Gavin Chiasson (RecruitScouting’s) 2023 NHL Draft Guide (part 1)

Before we get into the draft rankings, some notes. 

While this is my own personal rankings, and I suppose my own ‘Draft Guide’ but it could not have been done without the work, and dedication of others. I’d like to start off this guide with a thank you to all of Recruit’s scouts. The team that we have is awesome, and it feels like more than a scouting team, but friends. I’m proud of you all, for what you are doing in the hockey world, and in your own personal lives. 

Thank you to our European Scouts- Miscellaneous Scouts, covering all of the European leagues outside of Czechia, Slovakia, Russia and Scandinavia. Adam Duchon, Joe Maciag, and Jakub Hromada primarily covered this region. Further, both Adam and Jakub had covered the CZE/SVK region as well. Our Russian Scouts, Jack Dawkins, Rayan Tubecc who covered other leagues too, and our Co-Head of European Scouting, Pavel Malyugin. Lastly, our Scandinavian scouts who worked tirelessly this year, Joe Maciag, Tait Borst who were part time Scandinavian scouts, and our full time Co-Head of European Scouting, Alfonso Acevedo. 

Thank you to our North American Scouts as well, covering Eastern Canada – Jack Dawkins, our Ontario Scouts – Curtis Rines and K.D. and Connor Williams, who mainly covers the U16 AAA side of things for the OHL Draft. Our USA scouts, Curtis Rines, Tait Borst and our Head of North American Scouting Gabe Foley. Lastly, a big thank you to our Western Canada Scouts who must’ve had a busy year with all the western talent this year. Kaden Moore who did some WHL Draft stuff too, Rayan Tubecc and Tait Borst. You’ve all done wonderful this year. 

A final thank you to our scouts who were a bit all over the place this year, Spence, Louis, our Goalie Scout Frank Longo and our graphic designer Alasdair Allchin.  

And to everybody who was able to help contribute to the guide, as outside sources. A special thank you to Brock Otten, Peter Baracchini, Rasmus T, Brandon Holmes, Sebastian High, Eetu Siltanen, Alexa Potack and Danny Tiffany.

Now, to get into what is inside of the guide, I feel I need to explain the rankings system a bit. There are going to be some major surprises – and I’ll be honest, many of them surprised me as well. Throughout the year, I am only watching and trying to gauge where players should be ranked. I obviously still attempt to see what their potential is, but I’m not keeping track of that until the end of the year evaluations. These rankings are put in an order based on the potential and potential rank of each prospect. Potential has to do with what I believe the players overall ceiling is, or what they are most likely to become at the NHL level. For example, a Top 6 Forward means that I expect their play to best represent a player on Line 1 or Line 2 of an NHL team. Bottom 6 is 3rd and 4th line players, middle 6 is 2nd and 3rd – you get the point. It’s similar for defence too. Then there is the ‘Potential Rank’, which is a score out of 10. It does not represent probability of reaching their potential, rather it is just a number grade in relation to how likely I see them reaching their potential. So when fully grading prospects at the end of the year to see how they’ve developed, it gives me a better understanding of the players I actually value in my honest opinion, rather than any sort of hype or dislike around certain prospects. Everything you see in this guide is my complete and honest evaluation on each prospect on their potential and potential grades. 

I had coached U15 AAA hockey over the past season, and felt it did hinder my ability to get as many viewings as possible in, and get an early start on the guide. So, at times, the guide might seem cluttered or that I could have talked more about certain prospects. My schedule for next season looks much better, including a lot more free and open time, so I will ensure that next year’s guide is even better. 

The guide itself has been a work in progress throughout the year, and I just want to restate how thankful I am to everyone who has supported it, whether part of RecruitScouting, an outside source, or you – the reader – for choosing to read myself and others thoughts on this draft class. I’m looking forward to the draft, and I truly believe that this class is super strong, however, there is certainly a falling off point in the draft. I wouldn’t say this is the strongest class ever, but I do feel that there are more than an average amount of franchise players that will come out of this draft. 

With that being said, let’s get into it!

1. Connor Bedard- (Center) – Regina Pats – WHL – Canada

There is no doubt who the #1 ranked prospect is this year. It isn’t like the 2021 or 2022 draft where there was some discourse, this year was by far and wide the ‘Connor Bedard Show’. Defensively, Bedard could be better. We will start with that weakness, it isn’t necessarily bad, or even below average in some regards, but it could be better overall. Moving up the ice, Bedard is responsible in the neutral zone, able to trick opponents with his body language and opening up his hips to generate speed and space. He makes fantastic passes at high pace and makes sure they cleanly enter the offensive zone. From a playmaking standpoint, Bedard can make plays at the quickest levels. Tape to tape, through the other teams defence, he truly has a third eye when it comes to setting up chances. His positioning, pace, athleticism and quickness all earn ranks in the highest regard and he is easily THE most dangerous player in this draft. I mean, over 180 total points this year should prove that – on a team that was out in the first round of the playoffs. Where Bedard also opted out of the World Championship and could have added to his resume. There is not a harder worker in the draft than Bedard; the kid is the definition of eat, breath, sleep, hockey. Moving onto his glorified shot, Bedard’s release is one of the craziest of any prospect. The power he is able to generate is mind-boggling. The quickness that he is able to use that release is bonkers, and it feels like a trigger. The difficuly to read the shot is also what makes it so incredible. We’ve all seen it. The hands, the feet, the brain, Connor Bedard adds entertainment value that the NHL has not seen since Connor McDavid. I truly believe Bedard is the next ‘generational’ talent of the NHL. 

• “I don’t think there’s really much more to say about Connor Bedard. He’s an electricity player with a very high ceiling. Lead the WHL IN SCORING with a 43 point GAP. He excels in almost every area of the game, Shooting ability, playmaking, and stickhandling”. – Rayan Tubecc
• “Ranking Bedard was the simplest task. Not only has he lived up to the immense pre-draft hype, but he has surpassed expectations altogether. Bedard emerges as an offensive force, capable of defeating opponents using various techniques. His drag and release shot is nearly unstoppable, and when paired with his rapid hand speed, it becomes a nightmarish challenge for goalies. In addition, Bedard exhibits an intense and fiery playing style, fearlessly engaging in physicality and venturing into the gritty areas of the game. What sets Bedard apart is his exceptional ability to process the game faster than anyone else in this draft class, consistently proving himself as a generational prospect”.-Tait Borst
• “There are many words to describe Connor Bedard, but the best ones are dynamic and exceptional. Everything he does is on another level, from dominating the WHL to the World Junior Championship, he makes his presence felt. He displays elite level IQ and puck skills as he’s always generating plays and leading the charge in the offensive zone. His shot is out of this world with his power and accuracy as it is very deceptive with his release, fooling goaltenders on a nightly basis. He truly is a special talent and his play this season is evident why he’s the top prospect”. – Peter Baracchini

Potential: Generational

Potential rank: (not applicable to generational potential)

2. Adam Fantilli- (Center) – University of Michigan – NCAA – Canada

Adamo Fantilli is, by all means, in the NHL next season and going to dominate. He’s somebody with size, who can play physically and drive down the middle. He can score from anywhere on the ice due to his NHL-ready release, and he can play a fair two way game. He’s as honest as they come for draft eligibles, never cheats and still beats competition older than him, easily and cleanly. He led the NCAA by 5 points over the #3 overall pick (and my #1 ranked prospect) from last year’s NHL draft, Logan Cooley. Fantilli is confident, unselfish and a true warrior when it comes to working for his goals. There are so many pieces of Fantilli’s game that are not just NHL ready, but likely above average for NHL players. It might take him a bit of time to find his footing once he steps into a pro environment, but the pace he delivers, the possession he plays with, and the dual threat of being a ‘Grade A’ sniper and playmaker, makes him the easy choice for 2nd overall. There is far less risk with grabbing Fantilli over other players in this range, while still getting a star player who has franchise potential. 

• “Fantilli stands out as a player who would typically be the unanimous choice for the top-ranked position in most years. He encompasses all the qualities of a complete player, possessing size, strength, grit, and elite skill. At the NHL level, he will be relied upon in every situation, excelling as both a phenomenal penalty killer and a power play specialist. Due to his physical style of play, combined with his size and strong work ethic, Fantilli is projected to thrive in playoff scenarios. While being critical, one area for improvement that I would like to see Fantilli address is the consistency of his playmaking. Occasionally, he has a tendency to force passes or make low-percentage plays. Enhancing his ability to consistently distribute the puck would solidify his potential as a star in the making”. –Tait Borst

Potential: Franchise

Potential rank: 6/10

3. Will Smith- (Center) – USA U18 – NTDP – USA

The toolkit of skills that Smith possesses is next to none. He is seriously one of the most dynamic players in this draft, able to do any skill in top-tier fashion. Playmaking? Absolutely, he’s one of the best playmakers in this draft, utilizing space and manipulating defenders in order to get a clean pass to a dangerous area. Also utilizing his possession skills to gain time and space before dishing out a pass. Skating? Yup. He’s able to beat some great competition cleanly, but it isn’t even just the speed, because he could be faster once he adds strength. It’s also his 4-way mobility, fluidity, and ability to change the pace of play on a dime. Smith uses all of these traits together to pump out some of the most entertaining hockey I’ve seen throughout the season, and he’s gotten better in each viewing. IQ? I think we’ve already discussed the complex brain of Will Smith and how he uses each tool to its overall advantage. I may be selling a dream here about Will Smith, but this is also the most passionate I have been about a prospect since I started scouting. For Smith, hockey is a puzzle, but he’s put so many pieces together to paint a picture. Even his physical game is there. He’s a bit weak, but he will add on strength and become better when battling for pucks. To sum it up, it is evident through how I’ve described Smith, and how at the start of the year this wouldn’t have been his expected rank, that he’s also a workhorse. He has seriously put in the work this year to become this good of a player, who I believe is easily the go-to choice for the number 3 pick. 

• “Smith takes charge of the NTDP’s highly talented top line, serving as the catalyst for their offensive prowess. His ability to produce highlight-reel plays seems endless. Smith possesses remarkable deception skills, skillfully utilizing hesitations to outmaneuver defenders and create opportunities for his teammates. With swift hands, he frequently embarrasses opposing defenders. His quick and accurate shot, combined with his slick stick handling and deceptive techniques, throws goaltenders off balance and leads to scoring goals. However, in order to fully capitalize on his exceptional skills, Smith should focus on improving his two-way play and skating ability. By doing so, he will maximize the advantages provided by his elite talents”. –Tait Borst

Potential: Franchise

Potential rank: 5.5/10

4. Zach Benson- (Winger) – Winnipeg Ice – WHL – Canada

A dual threat, I don’t think there are many players like Benson that you find in each draft. We’re talking top athleticism, top IQ, top hustle, top effort, top fluidity, top skating and top skills toolkit. Benson is an all around player who I believe teams should be drooling over at the draft. If size is the concern, who cares – Bedard is only about 5’10 as well. Benson is a gamer and could be a game changer even at the NHL level given his upside and potential. Truthfully, the one part of Benson’s game I think he could use help in, is his overall strength. And he has room to add that on and mature his game. While he could dominate the WHL season next year (and I believe it’s where he belongs), I think he could also do well with an additional year in the AHL to hone his skills against bigger competition before moving onto an NHL role. There is first line potential here, and even franchise potential. 

• “Zach Benson is a guy who can make an impact in all areas of the ice. He’s a strong forechecker who’s fast on his feet, and can create space laterally. He’s a great playmaker who possesses a high-level Hockey sense. Benson also possesses soft hands, in order to create space for himself, and teammates to create scoring chances. Despite being undersized, Benson will force his way and cause havoc to NHL goalies in the pros”. – Rayan Tubecc
• “Benson’s draft position is likely to be lower than it should be because of his size. However, it’s important to recognize that he is one of the most intelligent players in the draft. His ability to read the game at a rapid pace ensures he is rarely caught out of position. Benson plays with intensity and maintains a relentless work ethic. Thanks to his exceptional hockey IQ, he can execute passes that many players would miss. While his skating is average, his unwavering determination and refusal to quit give the impression of greater speed. Additionally, he displays good edge work and exhibits quick agility when maneuvering through the defense. Benson’s strengths extend to being a strong forechecker, and he possesses the versatility to excel in various game situations. It would be beneficial for him to enhance his shooting ability to further enhance his offensive skill set, although this critique is relatively minor”. –Tait Borst
• “Benson is a puppetmaster on the ice. He controls the pace of play whether he has the puck or not, he constantly surveils the ice and evaluates his options. He may be both the best playmaker in the class (joint with Bedard) and its best defensive forward. He is incredibly calculated with his every motion, and projects as a play-driving forward (he could still become a centre) who plays with suffocating pace and has every tool to support his style. His skating may be “just” average, and it certainly would benefit his game to develop it, but it won’t prevent him from becoming a needle-mover if it doesn’t”. – Sebastian High

Potential: Franchise

Potential rank: 4/10

5. Matvei Michkov- (Winger) – HK Sochi (loan) – KHL – Russia

I’ve been critical of Michkov throughout the year as well, and I’ll still be critical here. He’s one of the most athletic players in the draft, able to skate with great pace, able to absolutely fire a puck, and he’s also one of the most creative players, however, there’s a lot of flaws in his game. Firstly, Michkov does not play down the middle at all. Through all the games I’ve seen of Michkov, he is a big-time perimeter player and a lot of his goals come from lower danger areas. He can also be selfish at times and doesn’t use teammates effectively. He attempts to do too much too often. He isn’t very physical and is easily knocked off the puck. A reliance on space and time to pin-point a shot. A late 2004 birthday as well. A lack of defensive play. A lack of effort sometimes. All of these concerns have also existed for about 2 years and I don’t think Michkov has eliminated any of those concerns. Perhaps he is training what he is already good at, but it has raised an even bigger concern at this point for me. There is quite a bit to knock about Michkov, and those are all legitimate reasons that I don’t have him super high, but on the brightside, Michkov also has a lot of top-tier qualities that need to be noted. These red flags clash with his ability to provide offence at every level he plays at. Destroying the MHL, and looking super good in the KHL on a bad team. His athleticism is one of the biggest positives I can give a prospect, and I put a lot of emphasis on that. His creativity is sure to be a huge entertainment value, and could work out in the NHL. The truth is, I think Michkov has all the skill in the world, and from an athlete standpoint and skill standpoint, he may be the second best player in the draft. But I just don’t see him meshing in the NHL. Russian factor aside, contract aside, all of this based solely on the player himself, I do not think his skillset will carry over well. 

• “The big kahuna, as some would suppose. I understand the hesitation and the fact that his development is going to be a massive hurdle to avoid. A lot of his development will rely on fixing his low-IQ and defensive worries, as well as his breakout transitional work. The Russian contract situation is another little issue that we need to look after. He finds ways to directly drive play on the offnensice zone and that makes him an effective scorer. We’ve seen his deadly wrist shot that fires like a cannon, but overlooked is how talented he is at cycling the puck and feeding his teammates like a needle through a thread. He digs out pucks despite him being seen as a smaller build. Although some may argue his size doesn’t really fit the North American scheme, I find him to overcome some of those issues as time after time I’ve seen him battle the puck, rush at opponents, and even attempt open ice hits. Even defensively, Michkov has taken a step up. He’s started to scan for open opponents and has even found ways to cover for teammates who’ve left their spots. Although he still has serious defensive issues where he’s failed to backcheck, he’s looked better. His hockey IQ does arise a massive issue. Michkov takes shots from anywhere without attempting to think out a play. He exits the defensive zones early because he’s quick to jump the gun, and he’s made poor puck decisions attacking the offensive zone. He attacks in transition looking to do whatever looks flashy instead of creating a plan and a play in his head. He’s lacked offensive and defensive awareness all year. Michkov can have moments that make you want to yell “Wake up”. I do think there’s serious risk that comes with a guy like Michkov, but when we look at being translatable and having raw skill, I don’t think there’s a more fun option in this draft. Yea obviously, Bedard is one. But Michkov is a player I think will fall in the draft and end up terrorizing the NHL. All we need is to dig up a coach that can create him into a smarter, more diverse, and a better-planned forward and scorer”. – Pavel Malyugin

Potential: Franchise

Potential rank: 2/10

6. Leo Carlsson- (Center/Winger) – Orebro HK – SHL – Sweden

I’ve shared my heavy opinion on Carlsson quite a bit this year, and I still think he’s a fabulous player. I’m not sure there’s a lot of potential for him at the NHL level though. There isn’t enough battling for possession, not enough play-driving or getting to the middle of the ice, and he’s already far more mature than most in this class. I see a player who could put up Jamie Benn like seasons in the show, but it’s a strong draft and maybe that just isn’t enough. He’s a smart player, but doesn’t play with enough ‘oomph’ and quickness that I’d like, mind you, he’s made the SHL look easy with his style. Great attention to detail and consistency, but there are things that keep him out of that franchise spot that players ahead of him hold the potential of. 

• “Carlsson has been a personal favorite of mine to watch this year due to his exceptional playmaking skills and remarkable vision on the ice. His ability to see and execute plays that most players miss is truly impressive. While his passing stands out as his primary offensive tool, he also displays great proficiency in stickhandling. As a taller player, Carlsson may not possess the quickest speed, but I have been thoroughly impressed with his adept use of crossovers, head fakes, and shoulder fakes to navigate through opposing defenses. However, one aspect I would like to see Carlsson improve upon is his shooting frequency. Although he possesses a strong shot, he tends to rely too heavily on his passing ability. If he incorporates a greater threat of shooting, it would create more space for his teammates, enabling him to distribute passes more effectively”.- Tait Borst
• “Leo Carlsson doesn’t let the competition get the best of him as he excels at every level. At 18 years old, he managed to go above and beyond at the senior level with 25 points in 44 games with Örebro HK in his draft year. His composure and confidence are always standing out. He displays high-end smarts and situational awareness as he’s always putting himself in the right spot for a scoring opportunity. He has great mobility for his size, has great puck protection skills and puck control to make plays at that same pace. He’s definitely going to have a successful career as a smart two-way centreman.” – Peter Baracchini
• “Although Leo Carlsson’s overall skating does need improving I wouldn’t say he is a horrible skater. He has a good stride and good edges, but his acceleration will need work, but I think with his passing ability it shouldn’t be too big of a concern as it isn’t hindering his play. Carlsson is an amazing passer, he makes a great lead pass which he gets onto his teammates stick while in full flight. Defensively his positioning is good and he has a good defensive stick. I would like to see him be stronger on his stick and get more involved along the boards which I feel he sometimes avoids”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “It’s easy to see Carlsson succeeding at the NHL level. He has a perfect combination of physical and mental tools that allow him to make high-level plays at a rapid pace. He had a very impressive season from a purely offensive perspective but also demonstrated his ability to play with physicality and grit as he spent most of his even-strength minutes in the bottom six. Carlsson is equally as hard-working on and off the puck”. – Alexa Potack 
• “I was fully aboard the Leo Carlsson hype train a year ago, when he made his SHL debut as a wiry 16-year-old after dominating Sweden’s junior levels, and has since blossomed into one of the top draft talents Sweden has produced in recent memory. Carlsson is an incredibly fun player to watch, he’s one of the most skilled and creative players available in this year’s draft, willing to challenge defenders with one-on-one skill to open up attacking lanes. He has excellent playmaking vision and can find linemates with crisp passes in high-danger areas, and also has an underrated shot that he can use to bury chances himself. For me, Carlsson checks every box for what you look for in a future 1st line center” – Brandon Holmes
• “Carlsson’s biggest strengths are his excellent puck skills and hockey sense. He has the ability to beat players with skill moves and anticipate plays as though he were one step ahead of his opponents at all times. He’s already mature and plays a very translatable game”. – Eetu Siltanen

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 9/10

7. Ryan Leonard- (Winger) – USA U18 – NTDP – USA

Leonard is one of the shiftiest players in this draft, and also offers a cannon of a shot as well. Exceptional shot selection and shooting ability, Leonard delivers patience, power and accuracy behind his quick release. There are many aspects of Leonard’s shooting, but to best characterize it, it is: NHL ready. His skating is definitely above average, and while his 4-way mobility isn’t terrific, his north-south is fantastic, and he pushes the middle constantly. He makes smart use of his teammates, opening up room with and without the puck, and great positioning off puck, always setting himself up for good scoring chances. We discuss Cristall as one of the most dangerous players with the puck, Leonard is one of the most dangerous players off the puck, and to get a puck. I truly believe Leonard would be someone I would argue for in the 5-7 range. He’s a safe bet for a second line scorer, but could definitely hit the first line in his prime and potentially a 35+ goal scorer too. 

• “Leonard caught my attention in every game I watched of the NTDP this season. He possesses qualities that NHL teams will greatly appreciate. With his exceptional skill, strength, and power, he isn’t afraid to engage physically. He takes on the gritty tasks for the NTDP’s top line, displaying a personal investment and despising defeat. Leonard’s lethal shot and fearlessness in driving to the net stand out. He excels at occupying the center of the ice and causing chaos. Furthermore, he proves himself as a versatile player, thriving in all situations. His performance for the NTDP this season demonstrates his ability to step up when it matters most. Given his style of play, which is well-suited for playoff intensity, I believe NHL teams will share the same perspective”. –Tait Borst

Potential: Top 6 W

Potential rank: 9/10

8. Andrew Cristall- (Winger) – Kelowna Rockets – WHL – Canada

I will not stand any longer for the massive under-rating of Cristall. On top of that, the discourse around him. Granted, I haven’t publicly put it out either, but in 2020, it was very common for Cole Perfetti to be noted as the ‘smartest player in the draft’ and having ‘einstein-like hockey IQ’. I see Cristall in the same light as Perfetti, and I was high on Perfetti back then. While Perfetti had a much better shot and shot selection, Cristall is not all that far behind. His ability to generate space at ease and quickness is next to none in this class. His ability to create some of the most dangerous chances in the draft is next to none as well. His IQ, his positioning, his meaningfulness to the plays he creates, to the pace he’s able to play at, I see star power all over Cristall. My only concern is his top-end skating speed, but that was also a concern with Perfetti and he’s made it work. 

• “Andrew Cristall might be one of the most skilled puckhandlers in this draft class. He’s an absolute wizard with the puck, as he is able to put defenders on their asses. Cristall is able to set the pace of play with his hockey sense as he’s an excellent puck distributor too. He’s able to find open teammates and feed them an excellent tape to tape pass, to create high danger scoring chances. However, his Skating is an issue. He’s skating stride is pretty wonky, and he’s not the fastest guy out there, despite being 5’10” – Rayan Tubecc
• “Cristall stands out as one of the most debated prospects in this year’s draft, but in my view, his offensive potential is too compelling to overlook. Although concerns regarding his skating and defensive play hold merit, Cristall possesses a multitude of skills that can compensate for these weaknesses. Notably, he exhibits exceptional creativity when handling the puck, enabling him to outmaneuver defenders using various techniques. His rapid stick handeling, coupled with his elite vision, allow him to anticipate plays faster than most players, effectively finding open teammates with the highest scoring potential. Additionally, his adeptness at reading the flow of the game and intercepting passes further bolsters his playmaking abilities. While his top speed may currently be a vulnerability, Cristall’s ability to position himself correctly, along with his quick edges and agility, helps to mitigate this issue. It’s worth noting that when he’s not delivering pinpoint passes to his teammates, he’s unleashing pinpoint accurate shots that find the top corner of the net. With his diverse skill set and imaginative style of play, Cristall represents a high-risk, high-reward selection, and I lean towards him fulfilling his considerable upside”.-Tait Borst
• “Although his skating may have come into question, Andrew Cristall remains a very elusive and highly skilled playmaker. He’s very shifty with his movements and stickhandling, especially when making quick plays in high traffic areas. He can make the most difficult moves look so simple as a result of this. He can spot passing lanes and cross seams instantly to make a quick pass to his teammates and is always putting the puck in a great spot. He’s always keeping plays alive, displaying great patience and when things open up, that’s when he attacks intently”. – Peter Baracchini 

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 8.5/10

9. Axel Sandin Pellikka- (Right Shot Defence) – Skellefteå AIK – SHL – Sweden

There might not be a defender in this draft that I trust as much as ASP. In all aspects of the game, he is a fluid player with a high hockey IQ who can quietly earn coaches trust. It’s what got him on Sweden’s U20 World Junior team, and it’s what got him to play first line minutes for them. ASP isn’t going to dazzle and dance on the blue line, he isn’t going to blow by opponents and go end-to-end, and he likely isn’t going to throw out too many monstrous hits. However, he will make very smart decisions, make clean passes in stride, open up the ice greatly, pack a punch with his physicality, position himself well enough to limit offensive opportunities for the other team and so much more. ASP is able to play at a high pace, and is able to make every play happen in stride, whether it’s a shot or a pass. I truly believe ASP boasts one of the highest floors and highest ceilings of defenders in this draft. I don’t think ASP will put up a bunch of points in the NHL, but he can easily be paired with a 1D and be his go-to partner. In other words, ASP will act to _________ as Simon Nemec will act to Luke Hughes. 

• “Sandin Pellika is arguably the defenseman with the highest offensive potential in this draft class. He possesses exceptional agility and displays smooth skating abilities. His lateral mobility allows him to skillfully navigate the blue line, making him a threat in offensive zone plays. Pellika excels as a breakout passer, demonstrating impressive composure even when facing pressure from opponents. His shot is quick and accurate, and he shows great proficiency in finding shooting lanes through traffic. With his diverse skill set, he has the necessary tools to excel as a power play quarterback at higher levels of play. Defensively, he is solid in handling rushes and effectively guides opposing players to the outside. If there’s room for improvement, it would be in his consistency when deciding to join offensive rushes, as he tends to exhibit passive performances at times”.-Tait Borst 
• “Axel Sandin-Pellikka is an excellent skater with a good skating base and has great edges. He skates the puck up ice really well, with plenty of confidence; I also like how strong he is on his skates. Sandin-Pellikka has a good passing ability and makes a good first pass. He handles the puck extremely well and looks poised with the puck on his stick with no clear signs of panic in his play. Defensively Sandin-Pellikka has good gap control and uses his stick well defensively.  He is willing to be physical and I love his composure when holding the blueline. Overall, however, defensive game could still be improved”. – Alfonso Acevedo 
• “Axel Sandin Pellikka is the best offensive defenceman in this draft. He is slightly under-sized but has equally good passing and shooting, great skating and a mature hockey mind. Sandin Pellikka is one of the most active off the puck players I have seen which has resulted in him setting up and finishing plays well. When breaking the puck out he uses his skating to evade pressure well and has a wide range of passing to turn defence to offence easily. Defensively, he can defend the rush very well and has a tenacious style to his defence with relentless stick and body contact. His defensive IQ is good for his role and age but will need maturing for the NHL level but I don’t see an issue with this. His size can sometimes hinder him defensively when playing against bigger opponents but his offensive play outweighs his defensive holes. His skating is superb, its quick, fast and effortless and helps his whole game which is why he is ranked so highly”. – Joe Maciag 
• “Sandin Pellika is a smooth skater with powerplay quarterback written all over him. His offensive game has followed him through almost every league or tournament he’s set foot in this year. He protects the puck well and uses his quick feet to transition play and walk the blueline. He’s most error-prone on defense, but manages gaps well, battles along the boards, and capitalizes on turnovers”. – Alexa Potack 
• “Sandin-Pellikka is probably the flashiest player in the draft after Bedard. He’s an excellent skater and puck handler, and plays an offensive-minded game. For me, Sandin-Pellikka has the highest upside of all defenders in this class”. – Eetu Siltanen

Potential: Top 4 D

Potential rank: 8.5/10

10. Oliver Moore- (Center) – USA U18 – NTDP – USA

I absolutely love Olly Moore but … I see people ranking him ahead of Leonard and Smith and I just find that unfathomable. Moore will realistically (hopefully) be ranked within the top 16, and he deserves it, but he’s also what Twitter scouts really want to like. He’s a fantastic skater, able to jolt to top speed quickly, he’s one of, if not THE fastest skater in this draft, and he can look great cutting through opponents that way. However, I think the feet work faster than the brain at times. Moore sometimes struggles in tight, or will take himself out of good scoring chances because space is occupied, and he takes a little longer than I’d like on his release. Moore’s saving grace is that he’s one of the most athletic players in this class, and he is truly able to be a decent playmaker at top speed. The quickness he possesses on a shift by shift basis is nothing short of impressive, but it is inconsistent. I think he will grow that area of his game through maturity, learning some patience, and gaining confidence. Moore forces a lot of plays, which is good and I’m never against attempting to force a chance even if it doesn’t work out, but he does it often. So just to restate, he needs to learn more patience and confidence so that he isn’t constantly forcing, because at the NHL level, it will lead to much more lost possession than it does currently. 

• “Moore undoubtedly stands out as the fastest skater in this draft class, with a notable margin separating him from the competition. While Moore did not feature on the NTDP’s highly talented first line, he was entrusted with driving his own line. He demonstrates commendable skills on both ends of the ice and exhibits a relentless work ethic as a forechecker. Moore’s versatility is evident as he is expected to contribute in all situations at the college level. Due to his exceptional speed, there are instances where he may outskate his own abilities to process the game and coordinate his movements. However, as the season progressed, he showed significant improvement in selectively utilizing his speed and managing the puck while operating at top speed. Additionally, Moore possesses a powerful shot, capable of beating goalies from long distances and while in motion. One area for growth lies in enhancing his playmaking skills, as his exceptional speed creates ample opportunities and space for his teammates”. –Tait Borst
• “Moore is a scout’s dream. He’s the best skater in the draft, the quickest player in the draft, a dangerous and versatile playmaker, and elite transition carrier, and the second-best defensive forward in the class on top of being a natural centre. While Smith is flashier, Moore’s playmaking isn’t too far behind his teammate’s, but he lacks the goalscoring ability that Smith has finetuned this season. He could be a dominant two-way pace-pushing, play-driving top-six centre in a few years’ time, though, and is worth a top 10 selection”. – Sebastian High

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 7.5/10

11. Eduard Sale- (Winger) – HC Kometa Brno – Czechia – Czechia

Towards the end of the season, the hype sort of switched sides on Sale and people are beginning to heavily under-rate him. Is the floor there? Not really, at least, not to most scouts’ expectations. But is the ceiling there? Absolutely. Given Sale’s size, skating ability (it needs to be cleaned up) and his ability to create in a high-pace environment, even with making some mistakes, I want to bring the hype back. Sale to me is somebody without the floor of Tim Stutzle, but the ceiling of a Stutzle-lite. I don’t think it’s certain he will reach that potential, but if the strength is added, and he rounds out his game a bit more, I could easily see somebody who can put up 60 points in an NHL season. Given the gap between floor and ceiling, I don’t think there is a more daunting player in this draft, but I’m taking the upside on him easily. 

• “Sale is the best Czech prospect in this draft. He is a very good playmaker with decent puck-handling skills and his shot is underrated as well. His vision is exceptional and with his hockey IQ and patience when on the puck, he is a player you want to play with. Sale plays with speed and is a very good skater. When he is on the puck, he is always two steps ahead of everyone. If he wants to improve, he needs to go to CHL, staying in Czech Republic would slow down his development”. – Adam Duchon

Potential: Top 6 W

Potential rank: 7.5/10

12. Calum Ritchie- (Center) – Oshawa Generals – OHL – Canada

A very strong second half of the year, Ritchie has sort of eliminated all concerns I previously had about him – especially after digging in and getting a closer look. Ritchie is an all-around player, a fantastic teammate but very reliable in all situations. Defensively, offensively, coverage, you name it. Ritchie also plays with a lot of pace and intensity, something I saw more evident in the back-half of the season than the first half (hence the jump in ranking). But above all, Ritchie is one of the smartest hustlers in the draft, able to make plays with ease and see teammates through small windows or openings. Ritchie has fantastic spatial awareness, perhaps one of the best in the draft, combine that with his ability to use that to manipulate defenders, and he becomes extremely dangerous. A good floor but a decent ceiling as well, I would have no problem having Ritchie as a guy on my second line who could end up as a playmaker on the power play as well. 

• “Ritchie may have slipped down the rankings for some compared to the beginning of the season, yet he still has the talent and make of a top-25 player in this draft class. The Oshawa Generals forward is an intelligent centerman with outstanding hockey IQ across all three zones. Ritchie is strong both on and off the puck at finding the soft spots around the ice to open up space for both himself and his teammates. His speed is nothing to write home about, but his four-way mobility and a sneaky set of hands allow him to maneuver around the opposition effectively. Ritchie’s production this season did raise some question marks; however, he still holds second-line upside at the NHL level and, at worse, should become a high-end third liner”. – Curtis Rines 
• “It was a tough year for Ritchie at the OHL level but a great one at the International level. The reality is that Ritchie struggled at times to be a primary play driver with a rebuilding Oshawa team, but when surrounded by other great players playing for Canada, he shined. Ritchie’s vision with the puck and overall playmaking ability are top notch. He can dominate possession down low with his strength on the puck and ability to keep plays alive along the wall; something that was on full display at the U18’s with Canada. The pace issues are real. The off puck play is inconsistent. However, Ritchie is a player that I believe is being underrated simply because he’s not flashy. His quiet effectiveness as an offensive player and ability to make those around him better will be valued highly by NHL scouts” – Brock Otten

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 9/10

13. Colby Barlow- (Winger) – Owen Sound Attack – OHL – Canada

One of the best shooters in the draft, there is a lot to like about Colby Barlow. He delivers a powerful stride, a powerful punch of a shot, and some really great physicality. Barlow by all means looks like he could play in the NHL next year (literally, he has a beard most NHLers would be jealous of). But that also raises a very real question that I’ve seen and asked myself. Where does he go from here? It isn’t too difficult to light up the OHL when you look 10 years older than the rest of your competition. Barlow made the OHL look easy, and a lot of it did come from his physical features and toughness. But where is his ceiling? I don’t see Barlow adding on too much that will help him reach his overall potential. I think Barlow looks like someone who could definitely step into the NHL next season, but likely spends his career being a middle 6 shooter or power forward for the most part. I see limited upside in him being a first line player. 

• “If there’s one thing that Colby Barlow excels at, it’s scoring goals in many different ways. From far out with his powerful wrist shot, in tight for deflections or tap in goals, he will find the back of the net one way or another. He’s already got a power forward mentality, always being first in on the forecheck to establish an attack and displays a strong work ethic with his ability to win back possession of the puck. He’s doing whatever it takes to win and that includes developing a strong defensive aspect to his game”. – Peter Baracchini
• “Barlow is one of the top goal-scoring threats in this draft class. The Owen Sound Attack captain is a strong, hard-nosed winger with a wicked shot and solid straight-line speed. Barlow’s ability to score with a plethora of shots in his arsenal is what makes him such a threat, highlighted by his accurate wrister and powerful one-timer. Although he lacks pure playmaking abilities, he has shown that he has on-ice vision and is not afraid to slow down the game to pick out the right chances. Behind Bedard, Barlow is in contention to be the most NHL-ready prospect in the draft class. Any team in the league would have no issue throwing them on their third line right away and seeing results. With his shot and physicality, Barlow has the makings of a top-six sniper in the NHL”. – Curtis Rines
• “I do understand some of the criticisms of Barlow’s game. His game has a fairly predictive algorithm as a North/South attacker. There are currently some skill limitations that prevent him from being a more consistent play driver. However, his speed is an asset as he consistently looks to apply pressure in pursuit of the puck and as he drives the net. Outside of his physical assertiveness, his shot is a major weapon that gives him great potential as a goal scorer. Additionally, his two-way game should develop to the point where he can be a high level defensive player. The reality is that Barlow, even if he’s more of a complementary piece, has a chance to be a Gabriel Landeskog type of player”. – Brock Otten 

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 9/10

14. Brayden Yager- (Center) – Moose Jaw Warriors – WHL – Canada

I still think Yager has one of the best ceilings in the draft, and offers a terrific shot selection, and a terrific shot to go along with it. Yager did not find the groove I thought he would this year. He looked uninterested, uninvolved and unwilling to fight for goals. I found Yager’s play this year was lazy, to be quite honest. His play at the Hlinka was great, and there are times where he shines in the dub, but there is a huge lack of consistency. Yager needs to add strength for sure, as he struggles to drive play down the middle and can easily be knocked off balance, but he also needs to continue to drive a play when he can. Too often, Yager slows down the pace of play and then makes poor decisions. I still have high hopes, but those hopes are wearing down a little bit. In all honesty, this ‘14’ ranking should have an asterisk explaining that this is if he gets out of Moose Jaw, as I have not been a fan of their development of prospects for a few years now, with many of the same exact problems in each prospect from this system.

• “Brayden Yager is another one of those “boom or bust” players in this draft class. Yager possesses an nhl-level shot, as he’s able to release the puck mid-stride, catching goalies off guard. He was able to move around the ice pretty quickly with his powerful strides & crossovers. Yager also has solid edgework and mobility as he’s able to move laterally pretty well. However, there’s a reason why Yager had an underwhelming draft year. His decision-making & “processing-speed” was questionable, he when under pressure, made ill-advised decisions on the ice. Not to mention his defensive game being virtually non-existent”. – Rayan Tubecc
• “Yager entered this season with high expectations after an impressive draft-1 performance. He excels as a skater, displaying exceptional speed right from the first few steps. His ability to leave defenders behind effortlessly is remarkable. Moreover, Yager possesses one of the quickest shot releases among the draft prospects. However, this season he encountered some bad luck in terms of goal-scoring, as he didn’t match his previous season’s goal tally. While this might raise concerns for some scouts, I believe it was a result of Yager’s increased focus on improving his playmaking skills. His development in this area has been substantial, and I appreciate his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Nonetheless, it would be beneficial for him to work on enhancing his consistency and engagement in every play”.-Tait Borst

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 7/10

15. Gracyn Sawchyn- (Center) – Seattle Thunderbirds – WHL – Canada

One of the most entertaining prospects of this class, Sawchyn can demonstrate a lot of high-skill efforts and good upside as well. Great hands, great feet, great at manipulating defenders and creating space, possibly one of the best in the class at it. However, he constantly looks to do too much and can sometimes not make good use of teammates. Sawchyn is often looking for a highlight or even attempting one more move – which on multiple occasions has left a decent scoring chance result in no shot attempt. On top of everything, there are layers to his game, and Sawchyn does possess one of the quickest brains in the game and I’m excited to see what he can do when he matures and adds some strength and consistency to his game. 

• “Sawchyn left a lasting impression on me during my observations of him this season. He stands out as a highly skilled and elusive forward. His ability to analyze the game at an elevated level and effectively solve problems is truly commendable. Sawchyn’s creativity shines through as he effortlessly executes moves that leave defenders baffled. As an exceptional passer, he consistently delivers accurate passes into high-danger areas. Although his skating ability is average, his agility and excellent edge work compensate for it. Moreover, Sawchyn exhibits remarkable stickhandling skills and possesses a quick release. To further improve his game, he should focus on building strength, as he sometimes struggles to hold onto the puck during battles”.-Tait Borst
• “Gracyn Sawchyn managed to have a productive draft year with 58 points in 58 games. He already has a great mentality when it comes to his work ethic and competitive drive as he’s always dictating the pace of play. He’s a quick skater with strong edges, an aggressive attacker and has great puck control. Even defensively, he’s quick to forcing turnovers and transitioning the other way. He’ll be a thorn in the opponent’s side constantly.” – Peter Baracchini

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 7/10

16. Dmitri Simashev- (Left Shot Defence) – Lokomotiv Yaroslavl – KHL – Russia

I may get some pushback for this comparison but it’s truly how I see it; Simashev is a smaller version of Zdeno Chara. The lanky skating, the size, the ability to defend the rush so well, the reach, I know these are things closely associated with just being a large defender, but the style is there too. Simashev is able to make plays at the highest of pace, and can be quite creative when he’s in the right environment. I was a fan when he was in the KHL. I thought, ‘this is a guy who can already defend well above-average in one of the best pro leagues in the world, and he shows great signs of offensive talent, just nothing has worked out’. It made me a little hesitant that the output never came to light – until he stepped into the MHL. A more junior environment, where I feel he dominated. Simashev started to produce more offensively, and has one of the highest potentials in the draft. He may take a little while before being a successful NHL defender, but he has to be one of the most effective defenders in this draft, which is deserving of a high ranking. 

• “As time went on, Simashev looked better and better. In recent times, Simashev has garnered so much confidence to the point that he’s doing things he would’ve never done before. Simashev was always a defensive player who knew the importance of puck retrievals and positional play. His net-front coverage is nothing short of dominant. His 6’4, 201 frame helps him push opponents away from the net and make space for his goaltenders. He pins opponents to the wall in corners and sweeps the puck from their feet. His use of physical strength but also his high IQ have been a necessity for him. He defends the rush, predicting plays incredibly well in his head and he understands the importance of keeping it chill without spazzing to make a chip or a hit. I don’t like how overly cocky he’s gotten, though. At points, Simashev tries going end to end and it costs him a turnover. He often avoids making the simple play, and instead, goes to make a move that looks flashy and useless. I want him to maintain that ability to create high-danger chances using deceptiveness and pre-planning, but I also want him to know his limits and his want to be noticed. That being said, he’s mastered an incredibly entertaining style of defensive hockey while being physically prevalent and offensively resilient. I have full confidence in Simashev making it in the NHL as a middle-line defender who can shut down the fort but also start up long-range plays from his zone”. – Pavel Malyugin
• “Simashev very quickly became one of my favorite prospects during this year’s draft cycle and for good reason, it’s difficult to not fall for a mobile, toolsy defenseman with a pro frame. In Simashev, you find one of the best skaters available in this year’s draft who can leverage his mobility with his size to cover distance quickly, enabling him to defend the rush and deny zone entries. His defensive game is very far along for a player his age, as he makes generally sound decisions, covers passing lanes well, and has the strength and physicality to separate attackers from the puck. Simashev showed growth in the second half of the year in his offensive game and confidence, and I believe has the potential to boom into an all-situations top pair defenseman”. – Brandon Holmes

Potential: Middle pairing D

Potential rank: 8.5/10

17. Nate Danielson- (Center) – Brandon Wheat Kings – WHL – Canada

Danielson is one of the safest bets in this class. A great two-way centre, Danielson has the size, compete level and attention to detail that is necessary to becoming an NHL talent. Danielson is a team-first kind of player, and I think it speaks a lot to the organization that Brandon has been for the past few seasons too. Danielson is a star on a not-so-great team right now, lining up primary points and good scoring chances, but it’s the minute details of his game that stand out to me. He loves making passes to teammates and dragging an opponent with him for a teammates shot on net. He’s smart and effective with his body, able to keep opponents out of spaces that he doesn’t want them to be, and protecting the puck as well. While he isn’t the smoothest skater, Danielson does seek out good pathways and opportunities. I truly believe that there are not many safer options to hit on than Danielson in the 11-20 range. 

• “Nate Danielson is what you would consider a “safe pick.” Nate’s a guy with a high floor, who you would probably expect to be a useful player in the NHL in 2-4 years. He’s solid at both ends of the ice, boasting a 300 ft game. He commands the middle of the ice pretty well as a centre, always in a position to either make a great defensive play or in the dangerous areas. He is also able to create space for himself and his wingers to generate scoring opportunities, using his hockey sense and play-driving ability. Danielson however doesn’t have a crazy toolset in his repertoire, but that doesn’t devalue him whatsoever. I see him as a simple player who gets things done”. – Rayan Tubecc
• “This may be a somewhat unconventional opinion, but in my view, Danielson is one of the safest picks in this year’s draft. I understand that the term “safe pick” is often associated with players who may lack offensive potential. However, this is not the case with Danielson. He possesses all the necessary attributes to make a significant impact in the NHL. His size, speed, hands, playmaking ability, and two-way play are all impressive. While his statistics may not immediately jump out, it is essential to watch his games to fully appreciate his skills. Danielson is indeed a two-way center who excels at shutting down opposing teams’ top players, but he also possesses an impressive offensive skill set. His skating ability is already strong, and it should only improve as he continues to build muscle. Additionally, his quick hands frequently catch defenders off guard, and he occasionally pulls off highlight-reel moves. However, his greatest offensive strength lies in his exceptional playmaking ability. He consistently surprises his teammates with his ability to deliver passes that seemed impossible to get through. I firmly believe that as Danielson progresses to higher levels and competes alongside more talented players, he will surprise many with his offensive capabilities”. –Tait Borst

Potential: Middle 6 C

Potential rank: 8.5/10

18. Gavin Brindley- (Center) – University of Michigan – NCAA – USA

This Brindley kid is honestly tough to rank. On one hand, the athleticism is fantastic. He moves so fluidly, great skating, terrific pace of play, great puck handling skills, and when he’s on puck and driving the net, he’s a very creative and smart player. However, there are some inconsistencies in his playmaking that I don’t see working as well in the NHL, at least, not effectively. Brindley constantly drives the puck down the middle and moves the puck to less dangerous opportunities. Brindley is fine in tight spaces, but he does panic. I also found that at times, Brindley will hesitate to make a play, or take too long to move the puck. I do believe Brindley does possess one of the highest ceilings, he just needs to add strength and play with more confidence, keep trying different things but do it with quickness. 

• “Brindley displayed continuous improvement across all facets of his game throughout the season. His style of play is characterized by speed, aggression, and relentless pursuit. As a formidable forechecker, he consistently applies pressure and showcases his abilities as a solid two-way player. Birndley exhibits impressive edge work and agility, enhancing his effectiveness on the ice. While he possesses a good shot, his greatest offensive asset lies in his exceptional playmaking skills and positioning. Despite being a freshman, he earned the trust of his team and was relied upon in all game situations, particularly thriving under pressure. To further enhance his game, Birndley should focus on strengthening his physical presence to increase his success in winning board battles”. –Tait Borst
• “With the talent the Michigan Wolverines had on the team this year, Brindley’s stellar freshman season flew under the radar in some ways. He was very impressive as a true freshman playing in a very competitive conference, showcasing intelligence and versatility on a nightly basis. Brindley’s playmaking game is an obvious plus, as he’s capable of finding teammates with creative passes in dangerous scoring areas. Brindley is an undersized forward, but he works hard to mitigate his size disadvantage, and I believe fits the bill as a future top six NHL forward”. – Brandon Holmes

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 6.5/10

19. Timur Mukhanov- (Center) – Omskie Krylia – VHL – Russia

I hate to say this, but Pavel … you were totally right on Mukhanov. It wasn’t until my final evaluations where I really watched him under a more careful eye to see just how much Mukhanov’s flashiness and pace could translate, and I seriously think there is a massive case to be made for a first round talent. What is holding Mukhanov back the most? His size. At only 5 ‘8, I’m not sure the game is made for Mukhanov, but Mukhanov makes the game for him. His skating is among the quickest in the draft, he’s able to change speed and direction on a dime and can be so elusive while doing so. His shot is extraordinarily quick, able to rip it from anywhere in the blink of an eye, and again, his pace. Mukhanov plays with some of the best pace in the class, which sets himself up for the pro ranks very nicely. He’s flashy and confident too which are some of the reasons I think Mukhanov is easily worthy of a first round pick. He’s a little meatball on the ice who can just shine when he wants to, but there are flashes of unengaged energy too. He reminds me of Mats Zuccarello.

• “Mukhanov plays with a level of tenaciousness that makes men even twice the size of his struggle in almost every situation. Mukhanov’s smooth skating along with his ability to follow the pace of traffic has helped him maintain his spot in the VHL. Despite playing on one of the worst teams in the VHL, he’s been one of the only players on his team to start breakouts and move the puck in transition. He plays a controlled game while holding close to puck carriers and causing them to turn them over”. – RecruitScouting Russian Scout
• “Although Mukhanov seems like the ideal high-energy player, he has numerous holes in his game. He’s got a ton of NHL projectability, but the worry is that his ceiling may not be higher than a third-line forward. Skill-wise he looks ahead of the curve, but there’s not much promise that he doubles what he’s done five years from now. He doesn’t show a lot of activity in transition, but when he does, he attacks the middle and his crafty hands fly out of the window. He’s random when he comes down the middle, but he often fumbles the puck simply because he has no idea what he’ll do once he’s in the zone. He’s a fluid player, but his explosiveness and his ability to tightly follow the puck on his edges are a bit rough. With Mukhanov, you’ll be getting a promised middle-six player who plays with tenacity and sneaky sturdy offence. But you have to realize you’re drafting for what he is meant to be: a player who drives play at 5v5 and not much else”. – RecruitScouting Russian Staff

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 6.5/10

20. David Reinbacher- (Right Shot Defence) – EHC Kloten – NL – Austria

I like Reinbacher, but I see him more of an ultra-safety pick rather than a high upside pick. I know he’s been one of the most tremendous prospects the NL has ever seen in a draft year, but I’m not sure Reinbacher possesses anything ‘elite’ enough to make him a top line talent. He’s a fairly good skater, but isn’t a great skater, he has a good shot, again, it isn’t great, and while Reinbacher showcases great hockey IQ, I don’t think his overall pace and athleticism cuts it. Reinbacher looks like a fairly certain, sure-fire bet as a middle pairing D, but I don’t see him being someone who will have a 40-50 point season or anything. Likely a defender who is reliable in all aspects of the game and averages 25-35 point seasons. 

• “Reinbacher is a mobile defender with a good size and offensive potential. He is not afraid to throw his body around, has good puck handling and puck moving skills. He already looks very mature on the ice, cuts passing lanes, kills potential high danger chances. His skating ability is average but he can still improve that area. He has a powerful shot and he likes to shoot as soon as he gets the chance. He is pretty effective on the powerplay from the right side. He has improved his passing skills, sets up his teammates very well into chances with his cross ice passes. He is among the best defenceman in this draft class”. – Adam Duchon
• “When I wrote my report on Reinbacher back in mid November I was confident that Reinbacher would grow and gain traction from scouts and boy has he done that. Reinbacher plays an elite level game in nearly all zones on the ice. Defensively, he does a really great job at recognising high-danger plays and areas and does well to shut them down, his stick disruption is extremely effective as he owns the IQ needed to understand what plays the forward might try to make and his use of his frame and body is outstanding with his ability to throw a hit and separate body from puck. Offensively, Reinbacher is not the most flashy player you will see but this does not mean he does not have offensive upside. Reinbacher’s shot is fantastic it has great power and has an ability to sneak his shot through traffic and with a booming slapshot he is more than viable on the powerplay. His passing is elite with great weight on every pass he makes and his IQ to understand where his teammates are is impressive. Overall, Reinbacher is one of the most NHL players in this draft his confidence has grown exponentially this season and his play in all three zones has elevated to where he is the best defenceman in this draft although he is not the flashiest in the draft but is certainly the most solid in his position”. – Joe Maciag

Potential: Middle pair D

Potential rank: 8/10

21. Ethan Gauthier- (Winger) – Sherbrooke Phoenix – QMJHL – Canada

What if I told you that Gauthier had that dawg in him? A true gamer, a real muscle-your-way-in type of player, that is what Gauthier is. He plays with great pace, being faster than most QMJHL competition, Gauthier is able to make plays at high-speed and finish chances at high-speed too. Gauthier works for his goals, occupies the middle if he needs to, drives the net, he does it all – he’s a well rounded player, and even though he’s a winger (rightfully so), he is also pretty reliable defensively. He reminds me a bit of Matty Beniers without being a centerman and without as much emphasis on possession. In some other regards, they feel similar, so I can definitely see Gauthier working his way into a second line someday and making it work. 

• “Relentless, tenacious and aggressive. That’s the best way to describe Ethan Gauthier when he’s on the attack and hunting down loose pucks. He displays the energy and work ethic that teams love. He shows no quit in the offensive zone and even when the puck exits, he’s quick to help out on the backcheck and force turnovers in the neutral zone. He has a great shot and accuracy and is always driving to the middle of the ice for quality chances. His in-your-face mentality is always on display”. – Peter Baracchini
• “Top QMJHL forward prospect. Had a truly excellent showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August and used it as his launchpad to a stellar season. He’s one of those players where his point totals really speak for themselves. Gauthier is adept as both a play maker and a goal scorer. His embrace of the physical game is especially notable for a player his size. He throws his body around, but he also demonstrates a high battle drive in the slot. Many of his goals came from him battling in tight and creating open ice for himself. His fearlessness when attacking the middle of the ice either in the cycle or on the rush will be his calling card that gets him drafted. As a playmaker he can be extremely patient and shouldn’t be underestimated. He uses his footwork and edgework to hang onto the puck and give his teammates time to get to open scoring positions. Projects as a potential top-6 wing, but could become an effective role player if that doesn’t quite pan out, because of his strong skating ability and physicality”. – Jack Dawkins 

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 8/10

22. Matthew Wood- (Winger) – University of Connecticut – NCAA – Canada

There were many times this season that I was fully against Wood being in the top 20. I thought, this is a guy with size, who is not a good nor effective skater, who offers little besides battling and a good shot. The U18s changed that opinion a little bit. He still needs a skating coach to work with, but there was more purpose behind his skating, he found open spaces easily, and he continued to work for his goals, driving through traffic and to the net. Perhaps I was too harsh, for a 17 year old playing in the NCAA, Wood may actually have a really fun ceiling to work with. He seemed far more mature playing competition his age and it puts it into perspective for me. I wasn’t a fan at the Hlinka, but one year changes a lot. Wood is more well-rounded, a bit stronger, a bit more willing to use his skating and drive play rather than being someone who capitalizes on others. I would definitely consider Matthew Wood a top 20 talent in this class now. 

• “Matthew Wood, the youngest player in college hockey this year, showcased impressive skills and contributed significantly to his team. He demonstrated his ability to control the game and effectively lead the team’s powerplay. His shooting technique is exceptional, often overpowering goalies with long-distance shots. Additionally, his passing abilities are solid, effortlessly executing no look passes. However, to further enhance his performance, he should focus on building strength to dominate board battles utilizing his sturdy physique. While his skating may be slower compared to others, his strong hockey sense compensates by positioning himself appropriately at crucial moments. With dedicated efforts to improve his skating, Matthew has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with”. –Tait Borst

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 8/10

23. Riley Heidt- (Center) – Prince George Cougars – WHL – Canada

Heidt is so much fun, he’s got the confidence to make highlight reel passes and plays and has a wicked shot to boost, but there’s one problem in his game; the pace. Heidt is fantastic with space and time, but I often wonder what he will look like when there is more pressure on him from defenders and the intensity ramps up. That being said, Heidt doesn’t need to be the fastest skater when his brain works so fast. Heidt is one of the best playmakers in this draft and I truly believe that. It’s the WHL, and players need to know how to position themselves, and when players are putting themselves in good positions, Heidt is always making a slick pass to them. Heidt allows a lot of space to open up with how he plays, constantly getting the puck to dangerous areas, and does a terrific job at working it down low. On the rush, Heidt plays it from the outside – in so effectively, and for that I think there is huge potential as a second line winger who can be paired with any smart scorer and he will succeed. 

• “I have encountered difficulties in forming a definitive opinion on Heidt. On some occasions, I have been impressed by his playmaking skills, his ability to contribute in both ends of the ice, and his physicality. However, in other games, I have only observed his impact on the powerplay and not much elsewhere. That being said, I do believe that Heidt possesses excellent vision and displays adeptness in deceiving opponents with his playmaking abilities. While his shooting could benefit from further improvement, his hands exhibit quickness and skill. He would benefit from enhancing his top speed, although I appreciate his proficiency in edgework. In my opinion, while his playmaking abilities show promise, there remains substantial room for improvement in other areas of his game”.-Tait Borst
• “Riley Heidt is an extremely dynamic and exciting playmaker to watch. He’s an explosive skater with great agility and strong edges, being a factor in transition and in the offensive zone. He’s a remarkable puck distributor as he has the vision to find the passing lanes with ease and is very deceptive with the puck. He has an underrated shot and has the presence and mindset to always pressure defenders to force them into making a mistake, allowing him to pounce on the loose puck and create a counterattack. His work ethic shows every shift and is always making a difference”. – Peter Baracchini

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 8/10

24. Tanner Molendyk- (Left Shot Defence) – Saskatoon Blades – WHL – Canada

I don’t think any defence has grown on me as much as Molendyk has in my final viewings. Nearing the end of the season, I think Molendyk has been one of the glaring lights of defence in this draft, and it’s a shame that he’s only 5’11 because he realistically could be ranked higher than I’m about to put him. I talk about athleticism, pace, intensity and quickness a lot when it comes to prospects, because those are all some of the most important traits to have. Well, in a weaker defensive draft, Molendyk checks all of those boxes. What is holding back besides his size? His IQ. It isn’t that Molendyk isn’t smart, in fact, there were more than a few times I was pulled out of my seat thinking about just how smart he is, it is the fact that he was so inconsistent in his decision making. As many times as I was pulled out of my seat, I also wanted to close my eyes as he fed a player a puck in the neutral zone, and then again in the defensive zone a few shifts later. Molendyk needs to clean up the decision making, making sure his brain is on the same wavelength as his feet, and then I believe Molendyk could be a very special player. 

• “Molendyk emerges as one of the premier skating defensemen in this draft class. His agility and deceptive edge work make him particularly elusive on the ice. Furthermore, he exhibits proficiency in executing precise outlet passes and defending against opposing rushes. However, there is room for improvement in his defensive positioning, as he occasionally finds himself chasing the play. When in possession of the puck, Molendyk remains composed and displays skillful escape moves. However, he could enhance his performance in board battles and refine his body positioning to minimize vulnerability along the walls”. –Tait Borst
• “Molendyk plays a simple and sound two-way game. He’s quick on the breakouts and can stretch the play with a hard and accurate pass. He knows when to pick his spots to join the attack offensively and he rarely gets out of position within his own end. He’s very sound, providing great coverage and does a great job to box out attackers. He’s always following the play, showing great awareness and attention to detail as it unfolds”. – Peter Baracchini

Potential: Top 4 D

Potential rank: 6.5/10

25. Dalibor Dvorsky- (Center) – AIK – Allsvenskan – Slovakia

I said at the start of the year that this might be Dvorsky’s draft to lose. And I think, in a way, he has. He’s slipped down my board throughout the year, as I feel his ability to create for himself lacks, even at the U18 Championship that was evident to me. And for a 6 ‘1 – 201 lbs forward who had played Allsvensken all season, I just thought he would be able to dominate against opponents, but I didn’t really think he did. Dvorsky honestly does a lot of things right, good hockey IQ, good shot, good skating, decent two way ability but wildly inconsistent in positioning and defensive IQ. I’m not sure Dvorsky has gotten all that much better from last season to this season, and his overall ceiling is limited. 

• “Dvorsky entered the year with considerable hype surrounding his name. While playing in the Allsvenskan, he showcased his ability to play a reliable defensive game and occasionally contribute offensively against experienced opponents. Notably, he excels as a powerplay specialist, utilizing his booming one-timer from the half wall. Dvorsky demonstrates physicality on the ice and fearlessly ventures into the gritty areas of play. He has a knack for performing well in clutch situations, thriving under the spotlight. To further elevate his game, it would be advantageous for him to become a more prominent playmaking threat, prompting defenders to give him additional space to unleash his powerful shot. Additionally, enhancing his speed and striving for greater offensive consistency would be beneficial areas of improvement for Dvorsky”.- Tait Borst
• “Dalibor Dvorský is a good skater who possesses good edges and has a good stride. However, he is not the fastest guy on the ice. His acceleration and overall top-speed will need to be worked on as he isn’t able to keep up with the current pace of play in the Allsvenskan when it gets to a run and gun type of game. Dvorský possesses a good set of hands with a good shot and a good passing ability. He also protects the puck well although there are times where I would like to see him be harder to take the puck off. Dvorský is also reliable defensively thanks to his positioning and supports the defensemen downlow well”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “Dvorský has a great, well-rounded offensive skillset and one of the best hockey minds in this draft. His shot is his standout in his offensive game with booming one-timer or accurate wrist shot able to create scoring chances from almost nothing. I find his IQ and how he plays when possessing the puck has the tendencies of a playmaking forward with a great vision for teammates and some good hold-up plays to drive offence for his team. His skating is good he can play on his edges quite well for his age and has a good base of strength meaning he can resist contact quite well but lacks explosiveness and acceleration in his skating. Dvorský does have a desire to help out defensively and can produce body contact or an aggressive stick but could add some more maturity to his defensive. Overall, Dvorský is a quality offensive player with a mind for the defensive game. He can play at speed, loves to attack opponents and has a great mind to make split second decisions whilst in motion. He has been criticized for his transitional game which he has improved on over the season but still a somewhat weakness in his game”. – Joe Maciag
• “It was certainly an up-and-down season, but at U18s, Dvorský cemented the idea that he can drive the pace in higher-level play. He excels in the offensive zone and plays with power. His shot is among the best in the class, largely because of his rapid release. His playmaking ability could have more depth, as he relies on his power to protect the puck and find a passing lane. When playing against better defensemen in HockeyAllsvenskan, he appeared dormant at times and took time to adjust”. – Alexa Potack 

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 7.5/10

26. Gabriel Perreault- (Winger) – USA U18 – NTDP – USA

Throughout this guide, you might see me talk about players who capitalize on other players’ work. Or in other words, being a passenger. Now, Perreault is a fine player, but I certainly believe he was a passenger of Leonard and Smith, he just happened to capitalize a little bit more. All in all, the point totals don’t matter one bit. Perreault would capitalize a little more against weaker competition, and even watching the times it was a solo effort or he was grinding for a goal (he has tremendous work ethic, I’ll give him that), he didn’t look like a dominating junior player. Perreault isn’t much faster than his competition, and sometimes wasn’t even as fast, his shot is okay, he takes a lot of shots, some good and some bad. His playmaking abilities I would rank as above average, but in all honesty, juniors is just where Perreault will thrive. I don’t see as much translation to the pro environment, and while I believe he may be wildly successful in college, I see more of a 3rd line complimentary winger than anything else. 

• “Perreault had a historic season this year with the NTDP. He thinks the game at such a high level and is one of the smartest players in this class. He uses deception to gain extra space to get a shot off or slide a no look pass to a teammate. His hands are good and he can pull off an occasional highlight real play. He is a hard worker and is always trying to improve his game. He isn’t the fastest skater but his IQ allows him to be in the right spots quick enough. His playmaking is superb and at times it looks like he has eyes in the back of his head. His hands are quick and smooth and he has a very accurate shot. He does a great job at slipping into space undetected for scoring chances. For him to fully take advantage of his skills I’d like to see him gain a quicker first few strides and top speed”. –Tait Borst

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 7.5/10

27. Otto Stenberg- (Center) – Frolunda HC – J20 Nationell – Sweden

U18 Championship Stenberg > regular season Stenberg. Stenberg was fine through the regular season, but I didn’t see as much drive and fluid skill as I did through every U18 Championship game. Stenberg didn’t make many mistakes, highlighted his two way and backcheck ability, and worked hard for his goals, occupying the middle of the ice, showcasing patience too. Stenberg was able to settle pucks nicely, keep possession from opponents, build space and just looked way more fluid than he did throughout the regular season. Or, at least my earlier viewings of him. However, it is one tournament and I’m not sure if I can count on him to always play that way – but if he can, he’s easily a mid-first rounder to me. 

• “Stenberg is an exceptionally skilled player who brings a high level of energy to the ice. He has the ability to drive plays and consistently create scoring opportunities. His impressive speed allows him to thrive in the game, and he possesses a rapid and precise shot release. Stenberg demonstrates a strong work ethic in all areas of the ice, contributing both offensively and defensively. He frequently positions himself well in the offensive zone, showcasing his understanding of the game. Even when playing against more experienced opponents in the SHL, Stenberg appeared comfortable and did not look out of place. Once he gains confidence and earns the trust of his coaches, he will undoubtedly become a formidable threat in the SHL” – Tait Borst 
• “Otto Stenberg is a good skater with good edges and a good stride. I am, however, concerned about his acceleration. He has average top-speed but I think he will still need to improve his acceleration in order to get up the ice quicker. Defensively, Stenberg will need to improve his overall play, but I do think his positioning is fine. I would also like to see him get into open ice, making himself an option on the breakout.  In his SHL games it is apparent that Stenberg still needs to get stronger. Although he does show flashes of good play at the SHL level, his lack of consistency can be frustrating to watch at times”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “Stenberg continued to excel offensively this season, dominating at international tournaments and in the J20 Nationell. There is an alluring aspect of Stenberg’s game with his quick skating and above-average shot, which roots in his eagerness. He isn’t afraid to charge into traffic and has visible confidence in his abilities. He is constantly scanning and searching for opportunities to advance the play. At times, this motivation appeared to wane in the J20, as he is simply too good for the level of competition. The SHL was a bit too fast and powerful for Stenberg, though a jump to a professional level would be excellent for his development”. – Alexa Potack 
• “A winger with a strong well-rounded toolkit and a solid frame. Good ability to stay on the puck and make smart plays. A dual-threat with strong 200-foot game. Already plays a mature game, should translate well to North America”. – Eetu Siltanen

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 7.5/10

28. Caden Price- (Left Shot Defence) – Kelowna Rockets – WHL – Canada

You know, I started off the season VERY hot on Caden Price, and even had him as my top ranked defender at one point. I was talked out of it as the year went on, but getting a closer look as we get closer to the end of the year, and I’m not sure what people don’t see in Price, because he turned me into a massive fan again. The skating ranks above average, it isn’t great and he could use more intensity and quickness in his game, but it’s by no means bad, and his skating typically serves purpose. His shot is good, his manipulation on the blue line and even breaking out are good, and I truly believe that while his decision making can be lacking and inconsistent, he’s a very smart blueliner with great hockey IQ. Given that Price has only really been playing defence since his WHL DY+1, I think he’s doing tremendous, and I seriously think he still boasts a pretty comfortable ceiling for the NHL. He’s just one of those players that I have full confidence in making the NHL someday. 

• “Caden Price is a guy who shows great promise of being a great puck moving defenseman in the future. He’s a smooth and agile skater who processes good puck control when under pressure. He excels in transitional play as he’s able to quickly get it up to his teammates quickly & efficiently, with his stretch passes. In the offensive zone, he’s created multiple scoring opportunities with his role as the QB manning the blueline. However, what really made Price fall in most people’s rankings is his defensive abilities. His defensive positioning is the weakest park of his game, as he does not look engaged whatsoever. Especially when there’s an opponent in front of the net, he doesn’t really challenge them. Puck battles aren’t any better, as at times he just let the puck carrier do whatever he wants. Overall, I think that Price has absurd potential to be a good top 4 defenseman in the NHL, but in order for him to do that, a lot of work defensively has to be made”. – Rayan Tubecc

Potential: Middle pairing D

Potential rank: 7.5/10

29. Daniil But- (Winger) – Loko Yaroslavl – MHL – Russia

But is another player who will earn a very high ranking from me. I love this player. He isn’t always consistent, and that worries me a little bit, and the point totals may not describe it, but he was dominant this season. A large frame to fill out, But generates a lot of power with his stride, has an awesome shot, and has a lot of creative elements to his game. Still a junior player, I don’t see But facing a lot of struggle against men when he does move up the ranks. He needs to have more spatial awareness, but he has good hands and he powers through defenders when he’s on his game, so I’m not too worried. I see someone who could enter into a middle 6 role with an NHL team, more likely a second liner, and be somebody who can be seen as an offensive dual threat. 

• “For a player who stands so tall playing in a league with so much randomness and unpredictability, his skating is so smooth and so modernized. His skating makes you want to watch him endlessly. It’s so much fun despite it not being the fastest, but his technique and how cleanly he moves around in transition make him such an attractive watch. Speaking of transition, But often is the one to carry the puck into the offensive zone. And he doesn’t do it blindly, he creates a plan in his head, actively scans for secondary chances, and occasionally attempts a flashy move that has a 50/50 succession rate.The theme you want with But is “a simple game”. When he isn’t trying anything unattainable, he can create smart and incredible plays while maintaining all of his offensive responsibilities. His shots have utmost strength with an impressive accuracy aspect that mainly works when he’s got space and away from the net. The only issue with his shooting is how late he gets those shots off. The buffering makes the shot easy to read and easy for defenders and goalies to get in position.In terms of the basics, But can often lose the puck while he carries it in transition. He also chooses to shoot rather than use his creative offensive playmaking ability. It’s not that he’s selfish, but rather just making the wrong choices. His offensive and the defensive game is night and day, but even though his defensive game and IQ make him incredibly iffy, he’s still an incredibly modernized player with a deadly shot. He’s a second-rounder rather than a first-rounder because of how many things he needs to work on”. – Pavel Malyugin

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 7.5/10

30. Tom Willander- (Right Shot Defence) – Rogle BK – J20 Nationell – Sweden

I really like Willander, and a successful U18 Championship highlighted what he does well and put it under a microscope. He’s a fluid skater, able to open up space and make smart passes to the middle and find open teammates, and he also has a good hockey sense. His overall pace of play is a bit of a question, he sometimes looks a little awkward and hesitant when the pace picks up, and can sometimes make the wrong plays when that occurs. He defends the rush well and his defensive hockey IQ is good, but he lacks the overall physicality in front of the net. Good breakout passes, gap control isn’t fantastic, but just average. Willander is a bit tough to gauge, but I do feel he’s a fine first rounder. I just think he lacks the overall athleticism and ‘oomph’ in his game to warrant a lottery pick. 

• “I have extensively considered whether to rank Willander or Reinbacher as my top defenseman. I have been thoroughly impressed with Willander’s progress throughout this season, as well as comparing his performance to the previous year. One standout aspect of his game is his remarkably smooth skating ability, particularly notable given his size, which enables him to elude pressure and generate offensive opportunities. While he demonstrates competence in getting shots through traffic, he could improve by capitalizing on the space he creates for himself and directing his attacks towards the net. Defensively, Willander has made significant strides this season. He exhibits enhanced composure with the puck, displays improved gap control, and effectively employs his body to disrupt opposing plays. I anticipate that his decision to join Boston University next year will prove to be highly beneficial for his development, with the program fostering his growth into a dynamic two-way defenseman with exceptional offensive capabilities”.-Tait Borst
• “He may have been underrated to start his draft year, but Tom Willander has continued to impress and increase his draft stock with his calm and confident two-way game. He’s very mobile, smooth in transition with his skating and is extremely confident with breakout plays and his zone exits. He has great vision to read the play as it unfolds and picks his spots to be a factor offensively. He has great gap control and an active stick to break up plays”. – Peter Baracchini
• “The first thing you will notice about Tom Willander is his amazing skating ability. His skating ability both forward and backwards is great, and he uses his skating to his advantage. He skates the puck up ice very well and is willing to jump into the play to join the rush. Willander is also a good passer, making a good first pass which is hard and, on the tape, more often than not. There are still some things I’d like to see him clean up though, such as his overall defensive play and his decision making when pinching as he will get caught at times.  I would also like to see him have a more active stick in his own end, however his defensive stick is good”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “Willander has some of the best skating I have seen from a defensive prospect which he uses effectively to create offence and shut down defence. Despite better offensive production in his draft year its his defence that I prefer. He has a real talent for reacting quickly to offensive players and shutting them down in the process. His skating allows him to give offensive players no time on the puck and his layered defence with stick contact quickly followed by body contact has been supremely effective for him this year. Offensively, he has grown a lot this year with an accurate shot that he can get through traffic easily and a great IQ means he knows where to find high-danger areas and how to exploit them. I believe if he had played SHL this year he would be a top 10 pick he is one of the most dynamic two-way defenders in this draft and has the perfect portfolio for a top-end NHL defenceman” – Joe Maciag
• “I am a big fan of Willander’s skating and work ethic. He’s one of the best skating defensemen in this year’s class with his agility and powerful stride. He is excellent at defending the rush and makes confident, accurate decisions with the puck. Willander is reliable and makes challenging plays look simple. His decision-making is akin to a seasoned professional, due to his frequent scanning and composure”. – Alexa Potack
• “Willander skyrocketed up most boards at the end of the season, mine included. He’s a beautiful skater, moving with choreographed fluidity, and he uses this to complement the rest of his toolkit. His strong defensive game is built on his mobility and the amount of ice he can cover. His passing game is built on the threat his skating poses as a tool to carry the puck up the ice. And his offensive deception is built on his agility and control. Willander projects as a jack of all trades #3 defenceman with a year paired with Lane Hutson potentially growing the offensive activation and confidence necessary to unlock top-pairing potential”. – Sebastian High

Potential: Middle pairing D

Potential rank: 7/10

31. Beau Akey- (Right Shot Defence) – Barrie Colts – OHL – Canada

While not overly physical, which is something he needs to work on, Akey has become one of the most successful defenders in this draft in all areas of the ice. Starting defensively, Akey has a good defensive stick and awareness to position himself well and push players to the outside. He’s always aware of developing plays and boasts good defensive hockey sense. In transition, Akey has no problem skating through the neutral zone and taking it wide to get an entry, but he’s also made a lot of great stick to stick passes in high-pace situations for clean entries too. On top of that, Akey is probably one of the smoothest and smartest offensive defenseman in this class, positioning himself greatly, skating to the middle to have a more dangerous shooting chance, smooth skating with smart manipulative tactics to fool opponents and very good reads for putting the puck in dangerous areas. I don’t think a defender has raised his stock in this draft guide as much as Akey has this season. 

• “There is a lot to love about Akey as an offensive blueliner. He is an outstanding skater with solid edgework, great agility, and some of the best backward skating in the draft class. Akey overall has top-tier four-way mobility. On top of that, he is a dangerously effective playmaker. He has a great first pass out of the zone to start the transition and joins the rush at key moments, knowing when and when not to take that risk. He has the tools to be a threat offensively on the back end, but I have some red flags with his game. Akey is a chaotic defender at times in the defensive zone. His spatial awareness and overall hockey sense, when the opposition sets up in the cycle, is poor and can lead to high-danger chances. He is already strong defending the rush, and if he can develop his awareness to a new level, he could be one of the best all-around blueliners in the OHL. I can see the arguments on why a team may swing for Akey in the late first, but as it stands, I am more comfortable selecting him in the second”. – Curtis Rines 
• “Akey has terrific potential as a two-way defender because of his high end mobility. One of the better skating defenders available in the draft this year, Akey is an effortless and fluid mover. He’s very much still learning to utilize this to his advantage and that is why he is currently a bit of an enigma. He can have problems clearing the defensive zone. He can have issues with his rush defense. He can play tentatively. On the opposite end of the spectrum, he can show flashes of being a very effective player who can be a transitional leader and overall minute eater. After Brandt Clarke returned from the NHL, he seemed to lose a lot of confidence in his playmaking abilities, taking on a bit of a different role for the Colts. You’d be hard pressed to find a defender with higher upside outside of the first round”. – Brock Otten
• “Akey won me over in my very first viewing of him this year, as he immediately looked the part of a modern day NHL defenseman. Akey immediately stood out due to his combination of high-end mobility and poise. He’s such a steady presence when he’s on the ice, capable of shutting down rush offense with excellent gap control and stick positioning, and his blend of mobility and poise makes him a natural puck mover. Akey rarely panics under pressure, able to match crisp outlet passes to start the rush or carry the puck out himself, and I believe projects as a 2nd or 3rd pair puck-moving NHL defenseman” – Brandon Holmes
• “Akey is a tremendous skater and covers a great amount of ice defensively. He’s among the class’ premier rush defenders and once he fills out his frame, he could potentially add layers of aggression and violence to his defensive game that don’t come out very often as of yet. He’s a good passer and has progressed as a puck carrier, he has the upside to be an impactful top-four piece, but he will need to refine his on-puck game and gain in offensive confidence to push the boundaries of that potential”. – Sebastian High

Potential: Top 4 D

Potential rank: 6/10

32. Andrew Strathmann- (Left Shot Defence) – Youngstown Phantoms – USHL – USA

There were some learning curves to overcome this season and I actually think Strathmann has done a really good job at tying them up. A fluid player, Strathmann is able to create space effortlessly with the puck on his stick. Able to jump into offence effectively, fire one home or keep it to the outside until enough room has opened up in the middle for a slot pass. It is not by luck that Strathmann had such a successful season and was a key piece to Youngstown becoming USHL champions. I also believe he’s cleaned up his defensive game quite a bit and I actually would count on him as a reliable player on the backend. Able to choose smart zone exits, great breakout passes and fluid movements to open up the ice, I think Strathmann boasts one of the highest ceilings of defenders in this draft. 

• “Andrew Strathmann is a lanky, quick-moving defenseman that loves joining the rush. He has strong puck-handling and vision, and a knack for risky plays, making him an exciting piece of any offensive play. He’s helped along on defense by a decent reach, although that aspect of his game is noticeably weaker. If he can boost it up, his exciting playmaking ability could provide a unique pro ceiling”. – Gabe Foley

Potential: Top 4 D

Potential rank: 6/10

33. Danny Nelson- (Forward) – USA U18 – NTDP – USA

Get ready and saddle up, because I’m likely going to overvalue a specific trait that Nelson has and give him a high ranking because of it.  – I love players that are bulls. These are the players that I’d love to have on my team, they play with demand, they play with pace, they may not be the most athletic, but they play hard. They hit hard, they have the size and the weight, they battle for pucks, they drive the net, they are bulls. It’s a huge reason I ranked Jacob Battaglia high for the OHL draft, and it’s another reason I’ll rank Danny Nelson high for the NHL draft. Nelson drives the net so well and has a beautiful release, but he’ll also murder you with a bulldozing hit if he has to. His play demands space, it demands respect and that’s just who Nelson is. I love these types of players and given his overall skill level as well, I think it warrants a first round selection. 

• “Nelson is a highly reliable and well-rounded player who consistently brings a strong presence on the ice. His physical stature provides him with an advantage, and he demonstrates a tenacious work ethic coupled with intelligent play at both ends of the rink. One of his notable assets is his proficient shot, which he can unleash with impressive speed, particularly in tight scoring areas. Moreover, Nelson’s defensive capabilities shine as he effectively neutralizes opposing teams’ top lines, showcasing his ability to shut down their offensive threats. In addition to his defensive prowess, Nelson also contributes offensively, chipping in with timely goals and key plays. While already displaying good skating ability, especially given his size, there is potential for him to further enhance his game by focusing on improving his acceleration and agility, enabling him to be even more dynamic on the ice”. –Tait Borst

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 7/10

34. Quentin Musty- (Winger) – Sudbury Wolves – OHL – USA

I don’t think I see the same Musty as a few others see … I still see a first round talent, but not quite a lottery pick. Musty plays an aggressive, in-your-face style of game, able to get under opponents skin and bully them into letting him walk in for a shot, but I don’t think Musty has improved this season as much as I’d hoped. The skating is still an issue that still needs to be fixed up quite a bit, and while his shot is fine, he doesn’t generate as much power as I’d like. As a playmaker, Musty does set up a lot of dangerous chances, but he doesn’t play with the pace necessary for the next level. Once again, the floor is there and Musty could be a solid 3rd line grinder, even a complimentary winger, but I don’t think I see enough upside to warrant a 1st line projection. 

• “Musty is one of the bigger risk-to-reward players in this draft class. He has the talent to be a top-six power forward at the NHL level, yet it is going to take a few years of development to see if he can sort out the red flags in his game. That starts with his skating. His top-end speed is good enough, but his acceleration lacks due to his stride mechanics and his poor first step. In addition, his edge work and overall agility have flaws that need to be cleaned up. Musty does have a lot of positives in his toolset, however. He is a goalscorer through and through, with a powerful shot and shifty release. Mix that with his soft hands and offensive intelligence, making him a threat whenever the puck is on his stick. Since the coaching change in Sudbury mid-season, he has also shown off his playmaking abilities more too. Musty possesses the ability to open up passing lanes using his vision and makes intelligent plays all over the ice. If a team can put Musty on the proper development path, he has top-ten upside; however, the overall risk hampers his ranking in this draft”. – Curtis Rines 
• “Easily one of the most polarizing players in this draft class. Musty had a very productive second half and many components of his game showed significant progression. In particular, under new coach Derek MacKenzie, Musty’s decision making with the puck improved dramatically as he took on a more conservative approach, picking his spots to attack defenders better. He also was more assertive in attacking the middle of the ice without the puck to get more consistent opportunities to use his terrific shot. I still have concerns over his lack of explosiveness and the consistency of his compete level without the puck in all three zones. I’m probably lower on him than most of my contemporaries”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 7/10

35. Anton Wahlberg- (Center) – Malmo Redhawks – J20 Nationell – Sweden

Wahlberg has been one of my favourite players to keep tabs on this season. He’s a big, strong, gritty player who also boasts a ton of skill that I think will translate to the pro ranks easily. Speaking of pro ranks, the final viewings were of his SHL games, and I seriously don’t see him being out of place against men. At 6 ‘3, with his powerful stride, he was easily keeping up to the pace, and he didn’t shy away from any puck battles either. I think as he continues to add strength to his frame and fills out, he may be a player we look back on in 5 years wondering why we didn’t have him ranked higher. 

• “Walhberg stands out as one of my personal favorites this year, primarily due to his incredible potential and high ceiling. His physical stature is notable, leaving plenty of room for growth and improved coordination. While he already possesses a good top speed, his initial acceleration could be enhanced. What truly sets him apart are his remarkably quick hands, capable of outmaneuvering defenders and leaving them helpless. Furthermore, he excels in board battles and demonstrates a strong two-way game. Despite his big frame, I have been particularly impressed by his ability to deceive opponents while skating through the neutral zone. Additionally, his playmaking skills are a significant asset, skillfully drawing defenders towards him and locating open teammates. If Walhberg can fully harness all of his talents, he has the potential to become an exceptional player. It is highly likely that he will be underestimated and drafted at a lower position than he deserves”.- Tait Borst
• “Anton Wahlberg has increased his draft stock in the second half as a result of his tenacity and ability to constantly attack the high danger area. He’s effective below the goal line and along the boards to win battles where he’s successful in that regard. He’s constantly displaying a strong work ethic and compete, never taking a shift off as he’s always involved with the play. He’s got a powerful shot, an underrated playmaking game and is just as effective defensively. He’s a player that can do it all”. – Peter Baracchini
• “Anton Wahlberg has really impressed me with his play in 17 SHL games this year. He skates exceptionally well with good edges and a good skating base. He is strong on his skates which makes him hard to knock off the puck however there are times that I wish he would be stronger on his puck. He is still learning how to use his size to his advantage, but I believe once he does, he will make it very difficult for opponents to strip him of the puck. I like how he gets in on the forecheck as well, I would like to see him do it more often. Wahlberg also possesses a good set of hands coupled with his frame that makes him dangerous”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “Wahlberg really impressed in his late-season stint in the SHL with Malmö, flashing his speed, power, handling skill, and goalscoring. His J20 tape was less impressive, but he shone brightly at the Men’s U18s. He could be moulded into a puck-carrying goalscoring power forward with some defensive upside to top it all off; he’s raw, but the ceiling is high”. – Sebastian High

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 7/10

36. Kalan Lind- (Winger) – Red Deer Rebels – WHL – Canada

Lind was someone I was super excited to watch heading into this season. He looked like a guy who had tremendous upside and would really thrive in his draft year, and while I still think there is a lot of potential there, I don’t think he quite met my expectations of him. He has speed, he’s a fun skater but there are times he just skates into nothingness, or even overskates. He’s still fairly weak which is why I think there is so much potential to be had, and he can really get under players’ skins. He’s a pest who offers a lot of skill and I’ll still rank him high, because I feel maybe it’ll be next year when he pops off. 

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 5/10

37. Oscar Fisker Molgaard- (Center) – HV71 – SHL – Denmark

Molgaard this season has been nothing short of dominant. And that happens to be his playstyle as well. Molgaard battles for his goals, he skates through a couple of junior players when he can, and even in the SHL, he didn’t look out of place against men. Even as a 17 year old, Molgaard looks like he could be one of the most effective play-drivers in all of Sweden, and he’s from Denmark. I could easily see Molgaard putting up 25+ points in the SHL next year if he’s full time and I wouldn’t really be surprised, he’s that dangerous. 

• “Mølgaard is an impressively disciplined player with exceptional positional awareness. Even when competing against more experienced opponents in the SHL, he rarely finds himself out of position. He showcased his ability to hold his own in that league while also making occasional offensive contributions. While Molgaard possesses a decent shot and demonstrates solid vision on the ice, it appears that his offensive upside may be somewhat limited. However, what truly stands out about Molgaard is his reliability and composure on the defensive side of the game. His poised demeanor and defensive prowess make him a strong candidate to become a valuable shut-down forward at the next level”.- Tait Borst
• “Oscar Fisker Mølgaard is a good skater. He has good edges with good top-speed and a good skating base. He also accelerates well and has a good set of hands. Defensively I would characterize Fisker Mølgaard’s defensive play as good. He backchecks well and does well to support his defensemen. I would however like to see him come further down into his own end during the breakout as well as make himself available for a potential breakout pass. I do think Fisker Mølgaard’s overall play is good, but he lacks consistency. There are times where his backcheck won’t be as strong or he will just throw the puck away without any pressure, causing a turnover”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “Mølgaard’s excellent defensive work has resulted in him playing most of his year in the prestigious SHL mainly as a role player. Mølgaard has an incredibly mature defensive game with great positional awareness, exceptional defensive toolset and a composed mindset lets him disrupt his opponents frequently and successfully. Offensively, he has understandably struggled at the SHL level given his role but his nippy skating has been a danger in the lower levels. At international and the U-20 level Mølgaard proved he can ‘the guy’ with driving offense with great vision for teammates and a well-rounded skillset. Mølgaard has a lot to like when building a winning team as a defensively-sound, extremely quick forward who has a willingness to drive at players and create chances for teammates would fit perfectly on the bottom six for any NHL team”. – Joe Maciag
• “Though he’s a late riser, Mølgaard has certainly earned himself a place in the top 40. While playing on a struggling team, he was able to be a source of motivation and energy for those around him, lifting up his teammates on many shifts. Mølgaard proved that he could be impactful throughout the lineup as a result of his positioning, puck retrievals, and awareness. He was hesitant to shoot the puck at times and the majority of his goals this season were clean-ups”. – Alexa Potack

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 6.5/10

38. Nick Lardis- (Winger) – Hamilton Bulldogs – OHL – Canada

While a little bit undersized, Lardis is likely one of the most athletic players in this class. He has a killer shot, great skating, quick movements, great intensity and pace and had a killer second half of the season. My main concern with Lardis is that a lot of his points came on the power play, and a lot of his scoring chances are coming from areas that will be massively less likely at the pro ranks. However, I have to stick with my gut feeling that his athleticism will carry him to great things over the next few seasons, and could end up working out for him in the NHL someday. 

• “Nick Lardis’ second half with the Hamilton Bulldogs drastically improved his value as a prospect. He was consistently finding the back of the net while playing meaningful minutes. He’s got a quick and accurate release with his wrist shot and is always scanning to find the open lanes to make himself available for a scoring opportunity. He has great patience with the puck and doesn’t force anything if there isn’t anything there”. – Peter Baracchini
• “Lardis has an outstanding second half to the season after getting traded to Hamilton. The talented winger is a lethal goal scorer with a strong, accurate shot. What makes him stand out is he able to create his own space. He has a strong read on the game, and using his quick feet, he pounces on any open ice that is given to him. On top of his shot, Lardis has good hands in tight spaces, allowing him to score in various ways. The area of his game that needs work is consistency in engaging physically, as there are moments when he needs to be willing to get involved in battles along the boards. If his off-the-puck play can improve, his skill set makes him a very desirable option for any team. Expect Lardis to take a massive leap with a full campaign in Brantford next season”. – Curtis Rines 
• “What a difference a new team and environment can have on a player. Lardis was struggling with Peterborough before a midseason move to Hamilton transformed him into one of the OHL’s most dangerous offensive players. Lardis’ speed is a standout quality. He is lightning quick. His shot and the quickness of his release are also high end. Other components of his game are a work in progress (play through traffic, decision making with the puck, off puck play outside of the offensive zone, pass reception and handling at full speed), but he has a chance of becoming a really good offensive piece at the NHL level. Think Jake Guentzel”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 4.5/10

39. Samuel Honzek- (Winger) – Vancouver Giants – WHL – Slovakia

The big Slovak, Honzek plays a big game. He reeks of confidence, he plays comfortably down the middle, and he offers an above average IQ too. However, I’m not sure he’s too quick, feet nor playmaking abilities. Honzek dominates right now as he’s bigger and stronger than the competition, and while I think there are enough translatable skills, I don’t see him dominating the NHL. I see a middle 6 winger who can be trusted in the slot on the power play and even at 5v5. Honzek is a big strong rangy winger who will be able to pot some goals from in tight, and that’s worth something. 

• “Honzek seamlessly transitioned from the Slovak men’s league to the WHL, quickly becoming a key player for the Vancouver Giants. He played a pivotal role in driving the team’s offense, consistently creating scoring opportunities. One of his notable strengths is his exceptional vision, enabling him to excel at creating space for his teammates and positioning them in high-danger areas. Honzek’s high hockey IQ allows him to analyze the game effectively, making him skilled at intercepting passes and generating turnovers through his excellent anticipation. While his skating is decent, he compensates for it with his exceptional ability to read plays and position himself accordingly. He is agile and has impressive edges for a big guy. Moreover, his shot is often underrated, featuring a quick release that catches defenders off guard. Additionally, his fast hands can surprise opponents on occasion.”-Tait Borst

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 6/10

40. Koehn Ziemmer- (Winger) – Prince George Cougars – WHL – Canada

Ziemmer has had a stellar season. Potting 44 goals throughout the year as a draft eligible, and being one of the highest p% players in this draft. He has a wicked release, but it isn’t just the shot itself that is impressive. Ziemmer has great patience behind his release that I think has opened up more opportunities for his chances of scoring. He allows defenders the chance to think that they are blocking a shot before finding a way around them, and he waits for the goalie to get slightly out of position or start to drop before he releases a shot. He also has a sweet backhand that he has used on goalies and caught them off-guard. I truly believe that his release is unique enough in this draft that it may just earn him an NHL role someday. I’m not sure the athleticism and potential quite work in Ziemmer’s favour, but I could easily see a 3rd line scoring winger in him. 

• “Despite typically being ranked lower than his teammate Heidt, I personally lean towards preferring Ziemmer’s style of play. What stands out to me is Ziemmer’s exceptional shooting ability and his knack for finding prime scoring opportunities in the high-danger areas. Additionally, I find that Ziemmer’s playmaking skills have notably improved since last year, and I believe they are somewhat underrated. It is worth noting that he could benefit from enhancing his acceleration and top speed, although I find his edgework to be satisfactory. Ziemmer’s impressive puck handling and his ability to score gritty goals in the crease are aspects of his game that I admire. Moreover, his aptitude for protecting the puck is another attribute that I find appealing”.-Tait Borst 
• “One of the better goal scorers in this draft class, Ziemmer can find the back of the net consistently, as he’s done it 71 times in two seasons with the Prince George Cougars. He has a knack for driving hard with force to the middle of the ice and get his lethal wrist shot off in an instant. He maintains control of the puck extremely well and utilizes his body effectively to shield the puck and fend off attacking players. He’s determined with his offensive game and it shows every time. GOOD” – Peter Baracchini

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 6/10

41. Trey Augustine- (Goalie) – USA U18 – NTDP – USA

Boasting one of the highest ceiling’s for goalies in this draft, Augustine has been a treat to watch this season. He’s athletically gifted, boasts inconsistent, but usually good hockey sense, reads developing plays well, and pushes the pucks to the outside to limit chances. Although, the one hole in his game is that he can be inconsistent in his movement, over-exaggerating some aspects of his game. 

• “Trey Augustine is the long-awaited mix of size and speed, standing at 6’2” with the speed of a goalie four inches shorter. He has quick reflexes and uses strong push-offs to react quickly to plays. Augustine also guards his corners very well, making him hard to beat without a clean look. However, he can be a bit aggressive and will need to maintain his poise through higher levels. But fortunately, Augustine’s September 2nd birthday makes him one of the youngest in the class and gives him extra time to develop”. – Gabe Foley

Potential: Goalie

Potential rank: Goalie

42. Matthew Mania- (Right Shot Defence) – Sudbury Wolves – OHL – USA

I’m a huge believer in Mania, and I felt that over my last few viewings, that only became solidified. When you look at the skating, the rush, the jumping into offence while still being a larger-than-it-seems body defensively, you start to piece together that Mania could likely step into an NHL role someday. He does all of that at a pace that makes it look easy in the OHL. While Mania gets out of position far more often than I’d like him to, he’s been one of the most fun prospects to watch in transition, especially for defence. His athleticism is above average, and he brings a powerful stride to his skating that I think will translate well. 

• “Skilled offensive defenseman. Picks his times right when jumping into the play and acts well as a “fourth forward”. His decision-making has progressed well over the course of the season, both offensively and defensively. Mania’s play in his own end still leaves room to be desired, but his skill set is one most NHL teams won’t pass up on by the mid-rounds”. – Curtis Rines
• “I had very high expectations for Mania coming into the year and while he didn’t quite hit them, he still showed enough to justify a top 100 ranking. His offensive upside is among the highest of any draft eligible defender available from the OHL this year because of his combination of skill and quickness. He can be a dynamic rush leader and as he gains confidence in his transporting abilities, his offensive involvement should become more consistent. Defensively, his game is a work in progress. Adding strength is going to help him be better near the goal line and below and further experience will help him with his positioning and reads”. – Brock Otten 
• “Mania is an incredibly fun watch and might be one of the bigger boom-or-bust prospects in this draft class. What stands out immediately with Mania is his transition game; he’s an incredibly raw but talented puck carrier who blends plus mobility with high-end puck skills and creativity. Mania has excellent one-on-one skill that he can use to beat checkers on the rush to create offense or shake forecheckers when carrying the puck out of his own zone. Mania has work to do in his own end, but is a very tantalizing offensive defenseman project”. – Brandon Holmes
• “Mania, as his name would suggest, embodies chaos. He is not yet the most controlled of players, though he is very patient under physical pressure, and he is at his best when pushing the pace and flashing his offensive creativity and deception. As a potential top-four contributor, Mania would make for a cunning swing early on day-two of the draft. His defensive game and consistency need work and he will need a good few years of development, but creative and dynamic right-shot defencemen are a valuable commodity in the NHL, and Mania could be just that”. – Sebastian High

Potential: Middle pairing D

Potential rank: 6/10

43. Bradly Nadeau- (Winger) – Penticton Vees – BCHL – Canada

I know Nadeau has received a lot of hype throughout the year for his (ridonculous) point totals and offensive output, and his incredible shot. However, I’m not as sold on him. Playing on the strongest BCHL team, with a lot of top-end talent, I didn’t necessarily get the feeling that Nadeau dominated the play himself. I think Nadeau did a great job at capitalizing off of others, and that’s good – because he truly has an incredible shot that generates so much power behind it. But in a league like the BCHL, and on a strong team like Penticton, it painted a much better picture of Nadeau than I think is true. His overall p% for his team borders that of most first-round WHL talent, but it’s a weaker league. I also found players were not nearly as physical on him when they could’ve been, where even in the WHL he would have faced more adversity. And again, I just don’t feel like Nadeau really carried the play himself as much as I’d expect him to. The athleticism is great, the shot is phenomenal, but the size and ability to generate with just him isn’t there for me. 

• “Nadeau displayed complete dominance in the BCHL this season, consistently posing a scoring threat whenever he took the ice. His standout attribute is his powerful shot, particularly his ability to deliver lethal one-timers. I would confidently rank his shot among the top 10 in this class, as it possesses remarkable speed and impressive accuracy. Nadeau’s proficiency as a shooter creates space for his teammates, allowing him to deliver well-placed passes to them in prime scoring areas. While his skating is decent, further strength development would enable him to better handle the physicality of stronger opponents”.- Tait Borst
• “Nadeau is a risky swing on upside that I really like in the late first round. He has a top 5 shot in the class, good handling, improvable skating, a good motor, and high-end awareness at both ends of the ice, not to mention an improving playmaking game featuring frequent one-touch passes, or flashes of a high pace of play, or even his late birthday which gives him a long runway. I see a path for Nadeau to become a needle-moving top-six forward, but it will require patience and a proactive development staff”. – Sebastian High

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 6/10

44. Joey Willis- (Center) – Saginaw Spirit – OHL – USA

Willis may just be my dark horse to make it. Although, not really a dark horse when you consider how high EliteProspects is on him. I didn’t think I’d become as big of a fan, but in some ways, I could see Willis turning out strangely similar to how Joshua Roy turned out. Two very different players, but both are exceptional in one category, and that is overall positioning. Willis was able to grab a lot of breakaway chances and finish them this season, but apart from that, entering the zone has been a walk in the park for him – able to manipulate defenders and give himself the best possible chances at scoring. A dual threat as well, Willis is able to work the play outside before bringing it in, resulting in scoring chances for teammates and even himself. Willis plays the slot extremely well, has good hands in tight and eloquently finishes his chances. Consider me a fan, with a note that he might just see a HUGE uptick in points next season. 

• “If only Willis had better athletic/physical tools. He’s been a favourite of mine all year, but I do also recognize that prospects with Willis’ profile always face an uphill battle to become long time NHL players. Willis’ best attribute is his IQ. He’s such an intelligent player, both with and without the puck. His anticipation in all three zones is excellent and he consistently makes terrific reads from below the goal line. However, for an average sized player, Willis’ skating is an issue. However, it should be noted that Willis was playing his first year of truly high level hockey (coming from the U.S. AAA loop). There’s a long runway for physical development. As that occurs, does added strength improve his stride and power? Well worth the risk to select him to find out because the skill and sense are there”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 6/10

45. Kasper Halttunen- (Winger) – HIFK – Liiga – Finland

Another player who packs one of the best shots in the draft, Halttunen has in a way, disappointed me throughout the season. A lack of scoring ability in the pro-Finnish league raised some concern. His positioning lacked, he looked out of place quite a bit, and I just felt his pacing was not as great at the pro-level compared to in juniors. He looked too good for juniors at times, driving the net well and beating goalies clean with ease – but he needed space to do it. Halttunen, with his size, didn’t really work through the middle for his goals, and I’m just not sure there is enough physical potential to give him that edge. Halttunen I think looks best as a 3rd line scorer but he may take longer to find his footing in a professional environment. 

• “Halttunen is a player with a considerable physical presence and possesses a powerful one-timer shot. While he held his own in the Finnish men’s league this year, he did not significantly influence the flow of play. He demonstrates a strong work ethic and enjoys engaging in physical play. However, I believe he could maximize his advantage as a larger player by winning more puck battles. Halttunen’s speed is not his strongest asset, and improving his acceleration and top speed would be beneficial for his game. He possesses a good instinct for scoring and is adept at finding open areas on the ice. To enhance his performance, I would like to see him develop his playmaking abilities, enabling him to create space and unleash his powerful shot more effectively”.-Tait Borst
• “Although he hit some rough patches with a head injury and inconsistent play with HIFK, Kasper Halttunen has a skillset that teams would want every day of the week. He’s fast, strong, has a booming one-timer and can play a mean and physical game. He’s a menace when he’s out there and on top of his game. If he can maintain consistency and work on his accuracy, he could be a problem for the opposition”. – Peter Baracchini
• “Top asset is clearly his shot, but he needs improvement in his decision making in my opinion, since he tends to force plays from time to time. Defensively he needs to become more aware of his surroundings and not just follow the puck. Could improve his first steps and edgework, but once he gets up to speed he can blow by you”. – Rasmus T
• “Halttunen’s a heavy-shooting right-handed winger with extensive goal-scoring arsenal. He has size and he can throw some physicality in the mix, but his inconsistency and his off-puck game concerned me at times” – Eetu Siltanen

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 6/10

46. Oliver Bonk- (Right Shot Defence) – London Knights – OHL – Canada

I’ve seen Bonk get some backlash about higher rankings throughout the year, especially towards the end. I for one, do not understand for a second how people don’t think Bonk is worthy of a top 40 pick. He’s an OHL rookie, only play 17 total games last year with London and has been nothing short of impressive in that regard. Not to mention he has good athletic ability, good defensive habits and a fair offensive bite to his game. He needs to add strength and become a little bit more fluid, but people seem to forget London’s track record on developing players post draft year. I definitely think Bonk is going to turn out to be a fine player when he makes the jump to the next levels. I just think he may take a little longer to do so, but that’s fine by me. 

• “Oliver Bonk isn’t flashy compared to other defenders in this draft, but he’s extremely effective and smart when it comes to his play on both sides of the puck. Whether it’s on offense or defense, he’s standing out in a big way. He can make timely reads in the offensive zone, while being a steady puck distributor. He can defend the rush really well by using an active stick to break up plays to deny zone entries. He’s competitive and is the mold of a modern-day, two-way defender”. – Peter Baracchini
• “Bonk is an intelligent, smooth-skating blueliner with fantastic poise. Although his speed and overall quickness are a work in progress, he has strong unlying mechanics that mix well with his positional awareness, allowing him to move around the ice without an issue. Bonk moves the puck well up ice with a great first pass and tends to join the rush as a trailer to be available for an extra offensive opportunity. His strength lies in his defensive game. His hockey IQ is top-notch, and Bonk has it on constant display, whether that is cutting off shooting lanes or forcing attackers to the outside with effective gap control. It is no secret Bonk has the toolset to become a reliable top-four defenseman at the NHL level. Still, his overall offensive upside is what limits him compared to some of the other blueliners in this draft class”. – Curtis Rines 
• “Bonk was a player that really grew on me over the course of the year. I wish his four way mobility and quickness were just a bit better given his average size, but he is just an incredibly intelligent player. Rarely do you see him miss a defensive assignment. His stick in the defensive zone is great. Additionally, he rarely makes a poor read with the puck in his own end and is a breakout machine because of it. Offensively, I think he has more to give to us too. I have a lot of faith in the London development model and I don’t really see a world where Bonk doesn’t at least become a quality #4/5 guy at the NHL level”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 6.5/10

47. Etienne Morin- (Left Shot Defence) – Moncton Wildcats – QMJHL – Canada

One of the most active defenders in this draft, Etienne Morin has shown at the U18 championships just how reliable he can be at times. His defensive positioning was great, he made great breakout passes, made clean and meaningful hits, mirrored the offense effectively and just overall impressed me. On the blue line, Morin has an offensive bite to his game, always making smart dishes over to teammates or having a small walk-in on the powerplay to bury it home. The truth is, the reason why he won’t be as high on my list, is that he has a lack of overall athleticism. And I’m sure you will all read that a lot in this draft guide, but true athleticism is the one area that I probably place the most amount of value in, and Etienne doesn’t have enough of it. He could very well end up a reliable bottom 4 defender though who can potentially earn some special unit time during his reign. 

• “At 6’0 tall and 183 pounds, he’s already got the basic NHL size that teams are looking for. Packed into that frame is a defender who was one of his team’s primary offensive catalysts. He gets good enough velocity on his wrist shots to deceive goaltenders. On the power play, he’s a strong point shot option. His slap shot might be a little clunky, but he’s able to deliver it with accuracy. He played a tremendous amount of minutes for Moncton on a regular basis, being their go-to option for all on-ice situations. This occasionally led to situations where he would try to “do too much.” I have seen some folks question his decision making at times, but I think that’s a product of being “the guy” for your team. To that end he’ll occasionally force passes or get caught defensively trying to make too aggressive of a play. That can be coached out of him and would hopefully be less pronounced as the quality of players around him increases. His footwork does need to improve and his direction changing is not as crisp as it could be”. – Jack Dawkins 

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 6.5/10

48. Denver Barkey- (Center) – London Knights – OHL – Canada

My biggest concern with Barkey is also a positive on his note … he plays like he’s 6’2. Now while that’s a good thing, he’s also only 5 ‘9, and therefore will be bullied a little bit more by NHL defenders. That being said, he has shown a tremendous amount of skill this year, even into the playoffs, being one of London’s saving graces. Coming up clutch in big situations, when Barkey adds an extra gear to his game, it is truly incredible. Barley plays with such intensity and skill, showcasing high levels of IQ and patience and a willing battle-effort to score goals. I just wish he was a little bit bigger as I think his ceiling would have been that much higher. 

• “Denver Barkey had a decent 59-point regular season for the London Knights and an even better post season where he had 24 points. Another smaller player in this draft at 5-foot-9, 155 pounds, his pace of play and skillset makes him very dangerous in the offensive zone. He’s a crafty playmaker who is very deceiving with his movements and stick handling. He’s always battling and is always a factor down low in front of the crease, getting pucks to the net.” – Peter Baracchini
• “Barkey is an incredibly fun player to watch. He has a constantly running motor as he plays a quick, high-tempo game every night. He is a strong slayer with above-average speed and edgework, making him a shifty forward. Barkey has also shown he can be a reliable two-way centerman through his retrievals, active stick, and neutral zone defence. However, like most scouts, I see him as a winger at the next level. Barkey’s size is obviously going to raise a red flag. However, with his skill set, I do not see it being as big of an issue as it is for some other undersized players. It does affect his stride with shorter extensions, but he has shown the ability to work around that and still be an effective skater. Barkey has the tools to be a top-nine forward in the NHL, and although it may be a long road there, I wouldn’t bet against him”. – Curtis Rines 
• “Barkey is such a likable player. He is so versatile given his compete level and high IQ. I mean, I understand the lack of respect (to an extent) given to him by many in the scouting community. He’s not huge. His skill set grades out about average across the board. He is not a high end skater given his lack of size (better than Luca Pinelli, but not at the level scouts want from a smaller player). But, he also just feels like one of those guys who will find a way to make it to the NHL in some capacity. Maybe it’s only as a bottom six option, but that has value at the draft too. I think that as he gains further confidence in his playmaking abilities, we’ll really see his production become elite at the OHL level and it may mean shifting his projection”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 3.5/10

49. Alex Ciernik- (Winger) – Sodertalje SK – Allsvenskan – Slovakia

One of the top Slovak names to look for this year is Alex Ciernik. Playing with tremendous pace and able to make plays at the highest of speeds, Ciernik is a dangerous dual-threat type of player who does exceptionally well when working the puck down low and driving the net. He makes smart decisions on when to pass the puck, plays with enough patience and spatial awareness to manipulate defenders and he’s a hard working player to go along with it. 

• “A very effective and high-energy type of player, Alex Ciernik blends those aspects along with his playmaking abilities making him very difficult to contain. He plays at a high pace and has great hands to pull off moves swiftly and effectively. He has great speed to carry the play in transition and is using the whole surface to his advantage to open things up. He has strong edges to beat defenders wide but also has the ability to quickly cut back in, making him very deceptive”. – Peter Baracchini
• “Alex Čiernik is a player who skates well with good edge work and a good stride. He has good acceleration and gets to his top-speed fairly quickly. He always seems to be moving and I love how he gets himself into open spaces where he makes himself available for a pass. I love his two-way game as well where he’ll use his ability to get open in his own end which combined with his positioning helps him be a reliable force on the defensive side of the puck. Although he isn’t dominating the J20 level by any means, he plays at a level that I would say is very good for the J20 level”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “A playmaking winger with great skating ability. Plays with a high pace and is strong at transition with his speed and passing ability. Probably doesn’t have top-line potential but could become a middle-six NHL producer”. – Eetu Siltanen

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 5.5/10

50. Jacob Fowler- (Goalie) – Youngstown Phantoms – USHL – USA

I’ve been a bit harsher on Fowler than what is necessary this year, that’s for sure, but he will finish as one of my highest ranked goalies hands-down. Fowler ranks high in poise, reading developing plays, readiness and athleticism, and ranks extremely high in kicking rebounds to the outside. Fowler is without a doubt the best goalie in this draft for limiting chances against. The only aspect he ranks average in is his positioning – and he’s usually well positioned, but there are times that if Youngstown’s defence did not play as tightly, Fowler would certainly have an additional goal against. Despite that, he’s still one of the top names for this class. 

• “Jacob Fowler led the Youngstown Phantoms to a Clark Cup Championship on the back of incredibly consistent goaltending. Fowler has fantastic vision and positioning, excelling at squaring to shots. His glove-side could afford a boost and some point out his lack of speed, but his ability to consistently perform has made him an exciting goalie prospect. Including regular season and playoffs, Fowler’s 2022-23 campaign set the record for draft-eligible save percentage (.927 in 40gp), a record he also set last season (among draft-eligible minus-one goalies; .925 in 19 games). These stats set a really interesting potential, despite Fowler’s areas to improve”. – Gabe Foley
• “All fowler knows is winning. Fowler’s mental focus is the best in the class and that is a large reason why he is so consistent game in and game out. Some worry about his size, but he’s 6’2, there’s really no worry there. Fowler is smooth in his movements and very composed. Holds his edges really well and battles til the end, but doesn’t seem to panic and flop around even when the play is broken down”. – Danny Tiffany

Potential: Goalie

Potential rank: Goalie

51. Nikita Susuyev- (Winger) – MHK Spartak Mosvka – MHL – Russia

Susuyev is easily one of the most entertaining prospects in this class, and probably one of the most athletically gifted players – boasting an extremely high and dangerous potential. His ability to adapt to defence is admirable, making him pivot quickly for puck protection and space. He has a nice shot and good hands in tight with great finishing ability, and he’s one of the best manipulative players in Russia right now. Able to be a high-impact playmaker who could become one of the most offensively dangerous players in this class. But the effort needs to be there more often, and he can sometimes be very selfish – which are the only two real off-putting aspects of his game. 

• “His ceiling isn’t there because of how little he contributes. He has moments where he can outplay opponents and use the boards as a way of making plays— he does that a ton. But his speed doesn’t match my liking and it isn’t smooth or developed enough for me to have enough trust in. His smarts are 50/50, and when he can’t think out a play well enough, it becomes a liability and he panics his way out of making anything happen. The work ethic is something that angers me. Ever since he was sent down to the MHL, he’s stopped caring and his games are on-and-off. I know he has more in him, but he isn’t acting as he does. If he doesn’t get what he wants on a silver platter, how much is he willing to work for it? Susuyev is “good”, but not “great””. – Pavel Malyugin

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 3.5/10

52. Mikhail Gulyayev- (Left Shot Defence) – Omskie Yasterby – MHL – Russia

I can’t deny that Gulyayev has a lot of fluidity to his game which makes him extremely entertaining, but there are just too many red flags for me to see him as a first round talent. To start with the positives, Gulyayev is a fluid skater who exhibits good manipulation tactics, able to create space on the blue line and even has a fair shot which generates quite a bit of power for his size. His backwards skating is also fluid and he’s able to pace himself accordingly with opposing players. He also centers a lot of pucks making him a dangerous blueliner. However, Gulyayev isn’t necessarily quick. He’s fluid, but he isn’t quick. I don’t see him beating players as cleanly at the next level. He’s also only 5 ’10 and likely done growing, I don’t see a lot of growth potential and I’m not sure his ceiling is as high given his size. Defensively, Gulyayev is consistently out of position, afraid to make a hit, is not physical at all sometimes – letting players walk all over him, which I found many times. This may be harsh but, I see a lot of fluidity from Gulyayev but I don’t think I see enough high-end talent to warrant a first round selection.

• “Earlier in the year I considered him a serious top-15 player in this draft, but his main ability has flown out of the window since then. In recent games, Gulyayev has been a lot more focused on staying back and playing the defensive game safely. He isn’t as active with trying to chip in offensively and open himself up for scoring chances in open areas. He used to be a lot more offensively inclined, but his confidence has likely taken a toll on him. He’s started to slow down the production and he hasn’t looked as dominant as he once did. Physicality, which was one of his weaknesses, has been improved. He’s started to engage in high-pressure citations and is a lot more inclined to battle it out and take/make a hit to make a play. He still shows a ton of effort in transition and puck movement moments, but it doesn’t feel as high effort as it once did”. – RecruitScouting Russian Scout
• “His calm defensive play has remained, with his overall defensive game looking much better. He doesn’t chase after unneeded pucks and he doesn’t attack players that seem frankly useless. He continues to play positionally, and he closes down on opponents once they enter a vulnerable zone. He’s shown dominance in front of the net and he’s been able to cover more area than he did at the start of the year”. – RecruitScouting Russian Scout

Potential: Top 4 D

Potential rank: 4/10

53. David Edstrom- (Center) – Frölunda HC – J20 Nationell – Sweden

Oh what a good U18 Championship can do for players. I like Edstrom, from the size, the strength, the grit that he brings, how he uses his body to dig for goals and his IQ, but he is not a first round talent. I’ll admit, he did truly look good at the U18s, aside from the numbers, but when I look at the raw on-ice product, I see quite the divide between typical first round talents and Edstrom. That being said, Edstrom does have enough translatable skills that he will be ranked in my first three rounds. 

• “David Edstrom is a good skater who has impressed me in his games in the SHL this season. I like his skating acceleration and edge work. I think he could get a little quicker with his first three steps and I would like to see him be less heavy in his stride. Edstrom also has a good passing ability, but he will need to work on his passing accuracy”. – Alfonso Acevedo

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 5/10

54. Felix Unger Sorum- (Winger) – Leksands IF – J20 Nationell – Sweden

Sorum has been SO fun to follow this season, and I seriously saw a huge increase in his skillset and play that makes me believe he has a great ceiling, but that does not mean that there are some red flags in his game. To start with the pro’s, Unger Sorum is exceptional at centering pucks and finding teammates with open space; he’s also extremely good at opening up space in the offensive end on-the-puck. He has fantastic positioning and understanding of where the puck might go next and is always prepared, has good hands in tight and good finishing tactics as well. However, on the con’s side, his skating is a bit of an issue for me. While he can create space, the overall top-end speed and ability to create space between himself and opponents is lacking. And if it is lacking at the junior level, it makes me question what type of player he can be at the pro ranks. Nonetheless, an exciting player who has showcased great amounts of effort throughout the season. 

• “Felix Unger Sörum is a very good skater who has the potential to be an excellent playmaker at the next level. Skating wise Sörum’s acceleration is good but his top-speed and overall speed is something I would like to see him improve. His defensive game could also be improved, in particular his defensive support during the breakout. Sörum’s best attribute is his playmaking ability, he has such amazing awareness to find open passing lanes and does an excellent job at getting the puck on his teammates sticks. If there is one aspect of Sörum’s game that I would like to see him use more it’s his shot which is good”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “Unger Sörum is a player who demonstrated impressive playmaking at the junior level and commendable defensive ability in the SHL. Alongside this, he plays with intensity and supports his teammates very well. He’s a capable play connector rather than a driver or carrier, but his versatile style and various strengths make him a really intriguing prospect”. – Sebastian High

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 5/10

55. Mathieu Cataford- (Winger) – Halifax Mooseheads – QMJHL – Canada

Cataford has been such a gamer all year, and it may end up showing well for him on this final list. He’s one of the class’s hardest workers, battling for a lot of his goals and battling to set up teammates as well. He’s got a great release and great use of his body, but it was his patience and use of teammates that really stood out to me about how much of a dual threat he could be. He makes so many dangerous passes while also being a ‘Grade A’ hustle, bump and grinder. He’s a slightly above average skater as well, but I truly see his athleticism carrying him to a 3rd or 4th line player, with his work ethic leading him to a possible 2nd line winger. There’s a lot to love here. 

• “Consistency is the name of his game. Consistent high effort and drive followed up by high quality play and decision making. It works to his detriment though because he doesn’t “wow” you with his play. Could go anywhere from late 1st to late 2nd and I would expect him to develop into a productive NHL forward. He has the ability to create separation with his speed, but his ability to make plays at top speed could use some improvement. Shows dedication to play in all three zones and is especially reliable on the backcheck and in support. Offensively he directs passes to dangerous areas and attacks the center of the ice. He’s just a good hockey player and in a less deep draft, he’d be a sure 1st rounder”. – Jack Dawkins

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 5/10

56. Noah Dower Nilsson- (Winger) – Frolunda HC – J20 Nationell – Sweden

Has produced so elegantly this season. Tearing up the J20, and he truly does work for his goals. Now I’ll be honest, there were quite a few times where luck played a larger part, but he’s truly a gamer. I think Dower Nilsson will need to tune up his pace and his skating, but positionally, he’s fantastic. He’s smart, he engages in puck battles, he drives the net, he just needs to make smarter decisions sometimes and fix up the feet. 

• “Dower Nilsson stands out as one of the most astute players in terms of positioning in this draft. While he may not possess exceptional speed, he consistently finds himself in the right place on the ice. This strategic advantage allows him to leverage his impressive playmaking skills. Dower Nilsson exhibits excellent hand-eye coordination and impeccable timing in his passing, enabling him to thread pucks through traffic directly onto his teammates’ sticks. He demonstrates commitment at both ends of the ice and performs well in a two-way capacity. Although he possesses a solid shot, Dower Nilsson often opts to utilize his long reach and skillful deking abilities to outmaneuver goaltenders and secure goals” .-Tait Borst
• “Noah Dower Nilsson’s skating ability is good, I like his edge work and he accelerate well. He uses his skating well when he carries the puck up ice which he does with a good level of confidence. He has a good passing ability both on his forehand and his backhand, which I think is a little underrated. Dower Nilsson also possesses a good shot, and his one timer is decent. I think it lacks some power which I think can be attributed to the length of his stick. I feel it’s too long and hinders the amount of power he can create. His defensive play is decent, and he is willing to backcheck, however I would like to see him be more consistent”. – Alfonso Acevedo

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 5/10

57. Lukas Dragicevic- (Right Shot Defence) – Tri-City Americans – WHL – Canada

One of the strangest players to rank in the draft, Dragicevic is difficult to assess. On one note, his offensive instincts, spatial awareness, ability to demand ice and shot are all ranked highly, but his skating, defensive awareness, and consistency are all ranked below average. He’s difficult to gauge, but he also has a good toolkit to work with. I think he’ll fix up quite a bit, but I wouldn’t count on him becoming a top pairing defender but rather a fair bottom pairing D who might even step into the PP unit given how great he is with a lot of space. 

• “The best way to describe Lukas Dragicevic is that he’s a DY Evan Bouchard. He’s got great offensive instinct, he’s a go to on the Powerplay as a QB-esque player. He has the ability to find open teammates for stretch passes in his end, or smart feeds in the offensive zone to create high danger scoring chances. He’s not afraid to shoot it either, as he has the ability to hide his indentions well when he shoots the puck. His skating is an issue however as his foot speed is lacking. There’s been situations where opposing forwards were able to breeze by him. Although he is not a quick player, his edge work and lateral ability is smooth. His defensive positioning might need work, if an NHL team decides to draft him in the first. Overall, I believe that Lukas Dragivevic is a High risk/ high reward player that could either be a very solid top 4 dman or just an ahler in the end”. – Rayan Tubecc

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 6/10

58. Tristan Bertucci – (Left Shot Defence) – Flint Firebirds – OHL – Canada

I’ve been very high on Bertucci all season and I might just continue that here. A larger and rangy defender, Bertucci defends the rush very well, but on top of that, his overall defensive IQ is above average and has been noted multiple times this season. He could become more consistent in his positioning, but his overall decision making is fairly good. Great potential too, Bertucci is a fine skater for his size, makes smart passes to teammates who are cutting through the neutral zone, and has a nice shot to top everything off. I could easily see some bottom 4 potential here. 

• “A lot of people are likely to judge Bertucci based solely on his U18’s play, where he struggled to find a prominent role with Canada. However, those who cover the OHL know how good he was in the second half of the year. He could easily develop into a John Marino type of defender at the NHL level with his aggressive style of defending, mobility, reach, and ability to start the breakout cleanly. Patient and poised in the offensive zone and armed with a good point shot, Bertucci also has offensive potential. I truly believe that Bertucci is the kind of player NHL scouts are going to like a lot more than independent, amateur ones”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 6/10

59. Arttu Karki- (Left Shot Defence) – Tappara – U20 SM-sarja – Finland

Although I’ve soured on him a bit throughout the year, Karki’s offensive toolkit is too good to ignore. Defensive awareness and overall IQ needs to be cleaned up, but he’s a powerful defender, with a powerful shot, good spatial awareness and a good stride that could keep him in the conversation of a top 4 defender. I think Karki right now would bug me to put in the top 50, but if I’m honest, 5 years from now I think I’d regret it if he weren’t there. Karki has strength to put onto an already strong profile, and I’m so excited to see what offence he can bring in the next few years. 

• “Arttu Kärki is a good skater both forward and backwards and possesses good edges. He carries the puck up ice well and with a good level of confidence. He is also willing to join the rush. I would, however, like to see him take the puck up ice more often. He also possesses a good set of hands and passing ability. He also has a good shot, however I would like to see him add some more power to it. Defensively, Kärki has good gap control and does well to keep his man to the outside. I would like to see him use his body more to get into a position to win puck battle and separate his opponent from the puck”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “Impressed with his poise with the puck when under pressure, although sometimes he tends to force breakout passes that are a bit too difficult. Uses his skating and edgework well to shake off forecheckers. Needs to improve defensively, both his strength to be better in net front battles, and his gap control when defending against the rush”. – Rasmus T

Potential: Top 4 D

Potential rank: 3.5/10

60. Francesco Dell’Elce- (Left Shot Defence) – St. Andrew’s College – CAHS – Canada

I really like Dell’Elce, and I’ve been watching St. Andrew’s for years now, and this is probably the most confident I have felt ranking any of their players, especially more than one, and especially in the top 100. With decent size to him, Dell’Elce plays bigger than his weight, with strong powerful strides that allow him to gain speed but a wide enough stance to also make it difficult to knock him off the puck. Dell’Elce’s movements are smooth and are always well-thought out and I have no doubt he’ll be able to perform once he gets to the University of Massachusetts. Again, the name of Dell’Elce’s game is power. 

Potential: Top 4 D

Potential rank: 3.5/10

61. Jonathan Castagna- (Center) – St. Andrew’s College – CAHS – Canada

Wow. Given I’ve only really been paying attention to Castagna at the end of the season, he’s kept me watching and wanting more each time. Now I know he’s not playing in a top-tier junior league or anything, but if you really watch him, I’m not sure it matters. He’s much faster than everybody, he’s much stronger than most, and he’s able to really pull people out of their seats. His 4-way movements are quick and snappy, his manipulation tactics are among the best in the draft at a high-speed level and his overall athleticism rivals that of most top-end talent in the class. I might even ‘over-rank’ Castagna because I simply feel he could have done very well in any league this season if he went that route. 

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 4.5/10

62. Luca Cagnoni- (Left Shot Defence) – Portland Winterhawks – WHL – Canada

Cagnoni is fine, I’m not too crazy on him, he has a really fun brand of hockey that he brings consistently, which is great. He has a lot of swagger, a lot of nifty moves that come in handy, etc. but as a 5’9 defender, his skating needs to be much better, especially his 4-way mobility. Defending the rush, Cagnoni does not reduce as much space as he should, and it has led to open slots for opponents to pass for. In addition, he often looks hesitant to be physical with players, sometimes I’m not even sure if Cagnoni is aware of his hesitancy but I see it often when the puck is worked down a lot. As a late birthday and a lack of size, it isn’t so much that I dislike Cagnoni for where I have him ranked, but rather the fact that I just like other players more. 

• “Cagnoni is one of the top offensive talents on the blue line this year, and possesses multiple plus assets that you look for in a top offensive defenseman. Cagnoni is a very mobility and shifty skater, able to cut through the neutral zone with possession of the puck or jump into the attack from the offensive blue line with ease. He’s a field general at the top of the powerplay, as I felt he was the catalyst for Portland’s offense this year with his ability to command the play in the offensive zone and find teammates with difficult passes. Cagnoni is also a very strong shooter, as he can get the puck through from the blue line or bury pucks from distance, and for me looks the part of a future top 4 offensive defenseman”. – Brandon Holmes

Potential: Middle pairing D

Potential rank: 4.5/10

63. Sawyer Mynio- (Left Shot Defence) – Seattle Thunderbirds – WHL – Canada

This kid screams good potential pick. Mynio does so many things well and I truly believe for a 17 year old that he exceeded expectations on a Memorial Cup skilled team. Mynio learned a lot over the past year as well that is so evident in his overall game. Offensively, Mynio has a bomb of a one-timer, and offers a sweet release when he does have time with the puck on his stick. He has some size to him and could add some strength as well, but even defensively he makes smart decisions. From his breakout passes, to his skating with purpose and even defending the rush – he does so well at mirroring opponents before interrupting a play and driving them towards the boards. In front of the net, Mynio is hard to beat in a net-front battle and his overall defensive positioning is a huge plus. I do seriously believe this kid is one of the most underrated players in this class. 

Potential: Middle pairing D

Potential rank: 4.5/10

64. Emil Jarventie- (Winger) – Ilves – U20 SM-sarja – Finland

While he lacks the overall size and inconsistent hockey IQ, Jarventie is one of the most athletic kids in this class. His stride will need some cleaning up, but he’s very quick on his feet and knows where to push for on the ice. On top of that, his shot is incredible. The power that he is able to generate, and spots on net he is able to pick when he has any sort of space is nothing short of impressive. I think Jarventie has been flying under the radar a little bit this season since stepping into Mestis in Finland, but I do believe he’s a kid that goes in the top half of the draft. 

• “Emil Järventie’s skating is good with good edges. He also possesses a good skating base and stride, however I found that he isn’t generating enough power in his push off. This also affects his acceleration which although I find passable, he’s still lacking that next level of separation speed to get away from chasing defenders. Järventie has a good shot which he gets off quickly, but his shot selection leaves much to be desired. There are times where he will shoot the puck rather than hold on to it for a couple more seconds to find the right shot. Defensively, Järventie is okay, I would like to see it improve, however. He backchecks well, but lacks consistency, he also positions himself well in his own end”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “Quick, nimble, good hands and a lethal shot. Despite his below average frame, Järventie is an intriguing prospect. He’s had a rough season overall, which has clearly affected his draft position, but he showed that his confidence seems to be intact at the world U18s. Not much of a factor defensively, leaving big gaps and often not being aware of the positioning of the defender behind him, but his offensive skills are definitely compelling enough to overlook the defensive shortcomings at this time”. – Rasmus T 

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 2.5/10

65. Connor Levis- (Winger) – Kamloops Blazers – WHL – Canada

Levis is a tough-to-gauge player for me. On one hand, he seems like a steady 3rd line potential player who has a good work ethic and can play a bit of a two-way game, adding some physicality and scoring senses as well, but then he pulls out some moves that look like more than just a 3rd line player. I have to stick with my guts though and say that if he does make the NHL, he will fit both those bills exactly. He’ll be that 3rd liner who fits in most nights, but is capable of pulling high-class moves and impressing once in a while. I’d certainly look for him towards the middle of the 3rd round. 

• “Levis is a player who I’d think could push for a top 9 role in the NHL one day. He’s very active with his stick defensively, creating pressure against opposing dman. Levis could be a good PKer. He moves around the ice pretty well, good on his edges. Levis’s shot isn’t all too appealing, and his playmaking seems alright”. – Rayan Tubecc

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 4.5/10

66. Carey Terrance- (Center) – Erie Otters – WHL – USA

Terrance radiates confidence on the ice, able to get into good scoring chances early, able to finish on those chances, and ability to be a dual threat and two-way player. Terrance is an all-around player that teams would love to have. And he’ll only get better as he adds strength to his game and fine-tunes everything over the next few seasons. Terrance, while not being a ‘top-name’ points wise, should expect to hear his name early due to his projectability and effort levels. 

• “A solid two-way centerman who is one of the best skaters in the 2023 OHL crop of players. His goal-scoring touch has been evident as his 30 goals ranked fourth in draft-eligible skaters. Terrance needs to work on the playmaking area of his game, but overall his mix of speed and goal-scoring will make him a worthwhile pick in the top half of the draft”. – Curtis Rines
• “It was great to see Terrance play at the U18’s this year after playing out the season with a struggling Erie team. There are so many intriguing components to Terrance’s game. He’s a high end skater. He’s a strong two-way player. He is very disruptive on the forecheck. His shot is great and his scoring potential is high. But what is the upside ultimately? I think the U18’s went a long way to showing scouts that he can be a solid complementary piece (playing alongside Oliver Moore at even strength and Leonard/Smith/Perreault on the powerplay), even if certain components of his game don’t improve significantly. There are a lot of different paths to the NHL for Terrance given his versatility”. – Brock Otten
• “I find Terrance to be very projectable to pro hockey, as he’s a speedy two-way forward who competes hard at both ends of the ice. Terrance plays very effective north-south hockey, willing to drive the center lane to the net to find himself in scoring areas or backcheck to help break up transition plays. His skill game has also come along throughout the year, as he’s capable of using practical skill to handle the puck in tight areas. Terrance’s willingness to work at both ends of the ice, play between the dots, and ability around the net makes it easy for me to see him as a future 3rd or 4th line NHL forward, with potential to be more if he continues to bring along his skill and passing game”. – Brandon Holmes

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 4.5/10

67. Jayden Perron- (Winger) – Chicago Steel – USHL – Canada

I’ll likely catch some heat for this opinion, as Perron has quickly been flying up draft boards, but I don’t see it. At all. I can’t see a first round talent let alone a top 10 talent. Is Perron silky? Yes. Is Perron crafty? Yes. Is he an above average skater, with an average shot who has decent finishing-in-tight skills? Sure he does. But he’s also 5’9, and not as dominant as most others in this draft. I found Perron to be a bit of a passenger on the Steel, and I found his teammates did much of the work for him at times. I think Perron is what Twitter scouts think they want out of a player, but I just don’t see someone in the first round. I find that Perron looked great because of who he was playing with, notably getting ice time with Macklin Celebrini. I believe he didn’t look as complete of a player without Celebrini, or that he wasn’t able to drive a play himself as often as I’d like him to. 

• “Perron possesses exceptional skills when it comes to locating open areas on the ice. His ability to position himself effectively is truly impressive, consistently finding himself in advantageous positions. While he boasts a commendable shot, his greatest asset lies in his exceptional vision and playmaking abilities. Perron demonstrates great finesse and craftiness, often prolonging possession to create additional passing opportunities. His agility and edge work are commendable, although he could enhance his top speed. It is worth noting that Perron’s defensive zone efforts and overall consistency could use improvement. Additionally, he faces challenges in physical battles and tends to be overpowered by opponents along the boards”. –Tait Borst
• “The Chicago Steel have done a tremendous job at preparing prospects for the next level. Jayden Perron is another player to join that list, as he’s a highly creative and slick playmaking winger. He displays great speed, patience and IQ with the puck, making moves at a quick pace to constantly fool opponents. He’s great a drawing them in to free up space and connect with teammates in the open ice. He needs to add more strength, but his upside and skillset is definitely there”. – Peter Baracchini

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 4/10

68. Michael Hrabal- (Goalie) – Omaha Lancers – USHL

Of course we all know Hrabal, the only goaltender regularly considered as a first round talent, but I am on the outside of that. He’s still easily one of the top names in this class, but his positioning is what really held him back this season. He’s got size, he has the athleticism, he has the rebound control, the quick movements and everything, but his positioning is going to really need some fine tuning throughout the next few years. He’s overall, one of the top 3 goaltenders in this draft I’d imagine. 

• “Michael Hrabal is this year’s version of the classic ‘big-man’ goaltender. He stands at a comfortable 6’6” and – as describes so many big goalies – he uses hardy strides to excel in the butterfly despite struggling with his up-down speed thanks to his size. Hrabal also has an ugly tendency to be a bit too aggressive in his crease, making him easy to beat if you can exploit his positioning. And while an Achilles Heel, it’s not disruptive enough to break up the great projectability that Hrbal’s big-man style warrants him. He feels a lot like another Ben Bishop – or a goalie in the same vein – and will be exciting to follow as a result”. – Gabe Foley

Potential: Goalie

Potential rank: Goalie

69. Matteo Koci- (Left Shot Defence) – HC Energie Karlovy Vary – Czechia U20 – Czechia

I still really like Koci, I think he’s a smooth skater, seems to be good in transition, makes smart passes and knows when to drop for a shot. I don’t think it’s a fluke that he’s had a couple games in the Czechia pro league under his belt and I think he could even make that jump next year (although I honestly think he may be better suited for the CHL). Koci has a lot of swagger and smoothness in his game that I think will carry him nicely through the next few developmental years. I would still spend a top 100 pick on him, easily. 

• “Kočí is a very interesting player. When he gets freedom on the ice from his coach, that’s when his game is on the best level. He’s very solid in defending offensive rushes, he plays physically along the boards even though he’s not the biggest guy out there. He’s improved in his offensive abilities during the season, he can take the puck and take him to the offensive zone pretty easily. I can imagine him being more involved when his team has possession in the Ozone”. – Jakub Hromada

Potential: Middle pairing D

Potential rank: 4/10

70. Easton Cowan- (Winger) – London Knights – OHL – Canada

Wow, what a second half of the season for Cowan, who had a very successful playoff performance as well. The small-in-stature playmaker played a significant role in London’s success, and he possesses a lot of translatable skills. His shot selection, his effort and compete levels and his positioning were all great. However, my critique is that Cowan did get lucky quite a bit. His teammates consistently opened up lanes for him and gave him quality chances to finish, so he has been a bit of a passenger through his successful second half. Regardless, he’s still getting into slots and finishing those chances. I see him as a potential complimentary winger in the middle of the lineup.

• “High IQ forward with a dynamic shot and quick release. Cowan has been one of London’s best forwards this season, which comes down to his work ethic. He never stops moving his feet at either end of the ice, and his motor is in constant motion. Cowan is a solid skater with a high pace to his game and has top-nine upside at the NHL level”. – Curtis Rines
• “The other “London twin” as the league has affectionately named him and Denver Barkey, Cowan may actually have a safer NHL projection than his teammate and linemate. He’s a more explosive skater and has that same high end motor and strong off puck awareness. I don’t believe that Cowan possesses the kind of offensive upside that Barkey does, but he could easily become a long time NHL role player and penalty killer”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 4/10

71. Ruslan Khazheyev- (Goalie) – Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk – MHL – Russia

Khazheyev really impressed me in my final viewings of him. Taking in his saves against all sorts of competition, and he may just be one of the better goaltenders in a fairly strong goaltender draft (given the competition of shooters this year). He’s got size to him, his poise may be among the best in the class, and his compete level tops most goaltenders at his age. Apart from some positioning mistakes, I would argue Khazheyev looks like he could be an NHL goaltender someday. 

• “He looked great this year and I honestly have to say it came out of nowhere, but his numbers were a bit watered down. Chelyabinsk’s defense in the regualr season was terrific, he was limited to not a lot of shots. But the playoffs is where he shined. I thought he really showed off there. Alas, he does play for the Chelyabinsk system and their goaltending development is horrid. If a team is willing to take a risk and bring him in as soon as possible, that would be ideal. If he stays in Chelyabisnk for longer, it could get ugly”. – Pavel Malyugin
• “Khazeyev is an intriguing prospect. Some have him extremely high, some have him pretty low. At 6’4 his size is certainly what nhl teams like. His movements look kinda wonky to me but he makes a lot of good first saves without giving up second chance opportunities. His positioning is at the top of the class as he uses his size really well to take up a lot of the net”. – Danny Tiffany

Potential: Goalie

Potential rank: Goalie

72. Konstantin Volochko- (Right Shot Defence) – Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk- Belarus

Wow, I’ve been delightfully surprised by Volochko and especially diving deeper later in the season, I feel very confident having him ranked in the middle rounds. Offensively, Volochko does a fantastic job at taking every inch of ice handed to him, driving the play well and taking advantage of any defender’s mistakes. Defensively, Volochko mirrors opponents well and knows when to step up, and while he does not shy away from physicality, his smaller defensive stature does hinder him at times. With more strength, I think Volochko could be a stellar defenseman. 

• “I honestly found him a bit too choppy and untrustworthy in his own zone. Offensively he’d make steps up to the plate and chip in on cycles, but his game is way too rusty to be considered a draft-eligible prospect and I wouldn’t trust his team to properly develop him either. He’s way too undefined and a bit of a wild gun, so I’d generally stay away from picking him”. – Pavel Malyugin

Potential: Top 4 D

Potential rank: 3/10

73. William Whitelaw- (Winger) – Youngstown Phantoms – USHL – USA

Not a very tall player, but Whitelaw really does play bigger than he looks. Willing to head into battle, Whitelaw offers a surprising release, able to settle pucks quickly and firing them on a well selected shot on goal. However, for a 5’9 player, his skating needs to be improved. He wastes a lot of energy within his stride, and when he’s playing bigger players, with more power in their strides, he will be caught up to, and Whitelaw doesn’t do too well with limited space. I think the Youngstown team was great this year, and Whitelaw was certainly a big reason why, but I’m not sure the game will translate for him as smooth as some other players. 

• “Whitelaw is an incredibly entertaining player to watch on the ice. It’s almost a guarantee that he will embark on an end-to-end rush at least once per game, consistently creating scoring opportunities even if he doesn’t always find the back of the net. As the season progressed, Whitelaw showcased noticeable improvements in his game. Initially prone to trying to do too much individually, he has since developed a better understanding of utilizing his teammates effectively. He displays a keen ability to identify and exploit open spaces, providing his teammates with high-danger scoring chances. Despite his smaller stature, Whitelaw fearlessly drives to the net, willingly enduring physical punishment. His speed and agility are impressive, although he could benefit from enhancing his defensive work ethic”. –Tait Borst

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 4/10

74. Rasmus Kumpulainen- (Center) – Pelicans – U20 SM-sarja – Finland

Kumpulainen has impressed me a lot as the next Finnish power forward/grinder. Kumpulainen handles grit very well, battles hard for the puck, hits hard and has a booming shot that he utilizes well. I would say I’m a fan of his style and could certainly help him earn an NHL role in the future due to his strength and style. I would however like to see him play down the middle a bit more and use his frame for some more offence in the slot. 

• “Rasmus Kumpulainen is an interesting and fairly raw prospect; he is a good skater and I like his passing ability, but he still has areas to improve in. He possesses a long reach and I like his skating stride. However, there are times where I feel he isn’t creating enough power in his push off which I think, if improved, will make him a much faster and effective skater. Kumpulainen is also a decent faceoff man from what I’ve seen however I think he’ll play more on the wing at the next level”. – Alfonso Acevedo 
• “A reliable center that can be put out there in nearly every situation. Uses his big frame well to protect the puck, but could distribute it a bit quicker at times. He is not the most explosive or fastest skater, but his edgework makes up for some of that. Defensively though (especially on the back check) he could definitely benefit from being a bit faster on his skates”. – Rasmus T
• “Big center with solid 200-foot game. Good stick handler who can flash with undressing defenders with skill moves. Not the highest upside but a good mid-round pick who could become a great depth center”. – Eetu Siltanen

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 4/10

75. Quinton Burns- (Left Shot Defence) – Kingston Frontenacs – OHL – Canada

Great bursts of athleticism, smarts, physicality and skating. Burns is going to be an extremely fun defender moving forward in the OHL, and for good reasons. He has the shot, he has the skating and understanding to make plays happen at a higher than average pace, but sometimes that also lands him in trouble. While he’s solid defensively, Burns sometimes gets too excited, and anticipates getting to the puck too quickly, leaving him little room or time for escape routes or pinning. This has led to errors and scoring chances for the other team, or making him a target of a nice clean hit, losing possession. I do think Burns will be a very fun defender moving forward. 

• “Strong-skating blueliner who has an edge to his game. His physicality and aggressive defending is on display every time he steps on the ice. Although he lacks in puck skills, he has capable puck-moving abilities. He is another who at times, mismanages the puck in his own end but, overall, is not seen as a liability when it is on his stick. Definitely, a lesser-talked-about name to keep an eye on”. – Curtis Rines
• “What an unfortunate end to the year for Burns after he suffered a serious injury at the U18’s, taking him out of game action. He was having a really solid tournament too. Even if it was a three game sample size, I do feel that the tournament went a long way to providing some clarity as to the type of role Burns could have at the NHL level. With Kingston, he’s asked to do a bit of everything given the rebuilding nature of their backend. This can lead to some issues with puck management and turnovers. However, at the U18’s, he was asked to play a shutdown role and he thrived. Burns is a highly physical player; a throwback in that regard. The key for me is continued improvement in his mobility, especially transitionally. He’s not a poor skater, but given his average size, he could stand to be a lot more explosive to become quicker to pucks and quicker to close gaps”. – Brock Otten 

Potential: Middle pairing D

Potential rank: 4/10

76. Jesse Nurmi- (Winger) – KooKoo – U20 SM-sarja – Finland

I was super high on Nurmi to start the year, and that was met with some criticism. At the time, I thought Nurmi looked exceptionally quick, smart and driven in the U20 SM, and when he started to play tougher competition, those critiques rang louder. It’s amazing just how different the competition can make a player look, because he still looked fine against tougher competition, but nowhere near the top-15 player I thought he could be. I still think Nurmi has grown this season, adding better skating to his resume, but he’s always been someone who can play with such pace, and I do think that’s an important trait to have. Mind you, Nurmi still makes too many mistakes at his current pace for me to look past, and can sometimes disappear in games. Consistency is a bit of an issue, and while he will be falling on my final list, I still think Nurmi has some awesome potential and a good ceiling, just the chances of reaching that ceiling look less certain now. 

• “Jesse Nurmi is a good skater who possesses good edges. One aspect of his game that I like is his speed which he builds up really well using his cross overs. He also accelerates well, has good top-speed and has good separation speed. He uses that speed well to get in on the forecheck and carry the puck up ice which he does with a lot of confidence. I think Nurmi could be even more dangerous on the forecheck if he’s able to develop a quicker first step. His overall shot is okay, but I think he will need to add some more zip to it for it to be dangerous”. – Alfonso Acevedo
• “Versatile offensively, I like his skating (especially his edgework) and his vision.  Is a bit too eager to put pressure on the puck carrier, something that can work in juniors but he needs to get smarter with when transitioning to the pro game. Once he gets a bit stronger, he’ll have more success in protecting the puck also, although he doesn’t have the biggest frame to work with”. – Rasmus T

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 4/10

77. Yegor Sidorov- (Winger) – Saskatoon Blades – WHL – Belarus

I had Sidorov ranked around spot 100 last season and I don’t regret it. In fact, even in an overage season, and a stronger and deeper draft, Sidorov will likely still crack my top 124. Sidorov looked even more dominant this year, his IQ is well above average, he finds ice easily in the offensive end, he creates a lot of space both on and off the puck, he’s a dual threat who, as much as he can shoot the lights out, also creates a lot of dangerous chances in the slot as well. I think Sidorov is someone who could show up in the NHL someday, the question is how high will he play in the lineup?

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 4/10

78. Michael Hagens- (Left Shot Defence) – Chicago Steel – USHL – USA

This defender was a bit trickier to get a read on this year as I learned he was suffering from an injury. Taking a look at some of his recent games however, now that he feels healthy, has intrigued me a lot about Hagens. Hagens boasts some great raw athleticism that is tough to come by for defence in this draft. At 6’0 and 165lbs, there’s also some likely potential to grow and fill out the frame a bit more too. Hagens has a good shot and positions himself well in the offensive zone, always setting up the middle of the ice. One thing I’ve noticed about Hagens that limits him however is his defensive instincts. While patient with the puck, and when on-puck defensively he’s fine, off-puck he can sometimes stick check far too much or be caught out of position. All this however, doesn’t discredit his offensive instincts which are good. Hagens has the ability to take over the rush and look a lot larger than he is, with a powerful and wide stride, Hagen’s does a good job at forcing opponents to back up and panic. Definitely someone I’d look for in the mid-stages of the draft and hope that I can change those defensive habits. Because there’s a lot to like from an athletic standpoint. 

• “Michael Hagens is a polarizing prospect, largely thanks to the fact that he just recently switched from forward to defense. This gives him an added boost of hockey IQ when joining the rush or jumping into soft spots in the offensive zone, making him a constant scoring threat on the back-end. He combines this instinct with quick passing and fluid – yet improvable – skating. But as much as his forward instinct benefits him, it also means he’s had less time to adjust to the positioning and physicality needed by defenders in their own zone. Hagens was a serviceable defensive-zone addition for the Steel this year but will need to grow substantially to continue making an impact at the next levels. For teams looking for an exciting, high-potential player in the later rounds, Hagens is a perfect fit. But question marks about his experience, or lack thereof, hinder a lot of confidence about where his floor may lie”. – Gabe Foley

Potential: Mid-pairing D

Potential rank: 4/10

79. Joe Connor- (Center) – Avon Old Farms School – USHS-Prep – USA

One of the more entertaining playmakers in the High School scene and even the USHL scene for a dozen-game span, Connor showcases a lot of admirable skills. Connor has good skating ability, and knows to work it on the outside before pushing towards the middle, and while he isn’t the one driving a lot of plays for his own scoring chances, he sets up a TON of dangerous chances for his teammates. His passes to the slot has to rank among the best in the draft, and I believe Connor will be a dangerous player moving forward. 

• “Joe Connor is a barreling-bullet, using strong shoulders and heavy skating to fight the puck away from opponents. There is more to desire with his ability to control play with the puck on his stick but Connor’s hardy and physical style – something he does well despite his smaller frame – keep him effective enough off of the puck to earn a confident solid professional floor”. – Gabe Foley

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 4/10

80. Alex Pharand- (Center) – Sudbury Wolves – OHL – Canada

Wow. I gave Pharand quite a few looks at the beginning of the season, since he’s a northerner and also plays in my city. But giving him an end-of-the-season look here and comparing it to the start of the year, and he has developed tremendously. Pharand’s skating stride still has room to go but has seen massive leaps, his ice time is more consistent now than ever, his shot is still super powerful, and he let teams know what kind of player he is at the CHL Top Prospects game. I fully expect Pharand will eventually fall into the same realms of Will Cuylle, as I see a lot of personal similarities, and given Pharand’s work ethic, could wind up favourably for him. I think he’s someone I’d definitely look at as a power forward role in the middle rounds. 

• “Pharand is a physical and aggressive forward on the forecheck. His two-way abilities are on constant display. He has decent finishing ability, which complements his prominent puck skills. Pharand does lack in foot speed and probably shouldn’t be the primary puck carrier on any team, but he is a reliable centerman who should take a huge step forward in 2023-24”. – Curtis Rines
• “Big man who excels playing North/South. Has positional versatility. He can kill penalties. He forechecks and backchecks hard. He has good hands near the crease. There’s certainly a chance that he could develop into an Adam Lowry kind of player. However, as we saw at the U18’s, the application of skill and overall decision making with the puck are areas that require significant growth. He skates faster without the puck than with it and there may be some limitations to his offensive upside. But with good linear quickness, size, and physicality, there is a profile of an NHL role player here…at the very least”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 4/10

81. Hunter Brzustewicz- (Right Shot Defence) – Kitchener Rangers – OHL – USA

After watching Brz all season, I think I’m of the opinion that he didn’t quite reach my expectations in growing his toolkit over the year long stand. I just think Brzustewicz has looked fine, but hasn’t looked great. He has good hockey IQ, and makes smart passes to the slot that end up dangerous, but he lacks the overall athleticism and pace to be effective at the next level. On the defensive end, he stays on his player well but lacks the overall positioning to be effective. 

• “Brzustewicz is one of the most effective puck-moving blueliners in the OHL and definitely in this draft class. His entire game is built off his abilities in transition. Whether he is starting a breakout through a pass or joining the rush, he creates a lot of zone exits and entries. He is a smooth skater and remains calm under pressure but needs to clean up his zone entry defence when defending the rush. Brzustewicz also lacks a genuine threat of a shot which may limit his upside, but if he were to develop it further, it would become a true dual threat on the back end. Brzustewicz has stood out to me all season, and although there are some question marks about his ceiling, I see the makings of a second-pair, powerplay quarterback defenseman”. – Curtis Rines
• “Admittedly, I’m still a little unsure of Brzustewicz’s eventual role at the NHL level. Yet, he would be a guy that I would advocate pretty hard for outside of the top 50 or so. I felt that Kitchener’s resurgence in the second half and their first round upset of Windsor were partially led by Brzustewicz and his strong play as the team’s top defender. The four way mobility (especially his edgework and lateral quickness) is excellent and his defensive play/compete level in the defensive end was much more consistent in the second half. As a puck mover, Brzustewicz stands out because of his vision and decision making. Poised under pressure, he always seems to make the correct play with the puck on his stick. Again, I’m a little leary of the projection, but he passed the eye test almost every night in the second half showing great progression”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 5/10

82. Lukas Hes- (Forward) – Berani Zlin – Czechia U20 – Czechia

I’ve become a bit of a sucker for Lukas Hes. On one hand, he’s wildly inconsistent, lacks overall IQ and positioning, spatial awareness and he can cheat quite often, but then when he’s on, he’s on. He’s extremely quick, has good feet, a good release and sweet silky hands that I think could elevate him to the next level. He’s so much fun to watch, and I’m hoping as he matures, he can work on his IQ, because he could be dangerous if he rounds himself out well. 

• “I know it sounds crazy, but in comparison to Heš, I often mention Connor McDavid. Of course, they’re not on the same level, McDavid does everything better, but I see the same movement from Heš as I do in McDavid. Heš also gains speed by strong footsteps with his long legs and loves to create offense by high pace. He has a very nice shot, he just needs to work on consistency. There were times he looked just a bit off and couldn’t get into his zone. But once he’s there, he’s always the best player on the ice”. – Jakub Hromada

Potential: Top 6 F

Potential rank: 2/10

83. Andrew Gibson- (Right Shot Defence) – Soo Greyhounds – OHL – Canada

He’s big, strong, hits hard and has an offensive flare to him. What’s not to like about the OHL-rookie Andrew Gibson? I think there’s a high potential here once he gets better with his movement – as his 4-way movement lacks quite a bit. The feet just need to work better, and the IQ needs to be cleaned up a little bit, especially defensively. I do see good potential though if all things go right, and I think Gibson could step into a top 4 role someday. 

• “Gibson is terrific at pushing the play offensively with a ton of raw skill in his game. He processes the game at a swift rate, always knowing when to pinch and when to pick his moments to join the rush. Gibson holds a hard, accurate first pass out of the zone. He prefers the less complicated plays to start transitions instead of forcing low-percentage passes. In terms of his defensive game, Gibson has good gap control while remaining poised at all times. Although he has an overall high hockey IQ, Gibson needs to work on his positional awareness to reduce the number of times he loses his man when defending in his own end. His raw skill, and 6-3 frame will make him an enticing choice for any team come draft day”. – Curtis Rines
• “An injury in the second half kept him out of the CHL Top Prospect’s Game and limited his development with the Greyhounds, but he returned in time to be Canada’s (IMO) most consistent defender at the U18’s. Gibson is a rock in the defensive end. He’s physically assertive. He is a shot blocking machine. He defends transitional attackers defensively to be disruptive. Gibson could be the perfect partner for an aggressive offensive defender at the NHL level in the future, especially given his ability to play the right side. The one area of his game that really needs to improve are his scanning habits in the defensive end and overall ability to start the breakout. He can be forced into making bad passes under duress and game management has been an issue at times. If he can clean that up, he has a long career ahead of him in the NHL”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Top 4 D

Potential rank: 2.5/10

84. Coulson Pitre- (Winger) – Flint Firebirds – OHL – Canada

I do have some love for Pitre but there is also quite a bit that concerns me moving forward. I think Pitre has well above average positioning and IQ for setting up in the offensive end, and even showcases great transitional habits; but I find he lacks IQ when driving the net or being the conductor of the team, he often panics. Pitre did get lucky a lot for his goals and points, often coming from rebounds, tips, a horrible pass that he intercepted and even when shooting on the goalie, I hardly see him beat them cleanly. It always seems to just squeeze by, and I’m not sure he’s improved as much this season as I’d hope. I think he’s better off as a 3rd or 4th round talent rather than a 2nd. 

• “Pitre is a versatile, intelligent centerman that flies under the radar compared to other DY forwards in the OHL. He has strong skating mechanics with a stride that makes him difficult to stop. Pitre’s awareness and hockey IQ is the standout attribute of his game. He works well on any line with any teammate, which makes him a treat to have in your forward core. His playmaking and puck skills are average, yet he makes it all work well due to his knowledge on the ice. Pitre does not seem to be a star in the making, but his tool set should allow him to develop into a reliable middle-six forward that can play in any type of system”. – Curtis Rines
• “A power forward in an average sized forwards’ build. Pitre is not the size of a Tom Wilson or an Evander Kane, but he excels playing a similar kind of power game. Pitre is a very physical player in pursuit of the puck. However, unlike many power forward types, Pitre is actually more of a playmaker than finisher. His quick thinking in the offensive zone and soft touch makes him a high end distributor. Overall, there really isn’t a significant weakness in Pitre’s game. Everything grades out to average or above average and that should make him a quality, long time pro”. – Brock Otten 

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 3.5/10

85. Andrei Loshko- (Center) – Chicoutimi Sagueneens – QMJHL – Belarus

Loshko has been a blast to watch this year, but he still has some issues that will keep him from a solid ranking. Loshko had a very successful back-half of the season, and is becoming a bit of one of my favourite prospects this year, especially because of his ability to finish chances at the highest of paces. Loshko plays the game at NHL speed, and is able to adapt to plays quickly, and I would bet that’s the main reason he found success in the later half of the season, but there are some issues with how he gets his points. Loshko is a bit of a dual threat, able to be a playmaker and a shooter, but too many of his shots are coming from the outside and he’s quite the perimeter player altogether. These chances from these areas are just not going to be available at the next levels, and the chances and windows get smaller. Loshko needs to find some play-driving talent, finishing in tight, and putting himself in better chances if he wants a shot at the show. 

• “In my opinion, he’s extremely under-rated. Lack of international competition showings hurt his profile for sure and I think a lot of folks just didn’t observe him enough. He finished the season leading Chicoutimi in points. They used him almost exclusively at center, and his three-zone play is excellent. His defensive zone play, especially, is very advanced for his age. He can be relied on to break the puck out of his own zone and transition through the neutral zone. Loshko might not be the fastest, or the best skater, but his hockey sense and ability to play the game are in the upper echelon among draft eligible skaters coming out of the Q this year. He’s a capable wing, but his strong 2-way play at center is where he really shines. Two-way centers are always valuable pieces in any prospect system. If people missed him the way I think they did, he could hang around longer than he should, on draft day. Could be a steal for someone”. – Jack Dawkins

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 3.5/10

86. Brady Cleveland- (Left Shot Defence) – USA U18 – NTDP – USA

While Cleveland may not be overly athletic and at times has some strange movements on the ice, he knows his role and he could be more offensive down the line. His skating sometimes catches me off guard as he easily catches some opponents, but the cherry on top of Cleveland’s game is… his reach, defensive play and physicality. Cleveland can absolutely crush opponents and lay big hits every single game, and it’s noticeable. If he understands his role of a shut down defender (I’d say he does) then I think he is a good swing for the middle of the draft. 

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 4.5/10

87. Jordan Tourigny- (Right Shot Defence) – Shawinigan Cataractes – QMJHL – Canada

I loved Tourigny early on in the season, a leader for Team Canada at the Hlinka, but throughout the season he fell down my list little by little. I still love him, I think his IQ is among the best of defence in this draft, and is likely a huge reason why he wore an ‘A’ for Canada. But, IQ isn’t everything when you move up the ranks and end up playing far smarter players, and Tourigny’s overall athleticism likely doesn’t fit the bill moving forward. If all goes well, I see Tourigny being a nice, solid bottom 4 defender who can be reliable in all situations, from a puck moving defender to someone who may be trusted on the PK unit, but I think his upside is a bit limited. 

• “His point production from the backend was excellent this season. How far he can go may heavily depend on his ability to add bulk to his frame. He’s got the offensive upside that teams crave from their defenders. His acceleration allows him to be a viable option on the breakout and through neutral ice on the carry-in. With the puck on his stick, he’s able to generate good lateral mobility allowing him to maneuver around opposing back checkers and get to the next level in the defensive structure. This ability projects well for him to operate within NHL cycles at 5 on 5 and on the power play. His point generation is not luck derived either. He is consistently putting pucks into dangerous areas either with his stick or with his feet. His defensive play is acceptable, and there’s definite room for growth and development with it but his footwork ability means that he has some good foundational structure to build from”. – Jack Dawkins

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 4.5/10

88. Cam Allen- (Right Shot Defence) – Guelph Storm – OHL – Canada

Man, what a story Cam Allen could have been. I guess he still is a bit of a story as he’s fallen quite a bit since the start of the season,  but that’s besides the point. Allen has a lot of good traits; he’s physical (big-time), he’s a decent skater, he has a good shot, good reads on plays and has above average IQ. I’m not really sure what has kept Allen seeming so average in most of the games, but it’s honestly consistency to me that’s the biggest factor of Allen slipping. Some of his games, he looks really good and can be a standout, but other times he looks about as average as an OHLer can be. I’d expect Allen should still hear his name called well within the top 100 in hopes that they can work out his kinks. 

• “No one saw their stock drop more than Cam Allen. After being a potential top-10 or top-15 pick, Allen struggled mightily this season with his overall consistency and awareness. When he’s on top of things, he can be a difference maker on both ends of the puck. He’s got a powerful shot and strong playmaking abilities and he does have the potential to shut things down defensively when he’s not being over aggressive and getting caught out of position. There will be teams that may have him higher on their list as he has put in the work to try and improve as a player”. – Peter Baracchini
• “Allen is one of the biggest fallers in the OHL this season. The Guelph blueliner was once regarded as a first-rounder but has slipped due to a lack of progress from his rookie season and inconsistencies in his game. The struggles could be chalked up to trying to do too much, especially considering the heavy minutes he was logging, as his work ethic is top-tier. Allen does have a weapon of a shot and is seen as a scoring threat when he touches the puck, and he is an average puck-mover. The most significant area of his game that needs improvement is his rush defence. He struggles at preventing entries, leading to many more chances on his own net than he would like. Overall, there is still upside with Allen, but he needs a big year in 2023-24 to erase some of the doubt after a disapointing season following up his OHL Rookie of the Year campaign”. – Curtis Rines
• “Coming into the year, I had Allen as the top defender in this draft class and was pretty confident that he would be a lottery pick. I made comparisons to Charlie McAvoy. So what on earth happened? The Guelph Storm got off to such a poor start in the OHL and Allen just seemed like he was trying to do too much and got into some really bad habits. In particular, puck management became a huge issue as Allen transformed into a very turnover prone player. His defensive play, in particular his compete level and physicality, did improve as the year progressed. However, his decision making did not. So this leaves scouts with the question…which Cam Allen is the real Cam Allen? The one who was a standout as a rookie in the OHL and who captained Canada to Hlinka/Gretzky gold? Or the one who struggled mightily this year as a sophomore and who was largely ineffective at the U18’s? I refuse to believe that Allen simply forgot how to play this game at a high level. With the right development focus and coaching, I believe his projection is salvable. But, there’s no way he is a top two round pick at this point, at least in my opinion”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 4.5/10

89. Ethan Miedema- (Winger) – Kingston Frontenacs – OHL – Canada

I find that Miedema has a high ceiling, he just hasn’t fully developed the way I would’ve liked him to this year. A big, lanky 6’4 player, Miedema has a fair skating stride and a good shot. Although, his shot is easy to read and predictable, and he often chooses the most difficult route when driving the net or shooting. Miedema desperately needs to simplify his game more and show that he can be more consistent in his effort. Overall, Miedema needs to work more on getting faster and stronger, as I feel he’s fine for juniors, but will struggle at the next levels if that doesn’t get cleaned up. 

• “Miedema has the profile to be an aggressive, complementary, middle-six winger at the NHL level. He shows flashes of speed and average edgework that allow him to work well in the corners in the cycle to help create chances. His defensive game lacks as his positional awareness could use some work, but I would say he is far from a liability. His shot is strong with a solid snapshot that should cause issues for pro-level goalies. Miedema did not usually wow me, which has left me a little low, yet I still see the chance for him to be an NHLer. Just compared to other forwards coming out of the OHL, there are better options”. – Curtis Rines 
• “One of the more disappointing draft eligible players from the OHL this year, Miedema is a major project for an NHL team. He has an intriguing package of skill, size, and physicality. However, consistency was a major issue this year, especially after being dealt to Kingston. He struggled with his on ice identity and just never really put everything together all at once. Improving his quickness will be a must. He also needs to find his way to the net more often and learn to play through the middle more consistently to utilize his size to his advantage. But you’d be hard pressed to find a big forward with more skill than Miedema available in the middle rounds”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 3.5/10

90. Owen Outwater- (Center) – Kingston Frontenacs – OHL – Canada

A large body, Outwater is able to generate a lot of power in all aspects of the game. From a fair skating stride that allows him to demand space on the ice, and able to use his frame to guard the puck and look for passing opportunities, to his shot power that beats even the best of goalies, there’s a lot to love. Although, Outwater’s release is lacking big time. He uses a lot of unnecessary effort to generate a shot on net, and often can be read by opponents. That is the dark horse with him, if he can gain a better release over time, he might just be even more dangerous at the next levels. That, and positioning needs to be better once he plays against opponents better suited for his size. 

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 3.5/10

91. Gavin McCarthy- (Right Shot Defence) – Muskegon Lumberjacks – USHL – USA

One of my earliest, and still favourites of this draft, Gavin McCarthy. One of the hardest hitters in the USHL this season, McCarthy was one of the most active physical players, and I really like his offensive toolkit as well. Making smart passes, holding the blue line well while also nailing guys to the boards and stepping up on opponents, it is no question why McCarthy will rank highly on my list. My biggest concern is his defensive IQ. There are plenty of times where I feel McCarthy is just out of the way not really serving a purpose in his own end, but even that being said, he is by no means a liability. He’s alright, but over the next few years he will need to have more awareness as he’s easy to manipulate and sneak by at times. 

• “Gavin McCarthy uses strong fundamentals, a good and active stick, and nice awareness to shut down opponents in transition and control space in the defensive end. But despite good puck-handling and passing, McCarthy doesn’t stand out nearly as much on offense, although he has improved on this more-and-more. If he can continue to improve, and can add a boost of speed to his skating, he could turn into a solid two-way defender”. – Gabe Foley

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 4.5/10

92. Cam Squires- (Winger) – Cape Breton Eagles – QMJHL – Canada

Squires is a ton of fun. I likely over-ranked him earlier in the year, but he’ll still end up in the middle of my rankings by the time they come out. Squires has a wide skating stride, but given his size, allows him to protect the puck better and seem larger skating towards goaltenders, making his shots sometimes unpredictable. He’s hard on the forecheck, allowing for a lot of breakaway chances and he finishes a good amount of slot-pass chances. Granted, Squires needs to play lower offensively as I continuously find he’s out of position and does not put himself in good scoring chances. If he can fix that up, he’ll be looking for a big point increase next season. 

• “Squires demonstrates some truly adept scoring talents. He has shown the ability to create for himself, create for others and finish for others. His 64 points in 67 games is a testament to those abilities. He’s able to use his speed to create rushes and breakaway chances and then he has the shooting aptitude to finish the play with a goal. When defenders play off him a bit to respect his rush ability, he uses them as a screen for deceptive, long-distance scoring chances. He’s like a cat, ready to pounce and make the opposition pay for any mistake. Possibly the best goal scoring talent in the QMJHL this season”. – Jack Dawkins

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 3.5/10

93. Matthew Soto- (Right Wing) – Kingston Frontenacs – OHL – Canada

Soto has seriously impressed me this season from the Frontenacs squad. In transition, Soto has great positioning and manipulation tactics to open up ice for a pass before making a clean entry into the opposing end. He has good skating, an above average shot, great positioning and above average IQ. Soto needs to add some strength to his game to become that much better, but I’ve become a fan of his. He should expect to hear his name called before round 5 of the draft. 

• “Soto is not going to wow you with production or overall skill, but he is a joy to watch. He is a relentless forechecker with a non-stop motor. He shows agility mixed with quick hands to be a scoring threat in front of the net and making plays through traffic. Soto does not possess high-end speed or overall outstanding skating mechanics, but that can be hard to notice at times because he is constantly going. The upside may be limited, as Soto does not project as a player who will stand out enough to be a top-six scorer. However, with his toolset and profile, Soto is going to be a hard-nosed third-line winger for a team willing to give him the chance. His work ethic alone is going to make it hard not to give him an NHL shot at one point or another. He is the type of player coaches around the league covet”. – Curtis Rines 

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 3.5/10

94. Chase Cheslock- (Right Shot Defence) – Rogers High – USHS-MN – USA

Cheslock is a big-bodied defenceman who plays like a big-bodied defenceman. Good at blocking shots and picking up his man, good at playing physically, throwing around his body, and a great skater for his size. Cheslock moves around the ice fluently and uses good footwork on the blue line to open up space and create room between himself and opponents. I’m a huge believer in Cheslock carrying on through the next levels, and his success in the USHL really does stand out about how translatable he will be. 

Potential: Middle pairing D

Potential rank: 3.5/10

95. Maxim Strbak- (Right Shot Defence) – Sioux Falls Stampede – USHL – Slovakia

After an impressive first half of the season, Strbak has slowed down quite a bit offensively. Even defensively if I’m honest. He isn’t as active now as he was a few months ago, he isn’t as physical, and while he still positions himself well and battles for pucks hard, his overall pace and intensity have dropped. Given the player Strbak was throughout the first half of the year, I’m hoping that he can get back to that level because I saw more potential in a two-way, but still a shut-down defender at that time. 

• “Strbak presents an intriguing player profile that captures attention. He displays solid defensive skills across the board and has the potential to become a shutdown defenseman. Strbak exhibits poise, strength, and decent skating ability, while also being a reliable outlet passer. His exceptional positional play allows him to effectively neutralize opposing plays. Moreover, he demonstrated glimpses of offensive potential during international tournaments this season. Notably, he showcased the ability to contribute from the point on the powerplay, displaying deception in his shooting and passing. To further enhance his offensive game, Strbak would benefit from improving his agility and speed. It is worth mentioning that his decision to join Michigan State next year under the guidance of Adam Nightingale, I expect him to have a positive impact on his development, particularly in fostering his offensive skills”. – Tait Borst

Potential: Bottom 4 D

Potential rank: 4.5/10

96. Ty Halaburda- (Center) – Vancouver Giants – WHL – Canada

I think one of Halaburda’s best traits is his patience and ability to create space. He’s eager enough to jump on pucks and not sit back, but his patience on-puck, his ability to create some space and drive the net is impressive. He’s one of the more athletic players that I’ll be ranking in this area, but it’s more so because of his consistency. There are flashes of a play driving forward but also flashes of invisibility. If Halaburda can clean that up, he’d be looked at in the earlier half of the draft. 

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 3.5/10

97. Carson Bjarnason- (Goalie) – Brandon Wheat Kings – WHL – Canada

While I feel inconsistency may be one aspect of Bjarnason’s game that needs work, and I can overlook that, there are other aspects that he ranks very highly in and low in, giving him some of the biggest range in this class for goalies, and being quite unpredictable. Bjarnason has great positioning, tracking and IQ, but he lacks patience, poise and reaction time. Reaction time is what truly will keep him from a high ranking for me, as most of the other things can come with time, but I haven’t seen a goalie quite like Bjarnason where the reaction time is inconsistent game-by-game. He could be an absolute star with a high ceiling one game, and then a couple games later feel delayed on shots, whether he makes the save or not. He’ll still be within my top 100 however. 

Potential: Goalie

Potential rank: Goalie

98. Gabriel Szturc- (Center) – Kelowna Rockets – WHL – Czechia

Szturc is very smart, plays a bit of a safe game but adds in enough skill to show he’s confident in his abilities. Szturc is another player who I ranked last year who will re-enter my ranking this year. He’s got swagger, he’s a powerful skater, he chooses appropriate times to drive the net, and has a good take-off speed that catches defenders off guard. I really think his overall IQ has to be highlighted as it could be what pushes him into an NHL role someday. 

• “Gabriel was always decent two-way player even when he was playing in Czechia against men as a U18 player. After the successful transition to North America, he’s improved in offense, defence and also added leadership qualities. He’s calm, responsible and also variable center/winger. He deserved to be drafted last year and that hasn’t changed since then”. – Jakub Hromada

Potential: Middle 6 F

Potential rank: 3.5/10

99. Beckett Hendrickson- (Winger) – USA U18 – NTDP – USA

There isn’t a whole lot that Hendrickson excels in, but some aspects of the game he does very well and leads me to believe he will find success if he continues to develop. His physicality is there as a larger forward, and he’s only going to get stronger, and his shot selection is incredible and boasts high potential for him as a goal scorer as he puts on weight. Hendrickson showcases patience within his release, always waiting for a goalies reaction before letting it rip into the net. He’s not easy to read, that’s for sure. 

Potential: Middle 6 W

Potential rank: 3.5/10

100. Luca Pinelli- (Center) – Ottawa 67’s – OHL – Canada

I like Pinelli, but probably not as much as many others. Pinelli showcases great work ethic, a great hustle, a solid two-way game and both his forecheck and backcheck are fantastic. Although, he’s only 5 ‘9 and lacks the top-end ability in most categories which hinders his ability to move up into the pro ranks effectively. He has great IQ, I just worry that the athleticism isn’t quite there for him to be an effective NHL player. However, if the effort continues, there is likely enough room to be a reliable 3C on an NHL team in the future. 

• “Despite his 5-foot-9, 167-pound frame, Luca Pinelli shows no fear in his game as he’s always competing and going into the hard areas to battle for the puck. He’s always engaging for possession and digging for loose pucks and when he gets a hold of it, he’s always driving hard to the middle of the ice. He has a great shot and is a smart and crisp playmaker as he’s always creating plays and generating chances. ” – Peter Baracchini
• “Pinelli is a high-IQ forward with no elite tools but an overall strong skill set. The Ottawa 67’s forward has the ability to manipulate the game to his advantage with strong playmaking abilities and above-average puck skills. This allowed him to be a solid option down the lineup on one of the CHL’s best teams this season. Pinelli plays an intense game with a work ethic that never goes unnoticed and tends to mix well with his intelligent decision-making process. However, the lack of a true standout tool is a concern. There are many players in this class that have shown in one way or another that they could have a top-end skill at the NHL level, and at times this season, I have struggled to see that with Pinelli. Based on that, Pinelli seems like a good fit in my eyes in the late second to early third. His hockey sense and well-roundedness do benefit him well. Just the lack of high-end skills raises a red flag for me more than other scouts”. – Curtis Rines
• “Pinelli exploded out of the gate this year with the 67’s, but faded heavily in the second half of the season. I really like the energy he plays with. He’s an elusive player with the puck thanks to his tight edgework and agility. His off puck awareness and overall IQ are great. I just wish the athletic tools were better given his lack of size. Not a lot of guys his size excel at the NHL level without high end quickness. At the end of the day, I really, really like Pinelli as a junior player. He’s going to be a high end scorer and top player for the 67’s over the next few seasons. However, I have concerns over his projectability. He’s more of a third round target for me and not earlier”. – Brock Otten

Potential: Middle 6 C

Potential rank: 3/10