Top 15 NHL prospects to watch in the CHL in 2023-24

Credit: Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff

It’s time to support your local junior hockey stars.

The Canadian major junior hockey season is underway, with the WHL and QMJHL kicking things off last week and the OHL opening play this weekend. Many of the league’s top NHL-drafted prospects are still playing in the NHL during preseason action, so we won’t see teams at full strength for a few more games, at least.

Come early October, that’s when the fun really begins.

The Canadian Hockey League has many of the game’s top young prospects, with some teams – especially Buffalo and Seattle – benefiting greatly. We’re going to list some here, but there’s one I decided to take off the list: Kevin Korchinski. I’m not convinced he doesn’t start the year with the Chicago Blackhawks. And a few others on this might do the same with their own NHL team, but if they get loaned back, they’ll be dynamite.

Here’s a look at 15 NHL prospects you need to know across the CHL’s 60 teams, all vying for a spot in the Memorial Cup next spring:

WHL

Zach Benson, LW, 18, Wenatchee (Buffalo Sabres)

I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it: there is no reason why Benson should have fallen to No. 13 at the 2023 NHL Draft. And that’s not because he stood out against other prospects at the Buffalo Prospect Showcase. Or that he’s been one of Buffalo’s better forwards early on during the preseason. It’s because Benson’s body of work has proven that he has the potential to become a high-volume producer in the NHL one day. Very few CHLers are in the same ballpark as Benson, playmaking-wise. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Sabres hold onto Benson to start the season, but at the very least, 100 points with Wenatchee and a spot on Canada’s top line at the WJC is definitely in reach.

Matthew Savoie, C, 19, Wenatchee (Buffalo Sabres)

There’s been plenty of discussion about whether Savoie should be allowed to go straight to the AHL if he doesn’t make the Sabres. For what it’s worth, Rochester is where he needs to be. Savoie’s game is built on ankle-breaking skill and his explosive skating can be extremely difficult to slow down. His effort never seems to waver, as shown during his electric WHL playoff run that saw him finish second in scoring. I really think Savoie is going to play far above his 5-foot-9 frame because the skill, hockey IQ and speed trump any concerns about physicality. He showed what he could do at Buffalo’s prospect tournament, where he looked a step ahead of the rest right from the get-go. I fully expect Savoie to be one of Canada’s best players at the world juniors in a few months.

Conor Geekie, C, 19, Wenatchee (Arizona Coyotes)

Let’s keep the Wild hype train going. You can’t go wrong with a 6-foot-4 center who can skate well and knock everyone over. Geekie broke the 70-point barrier for the second consecutive season, scoring career-high 35 goals and 77 points. While it wasn’t a huge jump from his 70 points the year before, Geekie added more straight-line speed and defensive awareness this past year. Geekie has a chance to be a top-six forward with Canada’s world junior team before turning pro next season – potentially as Arizona’s third-line center.

Andrew Cristall, LW, 18, Kelowna (Washington Capitals)

Cristall is coming off a wild season with the Rockets, scoring 39 goals and 95 points in his second full campaign with the club. He also had six points in seven games with Canada at the April IIHF U-18 World Hockey Championship and won gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last spring. The Vancouver, British Columbia native was among the most skilled players in the 2023 draft. His skating is a big concern, and he’s only 5-foot-8. But in terms of pure skill, few in the 2023 draft class could compete with Cristall, whom I expect to fight for the WHL scoring lead.

Jagger Firkus, RW, 19, Moose Jaw (Seattle Kraken)

Firkus is a proven goal scorer with 83 goals in 167 career games with Moose Jaw. That includes a career-best 40 goals and 88 points last season, but he really popped off with 10 goals and 21 points in 10 playoff games. Moose Jaw was out early, but Firkus’ play wasn’t a reason why. He also got into a playoff game with the Firebirds, showing some pro potential in an eventual 1-0 overtime loss to Colorado. He’s small at 5-foot-10, but Firkus’ energy and work ethic could make him a value-scoring threat in a middle-six role one day.

OHL

David Goyette, C, 19, Sudbury (Seattle Kraken)

In the OHL’s recent media poll, 50 percent of participants picked Goyette to lead the OHL in scoring. That’s a strong pick after scoring 41 goals and 92 points a year ago. Taken 61st overall in 2022, Goyette exceeded all expectations as a sophomore last year, and even had a pair of assists in Coachella Valley’s run to the AHL’s Calder Cup final. Sudbury should factor into the championship conversation, especially with another year of Quentin Musty, and Goyette will be the primary scoring star each night. Expect Goyette to challenge for Canada’s world junior team before shifting to pro hockey for 2024-25.

Quentin Musty, LW, 18, Sudbury (San Jose Sharks)

A late first-round pick in 2023, Musty had a solid 78-point campaign where he showed just how good of a playmaker he can be. He’s big at 6-foot-2 and loves to use his imposing size to secure the disk. Musty is always thinking offense, and his compete level is near the top of the class. It bothers him when he gets stopped on a chance and he tries even harder the next time. Musty has a good release and skates well enough, and he’s extremely dangerous near the crease. He showed that at the World Junior Summer Showcase, where he put his best foot forward in an attempt to make USA’s roster for the main event in December. And with Sudbury chasing the OHL title, look for Musty to have a monster season.

Matthew Poitras, C, 19, Guelph (Boston Bruins)

Poitras is the second-best choice if Goyette doesn’t win the scoring race. Guelph definitely isn’t as strong as Sudbury, but Poitras is coming off an incredible 79-assist, 95-point run with the Storm last year. Poitras then followed it up by being one of Boston’s standouts at the Buffalo Prospect Challenge earlier this month, showing a nice mix of speed and creativity. A second-round pick in 2022, Poitras plays with a bit of razzle-dazzle that makes him difficult to read, and he’s ready to hit triple-digit offense this season.

Colby Barlow, LW, 18, Owen Sound (Winnipeg Jets)

Barlow is one of the best pure goal-scoring prospects in the CHL, putting up 46 goals and 79 points as a sophomore with the Attack. He’s already a captain, and his ability to put the puck exactly where he wants it makes him so dangerous. Barlow is a team-first player and should have no issue becoming a fan favorite once he eventually makes it up to the NHL. A 50-goal campaign should be easily achievable over the OHL regular season, and, perhaps, he can make a run at cracking Winnipeg’s roster in 2024-25.

Ty Nelson, D, 19, North Bay (Seattle Kraken)

Nelson has been highly regarded ever since going first overall to North Bay at the 2020 OHL Draft. He lost that first season due to COVID-19, but with 33 goals and 127 points in 133 games, Nelson has been such a force. He finished tied for second in goals scored among OHL defensemen with 24 (Logan Mailloux had 25), and his 76 points were good for third. Many think Nelson will be the best defenseman in the OHL this year, and I wouldn’t doubt it. He’s so much fun to watch and will be a nice addition to Canada’s world junior team.

Calum Ritchie, C, 18, Oshawa (Colorado Avalanche)

After a point-per-game season in Oshawa, Ritchie is looking for more. He had to deal with a shoulder injury suffered during the U-18 World Championship but was playing some of the best hockey of his career before that. Ritchie is a reliable two-way center who can play just about any role, and that’s going to go a long way in Oshawa’s push up the standings. Ritchie is Colorado’s top prospect, giving the team a nice boost after years of depleting their pipeline – but for a good reason.

Oliver Bonk, D, 18, London (Philadelphia Flyers)

The son of former NHLer Radek Bonk, Oliver played a ton of minutes last season thanks to his strong own-zone play. He’s capable of creating damage in the O-zone, too. He fits the mold of a modern-day defender who can do some of everything. A lot of eyes in London will be on 2024 NHL Draft prospect Sam Dickinson, but Bonk could see extra responsibility with Logan Mailloux moving on. London is loading up for a run at the OHL title, and Bonk will be one you need to keep a close eye on.

QMJHL

Jordan Dumais, RW, 19, Halifax (Columbus Blue Jackets)

It can’t be understated just how unbelievable Dumais was last year. His 140 points were second only behind Bedard in the CHL, and he still has another year of eligibility. After a dominant showing at the Traverse City Prospect Tournament, he’s the best candidate to break the 150-point barrier the QMJHL has had since Alex Radulov put up 152 in 2005-06. Heck, maybe Dumais will become the first 160-point producer since some guy named Sidney Crosby had 168 in 2004-05. Dumais is small at 5-foot-8, but expect big things this year.

Tristan Luneau, D, 19, Gatineau (Anaheim Ducks)

A second-round pick in 2022, Luneau recently won the QMJHL’s top defenseman award – giving the Ducks a hat-trick of top blueliners in the CHL. Luneau saw his offense nearly double this year, recording 20 goals and 83 points before putting up 17 points in a fantastic playoff run. His run-and-gun nature makes him difficult to slow down, and his passing game has only improved. Luneau hasn’t received the same attention Pavel Mintyukov or Olen Zellweger have in the Ducks’ system, but the 19-year-old is becoming a star in his own right thanks to his play with the puck.

Etienne Morin, D, 18, Moncton (Calgary Flames)

More than a few heads were turned when NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr called Morin his top defenseman for the draft. The skilled, two-way defender is still a work in progress, but his offensive flashes and improved defensive play make him an intriguing prospect. With 21 goals and 72 points with Moncton last year, scoring clearly wasn’t an issue. Defensive zone coverage was at points, but summer viewings suggested there’s little reason to be worried about Morin. He’s going to be extremely important this year.

Other notables: Beau Akey, D, Barrie (Edmonton Oilers), Ethan Gauthier, RW, Drummondville (Tampa Bay Lightning), Etienne Morin, D, Moncton (Calgary Flames), Dom DiVincentiis, G, North Bay (Winnipeg Jets), Eduard Sale, RW, Barrie (Seattle Kraken)

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