- Auston Matthews:
Birthplace: Scottsdale, Arizona Position: C Height: 6″2 Weight: 194 Shoots: L
Essentially a generational talent, has the potential to be a complete franchise centre. Complete offensive talent in all aspects, foot speed, hands, hockey sense. A player to build a team around. No glaring flaws in game, dominates all aspects, will be a superstar for years. Named to the NLA Media All-Star Team, NLA Media Most Improved Player, Swiss Cup Champion, Swiss Cup Most Points. Led Team USA in scoring at WJC, named to tournament All-Star team, WJC Bronze Medalist, WJC Most Goals, WJC Top 3 player on team. World Championship top 3 Player on Team. Comparable to: Jonathan Toews, Anze Kopitar.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=199898
2. Patrik Laine:
Birthplace: Tampere, Finland Position: W Height: 6″4 Weight: 201 Shoots: R
Huge frame, biggest weapon is his big shot. Constant threat to score and a pure sniper, possesses a quick wrist shot and a big one timer. Powerplay machine. Not particularly fast, but is a powerful skater with a long skating stride. Skating could improve. Played last year in Liiga, top Finnish league. Spent most of regular season on Tappara’s 3rd line, elevated to 2nd line in Playoffs and led in playoff scoring, winning the Jari Kurri Award for best player in the playoffs en route to the SM-Liiga Championship title. Dominated Liiga as a rookie, won Rookie of the Year, had most goals and points by a rookie, and playoff goals overall. Major factor in Finland’s WJC Gold medal run, had most goals in the tournament, was a top 3 player on his team, part of WJC All Star Team. Won World Championship Silver Medal, named to WC All-Star Team, Top 3 Player on Team, Best Forward, and MVP. Comparable to: Teemu Selanne, Vladimir Tarasenko, Dany Heatley
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=221667
3. Jesse Puljujärvi:

Birthplace: Älvkarleby, Sweden (reps Finland) Position: RW Height: 6″3 Weight: 201 Shoots: R
Dominant two-way presence, a complete player skilled at all aspects of the game. Good size, a very strong skater that is able to combine his hands, speed and accurate shot and playmaking skills. Top notch work ethic and attitude. Complete offensive skills, but more of a playmaker than a scorer. Impeccable on ice vision and hockey sense, has the ability to dominate with his combination of size and speed, but could learn to be more physical. No glaring flaws in his game. Some critics say he’s more “complete” than the “flashier” Laine. Member of both U18 and U20 WJC Gold medal teams last year. U18 and U20 WJC All Star team member, U20 Best Forward, most assists, most points, MVP, top 3 player on team. Finished U20 tied for 2nd all-time for most points by a player under 18. NHL ready and may go 2nd overall. Clutch player, but needs to maintain consistency over a full season. Comparable to: Jari Kurri, Sergei Fedorov, Evgeni Malkin
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=152117
4. Pierre-Luc Dubois:

Birthplace: Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec Position: C/W Height: 6″2 Weight: 205 Shoots: L
The highest rated Canadian born player of 2016, Dubois is the prototypical dominant two-way presence. A versatile forward that can be slotted in any position at any time, he is a terrific athlete whose skating ability coupled with his elite hockey sense will put him into the play, no matter the situation. Excellent backchecking and defensive ability, strong skater, a physical presence who’s not afraid to mix it up. Uncontainable offensive skills, patient with the puck, likes bringing the puck into “Gretzky’s Office” and work from there. Can be the scorer, playmaker, power forward or defensive shut down guy. A natural leader and potentially the most complete player in the draft, but could add bulk. Played in CHL Top Prospects game, won the Hlinka Memorial Gold Medal, Mike Bossy Trophy for Best QMJHL Professional Prospect, Paul Dumont Trophy for QMJHL Personality of the Year, QMJHL 2nd All-Star Team member. Should be key piece of Canada’s next WJC team. Comparable to: Henrik Zetterberg, Anze Kopitar, Jamie Benn (complete and elite two-way presence)
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=252480
5. Olli Juolevi

Birthplace: Helsinki, Finland Position: D Height: 6″2 Weight: 183 Shoots: L]
Jokerit youth club developed d-man, left Finland last season for the OHL and became a key piece of a stacked London Knights team. A complete defenceman, he is a strong skater with elite offensive playmaking and puck possesion skills. Will press the oppositions zone with ease, but will use his elite skating ability to quickly come back on the backcheck. Decent size, like most prospects could use more muscle, but not overly physical. Knows his physical limits and plays within it. Complete and well rounded, can play in any situation. High compete level and hockey sense, great on ice vision that showcases his playmaking abilities. Finnish Junior international mainstay, will be an anchor on Finland’s blueline for years. CHL Memorial Cup Champion, OHL Champion, played in CHL Top Prospects Game, U20 WJC Gold Medalist, WJC All Star Team member, WJC most assists by defenseman. OHL 2nd All-Rookie Team. The d-man with the most potential in this draft. Comparable to: Olli Maatta, Teppo Numminen, Lite-Nicklas Lidstrom
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=196391
6. Matthew Tkachuk

Birthplace: Scottsdale, Arizona Position: LW/C Height: 6″1 Weight: 194 Shoots: L
Comes from good stock, the son of Keith Tkachuk, cousin of Tom Fitzgerald & family, Kevin & Jimmy Hayes. Very smart player with great on ice vision, hockey sense and compete level. Will consistently record points, but has grit and a nastiness to his game that many top scorers now lack. Can play an agitating role, but is by no means a bottom line grinder. A top notch skater that has excellent speed and control. A creative forward that seems to always find a way to score or set up a goal, whether it’s with raw skill and hands, or in traffic by the net. Not a defensive juggernaut, but is nonetheless a strong backchecker. Already plays at an NHL level, may be ready for the jump immediately, arguably the most mature player in the draft. Despite gaudy assist totals, expected to be more of a scorer at the NHL level. OHL Champion, OHL Playoffs Most Goals, played in CHL Top Prospects Game, won U20 WJC Bronze Medal. Comparable to: Keith Tkachuk, Andrew Ladd, Jarome Iginla
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=233030
7. Alexander Nylander:

Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta (reps Sweden) Position: W Height: 6″0 Weight: 176 Shoots R
Another player from good stock, the son of Michael, brother of William. A truly excellent skater, he has both the skating ability and hockey sense to stickhandle and get through traffic. A playmaker that is patient with the puck and has elite puck vision and passing ability, he is nonetheless a complete scoring threat with a heavy, accurate shot and a great set of hands. One of the better overall offensive talents in the draft, but is also on the penalty kill and can back check, but could improve. Like his father and brother, a little prone to hanging on to the puck too long and occasional floating. Led Sweden in goals and points at the WJC U-18’s en route to a Silver Medal. Led all OHL rookies in assists and points, won Emms Family Award for Rookie of the Year. Led Sweden in goals and points at the WJC U-20’s, tied for team lead in scoring at U18 Hlinka Tournament, where Sweden won a Silver Medal. Played in CHL Top Prospects game. Property of Rogle BK in the SHL, signed 2 year deal prior to being loaned to Mississauga last season. Comparable to: Markus Naslund, Speedy scorers like Jordan Eberle, Patrick Kane, but with slightly more size and physicality.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=212641
8. Jakob Chychrun

Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida (reps Canada) Position: D Height: 6″2 Weight: 198 Shoots L
Yet another prospect with NHL bloodlines, he’s the son of journeyman defender Jeff Chychrun, and nephew of Luke Richardson. Once thought to be a candidate to overtake Matthews for the projected number 1 pick, injuries have hampered him. Chychrun did not exactly regress, but hasn’t been the completely overwhelming gamebreaker that was originally thought. That isn’t a knock against Chychrun, he might still be the most NHL ready defender in the draft. He will be a very, very solid overall two-way defenceman, and is still a potential star #1 defender. A boy in a man’s body, he has no problem throwing his weight around, but rarely does so in expense of his positioning. An elite skater, he is the prototypical two-way force that excels at all facets of the game. Great vision and hockey sense and ice in his veins, he thrives in high pressure situations both offensively and defensively. Possesses the ability to deliver an excellent breakout pass, coupled with his booming shot makes him a boon on the powerplay and an all round offensive presence. Good defensively at seeing where the puck is going to be pressing the opponent with his stick and body, forcing them to scramble. Stays a step ahead of the oppositions attack. Has the chance to break into the NHL immediately, has the build, competitiveness, leadership qualities and hockey sense to step in right away. Will likely be a defensive leader on Canada’s next WJC-20 team. Played in last years WJC U-18, wearing an “A” for Canada. Also represented the OHL in Jr Super Series and played in CHL Top Prospects Game. Was the 1st overall selection in the 2014 OHL Priority Draft. Has the potential to move up in the draft, based on team need. Injuries have limited him in big contest games, slightly hampered development. Comparable to: Brent Seabrook, Dion Phaneuf/Wade Redden that can skate
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=243386
9. Michael McLeod

Birthplace: Mississauga, Ontario Position: C Height: 6″2 Weight: 187 Shoots: R
A skilled centreman with size, McLeod did a lot of the heavy lifting in Mississauga that allowed Alex Nylander to roam free offensively. I have him going 9th to Montreal and him becoming the big, power centre that they have desperately needed for years. A powerful skater that when coupled with his size makes him incredibly difficult to contain and play against. Great puck skills, not excatly a typical playmaker, but has filthy hands and the ability to use his speed to blow past defencemen on a rush. A competitor with leadership intagibles, his skating is his best quality. Other aspects of the game may take some time to fully develop. Strong on faceoffs and defensively responsible, does whatever his team needs for them to win. An overall top talent that needs some seasoning. Hard to pinpoint at this stage, could end up a top line talent, could be an elite third liner. Should be a key part of Canada’s next WJC squad. Won Gold at Hlinka Memorial, played in CHL Top Prospects game, a favourite of Hockey Canada. Comparable to: His ceiling is Dylan Larkin, size, vision and hockey sense of Jason Spezza + raw speed of Mikkel Boedker. Could end up a very fast Jason Chimera, Manny Malhotra type.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=240821
10. Mikhail Sergachev:

Birthplace: Nizhnekamsk, Russia Position: D Height: 6″2 Weight: 220 Shoots: L
Big kid in a man’s body, offense is his calling card, but he is by no means a purely offensive defenceman. He’s a two-way force that prefers the offensive side of the game, but has good defensive awareness and reads plays well in all zones. Plays a balanced style, great at getting the puck out of his zone either through carrying or through passing and joining the rush. Excels on the powerplay, great puck movement and lateral movement that creates passing lanes. Has a deceivingly hard shot from the point. An all-round defender with a strong skating stride, hockey sense, offensive instincts, passing skills, footwork, patience, size and some physicality. Defensively, Sergachev does a great job in pushing the opponent to the outside and to the boards, limiting the players options and blocking passing and shooting lanes, but can get caught wandering/pinching and has room to improve. Doesn’t shy away physically, but considering his size he could look to cause a little more of a physical ruckus. Needs more time to develop, but has too much overall talent to slip out of top 10/15. May slip a little due to “Russia Factor.” Has ability to end up a top pairing defender. Should be on Russia’s next WJC team. Played in CHL Top Prospects Game, won Max Kaminsky Trophy for OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman. Comparable to: Alex Pietrangelo, Sandis Ozolinsh, Vladimir Malakhov, Rasmus Ristolainen
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=312213
11. Clayton Keller

Birthplace: Swansea, Illinois Position: C Height: 5″10 Weight: 170 Shoots: L
A smallish forward, Keller likely would’ve been passed on at this stage of the draft in the “Old NHL.” Luckily for him, it’s no longer 1997, and speed and skill are for the most part now prioritized over sheer size and brute force. Excels offensively, has the potential to become a highly skilled playmaker with a goal scoring touch and incredible hockey sense. An offensive juggernaught, he has the ability to both score highlight reel goals and set up teammates with his ridiculously crisp and accurate passing. Great vision and awareness coupled with deft hands. Strong puck carrier that can get through tight spaces while protecting the puck. Despite his size, he is hard to knock off the puck. A great skater with quick acceleration, Keller can blow past defenders and create scoring chances at a whim. Plays a flashy game, but is useful in all game situations. Can kill penalties, is relied on for defensive zone faceoffs and breaking out of the defensive zone. Needs seasoning and added muscle before breaking into the NHL. Won Bronze at WJC U-18, was named tournament MVP, had most assists, named to All-Star team and named top 3 player on USA. Comparable to: Johnny Gaudreau, Patrick Kane, Mitch Marner.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=226432
12. Logan Brown:

Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina Position: C Height: 6″6 Weight: 220 Shoots: L
Yet another kid of an ex-NHLer, the son of Jeff Brown is without a doubt the most physically intimidating high ranking prospect, clocking in at a whopping 6″6, 220 pounds. Coupled with his size, Brown’s biggest asset is his booming shot. He shoots at a speed and level rarely seen in the CHL, his size being the obvious catalyst here. With size comes power, but his puck control and elite hockey sense should not be overlooked. Shows creativity, patience and maturity while setting up plays. Defensively, he uses his frame and reach to shield the puck and keep it away from attackers and has the potential to be a two-way beast. Skating stride is good, could work on first stride explosiveness. Has to work on his overall consistency, and could use some added grit to go along with his size. If he adds a more aggressive style to his overall game, he could be absolutely dominant. Likely not ready to step into the NHL immediately, although his body says otherwise. Won bronze at WJC U-18 and played in CHL Top Prospects Game. Comparable to: Ryan Getzlaf, David Backes, Nick Bjugstad
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=248391
13. Tyson Jost

Birthplace: St. Albert, Alberta Position: C/LW Height: 5″11 Weight: 192 Shoots: L
Jost is an incredibly skilled player that both thinks and plays at a high level with elite hockey IQ. Has great hands and stickhandling ability that coupled with his hockey sense and ability to read plays makes him an extremely dangerous overall playmaker. Has perfected tape to tape passing in tight areas. Good shot with a quick release, likes to crash the net and battles hard to get goals or setup plays. Could use more muscle, and since he played in the BCHL, there is the question whether or not Jost could have replicated his success in the WHL. His spectacular showing at the U-18, where he broke Connor McDavid’s record for most points by a Canadian, should prove those doubters wrong, and Jost has consistently performed well against top notch elite competition on an international scale. Jost is also an elite level skater with agility and great acceleration that allows him to blow past defenders and drive towards the net. His hockey IQ comes out on defense, where his positioning and ability to read the play leads to constant turnovers. Given his somewhat physical style of play, more muscle would elevate a number of different areas of his game. He’s NCAA bound for next season, committed to North Dakota, and has plenty of time to prepare for the NHL, he won’t be making the immediate jump and definitely needs some seasoning. Will likely end up a lower end first liner, or an elite second line option. BCHL First Team All-Star, BCHL Most Assists, Vern Dye Memorial Trophy winner (BCHL MVP), Hlinka Memorial Gold Medal. U18 WJC top 3 player on team, All-Star team, Best Forward. World Junior A Challenge All-Star Team, MVP, Most Assists, Most Points, Gold Medal. Comparable to: Brendan Morrison, Kyle Turris, (Jonathan Toews, Patrice Bergeron not necessarily in terms of overall skill but in style of play)
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=148111
14. Jake Bean

Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta Position: D Height: 6″1 Weight: 172 Shoots: L
An outstanding all round skater with insane acceleration, Bean is an elite two-way presence that is propelled by his agility and ability to quickly go from offense to defnece. The type of defenceman that can pinch on a whim and still be able to come back strong on defense in the same shift. Like the majority of prospects, he could definitely use some more muscle, which would help out his boardwork and play in front of his own net. His skating is likely his best asset, but he also shows poise with the puck, using his speed and puck control to start the rush either through himself or through a breakout pass. Bean possesses a heavy slap shot and a quick wrister that he can get through front of the net traffic. He’s a dynamic offensive force that has great vision and overall shooting and passing skills. Defensively, he is just as good, showing great positioning that shuts down passing and shooting lanes and keeps attackers towards the boards. He’s willing to physically battle for pucks, but is not known as an elite physical presence. As mentioned before, adding muscle will help that. Overall, a great all round defender that will likely end up on a top pairing one day, but is not expected to make the immediate jump to The Show. Played in CHL Top Prospects Game, won Hlinka Memorial Gold, played in WHL (East) Second All-Star Team, led WHL in goals by Defenceman. Comparable to: playing style of Keith Yandle, TJ Brodie, Mike Green
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=199660
15. Charlie McAvoy:

Birthplace: Long Beach, New York Position: D Height: 6″0 Weight: 198 Shoots: R
McAvoy has the potential to end up a top pairing defenceman, through his excellent skating ability, puck skills, willingness to take well advised offensive risks, and his growing ability to make smart decisions on the ice. Tough as nails, McAvoy is a relatively safe pick, because even if he doesn’t pan out offensively, his defensive skills and toughness will at the very least translate to a bottom pairing role. He skates well, with great agility and the ability to dance around the opposition to create offence. His quick pivoting skills allow him to make the transition from offence to defence easy, he’s a 200 foot player. McAvoy possesses slick stick skills, and can lead the rush himself or through a great first pass. His offensive poise and willingness to pinch makes him a potential power play quarterback. Good release on his wrister and snap shot and while his overall shooting is accurate, his slapshot could use some work to add more power. He has improved his decision making tenfold, prior to this season he was prone to risky plays such as bad pinching, looking for the big hit, and putting himself out of position. Overall, McAvoy is a safe option with big upside that might not necessarily fully translate to the NHL level. He still needs work on his defensive game, needs seasoning and is likely headed back to Boston University next season. Could be a top pairing force used in all situations, or a very good bottom pairing guy that will have a long career regardless. Won U20 WJC Bronze Medal, member of NCAA (Hockey East) All-Rookie Team. Comparable to: Tyson Barrie, Kevin Shattenkirk, playing style of Drew Doughty, toughness of Niklas Kronwall
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=245142
16. Max Jones:

Birthplace: Rochester, Michigan Position: LW Height: 6″3 Weight: 201 Shoots: L
Another second generation player, the son of Brad Jones is a highly competitive power forward that blends skill with tenacity, the best way I can describe Jones is as a “Brian Burke” type player. He is incredibly hard-working and shows intense drive and passion in his play. Sometimes Jones crosses the line and will deliver a dirty hit, such as the one that led to a 12 game suspension this year in the playoffs against Owen Sound. Offensively, Jones is an elite sniper with a quick release that uses his size well and is a bit of a throwback, 90’s style power forward. Never afraid to mix it up, he bursts into the offensive zone and throws his body around, clearing lanes and creating scoring chances. He uses his body to protect the puck and cycle, but needs to work on his puck vision. Is a shoot first player and could use his teammates a little more. A great skater for his size, his powerful stride allows him to blow past opponents and use his natural finishing ability to score. Sound defensively, he plays similarly in all zones, showing good overall positioning and instincts that along with his constantly physical style of play leads to turnovers. Jones needs to work on his consistency and discipline if he wants to make an impact at the NHL level. He takes too many penalties and definitely needs more development time before making the jump to the Bigs. He’s a potential top 6 power winger if he continues to work on those aspects of his game. OHL Champion and played in CHL Top Prospects Game. Comparable to: Corey Perry, Lawson Crouse, Shane Doan
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=233448
17. Kieffer Bellows:

Birthplace: Edina, Minnesota Position: C/LW Height: 6″1 Weight: 194 Shoots: L
Keeping with what seems to be the trend this year, the son of Cup Champion Brian Bellows plays a similar high octane, shoot first game as his father. A pure sniper, Bellows possesses outstanding natural offensive instincts and is one of the better pure scoring prospects in the draft. He has a a great release on his wrist shot, a heavy slapshot that is even more dangerous when used as a one-timer, is a fantastic all-round shooter. His natural scoring ability and willingness to get dirty and go to the net results in countless deflections and “garbage goals” as well. Bellows has also shown excellent stickhandling ability, and the skill and agility to break past defenders one-on-one. A physical presence, he is adept at throwing the big hit in the offensive zone, freeing up lanes and being a momentum changer in the physical realm of the game. The major knock on Bellows is that he has a tendency to disappear when he’s not able to get on the scoreboard, and at this point is purely a one-dimensional scorer. He could definitely use his teammates more, and perhaps shoot a little less, especially when he’s unable to score. He has the speed, IQ and an effective enough defensive game to be a force in all three zones of the ice, but needs to be more consistent in the non-shooting aspects of the game. Bellows is not ready to step into the NHL immediately and needs a couple of years developing in the NCAA, where he’ll be going to Boston University. Overall, he needs to mature his game, become less one-dimensional and make some better decisions on the ice, but should develop into a top 6 forward, given time. Bellows was a member of USA’s U18 WJC Bronze Medal Team and should be in the next U20 World Juniors. Comparable to: James van Riemsdyk, James Neal, Boone Jenner
18. Dante Fabbro

Birthplace: New Westminster, British Columbia Position: D Height: 6″0 Weight: 190 Shoots: R
Fabbro is an offensive-minded two-way presence, that perfectly blends offence and defence. Although he thinks offence first and has a huge shot, quick release and a crisp first pass that shows that, Fabbro can be absolutely lethal in his own end as well. His stickwork and body positioning in the defensive end breaks up lanes and he is constantly looking to cause turnovers. His best strength is his skating, showcasing fantastic agility and a great first step. His speed and acceleration allows him to be a constant presence in every zone, and can make the transition from offence to defence with ease. Fabbro excels in the transition game, with his elite vision and hockey IQ, he can quarterback a rush, either through himself or with a lethal breakout pass. Fabbro is not a big hitter and could put on some muscle, but he doesn’t necessarily shy away from physical play, he fights in the corners and in front of the net defensively, blocking lanes and taking away the middle of the ice. Blocks shots, shows great hockey IQ and has the potential to become a top pairing, two-way presence that all teams covet. He’s another prospect that’s committed to Boston University’s stellar hockey program. Fabbro was a BCHL First Team All-Star, BCHL Top Defenseman, scored BCHL Most Points by a Defenseman. Won Hlinka Memorial Gold, was U18 WJC Top 3 Player on Team, had U18 WJC Most Assists by a Defenseman. Won World Junior A Challenge Gold Medal. Comparable to: Tyson Barrie, Justin Faulk, Oliver Ekman-Larsson
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=247041
19. Luke Kunin:

Birthplace: Chesterfield, Missouri Position: C Height: 6″0 Weight: 196 Shoots: R
A very smart player with a high hockey IQ, leadership intagibles and excellent all-round ability, there is no major glaring weakness to Kunin’s game. Needs to gain strength, which will help with his deadly accurate shot, and work on his general explosiveness. Other than that, Kunin is a very solid jack of all trades that does a little bit of everything very well, but not necessarily at an absolute elite level. He displays a high work ethic to go along with a willingness to get to the front of the net, good puck skills, and has a knack for seeing potential scoring opportunites. Offensively gifted, Kunin battles hard in tough zones and uses his body efficiently to protect the puck. Aside from his accurate shot and his garbage goal skills, he also possesses adept passing ability to set up goals. His strongest suit is probably his hockey sense, which also translates to the defensive side of the game. He’s on the penalty kill, is good at the faceoff dot, is not afraid to block shots, and is great at blocking passing lanes. His ability to read the play is top notch. Overall, he’s headed back to the NCAA for more development, and will need a couple years to properly develop. When he does, he could end up being a top-6 two-way centre with a scoring touch, or an elite 3rd line presence in a tough checking role. Was a member of the NCAA Big 10 All-Rookie Team. Comparable to: Mike Fisher, Alex Steen if his offensive game translates to the pro level.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=245278
20. Julien Gauthier:

Birthplace: Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec Position: RW Height: 6″4 Weight: 225 Shoots: R
A huge body with a scorers touch and a powerful skating stride, the nephew of Denis Gauthier has seen his stock fall slightly this year. He’s a power forward whose style of play has left scouts pondering if it will translate to the big league level. He scores more than he sets up plays and is not a natural playmaker, but more of a hard-nosed winger with a penchant for heading towards the net. Some say he’s a future front line power forward., others say he’s set up to be the bust of the first round and he will cap out as a third or fourth liner grinder, it’s difficult to tell at this point. Played in last years CHL Top Prospects Game and should be on Team Canada’s World Junior team this year. Comparable to: Johan Franzen, Rick Nash
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=213464
21. German Rubtsov:

Birthplace: Chekhov, Russia Position: C Height: 6″0 Weight: 190 Shoots: L
Unfortunately, hockey fans were robbed of a chance to see the talented Rubtsov in action at the World U-18’s, as the entire Russian team tested positive for a banned substance and was replaced with the U-17 team. Rubtsov had a chance to dominate the tournament, as his cerebral style of play is rarely seen in players his age. His hockey sense is off the charts, and he does a little of everything well, but is mainly seen as an elite two-way player with fantastic skating ability and defensive skills. Rubtsov is versatile enough to slot anywhere in the lineup, but his peak in the NHL is projected to be as an elite 2nd liner. Won Hlinka Memorial bronze, a silver medal at the World Junior A Challenge, and was named to the All-Star team in that event. Comparable to: Ryan O’Reilly, Pavel Datsyuk
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=312227
22. Logan Stanley:

Birthplace: Kitchener, Ontario Position: D Height: 6″7 Weight: 225 Shoots: L
Just by looking at his size, it’s easy to see why Logan Stanley had scouts interests peaked. An absolute mammoth, Stanley is the epitome of a stay at home d-man. He’s improved by leaps and bounds this year, and now projects to be taken in the first round, a far cry from where he was a year ago. Stanley is strictly a stay at home defender, there’s not much offense to his game, but he would be the ideal complement to a more offensive minded d-partner. A player that can clean up the occasional mess if his partner is caught pinching or out of position. Skates alright for his size, but still needs work. An unfinished product, Stanley has work to do, but the potential to be a monster defensive player is there. Played in last years CHL Top Prospects Game. Comparable to: Jamie Oleksiak, Hal Gill, Jarred Tinordi
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=240108
23. Alex DeBrincat:

Birthplace: Farmington Hills, Michigan Position: C Height: 5″7 Weight: 165 Shoots: R
DeBrincat is the kind of guy that seems perfect for the “New NHL.” Only 5″7, DeBrincat is small, there’s no going around that, but he consistently finds a way to score and never seems to get hit or put himself in vulnerable situations. He’s used to playing with elite centres, as his OHL centres have been Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Dylan Strome. He’s not necessarily an overwhelmingly fast skater that will blow by defenders, but is more of an elusive, agile, quick player. Decently hard shot with a very quick release, it’ll be interesting to see if DeBrincat’s offense translates to the NHL level, with or without an elite centreman. Played in CHL Top Prospects Game, named to OHL Third All-Star Team, won WJC Bronze. Comparable to: Mike Cammalleri, Cam Atkinson
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=231275
24. Riley Tufte:
Birthplace: Ham Lake, Minnesota Position: LW Height: 6″5 Weight: 212 Shoots: L
Minnesotta’s reigning Mr. Hockey, Tufte wrecked the high school ranks last year and cemented his status as a first-rounder. An extremely raw talent, he needs tons of seasoning, but has great size and skating, and doesn’t back down from the physical side of the game. Tufte’s committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for next year, and is years away from the NHL. An intriguing overall mix of talent and size. Comparable to: Nick Bjugstad.
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=291903
25. Rasmus Asplund:

Birthplace: Filipstad, Sweden Position: C/LW Height: 5″10 Weight: 176 Shoots: L
Overshadowed at the World Juniors by countrymen Alex Nylander and Dmytro Timashov, Asplund is nonetheless a fantastic player in his own right. Although a little undersized, Asplund is incredibly hard working and brings leadership intangibles to the table. He’s feisty, and his work ethic is infectious, but his size limits him physically. Great hockey sense and playmaking ability, he’s an elusive skater that is always looking for open ice. His best trait is his head; his determination and work ethic is hard to match. Comparable to: Marcus Johansson, Bo Horvat
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=139616
26. Brett Howden:

Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta Position: C Height: 6″2 Weight: 190 Shoots: L
Quinton Howden’s younger brother was overshadowed in Moose Jaw last year by Brayden Point, but nonetheless left scouts intrigued. He’s decent all around, no standout skills, but does everything pretty well. A 200 foot player that has tenacity and edge to his game, he’s valuable at any end of the ice. Skates well, sound both offensively and in the defensive zone, Howden’s main problem is his compete level. He has a tendency to drift at times and focus only on scoring. Set up to play a bigger role in Moose Jaw this year, it’ll be interesting to see if his skill set and compete level goes up. Played in CHL Top Prospects Game, won Hlinka Memorial Gold and was named a Top 3 Player on Canada during the World U-18’s. Comparable to: Brandon Dubinsky, Lars Eller
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=232712
27. Vitali Abramov:

Birthplace: Chelyabinsk, Russia Position: W Height: 5″9 Weight: 174 Shoots: L
Another undersized player that would’ve fallen in drafts of the past, Abramov is a ridiculously quick skater with great agility, and has the offensive skills to match. He’s got good hockey sense and rarely puts himself into vulnerable positions on the ice, but has a high compete level and doesn’t let his size limit where he goes on the ice. Feisty, skilled, and could be the steal of the late first round. Equally skilled at both scoring and playmaking, but is also adept in the defensive zone. Played in CHL Top Prospects Game, named to QMJHL All-Rookie Team, won QMJHL Rookie of the Year and Michel Bergeron Trophy for QMJHL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Had most goals, assists, and points by a rookie in the QMJHL last year. Comparable to: Nikita Kucherov
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=295715
28. Pascal Laberge:

Birthplace: Chateauguay, Quebec Position: C/RW Height: 6″1 Weight: 174 Shoots: R
Laberge is a quick and feisty player with an edge to his game and the offensive skills to back it up. Sometimes he takes the edge a little too far, but he should mature with time. A dangerous offensive threat, especially in open ice, he’s got a quick shot and good playmaking ability, but struggles in the corners and in physical situations. Played in CHL Top Prospects game. Comparable to: Brayden Schenn
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=252492
29. Tage Thompson:

Birthplace: Oyster Bay, New York Position: C/RW Height: 6″5 Weight: 194 Shoots: R
Personally, I’m not high on Thompson and believe he should be a mid-2nd round pick, but I do think that a team will bite early and take him in the late 1st round. Thompson is tall and lanky and the GM that drafts him no doubt hopes that he will grow into his frame. The son of Brent Thompson has outstanding hockey sense and feel for the game, but he seems to lack drive and passion on the ice and disappears at times. He’s got the size and overall natural skill to be a top-6 forward, but is the compete level there? My bet for a first round flame-out that teases his skill, but ultimately doesn’t have immense success at the NHL level. Comparable to: Jimmy Hayes
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=301349
30. Libor Hajek:

Birthplace: Smrcek, Czech Republic Position: D Height: 6″2 Weight: 196 Shoots: L
While not a flashy player, Hajek is the kind of no-frills defender that simply gets things done. Good at everything, but not elite at anything, Hajek projects to be a shutdown d-man that can chip in a little on offense, but mainly stays unnoticed and quietly does his job. Will likely be a #4 or 5 defenseman that chips in on secondary special teams units. Moves the puck well, but defense is his calling card. A much safer pick than a relative gamble like Julien Gauthier or Tage Thompson. Comparable to: Chris Tanev, Carl Gunnarsson, Marco Scandella
http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats.php?player=195023