DOB: 9/30/07

6’0, 181 lbs

43gp, 11g, 33pts

25th Percentile: Second line winger, secondary transition, all-around/all-situation threat

75th Percentile: Top line winger, primary transition, NHL All-Star

A player who is great at everything but has no elite trait besides his mental processing

Stenberg finishes the year as the No. 1 player on my board. I’ve wrestled with him and McKenna for months, but every time I went back to the tape and the tracking data, I kept arriving at the same conclusion. Stenberg drives play, produces against men, wins pucks, supports all over the ice, and has been one of the most consistently effective players in the world for his age group for several years now. There may not be a more complete forward in this draft. His 33 points in 43 SHL games are one of the best draft-year seasons the league has seen. Add another dominant international season in which he took over stretches of the World Juniors, and it becomes difficult to poke holes in the profile. He’s a high-end playmaker who can dissect coverage with quick decisions and tight-area passing, but he’s also a dangerous scorer with a deceptive release that I think he could lean on even more often.

The defining trait in Stenberg’s game is how hard he is to separate from the puck. Defenders get a body on him, pressure him along the wall, close his space, and it rarely matters. He consistently comes away with the puck and extends plays until an opening develops. His strength, puck handling, and ability to process make him one of the most effective cycle players in the draft, while his vision allows him to create scoring chances from seemingly harmless situations. Off the puck, he’s just as impressive. He’s constantly involved in support, tracks back responsibly, wins retrievals, and does all of the little things that drive positive results. There are flashier players in this class and players with more explosive individual tools, but when I stack together production, intelligence, competitiveness, puck skill, and translatable habits, Stenberg is the player I would take first overall.

DOB: 12/20/07

6’0, 170 lbs

35gp, 15, 51pts

25th Percentile: Top-6 winger, Secondary transition, PP menace 

75th percentile: top line winger, primary transition, Elite PP half-wall producer

The best passer to come out of the draft in over a decade, but how much will his off-puck game derail his offensive game?

Gavin McKenna might be the best passer I’ve tracked any draft class and it’s not particularly close. The sheer volume of passes he attempts is one thing, but it’s the quality of the ideas that keeps drawing me back to him as one of the two players who should go #1 in this class. He sees options before they develop, constantly manipulates defenders with subtle fakes and turns, and has an uncanny ability to slip pucks through layers of coverage that most players wouldn’t even attempt. There were multiple instances where it felt like he was processing the game faster than the players around him. The give-and-go work with Fink was especially fun to watch, and over the course of the year McKenna began to drive the line. McKenna touches a huge percentage of his team’s offensive possessions and the microstats reflect that. Nearly half of his team’s offensive transitions run through him and he’s among the most efficient creators in the North American data set. When the puck is on his stick, he has a chance to manufacture offense out of almost nothing.

The challenge with McKenna isn’t finding strengths; it’s deciding how much the weaknesses matter. There are too many sequences where he simply looks uninterested in anything happening away from the puck. He’ll float through defensive coverage, arrive late to support positions, or watch a play unfold rather than forcing himself into it. The lack of urgency on backchecks and defensive routes shows up often enough that it can’t be ignored. Even offensively, there are moments where his feet stop moving and he relies entirely on his hands and vision to solve problems. The talent is obvious and the offensive ceiling remains the highest in the class, but the devil is in the details with McKenna. Whether it’s taking a shortcut defensively, cheating for offense too early, or assuming someone else will handle a responsibility, those habits consistently show up on tape. He’s still the best offensive player I’ve watched in North America this year, but I don’t think the conversation for first overall is quite as cut and dried as many make it out to be. 

DOB: 9/29/07

5’11, 163 lbs

37gp, 6g, 38pts

25th percentile: Tony D’Angelo-esque career

75th percentile: Top four LHD, PP1 offensive machine, one of the top point producers from the backend

The most electric player with the puck on his stick in this draft, but can he be responsible enough defensively to tilt the ice in a positive manner?

Xavier Villeneuve is the most entertaining player in this draft class, and I don’t think it’s particularly close. Every time the puck touches his stick, something happens. He can carry the puck end-to-end, beat defenders one-on-one, create his own scoring chances, and thread passes through layers of coverage that most defensemen wouldn’t even attempt. The skating and puck skill are elite, but what separates him from a lot of offensive defensemen is how often those tools translate into actual offense. The tracking data is almost comical. He led all tracked defensemen in shot attempts, ranked among the leaders in dangerous shots despite playing defense, and was involved in 50% of his team’s offensive transitions which is nearly 20 percentage points ahead of the next closest defenseman. That’s not a player participating in the offense. That’s a player driving it. I also think the defensive game gets overlooked because of how much attention the offense receives. Villeneuve defends the blue line exceptionally well for his size, using his feet, stick work, and anticipation to kill plays before they develop. He rarely gets caught wandering and consistently seems to understand where the next play is going before everyone else on the ice.

The biggest question isn’t whether the skill is real. It’s whether the physical development catches up to it. Villeneuve is still undersized and there are moments where you can see his aversion to contact, particularly on retrievals. When pressure arrives, he’ll occasionally rush a play rather than absorb a hit and maintain possession. That’s the area Boston University is going to have to address because NHL forecheckers will make life miserable if he doesn’t get stronger. If I had one minor nitpick with the offensive game, I’d also like to see a little more variation once he reaches the offensive blue line. He loves cutting laterally and firing pucks through traffic, which works because he’s so elusive, but I think there’s even more playmaking available if he continues expanding how he attacks from the top of the zone. That criticism feels almost unfair considering how much offense he already creates. Players with this combination of skating, puck skill, vision, and transition dominance don’t come around very often. That’s why I have him ranked as high as I do. If the strength comes, the payoff could be enormous.

DOB: 12/30/07

6’2, 194 lbs

45gp, 18g, 48pts

25th percentile: Middle-pairing RHD, Average transition player, PP2 QB

75th percentile: Top-pairing RHD, highly engaged and efficient transition player, all-situation defender

The best chance to be a 25+ minute, all-situation defender who puts up points in the draft, but there’s a lot of development still to get there.

Chase Reid is one of the more interesting defensemen in this class because the offensive confidence jumps out immediately and it’s hard for me not to see shades of Noah Dobson in the way he plays the game. He wants the puck. He wants to make plays. And more importantly, he wants to be the player responsible for getting the puck up the ice rather than simply movng it to the next guy. A lot of his transition value comes through his passing, and when he’s given even a little bit of time he can really pick teams apart. I especially liked the work below the defensive goal line and in tight areas where he can move pucks quickly before pressure arrives. The offensive instincts are apparent in the way he pinches down walls, activates into the zone to receive passes, and inserts himself into rushes. There are risks that come with that approach, but I’d rather have to pull a player back than constantly beg him to be more involved. The skill level is high-end and there are moments where he looks like one of the most naturally gifted puck-moving defensemen in the class.

The concern is that while the offensive toolbox is elite; the execution still has development to catch up to the skillset. Reid sees the game well when he has time to survey his options, but his decisions become much more erratic once pressure speeds him up. There were multiple examples of dangerous passes through the middle that could have ended badly, and there were too many stretch passes that failed when he’s among the best puck carrying defensemen in transition in this class. Too often he chases the stretch-pass homerun instead of safely transporting the puck up the ice himself. Defensively, backward skating remains the biggest hurdle. The pivots can get messy, the backwards crossovers are a concern, and quicker forwards are going to attack his feet until he proves he can handle it. Too often he ends up reaching to overcompensate for his crossover/pivots and ends up giving up way too much space in dangerous areas. The physicality helps and there are enough defensive details to work with, but the path to becoming a top-pairing offensive defenseman probably runs through significant backward skating improvements. Even with that risk, he’s still firmly inside my top five because players with this level of offensive confidence, his lateral agility and puckhandling, and passing ability aren’t easy to find. The question is whether the backwards skating allows the rest of the package to fully come through.

DOB: 3/12/07

5’9, 181 lbs

42gp, 6g, 15pts

25th percentile: middle-six C, primary transition, driver of offense and responsible enough defensively

75th percentile: top-six C, primary transition, PP/PK player with 60+ point potential

Marco Rossi with a tad more offensive potential and a tad more defense to offer.

Viggo Björck is going to force teams to answer a question they never seem to stop asking: how much does size actually matter when the player is this good? Every year there are undersized forwards who get picked apart because they don’t fit the traditional NHL mold, and every year some of them prove that hockey sense and skill can overcome a lot of perceived limitations. Björck belongs firmly in that conversation. He’s one of the smartest players in the draft, processing the game at a speed that few of his peers can match. The puck arrives and he’s already identified his next play. Whether he’s facilitating off the half wall, attacking off the rush, or creating offense through quick give-and-go sequences, Björck consistently stays one step ahead of defenders. He’s slippery with the puck, attacks hands and feet with his edges, and has an impressive ability to spin away from pressure and maintain possession. The production has followed him at every level and he capped off the season by earning a role with Sweden’s men’s national team, looking right at home against older competition.

What separates Björck from a lot of highly skilled undersized forwards is how complete his game is away from the puck. He doesn’t cheat for offense. He’s constantly involved, supports all over the ice, pressures defenders on the forecheck, and wins far more battles than a player his size should. His reads defensively are excellent and he regularly turns takeaways into immediate offensive opportunities. The skating isn’t built around raw power or straight-line explosiveness, which will probably remain the primary criticism of his profile, but he compensates with timing, anticipation, and an ability to change pace that keeps defenders off balance. Once he gets moving, he’s more than capable of attacking through traffic and carrying pucks into dangerous areas. There may be bigger centers available in this draft and there may be faster ones, but very few combine Björck’s hockey sense, skill, competitiveness, and play-driving ability. I view him as a legitimate top-10 talent and one of the safest bets in the class to become an impactful NHL forward.

DOB: 8/3/08

6’1, 185 lbs

18gp, 2g, 7pts

25th percentile: middle-six C, Secondary transition, shutdown center

75th percentile: top-six C, secondary transition, 50+ point player and PP2 triggerman

A complete center who knows how to put the puck in the back of the net, but does his puck-skill and passing ability develop enough to make him an offense force?

The offensive ceiling might not be as high as some of the forwards in this tier, but Lawrence has one of the stronger foundations in the class. He plays a reliable 200-foot game, thinks the game well, and consistently puts himself in the right spots on both sides of the puck. He’s not going to wow anyone with his puckhandling ability and there isn’t a ton of creativity in his offensive approach, but he processes the game quickly and usually makes the correct read. As a passer he’s more efficient than flashy, moving pucks to the right areas and keeping possession flowing rather than trying to force difficult plays through traffic. His transition game is quietly effective as well. The tracked data shows a player who is heavily involved and efficient moving the puck up ice, which aligns with the eye test of a center who understands how to support play and facilitate possession. I can easily see a middle-six center projection here, and if the offensive game takes another step there may be enough skill to support more talented wingers in a second-line role.

What stands out most is how complete his defensive game already is. Lawrence uses his stick exceptionally well, closes quickly on puck carriers, and consistently separates opponents from possession through a combination of physicality, positioning, and timing. He’s also developed into a dangerous shooter who gets pucks off his stick from quality areas with regularity. The offensive limitations show up once possession is established in the offensive zone. Too often he’ll hold onto the puck waiting for a lane to open instead of creating one himself, and he tends to rely on powering through defenders rather than changing angles or using deception to manufacture opportunities. There’s very little flash to his game right now, but there’s a lot of substance. The microstats paint the picture of an efficient transition player and a high-volume shooter who still needs to create more dangerous passing opportunities. If that part of his game develops, there’s a chance there’s more offense here and he could challenge for the best forward to come out of class in five years.

DOB: 12/7/07

6’3, 209 lbs

38gp, 6g, 13pts

25th percentile: middle-pairing LHD, Steady two-way defensemen, PP2 potential

75th percentile: Top-four LHD, Very good two-way defender, PP1 potential with PP2 on lock

A lot of tools and aggressive habits to translate offense to NHL and can already could defend at an NHL-level, but has to clean up the mental mistakes

Smits is one of those players where I think the conversation has started to catch up to the tools, but I’m still not sure it’s fully caught up. A year ago he was more of a “maybe first round if everything clicks” type, and now he’s firmly in that top-tier defenseman discussion for this class. At 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, the frame is obvious, but what actually stands out is that he doesn’t play like a big defenseman trying to simplify things. He’ll actually take pucks, manipulate pressure, and try to create offense out of structure. With Jukurit’s u20 team he had multiple viewings where he was just playing keep-away inside the offensive zone, using his hands and reach to extend plays and then finding seams when defenders overcommitted. There’s a confidence level there that you don’t always get with players his size, especially ones playing meaningful minutes in pro environments and then translating that same game internationally for Latvia. When he’s engaged, he can tilt shifts just by being the guy who actually wants the puck and isn’t afraid to try something with it.

Where it gets more interesting is that there’s a real NHL framework here even if the decision-making isn’t fully cleaned up yet. He skates well enough to recover and join plays, he closes space with his feet, and he’s strong enough on pucks that he doesn’t get pushed around despite playing a higher-risk game than most defenders his size. The hands are real, the shot is heavy, and there are enough defensive habits with his stick detail, willingness to compete in battles, and ability to move pucks after retrieval that you can project him into a lineup without squinting too hard. The swing factor is the mental processing. There are shifts where he’s a half-beat off in recognition and ends up chasing instead of controlling the situation, or forces a play that doesn’t need to be made. It’s not uncommon for younger, toolsy defensemen, but it’s what will decide whether he settles in as a steady second-pair type or pushes into something more. Either way, the baseline here is pretty clearly an NHL defenseman with a chance to be more if the processing tightens up.

DOB: 6/19/08

6’4, 216 lbs

36gp, 6g, 20pts

25th percentile: Bottom-four NHL RHD, PK ability, some scoring from activation

75th percentile: Top-four minutes, all-situations defender, above-average point producer

Has the potential to be a top-pairing defender, but didn’t take any big steps this year to give you confidence he will be

The entire evaluation of Keaton Verhoeff comes down to whether you believe the execution will eventually catch up to the ideas. There are moments where he looks like one of the more dynamic defensemen in the class. He wants the puck, he wants to attack, and he’s constantly looking for ways to advance play rather than simply maintaining possession. At his best, Verhoeff is carrying pucks through the neutral zone, threading passes through traffic, and jumping into the attack at exactly the right moment. I thought some of his strongest viewings showcased real offensive upside. He was active without being reckless, showed improvement handling pressure on exits, and consistently looked to push the pace offensively. There’s also a defensive foundation here that shouldn’t be overlooked. In-zone, he’s generally reliable, competes well around the net, and uses his size and positioning effectively. The combination of offensive ambition and defensive competence is why he’s firmly in the conversation among the better defensemen in this class.

The problem is that when things go wrong, they go really wrong. Verhoeff had viewings where he was directly responsible for multiple goals against because the decision-making simply fell apart. Turnovers at the offensive blue line, failed breakout passes, poorly timed activations, unnecessary risks through the neutral zone; there were stretches where every mistake seemed to end up in the back of his net. That’s what keeps me from fully buying into the offensive profile. Too often the offensive game feels driven by ideas rather than results. I appreciate that he sees plays other defensemen don’t see, but NHL teams don’t draft concepts; they draft execution. The skating also remains a concern. He has enough mobility to be effective, but not enough foot speed or agility to consistently recover when a play breaks down or to beat defenders cleanly on his own. Drafting Verhoeff to be a middle-pairing defender seems safe. Drafting him to be in your top pair is a gamble. The vision, confidence, and offensive instincts are all there. The challenge is turning those flashes into a more controlled and consistent game. If he does, there’s a very good player here. If not, this draft is so defensemen heavy at the top that you may regret not taking another option in the top 10.

DOB: 6/2/08

6’2, 185 lbs

67gp, 29g, 84pts

25th percentile: middle-six C, passenger with specialty in physical play and finisher, PP potential as net-front player

75th percentile: middle-six C, secondary transition player, PP1 as net front or PP2 as a bumper

A physical centerman who has small area skill and good offensive zone instincts, but was a passenger in transition on a stacked OHL team

Malhotra is a player who shows his impact in pockets rather than as a consistent driver of play. Most of his value comes in-zone where he can work give-and-go sequences and connect simple passes into dangerous areas, but there is a clear drop-off once play moves into transition. He is not a reliable transporter through the neutral zone and is often the last link in the chain rather than the player initiating entries or exits. The puck skill is solid in tight areas, but it is not dynamic enough to consistently separate or create on his own, which limits how often he actually tilts shifts away from structure. Malhotra’s skating has a bit of stiffness to it and while he can build straight-line pace, it does not translate into separation or controlled zone entries with any real consistency. Defensively he competes and shows effort off the puck, but the overall profile still reads more complementary than driving.

The strengths are concentrated in structured offensive play where he can operate as a connector rather than a carrier. He processes passing options well in-zone and can execute clean plays to open teammates, especially when the puck is already established in the offensive end. However, the lack of involvement in transition is a consistent theme, both in terms of carrying and being an active option to receive and move pucks under pressure. That limits his ability to influence possession across the full 200 feet and reduces his overall offensive efficiency. The tracking data supports that read, showing solid physical engagement and decent ability to feed dangerous areas in-zone, but low involvement in transition and limited effectiveness as a puck mover through the middle of the ice. He projects as a middle-six player depending on how much his offensive transition efficiency improves.

DOB: 7/21/08

5’11, 176 lbs

46gp, 18g, 44pts

25th percentile outcome: 3rd line/secondary transition player/set-up man on PP2/limited career in NHL

75th percentile outcome: Top 6 winger/primary transition player/PP1 focal point/Long career in NHL

A transition monster with top-end skill, but without the high-end point production in his draft year.

Mathis Preston is one of my favorite transition players in this class because the entire game slows down when the puck hits his stick in motion. He can fly the defensive zone looking to become an outlet through the neutral zone at times which does concern me a bit, but he does a really good job manipulating rush lanes once he gets possession. There’s a ton of skill here, especially attacking downhill. He’s shifty in small areas, can weave through traffic with ease, and consistently looks to maintain possession instead of just throwing pucks away. The passing execution was a little erratic in some viewings, but I loved the thought processes. He sees plays developing early and there’s a really cerebral element to the way he creates offense that I value a lot. The underlying data absolutely backs the eye test too. Over 52% offensive transition involvement with a ridiculous 83% efficiency, and over 20% of his passes going into dangerous areas as well. His microstats paint a ridiculous profile for a player who isn’t being talked about as even a lottery-level prospect. If he stayed healthy all year I genuinely think he’d be one of the biggest positive regression candidates in the class.

The concerns mostly come down to consistency and physical engagement. His first three steps are good, but I don’t think he has that extra north/south gear to fully separate once defenders recover, which can limit some of the rush upside. There are also shifts where the defensive detail completely disappears and he starts reaching with his stick instead of moving his feet. He can engage physically and there are flashes of a really good 200-foot player because his reads defensively are strong, but it just doesn’t show up every shift. I’d also like to see him shoot more because the shot volume lags behind the playmaking talent and he can default too much into pass-first mode. Still, I think there’s legitimate top-six upside here because the intelligence, transition ability, and offensive creation are all extremely projectable. Preston’s biggest fans can sometimes overlook his inconsistency, and his biggest detractors are too focused on points. He shouldn’t slip out of the top 20 come draft night.

DOB: 9/8/08

6’1, 181 lbs

40gp, 16, 45pts

25th percentile: middle-six W, secondary transition, PP2 facilitator

75th percentile, top-six W, primary transition, PP1 half-wall player and potential to push north of 60 points a season

One of the best playmakers in the draft but has room to grow as a 200 foot player

Wyatt Cullen is a high-end offensive creator who can break structure and generate looks out of nothing. The passing touch and playmaking instincts stand out immediately, especially in the offensive zone where he can manipulate defenders and open lanes that are not there on first read. He is at his best when he has the puck on his stick and can work through pressure or delay to find secondary options, and there is real creativity in how he builds offense. The shot is also a legitimate weapon and he has a knack for slipping into space quietly to get looks off without needing extended setup.

The concern comes when he has to move play through the ice rather than operate inside the offensive zone. The pace is good but there are stretches where the transition carry game does not consistently threaten defenders, which limits how often he can be the one driving entries. There is also a tendency to prioritize offense over supporting structure away from the puck, even if he will engage physically when he gets there. The skill level is clearly high enough to project real upside, but the game needs another layer of puck dominance or more consistent impact through transition to push him into the top tier. Right now he profiles as one of the more dynamic play creators in the 2026 class, but still a player with some clear gaps in how he drives play over a full 200 feet.

DOB: 6/11/07

6’4, 203 lbs

27gp, 0g, 3pts

25th percentile: bottom-four LHD, good first pass defender and good defender, no PP potential

75th percentile: top-four LHD, carry-out transition player and secondary rush attacker, PP2 potential

A lot of NHL-level traits when it comes to defending and facilitating transition and potential to be more though not yet seen

Gustafsson is a big defenseman who plays with a lot more puck intent than the usual stay-at-home label would suggest. He will carry pucks out of his own zone, use his reach and hands to step through pressure, and try to push transition rather than just chip pucks off the glass. There is real strength in how he separates players in the defensive zone with his stick and range, and he is comfortable enough handling the puck that he does not look limited when asked to transport. The shot is heavy and he tends to lean on it as a way to generate offense, more often looking to get pucks through to the net and create chaos rather than trying to thread elite passes. He will also activate and support the cycle at times, showing that he is not purely locked into a defensive role.

The projection is still very much tied to consistency and decision making. There are shifts where he looks like a modern two-way defender who can defend, move pucks, and support offense in transition, and others where the reads slow down and he looks unsure of when to engage versus when to simplify. That can lead to moments where he overextends or tries to force involvement rather than letting the game come to him. Defensively, the tools are solid with good angles, reach, and physical engagement, but the processing under pressure can lag at times. Even with that, the foundation is strong enough to see a clear NHL path as a two-way defenseman who can handle minutes at even strength and contribute in secondary roles. The upside comes down to whether the decision making tightens enough for him to consistently play to his strengths rather than oscillating between roles shift to shift.

DOB: 4/18/08

5’11, 176 lbs

53gp, 14g, 57pts

25th percentile: bottom-four RHD, cowboy hockey, PP2 potential

75th percentile: top-four RHD, offensive juggernaut, PP1 potential

A cerebral and aggressive offensive defenseman whose skating while defending will determine how much even strength time he gets

The easiest way to describe Ryan Lin is that he’s always available. Every offensive sequence seems to involve him activating into space, jumping into a shooting lane, or finding another way to make himself an option. If there’s a scoring chance developing, there’s a good chance he’s finding a way to become part of it. He’s not the type of defenseman who sits at the blue line waiting for things to happen. Lin actively inserts himself into the attack and does a really nice job recognizing when to slide down the wall, drift toward the goal line, or move into open ice for a shot. Lin’s offensive game is built more around timing and awareness than pure flash, but it works. He’s constantly around scoring chances and the tracked data backs that up with strong transition involvement and a knack for getting pucks off from dangerous areas. I also liked the way he handled contact to complete plays and his first pass can be excellent when he has a chance to scan the ice before making a decision.

The projection gets a little murkier once the puck starts coming back the other way. Lin has the mentality and willingness to defend, but there are some physical limitations that show up against speed. His gap control is one big issue because he struggles to close space quickly, and opposing forwards are often able to gain the blue line without much resistance. There were a handful of plays where he got caught watching the puck and lost track of his man moving into dangerous areas behind him. While he’ll battle and throw his body around, he doesn’t always have the strength or footspeed to recover once he’s beaten. That’s why I find him so fascinating as a prospect. The offensive role is easy to envision because he’s so active and involved. The question is whether the defensive details improve enough for coaches to trust him in bigger minutes. If they do, there’s a path to becoming a really effective offensive defenseman. If they don’t, he may end up being a player whose best work only comes in favorable situations.

DOB: 4/11/08

6’0, 183 lbs

68gp, 42g, 97pts

25th percentile: middle-six winger with secondary transition ability and PP2 potential

75th percentile: top-six winger with primary transition ability and a point producer

Tl;dr; An absolute dog at trying to create scoring chances, oftentimes at the detriment of playing defense.

JP Hurlbert is one of the most dangerous offensive players in this class when he has time and space because the combination of skill, shot, and north/south attacking mentality is legitimately high-end. He was an absolute monster offensively in some of these viewings and consistently drove the line in terms of creating chances both for himself and others. The transition profile is ridiculous too. He led my dataset in offensive transition involvement and constantly broke down neutral zone structures by just attacking directly through them with pace and confidence. There’s a lot of volume to his game, but unlike some other high-volume players, I actually think the ideas are really good. He sees dangerous passing options, attacks inside space, and if defenders give him even a little bit of room he can absolutely punish them as either a shooter or playmaker. He’s hard on pucks, physically engaged, and slippery enough in tight areas that defenders struggle squaring him up once he gets downhill.

The issue is almost entirely tied to the skating and stamina. The pace itself isn’t awful in short bursts, but once shifts drag on you can visibly see the gas tank empty and the decision-making deteriorate with it. That’s when the blind passes into traffic and low percentage dump-ins start showing up. The passing profile overall is very volume-over-efficiency right now, especially when he starts forcing plays into dangerous areas without fully processing the coverage. I also still want to see more consistent defensive engagement shift-to-shift even though there were clear improvements compared to earlier viewings. Ultimately though, I think the offense is just too good to overthink. The transition involvement, the offensive creation, and the ability to dictate play through sheer attacking mentality are all first-round caliber traits for me. The speed probably keeps him out of the lottery conversation, but I think he absolutely should be in that 17-25 range because there’s real top-six offensive upside here if the pace becomes even remotely manageable at the next level.

DOB: 2/5/08

6’1, 183 lbs

38gp, 11g, 21pts

25th percentile: middle-six W, secondary transition, PP2 potential but lacks defensive game which causes a shorten NHL career

75th percentile: top-six W, secondary transition, PP2 potential and defensive game matures where he sticks for a long career

One of the most skilled players in this draft but the perimeter offensive and lack of compete defensively are red flags

Hermansson is one of the more purely skilled offensive wingers in this class, and he has already shown he can translate that toolkit against both top junior competition and men in the HockeyAllsvenskan. The offensive profile is built on high-end puck skill in small areas, quick processing under pressure, and the ability to create off both the rush and in-zone sequences. He can beat defenders one-on-one with his hands, slip through tight spaces in transition, and make plays through layers with real vision. There is also a natural scoring instinct here, whether that is attacking seams off the flank for a quick release or finding soft ice and ripping pucks without needing a ton of setup. He is at his best when the puck is on his stick and he is dictating how shifts unfold.

The game is not just one-dimensional offense either. When he is not the primary driver, he can slide into more of a finishing role and still stay involved by drifting into scoring areas off the puck and presenting as a consistent shooting threat. That ability to shift between playmaking and finishing gives him a useful floor even when his timing or decision making is not perfect. The concern is still consistency in engagement and how firm he is with the puck, especially when pressured or when plays do not develop cleanly. There are moments where he can force attempts in low percentage areas or drift out of sequences defensively, which keeps him from being a fully reliable driver shift to shift. Even with that, the skill level is high enough that you are talking about a legitimate first round talent, with upside tied directly to how often he can impose his game rather than float in and out of it.

DOB: 6/23/08

6’2, 198 lbs

58gp, 20g, 73pts

25th percentile: middle-pairing LHD, shutdown defender and good first pass defender, no PP potential

75th percentile: Top-pairing LHD, shutdown defender and can contribute offensively, all-situations defenseman

One of the safest picks in the first round in terms of floor with a tantalizing skill-set that he could be more

Carson Carels is one of the tougher defensemen in the class to get a read on because there are stretches where you barely notice him and then he’ll make three plays in a row that remind you of his elite traits. Carels skating and passing ability are the foundation of his game. He rarely forces pucks, consistently delivers them accurately, and has a knack for making difficult plays look routine. Whether it’s a short touch pass under pressure or a longer breakout feed through traffic, the puck generally ends up exactly where he intends it to go. The microstats reflect that as well. Carels is one of the more efficient puck movers I’ve tracked, even if the overall volume isn’t particularly high. Add in the skating, defensive mobility, and ability to defend entries with both his feet and physicality, and it’s easy to see a player who could handle a lot of even-strength minutes at higher levels.

What keeps me from getting overly excited is how often he fades into the background. For a player with his tools, I’d like to see him impose himself on games more consistently. Too many possessions end with simple chip-outs and too many shifts pass without him meaningfully impacting the flow of play. The offensive flashes are there as he can join a rush as a secondary attacker, make plays in tight spaces, and occasionally jump into openings, but I don’t see a player who naturally wants to run an offense. That’s why I struggle to envision him as a future power-play quarterback despite the passing skill. Carel’s game right now is built much more around efficiency in both the offensive and defensive ends rather than initiative. When Carels chooses to get involved, he’s usually effective. The question is whether he ever becomes the type of defenseman who actively drives play, or if he’s simply a very good complementary piece who quietly eats minutes and helps good players around him succeed.

DOB: 11/13/07

6’1, 205 lbs

58gp, 34g, 65pts

25th percentile: 3rd line W, passenger with the role of a shooter in the offensive zone, PP triggerman

75th percentile: Top-six W, secondary transition, 50+ point winger with PP potential

An offensively gifted winger whose effort wasn’t there for the first half the year but turned it on in the second-half

Novotny is a bit of a tricky evaluation because my opinion swings depending on how much effort he is playing with. Early on, the concern was pretty clear in that there was not a ton pace playing off the rush and he was often reliant on linemates to generate the initial entry or create the first layer of offense. When he has to carry pucks over the blue line himself, it can look fairly limited, and there are stretches where the compete level away from the puck does not consistently match what you would expect from a top end swing. That combination makes the projection as a lottery pick feel a bit rich compared to the impact showing up on film on a shift to shift basis.

That said, later viewings show a much more dangerous offensive layer that changes the picture. When he is involved in-zone and the puck is moving through him, there are flashes of real shooting ability and the willingness to attack high danger areas with pace. He can get pucks off quickly in scoring spots and also show enough vision to feed teammates into better looks when he draws pressure. The issue is still tying those flashes together into a consistent 200 foot impact, especially in transition where he is not yet a reliable driver. It leaves a profile with clear offensive upside but enough volatility in engagement and play driving that teams will likely land in very different places on him depending on how much they trust the projection versus the current involvement.

DOB: 8/13/08

6’4, 198 lbs

19gp, 1g, 8pts

25th percentile: Bottom-six W, passenger who specializes in physicality, no PP potential

75th percentile: Middle-six W, passenger who specializes in physicality and net front scoring, PP potential as a net front player

The prototypical power forward who plays with physicality, pace, and has enough skill and scoring ability to have a ceiling of a 2nd line player

Hemming is a traits-first power forward projection who shows flashes of real tools but is still very inconsistent in how those tools show up over a full game. There are shifts where the straight line speed stands out early and he can push through contact or arrive on pucks with force, but that level tends to fade as the game goes on and his overall impact drops significantly. The physical presence is real and he is willing to engage, finish checks, and play a heavy game, but the puck skill and passing ability are not yet at a level where he can consistently drive offense or create through the neutral zone on his own.

Offensively, there are moments that make you think there is something to work with, especially the ability to get a shot off in space and the occasional individual play where he can beat a defender one-on-one and generate a quality chance. The issue is how infrequently those moments are built into sustained pressure or repeated offensive sequences. He is more of a finisher and straight-line attacker than a creator, and without consistent carrying or passing ability, he projects more as a supporting middle-six type rather than a driver. Given the late start in the NCAA season, there is still some projection baked in here, but at this stage it is very much a bet on physical tools and continued development rather than present-day offensive reliability.

DOB: 6/16/08

6’1, 187 lbs

30gp, 17g, 44pts

25th percentile: Bottom-six C, secondary transition, shutdown center with no PP potential

75th percentile: Middle-six C, secondary transition, shutdown center whose offensive game blooms into a PP2 role

Plays a hard-nosed, physical centerman role whose offensive game has potential but isn’t guaranteed to be good enough to play a scoring role

Command is one of the bigger risers in the class and the production jump this season is hard to ignore. He went from a depth role in J20 Nationell to a true driver, pushing into 44 points in 30 games and carrying that same effectiveness into international play with Sweden at the U18s. What stands out more than the raw totals is how consistently he shows up across shifts, whether it is making quick reads under pressure, winning wall battles, or getting pucks to the right areas without needing extra time or space. There is a real sense of pace to his processing even if he is not a flashy player, and he tends to make the simple read that keeps plays alive rather than forcing low percentage options. The shot volume and physical engagement numbers match the eye test, and there is a clear competitiveness to his game that drives a lot of his impact.

From a projection standpoint, Command is a pretty clean middle-six center profile. He skates well enough to stay involved in all three zones and has enough strength on his frame to hold pucks through contact and extend possessions. The faceoff ability adds real value, and he is comfortable handling pucks under pressure in the middle of the ice. Offensively, he is more efficient than dynamic, but he does enough in terms of timing, positioning, and quick release shooting to support consistent production at higher levels. The concern is that he may never have a true standout trait that separates him from similar two-way forwards, but the overall completeness of the game gives him a very stable floor. He projects as a reliable NHL center who can play in a variety of roles and continue to grow into more responsibility as he matures.

DOB: 10/30/07

6’0, 201 lbs

61gp, 28g, 57 pts

25th percentile outcome: AHL, top-6 player

75th percentile outcome: Second line W, secondary player in transition and able to put up points and play sound defensively

Flashes of high-end, offensive potential that flourished after the Mathis Preston trade

Chase Harrington is one of those players where the skill is obvious the second he touches the puck, but the way it actually shows up shift-to-shift is a lot more inconsistent than you want for a guy you’re trying to project into a top-six role. I really liked the offensive zone work when he was settled in; he’s a strong passer, the puck comes off his stick clean, and there are moments where he can thread pucks into dangerous areas or snap quick plays off retrievals that lead directly to high-danger looks. There’s enough touch and deception in tight that you can see why he pops in flashes, especially when he’s able to slow the game down below the goal line or operate off puck in-zone where he can time himself into space. Without Preston, he actually looked more comfortable as a transition driver and the offensive rhythm made more sense, with his last tracked game being one of the best tracked game from a forward all year.

The concern is everything outside of those controlled offensive-zone moments. He just isn’t a natural transition driver and too often the play dies when it hits his stick in movement. The puck skill and lateral mobility aren’t quite at the level where he can consistently beat defenders cleanly through the neutral zone, and that leads to a lot of dump-and-chase usage rather than controlled entries. Even when he does get pressured, there are too many plays where he struggles to connect on simple exits or advance the puck cleanly through layers. Defensively there’s some value as he reads developing plays well and will use his stick to disrupt, and he’s willing enough physically for an offensive-leaning forward, but the projection question is whether this is anything more than a complementary offensive piece. Right now I struggle to see the top-six passenger skillset fully materializing, which puts him more in that late first / early second range where you’re betting the offensive flashes become more consistent than the inefficiencies.

DOB: 12/7/07

5’9, 170 lbs

68gp, 38g, 78pts

25th Percentile: AHL scoring winger in the mold of Trey Fix-Wolansky

75th percentile: Poor man’s Nic Ehlers 

The most electrifying player in the draft that no one talks about because of his size and some off-ice rumors

Julien Maze plays hockey like he shotguns energy drinks before puck drop. Everything is sudden, aggressive, and constantly attacking. His skating is ridiculous, not just because of the top speed, but because of how violently he changes direction and creates separation in tiny areas. Defenders look comfortable against him for half a second and then suddenly he’s cut back underneath them and the puck is in the slot. He’s one of the rare players in this class that can manufacture offense completely on his own. Give him a loose puck in transition and he can take it end-to-end. Give him a broken play along the wall and he’ll somehow spin out of it into a dangerous chance. The passing vision is elite too. He throws pucks into space before teammates even realize they’re open and consistently manipulates defenders with his feet to create lanes. The tracking data absolutely adored him. One of the best transition profiles I tracked all season, absurd passing efficiency, dangerous shot generation, the whole thing. He controls games offensively in a way very few players in this class can.

The only thing holding him back from being a near no-doubt projection offensively is the lack of size and strength through contact. Bigger defenders can absolutely launch him along the wall and there are moments where you can see him trying to avoid heavy contact instead of driving directly through it. That’s really the swing skill here because the offensive talent is undeniable. I’d also like a little more consistency defensively because he can drift into fly-by habits away from the puck, but unlike some smaller offensive players, I actually think the compete level is there. He wants the puck constantly, works back into plays after mistakes, and plays with an attacking mindset every shift. Honestly, he’s my favorite player in this class to watch because every time he jumps over the boards something happens. I’m way higher on him than consensus and I don’t think I’ll regret it.

DOB: 7/5/08

6’3, 203 lbs

62gp, 18g, 46pts

25th percentile: Bottom-six winger, passenger with physical power forward responsibilities, Net-front PP potential

75th percentile: Middle-six winger, secondary transition player, 50+ point potential

A power-forward who has more skill than you’d expect. Shades of Josh Doan.

Mutryn is a heavy, physical forward who sets a tone as an F1 forechecker and brings real bite to his shifts. The defensive engagement stands out immediately, especially in the way he tracks back, supports down low, and applies pressure in the defensive zone without taking himself out of structure. Offensively at even strength he is still fairly limited as a puck mover or wall player, and there are stretches where he does not generate much through possession or creation. The skill level with the puck is more functional than dynamic, particularly when he is trying to work along the boards or extend plays under pressure.

Where he becomes more interesting is in how he uses his size and awareness to find offense in more simplified ways. He has a knack for slipping into soft areas around the net and finishing plays when the puck gets there, and there are flashes of enough touch to suggest he is not strictly a pure grinder. He is also versatile in role, capable of shifting between forechecking responsibilities and more structured checking assignments while still bringing energy and physicality every shift. The transition game is more support-based than driving, but he can contribute in multiple phases without being a liability. Overall, it is a projectable bottom-six style profile with some situational offensive upside if the reads and puck skills continue to tighten up.

DOB: 3/6/08

6’3, 205 lbs

68gp, 28g, 78pts

25th percentile: Bottom-four RHD, cowboy hockey, PP2 at times

75th percentile: Top-4 RHD, strong offensive defenseman with a good first pass, PP1 potential

Has the size, skill and aggressiveness to be an offensive defenseman but is still too inconsistent to project to a top role

I never quite know what I’m going to get from Daxon Rudolph, and that’s both the appeal and the frustration. There are elements of his game that I really like. He’s a smart offensive thinker who isn’t afraid to activate, and when he jumps into the play there’s usually a purpose behind it. Some of his best moments came when he identified openings before they appeared and moved into dangerous areas to create offense. The passing can be adventurous, but I appreciated that he consistently looked to the slot rather than settling for safe perimeter plays. The tracking data reflects that aggressiveness, as he’s one of the better defensemen in the class at funneling pucks into dangerous areas. Defensively, I thought he was at his best when the game slowed down. Along the walls, around the net, and in contained situations, he was difficult to play against and generally made smart decisions with his positioning. There’s enough mobility, enough offensive instinct, and enough defensive foundation here to see a legitimate NHL prospect.

The problem is that the game often gets away from him, especially when defending the rush. Rudolph can look rigid defending the rush, allowing attackers too much room before lunging at them rather than maintaining tighter gaps with active feet. The puck skill is also inconsistent. There were games where he struggled badly under pressure, failing to beat forecheckers and rushing plays that didn’t need to be rushed. That’s where a lot of the inefficiency in his transition game comes from. I actually think he would benefit from holding onto pucks a little longer and trusting his reads because the ideas are usually better than the execution. Offensively, I’d also like to see more selectivity with the shot. Too many pucks get fired from the blue line without much chance of creating danger. That’s ultimately where I land on Rudolph. The vision, activation habits, and defensive instincts make him a fascinating projection, but the inconsistency in his puck management and rush defense keep me from fully buying in. There are enough flashes to justify a mid-first round draft pick, but he’s going to need cleaner execution for those flashes to translate into a meaningful NHL role.

DOB: 12/1/07

6’0, 170 lbs

63gp, 13g, 81pts

25th percentile: AHL/NHL Tweener, Offensive dynamo but can’t get it to translate at the NHL level, PP1 potential at every level

75th percentile: Bottom-four NHL RHD, Offensive dynamo who contributes offensively at even-strength, PP1 potential

Shades of Seamus Casey: all the skill in the world but just needs to get a bit more aggressive to dominate games

Bleyl is a high-skill, highly deceptive puck mover who consistently shows he can manipulate defenders at the offensive blue line with quick hands and lateral movement. There are plenty of moments where he straight up beats coverage one-on-one, especially in tight spaces where his shiftiness creates separation that should not be there. The puck skill is real and he is more than willing to move it, but the approach is fairly conservative for a player with his tools. He tends to connect simple plays rather than fully leaning into his ability to open things up himself, which sometimes undercuts how dangerous he can look when he actually attacks.

The rest of the profile is more uneven. Defensively he competes and reads the game well enough, but there is a physical limitation in his strength on the puck that shows up when he’s against a very physical forecheck, and he can be knocked off his spots too easily. Offensively, there is also a bit too much standing and watching rather than consistently activating and staying involved through shifts, which limits his overall involvement in transition and the offensive zone. That said, when he is engaged, he can absolutely drive offense as a facilitator, especially on a strong Moncton team where he understood when to distribute and when to attack seams. The projection comes down to whether he can become more assertive and physically stable on his skates, because the skill level to be a real play driver is clearly there.

DOB: 3/27/08

6’4, 196 lbs

62gp, 30g, 62pts

25th percentile: Bottom-six LW, Passenger with physical/net-front speciality, No PP potential

75th percentile: Middle-six LW, Secondary transition that develops with improved skating edges, PP2

A big, power-forward who knows how to use his body and has above-average skill for his size, but still a work in-progress on his edges with his skating.

Dagenais is a pace and skill winger who can flash real separation ability when he gets his feet and hands coordinated, but the overall consistency of his reads and execution is still coming and going. There are shifts where the stop-start quickness stands out and he can beat defenders wide or off the rush with individual moves, and he has enough puck skill to work through pressure where he uses his reach and body positioning to fend off pressure. The issue is the decision making layer in the offensive zone, where he can drift into lower percentage reads or simplify too early instead of fully leaning into the openings he creates. His passing is functional, but it does not consistently break structure or generate high end chances through the middle of the ice.

When the game tightens up, his identity leans more physical and straight line. He does a good job using his frame to box out and win space around the net, and he is willing to get involved on the forecheck and below the goal line to extend possessions. There are still some balance and edge inconsistencies that show up in tighter areas, especially when trying to connect hands and feet through contact or small area movement. Even so, the toolset is very intriguing because the combination of pace, reach, and net front presence gives him multiple ways to impact shifts. He projects as a winger who can create pressure and finish plays, but how far he goes will depend on whether the processing and puck management catch up to the physical and skating traits.

DOB: 3/30/08

6’5, 227 lbs

57gp, 34g, 59pts

25th percentile: bottom-six passenger who can bang in 15-20 goals

75th percentile: middle-six passenger who can put in 50-60 points a season

A physical power-forward whose skating and processing have a ways to go

Ethan Beltchetz is a player I keep wanting to like more than I actually do when I watch him. There’s some obvious appeal here. He’s smart off the puck in both ends, has a good defensive stick, and there are flashes offensively where the skill level looks legitimate. He can make plays in the offensive zone when given time, finds soft space around the net well, and has a pretty good shot when he gets inside to use it. He flashes some above-average skill to make plays, but he’s often on a line that carries play and he benefits from having his linemates carry play. When he plays hard physically and has his feet moving there are moments where you can see the outline of a complementary scoring winger.

The problem is that almost none of Windsor’s offense actually runs through him. He’s not driving transition, doesn’t have the puck skill or footspeed to consistently beat defenders, and really struggles once pressure ramps up. There were way too many plays where he fumbled pucks, missed passes, glided past the play, or just flat out lost his edge trying to change direction quickly. The physicality doesn’t do much for me either because most of it is just finishing checks after the puck is already gone instead of disrupting possession. Defensively he’s fine in structure, but anyone attacking wide had little issue getting around him. The microstats back a lot of this up too. The involvement and efficiency numbers across transition, passing, and scoring chance creation just aren’t particularly exciting. There’s some skill and offensive touch here, but for a player getting lottery consideration, I just don’t see enough pace, processing, or offensive driving ability to rank him there.

DOB: 9/25/07

6’4, 216 lbs

49gp, 30g, 58pts

25th percentile: AHL/NHL bottom-six power forward who can score goals

75th percentile: NHL middle-six secondary transition player who is a plus in the offensive zone

The ultimate Boom/Bust pick. A very good scoring power forward or someone who struggles to earn a role.

Ryan Roobroeck is a player I keep going back and forth on because the scoring instincts are legitimately good, but almost every other part of the profile makes me nervous. He has a real knack for finding soft areas in coverage and his vision into dangerous areas is probably the best part of his game. His shot is a weapon too. He doesn’t need much space to get it off and when the puck finds him in scoring areas, he can finish with the best of them. There are moments in the offensive zone where he can generate multiple scoring chances and that’s enough to understand why he’s viewed as a potential late first rounder. His pace of play is faster than some of the bigger skill forwards in this range and I thought his puck carrying looked a bit better in later viewings. The power play production makes sense too because that’s where his strengths are amplified. Give him time and space and he can make plays.

At even strength though, I really struggle with the overall projection. The skating is clunky and he can’t get off the blocks cleanly, which kills so much of his transition game. He struggles carrying pucks through pressure, defaults into a lot of dump-ins or whack-a-puck hockey through the neutral zone, and the possession profile is honestly pretty ugly. For a bigger winger, he also doesn’t initiate contact well at all. He leads with his stick and hands instead of driving through players and it limits how effective he is along the wall. The microstats back up a lot of the concerns too. Huge shot volume, but low efficiency as both a transition player and passer alongside one of the worst Corsi’s in the dataset. I think there’s enough scoring touch here that he probably becomes a complementary middle-six winger, but there’s also a very real chance the lack of pace and play-driving makes him a difficult player to keep in an NHL lineup long term.

DOB: 10/8/07

6’4, 216 lbs

22gp, 0g, 2pts

25th percentile: Bottom-pairing LHD, Shutdown defender with PK usage, No PP potential

75th percentile: Middle-pairing LHD, Shutdown defender with good zone exit passing ability and PK stalwart, No PP potential

A defensive-defenseman who plays well against men already, but who doesn’t have any offensive upside

Hakansson is a modern-leaning defensive defenseman with a steady, projectable base that shows up most clearly in how he kills plays and moves pucks out of danger. He has a solid skating foundation for his size and uses it to close space effectively, with good gap control and the ability to arrive on time rather than chasing plays. In his own zone, he keeps things simple and direct, leaning on a reliable first pass and a composed approach behind the net to exit cleanly or relieve pressure. There is enough puck ability to support breakout sequences and occasionally step into more involved puck movement, but his game is primarily built on defensive reliability and structure rather than offensive creation.

The defensive habits are the real selling point. He angles well, uses his reach to take away lanes, and generally positions himself in a way that limits high-danger looks against. There is a physical element to his game, though it comes in waves, and he could stand to bring more consistent edge and engagement when separating players from the puck. Offensively, he can walk the line and has a shot that can create looks on the power play, but it is more about occasional utility than sustained production. There are moments where he relies a bit too much on instinct rather than poise, which leads to uneven execution when he tries to do more than simplify. Still, the overall foundation is that of a dependable two-way defenseman who can handle minutes, kill plays, and move pucks efficiently enough to stay in an NHL lineup.

DOB: 8/10/08

6’3, 203 lbs

29gp, 0g, 3pts

25th percentile: Bottom-pairing LHD, Shutdown defender with PK usage, No PP potential

75th percentile: Middle-pairing LHD, Shutdown defender with good zone exit passing ability and PK stalwart, No PP potential

More offensively raw than Hakansson and not as great of a skater, but the same qualities of a defensive-defenseman

Piiparinen is a low-risk, high-reliability defensive prospect whose game is built around efficiency, structure, and consistently doing the simple things right against men. Playing significant minutes in Finland’s top league as one of the youngest players in the class, he rarely looks overwhelmed and instead tends to blend into the game in a positive way by playing defensively responsible shifts and making clean, controlled decisions under pressure. His retrievals are calm and efficient, using good body positioning and puck protection habits to absorb pressure and move pucks away from danger. He leans heavily on a direct outlet game in transition, prioritizing clean exits over creativity, and generally keeps possessions alive through safe, predictable decisions.

There is a clear defensive backbone to his projection. He closes space well, maintains strong gaps, and defends in-zone with good posture and awareness, rarely getting caught chasing or overextending. When he does activate, he shows enough mobility and edgework to support the rush or step into the offensive zone, but his game is not built around generating offense in volume or with creativity. Instead, he tends to default to getting pucks to the net quickly or by dumping pucks down low rather than manipulating structure at the blueline. The foundation is that of an every-day NHL defenseman who can be trusted in defensive situations and move pucks cleanly, but the next step will require him to take more initiative and introduce more offensive impact if he is going to elevate beyond a steady, matchup-dependent role.

DOB: 3/10/08

5’10, 163 lbs

57gp, 21g, 48pts

25th percentile: Tweener NHL/AHL player who can’t stick in the NHL after a few seasons

75th percentile: 3rd line NHL winger, primary transition driver, goal scorer and F2 forechecker

Oliver Moore but without the puck skill and size

Victor Plante is the type of player who catches your eye before he ever touches the puck. The skating is outstanding. Every viewing starts with the same note: he’s the fastest player on the ice. He’s constantly flying into passing lanes, tracking back defensively, supporting pucks, and inserting himself into the flow of the game. For a winger, I came away really impressed with the 200-foot commitment. He works, he competes, and he’s involved in all three zones. When Plante gets the puck in stride, he’s a real weapon through transition because defenders are forced to respect the speed immediately. There are flashes of a really exciting player here too. He sees the ice fairly well, can make plays on the move, owns a quality wrist shot, and isn’t afraid to get to the hard areas around the net despite not being the biggest player. The tracking data reflects a player who is heavily involved in transition and constantly around the action.

The question is whether the hands and execution ever catch up to the feet. Too often Plante seems to trust his speed to solve every problem. He’ll try to blow by defenders wide when the better play is to cut back, use a delay, or change pace entirely. That’s where the Oliver Moore comparison kept popping into my head. The speed creates opportunities, but it also gets him into trouble because he attacks the same way over and over again. I actually liked a lot of the decisions he was trying to make. The problem was that too few of them were ever successful. The passing efficiency isn’t where it needs to be, which drags down the overall transition profile despite how involved he is. There were also moments where he struggled when the game slowed down. Ask him to receive a puck standing still on the wall and make a play under pressure and the results weren’t nearly as strong as when he’s attacking with speed. Still, this is an easy second round bet for me and one I’d consider late in the first round. Players with this combination of skating, compete, and offensive flashes don’t last very long if the execution ever starts matching the ideas.

DOB: 10/23/07

6’0, 179 lbs

53gp, 27g, 61pts

25th percentile: bottom-six passenger winger who can play on the PP2

75th percentile: middle-six secondary transition winger who fluctuates PP2/PP1

Great mental processor of the game who improved with each viewing throughout the year

Evan Jardine was a player I came around on as the year progressed because the processing speed and offensive efficiency really started to pop once the confidence and volume picked up. He’s not a burner and he’s not going to wow you with dynamic puck handling through transition, but he’s extremely smart with the puck and consistently makes quick plays in tight areas. The thing I kept coming back to was how efficient all of his offense felt. He found dangerous ice constantly, got his shots off from quality areas, and made a lot of subtle offensive reads that led to chances without needing to dominate possession. The tracking data absolutely loved him too. Extremely efficient as a shooter, passer, and transition player, and by the end of the year the volume started catching up to the efficiency to the point where he looked like a borderline first-round caliber prospect in some viewings. I also thought the defensive effort improved throughout the season. He became much more active disrupting plays at the blue line, reading passing lanes, and using anticipation instead of pace to kill possessions.

The concern is that there are still some noticeable athletic limitations. Jardine constantly flying the zone can create issues defensively and there were viewings early in the year where he was genuinely poor as the F3, struggling to engage puck carriers or create turnovers once possession changed hands. The skating is fine, but there’s not a separation gear and he’s not the type of player who is going to carry transition himself through pure pace or handling ability. That means so much of the projection relies on the brain continuing to outpace the physical tools. Thankfully, I think it probably does. He processes the game quickly, consistently arrives in the right areas offensively, and there’s real touch around scoring areas that I buy his game translating to the NCAA and later to the pros. He grew on me a lot over the season and feels like a really solid early day two target who could absolutely outperform where he gets drafted.

DOB: 6/7/08

6’2, 194 lbs

25th percentile: Bottom-pairing LHD, Shutdown defender with PK usage, No PP potential

75th percentile: Middle-pairing LHD, Shutdown defender with good zone exit passing ability and PK stalwart, No PP potential

If I missed on Piparinen but wanted the defensive game he provides, then Goljer would be my next pick

Goljer is a steady, defense-first right-shot defender whose value comes from positioning, reads, and an ability to stay composed against higher levels of competition rather than any standout offensive flash. He has already spent meaningful time playing with and against professionals, and that environment shows in how comfortable he is handling pace, managing gaps, and keeping his game simple under pressure. He defends with a strong stick and good positioning, closes the blue line on time, and generally makes clean, efficient first passes to exit the zone. There is enough mobility in his skating to support both defensive coverage and occasional activation, and he will step into the rush or slide along the blue line when opportunities present themselves, even if he is not a consistent offensive driver.

The defensive profile is the foundation here. Goljer reads plays early, maintains solid backward mobility, and tends to rely on stick positioning and shot blocking more than physical disruption, which works well when he is in control of his timing but can leave him exposed if opponents get him moving laterally or force him to defend wide speed. There are still areas that need refinement, particularly in his decision making under pressure and his ability to be more decisive with offensive opportunities when they appear at the point. At times, his execution can lag behind his reads, leading to the occasional miscue, but the overall trajectory is positive. With his size, pro experience, and defensive reliability, he projects as a dependable two-way defenseman who can handle regular minutes and provide structure and stability in an NHL lineup, even if he is unlikely to be a primary offensive contributor.

DOB: 9/3/08

6’3, 203 lbs

48gp, 2g, 11pts

25th percentile: 4th line center, secondary transition, physical forechecker and PK

75th percentile: Middle-six center, secondary transition, physical presence with the ability to move pucks efficiently

A bottom-six center right now, but with time and development the hope would be that the birthday and playing against me means there’s more under the surface than we saw this year

Suvanto is a big, powerful straight-line forward who brings a heavy, north-south game built around pace once he gets moving, physical engagement, and consistent work below the dots. He plays with purpose through the middle of the ice and shows a clear willingness to get inside, absorb contact, and drive into the net-front area rather than staying on the perimeter. His skating is functional enough to support a power game, and when he builds speed he can create momentum through the cycle or off the forecheck. There is also enough puck skill and instinct here to keep him involved in plays, particularly as a support option who can extend possessions and win puck battles along the wall.

The limitation is a lack of scoring prowess and the lack of consistent playmaking impact once he establishes zone time. A lot of his offensive sequences stall along the boards or below the goal line without a clear progression into high-danger looks, as he tends to default to safe puck protection rather than decisive distribution or manipulation. He will win pucks, hold them, and keep plays alive, but the ability to consistently turn those sequences into quality chances is still not there at a high enough rate. There is some shooting ability and he will get to the net willingly, but the offensive ceiling appears capped at secondary scoring unless there is a meaningful jump in processing speed and execution. Even so, the combination of size, compete, and north-south power gives him a very clear NHL projection as a bottom-six forward who can play a direct, heavy game and contribute in a supporting role.

DOB: 3/25/08

6’3, 198 lbs

33gp, 10g, 24pts

25th percentile: 4th line RW, physical checking role with limited scoring ability, PK usage but no PP

75th percentile: 3rd line RW, Secondary transition, Hard forechecker and net-front presence that could see limited PP usage

Better skating and motor than Suvanto but without the allure of potential growth in skill and a winger.

Pugachyov is a high-motor, physically engaged winger who plays a straightforward, north-south game and consistently makes his presence felt through pace, effort, and a willingness to attack interior ice. He is active on retrievals, gets to loose pucks quickly, and is not shy about contact, using his frame and urgency to win battles and stay on pucks. There is enough straight-line speed to support a heavy checking style, and he does a good job getting pucks to the net with volume rather than finesse, regularly putting himself into areas where he can extend plays or force defensive breakdowns through persistence.

The offensive profile is more functional than dynamic. While he can occasionally show some handling or creativity off the rush, most of his production comes from effort-based plays rather than high-end skill manipulation or passing vision. He does not consistently drive offense through the middle of the ice or create separation with the puck on his stick, and the lack of high-end playmaking limits his projection beyond a support role. Even so, the habits translate cleanly: he forechecks, competes, retrieves, and simplifies effectively enough to project as a bottom-six NHL forward who can play a direct, energy-based game and contribute as a reliable supporting piece, even if the scoring impact remains modest.

DOB: 8/3/08

6’3, 201 lbs

36gp, 8g, 20pts

25th percentile: AHL/NHL Tweener who can’t find a role in the top 9

75th percentile: Middle-six NHL center/winger, secondary transition player, two-way player who tilts ice at even strength but has no function on the power play

Highly capable NCAA player that didn’t excel at any one thing, but whose overall impact shows bottom-six NHL upside

Morozov is a bottom-six leaning forward who brings a steady, uncomplicated game built around passing ability, interior reads, and a workable defensive base rather than any true standout tool. He plays center but is not a high-end transition driver, instead operating more as a connector who keeps plays moving through the middle of the ice. His pace is average, and while he has enough puck skill to function in tight areas, he is more effective when simplifying and moving pucks quickly to support teammates rather than trying to create separation himself. He does a good job identifying interior passing lanes and will look to hit the middle of the ice rather than defaulting to perimeter plays, which gives his offensive game some utility even if it does not consistently generate high-end chances.

The limitations show up most clearly when he is asked to drive play or create independently. He is slow to separate off the puck, and as a result often ends up playing more of a supporting role in transition and offensive zone sequences. There is a decent shot there, and he will get pucks to the net with volume, but it does not consistently translate into dangerous scoring chances. Defensively he is functional and understands his positioning, but again sits in that “solid but not impactful” range. The overall profile is of a player who does a little bit of everything without standing out in any one area, which points to a likely projection as a depth winger or third-line center who can help manage minutes, move pucks, and contribute in a structured role rather than drive a line.

DOB: 6/27/08

6’0, 181 lbs

67gp, 30g, 97pts

25th percentile: AHL career with some NHL call-ups

75th percentile: Middle-six, passenger winger with scoring ability

The brain and skill are worth a top 20 pick, but will the feet ever allow him to be an NHL player?

Nikita Klepov is one of the more frustrating evaluations in this class because the skill level and offensive processing are clearly good enough to intrigue you, but the skating limitations impact almost every part of his projection. The small-area skill is impressive and he facilitates offense really well once play settles in-zone. He can make quick-touch passes through layers, finds soft pockets for his shot, and generally processes the offensive zone at a high level. The tracking data lines up almost perfectly with the eye test too. He’s above average in efficiency basically across the board offensively, but the volume is consistently lacking because he just can’t get himself into enough plays with his current skating ability. When he has time and space, he looks like a highly skilled offensive player capable of creating quality chances. The problem is creating that space himself is a completely different story.

Against heavier and more physical teams, the pace issue becomes glaring. Opposing teams completely overwhelmed him in transition and he simply didn’t have the footspeed to escape pressure or transport the puck cleanly for an entry/exit. Too often he was making plays earlier than he wanted because he knew pressure was coming, which led to rushed decisions and turnovers, including a few brutal errant passes that directly led to odd-man rushes against. Defensively the effort level is fine and he competes harder than some other offense-first players in this range, but he doesn’t put much actual pressure on puck carriers because the feet limit his ability to close space quickly. There’s enough offensive intelligence and touch here that I still think he’s a worthwhile swing in the second round, but the skating is a massive hurdle and one that has rightfully pushed him from early first-round discussions into more of a mid-second range for me.

DOB: 10/22/07

6’3, 201 lbs

52gp, 7g, 13pts

25th percentile: Signs a professional contract but never sees the NHL

75th percentile: Middle-six winger, secondary transition, physical presence and facilitates play but no PP potential

A high-compete forward who flashes more offensive upside, but I would draft to play in the bottom-six.

Ignatavicius is a power-leaning, puck-driving forward who combines good straight-line skating with enough skill and strength to create offense off the rush and through contact. He can carry pucks through layers, and generate zone entries by using pace and reach rather than relying on finesse plays. There is enough hands and shooting ability in his game to finish when he gets into space, particularly in the slot or off the flank, and he shows a willingness to attack interior ice rather than living on the perimeter. He’s hard on pucks and his compete level should give him a shot to play in the NHL.

The projection comes down to consistency and refinement in how he processes the game and uses his tools shift to shift. He competes well enough without the puck and brings a physical edge, but his impact can vary depending on how effectively he is driving play versus reacting to it. There are moments where he looks like a legitimate transition threat who can push pace and create offense off the rush, and others where he is more contained within the structure of the game. Even so, the combination of skating, strength, and finishing ability makes him an interesting early second-round type, with the kind of toolkit that NHL teams tend to bet on if the processing continues to develop.

DOB: 3/23/08

6’1, 185 lbs

59gp, 20g, 58pts

25th percentile: 4th line NHL C with PK potential

75th percentile: third line NHL C, secondary transition, shut down center who can put up 50+ points

Has the offensive brain and defensive details but lacks the pace and skill to project high in the lineup.

The appeal of Jack Hextall is pretty straightforward: he does a lot of things that help teams win hockey games, even if none of them are particularly flashy. He’s a center who competes hard, plays a responsible game in all three zones, and consistently impacts play without needing the puck on his stick. The defensive work stands out immediately. Hextall tracks well, wins pucks back, plays physically, and does a lot of the little things coaches tend to trust. The tracking data reinforces that profile. He’s heavily involved in transition and posts strong defensive results, which speaks to how often he’s around the play. Offensively, I liked his ability to find soft spots in coverage and arrive in dangerous areas for scoring chances. The shot is heavy enough to be a weapon and he’s at his best when he keeps things simple, plays north-south, and uses teammates to advance possession rather than trying to manufacture offense on his own.

Where I struggle with Hextall is seeing a path to higher-end offensive impact. The skating is fine but not dynamic, and there were viewings where it looked particularly clunky. He has a habit of turning back out of pressure without creating any separation, which often just invites a second wave of pressure and leads to turnovers. The puck skill is serviceable, but I don’t see a player who is going to consistently beat defenders one-on-one or drive offense through creativity. The playmaking is the bigger concern. Too many passes miss their target and too many offensive-zone possessions end without him creating anything dangerous for teammates. That’s why I keep landing on a middle-six projection rather than something more ambitious. The foundation is strong because of the defensive habits, physicality, transition involvement, and shot. I just don’t see enough offensive creation to project him into a true top-six role. If everything hits, I think you’re looking at a valuable third-line center or complementary middle-six winger who helps you win shifts in a variety of ways.

DOB: 6/24/08

6’7, 236 lbs

46gp, 16g, 42pts

25th percentile: bottom-six winger, passenger, net-front presence 

75th percentile: middle-six winger, secondary transition, 20 goal potential and facilitator

Giant winger with skill but the skating has a ways to go to say it’ll translate to the NHL

Brooks Rogowski is one of the more appealing size-and-skill bets in this class because there’s actual hockey sense behind the frame. Too often big forwards at this age are still figuring out how to use their size, but Rogowski already understands how to create advantages with it. I thought he did a fantastic job protecting pucks, shielding defenders, and buying himself extra time to make plays. The passing ability surprised me as well. When pressure arrived, he was generally able to find an outlet, and when he had time in the offensive zone he consistently identified the right option. He isn’t going to dangle through three defenders, but there’s more creativity here than you typically find in a player his size. The tracked data paints a pretty encouraging picture too. He’s a high-volume shooter who not only gets pucks on net but also does a good job finding teammates in dangerous areas. There were multiple games where he generated quality looks for both himself and others, and honestly, he probably should have had more production than he ended up with.

How effective Rogowski is as he continues down his development path will depend almost entirely on improving his skating. Rogowski moves like a freight train. Once he’s going, he’s difficult to contain, but getting started and changing direction are completely different conversations. The edge work can get messy and physical pressure tends to expose some balance issues, which limits how often he can create separation on his own. That’s also why he ends up more as a secondary option in transition rather than the player driving entries himself. I’d like to see more bite in his game as well. For someone with his frame, there are stretches where he could be far more disruptive on the forecheck and far more willing to finish plays physically. Still, I found myself liking him more every time I watched him. The combination of size, offensive touch, puck protection, and scoring chance generation gives him a pretty clear NHL pathway. I actually came away preferring him to some of the other big forwards in this range because the offensive decisions are better and the skill translates more consistently. If the skating can keep improving, there’s a lot to work with here.

DOB: 5/4/08

6’2, 187 lbs

25gp, 14g, 38pts

25th percentile: SHL player

75th percentile: Middle-six winger, primary transition, cowboy hockey results but the offensive game blossoms and he becomes a point producer

This year’s “He could score 70 points in the NHL or never get signed and neither would surprise me” player

Nordmark is one of the most polarizing skill bets in the class, and the evaluation almost always starts and ends with the same tension: elite offensive talent versus highly variable engagement away from the puck. When he is involved, the skill level is obvious immediately. He has high-end hands, a dangerous release, and the ability to manipulate defenders in small areas or open ice to create scoring chances for himself and others. He has produced at an elite rate in junior hockey, and there are stretches where he looks like a legitimate first-line offensive driver who can break down structure on his own. The puck game is real, and when he is playing on his terms, he can tilt shifts and punish mistakes in ways very few players in the class can match.

The concern is the consistency of how often that version shows up. There are too many shifts where the pace drops, the engagement fades, or the effort level away from the puck drifts, and that impacts everything from his defensive reliability to his ability to sustain offensive pressure. At times he can look disengaged in puck pursuit or passive in physical situations despite having the frame to handle more contact, which creates real volatility in projection depending on the environment he lands in. The outcome range is wide: there is clear top-line upside if a team can get him to consistently buy into the details and compete level, but there is also legitimate risk that he settles into more of a scoring AHL/SHL type who never fully translates his offense to the NHL. He is a pure swing on talent, with as much upside as almost anyone in the class, but also one of the widest gaps between best and worst case outcomes.

DOB: 4/11/08

5’10, 185 lbs

40gp, 11g, 27pts

25th percentile: bottom-six winger, secondary transition, facilitator

75th percentile: middle-six winger, secondary transition, facilitator and PP2 

A good offensive player with good traits, but will he make the leap to be a PPG player in his D+1?

Adam Valentini is one of the more difficult forwards in this class to evaluate because so much of the projection requires separating what he is today from what he might become in two or three years. He’s a 17-year-old playing college hockey and, for the most part, he looks like he belongs. The skill level is evident, the vision is good, and he’s a much more competitive player than his frame would suggest. I loved how engaged he was away from the puck. He was disruptive defensively, threw a couple of surprisingly heavy hits, and seemed to have a knack for finding his way into the middle of the action. Offensively, he’s more of a facilitator than a driver right now. The tracking data reflects that as he’s generally efficient when he gets involved in transition or puck movement, but he’s often operating as the second or third touch in a sequence rather than the player initiating it. On a talented team surrounded by older players, that’s not the worst thing in the world. In fact, I think it speaks to how mature his game already is.

The challenge is figuring out what his offensive ceiling is. Valentini isn’t blessed with elite speed and there were games where the size limitations became impossible to ignore, especially against bigger and more physical opponents. Michigan State gave him problems because so much of his offensive game along the boards got squeezed out of the contest. Even when he was making the right reads, he sometimes lacked the strength or explosiveness to turn those reads into controlled possession on his stick. That’s why this feels like a projection bet more than a production bet. I don’t think he was the focal point of his line and I don’t think he will be until next season, when I expect the puck to find him much more often. The efficiency numbers are encouraging, the compete level is easy to buy into, and there are enough flashes of offensive touch to see a path forward. I understand anyone who has him in the second round, and honestly, I wouldn’t argue too hard with someone sneaking him into the back end of the first. He has the motor and the skill to be a good NHLer and he challenged himself by playing in the NCAA this year, and that’s exactly the type of player I’m usually willing to bet on.

DOB: 7/2/08

6’4, 214 lbs

30gp, 3g, 17pts

25th percentile: SHL career and doesn’t sign with NHL team

75th percentile: Middle-six center, secondary transition, PP2 as a bumper

Traits-based pick with the skill and size and flashes of NHL-level skill but without the production and defensive game where it needs to be right now.

Andersson is a big, skilled, straight-line driven centre who blends power, pace, and puck protection in a way that already looks very translatable if the offensive game continues to open up. He can carry through contact, extend plays along the boards, and use his frame effectively to shield pucks in the cycle. There is legitimate puck skill here as well, with enough touch and vision to function as a playmaker when he gets into rhythm, even if the production does not always fully reflect the underlying flashes. As a July birthday with a lot of runway left, the physical tools and puck protection habits give him a strong base to project from, especially as he continues to fill out and add strength.

The concern right now is consistency in engagement and detail, particularly away from the puck. Offensively he can look like a driver at times, but there are also shifts where he fades into passivity, especially in backchecking and defensive tracking sequences where he needs to be more assertive and urgent. In-zone, he is capable in the cycle and can work through contact, but he still needs to convert more of his possession time into tangible chances rather than just extending plays. The defensive reads are generally solid, but there are lapses where he is a step late or too passive to fully disrupt plays at higher levels. The upside is clear though: the combination of size, skill, and skating gives him a profile NHL teams tend to bet on, and if the motor and assertiveness catch up to the tools, there is a real middle-six center with some secondary scoring impact here.

DOB: 11/12/07

5’10, 176 lbs

44gp, 30g, 55pts

25th percentile outcome: Dominates juniors/NCAA and has a very productive AHL career. Sniffs the NHL for a few games.

75th percentile: A feisty, middle-six winger who hits 20 goals a few times in his career.

The definition of a Napoleon complex in a hockey player, and a shoot-first-ask-questions-later offensive mentality

Lars Steiner might be the most entertaining player in this tier because the kid genuinely plays like every shift is his last. He flies around at 100 mph, tries to run through anything that moves, and shoots basically every time the puck touches his stick in the offensive zone. The shot is legitimately dangerous too. He can absolutely rip it and the puck handling skill underneath all the chaos is better than you’d expect for a player with this kind of play style. There’s some real power winger traits here despite not having the frame of a traditional one. He plays like he thinks he’s 6’4 and there’s something incredibly fun about a player who just decides every offensive/defensive sequence is ending in either a hit or a shot attempt. The transition involvement and shot volume numbers are massive, and I completely understand why some teams will talk themselves into him inside the top 64 because the toolkit is legitimately exciting.

The problem is almost none of it is efficient right now. Steiner might be the easiest “high volume, low efficiency” projection in the class. He turns pucks over constantly, doesn’t process pressure particularly well, and his offensive zone decisions can feel completely detached from what’s happening around him. The passing vision just isn’t there yet either. He rarely creates dangerous passing sequences and too many possessions end with a low percentage perimeter shot because he decided he was shooting before he even entered the zone. There’s skill here and I honestly love a lot about the way he plays, but for a player his size to become an NHL

DOB: 4/19/08

6’1, 187 lbs

29gp, 20g, 40pts

25th percentile: Third-line winger, passenger who specializes in shooting, PP2 as a triggerman

75th percentile: Middle-six winger, secondary transition, Power Play specialist a la Dorofeyov

Great pace and shooting but has to round out the rest of his game to be an effective NHL player.

Aaram-Olsen is one of the more dangerous pure scoring threats in the class, combining speed, a shooter’s mentality, and a willingness to attack the interior of the ice. He plays the game in constant motion, regularly making himself available as an option and demanding the puck when offensive opportunities develop. His skating is a major weapon, allowing him to pressure defenders on the forecheck, arrive in scoring areas ahead of coverage, and create separation through pace. Once he gets into dangerous ice, the finishing ability stands out. He can beat goaltenders from distance with a heavy wrister, punish defenses from the circles, and has the one-timer and catch-and-release ability to be a legitimate power play weapon. The offensive instincts are easy to see, and there are flashes that suggest there is still another level of production waiting to come as he continues to develop physically and gain confidence against higher levels of competition.

The next step in his development is rounding out the game away from the puck. He can get so focused on attacking that he occasionally misses opportunities to support defensively or involve teammates more consistently when simpler plays are available. There are times where slowing the game down and playing with a little more composure would help him maximize his skill rather than trying to force the pace on every touch. That said, he is far from a one-dimensional scorer. He tracks back, competes, protects pucks well along the wall, and is willing to drive through contact to get to the net. The combination of skating, athleticism, shooting talent, and offensive confidence gives him legitimate top-six upside, and if the defensive details and play-driving continue to progress, there is a lot to like in his projection.

DOB: 11/7/07

6’1, 168 lbs

33gp, 3g, 31pts

25th percentile: Bottom-four LHD, carry out transition and able to play against pace, Possible PP2 upside

75th percentile: Top-four LHD upside, all situations defender who drives the beginning parts of rushes and who activates constantly in the offensive zone, PP quarterback

If the decision making catches up to the hands and skating then you just got the steal of the draft, but if his defensive game doesn’t take a leap he may never earn a contract.

I’m only half joking when I wrote “who knows” for the position, because the second time I put on a Svensk game he was playing winger though he played defense the entire time beforehand. I’d like him to stick at defense, so that’s where I’ll evaluate him.

Vertti Svensk is one of the more interesting swings in this class. The skating is legitimately high-end and drives almost everything he does. He’s constantly involved in transition, closing gaps early, retrieving pucks, carrying them out of trouble, and jumping into the rush whenever an opportunity presents itself. There are times where the passing can get a little ambitious and lead to turnovers, but I’d much rather rein in an aggressive mindset than try to teach a defenseman to create offense. When the puck is on his stick, there’s confidence there. He can walk the blue line, make plays through traffic, and use his mobility to manipulate defenders and open passing lanes.

The defensive game remains a work in progress, particularly on rushes where his reads can get exposed at times, but the foundation is strong because of how well he moves. He plays tight gaps, recovers quickly when beaten, and rarely looks overwhelmed by pace. What keeps bringing me back to Svensk is how many projectable NHL traits already exist. The skating is excellent, the puck skill is good, and he impacts transition in a meaningful way. He’s going to need to add strength and clean up some decision-making, but for a player likely available in the later rounds, there are few defensemen with this combination of mobility, puck-moving ability, and upside. He’s been one of my favorite late-round targets all season.

DOB: 3/4/08

6’2, 187 lbs

67gp, 7g, 51pts

25th percentile: Middle-pairing LHD, good defensive and transition game, No PP potential

75th percentile: Middle-pairing LHD, good defensive and transition game and activates to generate offense, PP2 potential

A very good, mobile defender who activates a lot but whose execution of offensive ideas has to get better.

Ben MacBeath is a difficult projection because the style of game he wants to play doesn’t always match the offensive results. He’s an aggressive defenseman who likes to activate into space and involve himself in the play, but the offensive skill package isn’t quite dynamic enough right now to consistently create offense on his own. A lot of his value comes from his defensive work. He has a very good stick, reads developing plays well, closes passing lanes quickly, and does an excellent job disrupting possession before opponents can generate dangerous opportunities. There is real intelligence in how he defends away from the puck, and he consistently arrives in the right spots to break up plays.

The concerns come when the puck is on his stick. Retrievals can be a struggle, particularly under physical pressure, where he often defaults to eating pucks along the wall or making the safe chip play instead of using his feet to create a cleaner exit. The processing speed needs to improve, and tight-window breakout passes can become an adventure when forecheck pressure ramps up. There are enough defensive habits and puck-moving flashes to justify taking a chance on the player, but the profile carries some risk because he doesn’t currently project as a true offensive defenseman despite playing an offensively inclined style. For me, he’s a third-round target with enough upside that I could understand a team gambling on him in the middle of the second round.

DOB: 4/30/08

6’1, 181 lbls

63gp, 32g, 82pts

25th percentile: AHL top 6 center

75th percentile: Middle-six secondary transition center with very good playmaking

The definition of boom/bust, has the skill to be the steal of the draft but also has a such a poor compete level he may never see the NHL

Yegor Shilov might be one of the most naturally talented players in the entire draft class when it comes to pure puck skill and offensive creativity. When the puck is on his stick, he genuinely looks unstoppable at times. He can beat defenders one-on-one with ease, go end-to-end through traffic, and feed pucks into dangerous areas from impossible angles without breaking stride. The passing creativity is high-end  and there’s a sneaky good shot underneath all the playmaking too. He’s one of those players where every touch makes you lean forward a bit because a highlight-reel play might happen. The microstats love the talent as well. One of the most efficient transition and passing profiles in the class despite not getting nearly enough touches for a player this gifted. When he played with Korneyev instead of some of the worse transition players on his team, the impact immediately looked better because the puck could actually get back to him consistently. There’s high-end offensive upside here if you’re purely betting on talent.

The issue is the compete level and engagement are just impossible to ignore. Shilov plays defense like a free safety in football. He wants to sit above the play, read where things are going, and react with his stick rather than actually engage physically or pressure puck carriers. To his credit, the stick is really slick and he does break up plays with it, but almost everything defensively is done at arm’s length. There’s no physical engagement on the forecheck, very little urgency tracking back, and too many fly-by poke checks instead of actually trying to physically separate an opponent from the puck. The pace of his game is also lower than you’d want for a player whose value comes almost entirely from offense. Honestly, he reminded me a lot of watching Mikhail Grigorenko at development camp years ago. Clearly one of the most talented players on the ice every shift, but completely uninterested in the ugly effort plays that actually drive winning hockey. I genuinely don’t know what to do with him because the skill screams first round talent while the engagement level screams DND. He’s one of the bigger boom-or-bust swings in the class for me.

DOB: 3/5/08

6’0, 187 lbs

53gp, 25g, 55pts

25th percentile: 4 year NCAA player, earns a PTO in AHL/ECHL 

75th percentile: Middle-six NHL winger, secondary transition, develops to be a threat as a shooter and facilitator 

There’s middle-six NHL level player written all over Zielinski if he ever learns to put it all together consistently

Blake Zielinski is a player I keep expecting more from. Every time I watch him, I come away liking pieces of the game, but I never quite leave feeling like he imposed himself on the contest. The pace is good, the skill level is solid, and there are a lot of little details in his game that suggest a player who understands what’s happening around him. I particularly like the way he reads developing plays. He’s often in the right support position offensively, has a good feel for where pucks are going next, and consistently makes himself available as an option. There’s also a real pro-style element to his game because he competes defensively, can play responsibly down the middle or on the wing, and owns a quick release that can beat goaltenders when he finds space. The tracking data paints the picture of a player who is regularly involved in the offense without needing everything to run through him, which fits what shows up on tape.

The problem is that I keep waiting for him to take control of games and it rarely happens. Zielinski spends a lot of time connecting plays rather than driving them. He’ll make the pass before the dangerous pass, support a transition, or arrive as an outlet, but he’s usually not the player carrying the puck through the neutral zone or creating the dangerous chance himself. The shot volume is encouraging, but too many of those attempts come from the perimeter and I’d like to see him become more selective when it comes to where he’s shooting from. The passing game can be inconsistent as well, and there were viewings where he rarely did more than feed pucks down low or to the point in the offensive zone. The pace, compete level, hockey sense, and skill all look NHL-caliber in isolation, but I need either more volume or more efficiency for the whole package to come together. Right now, the tools are stronger than the results, which makes him a fascinating projection bet and a player who could look a lot better if the execution catches up to the talent.

DOB: 9/18/07

6’0, 179 lbs

52gp, 15g, 42pts

25th percentile: AHL winger

75th percentile: Bottom-six winger, secondary transition, able to be a pest and score

A natural scummer who will mix it up on the ice with the offensive ability to drive play and score, but the mental processing and emotional maturity to be a pest aren’t there yet.

Landon Hafele has some of the easiest pro traits to identify in this draft class. The speed is evident immediately, he plays a physical brand of hockey, and he consistently engages defensively. When he’s at his best, he’s flying through the neutral zone, pressuring defenders, winning races to loose pucks, and making life difficult on opponents with his pace and physicality. There’s enough puck skill and hockey sense to complement those tools, which is why there are flashes throughout his viewings that make you wonder if there’s more offense in the tank than the production suggests.

The issue is that those flashes don’t consistently translate into offensive impact. Hafele often defaults into a shooter-first role and struggles to create offense for his teammates. While he can transport the puck up ice with speed, the efficiency falls off once play reaches the offensive zone, where he rarely dictates possession or creates dangerous opportunities through passing. There are stretches where he can disappear from games offensively despite all of the physical tools being present. The foundation of a useful NHL player is here because the skating, physicality, and defensive habits are all projectable, but unless the offensive playmaking takes a significant step forward, he looks more like a bottom-six NHL forward than a top-six scorer. I like him as a second-round target with a relatively clear path to an NHL role.

DOB: 4/23/08

5’11, 174 lbs

57gp, 10g, 30pts

25th percentile: AHL center

75th percentile: Bottom-six forward, secondary transition, Peytron Krebs type of role on a team

A lot of smart plays come off of his stick and he’s a high-compete player, but given his size it’s going to take a leap in skill to take an NHL bottom-

Logan Stuart plays the type of game coaches tend to appreciate. His feet are constantly moving, he competes hard in all three zones, and he does a lot of the little things that help drive winning hockey. He thrives as an off-puck player, arriving first on forechecks, supporting puck battles, disrupting plays defensively, and quickly moving possession in the right direction. There’s intelligence to his game as well. He reads play well in his own zone, anticipates where pucks are going, and consistently makes the simple play that keeps possession moving. A lot of his offensive value comes from give-and-go sequences, retrievals, and creating opportunities through effort rather than individual skill.

The challenge with Stuart’s projection is that there isn’t a standout offensive tool carrying the profile. He’s undersized for a center and lacks the dynamic puck skill or creativity that typically allows smaller forwards to carve out top-six NHL roles. As a result, much of his path to the NHL will depend on continuing to elevate the details of his checking game, becoming more disruptive defensively, and finding ways to impact play despite not being a primary offensive driver. The motor, hockey sense, and work ethic give him a legitimate chance, and he feels like the type of player who could outperform expectations through sheer competitiveness. The ceiling may be a bottom-six NHL forward, but there are enough pro habits here to make him an intriguing developmental bet.

DOB: 9/6/08

6’2, 218 lbs

47gp, 16g, 36pts

25th percentile: 4th line winger, secondary transition, energy winger with some skill

75th percentile: 3rd line winger, secondary transition, power-forward pest who can pot goals

A player whose game easily translates to the bottom-six in the NHL but whose upside isn’t tantalizing

Ryder Cali feels like one of the safer bets in this draft to eventually play NHL games. The combination of size, skating, competitiveness, and interior play already looks pro. He plays a relentless north-south game, drives pucks deep, hunts them back on the forecheck, and consistently wins battles along the wall. Once he gets possession, he’s surprisingly effective at protecting pucks and working his way off the boards into more dangerous areas. His game isn’t built around highlight-reel skill, but there are flashes of offensive creativity that became more frequent as the season progressed. What stood out most in his second half was the growth in his on-puck game, showing more confidence extending plays, making passes from the wall into the middle of the ice, and occasionally creating offense for himself rather than simply playing a supporting role.

The upside is probably limited by the lack of a truly dynamic offensive element, but there are a lot of NHL habits already present. Cali plays through contact, gets to the net, wins puck battles, and has the type of release that can beat goaltenders from dangerous areas. He projects as a player who can kill penalties, provide secondary offense, and be trusted in matchup situations. The path from Junior-A to becoming an impactful OHL player in a single season is also encouraging, particularly given that he’s one of the younger players in the class. I don’t see a future offensive driver, but I do see a player with a very realistic chance of becoming an effective bottom-six NHL forward who can contribute in a variety of roles and make life miserable for opponents every night.

DOB: 2/13/08

6’1, 185 lbs

67gp, 20g, 52pts

25th percentile: AHL/NHL tweener who plays a few seasons in the NHL

75th percentile: Bottom-six winger, passenger with high-energy and finishing skill, PK stalwart

The skill is extremely raw with a long development runway, but already cleanly projects to the bottom-six

Jaxon Cover built his season around making life miserable for opposing puck carriers. He’s an excellent forechecker, consistently arrives on time defensively, and combines physicality with an active stick to create turnovers all over the ice. A lot of his offensive production stems directly from those habits. Whether it’s forcing a turnover, winning a loose puck race, or creating a broken play around the net, Cover finds ways to generate offense without needing the puck on his stick for extended stretches. The underlying numbers back up the eye test as well, with some of the strongest possession-driving metrics in the class despite not being a primary offensive creator.

The issue with projecting Cover becomes more difficult once the puck is on his stick. There are flashes of speed and skill, and he can carry the puck through transition when given space, but the processing speed under pressure still needs work. Too often he makes reactive decisions instead of anticipating the next play, leading to rushed passes or missed opportunities to create offense. The offensive instincts are more geared toward finishing plays than driving them, which likely caps the upside. Still, there are enough tools here to be intrigued. The skating, competitiveness, defensive value, and ability to get pucks into dangerous areas give him a solid foundation to build on. Add into the fact he’s still relatively new to hockey and he’s a player that becomes super interesting when thinking about what he could become. Cover’s not a clean projection, but he’s exactly the type of player I’d be looking to bet on in the third round.

DOB: 5/16/06

6’0, 181 lbs

68gp, 28g, 91pts

25th percentile: AHL/NHL Tweener who sees a few games before being shipped off in a trade

75th percentile: Middle-six LW, primary transition player on a third line, PP2 potential

All the skill and processing to be an offensive player in the NHL but average NHL pace and needs to compete harder.

Barabanov is one of the better pure playmakers available outside of the early rounds. His game revolves around poise, vision, and an ability to manipulate defenders with the puck on his stick. He consistently uses crossovers, edgework, and body positioning to evade pressure, creating just enough separation to identify passing lanes that most players don’t see. In transition, he’s excellent at drawing defenders toward him before slipping pucks through small seams to teammates in motion. The offensive zone is where he does his best work, operating with patience and timing rather than pace, picking apart coverage and finding ways to funnel pucks into dangerous areas. Whether it’s from the half wall on the power play or working through possession at even strength, there’s a level of offensive intelligence here that is difficult to teach.

The concerns are what keep him from being ranked significantly higher. For an overager, the pace of play can be frustrating at times, as he tends to hold onto pucks a little too long and doesn’t consistently process the game at the speed required for higher levels. The physical game is also lacking. He can get outworked in puck battles, isn’t particularly strong at the faceoff dot, and I project him as a winger if he ever makes the NHL. While he’s stronger than he appears and isn’t completely disengaged physically, winning battles and dictating play through effort are not defining traits of his game. Still, players with this level of offensive vision and playmaking ability are worth betting on. If the pace and physical engagement continue to improve, there’s enough skill here to develop into an NHL contributor, making him an intriguing middle-round swing.

DOB: 4/24/08

6’2, 214 lbs

68gp, 6g, 37pts

25th percentile: AHL/NHL Tweener

75th percentile: Bottom-four RHD, Some offense to his game but with defensive limitations, Doesn’t cleanly fit into a PK/PP role

The thought processes to create offense are there, but the skating and skill cap his projection to a puck-moving defenseman with size.

I understand why some evaluators are intrigued by Pantelas, but I never saw enough dynamic skill to get overly excited. The production and underlying transition numbers are respectable, and there are elements of his game that suggest a player who can move pucks effectively. He’s involved in transition, generally makes efficient passing decisions, and has enough puck skill to keep possession moving in the right direction. At his size, those are worthwhile traits to work with, particularly for teams looking for developmental defensemen beyond the first two rounds.

The challenge is projecting how much of the offense actually translates. The skating remains a significant concern and limits both his defensive ceiling and offensive upside. While the point totals are solid, a lot of the offensive success felt more opportunistic than repeatable, and I never came away viewing him as a player capable of consistently creating offense on his own. Most of the offensive projection comes through puck movement and point shots rather than dynamic playmaking or power-play quarterback ability. There are enough tools here to justify a draft selection, particularly because size, passing ability, and transition involvement are difficult traits to find later in the draft, but the skating and lack of high-end offensive skill likely cap the upside. For me, he’s a third-round player who offers some intriguing developmental traits without carrying the projection of a future offensive driver.

DOB: 4/17/08

5’11, 163 lbs

68gp, 32g, 75pts

25th percentile: AHL 3rd liner

75th percentile: NHL middle six winger, secondary transition, hard on pucks and can chip in offensively

High-compete forward who has some potential to develop into an offensive role

Pierce Mbuyi is a player that became more interesting the more I watched him. My first impression was a hard-nosed north/south winger who wins races, plays through contact, and survives on effort more than skill. That player is still in there, but there were viewings where Mbuyi showed far more offensive ability than I expected. When he’s feeling confident, he’ll attack through transition, carry pucks into the offensive zone himself, and look for plays that most straight-line forwards wouldn’t even attempt. The passing isn’t always clean, but I liked the ideas. He consistently looks to create something dangerous rather than settling for the safe option, and there were stretches where he looked every bit like a player worthy of first-round consideration. Add in the pace, the shot, and the willingness to get involved defensively, and there’s a lot more upside here than he probably gets credit for.

The challenge with Mbuyi is figuring out which version of the player you’re getting. There are games where the skill and transition game take over and there are games where he looks much more limited as a puck mover. The passing execution can be all over the place and some of the transition decisions don’t always translate into positive results. That’s what keeps me from fully buying into the higher-end projection right now. Still, I keep coming back to the combination of pace, competitiveness, and offensive ambition. Mbuyi plays a style that gives him multiple paths

DOB: 11/2/07

5’11, 172 lbs

44gp, 9g, 31pts

25th percentile: AHL/NHL Tweener who can’t find a scoring role

75th percentile: Top-nine winger, secondary transition, PP2 triggerman who can facilitate as well

The skill and shot are NHL caliber for a scoring role, but the size and pace may limit his offensive ceiling and doesn’t cleanly project to the bottom-six

Chrenko’s combination of skill, production, and competitiveness makes him one of the more interesting forwards outside the top tier of this draft. He may not have the same level of hype as some of the recent Slovak forwards who have come through the draft, but there’s a lot to like in his game. The skill pops immediately. He’s slippery in traffic, attacks defenders with confidence, and has the hands and edgework to create offense in small areas. He produced everywhere this season, including one of the better draft-year scoring seasons we’ve seen from a player in Slovakia’s top professional league. He can play all three forward positions, gets to the middle of the ice consistently, and has the type of offensive instincts that allow him to find soft spots in coverage and create opportunities for both himself and his linemates.

What separates Chrenko from a lot of smaller offensive forwards is that there is some bite to his game. He competes, doesn’t shy away from contact, and will make or take a hit to extend a play. His shot is a legitimate weapon, particularly on the power play where he can beat goaltenders from the flank with a deceptive release. He’s also capable of changing pace, handling pucks through traffic, and making plays under pressure. The size and long-term projection at center create some questions, and he may ultimately fit better on the wing at higher levels, but the offensive toolkit is strong enough that I’m betting on the player. There are flaws, but between the skill, production, versatility, and willingness to compete, I think Chrenko plays NHL games and has a chance to develop into a quality top-nine forward.

DOB: 3/28/08

5;11, 170 lbs

67gp, 24g, 62pts

25th percentile: Bottom-six winger, secondary transition, two-way menace

75th percentile: Middle-six NHL center, secondary transition, PP2 and Coris King

Has all the tools and competes with the best of them but hampered by playing on a bad team

Beckett Hamilton is one of those players who becomes more appealing when you start looking at the environment around him. There were games where he was carrying almost all of the offensive responsibility on his line, and despite not possessing high-end puck skill, he still found ways to drive play through sheer pace and effort. The skating is the first thing that jumps out. He’s constantly moving, constantly hunting pucks, and rarely takes a shift off. I thought his best offensive moments came when he kept things simple. He’d identify a dangerous option quickly, move the puck there, and if nothing developed he’d put a shot on net himself. The tracking data paints the picture of a player who is heavily involved in generating offense, ranking among the highest-volume shooters in the dataset while also posting solid passing efficiency. Add in the defensive work rate and you’ve got a player who impacts games even when he isn’t producing.

The question is how much offense is actually there. Hamilton’s motor and skating allow him to get involved everywhere, but the skill and processing don’t always keep up with his feet. There were plenty of shifts where he’d win a race to the puck, and then fail to turn it into anything meaningful because the next play wasn’t there. He doesn’t naturally manipulate defenders, create passing lanes, or consistently solve pressure with skill. That’s what keeps him from climbing higher on my board. At times there were flashes that made me think there could be more, especially when he was forced to create offense with very little support from his linemates. The foundation is certainly there. He skates well enough, competes hard enough, and defends well enough to give himself a chance. If the offensive reads and puck skill continue to develop, there’s a path to becoming a useful middle-six player who can pressure opponents and drive play with his pace. For now, I see him as a worthwhile late-second/third round swing with more upside than his production might initially suggest.

DOB: 2/21/08

6’0, 176 lbs

68gp, 45g, 104pts

25th percentile: NHL/AHL Tweener 

75th percentile: Middle-six NHL winger, secondary transition, PP2, 25+ goal scorer

A menace in the offensive zone but not much impact anywhere else on the ice

Liam Ruck is one of the more difficult forwards in this class to project because so much of his value is tied to what happens after his team has already established possession. He’s very much a shoot-first winger and that’s where most of his appeal comes from. The shot is legitimate, he can beat goaltenders from distance, and he has enough offensive-zone skill to function as both a finisher and a secondary facilitator. While he isn’t the passer that his brother Markus is, he’s the better skater and his release is significantly more dangerous. I thought there were flashes of a player who understands how to find openings in coverage and position himself to capitalize when talented teammates create opportunities. That’s reflected in the data as well, which shows a player who generates a high volume of shots whenever he gets involved offensively. On a loaded Medicine Hat team, he filled a complementary scoring role and generally understood what was being asked of him.

The challenge is that I struggled to find much impact outside the offensive zone. Ruck was largely absent from transition play and, when he was involved, the results were often negative. Too many first-touch opportunities along the wall ended in turnovers, and he rarely looked capable of creating space for himself or advancing possession through pressure. The tracking data reinforces that concern. He’s a low-involvement transition player and one of the less efficient ones among draftable forwards. Defensively, I kept waiting for him to leave a mark on the game and it never really happened. He wasn’t floating or cheating for offense, but he also wasn’t disrupting cycles, breaking up plays, or helping drive possession back the other way. That’s what makes him such a difficult projection. There is enough shooting talent here to warrant interest, particularly in the middle rounds, but the NHL is filled with players who can shoot. The question is whether Ruck can add enough value in the other areas of the game to earn opportunities to use that shot at higher levels.

DOB: 9/2/06

6’1, 187 lbs

59gp, 22g, 58pts

25th percentile: AHL LHD who runs a PP

75th percentile: Bottom-four NHL LHD, offensive leaning with passable defense, PP2 QB

A modern two-way defenseman who might have more to offensive game than just being a puck transporter in the NHL

MacKenzie was one of the biggest risers in the class for me this season. After injuries in his draft year and a difficult D+1 season on an Oil Kings team that never really got going, this was the year everything started to click. His skating has always been the selling point. It’s high-end in every direction and allows him to erase mistakes, close gaps, and drive play up ice with ease. What impressed me most this season, though, was how much more assertive he became with the puck. He wasn’t just making the safe play anymore. He was carrying pucks through layers of pressure, leading transitions, activating into the rush, and creating offense from the back end with confidence. For large stretches of the season, I thought he was the best defenseman in the WHL because of how consistently he controlled the flow of play when he was on the ice.

The foundation of his game remains extremely projectable. He has NHL-caliber skating, a strong frame, a good shot, and the defensive awareness to break up plays with his stick and positioning. He sees the ice well, moves pucks efficiently, and has developed into a much more creative transporter than I expected a few years ago. The biggest question moving forward is how much offense ultimately comes. I’m a little concerned about him heading to a crowded blue line at North Dakota where power-play opportunities may not come immediately, but the talent is there for him to force the issue. If he earns PP1 time and continues building on the offensive confidence he showed this season, there’s still more upside here than people realize. At worst, I think you’re looking at a mobile two-way defenseman who can play NHL games. At best, there may be enough puck-moving ability for him to become much more than that.

DOB: 2/11/06

5’10, 168 lbs

25th percentile: AHL PP quarterback

75th percentile: Bottom-four NHL LHD, cowboy hockey but tilts the ice offensively, PP quarterback

In the mold of the Hutsons and Villeneuve, not as high-end of an offensive upside, but has shown he can play defensively in a positive manner in a professional league

32gp, 8g, 24pts

Galvas is one of the better overage bets in this class and finally looks poised to hear his name called after being passed over the past two years. The offensive growth has been impossible to ignore. His production exploded in the Czech professional league, and he followed it up with a dominant World Juniors where he was one of the best defensemen in the tournament. The appeal starts with the skating. Galvas is an explosive four-way mover who can carry pucks through pressure, close space defensively, and constantly keep the play moving in the right direction. He attacks with his feet instead of waiting for the game to come to him, and that aggressiveness shows up in every zone. He’s always looking to activate, jump into openings, and create offense whether it’s with a stretch pass through the neutral zone or by sliding into dangerous areas himself. For a smaller defenseman, he controls a surprising amount of play because he processes the game so quickly and uses his mobility to stay one step ahead.

What I like most is how well the offensive skill translates into overall effectiveness. He handles pucks comfortably under pressure, walks the blue line with confidence, and consistently finds little outlets and escape routes when most players would be forced into turnovers. Defensively, he relies heavily on anticipation, skating, and positioning to compensate for a lack of size, and while there are still concerns about how he’ll handle bigger, stronger players at the NHL level, he’s already shown he can survive and even thrive against professionals. The risk is obvious. There aren’t many defensemen his size who carve out long NHL careers, and there are times when his aggressive style can lead to mistakes or losing battles he simply can’t win physically. But the skating is elite, the hockey sense is high-end, and the offensive progression this season was significant. At minimum, I think he’s a very good professional defenseman. If the strength continues to come and the offensive game keeps trending upward, there’s enough talent here to justify taking a swing on him in the middle rounds.

DOB: 1/9/08

6’2, 190 lbs

52gp, 7g, 24pts

25th percentile: AHL/NHL tweener

75th percentile: Bottom-four NHL RHD, solid puck mover and defensive-defenseman, has moments where he flashes offense but never runs a PP

A modern two-way defender whose offense really flashed in the WHL playoffs but a player that may get boxed out of an NHL job if the prospect pool is deep on the team that drafts him.

Liske is one of those defensemen who quietly does a lot of things well without having a single trait that immediately jumps off the screen. Playing on a loaded Everett team alongside higher-profile players, he was easy to overlook at times, but the more I watched him the more I appreciated how complete his game is. He’s a steady defender who wins body positioning, blocks shots, and consistently makes the right decision with the puck. His retrievals are clean, he handles forechecking pressure well, and he’s usually able to get play moving back the other way with a smart outlet or by using his feet to create space. There isn’t much panic in his game, and that’s a trait that becomes more valuable the higher levels you watch.

What has made him more intriguing this season is the offensive growth. He’s become much more comfortable holding onto pucks, activating into space, and carrying play deeper into the offensive zone rather than simply moving it along. He has a hard shot, can contribute on the power play, and shows flashes of skill that suggest there may be a little more offense here than people initially give him credit for. The question is whether there’s an elite trait that allows him to become more than a dependable depth defenseman. His skating is solid but not dynamic, and adding another level of explosiveness would go a long way toward unlocking more upside. Even if that never comes, though, there is a lot to like in the profile. He makes smart decisions, competes, has pro size, and checks a lot of boxes that NHL teams look for in a reliable defenseman. I think he has a real chance to carve out a role as a steady NHL depth defender, with enough offensive ability to potentially surprise people if the development continues.

DOB: 10/4/07

6’2, 209 lbs

35gp, 1g, 3pts

25th percentile: Four year NCAA defender and earns an AHL/ECHL contract after

75 percentile: Bottom-four NHL LHD, strong defender and offensive exit transition player, PK specialist

Has the size, mobility, defensive ability and skill to be a middle-pairing defender but has to make more consistent transition decisions to be an NHL player.

Landon Nycz feels like one of the safer bets among the defensemen outside the top tiers of this class. The foundation of his game is built around mobility, defensive reliability, and an ability to move pucks well enough to keep play flowing in the right direction. For a bigger defender, he pivots well, closes space effectively, and does a nice job separating opponents from the puck. I thought his work defending entries was the strongest part of his game. Attackers rarely gained the line cleanly when he was set, and when he engaged physically he was generally able to end possessions quickly. There’s enough puck skill here to be more than a stay-at-home defenseman as well. He can retrieve pucks under pressure, carry them out himself when necessary, and showed flashes of joining the rush or activating along the wall to create offense. The tracking data paints a similar picture: reasonably involved in transition with strong defensive results that support what shows up on film.

The question is whether there’s enough offensive upside to become more than a dependable middle-pairing option. Nycz has moments where he looks comfortable with the puck, but I didn’t see a player who consistently solved problems once pressure arrived. The passing can get erratic, particularly through the neutral zone, and there were games where turnovers completely overshadowed the positive aspects of his puck-moving ability. He’s at his best when making simple plays and keeping possession moving rather than trying to create something on his own. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does limit the ceiling. I liked that he looked to dangerous areas when he activated offensively, but the overall offensive profile still feels secondary to the defensive one. That’s why I keep coming back to a middle-pairing projection. The mobility, defensive instincts, and transition ability give him a strong foundation, and if the puck decisions become more consistent there’s enough here to carve out a long professional career. For me, he’s a solid mid-round target whose value comes from how many boxes he already checks defensively.

DOB: 3/3/08

6’4, 203 lbs

48gp, 13g, 25pts

25th percentile: 4 year NCAA player who earns an AHL/ECHL deal

75th percentile: Bottom-six NHL center, secondary transition, used in a shutdown and defensive role who develops enough offensively to find a role

A mature defensive game and some interesting flashes of skill, but the tracking data points to a long development curve if he’s going to be anything offensively.

Berzkalns projects as the type of player NHL organizations always seem to have a spot for somewhere in the lineup. He’s a center who consistently stays involved around the puck, takes on defensive responsibilities, and understands how to play within a structure. He was leaned on heavily in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill this season, and a lot of his value comes from the little things that help drive winning hockey. He’s around the play defensively, supports well through the middle of the ice, and does a good job getting to loose pucks before turning possession into something productive.

The offensive ceiling is probably limited, but there are enough complementary skills to envision a path to the NHL. He’s willing to drive pucks to the net, can make simple plays off the cycle, and has shown some touch around the crease on tips, rebounds, and redirects. There isn’t a lot of dynamic skill or creativity in his game, and he’s unlikely to be the player driving offense on a line, but he understands where to be and generally makes the right play. When he does hold onto pucks, he shows enough poise to extend possession and find a teammate. The overall package points toward a potential bottom-six center who can kill penalties, take draws, and provide reliable minutes without needing the puck on his stick to be effective.

2/16/08

5’10, 181 lbs

58gp, 23g, 53pts

25th percentile: 4 year college career and AHL/ECHL contract

75th percentile: 3rd line NHL winger, primary transition, 200 foot pest who does a lot of heavy lifting for a bottom-six line in transition

A feisty, undersized forward who has speed and grit for days but who needs to execute better in his play creation to unlock his offensive potential

Berchild is a pace-driven winger who shows well in transition and does a lot of his best work when the game is moving north. He’s a good skater who closes space quickly and uses an active stick effectively in the neutral zone to disrupt plays and create loose puck opportunities. When there’s a clean lane, he can move pucks efficiently through the middle of the ice, but under pressure he defaults to safe plays and will dump pucks deep rather than try to force a controlled entry. That gives him an identity right now as a straight-line transition player rather than a true play driver.

Offensively, there are flashes of utility but not enough consistent involvement to project to a high-impact scoring role. He can shoot it from the outside and shows some ability to identify teammates in interior lanes, but he simply doesn’t touch the puck enough in the offensive zone to generate sustained danger. The tracking data lines up with that view: he’s heavily involved in transition but struggles to break structure once the opposition is set. The tools are enough to keep him on draft boards in the mid rounds, but the next step in his development will be learning how to stay engaged inside the offensive zone and turn his speed into more than just entries and and his skill to limit the number of dump-ins when a controlled entry is plausible.

DOB: 10/18/07

6’1, 176 lbs

31gp, 14g, 35pts

25th percentile: Bottom-six NHL winger, Passenger, net-front presence and shooter

75th percentile: Bottom-six NHL winger, secondary transition, facilitator who can fill a variety of roles

Good skill, size, and compete level with average skating, but if his skating/skill/compete level go up a level it could unlock more offensive potential.

Nemec continues to show an ability to produce in pro minutes in Slovakia and hold his own internationally, and there is a clear understanding of how to play without overcomplicating things. He reads the game well, gets to the right areas of the ice, and has enough skill to finish chances when they present themselves. Around the crease he’s effective, and he has a quick enough release and set of hands to capitalize when he gets space in the slot. There’s also a competitive layer to his game that shows up consistently, especially in how he works to stay involved on shifts and get himself into scoring positions.

The concern is that the offensive progression has largely stalled relative to where it was once projected, and the separation tools just aren’t quite there to suggest a higher-end role is coming. The skating remains closer to average to NHL pace, and while it has improved, it still limits his ability to consistently create space or turn controlled touches into real advantages. A lot of his offense comes from timing and finding pockets rather than driving play, and as other players in this draft class have closed the skill gap, his ceiling has flattened into more of a complementary profile. He can compete, he can finish, and he can contribute in a middle-six capacity if everything goes right, but unless another level emerges in his pace or puck game, he projects more as a mid-round selection than a true impact forward.

DOB: 2/16/08

5’10, 172 lbs

68gp, 22, 65pts

25th percentile: AHL/ECHL winger

75th percentile: middle-six winger, secondary transition, two-way facilitator

Does all of the little things right and one of my favorite players in the draft class, but can his skating improve to be effective in the NHL?

There are players in this class with better tools than Jordan Duguay, but I’m not sure there are many who consistently make better decisions. He’s constantly in the right spot, constantly available as a support option, and constantly finding little ways to impact the game that don’t always show up on the scoresheet. The small-area skill is excellent and he’s remarkably comfortable carrying pucks through traffic despite not being an explosive skater. I loved the way he facilitated offense, especially his ability to spot teammates arriving in dangerous areas and move pucks into those openings before they disappeared. What really sold me though was the defensive work. Duguay has one of the best sticks I’ve tracked among draft-eligible forwards and he’s relentless about getting involved defensively. Whether it’s disrupting a breakout, jumping into a passing lane, or supporting low in the zone, he’s engaged in every part of the game. The tracked data paints a very effective player. He’s one of the more efficient players in the class, completing 85% of his passes while still sending a healthy percentage into dangerous areas. His transition involvement isn’t particularly high, but when he does get involved he’s incredibly effective, posting strong efficiency numbers that match what shows up on film. There are players with flashier tools in this class, but not many wingers I trust more shift to shift.

The entire projection comes down to one question: can he get to an NHL-level pace? Once Duguay gets up to his top gear, I don’t have many concerns. The problem is getting there. His stop-start acceleration is below where it needs to be and there are too many situations where defenders recover because he can’t create separation immediately. That’s ultimately why his involvement numbers aren’t higher. Duguay is a supremely smart and efficient player, but the pace limits how often he gets touches and inserts himself into possession-driving sequences. I wasn’t overly concerned when some of the skill plays didn’t connect in later viewings because the ideas were still there, however, I thought he occasionally tried to make one extra move instead of taking the dangerous play that was available and that did cause a slight concern. The big thing to take away from all of my viewings: his skating is the swing skill here. If it improves, I think there’s a path to becoming the type of versatile middle-six winger that coaches love because he helps you win in so many different ways. If it doesn’t, he may struggle to translate all of those details and instincts against faster competition. Either way, he’s one of the smarter and more efficient players I’ve watched this year, and that makes him a very easy bet in the 4th-5th round for me.

DOB: 5/9/08

6’2, 181 lbs

66gp, 9g, 29pts

25th percentile: AHL/ECHL contract

75th percentile: Middle-pairing NHL LHD, solid in transition and defensively, offense is defined through activation and joining rushes with skating acumen

A strong-skating LHD who was buried on a deep Kitchener team who has flashes of offensive potential but has to clean up some defensive habits

Bilecki is a mobile puck moving defenseman who has steadily built credibility throughout the year through consistent play in a limited role on a deep Kitchener team. He was an impactful presence in all situations despite not being leaned on in a top offensive role, and he found ways to influence games through pace, movement, and clean puck decisions. His skating is the foundation of his game. It is smooth, agile, and deceptive in all four directions, allowing him to slip pressure, open lanes, and join the rush without disrupting structure. He moves pucks efficiently, shows poise when pressured, and has enough vision to execute both quick outlets and longer stretch passes that flip the ice in a hurry. There is also a clear sense of timing in how he activates, which helps him stay effective without forcing offense.

The defensive side still needs refinement. While he is generally positionally responsible and competes adequately in the corners, he can be inconsistent when play gets heavier or faster, and he will need to add strength to handle the physical demands at the next level. At times he is a step late reacting inside his own zone, and his impact there is more reliant on structure and positioning than disruption or assertiveness. The tools are there for a mid pairing puck mover who can drive transition and contribute on a power play, but the projection depends on whether he can clean up the defensive details and turn his skating advantage into more reliable all around impact. The trajectory is positive, but there is still meaningful development required before he settles into a defined NHL role.

DOB: 11/7/07

6’0, 185 lbs

55gp, 11g, 38pts

25th percentile: 4 year NCAA defenseman, earns a PTO in AHL/ECHL 

75th percentile: Bottom-four NHL defenseman, cowboy hockey (to start), PP2 potential

Strong profile to become an offensive defenseman in college that could translate to the NHL if his defense becomes NHL passable

Bode Laylin is one of the more offense-first defensemen in this class, and I mean that as both a compliment and a concern. What I like about his offensive game is that it isn’t built around standing at the blue line and hammering pucks into shin pads. He’s constantly looking for ways to get involved closer to the net. He’ll activate into the slot, slide down the wall, stay low in the offensive zone, and generally make himself a problem for defenders to account for. The shot is the headline trait, but there’s more playmaking here than he gets credit for. He’s a slick passer, sees options developing quickly, and is comfortable carrying pucks through the neutral zone when he sees an opening. The tracking data backs up what shows up on tape: Laylin is one of the most involved offensive transition defensemen in the class and one of the more efficient ones as well. If you’re betting on offensive production, there’s a lot to like here, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if his numbers explode in the WHL at Everett next season.

The problem is that the defensive side of the puck often looks like an afterthought. There were games where he simply refused to challenge entries at the blue line, backing off attackers and giving them all the space they wanted to operate. In-zone coverage can be equally frustrating. He’ll lose track of assignments around the net, get caught puck watching, or make an unnecessarily risky play that immediately turns into a scoring chance against. The frustrating part is that there are flashes of a capable defender. He’ll step up in the neutral zone and throw a big hit, win a battle along the wall, or make an aggressive pinch that kills a possession before it starts. That’s what makes him such an interesting projection. At his size, I need to see more defensive reliability than what he’s shown so far. The offensive profile is good enough that I’m comfortable with a second-round grade, but I struggle with the first-round conversation because the gap between his offensive impact and defensive impact is still too large. The offense is NHL-caliber. The question is whether the defense ever gets there too.

DOB: 8/8/08

5’10, 174 lbs

57gp, 11g, 45pts

25th percentile: Undrafted, possible NCAA career

75th percentile: Middle-six NHL LW, secondary transition player, able to start chain-linked plays and deliver dangerous passes at even strength and on the power play

One of the more fun passers in this draft: if Mclean can get to an NHL pace he has the brain and skill to drive play in the middle-six.

McLean is a deceptive offensive playmaker whose game is built around high-end vision and the ability to consistently manipulate pressure and create passing lanes that most players simply do not see. He uses subtle puck movements to get inside and routinely completes both routine and difficult passes with ease, often making high level reads look simple. His impact in transition is a major strength, as he is constantly involved in moving play forward and is one of the more efficient puck distributors in the draft class. Even without elite straight line speed, he drives offense through anticipation, timing, and his ability to process the ice at a very high level. There is real creativity to his game, and he is especially dangerous when he has time to scan and layer passes through seams or into space for teammates to attack.

The concerns come on the other side of the puck and in his overall pace of game. He can be too disengaged defensively and has shown lapses in recognition, including moments where he can be beaten cleanly in transition against him when the play speeds up. His skating is adequate but not a strength, and it limits how often he can consistently get inside to shoot or fully dictate play off the rush. While he is extremely involved and efficient in offensive transition, there are still stretches where he needs more assertiveness and more puck touches in order to fully maximize his impact. The skill and vision are clearly legitimate, but the next step for him is adding another gear physically and mentally to become a more complete driver of play rather than primarily a connector.

DOB: 5/31/08

6’2, 220 lbs

40gp, 6g, 25pts

25th percentile: European Career

75th percentile: Bottom-four NHL RHD, average defender with above average transition ability, PP2 potential

Legitimate tools to be a great modern two-way defenseman whose mental lapses aren’t made up for by his offensive potential currently.

Alalauri is a big, right shot defenseman who brings real mobility, legitimate offensive upside, and a physical edge that makes him one of the more intriguing European blue line prospects in the class. When he is on his game, he can impact shifts at both ends of the ice, activating into the rush, driving offense from the back end, and playing a direct, assertive style that translates well to higher levels. There is clearly NHL-level traits here, and his size, skating, and ability to contribute offensively give him a profile that teams tend to bet on early.

The challenge is that his game can swing too far into complexity and inconsistency. He will try to force plays that are not there, often turning routine situations into low percentage attempts with dangles or difficult passes that cause turnover more often than they create offense. His defensive impact is also inconsistent, as he does not always win board battles through positioning and can rely too heavily on his physical tools rather than detail and timing. There are stretches where his decision making and engagement level dip, which leads to turnovers and missed defensive reads. The tools are clearly there for a modern two-way NHL defenseman, but he needs to simplify, improve his consistency, and better recognize when to activate in order to reach that level.

DOB: 6/3/08

5’11, 174 lbs

32gp, 9g, 41pts

25th percentile: European Career

75th percentile: Bottom-four RHD, Offensive dynamo but cowboy hockey, PP2 potential

You like Villeneuve/Lin/Bleyl’s style of offensive defenseman but miss out, Elofsson has all the offensive tools but without the skating acumen to be worth a top two round swing.

Axel Elofsson is one of the most naturally gifted offensive defensemen in this draft class. The hands are high-end, the puck manipulation in tight is excellent, and he consistently creates advantages from the blue line with deception, quick distribution, and the ability to open seams that simply are not there for most players his age. He is already a legitimate power-play driver, comfortable walking the line, slipping inside pressure, and either snapping pucks through traffic or threading passes to the interior. There is real offensive creativity here, and when he is dictating play in the offensive zone he looks like a player who can tilt the ice.

The hesitation comes on the other side of the puck and in the physical translation of his game. At his size, he can get pushed out of battles and struggles to consistently win contact against stronger opposition, which limits how reliable he is defensively when plays break down. The skating is smooth and agile, but he does not consistently separate from pressure the way you would want from a smaller defender, and there are still decision-making lapses when the game speeds up. The skill is not in question, but the margin for error at higher levels will shrink quickly if the defensive habits and puck management do not tighten. He is the type of player who will need a very specific deployment to maximize his strengths, but the upside is still real as a potential power-play specialist who can drive offense from the back end if the rest of his game comes along enough to hold up.

DOB: 9/8/08

6’0, 181 lbs

59gp, 25g, 50pts

25th percentile: AHL/ECHL contract

75th percentile: Bottom-six NHL center, primary transition, high compete and defensive shutdown role with the ability to put the puck in the net from medium distance.

A high-compete speedster who has a good shot to along with it, but lacks the playmaking skills to project higher in the lineup

Vandenberg is a high pace, high compete center who brings a consistent presence in all three zones and never takes shifts off from an engagement standpoint. He is one of those players who is constantly involved in the play, whether it is tracking back through the neutral zone, supporting defensive coverage, or jumping into battles to help his team regain possession. The skating is a clear strength and allows him to pressure pucks, close gaps quickly, and get to inside ice when he commits to it. Offensively, there is enough pace and shooting ability to project him into a middle six role, and he does show a willingness to attack the interior when opportunities open up rather than staying on the perimeter.

The issue is that his offensive game is still fairly direct and predictable. He tends to default to perimeter shots rather than consistently creating higher danger looks, and his puck decisions under pressure can be inconsistent, including rushed or blind plays into traffic. He is not yet a player who actively manipulates pace or structure to open up lanes, which limits his ability to consistently drive offense rather than just support it. Defensively he is very reliable, but the offensive processing needs to take a step forward for him to climb beyond a safe bottom six projection. There is still upside here if the game slows down for him and he starts to layer more deception into his rush and offensive zone work, but right now the profile is built more on energy, speed, and structure than true play driving ability.

DOB: 1/6/08

6’1, 181 lbs

64gp, 19g, 45pts

25th Percentile: 4-year college player who signs to an AHL/ECHL deal

75th percentile: Bottom-six center, faceoff specialist who can pot goals while playing a responsible 200 foot game

The guy who does all the little things but needs to do more of the big things to make it into the NHL

Beckham Edwards is the type of player that coaches trust in every situation. The compete level is consistently high, he plays a responsible 200-foot game, and there aren’t many shortcuts in his approach. I liked him more at center than I expected and the faceoff results certainly help the case. He’s a strong north/south skater who gets where he needs to be on time, supports defensively, and does a lot of the little things that don’t always show up on the scoresheet. The shot is probably his best offensive weapon. When plays are built for him as the finisher, he can get it off with some authority and there are enough flashes there to suggest he can chip in offense at higher levels. The overall profile just feels very safe. You know what you’re getting shift to shift and there is value in that.

The question is how much offense there actually is. Edwards spends a lot of time around the play but not nearly enough time driving it. He rarely has the puck on his stick through transition, doesn’t create much for teammates, and most of his offensive touches come as the last player in a sequence rather than the player creating it. There isn’t much manipulation, deception, or playmaking in his game and I struggled to find many examples of him impacting possession offensively outside of shooting opportunities. That’s what ultimately caps the projection for me. I think he’s a good hockey player and one I’d be comfortable taking in the late rounds because the floor is fairly high, but I don’t see much evidence of top-six upside. If he makes it, it’ll be because he wins draws, skates well enough, plays hard every night, and carves out a role through reliability rather than offensive creation.

DOB: 2/25/08

6’2, 198 lbs

59gp, 14g, 35pts

25th percentile: AHL player

75th percentile: Middle-pairing NHL LHD, two-way modern defenseman, can play on the PP in a pinch

Good offensively, defensively, and in transition but not good enough to say he’s playing in the NHL with confidence. If he takes a leap on either side of the puck he could make this ranking look silly.

Vanecek is a confident, mobile left shot defenseman who adapted quickly to North American ice and showed he can already handle a fast, structured game. He is a strong, naturally athletic player who skates well for his size and has enough puck ability to join the rush and contribute offensively in a straightforward way. There is a good base level of skill here, including a heavy point shot and the ability to move pucks effectively, and he is not shy about activating or trying to create off the blue line when space presents itself. He also shows some willingness to take defenders on one-on-one, playing with a level of confidence that suggests comfort at pace rather than hesitation.

The concern is how much true offensive upside is in the profile at higher levels. While he can move the puck and has tools to contribute, he does not consistently project as a power play driver, and I question of whether his skill level will translate into meaningful offensive production against stronger competition. He is not a particularly physical defender, relying more on positioning and skating than contact, and that can limit his ability to consistently win battles against heavier forwards. The foundation is solid and he looks like a reliable, modern depth defenseman, but the lack of a clear high-end trait on either side of the puck puts him in a sort of no-man’s land where he’s not offensive enough to make up for the defensive deficiences. There’s flashes that both the offensive and defensive game could take a leap, but right now he looks more like an AHL player than an NHL player. A dart worth throwing in the late rounds that he continues to develop and he definitely has the ability to make me look dumb for putting him this low.

DOB: 1/30/08

6’3, 194 lbs

62gp, 1g, 22pts

25th percentile: 4 year college player, AHL/ECHL contract

75th percentile: Bottom-four NHL RHD, Defensively responsible with good exit transition, PK potential

The physical tools are tantalizing but too many plays died on his stick and off-puck defending needs to drastically improve

Schairer is an athletic, right shot defenseman whose frame, mobility, and underlying tools give him a clear NHL projection if everything comes together. The skating is a real strength for a 6’3 defender, and it allows him to close gaps, recover when plays break down, and stay involved in transition without looking overmatched. With the puck, he shows a willingness to push play and attack rather than defaulting to conservative exits, and there are moments where his reach and anticipation jump off the page as he picks off passes or disrupts entries. There is legitimate top four upside in the profile when he is playing within structure and letting his tools do the work.

The issue is that the consistency is not yet where it needs to be. He can get caught overextending offensively and losing track of defensive responsibilities, especially when trying to force plays up ice or jump into the rush as an extra layer. The processing can lag behind his physical ability, leading to situations where he puck-watches or drifts out of position rather than staying disciplined in coverage. Those habits are fixable, but they show up often enough that they currently define his range. The projection is still intact as a NHL defenseman with real penalty kill value, but the floor is closer to a depth third pairing option/AHL if the decision making and role clarity do not develop over time.

DOB: 2/21/08

6’0, 168 lbs

68gp, 21g, 108pts

25th percentile: AHL career 

75th percentile: Middle-six NHL winger, secondary transition, PP1 half-wall assist machine

McKenna-level passing ideas with a very low pace and struggles in all other facets of the game

Markus Ruck is one of the most unique evaluations in this draft class. I’m usually a believer in effective unconventional players, but Ruck may be the most unconventional player in North America. There is little-to-no pace in his game and the skating remains a significant concern, yet he has adapted by becoming one of the fastest processors I’ve seen this year. The puck arrives and is gone in a flash. He knows where he’s going with it before he gets it and his ability to make quick one-touch plays to dangerous areas is what drives all of his offense. His vision on the power play is sublime, where all but one of his points came in all my viewings. He threaded multiple pucks into the slot, connected on a few give-and-go sequences, and picked up a primary assist on a beautiful feed to a defenseman activating into the high slot. The hands are excellent, the passing creativity is high-end, and there are flashes where you can see why some teams will be intrigued by the upside.

The challenge is projecting how any of it translates at higher levels. The feet continue to be a major red flag and impact virtually every aspect of his game. He struggles to get to pucks, never drives anything with possession through transition, and often becomes stagnant on pass receptions along the wall. When pressure arrives, he’s frequently looking for a finesse one-touch solution instead of winning a battle or moving his feet, which led to several turnovers. He was also called for multiple penalties because he was hooking and slashing rather than skating to stay in the play. Defensively, he tries, but he isn’t physical and can’t consistently keep pace with the game. There isn’t a top-six NHL player at even strength in this profile right now, which makes him a difficult projection despite his offensive intelligence. The brain is NHL-caliber, but everything else is a question mark. He’s a mid-round dart throw with a low probability of success, but the processing speed and vision are unique enough that if it somehow works, he’ll outperform his draft slot by a wide margin.

DOB: 1/4/08

6’0, 181 lbs

69gp, 28g, 65pts

25th percentile: Undrafted, AHL/ECHL contract

75th percentile: Bottom-six RW, secondary transition, Power-forward who is above average with his shot and creating for the role

A power-forward with above-average skill that needs to get just a little bit quicker and compete at 100% each shift to make the NHL

Sparks is a power forward archetype who brings a mix of puck skill, shooting ability, and straight-line pace that can translate into a depth NHL role if it all comes together. Once he gets up to speed, he moves well enough to impact shifts in transition and shows enough skill to handle pucks in space rather than just finishing plays. He is at his best in the offensive zone when he keeps things simple, moving the puck quickly and getting to shooting areas where he can use a decent release and willingness to fire pucks through traffic. There is a foundation here that suggests a useful supporting forward who can contribute offensively in spurts.

The inconsistency comes from how he handles pace and engagement over the course of games. He can start shifts with strong intent both physically and defensively, but that level of involvement is not always sustained, and his forechecking presence can fade when he is not directly involved in the play. Under pressure, his decision making and stop/start agility can limit his effectiveness, and there are stretches where his passing efficiency and puck security dip as a result. The underlying profile is still interesting because he shoots enough, gets involved in transition, and has enough skill to create offense in flashes, but the projection remains that of a late-round developmental forward who will need to tighten consistency and compete level to earn a regular NHL role.

DOB: 8/27/08

6’3, 194 lbs

66gp, 24g, 53pts

25th percentile: AHL/ECHL forward

75th percentile: Bottom-six NHL RW, passenger in transition, able to facilitate play in the offensive zone, No special teams potential

Sivertson is a bet that the size and flashes of skill are combined with a faster pace and more physical brand of hockey as he develops over the next few years.

Sivertson is a big forward who brings a workable base of puck skill and passing ability, with enough vision to connect plays in simple transition situations and support offensive sequences when the game is structured. He shows flashes of creative reads and can move the puck efficiently when given time, but his overall involvement in possession is limited. Defensively, he is generally engaged and stays connected to the play, using his size and reach to stay in lanes and support coverage rather than actively driving disruption. The foundation is that of a depth forward who can move the puck cleanly and play within a system, but who will need to expand his overall impact to move up levels.

The limitations are tied to pace, mobility, and assertiveness with the puck. He is slow off the blocks and does not consistently separate laterally, which leads to him chasing plays rather than controlling them. Despite his size, he does not impose himself physically with any real consistency, and he rarely turns positioning into meaningful contact or puck recovery advantages. He also does not consistently get inside to use his shot, which further limits his offensive threat. From a tracking standpoint, his game is efficient but low volume, particularly in transition where he facilitates play at a solid rate but is not heavily involved in creating chances or generating puck touches. His passing is safe and functional rather than play driving, and he does not consistently create shifts in momentum through distribution or attack. The projection remains that of a depth developmental forward whose pathway to a higher role depends on improving pace, engagement, and willingness to impose himself physically and offensively.

DOB: 7/31/08

6’1, 198 lbs

31gp, 7g, 20pts

25th percentile outcome: AHL for a few years before a career in Europe

75th percentile outcome: Bottom-6 center with transition ability and scoring touch

A plodding but effective player whose skill surprises and whose microstats gleam.

I really don’t want to like Olivers Murnieks because the skating is legitimately rough. There’s almost no pace to his game and every stride looks labored. Any quick change of possession and he immediately looks three steps behind the play. He’s not going to beat defenders with speed, he’s not going to create odd-man rushes through transition, and the skating alone is probably going to push him completely off some team’s boards. But my goodness was the offensive data ridiculous when I tracked him. The guy was involved in everything offensively. He consistently made quick plays under pressure, facilitated scoring chances, and found ways to stay connected to the offensive process despite being one of the slower players on the ice. He’s a genuinely smart playmaker who pre-plans his attacks and knows where outlets are before he gets the puck. There’s also sneaky skill here too. He can shift defenders just enough to create passing lanes and quietly finds dangerous space for his own shot more often than you’d expect.

What makes him even more interesting is how effective he is defensively despite the pace issues. He uses his stick and reach incredibly well on the forecheck and constantly directs players into trouble once he closes space. There were multiple plays where his stick alone completely killed possessions or created chances off recoveries. Defensively he almost plays like a third defenseman at times, sitting low in coverage and battling net-front while the defensemen rotate into corners. The issue is the pace caps so much of the projection. His engagement level naturally suffers because he physically can’t play at the speed the game demands for long stretches and it limits how often he can impact transition. Still, he’s one of the more fascinating “good player, bad athlete” evaluations in the class because the actual hockey sense and offensive involvement are legitimately impressive. I think he’s absolutely worth a late-round swing because there’s enough intelligence and playmaking detail here to bet on despite the skating concerns.

DOB: 11/19/06

5’9, 174 lbs

56gp, 29g, 86pts

25th percentile: 4 year college player and a professional contract in the AHL/overseas

75th percentile: Bottom-pairing NHL RHD, Extreme cowboy hockey, To make it he’ll have to be running a power play for a team

Woo played as 4th forward offensively all year and the offensive potential is real, but the size is a problem the and defensive details have got to develop in college if he’s ever going to have a chance

Woo is an extremely dynamic, attack-driven defenseman who has essentially functioned as the engine of Medicine Hat’s transition game over the past two seasons. Every time he touches the puck, there is real intent to advance it, whether that is exiting the zone under pressure, carrying through the neutral zone, or stepping up into the offensive end to create entry advantages. He consistently manipulates structure with pace and deception, and his ability to both carry and distribute makes him a constant threat to tilt the ice. There is a clear level of offensive intelligence here, especially in how he reads defensive layers and attacks the weak points before systems can fully set.

What separates him is the combination of confidence and conviction. He does not hesitate to take the puck through contact, and he plays far bigger than his size in terms of physical engagement, even if he is not physically dominant in the traditional sense. The skating is a real strength, allowing him to recover, re-engage, and stay involved in every phase of the game. The risk profile is obvious given his size and defensive projection, but he has shown over multiple seasons that his offensive impact is not a short-term surge but a consistent feature of his game. If the offensive game continues to translate and he tightens up enough defensively to stay on the ice at higher levels, there is real upside here as a high-end puck-moving defenseman who can drive play.

DOB: 10/27/07

5’11, 176 lbs

67gp, 22g, 63pts

25th Percentile: AHL winger, fan favorite,middle-six with PK ability 

75th percentile: 3rd line LW, secondary transition, high compete and battler who also plays on PK

A ‘hard-to-play-against’ archetype with some skill, but is there enough skill to get to the NHL?

Ryan Brown feels like the type of player coaches are going to love a lot more than public draft analysts. The motor runs hot every shift and he’s constantly around the puck making things difficult for opponents. What stood out most to me was his work below the goal line and around the net. He does a really nice job feeding pucks into dangerous areas from tight spaces and creating opportunities through effort rather than pure skill. There’s some talent here too. I wouldn’t call it particularly dynamic or creative, but he can make plays and there’s enough touch to complement the compete level. For a smaller player, he’s willing to play through contact and doesn’t shy away from physical battles. The tracked data reflects that as well. Brown is involved in a ton of the action and consistently finds ways to insert himself into plays, even if the results aren’t always clean.

The issue is that involvement doesn’t always equal impact. Brown struggles when the game opens up and I didn’t see a player who naturally drives transition or consistently connects plays through the neutral zone. The reads can be a step behind at times and too many possessions die on his stick before they become dangerous. While he has a good shot, he doesn’t get to scoring areas often enough and I’d like to see him do a better job finding space inside rather than operating around the perimeter. That’s ultimately where I land on him. The effort level gives him a chance because he’ll squeeze every bit out of the tools he has, but the offensive skill package feels more functional than game-breaking. I can see a team taking him in the later rounds and talking themselves into the motor and competitiveness, and honestly I wouldn’t blame them. There are enough traits here to bet on, even if the path to becoming an NHL regular isn’t immediately obvious.

DOB: 5/28/08

6’2, 227 lbs

25th percentile: AHL/ECHL physical defender

75th percentile: Bottom-four NHL LHD, Physical enforcer with functional transition skill, PK stalwart

A punishing defender who skates well, has good positioning, and is functional in transition

Ta’amu projects as a physically imposing, defensively reliable defenseman who brings a clear identity shift-to-shift. He stands out immediately for his ability to deliver heavy, impactful contact in all three zones, with a real knack for timing open-ice hits and finishing along the wall. Despite the physical edge, he is not a one-dimensional player, as he pairs that presence with good mobility and enough skating ability to stay connected in transition. His puck retrievals are efficient, and he generally handles pressure well, using simple, functional outlets and one-touch passes to move play forward without unnecessary risk. There is also enough structure to his defensive game to project him as a penalty kill regular, with a clear understanding of positioning and an ability to close space quickly.

The offensive ceiling is limited, however, and that is the main constraint on his projection. He does not bring a creative dimension with the puck and is unlikely to consistently generate offense beyond point shots and occasional activation into soft space for low-danger looks. While his passing is safe and functional, he is not a player who breaks structure or drives transition through playmaking. As a result, his impact will be heavily weighted toward defensive zone work, physical disruption, and puck retrieval rather than offensive contribution. The projection is a strong bottom-pairing, penalty kill oriented defenseman who can swing momentum through physical play, but will need to maximize every detail of his defensive game to hold a consistent NHL role.

DOB: 8/18/08

6’0, 161 lbs

25th percentile: top 6 player in AHL/ECHL

75th percentile: Third Line NHL winger, primary transition player, facilitator for an energy line

There’s enough offensive skill and projectable traits that he should be drafted, but he’s not tantalizing enough to project to a scoring role nor does he translate cleanly to a checking-line role.

Kosick is a skilled, puck-dominant forward who does his best work with the puck on his stick in transition. He consistently looks to facilitate through the neutral zone, showing good hands and enough skill to carry pucks through traffic and keep possessions alive. While he is more of a distributor than a true playmaker, he does a good job connecting plays and helping move the puck up ice. The tracking data backs that up, showing a player who is heavily involved in transition and reasonably efficient when doing so. There is legitimate offensive talent here, particularly in his puck handling and ability to support possession, and he has enough skill to warrant consideration as a developmental swing later in the draft.

The concerns come from how little impact he creates once the game becomes more physical or contested. He plays on the perimeter too often, avoids contact, and can be knocked off pucks far too easily for a player whose game relies on possession. Under pressure, he frequently defaults to moving pucks to safety rather than absorbing contact and making a play through it, which limits both his creativity and offensive ceiling. Defensively, there is not enough engagement or physical competitiveness to project him comfortably into a bottom-six role, while the offensive upside does not currently look strong enough to project him into a scoring role either. The result is a difficult player to rank and one I’ve debated about leaving off all together, but Kosick has enough skill that he is worth a late-round gamble as a long-term upside bet especially with the decision to go to Michigan and challenge himself in the Big 10 next year.

DOB: 10/8/07

6’0, 174 lbs

68gp, 4g, 46pts

25th percentile: Undrafted, Overseas career

75th percentile: Bottom four NHL LHD, Two-way mobile defender

Love the skating and flashes of offensive upside, but he needs to manage pucks and possession better if he’s ever going to play in the NHL

Klimpke is the type of late-round defenseman you bet on because the mobility gives him a chance. His edgework is impressive, and there are flashes of offensive upside when he uses his feet to create separation or make quick-twitch moves to evade pressure. He is willing to activate, looks comfortable carrying pucks, and has enough confidence with the puck to attempt plays that many defensemen at his level would not. Defensively, there is at least a foundation of competitiveness to work with, and when his feet are moving he can close space effectively and stay involved in battles.

The problem is that the execution is all over the place right now. He fumbles pucks far too often, forces passes that are either low percentage or simply the wrong read altogether, and has a tendency to throw pucks away rather than maintain possession. Too many shifts end with a blind rim around the boards in the offensive zone or a hopeful pass into empty space through the neutral zone. The tracking data reflects that, painting the picture of a highly inefficient transition player who too often resorts to whacking pucks out of trouble rather than making controlled exits. Offensively, much of his shot volume comes from the point without creating much danger. There are enough skating tools and flashes of skill to justify a late-round swing, but he remains a long-term project who will need significant refinement in both his puck management and decision-making to have a chance of reaching his upside.

DOB: 5/28/08

5’11, 194 lbs

62gp, 19g, 46pts

25th percentile: Four year college player

75th percentile: Middle six NHL winger, secondary transition, facilitator

Flashes skill but has not given any indication that he can be an NHL player yet. A bet on traits and development.

Braidy Wassilyn might have the biggest gap between talent and impact of any forward I’ve watched this year. He has good hands, sees the ice well, and there are flashes of creativity that suggest there’s more offense here than the box score might indicate. When he gets the puck in the offensive zone, he can make plays that catch your attention. The tracked data reinforces that idea, with nearly 20% of his passes finding dangerous areas of the ice and a respectable shot volume to go along with it. Defensively, I thought he was perfectly fine. He understands his responsibilities, competes well enough, and generally doesn’t put himself in poor positions. There are enough individual tools here to understand why teams will have interest.

What I struggled with was how infrequently those tools impacted the game. Wassilyn was surprisingly uninvolved in transition for a player with his level of skill, and that lack of involvement limits both his puck touches and his offensive influence. It’s one of the stranger evaluations in the class because I actually think he has the ability to be more of a transition player than he currently shows. Instead, there were too many games where he faded into the background for long stretches, waiting for the game to come to him rather than forcing his way into it. One viewing in particular was especially difficult, as he barely touched the puck and struggled to do much with it when he did. The efficiency numbers aren’t bad, but they’re also not strong enough to offset the lack of involvement. That’s ultimately where I land on Wassilyn. The flashes are good, the skill is real, and the creativity is there, but I need to see him become far more active in driving play if he’s going to maximize his talent and justify a higher draft slot.

DOB: 11/28/07

5’10, 176 lbs

A fan favorite in terms of how he plays, competes, and drives play. Will need to show he can be as effective in the NCAA next year at Penn State as he was in the OHL to garner attention.

McKenzie plays the kind of complete, pace-driven game that should make him one of the more attractive value picks outside the first round if he were not so small. He brings speed, energy, and defensive engagement on every shift, consistently impacting play in all three zones. His ability to facilitate offense is one of the more underrated parts of his game, as he regularly identifies the right options and puts pucks into areas that allow plays to continue developing. The tracking data paints the picture of an extremely efficient player. He gets inside to generate his own shot attempts, completes passes at a high rate, and directs a healthy percentage of those passes into dangerous areas. He is similarly efficient in transition, even if he is not among the highest-volume puck transporters. Defensively, he stands out as one of the better forwards available outside the first few rounds, using his speed, anticipation, and work rate to consistently disrupt plays despite not having ideal size.

The biggest concern is whether his offensive game has another level to reach. While he creates plenty of positive outcomes, he can lose possession too frequently when trying to handle pucks through traffic, often relying on his speed to escape pressure rather than using puck protection or strength through the middle of the ice. At times, those habits can limit his ability to create offense for himself against stronger defenders. Even so, the overall package is extremely appealing. He thinks the game well, plays hard, contributes offensively without sacrificing defensive value, and consistently drives positive results. The projection is a reliable middle-six two-way forward, and among North American players available in the second round and beyond, there may not be a safer bet to become an NHL contributor.

DOB: 1/12/08

5’10, 176 lbs

65gp, 18g, 50pts

Plays the game the right way but is too small to be a physical passenger in the NHL and will need to get either a tad faster or drive play more to make it in the NHL

Nolan Stewart is a player whose value comes from all of the things he does to support offense rather than drive it himself. Playing alongside a player like Perreault, it would have been easy to simply defer and disappear, but Stewart consistently found ways to contribute. I really liked his awareness away from the puck, particularly on the forecheck where he did a great job arriving in the right spots as an F1 or F2 to keep plays alive. He’s physical without being reckless and one of the more underrated aspects of his game is how well he absorbs contact to complete plays. Stewart regularly found teammates in dangerous areas and several of his best touches directly led to scoring chances or goals. The tracking data supports that as well. He’s not a primary transition driver, but he consistently feeds pucks into dangerous parts of the offensive zone and helps facilitate possession once his team establishes control. There is real value in players who make the players around them better, and Stewart does that as well as almost anyone in this range.

The question is how much offense he can create on his own. The puck skill is good enough to facilitate, but I don’t see a player who is going to regularly beat defenders one-on-one or carry a line offensively. When the pace of the game ramps up, the skating becomes more of a concern. There were viewings where he looked a step behind the play, struggled to generate controlled entries, and had a difficult time creating anything once he entered the offensive zone. That’s what ultimately makes him a late-round pick. Still, I think there is a very clear NHL pathway here. Stewart understands spacing, supports possession, wins pucks back, and consistently makes the next play. The ceiling may not be as high as some of the flashier forwards around him, but he’s exactly the type of player I’d be comfortable betting on late in the draft because there are so many translatable habits already in place.

DOB: 10/4/07

6’0, 187 lbs

52gp, 4g, 23pts

A smart, dependable two-way defenseman who lacks the mobility to translate cleanly to the NHL game at this moment

Singh’s game is built around intelligence and timing rather than raw athleticism. He consistently processes the game well, makes smart puck decisions, and has a good understanding of when to activate from the back end. When he does jump into the play, he can be surprisingly effective, creating offense through well-timed attacks and finding openings that many defensemen would miss. He moves pucks efficiently, owns a solid shot, and generally keeps the game flowing in the right direction. Defensively, he is one of the more reliable players in this range. The tracking data highlights his ability to break up cycle plays and disrupt defensive transitions, reinforcing what shows up on film as a smart, detail-oriented defender who understands positioning and reads developing plays well.

The question is how much offensive upside there really is. While he can create when he activates, much of the offensive zone play around him tends to be driven by the forwards, and he is not the type of defenseman who consistently dictates play with dynamic puck carrying or high-end skill. His transition involvement is above average, but the efficiency is lacking, and he can struggle to consistently turn touches into clean exits or entries. He is also not an explosive skater, which limits some of the upside projection. There may be enough puck-moving ability and offensive instincts to earn occasional power-play opportunities down the road, but that remains more of a possibility than an expectation. The safer projection is a smart, dependable two-way defenseman whose defensive value and processing give him a chance to carve out a role at higher levels.

DOB: 10/22/07

5’11, 165 lbs

64gp, 4g, 40pts

Appealing offensive upside and mobility but a work in-progress when it comes to mental processing and off-puck defending

Aura’s appeal starts with what he can do with the puck on his stick. He is agile, comfortable handling pressure in the offensive zone, and willing to attack openings when they present themselves. He looks like a natural offensive defenseman, regularly getting pucks toward the net and involving himself in the attack. The tracking data backs that up, as he generated one of the highest shot volumes among defensemen in the entire dataset. He is also a capable distributor when play is set up in the offensive zone, showing enough vision and puck skill to keep possession alive and move pucks to better areas.

The challenge is that much of the rest of his game remains a work in progress. His transition profile is heavily volume-based but lacks efficiency, with too many possessions ending without clean exits or controlled offensive entries. Defensively, he can struggle to recover once play turns the other way, and his reads and positioning do not consistently compensate for the lack of quick recovery ability. While he has some offensive tools, I do not see the kind of dynamic upside that typically allows an offense-first defenseman to overlook those shortcomings. The result is a prospect whose best traits are tied to puck skill and offensive involvement, but who will need significant improvement in both his defensive game and overall efficiency to carve out a role at higher levels.

DOB: 1/26/07

5’10, 174 lbs

49gp, 25g, 47pts

Flashes some fun offensive potential and a player I’d swing on a year early before he could break out in his D+2 in the NCAA.

Masun Fleece is one of those players who consistently forces you to take notice when he’s on the ice. Every time I watched Dubuque, I found myself coming back to him because he was involved in so many positive offensive sequences. He plays at a good pace, gets himself into advantageous spots, and has a knack for finding the puck in transition or arriving in support at the right moment. There’s legitimate skill here as both a passer and shooter, and he can make plays off the rush that create offense for himself and his teammates. The puck seems to follow him around when he’s playing well, and there were multiple viewings where he looked like one of the most dangerous players on the ice despite not carrying the profile of a highly regarded draft prospect.

The concerns are fairly obvious. He’s undersized, doesn’t have a ton of projection flexibility, and lacks the physical tools that typically push players up draft boards. That said, I think there’s enough pace, skill, and offensive intelligence here to justify taking a late-round swing. Fleece feels like the type of player who could take a significant step forward in college hockey once he gets more responsibility and opportunity. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we’re talking about him very differently a year from now after a strong season at Maine. I’d rather bet on the skill and hockey sense now than try to chase the breakout later.

DOB: 8/4/07

6’0, 192 lbs

52gp, 19g, 41pts

One of the best transition players I watched this year and his skill was good as well. If he had produced more he’d get a lot of buzz.

Florent Houle is one of my favorite late-round swings in the entire class. Every time I watched Sherbrooke, he found a way to stand out. His transition game is exceptional, particularly as a puck carrier. Give him possession anywhere on the ice and there’s a good chance he’s getting it through the neutral zone and into the offensive end under control. He has excellent edges, plays with pace, and consistently manipulates defenders with his skating and intelligence. What impressed me most was how effortless it all looked. He doesn’t need to overpower opponents or beat three players one-on-one. He simply understands where the openings are and gets to them before the defense can react. The passing is good, the shot is serviceable, and there’s enough offensive skill here to create chances once he gets his team established in the zone.

What elevates him beyond being just a transition specialist is the work he does away from the puck. Houle was consistently involved defensively, supporting teammates, disrupting plays, and helping move possession back in the right direction. He plays a mature, intelligent game that impacts all three zones. The age issue is what ultimately keeps him from being a more serious draft conversation, and if he were born a little later, I think he’d be getting a lot more attention as a legitimate late-round target. As it stands, he’s the type of player I’d have a hard time passing on in the final rounds because the skating, transition ability, and hockey sense are all draftable traits. He’s a player I’ll continue to follow closely, and I’m hoping an NCAA path is in his future because I think there’s still a lot of development left in the tank.

DOB: 1/31/08

5’10, 165 lbs

68gp, 15g, 59pts

Projectable defensively, but is there enough there offensively to make it to the NHL?

Riley Boychuk is one of the tougher projections in this range because there are flashes of a really interesting player, but the involvement level never consistently matches the tools. He has good skill, makes smart plays with the puck, and there’s legitimate offensive vision here when he actually gets touches. He rarely throws pucks away, can make plays into dangerous areas, and has shown enough puck skill in flashes to make you think there’s more offense underneath the surface. I also like the overall detail in his game. He’s active defensively, competes hard, and generally plays a reliable 200-foot style that coaches are probably going to love. Around the net front he can make quick-touch plays and his offensive touches, while limited, are usually impactful. There’s definitely a player here that I understand taking a swing on in the middle rounds because the processing and decision-making are generally solid.

The issue is I just never come away from viewings feeling like he’s driving enough of anything offensively. He’s not heavily involved in transition, doesn’t command touches consistently in the offensive zone, and too often feels like a complementary piece floating around the play rather than the engine of it. Some of that is role-based because he spends a lot of time net front where touches naturally disappear, but even then I wanted more moments where he imposed himself on the game. The microstats kind of land in the same place as the eye test too. Decently involved, decently efficient, flashes of ability, but nothing that really screams future impact offensive player. The skating is fine enough where it’s not a major issue, but it’s also not creating advantages for him either. Ultimately, I think there’s enough intelligence, puck skill, and detail here to make him a worthwhile mid-to-late round bet, but he’s a projection-heavy player because the actual offensive control just isn’t consistently there yet.

DOB: 6/14/08

6’1, 172 lbs

53gp, 1g, 12pts

One of the best off-puck defenseman in his own zone I watched but his feet have to improve in order to project to the NHL

Hudson Lohse’s projection starts with his defensive game. He consistently defends the blue line well, closes space early, and does a good job eliminating second-chance opportunities around the net. There is a steadiness to how he plays in his own zone, using his size and positioning to stay connected to attackers and disrupt dangerous plays before they develop. He’s particularly effective around the crease, where he can tie up sticks, clear bodies, and make life difficult on opposing forwards looking for rebounds or slot opportunities. The defensive awareness and willingness to play a conservative game give him a foundation that coaches will appreciate.

The biggest hurdle is the skating. Lohse’s feet limit both his offensive upside and some of his transition impact, and he can struggle when plays speed up or pressure arrives quickly. There are flashes of puck skill and occasional moments where he’ll activate and make a quality play, but they come too infrequently right now to project meaningful offensive value. Most of his game is built around staying above the puck, defending responsibly, and making the safe play. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does narrow the pathway to becoming an NHL player. There’s enough defensive ability and size here to justify consideration in the later rounds, but he’ll need to improve his mobility and become more comfortable handling pressure if he’s going to maximize his potential.

DOB: 12/19/07

6’0, 192 lbs

58gp, 9g, 28pts

The skating, tools, and aggressiveness are all there to be a puck-moving, offensive leaning defenseman if he can cut out the recklessness in his decision making.

There’s a lot to like with Dravecky’s toolkit, even if the decision-making can leave you pulling your hair out at times. He’s confident with the puck on his stick, loves to attack pressure, and isn’t afraid to try difficult plays that most defensemen won’t even attempt. There are turnovers that come with that style, but there are also flashes of legitimate play-driving ability. He can walk the offensive blue line, jump into the rush, rip pucks from distance, and make plays through layers of coverage. He’s a strong skater in straight lines with an athletic frame and looks the part of a modern puck-moving defenseman when he’s feeling confident. In a different situation offensively, I think there’s a good chance we’re talking about a much more productive player statistically.

The challenge with Dravecky is that his game can get away from him. He’ll force plays that aren’t there, hold onto pucks a little too long, and his defensive game still lacks polish. His rush defense can be inconsistent, and while he likes to close quickly in the neutral zone, his reads aren’t always clean enough to support the aggression. That said, there are enough pro tools here to bet on. He moves pucks crisply, handles pressure well, and has the confidence to create offense rather than simply support it. I don’t think he’s a safe projection, but the combination of size, skating, puck skill, and offensive instincts gives him the upside of a much more impactful player than where he’ll likely be selected.

DOB: 12/10/07

6’0, 185 lbs

62gp, 12g, 32pts

High-compete winger who facilitates play but needs to drive more offense

Rowan Henderson is the type of player whose value comes from how many little things he does correctly. He’s not going to wow you with skill, he’s not going to dance through defenders, and he’s probably never going to be a player that drives offense for his line. What he does do is consistently help his team move the puck in the right direction. I came away impressed with the defensive details in his game. Henderson works low in the defensive zone, provides support below the dots, and uses his stick well to disrupt plays before they become dangerous. He was also much more involved in transition than I expected, frequently carrying pucks out himself or making quick outlet passes that started attacks the other way. The tracking data reflects that profile. He’s a strong facilitator, particularly on zone exits, and does a good job funneling pucks into dangerous areas once his team establishes possession. There isn’t a lot of flash, but there are a lot of winning habits.

The challenge is that the ceiling feels somewhat limited. Henderson’s skating can look choppy and there are still stretches where the pace of his game lags behind what you’d like to see from an NHL prospect. He’s more of a one-touch player than someone who creates offense through skill, which means a lot of his value is tied to supporting teammates rather than driving play himself. Under pressure, particularly in the defensive zone, he can rush decisions and throw pucks away when better options are available. That’s where the lack of high-end skill shows up most clearly. Still, I found myself liking Henderson more than I expected because he suffocates space and works every shift, the defensive habits are reliable, and he understands how to connect plays across all three zones. I don’t see a top-six offensive player here, but I can absolutely see a path to a checking-line role where his intelligence, work rate, and facilitation allow him to become a useful complementary piece.

DOB: 2/21/06

6’2, 205 lbs

High-compete winger with a wicked shot and offensive acumen that could be a winning lottery ticket in the 7th round.

Wooten is an absolute pain in the ass to play against because he never stops coming at you. He plays with relentless pace, finishes checks, and pressures puck carriers into mistakes all over the ice. A lot of his value starts there: forcing turnovers, getting on top of defenders quickly, and creating chaos through effort and speed. But he is not just a straight-line energy player. When he wins pucks back, he has enough skill and offensive awareness to turn those moments into real chances, and he consistently finds ways to get himself into dangerous shooting areas.

The skating is the foundation of the projection. Wooten can reload through the middle of the ice, attack defenders with speed, and maintain enough control at pace to beat sticks or get pucks through traffic. He has a heavy one-timer and a quick release that make him a legitimate shooting threat when the puck gets to him in space. I do not think he is a player who is going to run an offense or become a primary creator at higher levels, but the combination of pace, physicality, forechecking pressure, and secondary scoring tools gives him a very clear NHL identity. He projects as the type of bottom-six winger who can tilt momentum, wear teams down over a game, and chip in offense because he spends so much time forcing play in the right direction.