Welcome to The Draft Report’s official Part 1 Rankings of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. As with any list you will stumble upon, there are bound to be plenty of controversial selections among my top thirty-two. I have based my personal rankings on a number of different factors, including things like the player’s projected NHL upside, skating ability, two-way game, the intangibles they provide, physicality, size (sometimes, depending on how the player utilizes that size), etc. Essentially though, I have ranked these players according to how I believe their performances over the last season or two have dictated. For prospects out of the Ontario Hockey League this has been impossible as the widespread majority of them did not participate in any competitive games during the 2020-21 season. The OHL cancelled theirs, so many of the 17-year olds who are now draft eligible are just entering their rookie years of major junior. Don’t be surprised if my Part 2 Rankings look entirely different than my Part 1 Rankings, as I rely heavily on my own personal video scouting of these players to decide on rank. I have only been able to get in a couple of games for each of the OHL players so far, and as their regular season progresses that will change. So, too, will the way I have ranked them. You can be sure of that.
This is a much deeper draft class than the previous 2021 edition’s was, but the level of projected “superstar”-type talent is perhaps a little less than previously speculated. There is a lot of projected “high-end, top six”-type talent, though, at least enough to go around to every team in the league. Slovakia, a team that hasn’t produced a first round pick in an NHL draft since Marko Dano went 27th overall to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2013, suddenly has two prospects who look like surefire top five/ten picks and a third who has cracked my top thirty-two. The United States’ National Team Development Program (NTDP) has an outside chance of breaking the previous NTDP record of eight first round picks in the same year established in 2019. Regardless of whether it does or not, this is easily their best group since then. The OHL, WHL, and QMJHL should produce at least a couple of first round prospects each as per usual. Russia, Sweden, and Finland have their typical pool of intriguing talent as well. Without further ado, ladies and gentleman, here are my Part 1 Rankings:
1. Shane Wright ,C, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Born: January 5, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 185 lbs.
The newly minted Kingston captain dominated at the Under-18 World Hockey Championships last spring, wearing the “C” for Team Canada as an underaged player and leading the way to gold with 9 goals and 14 points in just 5 games. Prior to that, he was the CHL’s sixth-ever “exceptional status” player and their 2019-20 Rookie of the Year after he put up an incredible 39 goals and 66 points in 58 games as a 15/16-year old. He is a future “face of the franchise” and number one center in the NHL, the type of talent that can change an organization’s futures overnight. His incredibly sound defensive game and attention to detail get overlooked next to his elite goal scoring and equally potent playmaking ability, but he truly is a special talent on both sides of the puck. There is no question who the top player in this draft is.
2. Simon Nemec ,D, (Tipos Extraliga)
Born: February 15, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 192 lbs.
Strangely, a lot of the scouting publications out there are claiming the difficult decisions begin with the number two spot. I strongly disagree. This Slovakian-born-and-trained two-way blueline prodigy has a stranglehold on number two at the moment, at least in my opinion. He is a “sure thing” as a future NHL defenseman, and all indications are that he will be an extremely good one. Nemec put up 19 points (2g17a) in 37 games in his country’s top men’s league as a 16-year old last season. He also led their U20 World Junior Hockey Championships squad in scoring and was named one of their top three performers by the coaching staff. Also as a 16-year old. He has a brilliant mind for the game, is an outstanding puckmover, excels in a shutdown role, and captained the Slovakian national team to silver at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup while winning tournament MVP honours. Enough said.
3. Joakim Kemell ,RW, JYP Jyvaskyla (SM-Liiga)
Born: April 27, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 176 lbs.
It cannot be denied or underrated anymore: Joakim Kemell is a star. His league-leading rookie campaign in Finland’s Liiga this season (10 goals and 15 points in 13 games) is the result of a breakout that has gradually been building steam and momentum over the last year. It started with Kemell’s outstanding U20 season as a 16-year old where he notched 22 goals and 36 points in 38 games, then carried over to the U18 Worlds (where he was their most dynamic and exciting player) before truly taking shape at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Kemell led the Finns in both goals (5) and points (6, tied) and created consistently great scoring chances game-in and game-out. He is an electrifying offensive talent, and certainly not one to be underestimated.
4. Danila Yurov ,RW, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Born: December 22, 2003
Size: 6’1”, 172 lbs.
Here’s another hot take: Danila Yurov is the top Russian prospect in the 2022 draft. You are likely to find another Russian name at the top of most rankings lists, but that doesn’t change my mind about who the better player is. Yurov, a late-2003 birthday, was a revelation at the U18 Worlds, racking up 4 goals and 11 points in 7 games en route to a silver medal finish. While his dazzling displays of stickhandling wizardry and offensive contributions garnered the most attention, his highly advanced understanding of the defensive game was what truly stood out to me. He plays the game like a pro already, which is probably why he’s been a full-time KHLer at the age of 17 this season after scoring his first career goal at the age of 16 last year. Although they play very different forward positions, I can’t help but be reminded of former Detroit Red Wing Pavel Datsyuk when I watch Yurov play.
5. Matthew Savoie ,C, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)
Born: January 1, 2004
Size: 5’9”, 178 lbs.
Believe the hype. Matthew Savoie’s name has been tossed around in hockey circles for awhile now, as he dominated his way through the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL) minor system and became a legitimate candidate for exceptional player status (though he was too small and eventually denied). He did, however, become the newly-relocated Winnipeg ICE’s first overall pick in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft, and had a terrific 2020-21 season south of the border with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints. Savoie posted 22 goals and 38 points in 34 games and clearly demonstrated his world-class combination of playmaking abilities and a deadly shooting arsenal. His blazing start as an actual WHL rookie this year so far (12 points in 7 games, second in league scoring) has only confirmed his status as an elite prospect.
6. David Jiricek ,D, HC Plzen (Tipsport Extraliga)
Born: November 28, 2003
Size: 6’3”, 176 lbs.
David Jiricek very nearly became the second defenseman to reach the top five, and he may still get there before all is said and done. The big Czech blueliner has followed a similar career path to Slovakia’s Simon Nemec in many ways. Jiricek, too, has been competing in the top men’s league in his country since he was 16 years old and finding success. Jiricek was also named as one of his team’s top three performers at the U20 World Juniors last year. His booming one-timer and slick skating/passing on the powerplay were highlight features, but he also brings a nasty mean-streak to his defensive play that wears down on his opponents over the course of a game. After notching 3 goals and 9 points in 34 contests last season in the Czech Tipsport Extraliga, he has 3 goals and 7 points through the first 11 games of this season. With that kind of growth in such a short amount of time he looks like a huge impact NHLer in the future.
7. Juraj Slafkovsky ,LW, TPS Turku (U20 SM-Liiga)
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 6’4”, 224 lbs.
One look at his size should give you an early indication of why he’s so highly regarded in this draft. But that only tells part of his story, although much still remains to be seen. Slafkovsky, the second Slovakian player to place inside my top ten, has rare skating and puckhandling abilities for such a big kid. His hockey sense and mind for the game is at a near pro-level already too, and when/if his numbers start reflecting his actual talent level he could very well skyrocket up this list and finish right near the top. We saw just how good he can be at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (9 points in 5 games) and as a 16-year old in Finland’s U20 Sarja last season (8 goals and 13 points in 16 games). The thing is, with his set of tools and incredible size, he has the potential to be a dominant force in the NHL one day. He just needs to prove it at a lower level first.
8. Brad Lambert ,C/RW, JYP Jyvaskyla (SM-Liiga)
Born: December 19, 2003
Size: 6’0”, 179 lbs.
Some may be surprised to see Lambert this low, and frankly I’m surprised to have to rank him here. He has been mentioned as a top three talent in this class for a couple of years already at this point, and his performance as Finland’s youngest player at the U20 WJC (4 points in 7 games with him earning his way into a top six role as they won bronze) did little to dispel that notion. He is arguably the best skater in this draft and has elite playmaking skills, off-the-charts IQ, and skyhigh upside as a prospect. Lambert has struggled in the Liiga over the last two seasons though, and especially this year as he has no goals and just 1 assist in 9 games while his teammate Joakim Kemell is utterly dominating the league. Don’t count him out (I’m certainly not), but right now I can’t justify replacing him with anyone listed above him.
9. Tristan Luneau ,D, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Born: January 12, 2004
Size: 6’2”, 174 lbs.
The first overall pick of the 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft went on to win the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award last season. He managed big minutes in all critical game situations against opposing top lines and contributed 18 points (4g14a) in 31 games on the scoresheet as well. Luneau is a terrific skater with a sharp mind for the game who takes care of his defensive responsibilities first and foremost. He takes a methodical, pro-style approach to the game that helped earn him an “A” with the Gatineau Olympiques as a sophomore this season. His work ethic, natural leadership characteristics, and hockey IQ will ensure he makes it to the NHL one day (as long as he can stay healthy), but his skillset could also make him a star.
10. Logan Cooley ,C, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: May 4, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 174 lbs.
The first of a deep and talented group from the NTDP, Logan Cooley’s spot in the top ten was confirmed by his outstanding start to his full-time U18 campaign. A speedy, hardworking two-way center with elite offensive skills that seem to be growing every game, Cooley wasn’t the highest-profile name coming into his U17 debut with the NTDP last year but has deservedly taken over much more of the conversation now. He notched 16 goals and 32 points in 28 games with his own age group before earning a promotion to join the U18s as a 16-year old in 2020-21. He kept up an excellent pace there with 14 points (4g10a) in his final 19 games. At the current trajectory he is on, there’s no telling how high up this list he could climb before he’s reached his peak. I wouldn’t bet against him though. There are very few players with his intensity and determination to become the best player he can be.
11. Ivan Miroshnichenko ,LW, Omskie Krylia (VHL)
Born: February 4, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 185 lbs.
The “other” Russian prospect I mentioned earlier is none other than Ivan Miroshnichenko, captain of the squad that took home gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the squad that took home gold at the 2019-20 Youth Olympic Games. And, yes, he won silver as an underaged player at the U18 Worlds too. He’s a natural goal scorer with a terrific release, soft hands, and a great sense for finding open space. He’s got some physicality to his game at times, though it’s not as pronounced as some would have you believe. He’s been average in the VHL this season with just 3 goals and 6 points in 15 games, which hasn’t helped his rank, but he has tantalizing skill and a sparkling resume. The only question is whether he is an offensive catalyst or just a hired gun.
12. Conor Geekie ,C, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)
Born: May 5, 2004
Size: 6’4”, 205 lbs.
It’s not often that a 6’4” center comes along with the kind of dynamic one-on-one skills that Conor Geekie has. He filled more than a few highlight reels during his WHL rookie season in 2020-21, when he finished second among first year players with 23 points (9g14a) in 24 games. While he’s not the fastest player on the ice, he can summon a surprising amount of speed using his impressive lower body strength and he’s almost always in position to play a responsible defensive game. The younger brother of Seattle Kraken forward Morgan Geekie, the NHL bloodlines don’t hurt his case either. Is he a number one center? I’m not so sure about that, but I’m also not so sure that he’s not.
13. Frank Nazar ,C/RW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: January 14, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 175 lbs.
Frank Nazar makes a solid case to be the top NTDP player in this draft class, and there’s still plenty of time for him to mount a charge into the top ten overall. Nazar is a gifted offensive player with a slick set of hands and well-rounded passing and shooting abilities. He might steal pucks and cause turnovers more than any other player on this list, as he is always involved in the play and constantly around the puck no matter which end of the ice it’s in. He spent his U17 season as a right winger but has been used primarily at center as a U18 this season, to overwhelmingly positive results I might add. That speaks to his versatility and all-around game, which no doubt will be taken into consideration by NHL GMs next summer.
14. Isaac Howard ,LW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 183 lbs.
He was the best U17 forward in the NTDP last season and has been one of their best again this year. Howard’s astronomical 1.59 points-per-game average in 2020-21 placed him among some elite company in the program’s history. Though undersized at 5’10”, he does most of his scoring around the front of the net utilizing his quick hands and hockey sense to sniff out loose pucks and holes in coverage. He is currently tied for second on the U18 team in scoring with 10 points (2g8a) in 9 games.
15. Rutger McGroarty ,C, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 204 lbs.
The most talked about prospect entering the NTDP’s 2020-21 campaign, Rutger McGroarty was even projected as a potential top three contender in this draft at one point. While his 17 goals and 35 points in 34 games with his own age group was decent production, he fell a little flat after his U18 promotion (3 goals and 6 points in 19 games) and at the U18 Worlds tournament last spring (no points in 5 games). Though he’s had his struggles with consistency, the package is particularly enticing in his case. He’s 6’1”, 204 lbs. with soft hands, a great shot, and the tenacity and competitiveness that scouts and GMs will be looking for. McGroarty isn’t likely to be a top three contender (if we’re being brutally honest here) but has plenty of upside as an effective two-way center and rugged physical presence.
16. Ty Nelson ,D, North Bay Battalion (OHL)
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 197 lbs.
The first overall pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Ty Nelson was denied his rookie season last year due to the cancellation but has come out on fire as a rookie this year. Though he’s only 5’10” he weighs nearly 200 lbs. and plays a gutsy, physical game. His smarts on the ice keep him dangerous at all times in the offensive zone while he still employs a steady and positionally sound defensive game. The Battalion have already established a potent attack and Nelson’s puckmoving has a lot to do with that.
17. Seamus Casey ,D, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: January 8, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 162 lbs.
I would typically urge caution when it comes to ranking small defensemen, but Seamus Casey is another player whose talent makes him an exception. He’s a world class skater who can pass and handle the puck as good as any blueliner in this draft. As gifted as he is offensively, his play in his own zone is every bit as good. That is a rare quality to find in a defender who can carry the puck end-to-end untouched when he’s at his best, which has frankly seemed like the norm early on in 2021-22. He has 6 points (1g5a) in 9 games through a tough start to the schedule that has included 4 games against college competition.
18. Liam Ohgren ,LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)
Born: January 28, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 187 lbs.
The number one Swedish prospect in my Part 1 Rankings is 6’1” winger Liam Ohgren, a breakout star at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup who has carried his strong play at the tournament into his regular season league play as well. After he notched 6 goals and 12 points in 7 games with a stacked Djurgardens J20 club, he earned himself an SHL job. Ohgren is a fantastic skater with good instincts and a refined all-around style of play. He kills penalties, contributes on the powerplay, and seems to always have an impact on the game whether he’s scoring or not.
19. Jack Hughes ,C, Northeastern University (NCAA)
Born: November 2, 2003
Size: 6’0”, 165 lbs.
He doesn’t necessarily rack up the points every night (although he has plenty of skill) but you can’t help but notice him almost every time he steps on the ice. A highly competitive, hardworking center who can be plugged into all kinds of roles and positions up and down the depth chart, the “other” Jack Hughes posted 34 points (8g26a) in 38 games with the NTDP U18s as one of their youngest players last year. Honouring his NCAA commitment this season, the late-2003 birthday has fit right in on his Northeastern University team with his determination and pro-style game.
20. Denton Mateychuk ,D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Born: July 12, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 186 lbs.
The top-ranked WHL defenseman on my list, Mateychuk first burst upon the scene when he was added to Team Canada’s roster as a replacement for the injured Carson Lambos at the U18 Worlds. The truth is, he had enjoyed a fine rookie season with the Moose Jaw Warriors that had led to him being noticed in the first place. He posted 9 points (2g7a) in 16 games and showed flashes of high-end offensive potential, and the good news is he seems to be taking a step forward in that area as a 17-year old. A brilliant, effortless skater, Mateychuk sees the ice extremely well and knows how to take advantage of weaknesses in defensive coverage. He’s still a work in progress defensively, but has moments of greatness in that regard that are promising.
21. David Goyette ,C, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Born: March 27, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 174 lbs.
The Sudbury Wolves have been pumping out high end prospects for awhile now, and 5’11” center David Goyette looks like he will keep that trend going. He hasn’t gotten off to the best start numbers-wise, but the skill level is there in spades and he has done an excellent job on the penalty kill and remaining vigilant in his positional responsibilities. The points will come sooner or later for the former 10th overall pick in the 2020 OHL draft. The work ethic, all-around skillset, and vision with the puck he has displayed as a rookie tasked with a lot of responsibility has been very noticeable.
22. Jonathan Lekkerimaki ,C, Djurgardens IF (J20 Nationell)
Born: July 24, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 172 lbs.
This Swedish dynamo’s goal production just continues to reach unrivalled heights. After leading the Swedes in goals (5) at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he leads the top J20 league in the country with 12 goals (tied) in just 13 games since his return from that bronze medal run. The velocity he is able to generate with his NHL-quality release and the accuracy with which he shoots the puck is simply remarkable, and he has proven himself at every level so far. He’s only 5’11” and light on his skates, but his speed and maneuverability keeps him elusive and dangerous without leaving him vulnerable.
23. Kevin Korchinski ,D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Born: June 21, 2004
Size: 6’2”, 175 lbs.
There is lots to like about Kevin Korchinski’s potential upside as an offensive defenseman. He’s 6’2” and can skate with pretty much anybody, plus he passes the puck with confidence and authority and can be a real weapon on the powerplay if he learns to unlock his full capabilities. He excels at getting the puck through traffic and on net with even the tiniest amount of open space available. He has a quick release on a powerful snapshot and can unload a decent one-timer, though he has yet to score a goal in his WHL career (29 games and counting). He did produce 10 assists in 23 games as a 16-year old rookie with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2020-21 and has been using his shot more often this season. If he breaks through, he could easily be placed higher on future lists.
24. Ryan Chesley ,D, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: February 27, 2004
Size: 6’0”, 195 lbs.
Ryan Chesley built a lot of hype for himself with a spectacular U17 NTDP campaign in 2020-21, but hasn’t been able to replicate the same kind of performance since. His 11 goals and 0.92 points-per-game average both led all players at his position, and his 34 points were second-most. That may have led to a bit of over-projection when it comes to his upside as an NHLer. He’s a decent, but unspectacular, skater and while he’s solid in his own zone he doesn’t dominate in that regard. Chesley’s wicked shot and sixth-sense for finding pockets in coverage are his biggest strengths, and enough reason for GMs to pick him up in the first round. Just not enough to put him in my top twenty.
25. Filip Mesar ,RW, HK Poprad (Tipos Extraliga)
Born: January 3, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 165 lbs.
The third and final Slovakian prospect to crack the top thirty-two in my rankings, Filip Mesar doesn’t have the size of the other two at just 5’10” and 165 lbs., but he has the heart and willpower to make up for it. Mesar played against men in the Tipos Extraliga last season too, and produced well with 14 points (4g10a) in 36 games (it’s not an elite pro league, but he was 16) and was a big part of his team’s outstanding second-place finish at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Mesar recorded 2 goals and 8 points in 5 games and battled in every area of the ice from start to finish. His skill-level is off-the-charts and he’s a smart, slippery player who longs to be a difference maker.
26. Elias Salomonsson ,D, Skelleftea AIK (J20 Nationell)
Born: August 31, 2004
Size: 6’0”, 172 lbs.
Elias Salomonsson is a tough player to get a handle on. On the one hand, he has put up some dominant numbers at the J20 level in Sweden including 15 points (4g11a) in 14 games as a 16-year old in a shortened season last year. The issue is that his international performances have not lived up to the same lofty standards, though he has been steady and reliable in his own zone for the most part. He had no points in 7 games at the U18 Worlds and just 1 assist in 5 games during the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (though Sweden won bronze at both) and didn’t look all that dangerous on the powerplay despite plenty of opportunities.
27. Markus Vidicek ,C, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Born: March 21, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 152 lbs.
This undersized pivot is a big-time player for the Halifax Mooseheads, though he’s gotten off to a rather slow start in his sophomore QMJHL campaign. He tied for second in rookie scoring with 31 points (10g21a) in 2020-21 while managing second-line center duties and time on the penalty kill. Vidicek handled himself very well, showing no fear in going to the gritty areas of the ice to create chances or battling with much bigger opponents in the corners. He has plenty of skill with the puck too, packing a heavy shot for his size and good playmaking vision. He just seems to have that “it” factor when you watch him play, and that’s why he makes my Part 1 Rankings.
28. Hunter Haight ,C, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Born: April 4, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 167 lbs.
Haight has taken on a lot of responsibility as a rookie center in the OHL, capably filling the top line position despite a lack of success on the scoresheet. With most of the OHL prospects (including Haight) missing an entire year of development, it may take a few games for them to settle in. He has shown plenty of promise though, especially in the defensive zone where he always seems to be in the right place to chip in and help his team breakout the other way. Much of his placement on this list is based on projection (and the couple of games I’ve been able to watch) and there’s still a long season ahead for Hunter Haight to move up or down these rankings. I see a lot of pro hockey traits in his game, and that’s why he has a spot here.
29. Nathan Gaucher ,C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Born: November 6, 2003
Size: 6’3”, 207 lbs.
The 2021-22 season is already Nathan Gaucher’s third in the QMJHL (born in late-2003, he’s one of the older kids in this draft) after he led the Quebec Remparts with 31 points (14g17a) in 30 games as a sophomore last year. Truthfully, though, it was Gaucher’s play in his own end of the ice that made the biggest impression on scouts (and apparently Hockey Canada management) as he landed a nomination for the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the QMJHL’s Best Defensive Forward and was the only 2022-eligible besides Shane Wright to earn an invite to Canada’s U20 WJC summer tryouts. At 6’3” and 207 lbs., the Quebec native has the size and strength to physically dominate his opponents (and does), but lacks the footspeed to keep up with many of the smaller forwards. That could be cause for some concern among NHL general managers.
30. Maveric Lamoureux ,D, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
Born: January 13, 2004
Size: 6’7”, 196 lbs.
With his size and strong play in the defensive end, Maveric Lamoureux strikes me as a Jamie Oleksiak-type blueliner. He’s obviously not going to be the fastest guy on skates, but he’s usually responsible enough in his positioning that he doesn’t need to be. With his long reach and good stick, not to mention the edge he plays with, Lamoureux receives plenty of important shutdown minutes for his Drummondville squad. The offensive side of his game appears to be improving as well, which increases his chances to play in the big leagues one day. After a decent 7 points (1g6a) in 24 games as a rookie last season he has 2 assists in the first 5 games of 2021-22.
31. Simon Forsmark ,D, Orebro HK (J20 Nationell)
Born: October 17, 2003
Size: 6’2”, 194 lbs.
The big, rangy defenseman helped Sweden win bronze at the U18 Worlds last spring, contributing 2 points (1g1a) in 7 games, but has built up most of his momentum through a fantastic start to his 2021-22 season in the J20 Nationell. He has 17 points (3g14a) in 14 games (with 4 SHL games in between) and racked up 37 penalty minutes with an increased focus on physical play, which was one of the knocks against him early on. Forsmark needs to work on his reads in the defensive zone and could use more speed to his game, but there’s plenty to like about a 6’2” blueliner who can pile up the points.
32. Bryce McConnell-Barker ,C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Born: June 4, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 188 lbs.
The Greyhounds’ fourth overall pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection has had a solid start to his rookie season with 3 goals and 5 points in 5 games, demonstrating a high level of offensive skill on a typically strong Sault Ste. Marie club. He’s got the size to handle himself in the corners and along the boards as well as the speed and stickhandling to beat defenders clean and take the puck to the net. Bryce McConnell-Barker has been one of the more commonly mentioned OHL prospects in this draft class, and he seems to be living up to it.
The Draft Report 