Hes got really good edges and mobility, though he doesnt have the speed in straight lines to pull away from faster chasers. There was a time when folks thought Musty was the best American-born 2005 prospect and while thats no longer the case theres still a lot to get excited about. Expectations were unfairly high for Connor Bedard coming into his draft year, with the generational talent label floating around in many draft conversations. We also invite you to ask us about our policies or feel free to let us know how we can better serve your privacy concerns. Hes great at changing speeds in transition to separate himself from defenders before either making a move around them or passing to an open teammate. Tristan Bertucci, LHD (Flint) Four 2005-born standout defenders in the CHL, Breaking down four top 2005 forwards in the WHL, Six WHL Players from the 2021 Draft selected outside of the Top-10 whove had early success, The Five Star Hockey Show: 2023 Canada Winter Games Preview, Western Canada Ramblings: NHL and WHL Draft, The Checklist: 2008-born Manitoba players in the WAAA U15, January 2023 WHL Draft Ranking update | Top-80, Final Thoughts: John Reid Memorial Tournament 2023, 10 Puck Touches: Day Three and Four 2023 John Reid Memorial Tournament, 10 Puck Touches: Day Two, 2023 John Reid Memorial Tournament, 10 Puck Touches: Day One 2023 John Reid Memorial Tournament, The Checklist: Seven 2008-born Western Canadian Players to Watch, 2022 WHL Draft Review: From Prince George to Winnipeg, 2023 NHL Draft: Breaking down the WHL Defensemen in the CHL Top Prospects game, Rocky Mountain Classic 2022: Rambling Part Two, 9 forwards who impressed at the Graham Tuer U15 Challenge, Preliminary Top 25 2023 WHL Draft Rankings Released. 2023 NHL Draft: Breaking down the WHL Defensemen in the CHL Top Prospects game Joel Henderson. His skating is balanced. Then you add in instincts off the puck to get open even when hes a marked man, an improved physical engagement (hes really quite feisty and competitive), some underrated skill as a puck thief, and youve got a superstar prospect. Each of those guys played quite well at the tournament for draft eligible players, but nobody at the tournament of any age could hand the offensive pressure of Bedard. Of course, there are also some prospects who dropped in this edition of my rankings, including Brayden Yager and David Reinbacher. 3 pick in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft. Within his movement patterns, he can handle the puck on a string. His ability to make plays offensively both off the rush and inside the zone (where hes got slick skill in traffic, great instincts off of the puck, and a lunch-pale approach) also gives me a lot of confidence that hell continue to progress. I expect hell be the first defenceman picked when all is said and done, and he may be my top-ranked one too even though Gulyayev excites me a little more and remains there for now. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Though he doesnt play the game with some of the shine of the three players in front of him, Carlsson, the top Swede in the draft, has emerged as my clear No. Auston Matthews had Patrik Laine, Jack Hughes had Kaapo Kakko, and Alexis Lafreniere had Quinton Byfiled, its hard for top prospects to separate themselves from the pack but Bedard has done just that.WELCOME TO THE BEDARD SHOW! He can beat you carrying the puck in rotations around the perimeter of the offensive zone. I dont think hes going to become the kind of star that youre hoping to get when you draft him in the 5-7 range that some expected him to land in this year, but hes got 2C, PP1 upside if he can fill out his game and continue to add dimension. He may become a darn good, hard and heavy bottom-six player at the next level in time, but hell have to show me more to warrant a projection higher than that (a projection some others do still believe in). The show will also include the unveiling of WHL Divisional Award Winners and All-Star Teams for the 2021-22 WHL season. He has even driven results at both ends in those minutes, with a positive goal differential on an under-.500 team that has been outscored pretty significantly on the whole this season. Hes got some poise and processing under pressure, even if his play with the puck on his stick isnt dynamic per se. He hasnt looked out of place against men and looks very comfortable dictating play from the flanks at even strength and on the power play. While this draft is the first opportunity for teams to select bantam players, it is not the last chance for a player to be listed. Ziemmer often seems to have the puck on a string and thats part of why he has been one of the leading scorers in the WHL this year as a 17-year-old. Honzek has played and succeeded on both special teams this year and his size and strength have made him too much for opposing defenders to handle on more than a few occasions. If he can keep up that pace then he could very well lock himself in as the second best prospect in the draft. And even at 6-foot-2 and about 200 pounds, hes one of the best skaters in this draft. Note: Though I consult scouts, coaches, general managers, team staff, and agents in building my draft boards, the following evaluations are strictly my own. Connor Levis, RW (Kamloops) After the draft is completed, all the remaining bantams become eligible to be listed by teams, and many will be added as spots become available on Clubs PPLs, or as a players talents improve or are more noticeable at a later date or at a higher level of hockey. My best guess at a player who has great skill but might slide on draft day due to his height is Gavin Brindley. But hes also sturdy for his size, which allows him to extend plays, hang onto pucks when a quick attack isnt there, or delay for his linemates. He uses his body to gain inside positioning on defenders and shields pucks effectively. Chloe Primerano was the Giants final selection in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. January 2023 WHL Draft Ranking update | Top-80 Joel Henderson. Hes one of the older players on this list (October 2004) but was also one of the most productive under-18 players at the J20 level last year, a top performer on the second line (with Dvorsky) as one of the younger players at his Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and Slovakias leading scorer in their promotion win in the Division 1A U18 world championship (his 12 points were one more than Dvorsky). Although he is just 5-foot-9, Perron is earning more and more buzz as a potential first rounder due to his excellent skating, playmaking, and offensive awareness. Gabriel Perrault looks like someone who could be a power play specialist at the next level with great skill and smarts in the offensive zone. Hes also well-regarded as a great kid who is easy to coach and understands whats required of a centre. A Maine Black Bears commit, Nadeau creates offence in a variety of ways, bursting wide or pulling away from defenders in transition with his quick feet, taking the puck right at or through coverage with his maneuverability, or leaning into a pinpoint shot (whether off of catch-and-releases, standstill shooting mechanics off the flank on the power play or through his one-timer which the Vees have tried to open by playing him, a right-handed shot, on his off-wing this season). Hes scoring roughly half a point per game there and has spent a few games in the J20 Nationell as well, Swedens top junior league, where he has shown that he is clearly a step above his age group, scoring nearly two points per game there. Final Thoughts: John Reid Memorial Tournament 2023 Joel Henderson. After the season, the WHL holds a draft specifically to allow teams to add bantam players in an orderly manner to their protected lists. Barlow plays a direct, intentional game built around great hands, a physically mature pro frame, and an NHL shot (he can cleanly beat goalies from mid-range). But after looking like one of the most talented players in Germany for U18 worlds, and then in Red Deer for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and now producing in the Czech Extraliga, he looks closer to a special Czech talent with real top-10 aspirations than he does to interesting prospect-who-torched-a-bad-league. Ritchie is the complete package. His transition play and wicked shot make him the most important player on his team on many nights. Carlssons ability to find and make space off the puck is also impressive for such a young player playing against grown men. Brindley is a 5-foot-9 forward who has been quite good in the NCAA as an 18-year-old, a very impressive feat. Name. He regularly makes difficult plays as a passer, demonstrating high-end spatial awareness and often finding second or even third options (constantly pre-scanning and shoulder-checking). Oliver Bonk, RD, London Knights (OHL), 48. Though hes not big, he plays hard and engages in battles in the defensive zone with some sneaky strength. Hes got some of the quickest hands in the draft. Try a week on us. Carey Terrance, C (Erie) Yager has been on the radar in Western Canada for some time now, and hes got some real pedigree to his profile and cache to his game to support it. He has been impressive thus far, scoring six points in 14 games with Sochi, with four of those points being goals. Ethan Miedema, LW (Kingston) Barlows size, strength, and maturity as a teenager lead me to believe he could have a real shot at making the NHL out of training camp for whichever team selects him, hes that talented and reliable. Hes as fun to watch with the puck on his stick as almost anyone in this draft. The 2022 WHL Prospects Draft Pre-Show begins with co-hosts Chris Wahl and Taylor Rocca at 8:30 a.m. PDT, with live draft coverage beginning at 9 a.m. PDT. February 2023 OHL Draft Ranking Update Jordan Malette 2023 Canada Winter Games Recap - Eastern Canada Brayden Olafson 2023 Canada Winter Games: Gold Medal Game Report - Team Saskatchewan Joel Henderson 2023 Canada Winter Games: Gold Medal Game Report - Team Ontario Jordan Malette Four 2005-born standout defenders in the CHL Sam McGilligan Hes sound positionally defensively. 2022 WHL Prospects Draft Results - First Round #1 - Medicine Hat Tigers Name: Gavin McKenna Position: Forward Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon Team: Rink Hockey Academy Kelowna U18 Prep Stats: 35 GP - 23G-42A-65 points #2 - Tri-City Americans Name: Jackson Smith Position: Defence Hometown: Calgary, Alta. No, you haven't accidentally clicked a lyrics page add and been directed to an eighties anthem, it's DubNetwork Scouting's LAST REVEAL for our December Top 22 - WHL Bantam Draft prospect breakdown. His playmaking and shot arent exceptional, but theyre both good enough to be reasonably sure that his offense would translate to the NHL some day. The combination of Michkovs position and the uncertainty around Russias invasion of Ukraine and his contract in the KHL with SKA (which is signed through to the end of the 2025-26 season and has been loaned out to Sochi after he reportedly forced his way out in search of greater opportunity) could complicate where he goes on draft day, but he still belongs here. When he plays with pace and intention, hes both effective and flashes his skill in all three zones. At this point I think his offensive abilities will at least make him a power play threat even if his skating never catches up. Tom Willander, RD, Rgle BK J20 (J20 Nationell), 57. Nobody can defend his inside-out cut into that low, hard wrister of his at the junior level. One of the most surprising junior players so far this year is Lukas Dragicevic who has put up points at well above a point per game rate in the WHL from the back end, making him the highest scoring defender in the league as of writing. He provides a ton of offense in transition as well as in the offensive zone where he seems to create scoring chances at will. Go Premium for Elite Prospects Support. This year, wearing an A as a 17-year-old with the Generals, hes been arguably their most consistent forward while playing a key role on the penalty kill and late in games in the faceoff circle (where he is really strong). With a little more consistency and some maturity, theres a top-six playmaking winger there. The Clubs that miss the playoffs are placed into a lottery for the 1st round only. He was the CHL Rookie of the Year (on 34 goals). Carson Bjarnasson, G, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), 47. His skating is average in my eyes and so is his defending, but his offensive skill and smarts package could get him a look even higher on draft day as theres not a single NHL team who wouldnt love an offensive defender as dynamic as Dragicevic. League. ), the CHLs leader in goals per game, assists per game, points per game, and shots per game. His playmaking skills either at full speed or after settling in the offensive zone are impressive and make him a very mobile and skilled threat whenever he has the puck. That is, of course . One of the more impressive 2005s in the CHL last season, Barlow scored 35 goals in 66 combined regular-season and playoff games as a rookie in the OHL and was named captain of the Attack for his draft year (both rare goal scoring for a player his age, and a rare honour for a player his age). The way he walks through coverage and hangs onto pucks is special. 2020 All rights reserved to Puck Preps. Adam Fantilli is an absolute monster with the puck, with the skill, skating, and strength to beat defenders no matter how they attack him. You can also find an additional 32 honourable mentions below. His play in transition leaves something to be desired, but once hes in the offensive zone his ability to maintain control of the puck and make smart passes at an efficient rate makes him a consistent threat. While hes got some work to do to get a little quicker from the jump in the games 10-foot races, he does have some power and balance through his stride to build upon and skates pretty well for his size and age. He doesnt have any one skill that really pops out at you, but I find that hes good at pretty much everything. He could suffer from the Russian factor, but the lack of top-end defensive prospects and his impressive offensive toolset leads me to believe hes got a good shot at being drafted in the top-20. In order to get away from scouting peewees, the WHL instituted a bantam draft. Not Logan Cooley. His June birthday makes him one of the younger players on this list and he has already accomplished a lot, including leading a Slovak Hlinka Gretzky Cup team that featured Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar in scoring as an underager, producing well above a point per game in Swedens J20 level last year, and now producing in his draft year in the second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan (while clicking at two points per game in stints back down at J20). He has been off to a hot start this season, averaging just under a goal per game. Ive liked the progress Ive seen in how strong he is over pucks and getting up and under sticks to take them back in pursuit, or go to the net for tips (which hes actually quite dexterous on) instead of always trying to free himself for his shot. Nicknamed Big Rig when he was at the program, Stramel is a heavy but not doughy kid whoseathletic, muscular build jumps out at you right away. Get the inside scoop on the top prospects in the world with our comprehensive grading system and access to career stats, data, and news stories . WHL Draft Territory Alberta - British Columbia - Manitoba - Northwest Territories - Saskatchewan - Yukon Alaska - Arizona - California - Colorado - Hawaii - Idaho - Kansas - Minnesota - Montana - Nebraska - Nevada - New Mexico - North Dakota - Oklahoma - Oregon - South Dakota - Texas - Utah - Washington - Wyoming Denver Barkey, C (London) 1. He has learned to use some clever movement patterns to make defencemen miss and get to his spots as a shooter. The original owner of the team was Terry Simpson, the original . The Scouting News. Reinbachers a solid forward and backwards skater (though he can look a little stilted at times) who gaps well and defends the rush effectively with a noticeably long stick. Sports Apr 22, 2020 Winnipeg Ice select B.C. At the time of writing, he leads all defenseman in points per game and is on pace to have one of the most impressive offensive seasons in league history amongst defensemen of any age, not just draft eligible ones. Barlow was also named Captain of the Owen Sound Attack at just 17 which speaks to his maturity and leadership abilities. WHL Bantam Draft 2023 - full list of selections with facts and stats. This top 64 is made up of 46 forwards, 17 defencemen and one goaltender. Im not all that worried about either (5-foot-9, 160 pounds) because he has the tenacity and elusiveness that smaller players need to have to make a difference at the NHL level these days. One of my favourites in this class, Cristall isa creative, slippery playmaker who isnt afraid to try things and possesses a rare ability to hang onto pucks, pull eyes and bodies towards him, and then expose opposing structures to the weak side of coverage. Koehn Ziemmer is another pro-built winger who loves to shoot the puck hard whenever given the chance. He has a good shot but hasnt been encouraged to use it much in Liiga yet. Hes also dangerous inside the offensive zone from the top of the circles in, with a quick-release wrister (one of the faster releases in the draft) that comes off of his blade hard and with a slight, goalie-fooling adjustment pre-shot, impressive puck skill in congested areas, an ability to attack in bursts and make something happen out of dead plays, and an equal ability to play off of coverage and make himself available for his linemates. Calum Ritchie has great puck skills and sometimes it looks like he has glued the puck to his stick while carving through defenders or when hes on a breakaway. Elite Prospects - CCHL Bantam Protected Draft 2023. When he tries things and he often does hes never trying them out of desperation but rather intention. Database: 1 002 208 players . Before the season began, many people saw Otto Stenberg as a top-10 prospect for this draft following his incredible performance for Team Sweden at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. 2022 NHL Draft Tracker: Matthew Seminoff Matthew Seminoff has made quite the name for himself on a talented Kamloops Blazers roster that boasts three potential draft picks at the 2022 NHL draft. Etienne Morin, LD, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), 50. While there are some great prospects in the top-five of the draft, theres no doubt that Bedard is the reason teams are tanking. But even when things arent going his way and the points arent falling, Ive always liked his involvement level, so its hard to get too down on him. Western Hockey League completes 2022 WHL U.S. Fantilli is currently authoring one of the most impressive draft eligible NCAA seasons in recent memory with the only competition being Jack Eichels dominant 2014-15 season where he put up 71 points in 40 games.
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