Reinbacher: Playing for a clown show of an organization in NL (3 coaches). Had to deal with injuries early in the season following a very hectic summer preparing for the draft, the draft, development camp, rookie camp, and Habs camp and then going back to Switzerland. He's not tearing it up offensively, but he is a steady defender and even though he's on a shit team, is playing top pair in one of the world's best leagues.
Fowler: What to say about Fowler, who is not far from setting a record for most wins by a freshman goalie. He's a U20, but I checked among all U23 goalies, and he's third in SV% and 6th in GAA, but the goalies ahead of him in both stats played anywhere between 12-20 games. Fowler has played 30.
Xhekaj: Showing us that he has an offensive game. He's also able to play a physical game and cause some chaos. If he's able to bring that to the pros, he will be a really difficult player to play against.
Konyushkov: It's not common for a KHL team to play a 21-year old on the top pair and put him in all situations. This is a league that has the tendency to favor vets over young players. However, Konyushkov was able to do that and thrive. And although the KHL has had a drop in talent when a lot of players left Russia after the start of the war and joined other leagues, the fact he was still able to produce as a D at his young age is a good sign.
Miller: His second year in junior, but his first year as a starter. He's a steady goalie. Nothing extraordinary, but a good prospect to have in your pipeline.
Harris: The pick in this draft I'm not 100% sold on. Although he's started to heat up lately and it's good to see, it's not enough to get me excited. He might be a late bloomer. Time will tell. But right now, meh.
Volokhin: Although it would be great to see him in the VHL (Russia's AHL), he's still in MHL (Russia's junior league). Despite the level he's at, he's dominant. He's probably too good for this level. He might never come over, but he's still someone I enjoy seeing him having such success.
Eriksson: A good player to take in the 6th round. As a 19-year old, he was a steady player in an SHL line-up. But when they loaned him to Allsvenskan, he really started to display his offense. Next step is for him to be full time in the SHL next year.
Mittlestadt: I thought he would have taken a step offensively this year, but that hasn't happened. A 7th round pick that might one day work out. If not, it's a 7th rounder, not all of them could be an Evans who carves out a full time NHL career.
