Unveiled: The NHL’s Top Rising Stars Under 23 Who Could Redefine the Game Forever

Every year brings a fresh batch of youthful talent hustling for their shot in the NHL, and this edition of the under-23 rankings is no exception. Having already dissected each franchise’s prime young prospects in the NHL Pipeline Rankings, I’m flipping the page to spotlight the cream of the crop across all NHL affiliates — those hidden gems on reserve lists, whether donning the jersey on the ice or sharpening their skills off it. This isn’t about who I’d reach for in a pickup game, but rather a crystal ball into who’s destined to shape the future of professional hockey. Spanning cohorts from the 2021 to 2025 drafts, this is an unfiltered look at emerging talent under 23 years of age as of September 15, 2025. Each player is meticulously evaluated and slotted into tiers, complete with nuanced tool grades that mirror NHL-level skillsets—from skating savvy to puck wizardry and the grit to compete relentlessly. Curious who’s rising, who’s shining, and who might just be the next big thing? Dive in and explore, because these rankings aren’t just a list—they’re a forecast of hockey’s next generation. LEARN MORE

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 2021 through 2025 NHL Drafts.

A player must be 22 years old or younger as of Sept. 15, 2025 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 are graded. Shot grades are only included if a shot is notably good or poor.

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Tier 1

Tier: Elite NHL player

Celebrini was the best rookie in the NHL last season and one of the best 18-year-olds I can remember in the league in recent memory. He’s 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 can get by a lot of defenders. He’s extremely skilled and creative with a 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-unit 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 matchup center in the NHL. He has all the makings of a potential superstar around whom you can build a contender.

Photo:

Stan Szeto / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 1

Sharks

Bedard’s second NHL season was a bit more challenging than his rookie year, but he was still a top player for Chicago and one of the best young players in the league. He can make special plays around the puck consistently. He has among the best puck skills in the NHL and the ability to beat most defenders one-on-one. He makes a ton of highly creative plays through opponents and to teammates. He’s a great passer who makes unique plays consistently. He’s a lethal mid-range shooter who can project to be a major goal scorer in the NHL. He has the ability to terrorize defenses on the power play with multiple ways he can beat them. Bedard is a small center and isn’t an elite speedster for a small guy, but he moves well and is very elusive in tight areas. He competes hard and doesn’t get pushed around. There’s a possibility he has to get pushed to the wing due to these slight limitations, but he can play a competent center. He projects as a player who will sit at the top of the scoring leaderboards in the league.

Photo:

Michael Reaves / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 1

Blackhawks

Tier 2

Tier: NHL All-Star

Carlsson’s year started off slow, but he caught fire in the second half. The tools are elite. He’s a big center with a ton of skill and hockey sense who routinely makes difficult plays with the puck. He sees the ice at a very high level and hits a ton of seams. The plays Carlsson makes for a big man are unique, especially at the pace he can do them at. He’s not going to run over opponents, but he competes hard and gets to the tough areas to create offense. He can run a first power-play unit, while also being able to drive offense at a top level at even strength. He projects as a star No. 1 center you can build a winner around.

Photo:

Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

Ducks

Fantilli took positive steps in his second NHL season, highlighted by hitting the 30-goal mark. He’s had ups and downs to start his career, but he has the makings of a future star. He’s got a huge frame, skates well and competes hard. He wins a lot of battles, will lay into opponents and gets to the net to create offense. He has excellent hands, often beating defenders with his one-on-one play, and the pace at which he can get by players can break open shifts. His playmaking isn’t the main thing that gets you excited about his game, but Fantilli can make difficult passes. He’s more of a goal scorer, with an excellent wrist shot that can and has beaten NHL goalies from range.

Photo:

Ben Jackson / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

Blue Jackets

Hughes played a big role in New Jersey, posting his second straight 40-point season in the NHL. He’s a dynamic skater with freakish edge work and explosiveness for a defender of his size, being one of the better all-around skaters in the NHL. He combines his excellent skating with a high skill level and strong offensive IQ, making him a constant offensive threat. He walks the blue line and creates chances for others at a clear NHL level. Hughes is a great talent, but his defensive play has been an issue. He lacks physicality and cheats for offense at times. He’s so mobile that you figure he will be at least competent defensively to go with elite offense and puck possession. He projects as a star No. 1 defenseman.

Photo:

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

Devils

Michkov was one of the best rookies in the NHL this past season. His play had ups and downs, but his ups were tremendous. Michkov is a winger with special skill and hockey sense. He makes unique plays with the puck at an extremely high rate. He shows tremendous creativity with the puck, while also having a sixth sense for how to create scoring chances for others or find his way into a scoring position. Michkov is a game-breaker with the puck, but his play without it has been the issue. He’s a so-so skater, with more good edges than foot speed, and he doesn’t have a ton of physical play in him for an average-sized winger. I did like how much he created at the net this season in the NHL for a guy his size, but ideally, he adds a bit more grind to his play. Even if he doesn’t, his scoring should be so good that he could be a legit star winger for a long time.

Photo:

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

Flyers

Slafkovský’s season followed a similar path to 2023-24, where he struggled in the first half but was much more productive in the second half. He has a special combination of size, speed and skill. When he’s coming down the wing with speed, he’s a handful to deal with for NHL defensemen due to his massive frame. Slafkovský has embraced using his large body. He’s highly physical and is very effective in generating offense at the net. I wouldn’t call Slafkovský the more instinctive playmaker on a top line, but he’s very good with the puck and creates in tight areas and off the rush. Even if his point totals never hit the highest of tiers, Slafkovský could be a star in the NHL due to the unique role he provides.

Photo:

Michael Reaves / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

Canadiens

Buium was one of the very best players in college hockey this season. He’s 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. Buium is a gamer, though, who can be leaned on to play heavy minutes and projects to be decent enough defensively to go with impactful offense in the NHL. He has the potential to be a big-minutes, top-scoring defenseman.

Photo:

Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

Wild

Schaefer was tremendous when healthy this season. The No. 1 pick in his OHL Draft, Schaefer was arguably the best player at the Hlinka Gretzky and the CHL/U.S. NTDP series. He was also Canada’s best player at the World Juniors up until he broke his clavicle. Schaefer missed time at the start of the season due to mono as well. His main asset is his skating. He’s a powerful, effortless skater who will be able to close gaps and transition up ice at a clear NHL level. He uses his feet to attack often, leading and supporting rushes very well. Schaefer is a very intelligent defenseman with legit offensive skills. He creates a lot of chances due to his skating, but he can also break down opponents one-on-one with his hands and find a lot of seams to make plays. He closes on checks at a high level due to his athleticism, but Schaefer is also a great competitor. He uses his size to make stops, gives a great effort every shift and projects to be able to stop top players in the NHL. He’s a great talent who has already overcome tremendous personal adversity in his life. He projects as a star No. 1 defenseman in the NHL.

Photo:

Juan Ocampo / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

Islanders

Demidov had an outstanding season in Russia as the best rookie in the KHL and a major contributor to a top offense in that league. He is a player with off-the-charts skill. He’s extremely creative, making plays with the puck and often breaking shifts open with his stick handling. Demidov sees the ice at a very high level. He can run a power play flank as a passer and is excellent at making plays in tight areas. He has an excellent motor, attacks the net consistently and competes hard to win pucks. The only true knock on Demidov is his skating. He’s not slow, but he has an awkward/knock-kneed skating stride that could be a minor issue in the NHL. He’s so good at everything else, though, that it shouldn’t be a major issue. He projects as a star winger.

Photo:

Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 2

Canadiens

Tier 3

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

Guenther had a huge year coming off his big contract extension, becoming a top player for Utah. He’s got good size, he skates quite well and has a lot of offensive ability. Guenther can beat defenders one-on-one often with pace, make tough plays consistently and has a wicked shot from distance that should make him a weapon on the power play for years to come. He’s not a highly physical player and plays too much on the outside like a lot of shooters do, but he gives a decent enough off-puck effort to not be a frustrating player. He has all the makings of a potential star scoring winger who could regularly put up 30-plus goals.

Photo:

Sergei Belski / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Mammoth

Cooley has become a top player for Utah and one of the best young centers in the league. He’s an elite skater with the quick twitch speed, first few steps and edge work to evade most NHL defensemen. Cooley is also a player with a ton of individual skill and creativity. With his outstanding tempo, the amount of offense with pace he creates could make him an elite even-strength player while also having the touch to run a power play. Cooley isn’t that big, but he works very hard and doesn’t show fear at getting to the net. He even took on regular PK duties this season for Utah as a 20-year-old. He has all the makings of a potential first-line center you can envision playing well in the hard games in the spring.

Photo:

Rob Gray / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Mammoth

Johnston is one of the best young centers in the NHL and a critical part of why Dallas is currently a contending team. He’s a player with outstanding skill and vision who can break shifts open. He makes so many tough plays with the puck on his stick through defenders or to his teammates from the perimeter and in tight areas. Johnston has a lot of talent, but his effort level also drives a big part of his value. He’s a super competitive player who doesn’t shy away from taking pucks to the high-traffic areas and wins a lot of puck battles in tough areas. His only downside is a lack of a separation gear, but he competes hard enough to compensate for that. He projects as a No. 1 center who can play in any situation.

Photo:

Sam Hodde / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Stars

Misa was given exceptional status to play in the OHL as a 15-year-old. He looked very impressive in his first two seasons, but he took off in his draft season, becoming one of the best players in the OHL. He’s a high-end skater with clear NHL edge work and top speed. He’s highly skilled and creative with tremendous vision. His ability to improvise in tight areas and on the move is elite and makes it easy to envision him scoring in major numbers in the NHL. Despite his huge goal-scoring numbers this season, I don’t view him as a sniper. Rather, he generated a lot of goals off timing and getting to the net. Misa won’t run guys over, but he competes well and is diligent without the puck. He projects as a star No. 1 center in the NHL who you can build a winning team around.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Sharks

Dickinson was one of the best defensemen in the CHL last season. He checks every box you want. He’s 6-foot-3 with an explosive, fluid stride. 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 combination 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. His decision-making can be frustrating at times, but overall this season, he showed more playmaking than he’s shown before. I think he can be a good, although at times inconsistent, puck-mover in the NHL. He has all the makings of a top-pair, major-minutes NHL defenseman who can be a franchise pillar.

Photo:

Candice Ward/Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Sharks

Martone was a top player in the OHL this season. However, he did struggle at the World Juniors for Canada. Martone’s skill level and creativity with the puck are elite, especially for a man his size. His reach and skill will allow him to beat a ton of NHL defenders one-on-one. He makes a lot of difficult plays and does so in traffic. Martone competes well, showing no hesitancy to engage physically or create at the net. Martone’s major issue is the pace in his game. When he turns the corner and gets up ice, his foot speed is decent, but his first few steps are heavy with a semi-wonky-looking stride, and he doesn’t always play with a ton of tempo. The size/skill combo is so good he could overcome that problem, though. He projects as a top-line scoring winger in the NHL who could put up a ton of points and play a heavy game.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Flyers

McTavish has become a leader on Anaheim’s young team. He’s a well-rounded player with some major strengths and no notable flaws at the NHL level. He’s a strong skater with excellent puck skills and can beat defenders one-on-one with pace. He sees the ice well and makes a lot of difficult passes. He has a great shot and can pick corners from range. McTavish is a tenacious competitor who leads by example. He doesn’t shy away from physical play or from trying to create offense in the hard areas of the ice. He projects behind Carlsson long-term at center, but he has No. 1 center potential, and if he’s a No. 2, he could be one of the best second-line centers in the league at his peak.

Photo:

Jeanine Leech / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Ducks

Beniers played a big role in Seattle, with his game getting better after a slow start to the season. Many scouts would not call him a dynamo, but he has a lot of offense in him. He has very good hands and hockey sense. He makes a lot of difficult plays with the puck and can do so at full speed. Beniers has skill, but it’s hard skill. He can create chances at the net and win a lot of battles for loose pucks. He’s a versatile player who can play any spot on a power play. He’s a good-sized center who skates well and projects to be an excellent two-way player as he matures. He has all the capabilities of a No. 1 center who may not post huge point totals, but will play a lot of important minutes.

Photo:

Harry How / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Kraken

Smith’s first NHL season had some bumps. He struggled a lot out of the gate, but a few months into the season, he hit his groove. Smith 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. Smith is a high-end passer who finds a lot of O-zone seams and 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. That led to most of his difficulties adjusting to the NHL game, and why he likely got moved to the wing. It’s possible Smith may be a long-term winger unless he gets better without the puck, but regardless, he should be a great top-six forward who will put up a lot of points.

Photo:

Bob Kupbens / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Sharks

Catton has been one of the very best players in the WHL the past few years. He’s a well-rounded center and a high-end skater, with powerful edge work that will make him very difficult to check in the NHL and allow him to elude pressure constantly. His foot speed is strong, but not at the same level as his edges. He’s an elite puck handler and passer. Catton makes a ton of difficult plays on the move, and the way he picks apart defenses with tempo will translate to a lot of NHL offense. He projects to run an NHL power play due to his touch, vision and shot. He’s not overly physical, but he competes. He wins pucks, gets to the net and can kill penalties. He projects as a star first-line center.

Photo:

Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Kraken

Desnoyers was one of the best players in the QMJHL this season as a leader on the top team in the league. He was also the MVP of the QMJHL playoffs. The No. 1 pick in his QMJHL Draft, he checks every box for what you want in an NHL center. He’s tall and fast and makes a lot happen with and without the puck. Desnoyers displays excellent skill and playmaking ability. He creates offense on the move, off the perimeter and at the net. He has great creativity as a playmaker, while also being a detailed two-way player. Desnoyers can be trusted to check top players, as he has a physical edge in his game and gives a high effort every game. He has the potential to be a No. 1 center who can play in any situation.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Mammoth

Levshunov’s first pro season was a bit bumpy to start. After he got acclimated, his game took off a few months in, including a strong stint in the NHL in the spring for Chicago. Levshunov 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, rarely looking under duress even in tight areas. 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. He has so much talent and poise that he could still be a legit top pair/PP1 defenseman even if his defensive play is mediocre.

Photo:

Bob Kupbens / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 3

Blackhawks

Tier 4

Tier: Top of the lineup player

Johnson took major steps forward this season, becoming a very important part of Columbus’ offense. He’s a player with truly dynamic offensive touch. He has elite hands, beats defensemen one-on-one at a high rate and has the ability to create chances out of nothing. He can consistently make difficult plays to others and has a good shot from range. The pure athletic tools in his game aren’t amazing. He has average size and foot speed, isn’t overly physical and plays too much on the outside. The pure puck game will allow him to score a lot and play high in a lineup with potential star upside, even if his style of play will frustrate coaches at times.

Photo:

Jason Mowry / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Blue Jackets

Hagens played well for Boston College this season. His production wasn’t as elite as some would have hoped after a sterling U.S. NTDP career, but he was still an important player on a great team. Hagens was also a go-to player for Team USA as they won gold at the World Juniors. He has a dynamic combination of skating and skill reminiscent of American centers Logan Cooley and Jack Hughes. Hagens’ edge work is high-end, and he’s extremely elusive in open ice. He makes a ton of difficult plays on the move and is a high-end playmaker. Hagens isn’t that big or physical, and can stay on the outside too much, but he gives a decent effort, and coaches tend to lean on him. He has the potential to be a play-driving top-two-line center in the NHL.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Bruins

After a slow start, Wright took off as the season went along, becoming a very important piece for Seattle’s team. Wright is a very well-rounded center. He’s an intelligent and creative offensive player who can make plays through defenders and to teammates. He’s a shot and pass threat who can create chances from the perimeter. Wright also has a very good inside game, showing the ability to create plenty of chances around the net. He has no noticeable flaw in his toolkit, even if he won’t be full of highlight-reel moments. He could be a second-line center on a top team or a fringe 1C on a lesser team.

Photo:

Steph Chambers / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Kraken

Frondell’s season started off slow, in part due to injury, but he was very good versus men in the Allsvenskan in the second half of the season. Frondell has a ton of skill and a really smooth element when he’s around the puck. He makes difficult plays with consistency and can do so on the move. Frondell skates well and competes hard, often outmuscling others bigger than him. Despite his average size, he has a translatable style of play to the NHL that appeals to scouts. Frondell is a good playmaker, but he’s also a very dangerous shooter with a bullet shot that projects to beat NHL goalies from range. He’s not a dynamic offensive player, though, and had a few too many quiet games at the international level this season. He has the potential to be a very good all-around top-six center, even if he often played wing last season.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Blackhawks

Power played a lot of minutes and put up similar numbers to the prior season for Buffalo, but didn’t take the step forward in his development that some would have hoped for. Power is a very intelligent defenseman. He sees the ice and has the skills of a 5-10 defenseman while being 6-6. 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. I wouldn’t call Power overly dynamic, though, and he doesn’t have a special offensive trait. Power is quite mobile for a big man, which allows him to make a lot of stops and retrievals. He’s not that physical, though, which prevents his defensive play from reaching top-tier status. There’s a lot to like about Power, and it’s easy to foresee him as a longtime top-pair defender, but he may not stand out enough at either end to become the true star some envisioned when he was the No. 1 pick.

Photo:

Steve Roberts / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Sabres

Eklund is one of the most important players on the Sharks, showing a ton of offense over the last two NHL seasons but especially this past one. He’s a dynamic skater and playmaker who can make a lot of highly creative plays in motion due to his great edge work and elusiveness. Eklund has the high-end sense to create chances off the perimeter, but he also has great small-area skills, and despite his size, he can create offense at the net. He is a pass-first type of player, but has a decent shot when he does opt to shoot. He looks like a legit top-line winger in the NHL.

Photo:

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Sharks

O’Brien has been an excellent junior player as a leader on a top OHL team. He displays the high-end patience and vision to hold onto pucks for an extra second to make difficult plays and run an NHL power play. He’s extremely skilled with the puck, showing the soft touch and quick hands to create a lot of scoring chances and improvise on difficult plays often. He’s a decent enough skater. His game can lack pace at times in part because he pulls up to make his skilled plays too much, but when he gets going, he moves well. O’Brien isn’t overly physical, but he gets to the net to create chances, can kill penalties and isn’t a pushover. He projects as a very good top-two-line center who could score a lot in the NHL.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Kraken

Parekh is an extremely talented offensive defenseman who has dominated the OHL over the last few years. 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. He stands out with the puck; his NHL projection will depend a lot on his play without the puck. He’s not overly physical and tends to cheat for offense. He makes stops but will likely never be a tough-minutes defender. He projects as a top-four defenseman who can run a first power play, and you’re hoping he will be good enough at even strength to make a coach trust him regularly.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Flames

Yakemchuk’s play was up and down this season, but overall, he was still one of the better defensemen in the WHL. He’s a 6-3 right-shot defenseman with a very high skill level. He’s an attack-first type of defenseman who uses his great skill and good enough mobility to constantly break down opponents. His skating stride isn’t technically perfect, and it can break down, but it’s powerful. Yakemchuk has a bullet shot from the point and will be a one-timer threat in the NHL. He’s more of a shot than a pass threat, and while he can see the ice well and makes tough plays, 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 is a concern. Yakemchuk should have been a far more reliable junior defender this season than he was, but between trying to score and giving half-efforts in his own end, he has a lot of details to clean up. He has major pro potential, with the ability to be a top pair/top PP type, but I can see him frustrating coaches along the way.

Photo:

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Senators

Sennecke was a top-scoring winger in the OHL this season. His toolkit is very exciting from an NHL projection. He’s a tall winger who skates quite well for his size and has high-end skill. He’s a highly creative puck handler who beats players one-on-one often, and that he can make those difficult plays at full speed makes him highly intriguing for the NHL level. He sees the ice well and is creative as a passer, although not to the level of his one-on-one abilities. There have been times when I’ve questioned his compete and consistency, but that aspect has been better of late. Sennecke projects as a top-line winger.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Ducks

Silayev took a minor step back this season but still played a regular role on Torpedo as an 18-year-old. Silayev is a 6-7 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 defenseman in the NHL. He can skate pucks out of his zone well, makes a good first pass and has enough skill for secondary offense in the NHL, even if he’s not a natural with the puck. He projects as a hard-to-play-against top-four defenseman.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Devils

Hutson won the Calder Trophy after a marvelous rookie season where he surpassed 60 points and played major minutes for the Canadiens. He’s a dynamo with the puck on his stick. Hutson has high-end skill, creativity, poise and sense with the puck, often walking the blue line using his great edge work to create time to make plays. He sees the ice at an elite level and can run a first-unit power play. There’s no doubt about Hutson’s offense; the doubt comes down to his defense. He’s a small defenseman without high-end feet or physicality. He works hard, but he can get bullied in physical play, and without high-end athletic traits, he will have trouble defending the fastest, strongest forwards, especially in the playoffs. He will have a ton of points in his career and play real minutes at even strength, but a team ideally surrounds him with defensemen who can take the tough matchups.

Photo:

Patrick Smith / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Canadiens

Knies has become a major part of the Leafs’ lineup as a highly likable player who’s a big, strong winger with a great motor and a high skill level. He’s a highly physical winger who creates havoc around the net. He’s also a creative player with the puck who can make difficult plays, but he does so in a direct way to the high-percentage areas. Knies’ skating has always been an issue, but he’s a big guy who plays hard, so he’s shown he can overcome it. He looks like a legit top-line winger who can serve a highly valuable role on a team.

Photo:

Mike Carlson / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Maple Leafs

Eklund, the younger brother of Sharks winger William Eklund, was excellent this season versus men in the Allsvenskan as well as for Sweden’s World Junior team. Victor is an excellent skater. He has good speed, but his edge work is what separates his skating ability and how elusive he is in tight. He’s a very skilled forward who makes creative plays and can do so in the tough areas. Eklund is undersized, but he plays like a big man. He’s a tenacious competitor who hunts down pucks and is great at creating chances around the net. He projects as a top-line winger.

Photo:

Michael Miller / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Islanders

McQueen got off to a great start to the season before a back injury sidelined him in the fall, returning for a handful of games toward the end of the year. He’s a 6- 5 center who, when healthy, can skate and has high-end offensive skills. His reach and hands can let him break shifts open, especially when he’s attacking with tempo. I wouldn’t call McQueen a truly high-end playmaker, but he sees the ice well, makes difficult plays and can create in the high percentage areas. McQueen is big, but what scouts love is that he uses his big frame. He has an edge in his play, and even after a near-season-long injury, he returned and played with bite. He projects as a potential No. 1 center who can play big minutes in the NHL, presuming his health checks out.

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Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 4

Ducks

Tier 5

Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Stankoven was a critical part of the Mikko Rantanen trade between Carolina and Dallas. Stankoven is small, but everything else about his game is a major positive, and it’s why, despite his frame, he’s been quite successful versus men. He’s an elusive and fast skater who competes very hard and brings a ton of energy to his shifts. He makes a ton of highly skilled and creative plays with the puck at full pace. He has the flashy skill to generate off the perimeter, but despite his frame, he gets to the net and wins a surprising number of pucks along the boards. Is he the most dynamic little guy I’ve ever seen? No, but he’s excellent and looks like a longtime top-six winger in the NHL.

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Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Hurricanes

Leonard was one of the best forwards in college hockey and was the best forward at the World Juniors. He’s a very easy player to like, due to the lack of a clear weakness and his pro-style game. He’s a fast winger with a tremendous motor. He throws the body around constantly and hunts down opponents on the forecheck. Leonard has a ton of skill and can break shifts open with his puck handling, often taking pucks to the net with his skilled plays. He sees the ice well enough, but Leonard’s playmaking doesn’t stand out like his skill and goal-scoring do with a shot that can beat NHL goalies. He projects as a quality top-six winger who will be a coach and fan favorite.

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Rich Gagnon / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Capitals

Martin is a highly likable center who has been impressive in the OHL and for Team Canada this season. He’s a very skilled forward who has the one-on-one abilities to beat a lot of NHL defensemen. He’s creative as a puck handler, and his offensive IQ impressed as the season went along, even if not his calling card. His skill is appealing, but it’s the combination of his skill with his compete that gets evaluators excited. Martin has a true hardness in his game, attacking the high-percentage areas and is an extremely physical player. His skating has progressed into a strength where he can clearly move at an NHL pace. He could be a matchup second-line center who makes life hellish on opponents.

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Kevin Sousa / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Predators

Aitcheson was one of the better defensemen in the OHL this season. He has been a major-minutes player for Barrie as he was for Canada’s U18 team last spring. He’s a hyper-competitive defender who doesn’t back down from physical play and likes to agitate. He has the bite NHL teams will love, even if he does go over the line at times. He’s a good skater with strong enough hands and hockey sense to make plays at higher levels and a solid point shot, too. Aitcheson won’t run a power play, lacking the natural sense at times with the puck, but he projects to have secondary NHL offense and has put up significant offense this year. Even if his puck play is just decent, with his athletic tools and being a menace to play against, he can be a great top-four defenseman.

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Dennis Pajot / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Islanders

Danielson’s production in Grand Rapids wasn’t amazing this season, but he played huge minutes and was often highly noticeable, a trend that’s followed him the last few years. He has excellent one-on-one skills, he skates well and his ability to create chances in transition will make him dangerous in the NHL. He’s a strong passer and shooter who can make a lot of things happen inside the offensive zone. Danielson is also a diligent two-way center. I get the concerns about his production, and at some point, he’s going to need to produce points consistently, but when I’ve watched him, I think his skill is legit and that he can be a top-six forward.

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Dan Hamilton / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Red Wings

Cole Hutson was outstanding this season. He was one of the very best defensemen in college hockey and at the World Juniors. The younger brother of Montreal’s Lane Hutson, Cole has some similarities and differences from his brother. He’s a very skilled and intelligent defender who projects to run an NHL power play. His brain isn’t quite as elite as Lane’s, but he’s arguably a shiftier skater with his edges and top speed, and has a better shot. Cole is also a bit bigger and more physical. Cole may not be a premier NHL defender, but his skating and compete should allow him to make enough stops while bringing a lot of offense. He projects as a top-four defenseman.

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Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Capitals

Reinbacher got injured at training camp and ended up missing most of the season. When he did play for Laval, he looked promising and was a big part of a top AHL team. Reinbacher is a well-rounded defenseman. He has strong puck play, with the skill and hockey sense of an NHL defenseman. I don’t think he’s dynamic by any means, but he can make tough plays to teammates and through defenders, and do so with pace. He’s a strong skater who can carry pucks up ice and create off the blue line. Defensively, he’s solid due to his reach and feet. He won’t run opponents over, but he can play a heavy defensive game and competes well. He won’t be the best at any one thing but he checks a lot of boxes and is trending toward being a very useful top-four defenseman.

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David Kirouac / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Canadiens

Nazar’s first pro season went about as well as you could have hoped for. He was excellent in the AHL, being one of the best players in that league in the first half. He was called up to Chicago, where he was solid in the NHL, and then was a critical part of Team USA winning gold at the World Championships. Nazar has a very likable style of play. He’s full of speed and energy. He has a high skill level and creates offense, but does so in a direct, translatable way to the NHL. I don’t think he’s the most creative small forward you will ever see, but he can make high-skill dekes and passes and do so with pace. He projects as a second-line center.

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Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Blackhawks

Edvinsson took a step forward, becoming a top-four defenseman for Detroit all season. He is a rare package of size, mobility and skill. You don’t find big men who can take opponents one-on-one often like he can. He’s huge and competes well, showing the ability to close on checks with his length and body and make a lot of stops. He skates pucks up ice well and retrieves them well. Edvinsson’s hockey sense is a minor issue and may keep him from putting up major point totals in his career. He could still be a great two-way top-four defender with a unique profile.

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Stephen R. Sylvanie / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Red Wings

Geekie was up and down in the NHL to start the season with Tampa Bay, but was very good when they sent him to the AHL. He’s only 20 and very talented, so I’m not too worried about some bumps as a rookie pro. Geekie is an exciting prospect because he’s a big center with very good offensive skills. He has great in-tight hands, makes tough plays to his teammates and has a big one-timer that can score from a distance. Geekie doesn’t shy from using his big body, either. I think his overall effort level can waver, though. His skating has also long been an issue, and the NHL pace will be a problem for him. He will need to bring his A-game more consistently, but I think he works hard enough and has shown progress in that area over the years to where he could be a top-six forward, and potentially a second-line center.

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Steve Roberts / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Lightning

Snuggerud finished out a stellar college career by again being a top forward in the country. He turned pro and was then quite good for the Blues, becoming a middle-six winger for them right away and looking solid in the NHL playoffs. Snuggerud has a lot of offensive creativity. He makes difficult dekes and passes seem routine and despite not having great foot speed, he generates a lot of controlled entries with his skill. Inside the zone, he’s a pass and shot threat and can make an impact on a power play. His shot is a rifle, and his one-timer can be a legit weapon versus NHL goalies from range. His foot speed is his main issue. He’s not overly physical, but Snuggerud gives an honest effort, and coaches tend to trust him. He could be a second-line winger who puts up notable scoring totals.

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Connor Hamilton / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Blues

Smith is a 6- 3 defenseman who skates quite well. He’s funky-looking at times, going 10-2 with his edges a bit too much, but he’s a powerful, fluid skater who can easily get by checkers and skate pucks up ice. Smith often tries to attack with his skill and can break down players one-on-one easily. Smith’s decision-making isn’t the best at times, and I wouldn’t call him a natural playmaker, but he creates a lot of offense and has a good point shot. Defensively, he’s decent due to his frame and feet, and when he’s leaning into checks, he can be a two-way force. His defensive play is inconsistent, in part because he’s often up in the attack, but he has the potential to be a top-four defenseman who can play on both special teams.

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Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Blue Jackets

Simashev played regular minutes for the KHL champions, although his minutes went down a bit in the playoffs. He also got some time with Russia’s senior national team. He has clear NHL athleticism. Simashev is a tall, mobile defenseman who can close on checks and skate pucks up ice like an NHLer. He competes hard and doesn’t shy away from using his body. The offense in Simashev’s game isn’t overly exciting, but he has good hands and can make difficult plays with the puck. He can create with his feet and skill, and can have secondary offense in the NHL even if he’s not a natural playmaker. He projects as a top-four defenseman who will have a long career.

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Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Mammoth

Lindstrom missed almost the entire season due to a back injury and corresponding surgery, but he came back right at the very end of Medicine Hat’s playoff run. When healthy, he’s an elite athlete. He has the quick-twitch feet of a smaller forward who could blow by NHL 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, though. He projects as a highly likable top-two-line forward who can be a playoff-style player, even if he’s not a for-sure center in the NHL.

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Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Blue Jackets

Kasper’s season was a major positive for Detroit as he became an integral part of the Red Wings’ lineup. Kasper is a very likable player due to how hard he works. He has offensive talent, with quality speed, puck skills, vision and finishing ability, but the pure offense in his game is not what gets you excited about him. His motor is outstanding, he plays in traffic, throws his body around and has a legit edge in his game. He projects as a two-way, top-six forward, potentially a second-line center who may not score a ton in the NHL, but his coach will be able to trust him in any situation.

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Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Red Wings

Clake didn’t play big minutes for the Kings this season, but he was still an important offensive player for them from the back end. There’s no doubting Clarke’s talent. Clarke has a ton of individual skill and offensive creativity. His ability to create chances through opponents or by showing blue-line poise to make plays is clearly NHL quality. The concern about Clarke mostly comes down to his skating and play without the puck. He’s a knock-kneed skater, and he can get challenged by fast pro skaters. Over the years, when he’s used his big body, he’s shown he can defend OK, but in the NHL, I didn’t see that player too much. Even if his skating holds him back somewhat, he’s so good with the puck that he should be a top-four defender who could run a PP1.

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Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Kings

Sandin Pellikka had an excellent season, posting huge numbers in the SHL for a teenage defenseman, and was the best defenseman at the World Juniors. ASP is a highly skilled and poised defenseman. He looks calm and intelligent with the puck, making a lot of great plays, and has the soft touch of a power-play quarterback. ASP can beat teams with his skill, but also his shot, as he has a bullet one-timer from the left circle that projects to be a legit weapon versus NHL goalies. He’s not that big, but he’s mobile and wins a surprising number of battles for a guy his size. He projects as a top-four defenseman who should be OK defensively in the NHL while being able to run a first power-play unit.

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Nicolas Carrillo / Griffins

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Red Wings

Nemec had a tough start to the year at Devils camp and in the AHL, but he played better as the season went along and earned time back up in the NHL. Nemec is a very intelligent puck mover with the confidence to make difficult plays and run an NHL power play. His pure athleticism and skill don’t jump off the page, though. He can make stops because of how smart he is and having a solid compete level while being a decent enough skater. He projects as a top-four defenseman who could play on both special teams but may not post huge offensive numbers.

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Adam Hunger / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Devils

Gauthier had a slow start to his first NHL season, but by the end of the year, he was one of the clear top rookies in the league. Gauthier has a prototypical NHL skill set. He’s a big, fast, skilled forward with a natural offensive touch. He can create in transition due to his hands and feet. He can make tough plays to teammates, but he’s a shoot-first player. His shot is very dangerous and can beat NHL goalies from distance. He plays on the perimeter a bit too much, leaning on his shot like a lot of goal scorers tend to do. His compete is fine. His effort level in general is average. It won’t be a long-term hindrance, but it’s not what gets you excited about him. Gauthier has played center before, but his play style is suitable for the wing, which is where he projects in a top six.

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Steph Chambers / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Ducks

Lamoureux had a good first pro season. He came up early on to play effective games for Utah, although he got hurt and went back to the AHL when he was healthy. He’s a 6-7 right-shot defender who skates very well for a big man. He’s a highly competitive player who makes a lot of stops and projects as a true shutdown defenseman in the NHL. The main debate about Lamoureux’s game has always been his offense. He didn’t show a ton as a pro this season, but all he needs to do is make a basic first pass and he could be a legit top-four defenseman. I think he can do that, and he’s going to score goals due to a big point shot.

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Eric Bolte / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Mammoth

Reschny has been a great WHL player, scoring a lot over his two seasons, including a standout playoff performance this spring for Victoria and a great U18 Worlds for Canada. He’s a highly skilled and intelligent player who can run a power play like a pro and makes a ton of creative stick handles and passes. He’s a quick skater with good edges who plays with pace and makes high-end plays on the move. He’s not the most dynamic skater for a guy his size, but he will be able to move at an NHL level. He’s on the smaller side, but Reschny can create at the net and kill penalties. He’s played center in junior, showing a diligent two-way game. There’s a chance, due to his size, that he’ll need to be moved to the wing as a pro. He has the traits to be a top-six forward.

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Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Flames

Cootes hasn’t scored at high levels, but he’s played on a thin Seattle team and was an important player often for Canada’s U18 team. He’s a likable all-around forward. He’s a good, if not very good, skater who plays with a lot of pace. He has strong offensive skills, playmaking and finishing abilities. He creates offense at fast tempos and in a direct manner. He’s not that big, but he plays big, showing a high compete level and not backing down from physical play. There will be some minor debates on how much offense Cootes will have in the NHL, but early indicators are that it could be just good enough to be a top-two-line center who provides two-way value.

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Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Canucks

Ritchie made Colorado out of camp before being sent down to the OHL, where he was a top player at that level again. His World Juniors underwhelmed, and he was then a key part of the trade sending Brock Nelson to Colorado. Ritchie is very talented and is 6-2 with NHL speed and skill. He makes a ton of difficult offensive plays on the move through defenders and to teammates and can break shifts open. Ritchie can play a bit too much on the perimeter at times, and can frustrate with his consistency, but his effort level is good enough that it shouldn’t be a liability in the NHL. He projects as a potential top-six forward with the potential to be a second-line center if he hits.

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Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Islanders

Nesbitt trended up significantly this season, becoming an important player on a deep Windsor team. Nesbitt is a very skilled center with great size. He can beat players one-on-one at a high rate off the rush and shows a lot of offensive creativity inside the offensive zone. He’s smart and makes a lot of intelligent plays, showing the vision to score in the NHL. He’s a big man who plays heavy and is a reliable 200-foot player, who Windsor kept playing more as the season went on, and leaned on during important games. His skating stride is heavy, though, and he will struggle to get by NHL defensemen with his foot speed. The hope is that the rest of his game is so good it won’t be a major issue. He has top-six forward potential and could be a second-line center.

Photo:

Natalie Shaver / OHL Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Flyers

Edstrom was quite good versus men in the SHL and was a top player on Sweden’s World Juniors team. He isn’t a center who makes a ton of highlight-reel plays, but he’s an easily likable player. He’s big and fast, competes hard and creates a lot of offense in the high percentage areas. He has good enough hands and vision to make difficult plays with the puck and projects to have reasonable amounts of offense at the NHL level. He’s just a player who checks a lot of boxes, and with his size, he could be a solid two-way second-line center or an excellent third-line center.

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Bjorn Larsson Rosvall / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Predators

Bonk was one of the top defensemen in the OHL again this season and a leader on the Memorial Cup champions. His game doesn’t have a ton of highlights in it, but there’s a lot of substance. He’s a very smart and smooth puck mover who makes a lot of good decisions. Bonk has the NHL speed and skill to rush pucks up and make tough plays, but you won’t see him try to be a hero. He makes stops due to his length, feet and brain, although I’d like to see him be a bit harder to play against physically. He checks a lot of boxes you want in a two-way NHL defenseman, and he should eat up minutes at the next level.

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Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Flyers

Jiříček missed the first half of the season due to a lower-body injury he sustained in his draft season. When healthy, he’s a 6-2 right-shot who skates quite well. His skating allows him to make a lot of stops and be strong going back to retrieve pucks. Jiříček uses his big body well and competes for pucks. Offensively, he doesn’t stand out, but he has more skill than his lackluster point totals this season suggest. He has decent hands and moves pucks efficiently. He will never do anything truly spectacular on the ice, but his type of steady two-way defenseman tends to play a lot of NHL games.

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Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Blues

Mrtka’s season started off with limited minutes in Czechia’s top league, so he made the midseason move to the WHL, where he often ended up playing half the game for Seattle. Mrtka has the look of an NHL defenseman, as there aren’t many 6-6 defenders who can skate and handle the puck well. On his best shifts, Mrtka makes a major impact with how he can make stops and get up into the attack. He has some offense, with good hands and offensive instincts, but I wouldn’t call him a projected power-play type in the NHL, as I don’t see a player who thinks the game at a super high level. Mrtka uses his size well enough to make stops. You’d like him to be a bit meaner at times, but he gives a strong effort and will break up a lot of plays due to his natural athleticism. He projects as a second-pair defenseman.

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Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Sabres

Bear was a leading player on a top team in the WHL this season before an injury knocked him out for the remainder of the year. He’s a very skilled forward with the quick-twitch hands and high-end creativity to create offense at the NHL level. He makes a lot of plays through defenders and to his teammates. Bear’s skill stands out and the way he creates offense should likely translate to higher levels. He gets to the net to generate chances, plays fast and is a good enough skater. He’s also a highly physical winger who creates a lot of chances in traffic. He projects as a top-six winger who coaches will feel comfortable using in any situation.

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Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Red Wings

Iginla’s season was shortened in November due to hip surgery. The son of Jarome Iginla, Tij is a very talented offensive player when healthy. 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 quickly, and he can pick corners. He gets to the inside to score as well and displays a strong effort away from the puck. His pure sense and playmaking don’t stand out like the rest of his game, though. He projects as a top-six winger.

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Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Mammoth

Brandsegg-Nygård didn’t have a standout season in the SHL, but he played a regular shift on a good team. He’s a well-rounded forward and a good skater. He has strong puck skills and a great shot, which makes him often a threat to score from mid-distance. He has average size, but he’s strong on pucks, 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. Even if he’s not very dynamic, Brandsegg-Nygård has a game that should lend itself to success versus men, and he could be a top-six winger in the NHL.

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Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Red Wings

Carbonneau has been a top player in the QMJHL. He’s a very strong skater and puck handler who can beat defenders one-on-one at full flight. He’s a physically developed winger who plays hard and can win puck battles fairly often. His style of play is highly translatable to the NHL game with the pace and effort in his shifts. He has a great shot and is often a threat to score from the faceoff dots with his one-timer. The one issue with Carbonneau is that his decision-making at times is questionable, and I wouldn’t call him a natural playmaker. He projects as a top-six winger.

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Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Blues

Yurov took a minor step back in production this season, but he was still an important player for his KHL team. He is highly talented with a ton of skill in his game and is a good skater. He attacks with pace in a game that looks likely to translate to the NHL. Yurov is a strong playmaker and finisher, too. He’s not overly physical, but Yurov works hard enough and has shown he can play a reliable center against men. He projects as a potential top-six forward in the NHL, although if he’s a center, it may be on a third line.

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Nick Wosika / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Wild

Chernyshov had a great season. He missed the first half of the year due to injury, but when he returned, he dominated the OHL scoring, averaging over two points per game for Saginaw. 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 has a decent shot from range. Chernyshov has some dynamic offensive traits, but I would like to see him attack the net more. He’s often too content to stay on the perimeter and isn’t a true high-effort type. He projects as a top-six winger in the NHL.

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Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Sharks

Miroshnichenko was an important part of a top AHL team in Hershey. He didn’t get much ice time in the NHL, but he remains on track to become a top-six winger. He’s a well-rounded forward who has a pro-style game. He’s a strong skater with a high skill level who is a natural goal scorer. He has a big one-timer and is a threat to score from the dots. Miroshnichenko competes hard and doesn’t shy away from physical play. His vision isn’t his selling point, but it’s good enough.

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Eric Bolte / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Capitals

Ravensbergen was up and down this season after a standout rookie year in the WHL. His numbers are average, but his toolkit is highly desirable for an NHL team, and he was still one of the better goalies in the WHL. He’s very athletic with the quick twitch in his lower half of a 6-1 goaltender despite being 6-5. He anticipates the play well and is quite aggressive in challenging shooters with his big frame. He can be a bit over-aggressive and chaotic in net, bouncing/flopping around too much. His reads do concern me at times, but for the most part, he’s in the right place. He can make a lot of tough saves and does so in a way that makes him look like a potential starting goaltender in the NHL.

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Dennis Pajot / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Sharks

Zavragin took significant steps this season, becoming the starting goalie for SKA as a teenager. He came out of the gates flying and hit a wall mid-season, which is somewhat understandable. He’s a super athletic goalie who can make a lot of difficult saves. He has the lateral quickness to make NHL saves. He’s also an aggressive player who cuts off angles well. He can be a little over-aggressive and chaotic in net, but his reads tend to be good, and he squares up a lot of pucks. He has a loud toolkit and looks like a player with the potential to be a starting goalie in the NHL.

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Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Flyers

Yegorov was up and down to start the year and left the USHL midseason to go to Boston University, where he was arguably the best goalie in college hockey from when he arrived. Yegorov has clear pro potential. He’s nearly 6-5 and moves quite well in the net. He has the ability to make difficult NHL-level saves with consistency. Yegorov cleaned up his game more this season, making good reads and not letting as many soft goals through or sprawling as much. His game can be a little chaotic at times, but part of that is due to how quickly he moves. He’s trending toward being a legit starting goalie in the NHL.

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Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 5

Devils

Tier 6

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Dvorský had a successful season, being a top player for his AHL team in Springfield as a 19-year-old. Dvorský had previously had his struggles versus men in Sweden, so it was great to see his game develop. Dvorský is a very talented offensive player. He has a high skill level and is high-end at breaking down opponents one-on-one. He sees the ice well, and he has a clear NHL shot, making him a constant threat to score goals from the perimeter. He plays on the perimeter a bit too much, though, leaning on his shot. Dvorský competes well enough, but given his subpar skating stride, you would like to see his overall energy level be higher more consistently. He projects as a top-six forward due to his pure offensive tools, but I could see him being pushed to the wing unless he rounds out his game.

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Jeff Curry / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blues

Sillinger had his best season in the NHL to date. He played a lot of minutes, including on both special teams, for Columbus. Sillinger is a skilled center who can provide offense, but what makes him truly appealing is his compete. He plays with an edge and isn’t afraid to throw around his body. He creates offense at the net and is responsible off the puck. He has a scoring touch, even if the natural offense in his game is a minor question in terms of whether he’ll be a big-time scorer who makes a ton of plays. His foot speed is also not great. He’s a player coaches will want to play a lot due to his compete and could be a great long-term second-line center.

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Stephen Brashear / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blue Jackets

Mateychuk impressed in his first pro season. He stood out in the AHL and quickly earned a call-up to Columbus, where he stuck. 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 puck handler who makes a lot of tough plays at full flight. I wouldn’t call him a true top-tier playmaker, but he projects to get his points in the NHL due to having enough skill and sense and a big point shot. He gives a good effort, and with his feet, he should be a competent defender as a pro, even though he’s on the smaller side. Mateychuk projects as a top-four defenseman.

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Jason Mowry / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blue Jackets

Coronato has developed into one of the most important players on the Flames. He had a great rookie pro season in 2023-24. 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 works hard. He has excellent hands and can make difficult plays, but Coronato is more of a shooter. He has a natural shooting technique with a lot of snap and can beat pro goalies from range. Coronato is talented, but it’s not a special small winger talent, so he will need to bring his best every game, which to date he has done. He looks like a legit top-six winger.

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Sergei Belski / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Flames

Korchinski was solid in the AHL this season, although I’m sure Chicago fans had slightly higher expectations for a player who was in the NHL all of last season. Korchinski is a wonderful skater, with clear NHL foot speed and edge work. He’s quite skilled and creative with the puck, sees the ice well and creates a lot of offense at an NHL tempo. I wouldn’t call him a high-end passer, and he creates more with his feet than his sense. Despite his skating, his defensive play is a question mark, mostly due to a lack of physicality in his game. He’s so talented overall that I still see a top-four defenseman in the NHL.

Photo:

Sergei Belski / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blackhawks

Molendyk was a top defenseman in the WHL and for Canada’s U20 team. He’s an excellent skater, and his 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. He’s average-sized and works hard, and while he isn’t overly physical, he will engage when he needs to. He is a player coaches tend to trust and could be a second-pair defenseman in the NHL.

Photo:

Danny Murphy / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Predators

Reid was a big-minute defenseman for Kitchener and also played top-four minutes for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He’s a likable player in a lot of regards: a dynamic, powerful skater who closes on pucks quickly and can get the play going up the ice due to his feet. He’s average-sized but competes well and is a physical player. He makes efforts defensively and coaches trust him. Reid has strong enough puck skills and vision. He can create offense off the rush and from the offensive blue line, with flashes of high-end skill, although I don’t see him as a true NHL power-play type. Despite his average size, Reid projects to make NHL stops due to how good a skater he is. He projects as a second-pair defenseman.

Photo:

Natalie Shaver / OHL Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Predators

Willander was a top player in Hockey East and for Sweden’s World Junior team. Willander’s skating is his main asset. He has a quick, powerful skating stride and easily gets up the ice, which allows him to close on checks well and be a quality defender, especially when combined with having some physicality in his game. Offensively, he’s solid. He shows some blue-line poise and can make skilled plays with the puck, although I don’t see a true NHL power-play type. He projects as a steady two-way second-pair defenseman.

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Brace Hemmelgarn / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Canucks

Boumedienne went to school as a 17-year-old, and it was a major adjustment as the youngest player in the NCAA, but he was better in the second half of the season as a top-four defenseman on a top BU team. He was also one of the best defensemen at the U18 worlds. His skating gets you excited about his NHL projection. He has NHL foot speed and edge work, and his stride gets him around the ice effortlessly. He closes on gaps and retrieves pucks like a pro. His puck game is good, but not amazing. He makes plays and has above-average skills, but he doesn’t project as a major offensive type at the higher levels, and his decision-making with the puck can be questionable at times. The hope with Boumedienne is that with his skating, he can be a steady first-pass type who can make stops and eat minutes, even if he doesn’t truly stand out at either end.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Jets

Rinzel was the best defenseman in the Big Ten this season and impressed briefly in the NHL upon signing with Chicago. Rinzel’s tools are obvious as a huge right-shot defenseman who can skate and has legit offensive skills. He’s not a high-end playmaker, but he’s creative with the puck and makes plays from both ends of the rink as a passer. Rinzel’s defending has progressed, adding more bite and overall being steadier. His game is still more offensively tilted, though, in terms of skill and transition being the main drivers of his value. He projects as a top-four defenseman in the NHL.

Photo:

Talia Sprague / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blackhawks

Fiddler is a defenseman with a lot of NHL traits. To start, at 6-4, he’s much bigger than his father, Vernon. He also skates quite well for his size. Fiddler closes on his checks quite well and gets up the ice efficiently. He competes well on the ice, uses his big body to win pucks and makes a lot of defensive plays. He shows flashes of excellent offensive skill, and on the rush, he’s quite dangerous due to his great wingspan and skill. His vision is just OK. He doesn’t see the ice well and makes too many poor decisions for my liking. I don’t see a true NHL power-play type, but he has enough puck play in his game to go with his great athleticism to be a legit pro prospect who could play a lot of minutes in the NHL.

Photo:

Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Kraken

Greentree was one of the top forwards in the OHL. 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 players over. He can score at the net and is able to finish from the faceoff dots. The main concern about Greentree is his pace. He’s a lackluster skater, and his compete level isn’t high-end enough to compensate. The size and skill combo is so good that he could still be a top-six winger, but I could see him frustrating coaches at times.

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Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Kings

Honzek had an up-and-down year. He made the Flames briefly out of camp before going down to the AHL, where he was fine but not overly impactful. He’s big, skates quite well for his size and has offense in his game. I don’t think he’s a natural playmaker, but he has skill, sees the ice well enough to make some difficult passes and can create chances with pace. Honzek is also good around the net and competes hard at both ends of the ice. He projects as a middle-six winger.

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Steven Bisig / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Flames

But came out of the gates flying this season in the KHL, although he hit a wall mid-year and struggled to score in the second half of the season, albeit in limited minutes for a top KHL team in Lokomotiv. He is a large, highly skilled forward who 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. But isn’t blazing fast, but for a player his size, he can get up the ice quite well. His effort level is OK. It’s not a problem, but I wouldn’t call him a hard-to-play-against type, and this year he didn’t get to the net as much as I’ve seen in the past. He has the tools to be a top-six winger in the NHL, but ideally, he could be a little more consistent and learn how to use his big body more.

Photo:

Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Mammoth

Lakovic was the best player on a poor Moose Jaw team, but his body of work, plus his athleticism, is impressive. He’s a 6-4 winger who skates quite well for his size. He has a powerful and fluid stride and can easily avoid checkers. Lakovic is a creative offensive player with the hands to make defenders miss often. He sees the ice well enough, but scouts aren’t fully convinced on that aspect of his game. He’s more of a scorer than a passer with a legit mid-range shot. His compete level is mediocre. It won’t hold him back at the top level, but I wouldn’t call him a hard-to-play-against type who makes full use of his big frame, and he plays too much on the outside. He projects as a top-six winger.

Photo:

Dennis Pajot / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Capitals

Connelly was up and down in college this season, scoring only four goals for Providence, although he scored four points in six AHL games after turning pro toward the end of the season. Connelly is a very talented winger. He’s a dynamic skater with clear NHL foot speed and edge work. He’s a great puck handler who makes a ton of difficult plays at an elite tempo. Connelly isn’t a great playmaker, but he sees the ice well enough and can flank a power play. His decision-making isn’t the best, though, as well as his consistency and discipline, which are connected to character flags that have dogged him for years. He projects as a middle-six winger.

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Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Golden Knights

Bichsel split time between the AHL and NHL this season, getting regular ice time for Dallas in the second half of the year. Bichsel is a big, mean, mobile defenseman. He plays hard and projects to make a lot of NHL stops due to how well he skates for his size, on top of the physicality. The questions about him will come down to puck play. He has some skill, but it’s inconsistent, and he fights the puck at times. He looks like a career NHL defenseman, and with a bit of offense in his play, he could be a top-four D.

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Jerome Miron / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Stars

Benson was a solid player for Buffalo, playing regular minutes and repeating his numbers from his 18-year-old season. He has a lot of positive traits in his game. He’s full of skill and offensive creativity, and makes a lot of high-end plays with the puck through defenders and to teammates. What drives his game, though, is his work ethic. He’s a tireless competitor, which has allowed him to have so much success despite average natural athleticism. Benson goes to the net to score, wins way more battles than you’d expect versus men and projects as a two-way NHL winger who has already killed penalties as a teenager. Benson’s size and lack of explosive speed are the knocks on him, though. It’s why despite all his talent and compete, some scouts still wonder about his long-term upside, and he projects more as a middle-six winger.

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Timothy T. Ludwig / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sabres

Blake was one of the biggest surprise stories of the season in how he quickly became an important player for Carolina. Blake is fun to watch because he’s super skilled and smart, with excellent vision to create a lot for his teammates. He easily breaks down opponents with his skill, and with a strong wrist shot, he has all the tools to run a pro power play. His skating is fine with good elusiveness, but he lacks the pull-away speed you’d want in a smaller player. He competes hard and gets to the net, so despite his size and lack of blazing speed, he showed he could handle the NHL due to his effort level. He has the makings of a legit middle-six winger.

Photo:

Josh Lavallee / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Hurricanes

Lekkerimäki was very productive in the AHL in his first season in North America. He earned time in the NHL but wasn’t that impactful. Lekkerimäki has tremendous offensive skills. He’s a slick one-on-one handler who can make a lot of difficult plays with the puck through defenders and to teammates. He has a high-end shot, both as a wrist shot and a one-timer and is a constant threat to score from the faceoff dots. On the power play, there’s no doubting his value. At even strength, as a good but not great skater and small winger who stays on the outside, some scouts do wonder how his game will translate. I think he competes just hard enough to be a middle-six scoring winger, but I have my doubts about whether he will earn a coach’s trust in every game.

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Bob Frid / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Canucks

Öhgren was very good in the AHL in his first year in North America, scoring at a point-per-game rate and earning plenty of games with the NHL team. He won’t land on many highlight reels, but he does a lot of things well. He has good skill and speed. He’s very good at creating offense between the circles and projects as a bumper or net-front type on an NHL power play. He also has a great wrist shot and has the touch to score goals from the perimeter. Öhgren’s not overly creative with the puck and won’t drive a line offensively, but he competes hard and could be a steady two-way winger whom coaches trust.

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Steve Roberts / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Wild

Samoskevich became a full-time NHL player this season for Florida with some very good stretches of play. He’s a talented winger with a lot of NHL offensive traits. He’s a quick skater with very good hands who can create scoring chances with speed. He also has an excellent shot and is a threat to score from range. Samoskevich has improved his effort over time, but he does still tend to stay too much on the outside of the offensive zone. He projects as a middle-six scoring winger.

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Sam Navarro / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Panthers

Hämeenaho was one of the best forwards in Liiga this season and earned a regular role on Finland’s senior team at the World Championships. He’s a well-rounded winger whose game translates up levels. He’s a good skater and puck handler who can create chances for himself and others with pace. He’s a creative playmaker who can flank a pro power play. Hämeenaho has the shot, vision and hands to project to score in the NHL. He’s not overly physical, but he competes hard enough and wins battles. He projects as a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Bjorn Larsson Rosvall / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Devils

Kulich played with the Sabres nearly all season, scoring 15 goals in 62 games. Other than his shot and goal-scoring ability, he lacks elite traits, but he does a lot well. He’s a strong skater with good hands and vision who can make plays in transition. Kulich is a consistent, hardworking forward. He won’t run guys over, but he wins a lot of battles and gives a strong effort. Kulich’s shot is a consistent threat. He can pick corners from a long way out with his wrist shot and one-timer. He projects as a third-line center or second-line winger.

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Timothy T. Ludwig / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sabres

Bolduc had a very positive season, following up a so-so first pro campaign by making the Blues and helping them win games. Bolduc’s always had impressive talent, which is why he was a mid-first-round pick. He’s a strong skater with very good hands and offensive IQ, and a big-time shot from range. The issues in his game have always been without the puck. I don’t think that’s his calling card by any means, but he showed notable improvement this season in particular by getting to the inside more and not being afraid of contact. The steps he’s taken this season have him looking like a clear middle-six winger.

Photo:

Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Canadiens

Nelson was a major-minutes center for Notre Dame and one of Team USA’s best players in their gold-medal effort at the World Juniors. He’s a 6-3 center who can skate well and has some offense. His skill isn’t what makes him appealing; it’s his compete and hardness to go with his natural athleticism. Nelson is physical, gets to the net, is responsible without the puck and kills penalties well. He doesn’t make a ton of plays, but he could chip in goals at the next level. He projects as a highly likable third-line center.

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John Mersits / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Islanders

Stramel had a tremendous bounce-back season at Michigan State after his play went off the rails at Wisconsin. He played major minutes on one of the top teams in college. Stramel’s pure offense may never wow you, but he’s a big, fast and highly physical center who showed a reliable two-way game against bigger players. Stramel also displayed flashes of potential secondary offense versus men. He has good hands and can make enough plays to chip in. He projects as a hard-to-play-against third-line center whose compete, size and edge will make him a favorite for his coach.

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Nick King / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Wild

Solberg’s season in the SHL went OK. He played a third-pair role for Färjestad. Solberg’s pure talent won’t stand out, but the way he plays is quite likable. He’s a hyper physical defenseman who plays with an edge and wins a lot of pucks. He closes on gaps well and breaks up a good number of plays. He’s a very good defender due to his combination of size, mobility and compete. Offensively, I don’t see top-end puck play, but he can transition enough pucks with his skating and first pass. He projects to be a legit full-time NHL defenseman as a 4/5 type who could be a coach and fan favorite due to his compete.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Ducks

Brunicke was good in the WHL when he returned from injury and held his own versus men in the AHL, even getting pre-tournament games for Canada at the senior level. Brunicke is a toolsy defenseman. He’s 6-3, skates well and has a strong offensive skill level. On his best shifts, with the way he can rush up ice and activate off the blue line, he looks like a longtime NHL defenseman. Brunicke can make some tough plays, but he forces a lot of his decisions and doesn’t always see the ice well. Defensively, though, he’s quite good. Brunicke plays hard, closing on plays with his feet and body effectively and is often trusted by coaches in tough situations. He has a lot of NHL potential.

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Jeanine Leech / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Penguins

Cowan wasn’t quite as dominant in the OHL this year as he was in 2023-24, but he was still a top player. He’s a tenacious player who is always around the puck and plays with a high energy level. He isn’t big, but he wins battles and creates offense in the high-percentage areas. Cowan is a strong skating winger who’s also very skilled, sees the ice well and has perimeter offense. Whether his offense in the NHL will be special is debatable right now, and he’s not the most dynamic 5-11 forward you will ever see, but his compete level should make him a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Maple Leafs

Spence struggled at times in the first half of the season, but his game started improving offensively as the year went along. He has a great track record as well, including being a top player for Canada’s U18 team multiple times. Spence’s compete is excellent and the calling card of his game. He’s a tenacious worker who wins a ton of battles and gets to many pucks due to his length, speed and effort. He comes back hard and is a great two-way forward. Spence has good offensive skills and sense and can create chances with pace, but I wouldn’t call him a dynamic or overly creative player with the puck. His finishing touch is, at times, a minor question, but he gets a lot of greasy-area goals. He can be a very likable middle-six winger who coaches will use a lot.

Photo:

Kevin Sousa / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Rangers

Mintyukov’s second NHL season had more bumps than his rookie campaign. There’s no doubting the pure talent level in his game. He’s an NHL-level skater and puck handler, and when he’s rushing the puck or activating off the point, he can be quite dangerous. It’s not completely clear what his role would be to a contending NHL team. He’s athletic, but he’s not overly physical or a great defender. He’s creative, but I wouldn’t call him a super smart playmaker who’s a prototypical PP1 type either. He’s so toolsy that he will likely find a way to have a long and productive career, but there’s more uncertainty with Mintyukov than there was a year ago.

Photo:

Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Ducks

Yager was a top forward in the WHL this season, wrapping up a promising junior career. He’s a talented forward, albeit one who lacks spectacular elements. He skates and handles the puck very well, can make plays and has a big shot from range with a smooth weight transfer in his release. For a 6-foot forward, I don’t see him as a true driver of offense at higher levels, which isn’t ideal. Rather, he’s a hardworking center who can create some offense and be a player coaches rely on at both ends. He projects as a middle-six forward or a potential third-line center.

Photo:

James Carey Lauder / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Jets

Helenius was an important player for Rochester as an 18-year-old. He’s a highly skilled playmaker who can make a lot of difficult passes consistently. He shows the vision to run a pro power play effectively. He skates well and creates a lot of offense with pace for himself and others. He has all the offensive tools to score at the highest levels; the debate will be whether his game will translate. Helenius isn’t the biggest center, plays on the outside too much and can give inconsistent efforts. When he’s dialed in, he can tilt the ice, though. He projects as a middle-six forward who I could see ending up on the wing. If he rounds out his game, he could be a third-line center.

Photo:

Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sabres

Östlund was a big-minute player for Rochester and one of the better overall rookies in the AHL this season. He is very talented with great hands and speed, and the ability to make a lot of plays with pace. He’s an excellent passer who sees the ice at a high level. Östlund is more of a pass-first type of center, but he has quite a good shot and can score from range, which, combined with his IQ, lets him run a power play very well. He’s not that big or physical, but he gives a solid effort. Östlund is a good all-around player, but whether he’s truly dynamic enough at his size is a minor question in his game for the NHL level. He has the tools to be a potential third-line center or second-line winger, though.

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Eric Bolte / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sabres

Boisvert was one of the best freshmen in the NCHC. He’s a big body center who checks a lot of boxes for the NHL. He skates like an NHL forward, and with a high skill level, he’s able to create a lot of controlled entries. Boisvert has a great shot and is a threat to score from the dots. He sees the ice well, although his vision isn’t a true plus trait in his game. Off the puck, he’s decent, although he plays on the perimeter a bit too much. Boisvert won’t land on highlight reels, but he could be a third-line forward, potentially down the middle.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blackhawks

Surin played a limited but helpful role on the KHL champions in Lokomotiv. He is an easy player to like: a skilled forward who can create a lot of offense. He displays quality vision and finishing touch, and skates well, too. What drives his game, though, is that Surin is a hyper-competitive forward. 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 an NHL third-line center or second-line winger.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Predators

Moore was an important player on a top Minnesota team and won his second straight World Junior gold medal. He’s an exceptional skater. Moore’s edge work is elite, and he generates a ton of power from each stride. He isn’t overly physical, but he works hard, gets to the net, can PK and projects as a good two-way NHL forward. The question about Moore will be exactly how much offense he’ll have. He has good skills, but he doesn’t see the ice at a high level and isn’t a natural finisher. The hope is that he has so much pace and possession in his game that he could be a steady middle-six forward/third-line center.

Photo:

Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blackhawks

Gastrin is a good-sized center who skates well and competes hard. The captain of Sweden’s age group, he’s a responsible two-way player who creates offense at the net front very well. He has skill, and while I would not describe him as a dynamic offensive type by any means, he makes enough plays to go with his responsible two-way play to make me think he could be a middle-six NHL center.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Capitals

Bystedt played big minutes for the Barracuda in his first season in North America. He’s a huge center who can skate quite well and power his way to pucks when he wants to. He has good hands, vision and finishing touch, and can create quite a bit of offense from the perimeter. Bystedt isn’t overly physical, but he’s reliable without the puck and often killed penalties for the Barracuda. He’s trending toward being a potential third-line center in the NHL.

Photo:

Adam Ihse / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sharks

Miettinen was an important part of a top Everett team in the WHL and for Finland’s U20 team. Miettinen is a big-body center who checks a lot of boxes. He’s a strong skater with good offensive skills. He has the one-on-one play to beat pro defensemen and do so with pace. He has solid vision and offensive IQ, showing the ability to create chances off the perimeter. Miettinen isn’t highly physical, but he’s good around the net and can use his big body to generate offense. He works hard enough without the puck and is a responsible two-way player. He projects as a third-line center in the NHL.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Kraken

Hensler didn’t have a huge draft season, but he was still a top-four defenseman for Wisconsin and held his own at the World Juniors for Team USA. He’s a 6-2, mobile right-shot with strong offensive skills and playmaking ability. At his best, his offensive touch can stand out, and I’ve seen him break games open. That player has shown up inconsistently over the years, though. His defending is OK. His length and feet will allow him to make stops and retrieve effectively in the NHL, but he’s not a super-hard-to-play-against type. Hensler doesn’t stand out at any one thing, but he does enough things well that he should be a solid NHL defenseman.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Senators

Pieniniemi was among the biggest risers in the prospect world this season. He came over to North America and immediately made an impact for Kingston. He was also one of the best defensemen at the World Juniors for Finland. He’s a 6-2 defenseman who can skate and makes a lot of stops. Pieniniemi’s puck play has been inconsistent in previous years, but this season, he displayed more poise and playmaking. I don’t envision him as an NHL power-play type, but he can make reliable outlets and decisions while ticking a lot of other traits coaches will covet. He looks on track to become a legit NHL defenseman.

Photo:

Jussi Nukari / AP Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Penguins

Iorio hasn’t broken through in the NHL, but he’s consistently been an important player on top Hershey clubs in the AHL. He’s a big right-shot defenseman who skates quite well for his size. 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 he doesn’t play the body much. He will get a chance with Washington at some point, and my bet is he will look like an NHLer when he gets into games consistently.

Photo:

Patrick Smith / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Capitals

Brzustewicz played a notable role on a strong London team this season, appearing at times on both special teams. He’s a tall right-shot who skates well and doesn’t shy away from using his feet to jump up into the attack. He’s a skilled and creative player with the puck. Brzustewicz can make plays through opponents, hit seams in the offensive zone and create offense on the move. Defensively, he’s reliable, using his length and feet to close on pucks and getting back to retrieve efficiently while also having an edge in his game. He’s been a sharp riser this season, a story we’ve heard often with London players developing well. I could see more offense coming from him with more opportunity.

Photo:

Kevin Sousa / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Kings

Cristall was one of the very best forwards in the CHL this season. He’s a super creative offensive player with excellent hands and vision. Inside the offensive zone, Cristall makes a ton of positive things happen. His small-area play is high-end, and he runs a power play like a pro due to his playmaking and finishing abilities. He gets to the net often enough to create chances, too. Cristall’s issues have never been with the puck; it’s all about his skating. He has a powerful enough stride, but he is a technically odd skater who is naturally knock-kneed. This could cause issues in the NHL, as he can get by junior defenders, but it may not work at the highest levels. The hope is he’s just so good with the puck he can find a way to help a power play and be OK at even strength.

Photo:

David Reginek / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Capitals

Artamonov was an important player for Torpedo, leading the team in goals and points as a teenager in the KHL. 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. Artamonov isn’t that big or physical, but he can create in the tough areas. He has the traits to help an NHL power play as a flank type and be a decent middle-six even-strength contributor.

Photo:

Maksim Konstantinov / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Hurricanes

Stenberg wasn’t great in the SHL this season, but he was a top player for Sweden’s U20 team and was quite good when he came over to the AHL. He’s 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. Stenberg isn’t the biggest forward, but he gives an honest effort and doesn’t shy away from going into traffic. He’s a highly creative offensive player who can make difficult handles and passes. Stenberg’s development wasn’t going well in Sweden, but how well he showed toward the end of the year displayed promise for his NHL projection. He projects as a top-nine winger.

Photo:

Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blues

Protas had a fantastic season as one of the very best players in the OHL, scoring at a two-points-per-game rate. He’s a very skilled forward. His creativity and vision with the puck are high-end. Protas sees plays that others don’t and finds seams in the offensive zone quickly. He can project to run a pro power play due to his playmaking and having a decent shot, too. His skating is heavy and will be an issue in the NHL. Some Caps fans will see similarities to the same issue for his brother, who’s become a major player for them. I would say Ilya doesn’t play quite as hard as Aliaksei, but may have better offensive touch at the same age. Protas projects as a middle-six forward, be it a third-line center or a second-line winger.

Photo:

Natalie Shaver / OHL Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Capitals

Barlow’s start to the season went quite poorly, but his game picked up as the year went along, especially in the playoffs for Oshawa. Barlow isn’t the flashiest player by any means. He’s a good skater and puck handler, but he doesn’t project to break down NHL defensemen with his puck play. Barlow’s calling card is his shot. He has a bullet one-timer and was a constant threat throughout his OHL career to score from the dots. He’s a hard worker with a decent frame who will be able to win puck battles. His offensive inconsistency is a concern, and there’s a chance he can’t make enough plays to stick in an NHL lineup, but he’s such a gifted goal scorer that if he scores 15-20 annually, he could be a middle-six winger.

Photo:

James Carey Lauder / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Jets

Wahlberg was a valuable player for Rochester as a teenager in the AHL and for Sweden’s U20 team. He can move very well for his size and has legit offensive skills. The way he can pull pucks past opposing defensemen while moving at a fast pace looks like an NHL forward. He plays a direct style, and with his frame and speed, he can get to the net very well. I don’t think he’s overly physical, but he creates offense in the high-traffic areas. Wahlberg’s pure playmaking isn’t the best, and he projects as a secondary scorer at the NHL level, but with his great athleticism plus his touch with the puck, he could be a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Bjorn Larsson Rosvall / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sabres

Sale’s year started off well for a teenager in the AHL, and he was good at the World Juniors. He hit a wall midseason, though, and struggled to produce in the second half. He’s a big, fast winger with high-end offensive skills. On his best shift, he can look dynamic and break open a game with his offensive creativity and scoring ability. However, those best shifts are infrequent. He has a tendency to fade into the background and not be a factor for long stretches. The talent should get him games, and he could even be a middle-six winger in the NHL, but he will likely be a frustrating one for coaches.

Photo:

Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Kraken

Horcoff, the son of former NHLer Shawn Horcoff, was doing just OK to start the year at the U.S. NTDP. He left midseason to join Michigan, where his game took off, making a real difference for his team at the college level as a U18 player. He’s a very skilled big man who can make small-man-type plays in tight areas. He sees the ice at a high level and has a creative offensive mind. Horcoff is also good enough in the hard areas and can play the body when he needs to. The issues in his game at the top level will all come down to pace. I’ve seen slower 6-5 guys, but his first few steps are going to be a struggle in the NHL. The rest of his game is good enough, though, that I see a projected middle-six winger.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Penguins

Ihs-Wozniak has had highly impressive stretches over the last 18 months where he’s dominated the Swedish junior ranks, but he’s also had stretches that make you question whether he will be an NHL player. I have no doubts about the tools. Forwards who are 6-2, can skate, have a lot of offensive skill and can shoot the puck are difficult to find, and Ihs-Wozniak looks like a potential scoring winger versus men. I’d like to see him compete a bit harder at times, and I don’t think he’s a true playmaker, either. His game can lack a pulse, and I don’t think he’s so absurdly talented to overcome that issue. His tools should get him games, but I’m unsure if he can stick in the league.

Photo:

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Golden Knights

Prokhorov has trended up significantly as the season has progressed, including a great recent performance for Russia’s U18 team. Prokhorov is a huge winger with very good hands. He can make a lot of skilled plays in open ice, at full speed and in traffic. He’s a very physical forward who leans into guys with his big body and plays a direct style. Prokhorov isn’t blazing fast, but he moves well for his size and can skate at the higher levels. He isn’t a natural playmaker or scorer, and he can force plays, but he should generate enough chances, especially in the high percentage areas, which leads to being a coach’s favorite. He could be a hard-to-play-against top-six winger.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Islanders

Hage had an impressive freshman season as a leading part of Michigan’s team. He’s a very talented forward with the speed, hands and hockey sense of an NHL player. Hage is very dangerous coming up the ice with speed and can make a ton of highly creative plays at an NHL pace. He’s also a strong playmaker who can run a power play due to his vision and shot. In his best games, Hage can be dominant, but he has a history of being inconsistent or streaky. He also plays on the outside too much, and despite being a center, the way he plays could push him to the wing in the NHL.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Canadiens

Potter left the U.S. NTDP following his U17 season, changing his commitment from Michigan State to Arizona State and beginning his college career early. It was a risky decision, but the early dividends have been positive. He looked very good for Arizona State and helped them in a meaningful way as a 17-year-old. Potter’s skating is elite. His edge work plus foot speed are both clearly NHL quality. He will be able to generate a lot of controlled entries in the NHL due to his feet and a very high skill level. Potter is more of a one-on-one and shooter type of forward than a playmaker, even though he can make plays. For a smaller forward, I would like to see Potter not stay on the perimeter as much as he does, but he has enough interior offense that I think he can score in the NHL as a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Flames

Mailloux had another great year in the AHL as a top player for Laval. He has an exciting toolkit as a big right-shot defenseman who skates well and has legit skill. On his best shifts when he’s carrying the puck up ice or launching a bomb from the point, he looks like a top-four defenseman in the NHL. With his reach, feet and some physicality, he’s a solid enough defender, too. Mailloux’s biggest issue is his hockey sense. He makes iffy decisions with and without the puck, and it could hold him back from being a legit big-minutes defenseman in the NHL. His talent is good enough that he should be a regular NHLer, though.

Photo:

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blues

Rehkopf was a top scorer again in the OHL as a leading part of a top offense in Brampton. He’s a tall forward who can play center or wing, but his style of play is likely suited for the wing at the next level. He’s a good skater with strong offensive skills who can play fast. Rehkopf’s main asset is his shot as he’s a goal-scoring threat from mid-distance. He has good enough vision and is overall great on the power play. Rehkopf is full of talent, but his effort is quite inconsistent. He has had too many quiet games and didn’t dominate this season like one would think he should have for his talent. He projects as a middle-six winger because of the great skill, size and speed combination, but he could frustrate fans and coaches along the way.

Photo:

Bjorn Larsson Rosvall / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Kraken

Wood was very good in the Big Ten before turning pro with Nashville, although he was a bit of a surprise cut from Canada’s U20 team after making it the previous season. When he’s on, Wood can create a lot of offense. He has excellent one-on-one skills, vision and ability to finish from range, which makes him lethal on the power play. Wood is a big winger as well and can use his length to maintain possession. However, his skating is an issue as he lacks the ability to separate. It’s his feet combined with his inconsistent effort/perimeter player that leads to some questions on how his skill will translate. He projects as a middle-six winger who will get points, but he could test his coach’s patience.

Photo:

Steve Roberts / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Predators

West is a very interesting prospect. He’s huge at 6-6 and quite athletic in how easily he gets around the ice. That athleticism is also why he is being recruited as a D1 football player. He’s a better hockey prospect than a football prospect, but he’s been indecisive about which sport he prefers. On the ice, you see the talent. The speed and skill for his size are very unique. He creates a lot of controlled entries due to that combination. West’s compete is average, though, as well as his playmaking. He started off the season slow, but was very good in the big games in Minnesota’s high school league and in the USHL this spring. He has middle-six forward potential if the offense clicks at higher levels.

Photo:

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blackhawks

Cossa came out of the gates flying this season to dominate the AHL level, but he fell off in the second half. He has very good athletic tools as a huge goalie who moves very well for his size. He can make a lot of difficult lateral saves and has highlight-reel potential. I’ve found that at times his game can be busy and chaotic, which can lead to inconsistent play. If you see Cossa in his best games, he looks like a starting NHL goalie, but those off games can be quite concerning. At the moment, I see him as a tandem type.

Photo:

Jamie Sabau / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Red Wings

Hrabal was very good in college this season and at the World Juniors. He is a 6-7 goalie who moves quite well for his size. He’s efficient in his movements but can make the tough saves across his crease when he needs to. Hrabal’s puck-tracking isn’t perfect, but generally, I’ve liked his reads and ability to stay with the play. When he’s dialed in, he has the potential to steal a game, although he can be inconsistent with major highs and lows. He projects as a tandem goaltender in the NHL.

Photo:

Adam Ihse / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Mammoth

Kapanen had an impressive season, continuing his upward development trend. He made the Habs out of camp but was sent back to Europe midseason, where he was a top player for Timrå in the SHL. Kapanen isn’t overly flashy, but he’s a skilled and competitive forward. He can win battles and create chances in the tough areas while also having the soft skill to make difficult plays. He sees the ice well enough and has a good shot. Kapanen’s only real flaw is a lack of clear NHL foot speed. He’s shown more offense than I expected a few years ago and is trending to being a middle-six forward, although whether that’s at center or the wing is to be determined.

Photo:

Claus Andersen / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Canadiens

Räty had a very good season at the AHL level and ended his season on a high note for the Canucks at the top level. Räty is a highly skilled playmaking center with good size. He can run a power play quite well and makes a lot of good decisions with the puck. He’s not a super high-energy type, but he showed more physicality than I’ve seen before and looks like a potential two-way forward in the NHL. He has the offensive touch for the top level, but the debate in Räty’s game has always been around his skating. He lacks clear NHL foot speed, but the rest of his game is so good that I could see him truly help an NHL team, potentially in a top six or at worst as a third-line center.

Photo:

Jason Mowry / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Canucks

Minten played well in the AHL when healthy this season. He was a part of the Brandon Carlo deal at the deadline, sending him from Toronto to Boston. Minten has strong skill and playmaking ability, and a good shot, although I don’t view him as a big point producer at the next level. The appealing part of his game is his two-way play and compete. He’s a detailed and hardworking center who will earn a coach’s trust. His skating is just OK. I think it’s good enough to play in the NHL as a middle-six/third-line forward, but the NHL pace could be an issue for him.

Photo:

Brian Fluharty / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Bruins

Beaudoin is a very likable player. He’s a tremendously hardworking center with NHL size and skill. He’s constantly noticeable throughout the game in how many pucks he wins and the number of plays he makes. He’s quite physical and doesn’t shy from getting to the tough areas of the ice and does so without taking bad penalties. Beaudoin can create offense in junior, but with a somewhat heavy skating stride, the debate is about 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, but he may not score in big numbers in the NHL.

Photo:

Dale Preston / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Mammoth

Brindley was just OK as a rookie pro, but he was also a very young player at the AHL level. He’s a highly likable player with a great track record. With excellent skating and work ethic, Brindley buzzes around the ice, playing with a ton of pace and giving his best effort. He’s able to make highly skilled plays at full speed and plays with courage, going to the net and engaging along the walls. Brindley is a creative playmaker as well, although for a tiny forward, I wouldn’t call him a dynamic offensive player. His energy could make him a middle-six winger, but he will need to score more versus men than he showed this season.

Photo:

Russell LaBounty / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Avalanche

McGroarty struggled mightily to start his first pro season, but he was much better in the second half in the AHL and got some time with Pittsburgh. McGroarty has good offensive skills, but his game isn’t the flashiest. Rather, he accomplishes a lot through his great compete level and intelligence. He’s a tenacious competitor on pucks and around the net. He makes a lot of intelligent plays with the puck and always seems to be around the play despite his mediocre foot speed. He has the sense to run a power play and make perimeter plays, but will make his living in the high-percentage areas. His skating will be an issue until he proves it isn’t, as his stride is ugly, but McGroarty could still be a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Claus Andersen / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Penguins

Casey had a strong pro season, impressing out of Devils camp and playing well in the AHL when he was sent back down after briefly making the NHL team. He’s a dynamic offensive player due to how good a skater he is and how creative an offensive mind he has. He makes a lot of highly skilled dekes and passes at an NHL pace. He’s very elusive and can walk the blue line like a pro. Casey has NHL power-play tools, but the debate will be on his defending. He’s a small defenseman who isn’t overly physical, and he will need to win over a coach to trust him at even strength. The skating and puck play are so good that he could do that, but I can see it being a constant struggle.

Photo:

Rich Graessle / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Devils

Zellweger’s second pro season had ups and downs. He played all year with the Ducks, where he displayed his offensive talents but had some defensive issues at times. Zellweger is a very talented defenseman with a ton of speed, skill and playmaking in his game. He’s a threat in transition and creating off the offensive blue line due to his pace and puck play. He also has a bullet shot from the point. Zellweger’s biggest issue is his frame. He’s quite undersized by NHL standards, and while he competes fine, he’s not overly physical. He may struggle to make enough stops due to that combination, but he could run a first-unit power play and provide enough offense to get a regular shift.

Photo:

Kirby Lee / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Ducks

Othmann was an important player again for Hartford, scoring at a high rate in the AHL. He got called up to the Rangers, where he had struggles at times with the NHL pace. Othmann is a highly skilled forward. He has great hands and offensive sense, and a shot that can finish chances from a distance. He plays quite hard, too. He’s a physical and competitive forward who can frustrate opponents. His skating isn’t the best, and if he were to miss, it would be due to a lack of speed in his game. I think the rest of his play is good enough that he can be a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Jessica Alcheh / USA Today

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Rangers

Savoie was impressive as a rookie pro as a top player for Bakersfield. He’s a great skater with a high skill level who makes a ton of difficult plays at very fast speeds. Savoie is both a strong playmaker and finisher who’s a threat off the edge. Savoie isn’t that big, but he can play in traffic and competes well. He’s talented, but Savoie probably doesn’t rise to the “special” level you want at a player that size. He does work hard enough, though, that you could see him as a middle-six winger in the NHL.

Photo:

Andy Devlin / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Oilers

Nadeau had a very promising season versus men as a top player for Chicago in the AHL as a teenager. He also made Canada’s U20 team. He’s a winger with a lot of offensive talent. He has very good individual skill to couple with NHL speed. Nadeau is quite dangerous in transition due to that combination and the ability to beat checkers one-on-one. He sees the ice well, but his shot is his main asset offensively. He has a tremendous one-timer and is often a threat to score from the left circle on the power play. Nadeau’s most notable progression this season was in his compete level and consistency. He was attacking the net and showed a much higher effort level game to game. He’s trending toward being a middle-six winger in the NHL.

Photo:

Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Hurricanes

Nyman came over to North America and continued to show he could score in big numbers. He was highly productive in the AHL and earned a call-up to Seattle, where he continued to score in the NHL. The skill and offensive touch Nyman has in a big frame are very promising for an NHL projection. He has the soft touch and offensive instincts to make a lot of creative plays with the puck and create chances for others. His shot is a major asset, with Nyman being a mid-range threat to score from range. His skating is just OK, and it doesn’t help that he often stays on the perimeter, too. Nyman’s game isn’t full of energy and physicality, but it seems to work for him as he keeps on scoring as he advances levels. He looks like he could be a legit middle-six winger in the NHL.

Photo:

Adam Ihse / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Kraken

Dach was very good in the AHL as a second-year pro, earning regular ice time with Chicago in the second half of the season. Nothing about Dach’s game will blow you away, but he has a lot of positive traits. He’s a tall forward who skates well for a big man. He has good hands and can make plays at quick tempos. He sees the ice well and projects to have secondary offense in the NHL. Dach isn’t going to run guys over, but he isn’t shy about using his big body, and in this season especially, he showed more of a physical edge in his play. He projects as a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Michael Reaves / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blackhawks

Luchanko made the Flyers out of camp, looking very impressive. After returning to junior, his OHL season was good, but he didn’t rise to the same level. Luchanko’s speed and energy drive his game. 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 very hard at both ends of the ice and attacks the tough areas. Luchanko often creates chances for his teammates on the move, in tight and off the edge. His finishing touch has historically been an issue, and overall, he’s never been a major point producer. The way he plays will make coaches love him, but as an average-sized player who doesn’t score a ton, it’s hard to see him as more than a third-line center currently.

Photo:

Eric Hartline / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Flyers

Berglund had a fine year, looking good again at the junior level and being a limited minutes player in the SHL. Berglund is a big forward who can play center or wing. He has strong puck skills and vision. I don’t think he’s going to blow you away offensively, but he makes quick decisions, is creative with the puck and can create both off the perimeter and in tight. He doesn’t shy away from using his big body in physical play, which is what you want to see, given that he has a bit of a sluggish skating stride. His compete level with and without the puck could lead to him being a middle-six forward, and potentially even a third-line center if he hits.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Flyers

Hradec took major steps forward this season, and a year after being a sixth-round pick, he looks like a player trending toward the NHL. Hradec is a big center who played well versus men this year in Czechia and was a top player for its U20 team. He won’t dazzle with skill, but he has good hands and vision and has shown more offense than some expected. He couples that with an honest two-way game and the ability to kill penalties down the middle. He has the potential to be a third-line center in the NHL.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Mammoth

Sahlin Wallenius played well against men this season, bouncing between the Allsvenskan, Liiga and SHL. He isn’t the biggest defenseman, but he’s a very solid two-way player. 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 the NHL. 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. He’s not the flashiest 6-foot defender you’ll ever see, but his NHL-caliber feet, to go with a steady two-way game, make coaches trust him and could lead to him being a legit NHL defenseman.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sharks

Luneau had a great year in the AHL as a top-scoring defenseman in the league. He can create with his brain, hands and point shot. He sees the ice very well and makes a lot of tough plays. Luneau can walk the blue line and play on an NHL power play, especially due to his shot and the offense he generates off it. The question will be his defense. He has the size for the league, but his mobility is just OK and his defensive effort isn’t always the best. The offense could be so good that he’ll find his way to the league, but there could be a lot of bumps along the way.

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Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Ducks

Jiříček’s season was nothing short of a disaster. He played just fine to start the year in Columbus, then forced a trade to Minnesota, where his game was arguably worse. Jiříček’s game as a big defenseman with great offensive touch and a bit of nastiness in his game made him a No. 6 pick. His skating was a concern, but those other aspects were major positives. The skill and the physical/defensive play looked very average this season, though. Jiříček is going to need to amp up his intensity if he’s going to defend in the NHL with his foot speed. I could see him getting back to a top-four defenseman trajectory because he has a lot of talent, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen it.

Photo:

Bob Frid / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Wild

Emery played regular ice time for North Dakota as a freshman, although he only recorded one point all season. He is a strong NHL prospect because of his tools. He’s 6-3 and skates very well. Emery is strong on gaps and retrievals, breaks up a lot of plays, plays hard on his checks and has the potential to make a lot of NHL stops. He can attack with his feet and often jumps up into the rush. His puck play is a major question, though. There are times his first pass can be decent and times it’s unreliable. He’s a clear NHL defender, but he will need to make a steady outlet pass to play in the league full-time, and I would say that aspect of his game is on the bubble.

Photo:

Michael Miller / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Rangers

Kleber was an important player for Minnesota-Duluth and was part of the USA World Juniors team. Kleber is an athletic defenseman who projects to be a strong pro defender. He’s 6-5, skates well for a big man and competes hard enough. He’s not overly physical, but Kleber gives an honest effort, and coaches tend to trust him. He has the traits to make NHL stops, but his puck play will be a question. He has OK hands and isn’t a great puck-mover, but the hope is he can make enough of a first pass. I think he has a chance to clear that bar and become a legit NHL defenseman.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sabres

Perreault was a top forward in Hockey East again and at the World Juniors. He’s an extremely skilled and intelligent winger. 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 with Perreault’s game are his 5-11 frame and lack of foot speed. He’s a competitive player, though, who gets to the inside even though he’s not highly physical. He projects as a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Wendell Cruz / Imagn Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Rangers

Parascak was very good in the WHL this season, although not quite at the level of his draft-year breakout. 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 makes high-end, skilled plays at the net, can kill penalties and gives a solid effort. The big issue in his NHL projection is his skating. He has a heavy stride that lacks any kind of NHL foot speed. Some nights, I think it’s such a problem that it could hold him out of the league, but the rest of his game is excellent enough that he could be a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Capitals

Kantserov had a great year in the KHL as a top scorer for Magnitogorsk while being one of their youngest players. Kantserov isn’t that big, but everything else about his game is a plus. He’s a very quick skater with high-end skills and vision who projects to be able to create offense at the NHL level. He gives a good effort, creates in hard areas and is responsible at both ends of the ice. He has the tools to score and make plays versus men and will earn a coach’s trust. He projects as a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Brian Babineau / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blackhawks

Howard was the top player in college hockey this season, winning the Hobey Baker Award. He’s a super-skilled offensive player who can make a lot happen inside the offensive zone. He sees the ice well, is a shifty skater and can create offense with good enough pace. He also has a very good shot that can finish chances from mid-range. Howard isn’t the biggest winger, can be pushed to the outside and doesn’t have the super high compete level you would ideally like at his size. He projects as a middle-six scoring winger.

Photo:

Michael Miller / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Oilers

Kindel was one of the best forwards in the WHL this season. He’s small but checks every other box you want. He’s a very good skater with the first few steps and top speed to play at the higher levels. He’s a skilled, creative offensive player who sees the ice well and has scored in large numbers in junior. He creates well on the move and has a direct style of offense. I wouldn’t describe him as the typical small, dynamic offensive player you would see as a projected NHL player. Rather, I think he could make it because of his talent plus his work ethic. Kindel is a diligent player away from the puck who gives a strong effort at both ends of the ice. He projects as a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Dennis Pajot / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Penguins

Schmidt has been an excellent player at the junior level. He’s a dynamic winger and a truly elite skater, with the quick twitch feet and first few steps to blow by NHL defenders. He’s highly skilled, can beat opponents one-on-one at a high rate and does so at fast speeds. Schmidt is an excellent goal scorer with a quick-twitch wrist shot that often beats goalies from range. His main offensive traits are his skill and shot. He can make tough plays, but his decision-making with the puck can be questionable, and he often forces plays. Schmidt is a very undersized winger, too. He plays with a bit of an edge, which you like at that size, but his compete will need to be excellent to succeed in the NHL, and at times, I haven’t seen that effort in his game. I could see him miss, but his traits, other than his size, are so good that there’s a path to him being a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Dennis Pajot / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Stars

Halttunen started the year in the AHL, where he looked decent but was eventually sent back to the OHL. Halttunen is a talented but frustrating player. He’s a big, powerful winger with very good hands and a bullet shot that projects to beat NHL goalies from range. He also plays hard and can bully opponents off the puck. The frustrations with Halttunen come down to a lack of pace in his game and questionable decisions with the puck. The sum of the parts could be good enough to still play in the NHL and score goals, but I could see him being a challenge for coaches, too.

Photo:

Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sharks

Vansaghi played limited minutes on a top NCAA team in Michigan State this season. Despite his role, he still showed a lot of traits that will appeal to a team like the Flyers. He’s got a very high skill level, especially for a 6-2 forward. He beats defenders one-on-one routinely and has a ton of imagination with the puck. He’s a big, heavy winger who drives to the net and doesn’t shy away from physical play, either. Vansaghi’s biggest issue is his foot speed. I’ve seen slower big guys, but he won’t be able to separate at the NHL level. He projects as a middle-six winger.

Photo:

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Flyers

Jecho’s production didn’t take a big step this season as hoped, but his great toolkit still gives reason for pro optimism, and he was quite good at the World Juniors for Czechia. 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. You wish for his size that he’d played a bit harder, too. Despite the issues, he’s so toolsy that I can see a path to becoming a third-line winger.

Photo:

Candice Ward / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Blues

Gulyayev was a regular defenseman for Avangard Omsk, although his game didn’t show a ton of progression from the prior season. He still recorded seven goals and 15 points with next to no power-play time. He’s a very good skater who can transition pucks up ice like a pro. He has excellent hands and vision, showing the ability to create chances off the rush and from the blue line. With his touch and shot, he can run a power play and projects to have significant offense as a pro, but his 5-10 frame is a question for the NHL. He’s not highly physical, and he will need to be high-end with the puck to carve out a regular NHL role as he will likely be a below-average defender. I think he projects right on the bubble of that.

Photo:

Monika Majer / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Avalanche

Musty had an interesting season. He held out in the fall while demanding a trade from Sudbury, which didn’t materialize. He then came back and was his usual excellent self. Musty is 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 great 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. The concerns about Musty’s game have always been his pace and effort level. He’s not a great skater, and he can be too indifferent at times without the puck. He’s so talented and such a gifted scorer that he could still be a middle-six NHL winger, but I can see him rubbing coaches the wrong way, too.

Photo:

Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Sharks

Ivankovic has been an excellent junior goalie. He was dominant for Canada’s U18 team in the summer and accomplished the very rare feat of making Canada’s World Juniors team as a goalie as a 17-year-old. He’s a goalie with tremendous athleticism and competitiveness. Ivankovic makes all kinds of difficult saves that require him to move a lot. He’s great at second-effort saves and never gives up on a play. His reads aren’t as good as his quickness, but he does make a lot of smart decisions. The big issue will be his frame. There aren’t many 5-11 NHL goalies, and he will need to be special at that size to make it. He could be, he has some special traits, but he’s no sure thing.

Photo:

Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Predators

Saarinen was a quality regular goaltender in Liiga this season. He’s rather athletic for a 6-4 goalie. He makes a lot of difficult saves versus men, showing the lower-half quickness to get around the crease like an NHL goalie. He makes good decisions and tracks the play well. He’s a bit overaggressive at times and can overslide plays, but generally makes a lot of difficult saves. He projects as a tandem goalie in the NHL.

Photo:

Michael Miller / Getty Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Kraken

Gidlöf had a strong season against men in the SHL. He also went down at the very end of the year to help Djurgården advance to the Allsvenskan. 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. Gidlöf tracks the play well and often stays square with the puck. He plays aggressively as well. He can be prone to bad goals at times and needs to be more consistent, but with development, he can become a legit tandem goalie in the NHL.

Photo:

Daniel Eriksson / AP Images

Skill Grades

Tier 6

Islanders

(Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic. Photos: Troy Parla, Derek Cain / Getty Images)

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Sep 2, 2025

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