Welcome to The Draft Report’s official Part 2 Rankings of the top prospects available in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. This is a truly fascinating group, and I believe it will prove to be a very deep and talented one as well. With the Under-20 World Junior Hockey Championships set to take place next month, I felt it was the perfect opportunity for a “reshuffling of the deck” or a “reset” of the order. Like every other year the tournament has been held, there will be plenty of draft eligibles named to team rosters worth keeping a close eye on. We have seen a number of players over the years suddenly breakout with an incredible performance at the WJC and rocket up the draft lists, so we know it can (and could) happen again. This is can’t-miss TV for draft enthusiasts, junior hockey fans, and anyone and everyone in between.
Speaking of “rocketing up the draft charts”, the Part 2 Rankings will be introducing a brand new number two ranked prospect this time around. Why is this news? I didn’t think anyone would be overtaking my previous number two prospect for quite a long time (if ever), but I was wrong. Sometimes the number two player is the hardest of all to decide upon, and this could be one of those years. There are a few players who could legitimately challenge for the second spot based on how they perform over the rest of the season and internationally. You will notice a few new entries into the top thirty-two and, therefore, also a few who made the cut in Part 1 that didn’t make the cut in Part 2. These are inevitable occurrences when analyzing and ranking teenaged draft prospects. It’s all just a part of the process in the end, and the process is an important aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked.
1. Shane Wright ,C, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Part 1 Rank: 1
Born: January 5, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 185 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (OHL: 16gp-7g12a-19pts)
There is no movement at the very top of my rankings, and I don’t expect that there will be between now and the summer of 2022 either. Shane Wright is a franchise center and NHL team captain in the making. Although he hasn’t produced the kinds of numbers one would typically see of a player Wright’s caliber yet, we can’t forget the facts: the OHL cancelled the entirety of the 2020-21 regular season schedule, and we really don’t know what kind of an impact that has on a teenager’s athletic development. We do know, however, that the Frontenacs captain has been turning up the heat and looking more and more comfortable out there with every passing game. He looks bigger, stronger, and faster than we have seen him before too, and that should be a scary thought for opposing defensemen.
2. Matthew Savoie ,C, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: 5
Born: January 1, 2004
Size: 5’9”, 178 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 20gp-11g21a-32pts)
After much internal debate and jumping back and forth between prospects, it is the incredibly elite skillset Matt Savoie brings to the table that won the day. The former first overall pick of the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft lit up the USHL as a rookie last season and has been even better with the league-leading Winnipeg ICE in the WHL this year. Savoie has been at or near the top of the scoring race since just a few days into the schedule, and he honestly looks like he is getting better and better every time I watch him. Not only is the kid a phenomenally gifted playmaker and dynamic one-on-one player, but he has an NHL-ready shot and a great set of wheels to boot. His size may scare some, but the skill simply outweighs it by too much.
3. Simon Nemec ,D, HK Nitra (Tipos Extraliga)
Part 1 Rank: 2
Born: February 15, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 192 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (TIPOS: 17gp-0g9a-9pts) (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-1g5a-6pts)
It wasn’t easy bumping Nemec down to third. The 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup MVP has been his usual brilliant self during his sophomore campaign with the Slovakian HK Nitra club, earning increased icetime and responsibilities with his genius-level hockey IQ, top-notch shutdown game, and underrated offensive prowess. It hasn’t mattered where the star blueliner has played, he consistently finds ways to create his own success with his work ethic, leadership, and desire to be the best he can be. He will be one of the big names to watch for in the upcoming U20 World Juniors tournament, and it wouldn’t be shocking if Team Slovakia gave him the “C” after he captained the national squad to silver at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
4. Joakim Kemell , RW, JYP Jyvaskyla (SM-Liiga)
Part 1 Rank: 3
Born: April 27, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 176 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (SM-LIIGA: 16gp-12g6a-18pts) (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-5g1a-6pts)
Joakim Kemell was leading the entire SM-Liiga in both goals (12) and points (18) at the time of his injury, but fortunately he is only expected to miss a couple of weeks and should be back in time to join Team Finland at the U20 WJC. None of the elite Finnish prospects have ever been able to score at the historic pace Kemell has set over the first 16 contests, and that is a list that includes the likes of Aleksander Barkov, Patrik Laine, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. The 5’11” right winger is a pure shooter with a pro-style release and a nose for the net. There is a genuine star-like quality to Kemell’s game that suggests he could turn out to be every bit as good as the names listed above, if not better.
5. Danila Yurov ,RW, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Part 1 Rank: 4
Born: December 22, 2003
Size: 6’1”, 172 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (KHL: 18gp-0g0a-0pts) (MHL: 6gp-3g9a-12pts)
Don’t pay any attention to Yurov’s KHL stats this season, as the Russian winger has been playing less than three minutes per game and listed as a “substitute” on the team’s roster. For anyone wondering about his ability to put the puck in the net, look no further than his output in the 6 MHL games he has appeared in (12 points) or his performance as an underager at the U18 Worlds earlier this year (4 goals and 11 points in 7 games) in helping Russia win silver. There’s a very good chance that we will have an opportunity to see him against the best junior-aged talent on the planet at the upcoming WJC tournament and, because of the lack of KHL icetime he is receiving, the event may hold major weight when it comes to his final rank.
6. David Jiricek ,D, HC Plzen (Tipsport Extraliga)
Part 1 Rank: 6
Born: November 28, 2003
Size: 6’3”, 176 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (TIPSPORT: 22gp-4g5a-9pts)
As good as he was last season as a 16/17-year old competing against men in the Czech-based Tipsport Extraliga, Jiricek has been even better to start the 2021-22 campaign. One of his greatest assets is his incredible versatility as a defenseman. It has allowed him to be successful across different leagues, tournaments, and levels of competition and should aid in a smooth transition into the NHL one day too. He has to be considered a lock for the World Juniors next month, especially since he was named one of his team’s top three performers at the tournament last year. He has a rare chameleon-like ability to adapt quickly to any style of play on the ice, and he always finds a way to have a positive impact for his team.
7. Juraj Slafkovsky ,LW, TPS Turku (SM-Liiga)
Part 1 Rank: 7
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 6’4”, 224 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (SM-LIIGA: 14gp-0g3a-3pts) (U20 SM-SARJA: 10gp-6g12a-18pts) (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-3g6a-9pts)
Juraj Slafkovsky is either going to become a dominant NHL superstar or be a total bust, or at least that’s the impression I get from his wildly erratic point totals. Sometimes he produces the big numbers one would expect of a 6’4” winger who can skate and handle the puck like he can, but other times his scoring takes a plunge despite creating a wealth of chances. For example, he has no goals and just 3 assists in 14 SM-Liiga games but has been at a near two-points-per-game pace during his time in the U20 SM-Sarja this season. At last year’s U20 WJC he captivated scouts and fans alike with the glorious opportunities he was getting as a 16-year old, yet he finished with no points in 5 games played. At his size there could potentially be a role in an NHL club’s bottom six if he can’t work out a full-time role in their top six, so where he eventually ends up being selected may depend entirely upon which side of the spectrum GMs believe he will fall on.
8. Logan Cooley ,C, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 10
Born: May 4, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 174 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 15gp-9g11a-20pts)
Cooley is the consensus best prospect coming out of the U.S. NTDP, at least right now, and for good reasons: the blinding footspeed, the refined all-around game, the fantastic shooting and passing skills, the hockey sense, etc. There aren’t any major flaws or weaknesses to be found anywhere with this hardworking two-way pivot. His competitive nature and dedication to his 200-foot play sets him apart from most of his peers already, but Cooley also brings a dynamic offensive skillset that makes him an invaluable prospect. The current crop of Americans appears to have depth that will place the class of 2022 as one of the best in recent history, and still Logan Cooley has found a way to stand out and make a name for himself.
9. Tristan Luneau ,D, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Part 1 Rank: 9
Born: January 12, 2004
Size: 6’2”, 174 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (QMJHL: 16gp-2g9a-11pts)
Don’t make the mistake of underestimating Tristan Luneau and the potential impact he could have on an NHL team in the future. Somehow he has ended up one of this draft’s more underrated prospects, possibly due to a false perception that his offensive upside isn’t high enough to justify an early first round pick. I must strongly disagree with that sentiment as he put up 18 points (4g14a) in 31 games as a 16-year old rookie blueliner in the QMJHL in 2020-21 and is on pace to easily top that as a sophomore. The former first overall pick of the 2020 QMJHL draft was named the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year before he was ultimately awarded an “A” as one of Gatineau’s alternate captains. Luneau is dedicated to perfecting his craft and always makes sure to take care of his defensive assignments first and foremost, never cheating for offense or taking unnecessary risks. That sounds a lot like a future top pairing guy to me.
10. Brad Lambert ,C/RW, JYP Jyvaskyla (SM-Liiga)
Part 1 Rank: 8
Born: December 19, 2003
Size: 6’0”, 179 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (SM-LIIGA: 16gp-1g3a-4pts) (U20 SM-SARJA: 1gp-0g1a-1pt)
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. One of the most hyped up and talked-about prospects in this draft class since he was just 16 years old, the Finnish/Canadian forward has suffered a mindboggling drop-off in scoring from his first year in the SM-Liiga to the current 2021-22 season. In fact, Lambert was just recently demoted to the U20 SM-Sarja to regain his confidence and get back to doing what he does best, but here’s the thing: he hasn’t played in the U20 division since 2019-20 as he was a full-time member of JYP’s men’s team last year. He isn’t even considered a lock to make the World Juniors roster anymore, and he put up 4 points (1g3a) in 7 games while helping Finland capture bronze at last year’s event. Here’s hoping he can turn things around. He certainly has the talent to do just that.
11. Rutger McGroarty ,C, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 15
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 204 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 12gp-8g10a-18pts)
Not too far behind Logan Cooley comes his teammate (and linemate), a 6’1” power forward whose up-and-down debut in the NTDP as a U17/U18 seems to be a thing of the past. Though he missed some time with injury, McGroarty was able to come back in top form and lead the U18 Five Nations tournament in scoring as the United States claimed first place with an undefeated record. He is right near the top of the U18 NTDP scoring leaderboard as well, but it is the explosiveness he has played with that has truly caught my attention and is a big reason he has jumped up four spots to land just outside the top ten. If he keeps it up, he won’t be on the outside looking in for much longer.
12. Ivan Miroshnichenko ,LW, Omskie Krylia (VHL)
Part 1 Rank: 11
Born: February 5, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 185 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (VHL: 21gp-4g5a-9pts) (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-4g5a-9pts)
Let’s face the facts here: Ivan Miroshnichenko hasn’t been as good as hoped in Russia’s second-tier VHL this year. He is competing against men, which has to be taken into account, but his current points-per-game pace is comparable to 2021 first rounder Fyodor Svechkov’s at the same age last year. That’s not a slight towards Svechkov, but Miroshnichenko has been ranked as high as number two by multiple sources early on and his numbers simply don’t justify that. He has unquestionably had some strong international performances over the last couple of years, but was also playing with elite linemates who could get him the puck in the right spot to tap into his skillset. Don’t get me wrong, Miroshnichenko is a very talented player. There are significant doubts about his individual effectiveness on the ice though, and that is the reason for his rank.
13. Conor Geekie ,C, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: 12
Born: May 5, 2004
Size: 6’4”, 205 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 20gp-6g17a-23pts)
The WHL-leading Winnipeg ICE’s “other” star center, 6’4” Conor Geekie, has shown great promise at times with his silky smooth hands, overflowing bag of stickhandling tricks, and playmaking vision. He was even the second-leading scorer among rookies last season as he put up 23 points (9g14a) in 24 games. Other times, however, Geekie can be invisible for long stretches of the game and appear overmatched despite his enormous frame. There isn’t much of a physical edge to his game either, though he obviously has the tools to add one to his reportoire. Because of his already NHL-level size and strength package there will be a lot of interest from NHL GMs next summer, and he could very well turn out to be a big star one day. For these rankings, he will need better consistency to advance any higher though.
14. Ty Nelson ,D, North Bay Battalion (OHL)
Part 1 Rank: 16
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 197 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (OHL: 19gp-4g12a-16pts)
If the OHL were to hand out their end-of-season awards right now, there’s no question that Ty Nelson would be a leading candidate (if not the leading candidate) for Rookie of the Year so far. The undersized but sturdy blueliner was the first overall pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection but didn’t get the chance to enjoy a regular rookie season with the OHL’s cancellation. He is making the most of that opportunity now, hanging right around the point-per-game mark while impressing with his willingness to throw hits, get engaged physically, and his attention to detail when it comes to maintaining his defensive responsibilities. The skating and puckmoving skills he possesses only increase his overall value as a potential NHL prospect. From what I’ve seen of Nelson, he has an extremely bright future despite standing just 5’10”. The confidence this kid has shown on a nightly basis doesn’t hurt either.
15. Frank Nazar ,C/RW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 13
Born: January 14, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 175 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 18gp-7g13a-20pts)
It was a series of tough choices from the fifteenth to the seventeenth spot between three NTDP teammates, but ultimately Nazar’s versatility and fearless style gave him the slight advantage over his competition. After a red-hot start to the season Nazar, among other top American-born players in the program, has cooled off considerably in the ensuing weeks. There’s no reason to believe he won’t finish his final year in the NTDP with a massive point total similar to the 55 points (28g27a) he posted in 45 games as a U17 in 2020-21. Nazar can play both center and wing (which is a plus) and belongs in any conversation about the most purely skilled offensive players in this draft. His quick stick and quick hands allow him to constantly steal pucks from his opponents, and he can finish off the play with a laser-guided wristshot or by using his vision to find an open teammate with a pass.
16. Seamus Casey ,D, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 17
Born: January 8, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 162 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 18gp-5g8a-13pts)
Even though he is listed as only being 5’10” and 162 lbs., I believe Casey is the type of player worth taking a little bit of a chance on. Through the first two months of the season he has been the NTDP’s top U18 defenseman, and not just in the offensive end of the rink. There has been dramatic growth shown by Casey in his own zone to the point where it has now become one of the many strengths of his game. If he’s not the single best skater in this draft class, then I don’t know who is. His ability to change the angles of his skates or change directions on a dime while using his skilled hands to maintain puck possession is eerily reminiscent of star NHL blueliners Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes.
17. Isaac Howard ,LW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 14
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 183 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 18gp-8g12a-20pts)
Completing a run of three straight NTDP prospects is the U17s’ leading scorer from last season, left winger Isaac Howard, who notched 27 goals and 54 points in just 34 games and was brilliant throughout. He has been mediocre (by his standards) as a full-time U18 prospect this year, though he sits in a tie for the team scoring lead with 20 points (8g12a) in 18 games. The biggest reason for Howard slipping a few spots is the uncertainty over whether his game is NHL translatable or not. He does most of his damage near the blue paint in the goalie’s crease, but will he be able to withstand the punishment of an NHL defenseman at 5’10”?
18. Denton Mateychuk ,D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: 20
Born: July 12, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 186 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 18gp-6g11a-17pts)
Everybody knew Moose Jaw Warriors defenseman Denton Mateychuk had offensive talent. I’m not sure anybody saw his start to the 2021-22 campaign coming though. He has been one of his team’s best players since the drop of the first puck, but over the last month or so he has taken it to new heights and sits squarely in point-per-game territory right now. He’s third in scoring among all players at his position behind a pair of Winnipeg ICE teammates who are both at least a year older than he is. I’ve noticed improvements on the defensive side of the puck that are promising signs as well, hence the move up in the rankings.
19. Liam Ohgren ,LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)
Part 1 Rank: 18
Born: January 28, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 187 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (SHL: 15gp-1g1a-2pts) (J20 NATIONELL: 11gp-9g8a-17pts) (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-4g3a-7pts)
Ohgren has recently been returned to Djurgardens’ J20 squad after spending 15 games in the SHL and collecting 2 points (1g1a). That may not seem like a great point total, but he showed more promise than his numbers reveal. Also, he tied for the Swedish U18 team’s scoring lead among forwards at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with 7 points (4g3a) in 5 games to take home a bronze, and he has been dominant during his time in the J20 Nationell too. Ohgren is a winger with good size, a heavy and accurate shot, outstanding instincts and awareness at both ends of the ice, and the speed to be successful at the pro level one day.
20. Jordan Gustafson ,C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: Not Ranked
Born: January 20, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 177 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 17gp-8g10a-18pts)
Here is the single biggest riser in my rankings, a player who was not even listed among the top thirty-two but now finds himself inside the top twenty overall. That speaks to how great he has been in his sophomore WHL campaign with Seattle. The Thunderbirds have been the Western Conference’s third-best team and a top ten club overall, and Gustafson has been a major catalyst in that success. I have yet to come across another prospect in this draft class with the insane work ethic he exhibits on every single shift. He takes a lead-by-example approach that I could see landing him a captaincy role at some point. He has the speed and strong edgework required in the modern NHL, and he has an underrated set of offensive skills at his disposal that makes him one of the most well-rounded centers available for selection.
21. Jonathan Lekkerimaki ,C, Djurgardens IF (J20 Nationell)
Part 1 Rank: 22
Born: July 24, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 172 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (SHL: 2gp-0g0a-0pts) (J20 NATIONELL: 19gp-16g11a-27pts) (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-5g0a-5pts)
Jonathan Lekkerimaki has been tearing up the J20 Nationell and making mincemeat of the competition, sitting among the league leaders with an astonishing 16 goals and 27 points through his first 19 games of the season. As you can probably tell from those statistics, the talented young Swede’s specialty is scoring goals. He led the Swedish team in goals at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with 5 in 5 contests, and posted 12 goals in 8 games spent at the J18 level last season. To put it quite simply, he is the definition of a sniper. The wicked release he possesses on a high-velocity snapshot is rivalled by very few, and he has the ability to get it off in full stride from a variety of angles that keep the goaltenders guessing.
22. Nathan Gaucher ,C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Part 1 Rank: 29
Born: November 6, 2003
Size: 6’3”, 207 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (QMJHL: 20gp-8g10a-18pts)
The big, hard-hitting Quebec Remparts center moves up seven spots thanks to his greatly improved skating, the one aspect of his game that held back his potential as a top two-way forward. He’s still no speed demon out there, but he shouldn’t have much trouble making due with further development and added muscle. Gaucher, a late-2003 birthday currently in his third year of major junior, was named a finalist for the QMJHL’s Defensive Forward of the Year honours last season while leading his team in scoring, and he is once again in the point-per-game range as a sophomore. Gaucher likely projects as a second or third-line center and penalty kill specialist who can chip in with some needed secondary scoring from time to time.
23. Jack Hughes ,C, Northeastern University (NCAA)
Part 1 Rank: 19
Born: November 2, 2003
Size: 6’0”, 165 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (NCAA: 14gp-3g3a-6pts)
Hughes is one of those prospects whose point totals never seem to accurately reflect his talent or impact on the game. Then again, as a late-2003 American-born player, he has almost always been one of the youngest and least experienced members of his teams and yet he still continues to be a difference maker in one form or another. The 6’0” two-way center completed his run with the NTDP at the end of 2020-21 and has now joined Northeastern University, his prior college commitment, as a freshman. As per usual, Hughes’ statistics aren’t going to tell the whole story. How many points he collects is not the sole focus of his efforts, and it shouldn’t be the sole focus of his projections.
24. David Goyette ,C, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Part 1 Rank: 21
Born: March 27, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 174 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (OHL: 18gp-4g11a-15pts)
The Sudbury Wolves have been churning out the high-end draft prospects over the last few years, and David Goyette looks like he is the latest success story for a franchise growing in reputation. The OHL’s prospect pool has been extremely challenging to wade through considering the lost season, but Goyette immediately stood out for his slick passes and heady two-way game. He quickly became a fixture on the top powerplay and penalty killing units, and for good reason. It will be interesting to see just how high up the food chain he will go when/if he reaches the NHL.
25. Jimmy Snuggerud ,RW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: Not Ranked
Born: June 1, 2004
Size: 6’2”, 186 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 18gp-9g10a-19pts)
When Snuggerud’s name was at the top of the U18-NTDP scoring leaderboard at the start of the season, I admittedly brushed it off as being a brief lucky run. He was good as a U17 last year, sure, but he wasn’t great. After he lit up the U18 Five Nations tournament for two hat-tricks in 4 games, that’s when things changed. There is an “asterisk” beside Snuggerud’s name here, though, and it relates to his struggles with maintaining consistency in his offensive game. I understand that is one of the biggest hurdles for a young player to overcome, but he has always been capable of so much more than we’ve seen. Snuggerud is more than just a scorer, but scoring is a big part of what NHL teams are looking for.
26. Kevin Korchinski ,D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: 23
Born: June 21, 2004
Size: 6’2”, 175 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 17gp-0g11a-11pts)
This is the name you expected to see come up first from the Thunderbirds, isn’t it? Kevin Korchinski has dropped a bit since Part 1, because while his promise and potential as a puckmoving transition defenseman is clearly obvious to anyone who has watched him play, what is also obvious is how raw and underdeveloped his defensive style is. And, strangely enough, Korchinski still doesn’t have a goal in the WHL yet. The streak is up to 40 games and counting.
27. Filip Mesar ,RW, HK Poprad (Tipos Extraliga)
Part 1 Rank: 25
Born: January 3, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 172 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (TIPOS: 14gp-4g3a-7pts) (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-2g6a-8pts)
The small but superbly skilled Mesar has built a reputation as a clutch performer and gutsy winger who doesn’t get intimidated or overwhelmed while consistently competing against much older and stronger competition. When you are an especially gifted hockey player in Slovakia like Mesar, it can be quite challenging to find the right level of the sport to adequately push them towards improvement while not destroying their confidence or leaving them sitting on the bench or healthy scratched. That is why he was a 16-year old rookie in the Tipos Extraliga in 2020-21, and that is why the NHL isn’t exactly out of his reach. He has already proven he can handle himself at his size for the last year-and-half or so.
28. Elias Salomonsson ,D, Skelleftea AIK (J20 Nationell)
Part 1 Rank: 26
Born: August 31, 2004
Size: 6’0”, 172 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (J20 NATIONELL: 16gp-5g5a-10pts) (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-0g1a-1pt)
Time is running out for Elias Salomonsson to prove himself as a future stud on the back end before the day of the draft arrives. The upside that many originally saw in him has taken a hit this season with an up-and-down J20 campaign and a pair of rather lacklustre international showings. It was Salomonsson’s 15 points (4g11a) in 14 J20 games as a 16-year old that had him hyped to be a top ten offensive talent in this draft. Some believed that was going to be the norm for him going forward, but that has not been the case.
29. Simon Forsmark ,D, Orebro HK (J20 Nationell)
Part 1 Rank: 31
Born: October 17, 2003
Size: 6’2”, 194 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (J20 NATIONELL: 22gp-4g21a-25pts) (SHL: 10gp-0g0a-0pts)
He only missed out on 2021 draft eligibility by a few weeks, and his 6’2”, 194-lb. frame gives him a sizeable physical advantage over the majority of his opponents, but Simon Forsmark’s 2021-22 season with Orebro in the J20 Nationell so far has been impressive regardless. The offense-minded defender has been scoring at a point-per-game rate and received a 10-game promotion (so far) to join the SHL club because of that. Disclaimer: there are some glaring deficiencies in his defensive play that need to be cleaned up. NHL general managers are usually quick to take a chance on a player with his size, skating, and puck skills, so he will hold this spot for at least a little while longer.
30. Alexander Perevalov ,LW, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (MHL)
Part 1 Rank: Not Ranked
Born: April 16, 2004
Size: 6’0”, 192 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (KHL: 2gp-0g0a-0pts) (MHL: 24gp-17g17a-34pts) (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-3g2a-5pts)
Based on his play at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, I didn’t include Perevalov in my Part 1 Rankings. It wasn’t that the left wing was awful necessarily, as the high level of skill was quite easily detectable, but that he tried to do too much himself at times and could have been mistaken for a bit of a selfish player too. With the performance he is currently putting on in his home country, however, it would have been wrong not to include him. He had notched 17 goals and 34 points in 24 games for Lokomotiv in the MHL, placing him comfortably amongst the overall points leaders, and forcing the KHL’s hand into bringing him up to the men’s level. Perevalov has phenomenal instincts in the offensive zone and is an equally great goal scorer and playmaker.
31. Danny Zhilkin ,C, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Part 1 Rank: Not Ranked
Born: December 19, 2003
Size: 6’2”, 185 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (OHL: 18gp-7g10a-17pts)
Zhilkin suited up for Team Canada in a support role during their U18 World Championships gold medal run, collecting 2 assists in 7 games. At the time of his selection he had just one year of major junior under his belt (2019-20) and hadn’t exactly blown anyone away with 7 goals and 15 points in 60 games as a rookie. Zhilkin is hovering right around the point-per-game benchmark in what is now his official sophomore season, and he has found great chemistry with American import and 2021 third rounder Sasha Pastujov. In a year full of tough starts in the OHL, the Guelph Storm center has somehow managed to avoid a slump.
32. Maveric Lamoureux ,D, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
Part 1 Rank: 30
Born: January 13, 2004
Size: 6’7”, 196 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (QMJHL: 20gp-2g5a-7pts)
At 6’7”, Maveric Lamoureux is an intimidating physical presence on the back end for the Drummondville Voltigeurs. The fact that he is a smart defensive player and a surprisingly strong skater just makes matters worse for his opponents. He has even been an offensive contributor at times this season, but he won’t realistically be counted on to pile up the points as an NHLer. After further seasoning and development Lamoureux should have no issue sliding into a second/third pairing role with a specific focus on shutting down the opposition’s best players when called upon.
The Draft Report 