Introduction Spiel
This draft year, I was plagued by interruptions. Increasing work responsibilities and home responsibilities are good problems to have but disturbed my usual draft coverage. I responded by adapting my plan for this class’s presentation.
Rather than try to detail the full draft class, especially at the top of the first round, I focused more on players I’d stump for. However the rankings may come out, I adopted the lens of compiling a Draft List I would work off of, if I was one scout’s voice at a draft table. Right, wrong, or crazy. This led to some wild points, like not listing Shane Wright or Logan Cooley or Lane Hutson or Kevin Korchinski or many others. These players will have their advocates and representation no doubt. I would rather spend time positively campaigning for players that fit my bill than argue against others.
Blast from the Recent Past - Check out Last Year’s Guide
At times, I interjected outside my rankings and player blurbs to add context to these bigger named left-off players. But mainly assume if not listed, I just don’t rate the prospect as high as the rest of the industry ranks them. Were I a scout at the table, by the time I’d step up to bat for them, they would be unavailable and already selected. Practically, it didn’t make sense to rank them. Players inside the same tiers are somewhat interchangeable. In theory, I wouldn’t pushback too hard if a player a few spots down in the tier is the one the group landed on to select over one I had in mind.
Every year I evolve what I look for. This evolution of my draft profile is based on past successes and misses, as well as the changes in the NHL game we are constantly witnessing. I typically value European trained players and those with professional experience. I value defensive value as much as offensive, and excelling in one with foundational skills for the other goes a long way. I bump centers and tend to see more value in drafting a defender than a winger all things even. I do subscribe to the idea that scorers are harder to find later in the draft than defenders. Overlaying those two principals is not always contradictory.
In recent years I have increased the value of offensive defenseman who are more 4th forwards than “defense”man. Also give additional importances lately to competitive players. Tweaking the definition of physical play to focus more on willingness to battle and push back while limiting mistakes. But ultimately, Skating, Hockey Sense, and Passing are the foundation I start my search with. Hockey sense for me is built around poise and timing. Knowing when to push pace or jump plays and when to be more patient. Taking what is given and available, and staying focused to bear down on pucks or checks. Awareness of how to use the ice or distribute the puck to overcome whatever their weaknesses may be individually. The more intelligent and competitive a prospect, the more I can bet on development filling out weak areas.
Here is a compiled list of past prospects I’ve rated highly that show the overall mold of skater I prefer: Victor Soderstrom, Ville Heinola, Tobias Bjornfot, Albert Johansson, Matias Maccelli, Rasmus Sandin, Ty Smith, Emil Bemstrom, Sasha Chmelevski, Jordan Kyrou, Vince Dunn, Jesper Bratt, Lucas Elvenes, Joel Eriksson Ek, Anthony Beauvillier, Roope Hintz, Rasmus Andersson.
From the most recent 2020 and 2021 Draft: Helge Grans, William Wallinder, Anton Lundell, Lukas Reichel, Marat Khsnutdinov, Vasili Ponomarev, Dmitri Ovchinnikov. Victor Stjernborg, Carson Lambos, Ville Koivunen, Fyodor Svechkov, William Stromgren, Dmitri Kuzmin, Francesco Pinelli.
This year’s class has a solid Top 6 to 8 and then a wide open first round. There are more useful players than exciting when looking at the likely day two crowd. The previous draft years and the upcoming class have done well to help zap the hype of this season. All in all, I think teams would be happy if this ended up an Average class by today’s standards. There are a lot of prospects I found to be question marks, or seem fated to top out in junior. Not a great year for North American born skaters. The benefit of that is Europeans should get some higher selections. An organization can have a good if not great weekend if they do their homework and stick to what works for them.
Philadelphia Flyers still hold the 5th overall pick at this time. Once again, we will have a team we support drafting in first half of the first night. In absence of the usual longer individual post on what Philly, Florida Panthers, and the Champ-orado Avalanche might do and mock their picks— I figured it best to just give quick thoughts on the more important and easier to handicap 5th overall selection. And throw together a quick Mock.
Flyers have a good pool to choose from. One of Shane Wright, Juraj Slafkovsky, Logan Cooley, David Jiricek, or Simon Nemec is guaranteed to be available. I have seen credible mocks and sources peg Cutter Gauthier also as an option Flyers are considering. However, that feels like a galaxy brain decision. Gautheir gives off ‘peaked in junior’ vibes and I do not see the full dynamic game needed for Top 5 spot. I don’t rate the skating or shot better than average and that will hurt his power forward goal scoring in pro leagues. Philadelphia and Chuck Fletcher need to make this pick work out.
Joakim Kemell may be the better swing if they want a scorer who will play Broad Street hockey. Or the rumored trade to get Alex Debrincat that deals away the 5th overall and nets a player who will score tons of NHL goal guaranteed. That’s why it seems most sensible to take the remaining defenseman of Jiricek or Nemec and fill an area of need for the organization. Both players will get fanbase excited and hep the team on the ice sooner rather than later. If both defenders are gone, that gives you one of the top 3 forward options the industry values pretty well. Don’t overcomplicate it with unnecessary risk.
Ok, onto the show….
Top 16 Mock Draft
This will be a difficult year to Mock, especially outside the Top 10. Mix of what I think would happen and what I would choose as GM.
1|MTL - Shane Wright
2|NJD - Juraj Slafkovsky
I almost put Slafkovsky and Nemec 1/2 here though.
3|ARZ - Logan Cooley
Exciting player who needs time, seems easy call for the lowly Yotes.
4|SEA - David Jiricek
They need to start bringing defenders along for any chance of turning corner in three or so years.
5|PHI - Simon Nemec
See Paragraphs on Flyers pick above in Intro.
6|CBJ - Matthew Savoie
Columbus is not afraid of going against grain or going after skill.
7|OTT - Pavel Mintyukov
They need to replenish their back end prospects and they like these big minute horses.
8|DET - Frank Nazar
I don’t think Stevie Y will be an automatic Swedish pick every time. Nazar has a ton of upside and the Wings pipeline has enough talent to give him time to hit full potential before needing to play NHL games.
9|BUF- Joakim Kemell
They need a lot of things, like swagger and heart.
10|ANA- Marco Kasper
A player who can help Ducks get competitive quicker.
11|SJS - Danila Yurov
New GM is not rushed, take a high payoff prospect here.
12|CBJ - Jonathan Lekkermaki
Could also see Odelius or other defender here.
13|NYI - Brad Lambert
I know, I know, this is a lazy one. I would like Bufflo to take the player at 8, ideally.
14|WPG - Noah Ostlund
That team needs fun skill.
15|VAN - Calle Odelius
I see this matching what Vancouver is trying to build.
16|BUF - Ivan Miroshnichenko
With 2 picks this high, it makes it possible to send it here.
Top Pick
1 Juraj Slafkovský LW MAR04 Left
Unique to this draft; no other Power Forward prospect comes close. Not just his size or understanding of how to utilize frame to get to inner lanes against pro defenders but he possesses the finesse to leverage that strength and flash his skill. His performance across multiple tournaments is hard to ignore even if it is talked about heavily. He has the greatest superstar potential in my eyes of any prospect in this draft. What else can be said? Slafkovsky is a relatively safe yet exciting pick at #1 even if not the consensus pick.
I wouldn’t hold it against my team’s GM were they to select Shane Wright over Slafkovsky. I do appreciate the appeal. Wright has positional value as a center and benefits from being the year-long #1. He produced 1.5 points per game in the CHL and has his moments on the international stage as well. He’d likely be fighting Jiricek for #2 on this board if I was forced to list him. Uniqueness is factor. I view it as harder to find players like Slafkovsky with his ceiling than it is to find a Wright-type center.
Logan Cooley also is a solid candidate for #1. Cooley is an intriguing player but it is unlikely he falls out of the Top 3 or 4, and that is not the player I’d be pushing for in that position. But I will speak a bit more on that when talking about Frank Nazar.
The others in Top Tier
2 David Jiricek D NOV03 Right
In watching Jiricek Internationally and in Pro what stands out in each viewing is his ability to receive pucks in motion and use that same mobility to solve problems. He is mature in his physical play but also his positioning to support teammates and level inside shoulder on opponents. Jiricek is one of smartest players in the draft, most noticeable in his reading of coverage on breakouts and his anticipation of puck movement defensively. It is hard to pass up a defensive prospect likely to play over twenty minutes, able to contribute in both zones and possibly play top pair. His poise and ability to stick with plays shows he will adapt well to NHL game.
3 Joakim Kemell RW APR04 Right
I am higher on Kemell than most. His elite scoring touch paired with his competitive cockiness makes him unique to the top end of the draft in my eyes. The talent foundation is there for him to add layers to his game defensively and even becoming a consistent set up man for his line mates. His floor is a top six shooter and one time PP specialist. Kemell is the type of player driven to be improve and learn the details; has the skating and physical play to make it at his size and get under opponents’ skin.
4 Brad Lambert RW/C DEC03 Right
Lambert is as close to #2 as Jiricek and Kemell but suffers from over scouting and/or a disappointing draft year. He’s an intelligent puck carrier and skilled passer. He’s dynamic in toolset but it hasn’t always come together in games. He has great hands and can shoot on the move, making him a potential dual threat. I still believe in the ceiling of the player. He’s always making things happen on the ice. Though he is likely to fall, hopefully it is to a team who will develop his potential well.
5 Simon Nemec D FEB04 Right
Like Jiricek, Nemec is almost found money for whatever lucky team drafts him. Right handed D are a premium. Defenders who skate well are premium, doubly so if over six foot. Nemec is committed to playing physical and without the puck. The polishing to those aspects will come sooner rather than later with 70+ pro games under his belt. Nemec’s strengths are the foundation for modern defenseman: skating, game processing, and puck movement. Nemec is almost a 2b with Jiricek. It may be a case of splitting hairs but Jiricek’s offensive game is a bit more grounded and so is his positioning without the puck. Though I would not be surprised at all to see Nemec be the better player 15 years later.
6 Frank Nazar RW/C JAN04 Right
Nazar grew on me exponentially this season. The more I watched the US Dev team to see why Cooley was moving up the charts, I ended up watching and liking Nazar’s game more, bumping Nazar up my list. He has the same highlight reel capabilities and slick puck handling. But Nazar is the better prospect without it, and smarter in physical play and competitive battles to make best use of his size. Nazar’s game, more so than Cooley’s, is better suited to improve in the Pro leagues. Nazar’s wide range of outcomes depends on where he plays. I could see center working out for him but think no value is lost if he slides to wing. He drives pucks and himself to the inner slot with gusto and I am willing to bet he’s creative enough to translate that to NHL in time.
Not trying to pile onto Cooley. Like I said earlier, he is not on the list because he’d be behind these above six plus Wright. This week in Montreal that would be a real shock if he fell to 8th overall—so what’s the use in listing him? He is a good prospect who people know enough about.
Top 10 Candidates
7 Noah Östlund C MAR04 Left
Östlund tops the tier with the best natural skillset of the bunch. He is frequently underneath the puck and in good spots for his teammates. With the ability to maneuver through traffic at a high gear he has the hands and feet to be a center at the NHL level. He’s a crafty playmaker who could be more deceptive with an improved shot. The team that drafts Östlund needs to be patient and let him fill out his frame to withstand NHL play. But he is worth an early pick despite that. You can’t teach the hockey sense, natural skating skill, and handles Östlund possesses.
8 Gleb Trikozov C/RW AUG04 Right
Trikozov and Östlund are interchangeable— I like both equally. Trikozov listed second based on possibility it is harder to get him out of Russia. Gleb, fun to say or type, is just as fun to watch. He is all over, and as a Panthers fan it is easily to draw comparisons to Sam Bennett or possibly a slicker Mason Marchment. He may not have Östlund’s smooth skills but Trikozov finds ways to constantly get sticks on pucks, keep plays alive, win battles, and set up scoring chances even if it looks rough around the edges.
9 Jiří Kulich C APR04 Left
Kulich is a bit boring compared to the above two players, even with a run of goal scoring at the U18s. But Kulich is trending at the right time and growing a more creative streak. He is a reliable bet to stay a center and to play in the top 9. He is good defensively, has the skating to log minutes and energy to cover the ice. He wants to be a difference maker and that will aid his growth adding more soft skill to his toolkit. He knows how to play within the game and execute details.
10 Jonathan Lekkerimäki RW JUL04 Right
Cerebral attacker who excels in finding soft spots in the ice to display his top end shot. Lekkerimäki may be the best shooter in the draft. That will get him plenty far— in the draft at least. As year went on, he showed a greater hunger for pucks and chances and that competitive streak bodes well. There is a good bit of details to round out, and ability to handle more physical pressure from defenders. With patience and right team fit, Lekkerimäki’s strengths should win out.
11 Pavel Mintyukov D NOV03 Left
Mintyukov is an offensively tilted Defenseman, activating and staying up in the play routinely. Typically, I am not inclined to be bullish on these type of defenders but Mintyukov is one of the more dynamic defenders in the draft who has defensive foundational skills. By sheer virtue of excelling at D-zone entry prevention and first pass breakout efficiency at CHL level he should be good enough defensively to play his style. There is a case for him to go Top 10, if not before any forwards in this tier. His ranking reflects more so my belief that truly gifted forwards are much harder to find later in draft, while there seems to always be late developing Defenders scouts like available later. Make no mistake though, Mintyukov is an intelligent and gifted player who at his best could be the top rearguard in this draft.
First Rounders
12 Danila Yurov RW DEC03 Left
Another Russian prospect who will be hurt by low Time on Ice in KHL and… having a Russian passport. Yurov is a creative finisher who doesn’t rely on a world class shot to beat goalies. Rather, he can deke or skate the puck into the net if he chooses. His above average power is bolstered by deceptive pre-shot movement. He wants to score and is singularly focused. That carries over to off the puck play and makes Yurov possibly a bargain in the middle of the first round. I fear he is too low rather than too high.
13 Marco Kasper C APR04 Left
Kasper won scouts over with his play facilitating and scoring net front in addition to winning battles behind the net in the SHL. Only to improve further in the playoffs. That is a unique skillset in today’s more off-the-rush punching style. Kasper also has the speed to open it up in transition and he can navigate traffic finding outlets. Some teams and public scouts have Kasper much higher given his mean streak and development this season. However, it is reasonable to think he could stick around to the early teens.
14 Calle Odelius D MAY04 Left
I am not alone in my positive viewing of Odelius. The presence, the awareness with the puck is fundamental to the type of modern defenders I seek out. He plays his position and excels at getting pucks back and getting pucks out of the zone. Odelius is always in the right position and always on time. He displays the poise and demeanor to be an effective puck mover at the NHL level. The offense can build from there, and he certainly has enough skill to activate and play off teammates. Top end defensive value is undervalued in the NHL.
15 Liam Öhgren LW JAN04 Left
Öhgren’s main strength is his offensive instincts and timing. He is a cerebral player who manifests goals with a big motor and the ability to shoot in motion and around his body. As one of the draft’s better scorers, Öhgren is adept at supporting forechecks and hounding pucks. There is room to round out his game if that same doggedness can show up in the defensive end. It must be stated that like the other Djurgårdens players (Ostlund, Odelius, and Lekkerimaki), Öhgren may benefit from the rising tide of dominating the junior league like the US Dev team typically does in the USHL.
16 Lian Bichsel D MAY04 Left
Unique in this draft. Development and team fit goes a long way. Bichsel is the best defensive defensemen available Thursday night and not just because he is a punisher. His ceiling is leading a 22+min a night shutdown pairing, which teams would benefit from prioritizing occasionally in the draft. High Floor with size and skating. Activates well and contributes in O-zone. Type of example in defensive zone that drives a team in playoff series. I'd feed this guy Eric Lindros highlights and let him conquer the SHL before bringing over.
17 Filip Mešár RW/C JAN03 Right
In games I’ve watched, Mešár has done everything for his team. He's constantly winning battles, blocking shots, setting up teammates, leading rushes or back checks. He could play pivot if he develops enough strength and continues the whatever-it-takes pace. Real drive, hunger behind his pace and not just natural speed. I rate his hands and playmaking potential higher than most. Another prospect on my list who seems to ‘get’ how to play the game and stack the details into directed chance creation. If he can develop more manipulation into his game, he will earn this high ranking.
18 Ivan Miroshnichenko LW FEB04 Left
It is welcomed news to hear Miroshnichenko is in remission. No doubt the inside knowledge of his treatment progress and plan will determine where he actually goes. This ranking hedges on the positive side of that bet. It is not impossible Miroshnichenko falls quite a ways beyond the first round. If you take away the medical diagnosis and the Russian passport, the player is 8-10 spots higher on this list. Miroshnichenko is one of the last pure snipers on this list. Not only does he possess a lethal shot, the winger uses volume and traffic to better his odds of scoring in a game. He will be a good long term project with a top pedigree for a team.
Late Firsts, Early Second Picks
19 Jagger Firkus RW APR04 Right
Firkus is a high end junior scorer, the last elite shooter on the list. And that ultimately, is the question. Is he just a good junior scorer and shot? The answer lies in his hockey sense. I’ve seen adaptation and stacking of his strengths to get around the challenges of his weaknesses this year that point to a good head on his shoulders. He relies on east to west movement and deception to get through traffic and challenge defenses, with more size and speed hopefully coming later. His shot blends quick releases and shooting angles with accuracy.
20 Filip Bystedt C FEB04 Left
Is it possible Bystedt suffers from being “boring”? He is not a spectacular skater or a high end shooter and his solid skills were harder to pick out in the SHL. Given time for development the finer points will come for Bystedt’s offensive touch. Bystedt has power elements to his game and adding that compete and physicality into the defensive side, Bystedt could carve out a middle six role as center or wing.
21 Elias Salomonsson D AUG04 Right
I may be alone in my extreme bullishness on Salomonsson. August birthday helps sell the potential but the big skill pillars are high end if a bit raw: Skating, Passing, Shooting. His game requires guiding influence but there are teams that can mine into a gem. Maybe one with multiple picks in this range. The structure is easier to teach than the ability to handle a puck and pivot at pace—key for modern transition game. Salomonsson can do that regularly when playing with confidence and assertiveness. The risk is there but with defenders I lean the upside projection is more important than the floor.
Second & Third Rounders
22 Adam Sýkora C/LW SEP04 Left
A high floor, a late birthday, a shot to play under center in the NHL makes Sýkora a good bet for early Day Two selection. In recent playoff runs we have seen players with similar defensive skillsets to Sýkora move the needle. The potential to develop into a Lehkonen, of sorts, is optimistic but not unrealistic. He can finish his chances, drives play through smart engagement using his physical frame and high motor to get the puck back for his team. Another prospect on the list that is extremely competitive.
23 Vladimir Grudinin D DEC03 Left
Like Salmonsson, Grudinin’s elite skating sets him apart from the rest of the defenders in his tier. He is able to transition from forward to backward seamlessly giving a great foundation for one on one play in the NHL, especially under six foot. Without the puck, Grudinin will be above average. He engages in his end, and doesn’t chase or cheat for offense. More assertiveness on breakouts will only improve his defensive game. His plus anticipation and play reading helps keep plays alive in zone or start a quick transition in neutral zone, and to me that is offensive quality tools.
24 Mattias Hävelid D JAN04 Right
One of the things that sticks with me from Hävelid is his skating posture with the puck. He exudes poise and confidence with squared shoulders and loose hands keeping the puck ready to move or shoot. Not a thorough comparison but bits of Brian Campbell visually show through. At times he seems nonchalant but has a solid stick check defending rush entry, surprises with an effective wall pin, and then jumps in to quarterback the offensive zone play. That’s the upside potential. shown, at least. Despite Sweden’s ample defender prospects in recent years, Hävelid should get concerted international development.
25 Danny Zhilkin C DEC03 Left
Zhilkin may have been under a point per game however his projection is based on his excellent chance creation and offensive potential. He was a strong transition player in the OHL, his puck handling and instincts being big reasons why. Also carries an above average shot and playmaking skills that constantly funnel pucks to danger areas. He works cycle plays well, getting to the net, and should help him score in difficult areas and finishing teammate setups at higher levels.
26 Ludwig Persson LW/C OCT03 Left
Persson is a harder read being too good for J20 but possibly overwhelmed by SHL action. Average tools that are bolstered by a good scoring touch and ability to read opponents or soft ice. His skating, and work rate positively reflect his likelihood to find offense in the pro game as he develops. The risk in selecting Persson is that he is an older birth day possibly peaking in junior. Defensive value buoys the risk.
27 Seamus Casey D JAN04 Right
I am not the biggest Seamus Casey fan, nor typically rank similar styled defenders high. USNTDP constantly has smooth undersized puck movers. Casey is dynamic— constantly pushing the envelope in junior and maximizing his above average tools. As he moves through the ranks that will get put into a structure. He gets the most out of his frame and shorter defensive stick. Can he translate his engagement to efficiency when playing men though? He milks puck possession and can out-wait defense layers. That potential gamebreaking puck handles and good defensive base makes him the swing I’d prefer over other undersized US Development Program defensemen this class.
28 Julian Lutz LW FEB04 Left
Lutz lost time to injury but in recent draft classes, missed time is more common than not. Regaining his original ranking spot after sitting out shows the natural skillset and his performance during his draft year when on the ice. Not only injury but matriculating to the DEL cut the counting totals down. The toolbox is there though. Plus skating and pro-level physical engagement standout. The smaller NHL ice will likely improve his impact. Lutz is another prospect on my list that doesn’t overcomplicate the game and is effective in a lot of circumstances.
29 Kasper Kulonummi D MAR04 Right
Kulonummi is comfortable and efficient retrieving and breaking out pucks. His skating, puck handling, and passing are his better traits. He can break up rush attempts and make quick up ice plays. What has hurt his draft stock may be his more passive moments. Kulonummi can jump into play more, carry the puck out of the zone more, or cut down his gap more to better his projection. He may be over-dependent on his low panic threshold. But his shot contributions show a side that can be more “take charge.” The foundational Top 4 skills exist, and seems to have coachable traits that should ease development filling out what others aren’t seeing.
30 Topi Rönni C MAY04 Left
Rönni, a victim of his average skating, will struggle to go early in a Skating-focused NHL. However, the defensive acumen, the positional smarts, and puck handling ability could be enough to work around that detriment in the NHL. The Tappara games I saw, Rönni won back a lot of pucks and got to the right spots on the ice at the right time. Any improvement to his skating should give him a safe floor. His hands supplying enough finish and set ups in-zone. Added strength he could be a bumper or net front player on a second powerplay unit.
31 Jani Nyman LW JUL04 Left
I could make the case for Nyman anywhere after Zhilkin is off the board. Loaned to the 2nd league from Ilves was a blessing for the prospect. He finished the year just over a point per game. His playmaking and chance creation stand out in viewings. But like players in this range, there is usually a flaw that worries scouts. For Nyman, that is skating. Given frame and young age, I am less concerned than most. There is more to get out of Nyman’s stride.
32 Aleksanteri Kaskimäki W/C FEB04 Left
Kaskimäki’s value to me is his ability to play a few positions and create from whats given to him by his teammates or opponents. He use of defenders legs, screens and toe drags is the main weapon in his shot. He complimented his line mates well, finishing their rush passes and was able to set up chances for them through zone entries and good shot placement creating rebounds. Those are essential skills for carving out a middle six spot.
33 Tomas Hamara D MAR04 Left
It took a few passes through the underlying data to appreciate the Czech defender’s draft season. Nothing special about his toolkit— projects as NHL average or a tick above in all areas. But he gets the most miles out of it with good breakout and offensive activation habits that should develop well. In games with his age group or professionally, he covers ice well and shows energy to potentially log Top 4 minutes when in his prime. At this point in draft, the aim is to find defenders who project to continue upward trajectory for 3, 4 development seasons. The overall toolkit and draft season exceeding expectations makes Hamara a solid bet. Playing for Whyhockey favorite Tappara never hurts.
34 Jere Lassila C MAR04 Left
Lassila fell towards end of year but largely has been ~ this tier level in my rankings. There are doubts about the skating holding him back at his size outside junior hockey but what keeps me interested in the prospect is the perseverance and leadership Lassila has shown. Internationally he wore a letter, was counted on, and raised his game. He plays well within a structure and gets the most out of his skillset, creating his own chances. It may be a long and bumpy road but given how late I expect him to be available, he is worth a pick.
35 Topias Leinonen G JAN04 Left catch
Finally, a goalie. I did not pay much attention to the goalies this year and the industry seems to believe it is a down year for tendies. Leinonen, though, is worth a pick for a team that is determined to spend a 3rd or 4th round pick on a goalie. He is 6’5’’ and his arms and legs move with independence and quickness. In games I watched, he tracks the puck well enough and actively enough. Finns make good goalies historically, he will likely continue to get the net for international games. With patience, you may have yourself a goalie.
Late Round Possible Picks
36 Ilya Kvochko C FEB04 Left
Kvochko plays underneath the puck and allows his IQ and passing ability impact the game. He has the details and intelligence of a true center. He distributes the puck well to teammates, covers and supports well. He has a high tolerance for pressure. He likely would be higher if he could more consistently play to his best level. Too passive in a handful of viewings, and he will need to be more assertive to be a NHL center at his size.
37 Miko Matikka RW OCT03 Left
Matikka is committed to University of Denver next season, an appropriate developmental path for the winger. In isolation he flashes some skilled plays. He can be creative with his setups. Despite his size, he is a long term prospect who needs to learn how to blend his physical engagement with his areas of soft skill and add the details to his defensive game most NCAA coaches establish.
38 Matyáš Šapovaliv C FEB04 Left
One of the few prospects on this list that could go higher than my ranking. Šapovaliv played in the OHL this year, showing off his utility to more scouts. His small area game and ability to slow the game down bode well for staying a pivot. So too does the frame he’ll grow into. He has the game processing ability to read forechecks and retrieve pucks off the boards.
39 Kirill Kudryavtsev D FEB04 Left
Kudryavtsev showed enough of smooth skill and playmaking ability with Soo in the OHL this year for a draft pick. He looks effortless when moving around the ice or making a pass. It is these traits that draw scouts in. His spatial awareness and timing also make me believe there is more there.
40 Helmer Styf C AUG04 Left
Styf is a flier at best for teams and scouts. His production for MoDo’s junior teams stagnated a bit as season progressed. He may have another year before becoming a full time pro player. But the Late August 31st birthday helps cushion that. The player has almost a full year more development possibly than other players. He makes effective plays, stays in a good support position so the puck finds him, and I see enough shooting and passing skill to carve out an NHL job. He likely has smarts and enough size to be a center option if everything comes together.
Honorable Mention Arseni Koromyslov D NOV03 Left
H.M. Maxim Barbashev LW DEC03 Left
H.M. Elmeri Laakso D JUL04 Left
H.M. Lukas Gustafsson D DEC02 Left
H.M. Joel Kjellberg D APR04 Right
Whyhockey Favorites
Juraj Slafkovsky
Joakim Kemell
Brad Lambert