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By Tyler Ballesteros-Willard

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.

By: Isaiah Bouchard

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.

By: Isaiah Bouchard

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.

By: Isaiah Bouchard

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.

By: Isaiah Bouchard

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.

By: Isaiah Bouchard

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 QMJHL for the 2024 NHL Draft in June.

The ‘Q’ did not have the year it was hoping for last draft as only 12 of their players were selected on night 2. This was an historic low for the Q offering it’s smallest crop of prospects since it’s formation in 1969. At #37, Ethan Gauthier was the earliest selection from the Q last year, being taken by the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, with moving on to 2024, the Q is far from tapped out on star players. And unlike last year, the Q is offering likely first round candidates. But only time will tell just where these players will land.

Starting with the Charlottetown Islanders forward Alexis Michaud who starting off the 2023/24 season strong with a point per game start. The Quebec City native Michaud stands at a solid height and build and is proving himself as a versatile player who can prove to be a dangerous threat when in possession of the puck. Last year he didn’t get to showcase his playoff abilities as Charlottetown ran into an absolute freight train of a Quebec Remparts team. Who went on to win the memorial cup last year.

“He is a really fast winger who can score goals and set his teammates up. Off to a hot start Alexis looks like he can really be a go to guy on the islanders offense. Great vision for the ice is what makes him dangerous. He is the type of player that if you give him too much time and too much ice he will make you pay.” Said DraftPro’s Seth Silver.

“Michaud clearly has a nose for the net and usually is responsible with finishing scoring plays. He gets a great jump off faceoffs and employs a quick release for shots in the slot. His biggest asset is his snipe of a shot.” Added long time DraftPro scout Christian B-Cote.

Next up is the man who lead the legendary Shawnigan Cataractes in points during his first year in the QMJHL, and that is Félix Lacerte. To add to his impressive first year in the Q, Félix also scored 5 goals in his 5 playoff games last year. Without a doubt a player who is going to likely surprise scouts in his rise to prominence as he only seems to be recreating his excellent performance this year as well.

“He is shaping up to be a very exciting prospect. With great speed and a goal scoring ability along with great playmaking and vision. Felix could really challenge some of the top dogs on the QMJHL draft eligible list.” Seth Silver said when asked to name his favorite Q prospects.

A common debate across the entire CHL is how exactly the current QMJHL stacks up against the WHL and OHL. It seems many make the claim that the Q is ‘lacking’ in competitiveness when compared to the others. This could be the only reason Lacerte doesn’t hear his name called on night one, but that shouldn’t deter any GMs from considering this highly talented player. When it comes to talk about steals in the draft, Lacerte’s name should certainly come up in that discussion.

Next up is the big man Gabe Smith playing for the Moncton Wildcats. Smith stands at 6’4” which gives him a natural allure for the Q league scouts. Though his points totals are not as high when compared to others on this list, Gabe Smith’s main selling factor is his natural potential. Having a big body and still playing a highly competitive game makes him look really good compared to some other big guys.

“Already looks like a pro given his shape. He still skates a little funky with his long legs but once he stops growing and starts bulking up even further I think he will get that additional power and strength. He makes smart plays with the puck in the neutral zone, getting it down the ice for a change. He’s also strong at carrying the puck in spite of pressure. He might not be a regular in the contending Wildcats roster this season, which may hurt his draft stock but I’m fairly confident he will be a pro player in the long run.” A good summary of Smith’s potential by Christian B-Cote.

Seth Silver also adds: “He’s a big strong two-way playmaking Center who has lots of great offensive and defensive tools. His creativity helps him create offensive chances for not only himself but his teammates and his work ethic in the defensive end helps keep the puck out of his net.”

Overall, Gabe Smith is unlikely to be called up on night 1, unless he has an exceptional year. But he is still going to be a player that GMs will likely consider on night 2, giving his unique combination of traits.

Just barely losing their 7-game series last year to Gabe Smith and the Moncton Wildcats, we have the Baie-Comeau Drakkar’s Justin Poirier. While Poirier may have lost in round 1, no one is going to put the blame on the rookie’s incredible playoffs as he put up 9 points in those 7 games. Poirier was second overall in points for his team, scoring 28 goals, 20 assists, for 48 points. Almost becoming a 30-goal scorer during your rookie season is nothing to snuff at what so ever.

“With natural goal scoring ability Justin is sure to challenge for the top QMJHL draft eligible spot. From scoring highlight real goals and being an offensive threat whenever he is on the ice Justin will be a player to watch closing this season.” Said Seth Silver.

“Poirier could produce at any given moment he’s on the ice. In the offensive zone, he places pucks in high-threat areas then gets himself into the slot for rebounds. Overall he has a great ‘nose for the net,’ you will notice him all game long. Opponents have no choice but to respect his lethal shot.” Added Christian B-Cote.

In short, Poirier is a player who is full of talent that is going to be impossible to ignore. His only downside is his shorter stature. At 5’8” Poirier will have to work extra hard to prove his worth. So far he is starting his season at a point per game level, so with all things being considered, Poirier has a strong argument for being the first Q player to have his name called at this year’s draft.

But there is still one more player to review, and that is the Chicoutimi Saguenéens’ Maxim Massé. The QMJHL rookie of the year, offensive rookie of the year, the CHL rookie of the year, and a gold medal winner for team Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky, Maxim Massé is all sorts of hyped as he continues to impress. Placing second on his team for scoring, only being beat out by the Seattle Kraken draft pick Andrei Loshko. Massé finished the year with 29 goals, 33 assists, for 62 points. That’s the highest point total so far on this list, and only one of the reasons that make’s Massé such an intriguing prospect.

“highly skilled forward with a great shot and release. Maxim is ready to lead the charge of QMJHL draft eligibles this year as well as lead an exciting young Chicoutimi team to playoff success.” Said Seth Silver, who ranked Massé #1 for draft eligible Q players.

Christian B-Cote also praised Massé, adding: “He’s very quick and possesses a deceptive wrist shot from close. He’s absolutely lethal when he’s ON.”

With a disappointing playoff performance last year, Chicoutimi fans are excited to see where Massé is going to lead them. With Loshko gone, it is likely Massé will lead Chicoutimi in points and to another playoff run, baring any potential injuries. Massé was awarded the ‘A’ for his team as well, only solidifying the confidence and trust coaches and management have for the 17-year-old.

Players like Massé prove that the Q still has a lot to offer. And while this year looks similarly slow like last year, especially when comparing to the OHL and WHL. Players like Maxim Massé and Justin Poirier are strong candidates for first round picks, and other players such as Gabe Smith, Alexis Michaud, and Félix Michaud all have qualities that make them great hockey players, and one shouldn’t sleep on either name listed above. And in conclusion, the QMJHL should never be passed over, and could be the source of some surprising sleeper picks as the year continues.

For more on QMJHL 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.