The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is set to kick off on August 5th and run until the 10th in Breclav, Czech Republic and Piestany, Slovakia. For those of you that are new to the competition, it’s basically the world’s best under-18 players going head-to-head. Canada has won 22 of the last 28 contests and are looking to repeat as champions after winning last year’s edition of the tournament that was played in Edmonton and Red Deer.
Today’s Group A preview comes to us from the mind of Max L. (@TPEHockey)
Canada:
The Canadians are an early favorite to run away with this tournament due to their combination of high-end talent and depth. They occupied 5/10 of the top 10 scorers at the U17s last year. The team will be without 2020’s top prospect in Alexis Lafreniére due to him being a late 2001 born player rather than 2002. Nonetheless, the team has plenty of high-end talent, and anything less than a gold medal is a failure for this squad.
In net, the Canadians have various options. The go-to guy will likely be Dylan Garand of the Kamloops Blazers who has a strong 16-year-old season with the team. They also have Tristan Lennox who is a late birthday eligible for the 2021 draft. Their defense is where it gets crazy. Canada has 4 or 5 first-round talents on their blueline including Jamie Drysdale, Jeremie Poirier, Kaiden Guhle, and Lukas Cormier. With the prominence of their blue line, Canada doesn’t lack forwards either. The consensus #2 guy for the 2020 draft, Quinton Byfield, will play for the team. The 6’5” monster dominates with his ridiculous skating ability and high-end skill set. Other potential 1st rounders include Cole Perfetti, Connor McClennon, Hendrix Lapierre, Jack Neighbors, and Theo Rochette.
Finland:
The Finns have been a dominant force in hockey as of late, but this year may be a little different. Their 2002 born and 2020 draft class lacks a ton of talent, but there is hope. They’ll be without consensus top 5 prospect Anton Lundell due to him being a late 01 which is a huge hit to their roster. Finland has a chance at competing for a medal, but they’ll likely be steamrolled by a team like Canada. Although they could be a very exciting team.
The team features a few stars that will come up in later drafts that everyone should have an eye on. Underaged Brad Lambert will likely make this team and he is nothing short of phenomenal. He is one of the best upcoming Finnish players we’ve ever seen, but not eligible until 2022. Lambert has far exceeded the benchmark put up by a player like Kaapo Kakko at the same age. Aatu Räty is also a top player as he’s the #1 prospect for the 2021 draft. Other players to look out for are Veeti Miettinen, Valterri Karnaranta, Roni Hirvonen, and Kasper Puutio.
Czech Republic:
Czech hockey has seemed to be getting weaker as of late and the trend may continue. There isn’t much to be expected from this team, but there are a few good players.
In net Jan Bednar and Jakub Malek will compete for the starting job. Both are top prospects for 2020. On defense, we can expect to see Stanislav Svozil who is a 1st round prospect for the 2021 draft. The only real forward of note is Jan Mysak. Mysak could compete for a top 10 root in the 2020 draft after his time in the Czech pros as a 16-year-old. He had a remarkable playoff run with HC Litvinov where he scored 5 goals and 4 assists in 6 professional hockey games at 16.
Switzerland:
The Swiss team this year won’t be fun to watch. With only one real prospect they don’t stand a chance. They lost dual citizen Theo Rochette to Canada, a huge hit to the program. Their only guy to watch is Noah Delemont who served as an assistant captain for Switzerland at the U18s.
The Group B preview written by Keith Fries (@keithfries) will be posted tomorrow as well as a little rumor on the Oilers search for their third-line center.
The Oilers Defence Past 2019/20
Earlier this week I tweeted out a video of Darnell Nurse fluffing a 10ft pass and it caused a bit of an uproar amongst some of his biggest fans. My point was, and has been for some time, that even though he’s a tough son of a bitch and he can skate like the wind (when there’s an open lane), his decision making, IQ, and passing isn’t up to snuff for a player who is looking at Jacob Trouba’s new $8M per year deal as his own deal is expiring after this season.
When I say that Darnell Nurse has problems passing, I'm talking about things like this… #Oilers
— BLH (Edmonton Oilers Enthusiast} (@BeerLeagueHeroe) July 29, 2019
Personally, I think his numbers are propped up by playing most of his career TOI with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. At least over the previous three seasons, it looks that way,
Connor McDavid – 1583:55 min
Leon Draisaitl – 1517:54 min
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – 1275:37
Who are the three guys who stand at the blueline during warm-ups each game again?
And don’t ask me why Todd McLellan, for the most part, and Ken Hitchcock, to a lesser degree, decided to do this. It’s obvious that Nurse was a drag on the team’s best forwards. Here are his possession metrics in all strengths With/Without/Player without Nurse during the same three seasons,
For a game where the defensemen are evolving every year, it’s just not a good look on a defender who can’t move the puck without having to take it himself, to have such poor metrics. And Look, Nurse isn’t the only one, he just happens to be the one that might be asking for the moon in his next deal. Sam Girard (COL) just signed a 7-yr deal with $5M per year and I think they compare quite well and think that’s the ideal AAV for Nurse to sign that would help not only the team going forward but possibly himself should he make it for 5 years and walk himself into free agency.
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So, when people tell me that you can’t move him because he was the team’s highest-scoring defender last year and he’s only 24 or that he’s the Oilers best blueliner, I think you have to look into those 40+ points he got last year and realize that approximately 25% of them came on the PP, which isn’t a bad thing but he probably wouldn’t have gotten them had Klefbom (or Sekera) stayed healthy. Also, his secondary points (19) nearly match his primary (22) and his SH% almost doubled from the season prior (3.09% to 5.10%).
Getting back to the powerplay for a moment, do you think that Nurse will be playing a lot of minutes with the man advantage with Joel Persson and Caleb Jones most likely making the team next season? And what about that when Evan Bouchard is on the team?
My argument isn’t that Nurse is a bad player even though I’m presenting some pretty damning evidence that doesn’t really speak to the pluses of his game. I’m saying he’s not worth what Trouba makes right now and he’s never been an offensive defender.
I want Darnell Nurse to be the next Chris Pronger, but as weird as it sounds, he’s not as mean as Pronger was. He looks it when it’s time to throw down, but Pronger was as dirty as he was mean. Could Darnell be like that? Absolutely and I’d love to see it.
What I truly desire for Nurse is for him to embrace the shutdown role. Really dig in on being amazing defensively for this team so that they can pair him with a righty who needs a clean-up man in order to be the best player he can be for the Oilers. But in order to do that, he can be doing things like this,
— BLH (Edmonton Oilers Enthusiast} (@BeerLeagueHeroe) July 29, 2019
If you think that the Oilers would have a gaping hole in the toughness department without Darnell, you need to watch a bit more of William Lagesson. This guy is as tough as nails plus he can skate and pass the puck and I think if I’m being honest, his progression is part of the reason I think I feel comfortable with the idea of moving Nurse.
Tying all of that in with the title of this portion of the post, IF Anton Thun decides he’s going to be brave with Holland like he was with Chiarelli, I don’t think it’s going to end up well. In addition to that, we’ve heard from pundits covering the team that this group of defensemen could be getting a facelift. Now whether that comes internally or externally, my belief is that the Oilers are looking for better puck-movers and more offense from the blueline.
After this season, I would project the defense to look something like this if Nurse re-signs,
Oscar Klefbom/Adam Larsson
Darnell Nurse/Evan Bouchard
William Lagesson/Caleb Jones
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I do believe that this year will be the last time we see Kris Russell and Matt Benning in Oilers gear. Joel Persson is also a question mark past this upcoming campaign, so I didn’t include him.
If Nurse doesn’t re-sign and is moved, I think the defense would look like this,
Klefbom/Larsson
Lagesson/Bouchard
Jones/Bear
I know. It looks awfully green and it is, at the NHL level, but Lagesson, Jones, and Bear will have had multiple seasons of experience in the AHL and most likely games in the NHL too. Bouchard would have one full year (probably) and if Tyler Benson can get the push after one year, why not Old Man Bouchard? Can’t forget how Bouchard was the team’s best passer as a 19-year-old in his stint last year.
That group of defenders CAN move the puck extremely well and I’d be willing to bet that we’d soon forget about the toughness and puck-rushing that Nurse brings today not to mention the return on a trade for him would most likely net Edmonton a pretty good forward…
Let me reiterate this one more time, I don’t want Nurse traded. I want him to sign a team-friendly contract that pays him what he is worth long-term. But in the event that his camp is asking for too much money, I do believe the organization depth would give the Oilers the ability to field offers on the defenseman and allow them to upgrade the roster.
FYI: Almost 14 years to the day, Chris Pronger was traded to the Oilers for Eric Brewer, Jeff Wowitka, and Doug Lynch. The anniversary of that trade is very soon and I asked my followers on Twitter what the equivalent of that deal would look like today if we were using this roster? Would it be Nurse, Lagesson, and Bear for Victor Hedman? Let me know your idea in the comments below!
F*ck those guys! Click the link and grab one of these beauty shirts!Elias Pettersson’s nickname is “Alien”. Here’s a shirt to celebrate it! Click the image to buy one!A new season means a new design! Click the image above to get the new Pulju shirt!
This year the Hughes vs Kakko debate has raged over who will and should go 1st. As Hughes sets records for USA National Team Development Program (USNTDP), Kakko is also setting records in the Finnish Liiga. Both seem like historic prospects but they may pale in comparison to the NHL draft prospects that are coming up after them.
Already, the hype has surrounded the projected number one pick in the 2020 draft, Alexis Lafreniére. This while the rest of the 2020 draft is loaded with high-end players that could be considered 1st overall quality players. Quinton Byfield, Noel Gunler, and Anton Lundell plus others have received a lot of hype in scouting circles. Despite this Alexis Lafreniére still ranks 6th on my list of the top 50 draft eligible prospects. So who are these young star athletes and when will we get to see them in the NHL?
In this list, I’ll combine my draft rankings from 2019, 2020, and 2021, but I’ll also add 5 world class prospects from the 2022 and 2023 drafts. I don’t have extensive rankings for the 2022 or 23 drafts so other than those 5 there won’t be any other prospects from those drafts on the list. Also, no goalies will be included in the top 50.
We begin this list with “The Big Five.” These 5 prospects are players we previously only saw once in a decade, but this time we are seeing 5 in only two drafts, 2022 and 2023. We haven’t seen players this good at their age since Connor McDavid tore up the GTHL, the top youth league in Ontario, in 2012.
Number One Matthew Savoie
Center | 2022 Draft | Jan 1, 2004 | St. Albert, AB, Canada
NAX – CSSHL
Matthew Savoie has committed to the Univ. Of Denver in the NCAA!! So he will NOT play in the WHL. Enormous news from the #1 #2022NHLDraft prospect and the top prospect in all of hockey! pic.twitter.com/ZY0d3ifgVD
He loves to cut down the wing with speed and use his edges and strength to cut to the net and create a scoring chance. Matthew Savoie also holds a great shot in his arsenal. He can rip pucks where ever he wants and catches goalies off guard with a quick release. His shot has even been compared to that of Steven Stamkos. On the power play, he can often snipe a goalie from the blue line or the tops of the circles. Savoie has been a stellar playmaker as well. He can thread passes to and through the slot to give his winger a one-timer. He can often do this due to his off the charts hockey IQ and eye for the ice. He’s by far the best passer in his league and can set up a multitude of opportunities at any given moment. All this not to mention his elite puck skills and hands. His immense toolset of skills plus his top-end processor make him the top prospect in all of hockey right now.
Number Two Shane Wright
Center | 2022 Draft | Jan 4, 2004 | Burlington, ON, Canada
Kingston Frontenacs – OHL
It’s now official. Shane Wright has been granted Exceptional Status to compete in the OHL a year early as a 15 year. Wright is one of the best upcoming prospects in the world and is he #2 for the #2022NHLDraft. Now we wait to see if Matthew Savoie, my #1, gains it for the WHL. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/u2bs6tLskW
While Savoie was denied Exceptional Status, Shane Wright was not. He will play in the OHL at just 15 next season for the Kingston Frontenacs as they drafted him 1st overall at the 2019 OHL Draft. Wright was undisputedly the best player in Ontario minor midget hockey (2003 born players) as a 2004 born this past season. He scored a ridiculous 150 points in just 72 GTHL games. For perspective that’s a 2.08 PPG total while McDavid had a 2.38 and Tavares a 2.15 in the same league at the same age. He was the centerpiece of a super team in the Don Mills Flyers that have lost one singular game all season and went unbeaten in league play. But don’t think that his team being so good is why is point totals are so good. It isn’t. Wright is the clear driver of offense in Don Mills, nobody stands close to him. In the OHL Cup, a tournament between the best minor midget teams in the OHL’s territory, Wright led his team to victory and a huge comeback from a 4-1 deficit in the finals. He scored 8 goals and 18 points in his 7 games. Coming away with not only the championship but tournament MVP as a 2004 born. What makes Shane Wright so great is hard to put a finger on. He’s one of the best playmakers I’ve ever seen at 15 with only Savoie on his level. His passes are perfect and he reads the play so well. He can use his strength and skating skill to take the puck to a dangerous area and create a shooting and passing option. While he’s a pass-first player he has a very accurate shot with good power behind it too. Often on the rush, he can skate the puck in and dangle defensemen to get to the net and snipe the goaltender the second he spots netting. There’s nothing Wright can’t do. He an extremely complete player. In the past, Wright has said that he models his game off of Matt Barzal.
Number Three Brad Lambert
Left Wing | 2022 Draft | Dec 19, 2003 | Lahti, Finland
Lahti Pelicans – Jr A. SM-Liiga
https://youtu.be/NqGvXqhv99Q
There is a STRONG argument to be made that Brad Lambert could be the #1 player on this list. He may be an ’03, but he’s less than a month older than both Savoie and Wright. Already Lambert has played junior hockey in Finland’s U20 league. As an ’03 he would’ve required Exceptional Status to do that in Canada. (European junior systems don’t have Exceptional Status, if you’re good enough you can just get called up from your U18 team). As a December birthday he was doing this at a ridiculously young age. He scored an impressive 11 points in just 17 games as a 15 year old. Lambert is a well rounded player with both goal scoring and playmaking upside. In the U20 league he wasn’t the goal scoring dynamo he was at lower levels, but his playmaking skill was on full display. He’s got a nasty wrist shot and good vision with the puck. He’s very mobile and moves very well with the puck on his stick. Lambert has a breakaway speed, going from a glide to full speed before you know what happened. Size isn’t a problem for him either as at just 15 he’s already pushing 6’0”. Lambert also has some crazy hands as many saw in his viral shootout clip.
Number Four Connor Bedard
Wing/Center | 2023 Draft | July 17, 2005 | N. Vancouver, BC, Ontario
West Van Warriors – CSSHL
At just 13, the Canadian media has already created a storm of hype around 2005 born Connor Bedard, and rightfully so. Bedard played a year up with the 2004 crop of Western Canadian players in the CSSBHL, but not only did he play, but he also won the MVP. Bedard scored over 2 goals per game and almost 3 points per game. Often Bedard went on streaks of not goals, but hat tricks. If you compare his season to Savoie’s in the same league, at a similar age (only a few months off), Savoie did have a higher point per game total, but Bedard’s goal-scoring prowess is unmatched. Next year it is assumed that he will be in the CSSHL against 18-year-olds. So what makes Bedard such a great goal scorer? Connor Bedard has what must be the best shot of any 13-year-old ever. It’s accurate, hard, fast, has a quick release, and he knows where to put it. Bedard is great at identifying what a goaltender is giving up and picking him apart for it. His shot drops jaw regularly. His other qualities are very intriguing, skating, hands, smarts, but nothing compares to the ridiculous shot of his.
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Number Five Adam Fantilli
Wing | 2023 Draft | Dec 10, 2004 | Ontario, Canada
17-18 Team: Toronto Red Wings – GTHL | 18-19 Team: Toronto Jr. Canadiens – GTHL
Adam Fantilli spent this season putting himself on the map. As an underager in the GTHL, similarly to Shane Wright, Fantilli showed that Wright had a challenger. While there is no debate that Wright is clearly the better player Fantilli isn’t too far behind and is 11 months younger than Wright. At just 14 and 15, 11 months makes a huge difference. At the OHL Cup, Fantilli wowed crowds as he helped lead his team to the finals. Fantilli did not apply for Exceptional Status, but it’s now clear he is far and away the top prospect for the 2020 OHL Draft. Although rumors have swirled about where he will play. Fantilli said himself his dream is to play in the NCAA and go on to the NHL. At 14 Fantilli already stands out as a superb athlete. The 6’2” power forward is an explosive skater. With his skating, he creates separation from any defenders as he hits his top speed before the defenders can get their first few strides in. His quick feet make him impossible to catch, and his edges allow him to weave through defenders. He also frequently capitalizes on odd-man rushes as not only can he create them with speed, but he can catch up with his teammates on a breakaway and turn a 1 on 1 into a 2 on 1.
Fantilli also uses a big shot to beat goaltenders. He’s great at sending a howitzer at full speed catching goalies off guard. He’s also an exceptionally smart player who knows where and when to shoot the puck. He’s got a lot of skill too allowing him to work his way to dangerous areas with his puck skills. Adam Fantilli is a player that overwhelms opposing teams with his sheer power. Whether it’s his shot or speed it’s impossible to stop him.
Everybody knows who Alexis Lafreniére is. He was drafted 1st overall in the QMJHL Draft and lead all QMJHL rookies in scoring in the 17-18 season, ahead of Filip Zadina. Lafrenière then went on to compete at the U18s as a 16-year-old where he stood out as one of Canada’s best players. At the conclusion of the season, he won CHL Rookie of the Year over the 2018 2nd overall pick Andrei Svechnikov. This was as a 2020 draft eligible compared to the #2 pick in the 2018 draft. This season Lafreniére hasn’t disappointed at all and has only increased the hype around himself. He finished top 3 in QMJHL scoring 105 points in just 61 games this season. This was good enough to outpace Connor McDavid’s draft minus one season (Lafreniére was 3 months older). And while Lafreniére is not McDavid he is by far the best player to come through the CHL since. What makes Lafreniére such a special player is undoubtedly his mind for the game. It’s possible that at this stage in his career he has never played a game where he wasn’t the smartest player on the ice. He not only makes the right decisions, but he makes them quickly. Lafreniére has an elite processor and somehow even better vision of the ice. His smarts and IQ is nothing less than world class. On top of his smart play, Lafreniére is exceptionally skilled. Unreal hands, and confidence in his ability to dangle defenders. He’s also a good shooter with a nice wrister with a real quick release. Lastly, his skating ability, while not world class, is very good. Smooth, quick feet with a good top speed.
7) Jack Hughes
C |2019 Draft |May 14, 2001 | Orlando, FL, USA
USNTDP (USHL)
— Coach Jeremy – How To Hockey (@howtohockey) April 4, 2019
Jack Hughes has had plenty of attention already so I’ll keep it fairly short. Hughes has spent the entirety of his career dominating at every single level. He put himself on the map with the Toronto Marlboros in the GTHL. While he applied for Exceptional Status he was denied and headed off to the NTDP. Hughes then went on to set the NTDP all-time points record and has become arguably the best player in program history. Over the course of this season, Hughes has remained at above 2.00 PPG in the USHL. He’s been the best player in all of junior hockey if you ask me. Internationally Hughes has put on a show. At one tournament he managed to put up 16 points in only 4 games, that a 4.00 PPG. Jack Hughes is a can’t miss player. He’s one of the most skilled players we’ve seen come through the draft. To consider him an elite skater is a vast understatement. He can get up and down the ice faster than anybody he’s ever played against. And to combine this with his unmatched edge work makes him the best skater since McDavid. Hughes also has hands and a processor as quick as his feet. His puck skills are stellar and he thinks the game at the highest pace.
8) Quinton Byfield
C |2020 Draft |August 19, 2002 | Newmarket, ON, Canada
Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Quinton Byfield has been high on NHL radars since he played youth hockey for the York Simcoe Express. He scored at almost 3 PPG for the Express and got picked 1st overall by Sudbury in the OHL draft. Byfield then became one of the team’s biggest offensive drivers as a 16-year-old for a solid Sudbury team and won OHL Rookie of the Year. He scored at almost a point per game and led the team to the playoffs. Despite being knocked out in the 2nd round Byfield was phenomenal. He played a huge role in their 1st round sweep of Mississauga. He had 7 points in those 4 games before Sudbury was swept by the juggernaut Ottawa 67s team. Byfield is a big, tall power forward with amazing speed and skill. His height and weight make him one of the most physically imposing players we’ve seen at his age. He’s a 6’3” 214lbs monster who’s physically ready for pro hockey at just 16. Despite his size, Byfield is a fantastic skater and very skilled player. He’s got a superb top speed and is very agile. I’ve never seen a player at his age and size be able to move as Byfield can. In other words, he’s an athletic freak.
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9) Kaapo Kakko
C/RW |2019 Draft |February 13, 2001 | Turku, Finland
TPS Turku (Liiga)
Kaapo Kakko has been making waves in the Finnish elite league. Kakko holds the all-time lead in U18 goal scoring. This while he is also in the top 5 for assists and points. Kakko also is tied for 1st in U18 playoffs points per game with Mikael Granlund and leads in playoffs goals per game. He’s been nothing short of phenomenal at the pro level. This earned him a roster spot on Finland’s men’s team. Even at the men’s international level, he’s played phenomenally. Kakko has controlled play and fit in with Team Finland. In terms of play style, Kaapo Kakko is an all-around offensive threat that doesn’t lack any major offensive attributes. He can do it all in the opposing zone and makes his presence know the second he steps on the ice. Kakko adapts well to any style he needs to play. He can play fast pace, smart hockey or play a little more gritty. Kakko has thrived at every level and doesn’t back down to a challenge. His size, smarts, and speed will translate well to the NHL game, and he will step in right away.
10) Noel Gunler
W |2020 Draft |October 7, 2001 | Luleå, Sweden
Luleå HF (SHL)
Despite being a late birthday, Noel Gunler has had one of the most impressive draft minus 1 years from a prospect in a while. After dominating the SuperElit (Swedish U20) with the highest PPG in the league. He then moved on to the SHL and wowed at the pro level. Some Swedish scouts have said they haven’t been as impressed by a player his age since Elias Pettersson and William Nylander. Gunler has functioned as an all offense sniping forward this season. Some Swedish scouts have said he has the best shot of a 17-year-old they’ve seen, and I’d compare his shot closest to that of Auston Matthews. He’s great at changing the angle of his shot and tricking goaltenders. It also has a shocking release. Overall, Gunler’s shot is absolutely lethal. Although Gunler doesn’t score off shooting ability alone. He’s an exceptionally smart player. He’s great at putting himself in an area to collect rebounds or receive a pass in an open area. In addition to his scoring ability, he’s shown he can drive play at any level with his playmaking skill.
11) Anton Lundell
C |2020 Draft |October 3, 2001 | Espoo, Finland
HIFK (Liiga)
Anton Lundell is simply a fantastic player. He was key in Finland’s World Junior win in his draft minus 1 year. Despite his age, he was arguably Finland’s best center. He played this season in the Finnish Liiga and was unbelievable, scoring 19 points in 38 games. It’s entirely possible, even likely, that he outdoes Kakko in terms of Liiga production next year (although he would be older). Lundell is an extremely cerebral, two-way centerman that NHL team would die for. He’s not flashy, but he makes the right play. Lundell also sees the ice very well and has a terrific shot.
12) Lucas Raymond
W |2020 Draft |March 28, 2002 | Göteborg, Sweden
Frölunda (SHL)
The Swedish hype train has surrounded Lucas Raymond as he’s lit up Swedish and international hockey. Raymond was one of the better players in the SuperElit and earned a temporary spot on Frölunda’s SHL team. He was the first 2002 born player to play in the SHL. Raymond showcased his absolute howitzer of a shot. Like Gunler, Raymond can really shoot the puck and has no problem putting the puck past even a pro goalie. He’s also a phenomenal passer and better at setting up teammates in dangerous areas than anyone.
13) Aatu Räty
C |2021 Draft |November 14, 2002 | Oulunsalo, Finland
Kärpät (Jr. A SM-Liiga)
Great job by Aatu Raty and Patrik Puistola to connect on this goal for Finland in #U18Worlds tuneup action. Gave the Finns the 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/9nmKf20UeI
The 1st prospect from the 2021 draft finally comes off the board. The 2021 draft doesn’t have a real first overall quality player like Hughes or Lafreniére, but rather it’s an extremely deep draft. You’ll see a lot of 2021 names on this list. Räty himself has had himself a season. He started at the U18 level in Finland, but absolutely annihilated the competition. He moved onto the U20 level and performed very well. He compares similarly to Anton Lundell in terms of production. Räty is another big shooter out of Scandinavia and has some mad hands too. He’s a versatile player that can get the job done in any role, and do any job a team needs him too.
14) Alexander Holtz
W |2020 Draft |January 23, 2002 | Saltsjö-Boo, Sweden
Djurgårdens (SHL)
What a rip by Alex Holtz. He’s showing us what many probably already know, he can shoot the puck. The Swedish 02s are putting on a show here.
Alex Holtz is the 2nd part of the Swedish duo of him and Raymond. Holtz, like Raymond, got his share of time in the SHL as a 16-year-old. He had a similarly dominant SuperElit season to Raymond as well. Holtz captained the Swedish U17 team and lead them to a bronze medal. Holtz, like Gunler, Raymond, and Räty, is another big shot goal scorer. Holtz probably has the hardest shot of the group too. He is the definition of a goal scorer. There is not a moment when Holtz is on the ice and isn’t dangerous.
15) Brandt Clarke
D |2021 Draft |February 09, 20013 | Nepean, ON, Canada
Barrie Colts (OHL)
Brandt Clarke is one of the best 15-year-old defensemen since Rasmus Dahlin. From the blueline, he scored 113 points in 73 games on the Don Mills Flyers. Clarke was integral in their OHL Cup victory, and there were times where Clarke was the best player on the Flyers over Wright. Wright is obviously a year older, but still. Clarke is one of the craftiest defensemen I’ve seen. He plays very similarly to Quinn Hughes, but I would say better. He’s quite good defensively and better physically than Hughes. He’s also got a laser of a shot. Clarke is also extremely deceptive and smart in the offensive zone. Other Names to Note:
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The 1st overall pick in the WHL Draft is looking like he could be quite the player for the Oil Kings. In his short stint in the WHL as an underager (many top WHL prospects play at 15 for a few games since their draft us a year early) he impressed going half a point per game including a few nice goals. Guenther is a phenomenal goal scorer with all the right instincts to be a threat at the NHL level. Masterful powerplay guy.
#2021NHLDraft prospect Dylan Guenther registered 2G in last night’s victory over Kootenay. Guenther is an underager in the WHL who was selected 1st overall in the last WHL Draft by the Oil Kings.
Guenther is a goal scoring winger with a nasty wrist shot. He is my #4 for 2021. pic.twitter.com/atlxrwva7q
18) Joshua Roy C, Saint Johns Sea Dog (probably) (QMJHL), 2021 Draft
Roy is the likely 1st pick in this year’s QMJHL Draft in which Saint John has the pick. He dominated in the Quebec Midget league this year with Levis. He led them to a historic season going 41-1. Roy put up similar totals to that of Alexis Lafreniére, although he was a few months older. Joshua Roy is a versatile and skilled forward that is a scary player to defend. His hands are as silky as they get and his shot is an absolute laser.
Joshua Roy is the clear #1 player up for the #2019QMJHLDraft and a projected premier pick in the #2021NHLDraft. Hes known for his high paced play and offensive prowess. Roy also has some of the best hands in the business. Watch as he pulls off his signature move in this shootout. pic.twitter.com/h78e3JutjN
The US Development Program is expecting to have their next star forward in Chaz Lucius. Lucius was just 13 when he committed to the University of Minnesota along with his younger brother Cruz. Chaz put up a ridiculous 63 points in 13 games with Gentry Academy this season including 39 goals. Chaz is a high tempo skilled forward with big goal scoring upside. He’s known for destroying defenders with some nasty moves and whipping a shot past the goalie without a problem. Expect Chaz to light up the USHL next season with the U17s and probably play quite a bit with the U18s.
We all know of the prestige of the 3 Hughes brothers, but there is another upcoming set of brothers. Chaz (03) and Cruz (04) Lucius both committed to the U of Minnesota at 14 and 13 years old respectively. The two play on the top 03 AAA team in the US, the Gentry Galaxy. pic.twitter.com/zzPoGL0JDm
The 3rd of the Hughes gang, Luke is expected to be a key player for next year’s NTDP team. He led the Little Caesars 15s (yes that’s their name) to a national championship including a goal in the finals. Luke is already the biggest of the Hughes brother at 5’11”. He’s almost exactly the same player as Quinn in terms of style. A skills coach for the family said it’s possible that Luke is the best skater of them all, and I’d consider him to be better defensively than Quinn. At this point, Luke isn’t as highly touted as Quinn or Jack, but he still has the potential to rise.
This morning Little Caesar’s won the 15U National Title. Luke Hughes scores the 3rd goal in their 4-0 win over Oakland. Hughes was recently named to next year’s NTDP team and had a great tournament.
If you dig hockey shirts, please take a moment to visit the BLH TeePublic shops here and here. Below are some of the designs you’ll find at those links as well as the 16-bit hockey player shirts!
Elias Pettersson’s nickname is “Alien”. Here’s a shirt to celebrate it! Click the image to buy one!What a hilarious phrase! Click the pic to get yours today!The Vegas Golden Misfits are going to the Stanley Cup Final in 2018!!! Love ’em or hate ’em it’s an amazing story and this is one punk rocker’s way of giving tribute! Click the pic above and get yours today!
