We're not even 48 hours removed from the end of the 2018 NHL draft, yet we're looking ahead to 2019. It might seem early, but there is a lot to be excited about in next year's draft class.
That obviously starts with American phenom Jack Hughes. The 17-year-old has been on everyone's radar for months after his incredible, record-breaking season at the U.S. National Team Development program. He's the odds-on favorite to go No. 1. Hughes at the top is fitting, considering that 2019 is looking like a big year for Americans in general. Many of Hughes' teammates at the NTDP have a chance to be first-round selections, as well.
It's also is shaping up to be a pretty good year for the WHL. Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, Kirby Dach and Bowen Byram are names to keep close tabs on. "Each year, a new group of 16-year-olds comes in, and a handful of them really have a strong impact [in the WHL], but this past year, things were on an entirely new level," a WHL scout said. "It's not just 16-year-old players having impacts; [they are] literally being the best players on their teams at that position for stretches of games. It's really been something."
With all of that in mind, here's my way-too-early top 10 for 2019, with a number of honorable-mention players worth watching closely as we head into the next draft season.
1. Jack Hughes, C, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)
The uber-talented center might lack size, but he more than makes up for it with his elite skill and skating ability. The expectations are impossibly high for him, but it has always been that way for the youngster. He had 116 points for the NTDP team this season, a record for a U17 player and one shy of Auston Matthews' overall program record.
2. Kaapo Kakko, RW, TPS (Finland Jr. A)
Going into the 2018-19 draft season, Kakko is the clear No. 2. At 6-foot-4, 204 pounds, he's already built like a pro, and his game is especially advanced for his age. His 55 points in 38 games last season mark the third-highest total by a U17 player in Finland's junior ranks. Only Sebastian Aho and Mikael Granlund had more at the same age. Kakko was also dominant at the World U18 Championship, tying for Finland's team lead with 10 points as it won gold. He is likely to spend next season with TPS in Finland's top pro league.
3. Alex Newhook, C, Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
Not since Kyle Turris went No. 3 overall in 2007 has a player out of the BCHL been a top-five pick in the NHL draft, but Newhook has a chance to change that, as he has committed to return to the league for his draft season despite options in the USHL and QMJHL. With explosive skating, higher-end skills and a nose for the net, Newhook is generating a lot of buzz early. He had 66 points in just 45 games for Victoria, marking one of the best seasons by a 16-year-old in this Canadian Junior-A league. The Newfoundland native is committed to go to Boston College in 2019-20.
4. Kirby Dach, C, Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
A big center just beginning to discover how to use his physical tools, Dach checks a lot of boxes early, especially when it comes to his immense potential. Most importantly, he produced at a substantial rate for a 16-year-old in the WHL, notching 0.88 points per game. He has a chance to be Saskatoon's top center next season.
5. Dylan Cozens, C, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
A power forward who has already become one of the top forwards for Lethbridge, Cozens is very popular among scouts. He posted 53 points in 57 games, giving him a 0.93 points-per-game average, which is a better 16-year-old season production rate than current NHLers Mathew Barzal, Brayden Point and Jordan Eberle had at the same age in the same league.
6. Alex Turcotte, RW, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)
A smart player with a high motor, tons of skill, versatility and good skating ability, Turcotte was one of five 2001s called up to the U.S. team for the World U18 Championship (it won silver). The son of former NHLer Alfie Turcotte is just scratching the surface of his skill set after putting up 63 points in 58 games this season.
7. Peyton Krebs, LW, Kootenay Ice (WHL)
Of the highly regarded trio of WHL forwards, Krebs might have the best offensive upside due to his excellent hands, according to one scout. His skating needs work, but he put up 54 points to lead all U17 players in the WHL this season.
8. Cole Caufield, RW, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)
OK, so let's get this out of the way: Caufield is 5-foot-6, 154 pounds. It's going to matter to some teams, but the fact is this kid scored goals at an unprecedented rate this season at the National Team Development Program. Only three other players have scored 50 or more goals in a season at the NTDP: Auston Matthews, Patrick Kane and Phil Kessel. Caufield's 54 goals this season rank second all time for a single season. He might not have the size, but he just knows offense. Underestimate him at your own risk.
9. Anttoni Honka, D, JYP (Liiga)
An advanced puck-mover and a late-2000 birthday, Anttoni is the younger brother of Dallas Stars first-rounder Julius Honka. He performed well when called upon in Finland's top pro league, with nine points in 20 games for JYP. He also starred for Finland's U18 team internationally. Honka is expected to play for JYP full time next season and should log decent minutes.
10. Arthur Kaliyev, LW, Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
In the long history of the Ontario Hockey League, only 26 players have scored 30 or more goals in their U17 seasons. Kaliyev is one of them, as he notched 31 last season for the OHL champion Bulldogs. Almost all of the players on the list in Kaliyev's range went on to or are in the midst of substantial NHL careers. Kaliyev is a dual U.S. and Russian citizen who is expected to rep USA internationally.
Other players to watch (listed alphabetically):
Matthew Boldy, C, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)
Bowen Byram, D, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Maxim Cajkovic, LW, Malmo (SuperElit U20)
Nolan Foote, C/W, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Albin Grewe, C, Djugardens (SuperElit U20)
Spencer Knight, G, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)
Raphael Lavoie, C, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Ryan Suzuki, C, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Michael Vukojevic, D, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Cam York, D, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)
Trevor Zegras, C, U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)