NHL Draft 2022 top 127 prospects: Juraj Slafkovsky leads Corey Pronman’s list

Today I release my long list for the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, with full write-ups on my top-ranked 127 prospects in the class.

The 2022 NHL Draft looks like a somewhat below-average class. It’s a near coin flip for me to decide who is the No. 1 prospect in the class between Canadian center Shane Wright and Slovakian winger Juraj Slafkovsky. Wright has the longer track record of success and the much-preferred position as a center but had a down season by his standards. Slafkovsky’s skill set is more attractive and he continued to pile on impressive performances this season at various tournaments, with the talent he displayed at the World Championship being enough to just nudge him ahead of Wright for me.

The gap between the No. 1 and No. 5 prospect is a smaller gap than usual. This is also not a great goalie crop, with the first netminder appearing at No. 59.

For the first year, I am introducing NHL player comparables into this list. My goal with this is to try to paint a somewhat realistic picture of the type of player a prospect could project as, although I would not interpret the comparables listed as a literal projection that Player A will become Player B. This is mostly because for some players, particularly those who were very large or small in terms of size, an ideal comparison doesn’t exist. Only the top 32 listed prospects are given a player comparable.

The players are placed in a tier showing their NHL projection. Their skating, puck skills, hockey sense and compete level are also given a grade, with their shot given a grade if it’s notably good or poor. The grading scale for tools has six levels, so it could be interpreted as 1-6, but it will be written out as poor, below NHL average, NHL average, above NHL average, high-end and elite. The tool grades are not formulaic, meaning the rankings incorporate the tool grades, as well as players’ statistics, size, and other information I’ve gathered in the process of making this list.

Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player

1. Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, Tps (FINLAND)

Mar. 30, 2004 | 6′ 3.5″ | 218 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Rick Nash

Background: Slafkovsky was a regular player for a top Liiga club in TPS this season albeit without great production overall. He was named MVP of the Olympics where he played a huge role in Slovakia earning a bronze medal. He was named a top-three player for Slovakia at the World Championship. He played a notable role on Slovakia’s U20 team which outshot Sweden by a 2:1 margin in a world juniors game. He played for Slovakia’s national team in the World Championship as a U17 player. He was a top player for the Slovakian U20 team as a 16-year-old and a top player for a top Finland junior team in 2021.

Analysis: Slafkovsky has all the assets you’re looking for in a top NHL forward. He’s a 6-foot-4 winger who can beat opponents with speed and skill. He possesses outstanding puck skills and can put pucks through legs and sticks at a very high rate. Slafkovsky can use finesse, or power and quickness to get around defenders. Slafkovsky can also set up and finish plays well. Physically, he won’t run over guys but his compete is good enough. He projects as a top-line winger with the potential to pop and become a true star in the NHL.

2. Shane Wright, C, Kingston (OHL)

Jan. 5, 2004 | 6′ 0.25″ | 191 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Mika Zibanejad

Background: Wright was the captain and a top player for Kingston. He finished 8th in OHL scoring. He was a top two-line center for Canada’s U20 team at the world juniors. He scored nine goals and 14 points in five games at the U18 worlds as a U17 player, leading Canada to gold. He was granted exceptional status to play in the OHL as a 15-year-old where he scored 39 goals and 66 points in 58 games.

Analysis: Wright is a very well-rounded center who has no noticeable flaw in his skill set but there also isn’t a ton about his game that gets you overly excited. He can skate and handle the puck like an NHLer. Wright’s game translates because of his compete and direct style of play. He takes pucks to the net and plays quick. He can pull up to make a tough pass but can take pucks to the interior too. He has the high-end vision to run a power-play unit and make tough plays with pace. His shot is very good, showing the ability to pick corners from long range consistently. Off the puck he’s competitive and responsible, showing maturity beyond his years. He projects as a No. 1 center in the NHL due to his all-around play with a chance to be a star, but probably won’t be an elite scorer in the league.

Projected top of the lineup player

3. Logan Cooley, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)

May. 4, 2004 | 5′ 10.25″ | 174 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected top of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Brayden Point

Background: Cooley has been the leading player in the 2004 age group for the USNTDP the last two years, although his pure production doesn’t blow you away. He made the USA world junior team as a 17-year-old in a significant role as their No. 2 center with power play time. He was a top forward at the U18 World Championship. He was a top player for the U18 team as a 16-year-old as well. He’s committed to the University of Minnesota.

Analysis: Cooley is a dynamic player. When he has the puck on his stick you instantly notice him because of his high-end speed, skill and offensive IQ. He can make highly creative dekes and passes at full speed. The pace of his game is why I think he will be a top NHL player. He takes pucks up the ice and to the net often. Cooley lacks size, but he plays hard. He can drive play at even strength while also having the vision and shot to be a power-play threat running a unit from the walls. He projects as a first-line forward; as a center, he would be a low-end first-line center in the NHL.

4. David Jiricek, D, Plzen (CZREP)

Nov. 28, 2003 | 6′ 3.0″ | 189 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected top of the lineup player

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Alex Pietrangelo

Background: Jiricek was playing a notable role on a good Czechia league team and looking very good versus men, before a knee injury at the world juniors knocked him out for the second half. He has since started practicing again and was invited to Czechia’s national team camp. He played games for the senior Czechia team at the Karjala Cup and World Championship. He was also named one of Czechia’s best players at the 2021 world juniors despite being one of the youngest players in the tournament.

Analysis: Jiricek is a big, right-shot defenseman who makes an impact at both ends of the rink. He has great individual skill to make opponents miss. You combine that with very good vision and a hard point shot, and inside the offensive zone he can make a lot happen and be dangerous on a power play. His skating won’t dazzle, but for his size he gets around well enough. What his skating looks like post-knee surgery is something to monitor. He shows some shiftiness to pull away from checks, but lacks ideal speed and burst for the NHL level. Despite that, he defends well due to his reach and a high level of physical play, often punishing opposing forwards with his body. He projects as a top-pair defenseman.

Simon Nemec (Mario Hommes / DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

5. Simon Nemec, D, Nitra (SLOVAKIA)

Feb. 15, 2004 | 6′ 0.0″ | 190 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected top of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Player comparable: MacKenzie Weegar

Background: Nemec played significant minutes versus men in Slovakia for the last two seasons. He has immense international experience. He scored 17 points in 19 games for his club team in Slovakia. He’s already played in two world juniors and was among Slovakia’s best players both times. He has been in two World Championships including 6 points in 8 games at this year’s tournament. He was the best defenseman at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer and in the Olympics this season.

Analysis: Nemec is a very well-rounded defenseman. His puck game is great. He has the high-end brain to make a lot of tough plays often. Nemec can hit seams, make plays under pressure and makes a great outlet pass. He also shows individual skill which, when combined with good speed, allows him to be dangerous in transition too. Defensively he’s solid due to his skating, compete and brain, even though he’s not imposing physically and can be trusted with tough responsibilities. Nemec projects as a top-pair defenseman.

Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player

6. Cutter Gauthier, LW, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Jan. 19, 2004 | 6′ 2.25″ | 189 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: High-end

Player comparable: J.T. Miller

Background: Gauthier was a versatile and important player for the U.S. NTDP this season, playing often on both special teams, lining up at wing and center for full games depending on their roster. He became a go-to player as the season went along, lining up on Cooley’s wing and playing PP1. He’s committed to Boston College.

Analysis: Gauthier has the tools that can make you easily envision him in the NHL. He has a thick 6-foot-2 frame and can skate like an NHL player. With his size and speed he can overpower opponents to force turnovers or in how he attacks the net and it makes him an asset on the PK. Gauthier can create with his skating and skill, but his main offensive weapon is his shot. He can pick corners from distance with a powerful wrist shot. I didn’t love his playmaking early on but that part of his game grew on me as the season went on especially how he made passes on the move. I see a potential very good top-six forward whether at center or the wing with a chance to pop and become a true top-of-the-lineup type.

7. Joakim Kemell, RW, Jyp (FINLAND)

Apr. 27, 2004 | 5′ 10.75″ | 171 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Viktor Arvidsson

Background: Kemell came out of the gates flying in Liiga but slowed down in the second half when he returned from injury. He played a top-six role on Finland’s U20 team and scored a goal a game at the Hlinka Gretzky and at the U18 Worlds. As an underage, he scored at a high rate as well in Finland’s U20 league and was a solid player for Finland’s U18 team as a 16-year-old.

Analysis: Kemell is a well-rounded winger who has almost every NHL attribute you want other than the size at 5-foot-11. He brings skill and speed to his shifts, showing the ability to carry the puck up ice and create chances for himself and his teammates. Kemell can pass the puck very well, but his shot is his main weapon. You can set him up from mid-range and he can finish. He lacks size, but he plays hard, showing no fear of engaging physically to win back pucks or to take a hit to make a play. He projects as a very good top-six winger who will score a lot of goals in the NHL.

8. Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg (WHL)

Jan. 1, 2004 | 5′ 9.0″ | 175 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Jaden Schwartz

Background: Savoie was one of the top forwards in the WHL as a 17-year-old, helping lead Winnipeg to the top of the standings and ending the season 7th in league scoring. He was a point-per-game player in the USHL as a 16-year-old. Savoie was the top pick in his WHL Bantam Draft after applying for and being denied exceptional status to play at the age of 15. He played at the U17 Challenge for Canada as a 15-year-old and was a top player.

Analysis: Savoie is a very talented scorer. He stands out with the puck on his stick and can attack in a variety of ways. Savoie is an excellent passer, who can run a power play, hit seams at a high rate and make tough plays under duress. He has very good hands to maneuver in traffic. He has good speed to beat opponents wide and he has a shot that can score from range. Savoie lacks ideal NHL size, but he competes hard and wins a surprising amount of battles for his size. He doesn’t have incredible speed and skill for a 5-foot-9 player so he may be moved to the wing in the NHL, but regardless I see him as a very good top-six forward.

9. Marco Kasper, C, Rogle (SWEDEN)

Apr. 8, 2004 | 6′ 1.0″ | 183 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Sam Bennett

Background: Kasper has played a lot of games for one of the best SHL teams in Rogle over the last two seasons and got a regular shift this season. He scored 6 points in 13 SHL playoff games this season as well. He captained Austria’s U20 team at the world juniors. He also played very well for Austria’s senior team, including four points in three games performance at a tournament in November and a major role for their World Championship team.

Analysis: Kasper was easy to spot even in SHL games because of how powerful an athlete he is. He would often be the guy to wind it up in his own end to carry the puck due to his great speed and skill. Kasper has a strong 6-foot-1 frame, isn’t afraid to attack the hard areas, and can win some battles versus men as a 17-year-old. Kasper attacks with speed and skill, and while he can pull up to make a play or use his hard shot, his direct style of play will translate to the NHL. He projects as a quality top-two line center.

10. Danila Yurov, RW, Magnitogorsk (RUSSIA)

Dec. 22, 2003 | 6′ 1.0″ | 178 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Player comparable: Troy Terry

Background: Yurov played limited minutes on one of the best KHL teams, often lining up as a 12th or 13th forward for Magnitogorsk. Later in the season he played more junior games where he was very good for a top MHL team. He scored three goals and four points at a U20 Four Nations tournament which helped him make Russia’s U20 team in a lower role. He was a point-per-game player in Russia’s junior league the previous season and scored 11 points in seven games at the U18 World Championship.

Analysis: Yurov’s skill stands out when you watch him. His stick skills and overall creativity with the puck are high-end. He’s a good skater and shows excellent ability to beat defenders with speed or with dekes. He also shows great skill in tight spaces to maintain possession. Yurov can make plays but I wouldn’t call his playmaking as dynamic as his stickhandling. He’s not overly physical but Yurov works hard to create turnovers and can kill penalties. He projects as a quality top-six winger.

11. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW, Djurgarden (SWEDEN)

Jul. 24, 2004 | 5′ 10.5″ | 165 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average
Shot: High-end

Player comparable: Jordan Eberle

Background: Lekkerimaki put up big numbers in Sweden’s J20 league showing significant goal-scoring ability in league and international play. He came up to the big club in Djurgarden in the second half where he played a notable role in SHL games and scored at a high rate for a 17-year-old. He scored for Sweden’s U20 team at a November tournament and led the U18 Worlds in scoring.

Analysis: Lekkrimaki is a skilled winger who has various offensive elements in his game, but the clear strength of his game is his shot. He is a goal-scoring threat from the faceoff dots with a hard, accurate wrist shot and one-timer that projects to be a weapon in the NHL. He has good speed, hands and vision to generate clean entries and make plays but those aspects don’t pop like his shot. Like a lot of shooters, he leans too much on his best asset and play too much on the perimeter which isn’t ideal for a player who lacks size. Lekkerimaki projects as a quality top-six winger.

Projected middle of the lineup player

12. Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Omsk Krylia (RUSSIA-2)

Feb. 4, 2004 | 6′ 1.0″ | 185 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: High-end

Player comparable: Gabriel Landeskog

Background: Miroshnichenko played all season up versus men in Russia’s second-tier league in a regular role before his season ended in January due to being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He scored 1 goal and 2 points at the U20 4 nations in November. He was the captain and a leading player for Russia’s U18 team when they won Hlinka Gretzky gold. He scored 6 goals and 8 points in 7 games at the U18 World Championship the previous season. He originally intended to play in Muskegon of the USHL instead of Russia the past two seasons but ran into visa issues.

Analysis: Miroshnichenko is a player with all the attributes you want in a top NHL winger. He’s got good size and strength. He’s a strong skater. He’s highly skilled. He can make plays and he’s highly competitive. His shot is a bullet and can be a weapon from the flank on a pro power play. He can beat defenders with speed, he can put pucks through legs, he can create at even strength and on the power play. He has a bulky frame and can play a powerful style of game. He has the tools and track record of a projected top line winger, but given his diagnosis he is being placed several tiers below that due to the significant uncertainty in his future projection — despite positive developments since the initial diagnosis.

13. Denton Mateychuk, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

Jul. 12, 2004 | 5′ 10.75″ | 188 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Shayne Gostisbehere

Background: Mateychuk played a ton for Moose Jaw this season, often playing half the game and was one of the best 17-year-olds in the WHL. He was also very good as a 16-year-old in the CHL and was invited to represent Canada at the U18s. He was the 11th pick in his WHL Bantam Draft.

Analysis: Mateychuk is an undersized but dynamic defenseman. His skating pops, showing very quick feet that can easily transition pucks up ice with speed or evade pressure easily. Mateychuk attacks with the puck using his skill, skating and vision, making him a threat off the rush and blue line to create chances He can play with pace, but can also make passes off the point and use his hard shot to create offense. He defends well in the WHL due to his feet but at 5-foot-11 the concern for scouts is how well he’ll be able to check in the NHL. It’s a reasonable concern but I think he’s so talented and the skating is so good that he will find a way to succeed and become a top-four defenseman.

14. Brad Lambert, C, Pelicans (FINLAND)

Dec. 19, 2003 | 6′ 0.5″ | 175 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average

Player comparable: Andre Burakovsky

Background: Lambert split this season between JYP and Pelicans in Liiga where his production rate dipped from his great underage season. He was having a monster world juniors before it was abruptly cancelled and was great at the tournament the previous season, too. His U18 and U17 games with Finland were not as impressive.

Analysis: Lambert is a high-end athlete. His skating ability is explosive. He has great speed and edgework, allowing him to cut away from pressure easily. You combine his skating with strong hands and he’s a go-to guy for zone entries. He can make tough plays in motion and shows O-zone creativity. He can use his skating to circle too much at times but this season showed more willingness to attack directly. He’s full of potential, even though I’ve seen him take a lot of nights off. I think he will be a top-six winger in the NHL but he may frustrate coaches.

15. Lian Bichsel, D, Leksand (SWEDEN)

May. 18, 2004 | 6′ 5.0″ | 216 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Player comparable: K’Andre Miller

Background: Bichsel played very well in Sweden’s junior ranks and got extended time with Leksands SHL team. He made Switzerland’s world juniors team in a notable role and was a top player for their U18 team. He was also named one of Switzerland’s best players at the U18 worlds the prior season. A concussion ended his season in the spring.

Analysis: Bichsel’s physical tools are quite evident. He’s a 6-foot-5 defenseman who skates well for his size, is physical and has some offensive touch. He can carry and create through the neutral zone due to his feet and skills and shows some creativity from the offensive blue line. He has good hands but there isn’t much playmaking or poise in his puck play. Defensively he’s quite good due to his reach, feet and physicality. He closes gaps like a pro and can be trusted to play hard minutes as he advances levels. Bichsel projects as a top-four defenseman with the potential to play higher in a lineup if the offense translates.

Kevin Korchinski (Chris Tanouye / Getty Images)

16. Kevin Korchinski, D, Seattle (WHL)

Jun. 21, 2004 | 6′ 2.25″ | 185 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Player comparable: Justin Schultz

Background: Korchinski was a top player for a good WHL team in Seattle this season and one of the best 17-year-old defensemen in the CHL. He was the 10th pick in his WHL Bantam Draft and invited to Canada’s U18 camp.

Analysis: Korchinski has a clear NHL toolkit. He’s a 6-foot-2 defenseman who can skate and has offensive abilities. He’s able to carry pucks up ice well with his skating, and has excellent edgework to evade pressure. Korchinski shows touch and vision with the puck to run a power play and create off the blue line due to his skill and feet. Despite his size and skating, he’s mediocre defensively. He doesn’t compete that hard on that side of the ice and is overly aggressive offensively. That’s a concern, but he generates so much offense that it makes up for those issues to an extent. Korchinski projects as a top-four defenseman.

17. Jiri Kulich, C, Karlovy Vary (CZREP)

Apr. 14, 2004 | 5′ 11.5″ | 172 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Ross Colton

Background: Kulich got a regular shift vs. pros in Czechia this season with power-play time. He captained their U18 team and made their world junior team in a notable role. He led the U18 World Championship in goals and was named MVP of the tournament.

Analysis: Kulich is a well-rounded prospect. He has a fluid, powerful skating stride that can generate clean entries and beat defenders wide. He has slick 1v1 skills and combined with his speed is a threat off the rush. He can make plays but is more of a threat when he’s in motion than picking apart defenses as a playmaker. Kulich has a great shot, showing a one-timer and wrist shot threat from range. Kulich doesn’t show fear from attacking the net or taking a hit to make a play. He projects as a top-nine forward, whether at wing or center with the potential to play higher in a lineup.

18. Pavel Mintyukov, D, Saginaw (OHL)

Nov. 25, 2003 | 6′ 1.25″ | 197 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Brandon Montour

Background: Mintyukov played a ton of minutes for Saginaw this season and was a top scoring defenseman in the OHL as a first-year draft-eligible player. He missed all of 2020-21 due to the OHL not playing. Previously, he was a top player at the World U-17 Challenge where Russia won gold, scoring five points in six games.

Analysis: Mintyukov is an exciting defenseman. He plays with pace and is aggressive as a rusher. His skating allows him to evade pressure easily and transition pucks up ice with his feet. Mintyukov is also highly skilled and can make plays through legs and sticks. He shows good offensive IQ, knowing when to activate and how to make plays with the puck. He also has a hard point shot, making him dangerous on the PP with his skating and vision. Defensively he’s solid, showing an ability to use his long reach, mobility and physicality to kill plays. He can be a little too aggressive at times trying to create offense when he leaves his defensive position. He projects as a top-four defenseman with the potential to play high in the lineup.

19. Frank Nazar, C, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Jan. 14, 2004 | 5′ 9.75″ | 175 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end

Player comparable: Alex Kerfoot

Background: Nazar was a significant player for the US program, often lining up as a top-two-line center.. He was highly productive as an underage player, scoring over a point a game. He’s committed to Michigan.

Analysis: Nazar brings a lot of speed and energy to his shifts. He lacks ideal NHL size, but he makes up for it with his effort. He is hard on pucks, and shows no fear in how he attacks the interior third of the offensive zone. He can make an occasional flashy deke or pass, but most of his offense comes from the high percentage areas. Nazar’s great speed helps him get to the net and turn around a lot of defenders. He projects as a third-line center with a chance to be a No. 2 center.

20. Conor Geekie, C, Winnipeg (WHL)

May. 5, 2004 | 6′ 3.25″ | 196 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Player comparable: Dylan Strome

Background: Geekie was a top player on one of the best teams in the CHL this season, following up a great 16-year-old season where he was a point per game. He was the No. 2 pick in his WHL Bantam Draft right before his teammate Matthew Savoie. His brother Morgan Geekie plays for the Seattle Kraken.

Analysis: Geekie has drawn a lot of interest from NHL teams because he’s a 6-foot-3 center with a high skill level. With his hands and reach he’s able to consistently maneuver pucks through sticks and legs to create chances. He’s a big man who doesn’t shy away from physical contact, which combined with his skill makes him tough to deal with down low and strip the puck from in general. Geekie can make plays and run a power play, showing good vision and finish from the perimeter. His main flaw, like his brother Morgan’s was, is his skating. He’s a better skater than his brother and can separate occasionally at the WHL level but doesn’t project to do so in the NHL. Geekie projects as a middle-six center with a chance to play higher in the lineup.

21. Rutger McGroarty, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Mar. 30, 2004 | 6′ 0.75″ | 200 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Tyler Toffoli

Background: McGroarty was a top forward for the U.S. NTDP this season, often lining up in a premier scoring role and wore the ‘C’ for that age group. He scored 8 goals in 6 games at the U18 Worlds this season. He represented Team USA at the U18 Worlds as a U17 player. He is from the Lincoln, Nebraska area and is committed to Michigan.

Analysis: McGroarty is a highly-skilled winger who is a threat inside the offensive zone because of his very good puck skills, shot and vision. He can make a lot of plays with finesse, but also is highly competitive. He forces a lot of turnovers, wins a good number of battles and can create around the hard areas of the offensive zone. The knock on McGroarty historically has been his skating. He has an awkward stride that lacks ideal balance and mechanics, but he has enough quickness to be able to play in the NHL. He projects as a top-nine winger with the potential to play higher in a lineup.

22. Lane Hutson, D, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Feb. 14, 2004 | 5′ 8.5″ | 148 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: High-end
Compete: NHL average

Player comparable: Torey Krug

Background: Hutson was a top-four defenseman for the U.S. NTDP all season and generated a lot of offense. He was invited to the U18 team as an underage player where he was a top player for that team as well, being named one of the top three players at the U18 World Championship in 2021 for USA. He was named top defenseman of the 2022 U18 Worlds. He’s committed to Boston University.

Analysis: Hutson is a constant threat with the puck on his stick. He’s the smartest player in the draft. He makes so many seam passes to generate chances. Hutson is also a highly-skilled puckhandler who shows great creativity off the offensive blue line. He makes a lot of crafty fakes and dekes to evade pressure. He’s not the fastest skater, but his edgework is quite good and allows him to use his skating to attack. The offense is clear NHL quality. Whether a barely 5-foot-9 defenseman who isn’t an elite skater can defend in the NHL is the question with Hutson. He’s a competitive, quality defender versus juniors and college opponents but that will need to be a test he’ll need to clear down the line. I think he plays in the NHL, and projects as an offensive-tilted top-four defenseman, but I realize the odds are against a player who looks like him becoming that. I stamp him this high because he’s the smartest player in the draft and I see just enough to the rest of his game to be able to elevate at higher levels.

23. Nathan Gaucher, C, Quebec (QMJHL)

Nov. 6, 2003 | 6′ 2.75″ | 207 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Adam Lowry

Background: Gaucher was an important all-situations center for a top QMJHL club in Quebec. He didn’t post big scoring totals this season after scoring a point per game in the prior season. He was invited to Canada’s U20 camp in the summer as an injury replacement.

Analysis: Gaucher is a skilled and competitive center. He possesses a bulky 6-foot-3 frame and is a physical player which allows him to win a lot of puck battles. Gaucher creates a lot of offense around the net due to his physical tools. He’s a responsible two-way player who can PK well. Offensively he’s not flashy, but he has the hands to make plays inside the offensive zone. He creates a lot around the hard areas of the ice. He has a fluid stride, but lacks top-end speed and doesn’t make a ton of plays. Gaucher projects as a third-line center who won’t be a big scorer but will have significant two-way value.

24. Owen Pickering, D, Swift Current (WHL)

Jan. 27, 2004 | 6′ 4.0″ | 178 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Player comparable: Travis Sanheim

Background: Pickering played major minutes for Swift Current this season and put up solid scoring totals for a defenseman his age. He was named one of Canada’s top 3 players at the U18 World Championship. He was a ninth-round pick in his WHL Bantam draft but experienced a significant growth spurt since then.

Analysis: Pickering’s tools are evident to anyone who watches a game or two. He’s a 6-foot-4 defenseman who skates quite well for his size and has offense. He can carry through the neutral zone to create controlled exits/entries and is good on retrievals. He can also pull up to make a good outlet or seam pass in the O-zone. He can use his size and feet to close on checks efficiently. Pickering’s ascent has been quick, and thus there are some raw aspects with his play with the puck and overall consistency. He projects as a second or third-pair defenseman depending on how much the offense translates.

25. Luca Del Bel Belluz, C, Mississauga (OHL)

Nov. 10, 2003 | 6′ 0.5″ | 175 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Ryan Donato

Background: Del Bel Belluz had a productive season playing all situations for a strong Steelheads team, being one of the top scorers in the OHL early in the season but that production tailed off in the second half. His production trended way up after only scoring six points in his first OHL season in 2020. He was a third-round pick in his OHL Draft.

Analysis: Del Bel Belluz is a very skilled center with decent size. He has the crafty puck skills to manipulate the puck in tight areas and often shows he can beat defenders one on one. He can run a power play off the flank due to his very good vision and shot although I don’t see that as his role in the NHL. He lacks foot speed for the higher levels, but he works hard enough and provides some two-way value down the middle. He projects as a top-nine forward. With his feet, he may struggle to stick at center but if he does it’s on the third line.

26. Liam Ohgren, LW, Djurgarden Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)

Jan. 28, 2004 | 6′ 0.0″ | 187 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Alex Iafallo

Background: Ohgren was a goal-per-game player and top scorer in Sweden’s J20 league while also playing limited minutes in the SHL. He was a top player for Sweden’s U18 team and played for the U20 team in November.

Analysis: Calling Ohgren a goal scorer isn’t a novel observation given his stats this season but he’s shown he can score goals in a variety of ways. He has great hands and can create offense through his skill. He generates a lot of offense around the high-percentage areas because of his strength and compete. Ohgren also has a shot that can score from range. He’s smart enough with the puck to move it well but is more of a shooter and worker than a playmaker. His skating is OK. I’ve heard from scouts who like it but I’ve never seen a player who can separate with speed. He projects as a top-nine winger.

27. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Jun. 1, 2004 | 6′ 1.25″ | 186 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Tanner Pearson

Background: Snuggerud was a top-six forward for the U.S. NTDP this season and one of the most improved players on the program from the previous season. He’s committed to Minnesota.

Analysis: Snuggerud’s a talented winger who can be dangerous with the puck on his stick. He has one-on-one skill, good vision, and his best asset is his shot. He is a long-range shooting threat with a one-timer you can build a power-play unit around. Snuggerud has good size, competes well and is responsible defensively. The only issue is he has heavy feet which could impede him as he advances levels. The rest of his game is strong enough though that I think he could be a top-nine forward.

28. Owen Beck, C, Mississauga (OHL)

Feb. 3, 2004 | 5′ 11.5″ | 185 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Player comparable: Dillon Dube

Background: Owen Beck played a significant role on a good OHL team. He was a regular in every important situation. He was the 29th pick in his OHL draft.

Analysis: Beck brings an intriguing amount of speed and skill to his shifts. He has NHL-level skating and is able to make highly-skilled plays through checks at full speed. He shows the ability to be able to set up his teammates well while also being able to finish in tight or from the circles. Beck isn’t the biggest forward, but he competes well, can PK and doesn’t shy from getting inside by using his speed. He projects as a top-nine forward, likely on the wing.

29. Ryan Chesley, D, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Feb. 27, 2004 | 6′ 0.25″ | 195 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Ryan Lindgren

Background: Chesley was a top-four defenseman for the U.S. NTDP this season, often playing on both special teams units. He represented team USA’s U18 team as an underage. He’s committed to the University of Minnesota.

Analysis: Chesley has some physical assets that pop off the page from a pro projection. He’s a NHL-caliber skater who can transition pucks up ice very well with his speed. He has average size, but he’s quite strong and physical. With his mobility he’s able to close on checks well, and often uses his body to land hard hits to separate pucks from players. He has good individual skill, with the hands to beat checks one-on-one and generate a lot of power off his one-timer. Chesley isn’t a gifted puck-mover though and can struggle at times with his puck distribution. He projects as a full-time second- or third pair defenseman depending on how much the offense translates to higher levels.

30. Jagger Firkus, RW, Moose Jaw (WHL)

Apr. 29, 2004 | 5′ 9.75″ | 153 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: High-end

Player comparable: Eeli Tolvanen

Background: Firkus has scored at a strong rate in the WHL over the past two seasons, being a big part of Moose Jaw’s offense. He’s trended up significantly after being the 82nd pick in his WHL Bantam Draft. He was named player of the game for the CHL Top Prospects Game.

Analysis: Firkus’ skill and creativity stand out consistently. He shows great ability to beat defenders one-on-one with his stickhandling. He can make tough passes at a high rate through seams and under pressure. He is a shot-and-pass threat which makes him a major asset on a power play and often scores from range with a release that will beat NHL goalies. Firkus is quick, but not fast, showing good enough skating and compete to win battles but he’s not going to beat NHL defenders wide. The scoring ability is significant enough that I think he can be a middle-six winger.

31. Isaac Howard, LW, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Mar. 30, 2004 | 5′ 10.0″ | 182 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Player comparable: Jonathan Dahlen

Background: Howard has been a highly productive forward for the U.S. NTDP over his two seasons. He was called up to the U18 team as a 16-year-old where he played a significant role at the U18 World Championship with four points in five games. He was a top scorer in the tournament overall at this year’s U18s. He also scored seven goals in four games at the Youth Olympics. He’s committed to Minnesota-Duluth.

Analysis: Howard is a player defined by his skill level. His stick skills are among the best in the draft. He can make quick and creative dekes consistently. He’s known as a goal-scorer, but he can make creative passes and make difficult plays in small areas. Howard is a good enough skater for the NHL, but for a 5-foot-10 guy you’d like to see a little more burst. His goal scoring is more a product of his skill and willingness to attack the middle than an elite shot. He projects as a top-nine winger.

32. Filip Mesar, RW, Poprad (SLOVAKIA)

Jan. 3, 2004 | 5′ 10.0″ | 167 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected middle of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Alexander Barabanov

Background: Mesar has played pro hockey in Slovakia for the last two seasons. He was a top forward at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in the summer. He made Slovakia’s world junior team in a scoring role and also played well in games for Slovakia’s senior team.

Analysis: Mesar’s game is defined by speed and pace. He’s one of the better skaters in this draft, with the ability to burn up the neutral zone to create clean entries with speed. He has good skill and playmaking ability, and shows he can make tough plays with the puck with pace. Mesar lacks size at 5-foot-10 and isn’t an overly physical player. His compete is good enough for me but probably not where you want for an undersized player. I think with his speed, skill and scoring ability he can carve out a career as a top-nine winger though.

Projected to play NHL games

33. Jani Nyman, RW, Koovee (FINLAND-2)

Jul. 30, 2004 | 6′ 2.75″ | 212 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Nyman played in Finland’s second division pro league where he scored at a high rate for one of the weaker teams. Nyman was a productive player for Finland’s U18 team and played in a tournament for their U20 team in August.

Analysis: Nyman is a talented winger who is dangerous inside the offensive zone. He possesses good puck skills, can make plays and has a big shot that is a threat from range, which is his main weapon. Nyman’s footspeed is just OK so he probably won’t be a driver at higher levels of controlled entries. You’d like to see him be more consistently impactful given his size and skill. I think Nyman will be an NHL player, with the talent to play in the middle of a lineup if he hits.

34. Danil Zhilkin, C, Guelph (OHL)

Dec. 19, 2003 | 6′ 1.0″ | 189 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Zhilkin was an important part of a good Guelph team this season, playing big minutes and on both special teams. Zhilkin is of Russian descent and born in Russia but has always represented Canada internationally. He played for Canada at the U18 worlds in 2021 where they won gold. He also scored four goals and six points in five games at the World U17 Challenge.

Analysis: Zhilkin is a very skilled center. On his best shifts when you see a 6-foot-1 pivot who can dangle and create chances with pace like he can, it gets you excited about his projection. Zhilkin is a pass-and-shot threat who can run a power play well. His skating is solid, not explosive but good enough. His game can lack pace, though, which is his main issue. He competes well enough off the puck but it’s not his strength and he can drift to the perimeter. I see him as a potential bottom-six forward in the NHL who has the tool kit to play in a middle six.

35. Filip Bystedt, C, Linkoping Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)

Feb. 4, 2004 | 6′ 2.5″ | 187 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Background: Bystedt has been a solid junior player over the last two years and got a significant number of SHL games this season for Linkoping. He was an important part of Sweden’s U18 team and had seven points in five Hlinka Gretzky games.

Analysis: Bystedt has a clear NHL toolkit. He’s a 6-foot-3 center who can skate well and has some offense. There are times you watch him and get really excited about his pro potential when he’s skating pucks up with speed and creating chances. I don’t think his puck play is overly impressive, but he shows enough sense to find lanes to make plays and be a secondary contributor to an NHL line. I think he’s going to play. I don’t view Bystedt as this great defensive player nor is he a big scorer, but with his tools someone will find a place for him in a bottom six, and he has the potential to play higher if his development goes well.

36. Cameron Lund, C, Green Bay (USHL)

Jun. 7, 2004 | 6′ 1.75″ | 185 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Lund was an important player for Green Bay in the USHL. He didn’t have a great statistical season but played a big role in their offense. He scored four goals in four Hlinka Gretzky games although USA didn’t qualify for the medal round.

Analysis: Lund has a clear NHL tool kit. He’s a 6-foot-2 forward who can skate, and has legit offensive touch. He can make skilled plays at full speed and be a real threat on zone entries. Lund shows some power-play creativity as a playmaker and has a good wrist shot from range. On his best shift, he can be dynamic, but his best shifts are infrequent. He can also drift to the perimeter too much to generate his offense. I think he plays in the NHL and has the potential to be a good NHL player but he has to be more consistent to do so.

37. Tristan Luneau, D, Gatineau (QMJHL)

Jan. 12, 2004 | 6′ 1.5″ | 188 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Luneau quarterbacked Gatineau’s power play this season and scored at a strong rate for a 17-year-old defenseman. He scored half a point per game as a 16-year-old and was named defensive rookie of the year in the QMJHL. He was a first pick in his QMJHL draft.

Analysis: Luneau’s strengths come with the puck on his stick. He’s a very smart puck-moving defenseman with a solid skill level. He has the vision and poise to make great outlets and find seams in the offensive zone. Luneau shows the stick skills to put pucks through legs on occasion. He lacks speed to rush pucks but his stick and brain let him transition well. He also has a hard point shot allowing him to be dangerous on the power play. His skating leads to some defensive issues and he may need to be a guy in the NHL who doesn’t take tough matchups. I think he will play in the NHL but he may need to be used in a specific way.

38. Reid Schaefer, LW, Seattle (WHL)

Sep. 21, 2003 | 6′ 3.0″ | 213 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Schaefer was an important player for Seattle playing on both special teams and scoring a lot of goals for the T-Birds. He was an eighth-round pick in his WHL bantam draft who has developed quite well since then.

Analysis: Schaefer’s NHL appeal is due to being a 6-foot-3 winger with very good puck skills and a scoring touch. He’s able to use his size and hands to create offense around the net, while also having an excellent wrist shot to score from range. He has value away from the work, with a strong work rate, good physicality and can PK. I don’t see Schaefer driving a line as a pro due his so-so speed and hockey sense, but the tools are good enough to carve out a bottom-six role with the potential to play higher in a lineup.

39. Viktor Neuchev, LW, Yekaterinburg 2 (RUSSIA-JR.)

Oct. 25, 2003 | 6′ 2.0″ | 165 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Below NHL average
Shot: High-end

Background: Neuchev was a strong junior player in Russia the last two years, being a leading player on Avto who were a middle-of-the-pack team in the lesser of the two MHL conferences.

Analysis: Neuchev doesn’t have the stats and accolades of top prospects, but when you watch him it’s easy to see the NHL potential. He’s 6-foot-2, he has great hands, and shows great offensive creativity as a handler and passer. Neuchev often showed high-end ability to improvise with the puck and create chances from nothing. He can make some plays but his shot is his real offensive threat as he often scored from the circles. His drawbacks are subpar footspeed and not being great off the puck, with a decent amount of perimeter play. Despite those issues, he’s so talented offensively that I have to imagine there is a spot on an NHL team for him even if not in a prominent role.

40. Noah Ostlund, C, Djurgarden Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)

Mar. 11, 2004 | 5′ 11.0″ | 163 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Below NHL average

Background: Ostlund has been a highly productive junior player in Sweden for the last two seasons. He got time in the SHL with Djurgarden in limited minutes. He was a top forward for Sweden’s U18 team this season and played for their U18 team as an underager as well.

Analysis: Ostlund possesses impressive speed and skill. He’s able to be an asset in transition due to his ability to create controlled entries and make defenders miss. He has a pass-first mentality but can make difficult plays at a high rate. Ostlund has the poise to run a power-play unit and find seams but he’s not much of a shot threat. Ostlund isn’t the biggest, but he works hard enough and has shown as a junior he can be reliable defensively. He looks like a bottom-six center in the NHL.

41. Mats Lindgren, D, Kamloops (WHL)

Aug. 26, 2004 | 5′ 10.75″ | 173 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Background: Lindgren was a top player for a top WHL team this season, playing a lot of minutes including on Kamloops’ PP1. He was invited to Canada’s U18 camp and was the seventh pick in his WHL bantam draft.

Analysis: You’re drafting Lindgren for his offense. He’s a constant threat with the puck on his stick due to his offensive skill and especially his IQ. He makes a ton of clever plays with the puck on outlets and inside the offensive zone. He has good enough speed to go with his skill that Lindgren can also be a threat off the rush. His defending won’t be his calling card as a pro, but he skates and competes well enough to be competent to play a regular shift in the NHL.

42. Miguel Tourigny, D, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

Feb. 9, 2002 | 5′ 8.0″ | 168 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Tourigny was one of the top defensemen in the CHL and scored both goals and points at a very high rate for a defenseman, even accounting for the fact he’s a 19-year-old. He was also invited to Canada’s U20 camp in the summer.

Analysis: Tourigny is a dynamic player. His skating pops, with the top-end speed to beat checkers wide and lead a rush in transition. He’s an elusive skater with good edgework and is very hard to check on retrievals, despite his diminutive frame. He’s a very smart puck-mover who can make tough, skilled plays with pace and from a standstill, showing ability to hit seams from the offensive blue line. Tourigny is a great passer but also had a great shot as evidenced by his goal totals the last two seasons. The one obvious drawback is his frame, he’s a tiny defenseman by NHL standards at 5-foot-8. He competes well and defends well enough in junior but whether he can take a regular NHL shift is the question. He’s so talented, and the skating is so good I think he has a very good chance to play games and help an organization, but I can’t just yet stamp him as a guy who is going to have a legitimate NHL career.

43. Maveric Lamoureux, D, Drummondville (QMJHL)

Jan. 13, 2004 | 6′ 6.75″ | 197 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Background: Lamoureux played a large role for Drummondville, often logging big minutes and was a regular on their second PP unit. He was the 12th pick in his QMJHL draft.

Analysis: Lamoureux is a huge right-shot defenseman who plays hard. With his massive frame, he can make a lot of stops with his reach, mobility and physicality. Defensively he projects to have a lot of value as a pro. His skating isn’t explosive but for such a large man he moves quite well. Offense is the question in his game. Lamoureux shows flashes of good hands and vision as a puck-mover and an occasional hard point shot, but that aspect of his game is inconsistent. As of now, I project him as a full-time third-pair defenseman but I wouldn’t be shocked if he became a top-four guy.

44. Julian Lutz, LW, Munchen (GERMANY)

Feb. 29, 2004 | 6′ 1.75″ | 185 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Lutz missed most of the season after suffering a fatigue fracture of his lumbar spine but got some DEL games in late in the season. He scored four points in four games at the U18 Worlds.

Analysis: Lutz’s talent stands out when you watch him. He’s 6-foot-2, he has very good puck skills and he can skate well. On a given rush he has the ability to break a play open due to his speed, hands and strong shot. He feels like he should be a top prospect, but I’ve often found myself wanting more when watching him play. I don’t see him make that many tough plays to his teammates and doesn’t impact the game for stretches. Lutz has NHL tools though and I can see him being a bottom-six winger.

45. Arseni Koromyslov, D, Ska St. Petersburg 2 (RUSSIA-JR.)

Nov. 3, 2003 | 6′ 3.0″ | 180 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Background: Koromyslov didn’t put up big numbers this season in the Russian junior league but he was a top player for one of the best MHL teams. He also made appearances in the KHL, for Russia’s U20 team including making the world juniors club, and for Russia’s senior team.

Analysis: Koromyslov is a big left-shot defenseman who is a strong skater. Due to his reach and mobility, he kills a lot of rushes. He’s a smart defender who anticipates plays well and uses his skating to jump up and pressure opponents. He also doesn’t shy away from physical play with his big frame. With the puck, Koromyslov won’t dazzle. He has good flashes of stickhandling and passing but it’s not consistent. I think there’s just enough offense to be a third-pair defenseman given his physical tools.

46. Jack Hughes, C, Northeastern (H-EAST)

Nov. 2, 2003 | 5′ 11.5″ | 170 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Background: Hughes played a significant role on Northeastern as a draft-eligible freshman. He was a top forward for the 2003 U.S. NTDP age group coming up, including being one of their top forwards at the World U17 Challenge. He’s the son of Canadiens GM Kent Hughes.

Analysis: Hughes is one of the more skilled and creative players in the draft. He has high-end puck skills and ability to improvise with the puck to create chances for himself and his teammates. He’s able to score goals but he’s a pass-first type player. Hughes lacks ideal speed for the NHL and the pace of higher levels will be his main test. He competes well enough. He won’t run guys over but he’s responsible off the puck and doesn’t shy from physical play. Hughes projects as a bottom-six forward.

47. Bryce Mcconnell-Barker, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Jun. 4, 2004 | 6′ 1.0″ | 193 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: McConnell-Barker was a notable player for the Soo this season and was a regular on the power play. His point totals don’t stand out but they had a deep offensive team and he was often on the second power-play unit. Last summer, he was invited to Canada’s U18 camp and was the fourth pick in his OHL Draft.

Analysis: McConnell-Barker is a talented offensive player. He shows strong puck skills and overall creativity as a playmaker. He can pick corners and find seams off the half-wall and create off the rush with his skill and vision. He lacks speed for the NHL, but he works hard enough off the puck and will earn the trust of coaches. He projects as a full-time bottom-six forward whether at center or the wing.

48. Seamus Casey, D, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Jan. 8, 2004 | 5′ 9.25″ | 162 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Background: Casey was a top-four defenseman for the U.S. NTDP this season, lining up on both special team units consistently. He is a rare NHL prospect to come out of the Miami, Florida area and play youth hockey for the Florida Alliance program. He’s committed to Michigan.

Analysis: Casey has NHL-caliber skating and skill. His ability to skate pucks out of trouble and up the ice is quite noticeable. He has good hands to maneuver in tight areas and make skilled rushes. On the power play, he displays good poise and vision to make plays and can make strong outlets too. I wouldn’t call him truly dynamic with the puck though, which leaves some scouts wondering, as a small defenseman, what his NHL role will be. He defends well enough in junior due to his skating, but for a 5-foot-10 defenseman his defending will be the question as he advances levels. I project him as a full-time third pair defenseman. .

49. Mattias Havelid, D, Linkoping Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)

Jan. 1, 2004 | 5′ 9.0″ | 165 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: High-end

Background: Havelid has been a very good junior defenseman and got a good chunk of SHL games this season. He was MVP of the J20 playoffs in Sweden. Havelid has been an important part of Sweden’s U18 team over the last two seasons, including scoring nine points in five Hlinka Gretzky games and 12 points in six games at the U18 championship. He’s the twin brother of fellow draft eligible Hugo Havelid.

Analysis: Havelid is a talented offensive player from the back end. He has the skating ability to jump into attacks and activate off the blue line to create offense with his skill. Havelid can find seams and create with his playmaking consistently. He also has a hard point shot and scored a lot of goals this season. The major drawback on Havelid is his frame. Not many 5-foot-9 defensemen play in the NHL. He defends well and has been great at retrievals in junior but whether he will versus men is the debate. Due to how well he skates I think he will make it and play games.

50. Sam Rinzel, D, Chaska (HIGH-MN)

Jun. 25, 2004 | 6′ 4.25″ | 177 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Background: Rinzel played most of the season for Chaska in Minnesota high school. He was arguably even better in his limited time playing in the USHL for Waterloo and was also solid for USA at the Hlinka Gretzky. He’s committed to Minnesota.

Analysis: Scouts are excited about Rinzel due to his tool kit. He’s 6-foot-4, skates quite well for a man his size, and has offensive skill. He’s quite dangerous in transition due to his reach and speed and is able to create offense off the rush. He’s not a true playmaker but shows some flashes in that regard. Defensively he’s solid due to his physical assets although he’s not overly physical. I’d like him to be a more consistent overall player, but he has so many assets that I think he’ll find a way to carve out an NHL career.

51. Gleb Trikozov, LW, Omsk 2 (RUSSIA-JR.)

Aug. 12, 2004 | 6′ 1.0″ | 185 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Trikozov was an important part of a good Russian junior team this season and overall has been quite productive in his junior career in Russia. With Russia’s U18 team, his play was more up and down with good numbers but being benched during important games at times.

Analysis: Trikozov is a talented winger. He displays great individual skills and creativity with the puck to often beat opponents one-on-one. He can create for himself with his skill while also showing great vision and instincts as a playmaker to find seams. Trikozov’s vision and shot make him a threat from the perimeter and an asset on the power play. His skating is just OK and his game in general can lack pace. I waver on his compete. I’ve seen games he takes nights off and other games he’s engaged and works hard on both sides of the puck. Trikozov projects as a full-time bottom-six winger.

52. Kasper Kulonummi, D, Jokerit Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)

Mar. 1, 2004 | 5′ 11.5″ | 178 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Background: Kulonummi was a productive junior defenseman in Finland’s U20 league but stood out more internationally being a leading player for Finland’s U18 team throughout the season. He also represented Finland’s U18 team as a 16-year-old at the World Championship.

Analysis: Kulonummi is a talented puck-moving defenseman. He has the skating, skill and poise to make a lot of plays off the rush and from the offensive blue line. His skating allows him to carry the puck in transition and elude pressure well. Kulonummi defends well enough due to his feet and average size. While as a junior he’s been a true top power-play option, he may never be truly dynamic offensively, so being trusted in his own end will be important for the NHL. Kulonummi projects as a full-time third-pair defenseman who can provide value at both ends of the rink.

53. Elias Salomonsson, D, Skelleftea Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)

Aug. 31, 2004 | 6′ 0.0″ | 172 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: High-end

Background: Salomonsson was a productive junior player in Sweden even if his numbers weren’t as gaudy as expected after his big 16-year-old season where he was a point per game. Salomonsson was a top-four defenseman for Sweden’s U18 team, and played for their U18 team as an underage as well.

Analysis: Salomonsson is a talented defenseman. He’s a strong skater who is able to skate pucks up ice and close on checks effectively with his feet and body. He’s not tremendous offensively, but he shows good instances of poise as a passer from both ends. His shot/one-timer is a weapon and will be able to beat NHL goalies from the point. He also shows some individual creativity off the rush and from the offensive blue line. I wouldn’t call his play with the puck consistent though and often I’ve found his game to be vanilla offensively. His defending is good enough to go with the skating and puck-moving to be a third pair defenseman.

54. Tomas Hamara, D, Tappara Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)

Mar. 9, 2004 | 6′ 0.0″ | 185 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Hamara played up in Liiga on a top team and showed he could hold his own playing at Finland’s top level. He has been a very good junior player the last two years in Finland as well. He played games for Czechia’s U20 team but didn’t make the world juniors team. He was a top-three player for their U18 team at the U18 worlds.

Analysis: Hamara is a solid all-around defenseman. His skating allows him to make a fair amount of stops by closing gaps well. Combined with his good IQ he breaks up a lot of plays. He can skate pucks up ice well too. He’s not a dynamo offensively, but he makes quality passes and has a hard point shot. As a 6-foot defenseman who doesn’t excel at either end it’s unclear what his NHL role would be, but he has a good enough tool kit to be a third-pair defenseman.

55. Simon Forsmark, D, Orebro (SWEDEN)

Oct. 17, 2003 | 6′ 2.0″ | 191 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Background: Forsmark played a regular shift in the SHL for Orebro after being a quality junior defenseman over the last two years. Forsmark was a notable part of Sweden’s U18 team in the 2020-21 season and played well for Sweden in a U19 tournament in April.

Analysis: Forsmark is a solid two-way defenseman who doesn’t offer a ton of flash. He makes good decisions with the puck at both ends, using his brain and size to make stops. I don’t think his skating is a strength, but I’ve seen worse feet and have seen him get past checks and escape pressure well enough. There are flashes of skill and legit offense with him, but it’s not consistent. There’s enough to his tool kit to potentially be a third-pair defender.

56. Cruz Lucius, RW, USA U-18 (NTDP)

Apr. 5, 2004 | 6′ 0.25″ | 178 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Lucius missed most of his draft season due a wrist injury after entering the season as a top-six forward for the U.S. NTDP. He played lower in the lineup upon his return. He is the brother of Winnipeg Jets first-round pick Chaz Lucius and is committed to Minnesota.

Analysis: Lucius is a very skilled and creative forward. He shows the offensive mind to improvise well with the puck and create chances with his stickhandling. He’s a strong passer who looks to make plays and can do so under pressure. He can also score from the dots. He’s not a bruiser or a great defensive player, but Lucius doesn’t shy from the middle of the ice. His skating is just OK, and won’t be a guy who seperates in the NHL. His skill and scoring ability will get him games but I don’t see him as a long career type due to lacking a well-rounded game.

57. Rieger Lorenz, LW, Okotoks (AJHL)

Mar. 30, 2004 | 6′ 1.5″ | 184 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Lorenz was a top scoring forward in the AJHL this season. He also represented Canada at the U18’s. He is committed to the University of Denver.

Analysis: Lorenz is a big winger with a high skill level. He has loose, quick hands that can manipilate the puck easily. Those hands are evident in how he stickhandles and his release, as he is a threat to score from range with his wrist shot. Lorenz isn’t the most cerebreal player though and can lean on his shot too much. He skates fine and shows good flashes of quickness but doesn’t often pull away from checks. He projects as a bottom-six winger.

58. Alexander Perevalov, LW, Yaroslavl 2 (RUSSIA-JR.)

Apr. 16, 2004 | 6′ 0.0″ | 191 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Perevalov was an important forward for one of the top Russian junior teams. At points during the season he was among the leading scorers in the top Russian junior league although his scoring slowed down coniserably in the second half of the season. He also a solid player for Russia’s U18 team.

Analysis: Perevalov can make a lot of good things happen with the puck. He has excellent stick skills, showing consistent ability to beat checks one-on-one and create inside the offensive zone with his stickhandling. He can make plays into seams and off the rush and when combined with a hard shot makes him a threat on the power play. Perevalov competes well enough. He can PK a little, he doesn’t shy from engaging and is hard on pucks. His feet are his major issue as he can struggle to pull away from opponents and beat guys wide. He projects as a bottom six winger.

59. Topias Leinonen, G, Jyp Jr. (FINLAND-JR.)

Jan. 25, 2004 | 6′ 4.25″ | 214 pounds | Catches left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average

Background: Leinonen was a good but not spectular junior goalie in Finland this season. He was the go-to goalie for Finland’s U18 team but was often injured or unavailable around major tournaments outside the U18 worlds where he wasn’t that good.

Analysis: Leinonen has a clear NHL tool kit. He measures in at-or-above 6-foot-4, and he’s an athletic goalie who can move well in the crease. Leionen has the ability to make very tough saves and ones that will translate to the NHL. I think he sees the game well and makes good reads, but his consistency is an issue. He lets in too many soft goals and has ocassional stretches of bad decision making. He looks like a starter but projects more as a backup for those reasons.

60. Tyler Brennan, G, Prince George (WHL)

Sep. 27, 2003 | 6′ 3.75″ | 184 pounds | Catches left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average

Background: Brennan’s performance was up and down this season. He represented Canada at the U18 World Championship in 2021 as their No. 3 goalie. He was the 21st pick in his WHL Bantam Draft.

Analysis: Brennan is a goalie with great size, sense and overall poise in the net. He can make tough saves look easy due to how well he reads the play, is efficient with his movements and takes away angles with his frame. He moves well enough, but lacks the explosive pushoffs with his lower body to make the highlight lateral saves, which will be a concern versus better players. Brennan is very good at saving the high-percentage shots, but gives up too many goals from range that he’ll need to cut down on. He projects as a backup goalie in the NHL.

61. David Goyette, C, Sudbury (OHL)

Mar. 27, 2004 | 5′ 10.5″ | 172 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Background: Goyette was a leading player for Sudbury, playing a lot of minutes for one of the weaker teams in the OHL this season. He was invited to Canada’s U18 team and was the 11th pick in his OHL draft.

Analysis: Goyette is a talented forward. He has strong speed and puck skills, showing the ability to transition pucks like a pro. Goyette displays good creativity off the rush and can make tough plays with pace. His work ethic is up and down for me. Some days I find him too perimeter and on others I see him engaged in battles and being a factor on the ice consistently. I think he’ll play games but he’ll need to be more consistent to become a reliable top-nine forward.

62. Adam Sykora, LW, Nitra (SLOVAKIA)

Sep. 7, 2004 | 5′ 10.25″ | 172 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average

Background: Sykora played well versus men and in international play this season. He got a regular shift on a top club team in Slovakia’s pro league. He also represented Slovakia at the U18, U20 and senior team levels.

Analysis: Sykora has good puck skills, vision, a high compete level and has shown at an early age he can be a versatile player versus pros. Sykora is 5-foot-10 though, and while he has decent skating ability and some offense, the question is whether that tool kit has enough to it for him to be a full-time NHL player. He is one of the youngest players in the draft class, so there is room for projection and I could see him getting some games.

63. Fraser Minten, C, Kamloops (WHL)

Jul. 5, 2004 | 6′ 1.0″ | 185 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Background: Minten quickly turned into an important player for a good WHL team after being a fourht-round bantam pick. He played on both special teams frequently for Kamloops this season.

Analysis: Minten can make things happen with the puck. He has a good enough stick, he can move pucks into seams and make plays under pressure. He also has a very good wrist shot and can score from the circles. Minten’s skating is OK. He lacks quick burst but with his size, he’s able to get around guys enough. He competes well enough but can draft too much to the perimeter, though. I think he plays games but he’ll need to add dimensions to carve out a regular NHL role.

64. Dylan James, LW, Sioux City (USHL)

Oct. 12, 2003 | 6′ 0.25″ | 181 pounds | Shoots left

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Background: James was an important player for one of the better USHL teams this season after being a productive AJHL player. James is committed to North Dakota.

Analysis: James is a very intelligent and skilled forward. He shows strong stickhandling ability to beat opponents one-on-one. He can make quick plays and is creative as a passer. James isn’t imposing physically or a burner with his skating, but he works. James doesn’t shy from physical play, can PK and can create around the net. Ideally for the NHL he gets another step in his skating to carve out a legitimate role but I can see him getting some games.