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TPE Hockey’s Ultimate Top 50 List of Undrafted NHL Prospects

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

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

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.

6) Alexis Lafreniére
LW | 2020 Draft |Oct 11, 2001 |Saint-Eustache, QC, CAN
Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

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)

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)

https://twitter.com/jokkenevalainen/status/1094241240806240257?s=21

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)

https://twitter.com/jokkenevalainen/status/1066031834704867329?s=21

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)

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)

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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Four More Players of Note

17) Dylan Guenther W, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), 2021 Draft

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.

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.

24) Chaz Lucius C/W, USNTDP (USHL), 2021 Draft

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.

50) Luke Hughes D, USNTDP (USHL), 2021 Draft

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.

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Edmonton Oilers: McLellan Safe for Another Day + TPE Hockey’s October Top-31 2019 NHL Draft Prospects


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PHEW! The Oilers fanbase collectively let out a sigh of deep relief after the final buzzer sounded in New York Saturday afternoon. Connor McDavid scored the winning tally on the PP in the 3rd and the Rangers couldn’t claw back into it despite the Laurel and Hardy act between Cam Talbot and his defense with 10 minutes remaining.

The 3rd line of Jesse Puljujarvi, Ryan Strome, and Drake Caggiula dominated the shot share throughout the evening and gave us a glimpse of what they’re capable of doing when on top of their games. Too bad they couldn’t put one behind future hall-of-famer Henrik Lundqvist.

*Did you know that Henrik Lundqvist played at the Viking Cup in Camrose for Sweden back in the day?*

Speaking of great goaltending, apart from the brain fart, Cam Talbot was on his game Saturday afternoon. He looked like his old self and that has to shower the team in confidence knowing they don’t have to worry about the goaltender.

Another player that really impressed me was Kailer Yamamoto. I know I’ve been harping on McLellan for putting him in the top-6 without “earning it” but yesterday he had his “A” game. I loved his quick stick and his ability to draw penalties versus the Rangers. He drew two in the 3rd and the Oilers capitalized on one, the game-winner.

Does anybody else think that Yamo’s ability to draw infractions from the other team is a reason he’s drawing into the roster every game?

There was a shift near the end of the match where Oscar Klefbom had the puck in his own zone and was looking to carry it out but the forwards wanted a change and so he stopped and cut back into his zone keeping his chest and eyes forward to see what lanes opened up. If I recall correctly, he simply moved it to his D partner who I think was Adam Larsson (Who was looking about as good as he’s looked since joining Edmonton. Man was he wallpapering Rangers left and right!) and they then proceeded up the ice but it was such a mature and technical move. I was really impressed.

Not that there weren’t any poor shifts for the Oilers, the two posts from Zibanejad could’ve really put the team in a spot of bother, I saw a team that was moving the puck WAY faster and WAY better. Be that because they were playing a team that is expected to be a major player in the Jack Hughes sweepstakes or because this team, take a breath, actually has the ability and skill to play a “fast” game, it does not concern me.

The 2 points are in the bag! Bring on the Jets!

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TPE HOCKEY’S TOP-31 2019 NHL DRAFT PROSPECTS

1) Jack Hughes C (USNTDP, USHL) – 179cm, 73kg
Not much left to say about Jack Hughes. He’s the guy, the nearly undisputed number one for the 2019 NHL Draft. While some have said that Kaapo Kakko could challenge Hughes, I personally don’t buy it. Hughes has the ability to make any game he plays belong to him game. He can take over any game and nobody can stop him.

2) Kaapo Kakko RW (TPS Turku, Liiga) – 186cm, 82kg
Early this season Kakko shocked everyone with a point per game pace in the Liiga (FIN pro league). This would’ve outdone stars like Laine and Barkov. This lead to a lot saying that Kakko could go 1st overall. Since then Kakko has slowed down a bit but still looks amazing. With Kakko’s performance, we could see another Matthews and Laine situation with Hughes and him. When he is on the ice you know it because he’s such an impact player.

3) Anttoni Honka D (JYP Jyväskylä, Liiga) – 179cm, 77kg
Like Kakko, Honka came out flying early this season. In his early Liiga games, Honka was producing as a top pairing defenseman for JYP Jyväskylä. Although, he then slowed down quite a bit and now only has 4 points in 12 games. Still, Honka is a top pairing defenseman in Finland’s professional league. Rarely do we see this from such a young prospect. I would say that we won’t see something like this again for a long time, but 2020 eligible Kasper Simontaival became the first 2002 born player to play professional hockey for Tappara of the Liiga.

4) Alex Turcotte C (USNTDP, USHL) – 180cm, 88kg
We haven’t had a large sample size to see Turcotte this season, so there isn’t much to say. He’s a point per game in 2 games for the USNTDP and we’ll just have to wait and see. Although the next two on this list are seriously threatening Turcotte’s hold on the #4 spot.

5) Dylan Cozens C (Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL) – 191cm, 80kg
Cozens has exploded early in his 2nd WHL season. Cozens holds the #4 spot in WHL points per game with 5 goals and 7 assists in 6 games. He’s flashed his amazing goal scoring ability and playmaking skills too. If Cozens keeps up this pace he will move up.

6) Kirby Dach C (Saskatoon Blades, WHL) – 192cm, 84kg
Dach has played similarly to Cozens early this season. While last season Dach was mostly a playmaker, he’s now shown more scoring ability. My criticism of him last year was that he had scoring ability, but favored passing too much. This year, Dach has started to take advantage of his scoring ability even scoring a hat-trick in his second game.

7) Alex Newhook C (Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL) – 180cm, 83kg
Newhook has dominated his league much like Cozens and Dach. His 16 points in 12 games is impressive but not as impressive as what the two ahead of him are doing. Newhook is playing very well in the BCHL, but the BCHL is not as competitive as the WHL.

8) Raphaël Lavoie C/W (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL) – 193cm, 87kg
With 7 goals and 3 assists in 7 games, Lavoie has performed quite well. The big-bodied, versatile forward has played very well so far for Halifax. His size and power allows him to play a hard game around the net. This style of play lets him pot quite a bit of goals.

9) Peyton Krebs C/LW (Kootenay Ice, WHL) – 180cm, 78kg
Now wearing an “A” for Kootenay, Krebs has performed quite well so far. Krebs has shown his Gaudreau like abilities in the offensive zone. Few guys in the WHL can combine skill and playmaking ability like he can.

10) Bowen Byram D (Vancouver Giants, WHL) – 183cm, 81kg
So far Byram has flashed his ridiculous skill and vision on the ice. His puck skills and passing ability has gotten him in quite a few highlight reels. The problem is that Byram hasn’t produced. He’s got 5 points in 8 games, but has only gotten a point in 3 games. He hasn’t produced nearly to the point per game rate he was in last year’s playoffs.

11) Ryan Suzuki C (Barrie Colts, OHL) – 183cm, 78kg
The OHL’s leading scorer is one of the highest risers this month. Last season we saw Suzuki’s staggering playmaking abilities and slick wrister. Although, it didn’t translate to a lot of points until this year. Taking a bigger role with the Barrie Colts, Suzuki has been simply amazing. If he continues this pace he could end up in the top 5-10 as soon as next month.

12) Vasili Podkolzin RW (Vityaz Podolsk U17, Russia U17) – 181cm, 75kg
The powerful, skilled, all around winger has shown his ability to dominate at the Hlinka tournament. Since then, Podkolzin hasn’t produced at the rates we’d hope in the MHL (Russia 20). In other international U18 competition Podkolzin has looked good, but he has to produce in the MHL.

13) Cole Caufield RW/C (USNTDP, USHL) – 168cm, 70kg
The goal scoring machine has continued his dominance with the NTDP. In their game against the highly ranked Norte Dame team in their NCAA crossover competition he played a great game and potted a goal for the Americans. Despite his size, Caufield and his goal-scoring ability cannot be stopped.

14) Cam York D (USNTDP, USHL) – 180cm, 75kg
York has been pivotal in the great performance of the USNTDP. This season York is off to a hot start and has contributed in every situation. So far he has been the best defenseman on the ice every time he steps out.

15) Mikko Kokkonen D (Jukurit, Liiga) – 180cm, 86kg
The finish defenseman has broken out early this season. Producing at almost half a point per game as a 17 year old in the Liiga for Jukurit is very impressive. What’s even more impressive is that he’s done it playing mostly third pairing minutes.

16) Jakob Pelletier C/W (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL) – 175cm, 72kg
The small, two-way forward has continued his great play into this season. Pelletier is one of the smartest players in this draft. My problem with Pelletier is that so far I haven’t seen to much improvement from this season to last. While last season was great in terms of performance, not showing much improvement is concerning.

17) Arthur Kaliyev LW (Hamilton Bulldogs, OHL) – 188cm, 86kg
After a weak showing at the Hlinka tournament early this season, Kaliyev has exploded. In his first 3 games he scored 9 points in an amazing showing. He’s slowed down a bit now, but has shown a lot of improvement since the Hlinka.

18) Philip Broberg D (AIK J20, SuperElit) – 190cm, 90kg
The slick defensemen is considered by many, including me, to be one of the most overrated players in the draft. Although this certainly doesn’t mean he isn’t a great player. He’s not the top 5 talent he was touted to be after the Hlinka, but he’s been impressive in the Allsvenskan (SWE 2nd league). He has all the skill and talent. He just needs to put up some points.

19) Trevor Zegras C (USNTDP, USHL) – 180cm, 72kg
The Boston University commit has been a reliable center for the U18s. He’s a constant offensive threat and not bad in the defensive zone. Zegras has been stuck behind Jack Hughes throughout all his time with the USNTDP. We haven’t seen Zegras get all the opportunities he’s earned and deserved, so he’s often overlooked.

20) Pavel Dorofeyev W (Stalnye Lisy/Metallurg Magnitogorsk, MHL/KHL) – 184cm, 74kg
The skilled Russian sniper just recently earned a promotion to the KHL. He’s one of the youngest player competing in the 2nd best league in the world. Dorofeyev has definitely earned the spot, but he has to compete hard to keep it.

21) Matthew Boldy C/W (USNTDP, USHL) – 183cm, 79kg
Boldy has risen for a lot of people as of late. At the All American Prospects Game he was given player of the game and looks fantastic. The big forward has learned to use his size and strength to his advantage over the summer. Boldy is definitely a guy to keep an eye on.

22) Nils Höglander LW (Rögle BK, SHL) – 174cm, 84kg
After a solid season in the Allsvenskan (SWE 2nd league), Höglander is now playing in the SHL. Despite being pointless in 7 games he can still hold his own against men. Höglander needs to improve his offensive production to hold a 1st round spot this season.

23) Albin Grewe C/RW (Djurgårdens IF J20, SuperElit) – 182cm, 80kg
After outdoing expectations in the SuperElit, Grewe got a promotion up to the Djurgårdens SHL squad. The team out of Stockholm, Sweden is one of the better in the SHL. It’s a tough team to make, and doing it as a 17 year old says a lot of about Grewe.

24) Moritz Seider D (Alder Mannheim, DEL) – 192cm, 83kg
The youngest player in the German professional league has played well in a sheltered role for Alder Mannheim. He’s only got 1 goal in his 8 games, but that’s in one of the better professional leagues outside North America. Seider has held his own pretty well, but he has to start putting up points.

25) Dustin Wolf G (Everett Silvertips, WHL) – 183cm, 68kg
The Everett Silvertips have leaned hard on then 17 year old goaltender. Wolf has played every single game for the Silvertips. So far he has played quite well, he had one rough game, but otherwise he’s been very good. With a .922 Sv% he’s been one of the better starting goaltenders in the WHL. He is a top candidate for the 2019 WHL Goaltender of the Year Award.

26) Nathan Légaré F (Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL) – 182cm, 89kg
Légaré is the biggest riser this month. He’s gone from unranked to the first round in only a few weeks. Légaré was at one point 1st in QMJHL scoring and not sits at 4th. Légaré plays center or either wing. He’s physical, tenacious, and a power forward that can score and distribute the puck.

27) Maxim Cajkovic W (Saint John Sea Dogs) – 180cm, 85kg
Cajkovic and the Saint John Sea Dogs came out flying early this season. With 4 points including 1 great goal in his first 2 games it looked like Cajkovic was going to be a big riser this season. Since then, he’s scored 2 points in 8 games. He still has the talent to be a first rounder, but he has to produce.

28) Tobias Björnfot D (Djurgårdens IF J20, SuperElit) – 183cm, 85kg
After a weak the Hlinka performance, Björnfot hasn’t performed up to expectations. His defensive play has still been good, although his offensive production isn’t up to par. It was hoped that Björnfot would get a shot at playing in the SHL this season, but it seems unlikely now.

29) Alex Vlasic D (USNTDP, USHL) – 196cm, 86kg
Vlasic is one of the safest picks late in the first round. He’s a towering, smart defender that plays a very good two-way game. He’s been used as the USNTDP’s shutdown defender, but also has shown offensive capabilities.

30) Simon Holmström RW (HV71 J20, SuperElit) – 181cm, 78kg
Right now we aren’t completely sure who Holmström is. Last season he looked very good in his appearances in the SuperElit (SWE U20). Although we didn’t get to see him at the Hlinka tournament, nor this season at all. Injuries have taken Simon Holmström out long-term and there is no concrete information on his return.

31) Marshall Warren D (USNTDP, USHL) – 180cm, 73kg
Warren has performed well in his appearances in the USNTDP collegiate series where the U18s take in college squads. He’s shown off his offensive ability by scoring in two consecutive games against the highly ranked Notre Dame and Michigan teams. Warren continues to also display his stellar two- way game.

Thanks to Max over at @TPEHockey once again!

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