Top 75 NHL-affiliated skater prospects in 2023-24

Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Can you think of a more exciting prospect crop in recent memory?

You’ve got the elite, game-changing talent of Connor Bedard. There’s the incredible supporting cast featuring Adam Fantilli, Matvei Michkov, Leo Carlsson and Logan Cooley. Defensively, there’s Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, David Jiricek, Brandt Clarke and Simon Edvinsson, among others. And we already know about the quality goaltending options, with a handful of future No. 1s looking to prove themselves.

It’s a gold mine across the board.

With the NHL season on the horizon, and leagues around the world already in full swing, it’s time to break down the top 75 prospects in the NHL today. A year ago, Owen Power, Matty Beniers, Mason McTavish and Edvinsson were the top five prospects in the world, with the first four all graduating to full-time NHLers. Other NHL notables include Cole Perfetti, Juraj Slafkovsky, Kent Johnson and Jack Quinn.

But this year’s top 75? It’s so much deeper.

The difference between, say, 63-75 is quite small. There are plenty of talented prospects who could have made this list, including Ottawa’s Ridly Greig, Carolina’s Scott Morrow, Toronto’s Topi Niemela and many more. A handful of players who just missed out on this year’s list would have been a bit more prominent in 2022.

To be featured, only skaters were considered, and players who were full-time in the NHL last year but may not have played the entire season (Perfetti, Slafkovsky and Dylan Holloway) were considered to have graduated.

Let’s break down the top 75 NHL-affiliated skater prospects ahead of the 2023-24 NHL season:

1. Connor Bedard, C, 18 (Chicago Blackhawks)

This man doesn’t need any introduction. You’ve heard all there is to know about No. 98 given he’s been in the spotlight for half a decade already. His skill, speed, hockey IQ, and two-way play make him one of the most incredible talents we’ve seen since Connor McDavid. Bedard is the generational player that’ll bring the Blackhawks back near the top of the standings in a few years. We’ve already seen what he can do in limited action, and he’s just getting started.

2. Adam Fantilli, C, 18 (Columbus Blue Jackets)

The Blue Jackets should thank their lucky stars that the Anaheim Ducks elected to take Leo Carlsson this year. Fantilli dominated the University of Michigan this past season, notching an NCAA-leading 30 goals and 65 points in 36 games, earning him the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top collegiate player. Add in gold at the world juniors and World Championship with Canada and Fantilli had as stellar of a college freshman season as you could ask for. Fantilli can dominate. It won’t be long until he’s the team’s No. 1 center.

3. Matvei Michkov, RW, 18 (Philadelphia Flyers)

Despite an up-and-down start to the KHL season – but now filled with more ups now that he’s with Sochi – I still believe Michkov is one of the best prospects in the game today, no question. He knows a thing or two about scoring and was a big reason why Sochi doubled its win total at the end of 2022-23. His 0.74 points-per-game during his time with Sochi is the best by a U-19 in league history – beating out Evgeny Kuznetsov, Eeli Tolvanen, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kirill Kaprizov and Artemi Panarin, among others. Michkov is special, but since he has a KHL deal until 2026, the Flyers’ fanbase needs to be patient.

4. Leo Carlsson, C, 18 (Anaheim Ducks)

Carlsson lacks the razzle-dazzle of the others at the top of this list. But he makes up for it in reliable, developed traits that will make his transition to the NHL quite easy. The 6-foot-3 center is a difficult player to contain, and after an impressive season playing against men between Orebro and Sweden at the IIHF’s World Championship, it’ll be interesting to see what happens with Carlsson this season. He can clearly hang with quality talent, and he’ll be a popular figure in Anaheim.

*Leo Carlsson (Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports)*

5. Logan Cooley, C, 19 (Arizona Coyotes)

If a 2022 re-draft took place today, Cooley would go No. 1. Instead, the Coyotes snagged a future star that has already created some highlight-reel moments during the preseason. The runner-up for the NCAA’s Hobey Baker Award as best male collegiate player, Cooley had an exceptional rookie campaign with 60 points – good for second behind Fantilli. Cooley also shook off a slow start at the world juniors by scoring seven goals and 14 points for USA, earning him tournament all-star honors after winning bronze. Cooley is the future of this group, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him knocking on Barrett Hayton’s door to take the No. 1 C spot by the spring.

6. Luke Hughes, D, 20 (New Jersey Devils)

Hughes’ NCAA career finished in April after he set a career high with 48 points. Hughes scored 17 goals and 39 points with Michigan a year ago in a year that saw him win Big 10 championship and rookie of the year honors. He also finished as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player. Hughes, who served as USA’s captain at the 2023 world juniors, went on to make his NHL debut near the end of the regular season, recording two points in two games. He sat to start the postseason, but he quickly found himself playing more than 20 minutes a night against Carolina and even recorded two assists in his first appearance. The Devils already have a solid defensive crop, and Hughes will make them even better.

7. Will Smith, C, 18 (San Jose Sharks)

Smith is a versatile centerman with a high offensive floor and plays a reliable two-way game. Many scouts believe he’ll be valuable as a top-six forward who can hold his own physically and set players up on the rush while putting up 20-plus goals consistently. He’s great on the power play, too. I’d expect a one-year run in college, and I fully expect some incredible numbers next year. Smith will also be one of USA’s top centers at the World Juniors, too. After that, it’s focusing on becoming San Jose’s No. 1 middleman, something that won’t take him too long.

8. Zach Benson, LW, 18 (Buffalo Sabres)

The Sabres got a steal, simple as that. From a pure skill perspective, Benson was a top-five prospect for the 2023 NHL Draft, and the numbers support that. But at 5-foot-10 with average skating, Benson was available later than he should have been. He’ll return to the WHL this season with Wenatchee (formerly the Winnipeg Ice) and should have no issue breaking the 100-point barrier. It’ll be interesting to see what route the Sabres take with his development and whether it includes AHL seasoning once he’s eligible. At this point, especially after watching him in the preseason, I doubt it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he made a case to stay with the Sabres out of camp for a few games.

9. David Jiricek, D, 19 (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Columbus’ blueline will be a bit crowded this year, especially with the return of Zach Werenski and the additions of Damon Severson and Ivan Provorov. But Jiricek deserves a shot to prove himself as a potential top-pairing defenseman, especially in a year where expectations are still not high for CBJ. Jiricek looked like a creature among mortals last year, showing very few signs of weakness in his first season in North America. Jiricek put up an impressive 38 points in 55 games with Cleveland to lead all U-20 defensemen. Soon enough, he’ll be challenging Werenski for the No. 1 D-man honors.

*Simon Nemec (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

10. Simon Nemec, D, 19 (New Jersey Devils)

It’s easy to overlook Nemec given Hughes’ fantastic play. It’s crazy to think Nemec is the second-best defensive prospect on the Devils when he’d be the top prospect for more than half the league. The young Slovakian has spent the past few years playing against men, and while the AHL is a big jump from his native game in Slovakia, it didn’t seem to bother Nemec. The Devils have a good future on ‘D,’ especially with Hughes moving up, but Nemec is ready to become a star.

11. Cutter Gauthier, C/LW, 19 (Boston College, NCAA)

Gauthier is going to obliterate the college ranks as a sophomore, right? The 19-year-old had 37 points in 32 games at BC while also putting up 10 points at the world juniors. It started to click that Gauthier had what it takes against pro players by scoring seven goals and nine points in 10 games at the men’s IIHF World Hockey Championship in May. Gauthier elected to return back to Boston, with a chance to chase a national title, the Hobey Baker and a World Junior Championship with the United States. Gauthier would be a No. 1 prospect on most teams in the NHL. He’s Philly’s No. 2. Absolutely nuts.

12. Brandt Clarke, D, 20 (Los Angeles Kings)

No defenseman on the planet was as dominant as Clarke once he went back to junior. Clarke started the season with the Kings before landing on a conditioning stint in Ontario. He then won gold with Canada at the world juniors before returning to Barrie, where he scored 23 goals and 61 points in just 31 games. Add in another 23 playoff points; it was just ridiculous how good Clarke was. He’ll likely require some AHL seasoning this year, but once he’s unleashed on the NHL, watch out – especially on the power play.

13. Simon Edvinsson, D, 20 (Detroit Red Wings)

After an excellent season in the SHL, the team could have rushed him to the NHL for 2022-23, but they didn’t. They let him simmer with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, where he was one of the best players on a weak team. He had some solid moments down the stretch with the Red Wings, showing he was ready for a much bigger workload in 2023-24. Along with Moritz Seider, Edvinsson looks to be a huge piece of Detroit’s future. And that’s also literal, given he’s 6-foot-6.

14. Shane Wright, C, 19 (Seattle Kraken)

Wright had a difficult season, bouncing around the NHL, AHL and OHL. The highlight was winning the world juniors with Canada; the lowlight was struggling to carve out playing time with Seattle. He was good in Coachella Valley, but he and Windsor fell short in the OHL after an excellent regular season. Expectations are high for Wright, who many expected to go first overall in 2022. And it’s still early, but there’s an obvious spotlight on him given all the hype the past few years. But Wright’s biggest asset – his hockey IQ – can’t be taught. He’ll find a way to figure it out.

*Shane Wright (Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports)*

15. Pavel Mintyukov, D, 19 (Anaheim Ducks)

Mintyukov was the OHL’s top defenseman, putting up incredible numbers in 2022-23. That shouldn’t be surprising because he scored at a high rate every level and capped off his second OHL campaign with 88 points in 69 games. His three-play zone is extremely underrated, and at 6-foot-1 with great footwork, there’s NHL size and mobility there.

16. Olen Zellweger, D, 19 (Anaheim Ducks)

Few players can control offense from the point like Zellweger. He finished his junior career with 183 points in 180 games and another 17 points over two World Junior Championships, resulting in double gold medals. Only Ben Zloty – who played nearly 30 more games in the same five-year span – scored more as a defenseman with 189 points, and no NHL defensive prospect is within 30 points of Zellweger. It won’t be long until the skilled blueliner is controlling the power play.

17. Kevin Korchinski, D, 19 (Chicago Blackhawks)

Have the Hawks had a defensive prospect this exciting since the Duncan Keith/Brent Seabrook days? Taken seventh overall in 2022, the left-shot defender out of Saskatoon had a whopping 73 points in 54 regular season games before leading the Thunderbirds to the WHL championship. An explosive offensive defenseman, he stands tall at 6-foot-3 and isn’t afraid to use his size to his advantage. He can hold his own in the defensive zone, which seems to be a rarer instance. Korchinski will be a leader on Canada’s world junior team in a few months, and there’s no doubt he’ll be ready to step into the NHL in another year.

18. Oliver Moore, C, 18 (Chicago Blackhawks)

Easily the fastest skater in the NCAA, Moore was one of the best value picks of the first round. The fastest player in the draft, Moore is an incredibly hard worker that did so much for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in 2022-23. He centered the team’s second line and still managed to put up more than 70 points, often drawing high praise from coach Dan Muse. Moore is an incredible playmaker who plays a nice defensive game, too. He will make the move to the NCAA this year, but don’t expect him to spend too many years in college. He’s a top-six player with bottom-six, never-say-die energy.

19. Marco Rossi, C, 21 (Minnesota Wild)

Missing most of 2020-21 due to health problems attributed to COVID-19 didn’t help Rossi’s development. The high-scoring OHL star had to spend 2021-22 playing catch-up, but he put up great numbers in the AHL. He made the Wild out of camp in 2022 and looked ready to challenge for the Calder Trophy. Instead, he had just one assist in 19 games and was sent back to Iowa. The two-way center just missed the point-per-game mark with 51 in 53 games, but it was still significant progress. He also was Austria’s best player at the men’s World Hockey Championship, saving the team from relegation. Will Rossi finally crack the roster full-time in 2023-24? He should.

*David Reinbacher (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

20. David Reinbacher, D, 18 (Montreal Canadiens)

Habs fans already have high expectations for their players. So it didn’t help when the Canadiens took Reinbacher at No. 5, passing over the highly skilled Matvei Michkov. But it’s so easy to undervalue just how good Reinbacher was. Not many people had Reinbacher as a first-round pick heading into last year. By the end, he was the first defenseman taken. He put up excellent numbers in the top Swiss league, a division that hasn’t always been kind to younger blueliners. Reinbacher looked mature beyond his years, simple as that. He had some ups and downs in his transition to the smaller ice during the preseason but still showed a ton of promise. Reinbacher will be a top-pairing defenseman for the Canadiens – but how soon?

21. Ryan Leonard, RW, 18 (Washington Capitals)

Leonard’s going to be a first-liner in Washington for a very long time. Leonard finished off a tremendous U-18 World Championship effort by scoring the gold-medal-clinching goal against Sweden as part of the most dominant scoring line in USA Hockey National Team Development Program history. The seven-game affair was a perfect microcosm of Leonard’s true abilities: good speed, skill and physicality all wrapped into one. Leonard’s play at the World Junior Summer Showcase in the summer – away from his usual linemates Will Smith and Gabe Perreault – showed just how good he can be in any situation. He’s the type of player every team wants.

22. Dalibor Dvorsky, C, 18 (St. Louis Blues)

At the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Dvorsky was the only forward who seemed able to keep up with Russia’s Matvei Michkov. That tournament helped put him on the map, and the hype continued with his play against men last year. The raw talent is there, and it was on full display during a near-MVP effort at the U-18 World Championship last April. He’s currently struggling to produce in SHL action with Oskarshamn, but after signing his entry-level contract, we might see him head over to North America for 2024-25.

23. Matthew Knies, LW, 20 (Toronto Maple Leafs)

There was a ton of hype surrounding Knies’ arrival last year, and it was well-deserved. The University of Minnesota alum had 21 goals and 42 points in 40 NCAA games last year, making him a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He got into some NHL action to close the year out, showing his trademark skill/physicality combo. A strong defensive player, Knies should be a long-term top-six threat for this group.

24. Matt Savoie, C, 19 (Buffalo Sabres)

Savoie knows a thing or two about lighting up the scoresheet. He had 185 points in 127 games over his past two seasons with the Winnipeg Ice and wasn’t too far off of playing at a two-point-per-game pace in the playoffs this past year. Offensively, there’s nothing to worry about. But at 5-foot-9, will be too undersized? He’ll be fine as a second-line center, especially paired beside his good pal Zach Benson.

*Matt Savoie (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

25. Jiri Kulich, LW, 19 (Buffalo Sabres)

I refuse to call Kulich’s AHL success surprising (as some have alluded to) because many scouts saw it coming, especially with how he ended his draft campaign. He had one of the best U-19 AHL seasons ever with 24 goals and 46 points in the regular season and another 11 in 12 postseason outings. Add in a tremendous showing with Czechia at the world juniors and you’ve got one of the best shooters in the game. Kulich has been on an absolute tear since the 2022 U-18 World Championship and he’s ready to take another step forward in 2023-24.

26. Dylan Guenther, RW, 20 (Arizona Coyotes)

Last year was an eventful one for Guenther, who had 15 points in 33 games with the Coyotes to kick off the year. He then scored the game-winning goal for Canada at the World Junior Championship before his WHL rights were traded from Edmonton to Seattle. Guenther was sent back to junior and crushed goalies as expected, helping the Thunderbirds win the WHL title. Guenther could fit in quite nicely with Cooley on the team’s second line this year and potentially take over top-line duties down the line.

27. Dmitri Simashev, D, 18 (Arizona Coyotes)

Simashev’s late-season play really solidified him as one of the best blueliners in the 2023 Draft, especially during the MHL playoffs. Against his own age group, he can carry the load on the blueline and can be physically intimidating. There were some concerns about his play against men, but most can be attributed to him being 17-18 years old and forced into tough situations he hadn’t dealt with before. He has a deal in the KHL until 2025, but by then, he should be ready to challenge for a big spot on the Coyotes’ blueline.

28. Lane Hutson, D, 19 (Montreal Canadiens)

Outside of Bedard, is there a more fascinating prospect to watch right now than Hutson? I knew the size thing was a concern, but Hutson’s overwhelming skill with the puck was something we don’t see every day. Ever since that mid-July afternoon in 2022, all Hutson has done is dominate. With Hutson leading the way with 48 points, Boston University qualified for the Frozen Four before losing out to the University of Minnesota. Hutson wasn’t part of the Hobey Baker’s Hat-Trick finalist shortlist but was named to the top 10. He was also named Hockey East rookie of the year, was runner-up for Hockey East’s player of the year and was HE’s tournament MVP. They started to run out of awards for the 19-year-old, who played well above his smallish frame to record one of the most remarkable Draft+1 seasons by a defenseman in recent memory. The biggest thing for me is Hutson showing better decision-making in his own zone and being less passive 1-on-1. I’d almost rather he’d just play forward. But otherwise, Habs fans have every reason to hype him up right now.

29. Marco Kasper, C, 19 (Detroit Red Wings)

It’s really difficult to produce as a junior-aged player in the Swedish Hockey League, one of the best European leagues in the world – and one that is more interested in winning than developing for the NHL. Over the past two years, only Anaheim Ducks prospect Leo Carlsson (25) has more points as a U-20 skater than Kasper (23). In fact, four of the top six U-20 scorers in that span happen to be Red Wings prospects. Kasper is the team’s top forward prospect for a reason – he’s physical, has a great shot, and is a good skater. Now that he’s in North America, it’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts.

*William Eklund (Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports)*

30. William Eklund, C, 20 (San Jose Sharks)

Last year was a big first full North American pro season for Eklund, who had 17 goals and 41 points in 54 games with the San Jose Barracuda. He also had an eight-game run with the Sharks, scoring twice and adding an assist. The smart forward’s work ethic shone throughout the year, but his NHL performance varied from game to game. Once Eklund adjusts to the pace of the NHL, there’s no doubt he has the translatable skills to be a top six forward.

31. Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, 19 (St. Louis Blues)

Snuggerud was one third of the NCAA’s best scoring line alongside Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies. Both of them left, leaving Snuggerud to lead the team as a sophomore. He’ll have a chance to play with Chicago Blackhawks prospect Oliver Moore, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Snuggerud’s offense drops a bit. That being said, he’s an excellent scoring threat with good size. He was outstanding at the 2023 world juniors and will play a huge role again with the United States in Sweden this winter. I expect him to go pro at the season’s end if everything goes well.

32. Alexander Nikishin, D, 22 (Carolina Hurricanes)

Practically nobody saw Nikishin’s 2022-23 performance coming. Taken 69th overall in 2020, Nikishin led all defensemen with 55 points in 65 games with SKA St. Petersburg. It was the most by any KHL defender since Chris Lee put up 65 in 2016-17, and Nikishin’s output was the second-best by any U-23 player ever, regardless of position. At 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, Nikishin’s size and offensive ability make him one of the most intriguing defenders outside of the NHL today. He has a KHL deal until 2025, so the Hurricanes will have to be patient.

33. Lukas Reichel, LW, 21 (Chicago Blackhawks)

Just about everyone thought Reichel could be a full-time NHLer last year. But the Hawks were in full-on tank mode, and with Reichel being just 20 at the time, there was no reason to rush him. Taken 17th overall in 2020, Reichel had 57 points in 56 games with Rockford in 2021-22 before scoring 20 goals and 51 points last season. He also skated in 23 NHL games, recording seven goals and 15 points. I’m excited to see how he’ll handle full-time NHL duty, and if he might be a longer-term option beside Bedard on the left side.

34. Quentin Musty, LW, 18 (San Jose Sharks)

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. Oh, and Sudbury has a good chance at winning the OHL title this year, and Musty will be a big reason why if that happens.

*Logan Stankoven (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)*

35. Logan Stankoven, C, 20 (Dallas Stars)

While Mavrik Bourque is more NHL-ready than Stankoven right now, the potential for Stankoven to become a difference-maker is tantalizing. One of the most dominant junior players over the past two years, Stankoven is ready for the spotlight now. He led the WHL in playoff scoring with 30 points in 14 games and was on the Memorial Cup all-star team with another nine points with Kamloops. Mix in a pair of gold medals with Canada at the world juniors, as well as the CHL’s player of the year award in 2022, and Stankoven has been an unstoppable force since the Stars somehow managed to select him in the second round in 2021. But at 5-foot-8, how well will he adjust to the everyday grind of the NHL? He’s feisty for a little guy, at least.

36. Matthew Wood, LW, 18 (Nashville Predators)

I really like Wood’s potential to become a big-time player for the Predators. Wood is a big man at 6-foot-4, which NHL teams like. But he doesn’t play like a typical “big” prospect. His game is all about skill, and he has the hands to follow. He led Connecticut in shots, averaging around three a game. And it’s an excellent shot, too, putting significant power and accuracy behind it, and with the confidence to unleash it from most areas of the offensive zone.

37. Gabe Perreault, LW, 18 (New York Rangers)

Perreault’s biggest issue last season was perceived reliance on his teammates to get stuff done. But you don’t break the 100-point barrier by accident, especially when so few players have managed to do so. At the World Junior Summer Showcase, he proved he can play with just about anyone, and drive the offense, too. Plus, his skating didn’t seem to be as much of a hindrance. This will be a big campaign for Perreault, who will start off with Ryan Leonard and Will Smith at Boston College and could earn a spot on the American world junior team, too. I feel significantly more confident in Perreault’s future now than I was in, say, February.

38. Matt Coronato, RW, 20 (Calgary Flames)

Coronato has been one of the players of the NHL preseason, regardless of experience level. And that alone should get Flames fans thrilled, with the rookie potentially snagging a top-six spot. After registering his second consecutive 36-point season with Harvard last year, Coronato turned pro and made his NHL debut before finishing as one of USA’s top players at the IIHF World Hockey Championship. Coronato has done everything right leading up to this point and he’s set for his first season of NHL duty. The Flames have shown a willingness to select smaller forwards, but former coach Darryl Sutter seemed uninterested in giving them a shot. Will that change under new coach Ryan Huska? It should, because the 5-foot-10 Coronato is going to be dangerous.

39. Axel Sandin Pellikka, D, 18 (Detroit Red Wings)

ASP was a monster at the U-20 level but much more reserved against men in the SHL. A good puck-mover, Sandin Pellikka was the best defenseman at the U-18 World Championship and the U-20 Swedish league, too. He could score, set guys up and is an excellent puckhandler. While his top speed is still missing the next step, Sandin Pellikka’s acceleration was near the top of the defensive crop for the 2023 draft class. If he can unlock a bit more intensity with Skelleftea next season, he’ll be in excellent shape. The 2024 world juniors on home ice will be a nice challenge for the Swedish blueliner.

*Axel Sandin Pellikka (Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports)*

40. Denton Mateychuk, D, 19 (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Mateychuk has 129 points over the past two seasons with Moose Jaw and will be captain again this year. A quick-skating, smart blueliner, Mateychuk would be the top defensive prospect on many other teams. Instead, the Blue Jackets can play the patient game, but there’s no doubt he’ll stand out with Canada’s world junior team this winter. Afterward? There’s top-four potential here.

41. Calum Ritchie, C, 18 (Colorado Avalanche)

The Avalanche got a nice snag in the first round in June, taking Ritchie with their first pick. Ritchie didn’t blow the doors off in 2022-23, but there was only so much he could do with a low-scoring Generals squad. He did become a more dominant two-way threat, though. He decimated the Hlinka Gretzky with Canada before the season started before finishing off with a good U-18 World Championship despite dealing with a shoulder injury. He’s going to be a dependable two-way center in the NHL, which is exactly what they need with Nathan MacKinnon manning the top line for the time being.

42. Brennan Othmann, LW, 20 (New York Rangers)

There’s a lot to like about Othmann’s overall game. His 50 goals with Flint in 2021-22 showed he can score. He’s a good setup guy. And he’s willing to put players through the boards any chance he gets. Othmann brings the type of energy you crave in the middle six with the offensive awareness to capitalize on chances all over the ice. His well-rounded game should keep him in the NHL for a long time, even if he doesn’t produce a lot.

43. Alexander Holtz, RW, 21 (New Jersey Devils)

Once considered one of the top prospects, the 21-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations. A known shooter, Holtz had just three goals and four points in 19 NHL games and another six goals and 11 points in 14 AHL games. He didn’t score at all during the 2023 AHL postseason, but his five assists were promising. Holtz dealt with injuries and inconsistent play, but there are still enough reasons to be concerned about his development. The skills are there, but the execution just hasn’t been.

44. Andrew Cristall, LW, 18 (Washington Capitals)

Few 2023 NHL Draft picks posess the skill that Cristall displayed on a daily basis. He had 39 goals and 95 points with Kelowna, and he kicked off the 2023-24 WHL campaign with a three-point night. But he’s small at 5-foot-10 and is a brutal skater, knocking him out of the first round and into Washington’s clutches. If they deploy him right, like using him as a setup man and on the power play, Cristall should still be a serviceable NHLer one day. I’m a believer.

*Jordan Dumais (Jeff Curry/USA Today Images)*

45. Jordan Dumais, RW, 19 (Columbus Blue Jackets)

The only CHLer with more points than Dumais last year? Connor Bedard. The Halifax Mooseheads star had a whopping 54 goals and 140 points in 64 games and another 21 in the playoffs. He’s up to 278 points in 172 career games, which is just utterly ridiculous. He’s only 5-foot-9, which plays against him, but his offensive production in junior has been special. And, of course, Dumais could join a small list of NHLers to ever wear No. 69, his number with the Blue Jackets through development camp the past two years. Andrew Desjardins is the best player to wear that number, and Dumais can change that. Please stick with it, sir.

46. Colby Barlow, LW, 18, (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 Owen Sound 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.

47. Gavin Brindley, RW, 18 (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Small but feisty, Brindley went under the radar in Michigan, largely due to Fantilli’s heroics. He’s as competitive as it comes, and he’s a solid straight-line skater, but there’s still some room to improve from an overall puck skill and hockey sense standpoint. Brindley is just 5-foot-9, but he isn’t afraid to play with a bit of an edge. Give him the right teammates and Brindley will have no issue succeeding. I’m not worried about his size right now; there’s enough of an NHL toolkit to get excited about him.

48. Frank Nazar, C, 19 (Chicago Blackhawks)

Last season was a bit of a lost one for Nazar, who only played 13 games after recovering from hip surgery. He had just seven points in that span and was quiet during the NCAA tournament, which was a shame to see. But when he’s healthy, he’s a lethal dual-threat up front who can easily score and set up teammates. He’s headed back to the University of Michigan for next year and should play an integral role with the departure of Fantilli. Having an injury-free season will help put Nazar right back on track.

49. Ryker Evans, D, 21 (Seattle Kraken)

Evans had perhaps the biggest season of any Kraken prospect last year, scoring six goals and 44 points in 71 regular season games as a pro rookie. One of Connor Bedard’s passing buddies in Regina, Evans then scored a whopping 26 points in 26 games in the postseason, good for third in scoring among all players. Expect Seattle to give Evans an extended look at training camp, but with a veteran-laden group already, it wouldn’t hurt to give him more time to clean up his own-zone play in the AHL.

*Ryker Evans (Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports)*

50. Brock Faber, D, 20 (Minnesota Wild)

Acquired from Los Angeles in the deal that sent Kevin Fiala to California, Faber is the best defensive prospect in the Wild’s system. And he came at the right time, giving them some life after lacking depth on the blueline. Faber is a great skater who uses his speed and agility to take away angles and make life difficult. He can suffocate opponents along the boards and land booming hits regularly. Faber should start the season on the second pairing and could take ice time away from Calen Addison, who is already looking to prove himself after signing a contract extension.

51. Liam Öhgren, LW, 19 (Minnesota Wild)

Öhgren had every opportunity to shine as a second-year pro. He had a quiet run at the world juniors with Sweden, but he finished fourth among U-20 scorers with 11 goals and 20 points. He has good size, an excellent release, is a strong playmaker, and his skating is solid enough. If he can add a bit more top speed, he’ll be able to take his game further. Still, Öhgren projects to be a top-six scoring winger in the NHL.

52. Joakim Kemell, RW, 19 (Nashville Predators)

Kemell had a respectable 12 goals and 15 points in 43 games with JYP in Liiga and was one of Finland’s few productive forwards at the world juniors. But it wasn’t until his trip to North America with the Admirals that he really started to hit things off. When he arrived, the Admirals had a few key players in the NHL and he immediately stepped into a big scoring role, registering 13 points in 14 regular season games. He kept that energy rolling in the postseason with eight goals and 10 points in 14 games, showing it wasn’t just a fluke. Kemell should get a few NHL games under his belt this year.

53. Danila Yurov, RW, 19 (Minnesota Wild)

There’s a very good chance Yurov would have gone much higher if it wasn’t for everything happening in Russia. Yurov is an excellent skater with fantastic puckhandling and shooting traits. But he got lost a bit playing a full year in the KHL, where kids typically are just roster fillers. He has dominated against his own age group and was among the best at every international tournament to date. Yurov is only getting better with more opportunities.

54. Rutger McGroarty, RW, 19 (Winnipeg Jets)

McGroarty may have been overshadowed by Fantilli as a freshman at Michigan last year (like everyone else), but the Jets prospect still managed to put up a point per game through 39 outings. The lethal scoring threat was more of a playmaker at the world juniors, which saw him win bronze. He had a nice showing at the World Junior Summer Showcase earlier this month, and he should be a key contributor again this winter. With Fantilli moving on, more eyes will be on McGroarty to take a stand this year.

*Brayden Yager (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

55. Brayden Yager, C, 18 (Pittsburgh Penguins)

One of the few prospects with a realistic shot at the NHL in Pittsburgh, Yager impressed in his first action in Penguins colors at the Buffalo Prospect Challenge in September. The team’s first pick in 2023, Yager has the makings of an impact top-six forward. Yager has mainly been a center throughout his career, but I see him moving to the wing. He’s a strong shooter but had 50 assists, showing he can be an all-around offensive machine. There have been enough off-games to get some scouts concerned. He can play all situations, but he rarely engages physically and most scouts wanted to see more goals out of him. If you give Yager a more responsibly sound center to work with, I think he’ll become quite the scoring threat.

56. Brad Lambert, C, 19 (Winnipeg Jets)

Lambert started the season with Manitoba before getting loaned out to the world juniors. He struggled with Finland and ultimately landed with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. He was a huge contributor en route to the team’s WHL championship and a spot in the Memorial Cup. Lambert was one of Winnipeg’s better players during the 2022 pre-season, earning him an entry-level contract, but consistency proved to be a problem in the AHL. There are big expectations for Lambert this year to prove he’s a realistic part of the team’s future core.

57. Mavrik Bourque, C, 21 (Dallas Stars)

Will Bourque become an NHLer at 21? After a strong rookie campaign with Texas where he seemed to only get better throughout the year, Bourque established himself as a pro-caliber player. Preseason reports have been positive, and now Bourque looks ready to give Dallas some depth scoring in the near future.

58. Mackie Samoskevich, RW, 20 (Florida Panthers)

Samoskevich turned pro after a strong sophomore campaign with the University of Michigan, with the Panthers clearly thinking he had a legitimate chance of cracking the NHL roster for 2023-24. Right now, that’s looking like the case. Samoskevich is a deceptive forward who manages space well and puts some significant power behind his shot. I’m not sure where he’ll land in Florida’s lineup, but he’s one of the few prospects worth following there.

59. Tyson Foerster, RW, 21 (Philadelphia Flyers)

Foerster has one of the best shots in the Flyers’ system, and it was on full display last year. Foerster had seven points in eight games in the NHL, helping the team go 4-0-1 in his final five contests before closing the season back with the Phantoms. He just missed the 50-point mark with Lehigh Valley but would have easily done so had he not received the call-up. The skilled winger should challenge for a middle-six scoring role in the near future, but I’m concerned about his play without the puck. Luckily, the Flyers can afford to have him make mistakes and learn along the way.

*Samuel Honzek (Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports)*

60. Samuel Honzek, C, 18 (Calgary Flames)

Honzek was a low-risk pick in the first round in 2023 – someone who could challenge for a spot in a year or two thanks to some solid NHL-level qualities. An injury at the world juniors didn’t help him, but Honzek showed enough this season to make me believe he’ll be a solid second-liner before too long. For a 6-foot-4 forward, he’s a good skater with a good stride and solid top speed. Add in his apparent physical strength and you’ve got a player with a bright future. Maybe not in a scoring role, but as a two-way forward with good physical attributes.

61. Eduard Sale, LW, 18 (Seattle Kraken)

Sale spent most of the season playing against men in the top Czech league, recording seven goals and 14 points in 43 games. He was a dominant goal scorer against youth competition, with his 89 points in the Czech U-20 league in 2021-22 being the best by a U-17 scorer in league history. No player since the start of the 2010s has ever managed to record 60. Consistency was an issue for Sale, especially in the second half after the World Junior Championship. However, he showed enough big-game potential at that event that I’m still quite intrigued. He’s best when he’s being deceptive, which comes more with confidence.

62. Owen Pickering, D, 19 (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Standing tall at 6-foot-4, Pickering is so dangerous with the puck. He’s deceptive, smart and isn’t afraid to shoot it from the point. He has a nice size advantage but doesn’t always use it aggressively – he uses it to separate the puck from the carrier. He had a nine-game stint with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to close the season out, which was a good chance to see what he could do against pros. The Broncos captain should also factor into Canada’s world junior team in December.

63. Lian Bichsel, D, 19 (Dallas Stars)

Among other events, Bichsel was an absolute treat with Switzerland at the world juniors. He had just two assists but was heavily involved at both ends of the ice and made his physical presence known. You’d expect that from 6-foot-5 player, but you don’t typically expect guys like him to skate as well as he does. Bichsel’s game is made up of violence and energy, and he’ll be an instant favorite once he cracks the Stars’ NHL lineup. For now, it’s time to get adjusted to the AHL, but his preseason efforts have been promising.

64. Jonathan Lekkerimäki, RW, 19 (Vancouver Canucks)

Lekkerimäki is off to a hot start with Orebro’s SHL team, scoring four goals in his first six games. Can he keep the heat up? It’s not always easy for a 19-year-old to produce in one of the top European leagues. Lekkerimäki had a bit of a down year with just nine points in 29 Allsvenskan games last year, but had a point per game through 15 qualification round games. Hopefully, the momentum continues.

*Nate Danielson (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

65. Nate Danielson, C, 19 (Detroit Red Wings)

I’ll be upfront: I didn’t love the pick at No. 9. But the 19-year-old center has good size, creates chances and charges to the net with purpose. A captain at 18, Danielson is well-respected among his teammates, and he seems to make everyone around him better. I don’t think he’ll be a big producer in the NHL, but he’ll be a reliable two-way center.

66. Stanislav Svozil, D, 20 (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Svozil had an eventful season, captaining Czechia to one of its best world junior performances in about 20 years. He also served as one of the key set-up men for Connor Bedard in Regina, with Svozil finishing his junior career with an incredible 67 assists and 78 points. He had points in both his NHL and AHL debuts, and finished the year with three pro games in three nights. Svozil looks capable of being an NHLer before too long, maybe as a reliable third-pairing option.

67. Conor Geekie, C, 19 (Arizona Coyotes)

You can’t go wrong with a 6-foot-4 center that 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 year. He’s not going to blow you away with his high-impact scoring in the NHL, but his frame and two-way play will make him an effective forward.

68. Matthew Poitras, C, 19 (Boston Bruins)

A month ago, the thought of Poitras making the Boston Bruins out of training camp seemed extremely unlikely. Now? Heck, some fans want him as the No. 1 C. While that’s still unlikely, he’s been on an absolute roll with the Bruins throughout the preseason. If he does return to OHL Guelph, Poitras is a favorite to challenge for the scoring lead after an incredible 79 assists and 95 points last year. In terms of playmakers outside of the top 50 of this list, Poitras is among the best.

69. Fabian Lysell, RW, 20 (Boston Bruins)

Lysell was a divisive prospect during his draft year, with many wondering what his NHL future would look like. He played his first season in the AHL with Providence but didn’t light things on fire with just 14 goals and 37 points in 54 games. Mix in an awful world junior performance and Lysell definitely didn’t do himself many favors. The skill is still there, but he’ll need to take a big step forward with Providence in 2023-24. That being said, he’s still young, so it’s all about putting everything together.

*Fabian Lysell (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

70. Daniil But, LW, 18 (Arizona Coyotes)

There are few prospects like But, a 6-foot-5 forward who is tremendously mobile. A solid finisher around the net, But was a point-per-game player in the MHL while skating in some KHL contests a year ago. So far, he has struggled with Lokomotiv’s KHL squad but has looked great against his own age group. We’ll see if the Coyotes’ gamble on But at No. 12 pays off.

71. Noah Östlund, C, 19 (Buffalo Sabres)

Yet another high-profile pick from the 2022 draft for Buffalo, Östlund had a tremendous first year playing against pros in the second-tier Swedish league. Östlund put up 26 points in 37 games while playing an important offensive role with Sweden at the world juniors, albeit to mixed results. The 19-year-old center will play for Vaxjo in 2023-24, but getting a regular shift could be a bit difficult, as typically is the case for U-20 talent in Europe. Still, there’s a solid chance he becomes a second- or third-liner at some point in the NHL.

72. Chaz Lucius, C, 20 (Winnipeg Jets)

Lucius proved he could perform in any situation last year, putting up some great numbers at the world juniors and in the WHL while also seeing some AHL action. The problem? Yet another injury limiting him to just 25 games. If Lucius can stay healthy, he has the potential to become a middle-six player one day. But with just 74 games played over the past three years, what do we really know about Lucius’s game?

73. Sean Farrell, LW, 21 (Montreal Canadiens)

Farrell turned pro after an electric college season that saw him put up 20 goals and 53 points with Harvard. He had just one goal in six games with the Canadiens before struggling at the World Championship with USA, registering just two points. It was a slow end in an otherwise great year for Farrell, who, if you remember, was USA’s best forward at the 2022 Olympics. The small forward has been a strong producer since leaving the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and in the right role with the Canadiens, that should continue. Some time in Laval to get used to bigger, stronger competition in pro wouldn’t hurt.

74. Luke Evangelista, RW, 21 (Nashville Predators)

It’s only a matter of time until Evangelista – a dominant scorer at the U-16 and junior levels – made his mark in the NHL. After posting some of the best numbers of any U-22 player in the AHL, Evangelista was called up in late February and now has 15 points in 24 games. He was an excellent addition to the team’s top six, one that needed some extra scoring in the wake of injuries to Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene. And while scoring at lower levels is one thing, it’s notable when it happens at various levels and then carries over to the next step. I think his lack of high-end mobility will hurt him, but Evangelista should be a middle-six forward this year.

75. Owen Beck, C, 19 (Montreal Canadiens)

For starters, Beck’s numbers have never really popped off the page. But what does are his motor, playmaking acumen and two-way play, making him a perfect middle-six center option down the line for the Canadiens. He also dropped the gloves earlier in the season, which was something new. Beck has an NHL toolset that’ll give him a good shot at making the lineup once he fully commits to the pro game.

*Owen Beck (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)*

Other notables: William Dufour, RW (New York Islanders), David Goyette, C (Seattle Kraken), Ethan Del Mastro, D (Chicago Blackhawks), Sean Behrens, D (Colorado Avalanche), Ivan Miroshnichenko, LW (Washington Capitals), Jagger Firkus, RW (Seattle Kraken), Jackson LaCombe, D (Anaheim Ducks), Topi Niemela, D (Toronto Maple Leafs), Zachary Bolduc, C (St. Louis Blues), Calle Odelius, D (New York Islanders), Ridly Greig, C (Ottawa Senators), Bradly Nadeau, RW (Carolina Hurricanes), Scott Morrow, D (Carolina Hurricanes), Xavier Bourgault, C (Edmonton Oilers)

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