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Rachel Doerrie
NHL draft week is formally right here, and with that come the ultimate draft rankings.
The highest 64 are ranked right here, together with particulars of their sport, areas for growth, their notion amongst NHL scouts and an NHL projection. The ultimate set of rankings consists of mix scores and a heavier weight of scouting opinions and intel in opposition to my projection mannequin. Whereas some gamers grade at greater or decrease worth than in earlier rankings, their place considers how probably they’re to turn out to be NHL gamers based mostly on their developmental wants and notion within the trade.
After Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa, there may be nearly no consensus on this draft. For instance, some groups have gamers ranked within the 20s that others don’t have on their draft record in any respect. A part of that is associated to the truth that groups are valuing completely different attributes — be it ability, grit, measurement, playoff efficiency, and so on. — and place greater worth on gamers who match their organizational mantra. Greater than in earlier years, some gamers would possibly fall within the draft as a result of one other participant is greater on a particular workforce’s record. This might result in groups buying and selling as much as seize gamers they imagine have fallen too far to disregard.
A very powerful factor to recollect is {that a} participant’s success or failure just isn’t dictated by his draft slot, however who he turns into within the years that comply with. It’s true that earlier draft picks get many extra probabilities than late ones no matter expertise, however that does not imply some gems will not be discovered later within the draft. In actual fact, given the need for measurement, truculence and laborious ability over high-end expertise, it’s honest to recommend we’d see extra success from draft picks exterior the primary spherical than in earlier years.
Listed here are the highest 64 prospects, together with some gamers who deserve honorable point out:
1. Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie (OHL)
The Erie Otters defender is projected to turn out to be a real No. 1 cornerstone for years to come back. A dynamic presence at each ends of the ice, the 6-foot-2 blueliner skates with ease and elite mobility to close down opponents in all conditions, whereas creating offense with high quality transition play.
Although an harm on the IIHF World Junior Championships — the place he was set to play a key function as a 17-year-old — reduce his season to only 26 video games, Schaefer nonetheless logged over 25 minutes per contest, and constantly drove play in his workforce’s favor.
Executives and scouts view him as a future elite NHL defenseman and a foundational piece for a championship-caliber roster. Schaefer’s capability to regulate play from the blue line, play powerful matchups, and run an influence play — mixed with the assumption in his character and management — lead to many believing that Schaefer has the instruments to turn out to be a top-10 defender within the league, whereas sporting a letter as a part of a workforce’s management group.
2. Michael Misa, F, Saginaw (OHL)
Granted exceptional status in the OHL in 2022, Misa delivered one of the crucial outstanding goal-scoring seasons in current reminiscence in 2024-25, netting 62 objectives in simply 65 video games. He initiatives to be a top-line ahead able to constantly exceeding 90 factors per season within the NHL.
Misa’s offensive instincts are elite. He processes the sport at a excessive degree and executes at high pace. Scouts imagine he’s NHL-ready and has the potential to turn out to be an elite top-line middle. Away from the puck, Misa excels at discovering delicate areas in protection and has a aptitude for delivering in clutch moments. His mixture of high-end playmaking and goal-scoring capability makes him a continuing twin risk within the offensive zone.
His two-way sport has taken a noticeable step ahead with improved backchecking, defensive consciousness and dedication to a 200-foot sport. Paired together with his explosive pace and offensive firepower, Misa profiles as a foundational participant.
3. James Hagens, F, Boston Faculty (NCAA)
Hagens is projected to be a top-line middle, or one of many NHL’s finest second-line facilities. He lacks the dynamism of Misa, choosing a extremely cerebral and environment friendly play type. He brings a superb work fee with wonderful pace and passing capability that ought to see him successfully drive play on the NHL degree. Scouts and executives are impressed with the skilled particulars of his sport (puck help, successful battles, defensive puck play), and so they imagine it can ease the transition to the NHL whereas he finds his offensive gear.
One other season at Boston Faculty to additional develop a extra a dynamic offensive gear to turn out to be a top-line NHL middle — the one which had scouts impressed throughout his NTDP season (with 102 factors) — might be the treatment. After taking part in on certainly one of school hockey’s high strains with Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers) and Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals), Hagens would now be relied upon to drive his personal line, create offense by way of his personal playmaking and play a major matchup function.
Hagens has the potential to be the entire package deal within the NHL. His understanding of spacing and skill to anticipate stands out amongst his friends. He is smaller and slighter than different prospects, which worries some groups, however there’s a mixture of Clayton Keller and Jack Hughes in him when it comes to transition play and creativity.
4. Porter Martone, F, Brampton (OHL)
An enormous, cerebral ahead, Martone is a dual-threat offensive participant with capability to attain on his personal and facilitate. He initiatives to be a second-line scoring winger who ought to see high power-play minutes.
His aggressive nature will make him an efficient agitator as he learns to bodily impose himself on opponents. He must hone the competitiveness and physicality to extend its effectiveness, however he’s precisely the kind of participant groups covet due to the distinctive mixture of offensive expertise and aggressive hearth.
Martone’s capability to attain and make performs will make him a troublesome participant to defend within the NHL. There are considerations about Martone’s pace and skating posture. His pace has improved this season, however Martone wants so as to add explosiveness to his skating to hit his ceiling.
His distinctive mixture of scoring capability, measurement and laborious ability make him a really enticing prospect. Whereas his most assured projection is as a top-six ahead, Martone has a reputable probability to turn out to be a top-line winger if his skating improves.
5. Anton Frondell, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
Frondell is a flexible two-way ahead that performs each middle and proper wing. His flexibility is enticing to groups, though many imagine he’s most definitely to succeed in his potential as a winger within the NHL.
Frondell is coming off one of the crucial productive seasons by an under-18 participant in Allsvenskan historical past, giving him a assured projection as a first-line NHL ahead. He is a cerebral participant, who picks aside defenders in one-on-one conditions and defensive protection in offensive zone play. The main points of Frondell’s sport are translatable, together with wonderful forechecking capability, willingness to assault the center of the ice and high-end anticipation on each side of the puck.
He has proven play-driving capabilities in opposition to males within the Allsvenskan, which has translated to the NHL for different prospects prior to now. He is projected to provide between 75-85 factors per season. His type of play interprets properly and has executives enthusiastic about his capability to step within the league within the subsequent 18 months.
He impressed throughout the bodily testing and interview parts of the scouting mix, leaving many groups impressed. His two-way capability mixed with nice anticipation and a high-end shot make him one of many extra thrilling prospects within the class.
6. Roger McQueen, F, Brandon (WHL)
Described as “a unicorn” as a result of he is a 6-5 middle who skates with the pace and mobility that you’d anticipate from a smaller participant, McQueen has been a sizzling matter all season.
He profiles as a prototypical modern-day energy ahead who blends delicate ability with physicality. Elite right-handed facilities are uncommon within the NHL, and McQueen’s measurement and willingness to bodily dictate play provides plain worth. He has skilled defensive habits which are translatable to the NHL, and distinctive offensive upside that’s nonetheless creating given the lack of taking part in time on account of harm throughout his draft season.
McQueen dominates the cycle sport, creates offense on the frenzy and makes use of his bodily presents to dominate the cycle and shield pucks. His projection as an elite top-line middle lacks confidence, on account of lack of taking part in time from his again harm. With out the harm, we may be discussing McQueen close to the highest of this draft class as a result of his package deal of skating, ability and bodily presents are uncommon, and the kind of toolbox of which executives dream.
He’s a textbook case of high-risk, high-reward participant; nonetheless, his efficiency on the scouting mix went alongside to proving his again harm had healed fully. Enjoying in opposition to more durable competitors, the place McQueen will probably be compelled to develop his capability to guard himself, the puck management and skill to create offense in opposition to larger our bodies will probably be vital. If developed with out setback, he may turn out to be a two-way power within the NHL for years to come back.
7. Caleb Desnoyers, F, Moncton (QMJHL)
Desnoyers would possibly go loads greater than the place I’ve him, as a result of he might be probably the greatest two-way gamers within the draft. Described as a “coach’s dream” due to his capability to take an offensive or checking task and execute constantly. He makes good, easy performs, offers a bodily presence on the forecheck and customarily agitates and makes life troublesome on defenders.
He initiatives to be a top quality second-line middle with a good probability of changing into a first-line participant. He is cerebral, with fast arms and playmaking capability. He isn’t flashy, however he is constantly efficient and makes clever performs with the puck.
Executives love listening to the phrase “dependable” from scouts, and that phrase is ideal to explain Desnoyers. He is at his finest when he is in pressure-packed video games as a result of he finds a strategy to make the required performs to win. Many scouts imagine he will probably be a frontrunner within the NHL, with strong play on each side of the puck, in all conditions.
As one scouting director described “he is the kind of participant you win with.” Some have quietly in contrast him to Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews, who’re lofty comparisons, to say the very least.
8. Jackson Smith, D, Tri-Metropolis (WHL)
Smith is an enormous, bodily defenseman with untapped offensive capability and is the consensus second-best defender within the draft class behind Schaefer.
He possesses all of the qualities of a top-four matchup man. He defends the frenzy properly, closes gaps and steers the play in transition, making him probably the greatest neutral-zone, transition defenders within the class. Given the significance of transition protection in a matchup function, Smith has an actual probability to the man coaches depend upon to play heavy minutes in opposition to the very best gamers.
His mix of skating, measurement and poise with an offensive sport that progressed positively because the season wore on makes me a believer that there’s extra to present, and taking part in at Penn State subsequent season ought to assist it alongside.
Smith stands 6-3, and executives love the simplicity of his sport, studying stress, disrupting performs and making efficient passes to exit the zone. He lacks explosive skating, and the constant creativity required to be a top quality offensive contributor on the NHL degree, however his reads are there to be a plus transition participant and be part of the frenzy as a help participant.
Smith’s growth from right here will probably be about utilizing his wonderful mobility to stop rush offense and changing into a extra constant offensive risk with higher puck administration. If Smith can drive play on each side of the puck in transition and turn out to be a power-play risk, there’s an actual probability he turns into a No. 2 defender on the NHL degree.
9. Jake O’Brien, F, Brantford (OHL)
Misleading and extremely easy, O’Brien initiatives to be a point-producing, top-six middle with an opportunity to turn out to be a top-line middle. The correct-handed pivot is likely one of the finest playmakers within the draft, creating high-danger probabilities with regularity; for my cash, he’s the very best pure creator within the draft.
He constantly manipulates defenders, distributes the puck on the forehand and backhand and makes use of fakes that ship flip defenders and goalies into pretzels. The event will come from simplifying offensive performs to eradicate turnovers attributable to holding the puck for too lengthy.
O’Brien’s shot goes to be a crucial growth space if his passing is to be an elite risk within the NHL. There may be threat right here, as a result of he is slighter than different gamers obtainable on the middle place, however he has room to fill out over the following few years. O’Brien’s elite playmaking expertise will probably be that rather more precious if he can add a pace gear and enhance his taking pictures risk.
He is two or three years away from taking part in an impactful function within the NHL, and endurance might be the important thing to O’Brien reaching his top-line ceiling. If he does, he’ll be an elite power-play quarterback and offensive driver.
10. Victor Eklund, F, Djurgardens (Allsvenskan)
Eklund initiatives as a top-six ahead with a superb probability of changing into a top-line contributor. There is a distinct chance he falls out of the highest 10 this week, which might imply excessive worth for anybody who selects him. Regardless of considerations about his measurement — he is 5-11, 161 kilos — Eklund’s type of play could be very translatable to the NHL. He performs loads larger than his measurements recommend, and there may be room so as to add energy. Ought to he develop, which has occurred to different prospects prior to now, Eklund’s projection turns into extra assured as a 70-point producer with a high-end motor and wonderful forechecking functionality.
Eklund is great in transition and assaults defenders with pace and fearlessness, darting to the within, and positioning his physique to win or shield pucks. His smaller measurement has compelled him to discover ways to shield the puck with wonderful physique positioning. If he develops a much bigger, stronger body, these expertise will make him much more troublesome to defend within the offensive zone.
His off-puck play is mature, and can shortly earn the belief of NHL coaches. Eklund has the potential to be a difference-maker in a second-line function, and his mix of hard-nosed play with delicate ability ought to translate extra seamlessly than different gamers.
11. Carter Bear, F, Everett (WHL)
Bear is the kind of participant {that a} workforce in search of high-end instincts and playmaking covet. Earlier than a season-ending harm in March, Bear was one of many CHL’s most harmful offensive gamers and a dependable defensive ahead. He is versatile, in that he performs middle and the wing, and initiatives as a 65- to 75-point, second-line participant, most definitely on the wing.
He is a top quality playmaker utilizing completely different passes to create benefits in harmful areas. His capability to control defenders and create area for teammates whereas pulling protection in direction of him ought to translate properly within the NHL. He is acquired good arms in tight areas, which make him a risk across the internet, and is likely one of the finest offensive facilitators within the draft class.
On high of his offensive presents, Bear’s defensive play makes him a top quality two-way participant. His stick positioning permits him to disrupt passes, and he is a tenacious forechecker who tracks properly on the backcheck and finishes hits. His skating posture must be extra upright to permit him to develop a extra explosive stride to reap the benefits of his offensive expertise in transition, however the instincts and execution of performs exist already.
Bear is an efficient combine of sentimental and laborious ability with projectable traits on each side of the puck, and he’s the kind of participant who ought to thrive in a matchup function whereas contributing offensively.
12. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL)
A 6-6, right-handed defenseman with first rate mobility who performs in all conditions has scouts very excited, and he might be the second defenseman drafted on Friday. He is very troublesome to get round, routinely thwarting attackers of their tracks and killing performs. He initiatives as a top-four, shutdown defenseman due to his wonderful stick work, mobility and transition protection. Mrtka makes use of his mobility to flee stress, activate within the rush and make high quality passes to the center of the ice.
Mrtka ought to grow to be a robust transition defender, a dependable penalty killer and environment friendly puck mover. He shoots the puck laborious and will turn out to be extra of a scoring risk if he can choose his spots to get pucks by way of. Whereas the whole lot flowed by way of him in Seattle, there are well-placed considerations about his lack of offense.
His measurement and physicality give him the instruments to develop right into a minute-munching, shutdown defender if his mobility continues to progress. His late birthday provides him plenty of growth runway to refine his skating, offensive playmaking, and physicality in all areas of the ice.
13. Brady Martin, F, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
A Swiss Military knife kind of participant who will probably be handiest on the wing due to his sturdy wall play, Martin initiatives as a middle-six ahead able to scoring 20 objectives routinely, with upside as a second-line ahead.
He is a wrecking ball that may convey worth in all three zones, on and off the puck. Martin has scouts raving about him after a wonderful efficiency on the IIHF under-18 championship, with many opining that he may go very early within the first spherical. He is a workhorse with out an off swap, who brings a mix of physicality and laborious ability. He is a nightmare to comprise together with his brute energy, and forces defenders into precarious positions with good pace and willingness to make “successful” performs.
Martin finds methods to get entangled bodily if he does not have his “A” sport offensively, and executives love that. If Martin’s scoring does not translate, he’ll be a precious third-line pest.
A number of groups talked about how spectacular Martin was throughout interviews on the mix. Mix a beautiful persona with the hard-nosed type, and it types a uncommon mixture that’s precious to many scouts who imagine he is the kind of participant groups must win within the playoffs. Certainly, his point out of Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett as a task mannequin grabbed consideration. He’ll probably be lengthy passed by the early teenagers — however that doesn’t devalue the gamers who will probably be chosen after him.
14. Justin Carbonneau, F, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
Carbonneau possesses an offensive toolbox that groups covet, together with highly effective skating and eye-popping creativity. He initiatives as a second-line scoring ahead with vital variance and is more likely to find yourself as a middle-six participant who thrives in opposition to secondary matchups. Carbonneau can drive offense together with his playmaking and taking pictures capability and performs a well-rounded offensive sport that features taking part in by way of contact, wonderful puckhandling expertise and above-average skating.
As is the case with any participant who possess unimaginable upside, there may be inherent threat. He has a bodily mature physique (6-1, 191 kilos), and might want to regulate to the pace of the skilled sport. He thrives when given time and area, and his development will come from studying to simplify his offensive play and make higher choices with the puck. There are instruments to turn out to be a really efficient energy ahead within the NHL who can rating 25 objectives if he provides a cerebral element to his sport.
15. Lynden Lakovic, F, Moose Jaw (WHL)
The 6-4 left winger has translatable scoring capability, and wonderful pace for his measurement. With room to fill out his body, Lakovic is a beautiful prospect.
He assaults with linear crossovers utilizing his large body to guard the puck, and he makes performs utilizing good deception. He has the potential to be a dual-threat winger on the NHL degree if his passing interprets the way in which many imagine his taking pictures will. Lakovic initiatives to be a middle-six winger with honest confidence due to his scoring capability, pace and measurement, however there’s a probability he turns into a second-line scoring risk.
Lakovic’s growth will come on the bodily facet. Whereas he’s supremely expert, he must lean on defenders and power his strategy to center ice to reap the benefits of his fast arms and shot. If he does, he turns into a considerably extra harmful participant, as he’ll be a risk in transition and off the cycle. That’s actually a developable ability that interprets to any degree, and mixed with high quality offensive instincts and ability, may see Lakovic turn out to be a dual-threat, 65-point winger.
16. Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin (NCAA)
The 6-2 defender initiatives to turn out to be a second-pair blueliner that excels in transition. He is likely one of the finest neutral-zone defenders and puck movers within the draft, who steadily improved as a real freshman within the NCAA. His puck retrievals, breakout passes and offensive-zone passes constantly put his workforce in additional advantageous attacking positions. Being a right-handed defender with wonderful mobility and an simply translatable sport makes Hensler a really enticing prospect on this class.
The are considerations amongst NHL scouts associated to Hensler’s offensive talents and the way he would possibly fare within the NHL. Nevertheless, Hensler confirmed flashes within the again half of the NCAA season, drawing defenders in and making slick performs for high-danger scoring alternatives. He is unlikely to turn out to be a 60-point defender, however 35-45 factors as a gentle transition defender who performs a shutdown function appears to be the suitable projection.
His NHL-ready body is a plus, and can solely enhance all through his collegiate profession, which is more likely to be one other two seasons.
17. Braeden Cootes, F, Seattle (WHL)
Cootes is more likely to be the primary middle taken within the again half of the primary spherical and will probably be a goal for groups in search of a two-way, high-motor middle. He lacks explosive offense, however with some growth of his taking pictures mechanics, he may turn out to be a 60-point, two-way middle. Scouts love how constantly he strikes his toes all through his shifts, his drive to play by way of the center of the ice and his capability to create benefits for himself together with his skating and compete degree.
His capability to create area for his teammates and transfer the puck to advantageous areas of the ice is extremely translatable. He is proactive together with his contact, strikes the puck to the center of the ice and is dependable on each side of the puck, in each space of the ice.
A robust skater and chief, his flooring is probably going a third-line checking middle, however the potential for him to turn out to be a two-way, second-line middle needs to be enticing to groups who’re keen to wager on offensive growth.
18. Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener (OHL)
There’s loads to like about Reid’s sport — and quite a lot of various opinions. Some scouts see him as a top-15 choose, others see him as a mid-20s choose, and all of it hinges on their perception in his offensive sport. Reid is a play driver from the again finish with wonderful puck-moving expertise and wonderful skating. He flashes high-end offensive capability within the type of setups and shifting to seek out and create passing lanes to high-danger areas; nonetheless, his shot might want to turn out to be extra of a risk to keep away from his distribution being neutralized within the NHL.
In transition, he is probably the greatest on each side of the puck. His easy puck retrievals — the place he always shoulder checks and scans to keep away from stress — led to environment friendly breakouts. When beneath duress, he makes use of elite edgework to flee and shake stress, following with a fast outlet cross to beat the forecheck.
The consensus perception is that he is a middle-pairing, transition defender who can flip right into a bona fide No. 3 if he develops his offense and grows an inch or two; at present he is listed at 5-11.
19. Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL)
There is a very actual probability that Aitcheson is drafted close to the highest 10 given the kind of sport he performs and the thirst amongst NHL groups for chunk on the again finish.
His projection as a No. 4/5 defender sees him under different gamers with greater upside. Aitcheson performs with all types of truculence and aggression, whereas possessing an aura of confidence on and off the puck. He is acquired all of the makings of being a whole menace who performs powerful minutes as a No. 4 defender.
Whether or not it’s a preseason sport or the playoffs, Aitcheson performs the identical tough type, and is unafraid of decreasing the increase on opponents. He wants to select his spots higher to keep away from pointless penalties, however he is the kind of participant that requires opponents to remember when he is on the ice. Scouts see him as hard-nosed, two-way defender with vital chunk who is usually a momentum-shifter together with his bodily presence.
He wants growth time, as his skating and playmaking are very uncooked, however the aggressive attributes and his growth curve this season are very promising. Aitcheson’s offensive involvement developed because the season progressed, rotating together with his teammates, diving down in direction of the high-danger space and changing into extra harmful with open ice.
He is probably two or three years away from being able to step in. However when he does, he is precisely the kind of defender each coach and GM need on their workforce.
20. Cole Reschny, F, Victoria (WHL)
The 2-way middle brings a wonderful mixture of hockey sense, playmaking and creativity to be a middle-six contributor able to constantly producing 60 factors. He lacks elite skating, however his mix outcomes raised eyebrows — tying Frondell for tops in VO2 max. Whereas that is not indictive of NHL success, it reveals a specific dedication to conditioning, and people in NHL circles take note of these outcomes.
Reschny is smaller — 5-10, 183 kilos — and depends on his cerebral method and wonderful passing talents to create benefit all around the ice. He processes the sport higher than many within the draft class, permitting him to handle stress and put himself in higher puck-protection positions.
Defensively, Reschny’s instincts lead to positionally sound play, frequently taking part in above the puck, disrupting passes, and speaking task switches. He is acquired the potential to be an amazing two-way complementary middle that creates offense with out separating pace. His reads will nearly absolutely see him play a penalty-killing function and somebody who’s relied upon when his workforce is holding a lead.
21. Benjamin Kindel, F, Calgary (WHL)
Kindel is a scoring machine. Following a 60-point rookie marketing campaign within the WHL in 2023-24, he vaulted into elite standing this season, ending seventh in general scoring, and was wonderful at even energy.
Although undersized at 5-10, 176 kilos, Kindel blends tempo, imaginative and prescient and high quality instincts, and he initiatives to be a middle-six winger with two-way capability. Kindel’s motor is relentless, which makes up for his lack of pace, and permits him to weave by way of site visitors and execute give-and-go’s with ease. A dual-threat attacker, he pairs an correct shot with harmful passing capability. His elite hockey sense permits him to constantly outsmart opponents and set teammates up with inventive performs in harmful areas with time and area, whereas taking part in positionally sound hockey off the puck.
Defensively and on the forecheck, Kindel leverages his intelligence, anticipation and energy to win battles regardless of measurement disadvantages. He’ll must refine and enhance his skating posture and puck management, whereas including one other pace gear to reach the NHL.
Whereas the potential exists for Kindel to a top-six NHL participant, he’s extra more likely to discover himself within the middle-six as a complementary piece.
22. Cullen Potter, F, Arizona State (NCAA)
Potter is a dynamic skater who’s the quickest straight-line skater within the draft class, and his explosive mobility ranks among the many draft’s finest. Making an unusual leap from the NTDP’s under-17 workforce straight to NCAA play, Potter displayed elite acceleration and agility, effortlessly shifting from stride to crossover and slicing sharply by way of defenders. Initially reliant on uncooked ability, Potter usually averted bodily battles and compelled “hope performs,” limiting his effectiveness within the first half of the NCAA season.
Potter’s evolution within the second half of the season elevated his sport dramatically, and it was inconceivable to not discover. He embraced defensive obligations, improved his bodily play regardless of his 5-10 body, received puck battles and crammed lanes on the backcheck. Potter’s positional play improved, and his off-puck play improved in consequence.
The added defensive dimension enhances his offensive abilities, elevating his flooring to a bottom-six checker, whereas his upside could be very excessive as a top-six ahead due to his steep growth curve. Growth of his transition play and studying to make use of his explosive skating and correct shot whereas altering gears will make him a extra harmful offensive risk.
23. Malcolm Spence, F, Erie (OHL)
Spence initiatives with confidence as a high-energy, two-way winger suited completely for a Stanley Cup contender’s third line. He possess a relentless motor, bodily tenacity, {and professional} defensive habits. There are well-placed considerations that his sport lacks a real dynamic offensive aspect, however the present type of his sport simply interprets to NHL, with the next flooring than different gamers on this space of the category.
At his finest, Spence is a disruptive power, ferocious on the forecheck, relentless on the wall and defensively dependable. He thrives alongside expert teammates, creating area by way of together with his effort, and the power to capitalize on scoring alternatives in harmful areas of the ice. Scouts like Spence’s game-changing impression, particularity his forechecking, success in puck battles and skill to attract penalties.
His offensive development plateaued this season and has tempered expectations about his ceiling. His projection as a third-line winger with a bottom-six flooring is expounded to that scoring plateau. If Spence can assert bodily dominance, playmaking consistency and see an uptick in scoring, there’s a probability he turns into a secondary contributor within the center six. Regardless, Spence’s mix of competitiveness, skilled particulars and defensive reliability makes him a strong wager to turn out to be a key commentary piece on a contender who probably excels as the sport will get extra bodily.
24. Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George (WHL)
Ravensbergen is the clear-cut high goaltender prospect on this draft. He initiatives a composed, assured demeanor, with a assured projection as a beginning NHL goaltender who can deal with a major workload.
At 6-foot-5, he leverages measurement, elite anticipation and crisp lateral agility, constantly positioning himself completely to disclaim shooters with out pointless flash. He tracks the puck a degree above his friends, which permits him to confidently problem shooters and reduce angles successfully. He’s significantly susceptible by way of the five-hole, which is not atypical for big goalies who hover sticks above the ice. As he develops and refines his approach, this weak point needs to be corrected lengthy earlier than he reaches the NHL.
A dependable backstop for Prince George, Ravensbergen’s .901 save proportion stands out much more when contemplating the high-danger probabilities he frequently confronted. His rebound management is properly above common, and he has an above-average glove hand. He frequently has his blocker angled properly, enabling him to direct photographs safely away from hazard.
It’s probably that Ravensbergen turns into a platoon starter till his mid-20s, when he’s able to turn out to be a full-time NHL starter who performs 60-65 video games per season.
25. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton (WHL)
Fiddler is likely one of the draft’s most intriguing defenders together with his mix of measurement (6-4), mobility and untapped upside.
With NHL household historical past (Vernon Fiddler is his father), he carried out properly on the worldwide stage, leaving scouts and executives believing that his defensive-zone dominance and transition ability will make the NHL transition simpler. Fiddler’s defensive toolkit stands out. His mobility lends itself to tight hole management, balanced pivots and high-quality neutral-zone protection. Bodily imposing, he constantly disrupts opposing assaults, maintains sturdy physique positioning, and proactively eliminates threats away from the puck whereas staying positionally sound.
Protection is his clear calling card, however Fiddler flashes creativity on offense. He manipulates defenders with fakes, executes troublesome breakout passes beneath stress, and flashes high-end puck expertise every now and then.
To succeed in his ceiling of a second-pairing defenseman, Fiddler might want to refine his reads, timing, and decision-making to restrict miscues with the puck. He’ll probably require endurance over the following few years, however with continued growth in hole management, consciousness and bodily engagement, he profiles confidently as a dependable second-pair shutdown defender able to driving play in transition.
26. Jack Nesbitt, F, Windsor (OHL)
Nesbitt is an clever, two-way middle whose sport is rooted in competitiveness, defensive reliability, and off-puck hockey IQ. He excels defensively through the use of his 6-4 body to interrupt up performs with bodily engagement and good stick positioning to select off pucks. His hockey sense constantly locations him in sturdy positions in all three zones, permitting him to create turnovers and execute fast passes to create harmful probabilities off these turnovers.
His offensive upside hinges on his skating, which is a priority. His stiff skating stride and lack of demonstrated flexibility on the mix would possibly restrict how a lot he can enhance. Regardless of flashes of ability, he struggles to maneuver previous defenders, and his inconsistent puck dealing with beneath stress usually disrupts his playmaking.
Nesbitt confirmed enchancment all through the season, leveraging his measurement offensively and initiating extra contact extra constantly. If these enhancements proceed, and he is capable of enhance his skating stride, he initiatives confidently as a reliable middle-six middle who can anchor a defensive position and help expert gamers greater up the lineup.
27. Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston College (NCAA)
One of the mentioned and debated defenders within the draft, Boumedienne initiatives as a second-pair, two-way defender.
Already often called a superb breakout passer with a heavy slap shot and robust stick play, Boumedienne’s defensive sport developed noticeably at Boston College. Buoyed by steadily enhancing his skating weaknesses, significantly his agility and edge work, he appeared the a part of a contemporary shutdown defenseman, particularly in transition. He developed better stability, enabling simpler hole management and faster pivots. Proactive reads, sturdy positioning, physicality and efficient disruption of passing lanes allowed his defensive sport to blossom.
Whereas his offensive sport stays primarily rush-based reasonably than within the offensive zone, Boumedienne’s willingness to experiment with fakes and deception improved his transition impression considerably. The volatility of his projection stays excessive, however Boumedienne’s substantial in-season development, defensive reliability and refined skating provide sensible upside as an efficient second-pair, two-way defender on the NHL degree who can produce secondary offense.
28. Ryker Lee, F, Madison (USHL)
One of the expert and inventive forwards within the draft, and a few scouts have him ranked within the late teenagers due to their perception in his upside.
Lee is a dynamic offensive participant who constantly cuts by way of defensive protection with elite puckhandling and misleading passes. His one-timer is likely one of the finest within the draft class. With a full complement of high-end instruments, Lee has a uncommon capability to create offense in tight quarters with restricted area, and he stood out amongst his USHL friends. He manipulates defenders and delivers elite passes beneath stress. He constantly makes translatable performs like one-touch breakouts, pretend receptions, and fast releases in scoring areas. Because the season progressed, he confirmed a willingness to forecheck, battle and apply stress defensively.
The obtrusive query is his skating. His stride is stiff and lacks explosiveness. Lee will want main strides in mobility to maximise his offensive toolkit on the NHL degree. That being mentioned, if he provides a step or two to pair together with his ability, Lee has the ability to turn out to be a inventive, middle-six playmaker with top-six upside.
29. Jack Murtagh, F, USNTDP (USHL)
Murtagh emerged as a flexible, energetic winger and cemented himself because the NTDP’s most compelling prospect in a down 12 months.
He performs a relentless type and possesses an explosive stride, thriving in puck battles, constantly leveraging his straight-line pace and physicality to energy by way of opponents and create scoring probabilities. He owns a robust shot package deal, together with an explosive one-timer, and Murtagh is equally harmful off the frenzy. Murtagh’s growth as a playmaker elevated his inventory within the eyes of scouts. He frequently demonstrated above-average consciousness, spectacular passing ability to get the puck to probably the most harmful areas of the ice. His capability to enrich scoring with high-level distribution ought to proceed to develop on the NCAA degree at Boston College.
To unlock a transparent NHL middle-six ceiling, Murtagh should diversify his transition method, use teammates extra constantly and rely much less solely on uncooked pace and energy. Even with out dynamic creativity, his tenacious type, goal-scoring instincts and improved playmaking undertaking safely to a third-line NHL energy ahead function.
30. Invoice Zonnon, F, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)
Zonnon is a relentless and detail-oriented two-way ahead who has carved out a repute as one of many CHL’s hardest-working gamers. With an 83-point breakout marketing campaign in his first full-time season at middle, Zonnon mixed a high-end motor, uncooked however efficient playmaking and relentless puck pursuit that allowed him to be a play driver in all three zones. He excels on the forecheck, pressuring defenders into rushed choices, successful battles and shifting pucks to teammates in scoring areas.
Offensively, he makes good reads beneath stress, threading pucks by way of tight lanes and constantly places his workforce in advantageous positions. His capability to help defensively, facilitate transitions and bodily impose himself makes him best the kind of ahead groups need within the playoffs.
His skating stays a limiting issue, and he’ll want to enhance his agility and posture to succeed in his offensive ceiling. If Zonnon can refine his stride and proceed to develop his playmaking, he initiatives as a middle-six driver who blends tenacity and has the makings of a precious third-liner whom playoff groups covet.
31. Shane Vansaghi, F, Michigan State (NCAA)
A gentle riser because the season progressed, Vansaghi is a tenacious energy winger whose bodily dominance and aggressive hearth make him one of the crucial NHL-ready gamers within the draft. Many nights, he appeared like a person amongst boys with wonderful forechecking, delivering punishing checks to defenders who have been retrieving pucks, and bulldozing by way of contact to determine inside place.
Offensively, Vansaghi confirmed flashes of reputable upside, with good puckhandling, a heavy launch that caught goaltenders abruptly, and the power to beat defenders one-on-one. His net-front play and skill to win physique place in tight areas reveals that he may be an efficient net-front participant on the NHL degree if he can deflect pucks and knock rebounds dwelling.
His skating lacks explosiveness and agility, and can want vital revamp which may be powerful given his bodily maturity. If he could make enhancements to his first few steps, Vansaghi may evolve right into a middle-six power who enhances ability with relentless bodily play.
32. William Moore, F, USNTDP (USHL)
Moore stays one of many extra intriguing upside bets regardless of a plateau in growth over two seasons with the NTDP.
The sensation amongst scouts is that Moore’s plateau is expounded to the construction the NTDP performs with, in that it stifles creativity, and I might agree with that evaluation. Moore is a talented ahead with sturdy skating, good puck ability and offensive instincts. He has moments of absolute brilliance, manipulating defenders with crossovers, threading look-off passes and showcasing high-end puck safety.
At his finest, Moore combines finesse with energy, successful battles alongside the wall, creating screens and asserting physique place to generate offense. It’s a high quality mix of laborious and delicate ability. He excels in possession and may command shifts with misleading motion and slick arms in tight area. The shortage of consistency in his play results in questions on what kind of participant Moore could be on the NHL degree.
An absence of bodily energy and assertiveness with out the puck lessens his impression most of the time, resulting in quiet nights and “invisibility” monikers. If Moore can elevate his engagement degree and enhance energy, there may be actual second-line potential on the subsequent degree. In any other case, he initiatives as a flexible third-line ahead who can contribute on a second power-play unit and supply complementary offense.
33. Nathan Behm, F, Kamloops (WHL)
Behm is a dynamic winger with the ability to develop right into a middle-six NHL scorer and an outdoor shot at changing into a second-line scorer. He combines inventive playmaking, misleading taking pictures, and above-average puck dealing with to generate offense. He beats defenders by manipulating them and utilizing his attain to tug pucks by way of site visitors. His delicate arms enable him to catch pucks effortlessly and execute fast slot passes and photographs.
He has an NHL-ready construct, however he’ll want to enhance tempo and interact bodily to succeed in his potential. If he can develop and refine these areas, he initiatives as a dual-threat offensive ahead in a scoring function; with out it, he settles right into a bottom-six ahead. As a participant obtainable late within the first spherical or within the second, he is a worthwhile swing on upside.
34. Cameron Schmidt, F, Vancouver (WHL)
The aim scorer is more likely to go loads decrease than I’ve him, however his scoring capability is among the many finest within the draft class. He possesses elite ending ability, high-end pace and above-average puck dealing with.
He scores in a wide range of methods: off the frenzy, by way of site visitors, and on one-timers. He is troublesome to learn as a result of he is misleading in his actions to seek out or create area. Regardless of his 5-7 body, Schmidt provides a uncommon bodily edge and flashes playmaking high quality.
For apparent causes, scouts and executives query whether or not or not he could be efficient on the NHL degree — the numbers recommend he has a reputable shot if he grows to 5-9. He is a boom-or-bust choose; if he rounds out his playmaking and makes use of his full offensive toolkit on a constant foundation, Schmidt may turn out to be a dynamic second-line scorer and one of many draft’s largest steals.
35. Henry Brzustewicz, D, London (OHL)
Brzustewicz is the following prospect from the manufacturing unit that’s the London Knights. The blueliner initiatives as a gentle, cell transition defender with the potential to develop right into a No. 4 or 5 NHL blueliner.
A right-handed shot with a robust defensive basis, he maintains good hole management, strikes the puck very properly and helps performs whereas remaining positionally sound. In an elevated function, his offensive creativity developed dramatically. He jumped into the frenzy, evaded forecheckers and created scoring probabilities with high quality passes to the slot.
If he continues to develop his confidence and play-driving capability, Brzustewicz may evolve right into a dependable second-pairing defender. With out that development, he nonetheless holds worth as a depth puck mover with a superb defensive basis.
36. Cole McKinney, F, USNTDP (USHL)
Not in contrast to his teammates, McKinney probably had his offense stifled with this system, and there have been indicators that he has extra to present. He initiatives as a aggressive third-line middle with above-average two-way play. The NTDP’s main scorer — and one of many USHL’s most effective producers — McKinney’s standout attributes embody relentless puck pursuit, good positioning and robust penalty-killing instincts.
Offensively, he thrives off the cycle, helps play with well timed passes and fast choices and is an above-average net-front presence. Whereas his puck dealing with and taking pictures restrict high six upside, some scouts imagine there may be extra upside as a middle-six participant. At a minimal, his motor, defensive worth, and play-driving habits give him a transparent path to a bottom-six NHL function.
37. Milton Gästrin, F, MoDo (J20 Nationell)
Gästrin is likely one of the most well-rounded and translatable two-way facilities within the draft, projecting as a dependable third-line NHLer.
He combines high-end defensive instincts, sturdy off-puck help and a relentless motor to have many scouts believing he’ll be a dependable checking middle. His playmaking continues to develop and would possibly give him extra offense than at present projected, however he’d probably high out between 30 and 40 factors.
Gästrin is a dependable play driver, and coaches will probably be snug taking part in him in all three zones. Whereas he lacks dynamic offensive upside, his intelligence, versatility, and regular skating growth make him a low-risk wager to turn out to be an efficient bottom-six middle.
38. Václav Nestrašil, F, Muskegon (USHL)
Nestrašil is a high-upside energy ahead who initiatives as a top-six NHL winger if his growth continues on its present path.
He’s a singular mix of above common puck ability and playmaking with measurement, motor and punishing bodily play. He excels with give-and-go’s, attacking off the wall, and creating area in site visitors. He constantly strikes the puck by way of carries or passes to the center of the ice, creating extra threatening alternatives.
He’s uncooked and considerably erratic together with his reads and timing; his continued enchancment and bodily toolkit give him reputable upside. If he turns into a extra constant risk, he is a second-line power; if not, his defensive worth and depth nonetheless undertaking a task as a bodily, bottom-six winger.
39. Carter Amico, D, USNTDP (USHL)
Amico is a 6-5 right-handed defenseman with the mobility, physicality and defensive instincts to develop right into a No. 4/5 NHL blueliner. Accidents are a priority, however when wholesome, he kills rushes with aggressive hole management, clears the crease with authority — a trait NHL scouts love — and begins breakouts with a superb first cross.
Offensively, he reveals flashes of playmaking, however restricted reps and inconsistencies (partly on account of a knee harm) go away questions on how excessive the ceiling is. If he stays wholesome and continues to develop his transition sport at Boston College, Amico has the instruments to turn out to be a bodily, play-driving defender with No. 4 upside.
40. Jacob Ihs-Wozniak, F, Lulua (J20 Nationell)
Ihs-Wozniak is a goal-scoring machine with probably the greatest ending touches within the class. He possesses an arsenal of shot varieties which are NHL-caliber, has nice off-puck instincts and a creating playmaking facet. That mixture of offensive expertise provides him reputable middle-six scoring upside. He occasions his actions for rebounds and slot probabilities very properly, making him troublesome to tie up. He isn’t a play driver, however his body, scoring contact and offensive instincts make him a superb wager to be a complementary participant.
To succeed in his ceiling, Ihs-Wozniak might want to enhance his pace, which is able to enhance his play in transition and his play alongside the wall. His potential as a power-play risk and aim scorer enhance his NHL flooring to a third-line participant.
41. Eric Nilson, F, Djurgardens IF (J20 Nationell)
Nilson initiatives as a defensively dependable, bottom-six checking middle with penalty-killing worth. A fluid skater with a excessive motor and robust two-way instincts, he constantly helps play in all three zones, eliminates area on the backcheck, and was one of many high defensive forwards at Sweden’s J20 degree.
Offensively, he can drive transition play and confirmed flashes of playmaking and a shot that might develop right into a risk. Scouts query his willingness to drive the center of the ice, given he’ll want to do this to be a two-way participant on the NHL degree. He’ll must develop his playmaking and fill out bodily to succeed in his potential. If he can develop these traits and mix them together with his sound defensive play, he’ll probably carve out a bottom-six function within the NHL.
42. Benjamin Kevan, F, Des Moines (USHL)
Kevan is a talented and speedy winger who initiatives as a possible middle-six scoring risk if he rounds out his sport. A dynamic skater with elite transition capability and flashy puck ability, Kevan creates off the frenzy with give-and-go’s and inventive passes. He makes use of his pace defensively to stress puck carriers on the backcheck.
Kevan must develop his offensive-zone play to be a extra well-rounded offensive risk. If he provides energy and a component of physicality, Kevan may evolve right into a two-way, play-driving winger. He is an upside wager together with his ability set, however probably finally ends up an AHL scorer if he cannot polish his offensive-zone play.
43. Alexander Zharovsky, F, Tolpar Ufa (MHL)
Zharovsky has a few of the finest arms within the draft class, definitely. He is an elite puck handler with high-end creativity and offensive instincts that make him one of the crucial expert European forwards within the draft.
After a sluggish begin, he exploded for 46 factors in 29 MHL video games and held his personal in KHL playoff motion. Zharovsky manipulates defenders to create for each himself and teammates, displaying dual-threat potential as a scorer and playmaker. His skating and defensive play want growth, however his uncooked ability ceiling is plain.
He’s a boom-or-bust winger, however his efficiency on the KHL degree is an indicator that he is probably to achieve success within the NHL. With correct growth, he may turn out to be a middle-six scorer and power-play risk within the NHL.
44. Max Pšenička, D, Portland (WHL)
One of many largest risers within the again half of the season, Pšenička initiatives as a two-way, shutdown defenseman with the instruments to turn out to be a dependable No. 4/5 on the NHL degree. He brings good pace, physicality and good defensive reads, constantly forcing dump-ins and battling for place. Offensively, he reveals flashes of creativity on breakouts and rush activation, and growth in puck management and passing precision will solely enhance his offensive projection.
His aggressive play and competitiveness make him a playoff-type defender. At 6-4 and 176 kilos, there may be greater than sufficient room to fill out his body, which is more likely to make him a robust net-front presence within the NHL. If he continues to develop his offensive sport and provides energy, Pšenička has the upside to turn out to be a dependable second-pair defender with some grit.
45. Kurban Limatov, D, MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)
Limatov is a high-upside, boom-or-bust defenseman with second-pair NHL potential. He possesses elite mobility and bodily instruments, and at 6-3, his explosive skating permits him to evade forecheckers and drive play in transition.
Because the season progressed, his defensive reads improved and allowed him to play with extra physicality and aggressiveness. Offensively, Limatov is uncooked and considerably chaotic, however there are indicators of creativity. If he continues to enhance his decision-making, he may turn out to be a dynamic two-way defender. If not, he would possibly stay a high-minute KHL participant, however the NHL upside makes him an intriguing participant within the second spherical.
46. William Horcoff, F, College of Michigan (NCAA)
The son of former NHLer Shawn Horcoff, William initiatives as a defensively dependable third-line middle with measurement, energy and robust off-puck instincts. At practically 6-5, he is a disruptive power in his personal zone, utilizing his vary and physicality to stress puck attackers and trigger turnovers.
Offensively, he facilitates with good passes and makes use of his measurement to play with contact and shield the puck. He’ll must develop his skating from a pace and mobility perspective to develop offensively. If he provides a step with some explosiveness and fills out his body, Horcoff may turn out to be a bodily imposing, two-way pivot in a bottom-six NHL function who performs in opposition to secondary matchups.
47. Daniil Prokhorov, F, MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg (MHL)
One of the best ways to explain the 6-5 Prokhorov is a freight prepare on skates.
A bodily dominant winger with middle-six energy ahead upside, he is likely one of the most bodily imposing gamers within the draft. He delivers punishing hits, protects the puck properly and drives the online with power. His heavy shot and straight-line pace contributed to a 20-goal MHL season, with flashes of puck ability.
He must develop his hockey sense, and he appears to get tunnel imaginative and prescient, which limits his playmaking and general decision-making. If he improves his reads and off-puck consciousness, Prokhorov may turn out to be a uncommon, punishing middle-six winger. With out development, he nonetheless has a direct path to a depth NHL function by way of sheer physicality and measurement.
48. Jack Ivankovic, G, Brampton (OHL)
Ivankovic initiatives as a poised, technically sound platoon starter with the upside to turn out to be a No. 1 NHL goalie. Regardless of standing beneath 6 toes, he possesses elite skating, wonderful positioning and managed, affected person actions that enable him to trace and deal with chaos with ease.
A standout for Hockey Canada and under-18 gold medalist, he performs larger than his measurement, studying screens and staying composed beneath stress. Top stays the important thing concern amongst groups, however his father is 6-5, so there may be hope that Ivankovic grows one other couple of inches. If he does, his psychological make-up and technical basis make him a superb wager to be one the very best goaltenders within the class.
49. Luca Romano, F, Kitchener (OHL)
A high-speed middle with an amazing motor who initiatives as a middle-six, two-way ahead, Romano has play-driving worth in transition. He thrives off the frenzy, utilizing pace and edge work to hold pucks by way of zones and create probabilities whereas protecting his toes shifting.
Defensively, he is a relentless backchecker with good positioning and robust stickwork. He lacks dynamic offensive creativity, however flashes of playmaking and taking pictures in stride have me believing there may be extra to present offensively. If he develops his creativity and learns to make use of the area he creates together with his pace, Romano may evolve right into a dependable middle-six middle with pace and two-way capability.
50. Mason West, F, Edina Excessive (USHS-MN)
Undoubtedly, the very best general athlete within the draft class. A highschool quarterback with reputable school soccer potential and a hockey participant who may go within the high 50 of the NHL draft doesn’t come round too usually.
The 6-6 ahead possesses uncommon mobility, bodily instruments and intriguing upside. A pure shooter and easy skater, his manufacturing on the Minnesota Excessive College circuit at Edina Excessive was spectacular. When he stepped into the USHL, his growth hit warp pace.
For apparent causes, West could be very uncooked as a prospect. He reveals flashes of ability, an immovable net-front presence and rising bodily engagement. Given his rawness, he might want to develop his puck management, positioning and decision-making. Nevertheless, he’ll be capable to depend on his QB scanning expertise to assist develop his decision-making in hockey. With continued growth, there’s a actual probability he turns into a middle-six NHL energy ahead. The pure uncooked capability of this elite athlete has executives and scouts very excited.
51. Jacob Rombach, D, Lincoln (USHL)
One other of the actually tall and cell defensemen on this draft, Rombach has scouts believing in his shutdown capability.
The 6-6½ defender initiatives as a second-pair shutdown defenseman with elite defensive instincts and good puck retrievals. What separates him from comparable defenders is that he handles stress properly. He shoulder checks on retrievals, scans arising ice, absorbs contact and escapes stress with good passes.
He will not be an offensive contributor, however he may develop right into a plus transition participant offensively. To succeed in his ceiling, Rombach wants to enhance his skating posture, which is able to enable him to be extra bodily. With continued growth on the College of Minnesota, he may turn out to be a top quality shutdown defender in a top-four NHL function.
52. Eddie Genborg, F, Linkoping HC (J20 Nationell)
Genborg initiatives as a bottom-six checking winger with a robust probability to play NHL video games because of his measurement, physicality {and professional} particulars. At 6-2, he is a relentless forechecker with an amazing motor, performs a robust cycle sport and is great defensively. Genborg impressed by incomes over 20 SHL video games this season and main Sweden’s J20 league in aim tempo, which buoys his NHL projection confidence.
His scoring ought to translate as a result of it comes by way of net-front positioning and a superb catch-and-release shot. Whereas his offensive ceiling is restricted by instincts and common playmaking, his mix of energy, effort and two-way worth provides him a transparent NHL path as a bodily depth ahead.
53. Semyon Frolov, G, MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL)
A gentle riser within the rankings, Frolov initiatives as a 1B platoon goaltender with the potential to push for a bigger function.
At 6-3, Frolov blends sturdy puck monitoring and athleticism with good positioning. He is calm beneath stress, sharp together with his save choice and excels when dealing with high-danger probabilities. His aggressive play type provides worth and will turn out to be a energy if developed properly.
Splitting time throughout three MHL groups, he confirmed adaptability and consistency behind assorted defenses and may have little subject adjusting to a KHL function subsequent season. There are some who imagine Frolov will go early within the second spherical, as his measurement, pure athleticism and demeanor are enticing to groups.
54. Matthew Gard, F, Crimson Deer (WHL)
Gard initiatives as a dependable bottom-six checking middle with the motor, measurement and defensive IQ to earn an NHL function. He excels at pushing attackers to the perimeter, disrupting assaults and forechecking. Gard performs with nonstop vitality, combining energy and good physique positioning to win battles and create area for his teammates.
Whereas he is primarily a defensive participant, there are indicators that additional creating his playmaking and pace may enhance his offensive output. If his offensive growth plateaus, Gard’s excessive motor, detail-oriented sport makes him a robust wager to anchor an NHL fourth line, as a result of he is precisely the kind of participant coaches belief within the defensive zone and on the penalty kill.
55. Ivan Ryabkin, F, Muskegon (USHL)
One of the polarizing gamers within the draft class, Ryabkin is a boom-or-bust energy ahead with middle-six upside. He blends a fast launch, creativity and punishing physicality, albeit very inconsistently.
After a sluggish begin in Russia, his transfer to the USHL reignited his sport, the place he grew to become a high aim scorer within the second half. He is a risk off the frenzy with one-timers and in-tight finishes, and there are flashes of playmaking capability. His inconsistent tempo, poor decision-making and undisciplined physicality restrict his reliability and NHL potential.
If he can dial in his effort and particulars, Ryabkin’s distinctive mix of ability and grit may make him a harmful NHL scorer. In any other case, he is unlikely to be an NHL participant, which is why he is a candidate to fall out of the highest two rounds.
56. Ethan Czata, F, Niagara (OHL)
Czata initiatives as a bottom-six checking middle with sturdy defensive instincts, penalty-killing worth and underrated playmaking capability. Regardless of a drop in manufacturing, his defensive play was spectacular, with good positioning, physicality and skill to disrupt performs.
Offensively, he reveals flashes of high quality passing capability and spatial consciousness, particularly off the puck. His accountable two-way sport and laborious ability make him a robust candidate for an NHL depth function, however he’ll want so as to add some pace and develop his offensive playmaking capability to be something greater than a fourth-line middle.
57. Charlie Trethewey, D, USNTDP (USHL)
Trethewey initiatives as a No. 4/5 two-way defenseman with a mix of highly effective skating, physicality and a heavy shot.
Because the season progressed, he improved his scanning, stickwork and breakouts, and he turn out to be a gentle shutdown presence for the NTDP. He takes away time and area, delivers punishing hits and prompts with confidence. The subsequent step is to enhance his decision-making and passing when he prompts.
As his defensive particulars and play beneath stress proceed to develop, Trethewey’s sturdy bodily device equipment provides him reputable NHL potential as a hard-nosed, second-pair defenseman.
58. Theo Stockselius, F, Djurgardens (J20 Nationell)
Stockselius initiatives as a third-line, two-way ahead with sturdy playmaking instincts, laborious ability and projectable bodily instruments. A top quality passer with high-end hockey sense, he constantly creates offense with clever playmaking and passing.
He led Djurgardens in playoff scoring and have become a key contributor for Sweden’s under-18 workforce. Because the season progressed, Stockselius began to bodily have interaction and use his physique extra successfully, which ought to solely enhance as he bodily matures.
He’s a below-average skater when it comes to pace and mechanics, and can probably want to enhance that to hit his ceiling as a middle-six contributor. If he doesn’t enhance his skating — however can proceed compensating with good positioning and bodily play — he is more likely to turn out to be a bottom-six contributor within the NHL.
59. Haoxi (Simon) Wang, D, Oshawa (OHL)
Haoxi Wang is a real undertaking with second-pair NHL upside as a result of he has a uncommon mix of measurement (6-6) and elite mobility.
A late arrival to aggressive hockey, Wang continues to be studying the sport however reveals potential to turn out to be two-way defenseman by eliminating area, escaping stress and skating pucks by way of transition. OHL competitors uncovered his rawness as a prospect, with inconsistent reads and turnovers, however he constantly improved his retrievals, breakouts and defensive play.
With vital growth, Wang may turn out to be a rangy, shutdown defenseman with first rate puck-moving capability. He is a high-risk, high-reward swing who will take a look at any workforce’s growth employees.
60. L.J. Mooney, F, USNTDP (USHL)
It stays to be seen the place the diminutive Mooney will go, however he is certainly one of my favorites within the draft class. He is a high-energy winger with explosive pace, fast arms and a motor that does not have an off swap. He is dynamic off the frenzy and constantly beats defenders together with his pace and puck dealing with.
Regardless of considerations about his 5-7 body and questionable decision-making, he has extra separating expertise than many on this space. Many smaller gamers do not play the defensive facet of the puck, however that does not describe Mooney. He is constantly above the puck, in good positions and much more bodily engaged than anybody his measurement — in addition to most who’ve 5 inches and 25 kilos on him.
The truth that he thrives in chaos makes me imagine his hockey sense and decision-making will enhance. If he develops his playmaking, Mooney may turn out to be a middle-six spark plug with two-way impression who offers complementary scoring.
61. Hayden Paupanekis, F, Kelowna (WHL)
If a workforce desires a flexible Swiss Military knife kind of participant who can fill many roles, that is their man.
Paupanekis confirmed two sides this season: shutdown specialist in Spokane, and play driver in Kelowna. A aggressive, bodily middle with NHL-ready defensive element, Paupanekis constantly shut down opposing high strains. He isn’t particular at something, however he does the whole lot at a median or higher degree, and performs an expert type. He stays above the puck, helps his teammates, wins battles and it does not harm that he is 6-4. His skating and arms enable him to handle stress and make performs at pace, displaying there may be extra offensive upside to present.
Whereas his scoring instincts are a piece in progress, his pace, energy and penalty-killing potential give him a transparent bottom-six NHL projection with room to develop into extra.
62. Tyler Hopkins, F, Kingston (OHL)
Hopkins initiatives as a bottom-six ahead with a projectable defensive sport and the motor to be dependable in a checking function. He defends with professional particulars, remaining affected person, participating bodily and disrupting performs each on the forecheck and in transition. With good puck safety ability, he wins a lot of his puck battles.
Offensively, he makes environment friendly passes and has the skating to beat different gamers to pucks. Whereas his offensive upside is restricted, his playmaking has some developable traits. Given Hopkins’ excessive flooring as penalty-killing, dependable two-way ahead, he is what scouts name a “protected wager” to succeed in the NHL as a fourth-line ahead.
63. Peyton Kettles, D, Swift Present (WHL)
At 6-5, Kettles has a superb mix of measurement, physicality and robust defensive instincts. Trusted in all key defensive conditions, he makes use of his lengthy attain and good positioning to shut gaps, power attackers to the perimeter and win battles alongside the boards.
His puck shifting is restricted, which is probably going associated to his risk-averse type, however he did present flashes of with the ability to make performs beneath stress. His skating and mobility must develop for his play beneath stress to enhance, however he is one of many youngest gamers within the draft class and has an extended growth path than most. Kettles has the instruments to turn out to be a reliable, hard-to-play-against blueliner in a No. 4/5 shutdown function.
64. Kristian Epperson, F, Saginaw (OHL)
Epperson made probably the most of his second draft-eligible season, incomes top-line minutes subsequent to Michael Misa and proving he may drive play on his personal. He is a relentless forechecker who reads the play to time his routes and stifles the breakout.
Epperson has a superb mix of above-average playmaking, good hockey sense and a nonstop motor. He creates area, performs related together with his linemates, and helps performs throughout all three zones. He’ll want so as to add a step or two to be efficient on the NHL degree.
Whereas he stays a undertaking, the mixture of two-way play, puck-moving ability and hockey sense provides him a shot at carving out a third-line NHL function.
Honorable mentions
Adam Benak, F, Youngstown (USHL)
Aleksei Medvedev, G, London (OHL)
Conrad Fondrk, F, USNTDP (USHL)
Malte Vass, D, Farjestad (J20 Nationell)