One prospect to observe from all 32 NHL groups in 2022-23

I not too long ago listed my high 5 candidates for the Calder Trophy in addition to some honorable mentions. Now, we’re going to take a more in-depth take a look at one prospect to observe from every of the 32 NHL golf equipment, specializing in gamers who might make an impression within the NHL this coming season.

Anaheim Ducks: Mason McTavish

A 3rd-round choice within the 2021 NHL Draft, McTavish seems able to make the leap to the NHL full-time this season. He was despatched again to the OHL after showing in 9 video games with the Ducks final season. It was a profitable yr for McTavish; he received the OHL Championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs and the Gold Medal with Team Canada on the IIHF World Junior Championship through which he was named event MVP. He performs a robust and imply recreation and has a knack for being net-front, which in return permits for him to pounce on free pucks and bang residence rebounds. With the Ducks in a rebuilding stage, McTavish will certainly be a participant the membership molds its future round.

Arizona Coyotes: Jack McBain

Toronto product McBain was initially chosen within the third spherical of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild. McBain spent the final 4 seasons within the NCAA with Boston College, the place he received two Hockey East championships. Last season, he registered 19 targets and 33 factors in 24 video games with the Eagles and was named to the NCAA Second All-American staff. Following his school tenure, McBain requested a commerce, and he wound up dealt to the Arizona Coyotes for a second-round decide. He made his NHL debut on April 12 in opposition to the New Jersey Devils. He completed the season with two targets and three factors in 10 video games. The 6-foot-4 energy ahead has a well-rounded mixture of dimension and ability, and whereas his developmental path has been a little bit of a course of, he appears heading in the right direction to having a strong first full season of competitors.

Boston Bruins: John Beecher

One of a number of former Michigan Wolverines on this listing, Beecher was chosen thirtieth general by the Bruins within the 2019 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3 Elmira, New York product is a dynamic middle who makes use of his dimension and stability to play a robust net-front recreation. Following his NCAA tenure, Beecher joined the Bruins’ AHL farm staff, the Providence Bruins, on which he registered 5 factors in 9 video games. While Beecher will doubtless begin the season in Providence, don’t be shocked to see him on the NHL stage this season. Top prospect Fabian Lysell is clearly a reputation to observe, too, although he’s nonetheless eligible to return to main junior.

Buffalo Sabres: Owen Power

Power wants no introduction. He is the second Wolverine alumni to look on the listing and fairly frankly the favourite to win the Calder Trophy this season. The 6-foot-6 defenseman is coming off a powerful NCAA marketing campaign registering 32 factors in 33 video games. He even acquired a style of the NHL final season, showing in eight video games and totalling three factors. As Power units to embark on his NHL profession, it shouldn’t take him lengthy to seek out his recreation and excel on the subsequent stage as he has repeatedly finished all through his profession. 

Calgary Flames: Jakob Pelletier

Pelletier is a former QMJHL celebrity who, all through 210 video games, registered 107 targets, and 168 assists for 275 factors. Pelletier was additionally named the QMJHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player within the 2019-20 season and named to the QMJHL First All-Star staff in 2020-21. He made his AHL debut final season with the Stockton Heat – now the rebranded Calgary Wranglers, the place he registered 62 factors in 66 video games. While he has by no means been the most important or strongest ahead on his staff, Pelletier makes up for that together with his killer intuition; he’s an opportunistic participant who will pounce on any open likelihood to get his staff on the board. He is a pure playmaker who possesses nice velocity, good imaginative and prescient and a high-end shot. Pelletier has all the appropriate instruments to interrupt out because the Flames’ subsequent huge younger gun. 

Carolina Hurricanes: Jack Drury

Jack Drury has had a little bit of a journey to get to the NHL. The nephew of former NHLer and present New York Rangers GM Chris Drury was chosen within the second spherical of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. Following his tenure with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League, the previous captain dedicated to Harvard University the place he performed for 2 seasons. Then in 2020-21, he went to Sweden and performed for the Växjö Lakers HC within the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and registered 30 factors in 41 video games. Last season, he made his fascinating NHL debut in December of 2021 and scored his first NHL purpose in his first recreation. Drury would end the season with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, scoring 52 factors in 68 video games. During the Wolves’ magnificent post-season run, Drury totalled 24 factors in 18 video games and was a key element to the Wolves successful the Calder Cup. Drury brings a combo of offensive flare and robust defensive tendencies that may go well with him effectively for a bottom-six position inside the Canes’ system.

Chicago Blackhawks: Lukas Reichel

German sensation Reichel is coming off a serious AHL debut season the place he registered 21 targets and 57 factors in 56 video games with the Rockford IceHogs. Reichel was chosen seventeenth general within the 2020 NHL Draft. He is an unrelenting forechecker who’s a pest to play in opposition to. He by no means provides up on a play and oftentimes will battle by second efforts to retain puck possession. He possesses good velocity and puckhandling skills that permit him to make maneuvers at a excessive fee of velocity. Rating among the many finest prospects within the Blackhawks’ pipeline together with Frank Nazar and Kevin Korchinski, Reichel ought to make an impression on the NHL stage this season if he can follow the large membership.

Colorado A-Z Eventz: Ben Meyers

The hottest NCAA free agent final season was University of Minnesota Golden Gophers captain Ben Meyers. Meyers registered 41 factors in 34 video games final season with the Golden Gophers and was named the NCAA B1G Player of the Year.  While there was quite a lot of attraction to the Hobey Baker finalist, Meyers in the end selected the Colorado A-Z Eventz as his vacation spot. He made his NHL debut on April sixteenth and scored his first NHL purpose in a 7-4 win for the A-Z Eventz. Meyers additionally represented the United States at each the Olympic Games and the IIHF World Championships this yr, registering 12 factors in 14 video games in complete on the worldwide stage. He will look to assist the defending Stanley Cup champions go back-to-back.  

Columbus Blue Jackets: Kent Johnson

The third Wolverine to finish up on this listing is the magician himself, Johnson. He can also be listed in my high Calder candidates piece. The former fifth general decide goes to be a participant to keep watch over this season. He registered 29 assists and 37 factors in 32 video games final season within the NCAA. Johnson additionally represented Canada on the worldwide stage on three totally different events; the Olympic Games, the World Championship, and the World Juniors. He is a gifted participant whose creativity is off the charts. In a sport the place trick-dekes are gaining popularity, Johnson makes it look easy. With his mixture of creativity, velocity, imaginative and prescient, and elite hockey IQ, he’s a particular playmaker who might discover fast success on the professional stage. 

Dallas Stars: Wyatt Johnston

While I thought of slotting Ty Dellandrea right here, I need to imagine Johnston goes to play within the NHL this season. The OHL MVP obliterated the competitors final season, registering a whopping 46 targets and 78 assists for a CHL-best 124 factors in 68 video games. Followed up by a stellar post-season run that noticed him notch 41 factors in 25 video games. Johnston was awarded the OHL Most Outstanding Player and OHL Most Sportsmanlike Player. A inventive dynamo, Johnston understands make the most of pockets of area and may get himself in open positions recurrently. He is a gifted playmaker who makes use of his elite hockey IQ and imaginative and prescient to creatively move or purpose pictures on the web for teammates to select up corralling rebounds. Johnston’s brainy recreation ought to translate effectively to the professional stage.

Detroit Red Wings: Simon Edvinsson

Edvinsson was listed within the honorable mentions part of my high 5 Calder Trophy candidates piece. The monster Swedish defender makes use of his massive and burly body to knock pucks free and shut down opposing attackers with ease. He discovered success on the SHL stage final season. As an 18-year-old he registered 19 factors in 44 video games with Frölunda HC. Despite a shaky World Juniors efficiency, Edvinsson ought to have minimal points adjusting his recreation to the professional stage. He is a technically expert defenseman who makes use of his good skating and mobility to play a robust recreation in his zone. He is poised and easy on the blueline, using his robust hole management and attain to achieve possession from opposing attackers. Look for Edvinsson to develop into a staple on the Red Wings’ protection. 

Edmonton Oilers: Dylan Holloway

Calgary product Holloway was the Edmonton Oilers’ 14th general decide within the 2020 NHL Draft. The former University of Wisconsin Badger performed two seasons within the NCAA earlier than making the bounce to the AHL final season with the Bakersfield Condors. Despite a season riddled with accidents, Holloway registered 22 factors in 33 video games and 4 factors in 5 video games all through the AHL playoffs. He made his NHL debut throughout the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. Holloway performs the sport at a constant fee each night time which might make him appropriate for a bottom-six position this season. Whether it’s making well timed hits, making use of excessive strain on backchecks or utilizing his unbelievable offensive instincts to arrange performs, he does all of it. Holloway might be a key participant to keep watch over this season as as to if he begins the season with the Oilers or the Condors.

Florida Panthers: Grigori Denisenko

To say it’s been a rollercoaster journey for Florida Panthers 2018 first-round decide Denisenko could be an understatement. Denisenko grew up within the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey program in Russia, and earlier than making his NHL debut in 2020-21, he performed two seasons within the KHL, registering a complete of 18 factors in 63 video games. Denisenko additionally captained Russia on the 2020 World Juniors and registered 9 factors in seven video games, taking residence a silver medal. He leaped to the professional stage in 2020-21, enjoying in seven video games for the Panthers and registering 4 assists. Last season, he appeared in only one recreation with the Panthers and primarily spent the season with the Charlotte Checkers within the AHL. He had 18 factors in 30 video games and it was later revealed he sustained a damaged kneecap in January and had been enjoying with the harm. Denisenko is a high-skill winger who boasts super skating agility and ending skills. Once wholesome, he ought to make the transition to the Panthers roster full time. Given how depleted the Panthers’ ahead depth is, yr over yr, they badly want Denisenko to stay.

Los Angeles Kings: Alex Turcotte

While the Kings have a number of nice prospects coming by their pipeline, no one is due for an even bigger bounce than 2019 fifth general decide Turcotte. The son of former NHLer Alfie Turcotte, the youthful Turcotte is the second Badger alumni to look on the listing following Oilers’ Holloway. Turcotte has spent the final two seasons within the AHL with the Ontario Reign, whereas additionally getting in a mixture of NHL video games final season. In 27 video games final season with the Reign, he registered 18 factors. Turcotte is a particularly aggressive two-way centre with good arms and imaginative and prescient that enhances his means to learn the ice and make high-end performs. His standing to open the yr is in query due to lingering problems from two concussions he suffered final season, nonetheless.

Minnesota Wild: Marco Rossi

Arguably a darkish horse to win the Calder Trophy this season. If the Austrian sensation Rossi can bounce again to pure Rossi type, the Minnesota Wild are in nice arms. Rossi possesses distinctive hockey sense and is a grasp at exploiting an opposing staff’s weaknesses. He has nice defensive tendencies and forechecking means that makes him a pest to go up in opposition to. The ninth general decide within the 2020 Draft is shaping as much as be a fan favourite in Minnesota. He had a really profitable AHL marketing campaign with the Iowa Wild, registering 53 factors in 63 video games final season. If he can replicate that on the NHL stage, the sky is the restrict. 

Montreal Canadiens: Juraj Slafkovsky

2022 first general decide Slafkovksy ought to come as no shock as my decide right here. During Montreal Canadiens coaching camp, the 2022 Olympic MVP and Slovakian participant of the yr weighed 238 kilos, making him one of many largest gamers within the NHL. However, he brings extra to the desk than simply dimension and energy; he has an ideal sense of consciousness that enables him to show possessions into scoring probabilities for himself or his linemates. Last season he registered 10 factors in 31 video games within the Finnish Liiga and 7 targets in seven video games throughout the 2022 Olympics. His domination on the worldwide stage is in the end what boosted his draft inventory. If he can translate that play to the NHL, Slafkovsky can develop into a dominating power. 

Nashville Predators: Egor Afanasyev

Another prospect who has had fairly the journey to get to the NHL, Nashville Predators 2019 second-round decide Afanasyev is not any stranger to shifting. He performed minor hockey with the Little Ceasars Under-16 program earlier than becoming a member of the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. Then, he made the transfer to the OHL and joined the Windsor Spitfires, scoring 31 targets and 67 factors in 62 video games in his first yr of main junior competitors. The 6-foot-4 energy ahead performs a imply recreation and possesses a monster shot that he can let go from nearly anyplace on the ice. His dimension and energy permit him to push previous defenders and win board battles rapidly. Last season he performed for the Milwaukee Admirals and registered 33 factors in 74 video games. Watch for Afanasyev to go well with up with the Preds this season.

New Jersey Devils: Alexander Holtz

One of the purest purpose scorers from the 2020 Draft, Swedish sniper Alexander Holtz seems to be able to make the bounce to the NHL full time after a dominating rookie season with the Utica Comets. Holtz registered 26 targets and 51 factors in 52 video games final season within the AHL, making him probably the greatest gamers on the Comets. A primary-line finisher, Holtz is a real sniper. The 20-year-old has an actual likelihood to crack the Devils’ opening night time roster. 

New York Islanders: Robin Salo

2017 second-round decide, Salo seems poised and able to lastly make the full-time leap to the NHL. Last season, Salo appeared in 21 video games with the Islanders however primarily spent the season with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL. He registered 20 factors in 40 video games. The 23-year-old, Espoo, Finland native is efficient in all three zones and is a defenseman who can be utilized in all conditions. He has robust skating and mobility and is poised on the blueline. Salo has all the appropriate instruments to develop into a top-four defenseman on the professional stage. 

New York Rangers: Vitali Kravstov

Kravtsov and the New York Rangers have had a rocky relationship. However, it appears they’ve rekindled it and made up. Kravtsov is a giant, highly effective Russian winger who gives grit and scoring and can be utilized in any position. The ninth general decide of the 2018 NHL Draft, he has bounced between the KHL, the Rangers, and the Hartford Wolf Pack. Last season he spent the yr with Traktor Chelyabinsk within the KHL, registering 13 factors in 19 video games and 10 factors in 15 video games throughout the playoffs. Kravtsov has all the appropriate traits to develop into a top-six ahead within the Rangers system. If he can show his price at camp, it is going to be a giant enhance for not solely Kravtsov however the Rangers group. 

Ottawa Senators: Jake Sanderson

After many big modifications within the capital metropolis, Sanderson seems to cement his title with the Ottawa Senators. Sanderson is likely one of the honorable mentions I listed in my top-five Calder candidates piece. The former University of North Dakota defenseman registered 26 factors in 23 video games final season and was named to the NCAA (West) first All-American staff. Sanderson is a modern-day two-way defenseman who has a blistering shot and distinctive defensive hockey IQ. He has what it takes to develop into a celebrity defender and is a participant who will certainly be capable of discover himself in a top-four position with the Senators early on in his profession. 

Philadelphia Flyers: Noah Cates

Former University of Minnesota Duluth captain Cates discovered himself on the Philadelphia Flyers roster final season after the top of his NCAA tenure. The 6-foot-1, 163-pound winger registered 24 factors in 37 video games final season and helped the Bulldogs win the NCHC Championship. Cates, alongside together with his brother Jackson, additionally received the NCAA Championship collectively in 2019. Cates, a fifth-round decide within the 2017 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut on March 29 and scored his first NHL purpose on April fifth. He appeared in 16 video games and registered 9 factors. Cates brings a excessive sense of hockey IQ and tenacity to the desk. He ought to slot in effectively with the Flyers group and can doubtless be located within the backside six this season. 

Pittsburgh Penguins: Valtteri Puustinen

2019 seventh-round choice Valtteri Puustinen dominated the Liiga in 2020-21, scoring 21 targets and 41 factors in 51 video games, setting his title in stone as a authentic prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has already managed to know the professional stage after a profitable rookie season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The 23-year-old registered 20 targets and 42 factors in 73 video games this previous season. He made his NHL debut on March 11 and picked up an help. Puustinen is a small however highly effective and explosive winger who has an ideal shot and advantageous playmaking skills that give him the sting to play up and down the lineup. Puustinen will battle for a remaining roster spot forward of the season opener. 

San Jose Sharks: William Eklund

The former Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year and SHL Rookie of the Year, Eklund appeared in 9 video games final season with the San Jose Sharks, registering 4 assists. He went again to Sweden and was on mortgage to Djurgårdens IF, the place he performed the SHL season. Eklund completed with 14 factors in 29 video games. The Swedish playmaker has a endless motor and performs at a excessive tempo that enables him to manage the tempo of the sport. Whether it’s discovering an open area to get a shot off, or a move choice, Eklund is all the time working. Eklund might be a serious participant to keep watch over as he seems to contend for one more rookie trophy, this time the Calder. 

Seattle Kraken: Matty Beniers

The franchise’s first-ever choice was ranked second on my Calder candidates piece and is arguably the favourite ahead to win the trophy. Beniers is coming off a monster NCAA season the place he scored 20 targets and 43 factors with the loaded Wolverines squad. He appeared in 10 NHL video games final season with the Seattle Kraken and completed with 9 factors, making his mark on the NHL rapidly. The dynamic middle is a high-pace puck transporter who makes use of his velocity and tempo to manoeuvre previous defenders with ease. Beniers can also be strong defensively, possessing nice problem-solving skills. He might be a key participant relied upon for the Kraken this season.

St. Louis Blues: Scott Perunovich

The second University of Minnesota-Duluth alumnus to look on this listing, St.Louis Blues 2018 second-round decide Perunovich had himself an ideal rookie season within the AHL. He registered 22 factors in 17 video games with the Springfield Thunderbirds and solidified himself as a high defensive prospect. He performed 19 video games with the Blues final season, placing up six assists, and even made his Stanley Cup playoff debut, registering 4 assists in seven video games. The offensive defenseman has nice passing tendencies and is a participant who can quarterback an influence play. He has a giant likelihood to emerge and break into the Blues lineup this season.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Gabriel Fortier

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been on the high of the NHL ladder for some time now, however their prospect pool has slim pickings consequently. However, former Moncton Wildcats captain Fortier appears to be rising as a authentic prospect for the Bolts. Last season, he performed out his second AHL season with the Syracuse Crunch, registering 35 factors in 72 video games. His efficiency was sufficient to earn a few call-ups, and he appeared in 10 video games with the Bolts and scored his first NHL purpose in opposition to the Vegas Golden Knights. Fortier’s finest asset is his defensive means, as he’s a pest to opposing defensemen on the forecheck and has a by no means give up angle. He is a participant that would slot in nice with the Bolts’ present bottom-six regiment. 

Toronto Maple Leafs: Nick Robertson 

Robertson was chosen within the second spherical of the 2019 NHL Draft and has already taken the throne as one of many top-end prospects within the Maple Leafs’ pipeline. He is a shifty offensive dynamo who has a rocket of a shot and excessive hockey IQ. The former OHL main purpose scorer spent final season with the Toronto Marlies, the place he registered 16 targets and 28 factors in 28 video games. He appeared in 10 video games on the NHL stage and scored his first NHL purpose in opposition to the Vancouver Canucks in March. Robertson, the youthful brother of Dallas Stars sensation Jason Robertson, seems to solidify himself as a everlasting NHLer.

Vancouver Canucks: Andrei Kuzmenko

One of the most popular free brokers out of Russia and the oldest first-year NHLer on this listing might be seeking to make a reputation for himself right here in North America. While Kuzmenko is 26 years previous, he has but to play an NHL recreation. However, he’s too previous to be eligible for the Calder. Kuzmenko registered 53 factors in 45 video games final season with SKA St. Petersburg within the KHL and 14 factors within the postseason. Kuzmenko was named to the KHL First All-Star staff. He is an elite-level skater with unbelievable playmaking skills that make him a pure menace each time he’s on the ice. If Kuzmenko can replicate his KHL stats, the Canucks have landed themselves a future NHL star.

Vegas Golden Knights: Logan Thompson

Calgary native and undrafted goaltender Thompson has had fairly the journey to get to the NHL, which noticed stops within the WHL, USports, ECHL and AHL. Thompson was a standout goalie within the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings the place he received the WHL Championship in 2015-16. After going undrafted, and graduating from the WHL, Thompson opted to play USports and attended Brock University, the place he posted a 2.22 targets in opposition to common and a .934 save proportion. He was named USports Goaltender of the Year. Following that efficiency, he was signed by the Vegas Golden Knights. In 2020-21, Thompson starred for the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL and posted a 1.96 GAA and a 16-6-2 document, Thompson was named the AHL’s Best Goaltender and held the AHL’s finest save proportion. He appeared in 19 video games final season with the Golden Knights and regarded able to leap again up full-time. Thompson ought to get one other main alternative to step up as soon as once more with the Golden Knights this season since Robin Lehner isn’t anticipated to play till 2023-24. 

Washington Capitals: Hendrix Lapierre 

The 2020 twenty second general choice Lapierre has been described as a stunning puck provider who possesses elite puckhandling expertise. Last season, he suited up for six video games with the Washington Capitals and scored his first NHL purpose in opposition to the New York Rangers. After his trial run within the nation’s capital, he was despatched again to the QMJHL the place he registered 51 factors in 40 video games with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. He has a ton of ability, and whereas there are quite a lot of questions surrounding his growth, which has been slowed by accidents up to now, Lapierre will doubtless problem for a roster spot as soon as once more. 

Winnipeg Jets: Cole Perfetti 

An offensive stud and the most effective prospect within the Winnipeg Jets system, Perfetti seems to make himself a family title on the NHL stage. A cerebral puck provider who can downside remedy his manner by variables at a excessive fee of velocity, he may have his work lower out for him come coaching camp. Perfetti spent final season within the AHL with the Manitoba Moose, registering 15 factors in 17 video games. He made his NHL debut on October thirteenth in opposition to the Anaheim Ducks and scored his first NHL purpose in January. Perfetti is a favourite amongst Jets followers and has solidified himself as the highest prospect for the membership. It will surely come as a shock to see Perfetti begin the season within the AHL this yr, in spite of everything, he’s a darkish horse to win the Calder Trophy. 

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