Ranking the best NHL players and prospects under 23: Connor Bedard tops the list

Publish date: 2024-04-26

The Athletic’s first NHL Power Rankings for the 2023-24 season are now live.

Welcome to this year’s edition of the under-23 NHL player rankings.

After ranking every organization’s best young players in the NHL pipeline rankings, we now turn to a ranking of the best young players overall on teams’ reserve lists, meaning within an NHL organization, in or outside the league. This is a ranking meant to show who I think will have the best pro careers, not who I would take in a game tomorrow. This is also a good exercise to show how the last five age groups compare to each other, as this largely spans the player pool from the 2019 through 2023 NHL drafts.

A player must be 22 years old or younger as of Sept. 15, 2023, to qualify.

Ranked players are placed into tiers and given tool grades. Tool grades are based on a scale with six separate levels, with an eye toward how this attribute would grade in the NHL (poor, below-average, average, above-average, high-end and elite). “Average” on this scale means the tool projects as NHL average, which is meant as a positive, not a criticism. Skating, puck skills, hockey sense and compete for every projected NHL player is graded. Shot grades are only included if a shot is notably good or poor.

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Tier 1

Bubble generational player and elite NHL player

Bedard is a potential franchise-changing prospect. His skill and shot are legit game-breaking attributes. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one is among the best I’ve ever seen by a 17-year-old, and the pace at which he displays that elite skill is going to allow him to execute those types of skilled plays in the NHL. Bedard is a highly imaginative puckhandler and a very creative passer. That, combined with the fact his wrist shot is a top-tier NHL weapon from anywhere in the offensive zone, makes him a projected nightmare for NHL coaches to stop on the power play. The only downside to his game is his frame, which has some scouts wondering if he gets pushed off to the wing in the NHL. He isn’t a pushover though, as he plays hard and has a physical edge in his game.

Photo:

Dennis Pajot / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 1

CHI

Tier 2

Elite NHL player

Jack Hughes is the definition of an offensive dynamo. He was one of the very best players in the NHL this past season, scoring 99 points and being a leading part of a top NHL offense. His skating plus skill combination is special. He has elite edge work that can allow him to evade so many checks despite his statute. He can make high-end skilled plays through defenders and to teammates at the quickest tempos. Hughes isn’t that physical, but he brings it every night and plays with courage, going to the hard areas despite his size. He may never be the best defensive center or the best on the dot, but he’s a franchise No. 1 center who should be a star in the league for a long time.

Photo:

Jaylynn Nash / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

NJD

Stützle scored 90 points in the NHL this past season, establishing himself as one of the premier young players in the NHL and a potential superstar. He’s a dynamic yet well-rounded forward. Stützle has exceptional skating ability with high-end edge work and explosiveness. When you combine those feet with his tremendous puck skills and ability to make so much happen offensively at high tempos he can drive play at an elite level. Stützle isn’t just a skilled player, he’s also a highly competitive player who wins battles, can play inside and has physicality. His shot has shown notable improvement into a strength of his game as well. The only question left on Stützle is whether he’s a long-term center or wing but he has so much ability I think he ends up in the middle.

Photo:

Andre Ringuette / NHLI via Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

OTT

There’s so much to love about Fantilli’s NHL projection. He’s got a huge frame, skates well and competes very hard. He wins a lot of battles and isn’t shy to use his big frame to lay out opponents. He has game-breaking puck skills and will be able to beat NHL opponents regularly with his puckhandling, especially given his speed and wingspan. His playmaking isn’t the main thing that gets you excited about his game, but Fantilli can make difficult passes and has strong enough sense to create chances in the NHL. His shot is also a threat from range. That he can create with so much pace is what makes him exciting from an NHL perspective. He checks every box and projects as a No. 1 center on a good NHL team.

Photo:

Ben Jackson / NHLI via Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

CBJ

Michkov is one of the very best first-year draft eligibles I’ve ever seen from inside the offensive blue line. He has truly special offensive skill and hockey sense. His mind operates differently from other players in how he sees the play develop and he always seems to find ways to figure into scoring chances despite not being the biggest or fastest. His mind is special, but he’s freakishly skilled with the puck too, and can make elite stickhandling plays seem routine. He can make plays at a high level, but Michkov is a finisher who will score a lot of goals as a pro. His skating is more elusive than fast and I wouldn’t call him a high-compete type either. He’s signed in the KHL through the 2025-26 season, but he projects as a game-breaking elite scoring winger in the NHL.

Photo:

Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

PHI

Tier 3

Bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star

To say Cozens had a breakout season would be an understatement. Cozens was a leading player on a top NHL offense. He scored 68 points while killing penalties, all as a 21-year-old center in the league. Cozens ticks every box you want in a front-line pivot. He’s a tall, fast forward with very good hands who makes plays and drives a line at even strength. He’s a competitor who uses his length to win battles. He’s not an elite passer, but he can run a power play from the flank especially due to his dangerous shot. Cozens is on the trajectory to being a longtime star center in the NHL.

Photo:

Dave Reginek / NHLI via Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

BUF

Beniers’ season went about as well as any Seattle fan could have reasonably hoped for. Two seasons after being drafted, he was a top-six center for a team that came within a game of the conference finals. Beniers’ strong frame and skating to go with an outstanding motor always made him a very projectable NHLer. The degree of offense he showed this early though was a bit surprising to even his biggest advocates. Beniers showed he could run an NHL power play with his skill, brain and shot and be a driver of offense at even strength. He checks every box you want in a top NHL center and looks like he could be a star for Seattle.

Photo:

Jerome Miron / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 3

SEA

Zegras turned in another highly productive NHL season as a top player for the Ducks. He’s one of the most skilled and creative forwards in the NHL. He has game-breaking hands and vision and makes some of the more unique plays with the puck you’ll see. Zegras has a bit of a showman in him. Some scouts would like to see him simplify at times and give more consistent efforts. His skating/pace is more the concern for me but his brain makes up for those issues. He projects as a longtime star in the league, although whether it’s on the wing or at center in Anaheim’s loaded center pipeline is to be determined.

Photo:

Norm Hall / NHLI via Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

ANA

Luke Hughes was one of the top defensemen in college hockey and after joining New Jersey late in the season showed well in an early NHL glimpse including playoff games where he played 25 minutes in the Devils’ final match. Hughes, like his older brother, is dynamic. His skating is outstanding with special edge work and explosiveness, especially for a guy his size. He attacks with his feet and very good skill and is often a threat when he gets the puck at either end. He’s not a great playmaker, but can move pucks as it’s more his elusiveness and blue-line play that creates offense. Hughes can be leaned on for big minutes due to his feet and strong effort level. He has all the makings of a star No. 1 defenseman in the NHL.

Photo:

James Guillory / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 3

NJD

Tier 4

NHL All-Star

Carlsson has elite skill, which when combined with his frame and a strong motor has allowed him to be a very good player in a great league as a draft eligible. Carlsson routinely shows the ability to beat pro defenders with skill. He gets a ton of chances in the high-percentage areas, both due to his hands and his willingness to attack the net. He’s also an excellent playmaker with a very imaginative offensive mind who can run a pro power play and often played the flank in the SHL on the man advantage. His only drawback is a lack of true separation speed. I’ve seen worse feet on a 6-foot-3 guy, but he won’t be turning NHL defensemen around. He’s mostly played wing the last two years but has enough experience at center and traits to play the middle that I could see him become a legit No. 1 center in the NHL with star upside.

Photo:

Paul Berseback / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

ANA

Caufield was in the middle of a great season scoring 25 goals in 46 NHL games before an injury in January ended his campaign. Caufield has a ton of offensive abilities. His hands are elite, with the quick twitch to handle pucks in a unique way. Those soft hands translate into how good his shot is. Caufield can pick corners from far away, with a wrist shot and one-timer that are legit threats from range at the NHL level. Caufield can make tough passes, but it’s his pure skill as a goal scorer that makes him a star. His size is an obvious issue, as is the fact he’s a fine but not great skater, especially for that frame. Those issues may prevent him from being a premium play driver, but he’ll likely score so many goals it will counterbalance.

Photo:

David Kirouac / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 4

MTL

Seider’s pure scoring numbers took a slight dip from his Calder Trophy season, but he was still a big-minutes and highly impactful NHL defenseman. Seider provides two-way impact, but it’s his defensive play that gets you the most excited. With his length, mobility and high-end physical play, he projects to be one of the league’s premier shutdown defenders for a long time. You add that he has good enough skill to run an NHL power play — even if that part of his game never becomes elite — to making plays with pace, and Seider looks like he will be a star in the NHL for a while.

Photo:

Dave Reginek / NHLI via Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

DET

Power was one of the very best rookies in the NHL this past season, playing real minutes for Buffalo and on both special teams. Power is a super-intelligent defenseman. He sees the ice and has the skills of a 5-foot-10 defenseman while being 6-foot-6. He can hit seams at a high rate and has the hands, patience and vision to run a power play and create off the blue line. Power is quite mobile for a big man, and although he’s not that physical, he projects to shut down top forwards due to that reach and mobility. He looks like a no doubt big-minutes player for a long time, and should be an NHL star.

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Eric Hartline / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 4

BUF

The start to Boldy’s NHL career has gone extremely well. By the end of his age 21 season, he’s scored 102 points in 128 NHL games and has been a big part of Minnesota’s offense. Boldy has exceptional puck skills. He can make unique dekes with the puck in tight spaces. He is very creative as a handler and passer and can make a lot of difficult passes to teammates. He has the offensive brain to run a PP1 in the NHL. Boldy has good size, but he’s not going to run anyone over. His skating is just OK and he can’t pull away at the NHL level, but his skill is so good it hasn’t hurt him much. Boldy is an NHL star who should score a lot for a long time.

Photo:

Charles LeClair / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 4

MIN

McTavish was very impressive for a teenager in the NHL this past season. He’s a well-rounded player with some major strengths and no notable flaws at the NHL level. He’s a strong skater. He has excellent puck skills and can beat defenders 1v1 with pace. He sees the ice well and makes a lot of difficult passes. He has a great shot and can beat NHL goalies from midrange. He competes well for loose pucks. He can create offense from the interior and the perimeter. He has all the tools to be an impact center in the league. Whether his pure scoring will reach the highest of echelons is the one minor question in his game, but that’s about it.

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Sergei Belksi / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 4

ANA

Smith is a dynamic offensive player who stands out every game with his talent. He has tremendous puck skills, vision and overall offensive creativity and projects to be a major asset on an NHL power play. He skates well and makes so many high-difficulty plays at a strong pace, which lends well to his pro projection. Smith is a high-end passer who is also able to finish chances from the dots. The only real wart in his game is that I wouldn’t call him an overly physical or high-energy player. I don’t think he lacks effort. He’s around the puck a ton whenever he’s on the ice and even at times killed penalties for the program.

Photo:

Jari Pestelacci / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

SJS

Byram played big minutes for Colorado last season when healthy, scoring 24 points in 42 games. He looks like a near no-doubt top-pair defenseman for a long time. He has exceptional skating ability with a stride that has power, a quick burst and great edge work. He is a physical defender who can close on his opponents so well due to that combo. His feet and great offensive skills make him dynamic on the rush. He activates a lot using his feet up the ice and off the blue line. I wouldn’t call his playmaking elite, but it’s good, and he has all the tools you want in a top defenseman. Byram projects as a star No. 1 defenseman in the league even though he’s on a team that has one of those already.

Photo:

Michael Martin / NHLI via Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

COL

Tier 5

Bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player

Sanderson’s rookie NHL season went about as well as you could have hoped. He played major minutes in all situations for Ottawa and looked like a budding NHL star. His game is based around his mobility. He’s got an easy, highly powerful skating stride. Sanderson can skate pucks up ice and activate off the blue line to create offense using his feet. His skating just as importantly makes him a defensive force with his reach as it’s very difficult for opposing forwards to get by him. He gives a good effort defensively too and that combination should let him be a premier shutdown defender in the league at his peak. His puck game is good, not great. He can make the plays he needs to make and can be OK on a power play. He scored 32 points in his first NHL season, more than I expected he would. Sanderson has a chance to be a legit No. 1 defenseman.

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Jason Mowry / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 5

OTT

Slafkovsky’s first NHL season went just OK. He was beginning to show progress before a midseason injury ended his year. The argument for Slafkovsky’s high grade remains the same as a year ago this time. He has a rare toolkit, he’s had flashes of brilliance, but he’s yet to put together an elite season at the club level. The tools say he should soon. He’s a big, strong winger who skates very well for his size and has excellent puck skills. He has the ability to break a shift open due to that combination of tools. Slafkovsky also shoots the puck well and has good enough vision. I don’t think the pure offensive touch is ever going to be elite, but he can be a very good scorer while being a driver at even strength. The 2022 No. 1 pick has a chance to be a star but there is definitely a variable in his projection of wanting to see him put it all together for a full season.

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David Kirouac / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 5

MTL

Jiricek had a fantastic season. He was an All-Star at the AHL level as a 19-year-old and was the best defenseman at the world juniors. When you see the skill level Jiricek has, combined with a big frame and strong defensive play, it’s easy to dream of what he could become in the NHL. He’s not an elite playmaker, but he’s very skilled with the puck, creates a lot of offense and has a big point shot. Jiricek has an edge in his game and isn’t afraid to use his big frame. The only downside in his game is a so-so skating stride that lacks true power. It’s not ideal, but the rest of the package is so good that he projects as a legit top-pair defenseman with a chance to be a star.

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Eric Hartline / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 5

CBJ

Lundell has become an important part of the Panthers lineup and played real minutes in their Stanley Cup Final run. Lundell has very good skill, but his game is more substance than flash. He wins a lot of battles, makes a lot of good decisions with the puck and has good details in his game. He always finds a way to be around pucks and make plays despite so-so footspeed. As he matures, I expect the offense to come even more and for him to run a power play. He projects as a No. 1 center in the NHL.

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Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

FLA

Johnston’s development arc keeps trending upward, as he had another great season, this time in the NHL. He made Dallas out of camp as a 19-year-old and then proceeded to play a notable role on a very good NHL club, scoring 24 goals. He’s a player with outstanding skill and vision. He makes so many tough plays with the puck on his stick through defenders or to his teammates and can run a power play at a high level. He is also a competitive player who doesn’t shy from taking pucks to the high-traffic areas and wins a lot of puck battles. His only downside is a lack of a seperation gear, but everything else about him points to a true top-of-the-lineup forward who may be a No. 1 center.

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Steph Chambers / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

DAL

Nikishin had an outstanding season, leading all defensemen in KHL scoring at the age of 21, and was a big part of a top KHL club in SKA. Nikishin looks like a premier defenseman. He has length, mobility, puck-moving skill and he’s mean as hell. He runs over opponents with his physicality, especially with how quickly he closes on checks. He also can make legit tough plays with the puck while also having a bomb from the point. He has developed as well as anyone could have hoped and it’s just a matter of getting him over now. His KHL contract runs through the 2024-25 season.

Photo:

Maksim Konstantinov / SOPA Images via Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

CAR

Cooley was one of the best players in the NCAA this season. He was a dynamo centering arguably the best line in the country. He’s a fantastic skater with the speed, first step and edge work to be a threat in the NHL. He plays fast and with energy, and doesn’t shy from taking pucks to the net. Cooley combines that pace with excellent hands, vision and overall offensive IQ, making him a handful for defenders. His size is the one major issue in his profile, but Cooley doesn’t back down from physical play, which helps his cause and is why I think, despite his frame, he could be a No. 1 center in the NHL.

Photo:

Richard T. Gagnon / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

ARI

Tier 6

Top of the lineup player

Reinbacher is an excellent all-around defenseman. His mobility stands out immediately, especially as a 6-foot-2 right-shot defender. Reinbacher’s gap control is quite strong; he kills a lot of plays due to his feet. He can close on guys with his body too, and shows a high compete level to win back pucks. He’s very polished defensively for such a young player, and projects to shut down good NHL forwards. He’s able to both skate and pass pucks up ice. He’s got good offensive touch, showing solid hands and better vision. He’s not dynamic with the puck but showed this season at a young age he could make plays and move the puck like a pro. His sense is very good and he projects to be a power-play guy in the NHL. Reinbacher is a potential top-pair, all-situations NHL defenseman.

Photo:

Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

MTL

Raymond’s second NHL season wasn’t as successful as his rookie year, but he was still important to Detroit at a very young age. He has special puck skills, with the ability to make high-skill maneuvers with the puck seem routine. He combines that skill with excellent offensive IQ which allows him to make so many difficult plays. He has the ideal toolkit to run a power play and is a threat inside the offensive zone. Raymond isn’t that big, but he works hard and doesn’t shy from going to the net. It’s his size combined with good-but-not-great feet that hold him back at times versus men. He doesn’t have a great transition game so when he’s not scoring, his game isn’t that impactful. I think he will score enough in the league that it won’t matter too much and he will be a top-scoring wing for a team for a long while.

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James Guillory / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

DET

Quinn’s first full NHL season went well, scoring 37 points as part of a high-flying Buffalo offense. Quinn’s pure skill level is very high. He has the quick twitch in his hands and great creativity to beat most defensemen one-on-one with skill. He makes a ton of difficult plays with the puck and is a constant threat inside the offensive zone due to his hands and offensive brain. His skating isn’t the best, as he lacks the ability to pull away from NHL defenders, but he’s got enough size to handle his own in the NHL. With his skill, he’ll be a good player at even strength and deadly on the power play. He projects as a first-line wing. An Achilles injury will keep him out until midseason.

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Sam Navarro / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

BUF

Mercer looks a lot like the type of player you see deep into the spring in an NHL lineup even if he’s not the flashiest player. He is coming off a 56-point season for New Jersey. He’s got a great motor. He wins a lot of battles despite not being the fastest. He gets to the net and creates a lot of offense around the high percentage areas. Mercer has very good skill and vision and can make highly skilled plays, but the offense created through his effort is why he will likely be a longtime top-six forward who can play in any situation.

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James Carey Lauder / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

NJD

Lafrenière has been up and down in the NHL, and while an excellent young player, he has underperformed relative to what was expected of him coming out of junior. On the good, Lafrenière has a lot of offensive talent. It’s not easy to score 39 points in the NHL at age 21 without consistent power-play time that’s hard to come by on the Rangers. He has excellent hands, he thinks the game very well, and he can make a lot of difficult plays with the puck. When he’s engaged, he’s a dynamic skill type with some physicality in his game, too. However, that Lafrenière doesn’t always show up. In too many games you can barely notice him, and his footspeed doesn’t do him any favors. I still think he’s going to be an excellent longtime NHL wing, but his lack of development over his three-year NHL career has certainly been frustrating to watch.

Photo:

David Kirouac / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

NYR

Wright had a bit of a tumultuous season, bouncing around various levels. He was very good in the AHL in the spring after making the Kraken before being sent to Canada’s U20 team where he was up and down. He was then great in the OHL in the second half, before a disappointing playoff performance in both the OHL and AHL. That’s kind of been Wright’s story for the last few years. He’s a great player and one who I think will have a long, productive NHL career. He skates and makes plays like an NHL player. He has a great shot and gives an honest two-way effort. He’s also an unspectacular player at times and I question whether he has the ability to carry a line or team. I think the sum of his parts is still a high-in-the-lineup center who can be a great No. 2 to Beniers, but probably can’t be ”the guy” on an NHL team.

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Sergei Belksi / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

SEA

Korchinski was a dominant WHL player, scoring 73 points in 54 games from the blue line. His skating is an impact trait at his size that will allow him to have a lot of NHL success. His stride is very powerful and fluid. He easily picks up speed in all directions and will be a threat in transition in the NHL. Korchinski is a skilled offensive defenseman as well who can create with his feet but also his hands and vision. Defensively he’s fine but not as impressive. His skating and length will let him make stops and a lot of retrievals but he’s not the most physical player to line up against. Even if he’s not killing penalties in the NHL his even-strength and power-play value could allow him to be a top-pairing defenseman.

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Jon Durr / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

CHI

Danielson is a well-rounded center who has a lot of NHL traits. He’s a big body who skates and competes well, which when combined with his offensive touch, allows him to be effective in a lot of situations. He has an excellent stick and is able to beat defenders with skill at NHL speeds often. He makes a lot of plays with pace but also shows the vision and shot threat to run a power play off the edge. Danielson is a competitive two-way center who wins a good share of puck battles and can kill penalties. He looks like a potential high-in-the-lineup all-situations center in the NHL.

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Anne Marie Sorvin / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

DET

Byfield worked his way into a regular for the Kings this season and by the end of the season was in a significant role. Byfield’s toolkit is so easy to dream on. Big guys who can skate like him, have skill and work hard are not easy to find. He has all the makings of a longtime highly productive NHL player. His game hasn’t fully clicked yet at the pro level, but there were stretches this season that got you excited about his potential. He played some wing in the NHL, and whether he’s a wing or center is to be determined, but he projects as a top-line forward.

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Perry Nelson / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

LAK

Drysdale had a tough season; he started off slow offensively and then a torn labrum ended his year quite early. This high rating is based on his track record, toolkit and projection. Drysdale is an electric skater with a very smooth and powerful skating stride. His edge work is elite and despite his smaller frame he projects to be a good NHL defender due to his feet and a strong effort level. He is great on retrievals and in transition. Drysdale may not be a massive point producer in the NHL, but he has good skill and vision and can run a power play. He projects to play big minutes in all situations.

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Stan Szeto / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

ANA

Johnson was quite good in the NHL for a 20-year-old, scoring 40 points and showing that his game could translate to the highest level. Johnson has dynamic, bring-you-out-of-your-seat skill. He can beat NHL defensemen routinely with his stickhandling and projects to be on many highlight reels over his career. He can make plays and has a decent shot, but it’s his skill that will drive his offense. The pure athletic tools in his game aren’t amazing. He has average size and footspeed and isn’t overly physical. Even though he was drafted with visions of being a center, for those reasons I wonder if he’s a career wing. Even if he is, it’s of the first-line variety.

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John E. Sokolowski / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

CBJ

Jarvis didn’t take a step forward offensively, but he had another big playoffs for the Hurricanes and was an important player for them all season. He’s an easy player to like due to his speed and skill, but especially due to his work ethic. He’s not a big guy, but Jarvis wins a ton of puck battles and plays with courage. His effort plus speed allows him to win a lot of races and pressure opponents into mistakes. He may never be an offensive dynamo, but he’s very skilled, can make plays and should be a legit high-in-the-lineup wing for a while.

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James Guillory / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

CAR

Kakko had his most productive NHL season to date, scoring 40 points despite not getting a ton of power-play time. He offers a lot of positives; it’s why he was a No. 2 pick. He has excellent stick skills and offensive IQ, making a lot of difficult and creative plays with the puck. He’s a big body who can get to the inside. Kakko isn’t going to run over opponents, but he is a powerful winger who can win battles, fend off checks and create at the net. His footspeed is just OK and he may never be the star some hoped he would be in 2019, but I still see Kakko having a long and highly productive NHL career.

Photo:

David Kirouac / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

NYR

Gauthier had a strong freshman season at Boston College. His best hockey was with Team USA at the world juniors and especially the world championships where he was very impressive versus men. Gauthier has a prototypical NHL skill set. He’s a big, fast, skilled center with a natural offensive touch. He can create in transition due to his hands and feet. He can make tough plays to teammates. His shot is very dangerous and can beat NHL goalies from distance. His compete is fine, not a major asset but good enough, and with his frame he can win NHL battles. The biggest debate with Gauthier is whether he’s an NHL wing or center. It’s TBD on that front, but he has top-line tools and should score and play in the league for a long time.

Photo:

Andy Lewis / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

PHI

Dvorsky is quite dangerous inside the offensive zone. He has excellent puck skills in small areas and can make checkers miss routinely in open ice. He can make tough plays and find seams. He excels as a goal scorer, though, with a wrist shot and one-timer that he can often finish from range. Dvorsky’s compete is good, he wins puck battles and he isn’t shy from using his body. Like a lot of shooters, he can stay too much on the perimeter instead of taking it to the net, but I never watch his games and think he lacks effort. His footspeed is going to be an issue for higher levels. I think with his offensive talent, his work ethic and strong and consistent track record of scoring he finds a way to become a very important part of an NHL lineup, but I’m less sure of whether he sticks down the middle or has to be a winger due to his skating.

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Jari Pestelacci / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

STL

Edvinsson played a major role for Grand Rapids in all situations as a 19-year-old, continuing the pro success he showed in the SHL. Edvinsson checks all the boxes. He’s a very strong skater for a massive defenseman. He has good puck skills and he can move pucks and make plays. He has a little physical edge in him and makes a lot of stops. I don’t know if the offense will ever be elite because I don’t see that type of offensive IQ, but Edvinsson should play a lot of NHL minutes for a long time.

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Rick Osentoski / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

DET

Knies was one of the top players in his conference and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker, continuing his upward trajectory as a prospect. Knies is a big, highly skilled winger who plays heavy games. He’s not going to run over people, but he creates so much offense in the high percentage areas and is a true net-front threat. That he has such great offensive creativity only helps that cause with his direct style of play. Knies isn’t the fastest and his playmaking is just OK, but he looks like a high-in-the-lineup wing who plays a premium role in a lineup.

Photo:

Claus Andersen / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

TOR

Stankoven had a marvelous junior career full of accolades as he gets set to turn pro next season. He has a ton of skill and natural scoring ability. He attacks with pace and a direct style of play. He can make plays and has a great shot from range. He’s tiny though by NHL standards and how his game will translate is a reasonable concern. Typically, small guys like Stankoven who light up junior don’t become great NHL players. But I think he has the traits to become the outlier. He’s a very competitive player who wins a lot of battles and brings it every night, and his game has a ton of speed/pace in it. I think he’s going to be a major part of an NHL lineup and score a lot in the league, likely on the wing even though he’s been a center for a while.

Photo:

Jerome Miron / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

DAL

But is a large, highly skilled forward who can score. He makes a lot of crafty plays with the puck in small areas, and with his massive wingspan he’s able to pull pucks past a lot of checkers. He can both make and finish plays well, but he’s more of a goal scorer with a shot that can score from range. But isn’t blazing fast and his stride technique is just OK, but for a 6-foot-5 guy he can motor up the ice quite well, has a strong first step and he’ll be able to power his way to the net off rushes at higher levels. He gives a solid effort and is often involved in the play. Even though I don’t see a high-end trait other than his size, But checks every box and projects to be a major part of an NHL lineup.

Skill Grades

Tier 6

ARI

Simashev is a toolsy defenseman who skates quite well for his 6-foot-4 size. He’s not dynamic offensively, but he has good puck skills, can beat checkers one-on-one with his hands, makes a solid outlet pass and makes some plays from the offensive blue line. He’s smooth and solid defensively; good on his gaps and retrievals. Simashev competes hard, has some physicality in his game and showed in the first half he could play against men at a young age. There is some debate on how much offense he has, but I think he has offense, and on a lesser junior team he would have scored more. When he was leaned on in the MHL playoffs, the offense came out more consistently. I see a lot of indicators of a two-way, top-pair defenseman in the NHL even if I don’t think he’ll put up big point totals.

Photo:

Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

ARI

Tier 7

Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Guenther made the Coyotes out of camp. While he looked like an NHLer, the right decision was made to send him back to junior to develop further, where he won another WHL title and was an important part of Canada’s gold medal at the world juniors. Guenther has a lot of NHL traits. He skates and handles the puck well. He is a good passer who can make plays at an NHL pace. He gives a solid effort every night even if not overly physical. His shot is his best weapon; his wrist shot and one-timer are legit threats at the NHL level. Guenther may never be a star, but I think he will be a good top-six wing in the league.

Photo:

Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 7

ARI

Pinto played all 82 games for Ottawa this season in a significant role. He’s developed very well over the last few years and looks like a future top-six center, likely a No. 2 on a good team. Pinto has very good puck skills and can create offense in a direct way. He’s strong at generating chances in the middle third of the offensive zone and can generate through his skill and effort. Pinto is a good-sized center which combined with his effort should allow him to be a solid two-way center despite so-so footspeed. His skating is the only true issue in his game and may prevent him from becoming a truly impactful NHLer, but he should be an important part of a lineup for a long time.

Photo:

Marc DesRosiers / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 7

OTT

Dach had a strong rebound season with Montreal after being traded from Chicago, even if he wasn’t a consistent center with the Habs. Dach’s physical tools have always stood out. There aren’t many big men like him who can both skate well and have high-end offensive skills. On Dach’s best shifts, he’s an elite transition player who can make highly difficult plays with the puck and get to the net. His compete is fine but not a selling point, nor is his finish, which can make him frustrating to watch because of that rare toolkit. He’s got enough going for him that he should be a good top-six forward in the league. Whether he’s for sure a center is not a guarantee, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he became a long-term legit 2C.

Photo:

David Kirouac / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 7

MTL

Clarke made the Kings out of camp and, after being sent back to junior, tore up the OHL as arguably the best player in that league in the second half of the season. Clarke is a very skilled and creative player. He constantly attacks from the blue line off rushes and pinches and can make a ton of difficult plays with the puck as a handler or passer. His knock-kneed skating stride has always been an issue in his game, but he’s a competitive player who doesn’t shy from physical play. That should help him be an OK enough NHL defender to go with excellent offense in a team’s top four.

Photo:

Charles LeClaire / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 7

LAK

Leonard is a versatile winger with a lot of elements to his game that an NHL coach will covet. He’s a strong skater who competes very well with a direct style of play, and despite an average-sized frame, he has a lot of physicality in his game. He combines that with excellent hands and an ability to make highly skilled plays with the puck at full speed. His playmaking isn’t great but there’s vision and finishing ability in his game to score at higher levels. Leonard may never truly stand out at either end of the ice, but he will never give a coach a reason to sit him and projects as a quality top-six wing.

Photo:

Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 7

WSH

Nemec played big minutes and was highly productive as an 18-year-old in the AHL. Nemec is a well-rounded defenseman. He skates and handles the puck well. He’s a very intelligent puck-mover who makes a lot of tough plays at both ends of the ice. He’s not that big or physical, but he gives a strong effort every night and is a reliable defender against men. He may never be the flashiest offensive defenseman, but he projects to run an NHL power play and play a lot of minutes for a long time.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

NJD

Guhle had a strong rookie NHL season even if it was interrupted by injury. When healthy, he looked like a legit NHL defenseman with strong shutdown ability. His skating combined with his length and excellent physicality will allow him to stop top NHL forwards. He closes gaps like a pro and punishes players for coming down his wing. Guhle’s pure offense has always been the debate in his game, but he did score 18 points in 44 games. I don’t think he’ll ever be a true NHL power play type, but his brain and skill are good enough to be a quality top four defender.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

MTL

Perreault is an extremely skilled and intelligent winger who can make a ton of positive things happen inside the offensive zone. He makes highly creative and unique dekes and passes with the puck at a high rate, both off the perimeter and in small areas. His puck game is clear NHL power-play quality, and he will score as a pro. The issues on Perreault’s game are his 5-foot-11 frame and his lack of footspeed. He shows good second effort and can win puck battles at the junior level, although whether he can do that versus men is a concern. His hockey sense is so elite though that I think he can overcome those issues and become a very good top-six winger.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

NYR

Honzek’s game is exciting from a pro-projection standpoint. He’s a big forward who can skate well, which when combined with the offense he’s showing makes for a well-rounded player. I don’t think he’s amazing with the puck, but he has good hands, can make tough plays with pace and can finish chances both from range and in tight. In the WHL he ran the power play from the flank but that likely won’t be his role as a pro. Off the puck he shows good details and a strong work rate. He wins a lot of battles and can kill penalties. Honzek dabbled at center for a couple of WHL games but is likely a winger as a pro. Even as a wing he projects to be an important two-way player for an NHL team.

Photo:

Dale Preson / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 7

CAL

Broberg played a limited minute role on the Oilers for most of the season. He had some good flashes but didn’t elevate his way up the lineup. His high grade is still based on his great toolkit and projection. There are very few defensemen out there with his size who can skate the way Broberg can. He has a very powerful, fluid stride and can explode up the ice as well as close on his checks quite well. Outside of his pure athleticism, the rest of the game is less exciting. He has good skills, but he’s not a natural puck mover. He competes well enough but isn’t a killer physically. I think he can harness his mobility to become a solid top four defenseman with time even if there may never be this big high side offensively.

Photo:

Ric Tapia / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 7

EDM

When healthy, Perfetti has been an impressive young NHL player for the Jets. His skill and especially his vision stand out at the NHL level. He has the patience and IQ to run an NHL power play and score a lot of points. His frame and skating are concerns, though. He’s not that fast, and at 5-foot-11 that is more pronounced. The multiple recent injuries are also a minor concern when discussing his frame. However, I do think Perfetti can be a good top six wing in the NHL and he’s still on track for that.

Photo:

David Kirouac / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 7

WPG

Wood is a very gifted offensive player. He has excellent one-on-one skills and offensive IQ. He has the ability to hold onto pucks for an extra second and knows how to beat defenders with skill. He also has an excellent wrist shot and one-timer, making him a major asset on the power play. Wood is a big winger as well, so the size/skill combo has a lot of upside. However, his skating is an issue as he lacks the ability to separate. The pace of the NHL will challenge him. I wouldn’t call him an overly physical or high-compete type, and I’ve seen him take nights off, but Wood is a big body who can use his frame to win battles and gets to the inside parts of the offensive zone well enough. I think he’ll be a quality top-six winger who will be a big part of an NHL power play, but he may frustrate his coaches at times.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

NSH

After a tough season in Sweden in 2022, Eklund looked more like himself in the AHL this past season being a top player for his club. Eklund has some dynamic qualities between his skating and puck play. He has excellent edges and quickness. He will be able to evade NHL pressure constantly and beat defensemen wide. He makes a lot of difficult dekes and passes on the move and has a very creative offensive mind as a playmaker. Eklund isn’t that big, but he competes hard off the puck, and gets to the net to score. You’d like to see a little more natural finish in his game but he can shoot the puck well enough. He projects as a quality top-six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

SJS

Reichel started the season in the AHL where he was again excellent at that level. He then came up late in the season to Chicago where he put up 15 points in 21 NHL games. Reichel is a talented forward. He has great skill, but it’s the way he uses that skill that is exciting because it’s in a way that translates to NHL scoring. Reichel takes pucks to the net, and he pushes the pace with his strong skating. His feet plus his ability to think and make plays quickly will help him score in the league. I think he can be a quality top-six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

CHI

Zellweger was the top defenseman in the WHL for the second straight year and was named CHL defenseman of the year after a monster offensive season. Zellweger has a ton of speed, skill and playmaking in his game. He generates so many controlled exits and entries. He creates off the blue line with his feet and brain. He has a bullet shot from the point, too. Zellweger’s biggest issue is his frame, but he’s a competitor coaches lean on to play heavy minutes against top players. His defensive play will likely be an issue in the NHL due to his frame, but the rest of his game is so good that I think he can overcome it. I think Zellweger can be a Samuel Girard type of defenseman in the league.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

ANA

Willander’s skating is his main asset for the NHL; he is one of the best skaters in the 2023 draft. He has a quick, powerful skating stride and can push the pace up ice with the puck. Willander’s skating allows him to close on checks well and be a quality defender, especially when combined with having some physicality in his game. I wasn’t always sold on his offensive touch. I don’t see a big-time playmaker as a pro, but Willander has good enough skill and vision to move pucks at higher levels well, especially given the space his feet can generate. He has the making of a good two-way top four defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

VAN

Mintyukov was the best defenseman in the OHL. His torrid scoring in Saginaw slowed down when he went to a deeper 67’s team but he was still a very effective all-around player. Mintyukov has the size, skating and skill to be a top-four NHL defenseman. He’s an excellent push-rushing defenseman who can create a lot in transistion. Mintyukov has the vision, creativity and shot to be a threat inside the offensive zone as well. Defensively he’s not as impressive, as he likes to pinch and attack, but he’s good enough due to his feet.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

ANA

Rossi made Minnesota out of camp but struggled to stay in the lineup. He was good in the AHL in the second half and then at the World Championships for Austria. Rossi is a very intelligent center who can create a lot for his teammates through his excellent offensive creativity and vision. He can create in transition and from a standstill running a power play. Rossi struggled at times in the NHL due to his frame and as a good-but-not-great skater. But he showed at the worlds he can play versus men due to his compete and skill and as a good enough skater. I think with time, the same will happen in the NHL and he could be a top-six forward — if he stays down the middle it’s likely more of the 2C variety.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

MIN

Yager is a player with a pro-style game. He plays with a lot of speed and energy and has the ability to carry pucks up the ice and make skilled plays with pace. He’s not the biggest center, but Yager plays hard, showing a commitment to making plays without the puck and winning a lot of battles even though he’s not overly physical. His main offensive weapon is his shot, which is high-end due to his great technique and accuracy, but he does have the slick hands and vision to beat defenses in other ways. He didn’t score goals this season like I thought he would with his shot, but I believe he will in future seasons. At his size, there will be questions about whether he’s an actual NHL center despite his skating and effort. I can see him as a quality top six forward though whether at center or the wing.

Photo:

Jonathon Kozub / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 7

PIT

Benson has a ton of creativity and offense in his game. He makes high-end skill plays routinely, he’s one of the better passers in junior and projects to be a major asset on an NHL power play. Benson lacks ideal size at 5-foot-9, but he’s relentless in puck battles, often coming out with the puck despite his frame. He’s a responsible, detailed defensive player who is an asset without the puck. His frame, combined with a lack of separation speed, is a concern for his NHL projection even though he’s got good quickness in tight. There is a fair amount of risk on his projection, but his strong compete and tremendous skill, plus his track record of scoring, make you think there is still a very good chance he can become a quality top-six wing in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

BUF

Kasper didn’t have a huge offensive season for Rogle, but he was an important part of their team and continued to show he can play well versus men. Kasper is a strong skating center with strong offensive skills, but he’s not the flashiest player. The strengths of his game are his work ethic and physicality. His motor is outstanding, he plays in traffic and projects as a reliable two-way center in the NHL. He could be a second-line center, but I think on a contender he probably is a #3.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

DET

Wallstedt was up and down in his first AHL season, but very impressive for one of the youngest players in the league. He was then good for Sweden at the worlds. Wallstedt is a super intelligent goalie. He tracks the play at a high-end level, moving efficiently with the puck and always seeming to square up the play. He has great technique and never seems out of place. The only issue in Wallstedt’s game is a lack of side-to-side quickness. He can struggle to make the big stop where he needs to explode laterally, relying on anticipating the play to make those stops. I think his brain is so good he will be a legit starting goalie despite those concerns, though.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

MIN

Mukhamadullin was a key part of the Timo Meier trade at the deadline between New Jersey and San Jose. He’s been quite good in the KHL of late and has the looks of a top-four defenseman between his large frame, his impressive mobility and his good albeit not outstanding puck play. He has strong hands and vision. He can create offense off the rush, from activating off the blue line and from his point shot. Mukhamadullin defends fine due to his length and feet but he’s not the hardest player to play against physically. He could be a solid second-pair defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

SJS

Askarov was impressive in the AHL this season as an important player for Milwaukee. He’s a high-end athlete who has the power and quickness in his lower half to make all the tough lateral saves in the NHL. He’s an aggressive, competitive goalie who challenges shooters and improvises well. He reads the play well, but he does get a little over aggressive at times and can be caught out of position. The athletic tools are so special though that I can see Askarov becoming a legit starting goalie in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

NSH

Harley had a good season in the AHL playing all situations for Texas. By the end of the season he was a regular for Dallas in the playoffs. He’s an easy player to envision becoming a top four NHL defenseman. When you’re as big as Harley, and skate that well, and have offense, it’s an exciting package of traits. I don’t think he’s a dynamo offensively or a super-hard-to-play-against physical defender, but he makes a lot of stops due to his length and feet. He projects as a strong two-way defenseman in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

DAL

Peterka had a succesful first NHL season, scoring 32 points and looking like he belonged. Peterka is full of speed and skill, and coming down the wing he can beat a lot of NHL defenders. He can make tough passes and do so with pace. His shot is excellent, as he’s a threat to score from range constantly and often tries to score from bad angles. Peterka isn’t that big, but his compete is solid and with his speed he can be a quality top-six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

BUF

Kaliyev had a good second season with the Kings scoring at a quality rate, even if he was a healthy scratch during the playoffs. Kaliyev is very dangerous inside the offensive zone due to his great offensive sense and shot. He’s a threat to score in the NHL from the perimeter while also having the vision to make a lot of difficult plays with the puck. The compete in his game will never excite you, and he lacks ideal footspeed so he’s not going to be a driver at even strength and may frustrate coaches at times. He will score a lot of goals and help a power play enough that I see a longtime top-six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

LAK

Parssinen was very impressive this season, playing most of it in the NHL and looking like a legit player during his time with the Predators. He’s a very skilled big forward. He has the ability to beat NHL defensemen with his puckhandling consistently and makes a lot of tough plays to his teammates as well. He plays hard, gets to the net and wins a lot of puck battles. Parssinen’s skating is just OK but his compete is good enough to overcome it especially at his size. The biggest issue in his game is a lack of finish, but even with that in mind I think he can create enough chance and drive enough play to be a top-six forward.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

NSH

Bystedt had a great season. He was the best rookie in the SHL. He was a top player for Sweden at the world juniors and got some time with Sweden’s national team as well. He looks like an NHL forward with how well he skates for a big man while also being highly skilled. He has the soft hands to beat pro defenders 1v1. He has good vision, and shoots the puck well too. What I liked about Bytsedt this season was how much he created at the net and showed more compete than what I thought he had in his draft season. His trajectory now looks like a player who could be a legit top two-line center in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

SJS

Edstrom is a well-rounded center with size who isn’t overly flashy but has a lot of NHL traits. He is good around the net, kills penalties, wins a lot of battles and makes enough plays with the puck to produce good offensive numbers. Edstrom has good hands and can create offense with pace. His skating for his size is intriguing and grew on me as the season went along. He has the makings of a potential top-six, two-way center in the NHL.

Photo:

Jari Pestelacci / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 7

VEG

Schneider played third-pair minutes up all season with the Rangers. He’s only 21 years old and with time his role will grow. Schneider will be a matchup, shutdown defenseman in the NHL as he matures due to his length, plus mobility and physicality. He’s an excellent skater who closes on checks with force and has an edge in his game. His puck play is mediocre and he won’t be a big point producer but a top four with him and K’Andre Miller will be hard to play against.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

NYR

Pickering was one of the top defensemen in the WHL. He checks a lot of the boxes you want in a top four NHL defender. He skates very well for a big man. He handles the puck well enough. He makes plays with the puck and can do so with pace. I don’t know if he’s going to be a power play type in the NHL, but he has NHL offense and instincts to go with a decent point shot. He competes well enough defensively with his feet and reach that he will make a lot of stops. Pickering can be a quality two-way defenseman in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

PIT

Bichsel didn’t play a major minutes role for Leksands this season, but he was excellent at the world juniors for Switzerland and he played for the Swiss senior team as well this season. His pro projection is easy to dream on given how mobile he is for a 6-foot-5 defenseman. Bichsel has some skill, but his puck-moving/offense will never be his calling card. He’s a stopper due to his feet and length, and having a ton of physicality in his game. He projects to be able to shut down top NHL forwards, even if his offense is basic, and be a quality top-four defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

DAL

Snuggerud had a great season. He was a big part of the success of Minnesota’s top line and was one of the better forwards at the world juniors. Snuggerud is full of skill and offensive creativity. He makes difficult dekes and passes seem routine and despite not having great footspeed he generates a lot of controlled entries with his skill. Inside the zone, he’s a pass and shot threat and can impact a power play. Snuggerud has a decent frame, competes hard for pucks and can generate offense at the net. His skating is the only real issue in his game, but everything else says top six wing which is what I think he projects as.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

STL

Moore has very good speed and his edgework is NHL-elite caliber. He evades pressure so well and is able to go from a stop to a fast gear very quickly. He has very good hands to go with those feet and projects to get a ton of controlled zone entries in the NHL. I don’t think his pure offensive touch as a scorer or playmaker will ever dazzle, and he’ll be more of a secondary scorer on an NHL line. Moore lacks size and isn’t overly physical, but he’s a worker. He gets to the net, comes back hard on defense, and coaches trust him in tough situations. He has a ton of NHL projectability and looks like a potential good top-six forward, whether at center or the wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

CHI

Kulich had a very succesful first season in North America, scoring 24 goals and 46 points as an 18 year old in the AHL including a point/game in the playoffs. Kulich is a strong skater with good hands and vision who can make plays in transition. I don’t think he’s the flashiest player though. Kulich is a consistent hard working forwrad. He won’t run guys over, but he wins a ton of battles and gives a strong effort every night. Kulich’s shot is a weapon though. He can pick corners from a long way out, and his one timer is a legit NHL weapon. Kulich’s ability to score goals will get him to the NHL, and the rest of his game is well rounded enough even without being that big to project as a quality top six forward, likely on the wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

BUF

Barlow is a well-rounded winger. He is a strong skater who can transport pucks through the neutral zone. He’s a hardworking forward who has some physicality, can kill penalties and is quite physically advanced for his age. Offensively he has excellent stick skills and a great shot. He’s a threat to score off the rush and from a standstill with his one-timer. Barlow’s playmaking isn’t his selling point, but it’s good enough, especially with how skilled he is at creating scoring opportunities for himself. He projects as a top-six wing who can play on both special teams in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

WPG

Coronato was a big part of Harvard’s offense as a sophomore. He then went to Team USA at the worlds where he scored eight points in 10 games. Coronato’s game is full of energy. He’s a strong skating forward who can skate by defenders. He’s undersized, but Coronato wins a lot of battles and can penalty kill which allowed him to be a good college center — although he may be an NHL wing. Coronato has a lot of offensive skill, can create in the hard areas and can finish plays. He projects as a quality top-six forward in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

CAL

Knight’s analysis is tough to do. His actual NHL season was up and down — I thought he looked better than his save percentage reflected but he wasn’t consistent. He’s a great goalie prospect. He moves very well. He has great technique and high-end hockey sense in goal. But it would be tough to discuss Knight without mentioning he was admitted into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program midway through the season. He showed up at Panthers development camp this summer and hopes are he’ll be out of the program to start the season. Trying to predict Knight’s future is tough for that reason, but I obviously hope the best for him, and think if he’s good to go he has the abilities to be a quality starting goalie in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

FLA

Miroshnichenko’s season started late as he recovered from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. When he returned, his play was up and down, with a poor MHL playoffs, but it’s hard to tell how much his health impacted his performance. When on the ice and 100 percent, Miroshnichenko is a force. He’s a powerful, physical winger who skates and handles the puck well, and creates offense for himself and others. He’s a gifted goal-scorer with a bullet for a one-timer that can finish from the circles. It’s all about his health and getting back to form, but if he hits he could be an excellent top six goal-scoring winger.

Skill Grades

Tier 7

WSH

Tier 8

Middle of the lineup player

Holloway played at the tail end of the Oilers roster for most of the season. He was sent to the AHL toward the end of the year where he had a lot of success scoring seven goals in 12 games. Holloway is still on track to be a good NHL player. When you can skate like he can, with good offensive skills and a willingness to play physically, there will be a place in a lineup for you. Holloway isn’t a big-time player with the puck, but he has good creativity and hands, can shoot the puck well and can make enough plays to score as a pro. I think he can be a top six forward, although as a pro he’s looked more like a wing than a center.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

EDM

York became a regular part of the Flyers lineup and power play this past season. York’s value comes from his puck play. He is very skilled and has 1v1 abilities, but it’s his ability to see the ice, hold onto pucks and let plays develop that drives his offense. He gives a good effort every night, but York isn’t that big or physical so his value defensively may never be sky-high as a pro. His feet, skill and brain should allow him to be a second-pair defenseman though if his defense is just okay at the NHL level.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

PHI

Musty is a player with a lot of offensive touch in his game. He’s a highly-skilled puck handler who can make difficult plays with the puck at a high rate. He tries to make things happen and shows a strong level of creativity. Musty is a good passer who can hit open lanes and has the patience to pull up and make plays. He can score goals and is a shot threat from range but is certainly a player with a pass-first mentality. His effort is fine, he can use his big body to win battles but his game-to-game consistency isn’t the best. He’s a one-way winger, which combined with his so-so skating ability, is a concern for higher levels. There may be times you want more from him, but I think he will score so much that he will be a top-six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

SJS

Sillinger had a tough season, and his development arguably took a step backward. After a very promising 18-year-old season in the NHL, by the end of his 19-year-old season, Sillinger was in the AHL. On the positive front, Sillinger remains a very skilled center who plays with an edge that will endear himself to NHL coaches. He has a scoring touch, even if the natural offense in his game is a minor question in terms of whether he’ll be this big-time scorer, or a hard to play against two-way third line center. His footspeed is also not ideal, especially with average size. I like the player, he can be a top six forward, and I don’t want to overreact too much to a 19-year-old struggling in the NHL but there is some minor cause for concern in his game.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CBJ

Newhook had a fine season in Colorado but didn’t have the big step forward the Avalanche were likely hoping to see. His minutes diminished by the end of the season and he was traded to Montreal in June. I think there are still a lot of reasons to believe in Newhook. He’s an excellent skater with the legit quick twitch in his feet to get by a lot of NHL defensemen. He brings a lot of energy to his shifts and despite his smaller frame doesn’t shy from creating at the net. He has good skill and playmaking ability, but the debate on Newhook has been whether he’s dynamic enough at his size offensively. I think the puck game is good enough to score, even if I don’t think he will be a big time scorer. I could see a second-line wing, and if he sticks down the middle, which isn’t a guarantee, more of a 3C.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MTL

Tomasino was a minor surprise cut out of Nashville’s camp after scoring 30 points on the team the prior season. He was a good AHL player and got back up to the NHL in the second half where he scored again in the big leagues. Tomasino has an explosive skating stride which, coupled with a strong skill level and a creative offensive mind, will let him put up points in the NHL. He has a decent shot but has more of a playmaker mentality. He can be frustrating at times and you wished he tried harder, but his compete is good enough for him to be a projected second-line wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NSH

Ostlund had a good season in Sweden, being a big part of Djuragrden’s lineup in the Allsvenskan, and helping lead them to the finals. Ostlund has a lot of talent. He’s got quick feet with strong edges and top speed. He makes high-skilled plays with pace. He’s an excellent passer who sees the ice at a high level. Ostlund doesn’t score many goals, but he has quite a good shot and can score from range, which, combined with his plus IQ, lets him run a power play very well. He’s not that big or physical, but he gives a solid effort. There are times when I watch Ostlund and wonder if he’s dynamic enough at his size to be an NHL center. He may be a wing when it’s all said and done, but the pure tools in total look like a top-six forward

Skill Grades

Tier 8

BUF

Stramel’s pure athletic tools are highly intriguing. At 6-foot-3, he can skate well and plays a highly physical brand of hockey. He can power his way through checks and to the net and never shies away from an engagement. The amount of offense he’ll create is the major question. I think he has good hands and can create a little, but he lacks vision and won’t be a big-time scorer as a pro. If your thought process around Stramel is that the offense might be limited but he can help at even strength and potentially be a nice third-line center, you’ll be happy. And I do think there’s a chance he can be more than that, too. Due to the lack of sense, there is a possibility he may need to be a wing, but his great faceoff skills could counteract that.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MIN

Sandin Pellikka is a highly creative and intelligent puck-mover. He has excellent puck skills, showing the ability to beat opponents often. He can improvise well with the puck, while also showing strong playmaking ability with the poise to make plays from the blue line at the highest levels. He is a goal-scoring threat who can score from range but also pinches well to get scoring opportunities. He skates well enough and can make plays on the move creating offense off the rush and from blue-line activations. Sandin Pellikka lacks the ideal size for an NHL defenseman but he competes well and doesn’t shy from using his body to lay into opposing forwards. His defense will be his main question at the NHL level, but I think he plays hard enough to be a top-four defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

DET

Iorio had a successful rookie pro season in Hershey, scoring 22 points and playing real minutes in a championship run. Iorio has a clear NHL toolkit. He’s a big right-shot defenseman who skates quite well for his size and has shown offense in junior and the pros. I don’t think he’s full of skill, but he can make some tough plays from the offensive blue line and a good first pass in the NHL. His length and feet allow him to make stops even if his physicality is average. Iorio I think could be a second pair defenseman in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

WSH

Sale’s toolkit is exciting. He’s a good-sized winger who skates quite well and has a ton of natural offensive abilities. He has the hands to beat NHL defensemen regularly and with his length and speed he’ll be able to drive play at even strength. Sale is a great passer who can run a power play well and hit seams at a strong clip. He can shoot the puck well enough but is better as a passer for me. His compete is OK. I wouldn’t call him a physical or high-energy type of player, but he shows enough courage to get to the net. I would like to see him be more consistent as there are too many nights I watch him have little impact, even if he can take over games other times. I think he’s a very good player, who can be a legit top six wing in the NHL, but I also see him frustrating coaches and fans.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

SEA

Kemell didn’t have the big year in Finland you expected after his strong draft season at the Liiga level. After he came over to North America though, he was quite good in the AHL and became a big part of a deep playoff run as a teenager. Kemell is a talented offensive winger. He has the speed, hands and offensive IQ to make a lot happen with the puck and at fast tempos. He competes well enough and, despite not being that big, wins puck battles. Kemell’s biggest asset is his shot though; he has a rocket that can score from way out. I do like that he doesn’t rely totally on his shot and creates offense in other ways. Kemell projects as a second-line wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NSH

Greig had a productive first pro season between the AHL and NHL. He’s a well-rounded forward prospect who has a lot of NHL traits except for his frame. Greig has NHL speed and skill. He can create for himself and others and is a shot threat too. He attacks the middle of the offensive zone, brings it every night, and doesn’t shy from getting under the skin of opponents with his physical play. He looks like a potential top six forward. As a center he may be a 2 or 3C depending on the roster.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

OTT

Geekie’s season was good — he repeated his numbers from his draft season — but he didn’t take the big step forward some were hoping for. He remains a very promising pro prospect because there aren’t many big centers like Geekie who also have legit hands and vision. Geekie can make a lot of tough skill plays, while also having the big body and enough physicality to win pucks or get to the net well. He has all the components except skating. Even without great footspeed, I still think he can be a second- or third-line center in the NHL, but it will be his main obstacle.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

ARI

Molendyk is a strong two-way defenseman despite not being the biggest defender. This is because of his excellent skating ability and strong work ethic. Molendyk’s edgework is very good. He closes on checks like a pro, and is able to evade pressure at a high level. His top speed is good, not great, but he can lead a rush in the NHL. Molendyk has strong offensive instincts and skills, and can make plays from off the blue line and on the move. His size will be a minor issue as a defenseman in the NHL, but he plays hard and doesn’t shy from physical play, often landing hard hits at the junior level. I think he checks a lot of boxes and projects to be a top-four defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NSH

Savoie had another excellent WHL season for Winnipeg, although he arguably didn’t take the step forward into a premier player in the league that some expected he would. Savoie is full of natural ability and work ethic. He buzzes around the ice due to his speed and compete, attacking loose pucks and taking them to the net. He is a very skilled playmaker who makes a ton of difficult plays at very fast speeds. The concern on Savoie is his smaller frame, and there is a minor question of whether he’s actually dynamic offensively or just very good. He’s been a strong two-way center in junior, but there is a question of whether he’s an NHL wing due to that frame as well. Regardless, I see him as a top-six forward in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

BUF

McGroarty played a large role on a top NCAA club and for USA’s World Junior team. He’s not the flashiest player in the world, but McGroarty has NHL skill to go with excellent compete. He’s a gamer who wins a lot of battles, gives an honest effort every night and can be relied on in all tough situations. He can score goals, make plays and create around the net. His biggest issue is his skating, as he lacks NHL footspeed and has an awkward skating stride. I think the work ethic is good enough to compensate, and that he could be a second line wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

WPG

Bonk’s toolkit looks like an NHL defenseman. He’s a 6-foot-2 right shot with strong mobility and offensive touch. Bonk is able to skate pucks up ice, make some skilled plays, and show good poise from the blue line. He’s not a standout with the puck, but he can be a decent puck mover at higher levels. Defensively he’s solid due to his feet and reach. Bonk isn’t overly physical but he can defend well enough as a pro. He projects as a top-four defenseman in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

PHI

Bourgault’s first pro season as one of the younger forwards in the AHL started slowly but he began scoring more as the season went on. Scoring is what he does and I expect he will become a highly productive pro. Bourgault has excellent puck skills, vision and offensive IQ. He makes a ton of creative plays with the puck and can do so on the move. He can run a power play unit and doesn’t shy from creating inside, either. Bourgault isn’t physically imposing or will engage that much with the body, but he works hard enough off the puck especially when combined with his strong skating that I think he can score as an NHLer. He looks like a potential second line wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

EDM

Zary had a better second pro season as a big part of the Wranglers offense. He’s a highly skilled forward who can create off the perimeter with his playmaking, has clear NHL hands, but also has the hard elements to win battles and take pucks to the net. Zary’s awkward looking skating stride is his main issue in his NHL projection, especially given he’s not average sized. I believe a lot in his skill and compete and think he can make it as a 3C or a 2W, but because of his feet there will be doubts about him until he gets there. Whether he’s for sure an NHL center is something I’m unsure on as well.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CAL

Lucius is a tough evaluation case. He’s super skilled and a very talented goal scorer. He’s so good inside the dots in the offensive zone and has the skill to make highly difficult plays in small areas. He’s not hard to play against, but gets to the net and has courage. Lucius is often injured, though, and it is a concern how little hockey he’s played in the last few years. He’s also not a great skater. He’s played a lot of center and can be a good pro down the middle, but I’m not sold he’s a top six center. I still think he can be a top six forward.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

WPG

Wallinder had an excellent season in Sweden, playing a big role for Rogle and scoring 26 points in the SHL. Wallinder looks to have all the traits to be a successful NHL defenseman. He is 6-foot-4, skates quite well for a big man, and has puck-moving ability. I don’t think Wallinder will ever truly stand out at either end. He’s not a super mean defender or an elite skill type, but he makes enough stops and plays to be a good pro defender and a reliable player. I think he has a good chance to be a second-pair defenseman in the NHL for those reasons.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

DET

Othmann didn’t put up the big scoring numbers in the OHL this past season that he put up the prior year, but he still led the Petes to an OHL title and was an important part of Canada’s world junior gold medal run. Othmann is a skilled forward who can shoot the puck very well, but it’s the physicality and edge in his game that makes him so appealing. He’s a highly physical and competitive forward who can frustrate opponents. His skating isn’t the best, but his compete should allow him to have NHL success as a second-line wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NYR

Yurov’s season didn’t go as planned as he struggled again to get consistent ice time on a top KHL team. Yurov’s rating is more about projecting the tools he has as opposed to what he’s done so far at the KHL level. Yurov is a strong skater with high-end puck skills who should be a transition threat at the highest levels as he physically develops. He’s a good enough playmaker to create offense when the tempo slows. He also competes well off the puck. It has to come eventually versus men, but I think it will, and in time I see a potential second-line wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MIN

Ritchie is a player with all the aesthetic tools. When you see a 6-foot-2 center who can skate and handle the puck like him, he sticks out in a massive way and some of the plays he makes are distinct at the junior level. He’s a strong puck-carrier and playmaker who can create for teammates off the perimeter and do so with pace. He looks like a top prospect, but he’s quite inconsistent. Ritchie has long stretches where he doesn’t make much of an impact and plays too much on the perimeter. The toolkit screams “good NHL player,” and I think eventually he will be that, but he may frustrate you along the way.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

COL

There is a lot to like about Stenberg’s game. He is a strong skater with good hands who can be a threat in transition. His shot is excellent, and Stenberg is often a threat to score from the faceoff dots, although I don’t know if that will be his role on an NHL power play. Stenberg isn’t the biggest forward, but he gives an honest effort every night and doesn’t shy from going into traffic. His hockey sense is good enough to score at higher levels, and he’s certainly more of a shooter than a passer. He’s listed as a center but is likely a pro winger. I could see him as a second or third line wing in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

STL

With excellent skating and work ethic, Brindley buzzes around the ice, playing with a ton of pace and giving his best effort nightly. He’s able to make skilled plays at full speed and plays with courage, going to the net and engaging along the walls. Brindley’s pure offensive touch won’t dazzle, but he has good hands and hockey sense and can make plays at higher levels. There aren’t a ton of two-way forwards in the NHL who barely touch 5-foot-9, but Brindley has the right mix of traits to be the next one even if there’s risk on his projection. I see a middle-six forward whether at center or the wing, but likely the latter.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CBJ

Faber was a top player on a top NCAA team in Minnesota. He signed at the end of the season and was a solid tail-end roster player for the Wild including in the NHL playoffs. Faber’s game isn’t full of flash. His offensive touch is just OK and while he makes some plays, that’s not what he’s known for. Faber’s value comes from his defensive play. His skating and compete are both plus traits. He’s a very powerful and elusive skater and despite not being that big, he breaks up so many plays due to his skating. You add in the fact he’s a true battler on the ice and it adds up to a very good defensive player. He should have just enough offense to be a projected second-pair defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MIN

Nazar missed most of the season due to a hip injury. When he returned late in his freshman season at Michigan, he didn’t look like the same player that he was in his draft year. His high rating is based on the toolkit and his history and banking on a bounceback. When healthy, Nazar is a high-energy, high pace player. He has a ton of speed and plays with courage taking pucks to the net. He’s not an amazing playmaker, but Nazar can make high-skill plays with the puck and makes enough plays to create offense. I think he can be a quality NHL forward, although whether he’s for sure a center or not is to be determined.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CHI

Khusnutdinov had a very good season in the KHL, scoring 40 points on a top KHL team in SKA while playing on both special teams regularly. Khusnutdinov is a highly skilled forward who can make creative plays with the puck. What draws you to him though is his direct style of play. He’s not that big, but he’s very quick, and takes pucks straight to the net. He plays with a lot of courage and brings a ton of energy to every shift. It’s why, despite his size, he’s had success in the KHL and I think will have NHL success as a potential top-six forward. If he stays in the middle he’s probably a 3C, but I could see him as a high-energy second-line winger, too.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MIN

Sogaard looks like an NHL goalie. He’s a huge goaltender who moves very well and can consistently make the tough lateral saves seem routine. He has the ability to steal a game with his natural athleticism. On his best games where he’s tracking the play well and making good reads he looks like a potential legit #1 goalie. There are other days though where he’s too chaotic in net and letting long range shots beat him. The tools are too good that I think he finds a way to become a tandem goalie and he has a chance to be more.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

OTT

Gulyayev has obvious offensive talents as he has clear NHL skating, hands and vision. Gulyayev is a highly intelligent and creative puck-mover and can make tough plays at a quick pace. He creates a lot of controlled exits and entries, he projects to run power plays at higher levels and be a point producer versus men. Due to his size, how well he’ll defend in the NHL will be a question. I’ve seen worse defenders, and with his great skating he should be able to hold up at higher levels even with his slight frame, but it will be a question he will have to answer repeatedly. I see a regular NHL defenseman who will put up points but may need to be used in a specific manner by his coach.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

COL

Maccelli was a huge part of Arizona’s team and power play this season, scoring 49 points in 64 NHL games. He’s a super smart playmaker who can hit seams very well and run an NHL man advantage. He can shoot the puck well, but it’s his skill and especially his IQ that makes him dangerous in the offensive zone. Some may think he should be rated higher based on the year he had, but his footspeed, especially at his size, gives me pause as to whether he can repeat that type of performance. He still look like a legit middle six wing, which is a great find at No. 98.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

ARI

Evangelista had a very succesful season. He was a big part of Milwaukee’s deep playoff run. He also scored 15 goals in 24 games. He has great puck skills and can beat pro defenders often. He competes hard and wins pucks versus men despite not being the biggest guy. He can make and finish plays well. The only issue in Evangelista’s game is a lack of great footspeed but it hasn’t seemed to hold him back too much against men. He looks like a solid middle-six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NSH

Holtz had a tough season and barely played hockey for his development purposes as he was scratched a fair amount at the NHL level. Holtz is a talented winger. He has excellent puck skills that can beat NHL defensemen. He has an excellent shot that can beat NHL goalies. His play style isn’t the most endearing though as an average-sized perimeter winger without great speed. He’s still so young, only 21 years old, that you can’t write him off given his track record. I think he can be a scoring middle-six wing in the NHL still, but one that may frustrate coaches too.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NJD

Bankier has developed very well over the last few years. His offense took a big uptick this season with Kamloops and he made Canada’s U20 team in a limited role. He has a lot of the tools you want in an NHL forward. He’s a good-sized center who can skate, plays both ways and is now showing offense. I don’t think as a pro he will be a major scorer, but he has legit hands and creativity and can create with pace. He showed in junior he has enough touch to be a flank power-play type and can shoot the puck well. Bankier projects as a middle-six forward, with a legit chance to be a third-line center.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MIN

Svozil had a great season, posting 78 points in 56 WHL games albeit on the same power play as Connor Bedard. Svozil looks like an NHL defenseman. He’s a strong skater. He has puck-moving skill. He has good enough size, and he gives an honest effort, showing solid defensive play. Nothing about his game is high-end, but there’s so much positive to think he has a chance to be a second pair defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CBJ

Morrow’s sophomore season wasn’t as impressive as his freshman year. He took on more defensive responsibility for UMass, but the results around him and the team weren’t as good. And defensive responsibility likely won’t be what Morrow is known for in the NHL, it will be his offense. He’s a strong skating, free-wheeling and highly skilled defenseman who likes to attack with his skill, creativity and shot. I think the defense will be just good enough to play and be a regular NHLer.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CAR

Barron split time between the AHL and NHL this season but I thought as the season progressed he showed growth at the NHL level. There’s nothing spectacular about Barron’s game, but he’s well-rounded. He skates quite well with a powerful, fluid skating stride that allows him to skate pucks up ice and close on his checks well. He has enough offensive touch to move pucks at the NHL level although he won’t be a big point producer. You’d like to see him be a little meaner to play against, and whether his offense or defense take a big step forward will determine whether he’s a second or third pair NHL defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MTL

Filmon had a great season, scoring 47 goals in 64 WHL games. He’s always been intriguing from an athleticism standpoint with his skating and decent size, but the added offense makes him look a lot like an NHLer. Filmon was making way more plays through checks and to teammates this season than I saw the prior year. You add in a solid work ethic, a willingness to get inside and a good finishing touch and he looks like a potential middle-six winger.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NJD

Ostapchuk scored at a quality clip in the WHL and made Canada’s World Junior team. Ostapchuk isn’t that flashy a top prospect but he has the traits of an NHL forward.. He’s 6-foot-3, skates very well for his size, has good puck skills and plays a direct, translatable style. Ostapchuk takes pucks to the net, and tries to create offense in the high percentage areas. He has good physicality in his game, can kill penalties and overall has a high motor. His limited sense may push him off the middle to the wing in the NHL, but I think he has the qualities to be a middle six forward in the league.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

OTT

Krebs had a solid NHL season and World Championships for Canada. He’s a good skater who works hard, has legit skill and hockey sense. I wouldn’t call him the most dynamic player in the world, and given that he’s not that big it’s led to moderate success in the pros as opposed to the dominant junior player he was. I think Krebs will help an NHL team for a while, but it’s probably more in the way of a two-way middle-six wing than an impact type of player.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

BUF

Hutson had one of the best 18-year-old seasons ever by a modern-day NCAA defenseman. He was a dominant player for Boston University and helped lead them to a Hockey East title. Hutson has special hockey sense. He sees the ice at a distinct level and has the pure skill plus vision to make a ton of plays from the offensive blue line. He is very elusive with his footwork and skill to make checkers miss and hit seam passes very often. Hutson is a good skater, but not an elite burner for his size. That size is the main issue in his game, and how he will defend NHL size and speed. Coaches may need to use Hutson carefully in terms of who he’s on the ice against, but his pure offense could lead to him having an NHL career and carrying a power play.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MTL

Lambert has been very up and down as a prospect over the last few seasons. That was exemplified this season when after a tough start in the AHL and a brutal world juniors, he went to the WHL and tore it up in the second half, helping to lead Seattle to a WHL title. He has all the natural talent in the world. Lambert is a fantastic skater with clear NHL speed and edges. He can make highly skilled dekes at full flight. He’s a creative offensive player, who is better individually than as a passer but can make and finish plays. Lambert’s consistency is a major issue, though. He often disappears for long stretches and can frustrate coaches. I do think he has an NHL career as a middle six forward because the pure skill plus speed is too good.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

WPG

Dragicevic is very dangerous with the puck on his stick. He has good hands and better instincts and vision. He can run a power play like a pro. He shows the high-end IQ to let plays develop, hold pucks under pressure and jump into attacks at the right time to go with a strong point shot. The question with Dragicevic will be without the puck. He’s an OK skater and competitor. I think he defends well enough in junior, but there will be questions on how he defends size and speed in the NHL. He’s not undersized and his offense is so good that I think he plays and scores in the NHL, but coaches may need to be careful in how they deploy him.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

SEA

Cuylle has developed well in recent years and his 20-year-old season in the AHL was a success as he played both special teams and was a top player for Hartford. Cuylle is a highly intriguing pro prospect as a big winger with offensive skill who also has some bite. He can create around the net, works hard off the puck and can lay out opponents. The pure playmaking in his game won’t wow. He’s more of a goal scorer, but he has enough puck game with his size to be a legit middle-six winger. His footspeed is a minor issue, but I think it’ll be good enough with all his other positives.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NYR

Nyman scored 10 goals and 14 points on a top Liiga team this season. He had a solid world juniors as well for Finland. The skill and goal-scoring touch Nyman has in a big frame is very promising for an NHL projection. He can make skilled plays to the inside while also being a shot threat from range. Nyman isn’t the quickest winger or the hardest guy to play against, but he has enough interior game that I think he could be a top nine wing in the league.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

SEA

Foote was a top player for Utica this season and got a few games with New Jersey. He’s a big, strong winger with good offensive skills. He’s not going to land on many highlight reels, but he can create chances for himself and others, and has a strong wrist shot to finish chances. Foote doesn’t shy from physical play and can PK. The biggest issue is his skating. He’s got a slow stride, that’s been the case for years. I still think he plays in a top nine because the rest of his game is so good, but with his impending waiver status, it may or may not be in New Jersey.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NJD

Schaefer played an important role on a top WHL team and made Canada’s U20 team in a limited role. He was dealt to Nashville as a part of the Mattias Ekholm deal. Schaefer is a big, heavy winger who loves to throw his body around. He has good skill and finishing ability as well and will have offense as a pro, but his vision and skating may hold him back from being a major scorer.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NSH

Raty was up and down in his first season in North America. He was traded midway through the year from the Islanders to Vancouver as a part of the Bo Horvat trade. Raty has value as a good-sized center with strong puck skills and vision. He can create off the perimeter with his skill. He doesn’t lack an interior game, as he works hard enough and has a good frame, but his feet may prevent him from getting to the net or by NHL defensemen off the rush. His work ethic is good enough that I could see him as a third line center despite his skating issues.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

VAN

Neighbours split time as a rookie pro between the AHL and NHL putting up solid but not amazing numbers. He has strong puck skills and offensive instincts and a decent shot, but I don’t think pure offense is what Neighbours is going to be known for. He is a true competitor, though, who doesn’t shy from getting involved in physical play, kills penalties well and gives a good effort every game. His skating is average but the work ethic should be good enough to compensate to become a middle six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

STL

Beck was an important part of Peterborough’s deep OHL playoff run. He was a late recall to Canada’s U20 team and even got an NHL game for the Habs as an emergency call-up. Beck has a lot of appealing NHL traits. He’s a quality skater with good hands who can create in transition. He’s both a strong passer and finisher. He works hard and despite not being the biggest guy he has physicality and doesn’t shy from going to the net. Beck has been a center in junior, and his speed plus compete give him a chance to stick down the middle in the NHL but he may need to be a wing, too. Regardless, I see him as a projected middle six forward.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MTL

Nelson’s toolkit is undeniably intriguing. He’s 6-foot-3, can skate, has good puck skills and can shoot the puck well. His work ethic is good, he has some physicality even for a big guy but I wish he was even harder. Nelson has shown he can kill penalties and was a go-to guy to kill penalties for the U18 team this season. I thought his actual play this season was inconsistent, and his lack of hockey sense showed at times around better players. Whoever drafts him will be drafting a lot of talent, and will have a unique opportunity to mold him into whatever position they think is best. He could be a third-line center, a second/third-pair defenseman or better at either position. He’s a unique case study, and there’s a case that he has a lot of room to develop, especially given how young he is relative to the draft class and the big jump in competition he made year over year.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NYI

Wahlberg’s raw toolkit instantly stands out when you watch him. He’s a 6-foot-3 forward who can move very well for his size and has legit offensive skills. The way he can pull pucks by opposing defensemen while moving at a fast pace looks like an NHL forward. He plays a direct style, and with his frame plus speed he can get to the net very well. I don’t think he’s overly physical, but he has some bite in him, gets to the net, and coaches tend to lean on him. Wahlberg’s biggest issue is a lack of vision and so-so decision making with the puck. Wahlberg played center in the J20 level but played wing with Sweden’s U18 team and in the SHL. If he can score just somewhat as a pro, with his size and speed he will have an NHL career as a middle-six forward, whether down the middle or the wing, and I think he’s trending that way.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

BUF

Strbak is a defense-first defenseman. He’s a tall, right shot who is mobile and makes a lot of stops due to his reach, feet, physicality and excellent compete level. He brings a strong effort every night, and coaches tend to lean on him in tough situations. I don’t see him as a legit scorer and puck-mover in the NHL, but he’s good enough with the puck, can skate pucks up, and can make enough plays to survive at higher levels. I think he will be a second- or third-pair defenseman in the NHL depending on the level of offense he brings.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

BUF

Chinakhov wasn’t always healthy but when he did play he still scored 13 points in 30 NHL games and scored in the AHL as well. He’s a scorer at heart. Chinakhov has a rifle for a shot that projects to be able to beat NHL goalies from the faceoff dots. The rest of his game is good but not as impressive. He has strong puck skills, vision and skating but none of which are dimensional. For those reasons, he may frustrate you at times when he’s not scoring, but the components are here for a top nine NHL wing who can help a power play.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CBJ

Gauthier has very good skill and offensive IQ. He can beat defenders one-on-one at a high rate, making creative plays in small areas and showing he can create a lot for his teammates too. He has talent but also competes well. He is quite physical and can be a nasty player to play against, which you love to see from a smaller player. Gauthier gets to the net and can create chances there frequently. His skating has grown on me as the season has gone along. He has pro quickness, but I find he slows the game down too much and could use more pace in his game. Gauthier can get around defenders when he needs to though, and for that reason I could see a middle-six NHL wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

TBL

Gaucher’s offensive totals weren’t great in the QMJHL this season but he was an important player for a top Q team and for Canada’s U20 team. Gaucher has good hands and can shoot the puck, but a lot of his value comes away from the puck. He is a big, strong center who is highly physical and competitive. He is great at creating around the net-front area, strong on the faceoff dots and very good defensively. The pure playmaking, scoring touch and explosiveness in his skating will likely never inspire but he can be a quality third-line center in the NHL.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

ANA

Bordeleau was a top player for the Barracuda and got eight games with the Sharks as well. He’s a talented scorer with legit NHL speed and skill. Bordeleau is able to pull away from pro defenders and has strong in-tight quickness as well. He’s a highly creative offensive player with the skill, vision and shot to be a threat on the power play and anytime he gets near a puck in the offensive zone. His size and lack of physical play are issues and may end up pushing him off the center position eventually. He projects as a middle-six forward, whether at wing or center is to be determined.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

SJS

Spence has been excellent as a pro at the AHL level and was one of the best defensemen in the league this past season. Spence is a super smart puck-mover who can run a power play like a pro. He makes a lot of creative passes and shows great poise from the offensive blue line to go with strong puck skills. He undoubtedly has NHL offense, but as a 5-foot 10 defenseman who is just a fine skater, whether he can defend in the NHL is the debate. He’s shown he can defend in the AHL and play heavy minutes. The NHL will likely be a different story, but he’s so smart that I think he can find a way to be a second- or third-pair defenseman and have a career.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

LAK

Mateychuk had a strong season, repeating his numbers from his draft year, although didn’t take the big step forward you were likely hoping from the 12th overall pick into a top WHL player. The talent still remains highly intriguing. He’s an excellent skater, with clear NHL edge work and speed to be able to skate pucks up ice at the top level, evade pressure and close on checks. Mateychuk is a skilled and creative playmaker who makes a lot of tough plays at full flight. He gives a good effort, but he’s also an undersized defenseman which makes some scouts question his NHL projection. His skating is so good that I think he will have an NHL career, but the size questions will remain until he proves it versus men.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CBJ

Roy had another great season in the QMJHL and he was a top player for Canada’s World Junior team as well. He’s an extremely skilled and creative winger with the hands and IQ to make a lot of difficult plays seem routine. With his vision and shot he can run a power play well and is often dangerous inside the offensive zone. The biggest reason for Roy’s ascent as a prospect after being a mid-round pick has been his compete. He’s gone from inconsistent to consistent and more of a battler in the physical game. His skating still isn’t great and will create issues in the pro game, but the rest of his toolkit points to becoming a middle six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MTL

Nadeau has very good individual skill to couple with excellent speed. He’s quite dangerous in transition due to that combination. He can skate by and beat a lot of defenders, but he’s also excellent at creating with space. He sees the ice at a high level, making a lot of seam passes and making tough passes on the move. On the power play, he can make a lot of plays, but it’s his shot that’s a real weapon. He has an excellent one-timer that projects to beat NHL goalies from distance. His shot is both very quick, and fast, as he rifles pucks into the corners like a legit NHL scorer. Nadeau isn’t the biggest winger and he can play on the perimeter a tad too much, but his compete is good enough — especially with his skating and offense — that I think he plays and scores in the league as a middle six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CAR

Gritsyuk continued to have success at the KHL level. He’s a talented scoring winger with NHL speed and skill. He can drive play at even strength creating chances for himself and others to go with a shot that is a legit weapon from range. The combination allows him to run a power play very well. He’s not that big but everything else about his game is a positive and looks like a top-nine winger, whenever he does choose to come to the NHL as he recently signed a two-year deal with SKA.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

NJD

Soderblom made the Wings out of camp but was sent down to the AHL halfway through the season. His first season in North America probably didn’t go fully as planned, but it’s not a huge surprise given the transition he needed to make to the pace. Soderblom’s massive frame plus his skill at that size have always been the selling points, but his skating is bad, and adjusting to the NHL pace will be his main hurdle. I think he will, and that he will become a good NHL player just like he became a good SHL player, but it may take time.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

DET

Wolf was named AHL goalie of the year in back-to-back seasons and MVP of the league as a 21-year-old. He’s been outstanding wherever he’s gone between junior and, now, the pros. Wolf has the athleticism, hockey sense and technique to be an NHL goaltender. He can make a lot of tough saves and competes well in net. The debate on him always comes back to his barely 6-foot frame and, while athletic, whether it’s elite enough at his size. I lean yes, but every time a puck squeezes past him or a long range shot gets tipped in, you wonder how things will go in the NHL for him. He will likely get an opportunity soon to prove himself. For now, I see him as a good tandem goalie.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CAL

Molgaard has a play style that will translate to playing versus men. He’s a strong skater with a powerful, quick stride. He also has a directness to how he plays. He pushes the pace and takes pucks to the net. Molgaard has an average-sized frame but doesn’t shy from traffic. He has very good hands and can make tough plays through opponents and to his teammates as well. I can see him being a middle six forward, and while his frame may push him to the wing, he has some of the traits to be a third-line NHL center as well.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

SEA

Dean was very good in his final QMJHL season and made Canada’s U20 team. He’s not going to land on many highlight reels, but Dean has a lot of NHL qualities. He has good speed and hands, and projects to create controlled exits and entries at the NHL level. He’s a competitive forward who has a physical edge in his game. Dean isn’t the most prolific scorer ever, but he has an excellent shot that can beat pro goalies from range. He has the qualities to be a middle six forward, and if he stays down the middle he could be a 3C.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

STL

LaCombe was a top defenseman in his conference over the last few seasons playing big minutes for the Gophers. LaCombe’s game is driven by his offense and puck play. He’s a skilled defenseman who can transport pucks up ice due to his plus feet and hands. He sees the ice well and has a good shot from the point. He’s shown development on the defensive side, which had historically been a big issue for him. We’ll see how that part of his game looks versus men next season, but he was a better defender in college over time. Depending on how well he makes stops, he could be a top-four defender or a carefully deployed third-pair guy.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

ANA

Lekkerimaki struggled during the regular season in the Allsvenskan and had just an OK World Junior. His playoff was very good though scoring a point per game for Djurgarden. Lekkerimaki is very skilled and can beat pro defensemen one-on-one often. He skates well and can create offense with pace. He’s a strong passer and shooter who can score from long distance. The biggest issue with Lekkerimaki is his consistency and compete. He doesn’t always give the best effort and plays too much on the perimeter. He may frustrate coaches, but the talent is legit enough to be a middle six wing who helps a power play.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

VAN

Mazur had a great Sophomore season at Denver, scored 6 points in 6 AHL games, and then helped Team USA at the Worlds. Mazur has offensive talent — 22 goals in 40 college games don’t happen easily — but I don’t think skill and flash are what will define him. He has good speed and hands and can finish plays, but what drives Mazur is his work ethic. He’s a relentless competitor, with a ton of physicality, a willingness to attack the net, and an ability to win a ton of pucks despite not being the biggest guy. He projects as a middle-six winger who could become a fan favorite.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

DET

The issues around Boucher have been 1 ) His health and 2) His draft position. If you didn’t know he was the #10 overall pick and just focused on the player, he looks like a very promising pro prospect. Boucher drew strong reviews from scouts in the OHL, when he was healthy mind you. He was also quite good at the World Juniors, prior to injury. Boucher is a highly physical winger who can be a menace to opponents. He is good around the net. He plays with pace and has strong skill. I don’t think his production will ever be a big selling point, but he has enough skill to be a middle six wing who plays hard and provides a unique player type to a lineup.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

OTT

Podkolzin had a tough season, getting limited minutes in the NHL and was sent down to the AHL for stretches. I think there are still reasons to believe in Podkolzin as a career NHLer. He’s a skilled, competitive winger who can create in the hard areas of the ice. He has good enough creativity as well to improvise with the puck. The issues in his game come down to his pace/skating and whether the offensive touch is special enough. I think it’s good enough to be a middle six wing, but he may never score at the level of a top 10 pick.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

VAN

Kaiser was a top defenseman in the NCHC and got nine games with Chicago toward the end of the year. Kaiser is a very good skater. He has a smooth, explosive skating stride that makes him dangerous in transition. He closes on his checks very well due to his feet and physicality, and projects to make a lot of stops in the NHL. The offense has always been the debate on Kaiser. He’s not amazing with the puck, but he showed in college he can move it well enough and isn’t devoid of skill. That element of his game will determine whether he’s a second- or third-pair defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CHI

Kleven played big minutes for North Dakota this season before signing with Ottawa at the end of the season, getting 8 games for them and then joining Team USA at the Worlds. Kleven is a defense first defenseman. His value to an NHL team will be that he’s a big, mean defender who skates well for his size and can kill a lot of rushes. His puck-moving has never been a selling point, with his shot being his main offensive weapon as he can blast pucks from the point. He did score 18 points in college this season though and while it’s not a sure thing, if his passing can be just mediocre he can have a long NHL career. If not he can be a valuable third pair defenseman.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

OTT

Silovs’ AHL numbers this season weren’t amazing but I thought he looked better than his SV% reflected. He then went to the World Championships for Latvia and led them to a bronze medal, being named MVP of the tournament. Silovs is a big and highly intelligent goalie. His reads are high-end and he never seems to be out of position. He can move well enough, even if his lower half isn’t explosive, to get to tough saves. His brain and efficiency limits how often he needs to do that, though. He has the potential to be a tandem goalie in the NHL, and if he cuts down on long range goals and becomes more consistent he has legit No. 1 potential.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

VAN

McMichael was an important player for Hershey last season. He didn’t light up the AHL, but showed the skill, hockey sense and finishing ability that makes him a quality pro prospect. McMichael is dangerous inside the offensive zone and can run a power play. The issue for him in the NHL will be getting into the offensive zone due to his subpar skating stride and below-average size. That’s led to some bumps in his pro transition. I think he competes well enough, and showed well enough in the AHL playoffs that he could overcome those issues and become a middle six forward, but there is certainly some room for him to miss completely due to those issues.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

WSH

Farrell had a great sophomore season at Harvard before signing with Montreal at the end of the year. Farrell is a highly intelligent playmaker. You don’t get an assist per game at the college level by accident. Farrell can make difficult plays, but that he does it with pace makes him appealing as a pro prospect despite his smaller frame. Farrell is a competitor who has killed penalties at every level and that will help his NHL chances as well. Whether Farrell is dynamic enough with his frame to have a long NHL career is what he will need to prove, but the components are there to be a potential middle six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MTL

Ohgren had a productive season in the Allsvenskan including a near point/game playoff for Djurgarden. Ohgren is an unspectacular player but one who helps his team in numerous ways. He has good skill and scoring ability and can be an offensive contributor. He’s very good at creating offense between the circles and projects as a bumper or net-front type on a NHL power play. He has the soft skills and wrist shot to create from distance, but he’s at his best when he’s getting to the tough areas. Ohgren isn’t the best skater, but he competes hard and the work ethic should be good enough to overcome a lack of great footspeed to become a middle-six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

MIN

Safonov had a strong KHL season, scoring 37 points and being a big part of a top KHL team. Safonov has puck-on-a-string type of hands and routinely beat KHL defensemen with his stick handling. You add in that he’s a big center, and has physicality and it’s an exciting package. His skating is just okay and he’s not the smartest player, which makes me wonder if in the NHL he may be more of a wing than a center. But I think there are middle-six forward tools in Safonov’s game regardless of his position.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

CHI

Levi was again a top player in college hockey even if he didn’t repeat the ridiculous numbers he posted the prior season. He then turned pro and had a good short stint in the NHL for Buffalo. Levi is a very quick and intelligent goalie who showed in college that he has the ability to steal a game. He reads the play at a very high level, and when the puck is moving laterally he has the quickness in his lower half to get across. He plays aggressively when he needs to and competes well in net. With Levi it has always come down to his frame, and whether he will be big enough to be an NHL goalie. I think he will be, but I’m hesitant to tag him as more than a tandem type because of that risk variable. He’s done nothing more than prove people wrong for the last few years so I wouldn’t be shocked if he developed into a legit starter.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

BUF

With Hrabal, the tools are obvious. He’s a 6-foot-6 goalie who moves quite well for his size. He is efficient in his movements but can make the tough saves across his crease when he needs to. His puck-tracking isn’t perfect, but generally I’ve liked his reads and ability to stay with the play. I can see him as a potential tandem goalie or even a legit No. 1.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

ARI

Cossa played the season in the ECHL where he was up and down but still solid as a rookie pro. Cossa has very good athletic tools. He’s a huge goalie who moves very well for his size. He can make a lot of difficult lateral saves and has highlight reel potential. He can be a little overly chaotic with his movements and slides, but generally, I like his reads and aggressiveness in net. He needs to get more consistent, but he has the tools to be a tandem goalie or a lower-end #1 goalie.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

DET

Bourque got off to a slow start in his rookie pro season but the production came as the season went along, scoring 47 points for a top AHL club. Bourque is a very skilled and creative playmaker who sees the ice at a distinct level. He has the offensive tools to run a pro power play. He’s not the biggest or fastest, but he gives an honest effort. With his lack of size and speed he will need to prove the offense will translate to the NHL, but I think his brain is so good that it will. He’s been a center historically, but in the NHL I see more of a middle-six wing.

Skill Grades

Tier 8

DAL

(Illustration: Eamonn Dalton / The Athletic. Photos of Tim Stützle, Matty Beniers and Dylan Cozens: Brett Holmes, Jonathan Kozub, Bill Wippert / Getty Images)

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