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{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jack Hughes","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Hughes has such great burst and an effortless glide in his skating, and he uses his edges to create separation. He sees the ice and processes play development at an elite level. Hughes is an expert at making plays in small areas, which is why his size is less of a bother. Although he definitely needs to continue adding muscle, Hughes is unafraid to go to the hard areas of the ice and protects himself well, thanks to his skating and anticipation skills. He takes care of his own end and uses those anticipation skills to cut down passing lanes, but his defense needs improvement. I have yet to watch a game in which he didn't drive play, shift in and shift out. -- Peters Team fit: Hughes gives the Devils two young centers around whom to build. He joins 20-year-old Nico Hischier, taken first overall in 2017, to form a formidable one-two punch. His arrival gives the franchise some clear direction, which will be vital if the Devils are to re-sign 2018 Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall before next summer's unrestricted free agency. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"NHL (Devils)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Kaapo Kakko","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"TPS","league":"Finland","scouting_report":"Kakko has a great frame and uses it well, as he's hard to take off the puck and uses that ability to create extra time for himself. He has the vision to spot plays and make them quickly, and I think his hand skills have gotten to a fringe elite level. His shot is high-end and heavy; he can beat goalies from distance, but then he also has the skill to make plays in tight at the net front. Although not Hughes-like in his skating, he is powerful and has enough speed to break away from the opposition. His edgework is strong, and his balance makes him so difficult to play against. Kakko battles as well as any player, both in puck pursuit and with it on his stick. There's a definite fire in him to compete, and he will be a cornerstone NHL winger. -- Peters Team fit: After his performances in Liiga, the pro league in Finland, and the IIHF world championships, anticipation is high that Kakko will make an immediate impact for the Rangers as a goal-scoring winger. The Rangers are in a multiyear rebuild and have amassed a good number of young offensive players. With prospects like Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil at center, Kakko should fit in nicely. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"NHL (Rangers)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Kirby Dach","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Saskatoon","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Dach has size, smarts and skill. It's not often that you get a play-driving center at 6-foot-4 who makes the game look as easy as Dach does. Although he lacks explosiveness, he skates smoothly and has a great sense of how to get to where he needs to be efficiently. When he does have the puck, Dach is a shot-pass threat who can score goals in a variety of ways. He's especially successful at driving the net. He can also pick teams apart from the outside, thanks to high-end vision and elite distribution skills. He has dealt with bouts of inconsistency, but when he is on, he is unstoppable. -- Peters Team fit: The Blackhawks have a surplus of top defensive prospects (not a bad problem to have), so it wasn't necessarily a surprise they bypassed Bowen Byram. They get a center in Dach, which is a huge area of organizational need. Chicago needed any forward, really. Out of the non-Jack Hughes centers in this draft, Dach is the most likely to crack an NHL roster next season, though it would be a surprise to see him in Chicago in 2019-20. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Bowen Byram","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Vancouver","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"There is no denying that he has some incredible offensive skill, but I would like to see Byram become a bit more consistent as a defender. I think the skating is excellent, and he has a good sense of how to play efficiently in a boatload of minutes. One scout I spoke to expressed concern that the way Byram scored goals -- popping deep into zones and aggressively jumping plays -- won't translate to the NHL. I think elements of it can, but he will have to become a bit more selective. He's the best defenseman in this draft by a fairly large margin. But the threshold of a future No. 1 defenseman is pretty high, and I'm not sure Byram is there yet for me. -- Peters Team fit: There was a time, not too long ago, that the Avalanche's defense corps was one of the NHL's most underwhelming groups. That's going to feel like ancient history over the next several years. Byram joins potential 2019 Rookie of the Year Cale Makar, 20, smooth-skating Samuel Girard, 21, and Connor Timmins, 20, to form the backbone of that blue line for years to come. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Alex Turcotte","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"He is a smart, two-way forward with an unrelenting motor and an ability to make plays in the offensive end of the ice. Turcotte is dogged in puck pursuit and remarkably strong, despite being average-sized. He is a fierce competitor but does not step over the line very often. He is not always flashy and doesn't always make the eye-popping play, but he makes the right plays. Turcotte goes hard to the net and into the corners, and he has the touch and plus-level vision to make plays under duress and find better options in tougher situations with the puck on his stick. He has deceptive feet, showcasing a good second gear that allows him to beat defenders wide or challenge them inside. -- Peters Team fit: Turcotte follows the speed-based model the Kings have been going with lately. On top of being a skilled player with excellent vision and superior hockey sense, he's a competitive two-way guy. The Kings have been building a stable of fast centers with Rasmus Kupari and Akil Thomas, both selected last year. This prospect pool gets a nice boost with a player with a ton of versatility. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"NCAA (Wisconsin)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Moritz Seider","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Mannheim","league":"Germany","scouting_report":"One of the most intriguing players in this entire draft, Seider is a strong skater for such a big guy and sees the ice particularly well. He can make plays at the offensive blue line and does a good job of absorbing and evading pressure in his own zone. There's some risk because Seider didn't have a ton of reps on special teams and in key situations this season, but he should be able to get those next season. -- Peters Team fit: The Red Wings do not have a ton of depth among defensemen in their system, but this was a shocker of a pick in Steve Yzerman's first draft. The value among the forwards still on the board is significant. You'd have to think the Red Wings bring him to North America immediately and allow him to develop in their own system in the AHL. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"AHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Dylan Cozens","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Lethbridge","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"A strong skater who has an explosive burst in space, Cozens has that combination of size and speed that tantalizes scouts. There have been some questions about his overall hockey sense and skill level, but it's hard to argue with how his physical tools translate. The lack of high-end puck skills suggests that he might not be a No. 1 pivot down the road. That said, he has some two-way capabilities, with the balance tilting more offensively. -- Peters Team fit: Cozens brings a lot of speed, and he believes he can play in the NHL next season. I'm not sure I'm there yet for him, though. That said, I've liked his game from start to finish. He gives the Sabres a pretty versatile guy who could be a nice No. 2 center behind Jack Eichel in the long term. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Philip Broberg","year":2019,"age":17,"current_team":"AIK","league":"Sweden 2","scouting_report":"One of the best pure skaters in this draft, Broberg has all of the tools to eventually become a top-four defenseman in the NHL. There have been some moderate concerns about his hockey sense and playmaking abilities, but I think those will catch up to his feet eventually. He makes pretty good reads in the offensive zone, distributes well from the defensive zone and can use his feet in transition as well as, or better than, any defenseman in this draft. Broberg has a very good, quick and accurate shot from the point, looking for open lanes and possessing the mobility to find the best option. -- Peters Team fit: Broberg is an exceptional skater, and that had to be part of Edmonton's reasoning for grabbing him in the top 10. He can play the game at the Oilers' pace. I think he's going to need a little extra time before he's ready to jump into their lineup, but he has remarkable upside. Patience and good coaching will help him unlock it. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"SHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Trevor Zegras","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"With elite vision and passing skills, Zegras is excellent in dictating play from the half wall or making plays on the rush. He can play at any speed and can back defenders down coming through the neutral zone. His ability to gain the zone is rivaled only by Hughes' in the draft class, as Zegras has creativity and a good sense of how to find the soft areas to give him the best chance to make plays. He has a quick release and can score goals but is viewed more as a pass-first player. The biggest area of improvement for Zegras is his physical strength. He also seems to force plays sometimes, but I think that became less of a problem as this past season progressed. -- Peters Team fit: Zegras dropped further than I thought he would or should. He's an exceptional playmaker and will fit right into a prospect pool that already includes Isac Lundestrom, Max Comtois, Troy Terry, Sam Steel and Max Jones. For a rebuilding team, the Ducks have some nice building blocks up front. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"NCAA (Boston University)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Vasili Podkolzin","year":2019,"age":17,"current_team":"Neva St. Petersburg","league":"Russia 2","scouting_report":"He remains under KHL contract for the next two years, but Podkolzin is an exceptional talent, with high-end skill and power in his game. He has a mean streak, gets on pucks quickly and can finish. Podkolzin wasn't dominating in the same way at the end of the season, and his club play was underwhelming, but I've maintained all year that he was never put in a great position to succeed this season because he played at three different levels in Russia. When Podkolzin is at his best, few in this class are better. He does a little bit of everything and does almost all of it very well. -- Peters Team fit: Podkolzin is a bit of risk because of that KHL contract, but I've heard from teams that those worries were largely quieted at the combine. Podkolzin won't be around for a couple of years, but he needed a few years to get his pro legs anyway. The Canucks have another high-end forward in their growing crop of young players with boatloads of skill. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"KHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Victor Soderstrom","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Brynas","league":"Sweden","scouting_report":"A remarkably poised and mature defenseman, Soderstrom showcased his puck-moving talent and high-end hockey sense this season. However, I don't know that there's anything in particular that stands out about Soderstrom aside from the way he thinks the game. The skill is fine, the passing is good-to-great, his shot is OK and he gets pucks out of the zone well. He might be a jack of all trades but a master of none. -- Peters Team fit: The Coyotes needed more defensemen in their system, and Soderstrom has got a lot of upside. Having already played a year of pro hockey may adjust his timeline. I was surprised to see Arizona trade up, but the unexpected run on defensemen early in this draft really changed things and forced the Coyotes' hand to make sure they got their guy. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"SHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Matthew Boldy","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Boldy is a wing who plays more like a center, a true 200-foot player who is as valuable defensively as he is offensively. He could afford to improve his skating some -- he does not have breakaway speed -- but he still gets around the sheet effectively. In the offensive end, Boldy has higher-end puck skills and creativity. He can make the plays in small areas and has an excellent, heavy, accurate shot. Boldy also possesses excellent vision and an ability to make accurate passes off the backhand and forehand. -- Peters Team fit: Boldy probably needs a few years in college, but he would have been so hard to pass on here. He brings size and versatility to the table and instantly becomes a top prospect in a shallow system. If the Wild ever convince Kirill Kaprizov to leave the KHL, they'd have some excellent pieces to keep building on. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"NCAA (Boston College)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Spencer Knight","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"The things that makes Knight exceptional among his goaltending peers is elite hockey sense, tremendous athleticism balanced with controlled play, great footwork and size and elite puck-moving abilities. I don't put huge value on a goalie's puckhandling skills, but Knight's are so good it's hard not to mention. Knight has really grown a lot in his confidence and poise in the net. There's such little flash in Knight's game, and that's a good thing. He's just always in the right spot because he tracks and anticipates as well as any goalie prospect I've seen in the past few years. -- Peters Team fit: Knight is the top-ranked goalie in the draft, and now the future of the Panthers' net. And he would have some time to develop if the Panthers end up landing Sergei Bobrovsky in free agency to man their crease for the next several seasons. Per ESPN Stats & Information, Knight is the highest draft pick at the goalie position since Jack Campbell in 2010, who was drafted 11th by the Stars. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"NCAA (Boston College)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Cam York","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"York is often described as the modern-day defenseman. He jumps into plays with relative ease and has good instincts for when he has to get back. I thought his defensive game improved greatly over the past two seasons without sacrificing offense. His puck retrievals and sense for getting out of his own zone are among the best in this draft because he follows that first touch with decisive play. He still has to round out his game more and continue to build strength as an average-sized defenseman, but there's a lot to like in what he's done and how he progressed this season. -- Peters Team fit: The Flyers did extremely well in trading down to get an extra asset (No. 45 overall) while still getting a defenseman who plays the game the way the NHL is going. The Flyers have been loading up on prospects in recent years and have some really good forwards, so why not nab a high-end offensive defensman to get the puck to them? -- Peters","likely_to_play":"NCAA (Michigan)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Cole Caufield","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"It isn't just that Caufield scored 72 goals this season, the most by any draft-eligible player in junior hockey by 21 goals. It's also how he scores them. Yes, Caufield is slight, but he has elite offensive sense. I haven't seen a prospect who has as keen a sense of time and space, and opponents have a hard time tracking Caufield on the ice. He's always moving, finding openings before anyone knows they're there. Combine that skill with an elite shot that isn't as heavy as it is ridiculously quick and accurate. -- Peters Team fit: Caufield's draft slide ends here, and the Canadiens get the best pure goal scorer in the draft. Other teams were clearly deterred by Caufield's size, but he'll spend his career trying to prove them wrong. It will take some seasoning for Caufield to make Montreal's roster, though. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"NCAA (Wisconsin)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Alex Newhook","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Victoria","league":"BCHL","scouting_report":"Newhook has high-end skills with skating that is probably just shy of elite. He can dance on the ice at times, using quick hand skills to beat defenders one-on-one while always knowing his next play. He gets shots off quickly and finds teammates well under pressure. Newhook requires patience because he needs to get stronger and needs to be harder to play against in more physical, tightly checked games, but that skill is tantalizing. -- Peters Team fit: After snagging the draft's best defenseman with the No. 4 pick, Colorado gets a highly skilled center in Newhook. He will be an especially good fit with the team's speed. The Avs may have wanted to go with a goalie in Knight here, but he wasn't available. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"NCAA (Boston College)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Peyton Krebs","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Kootenay","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Krebs played on a bad Kootenay team this season but still managed to produce. A play-driving center, Krebs does a lot of little detail things well and can adequately take care of his own zone. Krebs can really survey the ice with excellent vision and above-average distribution skills in finding his teammates. The hockey sense is a separating skill. Krebs unfortunately did just sustain a serious Achilles injury during training this summer, but he is expected to be available for the beginning of the season. -- Peters Team fit: Another center for the Golden Knights to let percolate in their system. Vegas has Cody Glass and Jake Leschyshyn, both 20, down in the AHL. In theory, they'll have some time to develop, with Paul Stastny signed through 2021 and William Karlsson expected to sign an extension as a restricted free agent -- provided neither of them is moved this offseason. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Thomas Harley","year":2019,"age":17,"current_team":"Mississauga","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Postgame analysis and highlight show airing each night throughout the season from Barry Melrose and Linda Cohn. Watch on ESPN+ A higher-end offensive defenseman with size and mobility, Harley has plenty of upside in his game. He uses his skating to let things open up offensively and has the poise to be patient enough to find the right play. Sometimes he can get caught a little deep, but usually picks his spots pretty well. He comes with just average defensive-zone play, but he has a decent stick and can close on forwards decently well. Some scouts have wondered about his defensive sense. I think he has the know-how, but just hasn't figured out the balance between offense and defense yet. -- Peters Team fit: The Stars have only four picks in the draft (including none in the second or third round), so they can't really afford a miss here -- especially considering it's a system with a lot of needs. The Stars went heavy on forwards last year, so Harley's selection was no shock. He has good size and is exceptional offensively. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Lassi Thomson","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Kelowna","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Thomson is a good two-way defenseman who uses smarts over skill. His skating is good enough to get him up the ice and he's sturdy in his own zone, but there's not a lot in terms of overall puck skills or dynamicism. He is very decisive, making confident plays with the puck and allowing himself to get into space. There's not a lot of forcing it with him, and his offensive reads are pretty strong. -- Peters Team fit: Thomson was a bit of a reach here, but just because I'm not sold on his offensive game yet. The Senators have just about the deepest prospect pool in the league right now. I'd put Thomson behind Erik Brannstrom and Jacob Bernard-Docker on the D prospect depth chart. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"Liiga or WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Ville Heinola","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Lukko","league":"Finland","scouting_report":"Having spent the entire season playing quality minutes in Finland's top pro league, Heinola is especially intriguing. I think his skating is only average for a player his size, which keeps him from ranking a bit higher. There are more sub-6-foot defensemen in the NHL, but you still need to be able to skate at a high level. However, he makes up for it in his hockey sense. Coaches won't have to worry about him too much because he's so poised and moves the puck with incredible efficiency, even though his offensive skills are not necessarily dynamic. He defends decently well, closing on opposing forwards quickly. -- Peters Team fit: For the third time in the last four drafts, the Jets selected a Finnish player in the first round. Another Finn, Sami Niku, is a defenseman who has been shuttling back and forth from the main roster. The Jets don't have a lot of blue-chippers on the blue line in their system. Heinola is a smart defenseman who can develop. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"Liiga"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Samuel Poulin","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Sherbrooke","league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"There are times when you see a player showing what he can do with his size and skill. There are other times when he disappears. The effort needs to be better. Aside from that, the skill he has in that sturdy frame of his is tantalizing. -- Peters Team fit: I listed Poulin as my player most likely to be overdrafted. The Penguins have a fairly shallow pool and don't get to pick in the first round very often. I view this as a high-risk, high-reward pick in this range just because I question Poulin's overall hockey sense and consistency of effort. An intriguing prospect nonetheless. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"QMJHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Tobias Bjornfot","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Djurgarden Jr.","league":"Sweden Jr.","scouting_report":"Bjornfot is one of the smarter players in this draft. His ability to read plays in all zones is exceptional, and he always puts himself in a good spot. Despite a relative lack of high-end skill, he's a good passer and has shown flashes of more offensive capabilities. Bjornfot keeps it simple when he has to, allowing his vision and mobility to do the work for him. With elite defensive sense, he is so hard to play against in his own zone and limits mistakes when he has the puck. He can get it up ice quickly, too. -- Peters Team fit: This was the pick Los Angeles acquired in the Jake Muzzin trade, so one defenseman in, one defenseman out I guess. The Swede is the first defenseman they've drafted in their past 10 picks, and the first defenseman the Kings have taken in the first round since Derek Forbort at No. 15 in 2010. Side note: The arena is playing \"regionally appropriate\" music when each pick walks to the stage, including Abba for Bjornfot. Hopefully the Kings don't look back and exclaim \"Mamma Mia\" at this pick in the next few years. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"SHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Simon Holmstrom","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"HV71 Jr.","league":"Sweden Jr.","scouting_report":"Good size and hockey sense have helped Holmstrom lift his draft stock throughout the season. He has a very good shot that he can get off from anywhere. The puck really zips off his stick. His puck skills are OK, and pretty average in terms of one-on-one stick skills, but he gets himself into good positions and helps create space for his linemates. Holmstrom has good physical strength which helps him protect the puck well, and he has a little power element to his game. But does he have enough skill to create on his own? -- Peters Team fit: Holmstrom has been projected all over the place during the draft process. The Isles have really bolstered their defensive pipeline, so Lou Lamoriello & Co. taking a forward here was not much of a surprise. Holmstrom has been a hard guy on whom to get a read, but he finished the season strong and the Isles won't need him for a few more years anyway. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"SHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Phillip Tomasino","year":2019,"age":17,"current_team":"Niagara","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Tomasino is an exciting player because of his elite-level skating ability. He looks like a gazelle on ice with his fluidity and quickness. With a quick release and solid vision, he's a true shot-pass threat in the offensive zone, too. Tomasino can play in a variety of situations and handles the flow of games very well. The important element, however, is the speed at which he plays the game. He's fast both up and down the ice, and quick in small areas. He has a good work ethic, a willingness to go to the hard areas of the ice and a competitiveness on the puck when he gets there. -- Peters Team fit: I think this is one of the more perfect player-to-team fits. Tomasino plays the game at a high pace and is one of the better skaters in the draft. The Preds want to push the pace and that's exactly what he does as a pass-shot threat down the middle or on the wing. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Connor McMichael","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"London","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"McMichael is one of the fastest players in the draft. His shot really improved this season with a good, quick release. He competes, too, playing with tenacity, and his ability to create on the rush is among his more important attributes. As he gets stronger, he's going to be difficult to handle down low. -- Peters Team fit: The good news for McMichael is that the past six forwards the Capitals have selected in the first round all made a considerable impact in the NHL: Jakub Vrana, Andre Burakovsky, Tom Wilson, Filip Forsberg, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson. The good news for the Capitals is that they got a center from the London Knights who made a huge leap forward in production this season. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jakob Pelletier","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Moncton","league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Pelletier has quick, shifty skills that have served him well in one-on-one situations and getting pucks into the zone. His skating is fine, but perhaps not overly dynamic for a player of his size. But he makes up for that with his energetic, fearless style of play. His game needs work away from the puck, as there are some concerns he's a tad too one-dimensional. -- Peters Team fit: It was a bit of a surprise the Flames didn't take one of the two big defensemen available, considering that they used all five of their picks in last year's draft on forwards. However, the productive winger adds much-needed skill into Calgary's prospect pool. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"QMJHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Nolan Foote","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Kelowna","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Foote had a pretty strong season, scoring 36 goals, even though he played much of it with a fractured wrist. He is a good, not great, skater who uses his body well and can win along the boards. His puck skills are average, but he has exceptional hockey sense and can make good passes in all zones, and whether or not there's pressure. Foote also has enough edge in his game to win a lot of battles down low. -- Peters Team fit: The Lightning put their second Foote forward in the NHL draft. They selected Cal Foote, a defenseman from the Kelowna Rockets (WHL) in 2017 at No. 14 overall. Now they have his younger brother Nolan Foote, a wing, at No. 27 this season. A bit of a reach? Very much, as he was projected by most as a second-round pick. But what were they going to do with just one Foote? Hop around? -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Ryan Suzuki","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Barrie","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Suzuki is one of the better playmakers in the draft. He has elite vision and anticipates exceptionally well. One of the primary complaints among scouts is a relative lack of intensity and compete level, and there are some issues with consistency that arose when he wasn't getting to the middle of the ice enough. He's a cerebral player who could afford to make quicker decisions, but there's very little questioning his puck skills and his ability to find teammates. -- Peters Team fit: The Hurricanes picked center Ryan Suzuki, the brother of Nick Suzuki, a Canadiens prospect (and first-round pick of Vegas in 2017). The knock on Ryan is that he's too much of a perimeter player, which clashes a bit with what we've seen from the Hurricanes lately, as they try to become a heavier team. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Brayden Tracey","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"Moose Jaw","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"The WHL's Rookie of the Year and one of the fastest risers in this draft class, Tracey has really good puck skills and vision, with an ability to make plays under pressure. His skating is probably closer to average, but I don't view it as a hindrance. He gets to the hard areas well enough and can make some decent plays on the rush. -- Peters Team fit: Tracey has been one of the real rising prospects in this draft class. I came around late on him and still couldn't put him over some of the other guys I had on my board. I also thought the Ducks might focus on defense, but clearly they didn't like what was left enough to pass on a guy who had 81 points in the WHL this season. More depth for their forward group. -- Peters","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"John Beecher","year":2019,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"An exceptional athlete, Beecher has high-end speed. He's one of the best-graded skaters in this draft, even at his size. He could use a little bit more in the puck-skills department, and his offensive sense is average at best. He gets behind, around and through defenses very well with his wheels. -- Peters Team fit: The Bruins didn't have a first-round pick last year, and they've had mixed results drafting in the first round over the past few years. Boston went with a bit of a surprise in Beecher, a big forward with incredible speed but average skill. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"NCAA (Michigan)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Ryan Johnson","year":2019,"age":17,"current_team":"Sioux Falls","league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Johnson is one of the best skating defensemen in this entire class. He's an exceptional defender who performed at his best in big games this season. But he is a pretty raw talent when it comes to ability to make plays in the offensive zone. In faster-paced games, he focuses a lot more on defending, and I don't know that he has the offensive sense to make effective plays up ice. -- Peters Team fit: Johnson is an elite skating defenseman who defends at an especially high level. He's also a winner, having won titles at the World Junior A Challenge and the Clark Cup with Sioux Falls. That's got to speak to an organization that's trying to turn the tide. The offensive upside is limited, but I think there could be a bit more to give there. After all, this was only his first season in junior hockey after playing Triple-A youth hockey in California. He's just scratching the surface. -- Peters","team_fit":"Where Johnson is most likely to play in 2019-20: NCAA (Minnesota)"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Alexis Lafreniere","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Rimouski","league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Over the past 20 years, only two players 18 years old or younger had a points-per-game average higher than Lafreniere's 2.15 this season: Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Drouin. Lafreniere thinks the game at a high level, with elite anticipation and an understanding of what to do with the puck immediately after he gets it. He has a physical edge and initiates contact more than most top picks of recent years. -- Peters Team fit: The Rangers already have two excellent left wingers in Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider, which relieves some pressure on Lafreniere. The top prospect can transition to the NHL in a middle- or bottom-six role, similar to the way 2019 No. 2 pick Kaapo Kakko did this past season. More importantly, as New York finishes out its rebuild, Lafreniere becomes a key piece of the new 27-and-under core, which includes Mika Zibanejad, Pavel Buchnevich, Ryan Strome, Kakko, Filip Chytil, Jacob Trouba, Adam Fox, Tony DeAngelo and Igor Shesterkin. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"NHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Quinton Byfield","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Sudbury","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Byfield has game-to-game consistency concerns but was fifth in the OHL in terms of points per game (1.82). At his best, he is a dominant force with elite-level speed, especially considering his size. He thinks the game extremely well, with good vision and a playmaker's touch. Byfield's defensive game needs maturation, but his instincts with the puck are very strong. If everything goes right in his development, he has a chance to be special. -- Peters Team fit: Byfield is a little farther away from the NHL than Tim Stutzle. But the Kings have been playing the long game with their rebuild, so they can wait. He's a franchise center, an understudy for and successor to Anze Kopitar. And let's not discount this point: This is the highest a Black player has ever been selected in the NHL draft. That, plus his personality, could be huge in one of the key NHL markets in the U.S. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"NHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Tim Stutzle","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Mannheim","league":"Germany","scouting_report":"There is a sense of ease in Stutzle's game. He has high-end puckhandling and skating abilities along with elite vision and hockey sense. He has a nice release and good shot, but his hands work best when he's snapping passes, especially down low. He uses the ice that's given to him and often makes the play, but he doesn't force things. -- Peters Team fit: GM Pierre Dorion didn't overthink this; Stutzle was the best player available. Ottawa -- which no longer has any players from its team that made the 2017 Eastern Conference final -- desperately needs playmakers. Stutzle, who has been compared to Patrick Kane, is just that. He'll hopefully create chemistry with Brady Tkachuk on the Senators' top line, but there's no rush for Stutzle's development, considering Ottawa is still in rebuild mode. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"AHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Lucas Raymond","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Frolunda","league":"Sweden","scouting_report":"Raymond had 14 points in nine games in Sweden's under-20 league. His one-on-one skills, skating and willingness to battle for his ice are plus traits. -- Peters Team fit: The Red Wings are in a deep rebuild, from the foundation up. Raymond can easily be a pillar in that reconstruction. An enormously talented winger who has drawn comparisons to Mitch Marner and Artemi Panarin, he is the kind of offensive player GM Steve Yzerman had in his core with the Lightning and clearly wants in his Detroit nucleus. Plus, let's face it: Yzerman and draft general Kris Draper know their way around a talented Swedish player or two. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"SHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jake Sanderson","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"An incredible skater and pure two-way defender, Sanderson has risen up the charts this season. His offensive skills are not necessarily the strongest points of his game, but he has a great understanding of how to make plays when they're available to him. And defensively, Sanderson is one of the more gifted blueliners in this class with good physical strength and a propensity to initiate contact. -- Peters Team fit: When the Senators realized how deep this draft class was, they stockpiled picks and kept both No. 3 and No. 5. They ended up with two excellent, albeit different, players. Joining Stutzle is Sanderson, a big physical defenseman -- an area of need for the organization. Sanderson is more of a defensive blueliner, compared to the other top defenseman, Jamie Drysdale, who plays a more offensive game. Sanderson's selection marks the third straight year the Senators have drafted a University of North Dakota player. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"NCAA"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jamie Drysdale","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Erie","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Drysdale is an effortless, deceptive skater who can make a lot of plays with his feet in terms of opening up ice. His defending is adequate, though he still needs to get stronger and have a more consistent detail in his own end. He has excellent offensive tools, with a quick shot and confident puck-moving capabilities. -- Peters Team fit: GM Bob Murray and the Ducks used to reliably select defensemen in the first round. Witness their run of Cam Fowler (2010), Hampus Lindholm (2012), Shea Theodore (2013) and Jacob Larsson (2015). Drysdale is the first one they've taken since then, and he's a great blueliner to lead the next wave for Anaheim, earning some comparisons to Cale Makar. It's a very strong pick for a position where the franchise needed a blue-chipper. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Alexander Holtz","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Djurgarden","league":"Sweden","scouting_report":"After tacking on muscle last year, Holtz handled the pro grind pretty well in Sweden. He is a natural offensive talent, with an elite release and quick hands. He has vision and offensive sense that challenge opposing defenses, along with the strength to drive the net. His skating is very good, and there's power in his stride. -- Peters Team fit: With both of the top defenseman off the board, the Devils went with a scoring winger. GM Tom Fitzgerald has said the timeline for his team's rebuild is whenever Jack Hughes (No. 1 pick of the 2019 draft) and Nico Hischier (No. 1 in 2017) are ready. Both Hughes and Hischier are natural centers, so it makes sense to add a goal scorer to develop with them. Holtz has the creativity to keep up with a player like Hughes. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"SHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jack Quinn","year":2020,"age":19,"current_team":"Ottawa","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"His scoring ability pops, and his skating has improved quite a bit. Quinn also has really good hands and can wire pucks. He has a really strong sense of the offensive zone and knows how to get to good ice to become more dangerous. -- Peters Team fit: This isn't a big reach for GM Kevyn Adams and the Sabres but a reach nonetheless, as most mock drafts had Quinn going outside the top 10. Thus, he was not the best player available. That said, he's a fleet skater with one of the better shots among the top dozen prospects. This is good news for a team that really needed to deepen its prospect pool on the wing, and even better news for Jack Eichel, who would certainly like some dynamic scoring talent on his wing sooner rather than later. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Marco Rossi","year":2020,"age":19,"current_team":"Ottawa","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"His 2.14 points per game in the OHL ranks fifth among players 18 years old or younger over the past 20 years. Rossi is good in small areas, engages with defenders and can protect the puck fairly well. His skating doesn't blow you away, but he's good on his edges and uses high-end hockey sense to make plays under pressure. The power and strength he generates from his lower half alleviates size concerns for me, too. -- Peters Team fit: Ever since taking over as GM in August 2019, Bill Guerin has commented about the lack of No. 1 centers, both on the current roster and in the pipeline. So with two of the top centers still available, it was an obvious pounce for Minnesota. Rossi is more NHL-ready than Cole Perfetti. That makes more sense for the Wild, which were making their first top-10 pick in eight years and are trying to avoid a full-on rebuild. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Cole Perfetti","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Saginaw","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"He can score, he can make plays and his skill is elite. His vision and offensive sense are outstanding, too. He can extend plays and seems to always have a plan with the puck on his stick. Perfetti has a pure release on his shot and snaps passes about as well as anyone else in the class. His skating is closer to average. -- Peters Team fit: The Perfetti drop ends with the Jets, who snag one of the draft's better high-end offensive players. He brings great hockey sense, solid playmaking skills, a quick shot and the ability to end up on the wing or at center, which is nice flexibility for the Jets to have. Tumbling down to No. 10 after many had him projected in the top five should be ample motivation for him, too. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Yaroslav Askarov","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Neva St. Petersburg","league":"Russia 2","scouting_report":"Askarov is among the best goaltending prospects to enter the draft in some time. He is such a monster in the crease, as good as any goalie I've seen at his age going post to post. He never quits on plays, and while he can make the big save, he makes a lot of his work look easy. There's explosiveness and power in the way he plays the position, but he can keep it quiet and simple, too. -- Peters Team fit: A big trend emerging from the 2020 playoffs: The NHL is becoming a two-goaltender league. The Predators have their tandem for now in Juuse Saros and Pekka Rinne, but they saw Askarov -- considered the best goalie prospect since Carey Price -- as too irresistible of a pick sitting at No. 11, despite the organizational need for scorers. Rinne, 37, comes off the books after next season. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"KHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Anton Lundell","year":2020,"age":19,"current_team":"HIFK","league":"Finland","scouting_report":"Lundell has two professional seasons under his belt already, showcasing high-end vision and playmaking skills while showing a commitment to play defensively. His defensive value is highest among forwards in this range; there's detail in his game at both ends of the ice. His puck skills are just average, but he makes things happen. -- Peters Team fit: The Finland connection runs deep for the Panthers. Aleksander Barkov is their No. 1 center and only untouchable player. Florida GM Bill Zito worked under Finnish hockey godfather Jarmo Kekalainen with the Blue Jackets, and one assumes they had a conversation or two about Lundell. The center is not too far away from being NHL ready, which is even better news for a team looking to piece together a contender sooner rather than later. It's a good fit for Lundell, too, as he can learn under one of the best two-way centers on the planet. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"Liiga"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Seth Jarvis","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Portland","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Quick hands and solid north-south speed contributed to Jarvis improving his WHL scoring total by nearly 60 points over the previous season to finish second overall in the league with 98 points. He doesn't have great size, but the speed and growth in skill suggest a higher ceiling than I previously thought Jarvis had. -- Peters Team fit: It's the pick that originally belonged to the Maple Leafs, but Jarvis is headed to Carolina thanks to the Canes taking on Patrick Marleau's salary. GM Don Waddell telegraphed that his team needed offense, so it's not a surprise they bring in a player with a ton of offensive skill. Jarvis has speed, too, and that should translate to the Canes' style. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Dylan Holloway","year":2020,"age":19,"current_team":"Wisconsin","league":"Big Ten","scouting_report":"Holloway was one of the most anticipated prospects of this class but struggled to adapt to the college game, albeit with a Wisconsin team that vastly underperformed. He is still one of the better skaters in this draft class and the physical tools are there, but his play away from the puck needs to improve. -- Peters Team fit: The Oilers signaled before the draft that they weren't keen on taking a defenseman because they have depth at that position. This isn't always the way it works in the NHL, which is very much a \"best player available\" draft. Is Holloway better than defenseman Kaiden Guhle? That's arguable. But he is a strong addition as a power forward, earning some Chris Kreider comparisons -- no doubt for his NCAA roots and his ability to get to the net like the Rangers' wrecking ball. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"NCAA"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Rodion Amirov","year":2020,"age":19,"current_team":"Ufa","league":"Russia","scouting_report":"An especially skilled and crafty winger, Amirov has some of the best skill in this draft. He has remarkably fluid puckhandling abilities and a deceptive, quick release on his shot. Amirov also competes down low and extends plays along the wall with good skating and creative puck work. -- Peters Team fit: On Monday, GM Kyle Dubas told reporters he thought the 2020 draft is \"certainly\" a deep one, so he's hoping he found a diamond in the rough in the left winger. Amirov is already playing in the KHL, which means he should be pro ready as soon as he comes over. While forward isn't the biggest area of need currently (it's defense), Amirov fits the Leafs' brand of hockey extremely well. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"KHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Kaiden Guhle","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Prince Albert","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski take you around the NHL with the latest news, big questions and special guests every episode. Listen here » One of the draft's most athletic players, Guhle is an especially mobile defenseman who packs a punch. The concern is in his overall offensive upside, though he has a nice quick shot from the point. But his full complement of tools -- with skating and hockey sense being among his best -- gives me reason to believe he can and will progress offensively. -- Peters Team fit: The Canadiens had a chance to draft a French-Canadian kid named Hendrix Lapierre, who earned favorable comparisons to Patrice Bergeron, and they ... didn't? That's OK. Guhle is a solid choice at No. 16, as the No. 8-ranked North American skater whose acceleration and offensive skill set earned him comparisons to Ducks defender Cam Fowler. He joins Alexander Romanov as blue-chippers on the blue line in a robust Canadiens prospect system. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Lukas Reichel","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Eisbaren Berlin","league":"Germany","scouting_report":"Reichel has great hands and creativity. He creates space and can extend plays. He also makes really smart reads with the puck on his stick and processes the game quickly. -- Peters Team fit: The Blackhawks would have been in on Yaroslav Askarov had the goalie been available here; Chicago needs to restock its goalie pipeline. Instead, the Blackhawks got a skilled, high-upside forward (Chicago had selected a defenseman with two of its past three first-round picks). Reichel is the second German to be drafted this year. GM Stan Bowman got a first-hand look at scouting the winger when Reichel's team played against the Blackhawks last fall during the NHL's Global Series. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"DEL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Dawson Mercer","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Chicoutimi","league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Mercer has great character and work ethic, but don't sleep on his skill level and hockey sense. He is committed to playing at both ends of the ice and can engage physically despite not being the biggest guy. I like his release and ability to create off the rush, too, and he adapts to situations well. -- Peters Team fit: In the eyes of Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald, the next decade probably looks like this: Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Mercer up the middle. That is if Mercer doesn't shift over to the wing, where the slippery forward can also be effective. The Devils have a lot of holes to fill, but clearly their general manager, an ex-NHL forward, believes the best options so far have been up front. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"QMJHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Braden Schneider","year":2020,"age":19,"current_team":"Brandon","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Schneider can control the net front both physically and with excellent anticipation. Schneider always seems to find himself in the right position, making good reads in the defensive zone and keeping a good gap on the rush. The offensive elements of his game are more understated, but he jumps into plays and distributes well. -- Peters Team fit: The Rangers gave up a third-round pick to move up three spots, as they clearly fell in love with drafting an in-your-face, rugged defenseman. He is a nice complement to Alexis Lafreniere, who also plays a physical brand of hockey. Schneider, who has cited Shea Weber as his role model, loves to lay out big hits and should endear himself to fans at Madison Square Garden. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Shakir Mukhamamadullin","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Ufa","league":"Russia","scouting_report":"Mukhamadullin's decision-making leaves a lot to be desired at this point. But he has a base of tools with which a team can work, especially with that big frame and solid mobility. He got into KHL games this season but had limited usage. -- Peters Team fit: Right before the Devils' pick, the Rangers traded up to grab Braden Schneider, a physical defenseman with a high compete level. A source said they thought the Devils wanted to draft him, so they hopped the line. The Devils then had the reach of the first round (at that point) in selecting Mukhamadullin, who wasn't projected to go in the first round as the 17th-rated non-North American skater and sixth-ranked defenseman on that list. Like Schneider, he's a stay-at-home type. Unlike Schneider, he has experience playing at the pro level. But knowing what was on the draft board at this point, it's hard to believe the Devils couldn't have traded down and still had him there. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"KHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Yegor Chinakhov","year":2020,"age":19,"current_team":"Omsk 2","league":"Russia Jr.","scouting_report":"The Russian is a second-year draft-eligible player. Those types of players don't typically get long looks, especially when they don't even play for the Russian national team at the U20 level. That said, Chinakov is off to a ridiculous start to the KHL season with seven points in 12 games. Prior to that, he was one of the top players in Russia's U20 league. He has a frame he can grow into more and a high-end shot. His ability to score at the pro level is intriguing, but he's still a player who has a lot of development time ahead. -- Peters Team fit: GM Jarmo Kekalainen has always acted off conviction, so it feels on-brand to pick off the board, like he did with this pick. (Chinakhov at No. 21 was so unexpected that neither the NBC nor Sportsnet broadcast appeared to have much prepared on the player). The 19-year-old winger has been a riser after a hot start in the KHL and could give the Blue Jackets much-needed scoring. Columbus is hoping this isn't a reach but rather the team landed on a late-bloomer. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"KHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Hendrix Lapierre","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Chicoutimi","league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"1. Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rimouski-QMJHL 2. Quinton Byfield, C, Sudbury-OHL 3. Tim Stutzle, LW, Mannheim-Germany 4. Cole Perfetti, C, Saginaw-OHL 5. Lucas Raymond, LW, Frolunda-SwedenSee full top-100 draft rankings » Concussion and neck problems potentially derailed a season that got off to a spectacular start at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Lapierre is a high-end talent with excellent vision and puck skills, though his QMJHL performance when he was healthy -- or at least moderately healthy -- was not in line with his previously lofty projections. -- Peters Team fit: The Capitals traded up to select Lapierre, and he'll be worth the third-round pick they anted up if he can stay healthy. Now, that's asking a lot, considering his three concussions in a 10-month span in 2019. That's a little scary. But when a young forward has the playmaking puck skills and skating ability that Lapierre does, with favorable comparisons to a player like Jonathan Toews as a two-way center, it's worth the shot. This could easily be one of those picks for which hockey scholars in the future wonder how one of the NHL's better centers could have lasted this long in the draft. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"QMJHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Tyson Foerster","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Barrie","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"A solid scorer who gets up and down the ice well, Foerster navigates the offensive zone with great awareness. He led Barrie in scoring by 33 points. He has a good variety of release points on his shot and can make plays off the pass. -- Peters Team fit: Heading into the draft, the Flyers needed forward depth, and they had plenty of decent options available. In Foerster, Philadelphia gets one of the best shooters in the draft. Foerster has high-upside production and great size, and plays with grit, but he needs to work on his skating. That said, Foerster has already proven he can make improvements, nearly quadrupling his point total from 23 points as a rookie in the OHL to 80 last season. If the Flyers believe they can fix Foerster's skating, they found a gem late in the first round. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Connor Zary","year":2020,"age":19,"current_team":"Kamloops","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"One of the best puck distributors in this class, Zary has high-end vision and is especially decisive with the puck on his stick. He wastes few plays. Zary finished fifth in the WHL with 86 points and was a leader on a resurgent Kamloops team. He has some edge, as well. -- Peters Team fit: The Flames traded down twice before making their first pick of the draft, and it ended up being Zary. The Flames don't have a ton of quality depth at the position in their system beyond Mathias Emilio Pettersen -- if he ends up in the middle -- so the addition of Zary here makes sense. He's a solid two-way forward with a competitive streak at both ends of the ice. He fancies his game like that of Canucks star Bo Horvat, though there is some question if he has that level of skill. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Justin Barron","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Halifax","league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Barron's season was derailed by a blood clot. His hockey sense is exceptional, and Barron can get involved at both ends of the ice, although I'd grade his defensive value more favorably than his ability to produce. -- Peters Team fit: Barron might have slipped a bit because of blood clot issues that kept him sidelined for most of last season, but the Avalanche are looking long term here. Barron is a terrific skater and plays a sound game. Colorado has to feel great about the young defensive group it has built. It's highlighted by Calder Trophy winner Cale Makar, but also includes Bowen Byram, Samuel Girard, Ryan Graves, Drew Helleson and Conor Timmins. The blue line is a huge area of strength for the Avalanche for years to come, which gives GM Joe Sakic plenty of flexibility. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"QMJHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jake Neighbours","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Edmonton","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Neighbours is a sturdy player who is tough to take off the puck. His skating stride is a bit clunky, but he gets where he needs to be, delivers body checks and makes things more difficult on opposing players in all zones. It's tougher to project him as a likely top-six player, but he certainly has the versatility to fit into a variety of roles for a team. -- Peters Team fit: The Blues selected a very Blues-esque player in Jake Neighbours. He has a very high compete level, is strong at the net and is tough to take off the puck. GM Doug Armstrong and coach Craig Berube love their sandpaper guys, and Neighbours seems to fit that mold pretty well. A number of the mock drafts had him going early in the second round, so this is a moderate reach but nothing too strenuous. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jacob Perreault","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Sarnia","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Among the best pure goal scorers in this class, Perreault has an elite shot. His one-timers are deadly, and he changes up his release points on his shot often, which makes him much more deceptive for opposing goalies. Consistency of effort and play away from the puck continue to be areas scouts harp on about Perreault's overall projection, but the scoring ability kept him in my top 20. -- Peters Team fit: This is a pick that the rebuilding Ducks acquired from the Bruins as part of the Ondrej Kase trade. As they did with their earlier pick, the Ducks went for the best available player. Perrault is the son of former NHL player Yanic Perreault, and was one of the best goal scorers in the OHL. Combined with Jamie Drysdale, this is a nice first-round haul for GM Bob Murray. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"OHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Ridly Greig","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Brandon","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Greig has been one of the biggest risers in the draft this season, with a strong finish to his WHL campaign. His vision is high quality, as he makes good decisions with the puck in the offensive zone. He has some grit and commits to playing at both ends of the ice. -- Peters Team fit: It's an interesting trend in the NHL draft: The later it gets in the first round, the more you hear prospects praised for their grit, jam, sandpaper and overall truculence. Such is the case with Greig, as the Senators selected a versatile forward with a high hockey IQ and a propensity for agitation. NHL Central Scouting evoked the name of Brad Marchand; keep in mind that Marchand is also a terrific player on top of all that extracurricular stuff. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Brendan Brisson","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Chicago","league":"USHL","scouting_report":"It's hard to pinpoint any one element of his game that registers as elite, though his skill is on an upper tier. Hockey sense is solid. Vision is solid. The skating is fine. Brisson finished second in USHL scoring with 59 points in 45 games, but he still needs to get stronger and a bit more aggressive in the middle of the ice, though. -- Peters Team fit: There was a lot of speculation about where Brisson would land; his father, Pat, is one of the NHL's super agents, representing Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews -- as well as Jonathan Marchessault and Nicolas Roy, two of his son's future teammates. In his own right, Brendan Brisson is one of the best Americans in this year's draft, and he's a player who has been improving at every level. Brisson is more of a developmental pick, as he'll spend some time at the University of Michigan before jumping to the NHL. -- Kaplan","likely_to_play":"NCAA"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Mavrik Bourque","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Shawinigan","league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Among U18 players in the QMJHL, no player had more points than Bourque's 71 -- and his 1.45 points per game led his age peers by a substantial margin. He has some natural offensive ability, with an excellent shot, especially off the pass. Bourque doesn't have an imposing frame, but he has quick hands and a good idea of how to spin the wheels offensively for his team. I think his skating could stand to improve, but it's not a major drawback for him. -- Peters Team fit: A lot of mock drafts had Bourque going a few picks before the Stars got a chance to get him at No. 30. Given his offensive upside, and natural instincts, it could be a big mistake if Dallas develops him as well as they've developed some of their other recent prospects such as Denis Gurianov, Roope Hintz and Jason Dickinson. -- Wyshynski","likely_to_play":"QMJHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Ozzy Wiesblatt","year":2020,"age":18,"current_team":"Prince Albert","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Wiesblatt has quick hands and can make plays with a good amount of speed. Despite not being a big body, he gets engaged physically and certainly competes at a high level. His hand skills are in the upper tier of this draft, and he has some creativity. -- Peters Team fit: The Sharks might be looking at a transitional season in 2020-21 before they can really contend again, so it wouldn't be a surprise if they end up using all seven of their picks to help restock the pipeline. In this selection -- acquired from Tampa Bay in the Barclay Goodrow trade -- the Sharks targeted a playmaking forward. If we're looking at recency bias, that's not a surprise for a team that finished last season ranked 27th in the NHL in scoring. -- Kaplan","team_fit":"Where Wiesblatt is most likely to play in 2020-21: WHL"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Owen Power","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Michigan","league":"Big Ten","team_fit":"It's not often that a team gets the first overall pick in the draft in two out of four seasons. It's also not often that a team uses those two No. 1 picks to then select defensemen, but that's how the draft classes have worked out for the Sabres. Rasmus Dahlin, No. 1 overall in 2018, hasn't quite leveled up to franchise defenseman status yet, but he's only 21 years old. Now Power joins him as another left-side defenseman who Buffalo can build around in the next decade -- perhaps using the pieces it gets for an eventual Jack Eichel trade, for example. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Matthew Beniers","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Michigan","league":"Big Ten","team_fit":"Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol told me that his general manager, Ron Francis, wanted to acquire players who reminded the Hall of Famer of the way he played. Well, he just drafted a two-way center with great skating ability, dynamic offense and a \"leads-by-example\" work ethic, which should be familiar to Francis. Beniers is a great building block for the NHL's newest franchise. He fancied Patrice Bergeron growing up, but Beniers may end up becoming the Kraken's own version of Jonathan Toews one day. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Mason McTavish","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Peterborough","league":"OHL","team_fit":"As the Ryan Getzlaf era fades into memory, the Ducks get themselves another talented center who plays a power game. McTavish's stock shot up the draft board in the past few weeks, and you can see why: He has an NHL shot, plays strong and has drawn comparisons to Ryan O'Reilly. Anaheim has a solid foundation building with forward Trevor Zegras, defenseman Jamie Drysdale and now McTavish. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Luke Hughes","year":2021,"age":17,"current_team":"USA U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"Obviously, the master plan is to collect two Hughes brothers in the hopes that they magnetically attract Quinn Hughes to join the Devils at some point. Just kidding ... maybe. Luke Hughes may not have the offensive dynamism that Quinn Hughes does, but his solid two-way game will be an asset to the Devils as he joins Ty Smith among the next-wave defensemen. And if all else fails, the team has a heck of a marketing hook with the Brothers Hughes -- and a happy star in Jack Hughes, which is always a good thing. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Kent Johnson","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Michigan","league":"Big Ten","team_fit":"The Blue Jackets have chased a franchise center for years. They thought they had ones in Ryan Johansen and Pierre-Luc Dubois, before trading both. Now comes Johnson, a late-bloomer who had an absolutely tremendous, highlight-generating freshman season at Michigan. One issue: He might be better on the wing, where many draft analysts believe he'll put up huge numbers in the NHL. Wherever he plays, he'll be an elite playmaker. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Simon Edvinsson","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Frolunda Jr.","league":"Sweden Jr.","team_fit":"Talented Swede joins the Red Wings. In other news, water remains wet. Edvinsson gives Detroit a player many feel projects to be a franchise blueliner. The Red Wings now have a foundational 6-foot-5 defenseman on the left side to join their foundational 6-foot-4 defenseman on the right side in Moritz Seider. Hey, the Red Wings know from trying to build from the Swedish defensemen out. Ask Steve Yzerman. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"William Eklund","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Djurgarden","league":"Sweden","team_fit":"This is the first top-10 pick the Sharks have had since taking Timo Meier at No. 9 overall in 2015. Eklund gives the Sharks a silky smooth offensive player who also takes care of business at the other end of the rink. The Sharks don't exactly have a robust prospect pool and don't have anyone at the forward spot at the caliber of Eklund. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Brandt Clarke","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Barrie","league":"OHL","team_fit":"Clarke joins arguably the deepest prospect pool in the NHL with the Kings. But as deep as that pool is, it has more big fish at center and wing than on the blue line. Given that need, and GM Rob Blake's legacy as a Hall of Fame defenseman, this was one of the draft's most predictable picks. Given his hockey sense and offensive awareness, there have already been comparisons for Clarke to the kind of impact Adam Fox has had early in his NHL career with the Rangers. Fox just won the Norris Trophy. No pressure, Brandt. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Dylan Guenther","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Edmonton","league":"WHL","team_fit":"The Coyotes started the day without a first-round pick, having had to forfeit it (No. 11) because they violated the NHL's scouting combine testing rules. Then the Canucks sent the ninth overall pick to Arizona in the trade that sent Oliver Ekman-Larsson to Vancouver, and now we can officially include Guenther as part of the bounty Arizona received in that deal. He was projected by many to go as high as No. 3 overall to the Ducks. He drops here to the Coyotes, who get the kind of goal scorer their prospect pipeline lacks. His shot is great, but his ability to find spaces to get that shot off is equally impressive. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Tyler Boucher","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"Three words: Off ... the ... board. Boucher is going to be a fine pro. He's a winger who blends offense with absolute physicality and agitation on every shift and a tenacious player who plays the kind of blue-collar, hard-nosed game that Senators coach D.J. Smith no doubt enjoys. But Boucher was the 25th ranked North American skater as ranked by Central Scouting. You couldn't find a mock draft that had him slotted this high. Perhaps trading down to where they thought he'd end up would be too much of a guessing game for the Senators. They wanted him, they had the No. 10 pick and they got him. But it was a reach, and it came at the cost of not drafting either of the first round's two goaltenders. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"-","year":2021}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Cole Sillinger","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Sioux Falls","league":"USHL","team_fit":"Yes, Mike \"Suitcase\" Sillinger did in fact play for the Blue Jackets from 2001 to 2003. Now his son is tabbed to join the Columbus family. He has a terrific shot and plays an aggressive brand of offense, tallying 46 points in 31 games last season for the Sioux Falls Stampede. The Blue Jackets take their second forward of the first round. They've only used their first two picks on forwards once since 2014. Has the end of the John Tortorella era ushered in a more offensive era? -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Matthew Coronato","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Chicago","league":"USHL","team_fit":"Yet another place where many felt goalies Jesper Wallstedt or Sebastian Cossa could have been selected. But the Flames opted for Coronato, a player with an absolute nose for the net as a goal scorer. He's Harvard bound and had 48 goals in 51 games in the USHL last season. If the Flames didn't believe either goalie was the future for them, then this is a nice pick. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Isak Rosen","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Leksand","league":"Sweden","team_fit":"Another franchise that needs a goalie, another franchise that opted not to take one. Instead the Sabres select a terrific offensive forward in Rosen. The modern NHL game demands the ability to make plays at a high velocity. Rosen has the skating ability to create separation from defenders. His ability to shoot the puck at full stride has earned him Nikolaj Ehlers' comparisons. The Sabres could certainly use that, too. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Sebastian Cossa","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Edmonton","league":"WHL","team_fit":"The Red Wings flipped the No. 23 pick -- along with the 48th and 138th overall selections to the Stars for this selection. Obviously that was a function of seeing Cossa still on the board. Cossa stands 6-foot-6 and has good agility in the crease. He went 17-1-1 with a .941 save percentage for the Edmonton Oil Kings. After Keith Petruzzelli opted not to sign with the Red Wings, the team didn't really have anyone in the mold of a goalie of the future. Cossa fits that mold, and fits the M.O. of GM Steve Yzerman. Back in 2012, he didn't have a goalie of the future with the Lightning, so he drafted a kid from the Russian juniors in the first round. That kid just won the Conn Smythe and his second straight Stanley Cup: Andrei Vasilevskiy. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Brennan Othmann","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Flint","league":"OHL","team_fit":"Not the best forward available here -- that honor probably goes to Chaz Lucius, Fabian Lysell or Fedor Svechkov -- but Othmann fits a particular need for the Rangers. He plays with speed, loves to get on the forecheck and was an impressive member of the Canadian World Junior team this season. He played professionally in the Swiss League, too. He could be a little closer to making an NHL impact than some of the other forwards in the first round, which is good for a Rangers team that's just about ready to turn the corner to contention. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Zachary Bolduc","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Rimouski","league":"QMJHL","team_fit":"It's a little bit of a reach for the Blues here. Bolduc needs to develop an NHL frame and isn't among the first round's better skaters. But he has a solid wrist shot in his offensive repertoire and could certainly develop into a top-six forward. Others may have been surer things. But GM Doug Armstrong correctly snags a center here, which is an area of need in the Blues' rather shallow prospect pool. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Chaz Lucius","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"USA U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"We're torn on this one. Lucius is a really solid pick, no doubt. He is a goal scorer, a playmaker and a USA Hockey product -- and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff no doubt has visions of another Kyle Connor dancing through his head. Lucius missed a lot of time due to knee surgery but has enough proof of concept to earn this draft placement. However, these are the Jets. We all know about their defensive needs. Having one of the defensemen still on the board join Dylan Samberg and Ville Heinola as the future of the Winnipeg defensive corps wouldn't have been a bad choice, either. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Fyodor Svechkov","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Togliatti","league":"Russia 2","team_fit":"After selecting goalie Yaroslav Askarov last season with the 11th overall pick, GM David Poile goes back to Russia to select Svechkov. The center posted some flashy offensive numbers in international play for Russia, including 10 points in seven games at the World Juniors. He can start his offensive plays in the defensive end, too. The Predators will wait for this one, if Svechkov can't make the leap to the NHL right away. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jesper Wallstedt","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Lulea","league":"Sweden","team_fit":"The Wild acquired this pick by flipping the 22nd and 90th overall selections to the Oilers -- another trade-up to get a goalie. There's proof of concept here with Wallstedt in both international play and in one season in the Swedish Hockey League. He's slightly smaller than Sebastian Cossa but no slouch at 6-foot-3. He has the tools for become a No. 1 in the NHL. The best goalie prospect in the system is already on the roster: Kaapo Kahkonen, 24, was most recently seen exposed in the Seattle expansion draft. Wallstedt has a higher ceiling. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Fabian Lysell","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Lulea","league":"Sweden","team_fit":"Swerve! In five of his six drafts with the Bruins, GM Don Sweeney -- a former NHL defenseman -- has selected a blueliner with his first pick. Instead, he opts for Lysell here. There are few offensive players in the first round with his \"wow\" factor, with a combination of blazing-fast skating and a tremendous shot. He's also a deft stick handler, especially in offensive zone traffic. Like Isak Rosen, Lysell has earned Nikolaj Ehlers comparisons, but he needs to get a little stronger to make that kind of NHL impact. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Xavier Bourgault","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Shawinigan","league":"QMJHL","team_fit":"Bourgault is a reach here, but once you get to the bottom of the first round, it's all relative. He has torn up the QMJHL with 111 points in 92 games over the past two seasons. That Edmonton was still able to get the player it wanted after trading down two spots is a nice piece of business for GM Ken Holland. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Wyatt Johnston","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Windsor","league":"OHL","team_fit":"Interesting pick. The Stars probably could have traded down and still landed Johnston, given that a lot of mock drafts had him on the bubble or in the second round. He had a strong U18 World Juniors with four points in seven games, and he has a great hockey sense around the offensive zone. Johnston fits with the kind of role player GM Jim Nill likes, and he was the 16th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting despite not playing last year due to the OHL COVID-19 postponement. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Mackie Samoskevich","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Chicago","league":"USHL","team_fit":"Samoskevich was the 26th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. He has the kind of skating and offensive chops to lead a rush and send the defense scrambling back into its own zone. His stature will no doubt grow as part of a Michigan team with designs on a national championship. There weren't many mocks that had him in the first round, but GM Bill Zito clearly felt there was no point in trading down. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Corson Ceulemans","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Brooks","league":"AJHL","team_fit":"The Jackets went with forwards in their first two picks, so GM Jarmo Kekalainen completes his hat trick of first-round picks with a defenseman. Ceulemans plays strong in his own end, but he's also a strong skater and has an affinity for shooting the puck. He's headed to Wisconsin, which has developed a good defenseman or two. The Blue Jackets are fortunate that he was here; it's not often you see an NHL draft that goes 15 picks between defensemen being selected. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Carson Lambos","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Winnipeg","league":"WHL","team_fit":"As long as the injury concerns have been alleviated, Lambos could be a fantastic pick here for GM Bill Guerin. He's a smooth-skating and puck-possessing player who can also run a power play. He has gotten Alex Pietrangelo comps, and that's hard to pass up for the Wild. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Zachary LHeureux","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Halifax","league":"QMJHL","team_fit":"The Predators traded up to this spot, sending the Nos. 40 and 51 picks to the Hurricanes. The guy they targeted is one of the single most divisive players in the first round. He hits. He fights. But he also has strong offensive chops to go along with his tenacious game. He has some Brad Marchand DNA in his game. Nice pick. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Oskar Olausson","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"HV71","league":"Sweden","team_fit":"Olausson is a player with a big shot and solid puck control skills, but most importantly, he plays a 200-foot game. The Avalanche have some absolute blue-chippers at center and on defense, but they could use some more high-end talent on the wings in the pipeline. Some had Olausson going as high as No. 16, so this is a strong pick here for GM Joe Sakic. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Chase Stillman","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Sudbury","league":"OHL","team_fit":"The Devils make a reach here with some really talented forwards still available. But not many of them project to be the kind of power forward that Stillman could become. Outside of Nolan Foote, the Devils don't exactly have that kind of player in their prospect pool. It feels like they drafted for need here, which meant passing over some more intriguing options like Francesco Pinelli, Samu Tuomaala and wild card Aatu Raty. Stillman was the 35th-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Zach Dean","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Gatineau","league":"QMJHL","team_fit":"Whether it's on the main roster or in the Golden Knights' system, there's a dearth of centers for this franchise. It was assumed that's where the team would go here, and Dean fits the need. He has produced in the QMJHL but not at a mind-blowing level. His virtue is in the totality of his game, as a workhorse who is effective on both the power play and the penalty kill. There were a couple of other options here, but Dean projected to go right around the first-round bubble. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Logan Mailloux","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"London","league":"GOJHL","team_fit":"The Canadiens selected a player who asked not to be selected, and they selected him in the first round. There's a morality problem here. Mailloux was playing on loan for SK Lejon, a third-tier team in Sweden, when he was fined by police for showing a photo to his teammates via Snapchat that depicted him and a woman engaged in a consensual sexual act -- a photo that was taken without her consent. The woman went to local police. Mailloux was not arrested but was charged with invasion of privacy and defamation. According to Daily Faceoff, which first reported the story, the fine amounted to $1,650. Mailloux has been doing work away from the spotlight since the incident, beginning the process to earn a second chance in the 2022. But that process has just started. It isn't even guaranteed that he will return to play for the London Knights next season. For the Canadiens to select him in this draft is calculated and unsettling. There's a victim here who just saw her assailant still rewarded with a first-round selection despite unofficially pulling himself out of the draft. But all that established ... Montreal had two picks in the second round. Another two in the third round. Another three in the fourth round. Mailloux was considered a lower first-round talent before his transgressions. His decision to recuse himself from the draft, and the reasons behind that decision, undoubtedly would have sent him plummeting down the board. Even if the Canadiens wanted to do the morally questionable thing and select Mailloux in this draft, to use a first-rounder to do so is logically indefensible. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Nolan Allan","year":2021,"age":18,"current_team":"Prince Albert","league":"WHL","team_fit":"The final pick of the first round had the Blackhawks acquiring their second most-notable defenseman of the day. While Allan doesn't really project to be Seth Jones, especially as he's a raw talent in the offensive zone, he skates well enough to play in the NHL right now and can take care of business in his own end. Allan is a nice addition to the Chicago prospect pool. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Juraj Slafkovsky","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"3/30/04","current_team":"TPS","league":"FINLAND","team_fit":"Shane Wright was the de facto No. 1 pick for years leading up to this draft. Fans of teams looking to tank tweeted #PainForShane. But in the end, it's the Slovakian winger who goes first overall. The 6-3 winger made a spectacular impression in international play at the Beijing Winter Olympics and the world championships. He's not going to run over anybody despite his size; it's his speed that makes him exceptional. This is a pick about what Slafkovsky can become, not for what he is. As one draft observer told me recently, he has \"all the tools without the toolbox\" at the moment. But his ceiling is high -- high enough, it seems, for the Canadiens to opt not to do the Wright thing. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Simon Nemec","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"2/15/04","current_team":"Nitra","league":"SLOVAKIA","team_fit":"With Slafkovsky off the board, the Devils passed over centers Wright and Logan Cooley to select puck-moving defenseman Nemec. That's back-to-back Slovaks in the top two picks, and they were 2022 Olympic teammates. Nemec is a right-handed defenseman who was considered one of the \"plug-and-play\" options in the top 10 for his NHL-readiness. He had six points in eight games at the world championship, and played three seasons as a pro in Slovakia. This is the fourth time in the past five years the Devils have drafted a defenseman in the first round after Luke Hughes (2021), Shakir Mukhamadullin (2020) and Ty Smith (2018). With Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer, the Devils may have believed they were set at center. With Nemec joining those young defensemen and star Dougie Hamilton, they're solidifying the back end. -- Wyshynski The New Jersey Devils make Simon Nemec the newest member of the organization with the No. 2 pick."}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Logan Cooley","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"5/4/04","current_team":"US U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"The Coyotes had their pick of Wright and Cooley. They opted for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program product in Cooley, as Wright's plummet continued. In the past, Cooley's 5-10 frame might have been a hindrance. Not in today's NHL. The strong two-way center cites Patrick Kane as an inspiration for his play, but admits he needs some work on his long-range shooting to hit that level of goal-scorer. The Coyotes need ... well, everything. In Cooley, they get a player who has more offensive upside than Wright, according to many scouts. He had 75 points in 51 games this season. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Shane Wright","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"1/5/04","current_team":"Kingston","league":"OHL","team_fit":"Wright's slide to No. 4 had to feel excruciating. For years, the Kingston Frontenacs center was projected to be this draft's top prospect. He was just the sixth player to ever be granted exceptional status in the OHL and put up 39 goals and 66 points in 58 games as a 15-year-old freshman en route to winning rookie of the year. After the COVID-19 pandemic cost him all of the 2020-21 season, he returned in 2021-22 with an underwhelming start that produced only 22 points in 19 games. He finished strong with 94 points in 63 games but many scouts (rightly) began predicting Wright had opened the door for others to unseat him as the consensus No. 1. That's exactly what happened. New Jersey had the No. 2 and didn't need another center; Arizona went with a different center at No. 3. The Kraken finally pulled Wright off the board. While not a generational talent, Wright has the potential to develop into a No. 1 center. At 6-0 and 191 pounds, Wright possesses good size and is a strong skater who's impressively elusive with quickness to beat defenders to pucks. Add to that excellent hockey sense, outstanding playmaking ability and finish around the net. No doubt his slide down the draft board will motivate Wright when he does reach the NHL. And he's likely closer to being NHL-ready than most No. 4 picks. That's good news for the expansion Kraken, who can mold Wright into a franchise centerpiece. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Cutter Gauthier","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"1/19/04","current_team":"US U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"Finally, some predictability! Gauthier was tabbed for the Flyers here in most mock drafts. He's a 6-2 forward with an incredible shot release who played with Cooley on the development team. He drives the net well. He's no slouch defensively, and knows how to use his frame to win puck battles along the boards. Also his name is Cutter and he's a member of the Philadelphia Flyers, which just seems perfect for some reason. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"David Jiricek","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"11/28/03","current_team":"Plzen","league":"CZREP","team_fit":"The Blue Jackets have to be happy Jiricek fell to them at No. 6. Some scouts considered him the best defender in this draft class, even over Nemec. Jiricek is another big, right-shot defender with a heavy shot and physical edge. The 18-year-old has offensive potential too, with five goals and 11 points in 29 games with Plzen HC last season. The Blue Jackets' back end has needed a face-lift since losing Seth Jones in a trade prior to last year's draft -- and ironically, Columbus used one of the picks acquired in that move to bring in Jiriceck, who could become a blue-line cornerstone. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Kevin Korchinski","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"6/21/04","current_team":"Seattle","league":"WHL","team_fit":"The first big mover on the draft board. Many felt that Korchinski would fall just outside the top 10, but his name was getting mentioned with frequency by draft insiders as someone who could rocket up the board. The Blackhawks acquired this pick from the Senators in the Alex DeBrincat trade and used it on Korchinski, a 6-2 left-handed defenseman. He's got a ton of offensive upside, as shown in his 65-point season in 67 games. The Blackhawks are in a teardown. Korchinski can be an important piece in building them back up. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Marco Kasper","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"4/8/04","current_team":"Rogle","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman got his man in Austrian skater Kasper, who was considered the top European center in this year's draft class. Kasper, 18, cut his teeth last season in the SHL and produced seven goals and 11 points against tough competition. He's a high-motor guy who can excel in the cycle game and protects the puck well. Kasper's offensive numbers may not jump off the page but what he lacks in flash he makes up for with good decision-making, defensive edge and competitiveness. Feels like a good fit for the Motor City -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Matthew Savoie","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"1/1/04","current_team":"Winnipeg","league":"WHL","team_fit":"One of the most talented offensive players in the draft. He's got a great combination of speed and skill and had 90 points in 65 games last season for the Winnipeg Ice. A terrific passer with a solid wrist shot while in stride, Savoie joins a growing collection of talented forwards to go along with potential franchise defenseman Owen Power on the back end. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Pavel Mintyukov","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"11/25/03","current_team":"Saginaw","league":"OHL","team_fit":"There was a lot of speculation that the Ducks would end up with Korchinski here. The Blackhawks took him at No. 7, so Anaheim went with the next highest left-side defenseman in Mintyukov. He's a solid offensive defenseman, with terrific passing skills through traffic. His 62 points in 67 games for Saginaw last season included 45 assists. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Conor Geekie","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"5/5/04","current_team":"Winnipeg","league":"WHL","team_fit":"Arizona would not be denied drafting Geekie. The Coyotes traded for San Jose's No. 11 overall pick in exchange for picks No. 27, No. 34 and No. 45. Why not? Geekie is a great choice. The 6-3 center had 24 goals and 70 points in 63 games with the WHL's Winnipeg Ice last season. He's still a raw talent, but with great potential, possessing a unique skill set that has mixed size and speed to excellent returns in his junior hockey career. He'll have a great sounding board in older brother Morgan, a center for the Kraken, when the time comes for his own transition to the pros. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Denton Mateychuk","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"7/12/04","current_team":"Moose Jaw","league":"WHL","team_fit":"Interesting pick here for the Blue Jackets. Mateychuk wasn't projected to go quite this high. But with Korchinski and Mintyukov off the board -- and Columbus' desire to go defense -- Mateychuk was the choice. He loves to get involved in the play, sometimes so much so that it becomes a detriment in overcommitting. The key will be to figure out when to lead the rush and when to be more conservative. But that's correctable. His defensive game is good and he has a high hockey IQ. The Columbus back end was gutted when the team traded Seth Jones and David Savard away in recent years. It looks a lot better now with David Jiricek and Denton Mateychuk ready to join Zach Werenski and Adam Boqvist. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Frank Nazar","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"1/14/04","current_team":"US U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"Chicago plucked another U.S. national team development program player in Nazar. What the Detroit native lacks in size, he makes up for in tenacity, speed and agility. Nazar showed off his explosive potential popping in 28 goals and 70 points in 56 games, and was reliably relentless in every facet of his game. Nazar's instincts stand out too, in the way he can feel and elude pressure from defensemen to create space. Nazar could develop into an impactful top-six skater for the Blackhawks as he continues adding strength and honing the skills in his repertoire. He's similar in ways to the player Chicago traded away earlier in the day, DeBrincat. The Blackhawks would be lucky to see Nazar grow into a similar kind of difference-maker. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Rutger McGroarty","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"3/30/04","current_team":"US U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"The Jets selected McGroarty surprisingly high at No. 14. But there's a lot to like about the Lincoln, Nebraska, native. On the ice, he plays a rugged power forward game that draws comparisons to Matthew Tkachuk. McGroarty brings leadership potential as well from captaining the USNTDP program. He pocketed 35 goals and 69 points in 54 games last season, which represented a significant jump in his development (19 points in 30 games) from the previous campaign. McGroarty's combination of size, physicality and skill fits Winnipeg's style. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jonathan Lekkerimaki","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"7/24/04","current_team":"Djurgarden","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"Lekkerimaki could have easily been a top-10 pick in this draft. He had 15 points in eight games to lead the under-18 world championship, including five goals. His shot is his greatest asset, and he uses it well on special teams, but he can also move the puck well. He had just 26 games of pro experience in his first SHL season, so he needs a little more time to cook. But his offensive ceiling is high. Huh, a Swedish prospect drafted by a front office that features Patrick Allvin and the Sedins? Go figure. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Noah Ostlund","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"3/11/04","current_team":"Djurgarden Jr.","league":"SWEDEN-JR.","team_fit":"Buffalo used the pick it acquired by trading Jack Eichel to Vegas on center Noah Ostlund. The 18-year-old lit it up with Djurgardens of the Swedish Jr. Hockey League last season, posting nine goals and 42 points in 32 games. He didn't have the same success in a stint with Djurgarden's top team, adding zero points in 11 games, a disparity that contributed to Ostlund being a somewhat polarizing prospect. He's got great speed, agility and creative playmaking ability, but has gaps to fill in his consistency and reliability before making a jump to the pros. The skill is there though, which has to excite the Sabres. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Joakim Kemell","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"4/27/04","current_team":"JYP","league":"FINLAND","team_fit":"The wait is over for Kemell. I spoke with an NHL draft analyst who said the most shocking part of the first round was seeing this elite goal-scoring prospect tumble out of the top 10 -- and continue to tumble all the way to No. 17 and the Predators. The reason: He's 5-9 and plays on the wing. For all the talk about this becoming a \"small man's league,\" the 2022 draft had a surprising emphasis on size. Kemell had 15 goals in his first pro season in Liiga. He's got terrific hands and a dynamic offensive game, but how that projects to the NHL has been a mystery scouts have been trying to solve for a while. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Lian Bichsel","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"5/18/04","current_team":"Leksand","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"Bichsel has big potential -- literally. The 18-year-old defenseman is already 6-5 and 216 pounds, and he plays a rugged game to match. Bichsel asserted himself well in the SHL last season with that punishing presence, which will make him a fan favorite in Dallas down the line. The Swiss native showcases good decision-making on the ice, uses his stick well and uses that frame to take away space from on-rushing forwards. Bichsel brings a powerful overall package for the Stars to hone as he develops. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Liam Ohgren","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"1/28/04","current_team":"Djurgarden Jr.","league":"SWEDEN-JR.","team_fit":"Ohgren and Noah Ostlund were the top Swedish center prospects in the draft. Ostlund was off the board at No. 16 to the Sabres, leaving Ohgren at No. 19 for the Wild. Ohgren is bigger and has a better all-around game. He's more of a goal scorer than a playmaker. Ostlund was seen as having more upside, and hence went earlier. But the Wild add a center to their mix at the position that includes Marco Rossi. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Ivan Miroshnichenko","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"2/4/04","current_team":"Omsk","league":"RUSSIA-2","team_fit":"Now this is a spicy selection. Miroshnichenko is a 6-1 left wing built like a truck who can skate like the wind and loves to fire pucks with his rocket shot from the faceoff circle on the power play. Sound like any NHLer you know? But this pick has a lot more to it than mini-Ovechkin fantasies. Miroshnichenko had a Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis earlier this year, but has completed his treatments and has returned to training. He's also currently playing for Omsk Krylia in Russia's VHL, which presents its own challenges given the state of diplomacy between the NHL and Russia. Maybe Ovechkin knows a guy that can help get him to Washington ... -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Owen Pickering","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"1/27/04","current_team":"Swift Current","league":"WHL","team_fit":"The Penguins' fittingly had one of their top defenseman -- the newly extended Kris Letang -- announce the selection of Owen Pickering, who could be anchoring the team's blue line in years to come. A recent growth spurt helped Pickering rise to his current height of 6-4, and that long reach comes in handy. Pickering produced 33 points in 62 games last season for the WHL's Swift Current Broncos to show off the mobility and offensive savvy complementing his sound defensive game. There's room for Pickering to add to his explosiveness, strength on the puck and in using his body more to advantage, which will come in time. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Nathan Gaucher","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"11/6/03","current_team":"Quebec","league":"QMJHL","team_fit":"Gaucher has some bite to him. The 6-3 center likes to forecheck, engages in physical battles and protects the puck well. He also possesses the skill to slice through defenses and put up impressive numbers. Gaucher did that last season with QMJHL's Quebec Remparts, producing 31 goals and 57 points in 66 games. The Quebec native is good all over the ice, boasts playmaking potential and is solid in transition. With some more seasoning, he should complement the Ducks' established scorers and bring some strength and grit to the lineup too. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jimmy Snuggerud","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"6/1/04","current_team":"US U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"The Blues take the Minnesota kid right before the Wild have a chance to snag him. Snuggerud's father Dave played 265 games in the NHL and represented the U.S. at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Jimmy Snuggerud's claim to fame is goal scoring and he has a tremendous shot, but he offers much more than that with his 6-1 frame. Another 2022 draft pick from a deeply talented USNTDP squad. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Danila Yurov","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"12/22/03","current_team":"Magnitogorsk","league":"RUSSIA","team_fit":"In the weeks leading up to the draft, there was a ton of speculation about where the two Russian players projected in the first round would end up. Ivan Miroshnichenko went to the Capitals at No. 20. Danila Yurov, the other top prospect, ends up going at No. 24 to the Wild. He's a strong finisher with good goal-scoring instincts, one who sees the ice well and protects the puck. Had he gotten more minutes in the KHL, and with a different international relationship with Russia, Yurov could have been a top-10 pick. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Sam Rinzel","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"6/25/04","current_team":"Chaska","league":"HIGH-MN","team_fit":"Not to put too fine a point on the scope of the Blackhawks' rebuild, but they used the 25th pick on a high school player. OK, Rinzel also played for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL along with his 27 games with Minnesota's Chaska High School Hawks. Rinzel is 6-4, a smooth skater and has a right-hand shot. But he's a total project for a team that's obviously thinking long term. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Filip Mesar","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"1/3/04","current_team":"Poprad","league":"SLOVAKIA","team_fit":"The Slovakian NHL draft revolution continues! Mesar has two seasons of pro experience playing in the Slovak pro league, scoring 16 points in 37 games last season. He has a ton of playmaking ability and straight-line speed. He could use a bit more strength to avoid getting knocked off the puck, but you have to catch him to hit him. A bit of a reach, but one that makes sense as a high-ceiling prospect. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Filip Bystedt","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"2/4/04","current_team":"Linkoping Jr.","league":"SWEDEN-JR.","team_fit":"Another center with size goes in the first round. Bystedt was projected to be a late first-round selection due to his 6-2 frame. He has a strong all-around game at both ends of the ice and a better-than-average wrist shot. What he lacks now is using that size in the attacking zone, where he tends to play more on the periphery than around the net. Given his size, that needs to change at the next level. He's got time, having played only 16 games as a pro in the SHL. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jiri Kulich","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"4/14/04","current_team":"Karlovy Vary","league":"CZREP","team_fit":"Buffalo had three first-round selections on Thursday, and used them all on highly skilled forwards. Kulich spent the past season with Karlovy Vary HC (Czech Republic) and handled himself well, notching nine goals and 14 points in 49 games. Kulich's real coming-out party was at the 2022 under-18 championship, where his nine goals led the field. He's got some flash, a blistering one-timer and plays a responsible game. Sabres GM Kevyn Adams was clearly targeting a certain type of player with which to stock Buffalo's cupboards. Kulich's versatility and developing talent make him an intriguing player for the future. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Maveric Lamoureux","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"1/13/04","current_team":"Drummondville","league":"QMJHL","team_fit":"Oilers GM Ken Holland and Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong had a long conversation earlier in the draft, and perhaps this was the result: Arizona acquired this pick and used it on the towering Maveric Lamoureux. This 6-7 defenseman has surprising mobility, but is very much still a project. He shoots the puck a lot, but needs refinement in a lot of other facets of his game. Still, this is a good addition for a Coyotes team that can afford to wait on him. Perhaps even better news for the Arizona State University basketball team if it is looking for a low-post presence in its scrimmages. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Brad Lambert","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"12/19/03","current_team":"Pelicans","league":"FINLAND","team_fit":"And just like that, the Brad Lambert Watch is over. The center was the wild card of the draft. At one point, he was a seen as a top-three pick. Then he struggled with JYP of Liiga, moved to the Lahti Pelicans and then struggled there too -- four goals in 49 games in total between both teams. But his skill is incredible, especially his speed, which makes him aesthetically perfect for a team named the Jets, one imagines. If he can ever put the total package together, he has some elite facets to his game. But consistency has not been a virtue. His junior rights were recently acquired by WHL Seattle. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Isaac Howard","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"3/30/04","current_team":"US U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"Howard finally came off the board at No. 30, a little later than maybe was expected for a player of his talent. The left winger was dynamic this past season, tallying 33 goals and 82 points in 60 games, and is generally good with the puck at both ends of the ice. Howard is deceptive on the ice, with a good burst of speed and finishing ability around the net. Plus, if the white suit he rocked at the draft was any indication, the kid's got some personality to wield, too. And he'll be bringing that swagger to Tampa Bay -- on and off the ice. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Reid Schaefer","year":2022,"date_of_birth":"9/21/03","current_team":"Seattle","league":"WHL","team_fit":"The first round ends with the Oilers, having moved down following Zack Kassian's trade to the Coyotes, selecting another big-bodied winger. Schaefer skates well, and goes to the net hard. He landed on the radar for a lot of teams after an outstanding season with the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds (58 points in 66 games) to go along with that physicality. Not a bad player to add to the forward prospect pool for the Oilers. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Connor Bedard","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"7/17/05","current_team":"Regina","league":"WHL","team_fit":"There's a reason why this was colloquially known as the \"Bedard Draft.\" Bedard is considered by several evaluators as a generational talent. He gives the rebuilding Blackhawks a playmaking center who is also prolific. The 17-year-old scored 71 goals and 143 points for the Regina Pats in the WHL this season. Everything Bedard provides is why there is a belief he can be the face of a new Blackhawks era with the club entering its first season without Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews for the first time since 2007. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Leo Carlsson","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"12/26/04","current_team":"Orebro","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"Getting a center was a priority for the Ducks, who had a number of options. They surprised a number of people by taking Leo Carlsson. The 6-foot-3 center showcased his skills across all levels in 2022-23 by playing for Orebro in the SHL, the highest division of Swedish hockey and when he represented Sweden in various international competitions. The hulking two-way center adds to what was an already promising nucleus that has Jamie Drysdale, Mason Marchment, Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Adam Fantilli","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"10/12/04","current_team":"Michigan","league":"BIG10","team_fit":"Columbus absolutely needed a player like Adam Fantilli -- and Anaheim's surprising selection of Leo Carlsson at No. 2 left Fantilli at the Blue Jackets' feet. Fantilli -- a standout freshman at the University of Michigan and the reigning Hobey Baker winner as the NCAA's top men's hockey player -- is an imposing center who will immediately make Columbus more dangerous down the middle (assuming, of course, he decides to leave the college scene). Regardless of when Fantilli slots in, he'll be able to drive his own line, elevate teammates and generate consistent production across the board. He already put together a 65-point season for the Wolverines. What would his NHL output look like out of the gate? After the bitterly disappointing season the Blue Jackets just endured, they have to hope that answer comes sooner than later. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Will Smith","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"3/17/05","current_team":"USA U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"The first thing we can recognize about Will Smith -- a center from the U.S. National Team Development program -- is he's got a healthy sense of humor: The Sharks' draftee chose as his walk-out song after being selected the theme song to -- naturally -- \"The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.\" Gotta appreciate that. What San Jose will appreciate is the high-end skill set Smith brings to its ranks. A smart two-way center, Smith is a gifted puck handler and primetime playmaker who can make skaters around him better and contribute on special teams, particularly in a penalty killing role. And given the rebuilding mode San Jose has been through in recent years the promise of what Smith will eventually add on a regular basis has to be truly exciting. Smith is a spark plug who should eventually be a top-line skater for the Sharks. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"David Reinbacher","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"10/25/04","current_team":"Kloten","league":"SWISS","team_fit":"We finally have a defenseman off the board! And -- fun fact -- Reinbacher was plucked in the same No. 5 spot as fellow Austrian Thomas Vanek was in 2003. The 18-year-old Reinbacher -- a right-shot blueliner -- played last season with Switzerland's top professional league team HC Kloten and excelled with ample opportunity in a productive season (three goals, 22 points in 46 games, the most points by a draft-eligible player in that league's history). Reinbacher was rolled out in every situation for Kloten, and that bodes well for Montreal, who can add Reinbacher to their growing stable of burgeoning young talents that will carry the franchise forward for seasons to come. While Reinbacher will remain overseas for the coming season with school obligations to fulfill, there should be plenty of runway ahead for him in the NHL. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Dmitriy Simashev","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"2/4/05","current_team":"Yaroslavl Jr.","league":"RUSSIA","team_fit":"The Coyotes took the Russian. No, not that Russian. With phenom Matvei Michkov still available, Arizona swerved and selected defenseman Dmitriy Simashev of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL. The 18-year-old is 6-foot-4 with great skating ability and speed. He played 18 games in the KHL last season in addition to 33 in the lower-level MHL. He's a physical presence on whom the Coyotes can wait. Obviously, they're a team that has needs in every area. A surprise, as many mock drafts had him going outside the top 10. But GM Bill Armstrong has earned the benefit of the doubt as a draft expert. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Matvei Michkov","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"12/9/04","current_team":"SKA St. Petersburg","league":"RUSSIA","team_fit":"This is excellent for the Flyers. Might it be the steal of the draft? The Russian winger is signed in the KHL through the 2025-26 season though, which would give rebuilding Philadelphia time to prepare for Michkov to eventually be a prime factor in their offense. He certainly has the potential. Michkov is a skilled winger who is creative with the puck, has an excellent shot, is strong around the net and possesses a distinct slippery quality that makes him hard to contain all over the ice. Last season with the KHL's Sochi HC, Michkov put up nine goals and 20 points in 27 games. Not bad for an 18-year-old, right? The Flyers could have just made a franchise-altering choice in Nashville. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Ryan Leonard","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"1/21/05","current_team":"USA U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"Washington lands itself a power forward out of the NTDP. Leonard is no stranger to big moments -- he scored the overtime game-winner for Team USA to secure a gold medal for his nation at the most recent U18 tournament -- and seems to shine in every situation. Leonard boasts a hard, accurate shot, and has a similarly hard-nosed approach to his work ethic, hounding pucks and laying hits. There's a deceptiveness in Leonard's game that makes him hard to track, and a pair of dangerous hands helped him pump in 11 goals and 20 points in 17 tournament games last season. That combination of size, skill and grittiness should translate well for Leonard in Washington, and what should be a projected top-six forward role. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Nate Danielson","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"9/27/04","current_team":"Brandon","league":"WHL","team_fit":"The Red Wings went with another skilled forward in Danielson. A standout with the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings, Danielson put up 33 goals and 78 points in 68 games last season. He's a particularly strong player off the rush and gains speed entering the zone to throw defensemen into a spin cycle. Danielson's strong skating allows him to get creative attacking the zone and finding holes. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Dalibor Dvorsky","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"6/15/05","current_team":"AIK","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"The Blues select a player in Dvorsky who should immediately be one of their organization's top prospects. The 18-year-old has been playing against top European talents with AIK of the Swedish League, adding six goals and 14 points in 38 games last season. A smart two-way center, Dvorsky has good vision, slick hands and an attack-first mentality that allowed him to set up teammates quickly. Dvorsky handles pressure well and doesn't often appear overwhelmed. He'll add plenty for St. Louis when the time comes for him to arrive in North America. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Tom Willander","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"2/9/05","current_team":"Rogle Jr.","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"The Canucks had a number of organizational needs given they entered the draft with what's considered to be one of the weaker farm systems. Drafting Willander, who was something of a late riser entering the draft, gives them a young defenseman that could someday be part of a blue line that features Filip Hronek and Quinn Hughes. Willander had four goals and 25 points playing in the J20 Nationell, the highest division of junior hockey in Sweden. His transition to the North American game will begin next season when he enrolls at Boston University. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Danil But","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"2/15/05","current_team":"Yaroslavl Jr.","league":"RUSSIA","team_fit":"Having drafted Simashev, the Coyotes once again returned to Russia by selecting But. Practically every conversation about But starts with his imposing size, with the 18-year-old standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 203 pounds. His arrival gives the Coyotes, who are thought to have one of the stronger farm systems, another potential high-end forward. Daniil spent most of the season in the MHL, which is the top Russian junior league. He scored 15 goals and 26 points in 26 games with Loko Yaroslavl. The expectation is that he will spend next season playing against older and more physically developed competition for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL. -- Clark Get exclusive access to thousands of premium articles a year from top writers."}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Zach Benson","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"5/12/05","current_team":"Winnipeg","league":"WHL","team_fit":"Drafting and/or developing forwards with promise and upside has been one of the hallmarks of the Sabres' rebuild. It appears that Benson has a chance to be the latest forward who could join that group. Just look at what he accomplished in his second full season. Benson went from 25 goals and 63 points in 58 games in his first year to bursting through to score 36 goals and 98 points in 60 games with the Winnipeg Ice. Benson has been a massive part of the Ice's playoff success as he has combined to score 16 goals and 40 points in 30 postseason contests over the last two seasons. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Brayden Yager","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"1/3/05","current_team":"Moose Jaw","league":"WHL","team_fit":"Adding high-end talent to a farm system in need of it is what made selecting Yager so alluring for the Penguins. He's shown gradual improvement through his first two-plus seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Yager went from 34 goals and 59 points in his first full season to 28 goals and 78 points in his second campaign. Then there's what he did in the WHL playoffs. Yager was one of the more dominant postseason performers with six goals and 16 points in 10 games. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Matthew Wood","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"2/6/05","current_team":"UConn","league":"H-EAST","team_fit":"Nashville adds impressive size with Wood, a towering winger from the University of Connecticut. The 18-year-old is coming off a nearly point-per-game campaign (11 goals and 34 points in 35 games last season) and he'll continue to develop at the NCAA for at least a couple more years before the Predators pull him up to the NHL ranks. But Wood is an enticing long-term prospect once he learns to use his body to his advantage and can challenge at the professional level while wielding the same skill he's shown already as a college freshman. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Samuel Honzek","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"11/12/04","current_team":"Vancouver","league":"WHL","team_fit":"The Flames have a solid north-south prospect in Honzek, with potential to be a complementary player within their top-six down the road or even in a third-line shutdown role. The 6-foot-4 winger had a great season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants last year pocketing 23 goals and 56 points in 43 games. But it's not just Honzek's nose for the net that's appealing; he protects the puck well, can change direction on a dime and maximizes body position to be a threat throughout the offensive zone. The more Honzek can keep growing into his body and continue to grow at both ends of the ice, the better for Calgary. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Axel SandinPellikka","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"3/11/05","current_team":"Skelleftea Jr.","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"Steve Yzerman and Co. went for a true offensive defenseman prospect in Pellikka. Considered by some scouts to be the best blueliner available in the draft, Pellikka fits into what the Red Wings ultimately want to be, which is a deep skill team. Pellikka is often compared to Kris Letang -- he's dangerous with the puck on his stick with the shot and vision to match. But Pellikka is a solid defender around his own net and along the boards, too. Detroit may not be in a win-now position, but by the time Pellikka is joining their bench the Red Wings should be fully ready to benefit from his two-way contributions. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Colby Barlow","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"2/14/05","current_team":"Owen Sound","league":"OHL","team_fit":"The Jets go with an old school-type choice in Barlow. Brimming with intangibles and boasting a great one-timer, Barlow had an incredible year with the OHL's Owen Sound Attack last year (46 goals and 79 points in 59 games). At 18, Barlow was the youngest captain in Attack history, a nod to those leadership skills that make Barlow an even more intriguing prospect for the Jets' system. Barlow is willing to go where other players aren't -- the \"dirty areas\" if you will -- but he's bringing so much offensive upside with him, from excellent anticipation and playmaking to a special way of simply reading the ice. Winnipeg has to expect Barlow's game will transition well into an important role with their team once he's finished developing a little further. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Oliver Moore","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"1/22/05","current_team":"USA U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"Chicago already got Connor Bedard. Now they've landed one of the best -- if not the best -- skaters available in this draft. Moore wasn't a top line forward with the U.S. National Team Development program, but that speed still allowed him to be a dynamic presence. The way he can accelerate, enter the zone and get a shot off with enviable speed is what makes Moore a special prospect. His skill set brings to mind another USNTD product -- Detroit captain Dylan Larkin -- and the fact Moore generates the way he does without necessarily being surrounded by the best players on his wing bodes well for his future. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Eduard Sale","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"3/10/05","current_team":"Brno","league":"CZECHIA","team_fit":"Seattle prioritizes its depth over being particularly flashy, and Sale definitely fits that bill. He's a solid, responsible player all around who can add offensively. Sale had seven goals and 14 points in 43 games with the Czech league's Brno Kometa last season, but his greatest strength might be as a playmaker. Sale sees the ice well and finds teammates quickly with a pass-first mentality and light touch with the puck. The Kraken could likely see Sale slotting into a number of different spots, from a top-six spot or even a larger supporting role on their third line. Ultimately Sale works well with others, and that's the collective mindset GM Ron Francis has been cultivating for the Kraken. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Charlie Stramel","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"10/15/04","current_team":"Wisconsin","league":"BIG10","team_fit":"The first knock on Stramel is that he's coming off a difficult freshman season at the University of Wisconsin (he tallied just five goals and 12 points in 33 games). However, there is a good deal of upside here. He's a big center (6-foot-3, 212 points) with enough grit to his game that he can be a challenge to contain, especially under pressure. At his best, Stramel excels in tight on a goaltender and can pull off the little plays that add up to pay big dividends on the scoresheet. Plus he can elevate linemates and shows signs of being a consistent playmaker. If Stramel was underwhelming as a college newcomer, it only proves there's room for him to continue growing -- and that's what Wild GM Bill Guerin is banking on. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Oliver Bonk","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"1/9/05","current_team":"London","league":"OHL","team_fit":"Philadelphia grabbed a dynamic scoring threat in Michkov. Now, the Flyers go with the classic shutdown defensive prospect with Bonk. He backtracks well, protects the puck, forces opponents into turnovers and really just showcases a simple game on the blue line. At 6-foot-2, Bonk can push skaters to the outside and allow his goaltender to see the puck. There's offensive upside for Bonk too; he had 10 goals and 40 points in 67 games with the OHL's London Knights last season, and put up exceptional puck possession numbers, especially in the postseason. Bonk will be a stabilizing force on the Flyers' back end when he's prepared to make the NHL jump. -- Shilton Get exclusive access to thousands of premium articles a year from top writers."}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Gabriel Perreault","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"5/7/05","current_team":"USA U-18","league":"NTDP","team_fit":"The Rangers snagged Perreault lower than he was projected to go. But for New York, he was the definition of best available. Perreault has faced criticism for his skating and speed, but he's got a wide-ranging skill set that starts with a high hockey IQ that makes him deceptive and able to make plays all over the offensive zone. Perreault had a wildly productive season with the NTDP last season. Like most young players, Perreault will need to improve his defensive skills over time, but the bones of his game are strong. Plus, Perreault's father Yanick played 859 NHL games, so his son certainly has a strong sounding board on how to translate what he already does well to the NHL level. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Tanner Molendyk","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"2/3/05","current_team":"Saskatoon","league":"WHL","team_fit":"Nashville went slightly off the board with Molendyk, a puck-moving defenseman with some high-end potential with continued growth. Molendyk is a great skater who won't be outworked by speedier opponents. At 5-foot-11, Molendyk isn't the biggest blueliner, but he'll still land a hit and doesn't back down when pushing forwards to the outside in his own end. There's plenty of precision in Molendyk's stick work, too. Over time he'll hone and refine those skills to be a more well-rounded NHLer for the Predators. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Otto Stenberg","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"5/29/05","current_team":"Frolunda Jr.","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"St. Louis goes for a steady possession player in Stenberg. He didn't come up with much offense last season playing against men with Frolunda HC of the Swedish League, but Stenberg projects to be more a defensive-minded, two-way forward for the Blues to potentially use in bottom-six role as opposed to a flashier top-line spot. Stenberg has a warrior mentality to him, and that grittiness can come in handy to have throughout a team's ranks. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Quentin Musty","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"7/6/05","current_team":"Sudbury","league":"OHL","team_fit":"There is a jack-of-all-trades quality to Musty. He came up with the OHL's Sudbury Wolves with excellent output (26 goals and 78 points in 53 games last season) and has been a little of everything -- playmaker, goal-scorer, and savvy on defense with vision off the rush. Musty is strong along the boards dislodging pucks, and works well in transition. The Sharks have to keep restocking the cupboards to eventually become contenders again, and Musty projects to be a forward they can roll out in a number of roles when the time comes for his NHL debut. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Calum Ritchie","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"1/21/05","current_team":"Oshawa","league":"OHL","team_fit":"The Avalanche might have another sleeper hit on their hands with Ritchie. The 18-year-old worked through a shoulder injury last season that limited his game, but Ritchie still produced at a point-per-game pace with the OHL's Oshawa Generals. Ritchie is a smart player -- he anticipates an opponent well, and can react accordingly (and quickly) to make something happen for himself or a teammate. When healthy, there aren't a ton of gaping holes in Ritchie's skill set. He could give Colorado a talent down the road that far outpaces where Ritchie was ultimately selected in this draft. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Easton Cowan","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"5/20/05","current_team":"London","league":"OHL","team_fit":"Toronto takes another London Knight off the board with Cowan, who kept improving throughout last season (he finished with 20 goals and 53 points in 68 games). Cowan is strong in transition, and can compete with high-end skaters off the rush. His intelligence and creativity will create opportunities others don't necessarily see. While Cowan might not have been one of the highest rated skaters coming into this draft, he certainly impressed the Leafs' scouts enough to make him a first-round choice, who will continue to develop through their program. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Theo Lindstein","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"1/5/05","current_team":"Brynas","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"St. Louis had multiple first-round picks, and Lindstein is the true slow burner of their three-man haul. He's an 18-year-old, left-shot blueliner who is not easily rattled and moves the puck well. Lindstein boasts a simple, straightforward sort of game, offering stability and strength on the back end without taking many risks. So far, Lindstein hasn't shown a great offensive upside (he grabbed just two points in 32 games with Sweden's Brynas Galve last season), but that didn't turn St. Louis off. It'll be years before the Blues see Lindstein taking on a role of any significance, but with patience he could be a solid player. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Bradly Nadeau","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"5/5/05","current_team":"Penticton","league":"BCHL","team_fit":"This pick brings a real playmaking forward into the Hurricanes' organization. Nadeau -- who is committed to the University of Maine -- has a brilliant shot that helped him produce 45 goals and 113 points in 54 games with the BCHL's Penticton Vees last season. Nadeau is able to create chances off the rush and is deceptive in how he moves around the ice; he makes the most of any opportunity. Nadeau will benefit from the NCAA experience to show that he can compete against increasingly difficult competition, but Carolina knows the work ethic and pure talent is already there. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Mikhail Gulyayev","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"4/26/05","current_team":"Omsk Jr.","league":"RUSSIA","team_fit":"Colorado selected an undersized blueliner here, but what the 18-year-old lacks in that respect he makes up for in other aspects of his well-rounded game. Gulyayev is a great skater, he's got good gap control and doesn't shy away from challenging an opponent (of any size). Gulyayev has a strong stick and can create turnovers, which makes him dangerous at both ends of the ice. He put up two goals and 25 points in 22 games last season with Russia's Omskie Yastreby, and Colorado can take its time helping Gulyayev keep growing into himself amid their stockpile of defensive prospects. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"David Edstrom","year":2023,"date_of_birth":"2/18/05","current_team":"Frolunda Jr.","league":"SWEDEN","team_fit":"Vegas gets a well-rounded forward in 18-year-old Edstrom. He's a gamer; Edstrom chases down pucks, boasts a strong work ethic at both ends of the ice and can really do it all. Edstrom distributes the puck well to teammates, and can add offensively in his own right. What Vegas also has to like is the way Edstrom supports on the defensive side, and can cover up on the back end. He's not flashy, but Edstrom can do a multitude of things very well. That's got to be appealing long term for the reigning Stanley Cup champions. -- Shilton"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Macklin Celebrini","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"6/13/06","current_team":"Boston University","league":"H-EAST","scouting_report":"There is no area of the game where legitimate concerns exist. Simply put, he does not have a weak point. He excels as a length of the ice player, making significant contributions on both ends. Offensively, he navigates the middle of the ice, disrupts defensive schemes and finds passing lanes that others cannot. His puck protection skills, willingness to play through contact, spin off defenders and maintain play are qualities that will translate well to the NHL. Even without the puck, he remains a scoring threat due to his ability to find open spaces, keeps his stick away from defenders and releases the puck quickly. -- Doerrie Team fit: Rebuilds require cornerstone players. Celebrini appears to be just that, considering this year's draft was commonly referred to as \"The Celebrini Draft.\" Finishing with the NHL's worst record meant the Sharks had a number of areas that needed to be addressed. Among them: top-six forward help. Enter Celebrini.","team_fit":"While the possibility exists that Celebrini could return to BU for his sophomore year, he could step right in to the Sharks' lineup. Since 2005, the forwards who were selected with the No. 1 pick played the next season. It's a list that includes Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid and last year's No. 1 pick, Connor Bedard. Furthermore, Celebrini now officially becomes the face of a promising rebuild that already had Thomas Bordeleau, William Eklund, Mario Ferraro, Quinten Musty and the team's 2023 first-round pick in Will Smith, who is leaving Boston College after one season after signing his entry-level contract with the Sharks. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Artyom Levshunov","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"10/28/05","current_team":"Michigan State","league":"BIG10","scouting_report":"The Belarusian is widely regarded as the best defender in the draft class, impressing scouts in many areas. A right-shot defenseman, he imposes himself physically and dictates offensive play. His rapid development has led scouts to believe he could quickly become an impactful two-way defenseman in the NHL. He excels at making good first passes, finding shooting lanes and taking control of the game from the blue line. Though still raw defensively, he has tremendous upside due to his physical attributes, excellent skating ability and high puck battle success rate. Consistently engaged and a play driver at both ends of the ice, he has the potential to shift momentum. Levshunov could become a top-pairing defenseman who dictates play in transition and tilts the ice in his team's favor. -- Doerrie Team fit: The Blackhawks found their next foundational player atop last year's draft in forward Connor Bedard, who won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year on Thursday. But they also had to strip down their team to the foundations to get him. The duration of the rebuild around Bedard is entirely contingent on the players with whom they surround him. To that end, Levshunov is a huge addition, literally and figuratively.","team_fit":"The Blackhawks have some intriguing young defenseman in their system, but not enough of them. Kevin Korchinski played 76 games as a rookie last season and has some upside. Wyatt Kaiser split time between the Blackhawks and AHL Rockford. Sam Rinzel, selected 25th overall in 2022, had an outstanding first season with the University of Minnesota. But what they have in Levshunov is, for lack of a better label, \"The Guy.\" The giant blueliner who could be their Victor Hedman. Those dynastic Lightning teams were built on offensive stars such as Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, but they won Cups thanks to the efforts of Hedman on the back end. This draft could be looked back on as an essential moment of the Bedard era in Chicago. -- Wyshynski Take a look at the best plays from University of Denver standout Zeev Buium."}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Beckett Sennecke","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"1/28/06","current_team":"Oshawa","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Offensively, it is difficult to find a weakness. He is a dual-threat menace in the offensive zone and dropped more jaws in one-on-one play than any other draft-eligible player in the OHL this season. His ability to force defenders into bad spots and manipulate his way around them is terrifying. Not only is he a threat in tight situations, but he's also a threat in transition. The puck follows him around the ice, and he slices defensive coverage with ease through excellent reads, decisive passing and a quality shot. Off the puck, he uses his awareness to win pucks back. As the season progressed, he became a nightmare on the forecheck, routinely hemming players in and winning pucks back. For lack of a better word, he's a gamer. If he wants the puck, he's more than likely going to end up with it. He's not an elite skater, but he gets to where he needs to go, plays two steps ahead of his peers and makes his teammates better. There are teams that have him in their top five, and while that is a little high for me, it is easy to understand why scouts believe Sennecke could be a top-line player. -- Doerrie Team fit: Once again, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek went in a bit of an unexpected direction by taking Sennecke. The Ducks were in a bit of a tricky situation when it came to adding to their rebuild. Not that they couldn't have used more forwards, but they already have quite a bit of youth with Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras. The same holds true with defensemen of course, with Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov playing as rookies last season and another defenseman, Olen Zellweger, getting nine points in 26 games with the Ducks after spending the majority of the year in the AHL with the San Diego Gulls.","team_fit":"Now that they've added Sennecke, the Ducks have another top-six forward with size as the 6-foot-2 Sennecke will be a player who gives the Ducks another option in their attack. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Cayden Lindstrom","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"2/3/06","current_team":"Medicine Hat","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Lindstrom combines speed, size and skill, making him a dominant force at the junior level. He effectively uses his frame to protect the puck, wins battles and plays through contact in challenging areas of the ice. His physical package and skating ability make him a formidable opponent on the rush and in puck battles. If he continues to develop his ability to play through contact, he has the tools to be an excellent power forward at the NHL level. His speed in transition keeps defensemen on their heels and he changes gears to create space. Without the puck, he reads off his linemates well and finds open pockets of space. As a versatile offensive player, he knows when to use his physicality to create scoring chances or hold the puck to set up plays in the offensive zone. Although his injury history is a concern, projections indicate that Lindstrom could become a second-line center with the potential to score 70 points over a long period. He may take longer to develop, but a player with his toolbox is intriguing to many teams. -- Doerrie Team fit: This is the first Blue Jackets draft since 2012 that didn't have Jarmo Kekalainen running the table. He was dismissed as general manager earlier this season, creating an opening for one of the NHL's most interesting jobs. Columbus is a place where the bar for success is low and the talent in the prospect pool is high.","team_fit":"It just got higher. New GM Don Waddell, who took over the Blue Jackets after leaving the Carolina Hurricanes, had a number of options after the Ducks shocked the draft by taking Beckett Sennecke third overall. They fought some temptation and added Lindstrom. The Medicine Hat center joins center Adam Fantilli, the third overall pick in 2023 who had 27 points in 49 games this season; Kent Johnson, another Michigan alum, who is entering his fourth NHL season; and the big body and booming shot of defenseman David Jiricek as the next generation of the Blue Jackets. With Cole Sillinger also up the middle, the days of the Blue Jackets being the NHL's donut -- nothing in the middle -- appear over. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Ivan Demidov","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"12/10/05","current_team":"SKA St. Petersburg Jr.","league":"RUSSIA-JR.","scouting_report":"Offensively, he's the complete package and is projected to be a top-six difference-maker in the NHL. His dynamic ability to create offense combines an outstanding release, elite vision and elite puckhandling skills, perhaps the best in this draft class. He's bigger and more physically mature than originally thought, which drew attention at the Florida showcase. Capable of driving play offensively, Demidov consistently took over games in the playoffs, earning the MVP award. He ranks in the top 5% for shooting and passing metrics and is a transition threat. He drives the middle from the outside and consistently gets himself to the dangerous scoring areas. As a versatile offensive player, Demidov has the potential to be a 40-goal, 40-assist producer and is the only player with a ceiling close to Celebrini's. -- Doerrie Team fit: Prior to the draft, it appeared that getting a forward was going to be the move for the Canadiens. And they fulfilled that in taking Demidov. They were in a position to take a forward last year but passed on Matvei Michkov before taking defenseman David Reinbacher. With Reinbacher being the pick last season, he added to a defensive setup that already included Kaiden Guhle, Logan Mailloux and Jayden Struble.","team_fit":"Concentrating on defensemen the last few years created that opening to take a forward for the second time in three years, having selected Juraj Slafkovsky with the No. 1 pick in 2022. Now the Canadiens have another top-six forward in Demidov, who at some point will make the trek to North America. And when he does, he'll join Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield as another homegrown player who's looking to take the Habs back to prominence in the Eastern Conference. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Tij Iginla","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"8/4/06","current_team":"Kelowna","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"His offensive instincts and lethal wrist shot make him a serious goal-scoring threat with and without the puck. His puck skill steadily improved this season, and he became a serious offensive threat. When he has possession, Iginla displays excellent puckhandling, strong protection and a release that surprises goaltenders. He has a unique understanding of how to blend competitive physicality with elite skill, a dangerous combination. Without the puck, he finds open spaces, forechecks tenaciously and exhibits the competitiveness his father Jarome was known for. Although he needs to improve defensively, his combination of skating, puck skills, tenacity and shooting ability should enable him to contribute consistently in a top-six role, with a ceiling of a top-line winger. -- Doerrie Team fit: When the Arizona Coyotes were sold to Smith Entertainment Group and relocated to Utah, their history didn't come with them. So this is the first pick ever made by this franchise.","team_fit":"But their hockey operations staff was imported along with the players. That included GM Bill Armstrong, whose calling card has always been his work in scouting and drafting. That's enabled Utah to have players such as forward Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther, who made an impact at the NHL level, as well as center Conor Geekie, defenseman Maveric Lamoureux and KHL defensemen Dmitry Simashev and Daniil But. Armstrong told me that Utah doesn't feel pressure to add a \"poster on the side of the arena\" level star for its first season in Salt Lake City, because there might be some in the organization who could fit that role. It might have another in Tij Iginla. He's got the hockey legacy of his Hall of Fame father and his own high-end talent. Iginla is an ideal selection given the club's needs on offense, and as someone who can eventually help sell hockey to a new fan base. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Carter Yakemchuk","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"9/29/05","current_team":"Calgary","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Yakemchuk is an offensive difference-maker at the junior level and showed glimpses of excellent puck distribution. He dictates the power play from the point, but he needs to develop the ability to facilitate offense to take advantage of his shot in the NHL. He manipulates defenders with excellent hands, fakes and sheer power. The lack of an explosive skating stride makes him easier to defend than a more elusive skater. Defensively, he's a work in progress. His skating mobility needs to improve to be an effective transition defender in the NHL. Scouts and executives love his mean streak, as he hits to leave a mark. He gets caught puck-watching or stepping out of position to be physical. He lacks the skating step to catch opponents when they beat him in those situations, an area he needs to develop before making the jump. -- Doerrie Team fit: Drafting Yakemchuk could prove to be an intriguing move for a few reasons. The first is that this was the first time in two years the Senators used a first-round pick. It's a bit of a bizarre dynamic for a franchise that's been trying to shed the title of rebuild and transition into a playoff team, only to miss the postseason for the past seven campaigns.","team_fit":"That said, Yakemchuk gives it a young defenseman who adds to a group that already has Thomas Chabot, Jakob Chychrun, Jake Sanderson and Jacob Bernard-Docker, among others. But that also comes with the understanding that Chychrun's future with the club is in question. He has a year left on his contract before hitting free agency. He could either sign a new deal or the Sens could trade him. Either way, they'll have options, and getting Yakemchuk will now play a big role in that dynamic. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Berkly Catton","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"1/14/06","current_team":"Spokane","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Catton is one of those \"get you out of your seats\" players. He's dynamic with the puck, reads defensive structures, slices through coverage and is a nightmare to defend in one-on-one situations. His ability to manipulate defenders with his speed and skill is pure brilliance. He's one of the most dangerous transition players in the draft, and even at 5-10, he's shown an ability to execute high-skill plays in traffic. As is the case with any player of this skill set, he needs to pick his spots a little better to improve his offensive efficiency. The turnovers are not going to fly at the NHL level, and he'll need to develop his ability to create offense when he's not in transition. The same manipulation, stick skill and deception he uses on the rush needs to be applied in smaller areas. If he can take pucks off the wall and get to the middle, there is a better chance he hits his ceiling of a top-six, point producer. He's already a dual threat with a promising arsenal of releases and shot types. Given that he understands how to put defenders in vulnerable postures, it is not a stretch to believe his offensive game will continue to improve. I'm not sure he's a center in the NHL, but the dynamic dual threat should be an entertaining player to watch for years. -- Doerrie Team fit: Entering the draft, the narrative surrounding the Kraken was that they needed to draft a defenseman. Namely, a puck mover who could help facilitate possession for a team that's struggled to score goals in two of their first three seasons. Although the argument could be had that they already have that with Ryker Evans.","team_fit":"It still amounted to the Kraken needing prospects who can score or create goals and it led to them choosing Berkly Catton. He addresses their scoring needs provided he scored 54 goals and 116 points for the Spokane Chiefs last season. If the Kraken opt to keep Catton at center, he will join their spine of the future that includes Matty Beniers and Shane Wright. But there's a chance he could be moved to the wing, with the expectation that he could someday play alongside Beniers on one of the Kraken's top two lines and on their power play. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Zayne Parekh","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"2/15/06","current_team":"Saginaw","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Parekh is the top offensive defenseman in the draft, without question. He has all the makings of a game-breaker on the blue line. His statistics and model projections stand out, surpassing every other defenseman except Levshunov. He is clearly in the top tier, projected as a top-four offensive catalyst with an over 80% chance of playing 200-plus NHL games. Right-handed offensive dynamos are rare and seldom available via trade. Parekh has all the qualities of a top-notch power-play quarterback and even-strength play driver, capable of scoring upward of 60 points per season in the NHL. He had one of the best draft-eligible seasons in CHL history, which should not be overlooked. His elite four-way mobility allows him to evade opponents and create space effortlessly. His defensive game improved throughout the OHL season, and while it's not as robust as some might prefer, his skating and hockey sense equip him to defend effectively at the NHL level. His offensive instincts are innate and form the foundation of his play-driving offense. Combine his offensive instincts with demonstrated ability to move pucks to dangerous areas, create shooting opportunities and get pucks through, and Parekh presents an intriguing package. His ceiling is the highest among defensemen in the draft, confidently projecting him as an impactful top-four defenseman over a lengthy NHL career. -- Doerrie Team fit: The pick wasn't Tij Iginla and that's going to be a bummer for a lot of Flames fans. But Zayne Parekh is a solid choice and a player who will certainly help with Calgary's rebuild ... retool ... whatever it is that GM Craig Conroy is doing with this franchise, which is content to ship out some veterans (Jacob Markstrom, Andrew Mangiapane), while holding onto others (like reportedly, Nazem Kadri). They have some quality young players up front such as winger Matt Coronato, who played 35 games in the NHL; center Connor Zary, who had a strong rookie season with 34 points in 63 games; and a big forward in Samuel Honzek.","team_fit":"Now they add Parekh, a player who has electrifying offensive upside. Parekh is the first defenseman the Flames selected in the first round since Juuso Valimaki at No. 16 in 2017. They simply didn't have a player with his skill set in their pipeline, and this pick is a great one for Calgary. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Anton Silayev","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"4/11/06","current_team":"Nizhny Novgorod","league":"RUSSIA","scouting_report":"At 6-7, this hulking defender played significant minutes for one of the KHL's better teams, a rarity at age 17, and this greatly enhances his projection. While he isn't expected to be dynamic in the NHL, his developing offensive skills suggest he could become a 35- to 40-point producer. He skates very well, with good edgework and agility, which is evident in his defensive transitions and his movement along the offensive blue line. If he can add strength without losing mobility, he could become a high-minute defenseman in the NHL, capable of shutting down the opposition's best players. His floor is higher than other top defensive prospects due to his proven ability to succeed in the KHL. Scouts are high on his skating ability, physicality and transition defense. There are concerns about his ability to read the play and make good puck decisions. He will need time to enhance his ability to facilitate breakouts, transition offense and read pressure. --Doerrie Team fit: There was plenty of speculation that the Devils would move this pick -- it was certainly in play in the hours leading up to the draft. But New Jersey kept it and added to the deepest part of its prospect pool: the blue line.","team_fit":"Anton Silayev is a 6-7 mountain, a defensive defenseman who has tremendous skating ability and a fantastic reach. They moved 24-year-old Kevin Bahl, who is 6-6, for goalie Jacob Markstrom. Silayev more than fits in as an eventual replacement. He joins Calder Trophy finalist Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec and eventually Seamus Casey as the defensive foundations for years to come. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Sam Dickinson","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"6/7/06","current_team":"London","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Dickinson is one of the best all-around skating defensemen in the draft, and it is particularly evident in transition. Offensively, he carries the puck with ease, evades defenders, cuts to the middle and creates scoring chances. Defensively, he maintains a good gap, matches opponent's speed and finishes his checks. His shot is above average, but he is unlikely to overpower goalies at the NHL level. His skating and defensive abilities will carry him in the NHL. These are all attributes scouts and coaches love. It is easy to see why the model projects him to be a top-four defender with a puncher's chance of being a top-pairing guy. The big question with Dickinson is decision-making on both sides of the puck. At the junior level, he's so evasive and above his peers in the skating department, that it masks some awareness issues. On the rush, he can skate himself into trouble and make life more complicated when a simpler play exists. In the defensive zone, he gets caught on the wrong side of players and makes questionable decisions with the puck after he wins a battle. He's a solid athlete who will play in the NHL, but time will tell if he can develop his awareness and reads to take advantage of his skills and become a difference-maker. -- Doerrie Team fit: When the Sharks traded up to No. 11 on Thursday, it came with the expectation that they were going to use that pick to get a defenseman, especially considering they already had Celebrini, in addition to forwards such as Bordeleau, Eklund, Musty and Smith. And that's not including who they took in 2022, center Filip Bystedt.","team_fit":"That belief only intensified by the time the Sharks picked at 11, as defensemen such as Zeev Buium and Sam Dickinson were still available when it came time for their second pick of the first round. They chose Dickinson, who gives them a sizable defenseman who can not only serve in a top-pairing role but can also be at the controls of a power play. A power play that in the coming years could be led by Celebrini, Smith, Dickinson and Eklund. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Zeev Buium","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"12/7/05","current_team":"Denver","league":"NCHC","scouting_report":"One of the best defensemen in college hockey this season, Buium is confidently projected as a top-four defenseman in the NHL. He consistently stands out by joining the rush, defending well in transition and excelling in man-to-man defense in his own zone. He's an elite two-way defenseman at the college level and is likely the most efficient puck mover in this draft class. He shows elite hockey sense and seems to be two to three plays ahead, allowing him to make plays that other players can't. Defensively, he maintains a tight gap, adapts to changes in pace and uses excellent edgework to avoid getting beaten in tight situations. His puck skills, combined with various head and shoulder fakes, enable him to create space and passing lanes. If there is a better one-on-one defenseman in this draft, I've yet to see him. Buium elevates his play as games intensify and was one of Team USA's best players at the World Juniors as an underage player, in addition to being a crucial part of the NCAA champion Denver blue line. With all the qualities of a play-driving, momentum-shifting defenseman, Buium could be ready for the NHL by the end of the 2024-25 college season. -- Doerrie Team fit: GM Bill Guerin got aggressive here to select Zeev Buium, and rightfully so. Buium has a high hockey IQ and can be someone that can run an NHL power play, leading all NCAA defenseman in points last season (50). Denver depended on him big time in winning the national title this season -- he played 31 minutes against Boston University in the semifinal and more than 29 minutes against Boston College for the title.","team_fit":"He's an impact player and the highest defenseman the Wild have taken since Matt Dumba at seventh overall in 2012. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Jett Luchanko","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"8/21/06","current_team":"Guelph","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Luchanko has all the makings of a dream bottom-six role. Given the offensive instincts and abilities he has shown this season, Luchanko has a better ability to drive play than many believe. He's an excellent two-way player, a rare feat for a very young player in a draft class. The combination of production, development and a later birthday give Luchanko a projection closer to middle six than bottom six. Luchanko was the main beneficiary of Matthew Poitras' move to the Bruins, allowing him to become the primary driver on both sides of the puck. His skating takes the pace of the game to another level, forcing his opponents to play at speeds in which they are uncomfortable. His ability to dictate the play is eye-opening, beating defenders clean with his speed while being a royal pain to deal with on the forecheck and backcheck. He is in the middle of everything that happens, showing off a detail-oriented game that includes awareness, shiftiness and skill that scouts love. -- Doerrie Team fit: Trading down to No. 13 earned some extra draft capital. But they also landed a center in Jett Luchanko that adds to a future that already includes Noah Cates, Joel Farabee, Tyson Foerster and Matvei Michkov. Even with that many forwards, the Flyers were still in need of a center. That made Luchanko or Konsta Helenius an option.","team_fit":"The last time they drafted a center in the first round was in 2018 when they took Jay O'Brien, who they did not sign (and earned a compensatory pick this year for it). Prior to that, It was 2017 when they took Nolan Patrick with the second pick and Morgan Frost at 27. Patrick was traded, while Frost remains with the club. Luchanko gives the Flyers someone who projects as a two-way option who could be anchoring one of the lines of a rebuild that took a significant step forward in 2023-24. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Konsta Helenius","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"5/11/06","current_team":"Jukurit","league":"FINLAND","scouting_report":"Helenius is excellent defensively, and his play is immediately projectable to the NHL. Offensively, he is effective, not flashy. He retrieves pucks, enters the zone with possession, creates space with effective body positioning and relies on his elite hockey sense to make sound decisions offensively. The combination of his competitiveness, hockey sense and puck management make him a highly effective and reliable player in all three zones. He lacks dynamic attributes that other players in the draft class possess, but he makes up for that his in his ability to be the engine of his line. He consistently drives play and showed flashes of offensive creativity, but Helenius does not have a standout offensive attribute. He's a well-rounded, length-of-the-ice player who will be impactful on both sides of the puck at the NHL level. Scouts see some Mikael Backlund in him, which is high praise for the young Finn. A second-line center/top penalty killer who can drive play at even strength is something every contender needs. That is Helenius. If his offense develops, there's a chance he fits the mold of a Joel Eriksson Ek or Elias Lindholm type of player. -- Doerrie Team fit: The Sabres traded down this week, acquiring the Devils' No. 42 overall pick in their flip-flop with the Sharks. Helenius is a solid two-way center who joins a depth chart that includes Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, Matthew Savoie, Jiri Kulich and Noah Ostlund.","team_fit":"Obviously, some of them could shift to the wing, but the bottom line is that the Sabres have a ton of talent on the way up front, to go along with the foundational defensemen in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Michael Brandsegg-Nygård","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"10/5/05","current_team":"Mora","league":"SWEDEN-2","scouting_report":"The Norwegian forward is one of the most well-rounded players in the draft. The blend of grit, skill and in-tight scoring ability has scouts believing he is a Swiss Army knife at the NHL level. There is belief that he could be the best two-way forward in the draft not named Celebrini. Defensively, he may be the best forward in the draft. He is consistently in the right positions, makes excellent reads in defensive transition and reads off his teammates well to support the puck. His ability to retrieve pucks, win puck battles and position his body in ways that make it nearly impossible to knock him off the puck will only improve has he physically matures and adds strength. He's unafraid to deliver a board-shaking body check to shift momentum, but does not put himself out of position to do so. He separates opponents from the puck, drives forward and uses his powerful frame to cut to the middle or the net. If there is a weakness in his defensive game, I have yet to find it. The drawback with Brandsegg-Nygard is that he isn't dynamic. His ceiling isn't as high as other players, but his floor is higher than nearly every forward outside of the top five. There is little doubt he will be a middle-six power forward who will be deployed to shut down opponent's best players and finish offensive opportunities in tight. As one scout put it, \"He isn't the guy you build around, but certainly the type of player that every contender wants in the middle of their lineup.\" -- Doerrie Team fit: What's this? The Red Wings went into Europe and drafted a player?","team_fit":"In all seriousness, Brandsegg-Nygard was thought to be a player who could have gone in this range, so it wasn't like the Red Wings reached. Detroit has used two of its most recent first-round picks to get centers. It's just that Brandsegg-Nygard gives it another potential top-six winger. And given how the Wings are currently set up with their forward depth, Brandsegg-Nygard has a good chance to break onto the scene in the near future. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Adam Jiricek","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"6/28/06","current_team":"Plzen","league":"CZECHIA","scouting_report":"The 6-2, right-handed defenseman has been on scouting radars for years, allowing for his game to be put under the microscope. He's competitive, makes good puck decisions and activates in the play. Losing nearly a full season of development during the most crucial years makes for a more difficult evaluation and model projection. Jiricek's numbers are very volatile, and the draft year sample is not large enough for a confident projection. The tools to be an impactful defenseman are there, with good reads, aggressive defensive posture, strong puck retrieval skills and physicality. He needs the skating, which obviously took a developmental hit when he tore an ACL, to improve by a step and half or two to take advantage of his other skills. His stride lacks the explosive and aggressive attributes to complement the rest of his game and will hinder his ability to utilize other skills if he can't keep pace. He has a longer runway to develop because he's inexperienced and lost nearly a year of development to his injury. There is a real chance he becomes a second-pairing defenseman and an outside shot at the top pair. -- Doerrie Team fit: The Blues really needed to add some talent to their defense prospects -- they hadn't drafted a defenseman in the first round since Jordan Schmaltz in 2012 -- and Jiricek is a terrific choice. He gained great experience playing in the Czech league, and as a right-shot defenseman he's a valuable commodity.","team_fit":"Jiricek might not have the ceiling of his brother, David, who went sixth overall to the Blue Jackets in 2022, but he's certainly got some upside. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Terik Parascak","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"5/28/06","current_team":"Prince George","league":"WHL","scouting_report":"His production is reminiscent of a player who should be selected in top half of the first round. His skating, like Jason Robertson's in 2017, worries scouts. He doesn't have the physical package of Robertson, but his production is much better. Parascak has all the capabilities to be a dual threat at the NHL level if his skating improves. Parascak's instincts on and off the puck are high-end. He understands defensive schemes and how to penetrate them, but his skating holds him back from driving play. This is evident in transition, where he lacks the pace to attack the middle and relies on his instincts to find open space and arrive at the perfect time. When he gets the puck in space, he's terrifying. His catch and release shot, one-timer and ability to shoot opposite his momentum make him challenging for goalies to stop. A team taking Parascak is getting a player with an elite hockey sense and many shots in his arsenal. If he can add strength and more power to his skating, there is a real chance he's a top-six, difference-maker in the NHL. He's unlikely to be a true play driver, but a complementary player who can ignite a power play. -- Doerrie Team fit: Using their first-round picks to select top-six forwards they believe can provide a sense of offensive consistency going forward has been the plan for the Caps the past few years. The decision to take Parascak fits within that dynamic. Parascak was one of a few forwards who could have been picked at this spot.","team_fit":"When the time comes, he'll be the latest prospect to come through a farm system that has watched its AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, win Calder Cups while continuing to send the organization's homegrown talents to the NHL. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Sacha Boisvert","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"3/17/06","current_team":"Muskegon","league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Boisvert can really shoot the puck, and regardless of where he receives it, he is a threat. He gets pucks through layers with accuracy and has excellent hands to finish plays at the net front. There is reason to believe his deceptive release will transfer to the NHL level, but if it does not, his ability to finish plays in tight will surely make him worthy of attention. Without the puck, Boisvert is still impactful. He tracks back well, disrupts transition play and delivers hard hits to separate players from the puck. There's a noticeable edge to his game that will only improve as he gets stronger. His skating posture is off balance, and he lacks the explosiveness required to create more space offensively. An improved skating stride with more power and better ability to read defensive coverage will allow Boisvert to take advantage of his NHL-ready shot and two-way game. -- Doerrie Team fit: The assumption was that the Blackhawks would go with a forward here after taking Levshunov at second overall. Boisvert offers a great contrast to the way Connor Bedard plays at center -- a two-way game with some physicality. He aspires to be an Evgeni Malkin-like player in the NHL. Not a bad gamble for the Blackhawks to take, considering they already have their Sidney Crosby. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Trevor Connelly","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"2/28/06","current_team":"Tri-City","league":"USHL","scouting_report":"On talent and talent alone, the model projects him to be a top-six forward with a fair chance at a top-line role. There are only a few players with better offensive attributes than Connelly, and they will go in the top 10. He leaves a lot to be desired defensively but should get a healthy dose of development at Providence College. He is unlikely to be a two-way player, and that's not his style. His style is flash, dash and pizzazz -- a player with a true wow factor. Connelly has a lot of maturing to do on and off the ice. The selfish major and misconduct at the under-18 championship kick-started the collapse against Canada in the gold medal game. Quite a few teams have designated him as \"do not draft\" due the information revealed in a story from The Athletic. As one NHL head scout put it, \"top-10 talent, bottom-10 character. Can't do it.\" The definition of high-risk, high-reward for all the wrong reasons. -- Doerrie Team fit: There's a possibility that the Golden Knights have reached the point that they could start to incorporate prospects as they continue to challenge for the Stanley Cup. It's possible that drafting Connolly could work out one of two ways for the Golden Knights. He could be a player who works his way into the lineup as a productive winger on a team-friendly deal to help offset some of their salary cap issues. Or he could be used in a potential trade to help the Golden Knights get a player they covet.","team_fit":"Whatever path the Golden Knights take, it'll come with the win-at-all costs mentality that's continued to define them. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Cole Eiserman","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"8/29/06","current_team":"USA U-18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Eiserman is considered the best pure scorer in the draft, though opinions about him vary widely. His impressive goal totals with the national team development program are hard to ignore, yet he often leaves scouts wanting more. With the best shot in the draft, his projection suggests he could score 35 to 40 goals per season if he reaches his ceiling. As a young player in the draft, he has more runway to improve his decision-making and develop a well-rounded offensive game. While habits can be fixed and skating will continue to improve, scoring instincts and the ability to catch and release the puck from awkward positions are innate, and Eiserman excels in both areas. There are times he tries to do too much with the puck, leading to turnovers and forced shots -- habits that can frustrate scouts and coaches. Despite this, his potential as a 40-goal scorer is undeniable if developed with patience. The model is confident he will produce at the NHL level in a top-six role. Eiserman has the talent to be an even-strength scorer, power-play asset and most importantly, a difference-maker. -- Doerrie Team fit: Leave it to Lou Lamoriello to punch consensus in the face. Cole Eiserman is one of the best goal-scorers in the draft, whose stock had fallen due to criticisms of his defensive game. The Islanders certainly needed an infusion of high-end offensive talent in their prospect pool. Eiserman is the embodiment of the \"you can't teach offense\" mindset. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Michael Hage","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"4/14/06","current_team":"Chicago","league":"USHL","scouting_report":"A big, right-handed center who is a dual threat in the offensive zone and showed one of the most promising development curves of the season? Check. Check. Check. A dynamic transitioner of the puck, Hage is a cerebral player who picks apart defensive schemes in transition with ease. He gets the puck off the wall to the dangerous areas of the ice better than most players in the draft. The deceptiveness of his shot and the array of shots in his arsenal makes him equally dangerous with and without the puck. He can pull the puck and fire it through defenders as easily as he receives the puck and releases in a single motion. A heady player, Hage understands how to manipulate defenders and open up shooting lanes. If he can add a step to his pace, he will be able to take advantage of the compromising positions he puts defenders in. There are many parts of Hage's game that scouts love outside of his physical gifts. He wins puck battles, gets to the net front and makes his teammates better. He will develop hard skill by improving his ability to take contact and use it to his advantage. The details of his game are a strong point. He supports the puck well, and his ability to impact the game will only improve as his skating takes a step. The model sees him as a middle-six player with an outside chance at hitting his second-line ceiling. -- Doerrie Team fit: After taking Demidov at No. 5, the Canadiens used their second first-round pick to take another forward in Hage. The expectation with Hage is that he could give them a two-way center for the future.","team_fit":"Hypothetically speaking, the Canadiens might not be in any rush, as they're set up with Nick Suzuki and Alex Newhook down the middle for at least three more years. Hage will spend next season playing at the University of Michigan which has recently developed a number of centers such as Matty Beniers, Thomas Bordeleau and Brendan Brisson, among others. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Egor Surin","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"8/1/06","current_team":"Yaroslavl Jr.","league":"RUSSIA-JR.","team_fit":"He certainly fits the Predators' identity under Trotz and head coach Andrew Brunette of compete level up front. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Stian Solberg","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"12/29/05","current_team":"Valerenga","league":"NORWAY","team_fit":"In short order, the Ducks could potentially have five homegrown defensemen, or they could look to move one of them in the future if it can help them swing a deal to address another area of the roster. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Cole Beaudoin","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"4/24/06","current_team":"Barrie","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Combine an elite motor, good two-way play and a healthy dose of compete, Cole Beaudoin is simply a gamer. If I were giving each draft-eligible a superlative or vibe, Beaudoin's would be \"gamer.\" The model is lower on him than this ranking, but the belief that he should become a bottom-six player that checks well, kills penalties and bring energy to the lineup. A big, strong player who may be most effective on the wing at the NHL level, Beaudoin reads the play well, gets into traffic, wins nearly every puck battle and grinds opponents down. There is no OHL player who enjoys going into the corner with him -- and more than a few came out worse for wear. He's got the strength and desire to be an impactful physical player in the NHL. If his skating continues to improve, there is reason to believe he has a higher ceiling than current projections indicate. Utah will need a more patient approach with him, but added pace could see him jump into a third-line role as a player coaches trust implicitly. -- Doerrie Team fit: GM Bill Armstrong had a treasure trove of draft picks and decided to dip into them swap with Colorado, sending the 38th, 71st and the Rangers' 2025 second-rounder to the Avalanche. That's because it was widely expected that the Bruins were going to select Beaudoin with the next selection.","team_fit":"Utah gets a strong center who plays with physical tenacity, a puck-swarming forward that fits in well on the UHC depth chart. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Dean Letourneau","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"2/21/06","current_team":"St. Andrews College","league":"HIGH-ON","team_fit":"He'll attend Boston College starting in 2025, so the Bruins can keep a close eye on his development. Perhaps the most fascinating part is that the Bruins are hoping to strike it rich with Letourneau given they've only had four draft picks since 2018 who have reached the NHL. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Liam Greentree","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"1/1/06","current_team":"Windsor","league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Greentree has many attributes that scouts love -- he plays in the middle of the ice, sees the ice very well, is an adept playmaker and a throwback build in the style of a power forward. He ranks highly across the board from his physical game to his hockey sense to his high-end playmaking. He lacks in the most important, yet most easily improvable, area: skating. Were Greentree an average or slightly above average skater, he likely would've been a top-10 pick because he's that good in the other areas of his game. Greentree was effectively a one-man show on a rebuilding Windsor team. His production is likely 20% better on a team that doesn't finish near the bottom of the OHL standings. Not only is he a quality offensive driver, but he is also reliable defensively. He gets himself in good positions, wins puck battles and routinely outmuscles opponents all over the ice. He's fun to watch because you wonder how he is as effective as he is with his skating deficiencies. Scouts and executives have expressed an admiration for his game. His puckhandling, vision and shot make him a problem to deal with in the offensive zone. There are a lot of tools to work with and wouldn't be the first prospect to improve his skating after being drafted. The problem with Greentree's skating is that it is enough of a concern in today's league that if it doesn't improve, he may not be able to keep up. Functionally big and skilled power wingers are hard to find nowadays, and Greentree is exactly that. If he does add a step or two to his game, there's a good chance he's a top-six point producer at the NHL level. -- Doerrie Team fit: The Kings picked up this pick when Montreal traded up to No. 21 to select center Michael Hage. Greentree was captain of the Windsor Spitfires, and has a big body and a smart offensive game.","team_fit":"He joins a group of young forwards with the Kings that includes burgeoning star Quinton Byfield, Alex Laferriere and hopefully Alex Turcotte, who hasn't developed as quickly as the others. Most importantly, Liam Greentree wore No. 66 in the OHL and would automatically become our favorite player if he had the audacity of wearing Mario Lemieux's sacred digits in the NHL. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Marek Vanacker","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"4/12/06","current_team":"Brantford","league":"OHL","team_fit":"Vanacker gives the Blackhawks a winger they could potentially see at the NHL level in a few years. While their rebuild starts and ends with Bedard, getting Vanacker means the Blackhawks have used seven first-round picks to draft forwards since 2020. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Matvei Gridin","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"3/1/06","current_team":"Muskegon","league":"USHL","team_fit":"Another Russian player who was spotlighted at the Dan Milstein camp during the Stanley Cup Final, he has a big frame for an agile skater. He's University of Michigan-bound, and the Flames will gladly wait for his skills to sharpen in the NCAA. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Emil Hemming","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"6/27/06","current_team":"TPS","league":"FINLAND","scouting_report":"Hemming is a fun topic of discussion among scouts. He's considered to have a very high floor and lower offensive ceiling. The model sees him fitting in quite well as a third-line forward who can contribute offensively. Hemming is one of the few players who the model predicts he has more than an 80% chance of playing 200 NHL games with less than a 10% chance of becoming a star -- true \"safe\" vibes. He's a strong two-way player with a quality release that borders on being a separating skill. He can shoot off both legs, off balance and in many catch-and-release positions. He's a threat to score from distance, gets pucks through defenders and can score when he drives the net. He understands how to use contact to his advantage, wins puck battles, is in excellent spots off the puck and never cheats defensively. Those hard skills should easily translate into a bottom-six role, and he's likely ready for the AHL next season. Offensively, there have been flashes of good puck distribution and hockey sense. However, he is reliant on his shooting ability and two-way play. If he can add a step to his skating, there is legitimate upside as a power forward who contributes 40 to 50 points per season, playing on a top penalty-killing unit and secondary power-play unit. The ceiling isn't as high as that of other players, but he is far more likely to play meaningful games. -- Doerrie Team fit: No matter who the Stars selected at No. 29, the pick was going to be met with the expectation that they would be the latest success story in Dallas' prospect pipeline. So the fact they took Emil Hemming only adds to the belief that he could be the next prospect who might be able to contribute quickly.","team_fit":"He had 11 goals and 18 points in 13 games while playing against under-20 competition in Finland, while scoring seven goals and 11 points in 40 points against older competition in Liiga, the highest level of hockey in the nation. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"EJ Emery","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"3/30/06","current_team":"USA U-18","league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Emery has the makings of an impactful defenseman who can anchor a second pairing. Emery is a perfect complementary piece to an elite offensive defenseman who needs a reliable partner to augment their game. Emery is a top transition defenseman, whose one-on-one defensive play stands out. He maintains excellent posture, effectively uses his stick to guide opponents, takes away passes and pokes pucks off opponent's sticks. In transition, he maintains good gap control, doesn't allow attackers to beat him to the outside and forces them to relinquish the puck. When the game needs a calming presence, the opponent's best players kept off the scoresheet and a quality defensive play, Emery is that player. From that perspective, he is a coach's dream. His defensive development this season has me believing he will continue to improve and likely become one of the best defenders in the draft class. Offensively, there is not a lot there. That isn't Emery's calling card. That is likely why the model doesn't project him to be more than a second-pairing defenseman. He makes simple breakout passes and doesn't get caught up ice. While that is generally concerning, as a lack of offense at the junior level leads to a less confident statistical projection, his ability to defend in all three zones, skate well and win physical battles should make him a top-four defenseman in the NHL. -- Doerrie Team fit: There was a sense ahead of the draft that if the Rangers kept this pick, they were going defense. They selected a solid one here.","team_fit":"Emery is a right-handed shot who skates well and has a strong physical game without chasing hits. He projects to be a top-four defenseman. It's not difficult to see Emery as a protégé for Rangers standout K'Andre Miller at the NHL level, and a part of that blue line with younger Rangers like Miller and Braden Schneider. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Ben Danford","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"2/6/06","current_team":"Oshawa","league":"OHL","team_fit":"He provides them with a player who could help strengthen the blue line in the Leafs' farm system. As a team pushing for titles, the Leafs are up against the salary cap each year, so having a player who can help in the near future on an entry-level deal is a boost. -- Clark"}
{"source":"ESPN","name":"Sam O'Reilly","year":2024,"date_of_birth":"3/30/06","current_team":"London","league":"OHL","team_fit":"Edmonton was willing to mortgage a first-rounder in either 2025 or 2026 for O'Reilly, who earned his stripes as a tremendous defender but had 56 points in 68 games for the London Knights last season. And that's really the key here: O'Reilly went through the Hunter brothers system in London, meaning he's prepped to be an NHL player. Edmonton CEO Jeff Jackson, running the hockey operations show now that Ken Holland parted ways, has always been a fan of London GM Mark Hunter. Suppose we'll find out how big that fandom is now that the Oilers need a general manager. Stay tuned. -- Wyshynski"}
{"source":"NHL.com","scouting_report":"is the highest-drafted Switzerland-born player in NHL history. Minnesota Wild forward Nino Niederreiter had held that distinction since being chosen at No. 5 by the New York Islanders in 2010. Hischier has elite skill and hockey sense combined with competitiveness that allows him to be effective in any style of game. As a rookie in the QMJHL, he was awarded the Michael Bossy Trophy (best professional prospect) and Michel Bergeron Trophy (offensive rookie of the year) this season. Hischier is not on loan to Halifax from SC Bern of National League A in Switzerland, making him ineligible to play in the American Hockey League in 2017-18. NHL.com analysis: In bit of a surprise, Devils get player they believe can develop into dynamic top-line center they've lacked.","analysis":"In bit of a surprise, Devils get player they believe can develop into dynamic top-line center they've lacked."}
{"source":"NHL.com","scouting_report":"Dahlin (6-foot-2, 181 pounds) becomes the second Sweden-born player chosen No. 1 in the NHL Draft, joining forward Mats Sundin by the Quebec Nordiques in 1989. Dahlin, who turned 18 on April 13, had 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 41 games. The left-hander is the highest-scoring under-18 defenseman in the history of the Swedish Hockey League, the country's top professional league, with 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in two full seasons. He was named best defenseman at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, when he had six assists for Sweden, and was the youngest player by seven years on his country's roster for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. NHL.com analysis: The Sabres get the best player in the draft. He will not only earn a roster spot out of training camp but play in a top-four role, average 15-20 minutes a game, and benefit from the instruction of coach and Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Phil Housley.","analysis":"The Sabres get the best player in the draft. He will not only earn a roster spot out of training camp but play in a top-four role, average 15-20 minutes a game, and benefit from the instruction of coach and Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Phil Housley."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jack Hughes","year":2019,"scouting_report":"The first player selected in the 2019 NHL Draft also is the best skater and most dynamic playmaker; he can think the game at top speed with or without the puck. Hughes (5-foot-10, 171 pounds) led the the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team with 112 points (34 goals, 78 assists) in 50 games and set the all-time record for most assists (154) and points (228) in 110 games during two seasons with the program. The left-handed shot is the fifth NTDP alum to go No. 1 in the draft, following Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2016), Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks, 2007), Erik Johnson (St. Louis Blues, 2006) and Rick DiPietro (New York Islanders, 2000). He had 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) to help the United States finish third at the 2019 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. That's one off the single-tournament record of 21 points set by Nikita Kucherov of Russia in 2011. NHL.com analysis: The Devils got the best center in the draft and immediately set themselves up through the middle for the next decade with Nico Hischier, the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NHL Draft, and Hughes as their go-to players at the position. Hughes likely will earn a roster spot during training camp and play a top-six role, average 15-20 minutes of ice time per game, and benefit from the instruction of Devils coach John Hynes, who is a former NTDP coach.RELATED: [Fantasy projection for Hughes\\]Video: Devils draft F Jack Hughes No. 1","team":"New Jersey Devils","analysis":"The Devils got the best center in the draft and immediately set themselves up through the middle for the next decade with Nico Hischier, the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NHL Draft, and Hughes as their go-to players at the position. Hughes likely will earn a roster spot during training camp and play a top-six role, average 15-20 minutes of ice time per game, and benefit from the instruction of Devils coach John Hynes, who is a former NTDP coach.RELATED: [Fantasy projection for Hughes\\]Video: Devils draft F Jack Hughes No. 1"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Kaapo Kakko","year":2019,"league":"FIN","scouting_report":"The left-handed shot combines playmaking and scoring ability, and is very good around the net and in his end. Kakko (6-2, 194), who can play wing or center but is more comfortable on his off-wing, has been compared to Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen. The 18-year-old scored 22 goals in 45 games, a record for a first-time draft-eligible player in Liiga, Finland's top professional league, one more than Aleksander Barkov had for Tappara in 53 games in 2012-13. His 38 points were third on the single-season list of players 18 and under, behind Barkov (48, 2012-13) and Mikael Granlund (40, 2009-10). Kakko led TPS with four goals and tied for the lead with five points in five playoff games, when he averaged 20:53 of ice time. He also scored the game-winning goal with 1:26 remaining in the third period of the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship gold-medal game to give Finland a 3-2 win against the United States; he finished the tournament with five points (two goals, three assists) in seven games, then capped his season with seven points (six goals, one assist) in 10 games to help Finland win the 2019 IIHF World Championship. NHL.com analysis: Kakko should fill a top-six role for the Rangers this season. He is most dangerous on the wing, though he can play center. He's dangerous around the net and isn't afraid to get into the tough areas to generate scoring opportunities for his team. The thought of Kakko alongside Chris Kreider and center Mika Zibanejad at some point in the future is a scary proposition for opposing teams.RELATED: [Fantasy projection for Kakko\\]Video: Rangers draft F Kaapo Kakko No. 2","position":"RW","city":"TPS","team":"New York Rangers","analysis":"Kakko should fill a top-six role for the Rangers this season. He is most dangerous on the wing, though he can play center. He's dangerous around the net and isn't afraid to get into the tough areas to generate scoring opportunities for his team. The thought of Kakko alongside Chris Kreider and center Mika Zibanejad at some point in the future is a scary proposition for opposing teams.RELATED: [Fantasy projection for Kakko\\]Video: Rangers draft F Kaapo Kakko No. 2"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Kirby Dach","year":2019,"scouting_report":"Dach, who considers himself more of a pass-first than shoot-first forward, was third for Saskatoon with 73 points (25 goals, 48 assists), second with 23 power-play assists and first with 1.18 points per game in 62 games. The right-handed shot is smart on both sides of the puck, deceptively fast, has good vision, and can beat opponents wide. Dach (6-4, 198) played center in Saskatoon but won a Hlinka Gretzky Cup championship with Canada in August playing right wing and had seven points (two goals, five assists) in five games. NHL.com analysis:The center skates well for a player his size. He might need one more season of junior hockey, but his size and skill could make him a solid second-line center behind Jonathan Toews as soon as next season.Video: Blackhawks draft F Kirby Dach No. 3","team":"Chicago Blackhawks","analysis":"The center skates well for a player his size. He might need one more season of junior hockey, but his size and skill could make him a solid second-line center behind Jonathan Toews as soon as next season.Video: Blackhawks draft F Kirby Dach No. 3"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Bowen Byram","year":2019,"scouting_report":"Byram (6-1, 195) led Western Hockey League defenseman in goals (26) and game-winning goals (nine), and he was third with 71 points in 67 regular-season games. He also set a single-season league record with six overtime goals and led the WHL playoffs with 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 22 games. He has good awareness, plays with an edge, and likes to get up in the rush. He's a high-end, two-way defenseman considered the best at his position in the draft and a threat in all three zones who is capable of making plays under duress and in traffic. NHL.com analysis:The Avalanche got the unquestioned best defenseman in the draft. With Cale Makar, 20, making an impact during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs and Tyson Barrie an established top-pair defenseman, the Avalanche have the potential for a high-end group of defensemen to go with their elite forwards.Video: Avalanche draft D Bowen Byram No. 4","team":"Colorado Avalanche","analysis":"The Avalanche got the unquestioned best defenseman in the draft. With Cale Makar, 20, making an impact during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs and Tyson Barrie an established top-pair defenseman, the Avalanche have the potential for a high-end group of defensemen to go with their elite forwards.Video: Avalanche draft D Bowen Byram No. 4"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Alex Turcotte","year":2019,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Turcotte (5-11, 186), was sixth in scoring for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season with 62 points (27 goals, 35 assists) in 37 games, but his average of 1.68 points per game was second to Jack Hughes' 2.24. He missed 22 games with a lower-body injury. Turcotte, who will attend the University of Wisconsin in the fall, is an excellent scorer and playmaker who easily can raise the ire of the opposition while playing a disciplined game. He had nine points (four goals, five assists) in seven games for the U.S. at the 2019 IIHF World U-18 Championship. He's the son of former NHL forward Alfie Turcotte, who played 112 NHL games in seven seasons with the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens. NHL.com analysis:The Kings need to get younger and more skilled, and Turcotte will help move along that process. As the Kings look to a future without Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter as their top two centers, Turcotte could be the player they build their future around.Video: Kings draft F Alex Turcotte No. 5","position":"C","city":"USA U-18","team":"Los Angeles Kings","analysis":"The Kings need to get younger and more skilled, and Turcotte will help move along that process. As the Kings look to a future without Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter as their top two centers, Turcotte could be the player they build their future around.Video: Kings draft F Alex Turcotte No. 5"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Moritz Seider","year":2019,"league":"GER","scouting_report":"Seider (6-3, 208), a right-handed shot, had an excellent rookie season for Mannheim in Germany's top pro league. He had six points (two goals, four assists) and a plus-2 rating in 29 games, and he was named the league's rookie of the year. He helped Mannheim win the league championship with five assists and a plus-6 rating in 14 playoff games. Seider had seven points (one goal, six assists) in five games to help Germany win the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship Division IA bracket and advance to the top group at the 2020 WJC, when he likely will play a big role. He also scored two goals in five games for Germany at the 2019 IIHF World Championship. NHL.com analysis: The first real surprise of the draft, Seider proved himself against men playing in Germany's top league and was outstanding at 2019 IIHF World Championship. The Red Wings have been looking to add young defensemen, and with Seider they have a player with one of the bigger upsides in the 2019 draft class.","position":"D","city":"Mannheim","team":"Detroit Red Wings","analysis":"The first real surprise of the draft, Seider proved himself against men playing in Germany's top league and was outstanding at 2019 IIHF World Championship. The Red Wings have been looking to add young defensemen, and with Seider they have a player with one of the bigger upsides in the 2019 draft class."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Dylan Cozens","year":2019,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Cozens (6-3, 183), a right-handed shot, is hoping to become the third player from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, to play in the NHL, joining forward Peter Sturgeon (Colorado Rockies, six games, 1979-80) and defenseman Bryon Baltimore (Edmonton Oilers, two games, 1979-80). He is an elite skater with speed, size and a powerful shot. He was second on Lethbridge with 84 points (34 goals, 50 assists) in 68 games and dad nine points (four goals, five assists) for Canada at the 2019 IIHF World U-18 Championship. NHL.com analysis: With Jack Eichel, Cozens and Casey Mittelstadt in the middle, the Sabres have a foundation that could be part of a Stanley Cup Playoff team sooner rather than later.","position":"C","city":"Lethbridge","team":"Buffalo Sabres","analysis":"With Jack Eichel, Cozens and Casey Mittelstadt in the middle, the Sabres have a foundation that could be part of a Stanley Cup Playoff team sooner rather than later."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Philip Broberg","year":2019,"league":"SWE-2","scouting_report":"The left-shot defenseman is a smooth skater with excellent acceleration capable of controlling both ends of the ice. A two-way defenseman with good compete, Broberg (6-3, 200) had nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 41 games in Sweden's second division. He had six points (two goals, four assists) and 20 shots on goal in seven games to help Sweden win the 2019 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. Broberg was named the tournament's best defenseman. NHL.com analysis:The Oilers need to do a better job preventing goals, and Broberg will help that with his outstanding skating and puck-handling. His style in the offensive zone fits the way the modern game is played.","position":"D","city":"AIK","team":"Edmonton Oilers","analysis":"The Oilers need to do a better job preventing goals, and Broberg will help that with his outstanding skating and puck-handling. His style in the offensive zone fits the way the modern game is played."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Trevor Zegras","year":2019,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Zegras has good patience with the puck and good on-ice vision, and he was one of the hardest-working players for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team. A left-handed shot, he was third on the NTDP with 87 points (26 goals, 61 assists) in 60 games. The Boston University recruit finds the seams, knows when to shoot, and has deception and fearlessness in his game. Zegras (6-foot, 173), who can play anywhere in a lineup as a center or left wing, had nine assists in five games for the U.S. at the 2019 World U-18 Championship. NHL.com analysis: Zegras might be the most creative player in the draft. The Ducks need help at center with Ryan Getzlaf 34 years old and Ryan Kesler's future uncertain following hip surgery on May 9. Adding Zegras to a talented group of forward prospects, including Max Comtois, Sam Steel and Troy Terry, has the potential to make the Ducks a dangerous team.","position":"C","city":"USA U-18","team":"Anaheim Ducks","analysis":"Zegras might be the most creative player in the draft. The Ducks need help at center with Ryan Getzlaf 34 years old and Ryan Kesler's future uncertain following hip surgery on May 9. Adding Zegras to a talented group of forward prospects, including Max Comtois, Sam Steel and Troy Terry, has the potential to make the Ducks a dangerous team."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Vasili Podkolzin","year":2019,"league":"RUS-2","position":"RW","city":"Neva St. Petersburg","team":"Vancouver Canucks"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Victor Soderstrom","year":2019,"position":"182) was promoted to the Swedish Hockey League in November and improved his overall game. A creative","city":"right-shot defenseman who sees the ice well"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Matthew Boldy","year":2019,"position":"196) has an excellent release","city":"an accurate shot and can manufacture scoring chances for himself and linemates by playing an honest"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Spencer Knight","year":2019,"position":"and he is very confident with the perfect mental makeup to excel at the position. Al Jensen of NHL Central Scouting said Knight reminds him of a young Carey Price. Knight (6-3","city":"193) was 32-4-1 with a 2.36 goals-against average"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Cam York","year":2019,"position":"172) led USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team defensemen with 65 points (14 goals","city":"51 assists) and 132 shots on goal in 63 games. He's elusive with the puck"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Cole Caufield","year":2019,"position":"163)","city":"who will attend the University of Wisconsin in the fall"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Alex Newhook","year":2019,"position":"Newhook (5-10","city":"192) was Victoria's captain and led the British Columbia Hockey League with 102 points (38 goals"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Peyton Krebs","year":2019,"position":"183) had surgery June 7 to repair a partial tear to his Achilles tendon sustained during an on-ice workout","city":"and it's likely he'll be off the ice summer during his recovery. He had 10 points (six goals"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Thomas Harley","year":2019,"position":"193) is a two-way defenseman who skates well and has good intelligence and a quality shot. A native of Syracuse","city":"New York"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Lassi Thomson","year":2019,"position":"186) was the highest-scoring rookie defenseman in the Western Hockey League with 41 points (17 goals"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Ville Heinola","year":2019,"position":"Heinola (6-0","city":"178) had 14 points (two goals"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Samuel Poulin","year":2019,"position":"212) moved up five spots in NHL Central Scouting's final list of North American skaters from the midterms in January after he had 39 points (14 goals","city":"25 assists) in his final 30 regular-season games. Poulin"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Tobias Bjornfot","year":2019,"position":"193)","city":"a left-hand shot"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Simon Holmstrom","year":2019,"position":"193)","city":"a left-hand shot"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Phillip Tomasino","year":2019,"position":"183) is a dynamic skater capable of creating time and space while generating good scoring opportunities. The right-hand shot had 72 points (34 goals"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Connor McMichael","year":2019,"position":"182) is a mature player with great deception in his game and good hockey IQ. He has a shoot-first mentality and is an all-around performer capable of playing anywhere in the lineup. McMichael had 72 points (36 goals","city":"36 assists) in 67 games in his first full season for London after he was acquired from Hamilton for forward Robert Thomas"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jakob Pelletier","year":2019,"position":"165) was seventh in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 89 points (39 goals"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Nolan Foote","year":2019,"position":"defenseman Callan Foote","city":"was selected by the Lightning with the No. 14 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. Nolan (6-3"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Ryan Suzuki","year":2019,"position":"180) led Barrie with 75 points (25 goals","city":"50 assists)"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Brayden Tracey","year":2019,"position":"170) made one of the biggest jumps in Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters","city":"to No. 21 from No. 73 on the midterm list. He was named the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year after he led first-year WHL players with 81 points (36 goals"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"John Beecher","year":2019,"position":"212) was a bit overlooked because of the top talent ahead of him on the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team","city":"but his superior speed"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Ryan Johnson","year":2019,"scouting_report":"NA NA","position":"the left-hand shot is an elite and elusive skater with a fluid stride with and without the puck. He has good vision and plays a containment-type style with good touch on his passes. Johnson (6-0","city":"170)"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Alexis Lafreniere","year":2020,"scouting_report":"Lafreniere (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) led the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 112 points (35 goals, 77 assists) in 52 games in 2019-20. He won the Jean Beliveau Trophy as the leading scorer in the QMJHL, the Paul Dumont Trophy as QMJHL personality of the year, the Michel Briere Trophy as MVP of the QMJHL, the Canadian Hockey League Top Draft Prospect of the Year Award and the CHL Player of the Year. He had 30 multipoint games and 11 games with at least four points, including a career-high seven points (one goal, six assists) against Quebec on Feb. 16. He scored 42 points (12 goals, 30 assists) in 20 games after returning from the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic, where he was named tournament MVP after scoring 10 points (four goals, six assists) in five games to help Canada win the championship. Lafreniere, who turns 19 on Oct. 11, is the third player from the QMJHL chosen No. 1 in the draft in the past eight years. Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (2013 NHL Draft; Halifax) and New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (2017 NHL Draft; Halifax) are the others. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby was the last Rimouski player chosen No. 1 (2005).RELATED: [Lafreniere says being No. 1 pick an 'unreal feeling' | Fantasy projection for Lafreniere] NHL.com analysis: The Rangers select the most talented player available in the draft. After dominating players his own age, Lafreniere has the size (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) skill and hockey IQ to make an impact next season as a top-nine forward in New York. He's also got some sandpaper to his game and won't be intimidated by the physicality of the NHL. He's a potential 50-point player next season. Lafreniere is the first Quebec-born player to be taken with the No. 1 pick since goalie Marc-Andre Fleury by the Penguins in the 2003 NHL Draft.","team":"New York Rangers","analysis":"The Rangers select the most talented player available in the draft. After dominating players his own age, Lafreniere has the size (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) skill and hockey IQ to make an impact next season as a top-nine forward in New York. He's also got some sandpaper to his game and won't be intimidated by the physicality of the NHL. He's a potential 50-point player next season. Lafreniere is the first Quebec-born player to be taken with the No. 1 pick since goalie Marc-Andre Fleury by the Penguins in the 2003 NHL Draft."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Quinton Byfield","year":2020,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Byfield, who scored 82 points (32 goals, 50 assists) in 45 games for Sudbury this season, is the highest-selected Black player in NHL history, ahead of Evander Kane (2009 NHL Draft, Atlanta Thrashers) and Seth Jones (2013, Nashville Predators), each chosen with the No. 4 pick. The 18-year-old was tied for 14th in the Ontario Hockey League in points but was tied for fifth in points per game (1.82) and won 51.9 percent of his face-offs (304-for-586).RELATED: [Byfield goes to Kings as highest-selected Black player ever in NHL Draft] NHL.com analysis:Byfieldis reminiscent of Joe Thornton at the same age: Great size but a bit thin (6-4, 215), top-end playmaking ability and outstanding skating. As Thornton got older and spent time working with NHL strength and conditioning coaches, he got stronger and became dominant, and it's easy to see Byfield doing the same with the Kings.","position":"C","city":"Sudbury","team":"Los Angeles Kings","analysis":"Byfieldis reminiscent of Joe Thornton at the same age: Great size but a bit thin (6-4, 215), top-end playmaking ability and outstanding skating. As Thornton got older and spent time working with NHL strength and conditioning coaches, he got stronger and became dominant, and it's easy to see Byfield doing the same with the Kings."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Tim Stutzle","year":2020,"league":"GER","scouting_report":"The left-hand shot can play all situations with speed, great vision and some swagger. Stuetzle (6-1, 187) scored 34 points (seven goals, 27 assists) and had 132 shots on goal in 41 games this season for Mannheim of Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the top professional league in Germany. His averages of 0.66 assists per game and 0.83 points per game are the best by an under-18 player in the history of the DEL. The 18-year-old also had five assists and averaged 18:43 of ice time in five games for Germany at the 2020 WJC.RELATED: [Trebek announces Senators' draft pick] NHL.com analysis:Stuetzle, who is versatile enough to play center or on the wing, has a skill set that some scouts compare to Patrick Kane. He also has the experience of playing against men in the DEL, where was rookie of the year this season. He should be able to step into a significant role for the Senators in 2020-21. Stuetzle matched Leon Draisaitl (2014 NHL Draft, Edmonton Oilers) as the highest-selected Germany-born player.","position":"LW","city":"Mannheim","team":"Ottawa Senators (from San Jose Sharks)","analysis":"Stuetzle, who is versatile enough to play center or on the wing, has a skill set that some scouts compare to Patrick Kane. He also has the experience of playing against men in the DEL, where was rookie of the year this season. He should be able to step into a significant role for the Senators in 2020-21. Stuetzle matched Leon Draisaitl (2014 NHL Draft, Edmonton Oilers) as the highest-selected Germany-born player."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Lucas Raymond","year":2020,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old scored 10 points (four goals, six assists), had 32 shots on goal, and averaged 9:48 of ice time in 33 games in the Swedish Hockey League in 2019-20. Raymond (5-11, 170) has a nose for the net and has shown himself to be a tremendous asset on the power play and penalty kill. The right-hand shot is the type of player who doesn't wait for the play to happen, but one who creates opportunities.RELATED: [Raymond says being selected by Red Wings 'dream come true'] NHL.com analysis:The Red Wings need game-breakers, and Raymond has a skill set that's been compared to Mitchell Marner. He already has experience playing against men and will impact Detroit's power play and penalty kill when he arrives in North America.","position":"LW","city":"Frolunda","team":"Detroit Red Wings","analysis":"The Red Wings need game-breakers, and Raymond has a skill set that's been compared to Mitchell Marner. He already has experience playing against men and will impact Detroit's power play and penalty kill when he arrives in North America."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jake Sanderson","year":2020,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Sanderson averaged 0.62 points per game with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season. Three NTDP U-18 defensemen selected in the first round of the NHL Draft have averaged more points per game: Cameron York (1.03; Philadelphia Flyers, No. 14, 2019 NHL Draft), Quinn Hughes (0.66; Vancouver Canucks, No. 7, 2018 NHL Draft) and Charlie McAvoy (0.64; Boston Bruins, No. 14, 2016 NHL Draft). The son of former NHL forward Geoff Sanderson, he is a mobile puck-mover with a dominant defensive mindset and steadily improving offensive game. The 18-year-old (6-2, 185), who was NTDP captain and will attend the University of North Dakota next season, scored 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists), including three power-play goals, and was plus-13 in 47 games this season. The winner of the Dave Tyler Junior Hockey Player of the Year Award, presented annually by USA Hockey to the most outstanding United States-born player in junior hockey, could be the first player born and trained in Montana to play in the NHL.RELATED: [Senators make most of three first-round picks at NHL Draft] NHL.com analysis: Sanderson's coach with the NTDP Under-18 team, Seth Appert, said he \"defends like a savage,\" and his offensive game is improving. He joins a group of young Ottawa defensemen headed by 23-year-old Thomas Chabot that also includes prospects Lassi Thomson (No. 19 pick, 2019) and Jacob Bernard-Docker (No. 26, 2018), each of whom is close to being NHL-ready.","position":"D","city":"USA U-18","team":"Ottawa Senators","analysis":"Sanderson's coach with the NTDP Under-18 team, Seth Appert, said he \"defends like a savage,\" and his offensive game is improving. He joins a group of young Ottawa defensemen headed by 23-year-old Thomas Chabot that also includes prospects Lassi Thomson (No. 19 pick, 2019) and Jacob Bernard-Docker (No. 26, 2018), each of whom is close to being NHL-ready."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jamie Drysdale","year":2020,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Drysdale (5-11, 175) was named a 2019-20 OHL First-Team All-Star and is capable of running the power play and driving offense with his skating and elite hockey sense. The 18-year-old scored 47 points (nine goals, 38 assists), including 22 on the power play, in 49 games this season. A right-handed shot, Drysdale scored three points (one goal, two assists) and averaged 11:38 of ice time in seven games to help Canada win the 2020 WJC. NHL.com analysis: The Ducks have done well stockpiling young forwards, and now it's time to do the same with defensemen. Drysdale is considered the most dynamic defenseman in the draft, an outstanding skater who can lead the rush and support the attack. The Ducks were tied for 28th in the NHL with 117 points (28 goals, 89 assists) from defensemen this season; Drysdale has the potential to inject some big-time offense from the back end.","position":"D","city":"Erie","team":"Anaheim Ducks","analysis":"The Ducks have done well stockpiling young forwards, and now it's time to do the same with defensemen. Drysdale is considered the most dynamic defenseman in the draft, an outstanding skater who can lead the rush and support the attack. The Ducks were tied for 28th in the NHL with 117 points (28 goals, 89 assists) from defensemen this season; Drysdale has the potential to inject some big-time offense from the back end."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Alexander Holtz","year":2020,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"Holtz (6-0, 192) is the first right wing born and trained in Sweden to be chosen among the top 10 picks in the NHL Draft in 27 years; the last was forward Niklas Sundstrom, who was selected by the Rangers with the No. 8 pick in the 1993 NHL Draft. The right-hand shot led under-18 skaters in the SHL with 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 35 games in 2019-20. A pure goal-scorer with a great selection of shots, the 18-year-old plays a tough, intelligent game. He had 55 shots on goal and averaged 12:53 of ice time. Holtz has good on-ice vision and fine technical skills, gets to the tough areas of the ice, can set up his teammates, and is not just a productive scorer, but also an effective playmaker.RELATED: [Devils continue rebuild with three first-round picks] NHL.com analysis: With left-shot centers Hischier and Jack Hughes as the foundation in New Jersey, adding a shoot-first right wing is a smart move for the Devils with the first of their three first-round picks. Holtz is a strong skater and can get a hard, accurate shot off from anywhere in the offensive zone.","position":"RW","city":"Djurgarden","team":"New Jersey Devils","analysis":"With left-shot centers Hischier and Jack Hughes as the foundation in New Jersey, adding a shoot-first right wing is a smart move for the Devils with the first of their three first-round picks. Holtz is a strong skater and can get a hard, accurate shot off from anywhere in the offensive zone."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jack Quinn","year":2020,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Scouts have taken notice after a solid offseason of training that enabled Quinn (6-0, 176) to become more polished and explosive with the puck on his stick. The 19-year-old is versatile enough to play all three forward positions and has the offensive instincts to execute plays. The right-hand shot was second in the OHL with 52 goals and tied for eighth with 89 points in 62 games this season. Seven other OHL players have scored at least 50 goals in their NHL draft season since 2000-01: Corey Locke (63, 2002-03), Kane (62, 2006-07), Steven Stamkos (58, 2007-08), John Tavares (58, 2008-09), Jeff Skinner (50, 2009-10), Alex DeBrincat (51, 2015-16) and Arthur Kaliyev (51, 2018-19). NHL.com analysis:The Sabres needed to add top-end goal-scorers, and Quinn is one. His skating improved as the season went on, and he's worked on getting his lower body stronger. Quinn on a line with Jack Eichel or Dylan Cozens (No. 7 pick, 2019) at center in the next season or two could give the Sabres an outstanding offensive attack.","position":"RW","city":"Ottawa","team":"Buffalo Sabres","analysis":"The Sabres needed to add top-end goal-scorers, and Quinn is one. His skating improved as the season went on, and he's worked on getting his lower body stronger. Quinn on a line with Jack Eichel or Dylan Cozens (No. 7 pick, 2019) at center in the next season or two could give the Sabres an outstanding offensive attack."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Marco Rossi","year":2020,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Rossi led the CHL with 120 points (39 goals, 81 assists) in 56 games in 2019-20, including 34 multipoint games, and was second in points per game (2.14) behind Lafreniere. Despite being small (5-9, 183), Rossi is capable of winning 50-50 puck battles, is strong on face-offs (58.5 percent, fifth among OHL players with at least 1,000 draws), and generates offense with his high hockey IQ, hands and playmaking ability. The 19-year-old was held without a point four times this season. NHL.com analysis:Rossi plays bigger than his size, with a feistiness and competitive level that's reminiscent of Claude Giroux. Wild general manager Bill Guerin has talked about the need to find a No. 1 center, and Rossi projects to be that player.","position":"C","city":"Ottawa","team":"Minnesota Wild","analysis":"Rossi plays bigger than his size, with a feistiness and competitive level that's reminiscent of Claude Giroux. Wild general manager Bill Guerin has talked about the need to find a No. 1 center, and Rossi projects to be that player."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Cole Perfetti","year":2020,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"After leading all scorers at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with 12 points (eight goals, four assists) in five games for Canada, the 18-year-old finished second in the OHL with 111 points (37 goals, 74 assists) in 61 games, including 26 (eight goals, 18 assists) in his final 12 games. A skilled left-hand shot, Perfetti (5-10, 177) finished first in the Western Conference in four categories in the 2019-20 OHL Coaches Poll: smartest player, best playmaker, best stick-handler and best shootout shooter.RELATED: [Jets call on Hawerchuk's wife to announce pick] NHL.com analysis:As much as Perfetti's skill level stands out, it's his smarts and high hockey IQ that allow him to always be in the right spot in all three zones. The Jets need depth at center behind Mark Scheifele, and Perfetti has the skill and skating to fill that need in the next season or two, and be a big contributor on the power play.","position":"C","city":"Saginaw","team":"Winnipeg Jets","analysis":"As much as Perfetti's skill level stands out, it's his smarts and high hockey IQ that allow him to always be in the right spot in all three zones. The Jets need depth at center behind Mark Scheifele, and Perfetti has the skill and skating to fill that need in the next season or two, and be a big contributor on the power play."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Yaroslav Askarov","year":2020,"league":"RUS","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old is an intimidating presence with great poise, athleticism and a quick glove. He has a proven track record in the clutch, helping Russia to six top-three finishes in six international events. Askarov, who has the size (6-3, 176) and compete level to become a No. 1 goalie in the NHL someday, was 12-3-3 with a 2.45 goals-against average and .920 save percentage in 18 games in Russia's minor league. He is the third Russia-born goalie in NHL history to be chosen first at the position, joining Ilya Samsonov (Washington Capitals, No. 22, 2015 NHL Draft) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning, No. 19, 2012 NHL Draft). NHL.com analysis:Some scouts have described Askarov as the best goalie prospect in the draft since Carey Price in 2005. Having Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros in net gives Nashville the option to allow Askarov to develop at his own pace and grow into what is expected to be a franchise goalie.","position":"G","city":"St. Petersburg","analysis":"Some scouts have described Askarov as the best goalie prospect in the draft since Carey Price in 2005. Having Pekka Rinne and Juuse Saros in net gives Nashville the option to allow Askarov to develop at his own pace and grow into what is expected to be a franchise goalie."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Anton Lundell","year":2020,"league":"FIN","scouting_report":"A two-way, left-shot forward, Lundell is tough to knock off his skates on the cycle and can protect the puck extremely well and find his teammates in traffic. The 19-year-old (6-1, 185) scored 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) and had 162 shots in 44 games in 2019-20 averaging 15:49 of ice time in Liiga, Finland's top professional league. NHL.com analysis:Lundell has experience playing against men and was respected enough to be named an alternate captain as a teenager. His size and two-way ability could give him a chance to play in the NHL as soon as next season and give the Panthers a 1-2 punch of Finnish centers along with Aleksander Barkov.","position":"C","city":"HIFK","team":"Florida Panthers","analysis":"Lundell has experience playing against men and was respected enough to be named an alternate captain as a teenager. His size and two-way ability could give him a chance to play in the NHL as soon as next season and give the Panthers a 1-2 punch of Finnish centers along with Aleksander Barkov."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Seth Jarvis","year":2020,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Jarvis is a smart, skilled player who executes with pace and excels on the power play as well as the penalty kill. The 18-year-old plays hard, goes to the net, and does everything with purpose. Jarvis (5-10, 175) creates offense with his vision, quickness and playmaking ability, and was second in the Western Hockey League with 98 points (42 goals, 56 assists) and a plus-53 rating in 58 games this season. NHL.com analysis:Jarvis builds his game around his speed and dynamic offensive skills. He can play center or on the wing and is an outstanding penalty killer. His presence will make the Hurricanes a more dynamic team whenever he's ready for the NHL.","position":"C","city":"Portland","team":"Carolina Hurricanes (from Toronto Maple Leafs)","analysis":"Jarvis builds his game around his speed and dynamic offensive skills. He can play center or on the wing and is an outstanding penalty killer. His presence will make the Hurricanes a more dynamic team whenever he's ready for the NHL."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Dylan Holloway","year":2020,"league":"Big Ten","scouting_report":"Holloway (6-0, 203) is a complete two-way center with great hands, competitiveness and drive to create offense. He was the first college player selected after he scored 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in 35 games as a freshman in 2019-20. The 19-year-old left-hand shot can play all three forward positions and be effective on the power play. NHL.com analysis:The top-rated NCAA player should fit well with an Oilers team trying to add offensive talent around Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Holloway, a committed 200-foot player, will play a bigger role at Wisconsin as a sophomore and get quality coaching from former NHL player Tony Granato.","position":"C","city":"Wisconsin","analysis":"The top-rated NCAA player should fit well with an Oilers team trying to add offensive talent around Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Holloway, a committed 200-foot player, will play a bigger role at Wisconsin as a sophomore and get quality coaching from former NHL player Tony Granato."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Rodion Amirov","year":2020,"league":"RUS","scouting_report":"A skilled left wing with speed and a high hockey IQ who can play all situations, Amirov (6-0, 167) models his game after Auston Matthews and Nikita Kucherov. The 19-year-old scored 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 17 games with Tolpar Ufa in Russia's junior league and had two assists in 21 games with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League in 2019-20, when he was one of seven under-19 skaters to play at least 20 KHL games. NHL.com analysis:The Maple Leafs could use more skill at left wing to round out their forward group. Amirov is off to a strong start to the 2020-21 season in the KHL with five points (three goals, two assists) in 10 games.","position":"LW","city":"Ufa","team":"Toronto Maple Leafs (from Pittsburgh Penguins)","analysis":"The Maple Leafs could use more skill at left wing to round out their forward group. Amirov is off to a strong start to the 2020-21 season in the KHL with five points (three goals, two assists) in 10 games."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Kaiden Guhle","year":2020,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Guhle (6-2, 186) has been effective in all areas of the ice. He is a two-way defenseman with good skating, a hard shot and imposing size. The brother of Ducks defenseman prospect Brendan Guhle, the 18-year-old scored 40 points (11 goals, 29 assists), including 16 on the power play, in 64 games this season. NHL.com analysis:Guhle's skating allows him to excel in any kind of game, from up-tempo and attacking to grinding and physical. His game improved each of his two full seasons in the WHL, and there's little doubt he'll continue that upward climb and eventually become a top-four defenseman in Montreal.","position":"D","city":"Prince Albert","team":"Montreal Canadiens","analysis":"Guhle's skating allows him to excel in any kind of game, from up-tempo and attacking to grinding and physical. His game improved each of his two full seasons in the WHL, and there's little doubt he'll continue that upward climb and eventually become a top-four defenseman in Montreal."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Lukas Reichel","year":2020,"league":"GER","scouting_report":"Reichel (6-0, 170) had a breakout season in the DEL in 2019-20, scoring 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) with 70 shots on goal in 42 games. He averaged 12:58 of ice time and scored four game-winning goals. His averages of 0.29 assists per game and 0.57 points per game are the fourth highest by an under-18 player in league history. The 18-year-old nephew of former NHL center Robert Reichel is a powerful skater, good on the forecheck and can create scoring chances around the net. He scored five points (three goals, two assists) in seven games for Germany playing on a line with Stuetzle at the 2020 WJC. NHL.com analysis:Reichel is a smart playmaker with good hands who adds more skill to the Blackhawks' forward prospects. He should be able to complement a group that starts with Kirby Dach, the No. 3 pick of the 2019 draft, who had a strong rookie season, and includes Michal Teply (No. 105, 2019), Philipp Kurashev (No. 120, 2018) and Evan Barratt (No. 90, 2017).","position":"LW","city":"Eisbaren Berlin","team":"Chicago Blackhawks","analysis":"Reichel is a smart playmaker with good hands who adds more skill to the Blackhawks' forward prospects. He should be able to complement a group that starts with Kirby Dach, the No. 3 pick of the 2019 draft, who had a strong rookie season, and includes Michal Teply (No. 105, 2019), Philipp Kurashev (No. 120, 2018) and Evan Barratt (No. 90, 2017)."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Dawson Mercer","year":2020,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"A right-shot forward capable of playing in all situations, Mercer can generate a lot of offense and is reliable in his own zone. The 18-year-old scored 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists) in 42 games in 2019-20, including 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 16 games for Chicoutimi after being acquired in a trade from Drummondville on Jan. 6. Mercer (6-0, 180) is a smart, heads-up skater who finishes checks and is strong on the power play and penalty kill. NHL.com analysis:After getting a big-time shooter with the selection of Holtz at No. 7, the Devils chose another top-end scorer. Mercer can play center or on the wing and is a strong finisher from below the face-off dots. He should be able to contribute on the power play and the penalty kill when he reaches the NHL in the next two seasons.","position":"C","city":"Chicoutimi","analysis":"After getting a big-time shooter with the selection of Holtz at No. 7, the Devils chose another top-end scorer. Mercer can play center or on the wing and is a strong finisher from below the face-off dots. He should be able to contribute on the power play and the penalty kill when he reaches the NHL in the next two seasons."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Braden Schneider","year":2020,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"A two-way, right-shot defenseman capable of playing on the power play and penalty kill with great competitiveness and smarts, the 19-year-old is a more physically developed player and finishes checks with authority in all areas of the ice. Schneider (6-2, 202) scored 42 points (seven goals, 35 assists), including 20 on the power play, and was plus-9 in 60 games this season.RELATED: [Empire State Building lights up for Rangers] NHL.com analysis:The Rangers moved up to select a defenseman who plays a hard, physical game. Schneider's offensive game is developing and includes a strong shot from the point that could fit on a second power-play unit. He projects to be a top-four defenseman who can play in all situations.","position":"D","city":"Brandon","team":"New York Rangers (from Calgary Flames)","analysis":"The Rangers moved up to select a defenseman who plays a hard, physical game. Schneider's offensive game is developing and includes a strong shot from the point that could fit on a second power-play unit. He projects to be a top-four defenseman who can play in all situations."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Shakir Mukhamamadullin","year":2020,"league":"RUS","scouting_report":"Mukhamadullin has six points (one goal, five assists) and is averaging 13:03 of ice time in 14 games with Ufa in the KHL in 2020-21. Compared by some NHL scouts to Jay Bouwmeester, the 18-year-old has good offensive instincts and plays a strong two-way game. Mukhamadullin played in three Russian leagues in 2019-20 (KHL; VHL, second division; MHL, junior). NHL.com analysis: After adding two strong offensive talents, the Devils used their third pick on a big, strong defenseman (6-3, 178). New Jersey has two solid defenseman prospects ready to graduate to the NHL, Ty Smith (No. 17 pick, 2018) and Kevin Bahl (trade from Arizona Coyotes, Dec. 16, 2019), and Mukhamadullin might not need much time to join them with the Devils.","position":"D","city":"Ufa","team":"New Jersey Devils (from Tampa Bay Lightning)","analysis":"After adding two strong offensive talents, the Devils used their third pick on a big, strong defenseman (6-3, 178). New Jersey has two solid defenseman prospects ready to graduate to the NHL, Ty Smith (No. 17 pick, 2018) and Kevin Bahl (trade from Arizona Coyotes, Dec. 16, 2019), and Mukhamadullin might not need much time to join them with the Devils."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Yegor Chinakhov","year":2020,"league":"RUS","scouting_report":"Chinakhov (6-0, 178), who was passed over in the 2019 draft, scored 69 points (27 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games in the MHL, Russia's junior league, in 2019-20. The 19-year-old finished fifth in the league in points and was second in assists. Chinakhov ended the regular season on a 10-game point streak (22 points). His father, Vitali, was selected in the 11th round (No. 235) by the Rangers in the 1991 NHL Draft but never played in the NHL. NHL.com analysis: The Blue Jackets are looking to develop more dynamic offensive players, and Chinakhov is an explosive scorer who already has scored seven points (five goals, two assists) in 12 games in the KHL in 2020-21.","position":"RW","city":"Omsk 2","team":"Columbus Blue Jackets","analysis":"The Blue Jackets are looking to develop more dynamic offensive players, and Chinakhov is an explosive scorer who already has scored seven points (five goals, two assists) in 12 games in the KHL in 2020-21."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Hendrix Lapierre","year":2020,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Lapierre has great hockey sense, compete and playmaking qualities. Limited to 19 games (17 points) in 2019-20 because of head and neck injuries, the 18-year-old may have the highest ceiling of any player chosen in the first round. Lapierre (6-0, 179) scored 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in five games at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup to help Canada finish second, NHL.com analysis:The Capitals traded up to select Lapierre, a gifted offensive talent whose 2019-20 season ended Nov. 19 because of the injuries. Lapierre is an outstanding skater who can use his speed to back off opponents and create space for himself. He might have answered the injury questions with five points (three goals, two assists) in his first two games of the 2020-21 QMJHL season.","position":"C","city":"Chicoutimi","team":"Washington Capitals (from Calgary Flames)","analysis":"The Capitals traded up to select Lapierre, a gifted offensive talent whose 2019-20 season ended Nov. 19 because of the injuries. Lapierre is an outstanding skater who can use his speed to back off opponents and create space for himself. He might have answered the injury questions with five points (three goals, two assists) in his first two games of the 2020-21 QMJHL season."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Tyson Foerster","year":2020,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"His goal-scoring ability stood out at the start of the season, and his play continued to develop during the second half. The 18-year-old finished with 80 points (36 goals, 44 assists) in 62 games. Foerster (6-1, 194) is a gifted offensive player who consistently puts himself in the right areas of the ice to get into scoring position and make plays through traffic. He scored three points (two goals, one assist) and was chosen as player of the game in the 2020 CHLNHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 16. NHL.com analysis: The Flyers have been looking to add a big-time goal-scorer, and Foerster showed the potential to be that for them with his production in the OHL and performance in the CHLNHL Top Prospects Game. His shot is NHL-caliber, and if he can improve his skating, Foerster projects as a top-six forward and threat on the power play.","position":"RW","city":"Barrie","team":"Philadelphia Flyers","analysis":"The Flyers have been looking to add a big-time goal-scorer, and Foerster showed the potential to be that for them with his production in the OHL and performance in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. His shot is NHL-caliber, and if he can improve his skating, Foerster projects as a top-six forward and threat on the power play."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Connor Zary","year":2020,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Zary plays a two-way game, exhibits patience with the puck, and has a sound work ethic. Compared by some to Bo Horvat, Zary (6-0, 178) contributes in all facets of the game. The 19-year-old tied for fifth in the WHL with 86 points (38 goals, 48 assists) in 57 games this season. He tied for third in the league with 15 power-play goals, tied for fourth with three shorthanded goals, and had a game-high three assists at the CHLNHL Top Prospects Game. He never went two straight games without a point this season. NHL.com analysis:The Flames traded down, first from No. 19, and then from No. 22, and still got one of the top offensive talents in the draft. Zary can beat opponents with his quick hands and skill, can score from anywhere on the ice, and will look to develop into a complement to Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm. Zary also can score in bunches; he had six point streaks of at least five games this season, including a season-opening 13-game run.","position":"C","city":"Kamloops","team":"Calgary Flames (from Washington Capitals)","analysis":"The Flames traded down, first from No. 19, and then from No. 22, and still got one of the top offensive talents in the draft. Zary can beat opponents with his quick hands and skill, can score from anywhere on the ice, and will look to develop into a complement to Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm. Zary also can score in bunches; he had six point streaks of at least five games this season, including a season-opening 13-game run."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Justin Barron","year":2020,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Barron (6-2, 195) returned Feb. 26 after missing three months because of a blood clot and scored 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in 34 games. Out indefinitely to begin 2020-21 following a medical procedure in September, the 18-year-old is an exceptional skater capable of making a smooth transition out of the defensive zone. The right-hand shot has scored 81 points (15 goals, 66 assists) and is plus-41 in 153 QMJHL games. Barron's brother, center Morgan Barron, was chosen by the Rangers in the sixth round (No. 174) of the 2017 draft. NHL.com analysis:When Barron recovers from the surgical procedure related to the blood clot that sidelined him, he should return to showcasing himself as a smart, skilled, right-shot defenseman with poise. Just add him to an outstanding group of young defenseman with the Avalanche, from Cale Makar and Samuel Girard to Bowen Byram, the No. 4 pick of the 2019 draft, who could be in the NHL next season.","position":"D","city":"Halifax","team":"Colorado Avalanche","analysis":"When Barron recovers from the surgical procedure related to the blood clot that sidelined him, he should return to showcasing himself as a smart, skilled, right-shot defenseman with poise. Just add him to an outstanding group of young defenseman with the Avalanche, from Cale Makar and Samuel Girard to Bowen Byram, the No. 4 pick of the 2019 draft, who could be in the NHL next season."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jake Neighbours","year":2020,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Neighbours (5-11, 195) is a tough forward with deceptive speed, good vision and playmaking ability. The 18-year-old has been compared to Oilers forward prospect Tyler Benson, selected in the second round (No. 32) of the 2016 draft. Neighbours can play on the power play and penalty kill. He scored 70 points (23 goals, 47 assists), including 19 on the power play, and had 228 shots on goal in 64 games this season. NHL.com analysis: Neighbours plays the physical, skilled game the Blues used to win the Stanley Cup in 2019. He can take the puck through a defender or skate around him and get to the net, and has good hands in tight to finish those plays. He projects as a middle-six forward and a net-front presence on the power play.","position":"LW","city":"Edmonton","team":"St. Louis Blues","analysis":"Neighbours plays the physical, skilled game the Blues used to win the Stanley Cup in 2019. He can take the puck through a defender or skate around him and get to the net, and has good hands in tight to finish those plays. He projects as a middle-six forward and a net-front presence on the power play."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jacob Perreault","year":2020,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"The versatile forward has one of the best shots in the 2020 draft class. Perreault (5-11, 192), the son of former NHL forward Yanic Perreault, scored 70 points (39 goals, 31 assists) in 57 games, leading Sarnia in goals and power-play goals (15) this season. The 18-year-old has an impressive offensive skill set with good vision and ability to make plays off the rush or with accurate passes in the offensive zone. NHL.com analysis: After taking a defenseman (Drysdale) at No. 7, the Ducks opted for the best remaining goal-scorer. Perreault blends a shooter's mentality with strong skating and creativity with the puck. The prospect of center Trevor Zegras (No. 9 pick, 2019), an elite passer, setting up Perreault could create the foundation for the Ducks in the near future.","position":"RW","city":"Sarnia","team":"Anaheim Ducks (from Boston Bruins)","analysis":"After taking a defenseman (Drysdale) at No. 7, the Ducks opted for the best remaining goal-scorer. Perreault blends a shooter's mentality with strong skating and creativity with the puck. The prospect of center Trevor Zegras (No. 9 pick, 2019), an elite passer, setting up Perreault could create the foundation for the Ducks in the near future."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Ridly Greig","year":2020,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Greig (5-11, 163) scored 60 points (26 goals, 34 assists) in 56 games this season. His father, Mark, was selected No. 15 by the Hartford Whalers in the 1990 NHL Draft, played 125 NHL games, and is an amateur scout for the Flyers. The 18-year-old possesses high hockey IQ and plays with an edge. NHL.com analysis: With the pick acquired from the Islanders for forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau, the Senators choose a similar agitating player with skill. Greig's combination of speed and sandpaper could make him a solid middle-six forward who can play in all situations. He could be a player who Senators fans love and is hated by fans of the other teams in the League.","position":"C","city":"Brandon","team":"Ottawa Senators (from New York Islanders)","analysis":"With the pick acquired from the Islanders for forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau, the Senators choose a similar agitating player with skill. Greig's combination of speed and sandpaper could make him a solid middle-six forward who can play in all situations. He could be a player who Senators fans love and is hated by fans of the other teams in the League."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Brendan Brisson","year":2020,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Brisson (5-11, 179) was named the United States Hockey League rookie of the year after finishing second with 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) in 45 games in his first full season in the league. The 18-year-old averaged 1.31 points per game; among USHL rookies in the past 15 seasons to play at least 20 games, only Hughes for the NTDP (2017-18, 2.00) and forward Jaden Schwartz for Tri-City (2009-10, 1.38) had a higher average. Brisson will play at the University of Michigan in 2020-21. NHL.com analysis:No player selected in the first round has been exposed to more high-end hockey talent than Brisson, the son of agent Pat Brisson. And Brendan, with a smart, well-rounded game, clearly was paying attention when players like MacKinnon and Tavares came by the house. Vegas is built to win now, so Brisson should get all the time he needs to develop into a future NHL top-nine forward at Michigan.","position":"C","city":"Chicago","team":"Vegas Golden Knights","analysis":"No player selected in the first round has been exposed to more high-end hockey talent than Brisson, the son of agent Pat Brisson. And Brendan, with a smart, well-rounded game, clearly was paying attention when players like MacKinnon and Tavares came by the house. Vegas is built to win now, so Brisson should get all the time he needs to develop into a future NHL top-nine forward at Michigan."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Mavrik Bourque","year":2020,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Bourque (5-10, 178), a right-handed shot, tied for fifth in the QMJHL with 21 power-play assists and finished with 71 points (29 goals, 42 assists) in 49 games in 2019-20. The 18-year-old went 300-for-600 (50.0 percent) on face-offs and played in the CHLNHL Top Prospects Game. NHL.com analysis:Dallasstarted to get younger at forward this season, with more ice time for Denis Gurianov and Roope Hintz, each 23, and 20-year-old Ty Dellandrea (No. 13 pick, 2018) could be ready to follow them into full-time NHL duty next season. But more is needed, and Bourque is a well-rounded forward who projects to be a middle-six forward able to check the opposition's top players and also contribute offensively.","position":"C","city":"Shawinigan","team":"Dallas Stars","analysis":"Dallasstarted to get younger at forward this season, with more ice time for Denis Gurianov and Roope Hintz, each 23, and 20-year-old Ty Dellandrea (No. 13 pick, 2018) could be ready to follow them into full-time NHL duty next season. But more is needed, and Bourque is a well-rounded forward who projects to be a middle-six forward able to check the opposition's top players and also contribute offensively."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Ozzy Wiesblatt","year":2020,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old is a smart, tenacious player on the puck, quick to find openings, and excelled after moving to center from right wing late in the season. Wiesblatt (5-10, 183) was second on Prince Albert with 70 points (25 goals, 45 assists) and first with 27 power-play points (10 goals, 17 assists) this season. He's a magnet on the puck, displays good confidence when under pressure, and has good vision at a fast pace. NHL.com analysis:San Jose drafted 10 players the past two years, so an influx of talent into the prospect pipeline is desperately needed. Wiesblatt is a tenacious player and a puck hound in all three zones.","position":"RW","city":"Prince Albert","team":"San Jose Sharks (from Tampa Bay Lightning)","analysis":"San Jose drafted 10 players the past two years, so an influx of talent into the prospect pipeline is desperately needed. Wiesblatt is a tenacious player and a puck hound in all three zones."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Owen Power","year":2021,"league":"NCAA","scouting_report":"Power (6-foot-6, 213 pounds), the first player from the University of Michigan selected No. 1 in the NHL Draft, is a big presence with good vision, strength and the look of a top-pair NHL defenseman. The 18-year-old scored 16 points (three goals, 13 assists), was plus-18, led Michigan with 40 blocked shots in 26 games and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team this season. Power helped Canada win the 2021 IIHF World Championship with three assists and 17 shots on goal, averaging 20:07 of ice time. He played 24:17, including a Canada-high 10:31 in the third period, during a 3-2 win against Finland in the championship game. Power could return to Michigan next season. The last player chosen No. 1 to not play in the NHL the following season was Erik Johnson, selected by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Draft. The defenseman stayed at the University of Minnesota and made his NHL debut during the 2007-08 season. NHL.com analysis: The Sabres take the best player available, a defenseman with size and skill who looked comfortable and poised playing with and against NHL players with Canada at the World Championship. Power could play in the NHL next season or spend one more season at Michigan working on his game. Either way the Sabres will be getting a top-four defenseman capable of impacting the game in all areas.","position":"D","city":"Michigan","team":"Buffalo Sabres","analysis":"The Sabres take the best player available, a defenseman with size and skill who looked comfortable and poised playing with and against NHL players with Canada at the World Championship. Power could play in the NHL next season or spend one more season at Michigan working on his game. Either way the Sabres will be getting a top-four defenseman capable of impacting the game in all areas."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Matthew Beniers","year":2021,"league":"NCAA","scouting_report":"Beniers scored 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 24 games this season, his first in college. He led first-time draft-eligible NCAA players in goals, goals per game (0.42) and shots on goal per game (2.38). Michigan received an at-large bid into the NCAA men's ice hockey tournament but had to withdraw due to COVID-19 protocols. The 18-year-old (6-1, 175) helped the United States win the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship as the youngest player on the roster, scoring three points (one goal, two assists) and averaging 17:05 of ice time in seven games as a second-line center. He also scored one goal in four games as the only draft-eligible player for the U.S. at the 2021 IIHF World Championship. NHL.com analysis: Beniers plays a skilled, two-way game similar to Kraken general manager Ron Francis. Successful teams are built through the middle, and Beniers was the best center prospect available in the draft. He has top-end offensive skill, and his smarts and determination will allow him to contribute on the penalty kill as soon as he gets to the NHL.","position":"C","city":"Michigan","team":"Seattle Kraken","analysis":"Beniers plays a skilled, two-way game similar to Kraken general manager Ron Francis. Successful teams are built through the middle, and Beniers was the best center prospect available in the draft. He has top-end offensive skill, and his smarts and determination will allow him to contribute on the penalty kill as soon as he gets to the NHL."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Mason McTavish","year":2021,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old (6-1, 207), a powerful skater with balance and solid puck-protection skills, scored 11 points (nine goals, two assists) in 13 games this season on loan with EHC Olten in the Swiss League, the second-highest professional league in Switzerland. He also filled in as captain for Canada at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship when Shane Wright (2022 draft eligible) missed two games with an injury. He scored 11 points (five goals, six assists) in seven games to help his country win the tournament. NHL.com analysis: The Ducks desperately need offensive players, and in McTavish they get high-end skill blended with size and strength through the middle. And McTavish was an impact player during his time in the Swiss League, playing with and against older, more physically developed competition.","position":"C","city":"Peterborough","team":"Anaheim Ducks","analysis":"The Ducks desperately need offensive players, and in McTavish they get high-end skill blended with size and strength through the middle. And McTavish was an impact player during his time in the Swiss League, playing with and against older, more physically developed competition."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Luke Hughes","year":2021,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Hughes (6-2, 184) is a great skater capable of playing a smart defensive game with good poise and reads. He scored 34 points (six goals, 28 assists), had 68 shots on goal and was plus-11 in 38 games for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season. The 17-year-old has resumed skating after a lacerated tendon in his foot sustained from a skate cut March 7. The youngest brother of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes and New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes is committed to play at the University of Michigan next season. The Hughes family is the first from the United States to have three brothers chosen in the first round of the NHL Draft (Quinn, No. 7, 2018 NHL Draft; Jack, No. 1, 2019). NHL.com analysis: Hughes brings the same top-end skating ability as his older brothers, but in a bigger package. He's got a strong offensive game and high hockey IQ. His defensive play is solid and will continue to get better with at least one season at the Michigan.","position":"D","city":"USA U-18","team":"New Jersey Devils","analysis":"Hughes brings the same top-end skating ability as his older brothers, but in a bigger package. He's got a strong offensive game and high hockey IQ. His defensive play is solid and will continue to get better with at least one season at the Michigan."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Kent Johnson","year":2021,"league":"NCAA","scouting_report":"A sniper who plays with pace, skill and creativity, Johnson thrived at left wing this season, scoring 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists), including a University of Michigan-best three power-play goals, in 26 games. The 18-year-old (6-1, 167) led first-time draft-eligible NCAA players in assists, points, and points per game (1.04). He led the British Columbia Hockey League with 101 points (41 goals, 60 assists) in 52 games for Trail in 2019-20. NHL.com analysis: Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has said center is an area of need, and Johnson is a dynamic playmaker with elite vision and passing skills, and a lot of flash to his game. He also showed his versatility this season, excelling on the wing and at center in his first college season. As he gets stronger he'll likely become even more effective.","position":"C","city":"Michigan","team":"Columbus Blue Jackets","analysis":"Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has said center is an area of need, and Johnson is a dynamic playmaker with elite vision and passing skills, and a lot of flash to his game. He also showed his versatility this season, excelling on the wing and at center in his first college season. As he gets stronger he'll likely become even more effective."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Simon Edvinsson","year":2021,"league":"SWE-JR","scouting_report":"Edvinsson (6-4, 198) is a physical, left-shot defenseman with good tools that include mobility, skating and a strong shot. The 18-year-old had one assist and averaged 5:48 of ice time in 10 games for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League this season and scored six points (one goal, five assists) in Sweden's junior league. Edvinsson scored four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games to help Sweden finish third at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. NHL.com analysis: The Red Wings add a big, strong, right-shot defenseman to their prospect pipeline with Edvinsson, whose skills and smarts are reminiscent of Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones. With Edvinsson and Moritz Seider, the No. 6 pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, Detroit's defenseman corps looks to be in outstanding shape.","position":"D","city":"Frolunda Jr.","team":"Detroit Red Wings","analysis":"The Red Wings add a big, strong, right-shot defenseman to their prospect pipeline with Edvinsson, whose skills and smarts are reminiscent of Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones. With Edvinsson and Moritz Seider, the No. 6 pick of the 2019 NHL Draft, Detroit's defenseman corps looks to be in outstanding shape."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"William Eklund","year":2021,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"Eklund has good speed, puck skills and vision. He scored 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) this season, including two power-play goals and three game-winning goals, had 63 shots on goal while averaging 15:29 of ice time in 40 games, and was named Swedish Hockey League rookie of the year. The 18-year-old (5-foot-10, 176 pounds) played most of the season on a line with good friend and New Jersey Devils forward prospect Alexander Holtz in the SHL, Sweden's top professional league. He overcame adversity this season, including an emergency appendectomy and a positive COVID-19 test, and received the 2021 E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, presented annually to the top draft prospect who best exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness, and athleticism. NHL.com analysis: The Sharks need to get younger and more dynamic, and Eklund displayed high-end offensive skill in the SHL this season. He also has some bite to his game, showing a willingness to battle for his space along the boards or in front of the net.","position":"LW","city":"Djurgarden","team":"San Jose Sharks","analysis":"The Sharks need to get younger and more dynamic, and Eklund displayed high-end offensive skill in the SHL this season. He also has some bite to his game, showing a willingness to battle for his space along the boards or in front of the net."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Brandt Clarke","year":2021,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Clarke (6-2, 185), the younger brother of New Jersey Devils forward prospect Graeme Clarke, is a mobile, puck-moving right-handed shot who is an excellent passer and a playmaker with great vision. The 18-year-old scored 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) and was plus-6 in 26 games on loan with Nove Zamsky this season in the Slovak Extraliga, the top professional league in Slovakia. He scored seven points (two goals, five assists) and was plus-12 in seven games for first-place Canada at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. NHL.com analysis:The Kings have done well stockpiling young forward prospects, topped by Quinton Byfield, the No. 2 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. Clarke is a strong skater with top-end offensive instincts who can make a smart pass to start transition or lead the rush. Clarke also has a developing defensive game and got some professional experience playing in Slovakia.","position":"D","city":"Barrie","team":"Los Angeles Kings","analysis":"The Kings have done well stockpiling young forward prospects, topped by Quinton Byfield, the No. 2 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. Clarke is a strong skater with top-end offensive instincts who can make a smart pass to start transition or lead the rush. Clarke also has a developing defensive game and got some professional experience playing in Slovakia."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Dylan Guenther","year":2021,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"An elite goal-scorer with quickness, Guenther (6-1, 175) scored 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists), including six power-play points (two goals, four assists), in 12 Western Hockey League games this season. The 18-year-old also scored seven points (four goals, three assists) in seven games at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. Guenther led first-place Canada with 34 shots on goal, played a key role on the penalty kill, scored two power-play goals and tied for the team lead with two game-winning goals. NHL.com analysis:Guenther might have been the best pure goal-scorer in the draft, and the Coyotes certainly could use an offensive upgrade. Since 2010 they've drafted two players who scored 20 goals in a season for them, and they traded one of them, Conor Garland, to the Canucks to acquire this pick.","position":"RW","city":"Edmonton","team":"Arizona Coyotes (from Vancouver Canucks)","analysis":"Guenther might have been the best pure goal-scorer in the draft, and the Coyotes certainly could use an offensive upgrade. Since 2010 they've drafted two players who scored 20 goals in a season for them, and they traded one of them, Conor Garland, to the Canucks to acquire this pick."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Tyler Boucher","year":2021,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"The son of Brian Boucher, a goalie for 13 NHL seasons, Tyler has established himself as a power forward. The 18-year-old had a knee scope April 2 but has since returned to the ice. Boucher (6-1, 205) competes hard with an excellent work ethic and hockey sense. He scored 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 12 games (0.92 points per game) this season after scoring 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) in 43 games for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-17 team in 2019-20. He'll attend Boston University next season. NHL.com analysis:The Senators add a power forward-type player in Boucher, who combined skill and grit in a strong season with the NTDP. Ottawa's prospect depth will allow Boucher to take all the time he needs in college to develop his game, and the ceiling for Boucher is high.","position":"RW","city":"USA U-18","team":"Ottawa Senators","analysis":"The Senators add a power forward-type player in Boucher, who combined skill and grit in a strong season with the NTDP. Ottawa's prospect depth will allow Boucher to take all the time he needs in college to develop his game, and the ceiling for Boucher is high."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"-","year":2021,"analysis":"The Senators add a power forward-type player in Boucher, who combined skill and grit in a strong season with the NTDP. Ottawa's prospect depth will allow Boucher to take all the time he needs in college to develop his game, and the ceiling for Boucher is high."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Cole Sillinger","year":2021,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Sillinger (6-0, 197) began this season with Sioux Falls because of the uncertainty surrounding the start of the Western Hockey League season due to the coronavirus. When the WHL began play Feb. 26, the 18-year-old opted to remain in the United States Hockey League rather than return to Medicine Hat. Sillinger led Sioux Falls in goals (24), points (46), points per game (1.48) and shots on goal (113) in 31 games and was named USHL rookie of the year. He also scored five power-play goals, two game-winning goals and one shorthanded goal. Sillinger will return to Medicine Hat next season. His father is former NHL forward Mike Sillinger. NHL.com analysis: Center quickly is turning into a strength for the Blue Jackets with the selection of Sillinger after Kent Johnson at No. 5. Sillinger stands out for his high hockey IQ, excellent vision, playmaking ability, an NHL-ready shot and the ability to control the game with the puck.","position":"C","city":"Sioux Falls","team":"Columbus Blue Jackets (from Chicago Blackhawks)","analysis":"Center quickly is turning into a strength for the Blue Jackets with the selection of Sillinger after Kent Johnson at No. 5. Sillinger stands out for his high hockey IQ, excellent vision, playmaking ability, an NHL-ready shot and the ability to control the game with the puck."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Matthew Coronato","year":2021,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Coronato finished first in the United States Hockey League this season with 48 goals, 19 power-play goals and eight game-winning goals, was tied for first with four shorthanded goals, and second with 85 points and a 1.67 points-per game average in 51 regular-season games. The 18-year-old (5-10, 183) led all scorers with nine goals, 13 points and a 1.63 points-per game average in six USHL playoff games and is committed to play at Harvard University next season. NHL.com analysis: Coronato is a dominant offensive force who blends top-end goal-scoring, strong skating and a physical approach, similar to United States Hockey Hall of Fame forward John LeClair. He was nicknamed Bison because of the way he goes hard to the net in the offensive zone.","position":"RW","city":"Chicago","team":"Calgary Flames","analysis":"Coronato is a dominant offensive force who blends top-end goal-scoring, strong skating and a physical approach, similar to United States Hockey Hall of Fame forward John LeClair. He was nicknamed Bison because of the way he goes hard to the net in the offensive zone."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Isak Rosen","year":2021,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old (5-11, 156) has good acceleration, a good skating stride and the ability to change speeds, and his competitiveness makes him difficult to play against. He had one assist and averaged 5:45 of ice time in 22 Swedish Hockey League games this season and scored 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in 12 games for Leksand's team in Sweden's junior league. Rosen scored nine points (seven goals, two assists) and had 32 shots on goal for Sweden at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. NHL.com analysis:After getting a franchise defenseman with the selection of Owen Power at No. 1, the Sabres opt for a high-skill forward in Rosen with a pick acquired in the trade of defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to the Philadelphia Flyers. Rosen's scoring touch impressed NHL scouts at the U-18 Worlds, and despite his size he never backed down from physical play against older, more experienced players in the SHL, showing he was willing and able to get to the front of the net in the offensive zone to produce. Rosen will need time to get stronger but has a high ceiling.","position":"RW","city":"Leksand","team":"Buffalo Sabres (from Philadelphia Flyers)","analysis":"After getting a franchise defenseman with the selection of Owen Power at No. 1, the Sabres opt for a high-skill forward in Rosen with a pick acquired in the trade of defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to the Philadelphia Flyers. Rosen's scoring touch impressed NHL scouts at the U-18 Worlds, and despite his size he never backed down from physical play against older, more experienced players in the SHL, showing he was willing and able to get to the front of the net in the offensive zone to produce. Rosen will need time to get stronger but has a high ceiling."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Sebastian Cossa","year":2021,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Cossa (6-6, 210) was 17-1-1 for Edmonton, led Western Hockey League goalies this season in goals-against average (1.57) and save percentage (.941), and was tied for the lead in shutouts (four). The 18-year-old is 38-7-4 with a 1.98 GAA, .928 save percentage and eight shutouts in 52 games in two WHL seasons. NHL.com analysis: The Red Wings move up in a trade with the Stars and select the first goalie in the draft. Cossa has the size and athleticism NHL teams look for in a goalie, and scouts also like his calm and controlled movements in the net, his competitiveness and his ability to read plays. Detroit had a need to add a franchise-type goalie to its rebuilding effort, and Cossa has the chance to fill that role.","position":"G","city":"Edmonton","team":"Detroit Red Wings (from Dallas Stars)","analysis":"The Red Wings move up in a trade with the Stars and select the first goalie in the draft. Cossa has the size and athleticism NHL teams look for in a goalie, and scouts also like his calm and controlled movements in the net, his competitiveness and his ability to read plays. Detroit had a need to add a franchise-type goalie to its rebuilding effort, and Cossa has the chance to fill that role."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Brennan Othmann","year":2021,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"With the Ontario Hockey League not playing this season due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, Othmann (6-0, 175) played on loan with Olten in the Swiss League, the second-highest professional league in Switzerland. The 18-year-old scored 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 34 games playing with and against experienced professionals, showing a willingness to block shots and make the game tough on opponents. He scored six points (three goals, three assists) in seven games to help Canada win the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. Othmann scored one goal and had seven shots on goal in a 5-3 win against Russia in the championship game. NHL.com analysis: Othmann's skill and skating impressed during his play in Switzerland, and he carried that into strong play at the U-18 Worlds. The Rangers have a number of talented young forwards, topped by Alexis Lafreniere, the No. 1 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, and Othmann's hard-nosed play and strong forechecking would give them more open ice to work with.","position":"LW","city":"Flint","team":"New York Rangers","analysis":"Othmann's skill and skating impressed during his play in Switzerland, and he carried that into strong play at the U-18 Worlds. The Rangers have a number of talented young forwards, topped by Alexis Lafreniere, the No. 1 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, and Othmann's hard-nosed play and strong forechecking would give them more open ice to work with."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Zachary Bolduc","year":2021,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Bolduc (6-1, 175), winner of the Michael Bossy Trophy as the top prospect in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, is an excellent skater with good hockey IQ and an ability to finish plays. The 18-year-old scored 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) and three power-play goals this season, ranking second on Rimouski with 1.07 points per game in 27 games before a lower-body injury ended his season. He has maintained a point-per game average over two QMJHL seasons. NHL.com analysis:The Blues opt for a high-end offensive talent that showed he can produce from anywhere. Bolduc is a strong skater with a complete game who has the size and strength to hold on to the puck to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.","position":"C","city":"Rimouski","team":"St. Louis Blues","analysis":"The Blues opt for a high-end offensive talent that showed he can produce from anywhere. Bolduc is a strong skater with a complete game who has the size and strength to hold on to the puck to create opportunities for himself and his teammates."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Chaz Lucius","year":2021,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"The right-handed shot scored 20 points (13 goals, seven assists) in 13 games for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season. Lucius (6-1, 185) made his season debut Feb. 19 after being out the first four months of the season recovering from a bone lesion on his knee. The 18-year-old, who can shoot the puck as well as any player available in the draft, is committed to the University of Minnesota for next season. NHL.com analysis: The Jets can add to their forward depth with one of the most talented goal-scorers available. Lucius has a top-end shot and can get it off from anywhere in the offensive zone. And following surgery to remove the bone lesion, Lucius has said hisskating is better than it has been in years.","position":"C","city":"USA U-18","team":"Winnipeg Jets","analysis":"The Jets can add to their forward depth with one of the most talented goal-scorers available. Lucius has a top-end shot and can get it off from anywhere in the offensive zone. And following surgery to remove the bone lesion, Lucius has said hisskating is better than it has been in years."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Fyodor Svechkov","year":2021,"league":"RUS-2","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old scored 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 38 games in Russia's second division and 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 15 games in Russia's junior league this season. He's a reliable, hard-working, two-way competitor with a good shot as well as a smart passer, improved skater and effective penalty-killer. Svechkov (6-0, 187) scored 10 points (four goals, six assists) in seven games for second-place Russia at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. NHL.com analysis:The Predators add a top-end two-way center with their top pick. Svechkov centered Russia's top line at the U-18 Worlds, but showed the versatility to play all three forward positions in Russia's second division. He needs to get stronger, and that could happen next season in the Kontinental Hockey League, or with Saint John of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, who selected him in the 2020 Canadian Hockey League import draft.","position":"C","city":"Togliatti Jr.","team":"Nashville Predators","analysis":"The Predators add a top-end two-way center with their top pick. Svechkov centered Russia's top line at the U-18 Worlds, but showed the versatility to play all three forward positions in Russia's second division. He needs to get stronger, and that could happen next season in the Kontinental Hockey League, or with Saint John of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, who selected him in the 2020 Canadian Hockey League import draft."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jesper Wallstedt","year":2021,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"Wallstedt is the first Sweden-born goalie selected to be in the first round of the NHL Draft. The 18-year-old (6-3, 214), whose strongest assets are his calmness and technical command of the position, was 11-8 with three ties, a 2.23 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and two shutouts in 22 games in the Swedish Hockey League. He also had a .923 save percentage in two games for Sweden at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. NHL.com analysis: The Wild made a trade with the Edmonton Oilers to move up two spots and select Wallstedt, who impressed scouts with his ability to read the play, quickness and hybrid butterflyathletic style. With Kaapo Kahkonen a full-time NHL player, the Wild needed a top-end goalie prospect, and Wallstedt has the look of a future franchise player.","position":"G","city":"Lulea","team":"Minnesota Wild (from Edmonton Oilers)","analysis":"The Wild made a trade with the Edmonton Oilers to move up two spots and select Wallstedt, who impressed scouts with his ability to read the play, quickness and hybrid butterfly/athletic style. With Kaapo Kahkonen a full-time NHL player, the Wild needed a top-end goalie prospect, and Wallstedt has the look of a future franchise player."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Fabian Lysell","year":2021,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"Lysell (5-10, 172) is a mobile skater with good speed and creativity. The 18-year-old doesn't have great size but is strong and capable of winning 1-on-1 battles. He scored three points (two goals, one assist) and averaged 7:22 of ice time in 26 Swedish Hockey League games this season, and scored nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games for third-place Sweden at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. NHL.com analysis: Lysell needs to get stronger, and another season of development in the SHL, including a boost in ice time, will help him further develop his game. As Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand each moves into the latter stages of his NHL career, the Bruins make a smart move to add a potential big-time contributor as a top-six forward.","position":"RW","city":"Lulea","team":"Boston Bruins","analysis":"Lysell needs to get stronger, and another season of development in the SHL, including a boost in ice time, will help him further develop his game. As Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand each moves into the latter stages of his NHL career, the Bruins make a smart move to add a potential big-time contributor as a top-six forward."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Xavier Bourgault","year":2021,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"was third on Shawinigan with 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) and second with seven power-play goals in 29 regular-season games in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season. He also had four assists and 25 shots on goal in five QMJHL playoff games. Bourgault was a finalist for the 2021 Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded annually to the league's most sportsmanlike player. NHL.com analysis:The Oilers moved back two spots in a trade with the Wild and were able to add a highly talented offensive player who could develop into a nice complementary piece to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He can play center or wing, and his top-end skating ability and strength make him hard to handle on the forecheck.","position":"C","city":"Shawinigan","team":"Edmonton Oilers (from Minnesota Wild)","analysis":"The Oilers moved back two spots in a trade with the Wild and were able to add a highly talented offensive player who could develop into a nice complementary piece to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. He can play center or wing, and his top-end skating ability and strength make him hard to handle on the forecheck."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Wyatt Johnston","year":2021,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"The right-handed shot (6-1, 178) is very skilled and has good hockey IQ. He scored four points (two goals, two assists) in seven games for first-place Canada at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, and 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) in 53 games as a rookie for Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League in 2019-20. The 18-year-old has a very good shot and release and a solid work ethic, according to Joey Tenute of NHL Central Scouting. NHL.com analysis: Johnston's only hockey this season was at the U-18 Worlds, but he impressed in a checking role as well as chipping in a bit of offense. The Stars have done well selecting younger forwards the past several seasons, including Mavrik Bourque at No. 30 in the 2020 NHL Draft and Jason Robertson, who finished second in voting for the Calder Trophy for NHL rookie of the year this season. Now they were able to move back to No. 23 in a trade with the Red Wings, select the player they wanted and pick up two additional selections for Saturday.","position":"C","city":"Windsor","team":"Dallas Stars (from Detroit Red Wings via Washington Capitals)","analysis":"Johnston's only hockey this season was at the U-18 Worlds, but he impressed in a checking role as well as chipping in a bit of offense. The Stars have done well selecting younger forwards the past several seasons, including Mavrik Bourque at No. 30 in the 2020 NHL Draft and Jason Robertson, who finished second in voting for the Calder Trophy for NHL rookie of the year this season. Now they were able to move back to No. 23 in a trade with the Red Wings, select the player they wanted and pick up two additional selections for Saturday."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Mackie Samoskevich","year":2021,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old (5-11, 191) scored 37 points (13 goals, 24 assists) in 36 games and was an alternate captain for Chicago this season. Samoskevich, who has been consistent in his details away from the puck to become an even more dynamic player, is committed to play at the University of Michigan next season. NHL.com analysis: Samoskevich has high-end offensive gifts and can make plays at top speed. His hockey IQ and great vision allow him to find open spots in the offensive zone. Scouts like his shot and how he is skilled enough to change the angle on it and add deception. Samoskevich eventually skating on a line with center Anton Lundell, the No. 12 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, should have Panthers fans excited.","position":"RW","city":"Chicago","team":"Florida Panthers","analysis":"Samoskevich has high-end offensive gifts and can make plays at top speed. His hockey IQ and great vision allow him to find open spots in the offensive zone. Scouts like his shot and how he is skilled enough to change the angle on it and add deception. Samoskevich eventually skating on a line with center Anton Lundell, the No. 12 pick of the 2020 NHL Draft, should have Panthers fans excited."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Corson Ceulemans","year":2021,"league":"AJHL","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old right-handed shot (6-2, 198) has the potential to become a top-four NHL defenseman able to play big minutes in all situations. Ceulemans scored 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in eight games in the Alberta Junior Hockey League this season and played games for Canada at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, when he scored eight points (one goal, seven assists) and was plus-11 in six games. He's committed to the University of Wisconsin for the 2022-23 season. NHL.com analysis: The Blue Jackets opt for a defenseman with their third pick of the first round. Ceulemans is an outstanding skater who can lead the rush and is able to use his speed to create chances in transition and in the offensive zone. He also knows how to use his mobility and long reach to keep opposing forwards to the outside. He'll continue to develop his game at Wisconsin but has the look of a future minutes-eating, top-four defenseman.","position":"D","city":"Brooks","team":"Columbus Blue Jackets (from Toronto Maple Leafs)","analysis":"The Blue Jackets opt for a defenseman with their third pick of the first round. Ceulemans is an outstanding skater who can lead the rush and is able to use his speed to create chances in transition and in the offensive zone. He also knows how to use his mobility and long reach to keep opposing forwards to the outside. He'll continue to develop his game at Wisconsin but has the look of a future minutes-eating, top-four defenseman."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Carson Lambos","year":2021,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Lambos (6-1, 197) is a two-way defenseman with patience in the defensive zone and in transition. He played two games in the Western Hockey League in 2020-21 before leaving Winnipeg to have a season-ending medical procedure. The 18-year-old scored 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 13 games on loan with JYP in Finland's junior league. He led WHL rookie defensemen with 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) in 57 games in 2019-20. NHL.com analysis:The Wild have a need for defensemen, and Lambos has the look of a future top-pair player. He impressed in Finland, including two games with JYP in Liiga, the country's top professional league. He's an outstanding skater with a high hockey IQ, and his patience with the puck makes him dangerous. Lambos also is expected to be fully healed from the medical procedure.","position":"D","city":"Winnipeg","team":"Minnesota Wild (from Pittsburgh Penguins)","analysis":"The Wild have a need for defensemen, and Lambos has the look of a future top-pair player. He impressed in Finland, including two games with JYP in Liiga, the country's top professional league. He's an outstanding skater with a high hockey IQ, and his patience with the puck makes him dangerous. Lambos also is expected to be fully healed from the medical procedure."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Zachary LHeureux","year":2021,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"L'Heureux (5-11, 196) may have the best hands of any draft-eligible prospect in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, according to J-F Damphousse of NHL Central Scouting. The 18-year-old was second on Halifax with 39 points (19 goals, 20 assists) and 130 shots on goal in 33 games this season. He's at his best when playing physical and driving to the net. NHL.com analysis: The Predators move up in a trade with the Hurricanes to add skill with snarl. L'Heureux has the ability to physically outmatch defenders down low and along the boards. With maturity -- he was suspended four times this season -- he has the talent to blossom into a big-time contributor.","position":"LW","city":"Halifax","team":"Nashville Predators (from Carolina Hurricanes)","analysis":"The Predators move up in a trade with the Hurricanes to add skill with snarl. L'Heureux has the ability to physically outmatch defenders down low and along the boards. With maturity -- he was suspended four times this season -- he has the talent to blossom into a big-time contributor."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Oskar Olausson","year":2021,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"Olausson (6-1, 180) made his Swedish Hockey League debut this season, scoring four points (three goals, one assist) in 16 games, and also scored 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 16 game with HV 71's team in Sweden's junior league. He displayed strong puck skills with very good skating. NHL.com analysis: The Avalanche, who have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, opt for an offensive player with a high ceiling. Olausson will be given all the time he needs to develop his game.","position":"RW HV 71 (SWE)","team":"Colorado Avalanche","analysis":"The Avalanche, who have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, opt for an offensive player with a high ceiling. Olausson will be given all the time he needs to develop his game."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Chase Stillman","year":2021,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"With the Ontario Hockey League season canceled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, Stillman (6-1, 180) scored 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in eight games with Esbjerg in Denmark's junior league. He also helped Canada win the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship with four points (two goals, two assists) in seven games. His father, Cory Stillman was selected by the Calgary Flames with the No. 6 pick of the 1992 NHL Draft, played 1,025 NHL games and won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 and the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. NHL.com analysis: The Devils need to add some offensive punch. Stillman has the size to get to the nasty areas of the ice and the hands and agility to produce when he gets there.","position":"RW","city":"Sudbury","team":"New Jersey Devils (from New York Islanders)","analysis":"The Devils need to add some offensive punch. Stillman has the size to get to the nasty areas of the ice and the hands and agility to produce when he gets there."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Zach Dean","year":2021,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Dean (6-0, 176) missed the first month of this season with a wrist injury but scored 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists), led Gatineau with five power-play goals in 23 regular-season games and scored two points (one goal, one assist) in four playoff games. The 18-year-old is a high-end skater with a great two-way game. NHL.com analysis: Dean is a great skater, and his speed and elusiveness allow him to beat defensemen wide on the rush. Vegas needs to add inexpensive young talent, and adding Dean to 2020 first-round pick Brendan Brisson and 2019 first-round pick Peyton Krebs gives the Golden Knights a strong foundation.","position":"C Gatineau (QMJHL)","team":"Vegas Golden Knights","analysis":"Dean is a great skater, and his speed and elusiveness allow him to beat defensemen wide on the rush. Vegas needs to add inexpensive young talent, and adding Dean to 2020 first-round pick Brendan Brisson and 2019 first-round pick Peyton Krebs gives the Golden Knights a strong foundation."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Logan Mailloux","year":2021,"league":"GOJHL","scouting_report":"Mailloux (6-3, 212) scored 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 19 games with SK Lejon in Sweden's third division this season. He played four games with London in the Ontario Hockey League in 2019-20 and was second among Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League defensemen with 68 points (18 goals, 50 assists) in 48 games. Mailloux had asked to be removed from draft consideration following a criminal charge while playing in Sweden. NHL.com analysis: Mailloux is a big, mobile defenseman, but off-ice concerns make this a questionable selection by the Canadiens.","position":"D","city":"London","team":"Montreal Canadiens","analysis":"Mailloux is a big, mobile defenseman, but off-ice concerns make this a questionable selection by the Canadiens."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Nolan Allan","year":2021,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Allan (6-2, 195) scored two points (one goal, one assists) in 16 Western Hockey League games this season. He also was part of Canada's championship team at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, scoring two points (one goal, one assist) and finishing at plus-7 in seven games. NHL.com analysis: With the pick the Blackhawks acquired in the trade for defenseman Seth Jones from the Blue Jackets, Chicago opts for a defensive-minded player who is smart, sound positionally and a strong skater.---Listen: New episode of NHL Draft Class","position":"D","city":"Prince Albert","team":"Chicago Blackhawks (from Tampa Bay Lightning via Columbus Blue Jackets)","analysis":"With the pick the Blackhawks acquired in the trade for defenseman Seth Jones from the Blue Jackets, Chicago opts for a defensive-minded player who is smart, sound positionally and a strong skater.---Listen: New episode of NHL Draft Class"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Juraj Slafkovsky","year":2022,"league":"FIN","scouting_report":"Slafkovsky had 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 31 games in Liiga, Finland's top professional league, but he really stood out on the international stage. He was named the most valuable player at the 2022 Beijing Olympics after scoring a tournament-best seven goals in seven games to help Slovakia win the bronze medal, its first men's Olympic hockey medal. His seven points tied for the tournament lead, and he led Slovakia with 24 shots on goal while averaging 15:50 of ice time despite being the youngest player in the tournament at 17 years old (he turned 18 on March 30). At the 2022 IIHF World Championship, Slafkovsky led eighth-place Slovakia with nine points (three goals, six assists) and 27 shots on goal in eight games, and his average ice time of 20:32 led Slovakia forwards. He puts his size (6-foot-4, 229 pounds) and reach to good use, acting as an effective checker in the offensive and defensive zone, according to director of NHL European Scouting Goran Stubb. He's also strong handling the puck and is not easily knocked off of it. NHL.com analysis: The Canadians take arguably the most NHL-ready player in the 2022 Draft class. Slafkovsky already has excelled against older, more developed competition at the Olympics and the World Championship. Slafkovsky is big and skilled enough to step right into Montreal's top six and be a threat at 5-on-5 and on the power play.","position":"LW","city":"TPS","team":"Montreal Canadiens","analysis":"The Canadians take arguably the most NHL-ready player in the 2022 Draft class. Slafkovsky already has excelled against older, more developed competition at the Olympics and the World Championship. Slafkovsky is big and skilled enough to step right into Montreal's top six and be a threat at 5-on-5 and on the power play."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Simon Nemec","year":2022,"league":"SVK","scouting_report":"Nemec (6-foot, 199) stood out playing against older competition in the top professional league Slovakia and internationally for Slovakia at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and the 2022 IIHF World Championship. His six points (one goal, five assists) in eight games at the Worlds are the most points ever for an 18-year-old defenseman at the tournament. Nemec is a mobile right-handed shot who is a skilled stickhandler and is effective on the power play. While he is not overly aggressive offensively, Nemec has high hockey IQ and is strong in transition. NHL.com analysis: The Devils select arguably the top-rated defenseman available with Nemec. The right-handed shot has played in Slovakia's top league the past three seasons and said he'd like to play in the American Hockey League or the NHL next season. With Luke Hughes, the No. 4 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft and Nemec, New Jersey is stacking top defenseman prospects to go with their three young centers, Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer.","position":"D","city":"Nitra","team":"New Jersey Devils","analysis":"The Devils select arguably the top-rated defenseman available with Nemec. The right-handed shot has played in Slovakia's top league the past three seasons and said he'd like to play in the American Hockey League or the NHL next season. With Luke Hughes, the No. 4 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft and Nemec, New Jersey is stacking top defenseman prospects to go with their three young centers, Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Logan Cooley","year":2022,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Cooley was second on the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team with 75 points (27 goals, 48 assists) in 51 games, his average of 1.47 points per game was first, and he had had 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in 15 games against NCAA competition. The 18-year-old was second for the second-place United States at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in six games. Cooley, who has high-end compete and will deliver in the tough areas of the ice, will play at the University of Minnesota next season but believes he needs only one year at the collegiate level before making the jump to the NHL. Cooley (5-10, 180) is one of 60 players invited to the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp to compete for a spot on United States team for the 2022 and 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. NHL.com analysis: The Coyotes need top-end talent to invigorate an offensive attack that was last in the NHL this season with an average of 2.51 goals per game. Cooley has elite talent and speed, and the confidence to believe he'll be NHL-ready after one season at the University of Minnesota. With Cooley and Dylan Guenther, their first-round pick (No. 6) in the 2021 NHL Draft, as well as Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz and Barrett Hayton, the Coyotes are putting together the pieces of a future potent offense.","position":"C","city":"USA U-18","team":"Arizona Coyotes","analysis":"The Coyotes need top-end talent to invigorate an offensive attack that was last in the NHL this season with an average of 2.51 goals per game. Cooley has elite talent and speed, and the confidence to believe he'll be NHL-ready after one season at the University of Minnesota. With Cooley and Dylan Guenther, their first-round pick (No. 6) in the 2021 NHL Draft, as well as Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz and Barrett Hayton, the Coyotes are putting together the pieces of a future potent offense."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Shane Wright","year":2022,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Wright (6-foot, 199) was eighth in the Ontario Hockey League with 94 points (32 goals, 62 assists), including 28 power-play points (eight goals, 20 assists), in 63 regular-season games, and had 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 11 playoff games. The 18-year-old had 18 games with at least three points. Wright has high-end playmaking skills and an accurate shot, and is exceptionally smart with and without the puck. Wright has been in the spotlight since he was 15, when he received exceptional-player status from Hockey Canada in March 2019 and then was selected by Kingston with the No. 1 pick of the 2019 OHL Draft. Wright was named OHL rookie of the year in 2019-20 after he had 66 points (29 goals, 39 assists) in 58 games. At the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, Wright led Canada with 14 points (nine goals, five assists) en route to a first-place finish, which laid the foundation for his strong draft-year season. NHL.com analysis:The Kraken now have two foundational centers to build around in Wright and Matty Beniers, the No. 2 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft. Wright's all-around game, poise and high-end hockey IQ has earned comparisons to Boston Bruins star center Patrice Bergeron. Wright is skilled and mature enough to be in Seattle's opening-night lineup.","position":"C","city":"Kingston","team":"Seattle Kraken","analysis":"The Kraken now have two foundational centers to build around in Wright and Matty Beniers, the No. 2 pick of the 2021 NHL Draft. Wright's all-around game, poise and high-end hockey IQ has earned comparisons to Boston Bruins star center Patrice Bergeron. Wright is skilled and mature enough to be in Seattle's opening-night lineup."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Cutter Gauthier","year":2022,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Gauthier (6-2, 200) had 65 points (34 goals, 31 assists) and five power-play goals in 54 games for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team, including 16 points (10 goals, six assists) in 18 games against NCAA competition. He also had nine points (three goals, six assists) in six games to help the United States finish second at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. The 18-year-old is considered a prototypical power forward with deceiving speed and a big shot. Gauthier uses his size to wreak havoc in front of the net, deflecting passes and causing issues for the opposing goalie. Committed to Boston College for next season, he said he expects to play center, adding versatility to his game. NHL.com analysis: The Flyers were looking to add front-line depth, and in Gauthier they get a power forward with NHL size who played on the wing with the NTDP but will play center next season at Boston College. With his size and skill set, Gauthier could be ready as soon as the 2023-24 season to play a big role in Philadelphia.","position":"LW","city":"USA U-18","team":"Philadelphia Flyers","analysis":"The Flyers were looking to add front-line depth, and in Gauthier they get a power forward with NHL size who played on the wing with the NTDP but will play center next season at Boston College. With his size and skill set, Gauthier could be ready as soon as the 2023-24 season to play a big role in Philadelphia."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"David Jiricek","year":2022,"league":"CZE","scouting_report":"Jiricek (6-3, 189) was out more than three months because of a knee injury sustained in December but had 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 29 games in the Czech Extraliga, the top professional league in the Czech Republic. The 18-year-old right-handed shot also had two points (one goal, one assist), three shots on goal, and averaged 10:26 of ice time in five games for third-place Czechia at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. Jiricek is a big, strong, offensive-minded defenseman with good vision and smarts who has a high compete level and utilizes his size and strength to be successful in all areas, according to NHL director of European Scouting Goran Stubb. NHL.com analysis: With their first of two first-round selections, the Blue Jackets opt for a top-flight right-shot defenseman. Jiricek recovered well from a serious injury sustained in December to have an outstanding showing at the World Championship. Jiricek likely will need at least one more season in the Czech Republic but with his size and offensive skill set it won't be long before he takes a prominent role in Columbus.","position":"D","city":"Plzen","team":"Columbus Blue Jackets","analysis":"With their first of two first-round selections, the Blue Jackets opt for a top-flight right-shot defenseman. Jiricek recovered well from a serious injury sustained in December to have an outstanding showing at the World Championship. Jiricek likely will need at least one more season in the Czech Republic but with his size and offensive skill set it won't be long before he takes a prominent role in Columbus."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Kevin Korchinski","year":2022,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Korchinski (6-2, 185) was fourth among Western Hockey League defensemen with 65 points (four goals, 61 assists), and third with 28 power-play assists, in 67 games. He is the first WHL defenseman since Darryl Sydor of Kamloops in 1989-90 (66 assists) to have 60 or more assists in his first year of NHL draft eligibility. Korchinski also led WHL defensemen with 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 25 playoff games to help Seattle reach the WHL final. The left-handed shot is creative with the puck and can play big minutes in all situations. NHL.com analysis:The Blackhawks lacked a high-end offensive-minded defenseman prospect but filled that need with Korchinski in a selection acquired in the trade with the Ottawa Senators for forward Alex DeBrincat. Korchinski got better as the season went on, and played high-intensity games in helping Seattle reach the Western Hockey League finals.","position":"D","city":"Seattle","team":"Chicago Blackhawks (from Ottawa Senators)","analysis":"The Blackhawks lacked a high-end offensive-minded defenseman prospect but filled that need with Korchinski in a selection acquired in the trade with the Ottawa Senators for forward Alex DeBrincat. Korchinski got better as the season went on, and played high-intensity games in helping Seattle reach the Western Hockey League finals."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Marco Kasper","year":2022,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"The Austria-born center had 11 points (seven goals, four assists) and averaged 11:44 of ice time in 46 regular-season games in the Swedish Hockey League, and had six points (three goals, three assists) in 14:16 of ice time in 13 playoff games. Kasper (6-1, 187) captained Austria at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, playing two games before the tournament was postponed Dec. 29 because of COVID-19 concerns, and had two assists and averaged 17:34 in ice time in seven games for Austria at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. The 18-year-old plays with energy and intensity, has good speed and creates offensive chances by skating to the net. He's also a committed defensive player capable of using his stick to break up plays and being physical on the opposition. NHL.com analysis:The Red Wings already are bearing the fruits of their smart drafting with defenseman Moritz Seider, the Calder Trophy winner as NHL rookie of the year, and forward Lucas Raymond, who was tied for second among rookies with 23 goals. Kasper excelled this season in the Swedish Hockey League, and projects as an athletic center who can play on either of the top two lines.","position":"C","city":"Rogle","team":"Detroit Red Wings","analysis":"The Red Wings already are bearing the fruits of their smart drafting with defenseman Moritz Seider, the Calder Trophy winner as NHL rookie of the year, and forward Lucas Raymond, who was tied for second among rookies with 23 goals. Kasper excelled this season in the Swedish Hockey League, and projects as an athletic center who can play on either of the top two lines."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Matthew Savoie","year":2022,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Savoie (5-9, 170) is a strong skater with exceptional acceleration. The 18-year-old was seventh in the Western Hockey League with 90 points (35 goals, 55 assists) in 65 regular-season games and had 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 10 WHL playoff games. Savoie is considered a game-changer with high-end playmaking ability. His older brother is Edmonton Oilers forward prospect Carter Savoie. NHL.com analysis:The Sabres look to be in good shape at defenseman with Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin, so they can shift their focus to adding top-end forwards with the first of their three first-round picks. Savoie could be the best skater in this year's draft, and knows how to finish around the net. With forwards Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka looking to be ready to make the jump from prospect to NHL players, Savoie likely won't need long to join them in Buffalo.","position":"C","city":"Winnipeg","team":"Buffalo Sabres","analysis":"The Sabres look to be in good shape at defenseman with Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin, so they can shift their focus to adding top-end forwards with the first of their three first-round picks. Savoie could be the best skater in this year's draft, and knows how to finish around the net. With forwards Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka looking to be ready to make the jump from prospect to NHL players, Savoie likely won't need long to join them in Buffalo."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Pavel Mintyukov","year":2022,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Mintyukov (6-1, 194) was third among Ontario Hockey League defensemen with 62 points (17 goals, 45 assists) and was first with three shorthanded goals in 67 games, and was named to the OHL Third All-Star Team. The 18-year-old left-handed shot spent last season in North America despite not getting to play after the OHL canceled its season due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus but it allowed him to acclimate to life in North America. Mintyukov is an excellent skater who always looks to jump into the play in the offensive zone. NHL.com analysis: After trading Hampus Lindholm to the Boston Bruins, the Ducks needed some depth at the position moving forward. Jamie Drysdale is developing into a No. 1 defenseman, and top prospect Olen Zellweger, voted the best defenseman in the Western Hockey League, could be ready to play in the NHL this season. But Mintyukov was too good a prospect for the Ducks to pass on with the first of their two first-round picks. He plays a high-risk game and is fearless jumping into the offensive zone, but his skating is so good it allows him to cover for any mistakes.RELATED: [Fantasy spin: NHL Draft trades, picks]","position":"D","city":"Saginaw","team":"Anaheim Ducks","analysis":"After trading Hampus Lindholm to the Boston Bruins, the Ducks needed some depth at the position moving forward. Jamie Drysdale is developing into a No. 1 defenseman, and top prospect Olen Zellweger, voted the best defenseman in the Western Hockey League, could be ready to play in the NHL this season. But Mintyukov was too good a prospect for the Ducks to pass on with the first of their two first-round picks. He plays a high-risk game and is fearless jumping into the offensive zone, but his skating is so good it allows him to cover for any mistakes.RELATED: [Fantasy spin: NHL Draft trades, picks]"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Conor Geekie","year":2022,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Geekie (6-3, 190) was fourth on Winnipeg with 70 points (24 goals, 46 assists) in 63 regular-season games and had 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 15 Western Hockey League playoff games. The 18-year-old is hard to contain with his high compete level and poise in most situations. Geekie's hockey IQ combined with his top-end puck handling makes him one of the most elite playmakers in the draft, and he's always a threat to score at any point with his quick shot release. His older brother is Seattle Kraken forward Morgan Geekie. NHL.com analysis: The Coyotes traded up with the San Jose Sharks to select Geekie, a power forward with the type of skill set Arizona has been lacking. Some scouts have questioned Geekie's skating, but most believe that as he fills out physically, his legs will get stronger and quicker.","position":"C","city":"Winnipeg","team":"Arizona Coyotes (from San Jose Sharks)","analysis":"The Coyotes traded up with the San Jose Sharks to select Geekie, a power forward with the type of skill set Arizona has been lacking. Some scouts have questioned Geekie's skating, but most believe that as he fills out physically, his legs will get stronger and quicker."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Denton Mateychuk","year":2022,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Mateychuk (5-10, 194) is regarded as a strong skater who can lead or join the rush for scoring opportunities and create chances with his ability to anticipate plays. The 17-year-old left-handed shot was third on Moose Jaw with 64 points (13 goals, 51 assists) in 65 regular-season games and was third for Moose Jaw in the Western Hockey League playoffs with 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 10 games. Mateychuk also had one assist and a plus-2 rating as the captain for Team White in the CHLNHL Top Prospects Game on March 23 in Kitchener, Ontario. NHL.com analysis:The Blue Jackets kept their focus on defenseman with their second first-round pick. Mateychuk is an outstanding skater with a top-end offensive game. With David Jiricek on the right side and Mateychuk on the left, the Blue Jackets could have selected their top defensive pair for the next decade.","position":"D","city":"Moose Jaw","team":"Columbus Blue Jackets","analysis":"The Blue Jackets kept their focus on defenseman with their second first-round pick. Mateychuk is an outstanding skater with a top-end offensive game. With David Jiricek on the right side and Mateychuk on the left, the Blue Jackets could have selected their top defensive pair for the next decade."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Frank Nazar","year":2022,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Nazar (5-10, 180) was third on the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team with 70 points (28 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games, and had five power-play goals and two shorthanded goals. He also had nine points (three goals, six assists) in six games for the second-place United States at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. The 18-year-old is at his best when he's competitive on the puck and using his elite speed. Nazar uses his top-end speed to make an impact in the defensive zone as well as in transition. He will play at the University of Michigan next season. NHL.com analysis: The Blackhawks traded center Kirby Dach to the Montreal Canadiens for the right to select Nazar here. Speed is Nazar's top trait, and he's capable of using it to back off defenseman and create space for himself. With holes in the middle behind Johnathan Toews, Chicago likely will hope for Nazar to develop quickly at Michigan.","position":"C","city":"USA U-18","team":"Chicago Blackhawks (from Montreal Canadiens)","analysis":"The Blackhawks traded center Kirby Dach to the Montreal Canadiens for the right to select Nazar here. Speed is Nazar's top trait, and he's capable of using it to back off defenseman and create space for himself. With holes in the middle behind Johnathan Toews, Chicago likely will hope for Nazar to develop quickly at Michigan."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Rutger McGroarty","year":2022,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"McGroarty (6-1, 204) was fourth on the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team with 69 points (35 goals, 34 assists) and was third with six power-play goals in 54 games, and led the second-place United States with eight goals and 34 shots on goal in six games at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. The 18-year-old also was named player of the game at the 2022 BioSteel All-American Game on Jan. 17. He is committed to play at the University of Michigan next season. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, he is the second player born in the state to be selected in the NHL Draft, joining Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel (No. 77, 2013 NHL Draft). NHL.com analysis: McGroarty has a very high upside. He only started hockey-specific training last summer and already has developed into a top-end power forward prospect. The fact that he naturally plays the right side also fills an area of need for the Jets, who didn't get much production from their right wings not named Blake Wheeler.","position":"RW","city":"USA U-18","team":"Winnipeg Jets","analysis":"McGroarty has a very high upside. He only started hockey-specific training last summer and already has developed into a top-end power forward prospect. The fact that he naturally plays the right side also fills an area of need for the Jets, who didn't get much production from their right wings not named Blake Wheeler."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jonathan Lekkerimaki","year":2022,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"Lekkerimaki (5-10, 171), who missed a month of the season with mononucleosis, is a shoot-first forward who plays a two-way game and has good hands and explosiveness. The 17-year-old led all skaters at the 2022 Under-18 World Championship with 15 points and 10 assists for first-place Sweden, and had nine points (seven goals, two assists) in 26 games with Djurgarden of the Swedish Hockey League, the top professional men's league in Sweden. NHL.com analysis: Lekkerimaki's shot is among the best in this year's draft class and his skating allows him to create space for himself to get it on net. He needs to get bigger and stronger, especially after missing time with mononucleosis. But with high-end forward depth already in Vancouver, the Canucks have the luxury of allowing Lekkerimaki develop at his own pace.","position":"RW","city":"Djurgarden","team":"Vancouver Canucks","analysis":"Lekkerimaki's shot is among the best in this year's draft class and his skating allows him to create space for himself to get it on net. He needs to get bigger and stronger, especially after missing time with mononucleosis. But with high-end forward depth already in Vancouver, the Canucks have the luxury of allowing Lekkerimaki develop at his own pace."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Noah Ostlund","year":2022,"league":"SWE-JR","scouting_report":"The left-shot center (5-10, 164), who is compared by some scouts to Nashville Predators forward Mikael Granlund, scored 42 points (nine goal, 33 assists) in 32 games in Sweden's junior division. He didn't record a point in 11 games in the Swedish Hockey League. Ostlund is a playmaker and finesse-type forward who skates with speed and mobility. He's intense and has good hockey IQ, according to Goran Stubb, NHL director of European Scouting. NHL.com analysis: The Sabres select another undersized center with high-end skills in Ostlund. After taking Savoie at No. 9, in Ostlund they get a player with outstanding speed and puck skills. He'll likely have a bigger role in the Swedish Hockey League next season after playing 11 games with Djurgarden this season.","position":"C","city":"Djurgarden Jr.","team":"Buffalo Sabres (from Vegas Golden Knights)","analysis":"The Sabres select another undersized center with high-end skills in Ostlund. After taking Savoie at No. 9, in Ostlund they get a player with outstanding speed and puck skills. He'll likely have a bigger role in the Swedish Hockey League next season after playing 11 games with Djurgarden this season."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Joakim Kemell","year":2022,"league":"FIN","scouting_report":"Kemell (5-9, 185) is a highly skilled playmaker capable of weaving his way through traffic and playing an effective two-way game. Playing most of this season as a 17-year-old (he turned 18 on April 27), he led under-18 players in Liiga, the top league in Finland, with 15 goals and 23 points in 39 games. It was the most goals and points by a player his age in Liiga since New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko had 22 goals and 38 points in 45 games in 2018-19. Kemell was out for almost three months in two different stretches because of a shoulder injury, but was healthy enough to lead Finland with six goals at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. NHL.com analysis:The Predators must have been a bit surprised that Kemell was still available for them at this spot. He was among the top scorers in Liiga as a 17-year-old until a shoulder injury sidelined him in November. Kemell is a dynamic scorer who only needs to get stronger, and projects as a top-line scoring threat at 5-on-5 and on the power play.","position":"RW","city":"JYP","team":"Nashville Predators","analysis":"The Predators must have been a bit surprised that Kemell was still available for them at this spot. He was among the top scorers in Liiga as a 17-year-old until a shoulder injury sidelined him in November. Kemell is a dynamic scorer who only needs to get stronger, and projects as a top-line scoring threat at 5-on-5 and on the power play."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Lian Bichsel","year":2022,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"The Switzerland-born left-handed shot (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) uses his size to his advantage as he is difficult to take off the puck and plays a physical game whenever necessary. While Bichsel has a strong shot from the blue line, he is more of a pass-first player. The 18-year-old began the season with Leksand's team in Sweden's junior league but was promoted to the Swedish Hockey League, where he had three points (one goal, two assists) in 29 games and improved in all areas. Bichsel moves well for his size and plays a strong two-way game, according to NHL director of European Scouting Goran Stubb. NHL.com analysis:The Stars arrived at the draft looking for a defenseman, and found a big one with big upside in Bichsel. He's got NHL-ready size and an offensive game that he should be able to develop with a full-time role in the Swedish Hockey League after playing 29 games there this season. With Miro Heiskanen the Stars' only defenseman younger than 30 years old assured of being on the roster next season and Dallas' top prospect at the position, 20-year-old Thomas Harley, ready to make the jump to full-time NHL player, Dallas needed to add young skill to their prospect base. But it might not be long before Bichsel is ready to make the jump to the NHL.","position":"D","city":"Leksand","team":"Dallas Stars","analysis":"The Stars arrived at the draft looking for a defenseman, and found a big one with big upside in Bichsel. He's got NHL-ready size and an offensive game that he should be able to develop with a full-time role in the Swedish Hockey League after playing 29 games there this season. With Miro Heiskanen the Stars' only defenseman younger than 30 years old assured of being on the roster next season and Dallas' top prospect at the position, 20-year-old Thomas Harley, ready to make the jump to full-time NHL player, Dallas needed to add young skill to their prospect base. But it might not be long before Bichsel is ready to make the jump to the NHL."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Liam Ohgren","year":2022,"league":"SWE-JR","scouting_report":"Ohgren (6-1, 201) had 58 points (33 goals, 25 assists) in 30 games in Sweden's junior league and two points (one goal, one assist) in 25 games with Djurgarden in the Swedish Hockey League. At the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, he had nine points (three goals, six assists) in six games and was captain for Sweden, which won the tournament. The 18-year-old is considered an explosive skater with great acceleration and intensity, and his high hockey IQ and vision helps him read the play and set up teammates for scoring chances. NHL.com analysis:With the pick they acquired for trading Kevin Fiala, the Wild find a wing with a similar offensive skill set. Minnesota drafted centers with their top two picks in the 2020 NHL Draft in Marco Rossi and Marat Khusnutdinov, now they find a talented wing for them to play with.","position":"LW","city":"Djurgarden Jr.","team":"Minnesota Wild (from Los Angeles Kings)","analysis":"With the pick they acquired for trading Kevin Fiala, the Wild find a wing with a similar offensive skill set. Minnesota drafted centers with their top two picks in the 2020 NHL Draft in Marco Rossi and Marat Khusnutdinov, now they find a talented wing for them to play with."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Ivan Miroshnichenko","year":2022,"league":"RUS-2","scouting_report":"Miroshnichenko (6-1, 185) was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in February and missed the rest of the season to have cancer treatments. The 18-year-old had nine points (four goals, five assists) in five games as Russia's captain to help it win the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and he had 16 points (10 goals, six assists) in 31 games in Russia's second division prior to his diagnosis. He resumed his hockey training in May, according to Central Scouting director Dan Marr. Miroshnichenko received his cancer treatment in Germany and was able to meet with NHL teams when they were there in April to watch the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. Born in Siberia, he moved to Moscow at a young age to play youth hockey. Miroshnichenko's shot, which many scouts believe is NHL ready, is his greatest asset. His speed is a big part of his game as well. NHL.com analysis: Miroshnichenko began the season as a potential top-five pick, but his cancer diagnosis made him a question mark. The Capitals clearly were willing to take a risk on a player who if he gets back to where he was prior to his illness, plays a power forward style with the skill and creativity of a finesse-type player.","position":"LW","city":"Omsk Krylia","team":"Washington Capitals","analysis":"Miroshnichenko began the season as a potential top-five pick, but his cancer diagnosis made him a question mark. The Capitals clearly were willing to take a risk on a player who if he gets back to where he was prior to his illness, plays a power forward style with the skill and creativity of a finesse-type player."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Owen Pickering","year":2022,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Pickering (6-4, 180) led Swift Current defensemen with 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) and 17 power-play points (four goals, 13 assists) in 62 games. He was named Western Hockey League Central Division Rookie of the Year and was made the Central Division Second All-Star Team. He also had two assists and was a plus-2 in four games for Canada at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. The 18-year-old left-handed shot is a very good skater with room to add strength. He impressed scouts with how he handled heavy minutes on a team that had a minus-65 goal differential and finished 10th among 12 teams in the WHL Eastern Conference. NHL.com analysis: The Penguins lack high-end defenseman prospects, making Pickering a smart selection. He got more ice time on a Swift Current team that struggled this season, but scouts were impressed by how he handled the adversity. He showed the foundation for a good all-around game that should only get better as he fills out physically and gets stronger.","position":"D","city":"Swift Current","team":"Pittsburgh Penguins","analysis":"The Penguins lack high-end defenseman prospects, making Pickering a smart selection. He got more ice time on a Swift Current team that struggled this season, but scouts were impressed by how he handled the adversity. He showed the foundation for a good all-around game that should only get better as he fills out physically and gets stronger."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Nathan Gaucher","year":2022,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"Gaucher (6-3, 207) was third on Quebec with 57 points (31 goals, 26 assists), scored five power-play goals and was tied with three other players for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League lead with five shorthanded goals in 66 games. He also won 59.2 percent of his face-offs. J-F Damphousse of NHL Central Scouting called the 18-year-old \"the full package,\" and cited his strength in the offensive zone and his reliability at both ends of the ice as his top traits. NHL.com analysis: After selecting Mintyukov at No. 10, the Ducks opt for a big center with an edge in Gaucher. As the Ducks move into a future without Ryan Getzlaf, having Gaucher and Mason McTavish, the No. 3 pick of the 2021 draft who announced the selection, the Ducks have built a strong foundation through the middle of the ice.","position":"C","city":"Quebec","team":"Anaheim Ducks (from Boston Bruins)","analysis":"After selecting Mintyukov at No. 10, the Ducks opt for a big center with an edge in Gaucher. As the Ducks move into a future without Ryan Getzlaf, having Gaucher and Mason McTavish, the No. 3 pick of the 2021 draft who announced the selection, the Ducks have built a strong foundation through the middle of the ice."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jimmy Snuggerud","year":2022,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Snuggerud (6-1, 188) made big strides in his skating this season and has exhibited the tools needed to become a top-six forward at the next level. He has an elite shot that makes him a threat from anywhere on the ice. Snuggerud was tied for sixth on the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team with 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) and was second with seven power-play goals in 59 games. The 18-year-old, who is committed to the University of Minnesota next season, had seven points (three goals, four assists) and one power-play goal in six games to help the United States finish second at the 2022 Under-18 World Championship. NHL.com analysis:Adam Nightingale, who coached Snuggerud on the NTDP U-17 and U-18 team, called him the most improved player in his two seasons with the program. Snuggerud's shot is among the best in the draft class, and he's able to find space to get it on net quickly. Robert Thomas is the Blues' top young forward, and Jake Neighbours could join him in St. Louis as soon as next season after playing nine games this season. Snuggerud might not be far behind.","position":"RW","city":"USA U-18","team":"St. Louis Blues","analysis":"Adam Nightingale, who coached Snuggerud on the NTDP U-17 and U-18 team, called him the most improved player in his two seasons with the program. Snuggerud's shot is among the best in the draft class, and he's able to find space to get it on net quickly. Robert Thomas is the Blues' top young forward, and Jake Neighbours could join him in St. Louis as soon as next season after playing nine games this season. Snuggerud might not be far behind."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Danila Yurov","year":2022,"league":"RUS","scouting_report":"Yurov is a smart, hardworking, two-way forward with good vision and compete level in all three zones. The 18-year-old (6-1, 178) had no points and averaged 4:36 of ice time in 21 games with Magnitogorsk in the Kontinental Hockey League. But playing against players his age in Russia's junior league he had 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) in 23 games; his average of 1.57 points per game was fourth in the league (minimum 20 games). Yurov is good at winning loose pucks and is physically strong but not overly aggressive, and one scout compared his style of play to Hockey Hall of Famer Marian Hossa. NHL.com analysis:The Wild add another skilled wing prospect to go with Ohgren. Yurov brings a high-end two-way game with great offensive instincts. Minnesota will have to be patient with Yurov, who will play at least one more season in the KHL. But the reward could be significant.","position":"RW","city":"Magnitogorsk","team":"Minnesota Wild","analysis":"The Wild add another skilled wing prospect to go with Ohgren. Yurov brings a high-end two-way game with great offensive instincts. Minnesota will have to be patient with Yurov, who will play at least one more season in the KHL. But the reward could be significant."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Sam Rinzel","year":2022,"league":"HIGH-MN","scouting_report":"Rinzel (6-4, 180 pounds) had 38 points (nine goals, 29 assists) in 27 games as a high school junior and 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 21 games with Waterloo in the United States Hockey League. The 18-year-old right-handed shot plans to play all of next season with Waterloo and is committed to play at the University of Minnesota in 2023-24. Rinzel makes a good first pass, has strong stick-defending skills and has high-end mobility with the puck on his stick, according to Greg Rajanen of Central Scouting, and is capable of jumping into the play in the offensive zone. NHL.com analysis:After starting the day with no first-round picks, the Blackhawks make Rinzel their third first-day selection. Rinzel's size and strength stood out whether he was playing against high school competition or in the USHL. A right-handed shot, he could be the future defensive presence on a pair with Korchinski.","position":"D","city":"Chaska","team":"Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto Maple Leafs)","analysis":"After starting the day with no first-round picks, the Blackhawks make Rinzel their third first-day selection. Rinzel's size and strength stood out whether he was playing against high school competition or in the USHL. A right-handed shot, he could be the future defensive presence on a pair with Korchinski."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Filip Mesar","year":2022,"league":"SVK","scouting_report":"Mesar is an outstanding skater with a quick first stride and a willingness to drive to the net despite his small frame (5-9, 174). The 18-year-old began his season helping Slovakia finish second at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with eight points (two goals, six assists) in five games. He then had 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in 37 regular-season games in Slovakia's top professional men's league, and four points (three goals, one assist) in six playoff games. He played two games for Slovakia in the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship before the tournament was postponed Dec. 29 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. Mesar could play another season in Slovakia or join Kitchener of the Ontario Hockey League, which has his Canadian Hockey League rights after selecting him with the No. 9 pick of the 2021 CHL import draft. NHL.com analysis:After taking Slafkovsky at No. 2, the Canadiens select another skilled Slovakia-born wing in Mesar. Mesar will need more time to get bigger and stronger, but his ability to attack with speed in the offensive zone, and do it for the past two seasons on the top men's league in Slovakia, stood out to scouts.","position":"RW","city":"Poprad","team":"Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary Flames)","analysis":"After taking Slafkovsky at No. 2, the Canadiens select another skilled Slovakia-born wing in Mesar. Mesar will need more time to get bigger and stronger, but his ability to attack with speed in the offensive zone, and do it for the past two seasons on the top men's league in Slovakia, stood out to scouts."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Filip Bystedt","year":2022,"league":"SWE-JR","scouting_report":"Bystedt had 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) in Sweden's junior league, and the 18-year-old also had two points (one goal, one assist) in 15 games with Linkoping in the Swedish Hockey League. He capped his season with three points (two goals, one assist) in six games to help Sweden win the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. He has NHL-ready size (6-4, 204) with a good shot, and is expected to have a bigger role in the SHL next season. NHL.com analysis: The Sharks traded back and selected a big center who skates well for his size and has good offensive instincts. San Jose has done well assembling forwards on the smaller side in William Eklund (5-11, 181), Thomas Bordeleau (5-10, 175) and Ozzy Wiesblatt (5-10, 183). Bystedt's size should provide a solid complement.","position":"C","city":"Linkoping Jr.","team":"San Jose Sharks (from Arizona Coyotes)","analysis":"The Sharks traded back and selected a big center who skates well for his size and has good offensive instincts. San Jose has done well assembling forwards on the smaller side in William Eklund (5-11, 181), Thomas Bordeleau (5-10, 175) and Ozzy Wiesblatt (5-10, 183). Bystedt's size should provide a solid complement."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jiri Kulich","year":2022,"league":"CZREP","scouting_report":"Kulich (5-11, 178) interviewed with all 32 teams at the NHL Scouting Combine after his nine goals in six games for Czechia led all players in the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship and he was named the tournament's most valuable player. The 18-year-old also had 14 points (nine goals, five assists) in 49 games for Karlovy Vary of Tipsport Extraliga, the top professional league in the Czech Republic; it was the most points by a player 18 or younger in the league since Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas had 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 41 games in 2016-17. Kulich could play in the Extraliga next season, or with Cape Breton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, which selected him with the No. 3 pick in the Canadian Hockey League import draft July 1. NHL.com analysis:The Sabres select their third center of the first round in Kulich. His play at the Under-18 World Championship certainly stood out to scouts, and he interviewed with all 32 teams at the NHL Scouting Combine. Kulich's skating, hands and vision are his best assets.","position":"C","city":"Karlovy Vary","team":"Buffalo Sabres (from Florida Panhters)","analysis":"The Sabres select their third center of the first round in Kulich. His play at the Under-18 World Championship certainly stood out to scouts, and he interviewed with all 32 teams at the NHL Scouting Combine. Kulich's skating, hands and vision are his best assets."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Maveric Lamoureux","year":2022,"league":"QMJHL","scouting_report":"The Coyotes move up three spots in a trade with the Oilers that includes Zack Kassian to make this pick. A strong skater with good mobility, Lamoureux (6-7, 199) had 24 points (four goals, 20 assists) in 54 regular-season games and one assist in four Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff games. The 18-year-old right-hand shot needs to fill out physically but has good defensive instincts, plays a physical game and can generate chances from the back end with good puck movement, Jean-Francois Damphousse of Central Scouting said. NHL.com analysis: Players with Lamoureux's size and skill set are incredibly rare; he's only the third right-shot defenseman 6-7 or taller to be drafted, along with Tyler Myers (No. 12, 2008) and Kristian Kudroc (No. 28, 1999). He skates very well for his size, and is working with a nutritionist and trainer to add strength without losing the mobility and agility that makes him special. His physicality also gives the Coyotes an element missing among their defenseman prospects. With Cooley, Geekie and Lamoureux, the Coyotes added three top-end prospects to their pipeline.","position":"D","city":"Drummondville","team":"Arizona Coyotes (from Edmonton Oilers)","analysis":"Players with Lamoureux's size and skill set are incredibly rare; he's only the third right-shot defenseman 6-7 or taller to be drafted, along with Tyler Myers (No. 12, 2008) and Kristian Kudroc (No. 28, 1999). He skates very well for his size, and is working with a nutritionist and trainer to add strength without losing the mobility and agility that makes him special. His physicality also gives the Coyotes an element missing among their defenseman prospects. With Cooley, Geekie and Lamoureux, the Coyotes added three top-end prospects to their pipeline."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Brad Lambert","year":2022,"league":"FIN","scouting_report":"Lambert (6-foot, 183) had 10 points (four goals, six assists) while averaging 14:15 of ice time in 49 games with JYP and Pelicans in Liiga, the top professional league in Finland, and had no points while averaging 9:35 of ice time in three playoff games. The 18-year-old had five points (one goal, four assists) in two games for Finland at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship before the tournament was postponed Dec. 29 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. Lambert's skating and speed drive his offensive game. He can use it to back off defenders and his strong edge work allows him to quickly create room for himself to get his shot off. He could play another season in Finland or join Seattle of the Western Hockey League, which has his Canadian Hockey League rights. NHL.com analysis: After taking a power forward in McGroarty at No. 14, the Jets add Lambert, who has the kind of skating that intimidates opposing players and allows him the time and space to utilize his vision and playmaking abilities. Though his stats might not stand out, some of that could be attributed to the number of times he's changed teams and levels of competition the past two seasons. But when playing against his own age group, Lambert has been a standout. There's a chance he'll get to do more of that if he joins Seattle, while also getting used to the smaller, North American ice.","position":"C","city":"Pelicans","team":"Winnipeg Jets (from New York Rangers)","analysis":"After taking a power forward in McGroarty at No. 14, the Jets add Lambert, who has the kind of skating that intimidates opposing players and allows him the time and space to utilize his vision and playmaking abilities. Though his stats might not stand out, some of that could be attributed to the number of times he's changed teams and levels of competition the past two seasons. But when playing against his own age group, Lambert has been a standout. There's a chance he'll get to do more of that if he joins Seattle, while also getting used to the smaller, North American ice."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Isaac Howard","year":2022,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Howard (5-10, 180) led the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team with 82 points (33 goals, 49 assists) in 60 games, including a United States-best 11 points (six goals, five assists) to help the U.S. finish second at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. Committed to play at the University of Minnesota Duluth next season, the 18-year-old is a goal-scorer who is most effective when he gets to the inside and is able to use his quick release on his shot. Despite being undersized, Howard still plays an aggressive game, has a knack for the net and is always willing to fight for the puck along the boards. NHL.com analysis:Howard checks a lot of the boxes the Lightning look for in players with his skill, aggressiveness and competitiveness. Tampa Bay's top forwards remain in the prime of their careers, which will allow Howard to develop on his own timeline at Minnesota Duluth. But he projects as a top-six forward capable of creating offense from around the front of the net.","position":"LW","city":"USA U-18","team":"Tampa Bay Lightning","analysis":"Howard checks a lot of the boxes the Lightning look for in players with his skill, aggressiveness and competitiveness. Tampa Bay's top forwards remain in the prime of their careers, which will allow Howard to develop on his own timeline at Minnesota Duluth. But he projects as a top-six forward capable of creating offense from around the front of the net."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Reid Schaefer","year":2022,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Schaefer (6-3, 213) took advantage of greater responsibility and more ice time this season and had 58 points (32 goals, 26 assists) in 66 regular-season games and 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 25 Western Hockey League playoff games to help Seattle reach the WHL final; he had three assists in 25 games the previous two seasons. The 18-year-old power forward can play right or left wing, and plays in all situations. NHL.com analysis:The Oilers moved back and were able to select Schaefer, a power forward whose great run in the WHL playoffs put him on the radar for a lot of teams. His size and strength makes him a threat around the net. He'll need more time to develop and continue to round out his skill set and improve his skating, but having big wings to open space for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl certainly has to be appealing.NHL.com staff writers Mike Morreale and Remy Mastey contributed to this report---Listen: New episode of NHL Draft Class","position":"LW","city":"Seattle","team":"Edmonton Oilers (from Arizona Coyotes)","analysis":"The Oilers moved back and were able to select Schaefer, a power forward whose great run in the WHL playoffs put him on the radar for a lot of teams. His size and strength makes him a threat around the net. He'll need more time to develop and continue to round out his skill set and improve his skating, but having big wings to open space for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl certainly has to be appealing.NHL.com staff writers Mike Morreale and Remy Mastey contributed to this report---Listen: New episode of NHL Draft Class"}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Connor Bedard","year":2023,"league":"North American skaters","scouting_report":"NHL.com analysis:The new era of the Blackhawks officially begins with the selection of Bedard, the most heralded NHL prospect since Connor McDavid was picked No. 1 by the Edmonton Oilers at the 2015 NHL Draft. Bedard's best asset is his shot, and he combines it with elite skating and hockey IQ. He's been a star at every level he's played at while also being the youngest player on almost every team he's been on, from starring as a 15-year-old in the Western Hockey League to dominating the World Juniors this season at age 17 (he won't turn 18 until July 17). There's little doubt Bedard will continue to excel next season in the NHL.","analysis":"The new era of the Blackhawks officially begins with the selection of Bedard, the most heralded NHL prospect since Connor McDavid was picked No. 1 by the Edmonton Oilers at the 2015 NHL Draft. Bedard's best asset is his shot, and he combines it with elite skating and hockey IQ. He's been a star at every level he's played at while also being the youngest player on almost every team he's been on, from starring as a 15-year-old in the Western Hockey League to dominating the World Juniors this season at age 17 (he won't turn 18 until July 17). There's little doubt Bedard will continue to excel next season in the NHL."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Leo Carlsson","year":2023,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"Carlsson (6-2, 194 pounds) had 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) and seven power-play goals in 44 games in the Swedish Hockey League. The 18-year-old was named Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year after he led all under-19 players in the SHL in goals and points and tied for first in assists. Carlsson had six points (three goals, three assists) in seven games playing mostly on the wing for fourth-place Sweden at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, and five points (three goals, two assists) in eight games playing center at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. Carlsson became the seventh Sweden-born player to be chosen among the top three in the NHL draft, joining Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres, No. 1, 2018), Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche, No. 2, 2011), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning, No. 2, 2009), Daniel Sedin (Vancouver Canucks, No. 2, 1999), Henrik Sedin (Canucks, No. 3, 1999) and Mats Sundin (Quebec Nordiques, No. 1, 1989).   NHL.com analysis: The Ducks have done a fantastic job stockpiling young talent, some of which already has made its way to Anaheim, like forwards Trevor Zegras, 22, and Mason McTavish, 20. Now Carlsson has the chance to be the foundational top-line center their future success revolves around. He's strong and smart, with elite vision. While his skill set won't pull you out of your seat, he's effective in all areas of the game, similar to Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers.","position":"Leo Carlsson","city":"C","analysis":"The Ducks have done a fantastic job stockpiling young talent, some of which already has made its way to Anaheim, like forwards Trevor Zegras, 22, and Mason McTavish, 20. Now Carlsson has the chance to be the foundational top-line center their future success revolves around. He's strong and smart, with elite vision. While his skill set won't pull you out of your seat, he's effective in all areas of the game, similar to Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Adam Fantilli","year":2023,"league":"NCAA","scouting_report":"Fantilli (6-2, 195) won the Hobey Baker Award as the top men's player in NCAA ice hockey this season. The 18-year-old freshman led NCAA players with 65 points and was tied for first with 30 goals in 36 games. He had points in 33 of 36 games and 19 multipoint games. Fantilli's list of accomplishments also include the Tim Taylor National Rookie of the Year award, first-team All-America, Big Ten Tournament MVP, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, College Hockey News and USCHO Player of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten, Big Ten All-Rookie Team and NCAA All-Regional Team honors. He had five points (two goals, three assists) in seven games to help Canada win the gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, and three points (one goal, two assists) in 10 games to help Canada win gold at the 2023 IIHF World Championship.   NHL.com analysis:The Blue Jackets never have been able to draft and develop a top-line center, but that trend should end when Fantilli gets to the NHL. Fantilli was the best player in NCAA hockey with his great vision and elite offensive skills and he plays with enough of an edge that physical play at the NHL level won't bother him. He'll likely spend one more season at Michigan but all that will do is make him an even more effective player when he gets to the NHL.","position":"C","city":"Michigan","team":"Columbus Blue Jackets","analysis":"The Blue Jackets never have been able to draft and develop a top-line center, but that trend should end when Fantilli gets to the NHL. Fantilli was the best player in NCAA hockey with his great vision and elite offensive skills and he plays with enough of an edge that physical play at the NHL level won't bother him. He'll likely spend one more season at Michigan but all that will do is make him an even more effective player when he gets to the NHL."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Will Smith","year":2023,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Smith (6-0 180) led all players and tied a United States record held by Jack Hughes with 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in seven games to help the U.S. win the gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. The 18-year-old was second on USA Hockey's National Team Development Program Under-18 team with 127 points (51 goals, 76 assists) in 60 games, including 40 points (16 goals, 24 assists) in 22 games against NCAA competition. He is committed to play at Boston College next season.   NHL.com analysis:Smith is a game-breaking offensive talent with a well-rounded game who can be the best player on the ice whether he has a hat trick or doesn't get a point. The Sharks have started to accumulate young talent up front with William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau and Filip Bystedt, but Smith has the chance to anchor a top line and energize a power play. He'll be well worth the wait after he plays at least one season at Boston College.","position":"C","city":"USA U-18","team":"San Jose Sharks","analysis":"Smith is a game-breaking offensive talent with a well-rounded game who can be the best player on the ice whether he has a hat trick or doesn't get a point. The Sharks have started to accumulate young talent up front with William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau and Filip Bystedt, but Smith has the chance to anchor a top line and energize a power play. He'll be well worth the wait after he plays at least one season at Boston College."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"David Reinbacher","year":2023,"league":"SUI","scouting_report":"Reinbacher (6-2, 194) had 22 points (three goals, 19 assists) in 46 games in National League, the top men's professional league in Switzerland. It was the second-most points by an under-19 defenseman in National League history behind Roman Josi, who had 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists) in 42 games in 2008-09. Reinbacher also played for his native Austria at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2023 IIHF World Championship. Scouts believe the 18-year-old could be the most NHL-ready defenseman in the 2023 draft class.   NHL.com analysis:The Canadiens opt for the best defenseman available. Reinbacher has experience playing against older, more-experienced competition in National League in Switzerland and at the World Championship. He has a well-rounded game and is strong enough to handle things in his end. A potential top defense pair of Reinbacher and Lane Hutson, the best defenseman in NCAA hockey last season, will make all the high-end young forwards they've assembled -- Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach -- that much better.","position":"D","city":"Kloten","team":"Montreal Canadiens","analysis":"The Canadiens opt for the best defenseman available. Reinbacher has experience playing against older, more-experienced competition in National League in Switzerland and at the World Championship. He has a well-rounded game and is strong enough to handle things in his end. A potential top defense pair of Reinbacher and Lane Hutson, the best defenseman in NCAA hockey last season, will make all the high-end young forwards they've assembled -- Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach -- that much better."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Dmitriy Simashev","year":2023,"league":"RUS-JR","scouting_report":"Simashev (6-foot-4, 198 pounds) made his Kontinental Hockey League debut this season with seven shots on goal and an average ice time of 6:55 in 18 games. The 18-year-old left-handed shot also had 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 29 games with Yaroslavl in Russia's junior league.   NHL.com analysis: The Coyotes pull off the first big surprise of the draft, but Simashev has the profile of a top-pair defensemen whenever he comes to the NHL. He's a strong skater with a smart stick able to break up plays, and his size and strength should allow him to adapt to playing against NHL forwards. After selecting Maveric Lamoureux (6-6, 196) in the first round (No. 29) of the 2022 NHL Draft, the Coyotes are starting to build a big, physical defense.","position":"D","city":"Yaroslavl Jr.","team":"Arizona Coyotes","analysis":"The Coyotes pull off the first big surprise of the draft, but Simashev has the profile of a top-pair defensemen whenever he comes to the NHL. He's a strong skater with a smart stick able to break up plays, and his size and strength should allow him to adapt to playing against NHL forwards. After selecting Maveric Lamoureux (6-6, 196) in the first round (No. 29) of the 2022 NHL Draft, the Coyotes are starting to build a big, physical defense."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Matvei Michkov","year":2023,"league":"KHL","scouting_report":"Michkov (5-10, 172) began his season with no points and 3:11 of ice time for SKA St. Petersburg, but his season changed when he was loaned to Sochi, where he had 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) and averaged 15:51 of ice time in 27 games. Michkov's average of 0.67 points per game was the highest for a first-time draft-eligible player in Kontinental Hockey League history. The 18-year-old is signed with SKA St. Petersburg through the 2025-26 season.   NHL.com analysis:The Flyers add arguably the second-most talented player in the draft with Michkov. Philadelphia is in the right spot to select the forward, who is signed in the KHL through the 2025-26 season. But as they lean into their rebuilding effort, three seasons from now should be when the other young prospects they've added, topped by Cutter Gauthier, the No. 5 pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, as well as whoever they select with the No. 22 pick Wednesday, should be coming together to form the core of a player contender.","position":"RW","city":"SKA St. Petersburg","team":"Philadelphia Flyers","analysis":"The Flyers add arguably the second-most talented player in the draft with Michkov. Philadelphia is in the right spot to select the forward, who is signed in the KHL through the 2025-26 season. But as they lean into their rebuilding effort, three seasons from now should be when the other young prospects they've added, topped by Cutter Gauthier, the No. 5 pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, as well as whoever they select with the No. 22 pick Wednesday, should be coming together to form the core of a player contender."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Ryan Leonard","year":2023,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Leonard (6-0, 190) has a high compete level, grittiness and a willingness to stir the pot when his team needs a spark. The 18-year-old had 94 points (51 goals, 43 assists) in 57 games, including 33 points (16 goals, 17 assists) in 22 games against NCAA competition. Leonard capped his season with 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in seven games for the United States at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, including the overtime goal against Sweden in the gold-medal game. Leonard will play at Boston College next season.   NHL.com analysis: Leonard's play got better as the season went on, capped by his outstanding run at the World Under-18s. As skilled as Leonard is, there's a mean streak to his game that is reminiscent of Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk. He'll play at Boston College next season, but he projects as a great complement not just to the current Capitals core of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson and T.J. Oshie, but the future along with Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre, who just helped Hershey win the Calder Cup, and 2022 first-round pick (No. 20) Ivan Miroshnichenko.","position":"RW","city":"USA U-18","team":"Washington Capitals","analysis":"Leonard's play got better as the season went on, capped by his outstanding run at the World Under-18s. As skilled as Leonard is, there's a mean streak to his game that is reminiscent of Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk. He'll play at Boston College next season, but he projects as a great complement not just to the current Capitals core of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson and T.J. Oshie, but the future along with Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre, who just helped Hershey win the Calder Cup, and 2022 first-round pick (No. 20) Ivan Miroshnichenko."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Nate Danielson","year":2023,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Danielson (6-1, 186) made one of the most significant jumps in Central Scouting's final rankings, from No. 13 on the midterm list. The 18-year-old led Brandon in goals (33), assists (45), points (78), power-play goals (13) and short-handed goals (three), and tied for the lead in game-winning goals (five) in 68 games. A dynamic skater with good speed who can play all situations, Danielson also led Brandon with 667 face-off wins on 1,267 chances (52.6 percent).   NHL.com analysis: Danielson stood out on a Brandon team that struggled this season, and scouts were impressed with how he continued to develop the offensive side of his game to complement a defensive game that Bedard said made him the most difficult player to skate against in his draft class. With Dylan Larkin entrenched as the Red Wings' No. 1 center, having a player with Danielson's skill set gives Detroit enviable depth at the position moving forward.","position":"C","city":"Brandon","team":"Detroit Red Wings","analysis":"Danielson stood out on a Brandon team that struggled this season, and scouts were impressed with how he continued to develop the offensive side of his game to complement a defensive game that Bedard said made him the most difficult player to skate against in his draft class. With Dylan Larkin entrenched as the Red Wings' No. 1 center, having a player with Danielson's skill set gives Detroit enviable depth at the position moving forward."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Dalibor Dvorsky","year":2023,"league":"SWE-2","scouting_report":"Dvorsky (6-1, 200) is great with the puck on his stick and can attack in several different ways, has good hands and is skilled at protecting the puck. The 18-year-old was third among under-19 players in Allsvenskan, Sweden's second division, with 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 38 games, and also had 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in 10 games Sweden's junior league. Dvorsky had 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in seven games for Slovakia at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and three points (one goal, two assists) in five games for his country at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. On Feb. 2, 2021, Dvorsky broke a 24-year-old record set in 1998 by countryman and former NHL forward Marian Gaborik when he became the youngest goal scorer in the Slovak Extraliga, with Banska Bystrica at age 15 years, 7 months, 18 days.   NHL.com analysis: The Blues have focused on the center position during the offseason, first trading for Kevin Hayes from the Philadelphia Flyers and now adding Dvorsky. He plays a smart, skilled game with quickness. A future Blues lineup with Robert Thomas and Dvorsky at the top of the center depth chart has to be appealing to the Blues.","position":"C","city":"AIK","team":"St. Louis Blues","analysis":"The Blues have focused on the center position during the offseason, first trading for Kevin Hayes from the Philadelphia Flyers and now adding Dvorsky. He plays a smart, skilled game with quickness. A future Blues lineup with Robert Thomas and Dvorsky at the top of the center depth chart has to be appealing to the Blues."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Tom Willander","year":2023,"league":"SWE-JR","scouting_report":"Willander (6-1, 180) had 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 39 games in Sweden's junior league, and eight points (three goals, five assists) for Sweden at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship to help them win the silver medal. The 18-year-old right-handed shot impressed scouts with his poise and calmness. Willander played well enough that he was promoted to Rogle's team in the Swedish Hockey League but never played for them so he could maintain his NCAA eligibility; he will play at Boston University next season.   NHL.com analysis:The Canucks have selected two defensemen in the top two rounds of the draft since 2017, Quinn Hughes and Jett Woo with their first two selections in the 2018 NHL Draft. Finding more talent at that position is an imperative. Willander, who will play at Boston University next season, brings a complete game with a nice competitive edge who got better and more impressive as the season went on.","position":"D","city":"Rogle Jr.","team":"Vancouver Canucks","analysis":"The Canucks have selected two defensemen in the top two rounds of the draft since 2017, Quinn Hughes and Jett Woo with their first two selections in the 2018 NHL Draft. Finding more talent at that position is an imperative. Willander, who will play at Boston University next season, brings a complete game with a nice competitive edge who got better and more impressive as the season went on."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Danil But","year":2023,"league":"RUS-JR","scouting_report":"But (6-5, 203) has intriguing size and playmaking ability, and moves well for a big player. He had 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists) in 26 regular-season games with Loko Yaroslavl in Russia's junior league and nine points (four goals, five assists) in seven playoff games before an illness ended his season. He also scored two goals in 15 games in the Kontinental Hockey League with Lokomotiv, where he'll likely spend a full season in 2023-24. But's father, Anton But, was selected in the fifth round (No. 119) by the New Jersey Devils in the 1998 NHL Draft and played 19 seasons in Russia.   NHL.com analysis:The Coyotes add more size with But, a highly skilled wing who skates well and knows how to use his size to protect the puck, clear space for himself and finish from anywhere in the offensive zone. With his size and strength below the dots, he projects to be an outstanding linemate for ecenter Logan Cooley, the No. 3 pick of the 2022 NHL Draft who was one of the top players in NCAA hockey last season.","position":"LW","city":"Yaroslavl Jr.","team":"Arizona Coyotes","analysis":"The Coyotes add more size with But, a highly skilled wing who skates well and knows how to use his size to protect the puck, clear space for himself and finish from anywhere in the offensive zone. With his size and strength below the dots, he projects to be an outstanding linemate for ecenter Logan Cooley, the No. 3 pick of the 2022 NHL Draft who was one of the top players in NCAA hockey last season."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Zach Benson","year":2023,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"A terrific skater and relentless contributor on the forecheck, Benson (5-10, 170) led Winnipeg and finished third in the Western Hockey League with 98 points (36 goals, 62 assists) in 60 games, then had 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 15 WHL playoff games. The 18-year-old had 20 power-play points (four goals, 16 assists) and six short-handed goals during the regular season, proving his willingness to go to the tough areas of the ice and battle hard despite his size. Benson had eight game-winning goals and led Winnipeg with an average of 1.63 points per game. His best asset is his hockey smarts and he's improved his defensive game playing for Winnipeg coach James Patrick, a former NHL defenseman. Benson helped Canada win the gold medal at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August, when he had seven points (two goals, five assists) in five games.   NHL.com analysis: Benson has elite-level hockey IQ with a work ethic to match. The Sabres should know Benson's game well because his linemate is Buffalo top forward prospect Matt Savoie. The Sabres have built an impressive array of young offensive talent, led by Tage Thompson , Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn, plus top prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen. Benson has the potential to make that strong group even better.","position":"LW","city":"Winnipeg","team":"Buffalo Sabres","analysis":"Benson has elite-level hockey IQ with a work ethic to match. The Sabres should know Benson's game well because his linemate is Buffalo top forward prospect Matt Savoie. The Sabres have built an impressive array of young offensive talent, led by Tage Thompson , Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn, plus top prospects Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen. Benson has the potential to make that strong group even better."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Brayden Yager","year":2023,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Yager (5-11, 170) was second on Moose Jaw with 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) in 67 regular-season games and finished second on the team in the Western Hockey League playoffs with 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 10 games. He was awarded the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as the most sportsmanlike player in the WHL after he had 14 penalty minutes during the regular season. The 18-year-old improved his playmaking ability to complement his powerful shot, is responsible in all three zones and won 52.4 percent of his face-offs (613-for-1,169).   NHL.com analysis: Yager is a strong, quick skater and a puck hound with a dynamic shot. He needs to get stronger, but the upside is a top-line center that can make players around him better. It's imperative for the Penguins to find centers that can eventually replace Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and Yager has the potential to develop into a strong top-six player.","position":"C","city":"Moose Jaw","team":"Pittsburgh Penguins","analysis":"Yager is a strong, quick skater and a puck hound with a dynamic shot. He needs to get stronger, but the upside is a top-line center that can make players around him better. It's imperative for the Penguins to find centers that can eventually replace Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and Yager has the potential to develop into a strong top-six player."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Matthew Wood","year":2023,"league":"NCAA","scouting_report":"Wood (6-foot-4, 197) led Connecticut with 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) and 102 shots on goal in 35 games, and the 18-year-old was the youngest player in NCAA Division I men's hockey this season. He also helped Canada win the bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship with team-highs in goals (seven) and points (13) in seven games.   NHL.com analysis: Incoming Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he wanted his scouts to \"take some high-end swings on some guys,\" and Wood might have the highest ceiling of any prospect selected in the first round. His size and skill make him one of the best players below the dots in this draft class. He'll likely spent at least one more season in college but he projects to be a top-line power forward.","position":"RW","city":"Connecticut","team":"Nashville Predators","analysis":"Incoming Predators general manager Barry Trotz said he wanted his scouts to \"take some high-end swings on some guys,\" and Wood might have the highest ceiling of any prospect selected in the first round. His size and skill make him one of the best players below the dots in this draft class. He'll likely spent at least one more season in college but he projects to be a top-line power forward."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Samuel Honzek","year":2023,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Honzek (6-3, 195) had 56 points (23 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games in his first season in the Western Hockey League after leaving his native Slovakia. The 18-year-old is considered a versatile forward who can play all situations. He played two games for Slovakia at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship but sustained a skate cut to his left calf that sidelined him for two months. Despite that, he finished the season with 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 12 regular-season games and four points (one goal, three assists) in four WHL playoff games, and also tested well at the 2023 NHL Scouting Combine presented by adidas.   NHL.com analysis: Honzek's strength and hockey IQ stood out this season, his first in the Western Hockey League after coming over from his native Slovakia. He can make plays off the rush and use his big body to hold off defenders to create time and space to use his quick, heavy shot. Were it not for the skate cut to his left calf that sidelined him for almost two months, he might have gone even earlier. Honzek projects to be a dynamic power forward with a shot that can beat goalies form a distance.","position":"LW","city":"Vancouver","team":"Calgary Flames","analysis":"Honzek's strength and hockey IQ stood out this season, his first in the Western Hockey League after coming over from his native Slovakia. He can make plays off the rush and use his big body to hold off defenders to create time and space to use his quick, heavy shot. Were it not for the skate cut to his left calf that sidelined him for almost two months, he might have gone even earlier. Honzek projects to be a dynamic power forward with a shot that can beat goalies form a distance."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Axel SandinPellikka","year":2023,"league":"SWE-JR","scouting_report":"Sandin Pellikka (5-11, 180) had 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 31 games in Sweden's junior league. The 18-year-old right-handed shot also made his Swedish Hockey League debut this season with five points (two goals, three assists) and an average ice time of 8:34 in 22 games. Sandin Pellikka was second among defensemen at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship with 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in seven games to help Sweden win the silver medal.   NHL.com analysis:After shoring themselves at center with Danielson, the Red Wings add arguably the most offensively gifted defenseman in the draft. Adding Sandin Pellikka's offensive gifts to a defense corps that already includes emerging stars Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider is another outstanding building block. Sandin Pellikka still needs to get stronger and more adept in defending, but he projects to be a top-pair right-shot defenseman who can run a power play whenever he comes to the NHL.","position":"D","city":"Skelleftea Jr.","team":"Detroit Red Wings","analysis":"After shoring themselves at center with Danielson, the Red Wings add arguably the most offensively gifted defenseman in the draft. Adding Sandin Pellikka's offensive gifts to a defense corps that already includes emerging stars Simon Edvinsson and Moritz Seider is another outstanding building block. Sandin Pellikka still needs to get stronger and more adept in defending, but he projects to be a top-pair right-shot defenseman who can run a power play whenever he comes to the NHL."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Colby Barlow","year":2023,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Barlow (6-0, 195) can beat defenders with his speed or strength in shielding them off 1-on-1 in tight quarters. He also can handle physical play along the boards and could develop into a top-nine forward at the NHL level. The 18-year-old led Owen Sound with 79 points (46 goals, 33 assists), 13 power-play goals and 12 game-winning goals in 59 games as captain and received the Bobby Smith Trophy, awarded to the Ontario Hockey League's scholastic player of the year. Barlow also led Owen Sound with three goals on nine shots in four OHL playoff games.   NHL.com analysis:The Jets appear to be going through some changes, with Pierre-Luc Dubois traded to the Los Angeles Kings and questions surrounding the future of Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele. But Barlow is a dynamic goal-scorer with a shot reminiscent of Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner. And he was a rare 18-year-old captain in Owen Sound this season, showing what teammates and coaches think of his leadership ability and character.","position":"LW","city":"Owen Sound","team":"Winnipeg Jets","analysis":"The Jets appear to be going through some changes, with Pierre-Luc Dubois traded to the Los Angeles Kings and questions surrounding the future of Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele. But Barlow is a dynamic goal-scorer with a shot reminiscent of Buffalo Sabres forward Jeff Skinner. And he was a rare 18-year-old captain in Owen Sound this season, showing what teammates and coaches think of his leadership ability and character."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Oliver Moore","year":2023,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Moore (5-11, 195) had 75 points (31 goals, 44 assists) in 61 games, and nine points (four goals, five assists) in seven games to help the United States win a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. The 18-year-old is regarded as the fastest skater in the 2023 draft class and can play center or wing. He will play at the University of Minnesota next season.   NHL.com analysis:After taking the best player in the draft Bedard, they add the best skater in the draft with Moore. The University of Minnesota-bound center is a burner with skill similar to Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin. With Bedard and Moore, the Blackhawks have established a strong foundation through the middle.","position":"C","city":"USA U-18","team":"Chicago Blackhawks","analysis":"After taking the best player in the draft Bedard, they add the best skater in the draft with Moore. The University of Minnesota-bound center is a burner with skill similar to Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin. With Bedard and Moore, the Blackhawks have established a strong foundation through the middle."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Eduard Sale","year":2023,"league":"CZE","scouting_report":"Sale (6-2, 175) had 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 43 games and was named rookie of the year in Extraliga, the top men's professional league the Czech Republic. The 18-year-old also had six points (one goal, five assists) in seven games to help Czechia win the silver medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, and six points (four goals, two assists) in five games at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.   NHL.com analysis:After selecting centers Matty Beniers and Shane Wright in the first round in their first two drafts, the Kraken opt for a high-skill wing to go with them. Sale was rookie of the year in the top Czech men's professional league and has high-end puck skills and a high hockey IQ that will allow him to develop into a top option for the power play and penalty kill.","position":"LW","city":"Brno","team":"Seattle Kraken","analysis":"After selecting centers Matty Beniers and Shane Wright in the first round in their first two drafts, the Kraken opt for a high-skill wing to go with them. Sale was rookie of the year in the top Czech men's professional league and has high-end puck skills and a high hockey IQ that will allow him to develop into a top option for the power play and penalty kill."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Charlie Stramel","year":2023,"league":"NCAA","scouting_report":"Stramel (6-3, 222) had 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 33 games as a college freshman, and had three assists in seven games to help the United States win the gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship. Though the 18-year-old didn't have the scoring totals that were expected, some of that could have been because of Wisconsin's struggles this season. Stramel's size and athleticism were impressive even in a down season.   NHL.com analysis: The Wild need have great talent on the wing with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy in their prime, but they lack the kind of centers that could get the most out of them; Ryan Hartman and Joel Eriksson Ek are solid options but better suited to be lower in the lineup. Stramel didn't score like he might have expected as a freshman at Wisconsin this season, but that could have been part of the Badgers' struggles as a team this season. But he has the size, skating and skill to make a mark as a top-line power center.","position":"C","city":"Wisconsin","team":"Minnesota Wild","analysis":"The Wild need have great talent on the wing with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy in their prime, but they lack the kind of centers that could get the most out of them; Ryan Hartman and Joel Eriksson Ek are solid options but better suited to be lower in the lineup. Stramel didn't score like he might have expected as a freshman at Wisconsin this season, but that could have been part of the Badgers' struggles as a team this season. But he has the size, skating and skill to make a mark as a top-line power center."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Oliver Bonk","year":2023,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Bonk (6-1, 180) had 40 points (10 goals, 30 assists) in 67 regular-season games and 11 assists in 21 playoff games to help London reach the Ontario Hockey League final. He also played at the CHLNHL Top Prospects Games on Jan. 25, and had a plus-1 rating for Team White while playing most of the game against Team Red's top forwards. The 18-year-old right-handed shot is the son of retired NHL forward Radek Bonk.   NHL.com analysis: Bonk projects to be a top-four right-shot defenseman who can play on the power play and penalty kill. He joins a group of defenseman prospects that includes Emil Andrae, Ronnie Attard, Adam Ginning and Ethan Samson, but Bonk brings an edge to go with high-end hockey sense and skill. The Flyers likely are envisioning a future top pair of Cam York and Bonk.","position":"D","city":"London","team":"Philadelphia Flyers","analysis":"Bonk projects to be a top-four right-shot defenseman who can play on the power play and penalty kill. He joins a group of defenseman prospects that includes Emil Andrae, Ronnie Attard, Adam Ginning and Ethan Samson, but Bonk brings an edge to go with high-end hockey sense and skill. The Flyers likely are envisioning a future top pair of Cam York and Bonk."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Gabriel Perreault","year":2023,"league":"NTDP","scouting_report":"Perreault (5-11, 163) set the USA Hockey National Team Development Program record with 132 points (53 goals, 79 assists) in 63 games, topping the record set by Auston Matthews (117 points) in 2014-15. The 18-year-old also led the NTDP Under-18 team in goals and assists, including a team-leading 42 points (21 goals, 21 assists) in 22 games against NCAA competition. He also had 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in seven games to help the United States win the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. His father, Yanic Perreault, played 14 NHL seasons and his brother, Jacob Perreault, is an Anaheim Ducks forward prospect.   NHL.com analysis:Where the Rangers are stacked at left wing in the NHL with Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, as well as top prospect Brennan Othmann, they don't have a lot of depth on the right side, which makes Perreault a smart choice. He has elite hockey sense that he'll continue to hone for at least a season or two at Boston College.","position":"RW","city":"USA U-18","team":"New York Rangers","analysis":"Where the Rangers are stacked at left wing in the NHL with Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, as well as top prospect Brennan Othmann, they don't have a lot of depth on the right side, which makes Perreault a smart choice. He has elite hockey sense that he'll continue to hone for at least a season or two at Boston College."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Tanner Molendyk","year":2023,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Molendyk (5-11, 181) had 37 points (nine goals, 28 assists) and was a plus-31 in 67 regular-season games and eight points (three goals, five assists) in 18 Western Hockey League playoff games. The 18-year-old also had an assist for Team White at the 2023 CHLNHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 25. Scouts have been impressed by his skating and offensive instincts.   NHL.com analysis: The Predators need to add young defensemen to their prospect group and Molendyk has the speed and skill to develop into a first-unit power-play quarterback. Though his offensive game is what will get him to the NHL, Molendyk's defensive game is solid. He's the first defenseman Nashville has selected in the first round since Dante Fabbro (No. 17) in the 2016 NHL Draft.","position":"D","city":"Saskatoon","team":"Nashville Predators","analysis":"The Predators need to add young defensemen to their prospect group and Molendyk has the speed and skill to develop into a first-unit power-play quarterback. Though his offensive game is what will get him to the NHL, Molendyk's defensive game is solid. He's the first defenseman Nashville has selected in the first round since Dante Fabbro (No. 17) in the 2016 NHL Draft."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Otto Stenberg","year":2023,"league":"SWE-JR","scouting_report":"Stenberg (5-11, 185) led Sweden with 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in seven games at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship to help them win the silver medal. The 18-year-old had 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 29 games in Sweden's junior league and made his Swedish Hockey league debut with three points (one goal, two assists) in 23 games with Frolunda. An outstanding leader with a propensity to come up big in clutch situations, Stenberg can play wing or center.   NHL.com analysis:After taking Dvorsky at No. 10, the Blues select another center in Stenberg, who broke out at the World Under-18s and is considered a smart, skilled player who has been a leader on every team he's played for. Whether Dvorsky or Stenberg eventually play on the wing or in the middle, the Blues have done a great job building their forward depth with the first two of their three first-round picks.","position":"C","city":"Frolunda Jr.","team":"St. Louis Blues","analysis":"After taking Dvorsky at No. 10, the Blues select another center in Stenberg, who broke out at the World Under-18s and is considered a smart, skilled player who has been a leader on every team he's played for. Whether Dvorsky or Stenberg eventually play on the wing or in the middle, the Blues have done a great job building their forward depth with the first two of their three first-round picks."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Quentin Musty","year":2023,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Musty (6-1, 200) finished second on Sudbury with 78 points (26 goals, 52 assists) in 53 regular-season games. The 17-year-old was invited to the 2023 Kubota CHLNHL Top Prospects Game in January but didn't play because of an injury. Musty is a playmaker with a good shot but needs to improve his defensive game and consistency.   NHL.com analysis:The Sharks continue to bolster their deep pool of prospects at forward with Musty, a power forward who skates well and can be elusive with the puck in transition. With Smith and Musty, the Sharks did well adding two forwards who project to be game-breaking top-six players.","position":"LW","city":"Sudbury","team":"San Jose Sharks","analysis":"The Sharks continue to bolster their deep pool of prospects at forward with Musty, a power forward who skates well and can be elusive with the puck in transition. With Smith and Musty, the Sharks did well adding two forwards who project to be game-breaking top-six players."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Calum Ritchie","year":2023,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Ritchie (6-2, 184) was third among Oshawa players with 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) in 59 games, and won 53.0 percent of his face-offs (413-for-779). The 18-year-old also had nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games to help Canada win the bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. He had surgery after the tournament to repair a shoulder injury he sustained playing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August, but is expected to ready well before training camp begins.   NHL.com analysis:The Avalanche's biggest need last season was a second-line center, and they might have found a player who can develop into that role in Ritchie. Despite playing through a season-long shoulder injury, he impressed scouts and was a difference-maker in almost every game he played in the OHL as well as at the World Under-18s. He had shoulder surgery before the 2023 NHL Scouting Combine in May and is out of his sling and projects to be fully healthy when next season starts.","position":"C","city":"Oshawa","team":"Colorado Avalanche","analysis":"The Avalanche's biggest need last season was a second-line center, and they might have found a player who can develop into that role in Ritchie. Despite playing through a season-long shoulder injury, he impressed scouts and was a difference-maker in almost every game he played in the OHL as well as at the World Under-18s. He had shoulder surgery before the 2023 NHL Scouting Combine in May and is out of his sling and projects to be fully healthy when next season starts."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Easton Cowan","year":2023,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Cowan (5-10, 170) had 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists) in 68 games in his first Ontario Hockey League season, and 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists), including two game-winning goals, in 20 OHL playoff games.   NHL.com analysis: Cowan going here probably was the biggest surprise of the first round. But he had a great run during the OHL playoffs and there's some significant raw skill there with his skating, hockey sense and defensive ability. He scratched the surface of his offensive potential as the season went on, and likely will have a larger role moving forward in junior. There's some significant projection there, but the Maple Leafs felt it was a chance they were wiling to take.","position":"RW","city":"London","team":"Toronto Maple Leafs","analysis":"Cowan going here probably was the biggest surprise of the first round. But he had a great run during the OHL playoffs and there's some significant raw skill there with his skating, hockey sense and defensive ability. He scratched the surface of his offensive potential as the season went on, and likely will have a larger role moving forward in junior. There's some significant projection there, but the Maple Leafs felt it was a chance they were wiling to take."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Theo Lindstein","year":2023,"league":"SWE","scouting_report":"Lindstein (6-foot, 185 pounds) had two points (one goal, one assist) in 10:01 of ice time 32 games in the Swedish Hockey League; it was the most games for an undrafted under-19 defenseman in the SHL. The 18-year-old also had five points (one goal, four assists) to help Sweden win the silver medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.   NHL.com analysis: The Blues finish a productive night with Lindstein, a smart, skilled left-shot defenseman who could develop into a power-play quarterback at the NHL level. He likely won't be the kind of player who goes end to end with the puck, but he's safe and rarely turns the puck over. The pick also fills a need for young talent at the position; Lindstein is the first defenseman chosen in the first round by the Blues since Jordan Schmaltz at No. 25 in the 2012 NHL Draft.","position":"D","city":"Brynas","team":"St. Louis Blues","analysis":"The Blues finish a productive night with Lindstein, a smart, skilled left-shot defenseman who could develop into a power-play quarterback at the NHL level. He likely won't be the kind of player who goes end to end with the puck, but he's safe and rarely turns the puck over. The pick also fills a need for young talent at the position; Lindstein is the first defenseman chosen in the first round by the Blues since Jordan Schmaltz at No. 25 in the 2012 NHL Draft."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Bradly Nadeau","year":2023,"league":"BCHL","scouting_report":"Nadeau (5-10, 160) led the British Columbia Hockey League with 113 points (45 goals, 68 assists), 10 game-winning goals and an average of 2.09 points per game, tied teammate Aydar Suniev for the league lead in goals in 54 regular-season games, and was awarded the Vern Dye Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player. He tied his brother, Joshua, for the BCHL lead during the playoffs with 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 17 games and won the playoff MVP award after Penticton won the league championship. The 18-year-old is committed to play at the University of Maine next season. Nadeau's play has been compared to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitchell Marner.   NHL.com analysis: With their first first-round pick since 2020, the Hurricanes opt for a high-skill forward who was the best player in the BCHL this season. He'll need to get bigger and stronger starting next season in college, but he projects to be a strong two-way forward who should play somewhere in the top-six forward group. The Hurricanes are built to have patience, as their top-six forward group, led by Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Teuvo Teravainen and Jarvis, still are in their primes.","position":"LW","city":"Penticton","team":"Carolina Hurricanes","analysis":"With their first first-round pick since 2020, the Hurricanes opt for a high-skill forward who was the best player in the BCHL this season. He'll need to get bigger and stronger starting next season in college, but he projects to be a strong two-way forward who should play somewhere in the top-six forward group. The Hurricanes are built to have patience, as their top-six forward group, led by Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, Teuvo Teravainen and Jarvis, still are in their primes."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Mikhail Gulyayev","year":2023,"league":"RUS-JR","scouting_report":"Gulyayev (5-10, 172) made his debut in the Kontinental Hockey League this season with one assist and 6:37 of ice time in 13 games. The 18-year-old left-handed shot played most of the season in Russia's junior league, where he had 25 points (two goals, 23 assists) in 22 games.   NHL.com analysis:Gulyayev skates well enough to be a one-man breakout and is positionally strong all over the ice. Other than Sean Behrens, a second-round pick (No. 61) in the 2021 NHL Draft, who is developing at the University of Denver, the Avalanche lack top-end defenseman prospects. Gulyayev has time left on his KHL contract but the reward for that patience could be an outstanding defenseman to complement Cale Makar on the Avalanche's second power-play unit.","position":"D","city":"Omsk Jr.","team":"Colorado Avalanche","analysis":"Gulyayev skates well enough to be a one-man breakout and is positionally strong all over the ice. Other than Sean Behrens, a second-round pick (No. 61) in the 2021 NHL Draft, who is developing at the University of Denver, the Avalanche lack top-end defenseman prospects. Gulyayev has time left on his KHL contract but the reward for that patience could be an outstanding defenseman to complement Cale Makar on the Avalanche's second power-play unit."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"David Edstrom","year":2023,"league":"SWE-JR","scouting_report":"Edstrom (6-3, 185) had 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists) in 28 games in Sweden's junior league, and made his debut in the Swedish Hockey League with four points (two goals, two assists) in 11 games with Frolunda. The 18-year-old also was second for Sweden with five goals in seven games at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.   NHL.com analysis:The Golden Knights selected centers in the first round three of the previous four years at the draft, but only Brendan Brisson (2020, No. 29) remains as Vegas traded Zach Dean (2021, No. 30) to the St. Louis Blues as part of the Ivan Barbashev trade and Peyton Krebs (2019, No. 17) to Buffalo Sabres to acquire Jack Eichel. Those moves helped Vegas win the Stanley Cup this season, but left their prospect cupboard bare. Edstrom is a smart playmaker with great size and really stood out at the World Under-18s.","position":"C","city":"Frolunda Jr.","team":"Vegas Golden Knights","analysis":"The Golden Knights selected centers in the first round three of the previous four years at the draft, but only Brendan Brisson (2020, No. 29) remains as Vegas traded Zach Dean (2021, No. 30) to the St. Louis Blues as part of the Ivan Barbashev trade and Peyton Krebs (2019, No. 17) to Buffalo Sabres to acquire Jack Eichel. Those moves helped Vegas win the Stanley Cup this season, but left their prospect cupboard bare. Edstrom is a smart playmaker with great size and really stood out at the World Under-18s."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Macklin Celebrini","year":2024,"league":"NCAA","scouting_report":"Celebrini  was third in the NCAA with 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 38 games as a freshman at Boston University and won the Hobey Baker Award as the top men's player in NCAA ice hockey, becoming the youngest player to win the award and the fourth from Boston University, joining Jack Eichel (2015), Matt Gilroy (2009) and Chris Drury (1998). Celebrini, the youngest player in NCAA hockey this season, didn't turn 18 until June 13 but was named rookie of the year and player of the year in Hockey East, becoming the fourth player to win both awards in the same season, joining Eichel (2015), Paul Kariya (1993) and Brian Leetch (1987). Born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Celebrini opted to advance his development playing Tier 1 AAA hockey for the San Jose Junior Sharks, prep school hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary's in Minnesota and with Chicago of the United States Hockey League before joining BU this season. He'll determine whether or not he'll return to college after the draft. \"He competes with himself, competes with others, but that's just how he is,\" BU coach Jay Pandolfo said. \"I think that's what makes him a special player, but I think that's going to serve him very well in the National Hockey League.\"","position":"C","city":"Boston University","team":"San Jose Sharks","analysis":"The Sharks finally make official what's been assumed since the draft lottery with the selection of Celebrini. His skill set and work ethic has been compared to former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. If Celebrini signs and joins the Sharks this season, he'll join Will Smith, the No. 4 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, to form the foundation of what the Sharks hope will be a return to contention for the Stanley Cup Playoffs."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Artyom Levshunov","year":2024,"league":"NCAA","scouting_report":"The right-handed shot (6-2, 205) was named Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, and earned spots on the All-Big 10 First Team and All-Freshman Team. The 18-year-old, the third-youngest player in men's college hockey, ranked second among NCAA freshmen defensemen and tied for ninth among all defensemen with 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games. He led the Big 10 with a plus-27 rating while playing on the top defense pair all season. Levshunov looks to become the third player and first defenseman from Michigan State to be selected among the top three picks after forward Joe Murphy went No. 1 to the Detroit Red Wings in the 1986 NHL Draft, and forward Craig Simpson went No. 2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1985 NHL Draft. \"He's a player who can be defensive and also bring offense and I think that's why he brings so much value,\" Michigan State coach Adam Nightingale said. \"He's very gifted offensively. He's very good on the power play, he's got deception, he can shoot through screens and put it on guys' tape. But he really values defending. He wants to play in the NHL and wants to play meaningful minutes, and to play meaningful minutes you got to do it on both sides of the puck.\"","position":"D","city":"Michigan State","team":"Chicago Blackhawks","analysis":"The Blackhawks got their building block at forward at the 2023 NHL Draft with Calder Trophy winner Connor Bedard, and this year shift the focus to building their defense with Levshunov. He has NHL-ready size, and has said he'll wait until after the draft to decide if he wants to play another season of NCAA hockey or jump to the NHL. Either way, Levshunov projects to be a top-pair defenseman and be the lynchpin of a young group that saw Kevin Korchinski and Alex Vlasic make big strides last season, and 2022 first-round pick Sam Rinzel (No. 25) is close to being pro-ready."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Beckett Sennecke","year":2024,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old has good size (6-3, 182), strength and skills, and those combined with his hockey sense help him consistently generate quality scoring opportunities. Sennecke had 68 points (27 goals, 41 assists), scored seven power-play goals and led the Generals with seven game-winning goals in 63 regular-season games. During the Ontario Hockey League playoffs he tied for fourth with 10 goals in 16 games. Sennecke is an all-around 200-foot player with a positive work ethic at both ends of the ice.","position":"RW","city":"Oshawa","team":"Anaheim Ducks","analysis":"The Ducks make the first surprise pick of the draft, but Sennecke projects to be a top-six wing who can provide a great running mate to one of their emerging young centers, Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson or Trevor Zegras. Sennecke is a strong skater and knows how to pull pucks out of traffic and make plays in tight, and he's got a great shot. It will take time for him to fill out his frame, but with another season or two of development should have him join the Ducks' flock of other top-end prospects they've accumulated the past few seasons."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Cayden Lindstrom","year":2024,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Lindstrom (6-3, 213) is a powerhouse who remained a top forward option for the draft despite missing the final 36 regular-season games because of injuries to his back and hand. The 18-year-old had 46 points (27 goals, 19 assists) in 32 games prior to leaving the lineup Dec. 16. After recovering from surgery for a back injury, he returned March 29 and had two points (one goal, one assist) and 17 shots on goal in four Western Hockey League playoff games. \"Lindstrom is an elite NHL prospect that any NHL club would covet, and the NHL projection does not change due to the fact that he has missed time due to injuries that were not deemed to impair his future career,\" Central Scouting director Dan Marr said. \"Central Scouting chose to rank him in the same position because he remains one of the best prospects in this class and we haven't filed any reports to displace him.\"","position":"C","city":"Medicine Hat","team":"Columbus Blue Jackets","analysis":"The Blue Jackets clearly are confident the back issue that sidelined Lindstrom for the entire second half of Medicine Hat's season is behind him. Lindstrom did his rehabilitation work with an NHL team doctor, and all 32 teams have been updated on his condition. Lindstrom is a goal-scorer with great speed helped by his track background, and an impressive nasty streak. A 1-2 center punch of Lindstrom and Adam Fantilli gives the Blue Jackets a strong foundation as they try to climb back into Stanley Cup Playoff contention."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Ivan Demidov","year":2024,"league":"RUS-JR","scouting_report":"Demidov is a tremendous skater and excellent puck-handler capable of playing right wing, left wing and center. The left-handed shot (6-0, 192) led St. Petersburg's team in the MHL, Russia's junior league, with 60 points (23 goals, 37 assists), and had six game-winning goals and 144 shots on goal in 30 games. The 18-year-old averaged 18:06 of ice time and 4.8 shots on goal per game during the regular season, and had 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) and averaged 17:37 of ice time with 4.5 shots on goal in 17 MHL playoff games. Demidov also played four games with SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League but did not have a point. \"I think he's a better player than [Matvei] Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers, 2023 NHL Draft, No. 7),\" TSN director of scouting and NHL analyst Craig Button said. \"He's [Nikita] Kucherov to me. He can pass, he can shoot. He's brilliant. Like Kucherov, they [both] step out onto the ice and they're immediately dangerous. The puck ends up on their stick and it's like, buckle up, pay attention, you're going for a ride.\"","position":"RW","city":"SKA St. Petersburg Jr.","team":"Montreal Canadiens","analysis":"Some scouts believe Demidov is the second-most talented player in this year's draft after Celebrini. He dominated Russia's junior league, and likely will spend at least one more season developing in the Kontinental Hockey League next season. But his dynamic skill set and skating has the chance to bring the kind of wow factor the Canadiens have not had in a long time."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Tij Iginla","year":2024,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Iginla (6-0, 191), who turns 18 on Aug. 4, has taken many lessons from his father, Hockey Hall of Fame forward Jarome Iginla, on and off the ice. Combined with his skill and the competitive verve that was so prevalent in his dad, Tij led the Rockets this season with 47 goals and was second with 84 points and 11 power-play goals in 64 games. The left-handed shot, who led Kelowna in the Western Hockey League playoffs with nine goals and tied for the lead with 15 points in 11 games, is recognized as a goal-scorer with a big shot and good hands around the net. His competitiveness and hockey sense also are big attributes of his game.","position":"C","city":"Kelowna","team":"Utah Hockey Club","analysis":"The first pick for Utah is a forward with an elite shot and the kind of hockey IQ that comes from growing up in the same home as a Hockey Hall of Famer. Iginla excelled playing center and the wing with Kelowna this season but expects to move back to center full-time next season. Iginla should be a fantastic addition to the emerging core in Utah led by Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Carter Yakemchuk","year":2024,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"The right-handed shot (6-3, 202) led Western Hockey League defensemen with 30 goals and was fifth with 71 points in 66 regular-season games. Yakemchuk set a Calgary record for most goals in a season by a defenseman and is one of three WHL defensemen in the past 10 seasons to score 30 goals, along with Olen Zellweger (32, 2022-23) and Connor Hobbs (31, 2016-17). Yakemchuk also had 31 power-play points (10 goals, 21 assists) and three game-winning goals. The 18-year-old was the first NHL draft-eligible WHL defenseman to score 30 in a season since Ian White with Swift Current in 2001-02.","position":"D","city":"Calgary","team":"Ottawa Senators","analysis":"The Senators find a defenseman to build around with Yakemchuk, their first pick in the first round since 2021. Yakemchuk had a fantastic offensive season with 30 goals, and said his offseason focus will be getting stronger to improve his skating and defensive-zone efficiency. When he fills out physically, he profiles as a top-end offensive presence at 5-on-5 who can lead a power play."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Berkly Catton","year":2024,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Catton (5-10, 175) led Spokane and was fourth in the Western Hockey League this season with 116 points (54 goals, 62 assists) in 68 games. He was the third draft-eligible WHL skater since 2000 to top 115 points in a season, joining Connor Bedard (143 points in 2022-23) and Nic Petan (120 in 2012-13). Catton also won 53.4 percent of his face-offs, led the WHL with seven short-handed goals and was third on his team with 30 power-play points (13 goals, 17 assists). The 18-year-old generates plenty of scoring chances off the rush and possesses great awareness in all three zones. Catton had 10 points (eight goals, two assists) in five games to lead Canada to a gold medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was named the WHL U.S. Division Player of the Year.","position":"C","city":"Spokane","team":"Seattle Kraken","analysis":"The Kraken's offensive struggles this season -- they averaged 2.61 goals per game, 29th in the NHL -- could be a short-term problem with Catton's dynamic skill set. Seattle has stockpiled some strong forward prospects, among them Shane Wright, Eduard Sale and Jagger Firkus, the Canadian Hockey League player of the year. Catton has speed and a 200-foot game that allowed him to produce offensively even when his team was short-handed. Once he fills out physically, the thought of Catton and Matty Beniers as a 1-2 center punch could make the Kraken a very difficult team to play against."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Zayne Parekh","year":2024,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Parekh (6-0, 178), climbed to No. 5 from No. 10 in Central Scouting's midterm rankings in January. He's a transitional defenseman who can quarterback the power play. The right-handed shot led Ontario Hockey League defensemen and set Saginaw records for goals (33) and points (96) by a defenseman in 66 regular-season games. Parekh also scored 10 power-play goals, two short-handed goals and six game-winning goals. He had 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 13 OHL playoff games, and had five points (one goal, four assists) in five games to help Saginaw win the Memorial Cup. The 18-year-old has been compared to Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson because of his dynamic offensive skills. \"His upside is huge,\" Nick Smith of Central Scouting said. \"He never gets rattled, is full of poise and confidence, and has the skills and the brain ... just a smart, smart player. He can score, he's got a good touch, he's got good vision, and he competes. A real high-end prospect.\"","position":"D","city":"Saginaw","team":"Calgary Flames","analysis":"The Flames get an electric offensive-minded defenseman that makes the comparisons to Karlsson very apt. But what also makes Parekh stand out is his hockey IQ and determination to disprove the doubters who believe he won't be able to defend at an NHL level. Parekh had the work ethic to graduate high school at 16; it's easy to see him putting that kind of effort into becoming a better defensive player."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Anton Silayev","year":2024,"league":"RUS","scouting_report":"Silayev (6-7, 211) had 11 points (three goals, eight assists), 103 shots on goal, 74 blocked shots and was second on his team with 98 hits in 63 regular-season games. The 18-year-old left-handed shot, who was No. 2 on Central Scouting's midterm list in January, had the most points by an under-18 player in Kontinental Hockey League history; Vladimir Tarasenko is second (10 points for Novosibirsk in 2008-09). Perhaps most impressive was how Silayev adapted to the physical style of the game as a teenager in the KHL while averaging 14:54 of ice time per game. \"He seems to always be alert and able to quickly get pucks to his forwards in transition,\" NHL director of European Scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen said. \"He can carry the puck and has a great release. His personal skills are still a bit raw, but his ceiling is high.\"","position":"D","city":"Nizhny Novgorod","team":"New Jersey Devils","analysis":"The Devils select one of the most unique prospects in this year's draft. Silayev is an outstanding skater for a player his size, which has earned him comparisons to Tampa Bay Lightning star Victor Hedman. His offensive upside at the NHL level is unknown, but his skating and physicality would make him the perfect complement to New Jersey's other young top-end defenseman prospects, Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Sam Dickinson","year":2024,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"The left-handed shot (6-3, 203) finished fourth among Ontario Hockey League defensemen with 70 points (18 goals, 52 assists) and third with 11 power-play goals in 68 regular-season games. His 70 points ranked third among draft-eligible defensemen from London, behind Evan Bouchard (87 points, 2017-18) and Rob Ramage (73, 1976-77). The 18-year-old logged a ton of ice time for a team already stocked with NHL drafted players, and played the point on the first power-play unit for a team that had the best power play in OHL at 32.6 percent. He also had 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 18 OHL playoff games. Dickinson displayed his outstanding skating all season, including at the CHLNHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 23, when he finished first in 30-meter forward skate with puck and 30-meter backwards skate with puck, and second in transition ability among all players tested. \"One of the things I noticed with him this year is that he's really improved his defensive zone exits,\" Central Scouting's David Gregory said. \"He likes to skate it out, but when that passing opportunity is there, he finds it and he can do it on the backhand as good as anyone I've seen.\"","position":"D","city":"London","team":"San Jose Sharks (from BUF)","analysis":"After taking a foundational piece at forward with Celebrini at No. 1, the Sharks use their second first-round pick on Dickinson, who has a calm, poised, 200-foot skill set that is reminiscent of Alex Pietrangelo. One scout called Dickinson \"the safest pick\" of this year's draft because of the way he's able to control the pace of the game with his skating and his all-around ability."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Zeev Buium","year":2024,"league":"NCAA","scouting_report":"The Wild traded a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Philadelphia Flyers to move up one spot to take Buium. The National Collegiate Hockey Conference Rookie of the Year and Offensive Defenseman of the Year led NCAA defensemen and was fifth among all freshmen with 50 points (11 goals, 39 assists) in 42 games for the NCAA champion. Buium (6-0, 186) also was named to the NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team. The 18-year-old was the second-youngest player in men's college hockey after Boston University center Macklin Celebrini, who was taken No. 1 by the San Jose Sharks. Buium also had five points (three goals, two assists) and a tournament-best plus-11 rating in seven games to help the United States win the gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.","position":"D","city":"Denver","team":"Minnesota Wild (from PHI)","analysis":"The Wild traded up one spot to make sure they got the No. 1 defenseman from the NCAA championship team. Minnesota has a shortage of top-end prospects at the position, but Buium has a mature game, an outstanding skill set and high-end athleticism. He'll likely play one more season in college but it won't be too long before he's sharing the ice with Brock Faber as a foundational piece on the Wild's back end."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Jett Luchanko","year":2024,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Luchanko (5-11, 187) led Guelph with 74 points (20 goals, 54 assists) in 68 games, and won the William Hanley Trophy as the most sportsmanlike player in the Ontario Hockey League. He tied for second in the OHL with 30 power-play assists was ninth in face-off wins (663). Luchanko finished in the top three in four categories in the 2024 OHL Western Conference Coaches Poll, placing second for Smartest Player, Hardest Worker and Best Skater, and third for Best Shootout Shooter (he went 2-for-4 this season). The 17-year-old also finished first in the 2024 CHLNHL Top Prospects Game fitness testing in January, placing among the top five in six of 10 on-ice categories. The right-handed shot has been compared by some scouts to Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki.","position":"C","city":"Guelph","team":"Philadelphia Flyers (from MIN)","analysis":"The Flyers move back one spot in a trade with the Wild and are able to fill a need for young center prospects. Luchanko is an explosive skater who projects to contribute on the top power play and penalty kill. It might not take long before Luchanko and Matvei Michkov become two-thirds of Philadelphia's top line."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Konsta Helenius","year":2024,"league":"FIN","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old right-handed shot (5-11, 189) had 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) and five power-play goals, won 50.2 percent of his face-offs and averaged 16:57 of ice time in 51 games for Jukurit in Liiga, Finland's top professional men's league. He had the most points by an under-19 player in Liiga this season. Helenius had two points (one goal, one assist) and 13 shots on goal in seven games for fourth-place Finland at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, averaging 19:12 of ice time in a second-line role. He was the youngest player (17 years old) at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where he centered Finland's top line with Mikael Granlund (San Jose Sharks) and Valtteri Puustinen (Pittsburgh Penguins). He's been compared by some scouts to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point. \"He's a complete hockey player, a coach's dream in many cases, because you can trust him in several situations,\" said Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen, NHL director of European Scouting.","position":"C","city":"Jukurit","team":"Buffalo Sabres (from PIT via SJS)","analysis":"Olli Jokinen, Helenius' coach the past two seasons, said Helenius is in the \"top three percent of the players talent-wise,\" and could envision him playing in the NHL as soon as next season. Helenius already has excelled against older, more physically developed players in Liiga and at the World Championship, and has said being in the NHL is his offseason focus. Whether he's in the Sabres lineup in October or not, he projects to be a 200-foot center who can be a fantastic playmaker for some of the emerging young wings they've drafted, including Matt Savoie, Jiri Kulich and Zach Benson."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Michael Brandsegg-Nygård","year":2024,"league":"SWE-2","scouting_report":"Brandsegg-Nygard (6-1, 207) was born in Oslo, Norway, but plays for Mora in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden's second division, where the 18-year-old had 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 41 regular-season games. His 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 12 games during the Allsvenskan playoffs were a record for an NHL draft-eligible player. He had five points (three goals, two assists), nine shots on goal and averaged 17:22 of ice time in five games for Norway at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. Brandsegg-Nygard is the highest-selected Norway-born player ever, surpassing forward Marius Holtet, a second-round pick (No. 42) of the Dallas Stars in the 2002 NHL Draft. Brandsegg-Nygard plays an advanced game, skates well and has a great shot. \"He plays a very mature game and is one of the best prospects from Norway in many years,\" NHL director of European Scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen said. \"He's physically strong to play men's games, is hard-working and has a great attitude. He wants to be a difference-maker.\"","position":"RW","city":"Mora","team":"Detroit Red Wings","analysis":"The Red Wings make history by making Brandsegg-Nygard the first player born in Norway to be selected in the first round. What Detroit is getting is a strong skater who is very good on the forecheck and fearless when it comes to physical play. He'll return for one more season in Sweden, with Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League, but he projects to be a power forward that should open space for his linemates. After taking centers with their first pick at the draft in 2022 (Marco Kasper) and 2023 (Nate Danielson), Brandsegg-Nygard should be a fine complement on the wing."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Adam Jiricek","year":2024,"league":"CZREP","scouting_report":"The right-handed shot (6-2, 167) sustained a right knee injury while playing for Czechia at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship on Dec. 26, had surgery and missed the remainder of the season. He expects to be ready for the start of the 2024-25 season. Jiricek, who turned 18 on Friday, had one assist in 19 games in the top professional men's league in the Czechia this season. He is the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek.","position":"D","city":"Plzen","team":"St. Louis Blues","analysis":"The Blues certainly need an infusion of youth at defense and must have gotten the information they needed to hear about Jiricek's health after he missed the second half of the season with a knee injury. He'll likely need at least one more season playing in the Czechia, but if he can get back to the level he was before the injury, and continue to develop the offensive side of his game, he could be a solid top-four defenseman who can contribute on the power play."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Terik Parascak","year":2024,"league":"WHL","scouting_report":"Parascak (6-0, 179) led Western Hockey League rookies in goals (43), points (105) and short-handed goals (four) in 68 regular-season games. It was the most points by a WHL rookie since Pavel Brendl had 134 with Calgary in 1998-99. During the WHL playoffs, Parascak led rookies with six goals and was second with 14 points in 12 games. The 18-year-old is composed under pressure and has shown a consistent ability to finish scoring chances around the net.","position":"RW","city":"Prince George","team":"Washington Capitals","analysis":"The Capitals take one of the smarter players in this year's draft. Parascak doesn't have the kind of skill set that pulls fans out of their seats, but he has a great ability to find soft spots in defensive coverages and use a dynamic shot that stands out for its deception."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Sacha Boisvert","year":2024,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Boisvert will further his development at the University of North Dakota next season and possibly become the program's first Quebec-born player (Trois-Rivieres). Boisvert's size (6-2, 183) paid off during his second season with Muskegon. The 18-year-old was fifth in the United States Hockey League with 36 goals and tied for 11th with 68 points in 61 games, after he had 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 57 games as a rookie in 2022-23.","position":"C","city":"Muskegon","team":"Chicago Blackhawks (from NYI)","analysis":"The Blackhawks could use some size through the middle of the ice after taking centers on the smaller size the past two years at the draft in Connor Bedard (5-10, 185), Oliver Moore (5-11, 188) and Frank Nazar (5-9, 175). In addition to a bigger frame, Boisvert has greatly improved his skating, which allowed him to become more of a 200-foot player. If he stays in the middle or slides to the wing, he profiles as a power forward who is able to create extra room for one of those dynamic centers while also being able to finish chances at the net."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Trevor Connelly","year":2024,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Connelly (6-1, 160) was second in the United States Hockey League with 78 points (31 goals, 47 assists) in 52 games and is committed to play at Providence College. One scout said an NHL comparable could be Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson, but how Connelly answers questions about his on- and off-ice discipline could determine how quickly the 18-year-old reaches the NHL. \"He's an explosive player that seems to impact every game he plays,\" Central Scouting's Pat Cullen said. \"... I've not walked away from any games with Trevor in the past two years where I was disappointed. He's a guy that when you go to the rink, it's fun to watch him play because he can score, he can skate, he's unselfish. He just has a lot of qualities that make him a really attractive forward for NHL clubs to be looking at.\"The past is the past. We don't get involved in that. He's just a really, really good, complete player and he's done it at every level the last couple years.\"","position":"LW","city":"Tri-City","team":"Vegas Golden Knights","analysis":"Connelly's skill set is unquestioned, with explosive skating and a dynamic offensive presence. But there have been questions about his maturity on and off the ice, including an illegal check to the head playing for the United States against Canada in the third period of the gold-medal game at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship that allowed Canada to score three power-play goals and turn a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 lead en route to a 6-4 victory. Connelly will head to Providence College in the fall, and if he can grow physically as well as emotionally, he could be a steal at this point in the draft."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Cole Eiserman","year":2024,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Eiserman (6-foot, 197 pounds) scored 58 goals in 57 games with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program Under-18 team this season, and became the program's all-time leader with 127 goals in 119 games. He had 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) in 12 games against NCAA Division I competition and 34 points (25 goals, nine assists) in 24 games against teams in the United States Hockey League. Eiserman also had 11 points (nine goals, two assists) in seven games to help the United States win the silver medal at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship. His dynamic shot is what makes him a top-end NHL prospect, but there is concern about whether the 17-year-old can round out his game. He'll continue to improve that area next season at Boston University.Those who know Eiserman best believe his work ethic will allow him to get his game where it needs to be to have success in the NHL. \"Whether it's fair or not, he's been labeled as a one-dimensional player, but it's a very important dimension,\" Central Scouting director Dan Marr said. \"In the National Hockey League, scoring is one of the best parts of the game. That's what he's going to bring to the table with the team. \"When I look down the road, I can see him impacting an NHL club like a Chris Kreider. A guy that can score goals on a consistent basis, score timely goals, help teams win games. I think he just needs to be coached up a bit and he'll get that in college hockey. That just comes with experience and maturity.\"","position":"LW","city":"USA U-18","team":"New York Islanders (from TBL via CHI)","analysis":"Eiserman has the best shot in the 2024 draft, but questions about the other elements of his game made him one of the more divisive prospects in the minds of scouts. But TSN resident director of scouting Craig Button remembers his father, longtime NHL scout Jack Button, telling him stories about scouts having the same concerns about Mike Bossy before the Islanders selected him in the 1977 NHL Draft. No one is comparing Eiserman to Bossy, but Eiserman has displayed a commitment to become more of a playmaker and earn the trust of his coaches with his play away from the puck. He'll have time to work on those areas of his game at Boston University, and has said he's got a chip on his shoulder when it comes to the teams that passed on him."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Michael Hage","year":2024,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"The 18-year-old right-hand shot (6-1, 188) won the 2024 E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, given to the NHL draft prospect who best exemplifies commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism. Hage began his junior career with Chicago last season by sustaining a dislocated right shoulder on his first day of training camp and missing more than six months following surgery. He eventually played 13 games. This season he was fourth in the league with 75 points (33 goals, 42 assists) in 54 regular-season games and had four points (two goals, two assists) in two playoff games. He climbed nine spots to No. 10 in Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters for the 2024 draft, from No. 19 in the midterm ranking in January. His father, Alain, died in a swimming pool accident last summer, and Hage dedicated this season in his honor. He's committed to play at the University of Michigan next season. \"I think what stands out to me about Michael is he has the size, he has the speed, he has the skill, he has the shot, but he's competitive,\" Chicago coachgeneral manager Mike Garman said. \"He's a really high-IQ player on top of it. He has, I think, a really unique combination of so many amazing assets.\"","position":"C","city":"Chicago","team":"Montreal Canadiens (from LAK)","analysis":"Finding depth at center is an organizational need and Hage has the sort of skill set and competitiveness that makes him a standout player. Hage also has a rare level of mental toughness from missing most of one season with a dislocated shoulder and then dealing with the death of his father last summer. He'll need time to fill out and refine his skills starting in the fall at the University of Michigan, but his playmaking and physicality project well to the next level."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Egor Surin","year":2024,"league":"RUS-JR","scouting_report":"Surin (6-1, 197) had 53 points (23 goals, 30 assists) in 43 games in Russia's junior league. The 17-year-old is considered a hard-worker who already got some experience playing three games in the Kontinental Hockey League with Yaroslavl.","position":"C","city":"Yaroslav Jr.","team":"Nashville Predators","analysis":"Predators general manager Barry Trotz has not been shy about believing Nashville needs more young centers in the development pipeline. Patience will be needed before Surin is ready to come to North America but the reward could be significant. He's a hardworking two-way forward regarded for his compete level, and showed during his league's playoffs that he could elevate his game in big moments."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Stian Solberg","year":2024,"league":"HIGH-ON","scouting_report":"Letourneau (6-6, 214) led all players at the NHL Scouting Combine with at 83.25 inches. He was a dominant player at the prep school level with 127 points (61 goals, 66 assists) in 56 games, but questions about the level of play he faced made evaluating the 18-year-old challenging. However scouts were intrigued by the raw skills they saw, which will be challenged when he starts at Boston College in the fall. \"I think it’s hard to find a player with his size and length to have soft hands and good feet,\" Nick Smith of Central Scouting said. \"He can make plays with sense and vision with a scoring touch around the net. He still has a ton of filling out to do as well.\"","position":"C","city":"St. Andrews College","team":"Boston Bruins (from OTT via DET and BOS)","analysis":"Center is an area of need for the Bruins, and Letourneau has a very intriguing upside. He dominated against prep school competition, but that level is a bit of a drop-off from the competition he would have faced had he played in the Canadian Hockey League or the United States Hockey League. It's a bit of a risky pick, and his play next season at Boston College will go a long way toward determining if that risk is worth the reward."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Cole Beaudoin","year":2024,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Greentree is a big forward (6-2, 215) who has become effective at driving the net and finding space to shoot the puck. He's also a proven leader; the 18-year-old was named the 59th captain in Windsor history on Jan. 15. He scored a goal and was one of the more active players in the tough areas of the ice in the CHLNHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 24. Greentree was tied for 11th in the Ontario Hockey League with 90 points (36 goals, 54 assists) and was fourth with four short-handed assists in 64 games. He could go higher than most expect in the draft because of his combination of toughness and skill, assets NHL scouts and general managers covet. Greentree worked on keeping a positive mindset as Windsor finished 19th among 20 teams in the OHL by drawing a smiley face on his sticks before each game.","position":"RW","city":"Windsor","team":"Los Angeles Kings (from WPG via MTL)","analysis":"Teams always look to bring good people as well as good players into their organization, and Greentree checks both boxes. His maturity earned him the captaincy in Windsor as an underage player, and he stayed positive despite Windsor finishing as the second-worst team in the OHL. He's the kind of player who will get better with better players around him. And as one NHL scout said, \"I think he's a beast right now. Imagine him in two years. He's going to be dominant for sure.\""}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Dean Letourneau","year":2024,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"The Blackhawks got another pick in the first round by trading picks Nos. 34 and 50 to the Carolina Hurricanes to take Vanacker (6-0, 178), who led Brantford with 82 points (36 goals, 46 assists) in 68 games. The 18-year-old scored one goal in six games to help Canada win the gold medal at the World U-18s. Most impressive was he played almost the entire season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He had surgery in June and is expected to need 4-6 months to recover.","position":"LW","city":"Brantford","team":"Chicago Blackhawks (from CAR)","analysis":"The Blackhawks jump back into the first round to make their third selection. Vanacker's numbers are even more impressive because of the season-long shoulder injury he played through. When healthy, Vanacker is an agitating forward capable of changing momentum with a big goal or a timely hit. That element of skilled meanness and physicality is something the Blackhawks are going to need as they work their way back to playoff contention."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Liam Greentree","year":2024,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Gridin (6-1, 189) began playing hockey at age 3 in his hometown of Kurgan, Russia. It was there his father, Andrey, began teaching him the fundamentals. He played for St. Petersburg and Omsk in Russia's development leagues before being chosen by Muskegon in the 15th round (No. 223) of the 2022 United States Hockey League draft. The 18-year-old led the USHL with 83 points (38 goals, 45 assists) in 60 games, a vast improvement on the 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) he had in 40 games in 2022-23. Committed to play at the University of Michigan next season, Gridin knows how to play to his strengths, which include his intelligence, playmaking and one of the quickest shot releases Muskegon coach Parker Burgess said he has ever seen.","position":"RW","city":"Muskegon","team":"Calgary Flames (from VAN)","analysis":"After addressing their needs on defense with Parekh, the Flames select leading scorer in the USHL in Gridin. Scouts like Gridin's hockey sense, which allows him to be dangerous on the penalty kill. The Flames have started to tilt more toward younger, more athletic forwards with Matt Coronato and Connor Zary expected to get more playing time next season, and 2023 first-round pick (No. 16) Samuel Honzek and Gridin could be right behind them."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Marek Vanacker","year":2024,"league":"FIN","scouting_report":"Hemming (6-1, 205), who turned 18 on June 27, had 11 points (seven goals, four assists), 73 shots on goal and averaged 10:04 of ice time in 40 games with TPS in his first season in Liiga, Finland's top professional men's league. He also had 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 11 playoff games with TPS' team in Finland's junior league, and had nine points (four goals, five assists) for third-place Finland to tie for the team lead at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August. \"Emil is a scorer by nature and a natural sniper, always hungry to find a way to score,\" NHL director of European Scouting Jukka-Pekka Vuorinen said. \"He has size, a good physical presence, is hard to knock off the puck, and likes to shoot it. He has a quick release and knows where to target his shots.\"","position":"RW","city":"TPS","team":"Dallas Stars","analysis":"The Stars have found their success through smart drafting, but the one area they do lack a bit is size among their prospect group. Hemming had a great season in Liiga, and combined his strong offensive skills with strength on the puck and a willingness to work in the dirty areas of the ice."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Matvei Gridin","year":2024,"league":"USHL","scouting_report":"Emery (6-3, 183), committed to the University of North Dakota in 2024-25, had 16 assists in 61 games with the NTDP U-18 team this season, including six assists and a plus-15-rating that tied for the tournament lead in seven games for the United States at the 2024 U-18 Worlds. The 18-year-old is a model of consistency among stay-at-home defensemen of this draft class, can transition well and knows how to close and defend while covering a lot of space with his length and speed.","position":"D","city":"USA U-18","team":"New York Rangers","analysis":"Emery was a vital part of the NTDP U-18 team's success this season even though he didn't score a goal. He might not be a big offensive contributor at the NHL level, but his skating, reach, work ethic and athleticism has the chance to give him a long, successful professional career as a top-four defenseman, likely as the defensive-minded complement to a team's top offensive-mind defenseman."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Emil Hemming","year":2024,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"Danford (6-1, 191) stepped up offensively in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs with 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 21 games, after he had 33 points (one goal, 32 assists) in 64 regular-season games. The 18-year-old right-handed shot is viewed as a smart, dependable defenseman who could develop the offensive side of his game.","position":"D","city":"Oshawa","team":"Toronto Maple Leafs (from ANA via EDM)","analysis":"The Maple Leafs needed to address their prospect depth at defenseman, and traded with the Ducks to make get into this spot. Danford stands out for his smarts, skating and dependability in all areas of the ice. His biggest attribute will be his defensive play, but his vision and passing ability should allow him to contribute to the offense as his game matures."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"EJ Emery","year":2024,"league":"OHL","scouting_report":"The Oilers traded their first-round pick either in 2025 or 2026 to the Philadelphia Flyers to snag the last pick of the first round this year. With it, they took O'Reilly, a right-handed shot who only made the shift to forward three years ago, moving from defenseman to right wing while playing in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. O'Reilly (6-1, 184) was third among Ontario Hockey League rookies with 56 points (20 goals, 36 assists) in 68 games. The 18-year-old led OHL rookies during the playoffs with 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 16 games to London win the league championship.","position":"RW","city":"London","team":"Edmonton Oilers (from PHI via FLA)","analysis":"The Oilers moved into the first round to select O'Reilly, who seemed to get more ice time as the season went on with London, and was a big part of their run to the OHL championship. With one pick in the first four rounds entering the day and a depleted prospect base from trades that helped them get to the Stanley Cup Final this season, Edmonton likely couldn't pass on a chance to add a smart, skilled, strong skater in O'Reilly when they saw he was available at this point in the draft."}
{"source":"NHL.com","name":"Ben Danford","year":2024,"scouting_report":"NA NA NA"}