Throughout mid December, the World Junior A Challenge was held in Truro Nova Scotia, where five teams faced off in a competitive round robin tournament. This year we got to see two team Canadas, Canada East and Canada West. As well Team USA, Sweden, and Slovakia. While it may not get the same press as the big World Juniors coming at the end of the year, the A Challenge gives us a chance to see players that may not have what it takes to make the highly competitive U20 rosters. The A challenge is especially crucial for Canadian players playing in the Junior “A” leagues, who may not get the chance to shine in the bigger CHL leagues. Big names in this year’s draft such as Trevor Connelly and Alexander Zetterberg have a chance to truly shine as the stars of their teams. And we even get to see a bit of a glimpse into the 2025 draft class as well.
Tournament Recap
Dec 10th saw Canada West lose 4-2 against Sweden, and Canada East win 7-2 against Slovakia. Dec 11th saw USA defeat Slovakia 6-1, and Canada East defeat Canada West 5-2. The 12th saw only one game, as Alexander Zetterberg faced off against Trevor Connelly in a high scoring affair, where the US won 7-4. Dec 13th saw Canada West defeat Slovakia 7-3, and Canada East shutout Sweden 5-0. The red-hot team USA went up against Canada West on the 14th, where USA won 5-1. Dec 15th, the final night before the finals, saw Sweden beat Slovakia 6-2, and USA beat Canada East 7-2.
After the first 10 games, USA held a clear 4-0 lead, scoring 25 goals. Second place was team Canada East, with a record of 3-1, and 19 goals. Sweden ended their first 4 going 2-2 and 14 goals. Canada West finished 1-3 with 12 goals. And Slovakia finished last going 0-4 with 8 goals total.
The Semi Finals saw team USA (1st) face team Canada West (4th), where team Canada West upset the powerhouse Americans in a crushing 4-3 OT win. The US went to the bronze medal game, while Canada West went to the gold medal game. Canada East (2nd) faced Sweden (3rd) where Canada East barely managed to out score a very game team Sweden, winning 7-5. The Bronze medal game between team USA and team Sweden was another high scoring affair, where Sweden yet again scored 5 goals but could not get the win. USA won 8-5, securing the bronze medal. Finally it was Canada VS Canada for the gold which saw yet another surprising upset as the 1-3 Canada West beat team USA and team Canada East to win the gold medal. Team Canada West won 7-2 in the gold medal game.
So after an interesting ride for the A Challenge this year, who shined brightest?
Team Canada East, Silver Medal.
Trevor Hoskin, C, Cobourg Cougars (OJHL), Right Hand, 6’1”, 172 lbs. Born May 18th, 2004.
Representing the OJHL and the Cobourg Cougars, Trevor Hoskin tied for first overall in points for the tournament. With 3 goals 8 assists and 11 points, Hoskin was a consistent player for team Canada East. And being the main offensive force on one of the best teams in the A Challenge looks good on the 19-year-olds career resume. Coming from the OJHL, Hoskin is going to need big moments in order to get noticed. One of the best players to come out of the A Challenge is certainly a place to start. On top of this, Hoskin has a great chance to make it to 100 points this year. If he can continue to play at the top of his game, Hoskin could find a spot in the draft this year. As he is now in the very least being talked about.
“Trevor possesses so much skill with the puck, he is a super competitive player who wants to win and has elite playmaking skills.” – DraftPro’s Carson Klein.
Dylan Edwards, F, Toronto Patriots (OJHL), Left Hand, 5’8”, 154 lbs. Born July 20th, 2005.
Formerly apart of the Erie Otters, Dylan Edwards impressed many in this A Challenge with his 6 goals and 10 points. Like Hoskin, Edwards needed this big showing. His name is now in circulation, as it is hard to ignore the showing that Edwards had. While his time in the OJHL has been good, it is by no means attention grabbing. These 6 goals will certainly boost his stock on draft day.
“Plays hard on the puck and creates lots of chances to score with his powerful shot.” – DraftPro’s Carson Klein.
Andy Reist, F, Cobourg Cougars (OJHL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 174lbs. Born May 15th, 2004.
Another OJHL rep, as well as Trevor Hoskin’s linemate, Andy Reist finished the A Challenge with 7 points and 4 goals. On top of this, Reist had an incredible game 1 against Slovakia, scoring three goals to help Canada win 7-2. He remained at a steady point per game for the rest of the tournament, showing he can stay at a competitive level night in and night out.
“His offensive instincts are extremely gifted. He becomes an automatic threat to create an opportunity for his team anytime he is in the offensive zone.” – DraftPro’s Carson Klein.
Etienne Lessard, D, Cornwall Colts (CCHL), Left Hand, 5’9”, 174 lbs. Born May 22nd, 2004.
From the Cornwall Colts of the CCHL, Lessard was Team Canada East’s best defensemen. He shows great two-way capabilities, dishing out assists and playing smart on both ends. He’s already more than doubled last years point total in Cornwall, on pace for over 70 points in 48 games. His small stature is always going to be a question for scouts. But 6 points in 6 games playing against stiff competition is a good start to get Lessard noticed.
Dawson Labre, G, Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL), Left Hand, 6’3”, 181 lbs. Born June 22nd, 2004.
From the Smiths Falls Bears, Dawson Labre led Canada East between the pipes. He was one of the few goalies of the entire tournament that finished their save percentage above a .900. Without a doubt the best goalie to come out of the A Challenge. With another slow draft year for goalies, this couldn’t have gone better for Dawson Labre. A strong performance now will certainly get scouts interested in the young Canadian goaltender.
Team Canada West, Gold Medal.
Jack Silverberg, F, Okotoks Oilers (AJHL), Right Hand, 5’9”, 165 lbs. Born December 1st, 2004.
After scoring 3 goals and 6 points to end the tournament, Team Canada West displayed why Hockey is indeed a team sport. From the AJHL, which had 3 players picked last year in the draft, Silverberg is making a strong argument to be the best player out of the AJHL this year. He has potential to be a big goal scorer when his team needs him, which was on full display on his 2-goal game against Slovakia. His draft stock certainly improved after winning gold for team Canada West, something that the other AJHL drafted players from last year can not say.
Logan Sawyer, LW, Brooks Bandits (AJHL), Left Hand, 6’1”, 174 lbs. Born May 6th, 2006.
From the AJHL’s Brooks Bandits, Logan Sawyer likely has the greatest chance of being drafted from team Canada West. While he and Jack Silverberg scored equal points in the tournament, Sawyer will likely look better coming out of the A Challenge due to being a year younger. On top of that he is looking on par with players such as Hudson Malinoski and Aiden Fink who were drafted from the AJHL last year. But he has a gold medal that they do not have.
“Sawyer uses his big frame and skating ability to drive through coverage and capably keeps control of the puck. He has excellent vision on the ice and reads plays consistently. On top of this he has an excellent release for his shot, making him a dangerous scoring threat as well. He has the potential to be a solid second line power forward who could become a Nick Schmaltz type NHLer if things go very well.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.
Matthew Van Blaricom, F, Humboldt Broncos (SJHL), Right Hand, 5’11”, 174 lbs. Born August 26th, 2006.
With 4 goals and 5 points after its all said and done, Matthew Van Blaricom should certainly get noticed for leading team Canada West in goals. Currently sitting at nearly a goal per game for the Humboldt Broncos in the SJHL, Van Blaricom is immerging as a pretty underrated goal scorer. Being only 17 years old, Van Blaricom’s chances of being picked are starting to rise, his gold medal and goal scoring abilities will certainly build his reputation and lead to his name being tossed around come draft day.
Layne Loomer, F, Blackfald Bulldogs (AJHL), Right Hand, 5’11”, 170 lbs. Born July 17th, 2005.
If one more nod had to go to any skater on the gold medal team, it would be Layne Loomer from the Blackfald Bulldogs. 3 goals and 2 assists are not too shabby for a team that did not have an easy time in the tournament by any means. Loomer looks like he is on pace for a solid season in the AJHL this year, and a gold medal at the A Challenge should go far in building his resume.
Erick Roest, G, Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 170 lbs. Born October 26th, 2004.
Team Canada West’s goaltender, Erick Roest deserves a mention after his impressive showing in the semi finals and finals. His poise and clutch abilities were on full display for team Canada West’s final games and it is unlikely Canada West would win any gold without Roest between the pipes. He shows these same abilities in the AJHL playoffs as well. If any GM is looking for a sleeper pick in the later rounds, why not take a chance on a goalie that has proven he can handle the pressure?
Team Slovakia, 5th place.
Daniel Jencko, C, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL), Left Hand, 6’0”, 181 lbs. Born January 9th, 2005.
There is really only one player to mention on team Slovakia and that is Daniel Jencko. Despite only being 18 years old, Jencko is already a well travelled player. Having seasons in the Slovakia leagues, J20 Nationell, SHL, USHL, multiple international tournaments, and now the World Juniors A Challenge. Slovakia was outclassed in this tournament, but that didn’t stop Jencko from putting up a good fight with 4 points and 2 goals. Slovakia may have went 0-4, but Jencko was a positive that came out of the tournament for Slovakia. His solid skating and playmaking abilities were on full display, and he showcased his not-too-shabby shot as well. After being in, so far, 3 leagues this year, it will be hard to predict where, or if, Jencko will end up on draft day. But here’s hoping a GM will take a chance on this fiery Slovakian forward.
Adam Cedzo, F, HC Oceláři Třinac (Czechia), Right Hand, 5’10”, 157 lbs. Born February 23rd, 2005.
A quick mention should go to Adam Cedzo from the Czechia League as well. He played well for a team that was often struggling and showcased a lot of high effort plays. He got 3 points for the tournament often being there for most of Slovakia’s big offensive and defensive plays. A solid and underrated player.
Team Sweden, 4th place.
Alexander Zetterberg, C, Örebro HK J20 (J20 Nationell), Right Hand, 5’8” 159 lbs. Born April 27th, 2006.
So far, the players mentioned were undoubtedly helped by their performances in the A Challenge, but as we look at Zetterberg, it’s not that simple. He did have a good showing, scoring 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points to cap off the tournament. But no medals will certainly hurt his stock come draft day. His chances of making the U20 World Juniors team is small, so this was Zetterberg’s big chance to showcase his talents to the scouts watching. And in some ways, he certainly did. He finished in the top 5 for goal scorers at the end of it all, but that was not enough to place him in the top 5 for points overall. Still, he scored more points that any player on Team Canada West, so that has to mean something. Overall Zetterberg had a shaky tournament, with some ups and some downs. His amazing stick handling was on full display and he got to showcase his goal scoring ability.
“He is a game breaker who can have an off shift and then on one shift dominate and take the game over. Zetterberg is accurate and can get some power behind his shots. He has the ability to cover the opposition and can finish off the plays well. Zetterberg is likely going to develop into a second liner with some good offense. He will likely be a mid-second round selection and great selection for any team in the upcoming draft.” DraftPro’s Andy Miller.
Lucas Pettersson, C, MoDo Hockey J20 (J20 Nationell), Left Hand, 5’11” 170 lbs. Born April 17th, 2006.
One player that was undoubtedly helped on team Sweden, was one Lucas Pettersson. With 8 points to finish the tournament, Pettersson certainly brought some eyes on him as he displayed his good all-round game. He is a player suitable for the earlier rounds, possibly as high as the 3rd or maybe even the 2nd round. It depends on how the rest of his season goes of course, but now his name is out there, as player who can hang and even improve a clear high draft pick such as Alexander Zetterberg.
“Peterson is a quick skating forward. He is a very strong skater and can use this to be an effective player on the power play. Petterson sees lanes before they open up and is very aware. He has a high hockey IQ with great vision. Petterson makes good decisions more often than not. Pettersson will be a third or fourth round selection, likely inside the top 100. He could develop into a good two way forward who could develop into a Teurovinen or Eberle type forward.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.
Anton Frondell, F, Djurgårdens IF J20 (J20 Nationell), Left Hand, 6’0”, 179 lbs. Born May 7th, 2007.
Who could be one of the best players in the 2025 NHL draft, Anton Frondell shows a lot of promise at 16 years old. 7 points is not bad for a young man such as himself, which goes double considering all of team Sweden was underaged compared to the other teams. Frondell showcased excellent positioning and hockey IQ, playing on par with a lot of older guys pretty easily. He had 2 multipoint games and is already looking like he has a permanent spot in the U20 Nationell League at only 16 years old. Without out a doubt this is only the beginning for Anton Frondell.
“Frondell is a dynamic player who has a knack to finish plays off with his quick and deceptive release. Frondell is a player who elevates the skill of others on the ice with him and he is one of the youngest players in the tournament. Frondell is a player who will be one to watch for the 2025 draft and should be a top two round selection if he continues his development.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.
Victor Eklund, LW, Djurgårdens IF J20 (J20 Nationell), Right Hand, 5’10”, 152 lbs. October 3rd, 2006.
Brother to the San Jose Sharks’ William Eklund, Victor showcased some promising glimpses of skill and potential. He has a good energy about him and can set up plays very well. Excellent passing overall helped Eklund get to 7 points with 6 assists. It’s not so certain that Victor will be on par with his brother William, but a good showing for team Sweden will help Eklund out come draft day. Like Anton Frondell, Eklund is playing comfortably in the U20 Nationell League, and with William Eklund already making strides in the NHL, don’t be surprised to hear Victor Eklund’s name called sooner rather than later.
Alfons Freij, D, Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell), Left Hand, 6’1”, 192 lbs. Born February 12th, 2006.
Arguably the best defensemen from the entire tournament, Alfons Freij is making a strong case to go in the first round. He’s a great skater, an excellent passer and play reader, without a doubt Alfons Freij is an excellent offensive defensemen. A defensemen whose capable of scoring multiple goals a night, Alfons Freij has definitely captured the attention from scouts and GMs after his performance in the World Juniors A Challenge. A true testament to the tournaments growing relevance in recent years.
Team USA, Bronze Medal.
Trevor Connelly, F, Tri-City Storm (USHL), Left Hand, 6’1”, 161 lbs. Born February 28th, 2006.
It’s hard to argue for anyone else having as much pressure as Connelly had when coming into this tournament. His placement on draft day is highly debated, and many are not sure if he is truly first round worthy. But after tying the lead for points in the tournament, scoring 6 goals including a 4-goal game against Sweden, Connelly’s stock has certainly improved. He shows that he can be a top guy, that he can take over a game, and that he can lead his team to win in big situations. While Erick Roest and the rest of Team Canada West upset the Americans in the semi finals, Connelly was a prime reason for his teams dominant win over Sweden. Overall it was a great tournament for Trevor Connelly and the results have certainly planted himself as a first rounder, maybe even a top ten draft pick.
“Connelly is a superb skater who is not afraid to drive the center lane with speed, with or without the puck. He is a game breaker who can elevate the game of all those around him. He is an electric player who is very exciting to watch. Connelly will develop into a first or second-line center and could develop into the range of a Matt Barzal type center. He is a lock to be a first rounder and likely in the top half of the first round.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller
Mac Swanson, F, Fargo Force (USHL), Left Hand, 5’7”, 157 lbs. Born January 10th, 2006.
After tying Trevor Connelly and Trevor Hoskin for top point scorer, Mac Swanson has certainly put his name on the board. The 17-year-old now has two bronze medals and a solid season in the USHL to put on his resume. Swanson was likely going to be selected no matter what, but now the question as to where he places is starting to become clear. He seems destined for the first half of the draft after this performance. He showcased excellent playmaking skills, enough to give him three multipoint games. The future is looking up for this Alaskan born forward.
“Swanson is a smooth skater who has excellent edge control and balance, a truly dynamic forward who moves the puck well. He could develop into a dynamic second line center who could be hard to cover at the NHL level due to his vision and high hockey IQ that he possesses.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller
James Reeder, F, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL), Right Hand, 5’9”, 168 lbs. Born October 6th, 2005.
For his draft year, Reeder did not perform to what he had hoped in the USHL. Now as an 18-year-old, he’s looking like a point per game player, but that is unlikely going to cut it as there are a plethora of 17-year-olds making similar strides. That is why Reeder needed this excellent performance at the A Challenge. Scoring 8 goals, making him the top goal scorer of the tournament, and 10 points, James Reeder may have just put himself on the map.
“Reeder is a quick skater and works to get to the inside. He has the ability to receive passes at the net front and finish consistently. He is a player who has a great release that is hard to read. Reeder goes to the net like Gallagher and is able to keep his hands open and available to finish off the play. Reeder has the ability to be a second liner if he can continue to finish plays off or a third liner with some offensive abilities. If he develops to his maximum potential he could be a Ryan Johansen type player.” – DraftPro’s Andy Miller.
Joe Connor, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL), Left Hand, 5’10”, 174 lbs. Born March 31st, 2005.
The heart and soul of this team USA, Joe Connor displayed his excellent playmaking and hockey IQ all tournament long. Scoring 4 goals and 10 points, Joe Conner was the main reason why team USA had 4 10-point players. Not just through his goals and assists, but puck driving ability. Without a doubt one of the most underrated players to come out of the A Challenge, and he certainly deserves to have his name passed around the draft board.
November and December were a very busy months in the world of hockey scouting with multiple U17, U18, and U20 events taking place all over the world. Our evaluators annually make these events must see as they are pinnacle to the big picture of each participating prospect as we get a true read on these young men before the big day in June. Add to that the publication of our annual Preview Magazine and things were pretty hectic in the Draft Prospects Hockey offices. To catch up we will be releasing some event reviews of the next few weeks and start us off with this three in one review of the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, the November U18 Five Nations, and the November U20 Five Nations events that all possessed multiple future undrafted NHL talent. Below is a review of who stood out from each event with notes from various scouts.
Guite is a fast skating tall player. If he bulks up he will be an immense player. He has very slick hands and can stick handles in a phone booth. Guite is a very offensive player with a high skill set. He is a strong player with the puck on his stick and he finds the puck or it finds him. Guite is a player who has first line offensive talent. He is a player who works hard and wants to pick his team up after a bad play or goal against. Guite is an effective passer who can initiate a breakout. He is starting to show some defensive awareness and can backcheck hard and strip players of the puck. Guite has the knowledge to predict where he needs to be to be an important part of the offense of his team. He needs to mature more in his own end and learn how to fill in the gaps against high level players. Guite needs to want the puck more when he needs to battle for it, he wants to score so much at times I wonder if he really wants to battle to get possession when he is first man in. He is an outstanding offensive player who can drive the play in the offensive zone confidently. Guite is a goal scorer and if he continues to fill the net could be a first rounder in 2025. – Andy Miller
#11 Matthew Schaefer, D, Canada White, 6’1”, 161, L, DOB 08.05.2007
Schaefer proved why he was named captain and is the number one defenseman of this team. He showed his skill in all facets of the game. His most important asset is his skating because of how good it is and the fact that it elevates all the other aspects of his game. His edge work and ability to open-face skate along the blue line are exceptional. It allows him to see the entire play and turn effortlessly. It also gives him the ability to walk the line and maintain space from the opposition. He has tremendous crossovers which give him great bursts of speed that allow him to lead the rush. In the offensive zone, he isn’t afraid to fire a wrist shot from the point. He has an accurate shot with a quick release that is on target. He uses his shot to create rebounds and scoring opportunities. He was the powerplay quarterback and that is where he was able to show off his full offensive skillset. He demonstrated great vision sending cross-ice passes and setting up scoring chances. Considering it was the team’s first game and they didn’t really practice makes it even more impressive. He has excellent stick handles as well which help him lead the rush. However, playing with Huang, the pair need to learn to lead the rush less or stay back when the other does. His backwards skating is also exceptional which helps him shut down the opposition’s attack earlier because he is able to switch to backwards earlier. His backwards skating is so good because of his crossover ability. He is a pest in the defensive zone and has a good poke check. He is constantly hounding opponents down and trying to lift their sticks to steal with puck away. He needs to reel in his aggression sometimes as it cost him when he took a sloppy cross-checking penalty. – Zach Morris
#1 Jack Ivankovic, G, Canada White, 5’11”, 170, L, DOB 5.22.2007
Ivankovic moves in and out of the post smoothly and covers up holes quickly. His tracking is very strong and his work ethic seems very high. Ivankovic has superb box control and almost never over plays the puck. He has a very calming presence in the net and is developing his game as he gains experience. Ivankovic has all the tools to be the next great Canadian goaltender for years to come with proper development. He is a goaltender who knows where everyone is and he takes that information and uses it to predict where the puck could go and always knows exactly where he needs to be. Ivnakovic’s rebound control is very consistent and he controls the puck and puts it to an area that his team can control it or he covers it. He is a goaltender who likes to go out and play the puck and does so confidently. When Ivankovic makes a big save it is often not very exciting unlike most other goaltenders and that means he is in position and makes good reads. Ivankovic is so aware as he will clear pucks beside the net and get them out of the danger areas. I hesitate to say this but Ivankovic is a good puck mover, who has strong box control and is very calm in the net , while elevating his game when it is more important he gives off the vibes of Carey Price. It is very early to lock someone in as first but Ivankovic has an excellent chance of being the first goaltender selected in the 2025 draft as he could be a franchise goal. – Andy Miller
USA STANDOUTS
#50 Will Moore, F, USA, 6’2”, 160, L, DOB 03.24.2007
Moore had an unreal game for USA. He only finished with an assist although his skill was on full display. He did an excellent job forechecking and put a ton of pressure on the Czechia players in their defensive zone. He was able to force a couple of turnovers as a result. He did a good job pinning players along the boards and allowing for a teammate to come in and steal the puck. He is a great skater and that was on full display. He used his strength and speed to drive to the net. He had great crossovers and did a great job at turning. He was extremely shifty, this helped him maintain possession in the offensive zone. He did a great job utilizing this skill along the boards to shake off defenders. His shot has a quick release and is usually on target. He is a pass-first player and that was evident in this game. He has excellent vision and his passes are very accurate. He had an insane no-look backhand pass showing his creativity and skill. He demonstrated his defensive skills while on the penalty. He did a good job of maintaining position and not overcommitting. He has excellent stick lifts. Moore is a very complete player and when he isn’t impacting the score sheet he impacts the game in many other ways. – Zach Morris
#59 Charlie Trethewey, D, USA, 6’1, 190, R, DOB 08.02.2007
Charlie Trethewey is going to be a top prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft. He is a dynamic two-way defenseman. He exploded for 2 goals and 3 assists in this game. He shoots the puck well beyond his years. He scored from the top of the circles twice with hard and accurate shots. He has playmaking skills to complement his scoring ability. When he can’t beat the goalie cleanly, he finds sticks in front for deflections which resulted in a goal. He makes a great first pass and has a high-level hockey IQ. His defensive game is a bit more difficult to comment on as this entire game was played with special teams. However, he was being used in all situations and was effective on the penalty kill. He has a good stick to intercept passes. He is also impressive physically at 6’1 and 190 pounds. While not a punishing hitter, he separates his man from the puck and finishes the play. He is an average skater but I wouldn’t expect it to hold him back as an impact player at the next level. Overall, Trethewey checks a lot of boxes as an upcoming prospect and is an early first-round pick candidate. – Andreaus Kostopoulos
#38 LJ Mooney, F, USA, 5’6”, 145, R, DOB 3.8.2007
Mooney has an incredible shot with a deadly release. He is a speedy forward who creates time and space on the ice. Mooney goes into the corners and battles for the puck. He is a player who works hard and leaves it all out on the ice. Mooney is a player who has good hands and can stick handles in tight spaces and maintain control. He is confident enough to go to the net front and knows how to protect the puck or remain open to receive the puck when doing so. Mooney has an excellent shot and a very quick release the puck will be on his stick for only a moment. He has a nasty edge to his play and really works players over in the corner. Mooney has some of the Gallagher edge to his game. He has a good all-around game with some skill and a bit of a scoring touch. Mooney will have a chance at being a third-round pick but likely fall to the fourth unless he scores more regularly. – Andy Miller
SWEDEN STANDOUTS
#14 Filip Ekberg, F, Sweden, 5’9” 163, L, DOB 04.14.2007
Ekberg is a very talented offensive player who was able to display his offensive skills during the game. He is a phenomenal skater and is extremely dynamic and fluid. He is very fast and has great crossovers which contribute to his speed. He has excellent edge work and open face skating which help him control possession in the offensive zone and skate around to create space. He has good stick handles, nothing to fancy but he has a nice toe drag. He scored an incredible goal skating around the offensive zone for a while then dished it off and got it back at the point and skated by multiple players down the left side to the goalie making a nice move to his backhand to score. He displayed his exceptional skating and stickhandling skills on the goal. He has good vision and makes some solid passes that are fairly accurate. His shot is nothing special but it does the job. Improving his accuracy would help him. The physical element of his game is practically non-existent but for a player his size that is not that surprising. He is still able to fend off hits well. He doesn’t do much defensively but he isn’t afraid to get in the shooting lane and block some shots. – Zach Morris
#5 Sascha Boumedienne, D, Sweden, 6’1”, 170, L, DOB 1.17.2007
Boumedienne plays the net front well and keeps the opposition to the outside. He is a good skater with decent edge control. Boumedienne skates well with the puck on his stick and walks the line well and protects the offensive blueline. He sees the lanes and can make great passes on the tape or to an open area. Boumedienne is excellent at looking at his options before receiving the puck but at times he mentally commits so much to an option that he can’t adjust after receiving the puck. He is a player who works hard on the wall and seems to enjoy the physical side of the game and dishing out hits. Boumedienne is good at clearing the puck from the net front. His tracking of the puck could improve a bit as a defender. Boumedienne is an effective player and keeping players to the outside of the net. He makes nice tight turns and uses them to out maneuver opponents with the puck on his stick. Boumedienne has the ability to let a hard heavy shot off from the point that can beat a quality goaltender clean. He has the ability to become a fairly big defenseman that is a good skater too and can be very versatile and work both sides of the puck. Boumedienne has the complete package and could be an option in the first round if his offense is consistent. – Andy Miller
#16 Anton Frondell, F, Sweden, 6’0” 179, L, DOB 05.07.2007
Frondell is an excellent power forward and he was able to showcase that against Czechia. He made an impact with his physicality almost every shift he was on the ice. He threw out numerous big hits and even a couple of nice reverse hits. He is extremely strong with the puck when carrying it or driving to the net. He is also great along the boards and it is very hard to get the puck from him because he is rarely outmuscled. He is also an excellent forechecker and did a good job pinning opponents along the boards. He has solid skating and is pretty fast thanks to his long strides. His edge work is what stood out the most and was great. His shot is exceptional and he used it to score a great goal. It was a turn-around shot that was perfectly placed. His shot has a quick release and is accurate and powerful. He has a good snap shot as well and his one-timer is powerful but not really accurate. He did take a bad tripping penalty, it was completely unnecessary. He was being overly aggressive and not careful with his stick when attacking. He needs to be less aggressive and show more restraint defensively. He did a good job following players and was never really out of position. He used his long reach to get his stick in passing lanes. – Andy Miller
CZECHIA STANDOUTS
#17 F, Adam Benak, Czechia, 5’7, 157, L, DOB 04.10.2007
Adam Benak is a can’t miss player whenever he is on the ice. He is one of the fastest players I have ever seen at the junior level. He goes from a standstill to top speed in a hurry. His agility is also top tier. His skating style reminds me of Nathan MacKinnon, a pretty good player in the NHL. He is an offensive threat at all times. Once his team gets possession of the puck, he bolts at full speed to become a passing option. With the puck, he backs off defenders with speed. He shoots the puck hard for a small guy. His playmaking ability is even stronger than his scoring touch. His hockey IQ is extremely strong, as he always knows where the right spot is on the ice. The only question with Benak is his size. He is 5’7 and 157 pounds. For his sake, I hope he grows to be able to handle the physical demands of pro hockey. Benak is touted as a top prospect for the 2025 NHL draft, and for good reason. – Andreus Kostopoulos
#25 RW Matej Pekar, Czechia (2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge), 5’9” 146lbs, L, DOB 08.08.2007
Pekar was one of the best players on the ice for Czechia and Canada really felt his impact. He netted the second goal for Czechia which helped them get back into the game and eventually win it. He showed off his entire offensive skillset throughout the game. He was great at maintaining possession in the offensive zone and creating scoring chances. He has an excellent wrist shot with a really fast release and he didn’t hesitate to use it. He has great vision and made a few nice cross-ice passes that turned into quality scoring chances for his teammates. He is a great skater, with his primary skill being his edge work and open-face skating. In the offensive zone, he uses this to maintain possession and turn along the boards and in the open to keep defenders off of him. He is really strong along the boards as he was able to constantly outmuscle the Canadian players to get the puck off them. He has a great stick lift that he was able to use and snatch the puck away from them. He was an offensive juggernaut for Czechia but his defensive game should not be overlooked. He also did a great job keeping his composure multiple times when Canadian players took a run at him after the whistle. – Zach Morris
#16 F Adam Novotny, Czechia (2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge), 6’0” 174lbs, L, DOB 11.13.2007
Novotny was probably the best player for Czechia and that was obvious. He finished the game with a goal and an assist. He is an excellent skater, extremely fast, and has great crossovers, turns and edgework. He combines all these skills to blow by players when leading the rush and driving to the net. For his size, he leaves a lot on the table in terms of physicality. He could pin players along the boards and outmuscle them in front of either net, however, he does not. Adding a physical element to his game would help him a lot. His passes are excellent and extremely accurate. He has a wide range of passes but his cross-ice ones are the best in his arsenal. He made a good pass to the other side of the ice for an assist on the second goal. He did a good job getting it through multiple defenders’ sticks. He does a good job at making look like he’s going to shoot before ultimately passing. He had a bad turnover in the defensive zone holding on to the puck too long waiting to make the perfect pass. Sometimes he needs to dish it off and ensure the team maintains possession. He is an extremely fast skater who utilizes crossovers very well. He is a very aggressive player defensively and he was able to steal the puck with some nice stick lifts as a result. Being aggressive could cost him because he may overcommit to a player and then get beat and be out of position as a result. He has an excellent shot that is extremely powerful. He was able to score the goal off a long wrist shot. – Zach Morris
CANADA RED STANDOUTS
#9 LW Gavin Mckenna, Team Canada Red, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), 5’11”,165 , L, DOB 11.20.2007
An offensive forward with great vision and a very quick shot. His vision is extremely strong for his age. He’s excellent at finding his teammates in the offensive zone. If the shooting option isn’t there, he draws pressure towards himself to open up a passing option for his teammates. That’s one of the reasons he’s on the powerplay. However, his passes can be sloppy during zone exits or in the neutral zone. He also sometimes tries risky passes with soft jump passes, creating a giveaway. His shooting is extremely threatening. He’s quick and accurate. He likes to use defenders as screens when entering the zone and on the powerplay. His skating is good. His first three slides give him great acceleration. But I’d like to see him be a little more explosive in his play. Mckenna is sometimes soft and lacks dynamism when he doesn’t have the puck. His positioning when he doesn’t have the puck needs to be improved for him to be more effective defensively. He has a good reach, but if he put more intensity on the forecheck with his acceleration, he’d cause a lot of turnovers. He has good hands. He has the ability to defend against 2-3 players and then pass the puck to his teammates. However, I found he took too long shifts. He needs to be smarter about crossing the red line and dumping and changing. It’s quite impressive what he can already do at the age of 15. He’ll certainly have a lot of pressure on him with his exceptional WHL status. He still has plenty of time to develop, as he’s only eligible for the 2026 draft. – Samuel Laplante
#15 C Ryan Roobroeck, Team Canada Red, Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL), 6’02”,185 , L, DOB 09.25.2007
A goal scorer with a powerful, accurate shot. He already has a shot that could break through in the NHL. He likes to shoot from a good distance. With his good hands, he creates space for himself to shoot from. He’s also a skill player. He can be a threat in 1-on-1 situations, and he’s capable of taking on 2 players in the offensive zone. His skating is average. He can keep up with the speed of the game, but nothing more. He needs to work on his acceleration to be more of a threat in 1vs1. He’s also good on the forecheck. He has a long reach, which creates a lot of turnovers for his opponents. But if he had more speed, he’d be even more of a threat with his pressure. He positions himself well in the defensive zone to block shots and pass lines. His passing is good. In the offensive zone, he finds his teammates. But he has more of a shoot-first mentality. However, he’ll need to keep his head up when leaving the zone. He was caught making a pass in the middle without looking, which created a turnover and a scoring chance for the opposition. He’ll also have to make better decisions on his passing choices and keep things simple. As for his physical game, I was surprised that with his size, he didn’t hit at all. With his size, he has to hit and finish his checks to separate the player from the puck. Certainly, if he improves his explosiveness and intensity, it will improve his physical game. It’s clear that with his shooting and offensive skills he could develop into a top-six forward. He’ll be eligible for the 2026 draft and still has plenty of time to develop. – Samuel Laplante
Reschny has elite level skill. He is a speedy forward who can use his speed to separate himself from checkers. Reschny is an offensive dynamo with a ton of skill and talent. He has high end vision and sees the ice so well that he can find lanes that most don’t even think to look for. Reschny finds the puck and open spaces on the ice. He is a very good powerplay player as he is continuously moving and always dangerous. Reschny can be knocked down and he continues on with the play and doesn’t give up. He has an incredible ability to finish off plays. Reschny has the ability to put the puck on a dime and lay it flat for the recipient. He is an electric player who is a difference maker who will become an NHL regular and make an impact on his team. Reschny will likely be a first round selection or early second rounder. – Andy Miller
FINLAND STANDOUTS
#3 Jesper Kotivarji, D, Finland, R, 5’11”, 157 DOB 7.24.2007
Kotivarji is a responsible defender who typically maintains good position. He is a very good skater and is well balanced. Kotivarji is an effective defender on the penalty kill as he boxes out well with his skating and balance. He is a player who is well balanced and can throw good clean body checks that knock players off the puck. Kotivarji is quick to clear loose pucks from the net front area. He is a dynamic player who can quarterback a power play and direct the play in an effective manner. Kotivarji is a player who sees the lanes before they are open and to match his great vision are great hands that let him thread the needle with the puck. He has a very good point shot and gets it off quickly, even a good one timer and can put the puck through traffic and in the back of the net. Kotivarji patrols the offensive blueline with confidence and smart decisions. He reads the play very well and when the forwards drop low he moves in and is comfortable walking into a shot and driving it through the net. Kotivarji reminds me of Kiviharju so he has a chance of being a top selection in the 2025 draft if he continues to develop. – Andy Miller
U18 Five Nations Tournament
Hämeenlinna, Finland
November 6-12, 2023
USA
#34, F, Cole Eiserman, USA (USNTDP, U18 USA), 6”, 195, L, DOB 08.29.2006
Cole Eiserman no doubt about is considered to be the Americans new prodigy for hockey. He is the definition of a marksman when he enters the circles in the offensive zone. Cole is an aware, pin-point accurate, power-forward like sniper who does not miss the net very often. His shot is electric similar to missiles that have one target locked on it, that being the net. His wrister from any area on the ice is what creates his biggest punch. What is astounding is that he can also charging towards the opposition to win puck battles. His offensive awareness is outstanding as he has a nose for the net. His hands are very smooth as he can pretty much deke through anyone. That being said even though he is a winger, he sometimes plays a little too high up which causes him to be out of position. He is a powerful skater as even though he may not be the fastest, his good lateral movement and strong balance allow him to power through the opposition. From a defensive point of view, even though he may not wow you by always sacrificing the body but is not a disappointment. At the end of the day, what it comes down to is his ability to accelerate quickly is what he needs to work on and when that is improved, there is no questions asked about him having the comparison of Ilya Kovalchuk. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard
#10, F, James Hagens, Sweden (Orebro HK U20, U18 Sweden), 5’10”, 170, L, DOB 11.03.2006
James Hagens is the definition of the future for the Americans. Every time he is on the ice, he is a wizard with the biscuit. James is an agile, conscious playmaker who has the underrated ability of shooting the puck. His quick snapshot is what catches the goaltender off guard when it comes to shooting. The way he handles the puck, not only his hands are quick, but it does not come off his stick very often until he decides to pass it. When he is in playmaking mode, he looks like he enters the flow state which is his highest peak as he has the awareness of a falcon as he truly understands where his opponents are going to be. Where he showcases his skating is not through the quick agile turns, but it is the way he creates his speed while on the rush as he shows him always keeping his feet moving is what highlights his skating aspect. He will need to improve on his lateral movement if he wants to get quicker at the inside edgework. When it comes to his defensive game, there are some weaknesses of him not willing to sacrifice the body all of the time and not giving always defensive support as normally a center would. What he needs to work on is his physicality level, but there is a lot of time for that to happen. He needs to get stronger at fending checks but most importantly, having the desire to throw effective checks. When some of these inconsistencies are fixed, he will absolutely be competing for a top 5 pick who may resemble to a Jack Eichel of the future. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard
#18 LW Kristian Epperson, USNTDP Juniors (U18 Five Nations), 5’11”, 183, L, DOB 05.16.2006
Epperson is a positionally solid 200-foot winger with good hockey instincts in and around the net. Does a great job of pressuring and creating havoc for the opposition d-men in his defensive zone with his aggressive approach. Tends to get his stick or body in shooting lanes to prevent pucks from reaching his goal. He’s a versatile forward that is capable of doing what is required from the coach due to his extended skill set. He doesn’t seem to possess a skill that is highly above the rest, but rather has a jack of all trades sort of game. Has the ability to be an impactful penalty killer as he is hungry to chip at loose pucks. Has shutdown role potential as he understands his strengths away from the puck. Plays an assertive game down low, being physical is part of his game as he has the frame to lean on his opposition. Generates a high amount of power in his quick release, able to finish in the slot. Decent skating ability as he has a powerful burst but is rarely shown more then once during a shift. A weakness of his game is doing too much with the puck, as well as holding onto it for too long along the boards when his teammates are severely open. He needs to be quicker at deciding when to dish the puck and to be more aware of the ice that he has to work it. Epperson has the right idea when he gains the puck in transition but his passing and decision-making execution is often poorly done. – Steven Pratas
#24 C Christian Humphreys, USNTDP Juniors (U18 Five Nations), 5’11”, 170, R, DOB 02.04.2006
Extremely quick and light on his feet, Humphreys is noticeable in all zones on the ice. His ability to create separation from his opponents is very impressive. Terrific puck and stick handling ability as he’s able to showcase soft hands even when he’s going at top speed. Protecting the puck along the boards and being able to break away from a defender due to his fast stop and starts is part of his game. Processes his surroundings in a blink of an eye when possessing the puck and can pick out his teammates crashing the net. Quick thinker and fast reaction time, seems to always do the correct play. Passes and hard and crisp, demonstrates tons of creativity when he gathers speed behind the net in the offensive zone as he skates toward the point. Continuously drives play when handling the puck, always looking to exploit open ice. Able to slow down play and wait for linemates to get into scoring areas around the net before dishing the puck. Constantly a threat near the net, he’s very elusive and can get into open areas. Gets to loose pucks quite easily, his acceleration is visibly a strength. Agile pivot ability, does a great job of always facing the puck carrier when looking to receive the puck. Not overly physical, but has decent size and frame as being listed at 5’11” and 170 pounds, he doesn’t get outworked in the corners. Has a tremendous shooting ability which is most evident on the powerplay, as he’s able to play along the point and the top of the circle to receive one timer passes. Has a proper shot selection and takes the shot if the opportunity presents itself. Defensively, he plays a very aggressive approach as he pressures his man. Backchecking and covering for his pinching d-man is part of his game which makes reliable. – Steven Pratas
#23, D, Cole Hutson, USA (USNTDP, U18 USA), 5’10”, 160, L, DOB 06.28.2006
Cole Hutson no question is the Americans best defender. Even though he still needs some small portions of improvement like his shot power, there are so many wonders that teams look for in a defenseman that Cole caries. The best example of that is, which is arguably his best attribute, is his understand of the game and his high hockey IQ. He reads the play like no other and even though he is sometimes smaller, he will use his smarts to his advantage. Whether it seems like there is an open lane for a forward, he seems to close that off in no time. Whether it is also gapping control defending the neutral zone, Cole does not let many pass by him very easily considering he has tremendous amounts of awareness when using his stick for poke checking or shot blocking. Even though he is only 160 lbs, what is key is that he is actually effective physically where has his brother Lane isn’t. In the offensive side, he understands what pass to make and when, whether it is a short pass or a long breakout pass, he gets the job done. Even though he does not have the strongest shot, he still has good enough accuracy, but he understands what position to be always in, even in the offensive zone. What is unique too is that as much he is a good passer, he is a better puck handler as he loves deking around the opponents to create space The last thing that needs to be mentioned, is his skating. Even though Axel has above average speed which is still considered good, it is his lateral movement and transitions that makes him one of the smoothest skaters of the 2024 NHL draft for defensemen which is truly key. He will still need to produce more muscle to become stronger and more effective physically, Cole Hutson is absolutely one of the better offensive defensemen in the 2024 draft class as he is compared to his brother Lane but stronger. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard
SWEDEN
#26 C Alexander Zetterberg, Sweden (U18 Five Nations), 5’8”, 159, R, DOB 04.27.2006
Zetterberg may be an undersized center as being listed at 5’8” but has tremendous amounts of pure skill and is a high caliber skater. His low center of gravity helps with his nimble lateral movement which he uses at times to escape situations and to quickly change his body’s direction toward the goal. The puck sticks to his blade like glue when in possession has great control at corralling the puck down low as well. Able to make plays in tight areas due to his frame which results in constant pressure toward the goal. Zetterberg’s vision in the offensive zone is excellent, constantly looking for that pass in the high danger areas before dishing it to the point if it’s not available. This is a player who craves the puck, wanting to create chances and be a difference maker as noted by his stick taps. On the powerplay you can really see how powerful and quick his release is, constantly at the top of the circle and ready to fire a one-timer into the back of the net. His wrist shot is accurate, although the power isn’t fully developed, he can still wire it on target. Alexander’s scoring ability is very prevalent in his game, he seems to know where to be around the net to give himself the best chance of contributing to a goal. Often able to sneak behind defenders undetected whether it be on the rush through the neutral zone or in the offensive zone, the extra second or two is vital in keeping additional play opportunities alive. Defensively sound, he understands his responsibilities in his own end but is willing to leave the zone early if he anticipates a change in team possession. The biggest concern of Zetterberg’s current and future game is his overall strength and frame. It will be hard for him to establish open ice in the slot and be a net front presence without gaining more body mass. He can easily get outmuscled and outworked along the boards near the end of shifts. For being light on his feet, his balance is questionable at times as little contact can cause him to fall and lose positional ground. Receiving long passes directed at him sometimes go untouched, as he can’t make contact with his small reach and stick. Overall, Zetterberg is a very intriguing skilled forward that can do damage on the scoresheet with his offensive capabilities, he dominates the more he has the puck. – Steven Pratas
#11 F, Lucas Pettersson, Sweden (MoDo Hockey J20, Sweden U18), 5’11”, 170, L, DOB 05.17.2006
Lucas Pettersson is no doubt about it one of Sweden’s strongest and more versatile players who can do anything on the ice. Every time he is on the ice, he is a detective that is at the right place at the right time. He is a dynamic, strong, and reliable playmaking center who has a strong balance. He may not be the fastest skater on the ice, but what is key is that he uses his good agility along with his great hockey IQ to place himself in good positioning. His puck skills are at a good level has his hands are overall smooth but should use them a tad more often. His passing is very good as he is very crisp at making the short end passes and could even thread the needle through a crowd in surprising fashion. The aspect that his skating does need to improve is his quick feet so he can be a cannon out of the gate. His shot may not be the most powerful, but it is still quick enough and accurate to get the goaltender off guard with his quick release. The underrated aspect that actually showcases Lucas’ game is that as much he is an offensive player, he is great defensively. Not to mention, an underrated aspect of his game is his defensive awareness when defending rushes. As a center who stays in position while keeping his momentum, he is a good penalty killer. What it comes down to as an overall weakness is that he will need to improve on his faceoff skills. When it comes to physicality, he’s not the greatest but he is not the worst as he shrugs off checks easily. When discussing potential, he is on a very good path of becoming a 2nd line centerman who can be placed in any situation, similar to Barrett Hayton. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard
#24 C Linus Eriksson, Sweden (U18 Five Nations), 6’0”, 185, L, DOB 03.23.2006
Watching him for the first time, it is very clear that Eriiksson is a highly intelligent center with and without the puck, his hockey IQ pulses through his play. His decision making and passing ability is what makes him so deadly with moving the puck up the ice. He shows tremendous levels of patience, mix that with his eyes constantly analyzing his surroundings and you will be an offensive playmaking threat. Excellent at controlling play, it seems the game slows down when he has possession. Eriksson constantly creates chances with his timing on passes down low and through high danger areas. He’s aware of where his teammates will be and can dish the puck with ease. Terrific skating ability that can keep up with just about anyone on the ice. Once he gets his crossovers going, there’s very little you can do if you aren’t already on him. Terrific at the face-off dot, has a good technique and extra effort that can win crucial draws. Two-way ability, he is constantly supporting the puck carrier in breakouts and through the neutral zone, rarely relying just on his defenseman to defend if it gets turned in transition. Getting back in play and being to point out to his d-men areas of the ice or opposition to cover is part of his game. It seems his communication is pretty solid as defensive coverage was spot on throughout the game. Would like to see Linus have a more shooters approach from the looks he had, as it is clear, he enjoys passing the puck around. Linus’s physicality or lack of could also be improved, such as being tenacious in the corners or in front of the net battling for inside position. – Steven Pratas
#18 F, Victor Eklund, Sweden (Djurgardens IF J20, Sweden U18), 5’10”, 150Ibs, R, DOB 10.03.2006
Victor Eklund is the definition of being electric and passion for the super Swedes. He has the work ethic of a racehorse who cannot be stopped. Victor Eklund is a rouged playmaking winger who definitely shows some grit to his game. Every time he has the puck, his hands may not be the fastest, but boy oh boy they act like immovable objects. His passing is adequate enough to make the right play, but it is not considered a wow factor of his game. Even though he’s not the fastest guy on the ice, he has certainly tremendous amounts of flexibility as he can get by his opponents due to his good lateral movement. Even though he is not known for shooting, he has an adequate toe drag release shot as he also does not really showcase his one timer ability. He has a very respective defensive game for a winger. Some minor inconsistencies he will have to work on is his positioning in the offensive zone as he will play all over the place like a centerman. Even though he is only 150 pounds, he may not throw many hits, but my oh my they can’t get the puck off him due to his strong stability on his skates. No doubt about it, Victor Eklund is already building his draft stock in the 2025 NHL draft to become a crucial top 6 forward. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard
#4 D, Leo Sahlin Wallenius, Sweden (Vaxjo Lakers HC J20, Sweden U18), 6”, 175, L, DOB 04.10.2006
Leo Sahlin Wallenius is considered to be one of the more complete defensemen that Sweden has to offer. He is one of those defensemen that’s toolbox is like a swiss army knife with the more useful tools being in the defensive end. Sahlin Wallenius is a mobile two-way defenseman who shows tremendous responsibility when it comes to positioning. One of his strongest tools is that he has a very active but very reliable stick as he will put his opponents into pretzels. His best aspect is his awareness as he understands when to stay in position properly or when it’s time to check after his opponent to retrieve the puck back. Some small inconsistencies in that aspect are he mainly needs to improve his physicality standards of boxing out his opponents’ preventing screens in-front of the goaltender. Some aspects in his skating that are good is that he has very smooth back skating and he does not choke up a lot when he is skating reverse considering he mostly places himself in good positioning to block shots or intercept passes. His mix of smooth transitioning and calm skating allows him to get out of dangerous situations. What is important for him that he needs to work on his acceleration and footwork speed. Even though his deking abilities are not the smoothest, he does not lose the puck very often due to his strong puck control. His strongest offensive asset however is his passing. Whatever pass that needs to be completed, he can get the job done, even the very far breakout passes, he can get it very close but most of the time get it on the tape. Where he lacks in his offensive category is his shooting as he needs to be better at shooting from the point. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard
#12 LW Melvin Fernstrom, Sweden (U18 Five Nations), 6’1”, 185, R, DOB 02.28.2006
Fernstrom plays an extremely assertive and aggressive game in the offensive end. Excels when the game gets chippy, thrives in a physical environment as he plays with an edge. He’s a strong winger, constantly being a pest near the goal. Crashing the net and looking for loose pucks is part of his power forward type of game. Outstanding nose for the net with and without the puck. Fernstrom floats into those open areas around the slot and is ready to release a quick shot. Scoring instincts are already there and can shoot the puck with little available space. He acknowledges where the high percentage shooting areas are and is able to get there without hesitation. Does a good job at winning puck battles and chipping at the opposition’s sticks. Board and corner play is terrific as he takes full advantage of his build to slow down and tire the opposition. The determination to win the puck is often seen but can be inconsistent especially at the end half of his shifts. While known for his physicality and scoring, Fernstrom does make smart passes and has decent awareness of his linemates positions in all three zones. The accuracy of passes going across the width of the ice in high danger areas could be improved. His skating stride is very generic but powerful. Once he gets those legs moving, he can easily cover the left side of the ice. Explosiveness may not fully be developed yet but overall his skating is nothing to fear. Defensively does a great job of having an active stick and directing play to the outside. He often gets a piece of a defensemen’s stick that causes them to panic leading to turnovers. His backchecking is apparent but lacks that second effort at times to stop the trailer from reaching the net or receiving the puck. – Steven Pratas
#20 D, Alfons Freij, Sweden (Vaxjo Lakers HC J20, Sweden U18), 6’1”, 190, L, DOB 02.12.2006
Alfons Freij is considered to be one of the more underrated defensemen that Sweden has to offer. He is one of those defensemen that’s defense is matched by his offense. Freij is a steady two-way defenseman who shows underrated offensive ability on the powerplay One of his strongest tools is that he has a very active but very reliable stick as he will put his opponents into pretzels. His best aspect is his awareness as he understands when to stay in position properly or when it’s time to check after his opponent to retrieve the puck back. Some small inconsistencies in that aspect are he mainly needs to improve his physicality standards of boxing out his opponents’ preventing screens in-front of the goaltender. Some aspects in his skating that are good is that he has very smooth back skating and he does not choke up a lot when he is skating reverse considering he mostly places himself in good positioning to block shots or intercept passes. His transitioning will need to be quicker in order to become a more effective skater. What is important for him that he needs to work on his acceleration and footwork speed. Even though his deking abilities are not the smoothest, he does not lose the puck very often due to his strong puck control and good patience. His strongest offensive asset however is his passing. Whatever pass that needs to be completed, he can get the job done, even the very far breakout passes, he can get it very close but most of the time get it on the tape. Where he lacks in his offensive category is his shooting as he needs to be better at shooting from the point. – Tyler Ballesteros-Willard
CZECHIA
#23 C Petr Sikora, Czechia (U18 Five Nations), 5’11”, 170, L, DOB 01.02.2006
Solid at the draw, Petr plays a smooth game up the middle of the ice. Extremely quick feet and is able to shift his positioning to get his body in the way of passing and shooting lanes, most evident on the penalty kill. Constantly has his head on a swivel looking to pick up the open man. Sikora has eyes for the net, after retrieving the puck along the boards he’s able to drive the puck to the net if he sees open ice. It is clear that Sikora is one of the top skilled guys on his team as he is constantly driving play and creating chances with his excellent timed passes. He is highly relied on to produce for Czechia as seen by the number of shifts and overall ice time he was given. Despite the score, I was very impressed by how consistent his play was throughout the game, he still maintained a high gas tank and willingness to compete. Sikora demands the puck which usually results in something positive occurring. He’s smart, he doesn’t usually force a play forward, rather retreats the puck back at the end of a shift which eliminates turnovers. His work ethic and determination are transparent, he expects himself to give it his all every shift and can be visibly annoyed if he misses a loose puck, as seen by him slashing the boards in frustration. He’s able to break up plays with his active stick and his forechecking effort. He excels at maintaining possession of the puck through center ice and picking out open wingers flying by. Petr has a sneaky quick release that can catch goaltenders off guard, he has good shooting instincts around the net. A weakness of his game is getting out muscled on the puck. Cheating in his own zone is often a problem as well, he tends to leave his defensive zone without the puck first or his team having full possession, rather hoping the puck gets to him. His balance is questionable at times as well, fighting for positioning in and around the net can sometimes cause him to stumble. Overall, Sikora is an intriguing centerman with positive offensive tools who is a valuable player for Czechia. – Steven Pratas
#20 LW Ondrej Kos, Czechia (U18 Five Nations), 6’1”, 148, L, DOB 03.07.2006
Kos is a powerful skilled winger with excellent mobility for his size. His acceleration and ability to jump into transition is impressive. Being listed at 6’1”, Ondrej uses his frame to his advantage to protect the puck and forcefully push the puck toward the net from the outside. Above average stick handling ability, able to maintain control of the puck at top speed. He’s able to make quick decision-making calls with the puck to create scoring opportunities, especially around the net. His passing ability is a strength of his, especially moving the puck into the neutral zone as his passes are done with a purpose. Soft hands in the slot, he dishes the puck in areas most players would shoot, fooling the goalie as seen by his assist in the 3rd. He’s not a selfish player, seems to have a pass first mentality rather than to shoot it. His long reach gives him the ability to cause chaos on the forecheck causing turnovers. Does an excellent job of tying up the defender to let his linemate come grab the puck. He’s a force down low, can quickly shift and turn his body in a drop of a dime and dish the puck for an open point shot. His second effort at the end of his shifts is what helps highlight his character, as seen from his diving backchecking play that almost poked the way away from a 2-on-1 rush in the 3rd period. Mind you, the score was already 6-2 for the USA and Ondrej was still determined to prevent any more goals from being scored. He’s a workhorse on both ends of the ice, has good 200-foot qualities for a winger. His size will only increase, as he is currently only 148 pounds, there’s tons of growth left for Kos. Overall, Kos has the necessary skill set and size an ideal winger should have, he definitely has some upside. – Steven Pratas
#10 D Adam Kral, Czechia (U18 Five Nations), 6’2”, 181, R, DOB 02.08.2006
Kral is a true defender at heart with glimpses of offensive ability. Excellent size and strength to be able contain the opposition top players. Skating is not an issue for Kral, he can transition from forward to backhand skating quickly to prevent rushes from ensuing. Although he can be caught flat footed at times, he relies on his body positioning to push the play to the outside. Lifts sticks and constantly gains inside position in the defensive zone. Decent at bringing the puck through the neutral zone but is sometimes too slow to pass the puck to his wingers as he opts to dump it in. Actively pinches to keep the puck in along the boards. Tends to do the safest play available with very little creativity or surprising plays in his arsenal. Plays in all situations, heavily dependable to be positively impactful on the ice. Struggles with turnovers, forecheckers can cause him to fumble the puck under pressure. His ability to corral the puck along the point needs work as well, he tends to panic when being pursued. – Steven Pratas
FINLAND
#24 C Joona Saarelainen, Finland (U18 Five Nations), 5’9”, 176, L, DOB 04.04.2006
Joona plays a relatively safe and productive game as a 200-foot centerman. He takes pride in being a reliable and defensively minded player who doesn’t take many risks with and without the puck. Joona’s hockey sense is on full display in his quick decision making and in-game reads in his own end. Picks his spot when to jump into the rush or when to stay back based on the number of players pursuing the play and stamina left in his shift. Saarelainen has a good habit of not over skating and gliding out of position to get to pucks and puck battles. His stops and starts is what stands out in his skating ability along with his above average footstep and edgework when turning suddenly. Glides extremely deep in his defensive end when his team is breaking out, always supporting the puck carrier in all three zones. This constantly makes him an available passing option up the middle of the ice. His active stick is phenomenal in his end, constantly swiping at the opposition’s stick causing turnovers. His competitive spirit allows him to continue to be ferocious on the puck even when his gas tank is near empty. His positional game is excellent, eliminates tons of plays from occurring through the middle of the ice and forces the puck to the outside. Getting to loose pucks is a strength of his as his small stature gives him additional agility other players lack. Fantastic at the faceoff circle, he tends to get really low to the ice giving him great leverage when the puck hits the ice. Joona moves the puck through the neutral zone with speed. His fast hands and stick handling allow him to quickly change his puck protection stance moving forward. Skates into open ice but lacks that on-ice vision through traffic. Has a hard time reading the play occasionally as he can’t see over or through the opposition. His shot and scoring instincts are not fully developed, he tends to have a pass first mentality even in danger areas. Other Weaknesses of Saarelainen’s game are on the physical side of the game. He gets outmuscled on the puck but has decent lower body strength to keep his balance. Surprisingly, Joona does throw his body around once a while and isn’t afraid to engage physicality along the boards or even open ice. Overall, he has great attributes a two-way centerman should have but is missing that offensive spark. – Steven Pratas
#28 LW Lauri Sinivuori, Finland (U18 Five Nations), 6’0”, 165, L, DOB 04.28.2006
The moment the game started it was clear that Sinivuori was engaged and ready to compete. His forechecking ability was on display the whole game as he was hungry to cause chaos in the o-zone. Excels at supporting puck battles along the wall as his work ethic is a strength of his. He can outmuscle opponents by lifting their sticks and get inside position of the puck relatively easily. Constantly finishing his check and leaning on the opposition, it’s evident physically is part of his game. Puck protection along his stick and feet are a strength, it’s hard for him to get pushed off the puck. Excellent net front presence who can screen the goalie in the correct area. Valuable on both special teams, Lauri demonstrates good anticipation and awareness of where he should be. His Long active stick pushes play on the outside during the penalty kill. Lauri does lots of the dirty work around the net to achieve possession of the puck, an underrated opponent of his game. This allows his line to keep constant pressure. Lauri is a type of player who would be beneficial on any line as he plays his game to his strengths and doesn’t try to overthink situations. He makes himself a passing option along the wing with his quick pivot and stick along the ice. Can make short accurate passes in danger areas as he has decent on-ice vision through the neutral and offensive zone. Sinivuori is a quick skater and has decent acceleration, he’s able to pressure defenders and shooting lanes when needed. On the power play he can rotate between being in front of the net and near a faceoff circle to let go of his release. Scoring goals is not his bread and butter but will continue to score rebound goals with his current positioning around the crease. – Steven Pratas
#29 RW Kasper Pikkarainen, Finland (U18 Five Nations), 6’3”, 194, R, DOB 08.07.2006
Pikkarainen was quite noticeable the second I saw him step onto the ice. He already has NHL size as being 6’3” and almost 200 pounds which makes him very durable. He moves very well, able to swiftly crossover from a gliding position to get into the required area. His first few steps are surprisingly very fast which he uses to close time and space away from the opposition’s puck carrier. Kasper is very alert about his speed and can change trajectory in a drop of a dime. Dominates at winning puck battles and loose pucks with his frame. Impactful at being a net front presence, rarely can be fully contained with sheer strength. Can also tie up players down low to let his linemates come and grab the puck. Shot blocking and getting in the way of shooting lanes is part of his game as well. Does a good job of continuing the play in the offensive zone with short smart plays. The power he generates from his wrist shot is impressive as you can see his stick bend in full speed, he fully leans into it while the back of his leg springs into the air. His in-game reads in all three zones are what makes him effective at supporting the puck. Kasper doesn’t seem to have an eye for the net at times, he should be trying to force the play into the slot area with his power more. He generates scoring chances for himself and his linemates after cycling the puck. Taking two unnecessary tripping penalties in the 3rd period when his team was leading 1-0 foreshadowed his overall positive game. He needs to be cautious of how aggressively he swipes at pucks as his reach is longer than his average peer. His stick is a valuable tool for his defensive game but needs to be used with more coordination if he wants to be a reliable winger when his team needs his work ethic the most. Kasper has the makings of a player who has an increasing level of upside to his game. It’ll be interesting to see how progression is the rest of the year, he may be extra motivated to perform well as he was left off Finland’s Hlinka Gretzky roster a few months ago. – Steven Pratas
SWITZERLAND
#20 RW David Bosson, Switzerland (U18 Five Nations), 6’1”, 187, R, DOB 01.17.2006
Bosson plays a calm and more laid-back approach than the average winger would ideally play. Has a good frame and with size that allows him to hard on the puck. He tends to let his other forwards press the play forward while he supports as the 3rd forward. He played a rather defensive approach against the Americans, unsure if that was the game plan going into it or is how his game usually is. Constantly picking his own time when to use his skating ability as he tends to glide and stay in a certain area until play drastically moves. Very generic skating skills but makes up for its decent positioning in his own end. Careless at times with and without the puck, seems to be lacking a sense of urgency. Great communication on the ice as he directs his teammates with his stick to locations that need to be covered. Tends to have a good understanding of where his players and the opposition want to be and is able to get into those gaps to support. Didn’t have many offensive looks or continued pressure to really determine his playmaking ability. He did however have a few good short passes while he was pinned up against the boards. Corralling pucks and gaining control with pucks within grasp needs work, Bosson’s work ethic wasn’t fully shown throughout the game. Overall, there wasn’t that much that impressed me about David’s game against the Americans. He’s a solid player but lacks any eye-popping skills or abilities that makes him stand out. – Steven Pratas
#4 D Gian Meier, Switzerland (U18 Five Nations), 6’2”, 170, R, DOB 07.10.2006
Meier plays a steady game on the back end. He patrols the front of his net well, looking to use his size to push players away from the inside position. Although at times he puck watches at the end of his shifts which was apparent on the Americans 3rd goal, where the opposition net front presence quickly shifted a few feet away for a tap in. Good under pressure, makes the correct passes when he rings the puck around the boards. Plays 1-on-1 situations quite well, he knows when to slide on the ice to block passes directed toward the trailer crashing the net. Not overly physical but is effective at chipping away at pucks in the corners. Precise foot placement, he doesn’t over assert himself when moving around on the ice as he understands positioning. He has a long smooth stride but didn’t make many plays forward that would make him considered a puck moving defenseman. Efficient transition between forward and backwards skating, but his overall skating ability is nothing eye popping. While breaking out of his zone, his first pass is usually the most expected one. Rarely jumped into the play and wasn’t a constant threat along the point. Gian did however demonstrate his quick shooting ability when given the chance to release it on goal. Lacks offensive instincts but when he received a terrific pass at the top of the slot, the puck jumped over his stick. When defending in transition during odd man rushes, he wasn’t able to pick up the streaking winger on the far side driving the net, which resulted in another tap in goal against. He struggled all night with key split-second decision-making calls, finishing with a -3 rating. Meier has potential to play a shutdown role as he plays a stay-at-home type of game, just needs to work on his coverage when the puck is being passed on the width of the ice. – Steven Pratas
#18 C Robin Nico Antenen, Switzerland (U18 Five Nations), 6’1”, 190, L, DOB 05.21.2006
Leading the Swiss in forward ice time against the Americans, it’s evident that he’s a valuable player for the club for a good reason. Antenen is very dependable in all zones and possesses many attributes a well-rounded two-way forward should have. Played in all situations, Nico maintained a good work ethic despite the score getting carried away in the 3rd.Usually at the center position, Robin excelled at the wing in this game when it came to cycling the puck and getting in scoring areas when his linemates had the puck. He can maintain good defensive coverage and instantly push the puck forward in transition with pace. Skillful use of inside and outside edges, especially when he’s using his active stick to claw at the puck. Antenen can really fly down the ice and maintain a good speed and intensity throughout the game. Once he sees an opportunity to chase down the puck and get to it first, he explodes. Has a knack for breaking up plays on the forecheck and through the neutral zone. Once he has the puck in 1-on-1 situations he’s creative, as noted from his quick inside to outside stick handling movement which gave him a quality scoring chance. Terrific at give and goes along the boards as he opens himself up to be a passing option. His wrist shot is quick, produces good velocity and he isn’t afraid to let it rip ways out. They’re times in the game when Antenen should have distributed the puck to open ice or a teammate but decided to take on unfavorable matchups resulting in turnovers. It was difficult to analyze his offensive ability at times, as sustaining offensive pressure is difficult against the loaded Americans. He does, however, know how to be effective down low and around the net as his line had the most success creating scoring chances. – Steven Pratas
U20 Five Nations Tournament
Chomutov, Czech Republic
November 7-12, 2023
Switzerland U20
#3 Daniil Ustinkov, D, 6-0, 198, L, DOB 8.26.2006
Ustinkov has had a good draft season so far even though he has been moved from the NL to the SL to get more ice time. His play at this event while it did not overly impress it did not disappoint either. He did not get big minutes as we had hoped but did take a regular shift and saw some sporadic special teams play as well. His biggest impact was the transitioning of play from his own zone up to the attack. His offensive contributions were rather muted as he was playing with less skilled teammates and relied on the safe play rather then anything overly creative. His skating, a major asset, was on display in puck retrievals and in skating the puck out of his zone while a passing option presented itself. His passes were on point and even creative at times. His defensive play was solid as he supported his partner well, brought some physicality, and showed his typical poise in his own zone. – Dan Stewart
#22 RWR Gregory Weber 5.9 160 DOB 01.07.2004
Small player with great wheels…tenacious…a great work ethic…creates turnovers on the backcheck…then using his edges digs in & wheels north…strong deceptive wrist shot…great balance when slipping body checks…showing great versatility to move in & out of the play…working off the boards coming out with the puck by using his stick rather than his body. – Murray Caldwell
#12 CL Mattheo Reinhard 5.9 174 DOB 06.26.2004
Not sure why I have never heard of this player…has excellent speed & stick handling maneuvers…toe drags to elude a forecheck on the rush…deft hands…makes end to end rushes…skating is where he really shines…makes some really good turns while maintaining puck control…has elite puck distribution…unfortunately there is no one on his team that can think off the rush as good as he does…has very good vision to make timely passes through the seam. – Murray Caldwell
#18 RW/LW/L Julien Rod 5.10 181 DOB 11.22.2004
A versatile forward…a natural option when it comes to faceoffs from either side…quick hands allows him to go forward with the puck or back to the corner in the DZ…it is all about his hands…they are strong & soft…has good net front presence…drives to the net…backs off to get in a better shooting position or can sneak in behind the defender…shows great compete…work ethic…a take away is his foot speed in the neutral zone…yet when he is in the OZ he is a threat when shooting. – Murray Caldwell
Finland U20
#10 RDR Joona Vaisanen 6.0 176 DOB 07.29.2004
Strong offensive threat…stick handles with speed & control…likes to have the puck & keep control…this is one area where he really tries to split the opponents forward by using a slap pass & pushing them back when on the attack…this makes the opponent back up because they are unsure of his next move…he anticipates the opponent really well when in the OZ by moving with speed across the blue line…sending shots to the net with accuracy…I found when he is playing with players at this level he lacks confidence…way more confidence at the USHL level…he may not know how good he is yet? He seems to have the intangibles to be a great two-way Dman…his foot speed is as good as anyone at this level…he doesn’t let the opponent blow past him when he is in the defensive side… not afraid to block shots…great recognition of a threat & how to play it…strong board battles. This guy has the potential just not sure what is holding him back. – Murray Caldwell
#18 C/RW/R Konsta Helenius 5.11 181 DOB 05.11.2006
Here is feisty offensive player…I think he looks upon the opponent that there is no size differential…he has tremendous core strength & it is shown when he dishes out some excellent body checks to separate players from the puck…a fun guy to watch with great hockey sense & vision…the best part of his game is his IQ…a beautiful skater that looks almost delicate with his lightness on his feet a big improvement from last year…this guy possess a wrist shot that is hard to match in his age group…his shot all the makings of a Matthews…accurate…heavy…smart shooting locations…a pure first liner. – Murray Caldwell
#52 Topias Hynninen, C, 5-10, 170, L, DOB 12.19.2005
Hynninen was a surprise add to this roster for some but did not look out of place playing his complete game one bit. He lacks the high-end offensive skills of some of the other flashier players on the squad but his two-way play and dogged determination had him playing a regular shift as well as both special teams at times. A playmaker who handles the puck and moves well, he had a few very impressive offensive plays that had you think he could become an NHL top six forward but for sure his all-round 200-foot game looks like he has top nine potential worse case. Didn’t really standout at this event but that was a good thing overall as he also did not look like the play was over his head either. – Dan Stewart
#28 RWR Emil Hemming 6.2 194 DOB 06.27.2006
Best forward on either side of the ocean…extremely intelligent when it comes to playmaking…a natural puck distributor…has a set of hands not comparable to anyone at this age…tremendously gifted when it comes to not being impatient…he is so calm when in control of the puck…confidence written all over him with his body language…can shoot off his back foot with deadly accuracy…great edges that will turn a Dman inside out…from a toe drag to a flip of the puck and retrieval on the other side…to me he looks like a Mr. Magic with his puck skills…his skating is nothing to laugh at either…doesn’t show off his explosive speed until he has the puck then look out…best part he is a 2 way player this year…in one game while coming back to help his goalie he lifted the stick of the opponent taking away a scoring threat…back checks stripping players of the puck…not just creating a turnover it is what he does with the puck once he turns it over…you just don’t know if he is going to rush the puck or slow it down…he makes those decision so incredibly quick…it appears he sees everything around him…hard work ethic…drive…poise…anticipation…creative…competent… stamina of a camel…a very big motor… so much potential from his size to his readiness to play at the next level. – Murray Caldwell
Slovakia U20
#7 RDR Luca Radivojevic 5.10 161 DOB 01.03.2007 DE 2025
This player could be the best D-man to ever come out of Slovakia…has all the tools, superb skating ability…edges…powerful stride…produces max in speed in 3 strides…knows how to play the game away from the puck…using his superior hockey sense he knows when to turn to skate forward to shut down an attacker & not allowing a forward get around him…his leg strength comes into play when forcing the opponents to the wall…using his feet and stick he shuts down the cross seam passes by the opponent…fearless shot blocker…he has offensive awareness when to rush the puck & to lay off…he is like a Letang with impressive speed if he gets caught deep he has the ability to come back & take away the rush…consistently shooting the puck with authority & accuracy looking for tips or deflections…makes puck distribution look much to simple…doesn’t force the play through the middle often flipping the puck up out of danger or off the boards out of harm’s way. We should probably learn how to say his name. I think we will be saying it a lot soon. – Murray Caldwell
Czechia U20
#5 RD Adam Jiricek 6.2 168 DOB 06.28.2006
An impressive minute mucher…doesn’t waste energy while on the ice…makes only what matters most decisions…this comes from really understanding the game…mobile defender with elite skating in all aspects…vision…tremendous amount of stamina when defending…does not seem to tired…constant board battles…pinning opponents waiting for his teammates to come in & retrieve the puck…for not an overly tall person he has long reach & uses a long stick…the old stick really bends when he gets an opportunity show off his velocity on his slap shot…if it goes head high you might want to lay flat on the ice or at the very least duck…not a juggernaut offensive threat in most cases but probably one of the best defensive defenders in this years draft. – Murray Caldwell
#7 LD Tomas Cibulka 6.0 170 DOB 04.02.2004
Not sure why this guy isn’t on my radar in fact I thought he was drafted in his draft year…he does a lot really well…mobile Dman that has a great shot…an offensive machine…effortless skating…he finds lanes for skating out of coverage sometimes when double teamed…he can slam on the brakes draw the puck tight to his body while shielding the puck with his stick…then spin & carry the puck out of the zone…has great one on one defensive skills pushing the opponent outside…gap management is excellent…in some of the games he seems to rush the play & often not move the puck quickly enough for break out passes…that is a little disturbing…looking unsure of himself…yet he shows creativity at times when rushing through the neutral zone…sometimes flexing his body to go one way & goes the other. I will have to watch some of his QMJHL games & see what or why he isn’t performing like he did in his draft year. – Murray Caldwell
#79 Tomas Galvas, D, 5-10, 148, L, DOB 2.11.2006
If this kid was 6-3 he likely would be in the discussion for top blueliner in this years draft class, maybe even as one of the top overall picks, problem is he is generously listed 5-10 and only a buck fifty soaking wet. He was a big minute munching defender playing in all offensive situations at this event. He was able to show off his fluid and explosive skating ability, solid offensive creativity, and a deadly transition game. His play on the other side of the puck was just as strong as his feet allow him to keep up with any attacker and his work rate helped him win many battles that he had him no business winning at his size. – Dan Stewart
#18 LW/RW/L Matej Mastalirsky 6.1 170 DOB 07.10.2005
Another one that showed excellent potential in & out of the play…using his speed to force turnovers…agility to move around forwards & Dmen off a rush…nice balance on his skates…shows that he can stickhandle maintain control in small tight areas at times…has good awareness of what is happening around him…the anticipation seems to be there when it comes to knowing where to play away from the puck…doesn’t seem to mind a hard game…looks to be pretty solid overall…grit…determination…willingness to battle…strong shot…sensible plays…really good a receiving passes on the fly…a lot of these players show such good potential…some lack the hard work…others lack consistent play like in this case. – Murray Caldwell
#20 CR Matej Pribyl 6.3 207 DOB 05.27.2004
A big center that can really shoot the puck…off the rush he showed twice that he can let it rip…if they can set him up for a one timer he can really pound it…decent edge work…doesn’t get lost on the play…not the fastest skater yet he shows up at the right time…showed some good determination over the tournament…anticipates…created some nice turn overs on board battles…yet I found he lacked consistency…showed he had potential in a few games. – Murray Caldwell
#24 LW/RW Adam Zidlicky 6.0 170 DOB 01.28.2005
A gritty 2 way forward…intelligent player…excellent anticipation off the rush…the first thing I notice about this player is that he might be a very good Dman…it is his self awareness of how to execute on the play…he knows his strengths against certain players…knows how to defend by using his stick & body to read off the play…whereas on the OZ rush he knows that he can drive through a lot of defenders due to lower body strength…he has excellent speed not so much explosive but timely pushes to get past the defender by getting a step on them then releasing a heavy wrist shot…if he could just shoot with more accuracy…he misses the net way too often…he just wants to shoot with no regard for accuracy or even his teammates at times…this player has the potential with his hard work to get to the next level…I would like to see what he could do on a defensive pairing…he has a little bit of nasty in his play which could make him a very good F9. – Murray Caldwell
#6 Dominik Badinka, D, 6-3, 183, R DOB 11.27.2005
Badinka played a solid support role at this event logging regular minutes five on five. He showed well despite not starting the event overly strong in his own zone. His play with the puck was solid as he joined the rush and even hauled it up ice when the opportunity presented itself. The thing with Badinka is that he often will skate himself into dead-ends. He is best when he moves the puck with a skilled teammate as an obvious option and can attack using his strong skating ability. As the event moved along his defense tightened up and he seemed to gain confidence which helps his overall impact. Did not look out of place. – Dan Stewart
Sweden U20
#7 LD Hugo Fransson 6.0 180 DOB 08.03.2004
Just starting to really come into his own…maturing nicely into a defender for both sides of the puck…intelligent puck distribution…highly dangerous & accurate slap/wrist shot…this guy has a real cannon…mobile in all zones…exceptional lateral movement at the blue line to get to better shot positioning…his skating & puck handling can push opponents back when entering the oz…likes to work off of broken plays he is keen at getting to the puck before anyone else…high IQ allows him to make lanes instead of just passing the puck…on the defensive side he can cut off attackers by keeping them outside…then with body positioning actively strip them of the puck…he has not let up on his passion to play the game at high level he continues to develop in all aspects of the game. I feel he will be selected this year. – Murray Caldwell
#19 LWR Hugo Pettersson 6.0 185 DOB 05.01.2005
Not an elite player yet shows some excellent quality…skating is smooth & with a nice glide…strong & physical…using his strength on board battles…comes away more then not with the puck…a shoot first no nonsense style of player…creative…excellent puck distribution…tenacious puck retrieval…playmaking is amongst the best on his team. – Murray Caldwell
#14 RW/C/L Erik Pahlsson 6.1 183 DOB 04.09.2004
One of the best players consistently in this tournament for Sweden…2 way player tracks down the opponents with speed…uses his body to twist pucks out of the hands of the opponent…a shooter for the most part…he was all over the ice…all around the puck…he made one really nice move with a pass between his legs that resulted in a goal against Czechia…great hands in tight…wicked release that can fool you…he will look to pass & release a blistering wrist shot……he can absolutely corral hard passes…plays with speed & intensity almost every shift…has excellent vision & anticipation giving his teammates passing options…his style of play he does not take many penalties because he does not need to put his stick where it does not belong when checking or in the offensive zones…plays a disciplined style…I am actually not sure what I am missing why he has not been drafted…he shows amazing potential. – Murray Caldwell
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Cole Eiserman could be the next American hockey superstar.
His dad played for UMass Lowell and his uncle was drafted by the Predators. Hockey is in his blood and he seems to have gotten all of their skill sets and more. He is from the hockey hotbed of Massachusetts and recently switched his commitment from Minnesota to be closer to home at BU.
He previously played at Shattuck-St. Mary with his friend Macklin Celibrini. At Shattuck-St.Mary he collected 154 points and 88 points in successive years. In 2022-2023 he spent most of the year with USNTDP U17 team and recorded 72 points in 42 games, including 43 goals. In 20 games with the U18 team he scored 26 goals and 32 points. He was electric most games in his DY-1 season and left fans and scouts on the edge of their seats waiting for what he would do next. Eiserman will be at BU with Celibrini next season and they will be one of the favorites to make the Frozen four in 2025. Celibrini and Eiserman have been reported in the media as being good friends and the two are likely to go 1-2 in the draft this June.
On the International scene he recorded 20 points in 7 games and as a 17-year-old at the U18s he recorded 11 points in 7 games. As an underaged player at the U18’s in April 2023 Eiserman was tied in the lead with 9 goals in 7 games and was electric for the American squad at the tournament.
This upcoming season with the USNTDP, Eiserman has the possibility of breaking records set by Cole Caufield (goals) and Gabe Perraeualt (points).
Eiserman is already off to a hot start again this season with the NTDP U18 squad and will be a joy to watch as this season moves along as he chases NTDP scoring records.
The question is why is Eiserman seen as a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft in June? Andy Miller with Draft Prospects Hockey breaks down Eiserman’s game as he tries to answers that question.
Skating
Cole Eiserman is a solid skater who is well balanced and has strong edge work. He changes directions with speed and purpose. He has decent top end speed and tries to use that to create separation from checkers all over the ice.
In Clip 1, Eiserman picks up the puck in his zone and uses his skating ability, great edge control and utilizes excellent puck protection to lose checks through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone. In this clip you see how he reads the play well and makes excellent decisions. He is a very creative player who can drive the middle lane with confidence.
Offensive Vision & Awareness
Eiserman’s vision on the offensive side of the game is next level. He sees options out there that most don’t. He finds the puck or it finds him and he can create time and space to gain zone entries or to create chances if in the zone. Eiserman constantly has his eyes scanning the ice so he is aware where everyone is and knows who is covered and who is open.
Eiserman’s awareness on the ice is exceptional and would in many other years have locked him in as first overall, but he is a lock for top 5. He makes great reads with his IQ too, not only does he see what is happening but decides what to do quickly. Eiserman seems to love pressure and being tested and rises to the challenge of the situation. Offensively Eiserman makes great decisions almost all the time and defensively he does pretty well too.
In the below clip, Cole Eiserman, #34, absorbs the hit and capably makes a play with the puck to set up a shot from the point. You then see him disengage and that allows him move to the high slot to be both an offensive option and capable of covering his defensive responsibilities too.
In the next clip, Cole Eiserman, #34, he reads the play well while in the slot in the defensive zone. You can see him maintaining speed by circling in the zone and tracking the puck and all the players on the ice exceptionally well. He outsmarts and out works three opponents to win the puck battle and start the breakout. Eiserman then takes the bouncing puck up the wall and does not force the puck elsewhere, gains control and enters the zone with possession. He creates a quality chance at the other end of the ice by driving the net. Towards the end of the net front battle in the offensive zone he drifts out and picks up the loose puck and misses a quality chance. He at times plays like a centre often to be found in the high slot.
Puck Retrieval & Work Ethic
Eiserman is very consistent on the offensive side of the puck and is driven to be a difference maker on that side of the puck. He is incredibly competitive and appears to want to be the top player on the ice. His defensive play is very good for someone with his skill set and age, as you can find him playing the 200 foot game often, but this could still improve over time.
Eiserman has a level of physicality to his game and uses it to protect the puck from defenders. He frequently uses his frame to retrieve the puck in the corners. He can throw his weight around and can take hits too.
Eiserman is a good forechecker and does an effective job hunting down the puck. He has a decent level of responsibility but he will have to grow into being a penalty killer at the top level of the game. He has demonstrated the ability to backcheck with speed and purpose in many viewings.
In the below clip, Cole Eiserman gets to his net front and effectively reads the play and goes to the player at the back door and ties up his hands. This is a player in a dangerous spot by keeping his feet moving and using his stick to tie up his opponent’s stick at the right time.
In this next clip, Cole Eiserman is playing the high slot in the defensive zone and makes an excellent read on the defenders going D to D and picks off the puck with his quick first few strides and great hands. Next he continues up ice after the interception and changes speeds effectively and makes great use of toe drags to buy time and space. If he decided to lower his shoulder and drive the centre lane I wonder if he could have taken the puck in alone behind the defender. Here is where some extra power in his stride would give him the confidence to drive that lane a bit more. He makes a good pass to his teammate that results in an opportunity at the net front. Being a bit more selfish here might result in a higher quality chance. He then follows the rebound to the corner and is first on the puck with ease and ensures they maintain possession and pressure in the offensive zone.
Puck Control
Eiserman’s hands are exceptional with the puck on his stick as he is incredibly smooth with it. He receives good accurate passes well and capably adjusts to poor passes that others would struggle to corral.
In the below clip, Cole Eiserman picks the puck up the wall just outside his defensive blueline, attracts attention and starts a rush that creates a quality chance. At the end of the rush he goes to the net front but is off by a foot or so to be able to get a quality rebound chance and his body language here made him look like he was watching the play as opposed to being engaged.. You are also able to see Eiserman take a hard hit to gather the puck off the wall and corral it smoothly; he then rotates on his edges and demonstrates a very high end skill set. Then he gets on his horse and hustles back and nullifies a quality chance with his skating and his body. The check doesn’t look like much, but he has a lot of speed and to maintain edge control and throw your body weight in a different direction is something that demonstrates great skating, core strength and balance. He could target the players hands or body a bit more to be more effective with the hit. This is the type of clip that makes people discuss the potential for Cole Eiserman to go first overall, he plays the 200 foot game, much like a responsible centre, even though he is on the wing.
Shooting & Scoring
Eiserman’s scoring ability is elite. His recent draftee rivals include Cole Caufield and Austin Matthews. These are two elite NHL scorers and he has such a good release that he will certainly be among the top scorers in the NHL within a few years of being drafted. Eiserman looks to shoot the puck and when he does it is at worst a great chance and very often, a goal. He is a generational type scorer in the likes of Matthews and Caufield, when he is around the net it is regularly going to end up in it. He averages about 8 shots a game and scores 1.2 goals a game, which means he has an above average shooting percentage for the NHL, but it is not out of the realm of reasonableness to eventually get to that level again at the NHL.
In this clip, shows Eiserman getting open and it shows his impressive release that is quick, accurate and lethal. You can see how dangerous of a player he will be on the Powerplay, but also at even strength, as his shot could rival Caufield, Matthews, maybe even Ovechkin.
Puck Handling
Eiserman is an incredibly creative player who has magical hands with the puck on his stick. His imagination on the ice and finds the openings and/or his teammates. Eiserman’s creativity benefits from his ability to pass the puck on the tape is incredible. His vision is exceptional and he sees what is going on before it happens. Eiserman is not likely to be anywhere near leading his team in assists, but he still has the ability to make plays.
In this clip, Cole Eiserman receives the puck off a pass that is not on the tape and he adjusts well and maintains his speed. As he gains the offensive blueline he decides to pull the puck behind him unaware of the backchecker whom he gives the puck to with this move. This play shows his creativity, but how he at times can get too focused on what is in front of him and forget about who is behind him.
Areas of Improvement
In our last clip, Cole Eiserman, #34, makes an obviously scripted drop pass in the neutral zone that creates a turnover by dropping to the opposition. He does keep his head up after the error and keeps engaged in the play with no obvious negative body language. He could have demonstrated a bit more drive after the turnover, but he responded reasonably well. This shows while he is a very creative player even he can be lulled into routine.
Be sure to pick up your copy of the DraftPro 2024 Draft Preview Magazine today in either digital or physical copy versions.
The Russian class of NHL Draft eligible players for 2024 as started to show extra fire power depth wise with speed and excitement for this European class as a whole. There is elite NHL talent worthy from rankings 3-20 and unique depth goal scoring ability in the later rounds who may have the potential to become a reliable middle-6 winger as similar to an Ondrej Palat of the future by becoming a Stanley Cup champion.
At the beginning part of this super exciting season in the KHL as well as the MHL, many players have started to truly accel at their game and rose up in the rankings with highly impressive performances that may never be forgotten by their peers. Others however due to lack of confidence, development, and consistency in their game have plummeted their potential to become NHL worthy.
Starting as the highest stone of the draft ladder is SKA-1946 Russian phenom Ivan Demidov. Before his unfortunate injury that happened very recently which will need him to take some time off, Demidov has taken the KHL by storm demonstrating that he is considered to be the most talented and electrifying player that SKA has to offer. At DraftPro, we have him ranked 3rd, but if he comes back and throws a huge bang of production at the KHL level, there is absolutely a chance where he may be selected over USNTDP goal scoring star Cole Eiserman.
Factors that may keep him 3rd would potentially be him having obtained that crucial injury and still the unfortunate events involving Russia at this moment. That being said, there is no doubt about it will the offensive assets he has involving his allusive skating with his fiercely quick hands, he may become a consistent 85+ point scorer in the NHL at the very least.
Before his time with SKA in the KHL, Demidov in the MHL had 62 points in 41 games, 43 of which were assists as it shows in his creative problem solving like mind.
Next up in the elite for the Russians is defensive star Anton Silayev. When discussing his development, Silayev is considered nothing but special for Torpedo as his arsenal of defensive abilities is considered world class. Similar to his counter part Dmitri Simashev, Anton at 6’7 is considered to be one of the smoother skaters of this draft class.
For this class, we have him ranked 19th at the moment after Charlie Elick of the Brandon Wheat Kings. Do not let this be a deceiving factor as Silayev may get picked way earlier if he continues to strongly develop with Torpedo in the KHL as he is considered to be one of their most steady defensemen.
The difference however that Silayev has over Simashev is that he has more offensive upside than Simashev. Silayev has the huge desire to let that puck rip from the point more so than Simashev does as he focuses a lot on his defensive ability.
If Simashev was selected 6th overall due to his unique size and style of play, then no doubt about it that Anton Silayev can absolutely be a top 10 pick and be a future top 2 defenseman of a Stanley Cup winning NHL team as from an overall standpoint may be one of if not, the biggest riser of the 2024 NHL draft as he continues to build his incredible stock.
Other 2024 NHL Draft eligible Russian prospects who have seen their draft stock develop or decline throughout the first part of the season will be highlighted below. Even though the 1st half of the season has already been completed, there is so much hockey left to be played which these youngsters can change their development progress in a hurry.
Igor Chernyshov of Dynamo Moskva in the MHL has considered to be a very consistent player of this draft class as he is a desirable top 6 2-way forward of an NHL team seeking stability in the offensive category. His awareness in all areas of the ice is considered to be phenomenal. As much as he can be an offensive threat when shooting the puck and drawing players in due to his strong puck protection, he is considered even better without the puck as he wins a lot of faceoffs, he sacrifices a lot to block shots but what is scary is that he can pickpocket a player in a nick of time due to his active mind. Playing in the MHL, he’s been dominating the two-way game as right now he is almost a point per game at this moment in time.
Next in the group of Russian eligibles is Nikita Artamonov who plays with Anton Silayev in Torpedo of the KHL. From an overall standpoint, he has been impressive and shows great development in his offensive abilities has he is one of the smaller risers in the 2nd round. The way that he can just handle the biscuit and make the right plays at the right time along with his agile skating ability has helped him push his way up the rankings amongst the other forwards. His scoring prowess has helped him differentiate from all of the other playmakers of this draft as he shows an unpredictable arsenal, and it shows in his productivity in the KHL as he has 13 points in 25 games as a 17 year old. The only aspect that is slowing him down which he needs to develop is his defensive game if he wants to be an excelling player at the NHL level which is why he has not risen crazy.
Artyom Krikunenko has truly been one of the more satisfying risers of this year’s draft. Even though he is one of the smaller players on Loko Yaroslav in the MHL, he is certainly one of the more productive and hidden players of this year’s draft class. His passing ability is what really highlights Artyom’s game as he is so good at making hard accurate passes looking like feathers and has the eyes of a jumping spider as he understands the language of where his teammates will be due to his strong anticipation skills. Yes, he may be small, but his marksmanship abilities are also underrated as they can be quick lasers. In the 15 games he played for Loko 76 Yaroslav, Krikunenko has 4 goals, 12 assists which at this stage, is highly impressive. If he can improve his defensive awareness by a small portion and get stronger, he will for sure be a powerplay specialist.
When discussing about defensive defensemen, Matvei Shuravin properly fits that list even though there are some minor inconsistencies in his skating. The Armiya defenseman has showed reasons why he excels in his game as he shows really good defensive awareness and physicality. His inconsistency in the offensive zone unfortunately does not help his case and will need to be better at anticipating where his teammates will be as well as understand how to pinch better in the defensive end. Similar to Ben Chiarot, Matvei Shuravin can absolutely be a top 6 penalty killing defenseman, but if he wants to truly grow his stock, he will need to improve his offensive instincts.
As a reliable all around forward who can be a potential steal of a draft pick is Yegor Graf on SKA 1946 in the MHL. When discussing his stock, he has shown tremendous prowess in both ends on the ice as he is practically a point per game player at this moment being. With his strong mind in the way he thinks the game as well as his goal scoring mentality, Yegor is showing why his draft stock is consistent offensively, however even though he is considered a two-way player, he will need to improve his faceoff game as a centerman. Other than those minor inconsistencies, he may absolutely become a responsible depth goal scoring center on the 3rd line similar to a Nick Bonino like player.
The main faller of this draft from the Russians is unfortunately Alexander Shen of Mamonty Yugry. Even though his main role is to be a checking defensive player, his offensive upside has been very lacking. He has a good defensive mind and he is willing to sacrifice the body by throwing checks and blocking shots, but the truth is, the way he has been producing in the MHL at only under a half point per game pace has been lacking for his development. Yes he is only 17 years of age but if he cannot improve his offensive output, then the chances are for him becoming a key NHL player has decreased dramatically.
Sam Dickinson is someone who has been touted by many for a very long time as someone with an NHL future.
Dickinson’s final year before the OHL draft was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however in Dickinson’s during that season he was still able to rack up points. Thanks to his stellar play, he was selected fourth overall in the OHL draft in 2022 to the Niagara Ice Dogs. After being selected by the Ice Dogs, he was traded to the London Knights for three second-rounders, three third rounders, and a fifth rounder. London had high expectations for him and hoped that he could be their new franchise defencemen for the next few years and oh boy did he live up to that. In his first season with the Knights in 2022-2023, Dickinson helped lead the Knights to a Memorial Cup finals appearance. Dickinson was selected to the OHL First All-Rookie Team thanks to an exceptional season. He was then selected to represent Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup where helped lead the team to another Gold Medal as one of the top defencemen.
The question is why is Dickinson seen as a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft in June? Zach Morris with Draft Prospects Hockey breaks down Dickinson’s game as he tries to answers that question.
Dickinson is an absolute workhorse of a defenceman who eats minutes and is typically out there facing the harder matchups. He is one of the bigger defencemen coming into the draft this year, standing at 6-foot-3 and uses his size to his advantage. He is constantly outmuscling players along the boards and in front of the net. His skating skills are always evident, you can see in the way he uses crossovers and long strides to create separation when leading the rush. As well as his smooth and fluid skating when hustling back on defence. Sam’s skating is one of his greatest assets, which always keeps him involved in the play no matter where he is on the ice. He is a shows flashes of his offensive skills, which was especially evident during the Hlinka Cup tournament. Playing with Oliver Bonk in London you’d think his offensive potential would be limited but so far he has excelled and seen lots of powerplay time which has allowed him to get off to a hot start, amassing 8 points in 7 games. Playing with Bonk also allows him to show off his high IQ and defensive ability. Bonk is constantly taking part in the rush and playing deep in the offensive zone causing Dickinson to play a more conservative role. He won’t always wow you with a spectacular move when he has the puck but his vision and passing ability are always on display. He is looking to create the best scoring chance and is extremely patient with the puck. That can also be one of his biggest downfalls. Sam will have the occasional turnover because he is waiting too long to make the best play rather than just advancing the puck. The problem is when he turns it over it is typically a bad one. He also has a lethal shot from the point and is not afraid to use it. He has seen tons of penalty kill time which has allowed him to further showcase his defensive awareness and IQ. Dickinson’s game isn’t as face paced offensively as some of the other defencemen in this year’s draft, but he has the fundamentals down to a tee which allows him to excel and play a fluid game.
Skating One of Sam’s greatest assets is his skating ability, he makes it look effortless and smooth. His skating is not always on display as he is calculated with his movement and energy. When he needs a burst of speed to lead the rush or hustle back on defence it is evident the tremendous talent he poses. Dickinson is able to blow by defenders when leading the rush because of his exceptional crossovers and long strides. When skating back to defend the rush he poses extraordinary speed skating backwards thanks to his cross overs and unders. The way he is able to transition from going forward to backward and still maintain his momentum is a thing of beauty. His edge work is evident when walking the blue line in the offensive zone. Dickinson’s skating always keeps him in the play even if it seems like he’s not. His skating, aside from his size, is one of the main reasons he looks like a man amongst boys and one why he is such a highly touted prospect in this year’s draft.
In the following clip you can see Sam demonstrating his excellent skating ability. He shows his exceptional crossover ability and 10 to 2 skating.
Defensive Play and Physical Ability Sam’s defensive play is something that constantly stands out and is really being show cased this season. Playing with Oliver Bonk, Dickinson has taken more of a defensive role on the pairing. Bonk is constantly involved in the rush and jumps into the play in the offensive zone. This has allowed Dickinson’s defensive game to truly shine, I’m sure the coach is not too thrilled about the amount of plays Dickinson has had to defend by himself or at the very least slow down until Bonk or one of the other forwards is able to get back in time to aid him. On the flip side Sam has been able to show off his high hockey IQ consistently stifling the opponent’s attack. He is very active with his stick constantly poke checking opponents, but he is always careful and ensures that he does not take a penalty. Dickinson is almost always in the right spot, whether that is covering his man in front of the net and boxing him to ensure the goalie isn’t screened and the player can’t tip the puck or shadowing the man with the puck. Dickinson was gifted with physical attributes standing at a towering 6’3” and weighing in at 194lbs and he doesn’t put them to waste. He uses his size to get in the way of players and slow the rush down. Dickinson often pins opponents along the boards in order to snatch the puck from them or allow a teammate to do so. He uses his large frame to block shots or at least disrupt the shooting lane, this is extremely evident on the penalty kill.
In this clip Bonk makes a bad turnover in the defensive zone and Dickinson is immediately in the right position taking his man in front and communicating the with Bonk and letting him know to take the player with the puck. Later in the video you can see another good play by Sam, he out muscles his man on the boards using his large frame and positional awareness.
Although Dickinson was unable to clear the puck from the zone on the penalty kill at the start of the clip, in the end he recovered exceptionally. He blocked the first shot attempt and even though he was on his knees, he somehow managed to get his stick in the way and deflect the second shot attempt.
His defence partner makes a sloppy pass on the line trying to send it across to Dickinson. Luckily, Dickinson is able to recover and is there to slow down the play. On the second attempt he is able to get his stick in the way to break up a potential breakaway pass.
He puts pressure on his man in the defensive zone with his active stick and forced the Greyhounds player to take a bad one-handed backhand shot and then makes a terrific stretch pass out of the zone.
Playmaking and Passing Ability Sam’s greatest asset on offence is his vision. He rarely rushes a pass and loves to look for the best scoring opportunity rather than dishing it off to the first open player he sees. He shows his poise when leading the rush from his own zone. His passes are tape to tape lasers that are rarely off the mark and as a result he feels more comfortable taking some risks. He is not afraid to send a pass-through defender because he trusts his accuracy and vision. His stretch passes from inside his zone to the opposing teams’ blue line are a work of art. Sam’s passing is an instrumental part to his blazing hot start this season.
In this clip he held on to the puck and waited to see if there was a better option. He spotted Bonk on the opposite point and snuck across a pass which led to a good scoring opportunity for Bonk.
Dickinson gets the puck and goes on the rush. He slows the play down to allow the trailing skater to join the play. He sends a beautiful cross-ice pass to a wide-open number 39, Max McCue, who fires a nice wrister.
Shooting Dickinson is never afraid to fire off a wrister or one time from the point and with the power, speed and accuracy that his shot possess I can’t blame him. He is rarely just firing a shot on net because he has the puck, he bides his time and picks his moments. He knows when he’s got the opportunity to let a slap shot go or throw a wrist shot on net with a target in mind. He loves to looks for a potential tip opportunity and let a wrist shot go.
On the powerplay Dickinson wires a nice hard and accurate wrister from the point that goes in for a goal.
Dickinson gets the puck at the top of the point and fires a clapper that is deflected by Sam O’Reilly in front for a goal. You can see the power and accuracy on Dickinson’s shot. He put it on the right side of the goalie where O’Reilly was positioned for a good chance at tipping it.
Areas of Improvement For all the positive aspects of Sam’s game there are still some rough edges that not to be ironed out. He has two issues that go hand in hand. Dickinson sometimes seems almost lacksidasidcale on the ice and it looks like he doesn’t realize the pressure that is coming towards him or the importance of the situation. He bides his time waiting for a better opportunity and it can lead to all his options disappearing and the opposition trapping him in a tough spot. Although this helps him conserve his energy and stay on the ice for longer shifts it can lead to costly turnovers at inopportune times. He is also prone to holding on to the puck for extended periods of time which also leads to turnovers. By this point I’m sure you can guess, his biggest issue is he gives the puck away too much. If Sam is able to clean that part of his game up and show more urgency with the puck, he will be a stud two-way defenceman in the NHL for a very long time.
Summary It is rare to see a defenceman who is able to excel at all areas of the game, however, Sam Dickinson is exactly that. He is an absolute beast of a defencemen who plays big minutes and plays in all situations. Dickinson is a menace in the defensive zone hounding opponents with his physical presence and not giving them a second to breath with his poke checks and stick lifts. His skating ability is expectational, he makes look easy and it will only continue to improve as he develops. He is a dynamic playmaker, his vision and passing ability are second to none in the OHL. He has an excellent wrist shot that he can fire off quick. It should be a big year for him, and he is already off to a blazing hot start. Sam Dickinson is a tremendous prospect who will almost certainly be selected inside the top 10 of the draft this year.
As the NHL pre-season is coming to an end and teams are finalizing their opening night rosters, all eyes are on the future as another season of hockey is finally here. And if there is one thing that is consistent, it’s that hockey fans are never satisfied. We want more games, more wins, more cups, and more superstars. And what better place to start looking for future stars than the NHL entry draft.
In this seven-part series, we at DraftPro hope to showcase the cream of the crop in this years NHL entry draft. Last year’s flock saw the likes of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Matvei Michkov. But as one generation passes us by, a new one moves in. So without further build-up, here are five players that are coming out of the OHL.
Hockey’s legacy is filled with rich history and interesting stories. Whether you look back at the first indoor hockey game in Montreal or the earliest forms of hockey played with simple balls and sticks. The game has come a long way and has experienced a lot of changes since we starting playing on skates in Montreal. Since the NHL’s formation, hockey has grown to become a dominant global sport. Spanning the globe and enrapturing multiple nations in this beautifully violent past time.
That is why we are going to take two parts to introduce the draft eligible players that are coming from across the pond in Europe. Last year saw Leo Carlsson go #2 overall, David Reinbacher at #5, Dmitriy Simashev #6, Matvei Michkov #7, Dalibor Dvorský #10, Tom Willander #11, Daniil But #12, Axel Sandin-Pellikka #17, Eduard Sale #20, Otto Stenburg #25, Theo Lindstein #29, Mikhail Gulyayev #31, and David Edstrom at #32. And with a total of 78 players drafted from Europe in last year’s draft, (not including Europeans playing in north American leagues) it’s no wonder we need 2 separate introductions.
So let’s start part 2 with none other than Aron Kiviharju. Kiviharju is a prospect that scouts have been talking about for a long time. He was projected as an easy top 10 pick last year due to his incredibly gifted skating abilities and his intriguing offensive defensemen tool set. But as the months moved on, Kiviharju’s placement as a top 10 prospect has some concerns. Scouts mainly note that Kiviharju’s progression from 2022 to 2023 was disappointing. Playing for TPS in the U20s, Kiviharju scored 30 points in 35 games in 2022 as a 15-year-old. This is where most of his hype stems from. But last year, his leap in points was not as impressive as many expected. With 20 points in 22, and a few games in Liiga, Kiviharju didn’t get the chance to showcase his skills as well he would have hoped.
DraftPro’s General Manager Daniel Stewart had this to say on Kiviharju: “Has the speed to control pace, escape pressure, rush the puck, and then get back in defensive positioning. Incredibly active stick that he uses to take the puck off opponents and show off his elite transitional game. He has incredible skating ability and agility. He generates a ton of controlled exits and breakouts. Uses his skilled hands and head fakes to make his way deep into the offensive zone or skate the puck out of his own zone. The puck just finds him. He flashes offensive flare and creativity. Shows impressive vison. His current lack of strength does play into his inability to bring a physical element to his game as he often gets outmuscled in the dirty areas and relies more on positioning and smarts.”
This year Kiviharju is starting off in Liiga from the get-go. His time playing with the big boys will certainly determine just how soon he is drafted. Scout interest in Kiviharju hasn’t faded quite yet, so there is still plenty of time for the young fin to regain that trust and hype he has since lost from 2022.
Moving on to our next fin, and just warning you, there is a lot of them, we have Emil Hemming from TPS. Hemming offers a good size on a very explosive offensive forward. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Hemming was split between the U18 and U20 leagues. While he was never quite outstanding by any means, but scouts saw the potential in his game and so ranked him at around the 25-40 position. But if any player is going to have a positive change in his preliminary rankings and final position, it’s going to be Emil Hemming. Because as of writing this, Hemming has been phenomenal in the U20s, scoring 15 points in only 8 games. He’s earned the trust of management to go play in Liiga, where he is still scoring goals amongst men. If his trends continue in Liiga, then Emil Hemming is a safe bet to go in the first round.
But while his offensive is bright, there are still flaws in Hemming’s game. DraftPro’s Joseph Stanislau had this to say about Hemming: “The biggest part of Hemming’s game is his shooting and passing. And on top of this he can skate at a good pace. But the biggest concern for Hemming is his lack of effort in the offensive zone. If his effort is improved he could be even on the level of Patrick Laine on offense. His overall lack of defensive awareness will have to make an offense first player. So he needs to improve in that area as well.”
Overall Hemming is a hard player to predict. He clearly has offensive potential, and sometimes the best defense is an overwhelming offense. If Hemming can prove to be capable of changing games with his offensive skills than perhaps GMs will be more than willing to grab Hemming early in the draft. His time in Liiga will certainly be influential no matter what.
Speaking of Liiga, we have next a player who is practically playing in Liiga full time already at only 17-years-old. To say hopes are high for Konsta Helenius would be an understatement. He’s already proven to be capable of scoring points with men in Liiga last year, and a whole other year has since passed, and Helenius isn’t looking like he’s going to slow down anytime soon. With 10 points in 18 games already this year, Helenius is on pace for a very impressive season in Liiga for an U18 player.
DraftPro’s Dany Gelinas has this to say: “Konsta continues to develop quite well and has already taken a step forward since the start of the season. Improving on his skates and puck battles, despite facing more pressure in Liiga. His puck management is also improving, and he’s gaining confidence and maturity in the game. He has a good sense of angles to lock up his opponents, and his speed allows him to do the rest.”
With his performance in Liiga, and his naturally gifted skating, Helenius is an easy top 10 pick. If he wants to get into that coveted top 5 position, he’ll need to improve his pure defensive game. While his defensive awareness is good, his lackluster size is holding him back. A finetuning in how he plays defense and properly showcasing his wide array of skills in Liiga will go a long way for GMs who are going to be considering him on draft day.
Next up, from Norway, we have one of the best players to come out of the HockeyAllsvenkan this year: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård. The 6’1” Norwegian has gained a lot of attention from scouts due to his good size and useful tool set. Playing his 2021/22 season in Norway, MBN moved on to Sweden to play in the J20 Nationell and HockeyAllsvenkan. He played well in his 11 HockeyAllsvenskan games, getting 3 points. This year he is the very common positon that many high end European prospects find themselves in, which is too good for the U20s but not quite good enough to impress scouts in the big leagues. MBN is in a similar positioned that Aron Kiviharju is in, which is that his progress has not been as impressive as many scouts had hoped.
DraftPro’s Brogan Houston had this to say about MBN: “Offensively, he loves to wait around the top of the crease, looking for tip-ins and nifty passes. He’s also the first guy in the corners when the puck goes into that area of the ice. He also has a sharp playmaking eye on top of that. Defensively, MBN is an excellent forechecker. He consistently puts enough pressure on the defensemen to make them retreat, but he never gets sucked in too far. When he gets to the NHL, this skill will be invaluable as a dynamic defensive forward. Similar to Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar, loving to draw forecheckers out and then go right around them.”
MBN is an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling. His position come draft day will depend entirely on how he grows his physical play. As of right now he is showing bursts of great potential as a strong forechecker, but if he can get his defensive game down by the time he bulks up, he could be a dangerous NHler, and one that will be playing NHL games sooner than most would expect.
Lastly, we are going back to Finland to go over one Veeti Väisänen. Väisänen offers a well-built defensemen who has a reliable skill set that coaches love. A pure two-way defender if there ever was one, GMs are certainly going to be intrigued by Väisänen’s ability to play effectively at all ends of the ice. Starting off the 2023/24 season in Liiga, Väisänen is off to a solid start for a defenseman, having 4 points in 20 games.
“He is a quick skater and has good edge work. Possesses great vision and can find his teammates anywhere on the ice. He’s also not afraid to rush the puck himself. Not overly creative but takes what the opposition gives him. Under pressure he displays great quickness and tight turns to escape pressure. Plays with no panic regardless of the situation he finds himself in. Though he isn’t a big defenseman, he initiates physical play and uses his body to jolt players in battles around the defensive zone. Has some bite to his defensive game. He doesn’t always win his battles, but he was consistently willing to engage. His current strength level works against his desire to physical play. He plays with good overall awareness. An all-situations defender who has some room to improve defensively.“ Said DraftPro’s GM Daniel Stewart.
Overall Väisänen offers a solid argument for a top defensemen in the draft. And his main weakness is a lack of ‘X-Factors’ that could push him over the edge. He doesn’t have particularly excellent point numbers, height or weight advantage, or anything else similar. Because of this Väisänen is likely to fall around the 2nd round range, though this shouldn’t take away from his great qualities. He could very well be an easy steal if he is still around during the later rounds, though it is likely that he isn’t going too far down the draft board.
For more on European prospects, and the 2024 draft class as a whole, be sure to pick up a copy of our 2024 Draft Preview Magazine available later this fall and subscribe to our bi-monthly DraftPro newsletter full of up-to-date info and scouting reports.
As the NHL pre-season is coming to an end and teams are finalizing their opening night rosters, all eyes are on the future as another season of hockey is finally here. And if there is one thing that is consistent, it’s that hockey fans are never satisfied. We want more games, more wins, more cups, and more superstars. And what better place to start looking for future stars than the NHL entry draft.
In this seven-part series, we at DraftPro hope to showcase the cream of the crop in this years NHL entry draft. Last year’s flock saw the likes of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Matvei Michkov. But as one generation passes us by, a new one moves in.
Hockey’s legacy is filled with rich history and interesting stories. Whether you look back at the first indoor hockey game in Montreal or the earliest forms of hockey played with simple balls and sticks. The game has come a long way and has experienced a lot of changes since we starting playing on skates in Montreal. Since the NHL’s formation, hockey has grown to become a dominant global sport. Spanning the globe and enrapturing multiple nations in this beautifully violent past time.
That is why we are going to take two parts to introduce the draft eligible players that are coming from across the pond in Europe. Last year saw Leo Carlsson go #2 overall, David Reinbacher at #5, Dmitriy Simashev #6, Matvei Michkov #7, Dalibor Dvorský #10, Tom Willander #11, Daniil But #12, Axel Sandin-Pellikka #17, Eduard Sale #20, Otto Stenburg #25, Theo Lindstein #29, Mikhail Gulyayev #31, and David Edstrom at #32. And with a total of 78 players drafted from Europe in last year’s draft, (not including Europeans playing in north American leagues) it’s no wonder we need 2 separate introductions.
So no more name dropping, let’s get started with our first prospect: Adam Jiricek. Hailing from Czechia and playing for HC Plzeň in the Czechia U20 league and the main Czechia league. Jiricek immediately impressed his coaching staff and skipped the U17 league last year where he played 41 games for 29 points. Not bad considering he was such a young player.
Daniel Stewart, DraftPro’s General Manager, had this to say about Jiricek: “A confident, skilled, two-way defender. Has elite feet allowing him to rush the puck up ice, slip around defenders, close off gaps defensively. Shows off impressive vision and touch with the puck via his passing ability, setting up his forwards and making quick and accurate outlet passes. Smart, knows when to pinch and when to not risk it. Has skilled hands and body control to deke and weave his way through traffic. Despite not being overly heavy he uses what he has to play a physical brand. Pinning his man along the wall, stepping up to lay the body, and showing a little bit of nastiness to his game. Blessed with some of the best edgework in the entire draft. He struggled to start the year against men in Czechia, but the tool kit is still very exciting.”
As of right now, Jiricek is a strong contender for #1 defender in the 2024 draft. It entirely depends on how well he can play with men in the big Czechia league. As of right now, he is struggling, but if he can turn it around for the second half of his season, then he could be an easy top ten player in the draft.
From the legendary Örebro HK, next up is Sweden’s Alexander Zetterberg from the Nationell League. Splitting his seasons between the J18 and J20 leagues, (mostly the J20s) Zetterberg has impressed a lot of scouts with his point production for such a small and young player. With 34 points in 43 games in the J20s, Zetterberg played well enough to finish second overall on his team for points.
“Zetterberg is an electrifying center with a wide array of skills that make him a top prospect for the 2024 draft. He brings a tremendous amount of energy to every shift and consistently works hard to gain an advantage against his opponents. He is adept at relieving pressure in the mid-section of the defensive zone and exhibits excellent passing skills, both in delivering and receiving the puck. His puck skills are at an exceptional level, showcasing great hands and a knack for getting pucks to the net. Zetterberg demonstrates excellent hockey IQ by positioning himself effectively on the ice and executing dekes when opponents are vulnerable. He also displays impressive playmaking abilities, consistently finding and executing great passing options. While Zetterberg’s game is already strong, there are areas where he can further improve. His physic could benefit from development, especially to compensate for his smaller stature. Additionally, although his skating is solid, he has room to enhance it in all aspects to elevate his game to the next level.” Said DraftPro’s Simon Forsmark.
Size will always be the big question for these smaller players no matter how well they play in the juniors. As of right now Zetterberg is above a point-per-game average and continuing to showcase his exceptional point producing abilities. Because of this, it is pretty hard to predict where Zetterberg will place in the draft. As we saw with the surprising placement of Daniil But and Dimitriy Simashev last year, big guys are certainly popular right now. So Zetterberg will have to have an amazing year to secure that first round position.
Speaking of giant Russians, next up is Anton Silayev from the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL. Standing at 6’7” and over 200 lbs, it’s fair to say that Silayev is going to be watched heavily by scouting groups all year. His time in the KHL is what already looks good for the young Russian. Silayev earned the trust of his staff to be moved up to the KHL, playing alongside men, where he already has matched his point output from the MHL last year.
Tyler Ballesteros-Wallard, one of DraftPro’s top scouts for the Russian region had this to say about Silayev: “Very opportunistic shooting from the blue line to the point. He will let them rip from any part of the zone. He is the definition of a swan gliding on a strip of smooth water due to his incredible lateral movement and agility.”
It’s obvious that Silayev has all the tools to become a dominant shut-down defensemen in the NHL. His development is still questionable, as his ceiling isn’t quite known for certain quite yet. But as of right now, Anton Silayev is playing extremely well in a men’s league, even better than his time in the MHL. His great start seems like he is already guaranteed for a first round selection in 2024, but of course the season is still young, and a lot could still happen. If Silayev can continue to pinch off forecheckers with his great skating and reach, we could see a similar situation to Dimitriy Simashev’s draft day. A big defender with excellent skating being picked higher than most would suspect.
As we remain in Russia, we look at the 6’2” winger: Igor Chernyshov. Playing for the MHK Dynamo Moskva last season, Chernyshov had 38 points in 38 games. He was also given a few games in the KHL, where he got 1 goal in 5 games. This year, he’s expected some more KHL time, and like Anton Silayev, his production in the KHL will determine just how far he will go in the draft this year.
Ballesteros-Willard had this to say about Chernyshov: “a hyperactive rushing winger who has a blistering shot. And he shows tremendous versatility and responsibility in all zones.” So far Chernyshov is continuing his point production trends in the MHL but has yet to do much in his first 9 games in the KHL. But despite that, Chernyshov is still a scout favorite for a few reasons. He plays a well-rounded game and can be molded into a lot of playstyles. His versatility is a good quality, and his size is commendable as well. His placement depends entirely on his compatibility with certain clubs. We’ve seen NHL clubs such as the Carolina Hurricanes draft many Russian players in the past. The Canes have gained a reputation as sort of ‘draft stealing’ experts. So even if Chernyshov’s season in the KHL is lackluster and disappointing, there may still be a team willing to grab him in round 1.
To finish our list, and part 1 of our European introductions, we stay in Russia again and introduce a draft favorite: Ivan Demidov. With 63 points in 41 MHL games, Demidov has proven to be an exceptionally talented forward. Him and his brother Semyon hold the #1 and #2 position for their team in points, and Ivan is looking to go even further in the MHL this year.
So far his season hasn’t really started, only playing 6 games in 3 different leagues, so it’s hard to say if Demidov is guaranteed his top 5 position at this exact moment.
Tyler Ballesteros-Willard had this to say about Ivan Demidov: “Demidov has lightning quick skating abilities with tremendous agility. Allowing him to just tomahawk his way through the defense. He also has tremendous dangles up the wazoo! With the extremely allusive skating abilities on top of that.”
Playing alongside last year’s Russian hype-train: Matvei Michkov, Demidov is not too far off from the player many believed to be nearing Ovechkin and Malkin levels. While Demidov hasn’t played as much KHL games as Michkov yet, that doesn’t mean that the same potential is not hidden somewhere deep within him. Scouts all agree that there is a spark there, and a ceiling as high as it gets. Without a doubt Demidov is a safe top 10 pick at the start of this year, but how he performs in the KHL this season will determine if he slips higher or lower than that. Like Michkov last season, who was expected to go as high as #2, great players can slip down the draft board for a plethora of reasons. Only time will tell if we will end up talking about Michkov and Demidov as some of the greatest draft steals in the NHL’s history.
For more on European prospects, and the 2024 draft class as a whole, be sure to pick up a copy of our 2024 Draft Preview Magazine available later this fall and subscribe to our bi-monthly DraftPro newsletter full of up-to-date info and scouting reports.
As the NHL season gets underway, all eyes are on the next season of hockey. And if there is one thing that is consistent, it’s that hockey fans are never satisfied. We want more games, more goals, more cups, and more superstars. And what better place to start looking for future stars than the NHL entry draft.
In this seven-part series, we at Draft Prospects Hockey hope to showcase the cream of the crop of who is available in this years NHL entry draft. Last year’s flock saw the likes of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Matvei Michkov all drafted as potential franchise building blocks. But as one draft crop moves on, a new wave of youth for NHL talent hounds to salivate over moves in.
So, without further build-up, here are ten high-end players that are potentially coming out of the USA for the 2024 NHL Draft in June. (Part 2 of 2).
With exciting and competitive hockey leagues growing in the US every year, the US region is becoming increasingly more competitive towards the CHL and other junior division leagues across the globe. With leagues such as the USHL, NCAA, and team programs such as the NTDP and National U18s. Covering such a wide array of programs and leagues, spanning the entirety of the USA, it’s no wonder that America’s output of hockey stars has only continued to grow as the years go on.
Last draft, the USA provided 6 players in the 2023 NHL entry draft’s first round. That’s including non-American players who came from the region such as Adam Fantilli at #3. Following Fantilli, Will Smith came in at #4, Ryan Leonard at #8, Oliver Moore at #19, Charlie Stramel at #21, and Gabe Perreault at #23. In total 13 players came from the NDTP, 26 came from the USHL, 1 from the AYHL, and 16 from the NCAA. Combining for 56 total players coming out of American developmental leagues. With so many players coming out of the USA, it’s fair to say that one article is not enough to give them justice. In Part 1, we went over: Artyom Levshunov, Macklin Celebrini, Michael Hage, Trevor Connelly, and Zeev Buium.
Let’s star Part 2 by going over a player who is expected to go top 5 on draft day: Cole Eiserman. Playing for the USNTDP Juniors and the US National U18 team last season, Eiserman wow’d a lot of fans and scouts alike with his natural goal scoring ability. Scoring 43 goals with the U17 National team, 26 with the U18, and 28 in the USHL, Cole Eiserman scored 97 goals last year. Eiserman without a doubt is the best pure goal scorer to come out of this years draft.
“Eiserman has arguably the best shot and skill in this year’s draft class, and has the ability to score from anywhere on the ice. He recorded 43 goals in 42 games last season setting the record for most goals in a U17 season with the U17 development team. Eiserman is an above average skater who competes hard for loose pucks and can find open teammates. Eiserman’s best ability as a player is his goal scoring which is gold to NHL teams, but his passing cannot be overshadowed either. Eiserman will challenge Celebrini for the top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.” Said DraftPro’s Liam Staples.
Eiserman’s dominant scoring ability is going to get him far come draft day. And while his skating is lacking, there are still plenty of highly effective goal scorers out there who are not on the upper threshold of skating. Eiserman is still young, and has plenty of years to develop in the USHL and NCAA to become a highly dynamic goal scorer in the NHL.
Next up is Cole Hutson from the USNTDP Juniors, same as Eiserman. Brother of Montreal Canadien’s draft pick Lane Hutson, Cole looks to follow in his brother’s footsteps as potential steal in the draft. Hutson is on the smaller end for defenders, at 5’10” and a little under 160lbs. Splitting last season in the NTDP and USHL, Hutson impressed many with his highly skilled stick play and offensive defensemen potential.
Long time DraftPro scout, Andy Miller had this to say: “Hutson likely has more potential than Lane, who most now think was a steal in the late second round. He is an electric player on the ice who dances around with the puck on his stick and often dictates the play. Hutson has the potential to be a PP1 Quarterback at the NHL level and be the offensive catalyst for a team from the back end. While his defensive game is not his strength it is not a deficiency either as he is a responsible and capable defender. He has the capability to be a Tyson Barrie or Sam Girard type defender at the NHL level in about 5 years’ time. These are the best comparisons as his offensive side of the game is his strength.”
As of right now Cole Hutson is looking like a late first/early second rounder for the draft. His placement depends on how well he plays, of course, and also how willing a GM is to gambling on a smaller defensemen. Hutson has one more season in the NTDP and USHL, and then he is off to the NCAA for the 2024/25 season. And so far it looks like Hutson is capable of driving offense for his team night in and night out. And looks more than capable of finishing the season as a point per game defensemen.
Next up is Christian Humphreys from, you guessed it, the USNTDP Juniors and US National U18 team. Playing most of his time in the UTDP, where he scored 23 goals, 20 assists, for 43 points in 58 games. He was equally effective in his 6 games in the USHL as well. This year he is looking to have a slight improvement, most likely finishing around the 60 point mark.
“Christian has top line NHL centerman written all over him, as he has necessary tools and skills to carry play and produce offense through the middle of the ice. Highly skilled with the puck, his dual threat to shoot or pass keeps goalies guessing. This is a player who demands the puck as he excels at finding open ice around the net. Jumping on loose pucks and overworking the opposition is part of his game, his work ethic speaks for itself. He has a lethal heavy shot and is able to pick corners in tough areas of the ice.” Said Steven Pratas from DraftPro, quick to point out Christian’s high potential.
Potential is the key word here for Christian Humphreys. While his stats are not anything special, especially when compared to his US National teammates like Cole Hutson and Cole Eiserman, Humphreys plays the center position so well already as a young player, which is a rare occurrence. His work ethic is also a lot higher than most other prospects, and his height and weight are nothing to gawk at. Expect Humphreys to become a sort of ‘piece of clay’ prospect, a type of player that a team’s developmental program can mold into any player they want. Humphreys is highly versatile in this regard, which could lead to him being drafted earlier than many would expect.
From the Muskegon Lumberjacks, Sacha Boisvert is our first non-American on this list. With 45 points in 57 games in the USHL, that was enough to place the Quebec-born Boisvert above a lot of the drafted players on his team. Boisvert offers a similar package to Christian Humphreys. He’s a well built centermen who’s already showing his versatile game in the USHL. He’s starting off with a strong 2023/24 season as well, hoping, like Humphreys, to land around the 60 point mark.
Steven Pratas placed Sacha Boisvert in his top 5 USHL players and had this to say: “Boisvert is exceptionally good at creating space while having the puck on his stick as his speed and agility as a centerman are key to his success. Sacha possesses terrific hockey instincts which help him read the play and ensure he’s in the correct position on the ice. He has soft hands which impact his playmaking skills in between the face off dots. Sacha’s shooting ability may be mediocre however, as he tends to be a pass first type of centerman. With more accommodability in his draft year, I’m curious if he’ll take the next step in his development.”
Overall Sacha Boisvert seems like a safe pick to make in the #20-50 range. He’s a naturally conscious and safe player, making him good for the Two-way forward role. As of right now it is likely that Boisvert will place near the top of his team for points again this year. His height and weight are also good qualities and could grow into a very solid centerman if give the proper attention.
To finish off our list, and the list of USA prospects as whole, we have Will Skahan. Skahan is an intriguing prospect entirely due to his massive lock-down potential. Standing at 6’4” and over 200lbs, Skahan has the potential to be one the best lock-down defensemen to come out of the draft in years. Usually, for the defensive defensemen role, a prospect starts out as a two-way and usually embraces the lock-down position as a necessity to stay competitive. It’s an important role, and it isn’t going away anytime soon. But it is rare to see a young player start off with such drive and potential in this less-glamourous position.
“Standing at 6’4”, 212 pounds, Will Skahan is a force to be reckoned with on the ice. His sheer size is immensely intimating for the opposition as he is a brick wall on the back end. His defensive game is what excites team’s as he has the potential to be a dominant lockdown defenseman for years to come. He uses his frame to keep excellent gap control against speedy forwards and plays a physical relentless game that slows down and breaks up plays. Although his offensive spark isn’t fully developed, his hard shot from the point is intriguing.” Said Steven Pratas when asked about the big defenseman.
Like Pratas said, Skahan’s offense is not his strong suit. Scoring only 17 points last year, Skahan is not going to wow audiences with his fast hands, or incredible deeks. But without a doubt Will Skahan could be one of the first defensemen called up this year, as his size and potential is just too great to pass up.
Will Skahan is playing for the USNTDP again this year, likely splitting most of his games between the USHL and NTDP. To secure a high draft position, Skahan will need to A.) Showcase that his lock-down play can indeed be game changing on a nightly basis, or B.) Show improvement in his offensive output. Like Pratas noted, his shot is not too shabby. And could be capable of catching goalies off guard with heavy slappers from the blueline.
For more on USA prospects, and the 2024 draft class as a whole, be sure to pick up a copy of our 2024 Draft Preview Magazine available later this fall and keep your eyes peeled for exciting content and scouting reports all season long on the website.
As the NHL season gets underway, all eyes are on the next season of hockey. And if there is one thing that is consistent, it’s that hockey fans are never satisfied. We want more games, more goals, more cups, and more superstars. And what better place to start looking for future stars than the NHL entry draft.
In this seven-part series, we at Draft Prospects Hockey hope to showcase the cream of the crop of who is available in this years NHL entry draft. Last year’s flock saw the likes of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Matvei Michkov all drafted as potential franchise building blocks. But as one draft crop moves on, a new wave of youth for NHL talent hounds to salivate over moves in.
So, without further build-up, here are ten high-end players that are potentially coming out of the USA for the 2024 NHL Draft in June. (Part 1 of 2).
With exciting and competitive hockey leagues growing in the US every year, the US region is becoming increasingly more competitive towards the CHL and other junior division leagues across the globe. With leagues such as the USHL, NCAA, and team programs such as the NTDP and National U18s. Covering such a wide array of programs and leagues, spanning the entirety of the USA, it’s no wonder that America’s output of hockey stars has only continued to grow as the years go on.
Last draft, the USA provided 6 players in the 2023 NHL entry draft’s first round. That’s including non-American players who came from the region such as Adam Fantilli at #3. Following Fantilli, Will Smith came in at #4, Ryan Leonard at #8, Oliver Moore at #19, Charlie Stramel at #21, and Gabe Perreault at #23. In total 13 players came from the NDTP, 26 came from the USHL, 1 from the AYHL, and 16 from the NCAA. Combining for 56 total players coming out of American developmental leagues. With so many players coming out of the USA, it’s fair to say that one article is not enough to give them justice. So with so many players to go over, let’s get going with our first name.
Artyom Levshunov is everything you want in a defensemen. He’s already quite large at 6’2” and is already bulky for his size. On top of all that, Levshunov has a pretty strong offensive tool set. Scoring 29 assists and 42 points last season in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers. The Belarus born defensemen has a lot of scouts talking already with his high potential as a tough blue liner.
“Levshunov is a big, strong right-handed shot defenseman capable of making plays and scoring goals for his team, seems to be the type of player all NHL teams search for, a big right-handed shot d-man. Levshunov plays well defensively in his own end and has shown glimpses he can play on the powerplay” Said DraftPro’s Liam Staples. “He is your modern-day complete defender with high upside on his offensive game as his ability to walk the blueline and get pucks through traffic is highly regarded in the NHL. His hockey IQ sets him apart from others as his split-second decision making with and without the puck tends to leave a positive impact on the play.” Added DraftPro scout Steven Pratas.
All in all, Levshunov’s highly ideally traits of being a big, right-handed, high IQ, 2-way defensemen is likely going to keep his draft stock high all year. If he continues to lead his team defensively in much tougher NCAA, then his chances of being called up on night one are almost guaranteed.
And now we have the big one, the odds-on favorite to go #1 overall, Macklin Celebrini. Hailing from Vancouver BC, Celebrini had quite the year with the Chicago Steel. Winning the following awards: USHL All rookie and All-Star teams, USHL Rookie of the year, Forward of the year, most points in the USHL, and the USHL’s player of the year. For the 2023/24 season, Celebrini is heading to the NCAA where he is playing for Boston University. If Celebrini can dominate the NCAA like he did the USHL, then that #1 spot is his and his alone.
Liam Staples had this to say: “Celebrini is a dynamic skater with the great ability to score goals and pass the puck to available teammates. A reliable forward on both ends of the ice and makes smart plays in transition. Celebrini can play a two-way game effectively making himself a reliable option to be put in any situation on the ice.”
Steven Pratas adds: “Celebrini is a consensus first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft by many and it’s for a good reason. His elite playmaking capabilities along with his confidence with the puck makes him a threat whenever he steps on the ice.”
To start the NCAA season, Celebrini is currently at 11 points in 6 games. Enough for him to lead Boston U, and enough to place him in the top ten players of the NCAA. And all in all Celebrini is looking like a must have player. Likely being considered a top 5 prospect even in last years stacked draft class. But time will tell just how much of a franchise talent Celebrini will become as the season plays out.
Next up is Celebrini’s teammate last year from the Chicago Steel, Michael Hage. Hage offers a tall and sturdy center who can produce in the USHL even without Celebrini’s assistance. Hage had a short season last year due to injury, which has hurt his draft stock as there is a lack of footage to review in the last few years. In 2021, Hage dominated in U16 AAA as he scored 116 points to finish his season as the #1 point-getter.
“His powerful and dynamic skating stride is a standout of his game as his speed is difficult to deal with when he is possessing the puck, as well as on the forecheck as breaking up plays is part of what he does. He seems to look like a natural center as his ability to read and understand his positioning on the ice makes him highly reliable on both ends of the ice.” Steven Pratas when detailing Hage’s unique skills as a centermen. “Hage understands how to use his reach on his stick to stickhandle and protect pucks. Hage is a highly skilled player with great hands and release on his shot.” Added Liam Staples.
While Hage’s USHL seasons have been hampered with injury, his high potential as a ruthless two-way center have many scouts interested in Hage. As of right now he could dance around the late first and early second rounds. It all depends on if he can continued to showcase his excellent centermen playstyle and rack up points without Celebrini.
Scoring 24 goals, 23 assists, for 47 points with Tri-City Storm, Trevor Connelly offers a scoring touch to his team. The first American on this list, Connelly is a dynamic and fun player to watch, with a driven game that lets him keep his team competitive every night. Scoring 3 goals and 4 points in his 4 playoff games, Connelly has proven to be a reliable player in tense situations and offer’s strong offensive pressure. This is all driven by a highly competitive nature that Connelly uses to his fullest extent as our scouts were quick to pick up on:
Logan McBride, one of DraftPro’s freshest scouts had this to say after watching Connelly live: “The aspect that would catch viewer’s attentions first was Connelly’s explosive speed. Connelly started the game by picking the puck up in his own zone and beating every opponent down the ice and creating a breakaway chance for himself, and Connelly not only did this once, but on multiple occasions in all three periods. Not only Connelly’s speed would be displayed in these rushes, but also his outstanding stickhandling. Connelly could create space when completely stopped, or at full speed with his stickhandling. To complete the trifecta, Connelly demonstrates a dynamic playmaking ability. Even in achieving two assists, Connelly could’ve had many more considering the grade A opportunities he gifted to his teammates, a true setup man.”
Steven Pratas had this to add: “Trevor’s shot may be the best in his draft class for this upcoming draft as his power along with his accuracy makes him a shot first type of winger. Trevor loves shooting the puck and scoring goals which makes his linemates always look to dish the puck to him in scoring areas. Furthermore, Trevor is willing to throw the body around and not be outworked physically when battling for the puck. He plays with a chip on his shoulder which shows his character and willingness to become a leader when required. It’s not surprising that with his current skill, shot, and size that he would be a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft.”
From the Denver of the NCAA Zeev Buium offers coaches and GMs the skills of a highly effective two-way defensemen. Being on the slightly smaller side, Buium is not a physical powerhouse on the ice. But makes up for it in high tier skating and puck handling. And to sell you on his playmaking skills, simply look at his performance with the National U18 team, where 35 of his 40 points were assists.
DraftPro’s Alex Taxman had this to say: “Having been privy to all of his practices this year, he is the single most talented , effortless, and agile skater I’ve ever seen at his age. Not to mention he is a great dude, and his hands are filthy, and he has eyes on the back of his head.”
On top of all these highly coveted offensive skills, Buium does not take anything away from his defensive responsibilities. Still touting high plus/minus averages. Like, really high.
This 2023/24 season Zeev Buium moved from the NTDP onto the NCAA to play for the University of Denver. Buium so far is starting his year off solid. Showing that he is ready to compete at the higher NCAA level. With so many smaller player finding success in modern hockey, fans of that fast and highly skilled playstyle that you see in the likes of Pavel Datsyuk and Johnny Gaudreau should be excited for Zeev Buium. As he is all those things but in a slightly bigger defensemen version.
With leagues like the USHL and NCAA establishing themselves as competitive alternatives to the CHL, it’s no wonder we need two parts to summarize the American crop this year. With yet another potential franchise guy coming out of the NCAA, and many more players who have strong arguments for first rounders, American fans can be proud of the excellent developmental system that they have established.
For more on USA prospects, and the 2024 draft class as a whole, be sure to pick up a copy of our 2024 Draft Preview Magazine available later this fall and keep your eyes peeled for exciting content and scouting reports all season long on the website.
As the NHL season gets underway, all eyes are on the next season of hockey. And if there is one thing that is consistent, it’s that hockey fans are never satisfied. We want more games, more goals, more cups, and more superstars. And what better place to start looking for future stars than the NHL entry draft.
In this seven-part series, we at Draft Prospects Hockey hope to showcase the cream of the crop of who is available in this years NHL entry draft. Last year’s flock saw the likes of Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Matvei Michkov all drafted as potential franchise building blocks. But as one draft crop moves on, a new wave of youth for NHL talent hounds to salivate over moves in.
So, without further build-up, here are five high-end players that are potentially coming out of the WHL for the 2024 NHL Draft in June.
Hosting cities as far east as Brandon Manitoba and as south as Portland Oregon. No major juniors hockey league can cover such a wide scope as the Western Hockey League. Hosting teams in powerhouse cities such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Kelowna, Seattle, Portland and many others, the WHL is one of the largest major junior leagues in the world. And with that large size the WHL is a hot bed for young developing players from across the world to showcase their skills in this highly travel intensive hockey league.
Last year, 6 WHL players got to hear their names be selected on night one. Players such as Connor Bedard at #1, Nate Danielsson at #9, Zach Benson at #13, Brayden Yager at #14, Samuel Honzek at #16, and finally Tanner Molendyk at #24. Pretty impressive considering 5/6 of these names were in the first half of the round one. Once night two was finished the WHL provided 33 names in total for the 2023 NHL entry draft. With the WHL’s dominance last year, is 2024 going to be much more of the same?
Once taking one glance at forward Berkly Catton then we can assume it will be more of the same high-quality output from the WHL this year as well. Catton put up 23 goals, 33 assists, for 55 points last year. Almost accumulating a point per game on what was a very inconsistent Portland Winterhawks team. This all seems well and good on it’s own, until you see the absolutely stellar performance he had at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. Scoring 10 points for team Canada, with 8 of those points being goals, and more than helped bring gold to team Canada.
“This guy is relentless when it comes to his shifts. Extremely hard work ethic. Always wants the puck. Incredible vision, quick hands, money in the face off. His bread and butter is his wrist shot with laser beam accuracy. On top of all that he has a gifted high-end IQ, his focus is extraordinary. Needs to work on his leg strength to produce explosive high gear. In my opinion he is a pure goal scorer, he can receive hard passes, and I mean hard passes and turn them into beautiful one timers.” Murray Caldwell added. Overall, the former first overall pick in the WHL Bantam draft has a lot to look forward to as a future NHLer and offers a lot to his future coaches and teammates. He can score goals, he’s highly skilled, and has an absolutely pivotal way of building momentum for his team. Since Portland is projected to have another season of struggling to truly breakout and become a dangerous playoff threat, it’s fair to say more and more eyes from coaches, players, media, and fans will all look to Catton for answers during his teams toughest moments. What Catton does this year will confirm his position as a top end prospect, and maybe even land in the Top 5 by 2024.
At only 17 years old, Carter Yakemchuk led the Calgary Hitmen’s defense in scoring. The 6’2” defensemen is already looking like an intriguing prospect with his size and point scoring abilities alone. But of course there is more, there’s always more.
“The best Draft eligible defenseman coming out of the WHL. He possesses a very high ceiling with his offensive creativity and passing vision. He also comes as a late birthday in 2005 which seemed to be loaded with talent. His puck protection and skating are very good to go along with above average size. He will need to clean up his defensive game to be great at the next level.” Said DraftPro’s Colin Johnson.
The Calgary Hitmen were, and still are, a team of entirely non-drafted players. With still seasoned stars in their mix and young up-and-comers such as Yakemchuk, Calgary fought their way into the playoffs were they were eliminated first round by Red Deer. It is likely that the Hitmen will find themselves in a tough playoff situation once again this year, and while Yakemchuk put up a respectable 3 points in 5 playoff games. Many questioned his defensive performance, and a -6 to finish off the playoffs is not a great stat to hold, especially when there are plenty of other defensemen, both in the WHL and outside that would love to push Yakemchuk out of the first round. But overall, Yakemchuk has a lot to offer to any future NHL club who take a chance on him. His solid size and natural offensive skills make him an intriguing prospect to watch develop.
Do you like big hockey players? Because lord knows that if you’re a tall player, you are going to garner a lot more interest than your smaller teammates. So if it’s big players you want, then look no further than Northern BC born, Cayden Lindstrom. Lindstrom is a 6’5” forward that is very enticing to all those power forward lovers out there. Playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers, Cayden Lindstrom is going to be fun player to see develop as he only continues to bulk up.
“Lindstrom is like Eric Lindros, similar in his playing style. He can play at either wing but is better at center, making him a real catch for an NHL team due to his versatility. He is a big and powerful player, and he is still elusive for his size. He needs to work on his skating, but that perhaps is because of his physical chance in body structure. Still a potential steal in this years draft.” Said Murray Caldwell, longtime scout for DraftPro.
With solid point production, scoring almost 20 goals last season as a rookie, Lindstrom certainly is a high risk, high reward pick. Big players always gain more attention from GMs and scouts as, yes, perhaps their encumbering movement will hinder their play and their effectiveness in the big leagues may be hampered… But, what if it doesn’t? A big man who can do it all will always have a better chance at making it to the NHL. But Lindstrom is more than simply a big player, he utilizes his natural power forward role well, and can score goals and points with ease. With a ceiling so high, many NHL teams will be considering using their first-round pick on this potential steal.
From the Prince Albert Raiders, Ryder Ritchie offers a lot of talent. Scoring 55 points (and 20 goals) Ritchie was a shining light for the below-average Prince Albert Raiders, landing in the top three for Raiders Point Leaders. This year all eyes seem to be on him as he is yet another first round option for the WHL. His ranking as a top end prospect was most likely cemented by his winning of the WHL ‘Rookie of the Year’ award in 2023. Not a small feat to pass over, as many potential future stars have missed out on such a prestigious award. Many past stars who had made their way through the WHL lost their chance to claim that title that Ritchie earned last year with his performance on a struggling Prince Albert Raiders team. Hopefully 2024 will be a step in the right direction for Ritchie and the Raiders (you can have that band name, I won’t sue) and Ritchie and his team can earn a chance to showcase their skills in playoff competition.
“A gritty, hard on the puck forward with great speed while stick handling through the neutral zone. An amazing ability to protect the puck while driving a play. He understands the fame very well, always surveying the situation knowing here to be to accept passes and set up teammates. This year he is growing his 200 ft game, working on puck possession to improve his overall board play.” Added Murray Caldwell.
To close off our introduction to the WHL top prospects, we have last years first overall pick’s right hand man: Tanner Howe.
“A highly talented winger that has shown he can produce, but he will have question marks about his game away from Bedard, and deservedly so. A season similar to last year will skyrocket his value to teams while an underwhelming one may cause him to slip out of round 1.” Said DraftPro’s Colin Johnson.
An apt summary of what many scouts are thinking when it comes to Tanner Howe. With an outstanding 69 points in 2022 and 85 points in 2023, Tanner Howe’s numbers do scream top first rounder on paper. But that Bedard question will haunt him all year. Bedard didn’t only hold Howe up, he held the entire team, dare I say, the entire league. I watched Howe and Bedard live in Prince George, and that certainly got people going out on a Friday night.
With Bedard gone, Howe’s incredible point totals are going to be in question, and Regina will likely slip out of a playoff spot. This is a lot of pressure to put on Howe alone, but with Bedard gone Howe assumes the role of the Pats top forward. And with his great start to the season, it is likely Howe’s story could have a happy ending as proves all the doubters wrong.
Without a doubt one of the most exciting prospects and stories to come out of this draft this year. And Howe certainly has the support from DraftPro to step up and continuing his highly dangerous playmaking offense in 2024.
The WHL season is already underway, and all of these players are playing up to their high expectations. Every single one of these players are leading their respective teams in points, and we can already see some rising stars appearing before our very eyes. Already, the WHL is expected to nearly double the amount of drafted players from 2023. Another year of dominance seems imminent for the Western Hockey League.
For more on WHL prospects, and the 2024 draft class as a whole, be sure to pick up a copy of our 2024 Draft Preview Magazine available later this fall and keep your eyes peeled for exciting content and scouting reports all season long on the website.
