By: Arlen Dancziger
There is so much talent looking to make the jump into the NHL in the next couple of years that you could make a list of 100 players like this. The fact is though, that there’s only about 10 guys who are all but guaranteed to be difference makers at the next level. After that, it’s all just projection. Regardless, it’s a fun exercise to attempt to predict the careers of some of the young guns. Here are my top 50 prospects heading into the 2022-23 NHL season.
1. Owen Power (BUF)
The undisputed top prospect going into this season, Owen Power has every tool to be a dominant force on the ice. At 6’6”, 213 pounds, he can overpower attackers and has the soft hands and vision to be a difference maker on the offensive side of play. His smooth skating and defensive instincts are assets as well. Look for him to take over top defensive duties at some point this season, or as early as next week. A future Norris candidate if Cale Makar ever has a down year.
2. Mason McTavish (ANA)
This guy is a game-breaker. His performance at the World Juniors was nothing short of spectacular. I’m not one to look too intensely into short tournament performances, but McTavish simply looked like a man amongst boys all tournament long. Contributing that immensely to a championship squad must have his confidence at an all-time high, so I expect him to bring that into next season with the Ducks. Look for him to use his power, goal-scoring ability, and soft hands to team up with Trevor Zegras on the highlight reel all year long.
3. Matty Beniers (SEA)
A true two-way centreman with sharp offensive skills, Beniers will likely end up as the Kraken’s first line centreman at some point this season. He simply does everything well, from his offensive and defensive positioning and awareness, to his slick hands and powerful shot. He will be an immediate contributor on the powerplay, and should get some reps on the penalty kill as well. Probably the top pick for the Calder if he can find some chemistry with the Kraken’s new additions.
4. Kent Johnson (CBJ)
Probably the most skilled prospect in the game, and soon to be one of the most skilled players on the planet, Johnson can do anything with the puck on his stick. He has a similar playing style to Mitch Marner, where he can seemingly pull a rabbit out of a hat at any moment, or make a pass that looks impossible. His high offensive IQ and poise with the puck is a deadly combination with his lightning quick hands. The only question is whether he will be willing to get his small-ish frame into the tough areas in the middle of the ice.
5. Shane Wright (SEA)
He wasn’t drafted first overall. So what? Wright is still the top prospect from this year’s draft. He plays with Bergeron-esque awareness, has a lethal shot, and has hunger to prove the haters wrong. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be the second-line centreman for the Kraken by the end of this season. If he gets some powerplay reps as well, look for him and Matty Beniers to develop some chemistry and surprise some teams this season.
6. Simon Edvinsson (DET)
How do you pick a defensive partner for Moritz Seider? Go out and get a left-handed Moritz Seider. With Edvinsson’s skill set, it’s hard to put him this low on the list. Standing 6’4” and 200 pounds, he’s big, physical, smooth, and offensively aggressive. He might need to play a bit more in control to be consistent on a night-to-night basis, but the Red Wings have their future set up on the blue line. Look for him to make the team out of camp, or dominate the AHL on his way up.
7. Quinton Byfield (LAK)
Injuries and slow-building production should not dissuade anyone of Byfield’s potential. This guy is gonna explode once he finds his footing. LA has a knack for drafting and developing power forwards with a scoring touch, and Byfield fits their mold to a tee. While he played primarily on the third line with the big club last season, he seems primed for a top-six role, and could score 30 goals by season’s end. In 3 years, he could be a top-10 player in the NHL.
8. Wyatt Johnston (DAL)
Players like Johnston don’t come around too often. Even less come around past the top 10 in the NHL Entry Draft. But in his draft season, due to the cancellation of the OHL season, limited viewings held teams back from drafting him, and he fell in the Stars’ lap at 23. He followed that up with 124 points in the OHL regular season and 41 points in the postseason. His toolkit is extremely well balanced, while elite across the board as well. Whether it’s his shooting, passing, offensive awareness, skating, size, or two-way play, he’s got it all. The Stars found a gem here and he’s about to let the world know as well.
9. Jake Sanderson (OTT)
A smooth, smart defenseman with NHL bloodlines, Sanderson has the tools to be a steadying presence for a young Senators team. His offensive game is definitely a question mark, as he has been productive at all levels but isn’t necessarily projected to be a big point producer. The Senators biggest hole is on defense, so if they have a shot at the playoffs this season, Sanderson is going to have to be a big part of it.
10. Logan Cooley (ARI)
An electrifying buzzsaw with high-end skill and cerebral defensive abilities, Cooley might be the best player out of this list in 5 years. He plays with pace and is not afraid to get to the dirty areas. The only downsides to his game is that he is slightly undersized at 5’10” and 181 pounds, and can sometimes stickhandle himself into trouble. If he learns to pick his spots, and get flashy when the time is right, he is gonna bring some winning hockey to the desert.
11. Jesper Wallstedt (MIN)
Big bodied goalies with elite movement and calm crease presence are highly sought after commodities in the NHL. There are only a handful of goalies in the world who possess all three of these attributes, and Wallstedt is one of them. It’s no longer a question of if, but when Wallstedt will jump into the NHL. Still just 19 years old, he looks primed to own the starters job in the AHL, but could get into a few games in the NHL this season as well. Arguments could be made why he should be a top five prospect rather than down here at 11.
12. Simon Nemec (NJD)
The top defenceman drafted at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Nemec has the offensive game to quarterback a power play in the future. His passing and awareness are exactly what teams look for in modern blueliners. However, he is not quite NHL ready yet and will likely need a year or two before making the jump to the NHL. Long-term prospects are always riskier, but his upside should lead him to top minutes in no time.
13. Juraj Slafkovsky (MTL)
Already a big, powerful man at age 18, the 6’4”, 238 pound winger should be a force to reckon with in the playoffs one day. That’s why he went first overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. But he might not end up being the elite scoring winger that others project him to be. With an underwhelming preseason performance so far (according to his own GM), he might end up in Laval for a bit until he can prove his consistency. When he makes it, expect him to wreak havoc, whether that’s with goals or his innate ability to drive the net.
14. Aatu Raty (NYI)
Definitely a hot take, but there’s something about Raty that leads me to believe he is going to be a star. Whether it’s his outstanding performance in the World Juniors, or his impressive campaign in Finland, he just outshines almost every player wherever he plays. He possesses a professional style game already, even though he’s still just 19 years old. He’s a big, rangy, responsible centreman who can dish and finish, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. I believe he has a shot at the Islanders’ second-line centre role, whether he starts the season there, or finishes it.
15. Matt Savoie (BUF)
Another high-skill, small-ish forward, Savoie has all the tools to put up big point totals in the NHL. His fast and elusive skating, paired with his knack for making all of the players around him better, is a sweet sight for the hard luck fans in Buffalo. With all of the prospects and young NHLers Buffalo now boasts, it’s hard to imagine them not competing in a few years, if not sooner. He could be a top line player as early as next season.
16. David Jiricek (CBJ)
Another big defenseman in the mold of Moritz Seider, Jiricek seems destined for top pairing minutes within a couple years. He possesses a cannon of a shot, can play the body, and has been playing professional hockey since the age of 16 in his native Czechia. He has solid defensive instincts, and has no trouble with the puck on his stick either. It’s easy to see a future where Columbus runs out a top pairing of Werenski and Jiricek for over 25 minutes a night.
17. Luke Hughes (NJD)
Boy, is this Hughes family turning into a hockey powerhouse, or what? While Quinn and Jack have already reached NHL stardom, Luke is well on his way to following their footsteps. One quality he has over them is his NHL-ready size. At 6’2” and 185 pounds, he can afford to put on some weight but has the frame to support it. His puck skills are solid, and he is holding his own defensively in a tough overaged league in the NCAA. It looks like the Devils have their one-two-punch on the back end with Nemec and Hughes.
18. William Eklund (SJS)
A potential Calder candidate for the 2022-2023 season, Eklund is brimming with puck skills. His passing is better than almost any other player in his draft class, and his on-ice vision and elusiveness, especially in tight quarters, is impressive. His shot might need some work as he only scored one goal in all leagues and tournaments last season, but that’s no reason to write off his potential. Look for him to crack the top-six this season, whether out of camp or by mid-season.
19. Jack Quinn (BUF)
One offseason removed from a stellar performance in the AHL, Quinn seems primed for a big showing in his first NHL season. He scored 25 goals and 61 points in 45 AHL games last season, earning him AHL Rookie of the Year honours. He has elite danger recognition; he can seemingly always find the right spot in the ice to let his powerful shot fly. But he’s not just a shooter, he can dish as well. The budding chemistry between him and AHL teammate JJ Peterka will be interesting to watch at the next level.
20. JJ Peterka (BUF)
Every team needs a grindy scorer. Think of the value someone like Brendan Gallagher has brought to the Canadiens for years. JJ Peterka fits that role to a tee. He’s fast too, and led the AHL in rookie scoring as a 19 year old last season. I think there’s a chance he cracks the top-nine in Buffalo this season and becomes a reliable, all-situations player in their top-six for years to come.
21. Alexander Holtz (NJD)
Holtz, an incredible talent, should arguably be higher on this list. There is simply so much young talent above him that it was hard to justify a higher placement. Nevertheless, Holtz is a bonafide star in the making, with goal-scoring touch, premier playmaking, and above average offensive instincts. If he makes the jump to the NHL this season, he could end up being a big piece of the Devils’ playoff push. The only thing holding him back might be his play off the puck, where he will need to buy into the system if he hopes to stick with the big club.
22. Marco Rossi (MIN)
There’s something to be said about a player’s ability to persevere, and Rossi did just that. After a few injuries and a heart condition brought about from complications with COVID-19, Rossi is back and ready to make an impact. He should be able to lock down a third line centre role out of camp, and push for top-six minutes down the stretch. His biggest asset is his smarts and his puck control, a deadly combination for a team with a lot of big scoring wingers like Matthew Boldy and Marcus Foligno.
23. Cole Perfetti (WPG)
Perfetti hasn’t quite made his mark, or been able to stick to an NHL lineup yet, but this might be the year. A possible Calder winner by the end of the season, he needs to establish his presence in the middle of the ice to find chances to release his wicked shot. Even though he’s still just 20 years old, this feels like a make or break season for him. So far in preseason, he’s been electric and looks to be ready to put 30 goals up this season. If he falters, he could end up on the trade block sooner rather than later.
24. Brandt Clarke (LAK)
Is Clarke too low on this list? Perhaps. He’s a pure offensive force, with amazing edgework to go with his advanced puck skills. But a lot of players above him have more impressive and productive professional experience, and Clarke was surprisingly left off the original Team Canada roster at the cancelled World Juniors. However, I still believe in his talent, and he could easily make the opening night roster for the Kings, and stick with them the entire season. Whether they choose to go that route, or send him back to Junior where he seemingly has nothing left to prove, is the biggest question mark.
25. Yaroslav Askarov (NSH)
Askarov is a peculiar prospect. He was clamoured over in his pre-draft year, and Nashville jumped at the opportunity to draft him in the first round. But with some sub-par performances in the World Juniors and solid, but not eye-popping numbers in Russia, his stock has taken a bit of a hit. His crease presence is not as calm as Jesper Wallstedt’s, but his quickness is all-world and can bail him out of sticky situations. He’s already in North America, and is likely to play in the AHL this season, but if he can learn to be just a touch more patient in his crease, he is destined to push Saros for the starter’s spot within a year or two.
26. Cutter Gauthier (PHI)
There will always be a place in hockey for big-bodied centremen that can score. Gauthier is not a natural centreman, but has committed to playing centre at Boston College this season. Gauthier is so well-rounded that he seems to be a lock for the NHL, but whether he will play above the top-nine remains to be seen. If he has the type of season he’s capable of in the NCAA, he should be able to make the jump to the NHL when his season finishes.
27. Dustin Wolf (CGY)
Hands down Calgary’s best prospect, Wolf has simply dominated at every level he plays, dating back to his first season in the WHL. His first professional season in the AHL last season was no exception, where he took home Goalie of the Year honours. The only thing ‘holding him back’ is his slightly undersized frame, at only 6 feet. While most teams prefer their goalies to be at least 6’2”, players like Juuse Saros are breaking that mold and this should benefit Wolf long-term. I expect him to get into a couple games this season, and snatch the Flames’ starting goalie job within a couple years.
28. Dylan Guenther (ARI)
Big, fast, and skilled, Dylan Guenther is one of the most tantalizing prospects in hockey. There isn’t much that he can’t do. He would be much higher on this list without the lingering injury issues he’s had since the WHL playoffs last year. He’s destined for another season in the ‘dub, and the Coyotes are surely looking for a dominant year from him. I expect him to reach the NHL next season and compete for a top-six role.
29. Shane Pinto (OTT)
Through short, injury riddled stints with the Senators, Pinto has impressed with his responsible two-way play and scoring ability. He has an inside track to the Senators’ third-line centre role this season, and probably would have been in the top-six if Ottawa didn’t make such aggressive off-season moves. That being said, he should be able to squeeze into some power play time and play against easier competition from the third line slot. He seems like an easy pick to jump into the top-six in the near future.
30. Matthew Knies (TOR)
The top prospect in the Leafs’ system Knies is a big, powerful, aggressive player with soft hands, something the Leafs have needed for years. He had the opportunity to join the Leafs after the conclusion of his stellar year in the NCAA, but chose to go back for one more season. He will be playing with Logan Cooley at Minnesota, so his numbers should improve from last season. If they do, he will surely be signed to the big club by season’s end and help Toronto push to get out of the first round of the playoffs.
31. Marco Kasper (DET)
Another smart, responsible, speedy centreman, Kasper is off to a hot start in the SHL this year. Steve Yzerman is seemingly a magician at picking undervalued draft picks (see Moritz Seider, Brayden Point), and there’s no reason to believe that he’s wrong about Kasper. While some might say Kasper projects as a player with a high floor and low ceiling, if Yzerman’s past successes are any indication, he could very well be a top line centre when he finishes his development. He could push for a roster spot next season.
32. Logan Stankoven (DAL)
Dallas looks like they scored big in the 2021 Draft with Wyatt Johnston in the first round and Stankoven later in the second. While he might not be big, at 5’8”, he’s feisty and has a heavy shot and quick release. He won the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy for Player of the Year in the WHL and has a legitimate shot at making the Stars’ roster as a 19-year-old. Even if he doesn’t, he’s got future 30 goal scorer written all over him.
33. Philip Broberg (EDM)
Whether he’s still considered a prospect or not is up for debate, but Broberg looks ready for the next step. He had a taste of NHL action last season and didn’t look out of place, but also didn’t necessarily ‘wow’ anyone. However, he has every tool he needs to take a big step this season; he’s big, has a smooth skating stride, and is an efficient puck-mover. Suddenly, Edmonton’s defensive core is looking like one of the best in the league, with Bouchard and Nurse looking to build upon their success as well. Look for him to handle top-four minutes this season.
34. Devon Levi (BUF)
Another undersized goalie trying to make a case for his potential in the NHL, Levi has been an absolute wall for a few years now. He had a 0.75 GAA at the World Juniors for Team Canada a couple years ago, and followed that up with stellar play in the NCAA for two straight seasons. Now, back at Northeastern for another, he should make the jump to the NHL or AHL after the conclusion of the campaign, and challenge for the starting job in 2023 or 2024.
35. Conor Geekie (ARI)
His skating stride. The one issue in his game led Geekie to fall to 11th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. While skating is no joke, there are a number of amazing skating coaches in this league that can clean up his stride with him. He’s a very complete player otherwise. Size, smarts, shooting, passing, you name it, he can do it. I fully expect him to become a reliable first or second line centre in this league within a few years.
36. Olen Zellweger (ANA)
Fresh off an impressive campaign that saw him win the WHL Defenseman of the Year honours, there isn’t much left for Zellweger to do in Junior. His scoring touch and speed separate him from the rest of the pack. However, he’s still just 19 years old, and is slightly undersized. If he makes the jump to the NHL this season, he could get pushed around quite a bit. He will likely head back to the WHL this season and hopefully take home a couple more trophies. He has a chance to sneak into the Ducks’ top-four next year.
37. Lukas Reichel (CHI)
Already a productive professional player in the AHL, Reichel has an understated, responsible style of play that fits well on any roster. To add to that, he can also score, with equally effective shooting and passing skills. The Blackhawks seem to be in an odd rebuild phase where they shipped off some of their young stars, so Reichel will be given every opportunity to play big minutes if his solid play continues at the AHL level. He should be an effective second-line winger when he reaches his peak.
38. Pavel Mintyukov (ANA)
There’s a lot to like about Mintyukov’s game. He’s got NHL-ready size, is a great puck mover, plays aggressively on both ends of the ice, and shows advanced defensive abilities for his age. He’s on track to be a good top-four defenseman, and perhaps more. Anaheim already has some great young prospects, and Mintyukov adds a different element to their pool. He will be back in the OHL this year and could lead the league in scoring among defenseman.
39. Brennan Othmann (NYR)
When you score 50 goals in any league, people will take notice. Othmann did just that last season in the OHL. While plenty of big-time OHL players have scored 50 and ended up without a huge offensive career in the NHL, Othmann has the secondary tools to make it happen. He drives the net with purpose, and isn’t afraid to use his body on the backcheck as well. Responsible, physical, scoring wingers are useful to any team, so look for him to crack the Rangers lineup next season after another year in junior.
40. Topi Niemela (TOR)
Niemela had one of the best seasons of all time as a 19-year-old in Liiga last year, and played a significant role for Finland in the World Juniors for the second straight year. While this might make some Leaf fans, who are desperate for right-handed defensemen, to push for him to make the roster, the responsible puck-mover is already back in Finland for one more season. Simply put, he needs to have another monster year to be considered for the team’s playoff push, but he will most likely be in contention for a roster spot, perhaps even in the top-four, by next year.
41. Kaiden Guhle (MTL)
A big, physical defenseman with slightly above-average puck skills, all the signs indicate that Guhle is in for a productive NHL career. While he might not ever be a legitimate point producer, he seems like a prime candidate to have a career like Jacob Slavin; sound defensively and munch as many minutes in crunch time as possible. One great thing about him is that he plays with bite. He loves to hit but doesn’t put himself out of position either. He will likely play most of the season in the AHL but could end up in the top-four by season’s end or next year.
42. Dylan Holloway (EDM)
Speed, shooting, and quick hands are three deadly attributes when combined. Holloway has ‘em, and he isn’t afraid to use ‘em. He’s scored some highlight reel goals over the past couple seasons, and is the type of player that is able to skate around you or through you. He is likely to crack the Oilers’ roster this season after a good year in the AHL, and should be a winger that gets some looks with McDavid or Drasaitl. He will be a good secondary producer at the NHL level.
43. Kevin Korchinski (CHI)
Korchinski has had a couple of interesting seasons. He grew a few inches over a couple years, up to 6’2”, and his offensive game exploded to go along with it. This led the Blackhawks to take him in the top-10 of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. While he might still have some growing pains, he has a mighty toolbox, and plays a smart, offensively-minded game. He is easily their best defensive prospect and if he plays to his potential in the WHL this year, he might be given a chance at the top-four by next season.
44. Dylan Garand (NYR)
Fresh off a stellar season in the WHL which earned him CHL Goaltender of the Year honours, Garand is looking to take the next step into professional hockey. He plays a very calm game and his lateral quickness is good, if not stellar. He’s 6’1” which puts him on the edge of ‘big enough’ but his style of play looks so professional already. Hopefully the growing pains of the AHL don’t hit him too hard, and if they don’t, he could be knocking on Shesterkin’s door in a couple years. The Rangers have quietly put together one of, if not the best young core in the league, and have already experienced some playoff success.
45. Ville Heinola (WPG)
Heinola has been knocking at the door for a few years now. Winnipeg’s depth on defence has kept him out of the NHL full-time, as well as his underwhelming performances. But there’s a lot to like about him, and this just might be the year that he breaks through. He has elite vision and great puck-moving abilities. He just needs to establish more of a defensive presence this season. If he does that, he could sneak into their top-four by mid-season.
46. Mads Sogaard (OTT)
They don’t come much bigger than Sogaard. At 6’7”, he takes up almost the entire net, even when he is in butterfly. He has a calm crease presence, and moves quite well for his size. He needs to really establish his dominance this season in the AHL if he wants to be an NHL starter someday. But he has all the potential to do just that. Look for Ottawa to give him a few games with the big club this season, and hopefully he can push for more minutes next season.
47. Jakob Pelletier (CGY)
Pelletier is one of the safer options on the bottom end of this list to be a difference maker at the next level. He’s already proven that he can score at the professional level, and his game revolves around his speed and smarts. He’s a complete player, he can do just about everything and plays like it. While he is slightly undersized, he hasn’t let that get in his way before, and it shouldn’t stop him now. Look for him to take a crack at the lineup this year and perhaps sneak into a top-six role by the end of the season.
48. Ridly Greig (OTT)
Every team needs a player like Greig. He’s a pest, in the best way possible. But his game has more facets than that; he’s fast and can score too. The ideal situation for Ottawa would be if he develops into a Marchand type player, who can really do it all while taking all the attention with his antics. But that’s a lofty goal; Grieg might end up more like Michael Bunting. One underrated element to his game is his leadership qualities. This kid oozes confidence and is willing to give his body up for the team. Look for him to take a crack at the lineup next season, or maybe near the end of the season.
49. Matt Coronato (CGY)
There could be arguments made to put Coronato higher on this list, but let’s face it, there are a ton of great prospects going into this season, and Coronato is one of them. He has a very aggressive offensive style; he’s always trying to bring the puck to the front of the net. He has a firm shot, and a quick release. He will be spending another year at Harvard, but could make his way into the Flames’ top-nine when his season finishes there ahead of the NHL playoffs. He should end up as a productive top-six forward in a couple years.
50. Danila Yurov (MIN)
Sometimes you just get a sense that a player looks like an NHLer from the second they’re drafted. Yurov is that guy. He’s just such a reliable player, he thinks the game so well, and he has the secondary tools to put it all together. If he was playing in North America this season, I would expect him to have a big campaign in the AHL. But he’s still in Russia, and might stay there for a couple more seasons. When he does come over, I expect him to be a productive second-line winger.
Honourable Mentions:
Bobby Brink (PHI), Jake Neighbours (STL), Luke Evangelista (NSH), Vitaly Kravtsov (NYR), Matias Maccelli (ARI), Rodion Amirov (TOR), Victor Soderstrom (ARI), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (BUF), Joakim Kemell (NSH), Jonathan Lekkerimaki (VAN), Ivan Miroshnichenko (WSH), Nick Robertson (TOR), Sebastian Cossa (DET), Zachary Bolduc (STL) Maverick Bourque (DAL) Brendan Brisson (VGK), Scott Morrow (CAR), Fyodor Svechkov (NSH), Calen Addison (MIN), Noah Ostlund (BUF)
Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave a comment below.
