Gunnar Henderson, 3B 2. He had a strong rookie season with the Iowa Wild in the AHL last year, posting 53 points in 63 games. He has been great for the Utica Comets in the AHL over the last two and a half years, with his goalscoring ability really taking off this year. He needs to work on his defensive game and round out his strengths, but his offensive instincts make him a very good option for the Detroit Red Wings on defense. He works hard in all phases of the game and could become a top-six center with a respectable two-way game. He displays a smooth stride, great speed, leads the rush and is strong in breakout situations. It's been another wild year as we're into our third draft impacted in some form or another by the pandemic. If youre wondering why goalies werent included in this ranking, thats because we have a separate one for that position. PB. 1. It was a somewhat surprising move from the San Jose Sharks as he didnt look out of place recording four assists and averaging over 14 minutes a night. The last time the Wild had this kind . LH, Danila Yurov is another prospect who slid on draft day in the 2022 NHL Draft because of the uncertainty surrounding Russian prospects and the likelihood of them ever making the move to North America. He suited up for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL last season and he didnt disappoint when playing meaningful minutes. As the captain of the Firebirds, he led his team to the Western Conference Final, notching 24 points in 19 games along the way. PB, Prior to the news that Bobby Brink had toundergo hip surgery, he was poised to push for an NHL roster spot with the Philadelphia Flyers. It can be found about 8 miles south east of the capital city center and is a highly educated and culturally advanced community. Kulich burst onto the scene at the U18 World Junior Championship where he scored nine goals in just six games. There was a time when Joakim Kemell was seen as the second-best prospect in the 2022 Draft. My pick for the best drafted prospect in hockey right now is Luke Hughes, who has been a dominant two-way defender for the University of Michigan over the last year and a half. He is smart, skates well, wins faceoffs, back-checks hard, and has already begun to grow into more of his offensive potential. Spending all his time in the AHL with the Reign, he recorded six goals and 21 points in 32 games and had another 18 points in 27 games last season. So far this year weve seen top prospects like Matty Beniers and Mason McTavish break into the NHL full-time this year, becoming important players for their respective teams. However, this year is a different story as Bystedt has shown more offensive skill this year and was rewarded with a larger role on the team which in turn turned into more offensive production. LH, If you were to pin down the Oilers greatest wish right now, I think it might just be Matvei Petrov, and they snagged him in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft. Isak Rosen is on pace to lace up for over 100 professional hockey games before his 20th birthday. He has a great shot and playmaking vision but could use some work on his speed to help him separate from defenders on the rush. Buchelnikov is a remarkable offensive player with sky-high potential on that side of the ice, leading all U20 players in VHL scoring by a hefty margin. MZ. Peter Barrachini, Victor Sderstrm is very close to making his way off this list by playing too many NHL games. He is competitive and uses his size well against shorter and weaker Junior competition, and his playmaking from the perimeter on the power play is likely going to translate to the NHL someday. Not necessarily drafting them, but as soon as they pull on that red jersey with white trim, they become stars. While his lack of size at 5-foot-8 will always attract the doubters, his shiftiness and playmaking are more than enough to overcome that supposed weakness. Throughout, I have made regular effort to feature quotes and insight from sources about these players. Hes a crafty and slick puck-handler, that plays with a great amount of pace. Afteran absolutely dominant seasonin the WHL with the Everett Silvertips that saw him score 14 goals and 78 points in 55 games and another nine points in the playoffs, he has shot up the rankings to become one of the top defensive prospects in the NHL. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. His combination of speed and size (6-foot-4) allowed him to dominate the top Swedish junior league in his draft year, but he still struggled enough with the pace of the pro game that he didnt show all that well in the SHL last year. In fact, dont be surprised if he is a graduate of this list by mid-season of 2022-23. With his size, he isnt afraid to step up and make a big hit. 2 min read. Who do you think should have made the list? After fighting through multiple injuries (and a bout with mononucleosis), Lekkerimaki is finally working his way back to his normal self and, hopefully, those results will be clear on the scoresheet. World Junior Championship All-time Leading Scorers, : 2023 Draft Rankings Horns Top 32 for December, dealing with concussions in his draft year, Matvei Michkov The Best Russian Prospect Since Ovechkin, 8 Awards the NHL Should Introduce and Their Winners, WJC Needs to Stay at 10 Teams to Grow the Game, Guide to the 2023 World Junior Championship, 2023 Draft Rankings Horns Top 32 for December, Best & Worst Trades in Ken Hollands Red Wings Tenure, Maple Leafs Roster Moves Mean Trade is Imminent, NHL Trade Bait List for the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Bertuzzi Back On the Trade Market: 3 Possible Landing Spots, Predators: Revisiting the Mikael Granlund/Kevin Fiala Trade, Carolina Hurricanes Acquire Jesse Puljujarvi From Edmonton Oilers, Avalanche 2023 Trade Targets: Reinhart, Schmaltz & More, Sharks Karlsson Has Not Been Asked to Waive NMC, NHL Rumors: Oilers, Devils, Blackhawks, Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Penguins Need to Make Their Own Luck in Playoffs Push, Hurricanes Must Watch Games in March 2023, Wild Check-In: Kaprizov, Hartman, Middleton & Defense, Sharks Mike Grier Leading Organization in the Right Direction, 5 Takeaways From Kraken Losses to the Bruins and Leafs, Sabres News & Rumors: Cozens, Hinostroza, Stillman & Houser. The project will total more than 100,000 words of evaluation on more than 500 prospects. William Eklund began his 2021-22 campaign in the NHL but was sent down after the nine-game cutoff. Where my exposure to a prospect is limited, I have said so and relied more heavily on others. Despite losing a lot of time last season rehabbing a knee injury, the Winnipeg Jets still chose Chaz Lucius 18thoverall in the 2021 Draft. His superb skating allows him to break down opposing defenses before making his move and charging to the middle or making a clever pass to an open teammate. Finishing with a career-high 22 goals and 60 points in 55 games, he was third in points behind only Joseph Serpa and Mike Petizian. Highlighted by players such as Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and No. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Related: World Junior Championship All-time Leading Scorers, He has played his way out of the MHL this year (nine points in three games) and has spent most of his time in the VHL, the second-tier Russian professional league. Its becoming easier and easier to envision the former third-round pick playing big-time minutes for the Maple Leafs. The 23-year-old Vargas, widely considered to be one of the sport's 100 best prospects, scuffled through a 50-plate appearance MLB debut in 2022 (.170/.200/.255) but ripped through Triple-A . Craig Button has seen the future of the National Hockey League and it's in 3D. The hope is that he continues to remain healthy because his upside is tremendous. While the Giants werent strong as a whole, Lysell was a bright spot leading the team in scoring with 62 points in the regular season and followed that up with 21 points in the playoffs. After going undrafted in the 2021 NHL Draft (the first draft he was eligible for), Dmitri Buchelnikov lit up the MHL (Russias top junior league) and was drafted by the Red Wings in the second round of the 2022 Draft. Whos too low? Mateychuk is a dynamic offensive defenseman who excels when he is the one with the puck and can control the play from the point. After a down year during his draft season, Aatu Raty surged back in a big way, recording 40 points in 41 games while playing in Finland. This page will update daily from Jan. 10 to Feb. 9. Joshua Lopina, C; 130. After ripping up the competition in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Chicago Steel in 2020-21, Matthew Coronato moved his game to the NCAA and the Harvard Crimson in 2021-22. His production shot up in 2021-22 where he finished with 21 goals and 33 points in 52 games,earning him an entry-level contractin the process. Another defenseman selected high in the 2022 Draft, David Jiricek like Simon Nemec could be ready for the NHL sooner rather than later. A draft pick of the New Jersey Devils back in 2019, his play in 2021-22 made everyone take notice of his game. The 5-foot-9 defender fell to the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft where New Jersey got an absolute steal in my eyes. Hesgoing to be a big pieceof the Coyotes future. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Typically, NHL general managers are wary of selecting players of Nazars size so early in the draft, but his playmaking vision and excellent skating were enticing enough that the Blackhawks wanted him to be a part of their future. Either way, he has loads of potential and if his name isnt on the map yet, it will be soon. His mature two-way game is head and shoulders above most defensive prospects of the same age, and he will be a perennial all-star for the New Jersey Devils in the not-too-distant future. Under 25 years old. This is the arbitrary section of the criteria. Jackson Holiday, SS 4. As it is, he still finished with 45 goals and 104 points, which was just one point back of King and eight points behind Bains. LH, There are always a few first-round-caliber talents who drop in their draft year in large part to their size disadvantage, and Seamus Casey is certainly one of them. Olen Zellweger, LHD; 66. Scott Wheeler covers the NHL draft and prospects nationally for The Athletic. 2022 MLB Farm System Rankings: Ranking Every Team's Farm System After the Draft Every MLB team just improved their farm system with the 2022 MLB Draft. Under 23 years old. A lethal shooter with a powerful one-timer, Tyson Foerster was a sniper in the OHL. These assessments are the byproduct of countless viewings (both on tape and in person) and conversations spanning several years. He will likely test his mettle in the AHL next year and could be in the NHL shortly after unless the Oilers take some major steps toward addressing their forward depth between now and then. The Finnish defenseman, who was named the top defenseman of the 2021 World Junior Championship, has looked good playing for Krpt over in Finland. In the latest farm system rankings by Baseball America, the Mets come in at No. Here, I trust my judgment for whether or not a rostered NHL player is still likely to bounce between levels more than I trust any pre-determined games played cutoff. The potential remains as he had a decent freshman season with the University of Wisconsin with 22 points in 34 games, but hes still raw overall. Now with the Minnesota Wild aftera trade involving Kevin Fiala, the Minnesota native will compete for a job in his backyard rather than across the country. He is a two-way defender whose game is entirely predicated on his excellent four-way mobility which allows him to be active on both offense and defense. It also doesnt hurt that hes a right-handed centre which is quickly becoming one of the hottest NHL commodities. In his first taste of the pro game in the AHL this season with the Belleville Senators, he has been excellent. His skating is so great that Im not particularly concerned about his defensive game . 1. Unless he wants to stay and play an even bigger role in the SHL next year, Kasper could easily make the jump to being a top-six forward in the AHL next year in my mind. Hes got a great size to keep attackers to the outside and is always engaging in a battle for the puck. The 21-year-old had a strong rookie season in the AHL, recording 62 points through 66 regular season games; he followed that up with seven points through 13 playoff games. Gaucher doesnt possess the electric offensive skills that are typical for players in the first round of the draft, but he is a reliable two-way centre with a decent scoring touch (especially at the net front) and an excellent two-way game. Try a week on us. Jul 8, 2022 by Chris Peters The 2022 NHL Draft has come to a close. Without further ado, here is our ranking of the top 100 NHL prospects. PB, Alexander Nikishin may have been higher on this list if it were clear whether he would ever come across to the NHL, as he recently re-signed with SKA-St. Petersburg of the KHL on a deal that will keep him in Russia at least until the end of the 2024-25 season. Either way, hes dangerous in both situations. He will likely provide a ton of value off the rush in the NHL someday as his speed and ability to make smart passes while manipulating defenders skates allows him to create tons of scoring chances. LH. Lombardi is a willing playmaker, able to slide pucks through tight lanes to open teammates. At 6-foot-4, 194 pounds, hes extremely mobile and has a very smooth stride in transition, not to mention he can make a strong breakout pass to start a play. LH, In the leadup to the 2022 NHL Draft, it became clear that Jordan Dumais was a high-risk, high-reward prospect. His shot and ability to score from virtually anywhere on the ice will do him well when he hits the NHL in a few seasons. Error fetching data. MZ, Going in as the top prospect in the 2022 NHL Draft, there was a lot of hype surrounding Shane Wright. Juan Ocampo/NHLI . As Friday's NHL trade deadline approaches, the Dallas Stars are in an interesting spot. His speed, IQ and decision-making remain his greatest strengths every time hes out on the ice. Puutio is an excellent skater, and his puck-moving ability makes him a strong candidate to fit in as a modern NHL defender. MZ, It feels like the Jets promising top defensive prospect is close to making it to the NHL. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Son of former All-Star Matt Holliday, Jackson stands out to many as the best well-rounded prospect of the 2022 draft. While he may not be on pace to surpass his draft year point total in Liiga this year, Kemell has been much more consistent in his play which is a big step in the right direction. Hes quick, agile and can play the body at times as well making him extremely effective in all three zones. He is great at finding open space off the puck and he rewards teammates for passing to him by charging the middle of the ice or ripping a puck mid-stride. / USA TODAY Sports/SNY Treated Image In the latest farm system rankings by Baseball America, the Mets come in at No. Ostlund is also a skilled puck handler with the speed and agility to make plays happen both on and off the puck. Baltimore Orioles Along with those points came 92 penalty minutes; he is at his best when hes making an impact in every facet of the game, but the Senators will want him to eventually dial it back a bit. 10 best farm systems in Major League Baseball at the start of the 2022 season Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins, MLB, Tampa Bay Rays / By Bryan Zarpentine Even if most fans are paying attention to the current season, it's still important to be aware of the best MLB farm systems in 2022. With Anze Kopitar locked up long-term, Gabe Vilardi entrenched as an NHLer and elite-level prospects Quinton Byfield and Alex Turcotte in L.A.'s long-term plans, Kaliyev won't have trouble . MZ. In the process,he earned playoff MVPwith 25 points in 16 games. There are always a few first-round picks who rose in their draft year in large part to their size advantage, and Lian Bichsel is certainly one of them. Players who are signed to AHL contracts were not considered. A goalie no longer qualifies as an NHL prospect if he has played 10 games in the NHL in any campaign, regular season and playoffs combined, or 25 games total; or reaches age 27 by Sept. 15." (From: "Pronman: 2019-20 NHL Farm System Rankings"). Teams whove consistently swung on talent, instead of playing it safe, will tend to grade higher overall. Not a full-time NHL player. Dumais has the work ethic to succeed at the pro level despite his size, but he will need to take another step forward in his skating if he wants to become the dynamic playmaking winger that he has the potential to become at the highest level. He is patient with the puck, and that allows him to open passing lanes and thread the needle over to his teammates. The 6-foot-5 defender is adept at using his size to get what he wants on the ice, against junior players as well as seasoned pros. This list was compiled with the help and input of fellow prospect analysts and Prospect Corner linemates Matthew Zator, Devin Little, and Peter Baracchini as they contributed with the reports as well. DL, After rising remarkably in his draft year, Marco Kasper was eventually selected eighth overall by the Red Wings. Regardless, Nikishin is a remarkable defensive prospect who has exploded offensively this season, leading all defenders in scoring at the time of writing. 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