To come up with the top 150 prospects for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft I have used an average of 12 different well respected lists including: The Hockey News (Magazine Rankings), The Hockey News (Ryan Kennedy), Sportsnet (Damien Cox), TSN (Craig Button), TSN (Bob McKenzie), ESPN (Corey Pronman *May List), HockeyProspects.com, McKeen’s Hockey, Central Scouting, ISS, Future Considerations, and Hockeyprospectus.com. I can’t physically scout every player, so the most complete list I can compile comes from relying on these other sources and combining their rankings, which is what you’re getting with this list. It factors in the players average ranking across all 12 rankings with a minimum of six times ranked to crack the top 121 prospects, those ranked between 122 and 150 gained those positions first by being ranked the most times even though it’s less than six, and then by having the highest average ranking. The 10 honorable mentions are random players who had decent rankings but did not fit the criteria to crack the top 150. The list does not include any players who re-entered the draft like Connor Bleakley as they were not rated by multiple outlets. It isn’t going to be a perfect list, but it should give a ballpark idea of the average spot each player may be expected to go. With the Toronto Maple Leafs on the clock with pick one, let’s start with their best option.
#1 – C Auston Matthews – (No Change)
6’2.25″ 216 lbs
Born: 1997-09-17 (USA – Scottsdale, Arizona)
2015-16 Stats
Zurich Lions (NLA) GP 36, G 24, A 22, PTS 46, PIM 6
Zurich Lions (NLA-Playoffs) GP 4, G 0, A 3, PTS 3 PIM 2
Zurich Lions (Champions HL) GP 2, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
USA (WJC) GP 7, G 7, A 4, PTS 11, PIM 2
USA (WC) GP 10, G 6, A 3, PTS 9, PIM 2
Elite Prospects Link – Player Profile on Zurich Lions Website – Player Profile on USA Hockey Website for 2015 U18
EP Scouting Report: A high octane dynamo that thrives under the microscope, Auston Matthews is a complete offensive forward who consistently boasts quick hands, feet, and thinking at both ends of the ice. Naturally nimble skater that accelerates to top speed very quickly. An unwavering focus on fine tuning elements of his own game facilitates confidence and competence in his young, but mature, mind. Prolific goal scoring ability and doesn’t wait for opportunities to show themselves. He makes his own luck, so to speak, maximizing the use of his body and stick to gain leverage against the toughest of opponents. All-in-all, a generational talent that has the potential to develop into a top flight franchise center. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016) Matthews was the youngest member of the USA’s World Championship team this spring, offering one last chance to showcase himself as the top prospect for the 2016 draft and he didn’t disappoint, leading the team in goal scoring and tying for the team lead in point with Dylan Larkin. He will suit up for team North America at the World Cup of Hockey in the fall.
#2 – W Patrik Laine – (No Change)
6’3.75″ 201 lbs
Born: 1998-04-19 (Finland – Tampere)
2015-16 Stats
Tappara Tampere (SM-Liiga) GP 46, G 17, A 16, PTS 33, PIM 6
Tappara Tampere (SM-Liiga-Playoffs) GP 18, G 10, A 5, PTS 15, PIM 6
Finland U20 (WJC) GP 7, G 7, A 6, PTS 13, PIM 6
Finland U20 (Int-Jr-All) GP 14, G 12, A 8, PTS 20, PIM 8
Finland (EHT) GP 2, G 0, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 2
Finland (WC) GP 10, G 7, A 5, PTS 12, PIM 4
Finland (Int.-All) GP 12, G 7, A 5, PTS 12, PIM 6
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Tappara Tampere Website
EP Scouting Report: Laine is a towering winger with a knack for scoring big goals. A good skater, albeit not the most agile forward in traffic. Has a set of soft hands combined with good vision, but prefers to use his swift and heavy shot. Able to find openings to use his shot. Likes to play physical, but doesn’t get carried away by hitting the opponents. Playing in pro ranks has matured his game considerably. (EP 2016) A natural scorer, Laine’s greatest asset is his intimidating shot. He’s not a speedy skater, but possesses power and a long stride, and protects the puck well with his large frame and longer stick. Overall, skating has been a minor issue through Laine’s development but has improved with some help from his ability to read the game. Laine has the hunger to create chances on his own from the wing and actively looks for and creates opportunities to use his shot. His elite wrist shot is notable for its quick release and his powerful one-timer from the top of the circle is a constant threat on the man-advantage. (Matias Strozyk, 2016)
Laine made sure he wasn’t outdone by Matthews at the World Hockey Championships putting up 3 more points with 12 in 10 games and was named Tournament MVP. He has had quite the year shooting up the rankings and winning lots of hardware in the process with a World Junior U-20 Gold, World Championships Silver and SM-Liiga League Championship. Laine believes he should be the guy selected number one, but most rankings don’t agree with only two of my twelve sources used putting him ahead of Matthews.
#3 – RW Jesse Puljujarvi – (No Change)
6’3″ 201 lbs
Born: 1998-05-07 (Sweden – Alvkarleby) Finish Citizen
2015-16 Stats
Karpat (SM-Liiga) GP 50, G 13, A 15, PTS 28, PIM 22
Karpat (SM-Liiga-Playoffs) GP 10, G 4, A 5, PTS 9, PIM 2
Karpat (Champions HL) GP 13, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 6
Finland U20 (WJC) GP 7, G 5, A 12, PTS 17, PIM 0
Finland U20 (Int-Jr-All) GP 15, G 9, A 14, PTS 23, PIM 10
Finland U18 (WJC-18) GP 4, G 5, A 2, PTS 7, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Karpat Website
EP Scouting Report: Puljujärvi is a big winger who combines size, skating and skill. A strong skater who can blast past the opposition in full speed. Able to use his size, reach and stickhandling skills to retain the puck in speed. A smart player at both ends of the ice, both on and off the puck. Great work ethic and positive attitude. More of a playmaker than a scorer and could improve his shooting skills. Doesn’t shy away from physical play, but could use his size more to his benefit. (EP 2016)
A truly dominant two-way force that consistently demonstrates elite hockey sense, proactive defensive awareness, and a full array of offensive tools. Comparable to Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars, Puljujärvi owns a dangerously accurate shot, as well as exceptional playmaking ability that pairs up quite nicely with his superb vision and enthusiasm. Has the ability to absolutely dominate by using his size and speed to keep possession of the puck until he determines it to be the right time for the rubber to hit the back of the net. Everything that he does, he does well, to the fullest of his ability; there are no empty holes in this electrifying and hard-nosed forward’s game. [EP]
#4 – LW Matthew Tkachuk – (No Change)
6’1″ 194 lbs
Born: 1997-12-11 (USA – Scottsdale, Arizona)
2015-16 Stats
London Knights (OHL) GP 57, G 30, A 77, PTS 107, PIM 80
London Knights (OHL-Playoffs) GP 18, G 20, A 20, PTS 40, PIM 42
London Knights (Memorial Cup) GP 4, G 5, A 3, PTS 8, PIM 4
USA (WJC) GP 7, G 4, A 7, PTS 11, PIM 6
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on London Knights Website – Player Profile on USA Hockey Website for 2015 U18
Scouting Report: A multi-dimensional energy winger that plays a pro-style, adaptive game. Well-versed as a guy who can consistently put up points, but also as an agitator who plays with a little bit of bite and nastiness. Skates with excellent balance and speed, outclassing many in his age range. No lack of offensive instincts and knows how to score in many different ways. Confidence in his abilities and playing to the extent of his capabilities strengthens his work ethic and creativity. All-in-all, a unique and effective forward who defines his own limits and seeks to exceed them, along with all on-ice expectations. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
NHL Central Scouting’s David Gregory said. “He brings every element of the game that you need to bring, aside from the fact how skilled he is and what he brings with hockey sense. He’s got one of the best compete levels of anyone in this draft.” Retired NHL player Jeremy Roenick, who coached Tkachuk in the All-American Top Prospects Game, thought the son of U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member Keith Tkachuk was the most impressive player in the game. “I thought his compete level and intelligence really stood out; he knew where to go, and at that age it’s rare to see kids like that knowing where to go with the puck before they get it,” Roenick said. (Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com article September 29th, 2015)
“[Tkachuk] has elite hockey IQ and vision,” NHL Central Scouting’s Matt Ryan said. “He makes the players around him better and has a very good scoring touch around the net. He plays inside the dots and is willing to go to the hard areas to score goals. He brings a physical element and is able to get under the skin of his opponents.” (Mike. F Morreale, NHL.com article November 24th, 2015)
#5 – W Pierre-Luc Dubois – (No Change)
6’2.25″ 205 lbs
Born: 1998-06-24 (Canada – Ste-Agathe-de-Monts, Quebec)
2015-16 Stats
Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) GP 62, G 42, A 57, PTS 99, PIM 112
Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 12, G 7, A 5, PTS 12, PIM 14
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 0
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 0
QMJHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 2, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Cape Breton Screaming Eagles Website
Scouting Report: A phenominal two-way power forward that thrives under pressure. He brings versatility, being able to play as a center or a winger, as well as elite skill and agility. His athleticism is exemplified in his strong skating that allows him to backcheck hard, explode up the ice in-transition, or propel himself up into hits that opponents won’t soon forget. His defensive zone play is excellent; he proactively finds and takes away shooting and passing lanes, and makes it tough on opponents to pinpoint any daylight. When he is on the ice, he is uncontainable and leads the forecheck; he creates the time and space for himself to be creative with the puck and finds a way to get it to the back of the net. He makes the players around him better, serving as an example of what hard work and skill can and will be able to produce. A similarly punishing two-way forward with size and zero deficiencies, Anze Kopitar, is the type of player Dubois will aspire to become at the next level. Pierre-Luc Dubois has the potential to develop into an elite two-way forward that excels as a positive catalyst in every facet of the roles he can play, be it the dynamic scorer, the set-up man, the intimidating power forward, or the defensive-minded shutdown guy. He is the type of player nobody likes to play against. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
A top-end talent that impacts all aspects of the game from different angles. May well be the most complete player in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. His multidimensional play and elite offensive prowess reminds scouts a little bit of James Neal. Competitiveness marks his game and he consistently proves to be a high impact player when he is on the ice. [EP]
“[Dubois] is a big, skilled forward who plays a complete game,” Central Scouting’s Troy Dumville said. “He goes to traffic areas and plays with an edge, has good vision and very good hands in tight.” (Mike. F Morreale, NHL.com article November 24th, 2015)
#6 – D Olli Juolevi – (Up 2 Spots)
6’2″ 183 lbs
Born: 1998-05-05 (Finland – Helsinki)
2015-16 Stats
London Knights (OHL) GP 57, G 9, A 33, PTS 42, PIM 16
London Knights (OHL-Playoffs) GP 18, G 3, A 11, PTS 14, PIM 4
London Knights (Memorial Cup) GP 4, G 0, A 7, PTS 7, PIM 4
Finland (WJC) GP 7, G 0, A 9, PTS 9, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on London Knights Website
Scouting Report: A competitive spark-plug, Olli Juolevi is a complete, all-around defenceman that can hem the opposition in their own end or make things difficult for the opposition at home; either way, he puts the pressure on and lays it on thick. A strong and balanced skater, he can rush the puck through the neutral zone with ease or backcheck with haste. Uses his size to his advantage, but knows his physical limits and plays within them. Instead of playing overly physical, he makes his presence felt by exhibiting his high-end playmaking ability and puck possession play. All-in-all, a well-rounded blueliner who thrives under pressure and can be trusted in all situations. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
Very sturdily built D-man that leans into his hits, competes hard, and possesses elite-level vision and hockey sense. Looks stronger game-by-game and adapts very quickly to his surroundings and situations. Scouts liken Olli Juolevi to Olli Maatta of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both are fluid skaters and have deep-rooted understandings of their position. Both have tremendous skill and talent, and both will go far in their careers. [EP]
NHL Central Scouting’s Matt Ryan said he feels Juolevi has proven to be very smart in his first OHL season.”He’s a smooth-skating defenseman with poise and composure,”Ryan also said. “He has the ability to play in every situation.” (Mike. F Morreale, NHL.com article November 24th, 2015)
“The Olli Maatta clone was named the top D-man among Finland under-20s.” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, October 14, 2015)
#7 – W Alexander Nylander – (Down 1 Spot)
6’0.5″ 178 lbs
Born: 1998-03-02 (Canada – Calgary, Alberta) Swedish Citizen
2015-16 Stats
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) GP 57, G 28, A 47, PTS 75, PIM 18
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL-Playoffs) GP 6, G 6, A 6, PTS 12, PIM 2
Sweden (WJC) GP 7, G 3, A 5, PTS 9
Sweden (WJC-18) GP 7, G 3, A 8, PTS 11, PIM 0
Sweden (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 6
Sweden (Int-Jr 20) GP 3, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Mississauga Steelheads Website
Scouting Report: “Mississauga has been able to stockpile quite a collection of prospects for both the 2016 and 2017 NHL draft class,” Dan Marr, NHL Director of Central Scouting said. “Second-year players McLeod and Bastian continue to develop and contribute while establishing themselves as first-round considerations. Nylander is excelling on the smaller North American ice and the three of these players give Mississauga a uniqueness of having a line of first-round prospects.” (Mike. F Morreale, NHL.com article November 24th, 2015)
Talking to scouts working the Hlinka tournament, they inevitably use William as a measuring stick for Alexander. “Skilled like his big brother, shows a lot on the perimeter on the big ice,” one scout said of Nylander the younger. “Skates like William, same sort of size at the same stage, not physically mature, ” another said. Two scouts I talked to framed it the same way: “Not as flamboyant as his brother,” they said. That might be a comment on William even more than his little draft-eligible brother. “Flamboyant” isn’t a word that comes in many scouting reports. According to those at the tournament, Alexander was the best skater on the ice in any given shift he played in Sweden’s opening 4-3 victory over Switzerland, picking up a goal and assist.” (Gary Joyce, Sportsnet.com August 13th, 2015)
Son of former NHLer Michael Nylander.
#8 – C Clayton Keller – (Up 3 Spots)
5’10” 164 lbs
Born: 1998-07-29 (USA – Swansea, Illinois)
2015-16 Stats
US National U18 Team (USDP) GP 62, G 37, A 70, PTS 107, PIM 40
US National U18 Team (USHL) GP 23, G 13, A 24, PTS 37, PIM 14
USA (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 4, A 10, PTS 14, PIM 2
Committed to Boston University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on USA Hockey Website for 2015 U18 – Player Profile on US National U18 Team Page
Scouting Report: “An offensive catalyst with USA’s national program, Keller is a world-class puck handler who blends his puck-on-a-string dangles with elite vision to confidently dissect opposing defences. His passing abilities are in a class of their own and he needs very little time and space to execute creative, highly difficult pass attempts. He mixes in deceptive fakes, stick misdirection and paralyzing agility to keep opposing teams guessing. In a similar mold as a Patrick Kane or Mitch Marner, Keller’s the type of player that teams run their offenses through due to their creativity and confidence under pressure. He’s not a one-trick pony either because his shooting abilities have dynamic elements as well.” (Kelly Friesen, Buzzing the Net, Yahoo.ca Article August 24, 2015)
#9 – D Jakob Chychrun – (Down 2 Spots)
6’2″ 200 lbs
Born: 1998-03-31 (USA – Boca Raton, Florida) Canadian-American Dual Citizen
2015-16 Stats
Sarnia Sting (OHL) GP 62, G 11, A 38, PTS 49, PIM 51
Sarnia Sting (OHL-Playoffs) GP 7, G 2, A 6, PTS 8, PIM 8
Canada (WJC-18) GP 7, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 8
OHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Sarnia Sting Website
Scouting Report: An unyielding two-way defenceman, Jakob Chychrun is a rising star with a toolbox bursting at the seams. Consistently displays elite four-way skating ability and is not afraid to throw his weight around physically. Plays with poise and composure through high pressure situations and, with the puck on his stick, can direct the play up-ice. Exhibits a particularly potent shot that works its magic on the power play and on the forecheck. Excellent first pass and uses his vision and awareness to keep the puck moving in the direction of the opposition’s tail or to a teammate with more time and space. Defensively adept at tracking the puck and staying a step ahead of the opposition. Proactive with his stick and body, exerting pressure on the opposition and forcing them to make hurried decisions.
All-in-all, a well-rounded two-way defender that competes with pro-level drive and makes his authoritative presence felt at both ends of the ice. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
“Defenseman Jakob Chychrun brings size, speed, toughness and a cracking shot to the ice and really; you can’t ask for much more in a prospect. That’s why the Sarnia Sting sophomore will be the top 2016 draft hopeful to watch in North America this season and by far the most coveted defenseman.” (Ryan Kennedy, The Hockey News September 22, 2015)
“I saw Chychrun a lot last year before his injury, and again after he returned, and he has an all-around game,” Central Scouting’s Al Jensen said. “I haven’t seen a young defenseman with this type of skill set in his draft year since Scott Stevens. Jakob has that drive and determination, and when I look in his eyes you can see it. He’s almost NHL-ready right now.” “People will be very impressed with this kid; he’s got a phenomenal shot, he’s a leader and plays all situations, and his 1-on-1 coverage is great.” (Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com article September 29th, 2015)
Son of former NHLer Jeff Chychrun and Nephew of former NHLer Luke Richardson.
Tied-#10 – D Mikhail Sergachev – (Down 1)
6’2.25″ 222 lbs
Born: 1998-06-25 (Russia – Nizhnekamsk)
2015-16 Stats
Windsor Spitfires (OHL) GP 67, G 17, A 40, PTS 57, PIM 56
Windsor Spitfires (OHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 2, A 3, PTS 5, PIM 8
Russia (WJC-U18) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 8
Elite Prospect Link – Roster Page on Windsor Spitfires Website
EP Scouting Report: A dominant two-way defenceman whose tenacity and competitiveness characterize his style of play. Plays with a poise and confidence that facilitates his creativity with the puck as well as split-second decision making. Naturally fluid skater who is always looking to be engaged, if not the center, of each unfolding play. All-in-all, a diligent two-way defenceman who excels at finding ways to be a difference-maker in games. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
Tied-#10 – C Logan Brown – (Up 6 Spots)
6’6.25″ 220 lbs
Born: 1998-03-05 (USA – Raleigh, North Carolina) Canadian-American Dual Citizen
2015-16 Stats
Windsor Spitfires (OHL) GP 59, G 21, A 53, PTS 74, PIM 40
Windsor Spitfires (OHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 0, A 6 PTS 6, PIM 6
U.S. National U18 Team (USDP) GP 9, G 4, A 9, PTS 13, PIM 6
USA (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 3, A 9, PTS 12, PIM 2
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link – Roster Page on Windsor Spitfires Website
Scouting Report:
Brown is a huge center that excels at both ends of the ice. He can be dominant in the offensive zone but takes care of his own end as well. His 6’6 frame is key to his success as he uses his body to shield his puck and his reach to keep it off other players sticks. He is not overly physical for a player his size, but will finish every check and battle down low very effectively. He has a good shot with a pro like release as well as good creativity and maturity when passing the puck. (Tyler Parchem, EP 2016)
“[Brown] is a typical case of bigger players requiring a little more time to develop and he had a slow start which was influenced by injury and suspension,” Dan Marr, NHL Director of Central Scouting said. “But now he is on top of his game and the results are showing. He moves deceptively well for his size and he knows how to utilize that size to dominate on the play and protect the puck. Logan has such good hands and puck skills for a big forward that he’s hard to stop when he’s driving to the net.” (Mike. F Morreale, NHL.com article November 24th, 2015)
Has good vision, thinks the game well and creates chances for teammates. Still growing, much to his chagrin. (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, February 19th, 2016)
Son of former NHLer Jeff Brown.
#12 – C/LW Tyson Jost – (No Change)
5’11” 190 lbs
Born: 1998-03-14 (Canada – St. Albert, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Penticton Vees (BCHL) GP 48, G 42, A 62, PTS 104, PIM 43
Penticton Vees (BCHL-Playoffs) GP 11, G 6, A 8, PTS 14, PIM 4
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 6, A 9, PTS 15, PIM 2
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 3, A 0, PTS 3, PIM 0
Canada West U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 3, A 6, PTS 9, PIM 2
Committed to University of North Dakota (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Penticton Vees Website
EP Scouting Report: Tyson Jost is a crafty goal-scorer that carries out plays as quickly as he envisions them. As someone who thinks and plays at a fast tempo, it comes as no surprise that he creates a lot of energy as an offensive catalyst. He sees the ice very well and has the willingness and determination to win battles in the tough areas. All-in-all, a dynamic offensive forward with top-6 potential at the next level. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
#13 – C Michael McLeod – (Down 3 Spots)
6’2″ 185 lbs
Born: 1998-02-03 (Canada – Mississauga, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) GP 57, G 21, A 40, PTS 61, PIM 71
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL-Playoffs) GP 7, G 3, A 6, PTS 9, PIM 6
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 2
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 5, PTS 6, PIM 8
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 3, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
OHL All Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Mississauga Steelheads Website
Scouting Report: Michael McLeod is a highly skilled power center that relies on nobody but himself to get the job done. His size and skating make him difficult to contain, and his competitiveness gives him an edge against other teams’ best. His deft puckhandling skills and control over his speed are the defining aspects of his offensive abilities. All-in-all, a top talent that is both dynamic and hard to play against. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
“Mississauga has been able to stockpile quite a collection of prospects for both the 2016 and 2017 NHL draft class,” Dan Marr, NHL Director of Central Scouting said. “Second-year players McLeod and Bastian continue to develop and contribute while establishing themselves as first-round considerations. Nylander is excelling on the smaller North American ice and the three of these players give Mississauga a uniqueness of having a line of first-round prospects.” (Mike. F Morreale, NHL.com article November 24th, 2015)
“Canada’s second-best forward at the Hlinka event. He has the size to be a No. 1 pivot.” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, October 14, 2015)
#14 – D Charlie McAvoy – (No Change)
6’0.25″ 200 lbs
Born: 1997-12-21 (USA – Long Beach, New York)
2015-16 Stats
Boston University Terriers (NCAA) GP 37, G 3, A 22, PTS 25, PIM 56
USA (WJC) GP 7, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on USA Hockey Website for 2015 U18 – Player Profile on Boston University Terriers Website
Scouting Report: “We expect Charlie to make an immediate impact and play in all situations,” Boston University coach David Quinn said. “He’s got great skills and vision and he’s a big, strong kid that skates well. He’s one of the top freshman defensemen in college hockey.” (Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com article September 29th, 2015)
Playing very well as a freshman and was terrific at the world juniors on a power-play tandem with Zach Werenski. (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, February 19th, 2016)
Took extra courses to get to BU early. Is family friends with Leafs prospect Jeremy Bracco.
(Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, February 19th, 2016)
Tied-#15 – D Jake Bean – (Down 2 Spots)
6’0.75″ 173 lbs
Born: 1998-09-06 (Canada – Calgary, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Calgary Hitmen (WHL) GP 68, G 24, A 40, PTS 64, PIM 28
Calgary Hitmen (WHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 2
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 2
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 4
WHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 2, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Calgary Hitmen Website
Scouting Report: A shifty and intelligent defenceman that plays with panache and poise. An excellent skater that is a good puck-carrier up the ice. Makes very good decisions with and without the puck, and plays strong positionally. Works hard and doesn’t give the opposition much to work with, but could stand to be a bit more assertive during high pressure situations. That being said, he is not a one dimentional player. He displays natural talent in the offensive end, but also plays a complete defensive game in his own end. He has a proactive stick and boxes the opposition out, limiting lanes. All-in-all, the type of all-around defenceman that you want to have on the ice as much as possible. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
It’s a down draft year for the ‘Dub,’ but Bean is one to watch. A whip-smart defenseman with an excellent stick, Bean is probably underrated defensively, where his positioning is excellent. When you put up 43 points in 46 games, that part can get overshadowed. (Ryan Kennedy, The Hockey News, January 26, 2016 Article)
Tied-#15 – D Dante Fabbro – (Up 6 Spots)
6’0.5” 192 lbs
Born: 1998-06-20 (Canada – New Westminster, British Columbia)
2015-16 Stats
Penticton Vees (BCHL) GP 45, G 14, A 53, PTS 67, PIM 30
Penticton Vees (BCHL) GP 11, G 0, A 8, PTS 8, PIM 2
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 0, A 8, PTS 8, PIM 16
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 0
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Canada West U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 4
Committed to Boston University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Penticton Vees Website
Scouting Report: Dante Fabbro is a dependable two-way defenseman with high offensive upside. He plays with poise and makes mature, high-percentage decisions under pressure. In his own end, he is proactive with both his body and stick, and does everything right to interrupt passing lanes and win back possession. With the puck on his stick, he is mobile at an elite level and can direct plays like a quarterback. He possesses a hard and accurate release on his shot, that he gets off quickly and on-net. All-in-all, a complete defenseman that plays a refined game at both ends of the ice. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
“Fabbro’s defensive tendencies and polished offensive game have often drawn comparisons to Tyson Barrie of the Colorado Avalanche. As a slick puck mover with excellent individual skill, Fabbro could become a huge difference maker at the next level.” [EP]
“Fabbro is a strong positional player with a very good read-and-react game,” Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting said. “He’s always in a good position to break up a play. He gets his point shot on the net; he was Canada’s best defenseman at 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament.” (Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com article September 29th, 2015)
#17 – C/LW Kieffer Bellows – (Up 1 Spot)
6’0″ 198 lbs
Born: 1998-06-10 (USA – Edina, Minnesota)
2015-16 Stats
US National U18 Team (USDP) GP 62, G 50, A 31, PTS 81, PIM 101
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 23, G 16, A 16, PTS 32, PIM 41
USA (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 5, A 3, PTS 8, PIM 8
Committed to Boston University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on US National U18 Team Page
EP Scouting Report: Kieffer Bellows is a skilled power forward that can dominate games. Possesses high end puckhandling ability as well as a crisp, accurate release on his shot. Proficient forechecker and loves to win puck battles, which stands out as a consistent part of his game. Strong skater that can bull through the opposition or go around them. Drives the net hard and is a decisive finisher. All-in-all, a competitor that punishes the opposition physically, as well as on the scoreboard. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
A pure sniper. He shoots from everywhere and is selfish in the way great goal-scorers need to be. (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, February 19th, 2016)
Son of former NHLer Brian Bellows.
#18 – C Luke Kunin – (Up 1 Spot)
5’11.25″ 193 lbs
Born: 1997-12-04 (USA – Chesterfield, Missouri)
2015-16 Stats
University of Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA) GP 34, G 19, A 13, PTS 32, PIM 34
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on University of Wisconsin Badgers Website
Scouting Report: A highly intelligent and offensively gifted forward. Has a keen eye for scoring opportunities and has shown flashes of elite-level finishing capability. Works hard and isn’t afraid to battle for puck possession. Good hands and puck skills, and has a really accurate release on his shot. Needs to work on his explosiveness, staying in motion with the play, and strength behind his shot. All-in-all, a gifted offensive force with the potential to blossom into a highlight reel player. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
Plays a simple, strong game and all three forward positions. Strong start at the U.S. Top Prospects Game last fall.
(Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, February 19th, 2016)
#19 – C German Rubtsov – (Down 2 Spots)
6’0.5″ 190 lbs
Born: 1998-06-27 (Russia – Chekhov)
2015-16 Stats
Team Russia U18 (MHL) GP 28, G 12, A 14, PTS 26, PIM 10
Team Russia U18 (MHL-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Russia U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 16
Russia U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Team Russia U18 Website
Scouting Report: Owns a projectable frame, great hands and plenty of skill. Also displays loads of two-way ability and is also an excellent playmaker from the center position.
Needs to add plenty of bulk and get physically stronger in order to maximize output at the National Hockey League level. Needs to prove he can produce on smaller ice. (The Hockey News Player Profile)
Impressed scouts with his play at World Junior Challenge in mid-December. (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, February 19th, 2016)
#20 – LW Max Jones – (No Change)
6’3″ 201 lbs
Born: 1998-02-17 (USA – Rochester, Michigan)
2015-16 Stats
London Knights (OHL) GP 63, G 28, A 24, PTS 52, PIM 106
London Knights (OHL-Playoffs) GP 6, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 23
London Knights (Memorial Cup) GP 4, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 8
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on London Knights Website
Scouting Report: Max Jones is a diligent and hard-working power forward capable of being an impact player every shift. He’s strong on the puck and routinely looks to create separation. He knows his game inside out and has a wide array of tools at his disposal. Strength and speed allow him to bull his way to the front of the net where he is relentless and creates havoc. Makes smart decisions with the puck and doesn’t give the opposition time and space. Possesses high-end finishing ability and “wills” the puck to the back of the net. All-in-all, a determined forward who puts tremendous pressure on his opponents when he’s on the ice. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
“[Jones] is a strong power forward who possesses great speed and acceleration, has a heavy shot and quick hands,” NHL Central Scouting’s Matt Ryan said. “He loves to drive the net and challenge defenders physically and is a nightmare for defenders below the hash marks in the offensive zone.” (Mike. F Morreale, NHL.com article November 24th, 2015)
Son of Former NHLer Brad Jones.
#21 – RW Julien Gauthier – (Down 6 Spots)
6’3″ 231 lbs
Born: 1997-10-15 (Canada – Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec)
2015-16 Stats
Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL) GP 54, G 41, A 16, PTS 57, PIM 24
Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 6, G 2, A 3, PTS 5, PIM 8
Canada (WJC) GP 5, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 0
QMJHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 2, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Val-d’Or Foreurs Website
Scouting Report: An explosive power forward who boasts an elite-level skill package. Takes nothing for granted and plays with hard-nosed work ethic. Tremendous vision and outstanding hockey sense; thrives under pressure and doesn’t stray from the high-percentage play. Willingness to play physical and win battles in his own end makes him a vital asset, stepping up at the game’s key moments. Exceptional skating ability allows him to stay with, if not ahead, of each unfolding play. Refined puckhandling skills allow him to maintain puck control at breakneck speeds. All-in-all, a prolific scorer whose attitude and innate abilities will constantly propel him into dominance. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
Julien Gauthier has drawn well-deserved comparisons to current NHLer Rick Nash. He has an imposing frame, dazzling puck skills, and the drive to win. Learns from his past mistakes and implements new strategies to counteract them. [EliteProspects 2016]
“Gauthier is the prototype power forward who skates well, plays with an edge and can score,” Dan Marr, NHL Director of Central Scouting said. “He’s continuing to grow as a player and has tremendous upside. It’s not often you have the combination of skating, skills and physical assets that are capable of finding ways to contribute.” (Mike. F Morreale, NHL.com article November 24th, 2015)
Nephew of former NHLer Denis Gauthier.
#22 – C Alex DeBrincat – (Up 2 Spots)
5’7″ 165 lbs
Born: 1997-12-18 (USA – Farmington Hills, Michigan)
2015-16 Stats
Erie Otters (OHL) GP 60, G 51, A 50, PTS 101, PIM 28
Erie Otters (OHL-Playoffs) GP 13, G 8, A 11, PTS 19, PIM 13
USA (WJC) GP 5, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 25
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Erie Otters Website
Scouting Report: DeBrincat is a small player with a dynamic skill set. He is a pure sniper, scoring over 50 goals in two straight years in the OHL. He is very undersized, but can be very nasty to play against and shies away from no one. He had to deal with injuries at the 2016 World Junior Championship, but that did not hamper his production when he returned to the OHL. He skates well and is very effective around the net. He is hard to contain for such a small player, and has great chemistry with anyone he plays with. A decade player in the OHL. (Tyler Parchem, EP 2016)
“DeBrincat will be one of the more intriguing prospects scouted this year,” said Dan Marr, Director of NHL Central Scouting. “He has an obvious and unique skill set which combines well with his tenacity to score. While his size is not an asset, it’s not affected him from being able to consistently generate offence for his team.” (Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com article September 29th, 2015)
#23 – LW Riley Tufte – (Down 1)
6’5″ 212 lbs
Born: 1998-04-10 (USA – Ham Lake, Minnesota)
2015-16 Stats
Blaine High (USHS) GP 25, G 47, A 31, PTS 78, PIM 53
Blaine High (USHS-Playoffs) GP 2, G 2, A 5, PTS 7, PIM 0
Fargo Force (USHL) GP 27, G 10, A 4, PTS 14, PIM 30
Team Red (USA-S17) GP 5, G 0, A 7, PTS 7, PIM 4
Team USA (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Committed to University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on USHL Website
Scouting Report: “The 2014 No. 1-overall pick in the USHL draft. Playing in high school now, headed to Minnesota-Duluth.” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, December 17, 2015)
“Will finish the year in the USHL with Fargo after his high school season ends this season. Drawing Nick Bjugstad comparisons.” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, February 19th, 2016)
#24 – C Brett Howden – (Up 9 Spots)
6’2″ 190 lbs
Born: 1998-03-29 (Canada – Calgary, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) GP 68, G 24, A 40, PTS 64, PIM 61
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL-Playoffs) GP 10, G 4, A 11, PTS 15, PIM 4
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 6, G 5, A 3, PTS 8, PIM 8
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 2
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: “Team Canada’s captain at the summer Ivan Hlinka tourney plays a 200-foot game.” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, October 14, 2015)
A good skating center who can be a solid offensive contributor. Smart, good puck skills and very difficult to deter because he makes his size work to his advantage. Can make plays in tight or on the rush, and can start them or finish them. (Craig Button, tsn.ca, November 2014)
A two-way forward who uses his large frame to his advantage standing in front of the net screening the goalie and collecting rebounds. Will battle hard in front and in the corners with a real physical edge. He won’t drop the gloves but plays a game that suits his size. Has a real long reach that he uses to protect the puck. Has shown much improved play in the defensive zone over the season and is a real mature puck distributor. Skating needs some work and he needs to remember to keep his feet moving away from the puck. Howden has all the tools NHL teams look for in a high draft pick and he most likely will play in the NHL but how much he can contribute on a consistent basis is the question
(Marhsall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, April 2016)
Brother of Current Florida Panthers Forward Quinton Howden.
#25 – C/LW Rasmus Asplund – (Down 2 Spot)
5’10.25″ 176 lbs
Born: 1997-12-03 (Sweden – Filipstad)
2015-16 Stats
Farjestad KB (SHL) GP 46, G 4, A 8, PTS 12, PIM 16
Farjestad KB (SHL-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Sweden (WJC) GP 7, G 3, A 2, PTS 5, PIM 6
Sweden U20 (Int-Jr.-All) GP 16, G 5, A 4, PTS 9, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Farjestad KB Website
Scouting Report: One of Sweden’s better players at the world juniors, Asplund centered the second line with Alexander Nylander (2016) and Dmytro Timashov (Toronto) on his wings. That unit played more like the first line, leading the Tre Kronor in scoring with 21 points in seven games. Coach Rikard Gronborg loved Asplund’s smarts and all-around game and despite being one of the youngest on the squad, Asplund almost made the team last year. Asplund is in his second SHL season with Farjestad and has already doubled his offensive output year over year. And while seven points in 31 games doesn’t sound like much, it’s good for top-12 amongst junior-aged players in Sweden’s best circuit. The top-rated Swede in Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings, Asplund will also be a crucial part of Sweden’s world junior squad next year, when the Tre Kronor try to erase consecutive fourth-place finishes. (Ryan Kennedy, The Hockey News, January 26, 2016 Article)
#26 – D Logan Stanley – (Up 1 Spot)
6’7″ 225 lbs
Born: 1998-05-26 (Canada – Kitchener, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Windsor Spitfires (OHL) GP 64, G 5, A 12, PTS 17, PIM 103
Windsor Spitfires (OHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 16
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 12
Elite Prospect Link – Roster Page on Windsor Spitfires Website
Scouting Report: Stanley is a huge two way defenceman. He loves to play physical and clear the crease, but also can chip in offensively when needed. He has become a nasty player that the other team dreads whenever he is on the ice. Very few players can match him physically due his monster 6’6 frame, and he uses this to his advantage every game. He is a very consistent player who’s offensive game improved as the year went on. He looked very good in a first round series loss to the Kitchener Rangers in the 2016 OHL Playoffs (Tyler Parchem, EP 2016)
One OHL exec says he’s the most improved player in the OHL. Has a mean streak and is very competitive. (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, December 17, 2015)
“Plays tough against small players, tough against big players,” said one scout. Just keeps rising in the eyes of scouts. (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, February 19th, 2016)
#27 – C/RW Pascal Laberge – (Down 1 Spot)
6’1″ 174 lbs
Born: 1998-04-09 (Canada – Chateauguay, Quebec)
2015-16 Stats
Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) GP 56, G 23, 45 A, 68 PTS, 64 PIM
Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 3, 2 A, 5 PTS, 6 PIM
Canada (WJC-18) GP 7, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 4
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Pascal Laberge is a tough and spirited two-way forward with a high level of hockey sense. Hunts for turnovers and causes havoc whenever he is on the ice. Uses his size well to shield the puck, exert physical force, and win board battles. Has a good set of goal-scorer’s hands, but tends to use them more to pass than anything. All-in-all, an efficient, yet exciting, two-way forward with potential to develop into a playmaking goal scorer. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)
#28 – W Vitali Abramov – (Up 3 Spots)
5’9″ 174 lbs
Born: 1998-05-08 (Russia – Chelyabinsk)
2015-16 Stats
Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) GP 63, G 38, A 55, PTS 93, PIM 36
Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 10, G 7, A 6, PTS 13, PIM 8
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: – Abramov has proven to be a consistent scorer and offensive threat. While Abramov is small by pro standards, his high-end skill set and skating ability will allow him to be an effective player at higher levels. A dynamic offensive player who possesses excellent vision and offensive creativity. Has a wide array of moves, dekes and toe-drags with explosive acceleration and a high-end top gear. (Peter Harling, Dobberprospects.com February 2016)
#29 – LW Boris Katchouk – (Up 9 Spots)
6’1.25″ 190 lbs
Born: 1998-06-18 (Canada – Vancouver, British Columbia)
2015-16 Stats
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) GP 63, G 24, A 27, PTS 51, PIM 61
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL-Playoffs) GP 12, G 6, A 4, PTS 10, PIM 4
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 5, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 8
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Katchouk is a well rounded forward with decent size and good offensive instincts. He does everything well, but not one thing great. He has a good speed and generates a good amount of offense, he is not overly physical, but will also not shy away. He had a coming out party on a young Greyhounds team and played consistently well all season long. He had a very good first round series against the Sarnia Sting, in what was a huge upset. (Tyler Parchem, EP 2016)
#30 – G Carter Hart – (Up 6 Spots)
6’1″ 180 lbs
Born: 1998-08-13 (Canada – Edmonton, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Everett Slvertips (WHL) GP 63, GAA 2.14 , SV% .918
Everett Slvertips (WHL-Playoffs) GP 6, GAA 2.39, SV% .929
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, GAA 2.61 SV% .929
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 2, GAA 1.50, SV% .903
WHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 1, GAA 6.16, SV% .667
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: With a 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame, Hart is by no means undersized in the blue paint, but he is a couple of inches shorter than most goalies who elicit attention from NHL scouts. He is well aware of the slight concern over his height, as he’s made adjustments in his game to complement his size.“I have to come out to the top of the crease to cut down angles,” he says. “I also have to be quicker and have the legs to adjust quickly to a play. There are adjustments here and there that I have to make.” (Kelly Friesen, Yahoo Sports, October 2015)
“He’s very poised, patient and calm in the net,” Central Scouting’s Al Jensen said. “He doesn’t get rattled, has an excellent butterfly and seals the ice well with his pads. He can keep his body upright to protect the upper corners, has a good glove hand and good rebound control.” Everett goaltender Carter Hart not only shares the same jersey number as Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals, but the same sports psychologist. ( Mike G. Morreale , NHL.com, April 2016)
Hart has quickly established himself as one of the top young goalies in the WHL this season. His lightning quick glove hand and quick side-to-side movements frustrate his opponents. He steps up in big situations and doesn’t just makes that one big save but shifts the momentum in his teams favour with his confidence. He is a confident butterfly goalie who gets real low to cut off more of an angle while keeping himself looking big.
(Marshall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, January 2016)
#31 – LW Tyler Benson – (Down 1 Spot)
5’11.5″ 197 lbs
Born: 1998-03-15 (Canada – Edmonton, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Vancouver Giants (WHL) GP 30, G 9, A 19, PTS 28, PIM 46
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 1, A 4, PTS 4, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Vancouver Giants Website
Scouting Report: “He reminds so much of Jamie Benn at the same age,” said Craig Button, the TSN commentator, former NHL GM in Calgary and scouting guru. “Tyler can make plays off the wing or score off the wing, and guys like him are rare. He thinks the game at such a high pace, and that translates when you can make plays, when everything around you is busy.” “For the most part, Tyler’s been our best player … you don’t like to say that about a 16-year-old, but he’s been that guy,” said Giants general manager Scott Bonner, “He kills penalties, he leads us in hits, and we have a guy doing Corsi and his puck-possession numbers are the best with those NHL stats,” said Bonner. “He’s more physically mature than most 16-year-olds.” “Tyler has huge legs and a huge trunk,” said Bonner. “He’s not a pretty skater, per se, but he’s quick and powerful.” (Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal, Articlal, November 20th, 2014)
He’s a very smart player who is capable of seeing opportunity and taking advantage. A rarity in that he can score goals off the wing or make plays off the wing. Gets involved physically and is a determined competitor who uses well in multiple areas. (Craig Button, tsn.ca, November 2014)
#32 – C/RW Tage Thompson – (Down 7 Spots)
6’5.5″ 196 lbs
Born: 1997-10-30 (USA – Oyster Bay, New York) American-Canadian Dual Citizen
2015-16 Stats
University of Connecticut Huskies (NCAA) GP 38, G 14, A 18, PTS 32, PIM 12
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on USA Hockey Website for 2015 U18 – Player Profile on University of Connecticut Huskies Website
Scouting Report: Has a big shot and is scoring scoring as a freshman with the Huskies. Father Brent was a second-round pick by L.A. in ’89. He played 15 pro seasons. (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, February 19th, 2016)
#33 – D Dennis Cholowski – (Up 4 Spots)
6’1″ 178 lbs
Born: 1998-02-15 (Canada – Langley, British Columbia)
2015-16 Stats
Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) GP 59, G 12, A 28, PTS 40, PIM 16
Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL-Playoffs) GP 20, G 4, A 11, PTS 15, PIM 4
Canada West U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 0
Committed to St. Cloud State University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Cholowski’s Head Coach Jason Tatarnic says, “I know Jost and Fabbro have received a lot of attention, but I don’t mind blurting out that there are some teams who are giving Cholowski as much attention as Fabbro.” There’s no debate, though, that Cholowski is a compelling prospect. He played spring hockey growing up under former Vancouver Canuck Cliff Ronning. He’s committed to St. Cloud State, a Minnesota-based NCAA program where he plans to study engineering. “He’s a smooth skater, his hockey IQ is extremely high and he has a competitive edge to him,” said Tatarnic. “And what you see if far from the finished product.” (STEVE EWEN, THE PROVINCE, January 2016)
#34 – G Filip Gustavsson – (Up 15 Spots)
6’1.5″ 190 lbs
Born: 1998-06-07 (Sweden – Skelleftea)
2015-16 Stats
Lulea HF J20 (SuperElit) GP 20, GAA 3.22, SV% .893
Lulea HF J20 (SuperElit-Playoffs) GP 1, GAA 3.00, SV% .870
Lulea HF(SHL) GP 6, GAA 2.17, SV% .910
Lulea HF(SHL-Playoffs) GP 1, GAA 0.00, SV% 1.000
Lulea HF (Champions HL) – Backup Only
Sweden (WJC-U18) GP 5, GAA 2.70, SV% .906
Sweden U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, GAA 2.11, SV% .930
Sweden U18 (Int-Jr All) GP 15, GAA 2.19, SV% .920
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Sweden got a huge boost when Gustavsson arrived for the under-18s and he has proven to be a great international performer in the past. Big, fast and structured, he’ll be one of the top netminders available this summer. (Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, April 2016)
#35 – D Kale Clague – (Down 3 Spots)
5’11.75” 183 lbs
Born: 1998-06-05 (Canada – Regina, Saskatchewan)
2015-16 Stats
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) GP 71, G 6, A 37, PTS 43, PIM 54
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL-Playoffs) GP 21, G 6, A 8, PTS 14, PIM 8
Brandon Wheat Kings (Memorial Cup) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 0
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 2
WHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 2, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: An offensive defenseman in nature, Clague is a tantalizing blend of speed, cunning, and craftiness. Very smooth skater that is mobile at a professional level. Great vision and is able to control plays with the puck on his stick. Creative passer. Will need to work on his shot and consistency moving forward, but has the undeniable raw skills and fundamental attributes of a puck-moving offensive defenseman. All-in-all, a highly skilled defenseman that has the potential to be a proficient producer from the back end. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
“Canada’s best defenceman at the Ivan Hlinka summer showcase is silky smooth on the back end.” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, October 14, 2015)
Clague is an exceptionally smart defenseman who combines vision and creativity to be dangerous anywhere on the ice. Outstanding puck skills and the puck moves to advantageous positions. Great anticipation and is a catalyst in transition. (Craig Button, tsn.ca, November 2014)
#36 – C Sam Steel – (Up 7 Spots)
5’11” 178 lbs
Born: 1998-02-03 (Canada – Edmonton, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Regina Pats (WHL) GP 72, G 23, A 47, PTS 70, PIM 24
Regina Pats (WHL-Playoffs) GP 12, G 6, A 10, PTS 16, PIM 4
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 2
Canada U18 (Hlinka) GP 4, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Steel is an outstanding skater who uses well in so many ways. His speed is threatening and he knows how to use it to keep defenders off balance. He’s quick and able to get free in tight spots. Smart and makes good plays at high speed so a difficult player to keep in check. (Craig Button, tsn.ca, November 2014)
#37 – RW/C Jordan Kyrou – (Up 7 Spots)
6’0″ 170 lbs
Born: 1998-05-08 (Canada – Toronto, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Sarnia Sting (OHL) GP 65, G 17, A 34, PTS 51, PIM 14
Sarnia Sting (OHL-Playoffs) GP 7, G 1, A 6, PTS 7, PIM 2
Canada U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 5, A 3, PTS 8, PIM 0
Canada U18 (Hlinka) GP 4, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 4
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
OHL All-Stars (Jr. Super Series) GP 1, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A highly mobile transitional two-way playmaker that always looks poised and reads the game well. A strong skater that moves with a natural ease and accelerates with purpose and drive. Defensively looks to block passing lanes and battle for puck possession. Transitions to offence tremendously well and is very dangerous with the puck. Displays excellent puck control and has a quick release on his shot. His forte is his ability to make plays, as his creativity and hockey sense seem to take over on the attack. All-in-all, a hard-working two-way player that can be relied upon in all situations to make a positive difference. [Curtis Joe, EliteProspects 2016]
#38 – D Libor Hajek – (Down 4 Spots)
6’1.5″ 196 lbs
Born: 1998-02-04 (Czech Rep. – Smrcek)
2015-16 Stats
Saskatoon Blades (WHL) GP 69, G 3, A 23, PTS 26, PIM 76
Czech (WJC-U18) GP 5, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 6
Czech (Hlinka Memoria) GP 4, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 4
Czech (Int-Jr) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Saskatoon Blades Website
Scouting Report: “The second pick of 2015 the CHL Import Draft is a big, physical blueliner” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, October 14, 2015)
“He’s a very good skater who offers lots of risk and reward.” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, November 18th, 2015)
#39 – LW Carl Grundstrom – (Up 2 Spots)
5’11.5″ 195 lbs
Born: 1997-12-01 (Sweden – Umea)
2015-16 Stats
Modo Hockey (SHL) GP 49, G 7, A 9, PTS 16, PIM 53
Modo Hockey (SHL-Relegation) GP 7, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 6
Sweden (WJC-U20) GP 7, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 6
Sweden (Int-Jr) GP 13, G 3, A 4, PTS 7, PIM 10
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Got good exposure at WJC. He’s a strong skater who was trusted enough to kill penalties for Tre Kronor.
(Damien Cox, Sportsnet Top 30, January 2016)
#40 – F Taylor Raddysh – (Down 12 Spots)
6’1.5″ 203 lbs
Born: 1998-02-18 (Canada – Toronto, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Erie Otters (OHL) GP 67, G 24, A 49, PTS 73, PIM 18
Erie Otters (OHL-Playoffs) GP 12, G 4, A 6, PTS 10, PIM 2
OHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Raddysh is strong on the puck, protects it well and reads plays well. He is strong on his skates and difficult to knock off the puck but lacks acceleration, top speed or elite mobility. Raddysh plays a heavy game and is aggressive on the forecheck, delivers hard hits, is a force both in front of the goal and along the wall in board battles. Raddysh has made significant strides in his offensive game with a breakout season seeing his point totals jump from 27 in his rookie season to 73 in his draft year with the Erie Otters. Skating is average but adequate and will need to improve to succeed at the NHL level. Raddysh may not have top six NHL upside, but he plays an all-around game, has size and strength to be effective in a power forward role with low risk. (Dobberprospects.com)
#41 – C Will Bitten – (Down 2 Spots)
5’10” 168 lbs
Born: 1998-07-10 (Canada – Ottawa, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Flint Generals (OHL) GP 67, G 30, A 35, PTS 65, PIM 32
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 3, A 5, PTS 8, PIM 2
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 2, A 1, PTS 3, PIM 0
Canada U18 (Hlinka) GP 4, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 0
OHL All-Stars GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A smart offensive catalyst that consistently displays outstanding work ethic, elite hockey sense, and an ability to stay ahead of the play in all three zones. Very naturally gifted skater that moves around the ice with ease. Excels in pressure situations and uses his vision to predict where the puck is going to be, and proactively gets his body into a position where he can either take it away or take off up the ice. Offensively, he has a very creative streak, and knows what kinds of plays he can make in all situations; he also has an exceptional release on his shot, which he can get off quickly. Defensively, he is a buzzsaw that will not let up on the opposition, creating problems for them by causing turnovers and playing strong positionally. Will Bitten has all of the tools to become a very dangerous two-way forward that can produce strong numbers at the next level. [EP]
#42 – D Lucas Johansen – (Down 2 Spot)
6’1.75″ 176 lbs
Born: 1997-11-16 (Canada – Port Moody, British Columbia)
2015-16 Stats
Kelowna Rockets (WHL) GP 69, G 10, A 39, PTS 49, PIM 20
Kelowna Rockets (WHL-Playoffs) GP 18, G 2, A 6, PTS 8, PIM 8
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Here’s NHL Central Scouting’s report on Johansen: “Good size and strength, developing into a solid two-way defenceman. Good hands and puck skills to mange the play at the offensive blue line. Excellent short game and passer, good shot from the point. Effective game with and without the puck.” (STEVE THE PROVINCE, January 2016)
Younger Brother of Nashville Predators Center Ryan Johansen.
#43 – C Dillon Dube – (Down 14 Spots)
5’10.5″ 183 lbs
Born: 1998-07-20 (Canada – Golden, British Columbia)
2015-16 Stats
Kelowna Rockets (WHL) GP 65, G 26, A 40, PTS 66, PIM 50
Kelowna Rockets (WHL-Playoffs) GP 18, G 2, A 5, PTS 7, PIM 16
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 2
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Kelowna Rockets Website
Scouting Report: “Small, quick forward. Part of the Rockets’ Memorial Cup final squad last year.” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, October 15,2015)
“Some see him as a similar prospect to Travis Konecny.” (Damien Cox, Sportsnet Draft Rankings, November 18th, 2015)
Dube is just another product of a successful corps of young forwards coming up through Kelowna. Winning is in his blood and he will do whatever it takes to win. A key penalty killer on the team, he will sacrifice his body blocking shots and then transit in his game to offense by using his breakaway speed out of the neutral zone. He will take face offs in the defensive zone and set up the play using real good offensive instincts. Has success from in close and in the slot. Creates a lot of turnovers and uses his speed effectively. A real, hard shot – he likes to shoot from the circles. (Marhsall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, February 2016)
#44 – C/LW Jonathan Dahlen – (Up 1 Spot)
5’11” 176 lbs
Born: 1997-12-20 (Sweden – Ostersund)
2015-16 Stats
Timra IK (Allsvenskan) GP 51, G 15, A 14, PTS 29, PIM 9
Timra IK (Allsvenskan-Qualification) GP 5, G 6, A 1, PTS 7, PIM 2
Timra IK J20 (SuperElit) GP 3, G 2, A 1, PTS 3, PIM 0
Timra IK J20 (SuperElit-Relegation) GP 2, G 2, A 3, PTS 5, PIM 0
Sweden U19 (Int-Jr) GP 4, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Jon Dahlen son of former NHLer Ulf Dahlen, is like his now coaching father, a tricky and agile forward. Special are his offensive instincts and it seems he’s got a good bit of his father’s trickiness. (Chapin Landvogt, April 2015, hockeysfuture.com)
#45 – D Samuel Girard – (Down 10 Spots)
5’10” 161 lbs
Born: 1998-05-12 (Canada – Roberval, Quebec)
2015-16 Stats
Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) GP 67, G 10, A 64, PTS 74, PIM 10
Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 21, G 2, A 20, PTS 22, PIM 4
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 0
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
QMJHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 2, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A flashy offensive defenceman that takes advantage of opportunities and is always looking to make an impact each shift. Works very hard and isn’t afraid to play the body. Skates with exceptional exuberance and fluidity. Accurate release on his shot and a good eye for open passing lanes. Proactive defensively and puts the pressure on the opposition. Needs to have a more active stick and a more felt presence in shooting lanes, but he has shown a willingness to learn, and these skills will develop. All-in-all, an exciting offensive defenceman who displays noteworthy offensive and defensive instincts. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
#46 – RW/C Nathan Bastian – (Down 4 Spots)
6’4.5″ 207 lbs
Born: 1997-12-06 (Canada – Kitchener, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) GP 64, G 19, A 40, PTS 59, PIM 50
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 0, A 4, PTS 4, PIM 0
OHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link – Player Profile on Mississauga Steelheads Website
Scouting Report: “Mississauga has been able to stockpile quite a collection of prospects for both the 2016 and 2017 NHL draft class,” Dan Marr, NHL Director of Central Scouting said. “Second-year players McLeod and Bastian continue to develop and contribute while establishing themselves as first-round considerations. Nylander is excelling on the smaller North American ice and the three of these players give Mississauga a uniqueness of having a line of first-round prospects.” (Mike. F Morreale, NHL.com article November 24th, 2015)
“He’s going to have to work on different parts of his game. He’s going to have to get stronger physically. He’s going to have to improve his skating. He’s going to have to improve all facets of his game to be a pro. But he wants it. So his character will push him above some of those other guys.” Steelheads assistant coach James Richmond said. “He’s learning how and when to make certain plays.” Bastian is the perfect sidekick for the scoring duo of Nylander and McLeod. “He’s the muscle for those two big guys” Richmond said of Bastian. Future Considerations Hockey director of scouting Dan Stewart says. “I really like the game that Bastian plays as he is that big, imposing winger that can complement skilled linemates well,” “Some are bred to play the piano and some are bred to move it. On that Steelheads top line with Nylander and McLeod, he is the piano mover.” Stewart counts Bastian’s offensive skills around the net, penalty-killing acumen and the decisions he makes on the ice as strengths. Becoming more reliable from shift to shift will only help his chances of reaching the NHL. “If he works on adding more strength and being more consistent in his efforts, he could be a real solid addition to an NHL roster a few seasons down the road.” (Daniel Nugent-Bowman, Buzzing The Net, Yahoo.ca, January 27, 2016)
Bastian is a forward with great size who performs well in all aspects of the game. He has a good shot and can dish the puck as well as any in the OHL. He could benefit from getting a little meaner, but has shown vast improvement throughout his OHL career. He is a good skater for such a large player. Some have compared him to a James Van Riemsdyk. He should be considered a legitimate NHL prospect. (Tyler Parchem, EP 2016)
#47 – D Markus Niemelainen – (Down 1 Spot)
6’6″ 205 lbs
Born: 1998-06-08 (Finland – Kuopio)
2015-16 Stats
Saginaw Spirit (OHL) GP 65, G 1, A 26, PTS 27, PIM 28
Saginaw Spirit (OHL-Playoffs) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Finland (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 6
Finland U18 (Hlinka) GP 5, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 6
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A complete all-around defenceman that makes the game look easy. Natural size and strength compliment his smooth stride. Very mobile skater who moves up and down the ice quickly, with acute recognition of puck and body position. His maturity and poise is actualized in his high-percentage decision-making, with and without the puck, as well as his proactive stick and body play. Very stable defensively and always takes his lane, but is quick to rush the puck up the ice as he recognizes and accounts for how much time his team is spending in their own end. All-in-all, a quick-thinking defenceman that, honestly lacking nothing, has the potential to develop into a reliable two-way defenceman. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
A very confident four-way skater who is a natural skating defender. Tall and lanky with a long reach and an active stick defending, and uses that reach to break up passes. Very poised with the puck on his stick and can maneuver away from forecheckers. Makes long stretch passes right on the tape and makes it look effortless. Plays a stay-at-home game and does a good job holding his line. Clears his net well and gives his goaltender a clear look at the puck. Doesn’t get too involved in the offence and doesn’t shoot much but will play special teams and keep the puck moving. Shows no panic in his game and has the potential to be a solid shutdown defenceman at the next level.
(Marhsall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, April 2016)
#48 – D Ryan Lindgren – (New to List)
5’11.75″ 203 lbs
Born: 1998-02-11 (USA – Minneapolis, Minnesota)
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 25, G 4, A 8, PTS 12, PIM 16
US National U18 Team (USHL) GP 61, G 6, A 19, PTS 25, PIM 50
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 2, A 3, PTS 5, PIM 4
Committed to University of Minnesota (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: “Highly Competitive and in the battle. Doesn’t give in and makes opponents work for everything they gain. Will jump into the play and has underrated offensive capability.” (TSN Draft Centre Bob McKenzie’s Final Rankings )
His older brother Charlie Lindgren is a goaltender who signed an entry level deal as free agent with the Montreal Canadiens after a successful NCAA career at St. Cloud State University. Charlie ended up playing one NHL game with the Canadiens before the season was NHL regular season was complete posting a .929 save percentage and letting in only two goals.
#49 -C/LW Janne Kuokkanen – (Down 1 Spot)
6’1″ 179 lbs
Born: 1998-05-25 (Finland – Oulunsalo)
2015-16 Stats
Karpat U20 (Jr. A SM-Liiga) GP 47, G 22, A 31, PTS 53, PIM 53
Karpat U20 (Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 2
Karpat U18 (Jr. B Sm-sarja-Playoffs) GP 5, G 1, A 4, PTS 5, PIM 0
Karpat (SM-Liiga) GP 1, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 0
Hokki (Mestis) GP 1, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Finland (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 3, A 4, PTS 7, PIM 4
Finland U18 (Hlinka) GP 5, G 0, A 6, PTS 6, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A playmaker that distributes the puck well, Kuokkanen brings clever offensive awareness and timing. – Marco Bombino, overtheboards.com
Kuokkanen is very smart player with high hockey IQ and smooth hands. He understands the game very well and can control the pace of the play even against grown men or top international competition. He isn’t overly physical but is not afraid of contact either. – Miika Arponen, Finnish scout
Kuokkanen has the potential to become a smart offensive player who uses his high Hockey IQ, good decision making and strong passing skills to setup plays. (Dennis Schellenberg, thehockeywriters.com, April 2016)
#50 – D Adam Fox – (New to List)
5’10.75″ 185 lbs
Born: 1998-02-17 (USA – Jericho, New York)
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 25, G 5, A 17, PTS 22, PIM 2
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 1, A 8, PTS 9, PIM 0
Committed to Harvard University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: “Heady player who has a saavy about him when playing. Takes on the challenges but finds ways to play to his strengths. Excellent puck play and creates opportunities.” (TSN Draft Centre Bob McKenzie’s Final Rankings )
#51 – G Tyler Parsons – (New to List)
6’1” 184 lbs
Born: 1997-09-18 (USA – Chesterfield, Michigan)
2015-16 Stats
London Knights (OHL) GP 49, GAA 2.33, SV% .921
London Knights (OHL-Playoffs) GP 18, GAA 2.15, SV% .925
London Knights (Memorial Cup) GP 4, GAA 1.78, SV% .942
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: “He wins and finds ways to make saves. He has a different style, but is competitive and very good at reading plays and adjusting accordingly. He does what he has to do to stop the puck.” (TSN Draft Centre Bob McKenzie’s Final Rankings )
#52 – G Evan Fitzpatrick – (Up 4 Spots)
6’2″ 203 lbs
Born: 1998-01-28 (Canada – St. John’s, Newfoundland)
2015-16 Stats
Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL) GP 54, GAA 3.42, SV% .896
Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 5, GAA 3.41, SV% .920
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 5, GAA 3.17, SV% .895
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, GAA 3.94, SV% .854
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A massive goaltender who takes up a lot of space in the net. Athletic and extremely mobile in his net. He needs to have confidence in coming out and playing at the top of his crease rather than staying deep in his net and not challenging shooters. Really battles traffic in front of the net and struggles to find the puck. Has had his share of really good games and some really bad ones. If he can find the value in himself, he can be an extremely good goaltender. His size and mobility are keeping him in the talks but is still working his way to the top of Draft eligible goaltenders. (Marhsall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, February 2016)
#53 – C/LW Adam Mascherin – (New to List)
5’9″ 193 lbs
Born: 1998-06-06 (Canada – Toronto, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Kitchener Rangers (OHL) GP 65, G 35, A 46, PTS 81, PIM 16
Kitchener Rangers (OHL-Playoffs) GP 9, G 6, A 6, PTS 12, PIM 0
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Prolific scoring winger who combines an exceedingly high work ethic with speed, skill, and a mature approach to the game to overcome size differentials. An intense competitor with a booming shot, Masherin finds ways to score by outworking the opposition. He may not be the tallest player on the ice, but he isn’t a lightweight either. He plays a fast, heavy game and isn’t afraid to battle against tougher opponents. All-in-all, a lightning rod kind of player who will exceed expectations and bring energy to the game with each shift. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
#54 – C/RW Cliff Pu – (Down 2 Spots)
6’1″ 187 lbs
Born: 1998-06-03 (Canada – North York, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
London Knights (OHL) GP 63, G 12, A 19, PTS 31, PIM 24
London Knights (OHL-Playoffs) GP 18, G 8, A 5, PTS 13, PIM 6
London Knights (Memorial Cup) GP 4, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A fast player with nice vision and good size, Pu looks to Jeff Carter as an NHL role model and the youngster has been a high-rising prospect thanks to his second half, which saw him tally eight points in his final eight regular season games. “I like to use my speed and find my teammates,” he said. “But it’s all about the team and whatever I need to do, I’m down for it.” (Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, April 2016)
#55 – D Luke Green – (Down 5 Spots)
6’1″ 185 lbs
Born: 1998-01-12 (Canada – Halifax, Nova Scotia)
2015-16 Stats
Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) GP 61, G 10, A 25, PTS 35, PIM 29
Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 13, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 14
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: An excellent offensive defenceman whose killer instincts in the offensive zone allow him to materialize scoring chances. Very shifty skater who is highly mobile. Good puckhandling ability and puck control; makes quick decisions with the puck in traffic and under pressure. Reliable defensively, but is much more effective when utilizing his offensive tools at the other end of the ice. All-in-all, a smart, smooth-skating defenceman who can play in most situations and excel in an offensive position. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
Dynamic skating defenceman who will push the pace and jump into the attack. Good awareness and makes good plays from the defensive zone and in the offensive zone and plays with confidence. (Craig Button, tsn.ca, November 2014)
Teammates with twin brother Matt Green on Saint John Sea Dogs.
#56 – C Trent Frederic – (New to List)
6’1.75′ ” 204 lbs
Born: 1998-02-11 (USA – St. Louis, Missouri)
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 23, G 4, A 10, PTS 14, PIM 23
US National U18 Team (USDP) GP 61, G 20, A 20, PTS 40, PIM 73
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 4, A 3, PTS 7, PIM 4
Committed to University of Wisconsin (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: “Plays a heavy game wand will lean on opponents and make life uncomfortable for them. Very good awareness and knows how to play both sides of puck. Skating can improve but pace is fine.” (TSN Draft Centre Bob McKenzie’s Final Rankings )
#57 – C/LW Cameron Morrison – (Down 3 Spots)
6’2.5″ 209 lbs
Born: 1998-08-27 (Canada – East York, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) GP 60, G 34, A 32, PTS 66, PIM 42
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 7, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 0
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Committed to University of Notre Dame (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A big, strong all-around player that thinks the game at a high level and executes plays with purpose and drive. Accelerates well and has no issues getting around the ice with haste; transition game will need some tweaks. Very good vision and puck skills, and has the size to make a difference driving to the net and causing havoc for the opposition’s defence. Defensively sound, using his size to his advantage along the boards and getting his stick in place to deflect passes out of harm’s way. Moving forward, Morrison will have every opportunity to develop into a smart power forward that can play in all situations and make it difficult on the opposition. [EP]
#58 – D Filip Hronek – (New to List)
6’0” 163 lbs
Born: 1997-11-02 (Czech Rep. – Hradec Kralove)
2015-16 Stats
HK Hradec Kralove (Czech) GP 40, G 0, A 4, PTS 4, PIM 22
HC Litomerice (Czech2) GP 12, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 18
HC Hradec Kralove U20 (Czech U20) GP 13, G 4, A 12, PTS 16, PIM 12
HC Hradec Kralove U20 (Playoffs) GP 10, G 4, A 5, PTS 9, PIM 28
Czech Republic U20 (WJC-20) GP 5, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 4
Czech Republic U20 (Int. Jr) GP 3, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Hronek has been a decent regular in the top men’s league in the Czech Republic this season, but his best showing came at the WJC. His lackluster point production in professional play is not indicative of his potential, as he is an offense-tilted defenseman. Hronek has quick feet and is able to close his gaps and join the rush effectively. His solid hands and skating allow him to be quite elusive. He has a decent work ethic but his thin, small frame holds him back from winning battles, and he can be manhandled in the defensive zone. His defense isn’t horrible, but improving the physical aspects of his game will go a long way toward rectifying those issues. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#59 – LW/RW Tim Gettinger – (New to List)
6’5.75” 201 lbs
Born: 1998-04-14 (USA – North Olmsted, Ohio)
2015-16 Stats
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) GP 60, G 17, A 22, PTS 39, PIM 32
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL-Playoffs) GP 12, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 0
Team Gold (USA-S17) GP 5, G 3, A 2, PTS 5, PIM 0
USA U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 30
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: After coming into 2015-16 with a fair amount of hype, Gettinger never really found his offensive groove, and I’d count him among the more underwhelming prospects this season. He’s a 6-foot-5 forward with skill, which immediately draws attention. The skill isn’t overwhelming — more in the “slightly above-average” bucket — but it’s very good for a man his size. Gettinger displays solid vision with the puck, has pretty good defensive awareness for a player his age, and can kill penalties at a quality level. I don’t hate his skating given his size, but he has a rough first step and overall has to develop that area of his game a fair amount to have a shot at the NHL. He isn’t the most physical player, which can underplay his size advantage, and scouts point to issues regarding his willingness to compete and maintain proper fitness.(Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#60 – D Cam Dineen – (Down 13 Spots)
5’11” 185 lbs
Born: 1998-06-19 (USA – Toms River, New Jersey)
2015-16 Stats
North Bay Battalion (OHL) GP 68, G 13, A 46, PTS 59, PIM 18
North Bay Battalion (OHL-Playoffs) GP 11, G 0, A 8, PTS 8, PIM 0
USA U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Dineen was intent on Yale before committing to North Bay last spring. The Toms River, N.J., native is on the compact side at 5-foot-11 and 182 lb., but the hockey IQ is Mensa-worthy. Dineen also has the beyond-his-years confidence to acknowledge that he wants a big stage for his skills. “I think he is pretty underrated,” Battalion assistant coach Ryan Oulahen said of Dineen. “He is very cerebral, great mind for the game, knows his position very well. You don’t see him make very many mistakes.” One prevailing observation about Dineen, is his propensity for getting a point shot through shot blockers. “Cam’s that kind of new-age defenceman,” Oulahen said. “He defends really well, uses his stick well, and doesn’t get himself into bad situations.” (Neate Seager, Sportsnet, February 2016)
#61 – C Noah Gregor – (Down 8 Spots)
5’11” 174 lbs
Born: 1998-01-28 (Canada)
2015-16 Stats
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) GP 72, G 28, A 45, PTS 73, PIM 33
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL-Playoffs) GP 10, G 3, A 6, PTS 9, PIM 4
Canada (WJC-U18) GP 5, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Is not a big kid but can use his speed all over the ice, winning loose pucks and winning battles along the boards. Has tremendous offensive zone instincts and knows where his teammates are and doesn’t hesitate to shoot from anywhere on the ice. Quick, agile skater who can use a sharp change of direction to throw defenders off balance. Good vision on the power play and always seems to find an opening for a good scoring chance. Tends to get caught puck watching but not many more weaknesses in his game. (Marhsall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, April 2016)
#62 – G Joseph Woll – (New to List)
6’3” 196 lbs
Born: 1998-07-12 (USA – Dardenne Prairie, Missouri)
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 12, GAA 2.60, SV% .898
US National U18 Team (USDP) GP 33, GAA 2.14, SV% .918
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 3, GAA 1.34, SV% .947
Committed to Boston College (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Woll is an athletic netminder who struggles with his reactions. While he tends to overcommit and misread some plays, he starts off from a base of good positioning and minimizes rebounds. His numbers look much better when we include the non-league play. Woll is committed to Boston College. (Prospectus Prospecting – Scouting the USNTDP – Ryan Wagman, April 5, 2016)
#63 – LW Artur Kayumov – (New to List)
5’10” 154 lbs
Born: 1998-02-14 (Russia – Podgorny)
2015-16 Stats
Team Russia U18 (MHL) GP 39, G 12, A 19, PTS 31, PIM 12
Team Russia U18 (MHL-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 25
Russia U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 0
Russia U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 1, A 5, PTS 6, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: One of the players hurt most by the Russian doping scandal was Kayumov, who had been one of the top players on the new Russian under-18 program throughout the season. He’s small, but every other element of his game impresses. Kayumov is a very good skater, displaying above-average to high-end speed and acceleration. He’s able to slow the game down with the puck, making deft touch plays and evading pressure. Kayumov is a game-breaking offensive talent, and he creates a lot of his own opportunities. Despite his size, he’s shown that he can be a useful penalty-killer based on his speed and can even win some battles. He has the intangibles to push himself past his physical deficiencies if a team is willing to take a shot on him this summer. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#64 – Henrik Borgstrom – (New to List)
6’3” 176 lbs
Born: 1997-08-06 (Finland – Helsinki)
2015-16 Stats
HIFK U20 (Jr.A SM-liiga) GP 40, G 29, A 26, PTS 55, PIM 20
HIFK U20 (Playoffs) GP 4, G 4, A 2, PTS 6, PIM 0
Finland U19 (Int. Jr.) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Committed to University of Denver (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Aside from the physical aspect, Borgström is a complete package. He is a constant threat for the defenders with his great vision and quick and accurate wrist shot. If he could add more muscle and learn how to use his large frame, he could be very well turn out to be a steal in the upcoming draft. He has committed to University of Denver for next season. (Arponen – Scouting the 2016 NHL Draft – Four Finnish Forwards – Miika Arponen – April 20, 2016)
#65 – D Victor Mete – (New to List)
5’10” 165 lbs
Born: 1998-06-07 (Canada – Toronto, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
London Knights (OHL) GP 68, G 8, A 30, PTS 38, PIM 18
London Knights (OHL-Playoffs) GP 18, G 4, A 7, PTS 11, PIM 0
London Knights (OHL) GP 4, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 2
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
OHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Mete is an offensive juggernaut that has the rare ability to make plays but also possess a strong slap shot that is dangerous to unleash. His calm poise with the puck and patience to understand plays make him an ideal defenceman to have. Unfortunately, his size is an issue as he is not comfortable throwing his body in the defensive zone. If he wants to play professionally he must learn to play a more aggressive style for his height as he will be an easy target in the AHL. (Scott Crawford – HockeyProspectus.com – May 15, 2016)
#66 – RW Wade Allison – (New to List)
6’2” 205 lbs
Born: 1997-10-14 (Canada – Carman, Manitoba)
2015-16 Stats
Tri-City Storm (USHL) GP 56, G 25, A 22, PTS 47, PIM 46
Tri-City Storm (USHL-Playoffs) GP 11, G 9, A 7, PTS 16, PIM 4
Committed to Western Michigan University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: “Adds a skill component and a power component. Gets into the critical areas to score and can finish but also is very adept at carving out room for himself and his team. Good pace to his play.” (TSN Draft Centre Bob McKenzie’s Final Rankings )
#67 – D Jacob Moverare – (New to List)
6’2″ 198 lbs
Born: 1998-08-31 (Sweden – Ostersund)
2015-16 Stats
HV71 (SHL) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
HV71 (Champions League) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
HV71 J18 (J18 Elit) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 27
HV71 J18 (J18 Allsvenskan) GP 4, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 4
HV71 J20 (SuperElit) GP 41, G 5, A 16, PTS 21, PIM 22
HV71 J20 (SuperElit-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 4
Sweden U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 1, A 4, PTS 5, PIM 0
Sweden U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Sweden U18 (Int-Jr-All) GP 19, G 1, A 6, PTS 7, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Bill Placzek, a contributor for draftsite.com had this to say about Moverare: “He is a defender with good size, footwork, and stick handling ability. He is an excellent backward skater with good physical package. A rangy defender who maintains his gaps and seems to make good decisions on when to attack the puck carrier and when to back off.”
Placzek went on to say, “His skating motions are a bit stiff laterally, but there’s no denying he can quickly get to where he wants. A prospect you let develop his feet and attack skills, but looks like a good safe bet for the team that will do just that.”
( Michael Melro, hockeynow.ca, May 6, 2016)
#68 – RW Yegor Korshkov – (New to List)
6’3” 179 lbs
Born: 1996-07-10 (Russia – Novosibirsk)
2015-16 Stats
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) GP 41, G 6, A 6, PTS 12, PIM 23
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL-Playoffs) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Loko Yaroslavl (MHL) GP 4, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 6
Loko Yaroslavl (MHL-Playoffs) GP 15, G 9, A 10, PTS 19, PIM 10
Russia U20 (WJC-20) GP 7, G 2, A 6, PTS 8, PIM 16
Russia U20 (Int. Jr.- All) GP 15, G 4, A 7, PTS 11, PIM 22
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Korshkov got a lot of attention after a very good performance at the WJC, and he has been a decent bottom-six forward for his KHL team after going undrafted by NHL clubs the past two years. Korshkov is a towering power forward, with a strong 6-foot-4 frame that he uses to bulldoze his way to the front of the net and win many battles along the boards. He’s a good skater for a man his size, showing excellent balance. Korshkov’s hands won’t dazzle, but he can make coordinated plays to avoid a check here or there. He’ll move the puck at a fair level, and he isn’t just a bump-and-grind big man. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#69 – G Zach Sawchenko – (Down 12 Spots)
6’1″ 179 lbs
Born: 1997-12-30 (Canada)
2015-16 Stats
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) GP 51, GAA 3.04, SV% .916
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL-Playoffs) GP 10, GAA 3.28, SV% .911
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A real minutes-eating goaltender who has seen a lot of rubber over his two plus seasons in the WHL. Stays calm and plays consistently each time between the pipes. Lets pucks hit him and clears rebounds away with quickness. Good glove hand and keeps it up when shot is coming rather than dropping it to make the difficult save. Always seems to know where puck is going and reacts to it. He does a good job of closing off the five hole and stays low to close the bottom corners of the net. Entering his draft year, Sawchekno is in his third WHL season and with a bit more mobility and flexibility, could be a top WHL Goaltending prospect. (Marshall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, January 2016)
#70 – C Linus Lindstrom – (New to List)
5’11.75” 165 lbs
Born: 1998-01-08 (Sweden – Skelleftea)
2015-16 Stats
Skelleftea AIK (SHL) GP 4, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
Skelleftea AIK J20 (SuperElit) GP 40, G 14, A 30, PTS 44, PIM 28
Skelleftea AIK J20 (Playoffs) GP 6, G 5, A 5, PTS 10, PIM 0
Skelleftea AIK J18 (J18 Elit) GP 2, G 1, A 4, PTS 5, PIM 0
Skelleftea AIK J18 (Playoffs) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Sweden U18 (WJC-18) GP 6, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 6
Sweden U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 4
Sweden U18 (Int. Jr.-All) GP 20, G 5, A 5, PTS 10, PIM 12
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Lindstrom is not the first player many would think of when they look for a forward to score a goal, yet he has been a very consistent and reliable two-way forward the past few years. In the Swedish 1998 age group, he was the top-line center. He’s often one of the first guys over the boards to kill a penalty, in spite of below-average size, which is because of his very good hockey sense and work ethic. He’s no slouch offensively, either. Lindstrom has above-average vision and can occasionally flash a tick above that level. He’s hard on the puck and can maintain possession fine, thanks to his competitiveness and quality puck skills. He isn’t a slow skater, but he’s certainly not a fast one, and that’s a disappointment, given his size. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#71 – LW Givani Smith – (Down 16 Spots)
6’2″ 205 lbs
Born: 1998-02-27 (Canada – Thornhill, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Guelph Storm (OHL) GP 65, G 23, A 19, PTS 42, PIM 146
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Givani Smith can be the offensive-minded pest every team loves to have on board.
(Ryan Pyette, The London Free Press, September 2015)
Smith will make his living by keeping his nose to the grind, agitating and by capitalizing on rebounds in front of the net. Incredibly difficult to contain at this level, he’ll need to display the ability to adapt to larger, heavier defenders at the next level. Not afraid to drop the gloves, he currently has five fighting majors, and a lot of roughing penalties for mucking it up after the play. Smith will consistently have his glove shoved in his opponents face, he’ll do anything to get someone off their game, and he’ll do it early. Prone to taking penalties at inopportune times, teams will love his aggression, but he’ll drive coaches mad early in his career. Definitely needs to mature and learn to select his opportunities so it is the other team’s coach who is fuming. (Krist Hayes, hockeyprospectus.com, March 2016)
Brother Gemel Smith is 2012 4rh Round Pick of the Dallas Stars and current member of the AHL’s Texas Stars.
#72 – D Frederic Allard – (Down 13 Spots)
6’1″ 179 lbs
Born: 1997-12-27 (Canada – Quebec City, Quebec)
2015-16 Stats
Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) GP 64, G 14, A 45, PTS 59, PIM 34
Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 6, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A tenacious two-way defenceman that has a distinct willingness to do whatever it takes to keep his team up. Battles hard for puck possession and has a very good active stick. Not consistent enough to be relied upon in all situations, especially under high pressure, but is definitely getting there and his game is rounding out well at an accelerated pace. Possesses a hard, accurate shot and is creative with his passes. As such, his primary function as an offensive defenceman is to be played on the forecheck and in situations where pressure is sustained. All-in-all, a hard-nosed two-way defenceman that has the raw tools and the upward-trending tendencies that point to a positive development path. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
“Strong two-way play. Great offensive instincts and abilities. Not all that flashy, but when he’s on his game he is able to become a difference-making force from the back end. Think Justin Schultz but with a little bit more aggressiveness.” [EP]
Very good puck moving defenceman flying under the radar in the Q. Really good four-way movement skills and likes to skate the puck out of his zone whenever the opportunity is there. Good offensive instincts for a defenceman who is PP quarterback and generates offence from anywhere on the ice. Will get his shot on net through traffic and is not afraid to jump into the play. His defensive game needs work especially away from the puck and when he is working on sealing the boards. (Marhsall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, April 2016)
#73 – D Chad Krys – (New to List)
5’11” 183 lbs
Born: 1998-04-10 (USA – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) Dual American-Canadian Citizen
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 18, G 2, A 11, PTS 13, PIM 19
US National U18 Team (USDP) GP 53, G 3, A 26, PTS 29, PIM 78
USA U20 (WJC-20) GP 7, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 33
Committed to Boston University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Many prospect watchers will be familiar with Krys from his work with the American team in this past WJC. The BU commit is not a very toolsy prospect, with underwhelming puck skills and a lackluster shot. As noted in his biographical data, he is also undersized. What he is, is a heady player who makes more correct decisions than many defenders of his age group. Not an exciting prospect, but a fairly safe one.(Prospectus Prospecting – Scouting the USNTDP – Ryan Wagman, April 5, 2016)
Father Mark Krys a Canadian hockey player was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1988 NHL Draft and was a career minor league player who also spent time in Germany.
#74 – RW Joseph “Joey” Anderson – (New to List)
5′ 11” 190 lbs
Born: 1998-06-19 (USA – Roseville, Minnesota)
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 25, G 10, A 10, PTS 20, PIM 14
US National U18 Team (USDP) GP 64, G 27, A 30, PTS 57, PIM 20
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 7, A 2, PTS 9, PIM 2
Committed to University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Anderson gets some notoriety as the most common third wheel on the first line with Keller and Bellows. That said, I find him to be underwhelming. He grinds hard and keeps his feet constantly in motion, moving well in small areas, but his overall skating is only so-so, with below average top speed. He positions himself well in the offensive one to be disruptive and has a solid shot. Anderson will be attending Minnesota-Duluth next season. He has bottom six upside. (Prospectus Prospecting – Scouting the USNTDP – Ryan Wagman, April 5, 2016)
#75 – D Jacob Cederholm – (New to List)
6’3” 187 lbs
Born: 1998-01-30 (Sweden – Helsingborg)
2015-16 Stats
HV71 (SHL) GP 9, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
HV71 (Champions HL) GP 5, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 12
HV71 J20 (SuperElit) GP 35, G 1, A 4, PTS 5, PIM 28
HV71 J20 (SuperElit-Playoffs) GP 3, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 0
HV71 J18 (J18 Elit) GP 2, G 0, A 5, PTS 5, PIM 0
HV71 J18 (J18 Allsvenskan) GP 5, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 6
Sweden U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 6
Sweden U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 12
Sweden U18 (Int. Jr.-All) GP 21, G 1, A 4, PTS 4, PIM 26
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Cederholm is an aggressive shutdown defenseman with limited offensive skills. Has a big body and skates well enough for someone of his size. Excellent reach and does well in 1-on-1 situations. Will not wow anyone with his offensive tools or puck skills. Good team player with leadership qualities, however. (EP 2016)
Brother Anton Cederholm was a 2013 5th Round Draft Pick of the Vancouver Canucks and is currently a member of the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings.
#76 – D Andrew Peeke – (New to List)
6’3” 205 lbs
Born: 1998-03-17 (USA – Parkland, Florida)
2015-16 Stats
Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) GP 56, G 4, A 26, PTS 30, PIM 30
Green Bay Gamblers (USHL-Playoffs) GP 4, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Team Forest (USA-S17) GP 5, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 0
Team U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 4
Team U19 (WJAC-19) GP 5, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Committed to University of Notre Dame (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Big, mobile defenceman with great vision and hockey sense. Possesses a hard, accurate shot, but needs to use it more. Smooth skater, but has room for improvement in his acceleration with the puck. Reads plays well in his own end and has a well-rounded understanding of the defensive game. Starting to play a gritty game, but that will take time to develop. Physical game is definitely ripening. [EP]
#77 – D Joshua Mahura – (New to List)
6’0” 179 lbs
Born: 1998-05-05 (Canada – Edmonton, Alberta )
2015-16 Stats
Red Deer Rebels (WHL) GP 2, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Red Deer Rebels (WHL-Playoffs) GP 17, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 6
Red Deer Rebels (Memorial Cup) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 2
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Mahura missed nearly the entire season due to a knee injury, so this is a mostly scouting-based call, though he did play in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and WHL playoffs. Mahura is not incredibly dynamic, but he is a very useful two-way defenseman. He’s an easy, four-way skater who can get up into the attack and recovers very easily on his backward motions. His puck movement is solid, and he shows the ability to be an average power-play quarterback, with some flashes of top-level creativity. Mahura exhibits decent grit in battles and has the hockey IQ to play his position. His decisions aren’t perfect, as I’ve seen situations where he tries to get too cute or misses his check, but that is not a major issue. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#78 – C/LW Matt Filipe – (New to List)
6’2” 203 lbs
Born: 1997-12-31 (USA – Lynnfield, Massachusetts )
2015-16 Stats
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) GP 56, G 19, A 17, PTS 36, PIM 99
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 15
Committed to Northeastern University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Filipe is a power forward who plays the game with an edge. “He’s learning to be more physical on a more consistent basis. He definitely has the toughness. He doesn’t have to fight, but he’s shown he can,” said longtime Cedar Rapids coach Mark Carlson, who also mentioned, “Matt has come a long, long way since the beginning of year. It was a big step up coming from high school. His biggest improvement is he’s learned to play fast and use his speed to his advantage.” (ESPN Boston High School Report, Jeff Cox, Espn.com, April 12, 2016)
#79 – RW Eetu Tuulola – (New to List)
6’3” 227 lbs
Born: 1998-03-17 (Finland – Hameenlinna)
2015-16 Stats
HPK (Liiga) GP 10, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
HPK U20 (Jr.A SM-Liiga) GP 29, G 9, A 5, PTS 14, PIM 22
HPK U20 (Jr.A SM-Liiga-Playoffs) GP 6, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 27
Finland U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 0
Finland U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A sizey winger with great offensive instincts. Drives to the net hard and leans into his hits. Displays slick puckhandling skills and a hard shot that he needs to use more. Skates with balance, but needs to get faster. Works very hard and doesn’t take shifts off. Needs to be more active in his own end and pressure the opposition into making more rushed plays. All-in-all, a competitive winger with the size and skills to be a difference maker in games. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
#80 – LW Jack Kopacka – (New to List)
6’2” 190 lbs
Born: 1998-03-05 (USA – Lapper, Michigan)
2015-16 Stats
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) GP 67, G 20, A 23, PTS 43, PIM 12
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL-Playoffs) GP 12, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 2
Team Grey (USA-S17) GP 5, G 3, A 1, PTS 4, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Kopacka is a hard working forward with decent size. He contributes offensively and battles hard down low. He went through improvements all season long and established himself as a good top 6 forward in the OHL and a bonafide NHL draft prospect. Next year should be a coming out party for him in the Soo. He will need continue to improve his physicality, which is something that will be a cornerstone of his game. (Tyler Parchem, EP 2016)
#81 – C/LW Tanner Kaspick – (New to List)
6’1” 201 lbs
Born: 1998-01-28 (Canada – Brandon, Manitoba)
2015-16 Stats
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) GP 53, G 13, A 18, PTS 31, PIM 37
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL-Playoffs) GP 21, G 5, A 5, PTS 10, PIM 28
Brandon Wheat Kings (Memorial Cup) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Future Considerations scout Donesh Mazloum laid out Kaspick’s scouting report: He plays a simple north/south game and he has value as a complementary piece. He is a responsible defender and shows a good understanding of defensive coverage. He is also a player who works smart as opposed to hard. He doesn’t take shortcuts however he is over-aggressive either. He has a very understated hockey sense and shows consistency at both ends of the ice. Offensively, Kaspick does most of his work around the net front. He is a physically strong player who works his way into high scoring areas. Outside of his nose for the net, Kaspick’s O game is limited. He often has difficulty finding teammates and can get caught hesitating and holding onto the puck too long. (Draft Eligible Players Taking Part in 2016 Memorial Cup, Jeremy Davis, Canucksarmy.com, May 20, 2016)
#82 – D James “J.D.” Greenway – (New to List)
6’4” 205 lbs
Born: 1998-04-27 (USA – Potsdam, New York)
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 25, G 2, A 8, PTS 10, PIM 8
US National U18 Team (USDP) GP 64, G 5, A 23, PTS 28, PIM 62
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 1, A 6, PTS 7, PIM 4
Committed to University of Wisconsin (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A big physical player, Greenway’s brother Jordan was drafted by Minnesota last year. James, despite lackluster point totals, has a very intriguing mix of physical tools to go along with his plus size. He has solid speed, occasionally shows interesting puck skills and a willingness to drive the net. Apropos to his frame, he will play very physically and is a knock-down hitter. With patience in his development, he could end up a very good pro. (Prospectus Prospecting – Scouting the USNTDP – Ryan Wagman, April 5, 2016)
#83 – D Max Lajoie – (New to List)
6’0” 181 lbs
Born: 1997-11-05 (Canada – Calgary, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Swift Current Broncos (WHL) GP 62, G 8, A 29, PTS 37, PIM 28
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A competitive two-way defenceman that earns his ice time and strives to be a difference-maker. Excellent skating technique: naturally mobile and able to start and stop on a pin’s head. Displays a deceptively accurate shot and is creative on the power play. Proficient playmaker and spots seams in traffic quickly. His habitually conservative style of play in his own end lets him make quick, high percentage decisions with and without the puck. Reacts to different pressure situations with poise and analyzes the situation very quickly to determine the right play to make. All-in-all, a versatile two-way defenceman that keeps his own game in check and plays to the extent of his capabilities. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
#84 – D Sean Day – (New to List)
6’2” 229 lbs
Born: 1998-01-09 (Belgium – Leuven) Belgian -Canadian Dual Citizen
2015-16 Stats
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) GP 57, G 6, A 16, PTS 22, PIM 27
Mississauga Steelheads (OHL-Playoffs) GP 7, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 4
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A mobile two-way defenceman who boasts an elite level skill package. Strong on the forecheck and delivers hard shots and crisp passes. His consistency and enthusiasm exhibited at the game’s defining moments does seem to wane, and the pressure felt seems to impact his decision-making slightly. When focusing on simplifying his game and getting all the little things right, he becomes a forceful impact that is hungry to be a difference maker. All-in-all, a talented two-way defenceman who has all of the raw abilities in place to become an elite defenceman, but has yet to put it all together and prove that he can thrive in the driver’s seat. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
#85 – D David Bernhardt – (New to List)
6’3” 203 lbs
Born: 1997-12-01 (Sweden)
2015-16 Stats
Djurgardens IF 20 (SuperElit) GP 45, G 10, A 28, PTS 38, PIM 30
Djurgardens IF 20 (SuperElit-Playoffs) GP 7, G 3, A 3, PTS 6, PIM 2
Djurgardens IF 20 (JCWC) GP 5, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 6
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A big, mobile defenseman who gets very involved with the play, Bernhardt is a top-scoring blueliner in Sweden’s under-20 North League. Consistency is on scouts’ radars, but when he’s on, he’s on. (Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, November 17, 2015)
#86– G Colton Point – (New to List)
6’4” 220 lbs
Born: 1998-03-04 (Canada – North Bay, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) GP 33, GAA 2.16, SV% .915
Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL-Playoffs) GP 16, GAA 1.82, SV% .933
Carleton Place Canadians (Fred Page Cup) GP 4, GAA 2.00, SV% .902
Carleton Place Canadians (RBC Cup) GP 4, GAA 3.82, SV% .904
Canada East U19 (WJAC-19) GP 3, GAA 5.40, SV% .814
Committed to Colgate University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: The big netminder has been a shutout machine for the Jr. A Canadians, who meet Ottawa in the Central Canada League final. Point is rocking a .955 save percentage and 8-1 playoff record, with four of those wins by goose egg. He’s a Colgate commit and in a draft year without a ton of goalie talent, one to watch for. (Prospect Need to Know – Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, April 12, 2016)n
#87 – LW Simon Stransky – (New to List)
5’11” 185 lbs
Born: 1997-12-21 (Czech Rep. – Ostrava )
2015-16 Stats
Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) GP 62, G 19, A 43, PTS 62, PIM 19
Prince Albert Raiders (WHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 0, A 4, PTS 4, PIM 0
Czech Republic U20 (WJC-20) GP 5, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 2
Czech Republic U19 (Int.-Jr.) GP 3, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Stransky was pretty good for Prince Albert in his second WHL season, but he had an average performance at the WJC for the Czech Republic. He is a gifted puck handler who can make difficult, coordinated plays seem easy, and is an unselfish playmaker who makes soft touch plays around the offensive zone to move the puck quickly. His offensive hockey sense gives you optimism about his projection. On the negative side, he is a bit scrawny and will need to bulk up a lot over the next few years. He also isn’t the most gifted skater, having a bit of a sluggish first step and an overall rough stride. He will need patience on the part of the organization that picks him, but he does show some NHL capabilities. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
Brother Matej Stransky was a 6th Round Pick of the Dallas Stars in 2011 and is currently a member of the AHL’s Texas Stars.
#88 – D Lucas Carlsson – (New to List)
6’0” 190 lbs
Born: 1997-07-05 (Sweden – Gavle)
2015-16 Stats
Brynas IF (SHL) GP 35 G 4, A 5, PTS 9, PIM 8
Brynas IF (SHL-Playoffs) GP 3 G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 0
Brynas IF J20 (SuperElit) GP 15 G 1, A 10, PTS 11, PIM 53
Brynas IF J20 (SuperElit-Playoffs) GP 1 G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 25
Sweden U19 (Intl. Jr.) GP 4, G 3, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Carlsson is a re-entry player, and one who I also had ranked in the latter portions of my top 100 last season. He was solid as a regular player for Brynas this season, but doesn’t stand out at either end of the rink. Offensively, he displays solid-to-average stick skills, with fine mobility and straight-line speed. This season he showed a little more creativity than I saw from him in the past. His hockey IQ is what makes him go. He’s a very smart and patient puck mover, and on defense he makes stops using good positioning and stick play. He can also win some battles, and is able to kill penalties. Carlsson gets beat a little too much by speed, but it’s not a huge issue. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#89 – C Aapeli Rasanen – (New to List)
6’0” 196 lbs
Born: 1998-06-01 (Finland – Tampere)
2015-16 Stats
Tappara U20 (Jr.A SM-liiga) GP 50, G 19, A 19, PTS 38, PIM 26
Tappara U20 (Jr.A SM-liiga – Playoffs) GP 3, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
Tappara U18 (Jr.B SM-sarja – Playoffs) GP 3, G 3, A 0, PTS 3, PIM 2
Finland U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 3, A 6, PTS 9, PIM 12
Finland U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 2
Committed to Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Rasanen’s point totals weren’t too gaudy this season in the top Finnish junior league, but he’s been an important part of the Finnish 1998 age group the last few years. He’s a very smart center who can slow the game down and create chances while appearing to exert minimal effort. He can deke defenders, but he’s more effective making quick passes and beating opponents with pace. Rasanen is at his best as a playmaker, but he takes his shots when he gets a lane and has a decent cannon when he does so. His skating is his most noticeable hole to me; his top gear is below average, and he can have trouble pushing defenders back too far off the blue line on a rush. He is quite good defensively, often being leaned on for critical defensive situations and faceoffs. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#90 – LW/RW Jesper Bratt – (New to List)
5’10” 174 lbs
Born: 1998-07-30 (Sweden – Stockholm)
2015-16 Stats
AIK (Allsvenskan) GP 48, G 8, A 9, PTS 17, PIM 6
AIK (Allsvenskan-Qualification) GP 10, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 4
AIK J20 (SuperElit) GP 2, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Sweden U18 (WJC-18) GP 6, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 2
Sweden U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 3, A 2, PTS 5, PIM 0
Sweden U18 (Int. Jr.) GP 9, G 3, A 4, PTS 7, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Bratt was a useful player for AIK this season and one of the better under-18 scorers in the Allsvenskan the past few seasons. Bratt is a small yet exciting offensive player with dynamic qualities and an above-average skater with an explosive first step. When you add his impressive puck skills, he can be tough to handle coming through the neutral zone for defenders. He’s a pretty smart two-way player as well. Bratt makes good decisions with the puck and sees the ice well, and despite his frame, he shows the ability to be quite solid defensively, even killing penalties in international play. He isn’t the most physical player, and with a long road of bulking up in front of him, his drafting team will need to be patient. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#91 – LW Max Zimmer – (New to List)
5’11” 185 lbs
Born: 1997-10-29 (USA – Medina, Minnesota)
2015-16 Stats
Chicago Steel (USHL) GP 55, G 16, A 21, PTS 37, PIM 14
Chicago Steel (JCWC) GP 5, G 5, A 1, PTS 6, PIM 2
USA (WJAC-19) GP 5, G 5, A 3, PTS 8
Committed to the University of Wisconsin for 2017-18 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Zimmer’s speed and skating ability are what most NHL teams are attracted to and are big reasons why he’s projected as an early-round pick in the 2016 draft.
NHL scouts are optimistic about Zimmer’s ceiling. He turned 18 on Oct. 28 and will have another USHL season before playing at the University of Wisconsin beginning in the 2017-18 season.
“I like how he projects,” one NHL Western Conference scout said. “He’s a smart player with a real good skill set. He can really skate.” An Eastern Conference assistant general manager said of him, “He has skill and a good hockey sense. He does the little things well. He can make a play.”
Head Coach Dan Muse had this to say “I think the thing that stands out the first time you watch him is his speed, He’s got excellent speed. He’s great on his edges. He can really separate from opponents. That can really stand out. He’s got a strong shot. His shot’s a threat, but he’s also a threat to make plays. He’s got a little 1-2 punch there in terms of how he pressures the offense. At times, he can kind of slow down a little bit, but he can really attack with speed as well. He’s working on using all those tools consistently now.” (Scott Powers, USHL.com, December 10, 2015)
#92 – D Matthew Cairns – (New to List)
6’2” 190 lbs
Born: 1998-04-27 (Canada – Mississaiga, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) GP 46, G 9, A 24, PTS 33, PIM 42
Georgetown Raiders (OJHL-Playoffs) GP 22, G 3, A 16, PTS 19, PIM 30
Canada East U19 (WJAC-19) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 4
Commited to Cornell University for 2017-18 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: The Ontario Jr. A League doesn’t produce a ton of NHL draft picks these days, but there’s always a couple good reps – such as Jake Walman or Jake Evans, in recent years. Cairns will be a flagbearer in 2016 thanks to his big frame (he’s 6-foot-2, 190 already) and great skating ability from the back end. His Raiders are in the league final and Cairns is tied for tops among OJHL defensemen with 14 points through 17 games.
Cairns actually won the title last year as a member of the Toronto Patriots, but was traded to Georgetown in the summer, a destination he was quite happy with.
“That was very exciting for me,” he said. “Playing in the OJHL, you hear about Georgetown being a premier place to play.” The Patriots had an older defense corps, so Cairns is counted on much more in Georgetown. That can get him in trouble and scouts think he tries to do too much sometimes, but Cairns is aware of that. “I get kinda carried away on the rush sometimes,” he said. “I have to learn to stay in my role.” Cairns would also like to work on his D-zone coverage, but the offensive skills are impossible to ignore, which is why scouts are excited to see what he’ll do next season. He has done all he can in Jr. A and his plan for next season is to join Muskegon in the USHL. After that, he’s slated to attend Cornell. “I’ve always been a good student and that has been a big part of my life,” Cairns said. “I wanted to get a world-class education and play hockey, as well.”
The Big Red will certainly give him that opportunity and by then, Cairns will likely be ready to make an impact as a freshman. He has definitely had that effect on the Raiders. (Prospect Need to Know – Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, April 12, 2016)
#93 – C Beck Malenstyn – (New to List)
6’2” 192 lbs
Born: 1998-02-04 (Canada – White Rock, British Columbia)
2015-16 Stats
Calgary Hitmen (WHL) GP 70, G 8, A 17, PTS 25, PIM 47
Calgary Hitmen (WHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 2, A 1, PTS 3, PIM 2
Canada U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 4
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A power forward-type who had a decent showing in Calgary’s first-round playoff loss to Red Deer, Malenstyn now gets a chance to boost his draft stock as part of Canada’s world under-18 team. He had two goals and a helper to kick off exhibition play in a 7-1 drubbing of the Czechs. (Prospect Need to Know – Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, April 12, 2016)
#94 – D Connor Hall – (New to List)
6’2” 192 lbs
Born: 1998-01-28 (Canada – Kitchener, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Kitchener Rangers (OHL) GP 39, G 2, A 7, PTS 9, PIM 49
Kitchener Rangers (OHL-Playoffs) GP 9, G 1, A 4, PTS 5, PIM 19
Elmira Sugar Kings (GOJHL) GP 3, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 6
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Definitely one of the biggest risers over the course of the season. Struggled out of the gate then missed over a month with a broken jaw. But when he returned to the lineup in the new year, things started to slowly turn around for him. And his strong performance in the playoffs really earned him that spot on Team Canada at the U18’s as the 7th defender. Hall is a solid stay at home defender prospect for a lot of reasons. He’s got good size and he is quite aggressive in using it. He’s especially effective at pinning on the wall and comes away with the majority of loose pucks in one on one battles. Hall is also a pretty good skater, although he needs to keep his feet moving when defending off the rush as he can be caught flat footed at times. Offensively, he plays a relatively simple game. Can make a solid first pass, but does struggle when he tries to do too much with the puck. But he’s definitely a solid stay at home guy with the potential to be an effective third pairing defender at the NHL level. (Brock Otten, ohlprospects.blogspot.ca, May 18, 2016)
#95 – C Otto Somppi – (New to List)
6’1” 183 lbs
Born: 1998-01-12 (Finland – Helsinki)
2015-16 Stats
Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) GP 59, G 13, A 33, PTS 46, PIM 25
Finland U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Finland U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 14
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Somppi had a somewhat better than expected season in the QMJHL, being one of Halifax’s best players and becoming heavily leaned on especially after San Jose’s top prospect, Timo Meier, was dealt. “Toolsy playmaker,” said one scout. “He’s still a little bit raw, but you see he can make a lot of good plays.” Somppi shows pretty good passing skills. He likes to set up his teammates and passes up shooting opportunities to make a play. He’s a solid skater who can get up and down the ice fine. His work ethic is quality, as he can win battles and will play his defensive position on the back check. Is he the most consistent offensive threat? Probably not, but he does show you he has what it takes to play with pros down the lines. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#96 – C Mitchell Mattson – (New to List)
6’4” 190 lbs
Born: 1998-01-02 (USA – Grand Rapids, Michigan)
2015-16 Stats
Grand Rapids High (USHS) GP 25, G 17, A 29, PTS 46, PIM 22
Grand Rapids High (USHS-Playoffs) GP 3, G 3, A 9, PTS 12, PIM 0
Grand Rapids High (MN State) GP 3, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Bloomington Thunder (USHL) GP 21, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 8
Bloomington Thunder (USHL-Playoffs) GP 10, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
Team Orange (USA-S17) GP 5, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 0
Committed to University of North Dakota (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A big, hard-working player who is still learning the game, Mattson has piled up points for Grand Rapids this year under coach Trent Klatt. (Prospect Need to Know – Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, February 23, 2016)
#97 – C Brandon Gignac – (New to List)
5’11” 172 lbs
Born: 1997-11-07 (Canada – Repentigny, Quebec)
2015-16 Stats
Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) GP 67, G 24, A 37, PTS 61, PIM 41
Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 20, G 7, A 9, PTS 16, PIM 8
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: We’ve been impressed with his progression. Slick playmaker has a knack for finding open ice and open teammates. Not flashy, but has good hockey sense. (Kyle Woodlief, Red Line Report USA Today Sports, October 22, 2015)
#98 – D Benjamin Gleason – (New to List)
6’0” 165 lbs
Born: 1998-03-25 (USA – Ortonville, Michigan)
2015-16 Stats
London Knights (OHL) GP 2, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) GP 64, G 7, A 25, PTS 32, PIM 44
Team Royal (USA-S17) GP 5, G 2, A 3, PTS 5, PIM 6
USA U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 1 PTS 1, PIM 6
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Gleason has excellent mobility, which allows him to play a very effective two-way game. He has very good edge work, agility and pivots; allowing him to cover a ton of ice. Gleason’s defensive game improved as the season went on. He got better at winning battles along the boards, and in front of the net. Gleason also became more willing to throw big hits. He is another prospect whose game will improve with added muscle. He also improved offensively, as he showed big improvements in his passing game. He became much better at starting the transition game as his first pass greatly improved. He can be prone to turnovers at times, but this was dramatically reduced as the season went on. Gleason took over the role of powerplay quarterback after Cole Candella was injured.
(Ben Kerr, lastwordonsports.com, June 20, 2016)
Cousin of former NHLer Tim Gleason.
#99 – D Jordan Sambrook – (New to List)
6’2” 187 lbs
Born: 1998-04-11 (Canada – Markham, Ontario )
2015-16 Stats
Erie Otters (OHL) GP 67, G 9, A 18, PTS 27, PIM 30
Erie Otters (OHL-Playoffs) GP 13, G 0, A 4, PTS 4, PIM 14
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Smooth-skating two-way defenceman who displays solid creativity and offensive instincts, as well as a strong defensive game. Can play lengthy shifts due to his conservative style without the puck, and can be relied upon in all situations. Mobile with and without the puck, and could even become a bit quicker. His size allows him to be physically assertive and protect the puck well. All-in-all, a defenceman who has the potential to become a well-rounded all-around player that can log a lot of ice-time. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)
#100 – C Otto Makinen – (New to List)
6’1” 179 lbs
Born: 1998-05-21 (Finland – Tampere)
2015-16 Stats
Tappara U20 (Jr.A SM-liiga) GP 47, G 11, A 19, PTS 30, PIM 39
Tappara U20 (Jr.A SM-liiga-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 0
Tappara U18 (Jr.B SM-sarja-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0 A 5, PTS 5, PIM 10
Finland U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 1, A 1, PTS 2
Finland U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 4, A 1, PTS 5, PIM 0
Tappara (Champions HL) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Makinen is the type of smart player you want on your team. A two-way center who always makes the right play and works on the defensive end, the kid is always involved with the play. (Prospect Need to Know – Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, February 23, 2016)
#101 – LW/RW Vladimir Kuznetsov – (New to List)
6’1” 214 lbs
Born: 1998-02-18 (Russia – Yekaterinburg)
2015-16 Stats
Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL) GP 68, G 25, A 33, PTS 58, PIM 34
Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 4
Russia U18 (WJC-18) GP 5, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Kuznetsov was the first overall pick in last year’s CHL import draft. He was a very solid addition for Acadie-Bathurst, finishing as one of the top-scoring rookies in the CHL this season. He’s a skilled winger who can stick handle at above average levels. Kuznetsov has a fine wrist shot and shows good vision from the sideboards. They don’t come with any consistently, but he’s capable of “wow” moments, thanks to his natural touch and solid speed. Kuznetsov is a big kid at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, but he’s not all that physical, losing more battles than he should at his size. His effort and positional play on the defensive end could use some work too. The team that drafts him will be getting a good amount of offensive ability but will also know there are a lot of warts to work around (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#102 – LW/D Carsen Twarynski – (New to List)
6’2” 201 lbs
Born: 1997-11-24 (Canada – Calgary, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Calgary Hitmen (WHL) GP 67, G 20, A 25, PTS 45, PIM 42
Calgary Hitmen (WHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Twarynski’s a well-rounded player who uses his size and frame intelligently. He’s not often beaten in corner battles and he plays with a bit of an edge, though he’s not one to take careless penalties. He’s a good skater, passes well and has a good shot, and he’s able to get to the front of the net effectively and create trouble for the opposition. However, his best asset is his compete level: he just keeps working and battling throughout a 60-minute game. You could make a pretty compelling argument that he has no specific holes in his game, but he also doesn’t have many attributes that are truly high-end except for his work ethic and competitiveness. That trait drew him frequent praise from coaches and scouts during the season, and it’s that trait that’s likely to help him improve as his career progresses. His competitiveness elevates every other trait he has.
Few players have the combination of skill, size and competitive fire as Twarynski. He’ll be a unique addition to any club’s prospect pool. (Ryan Pike, thehockeywriters.com, June 20, 2016)
#103 – C Rem Pitlick – (New to List)
5’9” 194 lbs
Born: 1997-04-02 (USA – Plymouth Minnesota)
2015-16 Stats
Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) GP 56, G 46, A 43, PTS 89, PIM 74
USA U19 (WJAC-19) GP 5, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 2
Committed to University of Minnesota (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Pitlick took gigantic strides this season, advancing from a bottom-six forward on his USHL team and going undrafted last season to being the league’s top goal scorer and point producer. He’s a pretty good skater who has a strong first step and top gear. Pitlick displays a solid north-south game as he barrels down with energy and attacks the goal, despite being an undersized forward. Stickhandling is solid for Pitlick, and he also has a very good shot, which helped him to clear the 40-goal mark this season. His size is an issue, as is his lack of top-end playmaking ability. He is committed to the University of Minnesota starting next season. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
Son of former NHLer Lance Pitlick.
#104 – C/LW Connor Bunnaman – (New to List)
6’3” 211 lbs
Born: 1998-04-16 (Canada – Guelph, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Kitchener Rangers (OHL) GP 68, G 16, A 22, PTS 38, PIM 14
Kitchener Rangers (OHL-Playoffs) GP 9, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Bunnaman is a really good checking line prospect who had a very strong year for Kitchener in his sophomore season. While he can play center, I think he’s better suited to the wing where he saw the majority of action this year. He’s got great size at 6’3, 211lbs and he plays a very pro style game. He works the possession game very well in the offensive end, controlling the boards and maintaining positioning near the crease. He knows his role and he plays it to a tee. But he’s not just a grunt. Bunnaman has good hands in close and I like his vision as a playmaker as he’ll surprise you with the things he can do coming off the wall. His skating is only OK, but it’s already better than it was in his OHL rookie year. The one thing I’d really like to see from him is more physicality; using that size to be disruptive on the forecheck/backcheck. While he engages, he’s not necessarily a big hitter. Would love to see him become more physically active in that regard. (Brock Otten, ohlprospects.blogspot.ca, May 18, 2016)
#105 – D Josh Anderson – (New to List)
6’2” 220 lbs
Born: 1998-08-29 (Canada – Nanaimo, British Columbia)
2015-16 Stats
Prince George Cougars (WHL) GP 39, G 1, A 5, PTS 6, PIM 86
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: “Strong defensively and he doesn’t break down in his positioning. Good agility and mobility and is able to handle the speed and quickness that comes his way. Smart, effective and not outside strengths.” (TSN Draft Centre Bob McKenzie’s Final Rankings )
#106 – C/W Dmitri Sokolov – (New to List)
6’1” 205 lbs
Born: 1998-04-14 (Russia – Omsk)
2015-16 Stats
Sudbury Wolves (OHL) GP 68, G 30, A 22, PTS 52, PIM 13
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Now we come to one of the most perplexing prospects of this draft class. In the summer, he was a no-doubt first-rounder and maybe even a top-10 pick, but he fell off that level quickly. One big issue for scouts has been Sokolov’s skating and weight. His weight has been an issue all season, with him being measured over 220 pounds at times, but he managed to get it down to 205 toward the end of the season. In terms of positives, Sokolov is a highly skilled forward with an elite shot who can dominate based on his puck skills, hockey IQ and power game. He’s a competitive player who notably improved his defensive play as the season went on. Despite all the doom and gloom, he scored 30 goals on a very bad Sudbury team while playing with a dislocated shoulder, and many hockey folks from Russia still believe in his upside. However, it would be an understatement to say there’s risk in picking him. I know some NHL scouts who would highly, highly disagree with my placement of him at No. 27, but I see a big, highly skilled scorer who has worked to improve himself and has huge upside. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#107 – C/RW Jonathan Ang – (New to List)
5’11” 163 lbs
Born: 1998-01-31 (Canada – Markham, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Peterborough Petes (OHL) GP 68, G 21, A 28, PTS 49, PIM 44
Peterborough Petes (OHL-Playoffs) GP 7, G 3, A 6, PTS 9, PIM 2
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Ang is a former top pick in the OHL who has been a solid yet unspectacular player for the Petes over the past two seasons. He’s a dynamic offensive threat, at times. He’s got a great first step and can jet through the neutral zone as well as most CHL forwards. Highlight-reel plays aren’t uncommon, as Ang can dangle in open ice and otherwise make moves with the puck. He is a small player who has been dinged in the past for his off-the-puck work, but he was able to steadily get more reliable defensive minutes, even killing penalties along the way. I’m not sold on his hockey IQ being of the top-level variety, as he can force the puck and make some bad decisions at times. He also has some trouble winning battles. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#108 – D Vojtech Budik – (New to List)
6’1” 194 lbs
Born: 1998-01-29 (Czech Rep. – Holice)
2015-16 Stats
Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) GP 70, G 3, A 13, PTS 16, PIM 20
Prince Albert Raiders (WHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 2
Czech Republic U18 (WJC-18) GP 5, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 8
Czech Republic U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Czech Republic U18 (Int. Jr – all) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Central Scouting has the Czech defenseman as a 4th – 5th round pick. HFBoards The Draft Analyst (has him rated 84th) had the following to say, “Outstanding patience, controlled on breakouts, quick feet, slot coverage very good, doesnt puck gaze, step-ups timely, excellent gap. Doesn’t get fancy with the puck at all. In it goes, out it goes.” (oilersfuture.wordpress.com, April 27, 2016)
#109 – C Adam Brooks – (New to List)
5’10” 174 lbs
Born: 1996-05-06 (Canada – Winnipeg, Manitoba)
2015-16 Stats
Regina Pats (WHL) GP 72, G 38, A 82, PTS 120, PIM 30
Regina Pats (WHL-Playoffs) GP 12, G 7, A 16, PTS 23, PIM 6
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: “Every coach covets a reliable player whose effort and level of play usually falls within a predictable range – and Adam Brooks is that type of player. ‘Quietly efficient’ as opposed to flashy or dynamic, Brooks is a responsible two-way centre whose brain and feet are constantly involved in the game. His high hockey IQ and overall consistency of play have stood out as prime attributes this season. Used in all situations, he sustains a high work rate throughout shifts – and carries this on from shift to shift – and game to game. He sees the ice and anticipates the game intuitively and has a knack of being in the right spot and coming upon loose pucks. Skilled and efficient in possession, Brooks is talented at exploiting those tiny spaces in coverage and executing plays swiftly. He usually makes the right play at the right time. (Iain Morrell, Mckeen’s Hockey, March 25, 2016)
Brooks won the Bob Clarke Trophy as the WHL’s leading scorer with 120 points this season after he got passed over entirely in the past two drafts, but after nearly doubling his point total from the previous season when he had 62 and being a key reason why the Pats had such a successful playoff run, he’s a sure bet to be drafted this year. A little undersized at 5-foot-10 and 174 pounds, his elite level passing ability can’t be denied, 82 assists in a season is impressive and finding the back of the net 38 times lets you know he’s got solid shooting abilities. I had the opportunity to watch him live in their playoff series with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, all though he wasn’t overly flashy, you could tell he was the best players on the ice consistently in the right position at the right time.
#110 – RW/C Maxime Fortier – (New to List)
5’10” 176 lbs
Born: 1997-12-15 (Canada – Lachine, Quebec)
2015-16 Stats
Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) GP 68, G 31, A 46, PTS 77, PIM 22
QMJHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 2, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Fortier improved significantly in his 18-year-old season with Halifax, serving as assistant captain and putting Halifax on his back some nights especially after Timo Meier was traded. Fortier has big-time speed, being able to create a lot of scoring chances with how he turns defenders coming through the neutral zone. Fortier can’t go east-west as well as he can go north-south, but he’s certainly got a quality pair of hands on him too. He can make creative plays in tight spaces and angle out defenders well. He’ll create at a fair level for his teammates, making the odd “wow” play, and has a solid wrist shot too. Fortier’s off-the-puck play is a significant issue. He’s small and not the best in one-on-one battles. He also isn’t the most useful player when it comes to defensive positioning. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#111 – RW William Lockwood – (New to List)
5’10” 172 lbs
Born: 1998-06-20 (USA – Bloomfield Hills, Michigan)
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 20, G 3, A 3, PTS 6, PIM 27
U.S. National U18 Team (USDP) GP 59, G 13, A 20, PTS 33, PIM 35
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 1, A 6, PTS 7, PIM 0
Committed to the University of Michigan for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Lockwood is a solid-average skater. He is a good penalty killer with a decent wall game. Although well undersized, he is generally a pretty physical player and a frequent hitter. Committed to the University of Michigan, he has low upside, but plays a coach friendly game. Prospectus Prospecting – Scouting the USNTDP – Ryan Wagman, April 5, 2016)
#112 – D Griffin Luce – (New to List)
6’3” 214 lbs
Born: 1998-03-10 (Canada – St. Thomas, Ontario – Dual American citizen, plays internationally for USA)
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 25, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 33
U.S. National U18 Team (USHL) GP 64, G 3, A 8, PTS 11, PIM 82
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 8
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Grandson of former NHLer and current Toronto Maple Leafs Scout Don Luce. Son of Florida Panthers Director of Player Personnel Scott Luce who is quoted as saying they will not draft Griffin. Griffin was born in Wisconsin and played his minor hockey in London, Ont., so his dual citizenship would have allowed him to play internationally for either Canada or USA. Prior to joining the national team development program, he played prep school hockey for Salisbury. His father has watched him play thousands of times and says that if he had to do a scouting report on his son, it would read something like this: “Good first pass. Strong defensive defenseman. Shutdown guy who will eventually play against other teams’ top lines. A good complementary partner.” (Ken Campbell, The Hockey News, April 22, 2016)
#113 – RW Ty Ronning – (New to List)
5’9” 165 lbs
Born: 1998-10-20 (Canada – Burnaby, British Columbia)
2015-16 Stats
Vancouver Giants (WHL) GP 67, G 31, A 28, PTS 59, PIM 18
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A small but industrious speedster that always seeks to be engaged in the play. Skates very well and has the shiftiness to avoid being rubbed out. Isn’t afraid of physical play, but knows his role as an offensive catalyst and plays to his strengths. Excellent hands and hockey sense. Only knock is his size, but that doesn’t impede his compete level. Possesses the fundamental skills and natural goal scoring instincts that make the players around him better. [EP]
Son of former NHLer Cliff Ronning.
#114 – D Jake Ryczek – (New to List)
5’10” 165 lbs
Born: 1998-03-19 (USA – Ludlow, Massachusetts)
2015-16 Stats
Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) GP 29, G 3, A 11, PTS 14, PIM 8
Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) GP 18, G 4, A 16, PTS 20, PIM 4
Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) GP 9, G 0, A 4, PTS 4, PIM 2
Team Red (USA-S17) GP 5, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 2
Commited to Providence College (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: An offensive defenseman who can rip the puck and really help a power play, Ryczek was just acquired from Sioux City in a late-season trade. (Prospect Need to Know – Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, February 23, 2016)
#115 – D David Quenneville – (New to List)
5’8” 183 lbs
Born: 1998-03-13 (Canada – Edmonton, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) GP 64, G 14, A 41, PTS 55, PIM 30
Canada U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 5, A 3, PTS 8, PIM 4
Canada U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: An undersized highly skilled offensive defenceman who likes to jump up on the rush, would likely be near the top of the draft class if he was six inches taller. The hockey bloodlines run strong in his family and there is still a chance he might hit a growth spurt, his brother John Quenneville is a 6-foot-1 New Jersey Devils Prospect who scored that highlight real goal at the Memorial Cup most hockey fans should have seen by now, while his brother Peter Quenneville is 5-foot-11 prospect in the Columbus Blue Jackets system. It doesn’t stop there, the brother are also second cousins with former NHLer and long time current NHL coach Joel Quenneville who has won a couple Stanley Cups so far in his eight year tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks, after stops in St. Louis and Colorado. Cup winners are even married into the family with current NHL defenceman Johnny Boychuk being the brothers uncle through marriage. If teams can get over David’s small stature and focus on the fact he’s still a solid 183 pound kid, he could be a real steal in a few years.
#116 – LW Travis Barron – (New to List)
6’1” 187 lbs
Born: 1998-08-17 (Canada – Brampton, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Ottawa 67’s (OHL) GP 60, G 13, A 24, PTS 37, PIM 26
Ottawa 67’s (OHL) GP 5, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 11
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Barron works hard on both ends of the rink and can excel in either a shutdown, grinding-type role or a top-six scoring role. Offensively, he is an above-average skater whose vision and playmaking abilities could use some work. His shot, however, is a weapon at both even strength and on the power play. (Joseph Aleong, thehockeywriters.com, March 10, 2016)
Barron is the nephew of former NHLer Andrew Cassels and cousin of Vancouver Canucks 2013 3rd Round pick Cole Cassels.
#117 – RW William Knierim – (New to List)
6’3” 218 lbs
Born: 1998-01-22 (USA – Skokie, Illinois)
2015-16 Stats
Dubeque Fighting Saints (USHL) GP 53, G 14, A 13, PTS 27, PIM 161
Dubeque Fighting Saints (USHL-Playoffs) GP 12, G 3, A 1, PTS 4, PIM 8
Team Grey (USA-S17) GP 5, G 1, A 6, PTS 7, PIM 6
USA U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 1, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 18
USA U19 (WJAC-19) GP 5, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 2
Committed to Miami University Ohio (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Knierim is a big guy that has some real upside. “He possesses real good size,” an opposing GM said. “He gets up and down the ice well for a big man. He has a physical element to his game.” “Knierim isn’t afraid to play physical. “He plays hard and likes traffic,” one scout said. (Scott Powers, USHL.com, December 10, 2015)
#118 – LW Brett Murray – (New to List)
6’5” 212 lbs
Born: 1998-07-20 (Canada – Bolton, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) GP 48, G 14, A 32, PTS 46, PIM 16
Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL-Playoffs) GP 16, G 5, A 8, PTS 13, PIM 4
Carleton Place Canadians (Fred Page Cup) GP 4, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 0
Carleton Place Canadians (RBC CUP) GP 4, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Canada East U19 (WJAC-19) GP 5, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 4
Committed to Penn State University(NCAA) for the 2017-18 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Dennis MacInnis, director of scouting for the Waterloo-based International Scouting Services (ISS), ““Big frame with plenty of room to fill out. Good skater for a player of his size, and demonstrates good hockey sense. Consistently able to find holes in the defence and get open to create scoring chances. Good stick when attacking the puck carrier. A longer-term developmental curve, but projects as a solid two-way power forward.” (Jeff Gard, Northumberland Today, December 9, 2015)
#119 – C/LW Brayden Burke – (Down 61 Spots)
5’10” 163 lbs
Born: 1997-01-01 (Canada – Edmonton, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) GP 72, G 27, A 82, PTS 109, PIM 44
Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: “He has a high skill level with good play-making ability and soft hands, and thrives on the power play where he has more space,” says ISS head scout Dennis MacInnis. “Passed over in the 2015 NHL Draft, Burke has a strong chance to be drafted in 2016 in a later round.”
(Kelly Friesen, Yahoo Sports, March 2016)
#120 – LW Jamie Armstrong – (New to List)
6’2” 190 lbs
Born: 1998-08-07 (USA – Warwick, Rhode Island)
2015-16 Stats
Avon Old Farms School (USHS) GP 27, G 22, A 29, PTS 51, PIM –
Neponset Valley River Rats U18 (MHSL U18) GP 13, G 9, A 12, PTS 21, PIM 20
Team Forest (USA-S17) GP 5, G 1, A 3, PTS 4, PIM 6
Commited to Northeastern University (NCAA) for the 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: The son of St. Louis Blues scouting director Bill Armstrong had a lot of eyes on him this year, for obvious reasons. It will be interesting to see where the Northeastern commit goes in the draft, as he is not a finished product, but does have a good wall game and a pretty good touch around the net. (Prospect Need to Know – Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, March 15, 2016)
Father is Bill Armstrong the Director of Amateur Scouting for the St. Louis Blues was also a former Minor League player drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1990.
#121 – D Ondej Vala – (New to List)
6’4” 216 lbs
Born: 1998-04-13(Czech Rep. – Pardubice)
2015-16 Stats
Kamloops Blazers (WHL) GP 72, G 4 A 17, PTS 21, PIM 52
Kamloops Blazers (WHL-Playoffs) GP 7, G 0 A 1, PTS 1, PIM 4
Czech Republic U18 (WJC-18) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Czech Republic U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Czech Republic U18 (Int.-Jr) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: At the 100th spot, we have a player that has an intriguing set of skills and tools. Vala is a big defenseman at 6-foot-5, and I think there is some puck-moving upside to his game. Mind you, he’s no Erik Karlsson, but Vala has shown the hockey sense to be competent with the puck. And at the under-18 and WHL levels, he has been effective during his time on the power play. He is decent defensively too, using his big frame to clog up lanes and win battles. His skating is poor, with a real awkward stance and stride. He can be turned horizontally a little too easy by quick forwards, which is a major hurdle that he’ll need to overcome on his way to potentially becoming a top prospect. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#122 – G Dylan Wells – (Down 64 Spots)
6’2″ 183 lbs
Born: 1998-01-03 (Canada)
2015-16 Stats
Peterborough Petes (OHL) GP 27, GAA 4.59, SV% .871
Canada U18 (Hlinka) GP 2, GAA 0.48, SV% .971
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A very patient goaltender who shows good concentration on the puck. Good at controlling his rebounds and rarely gives up a bad goal. Plays his angles well and squares up to the shooters aggressively at the top of the crease. Good communicator with his defencemen and never loses sight of the puck. Has a unique, uncomfortable hunched over style in net that opens up the corners and doesn’t make him look so big in the net. (Marhsall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, April 2016)
#123 – LW Mikhail Maltsev – (New to List)
6’3” 198 lbs
Born: 1998-03-12 (Russia – St. Petersburg)
2015-16 Stats
Team Russia U18 (MHL) GP 29, G 11, A 12, PTS 23, PIM 20
Team Russia U18 (MHL-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 0
Russia U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Big Russian centre who has returned from a back injury that put him on the shelf last season. He displays speed, size, skill,soft hands, a strong stride, acceleration, and top gears. Hasn’t shown elite creativity, strong decision making or on-ice vision, but that might develop. Wins the puck and is strong when he has it. He moves well laterally and shield the puck well. You can count on him to plant himself in front the net and using his big body to get opportunities. (draftsite.com – Bill Placzek)
#124 – C/RW Oskar Steen – (New to List)
5’9” 187 lbs
Born: 1998-03-09 (Sweden – Karlstad, Sweden)
2015-16 Stats
Farjestad BK (SHL) GP 17, G 0, A 6, PTS 6, PIM 4
Farjestad BK (SHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Farjestad BK J20 (SuperElit) GP 33, G 8, A 24, PTS 32, PIM 37
Sweden U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 2, A 1, PTS 3, PIM 6
Sweden U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 4
Sweden U18 (Int. Jr.) GP 21, G 6, A 5, PTS 11, PIM 18
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A quick look at Steen’s basic stats would probably leave some folks less than enthusiastic. He’s small and hasn’t put up giant scoring numbers this season at any level or tournament, yet every time I saw him I came away thinking he’s a real NHL prospect. He did manage to work his way into a regular role for an SHL team for a good portion of the season and playoffs, so I’m not alone in that opinion. Steen is a good to a very good skater. He’s an energetic player, and wins battles thanks to that work ethic and having the speed to pressure opponents. His skill is not at an All-World level, but he certainly has solid puck skills and vision, and can pull off some high-level plays on occasion. Steen is also useful defensively, killing penalties at the international level and in junior play before his promotion to the SHL side. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#125 –LW/C Hudson Elynuik – (New to List)
6’5” 201 lbs
Born: 1997-12-10 (Canada – Calgary,. Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Spokane Chiefs (WHL) GP 56, G 19, A 25, PTS 44, PIM 46
Spokane Chiefs (WHL-Playoffs) GP 6 G 3, A 0, PTS 3, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Elynuik is an intriguing prospect, his father Pat was a 1st round pick of the old Winnipeg Jets. He is big (6’5) and finished the season strong injuries elevated him to the top line. Here is an old scouting report, from Jeff Hollick, “He’s got a lot of skill, he’s got some ability and he’s going to be very hard to play against. He competes hard and he is going to make it tough on he opposition once he fully matures as a player.” (oilersfuture.wordpress.com, April 27, 2016)
Hudson Elynuik is considerably taller than his father, and at 6-foot-5-inches he is an extremely intriguing NHL Draft prospect. He has an excellent shot. His wrist shot is heavy and accurate, and features a very good release. Elynuik gets himself open in the offensive zone in order to take a pass from a teammate and set up for that shot. He also has a powerful one-timer. Elynuik also has the soft hands to finish plays in tight to the net, and is more than willing to battle for position to do so. He bangs in rebounds, gets tip-ins, and generally causes havoc down low. Elynuik is not a huge hitter, but he uses his size to win battles on the boards, to establish his position in front of the net; and to protect the puck in the cycle game and create plays for teammates. Elynuik plays a very straight forward game. His assists come from keeping possession and keeping the play going on the cycle. He is not the most creative playmaker, but does have the passing skills to make the safe and simple plays.
Elynuik is a good skater for his size. While he’s not a speedster, he certainly does not fall behind the play, and keeps up well with his teammates. Elynuik also has good first step quickness and acceleration for a big man. He has a strong lower body which helps him to have balance in battles along the boards and in front of the net. Adding more muscle to what is a bit of a skinny frame would go a long way to making this aspect of his game even better. Elynuik can also work on his agility and edgework, as he could stand to maneuver better through tight spaces and high traffic areas.
Hudson Elynuik is developing a solid defensive game. He uses his big frame to block shots and cut down passing lanes. Elynuik was trusted in key situations by the Chiefs, playing against opponents top lines, taking key defensive zone draws, and even killing penalties. He was extremely good in the role, being a positive player on a poor defensive club overall.
Some analysts may have a concern that Elynuik’s offense really came to the forefront in the second half of the year and is a relatively small sample size. However, with his good shot, excellent size and skating ability, I do believe he can carry it into next season. Even if he doesn’t though, the size, skating ability and defensive game still give him the potential to be a third or fourth line centre at the NHL level.
(Ben Kerr, lastwordonsports.com, June 11, 2016)
#126 – C Dylan Gambrell – (New to List)
6’0” 183 lbs
Born: 1996-08-26 (USA – Bonney Lake, Washington)
2015-16 Stats
University of Denver (NCAA) GP 41, G 15, A 30, PTS 47, PIM 19
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Future Considerations: Gambrell does not panic under pressure and he protects the puck very well with his strength and with his reach when carrying it wide. He has very good vision and decision making ability, and sets up his teammates very well from the perimeter. He is also able to lead a teammate through the middle of the ice with a quick lead pass. More of a pass first player, Gambrell can also put the puck in the net with his quick shot from closer range.
#127 – C Jordan (Jordy) Stallard – (New to List)
6’2” 187 lbs
Born: 1997-09-18 (Canada – Brandon, Manitoba)
2015-16 Stats
Calgary Hitmen (WHL) GP 68, G 21, A 28, PTS 49, PIM 20
Calgary Hitmen (WHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 5
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: The Hockey Writers: He’s a good skater and has good mobility, but his defensive-zone awareness isn’t tremendous and because he’s still a bit of a thin, wirey young man he doesn’t have the muscle to effectively out-battle opponents in the corners.
WHL from Above: Another Hitmen player cracks this list, with Stallard possessing plenty of attributes that make him worth tracking. He’s got a good frame at 6’2 and 176 pounds, skating well and possessing decent hands and worth ethic. (oilersfuture.wordpress.com, April 26, 2016)
#128 – C Matthew Phillips – (Down 68 Spots)
5’7″ 161 lbs
Born: 1998-04-06 (Canada – Calgary, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Victoria Royals (WHL) GP 72, G 37, A 39, PTS 76, PIM 16
Victoria Royals (WHL-Playoffs) GP 13, G 5, A 3, PTS 8, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Very small, very quick but plays bigger than his frame. Noticeable every shift. Tremendous Work Ethic. Will put his head down and skate to the net constantly going to greasy areas. Elusive and can skate himself out of danger on a nightly basis. Uses his speed to beat anybody down the wing and has contributed nearly at a point-per-game pace. Causes many problems for defenders due to his determination with the puck. Fearless winger is hard to ignore but will need to grow considerably to compete at next level. (Marhsall Mackinder, hockeynow.ca, April 2016)
Phillips was a top-20 scorer in the WHL this season as a rookie and a big part of Victoria being one of the top teams. The reason why he’s not going in the top 45 is that he can’t get onto every ride at an amusement park, coming in at about 5-foot-7 and 140 pounds. He’s a very dynamic offensive player, however. Phillips is one of the better skaters in this draft class. While his top gear is not elite, his ability to elude pressure and his side-to-side movements are elite. He’s a very shifty puck handler with good vision, and despite his size, he can be very difficult to check in open ice. Phillips is a battler who goes to the net, although overall, his off-the-puck play is — and will continue to be — a significant issue. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#129 – D Yegor Rykov – (New to List)
6’2” 205 lbs
Born: 1997-04-14 (Russia – Vidnoe)
2015-16 Stats
SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) GP 10, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
SKA St. Petersburg (KHL-Playoffs) GP 2, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL) GP 10, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 8
SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) GP 20, G 3, A 7, PTS 10, PIM 10
SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL-Playoffs) GP 2, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Russia U20 (WJC-20) GP 7, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 2
Russia Selects U20 (Jr. Super Series) GP 6, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: I was surprised Rykov wasn’t drafted last season. It was possibly due to the “Russian factor,” and while he didn’t have a mind-blowing season, he was solid for an 18-year-old skating in the KHL and had a good WJC. I think any NHL org would benefit from his skills, and he’s cleared the hurdle of being good enough to be worth the risk of a draft pick late in the second round or early in the third. Rykov doesn’t have one standout ability; he’s not going to blaze by on a rush, or lay a crushing hit, but I don’t see a glaring weakness in his game. He skates well, can move the puck, has some offensive creativity, and is a reliable positional defender who has shown the ability to check the best players in his age group as well as older players. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#130 – D Jacob Neveu – (New to List)
6’2” 205 lbs
Born: 1998-01-12 (Canada – Sherbrooke, Quebec)
2015-16 Stats
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) GP 59, G 2, A 14, PTS 16, PIM 36
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 20, G 1, A 4, PTS 5, PIM 2
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (Memorial Cup) GP 5, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Team Red (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Rouyn-Noranda Huskies finished first this season in the Q with 113 points in 68 games. Neveu is behind Jeremy Lauzon (Bruins 2nd Round Pick) & Phillippe Myers (Signed an entry level deal with Flyers – helluva find!) on the Rouyn-Noranda depth chart. Neveu is a big defenseman and was invited to Team Canada’s U18 camp this past summer. Not much info on him. Kris Baker @SabresProspects Feb 17 – The Q is not my fave league for D, but like what I see from Jacob Neveu. Shutdown mindset, good leverage on the walls, feet coming around. (oilersfuture.wordpress.com, April 24, 2016)
#131 – D Cole Candella – (New to List)
6’1” 185 lbs
Born: 1998-02-13 (Canada – Fort Erie, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) GP 37, G 4, A 16, PTS 20, PIM 12
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A big fan of Candella’s game. He’s just a very solid two-way defender. Early on in the season he was thrust into the role of Hamilton’s #1 defender thanks to injuries and he did well to be the leader of a young blueline (in only his second year). But unfortunately, he too succumbed to the injury bug after fracturing his wrist. This caused him to miss the rest of the season. So we’ve got to base our assessment on what we saw in the first half. Candella has good size, moves well, defends well, and makes a good first pass. A defender without a lot of flaws. The issue is, just how good can he be? What’s his overall potential at the next level? Is his offensive hockey sense and skill level with the puck good enough for him to develop into a solid offensive defender and powerplay QB? Can he develop more of a mean streak and be a more difficult player to play against in his own end, on top of being a solid positional defender? If I had a more definitive answer for those questions, Candella would likely be higher than 29th for me. But that’s the problem with playing only half the year. Could definitely be a diamond in the rough for whatever team selects him (I could see him going as early as the 3rd). (Brock Otten, ohlprospects.blogspot.ca, May 19, 2016)
#132 – D Riley Stillman – (New to List)
6’0” 181 lbs
Born: 1998-03-09 (Canada – Peterborough, Ontario) Dual Canadian-American
2015-16 Stats
Oshawa Generals (OHL) GP 62, G 6, A 15, PTS 21, PIM 69
Oshawa Generals (OHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Massive fan of this young kid, especially after talking to him for an article I wrote on him. Was named as one of the OHL’s most improved players this year in the Coaches Poll and it was completely deserving. At the beginning of the year, he was struggling to find ice time. By season’s end, he was arguably Oshawa’s top defender and was wearing an “A” on his chest (mighty impressive for basically a first year player). Stillman has average size (6’0), but he plays much bigger than that in the defensive end. Stillman is an extremely efficient open ice hitter and he’s great at timing up hits as forwards cut across the blueline. Stillman is also very mobile, exhibiting strong lateral and backwards agility, which makes him a tough guy to get around one on one, despite being only 6’0. Offensively, he keeps things simple. Can be effective at leading the rush and has already improved as a powerplay QB, exhibiting an excellent point shot. His hockey sense is also excellent at both ends of the ice. As he becomes more comfortable and continues to add strength and power to his forward stride, I think we’ll see the offensive numbers jump. With a great attitude and an improving skill set (to go with good NHL bloodlines), I wouldn’t hesitate to use a top 75 selection on Stillman. (Brock Otten, ohlprospects.blogspot.ca, May 19, 2016)
Son of former NHLer Cory Stillman and Grandson of former NHLer Bud Stefanski.
#133 – D Gabriel Sylvestre – (New to List)
6’2” 176 lbs
Born: 1998-01-22 (Canada – Blainville, Quebec)
2015-16 Stats
Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) GP 66, G 1, A 12, PTS 13, PIM 84
Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 21, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 22
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: He has good size at 6’2″ and plays an excellent defensive game, using that size, as well as good mobility, to play a physical game and knock his man off the puck. He shows very good positioning and instincts. The offensive game is a work in progress though. Sylvestre has an excellent slap shot, but could use some work on having more poise with the puck and waiting for the right pass, instead of rushing things. ( Ben Kerr, lastwordonsports.com, September 14, 2015)
#134 – LW Kyle Maksimovich – (New to List)
5’9” 172 lbs
Born: 1998-03-10 (Canada – Oakville, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Erie Otters (OHL) GP 68, G 27, A 44, PTS 71, PIM 22
Erie Otters (OHL-Playoffs) GP 13, G 5, A 3, PTS 8, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: One of the bigger risers this season, Maksimovich was a former top scorer on his GTHL team (ahead of top prospects such as Michael McLeod), but he never really emerged at the OHL level until this season. He is a highly gifted puck handler, possessing coordination, creativity and the quick-twitch abilities to make plays in tight spaces. He has great hockey sense, showing rapid decision-making and above-average vision. Maksimovich’s size is an issue. He works hard, but he is 5-foot-9 and isn’t the best defensively, either. He’s a lot slower than the ideal skill forwards in his height range. He is fine moving on his edges but lacks a true breakaway gear. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#135 – C Michael Pezzetta – (New to List)
6’1” 192 lbs
Born: 1998-03-13 (Canada – Toronto, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Sudbury Wolves (OHL) GP 64, G 10, A 18, PTS 28, PIM 98
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Another player I was very disappointed with this year. A former first rounder, Pezzetta should have been a go to offensive player for the Wolves this year, but he continues to struggle with consistency (which I’m sure can be attributed to the team’s lack of success this year). Pezzetta is the type of player NHL team’s really covet; a power center with size. Pezzetta is noticeable as a physical player and forechecker because he’s quite quick and closes in on opposing defenders with deceptive speed. But in the offensive end, he has a tendency to overhandle the puck and he needs to keep things simple. Tons of potential still here, as a player who could be a very good two-way center (Brock Otten, ohlprospects.blogspot.ca, May 17, 2016)
#136 – C Kristian Reichel – (New to List)
6’0” 168 lbs
Born: 1998-06-11 (Czech Rep. – Litvinov)
2015-16 Stats
HC Litvinov (Czech) GP 15, G 3, A 1, PTS 4, PIM 4
HC Litvinov (Czech-Qualification) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
HC Litvinov (Czech-Relegation) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
HC Litvinov U20 (Czech U20) GP 28, G 17, A 7, PTS 24, PIM 16
HC Litvinov U18 (Czech U18) GP 2, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 0
Czech Republic U18 GP 5, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 0
Czech Republic U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 0
Czech Republic U18 (All) GP 16, G 6, A 4, PTS 10, PIM 8
Czech Republic U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 4
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: The son of longtime NHL player Robert Reichel (who was also his coach this season at the under-18 level), he was solid in international play and was a regular in the top Czech league this season. There are a fair amount of tools to like from Reichel. He is a 6-foot-1 center with above-average speed and can make skilled plays with the puck. He’s not a dynamic highlight reel, but versus his age group, he has usually found ways to stand out. Reichel can show good vision with the puck and has some creativity too. His off-the-puck play isn’t horrible, and while he’ll make the odd good defensive play and win some battles, there is a lot of room for improvement there — particularly if he wants to stay down the middle. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
#137 – F Michael Graham – (New to List)
6’2” 185 lbs
Born: 1997-11-27 (United States – Eden Prairie, Minnesota)
2015-16 Stats
Fargo Force (USHL) GP 14, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 6
Eden Prairie High (USHS) GP 25, G 14, A 29, PTS 43, PIM 6
Eden Prairie High (USHS-Playoffs) GP 3, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 2
Eden Prairie High (MN State) GP 3, G 3, A 0, PTS 3, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Late birthday, not a great skater but he’s got good size, will go in the tough areas and can score. (oilersfuture.wordpress.com, April 13, 2016)
#138 – RW Ivan Kosorenkov – (New to List)
6’0” 181 lbs
Born: 1998-01-22 (Russia – Nizhnekamsk)
2015-16 Stats
MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL) GP 11, G 5, A 2, PTS 7, PIM 6
Team Russia U18 (MHL) GP 22, G 13, A 7, PTS 20, PIM 10
Team Russia U18 (MHL-Playoffs) GP 3, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 2
Russia U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 8
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A great raw talent with some holes in his game in the defensive side. He also tends to overplay the puck at times, as he still plays too much in a junior hockey style, while he should be focusing a bit more in passing the puck and getting back. That being said, he has great hands and excellent skating abilities, and put in the right situation he can produce on a regular way in any team. ( Alessandro Serren-Rosso, Hockeyprospectus.com, February 12, 2016)
#139 – G Jack Lafontaine – (New to List)
6’2” 185 lbs
Born: 1998-01-06 (Canada – Mississauga, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Janesville Jets (NAHL) GP 41, GAA 2.16, SV% .921
Janesville Jets (NAHL-Playoffs) GP 4, GAA 1.89, SV% .926
Committed to the University of Michigan for the 2017-18 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: As a rookie in the North American League, LaFontaine prides himself on his work ethic, flexibility and intelligence and still wants to calm his game down more. Scouts are very enthusiastic about him thanks to his size and smoothness in net and in a year where the North American goalie field is wide open, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see LaFontaine plucked early in the draft.
(Prospect Need to Know – Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, November 24, 2015)
Lafontaine is a distant cousin of former NHLer Brian Bradley.
#140 – RW/LW Mathias From – (New to List)
6’1” 187 lbs
Born: 1997-12-16 (Denmark – Frederikshavn)
2015-16 Stats
Rogle BK (SHL) GP 16, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 0
Rogle BK J20 (SuperElit) GP 36, G 6, A 15, PTS 21, PIM 42
Rogle BK J20 (SuperElit-Playoffs) GP 7, G 2, A 2, PTS 4, PIM 0
Denmark U20 (WJC-20) GP 4, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 4
Denmark U20 (Int-Jr-all) GP 12, G 2, A 1, PTS 3, PIM 4
Denmark (International) GP 8, G 2, A 3, PTS 5, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A strong transitional forward with solid offensive and defensive upside. Defensively, always active and keeps himself mobile to make sure he’s in a good spot to keep the opposition on their toes. Sees lanes well and is excellent at taking pucks away and moving them up the ice for scoring chances. Offensively, he drives to the net and has a great shot. Definitely not afraid of the physical side of the game, and can play that all-important power role. Mathias From is a multidimensional buzzsaw that has the drive and skill to net wins and contribute in multiple areas of the game. [EP]
#141 – D Dmitri Alexeyev – (New to List)
5’11” 179 lbs
Born: 1998-02-17 (Russia – Chelyabinsk)
2015-16 Stats
Team Russia U18 (MHL) GP 30, G 3, A 7, PTS 10, PIM 8
Team Russia U18 (MHL-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Russia U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 4
Russia U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: An intelligent player with a good two-way game, Alexeyev has some interesting potential, especially considering his size, skating, and defensive play. He has some offensive potential that won’t get overlooked, even if that is not his first quality. ( Alessandro Serren-Rosso, Hockeyprospectus.com, February 12, 2016)
#142 – G Mikhail Berdin – (New to List)
6’2” 163 lbs
Born: 1998-03-01 (Russia – Ufa)
2015-16 Stats
Team Russia U18 (MHL) GP 22, GAA 2.07, SV% .928
Russia U19 (WJAC-19) GP 3, GAA 0.80, SV% .968
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: a poised, economical goalie with solid agility and quick reflexes .. plays a technical hybrid of styles – stand-up, butterfly, paddle-down .. does a sound job of tracking pucks and staying aware of his surroundings .. collapses to his knees comfortably – and is quick and efficient getting back to his feet .. moves side-to-side with a strong leg push – and maintains solid body form and control as he moves .. stays calm and shows excellent patience – notably 1-on-1 against shooters .. sustains composure under heavy pressure .. generally plays low to the ice and close to home on plays in and around his net – but will move out and challenge shooters on his feet .. manages rebounds well – quick to mop up loose pucks – using his stick and glove effectively .. will need to develop physically and thicken up a sizeable 6-2 frame .. listed at just 165 pounds. ( Mckeenshockey.com, January 6, 2016)
#143 – D Keaton Middleton – (New to List)
6’6” 235 lbs
Born: 1998-02-10 (Canada – Edmonton, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Saginaw Spirit (OHL) GP 66, G 1, A 6, PTS 7, PIM 66
Saginaw Spirit (OHL-Playoffs) GP 4, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Team White (U18-Dev) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 6
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Hulking defender (6’6, 235lbs) who is still scratching the surface of his potential. Even if he didn’t have the greatest of seasons, I’m still a fan. Look at it this way. If both players reach their high end potential, is there really much separating Middleton and Logan Stanley? Stanley is without a doubt progressing quicker and demonstrating more now, but is that a guarantee 5 years from now? You’ll have to use a 1st or 2nd on Stanley, but you could have Middleton in the mid rounds. Keaton, the brother of 67’s defender Jacob (and one of the best defensive defenders in the OHL), has so much potential as a stay at home blueliner. He’s got a great stick and he does a great job of using his long reach to disrupt passing lanes. Middleton is also an incredibly physical player who loves to engage forwards cutting across the blueline or in front of the net. The key to his development moving forward is his lateral and backwards mobility, and his puck distribution ability. These two areas of his game remain works in progress and they are why he struggled at times this year. But, it’s not impossible to improve (look at Stanley this year versus his rookie year). (Brock Otten, ohlprospects.blogspot.ca, May 18, 2016)
#144 – LW Kasper Bjorkqvist – (New to List)
6’1” 198 lbs
Born: 1997-07-10 (Finland – Espoo)
2015-16 Stats
Blues U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga) GP 45, G 28, A 38, PTS 66, PIM 32
Blues U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga-Playoffs) GP 2, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Finland U20 (WJC-20) GP 7, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Finland U20 (Int-Jr) GP 3, G 2, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 0
Finland U19 (Int-Jr) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Committed to Providence College (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Björkqvist went undrafted last year when he was first eligible, but it’s almost certain he hears his name called in 2016. He plays with a 110% attitude all the time and can provide everything a team needs from solid PK to offensive contributions.(Arponen – Scouting the 2016 NHL Draft – Four Finnish Forwards – Miika Arponen – April 20, 2016)
#145 – G Evan Cormier – (New to List)
6’3” 201 lbs
Born: 1997-11-06 (Canada – Ajax, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Saginaw Spirit (OHL) GP 58, GAA 3.72, SV% .890
Saginaw Spirit (OHL-Playoffs) GP 4, GAA 7.22, SV% .844
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: I definitely had higher expectations for Cormier going into this season. But he continues to battle consistency issues. It was his first full year as a starter though, and there are definitely a lot of things to like about his game. He’s a big guy and fairly athletic despite his size (6’3, 200lbs). He’s definitely capable of making those highlight reel saves and a lot of the time he’s better than his stat line would indicate. That said, he tends to have some trouble finding pucks through traffic and he needs to do a better job of shaking off weak goals. He finished the year pretty poorly and he’ll need to be better next year if he wants to keep Brendan Bonello from stealing his job. I’d still use a mid round pick on him in hopes that he figures it out, but he’s definitely got some work to do. (Brock Otten, ohlprospects.blogspot.ca, May 18, 2016)
#146 – RW Nicholas Caamano – (New to List)
6’1” 183 lbs
Born: 1998-09-07 (Canada – Ancaster, Ontario)
2015-16 Stats
Flint Firebirds (OHL) GP 64, G 20, A 17, PTS 37, PIM 40
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Good sized winger who possesses a lot of redeeming qualities. Has good speed and is able to create space for his linemates by pushing the tempo. But he’s also a very effective player in close to the net, where he’s not afraid to battle for position and shows good hands in close. Caamano also is a solid two-way player who is dedicated to the backcheck. I think I do have questions about just how much offensive potential he has, particularly as a goal scorer. But there’s definitely enough to like about his play this season to warrant, at least, a mid round selection. Just where will he be when he adds strength? Will that make him a dominant force off the rush? Will that improve his shot? Will that allow his physical game to evolve even more? (Brock Otten, ohlprospects.blogspot.ca, May 18, 2016)
#147 – D Tarmo Reunanen – (New to List)
5’11” 163 lbs
Born: 1998-03-01 (Finland – Aanekoski)
2015-16 Stats
TPS U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga) GP 11, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 14
TPS U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga-Playoffs) GP 2, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
TPS U18 (Jr. B SM-sarja-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 2
Finland U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 5, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 6
TPS U20 (JCWC) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 14
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Reunanen is an offensive minded defenceman who can carry the puck, dangle through traffic and set up his teammates. While he relies on his offensive skills, he is not a defensive liability. Poised and calm in his own end. Doesn’t shy away from physical play. (EP 2015)
#148 – D Hugo Danielsson – (New to List)
6’3” 187 lbs
Born: 1998-08-28 (Sweden – Sundbyberg)
2015-16 Stats
Skelleftea AIK (SHL) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Skelleftea AIK J20 (SuperElit) GP 41, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 56
Skelleftea AIK J20 (SuperElit-Playoffs) GP 6, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 6
Skelleftea AIK J18 (J18 Elit) GP 4, G 2, A 3, PTS 5, PIM 16
Skelleftea AIK J18 (J18 Allsvenskan-Playoffs) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Sweden U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 43
Sweden U18 (Int.Jr.-All) GP 12, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 47
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A rather unspectacular defenseman. Danielsson does most things fairly well, however. Stands out a bit as he combines his size with a good skating ability. Is quite aggressive, especially around the crease and with improved strength, he should become an even more successful shutdown defenseman. Decent puck skills and passing game. Moves the puck fairly well. (EP 2016)
#149 – C Jeffrey De Wit – (New to List)
6’2” 174 lbs
Born: 1998-03-14 (Canada – Red Deer, Alberta)
2015-16 Stats
Red Deer Rebels (WHL) GP 70, G 7 A 15, PTS 22, PIM 25
Red Deer Rebels (WHL-Playoffs) GP 17, G 3 A 4, PTS 7, PIM 4
Red Deer Rebels (Memorial Cup) GP 4, G 0 A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Coming Soon
#150 – LW Ross Colton – (New to List)
6’0” 190 lbs
Born: 1996-09-11 (United States – Robbinsville, New Jersey)
2015-16 Stats
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL) GP 55, G 35, A 31, PTS 66, PIM 79
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL-Playoffs) GP 5, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 2
USA U19 (WJAC-19) GP 5, G 4, A 1, PTS 5, PIM 0
Committed to the University of Vermont (NCAA) for the 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Ross Colton set the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders single-season goal record with 35, finishing second in the United States Hockey League in goals, behind only Rem Pitlick of Muskegon (46). He essentially doubled his numbers from a season ago in virtually every important category: goals (18 to 35), assists (15 to 31), points (33 to 66) and plus-minus rating (plus-14 to plus-32).
He had a hat trick and five points midseason in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and went from a National Hockey League non-thought to ranked 89th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final list of 2016 draft-eligible players.
That means he’ll very likely be picked by some team this summer at the NHL Draft. In short, Colton’s progression has been striking. Teamates noticed Colton gained a lot of weight over the summer, gained a lot of upper-body strength which helped him strengthen his shot. Colton has signed with the University of Vermont. ( Cedar Rapids Gazette, April 14, 2016)
Honorable Mention – LW Alexander Polunin – (New to List)
5’8” 161 lbs
Born: 1997-05-25 (Russia – Moskva)
2015-16 Stats
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) GP 25, G 7 A 5, PTS 12, PIM 16
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL-Playoffs) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Loko Yaroslavl (MHL) GP 7, G 3, A 3, PTS 6, PIM 0
Loko Yaroslavl (MHL-Playoffs) GP 13, G 5, A 5, PTS 10, PIM 4
Russia U20 (WJC-20) GP 7, G 3, A 0, PTS 3, PIM 0
Russia U20 (Int. Jr. – All) GP 10, G 3, A 1, PTS 4, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Polunin is a small winger with high skill level. He has brilliant hockey IQ, great shot and good skating. Doesn’t play physically because of his size. – Anton Vasyatin, EP (2015)
Polunin had a breakout season after going undrafted last summer, skating a regular shift for his KHL team and playing in the top six for Russia at the WJC as an underage player. There are reasons to doubt him, however. He has never been a top player on a team or in a tournament, he’s 5-foot-8, and he isn’tan All-World skill player. But in every game this season, he looked impressive for an 18-year-old. Polunin is a good to very good skater with a quick burst out of every stride and a dangerous top gear. He’s great in open ice and able to dangle defenders with consistency. Polunin is very smart in terms of his creativity with the puck and being able to set his teammates up with tough passes. He can also finish chances from a distance. On the downside, he is a one-dimensional player in terms of his play away from the puck, but he will hang around the net area and get in tight when he anticipates a chance.
(Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
Honorable Mention – D Sebastian Aho – (New to List)
5’10” 176 lbs
Born: 1996-02-17 (Sweden – Umea)
2015-16 Stats
Skelleftea AIK (SHL) GP 39, G 3, A 13, PTS 16, PIM 12
Skelleftea AIK (SHL-Playoffs) GP 16, G 3, A 4, PTS 7, PIM 6
Skelleftea AIK (Champions League) GP 6, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 2
Sweden U20 (Int. Jr. – All) GP 10, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A mobile defenseman with tremendous hockey sense. Is on the small side, but usually solves situations easily with his exceptional way of reading the game. Likes to carry the puck and does that with confidence. Very good passer and a defenseman that can be used in most situations. (EP 2014)
This is the third season in a row I’m listing Aho here, so I’ve made peace with the likelihood that he will go undrafted yet again, but here we are (and he is not to be confused with the Finnish forward of the same name, who went 35th overall to the Hurricanes last year). Aho was a solid contributor for the top team in the SHL but missed the WJC due to injury. He is a very mobile skater with top-end hockey sense, moves the puck well, and has some creativity in his game. The main knock against Aho has been that he’s a small defenseman, which hinders his NHL potential. That is true, and he doesn’t project as a top-end player or defensive stalwart, but his IQ allows him to be an effective stickchecker and to execute proper positioning. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
Honorable Mention – RW/LW Markus Nurmi – (New to List)
6’4” 176 lbs
Born: 1998-06-29 (Finland – Turku)
2015-16 Stats
TPS (Liiga) GP 2, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
TPS U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga) GP 49, G 19, A 17, PTS 36, PIM 34
TPS U20 (Jr. A SM-liiga-Playoffs) GP 2, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
TPS U18 (Jr. B SM-sarja-Playoffs) GP 3, G 1, A 0, PTS 2, PIM 0
Finland U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 0
TPS U20 (JCWC) 4 GP, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 2
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Nurmi is a 6’3 winger who will need to add some more muscle into his frame. However, he impressed me a few times this season. He already knows how to use his size and reach, with and without the puck. Shows flashes of skill and has a pretty quick release. Lacks some agility; however, once he adds some strength, I think his skating will improve. Could be a good late round pick as I think he projects well for the pro game. ( overtheboards.net)
Honorable Mention – LW/C Brogan O’Brien – (New to List)
6’2” 190 lbs
Born: 1997-08-13 (Canada – Prince George, British Columbia)
2015-16 Stats
Prince George Cougars (WHL) GP 71, G 18, A 38, PTS 56, PIM 28
Prince George Cougars (WHL-Playoffs) GP 4, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 6
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A large two-way forward that plays many simple but effective roles in games. Not the most nimble skater, but pushes hard and can get momentum moving in the right direction with above-average quickness. Defensively active and always makes it hard for the opposition to find time and space. Doesn’t transition to offence very smoothly or quickly, but uses his teammates to help gain zone entry and then his skill takes over. Offensively, he sees the ice extremely well and possesses excellent scoring and playmaking ability. His size allows him to bull his way to the net and create offensive chances. Very effective in multiple roles, Brogan O’Brien is a versatile two-way forward with a lot of potential for future growth. [EP]
Honorable Mention – LW Nick Pastujov – (New to List)
6’0” 196 lbs
Born: 1998-01-21 (USA – Bradenton, Florida)
2015-16 Stats
USNTDP Juniors (USHL) GP 21, G 3, A 5, PTS 8, PIM 22
U.S. National U18 Team (USDP) GP 60, G 13, A 8, PTS 21, PIM 68
USA U18 (WJC-18) GP 7, G 3, A 1, PTS 4, PIM 8
Committed to the University of Michigan (NCAA) for the 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Pastujov has a powerful stride, high compete, protects the puck well and excels below the dots where he can be physical and make plays in traffic. (Top 5 College Hockey Recruiting – neutralzone.net June 10, 2016)
Honorable Mention – D Lukas Doudera – (New to List)
5’11” 165 lbs
Born: 1998-01-03 (Czech Rep. – Klado)
2015-16 Stats
HC Trinec (Czech) GP 30, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 4
HC Trinec (Czech-Playoffs) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 4
HC Trinec (Champions HL) GP 5, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 2
Az Havirov (Czech2) GP 3, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 2
Az Havirov (Czech2-Playoffs) GP 3, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 2
HC Frydek-Mistek (Czech3) GP 2, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
HC Trinec (U20) GP 8, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 2
HC Trinec (U20-Playoffs) GP 7, G 0, A 2, PTS 2, PIM 29
HC Trinec (U18) GP 1, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
HC Trinec (U18-Playoffs) GP 2, G 1, A 4, PTS 5, PIM 0
Czech Republic U18 (WJC-18) GP 5, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 6
Czech Republic U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 0, A 1, PTS 1, PIM 0
Czech Republic U18 (Int. Jr.-all) GP 14, G 2, A 6, PTS 8, PIM 0
Czech Republic U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Doudera was a regular all season in the top Czech league and solid in the upper half of the lineup during under-18 international play. He’s not a well-rounded player lacking any big-time attributes. Doudera is an above-average skater displaying good technical footwork and skating power in every direction. His coordination with the puck is sound, moving it up the ice competently and making some plays in open ice. He makes simple yet good decisions consistently and is able to open lanes and get pucks through on the power play. He’s undersized and not too bulky, which can hinder him in one-on-one battles. His positional play is decent, but there is work to be done before he can be a competent defensive player at high levels. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
Honorable Mention – RW Marek Zachar – (New to List)
5”9” 165 lbs
Born: 1998-06-11 (Czech Rep.)
2015-16 Stats
Bill Tygri Liberec (Czech) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
HC Benatky nad Jizerou (Czech2) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
HC Benatky nad Jizerou (Czech2-Playoffs) GP 3, G 1, A 0, PTS 1, PIM 0
Bill Tygri Liberec U20 (Czech U20) GP 37, G 10, A 14, PTS 24, PIM 18
Bill Tygri Liberec U20 (Czech U20-Playoffs) GP 5, G 1, A 5, PTS 6, PIM 4
Bill Tygri Liberec U18 (Czech U18) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Bill Tygri Liberec U18 (Czech U18-Playoffs) GP 2, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Bill Tygri Liberec (Czech) GP 3, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Czech Republic U18 (WJC-18) GP 5, G 1, A 1, PTS 2, PIM 4
Czech Republic U18 (Hlinka Memorial) GP 4, G 2, A 2, PTS 4
Czech Republic U18 (Int. Jr.-All) GP 16, G 2, A 4, PTS 6, PIM 0
Czech Republic U19 (WJAC-19) GP 4, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A Google search of Zachar would likely leave some underwhelmed. 5-foot-9? Check. Underwhelming point production in a low tier league? Check. Almost no hype or recognition as a draft prospect? Check. But I’ll be darned if every time I watched him I didn’t come away thinking there is something more to him. He is one of the better speedsters available in this year’s class. Zachar has an explosive first step and a great engine to pressure and win the puck, despite a smaller frame. The question many will have for him: How many plays can he make when his legs aren’t moving? And I do think there is some offensive IQ to his game; it just hasn’t matured yet. But you see the flashes of creativity and vision from Zachar. (Top 100 prospects for the 2016 NHL draft by Corey Pronman via ESPN, May 13, 2016)
Honorable Mention – C Nathan Noel – (New to List)
6’0” 179 lbs
Born: 1997-06-21 (Canada – St. John’s, Newfoundland)
2015-16 Stats
Saint John’s Ice Dogs (QMJHL) GP 61, G 21, A 36, PTS 57, PIM 94
Saint John’s Ice Dogs (QMJHL-Playoffs) GP 16, G 3, A 10, PTS 13, PIM 30
QMJHL All-Stars (Jr Super Series) GP 2, G 0, A 0, PTS 0, PIM 0
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: A hard-working offensive forward that seems to compliment his linemates, whoever they may be. Good hockey sense and creativity in the offensive end. Very good puck possession skills; good hands to stay slippery, and a non-stopping motor that bodes nicely with his skating agility. Keen awareness on the ice lets him slip into good scoring positions where he can either pass the puck or tap home a goal. All-in-all, a guy who has a high level of skill and can be relied upon in situations where you need to strike quickly or run down the clock with a lead. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)
Honorable Mention – C Nolan Stevens – (New to List)
6’2” 185 lbs
Born: 1996-07-22 (USA – Sea Isle City, New Jersey)
2015-16 Stats
Northeastern University (NCAA) GP 42, G 20, A 22, PTS 42, PIM 10
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Perhaps no player in college hockey saw his stock rise during the season as much as Northeastern sophomore left wing Nolan Stevens. The Sea Isle City, NJ native went from three goals and eight assists as a freshman to 20 goals and 22 assists in his second go-around on St. Botolph Street.
His line, with center (and brother) John Stevens and right wing Zach Aston-Reese, spearheaded the Huskies’ resurgence from a 1-11-2 start to eventually finishing 22-14-5 with a Hockey East Tournament Championship on their resume.
The younger Stevens, in his third season of draft eligibility, has the most pro upside of any of the three on Jim Madigan’s top line. It’s an overly-used cliche, but Stevens is heavy and strong on pucks. Despite his offensive outburst this season, if he makes it to the NHL it will be as a bottom six winger.
Stevens has a good shot, but a lot of his offensive production came from good, old fashioned grit. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, winning net-front battles and scoring garbage goals.
He’s good in all 200-feet of the ice. He’s responsible defensively, doesn’t cut corners and pays attention to the finer details of the game. His father John Stevens is the associate head coach of the Los Angeles Kings and a former NHL player. He comes from a good hockey family and it shows in his hockey IQ.
The jump in Stevens’ game from his rookie to sophomore seasons is in part due to an off-season spent training. The U.S. NTDP alum worked hard in the weight room and other off-ice training to become stronger, which made him a better player.
(sbncollegehockey.com – Jeff Cox – March 29, 2016)
Honorable Mention – C/RW Todd Burgess – (New to List)
6’2” 179 lbs
Born: 1996-04-03 (USA – Peoria, Arizona)
2015-16 Stats
Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) GP 60, G 38, A 57, PTS 95, PIM 42
Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL-Playoffs) GP 12, G 5, A 9, PTS 14, PIM 6
Committed to RPI (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: While the North American League is better known for goalies (Hellebuyck, Stolarz, Ryan Miller back in the day), scouts are keeping an eye on Burgess, a sniper with a Jimmy Vesey vibe who ironically has been more of a set-up guy during the playoffs. Nonetheless, keep an eye on the R.P.I. commit on the second day of the draft. (Prospect Need to Know – Ryan Kennedy, thehockeynews.com, May 3, 2016)
Honorable Mention – C Tanner Laczynski – (New to List)
6’0” 174 lbs
Born: 1997-06-01 (USA – Shorewood, Illinois)
2015-16 Stats
Chicago Steel (USHL) GP 33, G 13, A 27, PTS 40, PIM 20
Lincoln Stars (USHL) GP 19, G 11, A 12, PTS 23, PIM 18
Lincoln Stars (USHL-Playoffs) GP 4, G 1, A 2, PTS 3, PIM 0
Chicago Steel (JCWC) GP 5, G 1, A 7, PTS 8, PIM 6
USA U19 (WJAC-19) GP 5, G 0, A 3, PTS 3, PIM 2
Committed to Ohio State University (NCAA) for 2016-17 Season.
Elite Prospect Link
Scouting Report: Tanner Laczynski, a second year NHL Draft eligible forward, got many looks by NHL scouts last season but ultimately did not hear his named called by a NHL team in Sunrise, FL. This year he hopes to prove to an NHL team that he was overlooked last season.
Laczynski worked hard in the offseason, in which he gained 15 pounds of muscle to fill out his six-foot frame. The extra muscle hasn’t slowed down the top forward, as he has been a major contributor to Chicago’s offense dating back to the 2015 Junior Club World Cup (JCWC) this summer.
JCWC and IIHF officials awarded Laczynski with the Best Forward award after leading the tournament with eight points in five games.
“Tanner made a huge effort in the weight room throughout the entire offseason for his overall strength and explosiveness,” Steel head coach Dan Muse said. “The hard work this summer has absolutely paid off and he is making an impact on the game on both ends of the ice. My expectation is that he’s going to continue to improve. He’s absolutely a guy NHL scouts should be watching closely.”
Laczynski doesn’t let the stats, accolades or scouting rumors get to him. He’s been through this process once before and knows what is most important to his game.
“I came into this season more confident, and knowing that I’d be a veteran I wanted to lead the way in the locker room and be a key contributor,” Laczynski said. “This year I wanted the boys to be ready right away and to keep growing off of that.”
However, the strongest aspect of Laczynski’s game may not even be his offensive production.
“As a kid I was always working on my stick defensively, and offensively too, but I like to have a strong stick,” Laczynski explained. “I always want to be ready for the puck. It comes in handy for turning defense into offense.” (Aaron Westendorf, USHL.com, October 15, 2015)