Tag: NHL

2022 NHL Draft Ranking: November’s Top-32

Our first 2022 NHL Draft Ranking of the 2021-22 season is now live! In our initial ranking of the campaign, we’ve listed our top-32 prospects as well as eight honourable mentions.

Well folks, hockey is back.

Unlike in 2020-21, every developmental hockey league has returned to action this season, and with it a number of the game’s most talented young prospects. In Canada, top prospects such as Shane Wright and Ty Nelson once again have a league to call home, while on the east and west coasts the WHL and QMJHL have returned to a full schedule — a reality which led to Matt Savoie’s return to the Winnipeg Ice.

Meanwhile, south of the border in the United States, the U.S. National Team Development Program stands poised to produce yet another wave of incredibly skilled young players. Leading the pack is Logan Cooley, a determined centreman who plays with both poise and purpose. Rounding out the latest wave of high-end American prospects are names such as Rutger McGroarty, Isaac Howard and Ryan Chesley — a trio of excellent young players destined for futures in the NHL.

David Goyette of the Sudbury Wolves will be an intriguing prospect to follow in the OHL this season. (Robert Lefebvre /OHL Images)

Across the pond, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Russia are once again producing high-end NHL prospects. From Finland, the most notable of which is Brad Lambert — a lethal forward with Canadian roots who has to be considered a top-five prospect within this draft class. From Sweden and the Czech Republic are youngsters by the names of Jonathan Lekkermaki and David Jiricek — two prospects playing in their respective countries top leagues and already finding considerable success. Ivam Mrioshnichenko is Russia’s latest gem — a hard-hitting forward with elite skating abilities and one of the classes best releases.

The Top-32 Prospects

Here are our top-32 prospects as we enter into the month of November. Keep in mind that this list is a very early projection, however, expect to see many of the players listed below to be chosen in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft next June. Feel free to comment on our first ranking of the season below!

Beneath this ranking you’ll also find our list of honourable mentions. This month’s edition features eight highly skilled prospects who fell just short of our top-32 overall.

RankPlayerPosition2021-22 TeamHeightWeight
1Shane WrightCKingston Frontenacs (OHL)6’1”190lbs
2Brad LambertC/WJYP (Liiga)6’180lbs
3Matthew SavoieCWinnipeg Ice (WHL)5’9”180lbs
4Logan CooleyCUSNTDP (USDP/USHL)5’10”175lbs
5Ivan MiroshnichenkoLWOmskie Krylia (VHL)6’1”185lbs
6Joakim KemellRWJYP (Liiga)5’11”180lbs
7Conor GeekieCWinnipeg Ice (WHL)6’4”205lbs
8Simon NemecDHK Nitra (Slovakia) 6’1”190lbs
9Juraj SlafkovskyLWTPS (Liiga)6’4”225lbs
10David JiricekDHC Plzen (Czech)6’3”190lbs
11Danila YurovRWMetallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)6’1”180lbs
12Ty NelsonDNorth Bay Battalion (OHL)5’10”195lbs
13Jonathan LekkerimakiCDjurgardens IF (SHL)5’11”175lbs
14Matthew PoitrasCGuelph Storm (OHL)5’11”175lbs
15Rutger McGroarty CUSNTDP (USDP/USHL)6’205lbs
16Ryan ChesleyDUSNTDP (USDP/USHL)6’195lbs
17Nathan GaucherCQuebec Remparts (QMJHL)6’3”205lbs
18Isaac HowardLWUSNTDP (USDP/USHL)5’10”185lbs
19Tristan LuneauDGatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)6’2”175lbs
20Kevin KorchinskiDSeattle Thunderbirds (WHL)6’2”185lbs
21Elias SalomonssonDSkelleftea AIK (J20 Nationell)6’1”175lbs
22Frank Nazar RWUSNTDP (USDP/USHL)5’10”175lbs
23Filip MesarC/WHK Poprad (Slovakia)5’10”175lbs
24David GoyetteCSudbury Wolves (OHL)5’11”175lbs
25Denton MateychukDMoose Jaw Warriors (WHL)5’11”185lbs
26Jordan GustafsonCSeattle Thunderbirds (WHL)5’11”180lbs
27Liam Arnsby CNorth Bay Battalion (OHL)5’11”185lbs
28Paul LudwinskiCKingston Frontenacs (OHL)5’11”175lbs
29Marco KasperCRogle BK (SHL)6’1”185lbs
30Jordan DumaisRWHalifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)5’9”165lbs
31Bryce McConnell-BarkerCSault Ste Marie Greyhounds (OHL)6’1”190lbs
32Cutter GauthierLWUSNTDP (USDP/USHL)6’2”190lbs

Honourable Mentions

  • Seamus Casey (USNTDP)

The US National Under-18 Team is loaded with elite talent this season, as evidenced by the six players who cracked the top-32 overall in this month’s ranking. Just missing our top-32 for November was Seamus Casey — an excellent puck-moving defenceman widely known for his elite offensive skill-set. Although many pundits view Casey as under-sized, his stellar edge-work and high-end on-ice instincts allow him to play a key role at both ends of the ice. Expect this University of Michigan commit to soar up draft rankings this season.

  • Pano Fimis (Niagara IceDogs)

The second-overall selection in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Pano Fimis is a talented offensive player who can do it all on the ice. Whether he be skating on the power-play, helping to kill a penalty, winning a key face-off or delivering a timely hit, Fimis can be counted upon by his coaches and teammates to bring his best on a nightly basis.

  • Jack Hughes (Northeastern University)

A late 2003-born prospect, Jack Hughes has taken his talents to Northeastern University this season following two terrific years of development with the USNTDP. Known for his playmaking abilities, Hughes is a pass-first player who makes his line-mates better on a nightly basis. Although he would do well to add strength to his frame, Hughes’ innate skill-set on the ice will make him an intriguing prospect for many NHL teams.

  • Lane Hutson (USNTDP)

Yet another standout USNTDP prospect, Lane Hutson is a fleet-footed offensive defenceman who can leave opposing players disoriented and guessing. In addition to his ability to quarter-back a powerplay, Hutson fires crisp breakout passes to his forwards and helps to facilitate a smooth transition game between his defensive and offensive zones when on the ice. At 5’8″ and 150lbs, Hutson’s size is the biggest obstacle in the path of his development.

  • Maveric Lamoureux (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

A first-round pick of the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the 2020 QMJHL Draft, Lamoureux is a towering defender who plays a detailed defensive game with growing offensive upside. The 6’7″, 200-pound defender recorded seven points in his 24 games as a rookie a season ago, and will surely log more significant minutes with the Voltigeurs ahead of his selection in the 2022 NHL Draft.

  • Liam Ohgren (Djurgardens IF)

After shredding the Swedish Under-20 league last season as a 16-year-old, Liam Ohgren has made the impressive jump to the SHL this campaign as a member of Djurgardens IF — a reality which speaks to his maturity and lethal skill-set on the ice. Boasting great strength for his age and a lightning quick-release, Ohgren is a natural goal-scorer of significant intrigue.

  • Antonin Verreault (Gatineau Olympiques)

The second-overall selection in the 2020 QMJHL Draft, Antonin Verreault is a formidable offensive player who can score goals as well as create them. Owing to his ability to bulge the twine as well as make plays, Verreault is a truly unpredictable player whose speed and creativity forces his opponents onto their heels with great regularity.

  • Danny Zhilkin (Guelph Storm)

Drafted in the first-round of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection by the Guelph Storm, Dany Zhilkin is a wildly talented offensive player whose game is fuelled by his skating. Capable of blowing past opposing defenders and driving hard to the net, Zhilkin is a determined player who also boasts high-end puck-handling and shooting skills. If able to produce offence at a consistent pace this season, Zhilkin should be able to push himself up draft boards.

2020 NHL Draft Ranking: March’s Top-62

With the 2019-20 regular season coming to an end and playoff hockey glistening on horizon, we’ve released our latest 2020 NHL Draft ranking — March’s edition features an updated ranking of our top 62 prospects.

With regular season action coming to a close and the postseason glistening on the horizon, the time has come to unveil our latest NHL Draft ranking of the 2019-20 season. Although the 2020 NHL Draft remains more than three months away, each and every prospect eligible for selection has continued to work tirelessly in order to bolster their respective stocks. And, while some players have stumbled of late, others have risen dramatically owing to their productive and — most importantly — consistent play throughout one of the most exhausting stretches of the season.

With this being said, there is a great deal of change within our 2020 NHL Draft ranking for the month of March. Three players — all of which competing within the OHL — have been ranked for the first time this season in this issue, while a handful of others saw their standings shift as a direct result of their high-end play throughout the past two months. Of note were European imports Jan Mysak and Martin Chromiak — two players who arrived in North America mid-way through the current campaign and have made an immediate impact at the OHL-level. Further, there has been the stellar play of Kaiden Guhle — a strong and steady defender who has continued to make waves for the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL.

Now, let’s dive into our 2020 NHL Draft ranking for the month of March. As mentioned earlier, there has been a great deal of change within our standings since we last convened in January, so be sure to pull up our New Year’s ranking in order to determine which players have progressed and which have stumbled.

Previous 2020 NHL Draft Rankings:

The First Round:

Rank Player Position 2019-20 Team Height Weight
1 Alexis Lafreniere LW Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) 6’1” 192lbs
2 Quinton Byfield C Sudbury Wolves (OHL) 6’4” 215lbs
3 Alexander Holtz RW/LW Djurgardens IF J20 (SuperElit) 6’0” 183lbs
4 Tim Stutzle C Adler Mannheim (DEL) 5’11” 165lbs
5 Jamie Drysdale D Erie Otters (OHL) 5’11” 165lbs
6 Anton Lundell C/LW HIFK (Liiga) 6’1” 183lbs
7 Cole Perfetti C Saginaw Spirit (OHL) 5’10” 185lbs
8 Marco Rossi C Ottawa 67’s (OHL) 5’9” 179lbs
9 Lucas Raymond RW Frolunda HC J20 (SuperElit) 5’10” 165lbs
10 Yaroslav Askarov G SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) 6’3” 163lbs
11 Justin Barron D  Halifax Mooseheads 6’2” 187lbs
12 Noel Gunler RW/LW Lulea HF (SHL) 6’1”  176lbs
13 Dawson Mercer RW Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) 6’0” 172lbs
14 Kaiden Guhle D Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) 6’3” 187lbs
15 Emil Andrae D HV71 J20 (SuperElit) 5’9” 183lbs
16 Zion Nybeck RW HV71 J20 (SuperElit) 5’8” 176lbs
17 Mavrik Bourque C Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) 5’10” 165lbs
18 Helge Grans D Malmo Redhawks J20 (SuperElit) 6’3” 192lbs
19 Connor Zary C Kamloops Blazers (WHL) 6’0” 174lbs
20 Jeremie Poirier D Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) 6’0” 195lbs
21 Ryan O’Rourke D Sault Ste.Marie Greyhounds (OHL) 6’2” 180lbs
22 Jan Mysak LW Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) 6’0” 176lbs
23 Jack Quinn  RW Ottawa 67’s (OHL) 5’11” 176lbs
24 Martin Chromiak LW Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) 6’0” 179lbs
25 Dylan Holloway C University of Wisconsin (NCAA) 6’0” 192lbs
26 John-Jason Peterka RW EHC Munchen (DEL) 5’11” 192lbs
27 Seth Jarvis RW Portland Winterhawks (WHL) 5’10” 172lbs
28 Roni Hirvoven C Assat (Liiga) 5’9” 165lbs
29 Tyson Foerster  C Barrie Colts (OHL) 5’11” 175lbs
30 Hendrix Lapierre C Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) 5’11” 175lbs
31 Jake Sanderson D U.S. U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’1” 170lbs

The Second Round:

Rank Player Position 2019-20 Team Height Weight
32 Jacob Perreault C Sarnia Sting (OHL) 5’11” 198lbs
33 Jake Neighbours LW Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) 5’11” 201lbs
34 Lukas Cormier D Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) 5’8” 170lbs
35 Kasper Simontaival RW Tappara (Liiga) 5’9” 172lbs
36 Ozzy Wiesblatt  RW Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) 5’10” 195lbs
37 Justin Sourdif C Vancouver Giants (WHL) 5’11 165lbs
38 Lukas Reichel F Eisbaren Berlin (DEL) 6’0” 170lbs
39 Alexander Pashin  F Tolpar Ufa (MHL) 5’7” 155lbs
40 Yevgeni Oksentyuk LW Flint Firebirds (OHL) 5’7” 180lbs
41 Braden Schneider D Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) 6’2” 210lbs
42 Tyler Tullio  C Oshawa Generals (OHL) 5’9” 165lbs
43 Theo Rochette C Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) 5’10” 160lbs
44 Rodion Amirov LW Tolpar Ufa (MHL) 6’0” 170lbs
45 Veeti Miettinen RW Kiekko-Espoo U20 (Jr. A SM-Liiga) 5’9” 160lbs
46 Logan Morrison  C Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) 5’11” 170lbs
47 Daniil Gushchin RW Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) 5’8” 161lbs
48 Jean-Luc Foudy C Windsor Spitfires (OHL) 5’11” 170lbs
49 Carter Savoie LW Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL) 5’9” 170lbs
50 Ty Smilanic LW U.S U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’1” 178lbs
51 Michael Benning D Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL) 5’9” 170lbs
52 Luke Evangelista RW London Knights (OHL) 5’11” 165lbs
53 Jaromir Pytlik C Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds (OHL) 6’3” 196lbs
54 Will Cuylle LW Windsor Spitfires (OHL) 6’2” 201lbs
55 Luke Tuch  LW U.S.U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’2” 205lbs
56 Daniel Ljungman  C Linkoping JC H20 (SuperElit) 6’0” 161lbs
57 Topi Niemela D Karpat (Liiga) 6’0” 165lbs
58 Dylan Peterson C U.S. U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’4” 185lbs
59 Tyler Kleven  D U.S. U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’4” 201lbs
60 Hayden Fowler C Erie Otters (OHL) 5’10” 180lbs
61 Antonio Stranges  C/LW London Knights (OHL) 5’10” 170lbs
62 James Hardie  LW Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) 5’11” 165lbs

2020 NHL Draft Ranking: January’s Top-62

With the 2020 NHL Draft now less than six months away, we’ve released our first NHL Draft ranking of the New Year. Inside, we’ve ranked our top-62 prospects and included prospect profiles as well.

It’s 2020 — a fact which means that the upcoming NHL Entry Draft is now less than six months away. Truthfully, it’s hard to believe that we’re more than half way through the 2019-20 season, as a number of the campaign’s major international tournaments and prospect games have been completed. With this being said, however, we’ve begun to reach the point where prospects and their respective stocks are becoming increasingly set in stone. Sure, plenty of time remains for each and every young player eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft to influence the perception of scouts and management alike, yet, many of which have already developed a strong sense of the players which these prospects may one day become at the NHL-level.

With this in mind, we’ve assembled our latest ranking ahead of the 2020 NHL Draft. In this month’s edition, there was a great deal of change throughout our top-62 board, as a number of players have continued to impress while others seem to have become stagnant within what is an incredibly stressful season of hockey. Of note within this month’s ranking is the ascension of Germany’s trio of elite young prospects — Tim Stutzle has climbed to fourth-overall, while John-Jason Paterka and Lukas Reichel have both risen dramatically owing to their impressive play of late. And, speaking of high-flying international prospects, Jan Mysak has burst into the late first-round of our January NHL Draft Ranking — his play at the recent 2020 World Junior Championship and impending move to the OHL will have scouts drooling.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into January’s 2020 NHL Draft ranking. As always, be sure to follow the links below if you’d like to view our past NHL Draft rankings!

Round One

Rank Player Position  Team Height Weight
1 Alexis Lafreniere LW Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) 6’1” 192lbs
2 Alexander Holtz RW/LW Djurgardens IF J20 (SuperElit) 6’0” 183lbs
3 Quinton Byfield C Sudbury Wolves (OHL) 6’4” 215lbs
4 Tim Stutzle C Adler Mannheim (DEL) 5’11” 165lbs
5 Jamie Drysdale D Erie Otters (OHL) 5’11” 165lbs
6 Anton Lundell C/LW HIFK (Liiga) 6’1” 183lbs
7 Marco Rossi C Ottawa 67’s (OHL) 5’9” 179lbs
8 Lucas Raymond RW Frolunda HC J20 (SuperElit) 5’10” 165lbs
9 Cole Perfetti C Saginaw Spirit (OHL) 5’10” 185lbs
10 Justin Barron D  Halifax Mooseheads 6’2” 187lbs
11 Yaroslav Askarov G SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) 6’3” 163lbs
12 Noel Gunler RW/LW Lulea HF (SHL) 6’1”  176lbs
13 Dawson Mercer RW Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) 6’0” 172lbs
14 Emil Andrae D HV71 J20 (SuperElit) 5’9” 183lbs
15 Zion Nybeck RW HV71 J20 (SuperElit) 5’8” 176lbs
16 Kaiden Guhle D Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) 6’3” 187lbs
17 Justin Sourdif C Vancouver Giants (WHL) 5’11 165lbs
18 Helge Grans D Malmo Redhawks J20 (SuperElit) 6’3” 192lbs
19 Ryan O’Rourke D Sault Ste.Marie Greyhounds (OHL) 6’2” 180lbs
20 Mavrik Bourque C Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) 5’10” 165lbs
21 Dylan Holloway C University of Wisconsin (NCAA) 6’0” 192lbs
22 Jeremie Poirier D Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) 6’0” 195lbs
23 Kasper Simontaival RW Tappara (Liiga) 5’9” 172lbs
24 Jan Mysak LW HC Litvinov (Tipsport Extraliga) 6’0” 176lbs
25 Jack Quinn  RW Ottawa 67’s (OHL) 5’11” 176lbs
26 Connor Zary C Kamloops Blazers (WHL) 6’0” 174lbs
27 Roni Hirvoven C Assat (Liiga) 5’9” 165lbs
28 Hendrix Lapierre C Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) 5’11” 175lbs
29 Jake Sanderson D U.S. U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’1” 170lbs
30 John-Jason Peterka RW EHC Munchen (DEL) 5’11” 192lbs
31 Martin Chromiak LW HK Dunkla Trencin (Tipsport Liga) 6’0” 179lbs

Round Two

 

Rank Player Position Team Height Weight
32 Tyson Foerster  C Barrie Colts (OHL) 5’11” 175lbs
33 Jacob Perreault C Sarnia Sting (OHL) 5’11” 198lbs
34 Seth Jarvis RW Portland Winterhawks (WHL) 5’9” 165lbs
35 Jake Neighbours LW Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) 5’11” 201lbs
36 Ty Smilanic LW U.S U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’1” 178lbs
37 Lukas Cormier D Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) 5’8” 170lbs
38 Antonio Stranges C/LW London Knights (OHL) 5’10” 170lbs
39 Ozzy Wiesblatt  RW Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) 5’10” 195lbs
40 Dylan Peterson C U.S. U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’4” 185lbs
41 Lukas Reichel F Eisbaren Berlin (DEL) 6’0” 170lbs
42 Alexander Pashin  F Tolpar Ufa (MHL) 5’7” 155lbs
43 Tyler Tullio  C Oshawa Generals (OHL) 5’9” 165lbs
44 Jean-Luc Foudy C Windsor Spitfires (OHL) 5’11” 170lbs
45 Theo Rochette C Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) 5’10” 160lbs
46 Rodion Amirov LW Tolpar Ufa (MHL) 6’0” 170lbs
47 Luke Evangelista RW London Knights (OHL) 5’11” 165lbs
48 Jaromir Pytlik C Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds (OHL) 6’3” 196lbs
49 Will Cuylle LW Windsor Spitfires (OHL) 6’2” 201lbs
50 Veeti Miettinen RW Kiekko-Espoo U20 (Jr. A SM-Liiga) 5’9” 160lbs
51 Luke Tuch  LW U.S.U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’2” 205lbs
52 Logan Morrison  C Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) 5’11” 170lbs
53 Daniil Gushchin RW Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) 5’8” 161lbs
54 Carter Savoie LW Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL) 5’9” 170lbs
55 Michael Benning D Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL) 5’9” 170lbs
56 Braden Schneider D Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) 6’2” 210lbs
57 Daniel Ljungman  C Linkoping JC H20 (SuperElit) 6’0” 161lbs
58 Topi Niemela D Karpat (Liiga) 6’0” 165lbs
59 Tyler Kleven  D U.S. U18 Team (US NTDP) 6’4” 201lbs
60 Vasili Ponomaryov  C Shawinigan Catarctes (QMJHL) 6’0” 176lbs
61 Rory Kerins C Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) 5’11” 172lbs
62 Ryan Francis RW Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) 5’9” 170lbs

2019 NHL Draft Ranking: The Final Top-31

With the 2019 NHL Draft mere days away, we’ve released our final top-31 prospect ranking of the season. Included within this month’s ranking are our top-31 prospects, 20 honourable mentions, 30+ player profiles and more!

With the 2019 NHL Draft set to take place on Jun. 21, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the time has come to unveil our final prospect ranking of the 2018-19 season.

The 2018-19 campaign has been a long and winding one, as players from numerous continents, countries and leagues have battled tirelessly to impress NHL scouts and management alike. Along the way a wealth of prospects impressed on a consistent basis, while, on the other hand, other players fought hard through what was undoubtedly a trying and stressful stretch of hockey.

However, the stress of an NHL Draft season has led to the emergence of the latest crop of elite young prospects. Sure, both Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko stand high above their counterparts, but there is a bounty of incredibly talented prospects eligible for selection who will surely come to play impactful roles at the NHL-level in the not-so-distant future.

With this being said, let’s dive into our final top-31 ranking of the season. There has been a great deal of change since we last convened a month ago, as a number of players excelled on the global stage at the Men’s World Championship while others put forth terrific performances in their respective postseason campaigns.

Three Players to Watch on Draft Day

Jakob Pelletier

2018-19 Team: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Future Projection: Top-6 NHL Forward

A former third-overall selection in the 2017 QMJHL Entry Draft, Jakob Pelletier quietly put forth an explosive campaign in his second season of CHL action. After producing at a point-per-game pace as a rookie, Pelletier blasted home 39 goals and 89 points in his sophomore season — a total which stood as the greatest of any first-year eligible QMJHL player.

The one factor within Pelletier’s game which has long impacted his perception in the eyes of scouts is his size. Standing 5-foot-9 and 165-pounds, Pelletier isn’t the biggest player on the ice. However, much like Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lighting, Pelletier can irritate his opposition owing to his speed, skill, and creativity when in possession of the puck. Boasting a tireless engine, Pelletier could be the steal of the draft given his surprisingly low projection ahead of the Draft — based on his abilities, Pelletier should be made a top-15 selection.

Vasili Podkolzin

2018-19 Team: SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)

Future Projection: Top-6 Forward

Vasili Podkolzin exploded onto the scene early in the 2018-19 season, firing home a whopping eight goals and 11 points in his five games played at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. However, since wowing fans and scouts alike to kick-off the campaign, Podkolzin has endured a relatively average stretch of hockey in his draft-eligible season. In the U-18 WJC Podkolzin recorded four points in seven games played before tallying just three assists in the U-20 WJC.

Now, this is by no means meant to say that Podkolzin isn’t an elite player, but rather that he may not be as good as his showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup would indicate. Consistency over the course of an NHL Draft -eligible season carries immense weight in the eyes of scouts, as this trait is one of the most crucial aspects of a player once they ascend to the North American professional ranks. In short, there a varying opinions regarding Podkolzin, his future, and exactly when he will be selected on draft day. While he is sure to become an impact player, exactly how productive he can become at the NHL-level remains quite unclear.

Moritz Seider

2018-19 Team: Adler Mannheim (DEL)

Future Projection: Top-4 Defenceman

One of the best German-born prospects poised to enter the NHL since Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers, Moritz Seider is a composed two-way defender who brings size, skill, and an offensive edge to the ice on a nightly basis. During the 2018-19 campaign Seider played for Adler Mannheim at the DEL-level — the top professional league in Germany. Despite competing against stern competition, Seider held his own at both ends of the ice and came to play a surprisingly valuable role for his team despite his young age.

Seider’s true coming out party came at the recent Men’s World Hockey Championship, where the youngster was a poised and capable force for his nation. Although forced out of the tournament early due to an injury suffered against Team Finland, Seider’s play left a lasting impression upon scouts who had already been drooling over his NHL-ready size and ability to process the game at a high-level. Essentially, don’t be surprised to see Seider make a big jump on draft day, as his skill-set could push him into the top-15 overall should an NHL franchise be searching for a quality defender.

The Top-31 Prospects

With the 2019 NHL Draft mere days away, here are our final top-31 prospects eligible for selection.

Of varying position, potential, and nationality, the names you see below will come together to comprise the next wave of elite young talent in the NHL. And, although some may be closer to NHL action than others, it goes without saying that all of which hold the skill-set necessary to thrive at hockey’s highest level.

As always, be sure to reference the “+/-” column to understand how a particular player’s ranking as fluctuated since our May Draft Ranking.

Lastly, if you’d like to navigate quickly to any of our previous rankings, be sure to follow these links!

The Final Ranking

Rank +/- Player Position 2018-19 Team
1 – Jack Hughes C USA U18 (NTDP)
2 – Kaapo Kakko C/RW Turku (SM-liiga)
3 – Bowen Byram D Vancouver Giants (WHL)
4 – Dylan Cozens C Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
5 – Kirby Dach C Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
6 – Alex Turcotte C USA U18 (NTDP)
7 +5 Trevor Zegras C USA U18 (NTDP)
8 +5 Peyton Krebs C Kootenay Ice (WHL)
9 -2 Alex Newhook C VIctoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
10 -2 Philip Broberg D AIK J20 (SuperElit)
11 +5 Matthew Boldy LW USA U18 (NTDP)
12 +2 Victor Soderstrom D Brynas IF J20 (SuperElit)
13 +5 Cole Caufield RW USA U18 (NTDP)
14 -3 Jakob Pelletier C/LW Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
15 – Thomas Harley D Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
16 -7 Arthur Kaliyev RW Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
17 – Cam York D USA U18 (NTDP)
18 -8 Vasili Podkolzin RW SKA 1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
19 +10 Ville Heinola D Lukko (Liiga)
20 – Ryan Suzuki C Barrie Colts (OHL)
21 +2 Raphael Lavoie LW Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
22 – Tobias Bjornfot D Djurgardens IF J20 (SuperElit)
23 +8 Moritz Seider D Adler Mannheim (DEL)
24 -3 Bobby Brink RW Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
25 +1 Connor McMichael C London Knights (OHL)
26 -7 Nils Hoglander LW Rogle BK J20 (SuperElit)
27 +1 Yegor Afanasyev F Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
28 +4 Samuel Poulin LW Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
29 NR Spencer Knight G USA U18 (NTDP)
30 NR Nicholas Robertson C/LW Peterborough Petes (OHL)
31 -6 Anttoni Honka D JYP (SM-liiga)

Honourable Mentions

As always, here are 20 honourable mentions to keep an eye on come draft day. Although widely projected to be selected outside of the first round, any of these 20 players listed below could rise into the top-31 owing to their personal performances on the ice throughout the 2018-19 campaign.

HM Bryce Brodzinski RW Omaha Lancers (USHL)
HM Alexander Campbell C Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
HM Pavel Dorofeyev LW/RW Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)
HM Nolan Foote LW Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
HM Albin Grewe RW Djurgardens IF J20 (SuperElit)
HM Hunter Jones G Peterborough Petes (OHL)
HM Ethan Keppan LW Flint Firebirds (OHL)
HM Vladislav Kolyachonok D Flint Firebirds (OHL)
HM Kaeden Korczak D Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
HM Brett Leason RW Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
HM Nathan Legare RW Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
HM Ilya Nikolayev F Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
HM Jamieson Rees C Sarnia Sting (OHL)
HM Matthew Robertson D Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
HM Dmitri Sheshin LW/RW Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)
HM Lassi Thomson D Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
HM Phillip Tomasino C Niagara IceDogs (OHL)
HM Alex Vlasic D USA U18 (NTDP)
HM Marshall Warren D USA U18 (NTDP)
HM Max Wahlgren C/LW MODO J20 (SuperElit)

2018-19 Farm System Report: Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames are a team driven by their elite young talent. Fortunately for Calgary, more help is on the way, as a number of the franchise’s prospects hold promising futures with the team.

The Calgary Flames did not select a player in the 2018 NHL Draft until the fourth-round, a reality which did very little to strengthen their farm system ahead of the 2018-19 NHL season.

Fortunately for the Flames, they have drafted well in past years and boast a handful of promising prospects within their pipeline. Although a number of which are long-term projects rather than elite young prospects, a number of which should be able to breakthrough and seize roles at the NHL-level regardless.

Franchise Breakdown:

Division: Pacific

Stanley Cups: One

2017-18 Record: 37-35-10; 84 Points

2017-18 Top Scorer: Johnny Gaudreau; 24G, 60A, 84PTS

Farm System Grade: B

Top 10 Prospects:

  1. Jusso Valimaki
  2. Dillon Dube
  3. Rasmus Andersson
  4. Oliver Kylington
  5. Tyler Parsons
  6. Spencer Foo
  7. Jon Gillies
  8. Andrew Mangiapane
  9. Matthew Phillips
  10. Adam Ruzicka

The State of the Flames’ Farm System

Although not overwhelmingly strong, Calgary’s farm system stands in a good place as of the 2018-19 season owing to its depth and the presence of a potentially elite defenceman.

This defenceman of the future is none other than Jusso Valimaki, the Flames’ first round choice in the 2017 NHL Draft who brings size, poise, and offensive flair to the table. A pillar of stability for the Tri-City Americans of the WHL over the past three seasons, Valimaki’s composure and calm demeanour should allow for his successful transition to the professional-level in the immediate future.

In addition to Valimaki, the Flames feature a strong secondary trio of prospects in Dillon Dube, Ramsus Andersson, and Oliver Kylington. In Dube, Calgary holds a persistent offensive force who shone at the World Juniors with Team Canada and has been remarkably consistent throughout his career to date. Further, in Andersson and Kylington, the Flames boast two defenders of impressive size and ability who should see substantial ice time at the NHL-level during the 2018-19 season.

Outside of these four prospects, Calgary holds decent depth in the likes of Spencer Foo, Andrew Mangiapane, and goaltenders Jon Gillies and Tyler Parsons. Although these four players will need additional seasoning at the AHL-level before ascending to the NHL, all of which hold significant potential and the ability to — one day — become game breaking players for the Flames.

One Flames Prospect to Watch

Of the Flames’ prospect pool, one young talent worth watching this season is Dube — a former second-round selection of the team whose exploits in the WHL have him primed for a substantial NHL career.

A tireless skater and puck-hound who strives for possession of the puck, Dube is a dynamic offensive player once in control and boasts the ability to create and finish plays. A 1.14 points-per-game player during his 203-game career with the Kelowna Rockets, Dube is also remarkably consistent in his play and should add considerable scoring depth to Calgary’s roster once established.

Although his size — or lack thereof — has been of concern to some throughout his development, Dube’s speed, stability, and persistence should outweigh any obstacle placed in his path en route to a full-time role with the Flames. As a mature player who competes on a nightly basis and never takes a shift off, Dube should be able to excel in Calgary after what will surely be a short stint with the Stockton Heat of the AHL.

2018-19 Farm System Report: Arizona Coyotes

Although the Arizona Coyotes won’t legitimately contend in the 2018-19 NHL season, the franchise is trending in the right direction and boasts a number of talented young players within their farm system.

The Arizona Coyotes haven’t reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 2011-12 season, a campaign in which they were still named the Phoenix Coyotes and reached the Western Conference Final.

In the years since, the Coyotes have struggled to attain both success and consistency. Mired by an inability to prevent and goals as well score them on a regular basis, the Coyotes have stood relatively stagnant over the past six seasons. However, signs of breaking out of this slump have begun to emerge, as Arizona holds solid young players throughout their lineup.

Although they arguably don’t have the pieces necessary to embark on a legitimate postseason run, the Coyotes are trending in the right direction and will be fuelled in the years ahead by their up-and-coming young talent.

Franchise Breakdown:

Division: Pacific

Stanley Cups: One

2017-18 Record: 29-41-12; 70 Points

2017-18 Top Scorer: Clayton Keller; 23G, 42A, 65PTS

Farm System Grade: B

Top 10 Prospects:

  1. Barrett Hayton
  2. Nick Merkley
  3. Pierre-Olivier Joseph
  4. Kevin Bahl
  5. Kyle Capobianco
  6. Tyler Steenbergen
  7. Cam Dineen
  8. Noel Hoefenmayer
  9. Filip Westerlund
  10. Ty Emberson

The State of the Coyotes’ Farm System

Arizona’s farm system is relatively strong, as the franchise holds a number of prospects at varying positions of the ice who should play a role with the team in the years ahead. Unfortunately, the departure of Dylan Strome to the Chicago Blackhawks could sting for quite some time, as the former third-overall selection wasn’t given an adequate chance to breakthrough with the Coyotes at the NHL-level.

With the player once perceived to be the team’s first line centre of the future in the wind, Arizona will need to develop Barrett Hayton into a star centre if they hope to attain meaningful success in the future. Widely compared to Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins, Hayton plays a well-rounded and professional-style of game defined by its consistency at both ends of the ice.

Barrett Hayton of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Photo by Terrry Wilson / OHL Images.
Hayton could be the first-line centre which the Coyotes have been searching for. (Photo Credit: Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

In addition to Hayton, the Coyotes hold a trio of prospects in Nick Merkley, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, and Kevin Bahl who should see significant playing time in Arizona. In Merkley, the Coyotes hold a somewhat undersized yet incredibly capable offensive threat who can create plays with ease as well as blast the puck into the net. Further, in Joseph and Bahl, Arizona features two sizeable defenders highly regarded for their respective two-way games.

Outside of these four prospects, the Coyotes’ farm system dwindles rather quickly. Sure, the team’s #5-10 prospects could certainly become NHL players, however, their paths to hockey’s highest level will be longer and much more difficult in the long run. Due to this lack of depth within their system, Arizona’s prospect pool receives a “B” ranking this season.

One Coyotes Prospect to Watch

Considering we all know of Hayton’s exploits very well, let’s take a moment to highlight one of the Coyotes’ lesser known prospects who continues to make a name for himself in the OHL.

A second round choice of Arizona in the 2018 NHL Draft, Bahl is a 6-foot-6, 235-pound defender who can play a lethal game at both ends of the ice. Defensively, Bahl is an overwhelming presence who can punish attacking players owing to his physicality or dis-possess an opponent through the use of his active stick.

Bahl_BT3
Kevin Bahl of the Ottawa 67’s is a towering defender who play doesn’t receive enough credit. (Photo Credit: CHL Images)

Moreover, Bahl is becoming a solid player in the offensive zone as well. As a defender who skates incredibly well for his size, Bahl can traverse the blue line with ease and frequently enjoys ice time on the power play for the Ottawa 67’s. Although his agility and maneuverability will increase with time, Bahl stands as one of the Coyotes best yet underrated prospects.

2018-19 Farm System Report: Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks are a perennial contender in the NHL’s Pacific Division, and will be strengthened in the coming years by a talented and deep pool of young prospects.

The Anaheim Ducks have been a model of consistency in the Western Conference’s Pacific Division of late, surpassing the 100-point mark as a team in each of their past five campaigns.

Depth has long been a critical component of the Ducks’ on-ice approach and resulting success, as seemingly every member of the roster has come to play a particular and important role. Fortunately for Anaheim and the team’s slowly yet steadily growing fanbase, the Ducks have shown very few signs of slowing down and stand poised to receive young and talented reinforcements in the near future.

Franchise Breakdown:

Division: Pacific

Stanley Cups: One

2017-18 Record: 44-25-13; 101 Points

2017-18 Top Scorer: Rickard Rakell; 34G, 35A, 69PTS

Farm System Grade: A

Top 10 Prospects:

  1. Sam Steel
  2. Isac Lundestrom
  3. Jacob Larsson
  4. Troy Terry
  5. Maxime Comtois
  6. Josh Mahura
  7. Antoine Morand
  8. Max Jones
  9. Benoit-Olivier Groulx
  10. Blake McLaughlin

The State of the Ducks’ Farm System

Similar to the team’s roster itself, the Ducks’ farm system is deep and comprised of a number of highly talented and promising prospects. Leading the way is Sam Steel, a centre who has dominated the WHL since his first round selection by Anaheim in 2016. In his 120 regular season games played for the Regina Pats following his selection, Steel totalled 83 goals and 214 points alongside a Four Broncos Trophy as WHL MVP and Stafford Smythe Trophy as Memorial Cup MVP.

Sure to aid Steel at the NHL-level in the future are all of Jacob Larsson, shoot-out savant Troy Terry, and 2018 first round choice Isac Lundestrom. In Larsson, the Ducks boast a mature defender of ample size whose experience in the SHL should allow him to jump to the NHL-level with little issue. Further, in Terry and Lundestrom, Anaheim holds two potential star forwards defined by their fine pucks skills and general potency.

Providing even greater depth to Anaheim’s prospect pool are Maxime Comtois, Benoit-Olivier Groulx, and Blake McLaughlin — three players who need greater seasoning yet will surely play a role for Anaheim in the semi-distant future. In Comtois, the Ducks downright stole a sizeable and highly skilled winger who is arguably ready for the NHL. Further, in Olivier-Groulx, Anaheim nabbed a rugged centre who can produce offence to boot.

https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/969798862851289088

In short, the Ducks’ farm system features impressive depth alongside a slew of highly talented players who should seize full-time roles with the team in the near future. Although lacking a high-end prospect so-to-speak, Anaheim is flush with players of tantalizing skill who should lead the team at both ends of the ice for years to come.

One Ducks Prospect to Watch

Of the Ducks’ top prospects, the one player to watch in particular is none other than Terry. 

A lethal offensive force for Team USA at the WJC, Terry is a slick puck-handler who can produce offence with remarkable consistency. A steal for Anaheim given the fact that he was nabbed by the franchise in the fifth-round of the 2015 NHL Draft, Terry could and should develop into a top-six forward at the NHL-level in the years ahead — providing the Ducks with a greater level of scoring depth within their lineup.

Come the 2018-19 season, Terry will suit up for the San Diego Gulls in his first full season of professional hockey. However, owing to his remarkable skill-set, it would come as no surprise to see Terry earn a handful of games at the NHL-level with Anaheim. While he may not be the biggest player on the ice, Terry’s creativity and raw lethality should afford him a long and successful career at hockey’s highest level.

5 Leafs Prospects to Watch in 2018-19

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team built to win now and long into the future. With many more prospects on the way, let’s highlight five Leafs prospects worth watching this season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have quickly developed into a team to be reckoned with inside of the NHL’s Eastern Conference.

Despite finishing the 2015-16 campaign in last place, the Leafs have drafted and developed a young team with both haste and purpose, and now stand on the brink of significant success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Perhaps the most frightening facet of Leafs, however, is the fact that the franchise continues to boast a bustling farm system. As if their roster was not strong enough already, Toronto features a whack of promising young prospects who could and should vie for playing time at the NHL-level in the immediate future. What’s more is that the Leafs gloat prospect depth at each position of the ice, a reality which will surely ignite white-hot debate as well as internal competition in the seasons ahead.

Who are these young players who could play a significant role with Toronto in the coming years, you ask?

Well, let’s take a moment to highlight and analyze five of the Leafs’ most intriguing yet promising prospects heading into the 2018-19 season.

Sean Durzi

2018-19 Team: Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

Acquired: 2018 NHL Draft (Round 2, 52nd Overall)

Defencemen of immense skill, mobility, and exceptional two-way play have become increasingly valuable of late — a major reason why Toronto has stockpiled all of Timothy Liljegren, Rasmus Sandin, and Sean Durzi within their farm system. In the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft, the Leafs were quick to add another terrific defender to the fold in Durzi — a dynamic defenceman who can dictate play at both ends of the ice.

Sean Durzi of the Owen Sound Attack. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
Sean Durzi’s skating abilities and offensive instincts drive his two-way play. (Photo Credit: Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

Standing 6-feet and weighing 200-pounds, Durzi boasts solid size and strength which he  loves to utilize in a variety of on-ice situations. In the defensive zone, Durzi can trap and smother opposing players before jostling the puck loose and transitioning possession to his forwards. Further, in the attacking zone, Durzi is incredibly agile and mobile on the blue line — his ability to control the puck with confidence and poise allows him to devise and implement devastating offensive opportunities for his team.

One aspect of Durzi’s growing game which has drawn a great deal of attention is the native of Toronto, Ontario’s shot. Extremely accurate and of ample velocity, Durzi can blast his shot on goal in the form of a wrist-shot or crisp one-timer and features the ability to beat opposing goaltenders clean.

Carl Grundström

2018-19 Team: Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Acquired: 2016 NHL Draft (Round 2, 57th Overall)

With four seasons of Swedish Hockey League experience under his belt, it is safe to say that Carl Grundström is ready to compete at the NHL-level. Of great size given his 6-foot, 200-pound frame, Grundström plays a professional-style of game and can contribute to his team’s well-being in all three zones of the ice.

As competitive as they come and endlessly determined, Grundström plays with a gritty edge and is a physical force who cannot be taken lightly. In addition to his impressive physicality, Grundström has proven time and time again to be a lethal and consistent offensive player. In fact, in his 153 SHL games played as a teenager, Grundström netted 40 goals and 65 points and has since become a point-per-game player in his short AHL career to date.

Set to skate in his first full AHL campaign this year, the 2018-19 season and Grundström’s resulting success will speak volumes in regard to his future potential at the NHL-level. If able to dominate his competition as an AHL rookie, Grundström could very well vie for playing time with the Leafs as the season progresses.

Mason Marchment

2018-19 Team: Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent (2016)

Mason Marchment had never been considered as a high-end prospect, until now.

A somewhat late entrant into the OHL, Marchment has had to work tirelessly throughout his major-junior and professional career to establish himself as a young player of undeniable value. However, given his 6-foot-4 frame and natural on-ice abilities, Marchment’s ability to impress now comes easy, and especially so of late.

Despite standing as a relative unknown within the Toronto Marlies’ 2017-18 roster, Marchment was incredibly productive in his 44 regular season games played with the team. As an AHL rookie, Marchment potted 11 goals and 26 points alongside an additional nine points in 20 Calder Cup Playoffs games — a rate of production which earned the native of Uxbrigde, Ontario a well-deserved three-year entry-level contract this past offseason.

Poised to skate in his sophomore AHL campaign with the Marlies in 2018-19, Marchment will surely set out to prove that his stellar rookie season was not a fluke. As an impressive and creative puck-handler defined by his smooth strides, the Leafs surely hope their hidden gem will take yet another significant leap forward this season.

Eemeli Räsänen

2018-19 Team: Jokerit (KHL)

Acquired: 2017 NHL Draft (Round 2, 59th Overall)

The Leafs have come to be known for their under-sized, mobile, and offensive-minded defence-core, however, Eemeli Räsänen stands determined to shatter Toronto’s mind-set. Standing a whopping 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 210-pounds, Räsänen is an intimidating force on the blue line who can also play an impactful offensive game.

Capable of dis-possessing opposing attackers with relative ease owing to his long, active stick and punishing size, Räsänen will then transition the puck to his teammates through forceful outlet passes. Once established in the offensive zone, Räsänen is cool, calm, and collected on the blue line — scanning the ice for passing lanes before consistently executing safe yet productive passes.

Räsänen is a tower of power on the blue line who can contribute offensively, too. (Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

Following two years of play in the OHL with the Kingston Frontenacs, the native of Joensuu, Finland has returned home to compete with Jokerit of the KHL this season. Although he was eligible to play in the AHL, electing to skate in the KHL will afford Räsänen the comforts of home while competing against stern competition. If able to adapt to and succeed at the KHL-level this season, Räsänen could return to North America and battle for a place within the Leafs’ roster in the near future.

Calle Rosén

2018-19 Team: Toronto Marlies (AHL)

Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent (2017)

Despite the disappointment of failing to crack Toronto’s roster as a full-time player last season, Calle Rosén returned to the AHL to conclude his year and impressed in a major way. Although incredibly solid throughout the Marlies’ 2017-18 regular season, Rosén’s game truly exploded just in time for the Calder Cup Playoffs.

In his 16 playoff games played with the Marlies, Rosén recorded five goals and 11 points — a total which led all Toronto defenders by a wide margin. Founded upon his solid skating abilities and a step above his competition owing to his adaptive vision and predictive play, Rosén has quickly progressed from a promising prospect into an NHL hopeful over the course of one season of play.

Currently skating in his second campaign with the Marlies, Rosén will enter the 2018-19 season with the hopes of building off of his impressive play which helped lead Toronto to its first-ever Calder Cup championship. And, having recorded 15 points in his first 16 games played this season, it is safe to say Rosén has started off on the right foot.

2018-19 Farm System Report: Chicago Blackhawks

Although the Chicago Blackhawks’ impressive postseason run has come to an end, don’t expect the storied franchise’s drought to last long. In fact, their farm system could push the team back into the postseason much earlier than initially thought.

After enjoying a nine-season postseason run which included three Stanley Cup championships, the Chicago Blackhawks failed to clinch a playoff-berth in 2017-18.

However, don’t expect the perennial contender to be on the outside looking in for too much longer, as the franchise’s next wave of young talent stands poised to infuse skill, energy, and passion into what is a quickly progressing roster.

Sure, only a handful of the Blackhawks’ current prospects will come to play a major role with the team at the NHL-level, however, the majority of Chicago’s current youngsters should see ice time with the franchise in the not-so-distant future. Although arguably lacking an elite prospect, the Blackhawks are on the road to resurgence following a decade of domination.

Franchise Breakdown:

Division: Central

Stanley Cups: Six

2017-18 Record: 33-39-10; 76 Points

2017-18 Top Scorer: Patrick Kane ; 27G, 49A, 76PTS

Farm System Grade: B-

Top 10 Prospects:

  1. Henri Jokiharju
  2. Adam Boqvist
  3. Dylan Sikura
  4. Nicolas Beaudin
  5. Blake Hillman
  6. Victor Ejdsell
  7. Chad Krys
  8. Ian Mitchell
  9. Lucas Carlsson
  10. Artur Kayumov

The State of the Blackhawks’ Farm System

Chicago’s farm system heading into the 2018-19 season features a solid mix of high-end talent and long-term projects.

Leading the Blackhawks into their somewhat uncertain future are two blue line studs, both of which selected by the franchise in the first round of the past two NHL Drafts.

On one hand there is Henri Jokiharju, a dynamic two-way defender nabbed by Chicago with the 29th overall selection in the 2017 NHL Draft. A native of Oulu, Finland, Jokiharju is a puck-moving defenceman who can play a significant role at both ends of the ice. Whether he be quarter-backing his team’s power play or shutting down a rush devised by his opposition, Jokiharju is not only confident but consistent in his on-ice abilities.

Further, there is Adam Boqvist — the Blackhawks’ eighth-overall selection in the 2018 NHL Draft.

In Boqvist, Chicago boasts a fleet-footed, mobile defender who loves to drive his team’s offensive game. Capable of dictating the play from his post on the blue line, Boqvist can fire his shot on net through traffic with remarkable consistency and is as creative and daring with the puck as they come. Although he’ll need to strengthen his frame as he develops, Boqvist could very well draw comparisons to that of a young Duncan Keith.

Outside of these two high-end defence prospects, the Blackhawks’ farm system begins to dwindle slightly.

Sure, the likes of Dylan Sikura, Nicolas Beaudin, and Blake Hillman are all incredibly promising prospects, yet it could be some time before all of which seize full-time roles in Chicago. Now, this is not to say that these three youngsters are not capable of competing at the NHL-level, but rather that particular aspects of their games require greater development before being exposed to hockey’s highest level full-time.

In addition to these three, the Blackhawks also feature Victor Ejdsell, Chad Krys, and Ian Mitchell — three prospects in different stages of their development who will need considerable seasoning at the AHL-level.

Ultimately, Chicago’s farm system stands in a fairly impressive state given the infancy of their rebuild. Affording their youngest players — such as Jokiharju — with considerable ice time will be of the utmost importance for the Blackhawks in the coming years, who could challenge for a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs if able to draft intelligently.

Fortunately, history is on their side.

One Blackhawks Prospect to Watch

One prospect of significant interest for Chicago and its fans to follow this season will be Boqvist.

Entering into his first campaign of play with the OHL’s London Knights, the 2018-19 season will serve as a major indication of Boqvist’s future potential at the NHL-level. If able to enjoy a swift and successful transition to the OHL-level, Boqvist could push for a place on the Blackhawks’ roster to begin their 2019-20 season.

However, if he stumbles, Boqvist’s road to the show could prove to be a long and winding one.

Adam Boqvist of the London Knights. Photo by Luke Durda/OHL Images
Boqvist is a magician with the puck whose composure and creativity demand offensive production. (Photo Credit: Luke Durda/OHL Images)

Fortunately, Boqvist is an insanely talented defender who already boasts professional playing experience. With 15 games in the SHL this past season in-hand, Boqvist should adapt to the OHL with little issue and come to dominate the league in no time at all. As an elite skater who processes the game at a rapid speed, Boqvist’s intelligence and creativity will surely allow the native of Falun, Sweden to munch major minutes for the Knights this season.

Heck, there is a reason why the Blackhawks nabbed Boqvist in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft — he is simply that good.