Tryamkin's 2024 Winter Draft Rankings

[Tryamkin]

Hi all, long time no see.

This year I've had much more time to watch hockey and have been able to get an earlier start on my rankings for the 2024 season. I'll probably put out a post U18's tournament and a usual final ranking when I have time to sort and make sense of my notes.

Anyways, here's my top 100 for the year so far. These players have all been viewed at least once, some a few more times than others and you can probably see teams I've watched more of than others show in the list but that will be smoothed out for June. Some players have only been viewed through highlights, but most have at least been through a shift by shift or condensed highlights form. Others have been watched in person or full games. As always, open to questions in the comments.

1. C Macklin Celebrini - Boston University, NCAA
2. RW Ivan Demidov - SKA St. Petersburg, MHL
3. C/RW Konsta Helenius - Jukurit, Liiga
4. C/LW Berkly Catton - Spokane Chiefs, WHL
5. LD Zeev Buium - Univ. of Denver, NCAA
6. LD Sam Dickinson - London Knights, OHL
7. RD Artyom Levshunov - Michigan St. Univ., NCAA
8. C/LW Cayden Lindstrom - Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL
9. LW Cole Eiserman - U18’s, USNTDP
10. LD Anton Silayev - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL
11. C/LW Tij Iginla - Kelowna Rockets, WHL
12. RD Zayne Parekh - Saginaw Spirit, OHL
13. LW/C Trevor Connely - Tri-City Storm, USHL
14. RD Carter Yakemchuk - Calgary Hitmen, WHL
15. RW Terik Parascak - Prince George Cougars, WHL
16. RW Liam Greentree - Windsor Spitfires, OHL
17. LW/RW Nikita Artamonov - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL
18. RW Michael Brandsegg-Nygard - Mora, SHL
19. LD Alfons Freij - Växjö Lakers, J20 Nationell
20. RD Adam Jiricek - Plzen, Extraliga
21. C Jett Luchanko - Guelph Storm, OHL
22. LW Andrew Basha - Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL
23. RW Emil Hemming - TPS, Liiga
24. LW Igor Chernyshov - Dynamo Moscow, MHL
25. C Luke Misa - Mississauga Steelheads, OHL
26. C Sacha Boisvert - Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL
27. C Simon Zether - Rogle BK, SHL
28. LD Aron Kiviharju - HIFK, Liiga
29. C/LW Michael Hage - Chicago Steel, USHL
30. LD Matvei Shuravin - CSKA Moscow, KHL
31. LD Leo Sahlin Wallenius - Vaxjo Lakers, J20 Nationell
32. LD Cole Hutson - U18’s, USNTDP
33. RD Charlie Elick - Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
34. RW Maxim Masse - Chicoutimi Sagueneens, QMJHL
35. RW Beckett Sennecke - Oshawa Generals, OHL
36. RD Henry Mews - Ottawa 76’s, OHL
37. RD E.J. Emery - U18’s, USNTDP
38. RD Dominik Badinka - Malmo Redhawks, SHL
39. RW Ryder Ritchie - Prince Albert Raiders, WHL
40. LD Veeti Vaisanen - KooKoo, Liiga
41. C Lucas Pettersson - MoDo, J20 Nationell
42. LW Marek Vanacker - Brantford Bulldogs, OHL
43. C Kamil Bednarik - U18’s, USNTDP
44. LD Tomas Galvas - Bílí Tygři Liberec, Extraliga
45. LW Matvei Gridin - Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL
46. C Linus Eriksson - Djurgarden, J20 Nationell
47. LW/RW Tanner Howe - Regina Pats, WHL
48. C Yegor Surin - Loko Yaroslavl, MHL
49. LD Noel Fransén - Farjestad, J20 Nationell
50. RD Harrison Brunicke - Kamloops Blazers, WHL
51. LD Lukas Fischer - Sarnia Sting, OHL
52. C/RW Miguel Marques - Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL
53. LD Jesse Pulkkinen - JYP, Liiga
54. C Cole Beaudoin - Barrie Colts, OHL
55. C Raoul Boilard - Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL
56. C/LW Jack Berglund - Färjestad BK, SHL
57. LD Stian Solberg - Vålerenga, Norway
58. LW/C Alexandre Blais - Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
59. LD Leon Muggli - Zug, NL
60. LD Will Skahan - U18’s, USNTDP
61. RW Justin Poirier - Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL
62. C Topias Hynninen - Jukurit, Liiga
63. LW/C John Mustard - Waterloo Black Hawks, USHL
64. C Dean Letourneau - St. Andrews, CAHS
65. LW/C Clark Caswell - Swift Current Broncos, WHL
66. LD Alexander Siryatsky - Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk, MHL
67. RW Melvin Fernstrom - Orebro, J20 Nationell
68. LW Ondrej Kos - KOOVEE, Mestis
69. LD Tarin Smith - Everett Silvertips, WHL
70. RW Sam O’Reilly - London Knights, OHL
71. RD Sebastian Soini - KOOVEE, Mestis
72. RD Colton Roberts - Vancouver Giants, WHL
73. RW Adam Jecho - Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL
74. C Alexander Zetterberg - Örebro, J20 Nationell
75. C Yegor Graf - SKA St. Petersburg, MHL
76. RD Luca Marrelli - Oshawa Generals, OHL
77. C Maxmillian Curran - Tri-City Americans, WHL
78. RW Julius Miettinen - Everett Silvertips, WHL
79. C Christian Humphreys - U18’s, USNTDP
80. C Tuomas Suoniemi - Kiekko-Espoo, U20 SM-Sarja
81. RD Anthony Cristoforo - Windsor Spitfires, OHL
82. LW Teddy Stiga - U18’s, USNTDP
83. LD Daniil Ustinkov - Zurich Lions, NL
84. LW/RW Herman Traff - HV71, J20 Nationell
85. LD Marcus Kearsey - Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL
86. RD Spencer Gill - Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
87. RW Ilya Pautov - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL
88. RW Jacob Battaglia - Kingston Frontenacs, OHL
89. RW Jack Pridham - West Kelowna Warriors, BCHL
90. LD Niilopekka Muhonen - KalPa, U20 SM-Sarja
91. RW Carson Wetsch - Calgary Hitmen, WHL
92. C Aatos Koivu - TPS, U20 SM-Sarja
93. C/LW Max Plante - U18’s, USNTDP
94. RW Kasper Pikkarainen - TPS, U20 SM Sarja
95. C/LW Oskar Vuollet - Skelleftea, J20 Nationell
96. LD Timur Kol - Omskie Krylia, VHL
97. C Riley Patterson - Barrie Colts, OHL
98. RD Ben Danford - Oshawa Generals, OHL
99. C Ollie Josephson - Red Deer Rebels, WHL
100. RD Tomas Lavoie - Cape Breton Eagles, QMJHL

Click to read more...

 

[Stewie Griffin]

My biggest takeaway is I'm no where near as high on Helenius as you. I'd have him in the 10-13 range.

Levshunov is RD. Good job though, not many people actually post their lists but rather critic others.

 

[Goodman68]

Hi all, long time no see.

This year I've had much more time to watch hockey and have been able to get an earlier start on my rankings for the 2024 season. I'll probably put out a post U18's tournament and a usual final ranking when I have time to sort and make sense of my notes.

Anyways, here's my top 100 for the year so far. These players have all been viewed at least once, some a few more times than others and you can probably see teams I've watched more of than others show in the list but that will be smoothed out for June. Some players have only been viewed through highlights, but most have at least been through a shift by shift or condensed highlights form. Others have been watched in person or full games. As always, open to questions in the comments.

1. C Macklin Celebrini - Boston University, NCAA
2. RW Ivan Demidov - SKA St. Petersburg, MHL
3. C/RW Konsta Helenius - Jukurit, Liiga
4. C/LW Berkly Catton - Spokane Chiefs, WHL
5. LD Zeev Buium - Univ. of Denver, NCAA
6. LD Sam Dickinson - London Knights, OHL
7. RD Artyom Levshunov - Michigan St. Univ., NCAA
8. C/LW Cayden Lindstrom - Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL
9. LW Cole Eiserman - U18’s, USNTDP
10. LD Anton Silayev - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL
11. C/LW Tij Iginla - Kelowna Rockets, WHL
12. RD Zayne Parekh - Saginaw Spirit, OHL
13. LW/C Trevor Connely - Tri-City Storm, USHL
14. RD Carter Yakemchuk - Calgary Hitmen, WHL
15. RW Terik Parascak - Prince George Cougars, WHL
16. RW Liam Greentree - Windsor Spitfires, OHL
17. LW/RW Nikita Artamonov - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL
18. RW Michael Brandsegg-Nygard - Mora, SHL
19. LD Alfons Freij - Växjö Lakers, J20 Nationell
20. RD Adam Jiricek - Plzen, Extraliga
21. C Jett Luchanko - Guelph Storm, OHL
22. LW Andrew Basha - Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL
23. RW Emil Hemming - TPS, Liiga
24. LW Igor Chernyshov - Dynamo Moscow, MHL
25. C Luke Misa - Mississauga Steelheads, OHL
26. C Sacha Boisvert - Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL
27. C Simon Zether - Rogle BK, SHL
28. LD Aron Kiviharju - HIFK, Liiga
29. C/LW Michael Hage - Chicago Steel, USHL
30. LD Matvei Shuravin - CSKA Moscow, KHL
31. LD Leo Sahlin Wallenius - Vaxjo Lakers, J20 Nationell
32. LD Cole Hutson - U18’s, USNTDP
33. RD Charlie Elick - Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
34. RW Maxim Masse - Chicoutimi Sagueneens, QMJHL
35. RW Beckett Sennecke - Oshawa Generals, OHL
36. RD Henry Mews - Ottawa 76’s, OHL
37. RD E.J. Emery - U18’s, USNTDP
38. RD Dominik Badinka - Malmo Redhawks, SHL
39. RW Ryder Ritchie - Prince Albert Raiders, WHL
40. LD Veeti Vaisanen - KooKoo, Liiga
41. C Lucas Pettersson - MoDo, J20 Nationell
42. LW Marek Vanacker - Brantford Bulldogs, OHL
43. C Kamil Bednarik - U18’s, USNTDP
44. LD Tomas Galvas - Bílí Tygři Liberec, Extraliga
45. LW Matvei Gridin - Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL
46. C Linus Eriksson - Djurgarden, J20 Nationell
47. LW/RW Tanner Howe - Regina Pats, WHL
48. C Yegor Surin - Loko Yaroslavl, MHL
49. LD Noel Fransén - Farjestad, J20 Nationell
50. RD Harrison Brunicke - Kamloops Blazers, WHL
51. LD Lukas Fischer - Sarnia Sting, OHL
52. C/RW Miguel Marques - Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL
53. LD Jesse Pulkkinen - JYP, Liiga
54. C Cole Beaudoin - Barrie Colts, OHL
55. C Raoul Boilard - Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL
56. C/LW Jack Berglund - Färjestad BK, SHL
57. LD Stian Solberg - Vålerenga, Norway
58. LW/C Alexandre Blais - Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
59. LD Leon Muggli - Zug, NL
60. LD Will Skahan - U18’s, USNTDP
61. RW Justin Poirier - Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL
62. C Topias Hynninen - Jukurit, Liiga
63. LW/C John Mustard - Waterloo Black Hawks, USHL
64. C Dean Letourneau - St. Andrews, CAHS
65. LW/C Clark Caswell - Swift Current Broncos, WHL
66. LD Alexander Siryatsky - Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk, MHL
67. RW Melvin Fernstrom - Orebro, J20 Nationell
68. LW Ondrej Kos - KOOVEE, Mestis
69. LD Tarin Smith - Everett Silvertips, WHL
70. RW Sam O’Reilly - London Knights, OHL
71. RD Sebastian Soini - KOOVEE, Mestis
72. RD Colton Roberts - Vancouver Giants, WHL
73. RW Adam Jecho - Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL
74. C Alexander Zetterberg - Örebro, J20 Nationell
75. C Yegor Graf - SKA St. Petersburg, MHL
76. RD Luca Marrelli - Oshawa Generals, OHL
77. C Maxmillian Curran - Tri-City Americans, WHL
78. RW Julius Miettinen - Everett Silvertips, WHL
79. C Christian Humphreys - U18’s, USNTDP
80. C Tuomas Suoniemi - Kiekko-Espoo, U20 SM-Sarja
81. RD Anthony Cristoforo - Windsor Spitfires, OHL
82. LW Teddy Stiga - U18’s, USNTDP
83. LD Daniil Ustinkov - Zurich Lions, NL
84. LW/RW Herman Traff - HV71, J20 Nationell
85. LD Marcus Kearsey - Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL
86. RD Spencer Gill - Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
87. RW Ilya Pautov - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL
88. RW Jacob Battaglia - Kingston Frontenacs, OHL
89. RW Jack Pridham - West Kelowna Warriors, BCHL
90. LD Niilopekka Muhonen - KalPa, U20 SM-Sarja
91. RW Carson Wetsch - Calgary Hitmen, WHL
92. C Aatos Koivu - TPS, U20 SM-Sarja
93. C/LW Max Plante - U18’s, USNTDP
94. RW Kasper Pikkarainen - TPS, U20 SM Sarja
95. C/LW Oskar Vuollet - Skelleftea, J20 Nationell
96. LD Timur Kol - Omskie Krylia, VHL
97. C Riley Patterson - Barrie Colts, OHL
98. RD Ben Danford - Oshawa Generals, OHL
99. C Ollie Josephson - Red Deer Rebels, WHL
100. RD Tomas Lavoie - Cape Breton Eagles, QMJHL

From the point of view of czech players, this is probably a realistic estimate.

 

[austin63867]

Very strong ranking

 

[WTFMAN99]

Hi all, long time no see.

This year I've had much more time to watch hockey and have been able to get an earlier start on my rankings for the 2024 season. I'll probably put out a post U18's tournament and a usual final ranking when I have time to sort and make sense of my notes.

Anyways, here's my top 100 for the year so far. These players have all been viewed at least once, some a few more times than others and you can probably see teams I've watched more of than others show in the list but that will be smoothed out for June. Some players have only been viewed through highlights, but most have at least been through a shift by shift or condensed highlights form. Others have been watched in person or full games. As always, open to questions in the comments.

1. C Macklin Celebrini - Boston University, NCAA
2. RW Ivan Demidov - SKA St. Petersburg, MHL
3. C/RW Konsta Helenius - Jukurit, Liiga
4. C/LW Berkly Catton - Spokane Chiefs, WHL
5. LD Zeev Buium - Univ. of Denver, NCAA
6. LD Sam Dickinson - London Knights, OHL
7. RD Artyom Levshunov - Michigan St. Univ., NCAA
8. C/LW Cayden Lindstrom - Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL
9. LW Cole Eiserman - U18’s, USNTDP
10. LD Anton Silayev - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL
11. C/LW Tij Iginla - Kelowna Rockets, WHL
12. RD Zayne Parekh - Saginaw Spirit, OHL
13. LW/C Trevor Connely - Tri-City Storm, USHL
14. RD Carter Yakemchuk - Calgary Hitmen, WHL
15. RW Terik Parascak - Prince George Cougars, WHL
16. RW Liam Greentree - Windsor Spitfires, OHL
17. LW/RW Nikita Artamonov - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL
18. RW Michael Brandsegg-Nygard - Mora, SHL
19. LD Alfons Freij - Växjö Lakers, J20 Nationell
20. RD Adam Jiricek - Plzen, Extraliga
21. C Jett Luchanko - Guelph Storm, OHL
22. LW Andrew Basha - Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL
23. RW Emil Hemming - TPS, Liiga
24. LW Igor Chernyshov - Dynamo Moscow, MHL
25. C Luke Misa - Mississauga Steelheads, OHL
26. C Sacha Boisvert - Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL
27. C Simon Zether - Rogle BK, SHL
28. LD Aron Kiviharju - HIFK, Liiga
29. C/LW Michael Hage - Chicago Steel, USHL
30. LD Matvei Shuravin - CSKA Moscow, KHL
31. LD Leo Sahlin Wallenius - Vaxjo Lakers, J20 Nationell
32. LD Cole Hutson - U18’s, USNTDP
33. RD Charlie Elick - Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
34. RW Maxim Masse - Chicoutimi Sagueneens, QMJHL
35. RW Beckett Sennecke - Oshawa Generals, OHL
36. RD Henry Mews - Ottawa 76’s, OHL
37. RD E.J. Emery - U18’s, USNTDP
38. RD Dominik Badinka - Malmo Redhawks, SHL
39. RW Ryder Ritchie - Prince Albert Raiders, WHL
40. LD Veeti Vaisanen - KooKoo, Liiga
41. C Lucas Pettersson - MoDo, J20 Nationell
42. LW Marek Vanacker - Brantford Bulldogs, OHL
43. C Kamil Bednarik - U18’s, USNTDP
44. LD Tomas Galvas - Bílí Tygři Liberec, Extraliga
45. LW Matvei Gridin - Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL
46. C Linus Eriksson - Djurgarden, J20 Nationell
47. LW/RW Tanner Howe - Regina Pats, WHL
48. C Yegor Surin - Loko Yaroslavl, MHL
49. LD Noel Fransén - Farjestad, J20 Nationell
50. RD Harrison Brunicke - Kamloops Blazers, WHL
51. LD Lukas Fischer - Sarnia Sting, OHL
52. C/RW Miguel Marques - Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL
53. LD Jesse Pulkkinen - JYP, Liiga
54. C Cole Beaudoin - Barrie Colts, OHL
55. C Raoul Boilard - Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL
56. C/LW Jack Berglund - Färjestad BK, SHL
57. LD Stian Solberg - Vålerenga, Norway
58. LW/C Alexandre Blais - Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
59. LD Leon Muggli - Zug, NL
60. LD Will Skahan - U18’s, USNTDP
61. RW Justin Poirier - Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL
62. C Topias Hynninen - Jukurit, Liiga
63. LW/C John Mustard - Waterloo Black Hawks, USHL
64. C Dean Letourneau - St. Andrews, CAHS
65. LW/C Clark Caswell - Swift Current Broncos, WHL
66. LD Alexander Siryatsky - Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk, MHL
67. RW Melvin Fernstrom - Orebro, J20 Nationell
68. LW Ondrej Kos - KOOVEE, Mestis
69. LD Tarin Smith - Everett Silvertips, WHL
70. RW Sam O’Reilly - London Knights, OHL
71. RD Sebastian Soini - KOOVEE, Mestis
72. RD Colton Roberts - Vancouver Giants, WHL
73. RW Adam Jecho - Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL
74. C Alexander Zetterberg - Örebro, J20 Nationell
75. C Yegor Graf - SKA St. Petersburg, MHL
76. RD Luca Marrelli - Oshawa Generals, OHL
77. C Maxmillian Curran - Tri-City Americans, WHL
78. RW Julius Miettinen - Everett Silvertips, WHL
79. C Christian Humphreys - U18’s, USNTDP
80. C Tuomas Suoniemi - Kiekko-Espoo, U20 SM-Sarja
81. RD Anthony Cristoforo - Windsor Spitfires, OHL
82. LW Teddy Stiga - U18’s, USNTDP
83. LD Daniil Ustinkov - Zurich Lions, NL
84. LW/RW Herman Traff - HV71, J20 Nationell
85. LD Marcus Kearsey - Charlottetown Islanders, QMJHL
86. RD Spencer Gill - Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
87. RW Ilya Pautov - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, MHL
88. RW Jacob Battaglia - Kingston Frontenacs, OHL
89. RW Jack Pridham - West Kelowna Warriors, BCHL
90. LD Niilopekka Muhonen - KalPa, U20 SM-Sarja
91. RW Carson Wetsch - Calgary Hitmen, WHL
92. C Aatos Koivu - TPS, U20 SM-Sarja
93. C/LW Max Plante - U18’s, USNTDP
94. RW Kasper Pikkarainen - TPS, U20 SM Sarja
95. C/LW Oskar Vuollet - Skelleftea, J20 Nationell
96. LD Timur Kol - Omskie Krylia, VHL
97. C Riley Patterson - Barrie Colts, OHL
98. RD Ben Danford - Oshawa Generals, OHL
99. C Ollie Josephson - Red Deer Rebels, WHL
100. RD Tomas Lavoie - Cape Breton Eagles, QMJHL

I'll always say thank you for contributing.

 

[Goon42]

I'm interested in your thoughts on Anton Silayev. Does he actually have upside? Or is he just tall? (I don't see it)

 

[Tryamkin]

I'm interested in your thoughts on Anton Silayev. Does he actually have upside? Or is he just tall? (I don't see it)

He definitely has upside. He's one of the most mobile big defensemen I've ever seen. His IQ seems underdeveloped and he makes many mistakes but he's a unicorn that has a chance to be a top pairing defenseman as he develops his puck-handling and offensive skill.

 

[BerthMania]

Thanks foe list, I always appreciate the insight of people who watch games because their opinion is actually based on evidence.

I have a couple question.

Konsta Helenius at #3 I understand the appeal, he has an unreal season in a men's league, stats wise he's comparable to other finn studs. But my problem is he is not super fast, nor super big, nor super super strong. He lacks any physical elite trait. There are some excellent NHL players that are below 6 feet and are not super fast, but not that much. I have a hard time finding what will make him incredible in the NHL.

Why is Zeev Buium the best D in your view?

Kiviharju is a player I'm always curious about, because I remember when he was 16 he was better then players a couple years older then him, he really caught my eye. I know he's been injured this year, but why isn't he considered at a higher level considering the elite levvel he had at 16?

 

[Tryamkin]

Thanks foe list, I always appreciate the insight of people who watch games because their opinion is actually based on evidence.

I have a couple question.

Konsta Helenius at #3 I understand the appeal, he has an unreal season in a men's league, stats wise he's comparable to other finn studs. But my problem is he is not super fast, nor super big, nor super super strong. He lacks any physical elite trait. There are some excellent NHL players that are below 6 feet and are not super fast, but not that much. I have a hard time finding what will make him incredible in the NHL.

Why is Zeev Buium the best D in your view?

Kiviharju is a player I'm always curious about, because I remember when he was 16 he was better then players a couple years older then him, he really caught my eye. I know he's been injured this year, but why isn't he considered at a higher level considering the elite levvel he had at 16?

Thanks!

Helenius is in that group that most consider the 2-9 tier that doesn't have any sort of front runners. What separates him for me ahead of those ranked behind in that tier is his style of play. As you mentioned, he's producing and relied upon for a big role on Jukurit and he looks like he belongs. He's not 6'3 but I don't think 5'11 is small by any means. He is definitely a strong player and has physical tools that help him in board battles. He really is a smart player and his anticipation and IQ are really apparent when watching. He's not fast but he gains his advantage with his brain. I think there's room to grow not only physically in stature but also in an offensive sense. He displays creativity with his playmaking at times but often opts for the safe moves which shows maturity. In reality I think his game is suited to the NHL very well and I think he'll go higher than some expect.

Buium just has the total package. He's electric on offense but defensively really aware and responsible at times. Screams top pair defenseman. Not too small and his brother is three of four inches taller so he could still grow as well. There's been some knocks on his skating but it's really nothing more than some bad habits that can be fixed. Most complete defenseman available and really not too many flaws.

Kiviharju is a talented kid, everyone knows that. With his now two bad knee injuries and the weak season he started with in the Liiga this year, his stock was going down regardless. With his size, strength and speed being not up to par, he's just too risky to consider in the top 15. He's one of those ones that could look like a steal later but NHL teams will be looking at each other like "who's gonna do it? not me..". I have this same trepidation when it comes to his potential future success due to injuries and his slow start this year.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

I would have Mac Swanson in there and some of the NTDP guys a bit higher, but a solid list for the most part

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

Thanks!

Helenius is in that group that most consider the 2-9 tier that doesn't have any sort of front runners. What separates him for me ahead of those ranked behind in that tier is his style of play. As you mentioned, he's producing and relied upon for a big role on Jukurit and he looks like he belongs. He's not 6'3 but I don't think 5'11 is small by any means. He is definitely a strong player and has physical tools that help him in board battles. He really is a smart player and his anticipation and IQ are really apparent when watching. He's not fast but he gains his advantage with his brain. I think there's room to grow not only physically in stature but also in an offensive sense. He displays creativity with his playmaking at times but often opts for the safe moves which shows maturity. In reality I think his game is suited to the NHL very well and I think he'll go higher than some expect.

Buium just has the total package. He's electric on offense but defensively really aware and responsible at times. Screams top pair defenseman. Not too small and his brother is three of four inches taller so he could still grow as well. There's been some knocks on his skating but it's really nothing more than some bad habits that can be fixed. Most complete defenseman available and really not too many flaws.

Kiviharju is a talented kid, everyone knows that. With his now two bad knee injuries and the weak season he started with in the Liiga this year, his stock was going down regardless. With his size, strength and speed being not up to par, he's just too risky to consider in the top 15. He's one of those ones that could look like a steal later but NHL teams will be looking at each other like "who's gonna do it? not me..". I have this same trepidation when it comes to his potential future success due to injuries and his slow start this year.

As usual, great list! I see a middling 2nd line center in Helenius as a ceiling. I just don’t see him picked over Lindstrom or Catton. I see the pro game you see.

 

[Frk It]

Cool to see someone rank Misa higher, I always thought it was pretty crazy he was ranked all the way at #67 on McKenzie's mid-season list.

What are the reasons you are not higher on Ryder Ritchie? I thought he was very impressive at the Hlinka. Have not seen him much since though.

 

[Quinnisinoverhishead]

Love the effort put in to this list.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

Thanks!

Helenius is in that group that most consider the 2-9 tier that doesn't have any sort of front runners. What separates him for me ahead of those ranked behind in that tier is his style of play. As you mentioned, he's producing and relied upon for a big role on Jukurit and he looks like he belongs. He's not 6'3 but I don't think 5'11 is small by any means. He is definitely a strong player and has physical tools that help him in board battles. He really is a smart player and his anticipation and IQ are really apparent when watching. He's not fast but he gains his advantage with his brain. I think there's room to grow not only physically in stature but also in an offensive sense. He displays creativity with his playmaking at times but often opts for the safe moves which shows maturity. In reality I think his game is suited to the NHL very well and I think he'll go higher than some expect.

Buium just has the total package. He's electric on offense but defensively really aware and responsible at times. Screams top pair defenseman. Not too small and his brother is three of four inches taller so he could still grow as well. There's been some knocks on his skating but it's really nothing more than some bad habits that can be fixed. Most complete defenseman available and really not too many flaws.

Kiviharju is a talented kid, everyone knows that. With his now two bad knee injuries and the weak season he started with in the Liiga this year, his stock was going down regardless. With his size, strength and speed being not up to par, he's just too risky to consider in the top 15. He's one of those ones that could look like a steal later but NHL teams will be looking at each other like "who's gonna do it? not me..". I have this same trepidation when it comes to his potential future success due to injuries and his slow start this year.

As usual, great list! I see a middling 2nd line center in Helenius as a ceiling. I just don’t see him picked over Lindstrom or Catton.

 

[Eegs]

Thanks for sharing.

Used to love your 'Top Affiliated Prospects' lists too.

 

[Tryamkin]

I would have Mac Swanson in there and some of the NTDP guys a bit higher, but a solid list for the most part

Thanks for your input! He's on my watchlist so I'll certainly watch soon. I haven't seen too much NTDP to be confident in their rankings yet but I'm sure my opinions will change with some extra views. Excited for the U18's for a better chance to see some of them.

 

[Tryamkin]

As usual, great list! I see a middling 2nd line center in Helenius as a ceiling. I just don’t see him picked over Lindstrom or Catton. I see the pro game you see.

Thank you! It's easy to look at Helenius and see that as his projection. I think he has a higher potential than he lets on personally. He shows small flashes of creativity but regularly opts for the safe play - I think this earns him favor in the coaches eyes and earns him more ice time.

Lindstrom and Catton are players that cater to the eye, they showcase traits that are dynamic and could be special despite a few flaws. While I think all three are quality options, Helenius' pro style wins me over.

 

[TimeZone]

The Q is really struggling to put out top talent these last couple of years

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Tryamkin]

Cool to see someone rank Misa higher, I always thought it was pretty crazy he was ranked all the way at #67 on McKenzie's mid-season list.

What are the reasons you are not higher on Ryder Ritchie? I thought he was very impressive at the Hlinka. Have not seen him much since though.

I like Misa a lot. I get that he's not Michael and he's an older player for the draft year, but he's really producing and looking good with Martone. He'll use some bulking and added strength but he has pro level skills for sure and has learned to carry an offense this year.

With Ritchie, I'm interested to see how he'll play back from his injury. His production in the WHL has been lower than expected and cause me to place him lower but his Hlinka performance was very good as you mention. His production went real cold for a while there before his injury and raised some consistency questions in my mind. The size and shot combo is always tantalizing but he seemed disengaged in one of the two games I saw of his (It was a loss against the Tri-City Americans in November). With a good finish to the season, he has the potential to jump up as high as the late lottery spots with how open this draft is.

Thanks for sharing.

Used to love your 'Top Affiliated Prospects' lists too.

Thank you!

I've considered making another one of those recently with how outrageous I found Button's recent addition. Maybe I will.

 

[Tryamkin]

The Q is really struggling to put out top talent these last couple of years

Genuinely, they are. It's sad to see and I'd hope it's not a case of underscouting, but the production of legit NHL players from that region in the last 5-6 years seems to agree. For this season, Blais and Poirier are players that show NHL skill but have some flaws. I think there's a chance for some steals this year but It's been a while since we've seen a run of Q lottery picks.

 

[57special]

Surprised to see Buium first D on your list. Don't think anyone else has done that, probably because his size is just OK, and skating is VG, as opposed to excellent. He did stick out to me when I've seen him play, but I don't think I'd pick him over the other high end D prospects that have 2-3"+ on him. I don't think i'd even call him electric, either... more of a guy who fits into an offensive juggernaut of a NCAA team.

What he appears to be, which i like, is smart.

I guess the hope with Helenius is that he turns out to be the next Aho?

 

[Tryamkin]

Surprised to see Buium first D on your list. Don't think anyone else has done that, probably because his size is just OK, and skating is VG, as opposed to excellent. He did stick out to me when I've seen him play, but I don't think I'd pick him over the other high end D prospects that have 2-3"+ on him. I don't think i'd even call him electric, either... more of a guy who fits into an offensive juggernaut of a NCAA team.

What he appears to be, which i like, is smart.

I guess the hope with Helenius is that he turns out to be the next Aho?

I think size is overrated. The top three defensemen in the world right now (Makar, Hughes, Fox) are all 5'10 or 5'11. He may not be Hughes or Makar electric and by no means am I comparing him to those players, however he has the tools in terms of speed, puck handling, IQ, passing and transition that you need in a new age top pair defenseman. To me, you can't value the inches over the skill/completeness.

I don't like always comparing players to their international counterparts, although Aho isn't too dissimilar of a player. Stylistically he compares well to Nick Suzuki or Wyatt Johnston. Players that process the game really well and make the big difference in doing the little things that provide success.

 

[Misko]

Always fascinated by your lists, thanks for sharing. After doing a closer look on a few players like Buium and Helenius, I find myself closer to you on them now as opposed to other scouts/analysts.