In recent years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a draft as unpredictable as this one. Aside from the San Jose Sharks, who hold the first overall pick in this year’s draft, every other team is going to have their work cut out for them in selecting who they feel is the best player for their organization. In doing so, I’m going to rank the top 32 prospects going into this draft. Just to be clear, this is not a mock draft, where I predict each team’s pick. This is purely who are the best players in this draft.
1. Macklin Celebrini, Centre, Boston University
This is an easy one. Macklin Celebrini is the best player in this draft. He has #1 centre written all over him. 64 points in 38 games as a 17 year old freshman playing for Boston University, he’s the youngest player in NCAA history to win the Hobey Baker Award and the fourth freshman to win behind Paul Kariya, Jack Eichel and Adam Fantilli. Standing at 6’0, 190lbs, he’s a player that drives the play forward, which is critical for a centre to be great, and Celebrini does that in spades. He’s constantly on the move, with or without the puck. He makes his teammates around him better, and that will translate to the NHL level. He reminds me in style to Jonathan Toews, with his skating stride, the way he handles the puck, and the way he’s able to take the game to the opponent. At the beginning of the year, there was a lot of debate whether it would be Celebrini, Cole Eiserman or Anton Silayev as the #1 pick, but now he’s separated himself so much that it’s not a debate anymore. Come June 28th in Vegas at the NHL Draft, Macklin Celebrini will be the 1st overall pick.
2. Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA Saint-Petersburg
While Celebrini is the best player in the draft, Demidov is the most talented player in the draft. He has game-breaking talent, similar to Nikita Kucherov, where he’s able to maneuver around the ice with ease, and handle the puck like butter. At 5’11, 170lbs, the skill he has surpasses the size conversation. Now, he was playing in the MHL this year, where the competition is not as strong as other junior leagues, but that doesn’t take away what he’s done. 60 points in 30 regular season games, and 28 points in 17 playoff games this year. Like Celebrini, he’s a play driver, where he dictates the flow of the game with the puck. With the puck, he’s unbelievable, but away from the puck, the competitiveness is there, whereas the consistency is lacking a little bit. He still projects as a 1st line winger in the NHL, and after his contract ends, he’ll make the jump to the NHL before the 2025 NHL playoffs.
3. Trevor Connelly, LW, Tri-City Storm
When it comes to pure talent and natural ability, Trevor Connelly is up there with Demidov in this draft. He just glides out there, and is always looking to punish his opponents in different ways. Obviously there are questions about his character, but it’s the talent that speaks volumes. He keeps defenders guessing. He cuts inside if the defence snags, and glides around them if they try to stand him up. Bottom line, he’s very hard to catch when he’s at full speed. If I had to choose a comparable to him, Kyle Connor is the one that Trevor Connelly is similar too. Very fast, very skilled, but the one difference is Connor is a pure goal scorer whereas Connelly is a playmaking winger. 78 points in 52 games in the USHL this year with Tri-City, he was 2nd in the league in scoring. He’s 6’1, 170lbs, he has a frame he can grow into, which will help for when he gets to the NHL. He’s committed to Providence College, where he’ll probably need two years to develop physically before making the jump to the NHL.
4. Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa Generals
A huge riser over the course of the season, Sennecke has impressed me so much that he’s earned a spot in my top 5. What’s not to like about him: 6’2, 180lbs, skates extremely well, has quick hands and good vision on the ice. He’s a Drake Batherson clone, but higher offensive potential. He’s so shifty with his size and skating ability, along with the hands, he’s very to knock off when he has the puck on his stick. 68 points in 63 games this season, his 2nd half of the season was much better compared to his 1st half, and he exploded in the playoffs with 22 points in 16 games. He’s still very raw, and is still growing into his body, but when he does, he’s going to be a very good player. Top 6 RW is his floor, Elite power forward is his ceiling.
5. Artyom Levshunov, RHD, Michigan State
Do I believe Levshunov is the best defenceman by a wide margin? No, but out of the crop of defencemen in this draft, he’s the most ready to step into the NHL next year. He’s the prototypical shutdown two-way defenceman who has good offensive traits, but is very solid defensively. 6’2, 205lbs, physically he’s ready, now it’s more about consistency and growing his game to translate to the NHL.
6. Berkly Catton, C/LW, Spokane Chiefs
Very small, but very skilled. Fluid in his skating ability, and the hands to keep up with the skating. At 5’11, 163lbs, the ability to turn on a dime, and confuse his defenders with his deception, he’s a player that will create a lot for himself and his teammates. 116 points in 68 games, he’s got a game that’s reminiscent to Clayton Keller. He can create his own shot, and the way he maneuvers himself to find open space makes him a threat in the offensive end.
7. Cole Eiserman, LW, USNTDP, Commit to BU
The most gifted and prolific goalscorer in the draft. Cole Eiserman’s ability to put the puck in the net is second to none, as he has the record for most goals scored in the USNTDP with 127 goals, surpassing Cole Caufield, who had 126 goals. He stands at 6’0, 196lbs. While his goalscoring is his main asset, his skating is underrated. While he doesn’t blow past you, he has the ability to move within tight spaces and get a shot off, but he gets a fair share of his goals by finding open spaces and blasting one-timers. Reminds me a lot of Auston Matthews in that aspect, and guess what: he wears #34, same as Matthews. At the beginning of the year, he was fighting with Macklin Celebrini as the best prospect in the draft, but his ranking has slipped as of late due to his inconsistency on the defensive side of the puck. That really shouldn’t take away how talented he is. Yes, his overall game still needs work, but that can be developed over time. You want goals, draft Cole Eiserman. I see him as a top 6 goalscoring machine at the NHL level, but before that, he’s committed to Boston University for a year or two, then he’ll make the jump.
8. Zeev Buium, LHD, University of Denver
Of all the defencemen in the draft, Buium is my favorite. One of the smarter players in the draft, what he lacks in physicality, he makes up for it with his brain. 6’0, 183lbs, he always has his head up, searching for his teammates. Andrei Markov, in his prime is the comparable I’m giving for Buium. I just find he’s a general on the ice, he’s trying to make something out of nothing. Markov always knew how and when to deliver a pass in the right spot, and Buium does that so well. 50 points in 42 games as a freshman at the University of Denver, he led them to an NCAA championship where he was an integral component to their success. I easily see him as a top 2 defenceman in the NHL.
9. Sam Dickinson, LHD, London Knights
Man, the London Knights just know how to develop young hockey players. Matthew Tkachuk, Mitch Marner, Evan Bouchard, Robert Thomas are some examples, Sam Dickinson is yet another one of a long line of future NHLers. In my opinion, he has the highest potential of any defenceman in the draft. At 6’3, 200lbs, skates very well, can easily exit his own zone and take the puck into the opponents end, and create for himself and his teammates. I see Miro Heiskanen in his game, where he’s able to transition out of his own end, and find his open teammates. Not as good skater as Heiskanen, but Dickinson holds his own. 70 points in 68 games, his stock rose during the Memorial Cup, with 13 points in 18 games. As I said about Zeev Buium, I see Dickinson playing in all situations as a top pair defenceman in the NHL.
10 Cayden Lindstrom, C/LW, Medicine Hat
If not for the back injury, Lindstrom would’ve been in my top 5. The size, the skill he possesses, the matter in which he asserts himself in the game, he’s a unicorn. At 6’4, 216lbs, he’s a powerful forward that can play either Centre or Left Wing, most scouts believe he’ll stay at centre. Only 46 points in 32 games in a injury riddled season, he was on track to lead Medicine Hat in scoring. He’s got that personality in him where he wants to take the game over, whether it’s scoring a goal, or dishing out a hit, his attitude is always forward. He reminds me a lot of Evgeni Malkin, where they both have the ability to keep a play going even when the opponent is all over them. The puck protection, the drives to the net and the will to finish off plays, Lindstrom is going to be a solid #1A/1B Centre in the NHL, as long as he’s able to stay healthy.
11. Zayne Parekh, RHD, Saginaw Spirit
The purest offensive defenceman in the draft, Parekh is must see hockey. Even though his position is defence, he acts as 4th forward out there with the way he’s able to carry the puck coast to coast. The ability to walk the blueline with ease, the deception in which he’s able to make players bite, he’s very good at opening lanes and find the net. Cale Makar, Adam Fox and Erik Karlsson are the comparables I’ve seen frequently for Parekh, and he has similarities from all 3 defencemen. From the skating, the puck handling and the vision, it’s pretty evident 33 goals as a defenceman is insane, and adding 63 assists for 96 points in 66 games, he put up one of the best seasons for a defenceman in OHL History. At 6’0, 180lbs, he lets his flare do the talking when he’s on the ice. I see him as #2 or #3 defenceman in the NHL.
12. Anton Silayev, LHD, Novogorod, KHL
The russian Victor Hedman, well only in size unfortunately, although Silayev is still a good prospect. 11 points in 63 games this year, he’s the youngest defenceman in KHL history with the most points in their draft year. While his offensive ability is in question, it’s his defensive potential that has scouts raving about him. His 6’7, 211lbs frame allows him to separate guys from the puck, and uses his smooth skating ability to get the puck out of the zone quickly and efficiently. He also has the ability to take the puck through the neutral zone to make a pass and set up his teammates. His long reach also enables him to keep opponents and think twice before attempting a move around him, because Silayev can also hurt you physically. Reminds a lot of Owen Power with his defensive potential and the similar build. I see him as a #2/#3 shutdown defenceman in the NHL.
13. Konsta Helenius, C, Jukurit, Liiga
A speedy, two-way centre who always has his foot on the pedal. Always willing to make a difference in the game, Helenius has that personality where when the going gets tough, you want him out there every time. I feel I could be underestimating him a lot, where he could develop into a top line player in the future. As of now, I see him as a solid 2nd line centre in the NHL, but can become better if put in the right situation. His 36 points in 51 games, which translates to 0.71 PPG, puts him 3rd for all time in points per game before turning 18, behind Aleksander Barkov and Patrik Laine.
14. Tij Iginla, C/LW, Kelowna Rockets
The son of legendary Calgary Flames player Jarome Iginla, Tij’s game is similar to his dad’s, where they’re powerful forwards, but Tij plays with a lot more finesse to his game. His ability to put the puck in the net is up there with Eiserman, with his 47 goals in 64 games with Kelowna this year, and 15 points in 11 playoff games this year. It would be easy to compare his game to his father, but I see a lot of Adrian Kempe in his game. Good goalscorer, but also has that two-way game to complement that goalscoring. He’s very dependable on the ice because of his compete level. I see him as a 2nd line scoring winger who has the potential to be a #1 winger.
15. Carter Yakemchuck, RHD, Calgary Hitmen
The second best offensive defenceman in the draft, Yakemchuck plays very well to his strength, which is offence. For a guy who’s 6’3, 194lbs, he can skate very well. He also has the hands and the shot to complement with that offensive game, with 30 goals in 66 games as a defenceman. He can act as a 4th forward out there, similar to Zayne Parekh. Reminds me a lot of John Carlson in style, but has got a long way to go on the defensive end. Also, he’s not very disciplined, takes a lot of penalties. I see him as a top 4 offensive defenceman in the NHL.
16. Stian Sohlberg, LHD, Norway
The biggest wildcard among the defencemen in this draft. Sohlberg has climbed his way into my top 32 after his play in the World Juniors and World Championships for Norway. At 6’2, 194lbs he’s a physically imposing defender, where he’ll stand you up if you try to pass his blueline. That’s the biggest strength in his game, the physicality, but don’t underestimate the rest of it. His skating is some of the best I’ve seen from this draft. His ability to take the puck and make something happen is very impressive, albeit he’s playing against lower competition in Norway. His offensive game is decent, and very much reminds me in style to a young Mike Matheson. I see him right as a solid #4 shutdown defender with offensive upside.
17. Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires
A power forward who knows how to find the back of the net. A decent skater at 6’3, 207lbs, he uses that big frame to protect the puck from opposing players, and when has the space, he can absolutely rip it. Now, while he’s not a natural goalscorer like Cole Eiserman or Tij Iginla, Greentree finds most of his goals in the slot or around the net. He’s very smart at finding open spaces and taking advantage of his opportunities. Reminds me a lot of Jason Robertson, where they both have a knack of scoring goals and smart hockey IQ. He put up 90 points in 64 games with Windsor this year, and by far their best player. I can see him as a top 6 complimentary winger at the NHL level.
18. Michael Hage, C, Chicago Steel, USHL
A very capable player who drives the play and gets his teammates involved. Hage had a terrific year in the USHL, with 75 points in 54 games, putting him 3rd in the league in points. At 6’1, 190lbs, he’s a solid skater who likes to use his feet to open up the defence and find the open man. Style wise, there’s a lot of Martin Necas in his game, and Necas is a player who’s grown over the years, and I see the same trajectory with Hage in the future. For now, I see him as a scoring 3rd line centre who can become a 2nd line centre if put in the right environment.
19. Adam Jiricek, RHD, HC Plzen, Czech
The younger brother of David Jiricek, Adam has a more offensive flair to his game. At one point considered a top 5 prospect in this draft, Jiricek has been riddled with injuries this year and unfortunately did not get to show his talent. If not for that, he would’ve been near my top 10 with the other flock of defencemen at the top. My concern with him though is I don’t know if the offence will translate to the NHL level, but I still project him as a top 4 defenceman in the NHL. Player comparison: Mike Green
20. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Mora, SHL
A rugged but skilled two-way winger who can play up and down the lineup. A versatile player who can play powerplay and penalty kill with his finesse and competitiveness, kind of like Arturri Lehkonen. Nygard knows where to be on the ice, a very responsible player who uses his skating to force turnovers and create chances on the counter attack. I see as a hybrid top 9 forward, who can move up in the lineup in case of an injury. These players are the ones you win with in my opinion.
21. Cole Hutson, LHD, USNTDP, Commit to BU
The younger brother of Lane Hutson. I don’t think teams are going to make the same mistake with letting him pass the 1st round like they did with Lane. Both very similar players, Cole is more direct with his ability to move the puck, while Lane is very explosive with his ability to maneuver around the ice. Nonetheless, Cole is still a good offensive defenceman, not to the level of Parekh or Yakemchuck, but can still hold his own. I see him as a top 6 defender who can the 2nd powerplay in the NHL.
22. Igor Chernyshov, LW, Dynamo Moscow
A playmaking winger, who’s very skilled 1 on 1. He has soft hands where he’s able to move east to west with his skating and set up scoring chances for himself and his teammates. If he was more consistent, he’d be higher on my list, and his competitiveness needs to be upped more. Player comparison: a young Kyle Okposo.
23. Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George
A very solid scorer who led WHL rookies with 105 points this year. The concern with Parascak is his skating, but I always believe that skating can always be improved. He reminds me a lot of Mark Stone, a perfect two-way player, but just the skating was his only weakness in his draft year. Well, Mark Stone led the Vegas Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup as their captain and I see the same qualities in Tarik Parascak.
24. Yegor Surin, LW, Lokomotiv
One of my favorite wildcards in this draft, Surin is just a beast. His competitiveness is one of the best in the class, as he always hunting for the puck, like a dog digging for a bone. His blend of speed, skill and determination just made my top 32. The reason why he’s this low: he doesn’t produce much offence, but that can always be developed. He has that mentality to change a game when it’s not going his way. He reminds me of Vasili Podkolzin, the Vancouver first rounder from 2019. Similar build, similar competitiveness. I also believe he’s another player you win with.
25. Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie Colts
Like Levshunov, I think Beaudoin, physically, is ready for the NHL. At 6’2, 205lbs, he’s got that NHL body. Will he step in this year? I don’t think so, I think he needs at least another year with Barrie to really show that he’s an NHL player. He’s a strong centre with a good two-way game. He’s an all situations type player. His skating will need improvement, but no doubt I see as a 3rd line checking forward with some scoring touch in his future.
26. Teddy Stiga, LW, USNTDP
An undersized winger who plays bigger than his size. The most improved player in the USNTDP, Stiga is a tenacious player with skill. While most people have him outside their top 32 because of his size, I have him in my top 32 because of the game he plays and the character. Brendan Gallagher is my player comparison for him.
27. Ryder Ritchie, RW, Prince Albert
A slippery winger known for his pucks skills and playmaking, Ryder Ritchie is a one-dimensional player that can find the back of the net when he has the opportunity. He had an injury that kept him out for the second half of the season with Prince Albert, but he was doing really well the first half.
28. Jett Luchanko, C, Peterborough
Luchanko is a tenacious two-way player with a motor that never stops. One of the highest IQ’s in the draft, what he lacks in ability, he makes up for it with his mind. One of the best in the draft at intercepting pucks and counter attacking immediately. He’s defensively responsible and has some scoring touch to his game, which can help any team looking for a middle-six centre.
29. Andrew Basha, LW, Medicine Hat
Teammates of Cayden Lindstrom, Basha is a tough player to take down. His skating allows him to slip off checks and get to an open space for a scoring opportunity. Reminds me a lot of Carter Verhaghe. The ability to use your skating to get out of sticky situations to extend the play in the opposing team’s zone. I see him as a middle-six scoring winger.
30. EJ Emery, RHD, USNTDP
Emery is a big, physical, smooth skating defenceman that’s always looking for that first pass out of the zone. He really stared to gain notice at the World Juniors with Team USA. Just steady and calm when he plays, and always makes it tough on the opponent. Reminds me a lot of Brett Pesce, who can be a good complement to an offensive minded defenceman in the future. He will continue his developement at the University of North Dakota, where they have a knack of developing future NHL defencemen.
31. Sacha Boisvert, C/LW, Muskegon
A good goalscoring centre with a decent two-way game, I see a lot of John Tavares in his game, stylistically. His skating is decent, but he’s strong like a bull and uses his body to shield off opponents and avoid checks. Also Going to the University of North Dakota next year, they will have a strong team in the NCAA next year.
32. Aron Kiviharju, LHD, HIFK
At the beginning of the hockey season, Aron Kiviharju was among the best defencemen in the class, cracking the top 5 on everyone’s list, but an injury and some inconsistent play has dropped him a lot. Nonetheless, I still believe in his potential. If he can stay healthy enough and show what made him a top prospect, I think he’s the worth the risk, because the upside is undeniable with him.
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