DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Author: Dan Stewart

  • DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – SWEDEN

    DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – SWEDEN

    By DraftPro Staff

    The IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships just wrapped up last week in Espoo and Vantaa Finland, and was a scouting hotspot as a last big event for NHL staffs who are charged with evaluating the next wave of NHL talent.

    There were some bright spots for the upcoming 2024 NHL draft that stood out and some future draft eligibles that really grabbed the spotlight. In this ten-part series we will look at each team entry and provide some review of prospects, how they performed and how their performance might have affected their draft stock. We will start with the last place team, Kazakhstan, and work our way through to the gold medal winning Canadian squad.

    The Swedish team was seen as a bit overmatched heading into the event with solid depth on the roster but lacking in game breaking offensive talent up front. The Swedes managed to grind their way to the third place game and come home with a bronze medal in their pockets.

    Here are some player reports from our John Ryan on the Swedish U18 players that stood out.

    #4 D, Leo Sahlin Wallenius, Sweden (Vaxjo Lakers HC J20, J20 Nationell), 6’0”, 183, L, 04.10.206

    Was called upon to be the big-time minute muncher for team Sweden during the tournament. He was heavily relied upon to be the team’s best defensive defenseman in the tournament playing huge minutes. Additionally, he was tasked with being the quarterback for the first powerplay unit. Offensively, he left more to be desired and was outshined by his teammate, Alfons Freij. However, he was Sweden’s most steady defenseman and consistently made tape-to-tape passes out of the defensive zone to one of his teammates. I was expecting more engagement on the rush using his speed to carry the puck up the ice than what I saw throughout the tournament. He did have flashes where his offensive skill shined but was inconsistent. Overall, he had a strong tournament and proved that he can be relied on to play heavy minutes. He will likely be selected somewhere in the late first to early second round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

    #20 D, Alfons Freij (Vaxjo Lakers HC J20, J20 Nationell), 6’1”, 196, L, 02.12.2006

    The offensive defenseman shined in this tournament. He was consistently Sweden’s biggest threat from the backend and was especially dangerous when he joined the rush up the ice. His skating ability, hands, and vision popped throughout the tournament. He is a smooth and fast skater that can handle the puck at top-end speeds and dance around opponents. He did have some defensive lapses during the tournament which is expected from an offensively minded defender that looks to push the play up ice nearly every shift. He stood out among all defenders for Sweden and was by far the biggest offensive threat from the backend throughout the tournament. Freij’s offensive tools and fast paced game should draw lots of attention from NHL scouts. He will likely be selected somewhere in the late first to early second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. 

    #26 F, Alexander Zetterbeg, Sweden (Orebro HK J20, J20 Nationell), 5’8”, 148, R, 04.24.2006

    A gifted undersized forward that plays a skilled game and excels at offensive creativity. Unfortunately, his tournament was cut short because of an injury he suffered against team Switzerland. During his time in the tournament, he was arguably Sweden’s most consistent player at generating offense for his team. A great trait that he demonstrated throughout his time in the tournament is his willingness to drive to the high traffic areas despite his small stature. His puck skills and skating ability also showed well in the tournament. He used these abilities to juke around defenders and create offensive opportunities for himself and teammates. Due to his size and lack of high-end skill, Zetterberg will likely be selected in the 3rd-4th round of the 2024 NHL Draft if not later.

    #24 F, Linus Eriksson (Djurgardens IF, HockeyAllsvenskan), 6’0”, 185, L, 03.23.26

    Played a strong 2-way game. Demonstrated that he can process plays quickly and has great vision of the ice throughout the tournament. His defensive game stood out more than his offensive skills throughout most of the tournament. He showed his high-end hockey IQ throughout the tournament with his positioning defensively and his ability to find open players in the offensive zone. Eriksson was consistently the first forward back in the defensive zone which further demonstrated the emphasis he puts on playing a strong defensive game. There were pockets of play where his offensive tools did flash, especially with his playmaking ability. He will likely be selected somewhere in the 2nd-3rd round of the 2024 NHL Draft. 

    #18 F, Victor Eklund (Djurgardens IF, HockeyAllsvenskan), 5’11”, 161, R, 10.03.2006

    A hard-working winger that drives to the front of the net to create chaos in front of opposing goaltenders. His compete level with and without the puck shined throughout the tournament. Whenever he mishandled the puck, he would quickly attack the opposing player attempting to strip the puck from them and take possession back. Most of his goals were scored within five feet of the net. He is an undersized forward which makes it even more impressive that he was able to compete for space in front of the goaltender to score close range goals. Eklund is not draft eligible until 2025 and with further growth in his skills and natural bodily growth, he could take a major step next season and shine even brighter at next season’s IIHF U18 Worlds tournament. Right now, he looks like a potential first round pick for the 2025 NHL Draft. 

    #12 F, Melvin Fernstrom (Orebro HK J20, J20 Nationell), 6’0”, 170, R, 02.28.26

    An average sized winger that possesses a great release. Unlike many of his counterparts on team Sweden, he does not excel away from the puck and is not a play driver. Instead, he is more of a support player and trigger man. I would have liked to see more engagement in the defensive zone and more of an ability to lead the rush. However, the things he does well in his game he did well in the tournament. He was strong along the boards in the offensive zone and did crash the net a few times. Additionally, he stripped opponents of the puck a few times in the offensive zone during the tournament which led to scoring chances for. A higher compete level in the neutral zone and defensive zone would make him a much more well-rounded player. Overall, he performed to the level that is expected of him. He will likely be selected in the 2nd-3rd round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

    #11 F, Lucas Pettersson (MoDo Hockey J20, J20 Nationell), 5’11”, 172, L, 04.17.2006

    A smart 2-way center that plays with a lot of pace. His play in transition was perhaps the best among all Swedish forwards in the tournament. In the offensive zone he saw the ice extremely well and made tight window passes look easy. He was especially dangerous when he used his speed and makes a quick cut to the slot to release his strong wrist shot. He played with a high motor and was consistently one of the best players on team Sweden throughout the tournament. His play away from the puck was also very impressive. He was consistently the first forward in the defensive zone and used strong stick work to strip the puck from opponents on the backcheck. He projects as a potential third line 2-way center with offensive upside. He will likely be drafted in the late first to early second round of the 2024 NHL draft.  

    Photos courtesy IIHF.com

    ************************************************************

    Get your hands on the comprehensive DraftPro 2024 Draft Guide now!

    In the 2024 Draft Guide our team ranks the top 224 NHL Draft eligibles, provides well-written profiles on the top 224 names for this year, includes in-depth prospect features, looks at the NHL’s top 50 drafted prospects coming down the pipe, dives into what each NHL team has in the prospect cupboard and what their draft needs are, provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 32, provides a top 32 ranking on the 2026 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 10, and so much more.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-2024-nhl-draft-guide-now-available
  • DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – SLOVAKIA

    DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – SLOVAKIA

    By DraftPro Staff

    The IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships just wrapped up last week in Espoo and Vantaa Finland, and was a scouting hotspot as a last big event for NHL staffs who are charged with evaluating the next wave of NHL talent.

    There were some bright spots for the upcoming 2024 NHL draft that stood out and some future draft eligibles that really grabbed the spotlight. In this ten-part series we will look at each team entry and provide some review of prospects, how they performed and how their performance might have affected their draft stock. We will start with the last place team, Kazakhstan, and work our way through to the gold medal winning Canadian squad.

    The plucky Slovak squad put up a good fight getting all the way to the bronze medal game before finally loosing to a solid Swedish team.

    Here are some player reports from our Joseph Stanislau on the Slovakian U18 players that stood out.

    22 Adam Nemec, F, 6’0, 159 lb, 18.10.2007 (HK Nitra U20)

    The younger brother to New Jersey Devils defenseman, Simon Nemec, is a forward who plays a different style of hockey where he is a very good forechecker who plays a high energy game, and has a lot of drive similar to his brother. Adam had 2 goals in 7 games and he needs to bulk up a lot to around 185 lb because the way he attacks offensively, and defensively throwing his body around he will certainly be a great mid line winger with really good puck handling, shooting, and phenomenal passing. Adding that muscle variable will make him a really dangerous player to go up against. Nemec is a high volume shooter who does get a lot of pucks on net yielding high danger scoring opportunities and has the ability to become a really consistent forward as he grows. He is an exciting skater and has really good wheels and has really good agility on the breakaways.

    18 Miroslav Satan (Jr.) C, 6’7, 190 lb, 02.03.2006 (Team Slovakia U18, Slovakia 2)

    We know what you’re all thinking but yes this indeed is the son of former NHL’er Miroslav Satan. He has shown in the faceoff circle against lesser developed and skilled centers that he can beat them in the faceoff dot. However versus Finland, USA, and Sweden Satan needs to improve against those super skilled, really strong leveraging centers. That is room for Miroslav to grow in the muscle mass department, and with that size and reach he does forecheck really well, and zips really fast around the boards looking to poke the puck loose. He is a disciplined player who doesn’t go into the box often. He does throw the body around and is a high volume shooter, he just has to get more of those on the net. From the skillset this center can improve in the faceoff circle with the right developmental, and skills coaches. Miroslav can also look to be a natural winger where he has a lot of speed and can playmake but should focus more on powering his way and getting more versatility in more roles as he gets primed up for a future in the NHL.

    27 Adam Belusko, D, 12.04.2006, 5’11, 187 lb (HC Kosice U20, Slovakia U20)

    The Slovak defenseman plays a really strong defensive game having nearly 2 shots blocked in his 5 games in the U18 Tournament, and getting 1 hit per game. He does a really good job of getting shots on net out of several opportunities he gets. Adam is a smaller sasquatch of a defenseman who even pinned one of Sweden’s skaters on the boards behind his goalies net. Belusko takes no prisoners and has very active feet, and an active hockey stick keeping his defensive positioning to limit any possible errors with an opponent he has from trying to evade. His ability to skate is rather good and is very smooth in skating backwards to keep an eye on his opponents. He plays as if he were a really big 6’3” but it truly is his heart of a competitor.

    1 Martin Haronik, GK, 26.07.2006, 6’5, 205 lb (HC Modre Kridla Slovan, Slovakia 2)

    Haronik has a really big size and takes up a lot of net coverage. When he goes into the butterfly during very fast passing by his opponents he tends to be out of position enough in a small window. He made an original right pad save on the original shot and the rebound had 2 Latvians blitzing the 1 Slovak defender. Martin had no time to get a few inches over to his low left pad side to make that save. He did everything he could to keep his team in the game making 35/39 saves. Easily 3 of those were on the defense and that was due in part because 2 of the 3 screened Haronik. 1 of which Haronik could have had but wasn’t in position to put the glove out in time. He was dealing with moving fast enough to make those saves but his defense did less to help him save more high danger chances. His positioning was slightly off in this game. His composure, and athleticism was there, but needs to work a bit more on tracking the puck with traffic on top of rebound control. Haronik has all the tools he needs; he just needs to get a bit more seasoning because he could develop into a starting goaltender if he gets it all together, especially with a truly sound defense that can fetch pucks and clear the zone out so he doesn’t have to do all the lifting.

    17 Ondrej Maruna, C, 29.06.2006, 6’4”, 201 lb (Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL)

    Maruna is a really unique player who knows how to forecheck, skate really well, and sees the play developing perfectly. He knows what to do and makes small aspects in a game like getting takeaways in an opponent’s zone and taking the opportunity to shoot the puck on net. The Slovak center did just that versus Czechia and was able to rifle one home on a wrist shot far away from mid danger behind the faceoff circle. His speed, agility, and tenacity along with him having a nose for the net is gonna be key as he grows older into an NHL player he will be enjoyable to coach. His ability to go after pucks and go to the dirty areas and making the opportunities for him and his team to potentially win games. He plays a similar utility and playmaker, goal scorer role similar to Ondrej Palat, and Yegor Sharangovich. It wouldn’t be a surprise as he progresses that he starts to become a goal scorer the next level of hockey he will progress into

    Photos courtesy IIHF.com

    Get your hands on the comprehensive DraftPro 2024 Draft Guide now!

    In the 2024 Draft Guide our team ranks the top 224 NHL Draft eligibles, provides well-written profiles on the top 224 names for this year, includes in-depth prospect features, looks at the NHL’s top 50 drafted prospects coming down the pipe, dives into what each NHL team has in the prospect cupboard and what their draft needs are, provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 32, provides a top 32 ranking on the 2026 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 10, and so much more.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-2024-nhl-draft-guide-now-available
  • DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – FINLAND

    DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – FINLAND

    By DraftPro Staff

    The IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships just wrapped up last week in Espoo and Vantaa Finland, and was a scouting hotspot as a last big event for NHL staffs who are charged with evaluating the next wave of NHL talent.

    There were some bright spots for the upcoming 2024 NHL draft that stood out and some future draft eligibles that really grabbed the spotlight. In this ten-part series we will look at each team entry and provide some review of prospects, how they performed and how their performance might have affected their draft stock. We will start with the last place team, Kazakhstan, and work our way through to the gold medal winning Canadian squad.

    The host Finns finished in fifth place and had some strong performances from its roster with more than a few names making jumps up NHL team draft lists in our estimation.

    Here are some player reports from our Andy Miller on the Finnish U18 players that stood out.

    #12 Aron Kiviharju, D, Finland U18, 5’10”, 172, L, DOB 1.26.2006

    He is a dynamic defenseman who can push the play with confidence in the tournament. Despite missing much of the season due to surgery and seems to have recovered his game well.  He was a great passer in the tournament and could initiate a breakout with a single pass, put the puck in an area or find a seam and thread the needle consistently. His shot could still use some more power or speed behind it.. His smaller size could be an issue at the NHL defensively but he will certainly bulk up by then.  He defended well particularly by using his body positioning to box out and protect the net front.   His play at the tournament locked him in as a first round defender in the upcoming draft.

    #19 Konsta Helenius, F, Finland U18, 5’11”, 181, R, DOB 5.11.2006

    Heleinius is a dynamic playmaker and could dictate the pace of the game.  His  slick skating game was on display throughout the tournament. who plays a 200 foot game.  His high end offensive skills were often visible.  He is usually a good decision maker but at times can be risky in the neutral zone or around the bluelines. He showed off his shooting skills at times but that skill could have been used a bit more in the tournament as zero goals stood out a bit. His tournament play solidified his ranking as a top puck distributor but may have dropped his overall ranking a bit due to his inability to elevate to a high level against other elite players. Helenius is definitely a top ten option in the upcoming draft and has a great shot at going in the top five.

    #32 Emil Hemming, F, Finland U18, 6’2”, 194, L, DOB 1.27.2006

    Hemming is a bigger forward who has good vision on the ice and he used that throughout the tournament. He was able to put the puck on the tape and made it easy to receive. He is a shooter first though and he has a good release that is hard to read for goaltenders and by scoring 4 goals in 5 games he had this skill set on display. He has exceptional hands and works the puck well. At times he was able to gain separation from plates on the ice with some quick acceleration.  He wants to be involved in the game and is not afraid to go to the dirty areas on the ice.  Hemming locked himself in as a quality shooter and finisher in this tournament and while he didn’t elevate his status he likely maintained it. He is a player who could be a top line player in the next few years and become a difference maker for a team that selects him in the top twenty in the upcoming draft.

    #33 Tuomas Suoniemi, F, Finland U18, 5’10”, 161, L, DOB 4.16.2006

    Suoniemi went to the net consistently and even though he isn’t very big he took up position and was hard to handle.  He was well balanced on his edges and surprisingly led Finland in points. In his points he registered goals and assists showing he can distribute the puck as well as finish. He went to the hard areas on the ice and often came out with the puck.  He showed he has an edge to his game and this is what will help him to become a better player than his skillset should allow. He has some good skill and could become a solid third line player with some offensive capabilities after a few years of development. He was a quality player in the tournament and likely ensured himself a middle round option in 2024.  He is likely a fifth round option in the upcoming draft. 

    #36 Heiki Ruohonen, F, Finland U18, L, 6’1”, 196, DOB 6.19.2006

    Ruohonen is a strong player on the wall and can protect the puck often. He demonstrated good offensive instincts throughout the tournament. He is a player who at times makes risky plays and can  turn over the puck multiple times in a game. He has an ability to receive the puck through traffic and get the puck on the net.  When he gets going he plays all 200 feet of the rink and can dictate the pace of the game, but the issue is that this doesn’t happen enough and he leaves onlookers wanting more. Ruohonen works the wall well and is a solid two way prayer.  In the tournament he was a quality forward who supported his teammates and got on the scoreboard a bit. Has the ability to finish and could become a middle six forward and is a third round option in the upcoming draft.

    #24 Joona Saarelainen, F, Finland U18, L, 5’9”, 176, DOB 5.5.2006

    Saarelainen is a very strong skater who can effectively drive the puck through the neutral zone. He is a player who can dictate the pace of the game and change it mid shift. He is a game breaker who can change the dynamics of the game when he steps on the ice. The puck finds Saarelainen on the ice and sticks to him, particularly in the offensive zone. He has an excellent shot with a very deceptive release that is hard to read.  He found the back of the net three times and was just under a point a game.  He is a very good passer and can find the lanes and pass quickly or delay to open it up. More consistency would help elevate his selection status. He could become a second line player with a few years of development and be a third round option at the draft.  His play at the tournament was good but he didn’t consistently stand out which matches what has been seen up until now, inconsistent play.

    #27 Aatos Koivu , F, Finland U18,  R, 6’1”, 163, DOB 6.22.2006

    Koivu won key faceoffs  in the tournament or didn’t lose cleanly. He is a player with good hands and good offensive instincts. He worked the low area in the offensive zone well throughout the tournament.  He is a smart player but at times can hesitate or not make a decision and run into trouble. Koivu has a good shot and has a quick release as well.  He is responsible in his zone and typically has good body position.  Koivu gets in the passing lanes and blocks or deters passes well.  At times he can be a bit soft on his stick though and needs to protect the puck against high end players along the wall. He is likely a third round option in the upcoming draft and is likely a solid middle six forward with some offensive capabilities. In the tournament he was effective without the puck and that was good to see as he was not very noticeable offensively. 

    #4  Mitja Jokinen,D, Finland U18.L, 5’10”, 161, L DOB 3.1.2006

    Jokinen has offensive instincts and protected the offensive blueline effectively in the tournament.  He is a quality skater who moves up the ice well and reads the play that is given to him. Jokinen shoots the puck well and is able to get it on the net more often than not. He is a hard worker at the net front but he must use his skating ability to box players out which could be an issue as he moves up levels. He deferred to his teammates often in the tournament and one would like to see him exhibit more confidence in his game. He has the ability to carry the puck up the ice and rush the full ice and protect the puck at times. He needs to be more consistent with his effort. Jokinen is not a very physical player and can be out muscled in the corner. He is a quality defender who has some capabilities and could be a second pairing defender or may not crack the NHL too.  His stats jump off the sheet in this tournament at a point a game, but the eye test left me wanting more from him. He is likely a fourth or fifth round option.  He was a quality defender in the tournament who had almost a point a game and there is a chance he could round out his game and be a gem for a team in the draft.

    #1 Petteri Rimpinen, G, FInland U18, 6’0”, 176, L, DOB 4.25.2006

    Rimpinen was a strong goaltender and excellent stats in the majority of the tournament. He is a goaltender who went down when the puck is at or near the goal line area. He was able to recover to his feet quickly and makes good reads.He doesn’t appear to read the play before it is going to happen but rather reacts to the play that happens. Rimpinen moves quickly and stays deep in his net more often than most other goaltenders who is more of a blocking style goaltender.  He is able to get out of the net and send up the puck or play it for his teammates.  He played well in the tournament but needs to improve his consistency against high end players, like Team USA.  Likely a later round option in the upcoming draft.

    Photos courtesy IIHF.com

    ************************************************************

    Get your hands on the comprehensive DraftPro 2024 Draft Guide now!

    In the 2024 Draft Guide our team ranks the top 224 NHL Draft eligibles, provides well-written profiles on the top 224 names for this year, includes in-depth prospect features, looks at the NHL’s top 50 drafted prospects coming down the pipe, dives into what each NHL team has in the prospect cupboard and what their draft needs are, provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 32, provides a top 32 ranking on the 2026 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 10, and so much more.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-2024-nhl-draft-guide-now-available

  • DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – CZECHIA

    By DraftPro Staff

    The IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships just wrapped up last week in Espoo and Vantaa Finland, and was a scouting hotspot as a last big event for NHL staffs who are charged with evaluating the next wave of NHL talent.

    There were some bright spots for the upcoming 2024 NHL draft that stood out and some future draft eligibles that really grabbed the spotlight. In this ten-part series we will look at each team entry and provide some review of prospects, how they performed and how their performance might have affected their draft stock. We will start with the last place team, Kazakhstan, and work our way through to the gold medal winning Canadian squad.

    The Czechia team came in looking to do some damage with a few big bodies and some highly skilled smaller players who can create offensive chances on their own. Unfortunately they has a bit of a disappointing showing as the consistency in play was just not there as they finished sixth overall.

    Here are some player reports from our Liam Staples on the Czechia U18 players that stood out.

    #19 F Adam Jecho, Czechia, 6’5” 198 R. 26-03-2006

    A powerful skater, his skating has noticeably improved since the 2023 Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. He pivots and rotates his body correctly to stay involved in the play. His decision making needs to be quicker, against Canada and Sweden he was a step behind and as a result could not make plays like he wanted too. His offense was limited against Canada because defenders forced him to the outside with the puck, he did not try to carry the puck to the middle of the ice against Canada, he made successful seam passes but need to see him carry the puck into the middle of the ice more. Jecho is skilled with the puck, likes to make plays off the rush and take on opponents one on one. He is not overly physical, would like to see him engage in more body contact to separate the puck from his man. He is strong on the puck, protects the puck well with his wide gait and keeps his feet moving with the puck. Adam established a pre-set deke in the slot area with a quick drag and release. He scored several of his goals in the WHL this past season with his patented quick drag and release. He has a powerful shot from distance, quick release off his blade with solid accuracy capable of beating goaltenders up high on either side of the net. In a game against Sweden, Jecho showed off his impressive pre-set deke by scoring a goal on his off-side with a shot from the slot over the goalie’s shoulder on a two-on-one opportunity. He has great coordination with his body and his stick which can be credited towards his background in playing competitive tennis growing up. The reflexes he learned playing tennis translate on the ice through his quick stops and starts and maintaining control of the puck with his feet. He competes on the ice through hard backchecks and puck protection. He is very effective at using his stick to close the gap between his opponent. He is very disciplined with his stick, he does not fall into his opponent’s trap by lodging his stick into his opponent’s feet or hands causing a penalty. At this year’s tournament Czechia was missing their top-defenceman in Adam Jiricek, fourth ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting, Jecho finished tied for the most points on his team with three points and led his team with two goals in the tournament. Czechia did not have the firepower offensively compared to previous years so the offense was limited but Jecho was one of the more productive players on the Czechia roster this year.  

    #23 F Petr Sikora, Czechia, 5’10” 172 L. 02-01-2006

    Sikora was named an assistant captain for Czechia at the tournament. He is shifty with his feet, glides through traffic and gets into open areas on the ice by shifting his feet. On the penalty kill he occupies shooting lanes to the net through his shifty lateral skating. Scored his lone goal of the tournament against Sweden on a high blocker shot from the strong side faceoff circle. He took advantage of the space the defense was giving him and he made the Swedes pay for it. Sikora is strong on the puck, plays stronger than what his weight indicates, he can be difficult to knock off the puck as he protects the puck well with his body and opens his skating gait to put more strength into his skating stride. Sikora can play the puck at his feet, he was effective at maintaining possession through excellent footwork. Sikora carries a high intensity to his game, he embraces contact well and adjusts his body position accordingly, he plays at a fast pace, speed is not the only reliable option to his arsenal. He relies more on quick lateral movements and strong edgework to open himself up to the play, his edgework and puck protection made him effective at creating quick looks for his team in the offensive zone. Watching Sikora play you can see him processing the ongoing play on the ice, this allows him to read the developing play making him the first player in position when the puck arrives. There were numerous occurrences of Sikora being in the right position at the right time to retrieve the puck, coming out unexpectedly to intercept passes or close down lanes to the net; this was very noticeable in the quarter-final matchup against rival Slovakia.

    #15 D Tomas Galvas, Czechia, 5’10 148 L. 11-02-2006

    Galvas played on the top pairing for Czechia in the tournament and looked upon in every situation. He struggled against Canada eliminating opponent’s time and space, he failed to pin players along the boards ending the ongoing cycle. He plays with the positive instincts in the defensive end but lacks size and strength, as his body further develops and adds strength to his body frame, his defensive zone reads should improve. He needs work on his gap control, Galvas does an effective job keeping his opponent to the outside but lacks the strength to eliminate them from the play, as a result, when Galvas falls a step behind his opponent, he falls out of position and cannot make up for it with his size. Watching Galvas execute his puck retrievals is enticing because he finds ways to escape on coming pressure. His skating ability is a strong suit to his game, he is strong on his edges and lateral movements and pivots extremely well with the puck to create time and space for himself. His ability to pivot with the puck adds a sense of poise to his game. He is fairly consistent in completing breakout passes from puck retrievals but he is a smooth skater when he rushes the puck. Galvas quarterbacked the top Czechia power play, he walks the line well and looks to move the puck to his forwards. He does not regularly activate himself into the play often in the offensive zone however, he will pinch in the zone to become an available passing option.

    #6 D Jakub Fibigr, Czechia, 6’0” 172 L. 22-07-2006

    Fibigr was named an assistant captain for Czechia at the tournament. Jakub played on the top pairings for Czechia throughout the tournament averaging over 20 minutes of ice time a game. He was given responsibility as quarterbacking the second power play unit and a key member of Czechia’s penalty kill. Fibigr had rough starts to a couple hockey games. He struggled out of the gate in the contest against Canada. He fanned on a pass to his partner off the opening faceoff leading to a goal-against just a mere seconds into the hockey game. On his next shift, he failed to control a pass in his feet which eventually resulted in putting his team down two goals within two minutes of the game. As the game progressed he began to use his feet more. He uses good angles to keep players to the outside of the ice but struggles with proper body positioning when trying to take away space and disrupting possession. Fibigr is a puck-moving defenceman capable of making short distance passes but inconsistent with his long stretch breakout passes. He prefers to move the puck but can use his feet to elude trouble and find a passing option. Fibigr finished the tournament with one goal, his goal was a timely goal in the quarterfinal matchup against Slovakia to bring his team to within one in the third period.

    #22 F Maxmilian Curran, Czechia, 6’3” 185 L. 27-08-2006

    Standing at 6’3” Curran patrols the middle of the ice as a two-way forward. He drops down below the dots to provide defensive support but still has areas of improvement in the defensive end. His decision making needs to be quicker in the defensive zone. Czechia plays a man-on-man style defense, when someone loses their man, Curran needs to make quicker decisions to either cover for his teammate or stick to his man, oftentimes he will hesitate and that quick hesitation provides space to the net for his opponent. Skating is another area that Curran needs to improve, he is not a physical presence nor is he a bull in a China shop when it comes to competing for loose pucks in the corners, he is lacking foot speed and he is weak on his edges. The area he excels is in front of the net. He occupies the net front presence role on the first power play unit. He plays with good instincts down low through carrying the puck to the front of the net and absorbing contact, if he sees the net is covered he will try to move the puck cross ice. Curran finished tied for the most points for his team with three points in the tournament. He scored his lone goal of the tournament using his instincts to move the puck down low to the front of the net to his teammate and timed his net drive perfectly to slide in the rebound. He finished the tournament with two primary assists, the timing of his points were clutch for his team as he scored the first goal of the hockey game in the preliminary round against Switzerland and recorded the primary assist on the first goal of the game against Sweden, both games Curran got on the statsheet Czechia would go on to win.

    #9 F Adam Benak, Czechia, 5’7” 152. L. 10-04-2007

    An underage forward that plays with explosive speed, Benak played on the top forward line for Czechia and finished tied for the most points on the team. Benak’s short skating stride allows him to reach full speed in minimal strides. He possesses break away speed with an elusive first step, he builds up speed through his windup at the start of his turn and by the time he completes the turn and gathers the puck he has reached maximal speed. Listed at 5’7” 152 lbs, he struggled with overcoming physicality, defenders were able to close down the gap on him quickly and erase him from the play through body positioning. Defenders were able to box him out in the corners and use their body to protect the puck. For a smaller player with quick speed, Benak showed higher levels of compete compared to others on his team, he supported his teammates in board battles and dropped low in the defensive end to take away passing lanes in front of the net. He has silky hands, made nice saucer passes to teammates in traffic, with his skillset, when he adds more muscle to his body, his passing ability and coordination should improve. He is not afraid to let shots go from distance, he scored his lone goal of the tournament by shooting a puck on net from distance and outworking his opponent to collect his own rebound. Benak finished the tournament with one goal and two assists. As an underager Benak played top line minutes for his team, played on the top power play unit and was put on the ice in crucial situations for his team. Benak will be a vital returning piece offensively for Czechia next season in his draft year at the 2025 IIHF U18-World Hockey Championship.

    Photos courtesy IIHF.com

    ************************************************************

    Get your hands on the comprehensive DraftPro 2024 Draft Guide now!

    In the 2024 Draft Guide our team ranks the top 224 NHL Draft eligibles, provides well-written profiles on the top 224 names for this year, includes in-depth prospect features, looks at the NHL’s top 50 drafted prospects coming down the pipe, dives into what each NHL team has in the prospect cupboard and what their draft needs are, provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 32, provides a top 32 ranking on the 2026 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 10, and so much more.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-2024-nhl-draft-guide-now-available

  • DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – SWITZERLAND

    By DraftPro Staff

    The IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships just wrapped up last week in Espoo and Vantaa Finland, and was a scouting hotspot as a last big event for NHL staffs who are charged with evaluating the next wave of NHL talent.

    There were some bright spots for the upcoming 2024 NHL draft that stood out and some future draft eligibles that really grabbed the spotlight. In this ten-part series we will look at each team entry and provide some review of prospects, how they performed and how their performance might have affected their draft stock. We will start with the last place team, Kazakhstan, and work our way through to the gold medal winning Canadian squad.

    The Swiss team came in with arguably the most talent we have seen at this event from them ever with more than a few projected draft picks dotting their roster. And they did not disappoint as they finished in seventh place out of a ten-team field.

    Here are some player reports from our Seth Ditchfield on the Swiss U18 players that stood out.

    23 D, LEON MUGGLI, (EV Zug, NL) 6’0, 176, L, DOB: 7.9.2006
    It cannot be overstated just how critical Leon Muggli was for this roster, serving as a catalyst who was likely to be one of the most active players in the entire tournament. Muggli started off the tournament strong, but unfortunately, he had to leave game 3 with an injury and did not return. Despite being somewhat of a hidden gem due to the smaller market he plays in, he secured a solid and permanent role on Zug’s Swiss NL team. Muggli isn’t a towering presence; instead, he opts to use his core strength wisely, playing low to the ice to maximize his strength, and defending intelligently with his active and robust stick, as well as positional awareness. He is a safe, yet productive player, not the most flashy or dynamic, but possessing an incredible ability to move the puck to high-danger areas. Muggli demonstrated his excellent skating in this tournament, able to stop and start on a dime, and catch defenders off-guard with plenty of rush opportunities, fully showcasing his transition strength. He exits the zone with crisp, solid passes, and is always engaged and tactically sound away from the puck. He’s been one of the most mature and intelligent defenders in this draft, and the same continued to be true for Team Switzerland.

    26 D, DANIIL USTINKOV, (GCK Lions, SL) 6’1, 201, L, DOB: 8.26.2006
    Daniil Ustinkov is a case of talent versus execution. He had a prime opportunity to step up after Leon Muggli’s injury, yet he failed to take advantage. Ustinkov is a strong skater with fluid edges and great stickhandling under pressure. However, he often tries to do too much, especially in the neutral zone or when exiting the zone, leading to turnovers. His slow backchecking has often resulted in creating odd-man rushes against his team. Despite these issues, Ustinkov showcased incredible composure under pressure, consistently making solid first passes and proving his worth as a notable transition defender. His lack of explosiveness and faulty decision-making was apparent, as he struggled to control the tempo and was easily outmaneuvered by opponents who would simply dump the puck or pass it around him, despite his near unbeatability in one-on-one situations. Offensively, the tournament didn’t go well either, finishing with just one assist, he was unable to consistently generate offensive opportunities due to his decision-making flaws. Ustinkov’s potential remains high, but his performance likely lowered his draft stock. Moving forward, his challenge will be to improve his decision-making and play with significantly more intensity and competitiveness than he showed in this tournament.

    4 D, GIAN MEIER, (GCK Lions, U20-Elit) 6’2, 168, R, DOB: 7.10.2006
    What a story Gian Meier was in this tournament, he found a gap in the Swiss defense and leveraged it to significantly boost his draft stock. A defensive defenseman with only 3 goals in 60 games, Meier showed off some offense by scoring 2 goals and racking up 4 points in just 5 games, leading the Swiss roster. His defensive talent shone even in tough matches against Canada, where he was a bulwark, effectively using his strength to box out forwards, enhance his gap control, and aggressively play the corners. As Meier continues to bulk up, his presence in these areas will only grow stronger. Offensively, he showcased his abilities by smoothly transitioning the puck, supporting rushes with robust 4-way skating, and confidently taking shots from the point. His rapid decision-making and evolving offensive vision marked a significant development in his game, contributing heavily not just defensively but offensively, playing crucial minutes in all situations and logging over 20 minutes per game.

    19 RW, KIMI KOERBLER, (Ottawa 67’s, OHL) 5’11, 168, L, DOB: 9.25.2006
    A spark in a quiet Swiss team, Kimi Koerbler (2 goals, 5 games) wasn’t a scoring machine, but his thrilling bursts made him a standout. With elite skating speed, Koerbler kept up with the fastest, winning puck battles and showcasing a heavy shot. His hands stayed sure under pressure, fueling his aggressive style. However, inconsistency plagued him. Passes lacked zip and variety, and his game became predictable at times. Koerbler can dominate stretches, but then disappear. For early draft consideration in 2025, consistency is key.

    1 G, CHRISTIAN KIRSCH, (Zug, U20-Elit) 6’3, 176, L, DOB: 6.18.2006
    With no shortage of activity from Day 1, Christian Kirsch was a beacon of reliability in net, showcasing his blend of tactical intelligence. Kirsch is adept at covering the lower half of the net, as he’s very prominent in a split, and fluid from post to post. He’s a big presence during breakaway action, covering large portions of the net and forcing a deke. However, Kirsch also struggled with vision and technical talent. He let in some clean floater shots from the point due to screens, and the puck would slip through him when he was cleanly in position and ready. Despite the negatives, Kirsch has a solid frame and intelligence to build off of, making him one of the higher-upside goaltenders in the class.

    7 LD, BASILE SANSONNENS, (Fribourg-Gottéron, U20-Elit) 6’3, 198, L, DOB: 8.19.2006
    Basile Sansonnens is hardly an offensive dynamo, yet he stands out as a promising shutdown defenseman with solid 4-way skating, notably effective in backward crossovers and edgework. Despite his physical approach, particularly effective along the boards, he struggles against fast wingers and needs to boost his backward speed and physical assertiveness. During penalty kills, while he identifies passing lanes well, his blocking execution is lacking. Sansonnens must also refine his physical presence; his body checks often lack impact, necessitating further bulking up. Despite these areas for improvement, his potential as a reliable defenseman is evident, making him a valuable later-round pick.

    18 LW, ROBIN NICO ANTENEN, (Zug, U20-Elit) 6’2, 190, L, DOB: 5.21.2006
    Robin Antenen improved as the tournament went along, showing a strong work ethic away from the puck and a large presence on the ice. Known for his aggressive approach to puck battles, Antenen does a great job pressuring opponents on both forechecks and backchecks. While he lacks top speed, he’s persistent and competitive. He needs to improve his overall 4-way speed, particularly his first step, as it’s quite slow. Despite being quite strong, he doesn’t fully leverage that strength yet. I can see the potential for a strong bottom 6 player, with a strong shot, making him someone teams may target with a late-round pick.

    6 C, JAMIRO REBER, (HV71, J20 Nationell) 5’10, 176, L, DOB: 9.4.2006
    Jamiro Reber showed off a quick first step and held onto the puck well at top speed. He displayed impressive rush-shooting skills, creating numerous scoring chances every chance he got. His offensive style, though predictable, involved shooting at every opportunity from any angle, as well as handling the puck well in motion. He’s a strong transition player who became increasingly better at distributing the puck as the tournament progressed, though his playmaking ability still needs further development. At times, Reber struggled against tight defensive pressure, notably from Canada. As one of the youngest players in the draft, he has potential. To realize this potential, he needs to improve his agility, decision-making, and overall offensive variety to break through tougher systems.

    3 LD, LUDVIG JOHNSON, (Zug, U20-Elit) 5’10, 174, L, DOB: 7.27.2006
    Ludvig Johnson jumped into game action after the Leon Muggli injury, and he continued to show the intrigue he did in league games. He’s not the biggest, strongest, or most aware in his defensive end, but he was the most flashy in the offensive zone. He moves the puck extremely well in all 3 zones, he’s a great 4-way skater and pinches at all times. He got a secondary assist in his first shift against the Swedes and continued to impress with his puck skills in motion, as well as offensive zone possession. Johnson has a lot to work on: strength, defensive awareness, stick strength and awareness, rush defense, and more. However, I believe he’s an intriguing option to pick in the late rounds due to the potential he shows.

    It is also almost that time of year where you can get your hands on the comprehensive DraftPro 2024 Draft Guide which will be released in just a few days.

    In the 2024 Draft Guide our team ranks the top 224 NHL Draft eligibles, provides well-written profiles on the top 224 names for this year, includes in-depth prospect features, looks at the NHL’s top 50 drafted prospects coming down the pipe, dives into what each NHL team has in the prospect cupboard and what their draft needs are, provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 32, provides a top 32 ranking on the 2026 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 10, and so much more.

    This year everyone who pre-orders the 2024 Draft Guide digital edition will receive a pre-order discount off the cover price of $12.99 $10.00 each. So don’t wait, get your copy on order for just ten bucks and be the first to receive it as soon as it is published.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-2024-nhl-draft-guide-pre-order-special
  • DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – LATVIA

    DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – LATVIA

    By DraftPro Staff

    The IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships just wrapped up last week in Espoo and Vantaa Finland, and was a scouting hotspot as a last big event for NHL staffs who are charged with evaluating the next wave of NHL talent.

    There were some bright spots for the upcoming 2024 NHL draft that stood out and some future draft eligibles that really grabbed the spotlight. In this ten-part series we will look at each team entry and provide some review of prospects, how they performed and how their performance might have affected their draft stock. We will start with the last place team, Kazakhstan, and work our way through to the gold medal winning Canadian squad.

    The Latvian roster was overmatched as were the other four bottom of the standing teams against the powerhouse nations like Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland. The Latvian crew did manage to claw their way to an eighth-place finish meaning they will be back for the 2025 tournament.

    Here are some player reports from our Joseph Stanislau on the Latvian U18 players that stood out.

    14# Olivers Murnieks, C, 6’1, 181 lb, born 31.07.2008 (HK MOGO)

    Murnieks  has put up 3 points in 5 games with 2 assists. He is growing into his frame early on in this phase of his hockey career for team Latvia. He could grow to be a similar player to Juraj Slafkovsky in a few years where he is a really good power forward, strong as an ox, and already has the nose for the net. Olivers defends his own zone better than kids his age minus the -5 in plus minus on the Latvian national team. He forechecks really well and at this early on in his life he looks like a 3rd line center, but he’s only going to get better and could easily become a really solid 2nd line centerman as he progresses. Versus Finland and Slovakia he played over 20 minutes a game getting 1 goal and 1 assist and Slovakia was a team that failed to medal in the Bronze medal game. So the upside is absolutely there and could definitely build into something special overtime.

    8# Oskars Nyls Briedis, D, 6’3, 183 lb, born 10.07.2006 (HS Riga 17)

    Oskars played big in the corners like a true stay at home defenseman and did a magnificent job clogging the neutral zone being part of a defensive trap scheme. He did a tremendous job tying up his opponents sticks along the crease and played really sound, being able to skate well via the neutral zone to the offensive zone, and did a good job covering open lanes. He plays 15 to 16 minutes a game and could easily fit into a teams defensive structure easily and would do well playing in the AHL for a little bit before he takes on a bigger role in the NHL.

    #15 Maksims Haritoncevs, F, 5’11, 161 lb, 27.07.2006 (Mora IK J18)

    Maksims for a very young forward has had very good reads on the cycle via the power play. He knew how to isolate himself a bit and moved in from the blueline to the point with a wrist shot for a power play goal. He had 3 points (2 assists) in 4 games, and played well against Slovakia and the USA where he got his big points. He is a strong competitor going up against some of the strongest teams in the tournament that went off to medal games. So anyone looking for a strong competitive player on forward would be very fortunate to have him in their farm system.

    #1 Mikus Vecvanags, GK, 6’3, 159, 17.01.2006 (HS RIGA 17)

    There was some adversity Mikus had to deal with versus a soon to be silver medal USA roster stacked with studs who were precision like passers, and snipers. He bounced back immensely using his mechanics, and his really quick recovery, and his rebound control improved against Canada after a let down 2 games before against the Americans. If Mikus had some goal support versus Canada, Vecvanags had the ability to steal a game from the soon to be Canadian national team. The big game he had before in a win was against Slovakia in a 5-3 win and he was not given goal support in the first half of the game but in the last half because of his fast edges, positioning, and taking up as much net coverage gave his defense a lot of breathing room to follow suit. He is a big goalie, but he needs to add some more muscle to his lower and mid section so that way he can keep covering that lower third on the ice where he has done an amazing job poking pucks away, and keeping that five hole covered.

    #25 Darels Uljanskis, D, 6’2, 192 lb, 25.08.2006 (AIK J20)

    Darels logged an average time on ice of over 23:26 playing key defensive roles for Team Latvia at the U18 men’s tournament in Finland. He averaged 1 hit a game and over 2.6 blocked shots on average in a span of 5 games for Latvia for every 3 shots on net out of 5 attempts he took during that span. Uljanskis likes to keep the pace of play going for his team and is very responsible in his own zone. He is a good sized defenseman and is a very reliable defender with a really big reach and with that he does a really good job boxing out opponents. He is a very undervalued defenseman and he definitely could serve as a 2-way defenseman as he molds into a rock solid player for any team that acquires him.

    ************************************************************

    It is also almost that time of year where you can get your hands on the comprehensive DraftPro 2024 Draft Guide which will be released in just a few days.

    In the 2024 Draft Guide our team ranks the top 224 NHL Draft eligibles, provides well-written profiles on the top 224 names for this year, includes in-depth prospect features, looks at the NHL’s top 50 drafted prospects coming down the pipe, dives into what each NHL team has in the prospect cupboard and what their draft needs are, provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 32, provides a top 32 ranking on the 2026 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 10, and so much more.

    This year everyone who pre-orders the 2024 Draft Guide digital edition will receive a pre-order discount off the cover price of $12.99 $10.00 each. So don’t wait, get your copy on order for just ten bucks and be the first to receive it as soon as it is published.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-2024-nhl-draft-guide-pre-order-special
  • DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – NORWAY

    DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – NORWAY

    By DraftPro Staff

    The IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships just wrapped up last week in Espoo and Vantaa Finland, and was a scouting hotspot as a last big event for NHL staffs who are charged with evaluating the next wave of NHL talent.

    There were some bright spots for the upcoming 2024 NHL draft that stood out and some future draft eligibles that really grabbed the spotlight. In this ten-part series we will look at each team entry and provide some review of prospects, how they performed and how their performance might have affected their draft stock. We will start with the last place team, Kazakhstan, and work our way through to the gold medal winning Canadian squad.

    Norway, being one of the weaker teams in the tournament, was not expected to make a major impact as a team in this tournament. However, the team still had memorable moments with the best one being the team’s win against Kazakhstan in a shootout which saved the Norway U18 team from relegation next season. Throughout the tournament there were some prospects who impressed and those who did not fulfill expectations.

    Here are some player reports from our John Peters on the Norwegian U18 players that stood out.

    #22 F, Elias Vatne, Norway (Färjestad BK J20, J20 Nationell), 5’9”, 165, L, DOB 04.21.2006

    An undersized playmaker that played a pivotal role in Norway’s win against Kazakhstan which saved Norway U18 from relegation. The game against Kazakhstan was by far his most impressive outing. In the game he led the way with a goal and three points in regulation, which was then followed up by his clutch performance in the shootout where he would score not one but two shootout goals to win his team the game. He was an impact player for Norway throughout the tournament and led the team in assists with 6 in 5 games. His offensive creativity stood out on the team with the way he would skate with the puck in the offensive zone using his speed and quick cuts to create time and space for passing lanes to open. He also demonstrated the willingness to drive to the front of the net and create scoring chances in tight. He was arguably Norway’s top player in the tournament. Due to his size, lack of high-end speed, and weak shot, he will likely go undrafted. Even if his name is not called on draft day, this event will be one he will never forget for his outstanding performance.

    #17 F, Mathias Dehli, Norway (Mora IK, HockeyAllsvenskan), 6’2”, 187, R, DOB 01.13.2006

    A big center that plays a power forward type game. On more than one occasion he drove to the front of the net by lowering his shoulder and using his weight to create separation from the defender leading to a scoring chance for himself. In the tournament, he relied heavily on his size and strength to hold onto the puck and create scoring chances for his team. His skating ability is one of his biggest weaknesses. He has a slow first step and his top speed is below average for his age group. Additionally, he struggles to make crisp passes to teammates in tight windows and does not see the ice as well as one would like. His shot and size are the greatest gifts he has at this stage. Additionally, he has some pretty good hands which was demonstrated on one of his goals against Kazakhstan where he made a powerful move to the net. Overall, he is a serious project and at best will be a fourth line guy in the NHL. He did impress enough to at least earn consideration for the 2024 NHL draft.

    #16 F, Mikkel Eriksen, Norway (Valerenga U20, Norway U20), 5’11”, 181, L, DOB 09.13.2007

    Eriksen led the team in goals for the tournament with 4 goals in 5 games played. The centerman played a strong two-way game with little flashes of skill here and there. At times, he was physically outmatched and easily knocked off the puck. With another year of physical development, he should fare much better at the tournament next season. All his goals scored in the tournament were scored within 5-10 feet of the crease. He showed a willingness to skate hard to the front of the net and open up for one-timers and to put home rebounds. He played a simple and smart game and was a huge reason why Norway won their game against Kazakhstan, scoring 2 goals and 3 points. Overall, he had an impressive tournament for a D-1 season and has a promising future with the potential of being a mid-round pick in next year’s NHL draft.   

    #15 F, Jorgen Myhre, Norway (Färjestad BK J20, J20 Nationell), 6’0”, 203, L, DOB 09.22.2006

    A playmaking forward who is eligible for the 2025 NHL draft. In the tournament he showed flashes of his playmaking ability and improved his game as the tournament went on. He is a hard-working forward that plays a strong 2-way game, but he lacks the puck handling skills, speed, and shot to someday become a top-9 contributor at the NHL level. Major improvements are needed for him to ever make the NHL, and even if he does the ceiling is low. His continued improvement in play throughout the tournament is what stuck out most.

    #5 D, Ludvig Lafton, Norway (Frisk Asker U20, Norway U20), 6’2”, 187, L, DOB 01.11.2006

    The big left-shot defensive defenseman was playing in this tournament to earn a spot in the 2024 NHL draft. Struggled against speed and skill. He has slow feet and is a very upright skater which limits his ability to generate speed and explosiveness in his skating. His physical play and smarts compensated for a lot of this. He was especially strong along the boards in the defensive zone at eliminating opponents from play. Was called upon to play in all situations even though he is not an offensively gifted player. A very low ceiling and has a lot of work to do to someday crack a lineup in the NHL. He impressed defensively and was far and away Norway’s most reliable defender throughout the tournament.

    ************************************************************

    It is also almost that time of year where you can get your hands on the comprehensive DraftPro 2024 Draft Guide which will be released in just a few days.

    In the 2024 Draft Guide our team ranks the top 224 NHL Draft eligibles, provides well-written profiles on the top 224 names for this year, includes in-depth prospect features, looks at the NHL’s top 50 drafted prospects coming down the pipe, dives into what each NHL team has in the prospect cupboard and what their draft needs are, provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 32, provides a top 32 ranking on the 2026 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 10, and so much more.

    This year everyone who pre-orders the 2024 Draft Guide digital edition will receive a pre-order discount off the cover price of $12.99 $10.00 each. So don’t wait, get your copy on order for just ten bucks and be the first to receive it as soon as it is published.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-2024-nhl-draft-guide-pre-order-special
  • DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – KAZAKHSTAN

    DRAFTPRO – 2024 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW – KAZAKHSTAN

    By DraftPro Staff

    The IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships just wrapped up last week in Espoo and Vantaa Finland, and was a scouting hotspot as a last big event for NHL staffs who are charged with evaluating the next wave of NHL talent.

    There were some bright spots for the upcoming 2024 NHL draft that stood out and some future draft eligibles that really grabbed the spotlight. In this ten-part series we will look at each team entry and provide some review of prospects, how they performed and how their performance might have affected their draft stock. We will start with the last place team, Kazakhstan, and work our way through to the gold medal winning Canadian squad.

    The Kazakhstan roster often came out of the gates strong, grabbing early leads like 2-0 against Switzerland and 1-0 against Sweden, and starting 1-1 against Canada. Despite these promising starts, victories were tough to come across until Game 3 against the Czechs, where Kazakhstan pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by securing their first-ever victory at the U18 top event. It was a team effort led by captain Abzal Alibek and defenseman Roman Bolshedvorsky. This high point, however, was bittersweet as Kazakhstan found themselves relegated to Division 1A, setting up a challenge to fight their way back for the 2026 tournament.

    Here are some player reports from our Seth Ditchfield on the Kazakhstan U18 players that stood out.

    #25 Tanirkhan Alpysbayev G, Barys Astana U18 (Russia U18) 6’1, 165, R, DOB: 2.15.2007

    When a small nation gets pummeled in the shot department, it’s not surprising to see a goaltender, known for their confidence and drive, stand on his head at times. However, Tanirkhan Alpysbayev was a different story. With stylistic shades of Jonathan Quick, he produced one highlight reel after another, showing an exceptional level of flexibility and agility that was astonishing, especially for an underager in this tournament. Alpysbayev is a goaltender who effectively combines athleticism, speed, agility, and flexibility. His ability to cover post-to-post with lightning speed underscores his dynamic and somewhat risky playing style, although improved positional play could help reduce the need for such dramatic saves. His rebound control remains a work in progress; he generally manages to swallow the puck and opts for safer plays, whether covering the puck or playing it cautiously. However, his blocker work could be more consistent, often sending pucks flying in unpredictable directions. In the crease, he adopts a tall and aggressive stance, which helps cover the top half of the net, but as a butterfly goalie who frequently drops low, he exposes the top of the net again. On breakaways, his assertive approach effectively shuts down shooting lanes, compelling forwards to attempt dekes, which are usually useless given his strength down low. Although he has some technical challenges and issues with positional consistency, Alpysbayev’s quick recovery and stamina consistently kept his team in the game. If he can refine his technical skills to match his natural talent, he has the potential to excel in the 2025 class and beyond.

    #11 Assanali Sarkenov RW, Snezhnye Barys Astana (MHL) 6’4, 187, L, DOB: 7.22.2006

    Sarkenov didn’t start the tournament as he would have hoped, looking disinterested in game 1 and earning a suspension in game 2. However, his resurgence against Canada, where he scored three goals against a team that had only let in seven during the entire round-robin, was a dramatic turnaround. This performance showcased Sarkenov’s tenacity and aggressive playing style, a welcome change from his earlier issues. Notably, he’s a natural goal scorer with a quick, heavy release from the high slot that makes him a significant threat whenever he has time and space. Despite occasional moments of frustration and lapses in composure, Sarkenov’s physical attributes—standing at 6’4″ with soft hands, a strong stick, and rapid shot—allow him to excel in puck possession. His skating overall could use improvement, but his solid first step helps him keep pace with, and sometimes overpower, top-level defenders. While his performance in league games might raise questions about his draft potential, Sarkenov’s ability to dominate a game when given a chance indicates that he could be a smart pick in the later rounds. His second-half performance in the tournament revealed a high-upside player who could flourish with the right development.

    #10 Abzal Alibek LW, Snezhnye Barys Astana (MHL) 6’0, 163, L, DOB: 3.39.2006

    Alibek was a standout player for the Kazakhstan team, combining strong puck skills with notable leadership qualities. Recognized as possibly the strongest skater on his team, Alibek matched the pace of the tournament’s top players, consistently creating opportunities and effectively backchecking and closing lanes. He excelled in transition, adeptly handling passes of any quality and swiftly navigating the neutral zone with confidence. His offensive talent was evident in his snapshot, which secured two early goals against Sweden and Switzerland. Over five games, Alibek tallied five points, missing the scoresheet in only one game, which ironically was arguably his most impressive game—demonstrating his commitment across all three zones and playing a huge role in Kazakhstan’s first-ever win against Czechia in this tournament. Alibek’s work ethic and leadership influenced his team in a big way; he was a constant force on the ice and a seemingly positive presence in the locker room. His engagement off the puck was just as impressive, excelling in puck retrievals and showing keen positional awareness. While moving through defenders, his solid hand skills were apparent. Despite the need to bulk up, improve his balance, and expand his offensive toolkit, Alibek’s foundational strength of character and leadership highlighted his potential every shift. Although his league performance might raise concerns about his draft-ability, any team seeking a hardworking player who can contribute both on and off the ice and develop within their system would find Alibek to be a valuable late-round pick.

    #5 Mstislav Shipilin LD, Snezhnye Barys Astana (MHL) 6’0, 174, L, DOB: 3.31.2006

    Shipilin, traditionally a stay-at-home defender in the MHL, took on a more mobile and aggressive role during this tournament. He started rough, appearing completely out of place and struggling to keep up with the speedy Swedes. However, he dramatically improved in the second half of the tournament, highlighted by a big game against the Czechs. In that match, he logged 23 minutes and scored the game-winning goal, showcasing a level of mobility and puck skills not previously seen, handling pressure well and creating effectively in the neutral zone. Looking ahead, Shipilin is likely to jump to professional hockey as a mobile defensive defenseman. To succeed, he needs to bulk up, strengthen his play in the slot, and enhance his 4-way skating ability to better handle rush defense.

    #4 Roman Bolshedvorsky RD, Snezhnye Barys Astana (MHL) 6’3, 212, L, DOB: 6.18.2006

    Bolshedvorsky entered this tournament as an unknown, but he exited the tournament with the attention of scouts on him. Despite not being known as an offensive threat, his first goal of the season against Czechia showed a notable improvement in his puck control and activity, both in the neutral and offensive zones. There were initial doubts about whether his 6’3” frame could translate his potential into the NHL, especially as he often got pushed around and failed to use his size effectively. However, as the tournament progressed, Bolshedvorsky evolved into Kazakhstan’s toughest defender, notably in a standout performance against Czechia where he not only scored 2 points but also logged 21 minutes to help secure the win. While offense may not be his forte, his positional play and physicality lay a solid foundation. Moving forward, maintaining this newfound aggressive edge will be crucial for his development.

    #6 Syvatoslav Evplov, LD, Armiya-SKA St.Petersburg U16 (Russia U16) 6’0, 157, L, DOB: 8.27.2008

    Evplov stuck out from day one, something the other Kazakhstan defenders could not match. He stood out in the defensively-oriented system with his strong mobility and 4-way skating ability. Evplov effectively controlled the game’s pace from the backend, despite often facing tougher competition. He generally opts for a conservative approach, holding his position and containing forwards over pinching. However, his decision-making in the neutral zone was notably aggressive, demonstrating good timing and spatial awareness. Despite these strengths, Evplov needs to refine his puck retrievals and enhance his passing skills. His strength transition made him a catalyst in starting rushes, although his smaller frame and tendency to rely on reach rather than physical engagement sometimes left him exposed. To continue his development and become a prominent figure for Kazakhstan in 2026, Evplov will need to build up strength to improve his defensive strength against faster and more agile opponents.

    ************************************************************

    It is also almost that time of year where you can get your hands on the comprehensive DraftPro 2024 Draft Guide which will be released in just a few days.

    In the 2024 Draft Guide our team ranks the top 224 NHL Draft eligibles, provides well-written profiles on the top 224 names for this year, includes in-depth prospect features, looks at the NHL’s top 50 drafted prospects coming down the pipe, dives into what each NHL team has in the prospect cupboard and what their draft needs are, provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 32, provides a top 32 ranking on the 2026 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 10, and so much more.

    This year everyone who pre-orders the 2024 Draft Guide digital edition will receive a pre-order discount off the cover price of $12.99 $10.00 each. So don’t wait, get your copy on order for just ten bucks and be the first to receive it as soon as it is published.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-2024-nhl-draft-guide-pre-order-special/embed/#?secret=KJRJc8oOp7#?secret=nRtXdjRPSG

  • 2024 NHL DRAFT – DRAFTPRO SPRING RANKINGS

    2024 NHL DRAFT – DRAFTPRO SPRING RANKINGS

    By DraftPro Staff

    We are officially on the home stretch of the 2024 NHL Draft race.

    With most junior teams gearing up, or already in, playoff mode and the IIHF U18 World Championships and CHL Memorial Cup on the horizon, the majority of our evaluation process for the 2024 NHL Draft, where we watched these guys for two or more years, before the spotlight of draft night is now behind us. Through that time names have risen and fallen on the backs of what they have shown our scouts in their various league games and international events.

    Sure, there will be a few more games to scout during playoffs and events like mentioned above but we now know who we are watching and typically what they are capable of. With that said even over the past few weeks of views there have been a few names who have moved around the rankings as we try to get it right with our list.

    Below is the Draft Prospects Hockey Spring Top 64 for the 2024 NHL Draft.

    If you are looking for more in-depth information and reports on the 2024 NHL Draft, be sure to pick up your digital or physical copy of the DraftPro 2024 Preview Magazine available now.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-order-your-2024-preview-magazine-today/

    It is also almost that time of year where you can get your hands on the comprehensive DraftPro 2024 Draft Guide which will be released in early May.

    In the 2024 Draft Guide our team ranks the top 224 NHL Draft eligibles, provides well-written profiles on the top 224 names for this year, includes in-depth prospect features, looks at the NHL’s top 50 drafted prospects coming down the pipe, dives into what each NHL team has in the prospect cupboard and what their draft needs are, provides a comprehensive look at the 2025 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 32, provides a top 32 ranking on the 2026 NHL Draft with profiles on the top 10, and so much more.

    This year everyone who pre-orders the 2024 Draft Guide digital edition will receive a pre-order discount off the cover price of $12.99 $10.00 each. So don’t wait, get your copy on order for just ten bucks and be the first to receive it as soon as it is published.

    https://draftprospectshockey.com/draftpro-2024-nhl-draft-guide-pre-order-special/
  • DRAFTPRO – 2024 NHL DRAFT GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE!

    DRAFTPRO – 2024 NHL DRAFT GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE!

    Get your digital copy of the Draft Prospects Hockey comprehensive 2024 NHL Entry Draft Guide chalk full of scouting information on this impressive 2024 NHL Draft crop. Inside the 305 pages you will find our top 240 ranking for the 2024 NHL Draft, profiles on the top 224 names, NHL team reports, ranking of the top 50 NHL affiliated prospects, prospect features, as well as profiles and notes on many 2025, 2026, and 2027 eligible prospects plus so much more all for the low price of $12.99 (POST DRAFT SPECIAL $4.99) CAD.

    This is an instant download digital magazine as you will be re-directed to the download page once payment is made.

    For those who prefer the physical copy magazine we publish through your regional Amazon website.

    For U.S. based customers here is the Amazon.com link.

    For Canadian customers here is the Amazon.ca link.

    If you have any questions feel free to email prospectevaluations@gmail.com