11-6, 2.49, 0.920
135	Ty Halaburda	C	5-11/175	22-Apr-05	Canada	Vancouver (WHL)	66-21-16-37
136	Cole Burbidge	LW	6-1/160	26-Aug-05	Canada	Saint John (QMJHL)	68-19-31-50
137	Daniil Karpovich	D	6-3/210	6-Dec-04	Belarus	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	47-10-25-35
138	Andrei Loshko	C	6-1/175	7-Oct-04	Belarus	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	67-22-48-70
139	Beckett Hendrickson	C	6-1/175	24-Jun-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	51-13-21-34
140	Alex Pharand	C	6-3/205	1-May-05	Canada	Sudbury (OHL)	67-18-21-39
141	Zeb Forsfjall	C	5-9/170	16-Jan-05	Sweden	Skelleftea (Swe J20)	34-8-14-22
142	Joe Connor	C	5-9/170	31-Mar-05	USA	Avon Old Farms (USHS-CT)	28-21-23-44
143	Samuel Urban	G	6-1/195	1-May-05	Slovakia	Team Slovakia U18 (Svk2)	1-13, 4.51, 0.897
144	Mazden Leslie	D	6-0/195	15-Apr-05	Canada	Vancouver (WHL)	66-12-38-50
145	Maxim Fedotov	D	5-10/170	22-Jan-02	Russia	Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)	64-9-17-26
146	Joey Willis	C	5-10/170	14-Mar-05	USA	Saginaw (OHL)	68-15-29-44
147	Artyom Kashtanov	C	6-6/190	9-Dec-04	Russia	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	43-15-25-40
148	Angus MacDonell	C	5-9/180	11-May-05	Canada	Sar-Mis (OHL)	64-29-12-41
149	Konstantin Volochko	D	6-0/170	19-Jun-05	Belarus	Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk (MHL)	46-8-12-20
150	Hannes Hellberg	LW	6-0/175	19-Jun-05	Sweden	Leksands (Swe J20)	42-34-23-57
151	Carsen Musser	G	6-4/215	19-May-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	14-6, 3.07, 0.890
152	Yaroslav Tsulygin	D	6-0/160	19-May-05	Russia	Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)	44-0-2-2
153	Thomas Milic	G	6-0/180	14-Apr-03	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	27-3, 2.08, 0.928
154	Arno Tiefensee	G	6-4/190	1-May-02	Germany	Adler Mannheim (DEL)	13-10, 2.43, 0.910
155	Quinn Mantei	D	5-11/180	23-Apr-05	Canada	Brandon (WHL)	67-2-23-25
156	Matthew Soto	RW	5-10/180	31-Aug-05	Canada	Kingston (OHL)	54-15-27-42
157	Matt Copponi	C	5-10/165	3-Jun-03	USA	Merrimack (HE)	37-14-15-29
158	Vojtech Port	D	6-2/170	3-Aug-05	Czech	RD-Edm (WHL)	48-4-13-17
159	Michael DeAngelo	LW	5-11/180	19-Nov-04	USA	Green Bay (USHL)	52-11-24-35
160	Matteo Mann	D	6-5/225	31-Dec-04	Canada	Chicoutimi (QMJHL)	45-0-5-5
161	Paul Fischer	D	6-1/190	30-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	55-4-17-21
162	Hudson Malinoski	C	6-0/175	19-May-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	44-16-53-69
163	Brad Gardiner	C	6-0/180	6-Mar-05	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	68-19-20-39
164	Zaccharya Wisdom	RW	6-0/175	29-Apr-04	Canada	Cedar Rapids (USHL)	59-28-20-48
165	Jonathan Castagna	C	6-1/185	20-Apr-05	Canada	St. Andrew's (CHS-O)	50-29-43-72
166	Tanner Adams	RW	5-11/185	2-Sep-05	USA	Tri-City (USHL)	49-12-21-33
167	Grayden Siepmann	D	5-10/185	26-May-04	Canada	Calgary (WHL)	61-9-34-43
168	Axel Hurtig	D	6-3/200	10-Jun-05	Sweden	Rogle (Swe J20)	34-2-6-8
169	Ian Scherzer	C	6-0/180	3-Jul-05	Austria	Rogle (Swe J20)	30-3-4-7
170	Ryan Conmy	RW	5-9/190	23-Oct-04	USA	Sioux City (USHL)	60-33-29-62
171	Ethan Hay	C	6-1/190	15-Jan-05	Canada	Flint (OHL)	64-17-11-28
172	Rodwin Dionicio	D	6-2/205	30-Mar-04	Switzerland	Nia-Wsr (OHL)	50-15-35-50
173	Josh Van Mulligen	D	6-2/180	26-Jul-05	Canada	Medicine Hat (WHL)	68-1-8-9
174	Nikita Ishimnikov	D	6-3/195	21-Apr-05	Russia	Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)	41-11-7-18
175	Justin Kipkie	D	6-4/190	28-Jul-05	Canada	Victoria (WHL)	67-8-25-33
176	Sawyer Mynio	D	6-1/175	30-Apr-05	Canada	Seattle (WHL)	68-5-26-31
177	Brady Stonehouse	RW	5-9/180	6-Aug-04	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	68-37-20-57
178	Hunter Anderson	LW	5-9/175	28-Apr-05	USA	Shattuck-SM (USHS-MN)	48-52-47-99
179	Spencer Sova	D	6-0/185	10-Jan-04	Canada	Erie (OHL)	68-16-23-39
180	Oliver Tulk	C	5-7/170	19-Jan-05	Canada	Calgary (WHL)	68-24-36-60
181	Isac Born	C	5-11/165	7-Jul-04	Sweden	Frolunda (SHL)	36-2-3-5
182	Beau Jelsma	C	5-9/175	28-Apr-04	Canada	Barrie (OHL)	67-31-30-61
183	Carmelo Crandell	RW	5-11/170	2-Mar-05	Canada	Sherwood Park (AJHL)	49-17-37-54
184	Stanislav Yarovoy	LW	6-2/195	26-Aug-03	Russia	Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)	45-9-7-16
185	Elliot Stahlberg	LW	6-0/185	29-Mar-05	Sweden	Farjestads (Swe J20)	35-9-12-21
186	Ivan Anoshko	C	5-11/170	7-Oct-04	Belarus	Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk (MHL)	53-21-32-53
187	Jake Livanavage	D	5-10/175	6-May-04	USA	Chicago (USHL)	48-6-30-36
188	Adrian Carnebo	D	6-2/185	1-May-04	Sweden	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	43-7-28-35
189	Jaden Lipinski	C	6-3/205	2-Dec-04	USA	Vancouver (WHL)	66-19-32-51
190	Ian Blomquist	G	6-2/185	29-Mar-03	Sweden	Vasteras (HockeyAllsvenskan)	4-11, 2.97, 0.904
191	Emil Pieniniemi	D	6-2/170	2-Mar-05	Finland	Karpat (Fin-U20)	31-1-12-13
192	Oskar Asplund	D	5-11/175	18-Nov-03	Sweden	Almtuna (HockeyAllsvenskan)	49-6-24-30
193	Daniil Davydov	C	5-11/165	6-Mar-04	Russia	MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)	47-11-35-46
194	Victor Sjoholm	D	5-9/175	8-Jul-03	Sweden	HV 71 (Swe J20)	37-2-8-10
195	Aron Jessli	LW	5-11/185	29-Oct-04	Norway	Pickering (OJHL)	52-25-43-68
196	Adam Dybal	G	6-1/165	2-Sep-05	Czech	Karlovy Vary (Czechia U20)	29-15, 1.85, 0.942
197	Jonathan Fauchon	C	5-10/170	13-Jan-04	Canada	Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)	53-25-40-65
198	Luke Mittelstadt	D	5-11/175	22-Jan-03	USA	Minnesota (B1G)	38-5-16-21
199	Owen Beckner	C	6-1/175	27-Feb-05	Canada	Salmon Arm (BCHL)	53-17-33-50
200	Ilya Kanarsky	G	6-2/165	6-Dec-04	Russia	AKM-Junior Tula Region (MHL)	4-19, 3.59, 0.919
201	Braeden Bowman	RW	6-1/205	26-Jun-03	Canada	Guelph (OHL)	54-33-39-72
202	Luke Coughlin	D	5-9/170	11-Apr-05	Canada	Rimouski (QMJHL)	37-5-14-19
203	Norwin Panocha	D	6-1/185	24-Feb-05	Germany	Eisbaren Juniors Berlin (DNL U20)	34-6-16-22
204	Cole Brown	LW	6-2/180	27-Apr-05	Canada	Hamilton (OHL)	60-17-25-42
205	Tomas Suchanek	G	6-0/180	30-Apr-03	Czech	Tri-City (WHL)	27-14, 3.05, 0.912
206	Vadim Moroz	RW	6-2/185	20-Nov-03	Belarus	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)	39-5-9-14
207	Davis Burnside	RW	5-11/175	22-Sep-03	USA	Ohio State (B1G)	40-14-7-21
208	Maros Jedlicka	C	6-1/185	23-Oct-02	Slovakia	HKM Zvolen (Slovakia)	39-17-18-35
209	Gavyn Thoreson	RW	5-8/180	30-Oct-04	USA	Andover High (USHS-MN)	31-41-56-97
210	Austin Burnevik	RW	6-3/200	3-Jan-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	43-6-13-19
211	Elmeri Laakso	D	6-1/185	19-Jul-04	Finland	SaiPa (Fin-Liiga)	32-4-7-11
212	Frantisek Dej	C	6-4/200	28-Feb-05	Slovakia	HC Modre Kridla Slovan (Slovakia2)	24-8-13-21
213	Matvei Maximov	C	6-0/175	18-Jan-05	Russia	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	48-18-19-37
214	Connor Levis	RW	6-1/190	5-Oct-04	Canada	Kamloops (WHL)	68-27-40-67
215	Teddy Townsend	C	5-10/160	2-Sep-05	USA	Eden Prairie (USHS-MN)	27-14-25-39
216	Petter Vesterheim	C	5-11/165	30-Sep-04	Norway	Mora (Swe J20)	41-12-27-39
217	Justin Gill	C	6-1/190	27-Jan-03	Canada	Sherbrooke (QMJHL)	68-44-49-93
218	Alex Weiermair	C	6-0/190	10-May-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	55-11-15-26
219	Jan Sprynar	RW	6-1/175	26-Feb-05	Czech	Rimouski (QMJHL)	60-23-17-40
220	Ty Higgins	D	6-0/185	26-Sep-04	Canada	Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)	68-13-28-41
221	Tom Leppa	C	6-0/175	31-Jul-05	Finland	Jokerit (Fin-U20)	45-19-12-31
222	Aaron Pionk	D	6-1/175	16-Jan-03	USA	Waterloo (USHL)	60-12-24-36
223	Hampton Slukynsky	G	6-1/180	2-Jul-05	USA	Warroad (USHS-MN)	28-1, 1.47, 0.941
224	Noah Erliden	G	5-10/170	9-Sep-05	Sweden	HV71 (Swe J20)	10-8, 2.93, 0.912
HM	Matthew Andonovski	D	6-1/200	14-Mar-05	Canada	Kitchener (OHL)	67-0-16-16
HM	Gleb Artsatbanov	G	6-2/170	2-Mar-04	Ukraine	Sparta Praha (Czechia U20)	13-10, 1.95, 0.938
HM	Cale Ashcroft	D	5-10/200	5-Aug-04	Canada	Tri-City (USHL)	62-8-29-37
HM	Alex Assadourian	LW	5-8/170	24-Jul-05	Canada	Sby-Nia (OHL)	66-12-29-41
HM	Arvid Bergstrom	D	5-11/160	12-Jun-05	Sweden	Djurgardens (Swe J20)	41-2-21-23
HM	Kevin Bicker	LW	6-0/175	29-Jan-05	Germany	Jungadler Mannheim (DNL U20)	20-10-11-21
HM	Philippe Blais-Savoie	D	6-0/185	10-Jun-05	USA	Tri-City (USHL)	61-2-9-11
HM	Linus Brandl	C	5-11/185	1-Apr-05	Germany	Jungadler Mannheim (DNL U20)	32-25-22-47
HM	Finn Brink	LW	5-9/180	6-Apr-05	USA	Maple Grove (USHS-MN)	31-31-38-69
HM	Yaroslav Busygin	D	6-3/185	14-Feb-03	Russia	Vityaz Moscow Region (KHL)	42-1-2-3
HM	Kalle Carlsson	C	6-0/175	2-Mar-05	Sweden	Orebro (Swe J20)	44-11-24-35
HM	Adam Cedzo	RW	5-10/165	23-Feb-05	Slovakia	HC Ocelari Trinec (Czechia U20)	39-23-23-46
HM	Aiden Celebrini	D	6-1/185	26-Oct-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	47-5-16-21
HM	Andon Cerbone	C	5-8/150	13-Apr-04	USA	Oma-Yng (USHL)	64-24-39-63
HM	Chase Cheslock	D	6-3/210	25-Oct-04	USA	Rogers High (USHS-MN)	28-4-27-31
HM	Sam Court	D	5-10/180	7-Jan-04	Canada	Brooks (AJHL)	52-13-59-72
HM	Adam Csabi	LW	5-10/160	17-Feb-05	Czech	SaiPa (Fin-U18)	28-16-15-31
HM	Nathaniel Davis	D	6-1/185	15-Nov-04	Canada	Burlington (OJHL)	45-10-26-36
HM	Nathan Day	G	6-2/180	4-Feb-05	Canada	Flint (OHL)	17-10, 3.91, 0.874
HM	Kocha Delic	C	5-10/185	11-Mar-04	Canada	Sudbury (OHL)	46-22-30-52
HM	Tyler Duke	D	5-8/180	19-Jul-04	USA	Ohio State (B1G)	40-4-8-12
HM	Filip Eriksson	C	6-0/170	5-Nov-04	Sweden	Vaxjo Lakers (Swe J20)	11-5-5-10
HM	Jiri Felcman	C	6-4/190	17-Apr-05	Czech	Langnau U20 (Sui-U20-Elit)	40-10-21-31
HM	Samuel Fiala	C	6-1/170	9-Apr-05	Czech	Bili Tygri Liberec (Czechia U20)	44-19-9-28
HM	Mans Forsfjall	D	6-0/180	30-Jul-02	Sweden	Skelleftea (SHL)	52-2-12-14
HM	Cooper Foster	C	5-11/170	4-Jun-05	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	63-19-17-36
HM	Salvatore Guzzo	RW	6-0/185	17-Apr-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	58-17-11-28
HM	Michael Hagens	D	5-11/170	18-Feb-05	USA	Chicago (USHL)	60-9-17-26
HM	Sam Harris	LW	5-11/190	14-Oct-03	USA	Sioux Falls (USHL)	56-30-26-56
HM	Jack Harvey	C	5-10/175	31-Mar-03	USA	Chicago (USHL)	62-40-34-74
HM	Bogdans Hodass	D	6-2/200	13-Apr-03	Latvia	Medicine Hat (WHL)	56-11-24-35
HM	Ryan Hopkins	D	6-1/180	15-Apr-04	Canada	Penticton (BCHL)	48-10-39-49
HM	Ewan Huet	G	6-0/170	8-Feb-05	Switzerland	Lausanne (Sui U20-Elit)	14-12, 2.73
HM	Gustaf Kangas	C	6-0/175	27-Jul-05	Sweden	Vasteras (Swe J20)	27-7-13-20
HM	Sean Keohane	D	6-3/180	4-Nov-04	USA	Dexter Southfield(USHS-MA)	32-4-12-16
HM	Oiva Keskinen	C	6-0/175	28-Feb-04	Finland	Tappara (Fin-U20)	38-20-21-41
HM	Ruslan Khazheyev	G	6-4/200	20-Nov-04	Russia	Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)	8-8, 2.38, 0.923
HM	Matteo Koci	D	6-0/165	7-Jun-05	Czech	HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czechia U20)	36-7-13-20
HM	Ryan Koering	D	6-3/185	11-Feb-05	USA	Eden Prairie (USHS-MN)	27-6-10-16
HM	Cameron Korpi	G	6-2/150	26-May-04	USA	Tri-City (USHL)	13-4, 2.52, 0.911
HM	Sergei Kosovets	D	6-5/250	17-Jul-02	Russia	HK Sochi (KHL)	26-2-2-4
HM	Artyom Kudashov	D	6-0/160	10-Jan-05	Russia	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	42-2-7-9
HM	Roman Kukumberg	LW	6-0/185	21-Mar-05	Slovakia	HC Modre Kridla Slovan (Slovakia2)	33-5-6-11
HM	Emil Kuusla	LW	5-9/165	11-Jan-05	Finland	Jokerit (Fin-U20)	36-18-17-35
HM	Jani Lampinen	G	6-2/185	14-Feb-03	Finland	Kiekko-Espoo (Fin-Mestis)	15-6, 2.35, 0.902
HM	Charles-Alexis Legault	D	6-3/205	5-Sep-03	Canada	Quinnipiac (ECAC)	40-2-7-9
HM	Aiden Long	LW	6-3/190	13-Mar-05	Canada	Whitecourt (AJHL)	50-19-27-46
HM	Connor MacPherson	RW	6-0/170	2-Mar-05	Canada	Leamington (GOJHL)	43-28-35-63
HM	Matthew Mayich	D	6-2/185	21-Dec-04	Canada	Ottawa (OHL)	64-5-17-22
HM	Donovan McCoy	D	6-0/200	11-Oct-04	Canada	Peterborough (OHL)	65-2-11-13
HM	Cole Miller	C	6-4/175	4-Feb-05	Canada	Edmonton (WHL)	61-10-9-19
HM	Lucas Moore	D	5-9/180	7-Jun-05	Canada	Hamilton (OHL)	65-3-25-28
HM	Josh Nadeau	RW	5-7/145	22-Oct-03	Canada	Penticton (BCHL)	54-44-66-110
HM	Alexei Noskov	G	6-2/205	13-Nov-04	Russia	Taifun Primorsky Krai (MHL)	7-26, 3.86, 0.905
HM	Owen Outwater	LW	6-2/160	4-Jan-05	Canada	Kingston (OHL)	62-16-25-41
HM	Joe Palodichuk	D	6-0/165	26-Feb-03	USA	Fargo (USHL)	44-8-21-29
HM	Petr Pavelec	LW	6-0/200	10-Feb-05	Czech	HC Vitkovice (Czechia U20)	46-8-5-13
HM	Oliver Peer	RW	6-0/165	9-Mar-03	Canada	Windsor (OHL)	63-22-45-67
HM	Chris Pelosi	C	6-1/180	6-Mar-05	USA	Sioux Falls (USHL)	43-13-6-19
HM	Matthew Perkins	LW	5-11/175	21-Jan-04	Canada	Youngstown (USHL)	60-15-29-44
HM	Nico Pertuch	G	6-2/200	29-Jul-05	Germany	EV Landshut (DNL U20)	15GP, 3.57
HM	Dominik Petr	C	6-2/165	30-Apr-05	Czech	Lukko (Fin-U20)	18-1-0-1
HM	Chase Pietila	D	6-1/180	3-Mar-04	USA	Youngstown (USHL)	60-7-29-36
HM	Chase Pirtle	RW	6-2/185	8-Mar-05	USA	Mount St. Charles 18U AAA (USHS-RI)	47-20-24-44
HM	Benjamin Poitras	C	5-10/175	18-Jul-05	Canada	Sioux City (USHL)	61-14-24-38
HM	Connor Punnett	D	6-1/200	16-Jun-03	Canada	Barrie (OHL)	66-14-34-48
HM	Ivan Remezovsky	D	6-1/165	8-Feb-05	Russia	SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)	45-0-13-13
HM	Charlie Robertson	G	6-3/165	2-Apr-05	Canada	North Bay (OHL)	12-6, 3.17, 0.892
HM	Pier-Olivier Roy	D	5-9/175	5-Mar-04	Canada	Victoriaville (QMJHL)	68-6-62-68
HM	Rainers Rullers	C	6-4/195	11-Dec-04	Latvia	Zemgale (Fin-Mestis)	46-4-6-10
HM	Bennett Schimek	RW	5-11/180	15-Apr-03	USA	Providence (HE)	37-11-9-20
HM	Zach Schulz	D	6-1/195	14-Jun-05	USA	USN U18 (USDP)	51-1-9-10
HM	Magomed Sharakanov	D	6-1/200	11-Oct-04	Russia	MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)	44-7-25-32
HM	Cam Squires	RW	5-11/165	11-Apr-05	Canada	Cape Breton (QMJHL)	67-30-34-64
HM	Julius Sumpf	C	6-1/175	11-Jan-05	Germany	RB Hockey Juniors (AlpsHL)	23-9-9-18
HM	Alexander Suvorov	RW	5-9/160	30-Nov-02	Belarus	Severstal Cherepovets (KHL)	47-13-11-24
HM	Gabriel Szturc	C	5-11/185	24-Sep-03	Czech	Kelowna (WHL)	56-24-55-79
HM	Nikita Telegin	C	6-1/155	21-Jun-05	Russia	Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)	22-6-4-10
HM	Patrick Thomas	C	5-11/160	21-Aug-04	Canada	Hamilton (OHL)	66-17-39-56
HM	Hudson Thornton	D	5-11/180	4-Nov-03	Canada	Prince George (WHL)	68-23-51-74
HM	Jiri Tichacek	D	5-9/170	30-Jan-03	Czech	Rytiri Kladno (Czechia)	39-0-6-6
HM	Djibril Toure	D	6-6/200	5-Jun-03	Canada	Sudbury (OHL)	57-5-11-16
HM	Tuomas Uronen	RW	5-11/180	19-Mar-05	Finland	HIFK (Fin-U20)	39-20-23-43
HM	Noa Vali	G	6-0/160	19-Apr-05	Finland	TPS (Fin-U20)	17-8, 2.38, 0.912
HM	Nicholas Vantassell	RW	6-4/195	18-Apr-04	USA	Green Bay (USHL)	62-19-18-37
HM	Visa Vedenpaa	G	6-2/170	11-May-05	Finland	Karpat (Fin-U20)	31GP, 0.886
HM	Evgeny Volokhin	G	6-3/170	6-Apr-05	Russia	Mamonty Yugry (MHL)	20-6, 2.12, 0.927
HM	Declan Waddick	C	5-10/170	24-Jan-05	Canada	Niagara (OHL)	64-28-21-49
HM	Saige Weinstein	D	6-0/180	30-May-05	Canada	Spokane (WHL)	57-4-14-18
HM	Ethan Whitcomb	LW	6-4/190	13-May-04	Canada	Muskegon (USHL)	53-24-24-48
HM	Raul Yakupov	RW	6-1/180	21-Jun-04	Russia	Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (MHL)	49-32-29-61

2023 NHL DRAFT: SECOND CHANCES PART ONE – CANADA – 2nd and 3rd year NHL draft re-entry candidates

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Jérémi Plourde, Joely Stockl — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 19:33:15 +0000

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

The million-dollar question is…are we still playing catch-up as a scouting community following the resumption of play post pandemic? Last year, this was definitely the case as leagues returned to full seasons. But are certain players still growing exponentially as they try to recover lost development time? This is particularly true of players in the CHL and in Europe, where most junior leagues halted.

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

Last year, four “re-entry” candidates went in the Top 100; Dmitri Buchelnikov, Lucas Edmonds, Mikey Milne, and Aidan Thompson. In our “second chances” article last year (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) we wrote about three of those four. In total there were 42 taken, right around the trend of other recent drafts (roughly about 20% of all players selected). Additionally, of those 42, we identified and wrote about 25 (over half of them) in our aforementioned second chances series. Just like in previous editions of this annual report, we aim to identify more.

In 2023, we have some very interesting candidates. Adam Gajan stole the show at this year’s WJC’s for Slovakia and has been a standout in the NAHL and USHL this year. Eric Pohlkamp was one of the MVPs of the WJAC and has been at the top of the USHL defenseman scoring race all year. Austin Roest has been top ten in WHL scoring all year long and has taken huge strides forward. This article intends to highlight them and many other candidates who could be part of that 20% this year.

OHL

Spencer Sova of the Erie Otters. Photo by Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Spencer Sova - Defense - Erie Otters

Ranked 126th by us at McKeen’s last year, there was actually a time, early on last year, where Sova was considered a likely top two round selection. However, issues with his defensive consistency and the application of his skill set to create consistent scoring chances led to him going unselected in 2022. It was quite the fall from grace. This year Sova has returned to Erie a more confident and assertive player. He finds himself near the top of the defenseman goal scoring race and has been much more consistent at both ends. Defensively, he is showing a greater intensity level and has made himself more difficult to play against. Offensively, he is using his fantastic skating ability to lead the attack and take more chances to jump up in the play. He looks poised running the point of the powerplay and has really worked hard to make his shot a weapon. One of the elite skaters in the OHL, it would be somewhat shocking if Sova went unselected again given the improvements that he has made this year. Now, it should be said that the Erie Otters have struggled mightily the last month or two and Sova’s production has dipped. However, his play has remained at a high level. (Brock Otten)

Linus Hemstrom - Wing - Kingston Frontenacs

Coming into this OHL season, I actually had a Swedish scout/agent reach out to me to let me know to keep a close eye on Hemstrom in Kingston this year. A former highly touted Swedish prospect at a younger age, he had battled some injuries recently and was now fully healthy. Lately, he seems to have hit a wall on a rebuilding Kingston team and his production has suffered. However, early on in the year he was looking fantastic. His speed is the first thing that jumps out at you. He can really fly. Dynamic in transition, Hemstrom can also use his speed to forecheck and has shown promise as a two-way player. His true offensive upside may be a bit of a mystery, but it is impossible to ignore how he started the year. I believe that eventually he will develop into a solid pro prospect. If he stays in Kingston next year, I would expect him to have a very good 19/20-year-old season, especially if he focuses on improving his conditioning this offseason. (Brock Otten)

Djibril Touré - Defense - Sudbury Wolves

What an interesting story Touré is. Signed as a free agent by the Wolves out of the CCHL, Touré is a classic late bloomer. Yes, he’s already 19 years old (as a 2003 born), but he feels physically immature compared to his peers. Standing at 6’7 and just over 200lbs, Touré is a big, lanky young man. However, the allure here is in his athleticism. He moves quite well and quite fluidly for such a massive defender. Every game he has an impressive rush or two, going end to end, using his frame to protect the puck as he carves up the neutral zone. In the defensive end, he plays a mean game and relishes the opportunity to play the body. His reads at both ends are a major work in progress. However, it is his first year playing at the OHL level and one has to wonder if, with more experience, his decision making can improve. It is hard not to be incredibly curious about Touré’s upside given his unique athletic profile and the “rawness” of his game. (Brock Otten)

Oliver Peer - Center/Wing - Windsor Spitfires

Even as an OHL rookie last year with limited ice time, Peer was the kind of player who always drew your eye because of his skating ability, work ethic and IQ. It seemed inevitable that his production would improve this year with more ice time and improve it has. He’s now over a point per game and is the perfect swiss army knife for a strong Windsor team. There are so many pro quality habits and attributes in Peer’s profile. He skates well. He plays both ends well and has a great stick in the defensive zone. He is skilled enough to play with the puck and he knows how to find his way to the net. He can be used in any situation and at any position. I actually believe that he is capable of more offensively if he were to be given the reins in Windsor next year as an OA. His pro upside may be somewhat limited, but he does enough things well to suggest that he could one day develop into a capable bottom six NHL player. (Brock Otten)

Rodwin Dionicio - Defense - Windsor Spitfires

What Dionicio has managed to accomplish since being traded to Windsor and since returning from the World Junior Championships has been incredibly impressive. Well over a point per game with Windsor, the 2004 born Swiss defender has positioned himself well to be drafted this year in his second year of eligibility. He has worked hard to clean up some issues in his decision making that led to inconsistency last year with Niagara. This is allowing his high-end skill to shine through on a nightly basis. Additionally, Dionicio has worked hard to improve his four-way mobility, which has helped him improve in the defensive end too. What we have now is a physically assertive and skilled two-way defender with size who is flourishing on a strong Windsor team. (Brock Otten)

Patrick Thomas - Centre/Wing - Hamilton Bulldogs

Stuck in a bottom six role on the top-heavy Hamilton squad last season, Patrick Thomas managed to be the only 2004 born player to play every playoff game for the Bulldogs in 2022. The defensive minded centreman has finally had the opportunity to showcase his offensive ability this season. Now playing on the wing with a pair of former Peterborough Petes, Thomas has been a large asset to the recent success of Nick Lardis and Sahil Panwar. Thomas’ playmaking ability has been elevated greatly this season, he’s gained the ability to drive play and generate high-end chances for his teammates. He has established himself as Hamilton’s most valuable penalty killing forward and as a threat in the faceoff dot. Thomas doesn’t make many mistakes with the puck, and he always seems to be in the right places. His skating mechanics are flawless, and he is relentless on the attack. A player that wasn’t really on anyone’s radar last season, has been able to make a name for himself with increased ice time, given the Bulldogs departures this season. Thomas isn’t going to light up the score sheet at the next level, but he certainly has the potential to be a supporting bottom six penalty killer who you want on the ice to defend a lead in the final minutes. (Joely Stockl)

Brady Stonehouse - Wing - Ottawa 67’s

Brady Stonehouse has been an energy player from the minute he stepped into the Ontario Hockey League. His ceiling limits him, but there are absolutely no doubts about his work ethic and drive to produce. Putting the puck in the net hasn’t been an issue for him this season, and he’s been able to play his own game while doing so. Last season, his lack of production was a big reason why his name didn’t get called at the 2022 draft. Stonehouse is a player that you can put in practically any situation and expect him to get the job done. He can be an aggravator in front of the net, and he likes to get into other player’s heads, but he is usually able to get away with it. Identifying where he fits in an NHL lineup has been the question with Stonehouse, but he has produced enough this season to show potential as a bottom six utility player at the next level. His work ethic is what ultimately separates him. Stonehouse isn’t going to be a top end producer by any means, but his immense energy, adaptability, and developed offensive smarts have made him an appealing prospect. (Joely Stockl)

Pano Fimis - Centre - Erie Otters

Pano Fimis is a name that a lot of scouts and analysts expected to be selected at the 2022 NHL Draft. With an impressive performance at Leafs rookie camp, and a successful season playing on two bottom feeder teams (Niagara & Erie), Fimis will hopefully be able to hear his name called at this year’s draft. He has developed into a much more mature play driver this season. He has been the “go-to” guy in most situations, and he has performed well under the pressure. Fimis has a strong ability to find his teammates in high traffic areas and the ability to take control of the play in the offensive zone. Last season, Fimis struggled with consistency and with his 200-foot game. He is so creative with the puck, and he is able to make decisions quickly, but he wasn’t able to produce consistently or survive in his own zone. This year, he has been more well-rounded and been able to hold down the fort defensively. He isn’t a defensive minded centre by any means, but he has learned how to keep his head above the water. His combination of hockey IQ and offensive creativity should give Fimis another opportunity to get drafted this summer, especially with the all-round improvements that he has made. (Joely Stockl)

Zak Lavoie - Wing - Niagara IceDogs

Lack of skill has never been a concern in Zak Lavoie’s game, but it is his tendency to rely on his teammates to get him the puck that holds him back. Lavoie trusts himself with the puck in the offensive zone, he has a deceptive release and the ability to shoot through traffic. Without the puck though, he lacks the ability and drive to get into the right spaces to receive or intercept passes. He often hides behind the defense, hoping to be found through traffic. In Mississauga (where he played until December 2022), he was able to receive passes in difficult areas more often when playing alongside Owen Beck/Luca Del Bel Belluz. Lavoie is most definitely a support player, and likely a longer-term project for any team that potentially selects him, but he has the potential to be a depth goal scorer. While playing for the IceDogs, he has looked uncomfortable in some offensive zone situations when he is forced to be the play driver. Having said that, Lavoie’s defensive game has become an asset with some penalty kill minutes while playing with Niagara. His shot and acceleration with the puck are the strongest aspects of his game and are currently translatable to the next level. Selecting Lavoie is going to take a team that is willing to develop and nurture him long term, but he can be a middle/bottom six scoring winger if he is able to make better decisions and be more aware away from the puck. (Joely Stockl)

WHL

Jeremy Hanzel - Defense - Seattle Thunderbirds

Hanzel has always been a toolsy blueliner with a lot of long-term upside, thanks to a rangy, fluid skating style, the ability to handle the puck well at full speed, and a frame that has room left to fill in. The problem has been him knowing how to maximize his tools and put everything together effectively and consistently. Perhaps playing on a Thunderbirds team with an embarrassment of riches prospect-wise has rubbed off on him, as his game has taken major strides from last season to this one. One of the biggest signs of his growth was how he played while talented teammate Kevin Korchinski was off at the World Juniors for a month, taking the larger slice of the pie with aplomb and producing 10 points in 11 games. It's also worth mentioning that the vast majority of his offense this season has come at even strength, as he doesn't get much cushy powerplay time. There's a lot to like about Hanzel, and even better, there's likely even more upside still that hasn't been tapped into yet. (Derek Neumeier)

Hunter Mayo - Defense - Red Deer Rebels

There aren't many players in the WHL who are stronger and sturdier than Mayo is, and nowhere does that show better than his wicked cannon of a shot from the point. He can absolutely bomb pucks and has enough control and accuracy to beat goalies clean on a regular basis, a skill that seems like it should translate somewhere beyond the junior level. His 14 goals are good for third among all WHL defenders (as of writing this), and nine of those have come with the man advantage. He's not very fast or agile, nor does he have much reach, but he nevertheless does a good job of hanging onto pucks under pressure and being difficult to beat in battles. He's a smart player who knows what he's good at and what he's not, leaning into the former and minimizing the latter to get by. He's thriving right now in Red Deer with the grinding, blue collar way the Rebels always play. Could Mayo one day find the same sort of success on an NHL team that properly lets him play to his strengths? (Derek Neumeier)

Jake Sloan. Photo by Brian Liesse.

Jake Sloan - Center - Tri-City Americans

There will probably always be a place in the NHL for lengthy, strong, two-way centers who are capable with the puck and know how to handle themselves directly in front of the enemy's crease. That's Sloan in a nutshell, at least stylistically. He's not going to pull you out of your seat with any fancy or exciting plays, but he makes the job difficult for opponents physically and gets results the ugly way. His 47 points in 45 games (as of writing this) don't lie, even though he is getting prime powerplay time on an outgunned Americans club that he wouldn't be getting on a lot of different teams. Crucially, he's gotten notably quicker and smoother with his skating compared to last season, taking his biggest weakness and improving it to a level that's at least not a total deal-breaker for his potential. There's still a lot of work to be done before the NHL looks likely, though, especially when it comes to generating more offense at even strength. (Derek Neumeier)

Egor Sidorov - Wing - Saskatoon Blades

The appeal of Sidorov as a prospect is almost comically straightforward: he's really, really good at scoring goals, and does it with incredible frequency. He's certainly not a Connor Bedard level of goal-scorer (nobody in the WHL is, or might ever be again), but he's nevertheless one of the best in the league and has already eclipsed the 30-goal mark this season, following up his 23 tallies in 58 matches last year. And this is in spite of playing on a Blades team that isn't exactly great at setting him up for easy finishes. Give him the slightest bit of time and space to get a clean look and lean into his stick and the puck is almost always finding twine. He's also excellent in the preceding couple of seconds, dusting or dragging the puck into the precise shooting spot he likes. The big question is whether or not he'll ever get quick enough to adjust to the NHL level, where such time and space are rare luxuries, especially since everything else about his game is lacklustre — if he's not scoring, he's not contributing much. Still, a player like Sidorov is absolutely worth the gamble with a late-round pick. (Derek Neumeier)

Marcus Nguyen - Wing - Portland Winterhawks

Trying to stand out on a deep, successful team is no small feat. Younger players often get a little lost in the shuffle, working within smaller, more limited roles compared to their older, more experienced peers. So, give Nguyen credit for standing out as much as he does, even if it doesn't happen all the time. When you really notice him, it's usually in a big way. He's a notoriously fast skater, able to burst past opponents with his acceleration and then keep himself separated when he reaches his top gear. He's also pretty dangerous when these situations happen, with slick puck skills and a legitimate finishing touch. He doesn't get to play on Portland's lethal top powerplay unit, so he makes his penalty killing time count, using his quickness and speed to pressure the blueline and generate dangerous shorthanded chances going the other way. He's also a perfect 4-for-4 in the shootout so far this year. There's not a ton of depth or variety to Nguyen's game, but some players have been able to carve out niche NHL careers primarily by being fast penalty killers who are also able to capitalize on the frequent breakaways and odd man rushes they generate (your Michael Grabners of the world). (Derek Neumeier)

Borya Valis - Wing - Regina Pats

Just how much can a prospect absorb and improve by playing alongside an elite, generational peer? It does seem to happen to a degree from time to time, and it's a question that could be asked about a lot of players currently on the Regina Bedard’s Pats, including Valis. There's no doubt that his game is improving at a nice pace, with an increasing level of point production and a larger impact overall across all three zones. He's an athletic winger with pretty good reach, pretty good hands and pretty good skating ability, and that is a recipe that can satiate at the NHL level when the steps are followed correctly. Unfortunately, Valis often leaves you wanting more, and the concern is that will always be the case. Will his game nosedive when Bedard is no longer drawing the lion's share of opponent attention? Or will he learn from his phenom teammate's words and actions, and eventually discover the keys to unlocking more of his potential? That jury is still out. All that being said, prospects picked in the later rounds of the draft are always longshots, and there's more to like about Valis as a longshot compared to the wide majority of his peers. (Derek Neumeier)

Grayden Siepmann - Defense - Calgary Hitmen

Siepmann was one of the more surprising players to go unselected at the 2022 draft. After all, NHL teams usually covet right-shooting defensemen with high-end skating ability. He was also already playing on the top pairing for the Hitmen and was projected to keep that role for the next two seasons on the rebuilding roster (so far, so good). However, a lackadaisical passivity that seeped into far too many of his shifts was a key concern that scouts had, which amplified related worries about his scrawny frame and lack of strength. Apparently, he took that criticism and his draft snub seriously, though, as he has been significantly more assertive this season, driving more play with the puck on his stick, being more alert with his carry-outs, jumping up in transition more frequently, and keeping tighter gaps. He displays a very impressive understanding of how to defend while relying predominantly on his feet. He likely won't be a big point producer at higher levels, but the tools are there for him to be a difference-maker in all three zones through his puck possession and transition abilities. (Derek Neumeier)

Austin Roest - Center - Everett Silvertips

A top ten scorer in the WHL as of writing this, Roest has more points than any other undrafted, 2004-born WHL player by a substantial margin. Everett started the season without many of their top forwards from last year and eventually decided to become sellers before the trade deadline, creating an opening for others on the team to step up, and the son of former NHLer Stacy Roest has been absolutely thriving with the newfound opportunity. He's a well-rounded center who is making notable progress in a number of areas, including skating, finishing, playmaking, off-puck play and faceoffs. His offensive game doesn't quite pop as much as his scoring totals might suggest, but he plays a very mature, fleshed-out game that makes a positive difference in a variety of ways. If he can continue going down this path he'll keep increasing his odds of eventually carving out an NHL job as a plug-and-play forward, which are always useful to have on a roster. (Derek Neumeier)

Jackson DeSouza - Defense - Kelowna Rockets

DeSouza shows real signs of being a traditional late bloomer, the type of player who continues making a lot of development progress long after he's out of juniors. Not only is it obvious that he's still filling out his huge frame and working on his coordination, he missed a lot of playing time at a crucial development period in his career, back when COVID was at its worst. But this season in Kelowna, you can really see the seed starting to grow now that it's being watered. Playing on their top defensive pairing, he's using his strength and tenacity to intimidate and physically manhandle opponents, while also utilizing increasingly flexible footwork and a long reach to be a monster with his gaps. His effectiveness and confidence with the puck are growing steadily, though that's never going to be the calling card of his game. He's even wearing a letter on his sweater. It's not difficult to envision a future where DeSouza is an NHL defender who plays on the third pairing at even strength, while also being trusted as a key penalty killer. (Derek Neumeier)

Gabe Klassen - Center - Portland Winterhawks

Klassen has been passed over in two straight drafts, though that hasn't been due to a lack of familiarity from scouts. He was a high WHL bantam pick, he has scored at a decent clip, and Portland is a top-tier junior organization that NHL bird dogs pay close attention to, so he's been a known commodity for a while now. It just hasn't been a commodity that teams were overly interested in. But you can't deny that he keeps making steady, notable progress year over year, and those types of guys are hard to ignore or count out. As of right now he is the captain of the Winterhawks, their first-line center, and someone who plays on both sides of their special teams. His short stature and lack of high-end footspeed are undeniable concerns, but he's very smart, tenacious and competitive, and those attributes when combined can sometimes make up for physical limitations. He could realistically make the NHL one day as a bottom six forward who can plug different holes, doesn't need micro-managing from coaches, and who brings good off-ice intangibles. (Derek Neumeier)

Tomas Suchanek. Photo by Kristin Ostrowski.

Tomas Suchanek - Goalie - Tri-City Americans

Sometimes you can learn a lot about a prospect just by seeing them play in a different environment, and that looks like it might be the case with Suchanek. The Czech netminder has been playing between the pipes for a Tri-City team that has a lot of trouble defending, and he's had issues in turn finding stability and consistency. However, when given the chance to represent his home nation at the past two World Juniors tournaments he looked superb, even taking underdog Czechia within one goal of winning gold this past January. There's no one thing that is overly exceptional about his game, but he brings a bit of size, a bit of athleticism, a reasonably technical form, and a competitive mental edge. Get everything going at the same time and he can steal the odd game in dramatic fashion. His performances have seen a marked uptick over the past month as the plucky Americans try to lock down a playoff spot. A few years of NHL developmental polish might be able to do wonders for him and elevate him as a legitimate prospect. (Derek Neumeier)

Bogdans Hodass - Defense - Medicine Hat Tigers

Can athleticism be a substitute for pure skill? To a certain degree, yes. Nobody will ever mistake Hodass for a proficient puck-handler or particularly pretty skater. However, he's rangy, strong and fit, and that allows him to regularly stay involved in the play and around the puck, which is sometimes what defenders are mostly hoping for while defending, through their positioning and gap control. And don't look now, but the skill is starting to come along. His puck management has made progress. His skating mechanics are a little cleaner. He even has 24 points in 38 games (as of writing this), driven primarily by a bomb of a shot from the point that can bore holes in goalies or generate juicy rebounds. Playing on a bad, thin Medicine Hat team the past two years has been a blessing in disguise, allowing him enough playing time to grow, learn and try new things. Hodass making the NHL is far from a guarantee, but he is destined for pro hockey at some level, and his improvement over the past couple of years is an encouraging sign that he will continue finding ways to keep improving. (Derek Neumeier)

Thomas Milic - Goalie - Seattle Thunderbirds

If Milic doesn't hear his name get called at some point during 2023 draft weekend in June there are going to be a lot of furious hockey fans, both in Seattle and across Canada. As a goaltender with the Thunderbirds, he has provided impeccable steadiness and reliability over the past three seasons, which included a somewhat underdog run to the WHL finals in 2022 where he was between the pipes for every single second of his team's 25 games, a truly remarkable feat for a goalie. Internationally, he has been a rockstar, highlighted most by a heroic performance as Canada's starting goalie at the 2023 World Juniors, posting a .932 save percentage and regularly bailing his team out with some huge saves en route to winning gold. Yes, he's not the biggest netminder, and that's a natural disadvantage that can't be improved or altered, but guys his size can still succeed in the NHL when their technical abilities and mental makeup are top notch, and he checks off those boxes. Only a small handful of goalies get picked every year, and it's hard to imagine there are many who will be available in the 2023 draft who will go on to have better careers long-term than Milic will. (Derek Neumeier)

QMJHL

Halifax, Nova Scotia - Jan 14:Justin Gill #19 of the Sherbrooke Phoenix looks to make a play against Cameron Whynot #17 of the Halifax Mooseheads during the QMJHL game between the Halifax Mooseheads and Sherbrooke Phoenix on January 14 2023 at the Scotiabank Center in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Trevor MacMillan/Halifax Mooseheads)

Justin Gill - Center/Wing - Sherbrooke Phoenix

Justin Gill has taken a massive step in his development this year, as he currently stands eighth in points in the QMJHL, while last year, he was not even producing at a point per game pace. As an over-ager last year, it was understandable for NHL teams to prefer someone a year younger who has been producing at a similar pace as Gill. That being said, this year has certainly been different, and although being a double over-ager might scare some teams away, Gill should definitely garner some attention from NHL teams. Along with Joshua Roy, Gill has been nearly unstoppable and has led his team to third place in the QMJHL. His offensive game is quite diversified, as he is a dual threat forward who can not only score impressive goals with his shot, but who can also be a super effective playmaker. What makes him super translatable is that he has an excellent vision of the ice, always aware of where his teammates are and how he could work with them to create a scoring chance. Not to mention he can play both center and winger. I would not say that he is guaranteed to be picked by a team this year, but the possibility is absolutely there. (Jérémi Plourde)

Maxime Pellerin - Center - Victoriaville Tigres

Maxime Pellerin is another player who is a double over-ager, but who has been absolutely carrying his team offensively, along with Tommy Cormier. This year, he is 10th in the league in points, and has also taken a massive step production-wise. Although he is not a particularly good skater, he might draw some interest thanks to his goal scoring instincts. He is a perfect fit for a bottom six scorer in the NHL, he just needs to continue to get better. He has an excellent one-timer that not many QMJHL goaltenders can save when he has time to use it. His wrist shot is quite accurate, and I really like how he hides his intentions before shooting, something that he does super often and that is absolutely an NHL level play. I would like to see him play at a higher pace, and also be more physical, as he has the frame to do so. What makes him efficient and what could draw interest from teams the most is his off-puck game, he’s always well positioned and ready for when he gets the puck. There might be some execution problems, but if he prevents himself from overcomplicating plays and sticks to simpler paths, things should go well for him at higher levels. (Jérémi Plourde)

Yoan Loshing - Center - Moncton Wildcats

Yoan Loshing is a player who saw his teammate Maxim Barbashev be picked by the New York Rangers last year, but who was not given a chance by an NHL team. This year, Loshing is scoring at a much better pace than Barbashev, actually at over a point per game pace, on a middle of the pack Moncton Wildcats team. Although his rather small frame might be a concern of some NHL teams, there is no doubt to me that the skill is absolutely present. Loshing probably had the best shot in the entire QMJHL draft class last year and was also the fastest straight-line skater. This alone will not bring you to the NHL, but if a team is confident enough in their development system to work with Loshing to round out his game and unlock a more translatable overall game, you could get an absolute steal. He definitely has the relentless forechecking attitude, and he can be quite physical, laying booming hits, even if he is a small player. I could see the possibility that some NHL scout falls in love with his game while watching Étienne Morin, notable defenceman for this year’s draft, who also plays with Moncton. (Jérémi Plourde)

Markus Vidicek - Center - Halifax Mooseheads

Markus Vidicek has been in the shadow of the leading point scorer in the QMJHL, Jordan Dumais, both this year and last year. I was honestly surprised his name was not called in Montréal last year, as he was scoring at almost a point per game pace. I am guessing some teams were worried about his defensive effort or his somewhat weak frame, but I believe that a player like Vidicek, with the immense puck skill and creativity he has, should not be overlooked. This year, he is proving why he is among the top playmakers and all-around offensive players in the QMJHL, as he has so far scored 69 points in only 56 games. Now it is obvious that some of this production is inflated due to him playing with Dumais, but he has his own noticeable role on the team. Every once in a while, Vidicek displays flashes of amazing puck handling skills, which makes you think that if you are patient with him and develop him well, the reward could be high. He is tremendously energetic, always very hungry for the puck, especially in the offensive zone. In the NHL, I could see him become a Jake Evans type player, a great energetic forechecker with flashes of amazing skill and determination. He would have to continue to improve his speed to become that though. (Jérémi Plourde)

Jonathan Fauchon - Center - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada

Jonathan Fauchon is certainly one of the players who has improved the most since last year out of anyone on this list. Last year with Blainville, he played in a very defensive role, and he only managed to score at a little under half a point per game pace, which is likely why NHL teams were reluctant to draft him. This year, he has stepped up as the number one center for the Armada, scoring at well above a point per game pace, and leading his team in points by an astonishing 21-point margin. Not only has Fauchon been able to keep up his defensive prowess, but he has figured out how to use his speed to become an offensive threat. He’s excellent at working with open ice, carrying the puck in the offensive zone and always playing at a great pace. He’s a great forechecker and backchecker, always involved low in the defensive zone, and always ready to assist his teammates along the boards. He is not very big, but there is still a lot to like with Fauchon, and since he has improved so much since last year, the two-way center should be an interesting over ager to consider this year, with him just having turned 19. He probably has the most upside out of anyone on this list. (Jérémi Plourde)

Pier-Olivier Roy - Defense - Victoriaville Tigres

Pier-Olivier Roy is another player who has exploded offensively. The 5 '10 defender only had 26 points in 66 games in his draft year last year, which is why teams did not really consider picking him over other QMJHL defenceman like Langlois, Luneau or Lamoureux, who were offering more. That being said, Roy has been an offensive monster this year, scoring at a point per game pace, third in his team in points. He is also third in the entire league for points among defencemen. Roy is a tremendous passer, often connecting with teammates in ways you would not think of, but also often making the simplest but most efficient passes. He is a strong and smooth skater, excellent at both carrying the puck or completing stretch passes to a teammate on the breakout. He is always confident with the puck. He is super mobile at the blueline, both with his feet and his hands. He always showed great skill and upside but did not have many opportunities to show for it last year. This year, he has been given a much bigger role, and has been excellent at it. (Jérémi Plourde)

Daniil Bourosh - Center - Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

Daniil Bourosh has emerged as one of the best goal scorers in the QMJHL this year, sharing the 8th place in the league in goals. He is producing at over a point per game rate and is one of the youngest over agers being born in April 2004. He is currently the same age as some QMJHL top prospects from this year’s draft, like Ethan Gauthier and Tyler Peddle. He’s obviously a few months older, but he is quite ahead of some of them in his development. Although you could have made the argument to draft him last year, Bourosh was probably not bringing enough for some NHL teams. This year, the Belarussian looks like a much more translatable goal scoring power forward. His main way of finding success offensively is without a doubt his shot. There are many guys in this list who have amazing shot, and Bourosh is absolutely one of them. His one-timer is especially what is the scariest, it is impressively powerful and precise. His skating definitely needs improvement, but the goal scoring instincts, in addition to his great shot are what could draw some interest for the draft. (Jérémi Plourde)

William Rousseau - Goaltender - Quebec Remparts

William Rousseau has been stellar for the Québec Remparts this season, as he currently holds a .913 sv%, good enough to be tied for third in the league. Although a big part of his statistical success has been because he is on the best team in the entire QMJHL, Rousseau has also been himself an important part of his team’s success. He only has one more regular time loss than his backup, but he has 13 more wins. He is super mobile laterally, always ready to power slide his way from one post to the other. He plays rather low, which he might have to be careful with, especially given his size, but he’s very good at finding the puck in traffic and at using his lateral mobility. The Trois-Rivières native has taken a while to develop, and it is understandable that NHL teams did not take a chance on him last year, but this year feels different. He has taken such a massive step since last year, and there’s also a pretty solid possibility that he wins the memorial cup, or at least participates in it, which would be a big addition to his resume and would draw some interest from some NHL teams. (Jérémi Plourde)

AJHL

Hudson Malinoski - Center - Brooks Bandits

Back in 2017, Malinoski ended up with a torn vertebral artery after falling off his roof. After a successful experimental surgery, Malinoski was kept out of hockey for a year and had to work his way back up the hockey ladder. Passed over in his WHL draft and a late bloomer physically, Malinoski (2004 born) is now playing in his first year in the AJHL with Brooks and he’s been one of the best players in the league as a rookie. The Providence College commit was also great for Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, finishing with seven points in six games. He has a very intriguing package of size (6’1), speed, and skill. Not only is he a strong and powerful linear skater who seems to love attacking the offensive zone with speed, but his edgework and agility also seem like real strengths, as he uses this to help him navigate traffic to get his shot off. He has a really good shot, part of why he is frequently utilized on the point of the powerplay. More of a playmaker at the AJHL level, he has great scoring potential because his release is deceptive, and he creates a ton of velocity on the shots in his arsenal. Without question, adding strength to his frame will be the next step at Providence, as he can be knocked off the puck or knocked off stride too easily at times. However, NHL scouts would have unquestionably taken notice of his performance this year. (Brock Otten)

Sam Court - Defense - Brooks Bandits

It’s been a long and winding road for Court. A former high pick in the WHL draft, he’s bounced around the last few years in order to keep his NCAA eligibility. A former University of New Hampshire commit (it sounds like he’s decommitted), Court played last year, his initial NHL draft year, with Avon Old Farms in the U.S. prep loop. Rather than play in the USHL (his rights held by Fargo), Court returned to Canada this year to play in the AJHL with the storied Brooks Bandits. It’s been a good move as Court currently leads the AJHL in defenseman scoring by a significant amount. In a lot of ways, Court reminds me of former Brooks’ defender Zach Bookman, who tore up the AJHL last year, but failed to get drafted (although is having a great freshman year at Merrimack this season). He’s not big. He’s not the world’s most dynamic skater, especially for an undersized/average sized defender. But he is skilled. He makes quick and sound decisions with the puck. His overall IQ as an offensive defender is very high. As a defender, he’s far from a pushover physically. However, with his roving tendencies, he can take himself out of the play and does not possess the kind of high-end mobility to recover consistently. His upside as a future pro player will likely be tied to his ability to move the puck and quarterback the powerplay. It will be interesting to see which NCAA program Court settles on, if he has indeed de-committed from UNH. (Brock Otten)

Andrew Ness - Goaltender - Fort McMurray Oil Barons

Is Ness a classic late blooming goaltender? All signs would point to yes. He has gone from playing in (more like starring in) the Manitoba U18 league last year to being one of the best goalies in the AJHL this year for Fort McMurray. This has earned him a scholarship to Bemidji State and his strong performance at the WJAC surely turned some heads in the NHL scouting community. Ness is extremely athletic, which is impressive given his length (at 6’2). He covers post to post extremely well and is able to challenge shooters by being aggressive. He can fall into some scrambling tendencies, which opens up some holes and makes him susceptible to the odd “bad” goal, but he has significant potential because of his quickness and play tracking ability. (Brock Otten)

BCHL

Tate Taylor - Defense - Surrey Eagles

One of the most improved players in the BCHL this year, Taylor is a classic late bloomer. Not only did he hit a growth spurt late, but he also switched positions from forward to defense late in minor hockey. This year, he appears fully comfortable and has gained significant confidence in his offensive abilities. An aggressive offensive defender, Taylor is a master facilitator and one of the highest scoring defenders in the BCHL. However, Taylor has also worked hard to improve his play in the defensive end to add an element of physicality. A Clarkson commit, Taylor will need to continue to focus on skating development, but he has significant potential as an offensive defender at the college level (at the very least). (Brock Otten)

Josh Nadeau - Wing - Penticton Vees

Already one of the better players in the BCHL last year, Nadeau went unselected in his first year of draft eligibility likely due to size concerns. Nadeau has returned to the BCHL to dominate even more alongside his brother Bradley, a potential top 50 pick this year. A Maine commit, Josh is an electric offensive player. He has great hands and creativity, and his high-end agility gives him great elusiveness at the junior level. Of course, there will be concerns that his offensive dominance does not translate to the higher levels, but one has to wonder if the NHL team that selects Bradley, also selects Josh in the later rounds in hopes of unlocking the immense upside of both. (Brock Otten)

Ryan Hopkins - Defense - Penticton Vees

Hopkins was ranked by us at #207 last year after winning a BCHL Championship and earning a spot on the BCHL All Rookie team. But it wasn’t enough for the Maine commit to get drafted. He has returned to Penticton and has become one of the best defenders in the BCHL, improving his production and confidence from an offensive perspective. He has also worked hard to improve his overall mobility and quickness, helping him to take that next step as an offensive defender. Of course, he remains a highly competitive and suffocating player in the defensive end, one with a penchant for the big hit and who rarely loses a 50/50 battle. There is certainly a path to the NHL for a feisty, right shot defender like Hopkins and it would not be surprising to see him selected this time around. (Brock Otten)

Luca Di Pasquo - Goaltender - Penticton Vees

Another player ranked late by us last year (205), Di Pasquo was a standout in the NAHL before moving to the BCHL this year. In both stops, he has been one of the best netminders in his league. Now in his final year of draft eligibility, scouts may be interested in securing the rights to this future Michigan State Spartan. Di Pasquo’s biggest strength in the crease is his athleticism. Ultra quick post to post, he routinely makes highlight reel saves. He has worked hard to refine his movements and looks quieter in the crease this year, resulting in less scrambling, taking him out of position. Yes, playing behind a dominant Penticton team helps, but his strong play has also been a big part of their success. (Brock Otten)

MJHL

Warren Clark - Defense - Steinbach Pistons

Clark is a really interesting case because of his late growth spurt and the somewhat non-traditional market he currently plays in. The MJHL hasn’t had an NHL draft pick since 2018 (Matthew Thiessen). Yet, Clark is bound to generate some NHL interest because of his profile. He has jumped from around 5’11 to 6' 5 the last few years, he has some really intriguing athletic tools, and he plays the right side. Born in late August, Clark missed being first time draft eligible this year by only a few months. His linear quickness and ability to control the puck are very impressive and this allows him to be an impressive playmaker leading the attack or when holding down the offensive blueline. In a lot of ways, he looks like London Knights defender (and Montreal Canadiens prospect) Logan Mailloux on the attack. However, the rest of his game is very raw. His four-way mobility will need to improve and his defensive play is inconsistent at best. Headed to St. Cloud State, Clark could be a draft target for teams intrigued by his physical tools and upside. (Brock Otten)

Yegor Sidorov – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2026 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #12 Anaheim Ducks – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

Prospect System Ranking – 12th (Last Year - 8th) GM: Pat Verbeek Hired: February 2022 COACH: Joel Quenneville Hired: May 2025

Roger McQueen, C, Providence College (NCAA) (currently with San Diego Gulls, AHL)

Stian Solberg, D, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Tristan Luneau, D, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Tarin Smith, D, Everett Silvertips (WHL)

Eric Nilson, C, Michigan State University (NCAA)

Lucas Pettersson, C, Brynas IF (SHL) (currently with San Diego Gulls, AHL)

Lasse Boelius, D, Assat (Liiga)

Tim Washe, C, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Herman Traff, RW, IF Oskarshamn (SHL) (currently with San Diego Gulls, AHL)

Maxim Masse, RW, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (QMJHL)

Sam Colangelo, RW, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Calle Clang, G, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Sasha Pastujov, RW, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Yegor Sidorov, RW, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

Austin Burnevik, RW, St. Cloud State University (NCAA)

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #8

Anaheim Ducks Top-15 Prospects

1 - Beckett Sennecke

2 - Roger McQueen

3 - Tristan Luneau

4 - Stian Solberg

5 - Sam Colangelo

6 - Tarin Smith

7 - Eric Nilson

8 - Sasha Pastujov

9 - Ian Moore

10 - Lucas Pettersson

11 - Damian Clara

12 - Rodwin Dionicio

13 - Yegor Sidorov

14 - Maxim Masse

15 - Nathan Gaucher

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #5 ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 15 NHL Affiliated Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – ANAHEIM DUCKS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #4

Anaheim Ducks Top-15 Prospects

1. Cutter Gauthier

2. Olen Zellweger

3. Beckett Sennecke

4. Tristan Luneau

5. Stian Solberg

6. Damian Clara

7. Sam Colangelo

8. Nathan Gaucher

9. Rodwin Dionicio

10. Lucas Pettersson

11. Carey Terrance

12. Yegor Sidorov

13. Sasha Pastujov

14. Tyson Hinds

15. Maxim Masse

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #7 Anaheim Ducks – Organization Overview – Top 15 Prospects

1. Cutter Gauthier, LW, Boston College (NCAA)

2. Olen Zellweger, D, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

3. Tristan Luneau, D, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

4. Nathan Gaucher, C, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

5. Rodwin Dionicio, D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

6. Damian Clara, G, Brynas IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)

7. Yegor Sidorov, RW, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)

8. Carey Terrance, C, Erie Otters (OHL)

9. Sam Colangelo, RW, Western Michigan University (NCAA)

10. Sasha Pastujov, RW, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: TOP 30 NHL PROSPECTS

Risers

Logan Stankoven (27 to 5) - Dallas Stars

Ryan Leonard (32 to 6) – Washington Capitals

Josh Roy (63 to 35) – Montreal Canadiens

Conor Geekie (68 to 18) – Utah

Mavrik Bourque (79 to 23) – Dallas Stars

Gabe Perreault (86 to 19) – New York Rangers

Bradly Nadeau (109 to 34) – Carolina Hurricanes

Jagger Firkus (112 to 47) – Seattle Kraken

Gavin Brindley (122 to 66) – Columbus Blue Jackets

Quentin Musty (125 to 51) – San Jose Sharks

Jani Nyman (135 to 81) – Seattle Kraken

Logan Mailloux (145 to 45) – Montreal Canadiens

Josh Doan (153 to 55) - Utah

Riley Heidt (157 to 44) – Minnesota Wild

Prospect System Ranking – 12th (Last Year - 8th)
GM: Pat Verbeek Hired: February 2022
COACH: Joel Quenneville Hired: May 2025