Welcome to the stretch run, folks.
The 2024 NHL Draft is just days away, with the world’s top teenagers eagerly waiting to hear their names selected by one of the 32 NHL teams at The Sphere in Vegas on June 28 and 29. It’s set to be one of the most unique experiences in league history, with the draft typically taking place in a hockey arena. If this indeed is the last NHL Draft where management from all 32 teams shows up in person, at least they’re going out with a bang.
This year’s draft class has been a blast to watch, both in person and in video viewings. The process begins early, with viewings starting as early as when some of these kids are playing at the U-15 level. That continues into their first years of major junior or their move to higher levels in Europe, and continues through countless hours of viewings in their draft year, dating back to the World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth last July.
Scouting the next generation isn’t easy, even for the league’s top evaluators. You’re judging teenagers who are still growing, both physically and mentally, and trying to see which of them will translate their skills the most at the next level. Scouts are still learning things about players all the time. That happens when you evaluate about 1,000 players in a season – teams will be figuring out their draft boards until the very last second.
One question that gets asked often: how can we compare this draft to others? Up front, we’re not seeing the same pure talent that gifted us Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli, Will Smith and Matvei Michkov a year ago. But what we are seeing is a significant push on the blueline, with Artyom Levshunov, Zeev Buium, Zayne Parekh and Sam Dickinson all being better than David Reinbacher, the top defender taken a year ago. Goaltending, though, is below average this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t end up seeing a single starting goalie pop out of this class. I’d say it’s a weaker draft class than 2023, but stronger than some of the COVID-era classes with the potential to have some solid late-round surprises.
So, let’s have some fun. Here are Daily Faceoff’s final 2024 NHL Draft rankings, looking at the top 120 prospects:
The undisputed No. 1 prospect is as complete as it gets, putting up great numbers while still backchecking like his life depends on it. Celebrini is good in the draw, with his pure strength allowing him to win so many faceoffs even against older competition. He’ll be San Jose’s No. 1 for a while, finding ways to make himself valuable even if he isn’t producing much on the scoresheet. As a middleman, he’s better than Bedard. Skill-wise, not on par, but still quite amazing on his own. First overall picks always get significant attention and sometimes even get overhyped. With Celebrini, you can see all the translatable skills, plus how well he handled playing against older competition at only 17. Just think where he’ll be in five more years.
2. Ivan Demidov, RW (St. Peterburg, MHL)
Demidov might be the most skilled player in this draft and could go as high as No. 2 to the Chicago Blackhawks. He finished the MHL regular season second in league scoring despite missing 24 games due to injury. At a 2.00 point-per-game average, no U-19 player has ever had a more productive season in MHL history, including Nikita Kucherov back in 2011-12. Demidov then dominated in the playoffs before getting injured, but it was a highly successful season, all things considered. From a pure talent perspective, we’re seeing one of the most creative, speedy, and offensively dominant forwards in quite some time. He’s been my No. 2 for most of the season and that won’t change.
It feels like Levshunov is the consensus No. 1 defender right now. He’s just got everything scouts want in a high-end defender – size, mobility and puck-moving skills, just to name a few quality traits. He led the Spartans in scoring after putting up one of the most impressive Draft+1 seasons by a defenseman in recent USHL history. And he’s got an incredible personality, something teams do find valuable. I think the ceiling for Levshunov to become a team’s No. 1 defenseman is very high, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he made the decision to turn pro for 2024-25.
4. Zayne Parekh, RHD (Saginaw, OHL)
If any defender in this draft can hit the 70-point marker in the NHL, it’s Parekh. Fresh off a Memorial Cup championship with Saginaw, Parekh finished the OHL regular season with 33 goals and 96 points in 66 games to lead all U-18 OHLers. It was the third most productive U-18 season ever by an OHL defender, and he still has at least another year to go in major junior – just imagine the numbers he’ll put up as the Spirit look to remain a contender in 2024-25. Parekh was far and away the best offensive defenseman in junior hockey this year, and I think the upside of him being a devastatingly good point producer will allow him to go early.
Catton isn’t built physically strong, and that could cause him issues as a center. But you can’t deny the pure talent, scoring 54 goals and 116 points in 68 games in his second full year in the WHL. The Chiefs’ alternate captain is so good with the puck, often taking control of the game when Spokane is down and out. Few draft eligibles are as good at producing high-quality chances as Catton, and he works hard enough in both ends to earn the benefit of the doubt as a future NHL center. But we’ll see. And to be clear: yeah, Catton isn’t huge, but he’s 5-foot-11. It’s not like we’re talking about a puny shrimp out there. I’m not worried about his size, truthfully. His skill negates those concerns for me.
6. Zeev Buium, LHD (University of Denver, NCAA)
Buium became just the second U-19 defenseman to break the 50-point barrier in NCAA history, and it feels like it went under the radar. He won the national championship and the World Juniors in the same year, while Macklin Celebrini even called him the best player in the Frozen Four. Buium is a great skater who loves the puck on his stick, and he never seems to get frazzled, no matter the situation. In the NHL, look for Buium to become a high-output puck distributor who can score, hit, block shots and play on both special team units.
Teams love his size, and it’s hard not to when he moves so well at 6-foot-3. A back injury took him out of action for about three months, but I still think we’re looking at someone who can dominate enough physically in the NHL. He’s an absolute monster out there, and scouts love the potential for him to be a high-scoring wrecking ball. He’ll have a realistic shot at being a No. 1 center down the line, but even if he falls at No. 2, that’s one heck of a matchup advantage for whoever takes Lindstrom.
8. Tij Iginla, LW, Kelowna (WHL)
Score, score and score some more. That’s what he does best. Iginla is a solid distributor, don’t get me wrong. But with the puck on his stick, he’s a dangerous generator. He plays with good pace, and while he isn’t big, he’s physically strong. There’s top-six potential here for a guy who loves controlling the pace of play. It doesn’t hurt having his family’s pedigree, either. I know some really think he could go in the top five of the NHL Draft, but I don’t know if I see as much true star upside as some others. Regardless, he’ll be one heck of a player.
9. Sam Dickinson, LHD (London, OHL)
I love Dickinson, and I think he’s thoroughly underrated by the average fan. A minute-muncher with the Knights, Dickinson can do a bit of everything. He’s calm with the puck, makes smart, quick decisions, and plays so well in transition. He’s 6-foot-3, moves really well and had one of the most productive seasons of any CHL defenseman. There are times he’ll get caught trying to do too much with the puck, but his versatility will make him an attractive option this year. Dickinson might be the safe pick compared to others with higher upside, but I still believe in him.
There isn’t a prospect with a better shot in the draft, and he’s now the all-time leading goal-scorer in USA Hockey National Team Development history. I thought he had an up-and-down U-18 World Championship, but he really showed how much energy and violence he can bring at times. Defensively, Eiserman can be invisible, though. I think the upside is still huge but at this point, you’re going to need a more defensively responsible center to take the pressure off him. The right usage will allow Eiserman to be a star, and I truly believe in him.
Of the group so far, I truly believe Silayev is the best at actually playing defense, but he lacks the offensive stylings the others do. But the 6-foot-7 blueliner played some important minutes in the KHL while blocking shots, landing hits and showing off great skating for his size. There aren’t a whole lot of big defenders who can skate as well as Silayev does, and his ice time in the KHL is something that has never been seen by someone his age. He’s going to be a star in a few years.
While Helenius did play a bit of wing this year, I feel like he’s got a good shot at being a center in the NHL. He’s a reliable, two-way forward coming off one of the most productive seasons ever by a U-18 player in the top Finnish league. He had a bit of a disappointing end to the season at the U-18s and World Championship, but the fact he looked so good against men for the better part of the year shows he can physically and mentally handle stronger competition. For a 5-foot-11 center, a lack of size hasn’t prevented Helenius from shining. He’s a battler who never gives up on a puck and plays with muscle. His hockey sense is among the leaders in this draft class, and he’s just so physically in tune with his own strengths. Helenius has a skill set, knows how to play to it, and knows how to use it to overpower opponents, no matter their experience.
13. Carter Yakemchuk, RHD (Calgary, WHL)
With 30 goals, 71 points and 120 penalty minutes in 66 games, it was hard not to notice Yakemchuk this year. Yet, at the NHL Draft combine, many players still considered him to be the most underrated player in this draft class. He’s such a pain for players to deal with because he’s nearly the entire package – offense, size and skating, mainly. Defensively, though, I still need to see more improvement. His decision-making under pressure leaves a bit to be desired, but the potential is high here. With some seasoning, Yakemchuk could be a high-output defender in the NHL who might be a second-pair blueliner, but someone you can throw on the power play for nice results.
14. Beckett Sennecke, RW (Oshawa, OHL)
It’s hard to not love Sennecke with the puck. He had a monster second half that saw him finish the season with 68 points, proving he knows what he can do when he’s on a heater. He’s got the ability to deke opponents with ease with incredible hands and might be one of the best puckhandlers in this draft. He isn’t afraid to rough it up and get into the dirty areas to win puck battles. I like Sennecke because he’s fun, makes highlight-reel moves often and the Generals were much better with him than without. But… it feels like there’s more excitement publicly than there is in NHL scouting circles.
15. Trevor Connelly, LW (Tri-City, USHL)
From an on-ice perspective, Connelly has so much going for him. He’s been the best player on the ice every time he represented the United States and lit up the USHL all season long. He almost cracked 80 points this year, making him one of the most productive wingers in the draft class. It’s too bad his U-18s ended with a bad penalty because he looked like a star out there on USA’s third line. Defensively, Connelly needs work but I do appreciate how well he controls the game with the puck on his stick. One of my concerns about his play was how little it felt like he utilized the talent around him in Tri-City, but that wasn’t as big of an issue when paired alongside LJ Mooney at the U-18s. Off the ice, though, is what teams are concerned about, so it’s up to the teams to decide whether they think the work he has put in over the past few years was adequate enough.
16. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW (Mora, Allsvenskan)
Brandsegg-Nygard has one of the best shot releases in the draft, and with the right linemates, he’s going to be one heck of a scoring threat. He looked great at the World Junior Championship for the lowly Norwegians and then finished the year off with a couple of great final games with the men’s national team. MBN plays at a high pace while logging significant ice time in the second-tier Swedish league. I expect him to be a solid two-way player in the NHL, and while he’s not the flashiest pick, he’s going to be popular wherever he lands.
Stiga brings boundless energy to every shift, buzzing through the ice like his life depends on it. After putting him as a mid-second rounder last time, I feel confident pushing him up because he has been my favorite draft-eligible USNTDPer way too often this year not to. I think he’s a middle-six player in the NHL, but he can play with anyone and in just about any role. That type of versatility makes him very useful, and every team can use him.
18. EJ Emery, RHD (USNTDP)
Emery has the size and strength to make himself useful in the NHL one day. I thought his performance at the U-18s only helped his stock in a big way – by all accounts, I thought he was the best defenseman. He skates well for a 6-foot-3 defender and does a tremendous job of cutting off angles, even on the bigger ice in international tournaments. In terms of pure defensive play, I don’t know if there’s a better option in this draft, and someone I could see a team trading up or down to get just because he has the makings of a rocksteady, top-four option. The North Dakota commit isn’t too active on the scoresheet, but you can pair him with someone who is and he’ll be the rock that keeps things calm.
19. Liam Greentree, LW (Windsor, OHL)
Man, if it wasn’t for the lackluster skating, I’d be all in on Greentree. He’s such a great shooter, passer and thinks the game at such a high level. From a skill perspective with the puck, Greentree reminds me a bit of USNTDP-aged Matt Boldy – he just makes things happen. Greentree’s vision is excellent, and he carried a bad Spitfires team in a big way this year. He was quiet at the U-18s, but he showed throughout the year that he can produce and play with just about anyone.
20. Michael Hage, C (Chicago, USHL)
Hage had a huge first full season with the Steel, scoring 33 goals and 75 points in 54 games. It’s exactly what we expected from him after his great U-16 season with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, and it helped him solidify his status as a first-round pick. Hage was one of the NHL’s best pure forwards with a combination of size, great skating, and tremendous puckhandling. As far as pure centers go, Hage is one of the best available this year. I’d like to see him add more muscle mass, but I think he’s going to end up being one of the best prospects taken in the second half of the first round.
21. Stian Solberg, LHD (Valerenga, Norway)
Scouts really have come around on Solberg – so much so that he looks like a lock for the first round after starting outside of the second. He’s 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, something that has helped him play against men for the better part of the past three years. His best play, though, was at the IIHF World Championship, where he was Norway’s best defenseman by a longshot. He took some dumb penalties, but Solberg isn’t afraid to play on the edge and I like him for that. I’m excited to see what he can do in the NHL in a few years.
22. Igor Chernyshov, LW (Dynamo, KHL)
At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Chernyshov has good size and isn’t afraid to use it. A typical power forward, Chernyshov played more than half the season in the KHL but was also a stout offensive threat in the MHL. For the most part, I like how he has matured this year. He doesn’t make as many poor decisions with and without the puck as last year and doesn’t seem to struggle under pressure. Chernyshov does a great job of working his tail off without the puck, and he’s not afraid of anything. He just moves all the time, something coaches love to see.
23. Nikita Artamonov, RW (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL)
Artamonov became one of my favorite wingers due to his high-end hockey IQ and his ability to get into scoring positions. Artamonov stepped into KHL duty and immediately started producing, which is something very few scouts expected after watching him last year. His energetic motor is noticeable, even if he’s just an average skater at best. He’s not a big kid, but he battles so hard and plays a nice physical game. That dog-on-a-bone mentality, mixed in with his hockey IQ, makes him an exciting option.
24. Adam Jiricek, RHD (Plzen, Czechia)
Jiricek was injured at the world juniors and missed the rest of the year after and still hasn’t skated yet. His draft stock is going to take a huge blow, especially after just a so-so run with HC Plzen in the top Czech league. However, the fact he was playing against men at a young age can’t be understated, and if he’s anything like his brother, David, he could still emerge as a great value pickup. The 6-foot-2 defender had one assist in 19 pro games but was a key part of the Czechs’ national junior program, playing nearly 20 games between the U-18 and U-20 teams.
25. Sacha Boisvert, C (Muskegon, USHL)
Boisvert is relied on heavily to do a bit of everything in Muskegon. So it’s impressive that he managed to put up 36 goals and 68 points in 61 games while still being the team’s best two-way forward with great defensive awareness. Boisvert has good skill, competitiveness and reads plays as well as any center in the draft. I don’t think he’ll be a high-end scorer in the NHL, but 50 points would be an attainable goal.
26. Aron Kiviharju, LHD (HIFK, Liiga)
After missing most of the season due to an injury, Kiviharju returned in time for the U-18s and had a fine, yet unspectacular tournament. That’s to be expected, given his significant time off, so it’s hard to say if he hurt or helped his stock. Once considered one of the top prospects in the 2024 NHL Draft, he fell even before his injury, but I still think there’s top-pairing potential there. Kiviharju had some bumps in the road a year ago against men, but his upside as a minute-munching, puck-moving defender will still make teams interested.
27. Charlie Elick, RHD (Brandon, WHL)
I really like Elick, although I’m not sure where he’ll end up in the draft. The team that drafts Elick is getting someone with size, physicality and good defensive zone awareness. Offense? Nope, although he’s got better abilities with the puck than some might give him credit for. Elick moves well for a 6-foot-3 defenseman and many WHL players consider him one of the toughest defensemen to beat in 1-on-1 situations. There isn’t high-end upside here, but he’s got the makings of a guy who’ll have a good 10-12 year career being effective in his own zone.
28. Andrew Basha, LW (Medicine Hat, WHL)
Basha had a tremendous year with Medicine Hat, picking up the slack while Lindstrom was injured. He finished the regular season with 30 goals and 85 points in 63 games, building upon a campaign that saw him post one of the best goal totals of any Draft-1 players in the CHL last year. He won’t blow you away in the NHL with his skill, but he brings good energy and is strong defensively. Basha’s hockey sense will take him far, and his ability to play a variety of different roles helps, too.
29. Dean Letourneau, C (St. Andrew’s, PHC)
It’s hard to not notice the Boston College commit – he’s 6-foot-7. Letourneau had a great year with St. Andrew’s College, registering 61 goals and 127 points to push himself into first-round territory. Putting up points in prep school is one thing, but the USHL-bound forward is just so physically dominant while still skating and moving the puck like a smaller center. When he gets in front of the net, things happen. I have full belief he’ll be able to adjust to the college game once he gets there, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a one-and-done in 2024-25 given how physically mature he is.
30. Cole Beaudoin, C (Barrie, OHL)
Beaudoin was excellent at the U-18 World Championship, looking great as a bottom-six threat who did just about everything. Beaudoin projects to be more of a third-line center in the NHL, but someone who’ll bring results. He scores, hits, block shots and defends – everything you’re hoping for out of a reliable two-way center. Beaudoin lacks the upside of many others in this draft class, but he does enough things well to earn a long NHL career. Part of that is thanks to his great work ethic, but he’s built like a human tank. Beaudoin’s pure strength and athleticism will keep him in the NHL for a long time.
31. Emil Hemming, RW (TPS, Liiga)
Despite not producing much at the World Juniors, I liked what I saw from Hemming. He’s capable of getting creative offensively, but I feel like he’s a future bottom-six forward who can outmuscle players while staying disciplined and grinding it out all game long. His defensive game is nice, too. If he improves his skating, I can see Hemming playing a more prominent role in the NHL, but at a minimum, I think he works hard enough to earn himself a spot deeper down.
32. Egor Surin, C (Yaroslavl, MHL)
Surin was a man on a mission throughout the MHL playoffs, only getting outpaced by Ivan Demidov. He played great during the second half, where it seemed like he was more in control of his own body and not trying to hit guys for the sake of throwing a hit. Discipline can still be an issue at points, but he’s so skilled with a great shot and quick hands. If Surin can put everything together consistently without trying to get too cute with the puck, he’ll be a steal. The upside is real here, but he’s got to play smarter.
33. Ryder Ritchie, RW (Prince Albert, WHL)
Ritchie loves the puck on his stick, so it only makes sense that he has a great shot release. He can be flashy, but we saw him at the U-18s play a more reserved role while bringing some solid energy and playing a bit more physical than we’re used to. An injury kept him out of play for about two months, really dampening what was just a fine first half of the year. Prince Albert’s best player in the playoffs ended the year strong after putting up some great numbers at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The raw talent is there, but he just has to put it together on a nightly basis if he’s going to be effective in the NHL.
34. Alfons Freij, LHD (Vaxjo, Sweden U-20)
I thought Freij looked really solid at the U-18s where he was easily one of the better defenders. He’s good in so many elements but not exceptional in anything. Freij has the ability to be elusive with the puck and run a power play, but I do see some second-pairing potential while putting up 30ish points a year. With just some refinement, the 6-foot-1 defenseman could really take the next step in his development. His numbers have been great internationally and he’s one of the best offensive defensemen in the Swedish U-20 league.
35. Dominik Badinka, RHD (Malmo, SHL)
There’s a lot to like here about Badinka, who took a chance on himself by leaving home a few years ago to get the best opportunity to shine in Sweden. Badinka has a good 6-foot-3 frame and solid hockey sense, and he doesn’t crumble under pressure. His mobility is solid, he’s elusive and makes things happen with the puck more often than not. If he can add some extra top speed, he’ll be golden because he’s got the own-zone play figured out.
36. Jett Luchanko, C (Guelph, OHL)
I was initially concerned about his size – 5-foot-11, 170 pounds. I would like to see more muscle on him. However, after he put up more than 50 assists this year, I’m really impressed with his vision and hockey IQ. Luchanko excels in creating opportunities on the power play, primarily as a playmaker. He also has a great shot, although I wish he would use it more often. I don’t know if I like him enough as a first-round pick but I see the talent and understand the interest in his brain.
Man, Hutson is fun to watch. He was named top defenseman at the U-18s after leading all blueliners in points, which helped him become the all-time USNTDP scoring leader in his position. He’s defensively flawed, can get too fancy with the puck at the wrong times and isn’t particularly big. But the upside here is still huge. Like his older brother Lane, Cole has tremendous hockey IQ and can elude attackers as well as anyone. I feel like his shot has improved over the past 18 months, mostly in terms of accuracy and overall power, but it’s still a work in progress. I think he’s a good value pick if taken after No. 25.
38. Henry Mews, RHD (Ottawa, OHL)
I love Mews’ offensive abilities, and he put them on full display at the U-18s. Defensively, I feel like he was physical, cut off angles well and did a good job of keeping the puck in the zone in all situations. Mews made some smart decisions with the puck and was the team’s top power-play quarterback, a role I expect him to thrive in once he’s an NHLer. The decision-making with the puck still needs to work, even if I felt it was a bit more refined here.
39. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, LHD (Vaxjo, Sweden U-20)
LSW is a skilled defenseman who plays at a high pace – but, sometimes, he outpaces himself. The offensive instincts are there, and he’s been able to rip apart opponents at the U-20 level. But you can catch him making unforced errors with the puck that put him in a bad spot. I liked him at the U-18s a bit more than some others but I feel like he still gets caught making dumb mistakes too often. That can be worked on, though.
40. Lucas Pettersson, C (Modo, Sweden U-20)
As a centerman, Pettersson plays a stout two-way game and has really shown more confidence as the season has worn on. The U-18 World Championship was an excellent opportunity for Pettersson to step up for Sweden, helping them win bronze after putting in some great performances in the playoff round. Pettersson can fly around the ice and has gotten better at using that to steal pucks in tight. He’s also a solid penalty killer, too.
41. Linus Eriksson, C (Djurgardens, Allsvenskan)
I continue to find new ways to like Eriksson’s game the more I watch him. A potential second-round pick, Eriksson is a smart forward who builds his game on speed and offensive awareness. He’s great with the puck, has excellent hockey IQ and can grind shifts out like a bottom-six player. I don’t think he’s got the scoring touch to play a bigger role in the NHL, but I could see him becoming a third-line player who can step up if needed. He’s just so well-rounded.
42. Jesse Pulkkinen, LHD, 19 (JYP, Liiga)
The top overage player in the draft this year, Pulkkinen played around 18 minutes a night with JYP, which isn’t always easy for a 19-year-old. Against U-20 kids, he played more than 25 minutes most nights, including a whopping 31:29 on March 17. Nothing tops his 38:09 in Mestis play back in November, though. Pulkkinen can handle significant pressure well and has the offensive and physical chops to battle older, stronger competition. Don’t be surprised if a team reaches for him late in the first.
43. Tanner Howe, LW (Regina, WHL)
I don’t know what to think here anymore. Howe can clearly produce, with and without Connor Bedard, his most common linemate over the first two years of his junior career. Howe was a high-end scorer again this year, and he loves to compete, but his skating and smaller frame don’t help. Despite that, Howe battles for pucks and has the energy that can make him more valuable if he isn’t cast into a scoring role. Im just not sure he has what it takes to be an all-around player at the next level. There are some raw elements to his game, but nothing that screams a lock to be an NHLer without some refinement and more commitment to 200-foot play.
44. Harrison Brunicke, RHD (Kamloops, WHL)
Brunicke could become the second South African-born player drafted in the first round, although I don’t feel too confident about it given the depth of options right now. I do know there’s a ton of interest from teams looking for a big, right-handed defenseman who can play a bunch of different roles. He’s quite smart with the puck, and I feel like his offensive abilities are better than his numbers suggest. With a 6-foot-3 frame, projectable traits and some budding offensive potential, there’s a lot to like here – and a decent showing at the U-18s doesn’t hurt.
45. Maxim Masse, RW (Chicoutimi, QMJHL)
There aren’t many draft-eligible goal-scorers out of the QMJHL, but the 6-foot-2 winger led Chicoutimi with 36 goals and 75 points. He was a shot generation machine, registering five or more quite often this year. Masse is a good two-way player with good energy. His skating is lacking compared to others this high in the draft, but there’s been an improvement over the past 12 months.
46. Terik Parascak, RW (Prince George, WHL)
From playing prep hockey a year ago to finishing eighth in WHL scoring this year, Parascak was a revelation this season. He finished with 43 goals and 105 points while producing a two-point per-game pace throughout large portions of the season. Parascak kicked off the postseason with a hat trick in Game 1 – his second of the year after scoring four in just his third game of the season – and ended up with 14 points in 12 playoff games. Some scouts are worried his game isn’t rounded enough and that playing on an offensively dominant team has helped him significantly, and his skating is a real problem.
47. Marek Vanacker, LW (Brantford, OHL)
There’s a lot to like about Vanacker’s game. He’s not great defensively, for sure, but he moves so well with the puck and creates quality scoring chances on a consistent basis. He was just a depth forward a year ago, but now he’s the one doing so much of the heavy lifting for Brantford. While I’m projecting him as a second-rounder, some teams like him as a top-32 pick. If there’s one thing he’s good at, it’s working until he’s got nothing left in the tank. He’ll start the 2024-25 season dealing with a shoulder injury, but that shouldn’t hurt his draft stock.
48. John Mustard, C (Waterloo, USHL)
A high-flying skater, Mustard went from playing AAA a year ago to becoming one of the USHL’s best freshmen. He led Waterloo in scoring while being a hard-working, two-way threat who seemed to play better whenever he was granted extra responsibilities out there. Mustard isn’t flashy, but I could see his work ethic allowing him to get the job done in a team’s bottom six. Once projected as a seventh-round pick to start the year, Mustard feels like a sure-fire second-round bet.
49. Julius Miettinen, C (Everett, WHL)
I really, really like Miettinen. The Silvertips star plugged away at a point-per-game pace all season long, his first in North America. He’s big at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, and he’s not afraid to use his frame any time he can. Miettinen protects well, skates solidly and is difficult to take the puck off of. His season started slowly, but once he got more comfortable in his new environment, he started to really look good.
50. Justin Poirier, RW (Baie-Comeau, QMJHL)
Poirier had a nice season with Baie-Comeau, scoring 69 goals between the regular season and playoffs. He’s always been a goal-scorer dating back to his minor hockey days, although he’s becoming a better heads-up passer. NHL Central Scouting had him at 5-foot-7, but reports suggest he’s actually 5-foot-8. He clearly lacks size, but not skill. I think a team will be willing to take a chance on him in the top 50 as one of the guys who breaks through despite his smaller stature.
51. Sam O’Reilly, RW (London, OHL)
O’Reilly has been one of the biggest movers in the draft rankings due to his play as a smart, two-way center. He had a solid playoff run, too, playing a great secondary role. O’Reilly was playing Jr. B with the London Nationals last year, but it didn’t take him long to get acquainted to the speed and tenacity of the OHL. He put up better numbers than Easton Cowan did last year and just below Denver Barkey, so that’s a good sign. O’Reilly is toolsy, which is important for a player his age.
52. Matvei Gridin, LW (Muskegon, USHL)
Gridin captured the USHL scoring crown for 2023-24. The University of Michigan product had the most multi-point efforts in the league this season, too. His two-way game needs some work, but he’s been more engaged without the puck the final few viewings I had compared to, say, the Fall Showcase. His offensive upside is interesting as long as he can keep putting up similar numbers in the NCAA, and I do think he’ll be a top-six threat with the Wolverines. Maybe he’ll be a nice pickup for someone in the second round.
53. Matvei Shuravin, LHD (Krasnaya Armiya, MHL)
Scouts are really mixed here. Some have Shuravin as a first-rounder, others outside the second round. At 6-foot-4 and 198 pounds, he’s got the size scouts are looking for. He does play with an edge, but there are some questions about his decision-making. I liked him in his spot on KHL duty, perhaps a bit more than some of his games in the MHL. Injuries limited his overall playing time this year, but I think he has good late-bloomer potential if he keeps playing at his pace.
54. Ben Danford, RHD (Oshawa, OHL)
For a defenseman with Danford’s offensive abilities, it’s crazy he had just one goal during the regular season with Oshawa. But he’s a guy his teammates like to rely on because he’s rarely caught making a mistake distributing the puck. I’ve seen Danford play both sides on the blueline this year but I think he’s got something going on the left side – it fits his shot better.
55. Max Plante, LW (USNTDP)
Plante is one of the better playmakers in this class. He has skated alongside some of the USNTDP’s top talent and has excellent hand-eye coordination. Plante isn’t big, but he’s always looking to make a smart pass, and it pays off. He has put up good numbers, although I feel like he can get caught trying to make passes when he should just shoot the puck.
56. Kamil Bednarik, C (USNTDP)
Bednarik may not be the flashiest player, but he is consistent. He puts in a strong effort every single night, can play with anyone, and does a lot of small things well. Whether he’s playing with a goal-scorer like Cole Eiserman or someone who’s more energy-focused, Bednarik’s ability to learn and adapt makes him intriguing. Although his skating isn’t great, he compensates with hard work at both ends of the ice and actively tries to regain control of the puck. I can see Bednarik being one of the guys who excels in college and adds extra scoring punch.
57. Adam Kleber, RHD (Lincoln, USHL)
One of the better “big” guys in the draft, Kleber has shot himself into top-40 territory in the eyes of many scouts. Kleber is a University of Minnesota-Duluth commit, and his 6-foot-5, 209-pound frame makes him tantalizing. He doesn’t put a ton of points on the board, but he will punish you with his strength and work ethic. Kleber had an excellent second half to the season, which saw him look more comfortable moving the puck and outskating opponents. Teams like right-shot defenders with his type of profile, especially since he can move pretty well, too. I feel like the ceiling is high here.
58. Leon Muggli, LHD (Zug, NL)
Muggli had a solid year in the top Swiss league. There were points at the World Juniors where Muggli was outmatched by drafted competition, but I felt like he got better as the tournament wore on and he wasn’t worried about making mistakes – allowing him to play to his strengths. I think he’s got the brains to have a good NHL career, but mostly as a bottom-pairing defender.
59. Adam Jecho, C (Edmonton, WHL)
Jecho is big at 6-foot-5 and 201 pounds, making him difficult to move off the puck. He skates well, too, which makes him a bit scarier to opponents having to deal with along the boards. Jecho has been a mainstay in international competition for quite some time, but his play at the U-18 World Championship was by far his best. He played all situations, managed the point on the power play and rarely lost battles in the middle.
60. Tomas Galvas, LHD (Olomouc, Czechia)
Czech evaluators really like Galvas. He’s undersized, but he’s great with the puck, and his confidence has continued to grow throughout the season with Liberec’s men’s team. Given that he had to essentially fill in for Adam Jiricek, I felt like he had a solid showing at the World Juniors. I didn’t love him at the U-18s, though. It just felt like I’ve seen more from him. He needs to add more muscle to complement his skating and overall solid puck work.
61. Colin Ralph, LHD (Shattuck’s St. Mary’s, Prep)
Ralph produced at more than a point-per-game with SSM this year, which, mixed with his big 6-foot-4, 227-pound frame, is intriguing. The St. Cloud State University commit hasn’t played in the USHL yet, but he’s a projectable defender who’s hard to beat due to how mobile he is with his big frame. He’s got all the tools to become a physically strong offensive defenseman with good hockey IQ.
62. Miguel Marques, RW (Lethbridge, WHL)
If one thing stands out here, it’s Marques’ confidence. He’s just 5-foot-11, but he’s not afraid of bigger players, and it shows in how feisty he gets. Marques’ numbers have been excellent this season and he’s got enough skill in bursts to beat just about anyone in the QMJHL in 1-on-1 situations. I just wish he’d shoot the puck more because he has too many quiet games.
63. Will Skahan, LHD (USNTDP)
There’s so much to like about Skahan, a 6-foot-4, 212-pound defenseman. He can get nasty out there, playing an aggressive, in-your-face style that few have figured out how to contain. The Boston College commit lacks in the offensive department, which is why he’s down here. But you’re drafting him for physicality and defensive-zone play – two things he excels at.
64. Jacob Battaglia, LW (Kingston, OHL)
After a decent rookie season, Battaglia saw his offense bounce up to 31 goals and 65 points in 67 games with Kingston this year. A producer at all levels, he’s not huge at six-foot but he’s strong and creative. If he can carry his offense up to higher level, he could be a decent middle-six scoring threat.
65. Luke Misa, C (Brampton, OHL)
Misa has speed that kills and creates his own breakaways as often as anyone. When he uses his speed to create chances, he’s so difficult to beat – but it’s about consistently using that to his advantage. He’s a breakaway machine – got at least one in all of my live viewings this year. From an overall standpoint, Misa has performed much better than I expected this year after watching him closely over the past few years. I expect him to transform into a Ryan McLeod-style player.
66. Christian Humphreys, C (USNTDP)
When asking USNTDP players about the most underrated player on the roster, they always mentioned Humphreys. I think he’s got good puck work that should make him effective as a complementary forward in the NHL, and he seems to be much stronger now than he was at the same time last year. I felt like he especially looked good in some showings against college teams this year, most notably Cornell, early in the season.
67. Alex Zetterberg, C (Orebro, Sweden U-20)
All he does is score. You could see how less dynamic the Swedes were at the U-18 World Championship once Zetterberg suffered his concussion. At 5-foot-8, there are legitimate concerns about his small frame. And producing against U-20 kids is different than playing against men, something he hasn’t done yet. But playing in his own age group, few players can produce offense at both 5-on-5 and with the man advantage like Zetterberg.
68. Tarin Smith, LHD (Everett, WHL)
There’s no consensus for Smith this year, with some liking him as a second-rounder while others are thinking third or fourth. The intelligent defenseman missed nearly all of 2022-23, scoring just one goal in eight games. This year, he had 44 points in 67 games, wasting no time making up for lost time – especially on the power play. His shoulder looks to be in good shape, and if he can stay healthy, there’s a chance he’ll become one of the better value picks in the draft.
69. A.J. Spellacy, RW (Windsor, OHL)
Spellacy is one of the best skaters in this draft, with his athleticism being evident all year long, too. He reminds me a bit of a younger Miles Wood – someone who can clearly shoot the puck and with a high level of physicality. That makes sense, given he almost went to play Division I NCAA football, but he made the move to stick in hockey and I think he made the right call. He’s not going to be a high-end producer, but he’ll be a decent depth scorer who brings energy and skill.
70. Veeti Vaisanen, LHD (KooKoo, Liiga)
A lot of the early season hype has started to slow on Vaisanen. I know some scouts still think there’s first-round potential, but that crowd’s getting smaller. The good news is he has spent most of the year playing against men and has only seemingly gotten better with more experience. If he’d just move the puck quicker, I’d have fewer concerns.
71. Lukas Fischer, LHD (Sarnia, OHL)
Fischer is one of the youngest players in this draft class, but at 6-foot-4, he’s easy to notice. He’s not physically built strong and I feel like that could be an issue for him at the next level, but there’s raw potential thanks to his quality skating and his active offensive game. There’s so much upside you see in his game; it wasn’t uncommon for him to be Sarnia’s best player this year. But when he wasn’t playing at his best, it was noticeable for all the wrong reasons. If a team is patient with him, I can see the toolsy defenseman paying off for them.
72. Simon Zether, C (Rogle, SHL)
Zether caught my eye as a late 2005-born player last year, especially internationally. He’s got significant SHL experience, and he didn’t lack confidence against the tougher competition. Zether stands at 6-foot-2 and seems to play bigger than his size. He’s a good play-reader, moves the puck well and is great in small-area situations. I wish we saw more offense out of him in the SHL, given he had just four assists in 42 games, but he’s an intimidating presence who can definitely shoot the puck. Next year will be big for him.
73. Marcus Gidlöf, G (Leksands, Sweden U-20)
Gidlöf is so fascinating – and I think NHL Central Scouting put him way too low as the No. 10 European goalie. At 6-foot-6 with solid numbers in the Swedish U-20 league, Gidlöf is aggressive in his crease and takes up so much space. He tracks pucks well, is extremely competitive and has good rebound control. In a year with very few starter-caliber options, Gidlöf could end up being a steal. I just feel it. There are still some raw elements to his game but many goalie-focused scouts I’ve talked to think he’s going to a huge pickup.
74. Daniil Ustinkov, LHD (Zurich, NL)
I was really high on Ustinkov last year but it seemed like he kept falling all year long. He often struggled with the pace needed in Switzerland, but I felt like he was solid during the playoffs, despite having just one point to show for it. I think he knows he’s skilled and tries to do too much, but doesn’t have the ability to make up for mistakes. Ustinkov has shown often he can be one of Switzerland’s best defenders, but consistency is an issue. High-risk, high-reward.
75. Eriks Mateiko, LW (Saint John, QMJHL)
I really like Mateiko, who I feel is a bit underrated. The Latvian forward is strong, competes hard and plays exceptionally well in the defensive zone. I don’t expect him to put up a ton of points at the pro level but I think he finds enough ways to be valuable in different areas of the game, including the penalty kill, to make himself valuable. He’s getting more comfortable using his size to his advantage, including in front of the net and along the boards. There’s enough potential here to get excited about Mateiko.
76. Clarke Caswell, LW (Swift Current, WHL)
Caswell had a quiet first half but finished the year by registering a point in all but one game after mid-February. He really started to come alive in the postseason, showing a level of energy and tenacity that you love to see from someone trying to prove themselves. It’s hard to get a good read on what his future’s like – he’s not big, needs to improve his skating and could up his defensive game, but with the puck, there’s a lot to like.
77. Brodie Ziemer, C (USNTDP)
I like Ziemer. The University of Minnesota commit isn’t high on anyone’s list, but from talking to his teammates, he’s always the guy they mention who is a natural-born leader. He’s the captain, so it makes sense, but he’s a solid goal-scorer who is smart enough to get himself out of sticky situations. I’m not sure about his skating, but I think there’s a chance for him to be a decent depth scorer at the next level.
78. Mac Swanson, C (Fargo, USHL)
I love Swanson. If he was three to four inches taller, we’d be talking about a potential first-round pick. From a pure skill perspective, Swanson is tremendous. After scoring 55 points as a rookie with Fargo, he upped the game with 77 points, highlighted by his 51 assists. He has a good shot, but Swanson is as good of a playmaker as it gets at this level. That was evident at the World Junior A Challenge when he had nine assists in just six games, making himself one of the best players in that tournament. I feel like his play away from the puck has improved, but it’s not a strength, and neither is his shot release. At the very least, he competes hard enough to the point where he could be one of the few small players who can make it work in a support role.
79. Carter George, G (Owen Sound, OHL)
George’s game is built around just keeping things steady and relaxed in the crease. At 6-foot-1, George is also on the smaller side, but he’s as confident as they come in this year’s class. Let in a bad goal? He’s going to rob you on your next chance. Nothing seems to bother him, and he also sees through traffic well for a smaller keeper. I thought George was great at the U-18s, especially in the medal round, even if the stats might not fully reflect it. From a skill perspective, he’s clean, but can scouts look past the smaller frame?
80. Noel Fransen, LHD (Farjestad, Sweden U-20)
Fransen had an electric campaign, leading all U-19 defensemen in scoring this year in the top U-20 league in Sweden. He’s got some high-end offensive instincts that puts him among the best in that category thanks to some incredible vision and agility. Defensively, though, he falls short, something that can often hurt the career potential of players with his type of build, but he’s still a high-risk, high-reward forward with high-end offensive gifts.
81. Anthony Romani, RW (North Bay, OHL)
The first thing that stands out about Romani’s game is his hockey IQ. Even last year, that was something that popped, and the results followed with a 68-point increase to 111 this year in his third campaign with North Bay. That all but assured he’d get drafted, with many scouts happy to see him finally live up to expectations after being a strong minor hockey star in the GTHL. He had to deal with playing catch-up after losing his OHL Draft year, where he was expected to challenge for the scoring lead. He has a remarkable shot and his skating continues to get better, but he needs to work on his defensive game still.
82. Eemil Vinni, G (JoKP, Mestis)
Vinni’s stats might not be special, but it’s difficult being a starter in a pro league at 18. Vinni didn’t get a start at the World Juniors, but he’s arguably been Finland’s best goaltender in the U-20 national team competition this year. At 6-foot-2, he has decent size and, fortunately, he isn’t overcommitting on shots as much as he was a year ago. Vinni will need a lot of seasoning before becoming an NHLer, but I see potential there in how he commands himself in the crease. I think he’s one of those guys we’re going to see have a breakout season in Liiga before heading to the AHL and becoming an NHL backup.
83. Carson Wetsch, RW (Calgary, WHL)
Wetsch was a surprising addition to Canada’s U-18 team, but I thought he was a good, energetic winger. He competes hard and skates well enough to make up for a lack of pure skill. Wetsch’s playmaking was solid in the WHL and I think he has a better shot release than he gets credit for. A winger with bottom-six potential, he’s a good skater who works hard at both ends and bring some physicality.
84. Luca Marrelli, LHD (Oshawa, OHL)
A late 2005-born defenseman, Marrelli fascinated me this season as Oshawa’s top puck-moving defenseman. He’s a solid skater who has elevated his offensive production in a big way as a third-year OHLer, and he has a solid 6-foot-2 frame to boot. Marrelli’s confidence with the puck is evident most times when he hits the ice, and his hockey IQ keeps him involved most of the time.
Yegorov was one of the busiest goaltenders in the draft class this year, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on whom you talk to. The Belarus native has the mental game going for him, he can handle the heavy workload, but he also has the size. At 6-foot-5, that’s the frame NHL teams crave. Scouts want him to be quicker, but they also wonder if he deals with fatigue more than the average goalie based on his workload. From a raw skills perspective, though, he’s a good skater, has an excellent glove hand, covers a lot of the net and tracks pucks well, especially through traffic. Yegorov is positionally sound, and he’s one of the best at keeping pucks out of the net down low thanks to his great legspan.
86. Raoul Boilard, C (Baie-Comeau, QMJHL)
If Boilard doesn’t make it as a point producer, and I don’t think he will, he should have a good career as a bottom-six player with good hockey sense. He’s a solid playmaker who can do a lot with the puck, and his defensive game is strong at this age. I envision Boilard becoming a bottom-six defensive center who can win a lot of faceoffs, and you still need guys like that.
87. Ryerson Leenders, G (Brampton, OHL)
I still think Leenders is one of the best goaltenders in the draft class, even if he fell off a bit in the second half. He proved countless times this year that he was capable of stealing games and had the best save percentage of any draft-eligible OHL goaltender this year at .909. Keep in mind that defensive play can be quite wonky at this age. He rarely got out-goalie’d in tight matchups, something scouts appreciate.
88. Ilya Nabokov, G (Magnitogorsk, KHL)
Many are tabbing Nabokov as one of top goaltenders in the draft, and his recent season in the KHL helps back up the concept. The 6-foot-1 goaltender isn’t big, and that’s a large reason why he was passed over three times already. But, as the oldest prospect in this draft class, he brings serious potential. He was one of the KHL’s top goaltenders despite being one of the youngest starters and showed unbelievable athleticism and post-to-post movement. Scouts love his ability to move fluently in the crease, and his raw talent is going to excite quite a bit of people.
89. Riley Patterson, C (Barrie, OHL)
From producing one of the best Draft+1 seasons in recent OJHL memory to just missing out on the 30-goal mark as an OHL rookie, Patterson had an excellent season with the Colts. I especially liked him against Oshawa in the first round, when he found creative ways to make scoring chances happen while also playing a solid physical game. Patterson is a good skater who plays with skill and strength, and I think he should get picked higher than the No. 116 spot NHL Central Scouting placed him in.
90. Hagen Burrows, RW (Minnetonka, MIN-HS)
While eyes were fixated on Javon Moore at Minnetonka, Burrows was making his own case to get drafted. The smart, playmaking forward had 19 goals and 59 points in 28 high school games and was also a force with 22 points in 25 USHL games with Sioux City. Burrows is a deceptive forward with high-end puck skills and a fantastic shot that I just wish he’d use more. The University of Denver commit has excelled at all levels and I don’t think that’ll change in the NCAA – but I do hope he develops more speed there.
91. Aatos Koivu, C (TPS, Finland U-20)
The son of former Montreal Canadiens Saku Koivu, Aatos Koivu had an up-and-down season. The highs were high, though, especially at the U-18 Five Nations in Finland back in February. Koivu has the same playmaking qualities as his father, and he also has a hard wrister that can devastate goaltenders in open ice – especially on the power play. The mix of speed, good hands and compete level is keeping scouts interested. He works hard and plays with pace, and now scouts are wondering how much more he can unlock out of his game. Right now, he can play any role, with that type of versatility coming in handy.
92. Javon Moore, LW (Minnetonka, MN-High)
Moore didn’t get a ton of eyes on him given where he plays, but scouts liked what they saw. At 6-foot-3, he’s got the size teams crave and his skating is high-end. There’s a ton of power in his game, and I think he’s one of the more athletic kids you’ll find. But the University of Minnesota commit can struggle with consistency and his hockey sense is lacking compared to others around this point in the list. It’s always hard to judge high school players because the competition isn’t great, but the raw talent is noticeable, at least. His time in the NCAA will be crucial to round him out because the ability is excellent.
93. Melvin Fernstrom, RW (Orebro, Sweden U-20)
From a production standpoint, Fernstrom brings quality to every shift. I love the hands; he’s really creative. I can see him being a power-play specialist, but I’m not sure he’s rounded enough to be a serious top nine threat, for now. That’s because he can get caught trying to do way too much and doesn’t have the IQ or awareness to turn it into anything tangible. Still, from a raw skill perspective, Fernstrom can play with just about anyone and was a big part of Sweden’s attack in U-18 action all season long.
94. Tomas Mrsic, C (Medicine Hat, WHL)
Could Mrsic be a diamond in the rough? The talent is there. He’s got one of the better shots in this draft class, he’s an excellent skater and loves to land checks whenever he can, even if he’s not big. But what brings him down is his defensive play, which is often quite poor. Mrsic also tends to skate himself to the perimeter and take himself out of prime scoring position, too. If he can round out his game more, he could be an excellent pickup.
95. Jakub Fibigr, LHD (Brampton, OHL)
While I don’t think the U-18s did Fibigr many favors, I still feel highly about him. He was a standout with the Steelheads this year, showing good hockey IQ and solid production in his first season in North America. Fibigr works his tail off and loves to play aggressively, and I liked how much more involved he got with the puck as the season wore on. He’s not a quick skater, but there’s a good base to build around here.
96. Jack Berglund, C (Farjestad, Sweden U-20)
There’s definitely an NHL future for Berglund. He’s got a 6-foot-3 frame, is big at 209 pounds and can muscle his way past anyone. That size has allowed him to adjust to SHL games with ease while also bullying around his own age group in U-20 action. Berglund has done a solid job offensively internationally, but those have come in spurts. For me, he fits the mold of a bottom-six center perfectly – he’s defensively responsible, he’s strong and can move well, too.
97. Nathan Villeneuve, C (Sudbury, OHL)
It was a solid season for Villeneuve, who finished with 50 points despite playing third-line minutes. He’s an all-around forward who plays with good pace and isn’t afraid to mix it up along the boards. Villeneuve loves to spend time causing havoc in front of the net and plays a strong off-puck game compared to many others around this point in the list. His energy and feistiness will give him a shot in the NHL, even if he doesn’t have the pure skill to burn.
98. Colton Roberts, RHD (Vancouver, WHL)
Roberts is an interesting one because I feel like there’s more skill than his stats suggest. But for the most part, he projects as a shutdown defenseman who can beat you with his 6-foot-4 frame, and he’s excellent in transition. His puck sense is low-end, though, and that could prevent him from being more than just a stay-at-home option. When he’s good, though, he’s really noticeable and tough to beat.
99. Ollie Josephson, C (Red Deer, WHL)
Josephson earned some serious attention at the NHL Draft Combine after performing well in many of the key physical categories. He’s a shutdown forward, but he’s got a motor and will wear you down until there’s nothing left. You’re not drafting Josephson for scoring. But in terms of someone who’ll lay his life on the line to win a battle of any kind? Josephson does that. He knows his role, knows his strengths and knows how to utilize them. As a bottom-six forward, you can do a lot worse.
100. Spencer Gill, RHD (Rimouski, QMJHL)
The 6-foot-3 defenseman didn’t produce much at the U-18s in a year that saw him put in 12 goals and 46 points with Rimouski this year, but he showed good competition and defensive awareness. Still, you could see some raw potential and I know a lot of scouts believe he’s a decent sleeper. I think he would work best as a shutdown defenseman in the NHL because I don’t think he’s offensively gifted enough to do more in the NHL, so I hope to see him focus on that a bit more.
101. Pavel Moysevich, G (SKA. St Petersburg, KHL)
At 6-foot-5, there’s so much to like about Mosyevich. The Belarusian goaltender was passed over in 2023, but the fourth-ranked European goaltender had some excellent starts with SKA while also looking good in the junior league playoffs, too. He’s got the size teams crave and the athleticism to boot, too. Moysevich does a great job of holding the fort down low and has an active shoulder that allows him to take space away up high. He simply looks ahead of his age group in terms of maturity and positioning. In a year where there aren’t a ton of high-end options, teams will be chasing size, and Moysevich has tons of it.
102. Jack Pridham, RW (West Kelowna, BCHL)
The son of Toronto Maple Leafs assistant GM Brandon Pridham, you can tell Jack inherited some of his smarts. He’s a skilled winger who takes up space, makes intelligent plays, has a great shot release and plays a nice two-way game. He can react slowly to quicker players around him but he’s got the energy and the hockey IQ to burn opponents. As a mid-round pick, I can see Pridham becoming a nice value selection because he’s got an understanding of how to make high-quality plays that allow him to punch above his weight.
103. Nate Misskey, RHD (Victoria, WHL)
Misskey is a mobile 6-foot-3 defenseman with great reach, a solid shot and a bit of a mean streak. He loves to shoot the puck, and his offensive awareness has taken some nice steps forward with more responsibility in his second year of major junior. Misskey isn’t flashy, often displaying a level of calmness that allows him to make smart, heads-up plays. That gets him into trouble, though, because he sometimes can get caught being too reserved with the puck, but that’s fixable. Being a big, right-handed shot with some offensive upside helps him.
104. Alexis Bernier, RHD (Baie-Comeau, QMJHL)
The son of former NHL Draft pick David Bernier – who had the rare designation of being drafted twice (Edmonton in 1996, Anaheim in 1998) – Alexis is a physical, shutdown player who thrives in transition. He lacks a dangerous shot and his skating is below average, but he makes up for it with a good work ethic and excellent playmaking abilities. He’s not big, but he’s strong, and he was easily one of the best Quebec-based defenders around this year. With better play reads, I can see himself playing in the NHL one day.
105. Heikki Ruohonen, C (Kiekko-Espoo, Finland U-20)
Ruohonen was one of Finland’s most consistent players at the U-18s, registering a point per game through the round-robin. It was good to see, given I viewed him as one of the most improved European-based players throughout the year. He’s an intelligent forward who doesn’t do anything particularly great but is average in just about everything – with his speed and two-way play being the best elements here. I think he’s good enough to secure a bottom-six role in the NHL on the right team.
106. Kim Saarinen, G (HFK, Finland U-20)
Saarinen stands tall at 6-foot-4 and lets his body do the talking. He covers so much of the net, but he’s athletic enough to stretch out to make more difficult stops when needed easily. He had some rough goes internationally this year, but he looked great back home, reminding me just how good he can be in the zone. He allows poor goals a little too much for my liking but the size alone makes him intriguing – and, for the most part, he’s been good against U-20 competition. Saarinen could be one of the first goalies taken due to the potential with his size, but I want to see more consistency.
107. Ilya Protas, LW (Des Moines, USHL)
At 6-foot-3, Protas is easy to see out there. He’s got a good shot and is a nice all-around threat that can find ways to make himself useful even when he can’t score. But bigger players need to be able to skate, and Protas is clunky and slow. It hurts his own-zone play and might prevent him from being a 200-foot player in the NHL, but he’s good enough with the puck to make himself useful. His footwork needs to take a big step forward to push him far.
108. Aidan Park, C (Shattuck St. Mary’s, PHC)
Park elected to stay with the famed Shattuck’s program instead of going full-time with Green Bay, and he exploded with a high-end offensive season. He had 30 goals and 93 points in 56 games to finish as one of the top scorers in prep hockey this year. The University of Michigan commit moves well, works relentlessly and is a great support player with the ability to make some great set-up passes. The college game will be a big step for him.
109. Will Zellers, LW (Shattuck’s St. Mary’s, PHC)
Zellers loves to play with speed, beating opponents with quick hands and swift footwork. He scored more than a goal per game with SSM this year, helping him finish as the team’s top scorer. Sometimes, it felt like he was too fast for his teammates, with plays dying because he outpaced everyone and painted himself into a corner. Zellers has good hands and the skill to become an NHLer, but he’s not physical and you need to be if you’re not going to be a key offensive contributor.
110. Dawson Cowan, G (Spokane, WHL)
Cowan is no stranger to making some big, highlight-reel stops, showing a keen sense of athleticism. He has quick legs that make him hard to beat and his active glove hand comes up big often. Cowan can be caught reacting too slowly to a shot, and his rebound control isn’t great. But other times, he’ll just turn on a switch and it becomes difficult to get a shot past him. Cowan missed out on 2023 NHL Draft eligibility by just over a week, but he put the extra time to good use with a solid season as Spokane’s starter. He’s only 6-foot-1, though, and he gets beat often from far away. We’ll see how much that affects his draft stock.
111. Nick Kempf, G (USNTDP)
Kempf is fresh off an excellent showing at the U-18 World Championship, where he was one of the top goaltenders en route to a silver medal with the United States. He is fourth-ranked goaltender by NHL Central Scouting. Kempf’s numbers don’t look great, but the USNTDP juggles play in a variety of different competitions, including against NCAA teams. So you have to take that with a grain of salt, but he definitely has stood out whenever he has played internationally. He’s very athletic and is never caught watching the puck from the crease. Kempf never quits on a chance, and his quick reads allow him to make some huge stops. I think he’s better than the raw stats suggest.
112. Roman Shokhrin, LHD (Loko-76, MHL)
Shokhrin is one of the players who really grew on me the more I watched him. He plays a nice two-way game with good puckhandling, offensive and defensive awareness and has some decent top speed. He’s a versatile defender who doesn’t lack confidence, especially when passing the puck. I do feel like Shokhrin will get caught watching too much, resulting in him easily getting beaten due to him not chasing after a player or the puck. But when he’s on it, he’s aggressive, skilled and dangerous.
113. Tory Pitner, RHD (Youngstown, USHL)
There’s a level of detail to Pitner’s game that makes him intriguing. He didn’t put up a ton of points with the Phantoms, but he was one of the better defenders in his own zone in the USHL this year. He can overpower players with his physicality and his relentless motor, even if he’s not the best skater around – especially in stutter-step situations against a more skilled forward. The University of Denver commit seems like someone who’ll thrive once he gets to college because the way he works makes him favorable to coaches.
114. Kasper Pikkarainen, RW (TPS, Finland U-20)
Pikkarinen showed well at the U-18s, making noise for his physicality and power-forward nature. He won’t be too productive with the puck, but he’ll bring excitement and energy to every shift. I do see someone with bottom-line NHL potential here – being 6-foot-3 helps. But for now, he needs to work on his straight line speed and finding ways to keep himself valuable beyond the physical play. Pikkarinen is still so raw, but improving his puck play could go a long way.
115. Ondrej Becher, C (Prince George, WHL)
Becher might not be a high-end talent, but he does a lot of things well. He’s a quick skater who loves to handle the puck with deception. Becher isn’t afraid to block shots and get into lanes, and he’s always looking to make a pass. He put up good numbers in the WHL this year, which you hope to see from an older player, but it really showed how confident he looked on the bigger ice. After turning heads at the World Juniors, I think a team should take a chance on him later in the draft as a potential all-situations forward.
116. Sebastian Soini, RHD (Ilves, Finland U-20)
I know I have Soini lower than many others, with some thinking he’s a threat to go in the top 60. And maybe he will. He’s a 6-foot-2, right-handed defenseman who can cause damage with the puck, but I feel like the intensity just isn’t there yet. I wish he was more aggressive at both ends, but he at least has the offensive awareness to add some value there. Soini has plenty of pro experience with KOOVEE’s Mestis’ squad and I think he’s looked good enough with Finland at various levels to show some competence, but I think this is a good spot for him to land.
117. Maxmilian Curran, C (Tri-City, WHL)
At 6-foot-2, Curran has the size teams are looking for out of a depth forward. He didn’t put up mich offense with Tri-City with just five goals and 32 points in 40 games, but once he got fully adapted to playing and living in North America, it felt like we saw someone who looked more confident in himself. He’s on the outside looking in to become an NHLer without more of a scoring touch, though.
118. Kirill Zarubin, G (AKM Tula, MHL)
Zarubin’s had an outstanding run with Tula in the MHL, quickly establishing himself as one of the more promising young Russian goalies in this draft. He’s 6-foot-4 with great lateral quickness and reads plays so well through traffic. It can be difficult to evaluate Russian junior league goaltenders because quality can seriously lack, but his big frame, cool demeanour and puck tracking prowess makes him a solid option for a team looking to throw a flier.
119. John Whipple, LHD (USNTDP)
Whipple is best when you’re not worrying about him, and I think he’s underrated. The 6-foot-1 defender is a steady presence for the run-and-gun style the Americans liked to play this year. He’s a fluid skater who can pivot well and get to where he needs swiftly, and he loves separating a player from the puck. I think his lack of offensive ability will hurt him at the next level, but he’s a hard worker who moves well enough to potentially carve out a bottom-pairing role.
120. Ethan Procyszyn, C (North Bay, OHL)
Based on what I had seen of Procyszyn in the past, I was hoping to see better offensive numbers this year. He’s got a good shot, and he’s competitive as hell, which is what you love to see from a 6-foot-3 forward. Procyszyn has great hands that I think he could try and use more often, and I think his offensive instincts are just above average. But with average skating and questionable playmaking, I think his chance of breaking out offensively is limited. We’ll see what happens next year, but I still think there’s something here based on how hard he fights for pucks and hates to lose.
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