The 2024 NHL Draft is quickly approaching, and what better way to get a feel for what the first few rounds may look like than by reading this draft guide. These are our Top 100 players ranked for the 2024 NHL Draft, and we will be releasing a part 2 for players ranked 101-224 by Tuesday/Wednesday. This guide includes over 30,000 words on our top 100 prospects, featuring multiple write-ups by our scouts.
I’d like to take a minute to thank our scouts for their countless hours and efforts put into making this guide possible this year.
Gavin Chiasson / @NHLChiasson – Owner of RecruitScouting
Gabe Foley / @NHLFoley – Head of Amateur Scouting
Tait Borst / @borst_tait – Head of North American Scouting
Alfonso Acevedo / @Alfonso7Acevedo – Head of European Scouting
Pavel Maliouguine / @Pasha_hockeyRU – Head of European Scouting
Jakub Hromada / @JakubHromadaCZ – European Scout
Adam Duchon / @Adios3SO – European Scout
Rayan Tubeec / @rayan_tubecc – WHL/EU Scout
Jack Dawkins / @JDsays2much – QMJHL Scout
Curtis Rines / @curtis_rines – OHL Scout
Kaden Moore / @kmoore910 – WHL Scout
Joe Maciag / @JoeMaciag2 – EU Scout
Kody Degenstien / @Degenstien9 – OHL Scout
Tyler Karoway / @TylerDPH – North American Scout
Will Lafortune / @Puck_Enthusiast – North American Scout
Wade Messier / @wade_messier – USA/EU Scout
Taahaa Lone / @TaahaaLone – OHL Scout, Editor
Danny Tiffany / @dantiffany30 – Goalie Scout
Moises Vindas / @moisesmv7506 – European Scout
Sean Crocker / @Seany_Hockey – North American Scout
I also want to give a huge shout out to Brandon Holmes (@BHolmes_Hockey) for helping us with our final graphic for our final rankings. The graphic and full 7-round rankings can be found here
#1 – Macklin Celebrini, Center, Boston University (NCAA)
Birthday: June 13, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’/190 lbs
Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada
23/24 statistics:
32 G, 32 A, 64 P in 34 GP for Boston University (NCAA)
4 G, 4 A, 8 P in 5 games for Canada (WJC).
23/24 accolades: Hobey Baker Award (NCAA Top Collegiate Player), Hockey East Player of the Year, Hockey East Rookie of the Year, Tim Taylor Award (NCAA Top Collegiate Rookie), 2024 WJC Top 3 Player on Team (Canada)
Previous ranking: #1
“Celebrini has only surpassed my expectations for him coming into this season. As the youngest player in college hockey, he has looked like the best player on the ice more times than not. Celebrini is a very solid skater and does a great job knowing when to use his speed to beat defenders and when to use his deceptiveness to slow the game down. He is an all-around player who anticipates play at both ends of the ice at a very high level. His relentless work ethic causes turnovers in the D-zone on a consistent basis and quickly turns it into offense. His playmaking is another part of his game that makes him a superb player. He is constantly drawing players to him and passes through them to open teammates. Celebrini is masterful at looking off teammates, making defenders commit to him, and then making a no-look pass onto the tape of his target. His hockey IQ is exceptional as he always seems to be in the right spot. Celebrini is consistently able to find soft areas in the defense and put himself in high-danger areas. I project that he will be relied upon in all situations and that he will become a high-end 1st line center at the NHL level.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Celebrini plays at a special level. He’s effortless in his puck handling, strikes quickly and effectively when given even the slightest window, and knows not just good positioning – but also how to position the play around him in a way that always puts him in place to do something impactful. He’s impressive in every facet, both on and off the ice, and as pro-ready as they come.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Celebrini was playing chess at the collegiate level while everyone was playing checkers, so it’s not much of a surprise why I placed “Celly” at the #1 spot here. He’s the real deal. Celebrini is a well-rounded player who plays a 200ft game and is scary on transitional play. On offense, he hounds on pucks on the forecheck, actively seeking open ice for scoring chances. Whenever the puck is on his stick, you know that something is about to happen, as Celebrini possesses an NHL-level shot that will terrify opposing goaltenders. Celebrini’s playmaking ability isn’t too shabby either, as he finds his teammates with ease and on their stick with a blink. Macklin Celebrini’s game is going to complement well with guys such as Eklund & Smith on San Jose, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he contends for the Calder next year” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#2 – Ivan Demidov, Right Wing, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL/MHL/VHL)
Birthday: December 10, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’/192 lbs
Birthplace: Sergiyev Posad, Russia
23/24 statistics:
23 G, 37 A, 60 P in 30 GP for SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL), + 11 G, 17 A, 28 P in 28 playoff GP
0 G, 0 A, 0 P in 4 GP for SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
0 G, 0 A, 0 P in 1 GP for SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (MHL)
23/24 accolades: MHL Champion, MHL Most Valuable Player, MHL Playoffs Most Goals, MHL Playoffs Most Points
Previous ranking: #2
“Demidov is probably one of the best players in this entire draft. That’s worthy of a definite second-overall pick for me. Demidov has some impeccable creativity, and his flashes make you believe that he’ll be one of the best playmakers in the NHL one day. He’s still learning how to use his size, and he’s a work in progress with some IQ (mainly transitions on rushes back), but the talent is there and his scoring is some of the best I’ve seen in a while. He’s super agile and can create some of the prettiest plays out of absolutely nothing. An amazing player and a ton of potential, he’s got some terrific abilities that many other Russians still fail how to understand to stop.” ~ Pavel Maliouguine, Head of European Scouting
“After Macklin Celebrini, Ivan Demidov is easily the next-best player in this class. Demidov is a highly dynamic player who plays the game at a high pace and creates plays out of thin air with his skating and play-driving ability. Whenever Demidov has the puck, his stickhandling ability makes him extremely lethal on offensive transitions and zone entries, as he has an array of moves in his toolbox in order to create space for himself. Demidov is also a very aggressive forechecker who actively applies pressure on opposing D-men and isn’t afraid of board battles. The only real concern for him is that he plays in the MHL, a league that he’s way too good to be in really, but I and many others believe that it would not stall his development at all.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
“Ivan Demidov is one of the most electric attackers in this draft. He has a very good skating ability in terms of agility, in-motion plays, and explosiveness. However, I think he needs to increase his speed to be able to really be an effective player with his skating at the NHL level. His shot is very good in terms of direction, power, and shot selection, but it really leaves me questioning the fact that he didn’t face KHL goalies and defensemen this year. His passing and vision are good and he is capable of creating danger. He has the ability to generate and capitalize on spaces where he is free of pressure from the opponent. Demidov has a very good hockey sense that is far superior to his MHL rivals. His hands are some of the best in this draft, being able to execute high-quality in-motion handlings and first-touch plays with a very good technique. His physical game needs to improve. Ivan Demidov has tremendous potential to be a good player at the NHL level, although the level of competition he faced in the MHL is a bit questionable and may overvalue some of his attributes.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#3 – Sam Dickinson, Defense, London Knights (OHL)
Birthday: June 7, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’3/194 lbs
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
23/24 statistics:
18 G, 52 A, 70 P in 68 GP for London Knights (OHL) + 4 G, 9 A, 13 P in 18 playoff GP
2 G, 2 A, 4 P in 4 Memorial Cup GP for London (OHL)
0 G, 3 A, 5 GP for Canada U18 (Hlinka Gretzky)
23/24 accolades: OHL Champion, Hlinka Gretzky Cup Gold Medal, OHL 2nd All-Star Team
Previous ranking: #4
“Dickinson is one of the most complete two-way blueliners you will find in this draft. He may not be an offensive dynamo compared to some, but he has the skills to run the point in his opponent’s end while also being able to close out a game with a calm demeanor. Dickinson excels at defending against rushes, effectively stopping opponents from entering the offensive zone. He uses perfect stick and body positioning to neutralize puck carriers and steal the puck. There are some concerns about his hockey sense, however, I do not see the red flag with it as much as others. There is potential for Dickinson to be a top-pair defenseman for any NHL team, which is why he has been in the top four on my draft board for the entire season.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Sam Dickinson possesses some of the best skating abilities I’ve ever seen from a defenseman of his size at 6’3. That alone will get him an NHL gig. Pair that with an effortless shot, composure on the puck unseen from players of his age, plus flashes of high-level playmaking, and that’s how Sam Dickinson achieved the 6th most points among all U18 OHL Defensemen in the last 3 decades without being known as an offensive defenseman. Defensively, Dickinson uses his elite skating and elite athleticism to become one of the OHL’s most imposing rush defenders, offering a mix of high-level gap control plus the threat of throwing his body around.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Dickinson is an athletic, big, good-skating defenseman. He works extremely hard in all aspects of the game and isn’t afraid to play a physical brand of hockey. For a player his size, he is a very solid skater and has really good top speed. He uses his stick coupled with his long reach to defend the rush effectively. Due to his size and strength, he wins a lot of battles down low and does a great job boxing players out. In my opinion, he has the highest defensive upside in this draft. When it comes to offense, he has flashes of brilliance followed by forced/off-target passes. As the season went on, he did a good job cleaning up his turnovers and started to make the simple play more often. When he skates the puck in transition, he is a force to be reckoned with. He flashes solid stickhandling ability and vision. He is always looking to join the rush and is very smart when choosing to do so. Dickinson has flashed all the tools that you’d want in a top-pair defender, he just needs to make those flashes more consistent. I project Dickinson will be a really solid top-pairing defender who can shut the other teams’ top players down while also chipping in offensively.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#4- Zeev Buium, Defense, University of Denver (NCAA)
Birthday: December 7, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’/183 lbs
Birthplace: Laguna Niguel, USA
23/24 statistics:
11 G, 39 A, 50 P in 42 GP for University of Denver (NCAA).
3 G, 2 A, 5 P in 7 GP for USA (WJC).
23/24 accolades: NCAA Champion, WJC Gold Medal, NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team, NCHC Champion, NCHC Rookie of the Year, NCHC 1st Team All-Star, WJC Most Goals by Defenseman, Hobey Baker Nominee (Top Collegiate Player)
Previous ranking: #5
“Buium has been my top defenseman in the draft since November. He is an extremely smart and skilled defender who has a ton of offensive skill in his game. There are so many things that impress me about his game, but one of the main things is his poise with the puck. He is not easily flustered by pressure and confidently holds onto the puck long enough to open space for an outlet pass rather than throwing it away. Along with this, his skating is remarkably shifty and hard for defenders to read. He has fantastic edges and lateral mobility that allows him to get pucks past forecheckers and create offense. He has great vision from the point and is constantly using his lateral mobility and quick agility to gain a step on defending forwards and get passes to teammates in high-danger areas. Buium is known for his offensive potential, and rightfully so, but his defensive reliability cannot be overlooked. He continuously got better at defending both the rush and in the D-zone and became super reliable toward the season’s end. I project that Buium will be a #1 offensive defender who will run a powerplay and be very reliable on both sides of the ice.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Zeev Buium plays a patented style of NTDP hockey – excelling at advancing the puck up the ice and working laterally on the offensive blue line. His ability to work in all directions with the puck on his stick is special and keeps Buium effective no matter what traffic forms around him. His game isn’t yet quick enough for the top levels – and he’s likely due for some growing pains as a result – but players who excel in Buium’s style are the ones now topping Norris Trophy voting, and Buium’s National Championship certainly suggests he’s excelling as well.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“I truly believe that American defender Zeev Buium has one of the highest upsides in this draft class for defenders, and that’s why I lean on him more than guys such as Zayne Parekh. He simply offers more on the table, in my opinion. Buium is a poised defender who’s very dynamic, as he demonstrates excellent 4-way mobility. Buium also excels at moving the puck compared to other defenders such as Sam Dickinson, as he’s able to get the puck off his stick and onto his teammates’ stickblades on the dot. Zeev Buium doesn’t come without his flaws, however, as his defensive game, as well as his physicality, are concerns. Opposing forwards seem to expose Buium more often than not. I’m not worried, though, as he’s most likely going back to Denver for his D+1 year.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#5 – Berkly Catton, Center, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Birthday: January 14, 2006
Height/Weight: 5’11/163 lbs
Birthplace: Saskatoon, Canada
23/24 statistics:
54 G, 62 A, 116 P in 68 GP for Spokane Chiefs (WHL) + 0 G, 4 A, 4 P in 4 playoff GP
8 G, 2 A, 10 P in 5 GP for Canada (Hlinka Gretzky)
23/24 accolades: 4th in WHL Points, 3rd most U18 WHL Points in a season since the ’05 Lockout, Hlinka Gretzky Gold Medal, Hlinka Gretzky Most Goals, Hlinka Gretzky Most Points
Previous ranking: #8
“Catton is a speedy offensive forward who has extremely impressive vision and soft hands. He is a very strong skater who can accelerate super quickly and fly by defenders. He is very skilled on his edges, allowing him to make quick cuts and turns to gain advantages over defenders. His speed and agility make him a transitional monster and a one-man breakout at times. He is a solid shooter and does a really nice job at trying to change the point of his release. With this, he is able to fool goalies and beat them from distance. Catton has deceptive hands which allows him to easily fool defenders and get past stickchecks with ease. For a smaller player, he does a good job at getting to the middle of the ice and creating offense from there. He is a very positionally sound player at both ends of the ice, and I have been impressed with his work ethic at both ends.
Above all else, his playmaking is what impresses me the most. Catton makes so many subtle plays that extend possession or that most players wouldn’t even see are available. He finds teammates in high-danger areas on a regular basis and makes high-end plays that catch the teammate receiving the puck off-guard. I project that Catton will be a solid 1st line center or high-end 2nd line center who creates a ton of offense and who could also be a solid penalty killer.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“One of the most dangerous offensive talents in the class, Catton is a very similar player stylistically to Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point. With explosive acceleration, extremely high hockey sense, and a shot that would make any goalie shutter, Catton is a top 5 talent in this draft class. An offensive weapon, Catton can hurt you from anywhere in the offensive zone. He finds holes in the defensive zones, and with his quick release, he can label it. While he isn’t going to park himself net-front, his dangerous hand-eye makes him lethal from 10 feet out. Catton does need to bulk up, as his slender frame did cost him, evident in him losing tie-ups in the dot and along the boards. He still managed to win a large chunk of his faceoffs, as his quick drawbacks won him enough against slower opponents.
Catton doesn’t engage as much as I’d like in the neutral zone, as he will often fade away from the play. His off-puck play needs to improve, as his lack of aggression puts him in tougher spots to make plays and often leaves him relying on his wingers to regain the puck. Catton carries the puck extremely well with his acceleration and puck handling. If you are caught flat-footed against Berkly Catton, it’s game over. Catton projects to be a top-line center similar to Brayden Point, as a 90-point, top power play center, and in a pinch, can fill in on the penalty kill. If he falls further than 10th, there are going to be GMs fired.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Berkly Catton has to be up there for the smartest player in this draft class, as his playmaking ability is the biggest asset to his game. Catton is always looking for his teammates to feed for high-danger chances. He plays the game with purpose, as he commands the middle of the ice, analyzing his surroundings. Catton also definitely improved his pace of play as his season went on with his shiftiness. Catton might not have the level of skating that Ivan Demidov possesses, but he keeps teams on their toes with his deception. Catton also carries a sneakily quick release that catches goalies off guard. I think that Berkly Catton could be an excellent triggerman in the NHL, and will be valuable on a powerplay unit.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#6 – Tij Iginla, Left Wing, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Birthday: August 1st, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’/185 lbs
Birthplace: Lake Country, Canada
23/24 statistics:
47 G, 37 A, 84 P in 64 GP for the Kelowna Rockets (WHL) +9 G, 6 A, 15 P in 11 playoff GP
6 G, 6 A, 12 P in 5 GP for Canada (U18 WJC)
23/24 accolades: U18 WJC Gold Medal, 2nd most goals among U18 WHLers
Previous ranking: #18
“When you see Tij’s stats, you might think that he’s a trigger man, but that’s far from the truth. Iginla’s offensive game is well-rounded, as he’s not only a goalscorer, but a great puck distributor as well. He’s able to find teammates in open spots and feed them. It truly seems as if he has eyes on the back of his head. Iginla’s able to create space by using his silky hands to fool defenders. Tij Iginla also puts in effort in the defensive zone in order to cause turnovers and start the offensive the other way. Do I think the younger Iginla will be better than his father? I don’t know, but I think the son of Jarome is going to be a major top-6 forward who will contribute heavily to his team.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
“Tij Iginla wowed me every time he took the ice and continually got better as the season continued. His relentless forechecking and underrated strength make him one of the most effective puck collectors in this class. His vision of the ice really took a large jump as the season continued, as he was able to find and complete those in-tight, quick passes once he stripped the puck. Iginla’s hockey sense is ridiculous, as he knows where to be at all times to make a play regardless of the zone. He does try to do too much at times with his stickhandling and lose the puck, which can be frustrating, but he did tighten up near the end of the season. While his shot doesn’t have the same zip as others, his accuracy makes up for it, and he should be able to top off around 40 goals a season with a competent set-up man.
Iginla’s inline speed makes him great for opening the ice up on the rush, and while his puck control does need some work, he makes a great zone-entry player. He looks like a hyena on raw meat in the neutral zone on puck carriers, winning around 70% of those puck battles with the ability to quickly transition to offence. Iginla can be used on the penalty kill and most likely ends up being in the Selke conversation at some point in his career. The sky’s the limit with Iginla and he looks like he could be this era’s version of his Dad: a 90-point, two-way monster that is going to be a problem for the league for years to come.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Iginla has flown up my rankings this year. Every game I’ve watched, he seemed to get better and better. He has a quick release that is extremely accurate. He has a stellar ability to get shots off in awkward shooting positions. Iginla does a great job at finding space in the offensive zone and has a knack for finishing in tight. He has quick hands and does a good job at protecting the puck. His playmaking has grown a tremendous amount as the season’s gone on. He is great at working the cycle and getting pucks to teammates in dangerous areas from down low. He works hard at both ends of the ice, and while it’s not how he plays regularly, he isn’t afraid to be physical. I project that he will be a really good goalscoring top-6 winger at the NHL level.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#7 – Konsta Helenius, Center, Jukurit (Liiga)
Birthday: May 11th, 2006
Height/Weight: 5’11/190 lbs
Birthplace: Ylöjärvi, Finland
23/24 statistics:
14 G, 22 A, 36 P in 51 GP for Jukurit (Liiga) + 2 G, 4 A, 6 P in 6 playoff GP
0 G, 7 A, 7 P in 5 GP for Finland (U18 WJC)
1 G, 1 A, 2 P in 7 GP for Finland (WJC)
0 G, 1 A, 1 P in 4 GP for Finland (WC)
23/24 accolades: Most points for a U18 player in Liiga this season, 4th most points for a U18 player in Liiga all-time, Only U18 player to appear at the 2024 World Championships, U18 WJC Top 3 Player on Team
Previous ranking: #3
“Konsta Helenius has great passing ability, vision, and a good shot. His skating ability, although it seems not very explosive, is capable of beating defenders in Liiga. His game processing is very fast and I think he can be a good element on powerplay units. This high-speed processing combined with his good hands makes him a very dangerous player in the tight spaces of the ice. His shot is good in terms of power and accuracy. His physical game is very strong for an 18-year-old playing in Liiga. Helenius is capable of winning 1-on-1 physical duels on transition plays or on the boards. His hockey sense is notable thanks to his good decision-making, reads, and good habits. I think he will be a player with a good career in the NHL, but he will need to improve his skating in terms of speed and explosiveness to be able to translate all his potential in North America.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
“Konsta Helenius is a guy I sat down and really watched in my final set of viewings, and despite lackluster showings at the U18s and WC, I do feel that he’s still a top-10 talent in this year’s draft. He’s an agile player with great edge work and good vision. He gets the puck up the ice well, whether that’s with his skating or his passing ability. If I had one concern surrounding Helenius’ game, it would be his ability to create space for himself. At the moment, I’m not seeing enough of it. However, he has all the tools to create that open ice, it’s just a matter of putting it all together.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“As I said in my January piece on Konsta Helenius, he’s up there for the smartest player in this class, along with players such as Catton, Celebrini, etc. He’s great on offensive transitions, starting the offensive the other way using quick give & go’s. Helenius can also create space for himself using his edges and continues to keep the offence flowing. His speed is the weaker part of his game, making him struggle when there’s pressure on him. Defensively, he has an active stick and is constantly moving to cause turnovers. Overall, I’d like to see him get faster” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#8 – Cayden Lindstrom, Forward, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Birthday: Feb 3rd, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’4/216 lbs
Birthplace: Chetwynd, Canada
23/24 statistics:
27 G, 19 A, 46 P in 32 GP for the Medicine Hat Tigers + 1 G, 1 A, 2 P in 4 playoff GP
2 G, 1 A, 5 P in 5 GP for Canada (Hlinka Gretzky)
23/24 accolades: Hlinka Gretzky Cup Gold Medal, CHL Top Draft Prospect Award
Previous ranking: #6
“Cayden Lindstrom is every scout’s dream player: a 6 ‘4” physical specimen with a bomb of a shot. I can see why the late Glen Dirk had him going 1st overall at one point. Lindstrom has an absolute laser for a shot and picks his corners so well that it’s almost unfair to goalies. His large stature allows him to get the puck in deep before unleashing his laser of a shot, or he opts to use a power move to freeze the goalie. His faceoff mechanics aren’t the best, as he gets extremely low and yet still struggles to win consistently. While he hasn’t developed enough strength to win physical battles just yet, once he does, he is going to be a tough customer to get off the puck. He does get a tad repetitive with his drives, as he loves to go to the backhand in tight, even if there isn’t a hole to squeeze the puck through.
Lindstrom wants the puck on his stick at all times, and having someone like Andrew Basha to set him up elevated his play. Having someone that can set him up is a must, although, he can still create offence off the rush with that howitzer of a shot. His defensive game was hindered by his lack of strength, but his positioning was lights out and he rarely was unable to make a play on the puck. Lindstrom has all the tools to become the next great power forward to hit the ice. He can contribute on the PP as the bumper and can be used on the 2nd penalty kill unit as well.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Lindstrom is the definition of a power forward. He is an athletic freak and plays a very hard-nosed brand of hockey. He has a huge frame that allows him to win battles for the puck with ease, and this will only continue to progress as he adds muscle. For a player his size, his skating is extremely impressive. He has solid acceleration and is able to gain a step on defenders with ease. His speed, along with his long reach, allows him to hold onto the puck and power his way to the net. Not only is he good at getting to the dirty areas, but Lindstrom also has a quick release that catches goalies off-guard and he can beat them from distance.
Lindstrom is not known for his playmaking ability, but I believe that it is a very underrated part of his game. While he may not use his playmaking ability that often (due to the fact he is able to get things done by himself at this level), I have seen him make extremely high-level passes, enough to make me think that his playmaking will become a bigger part of his game as the competition gets stronger. His defensive game needs some work, but the work ethic is there and he definitely doesn’t lack compete or grit. I project Lindstrom will be a solid 1st line or high-end 2nd line center who brings scoring and nastiness to the lineup. Cayden Lindstrom is the type of player that I think is built to help teams win in the playoffs.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Cayden Lindstrom is a player that can be very valuable in a top-6 role. He’s 6’4, 215 lbs, and he’s an NHL GM’s dream, as he can move like the wind. Lindstrom’s high-level skating helps him use his body to drive to the net, making him an excellent power forward. Lindstrom has the goalscorer mentality, as he is constantly circling through the front of the net and surrounding areas to use his one-timer. Lindstrom loves to use his body to separate the puck from his opponents and enhance his puck protection ability. I feel as I watch Lindstrom, he projects better as a winger than a center in the NHL, as he excels in board play. I also think he needs to be more selfish with the puck. He seems too eager to quickly get rid of the puck as soon as he gets it.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#9 – Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Right Wing, Mora IK (Allsvenskan/J20 Nationell)
Birthday: October 5th, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’1/198 lbs
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
23/24 statistics:
8 G, 10 A, 18 P in 41 GP for Mora IK (Allsvenskan) + 4 G, 6 A, 10 P in 12 playoff GP
5 G, 7 A, 12 P in 7 GP for Mora IK (J20 Nationnell)
3 G, 2 A, 5 P in 5 GP for Norway (WJC)
3 G, 2 A, 5 P in 7 GP for Norway (WC)
23/24 accolades: U20 WJC Top 3 Player on Team, Most Goals + Points among all U19 Allsvenskan players, 2nd in points among all U19 World Championships competitors (behind Connor Bedard)
Previous ranking: #12
“Michael Brandsegg-Nygård is the two-way forward that teams should be drooling for. Micheal plays the game with efficiency. Brandsegg-Nygård is an aggressive forechecker who uses his size effectively to punish defenders. His puck protection ability is solid for the NHL, and he’s not too fancy with the puck. He would make one move before shooting the puck or passing it to a teammate. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård moves the puck well to keep the cycle going and boasts a solid shot. Defensively, his positioning is top-notch, as he always covers passing lanes, keeping an active stick, overall being a 3rd D-man basically. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård is pretty much a player with a high floor. You pretty much know what you are going to get with him” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
“Brandsegg-Nygård is someone who by all accounts should be considered in the top 10 of this year’s draft. He’s one of the hardest-working players who doesn’t shy away from the physical game. He is very strong positionally, and I was really impressed by his defensive awareness, as well as his overall game in his own end, which I feel speaks to the maturity in his game. Brandsegg-Nygård skates relatively well with a strong skating base and stride. I feel as if his shot is not talked about enough, as it is a heavy shot which more often than not finds its way on net. If I had to project when he would come over to North America, I would say he makes about a year’s time. Whichever team takes MBN is going to get a solid player who has the potential to be a top-six winger at the next level.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Brandsegg-Nygård makes his presence noted when he is on the ice. He reads, anticipates, defends and creates high-danger occasions. He is very confident in his shot and his abilities. He is not the fastest skater, but he is a really good power skater. Brandsegg-Nygard has a very mature style of playing and is capable of showing his abilities against players of his age and players older than him. His physical game is very above-average for his age and he is able to win duels all over the ice. His profile is highly transferable to the NHL. He is a high IQ player capable of playing a physical and effective game.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#10 – Zayne Parekh, Defense, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Birthday: February 15th, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’/181 lbs
Birthplace: Nobleton, Canada
23/24 statistics:
33 G, 63 A, 96 P in 66 GP for the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) + 2 G, 9 A, 11 P in 13 playoff GP
1 G, 4 A, 5 P in 5 Memorial Cup GP
23/24 accolades: Memorial Cup Champion, CHL Defenseman of the Year, OHL 1st All-Star Team, Hlinka Gretzky Gold Medal, Max Kaminsky Trophy (OHL Most Outstanding Defenseman)
Previous ranking: #13
“Parekh’s game is based on movement and trickery. He skillfully deceives opponents using his eyes, hands, and head/shoulder fakes to create space. His passes often seem risky until they land perfectly on a teammate’s stick. In the offensive zone, Parekh is one of the best. He navigates the blueline well, finding passing or shooting lanes, and executes give-and-go plays, often finishing with a sharp wrist shot. The obvious concerns with Parekh come on the defensive side of his game. His push for offence can lead to turnovers, and with his lack of foot speed, he can get beat off the rush quickly. His positioning has improved over the course of the season, which is a positive sign of rounding out his game.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Parekh uses his elite skating to deceive and manipulate opponents, combines it with Grade A puck handling, elite playmaking ability, and a laser of a shot, and wraps it all together with one of the highest hockey IQs in the draft. The first few attributes are very fun to watch, but it’s the last bit that separates him from the pack and will be his key to stardom. Zayne Parekh is playing chess, and he makes his opponents play like they’re playing checkers instead. He’s not just relying on his tools to put up points, but he is creating offense with his brain in a way that is highly projectable to the NHL level.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Parekh is an extremely gifted offensive defenseman. He is superb on his edges and makes escape moves look easy. He is an average skater in straight-line speed, but his deceptive head/shoulder fakes and stickhandling ability make him very dangerous in transition. His playmaking is elite, and his ability to find passing lanes to dangerous areas is incredible. His shot is pinpoint accurate and seems to always get through. On the defensive side of the game, I saw improvements in all areas as the season went on. While he is very aggressive in joining the rush, he uses his skating to get back in time. He has a really impressive stick and does a great job of disrupting passing lanes. He isn’t the strongest and must build muscle to be able to become more effective in battles. While it is not in every game, he can get annoyed by the other team and play with an edge. I think he needs to play with that edge on a more consistent basis, as it adds another dimension to his game. I project that he will be a solid #1 or #2 defender at the NHL level who can run a power play and produce a ton of points.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#11 – Artyom Levshunov, Defense, Michigan State University (NCAA)
Birthday: October 28th, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’2/209 lbs
Birthplace: Zhlobin, Belarus
23/24 statistics:
9 G, 26 A, 35 P in 38 GP for Michigan State University (NCAA)
23/24 accolades: NCAA Big Ten Champion, Big 10 Rookie of the Year, Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year, Big 10 1st All-Star Team, Hobey Baker Nominee (Top Collegiate Player)
Previous ranking: #10
“Levshunov has been one of the most tricky prospects for me to come to a conclusion on this year. In some viewings, I come away impressed and see what many believe to be the top D in this class, but in most of my viewings, I’ve struggled to see that. Levshunov is a smooth-skating defender who defends really well on the rush and is really good at transitioning to offense. He is always looking to join the rush and become an offensive threat, but I think he needs to do a better job of deciding when to jump into the play. In the D-zone, I’ve found he tends to lose his man more than I’d want. His skating ability allows him to make up for a lot of his mistakes at this level. While Levshunov possesses good playmaking ability and a solid shot, I feel as if he lacks the creativity to take full advantage of his physical traits. In my opinion, Levshunov has all the physical tools to become a #1 defender, but I am not convinced he has the hockey IQ to push him to that level. I project that he will be a solid puck-moving #2 or #3 defender that kills penalties and can chip in offensively at the NHL level.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Levshunov is someone who I see as a raw, unrefined player. In contrast to Dickinson, Levshunov is an aggressive defender who likes to be active in the offensive and neutral zone. He also excels in quick, short passes, either to start the breakout or to continue offensive possession. For his size, he’s very fluid in his skating – he doesn’t look like he’s walking in quicksand. He does get beat by faster opponents on the rush and board battles. However, he putting in effort defensively. Overall, I think he could do well in a top-4 role in the NHL and as a solid backbone in a lineup.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
“Levshunov is a promising defender, combining imposing size with exceptional first-pass ability and adept puck possession skills. His strong hockey IQ shines through in all three zones, contributing to his effectiveness both offensively and defensively. While he demonstrates impressive awareness and decision-making, further development in physical strength will enhance his stability and effectiveness in battles along the boards and in front of the net.” ~ Anonymous Recruit
#12 – Cole Eiserman, Left Wing, USA NTDP
Birthday: August 26th, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’0/196 lbs
Birthplace: Newburyport, USA
23/24 statistics:
58 G, 31 A, 89 P in 57 GP for the United States National U18 Team (USA NTDP)
9 G, 1A, 10 P in 7 GP for USA U18s (U18 WJC)
23/24 accolades: Most goals in USA NTDP history, 2nd most goals all-time in a season for USA U18 NTDP, U18 WJC Silver Medal, 2nd in goals at the 2024 U18 WJCs
Previous ranking: #9
“Cole Eiserman has been a hockey star for nearly half of his life. And he’s continuing to meet the bill, once again challenging the goal-scoring record for his team after shattering records throughout youth hockey. While his shot and hands are as good as it gets, it’s Eiserman’s ability to drive downhill that really makes him so effective. He’s powerful and bursts down the wing with great aggression. That’s a trait that could adjust to the NHL, and if you’re going to be really good at something, it may as well be scoring goals. But, as many have pointed out, Eiserman hasn’t made major strides in doing much else. He reminds me of a draft-year Patrik Laine in that regard – posing the question of whether his skill can sustain him long enough to develop his weaknesses. Eiserman is falling in rankings, and while mine will reflect that fall, I want to make clear that his ceiling hasn’t decreased one bit. His late birthday gives him a chance at extra development time, and the sky will be the limit if he can round his game out. He’ll need to have the right mindset moving forward, with a new challenge awaiting him in college hockey.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Eiserman is a goal-scoring machine at the junior level. He has a lightning-quick release and he can pick his spot from anywhere in the offensive zone. He has a lethal one-timer and is a menace on the powerplay. He has a knack for finding soft ice and the puck just seems to find him in the offensive zone. Eiserman is a solid skater and is strong on his skates. He is a competent playmaker, however, his vision is not up to par with other top prospects. There are a lot of occasions where he enters the zone or gets a puck along the wall and just throws it toward the slot hoping for something to happen. He needs more consistency in his compete level, as in some games, he is relentless, whereas in others he isn’t noticeable. He also doesn’t drive play as much as I’d like, as he tends to sit back and wait for his teammates to get him the puck. While Eiserman is far from a complete player, his goal-scoring ability makes him unique, and if everything hits, he could be a special player. I project that Cole Eiserman will end up being a solid top 6 25-35 goalscorer at the NHL level who gets most of his points on the powerplay.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“I’m very conflicted with Cole Eiserman as a player. After countless movements within my rankings with him, this [#16] is probably the best place to put him. He has one skill, and he can do that skill very well. Cole Eiserman has the best shot in this draft class by far. He’s a very situational type, who’s only really going to succeed if he has a set-up man by his side. He’s not a good line driver, and his defensive game is questionable.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#13 – Michael Hage, Center, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Birthday: April 14th, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’1/190 lbs
Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario
23/24 statistics:
33 G, 42 A, 75 P in 54 GP for the Chicago Steel (USHL) + 2 G, 2 A, 4 P in 2 playoff GP
23/24 accolades: USHL 1st All-Star Team, 7th in points among all U18 USHLers since the ’05 Lockout
Previous ranking: #22
“Michael Hage is a player who improved a ton throughout the season. He is reliable at both ends of the ice and isn’t afraid to play physically. He is smart positionally and excels at finding soft areas in the O-zone. Hage has powerful legs and quick acceleration. He can blow past defenders and loop around the O-zone with ease. He has quick hands, but tends to try to do a bit too much too often. He is a good passer and has a solid shot. Hage does well along the boards and knows how to come away with the puck and transition it to offense quickly. I project that Hage will be a reliable middle-6 center at the NHL level who can play both on the powerplay and penalty kill.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Michael Hage looks really good with the puck on his stick. He gets on the wing and attacks into the zone well. Needs more speed though… which makes sense with his injuries last year. He shows he’s aware of the space above the circles, but doesn’t cut through defenders enough to be effective. Still, his play with the puck on his stick is really exciting. However, he looks very disengaged off of the puck. Hage struggles to keep up with opponents and doesn’t play as physically as I’d like. He looks more eager to get the puck moving the other way than he does to fight to win it back. His on-puck will translate VERY well. His off-puck won’t.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Hage displays remarkable resilience, swiftly rebounding from injury with no noticeable decline in performance. His exceptional stick strength and high hockey IQ empower him to navigate high-pressure situations and consistently drive toward scoring opportunities. Hage’s relentless competitiveness makes him a formidable presence across all aspects of the game, solidifying his status as a versatile and determined competitor on the ice.” ~ Anonymous Recruit
#14 – Liam Greentree, Right Wing, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Birthday: Jan 1st, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’2/198 lbs
Birthplace: Oshawa, ON
23/24 statistics:
36 G, 54 A, 90 P in 64 GP for the Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
23/24 accolades: Hlinka Gretzky Gold Medal, U18 WJC Gold Medal, OHL 3rd All-Star Team, Tied 1st among all U18 OHLers in goals
Previous ranking: #15
“Whereas most power forwards are known for driving the net, Greentree’s remarkable playmaking skills allow him to absorb contact, power through the zone, and still have the vision to find a teammate. His shot is very strong and sharp, and his puck skills allow him to make plays in tight. Specifically, Greentree loves pulling off the forehand-backhand deke in tight, and it’s worth noting that his backhand is quite remarkable. Greentree’s high-level trifecta of his shot, playmaking, and puck skills, combined with his offensive intelligence, have propelled his status as a top prospect. The elephant in the room, though, is Greentree’s skating. A lack of pace is not an issue for a strong, skilled player at the junior level, but below-average skating is generally the reason why top junior scorers are unable to translate to the NHL level. Greentree can carry speed with his strong stride, but his first steps are poor and he will struggle to brute-force his way into rush chances at the next level.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Liam Greentree is a solid skater, though he isn’t the best in the draft, yet he makes the most out of it, especially with his size. He maximizes his skating ability, especially in transition, using it effectively in the neutral zone to protect the puck and make smart passes. His top speed is decent but sometimes clumsy, yet he can create separation in the OHL. However, this will need to improve for the NHL. Notably, Greentree has one of the best shots in the draft, with a powerful and versatile release that makes him a lethal scorer. Beyond his shot, he is a creative passer with smooth hands, with the ability to find open lanes and set up teammates, an area where he has shown improvement. However, his decision-making can be inconsistent, often resulting in blocked attempts due to tunnel vision. Defensively, he has improved his work rate and physicality, showing leadership and better engagement, but he still needs to work on his positioning and consistency without the puck. There is a lot of boom-or-bust in his projections, which should make some teams hesitant to take him too high.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Greentree is a big-body player who has a ton of offense to his game. He is extremely smart and has great positioning in the offensive zone. He is hard to knock off pucks and does well at using his body to keep possession. He is good along the walls and does a great job spotting and hitting his teammates with passes through traffic. For a player his size, his hands are exceptionally skilled. Along with his quick hands, he has a quick release and can beat goalies from distance. The thing that will hold Greentree back from reaching his highest potential is his skating. While he isn’t the slowest player, he lacks separation speed and agility. If he can improve those things, he will be a very big offensive threat. I project that Greentree will be a top-6 forward at the NHL level who will be a big threat on the power play.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#15 – Trevor Connelly, Left Wing, Tri-City Storm (USHL)
Birthday: February 28th, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’1/161 lbs
Birthplace: Tustin, USA
23/24 statistics:
31 G, 47 A, 78 P in 52 GP for the Tri-City Storm (USHL)
4 G, 5 A, 9 P in 7 GP for USA U18 (U18 WJC)
5 G, 5 A, 10 P, in 5 GP for USA U18 (Hlinka Gretzky)
6 G, 5 A, 11 P in 6 GP for USA U19 (World Junior A Challenge)
23/24 accolades: U18 WJC Silver Medal, USHL 2nd All-Star Team, Hlinka Gretzky Cup Bronze Medal, U19 World Junior A Challenge Bronze Medal
Previous ranking: #11
“Connelly is a very gifted offensive player. He has really good top-end speed and acceleration. Due to his super quick and soft hands coupled with his speed and deceptive skating, he is a big threat in transition. He is deadly on the power play as both a shooting and playmaking threat. He is a mesmerizing player and draws all the attention to himself, creating so much space for teammates. Connelly is a very creative player and has a great amount of confidence. He has a good work ethic and typically plays with an edge. His defensive game still needs refining but he definitely improved his defensive effort as the season went on. If it weren’t for the character concerns, he’d be higher on my list because his talent is really top-tier. I project Connelly will be a really good play-driving top-6 winger who will make his teammates better and will kill it on the powerplay.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“When he’s on, you really want him on your team. Overwhelming energy, skill, and confidence. But he struggles to keep that energy consistent and can get frustrated quickly, which really slows him down. Needs to keep his head up more too. Will need a good deal of adjustment and fortitude before he’s really NHL viable, but looks like a guy that the 2012 Blackhawks would’ve developed beautifully.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Trevor Connelly is a very talented player who plays the game quickly. He keeps defenders on their toes with his dangles, stickhandling in tight areas, and smart passes. His skating is probably the best in this class, as he’s agile and quick, helping him on his offense zone transitions. Whenever I see Connelly, he just wants to hold onto the puck as much as possible, maybe too long in some cases. Connelly holding onto the puck too long leads him to turn it over at times, as he puts himself into positions where he can’t really do anything with the puck. He’s heavily relied on, as he’s the backbone of Tri-City’s system, and I think he could be a high-level player in the NHL if he reaches his upside.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#16 – Carter Yakemchuk, Defense, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Birthday: September 29th, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’3/194 lbs
Birthplace: Fort McMurray, Canada
23/24 statistics:
30 G, 41 A, 71 P in 66 GP for the Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
23/24 accolades: Most Goals Among WHL Defensemen, 10th most goals all-time for a U19 WHL Defenseman in a season
Previous ranking: #17
“Yakemchuk is one of my personal favorites in this draft class. He is a rover on the ice and is always jumping up into the rush. While he may get caught out of position because of this, there are many times that he will create a high danger chance or at least be able to get back in time. Yakemchuk has quick hands that allow him to pull off smooth moves to get around defenders. He has a special ability to make players miss at the blue line and get past the first layer of defense. He has a rocket of a shot and does a fantastic job of getting it through traffic. In terms of skating, there are some aspects that I like and some that need work. He has good edges and is able to make deceptive maneuvers to create space for himself. On the other hand, he needs to get stronger on his skates and become harder to knock off the puck.
Yakemchuk has a mean streak to his game and can lay booming hits. He tends to get caught chasing in the D-zone and needs to improve on his defensive positioning. I think he has a good defensive stick and does a good job at being disruptive, getting into passing lanes, and blocking shots. While Yakemchuk is more of a raw prospect than some of the other defensemen who are ranked at the top of this draft, I think that he has the potential to be one of the best offensive defensemen in this draft if he puts it all together. I project him to be a top-pair offensive defenseman who runs a powerplay and plays a hard-nosed style of hockey.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“If you are looking for a Darnell Nurse-type player with better defense, then that’s what you’ll find in Carter Yakemchuk. ‘Yak’ took a big step in his offensive game this year due to him jumping into or leading the rush far more often than he has in the past. For the most part, he was able to seamlessly get back into his defensive spot and not be a liability when he did jump up, but it did tire him out quite quickly. Yakemchuk is an offensive weapon wherever he is in the offensive zone, even breaking out the Michigan at one point, as his large stature and strong puck possession allow him to move around to find the right spot to shoot. He does have a bit of a “puck hog” label to him, as he always wants to be the hero and can miss passing opportunities. His shot has improved but relies on heaviness over speed, so it can be stopped by well-positioned goalies.
Defensively, his game has come a long way since last year, as he has grown into his body. While he does need to improve his balance, as he can get knocked over in physical battles at times with smaller players, he tends to dominate at the net-front and along the boards. His hockey IQ does worry me at times in the defensive zone, as he looks to be transitioning to offence before the puck is out of his zone, which at times has left him in no man’s land and he does not have the speed to always get back in time. Yakemchuk is going to be a solid #3-4 defenseman for years to come and should get his fair share of play on the powerplay and penalty kill as he continues to progress as a player. He’ll be a 10-15 pick, for sure.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Carter Yakemchuk is a physical, offensive-minded defenseman who I think is a bit raw and unrefined at the moment. He likes to be involved in the offensive zone, utilizing his puck-moving ability, his nifty handles, and his booming shot. However, his defensive game was lackluster, as he often chased the puck and put himself out of position. Whenever he has pressure on him in the defensive zone, he resorts to dumping the puck out of the zone and losing key possession. Yakemchuk isn’t overly mobile either, which is something he must work on to be effective as an NHL defender.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#17 – Igor Chernyshov, Left Wing, Dynamo Moskva (KHL/MHL)
Birthday: November 30th, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’2/196 lbs
Birthplace: Penza, Russia
23/24 statistics:
3 G, 1 A, 4 P in 34 GP for Dynamo Moskva (KHL) + 0 G, 0 A, 0 P in 10 playoff GP
13 G, 15 A, 28 P in 22 GP for MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)
23/24 accolades: 2nd in PPG (Points Per Game) Among DY MHLers (behind Ivan Demidov)
Previous ranking: #20
“Igor Chernyshov is a multifaceted forward who combines imposing physicality with a rich scoring touch and relentless determination on the ice. His ability to control the game using force through physical play, coupled with his offensive contributions, and aggressive playing style has me super high on him. I expect there to be a ton of attention from NHL teams. Chernyshov’s consistent ability to play as a bull on the ice sets him apart as a forceful presence in both defensive and offensive scenarios. This guy is the dream of NHL scouts who want physical, relentless scoring machines who know how to crash the net, fancy their way around the net, and beat players and goalies. Put him in front of the net, and I can promise you it’ll be difficult to ever stop him from scoring” ~ Pavel Maliouguine, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Igor Chernyshov is a player with a quite mature game. He has very good puck-handling skills in small spaces. He is able to recover pucks, play physically, and be explosive when needed. Chernyshov is a player capable of creating dangerous plays on his own, but also boosting the level of his linemates. He has a good attitude when forechecking. He has good vision and is able to execute first-touch plays with speed, which makes him a good element for the powerplay. Chernyshov’s defensive game is outstanding, and together with his hard-working nature, form a very interesting combination. His habits are good, always scanning the ice. His physical game at the MHL level is good and he manages to win physical 1-on-1 duels. He is also able to win duels on the boards. I think he made remarkable progress in all his skills as the season went on.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
“Igor Chernyshov could be a great complimentary player in the top 6 for any team who picks him up. Igor has great straight-line speed and can use his body to drive to the net to create scoring chances. Chernyshov actively gets into scoring areas in front in order to be ready for a tip or one-timer feed. Whenever he’s on the ice, he generates turnovers, and those combined with his quick, smart passes make him great in offensive transitions. I’d like to see him work on his shot and shot selection a little more.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#18 – Stian Solberg, Defense, Valerenga (Norway)
Birthday: December 29th, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’2/201 lbs
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
23/24 statistics:
5 G, 10 A, 15 P in 42 GP for Valerenga (Norway) + 2 G, 7 A, 9 P in 17 playoff GP
1 G, 1 A, 2 P in 5 GP for Norway (WJC)
2 G, 1 A, 3 P in 7 GP for Norway (WC)
23/24 accolades: World Championship Top 3 Player on Team, Norway NM (National Championships) Runner-Up, Most Points Among U19 Eliteserien (Norway) Players, Only U19 Defenseman at the 2024 World Championships
Previous ranking: #21
“I believe it’s rather fair to call Stian Solberg the surprise riser of the draft. Very few had him close to the first round prior to the World Junior Championships this winter, but following his performance at said WJC, he exploded onto rankings. Then came his World Championships performance with Norway, and now it seems that he is a lock to go in the first round. Solberg is a smooth skater with a good set of edges which he uses well to change direction quickly. He moves the puck well and is capable of carrying the puck up ice, which I would like to see more of.
One of Solberg’s biggest calling cards is his physicality. He uses his frame and size well and isn’t afraid to lower the boom on an opponent. I do think he needs to be a little more cognizant of when to dish it out, as there are times he gets overzealous and ends up out of position. Defensively, Solberg closes the gaps well and has a solid defensive stick, using his reach to his advantage in 1-on-1 situations. His overall style of play reminds me a little of Mattias Ekholm. I think that Solberg is a player that I could see on an NHL blueline sooner rather than later as a shutdown D-man who can play up and down the lineup.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Stian Solberg is a tough-as-nails defender who has the ability to deliver clean and punishing hits. His defensive game is really well-rounded with great rush defense and a solid board battle game. His offensive game has been underrated for a long time, in my opinion. He can facilitate plays really well and he owns a booming shot. When breaking the puck out, he is composed and able to evade forecheckers really well. Solberg is one of my favourite defenders in this draft.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“Stian Solberg is a defenseman who has surprised me a lot. He has excellent skating, as he is agile, explosive, and fast. He has good hands, processes hockey at high speed, and has a great physical game. Although he did not score or assist a lot in the Norwegian league, I believe that his game is highly transferable to the attack. He has a good passing ability but needs to improve it to not generate excessive unnecessary risks. His decision-making while passing is questionable for this reason. He has a good shot in terms of power, accuracy and shot decision. He is definitely a player with top skills playing in a league that is not easily transferable to the NHL, but his new team in the SHL will help him to adapt to a more “NHL-transferable league”. His physical game is really above average for his age.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#19 – Anton Silayev, Defense, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Birthday: April 11th, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’7/207 lbs
Birthplace: Sarov, Russia
23/24 statistics:
3 G, 8 A, 11 P in 63 GP for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) + 0 G, 2 A, 2 P in 5 playoff GP
0 G, 3 A, 3 P in 10 playoff GP for Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
23/24 accolades: Most Points Among U18 KHLers in a Season (All-Time)
Previous ranking: #7
“Silayev is an intriguing prospect with tempting offensive skills and a physical presence. His frame allows him to take down opponents and be a complete heavyweight that limits a lot of what is thrown at him. However, I’m very indifferent, and there is a huge risk with him. Upon mitigating the considerable risks associated with his defensive deficiencies and hockey IQ limitations, I can’t see how safe of a pick this is. A Darnell Nurse-type player, I feel like he harms Torpedo often. Even with a progressive and smart coach such as Larionov, you can’t seem to shove it into Silayev’s brain on how to defend the rush and how to simply not make common mistakes. While his offensive touch makes him an attractive player, the extent to which teams are willing to invest in developing his defensive capabilities will determine his long-term success in professional hockey. Silayev represents a high-risk, high-reward draft pick, whose potential must be carefully evaluated against his current shortcomings on the ice. But, to me, this risk is simply too high for me to track as early as some have him ranked.” ~ Pavel Maliouguine, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Silayev is one of the most difficult players to create a general concept of his potential and quality. Throughout the season, I have fallen into many contradictions with my game-to-game reports/views. He is able to show high-end skills in one game and show a lack of those same skills in the next game. His physicality is clearly a big weapon, and as the season unfolded, he learned a lot about how to take advantage of it. His play on the boards and his hitting ability are very good for his age. In some games, he showed excellent hockey IQ, spatial intelligence, game-reading, scanning and competitive mentality. Anton Silayev has a good shot in terms of strength and direction, so he must learn to rely more on using it as a danger-creating weapon. He is capable of being a very good piece on the powerplay and in the transition game. His skating is good for his height and I especially like his backward skating. Silayev is mentally strong, and although he sometimes made mistakes that cost him goals against, he managed to stay mentally focused on the game. I think he is a raw prospect who has to improve a lot of details and mainly learn to be consistent game-to-game, but he has the potential to be a good NHL defenseman.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#20 – Nikita Artamonov, Right Wing, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod
Birthday: November 17th, 2005
Height/Weight: 5’11/187 lbs
Birthplace: Nizhnekamsk, Russia
23/24 statistics:
7 G, 16 A, 23 P in 54 GP for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) + 0 G, 0 A, 0 P in 5 playoff GP
6 G, 4 A, 10 P in 11 playoff GP for Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
23/24 accolades: 2nd Most Points Among DY KHLers in a Season (All-Time, behind Vladimir Tarasenko)
Previous ranking: #19
“Nikita Artamanov projects as a highly-skilled winger with the ability to impact games through his speed, intelligence, and playmaking abilities. A player who never backs down and feels like he could keep moving forever, he’s a guy who I think fits in the modern day of hockey perfectly. He’s terrific at creating plays and driving to the net while maintaining a hard-ass skill set, while also maintaining some flash and fashion. His dynamic offensive skill set and work ethic make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their forward group, especially if you’re in the market for a bottom-six player with edge and someone you can trust to turn the scoring on late in the game. With continued development and refinement of his game, Artamanov has the potential to excel at the professional level and become a key contributor in offensive situations, especially in the cases of the powerplay. His defensive game is filled with issues, though, including being too early on the opponents and being prone to bite on simple dekes. He does not have enough stability in his zone, but funny enough, is a good play-starter on the PK.” ~ Pavel Maliouguine, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Nikita Artamonov is one of the most intelligent and dynamic attackers of this 2024 generation. He must improve his shot, but Artamonov is able to create a lot of danger at a KHL-intensity level. His skating is solid and he can beat defensemen in the KHL. He has a very high IQ and dominates spatial intelligence, reading the spaces and anticipating plays very well. He reads the opponent’s mistakes excellently. Personally, I don’t think he is a player capable of commanding a line by himself, but he is the kind of player with a hard-working mentality that turns a play without danger into a very dangerous one. He must learn to play a better physical game, as with his height, he will have to battle hard to get a spot on the top lines of an NHL team.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
“If you’re drafting Nikita Artamonov, you are going to get a prospect who’s almost a finished product, who is almost close to what he’s going to bring to the NHL. Artamonov is an absolute workhorse who plays the game with high tempo in mind. He’s also a great puck distributor, as it’s probably one of the greatest strengths in his game. His skating stride is wonky and needs some fixing, and his shot selection & shooting ability need some improvement in order to really be effective in the NHL. I project Artamonov as a middle-six complimentary winger rather than a top-six player, as he doesn’t really exhibit high-end tools in his game to tell me his ceiling is higher than that of a depth player.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#21 – Sacha Boisvert, Center, Muskegon Lumberjacks
Birthday: March 17th, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’2/179 lbs
Birthplace: Trois-Rivieres, Canada
23/24 statistics:
36 G, 32 A, 68 P in 61 GP for Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) + 0 G, 3 A, 3 P in 8 playoff GP
23/24 accolades: USHL 3rd All-Star Team, 5th in points among U18 USHLers, 14th in points among U18 USHLers since the ’05 Lockout
Previous ranking: #16
“Sacha Boisvert offers a very enticing mix of bulk, quick footwork, and nifty puck skills while showing no hesitation for the gritty areas of the ice. That combination, along with a heavy shot, makes him effective from the top to the bottom of the offensive zone. Boisvert will have to improve his individual play-creating and gain confidence in attacking from the outside-in before he finds a meaningful pro role. But his blend of size and skill – and willingness to serve in any role, from slot battles to Ovi’s office – make him a player worth investing in.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Boisvert is a player that grew on me all year. Almost every facet of his game improved this year. He is a reliable center who drives play in the O-zone and isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas and win battles. He is a solid skater, and as he gains strength, I think his skating will become a strength. He has good edges for a bigger guy and can make defenders miss with them. He has a very quick and accurate release and can beat goalies from distance. He shows flashes of playmaking brilliance but needs to be more consistent with it. His work ethic on both sides of the puck really improved as the year went on and he was very skilled on the PK. I project Boisvert to be a middle-6 center at the NHL level who can be dangerous on the PP, be a reliable PKer, and annoy the other team.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Boisvert combines imposing size with impressive skill, highlighted by a potent shot and agile footwork that enable him to generate significant offensive impact both off the rush and from the boards. His ability to blend power with finesse makes him a dynamic threat in various game situations, showcasing his versatility as a forward capable of creating scoring chances from multiple angles on the ice.” ~ Anonymous Recruit
#22 – Teddy Stiga, Left Wing, USA NTDP
Birthday: April 5th, 2006
Height/Weight: 5’10/176 lbs
Birthplace: Sudbury, USA
23/24 statistics:
36 G, 43 A, 79 P in 61 GP for USA National U18 Team (USA NTDP)
6 G, 5 A, 11 P in 7 GP for USA U18 (U18 WJC)
23/24 accolades: U18 WJC Silver Medal, U18 WJC Top 3 Player on Team
Previous ranking: Unranked in Top 64
“The NTDP can inspire a lot of growth, and Teddy Stiga has taken every last bit of it in. I think there were some questioning his potential after his U17 season, but Stiga has put all doubt to rest this year – showing off a fantastic commitment to growing and developing. He’s built out an aggression and fearlessness that’s hard to add to a game in any timeframe, much less just one season. And it’s made him a better player, helping Stiga become more of a threat off of the puck and increasing his ability to hang on to broken-down plays. His growth is worth serious, serious admiration. I still think he’ll face a big challenge in adjusting to the physical game at the next levels, and still find he can be a little naive with his decision-making, leaving me content to rank him just a bit lower than some more bullish scouts.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Stiga seemed to improve in every single game as the year went on. Stiga is a smaller forward who plays with pace and a ton of intensity. He has a relentless motor and doesn’t shy away from contact. He is very positionally sound at both ends of the ice and shows a ton of heart in the way he battles in corners. He is a shifty player and fairly deceptive. He does a great job at finding soft areas and has a decent shot to take advantage of that. His playmaking definitely became more of a strength as the season went on and he consistently found his teammates in prime scoring areas. He will need to add strength, but his work ethic gives me hope that his game will translate to the NHL. I project that Stiga will be a middle-6 winger at the NHL level who coaches will love and can play in all situations if needed.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Stiga’s development trajectory in the NTDP has been unparalleled, showcasing remarkable growth in compete level, performance, strength, and hockey IQ. His relentless work ethic and ability to elevate his game in crucial moments make him a standout as a playoff performer, drawing the attention of scouts who recognize his potential impact at the next level.” ~ Anonymous Recruit
#23 – Matvei Gridin, Right Wing, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Birthday: March 1st, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’1/185 lbs
Birthplace: Kurgan, Russia
23/24 statistics:
38 G, 45 A, 85 P in 60 GP for the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) + 1 G, 4 A, 5 P in 8 playoffs GP
23/24 accolades: Most Points in USHL, USHL 1st All-Star Team, 3rd most points for a U18 USHLer since the ’05 Lockout
Previous ranking: #30
“Matvei Gridin is a really exciting player to watch. He’s all about tempo, capable of making plays at any speed, turning the pace up or down, and building on his teammate’s speed well. While he didn’t offer much outside of that speed at the start of the year, he’s come a long way in improving his ability to attack the slot and create plays out of the corner. That’s largely thanks to added confidence with his stickhandling – Gridin attacks opponents head-on and knows how to beat them with a quick head fake. There’s room to critique his energy off of the puck in the neutral and defensive zones, though college will offer a great place for him to learn how to slow down and better assess things on the wrong side of the puck. Especially considering he’ll be paired with offensive compliments as good as Michael Hage.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Gridin is a skilled winger who is both a shooting and playmaking threat. He sees the ice very well and always seems to get the puck on his stick in dangerous areas. He is creative with the puck and can pull off high-end stickhandling moves. He has a very accurate shot and can beat goalies from far out. Gridin does a great job of opening up space for teammates and drawing defenders to him, then finding a way to get the puck to them. He is an average skater, and it is far from a flaw, but I’d like him to improve his acceleration to help him better deploy his skills. He also needs to be more consistent when it comes to compete level. In some shifts, his motor doesn’t stop, but in others, he gets caught gliding a lot. I project that Gridin will be a middle-6, point-producing winger at the NHL level.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#24 – Yegor Surin, Center, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
Birthday: August 1st, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’1/192 lbs
Birthplace: Voronezh, Russia
23/24 statistics:
22 G, 30 A, 52 P in 42 GP for Loko Yaroslavl (MHL) + 5 G, 18 A, 23 P in 19 playoff games
1 G, 0 A, 1 P in 1 GP for Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)
0 G, 0 A, 0 P in 3 GP for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
23/24 accolades: Most Assists in MHL Playoffs, 2nd Most PIM in the MHL, 2nd Most Points Among U18 MHLers
Previous ranking: #47
Yegor Surin is a player with undeniable physical tools and a willingness to drive play through aggressive and physical play. His hard shot and asserting presence (mainly when he makes himself look big with net-front battles and huge hits) make him a challenging opponent. However, inconsistencies in utilizing teammates, shooting accuracy, and board play put him at risk. He has a powerful, antagonizing shot that we’ve seen him beat goalies with crazy speed and power, but I don’t see consistency in him hitting the net or aiming into the right areas. Too many chest shots.
While he is big and his goal is to dominate on the boards, he suffers quite often with winning board battles. He moves too slowly there, which causes more nifty players to escape with ease. With focused development in these areas, Surin has the potential to become a more well-rounded player capable of making significant contributions on both ends of the ice. I like him when he’s on his game, he feels like a very reliable future bottom-six centerman. He’s a guy who you might want to prioritize on the PK, but also a guy you may want to see improve on his driving plays. Teams considering Surin must weigh his physical attributes against his current developmental needs to determine his potential impact at higher levels of competition.” ~ Pavel Maliouguine, Co-Head of European Scouting, Head of European Scouting
“Yegor Surin is a very interesting attacker. He is highly committed to all three phases of the game. He has a very good offensive and defensive mindset. His skating may not be the most explosive and fast but he is capable of getting an edge in the MHL with it. I think his skating may be upgradable down the road. He has an excellent shot and a very strong ability to make quality passes. He has good scanning and reading habits for the game. Surin is big and has a good physical game. I think his game is transferable to the NHL. He’s a player who doesn’t mind getting dirty for the benefit of the team. This last characteristic of Yegor Surin’s game will definitely catch the attention of some NHL teams, and if he is able to translate this to the KHL next season, I think the team that picks him will try to bring him to North America soon.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#25 – Alfons Freij, Defense, Vaxjo Lakers HC (J20 Nationell)
Birthday: February 12th, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’1/196 lbs
Birthplace: Sölvesborg, Sweden
23/24 statistics:
14 G, 19 A, 33 P in 40 GP for Vaxjo Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell) + 2 G, 1 A, 3 P in 5 playoff games
0 G, 2 A, 2 P in 3 GP for Vaxjo Lakers HC J18 (J18 Region) + 2 G, 4 A, 6 P in 5 playoff games (J18 Nationell)
0 G, 0 A, 0 P in 1 GP for Vaxjo Lakers HC (Champions Hockey League)
2 G, 4 A, 6 P in 7 GP for Sweden U18 (U18 WJC)
1 G, 3 A, 4 P in 4 GP for Sweden U18 (Hlinka Gretzky)
23/24 accolades: U18 WJC Bronze Medal, Most Goals Among U18 J20 Nationell Defenders This Season (4th All-Time)
Previous ranking: #39
“This year’s crop of Swedes all seem to have one constant that they all seem to have in common, and that is excellent puck-moving skills. Alfons Freij may just be the best of the bunch. I love his ability to move the puck quickly and accurately. He also reads the play well which helps him move the puck up. His skating is equally impressive, both forward and backward, helping him get up to either join the rush or lead it himself. Defensively, there are still some kinks that need work, mainly his positioning off the rush. Both his shots and passes are heavy, and he does an excellent job at holding onto the puck to find spaces to get his shots through. I believe that Freij is going to develop into a solid top-4, two-way D-man at the next level.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Alfons Freij is a player I really like to see in defenders. Freij has excellent 4-way mobility, is able to use his edges effectively, and overall moves very well on the ice. Freij has a great first pass, as he starts the breakout more often than not for his team. Offensively, he’s able to generate offence without difficulty. Freij finds passing lanes with ease, He has great puck-handling abilities that, paired with his head fakes and body jukes, allow him to slip by opponents. Defensively, he closes the gap effectively and has been very good with stick-checking. However, Freij needs to work on being more physical, as he gets overpowered at times by opposing forwards.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
“Freij is a good, smooth skater. His skating is agile and he is also able to dribble with his body to avoid rivals. I think he lacks speed in his skating. He needs to be faster to have more advantage with this skill. Freij constantly collaborates with the transition game, and although his defensive game is not excellent, it is good enough for this defenseman to make a difference on the ice. I think he needs to add more creativity to his game to create real danger when he drives the puck and not just get the puck out of his defensive zone and into the offensive zone. Although his shot is not as powerful, he has very good accuracy. He has very good puck handling with good technique and the ability to make first-touch plays. He will need to improve his physical game to be able to play in a professional league” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#26 – Andrew Basha, Left Wing, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Birthday: November 8th, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’0/185 lbs
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta
23/24 statistics:
30 G, 55 A, 85 P in 63 GP for the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) + 3 G, 2 A, 5 P in 5 playoff games
23/24 accolades: 3rd in assists and points among DY WHLers
Previous ranking: #14
“Andrew Basha is an energetic player who never stops moving. While he is on the smaller side, he doesn’t shy away from contact. He is an extremely smart player and has fantastic vision. He sees plays developing quicker than most players on the ice and makes passes through traffic with ease. He plays with a ton of pace and is an exceptionally agile and shifty skater. He works hard at both ends of the ice and is a solid penalty killer. He has soft hands and is able to pull off moves around the defense at top speed. I project that Basha will be a top-6 winger at the NHL level who can drive play with his speed.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Playmaking at its best is what you get from Andrew Basha, whose vision of the ice rivals anyone in the WHL. Basha is a hardworking winger who utilizes his speed and puck possession to maneuver the boards to draw in defenders before lacing a pass to his teammates. While Lindstrom was hurt for a large part of the season, when he was healthy, there wasn’t a better duo in the league than Basha and Lindstrom. Basha does most of his damage from below the goal line and along the boards, as he is constantly scanning the ice for the best passing lane. He is someone who elevates his linemates’ games due to him drawing so much attention. Everyone talks about Catton’s hands, but Basha should be in the conversation for best in the league, as he was able to handle his way out of almost every situation.
One issue in Basha’s game is his predictability, as he does become a one-trick pony with his zone entries. Basha does not have the velocity on his shot to beat goalies one-on-one, but in tight, he can wait out a goalie for a precision shot. His defensive game is fairly standard, as he can win puck battles with his speed and stick work but against more rugged players he will struggle to win. Basha needs to be in the right environment to thrive and could fall due to this. If he does go to a team with a bonafide sniper to be paired with, he should be able to hit 70 points consistently as a top-6 winger and be a valued member as a 1st unit powerplay specialist.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Andrew Basha is an undersized but shifty winger who brings a lot of skill and pace to the table. Basha, whenever he has the puck, knows how to exploit the tighter areas of the ice in order to create a scoring chance for himself or his teammates. Basha knows how to move the puck through seams in order to assist his linemates, and his shot is very deceptive, fooling goaltenders constantly as shown by his 30 goals this season. My only concern would be his physicality with or without the puck. He needs to get stronger in order to aid him during board battles and on the forecheck.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#27 – Eric Burger, Defense, Orebro HK (J20 Nationell/SHL)
Birthday: December 29th, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’0/181 lbs
Birthplace: Vallentuna, Sweden
23/24 statistics:
7 G, 19 A, 26 P in 46 GP for Orebro HK J20 (J20 Nationell) + 1 G, 0 A, 1 P in 8 playoff games
0 G, 0 A, 0 P in 6 GP for Orebro HK J18 (SHL)
23/24 accolades: J20 SM Silver Medal
Previous ranking: #48
“Every year, there are a few players that take huge leaps up draft boards. At Recruit Scouting this year, one of those players was Eric Bürger. Bürger is a great skater, both forward and backward. I have been fully impressed by his comfort with the puck on his stick. There is very little panic, and he moves it up ice with the same level of calmness. Defensively, he’s just as solid, with a good defensive stick and an ability to keep his man to the outside. Bürger also does a great job at cutting off the oncoming forwards. However, his gap control is going to need some more work. Overall, I could see Bürger turn out to be a solid top-4 defenseman with some shutdown potential.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Eric Burger made his name early in this draft season as a fantastic defender who could defend the rush and the net-front with ease. In recent months, we have started to see a different side to Burger, as he started enabling plays and being a huge part of the breakout. His skating is fantastic and a big reason for his success.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“Eric Burger is a defensive defenseman with very good habits. Burger has pro-level habits, defensive intelligence, good timing, and details that project him as a defender with a good future in a professional league. He has a very good physical game, absorbing force well, winning battles on the boards, hitting, and showing good puck protection skills. He has an active stick and is really good at using it in defensive tasks. To his very good defensive profile, we must add good skills that could transform him into a good puck-moving blueliner. He needs to add a lot of offensive play to his profile. He has the potential to be an NHL defenseman in the future, but he will have to improve many skills to be a difference-making defenseman in the NHL.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#28 – Justin Poirier, Right Wing, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Birthday: September 4th, 2006
Height/Weight: 5’8/181 lbs
Birthplace: Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada
23/24 statistics:
51 G, 31 A, 82 P in 68 GP for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) + 18 G, 9 A, 27 P in 17 playoff games
2 G, 2 A, 4 P in 5 GP for Canada U18 (Hlinka Gretzky)
23/24 accolades: Most Goals in the QMJHL This Season, Most U18 Goals in a QMJHL Season Since Sidney Crosby, Hlinka Gretzky Gold Medal, Most U18 QMJHL Playoff Goals in the 2000s (Including Crosby and MacKinnon), QMJHL 2nd Team All-Star
Previous ranking: #24
“Poirier was the top goal-scoring threat in the QMJHL this season. He lays an aggressive/physical game that one wouldn’t expect from a player of his size. He makes offense happen and had a dominant QMJHL playoffs until his team ran into a white-hot Riley Mercer that he just couldn’t solve. In spite of his size, he appears to have that intangible drive that helps push him forward. Hard work and drive are very hard to teach.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
“Justin Poirier is an absolute offensive stick of dynamite. He has great shooting mechanics and a clean follow-through, which he gets off quickly. He is constantly finding open ice when he doesn’t have the puck to get in a prime scoring opportunity, often in Ovechkin’s office. He is a clever player, carrying the puck as well. Deceiving defenders who assume shot, he defers to his teammates or blows the shot right past them. His willingness to engage in board battles also improved throughout the season, and by the end, he became a great puck retriever in those battles. Poirier’s skating isn’t quite where you would want it to be for a player of his stature. He struggles with his lateral movements and top speed. Even his straight-line speed isn’t great. Teams will have to be patient with him, as he looks to become more explosive and more of a threat in stride. He still certainly poses a threat off the rush, but a little more explosion in his first step could make all the difference.” ~ Sean Crocker, QMJHL/USHL Scout
“Poirier is one of the most skilled shooters in this draft class. He has a knack for getting shots off in awkward positions and does a great job of changing the angle of his shot. He has quick hands that make it hard for a defenseman to get into his shooting lane. While he is a smaller player, he works hard and isn’t afraid to get involved in physical play. I’d like to see him add more playmaking to his game. He draws a ton of attention because of his shot and this opens up space for his teammates, but he doesn’t take advantage of this as often as I’d like. His skating isn’t bad, but he needs to add a few gears to his speed if he wants to be an effective player at the next level. He also needs to work on his defensive work ethic. I project that Poirier will be a middle-6 goal-scoring winger at the NHL level,” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#29 – EJ Emery, Defense, USA NTDP
Birthday: March 30th, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’3/185 lbs
Birthplace: Surrey, Canada
23/24 statistics:
0 G, 16 A, 16 P in 61 GP for the USA National U18 Team (USA NTDP)
0 G, 6 A, 6 P in 7 GP for USA U18 (U18 WJC)
23/24 accolades: U18 WJC Silver Medal
Previous ranking: #44
“Emery is a tall shutdown defenseman. He is incredibly hard to beat in transition, as he is a good skater and does a great job angling. He has a really disruptive stick and does a great job of knowing when to step up on players. Emery is very positionally sound and supports his partner really well. He is lanky and needs to add weight, but he is extremely athletic, and as he gains muscle, watch out. Emery is a reliable puck-mover but doesn’t flash high-end offense. He won’t be a point-producing defenseman at the next level, however, he would be a perfect partner for an offensive defenseman. I project that Emery will be a solid second-pair shutdown defender.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“EJ Emery has all of the makings of an impactful, rangy, two-way defender; boasting very solid, heads-up puck control, hard passing, strong one-on-one defense, and great hockey IQ. It’s an exciting skill set that can really look professional when everything is working. However, Emery’s overall impact is healthily held back by, frankly, immature decision-making. It’s not that Emery isn’t smart – he absolutely is – but you can see him second-guessing himself, or pulling out of position when he may not want to. And since he’s not fully confident in stepping out of his spot, he’s not quick at getting back into it either – leaving gaps in his team’s back end. Luckily, I really do think it’s a factor of age and something Emery will grow out of in an environment like North Dakota (former Defender U? Now, that’s Denver!). He’s as sharp as they come and plays an impactful, translatable, all-three-zones style when he’s feeling right.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
#30 – Ryder Ritchie, Forward, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Birthday: August 3rd, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’0/174 lbs
Birthplace: Calgary, Canada
23/24 statistics:
16 G, 25 A, 44 P in 47 GP for the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
4 G, 4 A, 8 P in 7 GP for Canada U18 (U18 WJC)
23/24 accolades: Hlinka Gretzky Gold Medal, U18 WJC Gold Medal
Previous ranking: #23
“Ritchie is a younger player in this class who played on a very bad team this year. In a year without a great supporting cast, Ritchie had a solid offensive season. He is a good skater who uses head and shoulder fakes well in transition to make defenders miss. He holds onto the puck a little too long and gives up possession at times as a result. He has really smooth hands and can make moves in tight, but needs to do a better job recognizing that he’s opening up space for teammates and making passes before he’s closed in on. His work ethic needs more consistency, as he glides during some shifts and then has a relentless motor in other shifts. While he is far from a finished product, he has shown enough high-end flashes that I think he will be able to put all of his tools together and become a really solid player. I project that Ritchie will be a middle-6 winger at the NHL level who will create a lot of offense off the rush.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Ritchie is a hard-working forward who will need support from his linemates to reach his full potential. Too many times, Ritchie tries to go through the full team with his stickhandling and just loses the puck. Understandably so, as PA lacked some offensive firepower, but Ritchie must utilize his teammates, as he lets too many great zone entries go to waste. He has an amazing burst when he gets going, and with his rugged size, he gains the zone with ease, he is a great puck protector and is going to be great for powerplays. He has great upper-body strength and rarely is knocked off the puck, but for some reason, doesn’t crash the net as often as he should. He has a quick release with great velocity, which is deadly from in tight, although his accuracy fades past the circle.
He has shown his willingness to throw the body and forecheck hard, but he needs to improve his stick work to win more puck battles, as he relies on his strength too much. Defensively, he is sound, but still prone to errors. He needs to use his brain more at times, as he has been undisciplined with his defensive efforts. Ritchie is going to make a solid 2nd line physical power forward at the next level. He is going to be great on the powerplay with his zone entries and should fit in nicely along the circles or along the goal line. 30 goals with 60 points is his ceiling, and he should reach the NHL within 3 years.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Ryder Ritchie is an effective, skilled winger who drives the offense for a bare-bones Raiders team. When you watch him, he’s nowhere near dynamic or shifty, but his game doesn’t need that as much as guys such as Berkly Catton or Cayden Lindstrom. He’s able to make great passes to his linemates and possesses soft hands that can make WHL defenders look silly. Defensively, he plays his part, as he has an active stick ready to pick off passes, and applies pressure constantly to puck carriers. The key things he needs to work on moving forward is to be more explosive with his skating, while also adding some more physicality to his game.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#31 – Sam O’Reilly, Center, London Knights (OHL)
Birthday: March 30th, 2006
Height/Weight: 6’1/176 lbs
Birthplace: Toronto, Canada
23/24 statistics:
0 G, 16 A, 16 P in 61 GP for the USA National U18 Team (USA NTDP)
0 G, 6 A, 6 P in 7 GP for USA U18 (U18 WJC)
23/24 accolades: OHL Champion, Memorial Cup Finalist, OHL 2nd Team All-Rookie
Previous ranking: Unranked in Top 64
“O’Reilly is a relentless player, always eager to get involved and use his strength and body positioning to regain possession. He excels in battles around the ice, particularly below the goal line, in the corners, and along the boards, often coming out on top. His effectiveness in tight spaces and ability to drive hard to the net create numerous scoring opportunities. Despite having a decent shot from outside, his main drawback is his skating and speed, which can hinder his ability to separate from opponents and transition effectively. However, his puck protection skills, smart positioning, and great hands make him a valuable support player. Defensively, O’Reilly pressures puck carriers well, using his awareness, long reach, and size to disrupt plays and limit opponents’ time and space. Improving his skating and speed could make him a significant threat, as he already has the determination and drive needed on the ice. He has the chance to be a complete wildcard off of the board at the draft, similar to his London Knights teammate Easton Cowan last year.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Some call him a coach’s dream, but I’d argue that Sam O’Reilly is a scout’s dream. I could probably set a watch on his potential to become a bottom-6 forward in the NHL, and it makes rankings very easy. There are guys who I think are more valuable than a likely NHL energy forward and guys who are less valuable. O’Reilly’s unrelenting motor combined with his high-end hockey IQ on both sides of the puck, plus his above-average stickwork, make him a top option for teams looking for young depth. O’Reilly must improve on his skating, as while his agility has impressed me, he must find more consistency on his feet. I would look at O’Reilly in the third round, but I would not blame a contender for picking him as early as the 2nd round” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“O’Reilly is an all-around player who has a good motor and can play all positions. He can be relied upon to play in any situation. His positioning at both ends of the ice is advanced for a player his age. He has a knack for finishing plays in tight and does a great job getting to the middle of the ice. O’Reilly is a solid skater and knows how to use his body to protect the puck. He is a solid playmaker but lacks high-end vision. He flashes really impressive stickhandling abilities, but I’d like him to use it more often. He makes the smart play more often than not, but I think he could benefit from being more daring. I project that Sam O’Reilly will be a middle-6 center at the NHL level who can play any forward position and be relied upon in all situations.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#32 – Noel Fransén, Defense, Farjestad BK (J20 Nationell/SHL)
Birthday: April 7th, 2005
Height/Weight: 6’1/187 lbs
Birthplace: Karlstad, Sweden
23/24 statistics:
20 G, 24 A, 44 P in 45 GP for Farjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)
1 G, 0 A, 1 P in 4 GP for Farjestad BK (SHL)
23/24 accolades: J20 Nationell Most Goals by a Defenseman, J20 Nationell Most Points by a Defenseman, Most Goals by a U19 J20 Nationell Defenseman Ever
Previous ranking: #34
“Noel Fransén is a rather intriguing prospect, to say the least. He possesses a little bit of everything you want from a modern-day D-man. He’s smart, skates well and is willing to be physical when needed. The biggest part of his game is his skating. He has excellent edge work and he’s really impressed me with his change of direction, particularly when he’s stationary. Another aspect of Fransén’s game that I love seeing is his calmness with the puck. He’s one of the better blueline prospects at walking the line this year and he has a very calm demeanor with the puck on his stick at the blueline. Defensively, Fransén does a good job of closing off his man and he clears the net-front well. I do think he’ll need to smarten up with his pinching decisions and calm his will to jump into the play, as he can get caught at times trying to cheat for offense. Overall, I see Fransén as a good second-pairing, top-4 D-man, who can bring some offence to a team with a solid defensive ability.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Noel Fransén is a defender who plays with an exciting skating-based style of play. He is always using his quick feet to find space for himself and he loves to take on opponents with his great hands. His shot and passing could use some work, but his movement in the zone opens up so much space for him, and he plays with great composure. A very aggressive style of defense that I really respect.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“Fransén is one of the most talented defenders in the entire Draft. He is a great skater with the explosiveness, top speed and agility to make a difference. He reads all the plays very well and anticipates incredibly to avoid rival offensive creation. Noel Fransén is an active and effective forechecker helping to preserve the attack. He is a good passer and has a great variety of shots. He creates danger by himself and has the potential to be a good defenseman at a professional level. If he wants to become an NHLer, he needs to gain weight to be more physical and improve his passing speed.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#33 – Jett Luchanko, Forward, Guelph Storm (OHL)
“Luchanko is an exceptionally smooth playmaker who consistently drives the play with great hands in tight spaces and high-traffic areas. His speed, agility, and strong initial burst allow him to create separation and stay calm under pressure quickly. Known for his deceptive puck distribution, he often fools defenders and goalies by feigning shots and making precise passes, effectively drawing opponents in to open up plays. Although his shot and decision-making in his shot selection need improvement, he excels at finishing plays in close quarters. Luchanko is aggressive and tenacious defensively, quickly closing gaps and using his stick to disrupt plays. His constant motion and anticipation make him effective in regaining possession and supporting his teammates. Despite flying under the radar at times this season, his blend of skill, athletic ability, high motor, and solid two-way play make him a promising prospect with significant upside.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“I don’t know if his parents knew how fast he would be when they named him, or if they had a lucky guess, but Jett Luchanko cashes the cheque that his first name writes for him. A surprise promotion to the NHL for Guelph’s star playmaker Matt Poitras left a gaping hole in the Storm’s roster. In his first full OHL season, Luchanko took the opportunity and ran with it. He blossomed into a premier playmaker who uses his top-end speed and skating ability to be a menace defensively. Luchanko is one of the fastest skaters in the draft, and NHL teams will always have time for someone like that in their bottom-6. Pair that with high IQ on and off the puck, on both sides of the arena, and NHL teams are looking at a speedy forward who can slot in on their 3rd line and PK units, providing menacing forechecking with the addition of offensive and defensive acumen. Luchanko’s August birthday will convince teams to have more leniency with his deficiencies, but I feel as if he needs to greatly improve his shot selection and puck skills to extend his ceiling. I do not see him as more than a 3rd liner at this stage, but contending teams love guys who play like Luchanko. I would pick him in the early 2nd round, but teams may reach as early as the late 1st” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Luchanko has quickly become a personal favorite of mine this season. He is a small, slippery forward who has very impressive skating and agility. He does a fantastic job at being deceptive with his body and with hands causing defenders to have trouble reading what he will do. He has a strong motor and works hard at both ends of the ice. He is very smart positionally and does a great job anticipating plays. He is an adept passer who sees lanes that many don’t. He has soft hands and is solid in tight. I project that Luchanko will be a middle-6 center who will play both on the powerplay and penalty kill.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#34 – Beckett Sennecke, Right Wing, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
“There are two Beckett Senneckes. There is the Beckett Sennecke we saw to start the season, and there is the Beckett Sennecke we saw that ended the season. It is Sennecke’s meteoric rise that has put him in top-10 conversations for this draft, but it is his overall rawness that has left him in many’s 2nd round. Areas of improvement include ironing out wrinkles in his decision-making, tweaking his skating stride to take advantage of his size, putting on more muscle without losing his deceptiveness, and, most importantly, proving that he can perform at such a high level for a full season. There is top-line upside, enough so that I’ve slotted him in my top 15, but it will take a team with patience and a detailed development plan to harness his potential” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Sennecke has the potential to become a significant NHL threat as he grows into his frame and gains confidence on the forecheck with added strength. He has already proven his worth in the OHL with a strong shot and exceptional playmaking skills. His combination of size, hands, and skating makes him one of the best playmakers in his class. His dual-threat capability from the wing makes him unpredictable and valuable, and he is able to complement any center effectively. Sennecke excels in small spaces, using his size and agility to protect the puck and win battles, showing a balance of intensity, skill, and awareness. His long stride and strong edge work allow him to quickly navigate tight areas and change direction. Despite sometimes getting tunnel vision, his creativity and willingness to attempt bold plays make him a dynamic and exciting player to watch. His stock has been on the rise lately, but is he worth a top-five pick, as rumoured by some? That seems unlikely.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Sennecke is a tall, skilled forward who had an incredible playoffs. He is lanky and has a lot of room to grow into his body and add muscle. His skating has improved since last year and he is now able to pull away from opponents on occasion. His skating will become a bigger strength as he adds muscle. He does a good job using quick edgework to throw defenders off balance and get around them. One of Sennecke’s best traits is his swift puck-handling ability. He times his moves extremely well and is able to do it through traffic. He has good vision and is able to use his hands to keep attention on him and make space for teammates. His shot has decent power, but his accuracy is what makes his shot more of a weapon. He has a knack for being slippery and hard to get the puck from. For a skinny player, he does a good job at protecting the puck and being able to come away with it in battles. He works hard and wasn’t afraid to throw the body in the playoffs. I’d like to see him be more engaged in the D-zone, as he tends to curl instead of using stops and starts. A big thing with Sennecke is that adding strength will help him get even better at what are already his strengths, and that makes his upside exciting. I project that Sennecke will be a solid point-producing, top-6 forward, who can play on the powerplay at the NHL level.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#35 – John Mustard, Left Wing, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)
“It’s hard to think that John Mustard was playing AAA hockey less than a year ago. He’s brought every last drop of work ethic that he could to the USHL, showing a tireless commitment to the forecheck and dirty areas of the ice. And his raw skills are strong enough to make it work – with Mustard boasting very fast skating, solid hands, and a sturdy frame that’s hard to knock over. He’s a bullet on the ice and makes plays consistently. However, he can struggle to turn turnovers into scoring chances, lacking a bit of an offensive finesse that could push him to a new level. Mustard will join a Providence program that’s already developing Tanner Adams, a similarly aggressive, yet unpolished winger. That should bode well for Mustard’s next few years of development and help him add the sharp, complimentary offensive traits he needs. There’s a path to pro games ahead for Mustard if he can maintain his high energy and controlled aggression after bursting onto the scene this season.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Mustard is a hardworking forward who is one of the fastest skaters in this draft class. He can pull away from defenders with ease. Mustard has a very strong lower body that makes it hard to knock him off the puck. He has a really quick release and solid one-timer. He has a good work ethic and improved many aspects of his game as the season went on. Mustard does a good job finding open space and creating space for his teammates. He isn’t the most effective playmaker and needs to improve his vision. He does a great job drawing defenders to him but fails to see good passing opportunities, but he did show flashes that give me hope he can improve in this area. I project that Mustard will be a middle-6 winger at the NHL level who will be dangerous in transition and serve as a very effective forechecker.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#36 – Emil Hemming, Right Wing, TPS (Liiga)
“Emil Hemming is a player who I believe could have a coming-out season next year depending on how his summer goes. He has a solid frame at 6’1, 205 lbs, and is still learning how to use his frame to his advantage. He skates relatively well with solid edge work but he’s not the fastest guy on the ice. He is willing to drive the net to be the net-front presence, which I like. Hemming gets in off the forecheck well, but he lacks the willingness to finish his checks, which I want to see more of. He also tends to shy away from contact, which, for a player of his frame, will need to be worked on. Defensively, Hemming tends to be everywhere on the ice and defends more with his stick than his frame, particularly along the wall. I think he also needs to work on his read-and-react ability, as he tends to be a little slower to react to a play. I can tell Hemming is aware of what he needs to do on the ice, but he seems to lack execution at times. Hemming could be a solid middle-six power-forward, and I think if he can work on his game over the summer and get more comfortable with his size, he could become a beast.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“A unique profile with a high ceiling but an uncertain floor projection. His skating technique is really good and explosive but he lacks a high top-end speed. He usually activates his speed at precise moments and anticipates plays to force mistakes on the opponent or recover pucks. He is a talent with first-round skills but calculating his NHL potential is a difficult task. His shot is really good in terms of power and accuracy. Hemming had a hard time adapting to the intensity of the Liiga, but this adaptation improved as the season progressed. Defensively, he is elite and physically strong. He needs to find a way to think faster, drive the puck more, and execute better passes to create more offensive plays.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
“I have Emil Hemming as my second-best Finn in this draft class, and there’s no surprise why. Hemming brings a nice offensive game with some edge. Hemming possesses a sneakily quick release that’s able to fool defenders. When he can’t shoot the puck, Hemming is able to make a quick pass to his teammate to create some offense. Don’t expect him to create high-danger passes, though, as he doesn’t go out of his way to attack the middle. Hemming uses his body effectively to separate pucks from opponents or for puck possession. Hemming, when he gets going, has a nice straight-line speed, as he can skate by defenders in order to drive the net and cause havoc. Defensively, Hemming needs to be more consistent. One shift, he’s pressuring well defensively, creating pressure with his active stick and body. The next shift, he’s a ghost.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#37 – Dominik Badinka, Defense, Malmo Redhawks (SHL)
“Dominik Badinka is one of my favourite prospects in this class. He is a big, 6’3 defenseman who skates incredibly well. He activates well when he receives the puck, which helps his O-zone play and breakouts. His shot and passes are great, and he is defensively sound, which is evident in his SHL experience.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“If there is one prospect who I believe we have yet to see everything he is capable of, it would be Dominik Badinka. Badinka is a good skater who loves to jump up into the play. However, he lacks acceleration, which I feel hinders his ability to get the puck and take it up ice himself. He makes smart choices with the puck and has a good passing ability. Badinka has acclimated himself well in the SHL and I think he should become more confident with the puck, as there are times when I feel he lacks the confidence to create something with the puck on his stick and either elects to throw the puck away or get a shot off. His shot selection is something I would like to see him work on, as he could be smarter about when to shoot, more often than not he is getting blocked. After watching him all season, I feel strongly that Badinka has potential to be a solid top-4 D-man, but he just hasn’t unearthed it yet.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Badinka is a very solid defenseman with a very mature playing style. He has a calm and simple game style that, combined with his ability to make good, quick decisions, gives him a very interesting profile. He has great skating in terms of mobility, technique, and backward skating. He has a very good hockey IQ that helps him to read the game and be in the right place on the ice. His habits are very good, with constant scanning of the ice and anticipation of movements. He has the skills necessary to become a mobile defender with the ability to help in the transition game. His shot is a weapon that he has to improve. Badinka has an above-average physical game and looks like an experienced defenseman playing in the SHL.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
“Dominik Badinka is one of the more underrated D-man in this draft class. His SHL point totals might not look alluring, but do not let that fool you, as Badinka brings a stable, poised, reliable game on the ice, who can handle big minutes. Badinka was solid on the breakout as he was able to analyze his surroundings in order to make great first passes out of the zone. Badinka moves well for his size but can get caught by speeder opponents at times. On defense, he’s solid at poking pucks off the rush or actively pressuring the puck carrier. Overall, whoever selects him is going to get a top-4 D-man who’s going to make your D-core better.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#38 – Marek Vanacker, Left Wing, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
“When Marek Vanacker showed up to the NHL Combine in a sling, he revealed something that came as a shock to many. He had gotten surgery on a torn shoulder labrum, having played through it for most of the season. In other words, the guy who put up the 16th most points among all U18 OHLers in the last 10 seasons did so on a bum shoulder. No big deal. Vanacker is an extremely intelligent player with a well-rounded offensive arsenal that includes a smooth shot, crisp playmaking skills, and deceptive puck skills. His compete level is inconsistent, but he is willing to get dirty when needed (and perhaps he will do it more when playing healthy), and his high IQ means he can be effective without being a workhorse.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Vanacker has been one of the best-underrated talents to watch in this draft class. Watching the Bulldogs this season, his motor is electric, which makes him a player to watch every time he steps on the ice. He demonstrates a high hockey IQ that benefits him at both ends of the ice. Defensively, Vanacker’s strong instincts and reach make him a nuisance for opponents, particularly in shorthanded situations, where he tied for the second-most shorthanded goals in the OHL this season with five. Offensively, he excels at slowing the game down and creating plays, with notable improvement in his goal-scoring abilities this season. While his in-tight puck-handling needs work, his skating has improved, and he is showing better speed due to his long strides. Vanacker’s off-puck positioning is excellent, constantly moving and scanning the ice to find better spots, showcasing a mature game for his age.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Vanacker is an all-around forward whose motor is always going. He has good speed and his quick acceleration allows him to pull away in transition. He is deadly off of turnovers and will make defenders pay more often than not. He has a really good defensive stick and creates odd-man rushes with his stick-checking abilities. He has a really good shot and soft hands that allow him to beat goalies from anywhere. I really like his playmaking ability, as he sees plays develop that most players don’t. He does a great job at picking the perfect time to pass, consistently allowing the puck to make it to its target. He is good at using his body to protect the puck and power his way to the net. I project that Vanacker will be a 2nd line winger at the NHL level who is very dangerous in transition and will be reliable on both sides of the puck.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#39 – Herman Traff, Forward, HV71 (J20 Nationell/SHL/Allsvenskan)
“Herman Traff is a complete dual-threat forward who has seen time in the Allsvenskan this season. His tools are phenomenal, with a great range of passing, and he is lethal from the hashmarks. He gets low off the breakouts and is always looking to make a pass up ice. He is really smart on the cycle, which really helps 5v5 offense.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“Herman Träff is a player whose development path is going to be very interesting to me over the next few seasons. For a player of his size, Träff has a very smooth stride with a knack for getting away from his opponent and a good set of hands. He has a good passing ability, and I like how he uses his size and skating base to protect the puck. At the J20 level, I’ve really liked seeing him use his wide skating base to protect the puck as he skates into the offensive zone. Overall, Träff’s acceleration is okay, but I feel he lacks that next gear that will help him be successful at the pro level. Some will disagree, but I think at worst, Träff is a bottom-6 forward who can do a bit of everything. I see his ceiling as a middle-six forward.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
#40 – Lucas Pettersson, Center, MODO Hockey (J20 Nationell/SHL)
“Lucas Pettersson is a player who I feel the team drafting him will be especially interested in seeing how he develops in the coming years. As a player, Pettersson skates relatively well with a good top-end speed and solid edges. His first three steps are a work in progress, but once he gets going, he can get in on you quickly. He uses that quickness really well on the forecheck, which is fairly consistent. As a center, I’m not necessarily a fan of his defensive game, however, as I feel he needs to be more consistent in his defensive support and less lazy with his defensive stick. Pettersson excels with the puck on his stick, in my opinion. He carries the puck up ice with confidence and, of the games I’ve watched of him this season, if he is on the ice during a goal, there is a good chance it came off his stick, whether it was from a pass or his own shot. In terms of player projection, I’m not sure where Pettersson ends up in the future. I think he’s more likely to wind up on the wing, but I think if he rounds out his game, he could be a solid top-9 forward who gets in on the forecheck with his speed.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Lucas Pettersson is a very dynamic forward who owns a wonderful shot. He can play any position on the powerplay, even on the point. He can cycle the puck really well and uses great body strength to shield the puck. He is responsible in his own zone and a great forechecker. Pettersson is one of the most mature and well-rounded prospects I’ve seen in this draft.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“Lucas Pettersson is a C with a very interesting profile. He is one of the best bumpers I have seen for this draft. He is a skater with slightly above-average skating in terms of speed but with very good agility. He is able to win duels 1-on-1 thanks to his skating and strength. He doesn’t have a powerful shot, but his strong presence in the offensive zone makes him a huge nuisance for the rival defense and makes him score many goals in front of the goal. He is committed in attack, transition, and defense. He’s one of the most committed forecheckers I have seen. Pettersson is capable of creating danger by himself.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#41 – Adam Jiříček, Defense, HC Plzen (Czech)
“Adam Jiříček came into the season as one of the best prospects in this draft. Unfortunately, he was ruled out for most of the season with a knee injury, which has placed a lot of doubts over Jiricek. On his day, he is a heads-up, solid two-way defender, who plays with tonnes of composure and IQ. He has struggled offensively this season, but his shot is good, it just needs refining. If he can recover from his injury well and it doesn’t stunt his progress, he will be a steal on draft day.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“You might be confused why I have Jiříček on here [#6], especially since he hasn’t been at his best this year. However, I still believe that Jiříček could be a solid top-4 defenseman down the line. When you watch the limited games of Adam Jiříček this season, you can tell that he gets outmuscled by opponents heavily. Nonetheless, he always has an active stick, whether it’s taking the puck from attackers or blocking off passing lanes. When it comes to his physicality, I couldn’t see why he wouldn’t get stronger, especially since he’s only 17 at the time of writing. His 4-way mobility is arguably one of the best in this draft class besides Buium for me, as he’s able to walk the blue line efficiently or start the breakout in a pinch. His puck-moving ability is also pretty solid, as he’s able to make stretch passes with ease.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#42 – Veeti Väisänen, Defense, KooKoo (Liiga)
“Minus 7 games, Veeti Väisänen has played his entire draft year in the pros, and he has not looked out of place. Despite falling in rankings, I still believe that Väisänen will be a solid defenseman at the next level. I’d even be willing to call him a safe pick. He does what the majority of people want out of a D-man; skates well, has good puck-moving ability, and brings a willingness to be physical when needed. He’s calm with the puck on his stick and moves it up ice with the same level of calmness. He also does a good job of making quick decisions when under pressure. Compared to his play in the Liiga, Väisänen is much more aggressive at the U20 level, which I like to see, as he demonstrates a little more of his ability to skate the puck up ice compared to when he’s playing in the pros, where he’s more reserved and less likely to take risks. Overall, I think Väisänen could be a solid top-6 defenseman on an NHL team with a solid two-way game.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Väisänen is a defenseman with good skating and a high hockey IQ. He has good puck and hand handling. He uses these qualities greatly in the offensive zone to create danger for his teammates. He must greatly improve his physical game, mainly on the boards. His skating is not as fast or explosive to avoid those physical duels, so he also needs to improve this to take his game to another level. At the moment, he bases much of his defensive game on anticipation, reading, and positioning within the game. His shot must improve so that he can use it as another tool to generate danger and presence in the offensive zone.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#43 – Christian Humphreys, Forward, USA NTDP
“Christian Humphreys looked like he could really be something during his U17 season. He showed off strong puck handling and an innate ability to create space in the offensive end. His shot was fantastic and he showed very little stress when working in tight. And while all of those things are still true, I find that Humphreys is still missing an energy to his game. He doesn’t have much bite and can be slow to react to pressuring defenders or changes in possession. The slow speed also keeps him from being too effective of a playmaker, even if he possesses the raw tools to be fantastic. Being able to play with, and adjust to, pace is critical at the next level. It’s also the primary area where Humphreys could improve. He should get plenty of chances to play in a fast-paced environment at Michigan – and how he adjusts should be very telling.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Humphreys started the year well, but kind of dipped as the season went on for me. He didn’t improve in many aspects of his game. He has quick hands and is an agile skater. He can make lateral moves and quick edgework look easy. Humphreys has good vision and does a good job finding his teammates in dangerous areas. What is missing for me is that he didn’t add a new level to the traits he already had.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#44 – Daniil Ustinkov, Defense, ZSC Lions (NL)
“Ustinkov is a defender who I really like. He plays a solid defensive game and has the ability to jump up in plays when the time and space allow. He is always tenacious when defending the net and in board battles. One of Ustinkov’s best features is that he always keeps his feet moving, and his playmaking game is coming on really nicely.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“Ustinkov is a very interesting prospect. While he is a mid-size player, he has a really strong lower body, and it’s hard to knock off the puck. He plays a very intelligent game and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. He thrives under pressure and makes simple, deceptive moves that enable him to get out of tight situations. He does a good job at choosing when to join the rush and help on the offensive side of the puck. While he isn’t the flashiest player, I think that his hockey IQ, along with his poise, makes him a very interesting prospect.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#45 – Tanner Howe, Left Wing, Regina Pats (WHL)
“In his first season away from Connor Bedard, Tanner Howe did his best to shake the merchant label that he garnered, but his game did take a step back without having the elite playmaker on his line. Howe shouldn’t be blamed entirely for his step back, as Regina took a big step back itself and failed to give Howe any quality players to play alongside. Howe is known more for his two-way game, so his lack of production does not come as a surprise. However, he did show that he could cut it as a set-up man with his quick passing off the rush . Howe should never be looked to for a clutch, game-tying goal, as he just does not have the shot to produce those. He is more suitable as a clean-up guy from the side of the net.
Howe relied on winning board battles to make plays, as he was a human bowling ball along the boards and utilized his sneaky hands to knock players off the puck before gathering the puck and moving it. He was a heat-seeking missile on the forecheck and made defenders think twice when he was barreling down. His defensive game did make up for his lack of offensive punch. He grew significantly as a defender this year, as he really didn’t have a choice. Howe does anything he can to make a play defensively, and while he didn’t always win those puck battles, he was able to recover fairly fast if he did whiff on a hit. Howe will be better suited in a bottom-6 checking role once he makes the NHL and should be able to put up 40 points a season while being a staple on the penalty kill.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Howe is a small player that plays like he’s 6’2″. He is very aggressive and plays with an edge. He has solid vision and can score in tight. Howe does a good job of getting the puck to the middle of the ice and creating havoc around the net. He has a strong lower body that can make him hard to knock off the puck sometimes. He has a strong work ethic and is smart enough that I don’t think his size will be a problem at the next level.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Tanner Howe is an energetic, 200ft player who doesn’t play the game with a whole lot of flash. He’s active on the forecheck, gets into areas to be an option for his teammates, and his puck-moving ability is competent. Howe’s skating ability is solid, and uses it to drive to the net. I don’t see a whole lot of offensive upside, but I still think he can be a middle-6 forward in the NHL.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#46 – Matvei Shuravin, Defense, CSKA Moskva (MHL/KHL/VHL)
“Shuravin is a good defensive defenseman with the ability to help in transition. At his young age, he is a very mature defenseman and can play well at the KHL level. He has a defensively active stick that he uses greatly to fight puck possessions with opponents. He is spatially intelligent, so he is able to anticipate plays and make good decisions. He has a good physique game (which can still be improved) and he showed it when he played in the KHL. His skating is above average and he can help a lot in the transition game. Something that worries me is his very little point production in the three main levels of the Russian hockey system. Although points are not everything, I do think they are a good way to support work on the ice and this adds a bit of uncertainty to his selection.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
“Matvei Shuravin is a defenseman with exceptional playmaking ability, strong defensive skills, and a high hockey IQ. His precise passing, defensive understanding, and ability to distribute plays effectively make him one of my favourite prospects in this draft. You don’t often see a defenseman with so much skill be able to divide themselves between defense and offense, yet he manages to make himself useful through genius defensive stickwork, and then create breakout plays using quick thinking. His stickwork is probably the best and most rounded among Russians, and I find it enjoyable to watch him play defensively. While his consistency is an area for improvement, Shuravin’s overall skill set and hockey sense position him as a promising prospect capable of contributing at higher levels of competition with continued development. While I do think he can bring it in his end quite often, he has moments where he overthinks plays and fails to create breakout plays. When he loses his confidence, he goes on cold streaks and for games at a time he doesn’t try anything and plays far too safe. A good two-way guy, you want him to be able to bring that skill on a game-by-game basis.” ~ Pavel Maliouguine, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Shuravin is one of the best defensive defensemen in this draft class. He is very smart positionally and has a really effective stick. He has a tall, lanky frame, but seems to box out and push grown men away from the middle with ease. Shuravin is a really good skater for his size and is hard to beat wide. He is smart in transition and makes the simple play most often. He has a ton of poise with the puck and can make hesitation moves to get an extra second to make a play. The Russian defender showed flashes of offensive ability throughout the season but didn’t make it a consistent part of his game. He showed that he has lateral mobility, instincts on when to jump in the play, and flashed solid puck-handling. If he can make these things a more consistent part of his game, Shuravin will become a really well-rounded player. I project Shuravin to be a middle-pair D-man at the NHL level who is very hard to play against and good in transition.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#47 – Luke Misa, Forward, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
“Misa is renowned for his speed, skating prowess, and exceptional playmaking abilities, which are the hallmarks of his game. His agility and quickness allow him to forcefully burst through the neutral zone, often pushing defenders back with strong edge work and precise puck control. Misa excels as a skilled and creative playmaker, demonstrating quick puck movement and excellent vision to connect with teammates in various situations, whether through cross-ice passes, breakout plays, or quick give-and-go sequences. While his playmaking stands out, Misa’s shooting and scoring abilities are areas where he’s not as dominant, particularly from long distances. Despite being smaller in stature and needing to add strength, he displays relentless intensity both with and without the puck. He’s adept at anticipating plays defensively, breaking them up effectively, and winning battles to regain possession. Misa’s high energy level, dynamic playmaking skills, and relentless style make him a compelling prospect who could end up slipping into the first round come draft time.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Luke Misa is very fast, as is the NHL. Thus, a match made in heaven. Misa was given a starring role for the Mississauga Steelheads and ran with it to start the season, with 44 points in his first 28 games. He did slip on most draft boards after going under a point per game in the home stretch of the season, and while his play was not as dominant as many wanted, he was still a very high-level performer. Misa pairs one of the draft’s best skating mechanics with high-level playmaking ability and a relentless motor. He proved that he could utilize his blazing speed to create chances with his high-end vision, while also using his speed paired with his hockey IQ to become a threat defensively.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Misa is a small, skilled forward who plays with pace and has a relentless motor. He has a quick shot and a knack for scoring close to the net. For a smaller player, Misa does a good job getting to the middle of the ice and finding soft areas. He sees the ice well and I think his playmaking will transition better than his goal-scoring at the next level.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#48 – Terik Parascak, Right Wing, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
“The Super Rookie put on an absolute show this year and was vital for Prince George once Koehn Ziemmer went down with an injury. Parascak was often called a merchant for being somewhat sheltered by the stout top-6 of the Cougars, but he was an absolute danger when he was stationed net-front. Despite being a smaller statured skater, Parascak snuck his way into those high-danger areas and was lethal with his quick hands and hand-eye coordination. Similar to Zach Hyman, he would find the holes in the slot and rifle shots home from in tight. He does have some work to do with his passing efficiency, as he did struggle at times with longer passes through the neutral zone and in the offensive zone.
Parascak does have a slightly underrated defensive game as well, as he was often the first one back on the backcheck and was quick to tie up puck-carriers. Prince George often had him covering the center’s defensive assignments, as he was consistently dropping down to cover the slot. His overall inline speed is never going to wow anyone and is better suited to be a complementary piece in breakouts, as his lack of speed hurts his zone entries. In the right system, Parascak will be a dangerous secondary scoring option that could fit in a similar role to that of Zach Hyman, as a 1st line defensive forward who will do his damage in the dirty areas. He should be a late 1st rounder/ early 2nd rounder with the upside of a 60-point player that can contribute on both second units of the special teams.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“For someone who amassed 105 pts in 68 games this season in the Dub, I expected a lot more. Although Terik Parascak has good stickhandling ability, and his shot is really solid, Parascak has been a passenger for pretty much all of his games. Parascak really isn’t involved in transitional play and demonstrates low hockey IQ. He also needs a lot of work to fix his skating mechanics in order to be effective in the NHL.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#49 – Harrison Brunicke, Defense, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
“Brunicke’s skating and size make him a dream for all scouts, as he was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise dismal Kamloops season. His skating alone was enough to have him drafted, as he just explodes out of his cuts and stops on a dime with the balance of a figure skater. He evades forecheckers like a seasoned vet, and with his size, he was able to fight off bigger opponents while not being forced to make dangerous passes. His calmness in the face of danger was outstanding, as he rarely made poor passes and recovered quickly if he did. Along the boards, he did struggle at times due to his lack of aggression and strength. Brunicke would often give the inside lane away, allowing players to sneak out of boards with the puck. In front of the net, he did do better, but similar to Caden Price, his lack of upper-body strength hindered his ability to clear the net and win tie-ups. If he did win the puck battle, he was able to quickly move the puck up ice and would often join the rush if he saw that it was safe. His inline acceleration made it quite easy for him to catch up if he was caught out of position on the rush.
Offensively, there is a lot to like about Harry’s game, as he held the line extremely well and was able to hit those quick one-touch passes to the net-front with ease. His shot does lack power, but that should come with a better strength training plan. Brunicke’s upside is similar to Brandon Montour, as a highly capable offensive piece that can contribute in all areas of play once he finally rounds into full form. He will have a slow development rate, but once he reaches his peak, there won’t be much that stops him.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Brunicke is a big, lanky D-man who skates really well. While Brunicke is a tall defender, he can get pushed around and isn’t the strongest on his skates due to his lanky frame. As he puts muscle on his frame, he should be able to win more battles, as he shows solid techniques and just lacks the strength right now. He has a disruptive stick and does a good job with his gap control. His skating allows him to make up for mistakes of being too aggressive. Brunicke has shown signs of solid agility. He just needs to make it more of a consistent part of his game. He has really slick hands for a big man and has occasionally made really high-end rushes. I project Brunicke will be a top-4 NHL defender who excels at transitioning and puck-moving” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Harrison Brunicke is a mobile and creative defenseman who is heavily relied upon to start the transition in Kamloops. Brunicke is a solid skater who moves extremely well on the ice. Whenever he has the puck, he loves to carry it from one end to another. Sometimes he holds it for too long and causes a turnover. He also attempts a lot of risky passes that sometimes puts his team on a disadvantage the other way. Overall, I think Brunicke needs a lot of refinement to his game, but I think he can be a solid second-pairing D-man in the NHL.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#50 – Tomas Galvas, Defense, Bili Tygri Liberec (Czech)
“Galvas is an extremely smooth and quick skater who uses it in every scenario he can. He gets off the mark really quickly and loves to attack players. His defensive style is aggressive, and this shows in his rush defense, which can work well if he has good chemistry with his linemate. I think that with some coaching and development, there is a really well-rounded player in Galvas.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“Galvas is a small, shifty defender. He is very agile and quick on his skates and has a lot of deception in his game. He loves to use head and shoulder fakes to throw defenders off balance. He has good hands and vision and can break the puck out with ease. However, he lacks strength and struggles along the wall. He doesn’t crack under forecheck pressure and is very poised with the puck. I project that he will be a bottom-4, puck-moving defender at the NHL level.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#51 – Alexander Siryatsky, Defense, Stalnye Lisy Magnitorosk (MHL/KHL)
“Out of the pool of players likely to be available past the first three rounds, Siryatsky is likely one of the more high-value picks. A defensively responsible, two-way defenseman with NHL height, Siryatsky’s high hockey IQ aids him in consistently making the right play. Having played in three KHL matches this season, we expect that he’ll get some extended time in the KHL or VHL next season. He’ll need a few seasons to fill out his 6-foot 2-inch frame, currently sitting at just 159 pounds, but if all goes well, he could go much higher in a future re-draft.” ~ Wade Messier, USA/EU Scout
“Alexander Siryatsky stands out as a standout defensive defenseman, and I like him for his strong defensive instincts and ability to shut down opponents virtually. While his defensive prowess is commendable and valuable to any team, his lack of offensive output presents a significant risk to his NHL chances. That’s his biggest risk. He likely won’t score anything in the NHL and that will deter teams. His defensive game is elevated, but there’s almost no offensive touch. Siryatsky’s success at the NHL level will depend largely on his ability to continue developing defensively while potentially expanding his offensive game to meet the demands of the modern game. Need a reliable defensive presence? Siryatsky’s skills are appealing, but you’re going to have to accept the fact that you won’t ever need to distribute him offensively, as he does nothing on that end.” ~ Pavel Maliouguine, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Alexander Siryatsky is one of the names that has gained the most strength in the second half of the season. His good physique, hockey IQ, and skating are his most outstanding attributes. Defensively, he is a calm defender who makes good decisions despite pressure from rivals. His top-end speed is not the fastest. He does not have such developed hands or the ability to finish plays to be worthy of a top offensive defenseman profile, but I think these are skills that he can improve a lot in the future. His creativity is highly notable and allows him to be a great transition defenseman, but also allows him to solve defensive plays in a great way at the MHL level. This creative attribute of his playing style highlights his great hockey IQ. His skating ability is remarkable in terms of edge work.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#52 – Kamil Bednarik, Center, USA NTDP
“Kamil Bednarik is a workhorse at his core. It’s his energy and persistence that makes him impactful, and he fits the bill of the super-speedy NTDP forward with a motor that never stops. But he’s more Ike Howard than Oliver Moore and needs teammates capable of continuing the plays that he creates. Learning to slow down play on the puck, and better create open lanes, will be a big part of his next steps. But even without that change of pace ability, Bednarik has great awareness and quick playmaking. He forechecks hard, backchecks harder, and makes minimal impacts look big. I’d be excited to see how I could develop such a work ethic if I were a pro team.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Bednarik is an all-around solid player. He works hard at both ends of the ice and isn’t afraid of physicality. He has good vision and can make plays through traffic. Bednarik has above-average skating and agility that allows him to protect the puck and get past defenders. I’d like to see him get to the middle of the ice more and create offense from within on a more consistent basis. He has a lot of tools but none that stand out as high-end. I think that he will play in the NHL but probably as a bottom 6er.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#53 – Hagen Burrows, Right Wing, Minnetonka HS (US-HS)
“Hagen Burrows was the shock of the early season in the USHL, exploding for 15 points in his first 15 games in the league after previously never playing higher than Minnesota high school hockey. He showed a really special ability to work off of the boards and establish control of the middle of the ice, using a heavy shot and heads-up playmaking to direct play. He also had a filled-out frame upon entering the league – a rare commodity for juniors prospects. All of those traits combined to make Burrows effective out of the gates in the USHL, and an absolutely formidable talent in high school.
He filled every role he could for Minnetonka this season, showing that he was clearly faster, stronger, and more skilled than his peers. He earned Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey Award for the performance and returned to the USHL as if he had never left – continuing to dominate possession through strong board play and creating plenty of scoring chances. Burrows has faced the challenge of juniors with full confidence, and should only continue his momentum with David Carle’s Denver Pioneers next season. He’s caught fire at the right time and plays a style that should directly translate to the next levels. That’s enough for me to be very excited about his potential – I’d spend a very early pick on Burrows.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
#54 – Jesse Pulkkinen, Defense, JYP (Liiga)
“Pulkkinen will almost certainly be the first overaged player to hear his name called at this year’s draft, and there’s a decent chance it could be in the first round. A very quiet draft year in the U20 SM where he earned just four points in 43 games led him to go undrafted before he exploded onto the scene in his DY+1. Posting well over a point-per-game in the U20, and looking like a veteran in the Liiga, Pulkkinen has turned many heads all season. Possessing a 6’6, 220lb frame that could make an NHL front office salivate, Pulkkinen could be NHL-ready by the end of next season. While his contract extends through the 2026-2027 season, whatever team drafts him should be working quite hard to get him over to North America as soon as possible.” ~ Wade Messier, USA/EU Scout
“Jesse Pulkkinen has been shooting up rankings since the WJC, and I have to say, I have not been able to understand the hype. Although he is 6’6”, which is not something that can be taught, when you are watching someone of that size get outworked for pucks at the U20 level as an overager, that certainly raised my eyebrows a little. He’s a solid skater with a smooth stride. His overall game is extremely mature, and I’m really impressed by his calmness with the puck on his stick. Pulkkinen moves the puck well and he does a good job of making decisions. Defensively, he’s solid, with a good stick and closes the gap well. However, there are times when he pinches, leaving his partner alone on an odd-man rush. I think Pulkkinen is a rather safe pick for any team looking to add size to their blueline prospect depth. My one concern with him is whether he has already reached his ceiling or if there is another level he can reach. I think that regardless, he could be a solid NHL defenseman if he pans out.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
#55 – Cole Hutson, Defense, USA NTDP
“The Hutson family is back in the eye, with second-youngest Cole playing through his spotlight year at the NTDP. And I get why people are excited – there is a lot of Lane in Cole. Both are shifty on the puck and have an innate ability to find even the smallest of lanes. But, frankly, Cole is not Lane – and I wish he’d lean into his uniquities more. He was much more of a shoot-first defenseman in youth hockey, using quick stickhandling to earn space at the top of the circles and release hard snapshots – rather than what we’ve seen at the NTDP, where he’s been much more focused on working lower into the zone and more pass-heavy.
While it’s nice to see him lose his selfishness with the puck (really, he’s come an admirable way), Cole just doesn’t have the agility or footwork to excel at the playmaking role as the speedy Lane does. There is a balance between shoot-first and pass-first that Cole will need to find, and I’d reason it’ll start when he gets back to finding creative shooting lanes from the tops of the circles. As it stands, he floats too much into the middle of the ice, and takes just a little too long to find plays – making him hard to project, even if he is an incredibly skilled prospect with high upside.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“It would be very easy to make the mistake of thinking Cole Hutson is riding the name “Hutson” to a higher draft ranking. It would also be very easy to think that he’s just an undersized, offensively-minded defender who is going to flame out as he gets to the professional level. In truth, he’s neither of these things. He very clearly has a strong hockey IQ and is able to read and process the game at a fast rate. His defensive game is much better than he gets credit for, as he demonstrates a willingness to battle along the boards and in the slot. What’s going to carry him through the next level is his ability to learn, apply and adapt to the changing game around him. His tangible game is excellent, the short version is that he’s better now than his brother was in his draft year. But, the intangibles place him in a unique tier for this draft. He might have the most development runway for any player in the top 50 of this draft.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
#56 – Leon Muggli, Defense, EV Zug (NL)
“He is a great skater, has an excellent shot, uses his body correctly and collaborates in all three phases of the game. I really like his skating, explosiveness and agility. I have seen him on several plays under pressure and with his great stickhandling he has managed to solve these plays, processing and executing at high speed. He has a very good physical game for his age and is not afraid to fight for possession on the boards. His passing vision, control and processing of the game at high speed makes him a valuable potential powerplay player. There are few weaknesses in his game, and I believe that his success as a future NHL player will be determined by his adaptability to smaller rinks.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
“A fluid skater, Muggli impresses through less flashy ways than most of his counterparts. While he’s no highlight-reel machine, his defensive responsibility and high IQ consistently put Muggli in the right areas to succeed. He reads the ice incredibly well and completes first passes at an incredibly high efficiency rate, even if he opts for the simplest route. He’ll likely need to bulk up if he wants to secure a long-term spot on an NHL roster, but he could make for a very efficient bottom-3 defenseman someday.” ~ Wade Messier, USA/EU Scout
#57 – Cole Beaudoin, Center, Barrie Colts (OHL)
“Cole Beaudoin is one of my favourite players in this year’s draft class, and he will be a fan-favourite for whatever NHL team picks him very soon. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a player that works as hard as he does. He’s also very, very strong, utilizing his very solid frame to push through opposing defenders and impose his will. Beaudoin carries a crisp, powerful shot and pairs it with solid playmaking abilities. He displays intelligence on both sides of the puck, and projects as a two-way power forward at the NHL level. Much discussed, though, has been the topic of Beaudoin’s skating. He has a powerful stride but lacks consistency and top-end speed. While he’s put in the work, skating is often what limits players of Beaudoin’s archetype at the NHL level. NHL teams pay premiums for guys like Beaudoin, who might already be closer to (Predators) Tanner Jeannot than Jonah Gadjovich, but it will be his skating that determines how valuable he can be on an NHL team’s 3rd line. I like his motor, strength, and intelligence enough to take a chance in the late first, but he could slip to the 2nd.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Beaudoin is a relentless and competitive player who brings a heavy, physical presence to every shift. His forte lies in dominating the forecheck, where he excels at winning battles and retrieving pucks from down low and in the middle of the ice. While not known for playmaking, he contributes effectively in defensive roles, supporting his defensemen and aiding in breakouts. His offensive game centers on scoring from close-range areas, showcasing decent finishing ability around the net. Although his skating is average, Beaudoin compensates with elite work ethic and conditioning, suggesting potential for improvement in this area over time. His style of play is straightforward and effective, focusing more on direct approaches rather than complex maneuvers off the rush. He possesses a strong snapshot, which is particularly effective on the powerplay. Beaudoin is your ideal third-line center.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
#58 – Linus Eriksson, Center, Djurgardens IF (Allsvenskan/J20 Nationell)
“Linus Eriksson is a super smart, switched-on forward who is always making plays with his head up. He owns some really nice offensive tools with great shots which he can get off whilst in stride. His forechecking and defensive instincts are fantastic and really round out his game well. His ability to play in any role adds so much value to Eriksson’s game.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“Linus Eriksson is probably one of the more projectible centers in this year’s draft. His overall game is very much reminiscent of your typical two-way Swedish center, in my opinion. He’s a good skater with a smooth stride, and he’s capable of getting up and down the ice with a good level of speed. He’s solid defensively. However, I would like to see some more consistency in his support below the goal line. He skates well with the puck on his stick and has a good level of confidence with it, even when under pressure. He split most of the season between the pros and J20, looking comfortable in both. I did feel that J20 was too easy for him in my viewings, as it was a lot more space for him to work with and was not as physical as the men’s level. I believe Eriksson is going to be a solid center at the NHL level whose ceiling could be on the 2nd line, but the floor is probably closer to playing a 3rd line center role.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
#59 – Julius Miettinen, Center, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
“Miettinen made leaps and bounds in his development this year, really turning it on as he went into the playoffs. While he does need a faster winger to be paired with to reach his full potential, Julius can become a solid 2C at his peak. My favourite quote of the year was that Miettinen was a better door than window, as he was almost impossible to see through when he parked himself at the net-front. His incredible strength helped him win countless puck battles at the net and he made them count. While he is more of a complementary player than a headliner, he can take over if he is given time in the slot, as his shot comes off quick and he can move the puck quickly if he doesn’t like the shot.
A big knock for Miettinen is his lack of aggression along the boards, as he gave the defenders the inside lane far too often and got himself in trouble with hooking/holding due to his lack of initial burst when chasing the puck carrier. When he did have time to build up speed, he was able to keep up with almost anyone with those big powerful strides. One thing that really stood out was his defensive play. When it came to the playoffs, he really stepped up and neutralized Samuel Honzek, giving him nowhere to go and locked up his stick every chance he got. During the season, there were points where his defensive game was suspect at best, and he looked disengaged, so he will need to find more consistency. Miettinen projects to be a 2C that can fill in on the second unit of the powerplay, with the potential to fill in on the penalty kill. He can become a 50-60 point player that can pot around 20 goals a season, which, as a mid to late 2nd round pick, is great value. He’s another great player to come out of that stout Everett program.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Julius Miettinen is a 200ft center who plays a simple, all-around game. Off the puck, his positioning is solid, putting himself in areas to pressure opposing defenders in order to gain possession back. Miettinen also gets into high-danger spots up close to the goalie in order to use his quick release. Miettinen’s play-driving needs to be better, but I see him as a 3rd liner in the NHL, so play-driving will be not as big of a deal for him.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#60 – Henry Mews, Defense, Ottawa 67s (OHL)
“Mews is an offensively skilled defenseman who excels in skating and distributing the puck effectively. His ability to move the puck swiftly and accurately, whether through a precise first pass or carrying it up ice during transitions, highlights his offensive contributions. Mews demonstrates good timing on offensive pinches and is adept at finding scoring opportunities from the blue line. Mews’ exceptional skating ability sets him apart, allowing him to assert himself offensively and recover defensively effectively. His vision and playmaking skills further enhance his scoring capabilities. While his offensive prowess is notable, questions remain about where he fits in the NHL due to his average size and inconsistent defensive play. Despite these concerns, his offensive potential and smooth skating make him a candidate to lead powerplay units at the professional level.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Mews is a smooth skater who can manipulate opponents with his shiftiness, pairing his skating with high-level vision to become one of the OHL’s premier offensive defensemen. Away from the puck, Mews uses his skating abilities to hold his own in the defensive zone. One thing I can’t really shake about Mews is his affinity for slowing down and taking his time. Some players do this well, where they can dictate the play without forcing pace. With Mews, though, it’s hard not to feel like he’s taking his time simply because junior hockey affords him the time to take. Without a change in pace, Mews may be at risk of a rude awakening at the professional level. Furthermore, his play in his own end isn’t noticeably horrible, but it’s clear that he must display more effort in his own end if he is to be trusted with big minutes.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
#61 – Maxim Masse, Right Wing, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
“Masse started the year at the top of the QMJHL pile and rapidly fell out of favor. He played very technically sound, but the points just weren’t coming for him, and lack of point generation will always hurt draft stock. As the season wore on, though, he clawed his way back into the top-50 conversation. A disappointing showing at the U18s and QMJHL playoffs will probably hurt him. I’m not sure he has the flair to be a top-line winger in the NHL, but he will likely be a good complimentary player to elite talents. He makes high-IQ plays and shows excellent touch on both his shots and passes. Masse is not afraid to get in tight and battle, but is also capable of working in open space.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
“Masse is the full package. His size alone makes him recognizable on the ice, albeit among teenagers. Nonetheless, the accuracy of his slapshot and his ability to get pucks through traffic make him an effective player both off the rush and when on the cycle. He is physically strong and knows how big he is compared to others on the ice and how to use that size to his advantage. He sneaks into high-danger areas of the ice to get open for passes. When below the goal line, you better be ready to receive a pass, as he is always looking to connect with his teammates in those areas. While a high-IQ player offensively, Masse looks disengaged when the puck is in the defensive zone, labouring until he gets another chance to carry the puck out. His top speed is very useful off the rush, but he the lacks explosiveness to hit that speed in a few strides.” ~ Sean Crocker, QMJHL/USHL Scout
#62 – Aron Kiviharju, Defense, HIFK (Liiga)
“Aron Kiviharju is the mystery of this year’s draft, in my opinion. He only played 7 Liiga games before sustaining a season-ending injury, and despite coming back in time for the U18s, there really isn’t much of a body of work to look at. Kiviharju is a mobile defenseman who is capable of moving the puck up ice with either a pass or his feet. He is a solid puck distributor, and I really like his powerplay QB potential. His defensive game is still a work in progress, but he did show flashes of improvement in the U18 games he played. One aspect of Kiviharju’s game that I was impressed by was his calmness with the puck when under pressure. I found that, even when he’s pressured, he still holds onto the puck and either tries to turn away from it or move it to a teammate. I think that with some development, Kiviharju could be a solid top-four defenseman, potentially in a Ryan Ellis-type mould. Considering he’s 5’10”, plus the missed season, it will be interesting to see where Kiviharju falls in this year’s draft and which team takes him.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Despite a major injury, Aron Kiviharju is still a defender with high value in this draft. He is a defenseman with good vision and the ability to create danger from his defensive zone. He shows a strong leadership character on the ice. He has good puck control and makes correct decisions when he has the position of the puck. His playing style makes the task of projecting his game at the NHL level a difficult task.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#63 – Charlie Elick, Defense, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
“Elick is a big-bodied defender. He has solid skating ability and decent acceleration. His coordination looks off sometimes because he still is growing into his frame. Elick likes to play physically, but he takes himself out of position. He tends to run around in the D-zone and get caught out of position. He has a solid defensive stick and does decent at defending the rush. Elick shows flashes of lateral mobility, but it is not a consistent part of his game. He doesn’t have a ton of offense to his game, and I think his overall hockey IQ is lacking.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
“Charlie Elick is a physical oriented defenseman who’s mobile and fast. Doesn’t bring much to the table besides his physical play. Lackluster puck play and skills.His offense is really limited as his puck moving ability is below average in terms of breakout situations or neutral zone play. Elick seems to project to being a bottom pairing guy” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
“Elick relies on his size and basic approach to defence. While he lacks complexity and an overall high-ceiling in his skill set, his physical presence and reliability could make him a solid addition as a bottom-pair defenseman.” ~ Anonymous Recruit
#64 – Felix Lacerte, Right Wing, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
“Nimble, steady and smart. In spite of his smaller frame, Lacerte makes a living being the smartest player on the ice in plenty of aspects. He predicts the play very well and contributes at both ends of the ice. He likes to engage on the forecheck and apply some pressure on the opposition’s defenders. His improved consistency offensively played a major factor for Shawinigan this season, who experienced a rough start with Lacerte injured for the first part of the campaign. He also has a fantastic defensive stick, which he uses to break up plays and create a transition the other way. Lacerte does all sorts of little things right but lacks a standout aspect to his game. He also lacks a top speed as a skater, where he struggles on his edges and laterals. He has fantastic vision in the offensive zone, making him an everlasting threat on the powerplay, where he can see through seams and consistently tries to exploit open space given to him” ~ Sean Crocker, QMJHL/USHL Scout
“Lacerte possesses a good skill set that can be built around. He’s deft with his puck handling and maneuvering in the offensive zone. He’s a real scoring threat on the power play. Lacerte is skillful at probing penalty kill coverages to give himself an open shot and has the ability to deliver accurately from both the half wall, and the point. His patience as a shooter might be his greatest asset. He’s able to protect the puck on his stick for just that extra half-second to exploit what the opposition gives him.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
#65 – Max Plante, Right Wing, USA NTDP
“Max Plante is one of the smartest players in his age group. He’s carried that title for years. His ability to process and respond to plays before they happen – before any hints are even given – is really something. Much of his game is built on strong fundamentals and a great hockey IQ getting him into position to make a play. However, there seems to be a piece missing from Plante’s game that keeps him from being fully effective. He’s not the man that’s going to drive play or break through the line of defenders. He struggles to create space when working off the boards and doesn’t engage physically nearly as much as he should. I’ll say – Max’s older brother Zam had a similar disengagement in his draft year, and he’s since become a very dynamic playmaker. Max could follow suit, though I worry his current style doesn’t project well.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Plante is living proof that it’s okay to be a one-trick pony, so long as it’s a really good trick. His trick; is playmaking. It sometimes feels like he can see 2 seconds into the future when he passes the puck to someone. It’s like his brain does the math and he just knows good things are going to happen after he passes the puck. There’s a patience to his playmaking. He doesn’t seem rushed or frantic at all, and he’s able to thread the needle through some absurdly tight seams. His shot is good enough that he has to be respected as a shooting threat, but it’s a work in progress. His skating is also a work in progress, but it hasn’t seemed to stunt him in any way. Nonetheless, his uncanny ability to facilitate and distribute is in a class all by itself for players in this draft. He might just be too specialized to succeed, though, and I think that concern is what will keep him on the board longer than he probably should be.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
#66 – Adam Jecho, Right Wing, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
“Adam Jecho possesses one of the best shots in this year’s draft. It’s heavy and can be extremely accurate. Jecho is a decent skater with solid edge work. His overall acceleration is something that I think he’ll need to work on, but he does have decent top speed. He has a solid ability to steal pucks from his opponent, which I would like to see more of from him. I’d also like to see him use his size and frame to protect the puck more along the wall and when protecting the puck. One thing that I would really like to see Jecho do more of is move around on the powerplay. He tends to pick a spot on the ice and stick to it rather than move around to try and find an open spot on the ice to get his shot off. I think that Jecho could be a solid powerplay triggerman and a good top-9 scorer at the next level.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Jecho is someone who I was incredibly excited to see play in North America this year. Unfortunately, the hype didn’t follow him. For someone who is 6’5”, he does not play like it, as he rarely utilized that large frame along the boards, and was often lazy when it came to board battles. Jecho relied on Gavin Hodnett far too much to create space for him to shoot, and while Jecho has a rifle of a shot, he needs to clean up his accuracy issues to make his chances more worthwhile.
Jecho has the tools to become a danger in the offensive zone if can add more aggression to his game, as he doesn’t engage enough to win puck battles to keep the play going. His speed alone should have defenders quaking, as his stride is extremely powerful and he can just blow by defensemen, but his lack of physicality makes him easier to knock off the puck. Defensively, Jecho needs to engage more and utilize his size, he was often out of position or late to assignments. Jecho is much better suited to play the wing due to his speed, although he has shown that he is capable of holding his own in the faceoff dot. If Jecho plans on playing the NHL, he will need to start using his size more and show that he is willing to play more of a 200ft game.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
#67 – Leo Sahlin Wallenius, Defense, Vaxjo Lakers HC (J20 Nationell)
“Leo Sahlin Wallenius is a very offensive-minded defenseman who loves to jump up into the play and skates extremely well. Wallenius has solid edges, and he has a solid change of direction. His quickness will need work, however, as he struggles to get going again after making the change of direction. Defensively, there are some kinks in his game that need work. He tends to overcommit to the puck carrier more than I like. However, I am not sure if that’s a coaching decision or his own judgment. He also will need to dial down his puck commitment, as he tends to overcommit to the puck side, rather than letting his partner deal with it. He moves the puck well and you can definitely rely on him to get the breakout going with any kind of open ice. Overall, I think Wallenius is going to be a project D-man who could become a solid top-6 offensive defenseman in the future.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Leo Sahlin Wallenius is a perfectly fine defender, but I often find he doesn’t do much that overly excites me. He plays a solid two-way game, but I don’t think there is a huge ceiling fpr Sahlin Wallenius. He does make the right play but sometimes hesitates or takes too long to make the decision. In U20, he gets away with, it but in he won’t in the professional ranks.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
#68 – Ben Danford, Defense, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
“Danford is a reliable, mobile, right-handed defenseman with excellent skating ability and strong gap control. Defensively, he excels in physical play through hip-checks, tough board battles, or disrupting opponents in front of the net. Danford quickly picks up his defensive assignments and consistently makes smart passes out of the zone rather than icing the puck. While his offensive contributions in the OHL are solid, they may not fully translate to higher levels, though he is dependable with the puck. His combination of strong defensive skills and improving offensive involvement makes him a promising prospect with the potential to be a solid #4-5 defenseman in the NHL.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Ben Danford paired high-level defensive IQ with great physicality to become the top defenseman on the OHL Championship Finalists in Oshawa. He’s a mature defenseman who showed great promise despite playing on his off-side for most of the year. He combines strength and mobility with great positioning to emerge as one of the OHL’s premier shutdown defenders. Danford must find significantly more consistency with the puck on his stick, though. Danford is clearly a very intelligent player, but he must prove that he can consistently utilize his high-end thinking and mobility to become a premier puck-mover at the OHL level. Otherwise, his ceiling is capped as a bottom-pairing defenseman at the NHL level, but even then, he will likely achieve that role. I would pick him around the 3rd/4th round, as I think that there is a probable #5/6 shutdown defenseman with #4 upside if he can find offensive consistency.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
#69 – Ollie Josephson, Center, Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
“Josephson fits the model of your prototypical 3rd line center. Strong in the draw, can set up offence in a pinch, and is stout defensively. He rips draws back like Jay Beagle, and can be counted on in any big draw in all three zones. While his shot isn’t going to translate to many goals at the NHL level, he has shown a penchant for finding passing lanes, so he can contribute if he’s thrust out to win a late-game offensive zone draw. Josephson will make his money as a shutdown center, as he has shown an extremely high hockey sense and a strong defensive stick. He needed to get in the weight room, as he lost tie-ups to more physically mature players, but he was always in the right spot to make a play. He’ll need to add some more aggression on his forecheck as well, as he would back off when he needed to engage on the puck carrier. Josephson has a bright future on any top team that needs a Nick Paul-like player to get them through the playoffs.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Ollie Josephson is someone who is projectable at the NHL level as a bottom-6 player. His biggest asset to his game is the defensive side, as he’s the premier shutdown center in the WHL. Josephson puts in extreme effort to backcheck, his stick-checking is great, and he always has an active stick. The biggest thing for Josephson is to improve on his offensive game.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#70 – Oskar Vuollet, Forward, Skelleftea AIK (J20 Nationell/SHL)
“Oskar Vuollet is an incredible offensive winger who possesses great tools paired with a pinpoint accurate shot and a great range of passing. His IQ is way above other players in his age group, and it leads to some special plays. He moves well and loves to have the puck on his stick. I really like Vuollet’s offensive instincts, he knows where to go to get goals.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“If your team is looking for a pure offensive forward who has all the skills to be special, even though the rest of his game still needs to catch up, then Oskar Vuollet may just be your guy. He has an amazing set of offensive tools. From his stick-handling ability to his hands, Vuollet has the potential to become a very skilled top-6 guy. He possesses good vision and skates the puck up really well. I love his ability to weave through defenders at the J20 level and he makes it look easy. With these skill sets, he should probably be more in the conversation as a 2nd rounder. However, that is not the case. Why? Due to his overall decision-making. He fairly consistently throws the puck into no-man’s-land and I often see him making decisions that make me question his work ethic. Although these are some glaring issues, in my eyes, it’s nothing I don’t think can be fixed. If he can improve some of his decisions, I think he will be a solid scoring forward at the NHL level.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
#71 – Clarke Caswell, Right Wing, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
“Another playmaking, defense-first forward, Caswell is the perfect fit for a team with a shoot-first center. Caswell has great vision of the ice and has been improving rapidly in his passing, as he is gaining confidence in his ability to make those riskier passes. While he will never reach Johnny Gaudreau levels of playmaking, he will be a strong middle-6 forward who should contribute 40 or so assists a season and be viable on the 2nd power play. Caswell has shown that he will go to the dirty areas, and his puck protection allows him to work the boards to wait for the perfect pass. His shot won’t ever be NHL-level, but 10-15 hard-working goals should be in the cards. Defensively, Caswell is improving with each day and he will only get better as he gets older. He is one of the smartest players on the ice, and it shows with his strong positioning and elite defensive stick, causing turnovers every time he is challenged in the D-zone. Caswell is going to be a top-unit penalty killer for years to come, and could even land himself some Selke votes if he continues at the rate he’s at.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Clarke Caswell is a well-rounded player who brings versatility with his play-driving ability and skating. Whenever Caswell has the puck, he is always looking for a teammate to pass, especially if they are open in the hot spots on the ice, such as the slot. In the defensive zone, he’s reliable, as he knows where to be to pick off passes and start the transition the other way.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#72 – Melvin Fernström, Forward, Orebro HK (J20 Nationell/SHL)
“When I watch Melvin Fernström, I feel like I am watching a kid who could either be a great scoring winger at the NHL level or a player who finds a solid level of success in Europe. Now, this is not to say that he’s boom or bust, as he has a great set of skills. However, I’m worried his game may not fully translate to the NHL level. The first thing I notice when watching Fernström play is that this kid is a scorer. He does a fantastic job at getting himself into open pockets around the ice and always seems to be moving. He has a good shot, but I feel it’s underused, as he tends to look for a pass rather than a shot. I do think his passing decisions need work, as he tends to pass to a teammate who has very little runway. His overall skating is fine, but I find he lacks that breakaway speed that a player of his mould requires to be successful. I love the way that Fernström plays, and I do believe he could be an excellent top-6 scoring forward. However, he will need some more development over the next few years for his game to fully come into its own.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Fernström can play LW, RW, and C, but performs best as a winger. He is very strong with his stick and uses his body well to generate separation when he cannot win 1-on-1 duels with his speed. He is not a player who is extremely dynamic and who gives everything with intensity every shift. He has good game-reading, vision, and passing, but his great shot stands out above all his skills. He is one of the best shooters in this draft. He has a good shot selection and does not abuse this resource with excessive shots on goal.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#73 – Jacob Battaglia, Right Wing, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
“Jacob Battaglia enters the draft as a strong winger with a well-rounded offensive game. He led a competitive Kingston team in goals and showed off a remarkable work ethic. Battaglia is strong with good hands, good playmaking skills, and good finishing. A top-10 U18 scorer in the O this year, Battaglia dipped to #86 on my overall draft list, as I am not confident in his skating ability. He lacks power in his first step, and without improvement to his speed, he may have trouble deploying his above-average offensive game at the professional level. He has the potential to be a 3rd-line contributor at the NHL level, but he must improve his skating and/or find a way to make his offensive game stand out.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Battaglia is an offensively gifted winger who has showcased significant improvement in his game since his rookie year. He excels with the puck on his stick, displaying elite puck-handling skills that allow him to navigate the neutral zone and create opportunities in the offensive zone. Battaglia is a dual threat, capable of scoring and making smart playmaking decisions, making him a formidable presence in the offensive zone. However, his skating is an area that needs improvement, as it affects his positioning and effectiveness, particularly in the defensive zone. Despite this, his high hockey IQ and strong work ethic suggest he can overcome this weakness with time and more coaching.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
#74 – Sebastian Soini, Defense, Ilves (Mestis/Liiga/U20 SM-sarja)
“The last cut of the Finnish U18 team, Sebastian Soini is an interesting defenseman who is one of the very few right-handed defensemen available in this year’s draft out of the Nordic region. Soini skates relatively well but I feel he doesn’t use that to his advantage. He has a good IQ level and does a good job trying to find the easiest way for his team to break out and get on the attack. However, when there isn’t a pass, he tends to just keep looking rather than take the puck himself and skate it up. I feel his decision-making also needs a little more work.
Defensively, there is going to be some more development needed. I love how he leads with his stick when closing his man off and he clears the front of the net well. Still, he tends to gravitate toward the puck, losing his positioning and leaving open spaces for the opposition to exploit. Soini is a player who I feel needs more development; the skills are there, but they haven’t been put together just yet. He could be a solid top-6 D-man with some patience and the right development path.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Soini spent most of his season playing pro hockey in Finland’s second-tier league, Mestis. While he has a pro frame and possesses decent offensive tools, his instincts both on and off the puck in all three zones are somewhat lacking. He was utilized on the powerplay quite a bit this season, so it will be interesting to see if Soini continues to be developed as a PP quarterback, or if he’ll really need to focus on bringing other aspects of his game up to snuff.” ~ Wade Messier, USA/EU Scout
#75 – Eemil Vinni, Goaltender, JoKP (Mestis)
“The consensus top goalie out of the Nordic region this season, I haven’t minded Vinni’s play at all, and I believe he’s going to be a solid goalie as the years go on. He’s an athletic goalie with strong legs, a strong push-off, and has some solid cross-crease movement. I really like his stick positioning, and he uses it really well to swing at pucks within the vicinity of his crease. I am not 100% confident in his glove hand, as there are times when it looks spectacular and others where it does not. The one thing I noticed about the goals scored on Vinni in my viewings is that they were generally either long shots from above the circle or cross-crease passes, which are often caused by him committing to the shot too early and not having enough extension in his legs to get across.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Athletic goaltender who plays in an upright position to make himself as big as possible. Vinni’s lateral quickness is among the best of this year’s draft class. He’s still a very raw goaltender, which is promising, as the potential to be an NHL starter is there.” – Danny Tiffany, Goalie Scout
“Vinni is an aggressive and explosive goalie. His edgework is great and is always well-positioned. His puck control is really good and has a really good competitive attitude. Vinni is probably the best well-rounded goalie of this draft.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
While his raw tools and aggressive positioning make Vinni a very intriguing prospect, the mental side of the game coupled with some puck-tracking issues made his transition to professional hockey this season quite rough. Although he started to see some major improvement as the season went on, Vinni may be a goaltender that needs quite a few seasons before being considered a finished product.” ~ Wade Messier, USA/EU Scout
#76 – Topias Hynninen, Forward, Jukurit (Liiga/Mestis/U20 SM-sarja)
“I’ll be interested to see the development path of Topias Hynninen over the coming seasons. He played nearly the full season in Liiga, and although he was not the most point-productive player, he did not look out of place. He’s a good skater who gets in on the forecheck well and is willing to be physical. His acceleration is good, but his first three steps are something that I feel, if improved, will add a further dimension to his game. Hynninen always seems to be moving, and he does a good job along the wall and in board battle. I’d like to see him improve his puck control a bit, as there are times when he either receives a pass or is headed up ice and loses control of the puck. I feel that at worst, Hynninen could be a solid bottom-6 guy who brings a good forechecking game to a team.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Hynninen is an attacker with great reading of the game. He has a good skating ability in terms of explosiveness and agility. He has very fast hands, and this helps him create a lot of danger. He is strong despite not being very tall. Hynninen has good potential, and next season, he could have very good numbers playing in the Liiga.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#77 – Alexandre Blais, Left Wing, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
“Blais is a high hockey IQ forward that generated A LOT of points in the QMJHL this year. He’s listed at 5’10, but that seems generous, and he has a diminutive frame that only sports 154 pounds on it. In spite of that, he demonstrates a high level of compete and awareness that allows him to be a capable set-up man. He’s not shy along the boards and hangs in there to make plays. He must put on some muscle mass to continue to be effective at higher levels.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
“Energy is the name of the game for Alexandre Blais. He processes the game very well and gets reads on the play before it happens. Coupled with soft hands and a good edge, Blais is able to manipulate defenders on zone entries and below the goal line especially. He goes into a play with a plan but is able to improvise and alter his attack when necessary. Despite being only 5’10, don’t give Blais a path to the goal, because he will run right through you to get there if he sees an opening. His shot selection and decision-making could use some work, as he will occasionally shoot from a low-danger area instead of continuing what was a strong cycle. He is a fantastic passer with a below-average shot, but still uses it often.” ~ Sean Crocker, QMJHL/USHL Scout
#78 – Spencer Gill (Defence) Rimouski Oceanic
“Everybody is looking for defenders with offensive upside, and for that, Spencer Gill was one of the best the QMJHL had to offer this season. He’s gifted with the puck on his stick and demonstrates good ability to read the ice and make smart plays with the puck. His skill package is usually something we see from smaller defenders, but Gill carries it along with a 6’4, 185-pound frame. I’ve seen some folks speak negatively about his defensive game, but I think those criticisms are a little overblown. The style of hockey played around him hasn’t really seemed conducive to developing a strong, fundamentally sound defensive game, and in spite of that, Gill demonstrated the ability to make improvements throughout the year. He’s a project for sure, but he has already demonstrated the ability to improve. There’s reason to believe that with the right coaching, his weaknesses can be worked out. As a player projected to go in the late 2nd to late 3rd, he’s a great gamble for a team to make.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
“What he lacks in defensive positioning, awareness and defensive puck retrieval, Spencer Gill makes up for with offense. Gill’s stock has trended up all season, and for good reason. His rocket of a shot and excellent passing ability make him a threat any time he is in the offensive zone, especially on the powerplay. He slowly improved his puck retrieval skills this season while becoming an effective transition player carrying the puck, although he still leaves much to be desired. His offensive tools and backward skating alone give him great value, especially if a team can get him later in the draft. He needs to improve defensively before legitimately being considered a top-4 defenseman at the next level, but he is on his way.” ~ Sean Crocker, QMJHL/USHL Scout
#79 – Brodie Ziemer, Forward, USA NTDP
“Brodie Ziemer is a very talented player, capable of playing at a very fast pace without losing any puck skills or processing. However, he’s missing a layer of poise that keeps him from ever looking totally smooth or cohesive in a system. He can get caught off-guard by the puck, and isn’t always fully confident in his decision-making, really limiting what is otherwise a special skill set. It’s not that Ziemer isn’t capable – he can certainly pull a rabbit out of a hat when he wants to. There’s something special about Ziemer that makes him exciting to watch when he’s hot and alluring to watch when he’s cold. He’ll need to learn a good deal of focus to translate into the pros – but his upside if he does add that focus is very, very high.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
“Ziemer possesses a good shot and offensive presence. He’s someone every player can look to in the offensive end down low to make some magic happen.” ~ Anonymous Recruit
#80 – Raoul Boilard, Center, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
“Whoever drafts Raoul Boilard likely sees him as a 3rd line center at the NHL level. He’s got the size, smarts, and motor that teams demand from that position, along with the ability to win draws. There has been flashes of offensive brilliance from him, but it seems to wax and wane. His hockey sense helps him make up for his average skating, and he demonstrates a willingness to battle and get involved physically, even if he’s not the best at it. It’s possible that he unlocks more upside with development, but as-is, he’s very likely to become a quality depth player in the future.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
“Boilard has one of the most complete toolkits in the draft. He’s defensively strong, especially in faceoffs, Boilard won 57.9% of his draws this year. He struggles to stay locked in positionally in his own end but makes up for that with a good defensive stick and his ability to read plays. Offensively, he is a creative player who is always trying to find seams to move the puck cross-ice and find teammates in high-danger areas. His subpar fundamental offensive tools could hold him back and see him reach the lower end of his potential, as a shutdown third-line center instead of a middle-6 utility player. Nonetheless, there is still a lot to like about Boilard’s future as a projectable asset with a firm floor.” ~ Sean Crocker, QMJHL/USHL Scout
#81 – Simon Zether, Center, Rögle BK (SHL/J20 Nationell)
“Simon Zether is a big-bodied centerman who can play in every zone. Defensively, he gets low on the breakout and really helps the defenders out with his rangey stick. Offensively, he can play any position with a great net-front game, but also a wicked shot and great hands. His well-rounded game earned him lots of SHL time this season.” ~ Joe Maciag, EU Scout
“Simon Zether is a guy that I think that, at worst, he’s a fourth liner for any team. He’s a good skater with solid edges. Although he doesn’t get many touches of the puck playing professionally, he’s still been a very solid player for Rögle this season. Zether will need to get stronger. Despite that, he protects the puck rather well. I’ve really liked his ability to get into the board battles and come out with the puck. His passing decisions could still use some work and I would like to see him use his frame and size more. I think Zether is a very solid player already, and I think that he will be a solid bottom-6 contributor at the next level.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
#82 – Tarin Smith, Defense, Everett Silvertips (WHL)
“Tarin Smith is a solid stay-at-home defenseman who can jump into the offensive game when he feels it’s safe. Smith is one of the safest picks in the draft, as it seems he rarely makes mistakes in his zone. While he is not the strongest, he outsmarts his opponents and is able to quickly move the puck out of danger with precision. He needs to improve his upper-body strength as he did struggle with winning tie-ups. His calm demeanor and quick scanning allow him to find teammates up the boards, but has shown he can carry the puck if it’s safe to do so. He displays strong puck possession and can stick his way out of certain jams. Smith stays square to attackers and forces the play to the walls, but again, needs to hit the weight room to win those battles more consistently.
His release on his shot is not the fastest, but he gets the puck on net for rebounds/tips consistently. While he can keep up with average-speed players, his lack of burst can leave him a step behind. Still, he generally keeps himself out of positions where he will get beat. He is a competent puck carrier, but a lack of confidence prevents him from getting into the rush more often. Smith has all the tools to become a solid middle-pairing defenseman at the NHL level that can be a staple on the PK, and he will likely be a steal in the 3rd/4th round.” ~ Tyler Karoway, WHL Scout
“Smith is a real unique one in this draft. He’s a lanky defender who can dangle in traffic like a forward. He doesn’t wow you with up-ice rushes and high-speed dangles. He can do them, but they don’t wow you. Instead, he gets the puck with traffic around him, makes a move or two to make a play, and creates a scoring chance. He’s got kind of an awkward build and has put some weight on his frame over the last year, but is still a lanky-looking kid. It’s worth noting, though, that he had 44 points in 67 games from the back end for Everett this season. That was the highest of any defender on the team. There’s a gamble to be made on this player.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
#83 – Luca Marrelli, Defense, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
“Luca Marrelli emerged as a top draft prospect in Oshawa this year. In my opinion, the best way to describe Marrelli is well-rounded. He is a good skater, who defends the rush well, distributes the puck well, has a solid work ethic, and has good decision-making skills. After all, you need to be pretty good to be among the top-10 point-getters from the blueline across the OHL. Overall, Marrelli is good enough to the point where I can see him having a successful professional hockey career. The only issue is that a lack of a standout trait caps his NHL ceiling to being a very solid bottom-pairing defenseman, and even that projection means he has to be solid at all those aforementioned traits against bigger, stronger, and faster players. Still, I would bet on him in the middle rounds, as I believe that Luca Marrelli can become a full-time NHLer as long as he progresses neatly.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Marrelli is a strong two-way defenseman who shows poise and smart playmaking in the offensive zone, particularly on the power play, where he helps run Oshawa’s unit effectively. Despite not standing out on the scoresheet game-to-game, his vision and ability to hold the puck in the zone make him a significant offensive threat. Defensively, Marrelli is a stalwart, consistently shutting down opponents with his long reach and physical play, even though he isn’t the biggest player on the ice. His dynamic skating and smart decision-making ensure that he stays on top of the play and avoids trouble in all three zones. While he occasionally struggles with defending rushes through the neutral zone, his overall game remains complete and reliable.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
#84 – Anthony Romani, Forward, North Bay Battalion (OHL)
“Anthony Romani carries a great shot and extremely strong passing, pairs it with a relentless defensive game, and wraps it all together with high-end hockey IQ. The skating isn’t horrific, but the more I watch him, the clearer it is that Romani will struggle to produce at the NHL level without more explosiveness on his feet. I also wonder if he is ready to make the transition from being a dominant junior player to becoming a scrappy bottom-6er. When it comes to forwards with similar DY+1 production in the OHL, he will likely have to play less like the patient sniper Tyler Toffoli and more like the energetic depth scorer Nick Robertson. Still, Romani is a re-entry pick that I would take an earlier bet on than most, maybe as high as the third round.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Romani has made significant strides in his game thanks to his high hockey IQ and exceptional playmaking abilities. He finds teammates with precise passes, plus soft puck touches and vision. Romani’s offensive skills are further highlighted by his powerful shot and strong skating, allowing him to create plays from the neutral zone into the offensive end. However, his defensive play remains a notable weakness, with occasional struggles in positioning and a lack of physicality. Considering that he is one of the draft’s older prospects, his increased offensive production may be partially attributed to his experience.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
#85 – Ondrej Kos, Left Wing, KOOVEE (Mestis, U20 SM-sarja)
“Ondrej Kos is a good skater with solid edges who looked solid during his time with KOOVEE in the Mestis league. He has a good passing ability and I like his overall confidence with the puck on his stick. However, he needs to take that second look before making a pass. There seems to be a tendency in his game to assume his teammate is in an area, and rather than look, he decides to throw the puck into the empty space, causing a turnover. When he does take a look, his passes hit their mark. Although he missed all of the 2024 stretch of KOOVEE’s season, I believe Kos is worth a pick and could become a decent middle-6 forward.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Kos is fast and explosive. He has good skating and is very committed in all three phases of the game. He is not a player who has a very good shot, but he reads the game well, recovers pucks, and forces errors that he then tries to turn into dangerous plays. If he improves his shot and seeks to score more goals, he could be a very good project in the medium term.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#86 – Lukas Fischer, Defense, Sarnia Sting (OHL)
“Fischer is a blueliner with strong skating abilities, which are particularly impressive given his size. His excellent positional awareness and four-way mobility allow him to hold the blue line effectively and recover quickly when needed. Fischer’s offensive game is highlighted by a strong shot, making him a threat from the back end, though he remains committed to a “stay-at-home” defensive style. This season, he has demonstrated a greater willingness to use his physicality, leveraging his size to his advantage in the dirty areas of the ice. However, he can be turnover-prone at times, which is the primary area of his game that needs improvement. Despite that, Fischer’s blend of size, athleticism, and skating ability from the back end makes him an intriguing pick in the first half of the draft.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“Lukas Fischer is raw. More importantly, Lukas Fischer is raw on a poor Sarnia Sting team that finished 4th last in the OHL, so it was not hard to see his deficiencies get exposed. It is, however, not difficult to see how the 6 ‘3 defenseman, whose September 2006 birthday makes him one of the youngest players in this draft, could blossom into an NHL defenseman. The son of former NHLer Jiri Fischer has an effortless stride that you rarely see from a player of his size and pairs it with promising, yet extremely inconsistent defensive play and playmaking. To keep it brief, his decision-making needs work, his shot must be developed significantly, and he must add more mass to his frame. Still, he is absolutely worth a swing around the 2nd-4th round, as a patient NHL team can help him develop into a #4 at the NHL level.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
#87 – Dean Letourneau, Center, St. Andrew’s College (CA-HS)
“Dean Letourneau is a unicorn, forcing scouts to answer a question many of us haven’t faced since Kindergarten: Do you believe in unicorns? A 6 ‘7 center who can skate, pass, and shoot comes out of nowhere to light up the Canadian High School scene, is he legit? If he’s the real deal, you’re looking at the next Tage Thompson. If not, can he even produce at the junior or collegiate level? Maybe he becomes closer to a Michael Rasmussen, still a full-time NHLer but not quite the unicorn that is Tage Thompson. My ranking of 59th overall reflects my idea of what rolling the dice on Letourneau is worth. I’m not sold on him carrying this momentum to a higher level, and I completely disagree with him making the jump from Canadian HS to the NCAA. I also don’t know how much offensive credit I’m willing to give him for looking good as a man amongst boys at St. Andrew’s. But, man, the ceiling is too tempting to shy away from. A patient NHL team will reach higher than my ranking and try to see if they can develop Tage Thompson 2.0, and I do not blame them.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Letourneau is a huge player that played against weak competition. He showed flashes of quick hands and good goal-scoring ability, but I am very skeptical he will translate to higher levels. I don’t think he will bring much offense, but I do see a path where he could be a solid bottom-of-the-lineup guy who brings a physical presence and win battles.” ~ Tait Borst, Head of North American Scouting
#88 – Miguel Marques, Right Wing, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
“Miguel Marques is very inconsistent. He either shows signs of a top-6 forward or someone who will be an AHL regular. With the puck, Marques is a play-driver who’s got a good release and is able to utilize smart, quick passes to drive the offensive. However, he cheats for offense, making his defensive game questionable. Marques also has a tendency to be invisible whenever he doesn’t have the puck.” ~ Rayan Tubeec, WHL/EU Scout
#89 – Mikhail Yegorov, Goaltender, Omaha Lancers (USHL)
“While there isn’t anything too sexy about Yegorov’s game, his steadiness in net helped him anchor a very bad Omaha team this season. He’s a better goaltender than his save percentage might imply, but there are still some kinks in his game that he’ll need to fine-tune in the NCAA before making the jump to pro hockey.” ~ Wade Messier, USA/EU Scout
“Yegorov is a big goaltender who takes up a ton of net. He’s an excellent skater and is already used to a heavy workload at a young age. Yegorov does an excellent job of using his size to give shooters little to look at.” ~ Danny Tiffany, Goalie Scout
#90 – Aatos Koivu, Center, TPS (U20 SM-sarja/U18 SM-sarja/Liiga)
“The son of former Montréal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu, Aatos is an interesting player to observe on the ice. His overall style of play is really well-rounded. He supports his defenseman well in his own end and does a good job at supporting the breakout. One aspect of his game that blew me away was his reads in the defensive zone. He seems to know exactly who’s open on the ice, who he needs to cover, and when he should be helping a teammate in a double team. Koivu is also a solid skater and does a good job carrying the puck up ice. He will need to improve his first three steps, though, as he struggles to get away from oncoming checkers out of a stop position. Koivu also has a good passing ability. His accuracy is good, but it starts to drop when he’s attempting a more complex type of pass. I think that the younger Koivu is going to be a solid NHL centre. He understands his defensive responsibilities and has some offensive potential as well. I think, at worst, he could be a middle/bottom-6, two-way centre.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Koivu went from a player who was virtually unheard of, to a legitimate option in this year’s draft, in a matter of months. The son of NHL legend Saku, Aatos has undergone immense physical growth this season, now standing at 6’0, 170lbs. Koivu plays a responsible two-way game and possesses some genuine offensive upside, which may push him into the second or third round for some teams. While he’s far from NHL-ready, Koivu could slot in nicely in a middle-6 if all goes well in his development.” ~ Wade Messier, USA/EU Scout
#91 – Yegor Graf, Center, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
“Yegor Graf is an exciting kid. He specializes in creating dazzling plays seemingly out of thin air. He can pull anything out of nowhere and leaves you in awe with his quick hands and quirky plays. His dynamic style and flair make him a joy to watch on the ice, often sparking excitement with his skillful creativity. While Graf’s playmaking instincts are evident, he can benefit from improving his hockey IQ to minimize occasional lapses in decision-making. Too often have I seen him try too much without utilizing teammates, and that will undeniably drive away many teams. This European style of play may never even get him out of Russia. Occasionally prone to making risky plays, Graf’s entertaining play style nevertheless endears him to fans and scouts alike, highlighting his potential to develop into a captivating and impactful player with continued refinement and experience.” ~ Pavel Maliouguine, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Graf has really good edgework, puck-handling skills, and a sharp shot. He is capable of supporting defensive tasks and generating danger with his transition game. Graf has many skills that still look very raw, but that he can work on to take his game to the next level. He is a good powerplay player.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#92 – Kevin He, Left Wing, Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
“Kevin He may have one of the best shots in the draft class. The Niagara winger is a threat off of the rush, with fantastic straight-line speed to go along with his wicked wrister. He sometimes struggles to drive play, partially due to his lack of overall playmaking ability, but he is a relentless player with an outstanding work rate, especially on such a poor team. He could end up being a third-line scoring winger due to his scoring rates. Yet, his projectability would look much better if he could round out his game more in the next couple of junior seasons.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“I have a lot of respect for Kevin He for continuing to perform for a disastrous Niagara IceDogs team. There is no doubt in my mind that He will be the highest-drafted Chinese-born player in NHL history (sorry, Misha Song), and He quickly became one of my favourite prospects out of the OHL. Kevin He utilizes his blazing speed and relentless work ethic to make him a serious threat on both ends. That, paired with his sharp shot and ability to throw crushing hits (including one that got him suspended indefinitely at the end of the season) will surely make him a fan-favourite wherever he plays. He must improve his spotty playmaking and must find ways to improve his decision-making under pressure. Overall, with further refinement, Kevin He has the potential to become an NHL 3rd liner + penalty killer and has proven himself worthy of a 3rd/4th round selection.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
#93 – Alexander Zetterberg, Forward, Orebro HK (J20 Nationell)
“At 5’8”, Alexander Zetterberg is a player who could become an excellent NHLer. Although he lacks the requisite size, I still like him as a player. Zetterberg is a good skater with strong edge work and does a good job changing directions when needing to get away from defenders. He also possesses a good set of hands. I would like to see him get more involved in puck retrieval, as well as getting himself into the open gaps when they become available. I believe that, talent-wise, Zetterberg should be a second-rounder. His size will factor into where he will most likely be selected, and I think he’ll be more likely to be picked in the late 3rd to 4th rounds.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Zetterberg has very good skating and can be explosive/fast when he needs to. He has good hands, reads the plays well, and has a very accurate shot. He has the potential to become a good player in the medium term.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#94 – Jakub Fibigr, Defense, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
“In his first season on North American ice, Jakub Fibigr demonstrated his ultra-smooth skating ability, along with strong defensive instincts and puck-carrying ability in a top role with Mississauga. I’m not super sold on his passing ability despite his lofty assist total this year. He’s a solid puck distributor, but I find that he lacks consistency. Fibigr must improve his passing under pressure, but there is bottom-pairing NHL potential for the Czech defenseman. He showed a lot to like in flashes and does not display any backbreaking characteristics that make him a particularly risky pick. I would take a look near the middle of the draft, as there is definitely enough to build on for an NHL career to be in Fibigr’s sights.” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“Fibigr is a versatile defenseman known for his strong two-way game, impacting all three zones with poise and awareness. Despite not being the best skater, his long, smooth stride makes him effective on the rush and in defensive coverage. Offensively, Fibigr excels as a passer, capable of making long stretch plays and quickly moving the puck in the offensive zone. Defensively, he plays intensely, using his physicality and active stick to box out players and disrupt opponents’ plays. His strong work ethic, competitive spirit, mobility, and transition skills make him a well-rounded and reliable defender.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
#95 – Mac Swanson, Forward, Fargo Force (USHL)
“Mac Swanson has clearly figured out the USHL. He’s always been fantastic on the puck, but he’s really developed his ability to create space and play from the boards over the last few years – on the back of great agility, quick puck work, and really strong vision. Frankly, Swanson is just smarter than the rest – and knows how to pull opponents into bad positions. I do think he’ll face an uphill battle as he adjusts to the physicality of the next levels, especially given that much of his creation comes from the wings. Swanson is absolutely talented enough – and smart enough – to find ways to adjust, but knowing that process will need to happen has me starting elsewhere.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
#96 – Will Skahan, Defense, USA NTDP
“Will Skahan is the favorite of a lot of people around USA Hockey this year – and I totally see why. He’s a big-frame defender with great heft, good puck-moving, and a heavy shot. He is totally capable of commanding a breakout and shows an eagerness to join the offensive rush that I enjoy. However, Skahan lacks a lot of agility, making it difficult for him to react or reach his top speed quickly in a backcheck or puck race. Though, he’s interesting, because there are two realistic paths forward for Skahan. He could either add the agility and lean into improving his transition game – or he could lean into his heavy frame, and develop a more old-fashioned, heavy-hitting style. We don’t see much of that in today’s NHL, and Skahan has the puck skills and general fundamentals to make it work – though he’d need to become much more eager to square-up and lay-out opponents.” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
#97 – Heikki Ruohonen, Center, Kiekko-Espoo (U20 SM-sarja)
“Heikki Ruohonen has probably the best compete level I’ve seen in a prospect in this year’s draft. The kid just has a desire to always have the puck on his stick and I love it. He’s a solid skater who loves to have the puck on his stick. He’s got a good level of patience when he has the puck on his stick and does a good job at finding his open teammates. Ruohonen is going to have to get stronger and will need to add that extra jump in his step before we see him in North America most likely. I see Ruohonen as a solid middle-6 forward who can penalty kill and be a solid depth-scoring option on a team. Ruohonen is the type of player you need on any roster, particularly a playoff team, and I think the team that takes him could get a hell of a steal.” ~ Alfonso Acevedo, Co-Head of European Scouting
“Ruohonen is a player with a good physique, but many times he looks very heavy on the ice. He has good hands and it shows in small spaces on the ice. His skating is average, but when he accelerates, he can beat rivals. Ruohonen needs to improve his decision-making in his shooting.” ~ Moises Vindas, Scandinavia/Russia Scout
#98 – Carter George, Goaltender, Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
“Carter George is as cool as a cucumber, and this calmness and positional awareness have put him in the conversation as a top goaltender in this year’s draft class, and, in Team Canada’s eyes, the best U18 goalie in Canada. George’s season of accolades included backstopping Canada to U18 Gold, a nod as U18 WJC Best Goaltender, Hlinka Gretzky Gold, and more. Much can be made about a lack of size on the 6 ‘1 goaltender, but his maturity at his age is exactly what many teams want between the pipes. I’m not sure where I’d draft Carter George, but I know that whoever drafts him has a chance to develop a top Canadian goaltender for years to come” ~ Taahaa Lone, OHL Scout
“George plays a mature game with a strong presence between the pipes. His game is built off of his sound positioning mixed with athletic movements, making it difficult to ever find him out of place. Despite some goalies like Juuse Saros proving size isn’t always everything for goalies, his 6-1 frame, mixed with his weakness of being unable to fight through screens in front of him, will raise some red flags on draft day.” ~ Curtis Rines, OHL Scout
“There’s excellent foundation in George’s game. He displays simple movements and rarely overplays pucks. Quick, fluid, and confidence are the best ways to describe Carter George’s game.” ~ Danny Tiffany, Goalie Scout
#99 – Ilya Nabokov, Goaltender, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
“Ilya Nabokov is buoyed by his standout performances for Magnitogorsk in both the regular season and playoffs of the KHL. This is what really gave him the attention he’s received. His impressive play under pressure has been able to help bring a championship to Magnitogorsk and it’s impressive watching how cool and collected he remains while making big and bold saves. He’s showcased his ability to handle high-stakes situations effectively. Nabokov’s agility and quick reflexes make him reliable in the crease, reminiscent of the dynamic style seen in players such as Pyotr Kochetkov. Funny enough, seeing how he is his closest comparable in my eyes, they’re in a very similar situation. His ability to move swiftly and make flashy saves not only reflects his athleticism but also underscores his confidence and composure under fire.” ~ Pavel Maliouguine, Co-Head of European Scouting
“To be en vogue in the NHL, one must have a Russian goaltender. In spite of being a triple-overager, Nabokov is THE Russian goaltender to have from the 2024 draft. At 6 ‘0, he’s a little undersized for what most teams want from a goaltender, but it’s impossible to ignore what he did in the KHL this season. His stats speak for themselves. A 23-13-3 record with a .930 save percentage and a 2.15 goals-against average in arguably the second-best professional league in the world is incredibly impressive. What’s more impressive, though, is that at 21 years old, his puck tracking, anticipation, and lateral movement are all a cut above the rest of the goaltenders in the KHL. The potential of what he could be at age 24 is why there’s no question that at least one NHL team is looking to acquire his rights by drafting him this year.” ~ Jack Dawkins, QMJHL/EU Scout
“Nabokov does a great job of combining elite fundamentals with an athlete’s instinct. He positions himself in great spots to make initial saves and has the brain and athleticism to battle for pucks when the play breaks down in front of him.” – Danny Tiffany, Goalie Scout
#100 – Adam Kleber, Defense, Lincoln Stars (USHL)
“Adam Kleber has been an exciting defenseman for years. The kid is a square and does a fantastic job at using his frame to force opponents into the boards, engage physically, and win puck battles. He certainly has the tertiary talents as well – with fine enough puck-handling and passing, a solid shot, and a good understanding of how to join the rush. But Kleber lacks a layer of engagement and creativity that keeps him from ever being too inspiring on the ice. That makes me question how strong of a role he could handle one day. Though, I’ll say that there are a lot of staff behind the scenes that love Kleber’s floor, and think the more advanced offensive traits can come in college. Eric Pohlkamp had a similar conversation. Could missing on Pohlkamp drive some teams to consider Kleber early?” ~ Gabe Foley, Head of Amateur Scouting
CONCLUSION