Now that the 2024-25 NHL season is just weeks away, it’s time to update our ranking of the top 100 drafted NHL prospects. In the last year we’ve seen top prospects like Connor Bedard and Leo Carlsson break into the NHL full-time, becoming important players for their respective teams. We’ve also seen prospects like Adam Fantilli, Kevin Korchinski and Pavel Mintyukov make their NHL debuts as well.
Next year’s NHL rookie class is rightfully earning a lot of early attention, with a massive group of talented youngsters who each have a chance at the NHL’s Calder Memorial Trophy for the league’s best rookie. From Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov, to Logan Stankoven and Will Smith, the NHL is experiencing a massive influx of young talent once again this season. Before we get into the top 100 prospect ranking update, here are a few notes on the criteria and content of this list.
Related: 2024 NHL Draft Guide
What makes a player a prospect varies, but for this list, I will follow The Athletic’s Corey Pronman’s rules as a guide. Here are the criteria for this list: “A player is considered a prospect if he has played less than 25 games in one NHL campaign (regular season and playoffs combined), less than 50 NHL games total in their career, and is 25 years old by Sept 15.” (From: “Pronman: 2019-20 NHL Farm System Rankings”).
If you’re wondering why goalies weren’t included in this ranking, that’s because we have a separate article for that position. Our ranking of the top 10 NHL goalie prospects can be found here.
Without further ado, here is our ranking of the top 100 NHL prospects as well as a few honourable mentions.
Honourable Mentions:
Danny Nelson, C, New York Islanders
Caeden Bankier, C, Minnesota Wild
Mikhail Gulyayev, LD, Colorado Avalanche
Aiden Fink, RW, Nashville Predators
Otto Stenberg, C/LW, St. Louis Blues
Aatu Räty, C, Vancouver Canucks
Eduard Sale, RW, Seattle Kraken
Carter Mazur, LW, Detroit Red Wings
Prospects #100-91
100. Tristan Luneau, RD, Anaheim Ducks
Tristan Luneau has been a big riser in the prospect world over the last two years or so, taking his projection from possibly being a third pairing or depth defender in the NHL to someone who can I think could very well become a good second pairing guy for the Ducks someday. Luneau reads plays incredibly well, tracking opponents’ routes and plans about as quickly as you could ask for.
He isn’t the most dynamic offensive creator (although his production did increase significantly last year), but he is quite strong when it comes to breaking the puck out of his own zone and turning the play in the right direction. Luneau made the opening night lineup for the Ducks last year but bounced between the NHL and AHL before heading to Sweden for the World Juniors where he was sidelined with an infection in his knee that ended his season.
99. Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW, Washington Capitals
After being seen as a clear top-10 prospect in the 2022 NHL Draft class for a year or two leading up to his draft year, Ivan Miroshnichenko slid on draft day as a result of the “Russian Factor” combined with the uncertainty surrounding his diagnosis with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Thankfully, his treatment and recovery have been going well and he returned to play the following season.
He absolutely tore up the top junior league in Russia and was excellent in the second-tier professional league in Russia as well (VHL). Miroshnichenko made the move to North America last year, scoring roughly half a point-per-game in the AHL and skating in a handful of NHL games. He battles hard and shoots harder, making him an absolute menace in the offensive zone.
98. Marat Khusnutdinov, C, Minnesota Wild
Marat Khusnutdinov is an undersized center who is known for his excellent vision and hockey sense as well as his refined defensive game. He never gives up on a play and works incredibly hard on both the forecheck and the backcheck, often re-gaining possession for his team entirely on his own. Khusnutdinov finally broke through in the KHL two seasons ago, earning a large enough role to demonstrate his talents, and he rewarded his coaches by scoring 41 points in 63 games. He was loaned to a different KHL club this year where he had to prove himself once again. Khusnutdinov joined the Wild for a stretch at the end of the season, playing his first 16 NHL games, scoring four points.
97. E.J. Emery, RD, New York Rangers
EJ Emery is a big, right-shot defender who moves well which means that he has a near perfect physical toolkit as most NHL teams are concerned. He’s difficult to play against mostly because of his mobility and large frame rather than because of his smarts, though he has shown some promise on breakout passes after separating an attacking forward from the puck. Emery’s offensive game remains his biggest area for growth, with quite a few chances dying on his stick in the neutral zone. He performed incredibly well athletically at the NHL Draft combine, earning quite a bit of attention in the weeks leading up to his draft.
96. Sacha Boisvert, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Sacha Boisvert is another in a growing line of Canadian prospects who opted for the USHL/NCAA route rather than playing in the CHL. The 12th overall pick in the 2022 QMJHL Draft was excellent in the USHL as a rookie, and was able to improve on those numbers significantly in his draft season. Boisvert is a big center (6-foot-2) with tons of skill with the puck and above average skating. He looks like a pro and has a ton of qualities, including a really dangerous shot, that make me confident he’ll find a role in the middle-six forward group of an NHL team someday. He’s headed to the University of North Dakota this Fall, a program that has a long track record of developing solid NHL talent.
95. William Wallinder, LD, Detroit Red Wings
A towering defender at 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, William Wallinder was drafted 32nd overall in 2020. He’s extremely mobile and has a smooth skating stride and a very strong puck carrier. He has put in a lot of work on his defensive game to round out his strengths, but his offensive instincts are what will make him a very good option for the Detroit Red Wings on defense. Wallinder was one of the best young players in Sweden last season and has made the switch to North America this year with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The transition hasn’t been the smoothest and the offensive production hasn’t really arrived yet, but his size and skating sure have, making him a solid defensive player from the jump.
94. Lian Bichsel, LD, Dallas Stars
There are always a few first-round picks who rose in their draft year in large part to their size advantage, and Lian Bichsel is certainly one of them. The 6-foot-5 defender is adept at using his size to get what he wants on the ice, against junior players as well as seasoned pros. His offensive game is unlikely to ever really pop in the NHL, but I could see him as a solid complimentary guy you gladly pair with your top offensive defender if all goes well over the next few seasons. Bichsel is physical and mean, and he had a great showing at the World Juniors two years ago for Switzerland where he looked like a man amongst boys.
93. Felix Unger Sörum, RW, Carolina Hurricanes
Felix Unger Sörum is already looking like a year out from the 2023 Draft where he was taken late in the second round by the Carolina Hurricanes. Unger Sörum is an excellent playmaker, regularly feathering passes to teammates through traffic. He had a remarkable showing for Sweden at the 2024 World Juniors where he was one of their best forwards of the tournament, mainly due to his playmaking and his ability to out-maneuver defenders in the offensive zone to protect the puck and to manipulate their coverage to better set up his teammates for success. He’s still incredibly young, having been born just two days before the cutoff for the 2024 Draft, so there’s a ton of runway for him to develop into an effective player.
92. Scott Morrow, RD, Carolina Hurricanes
Who doesn’t love a dynamic puck-moving defenseman who is always in attack mode? Scott Morrow plays a high-octane style and he’s always quick and decisive in transition. He shows great speed, edges, and confidence in his movement when attacking off the rush and he always has the opposition on their heels trying to predict his next move. Morrow has produced a ton of offense in the NCAA, but his defensive game has really developed well with the University of Massachusetts, turning him into a much more well-rounded player.
91. Owen Beck, C, Montreal Canadiens
Owen Beck is an incredibly reliable and versatile two-way centerman who has increased his stock considerably ever since being selected in the 2022 NHL Draft at the beginning of the second round. He is smart, skates well, wins faceoffs, back-checks hard, and has already begun to grow into more of his offensive potential. Beck is going to be a player that coaches love because he works hard and has tons of skill. In his final junior season, Beck scored at a higher rate than ever and was a strong play driver for the Saginaw Spirit throughout the regular season, OHL playoffs, and their Memorial Cup victory.
Prospects #90-81
90. Filip Mesar, RW, Montreal Canadiens
After playing in the top professional league in Slovakia for the two seasons leading up to the 2022 NHL Draft, it was hard to determine how Filip Mesar matched up against his peers since he has been playing against grown men for so long. Early returns have been good as Mesar has had back-to-back great showings at the World Juniors over the past 12 months and has already shown a ton of improvement in two seasons in the OHL. Few OHL defenders are capable of slowing him down in transition where his quick weight shifts and deceptive posture can be incredibly difficult to read. Mesar will be a fascinating player to watch in the AHL next season as he moves back to the pro level.
89. Jani Nyman, RW, Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken are putting in work trying to build a high-end prospect pool from scratch, and drafting Jani Nyman in the second round of the 2022 Draft was a big step in the right direction. Nyman is a big Finnish winger with the size and strength to compete against men in Liiga (the top Finnish pro league) without looking out of place. He has a great shot and playmaking vision but could use some work on his speed to help him separate from defenders on the rush. Nyman scored 26 goals and 43 points in 48 Liiga games last season and is making the jump to the AHL next year where I expect he’ll be a powerful force for the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
88. Igor Chernyshov, LW, San Jose Sharks
Igor Chernyshov is a strong winger with great size, skating and puck skill. He was great in the MHL last year, even earning himself a five game tryout in the KHL as a 17-year-old. Chernyshov plays a very direct style, charging the net frequently whether he has the puck or not. He has had a rather slow start to this year production-wise, but his skill set looks well designed for the pro game with the ability to make strong plays and smart decisions at a higher pace than most teenagers. With two high-end center prospects in Celebrini and Will Smith both coming in at 6-feet tall, adding wingers with size has clearly been a priority for the Sharks.
87. Fabian Lysell, RW, Boston Bruins
An elite-level skater, Fabian Lysell plays with a great amount of pace and skill. He’s quick, dynamic and always fun to watch when the puck is on his stick. He’s extremely deceptive when setting up his teammates and has a very underrated shot. Lysell has spent the last two seasons in the AHL where he has been excellent for the Providence Bruins, scoring 87 points in 110 total games. It won’t be long before he debuts in Boston, and I think his skating will make him stand out at the NHL level from day-one.
86. Fraser Minten, C, Toronto Maple Leafs
Fraser Minten has developed very well since being drafted 38th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in the 2022 Draft. He was drafted to be a two-way center with a strong shot and he’s not far from being just that in the NHL. Minten’s first WHL season after being drafted was a great showcase for his shot and his compete level, with Minten becoming a very important forechecker and defensive forward for the Kamloops Blazers.
Last season, Minten cracked the Leafs’ lineup out of training camp, a testament to his off-ice training and his mature defensive game. He didn’t last very long and didn’t leave the biggest impact, but he’s still just 19 so every bit of pro experience and guidance he soaked up in those weeks was time well spent. I expect Minten to be a very good third-liner for Toronto in the near future.
85. Yegor Surin, C/RW, Nashville Predators
Yegor Surin is a hardworking, offensive player, constantly fighting through checks and winning innumerable puck battles. He was one of the MHL’s top scorers and added over 100 penalty minutes over the course of the season. Surin skates well, has NHL size (6-foot-1), and has a motor that doesn’t quit. He’ll surely be a fan favorite type in the NHL someday, likely as a middle-six winger or a bottom-six center.
84. Hunter Brzustewicz, RD, Calgary Flames
Hunter Brzustewicz is an offensive defender who skates incredibly well and has a lot to give offensively. His skating is his best tool both on offense and on defense, but he could use some help defensively where he can get pushed around a bit. Okay, I may have under-sold Brzustewicz’s offense already, he finished last season 10th in OHL scoring and led the league in assists with 79. He has second-pairing potential in the NHL, especially if paired with a solid defensive defender who can make up for his deficiencies on that end.
83. Riley Heidt, C, Minnesota Wild
Riley Heidt’s excellent acceleration and edge work make him a natural choice as the lead puck carrier for zone entries and he has excelled in that role with the Prince George Cougars throughout his junior career. His playmaking skills either at full speed or after settling in the offensive zone are impressive and make him a very mobile and shifty threat whenever he has the puck. Good habits away from the puck give me some confidence that he’ll become a full-time NHLer as well. The Cougars have been loaded with talent for the past two seasons so it’ll be very interesting to see how Heidt looks once he makes the jump to pro level in another year.
82. Jett Luchanko, C, Philadelphia Flyers
Jett Luchanko is going to be a fan favorite in the NHL someday, with an impressive tenacity and work ethic. Luchanko has good skill with the puck and skates quite well, making him a dangerous player with the puck in transition. However, he’s always willing to give up some of the glory by making another pass and finding a better option if it’s there. Luchanko reads plays really well and has that knack for timing and finding openings in defensive coverage that is difficult to teach. He doesn’t really have any offensive traits that pop at this point so I don’t know that he’ll end up all that high in the Flyers’ lineup, but he has the motor to be an valuable piece someday very soon.
81. Conor Geekie, C, Tampa Bay Lightning
Conor Geekie caught plenty of NHL scouts’ attention during his draft year as a 6-foot-4 center with a respectable two-way game in the WHL. He is competitive and uses his size well against shorter and weaker junior competition, and his playmaking from the perimeter on the power play is likely going to translate to the NHL someday. The projection is tantalizing, but the reason people are hesitant about Geekie is that his skating is average at best. He will need to keep putting work into his ability to play at a fast pace but his length and skill combo should make him an effective middle-six player for Tampa Bay regardless.
Prospects #80-71
80. David Edstrom, C, Nashville Predators
David Edstrom is someone I was quite high on in the 2022 draft. He’s a big center (6-foot-3) who is incredibly well-rounded and competes very hard. Edstrom isn’t the flashiest player offensively, but he skates well for his size and wins tons of battles, clearing the way for his linemates to produce more offense. I expect he’ll earn time on both special teams units in the NHL, and has some top-six center potential if he continues to grow offensively like has over the past 18 months or so. Edstrom didn’t have the strongest showing at last year’s World Juniors but he’s eligible to return next year where I expect him to be one of the better players in the whole tourney. After being sent to Nasvhille in the Yaroslav Askarov trade, I think Edstrom can realistically project into the Pred’s third-line center slot in due time.
79. Andrew Cristall, LW, Washington Capitals
Andrew Cristall is one of the most creative and slippery prospects in the hockey world, and he was one of the only draft eligible players in the WHL who was able to roughly keep pace with Bedard in terms of production in their draft season. Cristall managed to increase his scoring pace last season in the WHL, scoring 111 points in 62 games making him the league’s fifth leading scorer. He draws tons of attention in the offensive zone and is great at making smart plays under pressure to help open teammates up, making their jobs much easier. Only time will tell if his game will translate to the pro level given his 5-foot-10 frame, but I like his hands and tenacity enough that I think he’s got a great chance.
78. Theo Lindstein, LD, St. Louis Blues
Theo Lindstein looks to be about as steady of a defenseman as you could ask for. He may not have the offensive skill to wow you, or the size/physicality to excite NHL GMs, but Lindstein has a steadiness and consistency that is so rare for a U20 player. He’s definitely a high-floor/low ceiling type of prospect, but landing a player late in the first round (29th overall in the 2023 Draft) who can easily project to play solid minutes as your fourth or fifth defender is absolutely a win.
77. Maveric Lamoureux, LD, Utah Hockey Club
I’ll admit, I was a bit of a Maveric Lamoureux hater in his draft year. I saw the massive frame and good skating and understood why he would be drafted in the first round (29th overall in the 2022 Draft), but I didn’t expect him to develop so well, so quickly. Lamoureux has made some really big strides in a positive direction since being drafted, with his play improving in all phases of the game.
His first-touch passing has improved, making him a more dangerous puck carrier in his own end, and his defensive decision making has made him a serious threat on defense. Lamoureux looks like a future NHLer to me at this point, though his offensive play at the pro level will likely decide his ultimate ceiling.
76. Mackie Samoskevich, LW/RW, Florida Panthers
Mackie Samoskevich had a greatly increased role with the University of Michigan in the 2022-23 season and he thrived as a result. His high hockey IQ and excellent puck skills were on display throughout the season, and Samoskevich even made his professional debut at the end of that season, playing nine games with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. He spent the entire 2023-24 season with the Checkers, and led the team in scoring by 10 points. Samoskevich will likely never be a significant two-way player in the NHL, but a Panthers team in need of some cheap depth scoring could get a lot of use out of his skill and power play abilities.
75. Colby Barlow, LW, Winnipeg Jets
Ever since scoring 30 goals as a rookie in the OHL, Colby Barlow has been on my radar as a pro-sized winger with a legit NHL-caliber shot. He’s got good tools all around with solid speed, stick skills, and defensive play. Barlow was also named captain of the Owen Sound Attack at just 17 which speaks to his maturity and leadership abilities. This year has seen those numbers dip a bit, largely due to him missing a significant number of games in the season’s first half, but I still see a high-character, goal scoring winger who could realisitcally play the flank on the Jets’ second line in the near future.
74. Isak Rosen, C/W, Buffalo Sabres
It’s impressive to see teenaged players competing at the professional level against grown men, even just for a couple of games. Isak Rosen laced up for exactly 120 professional hockey games by his 20th birthday, and has added quite a few since. The main reasons he has been so successful against larger and stronger competition are his phenomenal skating and his ability to make good decisions at a very high speed. Rosen has the defensive effort and technique to be a solid two-way winger in the NHL one day, which has served him well in the AHL so far, where he’s been one of the league’s best young players for the past two seasons.
73. Logan Mailloux, RD, Montreal Canadiens
Logan Mailloux’s game has improved consistently since being drafted back in the 2021 Draft. He has the size, skating, and strength to be a meaningful NHL defender, and his offensive skills are quite good, as showcased by his impressive point total in the AHL last season. I see a defender who could become a good offensively minded second-pairing defender who excels in transition. There are still some issues he’ll need to smooth out a bit, mainly in his decision making which can lead to turnovers under pressure and weak lackadaisical defensive positioning.
72. Gavin Brindley, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Gavin Brindley is a 5-foot-9 forward who was excellent in the NCAA as an 18-year-old freshman in his draft year. His skating is great and his high energy level makes him a possession beast. Brindley’s combination of speed and effort will make him a very flexible player who can fill in whatever role is needed of him, which has earned him lots of ice time. He is a coach’s dream as a player with great skills on both sides of the puck and a never-quit mentality. Brindley was phenomenal at the 2024 World Juniors where he was often one of the best and hardest working American players each and every game.
71. Chaz Lucius, C, Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets still chose Chaz Lucius 18th overall in the 2021 Draft despite him losing a lot of time in his draft year rehabbing a knee injury. His great playmaking ability and scoring potential were just too enticing to ignore. After playing for the University of Minnesota, the Manitoba Moose, Team USA at the WJC, and the Portland Winterhawks over the course of roughly 3 seasons, it was good for him to get some stability last year in the AHL. He was having a promising pro season until he got hurt and underwent season ending ankle surgery in January. Tough injury luck for the kid but I still see a ton of potential in his game and wouldn’t be shocked if he cracked the Jets’ opening night lineup next season.
Prospects #70-61
70. Joakim Kemell, RW, Nashville Predators
There was a time when Joakim Kemell was seen as the second-best prospect in the 2022 Draft. His red-hot start in the Finnish Liiga in his draft year had NHL scouts salivating at his goal scoring potential, and while he ultimately cooled off quite significantly, that potential hasn’t disappeared. Kemell had some inconsistent play in the Liiga since, but has largely been effective in the AHL in parts of two seasons there. I’m still a big believer in his shot and skill, which are strong enough to give him a chance to become a top-six winger in Nashville.
69. Sam Rinzel, RD, Chicago Blackhawks
Sam Rinzel was drafted 25th overall by the Blackhawks back in 2022, largely for the massive potential he brings to the table. As a 6-foot-4, right-shot defender, Rinzel has the basic tools that all NHL teams look for. Add to that his smooth skating, strong work ethic, and strong stick-work defensively and there’s a real chance for him to become an important defenseman for the Blackhawks down the line. There are still several things that need to be addressed before he reaches that level, mainly his hockey sense and decision making, but he’s already come a long way and I expect he’ll make it.
68. Filip Bystedt, C, San Jose Sharks
Filip Bystedt is a prospect who would likely rise up the 2022 Draft if it was re-done today. His combination of speed and size (6-foot-4) allowed him to dominate the top Swedish junior league in his draft year, but he still struggled enough with the pace of the pro game that he didn’t show all that well in the SHL.
The past two years, however, have been a different story as Bystedt continues to show more offensive skill which he is then rewarded for with a larger role on the team which then leads to more offensive production. It’s a great cycle to see, especially if you’re a San Jose Sharks fan. Bystedt played eight AHL games last Spring with the San Jose Barracuda and looked excellent.
67. Brennan Othmann, LW, New York Rangers
Brennan Othmann is a high-octane offensive force on the ice that is also known not to back down from the nastier parts of the game. Last season, Othmann made the transition from the junior to professional level look trivial as he has scored points at a very impressive rate with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL. His physical and tenacious style should translate well to the NHL, and he even earned a few games with the Rangers last season. It’s safe to assume he’ll get even more time with the big club in 2024-25.
66. Adam Jiricek, RD, St. Louis Blues
Adam Jiricek is very engaged physically, and has a penchant for taking big point shots. Jiricek produces a ton of chances on offense from the blueline, readily activating into play to support his teammates and keep the puck moving. Unfortunately, his excitement to join the play offensively means that he takes a lot of risks, leaving himself in really poor positions to recover defensively if things don’t go according to plan. Jiricek is really great at scanning the play off puck and he persists through pressure quite well so I think he will be able to cut down on the over-the-top risks in time. I like him as a two-way defensive prospect and his right-handed shot and 6-foot-2 frame will help him out on draft day.
65. Samuel Honzek, C/LW, Calgary Flames
After being selected 10th overall in the 2022 CHL Import Draft by the Vancouver Giants, Samuel Honzek has done nothing but impress in his two seasons in North America. He led the Giants in points per game during his draft year and was among the top scorers in the WHL at large before suffering an injury at the 2023 WJC with Slovakia. Honzek has played and succeeded on both special teams and his size and strength have made him too much for opposing defenders to handle on more than a few occasions. He is a great skater, which makes him a pest on the forecheck where he does a lot of damage both with his high motor and his large frame.
64. Liam Greentree, RW, Los Angeles Kings
Liam Greentree is a big winger who looks like he could be a great all-round player in the NHL someday if he can make some improvements to his speed and acceleration. Greentree does most things well, fighting hard in puck battles, making smart passes, and handling defensive responsibilities well. His greatest strength is his shot which looks like a quality NHL tool though his skill with the puck is noteworthy as well. The biggest barrier in the way of NHL success for Greentree at the moment is his skating. He’s got okay speed once he gets going, but his first few steps are sluggish and he could use some explosiveness to help him accelerate more quickly.
63. David Goyette, C, Seattle Kraken
David Goyette is finally starting to earn some of the attention that I think he has deserved all along. He’s an excellent skater who doesn’t quit on the play which helps him win a lot of puck battles and races to pucks. Goyette reads opposing defenses very well which allows him to attack in a wide variety of ways. He can charge through soft spots, deke through defenders to make space, or draw tons of attention before passing to a teammate who is wide open. Goyette was one of the best players in the OHL last season and I think he has a chance to be an excellent pro player next season with the Firebirds in the AHL.
62. Liam Öhgren, LW, Minnesota Wild
Liam Öhgren is a “jack of all trades, master of none” type of player who will excel in the NHL one day as a complementary winger. He is one of the hardest-working players on the ice every time he plays, and he can do just about anything asked of him. Öhgren has a great shot, good hands, legit playmaking skill, and the skating ability to put all those skills together. He is great at finding open space off the puck and he rewards teammates for passing to him by charging the middle of the ice or ripping a puck mid-stride. Öhgren’s ability to out-work opponents stands out, even at the pro level, and should continue in the AHL next season.
61. Frank Nazar, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Frank Nazar is a great center prospect who was drafted 13th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft despite being 5-foot-9. Typically, NHL general managers are wary of selecting players of Nazar’s size so early in the draft, but his playmaking vision and dynamic skating were enticing enough that the Blackhawks were willing to take the risk. He will likely provide a ton of value off the rush in the NHL someday as his speed and ability to make smart passes while manipulating defenders’ skates allows him to create tons of scoring chances. He missed most of his freshman season at the University of Michigan due to injury, but had an excellent sophomore year last season and is set to go pro this Fall.
Prospects #60-51
60. Noah Östlund, C, Buffalo Sabres
Noah Östlund is one of the best pure playmakers on this list as his ability to keep track of his teammates’ locations all over the ice leads to plenty of brilliant passes that nobody else seems to see coming. His ability to anticipate the play and make the right play to maximize the scoring chance for his team is remarkable. Östlund is also a skilled puck handler with the speed and agility to make plays happen both on and off the puck. He works hard in all phases of the game and could become a great middle-six center if all goes well in his development.
59. Dmitri Simashev, LD, Utah Hockey Club
Dmitri Simashev is a very intriguing prospect with the size/skating combo (6-foot-4) that is so coveted in the modern NHL. He has every physical tool you could hope for, and uses each of them well, with the speed, strength, and reach to be a really great top-four defender in the NHL. However, his offensive production has left much to be desired, leaving many questions about if he will have much offense to provide in the NHL someday. Utah clearly wasn’t too nervous, rushing from their table to take him sixth overall in the 2023 Draft. Clearly they believe in the defensive game and have hope that his offense will follow. It’s a bet that I love and I think it will pay off well for them.
58. Joshua Roy, C/W, Montreal Canadiens
Joshua Roy has proven just about everyone wrong ever since he was drafted 150th overall in the 2021 Draft. He became one of the best goalscorers in the entire CHL in his final seasons there and was excellent for Team Canada at the World Juniors, winning two Gold medals. Now he’s establishing himself as a dominant force in the AHL as well. Roy is incredibly competitive, responsible defensively, and protects the puck extremely well. He has shown that he only gets better when the games get important, which is an invaluable attribute to have as someone who projects as a top-nine winger in the NHL.
57. Daniil But, LW/C, Utah Hockey Club
Daniil But is one of the biggest players on this list, standing at 6-foot-5. He has the size that NHL general managers dream of, and he has great puck skills and shooting mechanics for a player of his size. His skating has grown on me over the past two seasons, with enough speed and agility to really use his size to his advantage, powering through defenders and protecting the puck well. It may be a little while before we see him playing in the NHL, but I’m sure Utah is more than willing to wait as they look to establish themselves in the league.
56. Marco Kasper, C, Detroit Red Wings
After being selected eighth overall by the Red Wings back in the 2022 Draft, Marco Kasper returned to Sweden as a top-six center for Rögle BK (SHL) at age 18. It quickly became clear that he had more offense to give and all he needed was the opportunity to show it off.
He finished the season as the second highest scoring U20 player in the league behind only Leo Carlsson and was a net-positive player even as a teenager in a very difficult professional league. Kasper then made the move to the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins last season, and while the transition wasn’t the smoothest, his play and production picked up significantly in the new year.
55. Mavrik Bourque, C, Dallas Stars
Mavrik Bourque’s speed, IQ and decision-making remain his greatest strengths every time he’s out on the ice. He was an essential piece for the Shawinigan Cataractes as he helped lead them to a QMJHL Championship two seasons ago, and he has proven himself equally as important as a pro. Bourque had a great rookie season in the AHL here he established himself as a great pro player with a 47 point rookie year which included 20 goals. However, he took a significant step forward again last season, with his 77 points leading the AHL.
54. Jagger Firkus, RW, Seattle Kraken
Jagger Firkus had a phenomenal final season at the junior level, leading the entire CHL in scoring (goals and points), and being named MVP of the WHL and CHL. Firkus is so quick to adapt to what the defense is showing him that bigger and stronger defenders don’t often have much of an advantage despite his 5-foot-11 frame. He’s got the work ethic, speed, and shot to be a top-six player in the NHL, but his size and some minor questions about his ability to keep up with the mental pace of the NHL will determine whether he can hit that ceiling or not. He’ll be a ton of fun to follow in the AHL next season.
53. Brayden Yager, C, Winnipeg Jets
Brayden Yager was talked about in the public scouting sphere for nearly as long as Connor Bedard, being drafted third overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft and winning the CHL Rookie of the Year award two years ago on the back of a remarkable 34-goal, 59-point rookie season. His transition game, defensive play, and wicked wrist shot make him an all around threat at the junior level already. After being traded one-for-one to the Jets, Yager looks poised to remain in the Canadian Prairies for the foreseeable future. He grew up in Saskatchewan, played his junior hockey there (in Moose Jaw), and will likely make the jump straight to the NHL after one final year in the WHL.
52. Stian Solberg, LD, Anaheim Ducks
Stian Solberg is a big, physical defender who skates well for his size and made a big splash as a top player for Norway at the recent Men’s World Championship. Solberg doesn’t project to have a ton of NHL offense, but he can make a solid first pass and his mobility will help carry him to the next level. The biggest draw of his game is his stout defensive play. He wins tons of pucks with his stick and body, closing gaps confidently while defending in transition. Solberg has the potential to be a meaningful top-four defender in the NHL, complementing the offensive tilt of many of the Ducks’ young defenders.
51. Tanner Molendyk, LD, Nashville Predators
Tanner Molendyk was one of the best skaters in the 2023 draft, with excellent edgework and speed. Molendyk’s edgework makes him incredibly mobile in all directions, capable of acting on new information at a moment’s notice. He isn’t the biggest defenseman (just under 6-feet) but he competes hard and defends well as a result of his energy and skating. He missed the World Juniors with an injury but will be eligible to join Canada there again next year where he should be a massive factor for them. Molendyk scored a ton this year in the WHL, seriously improving on his point totals from the season before.
Prospects #50-41
50. Carson Rehkopf, LW, Seattle Kraken
Carson Rehkopf is a well-rounded forward with the size, skating, skill, and shot of an NHL player. Rehkopf scored nearly 60 goals in the OHL last season (58 through regular and postseason play), proving that his 30+ goal draft year was no fluke. His power and ability to play both on the wing and at center are intriguing as well, though I expect he’ll be a winger in Seattle, especially given their many talented centers. Rehkopf’s goalscoring is high-end, and his speed makes him a dangerous threat in transition.
49. Dalibor Dvorsky, C, St. Louis Blues
Dalibor Dvorsky was very impressive in his draft year against men, playing in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-tier Swedish professional league. He scored a bit below a half point per game there and spent a few games in the J20 Nationell as well, Sweden’s top junior league, where he showed that he is clearly a step above his age group, scoring over two points per game. Dvorsky’s play in transition leaves something to be desired, but once he’s in the offensive zone his ability to maintain control of the puck, create shots at will and make smart passes at an efficient rate makes him a consistent threat. He has made the move to North America and absolutely schooled the OHL last season with the Sudbury Wolves.
48. Matthew Wood, RW, Nashville Predators
I was eager to see how Matthew Wood would adjust to the college game after he dominated the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) two years ago, leading the league in goals and points as a 16-year-old. His freshman results were extremely positive with Wood being one of the top rookie point scorers and one of the top scorers on his team despite being the youngest player in all of men’s NCAA hockey during his draft year. Wood’s calling card is his shot which is excellent in terms of deception and power. He could use a bit more speed (who couldn’t), but he has shown that his timing and puck protection skills are strong enough for him to succeed in college.
47. Oliver Bonk, RD, Philadelphia Flyers
Oliver Bonk is a strong two-way defender who has the size and skating NHL teams look for, and the hockey sense to be a meaningful contributor in the modern NHL. He anticipates play really well, and is vocal with his teammates, coordinating play at both ends of the ice. Bonk isn’t a highly skilled defender so I don’t think he’ll be fighting for lots of power play minutes with Jamie Drysdale, but I expect he’ll be a strong second pairing defender who can tilt the ice in Philly’s favor.
46. Shakir Mukhamadulin, LD, San Jose Sharks
Once viewed as a questionable pick in the 2020 NHL draft, Shakir Mukhamadullin’s stock has consistently risen ever since. He possesses great physical qualities, but his game was very raw and needed to be refined. Mukhamadullin has done just that. At 6-foot-4, 194 pounds, he’s extremely mobile and has a very smooth stride in transition, not to mention he can make a strong breakout pass to start a play. With his size, he isn’t afraid to step up and make a big hit. Mukhamadullin joined the San Jose Barracuda in the AHL last year and has been an excellent two-way player, one who looks more than capable of cracking the Sharks’ lineup very soon.
45. Easton Cowan, C/W, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs surprised the hockey world when they selected Easton Cowan with the 28th pick in the 2023 Draft. He wasn’t seen as a first round candidate by many people, but he has already paid back the Leafs for their belief in him.
Cowan is a quick and hardworking winger whose offensive production skyrocketed in the OHL last season, nearly doubling his production from the prior season in fewer games. The skill and skating were always there, but his ultimate offensive potential was the biggest question. He has gone a long way to putting that question to rest this year so keep an eye on Cowan as he finishes his junior career and enters the pros very soon.
44. Trevor Connelly, LW, Vegas Golden Knights
Trevor Connelly is a skilled winger with dynamic skating and a high-effort two way game. His hands are really quick and he plays with a ton of deception which made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the entire USHL last season. He was a clear first round talent with some top-six potential, but the off-ice noise is loud enough still that his ultimate NHL potential is a bit up in the air.
43. Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, RW, Detroit Red Wings
Michael Brandsegg-Nygård is a Norwegian winger who is known for his high work ethic and his shot. He isn’t going to produce a ton of highlight reel plays with his skill, but he’s got enough skill with the puck to compete in the NHL, and he works hard all over the ice. Brandsegg-Nygård’s best attribute is his shot, which is quite heavy. He scored eight goals and 18 points last year as a first time pro and should score quite a few more if he stays in Sweden next year, especially if he earns some time on the power play where he excels from the bumper spot as a one-timer option.
42. Bradly Nadeau, C, Carolina Hurricanes
Bradly Nadeau had a dominant draft season in the BCHL, with the goals and points accumulating until they were impossible to ignore. He led the league in goals, assists, and points as a 17-year-old and he’s got a wicked shot and the speed to be an absolute terror in transition. The only thing standing in the way of Nadeau becoming a goalscoring top-six winger will likely be his size, standing at 5-foot-10, though his skating and compete level give me hope that he could make it work. Nadeau’s game has translated well to the NCAA so far, scoring 46 points in 37 games played.
41. Quentin Musty, LW, San Jose Sharks
After a solid showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in the summer of 2022, Quentin Musty was considered by many to be the best U.S. born prospect in this draft class. After an up and down draft year, Musty has silenced many doubts after he tore up the OHL last season. He’s an athletic winger who can beat goalies with his hard shot or by crashing the net and scoring in tight. He doesn’t project to be much of a factor defensively, but his shot and playmaking are his best tools and they could make him a great NHL player someday.
Prospects #40-31
40. Matthew Savoie, C, Edmonton Oilers
Drafted ninth overall by the Sabres at the 2022 draft, Matthew Savoie is a highly creative centreman with a high-end skill set. The combination of speed, hands and stick handling makes him an offensive catalyst and he maintains offensive zone possession extremely well. Savoie has excellent vision to spot a lane to engage or find his teammates with a perfectly executed pass and he’s a dynamic skater as well. He got his first taste of pro hockey last Fall and was one of the best players in the WHL last year in his final year of junior play.
39. Jiri Kulich, C, Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres were lucky enough to have three selections in the first round of the 2022 Draft, picks nine, 16, and 28. They landed some great prospects with each pick, but my favorite of the bunch, Jiri Kulich, was the last one they selected at 28th overall. Kulich burst onto the scene at the U18 World Junior Championship just before the 2022 Draft where he scored nine goals in just six games. He is great at finding soft spots in defensive coverage and setting up for a rocket of a one-timer. Most prospects can’t jump straight from the draft and into the AHL, but Kulich has been remarkably successful for the Rochester Americans as a teenager, giving me confidence that he could become a top-six scoring winger in the NHL in the near future.
38. Oliver Moore, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Oliver Moore was the best skater from the 2023 draft class with blazing speed and excellent agility. The combination of his skating, shot, and quick hands makes him a really fun offensive weapon. He is agile enough that I expect he’ll be very successful on zone entries in the NHL some day, giving the Blackhawks a chance to control play in the offensive zone every time he touches the puck. He produced solid offense as a freshman in the NCAA last season, but only time will tell if he can handle a top-six workload in the NHL or if he’ll be better suited as a third-line center.
37. Brad Lambert, C, Winnipeg Jets
Brad Lambert has been one of the least predictable NHL prospects over the past few years, alternating between games where he looks like a sure-fire top-six centreman and games where you are left frustrated with his apparent lack of effort. Lambert’s skating ability is elite and gives him a standout skill that will translate to the NHL someday. He also has great puck skills and can make great passes or dekes while at his remarkable top speed. Last season was a positive one for Lambert who looked like a top young player in the AHL.
36. Michael Hage, C, Montreal Canadiens
Despite missing nearly all of his draft-1 season to injury, Michael Hage has established himself as a high end prospect, and was drafted 21st overall. He has a really well-rounded tool kit as a 6-foot-1 center who skates well, has excellent skill with the puck and can create chances at will in the USHL. Hage doesn’t have the most dangerous shot but it’s not a weakness by any means, and he competes well on defense and through traffic in the offensive zone. Ultimately, a lack of elite traits holds him back a little but Hage certainly has a chance to be a top-six forward in the NHL.
35. Calum Ritchie, C, Colorado Avalanche
Calum Ritchie has great puck skills and sometimes it looks like he’s glued the puck to his stick while carving through defenders or when he’s on a breakaway. His tools make him very well suited as a center at the next level with good size, a coveted right-handed shot, good defensive habits (kills penalties quite well), and solid faceoff results. He has the tools to be a top-6 forward, but his offensive game will need to continue to grow if he wants to reach that level of play in the NHL. Ritchie missed pieces of the past two seasons with injuries, but his play down the stretch in the OHL last season was phenomenal.
34. David Reinbacher, RD, Montreal Canadiens
David Reinbacher is a 6-foot-2 defender with a right-handed shot and great mobility who played lots of minutes in the National League (NL), Switzerland’s top professional men’s league, during his draft year. He’s a very responsible defender who shuts down tons of rush attempts with an active stick and stellar positioning.
Reinbacher is looking like a potential top-four mainstay in the NHL with exciting defensive potential despite a bit of an underwhelming season back in the NL. However, I’m still a firm believer in Reinbacher’s projection as a high-end defender for the Montreal Canadiens.
33. Tom Willander, RD, Vancouver Canucks
Tom Willander is a high end skater, which allows him to carry the puck out of his own zone and lets him take some risks offensively while still recovering quickly enough on the back-check. Willander burst onto the mainstream stage following his excellent showing at the U18s in his draft year where he anchored Sweden’s second pairing and competed with Axel Sandin Pellikka for the title of the best defender on the team. His skating is so strong and his motor runs high enough that even in games where he’s quiet offensively, he still provides a ton of value on the defensive end. I liked what I saw from Willander in the NCAA last season, and I think he’s going to be a very talented two-way defender for the Canucks.
32. Axel Sandin Pellikka, RD, Detroit Red Wings
Axel Sandin Pellikka is a right-handed offensive defenseman who has been an offensive leader in the SHL as a teenager. Sandin Pellikka had a great showing for Sweden at the World Juniors in his draft year, improving his draft stock considerably. He joined Sweden again for this past World Juniors as well, and was named the tournament’s top defender thanks to some timely goals in the knockout rounds. He is a force on offense but don’t let that fool you, he is a hard-working defender who makes a lot of stops despite his 5-foot-11 frame.
31. Denton Mateychuk, LD, Columbus Blue Jackets
Denton Mateychuk is a dynamic offensive defenseman who excels with the puck and can control the play from the point. His superb skating allows him to break down opposing defenses before making his move and charging to the middle or making a clever pass to an open teammate. Mateychuk’s production and confidence have only grown since his draft year and he’s been absolutely torching the WHL since then, and should find himself in the NHL next season with the Blue Jackets.
Prospects #30-21
30. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, St. Louis Blues
Since being selected 23rd overall in the 2022 Draft, Jimmy Snuggerud has proven to be an excellent choice for the St. Louis Blues. His shot is the first thing that stands out about his game, as the power and accuracy of his wrist shot make it a very dangerous tool, but the real reason his shot is so potent is the way he can disguise or alter his shot by suddenly changing the release point. He has smooth hands but doesn’t make a ton of plays as a distributor, though his finishing ability typically makes up for that. Snuggerud is a responsible defensive player which is impressive for a winger with so much offensive potential.
29. Rutger McGroarty, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
Rutger McGroarty is a true power forward, strong and determined enough to win pucks with great playmaking skills that allow him to make smart plays with the puck once he wins it. His father was the head coach of the Lincoln Stars in the USHL when he was growing up, and McGroarty’s maturity, work ethic, and two-way game have clearly benefited from observing and attending practices with players much older than him from such a young age.
He is a very complete prospect who is a natural leader, shoots well, and does just about everything else you could hope for from a first-round pick. McGroarty won’t lead your team in scoring, but he’ll do a whole lot of other things at a very high level. The Penguins did well to land him in exchange for Yager, netting the better of the two prospects, though the gap isnt massive.
28. Cole Eiserman, LW, New York Islanders
Cole Eiserman was the 2024 Draft’s premier goal scoring prospect, and he was by far the most polarizing player in the group. He can play physically, but can sometimes get caught chasing hits and losing track of defensive coverage.
The reason people are so high on Eiserman, is that he scored 72 goals in 69 games last season for the NTDP. Those are some absolutely absurd numbers. While he may not be the most reliable player when it comes to play driving or defensive results, he is an incredibly reliable goal scorer and projects to be a 30+ goal scorer in the NHL someday. Pair him with your best playmaking center and watch him do the hardest thing there is in hockey, score goals.
27. Danila Yurov, RW, Minnesota Wild
Danila Yurov is a great two-way winger with excellent skating and enough energy on the forecheck to frustrate opponents even in the KHL although he is at least a decade younger than most of his opposition. Yurov’s production in the KHL seriously leveled up last season as a result of increased confidence and ice-time, leading to him tripling his point total from the 2022-23 season. He just signed a one-year extension in the KHL, but he should be on the radar as an NHL player in just 12 months by my estimation.
26. Konsta Helenius, C/RW, Buffalo Sabres
Konsta Helenius is an excellent playmaker who competes hard enough to succeed in the Finnish Liiga as a 17-year-old. Helenius is level-headed under pressure and makes remarkable passes look routine, setting his teammates up for success. He was good for Finland at the 2024 World Juniors in Sweden, though the stat sheet might not give you the best idea of how impactful he was. Helenius’ two-way play against pros as a teenager has been very impressive, especially in transition where he is able to keep up with the pace of play both physically and mentally.
25. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, Vancouver Canucks
Jonathan Lekkerimäki had a really tough post-draft season, with multiple injuries/illnesses ruining any momentum he tried to build. That was true all year until the Allsvenskan playoffs where he seemed to finally look like his old self again, scoring 15 points in 15 games.
In the ensuing offseason, he was signed by the Canucks and loaned to the SHL where he played with Örebro HK and led all U20 SHL players in goals and points. Lekkerimäki was excellent at the 2024 World Junior Championship for Sweden, scoring seven goals in as many games and winning the award as the tournament’s MVP en route to a silver medal.
24. Beckett Sennecke, RW, Anaheim Ducks
Beckett Sennecke is a big winger with very impressive puck skill that allows him to regularly deke through several layers of defense. He was phenomenal for the Generals in the OHL playoffs, who ran out of steam in the OHL final with Sennecke on the sidelines injured. Sennecke has a solid playmaking game, with good enough sense to spot difficult lanes and make smart passes. He has some work to do filling out his rather skinny 6-foot-3 frame, but there is some real promise in his offensive game. Guys his size don’t usually move through opponents like he does, casually dodging between checks to find space.
23. Lane Hutson, LD, Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens were lucky to snag Lane Hutson near the end of the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft because many expected he’d be drafted much, much earlier. Hutson is an elite skater with high-end playmaking instincts. He battles well against larger players and his low center of gravity makes him harder to knock off the puck than you would expect. Hutson sees the ice really well and was dominant offensively through two NCAA seasons. He earned a quick two game NHL tryout with Montreal at the end of last season and looked dangerous so expect him to be a difference maker on the backend there very soon.
22. Sam Dickinson, LD, San Jose Sharks
Sam Dickinson is a big two-way defender with a tool kit that NHL General Managers dream of. He’s a 6-foot-3 defender who defends well, has shown flashes of great puck skills, and competes incredibly hard. Dickinson skates well for his size which bodes well for his NHL projection, though he will need to put in some work for his offensive game to be worthy of power play minutes in the NHL someday.
Dickinson’s defensive game has shone in an increased role this year and his offense has improved as well, nearly tripling his previous career high for points. There’s a ton of two-way, top-four defender potential in his game, and room for something more if his offensive numbers from this year are to be believed.
21. Shane Wright, C, Seattle Kraken
Shane Wright’s biggest obstacle since being drafted has been the NHL/CHL agreement but he was granted an exception last year so he could compete in the AHL despite not being officially eligible. This feels like the right level of competition for him right now, challenging enough that he’s not going to score two points each night but manageable enough for him to be one of the best players on his team. He had a great season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds and is looking like the player everyone thought would go first overall back in 2022 once again.
Prospects #20-11
20. Carter Yakemchuk, RD, Ottawa Senators
Carter Yakemchuk has an enviable physical makeup as a right-shot defender who already measures at 6-foot-2, 194 pounds and he has produced a ton of offense for the Calgary Hitmen. His offensive game is impressive for a defender of his size and his skating makes him even more intriguing as an NHL prospect. Yakemchuk has a rocket of a shot, scoring 19 goals last season, something that makes him a true goal scoring threat from the point. He challenges opposing players one-on-one like a forward, constantly setting himself up for these incredible dekes. The problem is, he doesn’t succeed 100% of the time and can put himself in tough positions to recover defensively.
19. Gabe Perreault, RW, New York Rangers
Gabe Perrault looks like someone who could be a power play specialist at the next level with great skill and smarts in the offensive zone. He can pick apart opposing defenses with pin-point passes, creative dangles and sly fakes, and his effort level is admirable. Perreault was one of the most creative and intelligent players in the 2023 Draft and he is great at weaving his way out of trouble when defenders collapse around him, either with a pass or his lightning-quick hands. Perreault scored at an absurd rate in his draft year, with 132 points in 63 games, setting the single-season record in the NTDP, surpassing players like Matthews, Hughes, and Clayton Keller. He also managed to score a whopping 60 points in 36 NCAA games as a freshman last season, confirming that he has the potential to be an offensive gamebreaker.
18. Ryan Leonard, LW/C, Washington Capitals
Ryan Leonard is a high energy winger who never takes his foot off the gas in terms of both speed and effort. He uses his speed and skill to blow by defenders in the neutral zone and pressure in-zone defenders who struggle to anticipate his next move. His playmaking and shot aren’t exceptional, but they’re both good enough to be reasonably effective in the NHL someday. He has a very versatile skill set and could be a great top-six winger who adds some grit and goalscoring to his line, similar to a Tyler Bertuzzi-type player (or Matthew Tkachuk-lite if you think his offense will really pop in the NHL).
17. Nate Danielson, C, Detroit Red Wings
Few centers in junior hockey enter their draft year as well-rounded as Nate Danielson. His consistency, effort, speed, and skill make him a coach’s dream even though he may not have the dynamic offensive qualities of some of his peers. Danielson is great at attacking the middle of the ice, he works hard, wins puck battles, and has an underrated shot which I think will give him a great chance of being a solid top-six, two-way center in the mold of a guy like Dylan Cozens.
Some may be worried about his lack of production in the WHL, but anyone who saw Danielson play in the NHL Preseason last Fall should know he’s well on his way to becoming a high-end NHLer. He’s got the size, skating, shot, and skill to be an impactful player in all areas of a hockey game and I will be a massive Danielson apologist until he’s a full time NHLer in the near future. Watch for him in the AHL next year with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
16. Tij Iginla, C, Utah Hockey Club
Tij Iginla was a very pleasant surprise in the WHL last season. After scoring just 18 points with the Seattle Thunderbirds the season before, Iginla flourished with the Kelowna Rockets. His game relies heavily on speed and he’s able to do a ton of damage on the rush at the junior level because of it. Iginla has an excellent wrist shot as well, but he isn’t the most gifted playmaker or physical guy. Regardless, he works hard and is often the first guy in on the forecheck.
Iginla scored an impressive 47 goals in the WHL last season, which tied him for the sixth most goals in the whole league. His go-to shot is the “curl-and-drag” wrister that we’ve seen so much lately, and he gets it off quicker than most, not allowing the goalie much time to adapt or predict his next move.
15. Anton Silayev, LD, New Jersey Devils
Anton Silayev was the story of the year early on last season, going from an unknown defender in Russia’s junior system last year to an elite defensive prospect who was tearing up the KHL. He’s been a difficult player to scout because the sample size of his great play is still relatively small, but his potential is as high as any defense prospect we’ve seen in the past few years so I couldn’t justify putting him any lower than this.
Silayev is 6-foot-7, but he moves like he’s 6-foot-2, and he has shown great two-way play so far in the KHL. He scored six points in his first six games, but slowed down significantly, finishing the season with 11 points after 63 regular season games. There’s a very real chance that he ends up as the top defender in this class given the massive potential his frame and agility provide.
14. Cutter Gauthier, C, Anaheim Ducks
Cutter Gauthier was the player whose draft stock rose the most following the 2022 NHL Draft Combine where NHL scouts and general managers were impressed by his maturity, physical strength. He showed that he was committed to becoming a pro center, but that won’t likely be asked of him now in Anaheim where he’ll likely flank one of Leo Carlsson or Mason McTavish.
Gauthier has great size, skating, and has the effort and ability to become a great defensive forward. Those are all pieces of becoming a great centreman someday and he has shown them in abundance for Boston College where he has been excellent for the last two seasons Gauthier’s shot and playmaking make him a powerful threat in the offensive zone and he’s one to watch in the Hobey Baker race this year.
13. Zayne Parekh, RD, Calgary Flames
Zayne Parekh has been a really fun player to follow throughout his junior career, constantly involving himself on offense, pinching in along the boards when needed, and creating a ton of chances for himself and his teammates as a result. For my money, he was the most talented offensive creator on the backend in the 2024 Draft, however, Parekh’s defensive game leaves a lot to be desired. He cheats for offense more than I’d like, which can leave him way out of position.
I do think he’s a solid defender when he’s properly engaged, cutting off passes and angling opponents toward the boards. Parekh is a remarkable talent, with Quinn Hughes-like offensive upside if things go well, but the defensive end is in need of some real work. He’s talented enough and looked strong enough defensively in the Memorial Cup that I think he’ll figure it out in the NHL though, if given enough time.
12. Simon Edvinsson, LD, Detroit Red Wings
Simon Edvinsson is one of the most exciting prospects in the hockey world, with nearly limitless potential due to his remarkable size (6-foot-6), mobility (guys his size rarely skate this well), and offensive skill. Edvinsson was an impressive two-way force in the SHL after being drafted, and made the transition to North America two seasons ago. He looked much more comfortable with the North American game over the course of his first season and grew a lot on ice from his NHL pre-season games to the NHL games he played toward the end of the year.
The Red Wings haven’t given Edvinsson a chance to stick in the NHL just yet but he’s really close to breaking through and I can’t imagine him spending longer in the AHL than the NHL next season. Detroit’s log-jam on the left side of defense has slowed his NHL trajectory a little, but I think letting him become a near dominant force in the AHL was a good call. Expect him to play top-four minutes for the Red Wings before next season ends.
11. Berkly Catton, C, Seattle Kraken
Berkly Catton is a remarkably intelligent player, creating chances and advantages for his teammates through clever manipulations rather than through physical force. The Spokane Chiefs have lacked high-end talent during Catton’s entire WHL tenure, so he has been leaned upon heavily for the past two seasons. Luckily for the Chiefs, Catton has more than been up to the task of leading the team, scoring points at an absurdly high rate. There were only four players on the Chiefs who scored more than 35 points last season, and Catton scored 116!
Catton was phenomenal for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup a year ago as well where he scored 10 points in just five games while captaining Canada to the gold medal. He is a very skilled player with a ton of speed and a high-end motor. I think his offensive versatility and his potential while attacking off the rush will make him an excellent addition for the Kraken.
Prospects #10-1
10. Logan Stankoven, C, Dallas Stars
Logan Stankoven is a fearless competitor who is willing to make tough, physical plays and isn’t shy about throwing his body around either. He played full time in the AHL last season for the Texas Stars and looked dominant as a first year pro. Not only did he scoring more than every other top prospect in that league in his time there, but he was actually the leading scorer for the entire league in January before earning a run of play in the NHL.
Stankoven’s offensive skills have translated incredibly well to the pro game and the Dallas Stars are going to need to find a permanent spot for him in the lineup very soon. He scored 22 points through 43 regular season and playoff games with Dallas, and should be a serious contender for the Calder Trophy next season.
9. Zeev Buium, LD, Minnesota Wild
Zeev Buium is a complete defenseman who has had a ton of success early in his collegiate career, scoring well above a point-per-game as a freshman defender. He is an excellent skater and has plenty of hockey sense which allows him to defend incredibly well in the NCAA, and likely in the NHL as well. It’s becoming increasingly common to see NHL defenders succeed through puck skills and clever positioning rather than simply through physicality and I think Buium could fit that mold.
Buium has a great motor and always finds himself in the thick of the action on both ends of the ice. He has good skill with the puck but his calling card will be his skating and sense which he uses to his advantage best on the rush both as a passer and a scoring threat. Buium falling to 12th in the draft could make a few teams look really silly if he becomes the player I expect he will.
8. Cayden Lindstrom, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
Cayden Lindstrom has been a favorite of mine in the 2024 Draft class going back a year or two now. He’s a massive power forward (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) who is incredibly quick and difficult to knock off the puck. His size advantage is part of what makes him a nearly immovable object in the WHL, but he also has great hands, a strong shot, and really good puck protection instincts. His defensive game has looked significantly improved over the years and I think his offensive totals would have earned him a bit more attention this season if he hadn’t dealt with consecutive finger and back injuries.
What I’ve seen from him this year is a natural progression of him getting bigger and stronger, allowing him to dominate the WHL. It’s not just his improved finishing that makes him exciting, it’s his strength, speed, and motor. Columbus already has Adam Fantilli as their 1C of the future, and adding Lindstrom who could conceivably fill the 2C spot will be a huge answer for the team’s future.
7. Alexander Nikishin, LD, Carolina Hurricanes
Alexander Nikishin has put the hockey world on notice over the past 24 months, establishing himself as one of the very best young players outside of the NHL with back-to-back seasons as one of the best two-way defenders in the KHL. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, he recently re-signed with SKA-St. Petersburg of the KHL on a deal that will keep him in Russia at least until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Regardless, Nikishin is a remarkable defensive prospect who exploded offensively last season, leading all KHL defenders in scoring. He is big (6-foot-4), has a heavy slapshot, and skates remarkably well for someone of his size. This season, Nikishin proved that last year was no fluke, once again leading all KHL defenders in points. If the Hurricanes are able to convince him to come to play for them in the 2025-26 season, he looks like he’ll be a top-four defender immediately upon arrival.
6. Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens
Ivan Demidov is an incredibly talented offensive player, with great hands, a zippy shot, and some sneaky-good playmaking instincts. He spent last season in the MHL, Russia’s top junior league, where he was dominant as a 17-year-old rookie, scoring 64 points in 44 games (third most points in the league).
Demidov isn’t quite at the same level as top 2023 Draft prospect Matvei Michkov, but he is a legit top-end talent who has clear top-line potential in the NHL. One thing he and Michkov have in common is a difficulty earning minutes in the KHL as a draft eligible player. Demidov sat out many games to start the year and played full time in the MHL for the rest of the season. He dominated that level this season, but we’ve seen him do that already so it’s no surprise. I’d really love to see him against pros full-time next season, hopefully in the KHL.
There aren’t many players who can handle the puck quite like Demidov. He absolutely torched the MHL this year (2 points per game) and scored 28 points in 17 playoff games. I’m confident he’ll score a ton of points in the NHL, it’s just a question of how effective of a player he can be at even strength given his smaller frame and strange skating stride.
5. Brandt Clarke, RD, Los Angeles Kings
Brandt Clarke boasts some of the best offensive smarts and decision-making with the puck as a defenseman in the world. Selected eighth overall in 2021, Clarke can take control of a shift or lead a rush chance whenever he’s on the ice with his skating and speed. He’s great at identifying the open lanes and attacking with force to take advantage of an opportunity.
This season, Clarke has been the best offensive defender in the entire AHL, earning himself a callup to the NHL in January. He scored a whopping 46 points in 50 AHL games, adding six more in the playoffs. Clarke will likely never be the best defensive defender, but the amount of offense he provides will make that an afterthought for most of his NHL career.
4. Will Smith, C, San Jose Sharks
Will Smith is an incredibly shifty playmaker who can create high danger plays at will (pun intended) by threading passes through traffic, stickhandling around pressure, or taking a shot of his own. He is a very intelligent offensive player and can make these great reads and plays at full speed. Smith is so difficult for defenders to pin down because of the way he manipulates defenders’ movements like waiting for them to turn their skates in one direction before darting in the other, and him being a right-handed centerman doesn’t hurt either.
Smith had a phenomenal season in the NCAA last year, and is set to join a San Jose Sharks team in great need of high end talent. The young trio of Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund, and Smith will give Sharks fans a really great view at the bright future the team is building, especially at forward. With Celebrini looking like the team’s future 1C, Smith will get the chance to feast on easier competition on the second line which I think will benefit him greatly.
3. Artyom Levshunov, RD, Chicago Blackhawks
Artyom Levshunov has an incredibly exciting toolkit as a big, right-handed defender who skates incredibly well. Levshunov has a very projectable game, with the size, skating, and offense to be a great NHL defender. He plays with a ton of confidence, which can be a bit of a double-edged sword at times. Levshunov’s offensive game is dynamic, with his smooth skating serving as the catalyst for each thing he does well. He’s strong in breakout/entry situations, has some clever stretch passes in his toolkit, and walks the blueline with confidence.
He is still a bit of a raw prospect at this point, which means there’s a lot of room for growth. Levshunov was a poor defender in the USHL when he first arrived, but finished that season as a strong two-way player. His first NCAA mirrored that closely, with an increased defensive responsibility as the year wore on. It looks like Levshunov is set to make the jump to the pros next season, and while his defensive game may not be great right off the bat, he’s shown himself to be a quick study.
2. Matvei Michkov, RW, Philadelphia Flyers
With the graduation of guys like Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli, and Connor Bedard, Matvei Michov is clearly at least a top-three best prospect in the NHL with an incredible ability to manipulate opposing defenses. He has a great shot, but more often than not he scores goals because he slipped his defender and managed to find the space and time necessary to score a goal. While Bedard scores by shooting a wrister as hard as possible, trying to punch a hole through the goalie, Michkov will outsmart the defense and score by finding holes in coverage.
Related: Matvei Michkov – The Best Russian Prospect Since Ovechkin
He looked like an absolute star in the KHL last year, once again being loaned to HK Sochi, one of the league’s bottom teams. I expected he would land a well-deserved top-six spot with SKA St. Petersburg next season, but the Flyers managed to get him signed and Michkov will make his NHL debut much sooner than expected. He’s a serious contender for the Calder Trophy next year, especially if the Flyers put him in a position to succeed.
1. Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks
Macklin Celebrini is easily the top player on this edition of the list. He’s a center with a June birthday, meaning he’s one of the youngest players from the 2024 draft class, and will be just 18 years old for his entire rookie season in the NHL. Celebrini excels at everything, with great skating, goal scoring ability, off-puck play, defensive effort, confidence, and just about every other attribute you could dream of. After tearing up the United States high school prep circuit with Shattuck St. Mary’s, Celebrini tried his hand in the USHL last season with the Chicago Steel and was immediately the best player in the league.
He was so good, in fact, that he has made the choice to enter the NCAA early, playing as a 17-year-old for Boston University last season. His play in the NCAA was wildly impressive, with him already establishing himself as the best player in all of college hockey. Celebrini’s performance for Team Canada at the 2024 World Juniors was borderline dominant, and he was their best player in the entire tournament despite being a double-underager.
There’s a clear path for Celebrini to become an excellent first-line center in the NHL and the San Jose Sharks are counting the days until he can show what he’s made of at their training camp in a few short days.
Who’s too low? Who’s too high? Who do you think should have made the list? Leave a comment below!
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