The 2020 NHL draft got one small baby step closer with the first lottery drawing. No, we still don't know who will be drafting No. 1 overall, but the team order for pick Nos. 2-8 is at least set.
It has been a much different process throughout. As 24 NHL teams gear up for a postseason return to play after the coronavirus pandemic forced a stoppage in March, seven others are already looking forward to the draft -- which still lacks a date. The prep work has no doubt been more difficult this season, as scouts have neither a full prospect season of evaluation nor combine workouts. And it will show in rankings this year. The top of the class is high-end, but once you move beyond the top 15 names, consensus disappears.
I've had some more time with film and a few more conversations with scouts over the past month and a half, so coming out of the first stage of the lottery seemed like a good time to update my own top 100 prospect rankings from my most recent May 13 edition. There are a handful of changes. Here's how I see the best of the 2020 NHL draft class.
Note: Heights and weights are from Central Scouting. Age is as of June 30.
See more:
Mock draft | Lottery winners and losers
1. Alexis Lafreniere, LW, Rimouski (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 193
Shot: L | Previous rank: 1
There is no debate at this point as to who should go No. 1. It's Lafreniere by a significant margin. Over the past 20 years, only two players 18 years old or younger had a points-per-game average higher than Lafreniere's 2.15 this season: Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Drouin.
Lafreniere thinks the game at a high level, with elite anticipation and an understanding of what to do with the puck immediately after he gets it. He has a physical edge and initiates contact more than most top picks of recent years, separating players from the puck with regularity. We've seen Lafreniere's emotions get the better of him at times, but he has a competitive fire. He wants the puck at all times, in all situations. And he has the skill and hands to make things happen when he has it. Few other players exude the level of confidence Lafreniere has shown over the past two seasons.
2. Quinton Byfield, C, Sudbury (OHL)
Age: 17 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 215
Shot: L | Previous rank: 2
Byfield looked like he was seriously going to give Lafreniere a run for his money at No. 1, but his game-to-game consistency wasn't at the same level. Byfield's game was a little uneven from midseason on, and I wonder whether the draft season began to wear on him. He is one of the younger players in this draft class but was fifth in the OHL in terms of points per game (1.82).
At his best, he is a dominant force with elite-level speed, especially considering his size. He thinks the game extremely well, with good vision and a playmaker's touch. Byfield's defensive game needs maturation, but his instincts with the puck are very strong. If everything goes right in his development, he has a chance to be special.
3. Tim Stutzle, LW, Mannheim (Germany)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 187
Shot: L | Previous rank: 3
There is a sense of ease in Stutzle's game, a level of poise that is not easily attained for a teenager in his first season of pro hockey. He has high-end puckhandling and skating abilities along with elite vision and hockey sense. He has a nice release and good shot, but I think his hands work best when he's snapping passes, especially down low. He uses the ice that's given to him and often makes the play, but he doesn't force things.
Stutzle has a chance to become part of a growing elite class of German hockey players, and he's done it without ever really leaving home. But he likely will need to get into an AHL lineup to grow and learn the North American game.
4. Lucas Raymond, LW, Frolunda (Sweden)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 170
Shot: R | Previous rank: 4
Raymond has been one of the hardest players to evaluate in this class because he is too good for Sweden's junior league but not quite good enough to play an elevated role on a perennial SHL powerhouse laden with veteran talent. He averaged under 10 minutes of ice time in 33 SHL games and was either healthy-scratched or played as the extra forward an awful lot this season. He had 14 points in nine games in Sweden's under-20 league, as well. His one-on-one skills, skating and willingness to battle for his ice are plus traits.
5. Cole Perfetti, C, Saginaw (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 177
Shot: L | Previous rank: 5
He can score, he can make plays and his skill is elite. But what I like best about Perfetti are his vision and offensive sense, giving him the ability to pick apart opposing defenses on the rush or in the zone. He can extend plays and seems to always have a plan with the puck on his stick. Perfetti has a pure release on his shot and snaps passes about as well as anyone else in the class. His skating is closer to average, but that is a much bigger problem for players who can't think the game the way Perfetti does.
6. Marco Rossi, C, Ottawa (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 183
Shot: L | Previous rank: 6
Rossi has become oddly polarizing. His 2.14 points per game in the OHL ranks fifth among players 18 years old or younger over the past 20 years, but many have rushed to underplay that production because of the quality of his team and the relative weakness of the OHL's Eastern Conference. There also are concerns about Rossi's size. But the power and strength he generates from his lower half alleviates those size concerns for me, and no matter how you reason, he knows how to score.
Rossi is good in small areas, engages with defenders and can protect the puck fairly well. No, his skating doesn't blow you away, but he's good on his edges and uses high-end hockey sense to make plays under pressure. Plus, Rossi's hand skills are excellent, and there's a little tenacity in his game.
7. Yaroslav Askarov, G, Neva St. Petersburg (Russia 2)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 176
Catch: R | Previous rank: 7
Average performances at the world juniors and the U18 Five Nations tournament might have raised some questions, but if you judge the entire picture and not just two events, he remains among the best goaltending prospects to enter the draft in some time. He is such a monster in the crease, as good as any goalie I've seen at his age going post to post. He never quits on plays, and while he can make the big save, he makes a lot of his work look easy. There's explosiveness and power in the way he plays the position, but he can keep it quiet and simple, too.
8. Alexander Holtz, RW, Djurgarden (Sweden)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 192
Shot: R | Previous rank: 8
There's a lot to like about Holtz, not the least of which is that his game continues to grow. After tacking on muscle last year, he handled the pro grind pretty well in Sweden. Holtz was a major factor for the Swedish world junior team that won bronze, and he showed a bit more commitment to two-way play. He is a natural offensive talent, with an elite release and quick hands. He has vision and offensive sense that challenge opposing defenses, along with the strength to drive the net. His skating is very good, and there's power in his stride.
9. Jake Sanderson, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 17 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 185
Shot: L | Previous rank: 10
An incredible skater and pure two-way defender, Sanderson has risen up the charts this season and made an especially powerful impression by leading the U18 Five Nations tournament in scoring. Sanderson's offensive skills are not necessarily the strongest points of his game, but he has a great understanding of how to make plays when they're available to him. He's not going to force it just to force it. And defensively, Sanderson is one of the more gifted blueliners in this class with good physical strength and a propensity to initiate contact.
The son of former NHL forward Geoff Sanderson, Jake has an excellent feel for the game and doesn't get caught out of position often. He plays like a pro and is headed to the University of North Dakota, where his game should flourish.
10. Jamie Drysdale, D, Erie (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 175
Shot: R | Previous rank: 9
Drysdale is an effortless, deceptive skater who can make a lot of plays with his feet in terms of opening up ice. His defending is adequate, though he still needs to get stronger and have a more consistent detail in his own end. He was good enough to make Canada's U20 team as an underager and has excellent offensive tools, with a quick shot and confident puck-moving capabilities. I think there's game-breaker potential in Drysdale, but his game needs refining.
11. Anton Lundell, C, HIFK (Finland)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 185
Shot: L | Previous rank: 12
Lundell is one of the most mature, intelligent players on the ice in this class. After all, he has two professional seasons under his belt already, showcasing high-end vision and playmaking skills while showing a commitment to play defensively. His defensive value is highest among forwards in this range; there's detail in his game at both ends of the ice. His puck skills are just average, but he makes things happen.
12. Jack Quinn, RW, Ottawa (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 176
Shot: R | Previous rank: 11
I was a very slow convert to Quinn's game, but the more I watched of his tape, the more I liked what I saw. His scoring ability pops, and his skating has gotten to a level that makes me much more comfortable projecting him as a top offensive contributor at the next level. Quinn also has really good hands and can wire pucks. He has a really strong sense of the offensive zone and knows how to get to good ice to become more dangerous.
13. Rodion Amirov, LW, Ufa (Russia)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 167
Shot: L | Previous rank: 14
An especially skilled and crafty winger, Amirov was dominant in Russia's U20 ranks and played 21 games in the KHL this season. Despite a lack of production among pros, Amirov has some of the best skill in this draft. He has remarkably fluid puckhandling abilities and a deceptive, quick release on his shot. Amirov also competes down low and extends plays along the wall with good skating and creative puck work. He can open up ice and makes it count when he has the opportunity.
14. Dawson Mercer, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 180
Shot: R | Previous rank: 16
Mercer has great character and work ethic, but don't sleep on his skill level and hockey sense. He is committed to playing at both ends of the ice and can engage physically despite not being the biggest guy. I like his release and ability to create off the rush, too, and he adapts to situations well.
15. Seth Jarvis, C, Portland (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 175
Shot: R | Previous rank: 15
Another player I liked more and more with additional looks at the film, Jarvis has a lot of dynamic elements in his game. Quick hands and solid north-south speed contributed to Jarvis improving his WHL scoring total by nearly 60 points over the previous season to finish second overall in the league with 98 points. No U18 player was particularly close to what Jarvis did this season, as he averaged 1.69 points per game and was ahead of the next-closest age peer by 28 points.
The year-to-year progression not just in scoring but also in Jarvis' offensive confidence is particularly striking. He doesn't have great size, but the speed and growth in skill suggest a higher ceiling than I previously thought Jarvis had.
16. Connor Zary, C, Kamloops (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 178
Shot: L | Previous rank: 13
One of the best puck distributors in this class, Zary has high-end vision and is especially decisive with the puck on his stick. He wastes few plays. Zary finished fifth in the WHL with 86 points and was a leader on a resurgent Kamloops team. He has some edge, as well. There's little shyness to his game, and while he can create from the perimeter, he makes a lot of plays through the middle of the ice and near the net.
17. Dylan Holloway, C, Wisconsin (Big Ten)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 203
Shot: L | Previous rank: 17
Holloway was one of the most anticipated prospects of this class but struggled to adapt to the college game, albeit with a Wisconsin team that vastly underperformed. He was born only eight days after the 2019 draft cutoff and had a strong 2018-19 season (AJHL MVP). But his offensive game stagnated a bit this year, though he is still one of the better skaters in this draft class.
There have been some concerns about his hockey sense, but I watched Holloway several times this season and just felt Wisconsin as a whole lacked punch. His play away from the puck needs to improve, but the physical tools are there.
18. Lukas Reichel, LW, Eisbaren Berlin (Germany)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 170
Shot: L | Previous rank: 23
Reichel is another player with projections and opinions all over the map, but generally, there are a lot of positives in his game. The first: He has great hands and creativity. In averaging 0.57 points per game, only Marcel Goc, Marco Sturm and Tim Stutzle had better numbers in their U18 seasons in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
Reichel creates space and can extend plays. He needs to get a lot stronger, but even though he can be outmuscled, he doesn't shy away from puck battles. He makes really smart reads with the puck on his stick and processes the game quickly. The hands, passing and offensive sense all put him in position to have success at the next level.
19. Braden Schneider, D, Brandon (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 202
Shot: R | Previous rank: 18
A confident defender who can throw his weight around, Schneider offers predictability in a good way: You're going to get consistent effort and good competitiveness. I really like the way he plays between the dots. He can control the net front both physically and with excellent anticipation. Schneider always seems to find himself in the right position, making good reads in the defensive zone and keeping a good gap on the rush. The offensive elements of his game are more understated, but he jumps into plays and distributes well.
20. Jacob Perreault, RW, Sarnia (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 192
Shot: R | Previous rank: 19
Among the best pure goal scorers in this class, Perreault has an elite shot. His one-timers are deadly, and he changes up his release points on his shot often, which makes him much more deceptive for opposing goalies. Consistency of effort and play away from the puck continue to be areas scouts harp on about Perreault's overall projection, but the scoring ability keeps the son of former NHLer Yanic Perreault in the top 20.
21. Kaiden Guhle, D, Prince Albert (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 186
Shot: L | Previous rank: 20
One of the draft's most athletic players, Guhle is an especially mobile defenseman who packs a punch. The concern about the younger brother of NHL defenseman Brendan Guhle is in his overall offensive upside. But his full complement of tools -- with skating and hockey sense being among his best -- gives me reason to believe he can and will progress offensively. This season, he improved his scoring from the previous campaign by 23 points. Guhle also has a nice quick shot from the point, which helped him score 11 goals.
At this stage of the draft board, there are fewer and fewer sure bets, but I'd take a chance on the athleticism, skating and size that Guhle offers.
22. Mavrik Bourque, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 178
Shot: R | Previous rank: 22
Among U18 players in the QMJHL, no player had more points than Bourque's 71 -- and his 1.45 points per game led his age peers by a substantial margin. He has some natural offensive ability, with an excellent shot, especially off the pass. Bourque doesn't have an imposing frame, but he has quick hands and a good idea of how to spin the wheels offensively for his team. I think his skating could stand to improve, but it's not a major drawback for him.
23. Brendan Brisson, C, Chicago (USHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 179
Shot: L | Previous rank: 21
It's hard to pinpoint any one element of his game that registers as elite, though his skill is on an upper tier. Hockey sense is solid. Vision is solid. The skating is fine. The son of agent Pat Brisson, Brendan was on the best team in the USHL and finished second in league scoring to teammate Mathieu De St. Phalle with 59 points in 45 games. He still needs to get stronger and a bit more aggressive in the middle of the ice, though.
24. John-Jason Peterka, RW, Munchen (Germany)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 192
Shot: L | Previous rank: 31
Peterka has a scorer's mentality, with good net drive and excellent sense for how to pop into areas of the ice where it will be easier to score. He has an excellent release and a heavier shot. Peterka's stride is a little heavier, too, though, as he's not exactly a burner. His one-on-one hand skills are average, but I really like his hockey sense, and his scoring ability separates him from others.
25. Jeremie Poirier, D, Saint John (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 196
Shot: L | Previous rank: 25
There is little debate that Poirier is among the most skilled defensemen in this draft. His hands, in particular, are elite. But there are questions in terms of how he defends, his effort level and general hockey sense. He can force plays at times and gets himself into trouble a lot. In a shallower blue-line class, I have no problem betting bigger on skill. I think some of the deficiencies can be addressed with maturity and development, but Poirier's skill is unique.
26. Tyson Foerster, RW, Barrie (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 194
Shot: R | Previous rank: 27
A solid scorer who gets up and down the ice well, Foerster navigates the offensive zone with great awareness and can work himself into good ice to create chances. He led the Barrie Colts in scoring by 33 points and surely would have bolstered a case for himself had there been a U18 World Championship this year. Foerster is a late riser who had a nice performance at the CHL Top Prospects Game. He has a good variety of release points on his shot and can make plays off the pass.
27. Hendrix Lapierre, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 179
Shot: L | Previous rank: 29
Concussion and neck problems potentially derailed a season that got off to a spectacular start at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. By the time Lapierre got healthy, the season was canceled. It's unfortunate because few players had more to prove in the postseason. But Lapierre is a high-end talent with excellent vision and puck skills, though his QMJHL performance when he was healthy -- or at least moderately healthy -- was not in line with his previously lofty projections.
28. Vasiliy Ponomarev, C, Shawinigan (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 180
Shot: L | Previous rank: 28
I really enjoy the way Ponomarev plays. He has power elements in his game, he's aggressive, there's a high level of skill that I'd like to see him use a bit more and he can impact the game in a variety of ways. Ponomarev is so hard to take off the puck because of his strength and ability to engage physically. His QMJHL numbers are not super impressive, but what he did internationally with Russia at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and World Junior A Challenge showed he can perform as a go-to guy for a team.
29. Noel Gunler, RW, Lulea (Sweden)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 176
Shot: R | Previous rank: 30
A polarizing figure in this draft class, Gunler certainly has the skill to be a higher pick. Concerns about maturity and the Swedish federation's avoidance of using him at international tournaments have raised some red flags. And his usage with Lulea waned as the season wore on, and his impact seemed to head in the wrong direction. But when you look at the skill, release and potential, Gunler is a risk that teams are more likely to take in the latter half of the first round.
30. Thomas Bordeleau, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 175
Shot: L | Previous rank: 32
Skill and creativity first come to mind when thinking of Bordeleau's game. He led the U.S. National Team Development Program in scoring this season, showing off quick hands and deft playmaking ability. Bordeleau -- who could be a third-generation NHLer, joining dad Sebastien and grandfather Paulin -- is a good skater who can make plays off the rush or with sustained pressure in the offensive zone. His size is a factor, but he has some serious ability to escape opponent pressure.
31. Jake Neighbours, LW, Edmonton (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 195
Shot: L | Previous rank: 33
Neighbours is a sturdy player who is tough to take off the puck. His skating stride is a bit clunky, but he gets where he needs to be, delivers body checks and makes things more difficult on opposing players in all zones. It's tougher to project him as a likely top-six player, but he certainly has the versatility to fit into a variety of roles for a team.
32. Justin Barron, D, Halifax (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 195
Shot: R | Previous rank: 48
Barron's season was derailed by a blood clot, and after he returned, Halifax was a decimated team, and he struggled to find his game before the season was canceled. On ability alone, Barron has first-round-caliber talent. But in a practical sense, teams are going to need a lot of assurances of his health before pulling the trigger on an early pick. His hockey sense is exceptional, and Barron can get involved at both ends of the ice, although I'd grade his defensive value more favorably than his ability to produce.
33. Ryan O'Rourke, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 178
Shot: L | Previous rank: 34
If there's a theme among many defensemen in this draft, it's underwhelming offensive upside but strong overall hockey sense. That's especially true for O'Rourke, who plays a mature, poised game and takes care of his own end well. He has the size, physicality and mobility to make things tough for opposing forwards. O'Rourke reads the game well, and that aids him on offense, but I don't think he's going to be major point producer.
34. Ridly Greig, C, Brandon (WHL)
Age: 17 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 163
Shot: L | Previous rank: 35
Greig has been one of the biggest risers in the draft this season, with a strong finish to his WHL campaign. His vision is high-quality, as he makes good decisions with the puck in the offensive zone. He has some grit and commits to playing at both ends of the ice.
35. Marat Khusnutdinov, C, SKA St. Petersburg 2 (Russia Jr.)
Age: 17 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 176
Shot: L | Previous rank: 38
Khusnutdinov is not a big guy, but apparently no one told him that. He's an aggressive player with an unrelenting motor and a lack of shyness when it comes to the physical game or the hard areas of the ice. He can play with speed, too. Khusnutdinov captained Russia to a Hlinka Gretzky Cup title and was a key player for the team that won the World Junior A Challenge.
36. Ozzy Wiesblatt, RW, Prince Albert (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 183
Shot: R | Previous rank: 24
Wiesblatt has quick hands and can make plays with a good amount of speed. Despite not being a big body, he gets engaged physically and certainly competes at a high level. There aren't a ton of elite traits, but I do think his hand skills are in the upper tier of this draft, and he has some creativity. Wiesblatt has a very wide range of opinions in this draft, but I like what he brings to the table.
37. Jan Mysak, C, Hamilton (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 175
Shot: L | Previous rank: 26
Mysak made the jump from Czech professional hockey to the OHL, and it allowed him a better opportunity to showcase his full set of skills. Mysak is a very strong skater with good offensive instincts. He averaged over a point per game with Hamilton, and there is some two-way value, as he shows good effort at both ends of the ice. Mysak does a lot of things well but doesn't have many elite traits.
38. William Wallinder, D, Modo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
Age: 17 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 191
Shot: L | Previous rank: 37
There's a lot of projecting to do in Wallinder's game, as there's a bit of rawness to him. He has a big frame but needs to tack on some muscle. And while he has some intriguing offensive skills, he needs to finish plays better than he does. I need to see a little more from Wallinder in terms of hockey sense, and he could clean up his skating more to project more favorably. But there's enough to like here on potential alone.
39. Roni Hirvonen, C, Assat (Finland)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 164
Shot: L | Previous rank: 36
Hirvonen spent the entire season in Liiga with Assat, appearing in 52 games and averaging 14:39 per contest. He was given a pretty long leash, which is important for a player who tries to create. His size was an issue at times against the pros, but his hands are especially high-end. He's one of the better puck handlers in this class, but at his size, his skating holds him back a bit. Hirvonen has a choppier, heavier stride. His edges are fine, and he can use his feet to deceive, but he lacks quickness.
40. Topi Niemela, D, Karpat (Finland)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 156
Shot: R | Previous rank: 39
Niemela played pretty much the entire season in Finland's top pro league, and among young players in the league, he had pretty nice underlying numbers when it comes to puck possession -- Liiga tracked him with a 53% Corsi For percentage. He has solid puck-moving skills, and his skating is high-end. But his offensive numbers were, as expected, pretty low for a then-17-year-old.
41. Ty Smilanic, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 175
Shot: L | Previous rank: 40
Hampered by injury this season, Smilanic probably would have benefited from an extended season and playing in the IIHF World U18 Championship. He's one of the more athletic forwards in this group, playing with speed and strength and possessing the ability to make plays near the net. Looking at the totality of his two seasons at the NTDP, Smilanic was one of the top players in his age group and showcased solid offensive skills with enough commitment to the defensive game to provide two-way value.
42. Danil Gushchin, LW, Muskegon (USHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-8 | Wt: 165
Shot: L | Previous rank: 41
With some of the best hand skills in this draft, Guschin has been on the radar for a few years now. Spending two seasons in the USHL certainly challenged Guschin, who has the skill to beat players one-on-one and make things happen in the offensive zone. Sometimes he can try to do a little too much and needs to pick his spots better instead of trying to force things, but he certainly does not lack confidence. I'd like to see him get a little quicker with his feet, though.
43. Jean-Luc Foudy, C, Windsor (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 177
Shot: R | Previous rank: 42
His stock has fallen over the course of the season, but I still really like the things Foudy can bring to a team. He's arguably the fastest skater in the draft and gets north-south as well as anybody. The numbers weren't really there this season, and I've heard some concerns about his overall hockey sense, but Foudy can fit into so many different roles with his versatility.
44. Brandon Coe, RW, North Bay (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 188
Shot: R | Previous rank: 43
Coe gets up and down the ice very well for a bigger player, gets to the middle of the ice with relative ease against junior players and has the touch to make plays in tight. He doesn't have ridiculous skill, but Coe has a decent shot and good net drive. As he continues to get stronger, he should be able to physically impose himself on the opposition even more.
45. Helge Grans, D, Malmo Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 206
Shot: R | Previous rank: 45
Grans has a lot of good tools that teams search for in defensemen, including size and pretty solid passing skills. My biggest concern is his skating. The footwork is fine, but speed is only average, which is concerning in terms of defending a forecheck and retrieving pucks. But when he has the puck, there's not a lot of worry in his game. Grans makes good reads and smart, accurate passes.
46. Martin Chromiak, RW, Kingston (OHL)
Age: 17 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 187
Shot: R | Previous rank: 46
Chromiak made the jump to the OHL from the pro ranks in his home country of Slovakia at midseason. He played with 2022 draft-eligible phenom Shane Wright when he got to Kingston, and those two clicked in a significant way. Chromiak has to tack on some muscle, but his hand skills are very good. He owns a quick release and can get his shots off from just about any angle. On top of that, he makes quick decisions with the puck and seems to have a very good sense of how to maximize his abilities on the rush or in the offensive zone.
47. Tyler Kleven, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 200
Shot: L | Previous rank: 47
Kleven is a bit of a throwback, playing a heavier game that really challenges opposing forwards. He's so defensively sound with good positioning and the ability to close gaps. He hits to separate players from the puck and has an absolute clapper of a shot from the blue line. The issue is, as has been the case throughout his young career, Kleven really doesn't put up numbers. There's still a bit of rawness in his offensive game, but there are tools there to suggest a little more can be pulled out.
48. Zion Nybeck, LW, HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-7 | Wt: 182
Shot: L | Previous rank: 44
Nybeck is an especially intriguing prospect because of his exceptional skill level, but his size is a drawback. He could definitely stand to be quicker, and if he can strengthen his base some more, it will mitigate those size concerns. Nybeck put up historic numbers at the Swedish U20 level, as no forward 17 or younger has scored as many as Nybeck's 66 points in SuperElit.
49. Brock Faber, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 17 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 190
Shot: R | Previous rank: 62
A steady two-way defenseman with excellent skating ability, Faber didn't have remarkable numbers this season but still got involved in plays offensively. His mobility is key for him at both ends of the ice. He can aid the transition with his feet and makes good feeds up ice.
50. Sam Colangelo, RW, Chicago (USHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 205
Shot: R | Previous rank: 50
Colangelo brings size and skill to the table and scored a whole bunch for the high-flying Chicago Steel this season. He navigates the offensive zone very well and can make defenders miss with his stick skills. Although he did it regularly at the USHL level, I think Colangelo still needs to find some consistency in finishing off plays with the right read or right decision to get the best outcome. Also, at his size, he needs to be more engaged in tighter-checking games.
51. Emil Andrae, D, HV71 Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 181
Shot: L | Previous rank: 49
With high-end offensive instincts and poise with the puck, Andrae is a defenseman who doesn't meet the prototypical size standards by any means. Because of how well he thinks the game, there's still a good chance he'll be a top-two-round pick, but his skating might hold him back. His edgework is OK, but his straight-ahead speed is lacking for a player of his size.
52. Lukas Cormier, D, Charlottetown (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 180
Shot: L | Previous rank: 51
Opinions on Cormier are pretty wide-ranging, especially since he dealt with injuries at various points this season. It's hard to pinpoint one specific thing that stands out about his game aside from steadiness and decent offensive skills. There's a lot of "pretty good" in how he plays.
53. Dylan Peterson, C, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 192
Shot: R | Previous rank: 59
When I asked some of the NTDP players who on their team needed more draft attention, the answer was frequently Peterson. So I took them up on it and watched more Peterson film -- and they were on to something. Peterson has a big frame, and you can see his confidence grow as he gets stronger. He gets pucks to the middle of the ice and moves really well with some underrated skill. For a bigger guy, he has quick hands and good anticipation. The numbers didn't wow this season, but he was on a relatively low-scoring team, and I think he's just starting to find his stride.
54. Yan Kuznetsov, D, UConn (Hockey East)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 209
Shot: L | Previous rank: 53
He was the youngest player in the NCAA this season, but it rarely showed. Kuznetsov carries himself with a lot of poise and moves well for a hulking defenseman. Playing college hockey at 17 is a challenge for anyone, but Kuznetsov handled his defensive responsibilities really well, and UConn gave him pretty significant minutes. However, he had just two points in his final 18 games with the Huskies, as the offensive elements of his game still need a lot of refining.
55. William Cuylle, LW, Windsor (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 204
Shot: L | Previous rank: 52
A big power-forward type with solid north-south speed, Cuylle tends to play the game in straight lines, using his strength to create space for himself. He's able to physically impose himself on opposing teams at the junior level, but I want to see a bit more in terms of skill and offensive awareness to help maximize the physical tools he clearly possesses.
56. Justin Sourdif, RW, Vancouver (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 173
Shot: R | Previous rank: 55
There isn't a lot of power or quickness in his stride, but Sourdif thinks the game well and can make plays with his hands. But I think the skating limits his ceiling and makes him a riskier pick much higher than the late second or early third round.
57. Theodor Niederbach, C, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 172
Shot: R | Previous rank: 57
Niederbach had a great showing in the Swedish U20 ranks, where he spent the entire season. He performed at a high level internationally for Sweden this season, as well. He can make defenders miss and create chances, although he needs to work on his shot and puck protection.
58. Luke Evangelista, RW, London (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 166
Shot: R | Previous rank: 56
Playing on London's top line, Evangelista was always going to put up points. He averaged nearly a point per game and kept up with 2019 first-rounder Connor McMichael, which is no small task. It takes a smart player to help maximize the talents of better teammates, and in my viewings, Evangelista was more than a passenger.
59. Kasper Simontaival, RW, Tappara Jr. (Finland Jr.)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 177
Shot: R | Previous rank: 58
He's small but quick with excellent hands and a desire to create. Simontaival put up big numbers in Finland's top junior league this season but couldn't quite find his game against pros. There's a lot of room for him to improve certain elements of his game, but I think his speed helps lessen any size worries.
60. Sean Farrell, C, Chicago (USHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 175
Shot: L | Previous rank: 60
Farrell was part of that loaded U.S. U18 team last season, but his late birth date pushed him into the 2020 draft. And spending an extra year in the USHL with the Steel was great for the Harvard-bound forward, as he got a chance to be a featured player offensively. He is a speedster with great work ethic and a motor that just doesn't quit, and while size is the main concern at this point, Farrell has the vision to make plays without exceptional puck skills.
61. Daniel Torgersson, LW, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden Jr.)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 199
Shot: L | Previous rank: 61
A big forward with good range and good-enough skating ability, Torgersson was physically dominant in the Swedish U20 ranks. He got a small taste of the pro level with Frolunda but didn't play much. Torgersson has power tendencies in his game, so we'll have to see how he handles bigger, stronger competition.
62. Egor Sokolov, LW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 235
Shot: R | Previous rank: 63
Passed over in each of the past two drafts with valid concerns about his fitness level and foot speed, Sokolov made a statement this season. He was a top scorer in the QMJHL with 92 points and was excellent for Russia at the World Juniors. Sokolov is a massive human with quick hands and a great shot. I think teams are still leery of the fitness and speed, but I am seeing a player who keeps getting better.
63. Daemon Hunt, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 198
Shot: L | Previous rank: 64
Hunt missed most of the season but has a pretty solid body of work. His best attributes come in the defensive zone where he anticipates well and can break up plays. His passing and ability to get the puck out of the zone are also pretty solid, and he skates just fine to make an impact.
64. Eemil Viro, D, TPS (Finland)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 165
Shot: L | Previous rank: 65
A strong skater, Viro spent a lot of his season at the top pro level in Finland. There wasn't much of an opportunity for him to create offensively, and he got overwhelmed at times by older players. However, there's a base of skills that is awfully intriguing, including his strong skating ability. He's a competent passer and will help teams on the rush.
65. Brett Berard, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 17 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 155
Shot: L | Previous rank: 66
After a strong season with the NTDP, Berard rose up the charts. He has good speed and work ethic with some understated yet quality hand skills. Berard had a particularly strong showing against USHL opponents this season, where he showcased the more advanced offensive ability that allowed him to be one of the top scorers for the U.S. U18 team.
66. Ryan Francis, RW, Cape Breton (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 170
Shot: R | Previous rank: 67
After improving his point total by 40 points in a strong third season in the QMJHL, Francis deservedly garnered a lot more attention. He has a good work ethic and solid if unspectacular skills that proved effective for him.
67. Luke Tuch, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 203
Shot: L | Previous rank: 68
Luke has many of the same qualities of his older brother, Vegas Golden Knights forward Alex Tuch. The size and net-front presence stand out right away. Tuch moves well and gets to the dirty areas to create his offense. There's some good skill there, too, as Tuch can make soft-touch plays near the net. Unlike his older brother who went to Boston College, he's headed down Commonwealth Avenue to play for Boston University.
68. Carter Savoie, LW, Sherwood Park (AJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 192
Shot: L | Previous rank: 71
Puck skills and creativity are big hallmarks of Savoie's game. He averaged nearly a goal per game in the AJHL and can make next-level offensive reads. But if Savoie is going to make it, he has to up his competitiveness level. He doesn't shy away from contact or get buried, but he can disappear into tighter-checking games where he doesn't have the room to operate as desired.
69. Roby Jarventie, LW, Koovee (Finland 2)
Age: 17 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 184
Shot: L | Previous rank: 72
Jarventie's draft profile rose over the course of the season, as he averaged over a point per game as one of the few U18 regulars in Finland's second division. He has good offensive instincts to go along with a big body that doesn't get pushed around in front of the net.
70. Tyler Tullio, RW, Oshawa (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 165
Shot: R | Previous rank: 70
A player with good quickness and an especially quick release on his shot, Tullio disrupts the opposition well. He's almost gnat-like with the way he hounds the puck. That little extra bit of competitive fire helps him overcome below-average size.
71. Eamon Powell, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 165
Shot: R | Previous rank: 73
Powell does not have numbers that jump off the page, but he is a very talented puck-mover with higher-end hockey sense. He retrieves pucks well and can make plays in his own zone to avoid pressure. Powell is probably not going to be a minutes-eater, but I could see him as a strong complementary player in a depth role. He's a longer-term prospect who should get some really strong development at Boston College.
72. Mitchell Miller, D, Tri-City (USHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 180
Shot: R | Previous rank: 54
A USHL first-team All-Star, Miller had a strong season in a league that is particularly tough for defensemen to score in. His game really grew in his second USHL season after moving from Cedar Rapids to Tri-City, and he saw his offensive game take off. Miller is an excellent skater with good physical strength to win battles. He plays smart and fast, and he has performed particularly well against higher levels of competition.
73. Donovan Sebrango, D, Kitchener (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 189
Shot: L | Previous rank: 74
An athletic defenseman who skates well and can play a physical game, Sebrango doesn't offer a ton of offensive upside. He makes a good first pass and can get pucks up the ice, but you won't see him jumping into the play excessively. He's a pretty smart player who gives his team a lot of confidence in its own zone.
74. Declan Carlile, D, Merrimack (Hockey East)
Age: 20 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 190
Shot: L | Previous rank: 77
A third-year eligible player who never really distinguished himself before, Carlile was a top-pairing defenseman at the Division I level this season, and his game really took off. Merrimack struggled as a team, but Carlile put up 22 points in 34 games and was matching up against top teams' best lines and holding his own.
75. Connor McClennon, RW, Winnipeg (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-8 | Wt: 163
Shot: R | Previous rank: 75
A smaller forward with good hand skills and vision, McClennon has sharp offensive instincts. He missed 20 games this season but had the second-best scoring pace among U18 players in the WHL.
76. Michael Benning, D, Sherwood Park (AJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 177
Shot: R | Previous rank: 69
Benning has excellent offensive ability. There's some creativity there, and he certainly has high-end vision. Defensively, however, there's a lot left to be desired, and he's going to need to get stronger to avoid being pushed around. In higher levels of competition, he struggled to do the things that make him successful -- getting the puck up the ice and burning teams in transition.
77. Alexander Pashin, RW, Ufa 2 (Russia Jr.)
Age: 17 | Ht: 5-8 | Wt: 154
Shot: L | Previous rank: 82
A small but dynamic forward, Pashin had a spectacular Hlinka Gretzky Cup before somewhat underwhelming in other events and throughout the MHL season. There are some special tools with him, including an elite release and high-end shiftiness, but I imagine his size and the "Russian factor" -- a lengthier time frame in getting him to North America and a harder pro projection -- could lead to this talented spark plug getting passed over.
78. Drew Commesso, G, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 17 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 180
Catch: L | Previous rank: 78
Commesso has good size and poise in the net, plays a technically sound game and doesn't waste a lot of movements. He had very few bad outings this season and seemed to thrive in games where he saw a lot of pucks.
79. Jacob Truscott, D, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 170
Shot: L | Previous rank: 79
Truscott has pretty decent range and showed better offensive tools this season. I think his footwork could stand to improve, but he should be a nice project pick for whoever selects him.
80. Nicolas Daws, G, Guelph (OHL)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 199
Catch: L | Previous rank: 80
Daws really transformed himself coming into this season, shedding weight and getting focused -- and it paid off in a big way. He was excellent for Guelph, as he posted the best save percentage in the OHL and led the league with five shutouts.
81. Maxim Groshev, RW, Nizhnekamsk (Russia)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 194
Shot: L | Previous rank: NR
Groshev has good mobility, and he didn't look out of place in KHL games this season. I'd like to see his hockey sense come along a little more to match his immense physical toolkit and improve his projection down the line.
82. Jaromir Pytlik, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 200
Shot: R | Previous rank: 76
A big body with strong two-way play, Pytlik does very few things that jump out at you. His stride is a little heavier, but he uses his big frame well to protect the puck. His smarts stand out, but there may be limited offensive upside here as the game's pace picks up.
83. Tristen Robins, RW, Saskatoon (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 176
Shot: R | Previous rank: NR
Robins wasn't in my original top 100 ranking, but I've heard his name quite a bit over the past few months for that reason. So I went back and did some extra homework on him. The skating remains a big question mark for me, but his hand skills and hockey sense are certainly high-end assets.
84. Cross Hanas, LW, Portland (WHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 167
Shot: L | Previous rank: 83
The Texas-born Hanas has nice creativity in his game and confidence in his hands. He skates well and has a strong frame with physical strength. It's harder to see where he fits long term because his play away from the puck needs to improve, but there's no doubt his skill lends itself to upside.
85. Joni Jurmo, D, Jokerit Jr. (Finland Jr.)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 190
Shot: L | Previous rank: 84
Jurmo has flown up the draft boards this year, and it's not hard to see why. He is big and mobile with strong offensive attributes, though he still needs work defensively.
86. Jan Bednar, G, Sokolov (Czech 2)
Age: 17 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 196
Catch: L | Previous rank: 85
Bednar's numbers this season look ugly, but he has played some high-pressure hockey behind poor teams in recent years. Not many goalies get into their home nation's top pro league at 16 years old as Bednar did in 2018-19. He has size and athleticism but could use a lot more development time to hit what appears to be a pretty high ceiling.
87. Alex Laferriere, RW, Des Moines (USHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 173
Shot: R | Previous rank: 87
Laferriere makes a lot of smart plays, and he created offense at an especially high rate for the USHL. He led the Des Moines Buccaneers in scoring and can be involved at both ends of the ice.
88. Wyatt Kaiser, D, Andover (High School)
Age: 17 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 173
Shot: L | Previous rank: 89
Kaiser had a terrific season with Andover, leading the team to the Minnesota state tournament. He controlled games at the high school level from the back end, and he skates extremely well. Kaiser is expected to play in college next season at Minnesota Duluth.
89. Zachary Uens, D, Merrimack (Hockey East)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 180
Shot: L | Previous rank: 88
A second-year-eligible defenseman who was thrust into a substantial role at the NCAA level, Uens had to play a solid two-way game for Merrimack. He earned the trust of the coaching staff there as a true freshman and played against tough matchups.
90. Ian Moore, D, St. Mark's School (High School)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 171
Shot: R | Previous rank: 92
Good size, a frame to grow into and a dominant performance in the New England prep ranks this season have Moore fairly high on a lot of boards. He is committed to Harvard, which has been a pretty solid development ground for offense-minded blueliners like Moore. But I always tend to hedge more on the high school and prep players, though there's plenty to like in Moore's growing game.
91. Ethan Edwards, D, Spruce Grove (AJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 166
Shot: L | Previous rank: 91
Edwards has a wide range of draft outcomes because of his size. That said, I think his puck skills are on the higher end among defensemen in this draft. He has creativity with the puck on his stick and gets his shot off quick.
92. James Hardie, LW, Mississauga (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 176
Shot: L | Previous rank: 94
Hardie has a nice skill set with particularly good hands and a good shot. He finished fifth among U18 players in the OHL in goals (34) and was an offensive catalyst for Mississauga this season.
93. Theo Rochette, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 161
Shot: L | Previous rank: 93
Rochette has good offensive skill, but he was traded away from a title contender and never really took the next step, despite lofty expectations coming into the season.
94. Antonio Stranges, LW, London (OHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 5-10 | Wt: 168
Shot: L | Previous rank: 95
At one point viewed as the top American in the draft, Stranges underwhelmed this season. But he has offensive tools, not the least of which is his unique and deceptive skating ability.
95. Ryder Rolston, RW, Waterloo (USHL)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 175
Shot: R | Previous rank: 96
Rolston runs a little hot and cold. You can see the flashes of skill, strong skating and a good shot, but consistency has been an issue. The son of former NHL player Brian Rolston still has time to find his own game.
96. Ben Meehan, D, Cedar Rapids (USHL)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 178
Shot: L | Previous rank: 97
This is more of a flier on a second-year eligible who was injured most of the season, but when he was healthy, Meehan was effective. He has good offensive skills and poise with the puck. He played in only 25 games this season but had 18 points for a typically low-scoring team in Cedar Rapids. I doubt Meehan will go in the first half of the draft, but I think he deserves to get a long look from NHL teams.
97. Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, Ufa (Russia)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 178
Shot: L | Previous rank: 98
Mukhamadulin's decision-making leaves a lot to be desired at this point. But he has a base of tools with which a team can work, especially with that big frame and solid mobility. He got into KHL games this season but had limited usage.
98. Landon Slaggert, LW, USA U18 (NTDP)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 180
Shot: L | Previous rank: 99
All-out effort every shift is what you get with Slaggert. He's a two-way forward with good speed and enough skill to contribute in a scoring depth role.
99. Blake Biondi, C, Hermantown (High School)
Age: 18 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 191
Shot: R | Previous rank: 100
Minnesota's Mr. Hockey has some tremendous physical tools, which is why a lot of scouts were hoping to see him get challenged more. Biondi chose to stay in school and helped lead Hermantown to the brink of a state title. Heading to Minnesota Duluth next season, he'll be challenged but given a good chance to develop.
100. Samuel Hlavaj, G, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)
Age: 19 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 218
Catch: L | Previous rank: 81
After being passed over in last year's draft, Hlavaj became a top goalie in the QMJHL this season. He has good size and raw tools. In international competition within the U20 and U18 levels, he has often been the only player keeping Slovakia competitive.