Alphabetically listed by surname.

Check out this comprehensive 2025 quintessential rankings spreadsheet.

*Quotes from our Western based scout Trevor Curtis's Scouting Notebook.

*Photo:  Bill Zonnon, courtesy of QMJHL

Here's Upside's Prospect Tiers/Shelves

Under Construction...

RD Maxim Agafonov (6'2",198lbs)

Tolpar Ufa (MHL): 32gp/ 6g/ 7a/ 13pts, -1, 20 PIM

Toros Neftekamsk (VHL): 12gp/ 1g/ 2a/ 3pts, even, 4 PIM

The three big names coming out of Russia for defencemen in this year's draft class are Kurban Limatov, Artyom Vilchinsky, and a steady two-way blueliner by the name of Maxim Agafonov (#17 EU Skaters, #79 by McKenzie, and #49 by Button), who is tied for first overall in scoring by a U-18 player in the VHL- Russia's second-tier league. In the MHL, Russia's top Junior league, he is 9th in scoring (3rd in goals, 6th in ppg) for U-18 defensemen, but doesn't look out of place against older competition in the men's league. Agafonov is a calming, reliable presence on the backend, but has an underrated offensive game, and uses physicality in the course of his duties. He can play in all situations, as well as both sides of special teams. Right now, his main selling-point is his high-end defensive awareness, combined with his pro-style habits, and attention to detail. He is quite active and disruptive, and not only causes a high number of turnovers, but his stellar anticipation allows him to rack up takeaways at an inordinate rate. He protects his net aggressively, identifies oncoming threats quickly, then proactively sets little picks, and ties up sticks proactively. Agafonov exerts immaculate positioning and tight gap control to force plays to the outside, and wields his stick superbly to clog lanes, and poke pucks away from danger.

The second selling point in Agafonov's game is his strong puck-movement and elite passing ability. He reads the play very well, and processes quickly with his solid hockey sense and IQ, but he's not really a creator- he's more of an expeditor, who gets the puck up to his forwards quickly. The passing skill he uses is also high-end, with an inordinately high completion rate on feeds that connect right on the tape with the exact amount of prescribed velocity, although he tends to keep his distribution as safe and simple as possible- he can get into trouble when he tries to force plays, or get too fancy. When he has room, he looks calm and composed on retrievals, but he can be pressured into making mistakes- this is an area that will need improvement. He makes a safe and simple first-pass to kickstart the breakout, and will get involved in transition by connecting plays with short feeds, but he is mostly a quick-touch player and will defer to teammates to carry most of the time. Mobility-wise, he moves smoothly and fluidly, showing sound mechanics, and possessing above-average speed. He is solid on his skates, and hard to knock over- giving him the advantage in physical confrontations. In puck-battles, he wins more than his fair share, and will initiate contact, but he isn't very mean, and relies mostly on his stick and positioning to be effective.

Agafonov is a high-volume shooter, with his shot being his main offensive weapon; it may not be elite in terms of power, but it's hard and heavy enough to cause havok in front of the net, and provide his teammates with opportunities. He uses screens well, has good accuracy, and gets his shot through to the net consistently. He distributes well from the point, and though he isn't afraid tp pinch down low, or to join the rush, he could stand to be more assertive and take more calculated risks. He likes to QB the play from the line, and will jump in only when it's safe to do so, and usually only to keep pucks alive in the zone, as he's often got one foot in his defensive duties. Agafonov has some struggles with his decision-making under pressure, and will need to work on making quicker decisions. He also has to develop another gear in his skating, and improve his shot- but there's two-way potential here. Most of his game is projectable, and he has the ceiling of a second-pairing D with a shutdown presence and an intelligent puck-movement game; but I think he's a pretty safe pick. Look for him in the second, or third round.

LD Anthony Allain-Samake' (6'1",178lbs)

Sioux City (USHL): 54gp/ 0g/ 14a/ 14pts, -11, 28 PIM

D Anthony Allain-Samake' (ranked # 75 NA Skaters), a native of Gatineau, QB, has a lot of fans in the scouting world, who say he's an offensive-defenseman in the making- citing his skill and on-ice intelligence, with the disclaimer that he's one of the youngest players in this draft-class (with a Sept.10th, 2007 birthday), and is still very raw and unpolished. He chose to ply his trade this season with Sioux City of the USHL, who are currently 8th out of 16 teams, with a commitment to the University of Connecticut next season. Allain-Samake's best asset is perhaps his quick hands that supply him with superb stickhandling to deke and dangle through traffic with the puck glued to his blade, and he expands his effectiveness by using layers of deception to manipulate attackers into going in the wrong direction. His puck-protection is also impeccable, and he can steer the puck gracefully with one hand, while angling his body away from checks and fending off attackers with the other hand. Though his posture looks a little too upright, he is able to move fluidly in all directions, and possesses above-average speed. He is agile on his edges for good escapability, and transitions smoothly, but needs upgrades to his explosiveness, top-speed, and balance.

Allain-Samake' joins a lot of rushes, and though he has the speed to recover quickly, his forays into the action can leave his teammates hanging out to dry. He has yet to score a goal this year, but that may be due to the fact that he doesn't get inside nearly enough, and his shot doesn't look very intimidating. There's enough IQ and hockey sense here to give him the ability to make some dangerous plays, but he might lack the vision and creativity to ever be a true playmaker; most of what he does is is more on the safe and simple side, at least right now. He times his activations from the blueline well, darting up the wall to keep pucks alive, and will jump in on the weak-side for shot attempts, but seems to prefer staying back at the point to support the play and QB the offense from there most of the time. Despite this, he shows glimpses of awareness in being able to find open space in the offensive zone to fill and exploit, and deftly walks the line with deception to pry open passing seams. Though his gaps are too loose at times, he is adept at stopping the rush with an active stick, and manages to keep attacks contained to the perimeter in-zone, displaying air-tight defensive positioning and keen awareness. These actions effectively take away the middle from opponents, and he protects his net well by boxing his foes out from the crease. He escapes pressure on retrievals with slick stickhandling maneuvers, and makes a safe and intelligent first-pass, with calmness and poise under duress. He's a quality puck-mover and passer, which makes him a high-value contributor to transition, but he can also rush the puck through the neutral zone to spearhead the rush on occasion.

To facilitate, as well as punctuate his actions, Allain-Samake' finishes his checks and employs a reasonable amount of physicality to make room for himself, and doesn't back down from the rough stuff- he battles for pucks in the greasy areas, and uses reverse-hits to manufacture time and space. Going forward, he needs work on his decision-making- including building a better knowledge of when to activate and when to stay back, in order to eliminate giving up odd-man rushes. He can hold on to the puck for too long, thereby skating himself into trouble at times, and running out of room. It's all about potential with this kid, and scouts insist there's plenty of it that has yet to be unlocked- he's far from a finished product, but because of his age and the fact he is attending College in the fall, he has a longer runway than most, with a higher offensive ceiling than he's showing right now. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

RD Carter Amico (6'5", 205lbs)

NTDP: 13gp/ 0g/ 3a/ 3pts, even, 10 PIM (as of January 13, 2025)

D Carter Amico was given a "B" grade to start the season by Central Scouting, indicating a possible 2nd, or 3rd-round pick- not bad for a stay-at-home defenseman who has never put up big numbers. Unfortunately for Amico, he suffered a season-ending injury in November that required surgery on his leg. Obviously, he will always be a shutdown guy, and he possesses high-end defensive IQ, making sound proactive reads to snuff plays as early as the neutral zone. He's used heavily on the penalty-kill, and excels in this area. Amico is positionally sound, and displays the ability to block shots, clog lanes, and intercept passes with his awareness and anticipation, as well as his well-timed stick. His reach is one of his biggest weapons, and he uses it to keep attackers to the outside, as well as to lift sticks and poke pucks away from danger. Amico uses his size effectively, and is a physical brand of defender who likes to initiate contact often and early- along the boards, in the corners, and in front of the net.

Amico plays a safe, simple game but usually makes the smart play- he doesn't try to do too much, as that's when he gets into trouble. In the offensive zone, he always has one foot metaphorically in the defensive zone, and doesn't often get involved in any meaningful way. Despite this, he does own a fairly hard and heavy point shot, coupled with the propensity to get it on net pretty consistently, even through traffic. He uses his shot as a playmaking tool to serve up tips and rebounds to his teammates. His stickhandling is actually quite good, and he can be of some use in transition, but only if he doesn't try anything risky- his stretch passes are mostly ineffective, and his first-pass often consists of a rim off the boards when he feels pressure- which can result in turnovers. When he has a modicum of time and space, he usually makes the right play to start the breakout. Amico's mobility is a concern when it comes to his explosiveness and acceleration, as it takes too long to get to full throttle, but when he gets going his top-speed is excellent for a player of his size. It's hard to say where Amico will be taken exactly, because of the injury, but it's a good bet he won't be around after the middle of the 3rd-round, and most likely will still go in the second. He is committed to Boston University, like many in the NTDP seem to be, for the 2026-27 season.

RW Lirim Amidovski (6'1",174lbs)

North Bay (OHL): 67gp/ 19g/ 13a/ 32pts, -10, 38 PIM

RW Lirim Amidovski (ranked #85 NA Skaters) ended the OHL regular season with a bang, picking up 4 points in the final 3 games, with a +7 for the North Bay Battalion- who finished in a tie with the Greyhounds for 14th-overall in the standings, but were second-last in goals-for. Though he is outperforming his stats (he is 5th in scoring for North Bay, 2nd in goals), he is a bit older by draft standards with a Dec.22, 2006 birthday. Amidovski was one of the better players in January's OHL Top Prospects Game for Team East, picking up a goal and a primary assist on a line that also featured Owen Griffin and Aiden Young. He is a north-south power-winger with a workmanlike approach and a robust physical game, who moves the needle with his high-end workrate and relentless motor. A workhorse who rides his intensity and keeps defenders on their toes with his pace, he is highly involved and engaged, and seems to be in the middle of every play when he is on the ice. To separate man from puck, he hits hard, initiating contact early and often, and throws his weight around in all three zones. He forechecks like a heat-seeking missile, with physicality and tenacity to bring havoc to puck-carriers, and wins battles in the trenches- he is often borderline dominant along the boards and down low.

Amidovski drives the middle and attacks the net, exhibiting soft hands in-tight and keen hand-eye coordination for tipping shots. He will park himself in front of the net to provide a screen, and battle for position to pick up garbage around the crease. Like a true power-forward, he will lean into defenders to barge his way inside, and will crash the crease in search of second-chance opportunities. Though he gets most of his looks close-in, and is a very inside-driven scorer, his shot is a strength of his and he can fire it off while in-flight. He uses screens well, and can fire off the catch- both his wrister and one-timer are hard and heavy. There isn't a whole lot of flash-and-dash in his game, and though he shows glimpses of high-end playmaking at times, he doesn't look dynamic or very crafty; he has intelligence and good ideas, but lacks the skills to execute, and needs better precision in his passes. He does read the play well however, making an effort to funnel pucks to the middle, and creates advantages for teammates with his presence in the slot, and by drawing defenders off-puck with his forays up the middle. He's not a burner, but he moves well in a straight-line, and augments his speed with his high workrate- he can beat defenders wide on occasion, win races, separate in open-ice, and is able to keep up with smaller players when pursuing the puck. Going forward, his agility, balance, and edgework will need a bit of work.

There's some value in his transitional game, but he keeps it relatively safe and simple with short passes to connect plays, give-and-go patterns, and often chipping-and-chasing. He skates his routes hard off-puck with a high activity rate to open space on the rush, and there's some deception tactics in the form of shifts of weight and fakes to make his way through traffic when he has possession. Even still, though he owns tight puck-protection skills, he needs work on his puck-control as his hands have some difficulty in keeping up with his feet when in full-stride. Amidovski is often the first forward back in the defensive zone on the backcheck to force dump-ins, cause turnovers, and affect uncontrolled plays, with a heavy approach. He is an excellent penalty-killer, exhibiting high awareness, staunch positioning, and smart use of his stick to kill plays. He is engaged, disruptive, and smart defensively, and displays good details and habits. Amidovski will put up much bigger numbers in the two years to come, but even though he is quite impactful, he may never be a top-six player in the pros- there's an NHL player here though, with good potential. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RD Karl Annborn (6'1",187lbs)

HV71 (J20): 32gp/ 2g/ 17a/ 19pts, +4, 10 PIM

I didn't come away with the best assessment of Annborn from last year's U-18 Championship (1 assist in 7 games), as I thought he was a dime-a-dozen stay-at-home defender who was way too "low-event", and "vanilla" to ever be drafted. It's true that he's a meat-and-potatoes shutdown defenseman who plays a very low-event style, but he's added a more exciting two-way, offensive element this season, and is a much more well-rounded player. Right now, he is tied for 16th in scoring by defensemen in the J20, and is 3rd for defensemen under-18, winning him the rank of # 31 amongst EU Skaters by Central Scouting, and earning him 2 games so far with HV71's SHL squad. Annborn looked like a different player in December's WJAC, and though he only posted 2 points in 6 games, he looked much more commanding and assertive, but still remarkably smart, efficient, and mostly risk-free. Instead of looking like a stay-at-home defender, he is now reliable in all three zones.

I'm surprised at how willing Annborn is these days to activate in the offensive zone, and by how much ground he covers when running the play from the blueline. He is so good at holding the line, and so smooth in keeping active to open passing seams and pry open space for teammates. His passes are safe and simple, but often dangerous, and he will pinch into the play to keep pucks alive, but also to search for chances when the coast is clear. There were plenty of instances where Annborn could be spotted sneaking in on the weak side, all the way to the net for a shot at challenging the goalie. I wouldn't say his shot is too threatening, but he can get it on net through traffic with consistency, creating havoc in front of the net, and providing teammates with opportunities. Annborn brings a calm, stabilizing presence to the backend- he doesn't get rattled, and is a highly effective shutdown defender who gets plenty of defensive-zone starts. His positioning is immaculate, his gap control is infallible, and his stick is a play-killer. His hockey sense is top-notch, and allows him to seal off plays proactively by lifting sticks and setting picks before the puck arrives. Annborn's retrievals are a thing of beauty, as he rarely makes a mistake, and performs this task with uncommon fluidity. From there, he makes smart, simple plays on breakouts, and has the same effectiveness in the neutral zone- keeping the play flowing in the right direction, and making the whole sequence look easy in the process.

Annborn is an above-average, fluid skater with excellent mobility in all directions, and is agile with smooth edges to elude attackers. His stickhandling is also well-developed, and his puck-control makes it very hard to steal the puck from him. He is not a ruthless hitter, but he finishes his checks and plays a reasonably physical style. I'm very impressed with the strides Annborn has made this season- he is a reliable player with a very high IQ, and excellent hockey sense. I would definitely classify him as a safe pick, but with no true high-end physical attributes, or any dynamic traits, I wouldn't say he has the highest ceiling. Perhaps he could ride shotgun on a second-pairing with a more flashy partner, and provide solid defense with quality puck-movement- but there may be potential for more. Look for him in the 3rd-round, with a chance at slipping into the 2nd.

RW Blake Arrowsmith (6'1",190lbs)

London (OHL): 15gp/ 4g/ 2a/ 6pts, even, 4 PIM

Niagara (OHL): 20gp/ 4g/ 7a/ 11pts, even, 27 PIM

As I was watching the London Knights play earlier this season, I was unintentionally introduced to American winger Blake Arrowsmith, who stood out to me even though he was playing a support role with hardly any ice-time. The next time I noticed him was when I was checking in on his stats, and noticed that he had been traded to the Niagara IceDogs (who are currently tied with 4 teams for 6th-overall, and 3rd in goals-for), and that he had compiled 7 points in his first 7 games. Obviously, his scoring pace has cooled considerably since then, but it's a good bet that he's playing lower in the lineup on a talent-laden IceDogs squad behind some of their top talent. He might be a bit more raw than most, as he played most of the 2023-24 season in the GOJHL, which is a Junior B league. There's certainly no guarantee that he'll even be drafted this summer by an NHL club, and he's pretty low on Central Scouting's Midterm Rankings- at 186th for North American Skaters, but I like him.

First thing that stands out about Arrowsmith is that he's an excellent skater who plays with remarkable pace, although there's a bit of room to build on as his stride is a touch stiff and choppy- still, he manages to generate good speed. He plays a power game, using his frame to gain leverage to cut inside, and he throws his weight around quite a bit. He's menacing in battles along the boards and in the corners, and he plays a hard, heavy game down low- he's also a tough kid who will drop the gloves if challenged. Arrowsmith is uncommonly strong, and can be mean, as well as difficult to play against. He often wins inside position on opponents, and will drop a shoulder and lean in to push his way to the net, or simply skate through the hands of checkers; he attacks the crease, and powers his way to the middle to shoot. He often parks in front of the net to screen the goalie, cause havok, and vie for tips and loose pucks. Arrowsmith owns a hard, heavy shot with a goal-scorers instinct to locate open space in the slot to get open- he has a quick, accurate release and he can score from a distance. Right now, he's a volume shooter, but he can make plays- usually keeping things simple and risk-free, but he sometimes shows glimpses of vision and playmaking ability. There are times that he can connect with teammates through small spaces in traffic, and he tries to funnel pucks to the slot consistently. On the backcheck, he works hard in hounding puck-carriers and removing time and space from attackers to cause turnovers in order to limit defensive zone time. He seems to apply a consistently high-level workrate, with excellent motor and compete. I'm not sure what his ceiling looks like, or if he has enough projectable qualities to be drafted, but I like this kid. If he's picked, he might have to wait until the later rounds.

LHC Josh Avery (6'1",170lbs)

Brantford (OHL): 53gp/ 9g/ 12a/ 21pts, -1, 18 PIM

Center Josh Avery (ranked #141 NA Skaters) was a third-round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection by the Hamilton Bulldogs, who are now the Brantford Bulldogs- a talent-laden team that finished 4th-overall in the OHL. He is a highly underrated two-way pivot with a mature, pro-style game, who struggled with injuries this season, and was relegated to a depth role on a deep roster. Despite having rather paltry stats, he was invited to compete in the OHL Top Prospects Game in January for Team East, but was unable to post any points. Right now, Avery is a checker and he specializes in sound defensive play, with a strong emphasis on his ability to make smart plays off of retrievals to kickstart the breakout, deftly escaping pressure and finding quick routes out of the zone. He shows good vision in his outlets, and skates with his head on a swivel to to read the ice and make quick decisions to choose the most prudent play; when all else fails, he simply clears the puck out of the zone, and out of danger. He is strong on the puck, possesses excellent speed, and plays with overwhelming pace.

Avery is a superb penalty-killer, and backchecks diligently- winning battles along the boards, dislodging possession with hits, and recovering pucks to turn defense into offense. He is highly engaged and disruptive with a well-timed stick and physicality to remove time and space from attackers, and is active all over the zone- from suppressing entries by engaging attackers at the line to force uncontrolled plays and dump-ins, to supporting his D down low. He displays high-end off-puck intelligence, and a robust activity level, working to cause enemy turnovers in all three zones, while supporting teammates in every situation. With solid awareness and anticipation, he sets picks and lifts sticks to prevent his teammates from being checked, and stays open and playable with his stick on the ice. Upon winning possession, he turns the play around into an advantageous situation for his team, and gets a high number of his offensive chances off of the turnovers he creates. In transition, he supports the breakout and participates in the rush with efficient give-and-go sequences, but doesn't hold on to the puck for long; he needs to work on his puck-skill, as he has some trouble controlling at high-speed.

Avery doesn't often get a fair opportunity to show off what he can do in the offensive third, but he flashes strong instincts with decent vision in his passing game, and an ability to make plays when he has the chance- he could be a much bigger producer in the OHL as early as next season. He also has a hard, heavy shot with a deceptive release to surprise goalies, and can fire off the catch while in motion. A true power-forward, he can bully his way through traffic with well-honed puck-protection ability, and can drop a shoulder to lean into a defender to cut to the net; he attacks up the middle off the rush, gets inside on the cycle, and goes to the net with tenacity to clean up garbage and snag second-chance opportunities. With a faceoff percentage under 50% though, he will need to improve in this area going forward. Avery shows promise as a bottom-6 checker in the pros, but I fear he may not have shown the numbers to get picked this summer, and may have to find a different path to the pros a few years down the line. If he does get chosen, he will most likely have to wait until the late-rounds.

RD Everett Baldwin (6'0"174lbs)

St. George's School (USHS-Prep): 22gp/ 10g/ 10a/ 20pts

Righty Everett Baldwin (ranked # 99 NA Skaters) gave us a glimpse of what he can do in the USHL with Cedar Rapids (1 point in 2 games), and with the NTDP (1 point in 3 games), and he didn't look at all out place. Baldwin, who is 17th in the High School Prep league in ppg, is a well-rounded, two-way defenseman with blazing speed, but he comes with a very big asterisk- he's dominating, but in a vastly inferior league to most of his peers in this draft-class. His aforementioned blazing speed might be the main reason why he is getting so much attention from scouts. He is a fast, fluid skater- one of the fastest defensemen in the draft; not only is he highly mobile in all directions, but he's also extremely agile and shifty on his edges to side-step checks, and fool opponents with his quick changes in pace and direction. He rockets out of the blocks, accelerates effortlessly to top-speed, and separates easily- leaving opponents in the dust. He recovers seamlessly with lightning-quickness after pinching in to the play, explodes laterally, and transitions smoothly. The hands match the feet- well, almost- and he handles steadily while in-stride, with a wide array of one-on-one moves to deke and dangle his way through layers of traffic, and turn defenders inside-out.

Baldwin gets good power on his wrister, with pinpoint accuracy and a snappy, deceptive release than can paralyze goalies, and he's a high-volume shooter. He wields a heavy shot from the point that he gets on net with good consistency, and can act as a playmaking tool to create second-chance opportunities for teammates. He is a creative playmaker and a skilled passer who is confident with the puck on his blade, and exhibits patience and poise; he can see teammates through a crowd, and can thread the needle through traffic. If there's an opening, he will join the rush, and will activate into the play off the point frequently; he runs the offense from the line with intelligence, keeping plays alive and extending offensive zone time. Baldwin possesses high IQ to read plays proactively, and his strong anticipation keeps him ahead of the play in all three zones. He exerts good habits defensively and shows proficiency against the rush with his ability to easily mimic his opponents' footwork in order to maintain a solid gap, cut down angles, and take on secondary threats. Those efforts help to keep attacks to the outside, and he forces a ton of turnovers, dump-ins, and uncontrolled plays. In the zone, he sprints to loose pucks or skates into hands, and upon retrieval, he instantly starts the breakout. He uses an active stick, sharp timing, immaculate positioning, and physicality to separate man from puck, and owns the anticipation to clog lanes and intercept passes. He stays active, moving from disrupting the point at the top of the zone, to battling for pucks below the goal-line. Even with all of the aforementioned traits, he could still stand to improve his consistency of engagement, and become more disruptive in-zone.

Baldwin's best attribute is that he's an ace in transition, from leaving attackers in his wake on retrievals, to breaking out of the zone cleanly by carry or pass, to rushing the puck through the neutral zone, to controlled entries- all while staying calm, cool, and collected. He is adept at using give-and-go chains to draw pressure and pass off, then relocate quickly to a more advantageous spot in open-ice, with the goal of manipulating the opposing defense, and open lanes. He displays a strong first-pass, and can fire off an accurate outlet feed to stretch the ice. He plays a physical brand of hockey, throwing hits, winning battles in greasy areas, and delivering bit hits in open-ice, but can struggle to defend the front of the net against larger opponents. Baldwin needs to get a lot stronger for the next level- he can outmuscle opponents at the High School level, but he won't be able to do it against men. He could also stand to add more power to his shot, and become more consistent in his effort and intensity. For me, 20 points in 22 games at the HS Prep level is not necessarily indicative of offensive prowess, but even if he never fully realizes his potential production-wise, he is still an excellent performer in two-and-a-half zones- with overwhelming speed. He is committed to Providence for the 2026-27 season, and it will be exciting to watch his progress. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LD Asher Barnett (6'1", 185lbs)

NTDP: 32gp/ 2g/ 8a/ 10pts, -8, 18 PIM

I became a big fan of Barnett's after watching him perform in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, where he was one of the precious few who was able to slow down the onrushing Canadian onslaught on behalf of the widely outmatched Americans. Barnett played a chippy physical game that put a target on his back after every whistle, and he was even a little mean at times. Like most of his compatriots, his game was far from mistake-free, but he flashed moments of higher-end puck-movement, highlighted by some breakouts that gave his teammates some odd-man rushes. Best of all, he made some huge stops against top-tier talent. Barnett is one of those players who is not elite in any one area, and not dynamic in any way, but is good at everything- he's a solid two-way D who is has been cast in a defensive role right now, but he shows upside as a puck-mover.

Barnett will never be mistaken for Kashawn Aitcheson, but he employs a hard-nosed physical game, and likes to punish his opponents. He will join the rush to open space and cause havok, and will likewise activate from the point into the play. Though he isn't currently a big scoring threat, he does own a hard, heavy shot with a quick release that he doesn't let loose enough, and mostly uses as a playmaking tool to create rebound and tip chances. Barnett will also never be mistaken for Jackson Smith, but he does get around the ice smoothly and effortlessly, with a strong skating stride and lateral agility that allows him to surf across wide swaths of ice to seal off the boards from an oncoming attacker. Defense is where he shines the most, as he's quite reliable in his own zone, and proficient at snuffing the rush by diagnosing threats early, angling his mark to the outside, and often times stopping his opponent before making entry with poke checks, or a stiff jolt. Inside the zone, he proactively wins body position and ties up sticks before the puck arrives. Barnett displays intelligence and poise in retrievals, often shaking off pressure with deft fakes and other forms of deception, and he usually makes a fine first-pass, although like most of his peers- he's not mistake-free. He isn't infallible, and can be beaten on occasion, and in other instances, make errors under duress. As he showed in the CHL-USA Prospects Game, he displays the vision and passing skill to connect on the more high-end breakout passes.

Barnett possesses some NHL qualities, and hopefully he can develop another dimension at the University of Michigan, where has committed to for the 2026-27 season. I'm thinking third-rounder here, but he surely won't make it past the fourth round.

RD Sean Barnhill (6'5",205lbs)

Dubuque (USHL): 54gp/ 4g/ 7a/ 11pts, +9, 14 PIM

Scouts covet right-shooting defensemen, and Sean Barnhill (#76 NA Skaters) fits the bill, with a massive frame and quick feet, to boot. Plying his trade with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, who are in 3rd-place in the USHL right now, Barnhill is a bit of a jack of all trades, master of none-type, with his main selling-point being his staunch shutdown game, propelled by his strong instincts and high-level awareness. He is impressively mobile in all 4 directions for a kid his size, with a smooth and fluid stride, and when combined with his enormous range, he is able to cover massive swaths of ice. He closes distance on puck-carriers quickly, gains ground on streaking attackers, and navigates long stretches very quickly.

Barnhill is a suffocating shutdown defender with a physical approach, but is smart about initiating contact so as not to take himself out of the play, and stays disciplined to avoid taking penalties. With an impressive wingspan that provides him with an expansive range, he wields an active stick for poke-checks that he times well to surprise opponents, and uses to clog lanes, sweep pucks off of sticks, and tip away passes. He wins battles along the wall, dominates down-low, and shuts down aggressors in front of the net, while making sure his goalie can see the puck at all times. Against the rush, he already shows fairly advanced proficiency, using his fluid mobility backwards and laterally to mirror his opponents footwork, apply tight gaps and sharp angling, and layer stick-checks on top stiff hits to close out the play and deny entries. He retrieves pucks with poise under pressure to evade attackers, and usually makes safe decisions to complete crisp, accurate breakout passes to ensure smooth transitions. He is very active in the zone, covering a ton of real estate to remove time and space from attackers, and although he isn't flawless, he is very hard to go up against. Though he will never be confused with Pavel Datsyuk, his puck-skills are underrated and surprisingly well-honed, giving him the ability to beat opponents one-on-one on occasion through the neutral zone, and dodge checks when recovering possession.

In the offensive zone, Barnhill keeps things safe and simple with very basic distribution from the line, dump-ins, and by getting pucks deep, while keeping the play alive. There are flashes of passing-skill that allow him to connect on more complex plays at times, but he lacks the creativity and high-end vision to be more than a facilitator. He does however, possess a hard and heavy shot with fairly good precision, and displays a penchant for getting pucks through to the net with good consistency. He seems to only activate off of the line to keep pucks in-play, or to step up to snuff the breakout in it's early stages. Players of Barnhill's ilk are popular on draft day, with an uncommon size/skating ratio, and a dependable shutdown game. There's also the added bonus of having a longer development runway in Barnhill's case, as he has committed to Northeastern University for the 2026-27 season. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

RD Roman Bausov (6'5",179lbs)

MHK Dynamo St.Petersburg (MHL): 37gp/ 2g/ 9a/ 11pts, +10, 18 PIM

Righty Roman Bausov (ranked # 23 EU Skaters) has an enormous frame as his main selling point, but he's about as raw as one can get. He's built like a rail, and needs to fill out, as even though he's sturdy, he's not very strong. Bausov possesses sharp defensive instincts and sound positioning, but has trouble overpowering oncoming rushers. His enormous range and mobility effectively cut off huge swaths of ice, and aid him in making stops by suffocating attackers with his wingpan, active stick, and extra-long reach. There's immeasurable shutdown potential here; he reads the play in the defensive zone very well, and he's nearly impossible to get around, with his range giving him more room for error than most. He's adept at keeping opponents to the outside with his tight gap control, takes away the front of the net with his aggressiveness, and angles threats out of danger areas. He's forceful down low, blocks shots, and fills lanes.

Bausov keeps his distribution safe and simple, but he's very smart in finding outlets to clear the puck out of zone, to kickstart the rush. There's some deception in his hands and feet, and he uses delays and cutbacks to create time and space for teammates, and to patiently await the best option. His mobility is pretty good for a player of his size, mostly because his legs are so long that every step covers a wide tract of ice. Even still, he can win races, and looks impressively agile in making quick turns, transitioning seamlessly, and cutting across the ice laterally. When he fills out and gets stronger and more coordinated, he will be a force. Physicality is a tool for him to win possession; I wouldn't call call him a prolific hitter, and he's not really punishing or mean, but he finishes his checks and uses his frame to separate man from puck, and win inside position. His play in the offensive zone consists mainly of keeping pucks alive, getting pucks deep, and taking shots from the point- mostly to cause havok around the net, as his shot isn't that threatening. His puckhandling could use some attention, as his hands don't match the quickness in his feet; he doesn't carry much though, relying on quick possession, and deferring to others to do the puck-rushing. This is a player who probably won't even be coming to North America for a handful of years, as he's far more potential than finished product, and will need plenty of runway. Look for him in the late rounds.

RD David Bedkowski (6'5",214lbs)

Owen Sound (OHL): 27gp/ 2g/ 4a/ 6pts, -8, 57 PIM

David Bedkowski is a coveted right-handed blueliner who plays a shutdown role in Owen Sound, and is an intimidating physical force. He started the season in Oshawa, then was moved to the Attack (who are currently 18th out of 20 teams in the OHL) after only 2 games- but unfortunately, he's dealt with an injury-plagued campaign, having played only 27 of Owen Sound's 48 games. Currently, he is out 6-8 weeks after suffering a hand injury near the end of January, and missed the month of October (and part of November) with another injury. Bedkowski is another large-framed defensive rearguard winning acclaim from scouts, despite putting up rather paltry stats; he was given a "B" grade By Central Scouting in their preliminary evaluations, was rated #38 among North American Skaters in their Midterm Rankings, and was #56 on McKenzie's list. He has skills beyond most stay-at-home defensemen, but is still relentlessly physical and mean and can dole out some bonecrushing hits. Bedkowski doesn't skate like a Noah Hanifin, but he moves quite well, with a stride that looks fluid and projectable. As he matures and gets stronger, I could easily see his mobility become one of his best assets- he's smooth and powerful, but could use a upgrade to his top speed.

Bedkowski accepts his role as a shutdown defenseman, and excels at it, with first-rate IQ and awareness in his own zone. He can match footwork with oncoming forwards to exert a tight gap that angles them to the boards, where they are stripped of the puck and often flattened with a violent hit. Bedkowski is highly effective against the rush, and can snuff attackers proactively in the neutral zone before the ever reach the blueline. He blocks a ton of shots, and is aggressive and mean in defending the front of the net. He employs an active stick and enormous range to pick off passes and knock down shots, but also to cut off the enemy from the middle of the ice. Owen Sound uses him on the PK, and he's usually out late in the game to protect leads. I believe there's another dimension to Bedkowski's game that has yet to be unlocked, as he sometimes shows quick-thinking and sound ideas, but also because he shows a willingness to join the rush when the coast is clear, and to activate into the play from the blueline at times like a more offensive-minded rearguard would do. He shows an effort to create chances, but he's more of a facilitator and play-connector right now. Also in his repertoire is a bullet of a shot that creates plenty of looks for his teammates, and causes havoc in the crease, but is also a tricky save to make for any goaltender. Also like an offensive defenseman, he walks the line smoothly to open space, and can quarterback the play with smart passing, although he keeps things simple. He will pinch up into the play to keep pucks alive, or to dish out hits along the wall, but he also knows how to open seams and can sniff out soft spots in coverage.

One of the biggest pillars of Bedkowski's game is how impressive he is on retrievals, and how seemingly easy he makes breakouts look. He is calm and poised, pre-scanning with his head on a swivel, and evades pressure with feints. He's solid in making short-area passes to start the rush, and can stretch the ice with longer passes to streaking forwards in the neutral zone. Bedkowski's on-ice disposition makes him prone to taking bad penalties at inopportune times due to being overzealous, and there are times he can take himself out of the play by looking to make the big hit- he has to learn more control. His game is not without mistakes or bad reads; he can be sloppy in possession with overhandling or overskating the puck, and can be guilty of the odd egregious giveaway- but those are normal for a kid his age. Bedkowski offers promise when it comes to establishing more of a two-way style, but he needs to improve his on-puck game, and offensive skills. With similar defensemen like Adam Kleber, Brady Cleveland, Will Skahan, and Gabriel Eliasson being selected in the second-round in the last two drafts, I could see Bedkowski being taken in the 2nd or 3rd-round of the 2025 draft.

RW William Belle (6'4", 218lbs)

NTDP: 32gp/ 3g/ 5a/ 8pts,-14, 24 PIM.

William Belle is like the NTDP's version of the incredible hulk, he's built more like a linebacker than a hockey player. He's a true alpha-male with supreme athleticism, who broke fitness-testing records when he was just 15 years old at Shattuck-St.Mary's for Bench Press, Hex Bar Deadlift, Safety Bar One-Leg Squat, Pull-Ups, and Vertical Jump. When I watch Belle, I hearken back to the feeling of watching a guy like Dustin Byfuglien skate, who looked too big to be able to make his way around the ice so quickly, and like Byfuglien, he is like an unstoppable freight train when his opponents are in his tracks. Belle might be an example of how the NTDP fails players sometimes, as he could be showing off his true abilities better if he were getting more ice-time and responsibility on a USHL team; instead, he's toiling on the third-line of a weak squad that struggles to score. Right now, he's been cast in more of a defensive role, but he's intimidating and highly disruptive all over the ice- players on the other team are aware when he takes to the ice, as he hits like a Mack truck. He's a huge problem on the forecheck, causing problems for opponents on retrievals, and he dominates along the boards and in the corners- he doesn't lose many 50/50 contests, and he can't be overpowered. He is used plenty on the PK and in defensive situations, and when he isn't bowling over attackers, he breaks up plays and steals pucks using his extra-long wingspan and a smart stick.

Belle flashes some skillful playmaking as well as deft passing skill at times, but he usually keeps it simple and safe. He also possesses a hard and heavy shot that I believe doesn't get used nearly enough. It's a treat to watch him skate as he moves quite well for a big man, which is usually code to denote an average skater, but Belle actually has a good top speed and manages to apply an admirable amount of pressure on puck-carriers. There's plenty of work to be done on his start-up, as well as his acceleration, but his high workrate and athleticism seem to mask his deficiencies in the way he stays active and keeps his feet pumping tirelessly. He always puts in an honest effort, has excellent stamina, and is an intense competitor with a relentless motor. In the other end of the rink, he causes chaos down low and around the net. He smashes his way through checks, and will lean into defenders to cut inside, or to attack the crease. In transition, he looks surprisingly good, and even though he's more of a straight-line player through the neutral zone, he is able to complete a high amount of entries and exits through carry or by pass.

Belle was given the grade of "C" by Central Scouting to denote a potential 4th, or 5th-round pick. Using C Samuel Helenius as comparable, I am guessing he gets taken in the 3rd or 4th-round. Helenius was the same kind of player as Belle in his draft year- a behemoth (6'6",200lbs) who moves well for a big man and plays more of a defensive role, with good penalty-killing ability and physicality- and he was taken by LA in the second-round, #59 of the 2021 Draft. Granted, Helenius plays the more important role at center, but I think they have a similar profile, and both are offensively challenged. Belle is much more athletic however, and I think he has better potential- although he could end up being a highly effective bottom-6 defensive player in the pros. I'm excited to see what he can do in the next few years, and he's committed to the University of Notre Dame for 2025-26.

RD Quinn Beauchesne (6'0",187lbs)

Guelph (OHL): 49gp/ 6g/ 18a/ 24pts, -10, 51 PIM

Most of us have probably heard the name Quinn Beauchesne (ranked # 84 NA Skaters, # 73 by McKenzie), seen his name in mocks, or watched him play in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (3 points in 5 games)- where he got pretty decent reviews, but I didn't come away as a big fan of his. I've been more impressed with him in league play this season, and I thought he performed well at the OHL Top Prospects Game in January, as well as the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge in November- though he didn't get any points in either. Guelph finished the season 19th out of 20 teams, and 14th in goals-scored, so I think it's safe to say that he would have much more impressive stats on a better team. Beauchesne is a two-way defender, and a coveted righty, who plays with an edge, as a Jack-of-all-Trades/ Master-of-None type. He is always in perpetual motion, with above-average speed in a straight-line, but with exceptional lateral mobility to cut across the ice sharply to extinguish rushes. He could perhaps use a better first-step, and an increase in explosiveness is small-areas with cleaner mechanics, but he accelerates quickly to top speed.

Beauchesne is a precise distributor and a high-value puck-mover who specializes in making a sound first-pass, occasionally speeding up the breakout with a long-range outlet; he is constantly looking to create advantages, and tilt the ice in the right direction for his team. He's a standout in retrievals, pre-scanning for options and deftly dodging pressure with deceptive footwork and slick stickhandling maneuvers, and supports his partner well when are the one performing this duty. He is a transitional driver and a frequent participant in the rush, leading the attack up-ice and displaying an aggressive mindset. Beauchesne is blessed with a high hockey IQ and sound hockey sense at both ends, supporting the play in all areas off the puck; he is seemingly always in the thick of the action, but he isn't really a flashy player, and carries no truly dynamic qualities. Though he isn't perfect or mistake-free, he is highly attentive to his defensive duties, showing himself to be a proficient penalty-killer, and as in other areas- he is highly active and covers a ton of ice in each shift. Against the rush, he utilizes his smooth backwards skating and edgework, well-timed poke checks, clever angling, and tight gap control, but he will also step up at the blueline to dole out crushing hits. In the zone, he is physical along the boards and in front of the net (though he can be overpowered by larger opponents at times), and he's a willing shot-blocker. He gets into lanes and picks off passes, but he can lose his man in a crowd and occasionally misses secondary threats. In the other end, he activates into the play frequently, locating soft spots to move through, and will pinch in deep to the net, or to battle below the goal-line. He likes to streak up the wall to keep pucks alive in the zone, deliver a hit, or make a high-danger pass to the slot, and will jump in on the weak side to the hash-marks for a shot on goal. He has a decent shot, but seems to score his goals from below the dots, as opposed to the point.

Beauchesne is a hard-working player with good motor, who can play big minutes in all situations. He is quite physical and a bit mean, and can throw huge open-ice hits- which means he has to drop the gloves from time to time; he fought 6'3" Porter Martone at the OHL Top Prospects Game, and held his own. Going forward, he needs more polish in all areas, as his game looks messy at times, and often  fraught with mental mistakes, miscues, throwaways, and uncontrolled play. He is confident enough to attempt riskier plays, but can get himself into trouble, and sometimes tries to do too much, or hangs on to the puck for too long- typical issues for most junior-aged puck-moving defenders. I look forward to seeing what he can do in the next few years. Look for him in the third-round.

LHC Adam Benak (5'7",160lbs)

Youngstown (USHL): 44gp/ 13g/ 32a/ 45pts, -6, 28 PIM

Mighty-mite Adam Benak (ranked #60 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting, and #39 by both Button and McKenzie) is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the draft, as well as one of the most exciting, and anyone who has watched the last two Hlinka-Gretzky tournaments can attest to that. Benak holds the all-time points record for the Hlinka, posting 21 points in 10 games over the last 2 years, with 4 goals and 11 points coming in 5 games in the 2024 event, and 2 goals and 10 points in the summer of 2023- when he was just 16 years-old. He also put up 3 points in 5 games for Team Czechia at last year's U-18 Tournament, and is currently 10th in scoring in the USHL, after a rather slow start (he has amassed 21 points in his last 16 games). Benak is a creative playmaker, with awe-inspiring passing skill and high-end vision; his feeds are always easy for the recipient to catch, as they are tape-to-tape with the exact prescribed velocity needed, and right to the sweet-spot in their wheelhouse for them to skate into. He can dish crisply and accurately while in full-flight, and a high-number of his passes find their way to the slot for high-danger looks.

Benak has quick hands and superb puck-skills to enable him to weave in-and-out of traffic, and pry open space for himself and his teammates- he can beat anyone on the ice one-on-one. Deception is a huge part of his game, and he's a magician in the way he manipulates the opposition with his arsenal of feints, and controls the pace of the game with the puck on his blade. Spatial awareness is another important facet of his playbook, as he can slip into soft spots in coverage, and position himself in high-danger off-puck, but he also knows how to make defensemen move to make room for teammates. The one big issue here is that he often has trouble getting to the middle with the puck due to his size limitations, and doesn't get many chances in the slot- he plays a largely perimeter game as a result, and is too easily neutralized in front of the net. His shot needs work on it's power and velocity, but he carries an excellent release with lethal accuracy, and he needs to shoot more, as he can beat goalies from bad angles. He sneaks into the low-slot for chances when he can, and has the soft hands in-tight to beat goalies 1-on-1. To perhaps offset his stature a bit, he puts forth a relentless work-ethic with a high energy level; he's small but tenacious, and has an impressive motor, and most surprisingly- he plays with physicality. True, he loses some board battles, but he's always game, and never gives up on a play.

Speed-wise, he's more quick than outright fast, with above-average straight-ahead speed that could use some work, but he keeps his feet pumping hard in an effort to enhance his mobility. He's extremely shifty and elusive on his edges, with a quick burst in small-areas, and excellent acceleration. Best of all, he exerts a low center of gravity that gives him uncommon balance, making it hard to knock him off the puck, and giving him leverage when initiating contact. To his credit, Benak is a three-zone player who forechecks with intensity, and backchecks with urgency, throwing hits in the process when he can. He forces turnovers and giveaways, intercepts passes in all areas of the ice, and forces dump-ins at his blueline. In transition, he brings tremendous value and high-end efficiency, racking up a high number of entries with control; he's even better at completing controlled exits by carry or pass, strangely enough. He doesn't make many mistakes in performance of these duties, and will chip it in-or-out as needed, when there's no other option. He's an excellent defensive performer with high-end awareness, and effectively takes away the middle of the ice from attackers with superb use of his stick. He stays active to remove time and space from his opponents, and seals off entry from oncoming rushers. Going forward, Benak needs to work on simplifying his playmaking, and sharpening his decision-making, as he tries to force too many plays. His size is obviously a huge concern, and his perimeter play is another, both of which hurt his draft-standing, and he will most-likely have to switch to the wing at some point. I can't see him getting picked until the middle-rounds at most.

LD Lasse Boelius (6'0.5",181lbs)

Assat (U20): 28gp/ 4g/ 10a/ 14pts, -7, 10 PIM

Assat (Liiga): 7gp/ 0g/ 2a/ 2pts, +1, 2 PIM

Finland hockey has been struggling the last few years, and their top prospect for the 2025 Draft may not be chosen until the third round. That prospect is lefty-defenseman Lasse Boelius, who is tied for 30th-overall in scoring by D in the U20, but is actually tied for 1st among defensemen under-18. His performance in the Junior league has earned him 7 games in Finland's top-tier Liiga (2 points), where he doesn't look at all out of place against men, even though he doesn't get to play a ton of minutes. Central Scouting's 10th-ranked EU Skater is a mobile, well-rounded, two-way puck-mover who plays important minutes, and is a calming presence on both ends of the ice for his team. He plays in all situations, and contributes well to special teams. Craig Button has him at # 46, and McKenzie has him at # 65.

Scouts like to see an elite quality or two in a prospect to build around, and in Boelius' case, that quality is his passing efficiency and accuracy that drives his puck-movement game. According to tracking data, he completes 94% of the passes he attempts, and the eye test says that most of his feeds are crisp, accurate, and right on the tape. Boelius owns a high-level of vision and awareness- he anticipates the play well, and understands how to create space for himself and for his teammates. The main pillar of Boelius' game is his puck-movement through retrievals, to the breakout, to traversal through the neutral zone via the pass. He shakes off attackers with evasiveness and deception, and usually makes good decisions under pressure to execute a high-number of quick, accurate breakouts with calmness and poise. He can stretch the ice on occasion for odd-man rushes and breakaways, and holds high value in transition from defense to offense. Boelius is an excellent skater who covers a lot of ground quickly, with smooth edges for superb agility and escapability, and the ability to separate in open ice, or outmaneuver would-be checkers. He could use more explosiveness, but that might improve as he gets stronger. He transitions seamlessly to backwards skating, and is a reliable defensive player who doesn't make many mistakes, but his positioning needs a tweak, and his gap-control looks a bit loose at times- giving attackers too much room to move. Still, he manages to apply ample pressure to puck-carriers with a well-timed stick, and plus-level awareness.

Boelius supports the rush as a secondary attacker to quarterback the play, and he runs the offense efficiently from the line, especially on the PP. He distributes well and creates chances for teammates, and will pinch in to keep pucks alive- thereby extending offensive zone time, but will also activate all the way down to the net if he spots a clear opportunity for a chance to score. There is work to be done to improve the power in his shot, but he has to develop a much more deceptive release as a lot of his shots get blocked. Another pillar of his game might be his off-puck intelligence; he always knows where to be to support the play, and is a playable option for teammates at all times. Boelius isn't really a physical player, but he manages to win puck battles and will finish his checks when needed. There are instances where he gets too risky with his passes up-ice, so he must learn patience and better decision-making. When in defensive situations, he can be eager to leave the zone early with too much focus on offense, and he could be much more impactful along the wall and in front of his net if he were to develop a more physical dimension. Boelius has the kind of puck-movement game and transitional ability that scouts covet, but while he will put up points at the NHL level, he may never be a top-pairing offensive blueliner- but rather a second-pairing two-way contributor. Look for him in the 2nd, or 3rd-round.

RD Eduard Bondar (6'5",194lbs)

Val D'Or (QMJHL): 50gp/ 3g/ 9a/ 12pts, -14, 36 PIM

If the name Eduard Bondar (ranked #110 NA Skaters) sounds familiar, it may be because he was the player traded by the Shawinigan Cataractes to Val D'Or for the rights to Flames' prospect, first-rounder Matvei Gridin, before the start of the current season. Bondar had some hype of his own, being chosen 16th-overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft by Shawinigan, but now plies his trade for the Foreurs, who are in 13th-place out of 18 teams, 7th-overall in goals-for, and 17th in goals-against. This behemoth righty makes his living as a shutdown defenseman, but it's tough sledding to try to keep pucks out the net on his current team. Bondar is no less than an impressive skater, especially for a player as large as he is, with a long, powerful stride, swift four-directional mobility, and surprising agility that enables him transition seamlessly, pivot quickly, and surf across the ice laterally to seal off the boards.

The big Russian is stifling against the rush, and can easily match footwork with smaller opponents, although he sometimes employs a very loose gap. His enormous reach, combined with his range and mobility, make him like a moving wall that is difficult to get past over the blueline. He guards the middle, forcing attackers outside and away from the net. He possesses high-end awareness, and keen timing to intercept passes, and exerts a fairly detailed shutdown game. Once he gets ahold of the puck in the d-zone, he has several crafty ways of getting the puck out of danger with quick, short passes to his teammates, or by bounce-passing off the boards to their sticks. He makes secure first-passes to kickstart the breakout with consistent reliability, and can stretch the ice with his breakout feeds on occasion. He wins races in retrievals, gets inside position, and uses various forms of deception to make his escape from pressure. Bondar is incredibly active and engaged in all three zones, and frequently jumps into the rush as an extra attacker, and will charge up the middle like a freight train to attack the net, if he sees the opportunity. He also activates off of the point with the goal of creating offense, but these forays don't seem to earn him many points as he's more of a facilitator than a creator, and makes simple plays to funnel pucks to the net, or to teammates in the slot; his stalwart defensive game, and puck-moving ability will most likely be his selling point going forward. It's a good sign though, that he has ideas and the confidence to try things, even when they don't work out.

Bondar is a big body, and though I would like to see him be meaner, and throw hits more prolifically, he does play a physical game, and uses his size well to win puck battles along the boards, and to get inside on his opponents. He has the ability to step up in the neutral zone to carry through transition, and has gone end-to-end on occasion, but he usually defers to teammates with short, connecting passes. Bondar is still a bit raw, and needs runway to grow into his body, but he will be scary when he's fully developed as he's already quite mobile. He could use work on his decision-making, but he's an impressive prospect with enormous potential. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th round.

LD Sascha Boumedienne (6'2",175lbs)

Boston U (NCAA): 25gp/ 0g/ 6a/ 6pts, +4, 29 PIM

When I watched D Sascha Boumedienne in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (0 points in 5 games), I didn't come away with the impression that he would be worthy of being ranked #18 (EU Skaters) by Central Scouting, or #24 by Bob McKenzie at the mid-point of the current season. What I saw was a very low-event, meat-and-potatoes, defensive blueliner with no real dynamic skill who sometimes faded into the background, despite placing 3rd in the USHL in 2023-24 for U-18 D in points (27 in 49), with a ppg (0.55) behind only Logan Hensler (0.59), and Cole Hutson (0.63). This season, Boumedienne is the youngest player in the NCAA, playing over 20 minutes a night for one of the best programs in the circuit, in the 8th-ranked Boston University Terriers. He has yet to show off his offensive side in the form of assists and points (he gets no PP time) but he looks like he has fit in quite well playing against men. I get it now.

Boumedienne is a pure playmaker and gifted passer, and despite his poor production, he is described as having the upside of an offensive defenseman. He possesses high IQ and awareness in reading his opponents, and his passes are often crisp and accurate, right to his teammate's wheelhouse for them to skate into. Unfortunately, his skating is average at best right now, but fluid and projectable. His edges and agility are also a bit deficient, and some say his backwards skating needs work, as well as his balance. His straight-line speed is augmented somewhat by his high workrate, motor, and energy. Boumedienne is showing to be a solid defensive player, albeit not mistake-free, and even against men he is proving himself to be a calming, reliable presence on the backend. He protects his net well, blocks shots and slot-passes, and applies smothering gap control and an active stick to oncoming rushers to angle them to the outside. He is impactful against the rush, disruptive against the cycle by clogging lanes and employing smart positioning, and can play the PK. In transition, he exhibits smarts and good habits in finding the right lanes to rush the puck, but he covers more ground in a shorter amount of time with his pristine passing. Boumedienne will join the rush, and when his team is installed in the zone, he will activate into the play- sometimes all the way down to behind the net. He quaterbacks the play from the blueline quite seamlessly, and will pinch in to keep pucks alive, thereby extending offensive zone time.

Boumedienne has started to show solid ability on retrievals by shaking off pressure, as he is now scanning adequately to make safe, simple breakouts. This wasn't the case earlier this season, but to his credit, he has improved on many fronts throughout his freshman season. He is also really starting to show his value with his puck-moving capability, and makes a high number of intelligent feeds that put his team in advantageous positions. He owns a good shot on a quick release, and a bomb from the point, but he leans heavily towards making plays with passes- he should shoot more, though. Though his puck-control has, at times, looked sloppy under pressure, he can deke and dangle around opponents on occasion. Unfortunately, despite owning a decent frame, he is not very physical. Boumedienne is all projection and potential right now, and I think it's impossible to say what this kid is, until he gets stronger, fixes his mobility, and adapts better to the speed and pace of the NCAA. Look for him in the second round of this summer's draft.

LD Donato "Donny" Bracco (5'10",161lbs)

NTDP: 37gp/ 2g/ 12a/ 14pts, -5, 12 PIM

Donato Bracco is the younger brother of former Leafs second-rounder, winger Jeremy Bracco, but opted to play defense. If you look at the younger Bracco's offensive contributions for the NTDP this season against USHL competition (7 points in 13 games), his ppg of .54 would put him in a tie with teammate Drew Schock for 14th in scoring by D in that league when prorated, and first for D under-18. Bracco is still fairly young, with a July 26th birthday, and still developing his two-way game. Offensively, he's highly involved and moves around a lot, often leading the rush, and activating into the play from the point to sniff out pockets of open-ice using his well-honed spatial awareness. Though he isn't considered to be the most creative per se, and isn't very flashy or dynamic, he can quarterback a powerplay and connect with teammates in high-danger through traffic; he reads his opponents well, and can make smart plays. His numbers suggest that he's not a big goal-scoring threat, but he will sneak into the slot on occasion to whip one at the goalie, and will get shots through to the net to open up rebound opportunities for teammates.

Bracco is an excellent skater with smooth edges to stay shifty and elusive, with quick changes in pace and direction- but he could use work on his top speed. To amplify his quickness, he owns a deep arsenal of 1-on-1 moves and manipulation skills to deceive opponents into moving one way, while he goes in the opposite direction. Despite his size, he is surprisingly physical, throwing hits to dislodge pucks, and playing a bit rough in defending his net; he guards the crease efficiently and manages to keep attackers boxed out. In addition, he kills plays in the slot with his deft stickwork, and is a willing shot-blocker. Bracco is a hard-worker with high motor, and brings intensity to his defensive duties along with sound anticipation, but he is often mistake-prone and easily out-muscled. In retrievals, he shakes off attackers with deception in the form of fakes and dekes, in cohesion with his dexterous stickhandling. He skates with his head up to scan for options for the breakout, and can make smart, simple plays to kickstart the rush, but he runs into trouble when he gets too fancy. He can also be pressured into making mistakes, such as bad passes, and throwaways. There are other times where Bracco simply tries to do too much, forcing plays that aren't there.

Unfortunately, Bracco might not show enough offensive potential or puck-moving ability for a defenseman of his stature to garner interest from NHL teams, at least not until the late rounds of the 2025 Draft. In the 2024 Draft, there were defensemen better than Bracco is now (in my opinion) that were left undrafted. Though I have seen his name in various Draft lists and mocks, he was left out of Central Scouting's Mid-term Rankings. He is committed to Harvard for next season.

RD Henry Brzustewicz (6'2",194lbs)

London (OHL): 39gp/ 6g/ 19a/ 25pts, +14, 57 PIM.

Henry Brzustewicz (who is actually from Washington, Michigan) is a solid two-way D, and a coveted righty who does a bit of everything, but I believe that playing on a Knights' defense that includes names like Sam Dickinson, Oliver Bonk, Jared Woolley, and the recently-acquired Cam Allen has limited his ice-time and effectiveness somewhat, thus bringing down his numbers. In a stretch of 5 games between Dec.20th and Jan.3rd, with Dickinson and Bonk away at the World Juniors, Bru amassed 7 points- I believe there's a lot more here than meets the eye. The base of Bru's game is his steady and reliable defense, highlighted by his efficient positioning and high-end awareness. He specializes in stopping the rush, angling attackers away from danger using his air-tight gap-control, then finishing them along the wall with a poke check, a stiff hit, or a pin. Inside the zone, he's highly disruptive, with a suffocating reach to cut off passes and clog lanes, and the awareness to rob his adversaries of time and space. He wins plenty of pucks for his team in the defensive zone, staying calm and composed in retrievals, evading pressure, shaking off aggressors, and protecting the puck. From there, he usually makes a sound first-pass, and can stretch the ice with a high-value breakout to connect with a teammate in full flight streaking through the neutral zone. On occasion, he will step up and skate the puck out on his own- and he has shown that he can go end-to-end when the opportunity presents itself.

Bru shows some slick puck-skill and 1-on-1 ability to deke, toe-drag, and dangle against would-be defenders, along with the deception to make opponents go one-way while he goes the other way. He skillfully uses delays to survey his surroundings for options, rather than throw the puck away- although there are times when he unnecessarily tries to force things, which can result in turnovers. Bru is a powerful skater, with excellent mobility to go with a fluid stride, and he is a workhorse who can munch minutes. With 57 penalty-minutes, it's easy to see that he's not a gentleman on the ice; he plays an abrasive physical style, and makes life difficult for anyone who tries to battle him along the boards, or in the corners. He throws his body around to separate man from puck, and is mean in protecting his net- although he can get in to penalty trouble by being overzealous physically. Brzustewicz often participates in the offense, and walks the line with purpose and a high amount of movement; he will activate to extend offensive zone time, open space to pass into, or create opportunities to score. He uses well-timed pinches into pockets of space in coverage, and has the high IQ and vision to make plays to high-danger areas. These forays into the zone, be it off the rush or the cycle, don't happen unless the coast is clear- he doesn't roam at the expense of his defensive duties.

Bru's handling and puck-protection have been criticized, as his mechanics look a bit wonky at times- he often seems to be handling too much from his hip pocket, leaving the puck exposed in front of him, leading to some fumbles and steals. In addition, he sometimes forces plays and is not unsusceptible to making errors with the puck; there are the usual fumbles and bobbles, but he can sometimes throw the puck away when he doesn't have to when under pressure. Despite this, his game is considered to be easily translatable to the NHL, and he has huge potential- watch him explode offensively when and if the older defensemen on his team move on from junior. The more I digest on this player, the more I think he might be chosen in the first-round of this summer's draft.

RD Carson Cameron (6'2",194lbs)

Peterborough (OHL): 60gp/ 7g/ 16a/ 23pts, -24, 22 PIM

D Carson Cameron (ranked #87 NA Skaters) may not be a "hidden gem" per se, as I'm sure NHL scouts are well aware of him by now. Cameron is a much better player than his stats, as he plays for the worst team (.346 win %) in the OHL, and one of the lowest-scoring clubs in the entire CHL, and his 23 points are incredibly only 12 away from the team lead. He's quite young, with a June 27th birthday, and is a smooth-skating, 200-ft righty with offensive potential, and a reliable puck-moving game. A favorite of mine, he is very reliable in all situations, and a calming presence for his team with his constant poise and high panic threshold. He executes clean, controlled retrievals consistently, followed by polished first-passes to set up the breakout- pre-scanning thoroughly while protecting the puck from forecheckers, applying deception to escape pressure, and using cutbacks and delays to buy time and space. He will gladly take a hit in this process to make the proper play. In transition, he holds tremendous value, with the ability to rush the puck up-ice, or to pass through the neutral zone effectively.

Cameron is very mobile, with excellent speed and agility, on a smooth, powerful stride. He joins the rush frequently and attacks the middle, and though he may not possess elite creativity and vision, he has very little to work with in Peterborough, and plenty of his ideas die on his teammates' sticks, or miss the mark due to their ineptness. He manages the play well from the top of the offensive zone, walking the line to open seams, and showing excellent distribution skills. He often pinches in to the play, expertly finding soft spots to fill, and will attack the net from the weak side for one of his snappy catch-and-release wristers, or sprint up the wall to make a pass to the slot. He will activate to keep pucks alive and extend offensive zone time, and will throw a hit to prevent the breakout. His point shot is dangerous, and he gets it through to the goalie consistently, creating second-chance opportunities for teammates. Cameron is a physical player who wins more than his fair share of puck battles, will levy hits to win possession, and is aggressive and overpowering in front of his net. He pushes pace, and is a minute-munching workhorse who can play in any situation, as well as both sides of special teams.

Cameron is usually a safe and reliable defensive player, but he can be sloppy at times. Though it's hard to evaluate a player on a team as bad as the Petes, he is an excellent penalty-killer who executes a solid shutdown game. With his swift four-directional speed, he's adept at snuffing rushes by mimicking his opponents' footwork, exerting tight gaps, angling attackers to the outside, stripping them of possession with well-timed pokechecks, and often finishing the play with contact. Cameron owns good awareness and anticipation, giving him the sense to act proactively in the form of picks and stick-lifts, which help him in defending his net. If he were on a different team, he would be able to showcase his abilities and talent much better, but scouts will know that- and while I would put him in the third-round, he could go as early as the second. Going forward, he would benefit by adding more power to his shot, and he needs to get stronger as he can be overpowered at times. It will be difficult for him to keep expanding his offensive game while playing on the Petes, but his best years are definitely ahead of him.

LHC Cole Chandler (6'2",174lbs)

Shawinigan (QMJHL): 64gp/ 13g/ 19a/ 32pts, +12, 40 PIM

Cole Chandler (ranked #172 NA Skaters) finished the regular season 8th in scoring for the Cataractes, but is currently tied for second in playoff scoring (behind only Matvei Gridin) for that club with 8 points in 9 games, and is second in plus/minus with a +7. He was Shawinigan's first-round draft choice in the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft, 16th-overall, but only truly started to fulfill his potential in the second half the 2024-25 season; he put up 10 points in 25 games in an injury-riddled rookie year in 2023-24, and by the 30 game mark of the current campaign, he only had 7 points- but piled up 25 points in his next 34. He might be flying way under the radar, but he's a smart, well-rounded power-forward with a responsible two-way game. Chandler obviously has a sizeable frame, and even though his stride is not mechanically perfect (with a bit of an upright, short stride), he still manages to generate excellent speed in a straight-line, with the ability to win races at times, beat defenders wide, and separate from pursuers in open-ice. He needs work on his explosiveness, and his edgework- though he does own a quick change of pace and direction to bait attackers into opening space. His pace has improved since the start of the season, and he has cut down on the amount of times he gets caught gliding into the play, but he is still sometimes guilty of underperforming on both fronts.

Chandler is primarily known to be a playmaker who mostly employs a simple distribution game, but he is able to pull off some dynamic passes to connect on high-end plays at times- showing keen vision and potent hockey sense. He reads gaps well, and understands space-creation- using every trick in the book to draw pressure and shift the defense, including delays and cutbacks to bait defenders into breaking formation. He pre-scans thoroughly, reads the play well, and can see teammates through traffic, making sound decisions. A skilled passer with mostly precision feeds, he has a wide array of methods to connect with teammates, including saucers over blades, hooks around sticks, backhands, and deft slip-passes through triangles- and he sprinkles in some deception (such as fakes, look-offs, and shot-passes) to smooth the way. His shot isn't too special in terms of power and velocity, but he disguises his release to fool goalies, and can pick corners with precision. Most of his scoring opportunities come from attacking the middle off the rush, cutting inside off the cycle, and going to the net with his stick on the ice to await high-danger feeds in the low-slot- or right on the goalie's doorstep. He will take the puck to the net, but he will also plant himself in front of the crease without the puck to take abuse, and clean up garbage; he exhibits top-tier hand-eye coordination for re-directs in the slot. and will get his stick up to tip pucks past the goalie.

Bringing a hard-hat mentality to the rink, Chandler provides energy to his team and is always involved. He charges into puck-battles, and uses his frame to give himself adavantages, as well as to provide a bit more separation. A physical player, he will lean into opponents on the run to steal pucks, cut inside, or just to rub them out along the wall, and will throw hits to win possession. He forechecks with purpose, and sprints at puck-carriers to force pressure, push pace, pick pockets, and cause turnovers. While not elite-level, he exhibits good puck-skill with smooth handling, occasionally surprising defenders with deft one-on-one moves to move through traffic. Chandler is a perceptive defensive performer, with plus-level awareness in own-zone scenarios, and employs good details and smart positioning to shut down the opposition's best players- racking up steals, causing turnovers, and poking away pucks. He does a good job of taking away the middle from inside-attacks with an active stick and his sturdy frame. Chandler is still inconsistent in his pace, with his engagement, physicality, and intensity all having wide ebbs and flows. From what I've heard, he is keeping his feet moving more consistently, but he can still be caught gliding a bit too much. Like many kids his age, he tries to do too much on his own at times, and can hold on to the puck for too long while waiting for plays to develop; he also tries to force plays that aren't there. This might indicate a need to improve his decision-making, as well as his play-reading abilities. Another important area that is in need of refinement is his faceoffs, which sat below 50% this year. Even if his offensive game doesn't translate fully, his defense, size, and physicality still give him enough value to be taken in later rounds. I like this kid, and I feel like he's been overlooked a bit.

RW Jordan Charron (6'2",190lbs)

Sault Ste. Marie (OHL): 48gp/ 10g/ 11a/ 21pts, -19, 47 PIM

Big winger Jordan Charron (#138 NA Skaters) didn't sign on to play for the Soo until Nov.17th, after the rules disallowing CHL players from playing in the NCAA was changed, as he has committed to attending St. Lawrence University in 2026-27. Before that time, he played for the Ayr Centennials of the GOJHL (22 points in 18 games, good for 25th in ppg), and the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL (1 goal in 3 games). Charron was the sixth-round choice (108th-overall) in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection Draft by a Greyhounds team that this season finished 14th out of 20 teams in the OHL, and were likewise 14th in goals-scored- they then punctuated the campaign by being ousted from the playoffs in 5 games by the Windsor Spitfires. He is rather young by draft standards, with a June 21st birthday, and is playing more of a complimentary role for the Soo as a left-handed RW with a north-south power-forward game.

Scouts look for traits in prospective draft-picks that are already NHL-caliber, or translatable to one day be at that level, and Charron has two- other than his man-sized frame. First of all, he's an excellent skater with a long, powerful stride that looks scalable, and will only get faster as he gets stronger; he can play with overwhelming pace, and wields an explosive short-burst to win races or beat defenders wide. Secondly, the mainstay of his game in the offensive-third is his already NHL-caliber shot that explodes off his blade with a well-developed release. I believe this talent will make him a much bigger scorer in the OHL next season. Hard-nosed and physical, as well as highly engaged and energetic, he works to get inside position on opponents, uses his size to win board battles, leans into attackers to push them off the puck, and battles hard in front of the net. As an OHL rookie, he is still learning how to play a complete 200-ft game, but keeps it simple with the puck while skating his routes hard; he chips and chases, dumps the puck in and out, and relies on quick touches with short passes. He is very inside-driven, and goes to the net hard- that's where he gets most of his chances, from in-tight. He shows soft mitts to beat goalies, and has no problem crashing the crease to clean up garbage.

While he seems to be able to read the ice well, Charron only flashes true playmaking ability, failing to connect on some of his more complex passes; he teases solid vision, and shows some high-end play-creation ideas at times, but perhaps lacks the skill and timing to follow through. Improving his puck-skill and passing ability will go a long way in this area, and hopefully he will get more ice-time with better linemates next season. There are instances where he loses control of the puck at high speed, and can cough up a turnover when pressured, making upgrades in this area even more urgent. Charron is a load to handle on the forecheck, making his presence felt physically and vexing opponents with his speed and tenacity. He exhibits good defensive awareness and engagement, identifying threats early and working aggressively to stop plays proactively with stick-lifts, and by setting little picks. Using his speed, size, and tenacity, he blocks lanes, forces turnovers, intercepts passes, and keeps off-puck threats in-check. He is physical, and will rub attackers out along the boards, and gets inside of his opponents' hands. He will step up in the neutral zone to snuff out rushes, and will deliver open-ice hits to separate man from puck. With Charron's defensive prowess, size to skating ratio, and his shot, it's easy to picture him in an NHL-team's bottom-six in the future. Look for him in the later rounds.

LHC Jan Chovan (6'3",187lbs)

Tappara (U20): 33gp/ 10g/ 8a/ 18pts, +6, 6 PIM

Slovakian center Jan Chovan (ranked #12 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting, and #75 by McKenzie) is a big, two-way pivot who is smart and skilled, and shows up in big games- at least in international play. Last summer, he played in his second Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, putting up 6 points in 4 games to pace Team Slovakia, after supplying his team with 4 points in 4 games in that event back in 2023, when he was just 16 years old. More recently, Chovan was a member of Slovakia's entry in the World Junior Championship this past December, and was 5th in scoring for his team, with 2 points in 5 games. Unfortunately, he has not looked nearly as good in league play this season. Chovan is held back by a lumbering stride that gives him below-average mobility- he needs a long runway to get up to full speed, and often shows up late to the play. This deficiency pervades many areas of his game.

Chovan is more of a finisher than a playmaker, going hard to the net for rebounds, tips, and deflections, and makes a good screen that is hard to move over the opposing goalie. He owns a good wrist-shot with pinpoint accuracy that could use a bit more power, and a bullet of a one-timer. He's an intelligent player, but perhaps a bit limited offensively, and he doesn't drive play or dictate pace. Still, he shows an understanding of how to use delays and cutbacks to patiently draw pressure and open space for teammates. There's flashes of creativity when he plays on the PP, but he doesn't facilitate much 5-on-5, relying mostly on quick touches, without much possession time. He owns a smart, efficient small-area game to connect plays through transition with short, quick passes, and manages to contribute in this area, despite his mobility issues. There's nothing too special about his handling, but he's strong on the puck and protects well, angling his body to block his opponent's sticks, and carrying out of their reach. On the forecheck, he applies good pressure on puck-carriers, and despite his heavy feet, he manages to be disruptive while bringing his physicality. Chovan finishes his checks, and will drop a shoulder and lean into a defender while cutting to the inside. He battles for pucks in the greasy areas, and plays a heavy game along the wall, but it has been said that he needs better engagement in 50/50 contests, because he often loses more battles than he wins. To offset his mobility, he exerts near-perfect positioning and a high workrate, and always seems to be in the right place, at the right time off-puck to support the action and make himself a playable option.

Chovan plays a fairly detailed and projectable brand of defensive hockey, and shows well when on the PK. He is a solid, reliable presence in his own zone with superb anticipation of developing plays, and proactive positioning to counteract and disrupt enemy attacks. He gets into lanes, and supports his D in down-low battles with a high workrate and an active, well-timed stick- always skating with his head up to be aware of oncoming threats. Even if Chovan's offensive game doesn't develop, the team that drafts him has the hope that he will make it as a bottom-6 defensive center, as it's believed he may not have a high ceiling. We won't see what kind of player he can be until he improves his skating though, as it brings down many areas of his game. He also needs work on his faceoffs. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

LW Vojtech Cihar (6'1",187lbs)

HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Extraliga): 37gp/ 4g/ 5a/ 9pts, +5, 8 PIM

There are many in the scouting world who have doubts about LW Vojtech Cihar's ceiling, with many projecting him to be a bottom-6 checker in the NHL, but he's in the middle of a season in the Extraliga (Czechia's top league) that ties him for 30th all-time in ppg (0.24) for players under-18 with 10 games or more- beating out such players as Filip Chytil (0.21), Pavel Zacha (0.21), Martin Havlat (0.21), Michael Frolik (0.18), and Patrik Elias (0.18). He is currently the top U-18 in the league by 6 points, and tied for 18th all-time. Cihar (ranked # 5 for EU Skaters, # 66th by McKenzie, # 52 by Button) has represented his country internationally, at the most recent World Juniors (7gp/1g/1a/2pts,+4, 29 PIM), and in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (5gp/1g/1a/2pts), and showed well in both events in a checking role. He is intelligent and incredibly hard-working, can play in any situation, and brings a responsible (as well as projectable) two-way game.

The two main pillars of Cihar's game that universally undisputed are his high-end workrate, and his air-tight defensive play. He is hyper-intense, and supplies his team with boundless energy and accountability, giving 110% every shift, often frustrating his opponents with second, and third efforts. On the backcheck, he does more than just apply apply pressure to puck-carriers- he grinds them down. He exhibits good habits and a detailed defensive game, scanning constantly with his head on a swivel, and skating smart routes to angle opponents away from danger, force dump-ins, and close space quickly. He covers a ton of real estate in his own end, going from supporting his D down low to attacking the point, and employs perfect positioning to clog lanes, block shots, and cause turnovers. Cihar identifies threats early and will stick to his man, proactively setting picks, and tying up his opponent's stick. There's solid IQ and hockey sense in this package, and he sees the ice well with fairly good distribution skill, but his creativity is limited- he is more of a facilitator than a creator, and keeps his play with the puck mostly safe and simple, as he gets himself in trouble when he tries to get fancy. He puts a good whip on his snappy catch-and-release wrister, and owns a good shot that could perhaps use a little more power, with a release that's quick and deceptive. Most of his goals however, are scored by beating goalies in-tight, crashing the net to pick up garbage, and he positions himself in front of the crease to set up the screen, cause chaos, and battle for chances.

Cihar plays a physical game, and is highly aggressive in all situations; he wears opponents down with a hard and heavy forechecking style, fights hard for pucks along the boards, throws his weight around, and initiates contact to retrieve possession. He exerts a high-end compete level, and stays perpetually active in all three zones; he supports the breakout, and can rush the puck through transition from defense to the offensive zone by himself on occasion, or he can connect plays through the neutral zone effectively with short-area passing. He is fantastic off the rush, and isn't afraid to drive the middle, or to cut inside to the slot. Off the puck, he skates intelligent routes to manipulate defenses into opening space for himself and teammates, positions himself in high-danger, and goes to the net hard to get tips and to be playable around the net. Mobility-wise, he is a good skater with above-average speed and strong acceleration, enhanced by his high workrate that pushes him to win races to loose pucks, just on sheer determination. He owns smooth edges to pivot quickly, and elude checks with quick changes of pace and direction. He could use a bit of work on his top-speed though. I would say his puck-control is well-developed, as he catches smoothly, settles down wild passes quickly, and can take feeds off of his skate. Some doubt how Cihar's offense will translate, but he already has a decent NHL-floor, and I would say he's a very safe pick. I think he'll a good two-way middle-six winger in the NHL, and I would have no problem taking him in the 2nd, or 3rd round.

RW Jacob Cloutier (5'10",170lbs)

Saginaw (OHL): 67gp/ 23g/ 24a/ 47pts, +15, 41 PIM

Winger Jacob Cloutier (ranked # 193 NA Skaters) has plenty of parallels to teammate (and often linemate) Carson Harmer- both are OHL rookies, both played in the GOJHL in 2023-24, both have remarkably similar stats, both are a bit on the diminutive side, and both play bigger than their size. In the regular season, Cloutier was 4th in rookie scoring- just 3 points behind Harmer- and was tied for 3rd in rookie scoring in the playoffs (3 points in 3 games) as Saginaw was dispatched by Erie in 5 games, despite missing the first 2 games of the post-season. JC is a high-energy forward who obviously  isn't aware of his size deficiencies- he throws hits, pins opponents to the boards, and wins battles in the greasy areas. He specializes on the forecheck, never giving up on a play, and disrupts with physicality and advanced stickwork- he's blessed with a relentless motor, and outworks his opponents. Though he's in a bit of a complimentary role in Saginaw, he is a difference-maker who tries to make things happen every time he hits the ice, and makes an effort to create advantages for himself and his teammates.

Cloutier is a high-IQ player with skill who makes a ton of plays off the wall, funnels pucks to the slot, and gets shots to the net to make plays; he skates with his head up to map out his surroundings,  spots teammates on the other side of traffic, and displays a mastery of deception to facilitate his ideas. Though he's a skilled passer and shows the ability to drive play, he might not be a high-end creator, and must learn to play with more pace in possession for the next level. He's inside-driven, attacks up the middle off the rush, and can maneuver around defenders in open space in the slot to present his stick for a pass, or to be in the right spot to capitalize on rebounds, as well as tip opportunities. He's not afraid to park himself in front of the net to take abuse, and fight for positioning, but he also owns a bullet of a one-timer and a snappy catch-and-release wrister that can paralyze goalies and sneak through holes in their equipment, with a good knowledge of how to use screens to his advantage. When entering the zone off the rush, he creates space at the top of the zone for drop-passes by drawing defenders up the middle, delays to wait for the right play to develop, and will cut-back to wait for support rather than throwing the puck away on a dump-in. A skilled puckhandler, he can deke and dangle around defenders with the puck on a string, aided by his deception ability, and evades pressure with quick changes of direction, as well as cutbacks and hesitations.

JC is not a very dynamic skater, with a rather short and choppy stride, but he manages to generate surprising quickness with solid balance and good edgework to escape checks along the wall. Going forward, he will need more explosiveness and another gear to give him the ability to separate from pursuers. Cloutier hounds puck-carriers in all three zones, stripping pucks and picking pockets, and has some bite in his game. He's a diligent defensive performer, a trusted penalty-killer, and shows good engagement and awareness in his own-zone. He's a willing shot-blocker, and wields a well-timed stick for poke-checks and interceptions, as well as to tip pucks out of danger. With his smart stick-work, his tenacity, and his readiness to dish out hits, he pressures opponents into turnovers and uncontrolled play. In transition, he is a high-value contributor to his team, with the ability to skate dynamic routes in his carries for clean entries, or attack up the middle with speed. He can manipulate opposing defenses by working give-and-go sequences, but he can also slow the play down with skillful delays to find the right option. Just like Carson Harmer, I can see him being a more dominant OHLer on the Scoreboard over the next few years. If scouts aren't deterred by his skating, pace, size, or production, look for him in later rounds.

LD Owen Conrad (6'3",209lbs)

Charlottetown (QMJHL): 64gp/ 7g/ 19a/ 26pts, -6, 32 PIM

Lefty Owen Conrad (ranked # 94 NA Skaters) has disappointed this season, when considering his offensive output from 2023-24; his 29 points in 59 games for the Charlottetown Islanders put him in the top-3 for rookie scoring by D last season, so I would have expected him to be closer to a point-per-game this year. A late first-rounder for the Islanders in the 2023 OHL Draft, Conrad's stats this season don't properly represent his abilities or potential in my opinion (I'm a fan of this kid), and I don't think his two-way capability should be overlooked. Offensive ability aside, he's already a fairly polished shutdown defender, but is very raw. He is a steadying presence on the blueline with his remarkable calmness and poise, and he is a known leader and character player, with high-end work-ethic and determination. He's a workhorse with the ability to log big minutes in important situations, excel in both special teams, and play a physical brand of hockey- throwing hits, and battling hard for pucks in the trenches.

Conrad is fairly mobile in all directions with a good top-speed when he gets going, but his explosiveness and acceleration are in need of an upgrade. Once he improves his lower-body strength, there's a chance his skating will become a strength, as his edges and mechanics are already sound; his stride looks fluid, and he is able to turn quickly, pivot smoothly, and transition seamlessly. An intelligent and dilligent defender, he never quits on a play and displays solid instincts and awareness in his own zone. He is solid rush-defender who puts up a tight gap to angle opponents to the outside, where he layers poke-checks on top of hard hits to snuff entries. He clogs lanes, blocks shots, intercepts passes, and protects his net aggressively- this side of his game is highly projectable, and may give him a high NHL-floor. He employs intelligent positioning and an active stick to disrupt plays, and suppresses attacks to the inside, while bringing his strength and physicality along the wall and down low. With the puck, he is poised and cerebral in limiting defensive-zone time by moving the puck quickly through transition, first by making plays to escape pressure in retrievals, then setting up the breakout with smart first-passes- or by stretching the ice with a long-bomb. He has an effective delay game at his disposal when needed, and displays good deception in his passes- always keeping possession for his team with few giveaways.

Conrad is a solid, albeit unspectacular handler, who will join the rush often, and activate in deep off of the line frequently, timing his pinches well to minimize risk. He displays good spatial awareness to locate open space to fill, lanes to pass through, and routes for relocation. He has at least a modicum of playmaking vision, but can be mostly classified as more of a distributor and facilitator at the present time- he's a skilled passer, but he stays a little too safe and risk-free right now. He would do well to take more calculated chances in an effort to make his flashes of play-creation much less rare. He needs work on his shot, as it's not very intimidating with it's lack of power and accuracy, and is right now being used as a playmaking device to set up his teammates with scoring chances. Though he shines in the defensive-third, he often looks like he's lacking urgency, so he needs work on his consistency and engagement. Offensively, his game might just be limited, but time will tell- many scouts think there's real upside in him. There's a ceiling here of a 2nd-pairing, two-way puck-mover who can potentially ride shotgun on the first-pairing, but he could make it as a bottom-pairing shutdown D who kills penalties. Look for him in the 3rd-round, but he could easily jump up to the 2nd.

C/LW Jake Crawford (6'3",181lbs)

Owen Sound (OHL): 65gp/ 8g/ 17a/ 25pts, -21, 22 PIM

The Owen Sound Attack finished the regular season in 16th-place out of 20 teams in the OHL (and 16th in goals-for), sneaking into the playoffs only to be swept by the mighty London Knights. Like many of his teammates on a young squad, center Jake Crawford (ranked # 98 NA Skaters) struggled offensively all season, and was even moved to the wing for a stretch in an effort to give him a boost, production-wise. Crawford, who wears an "A" for the Attack, is still quite raw physically, and had to be put on a high-calorie diet last summer in an effort to increase his weight from his rookie year in 2023-24, where he played at just 160 lbs. With the ability to contribute in any situation, Crawford is a bit of a Swiss-Army knife who can do a bit of everything, and sets an example with his never-quit attitude and high-end work-ethic. While it's true that he has struggled to put points on the board, doesn't possess any real dynamic qualities, and plays a fairly simple and direct game, he's a huge contributor to his team's transition, and a stalwart defensive specialist.

Crawford employs a highly-detailed defensive game, with top-notch awareness and flawless positioning, enhanced by his robust activity rate and unrelenting motor. He is a highly effective and trusted penalty-killer whose main calling-card is his ability to cause turnovers in the defensive zone, cleanly recover possession, and turn the play around into offense by transitioning the puck up-ice. He does this with clever outlets to teammates streaking through the neutral zone, or by rushing the puck through exits and entries with his quick feet and well-developed puck-handling skills. He owns advanced anticipation to be able to intercept passes, and knows where the puck is going to be in order to rack up stops, kill plays, and block shots. Though he is still a bit slight, he manages to win board battles, helps his D down low, and takes away the middle effectively by keeping attacks to the perimeter with an active stick. He will throw hits to separate man from puck, and will step up in the neutral zone to snuff entries, layering hits on top of poke-checks. He moves mostly in straight-lines, but exerts impressive mobility that gives him a big advantage in junior, enhanced by his energy and his will to push the pace of the game. He can leverage his size and speed to burst through traffic while skating through checks, and even though he could use a bit more explosiveness, he can separate from pursuers in open-ice. On the forecheck, he attacks with speed, tenacity, and physicality- depriving defenders of time and space while racking up steals, and forcing turnovers as well as uncontrolled play.

Always engaged, Crawford works hard to win battles in the greasy areas, and plays a power-game in the offensive zone, leveraging his frame to cut inside to the slot, and will drop a shoulder to propel his way through to the net. He gets off the wall a fair bit, finding gaps in coverage to fill, and will park himself in front of the net to clean up garbage in the crease; he displays good hands in-tight, and packs a rather hard and heavy shot. While he's a good passer, he seems to lack high-end vision and creativity, and his playmaking arsenal consists mainly of getting shots on-net. There are flashes of greater ideas from time-to-time, and he can create space by drawing defenders with cut-backs and delays to hit teammates in-stride. Crawford exhibits excellent puck-skills and smooth handling, with the ability to deke and dangle through traffic at times, curl-and-drag around sticks, and beat defenders one-on-one. He protects well too, angling his body away from poke-checks, and controlling outside of his opponents' range. Crawford projects as a depth player on an NHL roster right now, but there's potential for more- there a few other draft draft-eligibles who have struggled to produce in Owen Sound, namely C Harry Nansi, and D Braedyn Rogers. Crawford may not have shown enough numbers-wise to warrant a draft-pick this summer, but he has a lot going for him- even without much of an offensive game. Look for him in the late-rounds.

LHC Kale Dach (5'11",165lbs)

Sherwood Park (BCHL): 54gp/ 22g/ 65a/ 87pts, 22 PIM

Center Kale Dach (ranked # 136 NA Skaters) and teammate Jeremy Loranger have unbelievable chemistry, and are the top-two scorers in the BCHL, with Loranger at #1 (105 points in 54 games), and Dach at #2 by 12 points over the #3 scorer in the league. The two teammates were tied for the most assists in the regular season in the BCHL, with 65 apiece- which was 17 more than the next-highest mark. Despite exiting the post-season after 8 games, they were also the top-two scorers in the BCHL playoffs in points-per-game, Loranger being first with 1.75 ppg (14 points), and Dach tied for second with 1.63 ppg (13 points). Dach (no relation to Kirby) is a highly intelligent two-way pivot with elite playmaking qualities, and the ability to contribute to both special teams, who is poised to join the Calgary Hitmen next season. It's hard to evaluate players in lower levels, so everything that can be said about Dach must come with an asterisk- although the BCHL is considered to be better than the other Junior A leagues across the country, except for maybe the OJHL.

Dach's best asset is his top-tier hockey sense, which propels his offensive game and gives him advantages in all three zones. Playmaking is by far his biggest selling-point, and he has shown the ability (albeit at the Junior A level) to read the play on the ice at a high level, process quickly, and exert his elite-quality passing skill to thread the needle through the smallest seams. He can connect off the forehand or backhand, with one-touch, slip, saucer, or hook passes, with just the right amount of weight and velocity- right to his targets' wheelhouse. He sees teammates through traffic, and can spot lanes that few others could, and can also find gaps in coverage to fill. He understands how to open space with delays, pushes the pace with give-and-go sequences, and knows how to shift defenses with his movements on the cycle. Though his playmaking will most likely be his forte' going forward, he is said to be a dangerous shooter with quick hands, wielding a lethal catch-and-release wrister, and an explosive one-timer. He's not above crashing the crease for garbage goals though, or standing in front of the net to tip pucks, and will cut inside the slot to fire; I'm curious to see what he does in the WHL in the goal-scoring department next season. Dach is clearly faster than most of his BCHL counterparts, but I believe he would still be considered above-average if he were skating in the WHL. The mechanics of his stride are smooth and scalable, and he shows good evasiveness and quickness on his edges, although he needs to adds more strength to his lower-body. While he is poised, patient, and confident with the puck, he is still able to push the pace.

Dach is not mean, and isn't a big-time hitter, but he finishes his checks, and goes to work in the trenches to win pucks. Though his measurements may indicate that he's a bit slight, scouts say he's farmboy strong. Going the other way, he backchecks dilligently with a workmanlike mentality, and is considered to be a very defensively sound player with a strong workrate, intelligent positioning, and a high activity level to pressure opponents. Dach may not be perfect, but he's a pretty complete player who seems to be able to do a bit of everything, but considering the level he's playing at- he might not be elite at anything; we'll have to wait and see when it comes to his playmaking. Even still, I wonder how many points he would have without Loranger, and vice-versa; they seem to look for each other. I have also read reports that Dach's consistency of effort has deep ebbs and flows, and there are times when he does a lot of floating and puck-watching. If Dach is drafted this summer, he may have to wait until later rounds.

LW/C Oscar Davidsson (6'1",187lbs)

HV71 (J20): 34gp/ 14g/ 23a/ 37pts, +8, 34 PIM

Oscar Davidsson, who is one of the older players available in this draft-class with a Sept.25th, 2006 birthday, is a two-way power-forward with a hard-nosed approach and a high IQ. He is ranked #98 by Central Scouting for EU Players, and has played 13 games this season with HV71's SHL club. Davidsson has a physical presence on the ice and is a load to try to handle down low; he's competitive and intense, with a high work-ethic. He is a faceoff ace who is reliable in his own end, with a good compete level and a high activity rate. He displays uncanny awareness in defensive situations, taking away the middle of the ice from attackers, and wielding a highly disruptive stick, along with spotless positioning. He applies defensive tactics in the neutral zone as well, reading his opponents with his sharp instincts to kill plays, pick off passes, block lanes, and be generally disruptive.

Davidsson slithers into space in the offensive zone to present himself as a passing option in high-danger. He goes to the net hard, and wades in-and-out of the slot, waiting to pounce on loose pucks- and he has soft hands in-tight to beat goalies 1-on-1, along with good hand-eye coordination for tips. Davidsson is an excellent passer who funnels pucks to the slot, and finds teammates in high-danger, but does so without flashiness. He's smart, and displays top-notch vision and awareness in making dangerous plays, but keeps things rather simple- he feeds off of his teammates, rather than being a play-driver. His head is always on a swivel to pre-scan his surroundings. On the forecheck, he applies pressure to puck-carriers, and is disruptive with his stick, and his long reach. He doesn't seem to hold on to the puck for too long, and will choose the give-and-go option most often in transition, skating mostly straight-line routes. Davidsson is an excellent skater, with above-average mobility, but he isn't a speed-demon; he has an explosive burst when needed, and good acceleration, but his top-speed could use some work. He isn't getting the most out of his stride, as he's a little upright in his posture, and a bit stiff- he could use some work on his form, although he's well-balanced and reasonably agile. When he gets his mechanics figured out, his speed will most-likely become a strength. His puck-skill is surprisingly well-developed, and he protects very well while fending off checkers, with the ability to maintain control through checks.

Despite his excellent production this season, age is working against Davidsson somewhat, as he was only a few weeks away from being drafted in 2024. This makes him a little hard to project; I'm not so sure he's ever going to be suited to top-six duty in the NHL, if he were to make it. I would say his absolute ceiling is that of a middle-6 center in the NHL, but he's most likely a very good third-line prospect, who can do a little bit of everything. Look for him in the 3rd-round.

C/LW Kieren Dervin (6'2",181lbs)

Kingston (OHL): 10gp/ 1g/ 2a/ 3pts, +2, 6 PIM

Kieren Dervin (ranked # 71 NA Skaters) has committed to Penn State in 2026-27, and because of that, he started the season with St. Andrew's College in the Prep School circuit where he was dominant- posting 92 points in 61 games as one of the league's top players. When the rules preventing CHL players from playing on NCAA teams was overturned in November, he was free to join the Frontenacs- which he did only periodically through December and January, before joining the team full-time in March, once his season at St. Andrew's was completed. The sample size on Dervin is quite small, as he only got in ten regular-season games with Kingston, while playing fairly limited minutes- but he seemed to struggle with the pace and physicality of the OHL. In the playoffs, he only managed to post 3 points in 11 games, and was invisible at times. Despite standing 6'2", he is very weak and slight, and too easily pushed off the puck. His physical engagement has been inconsistent at best, according to reports. We may just have to wait until next season to see the real Kieren Dervin. Scouts love his frame though, along with his excellent mobility and high workrate, and will bet on his upside.

Dervin isn't yet a burner, but owns a fluid, projectable stride with above-average speed, and is quite light on his edges, possessing remarkable agility. Though he needs to play with much better pace, and must improve his processing speed and decision-making at the OHL level, he is skilled and smart with solid playmaking instincts, with flashes of high-end vision and anticipation. He has made some crisp, accurate passes through traffic for high-danger opportunities- passes that came a lot more frequently at the Prep School level. Dervin supports the play well off-puck in all three zones, and remains a playable option for his teammates at all times. He's not a very physical player at the OHL level, and needs to play better through contact, but competes hard in puck-battles and manages to win his fair share- he is considered to be a hard-working, high-motor player. While he's not exactly deking opposing players out of their jocks, he does possess quick hands, deft puck-skill, and tight protection ability, exhibiting poise under pressure with the puck- often showing the ability to move in traffic, and make plays in tight areas. He is proficient at finding lanes off the rush, and locating gaps in coverage on the cycle. His shot looks like it could use more power, but he owns a quick and deceptive release that could paralyze a goalie, along with good hands in-tight.

Considered to be a quality player in all three zones, Dervin works hard on the backcheck, and is driven by excellent sense and anticipation in defensive scenarios. While he was said to be an excellent face-off man in the Prep league, his faceoff percentage of 46.6% in OHL play suggests a need for further refinement in this area. Putting mass on his frame and adding strength is imperative for Dervin, and he desperately needs to learn how to better handle the pace of the OHL, with an emphasis on making much faster decisions. It doesn't seem like he was getting a lot of ice-time in Kingston, but as a player who is destined for college, he has a much longer runway than most- and he will need it. Scouts say he has the ceiling of a second-line power-forward, but has a long way to go, in my opinion. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RW Arvid Drott (6'1",187lbs)

Djurgardens (J20): 33gp/ 15g/ 16a/ 31pts, +19, 14 PIM

Like teammate Eric Nilson, winger Arvid Drott (ranked #43 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting) plays down the lineup a bit on a deep and talented Djurgardens squad, and was a member of Team Sweden's entries in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (2 assists in 5 games), and the WJAC (2 goals and 3 points in 5 games). Drott is young by draft standards, with an August 11th birthday, and is a power-forward who likes to initiate contact. He is an above-average skater with an explosive burst and fairly good agility, who can challenge defenders off the rush. Goal-scoring acumen and a hard shot are his primary weapons; he attacks the net off the rush for chances, and has an imposing presence in front of the net when fishing for tips and rebounds. He barges his way inside to the slot consistently, and can beat goalies 1-on-1. Drott has a hard and heavy wrister with a deceptive release that he can use to pick corners, but he seems to get most of his chances in-tight.

Drott sometimes skates intelligent routes through the neutral zone in an effort to access space to make controlled entries, but he usually stays moving in straight-lines. He often displays patience in delaying to wait for options to open up, but it's only a matter of time until he makes a bee-line for the net. He forechecks diligently and causes havoc down low, forcing opposing players into making mistakes, and opens space for teammates on-and-off the puck. Drott can see through layers of traffic, and understands how to draw pressure in order to open up passing seams, but any sign of high-end play creation only comes in flashes. He has reasonably good passing skill though, and while he doesn't often get too fancy, he can pull off some of the more difficult passes- including the odd saucer-pass over sticks. He handles well, and exerts solid puck-protection with one hand on his stick, and the other fending off attackers, keeping his feet moving through contact. Drott is rugged and strong, competes hard in the greasy areas, and recovers plenty of pucks. He will park himself in front of the net to take abuse while frustrating the goalie, set up a screen, and make an effort to get a stick on a rebound, or a tip. He's quite physical, and will lean into opponents to barge his way through traffic. Drott exhibits smart positioning on the backcheck, proactively checking sticks, pressuring puck-carriers, and blocking shots. He makes an impact in all three zones with his high workrate, intensity, and unrelenting motor.

Drott is not very flashy or dynamic, and doesn't possess many elite skills, but his game is projectable nonetheless. He can be caught puck-watching, or running around defensively, and he needs to learn how to use his teammates better by developing a sharper playmaking dimension. Drott has a good chance at being a solid, middle-six power-winger in the NHL, and I would take him in the second-round of this summer's draft.

LW Filip Ekberg (5'10",168lbs)

Ottawa (OHL): 36gp/ 9g/ 13a/ 22pts, -5, 2 PIM

Winger Filip Ekberg set the Allsvenskan record for the youngest player to ever record a point in that league, at the age of 15- and he scored a hattrick in that game. After being drafted 33rd-overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, Ekberg was expected to be a top player for a rebuilding Ottawa 67's squad (who are currently 16/20 teams in the standings), but has grossly disappointed- and by all accounts, he isn't even getting top-6 ice-time. Some were even projecting him to be a first-rounder in the 2025 Draft, but those projections have evaporated, as he's currently ranked as #136 (EU Skaters) by Central Scouting. Apparently, he missed training camp with an illness, on top of having to adjust to North American ice, as well as different surroundings on a new team. Ekberg skated in last summer's Hlinka for Team Sweden, posting 2 goals and 3 points in 3 games, and he put up a mediocre 3 points in 5 games in December's World Junior A Challenge.

Ekberg's playmaking acumen is perhaps his best asset, with his high-end vision and hockey sense driving his game- he skates with his head up to scan, and makes good decisions. He creates chances off the rush and causes havok on the forecheck to force turnovers. He drives the net hard, and when installed in the zone, he is always finding holes in coverage to fill while funneling pucks to the slot, and sending dangerous passes to the middle. Ekberg has a hard shot with a lightning-quick release and pinpoint accuracy that he can fire off on the fly, but he is also adept at scoring in-tight. His one-timer is powerful, as well. He exhibits uncanny awareness in all three zones, and intelligent off-puck positioning. Ekberg is an excellent skater who can push pace, and displays shiftiness in his edges- he is very slippery and hard to catch with quick changes of pace and direction, as well as deceptive shifts of weight. His hands and his skill match his feet, with some fairly dynamic stickhandling and slick 1-on-1 moves; he pairs these skills with delays to create space, and employs manipulation with deception tactics, such as look-offs, fakes, and dekes. He expertly plays the give-and-go to contribute to clean entries through transition, and he can skate some of the more dynamic routes to carry through the neutral zone.

Ekberg is not all finesse, as he's a bit hard-nosed and gritty with a surprisingly high battle-level, and some physicality mixed in. He will take abuse and absorb hits to complete plays, and will wade into the greasy areas to win puck battles against larger opponents. He will throw his weight around to dislodge pucks, but often ends up on the losing end of physical confrontations due to his lack of size and strength- still, he's game, and there is no issue with his motor, or his compete. Ekberg anticipates the play well enough to contribute defensively, but his impact is average at best- he needs to be more aggressive, as he's not very disruptive. Players with Ekberg's size are usually expected to have better numbers, or have some elite qualities, and I'm not really seeing that here. I think he'll be a mid-round pick at best this summer, and he may have to wait until even later to be chosen.

RW Victor Eklund (5'11",161lbs)

Djurgardens (Allsvenskan): 32gp/ 11g/ 9a/ 20pts, +8, 37 PIM

If you missed Victor Eklund's performances in the 2024 U-18's (6 points in 7 games), last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (4 points in 4 games), December's World Junior A Challenge (7 points in 6 games), or the World Juniors (6 points in 7 games), then I hope this write-up will make those reading it grow to appreciate him as much as I do. Eklund is a lightning-fast, skilled offensive winger with an elite brain, who plays a gritty game, with a massive chip on his shoulder. His best quality might just be his sky-high compete level- he gives 110% every shift, and never gives up on a play- obviously, he was a Canadian in a past life. Despite his modest stature, he engages physically, throws hits, dives into the dirty areas, wins battles along the boards, gives second and third efforts, and is usually in the middle of every post-whistle scrum. He's an agitator, a pest, and a puck-hound, who plays with pace, high energy, and motor. As the brother of Sharks' first-rounder William Eklund, it's natural for some to compare their numbers, but that wouldn't be fair; they are different players, and William played in a higher league in his draft year (23 points in 40 SHL games). Victor plays in a men's league too- the second-tier Allsvenskan, and his numbers are also impressive.

Vic might be a better skater at this age than his older brother was- he's electric. His edges and agility are huge assets, with the ability to change pace and stop on a dime, giving him the capability to evade checks with his shiftiness. He thrives in open ice, with explosive acceleration, and can beat defenders wide. Eklund's wingspan isn't very long, but he still manages to handle the puck outside of his opponents' reach, and he can weave in and out of traffic while manipulating checkers with his arsenal of advanced deception tactics. He is always in motion, whether on-or-off the puck, and he's a pain in the butt on the forecheck as he never relents, and never quits on a play. Though his numbers suggest he's a goal-scorer, he's actually a fairly balanced attacker, and skates with his head on a swivel to exploit his high-end vision and creativity. Scouts always mention his passing skill, as he can connect with teammates through layers of traffic with passes that are often tape-to-tape, crisp and accurate, and right to the receiver's wheelhouse. He does need to shoot more though, as he owns a bullet of a wrister with a sneaky, deceptive release, and can fire off the catch. He has a nose for the net, and he's not afraid to attack the middle, or go straight to the crease off the rush. He gets his nose dirty, and battles in front of the net for position- taking abuse to have a chance at a rebound or a tip. Eklund's hands are as quick and smooth as his feet, giving him the ability to maneuver through traffic with dekes, dangles, feints, and shifts of weight.

As if the above weren't enough, Ek is also a solid defensive player, and brings his motor and intensity to the backcheck- he exerts good positioning, and hounds puck-carriers. He's a nightmare to handle in transition, as his speed and shiftiness, combined with his handling and puck-protection make him nearly impossible to contain. He possesses the innate ability to locate weak spots in coverage to move through, and he can spot passing seams that few others can see, in order to complete clean entries. Eklund plays bigger than his size, and wields elite-level compete, but he needs to get much bigger and stronger in order to be effective at the next level, and to be able to survive the rigors of the pro ranks. Look for him in the top-10 of this summer's draft.

LD Edison Engle (6'2",174lbs)

Des Moines (USHL): 20gp/ 0g/ 4a/ 4pts, -4, 4 PIM

Dubuque (USHL): 6gp/ 1g/ 4a/ 5pts, +3, 2 PIM

Up until about the end of December, scouting reports on Edison Engle seemed to paint a picture of a highly active player with lofty ideas that weren't bringing him much in the way of points- sort of an offensive defenseman without any offense, if you will. I had him in the top-3 rounds of my preliminary rankings, but left him out of my top-100 in my December list, due to his poor numbers with Des Moines of the USHL- a team ranked 13th out of 16 teams in that league, and also 13th in goals-for. Additionally, he was all zeroes in the summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, as well as in the most recent edition of the World Junior A Championship in December. Things may have changed with a late December trade to the Dubuque Fighting Saints (who are the best team in the league by points, and second-overall in goals-for), showing a sharp uptick in offensive production. Perhaps his play-creation abilities are now connecting in a better environment, but we'll see- I'm keeping my excitement tethered for now, and I'll keep watching his numbers. Even if the offense fails however, he's still a solid puck-mover and two-way contributor at the end of the day, that received a "C" rating from Central Scouting in their preliminary rankings- indicating a possible 4th, or 5th-round pick.

If his newfound offense dissolves, he still holds plenty of value with his excellent defensive game, and high awareness in his own zone. In addition, he's a calm and poised puck-mover, even when he isn't piling up goals and assists. Engle shows stifling play-killing ability against the rush, angling opponents away from the middle proactively in the neutral zone, then gliding across laterally with a well-timed poke-check. He's steady and dependable, with good habits and attention to detail, and makes stops with his body and an active stick to disrupt passes as well as clog lanes; when all else fails, he removes options to force attackers to dump the puck in. Like most prototypical top-pairing defensemen, he's highly active and covers a ton of real estate on every shift, sniffing out pockets of space to move through in order to help build the rush and create chances, with or without the puck. He makes a strong first-pass, and can even stretch the ice on occasion for odd-man opportunities on breakouts, but he can also opt to get on his horse and rush the puck up-ice while beating defenders. In retrievals, he shakes off pressure while calmly scanning for options, and usually makes sound decisions; it would seem that he specializes in getting the puck out of the defensive zone quickly and efficiently. He's a smooth skater and puck-handler with NHL-grade mobility, but could use a tune-up on his top-end speed and agility as he can be beaten by some of the faster players on the ice

As with his own-zone play, he exhibits good habits and details in the offensive zone, mostly keeping things simple while skating with his head up to map out his surroundings. He joins the rush and activates from the point frequently, but only when it's safe to do so, and he will sometimes explode off the boards to the middle to make things happen. Engle walks the line efficiently, skates into passes, and exhibits generally good instincts and vision. His shot is fairly decent, perhaps nothing special, and he needs to work on his power and accuracy; he doesn't unleash it quick enough, and it can be blocked. He's not much of a threat in the goal-scoring department, and uses his shot as a playmaking device to generate rebound and tip opportunities for teammates. Engle is a workhorse defender, and a minute-muncher, but I don't get the sense that he's an overly physical player- he doesn't shy away from contact at all, but isn't a big hitter. He will use his frame as leverage to win inside position, engage in 50/50 board battles, and box opponents out from the net. If Engle can keep the offense flowing in Dubuque, his draft stock will soar- but if he can't, the default package is still fairly good. Many scouts think there's real potential here, and he will get time to develop, as he's committed to Ohio State University for the 2026-27 season. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round, but he could rise if he continues to put up numbers.

LW Kristian Epperson (6'0", 185lbs)

Saginaw (OHL): 36gp/ 17g/ 34a/ 51pts, +33, 64 PIM

I liked him last year, and I love him this year. Epperson is a draft re-entry this season, and in his D+1, he's 21st in OHL scoring, 15th in ppg, and tied for 4th in plus/minus on a Saginaw squad that sits in 11th-place out of 20 teams, and is home to one of the best players available in the 2025 draft in C Michael Misa- which benefits Epperson greatly. The young winger was considered to be one of the USA's best talents for his age group in his time at Shattuck-St.Mary's school between 2020 and 2022, and solidified that status by placing 6th in scoring for the NTDP Juniors against USHL competition in 2022-23 with 29 points in 39 games, eclipsing fellow 2024 draft-eligibles such as Christian Humphreys, Max Plante, Austin Baker, Lucas Van Vliet, and Teddy Stiga. In his DY however, he not only failed to show progression, but his ppg dropped significantly with only 16 points in 42 NTDP games, playing behind some elite talent. Some say that the NTDP was trying to turn him into a checker, and that's where I think the program fails some kids- the players lower in the lineup would often be better off in a starring role on a USHL team, or playing more important minutes in the CHL. I made mention in my 2024 profile of Epperson that he was drafted by the Saginaw Spirit and should have played the season there, but he made the right move in coming up to Canada this season, albeit one year too late. Right now, he's projected to end up with 90 points in 63 games, with 112 PIM- not too shabby.

Epperson is full of grit and sandpaper, but he's got plenty of finesse too, with a full array of tools. The first main pillar of his game is his superb skating, that enables him to overwhelm his opponents with speed off the rush, beating defenders wide while cutting his way inside to the middle of the ice. He's a high value contributor in transition, slashing his way across wide swaths of neutral zone real-estate on the strength of his quick feet, backing opponents off and making clean entries. His work-ethic is another staple of his game, and he enhances his mobility by playing with menacing pace and boundless energy, along with being hard-nosed and fearless. I would have said last year that his shot was his main weapon of choice, but he's leaning a bit more towards his playmaking these days- and who can blame him, he's playing with Michael Misa! Epperson owns a laser of a wrister with pinpoint accuracy and a quick, deceptive release, as well as a bullet of a one-timer, but also possesses a goal-scorer's instinctive ability to find or create open space to shoot. He will drive the net to pick up garbage, and has silky mitts to beat goalies 1-on-1. This season with the Spirit, he's showing just how well he sees the ice, and he has the passing skill to connect on the ideas that his high IQ grants him. He can connect with teammates through traffic, as well as over and under sticks, or through triangles, finding his targets often in high-danger. Epperson has well-developed puck-skill and protection ability, and with how hard he is on pucks, he can barge through checks, even when he is being pinned to the boards.

The eighteen year-old Epperson (he turns 19 in May) is unrelentingly physical, throwing his weight around and taking the body whenever he can. He seems to have upped his intensity this year in regards to his physical game, landing some crushing hits and unapologetically making himself a target in post-whistle scrums- it seems like he's in the middle of every dogpile. 64 PIM in 36 games shows he's not Mr. Nice Guy when he takes to the ice. There's also plenty of little things he does for his team that don't show up on the scoresheet, mainly his stellar defensive work that shows his keen awareness and smart, proactive positioning. He breaks up plays with his top-notch anticipation, pressuring puck-carriers and eliminating threats, then turns the backcheck into the breakout by moving the puck out of the zone quickly and efficiently. I believed last season that he deserved to be drafted (I thought he would be a mid-round pick) but I think his play will be rewarded this time around with a selection in the top-3 rounds. Epperson needs to bulk up and get stronger, and perhaps work on his skill game, but he's a pretty complete player- I think he might be a future candidate for middle-6 duty in the NHL, but his floor is as a physical, bottom-6 defensive player who can chip in some offense.

LHC Mikkel Eriksen (5'11",185lbs)

Farjestad (J20): 33gp/ 16g/ 20a/ 36pts, +4, 8 PIM

One of the best things about C Mikkel Eriksen (who is actually Norwegian) is that he's the youngest player in the 2025 draft-class, with a Sept.13th, 2007 birthday. The nephew of Espen Knutsen (remember him?) has been impressive when representing his home country internationally, posting 4 goals and 5 points in the 2024 U-18 Tournament for Norway, and 4 points in 5 games in the 2025 WJC-D1A. He is ranked by Central Scouting as the # 94 EU Skater. Eriksen is very much a natural C with a sound 200-ft game, and is fairly balanced when it comes to offense. He is very middle-driven, and reads the ice well, with the ability to drive play. He owns solid instincts, as well as sharply-honed passing skills, with the vision to make high-value plays sending crisp, accurate feeds through traffic- often cross-ice, or cross-crease. He is also a good finisher who can score pretty goals, or cash in on garbage goals, going to the net for rebounds and loose pucks. Eriksen plays well around the crease, both in passing and shooting, and drives inside for chances. He employs a rather workmanlike approach, and isn't too flashy.

Eriksen has a fairly deep arsenal of shots to choose from, all with a quick and deceptive release, and moves intelligently off-puck- floating around in the slot, dipping in-and-out of high-danger to open space, and present his stick as a passing option. Skating-wise, he is well above average in the speed department with superb elusiveness on the strength of smooth edges, that provide him with shiftiness and escapability. With his quick acceleration and his balance, he can often blow by defenders, and separate in open ice. He has a number of slick 1-on-1 moves and deception tactics that add to his evasiveness, but he is also uncommonly hard on the puck, and protects so well that he can maintain possession even under physical pressure. Eriksen isn't really overwhelmingly physical, but he doesn't shy away from contact- he finishes his checks, battles for pucks in the trenches, and wins position in front of the net. Several times a game it would seem, he levies reverse-hits along the boards to make a little room for himself. From what I've seen, he's fairly good on faceoffs, and he plays a tight defensive game by reading his opponents well, and exerting pristine positioning to proactively cover his man and take his stick. He removes the middle as an option with excellent use of his stick, and pressures attackers all over the zone. His off-puck game is one of his finest attributes, as he seems to always be in the right place, at the right time, while always open and playable. He makes movements with the goal of opening up space by drawing opponents, even when not in possession.

Eriksen holds tremendous value as a transitional player- he can carry through clean exit and controlled entry, and traverses the neutral zone with pace to push back defenders. He skates intelligent routes, uses manipulation by deception, and makes quick, smart passes. Eriksen reminds me of some recent players from the J20 who were 2nd-rounders in 2023, in Felix Unger-Sorum, Felix Nilsson, and Oscar Fisker-Molgaard, but these players were a bit more dynamic than Eriksen, and perhaps more skilled. They also spent some time in higher leagues, and Eriksen has yet to be rewarded with a call-up. Eriksen needs to add an extra gear to his skating, and has to add strength, but I think he could possibly be a middle-six center (perhaps more likely a winger) in the NHL at some point. Look for him in the 3rd-round.

RD Blake Fiddler (6'4", 209lbs)

Edmonton (WHL): 36gp/ 6g/ 11a/ 17pts, +4, 22 PIM

Blake Fiddler may be playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings (who are currently 10/22 teams in the WHL, and 8th in goals-for), but he's an American- born in Nashville, Tennessee as the son of former NHLer Vern Fiddler. The younger Fiddler was bestowed an "A" by Central Scouting in their preliminary rankings, which is indicative of a potential first-round pick- and I believe it's well deserved. Fiddler is a beauty- a well-rounded two-way D who is more focused on playing quality defense, and shutting down the other teams' top players. There are not many flaws that stand out in this young man's game- he might be the best shutdown defenseman in the WHL. His defensive awareness is sky-high, his anticipation is superb, and he wields spotless gap-control and poise beyond his years. He is always in the right position, performs admirably under pressure, and is highly disruptive as well as hard to play against- he blocks shots, eats up passes, and employs an abrasive, physical style. Against the rush, he is brilliant, with the ability to match footwork with oncoming attackers, play the angles to push opponents to the outside, and poke the puck out of danger with his long and stifling reach. He denies entries, and applies suffocating pressure on puck-carriers. When the opposition gets set up offensively, Fiddler is instrumental in limiting their time in the zone, and he does the same on the penalty-kill- another area of specialty.

Fiddler is an above-average skater for a player his size, exploiting long and powerful strides, with smooth agility and edgework to pivot or change direction quickly. His lateral mobility lets him surf across wide tracts of ice to intercept attackers along the boards. Even still, he has room to improve his top speed and explosiveness. There's some surprising puck-skill in his repertoire to go with his unyielding puck-protection; his handling looks good, and he can dangle around defenders on occasion in the offensive zone, or when exiting the defensive zone. Fiddler is well versed at making seamless retrievals by shaking off pressure, either by deception or with a slick deke, and is even more proficient at making a sound first-pass to kickstart the breakout under duress. He is poised and calm, and makes smart decisions with crisp, accurate passes after scanning his options patiently. There's signs of more offensive ability to come; he will occasionally jump in to the rush or activate from the point to make a play and provide support, and he will step up to extend possession, or to get the puck deep. His shot is decent, but he perhaps needs to work on it's velocity- he uses it mainly as a playmaking tool to create rebounds and serve up tip opportunities. It should be said that 17 points in 36 games is very respectable for a defenseman in the WHL, and places him 43rd in a 22-team league.

Fiddler is somewhat raw, and hasn't come close to fulfilling his potential. There are moments of overconfidence with the puck, and mistakes happen when he gets too loose with it. He can get too fancy with his passes on breakouts, which can lead to the occasional giveaway, and like most of his peers- he can be mistake-prone with the puck. Also like his peers, he can be inconsistent- not only game-to-game, but sometimes shift-to-shift, especially with his physical engagement. These aren't huge detriments, as they don't happen all that much and Fiddler is good enough to recover seamlessly most of the time. Scouts project him as a top-4 shutdown defenseman, but he could potentially anchor a top pairing if he develops his game further. Look for him in the latter third of the first-round this summer.

LD Makar Fomin (5'11",165lbs)

Almaz Cherepovets (MHL): 32gp/ 6g/ 14a/ 20pts, +22, 14 PIM

Severstal Cherepovets (KHL): 12gp/ 0g/ 0a/ 0pts, -6, 2 PIM

Lefty Makar Fomin (ranked #30 for EU Skaters) is, at the time of this writing, the 8th all-time leading scorer in the MHL for defenseman 18-and-under, and 6th all-time in ppg for D in that age bracket. He's a touch older by draft standards, with a December 17th birthday, but he's a dynamic, play-driving rearguard who electrifies with the puck, and contributes all over the ice. He's a fantastic skater, though maybe a notch below elite in straight-ahead speed, with superb agility to sidestep checks- he's elusive and slippery, and very hard to pin down. He wins more than his fair share of puck-races, and shows enormous value in his ability to push the pace as a transitional driver; his passing talent is elite, and he's a high-end puck-mover. Fomin's hands might be even smoother and quicker than his feet, as his puck-control is one of his best assets. He's an impressive stickhandler and doesn't often give pucks away, with an extensive arsenal of deception, using feints and look-offs, as well as deft cut-backs and delays, to make himself room to move.

Fomin owns well-developed passing skill, with high-end vision and IQ. His passes are on the tape, and can find their way cross-ice through the smallest of holes, putting teammates in favorable positions. He exploits space with quick touches, finds seams to pass through on the fly, and will join the rush as an extra attacker, sometimes soaring all the way to the end boards. Fomin walks the line intelligently and effectively to manipulate defenders, funnelling pucks to the low-slot, and makes quick reads to time his activations advantageously. He pinches in to the play frequently and aggressively to support the cycle, keep the play alive, and to create high-danger opportunities. Defensively, he gets involved, but he needs plenty of work and must be used judiciously at this point- this is a much bigger problem against men in the KHL, than against junior competition. He seems to be working hard in his own zone, and stays active, but looks out of position and a bit lost most of the time in his call-ups to the pros. He does have a high number of takeaways at the MHL level, mostly because of his active stick and keen anticipation, but his gaps are too loose and he seems mistake-prone with the puck. On retrievals, he usually looks smooth and controlled, shaking off pressure with his deft stickhandling and evasive footwork to complete composed breakouts that usually connect with crispness and accuracy. He looks poised and calm, and contributes to controlled exits and entries. Off the puck, he is active and energetic, and makes himself a constant playable option for his teammates.

Fomin's shot lacks power, and he needs to develop more deception in his release, but he uses it more as a playmaking device right now to serve up second-chance opportunities for his teammates. In addition, he needs better shot-selection, as he gets blocked a lot and misses the net frequently. He doesn't shy away from contact, but he isn't a physical player, and struggles to win 50/50 puck battles because of his lack of size and strength. At times, he is too much of an individual, and needs to use his teammates better- he tries to do too much on his own, and often looks like he's doing his own thing outside of his team's structure. This, as well as deficiencies in his defensive game and his size, have led to questions as to whether or not his game is NHL-projectable. There's tons of potential here, but he may need more runway than most. I could see him being picked as early as the second-round, but I think it's more likely he gets taken in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

LHC Conrad Fondrk (5'11",174lbs)

NTDP: 32gp/ 6g/ 12a/ 18pts, -8, 6 PIM.

Conrad Fondrk is a center who contributes a bit in all 3 zones and in all situations, but it's very difficult to get a good read on him in a throw-away season for an NTDP squad that lacks elite talent, and has trouble scoring. Fondrk is mostly a support player who excels in riding shotgun with a true play-driver, and he is lucky enough to play regularly with Will Moore. In his own right, Fondrk is an intelligent player with excellent vision and hockey sense, as well as the passing skill to cash in on his ideas. He mostly keeps things relatively simple, especially off the rush, but he's effective and does not lack creativity. While his numbers say that he's not much of a goal-scoring threat, he does own a hard, heavy shot, and has a willingness to park in front of the net to convert second-chance opportunities, employing a nice set of hands with good timing. Fondrk is an excellent skater, perhaps not elite, though he wins more than his fair share of races and seems to be strong on his feet. The pace at which he plays gets mixed reviews though, depending on which game is being watched.

Fondrk is an excellent puckhandler, with quick hands and tight protection ability who exudes confidence in carrying, and exhibits a wide array of deception skills and 1-on-1 moves to get around the ice. He is known to be capable of making high-end plays in open-ice, and excels in finding seams in coverage to operate in. He uses these skills in transition, working give-and-go's or just blasting through the neutral zone for a high number of controlled exits and entries. Fondrk's profile differs from game-to-game, as his effort and engagement are wildly inconsistent; he seems like a different player each time he takes to the ice for his first shift. When he's on, he's a hard-worker who initiates contact and plays through checks- he can be a real difference-maker when he wants to be. This is particularly true in the defensive zone, where he runs hot and cold; when he's engaged, he uses his physicality, a smart stick, and proactive positioning to separate man from puck, block shots, and clog lanes. He's still quite young though, with a June 1st birthday, so hopefully his inconsistency improves as he matures.

I think that in Fondrk's case, scouts see a player who is far more untapped potential than finished product, but there's no denying his raw skill. He's committed to Boston U for 2025-26, where he will be developing in a good program with some familar faces. Look for him in the 2nd-round of the 2025 Draft.

LW Aiden Foster (6'2",174lbs)

Prince George (WHL): 68gp/ 11g/ 9a/ 20pts, -2, 136 PIM

You read that right- not many players rack up 136 penalty-minutes in the CHL these days- even most of the bad boys don't get those kind of numbers. Aiden Foster (ranked # 89 NA Skaters) was used all over the lineup in Prince George's regular season, including as an insulator in the top-six, but ranked 5th on the Cougars in the Playoffs with 6 points in 7 games (and 10 PIM) before they were were ousted from the post-season by the Portland Winterhawks. An ultra-physical and intimidating winger, he is trusted in defensive situations by his coaches, but he flashes skill and offensive ability; he is quite raw physically, and will be an absolute beast when he gets stronger and fills out. He isn't the prettiest skater, with an upright stance on a short and choppy stride, and requires a bit of runway to accelerate, but he's like a freight train at top speed and impossible to stop when he gets a bit of momentum behind him. There's work to be done in this area and his mechanics need fixing, but as he adds strength to his lower-body, some of his issues will correct themselves.

Foster plays a heavy game with a hard-nosed style, and he's pretty mean to boot, never leaving a bodycheck unfinished. He's an intimidator and a protector who will drop the gloves in defense of a teammate, and can change the course of a game with a momentum-swinging hit. It's exciting to imagine the player he will become when he fills out his 174lb frame, as he manages to already be a terror while underdeveloped physically- perhaps that's one reason why he's ranked as high as he is. He's still learning how to leverage his size to give him advantages, and make more room for himself, but he needs to get significantly stronger in order to maximize his power game. Still, he battles hard hard for loose pucks and engages opponents in the trenches without fear. One of his specialties is his work on the forecheck; he's a force who hunts down puck-carriers and defenders in retrievals, and eliminates them with thunderous bodychecks. He's highly disruptive, with his tenaciousness and pace standing out in these situations, and opponents seem to know when he's out on the ice- he causes a lot of turnovers, fumbles, and throwaways. The coaches in Prince George trust him in defensive-zone scenarios, and he gets time on the PK. He displays good anticipation and awareness in poking pucks off of sticks, blocking passes, clogging lanes, and racking up takeaways. Playing with energy and grit, he launches himself into battles, lays hits to win possession, and puts supreme pressure on attackers- he is also capable of making smart plays off of recoveries, with short and efficient passes to kickstart the breakout.

Foster has a hard shot that he can fire off the catch from difficult angles, with a laser of a one-timer, and a snappy curl-and-drag wrister- but he needs better precision, and a more deceptive release. Most of his playmaking (if one can call it that) revolves around his tunnel-vision to the net, in crashing the crease, shooting to cause chaos in-front, and in his fearlessness in driving the net, cutting inside to the middle with the puck, and standing in-front to get chances while screening the goalie and battling for position. He protects the puck quite well, and will drop the shoulder to lean into a defender to cut to the net, steering the puck with one hand while angling his body and fending off stick-checks with the other. There are flashes of passing prowess though, displaying the ability to connect on more complex plays, including low-to-high feeds for high-danger chances, and cross-crease passes to a teammate on the weak side. Scouts say that, over the course of the season, he has become a more effective connective-passer through transition, and supports the play well in transition with safe and simple distribution. Although he has shown the ability to beat opponents one-on-one with slick handling moves, he needs to improve his puck-skills for the next level, as he can lose control of the puck at high-speed, and has a bit of trouble catching in-flight. Foster may have a breakout with the Cougars in the next few seasons as older players move on, but as it stands- he could be an exciting player on an NHL team's fourth-line, providing toughness and defensive reliability, with potential for more. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LHC Anton Frondell (6'1",196lbs)

Djurgardens (J20): 10gp/ 5g/ 2a/ 7pts, +9, 6 PIM

Djurgardens (Allsvenskan): 21gp/ 6g/ 5a/ 11pts, +3, 12 PIM

Anton Frondell is a 200-ft center who has everything, including size, speed, an elite brain, and a power game, but injuries suffered in the last few seasons (including near the start of the current campaign) have negatively impacted his numbers. He uses his size well to play a physical game (which results in those injuries), to dislodge pucks, win battles, and establish positioning. He intimidates on the forecheck, dominates along the boards, barges his way inside, and crashes the crease for chances in-tight. Frondell is an effortless skater with near-flawless technique, and is agile and well-balanced- he can outrace most opponents to loose pucks, separate in open ice, and blow past defenders. His straight-ahead speed may be a step or two below elite, but he has an explosive burst and terrific acceleration with the shifty edges to evade checks, and fool defenders. His stickhandling might be even more impressive than his mobility, as he can handle around sticks on the fly, or deke and dangle through checkers. Frondell's puck-protection is exceptional, and he can handle smoothly with one hand while fending off pressure with the other. The puck seems to be glued to his blade.

Frondell is a lethal scorer from any angle, and can pick corners with a laser of a wrister on a quick and unpredictable release, after creating space for himself to explode into. He will set up in space for his one-timer, which is a bomb, and he plays hard around the net. He seems to excel in all situations, as well as both sides of special teams, and he's an excellent penalty-killer. Frondell bears a well-balanced offensive skillset, and is as good a playmaker as he is a scorer- with a sky-high IQ and supernatural vision to create plays and drive the offense, even under duress. He can see his teammates through traffic, and has the high-end passing skill to connect with them. With his talent for anticipation, he can see the play coming before it ever happens, staying perpetually ahead of the play, and he can break down opposing defenses with how well he reads the ice. Frondell is a tenacious, hard-working, heart-and-soul player who commits to playing a sound defensive game, and puts forth the same effort on the backcheck as he does in offensive situations. He covers seemingly every corner of the zone in defense of his net- from pressuring the point, to aiding his D down low. He is reportedly a gym rat who works hard to improve everyday.

There are those who think of Frondell as being more of a second-liner at this point than a top-line player, as injurues have eaten away at his effectiveness. His performances this season have been uneven, but he is currently in the middle of the 11th-best season for a U-18 player in Allsvenskan history- and the season isn't over yet. In 2023-24, he put up 7 points in 6 games at the World Junior A Challenge, but only managed 4 points in 5 games at this year's event- although I suspect he was still getting his feet under him after returning from injury. He's a top-line center all-day long, and will be taken in the top 6 or 7 players in this summer's draft.

RD Linus Funck (6'3",183lbs)

Lulea (J20): 37gp/ 4g/ 14a/ 18pts, -6, 53 PIM

Linus Funck (ranked #34 for EU Skaters) is a big, two-way, puck-moving defenseman, who is currently 22nd in scoring for blueliners in the J20 league, or 6th in scoring for defensemen under-18. His puck-moving ability might be his greatest asset- from his outlets, to his distribution through transition. He performs sound first-passes out of the zone, and can stretch the ice on occasion with some long-bombs. Funck uses an arsenal of feints and other deception to elude forecheckers in retrievals while pre-scanning for options, and remains calm and poised throughout the process. He is a part of helping his teammates complete clean exits and entries by connecting plays through the neutral zone. 

Mobility is an issue with Funck unfortunately, and his below-average 4-directional speed pervades many areas of his game; his stride is rather short and choppy, and his pace is deficient. Despite this, he handles well, and his puck-control doesn't seem to be an issue- he even displays some nifty 1-on-1 skill. With his team installed in the offensive zone, he walks the line with intelligence and decent passing-skill to execute crisp, accurate feeds to high-danger; he has a modicum of vision and hockey sense, and can spot seams through traffic, but he's not a dynamic play-creator. He owns a hard and heavy shot from the point that he gets on net fairly consistently, not only to test the goalie, but to create havok around the net, and to create chances for teammates. Though he doesn't try to do anything too dramatic, and he's not really flashy, he is a good enough offensive player to get PP minutes. Defensively, Funck exhibits solid positioning, a wide wingspan with an active stick, and enormous range to be a reliable presence on the backcheck. He gaps up early to kill oncoming rushes in the neutral zone, and wields sound awareness to break up plays on the cycle. Obviously, he has a sizeable frame, but he has the strength to match as well, and he's not at all afraid to use either to separate man from puck; 53 penalty-minutes in 37 games shows he's not Mr. Nice Guy in the process. 

Funck has not yet had the opportunity to experience playing in one of Lulea's men's league teams, which can sometimes be telling, but his teammate Oliwer Sjostrom hasn't had any call-ups yet, either. There are small issues that need to be eradicated from his game, but they are the same issues that many young defensemen have- he can be caught coasting in the defensive zone at times while puck-watching, he can be pressured into mistakes, and he needs to add significant size and strength for the pros. Those are small issues however, when compared to his biggest deficiency- his mobility and pace, or lack thereof. He has plenty of work to do in this area, as he won't be able to keep up in the higher levels. Look for him in the 4th, or 5th round.

LHC Matthew Gard (6'5",192lbs)

Red Deer (WHL): 46gp/ 10g/ 13a/ 23pts, -4, 50 PIM

The Red Deer Rebels are 17th out of 22 teams in the WHL, and only 1 team in the entire CHL (The Halifax Mooseheads) has scored less goals than their 115 tallies in 47 games to date. Scouts know that Rebels' center Matthew Gard is a far better player than his stats suggest, and would have much better numbers on a better club; he is ranked #52 by Bob McKenzie, and is #42 (NA Skaters) in Central Scouting's Midterm list. Gard is an underrated offensive contributor, as he does exhibit some creativity, as well as solid vision and hockey sense, but the team that he plays for drags down his numbers. Even without shiny offensive stats, Gard is a big power-forward who focuses on being a stalwart defensive player, and excels in that role. 

Gard is a fairly straight-line player, and not very dynamic, but he's skilled and smart, and reliable in all three zones. He has flashes of high-end play-creation with acute passing skill that allows him to connect with teammates through layers of traffic on occasion. He has a keen knowledge of how to manipulate opponents through deception, and also how to bait them with the puck- drawing them in to manufacture open space elsewhere. He plays a physical game, going heavy on the forecheck in finishing his checks, causing havoc, and dominating in the greasy areas. Gard's skating is around average, but it's fluid, and will improve as he gets stronger; he can still beat defenders wide at times, occasionally separate in open ice, and win races to loose pucks. Defensively, he's a positionally sound, impactful sentry who reads his opponents remarkably well and plays a detailed game. With his enormous range and active stick, aided by his solid awareness and anticipation, he forces turnovers and takes away the middle of the ice from attackers. He will support his D down low, and provide a helping hand to teammates in winning puck-battles. Off the puck, he's intelligent, and always puts himself in good position to give his teammates short passing options, or to connect plays. Gard exhibits solid puck-protection to skate through checks and decent hands for stickhandling, making him a sound contributor to transition- but he prefers to pre-scan on the rush to work the give-and-go through the neutral zone. On the powerplay, he is usually stationed in front of the net, but he will also attack the crease in 5-on-5 situations to battle for position, bang in loose pucks, and cash in on tips and rebounds. Gard is also an excellent faceoff performer.

Though Gard has an excellent work-ethic and good motor, there are some who say he needs to learn to play with better pace. Improvements must be made to his offensive game, and he needs more power in his shot, but most importantly- he has to upgrade his skating a notch or two for the next level. If he can do that, he'll be a force- but even still, he might be suited more for 3rd-line defensive duty in the NHL, with the hope for more. Look for him in the 2nd-round. I'm a fan.

C/LW Milton Gastrin (6'1",185lbs)

MoDo (J20): 30gp/ 14g/ 20a/ 34pts, +6, 16 PIM

C Milton Gastrin first made a name for himself as Captain of Sweden's entry in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (10 points in 5 games), where he anchored the tournament's most dominant line, with Ivar Stenberg and Viktor Klingsell. He is well-liked by scouts, and is ranked 4th (EU Skaters) by Central Scouting, #27 by McKenzie, and #28 by Button. Gastrin has been rewarded for being the second-leading scorer on MoDo's J20 squad, with 6-games on the SHL team, but he has yet to record a point. He is a playmaking center who plays a responsible two-way game with physicality, but even more than that, he's a leader who oozes intensity, consistency, and high-motor- he doesn't cheat the game, and sets an example. Gastrin plays in all situations, and is very well-rounded, with a highly-translatable style; there aren't many true flaws in his game.

Gastrin is fairly well-balanced offensively, but he leans towards his playmaking. Though he doesn't hold on to the puck for too long, preferring to move the puck with quick touches, he exerts excellent vision and creativity to create opportunities for his team, and will patiently delay to wait for the right play to arise- he thinks quickly, makes sound decisions, and plays at a high pace. He's a skilled passer, and can get the puck through small spaces in traffic to teammates in high-danger with crisp, accurate feeds. Mobility-wise, he may not be a burner, but he's an excellent skater who can occasionally separate in open ice, beat defenders wide, or blow past checkers in the neutral zone with explosive bursts of speed. Gastrin mingles plenty of physicality into his game, gets his nose dirty in battles at both ends of the ice, and will throw hits to dislodge pucks; he is uncommonly strong and sturdy on his skates, with the ability to barge through contact. He can score goals by crashing the net to shovel in loose pucks, and he will plant himself there to screen the goalie and get tips while taking abuse and jockeying for position, but he also owns a quick release on a dangerous shot that can fool netminders and pick corners. Gastrin exhibits quick hands and deceptive handling, and he can drive play through transition with lightning-quick give-and-go passes.

Gastrin is a responsible and detailed defensive player who provides a calming presence with his awareness and superb positioning that keeps him always on the right side of the puck. He stays active, plays aggressive, and helps to limit defensive zone time- he's also good on faceoffs. Off the puck, he skates smart routes to support the play in all areas, reads the ice well, and presents himself as a playable option. If there's any weaknesses, it may be the fact that while he's creative, he's not elite, and he's really not dynamic or flashy in any way; he keeps his play with the puck simple and risk-free. There's always good ideas, but sometimes the execution is a bit sloppy, and while he's a skilled player, he doesn't do anything at an elite level. Gastrin is an excellent candidate for middle-6 NHL duty, with the potential for more, but some suggest that he might be more of a goal-scorer in the pros. Look for him near the end of the first-round in this summer's draft.

C/LW Jordan Gavin (5'11",179lbs)

Tri-City (WHL): 35gp/ 14g/ 16a/ 30pts, +2, 0 PIM

Brandon (WHL): 33gp/ 7g/ 20a/ 27pts, +6, 0 PIM

C Jordan Gavin (ranked #123 NA Skaters) is an older player by draft standards, with a Nov.13, 2006 birthday, and just finished his third full season in the WHL. He was drafted by the Tri-City Americans in the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft, with their first-round selection, second-overall, and almost immediately starting paying dividends- with 54 points over 62 games in 2022-23, and 68 points over 68 games in 2023-24. Midway through the current season, after posting 30 points in 35 games with Tri-City, he was traded to the Brandon Wheat Kings- which should have been a bit of a step up, but his production remained quite similar, with 27 points in 33 games, although he did have a rather slow start with his new team. More was expected of him numbers-wise this season though, after a point-per-game output in his D-minus-1 year on a very poor Amerks squad. Though his age will work against him in the eyes of scouts, Gavin is a highly cerebral playmaker who can do a bit of everything while affecting the play in all three zones, and was on the ice for over 20 minutes a night the last few years in Tri-City, playing both special teams. There are times when it appears like he's playing chess, while everyone else in playing checkers.

Gavin is a magician when it comes to utilizing and creating space; when he runs into a dead-end, and all passing-lanes are closed, he creates the opening he needs by slowing the game down patiently to draw multiple layers of pressure away from teammates, and stretching out defenses with cutbacks, delays, drop-backs, and button-hooks. He skates into passes with the aim of finding the next open lane, exhibits high-end positioning all over the ice, and attacks open space at the exact right time- expertly dipping in-and-out of high-danger, and sneaking around in the slot behind defenders. Gavin's hockey sense is elite, as well as his passing skill, and he displays top-tier awareness of his surroundings to know where everyone is, and where they will be- he is responsible for many highlight-reel plays every night, including feeds through the low-slot, and passes across the ice. Give-and-go chains are a big part of his passing game, allowing him to manipulate his opponents, and his off-puck game is highly tactical- he uses his timing and anticipation to relocate to advantageous positions. Questions persist however, about his pace and how it will translate, and there are some who think he isn't a true creator, but rather a playmaker that feeds off of his teammates, and will always need to play with the most offensively-inclined linemates to have success. This is definitely true of his goal-scoring, as he is totally opportunistic, and a right place-right time player who stays open and playable around the net. While he can fire off the catch with good whip on his wrister, he needs a more deceptive release as his shots are way too telegraphed, and get blocked a lot. In addition, he is way too content to make plays from the perimeter, and doesn't get inside nearly enough to maximize his shooting chances.

Zero penalty-minutes in two years (only 8 PIM in the last six seasons of hockey) is a legitimate concern, but while he isn't a hitter, he does get involved physically in terms of battling for pucks, and winning position in front of the net. He still manages to be disruptive on the forecheck, but he's still too small and weak to consistently come up on the winning end of 50/50 confrontations, and he gets pushed around a fair bit. There's not much of a board game here, either. Gavin's skating is a bit above-average speed-wise, but it looks smooth, fluid, and projectable, with a bit of a quick-burst when needed. He's slippery and shifty on his edges to spin off of checks, and make attackers miss, with excellent agility. In transition, he contributes well with his passing game, but he lacks the deception in his handling needed to beat opponents one-on-one consistently. His sublime hockey sense and elite passing skill come into play in this area, but his pace won't cut it in the pros. Gavin is a solid defensive performer though, who exemplifies intelligent positioning and pressures opponents by limiting time and space, and by getting into lanes to disrupt plays. He can be trusted with PK duty, and was heavily relied upon in this area when he played for the Amerks. His high-end sense and anticipation tells him where the play is going, so he can once again- be at the right place, right time- to force errors and uncontrolled plays. A true leader, he directs the troops on where to go in the defensive-third, and he picks a ton of pockets, steals pucks, and blocks shots.

Gavin has high-end talent, and can do things most players cannot, but he will undoubtedly be a bit of a project going forward, because most of his weaknesses are directly linked to his translatability. Learning to play with pace is a must, and he will have to learn how to make decisions at high-speed for the pros- there are few players who can slow the game down in the big leagues. In addition, he has to start getting inside more, which he has shown the ability to do, rather than playing largely on the outside. Thirdly, he needs to add a few more layers of deception to his carries, his passing, and his shot-release; scouts look for this skill in young players, and it's of great importance at the next level. There's also work to be done on his strength, physical game, speed, and his shot. It might be too early to be calling him a hidden gem, but there's plenty of teams that will be willing to gamble on his elite brain come draft day. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

RW Eddie Genborg (6'2",185lbs)

Linkoping (J20): 25gp/ 17g/ 15a/ 32pts, +19, 26 PIM

Linkoping (SHL): 19gp/ 2g/ 0a/ 2pts, +2, 0 PIM

Winger Eddie Genborg is a hard-hitting power-winger who plays with energy and intensity, and though he only plays an average of 8 minutes per game in the SHL, he has distinguished himself from many of his peers by getting into 19 games so far this season in the nation's top men's league. Genborg was ranked #11 for EU Skaters in Central Scouting's Midterm rankings, Bob McKenzie has him at #42, and Craig Button has him at #22 on his Draft list. Genborg showed up in the summer for Team Sweden in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (3 points in 5 games), and in December's WJAC (2 goals and 3 points in 5 games). Obviously, he's an excellent finisher, with soft hands in-tight and a powerful shot on a lethal release. He will crash the crease for garbage goals, and will plant himself in front of the net to screen the goalie; he drives the inside, and scores most of his goals from the low slot. He plays a hard-nosed, robust physical game, initiating contact early and often, finishing every check and delivering some bone-rattling hits in the process. He has a presence on the ice- he intimidates, causes multiple turnovers, and agitates with his intense "in your face" style. He's a beast on the forecheck, extends plays in the hard areas, and brings energy to his team.

Genborg has sneaky skill, and high-end hockey sense, but isn't too dynamic, and keeps things mostly simple. He's known as a capable playmaker, and understands how to draw pressure away from teammates in order to open space to pass into. He can create chances off the rush, and is able to make plays in traffic. According to some reports, his off-puck game is one of his best attributes, and scouts like him almost as much for what he does without the puck, as he does in possession. He's always in excellent position to support the play in all 3 zones, always playable, and understands how to affect space by skating the right routes. Genborg is an above-average  skater with smooth edges and agility who can win races to loose pucks, separate in open ice, and challenge defenders off the rush. He can hold off opponents with his solid puck-protection, keeps his feet moving through checks, powers through defenders, and can handle in tight spaces. He will give-and-go with teammates through the neutral zone to open space, but he can also opt to rush the puck through exits and entries on occasion. Genborg is reliable and well-positioned defensively to seal off plays, but is also aggressive and hard to play against. He proactively lifts sticks, and protects his goalie like a defenseman. Genborg has good promise as a middle-six power-forward in the NHL, but there may be potential for more if he keeps growing his offensive game and upgrades his strength and skating. He's a second-rounder for sure, but he could sneak into the first.

LD Artyom Gonchar (6'0",154lbs)

Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL): 46gp/ 7g/ 17a/ 24pts, +2, 2 PIM

Sergei Gonchar's nephew, Artyom (#33 EU Skaters) is 12th in the MHL for scoring by D, and one point ahead of Kurban Limatov- but with an October 25th birthday, age is working against him somewhat. Gonchar is a dynamic offensive defenseman who flashes high-end IQ and vision, and is highly active in the o-zone, activating frequently in search of quality chances. He shows creativity in his playmaking to pry open seams to pass through, and shows some well-honed passing skill; he sees the ice well, and owns solid hockey sense to find teammates with high-value feeds. His handling is close to elite, and he is at home with the puck on his blade, giving him the ability to beat opponents in transition, and easily escape pressure in retrievals with dekes and dangles. When in possession, he looks calm and poised, and catches seamlessly by settling down wild passes quickly. There's plenty of deception in his game to manipulate opponents in the form of various fakes, feints, and look-offs.

Gonchar will join the rush to act as an extra forward, and pushes pace. In the offensive zone, he loves to activate deep up the boards while beating layers of defenders, and will sometimes explode off the wall towards the middle to rip a shot at the goalie, or to get a high-danger pass away. He owns a fairly good point-shot that often finds it's way through traffic to the net, and leads to opportunities for his teammates in the form of tips, rebounds, and loose pucks in the crease. He is an excellent skater with smooth, fluid mechanics, and well above-average speed, with smooth edges that make him slippery and elusive- he also has an explosive short-burst at his disposal. The process of moving pucks away from pressure with quality breakout passes looks easy and error-free with Gonchar, and he applies deception with deft 1-on-1 maneuvers to deke and dangle through bodies to rush the puck up-ice, but will also use cut-backs and delays when needed. He's a high-value contributor to transition via carry, or by pass to send teammates in for clean entries. When the opportunity presents itself, he can also stretch the ice with a long-bomb to create odd-man opportunities.

Defensively, Gonchar is fine when the puck is on his stick, but his gaps are too loose, his reads are off, and his awareness looks deficient; he isn't nearly as engaged or aggressive as he should be. His own-zone play is deficient, and it's hard to say if his offense will translate well enough to compensate. In puck-battles, he doesn't back down, and is willing to take a hit to make a play, but he's not a very physical player- this may be somewhat due to the fact that he's extremely skinny and frail, and comes up short in 50/50 contests because of his lack of strength. I think he will be selected between rounds 5 and 7, but that might be due in part to the lack of depth in this draft; I think there were better defensemen left off the board last year.

LW Brandon Gorzynski (6'2",181lbs)

Calgary (WHL): 68gp/ 17g/ 25a/ 42 pts, +27, 16 PIM.

Hitman Brandon Gorzynski (ranked # 81 NA Skaters) is a native of Scottsdale, Arizona, and was taken by Calgary in the 2022 WHL US Priority Draft, with the 15th-overall pick. He is a two-way power-winger who plays with a high-tempo to push pace, and projects as a bottom-six defensive player in the pros- but make no mistake, he will be a difference-maker. Gorzynski forechecks like a dog on a bone, throwing puck-carriers off-kilter with his break-neck pace, intimidating by throwing big hits, and charging at opponents full-tilt to remove time and space- forcing errors and uncontrolled play. He is an excellent skater, especially for a player his size, displaying a powerful stride with a deep knee bend, and fluid mechanics. His mobility is amplified by his sky-high motor, compete, and relentless tempo- he is always engaged, giving second and third efforts, and wins battles in the hard areas of the ice. He's a very physical player, and throws his weight around, but is obviously disciplined when doing so, as he has only accrued 16 penalty-minutes this season. He can play through contact, and stays highly active.

Gorzynski's puck-skills are noteworthy; his hands are quick enough to keep up with his feet, and he keeps tight control of the puck at high speeds, with the ability to deke around defenders and to move around in small-areas. His puck-protection skills are excellent as well, using his long reach and angling his body away from attackers in full-flight. Off the puck, he skates intelligent routes to make himself a constant playable option for his teammates, and to consistently support the play in all three zones. Gorzynski is classified as being primarily a playmaker, but he has a nose for the net; he drives the middle off the rush, attacks the crease, and goes to the net to pick up garbage in-front, and to battle for position to cash in on second-chance opportunities. It has been said that he needs to improve his shooting mechanics to get more power, but he could obviously use a quicker, more deceptive release to improve his chances of scoring. Though he keeps things as simple as possible, he owns plus-level hockey sense and solid offensive awareness, using delays, cut-backs, changes of speed, and drop-backs to the trailer upon entry to open space. Building more deception in his game will be paramount for the next level, though. He excels in transition with the aforementioned puck-skills to weave around traffic, pushing extreme pace to drive defenses back, and possesses the off-puck awareness to make himself a passing option, in order to aid in puck-transportation. He's even effective in the early stages of the breakout, winning possession after retrieving the puck in the defensive zone by initiating contact, then starting the puck going in the opposite direction.

Gorzynski exerts enormous pressure on puck-carriers in the defensive-third by hustling hard, and sprinting to loose pucks; he's highly aware, and supremely disruptive. He is active in preventing entries, guards his net, gets into lanes, suffocates attackers by removing all time and space, and locks down threats proactively. He supports his D down low, and will cover their position in front of the crease when they have to abandon their post. Gorzynski might be best suited to bottom-six duty in the NHL, but he will be an impact player nonetheless. I like this kid, and I believe he could become a big-time producer for the Hitmen in coming years. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

RHC Owen Griffin (5'10",172lbs)

Oshawa (OHL): 62gp/ 22g/ 29a/ 51pts, +3, 33 PIM

C Owen Griffin has a bit of a pedigree in junior hockey, having been selected 6th-overall by the Oshawa Generals in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, but doesn't get much time on the top-line- though he did manage to pile up 13 points in the last 10 games of the season. In 2023-24, he struggled mightily as a rookie while playing fourth-line minutes for the Gens, posting only 6 points in 61 games. Size will always be a factor, but Griffin remains a solid, well-rounded, two-way pivot with a surprising physical game, and the ability to play in any situation- including both sides of special teams. Playmaking is his best weapon, with good vision and excellent hockey-sense, and the ability to think fast and make decisions to drive play. Adding to this is his top-notch passing-skill, giving him an arsenal of crisp, accurate feeds to funnel pucks to the slot consistently, and he can connect through the crease, and across the ice. Griffin expertly locates open space to operate out of, and patiently delays to wait for passing seams to develop using cut-backs, and he will drive defenses back off the rush to make room for a drop-pass to the trailer. 

Despite his small stature, he's a net-front presence, fighting for positioning and digging for loose pucks- working hard for second-chance opportunities. He plays well around the crease, and will crash the net for rebounds. There's some power in his shot, but his release is lacking the quickness and deception needed to enable him to score from distance- the majority of his tallies come from the low-slot. Griffin exemplifies high-motor and compete- he hounds puck-carriers all over the ice, and will throw the body to separate his man from the puck. He's fearless, showing grit in hard areas, and will fight through contact, or take a hit to complete a play. On the forecheck, he pressures opponents aggressively with speed, physicality, and an active stick, making retrievals difficult for opposing defenders, and disrupting the breakout. Along the boards, he battles hard to win possession, giving second-and-third efforts, but his lack of size can be a hindrance- he needs to get a lot stronger and bulk up. He has a long, powerful stride that gives him above-average speed in a straight-line, but he must keep improving his top-gear; there's an explosive burst he has at his disposal that enables him to win races, and helps him remove time and space in off-puck scenarios. With his strong edgework, he is slippery and elusive, with a sharp turning radius and a rapid change of pace to deceive attackers. His off-puck awareness is a strength, and his intelligent positioning in all three zones is a huge asset; he employs a detailed game, knowing where to be at all times to positively affect, and support the play, as well as to disrupt and frustrate his adversaries.

Griffin works hard on the backcheck and excels defensively, aiming to stop the rush early in the neutral zone with a well-timed stick to poke-check pucks away from attackers, and intercept passes. He possesses keen awareness in the defensive-third, with spotless positioning and plus-level hockey sense, and shows proficiency on the PK. With his aggressive mindset, he attacks puck-carriers to force errors, turnovers, and uncontrolled plays- but he's also proactive in applying stick-lifts before the puck arrives, and will shadow potential threats. He's a bit chippy too, and will dole out cross-checks, as well as hacks and whacks to distract opponents and agitate. Griffin has some scalable traits in his game, but getting bigger and stronger is a must, with attention needed on his shot-release, and skating. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LD Matthew Grimes (6'1",185lbs)

Sioux Falls (USHL): 54gp/ 4g/ 9a/ 13pts, +10, 51 PIM

Lefty Matthew Grimes made an appearance for Team USA in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky, scoring 3 points in 5 games, and I thought he looked good for the most part. Grimes is a two-way, puck-moving defenseman with excellent mobility in all directions on a long, powerful stride, and superb maneuverability from his edges. His value lies mostly in his puck-movement; he is highly impactful in transitioning the puck up-ice, with his confidence and poise in possession of the puck, and his ability to weave through traffic with full control. He can support the rush with connective passes, or he can spearhead the attack- dictating pace, and pushing defenses back with his speed. Even when under duress, he usually makes intelligent plays, and uses various forms of deception to mislead defenders into going the wrong way- including look-offs, feints, dekes, and dangles. He remains calm and composed when shaking off pressure in retrievals, locating quick avenues to make his escape, then kickstarting the breakout with smart outlets, or short first-passes- making the whole process look relatively easy. He can quarterback the rush from the back, or jump into the action to act as an extra forward, but he's not very dynamic, and mostly plays a safe, simple game with smarts. Upon entry, he makes room for his teammates with cut-backs and button-hooks to draw pressure, or will attack up the middle to push defenders back, in order to open space for a drop-pass to the trailer.

Grimes is more of a facilitator at this point than a true playmaker, and perhaps lacks high-end vision and creativity. He walks the blueline effectively, manages the play well from the point position, and makes sound decisions as to when to activate into the play; more often than not, it's to keep the play alive, or snuff the breakout. He's a skilled passer though, with precision feeds off of his play-reading ability, and makes quick decisions- blending deception into his distribution game, using fakes and look-offs. Grimes' handling skill is a definite strength, with his quick hands and deft puck-control, but his shot is nothing too special- though he gets it on net with good consistency to create opportunities for teammates in proximity to the net. He is competitive and battles hard to win pucks, but he can be overpowered at times, and needs to get a lot stronger. Though he will engage opponents aggressively, he isn't the most physical player, and opts to use his solid positioning and reach to separate man from puck. He will pin attackers to the wall, push opponents off the puck, and use his frame as leverage to get inside position, but he's not the biggest hitter.

Another area where Grimes shows value is his play against the rush, and in the defensive-third. He is well-positioned in his own-zone, with good anticipation, and exerts strong gap-control with an active stick to cause turnovers, and force dump-ins. He hounds puck-carriers, taking away time and space, and is proficient at boxing opponents out from the net- although he has some issues with bigger players. He is impressive with how he shuts down plays with his amazing east-west mobility in the neutral zone. Grimes has excellent tools, and scouts see him as a potential bottom-4 defenseman in the show- how he develops will determine if he plays on the second, or third pairing. When he gets too fancy, he tends to get himself into trouble, and he often tries to do too much on his own. He can be overaggressive against the rush, and sometimes bites on enemy fakes, to inadvertently allow entries. In the defensive zone, he sometimes has positional lapses, and can be prone to mental mistakes and miscues. Grimes is committed to the University of Minnesota for 2026-27, and he might have to wait until later rounds to be selected.

LHC James Hagens (5'10.5",176lbs)

Boston College (NCAA): 23gp/ 6g/ 19a/ 25pts, +18, 6 PIM.

I would dare to say that James Hagens had a bit more luster after the 2023-24 season than he does at the present time; nobody would have challenged the notion that he would be the first-overall pick in the 2025 Draft last summer, but there are a few doubters now. Bob McKenzie stated in his Mid-season Draft Rankings that scouts have anointed Matt Schaefer the most-likely first-overall pick this summer, with the only race being Hagens, Misa, and Martone vying for the number-2 spot. He also declared that some scouts that he has talked to have projected Hagens to be a second-line C in the NHL. Hagens has produced the best numbers all-time for the U-17 Tournament (21 points in 7 games in 2023), the U-18 Tournament (22 points in 7 games in 2024), and is the 8th-highest scorer in a NTDP season (102 points in 58 games in 2023-24). In the current season, he is tied for 31st-overall in the NCAA with 25 points in 23 games, playing on the highest-ranked team in the NCAA, the Boston College Eagles. Those numbers should be considered mind-blowing for any draft-eligible freshman, but when his points-per-game (1.09) is compared to some recently-drafted, highly regarded centers in the same situation, namely Jack Eichel (1.78 ppg), Adam Fantilli (1.81 ppg), and Mack Celebrini (1.68), suddenly a 5'10"center might not shine quite so bright to a team with a top-3 pick. In Hagens' defense, he is most likely being asked to be much more defensively responsible against men than he ever has been before in lower levels, and he has responded with the 4th-best plus-minus in the NCAA, at +18. That's something, right?

Hagens is a high-end, dynamic offensive weapon and game-breaker with incredible skill, who has a near-psychic way of seeing the ice and reading his opponents. His passes are crisp and accurate, with perfect precision and timing, and are often directed right to a teammate's wheelhouse in high-danger. His vision is uncanny, his creativity is incredible, and his awareness is spectacular, allowing him to connect on the most jaw-dropping plays through the smallest seams, with every kind of pass imaginable- from slip passes, to drop passes, to saucer passes, as well as over sticks, under sticks, and through triangles. He possesses elite hockey IQ, and is always a few steps ahead of the action, with the ability to constantly drive play. Though he leans towards playmaking as his main weapon of choice, he owns a strong shooting arsenal and can pick corners with a rather hard and accurate wrister, but he can fool goalies in-tight with his silky-smooth hands as well. He will also crash the net to cash in on loose pucks. To augment his quick-strike offense, he diplays superb puck-skill and protection ability to handle around his opponents' sticks, or out of their reach, and the moves to turn defenders inside-out. Hagens' deception and manipulation are high-end as well, with every fake, look-off, toe-drag, and deke available to open lanes for passing, or to get around in traffic. It's difficult to strip him of the puck, and he manages to attack the middle by pass, or by foot. Most of the above qualities mask the fact that he's not all that impressive in the speed department; he's quick and shifty, with smooth edges and agility to change pace and direction, but he has plenty of room to get faster. Though his speed isn't much of a detriment, he's no Jack Hughes.

Hagens is highly involved in transition, showing the capability to skate dynamic routes through the neutral zone by weaving in-and-out of traffic and challenging defenders. His intelligent off-puck game opens gaps for teammates, while giving him advantageous positioning, often in pockets of space in high-danger, ready to receive a pass. Defensively, his engagement and effort can come and go, but he exhibits solid positional awareness with a well-timed stick. When he's on, he's persistent and can be disruptive in intercepting passes and clogging lanes, and he will support his D down low, but he can also be caught cheating in leaving the zone early. It's difficult to evaluate his defensive presence though, as the puck in usually in the other end of the rink when he's out on the ice, but I would say his impact in his own zone is around average. Hagens can push pace, and has good motor, but his lack of strength hurts him in puck-battles and he doesn't contribute much physically- he can sometimes take himself out of the play by dodging a hit. He will throw the odd bodycheck to win possession though, and he's willing to go to the dirty areas of the ice, but he must get stronger and faster. Building on his shot would be a good thing, too. He's going to be picked in the top-4 of the 2025 Draft.

RD Theodor Hallquisth (6'2",172lbs)

Orebro (J20): 31gp/ 5g/ 12a/ 17pts, +14, 26 PIM

Righty Theodor Hallquisth showed very well in December's World Junior A Challenge, with 5 assists in 5 games, and put his two-way, puck-moving game on full display- revealing why he was ranked #22 (EU Skaters) by Central Scouting. Impressively, Hallquisth has earned 12 games on Orebro's SHL squad, despite being young by draft standards, with a June 14th, 2007 birthday. His 17 points in 31 games ties him for 29th in scoring by D in the J20, or 7th for scoring by D under-18. Hallquisth does a bit of everything, and can play in any situation, but he perhaps doesn't do anything at an elite level- nor is he flashy or dynamic in his approach. He is however, a workhorse who can log big minutes.

Hallquisth is very mobile, with excellent quickness, but could use upgrades to his top-speed and explosiveness- he has a long way to go before he's filled out, so this will improve naturally as he gets stronger. His edges are smooth and fluid, and help him to pivot, or change direction almost instantly. Despite being built like a bean-pole, he employs a physical style; he finishes his checks, and can throw some big hits at times, but will also absorb contact with composure to complete a play. He seems to win most of his 50/50 battles, and protects his net aggressively. He executes gap-control early, matching his opponents' footwork to close them out early, denying entry and finishing them with a pokecheck, usually followed by a hit. He's a reliable defender who takes away the middle from attackers, and plays heavy along the boards, but will also pin his adversaries in place, thus removing them from the play. With an active, well-timed stick, he breaks up plays, intercepts passes, and clogs lanes. He identifies threats early, and can anticipate and read defensive situations quickly to rack up takeaways. One of his specialties is his excellence in making calm, composed breakouts while shaking off layers of pressure in retrievals with cutbacks, delays to draw attention, deception, and 1-on-1 skill. His stretch-passes can be a mixed bag, but he usually makes a secure first-pass to kickstart the breakout- and makes the whole process look easy. Another specialty of his is his puck-moving ability through transition; he supports his team's attack and moves the puck quickly with short passes for controlled entries- though he is usually last to enter the zone.

Hallquisth walks the line effectively in the offensive zone, but he's more of a facilitator than a true creator- he needs to take more calculated risks, and maybe join the rush more often. He distributes well with smart, skilled passes, and will activate in on the weak side for chances, or pinch down to extend offensive zone time by keeping pucks alive. He will also jump in to the play to prevent the breakout with a hit. He flashes some vision, has good hockey sense, and can play some powerplay minutes as well. His shot is reasonably hard and heavy, but is more of a playmaking tool to create chances for his teammates- he has to get it on net with more frequency, though. Obviously, his greatest need is to increase his size and strength drastically, but he also needs to get a bit faster. Not sure what the ceiling is here, but he has the ingredients to play in an NHL bottom-six if he develops properly. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

RD Carlos Handel (6'1",170lbs)

Halifax (QMJHL): 43gp/ 2g/ 19a/ 21pts, -18, 14 PIM

Don't judge Carlos Handel's prowess as an offensive-defenseman based on his mediocre stats; he is (rather shockingly) the leading-scorer among defensemen for the 15th-placed (out of 18 teams) Halifax Mooseheads, who are the lowest-scoring team in the entire CHL. It's safe to say that his numbers would be much better on a more offensively-inclined squad. Unfortunately for him, he also doesn't have much help when representing his home-country of Germany in international competition, putting up zeroes in the latest installment of the World Juniors, and only managing to compile 3 points in 8 games over the last two Hlinka-Gretzky tournaments. Handel (ranked #66 for NA Skaters by Central Scouting) was selected 40th-overall by Halifax in the first-round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, and is a solid puck-moving, two-way defenseman with an offensive bent who can play in any situation, but has some holes in his game.

Handel is an excellent skater with above-average speed and is fluid on his edges, although he is limited somewhat by a stiff, upright posture. Even still, he exerts lateral quickness to surf across the ice, and completes fast turns, tight pivots, and smooth transitions. He carries the puck up-ice with confidence and poise, and will spearhead the rush while weaving through traffic; he is not afraid to attack the middle, and will activate in to the play, all the way to the net. He is a calm, smooth puck-mover and passer, but employs a relatively smart and simple approach to limit mistakes and turnovers. When his team is installed in the offensive zone (and it doesn't seem to happen often) he stays extremely active and aggressive- he reads the ice well and is blessed with plus-level spatial awareness to locate soft spots in coverage that he uses to pinch in from the blueline to attack, or to keep the play in the zone alive. He walks the line to open passing seams and distributes well from there, but he also gets a nice whip on his point shot that gets through to the net with regularity, mostly to create opportunities for his teammates as he's not a big goal-scoring threat- but that doesn't stop him from attacking the net often for scoring chances. He keeps pucks funneling to the goal-mouth, and shows good vision and creativity, but unfortunately- a lot of his ideas go unrequited. Handel's deception game is top-notch, with a wide array of dekes, feints, and look-offs to manipulate his opponents, and he will use delays and cut-backs to draw pressure and to wait for the play to develop. Handel is proficient against both the rush and the cycle, and is active and aggressive in defensive situations with a solid awareness of developing plays, and an active stick to frustrate and disrupt. He exhibits a high-level of anticipation, as well as stellar positioning, and employs a tight gap to angle attackers to the boards. He identifies threats early, and sticks to his man like glue, keeps enemy aggressors to the outside, and thwarts attempts to cut inside to the net.

Handel plays a physical game when needed, battles hard for pucks in the greasy areas, and will rub an opponent out along the wall, throw a hit to dislodge a puck, or bowl an attacker over in open-ice. Handel can play in any situation, as well as both special teams, and is a minute-muncher who can log big minutes. The big problem here is that he struggles on retrievals when pressured, and looks lost and overwhelmed each and every time an opponent is in his space in these scenarios. Thankfully, he gets away with this a lot of the time in junior, and he recovers well without many turnovers, but it will be a huge problem going forward. Otherwise, he looks poised and calm in moving the puck up-ice, and his breakouts are usually safe and on the tape when he has a modicum of time and space. There's a bit of an issue with his puck-control, and he needs work on his handling and catching when in-flight, as he needs time to settle down wild passes, and commits some bobbles and mishandles at times. His cool, calm demeanor sometimes gets mistaken for a lack of pace, but he does need to up the tempo, and too often waits for the play to come to him- he would do himself a favor by increasing his urgency and intensity. This issue affects him most in the defensive zone, where he appears to be coasting at times- and at other times, he gets caught puck-watching. His gap-control has vastly improved this season, but he sometimes gives his opponents too much space when defending. Handel has top-4 potential as a puck-mover, but there's plenty of improvements to be made. Look for him in the third-round.

LHC Carson Harmer (5'10",185lbs)

Saginaw (OHL): 68gp/ 23g/ 27a/ 50pts, +17, 39 PIM

Center Carson Harmer (ranked # 106 NA Skaters) is an OHL rookie, having played the previous season for the Stratford Warriors of the GOJHL, placing 4th in league scoring with 65 points in 46 games. His 50 points was good enough for second in scoring for freshmen this year, just 3 points ahead of teammate (and frequent linemate) RW Jacob Cloutier of the Saginaw Spirit- who finished 9th-overall in the standings, but scored the second-highest amount of goals in the league. It was a bit of an adjustment for Harmer at first, with only 7 points in his first 15 games, but he fit in to the lineup remarkably well. Harmer is a two-way pivot with playmaking ability, and some bite in his game. Though he can push pace, and seems to be everywhere all at once at times, he's not an especially potent skater and possesses average straight-line speed at best. He can beat a defender wide once in awhile, and is able to win puck-races on occasion with his will-power alone, but he has trouble separating in open ice- which is a big detriment for a player his size. He plays a rather straight-line game, with not much flash or dash, and no real dynamic traits, but he's a gamer and quite well-rounded.

Harmer is blessed with a high hockey IQ, and is a smart playmaker with superb awareness; he makes quick reads and sound decisions to produce constant advantages for his teammates with his passes, although he isn't a high-end creator just yet. In the offensive zone, he funnels pucks to the middle on the cycle, makes high-danger feeds across the crease through bodies, slips short-passes under sticks, and connects with saucers through traffic. He seems to like making low-to-high plays from below the goal-line to the slot, and can push defenses back upon entry in order to make space for a drop-pass. In transition, he often finds open space to slow the play down, exhibiting patience to wait for the right play, drawing pressure to open passing seams, and finding teammates with short, quick feeds. He finds open lanes to relocate to, skates his routes with purpose, and has quick hands with a soft touch to catch smoothly at top-speed, then stickhandle through traffic with full control while evading pressure. He also owns outstanding protection skills, angling his body away from checkers, and handling outside of their range. Harmer can fire the puck off the catch, wielding a hard shot with a snappy release that can freeze goalies, and the precision to hit targets while in-motion. While he could definitely stand to shoot more, he gets most of his goals in-close with his quick hands to beat goalies, his hand-eye coordination, and his sharp timing; he's very inside-driven, and a regular fixture in the slot and in-front. He knows how to find soft spots around the net to sneak into, and times his attacks to the crease to be in good position to snag rebounds, or get his stick on a tip.

Despite not having ideal size, Harmer doesn't shy away from the rough stuff at all, and in fact- he throws hits, can crush opponents in open-ice, plays through contact, and will even drop the gloves when necessary. He asserts himself physically, winning board battles, competing hard down-low, fighting for positioning in front of the net, and will use the odd reverse-hit to make more room for himself. He does a fair amount of the dirty work for his line, in digging out pucks in the dirty areas. He is gritty, competitive, energetic, and employs a non-stop motor. Harmer exhibits off-puck smarts to support the play in all three zones, and to stay open and playable, but also to hound puck-carriers in all areas of the ice and get in his opponents' faces. He is pesky and disruptive in all three zones- stealing pucks, picking pockets, and forcing uncontrolled plays, but he also works to make room for teammates who are in possession of the puck. In his own zone, he performs very well- exerting smarts, solid positioning, and keen awareness to act proactively in setting picks, getting inside position on aggressors, and tying up sticks before the puck arrives. He is disruptive through the other teams' breakout, to their rush through the neutral zone by harassing puck-carriers with his stick and his physicality, to the set-up in his team's defensive zone. He will engage opponents with contact to separate man from puck, and dole out stiff hits to dislodge possession; he retrieves loose pucks, and finds outlets to instantly start the breakout going in the other direction. I like this player, and I believe he will be high up the OHL scoring list for the next few years. Going forward, skating and pace are his biggest weaknesses, which isn't ideal for a smaller player in the eyes of scouts- but he doesn't play small. Look for him in later rounds.

RW Travis Hayes (5'11",168lbs)

Soo Greyhounds (OHL): 42gp/ 11g/ 12a/ 23pts, +1, 34 PIM

After a 2023-24 season that saw winger Travis Hayes post 35 points over 58 games in his rookie season in the OHL, the numbers he has put up this year look absolutely abysmal. Part of the reason for his struggles this season is the fact that the Greyhounds went from 3rd-overall in 2023-24, down to 15th out of 20 teams in the current campaign, with a goals-for that also puts them 15th. The native of Ann Arbor, Michigan is brother to Pens' prospect Avery Hayes, and Blackhawks' prospect Gavin Hayes, and is one of the youngest players available for this summer's draft, with a September 3rd birthday. He took part in the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup for Team USA, but was only able to muster 2 assists in 5 games. Hayes is a tenacious sparkplug who goes to war in the trenches, gets his nose dirty, and wins battles along the boards. Despite his lack of size, he is inside-driven and gets to the net consistently with high-motor and a steady workrate every shift. He's very active, keeps his feet moving, fights through checks, and forechecks hard. It seems like he's in the middle of every post-whistle scrum, as he's a bit of agitator, and he finishes his checks. In addition, he's versatile and can play in any situation.

Hayes' shot is easily his most projectable skill, and it already looks NHL-calibre with a bomb of a one-timer, and a laser wrister that he can fire off in full flight with a deceptive release that can fool goalies. He possesses the innate ability to locate soft spots in coverage in the right place, at the right time to get a shot off, and will also drive the net for chances with soft hands that can beat goalies 1-on-1. When opposing defensemen attempt retrievals, Hayes is there to apply pressure below the goal-line in an effort to steal pucks. While he doesn't display the best vision or playmaking ability, there's flashes of high-end creation skills from time-to-time, and he can get quality passes off the wall to the slot for open teammates; most of the time though, he keeps things simple and doesn't try anything too flashy. Hayes' skating isn't very dynamic either, and is perhaps somewhere around average, but he makes up for it somewhat with his hustle, and by keeping his feet pumping hard. He is still able to push pace at times, but he's a bit of a straight-line player who doesn't really possess an extra gear, and can't often separate from attackers. Because of this, his contributions to transition get mixed reviews; there are times when he simply chips pucks out and in, and other instances where he completes short passes and hooks up with teammates for give-and-go's, but he usually seems to defer to others to carry.

Hayes is reliable defensively, and plays an active role on the backcheck by hounding puck-carriers relentlessly, blocking shots, intercepting passes to the slot, and sealing off passing lanes effectively. In his own zone, he exhibits smart off-puck movement and anticipation, and strong positioning. He wields a deft pokecheck, proactively lifts sticks, and gets into his opponents' space. Hayes is younger than most, which may mean that he has a bit of a longer runway, but he needs to get bigger and stronger, work on his skating, and perhaps improve his puck-skills for the next level. Right now, he projects as a bottom-6 complimentary player, but there's potential. He's ranked #117 for North American skaters, and I think if does get drafted, he may have to wait until later rounds.

RD Logan Hensler (6'2", 196lbs)

U of Wisconsin (NCAA): 17gp/ 0g/ 7a/ 7pts, -3, 19 PIM.

It's been hard to watch D Logan Hensler in the past, as he tries to be a low-event defenseman with very little flash and thus, he fades into the background at times. This was true at the most recent edition of the WJC, although he wasn't given a lot of ice-time or responsibility for Team USA, and finished with only one assist, and 8 PIM in 7 games. Hensler is a smooth two-way D who can be counted on in all situations and both special teams- though he truly shines on the PK. He is a stabilizing force on the backend, playing a very safe and reliable pro-style game. Though he will never be confused with Radko Gudas, he doesn't shy away from the rough-going, and plays a fairly physical style. For a 6'2" player, he is quite a graceful and agile skater with superb 4-directional speed, and surprising lateral agility that gives him tight gap control. He is able to shut down the rush early, and he denies entries in abundance. If there's a big flaw in Hensler's game (and it's not much of a flaw), it might be the fact that he's not overly aggressive when it comes to offense; he doesn't pinch into the zone much, instead manning the blueline to be ready to stop the attack if it starts coming his way. He will join the rush, but mostly in support, so he can stay behind the play to cover his team defensively. Hensler's primary concern is his defense, which is a good thing, but he's perhaps too conservative- scouts would like to see him take more calculated risks to create more offense, and he has the tools to do it.

Hensler owns top-tier hockey sense, reads the play and processes quickly, then makes sound decisions. His positioning is infallible in all 3 zones, with keen anticipation; he forces turnovers aplenty and intercepts passes with his long stick, timing, and reach. He is adept at angling his opponents to the outside, away from high-danger areas, and keeps attackers in front of the net in check. Hensler is also highly valuable in transition, with his first-pass and puck-movement through the neutral zone being areas of specialty; his passes are hard, crisp, and accurate, and always seem to give his team an advantage on the rush. He can make some jaw-dropping stretch-passes on the breakout through traffic at times, too. This is a workhorse D-man who can log big minutes, with an admirable work-ethic and good motor.

Hensler got some mixed reviews for his play at the WJC, with some saying that he was mistake-prone with the puck, and was pressured into errors on retrievals. There were indeed times when he was caught out of position, and beaten with speed- but I'm not worried. Others are not enamoured by his production in his freshman year of college, but I would challenge that notion- he's not Zeev Buium, and 7 points in 17 games is quite good for an 18-year-old. This is a future top-4 defenseman in the NHL, who could potentially ride shotgun on a top-pairing. I'm thinking he'll be taken somewhere in the teens in this summer's draft.

RHC Gustav Hillstrom (6'2",176lbs)

Brynas (J20): 37gp/ 16g/ 20a/ 36pts, +17, 14 PIM

Brynas (SHL): 13gp/ 1g/ 1a/ 2pts, -2, 0 PIM

C/RW Gustav Hillstrom (ranked # 40 for EU Skaters) is a two-way forward who is a well-rounded player, and shines in the defensive zone. He's a meat-and-potatoes power-forward, with very little flash, which doesn't explain his surprising offensive production (he is second in scoring for Brynas' J20 squad, and tied for 2nd amongst U-18 players in the SHL). Hillstrom looked more like a utility forward in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (1 assist in 5 games) against U-18 competition, but by all accounts, he doesn't look out of place against men in the SHL this season, despite playing very low minutes. He shows flashes of higher-end playmaking vision, and has a decent release on his shot, but most of his goals (and opportunities) come from within 10-15 feet of the net.

Hillstrom is an average skater, but his speed is augmented by his extreme work-ethic and intensity. His stride is long, with a fairly deep knee bend, and looks fluid enough to be projectable as he gains more strength in his lower body. His agility and balance could use some work, but he has an explosive short-burst when needed. Hillstrom plays a physical game, wins inside position on opponents, and can outmuscle his adversaries in 50/50 puck battles. He finishes his checks, bullies opponents off the puck, and leans into defenders to leverage his way inside, but he isn't really a mean, punishing hitter. His puck-skill is nothing special, but he manages to control and protect well in-flight- still, there are some bobbles when catching. Hillstrom's work-ethic is highlighted by second, and third efforts, as he never gives up on a puck, and he provides his team with boundless energy. On the forecheck, he plays hard and heavy to pressure puck-carriers into turning over the puck, and he's hard to handle down-low. He goes to the net hard for rebounds and tips, and will crash the crease for loose pucks.

Hillstrom is hard-working and intense in his own zone, and displays tidy positioning as well as proactive awareness to cover attackers before they get possession. He breaks up plays aplenty, takes away the middle, and pushes opponents off the puck. He is a strong faceoff performer, and always on the right side of the puck with an active, well-timed stick. In transition, he mostly connects plays and executes short passes through the neutral zone, as he doesn't hold on to the puck for too long. Hillstrom is easily projectable as a bottom-six center in the NHL someday, but his offensive output this season tells me that there may be a lot more under the surface. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

LHC William Horcoff (6'4", 181lbs)

NTDP: 19gp/ 4g/ 4a/ 8pts, -2, 24 PIM

U of Michigan (NCAA): 4gp/ 1g/ 3a/ 4pts, -1, 2 PIM

Before the season even began, Will Horcoff (son of Shawn Horcoff) was given a "B" ranking by Central Scouting, designating him as a potential 2nd or 3rd-round pick, and throughout the year I've seen him high up on many lists. I've discovered that you can't get a proper read on this kid by stats-watching, reading up on his profile, or by catching highlights here and there- you have to watch him play to appreciate how good this kid is. He does all the little things (and a lot of the big things) to put his team in advantageous positions, and to win games- he's an absolute beauty. First of all, he's listed at 6'4", but he's actually closer to 6'5", and he uses his frame to be a highly physical power-forward with a very rugged, NHL-projectable style. In December, he made the jump to the NCAA with the U of Michigan, and he's managed to explode out of the gate with 4 points in 4 games so far, with ice-times of 9:19, 14:57, 13:23, and 14:12- and he doesn't turn 18 until January 23rd.

Horcoff already excels in his own zone, and is considered to be a detailed defensive player who looks to stifle the rush early- stepping up in the neutral zone with contact, or by using his long wingspan and a well-timed poke-check. He sometimes looks like a D-man in the middle-third, skating backwards and employing gap control to push attackers outside, but also in how he retrieves the puck down low and scans for the best outlets. He backchecks hard and heavy, and is proficient at shutting down lanes, disrupting passes, blocking shots, and removing time and space from those running the point. As a good defensive center should, he supports his teammates in battle all over the zone, and aids his D in corralling pucks down low. Once the puck touches his stick, it's going the other way with a quick pass. Horcoff is an underrated facilitator who seals off pressure, turns defense into offense, and constantly creates advantageous situations for his teammates in all 3 zones with his smarts, on and off the puck.

Horcoff is dominant along the boards, a force down-low, and is a load to handle in front of the net. He's a fierce forechecker, coming in hard and heavy to make life difficult for opponents on retrievals, and he hounds puck-carriers relentlessly. Often times, he looks like he's a little mean and likes to punish opponents and wear them down in addition to separating them from the puck. He has a great work-ethic, a high compete level, and doesn't seem to tire. Horcoff hasn't shown himself to be a prolific scorer in the past, but those who watch him regularly say he is a very intelligent player with a high IQ who processes the game quickly, and there are even moments of top-notch skill. He understands how to open space in the offensive zone, and he has a patient delay game to draw adversaries towards him to unlock pockets of space to pass into. In transition, he contributes by using the give-and-go to open lanes, and he also displays well-developed protection skills for times he has to move through traffic. Off the puck, he's just so smart and knows where to be to support his teammates and make himself available for the pass- he always seems to be in position at the right time. When in the offensive zone, he's able to make plays around the net and through the slot that make life miserable for goalies, and he has a hard, heavy shot that he not only uses to get shots on net, but also as a playmaking tool to manufacture second-chance opportunities for teammates.

Horcoff's stride was heavily criticized last season as being detrimental, but he's obviously put a ton of work into it; his stride still looks a little clunky and a bit choppy with an upright stance, but he can generate a surprising amount of power from it. He doesn't seem to be having trouble keeping up with the older players in college, and most of his issues here will clean themselves up as he gets stronger- I don't see it as a big issue anymore, but it will require work. His edges and agility look fairly good, as he can surf laterally across the ice to snuff a rush pretty quickly, and he keeps his feet moving constantly. Stylistically speaking, there are times when he reminds me of a baby Brady Tkachuk. Right now, he seems like a shoo-in for future bottom-6 duty in the NHL, but if he continues to develop his offense in the NCAA (and I think it's a good bet that he does), he will be a fine middle-6 NHL center. The more I digest on this kid, the more I like him, and the more I think he'll be taken in the second-round of the 2025 Draft. This is the type of prospect that makes scouts (and GM's) drool, and I can understand why he's so highly touted.

RW Florent Houle (6'0",174lbs)

Sherbrooke (QMJHL): 61gp/ 11g/ 23a/ 34pts, +9, 74 PIM

I'm not sure if the NHL in his future, but I love this kid. Winger Florent Houle (ranked # 128 NA Skaters) is a CHL-rookie on a Sherbrooke squad that concluded the regular-season 10th, out of 18 teams. Houle's numbers may not be very impressive, but his 34 points were good enough for 5th on a team that values staunch defense, with a fast-paced puck-possession style- finishing 11th in goals-for, and 7th in goals-against. I might be biased, but he seems to be on the ice for an inordinate amount of Sherbrooke's high-danger chances in the playoffs, and although he currently has only 2 points in 8 post-season contests (with 23 PIM), he has been their best player in a few games, and tries to make something happen every shift. He's a hard-nosed, pacey physical player who plays on the edge and drives opponents crazy, but he has some amazing soft-skills. He loves contact, but gives a lot better than he gets, and puts his body on the line every game to absorb hits and make plays. A menacing presence on the ice, he's highly physical and mean, sometimes following-up a bone-jarring hit with a nice cross-check for good measure, and never passes up the opportunity to punish an opponent. He's tenacious and competitive, excelling in puck-battles, making life hard for his enemies, and throwing hits to energize his team. An agitator and a pest, he gets under his opponents' skin, baiting them to take penalties, and is usually in the middle of every post-whistle scrum.

Houle is a tough kid, but his hands are butter-soft and quick, giving him superb puck-handling in tight areas, and problem-solving ability- his puck-skill is one of his best assets. He could stickhandle in a phone booth, and he does the same in traffic- deking and dangling through bodies while in-flight, and he catches wild passes smoothly while in motion. Those same hands give him soft-touch on his passes, and the power to thread the needle through small spaces- sometimes off of his backhand. He is a quick processor and play-driver, who packs some creative playmaking and vision- enough that he is used often on the point in powerplay situations. Another big asset of his is that, while he may not be a burner, he's an excellent skater with above-average speed in a straight-line, but even more importantly- he employs first-rate edgework that allows him to weave in-and-out of small-areas with remarkable escapability. He evades pressure, sidesteps hits, spins off of checks, and can change pace or stop-and-start on a dime. With relentless motor and high-end work-ethic, he hustles to outpace defenders, sprints to loose pucks, and launches himself into battles.

Houle has a nasty presence in front of the net, taking on all combatants to remain well-positioned, and isn't afraid to cause a scene by messing with the opposing netminder- giving second-and-third efforts to shovel the puck over the line, even when it's been covered, or is sitting underneath a body. Those silky-soft hands often make an appearance to deke goalies out in-close, and he owns good hand-eye coordination for re-directs. He drives the net fearlessly, and cuts to the slot with an eye for open gaps off-puck. On the forecheck, he attacks with energy, tenacity, and physicality to terrorize puck-carriers and cause turnovers with stick-lifts. Not sure how his game will translate to the pros, but even if he makes it as a bottom-six defensive player, he will surely be a needle-mover. He needs to get a lot stronger to survive the rigors of pro hockey, and he can still get pushed off the puck at times. He could use more mustard on his shot, but he already has fairly good precision, and a quick release. This kid is vastly outplaying his stats in my opinion, and I would easily take a flyer on him in the middle-rounds.

LW Jakob Ihs-Wozniak (6'3",179lbs)

Lulea (J20): 31gp/ 16g/ 29a/ 45pts, +20, 12 PIM

Considering how Jakob Ihs-Wozniak tore apart the J20 league in 2023-24 with 50 points in 36 games, his production this season may not truly represent his true capabilities, even though he is tied for 8th in scoring. He has represented his country in the Hlinka (4 goals in 5 games), the 2024 U-18's (1 goal in 7 games), and this past December's World Junior A Challenge (3 goals and 6 points in 5 games). In the current season, he started slow, but has racked up 18 points in the last 8 games, and has played 10 games in the nation's top men's league (the SHL) with 1 goal. Ihs-Wozniak is a power-forward with skill, compete, and grit, who does a lot of the dirty work for his linemates that goes unnoticed by fans. He's reliable, with a solid two-way game and contributes well in the defensive zone, using his body and wingspan to be disruptive.

Though he possesses a long, smooth stride with sound mechanics, Ihs-Wozniak needs to upgrade his mobility, as he's a rather average skater. As he further strengthens his lower body, his speed could become a strength, but he has to add another gear or two, and could use some explosiveness. Playmaking is his best weapon, and he displays creativity as well as spatial awareness- which is a very important quality here; together with his high-level vision and hockey sense, he can locate spot spots in coverage to present himself as a passing option, draw pressure to create open space, and manipulate defenders to open seams. His shot is fairly hard and heavy, but could perhaps use a touch more power. He offers good positioning in danger areas to catch and release, and he can score from any angle, but he will also cut to the net or drive inside to the slot to exploit his superb hand-eye coordination and timing to convert tips and rebounds. Ihs-Wozniak wins battles aplenty along the boards, leans into defenders to push his way around, and is a load to handle in front of the net. He's physical, and forechecks hard to disrupt plays and steal pucks. His handling may not be anything special, but he protects the puck well, outside of the reach of attackers with his extra-long wingspan, and his deception skills are well-developed to aid him in getting around.

Ihs-Wozniak exhibits sound hockey sense with, and without the puck, always knowing where to be to best support the action, and to make himself a playable option for teammates. He seems to get mixed reviews in transition though; he incorporates delays and deception tactics to go with his stickhandling and protection, and he can make some high-value passes, but he can be a bit sloppy and inefficient at times. There are questions about his intensity and pace, as he likes to slow the play down in junior, but he probably won't be able to do the same in the pros- he has to learn how to make faster decisions. Like a lot of kids his age, he can disappear for stretches, and can be wildly inconsistent game-to-game. Skating is a concern, and projections have been all over the place, with some suggesting that he will be no better than a bottom-6 power-winger at the NHL-level, but I think he's a second-line winger all day, with the potential for more. Look for him in the first round of this summer's draft.

LD Noah Jenken (6'3",190lbs)

London (OHL): 30gp/ 0g/ 7a/ 7pts, +5, 12 PIM

Guelph (OHL): 23gp/ 2g/ 7a/ 9pts, -4, 15 PIM

In January, Noah Jenken (ranked # 153 NA Skaters) had to be stretchered off the ice in a game against Flint, after he took a rather awkward hit from behind, smacking his head on the dasher on the way down to the ice and subsequently missing 13 games. Starting the year with the mighty London Knights, he was traded to the Guelph Storm in December, along with seven draft picks, for star defenseman Cam Allen- which would normally be the equivalent of going from the penthouse to the outhouse, as Guelph is one of the worst teams in the OHL. For Jenken however, it may have been a blessing in disguise as he was more of a depth player in London, but is getting a lot more ice-time with the Storm, and more responsibility; upon his arrival to Guelph, he was immediately put on their top-pairing, and responded with two goals in his second game with his new team. Jenken is a hard-working blueliner who is solid in all three zones, but specializes in shutting down the other teams' best players. In Guelph, he plays in all situations and both sides of special teams.

One of the cornerstones of Jenken's game is his impressive mobility for a big man, enhanced by a long and powerful stride, with a side of agility that enables him to surf laterally, pivot effortlessly, and transition seamlessly. He can match footwork with smaller opponents, and can keep up with teammates on the rush. As a high-volume shooter, he owns a bomb of a one-timer, and a hard, heavy slapper, and likes to pinch-in to the high slot, or the circle, to fire. He shoots to make plays and create chaos in front of the net, getting pucks through to the net with fair consistency, or to his teammates' waiting sticks, and uses traffic around the crease very well as a screen. He reads gaps fairly well, activating into the play quite a bit, and will join the rush as an extra forward. He uses methods of baiting defenders into coming towards him, such as delays, and will use the open lanes for shooting, passing, and relocating. Though he may not possess high-end vision or creativity, he is an excellent distributor, with competent puck-skill, and solid passing ability- propped up by above-average hockey sense. Going the other way, Jenken is proficient against the rush by matching footwork and keeping good gaps with his long reach for sweeps and poke-checks, angling attackers to the outside adroitly, and timing his engagements to close them out stick-first- usually followed by a bodycheck. In the process, he forces dump-ins, long-distance shots, and the occasional turnover. In the defensive zone, he is physical and highly active, with a strong shutdown game. With his frame, mobility, and reach, he projects enormous range that is difficult for attackers to navigate, and helps him to negate attempts to get inside. He employs plus-level anticipation to head off passes and clog lanes, and he is able to seal off the boards by skating through his opponents' hands, and throwing hits. He pins his man to the wall and wraps him up, and boxes attackers out from the net aggressively.

One of the main pillars of Jenken's game is his ability to navigate the process of retrieval to breakout with reasonable poise and confidence. He escapes pressure with possession, even even he has to take contact in doing so, and shakes off aggressors with changes of pace and direction, stick-lifts, shifty footwork, and various feints- all while scanning thoroughly with his head on a swivel. Though he isn't mistake-free, he usually makes quality plays on his breakouts with enough patience and poise to survey his surroundings for ways to create advantages, rather than throwing the puck away. He can find teammates in the neutral zone for long-range passes to manufacture odd-man opportunities, but a high number of his plays are quick, short passes for exits and entries; he supports the play very well through transition. While Jenken is not perfect, he has good potential for the next level in his puck-movement, and his shutdown game- but he needs work on his decision-making, and his puck-skills. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LHC Atte Joki (6'1",190lbs)

Lukko (U20): 35gp/ 11g/ 16a/ 27pts, +11, 4 PIM

Center Atte Joki (ranked #20 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting) was Finland's leading scorer in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup with 2 goals and 5 points in 4 games, but before anyone gets excited- 4 of those points came in one game against the Swiss. Joki has no real standout traits- he's one of those players who is good at everything, but not exceptional in any area. He's a high-energy, high-compete pivot with endless tenacity and a solid 200-ft game, and he's currently 3rd in scoring for U-18 players in the U20 league. Joki never gives up on a play, putting in second and third-efforts, with his size and strength being one of the pillars of his game. He uses his body to his advantage whenever he can to cause havoc and win battles along the boards, and in the corners- he's a load to handle down low, and is hard to deal with around the crease. Joki throws his weight around, and can levy some big open-ice hits.

Unfortunately, Joki's skating is average at best, and limits his effectiveness in making entries, chasing down loose pucks, or separating from checkers in open ice. The mechanics of his stride are sound though, and he compensates somewhat with his workrate, but needs to vastly increase his lower-body strength. Despite the deficiencies in his speed, he protects the puck well by shielding it with his body and handling outside the reach of would-be checkers, exhibiting good puck-control. This skill helps him to carry through the neutral zone in transition, while pushing his way through contact. Joki positions himself in front of the net to finish plays with his soft hands, winning position and taking abuse in the process. He uses his frame as leverage to barge his way through traffic to the slot, lean in to defenders to cut to the net, or to crash the crease for rebounds and tips. He causes havoc in the blue-paint, and drives goalies crazy by being a general nuisance, and by setting up an immoveable screen. Though he scores most of his goals in-close, he owns a hard shot with a quick, deceptive release, and is a high-volume shooter. On the forecheck, Joki is a nightmare, playing with intensity, and employing a heavy game.

Joki is reliable in any situation, and displays sound defensive awareness and engagement, hustling hard to to hound puck-carriers and disrupt play. He supports his D well, and will cover their spot if they need to leave their post. As he does on the forecheck, he approaches the backcheck with intensity, high motor, and physicality to separate man from puck. Though his game contains very little flash or dash, he does show glimpses of some underrated passing skill and playmaking at times. Even if Joki adds the required strength to his lower body to fix his skating, there is still some question about his upside- he might be more suited for 3rd-line duty in the NHL, which isn't the worst thing in the world. I'm thinking he'll be a mid-round pick, but with the lack of depth in this draft, he could be picked sooner.

W Ruslan Karimov (6'0",201lbs)

Sarnia (OHL): 62gp/ 14g/ 14a/ 28pts, -7, 57 PIM

Russian Import Ruslan Karimov (ranked #216 NA Skaters) had a bit of fanfare coming in to this season, having been chosen 6th-overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft after a 2023-24 campaign that saw him post 13 goals and 22 points in 25 MHL games with Sputnik Almetievsk as a 16-year-old on a bad team. This year, he's been toiling for the Sarnia Sting, who are currently 17th in the standings out of 20 teams, and also 17th in goals-scored. Despite playing on a young team, Karimov seems to have been relegated to middle-six duty, and only sporadically gets time playing with top-line talent, which may be one of the reasons behind his middling production (he is tied for 6th in rookie goal-scoring at least), but I believe he's much better offensively than his stats show. His 28 points are only 15 points off of the team lead. Karimov is a power-forward who may be the most energetic and hard-working player in this draft class; few players at the junior level can outwork him. He's a fast-paced, ultra-physical player- needless to say, I like him very much.

Karimov is a human wrecking ball, with constant physical engagement and uncommon strength, going from one hit to the next. He's like a pitbull in board battles, never gives up on a play, and wins possession with his overwhelming tenacity, unrelenting grit, and his bite. He drives opponents crazy, and is very difficult to play against; he hits everything that moves, throwing his weight around with hard bodychecks, and can blast opponents with thunderous open-ice hits. The young Russian plays on the edge, and sometimes goes over it. These qualities make him highly effective, and intimidating, on the forecheck, attacking tirelessly and grinding his opponents down to apply pressure and force uncontrolled plays. Most of his offense comes from his play around the net, scoring the majority of his goals in-tight, and generating looks from down-low. While he isn't showing himself to be a high-end offensive player in the OHL, and he may be lacking true creativity and playmaking vision, he does show some anticipatory awareness in the offensive zone, and employs a rather "North American" style. He attacks the net, and isn't at all afraid to crash the crease, or to bulldoze his way into open space in the slot for a chance at a shot on net, or a rebound. He positions himself at the net-front to battle for position, set up a screen, cause havok, and hopefully get his stick on a tip, or a loose puck. His hands are fairly soft in-tight, and he is adept at hunting down open spaces to fill below the dots. In addition, he owns a hard catch-and-release wrister, and a bomb of a one-timer.

If all else fails, Karimov is still a potent shutdown player, and a stalwart on the PK- which could be a big selling point going forward, and a future calling-card. He's just as relentless and energetic on the backcheck, as he is on the forecheck- he hunts down puck-carriers to completely smother them, and he brings his physicality to wear them down and punish them. This mentality serves him well in the neutral zone as well, making him the ultimate pest to streaking attackers, and giving him the capability to cause disruption to opposing teams' rushes. Karimov is not a burner, but he skates well, and can beat faster players to loose pucks with sheer will, and high-end workrate. His puck-skills are reasonably good, and he's a shifty enough skater to affect transition for his team in a positive way; he passes quite well, which aids him in supporting the rush, but he can also skate the puck through the neutral zone (albeit mostly in straight-lines), backing defensemen up with his high-paced approach to gain the line. Karimov has been known to go out of his way to chase a hit, and his offensive game is in question, but he has definite NHL-qualities and may be a safe pick, with an NHL floor as a 4th-line energy player, and penalty-killer. Still, there's potential for more. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RHC Lucas Karmiris (5'11",190lbs)

Brampton (OHL): 39gp/ 13g/ 21a/ 34pts, +17, 28 PIM

Center Lucas Karmiris (ranked # 83 NA Skaters) is one of the older players in this draft class, with a Sept.27, 2006 birthday, and has suffered through injury trouble this season, as well as a bit of a diminished role due to some of the off-season additions to the Steelheads. Karmiris is an intelligent pivot who impacts his team's play in a positive way in all three zones, and as a bonus- he plays a physical game. He is an excellent skater with a smooth stride and good speed who wins races to loose pucks, separates in open ice, and plays with pace, drawing penalties by forcing the hand of defenders to avoid being burned. His edges and agility are solid- he's slippery and evasive, and can spin off of checks. A physical player, he displays ample amounts of grit and makes his presence felt on the forecheck by initiating contact to cause disruption and uncontrolled play. He dishes out hard, heavy hits all over the ice, and wins battles along the wall.

Karmiris handles well, and his puck-protection skills help him to fight off checkers, and to further evade pressure; he also catches very well, with the ability to settle down wild passes quickly while in flight, and the hand-eye coordination to knock pucks down out of mid-air, right to his handling radius. Like a miniature power-forward, he drives the middle with confidence, and crashes the net to score the ugly goals- he gets most of his tallies through working hard and battling in-tight. He can score from a distance though, as he owns a fairly hard and accurate shot, with a quick and deceptive release to fool goalies, and a deft use of screens. In front of the net, he will park himself in the low slot to battle for chances, and he has soft mitts to beat goalies in-close. Karmiris reads the play extremely well, positioning himself advantageously in open areas off-puck to make himself a playable option for teammates. He is capable of driving play, and though he may not be the most exciting or dynamic player to watch, or the most outright creative, he displays above-average offensive awareness with plus-level playmaking vision, to go with well-honed distribution skill that enables him to connect with teammates through crisp, accurate passing. He is able to see teammates through layers of traffic, and can pass over and under sticks, through triangles, and between feet to create high-danger opportunities in the slot. Competitiveness is one of the pillars of his game, and he finds success with his high-end motor and tenacity; he sprints to loose pucks, and is good on the faceoff dot. In transition, he forces defenseman back with his speed and blistering pace when flying through the middle of the neutral zone on the rush, and connects plays with short passes and give-and-go sequences.

Karmiris excels defensively, and is very active without the puck- relentless in his puck-pursuit, and highly disruptive with his reach and energetic stick to force broken plays, clog lanes, and intercept passes. His speed and tenacity help him to apply pressure to opponents and take away their time and space, with solid awareness of his surroundings, and spotless positioning. He supports his D down low and in front of the net, covering for them when they have to leave their post, and will throw hits to win pucks, or grind attackers down along the wall. A stalwart defensive player and penalty-killer who is relentless on the backcheck, he can be used in a shutdown role against other teams' top players, and he can be put out late in the game to protect a lead. Stylistically speaking, Karmiris reminds me a bit of Daymond Langkow, in that he's neither flashy or dynamic, but gets the job done in both ends of the ice. Scouts won't like his age, and he has to keep improving his size, strength, shot, and finishing ability, but I think he has a middle-six ceiling with a high NHL-floor. Look for him in the third, or fourth round.

C/LW Lev Katzin (5'8",176lbs)

Guelph (OHL): 44gp/ 16g/ 32a/ 48pts, -7, 26 PIM

Lev Katzin (ranked # 142 NA Skaters) may be short in stature, but he isn't short on character. He started the current campaign with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL (6 points in 9 games, with 44 PIM), with the intention of playing for Penn State next season, but wisely transferred to Guelph after the rules prohibiting CHL players from playing in the NCAA was overturned in November. Guelph finished in 19th-place out of 20 teams in the OHL, but thankfully for Katzin, they have a decent top-six, and were 15th in goals-scored. At the time of this writing, he is playing for Team Canada at the U-18's on the top-line with Braeden Cootes and Brady Martin, and is tied for 7th in scoring (3rd on Team Canada) with 8 points in 5 games. I love this kid- he's fun to watch, and even though he isn't the biggest guy on the ice, he's a highly competitive buzzsaw with high-end skill, and a gritty, hard-nosed game. An excellent skater with top-notch maneuverability on his edges, his speed has been on display in the tournament- blowing by defenders up the boards, and darting around in traffic. He pushes pace, and seems to be everywhere all at once. 

While he may be diminutive in height, he's built like a tank at 179 lbs, and often looks like a 6'2" power-forward in disguise with the way he finishes his checks, hits like a truck, plays through contact, and crashes the crease. He doesn't shy away from the rough stuff, and instead- he seems to wade into it, plying energy, intensity, and high-motor in all situations. Still, he needs to get stronger, as he can still get pushed around at times. Like a rabid badger, he competes for pucks along the wall, wins battles all over the ice, and fights for inside position; his dog-on-a-bone approach draws the ire of opponents, and in turn- draws penalties. From what I've read though, he has a temper, and loses his composure at times, too. Lev is a pass-first playmaker with high-end IQ and superb vision, with the ability to see the ice well and make crisp, accurate passes right on the tape- driving play and creating opportunities. He funnels pucks to the slot, and routinely connects across the ice and through traffic with remarkable touch and precision, making the process look easy and putting his teammates in advantageous spots, giving his targets an easy tap-in, re-direct, or deflection for a goal. Using manipulation and deception, he fakes shots for passes, and uses feints and look-offs to fool defenders and open space. He will delay to wait for the right play to develop, holding on the puck patiently, and will use cut-backs, button-hooks, hesitations, and fakes to make a little more room. He's effective around the net, with low-to-high plays from below the goal-line, and passes through the slot.

With a nose for the net, Katzin will attack the middle off the rush, and will drive the inside to draw pressure. He reads gaps well, and exhibits strong spatial awareness, with the understanding of how to create space by drawing opponents in his direction, which opens shooting lanes, and passing seams. He finds gaps in coverage to fill, and cuts across the ice to shift defenses and create screens in the process. In front of the net, he will battle with larger defensemen for positioning, using slashes and cross-checks to even the playing field, and will crash the crease for loose pucks; he has soft hands in-tight, and superb hand-eye coordination for tips. He can beat defenders wide on occasion, drives the net off the wall, has a quick release on his wrister, and follows his shots to the net in search of the rebound. Displaying excellent puck-skill, he exerts almost infallible control at top-speed, and despite his size, he protects quite well- with an arsenal of dekes and dangles to weave through traffic, and make defenders miss. He uses these skills to contribute in transition, by rushing the puck through the neutral zone, but can also orchestrate give-and-go's to push the pace. Katzin has a hunger for the puck, and is a pest to opposing carriers in all three zones, always in their faces with slashes to their twigs, stick-lifts, pokes, and even open-ice hits. With relentless pursuit of the puck, and menacing physicality, he is highly tenacious on the forecheck- sprinting at opponents to cause turnovers and giveaways, showing a proficiency in picking pockets from behind. As in all other areas of the ice, he is engaged and well-positioned in the defensive zone, but seems to lack some awareness defensively; he looks lost at times, puck-watching and kinda just drifting, with much less aggression in his own-zone than in the other two-thirds of the ice, and he seems to be waiting for the play to come to him. Katzin needs work on his shot, and perhaps his finishing skills, but he's a gamer. Don't be surprised if he's taken in the middle-rounds.

RHD Peyton Kettles (6'5",194lbs)

Swift Current (WHL): 34gp/ 3g/ 6a/ 9pts, -2, 47 PIM

Righty Peyton Kettles is already a feared shutdown presence in the WHL, but he has an emerging puck-movement game that has scouts excited. With a Sept 1st, 2007 birthday, he's one of the youngest players available in the draft, and as such- he has a longer runway than most prospects; he's quite raw and undeveloped, so he's more projection than finished product right now. Kettles was selected 6th-overall in the 2022 WHL Draft, and to give a further idea of what scouts think of him, he is rated an eyebrow-raising 58th by Bob McKenzie, and #26 (NA Skaters) by Central Scouting in their Midterm rankings. Swift Current (who are 15th out of 22 teams) uses him a ton to lockdown other teams' best players, and he's one of the best in the league at his job, with the added ability to munch minutes. Oncoming rushers find his range and active stick to be a veritable wall that's nearly impossible to break through; he takes away the middle of the ice by forcing players to the outside, and away from danger. He's highly disruptive, killing plays early and often, and makes stops against the rush in the neutral zone, long before entry can occur. Though he's an excellent penalty-killer and stalwart defender, he played a lot of top-pairing minutes in 2023-24 with Owen Pickering, and is used on the point on the PP by Swift Current sometimes.

Kettles is considered to be a mobile defender, but his skating is somewhere around average- though I would say it's on the positive side of average. His mechanics are smooth and sound, and considered to be NHL-projectable; he uses a long, fluid stride with a high-quality workrate to propel himself around the ice, but needs more strength in his legs, and could use better balance and agility. Kettles' combination of calm and poised retrievals under pressure, and his ability to flash some high-end breakout passes is certainly enticing- he can fire off stretch-passes to streaking forwards, and on occasion, he can hit long-range bombs for entries. Before these actions occur, he patiently scans with his head up to survey his options. In transition, he shows tremendous value in his ability to skate intelligent routes through the neutral zone to find open lanes while evading checks, and he can either carry in for clean entries, or hook up with teammates in give-and-go's to further open space. When he wants to, he can dangle around his opponents, and he knows how to bait defenders into coming towards him, in order to open space to pass through- he uses these traits in the offensive zone as well, when walking the line to open seams. Kettles is highly active, and can cover a large amount of real estate in a shift- he can go from defending to retrieval, to joining (sometimes leading) the rush, to activating into the play from the point on occasion. He wins battles in the greasy areas with his wingspan and tenacity, and is an intimidating net-front defender, but his physicality is inconsistent- he can dole out some bone-rattling hits, but only engages when it's the right play. His 47 penalty-minutes in just 34 games shows he's not vying for any congeniality awards, though.

With all of these qualities, he's much more than a dime-a-dozen, everyday stay-at-home defensive defender, but he's far from fully developed and may be a bit of a project. When he grows into his frame and gets stronger, his mobility will most likely be a plus, but his decision-making and on-puck game still need plenty of refinement. There are certainly many times where he looks rough and mistake-prone, and commits some unprompted overhandling, bad passes, and throwaways. There are other times where he holds on to the puck for too long, and winds up having his pockets picked- his puck-skill and control could use a tune-up. He plays like a two-way defenseman, but his efforts in the offensive zone rarely get rewarded in the form of goals and assists- he must further develop his offense, although there's not a lot of help in Speedy Creek this season. In 2023-24, he managed to put up 13 points in 61 games on a better Broncos squad, so better production was expected this season (he's on pace for 15 points in 56 games). Kettles needs a long runway, but the payoff is his top-4 NHL-potential. Look for him in the 2nd, or 3rd-round.

RW Ben Kevan (6'0", 183lbs)

Des Moines (USHL): 21gp/ 8g/ 16a/ 24pts, +2, 23 PIM.

Down in the USHL, the Des Moines Buccaneers are sitting right now in 12 place (out of 16 teams) in the standings, and are 4th-worst in goals-for. Their struggles make the fact that RW Ben Kevan (who the Bucs selected 5th-overall in the 2023 USHL Futures Draft) is 5th in ppg in that league for players who have played 20+ games even more impressive. Despite missing 9 games so far, he is still second in scoring for Des Moines, and the only player on the team with over a ppg. In December's World Junior A Championship, he was one of the best players in the tournament with 8 points in 5 games, and placed 2nd-overall in goals, with 6. He also showed well in the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup for a Team USA that didn't bring all of their firepower, with 3 points in 5 games. I'm a big fan of this player- he's a fiery competitor, well-rounded, and can play in all situations. Central Scouting gave him a "B" rating, indicating a potential 2nd, or 3rd-round pick.

Though he showed his goal-scoring side at the WJAC, Kevan is known as a playmaker above all else, with with superb vision, IQ, and passing skill with sharp timing. He often finds teammates in open space for advantageous passes through traffic, over and under sticks, and through triangles. He exhibits strong anticipation and awareness, as well as intelligent positioning to exploit open space in the offensive zone, and he sees passing seams that few others can see. Kevan goes hard to the slot for second-chance opportunities, and he owns soft hands in-tight, as well as an underrated shot that he should be using more often. With his remarkable puck-skill and the protection ability he wields even at full stride, it's quite difficult to pick his pockets; he can dangle through traffic, and has an advanced deception game to fool his opponents into going one way, while he goes another. While he is not elite in the speed department, he's still an excellent skater- which makes him hard to stop on the rush, and gives him an advantage on the forecheck. He can push pace, and along with his 1-on-1 prowess, he can challenge defenders, and sometimes beat them wide. His first-step quickness is outstanding, and he get up to full speed very rapidly, but he also keeps his feet moving and stays active in order make the opposing team shift positions to open space. In transition, he shows his worth as a play-driver- making a high number of controlled exits and entries.

Kevan plays a chippy physical game, and often seems to be in the middle of every scrum; he throws hits not only to dislodge pucks, but also to agitate. He wins battles aplenty along the boards, and in the corners. I think of him as player with a high motor and an elevated workrate with good defensive engagement, but there are peaks and valleys on occasion in his focus and effort in all three zones. These lapses can last a shift, but according to some scouting reports, they can occupy larger portions of time. When he's on, he displays exemplary positioning and employs a smart, well-timed stick to disrupt plays, lift sticks, and intercept passes. He's normally a well-rounded performer, which will potentially give him a high NHL-floor, but he could turn out to be a middle-6 winger in the big leagues. Kevan is committed to Arizona State in 2026-27, and I think he'll be taken in the second round of the 2025 Draft.

LHC Liam Kilfoil (5'11",176lbs)

Halifax (QMJHL): 62gp/ 21g/ 25a/ 46pts, -24, 14 PIM

Liam Kilfoil (ranked # 96 NA Skaters) may not have set the world on fire this season offensively, but his 46 points were enough to lead the 16th-place (out of 18 teams) Mooseheads in scoring. As a participant in the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup for Team Canada, he was tied for 9th on the team with 3 points in 5 games- ahead of names like Ben Kindel, Braeden Cootes, Tyler Hopkins, Jake O'Brien, and Ethan Czata. A 200-ft center who can play in any situation, Kilfoil is known to be a stalwart defensive player on a club that gave up the 13th-most goals-against in the Q, and is the leading goal-getter on one of the lowest-scoring teams in the CHL (17th in the Q for goals-for). His reputation is that of a leader (he wears an A), and a hard-worker on-and-off the ice, with outstanding character and compete; he plays at a high pace with unrelenting motor, providing his team with energy, and is always engaged, and perpetually in-motion.

Kilfoil skates very well on long, powerful strides, and is light and agile on his edges, but could use another gear to better separate in open-ice. He is a play-builder with a high IQ who relocates to areas of greater advantage in high-danger after passing off in give-and-go sequences, showing plus-level distribution skills and advanced awareness, skating with his head on a swivel to keep an inventory of his options. He can push back defenders off the rush to make room for drop-passes to the trailer, employs delays and cut-backs to open space, skates dangerous routes off-puck to cause havoc and manipulate opponents, and can pull off some dangerous cross-ice passes through traffic on occasion. His shot could use more power, but he utilizes a stunning release that can paralyze goalies, and he can fire off the catch with fair precision. Kilfoil times his attacks to the net judiciously to capitalize off of rebounds and loose pucks in the crease, and possesses sharp hand-eye coordination for redirecting  pucks. He frequently cuts inside, and buzzes around the net, locating soft spots in the slot to weave in and out of, while waiting to strike. He will plant himself at the net-front to take abuse, set up the screen, and to battle for positioning to clean up garbage in the vicinity of the goaltender.

Though it's difficult to gauge his projectability as an offensive catalyst on a team as bad as the Mooseheads, his abilities on the other side of the puck aren't in doubt. Kilfoil is somewhat of a defensive specialist, with ideal positioning, elevated awareness and anticipation, and a well-timed stick for pokes, sweeps, and slashes to disrupt possession. A superb penalty-killer, he is details-oriented and exhibits good habits, taking away the middle effectively and working tirelessly to keep attacks to the outside by matching footwork to his opponents. He locks down attackers by pinning them to the boards, blocks shots willingly, gets into lanes, and intercepts passes. In the neutral zone, he hounds puck-carriers on the breakout to cause turnovers, uncontrolled plays, resets, and forced dump-ins. Kilfoil can struggle a bit with puck-control at top-speed, but he otherwise owns quick hands to deke past defenders, dangle around sticks on the fly, and stickhandle through layers of traffic. While he will battle tenaciously for loose pucks, push back on opponents to make room, and bump carriers off of the puck, he is not much of a hitter, and not an overly physical player- preferring instead to utilize his smart stick and exemplary positioning to do his dirty work. Kilfoil could be called a safe pick, but smaller players are losing popularity with scouts, and a lack of physicality might be seen as a big detriment. I still see him being picked in the middle rounds.

LW Viktor Klingsell (5'10",183lbs)

Skelleftea (J20): 33gp/ 10g/ 15a/ 25pts, -7, 4 PIM

Klingsell turned heads last summer with the 7th-best performance all-time at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, putting up 12 points in just 5 games on a dominant line for Team Sweden, with countrymen Milton Gastrin, and 2026 Draft-eligible Ivar Stenberg. His numbers in league-play this season are rather disappointing, but that might be a reflection of the team he plays for, as Skelleftea is not very good this year- he's a much better player than his stats suggest. He has earned a cup of coffee on Skelleftea's SHL team, with no points in 3 games, and he placed 5th in scoring in December's World Junior A Challenge (2nd for Team Sweden), with 7 points in 5 games. Klingsell is a pass-first, dynamic winger with confidence, flashiness and swagger.

Klingsell's vision and awareness are his primary strengths; he sees the ice quite well, and scans with his head up in flight to always have a mental map of the play. He sees his teammates through traffic and possesses uncanny spatial awareness to locate passing seams that few others could see, often funneling pucks right to the slot. He can make cross-ice feeds through bodies for dangerous chances and can distribute around the net, going from low-to-high and even through the crease. Every pass one can dream up is in his back-pocket, be it saucers over sticks, slip-passes through triangles, even bank-passes off the boards- and he pulls them off with confidence, poise, and patience. Though he leans towards playmaking, he isn't shy about attacking the net, or cutting inside to the slot to shoot. I wouldn't say his shot is intimidating, but he employs a quick, deceptive release, as well as pinpoint accuracy. Klingsell uses an arsenal of fakes, dekes, look-offs, and other feints to manipulate opponents into giving him room to move, but it's difficult to strip him of the puck because of his terrific puckhandling skill and array of dazzling 1-on-1 moves, as well as the way he manages to use his body to shield the puck from enemy sticks- even along the wall. He skates well, and is quite shifty, but he doesn't possess elite separation speed, and isn't an explosive skater. His edges are smooth and allow him to change pace and direction in order to side-step contact, and he's quite slippery.

Klinsell has shown the ability to drive play through transition, but too often he skates right into traffic, or holds on to the puck for too long when rushing through the neutral zone. His contribution to team defense ranges from average-to-poor; he is often late to the zone on the backcheck, is often too early in leaving, and doesn't do much in the way of being disruptive, as he's not overly aggressive. There have been questions about his pace, as he likes to slow the game down at times, but that will not translate well. Klingsell is not a physical player, and isn't aggressive, and he too often keeps to the perimeter in an attempt to make plays to the inside. His lack of size, pace, and physicality, along with his deficient defensive play, might keep him out of the top-3 rounds of this summer's draft.

LW Carter Klippenstein (6'3",181lbs)

Brandon (WHL): 58gp/ 14g/ 14a/ 28pts, +20, 50 PIM

Big-bodied winger Carter Klippenstein (ranked # 88 NA Skaters) was 11th in scoring and 4th in plus/minus over the regular season for the Wheaties, but he had a disastrous post-season- putting in 3 games with no points and a -5, before succumbing to injury as Brandon was eliminated in 5 games by the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He seemed to struggle with various injuries all year, and while I can't say for sure, I think he may have been playing through some of them. With 21 points in 66 games in his rookie year in 2023-24, I would've expected more from him than his 28 points in 58 games this season, and I believe there may be more in terms of offensive ability in his toolkit. Though he may never be a top-line scorer, he remains a hard-nosed power-forward with top-shelf defensive awareness, the versatility to play either C or W, and of course, a massive frame with a ton of room to fill out. A gym rat, he performed admirably in fitness testing in training camp this year, and set a team record on the versa-climber. Klipper plays a heavy game, and uses his frame to win battles along the boards, and can dish out some bone-rattling hits, but he will also play through contact. His play often draws the ire of opposing players, who make him the centerpiece of many post-whistle scrums, and he has to drop the gloves once in a while- but he's a pretty good scrapper. He exerts an ultra-high compete level, with the willingness to roll his sleeves up to outwork the opposition, and he provides his team with energy; he can swing the momentum of a game with one of his big bodychecks, and does a lot of the dirty work for his linemates in digging out pucks and gaining possession. In puck-battles, he gives second, and third-efforts to win pucks.

Klipper exhibits a modicum of hockey sense and awareness to be well-positioned in all three zones, but lacks dynamism; he plays more of a north-south style, and keeps things as simple and efficient as possible. One of his best physical traits is his skating- he moves very well for a big man, with surprisingly effortless edgework in his cuts, pivots, and changes of direction, and his speed is augmented by his high-end workrate. He employs a quick short-burst in tight areas when needed, to sprint to loose pucks, launch himself into battle, and create a bit of separation in open-ice. Klippenstein forechecks with purpose to push the pace and put supreme pressure on defenders, cause turnovers, and wreak havoc on the other team's breakout- he is relentless in puck-pursuit, and tenacious in battle. Offensively, he is a powerful net-front presence with fairly soft hands in-tight, as well as good hand-eye coordination for tipping pucks, and is almost impossible to move while serving up a big screen in front of the goalie. He can often be spotted attacking through the middle and crashing the crease, but he also has a quick, whippy release on his wrister from the slot- still, he could use more power and deception if he wants to score more often from distance. With the footspeed to outrace defenders to the puck, he excels at the chip-and-chase for entries, but he has sneaky puck-skill and protection ability that enables him to beat opponents one-on-one on occasion; he can carry through the neutral zone for clean entries at times, and can both stickhandle and shoot in tight-areas. Though he'll never be compared to Adam Oates, he's an underrated playmaker as well, with the competence to pull off some dynamic passes, including cross-ice, low-to-high from behind the net, and from off the wall to the slot. He flashes some playmaking vision too, with an eye for spotting teammates through traffic once in a while.

Klipper plays a very dependable two-way game, and is trusted by the coaching staff to kill penalties. He's highly disruptive with an active, well-timed stick, and the physicality to separate man from puck. With his mobility and solid edges, he gets into lanes, pokes away passes to the slot, and is active in all four corners of the zone. Upon recovery of the puck, he is able to make calm, poised plays to start the breakout going the other direction. With a November 26th birthday, age might be working against him, but he employs a very translatable game- and when he fills out, he's going to be a force. I think he has a better offensive game than he's shown this season, and I also believe he might be a big producer for the Wheat Kings over the next two seasons, but he still looks to be more suited for bottom-six duty in the pros, with his defensive acumen and physicality- and there's nothing wrong with that. Going forward, I hope he keeps growing his offense, while working on his decision-making, and his shot. I also hope that he keeps building his lower-body strength, in order to get faster. Look for him in later rounds, but don't be surprised if he's taken more in the middle.

LW Cassius "Cash" Koch 6'0",196lbs

Tri-City (WHL): 61gp/ 11g/ 7a/ 18pts, -10, 107 PIM

Calgary-born Cash Koch (ranked # 181 NA Skaters) was given the rank of "C" by Central Scouting in their preliminary rankings, denoting a potential 4th, or 5th-round pick, but for whatever reason, he wasn't able to build on his 2023-24 season- where he put up 23 points in 68 games. Drafted in the second-round, 24th-overall in 2022 by the Amerks, Koch finished the regular season 12th in scoring for his team with 18 points, but ended up in a 4-way tie for 1st in playoff scoring for Tri-City, with a goal and 3 points in 5 games, as they were eliminated from the post-season by Victoria. I see a player who would be producing a lot more, if he was being used properly; he reminds me a bit of a young Micheal Ferland, who posted 28 points in 61 games (85 PIM) for the Wheaties back in his draft year, so I look forward to seeing what Cash can do in the coming seasons. While he might be more or less average-sized, Koch is like a heat-seeking missile, playing with hustle and uncommon pace, while delivering bone-jarring hits, and he impacts the game in all three zones. Few players in junior are as relentlessly physical as he is, and like the Honey Badger- he never backs down from a fight. Despite his fearsome reputation, he possesses a fairly good toolbox with reasonable skill and a translatable style- though he plays a mostly simple, straightforward game.

Like Ferland, Koch is already an excellent skater, but he amplifies his mobility with his hustle, tempo, and sky-high workrate, which makes him all the more dangerous. He gets good maneuverability off his edges, and owns an explosive first-step, with outstanding acceleration to full-throttle. He's fearless, with high-end motor and intensity, and never leaves a bodycheck unfinished; he delivers stiff jolts to opponents big and small, some in open-ice, and can swing momentum for his team with a huge hit, or a scrap. He even fights like Ferland, with haymakers aplenty, and will drop the gloves in defense of a teammate- and from what I've seen, he has a favorable win-loss record. Koch plays on the edge and drives his opponents crazy- he's usually the focus of most post-whistle swarms, and often has a target on his back. He doesn't just throw his weight around to punish and intimidate though- he does it to disrupt the opposition in all three zones, and to separate man from puck. He lauches himself into puck-battles, and comes away with possession more often than not. As one might expect, he's a killer on the forecheck, and keeps puck-carriers on their toes with his speed and aggression. Seeking contact early and often, he works to snuff retrievals and throw his opponents' breakouts into disarray- he seems to always stay on the right side of the puck at all times as well. Rinse and repeat in the neutral zone.

I think Koch's shot is underrated; he can score from a fair distance with his dangerous wrister that explodes off his blade, or his bomb of a one-timer, and he can fire off the catch with enough accuracy to pick corners. Of course, he attacks the inside for chances and goes to the net without fear. He may not be a true creator or a play-driver per se, but he possesses offensive awareness and flashes passing proficiency in making plays to the slot, cross-ice feeds, and sometimes shows glimpses of bigger ideas that go unrealized. While he is confident with the puck, some say his puck-skill lets him down, and he needs refinement in this area. One of Koch's biggest selling points is his value in transition; he gives his team advantages with his ability to advance the play with quick passes, give-and-go sequences, and banks off of the boards, or by driving with speed and pace through the middle to make room for teammates- showing poise and patience. He packs some sneaky one-on-one moves that allow him to occasionally deke around defenders on the fly, as well. He was practically born to kill penalties, and is a pretty potent defensive performer, bringing his hard-hat approach and aggressiveness to limit time and space. Koch backchecks as hard as he forechecks, with physicality to win pucks. He supports his D down low, and covers for them when they have to leave their post. I'm not under the illusion that Koch will be more than a bottom-six winger at the NHL level, but he's easily worth a draft pick this summer with his value defensively, in transition, and as an insulator- but let's see how his offense and puck-skills develop. Look for him in later rounds.

LD Jesper Kotajarvi (6'0",179lbs)

Tappara (U20): 24gp/ 5g/ 5a/ 10pts, +4, 38 PIM

Tappara (Liiga): 12gp/ 1g/ 0a/ 1pt, -2, 2 PIM

Defenseman Jesper Kotajarvi (ranked #32 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting) has been playing tag with fellow blueliner Lasse Boelius for who will be the top player out of Finland in the 2025 Draft, which might not be saying much for the state of hockey in that country. There's plenty of reason to believe though, that Kotajarvi is a much better offensive performer than his numbers show this season, as his 0.62 ppg in 2023-24 (23 points in 37 games) eclipse his 0.42 ppg from this year by a fair margin, and he has produced at every level he's played- he even had 4 games in the Mestis (Finland's second-tier Men's league) when he was just 15 years-old. Kotajarvi can play the right-side seamlessly, and he is an excellent skater who pushes pace and plays aggressively, with the speed to separate in open ice. He is slippery and elusive on his edges, giving him superb agility and lateral quickness to sidestep checks, and he can slip through contact with quick turns and cuts. He is an expert puckhandler who maintains control through traffic when under pressure, and doesn't slow down when in possession. Despite being below average in size for a rearguard, his puck-protection is exceptional.

Deception is a huge part of Kotajarvi's game, and he employs every feint imaginable to make room to move, including head-fakes, look-offs, toe-drags, and dekes, as well as changes in pace and direction, and shifts of weight in his stride. Cut-backs and delays are a way for him to create room for teammates, as well as himself, by drawing pressure to open space for distribution. He is a high-value transitional player, and can drive possession via pass or carry through controlled exits and entries; he can rush the puck through the neutral zone by himself while maneuvering through defenders with slick one-on-one expertise. He's a highly-skilled puck-mover, and can lead the rush from defense to offense, showing calmness and poise through his smooth retrievals to his deft breakout passes. With his team installed in the zone, he displays deception in walking the line to pry open passing seams, and exhibits a high level of vision and creativity on his smart passes. He's quite aggressive in activating in on the weak side for high-danger opportunities, and he will pinch up the boards to pass to the slot. There's a high-risk, high-reward factor in his offensive zone play, as sometimes mistakes can be made with the chances he takes.

Kotajarvi may not be the most physical player, but he finishes his checks, and will lower the boom once in a while with a bone-rattling hit. He is competitive and doesn't shy away from the rough stuff- he battles for loose pucks in all of the greasy areas, and 38 PIM in 24 games shows he's not gentle about it. Defensively, he shows good habits and a high workrate, but his details are lacking a bit, and I don't think he's making 100% of the stops he should be making. He's solid in his own zone positioning-wise, but sometimes has difficulty handling bigger players in front of his net. His gaps are tight, and he plays well against the rush in an effort to kill plays in the neutral zone, with excellent angling on the strength of a well-timed, active stick. I would go out on a limb to suggest that Kotajarvi may have a higher ceiling than Boelius, despite his rather poor stats, but he's a riskier pick in my view. Look for him in the third-round.

LHC Jasper Kuhta (6'2",181lbs)

HIFK (U20): 34gp/ 13g/ 24a/ 37pts, +18, 8 PIM

How does a player with mostly average skill and physical traits across the board put up the kind of numbers that C Jasper Kuhta (ranked #51 for EU Skaters) has managed to produce? Well for starters, he anchors a dominant line with a couple of dynamic offensive wingers, in Matias Vanhanen, and Jere Somervuori. Secondly, he is one of the older players in this draft class with an Oct.28th, 2006 birthday, so it's reasonable to say that he might be slightly more physically developed than some of his peers- and he's already above-average in size and physicality. One encouraging sign is that his linemates have spent less time in the Liiga than Kuhta's 8 games, with Vanhanen getting 5 games, and Somervuori getting 4. Kuhta gets almost twice as many assists as goals, but while he is effective in the offensive zone, his playmaking is nothing special and is certainly not flashy or dynamic, with usually safe and risk-free passes coming off of his stick. He does have a good understanding of how to open and utilize space; he's a smart player with reasonably good hockey sense and vision, but is as meat-and-potatoes as one can get.

Kuhta's speed is average, but is augmented somewhat by his high work-ethic and activity-rate, and his edges are fairly smooth to give him good agility and maneuverability. He is very inside-driven, and often makes a bee-line to the net once he sets foot in the offensive zone to set up a screen, battle for space, cause havoc, and to hopefully get his stick on some tips and rebounds. His hands are silky-smooth to beat goalies in-tight, and he has acute hand-eye coordination. When he's not at the net-front, he can usually be found lurking in the slot, or competing for pucks down low to make plays from below the goal-line. Kuhta forechecks hard to disrupt, as much as to agitate his opponents, battles hard in the trenches, and employs a physical game that includes throwing his weight around. Kuhta is a big difference-maker off-puck with the way he skates intelligent routes to create room for himself and his teammates; he stays open to be playable, checks sticks proactively, and will set a pick to help a teammate's progress. His stickhandling is nothing special, and his puck-skills need further refinement in order for him to be able to capitalize on his ideas, with greater execution of his playmaking vision. Most of the goals he scores come from within ten-feet of the net, as the velocity on his shot is average as well, with a need to utilize more deception in his release.

If Kuhta's offensive game doesn't continue to develop, at least he moves the needle in his own zone, with plus-level engagement and awareness. He reads the play well to proactively get in position to cut-off plays, intercept passes, and clog lanes. He works hard and uses his body to separate man from puck- he identifies threats and sticks to his man like glue before the puck can get to them. Kuhta is good at everything, but not elite in any area, and would do well to develop a few standout traits. Scouts love big, physical centers with defensive acumen though, so I could see him being picked in the middle rounds.

RW Jacob Kvasnicka (5'11",159lbs)

NTDP: 36gp/ 10g/ 11a/ 21pts, -11, 6 PIM

Winger Jacob Kvasnicka is a two-way sparkplug who plays with jam, and is 5th in scoring on the NTDP's U-18 squad. Kvasnicka was awarded a "C" in Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings, anointing him as a possible 4th or 5th-round pick, and he was ranked 129th on their list of North American Skaters on their Midterm List. The first think you will notice when watching Kvasnicka is speed, speed, speed. He wins races to loose pucks, beats defenders wide, and burns opponents in open ice with a fervent pace that is difficult to match. His quick hands compliment his speedy feet, with slick stickhandling that allows him to deke through attackers, but he will also play through contact, and skate through hands if needed. He's a high-activity energy player with good motor and a tireless work-ethic who plays with intensity and brings grit to his line; he competes hard, and strives to make a difference. Despite his lack of size, he initiates contact early and often to create space for his linemates and dislodge pucks. He often gains inside position and outbattles larger combatants in 50/50's.

Kvasnicka displays some value in transition, and participates in a rather high number of controlled exits and entries by using his teammates in give-and-go sequences. Once his team is established in the offensive zone, he shows off his intelligence by finding  space to operate in and get open for passes, timing his arrival to high-danger areas. On the cycle, he flaunts positive awareness and positioning to help support the play. There's a fair amount of shooting and passing skill in his repertoire, but he may lack the degree of vision and creativity required to make it as a top-6 player at the next level. He's at his best when he keep things on the simple side, but he does have the confidence to try some of the more higher-end plays, with mixed results; he often tries to force passes that aren't there. He looks to make passes to the slot, and aims to get pucks through to the net to create second-chance opportunities for teammates. Kvasnicka seems to do his best work in the defensive zone, wielding high-end defensive instincts and awareness, along with exemplary positioning; he plays a fairly detailed game with a lot of proactive stick-lifts, blocks, and interceptions. If a team sees fit to draft Kvasnicka, he may have to wait until later rounds, and I think he's most likely a bottom-6 defensive specialist if he ever makes it. He is committed to the University of Minnesota for this upcoming fall.

LD Noah Laberge (6'1",185lbs)

Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL): 62gp/ 12g/ 21a/ 33pts, +17, 50 PIM

Smooth-skating D Noah Laberge (ranked #126 NA Skaters) is a valuable two-way contributor for the 11th-placed (out of 18 teams) Acadie-Bathurst Titan, who are 14th in goals-for in the Q, and displays NHL-projectable traits as a minute-munching workhorse. Though his age is a detriment, with an Oct.9th, 2006 birthday, he holds huge value as a player who can tilt the ice for his team- turning defense into offensive zone time with his exemplary transitional game, which is one of his best qualities. It starts in the defensive third, where he completes retrievals by pre-scanning, then employing layers of deception, shifty footwork, tight puck-protection, and deft stickhandling to make his escape from pressure. In first-pass scenarios and breakouts, he is calm and poised, putting his superb distribution ability on display, often achieving long-range connections with streaking teammates through the neutral zone using his high-end passing skill and sublime vision when moving the puck up-ice. Through the neutral zone, he works the give-and-go with teammates to open space, relocating to a more advantageous route. He can spearhead the rush for controlled entries by carrying, and has shown the ability to go end-to-end on occasion. Laberge catches well, with the hand-eye coordination to knock pucks out of the air right to his handling wheelhouse, and exhibits remarkable protection skill- opening his hips and turning his body against the grain to shield the puck from poke-checks, while handling outside of opposing attackers' reach. 

Laberge is an effortless skater- fluid and agile, with seamless transitions, and polished mechanics. He exerts tidy edgework for quick pivots and tight turns, and can push pace with his swift feet, making his adversaries scramble. Using his quickness, he easily mirrors the footwork of oncoming rushers, deploying tight gaps and smart use of well-timed poke-checks, surfing across the ice to make the stop. He identifies threats early, takes away the middle, and suppresses attacks to the slot. He shows immaculate positioning and acute awareness, giving him the proactivity to get inside on opponents, lift sticks, and intercept passes. While he won't be confused with Kashawn Aitcheson, he is physical when he needs to be- using his frame to make room for himself, and overwhelming his foes in board battles. In the other end of the ice, he walks the line with purpose to locate passing seams and shooting lanes; he is highly active and involved, activates into the play frequently, and joins the rush often. He will attack the crease on the weak side off-puck for a high-danger look, or streak up the boards to get a better angle to pass to the slot. Known as "Burger" to his teammates, Laberge will skate into passes, and has a seeing-eye wrister that can find it's way through layers of traffic to the net, providing opportunities for teammates. He is adept at using his adversaries as screens, and owns a hard, accurate shot with a nice release. He distributes well, but looks right now to be more of a facilitator than a creator; he finds ways to extend offensive time, gets pucks deep, pushes plays to the slot, but many of his higher-end ideas go unrequited because of the team he plays for, and others simply fizzle out down the line. I think he might have a big breakout in the next few years, but even if he doesn't, he holds value as a two-way puck-mover. Like most kids his age, he needs to build his fundamentals, such as his speed and strength, but he could use a tune-up on his decision-making, as he can still be pressured in to mistakes, turnovers, and throw-aways. Look for him in the third, or fourth-round.

LD Maddox Labre (6'2",179lbs)

Victoriaville (QMJHL): 61gp/ 3g/ 16a/ 19pts, -43, 42 PIM

I've heard Harrison Brunicke's name brought up to describe Maddox Labre's situation because, though they may differ a bit stylistically, they both played on bad teams in their draft year, which severely affected their numbers. Labre (ranked #112 NA Skaters) is a member of the Victoriaville Tigres, who finished the season dead-last in the Q standings (3rd-last in the entire CHL, with a .297 win %), and 16th out of 18 teams in goals-for, but he is still young by draft standards (with a June 15th birthday), and is playing in his first full season in the CHL. You wouldn't know it by looking at his numbers, but he's a two-way, play-driving defenseman, with a punishing physical game. His skating is fluid and projectable (though he has a bit of a heel-kick) with a long, powerful stride, and a deep knee bend. Though his mechanics aren't quite perfect, his straight-line speed is above-average, with impressive lateral mobility. Labre is a wonder to watch, with his top-notch handling skill that allows him to weave through traffic using a wide array of one-on-one stickhandling maneuvers, including fakes, dangles, toe-drags, and dekes to bait and mislead defenders. He expertly draws pressure with cutbacks and delays, and looks highly skilled and dynamic in his ability to dismantle defenses, although his pace will need improvement for the next level.

Labre exerts a high level of vision and awareness, with sharply-honed passing skill, blended with a layer of deception in fakes and look-offs. It begins with his ability to effortlessly escape pressure in his own zone by pre-scanning for options, then deking out forecheckers (or simply outskating them), evading checks with cut-backs when necessary, and making sound breakout feeds with calmness and composure. He can find streaking rushers with stretch-passes through the neutral zone at times, and can send outlets cross-ice with apparent ease. He is a high-value transitional driver, and can rush the puck through exit and entry by deking and dangling through traffic to spearhead the attack. He joins the rush often, and will attack up the middle, and go to the net. A set-up man first and foremost, he has an eye for manufacturing constant advantages for teammates, and tries with every touch to create, using every inch of space he can get. He's an inventive playmaker who funnels pucks to the middle and regularly uses cross-ice feeds- he reads the ice well, and makes quick decisions. With exemplary timing, he activates off the line frequently, and stays very active in the offensive zone- he also has a hard point-shot that he gets on-net with good consistency. He skates into passes and runs the blueline with aplomb, moving around to manipulate defenders into opening passing seams. A true workhorse, he is a hard-worker who can play big minutes, putting forth a high compete level to go with a non-stop motor, and he's fairly violent- though he doesn't take all that many penalties. He engages early, dishing out big hits all over the ice, wins more than his fair share of battles in the trenches, knocks opponents off of pucks, and pins opponents to the boards to remove them from the play- using his frame to impose his will.

Labre is engaged in his own zone, though not perfect or mistake-free. He can be quite mean in front of the net, overpowering opponents while delivering hacks, whacks, and crosschecks, and effectively boxes out attackers. He moves surprisingly well laterally, which gives him enormous range when coupled with his active stick. Sometimes his gaps look a bit too loose, but he closes fast and often chokes off entries with a big hit. I really like the foundation this kid has, but he's going to need some work. Quite often, he will try to force plays that aren't there- but some of the blame has to go with his less-than-stellar teammates, who leave plenty of his ideas unrequited. I have no doubt that he would've been much higher up the scoring list if he were on a better team. He can leave his partner hanging out to dry by being overzealous in his activations, so he will need a tune-up on his decision-making in this area. There are plenty of times when he tries to do too much on his own, which may also be because of the team he plays for, but he often hangs on to the puck for too long, thus skating himself into trouble. Like his teammates, he is prone to miscues and errors defensively, and needs some work on his play-selection in this area of the ice. He can lose his man in heavy traffic, and can overcommit too early in other instances. I like this kid, and I think he's a pretty safe pick, due to having a solid base to work with. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

RHC Tommy Lafreniere (5'11",170lbs)

Kamloops (WHL): 65gp/ 24g/ 32a/ 56pts, -29, 20 PIM

Center Tommy Lafreniere (ranked #86 NA Skaters) is near the end of his first full-time season in the WHL; though he was eligible to play for Kamloops in 2023-24, he opted to go back to the U18 Prep circuit, where he posted 58 points in 30 games for the Yale Hockey Academy- good enough for 9th in league scoring. The Blazers are still rebuilding, and they are currently in 19th-place out of 22 teams in the WHL, with the 5th-worst goals-for, making Lafreniere's stat-line look even better. He has played up and down the Blazers' lineup, and has been given more opportunities and ice-time as the season has progressed, as the team has been dealing with injuries to some of their top players, and it should be mentioned that he's been playing mostly on the wing this year. Lafreniere, who was born in Montreal and raised in Whistler, is a shoot-first forward with a complete game- always involved, and usually in the thick of the play. He possesses the hockey sense to find soft spots in coverage to occupy,  the knack for being at the right place at the right time to strike, and the offensive awareness to open seams by drawing pressure with cut-backs and delays.

Laf has excellent hockey sense, and though he doesn't possess any dynamic qualities or flashiness, he's a strong playmaker who sees the ice well, and makes quick decisions with simple plays. His skating is far from elite, but he has above-average speed in a straight-line, augmented by a high motor, a good quick-burst in small areas, and a peppy first-step. He is shifty and deceptive in his footwork, with a seamless change of pace and direction, and tricky shifts of weight to fool attackers. Game in, game out, he always puts in an honest effort with high motor on-and-off the puck, and although his lack of size occasionally hurts him in battles, he employs a physical game, plays with energy and brisk tempo, never gives up on a play, and pushes a lofty pace. On the forecheck, he is intense and disruptive- throwing hits to dislodge pucks, and even shows off his defensive instincts by snuffing the opposition's breakout. He makes his living in the dirty areas of the ice, and his uncanny ability to spot open pockets in the slot and around the net is a huge factor in his offensive game; most of his goals come from attacking in-tight, with soft hands for beating goalies, the hand-eye coordination for tipping shots, and the reflexes to clean up garbage in the crease. Although his shot could use more power, he gets a good whip on his quick release, and expertly uses screens to his advantage. He can seemingly score from any angle, but is very inside-driven. There's value in his transitional game, as he protects well when carrying, and works give-and-go sequences for clean entries.

Laf works hard on the backcheck, and is always in the face of opposing puck-carriers; he's more than just disruptive, he makes stops proactively with poke-checks and stick-lifts, and keeps opponents away from the middle. There's signs of an advanced defensive game, and though he isn't always mistake-free, he displays impactful decision-making, good habits, and a strong attention to detail; this is a standout area of his game, and a big selling point going forward. He scans thoroughly, processes the play quickly, and sprints to kill plays by forcing turnovers and uncontrolled plays, clogging lanes, blocking shots, and intercepting passes. He's active in the defensive third, defends his net, and supports his teammates in battle. There's a good chance that Lafreniere will be a winger at the NHL level, but he will always try to play in the middle of the ice in both ends like a center. For the next level, he needs to build up his speed, increase the power in his shot, and he has to bulk up considerably, as well as get stronger. It also wouldn't hurt to work on his puck-skills. There are questions about his NHL upside, with some saying he will be better suited to bottom-six defensive duty in the future, but that remains to be seen. Look for him in the third, or fourth round.

RW Jett Lajoie (6'0",179lbs)

Prince George (WHL): 66gp/ 14g/ 21g/ 35pts, +7, 40 PIM

There's not a whole lot of ice-time to be had if you're a supporting player on the Prince George Cougars, who sport a fairly deep and talented forward group, and sit 7th-overall in the WHL. RW Jett Lajoie (ranked # 70 NA Skaters) hovers around in the Cougars' middle-six mostly, and started the year with 12 points in the first 13 games- but his numbers started to regress as players were returned from NHL-camps. He will have to wait until next year to have his big offensive breakout, as older players depart for the pros. He is a scrappy, energetic, physical winger, who is fearless in battles, supports the play in all three zones, and flashes playmaking skill. With high-end motor and compete, he plays a fairly violent game and can dish out some thunderous hits against larger opponents. He is a constant physical threat, annoying and agitating his adversaries with his relentlessness and tenacity, and as a result- has to drop the gloves on occasion. Lajoie has plenty of hard-skill and a heavy game that creates advantages, and has a positive impact with his willingness to wade into the greasy areas, and battle for pucks in the trenches- doing a lot of the dirty work for his teammates. On the forecheck, he is highly aggressive, finishes his checks, and applies pressure on puck-carriers by being a general menace, and by pushing pace. Down low, he is very hard to deal with- almost oppressive.

Lajoie is not a huge scoring threat with his shot alone, as it's not very accurate or powerful, and the vast majority of his tallies come from his hard-work in attacking the net, or from planting himself at the net-front to battle for position and take abuse. He is not afraid to drive the middle or cut inside to pick up garbage, cash in deflections with his keen hand-eye coordination, set up a screen, and cause problems around the crease. In terms of his skating and puck-skills- both are above-average, but not always pretty; he can win races to loose pucks with sheer will and tenacity alone, and while he handles well, he can pressured into making mistakes with the puck and coughing up possession at times. His puck-protection is quite good though- he shields the puck from enemy sticks by angling his body away from attackers, and by using his one-handed reach to control the puck. Though he's mostly devoid of any real flash or dynamism, he shows the odd glimpse of creativity and teases more advanced playmaking ability than his usual deferment to keeping things plain and simple with quick touches. There is signs of vision in his passing game that go beyond facilitation, and he possesses above-average offensive awareness and good spatial manipulation to draw defenders, and to locate soft spots in coverage to fill.

Transition is another area where he has shown flashes of a more innovative playmaking game, but he usually relies on chip-and-chase sequences, or dump-ins, and skates mostly north-south routes. Lajoie's motor, pace, and physicality help him to be a nuisance to puck-carriers, and disruptive in defensive situations, but he needs improvement in his awareness in his own-zone to make better reads. As in other areas of the ice, he's highly active and aggressive, but sometimes out of position and other times chasing too much. He needs the usual- get bigger, stronger, and faster, but he has to develop his offensive presence a lot more, and I think he'll be a big producer in the next few years with the Cougars. There's already the profile here of a potential bottom-6 energy player, but there's hope for more. Look for him in the middle rounds.

LW Lynden Lakovic (6'4",190lbs)

Moose Jaw (WHL): 31gp/ 17g/ 22a/ 39pts, -13, 4 PIM

Lynden Lakovic is a big winger with skating and skill who last played on Dec 8th, and has been out of action (listed as month-to-month) with an injury. Moose Jaw is dead-last in the WHL after selling off some of their stars before the trade deadline (including Brayden Yager), but even with Lakovic in the lineup, they were treading water near the bottom of the standings all season long. Lakovic seemed to boost his draft stock considerably with his performance in the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, where he scored a highlight-reel goal on the breakaway, after getting in behind the D for the pass. He picked up 2 points in 2 games, but those who were tracking his advanced stats say that he showed the ability to drive play. Lakovic is fairly balanced offensively, but his shot is hard, heavy, and accurate, with a quick and deceptive release, and he's always a scoring threat with several ways of putting the puck in the net. He can pick corners from seemingly any angle, has soft hands to beat goalies one-on-one, and displays good hand-eye coordination for tips and rebounds. He will crash the crease for garbage goals, and owns every kind of shot available.

Lakovic is a crafty playmaker as well, with underrated passing skill, who flashes high-end creativity and vision at times. His small-area game is surprisingly good; with his deft puck skill, he can hit teammates with short slip-passes, and his tight puck-protection makes it difficult to pick his pockets. Even though he connects on almost 90% of his passes (according to tracking data), his shooting is still his main playmaking tool, and it creates more than twice as many grade "A" chances than his passing. Lakovic possesses solid IQ and awareness in all areas, and is able to find soft spots in coverage, often finding himself in the slot at the exact right moment to strike. He is inside-driven, attacking the middle while exhibiting high-end off-puck instincts. Mobility-wise, he's not a burner, but he's well above average in the speed department, on skating that is smooth and powerful with long, fluid strides. He can beat defenders wide sometimes, separate in open-ice, win races to loose pucks, and deceive opponents with his tricky crossovers. His handling and puck-control are excellent and match his quick feet; together with his protection skills and deception ability, he can deke and dangle through coverage. Lakovic is not overly physical, as one would expect the nephew of Gregg and Sasha "The Masha" Lakovic to be, but he will finish his checks and use his size as leverage in battles, or to lean into foes to get inside position. With all of the above attributes, combined with his slick one-on-one moves, he can make controlled entries look easy and is able to skate some dynamic routes through transition.

Defensively, Lakovic displays solid positioning and awareness, with a good eye for blocking lanes and picking off passes, but overall- his impact in his own zone is fairly average (although it's hard to judge this year on a team as bad as Moose Jaw is). He has an active, well-timed stick as an asset, as well as enormous range, but he needs to improve his aggression in this area, as well as his details. It may not be his style, but more physicality in this, and other areas, would go a long way. Lakovic is skilled with the puck, but he can be too pretty at times, and can leave the zone early in anticipation of the breakout. Lately, I've been seeing his name in the top-15 of this summer's draft, but I can't see him breaking in to the top-ten.

RW Tanner Lam (5'10",157lbs)

Kitchener (OHL): 67gp/ 13g/ 40a/ 53pts, +18, 24 PIM

Winger Tanner Lam (ranked # 175 NA Skaters) is a graduate of the Halton Hurricanes U16 AAA program, where he was the top-scorer on the OMHA South Central team that featured Tyler Hopkins, Brady Smith, and Matt Schaefer- piling up 38 goals and 71 points in just 35 games. Those numbers contributed to his total of 132 points in 69 games at the U16 level, second only to Lev Katzin, but ahead of several future OHL players. He had to wait until the 2nd-round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection (41st-overall) to be drafted though, as he was only 5'8" at the time, and 145lbs. Size issues aside, Lam is a highly skilled and dynamic playmaker, and possesses some of the best puck-skills in this draft-class, with elite abilities in one-on-one situations; he can handle through traffic with the puck on a string, with dekes, dangles, and hesitations, making defenders look foolish. Despite his stature, he goes to the net, sprints to every loose puck, and attacks the middle of the ice- even though he often pays for it with physical punishment. His spatial awareness and ability to read gaps are also near the top of the class, as he can instantly locate open space to traverse on and off the puck, find soft spots in the slot to sneak into, and can spot passing seams that few others could see. To deceive and manipulate opponents, he virtually uses every inch of his body- including shifts of weight, feints in his footwork, false angling in the blade of his stick, changes of pace and direction, head fakes, as well as look-offs. It seems like he makes a few highlight-reel plays every game, and is so elusive that he can often carry through exit and entry without being barely touched.

Lam is able to push enormous pace through transition with his excellent speed and handling, hooking up with teammates in give-and-go sequences for clean entries. From there, he can push defenses back in order to leave the puck in space for trailing teammates, or dip into his arsenal of deft cut-backs and delays to open space to wait for the right option in order to maintain possession for his team. Though he could use improvements to his top-speed, he is explosive enough in short-distances to blow past defenders along the boards, separate in open-ice, and beat them wide on occasion. He is light on his skates, with excellent edgework and agility for escapability, and a quick change of pace- he gets off the wall a ton. Lam is a smart playmaker and a skilled passer from both his forehand or his backhand, and stretches defenses out using give-and-go's, but he can also execute short slip-passes through triangles, saucers over sticks, and can pass cross-ice for dangerous chances. It's hard to say if he's truly a high-end creator, but he can drive play. Some have said that his shot is weak, but I disagree; he certainly doesn't use it nearly enough, and might not be able to score often from distance, but his wrister is a laser and he wields a stunning release.

Lam will throw the odd hit, but his physical impact most games is virtually non-existent, and he doesn't contribute much on the forecheck. He has no problem taking a hit to make a play, and keeps his feet moving through contact, but he spends plenty of time in games on his rear-end. It seems to be unanimous among fans and scouts alike that, while he often enjoys a great deal of success due to his puck-skill, Lam's willingness to attack the middle and fearlessness in playing through traffic means that he sometimes takes a ton of abuse, gets bumped off the puck quite easily, and gives up an inordinate amount of turnovers. Some say he will either need to bulk up considerably for the pros, or change his style completely in order to learn how to create offense without putting himself in dangerous spots. While his game in the offensive-third is his calling card right now, his impact defensively is nothing special. He is usually well-positioned all over the ice, but his effort and engagement level in his own zone is in question. At his best, he can be disruptive with his speed, skill, and anticipation, and he displays an ability to make high-end plays on the breakout. Lam will most-likely be a huge offensive producer in the OHL as early as next season, but he appears to be more boom-or-bust as far as his NHL-potential goes. Some team may gamble on his skill at the draft, but if so- he will have to wait until the late rounds.

RW Olivier Lampron (6'2",176lbs)

Sherbrooke (QMJHL): 57gp/ 9g/ 23a/ 32pts, -13, 32 PIM

Winger Olivier Lampron (ranked #184 NA Skaters) has the pedigree of being a former first-round draft pick, having been chosen 9th-overall in the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft by Baie-Comeau, but was traded to the Sherbrooke Phoenix midway through the 2023-24 season. In the current campaign, Lampron finished 6th in scoring for the Phoenix, who were 10th-overall (out of 18 teams) at the end of the regular season, while scoring the 11th-most tallies in the Q, and giving up the 6th-least amount of goals-against. Though he hasn't played since March 5th due to injury, it seemed like he was finally starting to put everything together, having put up 14 points in his last 15 games. Lampron is a skilled, well-rounded, and fairly dynamic winger, with a physical 200-ft game. Other than perhaps his size, his skating is his prime physical asset, with above-average straight-ahead speed, and strong edgework that enables him to dissect defenses in transition and on the cycle, pivot instantaneously, and complete sharp turns. He owns a peppy short-burst to win puck-races, and accelerates up to top speed with haste.

Lampron is a physical player who uses his size effectively to win battles, power his way to the middle of the ice, and to control the boards. He throws hits on the forecheck to dislodge pucks, and causes turnovers with his speed and determination. One of the main signatures of his game is his ability to drive play through transition, both by carrying through exit and entry, or with his ability to complete high-end plays while in full-flight. While flying through the neutral zone, he employs tight puck-protection skills with his long reach and with the angling of his lower-torso, and is blessed with top-shelf puck-skill that allows him to handle in small-areas, and beat opponents one-on-one. In the offensive zone, he attacks the crease on and off the puck, and exerts a strong net-front presence, being hard to move and battling with grit and tenacity to win positioning. While expertly locating gaps in coverage to fill, he cuts inside to the slot for shooting opportunities, and can fire off a hard and heavy wrister. He brings chaos in going to the net to tip pucks, shovel in second-chance opportunities, cause headaches for bewildered defensemen, and provide a moving screen in front of the goalie. He has exhibited fairly good hands in-tight, but with only 9 goals in 57 games, it's quite obvious that he needs serious work on his finishing skills. He exhibits potent hockey sense and sound offensive awareness to always be well-positioned, but he isn't particularly creative; much of his success comes from his willingness to outwork the opposition with his high-end compete, relentless motor, and tenacity, and from the fact that he doesn't mind playing in close-quarters.

Lampron displays acute awareness and anticipation in all three zones, and uses these talents to disrupt his opponents' breakout, and kill rushes in the neutral zone by causing turnovers, forcing steals, and skating through hands. It continues in the defensive zone, where he shows assertiveness and methodical positioning to obstruct lanes, impede passage to the middle, head-off passes, block shots, and rack up steals. He brings grit and physicality to his defensive duties, levying hits to win possession, and break-up plays. Big wingers who can skate and play tight defense are always enticing to scouts, and Lampron seems to be able to play a pro-style game, but his numbers are nowhere near where they should be. This may be due to injuries, or perhaps because of the team he plays for, but either way- there's a strong chance that he may not be drafted. He still has potential though, and if he is chosen this summer- he will have to wait until later rounds.

RW Aidan Lane (6'2",192lbs)

Brampton (OHL): 13gp/ 7g/ 6a/ 13pts, +10, 2 PIM

St.Andrews College "C" (PHC): 14gp/ 7g/ 14a/ 21pts, 28 PIM

St.Andrews College (U18 AAA): 55gp/ 34g/ 52a/ 86pts, 52 PIM

Winger Aidan Lane (ranked # 114 NA Skaters) is no longer a big secret, and has been breaking necks with how quickly he's been turning heads with Brampton. He was only playing part-time in the OHL while he spent the majority of his season in Prep Hockey (second in scoring in the league), with an eye of playing for Harvard next year; he only joined the Steelheads at the beginning of March- when his time at St.Andrews came to a close, taking advantage of the new rules that allow CHL players to commit to University teams. Lane looks comfortable in the OHL as a two-way power-forward with high motor and skill, and though he was known primarily as a pass-first playmaker in the Prep league, his stats with Brampton paint him as more of a goal-scorer- this could be due to the fact that he's having to get used to having less time and space to make decisions. Still, he reads the play well and reacts quickly, making sound decisions that put teammates in advantageous positions, with crisp, accurate feeds. He is showing glimpses of his playmaking vision, always skating with his head up to scan his surroundings, and displays a good awareness of space in finding open lanes- he can pass cross-ice, and finds teammates in the slot.

Lane is inside-driven, and finds space in the slot to fill at just the right time. He owns good hands in-tight, and occupies space at the net-front to tip shots with his high-end hand-eye coordination and keen sense of timing. He creates offense off the rush, and will crash the crease for chances. Shooting is another strength of his, displaying a blistering catch-and-release wrister, as well as a bomb of a one-timer- both of which he can use to score from distance. Off the puck, his positioning is well-developed to support the play in all three zones, extend offensive-zone time on the cycle, and stay playable in high-danger. Though he is still learning to keep his feet moving in the OHL, he is a solid skater with a quick short-burst and a peppy first-step, but he could use another gear on his top-end. He employs fluid mechanics on a long stride, and he's fairly agile with some lateral mobilty; he makes quick cuts, and pivots away from checks rather smoothly. Lane exerts tight puck-protection using his long wingspan while shielding the puck from checkers with his body, keeps his feet moving through contact, and can make plays while being pinned to the boards. He controls the puck well, and displays deft handling in small-areas.

Lane plays a physical game, but economical in the way that he usually only initiates bodychecks when there's a distinct purpose to it. He uses his frame to win inside position, skates through hands, wins battles in greasy areas, pushes opponents off the puck, shoves attackers away in races, and will throw hits to dislodge pucks and win possession. Like a true power-forward he will drop a shoulder and leverage his size and strength to bulldoze his way to the middle, and he overpowers defenders in net-front battles. On the forecheck, he engages his adversaries with speed and physicality to force mistakes. On the backcheck, he does much of the same to put pressure on opponents to force turnovers and uncontrolled plays, while making smart decisions with loose pucks off of retrievals. In the defensive zone, he exhibits sound positioning and awareness, and plays aggressive in launching himself at puck-carriers. In transition, he skates mostly north-south routes and makes simple plays to avoid turnovers, but will use delays and cutbacks when needed to maintain position. It may not be fair to call him a "hidden gem" anymore, as I would imagine the scouting world has taken notice. He needs to work on his skating and stength, and will have plenty of time to develop at Harvard, starting next season. Look for him in the second, or third round.

LHC Matthew Lansing (6'1",181lbs)

Waterloo (USHL): 28gp/ 6g/ 6a/ 12pts, +15, 14 PIM

C Matthew Lansing first turned heads at the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup last summer, where he looked outstanding at times by buzzing all over the ice, pushing the pace with his speed, and by scoring a highlight-reel goal in the Bronze-medal game where he basically beat three defenders, as well as the goalie. He ended the tournament tied for the most goals with 4 tallies in 5 games, 2 of them coming in that Bronze-medal game against Sweden, which the US Team lost to leave them with a 4th-place finish. The scouts took notice, and Central Scouting gave him the rating of "C" in their Preliminary Rankings, and despite what I would call disappointing production in the USHL, they rated him #97 among North American Skaters in their Mid-term Rankings. As another indication of how highly thought of he is, he was 1 of 2 non-NTDP players chosen to fill in Team USA's roster for the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge (Ben Kevan was the other), though he finished with no points. Waterloo is 9th out of 16 teams in the USHL Standings, and Lansing is 11th on that team in scoring, but second in plus/minus (11th-overall in the league), seemingly playing down the lineup in a defensive role behind some older players. Lansing is a two-way pivot with a nice blend of power and finesse.

Lansing is a powerful skater who uses his speed to make room for teammates, and to push the pace- though he could use a little work on his top-speed and explosiveness. His solid edgework allows for quick turns and smooth lateral agility. His shot is hard and heavy but it can be predictable, as he needs to work on his release- he doesn't get his shot off quickly enough at times, and doesn't use enough deception to disguise his intentions. Lansing powers his way to the middle with his stick ready for the pass in the slot, and he will crash the crease to score in-tight. He is an opportunistic goal-scorer who will go to the net to sweep in rebounds, tip shots, pounce on loose pucks, and screen the goalie. Most would call him a skilled passer, but any signs of true vision or creativity come only in flashes; he can get the puck to teammates with some of the more difficult passes with crispness and accuracy, but he isn't much of a playmaker or driver. Lansing is considered to be a skilled player with sound enough stickhandling and deception to deke his way through traffic at times, but it's his puck-protection that gets him around the ice without turnovers, and he can skate through checks with this ability.

Lansing is a reliable, calming presence in the defensive zone with high awareness and anticipation to seal off plays proactively. He employs a good stick to block lanes, and poke the puck away from danger, but he also uses his physicality to separate his man from the puck. He hounds puck carriers relentlessly, suffocating them of time and space, and supports teammates in battle. Lansing gets involved in the greasy areas, wins 50/50 puck contests, and finishes his checks. He can play both sides of special teams, but specializes in killing penalties. He may be more suited to bottom-6 defensive duty in the NHL if he makes it, as he doesn't seem to read the play like an offensive player should. He is committed to Quinnipiac University, and I think he'll be picked in the 5th or 6th-round.

C/RW Ryker Lee (6'0",181lbs)

Madison Capitols (USHL): 26gp/ 12g/ 19a/ 31pts, -1, 8 PIM

Ryker Lee earned a "B" rating (2nd or 3rd-round pick) by Central Scouting in their preliminary rankings, largely due to his performance in 2023-24 at Stattuck St.Mary's School, where he was one of the top players in the program, and had numbers in the same stratosphere as 2024 draft-eligibles Will Zellers and Dean Letourneau (99 points in 57 games). True, Lee is one of the older players in the 2025 Draft, with a Nov.8th birthday, but as a graduate of the Prep circuit, he's more raw than most. Lee is tops in scoring for the Madison Capitols (where he plays with linemate and fellow 2025 draft-eligible Mason Moe), who are in 8th-place out of 16 teams in the USHL, and 5th in goals-for, but he didn't move the needle much for Team USA in the Hlinka-Gretzky (1 point in 5 games), or the World Junior A Championship (1 point in 3 games). He is a two-way offensive player with a touch of power in his game.

Lee's primary asset is his lethal release on his wide array of hard, heavy shots, including an explosive wrister and a booming one-timer- both of which containing uncanny accuracy. He's proficient at snapping a curl-and-drag wrister around the reach of sticks and out of the range of checks, often deftly using his opponents as screens. Off the puck, he's smart and has high IQ in relocating to where the play is going in order to be in a good position in high-danger to get his shot off. While his playmaking is considered to be a secondary asset for him, he doesn't get enough credit for the advantages he creates with his skillful passing. There are times where he looks dynamic in this area, often displaying advanced ideas that don't always work out. He scans well and usually makes safe and smart decisions, but also has a patient delay game to wait for the best play to develop and the spatial awareness to draw defenders towards him in order to make room elsewhere for teammates. His puck-skills are well above average, with an assortment of deceptive 1-on-1 moves to fool defenders and get around in traffic, including dekes and fakes. These are used often to cut inside, or to rush the crease, and he looks dynamic at times with the ability to split the D or make opponents look silly in small spaces. These talents combine with his outstanding puck-protection, handling expertly outside of his adversary's reach while pushing through checks. He's rather stocky and strong, which makes him hard to knock off the puck as well. Lee is a physical player with some power, and he can drop a shoulder on occasion to bull his way to the middle, or towards the net- he has no problem with scoring ugly goals.

With the good, comes the bad. Unfortunately, Lee's mobility is average at best; his top speed is ok, but he requires a long runway to get there. There's work to be done on the mechanics of his stride, as it appears stiff and choppy, and his agility looks flawed as well. To exacerbate this problem, he also plays with less pace than he should. Most of the inadequacies in his game are due to his inferior skating; if he fixes this, and learns to play with a higher pace, he could be a major steal. He possesses some good defensive habits and is a reasonably responsible player, but like other aspects of his game- his speed can hurt him. He displays solid positioning in his own zone, but he struggles to apply the proper pressure to be disruptive, and regrettably- his effort and engagement are wildly inconsistent. Substandard motor and effort can be pervasive in all areas of his game. As said above, he's still quite raw, and will need a longer runway than some kids, but he'll get just that at Michigan State, where is committed to for the 2025-25 season. Look for him in the late 2nd, or early third round of the 2025 Draft.

LW David Lewandowski (6'2",176lbs)

Saskatoon (WHL): 42gp/ 10g/ 20a/ 30pts, +13, 17 PIM

Big winger David Lewandowski (ranked #52 for NA Skaters by Central Scouting) doesn't get much playing time on the top-line for the 11th-ranked (out of 22 teams) Saskatoon Blades, who are 13th in goals-for, but I think his best performances have come in international play. At the 2024 Hlinka, he was Germany's best player, despite finishing fourth on the team in scoring (2 points in 4 games), and was often likewise at the 2025 World Juniors (4th on Team Germany, with 2 goals in 5 games), as an underager. In 2023-24, he was second in scoring for U-17 players in Germany's U20 League, with 48 points in 33 games, and was subsequently drafted by the Blades in the second-round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, 120th-overall- signing with the team on October 8th, after starting the season in the DEL, Germany's top men's league. Lewandowski is a physical, two-way power-winger who can play in any situation, but he isn't the greatest skater; his speed is average, although he does display a quick-burst at times, and plays with energy to compensate somewhat.

Lewandowski creates advantages for himself, despite a lack of speed, with high-end spatial awareness and a keen knowledge of how to use it; he can sniff out the best lanes to move through, and spots open spaces to fill. He protects the puck very well by blocking checks with his frame when handling, and holding off checkers with his upper-body, while skating through hands. He mostly relies on quick-touches though, and doesn't hold on to the puck for very long. Lewandowski is an aggressive physical player who absorbs hits to make plays undeterred, keeping his feet moving through contact, and breaking free from being pinned to the boards. He uses his size and strength to bump opponents off of the puck, finishes his checks, throws his weight around to dislodge pucks, and can dish out some open-ice punishment on occasion- but he doesn't go out of his way to chase a hit. He goes to work along the boards to win pucks, makes life miserable for defenders in front of the net, and is hard to handle down low. On the forecheck, he's difficult to play against, and frustrates opponents with physical pressure, and gives second-and third efforts in vying for possession; he displays a high level of compete in all areas, and battles hard in the greasy areas.

Lewandowski constantly works the puck to the slot, cutting inside for shooting opportunities, and drives the net off the rush. He goes to the hard areas off-puck, locating open space to make himself a playable option, and will position himself in front of the net for second-chance opportunities, as well as tips. One of his best tools offensively is his hard and heavy shot, with it's quick release that can fool goalies, and the accuracy to pick corners- he also expertly uses defenders as screens. There are flashes of high-end playmaking from time to time, but he's not much of a creator; he does have excellent intelligence and fairly good passing-skill though. Lewandowski's defensive play is well-developed; he's intelligent and aware, proactively getting inside position on potential threats, and tying up their sticks. He drives attackers to the outside and away from the middle, while applying physical pressure near the net-front, and supports his D down down low with contact. His off-puck intelligence is a highlight of his game; he skates smart routes to take advantage of open space, and to support the play in all areas by making himself a constant playable option for his teammates. He finds himself in high-danger areas, often at the exact right moment by timing his arrival. Some see him as a player who is devoid of high-end offensive talent, but his floor is that of a bottom-6 defensive player with a good physical presence, and a hard-working power game. Look for him in the third, or fourth round.

LD Kurban Limatov (6'3",198lbs)

MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL): 38gp/ 7g/ 14a/ 21pts, +10, 32 PIM

Kurban Limatov (ranked #19 for EU Skaters, #69 by McKenzie) is 14th-overall in scoring by D in the MHL, but more impressively- he is 12th-best all-time for points in a season by a U-18 defenseman. The big Russian is a two-way blueliner with a physical game, but he's still quite raw. Limatov has impressive mobility for a big man, with a fluid stride in all directions, though he could use more explosiveness, and a better top-speed. He owns smooth edgework to make quick cuts and sharp turns, and can quickly surf across the ice laterally. He pushes pace with a high workrate and employs some deception in his footwork to be a bit elusive, in the form of feints and shifts of weight. He's a calm and smooth handler who manages the puck well, exhibits solid protection skills, and displays another layer of deception in his hands, with a deep cache of fakes, look-offs, dekes and dangles.

Limatov is blessed with high-end offensive awareness and plus-level playmaking vision. He walks the line effectively to locate open space to fill with activations into the play, or to pry open seams to pass through, and can spot teammates for high-danger passes around the net, or in the slot. He's highly active and covers a ton of ice on every shift, with deep activations off the rush, and frequent pinches into the play as an extra forward. He possesses a hard and heavy shot that he can use to beat goalies from a distance, but he could use more deception in his release, as he gets blocked a lot. Limatov is an excellent puck-mover and distributor, giving him high-value in transition; he can connect plays with short passes, or he can rush the puck through the neutral zone for clean exits and entries on occasion. He's confident and poised with the puck, and his outlet passes have a high success rate- but his retrievals are not as smooth, as he has difficulty with his decision-making when under pressure. In performance of his duties, he employs a physical game, exerts a long reach, and uses his size well- he will throw his weight around to dislodge pucks, and dole out some big hits in open-ice. Against the rush, he shows tight gap-control to seal off entry from oncoming attackers, wields an active stick to disrupt plays, and punctuates these efforts with physicality. He commands a long reach and enormous range to smother his opponents along the boards, and in front of the net.

In his own zone, Limatov's positioning needs some work, and both his instincts and awareness are a bit lacking. He gets caught wandering at times, and looks to be puck-watching too much at other times. He often over-commits to chasing his man, and needs more stability in defensive situations. His forays into the offensive zone can result in him being caught too deep, leaving his partner hanging, which is an indication that his decision-making needs a tune-up- this is also true in regards to situations where he is under pressure from attackers. Limatov has top-4 potential, but he's quite raw, and may need more runway than most. There's a chance he could sneak into the first-round, but it's more likely that he gets taken in the second-round.

LD Zeb Lindgren (6'2",192lbs)

Skelleftea (J20): 31gp/ 3g/ 12a/ 15pts, +2, 72 PIM

Lindgren is a mobile, puck-moving defenseman who is tied for 36th in scoring by D in the J20, and 9th in scoring by U-18 D, but he might have better numbers on a different team, as Skelleftea is not very good this season. His play in the J20 has earned him 5 games with Skelleftea's SHL club, and he has also made stops in last summer's Hlinka (1 assist in 5 games), and in December's World Junior A Challenge (3 points in 5 games), where he impressed. Lindgren is a reliable defender in all three zones, a sound puck-mover, and a calming presence for his team. He is solid against the rush with tight gap control and an active stick to deny entries. His long reach helps him in defensive situations to break up plays and and clog lanes. Defense is his first priority, and he executes a mostly solid shutdown game, with keen awareness and smart positioning; he stays glued to his man and checks sticks proactively before the puck arrives.

In the offensive zone, Lindgren facilitates by walking the line effectively to open space for himself and teammates, and he will pinch to keep the puck alive and extend the play. His passes are crisp and accurate, and he will jump into the play if he sees a safe opportunity. He owns a hard and heavy shot that he gets on net with good frequency, and provides teammates with offensive opportunities. Mobility wise, he covers a lot of ground quickly with a long, powerful stride and excellent speed in all directions, and he is quite agile as well. Despite rather average stickhandling, his puck-control is quite good and he protects well. He uses a number of tricks and feints in his body and stick to make room for himself, or to shake off pressure when retrieving the puck, and though he's not always mistake-free, his first-pass is usually sound, and he can help the breakout with some nifty stretch-passes at times. He makes sound decisions in these situations, and appears calm and poised when moving the puck. Lindgren is a competitive workhorse who can log big minutes in important situations, and though I don't see him as a big hitter, he can be physical in finishing his checks and doesn't shy away from the rough stuff.

I've read that his play in the men's league has yielded some positive possession results, and some nice passing numbers, but his on-puck play in the pros is still a work-in-progress, as he can be pressured into mistakes, and his retrievals and breakout passes are sometimes a mixed bag. His size and strength hold up just fine though, and he has no issues keeping up to the play with his plus-level mobility. There are instances where he tries to do too much, and other times when he's caught out of position, or offering up too much space in his gaps- but these are small issues. The main issue is his projection, as he might have a good NHL-floor as a bottom-pairing shutdown defenseman, but it's uncertain what his ceiling looks like. There's a good offensive game in his repertoire though, and if he keeps developing that side of his game, I could easily see him riding shotgun with a more dynamic partner in a team's top-4. Look for him in the 3rd-round.

LHC Jimmy Lombardi (6'0",179lbs)

Flint (OHL): 61gp/ 13g/ 28a/ 41pts, -2, 42 PIM

Speedy pivot Jimmy Lombardi (ranked # 64 NA Skaters, # 74 by McKenzie) has earned more and more attention as the season has progressed, toiling for the 13th-place (out of 20 teams) Flint Firebirds, as a speedy, two-way center with skill and high motor. He plays a pacey, up-tempo game, with his skating being his most prominent physical asset. He holds tremendous value with his contributions to transition- one of his best selling-points, and a main pillar of his game. He owns some slick, highlight-reel quality stickhandling moves to deke and dangle around defenders, and wields deception quite well as a manipulation tool, but it's his composure under duress that helps him the most when transporting the puck. He can make a fool of opponents when skating with possession through the neutral zone, turning would-be checkers inside-out, and protecting the puck from their reach while leading the rush; he can also flex his passing skills while staying linked to teammates in give-and-go sequences, or by connecting plays to stretch the ice. He keeps his feet moving through contact, and fights through checks.

Lombardi has good hockey sense, standout playmaking vision, and advanced distribution skill to get the puck to teammates under and over sticks with saucer, or slip passes, and can make some dynamic plays at times. He displays good spatial awareness, and understands how to draw pressure in order to open seams to pass into, using button-hooks, cut-backs, and delays. His shot is also a strength, with a quick, accurate release, and the ability to score from seemingly any angle with pinpoint accuracy, but he will also shoot for second-chance opportunities for teammates. Despite not being the biggest player on the ice, he will sometimes bust out a power move and lean into a defender to barge his way inside to the net, and does the same to make room for himself along the wall. He owns silky mitts in-tight to deke out goalies, goes to the net hard to pick up garbage, and is most effective around the net; he seems to like passing low-to-high from below the goal-line for dangerous chances from the slot. Lombardi moves very well, with superb edges for pivoting away from checks, and changing speeds on a dime- he can beat defenders wide, blow through traffic, separate in open-ice, and win races to loose pucks. On the forecheck, he pushes pace and causes disruption as well as uncontrolled plays, stops breakouts in their early stages with pokechecks, and strips pucks aplenty. Defensively, he is focused and hard-working on the backcheck, and reads the play well, exerting smart positioning. He supports his D in battles, picks off passes, and is a general nuisance to puck-carriers- he is often tasked with penalty-killing duties, and performs well in this area. I wouldn't say he's a big hitter, but he's quite scrappy and competes hard for pucks in all three zones. 

It's difficult to say what Lombardi's ceiling looks like, but he would have much better stats on a higher-scoring team with more talent to work with. He has a good base of translatable skills, showing ability in the defensive zone, and acumen in transition- and I believe he will be a big offensive contributor as early as next year. I think he has a decent shot at middle-six NHL duty in the future. For the next level, he has to bulk up and get stronger, and work on puck-control, as he sometimes has an issue holding on to the puck at top-speed. Look for him in the third, or fourth-round.

RHC Jeremy Loranger (5'10",165lbs)

Sherwood Park (BCHL): 54gp/ 40g/ 65a/ 105pts, 26 PIM

W/C Jeremy Loranger (ranked # 149 NA Skaters) will be attending the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the 2026-27 season, so even though he was drafted by the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL, he plied his trade this season in Junior A, for the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the BCHL. The story this season in Sherwood Park is the supernatural chemistry that Loranger shares with teammate Kale Dach, enabling the duo to dominate the league as the top-two scorers in the circuit, with Loranger leading in points by 18, and finishing second in goals. Both players were tied with 65 assists, which led the league by an incredible 17 helpers. The Crusaders were eliminated from the post-season in 8 games, but the two linemates led the playoff scoring race in terms of points-per-game, with Loranger coming in first (1.75 ppg on 14 points), and Dach tied for second (1.63 ppg on 13 points). As with Dach, anything that can be said about him must come with an invisible asterisk, as the BCHL is an inferior league to the CHL- although it is considered to be (along with the OJHL) the best Junior A circuit in the country. Loranger is the more flashy and dynamic of the duo; he is a high-octane offensive player, but has a solid game in all three zones. His June 15th, 2007 birthday works in his favor, as he's a bit younger than most in this draft-class.

Loranger reminds me a bit of Johnny Gaudreau at times, with the nimble way he skates and handles the puck so effortlessly. Like Johnny Hockey, he is blessed with sublime edges that give him extreme elusiveness, and make him slippery and evasive with his maneuverability; he can pivot on a dime, make ultra-tight turns, change direction in an instant, and stop-and-start abruptly to make opponents miss- all with full control of the puck. He also resembles Gaudreau in the way he explodes out of turns on his crossovers, with that peppy stutter-step. Like Dach, he is clearly faster than most of his BCHL counterparts, but I believe that Loranger is the more explosive of the two, and he would still be considered a speedster if he were playing in the CHL. His stickhandling might be even more impressive than his footwork, and may be his best physical trait- it's elite. He moves about with his head up to scan with the puck seemingly glued to his blade, and owns a deep arsenal of one-on-one moves to deke and dangle his way through traffic, with layers of deception on top, making defenders look foolish. He wants the puck, and is calm, confident, and patient in possession. Though he isn't as inside-focused as his linemate, he's so good at sneaking in-and-out of holes in the slot, and going to the net on the weak-side undetected; he times his appearance perfectly to arrive at the same time as the puck with his stick on the ice for a high-danger pass, or to finish a rebound. He also gets off the wall a lot for threatening looks. Loranger has excellent shot-selection, he can really fire it with precision and a snappy release, using bodies around the net as screens. Sometimes, he will take a knee to one-time a bullet at the net from distance.

Loranger generates a ton of offensive chances for the Crusaders, with the ability to drive play, and exerts high-end IQ and vision with amazing patience; he is often put on the point on the PP because of his passing precision and creativity. With the understanding of how to manufacture time and space for himself and his teammates, he will cut across the zone to shift defenses, and he moves around in possession to open lanes, hitting teammates with passes through the crease, saucers through traffic, and cross-ice feeds. A highly skilled distributor, he exhibits a fine-touch on his passes, putting the exact amount of weight and velocity on his feeds- right to his target's wheelhouse. Loranger is a valuable transitional driver, and can skate dynamic routes through the neutral zone with full control, while weaving through traffic to gain the zone- or he can push the play forward with give-and-go patterns and connective feeds on the fly for clean entries. He is not above using patient delays or cut-backs to open space and find the right play. Though he's a pest and a disruptor to opponents on their breakout, as well as in the neutral zone, his play in the defensive-third is inconsistent at best- with some good, and some bad. On one hand, he seems to be usually well-positioned, and even intercepted a pass to the slot for a sure goal in the game I watched today. There are also times where he is in his opponents faces, eliminating time and space, while disrupting their play. However, I don't think he shows the same level of engagement or effort that he puts forth in the other areas of the ice, and might not have very good awareness in defensive situations; there's a lot of gliding and puck-watching going on, and he can be quick to leave the zone early.

Loranger will throw the odd bodycheck, but he's not a physical player and would be a lot more effective if he could learn to leverage his low center of gravity to get under opponents and put them off-balance. He does, however, like to dole out little slashes and cross-checks behind the play to make his presence felt, and from what I've seen- he has a bit of a temper, and will take the odd retaliatory penalty when taking unwanted contact. Though Loranger is more exciting to watch than his linemate, Dach seems to get a bit more recognition- I think it may be because Dach leans a touch more towards a pro-style, with a more straight-forward, simple game, and much better defensive awareness. Both are longshots to be drafted, and both might have to wait until later rounds to be picked, if they are picked at all. With Loranger, I think it may boil down to how scouts see his offensive game translating to pro-hockey.

LD Ilyas Magomedsultanov (6'2",176lbs)

Loko Yaroslavl (MHL): 37gp/ 1g/ 6a/ 7pts, +12, 28 PIM

Try and fit this name on a jersey. Magomedsultanov (#42 EU Skaters) has divided scouts- on one hand, he's a stalwart shutdown, stay-at-home defender; but on the other hand, he's not much more than that. He also has age working against him, and with an October 24th, 2006 birthday, he is a bit more physically developed and mature than most prospects in this class- he needs to bulk up, but he's already freakishly strong. Unlike some players of his ilk, he skates quite well, and has excellent four-directional mobility, with smooth edges that give him the agility to transition seamlessly, and make turns on a dime. He defends with intelligence, and wields an active stick to clog lanes, and to poke pucks off of his opponents' blades. With his high-end defensive awareness, he can take a proactive approach in identifying oncoming threats early, to lift sticks and set picks before the puck arrives. Mags presents smart positioning with good details, blocks shots willingly, and defends his net aggressively.

Against the rush, he layers poke-checks on top of hits, closing gaps quickly with his long reach and impressive mobility. He is able to consistently force plays to the outside and away from danger, taking away the middle effectively, and throwing his weight around along the wall. Mags is a physical player, can dish out big hits, and is strong enough to overpower most opponents in puck-battles. One of his best assets is his proficiency in escaping pressure in retrievals with full control of the puck, followed by his expertise in making sound plays with breakout passes to kick off the rush; he seems to have a high panic threshold, and always looks calm and poised. Unfortunately, he doesn't contribute much offensively beyond sending the puck up to his forwards in transition, although he will make forays into the zone off the rush. He will man the point competently, but usually keeps one eye on his defensive duties, and chips in by keeping pucks alive and by stopping the breakout from developing with brief activations. He distributes with safe, simple passes, and doesn't hold on to the puck for long- he is said to have a very good point shot as well. Magomedsultanov is a fairly safe pick, but he has a very low ceiling as a bottom-pairing, shutdown rearguard. Look for him in later rounds.

C/RW Owen Martin (6'0",183)

Spokane (WHL): 39gp/ 13g/ 21a/ 34 pts, +16, 20 PIM

The Spokane Chiefs finished the WHL regular-season in 4th-place overall, and they were 2nd in goals-for; C Owen Martin (ranked # 69 NA Skaters) doesn't usually get to play big minutes with how deep and talented a team they are, and he missed a huge chunk of the season due to injury. In 13 games in February however, he amassed 19 points. Martin is an all-situations pivot who plays both sides of special teams, and does a lot of the dirty work for his linemates, including retrievals, digging out pucks, winning possession along the wall, pushing pace on the forecheck, being a general nuisance to cause turnovers, and playing a smart off-puck game. He displays some vision and hockey sense, with passing being his primary weapon, but scouts say he doesn't use nearly enough deception in his on-puck play, and needs better precision in his feeds. There are flashes of high-end creativity at times, with his connective playmaking being a big asset. Off the puck, he works hard and stays active to make himself a consistent playable option, and he supports the play well in all three zones.

Martin is more of an advantage-creator, complimentary piece, and facilitator than a play-driver, with no real dynamism in his game; he won't bring anyone out of their seat, but that shouldn't be confused with a lack of intelligence or offensive awareness. In the offensive zone, he locates soft spots in coverage to occupy, dips in-and-out of space around the net, and reads the ice well- he knows his next move before the puck arrives to his blade. He finds ways to cut inside, and has a pretty good shot with pinpoint accuracy; he gets good power on his catch-and-release wrister, with the ability to use screens to fool goalies. There's no fear in him to drive the middle, or go the net, and he has fairly soft hands in-close- although he hasn't shown himself to be a huge goal-scoring threat, with only 13 tallies. Martin doesn't back down from the rough stuff, showing compete in the hard areas of the ice, and he will throw hits to dislodge pucks. Mobility-wise, he's a good skater, more quick than outright fast, but definitely not a burner. He shows a bit of an explosive burst at times, and can change pace and direction on a dime, but needs to build another gear or two. He is a strong transitional player, connecting plays for entries, but he skates mostly straight-line routes in his carries, weaving through traffic, pushing pace, and driving defenders back. He's an excellent stickhandler and can sometimes make defenders look silly with his slick dekes and dangles. Once he gains the zone, he cuts back to open space and find options, and uses delays to draw pressure away from teammates- this is a huge part of his game. 

Martin skates just as hard on the backcheck as he does on the forecheck; he's an excellent two-way contributor, and anchors his line with his defensive play- not just in his own-zone, but in all three. He exhibits pristine positioning, spotless defensive awareness, and he reads the play well to be perpetually a step or two ahead of the play. Martin skates into his adversaries' hands, and is highly disruptive in the way he gets into lanes, blocks shots, intercepts passes, and steals pucks. Going forward, he will need to further develop his strength and speed, and could use more power in his shot. Deception is a huge part of the game these days, and Martin won't get far unless he learns how to use it to make space for himself. There are skills here that are translatable, but he would do himself a favor by improving his offensive toolkit, and by developing a few more NHL-quality traits; scouts would like to see him take more calculated risks in order to drive play more, and to develop his creativity. With his defensive mind, he will have a solid NHL floor as bottom-six two-way player- if he keeps developing his transitional game. There's plenty of hope though, that he can reach his ceiling as a second-line two-way contributor, though he might get switched to the wing- but with a faceoff percentage of 56.5, he's got a shot at being a full-time C. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

C Kadon McCann (6'3",201lbs)

Medicine Hat (WHL): 64gp/ 11g/ 7a/ 18pts, +5, 54 PIM

With 20 points in 68 games in 2023-24, much more was expected from C Kadon McCann (ranked # 116 NA Skaters) this season, but he doesn't play a whole lot on a stacked Tigers squad. The Cochrane-born pivot was even given the grade of "C" by Central Scouting in their Preliminary Rankings in September- denoting a possible 4th, or 5th-round pick. To date, McCann is tied for 13th in playoff scoring on the Tigers, with a rather meagre 3 points over 11 games in a checking role, with 14 penalty-minutes. As one might expect, he is a big-bodied power-forward who can affect the play at both ends of the ice with his size and brute force. Though he needs work on his acceleration and first-step quickness, he is like a freight train when he gets going, exerting an excellent top-speed, and a long, projectable stride, with a deep knee bend. He can cover a ton of ice quickly, win long-distance races, and keep up with teammates on the rush. His edges are surprisingly smooth and fluid as well, giving him the ability to turn quickly, and exert uncanny lateral quickness.

McCann employs a robust physical game with a high-end workrate; he's very competitive and gritty, always involved, and willing to drop the gloves on occasion. He's dominant along the boards, a load to handle down-low, plays through contact, and competes hard in the trenches to win most puck-battles. He is intimidating on the forecheck, barrelling in on puck-carriers with speed, and throwing hits to cause disruption, dislodge pucks, and throw breakouts into disarray. McCann plays a very meat-and-potatoes style game- very basic, with no flash or dash, and with no real dynamic traits to speak of. Most of his offensive contributions come from his tunnel-vision in going to the net, and bullying his way inside to the slot for high-danger looks, which leads to second-chance opportunities for teammates. He will put a shoulder down to power his way to the crease, and can drive wide around defenders. He can compliment more skilled players by doing the dirty work for his line in winning pucks along the wall, going to the net to provide a screen, picking up garbage in the blue paint, and getting his stick on tips. His net-front presence makes him a nightmare for opposing defensemen, as he's impossible to move or overpower, and he owns soft hands in-tight; I don't think he takes any shots from outside of 10 feet of the net, but his shot is quick enough to fool goalies, and accurate enough to pick corners, or pop water-bottles. There's not much in the way of vision or creativity in his toolkit, and he's far more of a facilitator than playmaker. While I believe he's vastly better than his stats would indicate, I'm not under the illusion that he'll ever be an offensive player in an NHL team's top-six.

McCann carries the puck with startling poise and confidence; his puck-control is actually quite good, and he protects very proficiently. With excellent sense and awareness, his actions in the zone help limit defensive zone time, and often directly contribute to zone-exits- either with control through passing plays, or by clearing the zone with dump-outs, chip-and-chases, or by playing the puck off the glass. His wingspan, when combined with his lateral quickness, give him enormous range and make him very difficult to bypass. He exerts good pressure on attackers to limit their time and space, and will throw hits to separate his man from the puck. McCann must continue to develop his play in the offensive zone in regards to his hockey sense in making plays, his creativity, and in particular, his space-creation. Until these skills come along, he is most likely destined to be cast in a bottom-six checking role in the pros. Even so, his combination of size, skating, and snarl will entice scouts. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LD Josh McGregor (6'3",174lbs)

Swift Current (WHL): 63gp/ 4g/ 12a/ 16pts, -2, 30 PIM

D Josh McGregor (ranked # 111 NA Skaters) has taken a different path than his peers in this draft-class. He was never drafted into the WHL, instead winning his spot on the Broncos in training camp at the beginning of the season, making him a rookie, and incredibly- he was toiling in AAA just last year. McGregor has been used mostly on the bottom-pairing in a checking role for Swift Current, who finished the campaign in 14th-place out of 22 teams in the 'dub, and 12th in goals-scored, meaning that he had very few real opportunities to showcase his abilities in the offensive-third. Though his numbers are paltry, most of his 16 points were primary points, and to further the argument in his favor- he is still quite young and raw, with a June 9th birthday, and in need of a longer runway than most. McGregor is a solid, all-around, two-way defender with an aggressive mindset, and despite being cast in a supporting role on a less-than-stellar team, he shows an offensive inclination. It's a good bet that he plays somewhat sheltered minutes, but his tracking stats are impressive nonetheless; his numbers in transition and defense are near-elite.

McGregor is an excellent skater, especially for a player with his size, and can already win most races with his long, powerful stride. His mechanics are sound, and as he builds strength in his lower-body, his speed will become an even greater asset. He could use a bit more explosiveness, but he is agile on his edges through pivots and turns. A constant advantage-creator, he exhibits confidence with the puck and solid instincts, with an eye for offense that makes one wonder if he will pop numbers-wise in coming two years. He is highly active all over the ice, pinching into the play on the weak side frequently, and joining the rush on a regular basis- always looking to advance the play, skating into pass receptions with his head up to scan his surroundings. He gets pretty good power behind his shot, but he could add more accuracy and velocity to it with better shot-selection, and improved mechanics. McGregor is excellent against the rush, using a well-timed stick and solid gap-control- although he sometimes gives up far too much room. With concise angling ability, he closes quickly to force errors, turnovers, and dump-ins, and prevents entry with good frequency- guiding attackers to the wall to administer hits.

McGregor is a stable presence on the backend with good details and intelligent positioning to effectively take away the middle from attackers, get into lanes, and block shots; he is responsible and highly aware. He shuts down plays in-zone and exerts calmness and poise in shaking off pressure in retrievals, with good results when it comes to leading the breakout through controlled exits. In transition, he is highly effectual, with sharp vision in his passes through the neutral zone while looking to bait pressure to open space, push the play forward, and put his teammates in advantageous positions. His puck-skills could use a tune-up though, as could the accuracy of his feeds. McGregor is a physical player, but obviously pretty diciplined with only 30 penalty-minutes; he finishes his checks and uses his frame well in puck-battles, although he needs to bulk up considerably for the next level, and build strength. He is intelligent off-puck, and supports the play well in all three zones, with the ability to find open lanes to fill, and soft spots in coverage. He is still a bit raw, but has excellent tools to work with- I think he might go in the middle rounds, but he's an exciting prospect.

RHC Cole McKinney (6'0",190lbs)

NTDP: 30gp/ 9g/ 17a/ 26pts, +4, 29 PIM.

Cole McKinney is a two-way center who plays the game the right way, and doesn't cheat. He's an all-situations player who can contribute to both special teams, but is a natural on the PK and a guy who can win important faceoffs. He's perhaps one of those players who gets described as being good at everything, but not elite in any area; that said, I like this kid a lot. He is never outworked, and plays a hard and heavy style with intensity. He battles hard in the trenches, and is a load to handle on the forecheck. McKinney is quite aggressive, initiating contact whenever he can and skating through checks; he has a seemingly endless motor, and a high workrate. While he is perhaps not a speed merchant or lightning fast, he is a good skater with balance, agility, and smooth edges that allow him to change direction and pace rather quickly. He is strong on his skates and hard to knock over.

McKinney is not supremely skilled or really dynamic in any way, preferring instead to keep things simple and mostly risk-free. He doesn't really wow much with his handling or passing, and only occasionally flashes high-end ability and puck-skill. Despite this, he still manages to be a highly effective playmaker with good instincts, sound decision-making, and sharp vision under pressure. His shot is nothing special either, and he doesn't score often from distance, relying instead on his soft hands in-tight and his willingness to go to the net to beat goalies. If there's one asset of his that stands out, it is probably his high-end vision and IQ. The offensive side of his game is highly underrated; he's 3rd in NTDP scoring (ahead of the more highly-touted Will Moore), and was one of the best players for the American side in the CHL-USA Prospects Games (2 pts in 2 games).

McKinney is not considered to be much of a play-driver, but he manages to find open space to lead the rush on occasion, and can contribute to the transition by pass or by carry. Defensively, he's poised and reliable, always in good position, and very details-oriented. He battles hard along the walls to win pucks, supports his D down low, applies supreme pressure to attackers, shuts down lanes, and blocks shots. His off-puck game is exemplary on the backcheck, and he's always two steps ahead of the play- ready to turn defense into offense. McKinney is a high-floor player going forward due to his checking abilities, as well as his penalty-killing acumen, but he could make a good middle-6 C in the NHL if he further develops his game. He is committed to the University of Michigan in 2025-26, and I believe he'll be picked in the late first/early second of the 2025 Draft.

LW Ryan Miller (5'11",174lbs)

Portland (WHL): 50gp/ 16g/ 15a/ 31pts, -10, 48 PIM

Winger Ryan Miller (ranked # 118 NA Skaters) was taken 66th-overall in the 2022 WHL Draft by the Portland Winterhawks, who this season finished 12th out of 22 teams- but were 6th in goals-for, due to the talent they have at the top of their lineup. Miller is better than his numbers, and plays an up-tempo, pro-style two-way game, as a smallish, gritty winger with some bite. Despite his size, he wins more than his fair share of puck-battles through sheer will and compete alone, and one of his best traits is his overwhelming motor- he never gives up on a play, giving second, and third-efforts, and keeps his feet moving through contact. Another one of his best traits is is his dog-on-a-bone mentality, and he is a physical player with grit, who throws his weight around to dislodge pucks and wins inside position on larger players. He may be short in stature by NHL-standards, but he's a handful to deal with down-low, and plays a grinding game along the boards. He seems to always be in the thick of the play, and usually around the puck, showing solid awareness all over the ice, and a keen understanding of how to position himself advantageously.

Miller makes his presence felt in front of the net with his fierce battles for positioning, and by getting in opposing goalies' faces, blocking their sightlines and generally causing havoc. Most of his goals are scored in-tight, partly due to his shot, which isn't powerful enough to score from distance, or deceptive enough to fool goalies regularly. He's fearless, as well as inside-driven, and will occupy space in front of the net to pick up garbage, or cut inside for close-in shot opportunities. Though his stats don't seem to support it, he is known as a pass-first player, and shows plenty of signs of higher-end playmaking and vision; he can see through traffic and deliver cross-ice feeds, or connect with teammates through the crease. Most of the time, he relies too much on quick touches, and usually makes very basic plays, where he should be more patient to delay and better survey his options, or perhaps take more calculated risks to explore his abilities. He has solid IQ and hockey sense, employing good use of deception in his distribution, and his passing-game is considered to be an asset. His smarts shine through in his off-puck movement, in how he makes himself a constant playable option for passes, and supports the play in all three zones.

Miller may not be a burner, but he gets above-average straight-ahead speed on a long, fluid stride, with smooth edges to pivot instantaneously, spin off of checks, and make tight turns. His mobility is expanded by his unwavering effort in sprinting to loose pucks, launching himself at attackers in the defensive zone, and racing hard to intercept puck-carriers on the forecheck. He pushes extreme pace to overwhelm opponents, and keep them off-balance. Miller is impactful in the defensive-third, and very active with keen sense and awareness, as well as sound positioning. He is highly disruptive, and administers overwhelming pace and pressure- going from attacking the point one moment, to supporting his D down low the next. He shows a good attention to detail, with sharp anticipation to identify threats early, and lock them down proactively. In transition, he shows value with his passing-skill and awareness to stay connected to teammates through the neutral zone with quick, short-area feeds to send them over the line in both exits and entries. Right now, Miller looks more suited to bottom-six duty in the pros, with the potential for more if he can further develop his offensive game, which includes improving his shot and his release, and building some creativity in his passing game. The good news for any team that drafts him is that he's got a longer runway than most, as he is committed the U of Denver for the 2026-27 season. Look for him in later rounds.

RW/LW Alex Misiak (6'0",183lbs)

Waterloo (USHL): 14gp/ 6g/ 5a/ 11pts, +1, 6 PIM

Winger Alex Misiak (ranked #16 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting), who is the brother of Blackhawks' 2023 2nd-rounder, W Martin Misiak, started the season playing in 3 tiers of hockey back in his native Slovakia, and right now he is still 3rd in U-18 scoring in Slovakia's top men's league (7 points in 26 games) for HKM Zvolen, and second in goals-scored. He had the opportunity to represent his country in the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in a background role, and had no points in 4 games, unfortunately. Misiak is a strong-skating, left-shooting right-winger with some power elements in his game. He is still quite raw, and most likely still adapting to life in North America, but he flashes high-end playmaking at times, and is 15th in the USHL in ppg (0.79) for U-18 players.

Misiak owns a pretty good shot that could perhaps use a little more power, and he's adept at using defenders as screens, while flexing a quick, deceptive release. He understands how to shoot for rebound opportunities for his teammates, and his catch-and-release is quite dangerous. There's no fear in him to attack the inside, or to crash the crease for second-chance opportunities; he's a quality shooter, but also a good finisher, and displays soft mitts in-tight to best goalies. He positions himself advantageously off-puck to consistently make himself a playable option for high-danger passes, and uses feints and deception to manipulate checkers. Misiak moves very well, with a long, fluid stride and excellent acceleration; his top speed may require some work going forward, but he keeps up just fine playing with men, and he can outskate most junior opponents. He can change direction and pace rapidly, with the agility in his edges to evade attackers. There's sandpaper in his game, and he makes his presence felt physically all over the ice. He finishes his checks, and plays hard and heavy on the forecheck to challenge puck-carriers- he is a fiery competitor with a large chip on his shoulder. He can dish out some big hits, and uses contact to push his way around, and propel himself forward. Misiak provides energy to his team, plays with bite, and keeps his feet moving through contact. Misiak flashes high-end playmaking potential and creativity, pre-scanning with his head on a swivel, and spotting open teammates through traffic for cross-ice (sometimes cross-crease) feeds that result in dangerous chances. He is adept at making plays off the rush, and funnels pucks to the middle.

Unfortunately, Misiak doesn't contribute much to transition- his effectiveness is up and down, but he mostly defers to teammates to carry, and most of his entries are dump-ins. There are times when he will hook up with teammates in give-and-go sequences to be a play-connector, but he seems impatient- perhaps too eager to get going on offense. In the defensive zone, he doesn't offer the same intensity or compete as he shows in the other end of the ice- both his engagement and awareness are lacking. He looks more disruptive in the neutral zone against the rush, but he doesn't move the needle much in his own zone, and isn't particularly strong positionally. Misiak is perhaps a high-risk/high-reward option in the draft, as he's very raw, but there's tons of potential. He's mistake-prone, and lackadaisical at times, but he's still quite young (with a June 22, 2007 birthday), and has a long runway ahead. Like most kids his age, he struggles with consistency, and he sometimes gets caught coasting and playing too much on the perimeter- his physical play has it's ebbs and flows as well. I'm guessing he will be a mid-round pick.

C/LW Mason Moe (6'1", 186lbs)

Madison (USHL): 19gp/ 6g/ 9a/ 15pts, +4, 8 PIM

Speedy forward Mason Moe was awarded the rather lofty grade of "B" by Central Scouting in their preliminary rankings, anointing him as a potential 2nd, or 3rd-round pick, and I think they're right on the money. Part of the buzz around Moe might be coming from his performance in the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where his skating and defensive chops were on full display, but he also finished in a 5-way tie for 3rd in scoring (4 points in 5 games) on a Team USA that didn't bring a lot of their top-end talent, and subsequently finished 4th in the tournament. The Madison Capitols, his team in the USHL, are in 8th-place out of 16 teams, but 5th in goals-for, and he's a frequent linemate of Ryker Lee's.

Moe is a swift-skating forward with a good two-way game who specializes in being a solid defensive performer. He owns high-end speed and plays with blistering pace, keeping his feet in constant motion and staying active, often tilting the ice in Madison's favor. His hands manage to keep up with his feet, as he's an outstanding stickhandler with well-developed protection skill, making it a real challenge to take the puck from him. Adding to that is his one-on-one skill, combined with his deception ability and patient delay game, that give him the capacity to either dangle around defenders, or to open space to pass into. Moe is not a true playmaker though, as his shot and finishing skill are his main offensive weapons; he has a deep repertoire of shots, as well as soft hands in-tight, and will slice inside to the slot or park himself in front of the net for opportunities. He owns sound shot mechanics that give him a bullet of a wrister, with a lethal release. Moe is solid around the net and makes some nice plays off of small-area passing around, and through, the crease- showing some passing skill as well as good vision and anticipation. He is highly disruptive on the forecheck, using his speed and stick to overwhelm defenders, and he regularly beats opponents to loose pucks.

Moe is a highly valuable player in transition, often rushing the puck out of the zone on the breakout, and he can go end-to-end after completing a retrieval, backing up the other team's D. He's also fully capable of making smart give-and-go passes through the neutral zone to open up space on the rush. With his speed, he's often the first forward back on defense and is proficient at removing time and space from attackers with his skating and stickwork. He expertly angles his adversaries away from the middle and out of high-danger, taking their sticks and tying them up when necessary. Defensive play is his true standout strength, exuding high-end awareness and anticipation in his own end of the ice. Moe has a good-sized frame, but he could be a lot more physical and use his size more as leverage. He does play through contact, takes hits to make plays, and will take abuse in front of the net, but prefers to use his stick to dislodge pucks and keep attackers at bay. Still, if he were to play with more power and use his body more, it might be a huge advantage-creator and open more space for teammates. Right now, he looks much more suited to bottom-6 defensive duty, and there's nothing wrong with that when you're as good on the backcheck as Moe is, but scouts say there's plenty of potential for more. He is committed to the University of Minnesota for 2026-27, so there's time.

RW LJ Mooney (5'6",146lbs)

NTDP: 21gp/ 1g/ 13a/ 14pts, -7, 9 PIM

LJ Mooney is a spark plug who, like most of his teammates, is toiling for a very weak edition of the NTDP, and also like most of his teammates, his production is nowhere near where it should be. In 2023-24, Mooney put up 20 points in 20 games for the NTDP, but his points-per game has actually regressed this season, and his goal-scoring has dried up considerably. I became familiar with Mooney during his time with Team USA at the 2024 U-18 Tournament, where he was one of 4 players on the team young enough to be in the 2025 draft class, and he finished 2nd in that quartet as well as tied for 8th-overall for the Americans with 6 points in 7 games. Mooney is tiny, but he has the power to intimidate and force defenders back with his speed, and he's highly elusive and shifty, making it very difficult to catch him. He's a high-end skater, one of the best in this draft class, with explosiveness and the ability to separate from checkers in open ice; he can go end to end with the biscuit at times without barely getting touched. His edges are fantastic, and he can execute stops and changes of pace and direction on a dime. Though he is light on his feet, his low center of gravity makes him hard to knock off stride.

Despite his lack of size, he gets involved in battles, although his slight frame limits his effectiveness; apparently, nobody told him that he's 5'6". He will throw hits to dislodge pucks, and gets to the inside consistently. Mooney plays with high-energy and boundless motor, and is seemingly everywhere all at once- he's quite fun to watch. He seems focused and engaged every shift, showing intensity and compete, and can control the pace of the game utilizing his quickness as well as his hands- which are fast enough to keep up with his feet. His stickhandling and puck-control are well-developed, with the ability to dangle around defenders, and he possesses a 1-on-1 deception arsenal that allows him to challenge opponents all over the ice. Off the rush, all of the above attributes give him the capacity to manufacture time and space for himself and his teammates, and this is where he might be at his most creative. Mooney is a huge (pun intended) pest on the forecheck and does a lot of damage around the net, generating chances off of short dishes, low-to-high plays, and cross-crease passes. He will also float around the crease looking to pounce on rebounds and loose pucks. Exceptional vision and passing skill are his best weapons, with the means to thread the needle through small areas and find teammates in traffic, making use of his sharp playmaking instincts and creativity. Off the puck, he displays intelligence on both sides of the ice, and knows where to be to best support the play, create space, and be available for the pass. With only 1 tally this season, his goal-scoring has inexplicably fallen off a cliff, but he's not a big (again, pun intended) goal-scoring threat anyway, as his shot lacks power. Mooney is considered to be an excellent defensive contributor with exemplary positioning and superior angling, who hounds puck-carriers relentlessly to take away time and space, as well as cause turnovers and make stops. His awareness in his own-zone is high, and he will cover for displaced defensemen and support them down low.

Though Mooney's numbers are significantly lower than where they should be, I don't think they are a true representation of his capabilities. I'm at a loss to explain what's going on with the NTDP this year, as most of their lineup has come up short of their individual expectations, and Mooney is most likely another victim of playing for a weak NTDP team. That said, I think Mooney is in tough to be drafted this year, nevermind make it to the NHL in any capacity- he's just too small. It's not fair, as he's quite talented and sometimes electrifying to watch, but it's the sad reality. If a team takes a chance on him, it will most likely be at the expense of a late-round pick. Mooney has committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2026-27 season.

LHC Will Moore (6'2",161lbs)

NTDP: 33gp/ 13g/ 12a/ 25pts, -9, 4 PIM.

C Will Moore is yet another NTDP prospect who had high expectations going into the 2024-25 season, and is not meeting them. Moore is a two-way power forward with all the tools- size, speed, skill, and play-driving ability, who can play in any situation as well as both special teams. His hockey sense, vision, and playmaking instincts are his best traits- he sees passing lanes that few others can see, and has the patience to hold on and wait for the right play to develop when there's nothing available. He scans the ice well, and can make plays with little time or space. His numbers suggest that he might be taking the reins and shooting more, as his 13 goals are second on the team. Not a huge surprise there, as he is able to drop a shoulder and drive the inside or attack the net, and he also owns a hard and heavy shot with precision. He will also park his large frame in front of the goalie to set up the screen for teammates, and he has the hand-eye coordination to get tip-ins, or cash-in on second-chance opportunities. In additon, he exhibits smooth puck-skill- he's a deft handler with quick hands.

Though he needs to bulk up considerably and get a lot stronger, he uses his frame to play a power game that includes bulling his way through traffic, imposing his will along the boards, and getting his nose dirty in the greasy areas. He makes his presence felt on the forecheck as well, causing multiple turnovers with his body and disrupting plays with his quickness and long reach. Down low, he can be a load to handle, with or without the puck. His physicality can be up-and-down though, as he can be a bit more passive in some contests. Moore is a solid skater with above-average speed, but there's work to be done on his mechanics as his stride looks a bit short and choppy at times. His edgework needs to be refined as well, for better escapability. His quickness is evident in transition, as he can find open space to move through, and has the ability to make high-end plays to achieve entry. Defensively, he's inconsistent with his anticipation, positioning, and engagement suffering wide ebbs and flows. There are also occasions where he is caught cheating by attempting to leave the zone early. When he's on, his speed and reach make him highly effective in snuffing plays on the backcheck, and applying pressure to opposing puck-carriers. He will support his D down low, as well.

As stated, Moore has grade "A" tools, but isn't exactly wowing with his offensive output right now. A big part of that is the team he plays for, with this year's edition of the NTDP being particularly weak, but he might be a longer-term project than many thought at the start of the season. His slight build and deficiency in strength cause him problems, and his skating could use some refinement, but he has plenty of time as he's committed to Boston College for the 2026-27 season. I still think he'll be selected in the latter half of the first round of the 2025 Draft.

RW Shamar Moses (6'1",203lbs)

North Bay (OHL): 61gp/ 12g/ 36a/ 48pts, -20, 33 PIM

RW Shamar Moses (ranked # 71 NA Skaters) was a first-round selection of the Barrie Colts, 19th-overall, in the 2023 OHL Draft- but was used mostly as a depth option in his time there. After a 2023-24 season that saw him post a respectable 25 points in 66 games for the Colts as an OHL rookie, he was traded to North Bay just five games in to the current season after posting no points. The move to the Battalion may have sent him to a team who were low in the standings (finishing 15th out of 20 teams), and offensively challenged (19th in goals-for), but it gave him more ice-time and responsibility to showcase his capabilities- and he took off, with 15 points in his first 12 games. Moses is a skilled power-winger, and though he's quite raw, he employs a pro-style game with few dynamic elements. Skating and pace are weaknesses; he is victimized by wonky mechanics in short, choppy stride that limit him to an average top-speed, with a need to improve his agility and balance.

Though his intensity has ebbs and flows, he owns a daunting physical presence; winning battles along the walls, dominating down-low, using his frame to make room for himself, and finishing his checks- putting mustard on his hits. When he's on, he displays high-motor, but his effort and engagement can be inconsistent- not only game-to-game, but shift-to-shift. He flashes higher-end play creation at times, and shows plenty of good ideas that go unrequited by teammates, but he consistently funnels pucks to the slot with deft feeds off of the wall, and is able to draw defenders in order to open passing seams, and to manufacture space for his teammates. With his sharp offensive awareness and keen play-reading abilities, he always seems to be well-positioned in all areas. He wields well-honed passing skills to connect on feeds over and under sticks with saucer passes or slip passes, and will drive the middle off the rush with the intent of dragging a defender or two with him, in order to open space for a drop-pass. Moses doesn't need much room to load up on his blistering shot that he can snipe corners with, and he has a nose for the net; he is not at all afraid to cut inside, or attack the crease. He's an effective and aggravating net-front presence who is very hard to move, and has a soft-touch in-tight for garbage goals, tap-ins, tips, and second-chance opportunities. As a playmaking device, he will fire at the net with the intent of creating chances for teammates as well.

Moses' handling skill is a plus, and he has some surprising 1-on-1 skills and deception to deke through traffic, dangle under triangles, and curl-and-drag around sticks, with the added benefit of having puck-protection skills that are well-developed. He can gain quick control of unstable passes sent his way, while in full-stride, and he exhibits tight puck-control in transit. In the defensive zone, he is very reliable, with sublime anticipation to sense oncoming plays, and the hustle to head them off- suffocating puck-carriers, intercepting passes, and throwing his weight around to dislodge pucks. He is a smart off-puck player, who supports the play well in all three zones, and skates intelligent routes to always remain a playable option for teammates. Fixing his speed will be very important going forward, and he must learn how to make decisions while playing at a higher pace. There are times when he tries to do too much, thus running out of space or hitting a wall, and he gets in trouble when he gets too fancy, or overcomplicates things. Inconsistency of effort is a big hindrance to his game right now as well, but I do think he may be underperforming his stats with the Battalion this season. If all works out, Moses could potentially make a good two-way power-winger in an NHL-team's middle-six. Look for him in the third-round.

RD Radim Mrtka (6'6",198lbs)

Seattle (WHL): 22gp/ 2g/ 18a/ 20pts, even, 22 PIM

Behemoth defender Radim Mrtka is a two-way righty with supreme talent- he's an absolute beauty. Mrtka played in 3 different levels of hockey this season back home in Czechia, but made the wise decision to travel across the pond to display his exciting two-way game in the WHL. Unfortunately, the team that owns his rights is the Seattle Thunderbirds, who are near the bottom of the WHL standings, but that only makes his production even more impressive. Though his offence and puck-moving ability will most likely be the traits that earn him first-round attention, he is already a stud in his own zone and a calm, steadying presence on the backend. After only playing 22 WHL games, it's apparent that Mrtka is one of the best shutdown defensemen available in the 2025 Draft. He seals off the blueline and kills rushes with his extreme range, forcing attackers outside with tight gaps, and a smothering reach. He cuts off the middle of the ice from attackers, snuffs passes, blocks lanes, and boxes opponents away from the net. He's a force down low, and wins battles along the wall.

Mrtka is unbelievably calm, poised, and intelligent when making smooth retrievals under pressure, and when starting the breakout- he makes this process look easy. His head is always on a swivel to scan, as he effortlessly shakes off forechecking pressure, cleverly eludes attackers, and serves up breakout passes that are almost always sound. When he makes the odd mistake, he can recover seamlessly, and always keeps his team's time in the defensive zone to a minimum. He can carry through transition, and will join the rush, but he's usually the last to enter the zone in order to keep one eye on his defense- he doesn't cheat. He presents high IQ and superb vision, but he tries to keep things as simple and risk-free as possible; he walks the line effectively to pry open seams, and will activate into the zone when it's safe to make plays, keep the puck alive, or to sneak into the slot to rip a puck at the net. His shot is hard and heavy, with accuracy, and can be used to make plays and cause havoc around the net. Mrtka is a smooth puckhandler who can deke through defenders, and exhibits tight protection skills- though he's tall, he handles close to his body and out of the reach of enemy sticks. He battles in the trenches, but isn't a huge hitter- he uses his size and strength well as leverage in battles, will finish his checks, and has a physical presence. Best of all, Mrtka is an excellent skater, especially for a player of his stature. He employs long strides with power from a deep knee bend, and though he could use a little work on his edgework and agility, it's not really detrimental.

It's really impressive how Mrtka has so quickly acclimated himself to a new team, in a new country, on a North American rink. It's also unbelievable how he's been able to put up so much offense on such a poor team, which makes me wonder what his numbers would look like on a better team with more offensive help. He's really a wonder to watch, and everything he does looks so seamless and effortless- perhaps like a poor-man's Victor Hedman, but surely a future top-4 defenseman in the NHL. Look for him in the top-15 of the draft, maybe top-10.

LHC Jack Murtagh (6'1",185lbs)

NTDP: 24gp/ 11g/ 12a/ 23pts, +2, 12 PIM.

Murtagh (pronounced MURR-tag) missed being a member of the 2026 draft class by only a few weeks with an August 22nd birthday, but that hasn't stopped him from being one of the NTDP's best players, albeit in a season where the squad is quite weak and struggling to score. In the CHL-USA Top Prospects Games, Murtagh (2 goals in 2 games) was head and shoulders above the rest of his American teammates, and one of the very few on his team who could keep pace with the opposing players on the Canadian side, who dominated play by a wide margin in both games. Murtagh is a fairly well-balanced offensive threat with his shot being perhaps his best tool, but he's becoming a good distributor with increased confidence this season in his passing skill. He was more of a volume shooter last season but he's further adept at scanning and processing the play this year, and though he might not have elite creativity, he can connect on the more difficult plays with passes through traffic, as well as over and under sticks. As he showed more than once in the Prospect Games, he can dish the puck with a defender draped all over him. Murtagh is a high-IQ player who processes quickly, solves problems on the fly, and can drive play. Even with an added playmaking dimension in his repertoire, Murtagh's best asset is still his shot; he can release in full flight, and score from a distance with a wicked wrister, or a laser of a one-timer.

Murtagh is an excellent skater, perhaps not elite, but fast enough to push pace and put defenders on their heels. He can reach top speed quite quickly, and is rather difficult to knock off stride. There's still room to grow in this area, as the mechanics of his stride need to be cleaned up a bit to fully maximize his power. His hands are quite fast as well, and his dynamic puck-skill enables him to dangle around defenders, making him hard to stop off the rush. Murtagh is more than a finesse player though, as there's some power in his game; he goes to the hard areas to battle in the trenches, takes abuse to make plays in tight traffic, throws his weight around along the boards and will lean into defenders to cut inside and drive the net. He can go around opponents or through them, and doesn't get enough credit for his hard-nosed, fiery, gritty style. Going forward, he will need to bulk up and get a lot stronger to be able to play this way against men. In transition, he excels at supporting the rush as a play-connector with deft one-touch passes and give-and-goes, but he can also find open ice to carry through clean exits and entries.

Murtagh displays solid positioning and a smart stick in defensive situations, but he unfortunately lacks the same intensity and compete on the backcheck as he does in the other two zones. He can be beaten to loose pucks, and doesn't apply the same grade of physicality in the defensive zone, occasionally losing physical battles that he would have won in the other end of the ice. At times, he can be caught leaving the zone prematurely-perhaps this is because he feels the pressure to cheat in order to supply offense to a squad that is starved for goals. Murtagh is still quite young and maybe a little raw, but I really like this kid and I think the best is yet to come. He will have plenty of time to develop, as he is committed to Boston University for 2025-26. I think Murtagh will be selected in the late first round of the 2025 Draft.

RHC Teddy Mutryn (6'1",207lbs)

Chicago Steel (USHL): 27gp/ 11g/ 7a/ 18pts, -5, 52 PIM

Teddy Mutryn deserves more attention, and he would no doubt have more fanfare if he wasn't toiling for the Chicago Steel, who are 14th out of 16 teams in the USHL, and are 5th-worst in goals-for. In December's World Junior-A Challenge, Mutryn performed well, and posted 4 assists in 5 games while showcasing his pace-pushing heavy game. He did much of the same in the summer at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, with 3 points in 5 games for a Team USA that left some of their best players at home. Mutryn is a highly-intelligent, well-rounded power-forward with solid IQ who often seems to be a step or two ahead of the play with his keen anticipation in all 3 zones. He's seen as a complete player who makes things happen all over the ice and versatile in the way he can play all 3 forward positions. His prime weapon is his finishing ability, which includes a hard, heavy shot with an even better release, and soft hands for beating goalies in-tight. He's always a threat to score, as he can get his shot off with very little time or space to work with, or under heavy checking pressure. He will set up shop in front of the net in order to set up the screen, and fish for tips and rebounds.

Though his goal-scoring stands out, Mutryn often flashes a solid playmaking dimension and can connect with teammates through traffic, but is also proficient at sniffing out soft spots in coverage to exploit, and can delay to draw defenders in to open space to pass into. He is an above-average skater with a long, powerful stride and a peppy short-area burst who is strong on the puck and displays good protection skills that make it very difficult to strip him of the puck. Mutryn employs a very physical style, and is uncommonly strong; he rarely gets outmuscled and plays hard on the boards, grinding opponents down and playing an agitator role. Down low and around the net, he's like a shark circling, and executes retrievals in both ends of the rink by force- he's dangerous and highly disruptive on the forecheck, and wins pucks on the backcheck before starting the breakout. In his own end, he's very reliable, supports teammates in battle, blocks shots willingly, and aids his D down low. He plays a high-pressure game, removing time and space from puck-carriers all over the zone from the points to below the goal-line, and causes turnovers in all 3 zones with a well-timed stick. He's highly aware defensively, and plays a detailed game when it comes to snuffing out his opponents attack. In all situations, he plays with passion, intensity, and a relentless motor.

There's a lot to like in this package, and a very translatable game. Mutryn hasn't proven himself to be a high-level points-producer yet, but he has tons of potential and excellent tools. There's also a high NHL floor. I really like this kid, and I think scouts do as well, so I would guess that he's selected in the latter half of the second round, to the early third round of this summer's draft. He has committed to Boston College for 2026-27.

RHC Harry Nansi (6'3",179lbs)

Owen Sound (OHL): 67gp/ 7g/ 16a/ 23pts, -10, 14 PIM

Right-handed pivot Harry Nansi's name keeps coming up more and more in pre-draft chatter, despite his rather paltry numbers. Nansi (ranked #116 NA Skaters) is one of the youngest members of the 2025 draft class, with a Sept.10, 2007 birthday, and though he plays bottom-six minutes on the 16th-placed team in the OHL (out of 20), he always seems to stand out. He is a high-effort, high-motor power-forward with big potential- if he can fix his skating. Yes, it's true what they say about Nansi- he looks like a newborn baby deer on skates; his knock-kneed mechanics have to be overhauled, and his lower-body strength needs to be improved significantly if he wants to fulfill his potential. Though he can sometimes win races to loose pucks on sheer will alone, he lacks agility and balance, with poor first-step quickness- his deficient speed pervades almost every area of his game. Offsetting his lack of footspeed is his sky-high workrate; he is one of the hardest-working players in the draft, with a never-resting motor and an elevated activity rate, getting involved all over the ice. He is disruptive, as well as menacingly physical on both the forecheck and the backcheck to keep the opposition off-kilter, and he manages to push pace with a frenetic tempo.

Nansi is primarily a playmaker who sees the ice at a high level, and flashes high-end skill and vision. He sports excellent metrics at even-strength, and seems to make a highlight-reel play every game, even if it doesn't always lead to a goal. He funnels pucks to the middle and is highly effective on the cycle, with the skill to get passes to teammates over and under sticks through traffic on occasion, off of his forehand, or his backhand. He's not exactly set up for success in Owen Sound though, and most of his better ideas don't work out- not only because of the dearth of talent around him, but because of his lack of details, and poor stride. In transition, he has shown some value in his ability to move pucks, and creates advantages through connective playmaking, and working give-and-go sequences with teammates. He protects the puck extremely well while fighting off checks, and is a good stickhandler with the ability to deke and dangle his way around in traffic; he will even stop-up, delay, or cut-back to make the right play, and draw pressure away from teammates. Nansi is a physical player, and will bulldoze his way through checks, but he's so underdeveloped that he can be overpowered- even at 6'3".

He doles out some big hits, will take contact to make a play, imposes his will down low, and battles hard along the wall for possession.

Nansi makes an impact on his team's defense by hunting down puck-carriers aggressively, and causes turnovers with his intensity and tenacity, but his positioning could use some work- mostly due to his mobility issues. He shows some issues with his puck-control at top-speed sometimes, and he has really poor balance. His motor-skills and coordination are severely underdeveloped; he is extremely raw, and a huge project in need of a long runway for any team that drafts him, but there could be a big reward when all is said and done. Nansi's flashes of skill are enough to make scouts believe in his potential, but even if he doesn't fully develop his offensive game, he has a rather high NHL-floor as a bottom-6 energy player and checker. Look for him in the 4th, or 5th-round.

LHC Jack Nesbitt (6'4",183lbs)

Windsor (OHL): 46gp/ 17g/ 25a/ 42pts, +11, 25 PIM

Jack Nesbitt is a big, gritty power-forward with NHL-projectable qualities who plays with energy, high-motor, and physicality. He flashes high-end playmaking and passing skill, and can see through layers of coverage to connect with teammates, but he also has a hard shot that he can fire off the catch along with a bomb of a one-timer. Though he's not a natural goal-scorer, he has the innate capacity to sniff out open spaces in high-danger to relocate to in order to get his chances- he likes the give-and-go to create seams, and he will dish off in order to power his way through coverage to the net. He's inside-driven, forechecks hard to suffocate opponents on retrievals, and he explodes off the boards to the middle with the puck; he is also capable of passing off the wall into the slot with speed and accuracy. Nesbitt goes to the net hard, and will battle for positioning while screening the goalie. He wins battles down-low, and makes quality plays around the crease with soft hands for finishing in-tight.

Skating-wise, Nesbitt is more or less average, but his skill in this area is projectable enough as he moves around rather fluidly with smooth mechanics on a long stride- still, his mobility will require some work. Nesbitt's stickhandling looks seamless, and enables him to skate some dynamic routes through transition that end up in clean, controlled entries, but some say his puck-control causes issues with his playmaking as he needs to keep one eye on the puck- which diminishes his ability to scan his options properly. There's still a good amount of manipulation by deception in his repertoire, and he's able to protect the puck well enough to barge through checks, while handling around sticks and out of the reach of his opponents. There's also flashes of surprising small-area skill, showing the ability to beat attackers (and goalies) 1-on-1. Nesbitt employs physicality, and is even a bit mean at times, but he's smart about it in the sense that he doesn't seem to take himself out of the play, doesn't overcommit when going for big hits, and doesn't take many unnecessary penalties. Still, he will not hesitate to rub an opponent out along the boards, or level an attacker in open-ice, and he will drop the gloves when challenged. Off the puck, he shows intelligence in all areas- by supporting the play, skating routes that open ice for teammates, getting open at the right time, and even by directing traffic at times.

Nesbitt might have a low NHL-floor because he displays a responsible defensive game, and he reads the play quite well from a defensive standpoint. He exerts his enormous range to cut off huge tracts of ice that are difficult for oncoming rushes to pass through, and he shows impeccable awareness in eliminating secondary threats. He covers a ton of ground in the defensive zone by pressuring the point, to denying chances in the slot, to helping his D down low, and he forces his prey to the outside- thereby taking away the middle from them. There's proactiveness in the way he lifts sticks, pins down threats, and gets inside on his opponents before the puck even arrives, and his positioning is usually immaculate. It could be said that Nesbitt benefits a lot from all of the talent he has around him in Windsor (Liam Greentree for example), but they also are better by having his presence in the lineup. If he can keep up his scoring numbers for the rest of the year, we could see him get picked in the late first round, or early second- he's a beauty.

RW Vaclav Nestrasil (6'5",190)

Muskegon (USHL): 38gp/ 12g/ 15a/ 27pts,-3, 14 PIM

What makes Vaclav Nestrasil good enough to be ranked # 60 by Bob McKenzie, and # 46 (NA Skaters) by Central Scouting? Well, he's got the tantalizing mix of enormous size combined with shockingly good mobility that makes scouts drool. He may not be getting the most out of his stride, as it's still a bit choppy and short, but he moves very well with the ability to push supreme pace, and win races to loose pucks- it's quite a treat to watch. To augment his speed, he keeps his feet moving, tapping into his high workrate and tireless motor. His speed and pace make him intimidating off the rush, driving defensemen back while he gains the zone, and delays to wait for the play to develop. Transition is where Nestrasil shows the most value, and it's breathtaking how he drives the middle of the neutral zone, showing off his magnificent small-area passing-skill in connecting plays through give-and-go's. He handles quite well, and his puck-protection is superb- enabling him to power through checks along the boards, while making room for himself with a myriad of dekes and feints. He also understands how to draw attention, in order to open space to pass through.

Nestrasil is really starting to put it together in Muskegon, with 11 points in his last 10 games, to tie him for 31st in USHL scoring, and 7th for U-18 players in that league. He isn't the biggest goal-scorer, but he can rip a puck, and he's very inside-driven, with no fear in crashing the net to finish in-tight- he's an intimidating net-front presence. He skates with his head up to map out his surroundings, and finds his teammates in the slot; there's flashes of high-end skill and play-creation, and he's not at all afraid to attempt to make some of the more complex plays that he thinks up, even if a lot of those attempts don't work out. There's good ideas there that his abilities and timing need to catch up to. His hockey sense is well-developed, with good skill and an intelligent, detailed off-puck game; he can sneak his way into open space in high-danger areas, and arrives in the slot at the exact right time. Nestrasil uses his size well- imposing himself down-low, dominating along the wall, and flying in hard and heavy on the forecheck to disrupt and dislodge pucks. He's quite physical and a little violent at times, hitting his prey early and often, but doesn't take too many penalties in the course of these actions- he's smart and controlled. He uses his body as leverage in battles at the net-front and in retrievals, and wins inside position on attackers.

In the neutral zone, Nestrasil holds tremendous value in transition, but he also shows the smarts to proactively cut off plays defensively before they enter the zone, using his enormous range and well-timed stick to create pressure on puck-carriers, and sealing off entries with his body. He hounds puck-carriers in the zone, and keeps them to the outside, and he will support his D down low- even covering for them if they have to leave their post. Nestrasil is engaged and hard-working in his own zone, but will have a high ceiling if he can keep growing his offensive game, and start turning his "ideas" into goals for his team more often. This kid has big upside, and I think the best is yet to come. He is committed to UMass for the 2026-27 season, and may hear his name called in the 2nd, or 3rd-round of this summer's draft.

RHC Eric Nilson (6'0",154lbs)

Djurgardens (J20): 31gp/ 10g/ 24a/ 34pts, +18, 30 PIM

Calgary-born Swede Eric Nilson (son of former Flame Marcus Nilson) is a lot like his old man, wielding a gritty, hard-working approach with unrelenting hustle, and a detailed defensive game with good habits. The team that drafts the younger Nilson however, will be banking on his offensive ability, and he has plenty of that as well. Nilson plays middle-six minutes on a deep Djurgardens club, often patrolling their third-line, and is still over a point-per-game so far this campaign- earning him a call-up to the Allsvenskan squad, posting 1 point in 4 games. In the most recent World Junior A Challenge, Nilson was 3rd in scoring for Team Sweden (7th-overall in the tournament) with 6 points in 5 games, and put up 3 goals and 4 points in 5 games in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup last summer. Central Scouting put him 6th for European Skaters in their Midterm-rankings as well. 

Nilson is primarily a playmaker, and gets the job done without being flashy or dynamic, but he does have above-average hockey sense and vision to make smart decisions after scanning the ice with his head on a swivel. He's a puck-hound who is always in his opponents' faces, and as one would guess, he causes opponents fits on the forecheck by being constantly disruptive. He has good spatial awareness, using patient delays and cutbacks off the rush to pry open seams in coverage, draws pressure to make room for teammates, and he employs plenty of manipulation by deception with the goal of funneling pucks to the slot. He attacks the middle with-or-without the puck, spins off of checks, and plays a heavy  game despite being physically underdeveloped and thus, lacking strength. He battles hard for every loose puck, and competes well in all three zones. Nilson is not really a huge scoring threat, and the velocity on his shot could use some work- though this might be due to his lack of strength, which pervades many areas of his game at this stage of his development. His one-timer is already fairly hard and heavy though, and he goes to the net hard for second-chance opportunities, with an eye for finding open space in the slot to get open. Off the puck, his smarts and positioning are top-notch, and are an underrated part of his game; he reads the play very well and knows where to be to best support his team's play. He's a strong faceoff performer, and further upgrades to his strength will make him even better in this area. In transition, he commands a perceptive small-area game to connect plays through the neutral zone in order to facilitate controlled entries.

Defensively, Nilson seals off the boards to attackers, puts himself in every lane, and displays exemplary positioning, paired with high-end defensive awareness to kill plays aplenty. He's an excellent penalty-killer, and looks engaged in defensive situations. Unfortunately, he's an average skater who needs to develop his lower-body strength in order to build a better first-step, a more explosive stride, and another top-gear. Even with deficient mobility, he still manages to push pace (thanks to his high-end workrate), and is light on his feet with smooth edges in pivoting and changing direction, with a fairly good short-burst in small-area situations. For the next level, he will need to build strength and bulk up considerably to be able to handle bigger pros, as he already looks a bit overmatched against men in the Allsvenskan. There are some scouts who wonder if he has enough standout traits, or enough translatable skill to be a producer at the NHL-level- his handling is nothing special, his shot needs work, and he struggles at times with puck-control when under pressure. These scouts wonder if he could be no more than a bottom-six player at best, but the general consensus is that bottom-six center duty is his floor, and not his ceiling. I really like this kid, and would easily take him in the second-round this summer.

LW Melvin Novotny (6'1",187lbs)

Leksands (J20): 32gp/ 11g/ 16a/ 27pts, +4, 35 PIM

Considering Melvin Novotny's numbers in 2023-24 (10 points in 11 J20 games), his production this year is a bit disappointing, and I wonder if that's because he's leaning into his defensive duties, which seemed to be the case at the most recent World Junior A Challenge. In that tournament, he produced 5 points in 5 games (tied for 10th-overall, and 6th on Team Sweden), and showcased his smart two-way game. Novotny, who is ranked as the 38th EU Skater by Central Scouting, also put up 3 points in 4 games in the summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. He is versatile player, being able to play center as well as the wing, and plays in all situations- including both special teams.

Novotny is not bulging the twine at a pace that properly represents his goal-scoring ability; he owns a deep arsenal of quality shots, and employs deception in his release. His catch-and-release wrister is a bullet, his one-timer is a bomb, and he senses space in the slot to unleash- but he can also finish in-tight, converting tips and rebounds. With his keen vision and lofty IQ, Novotny can also connect on some high-end plays through layers of traffic, and does so with high-level passing skill to deliver the puck crisply and accurately to his teammate's blade. He sees the ice well, and has a slick small-area game that allows him to make slip passes through encroaching checkers' feet, or under their sticks, and he makes dangerous plays around (and through) the crease, as well as from behind the net to the slot. A high workrate and elevated pace drive his performance; he hustles hard and plays with energy and compete. He's always engaged, winning battles in the greasy areas above his weight class with his uncommon strength and reach. Novotny can be a physical player, but he's smart about it, and won't take himself out of position to look for a big hit. He is an above-average skater, but he's not getting the most out his stride, as it's a bit short and choppy; he covers a ton of ice in both ends of the rink with how active he plays, but his top-speed, explosiveness, and acceleration need work. He's a skilled handler who is strong on the puck with tight control, and protects well- which makes it hard to knock him off the puck, or to pick his pockets.

Novotny is a reliable defensive player and trusted penalty-killer with solid awareness and proactive positioning to kill rushes, disrupt plays, and take away the middle from attackers. He skates intelligently off-puck with sound instincts to open space for teammates, and to support the play in all three zones. He also contributes to his team's transition by connecting plays through the neutral zone in give-and-goes, but he doesn't hold on to the puck for too long. Novotny is perhaps not much of a play-driver, and may be more of an opportunistic scorer who makes plays by feeding off of his teammates, as opposed to being a creator. There's work to be done on his skating, but he also has to become more consistent, as his performances can vary from one game to the next- even if the effort is there. He has to shoot more, as passes up too many shots to go for a pass, and he has a good shot to work with, as well as a goal-scorer's instincts. He's a candidate for future middle-six winger duty in the NHL, and he'll most likely be taken in the 2nd, or 3rd-round.

RHC Andrew O'Neill (6'2",200lbs)

NTDP: 36gp/ 4g/ 7a/ 11pts, -23, 44 PIM

O'Neill was given a "C" by Central Scouting in their preliminary rankings, indicating a potential 4th or 5th-round pick, and was ranked 58th for North American Skaters in their Mid-term rankings- not too shabby for a checker. In his defense, he is a rugged C who scouts say has big upside, and an NHL-projectable game- even if he projects to be a bottom-6 defensive specialist. O'Neill plays with pace on both the forecheck and the backcheck, hounding puck-carriers and giving them no time or space to breathe. He causes multiple turnovers and takeaways every game, and though he forechecks like a demon, he truly shines defensively. Though his numbers don't show it, he has smarts, sublime awareness, and high IQ; he scans the ice with his head up, reads the play well, and owns plenty of raw skill.

O'Neill plays a hard, heavy physical game with intensity and high-motor- he never quits on a play, and is rarely outworked or outmuscled. He is always in motion, always involved, and always engaged; he is a quick mover who skates his routes hard. He uses his teammates well, playing a give-and-go style through transition, and uses cutbacks or delays upon entry to win time and space for his team. When established in the zone, he drives the net hard to look for garbage, but can make plays and owns a decent shot. He will go through defenders, just as soon as he will go around them. He also carries some decent puck-skill, and protects the puck exceptionally well, but he isn't flashy or dynamic in any way and he is not elite in any area. O'Neill is reliable in all three zones, and angles opponents out of the middle, sealing them off with a tight gap as though he were a defenseman. He supports teammates in all areas, including his D when the puck is down low, but at this stage- he's not much of a play-driver or offensive facilitator. O'Neill displays exceptional off-puck awareness, and is seemingly always in a good proactive position to perform his duties-even if those duties are providing his team with sound defense. Look for him in the 4th, or 5th round of the draft. He is committed to the University of North Dakota for next season.

C/LW Eetu Orpana (6'1",194lbs)

Tappara (U20): 32gp/ 8g/ 12a/ 20pts, +7, 10 PIM

Eetu Orpana (ranked #64 for EU Skaters) is a smart center who plays a responsible defensive game. His minutes for Tappara (who are 12th out of 18 teams, but 8th in goals-for) fluctuate wildly, from 4th-line minutes, all the way up to 20+, but he's usually in the bottom-6. Orpana travelled with the Finnish team to last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, but he never got the opportunity to suit up for a game. Orpana contributes well to his team with his up-tempo checking ability, facilitated by his top-notch awareness in his own zone, and by his immaculate positioning. He employs an active stick to disrupt plays, pick off passes, and clog lanes, and he is a trusted penalty-killer, as well as a proficient faceoff performer. He supports his D down low, always puts in a solid workrate, and though he isn't the most physical player, he will rub an opponent out along the boards, or lay a hit when needed to dislodge the puck. Orpana reads the game well, and has solid IQ and vision, which makes his production this year quite disappointing.

Orpana is a good skater with above-average speed, but isn't getting the most out of his stride, as it's a bit short and choppy with a need for more extension. Still, he moves well and has pretty good acceleration, with strong edges that enable him to sidestep checks, and outmaneuver attackers. Though he hasn't shown himself to be the most creative or dynamic playmaker, he is more of a pass-first player than a goal-scorer, with good distribution skill to thread the needle through small spaces in traffic to teammates in high-danger. He seems to stick to short passes, and he likes making plays from below the goal-line to the slot. He forechecks hard to remove time and space from puck-carriers, and will go the net in search of rebounds, or to set up the screen; he battles hard for position, takes the required abuse, and has sharp hand-eye coordination to tip shots. He's not a huge scoring threat right now though, and he needs to develop more power and accuracy in his shot. Orpana provides his team with energy, sets an example by always hustling hard, and never gives up on a play- giving second, and third efforts. He's intense, engaged, and hard-working.

Orpana handles well enough, but he needs to learn how to better protect the puck, as he seems to sometimes be controlling too far out from his feet, and fails to angle the puck out of the reach of his opponents' sticks, or shield it well enough with his body. This leads to his pocket being picked at times, and the puck is often poked off of his stick. Though I believe he has better offensive skills than his numbers show, he could carve out a career as a bottom-6 defensive center if he improves his puck skills, and keeps developing his offensive game. If he gets drafted, look for him in later rounds.

RW Bruno Osmanis (5'11",170lbs)

IF Bjorkloven (J20): 25gp/ 6g/ 17a/ 23pts, +3, 8 PIM

Native-Latvian Bruno Osmanis (# 72 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting) is the main offensive driver for a very weak Bjorkloven J20 squad in Sweden that struggles to produce goals, and he would most likely have sky-high numbers on a better team. For his troubles, he has been rewarded with 25 games on Bjorkloven's Allsvenskan club, where he is 6th in the league for players 18-and-under, with 1 goal and 7 points. Osmanis was raising eyebrows with his play-driving performance for an upstart Team Latvia at the 2025 World Juniors (a team that beat Canada 3-2 in a shootout on the second day of the event), before an injury cut his tournament short, after posting 4 points in 3 games- with 2 assists coming against the Canadians. He is an underrated playmaking winger with creativity and high-end vision, who drives play in all three zones for his junior team, but is still trying to prove himself against men in the Allsvenskan.

Osmanis makes sound decisions quickly on impressive reads, funneling pucks to the middle and finding teammates at the goal-front through traffic with his high-end vision and offensive awareness. He understands how to manufacture space for himself and his teammates, and how to exploit it, and he can patiently draw pressure to open passing seams. Though he plays for a weak team, his advanced stats are insane, and paint him to be elite in creating offense 5-on-5, with sharp passing skills that allow him to thread the needle through the smallest holes in traffic, off his forehand or backhand. He can perform any kind of pass, be it saucer, slip, or hook, and he can distribute through layers of traffic, over sticks, through triangles, and between feet, with the exact prescribed velocity and angle needed. In transition, these skills truly shine and give him huge value to his team; he stays connected with teammates through exit and entry using quick-touch feeds and give-and-go passing to pressure opposing defenses, and push supreme pace. Goal-scoring has never been his main forte', but he does have a decent shot, with the ability to find the open space required to unleash it, but he opts for the pass most of the time. Despite a lack of ideal size, he wins his fair share of puck-battles and gets inside position on larger opponents with his tenacity. He hustles hard on the forecheck to disrupt, cause breakdowns, and pick pockets; he then turns those puck-thefts into instant scoring chances.

Osmanis works very hard, exerts a high motor, and doesn't back down from battles- he will sometimes use contact to give himself a bit more space, as well. He's inside-driven, with-or-without the puck, showing fearlessness in cutting inside to the slot to rip pucks, and attacking the middle off the rush. He is surprisingly strong on the puck, with quick hands and smooth handling, and owns some slick 1-on-1 skill that, when combined with his deception ability, enables him to manipulate opponents to give himself room to move. In regards to his mobility, he displays above-average speed with a quick burst in small areas, and an explosive first-step- he needs to improve his top-speed, however. He can still win plenty of puck-races, beat defenders wide, and force defensemen back on occasion. His strong edges give him elusiveness, as well as the ability to make quick turns and pivots. Defensively, he takes away the middle effectively, protects his net well with an active, well-timed stick, and hounds puck-carriers to take away space and time. Though he doesn't cheat the game, his positioning and engagement are inconsistent in the defensive zone, and these issues are amplified when he is playing in the Allsvenskan, as he can look a bit lost at times. Going forward, he will need some improvement on his puck-protection, as well as his puck-control when handling or catching in flight. While he definitely needs work on his shot, there are questions as to how well his offense will translate to pro-hockey in North America- but I believe that he's being severely underrated. Look for him in the 3rd-round.

RD Evan Passmore (6'4",209)

Barrie (OHL): 62gp/ 3g/ 8a/ 11pts, -1, 58 PIM

In a draft full of behemoth defenders, righty Evan Passmore (ranked #55 NA Skaters) of the Barrie Colts, who were the OHL's Central Division Champions, seems to have plenty of fans in the scouting world. Passmore is a shutdown defender with a robust physical game, and skates quite well for a big man with fluid mechanics on a long, powerful stride. He accelerates fairly rapidly, transitions smoothly, and exhibits solid agility in his cuts and pivots, with the quickness to match footwork with smaller opponents. He is solid on his skates with good balance, and very difficult to knock off stride; when attackers try to bodycheck him, they usually end up on their backs. A violent defender with plenty of snarl, he delivers hits not only to cause disruption and separate his man from the puck, but also to punish and intimidate, making him a menace in all three zones. He seems to initiate contact every chance he gets, never leaving a check unfinished, and many of his hits result in his opponents being sprawled out on the ice in his wake. His thunderous bodychecks can shift momentum for his team and cause agitation for the opposition, and he will drop the gloves if challenged.

Passmore has a long reach, a lengthy wingspan, and an expansive range that's impossible for attackers to navigate, helping him to kill plays and extinguish the rush, and making the process appear effortless. He repels entries with suffocating gap control, and employs his smooth lateral agility to surf across the ice to layer stiff hits on top of deft stickwork to poke pucks out of danger. In the zone, he makes an effort to keep pucks away from the middle by keeping attacks outside with adroit stickwork to tip away passes to the inside and sweep pucks off of sticks, and he rebuffs opponents from cutting to the slot. He is aggressive and mean in defending his net, rubs opponents out along the wall, and dominates physically down-low. While exhibiting solid awareness and smart positioning defensively, he locks down secondary threats, blocks shots, and intercepts passes. He then recovers the puck smoothly while shaking off pressure and scanning thoroughly to get the puck moving in the right direction with mostly short and simple feeds, but he flashes the ability to stretch the ice on longer-range breakouts on occasion. Passmore's puck-skill is reasonably good, but nothing too special or dynamic, and he keeps his carries safe, simple, and brief; he sometimes has trouble maintaining control of the puck at high-speeds, and can struggle with catching in full-flight. In transition, he supports the play from the back with short connective passes, and is often the last player to enter the offensive zone.

Passmore has a virtual cannon from the point, and he can fire through traffic to the net in order to create chaos in-front and provide teammates with rebound opportunities, but he needs a more deceptive release, as his shot gets blocked quite a bit. With his team installed in the zone, he holds the line well and will pinch in to keep the play alive and extend offensive zone time. Though he lacks vision and creativity, he activates into the play quite often in search of opportunities- but he needs to improve his skill and playmaking ability to be able to capitalize more often. He is more of a facilitator than a true creator, at least right now. If Passmore can add another layer or two to his puck-skill, and hone his play a bit more in the offensive-third, he could end up potentially playing in an NHL team's second-pairing, but for now- he looks like a fantastic bottom-pairing, shutdown defender. Look for him in the third-round, with the possibility of moving up to the second.

RHC Hayden Paupanekis (6'4",198lbs)

Spokane (WHL): 39gp/ 11g/ 13a/ 24pts, -2, 29 PIM

Kelowna (WHL): 7gp/ 6g/ 4a/ 10pts, +1, 6 PIM

Righty Hayden Paupanekis played most of the season behind some talented players on a Spokane Chiefs squad who sit in 4th-place in the WHL, but has popped with more ice-time on the Kelowna Rockets- who are 18th out of 22 teams and 14th in goals-for. He is a big power-forward with a tantalizing base of tools, but is much more potential than finished product at this point. Paupanekis skates well for a big man, with sound fluidity and mechanics, but fairly average speed- his mobility will improve as he develops though, and his stride is considered projectable. His main weapons are probably his shot, and his ability to finish; he can fire off the catch with a hard and heavy wrister, but he will also crash the crease to pick up garbage. He positions himself well off-puck in danger areas as a pass option, and is inside-driven- with the ability to use defenders as screens. He plays well around the net, with nifty cross-crease passing, and connects on some smart low-to-high plays.

Paupanekis forechecks hard and heavy, disrupting puck-carriers and winning puck-battles down low- he's a load to handle. He sometimes flashes high-end skill and vision, and can surprise opponents with some of the more high-end passes through bodies; he knows how to draw pressure in order to open space, and makes dangerous passes off the wall to the slot. There's also signs of a skillful delay game, showing the patience to bait attackers while waiting for the right play to develop, and he manipulates by deceiving defenders with deft fakes in the head and feet, and shifts in weight. When carrying the puck, his handling doesn't look too fancy, but he employs superb puck protection and keeps his feet moving when taking contact to bull his way through checks, skate through hands, and to draw penalties. He's hard-working and stays active, and contributes to his team's transition by challenging his foes while streaking through the neutral zone, and can make entry by pass or by carry. Paupanekis plays a physical game, initiating contact early and often and using his size as leverage in puck battles, or to win positioning in front of the net. He doesn't drop the gloves often, but when he does, he shows that he's a tough kid who can fight. Defensively, he's effective in identifying threats early to thwart the oncoming rush, and keeps attackers to the outside. He's very disruptive and detailed, with plus-level defensive acumen, and his extra-long reach clogs up huge chunks of ice when combined with his deft stick-work. He supports his D down low, and throws his weight around to separate man from puck.

Despite this glowing review, Paupanekis is still quite raw, and will need some runway to develop. He needs to bulk up and get stronger, work on his skating, and learn to play with a more consistent level of pace. He's certainly not perfect or mistake-free, as he makes his share of forced plays and fumbles- he could stand to upgrade his puck-skills. His floor is that of a bottom-6 defensive C in the NHL, but he promises a lot more- especially since he's been with Kelowna. He's another one I like- look for him in the 2nd-round.

LHC Dominik Pavlik (6'1",194lbs)

Karpat (U20): 20gp/ 3g/ 5a/ 8pts, -2, 8 PIM

Like Tomas Poletin, center Dominik Pavlik (ranked #60 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting) is from Czechia, but has been plying his trade in Karpat's system since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, and his situation is a bit complicated. After last season concluded, Pavlik was drafted by the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL in the first round of the 2024 CHL Import Draft, 53rd-overall, but opted to go back to Karpat in Finland for the 2024-25 season. Things have obviously not gone they way they were expected to go in Karpat, which shows in his rather meager stats, and despite the fact that it doesn't appear that he was being cheated in ice-time, he was playing mostly third-line, defensive duty. He signed with Moose Jaw in mid-December, but he hasn't yet played a game for them, as he's been out of action since November with an injury (he was expected to suit up for them on Dec.27th). Even though Moose Jaw lurks at the bottom of the WHL, they do have some talent at the top of their lineup- and it would be nice to see if he could turn his season around playing with them. Pavlik took part in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup for team Czechia, and put up 3 points in 5 games. He is a physical, two-way center with a nice power game.

Pavlik plays a pro-style, and exerts a complete game with very few real weaknesses; he is a well-rounded Jack-of-all-Trades who plays in all situations and both sides of special teams. Most of his physical traits are average to above-average, but his work-ethic and compete at both ends of the ice are sky-high. He is always engaged, with a high-end motor, and a good activity rate. He is a fluid skater with smooth edge work and above-average speed, who skates with a low center of gravity, which makes him sturdy and hard to knock off the puck. To augment this ability, he protects the puck well with his body and reach. Like a true power forward, he drives the net hard to convert rebounds and to create a moving screen, and he likes to occupy space in close vicinity to the net- most of the damage he does comes from below the dots, and he scores goals in-tight. Below the goal-line, he is a force, and he's a wrecking ball along the boards; he explodes off the wall to take the puck to the net, drives the middle lane off the rush, and leans into defenders to cut to the crease. He's a physical player with uncommon strength, and uses these qualities well to win battles in the hard areas. Even without the puck, he has an inate sense of where to be to maximize his effectiveness, and to be ready as a playable option for teammates. He's a quality finisher with soft hands to beat goalies one-on-one, but he also has a fairly hard shot with a quick, deceptive release.

Playmaking is not his greatest asset, and he's not really creative per se, but he has shown game-breaking ability in the past, and has a reasonably high IQ and sharp awareness to facilitate opportunities for teammates- or to finish them. Pavlik doesn't cheat the game in his own zone; he is highly aware defensively, and brings tons of hustle and compete. He's a willing shot-blocker, with the ability to play a shut-down role, as he does with Czechia's international teams; he supports his D down low, kills the cycle, helps to deny entries, and his play-reading sense tells where to be to proactively make stops, by taking sticks, and setting picks. He brings his physicality and a well-timed stick in performance of his defensive duties, and is an excellent penalty-killer. While he may not be a transition ace, he can connect plays through the neutral zone. Pavlik has the profile of an excellent 3rd-line C in the NHL, with the potential for more, as his numbers this season don't represent his true offensive capabilites. To reach his potential, he has to keep building his strength and speed, and hopefully- he will get some time with a team that will let him showcase his game better. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round. He's another kid I like.

RW Alexander Pershakov (6'0",176lbs)

Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL): 33gp/ 21g/ 17a/ 38pts, +13, 10 PIM

Sibir Novosibirsk (KHL): 13gp/ 0g/ 1g/ 1pt, +1, 0 PIM

Left-handed RW Alexander Pershakov (unranked) is a bit older, with an Oct.19, 2006 birthday, and has already appeared in 13 games in the KHL (albeit with very little ice-time), but has been scratched for 27 other games. The bulk of his minutes this season have been with the MHL's Sbirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk, the "Siberian Snipers", where he wears an "A", and is 6th in points-per-game for players 18-and-under. Pershakov is a shoot-first winger, and an opportunistic scorer who feeds off of his linemates. I've read plenty of criticism regarding his skating, but he's obviously done a lot of work on it, as he can outskate many of his peers in the MHL, and keeps up just fine against men in the KHL. His stride looks a bit short and choppy at times, but his speed is above-average and he's light on his feet, with solid agility to make quick turns. He needs a bit of work on his mechanics, an increase in lower-body strength, and better explosiveness and top speed. 

Pershakov is mostly an opportunistic scorer, and while he's not much of a play-driver, he does possess good offensive awareness with the capability of making some nice passing plays at times, showing a modicum of playmaking vision, and flashes of high-end passing skill. He can link together plays in the offensive zone and in transition, and can get the puck to teammates in high-danger, but he isn't a dynamic creator, or a high-end playmaker. He does appear to have become adept at making plays to the slot from below the goal-line, and he has the intelligence to be an off-puck threat. Pershakov possesses a hard and heavy shot with a deceptive release that is nearly NHL-caliber, and has a shooter's instincts in sniffing out space in the slot to dip in-and-out of, timing his appearance to coincide with the puck's arrival. He plays well around the net, and isn't the least bit afraid to cut to the middle, or to crash the crease in search of an ugly goal. His hand-eye coordination is unreal, and he can knock down pucks out of the air, right to his wheelhouse. His handling isn't anything special though, as he seems to mishandle and overskate the puck unforced more than usual. There's no problem with his work-ethic, as he's a high-effort player with an excellent motor, and he exerts a fairly physical game.

Pershakov's defensive game is a bit more difficult to define in my opinion, as his performances differ in his showings in the MHL, to his appearances in the KHL (as one would expect). He plays both special teams in junior, but he looks more passive in the d-zone when he's playing with the Snipers; his positioning is there, but he's far less active, and has a diminished impact. He stays a bit higher up in the zone to await the breakout, and departs the zone a little early- none of this is a big surprise when it comes to Russian junior players. In the KHL, he appears much more focused and engaged, as well as more mobile, intense, and disruptive. He goes from pressuring the point to force uncontrolled plays, to supporting his D down low, to guarding the net, and he even blocks shots willingly. In both leagues, he employs an active, well-timed stick, positions himself to take away the middle from attackers, and makes himself a playable option for the breakout. I'm not sure how translatable NHL scouts will see his game as being, and his age definitely works against him. Though he is very opportunistic, and relies on his teammates quite a bit, he still possesses a fairly well-rounded game- at least in junior. If he is selected in the upcoming draft, he will have to wait until the later rounds.

LD Bogdan Pestretsov (6'3",205lbs)

Krasniya Armiya Moskva (MHL): 28gp/ 2g/ 6a/ 8pts, +10, 4 PIM

Big Russian defender Bogdan Pestretsov (ranked # 59 EU Skaters) has dealt with injuries this season, but his shutdown game in the defensive zone stands out from his peers. He's also proficient in cutting off the rush with tight gap-control, matching footwork with oncoming attackers to angle them to the outside. He will then poke the poke the puck away, or force a dump-in, and finish with a hit. In the defensive zone, he suffocates opponents of space and time with immaculate positioning, and high-end defensive awareness, mixed with an aggressive mindset, and some physicality. BP is active in the zone, but highly intelligent- forcing errors, causing turnovers, blocking shots, clogging lanes, and cutting off the middle. In front of the net, he overpowers net-front attackers, or ties them up. He completes calm and poised breakouts consistently, with safe and simple feeds to streaking teammates, while escaping forechecking pressure expertly.

Pestretsov's mobility is one of his most impressive physical assets, but he's also a high-end stickhandler who can beat opponents with his quick hands, and exerts outstanding protection skills by shielding the puck with his body, and handling outside of his adversaries' reach with one hand, while fending off pressure with the other. He shows the capability of carrying through transition, but he usually connects with teammates through short passes. Mobility-wise, he is a smooth, fluid skater with excellent mobility, and shows strength on his edges- he can change speed and direction rapidly to dodge checks. He isn't an offensive defenseman, but he supports the play in the o-zone proficiently from the blueline, and isn't afraid to activate into the play. He keep his distribution safe and simple, but there's flashes of playmaking ideas of the more dynamic kind, giving him a hint of two-way potential. In addition, he owns a hard and heavy shot that he gets through to the net with regularity. Pestretsov is already a stalwart in his own-zone, but may have room to grow in other areas as well- although some have said that his decision-making with the puck needs work, as he can be pressured into mistakes at times, and he often tries to force passes that aren't there. I think he will be picked in later rounds, with a chance of moving up to the middle rounds.

LD Mace'o Phillips (6'5",214lbs)

NTDP: 35gp/ 2g/ 4a/ 6pts, -7, 52 PIM

Mace'o Phillips' game was on full display for the NTDP at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, but while he was his usual mean and physical self, the Americans were caved in by the speed and pace of the superior CHL squad. Under those circumstances, it would be unfair to judge him based on this particular two-game series, but he still stood out by making some quality stops. Phillips is a behemoth, and defensive play will always be his calling card, with many scouts saying he has NHL-qualities and potential as a shutdown D in the show. His range alone blocks massive spheres of ice, and he's surprisingly effective against the rush with tight gaps, intelligent positioning and angling, as well as a well-timed stick. Threats are identified quickly, and he smothers his opponents of time and space, picks off passes to the slot, and blocks shots. He suffocates attackers with his enormous reach, and crushes them into the boards- and when he can't initiate contact, he's proactively lifting sticks or pokechecking pucks out of danger. He protects his goalies well, and keeps the front of the net clear by boxing would-be crease-crashers out.

Phillips skates well for a player his size, and though he needs to upgrade his explosiveness and acceleration, as well as his agility and edgework, he has the athleticism to improve significantly in the future. He's already a fairly active player who moves around a lot, but if he can build up his mobility he'll be a beast to go up against. He already wins inside position over the opposition quite regularly, and seems to specialize in keeping attackers at bay with deft reverse hits (as he displayed at the Prospects Challenge). According to those who watch him on more of a regular basis, he is learning to be more controlled in terms of his robust physical game, as well as his mean streak; he is learning to be a punishing hitter without taking himself out of the play, and he is taking less needless penalties. Phillips is surprisingly good at retrievals, and seeks to limit defensive zone time, but while he can make safe and simple first-pass plays, he is inconsistent when under pressure. He flashes top-tier breakout skills from time to time, with the ability to hit streaking forwards in the neutral zone for odd-man chances.

Phillips seems to be aware that he has to keep his puck-play simple, especially when under pressure. He flashes another level of vision and IQ, showing some smarts and sound ideas, but he has trouble executing them as his so-so puck skill lets him down. His plays in the offensive zone consist mainly of shots, but he does have a fairly hard and heavy release that he can get on net with reasonable frequency. There are some brief activations, but usually only to keep pucks alive. Phillips will likely never be a point-producer- and I think he knows who he is, which is a solid shutdown defender. This is not a mistake-free player however, as he can lose his man, and makes errors with the puck, but he's still quite raw and developing and his game is becoming more and more solid. He's not close to reaching his potential, and will require a long runway- which he'll get, starting next season at the University of Minnesota. In Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings, Phillips was 49th amongst North American players, and I could easily see a team taking him in the 3rd, or 4th-round of the draft.

LHC Tomas Pobezal (5'10",179lbs)

HK Nitra (Slovakia Extraliga): 39gp/ 15g/ 8a/ 23pts, +13, 24 PIM

Tomas Pobezal (ranked #26 EU Skaters by Central Scouting) is currently the top U-20 scorer in the Extraliga by 13 points, and is in the midst of the 9th-best season of all-time for a player 18-and-under, with the 4th-most goals of all time by a player of that age. He has represented his homeland Slovakia in many international tournaments, including the most recent World Junior Championship (1 assist in 5 games), last summer's Hlinka (his second appearance at that tournament, with 6 points in 4 games to lead the team), and the 2024 U-18 Tournament, where he served as Captain (2nd-in scoring on the team, with 4 goals and 5 points in 7 games). Pobezal might be the oldest player in the draft, with a September 18, 2006 birthday, but he's a highly intelligent two-way center who plays much bigger than his size, and does everything well; he can play all three forward positions, and contributes in all three zones.

Pobezal already plays a mature and detailed defensive game against men, and engages attackers early in the neutral zone before they ever get a chance to make entry. He doesn't sit back to let the play come to him, he attacks puck-carriers to apply suffocating pressure to force dump-ins, cause turnovers, pick pockets, and poke pucks off sticks- he will even throw hits to separate man from puck. The same game-plan is put into action on the forecheck, where he puts opponents under siege with his intensity, to annoy and disrupt. Pobezal plays with remarkable energy, and never gives up on a play- he is relentless and tenacious, with high-end motor and compete, giving his all every shift. He is considered to be a leader, and drags his teammates into battle by being fiery and aggressive. Despite his rather diminutive stature, he wins battles in the greasy areas, and agitates with his chippy play and his physicality- he throws his weight around, and can land some big open-ice hits. He's in the middle of many post-whistle scrums, and doesn't back down from the rough stuff. Without fear, he exerts a good net-front presence, battling for position relentlessly and taking abuse to have a chance at a tip, or a rebound opportunity. He's an opportunistic scorer in-tight, sneaking in-and-out of the slot and arriving at just the right time to pounce on a loose puck with superb timing. He owns a good shot that could use a little more power, but he can fire in full flight, and can score from any angle, because he employs a lethal release to deceive goalies. 

Pobezal is blessed with high IQ and shows good (perhaps not elite) creativity and vision, with the off-puck intelligence to seemingly always be in the right position, at the right time. Though he isn't really a play-driver, he's a skilled passer who can thread the needle through the smallest of holes, and can dish the puck at full speed. He skates with his head on a swivel to map out his surroundings, and displays keen spatial awareness in finding routes through traffic, lanes to distribute through, and weak spots in coverage to occupy. Mobility-wise, he is a quick skater, but not really a burner; his high workrate enhances his speed, giving him the ability to win races to loose pucks, and sneak up behind opponents to pick their pockets. He is light on his skates, and has the smooth edges to to be highly slippery and elusive. He's a fluid stickhandler with quick hands to match his feet, but his puck-control could use a tweak, as he can mishandle the puck at times when in-stride. I really like this player, but there are many who doubt the translatability of his offensive game to the NHL, and his age works against him. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th round.

LW Tomas Poletin (6'1",196lbs)

Pelicans (U20): 25gp/ 13g/ 7a/ 20pts, +14, 14 PIM

Pelicans (Liiga): 5gp/ 0g/ 0a/ 0pts, -1, 0 PIM

Tomas Poletin (ranked #13 for EU Skaters, #67 by McKenzie, and #61 by Button) is actually from Czechia, but plays for the Pelicans hockey club in Lahti, Finland- and is a two-way power-forward with a heavy game that plays in all situations. He has represented his homeland in many international events, including the 2024 U-18 Tournament (2 points in 5 games), and last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, where he placed 4th in scoring for Team Czechia with 3 goals and 4 points in 5 games. Goal-scoring is his primary weapon, as he's not really a playmaker, and doesn't drive play. He attacks the net hard in search of tips and rebounds, and scores most of his goals within 10-15 feet of the net. He has great net-front presence, with soft hands and acute reflexes, and displays high-end spatial awareness to slip into soft spots in coverage to position himself in high-danger areas. His shot from further out is fairly hard and heavy, but it has been said that he misses the net a lot, and falls victim to a high number of blocks. Poletin is an above-average skater, and he's agile- making it difficult to pin him down. He has a nice explosive-burst at his disposal, and excellent edges to make quick cuts, and tight pivots.

Poletin employs a hard-nosed, pro-style power game that's simple but effective. He's hard and heavy on the forecheck, difficult to handle along the boards, makes life miserable for defenders down-low, and wins battles in the greasy areas. He will absorb a hit to make a play, take abuse in front of the net, and his disruptive play on the forecheck is a mainstay of his game. Poletin is also strong on the cycle, and even though he's not considered to be overly creative or dynamic, he reads the ice quite well- and completes upwards of 82% of his passes to the slot. He has a good awareness of his surroundings to make sound decisions, and his off-puck game is a strength; he seems to know where to be at all times to best support the action, and to be a playable option for his teammates. He recovers a high number of pucks in all 3 zones, because he is always in a position off-puck to be able to capitalize on his opponents' mistakes. Poletin is hard on the puck, and maintains possession through traffic for his team by protecting the puck extremely well, shielding it with his body, handling outside the range of his opponents, and keeping his feet pumping under physical pressure. This quality of his enables him to contribute to transition, along with his skating, and with the help of his deft small-area passing.

One of Poletin's most important traits is his high-end work-ethic; he's always engaged, and always in the middle of the action, displaying maturity and accountability. He's a leader by example, and has worn the "C" for his country in several international events. Poletin is reliable and aggressive defensively, showing immaculate positioning and keen awareness. He is highly disruptive and physical in his own zone, supporting his D down low in battles, and he wields an active stick to intercept passes, block lanes, and poke pucks off of sticks. As he does in the other 3 zones, he skates with his head up to scan his surroundings to identify threats. His defensive ability gives him a solid NHL-floor, but he has the skill and intelligence to potentially make it as a solid, middle-six power-winger. First, he will have to get faster and stronger to be able to handle bigger opponents in the pros, but has to further develop the power of his shot, as well as his shooting efficiency. I like this kid- look for him in the 2nd, or 3rd round.

LW Cullen Potter (5'9", 168lbs)

Arizona State (NCAA): 18gp/ 6g/ 4a/ 10pts, -1, 6 PIM.

In any scouting report on Cullen Potter that you may come across, you will undoubtedly identify 5 key words: Speed, Speed, Speed, Speed, and Transition. The diminutive winger is an electrifying speedster who can flat-out fly, and is one of the best skaters in the 2025 draft class. He's light, with a low center of gravity, which might be why he's so agile and displays such effortless edgework- he can stop or change speeds on a dime. In open ice, he can easily separate from pursuing defenders, and control the pace of the game. His hands are fast enough to keep up with his feet and his quickness, when combined with his skillful puck-handling, make him instrumental in Arizona State's transition, which seems to have become an area of specialty of his at the tender age of 17 (he turns 18 on January 10th). Cullen can achieve exits and entries via carry or pass, exhibiting uncommon poise and confidence with the puck that belies his age, along with pinpoint accuracy and timing in his neutral zone distribution. Though he can back defenses up, or engage his opponents with deft 1-on-1 moves, he also has a patient delay game to draw pressure, or hit the trailer with a pass.

Potter may be small, but he's not afraid to cut inside or drive through traffic, and he has several tricks up his sleeve to get to the net- including dekes, fakes, and dazzling footwork. He displays soft hands around the net, and also has an above-average shot with some power, including a slick catch-and-release wrister that can catch goalies off guard. His numbers this season in his freshman year are quite impressive, especially given his age and size limitations, but he's still trying to figure out how to work within the dimensions of the offensive zone against men, with less time and space to operate. Right now, he shows that he has sound ideas, but the execution isn't quite going to plan, with a lot of his passes being blocked or flubbed- he's keeping things fairly simple, which has led to some unfounded questions about his hockey sense. When he gets properly acclimated though, his vision and smarts will shine through in his playmaking ability- and when he learns to distribute as well in the offensive zone as he does in transition, he'll be a top playmaker. ASU Coach Greg Powers said, "I think from a raw ability and skill set, he's the best player that's ever played here, and it's probably not even close." Potter's compete, motor, and work-ethic are high in every area of the ice, and he can be deployed in any situation, and both sides of special teams. He works hard in the defensive zone, and uses his speed to close time and space- once the puck touches his stick, it's going the other way in a hurry.

Size will always be a limiting factor for Potter, as he can be knocked off the puck and is at a disadvantage when it comes to winning physical battles, which hurts his overall projection. He's still trying to figure out how to be effective on the forecheck, and he's much less potent on the cycle than he is off the rush. In 2023-24, Potter put up 17 goals and 46 points in 54 games in the NTDP, excellent numbers for a player in their D-minus-1 year, showing why Central Scouting gave him an "A" rating in their preliminary rankings. My bet is that he's picked in the second round, especially with how smaller players are falling in recent drafts, and that he makes a fine top-6 player in the NHL someday.

RW Daniil Prokhorov (6'6",209lbs)

MHK Dynamo St.Petersburg (MHL): 39gp/ 18g/ 7a/ 25pts, -4, 14 PIM

There must be something in the water in Russia. Left-handed RW Daniil Prokhorov (ranked #27 EU Skaters) is yet another monster from that nation, and in this case, he's a classic north-south power-forward with good finishing ability, who's main asset is his gargantuan size. He is currently second on his team in goals, and tied for 17th in points (5th in goals) by U-18 players. Prokhorov is fairly mobile for a player of his size, and looks like a runaway freight train when he gets a full head of steam behind him, but needs plenty of work on his explosiveness and acceleration. Like many Russians, his puck-control is excellent, showing flashes of high-end stickhandling that he can use to beat opponents from time to time with a slick deke, and his puck-protection skills are high-end- he easily handles outside of his opponents' reach, using his body as a shield, and rarely turns the puck over. With his feet and hands in sync, he can rush the puck up-ice through transition in a straight-line, and will hook up with teammates in give-and-go sequences, but often defers to his comrades to do the carrying.

Prokhorov is not much of a playmaker, and doesn't possess a lot of creativity or vision- his offensive contributions revolve mainly around his shot, and his finishing ability. There's no real dynamic skill here, and he plays a very basic, meat-and-potatoes style. If he makes a play, it's usually borne of funneling pucks to the slot, or from a second-chance opportunity from a shot he fired at the net. His goal-scoring instincts bring him in close proximity to the net; he's very inside-driven, and will crash the crease for loose pucks. He doesn't mind scoring garbage goals, but he has fairly soft hands in-tight to cash-in some pretty ones, too. Using his considerable frame, he will drop a shoulder and ride a defender to the net, and makes an intimidating net-front presence, parking himself in front to create an immovable screen, shovel in rebounds, and tip pucks. Most of his chances come from below the dots, and his shot is already NHL-caliber, with a lethal one-timer, and a deadly catch-and-release wrister. He is good around the net, and dominant down-low, winning the vast majority of his battles while grinding the opposition down, and seems adept at getting pucks to the slot from there. Prokhorov plays a physical style, though not always consistently, and can affect the game with a big hit. He uses his frame well to win possession, and can easily push opponents off the puck, but he will also throw his considerable weight around- and often plays on the edge. He dominates along the wall, and imposes his will in front of the net, but still needs to use his size more consistently, with more intensity; he too often gets caught sticking to the perimeter. Defensively, he generally gets good grades and shows hard work on the backcheck using his reach, range, and physicality to be disruptive. Prokhorov is still a bit raw, and will need some runway to reach his potential. Look for him in the 4th, or 5th round.

RD Max Psenicka (6'5",176lbs)

Portland (WHL): 12gp/ 0g/ 3a/ 3pts, -4, 4 PIM

HC Pizen (Czechia U20): 20gp/ 3g/ 8a/ 11pts, +11, 4 PIM

HC Pizen (Extraliga): 16gp/ 2g/ 0a/ 2pts, -1, 2 PIM

Monster rearguard Max Psenicka (ranked #8 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting, and #55 by McKenzie) was drafted by the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL in the 2024 CHL Import Draft in the first-round, 32nd-overall, but opted to start the season back home in Czechia, where he spent time playing in both the top junior league, and the top men's league. His rights were aquired by the Portland Winterhawks in October, and he was signed to a Scholarship and Development Agreement on January 10th. Since the start of the season, he has seemingly skyrocketed up the rankings as a big, physical shutdown defenseman, whose primary assets are his behemoth frame, his range, and his enormous reach.

Psenicka's first-step is a bit sluggish, and he needs some work on his acceleration, but he has good mobility when he gets going. There must be further upgrades made to his edges and agility, as he can be outmaneuvered, much like a charging rhino. In carrying out his duties in shutting down the other team's top players, he applies a hard, heavy dose of physicality, but does so without taking many penalties. He battles hard in the greasy areas for loose pucks, throws big hits along the boards, and defends his net with snarl. His tight gap-control is a big strength, and his range makes him difficult to get past; he uses his immense reach to poke the puck away from attackers, and usually finishes with a stiff hit. He employs a fairly detailed shutdown game, with solid awareness to identify threats early, intercept passes, clog lanes, and pin opponents to the wall- he is also  a willing shot-blocker. He displays a high-end workrate, competes hard, and doesn't quit on a play. One of his main selling-points is his skill in retrievals; he pre-scans for options, and his breakouts connect with good consistency, but he can run into problems when pressured, and he has to keep things safe and simple to avoid turnovers. His consistency in this area needs work, as does his decision-making.

For a defenseman who specializes in his own-zone play, he is quite active and confident in the other end of the ice. He will join the rush on occasion, and will activate from the blueline if he spots an opportunity, but he doesn't contribute much to his team's offense. Psenicka will take shots from the point to facilitate chances at the net-front for his teammates, and will pinch in to keep the puck alive. He has shown the ability to rush the puck through the neutral zone in transition, and can connect plays expertly, but needs to sprinkle in more deception to his puck-movement and shooting, as he's a bit predictable at times. Psenicka is quite raw, and more potential than finished product right now, but scouts see huge potential, although he might be a bit of a project to whatever team drafts him. He has bottom-4 shutdown potential, but needs work on his strength, puck-skill, skating, and decision-making. Look for him in the third, or fourth round.

RHC Nathan Quinn (5'10",168lbs)

Quebec (QMJHL): 52gp/ 17g/ 29a/ 46pts, -4, 23 PIM

Right-handed C Nathan Quinn (#56 NA Skaters, #48 by Button) has a lot going for him, including the fact that he's one of the younger players in the draft, with an Aug.29th, 2007 birthday- and he's currently second in scoring for the Quebec Remparts, who are in 14th-place out of 18 teams. He also gets to look forward to attending Northeastern University for the 2026-27 season, thanks to the new rule that allows CHL players to be eligible for the NCAA. Quinn is a well-rounded, all-situations, 3-zone center who may lack dynamism and flash in his mostly north-south game, but he shows glimpses of impressive skill and intelligence. He touches every part of the game in a positive way, puts teammates in advantageous positions consistently, and can drive play. 

Quinn's straight-line speed is around average, but he's quick in spurts and light on his skates, making him slippery and elusive and giving him the ability to spin off of checks. He's highly cerebral and economical in his movements, sporting near-elite hockey sense that always keeps him a step or two ahead of the play, and always in position in the right place at the right time. Playmaking is his main forte' in the offensive third, exhibiting keen vision and awareness, with a knack for locating open space to operate out of, and the ability to spot lanes to pass through. He is adept at drawing pressure with patient delays, or the odd drop-pass or cut-back, using the seams he creates to connect with teammates across the ice, or through the crease. Though he is rather slight, he doesn't back down from the rough stuff, with the willingness to compete in the greasy areas and engage his opponents physically- sometimes even throwing thunderous hits. He seems to be a fixture in post-whistle scrums, and is pesky and disruptive on the forecheck. From both a goal-scoring and playmaking standpoint, his net-front presence is one of the pillars of his game. He gets most of his goals in-tight, as his shot is nothing special, and is used mostly as a tool for making plays for his teammates in the form of tips and rebounds. He is not afraid to cut inside to the middle, or go to the front of the net- often timing his appearance to coincide with the puck's arrival. He displays a good motor, with a high workrate, and employs a tenacious, determined approach.

One of Quinn's main calling cards is his detailed and impactful defensive game; he reads the play in his own zone well, and acts proactively to position himself to be able to force errors, cause turnovers, intercept passes, and get inside on opponents. He's highly active, from pressuring the point to supporting his D down low, to defending the front of his net. He is effective in taking away the middle, keeping attacks to the outside. Quinn has quick hands, and is a smooth puckhandler with plenty of slick one-on-one moves to turn defenders inside-out, topped off with some deception to manipulate their movements. He has a number of ways to contribute to transition, using his feet, handling, and deception, as well as his quick-touch passing; once the puck is over the line, he gets to work creating off the rush, and building plays. Scouts who find his offensive game scalable may want to take him as early as the 3rd-round, but he already has a decent NHL floor, due to his advanced own-zone game and puck-movement from defense to offense.

RD Luka Radivojevic (5'10",165lbs)

Muskegon (USHL): 22gp/ 0g/ 12a/ 12pts, +9, 20 PIM

Righty Luka Radivojevic (ranked #120 for EU Skaters) started the year in Sweden, as he has done since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, but came across the pond to play in the USHL in mid-October. He has played 9 games in the SHL over the last 2 seasons (no points), and his 33 points in 43 J20 games in 2023-24 is a league record for scoring by a U-17 defenseman in a season. As of right now, he is 15th in the USHL for ppg by a defenseman (0.55), and has represented Slovakia internationally at the last two World Junior Championships (2 points in 5 games in each event), the 2024 U-18's (6 assists in 6 games), and at last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (5 assists in 4 games). Luka is the son of former NHLer Branko Radivojevic, a big, bruising power-forward in his day, and a polar opposite of his son in terms of both stature and playing style. The younger Radivojevic is electric when he gets ahold of the puck- one of the most entertaining players to watch in this draft-class.

Radivojevic is close to elite when it comes to skating, no doubt one of the fastest players available in the draft, with a smooth and fluid stride that looks highly polished in all directions. In addition to his speed, he is supremely slippery and shifty on his immaculate edges, making him nearly impossible to catch, or pin down. He can change pace and direction on a dime to manipulate opponents, and to sidestep pressure. To augment his lightning quickness, he wields puck-skill that is as good as his skating, adding extra layers to his elusiveness- there aren't many problems he can't solve, and not many obstacles he can't overcome with his overwhelming speed, and slick handling. Despite his size, he makes defenders look silly. He shows enormous value in his ability to drive play from the backend through transition with poise and patience. Forecheckers can't catch him when he's retrieving the puck- he either dekes them out of their skates, or leaves them in the dust, then rockets up-ice with the puck. He's cool and collected, making the process look easy, and he moves the puck well with smart, clean breakout passes, scanning with his head on a swivel and reading the ice. From there, he either jumps in to support the rush, or he can push the puck through the neutral zone with deft passes, and he can sometimes even rush the puck through exit and entry by himself, without being touched. He stands out for his ability to tilt the ice, turning defense into offense quickly.

In the offensive zone, Radivojevic walks the line with sky-high intelligence to manipulate defenders into giving up passing seams- his decision-making and vision are high-end, as are his instincts and passing skill. His point-shot is a bit weak, but he gets the puck through to the net consistently to create chances for teammates. Though he will join the rush, and activate into the play when he sees the chance, he is far more content to hang back at the blueline to QB the play from there- where he can read opposing defenses and pick them apart by exploiting space. His defense has improved over the last few seasons, but he still has a long way to go in this area. He's quick enough, and reads the play well enough to to pressure attackers, and he will battle for pucks with an active stick, but he avoids physical confrontation, and his lack of size and strength is a negative factor. He struggles to defend his net, his gaps are often too loose, his awareness and positioning are deficient, and he gives away pucks at times to avoid engaging bigger players. Another possible red flag is his disappointing production this season in the USHL, coupled with his apparent inability to be a goal-scoring factor. It would seem that if he makes it to the NHL, he would most-likely be a bottom-4 powerplay specialist- but there was some defensemen of his size and ilk that didn't even get drafted last year. Size, lack of physicality, and below-average defense will likely keep him out of the top-3 rounds, so if he does get drafted- I would guess middle rounds, at the very most.

C/LW Noah Read (6'0",170lbs)

London (OHL): 45gp/ 10g/ 16a/ 26pts, +10, 20 PIM

Center Noah Read (ranked # 157 NA Skaters) usually doesn't get much ice-time or responsibility as a depth player on a deep and talented London Knights squad, which makes his production even more impressive when considering how little he's used. Recently, he turned heads in the scouting world by putting up three goals and an assist in game # 4 of the Knights' first-round series against Owen Sound, the very contest that eliminated the Attack from the post-season, and he picked up a Fighting-major with an Instigator penalty in game # 3 against a pretty tough customer in defenseman Braedyn Rogers. Unfortunately, he has only put up 1 other point in the playoffs, an assist, for 5 points in 10 games. That's not all that surprising, considering that Read's 26 points in the regular-season make him the 15th-highest scorer on the Knights, and the 11th-highest forward, which says something about the talent on the team that Read plays behind. A rookie in the OHL, he's a hard-working, energetic, two-way forward with skill, who is destined to breakout in a big way, as early as next year.

Read (who looks like Lip from "Shameless") is an excellent skater who plays with pace and heightened energy. He could use a bit more explosiveness, and perhaps more shiftiness in his edges, but he can beat opponents to loose pucks with a fairly lofty top-gear and his determination. With a high-motor and intensity as tools, he engages physically while being strong along the boards, winning his fair share of battles in the trenches by outworking bigger opponents, and pushing back against defenders in front of the net. He forechecks with purpose to cause chaos for puck-carriers, upend retrievals, and disrupt breakouts. He seems to get most of his scoring chances from within 10 feet of the crease, in driving the net with the puck, crashing the crease for rebounds, and finding gaps in the slot to fill for shooting opportunities. With a snappy release, he gets his shot off quickly and deceptively in-close to fool goalies, and wields good precision, but his shot could use more power for higher levels. Skating with his head up to scan and process, Read possesses above-average hockey sense, and has a good feel for the game; he anticipates well and seems to stay a step or two ahead of his opponents, advancing the play with quick-touch feeds, and give-and-go's- passing off, then relocating to a more advantageous position. His off-puck game is superb, with sharp attention to detail- controlling his pace and timing to be always well-positioned in support of the play, and perpetually open and playable, while disrupting opponents in all three zones. He protects extremely well, and flashes well-developed puck-skills at times to deke around defenders in full-stride, but he needs to incorporate a lot more deception into his stickhandling.

There is glimpses of high-end playmaking skill in his repertoire, with the ability to send high-danger feeds through traffic at times, and understands how to shift defenses in order to open lanes by drawing pressure. He shoots to make plays, and funnels pucks to the slot. This is going to be a big part of his game going forward- he doesn't get many opportunities to show off what he can do offensively right now. He's good enough at escaping pressure and handling in traffic that he can contribute to transition in give-and-go's, connective passing, or by simply streaking up the middle with the puck for a clean entry; at times, he can skate some more dynamic routes through the neutral zone. Read is known to be a solid player defensively, with his anticipation and hockey sense driving his game in his own-zone- he can even be seen directing traffic at times, and always seems to be well-positioned. I think this kid is solid, with a mature, pro-style game, and even though the sample size is much smaller than most, I would have no problem taking him in the middle-rounds- but he’ll likely go later in the draft.

LD Will Reynolds (6'3",192lbs)

Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL): 64gp/ 4g/ 10a/ 14pts, +5, 69 PIM

D Will Reynolds (ranked # 78 NA Skaters) is the second-highest ranked defenseman from the Q according to Central Scouting's midterm list, behind Carlos Handel of Halifax at # 66 (NA Skaters), while toiling for the 11th-place (out of 18 teams) Acadie-Bathurst Titan. This year's edition of the Titan are known be a defense-first club and were 13th in goals-for, with Reynolds being their 4th-highest scoring D. A pro-style shutdown defender, he can move pucks and support the play in all areas without flashiness or dynamism. One of his best traits is that he's an excellent skater, especially for his size, with quickness in all four directions and smooth edgework to surf across the ice laterally, pivot effortlessly, transition seamlessly, sidestep checks, and spin off of hits. He can win races to loose pucks with a long, powerful stride, and his mobility moving backwards and sideways helps him to be a staunch rush-defender- giving him the ability to mirror footwork in applying air-tight gaps, and angling attackers to the boards with adroit stickwork where they are finished with well-timed bodychecks, after being relieved of possession.

Though he's not totally immune to mistakes or miscues, another hallmark of his game is his ability to stay calm, cool, and collected in high-pressure situations. He exhibits a high panic-threshold when retrieving pucks while fending off forechecking bombardments, and locating quick and efficient escape-routes. He shoulder-checks thoroughly, and skates with his head up to make quick reads and connect on crisp, accurate breakout feeds to teammates streaking through the neutral zone, displaying composure and poise. Of course, when there are no safe options, he defers to clearing the puck or sending it off the glass and out. Reynolds is an intimidating physical presence who can crush opponents along the boards, and dole out thunderous hits in open-ice that can swing the momentum of a game in his team's favor; he's also quite mean in front of his net. He launches himself into puck-battles stick-first, and uses his size and strength well to come away with possession more often than not.  In the defensive-third, he keeps attacks to the outside and applies well-timed stickwork and physicality to dislodge possession, and clear pucks out of danger. He stays quite active in the zone, and exhibits heightened awareness, with intensity in hounding puck-carriers, and taking away time and space from aggressors.

In the other end of the rink, he shows flashes of good instincts offensively, and though he prefers to run the play from the point, he times his pinches in on the weak-side well and displays good judgement of when to jump into the play so as not to compromise his team if the play shifts to defending. Most of the time, the purpose of his activations is to keep the play alive, get pucks deep, or to step up to kill the breakout. A lot of his playmaking revolves around simple shots on net to create chances for teammates, and to wreak havoc on opposing goalies. He doesn't join the rush very often, unless he has a clear-cut safe opportunity to do so, and he's often the last player in the offensive zone, and the first player back. Though he gets pucks through to the net with reasonable frequency, his shot isn't all that threatening, and could use more power with greater deception in his release. Reynolds is somewhat limited in terms of puck-skill, and often defers to teammates to do the bulk of the carrying; he clears pucks off the glass, makes smart bank-passes, and will chip-and-chase with speed, rather than try to beat opponents with his stickhandling. There are instances where he can take himself out of the play in search of the big hit, but mobile, physical, shutdown defensemen are always popular on draft day. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

LD Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen (6'0", 181lbs)

University of Michigan (NCAA): 21gp/ 1g/ 4a/ 5pts, -7, 2 PIM

It seems like DRM has been around forever. The young Wolverines' rearguard is the son of Manon Rheaume (remember her?), and the nephew of former NHLer Pascal Rheaume, and is in the midst of a rather lukewarm freshman year. The transition to the NCAA from the NTDP last year has been rather smooth, but he's not getting the ice-time or responsibility yet to post big numbers, because of his age (he's 18. with a December 18th, 2006 birthday), and the fact that he's playing behind some older defensemen. Central Scouting awarded him a "C" in their preliminary rankings, deeming him a potential 4th, or 5th-round pick, based largely on his 2023-24 season in the NTDP, where he registered zero goals and 18 assists in 61 games, along with 2 assists in 7 contests in the 2024 U-18's. Those numbers aren't going to wow anyone, but Rheaume-Mullen is more of a defensive specialist anyway, with plenty of intelligence and a detailed, engaged approach to his duties. He makes good use of a well-timed, active stick and exemplary positioning to kill rushes by closing gaps quickly and angling his opponents to the boards, and out of danger. His adversaries are quickly smothered of time and space.

DRM is undersized for a defenseman, but he's a fantastic skater- perhaps a step below elite. His edges are remarkably smooth, enabling him to pivot on a dime, and his lateral quickness makes him very difficult to get around. He can impose a fairly hard-nosed physical game, but he's a bit inconsistent in this area, and I think he might be taking a more nuanced approach right now, while he adapts better to playing against men. He will battle along the boards and in the corners for loose pucks, and he can go through his opponents if he has to. His retrievals get good grades, as he routinely stays calm and composed while scanning his options, and makes sound decisions in regard to his breakout passes. With his speed and polished handling, he proves his worth in transition, moving pucks up the ice quickly, through controlled exits and entries. He will join the rush, and often leads it, but usually stays close to the blueline to quarterback the play with one eye on the offense, and the other on the backcheck. DRM has a rather hard and heavy shot, but his numbers suggest that he's not a goal-scoring threat- he gets his shot through consistently, but with the purpose of making second-chance plays and causing havoc in the crease. At the end of the day, his involvement in his team's offense is up-and-down, but he's considered to be a smart player with high IQ and good hockey sense- I think he's trying to play a mistake-free game right now as a youngster in his first year of NCAA action. Still, I don't think he'll put up big numbers in the pros, and will instead be relied upon for quality puck-movement and good defense.

Many have DRM as high as the second round, including myself, but if I'm being honest- he's always seemed overrated, and quite vanilla to me. I don't think he'll ever be more than a bottom-pairing D in the NHL, not that there's anything wrong with that. I put him in the late-second in my latest Draft Rankings, based on the fact that scouts seem to think he still has high potential, but I'm starting to second-guess myself. My belief right now is that he could be picked in the 3rd, or 4th-round of this summer's draft, but I'm going with the scouts on this one.

LD Braedyn Rogers (6'0",181lbs)

Owen Sound (OHL): 68gp/ 7g/ 21a/ 28pts, -13, 44 PIM

If you're the team that likes D Quinn Beauchesne, and you miss out on him at the draft, perhaps D Braedyn Rogers would be of interest to you. Rogers, who went unlisted by Central Scouting in their Mid-Term Rankings, toiled this season for the 16th-ranked (out of 20 teams) Owen Sound Attack- who squeaked into the playoffs, only to be swept by the powerhouse London Knights. Though he only put up 2 points in 4 post-season games, it was enough to lead the Attack's defense in points. During the regular season, Rogers was second in points from the backend in Owen Sound with 28 points, second only to James Petrovsky's 41, and he was ahead of the next highest-scoring D-man by a shocking 18 points. Similar to the aforementioned Quinn Beauchesne, he is a two-way blueliner with a solid shutdown dimension, and a physical edge. Rogers specializes in shutting down the rush and denying entries by mimicking his opponents' footwork in applying tight gap control, with sharp timing, an active stick, and solid angling to force low-danger shots and dump-ins. He strips the puck, then guides his mark into the boards where they are finished with a hit.

Rogers is a smooth skater, and though he may not be a burner, he wields excellent 4-way fluidity, and is very light on his edges- giving him the ability to transition seamlessly, pivot quickly, and make tight turns. He's not big as far as defensemen go, but he's a physical player who can sometimes be a little mean in doling out slashes and crosschecks, and he will drop the gloves in defense of a teammate. Though he keeps things mostly simple and safe, he is a jack-of-all-trades type, fairly well-rounded, and a workhorse- capable of logging big minutes for Owen Sound in important minutes, with effectiveness on both special teams. In the defensive zone, he exhibits plus-level hockey sense and anticipation to identify threats early and act proactively, by setting conspicuous picks, tying up sticks, getting inside position, pinning attackers to the boards, and boxing opponents out from the net. He is dependable and reliable in his own-zone, applying physicality to win pucks, putting his body on the line to block shots, and playing a heavy game down-low. In transition, he proves to be a quality puck-mover who sees the ice well, makes generally good decisions, and is a high-value contributor to his team's breakout. Skating with his head on a swivel to inventory his options, he completes smooth retrievals by calmly shaking off pressure, and finds the most efficient escape route to get the puck moving in the right direction by spotting outlets up-ice. When the puck touches his blade, he seems to consistently turn defense into offense, with haste.

Rogers doesn't extend himself too much in the offensive zone, preferring to run the play from the line most of the time, with few meaningful activations into the rush, and he doesn't pinch into the play off the line very often. Any forays into the play usually consist of keeping the play alive in the zone, or stepping up to snuff the breakout in it's early stages. He keeps pucks flowing to the net to give teammates scoring chances, and his shot is very underrated in my opinion. He can beat goalies from a distance with his laser of a wrister and it's deceptive release, and his one-timer explodes off his blade. Age is really working against him, with a Nov. 21st, 2006 birthday, and he needs work on his puck-skills, and strength. I like this kid, but he might be a bit too low-event for a defenseman his size, and I'm not sure he's shown enough this year to be drafted- there were D left on the board after last year's draft who were maybe comparable, or better than Rogers, but he might be a late-round pick this year due to the lack of depth in this draft. I look at D Cam Allen, a six-footer who was drafted in the 5th-round by the Capitals in the 2023 Draft, after posting only 25 points in 62 games- not that I can truly compare the two. I think Rogers has good potential, but he needs to learn to take more calculated risks in the offensive zone.

LD Jacob Rombach (6'6",  201lbs)

Lincoln (USHL): 28gp/ 0g/ 6a/ 6pts, +12, 26 PIM.

Big defenseman Jacob Rombach is a shutdown defender who has the scouts excited. In their preliminary rankings, Central Scouting gave him a "B" grade, meaning they see him as a potential 2nd, or 3rd-round pick, which seems like lofty praise for a player who has never shown any offensive ability. Rombach took part in the 2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (2 assists in 5 games), and the most recent World Junior A Challenge (2 points in 5 games) for Team USA, which indeed shows that he's near the top of this year's crop of defensemen for the Americans. With 3 goals and 9 points in 59 games in 2023-24, I would think more was expected of him numbers-wise this season (he is on pace for 12 points in 57 games in 2024-25), especially when Lincoln is 3rd in win %, and 1st in goals-for at the moment. Offense just isn't what Rombach is counted on to provide, although he gets involved in all facets of the game, and is a highly active player.

Rombach's speed is somewhat deficient, but scouts say the mechanics of his stride as well as his edges and agility look projectable- all he needs is to increase his leg strength for his skating to be considered a plus. Rombach plays a smart, simple game without risk or complexity in transition and in offensive situations- he supports the play in all 3 zones quite well, even if it doesn't bring him many points. He walks the line effectively to open seams for his smart passes, but also to keep pucks in the zone and to draw defenders towards him to create space. He gets shots through to the net consistently as a playmaking device for second-chance opportunities. He will activate to keep pucks alive, and once in awhile to make plays off the wall to high danger areas. Rombach is not at all afraid to be aggressive and pinch deep, and he can explode off the boards with the puck to the middle to make plays or to get a shot off. He participates in the rush and will attack the slot, but if he were to improve his speed, he could potentially unlock a whole other dimension to his game. He's still developing as a true puck-mover, and flashes some smarts and vision, but gets in trouble when he tries to be fancy with the puck.

Though he may not be perfect, his defensive game is his bread-and-butter, and with his overwhelming wingspan and active stick, he is proficient at smothering attackers of time and space. He displays fairly good awareness and anticipation in being a disruptor- he intercepts passes, blocks shots, pokes pucks away from danger, and keeps aggressors to the outside with regularity. He makes a good number of stops in the neutral zone and is effective against the rush, employing tight gaps to deny entries. In front of the net, he boxes adversaries out, ties up sticks, and manhandles his opponents. Rombach plays a physical brand of hockey, and not only throws his weight around, but is inescapable when he ties up, or pins his victims along the boards. Scouts give his retrievals consistently good reviews, as he shows proficiency in scanning for options and making efficient outlets under duress- which is a hard thing to do on a regular basis. After shaking off pressure with a fake or two, he can even carry it out of the zone on occasion. Rombach might be a longer-term prospect, but the reason he was "B" rated is because he has solid NHL tools to build on, and he'll get plenty of time to develop at the University of Minnesota next season. He's looking like a potential top-4 shutdown D, and I believe he'll be taken in the second, or third-round of the 2025 Draft.

LW David Rozsival (6'0",185)

Bili Tygri Liberec U20: 30gp/ 17g/ 20a/ 37pts, +20, 8 PIM

Don't sleep on this one. Winger David Rozsival (ranked # 22 EU Skaters) finished the regular season 3rd in scoring for U-18 players in Czechia's U20 League, despite missing a few months of action due to injury; he was 1st in his age group by a large margin in ppg, with 1.23, with the next highest mark being 0.92 (though there were a few with under 10 games played that had a 1.00 ppg). He got a 5-game cup o' coffee over the course of the season in the Extraliga, Czechia's top men's league (no points), and made it back from injury in time to play 4 games for his U20 team in the 2nd-round of the playoffs, scoring 4 goals before they were eliminated from the post-season. Rozsival also made an appearance in last summer's Hlinka, where he tied teammate Vojtech Cihar for 7th in Team Czechia scoring, with a goal and an assist in 5 games. I hate to use the old cliche', but Rozsival is one of those, "good at everything, but not elite in any area" types, or perhaps a "Swiss Army knife", because he's quite well-rounded, can play in any situation (including both special teams), and makes an impact in all three zones. He is an excellent skater, and although he may not possess elite speed, he is definitely faster than the average junior player, and bumps his pace up a few notches with his high-end workrate. He has a peppy short-burst at his disposal to win races and sprint to loose pucks, with polished edges that allow him to sidestep checks, evade pressure, and make sharp lateral cuts across the ice.

Any profile you read on Rozsival will surely make mention of how amazingly strong on the puck he is, with exemplary protection ability, and well-developed puck-control. Though he's average-sized, it's very difficult to take the puck from him after it touches his blade- his presence on the ice extends possession and offensive-zone time for his team. With quick hands, his puck-skill is uncommon, giving him the ability to deke and dangle past defenders, and he can knock saucer passes down out of the air and gain control quickly while in-motion. His hockey sense is exceptional as well, giving him virtually infallible positioning in all three zones, with high-end awareness; he knows where to be at all times to best support the play on and off the puck, stay open and playable, and be consistently disruptive to his opponents. He reads the play around him well, and makes quick, viable decisions. Rozsival's offense is well-balanced between playmaking and goal-scoring, and while his numbers don't seem elite, his 1.23 ppg as a U-18 player are greater than that of countryman David Krejci's (1.20 ppg) at the same age, and ranks 49th all-time for ppg in a season by a U-18 player with 10 games or more. He has a quick and precise release, and soft hands in-close to beat goalies, getting his chances by finding gaps to fill in the slot, and by going to the net to pick-up loose pucks. In his playmaking, he exerts creativity and vision, finding teammates through traffic and across the ice, and understands how to create space by drawing pressure with patient delays, changes of pace, cutbacks, as well as stops and starts, and how to shift defenses on the cycle. There's a fair amount of deception in his game as well, to give him a little more breathing room to move around, and his passing skill is well-honed with an arsenal of slip passes through triangles, saucers over blades, and hooks around sticks.

Rozsival is fairly hard-nosed in battle, and will fight for pucks along the wall and in the corners, and will plant himself in front of the net to lock horns with opposing defensemen to win positioning. He forechecks vigorously, attacking puck-carriers with speed and tenacity to disrupt retrievals and snuff breakouts, turning recoveries into instantaneous offense. He is supportive of his team's play in all three zones, and instrumental through transition in advancing the puck up the ice via passing plays or by carries, and is dually disruptive to opponents in the neutral zone with his active stick and sharp anticipation. One of Rozsival's calling-cards, and an area that separates him from other players of his ilk, is his impeccable reliability in his own-zone, in addition to his his ability to disturb the opposition in the other two-thirds of the ice. He backchecks as hard as he forechecks, working to limit time and space for attackers, while also reducing time on defense for his team. Exhibiting top-notch awareness and anticipation, he blocks lanes proactively, wins inside position before his man can get the puck, causes turnovers, and tips away passes. He subs-in for roaming defensemen, and aids them in battles down-low. With Rozy, I think it's just a matter of how scouts view his offense translating, and to what degree; the rest of his game in the other two zones is scalable, in my opinion. Look for him in the third, or fourth-round.

LHC Ivan Ryabkin (6'0",198lbs)

Muskegon (USHL): 16gp/ 9g/ 7a/ 16pts, -2, 50 PIM

MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL): 15gp/ 1g/ 11a/ 12pts, -3, 26 PIM

C Ivan Ryabkin (ranked #3 for EU Skaters, #19 by McKenzie, and #20 by Button) broke records for U-17 players in the MHL in 2023-24, beating out both Matvei Michkov and Ivan Demidov in their respective D-minus-one seasons, with 58 points in 44 games. In the current season, he made stops in both the VHL (2 points in 8 games) and the KHL (2 games, no points), but was in the midst of a miserable MHL season, one that saw him healthy-scratched on numerous occasions, when the decision was made that he should try his luck across the pond in the USHL, with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. In just his third game in that league, he incurred a three-game suspension for an ugly slew-footing incident. Concerns about his attitude, work-ethic, and coachability continue to plague him, with rumours persisting that he's not well-liked by his teammates, and there's even been whispers about poor fitness and conditioning. The young Russian is a dynamic offensive center, with all the skills one would want in a top-line player, but his pace and motor come and go.

First of all, Ryabkin is a smooth and fluid skater, but his straight-ahead speed is average- he needs plenty of work on his explosiveness, acceleration, and top speed. Though he can lose races, and can't easily separate in open ice, he is freakishly strong on the puck, and has uncommon balance, making it very hard to knock him over; he stays on his feet through contact, and is slippery and elusive on his edges. His lack of high-end speed doesn't hurt him as much as his inconsistent pace though. Ryabkin's best traits are his elite IQ and his advanced anticipation in the offensive zone, giving him a creative playmaking game that is augmented by his high-end passing skills. He understands how to create space for teammates by drawing pressure with delays, cut-backs, and button-hooks, and reads the ice as well as anyone in this year's draft class, with the ability to pull off feeds that few others could; he can connect with teammates through traffic, or across the ice, with crisp, accurate passing. Since he came to North America though, it looks as though he's been flexing his goal-scoring skills, with his laser of a shot on a quick, deceptive release, and superb precision to pick corners with. He also displays soft hands in-tight, and times his attacks to the slot so that he arrives at the right time to strike.

Ryabkin employs an edgy physical game with plenty of grit, and can throw some big hits- although he often crosses the line into "dirty" territory. He's freakishly strong, and tenacious in board-battles, with a lopsided win-lose ratio; when he's on, he's quite fiery and competitive. Adding to his strength on the puck is his elite stickhandling that enables him to weave through traffic, easily beating layers of defenders one-on-one, and he can do the same to a goalie. Though he doesn't push pace nearly enough, he's a high-end possession player, and can carry the puck through the middle for clean entries, and connect plays with short passes when he feels the need. Of course, he owns a deep arsenal of deception tactics to manipulate defenders in the form of feints, fakes, look-offs, and weight shifts to aid him in getting around. Ryabkin's off-puck game is an underrated part of his success in creating offense; he trades off with teammates in give-and-go plays, then relocates to advantageous places to support the play, open space, and stay playable. He covers for his D when they have to leave their post at the point, and helps his teammates win possession.

In defensive situations, Ryabkin has shown solid details, positioning, and awareness, but too often- the effort isn't there. There are many times when he's the last forward back in the zone, and he often cheats up-ice, leaving the zone early. When he's fully engaged, he can be disruptive, aware, and physical- but I've seen games where I was surprised by how little he affected his team's transition and defense. His consistency and engagement go up-and-down like a roller-coaster, not only game-to-game, but shift-to-shift; come draft day, scouts will know whether the off-ice issues are just conjecture, or reality, and will judge his worthiness of a pick accordingly. It's hard to imagine Ryabkin getting past the top-20, but anything is possible.

RW Lukas Sawchyn (5'10",174lbs)

Edmonton (WHL): 66gp/ 15g/ 40a/ 55pts, +8, 27 PIM

Gracyn Sawchyn's little brother Lukas (ranked # 119 NA Skaters), a graduate of Shattuck-St.Mary's two season ago, ended up 3rd in scoring on the Oil Kings- who finished the season 11th out of 22 teams in the WHL this year, and took the Prince Albert Raiders to 7 games in the playoffs en route to being eliminated (Lukas missed 2 post-season games, and finished with 3 points in 5 games). In 2023-24, Lukas tried his hand in the USHL with the rebuilding Chicago Steel, but wasn't able to make much of a dent, posting only 4 goals and 15 points in 60 games. The Sawchyn brothers play together on the Oil Kings, and have some of the same traits; Lukas is a solid two-way performer with dynamic puck-skill, and some grit. His hands are lightning-quick, among the best in this draft-class, and he could probably stickhandle in a phone booth- he can deke and dangle around opponents in traffic, handle around outstretched sticks, catch smoothly in-flight, and he can keep remarkable control of the puck at top-speed. He can manipulate defenders at attacking speed with his handling wizardry, weave in-and-out of traffic with the puck seemingly glued to his blade, and creates extra room with slick one-on-one moves, deception in shifts of weight, and changes in pace and direction. In addition, he reads gaps adroitly, exhibiting good spatial awareness, and processes quickly.

Sawchyn has a fairly good shot that he definitely needs to use more often, and he score from seemingly any angle, but when it comes to putting the puck in the net he's more of a finisher who scores in-close- and he owns soft hands to deke out netminders for highlight-reel goals. He makes frequent appearances in the slot, attacks the middle with aplomb, and drives the net fearlessly. Though he's fairly balanced offensively and possesses solid awareness, it's obvious from his stats that he's more of a pass-first player; he's a quality set-up man and a skilled distributor, showing good space-creation with give-and-go plays, with the ability to draw defenders in order to pry open passing lanes. Sawchyn skates well with above-average speed and fluid mechanics, but he lacks a separation gear, and could use more explosiveness in small-areas. He makes good use of his smooth edges to pivot quickly, maneuver through traffic with shiftiness, spin off of checks, and evade hits. Though he gets criticism for his lack of pace at times in transition, he can skate complex routes through the neutral zone while bypassing defenders on the rush, using delays and hesitations to open space for teammates, and moving the play along with connective passing. He can enter the zone up the middle to force defenders back, thereby opening space at the top of the zone, and will sometimes cut-back upon entry to wait for the right play to develop.

Sawchyn plays with energy, has an aggressive mindset, and is driven by a relentless motor. Though he isn't quite as rambunctious or fiery as his brother, he doesn't back down from the rough stuff, and in fact- he displays a solid board-game, gives second-and-third efforts to win pucks, moves through contact, throws hits to dislodge possession, and battles hard for positioning in front of the net. With a stocky build, he is difficult to knock off the puck, and plays with grit and tenacity- using physicality on the forecheck to disrupt, and force errors. Sawchyn is a solid defensive player who attacks puck-carriers, wields airtight positioning, and displays combativeness in limiting time and space- launching himself into battles, sprinting to loose pucks, and throwing his weight around when needed. Sawchyn is guilty at times of trying to do too much, and often tries to force plays that aren't there. There are also times of indecisiveness where he can hold on to the puck for too long, and then run out of real estate. Going forward, he will need upgrades to his strength, skating, and shot- but I think he's being a little underrated. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RD Owen Schoettler (6'0",185lbs)

Spokane (WHL): 68gp/ 5g/ 13a/ 18pts, +15, 26 PIM

Righty Owen Schoettler (ranked # 138 NA Skaters) doesn't play much- mostly third-pairing minutes on a deep Chiefs defense that features 3 NHL Draft-picks. Spokane finished 4th-overall in the regular season, 2nd in goals-scored, and are currently competing in the Western Conference Championship in the WHL Playoffs, with Schoettler contributing 4 assists in 14 games so far. He could very well not be drafted this summer due to his poor production, but this kid's best days are ahead of him. Despite his paltry stats, he is an effective two-way D with a well-rounded skillset, and can contribute in all situations reliably, as well as both special teams, with a steadying presence on the blueline. Schoettler gets up and down the ice expeditiously, with a long and powerful stride that's fluid and mechanically sound. He generates above-average speed with superb edges that give him effortless maneuverability, plus the ability to transition seamlessly, and match footwork with oncoming attackers when defending the rush. 

With strong puckhandling and well-developed puck-skill, he exerts accuracy in his feeds, and firm control at high speed. He protects well, skates into passes, and exhibits calmness and poise under duress with the puck. One of his calling-cards right now is his plus-level defensive awareness, and he is known to excel in his own zone as an impactful shutdown defenseman, and shows prowess against the rush. His positioning is immaculate, and his stick-placement is spotless, which gives him the upper-hand when defending and helps him rack up a high number of turnovers and takeaways. With his aggression and high engagement level, he works to limit the time and space his opponents have to work with, keeps aggressors to the outside, and boxes attackers out from the net. Initiating contact early and often, he wraps his targets up along the boards and pins them to the wall, containing and neutralizing threats. He employs tight gaps, and closes space quickly by surfing across the ice to seal off the boards with a poke-check and a hit. Despite being below-average in size for a blueliner, Schoettler is potent in puck-battles and wins much more than he loses, with an exorbitantly high success rate; he gives second and third-efforts to win possession. He's a gritty, physical presence, and will throw his weight around to separate man from puck, or to win inside position, and skates into hands. He is always engaged, active and energetic, and possesses a high-motor.

Schoettler recovers a high-number of pucks in the defensive-third, and can make high-value plays to get the puck out of the zone with poise and patience, kicking off the breakout, and giving advancing forwards advantages in the process. He has the mobility and the handling to weave through the neutral zone in transition, and will push the puck up-ice by working give-and-go's for controlled entries. He flashes a robust offensive side, and has all the tools to be a big breakout player in the WHL, as early as next season. He sees the ice well, with the ability quarterback the play from the point with his distribution skill, and walks the line skillfully to pry open lanes, keep the play alive, and extend offensive-zone time. He owns a hard shot that finds it's way to the net with good frequency, and he will unleash it as a playmaking device to create rebound opportunities for teammates. He's quite active though, and pinches in to the play often, sneaks in on the weak side, and will join the rush as an extra forward. I think that, if Schoettler were 6'2", he would probably be projected to be drafted in the top-four rounds, but as it stands- he will most likely be chosen in later rounds, if at all.

LD Drew Schock (6'0",182lbs)

NTDP: 37gp/ 4g/ 13a/ 17pts, -9, 10 PIM

The NTDP has some quality D listed in the first half of the 2025 Draft, but none more exciting than lefty Drew Schock (AKA Harold Schock IV). If you've read about this player, you've most likely seen him listed as being 5'10", and 160lbs- but those measurements are from the 2023-24 NTDP training camp, and therefore, erroneous. Schock is highly underrated, and beyond being the NTDP's top-scoring defenseman, he's sometimes their best player on a nightly basis, and considering the team itself- his numbers are not indicative of his capabilities. He's highly skilled, plays in all situations, and is fairly well rounded. In the CHL-USA Top Prospects Challenge, he was quite impressive, and one of the few Americans who was able to put a dent in the scoresheet, with 2 points in 2 games. Though it would be difficult to evaluate any player on the US side as they were vastly outplayed, Schock proved that he could keep up with the speed and pace of the dominant CHL squad (although he was burned a few times). Against USHL competition with the NTDP this season, his .54 ppg (7 points in 13 games) would be 14th in that league for defensemen, and first among under-18 players- ahead of Luka Radivojevic, and Charlie Trethewey.

Schock is a high-energy player who stays active and covers a huge volume of real estate every shift. He's highly engaged and competitive, staying involved with or without the puck on his blade. His skating is easy to evaluate, as it's already NHL-calibre- perhaps a notch or two below elite. His edges are superb and allow for quick pivots and rapid changes in pace  and direction; he's highly elusive and shifty. Only a few steps are needed to get him up to top speed, and he can back defenders up, or burn them completely. His hands are quick too, with well-developed stickhandling to deke or dangle around opponents, and his manipulation game is on point- wielding the deception skills to fake his adversaries out of their skates. Schock joins the rush with regularity, and often leads them, making smooth, controlled entries using the aforementioned speed, deception, and 1-on-1 trickery. Once established in the zone, he walks the line like Johnny Cash, quarterbacking the PP, and activating frequently with the speed to recover almost instantly. He's creative, with high-end vision, and though he tries to stay safe and simple, he has a dynamic, flashy side; he can find teammates in high-danger with difficult passes, as he can see through coverage. Schock is not just a finesse player though, as he employs physicality, ties up opponents on the boards, and initiates contact to separate man from puck. 

Schock plays a fairly sound defensive game, but not mistake-free, as he can be pressed into making mistakes with the puck at times when under duress. Still, he's engaged in his own zone in hounding puck-carriers, and is a willing shot-blocker. He shows aptitude against the rush by angling attackers to the outside, as he can match footwork with anyone. In retrievals, he scans for options and draws forecheckers in so he can pass to teammates in open space. His first-pass is usually sound, and he can connect on the more high-end breakouts through traffic for breakaways and odd-man rushes, but he can also be pressured into mistakes (like throwaways and turnovers). In those situations, he has the luxury of owning the speed to recover and correct more often than not. Schock is not a perfect player, and could use some work on his shot, and his decision-making under pressure, but he contributes in all 3 zones. He's headed to the University of Michigan next season, and I think he's going to be taken in the 3rd or 4th-round of the Draft- if he isn't, I'll be "Schock-ed".

LD Julius Saari (6'2",180lbs)

Jokerit (U20): 30gp/ 3g/ 1a/ 4pts,+16, 34 PIM

Jokerit (Mestis): 5gp/ 1g/ 0a/ 1pt, +2, 2 PIM

Defenseman Julius Saari (ranked # 35 for EU Skaters) is mainly a meat-and-potatoes stay-at-home rearguard with a physical game, and some quality puck-moving ability, but he keeps his play with the puck very safe and simple. Saari has earned himself some time with Jokerit's Mestis team this season (Finland's second-tier men's league), and I thought he looked pretty good in 4 games in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, even though he went home with no points. He wields excellent range and an active stick, making it hard for opposing forwards to get past him, and his sound positioning contibutes to his solid defensive presence. He exerts tight gaps with astute angling through the neutral zone, combined with acute timing to close with a deft poke-check, or a stiff jolt- sometimes both. He identifies threats early, and takes proactive steps to cut off enemy space and eliminate his opponents' effectiveness, by clogging lanes, checking sticks, and smothering his man.

Saari skates quite well, on a long, fluid stride with strong edges to surf across the ice laterally with speed, pivot smoothly, and outmaneuver smaller attackers. He employs an edgy physical game with the willingness to throw big hits, and wins more than his fair share of battles in the greasy areas. He isn't afraid to dispense some nasty crosschecks, or to dole out some hacks and whacks, particularly when defending his net. One of the main pillars of his game, and perhaps the main thing that separates him from many of his peers, is the way he performs the process of making mostly seamless retrievals, followed by the frequency in which he is able to move the puck out of his zone safely, with poise and confidence. Saari moves the puck well, but doesn't try to do anything risky or dynamic, preferring to keep his play with the puck simple, and risk-free. He can connect plays expertly through transition, and will carry the puck through the neutral zone on occasion. When installed in the offensive zone, he usually supports the play from the line, but will occasionally pinch in to keep the play alive, or activate in an attempt to pry open space or create a scoring opportunity. Saari displays a hard shot from the point with a quick release that could perhaps use more power and deception, and he can get it on net with reasonable frequency, but it is used mostly to create looks for his teammates. That is really the extent of his playmaking ability, as he doesn't contribute much in this end of the ice, and lacks offensive awareness.

Saari is a workhorse who can log big minutes and play the PK, and shows himself to be competitive and hard-working. Like many of his peers at this age, his play is inconsistent- but Saari is inconsistent shift-to-shift, sometimes looking sloppy and mistake-prone. He does many things well, but his lack of offense makes it hard to project his game- most stay-at-home defenders that get drafted have at least some semblance of offensive numbers- even though the majority of his game looks like that of a modern-day defensive defenseman that scouts like. I think he could use some improvement on his puck-skills, as well as his offensive game, but he needs to get a whole lot stronger to handle the rigors of the pro-game- even if he ends up playing his pro career in Finland. I think that with the lack of depth in this draft, he could get picked in the middle rounds.

RHC Ashton Schultz (6'0",181lbs)

Chicago (USHL): 51gp/ 14g/ 20a/ 34pts, -6, 4 PIM

Right-handed pivot Ashton Schultz (ranked # 59 NA Skaters) doesn't have the most head-turning numbers for a draft-aged prospect, and with an Oct.3rd, 2006 birthday, those stats have even less luster. Schultz passed up attending the University of North Dakota for his freshman year, in favor of going back to the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers for the season- but after just one game with that club, he was moved to the Chicago Steel. Schultz plays mostly on the second line in Chicago, who are in 14th place out of 16 teams in the USHL, and are 11th in goals-scored. Scouts seem to really love this kid, and it's not because of his stats per se, but because he employs a detailed game with pro-style habits, most notably in the defensive zone. He displays exemplary positioning and awareness in all three zones, with top-notch intelligence and IQ; he's highly tactical, always supporting the play and pre-scanning with his head on a swivel, and always seemingly in the right place, at the right time. Schultz is a cerebral two-way center who plays with intensity, and acts as a swiss-army knife for his team- he is impactful in all areas of the ice, can play in any situation, excels on special teams, and can play center or wing with equal effectiveness.

In the defensive zone, Schultz looks like a driven player with pride in his shutdown ability- he is highly disruptive, forces attackers to the perimeter and out of danger areas, applies supreme pressure on puck-carriers, and cuts off the middle. He is instrumental in turning possession around from defense to offense for his team. At the other end of the ice, he is engaged and aggressive on the forecheck, with a dog-on-a-bone mentality to target puck-carriers, and is actually a fairly balanced offensive performer between playmaking and finishing, with a more workmanlike approach than a dynamic, flashy one. Schultz, who put up an assist in the All-American Game (a 3-2 loss), can make plays in traffic under pressure while taking contact, skating with his head up to survey his options, and processing quickly. He doesn't take many risks though in his rather meat-and-potatoes game, and only flashes true creativity and high-end offensive awareness. He locates soft spots in the slot to dip in-and-out of, and arrives at the net-front with impeccable timing, at just the right time for close-in chances, and exhibits soft hands in-tight. He can score from a bit further out though, getting a good whip on his wrister, with a quick and deceptive release to freeze goalies. Mobility-wise, he is an excellent skater with above-average speed, and is slippery and elusive on his edges to spin off of hits, and dodge checks. He keeps his feet in constant motion, and his quickness is amplified by his high-end workrate, and his tireless motor- he supplies his team with energy, and stays active in all situations.

Though he is mostly a quick-touch player, he exerts quick hands and smooth stickhandling in his carries, and superb protection skills to deny poke-checks and handle with the puck out of reach of attackers. He owns some slick one-on-one moves, shifty footwork, and an array of deceptive maneuvers to work his way through traffic, and he can handle around sticks in-flight. Using these skills, he presents himself as an option on the breakout, and supports the action through transition by connecting plays expertly, showing a pace-pushing tempo in the process, and play-driving capabilities. Schultz isn't huge in stature, but he doesn't at all shy away from the rough stuff- he battles hard for loose pucks along the boards, fights for position in front of the net, and pins opponents to the wall in the defensive zone, but he's not overly physical in terms of throwing hits. His off-puck game is one of his greatest strengths- he skates intelligent routes to stay a playable option and to support the play in all three zones, and acts to disrupt his opponents all over the ice. There's good reason why Central Scouting has put him in the lofty position of #59 (NA Skaters), and why his name seems to showing up more and more in various mocks- he could be a highly impactful bottom-six, two-way contributor in the NHL one day. Schultz is committed to the University of North Dakota for 2025-26, which is good news for the team that drafts him, as he will have a longer runway to develop, while playing against men. Look for him in the middle rounds.

RHC Jabez Seymour (6'3",201lbs)

Baie-Comeau (QMJHL): 26gp/ 3g/ 2a/ 5pts, -3, 24 PIM

Charlottetown (QMJHL): 27gp/ 4g/ 3a/ 7pts, 0, 23 PIM

Righty Jabez Seymour (ranked # 145 NA Skaters), whose idol is Matthew Tkachuk, has a touch of pedigree- being drafted in the first-round of the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar with the 18th-overall pick, but he was traded in December to the Charlottetown Islanders, who finished in the 12th-spot in the standings out of 18 teams. Seymour was relegated to mostly 4th-line duty on the Drakkar, who were in 7th-place at season's end, and didn't get a whole lot more ice-time or responsibility in his time with the Islanders. A violent pivot, he wields a menacing physical game in all three zones, initiating contact whenever possible, and skating from hit to hit. He finishes every check without exception, even after his target has seemingly long dished the puck. Though his step has some mechanical issues, including an upright posture on a bit of a short and choppy stride, he gets a surprising amount of power and speed out of it, and is quite agile for a big kid. As he gains strength in his core and his lower body, his mobility will be a major asset, as he already moves around the ice very well- especially for a player with his size.

As one might guess, Seymour is highly effective on the forecheck, and is involved in every post-whistle scrum- driving opponents crazy, and getting them off their game by agitating and constantly stirring the pot. With the way he plays on the edge and bullies his opponents, he usually has a target on his back, which means that he sometimes has to drop the gloves- but he has shown that he's a willing pugilist. Offensively, his game is fairly meat-and-potatoes and lacks any sort of flash or dash, with few real dynamic skills to help him out- although I do think his puck-skills are underrated, and give him the ability to motor through traffic at times with poise and confidence. Like a true power-forward, he will crash the net like a bull in a china shop to cause chaos in front, mess with opposing goalies, and maybe snag a second-chance opportunity; he has rather soft hands in-tight, and good hand-eye coordination for redirects. He has a dangerous net-front presence, parking himself there to clean up garbage in the crease, and makes a good screen. With his proficient protection skills, he attacks the inside, and is dominant below the hash-marks and behind the net off-puck, winning battles and digging out pucks for his teammates. At times, he flashes higher-end ideas and sneaky hockey sense, with the confidence to try things, but his lack of true creativity, timing, and playmaking skill holds him back (although he doesn't exactly get to play with the most offensively-inclined linemates either). His one big calling card in the offensive-third is his NHL-caliber shot; he can fire off the catch and has a quick, sneaky release, but needs to work on his precision from a distance.

Seymour is responsible and active in the defensive zone, plying an active stick and physicality to intimidate and pressure opponents into coughing up pucks, and forcing uncontrolled play. He is aggressive in removing time and space from attackers, takes away the middle effectively, and supports his D down-low. He is also an active participant in his team's transition in supporting the play, and skating intelligent routes off-puck to stay a playable option through the neutral zone. With 10 points in 56 games last year with the Drakkar, he should have more than 12 points in 53 games this season. I believe that, while he may never be an offensive dynamo, he is a vastly better player than his stats, and will start to show more as early as next season. There is a good chance that he goes undrafted this summer, and may have to earn a pro-contract on a try-out in the future, or perhaps hope that he gets drafted in 2026 with better production in his D+1 year. If he gets picked this June, he will most likely have to wait until later rounds. Going forward, Seymour will have to clean up his skating stride in order to maximize his speed, add more muscle to his frame, and work on his faceoff proficiency (he was 43.9% this season), but he could possibly be a fan-favorite in an NHL team's bottom-six someday.

LD Will Sharpe (6'1",194lbs)

Lethbridge (WHL): 35gp/ 3g/ 25a/ 28pts, -5, 22 PIM

Kelowna (WHL): 31gp/ 6g/ 10a/ 16pts, -41, 24 PIM

Lefty Will Sharpe (ranked # 65 NA Skaters) had the distinction in 2022 of being chosen in the first-round of the WHL Prospects Draft, with the 11th-overall pick- courtesy of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Around the midway point of the current season, after turning some heads in the scouting community with his impressive production (28 points in 35 games), he was traded (along with Goaltender Harrison Bottiger and 5 draft-picks) to the Kelowna Rockets for well-known defenseman Caden Price. The move was a downgrade for Sharpe, with the Rockets finishing in 20th-place, and his old team ending up in 6th, out of 22 teams- although the two teams finished 16th and 15th in goals-for, respectively. He is a two-way D who's stock has plummeted since the trade; he has been very inconsistent with the Rockets, and perhaps had some difficulty with the change of scenery, putting up 3 points in his first 2 games- then 5 in his next 15. Sharpe is a superb passer in all three zones, who favors the give-and-go to open skating routes, and distributes well in the offensive zone, availing himself of his top-notch vision and high IQ. He shows incredible composure and poise with the puck, and connects to teammates with accurate feeds in-stride, but while he shows glimpses of creativity- he is more of a facilitator right now than a consistent play-driver.

Sharpe's true value might lie in his proficient puck-moving talents above all else, showing a solid and consistent first-pass, and the ability to sometimes really stretch the ice on his breakouts. His retrievals aren't always smooth or 100% controlled, but he has some one-on-one moves to give himself a sliver of room, and employs slick stick-lifts to make his escape. From there, he scans the ice with his head on a swivel, and he's adept at getting the puck moving out of the zone, either by carry or by pass. Using his solid puck-skill and tight protection ability, he can spearhead the rush for controlled entries, and will quarterback the play through the neutral zone with connective passing. He joins the rush frequently, although he can take himself too far out of position to recover, and will attack straight up the middle to the net. Though he isn't a burner, Sharpe is a smooth and fluid mover in all directions, and possesses above-average straight-ahead speed, with smooth edges to transition seamlessly, surf quickly across the ice laterally, make quick pivots, and turn with a tight radius. He is highly active in the offensive-third, and though he spends most of his time holding the line in the zone, he pinches in to the play fairly regularly to storm the crease for second-chance opportunities- sometimes leaving his partner hanging out to dry. He manages the play well from the line, staying in-motion to open passing lanes, and owns a hard and heavy point-shot (and a booming one-timer) that he uses frequently, and gets on net consistently to cause havok and create looks for his teammates. He can run a powerplay with aplomb, and can even play the bumper-position in man-advantage scenarios.

Though his gap sometimes appears to be too loose, he's excellent against the rush, and seems to have the sense and the timing (with speed to cut down angles) to know when to step up and make the stop, giving him the ability to kill entries. He is very disruptive at the line, and he is trusted with PK duty, but his in-zone defense is in need of refinement. He manages to stay on the right side of the puck for the most part, and displays an active stick to make a good number of poke-checks, but he does a lot of puck-watching and even looks lost at times. There's a lack of aggression and urgency in the defensive-third, and sometimes a lack of proper positioning, but he has shown the capacity to be physical along the boards, and the angling to force attackers to the outside. Overall, he will need to clean up his play in his own-zone for the next level, block some shots, and be much more intense and disruptive. He is a little chippy, with a fairly regular presence in post-whistle scrums, and will dole out some hacks, whacks, and crosschecks if the mood strikes. Going forward, he needs to work on his decision-making, particularly in knowing when to pinch, and when to stay back. He needs a lot more physicality in his overall game- right now, he relies on his stick and positioning to separate man from puck, but he would be far more effective if he could use his body more. Sharpe could potentially make it as a middle-six puck-mover who helps out on the PP, with the potential for more- and I see some huge seasons coming up for him in the WHL. Look for him in the third-round, with the slight possibility of moving up to the 2nd.

LW Cooper Simpson (6'1",179lbs)

Shakopee High (USHS-MN): 19gp/ 25g/ 18a/ 43pts, 16 PIM

Winger Cooper Simpson, who is currently tied for 15th in scoring in the Minnesota High School circuit (5th in goals), was rated a "C" in Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings- which wasn't a big surprise to those who watched him in the summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. He authored some great moments in that tournament, and despite finishing with only 1 goal in 5 games, he looked like one of the best players for Team USA at times. In 2023-24, he split the year between Shakopee High (29 goals and 54 points in 27 games) and Tri-City of The USHL (7 goals and 13 points in 31 games), but his best year for Shakopee came during his D-minus-2 year in 2022-23, putting up 2.33 ppg to lead the team in scoring (37 goals and 63 points in 27 games). In their Mid-term Rankings, Central Scouting ranked him 67th for North American Skaters, but I find it difficult to properly evaluate High School players because of the level of their competition, so anything that can be said about this player must come with an asterisk. Based on what little I've seen of his play in the USHL from last season, he looked like he fit in just fine in that league.

Cooper has a fine array of good tools as an offensive forward, and though he may never be a play-driver, he's an excellent finisher. He can really rip it, with a hard and heavy release, and he can beat goalies in-tight. He can fire off the catch and pick corners, but he will also crash the crease on the hunt for rebounds and loose pucks. He sneaks into open space in high-danger, but he will battle for contested pucks in the dirty areas. Simpson's high-volume shooting creates numerous chances for his teammates, but he's also regarded as a smart passer who sometimes flashes top-end vision and creativity by connecting with teammates on some of the more complicated plays after manipulating opponents into opening seams. He can make plays off the rush, and he's good around the net in manufacturing looks from short feeds to the slot. His skating is around average, but he reads the play well and his proactive off-puck positioning (one of his best qualities), combined with his hustle, helps to mask his speed deficiencies. Also disguising his skating is his fine puck skill and protection ability, that allows him to deke and dangle through defenders; he will also fight through checks and skate through hands. Despite not being the most fleet-of-foot, he manages to be able to push pace on occasion, and is effective on the forecheck in causing turnovers and putting pressure on puck-carriers. Simpson gets involved physically in terms of fighting for positioning in front of the net, and trying to win loose pucks, but he's not a hitter. Simpson is thought of as a three-zone player who holds some value in transition, and shows some skill on entries. Though he's not currently a stalwart (no High School player is) he seems to be well-positioned defensively to seal off lanes, and is a willing shot-blocker.

Scouts say that Simpson's biggest detriment is his consistency, not only game-to-game, but shift-to-shift; it seems like there are many different versions of him, as he can disappear for long periods of time. His compete and engagement come and go, and his reads are hit-and-miss as well- he makes plenty of ill-advised plays, and forces passes that aren't there. His decision-making and skating need work, as he can turn the puck over at inopportune times when under duress, and often lacks the skating to recover. Simpson looks like a possible mid-round pick, but he has some intriguing qualities. He will be attending the University of North Dakota in the fall.

LD Oliwer Sjostrom (5'11",176lbs)

Lulea (J20): 33gp/ 2g/ 15a/ 17pts, +4, 36 PIM

When considering Oliwer Sjostrom's production from 2023-24 in Sweden, his numbers this season are a bit disappointing and show no progression- although Lulea has taken a wide step back from last year. Sjostrom led Lulea's defense last season in scoring and placed 5th-overall in points by a U-17 player in the J20, earning him a 7-game stint with Lulea's SHL club- an invitation he has yet to receive in the current campaign. To cap off his J20 season in 2023-24, he broke the league record for playoff scoring by a U-17 player, with 6 points in 4 games. Sjostrom bounced back from a rather lackluster Hlinka-Gretzky Cup last summer (2 points in 5 games), to finish the World Junior A Challenge in 4th for scoring by defensemen, with 4 points in 5 games, and is currently 7th in the J20 for scoring by U-18 defensemen. Obviously, he is most comfortable in the offensive zone, and he's an intelligent player, but he isn't really flashy and doesn't possess any truly dynamic qualities- he keeps things mostly simple and risk-free, and any sign of true creativity only comes in flashes. There's definitely skill in his passing game, and he shows good vision at times, but he seems to struggle to make an impact and doesn't seem capable of making high-end plays.

Sjostrom is highly mobile in all directions, and his smooth edges give him the elusiveness to outmaneuver opponents; he has no problems winning races or separating in open ice, and he can even rush the puck end-to-end at times. His puckhandling isn't anything too special, but he can pull off some slick 1-on-1 moves at times, and protects the puck well enough to get around without having his pocket picked. Sjostrom walks the line effectively, pinching in to the play when the coast is clear, and understands how to draw pressure in order to open space for teammates to get to high danger. His numbers show that he's not a big threat to score, and although his shot is fairly hard and heavy, he uses it mostly as a playmaking tool. In defensive situations, he employs good gaps and defends with an active stick, but struggles to handle larger opponents physically- though he doesn't back down from the rough stuff. He exhibits sound positioning and awareness, but isn't very aggressive in forcing stops, and has trouble shutting down attackers in front of his net. There's a fair amount of compete in this area, but I would say his impact is average, and he's fairly mistake-prone. I would give him a good grade in his ability to shake off aggressors in retrievals though, as well as his consistency in making a simple, risk-free first-pass with poise and confidence. From there, he is a quality puck-mover through transition, but again- he stays away from being too complex or risky.

A player of Sjostrom's size needs to be able to make some kind of impact in the defensive zone if they aren't a very dynamic creator in the other end of the ice, and I wonder just how much he moves the needle. For that reason, I have flip-flopped on this player many times over, and I'm not sure how to project him, as he might not have many translatable NHL-qualities. I believe there were better players than Sjostrom who were left out of the draft last year, but this summer's draft is weaker- so even though I had him in the 3rd-round of my December rankings, I would guess that he'll have to wait until the late rounds to be picked, if he gets picked at all.

LD Daniil Skvortsov (6'4",214lbs)

Guelph (OHL): 54gp/ 5g/ 13a/ 18pts, -18, 10 PIM

Yet another behemoth Russian defender, Daniil Skvortsov (ranked # 79 NA Skaters) has worn the "C" for Russia's U16, and U17 National Teams the last two seasons, before being taken 27th-overall in the 2024 CHL Import Draft by the Guelph Storm- who are second-last in the 20-team OHL, and are 13th in goals-for. He has a tantalizing toolkit with several NHL-translatable traits, but is still quite raw, and has yet to put it all together on a consistent basis. His profile is that of a two-way puck-mover with a dependable shutdown game. Like many of his Russian peers, he puts forth excellent mobility for a player of his size, with a fluid stride, and solid agility with good balance on his edges to pivot quickly, and transition seamlessly. Though he moves shockingly well in all directions, he could use better explosiveness. 

Skvortsov exercises tight gap control and mimics his opponent's footwork, angling them to the boards and closing them out physically. He possesses enormous range to cut off large areas of the ice, and wields his stick (as well as his size and strength) extremely well. There are still improvements needed in his details and habits, but there's massive potential in his shutdown game. While he's active and aggressive to jump into lanes, he still waits for the play to come to him too often, and he needs more precise reads in order to act more proactively- although he displays some proficiency in setting picks. He blocks shots with his stick and body, intercepts passes, and keeps attackers in check at the net-front. While he's effective against both the rush and the cycle, he can struggle against speed, and sometimes gives aggressors too much room to move through the neutral zone. Skvortsov shows a ton of potential in the other end of the rink as well, and though he keeps things mostly safe and simple right now, he joins the rush frequently, and will activate deep off of the blueline to attack the net. He has some high-end ideas, and it's good that he has the confidence to try them out, but he has difficulty executing at times, and some of his plays die on his teammates' sticks. He owns a hard and heavy shot from the point, uses screens well, and gets it through to the net consistently.

One of the pillars of his game is his solid puck-movement, and he holds good value in his contributions to his team's transition; he distributes intelligently, protects the puck well, and displays solid puck-management skills, but he could stand to upgrade his stickhandling. Through the neutral zone, he connects with short passes and give-and-go sequences, but he can also streak right through the middle with the puck, if the mood strikes. In retrievals, he is prone to making mistakes when pressured as he doesn't pre-scan well enough at times, but his puck-protection comes in handy, and he can make some high-end breakout passes- his puck-movement out of the d-zone is usually solid. Skvortsov flashes first-round ability and physical traits, but just about every part of his game is inconsistent, and he will most likely be a bit of a project. The tools and potential are hard to pass up though. For the next level, he needs to put on more muscle, keep upgrading his skating, and work on his panic threshold, as he commits errors when under pressure. Look for him in the 3rd, or 4th-round.

C Parker Snelgrove (6'0",190lbs)

Guelph (OHL): 67gp/ 11g/ 13a/ 24pts, -20, 43 PIM

Center Parker Snelgrove (ranked # 181 NA Skaters) was drafted in the second-round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, 30th-overall by the Guelph Storm, after a successful year at the U16 AAA level- where he was on the same level with players like Jack Nesbitt and Carson Harmer, and just behind Aiden Young and Brady Martin. This season, Guelph finished in 19th-place out of 20 teams in the OHL, but were 14th in goals-scored, and Snelgrove seemed to be relegated to bottom-six checking duty- without the proper ice-time or responsibility to showcase his talents. As a result, he is being criminally underrated in my opinion, as he is an intelligent, skilled play-driver, and a solid two-way pivot who contributes in all three zones. Snelgrove is an excellent skater who pushes an often break-neck pace, with explosiveness in small-areas, showing the capacity to accelerate to top-speed quickly, and to beat defenders wide. He is light on his edges for sharp cuts, quick pivots, and displays the shiftiness to evade checks. A physical, hard-nosed player, he outworks opponents at both ends of the ice, wins battles along the boards, and finishes his checks. He doesn't mind doing the dirty work for his line in digging out pucks and causing turnovers.

With high-end compete and relentless motor, Snelgrove gives his team energy and plays with intensity- moving through contact, and forechecking tenaciously. Quick hands and sneaky puck-skill give him slick one-on-one moves to dangle through traffic on occasion, cut inside with the puck, split defenses, and deke around attackers with tight control while in full-flight. He is a high-IQ player with soft-touch on his passes- he funnels pucks to the middle and can shift defenses while doing it. Flashing top-tier vision and manipulation of space, he can pull off some of the more difficult plays by opening seams with patient delays to draw pressure, and with cut-backs and changes of direction. To help facilitate his playmaking game, he incorporates well-developed deception to manipulate defenders, including look-offs in his passes, fakes, feints, hesitations, and shifts of weight. He attacks up the middle off the rush, makes his living in the slot, gets off the wall with the puck, and goes to the front of the net for tips and rebounds, bringing soft hands in-tight. His shot is highly underrated, owning a bullet of a wrister that he can fire off on the fly with a lightning-quick release, and he can pick corners from a distance. He will also follow his shots to the net to pick up his own rebounds.

A highly engaged and intelligent defender, Snelgrove exerts sharp details with finely-tuned anticipation to identify threats early and neutralize them proactively by checking sticks, getting inside position, and setting picks. He hounds puck-carriers and keeps his man to the outside and away from danger, while limiting time and space with his speed and determination. Staying consistently on the right side of the puck, he employs an active stick to sweep away possession, and poke away passes. He can also make high-value plays off of recoveries to kickstart the breakout, with smart passes going the other direction. He can drive play through transition with overwhelming speed and tempo, or he can support the play by controlling his pace to be a playable option for teammates in give-and-go sequences. In my opinion, it's a crime that Snelgrove isn't on a better team with a more expanded role, but he's a huge breakout candidate as early as next season- this kid is vastly outplaying his stats. It's hard to say what his ceiling is, but he certainly looks the part of a future 3rd-liner in the NHL with a smart and gritty two-way game- and has the potential for more. Look for him in later rounds.

RW/C Theo Stockselius (6'2",181lbs)

Djurgardens (J20): 33gp/ 17g/ 26a/ 43pts, +22, 48 PIM

You might be wondering why you haven't heard of Theo Stockselius yet, with stats as eye-popping as the ones he's posted this season- he's fairly young (with a July 24th birthday) and he has a big frame, but he employs very little power, and plays at a low pace. Despite being 13th in league scoring, he has yet to receive an invite for a call-up to one of Djurgarden's higher-tier teams- which might be telling. I've always thought of him as a perimeter player, so I was a bit surprised to him ranked #14 (EU Skaters) by Central Scouting, and #47 by Craig Button- especially after watching his performance in December's World Junior A Challenge, where he posted only 2 assists in 5 games.

Stockselius is a top-flight offensive player right now, with a high level of vision and IQ for making plays, but he also owns goal-scoring instincts and sharp finishing skills in the form of keen spatial awareness, soft hands, and good timing. He's often a step or two ahead of the competition with how well he reads the ice, and always puts himself in advantageous position. He possesses a high-end deception game, including deft shot-fakes for dangerous passes, and uses delay tactics to draw pressure in order to open space. Stockselius is good around the net, and will wade through traffic to get to the crease, but he also has pinpoint accuracy on his wrist-shot- which could perhaps use more power; he displays a solid catch-and-release, and his one-timer is a bullet. Despite playing at a low pace, he manages to be disruptive on the forecheck with his long reach, and exerts a quick short-burst to pick pockets and cause turnovers. His skating is average, but his mechanics are sound, and it could be theorized that most of his mobility issues will be cleaned up as he adds strength to his lower body. He will compete in the trenches for pucks, and can play physically when needed, but he's not a hitter, and he's not particularly intense or aggressive. Stockselius doesn't really drive play, and he often defers to teammates in transition by connecting plays in give-and-go's through the neutral zone, as he's not much of a "pacey" puck-carrier.

Stockselius is actually quite reliable defensively, and is used in all situations- including the PK. In his own zone, he uses an active, well-timed stick, along with exemplary positioning, to disrupt and cause turnovers. He may have a high-end brain, but possesses no real dynamic or flashy skill, and none of his tools are truly above-average. In addition, his low-pace style may not be translatable. I can't see him being picked before the 3rd, or 4th-round of this summer's draft.

LHC Andreas Straka (6'1",183)

Quebec (QMJHL): 45gp/ 9g/ 20a/ 29pts, -8, 18 PIM

There may be reason to believe that Andreas Straka (ranked #82 for NA Skaters by Central Scouting) has more going for him that he's showing in his stats this season. First of all, the Quebec Remparts are 14th out of 18 teams in the Q, and Straka doesn't typically play top-line minutes on that squad, so he doesn't have a whole lot to work with. The Remparts obviously thought well enough of him to take him with the 4th-overall pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He has represented Slovakia in the 2024 U-18's (1 goal and 3 points in 7 games), and was tied with Michal Svrcek as the second-leading scorer on the team at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (4 points in 4 games). Straka is a well-rounded power-forward who can play all three forward positions, in any situation, but his standout defensive game is what he's most known for. Most of his assets grade as average, or slightly above, but I like this kid.

Straka has a great net-front presence, showing proficiency at gathering rebounds, and has soft hands in-tight. He drives the middle with the puck for dangerous chances, and makes himself available for passes in the slot. He owns a good shot with a deceptive release, but he gets most of his goals within 10 feet of the net. Earlier this season, he made the highlight reel by scoring with a beautiful Michigan wrap-around. Straka is hard-working and intense, never gives up on a play, and gives second-and third efforts. He's relentless and tenacious on the forecheck, causing breakdowns on the other side of the puck; he brings energy to his team, and pushes pace .Physically, he asserts himself often, throws hits to dislodge pucks, and uses his frame to win puck battles. He plays a heavy game along the boards, and is a load to handle down low- he is also a pest who draws plenty of penalties. Speed-wise, he possesses above-average mobility, but he elevates his quickness with his high-end work-ethic, and his activity rate. He shows an explosive short-burst at times, and can accelerate to top-speed rapidly, but lacks the ability to separate in open-ice very often. He can cut inside to the net using his smooth edges, and has the ability to make quick turns and pivots. In the playmaking department, he may not be the most creative or dynamic, but he seems to be able to funnel pucks to the slot via the pass consistently. He uses deft small-area slip-passes to alleviate pressure and to maintain possession for his team- most of his more dangerous passes come off the rush. He plays a bit safe and simple, but he's a smart distributor who can find his teammates through traffic with cross-ice feeds.

Straka's puck-skills could use some work, as he sometimes has difficulty catching and handling while in flight, and relies more on power-moves to beat opponents than 1-on-1 stickhandling skill. Still, he manages to locate lanes through the neutral zone to rush the puck through transition, but he's content with dump-ins to make entry. Straka is very reliable in his own end, with a defensive game that is polished, detailed, and well-honed. He is fairly rangy, and has a long reach with an active stick that he wields with keen awareness in defensive situations, using it to cut off lanes against both the rush, and the cycle. His positioning is pristine, and his anticipation is top-notch, evidenced by how proficient he is at intercepting passes, blocking shots, and making clean recoveries off of errors and turnovers. Straka has plenty of offensive potential in my book, but he may be a bit limited in that regard; his ceiling might be that of a bottom-six defensive specialist who can chip in some offense and provide a physical presence- and there's nothing wrong with that. Look for him in the 4th, or 5th-round.

LHC Julius Sumpf (6'2",194lbs)

Moncton (QMJHL): 48gp/ 22g/ 31a/ 53pts, +50, 18 PIM

If if seems like German-born center Julius Sumpf (Ranked #108 for NA Skaters) has been around awhile, you're right- he is a 20 year-old in his D+2 year, and you may have seen him represent Germany  in the 2022 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (no points in 4 games), the 2023 U-18's (4 points in 6 games), the 2024 World Juniors (3 points in 5 games), or this past January's World Juniors (7 points in 5 games). He is currently plying his trade for the powerhouse Moncton Wildcats in his second Q season, leading the league in plus/minus, and playing a ton on a line with two offensive talents in Caleb Desnoyers, and Juraj Pekarcik. Sumpf isn't perfect, but he's a power-forward with a projectable game, a few translatable tools, and a polished defensive presence. There's no flash or dash here, and no real dynamic qualities- just a very straight-line, north-south player who does a lot of the dirty work for his line, while keeping things as simple as possible. He's about as meat-and-potatoes as you can get.

First of all, Sumpf's skating is about average, perhaps slightly above, but he has a quick-burst at his disposal in small-areas. His edges and agility are nothing special, but he doesn't need to skate circles around the opposition anyway. He's a physical player in all areas, dominant along the boards and down low, and uses his frame and reach to win battles at a high rate. To make himself room, he will lean into defenders, power his way around the ice, and will throw hits to separate man from puck. Sumpf plays with energy and intensity, and competes hard, but perhaps best of all- he plays within himself; he knows who he is as a player, and he does his job enthusiastically. One of his best traits is how aggressive and intimidating he is on the forecheck, getting under the skin of his opponents by being tenacious, disruptive, and physical. Another area of high-value is his detailed defensive game, propped up by his proactive mindset, and his mature habits. Sumpf always puts himself in the best positions to be able to stop his opponents' attack- not only in the defensive zone, but as early as the breakout, and also against the rush in the neutral zone. He's a stalwart defensive player, highly reliable in his own zone, and an excellent penalty-killer who is always on the right side of the puck. He supports his D down low, pressures the point up high, and wields a smart, well-timed stick with good range to be disruptive. He takes away the middle effectively, and protects his net by identifying threats and getting inside position proactively, while tying up their stick.

Sumpf has an accurate shot, but isn't a big goal-scoring threat as there's very little deception in his release. He can still beat goalies from distance on occasion, but most of his goals come from within 10-15 feet of the net, while attacking the crease. His playmaking is also simple and safe- he will win battles along the boards, and in the corners, and then get the puck to one of his more dynamic linemates. He funnels pucks to the net, and to the slot consistently- he's very smart, and has good hockey sense, but he's unspectacular. Sumpf manages the puck well, and doesn't commit many turnovers, but his stickhandling is nothing special, and he doesn't have much of a deception game, or a lot of 1-on-1 skill. I like this kid, but it's up to scouts to decide whether or not there's enough skill or ability to compensate for his lack of elite qualities. I see him as a bottom-6 defensive specialist in the NHL, should he make it. If he's picked this year, look for him in later rounds.

LHC Michal Svrcek (5'10",176lbs)

Brynas (J20): 29gp/ 14g/ 16a/ 30pts, +9, 10 PIM

Brynas (SHL): 11gp/ 1g/ 2a/ 3pts, +1, 2 PIM

Michal Svrcek (ranked # 69 for EU Skaters by Central Scouting) is a Slovakian import playing in Sweden, who has represented his home country in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (tied for second on Team Slovakia, with 3 goals and 4 points in 4 games), and at the 2024 U-18's (1 goal in 7 games). He is a 200-ft player who is well-rounded, and plays with energy and intensity. Svrcek is an excellent skater, with speed that gives him a clear advantage in junior, and he can keep up with the play in the men's league; he can even outskate many of his opponents there. His quickness is augmented by his sky-high work-ethic, and his activity rate. It's reasonable to suggest that he could be a real burner in the future, as he isn't yet achieving the most speed out of a stride that is a bit short and choppy; he needs more extension, a deeper knee-bend, and further upgrades to his lower-body strength. He is slippery and elusive, with solid edgework that gives him the ability to pivot quickly, make tight turns, and spin off of checks.

Svrcek forechecks with tenacity and an active stick to slow down breakouts, and to limit time and space for puck-carriers. He possesses keen offensive awareness, and can spot lanes that he can exploit with his quickness, as well as seams for his accurate passing ability. He has a modicum of creativity, as well as an abundance of hockey IQ, and is a developing offensive-driver, but needs work on his decision-making. Though his shot is fairly hard, and his release is quick and deceptive, he could improve his goal-scoring with a tweak of his shot-selection, as he gets blocked a lot, and misses the net often. He can score from any angle, showing pinpoint accuracy at times, and owns soft, silky mitts to beat goalies in-tight. Though he lacks size, he doesn't keep to the perimeter- he attacks the net with the puck, and positions himself in the slot for high-danger chances. He can beat opponents wide to the net, and will even sometimes drop a shoulder and lean into a defender in an attempt to power his way to the crease, with mixed results- he most likely has a higher rate of success against junior competition, than against men in the SHL. In transition, he contributes to the breakout with short-area passes to connect plays through the neutral zone, and handles the puck quite well with layers of deception, and slick 1-on-1 moves.

Though he doesn't back down from the rough stuff, his size is sometimes detrimental- he can lose battles for loose pucks along the boards, and often struggles to establish position in front of the net. He's not a very physical player, and must resort to using his stick and his smarts to win pucks. Defensively, there's also some work to be done, as he seems to lack awareness and aggressiveness in his own zone. His positioning is touch-and-go, but he seems to be adept at protecting the middle- although he has trouble handling bigger opponents, especially in front of his net. He uses his stick to disrupt plays, and his speed comes in handy to take away time and space from attackers. Obviously, there's a need for Svrcek to get a lot stronger, but upgrades have to made to his decision-making, and defensive presence. The potential is there for him to make it as a middle-six player (he will probably have to switch to the wing, a position he already plays on occasion) in the NHL, but he may be a bit of a project. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

LW Nicolas Sykora (6'0", 174lbs)

Omaha Lancers (USHL): 17gp/ 6g/ 1a/ 7pts, -8, 0 PIM

Sioux City Musketeers (USHL): 18gp/ 8g/ 9a/ 17pts, +4, 4 PIM.

Winger Nicolas Sykora, the son of former NHLer Petr Sykora, must have felt like a kid on Christmas morning when he was traded from the last-place (and lowest-scoring) team in the USHL, the Omaha Lancers, to the Sioux City Musketeers- a team that currently occupies the 7th-spot in league standings, but has the 4th-best goals-for. He responded by going from .41 ppg with Omaha, to .94 ppg with Sioux City, possibly rescuing his draft stock. Before the season began, Central Scouting saw fit to award him the grade of "C", denoting a possible 4th, or 5th-round pick, and I doubt that grade has changed- even with his new lease on life, numbers-wise. Sykora is an offensive-minded winger with sharp awareness and keen anticipation, but he's a bit one-dimensional- although he's trying to improve.

Sykora's best tool is his deep arsenal of shots- including a superb curl-and-drag wrister, a laser of a one-timer, and a hard, heavy, and often pinpoint accurate wrister. Built-in to his shot is a wicked release that he can get off in heavy traffic, or at full-flight, and he expertly uses defenders as screens. The puck simply explodes off of his stick, and he can pick corners with it. He goes to the net for second-chance opportunities, and has the timing and hand-eye coordination to get tips. Sykora is a volume-shooter and his off-puck intelligence is a huge facilitator for his exploits; he locates space to move around in high-danger areas, and slips in-and-out of the slot to get in position to shoot. Playmaking is more of a secondary weapon, but he exhibits good spatial awareness and solid hockey sense to find his teammates in open space with fine-touch passing skill, showing the ability to connect over and under his opponents' sticks.

Unfortunately, Sykora is a rather average skater with deficient acceleration, and it pervades many areas of his game. He doesn't hold on to the puck for very long, relying on quick touches and by moving the puck up the ice with give-and-goes- he does most of his skating off the puck. He defers to his teammates to carry through transition most of the time, and doesn't often lead the rush- his entries consist mostly of dump-ins. Sykora will get involved physically, but not very often- he's doesn't get his hands dirty enough in puck battles, and seems content to let his linemates do most of the digging and other dirty work. In his own zone, he seems to have improved over last season, but his effort and engagement have peaks and valleys; he shows a somewhat responsible defensive dimension with solid positioning and anticipation, but he could be far more disruptive. He employs a fairly good stick to pressure opponents and clog lanes, and when it's time for the breakout, he positions himself well to be an option for a pass. Overall, he needs to improve his intensity and his workrate in all areas. Sykora has committed to Quinnipiac for 2026-27, and I think he'll be selected in the 3rd, or 4th-round of the 2025 Draft.

LW/RW Caden Taylor (6'3",185lbs)

Peterborough (OHL): 68gp/ 15g/ 16a/ 31pts, -38, 51 PIM

Winger Caden Taylor (ranked # 113 NA Skaters) is a victim of circumstance, with numbers that have been affected negatively by toiling for the lowly Peterborough Petes, who drafted him in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, with the ninth-overall pick. The Petes are dead-last in the league, and are one of the lowest-scoring clubs in the entire CHL; Taylor's 33 points in 68 might seem paltry, but he is third in scoring on the team, and only 6 points away from the scoring lead. Much more was expected of him this season, especially when considering the fact that he was able to post 11 goals and 18 points in just 31 games in 2023-24, his D-minus-one year- meaning that his points-per-game actually decreased this season. At any rate, Taylor is an offensive winger with an NHL-caliber shot and a lethal release, perhaps one of the best shooters in the class. He can fire off the catch, or shoot shoot while in-flight, and has a nasty curl-and-release wrister with a knack for using opposing defenders as screens. He doesn't need a lot of space to get a shot off in traffic, and doesn't need much of a wind-up to send a hard and heavy shot on net. Unlike earlier in the campaign, Taylor is doing a better job of locating open space in the slot, playing up the middle, and going to the net. He moves intelligently off-puck to remain a playable option for teammates, and will park himself in front of the net for finishing opportunities.

Taylor's skating is rather smooth and fluid in terms of mechanics, with good posture and a long, powerful stride- giving him above-average speed in a straight line. His skating profile is projectable, but he needs to build more strength in his lower-body. There's nothing too fancy about his game, and other than his shot, he lacks any real dynamic traits, and plays a largely north-south style. He handles well, and has a wide array of 1-on-1 dekes and dangles at his disposal to turn defenders inside-out, but he seems to have some puck-control issues at high-speeds, and can cough up the puck in traffic at times. Though he isn't known as a playmaker by any means, he's a solid passer and doesn't embarrass himself as long as he doesn't try to do too much, or try to get fancy. There are flashes though, of high-end vision and passing skill, and he shows value in transition with his plays off of retrievals in the defensive zone- connecting on some high-quality feeds to get the breakout going. Off the puck, he keeps his feet moving and stays active, supporting the play in all three zones and making himself a constant playable option for teammates.

I think that Taylor's defensive play is underrated, although his entire game is plagued by inconsistency, and like teammate D Carson Cameron, he is being brought down by playing on a bad team. The other big issue is that Taylor is not very physical, and would be much more effective if he were to use his frame better. In the defensive-third, he keeps up with attackers and strips them of the puck with deft stickwork, including pokechecks, sweeps, stick-lifts, and with slashes to the shafts of enemy twigs. Most of the time, he looks engaged and disruptive with high energy and activity, while suffocating opponents of their time and space. True, there are times where he is caught watching the play as a spectator, but he's generally aggressive with his reach, well-positioned, and supports the play competently. For a player of his size, Taylor loses too many board battles, and needs to leverage his size and strength more consistently. As with his own-zone play, he can be caught floating in other areas of the ice, and his pace at times is lacking; his effectiveness and effort are quite inconsistent- not only game-to-game, but often shift-to-shift. Taylor might end up being a bit of a project, but I believe he's miles better than his numbers show. Look for him in the middle-rounds.

RHD Charlie Trethewey, 6'1", 190lbs.

NTDP: 33gp/ 4g/ 7a/ 11pts, -17, 19 PIM.

D Charlie Trethewey's game was on full display for the embattled American team at the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge- both the good, and the cringeworthy. The eye-test told a tale of a highly-involved, physical defenseman, who played an agitating style that at times, gave the Canadians fits- and at first, one watching casually might have come away thinking that Trethewey was one of the best players on the grossly outmatched Team USA. If you were looking for flaws however, it was easy to find them- including several lost physical battles, defensive miscues, and glaring mistakes under pressure. He finished the two-game event with no points, a team-worst -4, and a giveaway (with a screen of his own goalie) that led to the game-winner for the Canadians in Game #2.

At his best, Trethewey is a quality puck-moving, two-way D who plays a rugged physical style, and is known for his high-end defensive awareness, with a specialty in snuffing the other teams' rush. He is adept at angling his prey to the outside using his quickness to match his opponents' footwork, an active stick, and tight gaps, often taking them out along the wall with a stiff jolt. He has an extra-long reach, solid positioning, and keen attention to detail in his own end, highlighted by a bit of a mean streak that aids him in keeping the crease clear, and in eliminating high-danger opportunities. He's not at all afraid to dole out a few hacks and whacks to get the job done, or to dish out a crosscheck or two. Trethewey is an excellent skater in all 4 directions, but there's room to grow when it comes to his top-speed and acceleration. He's strong on his skates, and has good edges to make tight pivots, as well as good small-area quickness.

Unfortunately, Trethewey's reads and decision-making with the puck get mixed reviews. When he has a modicum of time and space, his outlets are high-end, often hitting teammates in stride for breakaways and odd-man rushes through the neutral zone. He's considered to be a good puck-mover and can regularly make a quality first-pass, but under forechecking pressure, he is prone to throw-aways, turnovers, and other egregious errors. With 14 points through 33 NTDP games in 2023-24, much more was expected of him this season offensively- although there isn't much to work with this year on a weak NTDP squad that lacks elite talent and struggles to score. Trethewey will join the rush occasionally, and he has shown that he can man the point effectively, but he prefers to keep things fairly simple and risk-free; he's not particularly creative or dynamic. There's not much activation from the blueline, unless it's to step up to keep pucks alive, as his pinches can be ill-timed- thus getting him in trouble. He does however, walk the line smoothly and he's got a booming point shot that he can get on net with regularity. It is said that Trethewey has all the tools of a grade-A prospect, and many believe there's a top-4 NHL defenseman in this package, but he's quite unrefined right now and needs plenty of work on his decision-making. He also desperately needs to get stronger, as he can be outmuscled and sometimes has problems pinning opponents to the boards. It should be added that Trethewey is on the younger side, with an August 2nd birthday. This is definitely one to watch, and he's attending Boston University in 2026-27.

LD Nikita Tyurin (6'0",174lbs)

MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL): 44gp/ 4g/ 16a/ 20pts, +20, 22 PIM

Lefty Nikita Tyurin is tied for 21st overall in scoring by D in the MHL, and is second in scoring for U-18 defensemen behind Kurban Limamtov- but he has been left unrated by Central Scouting, which may be an indication that scouts don't see his game as being translatable. Not every player out of Russia gets a call-up to the pros in their draft year, but Tyurin has played 1 game with Khimik Voskresensk of the VHL, and 1 game for Spartak Moskva of the KHL, albeit with no points to show for either. He would have more points in the MHL, had it not been for a month-long scoring slump between Oct.22nd- Nov.22nd, a span of 9 games. Tyurin is a puck-moving, offensive defenseman who flashes high-end awareness and vision, and I think that even if he's not a big producer in the NHL, there are parts of his game that are translatable- the question is, are there enough projectable traits to get him drafted? He at least has age on his side, with a July 2nd, 2007 birthday, so there's a bit of a longer runway to look at here.

Tyurin is an above-average skater with excellent lateral speed to surf across the ice, and a smooth, fluid stride that appears to be effortless. He possesses elusiveness in his edges to sidestep checks, and employs some deceptive footwork to give himself a bit more room to move. He moves the puck quickly and efficiently, pushing pace and causing headaches for defenders; he's an outstanding stickhandler with quick hands, and is poised and confident with the puck on his blade. Tyurin is proficient at turning defense into offensive rushes going the other way, by kicking off the breakout with a smart first-pass. He beats the forecheck with his stickhandling and deceptive skills to escape with the puck, then clears the zone consistently. His finest asset is his seamlessly orchestrated transitions through the neutral zone, rushing the puck up the ice and linking-up with teammates in smart, quick passing sequences for controlled entries; he seeks out dynamic routes at times, with slick lateral movement and cutbacks to regroup if all else fails. He deals well with pressure, using his handling, footwork, and high-end deception- manipulating opponents into going the wrong direction with dekes and fakes in his hands, stick, feet, and head.

In the offensive zone, he quarterbacks the play with intelligence from the blueline, but lacks true creativity. He makes deft feeds, and has the ability to spot lanes while walking the line; he stays highly active, and understands how to draw pressure in order to open space to pass into. He will join the rush as an extra attacker, and will time his pinches to go deep with, and without the puck to get the chance at a shot from the circle. His point-shot lacks power, and mostly functions as a playmaking tool for second-chance opportunities, but he gets it through to the net consistently, and uses screens very well. Tyurin's defensive game is a bit spotty at best. He moves very well off-puck to provide teammates with a viable option for a quick outlet, but he isn't very physical or aggressive. His gap-control looks tight at times, and too loose at other times. Much like Artyom Gonchar, he functions well in his own-zone when he gets the puck; in possession, he's a difference-maker, otherwise- his impact is not great. He positions himself well enough, but isn't very disruptive or hard to play against. Watching him, I'm reminded a bit of TJ Brodie, but Brodie managed to be a stalwart defender, even though he wasn't a very physical player. If scouts see enough potential in Tyurin to use a draft pick on him, it likely won't be until the later rounds.

RW Shane Vansaghi (6'2", 216lbs)

Michigan St. (NCAA): 20gp/ 2g/ 9a/ 11pts, +7, 18 PIM.

In 2023-24, on a star-studded NTDP team, RW Shane Vansaghi wasn't able to distinguish himself much, and wasn't really considered to be a prospect of note. Things have changed, as he's been impressive as an 18 year-old (with an October, 2006 birthday) in his freshman year of college, posting respectable numbers and imposing his will physically every game, despite not playing big minutes. Vansaghi is a two-way, all-situations power-forward who is unrelentingly physical, with boundless motor. He is hard to handle on the forecheck as he hits not only for tactical reasons, but also to wear his opponents down and punish them. He's an unstoppable force along the boards, an immoveable object in front of the net, and a bull in a China shop down low. He separates man from puck, constantly wins inside position, and hits like a human wrecking ball- players on the other team know when he's on the ice. His game is hard and heavy, and scouts say it's NHL-translatable.

Vansaghi isn't just another brute, he's actually quite smart, showing good vision, timing, and anticipation. He also has slick puck-skills, and the tight protection ability to deke around defenders on occasion- he can bull his way through traffic, or carry with confidence for short distances. There's flashes of a rather skilled playmaking game developing in his repertoire, and he can pass under sticks or through traffic every once in a while. When in shooting position, he has a pretty decent arsenal at his disposal, but he hasn't been a big goal-scoring threat in college as of yet with only 2 goals. Even still, the front of the net is his office, and he will crash the crease looking for loose pucks, or park himself there to screen the goalie and fish for tips and rebounds. Vansaghi shows superb defensive engagement, and keen awareness in his own zone, displaying the same high energy on the backcheck as he exhibits on the forecheck. He skates very north-south routes through the neutral zone and doesn't hold on to the puck for too long, instead relying on the give-and-go to support his team in transition. The main reason for this might be his deficient mobility...

Vansaghi's boots are rather heavy, his stride is a bit clunky and stiff, and his stance is upright and awkward; still, he manages to play with pace-even against men in the NCAA. He keeps his feet moving, and works incredibly hard to compensate somewhat for his lack of speed, but he can't separate in open ice right now, and his acceleration is sub-par. If he can get his skating up to snuff, he's got a high NHL floor as he can play in all situations. Vansaghi has tons of potential, and some tools that scouts like- I think he'll be drafted in the first half of the second round of this summer's Draft.

LD Malte Vass (6'1",179lbs)

Farjestad (J20): 31gp/ 2g/ 7a/ 9pts, -2, 47 PIM

D Malte Vass knows who he is- a hard-nosed defensive D who is tasked with shutting down the opposing team's best players, and he does so with unrelenting physicality. He was a standout for Team Sweden in last summer's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (2 points in 5 games), and showed well in December's WJAC (1 point in 5 games), gaining plenty of fans in the scouting community along the way; McKenzie has him ranked # 46, Button has him at # 59, and Central Scouting ranks him as # 36 for EU Skaters, just to name a few. He wears an "A" for Farjestad, which is an indication of his leadership capabilities, and been rewarded for his efforts on that team with 3 games in the SHL. Vass is a solid defensive contributor with high awareness in his own zone, and immaculate positioning who takes opportunities away from opponents with a keen knowledge of angling. He defends his net with vigor and a mean streak, scans thoroughly to identify threats, and applies an active, well-timed stick to poke pucks away. His instincts in defensive situations are well-honed, and he reads the play quite well.

As mentioned, Vass executes a robust physical style, and hits early and often, many of those hits being of the thunderous variety. He shows impeccable timing, and carries a menacing presence with him, every time he sets foot on the ice. He's exceedingly difficult to play against, and drives opponents nuts with how edgy and mean he can be. His tenacity wins him battles in the trenches, and he has the kind of workrate and motor that allows him to be a minute-munching workhorse. He's a leader for his team with his sky-high compete, intensity, and responsible game. Vass always appears calm and composed, showing reliability in making clean retrievals, and though he isn't mistake-free (like most of his peers), he usually makes sound decisions when performing breakouts. When there is a misplay, it's usually not catastrophic, and mostly easy to recover from. There is not a lot of flash in his game, and he's not dynamic in any way, but he displays reasonably good puck-skill. His handling is nothing special, but he protects quite well, and doesn't show any issues with his puck-management. Mobility-wise, his skating is average, perhaps a step above, but his mechanics look smooth and fluid. His passing ability is good enough to make him a positive contributor in transition, with crisp, accurate feeds through the neutral zone.

In the offensive zone, Vass keeps his play with the puck as simple and risk-free as possible. He distributes from the line, but doesn't activate much, and can get shots through to the net fairly consistently to create chances for teammates. He will likely never be a significant offensive contributor though. He can be guilty of getting caught running around defensively sometimes, and he can take himself out of position looking for a big hit- he has to learn control. Vass is considered to be a safe pick, but he doesn't have a very high ceiling- he's looking like a bottom-pairing shutdown D. Look for him in the 3rd-round.