Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story listed a different player comparable for Jett Luchanko. The story has been updated.
We’re two months away from the 2024 NHL Draft, and the class is starting to come into shape.
This looks like an average draft class right now. The potential No. 1 pick, Macklin Celebrini, is not in the Connor Bedard tier of prospects, but he’s not far behind and could be a potential elite two-way NHL center. There are several defense prospects who have the potential to be impact players. I have three defenders projected as No. 1 NHL defensemen and a few others with chances to become that type of player. Six of my top nine ranked players are defensemen.
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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.
Player comparables are introduced for the first time in this draft cycle. This is my best attempt at providing a realistic name to indicate the type of player I think a prospect could become. Some players of the more unique variety are harder to find a comparable for, such as 6-foot-7 Anton Silayev.
My next list will be longer and will include reports on players outside the first-round range
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Tier 1
Elite NHL player
1
Macklin Celebrini
C
Boston University
DOB:
13-Jun-06
Ht:
6' 0.0"
Shoots:
L
Celebrini was one of the best players in college hockey this season and a leader for a top team in the country. He checks every box you want in a top prospect, and is one of the few players I've scouted where it's hard to see any noticeable weakness. He skates very well. He has a very powerful stride with a quick twitch in his first few steps and is able to get by a lot of defenders. He's extremely skilled and creative with high-end offensive sense. Celebrini makes a ton of difficult plays with the puck on the move, in tight areas and from a standstill. He has a bullet shot and projects to run a first power play in the NHL. He's average-sized, but Celebrini is highly competitive, wins a lot of battles and projects as a two-way center in the NHL. He has all the makings of a potential superstar.
Photo:
Richard T. Gagnon / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Sidney Crosby
Tier 1
C
NCAA (H-EAST)
Tier 2
Bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star
2
Artyom Levshunov
D
Michigan State
DOB:
28-Oct-05
Ht:
6' 2.0"
Shoots:
R
Levshunov was the best defenseman in the Big Ten this season and a big part of Michigan State being a top team. He is extremely skilled and creative, both as a puck-handler and passer. He has the hands of a top offensive defenseman and looks very comfortable with the puck. He skates well and can play an up-tempo style in how he attacks with his skill. He has the offensive sense to potentially run a PP1 in the NHL and has a good point shot, too. His defensive play doesn't stand out as much, particularly because he tries to attack so much, but he can make stops due to his athleticism and has physicality in his game. He is too aggressive at times, and plays like a forward too much for some scouts' liking. He makes enough stops to ease most evaluators' concerns given how much offense he brings. He has the potential to be an impact NHL defenseman who scores at a premium level.
Photo:
MSU Athletics
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Noah Dobson
Tier 2
D
NCAA (BIG10)
3
Carter Yakemchuk
D
Calgary
DOB:
29-September-05
Ht:
6' 2.75"
Shoots:
R
Yakemchuk was a top defenseman in the WHL this season. There is so much to like about his game and he's often looked dynamic. He's a 6-3 right-shot defenseman who has legit game-breaking skill. He constantly breaks down opponents one-on-one and can pull off a lot of highlight reel moments. That he skates well and can attack with his skill makes him so difficult to stop as he often dances by checkers. His skating stride isn't technically perfect. It can break down at times with his legs starting to flail at the end of shifts, but it's a powerful stride and he often pulls away from pressure. Yakemchuk has a bullet shot from the point. He is more of a shot than a pass threat, and while he can see the ice, his vision isn't at the same level as his shot or stickhandling. He can make stops due to his feet, length and strong physicality but his defensive play and consistency can use work. Yakemchuk has star potential and projects to be a major minutes player in the NHL with a lot of offensive upside.
Photo:
Jari Pestelacci / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Alex Pietrangelo
Tier 2
D
WHL
Tier 3
NHL All-Star
4
Zeev Buium
D
Denver
DOB:
7-Dec-05
Ht:
6' 0.0"
Shoots:
L
Buium has been one of the top-scoring defensemen in college as a draft-eligible. He is an extremely intelligent puck-mover who can run a power play like a top NHL player. He makes high-end plays routinely and can break shifts open with his puckhandling and passes. Buium is a strong skater who can activate off the blue line and create off the rush. He has very good edge work and is proficient at making checkers miss. His defense is good enough at the amateur level, but he isn't very physically imposing. He is smart and mobile and breaks up enough plays to go with his great offense to be a major positive at even strength. He has game breaking potential and looks like a potential star No. 1 defenseman in the NHL who will put up big numbers.
Photo:
Jari Pestelacci / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Morgan Rielly
Tier 3
D
NCAA (NCHC)
5
Anton Silayev
D
Nizhny Novgorod
DOB:
11-Apr-06
Ht:
6' 7.0"
Shoots:
L
Silayev took a regular shift with power-play time on a KHL team this season as a 17-year-old. He stood out for Torpedo in the KHL playoffs, although when he went down the junior team for their playoffs he wasn't as good as expected. He is a unique type of prospect who's easy to dream on. He can play all situations, and play on his off wing. Silayev is a 6-foot-7 defenseman who skates very well for his size. He has excellent footwork and a smooth stride, with strong four-way mobility. He closes gaps quickly on his check, plays a very physical brand of hockey and thus projects to be a premier shutdown type of defenseman in the NHL. He can skate pucks out of his zone well, makes a good first pass and shows strong hockey sense at the offensive blue line. Silayev has strong puck skills, and can beat pro defensemen one-on-one often enough. His offensive play won't blow you away, but it's good enough to move pucks in the NHL. He can provide enough with the puck to go with elite defensive play to be a potential No. 1 defenseman one day.
Photo:
Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Zdeno Chara
Tier 3
D
RUSSIA
6
Berkly Catton
C
Spokane
DOB:
14-January-06
Ht:
5' 10.0"
Shoots:
L
Catton was one of the best players in the WHL this season and was the best player at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in the summer. He is a well-rounded center and a high-end skater, with powerful edge work that will make him very difficult to check in the NHL. His footspeed is strong, but not at the same level as his edges. He's a very skilled puckhandler and a great passer. Catton makes a ton of difficult plays on the move and has a lot of pace in his game. He's not overly physical, but he competes. He wins pucks, gets to the net and can kill penalties. He projects as an excellent top-six center with a chance to be a No. 1 center.
Photo:
Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Logan Cooley
Tier 3
C
WHL
Tier 4
Bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player
7
Zayne Parekh
D
Saginaw
DOB:
15-Feb-06
Ht:
6' 0.0"
Shoots:
R
Parekh is an extremely talented offensive defenseman who has arguably been the best defenseman in the OHL this season. He has a ton of skill and hockey sense. When the puck is on his stick he beats opponents one-on-one often. His brain operates differently from other players on the ice in how he sees the ice and can take an extra second with the puck to create a scoring chance. He skates well and can attack with his speed and skill. He has strong edge work and top speed and is very elusive off the blue line. He also has an excellent point shot being a constant goal-scoring threat. The big issue with Parekh is his play away from the puck. He gives half-efforts at times defensively and cheats for offense. I've seen worse defenders though. He picks off a lot of passes and makes stops but will likely never be a tough minutes defender. He projects as a top pair/PP1 type who may need to be deployed away from opponents’ top forwards.
Photo:
Dennis Pajot / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
John Klingberg
Tier 4
D
OHL
8
Ivan Demidov
RW
Ska St. Petersburg Jr.
DOB:
10-Dec-05
Ht:
5' 11.0"
Shoots:
L
Demidov has been the best player in Russia's junior league over the last two seasons. He has game-breaking skill and is extremely creative in making plays with the puck. He has an excellent motor, attacks the net consistently and competes hard to win pucks. While he can run a power play and create when the game slows down, he makes a lot of plays on the move. He's a powerful but awkward-looking skater though, who is a bit knock kneed and reliant on his edge work. He's not the biggest winger as well so there is some question about how his game will translate to higher levels. I see a potential top-line winger who will score a lot, but who may never be the best forward on an NHL team.
Photo:
Alexey Fillippov / Associated Press
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Jeff Skinner
Tier 4
RW
RUSSIA-JR.
9
Sam Dickinson
D
London
DOB:
7-Jun-06
Ht:
6' 2.5"
Shoots:
L
Dickinson has been a major minutes player on a great London team. It's easy to envision him having a long NHL career. He's a 6-foot-3 defenseman who is one of the best skaters in the draft. He has an explosive, fluid stride that easily picks up power. He explodes up ice and can change gears very quickly. He breaks up plays and closes gaps easily due to his skating and creates so much possession time for his team. Dickinson is very skilled at handling the puck, and often creates chances due to the combo of his skating and skill. He also has a hard slap shot from the point and projects to score a good number of goals in the NHL. He has offense and can make some tough plays but I wouldn't call his vision what gets you excited about his game. Even with that in mind, in terms of what he could be in the league, I see PP2 potential who could have star level impact at even strength.
Photo:
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Noah Hanifin
Tier 4
D
OHL
10
Konsta Helenius
C
Jukurit
DOB:
11-May-06
Ht:
5' 10.75"
Shoots:
R
Helenius was very good at the Liiga level and was a top player for Finland's U20 team. He had a strong playoffs for Jukurit leading to an invite to Finland's national team camp. He is an excellent playmaker who can make a lot of difficult passes consistently. He shows the vision to run a pro powerplay effectively. He skates well and creates a lot of offense with pace for himself and others. Helenius isn't a big center, but he gives strong efforts off the puck, doesn't shy from going to the net and has an edge to his game. Is he the most dynamic 5-11 center I've ever seen? No, but there are a lot of major positives in his game and he could be a legit major minute center in the NHL.
Photo:
Daniela Porcelli / Associated Press
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Robert Thomas
Tier 4
C
FINLAND
Tier 5
Top of the lineup player
11
Cayden Lindstrom
C
Medicine Hat
DOB:
03-Feb-06
Ht:
6' 3.25"
Shoots:
L
Lindstrom came out of the gates this season flying for the first few months. He then was hurt for most of the second half though between a hand and back injury. When healthy, he's an elite athlete. He has the quick twitch feet of a smaller forward, and can get by opposing defenders. He's a big, powerful center with a ton of physicality in his game. Lindstrom has good offensive skills, and can score goals. His playmaking is something I've questioned at times although he's shown good instances this season. He has the potential to be a true No. 1 center if he hits although I don't see a lot of NHL centers who play the way he does and I could see him get pushed to the wing.
Photo:
Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Chris Kreider
Tier 5
C
WHL
12
Beckett Sennecke
RW
Oshawa
DOB:
28-Jan-06
Ht:
6' 2.25"
Shoots:
R
Sennecke's pure point totals don't jump out at you, but he was very good in the second half of the season and his pure tools deserve a very high ranking. He's 6-2, skates quite well for his size and has a ton of skill. He's one of the more creative puckhandlers in the draft, and that he can make those difficult plays at full speed makes him highly intriguing for the NHL level. So why isn't he getting more points? I think there is a question of whether he's a natural finisher or not. I also think while he can make plays to his teammates, he's much more of a carry-and-create type. His effort level is fine as well, but not a selling point. All that being said, he has a lot of pro potential to be a top six scoring winger.
Photo:
Terry Wilson / OHL Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Kirill Marchenko
Tier 5
RW
OHL
13
Adam Jiricek
D
Plzen
DOB:
28-Jun-06
Ht:
6' 2.5"
Shoots:
R
Jiricek was one of the best players at the Hlinka Gretzky in the summer. His play in the top Czech league wasn't as impressive, and then he got injured in the opening game of the world juniors. The knee injury cost him the rest of the season. When healthy, he's a 6-3 right shot who skates quite well. His skating allows him to make a lot of stops and be strong going back to retrieve pucks. Jiricek uses his big body well and competes for pucks. Offensively he doesn't stand out, but he has some skill and moves pucks efficiently. It's hard to tell which version of Jiricek we saw this season is the real one, but it's probably somewhere in the middle. That Jiricek still looks like a potential big-minutes NHL defenseman.
Photo:
Vaclav Salek / Associated Press
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Vladislav Gavrikov
Tier 5
D
CZECHIA
14
Cole Eiserman
LW
Usa U-18
DOB:
29-Aug-06
Ht:
6' 0.0"
Shoots:
L
Eiserman is an excellent goal-scoring winger who has put up huge numbers in junior. He isn't the best playmaker in the world, but he has game-breaking qualities with his one-on-one play and shot when the puck is on his stick. He sees the ice well enough and can make tough passes occasionally, although he absolutely prefers to shoot and tends to overshoot the puck. He's a strong skater who can create his own shot and doesn't shy from going to the net to score as well. His consistency isn't the best and he can be a frustrating player to watch at times, but I don't think he's soft and actually had some physical bite in his game. Despite all his faults, Eiserman is also a goal-per-game player in junior, so you ride the wave with him. He has the potential to be a top-line winger.
Photo:
Jari Pestelacci / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Owen Tippett
Tier 5
LW
NTDP
15
Tij Iginla
C
Kelowna
DOB:
4-Aug-06
Ht:
5' 11.75"
Shoots:
L
Iginla has been excellent this season in the WHL for Kelowna and has emerged as a top NHL prospect. The son of Jarome Iginla, Tij is a very talented offensive player. His stickhandling displays stand out constantly. He beats defenders one-on-one at a high rate, and improvises very well with the puck. He skates well and can make high-skill plays with his feet moving. Iginla has a great shot that gets off the stick quick and can pick corners. He scored a lot of goals this season, and projects to beat pro goalies from range. His pure sense and playmaking don't stand out like the rest of his game, and I wouldn't call him a high-compete type, but he works hard enough. He has the makings of a potential strong top-six wing.
Photo:
Steve Dunsmoor / CHL Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
John-Jason Peterka
Tier 5
C
WHL
Tier 6
Bubble top and middle of the lineup player
16
Igor Chernyshov
LW
Dynamo Moscow
DOB:
30-Nov-05
Ht:
6' 2.0"
Shoots:
R
Chernyshov was very good at the junior level in Russia and earned ice time up in the KHL with a regular shift for a top team in Dynamo Moscow. He's a big, powerful winger who skates well and has a lot of offensive creativity. He beats defenders routinely with his one-on-one plays, sees the ice well and can create at the net. He's not going to run players over with his physical play, but he uses his body to create offense. He has the ability to control play at even strength due to his variety of tools and looks the part of a potential strong top-six winger in the NHL.
Photo:
Vladimir Fedorenko / Associated Press
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Ilya MIkheyev
Tier 6
LW
RUSSIA
17
Liam Greentree
RW
Windsor
DOB:
1-Jan-06
Ht:
6' 2.25"
Shoots:
L
Greentree was a top-scoring winger in the OHL this season, following up a great 16-year-old season for Windsor. The appeal of his game is that he's a large winger with legit offensive skills. He makes difficult plays often with the puck as a handler and passer and possesses high-end creativity. He competes well enough and can use his size to get to the net although I don't think he's the type who is going to run people over. He can score at the net and is able to finish from the faceoff dots. The main concern on Greentree is his skating. He lacks NHL footspeed and he will need to prove the rest of his game is good enough to overcome those issues. Given his size/skill combo, I think he will, and has a chance to be a top-six winger.
Photo:
Tim Cornett / OHL Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Drake Batherson
Tier 6
RW
OHL
18
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard
RW
Mora
DOB:
5-Oct-05
Ht:
6' 1.0"
Shoots:
R
Brandsegg-Nygard is the clear best prospect Norway has ever produced for the NHL Draft. He has been very good at the Swedish junior level although his play versus men has been less consistent. He is a well-rounded forward but I don't think any aspect of his game gets you truly excited. He's a good skater. He has strong puck skills. He has a great shot and is often a threat to score from range. His frame is average-sized, but he plays hard and has physicality in his game. He thinks the game well and sees plays develop, but I don't think his playmaking is his main asset. Brandsegg-Nygard has a game that should lend itself to success versus men, eventually as a good NHL forward and potentially in a top six.
Photo:
Bjorn Larsson / AFP via Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Tyler Bertuzzi
Tier 6
RW
SWEDEN-2
19
Egor Surin
C
Yaroslavl Jr.
DOB:
01-August-06
Ht:
6' 1.0"
Shoots:
L
Surin is an easy player to like and has been a top player in Russia's junior league this season with a stellar playoff run for Loko. He's a skilled forward who can create a lot of offense. He displays quality vision and finishing touch and skates well, too. Surin is a hyper competitive forward and the energy he brings to shifts is what makes me optimistic about his NHL projection. He brings it every game, plays both ways, is very physical and has a lot of tempo in how he creates offense. Surin has mostly played wing this season, but he has the traits to be a pro center.
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Ivan Barbashev
Tier 6
C
RUSSIA-JR.
Tier 7
Middle of the lineup player
20
Michael Hage
C
Chicago
DOB:
14-Apr-06
Ht:
6' 0.5"
Shoots:
R
Hage was one of the top forwards in the USHL this season. Hage is a good-sized center who skates well and has a ton of skill. The high-end one-on-one plays he can make at full flight are clear NHL quality and he has the ability to break open a shift. Hage's playmaking and finishing are good enough, with a shot that can score from the faceoff dots, but don't match the caliber of his feet and hands. Hage has the potential to break open a game, but I do find his game to be inconsistent and too perimeter at times. He projects as a middle-six wing with a chance to be more.
Photo:
Alina Nelson / Chicago Steel
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Rickard Rakell
Tier 7
C
USHL
21
Trevor Connelly
LW
Tri-City
DOB:
28-February-06
Ht:
6' 0.25"
Shoots:
L
Connelly has been a top player in the USHL this season and at the two tournaments he's played in for Team USA. He's a dynamic offensive player. He's a fantastic skater, with the edge work and top speed to evade and get by NHL checkers consistently. Connelly has a lot of skill and can attack at top speed. That combination allows him to be a force at even strength at times. His playmaking isn't as good as his one-on-one play, but it's good enough. Connelly also competes well off the puck, attacks the net and can be a reliable defensive forward. Some NHL teams have some character-based concerns about drafting Connelly, further discussed here.
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Anthony Duclair
Tier 7
LW
USHL
22
Cole Beaudoin
C
Barrie
DOB:
24-Apr-06
Ht:
6' 2.0"
Shoots:
L
Beaudoin is a very likable player. He's a very hardworking center, with NHL size and skill. He is constantly noticeable throughout the game in how many pucks he wins and the amount of plays he makes. He is quite physical and doesn't shy from getting to the tough areas of the ice. He can create offense in junior, but with a heavy skating stride, the debate is in how his game will translate to the pros. I've seen him get by enough defenders and think his compete is so good that his game will work in a potential third-line center role.
Photo:
Terry Wilson / OHL Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Andrew Copp
Tier 7
C
OHL
23
Charlie Elick
D
Brandon
DOB:
17-Jan-06
Ht:
6' 3.25"
Shoots:
R
Elick is a very intriguing pro prospect. He is one of the best skaters in the draft, with a smooth and powerful skating stride. When those feet are combined with his 6-3 frame, strong compete and a little mean streak, he has the potential to be a top shutdown defenseman in the NHL. Elick isn't a natural puck-mover and can make some questionable puck decisions. He will need to clean that up, but he has good hands and isn't a negative with the puck on his stick. In a role where he just needs to defend well and make a basic outlet, he could potentially be a top-four NHL defenseman.
Photo:
Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Erik Gudbranson
Tier 7
D
WHL
24
Linus Eriksson
C
Djurgarden
DOB:
23-Mar-06
Ht:
5' 11.75"
Shoots:
L
Eriksson was a top player for a good J20 team this season in Sweden and a leader for Sweden's U18 club. He wasn't a dominant junior player but in the second half of the season, when he advanced to the Allsvenskan, he showed quite well versus men and trended up as a prospect. He's a well-rounded center. Eriksson is a strong skater who creates offense with speed and has the transition game to be a quality pro. He has very good skill and playmaking ability. He is a highly creative player with a pass-first mentality who sees seams well and can generate offense from the perimeter. Eriksson's work ethic is good enough. I wouldn't call him the type who is going to run over opponents, but he gets to the inside and gives an honest effort every night. He was also the captain for his Swedish age group.
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Robby Fabbri
Tier 7
C
SWEDEN-2
25
Sacha Boisvert
C
Muskegon
DOB:
17-Mar-06
Ht:
6' 2.0"
Shoots:
L
Boisvert has been a highly productive USHL player over the last two seasons. He has a lot of appealing tools for the NHL. He's a 6-2 center who can skate and has legit offensive abilities. He is very skilled and creative with the puck. He's able to beat defenders with pace as well. Boisvert has an excellent shot and is a threat to score from the faceoff dots. I don't love his playmaking as he's certainly more of a shoot-first type of player but he can make tough plays. His compete is fine. He's not going to be known for that aspect of his game but he wins enough battles and uses his size. He could be a middle-six forward in the NHL.
Photo:
Courtesy of Muskegon Lumberjacks
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Josh Norris
Tier 7
C
USHL
26
Julius Miettinen
C
Everett
DOB:
20-Jan-06
Ht:
6' 2.5"
Shoots:
L
Miettinen started off slow in his first season in North America, but caught fire as the year went along and became a big part of a successful Everett team. Miettinen is a big-body forward with very good offensive skills. He has the one-on-one play to beat pro defensemen and do so with pace. He shows a lot of creativity inside the offensive zone as a puckhandler and passer. He can create off the perimeter and around the net due to his frame. I wouldn't call his compete level high, but it's good enough given his frame. He's a strong skater. I wish he'd play a bit quicker at times, but he has a powerful stride and can skate with pros. He has a chance to be a third-line center.
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Eetu Luostarinen
Tier 7
C
WHL
27
Dominik Badinka
D
Malmo
DOB:
27-Nov-05
Ht:
6' 3.0"
Shoots:
R
Badinka moved from Finland to Sweden this season, where he's become an SHL regular after a strong start in the J20 level. He was cut from Czechia's world junior team, though. He has a lot of NHL attributes between his size, mobility and ability to make offensive plays. He has a powerful stride and has shown versus men he can make skilled plays and move pucks with a good tempo. His pure playmaking doesn't excite you, although I see secondary offense coming from him in the NHL. Badinka defends well enough due to his feet and length but he isn't going to run guys over, which leaves some scouts wondering if he's going to be a tweener as a pro. I think his two-way game is strong enough to be a potential No. 4-5 defenseman in the NHL.
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Justin Holl
Tier 7
D
SWEDEN
28
Nikita Artamonov
LW
Nizhny Novgorod
DOB:
17-Nov-05
Ht:
5' 11.0"
Shoots:
L
Artamonov played a notable role on a KHL team, including as an important part of Torpedo's power play. He's a forward with excellent hands, sense and vision and can make a lot of creative plays. That he's a strong skater and able to create offense with pace is what has helped his game translate versus men so quickly, as he has often beaten KHL defensemen with his skill. You rarely see KHL draft eligibles help a team, never mind two on the same club in him and Silayev. But Artamonov isn't that big, he isn't a natural finisher, and while he competes well enough, I wouldn't call him the type of competitor you'd love to have in a small winger. It's why he projects more as a middle-six scorer.
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Nick Schmaltz
Tier 7
LW
RUSSIA
29
Aron Kiviharju
D
Hifk
DOB:
25-Jan-06
Ht:
5' 9.25"
Shoots:
L
Kiviharju has been on the prospect radar for several years after playing up age groups. That length of time watching him will be relevant as he'll miss almost his entire draft season due to a lower-body injury. He's an exceptionally smart puck-mover. He sees the ice at a unique level and always has his head up looking to make a play. He is a highly skilled puckhandler who can make the toughest passes seem routine. The big debates on Kiviharju will come down to his defensive play. As a junior, he defends well. As an NHL player, it will be a question. He's notably undersized, and while he competes fine he's not overly physical. He skates well but doesn't have the elite small-guy feet that make you think he will translate seamlessly to the NHL. I think he plays but he may need to be used in a very specific way by a coach.
Photo:
Daniela Porcelli / Associated Press
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Scott Perunovich
Tier 7
D
FINLAND
30
Leo Sahlin Wallenius
D
Vaxjo Jr.
DOB:
10-Apr-06
Ht:
5' 11.5"
Shoots:
L
Sahlin Wallenius isn't the biggest defenseman but he's a very solid two-way player, primarily because he's one of the best skaters in the draft. He has a powerful and efficient stride that allows him to easily evade pressure and skate pucks up ice. He closes on checks well and is great coming back on pucks in a way that should translate to pro hockey. Sahlin Wallenius has good hands and vision and can shoot the puck well, too, even though he doesn't project as a major scorer at the higher levels. The sum of his parts looks like a regular NHL defenseman.
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Erik Brannstrom
Tier 7
D
SWEDEN-JR.
31
Adam Kleber
D
Lincoln
DOB:
24-Mar-06
Ht:
6' 5.0"
Shoots:
R
Kleber's game has developed well as the season has progressed. He is a very athletic defenseman who projects to be a strong pro defender. He's 6-5, skates well for a big man and competes hard. He will be quite difficult for even NHL forwards to get by or try to gain footing around the net. Kleber's offensive play is what has sold me on him. I didn't originally think he was a true puck-mover, but he's shown enough sense with the puck this season for me to think he can have an NHL career.
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Ryan Graves
Tier 7
D
USHL
32
Terik Parascak
RW
Prince George
DOB:
28-May-06
Ht:
5' 11.5"
Shoots:
R
Parascak had a monster first WHL season as a top scorer in the league after playing U18 hockey the season prior. He is very dangerous with the puck on his stick. He has a ton of skill and offensive sense. He beats defenders often with his puckhandling and makes a lot of plays to teammates. He's not very big, but Parascak works hard. He creates at the net, can kill penalties and gives a good effort every night. The big issue in his NHL projection is his skating. He has a heavy stride that lacks any kind of NHL footspeed. He's overperformed a lot to date and while he doesn't fit the athletic profile, his hockey sense is so good he could potentially be a middle-six wing.
Photo:
James Doyle / CHL Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Fabian Zetterlund
Tier 7
RW
WHL
33
Adam Jecho
C
Edmonton
DOB:
24-Mar-06
Ht:
6' 4.75"
Shoots:
R
Jecho's development hasn't taken off like some scouts hoped when we saw him years ago, but he remains a very good pro prospect. He's a huge winger who skates quite well for a guy his size even if he's not a blazer. Jecho has good hands and can shoot the puck well from range. He tends to fade into the background at times, whether due to a mixture of sense or compete issues — I think it's mostly the former. He's a guy you have to dream on a bit, but his athletic toolkit is hard to find and if he scores enough at higher levels, coaches will play him regularly.
Photo:
Andy Devlin / CHL Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Alexei Toropchenko
Tier 7
C
WHL
34
Ryder Ritchie
RW
Prince Albert
DOB:
03-August-06
Ht:
5' 11.75"
Shoots:
R
Ritchie was the best rookie in the WHL last season and a top player for Canada's U18 team this summer but his season to date in Prince Albert wasn't as impressive. He is an average-sized winger, but he brings a ton of skill to the table. He is a very elusive forward due to his skating and hands and can make a lot of tough plays with pace. His effort is fine but his consistency could be better. I also don't think he's a dynamic playmaking winger but instead a very good one. He could be a middle-six wing.
Photo:
Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Daniel Sprong
Tier 7
RW
WHL
35
Marek Vanacker
LW
Brantford
DOB:
12-Apr-06
Ht:
6' 0.5"
Shoots:
L
Vanacker had a strong second OHL season scoring at over a point/game clip for Brantford. He's a strong skating winger with very good hands. He can beat defenders often off the rush and creates a lot of controlled entries. Vanacker isn't going to run players over, but he's a decent-sized forward who works hard, wins a lot of 50/50 pucks and gets to the net to create offense. He makes plays but I wouldn't call him a top-tier playmaker or a true offensive threat. I don't know what role he fills in the NHL even though there is a lot to like. He could be a middle-six wing.
Photo:
OHL Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Jordan Martinook
Tier 7
LW
OHL
36
Jett Luchanko
C
Guelph
DOB:
21-August-06
Ht:
5' 11.0"
Shoots:
R
Luchanko took significant steps forward this season into a legit NHL prospect. He is one of the better skaters in the draft. He has an explosive stride and when he winds up he'll be able to get plenty of controlled entries in the NHL. He competes hard at both ends of the ice and attacks the tough areas. He has skill and excels as a playmaker. Luchanko often creates chances for his teammates and can do so on the move. His finishing touch could use work as he didn't convert on a lot of chances this season. As a smaller forward, whether his offense is special enough is a minor question, too. He projects as a bottom-six forward.
Photo:
Natalie Shaver / OHL Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Andrew Cogliano
Tier 7
C
OHL
37
Tanner Howe
LW
Regina
DOB:
28-Nov-05
Ht:
5' 9.5"
Shoots:
L
Howe put up huge numbers in the WHL in previous seasons playing alongside Connor Bedard, and the offense has remained even with Bedard's NHL departure. I don't think he is the flashiest or most creative player you'll ever see, but Howe has legit NHL-level speed and skill. He can make and finish plays. His size is an issue, but his calling card is his fantastic compete level. He's a tenacious player who throws his weight around constantly and plays the game with a high motor. He has the ingredients to play in the league as an undersized player and I think he could be a middle-six wing.
Photo:
Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Blake Lizotte
Tier 7
LW
WHL
38
Matvei Shuravin
D
Cska Jr.
DOB:
22-Mar-06
Ht:
6' 3.0"
Shoots:
L
Shuravin's production in Russia's junior league won't jump out at you, but he has a lot of traits that NHL teams will be looking for and has looked good versus juniors and men this season. He's a 6-3, mobile defenseman with puck-moving skill, and those are always highly sought after. Shuravin has a low panic threshold and, with his skating, has a smooth, effortless game style that leads to a lot of puck possession for his team. He is good on retrievals and generates a lot of controlled exits and entries. Shuravin also competes well enough and doesn't shy away from physical play.
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Derek Forbort
Tier 7
D
RUSSIA-JR.
39
Matvei Gridin
RW
Muskegon
DOB:
1-Mar-06
Ht:
6' 1.25"
Shoots:
L
Gridin was a top scorer in the USHL this season. The talent is obvious in Gridin's game. He's a strong skater with excellent offensive skills. He routinely beats USHL defenders with his one-on-one play and can improvise well with the puck. He's a strong playmaker and finisher who can generate a lot of offense. His effort level is just OK and he can play on the perimeter too much. He did kill penalties at times in the KHL though and I think his compete and consistency are good enough to be a solid pro.
Photo:
Steven Ellis / Daily Faceoff
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Yegor Chinakhov
Tier 7
RW
USHL
40
Marcus Gidlof
G
Leksand Jr.
DOB:
28-Sep-05
Ht:
6' 6.0"
Shoots:
L
Gidlof has had a very good season in Sweden as a top goalie in their junior league. His pro projection is highly intriguing as a 6-6 goalie who moves well for his size. His pure quickness side to side isn't explosive, but he can make tough saves and is difficult to beat laterally. Gidlof tracks the play well and often stays square with the puck. He plays aggressive as well. Some nitpick that his technique breaks down too much, he can scramble too much in the net and he let a few too many long-range shots past him. He has legit starting-goalie tools if he cleans up a few details.
Skill Grades
Player Comp
Adin Hill
Tier 7
G
SWEDEN-JR.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic. Photos: Jonathan Kozub, Michael Miller / ISI Photos, Richard T Gagnon / Getty Images)
