In just under 48 hours, the hockey world will be treated to an absolutely electric 2025 NHL Draft. Teams are gearing up to celebrate their first remote draft by going full haywire, and it seems a good chance that fans will see plenty of shocking trades, off-the-board picks, and bold gut calls. Teams will enter the arena with a draft class much stouter than many make it out — a group with a very high top-end that could yield four, five, or six star players if all goes well; backed by a deep pool and plenty of re-entry candidates who have found their groove. In the waning moments of the pre-draft, let me stake my claim with my final 2025 NHL Draft rankings.
It’s an exciting time of year, and I’m deeply happy with both my own work and the work of the entire Recruit Scouting team this year. So strap back in, we’ve got another long ranking ahead. I’ve finalized a Top 225 for this year’s draft class, with extensive breakdowns of every single player’s game. First-round picks will feature three sections of analysis: The Style, breaking down how they play, The Ranking, with details on why they landed where they did and, The Comparisons, with multiple NHL style comparisons and justification for each. All players after the first-round will have their own breakdown attached.
Before we jump in, know these rankings were made based on my assessment of each player’s talent, after years of watching this class grow. This list is not a prediction of how the 2025 NHL Draft will shake out. Please feel free to message me on Twitter/X with questions, and without further ado…
Click here for the full table of rankings.
Photo courtesy of David Butler II-Imagn Images.
Final Top 225 2025 NHL Draft Rankings
| 1. James Hagens (C) Boston College (NCAA (HockeyEast)) Ht: 5’10.5″ Wt: 177 lbs Birthday: 03-Nov-2006 The Style: It’s clear to see where Hagens is at his best. He’s a strong, bulky forward who facilitates fast movement down the middle lane, and thrives when he gains the blue-line with momentum and possession. He’s incredibly skilled on the puck and able to make very minute adjustments to beat defenders and keep the puck in a dangerous area. He fills the offensive zone from dot to dot and uses quick hands, a rocket shot, and very instinctive playmaking to command his line. But his breakaway talent is simply how elite his processing is. Hagens sees the game faster than any player I’ve ever seen. His ability to anticipate play, read defenders, and connect with teammates his special. The Ranking: Hagens will start and end the year as my #1 prospect, even despite the wealth of pessimism many have surrounded him with. His processing is simply too sharp, his use of open space too effective, and his raw hockey tools too developed. This is a kid who has scored at an elite level everywhere he’s gone — a kid who knows, to his core, how to cement himself as the leader of a lineup and a locker room. I’ve followed Hagens since he was 14 – and in that time have never once questioned the truly sharp hockey mind he has. He’s set on a great future, in the vein of many mobile, bulky, and high-scoring centers before him. The Comparisons: Claude Giroux, J.T. Miller, Jack Hughes Comparisons to Cooley and Hughes have become a bit overplayed. Yes, Hagens is the next in the line of just-under 6′ NTDP centers with star traits. He’ll develop much the same. But his game is much more physical than either option, and his frame much stockier. He’s got cerebral handling in the slot and great offensive instinct. It really, really reminds me of Claude Giroux – who dominated play in the circles throughout his career. The same goes for J.T. Miller, who uses a sharp bulk to generate fantastic chances off of the cycle. The great Jimmy Murphy also mentioned a comparison to Craig Janney, which I’d back as well. Hagens is bulky, skilled, and offensive across the board. |
| 2. Michael Misa (C) Saginaw (OHL) Ht: 6’0.75″ Wt: 184 lbs Birthday: 16-Feb-2007 The Style: Misa is among the most talented puck-handlers that I’ve ever seen. He has a fantastic, powerful frame and a mix of strong strides and light feet. He commands the rush and brushes off opponent pressure to gain the offensive end. He’s flashy with his side-to-side handling, and has a real special eye for how to find open lanes of space in the offensive end. Even a glimmer of opening is too much to give Misa — his shot is second-to-none, incrediblly hard and accurate, and he follows his shots all the way through to the low-slot. A proper dog who knows how to create off of the boards, use his teammates to generate space, and take advantage of any weaknesses that the defense shows. The Ranking: Were I not so confident that Hagens was headed for stardom — seriously, take it from me, the kid’s special — I’d have Misa at #1. It’s simply too hard to deny such a fantastic mix of size, power, skill, and finesse. Misa has been exceptional since he broke onto the scene, and excels at using his body to win space and keep chances alive. I have no doubt he’ll be a tremendous, very high-upside goal-scorer at the next level. I know one of the players in this top-two much more than the other — but both are headed for incredible careers. The Comparisons: Jack Eichel, John Tavares, Max Pacioretty Misa rings as a golden Jack Eichel parallel in a lot of ways. It’s in how he wins board battles and pushes through traffic – in how he slows down play entering the O-zone and gives defenders a chance to miss – in how he gains possession behind the net and quickly gets it in front. All of those traits are tied togehter by a great shot and hefty finesse. Very Eichel – but his motor down the boards is also reminiscent of Pacioretty, and his control of side-to-side in the middle lane is reminiscent of Tavares. All three players know how to start with making a play off of the puck, then command drive down the ice. |
| 3. Caleb Desnoyers (C) Moncton (QMJHL) Ht: 6’1.5″ Wt: 178 lbs Birthday: 11-Apr-2007 The Style: Through the last few years, I’ve really admired how Desnoyers fills the middle lane. He’s incredibly responsible and active at all times, staying down in his stance and ready to dish pucks around. He’s a tremendous play-driver who knows how to blow through open lanes, but also has the poise through the neutral zone to command a patient and responsible drive down the ice. He works beautifully with his wingers and takes care to exploit the openings offered up by defenders. Desnoyers checks sticks, gains the slot, and has the strength to command the cycle. He’s responsible through-and-through, at times to the point that I’ve described him as the prototypical center in all three zones. Good hands, good drive to the net, good shot, good defense. Gotta love when those traits lift up to such a high level. The Ranking: Desnoyers is a dog. He’s responsible in every aspect of the center role, and has the sheer determination to force his will on offense or defense. That mindset was enough to push Moncton to a QMJHL championship – and push Desnoyers to a solid Memorial Cup, even with two broken wrists. All of that tells me that, even if he isn’t the flashiest, his game projects to a clear top-end role. He’s the responsible, well-rounded center that many teams dream of having – and will get a high selection as a result. The Comparisons: Mark Schiefele, Dylan Larkin, Patrice Bergeron He doesn’t gain the same top-speed, but Desnoyers’ drive down the ice with the puck on his stick is very reminiscent of Mark Scheifele. He sees paths through the neutral zone and gains space in the offensive end with confidence, and knows how to dish it to his wingers after pulling defenders wildly out of position. The same parallels can be found in Dylan Larkin, who uses rangy skating and heads-up playmaking to move his whole line forward. And while the comparison is often overplayed, there is truly a lot of Bergeron here in how Desnoyers facilitates very responsible, reliable movement across both blue-lines. He makes the cunning plays on defense and turns up ice quick. Lots to like. |
| 4. Anton Frondell (RW) Djugardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 198 lbs Birthday: 07-May-2007 The Style: I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such a flashy mix of feisty size and really detail-oriented puck skills. He’s sharp and effective, capable of beating defenders one-on-one at every single point on the ice. He gains blue-lines, he wins space off of the boards, and he’s incredibly dangerous anytime he gets close to the slot. More than that, he sets the tempo of his line with really aggressive, fast-paced drives into the corner. Frondell will put in the work to get into the dirty areas of the ice and win play. He was a strong right hook for Djugardens all year long, and brings a real sharp instinct to his game. The Ranking: Frondell’s mix of size and talent is impeccable considering he already has pro size. No doubts, his heft and jump off the wing will lend itself to an NHL role just about as soon as he’s ready to make the move. He’s strong on the puck and confident in both driving the offense or making dirty plays well. I see a clear, projectable, top-end pro role in Frondell’s package. His ceiling could be sky-high, or land somewhere below his peers at the top of this list. But size, bulk, and ability – I’m drafting him with confidence. The Comparisons: Leon Draisaitl, Adrian Kempe, Jakub Voracek The Draisaitl comparison is fairly on the nose. Who else plays with such a stocky mix of heft and ability? Draisaitl sees the offensive zone in three layers and knows how to use his strengths to great effect in each of them. He doesn’t get bullied, and is just as willing to make the dirty plays as he is the flashy ones. Each of those sentiments ring true for Frondell as well, though he’ll need to add the same boost that Draisaitl did to reach the same scoring heights. Even away from raw upside, Frondell’s motor and heft make him a great play-driver, like Kempe, or an offensive-zone bully, like Voracek. All three are great players, and I imagine Frondell is next in line. |
| 5. Matthew Schaefer (LHD) Erie (OHL) Ht: 6’1.75″ Wt: 183 lbs Birthday: 05-Sep-2007 The Style: Schaefer is among the most talented, mobile, and effective defenders to grace the NHL draft in a long, long while. He has simply beautiful skating, with long strides and crisp edges, that he uses to blaze through the neutral zone and gain great steps on offense. He’s fundamental on defense, keeping his body square to opponents and his stick out. Closes gaps very well and transitions onto the puck and down the ice seamlessly. When he gains the O-zone, Schaefer’s instinctive ability to find space and create lanes is second-to-none. His shot is lightning fast and his overall offensive ability falls in-line with the true, modern defender. The Ranking: With so much praise, why the scorching hot take that is Schaefer at 5? Well, I’d first emphasize that a top-five rank is still proud for this kind of defender, and a testament to his ability. But no defender has ever been drafted so high with so few games played. The last first-round prospects to be drafted with fewer CHL games was Lapierre and Galchenyuk. The point in bringing those two up is not to compare ; but instead to emphasize just how much Schaefer is breaking the mold. He’s a supreme talent who has ground to regain — and bench press maxes to hit — before he can be fully unleashed in the NHL. Luckily, he’s also one of the youngest in the entire draft class… which is simply amazing when you think about his skill. I’ll very often err on the side of top-end forward over top-end defender, and in this year’s class, we have four guys I think are truly top-end forwards, and an injury backing the top-end defender. I’ll bet on the former first. The Comparisons: Drew Doughty, Roman Josi, Jake Sanderson Schaefer will need to add a layer of in-your-face physicality in the pros, but when he does, his ability to shutdown the flanks and jump up the ice with tempo is very reminiscent of Drew Doughty’s ability to champion LA’s movement up the ice. It’s also reminiscent of Roman Josi, who knows how to find lateral space or vertical jump to great effect. The next in line for dominant transition ability is Jake Sanderson as well — and Schaefer shares the same slight frame but abundance of skill that’s earned Sanderson a quick ramp to Ottawa’s top pair. |
| 6. Porter Martone (RW) Brampton (OHL) Ht: 6’2.75″ Wt: 208 lbs Birthday: 26-Oct-2006 Style: Martone is a dialed-in play-driver. He’s diligent in scanning play and jumps in to make plays from endboards to enboards. He’s smart in the slots, takes bodies in puck battles, and drives with aggression when he gets the puck on his stick. Martone may not be the most outwardly physical, but he wins his battles and is tough to knock around on the puck. That helps him blaze clear paths down the ice and find quick rushes into the slot. He’s also shown a lot of ability to create play laterally and work in-and-out of both slots, which could really glean an effective playmaker at the next level. Much of his game is tilted downhill and focused on driving through traffic rather than getting around it, though he definitely has the jumpy-finesse to beat defenders head-on. He’s a workhorse who makes responsible impact and sharp plays all over the ice. Plenty to like about that build. The Ranking: Martone seeks out and successfully makes plays with persistence. He’s hard-nosed and doesn’t shy away from contact, pressure, or bodies. And he’s smart — sharp enough to cut through open lanes and create paths for his line to generate chances. His nose for the net is impressive and strong – and he thrives at making things work in-tight. The mix of strength, skill, and diligent motor here should lend itself to strong pro upside. He has a sky-high ceiling if he adds better play-creating and predominant play-driving. Even if he misses those additions, he’ll be a hardy middle-six winger who gets the job done. Those are traits I’ll bet on early, with full confidence that I’m getting a kid who can impact the lineup. The Comparisons: Mark Stone, Matthew Knies, Josh Bailey Martone is physical by necessity and mobile with and without the puck. With more creativity, he could find paths like a Mark Stone at the next level. His drive through the neutral zone is reminiscent of Knies – another player who had to learn to play both heavy and physical at once. And away from the puck, Martone enters battles with determination and fills the holes in his team’s structure, like Josh Bailey. I’d even throw Joe Pavelski out as a comparison – in line with how Martone gains the zone, dishes to his teammates, and jams up space in the slot. |
| 7. Victor Eklund (LW) Djugardens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 161 lbs Birthday: 03-Oct-2006 The Style: Eklund is another absolute workhorse at the top of this class. He’s a fairly slight frame who, at a glance, seems to stand out because of his feisty skating and willingness to take aggressive chances at the net. His hands are smooth, soft, and quick – and his shot is an absolute laser. But Eklund adds an impressive grit to that sturdy offensive build. He is absolutely ferocious in driving the dirty areas of the offensive zone, and takes pride in making hard, physical plays along the board and coming out with the puck. He has finesse in-tight and gets pucks on net when all else fails. There couldn’t have been a better option playing opposite of Frondell this season. Between Frondell’s burly size, and Eklund’s relentless drive through opponents, Djugardens was able to construct a – simply put – championship-winning forecheck. Eklund’s ability to continue that to the NHL will give him tremendous upside as a scoring talent who works for his keep. The Ranking: There are a lot of different ways we could go with Eklund – but truly, his motor and physical upside is too impressive to deny. He’s not the sturdiest build, but gets things done along the boards, in the corners, and tight to the slot as though he was 20 pounds heavier. That ability, combined with the sheer snap of his offensive skillsets, makes a really impressive package. He could face a challenge in staying down-and-dirty through the next steps – but I’ve got a good feeling his personality will prevail, and Eklund will find a way to stick into a hardy, top-six role at the NHL level. The Comparisons: Brandon Hagel, Lucas Raymond, Kevin Fiala These are some fun comparables. Eklund’s best abilities focus around his ability to gain the zone with tempo, and blaze space down the boards and into the corners. He’s very reminiscent of Brandon Hagel – another skilled winger who had to add bite to his game to find a top role. But with the abundance of skill and playmaking his brings along the boards and in-tight to the net, Eklund also has shades of a Kevin Fiala or Lucas Raymond — two players with hard-nosed drive through the offensive end and a clever ability to use any pockets of space that they’re provided. |
| 8. Brady Martin (C) Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 178 lbs Birthday: 16-Mar-2007 The Style: Listen, every Cup winner pre-1995 shared one thing in common. A true, beef-fed, farm-raised center who could blow up opponents in high-traffic areas. That is, to a T, what Martin brings to the ice. He throws his shoulders around in the slot and behind the net. He overwhelms opponents with his frame and excels at using his body to protect the puck long enough to get a play off. His lateral movement across the offensive end is impressive, and lets Martin support play or shutdown opponents all over the ice. He puts serious attention towards doing the little things well… winning tough faceoffs, boxing out opponents, keeping pucks deep. He’s aggressive and strong – he’s nifty on the puck and creates chances – and he’s as surefire as they come with finishing plays in-tight to the net. Tons to like with Martin’s physical game, even more to like about the potential skill he could add at the next level, and it’s all capped off by some great leadership qualities. The Ranking: This rank is pretty easy to narrow down. Martin has pro games in him – flat out, no debate. He’s feisty and aggressive. He fights for what he earns and makes strong, powerful plays in all three zones. His ability to match his wingers’ pace, and drive downhill with pace will translate to the top flight – and earn a hardy top-six role, even if it’s on the back of a pure physical role. Once the clear paths to high upside dwindle, I want the sure bets. Martin is the sure bet in this top-10. The Comparisons: Brayden Schenn, Scott Laughton, Sam Bennett I’ve had a tough time comparing Martin to anyone besides Brayden Schenn. Both players use quick and aware movement, heavy presences, and really diligent forechecking to overwhelm opponents, flash skill in gaining pucks, and finding paths to getting the puck into the net. They’re strong and capable of filling any role their team needs – up to and including big fights and wearing the ‘C’. Where his downhill feist dries out, Martin stays a responsible, back-end forward capable of catching opponents before they move up the ice, like a Scott Laughton. And his head-first drive into the low-slot is very reminiscent of Sam Bennett. |
| 9. Justin Carbonneau (RW) Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 191 lbs Birthday: 25-Nov-2006 The Style: Carbonneau is a beefy winger who drives the puck better than anyone outside of this draft’s top-five. He brings a lot of oomph and power into his skating on and off of the puck, and forces his way through the neutral zone and deep into the offensive end. He generates shots off the rush and follows his shots all the way through to the low-slot. That’s made easy by just how tough Carbonneau is to knock around, and he similarly leans on his frame to push into O-zone systems, maintain possession, and generate multiple chances and sustained pressure. His shot is very hard, and he uses it to catch goalies off-guard on zone entries and off of the cycle. Genreation, generation, generation – that’s Carbonneau’s brand, and his mix of beefy size and confident skill looks clearly special against his peers. The Ranking: That mix of size and oomph give Carbonneau a strong ramp into the pro flight, but it’s his brash physicality that really sets him apart. He’s mean during play and after whistles, and throws around opponents who get too close to his goalie or step up into him on offense. He’ll need to pace out how he takes advantage of the rushes and chances he creates, and could afford to better connect each layer of his offensive game, but those traits will come along proudly as he adjusts to pro coaching. The mix of heft, skill, and hard-nosed confidence gives Carbonneau all of the pieces to develop into a hardy pro – even if there is growth to come. The Comparisons: Jordan Eberle, William Nylander, Brock Boeser There’s no one pro winger who brings the same weight down the boards and grit in physical situations. The closest comparable is William Nylander, who really knows how to bully his way into the low slot off of entries. But Carbonneau’s pacing and ability to sense openings and generate shots off the rush are each really similar to how Jordan Eberle and Brock Boeser found their lanes. Eberle offered similar oomph, though didn’t quite have the same motor as Carbonneau. Players often look a bit more unruly at 18 than they do at 28, and seeing Carbonneau settle into an Eberle kind of poise and shoot-first instinct wouldn’t be a surprise. |
| 10. Cole Reschny (C) Victoria (WHL) Ht: 5’10.5″ Wt: 183 lbs Birthday: 06-Apr-2007 The Style: Reschny is a rotweiller of a player. He patrols all three zones with a clear eye for finding where play needs him. When he sees an opening, he jumps in with force and aggression – showing no hesitation to play physical against bigger opponents and often winning battles on the back of a sharp ability to use his frame well. Shoulders into chests and drive up. But Reschny adds a layer of poised playmaking to that grit. When he’s not the first man in, he stays high and ready to receive pucks. His hands are soft and he keeps an eye on how to set up his teammates. Hard passes, quick shot. Reschny finds impacts and makes them consistently. Lots to like, a very smart C. The Ranking: I’ll be bold and say that if Reschny was a shred taller, many other outlets would share my outlook. I’ve been a big fan since the first game I watched him play. He’s smart, poised in his aggression, and makes cerebral plays on the puck. His motor, physicality, and playmaking should turn into a hardy pro role. The Comparisons: Matt Duchene, Vincent Trocheck, Brad Richards I see alot of Vincent Trocheck here. Like Trocheck, Reschny patrols the middle lane and finds paths into play, often on the back of his gritty edge. But Trocheck has a bit more head-on physicality. Reschny is a bit more akin to a Duchene physically – capable of bullying his way forward but never the hits leader. But while Duchene’s north-south motor and ability to reach top speeds fit here, Reschny doesn’t get as deep into the O-zone. He’s much more a Brad Richards, using a mix of strong hands and eyes to tear up offenses. Reschny sits somewhere between the three long-time pros stylistically. That’s enough to make me excited about his upside. |
| 11. Cameron Reid (LHD) Kitchener (OHL) Ht: 5’11.75″ Wt: 193 lbs Birthday: 08-Apr-2007 The Style: By the end of the year, Reid was playing a full, 200-foot game that he didn’t start the season with. That speaks to just how much growth he’s added this year, and I’d say that growth has been spurred by the mental approach he takes to improving into the best player he can be for his lineup. Reid took challenges head-on and, in doing so, really added strong components to his physical game and his ability to control the corners. That’s great, because his best traits are when he gets on the puck in his own end, and drives down the ice. Reid not only knows how to join the rush, he is the rush – and spurs his forwards downhill while never become a liability on defense. His handling is quick and he’s smart on the puck from one zone to the next. He’s capable of diving deep into the O-zone, but also has the poise to know when a dump-in will work best. The Ranking: Reid’s ability to play instinctive hockey on the puck is impressive and, I’d say, translatable. Tough to say that for a defender with some size concerns, but he’s played through those well so far – and offers so much mobility that it’d be a shock to see him fall off. Rather, I think Reid finds his way into a premier #2 role — one of the defenders who the Colorado Avalanche love to develop. That projection, an athletic toolset, and a great personality land Reid high on my board. The Comparisons: Devon Toews, Samuel Girard, Vince Dunn I referenced it already, but there’s a ton of Devon Toews and Samuel Girard in Reid’s package. Like them, he gets on pucks with confidence and is hard to break out of straight-line drives. He controls play from end-to-end, but is improving in his ability to also command the regroup and find a spark higher on the ice. If he continues in that way, he could very much turn into a Vince Dunn type, capable of filling a pseudo-#1 role and playing well above his size. |
| 12. Malcolm Spence (LW) Erie (OHL) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 203 lbs Birthday: 22-Sep-2006 The Style: Spence is a relentless presence in the important areas of the offensive end. He imbues a ton of heft and energy on the forecheck, bullies his way down the boards, and fights for space in the low slot. He’s a quick and powerful skater who has had a knack for making the little plays for years. He’s added to that some great strength and understanding of his role. Spence is the type of kid to work tirelessly in all three zones, on ice and off ice. That will have me buying high. The Ranking: Spence was once a star prospect, discussed in the same breath as this year’s stars. That acclaim came from headstrong drive, a willingness to stay physical, and great puck control. Spence still has all of those things, but his best moments come from physical and responsible hockey. It creates an interesting mix, where Spence earns a role from his board play and work ethic alone — but still could bring back a layer of playdriving. That hidden upside is going to keep him high on my board, though I’ll admit I’ve been a fan for years. The Comparisons: Zach Hyman, Sean Horcoff, Alex Killorn That hidden tinge of upside I mention could turn Spence into an Alex Killorn type of player if he can find the possession-hog, sniper style that he seemed to be ramping up to. Even if he doesn’t become the main playdriver again, his smarts could mold into a Hyman type of player, who dominates lateral play in the lower-third. But more than both of those modern comps, Spence’s gritty edge and play off the boards really reminds me of the feisty Sean Horcoff. I’d love to see Spence add that drive to the net. |
| 13. Kashawn Aitcheson (LHD) Barrie (OHL) Ht: 6’1.5″ Wt: 196 lbs Birthday: 21-Sep-2006 The Style: Aitcheson is a dog. He’s among the most competitive players in the class, and stands by knowing that as truth. A lot of kids will speak confidently, but Aitcheson backs up his talk with a ferocious game on the ice. Where there’s a big hit to lay, a dekee to make, or an overtime goal to score – it’s a good bet Aitcheson is involved. He’s aggressive beyond ends, and lives for the big moment. He jumps into hits, dips deep into the O-zone, and steps up into the neutral zone to stop opponents before they enter. He seems to be headed for a more physical, defense-first role at the next level, but really could land in so many spots. Tons of upside, exciting player. The Ranking: But while Aitcheson is exciting, that defense-oriented projetion will hold me back from getting too excited with him. He’s an upside bet… a swing for the fences, and I do think he could find success as an all-out offensive option who takes big shots and plays deep… or a physical defender who steps up in the neutral zone and shuts down entries. Both would be impactful roles, and he could fall short of either. It’s an interesting pick to make, and one I’m excited to follow over the next decade. The Comparisons: Sean Durzi, P.K. Subban, Keith Yandle Naturally, Aitcheson’s comparisons fall in line with his different layers of aggression. He does have Subban features, with aggressive play on both blue-lines and a strong first step. But Aitcheson doesn’t hog the puck to Subban’s extent, and can even be defaulted to the 2nd-carrier role on his pair. In that way he’s reminiscent of Sean Durzi, a heavy defender in both zones who gets between with strong rushes down the boards. But Durzi play is a bit more jagged; a player like Yandle seems to have more of the beefy poise that Aitcheson. |
| 14. Jake O’Brien (C) Brantford (OHL) Ht: 6’1.75″ Wt: 172 lbs Birthday: 16-Jun-2007 The Style: O’Brien is an incredibly poised puck-handler who facilitates play across the neutral zone incredibly well. He’s got a clear head and scans for options well, using slight passes between defenders or throwing it across ice to find a teammate backdoor. He opts for the boards and behind the net when he gains the zone, and has a knack for creating little pockets of space in both areas. He’s among the truest playmakers in the draft class, with impressive finish. His play on the defensive end is involved but never what you remember after a game. You forget O’Brien’s frame is as built out and pro-ready as it is with how delicate and poised his game is. The Ranking: Players who can check the box of playmaker and pro-size often find fast tracks into major NHL roles, and I usually find myself being the one to second guess those players in their draft year. I may be doing the same with O’Brien, but my questions about his ability to create in traffic and work through contact are just strong enough to dissuade me for a few picks longer than the rest. But this is a mark I could look silly for soon. The Comparisons: Casey Mittelstadt, Robert Thomas, Carter Verheaghe The last player to look like this was Robert Thomas. In a lot of ways. And even as a Blues fan, I’ve found myself surprised by just how fast Thomas has tracked to a star role. But Thomas’ game is a bit more donwhill and feisty, while O’Brien can stay close to space and tight to his passes in a similar way to Casey Mittelstadt. If O’Brien loses his playdriving touch at the next level, he could also become akin to Verhaeghe – an impactful forward who excels at using space tight to opponents and deep in the zone. |
| 15. William Horcoff (C) Michigan (NCAA (B1G)) Ht: 6’4.75″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 23-Jan-2007 The Style: This is my pick. I love Will Horcoff – and have since his days in AAA. He’s a monster prospect, with a big frame that stays down on pucks. His handling has finesse, and he knows how to play the puck in multiple spaces around his body in a way many lanky forwards struggle with. He quieted down when he was away from the puck at the NTDP – but made a tough move to college mid-season and instantly found ways to make strong plays along the boards, in the circles, in the low slot. He became one of Michigan’s most impactful players in short order, and returned to the snappy and facilitative offense we saw in his U17 season. Horcoff has finesse, swagger, and size. If he can bulk up, he’ll be special in the NHL too. The Ranking: Did I get it out? Ha. I think Horcoff is beyond talented, and am really impressed by how he found plays on college ice. He played up to the physicality right away, and showed he knew how to handle being the second or third player in on a puck – the exact thing he struggled with at the start of the NTDP season. He can be more of a possession hog too, and I imagine he’ll take that on more next year. His ability to win out a top-line role on what will surely be a top-heavy Wolverines group is going to determine if he’s a moonshot or simply a projectable pro – but the fact that both projections are here is telling to why he should be a high pick. The Comparisons: Martin Necas, Jeff Carter, Corey Perry Horcoff has an interesting arc. His ability to play off the blue-line and always hover, then strike, in the offensive end — plus his mix of heavy shot and quick hands — is very similar to Martin Necas, and how he’s scored over the last few years. But Horcoff’s game is a bit less refined and his skating is a bit choppier… but with his ability to handle physicality, I can’t help but be reminded of Jeff Carter and Corey Perry. Both players found strong impacts all over the O-zone, but were at their best with strong hands and drive from the second or third layer. |
| 16. Bill Zonnon (C) Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) Ht: 6’1.5″ Wt: 185 lbs Birthday: 03-Oct-2006 The Style: Zonnon is a tremendously projectable centerman. He handles all three zones with their own attention, and takes close care to make the right play. He takes all the right paths up the ice, and tosses give-and-go passes with his wingers to pick up speed driving downhill. He gets on his edges and drives into his strides – though his skating will be a bit lanky until he adds some more heft. The best part of Zonnon’s game is that it doesn’t end in the second layer of the offensive end. Unlike a lot of these lanky power-forwards, Zonnon knows how to really drive down the boards and get to puck races. He wins battles with his physical game on and off of the puck. They’re exciting traits that seem well-suited for roles like the Washington Capitals have banked on recently. The Ranking: Zonnon’s projectoin to the pros is what makes him worth a sure pick. He’s a bit lanky as of now, but has really, really improved in his ability to play the puck close to his body and through traffic recently. He’s putting in the work on and off the ice to improve, and then goes and shows it in how he scores his points. That’s what you want to see out of a development curve, and Zonnon is on the right track. The Comparisons: Nino Niederreiter, Pierre Luc-Dubois, Loui Eriksson Zonnon doesn’t play with quite as much feist to his games as many forwards with similar builds. With that said, he’s very similar to Nino Niederreiter in how he controls play at the hashmarks of both zones, and steps in to support his teammates. He’s also had flashes of strong, independent play-drivin — that reminds me of Pierre Luc-Dubois, and how he enters zones often favoring one side. But really, Zonnon feels like another Loui Eriksson in many ways. The two are both ultimately supportive cast, but the best of it, and they earn their keep with jutting plays off the boards and in the dirty areas. Two shooters with bulky frames. I love Zonnon’s projection either way. |
| 17. Logan Hensler (RHD) Wisconsin (NCAA (B1G)) Ht: 6’2.25″ Wt: 192 lbs Birthday: 14-Oct-2006 The Style: Logan Hensler appeared to be on the fast track to joining the likes of Zeev Buium and Quinn Hughes as late-birthday NTDP defenders who blossom in college. AFter all, he had all of the poised puck control around the blue-lines, flashy two-line passing, and powerful skating. But Hensler has interestingly found his groove in the physical game at UW. His biggest growth this year has come in his ability to hold down the fort, and play through opponents. It’s getting him on the puck more, and building his confidence in the decisions he’s making. He’s working on building an all-three-zones ability, and could add back more offensive jump through the later years of college – but either way, he seems headed for a solid pro role. The Ranking: Hensler’s ability to not only add in physicality, but add in sharp physical play, is impressive. He really became a stronger option in his own end as the year went on, and continuing to grow in that regard could lead to a very well-built pro role. But I have a slight worry that he may end up tetering too far to the defensive and physical side, oddly enough. The upside is there, he could be a transition-monster with jump. Remember, he was a top-10 prospect headed into the year. The Comparisons: Ryan Pulock, David Savard, Jake Gardiner If Hensler falls into that defensive rut, he really would play similar to Ryan Pulock – a strong puck-carrier who knows how to facilitate his team at any point on the ice, but never dives too far down. That’s also what’s earned David Savard a long career. But if Hensler maintains his offense, he could have the chippy, downhill drive mixed with sturdy defense of a player like Jake Gardiner, or Jake McCabe. They’re all interesting projections, that make Hensler a confident pick at any point on the board for a team needing RD. |
| 18. Cole McKinney (C) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 200 lbs Birthday: 16-Mar-2007 The Style: Cole McKinney is a personal favorite. Through and through. He’s a Mission boy who takes training and improving to a different level. Many rating him forget that he is 200 pounds, yet still has the motor to hold down the NTDP’s first-line center role with confidence. McKinney is responsible, powerful, and poised on the ice. He got into plays and got oout of them quickly. He was often a sniper’s protige in year’s past – but has been pushed to add a much hardier, grittier play around the net this season. He’s done it well, while boasting a tremendously strong frame and powerful determination. I can’t laud the kid enough, he’s a leader who will put in the work to be solid at the next level. The Ranking: Another one that I may belabor my point with – but my prjoection of McKinney is stout. He’s headed for NHL hockey, and I’m damn proud of him for it. But exactly where he lands could fall one of many ways. He was that sniper in year’s past, who knew how to find space in the circles from either the middle or the boards, and rip off deceptive shots. But now, he’s proven much more of a field general, with the might to patch any holes that show through. That could dwindle his scoring upside, I suppose, but McKinney will be a long pro in an important way. The Comparisons: Phillip Danault, William Karlsson, Paul Stastny He may find a way to incorporate his shot in a Philip Danault style – relying on filling the roles of the center in the middle lane while branching out to take snappy shots. But his bulky drive and patroling through each zone really seem much more like Paul Stastny – who always had a sharper and heavier physical game than you expected, and knew how to facilitate drives down the ice. But Stastny may be dating me a bit, and I think William Karlsson has found a simpler, and more effective, way to apply that physical component in Vegas. |
| 19. Semyon Frolov (G) Moscow Spartak (Russia) Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 203 lbs Birthday: 17-Jan-2007 The Style: Frolov is this year’s top goale, through-and-through. He’s a tremendous athlete, with sharp skating and very controlled movements. He’s a technician in the net, moving with precision and strong reflexes. He stays down on the ice as he moves and stops on a dime. And best, he stays locked in through games, and knows how to perform when the moment calls for it. There are many layers where Frolov still looks young, but I have a good feeling he’s headed for stardom. The Ranking: It’s the athleticism. Frolov is a ninja in net, and keeps his hands high. He does still get beat, but doesn’t let a few goals discourage him. He stays locked in, stays sharp, and knows that his athleticism is strong enough to save any shot he faces. If I’ve learned a single thing in years of scouting, it’s to not second-guess the Russian goalie that looks like a star. Give me Frolov in the top-20. The Comparisons: Ilya Sorokin, Jake Oettinger, Joseph Woll Frolov really reminds me of Ilya Sorokin. Both are athletic netminders who challenge shooters and stay low. They’re freak athletes who play with precision. Not as athletic, but still very good, are Jake Oettinger and Joseph Woll – who share Frolov’s high-crease style and square frame. I’d say these three are a nice array of outcomes – but no matter what, Frolov has NHL starts in him. |
| 20. Cullen Potter (C) Arizona State (NCAA (NCHC)) Ht: 5’10.0″ Wt: 172 lbs Birthday: 10-Jan-2007 The Style: Potter is a dynamo. He plays with confidence and finesse, and looks flashy on the puck because of it. His stickhandling is nimble and quick in-tight. He uses clean skating to generate fast speeds and cut through the neutral zone. He knows how to get around opponents where he can’t get through them. Potter drives the middle lane from top-to-bottom, and does it all with skill and finesse. He’s got weaknesses, and got beat by stronger opponents, but also went to college young – and still shined through the finesse and flash that’s, frankly, exactly what you’d expect from Jenny Schmigdall-Potter’s son. The Ranking: Potter went to college too early – but he made the right choice, and he’s a good enough player to play through a challenge. He did exactly that, to not only fill an important role with Arizona State, but often serve as their #1 forward and main conduit through the neutral zone. That kind of tranisiton is rare to see in young, small forwards – but Potter played through the contact and managed it well. This is his lowest point, and while I don’t quite know how to project him fully, I know his skill is strong enough to earn a pro role. The Comparisons: Derek Roy, Mikael Granlund, Marco Rossi Potter has the on-puck finesse and middle-lane control of a Marco Rossi, but there’s a certain oomph to Rossi’s game that doesn’t feel quite apparent in Potter’s. His playmaking is more aking to Mikael Granlund, who knows how to enter the middle of the O-zone from multiple points and set up his teammates. But really, Potter’s his own driver, and finishes his own chances. For those who got the luck of watching Derek Roy, Potter shares the same finesse and in-your-face offense… though he lacks the grit and physicality for now. |
| 21. Vaclav Nestrasil Jr. (RW) Muskegon (USHL) Ht: 6’5.0″ Wt: 187 lbs Birthday: 06-Apr-2007 The Style: Nestrasil Jr. has taken a huge leap this seaosn. He entered the year as a prototypical power-forward, but really added a layer of on-puck drive and creativity as the year went on. It was impressive growth, and by the end of the season, Muskegon was often leaning on Nestrasil to complete their movement across the offensive blue-line. And they won a championship because of it! By the end of the year, Nestrasil was dekeing laterally and making nice setup passes to his linemates. That’s while having power-forward heft and a strong net-front presence. He’s certainly young and unrefined — and has only been training solely for hockey for so long. But he’s a fantastic athlete and an exciting upside bet. The Ranking: Nestrasil Jr. will be a great pick wherever he lands. He’s got a strong hockey mind and clear passion behind his game. He’s made a mark as a net-front bruiser who finishes chances in-tight. That alone is enough to mold into a strong player, especially with this frame, and thus the fact that he’s adding this play-creating is really impressive. I could be convinced to take him in a variety of spots if my team needed heft. The Comparisons: Mason Marchment, Dmitri Voronkov, Michael Rasmussen There are a lot of similarities in Nestrasil’s game and Mason Marchments game. Both are heavy wingers with strong feet. They both enter the O-zone from angles, and know how to make the first defender miss every so often. I even think their shots are similar. But Nestrasil plays out a bit wider – like Voronkov – and can also be a bit more directly lateral with his playmaking – like Rasmussen. One point holds true between all three, Nestrasil will have to focus on his play around the defensive blue-line as much as he does the offensive blue to really find a strong stride. |
| 22. Braeden Cootes (C) Seattle (WHL) Ht: 5’11.25″ Wt: 183 lbs Birthday: 09-Feb-2007 The Style: Cootes fills the roles of the middle lane diligently. He stays in the right spots and knows how to work with his linemates to make quick plays, set up breakouts, or get around defenders. He’s got smooth skating, strong hips, good passing. And when he gets moving straight downhill, Cootes can generate a ton of momentum behind his offense. He’s shown flashes of bully-size in the slot, and has the strong, snappy shot to hit holes from a distance. If he adds a bit more drive, there could be a very interesting, straightline attacker in Cootes. The Ranking: Cootes is an increidbly effective centerman. He makes plays in both directions and stood up to top minutes very well. But he often sticks close tot he middle lane, and I’d like to see him drive a little bit deeper into the slot and corners if that’s the case. That lands him in a nice middle on my board – lower than many, but I’d certainly attest to Cootes being an impactful and projectable two-way pro. The Comparisons: Mikael Backlund, Sean Monahan, John Madden I see Sean Monahan in Cootes’ game – in their stocky skating and heads-up, always ready approach. Like Monahan, I think Cootes will find his most impactful role as the diligent playmaker behind a star. But Cootes’ game is a bit smoother, heftier, and more head-on – akin to Backlund, or more specifically, former boss of the O-zone John Madden. |
| 23. Henry Brzustewicz (RHD) London (OHL) Ht: 6’1.75″ Wt: 203 lbs Birthday: 09-Feb-2007 The Style: Brzustewicz is an exciting, feisty defender who knows how to play all three zones with confidence. He shuts off entry into his own slot and engages opponents physically in the corners. He’s strong and boxy – tough to get around with a clean swipe. Better tham that, he has an impressive drive once he gets on loose pucks. He controls the puck well and brings every ounce of strength from his off-puck game into his dashes down the ice. He makes strong plays and takes booming slapshots, though his game doesn’t often dip too far down. I’ve been a fan of Brzustewicz’s for a while, and while he needs to add a layer of polish, he’s got an all-three-zones style worth betting on. The Ranking: It’s again the physical game that earns a player a boost. Brzustewicz knows how to shut down defenders, play gritty, and dart up the boards. He’s heavy and poised — and his weaknesses are often due to aggressive positioning versus bad decisions. I think his strength will translate well, and the sky will be the limit from there. The Comparisons: Duncan Keith, Nikita Zaitsev, Johnny Boychuk It’s a bit apt given recent news, but I see a lot of Duncan Keith in how Brzustewicz forces opponents into the corners, shuts them down with a hit, then sitcks to the boards to drive all the way down the ice. The two both have snappy shots and love to favor a little too far north. Brzustewicz also plays like a Nikita Zaitsev or Johnny Boychuk – two players who sit back in their zone and take darts up the ice, but on the back of very different physical styles. Brzustewicz seems to fall somewhere in between. |
| 24. Jack Nesbitt (C) Windsor (OHL) Ht: 6’4.25″ Wt: 185 lbs Birthday: 12-Jan-2007 The Style: Nesbitt is a sturdy forward who stays low and ready to spring into action. He disrupts opposing plays and moves the puck efficiently, serving as a reliable outlet high in the forecheck. He finds impactful positions on the ice, keeps his composure in crowded areas, and thrives in making the gritty, underappreciated plays. His passes are sharp enough to cut through sticks and accurate on the tape. However, his on-puck creativity and drive haven’t been particularly dynamic. But he looks to have room to grow, and traits to add. He’ll be a strong base to build on for whatever team lands him. The Ranking: I love Nesbitt’s game, and it’s not often that players take such clear steps forward as often as he does. He really is moldable, though the absence of the clear traits has him a bit lower on my board than where I hear some pros have him. A strong development team could make a surefire pro here, and he’s worth a confident day-one pick no matter where it is. The Comparisons: Pavel Zacha, Adam Lowry, Nesbitt’s hefty presence in the middle lane really, really reminds me of Pavel Zacha. Both are supportive centers who make sure play is complete in the neutral zone before jumping ahead, and then drive the low-slot with heft and composure. In that way, Nesbitt also seems very similar to Adam Lowry. It seems the distinguishing factor between the two styles will be how Nesbitt is able to facilitate play at the next level. Is he a quick-pass playmaker, or a head-down forechecker? What will his draft team choose to add? |
| 25. Lynden Lakovic (LW) Moose Jaw (WHL) Ht: 6’4.25″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 12-Dec-2006 The Style: Lakovic is a talented player in a power-forward frame. He has confident, fast stickhandling and a strong ability to change his stance and lanes of attack. He gets across both blue-lines with confidence and motor — and has the drive to find ways to the puck when play’s not nearby. He’s strong in the defensive end, though doesn’t take on too much. But interestingly, Lakovic rarely attacks the middle lane. He could, generally, afford to become a much more persistent, physical player. Instead, he often leans on finesse and shots from the flanks. Some say highlighted need for growth like that can cause pause – but Lakovic’s mix of talent and size, and thee sheer upside he could add with more drive, would have me buying on day one. The Ranking: I will acknowledge that I let the skeptics pull me down a bit with Lakovic. He is missing a drive and physical oomph that would really push his game to the next level. But that’s exactly what pros adds for many kids, and just like Zonnon could bulk up and become the stalion of a line, Lakovic could too. The path may be a longer road with Lakovic, but taking him outside of the top-25 would feel like a steal. The Comparisons: Mark Jankowski, James Van Riemsdyk, Nick Paul Lakovic’s sharp, shoot-first, perimeter style is presently very similar to Mark Jankowski, who I find struggles to get into the deep parts of the middle lane. Nick Paul is another player who falls into that fine, and matches Lakovic’s physical presence, though Paul doens’t control the puck nearly as much. But there’s points to add to Lakovic’s game, and even dipping lower in the O-zone and more towards the dots would yield a James van Riemsdyk kind of role. |
| 26. Radim Mrtka (RHD) Seattle (WHL) Ht: 6’5.75″ Wt: 207 lbs Birthday: 09-Jun-2007 The Style: Mrtka is a phenomenal talent. He’s a huge frame and has some awkward skating because of it. But despite that, he shines through as an athletic talent, picking his feet up and driving through play with confidence and aggression. He forces opponents wide and closes the gap on defense. But his bread-and-butter is turning loose pucks against the boards into fastbreaks the other way. His first step is strong and he scans for options while driving the puck through all three zones. He’s also shown plenty of flash when holding the blue-line, taking creative steps into space and unleashing hard shots. Lots to like, though his wonky skating and needed adjustments on defense cause me some pause. The Ranking: I’m way lower on Mrtka than consensus, even despite absolutely recognizing his athletic upside. I have no doubt he’ll become a smooother and more well-rounded defender with more years in North America. I mean, his move midseason was a tough one. But I find he’ll be quite a bit of a project, both to reign in on offense and to kick forward on defense. He has physical components that need a boost, and could do much more to square up opponents and take them out of play. With his frame, at RD, those question marks might be easy to brush off. But they have me every so slightly bearish. The Comparisons: Tyler Myers, Rasmus Ristolainen, Mrtka looks every bit like a Tyler Myers – confident and rangy on the puck, dominant in the neutral zone, and a pillar on the offensive blue-line. The two share really similar skating and offensive instinct. If he do’esn’t end up following in Myers’ footsteps – which would be a surprise – I could also see a Rasmus Ristolainen here, earning keep with strong control of both blue-lines but never quite capable of doing both offense and defense at once. That’s fine for his projection, but again, makes me a little more nervous than most. |
| 27. Eddie Genborg (RW) Linkoping (Sweden) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 179 lbs Birthday: 20-Apr-2007 The Style: Genborg is ferocious. I mean really aggressive, gritty, and effective off the boards in the O-zone. He embarces the chance to use his sharp physical presence to toss around opponents and win puck battles — and even flexed that might in the SHL this year. He’s strong on the puck and hard to knock around – and has a clear drive into the crease when he wins his battles. His passing and shot are fine, but it’s that gritty drive that headlines Genborg’s play. The Ranking: Gritty, aggressive wingers earn their keep in the pro leagues. Genborg is only 18, and has already done enough to show that he is deserving of a top-nine SHL role next season. With a bit more oomph, some more independent play-driving, and a better understanding of how to use his puck skills — he could project as a really high-end utility player. Even without those pieces, his ability to win pucks and turn them into scoring chances will look great next to talented teammates. There’s no question of his day one status to me. Too much grit, size, and skill to second-guess. The Comparisons: Eetu Luostarinen, Dainius Zubrus, Blake Comeau Finding a comparison for Genborg is a bit tough. He plays with a drive and aggression that’s not often matched in the top-end. I think a lot about Eetu Luostarinen’s success in Florida this season — earning keep with hard plays along the board turned into slick entries into the slot. That’s certainly a Genborg style, but a more accurate description may be a player like Dainius Zubrus – who really imposed his will with heavy physicality mixed with a soft touch. Blake Comeau is another name that comes to mind. |
| 28. Ryker Lee (RW) Madison (USHL) Ht: 5’11.5″ Wt: 181 lbs Birthday: 08-Nov-2006 The Style: Lee hit a huge growth spurt last summer — nearly 5 inches. That’s gonna change your game a lot, and it was clear that’s exactly what happened this season. And yet, Lee still dominated the USHL — truly stepping up as the league’s best player. He was incredibly explosive in all three zones, and pounced on chances to drive the puck and force his way into the O-zone. He takes advantage of space as well as anyone, and has both the ripper of a wristshot and bulky drive to the slot needed to control play from blue-line to goal-line. Lee got a lot of help from a poised center in Mason Moe, and a gritty winger in Bobby Cowan, but make no mistake — Lee’s powerful motor, hard shot, and knack for pulling off dazzling plays is what drove that offense forward. The Ranking: I debated on if Lee should land on day one – but ultimately, it seems impossible not to be excited over a player who hit an unruly growth spurt, showed the struggles that come from it, and still prevailed as a league-best player. Lee’s explosivity, his shot, and his brazen confidence in diving into physical engagements make him an impressive player. The sky will be the limit as a loaded MSU coaching staff looks to mold this explosive sniper into a truly dominant player. The Comparisons: Owen Tippett, Nikolaj Ehlers, Lee falls somewhere between Owen Tippett and Nikolaj Ehlers. He’s capable of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it rushes up the ice, like Ehlers, and holds both blue-lines well when he’s away from the puck, like Ehlers. But in the O-zone, he leans on finesse and plays against the boards, waiting patiently for a shooting lane to open up or a chance to use his size to barrel into the middle. That’s very Tippett. The mix between two styles may make Lee’s projection tough, but should make teams all the more confident that he’s worth a day-one pick. |
| 29. Shane Vansaghi (C) Michigan State (NCAA (B1G)) Ht: 6’2.25″ Wt: 210 lbs Birthday: 11-Oct-2006 The Style: It’s a curt term – but Vansaghi is the donkey on the farm. He works, and works, and works. He’s heavy and physical, and uses that to force opponents out of space on both ends of the ice. He takes his time to make the right plays on defense and has the rangy skating and stickhandling to push through the neutral zone. But on offense, he’s a prototypical net-front forward, capable of commanding play in the lower-third and using his big frame to keep play alive and get pucks tight to the goalie. Nightingale deployed Vansaghi as a defense-first forward, set on winning draws and pushing play up the ice. He filled that role fantastically, leading me to think the floor here is as high as could be. The Ranking: I’ve been on Vansaghi for years. Since AAA. He always figured to land in my first – and now gets the vindication a few days before the draft. I just don’t see a world where he isn’t a pro-end talent, with great size and heft dominating NHL netfronts. He’s not much of a scorer, but he uses his linemates well on the rush and in the O-zone. He’s got a respect for making dirty plays well, and soft hands given his huge frame. The ceiling here is low. You may only get a third-line center. But Vansaghi is a winner through-and-through. He’s the kid that can wear a letter, motivate the boys, then work his tail off to earn his keep. That’s the kind of kid I want on my bench. The Comparisons: Boone Jenner, Nick Ritche, Brady Tkachuk I really love the Boone Jenner comp here. Both are impactful, heavy forwards who command the lower-third and earn their way by facilitating play to their wingers. If Vansaghi can’t add the second-layer control that Jenner did, he’ll fall into the rut of a Nick Ritchie – mobile around the O-zone and able to blow through defenders, but not entirely overwhelming. There’s also something to be said about Vansaghi’s ability to dominate a netfront. Should he become a bit more agile, and a better finisher, an NHL team could find a Brady Tkachuk mold… minus the grit. |
| 30. Mason West (C) Fargo (USHL) Ht: 6’5.75″ Wt: 208 lbs Birthday: 03-Aug-2007 The Style: The unicorn of this year’s draft is Edina starting quarterback… or, top-line center… Mason West. He’s a towering forward with surprisingly smooth movements and nimble hands. He excelled in high school, using long strides and confident handling to explode through the neutral zone and catch opponents off guard. In the USHL, he showed a clear need for better system IQ and positioning — and even then, absolutely excelled on the back of how smooth his puck skills and energy translated. With minimal prep, West was near point-per-game in the USHL. With a full summer of training, I expect he’ll explode next year. The Ranking: It’s hard not to be excited about West’s upside. He’s a phenomenal athlete who has already thrived at the USHL level. His puck skills, skating, and hard shot all look well-refined and translatable — meaning he only needs to add the fundamentals to turn into a really projectable player. That could be a great mold for pro teams to work with – and land West as a premier forward in the NHL. It may be a longshot, but with the sheer upside and unprecedented style, that’s a bet I’m taking confidently on day one. The Comparisons: Brock Nelson, Eric Daze, Nik Antropov I call West’s game unprecedented – but his ability to play off the boards, generate space between defenders, and unleash hard shots is reminiscent of Brock Nelson – another lanky high-schooler who grew into a force to be reckoned with at the pro level. I also love the Eric Daze comparison here, which really gets at West’s ability to drive the puck on his own, even in a huge frame. Antroponov did that too, though he was more of a support character, and likely what the uber-talented West could turn into should he not hit the big ramp to stardom. |
| 31. Carter Amico (RHD) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’5.25″ Wt: 225 lbs Birthday: 15-Mar-2007 The Style: Amico was far-and-away the best on his team before he fell to injury in November. He’s a heavy, heavy shutdown defender who excelled at patrolling the area between slot and corners. He knows how to use every ounce of his heavy frame, and dominated possession in the dirty areas because of it. He noticed loose pucks and got them to his wingers quick, sparking a breakout but still staying back enough to quickly react to neutral zone turnovers. Amico hits hard and skates harder. He has a strong stick and great fundamental defending both on the rush and deep in the zone. The Ranking: If Amico had stayed healthy for the full year, there’s a good chance I’d be touting him as a top-15 name (at least). He’s such an imposing presence, with a very clear understanding of how to dictate play in his own end. He’s mobile, athletic, and strong as an ox. A very early end to his season makes those traits tough to bet on — but Amico has recovered well by all accounts. In a year where an offensive-defender is likely to end up #1, give me the shutdown defender before #32. The Comparisons: Chris Tanev, Erik Cernak, Brandon Carlo Amico sticks behind play, doesn’t push the envelope, and anticipates the rush well. He dominates play along the boards and in the corners. The style is strongly reminiscent of Chris Tanev, or should he fall out of such dominant physicality, Eric Cernak. He could benefit from pushing more into the neutral zone as well, which could lend to some Brandon Carlo aspects – though that will take development at BU. |
| 32. Milton Gastrin (C) Modo (Sweden) Ht: 6’0.5″ Wt: 185 lbs Birthday: 02-Jun-2007 The Style: Gastrin is a beefy, powerful centerman who drives down the middle lane with determination. He doesn’t make mistakes all too often. Stays down on pucks, doesn’t get knocked around, and fills the roles he needs to on the breakout to spark a hard drive up the ice. He can be trusted to drive the puck deep into the offensive end, and has a strong nose for carving his way into the low slot. I’m a fan of his shot, of his passing, but it’s really the responsible drive and ability to fill all three roles on the forecheck that makes him stand out. He’s not an overwhelming playmaker, but a responsible one, who can stand up to physicality and come out the other side. The Ranking: Gastrin is another player who gets an edge because of how well he seems to project to a pro role. His game may not jump off the page, but he doesn’t need to add much to his size, skating, or puck-handling to stay effective at the pro flights. That asuredness sneaks him into my first-round in what is a very tough decision. The Comparisons: Leo Komarov, Andrew Copp, It’s tough searching for clear comparisons to such a beefy, heavy style like Gastrin’s. The one I keep coming back to is Leo Komarov, who excelled at pushing play downhill and burying opponents behind their own net. Gastrin has that same weight and physicality-by-need. A more modern comparison would be Ander Copp — though Gastrin’s lateral play could be improved to reach Copp’s level. Still, that hardy, bottom-six role seems like a sure bet for Gastrin’s responsible style. |
| 33. Jack Murtagh (LW) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’0.75″ Wt: 200 lbs Birthday: 22-Aug-2007 Murtagh is a powerful winger who wins space in the dirty areas and gets the puck to the middle of the ice. He has the quick thinking and stickhandling to make plays in opponents’ faces, but lacks an overall flash that would bring his offense to the next level. He’s one of the youngest in the class and has a fantastic physical profile. If a team feels they can add the offense – which he certainly has the tools to do – he’ll be a great consideration as early as the 20s. |
| 34. Pyotr Andreyanov (G) CSKA (Russia) Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 207 lbs Birthday: 22-Jan-2007 Andreyanov is one of the most athletic draft-eligible goalies in recent years. His movements and reactions are both lightning quick, and rooted in very smooth and fundamental mechanics. He sees his angles well, but has a bad tendency of losing his net or getting too aggressive when facing shots head-on. If he were a tad more reserved, and a touch taller, he’d be tough not to rank in the first-round. Even without that size, he’s a great bet on talent. |
| 35. Alex Huang (RHD) Chicoutimi (QMJHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 170 lbs Birthday: 30-Jul-2007 I’ve been impressed with Huang since day one. He’s a cerebral and sharp defender in all three zones. He knows how to work the puck out of corners, past opponents on the board, and keep play moving 200 feet up the ice. His physical edge is also impressively sharp for a player with a fairly standard frame. Working up to pro size will boost all of Huang’s technical strengths – his passing, physical game, and transition. If his smarts stick around, that’ll be plenty to build a pro. And with a Harvard commitment locked up, it’s hard to think those smarts are going anywhere. Major upside, major fundamentals. |
| 36. Bruno Idzan (LW) Lincoln (USHL) Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 195 lbs Birthday: 16-Jan-2006 Idzan is my yearly hot take. I’ve loved this kid’s game since he came to North America. He’s noticeably strong on and off of the puck, and uses that to get the puck over both blue lines. He builds up speed driving downhill and takes smart paths to the net. He gets the puck to the net often enough. When he can’t, he leans on a howitzer wrist-shot, with plenty of oomph and accuracy behind it. Idzan has been the bane of junior goalies all year long. He gets to his spots, gets the puck up ice, and was the most consistent offensive asset in the USHL (evidenced by his league-lead in Primary Points per-60, Expected Goals per-60, and Corsi For per-60). |
| 37. Blake Fiddler (RHD) Edmonton (WHL) Ht: 6’4.0″ Wt: 209 lbs Birthday: 09-Jul-2007 Fiddler has all of the size, positional awareness, and poise on the puck to make the pro flight as a pudgy, bottom-end defender. He adds to that powerful strides, nifty passing, and sharp play on the offensive blue-line. It all gives him some really solid upside. But Fiddler has struggled to handle opponents when they’re driving downhill into him. Too often, game script has eliminated him in the lower-third of his own zone. That makes me a tad worried that he may land closer to floor than ceiling – but I’ll absolutely attest to his physical presence, leadership, and mature style. |
| 38. Ashton Schultz (RW) Chicago (USHL) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 180 lbs Birthday: 03-Oct-2006 Schultz ends the year as an uncovered gem in many lists. That’s largely thanks to a big boom in the year’s second-half, when he starting finding tons more space adjacent to Teddy Mutryn’s downhill drive. Finding that space required Schultz to significantly improve his ability to use his body to protect the puck, become much sharper in recognizing space, and become much stronger in battles along the boards. He did all of it well, while hanging onto a wicked shot and really strong downhill drive. I’ve seen enough bully and across-the-zone vision to think that Schultz will take off as he continues to build muscle onto his great frame. |
| 39. Alexander Zharovsky (RW) Ufa (Russia) Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 163 lbs Birthday: 22-Feb-2007 Zharovsky is far from elegant. I don’t like his skating mechanics, puckhandling, or pivots all too much. But he’s mighty effective, and really excelled at getting over both blue lines this year. He gets all he can out of a lanky frame, and really understands how to challenge opponents with the puck and win space in the circles. His wrister is a slingshot, and he can tee it up on a one-timer. There is a lot of refining to go here – and I think that’ll take longer than a few years – but it’s easy to picture this hockey mind+talent in a pro role. |
| 40. Tomas Poletin (LW) Pelicans (Finland) Ht: 6’1.25″ Wt: 200 lbs Birthday: 30-Apr-2007 Poletin has been the piston engine of every line he’s on. He has strong, powerful legs taht he uses to launch around the ice, diving into opponents on the forecheck and excelling at keeping up with side-to-side movements. He keeps his stick out, plays physically, and knows the importance of getting the puck onto his skilled linemates’ stick with a quickness. Poletin has all of the physical strength, tempo, and forechecking pressure to be a fantastic support piece somewhere. |
| 41. Aleksei Medvedev (G) London (OHL) Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 178 lbs Birthday: 10-September-2007 Medvedev has been thee pillar of consistency in this draft class – and it’s all on the back of strong mentals. He gets locked in quick and is hard to knock off the ball. He understands his crease and doesn’t overextend when challenging opponents, and stays big when facing shots head on. Medvedev’s composure is far-and-away his strongest trait. That will be enough to give him a strong projection, even if his technical pieces are more well-rounded than overly-flashy. |
| 42. Malte Vass (LHD) Farjestad (Sweden) Ht: 6’1.75″ Wt: 184 lbs Birthday: 28-Mar-2007 Vass is a beast of a defender. He has a big, strong frame and uses it perfectly – engaging defenders with stick checks, stepping into big hits in open ice, and commanding play along the boards. His skating is smooth and he makes hard passes to spark breakouts and control regroups. Even better, Vass does it all well and still looks lanky. If he can add even more to his frame, he should only become that much greater of a defensive impact. He’ll need to learn to hold his spot a bit more in NA pros, but there’s tons to like here. |
| 43. Sascha Boumedienne (LHD) Boston University (NCAA (HockeyEast)) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 175 lbs Birthday: 17-Jan-2007 Boumedienne went to college muc hearlier than many anticipated or advised. That seemed to weigh on his game a bit this year – as his skating, passing, and drive downhill all struggled to pop from down BU’s lineup. But Boumedienne still does all of those things well, and showed as much in the U18s. He’s excelled at moving the puck down the boards for years – but needs to become more of a pillar in the middle of the ice in all three zones. With room to grow and strong puck skills, Boumedienne has locked in first-round value for a lot of NHL clubs. But a quiet season and tough challenge for minutes next year has me a bit more hesitant. |
| 44. Bryce Pickford (RHD) Medicine Hat (WHL) Ht: 6’0.25″ Wt: 183 lbs Birthday: 02-Apr-2006 Pickford has become a favorite of mine this year. He’s had a sharp physical edge for a few years, but really found how to fold it into a strong impact in all three zones this season. He commands space in the slot and bullies opponents around the defensive end. He jumps on loose pucks and has the smart puck-handling to win space and drive downhill. He keeps his head up on the rush and makes hard passes. When he can’t, he knows how to cut into space and control possession on the blue-line. All of those attributes, gut-punch drive, and a killer shot, helped Pickford acheive some fantastic scoring totals this year — an impressive feat for a defender who’s physical presence and all-three-zones control headlines his game. |
| 45. Michal Pradel (G) Tri-City (USHL) Ht: 6’4″ Wt: 195 lbs Birthday: 10-Mar-2007 Pradel checks all of the boxes a projectable pro goalie. He has a fantastic frame, sharp cuts, and tracks the puck very well. Those skills make him a sturdy, fundamental, and consistent goaie who you can trust to get you through a full year. He does have some holes in his game – doesn’t control rebounds or handle finesse moves all too well – but those are minor cracks in a package that will absolutely play pro hockey in the coming years. If he can boost those weaknesses, he’d have solid NHL potential. |
| 46. Eric Nilson (C) Djugardens IF (Sweden) Ht: 5’11.5″ Wt: 156 lbs Birthday: 11-May-2007 Nilson is interesting. He has a lanky build in need of more bulk – and his game really reflects that too. His movements are long and clean, his handling is smooth, his shot is a rocket. But he doesn’t get down on the puck or onto his toes enough to really, powerfully drive. He makes up for it with long strides and a keen awareness of how to find space away from the puck. That offensive instinct has made Nilson a dangeorus option in the middle lane, even without a fully ironed-out game. He’ll receive great coaching at MSU, and could really blossom into a poised playmaker in the coming years. |
| 47. Kirill Yemelyanov (C) Yaroslav (Russia) Ht: 6’0.25″ Wt: 170 lbs Birthday: 08-Jan-2007 Yemelyanov is a to-the-bone, two-way center. He patrols blue-line to blue-line with a ton of efficiency, and uses very fundamental skating to jump on opponents on defense or drive puck up ice on offense. His game is very calm – good under pressure, always in the right spot, clean and secure movements. It’s refreshing, though Yemelyanov is missing any kind of X-factor that could jump him into the pro flight. He’s also big enough to be sturdy, but not strong. Both facts can often hurt kids as they project to the NHL level, but in this case – I’m a sucker for just how reliable and well-rounded his game is. Whether you need a faceoff win, bumper on the power-play, or shutdown forward on the penalty-kill – Yemelyanov is sharp enough to do it. |
| 48. Benjamin Kindel (RW) Calgary (WHL) Ht: 5’10.0″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 19-Apr-2007 Kindel is one of the hotter takes through this whole list – but allow me to start with the positives. I adore his puckhandling and ability to move around defenders. He’s lanky but keeps great control of the puck, his stick, and his legs. It makes him agile and snappy enough to pull off flashy plays – boosted by a great eye for passes and slingshot for a shot. There are shifts where you can feel a goal is coming just by how flashy and persistent Kindel is playing. But it’s been difficult to see that energy shift-by-shift, and at his low points, Kindel often lacks jump into play, heavy drive, and multiple components of physicality. He’s still adjusting to juniors pressure, and got into more than a few sticky situations along the boards because of it. That will be an incredibly important, and difficult, piece to iron out as he ramps towards pros – and could give him a longer path than most. This is a fantastic hockey talent, and pure skill bet come draft day. I’d personally look elsewhere first, though the exciting moments that scouts are clamoring about are certainly worth the hype. |
| 49. Petteri Rimpinen (G) Kiekko-Espoo (Finland) Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 25-Apr-2006 Rimpinen is an electric talent. He’s fast, flashy, and sharp in net. He follows the pace of play beautifully, and finds his angles quickly. Even better, he showed the extent to which he could carry those abilities through a pro role this season – and took home Liiga Rookie of the Year because of it. His size is a bit of a concern. So are his corners. But when it comes to athletic ability and pro mindset, Rimpinen is among the brightest in this class. He could handle a minor-league role very soon, and could rapidly develop when he starts winning on North American ice. |
| 50. Tomas Pobezal (C) Nitra (Tipsport Extraliga) Ht: 5’9.0″ Wt: 178 lbs Birthday: 18-Sep-2006 Not many scouts are ringing the praises of Tomas Pobezal – and I may be falling into my usual trap in ranking him high. But I haven’t been able to get enough of just how poised, calm, and responsible his game is. He’s always scanning, and finds impactful plays against the boards and across lanes. That fundamental impact, and his slick passing as the puck moves up ice, locked Pobezal into a solid, second-line role in a pro league by the end of the year. You wouldn’t guess he lacked the size he does just by watching him. He’s sturdy and fits into puck battles well. I imagine that bulk will only continue to improve as the years go on. He’s not a flashy, dynamo style – but he’s a projectable pro capable of making enough little plays to ultimately find the scoresheet. The kind of guy I’ll take high if only to ensure a fourth-line piece down the line. |
| 51. Jackson Smith (LHD) Tri-City (WHL) Ht: 6’3.25″ Wt: 195 lbs Birthday: 13-May-2007 I fall into another hot take here. Again starting on top, Smith is a fascinating mix between puck skill and size. He’s wide and stocky, but uses strong hipwork and quick cuts to seamlessly get around opponents. He’s hard to knock off the puck, and is at his best forcing the puck through the neutral zone and over the blue-line. He jumps into openings in the offensive-zone with a quickness, and uses hard, snappy shots to pepper goaltenders and create rebounds for his forwards. It’s all an impressive build for such a powerful frame – but Smith could improve his understanding of how to really put his shoulders into opponents and use his size to win more space. If he does that, his upside as a play-driving defender could be high. But his feet will need to become a bit lighter at the next step, and I haven’t felt too inspired by his control of opposing rushes. He doesn’t scream #1 to me, so I’d be looking elsewhere for a while – even despite the impressive athlete that Smith is. |
| 52. Gustav Hillstrom (C) Brynas (Sweden) Ht: 6’1.5″ Wt: 174 lbs Birthday: 20-Jan-2007 Hillstrom’s game won’t elicit much excitement – but he’s a powerful and fundamental centerman who fills a need in all of the important areas of the ice. He blocks off the slot well, and throws a big-bodied wrench into plays in the corners. He’s careful on the breakout – but still has the quick steps to join his wingers in a fast break. His passes are hard, and he drives the net hard. I love how Hillstrom throws around the body, even despite a real hefty build. Throw some more weight on the kid, and he’d develop as a hardy, role-filling centerman that could fit into almost any bottom-six. |
| 53. Daniil Skvortsov (LHD) Guelph (OHL) Ht: 6’3.25″ Wt: 215 lbs Birthday: 13-Jan-2007 Skvortsov has been unheralded by the public sphere this year. He’s adored by the pros, who love the mix of breakup defense, play-driving, and sheer strength in this package. Skvortsov is athletic and jumpy in his frame, and uses it to close gaps when defending the rush. He keeps his stick strong and closes opponents off against the boards well. He jumps on loose pucks quickly, and turns up ice with confidence – making strong plays to get pucks over the blue-line and onto his forward’s sticks. Skvortsov checks a lot of boxes needed to project as an NHL talent – even if his overall came doesn’t have much boom. |
| 54. Teddy Mutryn (C) Chicago (USHL) Ht: 6’0.75″ Wt: 207 lbs Birthday: 16-Feb-2007 Drive, drive, drive. That’s Teddy Murtyn hockey. He was really an impressive, big-bodied center for the Steel – filling the role of bulky pillar in the defensive end, then jumping into fourth gear to blaze into forechecks and win space right outside of the crease. There’s a special mix of downhill drive towards the net, mature strength, and sheer grit that makes Mutryn an exciting NHL prospect. He could afford to iron out and improve many areas of his play south of the red-line, but if he hits his stride he could project as a long-time pro, filling a much-needed, dirty role. |
| 55. Owen Martin (C) Spokane (WHL) Ht: 5’11.75″ Wt: 185 lbs Birthday: 11-May-2007 Martin is an interesting mix of a few prospect prototypes. His skating is shifty and nimble, as though he was three inches shorter than he was. His shot is fundamental and clean, refined as though all he did was shoot. But the underline of his game is Martin’s sheer hockey IQ. He’s a smart player, who understands where to be and when. That gives him a boost in facilitating play, helps him challenge opponents on defense, and gives him the ability to play both special teams reliably. He’s not a flashy player – maybe to a fault, for some. But he’s a pillar of consistency, with the best pieces of a lot of different styles and a solid frame. He’ll be a worthwhile add to any prospect pool, and a projectable depth forward. |
| 56. Sean Barnhill (RHD) Dubuque (USHL) Ht: 6’4.75″ Wt: 205 lbs Birthday: 08-Jan-2007 Barnhill is a pillar of defense. Literally. He’s an incredible 6-foot-6 frame, but moves with clean steps and strong strides. His puck-control is strong, and he gets to loose pucks and makes a play with power and control. But as you’d imagine, it’s the defensive side where Barnhill earns his keep. He checks sticks, throws the body, and is near impossible to get around in the corners or against the boards. Fool me once, blah blah blah… but Barnhill looks solid as could be in terms of projection to the top flight. He doesn’t have sharp aggression or Logan Stanley physicality, but he’s a strong, reliable defender capable of handling top minutes with confidence. |
| 57. Edison Engle (LHD) Dubuque (USHL) Ht: 6’1.5″ Wt: 173 lbs Birthday: 15-Feb-2007 Not going far for this next rank. Barnhill’s D partner, Edison Engle, is just as exciting of a prospect. He’s a total opposite to Barnhill, still wielding pro size but using it in combo with clean, smooth movements to work fully around zones and jut his way into space. Engle is smart and physical, and has long used that to find impactful plays away from the puck. But he really folded in an impressive layer of puck-control this year. He took on a major role as the field general controlling Dubuque’s movements through each zone. He controlled possession and gave his forwards the chances they needed to thrive. With a great frame and a great ramp up over the last year, Engle is a great bet to make. |
| 58. Roger McQueen (LW) Brandon (WHL) Ht: 6’5.25″ Wt: 197 lbs Birthday: 02-Oct-2006 Another hot take, but McQueen has been a prospect I’ve been trepidatious of for many years. Let me emphasize that there’s simply no second to the sheer skill-to-size ratio here. McQueen has dazzling puckhandling, and consistently beats defenders one-on-one with finesse. He earns controlled break-ins with ease, and gets pucks over goalies’ shoulders when he works his way in close. McQueen’s shot is also phenomenal. But his skating lacks many refined mechanics, and a back injury rumored to raise eyebrows has limited him to fewer than 20 league games this season. On a list with Schaefer lower than anywhere else, don’t be surprised to see I’m made just as nervous by McQueen’s shortened year. |
| 59. Charlie Cerrato (C) Penn State (NCAA (B1G)) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 10-Mar-2005 Cerrato is back in my rankings once again. I simply can’t believe his rights are locked up by Tampa Bay or Los Angeles yet – but once again teams will get a chance to secure the feisty, aggressive, and sharp-edged drive Cerrato brings to his line. I’ve long said he’s a box cutter of a prospect – who uses fast drive down the ice and an absolutely fantastic physical game to apply relentless pressure on the forecheck. He’s sharp – gets on loose pucks quick and gets them to open teammates quicker. And unlike some other re-entry prospects in this class, Cerrato’s mechanics really seem as though they’ll project to an effective, bottom-six role. He’s been a great player everywhere he’s gone – but played his best hockey this season at Penn State. He deserves to be drafted – and could be considered within this range per sources I’ve talked with. |
| 60. Max Psenicka (RHD) Portland (WHL) Ht: 6’4.0″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 18-Jan-2007 Psenicka plays with a lot of heft on defense. He’s a tough player to push past, and doesn’t get bullied around in the dirty areas of the defensive end. But he’s got jump too, and pushes his forwards up ice with tempo on the breakout. He’s ultimately too slow and menotinous to join many rushes, but reliable handles just about every role south of the offensive-blue-line — with the boost of a great physical profile. Psenicka looks like he could add a ton of beef at the next level. That will make him that much more imposing, especially if his power skating takes another step forward. |
| 61. Ben Kevan (RW) Des Moines (USHL) Ht: 6’0.25″ Wt: 182 lbs Birthday: 03-Jan-2007 Kevan is a ball of skill. His game is filled with finesse, from stickhandling to skating to shot. He’s beyond exciting when he’s at his hottest, and those moments often come when he’s using his tempo and finesse to drive the puck into the slot. Those are the moments Kevan will hone in on at the next step. His shot is snappy and accurate, and gives him advantage on the flanks, but he could be a great chaos-starter with a bit more punch into the middle. With that ability, clear talent, and strong possession numbers – Kevan could flash at the next level. First, he’ll need more of a gut punch. |
| 62. Carlos Handel (RHD) Halifax (QMJHL) Ht: 6’0.5″ Wt: 172 lbs Birthday: 31-Mar-2007 Handel plays a mature and responsible game. He doesn’t push outside the dots, stays down and ready to make a play, and knows not to step up too far as a defender. He’s the rigid-and-trained commander of his lines, perfectly content to end a shift with no action rather than a big mistake. Handel looks to have all of the diligence and control over movement in both directions to track into a solid, depth role one day – but he’ll probably need to become a bit more physically imposing before he’s fully there. |
| 63. Jan Chovan (C) Tappara (Finland) Ht: 6’2.0″ Wt: 185 lbs Birthday: 09-Jan-2007 Chovan is a beast of a player. His frame is imposing and his game is geared towards constantly getting back to the low-slot – on both sides of the ice. He’s strong and assertive when the puck’s on the flanks, and knows how to fight for loose pucks close to the goalie. Chovan handles the breakout well, but doesn’t inspire much excitement with his movement through the neutral zone or forecheck. He’ll need to find a spark in that regard – but handles physical play and slot presence lend themselves well to breaking into the pros. Sky’s the limit from there. |
| 64. Ludvig Johnson (LHD) HC Fribourg-Gotteron (National League) Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 181 lbs Birthday: 27-Jul-2006 The extent to which Johnson has developed his game to a pro level this year is impressive. He handled tough minutes in a tough, defense-first pro league this year – and succeeded because of how well he controls movement in both directions and reacts to changes in play. Johnson holds true to the circles and approaches opponents with his stick out, but has the jumpy skating and quick reactions to keep up with cuts or force an opponent into the boards. He’s flat-out reliable on the puck – bends his knees to gain control, keeps his head up to find options, and pushes the tempo of play up ice. He lacks much exciting jump when play gets set up in the offensive end, but stays impactful with poise on the blue-line and a heavy shot. Johnson has a clear pro projection, and may be worth a pick even sooner than this rank for teams jealous of what Tampa landed in J.J. Moser. |
| 65. Everett Baldwin (RHD) St. George’s (New England Prep) Ht: 5’11.25″ Wt: 173 lbs Birthday: 15-Jan-2007 Everett Baldwin’s tape was tough to find this year, but he made the trip out to New England a worthwile flight. Baldwin is a sharp, deep-cut puck-moving defender. He digs into the ice, he’s strong, and he’s fleet-footed — creating one of the best skaters in the draft class outright. Baldwin uses that to plow through the neutral zone, and has good instincts for how to find space of entries into the O-zone. He’s physical and strong away from the puck too, and makes up for overeager defending by getting in the way and winning his battles. I’d say all of those traits carried over in his few juniors games, but it’s worth noting much of his year was spent in high school. Which traits will carry over in full? If they all do, Baldwin would be a draft day gem. |
| 66. Topias Hynninen (LW) Jukurit (Finland) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 172 lbs Birthday: 19-Dec-2005 I’ve long been a fan of Hynninen. He’s a simple, effective winger who senses plays well and knows where to put himself to make something happen. He’s toolsy and quick to find ways to get involved – and has a sharp eye for passes. He’s fought through the bully of pros for multiple years now, and continues to find ways to earn second-line minutes on solid teams. This won’t be a homerun swing, but there are pro traits worth investing in here. |
| 67. Luca Romano (C) Kitchener (OHL) Ht: 5’11.25″ Wt: 177 lbs Birthday: 25-Jun-2007 Romano plays a cool, calm, and collected game in all three zones. He fills the right spots on the breakout, and carries the puck through the neutral zone with tempo and control. He generates shots off the rush, and is quick to jump into or support battles for loose pucks along the boards. When he wins possession, Romano has an impressive ability to beat defenders in tight space, and work the puck into space or onto teammates’ sticks. He really generates play and props up his wingers well — on the back of clear-headed and responsible hockey. But his frame is very slight, and while he doesn’t shy away from puck battles he could certainly use some bulk to keep winning them at the next level. That will be the barrier, though Romano’s IQ and puck skills could build a really impactful pro. A draft day gem for teams with a good weightroom. |
| 68. Michal Svrcek (LW) Brynas (Sweden) Ht: 5’10.0″ Wt: 178 lbs Birthday: 26-Jan-2007 Svrcek looks the part of a tangible, high-floor pro. He took to SHL minutes confidently this season, and made up for clearly looking like the young kid in the room by really adhering to his position and teammates. I like to see a player who finds a way to make an impact, rather than fade into the background – and that’s absolutely what Svrcek showed this year. Effort along the boards, spark on the breakout, and really strong puckhandling and side-to-side cuts when he got the puck on his stick. There’s not much of a generator here, but Svrcek’s drive to make a play should lend itself to a hardy, bottom-six role at least. |
| 69. Sam Laurila (LHD) Fargo (USHL) Ht: 6’0.75″ Wt: 188 lbs Birthday: 02-Sep-2006 The hockey world finally caught on to the fantastic talent that is Sam Laurila this year. While he absolutely improved this year, he didn’t change his style all too much – still a real powerful and controlled play-driver who pushes breakouts and break-ins extremely well. Laurila shoves his way into the offensive end and uses his shoulders to push by opponents to generate quality shots. He doesn’t get bullied, and added the feist needed away from the puck to really pull his game into a full, 200-foot effort. There may be some concern with how far north he plays, but Laurila’s size and effort should keep any drawbacks from being too glaring at the pro level. |
| 70. Filip Ekberg (RW) Ottawa (OHL) Ht: 5’9.75″ Wt: 166 lbs Birthday: 14-Apr-2007 Ekberg is a bundle of skill. He’s quick to open pucks and incredibly flashy with his skating and stickhandling. He’s jumpy, quick, and maintains speed through big movements. He finds quick passes on offense and drives the slot — but his frame is still slight and susceptible to being knocked off course. That keeps Ekberg from doing too much away from the puck as well, though he stays engaged enough to never be much of a detriment. OHL Ottawa was a tough place to play this year, and I imagine the role of top puck-handler and a weightroom could craft a quality scorer here. But how long do you want to walk the path towards finding a gem? |
| 71. Zeb Lindgren (LHD) Skelleftea (Sweden) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 195 lbs Birthday: 14-Apr-2007 Lindgren is another heavy, responsible defender in this draft class. He fills his role perfectly on the backend, and rarely pushes too far north or outside. Instead, Lindgren is happy to use his wide frame to contain opponents in the soft areas of the ice. He plays physical, strong hockey and wins his battles in open ice, against the boards, or in the slot. His on-puck talents could use a bit more inspiration, but he does enough to push the puck to his teammates and spark strong breakouts after he shuts opponents down going the other way. Lindgren is also no stranger to the rare flash of end-to-end drive, or offensive upside. That certainly won’t be his bread-and-butter at the next level, but the mix of hefty size, defensive prowess, and occasional offensive jump should have teams buying early on a projectable defender with pro size. |
| 72. Hayden Paupanekis (C) Kelowna (WHL) Ht: 6’4.25″ Wt: 196 lbs Birthday: 04-Feb-2007 Paupanekis is an interesting one. He’s much more of a project than others in this range, but offers a lot of tangible projection with his lanky skating and ability to fill the middle lane. Paupanekis is smart and constantly aware in the middle lane, and works with his wingers to facilitate quick movements up the ice. He’s at his best on the backend of the forecheck, but can just as easily use his long reach and quick side-to-side movements to fill the role of first or second man in. Either way, Paupanekis pulls in loose pucks and moves through traffic surprisingly well for a player his size. His shot can be long and intentional – but he’s got just as quick of a snapshot and uses it to good effect when he’s gained the high slot. Becuase of his instinct, smarts, and slot-to-slot ability – there’s a solid, top-nine projection to be gleaned with a little more training and luck over the next few years. |
| 73. Caeden Herrington (RHD) Lincoln (USHL) Ht: 6’1.75″ Wt: 203 lbs Birthday: 26-Jan-2006 Herrington is among the most exciting prospects in the class. He has a stocky frame that’s hard to push by, and impressive agility and puck-handling for someone his size. He plays 1-2-3 hockey, shutting down opponents in the D-zone, getting on puck and driving downhill, and using quick cuts and heads-up passing to find teammates on the rush. When he doesn’t have clear options available, Herrington has the strength needed to punch-cut back to the blue-line and keep play in the O-zone alive. His shot is hard and he uses it often – even scoring plenty of goals from the blue-line. He needs reigned in – and can get a bit overeager when he’s away from the puck – but how much he’s added to his game this year, and his mix of size, offense, and defense are all worth admiring. He could find a strong stride over the next few years, following in the footsteps of similar late-breakout Eric Pohlkamp… now the choice defender for David Carle and Denver. |
| 74. Nathan Quinn (C) Quebec (QMJHL) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 173 lbs Birthday: 29-Aug-2007 Quinn does all of the little things. He’s fundamental and fast in all three zones, checks sticks away from the puck, forces his way into puck battles and comes out with possession. It all leads up to some really exciting burst when he gains possession and an open lane. He’s quick with the puck on his stick, has flashy stickhandling, and keeps his head up and uses his teammates to find the best lanes of attack. His shot is deceptive and hard, and he isn’t scared to dive into dirty areas and make a play. In more ways than one, Quinn is a mature and responsible centerman who plays with pro traits. He’s also among the youngest players in the draft class. It’s impressive and gives him a strong projection, even if he could use a bit more oomph and bulk. |
| 75. Kadon McCann (C) Medicine Hat (WHL) Ht: 6’3.0″ Wt: 200 lbs Birthday: 25-Mar-2007 There’s so much to like with how Kadon McCann plays the game. He’s a huge frame who gets down on pucks quickly and overwhelms opponents with his physical game. But he takes that style one step further with a great first step, and quick ability to go from forecheck, to turnover, to puck in the low slot and scoring chances generated. His game is heavy and effective – a perfect compliment to slight-frame wingers who need a bully to win back possession. That’s the exact role Med Hat used him in this season, but the improvements he made in thinking and acting quicker really pushed the boundaries of that role – in the best way possible. He’ll be a breakout candidate over the next few years, and offers NHL teams the long-end projection of a netfront bully with mobility. |
| 76. Julius Saari (LHD) Jukurit (Finland) Ht: 6’2.0″ Wt: 180 lbs Birthday: 07-Mar-2007 Saari is a heavy, wide defender who plays with imposing power. He stays both square and lateral to opponents, and drives them all the way into the corners on entries. He closes gaps and absorbs opponents – but also has the legs to jut into a huge hit in open ice. Really, he’d be scary to see after picking up your head in the neutral zone. He keeps a long stick and closes out plays. But he’s content to then play the puck to his forwards and stick behind play. He’s responsible, but has the jump and stickhandling to add a bit more drive. That could give him some stout upside, and his physical and defensive style should lend itself to pro hockey in one way or another. I like to see sites like FC Hockey betting high on Saari – he’s a projectable bet. |
| 77. Max Westergard (LW) Frolunda (Sweden) Ht: 5’10.0″ Wt: 158 lbs Birthday: 03-Sep-2007 Westergard is a ram of a winger. He’s not the fastest, but gets speed going when he’s driving into the offensive end after stacking up a few powerful strides. He’s bulky and doesn’t get knocked off of the puck – and uses that to drive head-on towards the posts. Where he can’t get the low-slot, he’s able to lean on a hard and heavy shot – boosted by how well Westergard stays down on the puck. But he’s not very laterally quick, and can struggle to break through opponents when battles crowd in front. He’s an interesting projection – but I’ll take bets on players who drive hard and shoot harder. |
| 78. Vojtech Cihar (C) Karlovy Vary (Czech Extraliga) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 175 lbs Birthday: 29-Mar-2007 Vojtech Cihar gets things done. He’s got strong legs and slick movements that get him down on the rush quickly. He gets into the sides of opponents and throws around bodies in puck battles. He’s unwavering on the puck and really pushes through traffic to drive into the slot or find a passing lane. He’s a worker through-and-through, though the confidence in that role could hold him back from adding some offensive spark and second layer scoring at the next level. There’s a solid role player to be gleaned here, and a team’s confidence in that could land Cihar as a mid-to-late day-two name on the day. |
| 79. Theodor Hallquisth (RHD) Orebro (Sweden) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 172 lbs Birthday: 14-Jun-2007 Hallquisth plays a very jumpy, aggressive, and in-your-face physical kind of hockey. He seeks out big hits and chippy hits all the same, and jams his way into crowds along the boards or in front. He’s strong on the puck but could afford to be a bit more precise with his decisions. Either way, he knows how to work with his D-partner and get passes to his teammates to give his team momentum going into the O-zone. If he can continue playing with feist through the next level, he could be the great support piece to finish off a line. |
| 80. Jacob Rombach (LHD) Lincoln (USHL) Ht: 6’6.0″ Wt: 200 lbs Birthday: 01-Apr-2007 Rombach is among the most mobile pillars in this draft class. He’s big and heavy with a huge frame, but gets his feet moving and makes smart efforts in all three zones. He doesn’t shy away from puck play or battles in the dirty areas, though he needed to grow in both areas as he continued to learn how to stay down in his big frame. But Rombach added those improvements this year, and became much more confident of a puckhandler and play-driver. He steps up at both blue lines, plays physical, and looks to be on the fast track to some solid growth. That’s all plenty encouraging, though it’s worth noting that his path to pros may take a bit longer than those around this range. |
| 81. Carter Bear (LW) Everett (WHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 179 lbs Birthday: 04-Nov-2006 I land another – and, I think, my final – hot take in the early 3rd. Bear is an incredibly feisty, energetic forward who is trained on driving the low slot at all times. He doesn’t shy away from battles and uses strong, assertive movements to win pucks and deke by defenders in tight. Those traits – combined with a slick shot when he’s in the second layer – made Bear not only a 40-goal scorer, but the gold cap on Everett’s heavy transition game. But there were points where Bear was quickly overwhelmed by physical play or bulky defenders. And while his downhill game thrived this year, he could struggle to create laterally much on his own. They’re errors that proper drive can cover up in juniors, but ones easily exposed in the pros. With that said, Bear’s determined nose for the net should yield pro games. The sky is the limit once you break in. |
| 82. Ethan MacKenzie (LHD) Edmonton (WHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 174 lbs Birthday: 02-Sep-2006 There’s so much to love about MacKenie’s game. He has a fantastic motor and snappy skating. He drives dead straight to the spots he needs to be, and jumps into play in a blink. His style might not bulge out in any one way, but MacKenzie has every ounce of grit, skill, speed, and awareness to make a mark anywhere on the ice. He’s feisty and doesn’t shy away from throwing big hits — but stays smart about keeping an active stick and closing the gap when defending the rush. He’s faced some trouble with staying on the ice – or, reeling himself back enough to not be in dangerous situations – but I have no reason to think that injuries will trail behind him. MacKenzie checks a ton of boxes and brings the energy you want on the blue-line. If he can add pro size, he’ll be a fan favorite. |
| 83. Carson Cameron (RHD) Peterbourough (OHL) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 193 lbs Birthday: 27-Jun-2007 Cameron is a wide defender with long, strong legs. He gets around the D-zone quickly, and uses his stick to close out gaps between the slot and corners. He’s physical in puck battles and finds the first pass on the breakout very well. But Cameron can lack the agility to get back in front when breakouts fail, and a tough role this season really confined him to D-zone minutes. He plays the offensive blue-line well and has a booming slapshot – but his offense was generally uninspiring. He projects as a heavy, physical defender who wins his battles in the dirty area. So long as he can keep winning battles and stay strong, that projection should turn into pro games. |
| 84. Oscar Davidsson (C) HV71 (Sweden) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 25-Sep-2006 I’ve been surprised to not hear more excitement around Davidsson. He’s an exciting, gritty winger who bounces from play-to-play and constantly nags opponents. He doesn’t have the biggest frame, but he’s beyond feisty – and really understands how to dig his shoulders into opponents to knock pucks loose or block off space. He can be a bit positionless at points, but still fits nicely into cycles and drives to the slot in the O-zone. That’s where Davidsson is at his best – and while his stickhandling and skating are certainly strong enough to facilitate breakouts and transition, they’re all in the name of sparking strong dump-and-chase rushes. He’s a projectable and gritty style who needs some maturing to reach a pro projection, but a player that’d I’d love to have in my depths should all pan out. |
| 85. Tyler Hopkins (C) Kingston (OHL) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 179 lbs Birthday: 23-Jan-2007 Hopkins has a great build and square skating that he uses to good effect from slot to slot. He gets low on breakouts and supports his defenders. When those fail, he’s quick to jam up lanes into the slot or set a pick. He keeps up with movement through the neutral zone, and finds paths in the slot really well. When he can’t, Hopkins can find shooting lanes off of the cycle and gets a lot behind his snapshots. But he’s often the last man in on the forecheck, and can be generally uninspiring when play slows down or gets too far away. There are many great scouts arguing Hopkins 30 spots higher — and I see it. He patrols the middle lane well and gets shots off. But a lacking bulk and drive could hold him back from reaching that point on my list just yet. There are components to add, and his projection will be much clearer at the end of next season. |
| 86. Charlie Trethewey (RHD) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 200 lbs Birthday: 02-Aug-2007 Trethewey did not reeceive the opportunity many anticipated at the NTDP. He was one a premier AAA prospect, who earned his keep on the back of a special ability to push the puck out of the D-zone and explosivity through the neutral zone. In a tough role, Trethewey has looked often buried in his own end, though his understanding of how to force opponents outside and use his stick to jam up lanes has kept him impactful through-and-through. He could afford to be more aggressive in closing gaps, but gets onto pucks and creates space to make decisions quickly. He’s a strong passer, with long and clear strides that help him push up the ice quickly. There’s a need for stouter play on both ends of the ice, but Trethewey’s puck-moving and general fundamentals make him a projectable upside bet. |
| 87. Adam Benak (C) Youngstown (USHL) Ht: 5’7.25″ Wt: 160 lbs Birthday: 10-Apr-2007 Benak has become one of the draft’s most discussed names in the waning part of the season – with many questioning how well he, or any of the other undersized forwards in this class, will translate. Let me stake my flag and say that Benak will handle the move to pros far better than the rest of the pack. Not only does he have noticeable muscle on his frame, he knows how to use it to fight for pucks and push into space on the forecheck. Benak’s upside doesn’t just come from his puck skill – though he certainly has plenty. It comes from his ability to lock in and do what his line needs to gain possession, fight for space, and generate scoring chances. Adjusting to stronger opponents and smaller pockets of space will be a challenge, but Benak should get a smooth ramp into it with a move to college hockey. |
| 88. Elijah Neuenschwander (G) Chur EHC (Swiss League) Ht: 6’4″ Wt: 192 lbs Birthday: 17-Oct-2006 I got turned around to Neuenschwander late in the year, but there’s a lot to like with just how well his frame fills the net. He’s mobile and sharp, with some realy mature skating. He stays big in net, even when he’s down, and covers his corners well. There’s work to be done on how he faces a flurry of shots or quick plays, but there are absolutely pro traits to build on here. |
| 89. Matthew Gard (C) Red Deer (WHL) Ht: 6’4.75″ Wt: 192 lbs Birthday: 07-Apr-2007 Gard plays effective enough hockey, in a strong enough frame, to already seem headed for pro games at some point. He’s agility and stays activated, which he uses to great effect in the areas around both nets – using his long reach and big stance to keep pressure on opponents. His puckhandling is a bit lanky, but strong enough to get pucks to teammates in front, or jam the puck into the goalie. He’s got a full shot with good snap, but I’m not sure I can project him into more than that netfront role. It’s such a need, and something he does well. For teams who think they missed out on Adam Edstrom or Jack Finley, Gard offers another chance. |
| 90. Jakob Ihs Wozniak (C) Lulea (Sweden) Ht: 6’2.25″ Wt: 184 lbs Birthday: 01-Feb-2007 Ihs-Wozniak is an effective playmaker, who stays an open option and cuts through the middle lane with good results. He gets around opponents and has good snap on his shot. Also makes the small give-and-go passes very well, and can see a play through from start to finish. But he seems to like slotting into the support role, and while he can be feisty on defense – I’ve found myself wanting a bit more diligence. I’m also truly not a fan of his lanky skating, and worry it may limit his ability to stay a cutting and mobile center in North America. But away from those concerns, he’s a confindent and controlled center who knows how to gain momentum from his teammates and rips great wrist-shots. |
| 91. Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen (LHD) Michigan (NCAA (B1G)) Ht: 6’0.5″ Wt: 182 lbs Birthday: 18-Dec-2006 In the same way that Boumedienne’s tough minutes at BU made his strengths tough to see, Rheaume-Mullen’s early step to Michigan has clouded just how strong some of his tools are. He’s stocky and strong on the puck, with a great ability to control possession laterally in all three zones. His shining trait is just how well he carves out space and works across the offensive blue-line. His shots are hard, his passes are hard, and he sees his teammates head-on. He didn’t have much explosion in the neutral zone this season, and struggled to play the physical game that his size could have – or that college calls for – this year. But he was a very young freshman, who handled tough minutes at multiple points this season. I imagine he’ll find a much better stride on a better-supported Michigan blue-line next year. Don’t be surprised if Rheaume-Mullen’s powerful skating and strong puckhandling ramp him into the spotlight of the prospect world before he’s out of Michigan — though he’s multiple improvements, and a solid sophomore campaign, away from that now. |
| 92. Conrad Fondrk (C) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 5’11.75″ Wt: 193 lbs Birthday: 01-Jun-2007 Fondrk struggled to find a clear and definite role with the Program in either season – but the hunt to carve one out instilled him with a really stout respect for the defensive side of being a center. You can tell he patience and appreciation he pays to making plays away from the puck, which is a bright addition to a player once lauded as a transition star. Fondrk may not have the motor many expected, but he stays strong on the puck and in control of the middle lane. A resurgence in college could push him quickly into the spotlight as a toolsy, depth center. |
| 93. Drew Schock (LHD) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 5’11.25″ Wt: 180 lbs Birthday: 07-Feb-2007 Schock stepped up when the NTDP needed a top defender. In doing so, he really improved his ability to stay square to opponents on defense, and transition from off-puck to on-puck in one movement. He started seeing the ice and leading play better, and it all seemed to come naturally. His passes were strong, and he controlled play behind his net, and at both blue-lines, well all season long. He’s still learning how to really throw around his frame, and could afford a quicker first step, but there’s the makings of a toolsy and responsible depth defender here. |
| 94. Maxim Agafonov (RHD) Ufa (Russia) Ht: 6’2.0″ Wt: 198 lbs Birthday: 10-Apr-2007 Agafanov is diligent. He gets on the ice, sees where play is, and is quick to get engaged and get the puck on his stick. He’s got a beefy frame and plays through contact well. His puck-handling is great, he stays scanning while moving up ice, and finds entries into the offensive end very well. He doesn’t dip down too often, and yet could also improve how he holds the blue-line. But Agafonov’s eye for playmaking and strong passes really makes him interesting. If he could work through some soft traits in front of his own slot, and on the offensive blue, he could become a really well-rounded puck-moving defender. How that projects into a pro role is tough to see without the carving of an NHL weight room, but there appears to be enough for a solid 7th man in a few years, at the least. |
| 95. Francesco Dell’Elce (LHD) UMass (NCAA (HockeyEast)) Ht: 6’0.5″ Wt: 170 lbs Birthday: 23-Jun-2005 Dell’Elce really took the bull by the horns this season. UMass as a whole played with tons of feist, and Dell’Elce took that on – playing with confidence and power in all three zones. He didn’t shy away puck battles and threw his weight in front of opponents. He checked sticks and pushed the puck up on the breakout. But Dell’Elce was really at his best when he gained the red-line and orchestrated entries. He got pucks to his forwards and found space on the blue-line well. Even with a boost of power this year, he remained a nimble and strong defender walking the blue-line, and knew how to gain space to generate chances. There are a few areas where Dell’Elce felt like the #2 on his pairing, but even in a support role, there appears to be enough to build a stout pro defender who can push the puck into the O-zone. His draft slot will likely depend on how confident teams are that his strong physical game can stick through the next steps. |
| 96. Mason Moe (C) Madison (USHL) Ht: 6’1.25″ Wt: 186 lbs Birthday: 26-Mar-2007 Moe has flown under the radar for the public scouts whose attention was better grabbed by the all-out energy of Ryker Lee. But Moe excelled too this year, fitting perfectly into the role of patient, pass-first center propping up the feisty drive of Lee and Bobby Cowan. Moe was responsible and air-tight all season long. He filled the D slot and used his reach to disrupt opponents. He got pucks over the blue-line on the breakout and made smart passes to his wings. And he filled the second or third role on the forecheck to great effect. He’s a middle-lane, slot-to-slot centerman with a great skating stance and lanky build. He’ll need some more heft at the next level, but finding a responsible passer to fill the middle lane is a great goal for the mid-rounds. |
| 97. Ethan Weber (LHD) Lincoln (USHL) Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 10-Dec-2006 I really love Weber’s style. He plays in the prototypical, beefy defender format – with heavy and efficient skating and a wide frame that sucks opponents in. He’s physical and defends the dots very well — among the best in his league at shutting down opponents at the blue-line, and quickly sparking movement the other way before opponents have a chance to react. He’s tough to get around, has hard passes, and holds the blue-line (and fires off slapshots) with ease. Weber’s game doesn’t jump off the page, but his style should translate beautifully to a good challenge in college. Should he take to those challenges well, this could be a major sleeper pick in the mid-to-late rounds. |
| 98. Andrew O’Neill (LW) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’1.75″ Wt: 200 lbs Birthday: 07-Feb-2007 O’Neill is an imposing, bulky frame with a knack for finding and making plays along the boards. He’s heavy on the forecheck and pushes hi way into dirty areas even if he’s the second man in. He’s far from the most nimble player, but earns a keep on the back of just how strong his frame is, how quick his feet are, and how well he gets down on pucks and makes hard passes. He’s shown glimmers of strong, independent play-driving — but thosse bright spots are a bit far between. He projects as an impactful forechecker with the ability to win out puck battles where his linemates can’t. With that said, I’m eager to see him in a more starring role with the Oil Kings next year. A boost of athleticism and more prominent lineup role could turn O’Neill into a much more independent creator. |
| 99. William Belle (RW) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’3.25″ Wt: 219 lbs Birthday: 14-Jan-2007 It’s very tough to not quickly think about Will Belle any time O’Neill is brought up – and vice versa. The two brought an incredible physical presence to the NTDP lineup this year, and there’s a fair argument that Belle was the more energetic of the two. He has a much more average frame, but put an absolute ton of muscle on over the last two years – and is now taking pride in using that to dominate the dirty areas of the ice. Belle stirs up chaos and jams his arms into opponents. His first step is explosive and strong, and throws him onto the forecheck with a ton of momentum. He also really impressed me with how much he improved his play tight to the net this season. That’s where these grinder-types need to be effective, and Belle showed that’s where he’s dedicating his focus. He’s a ball of feist and energy, who wins the majority of puck battles he dives into. His path to hockey is also very unconventional. Getting into a pro program will take Belle far. |
| 100. Arvid Drott (RW) Djugardens IF (Sweden) Ht: 5’11.75″ Wt: 183 lbs Birthday: 11-Aug-2007 Drott is a beefy forward who uses good strength to gain space in the circles at both ends. His shot is snappy and hard, and he has the puck control and passing to fit into the cycle or O-zone passing scheme well. But there were not too many times where Drott seemed to step up as the main play-driver in my viewings. He seemed better deployed as a spot-shooter who can win space and maintain possession in the O-zone, but a beefy one who may need momentum to push play behind the offensive blue. Many teams have turned that style into an effective depth role. |
| 101. Joshua Ravensbergen (G) Prince George (WHL) Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 27-Nov-2006 Ravensbergen has caught fire this year, but I’ve truly struggled to find the star traits that lend to first round acclaim. He is absolutely a wall in net, with great size and a strong ability to make fine adjustments or huge movements with precision. His skating is also fantastic. But I’ve wanted a bit more out of his butterfly, and don’t think he has the same snap as a Frolov or Medvedev. I’ll acknowledge my bias against CHL goaltenders here — and emphasize that Ravensbergen’s mix of frame and well-roundedness is solid. But I’d be more excited to land some other goalies first. |
| 102. Ryan Miller (C) Portland (WHL) Ht: 5’11.75″ Wt: 177 lbs Birthday: 03-May-2007 There’s a lot to love about Ryan Miller. He’s a fundamental and positon-first forward. He stays reserved and makes sure to make plays the right way, rather than the quick way. Smooth on the breakout, fills his lane in transition, makes quick passes, gains the O-zone and goes to work in any forechecking role. He’s not the biggest kid, and that showed through in some of his puck battles, but he knows what he’s doing — and gets rewarded with chances to use his snappy shot or playmaking abilities after winning space on offense. His frame is what drops him lower on my board — his pro role is a bit hard to glean given the bulk he’ll need to win space on the flanks in the NHL. But he’s responsible, and a damn talented player when he gets chances to show his flash. A good development team will love this addition. |
| 103. Ethan Czata (C) Niagara (OHL) Ht: 6’1.25″ Wt: 175 lbs Birthday: 29-May-2007 Czata was a diligent center this year. He stayed low and aware of his flanks on both ends of the ice. He was great at facilitating the breakout, and approached opponents with his stick out on defense. Czata also stayed aware of what was needed – and was often the first to patch holes in his team’s structure. But what seemed to be a little over-concern pulled Czata away from the on-puck poise and playmking that he could lean given his puck skills. There could be a playmaker here – but until then, there’s a center who puts in the work needed to make plays. |
| 104. Evan Passmore (RHD) Barrie (OHL) Ht: 6’4.75″ Wt: 212 lbs Birthday: 05-Dec-2006 Passmore is a beefy, heavy-on-his-feet defender — but he manages some great movement with deep and powerful strides. He knocks pucks loose in the corners and denies entry into the slot — though can also get beat laterally, especially with speed on the other side. Passmore does well at working with his linemates when he gains the puck in the D-zone, and can either orchestrate a breakout or skate up the ice himself. Both ways inject strong momentum. He’ll need to speed up his processing and rush defense at the next level, but there’s a lot to like about Passmore’s heft, shutdown role, and ability to play the puck north. |
| 105. Asher Barnett (LHD) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’0.5″ Wt: 198 lbs Birthday: 16-May-2007 Where there was responsibility to be handed out by the NTDP, there were best friends McKinney and Barnett. Barnett wore letters and showed the willingness to play any kind of role at the Program. He was even filling the D-first, checking role for a bit after Amico went down. It’s impressive considering Barnett is, generally, a two-way defender at his best controlling either blue line. He makes crisp passes and sees open ice very well. He’s instinctive and knows how to get to where play is going. Barnett didn’t add the explosive snap to his game that would have given it a grander projection, but through down years for the Program, he was a proud worker who did it all well. |
| 106. Mateo Nobert (C) Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 166 lbs Birthday: 12-Aug-2007 Nobert maximizes the plays he’s able to squeeze out of situations. He’s a quick processor who’s unfazed by pressure and makes very sharp plays in-tight. His puck skills are soft and controlled – and he fills roles behind or in front of the net to good effect. He’s a sharp passer and connected well with a more-aggressive linemate. Nobert got a bit pushed around, and didn’t always jump off the page, but his processing and ability to spark plays or keep them alive seems like something an NHL team could turn into a stout support role. |
| 107. Brandon Gorzynski (C) Calgary (WHL) Ht: 6’1.5″ Wt: 185 lbs Birthday: 12-Mar-2007 Gorzynski has become a bit of a forgotten name – but his mix of size, jump, and ability to step into opponents was a refreshing energy off of Calgary’s first-line. Gorzynski made strong efforts all season long, and improved in his ability to confidently drive through opponents to win possession or take it back. His shot is strong, and he’s great with one-timers. But he didn’t often generate the space needed to use his offensive flash. Until he adds that piece, he may be defined by responsible and physical hockey winning him the right battles. Even then, at this size, that should yield pro games in some capacity. |
| 108. Tommy Lafreniere (RW) Kamloops (WHL) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 172 lbs Birthday: 16-Jan-2007 Lafreniere is an absolute motor. He paces laterally across the layers of the offensive zone and uses super quick feet and a good stick to jam up opponents and win possession. He knows how to use his body and is nimble enough to get into dangerous areas around the net. He’s got quick hands, a snappy shot, and a good give-and-go ability. But his size can fade him into the background south of the offensive blue-line. He’s a smart and effective winger, but also one who will need a few tools before he jumps at the pro level. My bet is that when those tools are added, he’ll have hardy third-line upside and find a good match with good teammates. But NHL teams may see a slight frame and look elsewhere. Watch for Lafreniere to be a potential late-round gem. |
| 109. Brady Peddle (LHD) Waterloo (USHL) Ht: 6’2.75″ Wt: 191 lbs Birthday: 23-May-2007 Peddle is a moving brick wall. He’s wide and stocky, with really heavy strides and a powerful presence in puck battles. He takes the body, keeps his stick out, and wins his matchups. Makes good decisions on the puck and finds his teammates on the breakout, though a slow first step and processing speed both lend to Peddle being much more beneficial on the defensive side of the puck. Even though he has a booming slapshot. With that said, he seemed to find much more comfort driving play late in the season – and was becoming an effective piece of the neutral zone too. How he builds to that next year could propell him forward. |
| 110. Bruno Osmanis (RW) Bjorkloven (SWEDEN-2) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 170 lbs Birthday: 16-Dec-2006 Osmanis is another farm-fed wide player in this class. He has the quick feet and lateral skating of a much shorter player, but the unwavering stance and strong board presence of someone bigger. It makes for an interesting player who can be the first or second palyer in on the puck. He makes quick decisions, but can struggle to get really crafty with pressure closing in. Most of his offensive moments come as flashes as a result, though Osmanis’ mix of physical and mobile lend to solid impact on both sides of the puck. He projects into a solid depth role, but will need a jump to stick the landing. |
| 111. Artem Vilchinskiy (LHD) SKA St. Petersburg (Russia) Ht: 6’4.0″ Wt: 243 lbs Birthday: 16-Sep-2006 There’s a strong contingent of scouts who really love Vilchinskiy’s upside in this class. He’s a sturdy defender with clean, long movements and heads-up decision making. He knows how to get his stick on the puck, close the gap, and turn turnovers into movements up ice. He engages physically well and can make an impact in the D slot or on offensive blue-line. But he didn’t jump out as the main driver, or lean into intuitive chances to takeover play. He projects as an upside 3rd-pairing option who can get the puck moving. Great physical profile. |
| 112. William Moore (C) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’2.25″ Wt: 175 lbs Birthday: 24-Mar-2007 Moore has the tools needed to be an effective scorer. He stops up the corners and wins possession in the O-zone, and knows how to turn that possession into clean cuts into the slot and in-tight to the net. He’s got quick hands, quick feet, quick eyes – and a great ability to finish in-tight or from a distance. But he needs space to get hardy shots off, and often didn’t work in tandem with his linemates like I expected. That could totally be fit in a lineup, deployment… plenty of factors. But I didn’t see the flash outside of hard shots and good paths through space. He’s long been lauded as a premier talent in this age group, and certainly has fantastic hockey ability, but I would be lying if I said I was sparked. |
| 113. Cameron Schmidt (RW) Vancouver (WHL) Ht: 5’7.25″ Wt: 161 lbs Birthday: 19-Jan-2007 Everyone talks about Cameron Schmidt’s shot… which is an absolute bullet, with deceptively movements… but he holds a better torch to the title of most explosive this year. Few players make defenders regret their decisions quicker – and Schmidt’s first step gives him jump on most of the ice. But I’ve been surprisingly uninspired by his ability to create when plays slows down – or focuses in on him. And it’s hard to ignore his challenges to push through defenders at his size. Schmidt is undoubtedly a great player, and deserving of much of his public acclaim, but his projection to the NHL is one that I’d more reasonably bet on in this range. |
| 114. Lasse Boelius (LHD) Assat (Finland) Ht: 6’0.5″ Wt: 181 lbs Birthday: 16-Mar-2007 Boelius is an effective puck-mover who handles the regroup and breakout well. He makes smooth passes and knows how to facilitate his line’s movement up the ice – but often leaned on his forwards to gain the blue-line and establish O-zone possession. There’s a lot to like about how Boelius transitions from defense to offense, and the poise he brings to position. But while he’s fundamental in a lot of ways, he’s held out by a missing layer of physicality, explosivity, and a real X-factor. He projects as a 5-7 who can move the puck – but could find some upside with a North American move. |
| 115. Matej Pekar (RW) Seattle (WHL) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 158 lbs Birthday: 8-Sep-2007 Pekar has fallen a bit under the radar this season – I imagine because of his slight build. But he was effective throughout the year, and really made the most out of the wing position in all three zones. He makes little plays to make things happen and spark his linemates. His puckhandling is quick and his shot is long and hard. He translates movement down his lane and supported his teammate. With some more size, I’m confident he’ll continue to grow into a hardy depth pro. |
| 116. Melvin Novotny (LW) Leksand (Sweden) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 187 lbs Birthday: 03-Apr-2007 I’m a big fan of Novotny’s game. He has quick feet and uses them to stay constantly open to play and a firm option for his teammates. His hands are quick and controlled, and he gets up on the breakout and through the neutral zone with possession cleanly and consistently. Enters the O-zone with momentum… tons to like. But while he absolutely takes the chances to make plays on offense, his soft passes or quick snipes often fell short of the mark. He needs a bit more of a physical drive into the middle to really become a play-creator. That would open up more space for his shot from the flanks, and likely lend to some improved defensive play as well. For now, he’s a slight-frame but high-skill winger who can project into a depth role. |
| 117. Ondrej Stebetak (G) Portland Winterhawks (WHL) Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 173 lbs Birthday: 19-Jul-2007 Stebetak is a big, imposing frame in net. He locks into pucks and makes slight adjustments to changes in play. His hands are fast and effective, and he does well at quickly swallowing up pucks. But his overall speed, lateral ability, and pop could all be honed a bit further. There’s the makings of a really strong goalie here, especially given his size, but certainly a few steps, and likely a minor-league tenure, away from an NHL projection. |
| 118. Theo Stockselius (C) Djugardens IF (Sweden) Ht: 6’2.0″ Wt: 181 lbs Birthday: 24-Jul-2007 Stockselius is a lanky forward with strong puck control and a good mind for responsibility in the middle lane. He gets low on the breakout and uses strong scanning and passing to really command his linemates up the ice. His passes are crisp and on the tape, and he’s quick to find new space when he gets rid of the puck. But for all of his jump and quick reactions, he doesn’t do have much sharpness in really creating opportunities in the offensive end. A better awareness of how to cut around defenders, and less reliance on working in tandem with his linemates, could mold Stockselius into a stout third-liner with solid jump. |
| 119. Owen Conrad (LHD) Charlottetown (QMJHL) Ht: 6’2.5″ Wt: 214 lbs Birthday: 10-Mar-2007 A pillar of a defender. That’s what I’ve said all year and I stand by it. Conrad moves slowly and doesn’t cede ground to opponents. He uses his stick to drive puck-handlers wide on entries and retreats quickly to protecting the slot, where he shows a clear understanding of how to box opponents out. He doesn’t get knocked around in the corners and knows how to play through contact to make a play. There’s not much impact north of the D-zone, but his frame and effect could both translate to a depth role should he add a bit more motor. |
| 120. Nathan Lecompte (C) Chicoutimi (QMJHL) Ht: 5’8.75″ Wt: 167 lbs Birthday: 19-Jan-2007 Lecompte is a very mobile, very responsible center. He gets behind plays and quickly reacts to movements in one way or another. He’s got a great first step and strong ability to fill any role needed in all three zones. A playmaker, quick passes, and sharp offensive instincts – though he could afford to get to the low slot with more consistency. The issue there could be how little he’s grown so far. He’s a slight build, which you wouldn’t expect looking at the rest of his family. There could be a growth spurt due here. When it hits and Lecompte folds in more burly physicality, his responsible style could lend to a great projection. Even as a third-line center, Lecompte’s style would be worth having on your roster. Needs bulk first. |
| 121. Anthony Allain Samake (LHD) Sioux City (USHL) Ht: 6’0.75″ Wt: 178 lbs Birthday: 10-Sep-2007 Allain Samake is a phenomenal puck-handler. He’s fairly standard away from the puck, but when he gets on puck, his motor picks up. He finds lanes and makes strong cuts through the neutral zone, beats defenders head on, and pushes deep into the flanks of the offensive end to find his forwards in the slot. His passes are crisp, though he can sling them a bit too often without taking the time to jut through opponents. Improving his physical game and impact in the defensive zone will be important additions. Going one step further, and learning how to cut into the middle of the offensive end, could give Allain Samake some serious upside. |
| 122. Mikhail Fyodorov (RW) Magnitogorsk (Russia) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 152 lbs Birthday: 01-Dec-2006 Fyodorov uses a fast motor to play well, well above his frame. He’s snappy and quick around the ice, seeking out plays and digging under traffic to get into danger areas. He has tons of puck skill and couples with his center to push up the ice with tempo. There are moments where Fyodorov struggles to cut into the defense with the puck on his stick – and that can leave him a bit on the outside of play – but he’s otherwise a sharp winger who plays high in all three zones. He’ll have a strong projection, should he add 10-15 pounds and a bit more drive to his game. |
| 123. Lucas Beckman (G) Baie-Comeau (QMJHL) Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 182 lbs Birthday: 23-Aug-2007 Beckman is a fundamental and athletic goalie. He patrols the crease well and locks onto pucks coming in. His hands are both strong and he protects his corners well. He doesn’t cough up rebounds and really swallows up anything in close. But he can still get beat by flurries or high shots from in-tight. The upside is there, the athleticism is there, but he will need to adjust to the pros well before he has a clear NHL projection. |
| 124. Bobby Cowan (RW) Madison (USHL) Ht: 5’10.5″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 12-Jun-2006 There’s a ton to like in Bobby Cowan’s toolbelt. He’s a bulky winger who carries a lot of power behind his skating. He keeps his head up and drives down lanes in all three zones with good effect and decision-making. Cowan sees where play is headed, reads where his teammates are, and reacts quickly to do what’s needed to get the puck on his skilled winger’s stick. That ability made him the golden support for the all-out energy, and poised playmaking, of Ryker Lee and Mason Moe. Cowan was the diligent, responsible counterpart who knew how to make plays consistently. He’ll be worth a pro bet on the back of just how accountable he was this year. |
| 125. Linus Funck (RHD) Lulea (Sweden) Ht: 6’3.0″ Wt: 183 lbs Birthday: 10-May-2007 Funck is a lanky defender who handles lateral play well in multiple layers. He closes gaps and engages opponents physically in his own end. Makes quick passes to wingers on the breakouts but doesn’t push too far north. Instead, he’s often the back-end support, always an option for passes and quick to use his partner anywhere north of the defensive blue-line. He handles the rush and defense of the corners well – and has a nice, soft touch on the puck. But his skating is a bit awkward and choppy – which diminishes an otherwise mature style and projection. He’ll be a depth defender, but a certainly responsible one. |
| 126. Luka Radivojevic (RHD) Muskegon (USHL) Ht: 5’9.25″ Wt: 165 lbs Birthday: 03-Jan-2007 Radivojevic is a premier puck-moving defenseman, who blazes down his paths with speed and gains both blue-lines very well. His puck-control and processing at top speeds are both fantastic – and he has the stickhandling, quick cuts, and offensive instinct to take advantage of the openings he sees. He walks the blue-line extremely well too, and is capable of generating high-quality wrist shots from deep in the zone. I’m a fan of his efforts to play sharp and physical, even in a small frame. But he’ll need to add size, beef, and better lateral playmaking to stay a sharp offensive asset in the pros. If he hits, there’s genuine second-pair play-driving upside here. |
| 127. Matthew Lansing (C) Waterloo (USHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 188 lbs Birthday: 24-Feb-2007 Lansing is a skilled centerman first and foremost. He has an abundance of finesse any time the puck touches his stick, and has the motor and quick legs to really explode into play before opponents have a chance to react. His hands are quick and shifty, and he beats defenders head-on when he has the right time and space. But while he fills the middle lane to good effect, he’s struggled to find ways to push the boundaries and really create strong plays consistently. At his best, he’s a flashy and effective playmaker who can drive play 200-feet. But he quiets down between those flashes, and doesn’t carry much imposing size. Finding consistency will yield a pro projection, but he needs to add that stock first. This is a skill bet. |
| 128. Aron Dahlqvist (LHD) Brynas (Sweden) Ht: 6’3.0″ Wt: 205 lbs Birthday: 22-Feb-2007 There is an absolute ton to love with Dahlqvist – and I don’t mean that as a pun on his hefty frame. He’s a fantastic skater, with sharp edges and powerful strides. He’s also strong as an ox, and wins his battles in the slot or corners with ease. He doesn’t shy away from chances to throw hits, and has the stout stickhandling needed to get pucks up ice when he forces a turnover. But he can get a bit stuck searching for ways to play the body, and subsequently end up caught too high when defending the rush or overextending into the corners. He’s also a defensive-defenseman who doesn’t push north of the red line often, even if his play on the offensive blue-line shows some promise. Teams who watched too much Gustav Forsling this year will find a great match in Dahlqvist. Maybe their comparison is right. He’s certainly mature, physical, and an intimidating shutdown defender. But his overall projection will be hurt until he adds a bit more poise to the fold. |
| 129. Ethan Wyttenbach (LW) Sioux Falls (USHL) Ht: 5’9.25″ Wt: 180 lbs Birthday: 10-Feb-2007 Wyttenbach deserves a ton of praise for his play this season. Straight out of AAA, he showed that he was willing to put in the work needed to find a role every shift. He’s heavy and scans well. His shot is crisp and he gets through each zone with confidence. But he lacks a clear X-factor, and more adapts to the needs of each play. That can leave him a bit positionless, or push him into the long route to each puck. That missing piece, combined with some slow feet, hurt Wyttenbach’s overall projection – but he won awards for his work ethic this year, and is by all accounts a great kid. He’s a bet on personality, and a bet on ramped up development now removed from youth hockey. |
| 130. Zachary Morin (LW) Saint John (QMJHL) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 181 lbs Birthday: 25-Jan-2007 Morin is a gritty, determined forward. He has imposing size and sharp, heavy strides that help him overwhelm opponents. If his ability to win races doesn’t, his physical game absolutely will. Morin keeps a nose out for gritty hits, or opponents with their heads down. He’s hard to knock around when he gets on the puck, and fires hard and deceptive shots from the circles. He’s strong when he gets to the low slot, though he could afford to follow his shots through more. Morin is a dirty player, in the right way — but reaching the next level will require he adds a bit more finesse and play-creation to his very head-on style. |
| 131. Karl Annborn (RHD) HV71 (Sweden) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 188 lbs Birthday: 06-Mar-2007 Annborn hops around the ice and takes care to stay an open option. His stickhandling is snappy and quick, like his feet, and he handles quick rushes up the ice well. Whe nhis team gains the blue, Annborn is a golden bet to hold the blue with confidence – and gets quick shots off to maintain possession or generate rebounds. He’s more effective off puck than I’ve seen made out as well – squares up to opponents and uses his box to drive them into the corners. But he’s lacking a clear boost of physicality – and doesn’t inspire much in the neutral zone. His pro role is an interesting one to project out – but there’s reason to think that a few more pounds and oomph could land Annborn some high upside. |
| 132. Aidan Park (C) Green Bay (USHL) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 188 lbs Birthday: 06-Jan-2006 I’m happy to have a chance to talk about Park in another set of draft rankings. He’s a very smart and diligent centerman, who stayed well aware of play as it was happening and uses some nice edgework to quickly react. His hands are quick and he got through traffic well. Where Green Bay needed a facilitator, Park filled the role – supporting give-and-go’s or cross-ice passes to Zellers beautifully. Park’s skating will need some overhaul at the next level, but he’s got the playmaking brain – and quick moves in the O-zone. I think his smarts will earn a pro role at some level. |
| 133. Alexander Donovan (RW) Shattuck (HIGH-MN) Ht: 5’10.5″ Wt: 170 lbs Birthday: 08-Apr-2007 Donovan is a powerfully built forward with a heavy, dangerous shot. He brings explosive speed and barrels down the boards with serious momentum. His strength allows him to muscle through defenders and create space for himself. However, he can get tunnel-visioned when opportunities arise, often overlooking teammates and defensive responsibilities. Still, his size, shooting ability, and natural knack for generating scoring chances make him an intriguing prospect. |
| 134. Eduard Bondar (RHD) Val-d’Or (QMJHL) Ht: 6’4.25″ Wt: 187 lbs Birthday: 31-Jan-2007 Bondar is a stocky, pillar of a defender. He moves with purpose and has soft hands on the puck. He uses that ability to close distances between opponents on defense, force turnovers, and command diligent movements back the other way. He doesn’t stretch too far north, but handles regroups and hard passes well. He’s physically strong, but could be better at winning battles with some improved skating. There are multiple components that could build an effective pro defender in Bondar. That package will make him worth a late-round pick. |
| 135. Brent Solomon (RW) Champlin Park High (HIGH-MN) Ht: 5’11.75″ Wt: 173 lbs Birthday: 02-Jan-2007 Solomon is a ball of energy. He’s a stocky, well-built frame – but skates with the shoulders-down, feisty grind of a player much smaller. He takes good angles into plays and has a real great ability to come out the victor. His shot snaps, and I love his skating. If anyone can come along in the way of a Joey Muldowney, it would be Brent Solomon. His first full year in juniors could be something. If he adds better position and direction, and continues to drive play like he did at the end of the year, he coudl really breakout. |
| 136. Lev Katzin (C) Guelph (OHL) Ht: 5’8.25″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 13-May-2007 Katzin is a slick, agile winger who moves the puck with confidence and control. He navigates space well, keeping himself aligned with teammates and creating passing options. His vision across the ice is sharp, and his passing game is a clear strength. While he doesn’t attack downhill with the same drive as some of his peers, he meshes well within systems and brings a high level of finesse to his game. Physicality and defensive-zone impact remain areas for growth, but his quick, intelligent style gives him a solid foundation to build on. |
| 137. Roberto Henriquez (G) Green Bay (USHL) Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 165 lbs Birthday: 29-Apr-2007 I love Roberto Leonardo Henriquez — to the point that I’d argue his sheer upside is as high as the draft’s best names. He’s a flashy, aggressive goalie who focuses in on making every single save. He sees the puck all the way through and plays with very snappy and fast skating. He’s able to make incredible saves. But his over-focus gets him into trouble when a few pucks go in, and he has a lot of room for fundamental improvements to his game. I’ll argue that those improvements can be added with the help of some top-level, North American coaching. Henriquez is in his first year in the country after growing through the Slovakia youth ranks… and his brightest shows were flashes of seriously special athletic and mental ability. I’ll bet high on those flashes, knowing more regiment could lead him to great heights — even if his measurements don’t match to some others in this range. |
| 138. Noah Laberge (LHD) Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL) Ht: 6’0.25″ Wt: 187 lbs Birthday: 09-Oct-2006 Laberge is a fun one. He has a ton of energy in a very active, well-built frame. He squares up to opponents and uses a wide stance and active stick to strip pucks. When he gets possession, there’s no saying what he’s going to do. He’s a smart passer, but also has the jump to push into the rush and work off his forwards. He makes mature plays, though none of them jump off the page enough to land him a high projection. I have no doubt Laberge will play pro hockey, but he’ll need to continue adding strength and jump to his game to land on the NHL fast track. |
| 139. Simon Wang (LHD) Oshawa (OHL) Ht: 6’5.5″ Wt: 215 lbs Birthday: 27-Jul-2007 Simon Wang’s athleticism is what’s earned him draft acclaim. He has a huge frame, but moves incredibly well – gets down on his edges, makes sharp cuts, has a great first step, and doesn’t get knocked off his feet. He’s skillful on the puck and makes sharp plays to move and stay across each blue-line. When his offensive instinct shines through, he makes smart plays and hard passes into the slot — but those moments don’t always shine through. His handling of defending the rush, and holding position in the defensive end, both need honing – though that will come along in college. He’s a bet on athleticism, but a fantastic athlete. How that projects to the NHL isn’t very clear – but he’s an exciting player. |
| 140. Gavin Cornforth (RW) Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 166 lbs Birthday: 15-Dec-2006 Cornforth plays with grit and intelligence. He drives play downhill with purpose and excels at working from his position. He coordinates effectively with teammates along the flank and delivers hard-nosed plays in tight areas. He hunts down opponents with energy and embraces physical engagement. Though he lacks ideal size, he brings a sharp competitive edge. If he can add muscle, stay aggressive, and elevate his poise under pressure, he projects as a sturdy, hard-working forward with real developmental upside. |
| 141. Hayden Harsanyi (LW) Swift Current Broncos (WHL) Ht: 5’9″ Wt: 171 lbs Birthday: 10-Jan-2007 I’ve been surprised to not hear more clamor about Harsanyi’s upside. He’s among the best puckhandlers in the class, with a really keen and dialed-in understanding of how to gain the blue-line and carve out space. His bright moments shine like diamonds – but he’s noticeably soft and avoidant of puck battles or plays along the boards. He’s at his best in the second layer of the offensive end, and has the motor, agile skating, and puck-skills to get the puck to that spot. But when it’s not there, and he can’t get it there, Harsanyi falls into the background quickly. He’s a fascinating upside bet, but likely needs 10 or 20 more pounds and the understanding of how to use it before he can project into a top-nine pro role. |
| 142. Shamar Moses (RW) North Bay (OHL) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 200 lbs Birthday: 06-May-2007 Moses is a savvy player on both sides of the puck. He times his poke checks well, wins pucks cleanly, and moves it quickly to his teammates. Along the boards, he fills his role effectively and shows strong awareness in defending the blue line — outperforming many of his peers. However, his skating is choppy, which can make it tough for him to adjust to sudden changes in speed or direction. He has the size to play physically and does leave a mark, but he’ll need more time at the junior level to elevate his overall game. |
| 143. Jamiro Reber (C) HV71 (Sweden) Ht: 5’10.0″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 04-Sep-2006 Reber is a highly energetic support winger. He reads the ice well and stays disciplined in his lane across all three zones, constantly looking for ways to stay involved. Though a bit undersized, he plays with an edge — agitating opponents to spark plays on the breakout, slip through transition lanes, and find open space in the offensive zone. He excels at short, quick passes and has a sharp sense for offensive positioning. However, he tends to struggle when asked to drive a line himself. He brings physicality relative to his size, but that area still needs refinement. With the right development path, he projects as a hard-working third-line winger who thrives on doing the gritty work and making smart plays. |
| 144. Kurban Limatov (LHD) Dynamo Moscow (Russia) Ht: 6’3.0″ Wt: 198 lbs Birthday: 20-Mar-2007 Limatov is a fantastic athlete. He’s bulky and heavy, but skates with light feet and powerful strides. He’s a fantastic puckhandler who gets a ton of momentum behind his play, and really excels at driving into the offensive zone. But way too often he ends up as the furthest man away from the defensive end as opponents break in. His attention is clearly trained on the offensive impact – an impact that he doesn’t find all too often, unless he has teammates ready in the middle. There’s a lot to like about his mix of bulk, skating, and handling, but he needs to become more poised to use those skills to the right effect. As it stands, he’s an all-offense, no-defense defender with a tough projection. |
| 145. Vincent Desjardins (C) Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) Ht: 5’10.5″ Wt: 165 lbs Birthday: 08-Sep-2006 I’m a big fan of Desjardins’ game. He’s sharp and feisty in all three zones, with a great motor to boot. He gets his legs moving fast and hard, and uses it to plow through space and get into the dirty areas of the ice. He digs his shoulders into opponents in a real grinder kind of role. He’s effective and tears at opponents until he wins possession. But it’s been hard to ignore his struggles with defending the rush when opponents get momentum behind them. That’s a tough flaw, but a fine one for a center who knows how to dig into the low slots of the offensive end. But he needs support from his wingers that he didn’t get this year — and let up a lot of ground defensively because of it. He projects as a strong grinder who could probably translate to the right-wing at the top flight. |
| 146. Roman Bausov (RHD) Dynamo St. Petersburg (Russia) Ht: 6’5.0″ Wt: 179 lbs Birthday: 28-Apr-2007 Bausov is a rangy defender with a long stick. He annoys opponents on the rush, and strips pucks loose in the defensive zone. He holds the blue line on offense and takes snappy shots. And for a lanky frame, he’s got some strong skating and good edgework. He stays pretty reserved and doesn’t jump off the page in any one regard, but has the smooth tools to make effective plays and hold to his spot. North American training could take him a long way towards finding an effective, bottom-end role. |
| 147. Maceo Phillips (LHD) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’5.75″ Wt: 228 lbs Birthday: 25-Feb-2007 Phillips is a towering defender who gets down in his stance and drives into the ice effortlessly. He picks up his legs and gets his feet moving quickly. Both facts him great jump for someone so tall. They also help him stay down on the puck and make quik cuts when opponents step up. But Phillips has long needed to improve his stride and ability to carry the puck the full distance. There’s a ton to like in his style – he’s heavy in the corners, throws hits in open ice and on the boards, and makes quick plays on the puck. But he’s missing a real drive on the puck or feist in the slot. Those lacking pieces make a full projection tough to provide, but on the basis of frame, and athleticism within that frame, he’s a clear worthy pick. |
| 148. Alex Misiak (LW) Waterloo (USHL) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 173 lbs Birthday: 22-Jun-2007 Misiak is an energetic, toolsy winger with a deep drive to find and win plays. He doesn’t shy away from pressure or contact, gets into the corners and along the boards, and comes out of plays with pucks on his stick and his head up. His passes are crisp and hard, and he quickly found an impactful role as a get-‘er-done winger in the USHL. That’s great effect, especially for a smaller wing. He’ll need an X-factor to really excel, but has the makings of an impactful utility player at the pro step. |
| 149. Atte Joki (C) Lukko (Finland) Ht: 6’0.5″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 21-Jul-2007 Joki is a beefy centerman, with size on his side, and he uses it to great effect. He squares up and pushes into opponents on defense, and absorbs contact. He’s strong and blocks off the important spaces of the ice. He plays high in the O-zone and attacks down on opponents, leaning on an absolute booming slapshot. He will need to add a better drive, and poise, at the next level – but has strong traits to build on, and could bring upside to a depth forward role one day. |
| 150. Richard Baran (LHD) DES MOINES (USHL) Ht: 6’0.75″ Wt: 185 lbs Birthday: 24-Oct-2005 Baran is a tall, stocky defender who’s at his best when he’s controlling play along the boards and holding the offensive blue-line. He shuts down opponents with a strong stick and ability to close gaps quickly. He moves loose pucks up ice with confidence and sticks as the reliable safety net behind play. He’s strong on his stick and physical in all three zones, though doesn’t have much jump. If he can improve his skating and continue adding heft, it’d be hard to not see Baran earning a responsible pro role. |
| 151. Anders Miller (G) Portland (WHL) Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 198 lbs Birthday: 04-Oct-2006 Miller is among the most athletic goaltenders in the class. His skating is fantastic and his edges are sharp. He moves in all directions with ease and has great pop, strong hands, and a great ability to stand up to flurries. But he can be beat by the simple plays or hard shots. He was new to juniors this year and still seems to have some growth to add in. With that said, the athleticism and talent are clear. He may be undersized, but I’ve got a good feeling he’ll find his way to pro games. |
| 152. Will Sharpe (LHD) Kelowna (WHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 195 lbs Birthday: 07-Mar-2007 Sharpe is a nimble defender who excels at driving play through the neutral zone. He’s strong on the puck and light on his feet, and explodes at the chance to win possession and drive downhill. He doesn’t dive too deep into the offensive end, but holds the blue-line well. There’s a layer of strength and confidence needed here, but Sharpe’s nimble play-driving has yielded pro games for many others. He’ll be the next in line, looking to bank in on great jump and athleticism. |
| 153. Jonas Woo (RHD) Medicine Hat (WHL) Ht: 5’8.75″ Wt: 165 lbs Birthday: 19-Nov-2006 The fact that Woo has gone undrafted feels like a crime. Yes he’s undersized, but he’s also incredibly aggressive and controlled, with the ability to win pucks and drive downhill with confidence. He plays laterally well and dominates play on the offensive blue-line. His skating is lightning fast, he stands up to physical play well enough, and overall plays with the sharpness you need out of your puck-moving, depth defenders. There’s a lot to like – and I’d absolutely spend a pick on him after the commanding year he had in Medicine Hat. |
| 154. Nicholas Sykora (LW) Sioux City (USHL) Ht: 5’11.5″ Wt: 173 lbs Birthday: 24-May-2007 Sykora is a powerful winger with a quick-release shot he can unleash both in motion and from a standstill. His puck-handling is solid enough to navigate through traffic, though his stance and edgework lack the explosiveness to consistently beat defenders off the rush. At times, he appears unfocused away from the puck, prioritizing positioning over engagement with the play. This reduces his impact, and he’ll need to improve his off-puck awareness to thrive at the professional level. That said, his style, physicality, and well-rounded skillset have long earned him respect. |
| 155. Kam Hendrickson (G) Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 9-Jan-2006 I’ve been high on Hendrickson for a long time. He’s far from the most refined goalie, even a few years into draft eligiblity, but he’s among the sharpest big-moment netminders in his age group. He locks in when the lights shine bright, and excels at tracking pucks, facing quick adjustments, and making dramatic saves. He could afford to find out how to string out those big moments across a full season – or behind a team that doesn’t get barraged – but when the moment requires Hendrickson to step up, he does. I love his game and personality. His projection to pros is a long one, but I’m excited to see how he takes advantage of pro minutes when… not if… he earns them. |
| 156. Jake Stuart (C) USA U18 (NTDP) Ht: 5’9″ Wt: 161 lbs Birthday: 8-Jan-2007 Stuart is an instinctive two-way forward who pays close attention to the center responsibilities and fulfills them well. He wins faceoffs and makes noticeable impacts on both sides of both nets. He’s not the biggest player but he checks sticks and digs himself under opponents to become an option in the low areas of the ice. He makes quick passes and plays through the breakout and break-in with fundamentals and smooth movements. But he sits far back, erring on the side of defense and third-man-in. That’s left him in a minor role at the Program – but I’ve got a great feeling he’ll be the one to breakout after leaving the NTDP’s bottom-six. Muskegon next year! |
| 157. Jack Ivankovic (G) Brampton (OHL) Ht: 5’11” Wt: 178 lbs Birthday: 22-May-2007 Ivankovic is another surprise take in my goalie list, but I’d encourage y’all to not be surprised by the fall. He’s an undersized OHL goaltender who makes up for missing bulk with great athleticism and strong play against the posts. But his game-to-game consistency dwindled as the year dragged on, and he let in a flurry whenever he let in a few. His rebound control and tracking through chaos both need boosts before I can be to confident in his NHL projection, though his great movements and agility make him surely worth a draft pick. |
| 158. Brendan McMorrow (C) Waterloo (USHL) Ht: 5’11.75″ Wt: 180 lbs Birthday: 27-Mar-2006 McMorrow is a motor. He drives around the ice with a purpose, and gains a lot of speed with quick crossovers and choppy strides. He can hunt down opponents on the regroup, dive into the forecheck, or hang high to find open pockets of space. But while McMorrow is sharp, smart, and aware at all times – he doesn’t take full advantage of the benefits he creates. Getting the puck off quicker and anticipating the next step will be two areas McMorrow needs to improve at the next step – though his energy and genuine playmaking upside has made him a personal favorite for years. |
| 159. Owen Griffin (C) Oshawa (OHL) Ht: 5’9.75″ Wt: 160 lbs Birthday: 08-Apr-2007 Owen Griffin checks all of the boxes in the offensive end. He’s not often the first man in or the feistiest in the zone – but he sees where the play needs a boost and makes good plays along the boards, behind and in front of the net, and in the second layer. He’s got a snappy shot and jumpy agility, and does play with edge when he’s faced with battles in-tight to the puck. There’s a lot to like about his play in the O-zone, but not too much more than a fast motor south of the O blue-line. I’ve never been one to bet high on all-offense CHLers, but Griffin is flashy and worth a pick. With the right arc, he could land in a lot of different layers of pro scoring. |
| 160. Kristian Epperson (LW) Saginaw (OHL) Ht: 5’11.5″ Wt: 183 lbs Birthday: 16-May-2006 Epperson filled an exciting role in Saginaw this year, and ended the season as one of the league’s top scorers. He’s a great facilitator, who serves as the conduit… the coach at the red line… to quickly receive passes and facilitate movement through each zone. He’s bulky and gets in on the forecheck with tempo. But I worry Epperson will need to overhaul some choppy skating, and find the style that lies between his main strengths of controlled transition and forecheck. He has the tools, but without the craft he may be stuck in a support’s role. |
| 161. Love Harenstam (G) Skelleftea (HockeyAllsvenskan) Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 18-Jan-2007 Harenstam is a mobile and athletic goaltender who takes great advantage of space. He knows when and how to challenge opponents, but also plays deep in his crease effectively. He’s got quick hands and elegant movements – but could use a boost in how well he tracks the puck through traffic. He’s a great athlete and sharp goalie, but still young, with a path of fundamental growth ahead of him. He’ll be a long road, but has projectable traits to bet on with a mid-round pick. |
| 162. John Stout (LHD) Madison Capitols (USHL) Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 207 lbs Birthday: 20-Apr-2006 Stout plays as his name suggest. He’s sturdy and responsible on the backend, and really exceeds at forming a wall to entry at the blue-line. He’s hard to get by or knock over, and brings that unwavering frame into battles in the corners. This is Stout’s second year of eligibility – but he was in high school last year, and really showed the signs of an effective defensive-defenseman who knows how to lead a line this year. With a big frame, I may be selling him short with this rank — though I want to see how he adjusts to tough minutes at UW before I get my hopes too high. |
| 163. L.J. Mooney (C) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 5’7.0″ Wt: 162 lbs Birthday: 08-Mar-2007 Mooney is among the most technically gifted players in the draft class. He has star-grade stickhandling and explosive skating that he uses to make defenders look silly on the rush. Even better, he finds the slot with determination, and shows clear respect to the fact that the majority of goals come tight to the net. But Mooney is also among the frailest players in this draft. He gets bullied by heavy opponents, and missed a good chunk of time this year after a (dirty) open-ice hit from college opposition. Mooney showed an effort to improve his physical game late in the year – but his changes weren’t very fundamental, and he’ll still face an uphill battle at the next level. He’s worth a draft pick for sheer skill alone, and looks to have every bit of potential needed to be the next Doug Gilmour or Martin St. Louis. But those projections are a long shot, as high as the ceiling is. |
| 164. Alexander Pershakov (RW) Sibir Novosibirsk (Russia) Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 19-Oct-2006 Pershakov is a lanky forward who sees the ice well. His puck control is fantastic, and he keeps his head up going down the ice. Uses it to circle the offensive zone to force lanes open and exploit them when they do. His shot is fantastic. Deceptive and whippy. But Pershakov has a tendency to float around zones, and little awareness for when he gets in the way. Doesn’t stop on plays. And very independent in his creating. He has a lot of strong traits, but would need to pull them together more for the NHL. |
| 165. Finn McLaughlin (LHD) FARGO (USHL) Ht: 6’2.0″ Wt: 203 lbs Birthday: 28-Feb-2006 McLaughlin is a lanky, smooth-moving defender. His puckhandling is clean and careful, and he uses it and sharp edgework to really drive transition down and across the ice. He vastly improved his ability to challenge defenders in his own zone this year, adding strength on his stick and taking the body a bit more. But McLaughlin’s biggest strength remains his commanding drive of moevment through the neutral zone. He has a long stick, smart passing, and good jump. He may need to add a good deal of support to reach NHL projection, but he’ll assuredly be a great college defender – and that can go far in ramping up development. |
| 166. Nathan Brisson (LW) Val d’Or (QMJHL) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 174 lbs Birthday: 22-September-2006 Brisson handled a big and responsible role with Val d’Or this year, on the back of a constant drive to make the simply plays and the important plays well. He gets low on the breakout and sees his wingers well. He’s always in line with play and makes the quick passes and lane adjustments needed to stay an open option and move puck downhill. There’s no clear X-factor to his offensive game, but he fills roles and takes hard shots. There’s a lot to like about Brisson’s abiltiy to drive a line and make a play – but with the improvements his physical game needed, I can’t get too excited just yet. |
| 167. Liam Kilfoil (C) Halifax (QMJHL) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 179 lbs Birthday: 21-Mar-2007 Klifoil is a well-rounded playmaker who sees the ice well. He patrols the middle lane and reacts quickly to loose pucks or chances to knock an opponent off of the puck. He puts himself where he needs to be, with good instinct and clear understanding that he’s not going to be the one to win physical battles. He makes up for it by always being down and ready, and supporting movement through the neutral zone well. There will be a long hill to climb to add NHL speed and size, but he’s a toolsy, locked-in mind who seems ready for the challenge. |
| 168. Viktor Klingsell (RW) Skelleftea (Sweden) Ht: 5’9.5″ Wt: 188 lbs Birthday: 10-Feb-2007 Klingsell is a nifty forward with fast hands. He beats opponents one-on-one and uses quick feet to leave them in his dust. He’s deliberate with all of his puck skills, and knows how to take angles through the neutral zone and O-zone to set up chances to attack defenders head-on. His shot has good snap and he uses it to good effect. But not only is he undersize and lacking physicality, he also lacks a real explosive step that would launch him forward. He’s got a great eye and doesn’t shy away from a challenge, but with components to add, I’d be hesitant to take him too early. |
| 169. Daniil Ustinkov (LHD) GCK Zurich (SWISS-2) Ht: 6’1.0″ Wt: 200 lbs Birthday: 26-Aug-2006 Ustinkov didn’t add all too much to his game this year, but he remained a puck-moving defender who offers just as much passing ability as he does bulky size. His skating is powerful and smooth – impressive for a 200-pound defender. He’s improving his ability to throw that weight around, and learned enough to earn a routine role on a pro-level championship team late this season. He needs to continue growing to earn a path to the NHL – but has taken the right steps to stay on a draft list for a second year. |
| 170. Richard Gallant (LW) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 5’8.0″ Wt: 170 lbs Birthday: 12-Jun-2007 There’s been a real lack of hype around Gallant all year long. I probably play into that with a sixth-round ranking, but his style and work ethic are valued well beyond this rank. He’s a determined, feisty player along the boards and shows a strong understanding of how to get under, through, and around bigger opponents. He stays down on pucks and pulls possession into open space consistently. That trait has made him a phenomenal support man for some of the NTDP’s biggest stars – and earned him top-line positioning when the games matter most. It’ll be an uphill climb for him to take his smaller frame to a pro level, but Gallant has shown every bit of grit and puck skill to make it happen. |
| 171. Mikhail Katin (LHD) Omaha (USHL) Ht: 6’6″ Wt: 206 lbs Birthday: 24-Oct-2006 Katin was faced with a tremendously tough role this season – serving as one of the top defenders on perhaps the most caved-in roster across major juniors. But he handled it with consistency all year long, using fundamnetal defense, an active stick, and smooth skating to close off transition into the defensive zone. He also showed a heap of understanding for how to use his frame against opponents, even if he could use a bit more bulk before he’s really an imposing presence. There’s a lot to like about how Katin plays away from the puck, and his decisions on puck are strong enough to pull together a well-rounded style. He’ll be a low-grade bet on draft day, but one worth taking for teams shallow on the left-side. |
| 172. Daniil Prokhorov (RW) Dynamo St. Petersburg (Russia) Ht: 6’5.0″ Wt: 209 lbs Birthday: 27-Apr-2007 Prokhorov is a giant of a forward, but moves with clean strides and a good heads-up style. He supports the breakout and gets through the neutral zone well. Absolutely fantastic at gaining both blue-lines. But he’s not abundantly strong on the puck, and can get caught up trying to break into the slot in either end. At his best, he creates noticeably impressive drive into the dirty areas and bangs in loose pucks. But he needs some more grit and strength on the puck to really translate that over to North America. Upside and size, but work to go. |
| 173. Nathan Behm (RW) Kamloops (WHL) Ht: 6’1.5″ Wt: 192 lbs Birthday: 18-Apr-2007 Behm is among the best in-tight finishers in the draft class when he’s at his best. He’s a beefy body that drives into the slot with confidence. When he’s there, Behm uses strong shoulders and quick flips to beat goaltenders cleanly. His hard wrist-shot also makes him effective from a distance. But his bright spots seem few-and-far between, especially when the puck is outside of the offensive end. Behm’s understanding of how to get to the net, and create chances around it, are both impressive – but his ability to do it each and every shift has been called into question. |
| 174. Viggo Nordlund (LW) Skelleftea (Sweden) Ht: 5’9.0″ Wt: 165 lbs Birthday: 22-Sep-2006 Nordlund’s game is filled with finesse. He’s got flashy stickhandling and a special ability to carve up space in the offensive zone. He attacks off the boards and around the net, and buries the chances he gets in tight to the net. His skating isn’t the quickest, but he’s fantastically agile and able to get into the soft spots of defenders. But good physical play can shut him down, and that can be a deal maker for some teams. There’s a lot to like in how he cuts up offense, but he’ll only face more contact and pressure at the next flight. |
| 175. Carter Klippenstein (C) Brandon (WHL) Ht: 6’2.5″ Wt: 180 lbs Birthday: 25-Nov-2006 Klippenstein is a feisty, puckhog forward who does well at setting a boundary between the pucks and opponents. His frame is lanky and could afford some bulk, but he knows how to lean into his size to get an advantage in puck battles or as opponents step up. His handles are quick for his size, his strides are long, and his shot is hard. All great components to build on – especially on the back of Klippenstein’s positioning. But he can be a bit slow getting his feet moving, and is susceptible to falling behind play. With some awkward skating, those can be tough weaknesses to make up for – but the right refinement would squeeze pro minutes out of Klippenstein’s strong, on-puck style. |
| 176. Chase Jette (RW) Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) Ht: 5’9″ Wt: 174 lbs Birthday: 9-Apr-2007 Jette is a very quick, very reactive winger who follows the pace of play and doesn’t jump out often – positive or negative. Instead, he fills his role, takes on physicality, and uses quick feet to drive in and around the offensive end. His shot could have some more snap, but he’s diligently responsible and capable of winning space anywhere on the ice. That, combined with some solid faceoff accumen and strong defense, is worth a solid pick with hopes he can develop into a toolsy depth forward. |
| 177. Lukas Sawchyn (LW) Edmonton (WHL) Ht: 5’9.75″ Wt: 168 lbs Birthday: 27-Feb-2007 Sawchyn is a beefy, shoot-first winger. He makes his best impact when his defenders can catch him moving through the neutral zone, and generates hard and accurate shots off the rush. He’s an effective spot shooter when play gets set up in his own end, and has strong enough handling (and puck protection know-how) to control space under pressure in the O-zone. But he’s a fairly slow option at wing and could afford to be a bit more eager with his physical play. He’s strong components awaiting the right glue. If an NHL team can provide it, they could find interesting goal-scoring upside here. |
| 178. Andrei Trofimov (G) Magnitogorsk (Russia) Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 187 lbs Birthday: 20-Jul-2006 Trofimov is a very technically sound goaltender. All of his movements are correct. His angles are great. He makes saves confidently and doesn’t allow rebounds. And he’s generally pretty athletic, though he’s not overwhelmingly quick. That’s really his biggest knock. He’s missing an overwhleming ability to pull together a very well-rounded package. But that’s not an inherent flaw in goalies – and Trofimov seems to have every ounce of sharp mental, smooth athletics, and genuine size to fill a strong role in net. He has a ton of upside, and I imagine would be a very exciting player for one of the league’s top goalie rooms to get a chance to develop. |
| 179. Nikita Tyurin (LHD) Moscow Spartak Jr. (Russia) Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 174 lbs Birthday: 2-Jul-2007 Tyurin is a snappy defender. He jumps to his spots and moves with the pace of play very well, all the while using an active stick and eager physicality to jam up opponents. But his best moments come when he’s controlling the offensive blue-line, or blocking out his own slot. He goes out of his way to maintain possession in the O-zone, and can make effective plays from a distance. He also gets in opponents’ faces in the D-zone, and shows a good understanding of how to force opponents to the corner. But in the gap between, he can be easy to forget. Strong components that need pulled together to give him anything more than a 6/7th defender projection. |
| 180. Will Felicio (LHD) University of Michigan (NCAA (B1G)) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 160 lbs Birthday: 19-May-2006 I was a bit disappointed to not see Felicio get more run with Michigan. Yes, he’s an undersized defender who can cede a bit too much space in the defensive end. But he’s also an incredibly mobile puck-mover who corrals loose pucks and moves up ice with tempo. At points, Felicio was the only Michigan defender capable of sparking a fastbreak. He needs to improve his ability to stop opponents in their path to the net, and could find more ways to take advantage of the rushes that he creates. But Felicio is dynamic when a chance to drive downhill opens up. He’ll move to a bigger role with Union next season, and should have much more chance to show the game-changing impact his playdriving can bring. |
| 181. Tinus Luc Koblar (C) Leksands IF JR (Sweden) Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 187 lbs Birthday: 21-Jul-2007 Luc Koblar is an effective puck-moving center. He fills the middle lane and interacts with his wingers well. Supports the breakout and avoids pressure from opponents to get clear, long stretches with the puck. He doesn’t dive into the middle of the O-zone, but uses snappy passes and a rangy, effective, and fundamental shot to still generate solid chances. There are a lot of layers of Koblar’s game that could be better refined – but at his best, he’s locked into the slot-to-slot role and nimble on the puck. With a bit more heft behind him, that could be enough to carve out a pro role. |
| 182. Émile Guité (LW) Chicoutimi (QMJHL) Ht: 6’1.25″ Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 31-May-2007 Guité is a shoot-first forward who finds strong space in the circles of the offensive end. He gets pucks off quick – but has the strength and step needed to reposition when pressure closes in. He’s bulky enough to crash nets, but could boost his ability to bury rebounds. His play south of the O-zone is responsible, but usually underwhelming, and he’s often the second or third in on the forecheck. Those traits build a quiet packgae for a player with a few solid skills – namely how hard his shot is. |
| 183. Reese Hamilton (LHD) Regina (WHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 172 lbs Birthday: 26-Mar-2007 Hamilton has lost a lot of steam in the public consensus this year. I’m not going to pretend like I was there for his growth from AAA to juniors – but in eyeing his years in the WHL, I can’t help but agree with the rest. Hamilton is a sharp, high-IQ player who fills an impactful role when he’s in his own zone, away from the puck. He knows how to jam up lanes with his body and stick, and nag opponents in the danger areas of the ice. He’s also a fantastic puck-handler, and pushes play out of his own end well. But Hamilton’s game quiets down substantially north of the blue-line, and he often errs on the side of overcautious rather than later. That ramp down, and a need for a bulkier frame, lands Hamilton down my board – though he’s a player who could find a more fitting role in pro company. |
| 184. Jacob Kvasnicka (RW) USA U-18 (NTDP) Ht: 5’11.25″ Wt: 175 lbs Birthday: 10-Aug-2007 Kvasnicka is a motor on the ice. He plays with tempo, aggression, and pace – getting into the offensive end and making plays on the board with confindece. He finds teammates in the middle lane and is capable of making one or two opponents miss. His play in-tight is strong, and he keeps his head up for options. You’re getting a feisty winger here – but one that will need size before a clear path to NHL opens. Plenty of time to add that, and a good pro projection nonetheless. |
| 185. Maddox Labre (LHD) Victoriaville (QMJHL) Ht: 6’2.0″ Wt: 180 lbs Birthday: 15-Jun-2007 Labre really dazzles when he gets moving with the puck. He picks up speed quickly and uses strong crossovers to cut between lanes and pull of rangy dekes around opponents. He snaps pucks into the middle of the O-zone quickly, and doesn’t overstay his welcome down the ice. He also keeps an active stick on defense – but doesn’t have the same jump or takeover ability. While there are traits to bet on, he’ll need to improve a few layers – not just his defense, but his physical game and ability to drive play consistently – before his flash will earn pro upside. |
| 186. Kale Dach (C) Sherwood Park (BCHL) Ht: 5’10.0″ Wt: 165 lbs Birthday: 15-Feb-2007 Dach is an extremely mobile, puck-hogging center who uses quick feet, sharp strides, and good side-to-side stickhandling to push through ice north of the D-zone. He gets to the danger areas and takes time to find space north of the low-slot. His shot is quick and accurate, but he’s just as likely to rotate through and wait for opportunity to open up. But his frame is slight, and he gets beat by pressure. Lots to like, lots to add – but his skill is worth a pick. |
| 187. Matous Jan Kucharcik (C) Slavia (Czechia Extraliga) Ht: 6’3.0″ Wt: 164 lbs Birthday: 03-Feb-2007 Kucharcik is a nimble, lanky center who jumps around plays with good effect. He’s snappy reacting to pucks, he’s able to drive play through the D-zone and neutral zone well, and makes quick passes to move up ice. He’s not the strongest in his frame, but finds the gaps to squeeze between defenders and keeps his stick open for passes. He’s quick in front, and generally fills the middle lane well. It’s hard to shine through in any of those categories in the league he was in, and there were times where his general offense didn’t spark much. But there are tools of a utility scorer in the bottom-end here. |
| 188. Teddy Townsend (C) Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 170 lbs Birthday: 2-Sep-2005 Townsend remained a nimble and effective playmaker through yet another season of draft eligibility. He moves his get quick and jumps into play on the boards all around the ice. His brightest moments come from smart plays at the offensive hashmarks and when he has space in the corners. Townsend sees the ice well, and becomes a genuine playmaker with the right time and space. How often does he get that in a frame that’s not all too physical? As much as you may expect. But the passing upside here is flat out. |
| 189. Nolan Roed (C) Tri-City (USHL) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 186 lbs Birthday: 25-Oct-2005 Roed is a bulky forward who fills his roles well. He gets low in the zone and supports strong possession with quick passes to his teammates. He sees lanes all the way through, and knows how to drive downhill and get around opponents. He gets puck to the net and makes plays in the O-zone corners. His eye for quick passes and ability to play through contact are strong – and could earn solid fourth-line upside – but he needs to get a bit sharper, stronger, and more creative to reach the top flight. |
| 190. Linards Feldbergs (G) Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL) Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 194 lbs Birthday: 16-Aug-2005 Feldbergs is a great all-around goaltender. Jack of all. He’s smooth in his movements and challenges opponents. His glove is strong and he controls his rebounds. But he can leave small holes or get beat from side-to-side movement. He locks into games and doesn’t let a goal or two knock him off course. That mindset on a well-rounded frame will be worth investing into, if only to find a solid option for the minor leagues. |
| 191. Rio Kaiser (LHD) Peterbourough Petes (OHL) Ht: 6’7″ Wt: 230 lbs Birthday: 7-Oct-2006 Kaiser is a towering defender. He’s huge, with a long reach and good control of the red-line and defensive-blue. He’s mobile in the right settings – with strong backwards skating and good rush defense. He can check sticks, take bodies, and make plays on the puck – but can also get cuahgt on his heels when opponents turn around quickly. He’ll need to stay on his toes, add a better jump, and become heftier to carry his style to the next level. If he adds those pieces, he has solid depth upside. |
| 192. Mason Kraft (LW) Cedar Rapids (USHL) Ht: 5’11” Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 6-Feb-2007 Kraft is a burly winger who earns his keep with heavy drive through opponents and quick plays on the puck. He’s improved his ability to use his size and handles in tandem, and caught fire with the tempo behind his movement between zones later in the year. He’s snappy and strong for a high-schooler, but will need to improve his ability to find and take advantage of space at the next level. The test will come next season when he moves to juniors full time – and I’ve got a good feeling he finds a groove. |
| 193. Ruslan Karimov (RW) Sarnia (OHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 195 lbs Birthday: 27-Apr-2007 Karimov is stocky and fast-paced. He’s got great size and wins the physical battles well in all three zones. Knows how to get against the boards and push the puck downhill. He needs to get much more consistent in staying an option to his linemates and making plays that get the puck to the net, not just ones that push it downhill. There’s size and mobility to work with here, though he may need some more honing to really project into a top role. |
| 194. Patrick Quinlan (G) USA U18 (NTDP) Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 185 lbs Birthday: 19-Apr-2007 Quinlan is far from the flashiest goaltender, but he’s earned hardy minutes with very patient and technical play in net. He focuses in on playing the right way, and boasts the right skating, aggression, and vision needed to do it well. Quinlan’s athleticism won’t jump off the page, but he could have a clean path to the depths of pro hockey so long as he continues to hang onto starting roles. He’ll get plenty of chance to do that in a tough role with Sarnia next season. |
| 195. Ivan Ryabkin (LW) Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 201 lbs Birthday: 25-Apr-2007 Ryabkin is a dynamo talent… literally and figuratively. His hands are strong and confident, he beats defenders after crossing the blue-line, and his shot is nearly second-to-none in this class. Hard, crisp, and accurate from any angle. Those traits made Ryabkin a star scorer when he made a surprising move to the USHL mid-season. But the reasons for that move, his general fitness, and his willingness to improve that fitness have all been brought into question. He’s a strong hockey talent who could be a solid player with the right drive. As things stand, I don’t feel confident that drive is there – from all of my experiences around the USHL. He’s a high-upside, low-floor option who I’d be okay to see land with another club. |
| 196. Julius Sumpf (C) Moncton (QMJHL) Ht: 6’1.25″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 11-Jan-2005 Sumpf is staggering and slow – but he follows the tempo of play extremely well, and constantly makes himself an option for his teammates. He’s bulky and physical – and blazes space down the middle lane and into the slot. He’s not a main play-driver, but can make quick enoiugh passes to his wings to spark breakouts and get up the ice with possession. If Sumpf adds a quicker step, or more aggressive physicality, he could also find role on special teams. His upside is low, but his strength and supporting role could translate to the pros without many stylistic changes. |
| 197. Tanner Lam (RW) Kitchener (OHL) Ht: 5’9.25″ Wt: 154 lbs Birthday: 14-Jul-2007 Lam is far, far from the most physical or strong player. With that said, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a winger perform more in the pockets of space between opponents. Lam has fantastic finesse and careful hands. He sees angles and works with his teammates well to generate chances. But he gets blocked out of play tight on the boards or deep in the slot because of his size. He’s got a tough projection to the pros, but an overabundance of puck skills. If he finds a way to get around pro opponents all the same, he could be an interesting shot for the stars. |
| 198. Dmitri Isayev (RW) Yekatrinburg (Russia) Ht: 5’9.0″ Wt: 148 lbs Birthday: 26-Jun-2007 Isayev is another undersized winger who struggles to find much space deep in the offensive end. But he’s among the smoothest skaters in the entire draft class, and uses that to effectively patrol the middle layer of the neutral and offensive zones well. He gets involved in regroups and builds momentum behind break-ins. His shot is creative, deceptive, and accurate. And he has a good eye for finding teammates. But with some much-needed growth to his in-tight handling, I have to grade Isayev lower than his CSS or general consensus. |
| 199. Jakub Dubravik (LHD) Zilina Wolves (Tipsport Extraliga) Ht: 5’9″ Wt: 171 lbs Birthday: 28-Jul-2007 Dubravik is an exciting bit of talent to potentially land in the waning moments of the draft. He’s all-out energy, with a beefy frame and urgency to get on the puck. Dubravik will run out of position, blow through an opponent, and still come out on the other side with possession and incredible momentum. But, then again, his bursts fail nearly as often as they succeed. A pro team will need to reign in his feist, but the mix of sharp-edge physicality, strong frame, and puck-handling ability is hard to question. Dubravik will be an exciting lineup piece, if he hits. |
| 200. Aaron Obobaifo (LW) Vancouver (WHL) Ht: 5’9.5″ Wt: 183 lbs Birthday: 13-Feb-2007 Obobaifo fell short of a truly inspirational performance this season – but he stood up well to finding responsiblity each and every shift. Whether it was a play in the corner, a breakout pass, or an extra body on the fastbreak – Obobaifo was able to fill it. His skillset is more well-rounded than explosive, and finding an X-factor will need to be a major focus moving forward. If he adds it, he could have a solid ramp into a depth role solely because he finds the small plays very well. |
| 201. Jesper Kotajarvi (LHD) Tappara (Finland) Ht: 5’11.0″ Wt: 173 lbs Birthday: 24-Jul-2007 Kotajarvi is a heavy, heavy defender who fills the role you’d expect. He’s a brick wall in the lower-third of the defensive zone, and doesn’t give opponents an inch of space. He absorbs contact and uses a strong stick to engage opponents from a distance. He makes quick plays on loose pucks, but doesn’t have much of the drive needed to really jump into the rush when he forces turnovers. Instead, he’s a stay-at-home netminder… though, interestingly, one who doesn’t engage physically all too often. It’s an interesting package, and one that could lend to a solid pro projection with better lateral skating and oomph. |
| 202. Mans Goos (G) Farjestads (HockeyAllsvenskan) Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 5-May-2007 Goos has a stocky, large frame that he gets to the puck well. His movements are never too grand, but they’re efficient and help him make slight adjustments well. He skating is powerful and controlled. Powerful push-offs and stops. He gets into his butterfly quickly and stays controlled and nimble on the ice as well. But his big frame lend to still covering his corners well. With that said, he doesn’t control rebounds all too well, and can get caught thikning a bit too slow. That could make projection to the top level tough, though his all-around package is strong. |
| 203. Jimmy Lombardi (C) Flint (OHL) Ht: 6’0.0″ Wt: 175 lbs Birthday: 16-Feb-2007 Lombardi is among the most ferocious forecheckers in the draft class. He gains a ton of momentum as he drives downhill, and knows how to stir up a ton of chaos behind the net. His frame is stocky and strong, and he uses it well to box out opponents and win small battles. He kicks the puck to teammates quickly, but doesn’t neccesarily have the stickhandling or instinct to really create his own chances. He’s a player who needs finesse from his linemates — but carries an interesting pro projection that some teams in need of depth support may really love. |
| 204. John McNelis (LW) Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) Ht: 5’9″ Wt: 161 lbs Birthday: 8-Jan-2006 McNelis was a toolsy winger who filled his lane well all year long. He’s reactive and strong on the puck, and knows how to keep play alive or get it back onto the performer’s stick. His own shot is snappy but could use some more oomph. The same can be said about much of his game, though he never shied away from battles on the boards, and often won them clean with teammates’ help. He’s a support winger who doesn’t make many mistakes. That will be a value cost on draft day. |
| 205. Jake Merens (LW) Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) Ht: 5’8″ Wt: 170 lbs Birthday: 10-Nov-2006 Jake Merens plays the right kind of hockey. He gets to his spots, doesn’t get shoved around, and makes the small plays well. He’s effective against the boards and jumps up to become an option for teammates when play moves forward. His tools are strong enough to make a mark in all three zones, and he finds lanes into open space in the offensive end. Merens is far from the flashiest prospect, with the biggest upside. But he’s an intelligent difference-maker because of his ability to do the little things well. With the addition of a real X-factor, he could be a solid depth forward one day. |
| 206. Tomas Galvas (LHD) Liberec (Czechia Extraliga) Ht: 5’10.0″ Wt: 154 lbs Birthday: 11-Feb-2006 Galvas is back in the draft class – and I have to say I’m not surprised. He’s undersized and plays like it, ceding a lot of ground in the defensive end and struggling to force opponents one way when defending the rush. But there’s a spotlight firmly fixed on just how well Galvas handles gathering pucks, sparking break-ins, and patrolling the blue-line. He gets the puck into the O-zone and keeps it there for as long as he possibly can. He gets pucks on net from th eblue-line, engages his wingers on the boards, and has the agile skating to rotate deep into the zone when the chance pops up. There’s a lot to fold in to make Galvas a North American pro, but he has clear strengths that teams are lacking. |
| 207. Kaden Shahan (LW) University of Connecticut (NCAA (HockeyEast)) Ht: 5’11” Wt: 168 lbs Birthday: 24-May-2005 Kaden Shahan is the good ol’ farm dog, ready to work tirelessly to earn a day’s rest with a full bag of tricks. He can pick up the speed and heft – and plow through the forecheck. He can slow it down, and work laterally to fill the second man-in role. He closes off opponents’ sticks and wins possession cleanly. When he does, he’s geared towards the net, and knows how to create havoc with teammates closing into the goalie. He doesn’t feel pressure and gets pucks off quick. His size will make for a tough pro projection, but I’m happy enough with Shahan’s continued worker abilities to spend a draft pick. |
| 208. Blake Vanek (RW) Stillwater High (MN High School) Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 205 lbs Birthday: 16-Aug-2007 Blake Vanek hasn’t had much chance to showcase his talents, but he’s got a snappy shot and sturdy presence that I’ve really enjoyed. He plows into space in the offensive end and knows how to beat opponents in the high-slot. He’s beefy against the boards and, with some more confidence, could really become a strong battler. There are a lot of good components, shrowded by a lack of opportunity. I hope he hits in juniors, but I’d spend a late pick betting on his skills. |
| 209. Nolen Geerdes (LHD) Rogers High (MN High School) Ht: 5’10.75″ Wt: 177 lbs Birthday: 30-Apr-2007 Geerdes doesn’t let play catch him off-guard. He’s a fast thinker and mover, and uses that to stay square and involved in wherever the puck is. Sometimes that can speed him up a bit too much – but he can also be a geat addition to fast movement up the ice. He sparks breakouts and supports transition. He gets shots off on the blue-line and gets back on defense. He’s physical. Geerdes could afford more chance to show his ability to handle a tough role – but I imagine his heights will shine through in due time. |
| 210. Jett Lajoie (RW) Prince George (WHL) Ht: 5’11.5″ Wt: 178 lbs Birthday: 05-Feb-2007 Lajoie is a mobile, stocky winger who gets to his spots and lets play come to him. He doesn’t overextend and shows a willingness to get involved in a variety of ways. He checks sticks, takes the body, and stays down enough to quickly react to turnovers and jumps up the ice. His hands are strong, though he doesn’t stay on the puck too often. Instead, he’s a support winger capable of filling any role on the rush into the O-zone, whether his team does or doesn’t have possession. He gets caught a bit flat-footed in his spots from time to time, which really holds him back, but the general motor and responsible play here is encouraging. The makings of a future fourth-liner, with the right groove forward. |
| 211. Jack Galanek (C) Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) Ht: 5’11” Wt: 177 lbs Birthday: 4-Jun-2006 Forecheck, Backcheck, Two-Way, All Day. Galanek is hard on the forcheck, sharp in his physicality, and overwhelms opponents with his pressure. He dished out the puck well when he got it on his stick, and had the oomph to create chances by plowing through defenders and winning the slot. But Galanek is still learning how to really let his offensive traits shine above his gritty play. Even then, his frame and physicality could both land a hardy and effective depth role at the top level. |
| 212. Joey Slavick (G) USA U18 (NTDP) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 174 lbs Birthday: 5-Apr-2007 Slavick is a smooth and athletic goaltender who makes each movement with solid skating. He stops on his spots and keeps an athletic stance. His hands are quick and he gets into his butterfly and moving very quickly. But he has some holes in his frame and can get beat in traffic. There’s a nice, athletic frame to build onto here. Slavick is a few strong years develop from a clear, high-end projection — but this is an athlete I’d bet on. |
| 213. Henry Lechner (C) Academy of Holy Angels (MN High School) Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 205 lbs Birthday: 3-Nov-2006 Lechner is a beefy kid who knows how to win space through and around opponents. He drove play all season long for Holy Angels – either with his own strong puck entries or through winning possession with a heavy forecheck. He makes quick decisions on the puck and knows how to generate chances. His shot is also great. But at a low level, Lechner’s physicality wasn’t often tested. When it was, it sometimes faltered. That could be a concern moving forward – though juniors will tell, and for now, he’s got the snap I like in my prospect pool. |
| 214. Harry Nansi (RW) Owen Sound (OHL) Ht: 6’2.75″ Wt: 186 lbs Birthday: 10-Sep-2007 Nansi is a hard, hard worker who finds plays every shift. He’s physical and mobile, capable of driving deep into play and winning battles even where he doesn’t overwhelm opponents. But while he’s shown flashes of puck skills, I’ve been wanting more from his independent ability. He’s among the youngest in the class, and could add that in the coming years. For now, I find him hard to project beyond juniors — though that could certainly fall on me! |
| 215. Adam Fortier-Gendron (LHD) Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 194 lbs Birthday: 21-Jan-2006 Fortier-Gendron was a dynamo puckhandler this year. He got moving fast, linearaly and laterally, and showed off fantastic stickhandling. His passes through the neutral zone were smart – and he was just as capable of driving down the flanks and getting the puck in deep. But he didn’t jump off the page away from that momentum – in either the D-zone or O-zone. That is with the caveat that Fortier-Gendron does have good jump off the offensive blue-line. He’s sharp where he’s sharp, and dull where he’s dull. It’s an interesting mix that could translate to the minors in an interesting way. |
| 216. Brooks Cullen (C) Moorhead High (MN High School) Ht: 6’0.25″ Wt: 189 lbs Birthday: 13-Sep-2006 Cullen is a slight-build center who knows how to lead a line. He makes quick passes and strong plays from endboards to endboards. He’s a smart player, who knows how to use his linemates to move down the ice and win space in the offensive end. He’s got the step to dive deep into space, or the poise to hang up high and wait for an open shot. His shot itself could use improvements, but his passing and playmaking are there. Love the leadership too. Traits to build on once he lands more of a chance. |
| 217. David Bedkowski (RHD) Owen Sound (OHL) Ht: 6’4.5″ Wt: 215 lbs Birthday: 07-Dec-2006 Bedkowski fills the roles of a defender well. He fills his positoin and battles in the right areas. He’s quick to the puck and pushes it up ice. He handles the rush. And while he might not flash in any of those areas – and can get beaten one way or another – his overall responsible style is still impactful. He’ll project as a depth defender, but needs to pull some things to gather and add a few in to find a bit more jump. |
| 218. Artemii Nizameev (RW) Tri-City (USHL) Ht: 5’9.5″ Wt: 191 lbs Birthday: 20-Nov-2005 Nizameev was among the best transition players in the draft class. He plays with power and cut – and used it to drive through the neutral zone well. He took hard shots off of entries, and kept play going when his chances didn’t go in right away. When the spotlight shined, Nizameev’s motor kicked into gear and he powered the Tri-City offense. But when the lights were off, his game slowed down – and left him susceptible to being beat on the defensive side of the puck. He’ll need to pull together a well-rounded style, but dominated possession enough to earn a rank. Hard, hard shot too. |
| 219. Ryan Rucinski (C) Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 176 lbs Birthday: 1-December-2006 Rucinski was a really effective play-driver for the Phantoms. He filled the toolsy center role and always seemed to be in a spot to make a play, whether it was properly trailing the breakout or jumping forward to win possession in the O-zone. He worked well in-tight and made smart, quick passes. At his best, his plays looked flashy and intuitive. But he could have afforded more physicality in the middle lane, especially in the slots. With that said, there’s some interesting upside in an effective frame here. |
| 220. Donato Bracco (LHD) USA U18 (NTDP) Ht: 5’10” Wt: 166 lbs Birthday: 26-Jul-2007 Bracco routinely made plays in the bottom-third of his defensive zone with good effect. He used his body to win out battles in traffic, handled the puck with control, and made hard passes forward. But he often sat behind play, or got shut down when rushing up. He plays effective hockey, and has in the past shown flashes of better transition. A few years in college and some pro experience could yield a depth defender who knows how to win possession in the danger areas and kick it up ice quick. |
| 221. Frantisek Netusil (C) Minnesota (NAHL) Ht: 5’10.0″ Wt: 174 lbs Birthday: 14-May-2007 Things happened when Netusil was on the ice – whether positive or negative. He’s a strong, bumbling winger who knows how to throw around his size in the dirty areas of the ice. But he throws around his elbows too – and found himself in the box just as often as he found himself in the score column this year. There’s a ton to be appreciated about Netusil’s ability to drive the puck, and throw big hits, but projecting either trait to the NHL may require a ramp up through the minors. |
| 222. Brian Nicholas (LW) Brown College (NCAA (ECAC)) Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 180 lbs Birthday: 15-Mar-2005 Nicholas plays with an overabundance of heft. He’s strong and intentional with his mvoements, and while he doesn’t turn all too quick, he makes up for it by keeping his chest to play and closing in on the puck quickly. Nicholas isn’t one to dominating playdriving or playmaking – but he makes quick, smart passes moving up the ice and fills the flank well. Where a team needs a bulky forechecker to project into a bottom-end role, Nicholas will make a match. |
| 223. Matia Nico Birchler (G) EV Zug (Swiss League) Ht: 6’5″ Wt: 183 lbs Birthday: 15-Jan-2007 Birchler has a lot of traits that make impactful goalies. He snaps to his angles quickly, and challenges opponents with confidence. His hands are fast and he sees pucks all the way through. But he leaves holes in his corners or behind his back that can get easily exposed by fast-moving play. There’s a lot to like in how smooth and athletic every component of his game is – but the road to North American pros will be a long one. For teams looking to stock the goalie cabinet, there are worse bets to make. |
| 224. Matthew Desiderio (LHD) Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 210 lbs Birthday: 16-Aug-2005 Desiderio is another name I wish I’d have seen more this year. He’s not abundantly skillful, but handles passes and drives up the ice with the puck to good effect. He makes hard passes and fills the role you need from your defender. That includes booming shots from the blue-line, and responsible defense headed the other way. He’s physical and strong. With a few more fundamentals, and understanding of how to go from corner to slot on defense, he could be a solid pro one day. |
| 225. Peyton Kettles (RHD) Swift Current (WHL) Ht: 6’5.25″ Wt: 190 lbs Birthday: 01-Sep-2007 Kettles is a big-frame defender who knows how to use his long reach to force opponents outside. His skating is choppy but effective, and keeps him apart of play as it moves from one zone to the next. But Kettles has struggled to add much bulk to his frame, or use any bulk to force his way in the defensive end. He’s a moldable frame, but will need to become a bigger bully in the key areas of the ice to make up for a package that doesn’t push the boundaries in many other directions. |
Limited Viewings
Luke Mistelbacher, Kieren Dervin, Joshua Avery, Quinn Beauchesne, Wilson Bjorck, Samuel Boisvert, Shea Busch, Grayson Burzynski, Shawn Carrier, Jacob Cloutier, Ty Coupland, Anthony Cristoforo, Gabe D’Aigle, Cole Davis, Matthew Grimes, Travis Hayes, Melker Hof, Burke Hood, Florent Houle
Honorable Mentions
Matthew Soto, Elliot Dube, Dryden Allen, Luke Goukler, Dominik Petr, Ilyas Magomedsultanov, Cooper Simpson, Luke Mistelbacher, Jooa Sammalniemi, Blake Arrowsmith, Oscar Westman, Nicholas Kosiba, Philippe Blais-Savoie, Max Bleicher, Yaroslav Bryzgalov, Diego Buttazzoni, Ritter Coombs, Masun Fleece, Jordan Gavin, Callum Hughes
Table Rankings
| Rank | Name | Position | Team | League | Height | Weight | Date of Birth |
| 1 | James Hagens | C | Boston College | NCAA (HockeyEast) | 5’10.5″ | 177 lbs | 03-Nov-2006 |
| 2 | Michael Misa | C | Saginaw | OHL | 6’0.75″ | 184 lbs | 16-Feb-2007 |
| 3 | Caleb Desnoyers | C | Moncton | QMJHL | 6’1.5″ | 178 lbs | 11-Apr-2007 |
| 4 | Anton Frondell | RW | Djugardens IF | HockeyAllsvenskan | 6’1.0″ | 198 lbs | 07-May-2007 |
| 5 | Matthew Schaefer | LHD | Erie | OHL | 6’1.75″ | 183 lbs | 05-Sep-2007 |
| 6 | Porter Martone | RW | Brampton | OHL | 6’2.75″ | 208 lbs | 26-Oct-2006 |
| 7 | Victor Eklund | LW | Djugardens IF | HockeyAllsvenskan | 5’11.0″ | 161 lbs | 03-Oct-2006 |
| 8 | Brady Martin | C | Sault Ste. Marie | OHL | 6’0.0″ | 178 lbs | 16-Mar-2007 |
| 9 | Justin Carbonneau | RW | Blainville-Boisbriand | QMJHL | 6’1.0″ | 191 lbs | 25-Nov-2006 |
| 10 | Cole Reschny | C | Victoria | WHL | 5’10.5″ | 183 lbs | 06-Apr-2007 |
| 11 | Cameron Reid | LHD | Kitchener | OHL | 5’11.75″ | 193 lbs | 08-Apr-2007 |
| 12 | Malcolm Spence | LW | Erie | OHL | 6’1.0″ | 203 lbs | 22-Sep-2006 |
| 13 | Kashawn Aitcheson | LHD | Barrie | OHL | 6’1.5″ | 196 lbs | 21-Sep-2006 |
| 14 | Jake O’Brien | C | Brantford | OHL | 6’1.75″ | 172 lbs | 16-Jun-2007 |
| 15 | William Horcoff | C | Michigan | NCAA (B1G) | 6’4.75″ | 190 lbs | 23-Jan-2007 |
| 16 | Bill Zonnon | C | Rouyn-Noranda | QMJHL | 6’1.5″ | 185 lbs | 03-Oct-2006 |
| 17 | Logan Hensler | RHD | Wisconsin | NCAA (B1G) | 6’2.25″ | 192 lbs | 14-Oct-2006 |
| 18 | Cole McKinney | C | USA U-18 | NTDP | 6’0.0″ | 200 lbs | 16-Mar-2007 |
| 19 | Semyon Frolov | G | Moscow Spartak | Russia | 6’3″ | 203 lbs | 17-Jan-2007 |
| 20 | Cullen Potter | C | Arizona State | NCAA (NCHC) | 5’10.0″ | 172 lbs | 10-Jan-2007 |
| 21 | Vaclav Nestrasil Jr. | RW | Muskegon | USHL | 6’5.0″ | 187 lbs | 06-Apr-2007 |
| 22 | Braeden Cootes | C | Seattle | WHL | 5’11.25″ | 183 lbs | 09-Feb-2007 |
| 23 | Henry Brzustewicz | RHD | London | OHL | 6’1.75″ | 203 lbs | 09-Feb-2007 |
| 24 | Jack Nesbitt | C | Windsor | OHL | 6’4.25″ | 185 lbs | 12-Jan-2007 |
| 25 | Lynden Lakovic | LW | Moose Jaw | WHL | 6’4.25″ | 190 lbs | 12-Dec-2006 |
| 26 | Radim Mrtka | RHD | Seattle | WHL | 6’5.75″ | 207 lbs | 09-Jun-2007 |
| 27 | Eddie Genborg | RW | Linkoping | Sweden | 6’1.0″ | 179 lbs | 20-Apr-2007 |
| 28 | Ryker Lee | RW | Madison | USHL | 5’11.5″ | 181 lbs | 08-Nov-2006 |
| 29 | Shane Vansaghi | C | Michigan State | NCAA (B1G) | 6’2.25″ | 210 lbs | 11-Oct-2006 |
| 30 | Mason West | C | Fargo | USHL | 6’5.75″ | 208 lbs | 03-Aug-2007 |
| 31 | Carter Amico | RHD | USA U-18 | NTDP | 6’5.25″ | 225 lbs | 15-Mar-2007 |
| 32 | Milton Gastrin | C | Modo | Sweden | 6’0.5″ | 185 lbs | 02-Jun-2007 |
| 33 | Jack Murtagh | LW | USA U-18 | NTDP | 6’0.75″ | 200 lbs | 22-Aug-2007 |
| 34 | Pyotr Andreyanov | G | CSKA | Russia | 6’0″ | 207 lbs | 22-Jan-2007 |
| 35 | Alex Huang | RHD | Chicoutimi | QMJHL | 6’0.0″ | 170 lbs | 30-Jul-2007 |
| 36 | Bruno Idzan | LW | Lincoln | USHL | 6’0″ | 195 lbs | 16-Jan-2006 |
| 37 | Blake Fiddler | RHD | Edmonton | WHL | 6’4.0″ | 209 lbs | 09-Jul-2007 |
| 38 | Ashton Schultz | RW | Chicago | USHL | 5’11.0″ | 180 lbs | 03-Oct-2006 |
| 39 | Alexander Zharovsky | RW | Ufa | Russia | 6’1″ | 163 lbs | 22-Feb-2007 |
| 40 | Tomas Poletin | LW | Pelicans | Finland | 6’1.25″ | 200 lbs | 30-Apr-2007 |
| 41 | Aleksei Medvedev | G | London | OHL | 6’2″ | 178 lbs | 10-September-2007 |
| 42 | Malte Vass | LHD | Farjestad | Sweden | 6’1.75″ | 184 lbs | 28-Mar-2007 |
| 43 | Sascha Boumedienne | LHD | Boston University | NCAA (HockeyEast) | 6’1.0″ | 175 lbs | 17-Jan-2007 |
| 44 | Bryce Pickford | RHD | Medicine Hat | WHL | 6’0.25″ | 183 lbs | 02-Apr-2006 |
| 45 | Michal Pradel | G | Tri-City | USHL | 6’4″ | 195 lbs | 10-Mar-2007 |
| 46 | Eric Nilson | C | Djugardens IF | Sweden | 5’11.5″ | 156 lbs | 11-May-2007 |
| 47 | Kirill Yemelyanov | C | Yaroslav | Russia | 6’0.25″ | 170 lbs | 08-Jan-2007 |
| 48 | Benjamin Kindel | RW | Calgary | WHL | 5’10.0″ | 176 lbs | 19-Apr-2007 |
| 49 | Petteri Rimpinen | G | Kiekko-Espoo | Finland | 6’0″ | 176 lbs | 25-Apr-2006 |
| 50 | Tomas Pobezal | C | Nitra | Tipsport Extraliga | 5’9.0″ | 178 lbs | 18-Sep-2006 |
| 51 | Jackson Smith | LHD | Tri-City | WHL | 6’3.25″ | 195 lbs | 13-May-2007 |
| 52 | Gustav Hillstrom | C | Brynas | Sweden | 6’1.5″ | 174 lbs | 20-Jan-2007 |
| 53 | Daniil Skvortsov | LHD | Guelph | OHL | 6’3.25″ | 215 lbs | 13-Jan-2007 |
| 54 | Teddy Mutryn | C | Chicago | USHL | 6’0.75″ | 207 lbs | 16-Feb-2007 |
| 55 | Owen Martin | C | Spokane | WHL | 5’11.75″ | 185 lbs | 11-May-2007 |
| 56 | Sean Barnhill | RHD | Dubuque | USHL | 6’4.75″ | 205 lbs | 08-Jan-2007 |
| 57 | Edison Engle | LHD | Dubuque | USHL | 6’1.5″ | 173 lbs | 15-Feb-2007 |
| 58 | Roger McQueen | LW | Brandon | WHL | 6’5.25″ | 197 lbs | 02-Oct-2006 |
| 59 | Charlie Cerrato | C | Penn State | NCAA (B1G) | 6’0.0″ | 190 lbs | 10-Mar-2005 |
| 60 | Max Psenicka | RHD | Portland | WHL | 6’4.0″ | 176 lbs | 18-Jan-2007 |
| 61 | Ben Kevan | RW | Des Moines | USHL | 6’0.25″ | 182 lbs | 03-Jan-2007 |
| 62 | Carlos Handel | RHD | Halifax | QMJHL | 6’0.5″ | 172 lbs | 31-Mar-2007 |
| 63 | Jan Chovan | C | Tappara | Finland | 6’2.0″ | 185 lbs | 09-Jan-2007 |
| 64 | Ludvig Johnson | LHD | HC Fribourg-Gotteron | National League | 6’0″ | 181 lbs | 27-Jul-2006 |
| 65 | Everett Baldwin | RHD | St. George’s | New England Prep | 5’11.25″ | 173 lbs | 15-Jan-2007 |
| 66 | Topias Hynninen | LW | Jukurit | Finland | 5’10” | 172 lbs | 19-Dec-2005 |
| 67 | Luca Romano | C | Kitchener | OHL | 5’11.25″ | 177 lbs | 25-Jun-2007 |
| 68 | Michal Svrcek | LW | Brynas | Sweden | 5’10.0″ | 178 lbs | 26-Jan-2007 |
| 69 | Sam Laurila | LHD | Fargo | USHL | 6’0.75″ | 188 lbs | 02-Sep-2006 |
| 70 | Filip Ekberg | RW | Ottawa | OHL | 5’9.75″ | 166 lbs | 14-Apr-2007 |
| 71 | Zeb Lindgren | LHD | Skelleftea | Sweden | 6’1.0″ | 195 lbs | 14-Apr-2007 |
| 72 | Hayden Paupanekis | C | Kelowna | WHL | 6’4.25″ | 196 lbs | 04-Feb-2007 |
| 73 | Caeden Herrington | RHD | Lincoln | USHL | 6’1.75″ | 203 lbs | 26-Jan-2006 |
| 74 | Nathan Quinn | C | Quebec | QMJHL | 5’11.0″ | 173 lbs | 29-Aug-2007 |
| 75 | Kadon McCann | C | Medicine Hat | WHL | 6’3.0″ | 200 lbs | 25-Mar-2007 |
| 76 | Julius Saari | LHD | Jukurit | Finland | 6’2.0″ | 180 lbs | 07-Mar-2007 |
| 77 | Max Westergard | LW | Frolunda | Sweden | 5’10.0″ | 158 lbs | 03-Sep-2007 |
| 78 | Vojtech Cihar | C | Karlovy Vary | Czech Extraliga | 6’0.0″ | 175 lbs | 29-Mar-2007 |
| 79 | Theodor Hallquisth | RHD | Orebro | Sweden | 6’1.0″ | 172 lbs | 14-Jun-2007 |
| 80 | Jacob Rombach | LHD | Lincoln | USHL | 6’6.0″ | 200 lbs | 01-Apr-2007 |
| 81 | Carter Bear | LW | Everett | WHL | 6’0.0″ | 179 lbs | 04-Nov-2006 |
| 82 | Ethan MacKenzie | LHD | Edmonton | WHL | 6’0.0″ | 174 lbs | 02-Sep-2006 |
| 83 | Carson Cameron | RHD | Peterbourough | OHL | 6’1.0″ | 193 lbs | 27-Jun-2007 |
| 84 | Oscar Davidsson | C | HV71 | Sweden | 6’0.0″ | 176 lbs | 25-Sep-2006 |
| 85 | Tyler Hopkins | C | Kingston | OHL | 6’1.0″ | 179 lbs | 23-Jan-2007 |
| 86 | Charlie Trethewey | RHD | USA U-18 | NTDP | 6’1.0″ | 200 lbs | 02-Aug-2007 |
| 87 | Adam Benak | C | Youngstown | USHL | 5’7.25″ | 160 lbs | 10-Apr-2007 |
| 88 | Elijah Neuenschwander | G | Chur EHC | Swiss League | 6’4″ | 192 lbs | 17-Oct-2006 |
| 89 | Matthew Gard | C | Red Deer | WHL | 6’4.75″ | 192 lbs | 07-Apr-2007 |
| 90 | Jakob Ihs Wozniak | C | Lulea | Sweden | 6’2.25″ | 184 lbs | 01-Feb-2007 |
| 91 | Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen | LHD | Michigan | NCAA (B1G) | 6’0.5″ | 182 lbs | 18-Dec-2006 |
| 92 | Conrad Fondrk | C | USA U-18 | NTDP | 5’11.75″ | 193 lbs | 01-Jun-2007 |
| 93 | Drew Schock | LHD | USA U-18 | NTDP | 5’11.25″ | 180 lbs | 07-Feb-2007 |
| 94 | Maxim Agafonov | RHD | Ufa | Russia | 6’2.0″ | 198 lbs | 10-Apr-2007 |
| 95 | Francesco Dell’Elce | LHD | UMass | NCAA (HockeyEast) | 6’0.5″ | 170 lbs | 23-Jun-2005 |
| 96 | Mason Moe | C | Madison | USHL | 6’1.25″ | 186 lbs | 26-Mar-2007 |
| 97 | Ethan Weber | LHD | Lincoln | USHL | 6’0″ | 190 lbs | 10-Dec-2006 |
| 98 | Andrew O’Neill | LW | USA U-18 | NTDP | 6’1.75″ | 200 lbs | 07-Feb-2007 |
| 99 | William Belle | RW | USA U-18 | NTDP | 6’3.25″ | 219 lbs | 14-Jan-2007 |
| 100 | Arvid Drott | RW | Djugardens IF | Sweden | 5’11.75″ | 183 lbs | 11-Aug-2007 |
| 101 | Joshua Ravensbergen | G | Prince George | WHL | 6’5″ | 190 lbs | 27-Nov-2006 |
| 102 | Ryan Miller | C | Portland | WHL | 5’11.75″ | 177 lbs | 03-May-2007 |
| 103 | Ethan Czata | C | Niagara | OHL | 6’1.25″ | 175 lbs | 29-May-2007 |
| 104 | Evan Passmore | RHD | Barrie | OHL | 6’4.75″ | 212 lbs | 05-Dec-2006 |
| 105 | Asher Barnett | LHD | USA U-18 | NTDP | 6’0.5″ | 198 lbs | 16-May-2007 |
| 106 | Mateo Nobert | C | Blainville-Boisbriand | QMJHL | 6’0.0″ | 166 lbs | 12-Aug-2007 |
| 107 | Brandon Gorzynski | C | Calgary | WHL | 6’1.5″ | 185 lbs | 12-Mar-2007 |
| 108 | Tommy Lafreniere | RW | Kamloops | WHL | 5’11.0″ | 172 lbs | 16-Jan-2007 |
| 109 | Brady Peddle | LHD | Waterloo | USHL | 6’2.75″ | 191 lbs | 23-May-2007 |
| 110 | Bruno Osmanis | RW | Bjorkloven | SWEDEN-2 | 5’11.0″ | 170 lbs | 16-Dec-2006 |
| 111 | Artem Vilchinskiy | LHD | SKA St. Petersburg | Russia | 6’4.0″ | 243 lbs | 16-Sep-2006 |
| 112 | William Moore | C | USA U-18 | NTDP | 6’2.25″ | 175 lbs | 24-Mar-2007 |
| 113 | Cameron Schmidt | RW | Vancouver | WHL | 5’7.25″ | 161 lbs | 19-Jan-2007 |
| 114 | Lasse Boelius | LHD | Assat | Finland | 6’0.5″ | 181 lbs | 16-Mar-2007 |
| 115 | Matej Pekar | RW | Seattle | WHL | 5’10” | 158 lbs | 8-Sep-2007 |
| 116 | Melvin Novotny | LW | Leksand | Sweden | 6’1.0″ | 187 lbs | 03-Apr-2007 |
| 117 | Ondrej Stebetak | G | Portland Winterhawks | WHL | 6’2″ | 173 lbs | 19-Jul-2007 |
| 118 | Theo Stockselius | C | Djugardens IF | Sweden | 6’2.0″ | 181 lbs | 24-Jul-2007 |
| 119 | Owen Conrad | LHD | Charlottetown | QMJHL | 6’2.5″ | 214 lbs | 10-Mar-2007 |
| 120 | Nathan Lecompte | C | Chicoutimi | QMJHL | 5’8.75″ | 167 lbs | 19-Jan-2007 |
| 121 | Anthony Allain Samake | LHD | Sioux City | USHL | 6’0.75″ | 178 lbs | 10-Sep-2007 |
| 122 | Mikhail Fyodorov | RW | Magnitogorsk | Russia | 5’11.0″ | 152 lbs | 01-Dec-2006 |
| 123 | Lucas Beckman | G | Baie-Comeau | QMJHL | 6’2″ | 182 lbs | 23-Aug-2007 |
| 124 | Bobby Cowan | RW | Madison | USHL | 5’10.5″ | 176 lbs | 12-Jun-2006 |
| 125 | Linus Funck | RHD | Lulea | Sweden | 6’3.0″ | 183 lbs | 10-May-2007 |
| 126 | Luka Radivojevic | RHD | Muskegon | USHL | 5’9.25″ | 165 lbs | 03-Jan-2007 |
| 127 | Matthew Lansing | C | Waterloo | USHL | 6’0.0″ | 188 lbs | 24-Feb-2007 |
| 128 | Aron Dahlqvist | LHD | Brynas | Sweden | 6’3.0″ | 205 lbs | 22-Feb-2007 |
| 129 | Ethan Wyttenbach | LW | Sioux Falls | USHL | 5’9.25″ | 180 lbs | 10-Feb-2007 |
| 130 | Zachary Morin | LW | Saint John | QMJHL | 6’1.0″ | 181 lbs | 25-Jan-2007 |
| 131 | Karl Annborn | RHD | HV71 | Sweden | 6’1.0″ | 188 lbs | 06-Mar-2007 |
| 132 | Aidan Park | C | Green Bay | USHL | 6’1.0″ | 188 lbs | 06-Jan-2006 |
| 133 | Alexander Donovan | RW | Shattuck | HIGH-MN | 5’10.5″ | 170 lbs | 08-Apr-2007 |
| 134 | Eduard Bondar | RHD | Val-d’Or | QMJHL | 6’4.25″ | 187 lbs | 31-Jan-2007 |
| 135 | Brent Solomon | RW | Champlin Park High | HIGH-MN | 5’11.75″ | 173 lbs | 02-Jan-2007 |
| 136 | Lev Katzin | C | Guelph | OHL | 5’8.25″ | 176 lbs | 13-May-2007 |
| 137 | Roberto Henriquez | G | Green Bay | USHL | 6’1″ | 165 lbs | 29-Apr-2007 |
| 138 | Noah Laberge | LHD | Acadie-Bathurst | QMJHL | 6’0.25″ | 187 lbs | 09-Oct-2006 |
| 139 | Simon Wang | LHD | Oshawa | OHL | 6’5.5″ | 215 lbs | 27-Jul-2007 |
| 140 | Gavin Cornforth | RW | Dubuque Fighting Saints | USHL | 5’10” | 166 lbs | 15-Dec-2006 |
| 141 | Hayden Harsanyi | LW | Swift Current Broncos | WHL | 5’9″ | 171 lbs | 10-Jan-2007 |
| 142 | Shamar Moses | RW | North Bay | OHL | 6’1.0″ | 200 lbs | 06-May-2007 |
| 143 | Jamiro Reber | C | HV71 | Sweden | 5’10.0″ | 176 lbs | 04-Sep-2006 |
| 144 | Kurban Limatov | LHD | Dynamo Moscow | Russia | 6’3.0″ | 198 lbs | 20-Mar-2007 |
| 145 | Vincent Desjardins | C | Blainville-Boisbriand | QMJHL | 5’10.5″ | 165 lbs | 08-Sep-2006 |
| 146 | Roman Bausov | RHD | Dynamo St. Petersburg | Russia | 6’5.0″ | 179 lbs | 28-Apr-2007 |
| 147 | Maceo Phillips | LHD | USA U-18 | NTDP | 6’5.75″ | 228 lbs | 25-Feb-2007 |
| 148 | Alex Misiak | LW | Waterloo | USHL | 5’11.0″ | 173 lbs | 22-Jun-2007 |
| 149 | Atte Joki | C | Lukko | Finland | 6’0.5″ | 190 lbs | 21-Jul-2007 |
| 150 | Richard Baran | LHD | DES MOINES | USHL | 6’0.75″ | 185 lbs | 24-Oct-2005 |
| 151 | Anders Miller | G | Portland | WHL | 6’1″ | 198 lbs | 04-Oct-2006 |
| 152 | Will Sharpe | LHD | Kelowna | WHL | 6’0.0″ | 195 lbs | 07-Mar-2007 |
| 153 | Jonas Woo | RHD | Medicine Hat | WHL | 5’8.75″ | 165 lbs | 19-Nov-2006 |
| 154 | Nicholas Sykora | LW | Sioux City | USHL | 5’11.5″ | 173 lbs | 24-May-2007 |
| 155 | Kam Hendrickson | G | Waterloo Black Hawks | USHL | 6’1″ | 176 lbs | 9-Jan-2006 |
| 156 | Jake Stuart | C | USA U18 | NTDP | 5’9″ | 161 lbs | 8-Jan-2007 |
| 157 | Jack Ivankovic | G | Brampton | OHL | 5’11” | 178 lbs | 22-May-2007 |
| 158 | Brendan McMorrow | C | Waterloo | USHL | 5’11.75″ | 180 lbs | 27-Mar-2006 |
| 159 | Owen Griffin | C | Oshawa | OHL | 5’9.75″ | 160 lbs | 08-Apr-2007 |
| 160 | Kristian Epperson | LW | Saginaw | OHL | 5’11.5″ | 183 lbs | 16-May-2006 |
| 161 | Love Harenstam | G | Skelleftea | HockeyAllsvenskan | 6’1″ | 190 lbs | 18-Jan-2007 |
| 162 | John Stout | LHD | Madison Capitols | USHL | 6’1″ | 207 lbs | 20-Apr-2006 |
| 163 | L.J. Mooney | C | USA U-18 | NTDP | 5’7.0″ | 162 lbs | 08-Mar-2007 |
| 164 | Alexander Pershakov | RW | Sibir Novosibirsk | Russia | 6’0″ | 176 lbs | 19-Oct-2006 |
| 165 | Finn McLaughlin | LHD | FARGO | USHL | 6’2.0″ | 203 lbs | 28-Feb-2006 |
| 166 | Nathan Brisson | LW | Val d’Or | QMJHL | 5’10” | 174 lbs | 22-September-2006 |
| 167 | Liam Kilfoil | C | Halifax | QMJHL | 5’11.0″ | 179 lbs | 21-Mar-2007 |
| 168 | Viktor Klingsell | RW | Skelleftea | Sweden | 5’9.5″ | 188 lbs | 10-Feb-2007 |
| 169 | Daniil Ustinkov | LHD | GCK Zurich | SWISS-2 | 6’1.0″ | 200 lbs | 26-Aug-2006 |
| 170 | Richard Gallant | LW | USA U-18 | NTDP | 5’8.0″ | 170 lbs | 12-Jun-2007 |
| 171 | Mikhail Katin | LHD | Omaha | USHL | 6’6″ | 206 lbs | 24-Oct-2006 |
| 172 | Daniil Prokhorov | RW | Dynamo St. Petersburg | Russia | 6’5.0″ | 209 lbs | 27-Apr-2007 |
| 173 | Nathan Behm | RW | Kamloops | WHL | 6’1.5″ | 192 lbs | 18-Apr-2007 |
| 174 | Viggo Nordlund | LW | Skelleftea | Sweden | 5’9.0″ | 165 lbs | 22-Sep-2006 |
| 175 | Carter Klippenstein | C | Brandon | WHL | 6’2.5″ | 180 lbs | 25-Nov-2006 |
| 176 | Chase Jette | RW | Waterloo Black Hawks | USHL | 5’9″ | 174 lbs | 9-Apr-2007 |
| 177 | Lukas Sawchyn | LW | Edmonton | WHL | 5’9.75″ | 168 lbs | 27-Feb-2007 |
| 178 | Andrei Trofimov | G | Magnitogorsk | Russia | 6’2″ | 187 lbs | 20-Jul-2006 |
| 179 | Nikita Tyurin | LHD | Moscow Spartak Jr. | Russia | 6’0″ | 174 lbs | 2-Jul-2007 |
| 180 | Will Felicio | LHD | University of Michigan | NCAA (B1G) | 5’10” | 160 lbs | 19-May-2006 |
| 181 | Tinus Luc Koblar | C | Leksands IF JR | Sweden | 6’3″ | 187 lbs | 21-Jul-2007 |
| 182 | Émile Guité | LW | Chicoutimi | QMJHL | 6’1.25″ | 176 lbs | 31-May-2007 |
| 183 | Reese Hamilton | LHD | Regina | WHL | 6’0.0″ | 172 lbs | 26-Mar-2007 |
| 184 | Jacob Kvasnicka | RW | USA U-18 | NTDP | 5’11.25″ | 175 lbs | 10-Aug-2007 |
| 185 | Maddox Labre | LHD | Victoriaville | QMJHL | 6’2.0″ | 180 lbs | 15-Jun-2007 |
| 186 | Kale Dach | C | Sherwood Park | BCHL | 5’10.0″ | 165 lbs | 15-Feb-2007 |
| 187 | Matous Jan Kucharcik | C | Slavia | Czechia Extraliga | 6’3.0″ | 164 lbs | 03-Feb-2007 |
| 188 | Teddy Townsend | C | Waterloo Black Hawks | USHL | 5’10” | 170 lbs | 2-Sep-2005 |
| 189 | Nolan Roed | C | Tri-City | USHL | 5’11.0″ | 186 lbs | 25-Oct-2005 |
| 190 | Linards Feldbergs | G | Sherbrooke Phoenix | QMJHL | 6’1″ | 194 lbs | 16-Aug-2005 |
| 191 | Rio Kaiser | LHD | Peterbourough Petes | OHL | 6’7″ | 230 lbs | 7-Oct-2006 |
| 192 | Mason Kraft | LW | Cedar Rapids | USHL | 5’11” | 190 lbs | 6-Feb-2007 |
| 193 | Ruslan Karimov | RW | Sarnia | OHL | 6’0.0″ | 195 lbs | 27-Apr-2007 |
| 194 | Patrick Quinlan | G | USA U18 | NTDP | 6’1″ | 185 lbs | 19-Apr-2007 |
| 195 | Ivan Ryabkin | LW | Muskegon Lumberjacks | USHL | 5’11.0″ | 201 lbs | 25-Apr-2007 |
| 196 | Julius Sumpf | C | Moncton | QMJHL | 6’1.25″ | 190 lbs | 11-Jan-2005 |
| 197 | Tanner Lam | RW | Kitchener | OHL | 5’9.25″ | 154 lbs | 14-Jul-2007 |
| 198 | Dmitri Isayev | RW | Yekatrinburg | Russia | 5’9.0″ | 148 lbs | 26-Jun-2007 |
| 199 | Jakub Dubravik | LHD | Zilina Wolves | Tipsport Extraliga | 5’9″ | 171 lbs | 28-Jul-2007 |
| 200 | Aaron Obobaifo | LW | Vancouver | WHL | 5’9.5″ | 183 lbs | 13-Feb-2007 |
| 201 | Jesper Kotajarvi | LHD | Tappara | Finland | 5’11.0″ | 173 lbs | 24-Jul-2007 |
| 202 | Mans Goos | G | Farjestads | HockeyAllsvenskan | 6’5″ | 190 lbs | 5-May-2007 |
| 203 | Jimmy Lombardi | C | Flint | OHL | 6’0.0″ | 175 lbs | 16-Feb-2007 |
| 204 | John McNelis | LW | Sioux Falls Stampede | USHL | 5’9″ | 161 lbs | 8-Jan-2006 |
| 205 | Jake Merens | LW | Sioux City Musketeers | USHL | 5’8″ | 170 lbs | 10-Nov-2006 |
| 206 | Tomas Galvas | LHD | Liberec | Czechia Extraliga | 5’10.0″ | 154 lbs | 11-Feb-2006 |
| 207 | Kaden Shahan | LW | University of Connecticut | NCAA (HockeyEast) | 5’11” | 168 lbs | 24-May-2005 |
| 208 | Blake Vanek | RW | Stillwater High | MN High School | 6’2″ | 205 lbs | 16-Aug-2007 |
| 209 | Nolen Geerdes | LHD | Rogers High | MN High School | 5’10.75″ | 177 lbs | 30-Apr-2007 |
| 210 | Jett Lajoie | RW | Prince George | WHL | 5’11.5″ | 178 lbs | 05-Feb-2007 |
| 211 | Jack Galanek | C | Muskegon Lumberjacks | USHL | 5’11” | 177 lbs | 4-Jun-2006 |
| 212 | Joey Slavick | G | USA U18 | NTDP | 5’10” | 174 lbs | 5-Apr-2007 |
| 213 | Henry Lechner | C | Academy of Holy Angels | MN High School | 6’2″ | 205 lbs | 3-Nov-2006 |
| 214 | Harry Nansi | RW | Owen Sound | OHL | 6’2.75″ | 186 lbs | 10-Sep-2007 |
| 215 | Adam Fortier-Gendron | LHD | Moncton Wildcats | QMJHL | 5’10” | 194 lbs | 21-Jan-2006 |
| 216 | Brooks Cullen | C | Moorhead High | MN High School | 6’0.25″ | 189 lbs | 13-Sep-2006 |
| 217 | David Bedkowski | RHD | Owen Sound | OHL | 6’4.5″ | 215 lbs | 07-Dec-2006 |
| 218 | Artemii Nizameev | RW | Tri-City | USHL | 5’9.5″ | 191 lbs | 20-Nov-2005 |
| 219 | Ryan Rucinski | C | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | 5’10” | 176 lbs | 1-December-2006 |
| 220 | Donato Bracco | LHD | USA U18 | NTDP | 5’10” | 166 lbs | 26-Jul-2007 |
| 221 | Frantisek Netusil | C | Minnesota | NAHL | 5’10.0″ | 174 lbs | 14-May-2007 |
| 222 | Brian Nicholas | LW | Brown College | NCAA (ECAC) | 6’1″ | 180 lbs | 15-Mar-2005 |
| 223 | Matia Nico Birchler | G | EV Zug | Swiss League | 6’5″ | 183 lbs | 15-Jan-2007 |
| 224 | Matthew Desiderio | LHD | Dubuque Fighting Saints | USHL | 6’2″ | 210 lbs | 16-Aug-2005 |
| 225 | Peyton Kettles | RHD | Swift Current | WHL | 6’5.25″ | 190 lbs | 01-Sep-2007 |