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Edmonton 4, Regina 3 (WHL) – prospect notes
Lukas Sawchyn Edmonton Oil Kings 27-Feb-07 5-10 174 RHLW (Undrafted 2025)
Active forward who is always in the play similar to older brother Gracyn who is now in the FLA organization. Uses speed and agility to get the puck and carry it in on offense. Excellent passer as shown by 66-15-40-55 line in Edmonton last year. Had one assist on the night. Had a breakaway on 4×4 but missed the net. Willing to go into the corners to contest the puck against larger players. Always on the move; lost the puck in the offensive zone but recovered it before it was moved out. Undrafted last year and will need to score more to get some 2026 draft consideration, and will have to add some bulk for higher leagues.Ethan Mackenzie Edmonton Oil Kings 2-Sep-06 6-1 189 LD (Undrafted 2025)
Good sized defenseman who can make some good defensive plays. Was 54-5-27-32 Edmonton last year and dropped through the draft. Took penalties for charging, check to head, and embellishment. Has some skill carrying in the offensive zone. From this game it appears that he will need to play more under control and add some scoring to get draft consideration.Poul Andersen Edmonton Oil Kings 1-Jun-07 6-1 186 RW (Undrafted 2025)
Winger with good size and speed who is new to the WHL after 51-29-30-59 in BCHL last year, and was not drafted. Goes to the front of the net looking for scoring chances. Heading to U. of Maine in the fall of 2026. Will need to gain playing time in Edmonton and then do weil in the NCAA to gain some interest from NHL teams.Andrew O’Neill Edmonton Oil Kings 7-Feb-07 6-2 194 RC (Undrafted 2025)
Another player new to the WHL; had 59-5-10-15 in NTDP U18 last year, and is going to North Dakota in 2027-28. Big center who uses his size to control the puck and move it into the offensive zone. Surprised the goalie with a shot from the corner and scored. Had an opportunity close in on the power play. A big year in the WHL could help him to be noticed.Joe Iginla Edmonton Oil Kings 13-Aug-08 5-10 174 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #79)
Son of Jarome and brother of Tij, Joe Iginla is finding his way in the WHL. Was 61-9-7-16 in Edmonton last year, and is expected to be drafted in the mid rounds in 2026. Smaller player but speedy and agile, can carry on the rush, passes well, and is willing to contest for the puck. Expect improvement all year generating interest for the 2026 draft.Alofa Tunoa (Noa) Ta’amu Edmonton Oil Kings 28-May-08 6-2 237 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #162)
Tall and heavy defenseman who as expected uses the body well and looks for the big hit. However, he is agile and has decent speed for his size. Carried the puck well, and pinched on occasion. Some real upside is possible as he learns to adjust at higher levels. 43-1-5-6 Edmonton last year, currently ranked later in 2026 draft, could make a jump is constant improvement is shown.Parker Snell Edmonton Oil Kings 21-Apr-08 6-2 176 LG (2026 Eligible, Wiz #207)
Solid and good technical goalie that stays calm and square to the shooter. Had a number of good saves as Edmonton was pressing in the 2nd period. Gave up 3 goals but all were close in and difficult to stop. New to WHL and record was 20-3.19-0.922 in U18 prep (CSSHL) last year. Steady performance could earn him a draft slot in 2026.Julien Maze Regina Pats 7-Dec-07 5-10 170 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #177)
Slick and evasive smaller forward who is fast and able to control the puck. Had a partial breakaway and hit the crossbar on the shot. Had a goal in front on pass from behind net; passing is good also, always looking for the cross-ice pass to put the goalie out of position. Took a 10 minute misconduct for a mouth guard violation. Needs to add some bulk without losing speed and agility; offensive skills alone should convince a team to draft him in 2026. 64-12-32-44 between Everett and Regina last year, 6 points in 4 games this season.Miroslav Holinka had to goals and looks like a good 5th round pick for TOR.
2010 eligible Maddox Schultz played a fast and skilled game, and had one assist and several chances.Notes log: hockeystew25.blogspot.com/
Sunday, September 28, 2025 – Barrie at Owen Sound
Joseph Salandra Barrie Colts 15-Feb-08 5-10 190 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #67)
Salandra got some notice with a nice showing (5-1-2-3) at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup this year. He is new to the OHL after having scored over 2 points per game in US high school last year. Got an assist and played on the power play during the game; had 4 SOG. Also took a hooking penalty to stop a rush. Has a good all-around game with decent speed; his potential has him ranked in the early to mid rounds for the 2026 draft. Will need to keep showing his scoring touch during the season to find a higher draft slot.Jaiden Newton Barrie Colts 13-Oct-07 5-11 181 LC (2026 Eligible, Wiz #173)
Newton played an aggressive offensive game and wired a hard shot over the goalie’s shoulder on the glove side for a goal. In on the forecheck all night. Not huge but plays bigger than he is. Will need to show defense and physical play over the season to ensure a spot in the 2026 draft. Goal and 3 shots, also had 7 PIM in a penalty filled game. 62-3-9-12 last year in Barrie.Nicholas Desiderio Barrie Colts 16-Jun-08 6-1 187 LW (2026 Eligible)
Winger with good size who was very active. Had one shot but it was a low hard shot that required a good stop. Had a nice interception to start a scoring opportunity. Played some on the power play. New to OHL, good scorer in 16U AAA last year. Will need to develop quickly to get draft consideration in 2026.Nicolas Sykora Owen Sound Attack 24-May-07 6-0 179 LW (Undrafted 2025)
Sykora is the son of Petr Sykora, who played 1017 games in the NHL. Nicolas shows a lot of offensive talent; he had a goal on a back door play, a nice end-to-end rush on the power play, and a breakaway chance and some other offensive opportunities. Goal and assist with 5 shots for the game. He has mobility and shows good elusiveness and puck handling. Very developed offensive game but is also active all over the ice and reads the play well. New to the OHL after spending last year in the USHL. Dropped through the draft last year but if he continues to play a similar game through the season, he will definitely get draft consideration for 2026. Heading to Quinnipiac in the fall of 2026.Pierce Mbuyi Owen Sound Attack 17-Apr-08 5-11 158 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #56)
Very reedy but fast player who is always around the puck. Despite his size he is usually around the crease on offense and is always dangerous. Speed, agility, and reading the play have him ranked high for the 2026 draft.Had a goal and 5 PIM in the game. Had 63-29-23-52 in Owen Sound last year, is wearing an “A” this year. Heading to Penn State in the fall of 2026.Cole Zurawski Owen Sound Attack 6-Feb-08 6-0 181 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #133)
Good sized winger who also plays on the power play. Played in the OHL last year and came over to Owen Sound from Flint, had 61-15-16-31. Had a quiet game with 1 shot on goal, and left in the 3rd with a shoulder injury.2027 Eligible:
Max Delisle Owen Sound Attack 6-Jul-09 6-1 184 RC
Adjusting quickly to the OHL; showed speed and had several chances on offense. Was a high pick in the OHL entry draft and will be someone to watch for 2027.Notes log: hockeystew25.blogspot.com/
Nathan Behm is back in Kamloops and had 2 goals last night and 1G 1A so far tonight. He is going to benefit a lot from playing on a line with RW JP Hurlbert who is highly ranked (mid 2nd round) for the 2026 draft and then going to Michigan next fall. Hurlbert has 3G and 2A with 17 shots in the last 2 nights. Behm had a really nice pass on the power play but the shooter hit the post. He also has a bunch of hard shots on goal tonight and triggered a nice breakaway and got an assist.
Kamloops RW Ty Bonkowski is a candidate for a late pick in 2026 but has 2G 1A in these two games. Kamloops G Logan Edmonstone (2026 eligible) has had a really good game (shutout) also. Still think Seattle G Sklenicka has some potential although he has given up some goals, still has a good save percentage.
Kamloops comes to Seattle next weekend and I am looking forward to seeing these guys in person.
September 27, 2025 – St. John 5, Halifax 3 (QMJHL) – more prospect notes
Shawn Carrier Halifax Mooseheads 14-Mar-07 5-10 183 LW (Undrafted 2025)
Carrier is short, thick and agile, and is good down low and around the net. Is able to get the puck on the net in the offensive zone. Good energy, had a power play goal early in the 2nd period to give his team the lead Line was 59-18-26-44 at Halifax last year but was passed over in the 2025 draft. A jump in scoring would help him in looking for a 2026 draft slot.Liam Kilfoil Halifax Mooseheads 21-Mar-07 5-11 179 LC (Undrafted 2025)
Kilfoil is around the puck all the time and is good at getting possession. Showed some good carry into the offensive zone, dug the puck out of the corner and had an assist; had some other nice passes too. Active in all zones, contests for the puck in deep and along the boards. Had 62-21-25-46 at Halifax last year, with his good energy and some more scoring could get consideration in 2026 draft. Kilfoil was at the Detroit NHL camp and just returned, also he will play at Northeastern starting in 2027.Oleg Kulebyakin Halifax Mooseheads 11-Jan-08 5-10 170 LHRW (2026 eligible)
Kulebyakin is new to the QMJHL, he is not large but is very active and has a nose for the net. Reads the play well and is dangerous on offense, had a back door goal early and several chances throughout the game. Plays on the left on the power play, and sometimes plays as a LHRW. Had a nice defensive breakup on a 2-on-1 rush late in the game. Showed talent last year with 33-33-39-72 in 16U AAA. Not ranked right now, but could jump up into the rankings for the 2026 draft.Olivier Groulx Saint John Sea Dogs 25-Jul-07 6-2 192 LC (Undrafted 2025)
Groulx has the size to play the physical game and is a well-rounded player. Carries well and can make good passes; had an assist in this game and plays up high to distribute on the power play. Was passed over in the 2025 draft after 64-17-24-41 at SJ last year at Halifax. Has shown leadership and wore an “A” last year. If scoring and physical play stand out more, could work his way into the 2026 draft.Olivers Murnieks Saint John Sea Dogs 31-Jul-08 6-1 194 LC (2026 eligible, Wiz #45)
Murkieks has good size and showed speed and agility in the game. Plays the wing on the power play. Was able to get some chances and hit the post on one rush, stole the puck in the offensive zone and got a shot chance but it was tipped away. Won 10 of 17 faceoffs, and was a threat in the game although not denting the score sheet. Ranked in the second round for the 2026 draft and his raw tools show why. 52-15-20-35 for Sioux City USHL last year and played well for Latvia in international play. 5 assists in 4 game so far this year.Dylan Rozzi Saint John Sea Dogs 8-Mar-08 5-11 174 LW (2026 eligible. Wiz #156)
Rozzi had a goal close in and was dangerous on the power play. Is able to carry the puck in the zone and maneuver well. Had a shot block on defense. Has added some weight this year and may be able to use that as the season goes on. Had 62-14-20-34 last year in Saint John, and 4 points in 4 games so far this year. Looks to be in the mid rounds for the 2026 draft.William Yared Saint John Sea Dogs 21-Jan-08 6-2 190 RC (2026 eligible)
A player with nice size and a consistent game. Did not notice any outstanding plays, but at the end of the night had a goal and 2 assists. Played down low on the power play and scored. Not ranked for 2026 but with more good games like this could easily find a 2026 draft slot.Cameron Chartrand Saint John Sea Dogs 3-Mar-08 6-0 204 RD (2026 eligible, Wiz #47)
Good sized, thick RD who showed well on defense tonight. Has a good point shot that he can get through to the goal. Seems mobile and able to move well side-to-side on defense. Skills show why he could go fairly high in the 2026 draft.2027 Eligibles:
Alexis Joseph Saint John Sea Dogs 16-Jun-09 6-4 201 LC
Joseph was a #1 pick in the QMJHL entry draft. New to the league, good size, active, had a hat trick in this game, good on the attack. Someone to watch for 2027.Malik L’Italien Halifax Mooseheads 10-Jun-09 6-3 187 LD
A high pick in the QMJHL draft, was very active and showed well on both offense and defense. Had an impressive end-to-end rush for a shot, good on offense, mobile on defense. 2027 eligible.Notes log: hockeystew25.blogspot.com/
September 25, 2025 Windsor 4, Sudbury 0 — prospect notes
Windsor mostly controlled the play but Sudbury was only down 1-0 into the 3rd before giving up some late goals.
Ethan Belchetz Windsor Spitfires 30-Mar-08 6-5 227 LW (2026 eligible, Wiz #5)
Belchetz is a huge winger who is expected to go in the top 10 in the 2026 draft. What was on display tonight was his ability to skate and control the puck. He is fast for his size and has very good agility. He had several rushes carrying the puck in, and was also able to control possession in the offensive zone. Retained possession through checking attempts by the defense. Had several chances and ended up with one assist on the night. Size and agility show out and make clear why he will be a top pick. Will be interesting to watch as the season develops and the games get more physical. 56-17-21-38 last year in Windsor and is at a point-per-game pace early in the current season.Jean-Christoph Lemieux Windsor Spitfires 19-Jun-08 6-0 187 LC (2026 eligible, Wiz #80)
Mid-sized but thick center who is willing to go into the corners and behind the net to retrieve the puck in the offensive zone. Hit the post on one early rush and later dug out a puck in the corner and made a pass in front that resulted in a goal. Active and has good speed. 1 assist on the night. 46-9-10-19 last year for Windsor and 4 points in 3 games so far this year.Beksultan Makysh Windsor Spitfires 24-May-08 5-10 157 LW (2026 eligible)
Makysh (pronounced like ma-KEESH) is a small forward who showed impressive puck handling skills on several occasions in this game. Able to maneuver and control the puck in tight areas in the offensive zone. Used his speed to nearly get a breakaway. Ended with one assist. Not currently ranked but if he can continue to show offensive skill might move up and be picked in the 2026 draft. Will need to add size as he moves up to higher leagues. Over 2 ppg last year in 16U AAA and scored well in international play for Khazakstan. 4 points in 3 games so far this year.There was some buzz around a hit that Makysh took earlier in the week from London LD Maksim Sokolovskii (various spellings). Sokolovskii is a huge defenseman at 6-8, 225, and is eligible for the 2026 draft; apparently he looks for the big hit. Maybe someone to watch as the season goes on.
Caden Harvey Windsor Spitfires 13-Feb-08 6-1 181 RW (2026 eligible, Wiz #163)
Winger with good size who will go to the net and is also a good passer. Had a shot and 2 assists on the night. Agile and good on the puck carry. 95 pts in 53 games in 16U AAA last year. 5 assists in 3 games so far this season. Draft spot might depend on showing consistency through the season.Vladimir Provorov Sudbury Wolves 9-Feb-08 5-11 154 LW (2026 eligible)
Reedy center who was a big scorer in 16U AAA last year (80-37-97-134) and has an assist in 3 games this year. Was showing a responsible defensive game as Sudbury needed to keep the game close. Stays close to the net and is well positioned on defense. Showed some nice passing on offense. Moving to Ohio State for the 2027-28 season so has some time to bulk up and find his offensive game. Not ranked but if his offense begins to show then could get some consideration for the 2026 draft.2027 Eligibles:
John McLaughlin (C, Windsor, 5-9, 163) had two late goals and added an assist in this game, now 3 points in 3 games.Brayden Bennett (C, Sudbury, 5-11, 187) has some size and had several nice carries for zone entries and some good passes.
Luca Blonda (RD, Sudbury, 5-11, 174) played 65 games for Sudbury last year with 15 points.
Other:
Alex Pharand Sudbury RW was not signed by CHI but was in the TOR rookie camp.Notes log: https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/
September 20, 2025 – Seattle 6, Tri-City 3 – notes
Matej Pekar Seattle Thunderbirds 8-Sep-07 5-10 165 LHRW (Undrafted 2025)
Pekar (pronounced like pay-kash) came over to Seattle last year and had 64-17-15-32; this year he has added a few pounds and in this game was aggressive in pushing the play and willing to go into the corners. He has excellent speed and stick handling, and is very agile in carrying the puck around defenders and into the attack zone. Had four assists on the night, a couple early due to a bad start for the Tri-City goalie. Was very energetic all game, and was instrumental in Seattle keeping up the pressure. Had a nice steal that turned into a shot, was very active in 4 on 4 play. Size will continue to be a concern as he moves to higher levels, but speed, agility, and skill could earn him a 2026 draft slot after being passed over last year. 3rd star of the game.Marek Sklenicka Seattle Thunderbirds 27-Aug-08 6-4 170 G (2026 Eligible)
Sklenicka is new to Seattle as he was selected in the international draft this summer. Earned the opening night start over more experienced goalies. Sklenicka is tall and remains upright until the puck comes down low. Somewhat rangy but is agile when going between up and down positions. He had a number of good saves (including a couple of breakaways), especially in the second period as Tri-City was pressing. First goal glove side over left shoulder. Another goal came on a low shot from Vanecek that leaked through; these are tough for a tall goalie. Third goal he was crashed into by an attacker but no penalty was called and goal was allowed. 2026 eligible but not currently ranked. He has a good base of size and skill to build on, and could merit draft consideration if he improves his focus and plays well. Was 15-2.18-0.928 in Czechia U20 last year.Cameron Kuzma Seattle Thunderbirds 17-Jul-08 6-3 198 LC (2026 Eligible)
Kuzma comes to Seattle from Regina where he had 46-4-14-18 last year. He is a sizable center and is very aggressive around the net and in the corners of the forecheck. Assisted with Pekar on the first two Seattle goals. Did not score the rest of the game but had constant pressure in the offensive zone all night. Aggressive on the power play. Won 11 of 17 faceoffs and was the game’s 2nd star.Gavin Garland Tri-City Americans 8-Feb-06 5-9 183 RW (Undrafted 2024, 2025)
Garland is small but plays bigger, has good speed and can get pucks to the net. Had 4 shots on the night. Has useful skills but will have to show scoring ability to get into higher leagues as he has been passed over in the last two drafts. Had 54-21-21-42 in Tri-City last year.Cruz Pavao Tri-City Americans 24-Aug-08 5-11 194 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #154)
Pavao is not tall but is thick and this does not slow him down; he has the speed and puck handling skills to trigger offensive rushes. Early in the game he beat the defenseman on a rush and drew a penalty. Later had a fast entry with impressive puck control. Had 2 assists in the game. Looks as if he will score some this year, and could move to the mid rounds in the 2026 draft. Had 63-10-15-25 in Tri-City last year.Jakub Vanecek Tri-City Americans 25-Feb-08 6-2 185 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #62)
Another big defenseman coming over this year from Czechia. Excellent agility and puck control for a big defender. Had a low hard shot for a goal and showed good movement in all zones. Early on had a bit of an awkward posession in the d-zone that ended in a Seattle goal. Improved on defense quickly as the game went on, and drew a penalty (but evened it out taking an embellishment call). Should improve quickly while adjusting to North America. Has all the traits to be an early pick in the 2026 draft. Was 31-0-4-4 in Czechia U20 last year, 7-1-3-4 in international play this year.Others
1st star of the game was Simon Lovsin of Seattle who had 2 goais and an assist. He was passed over in the 2025 draft after having 35 points in 64 games. Needs to score more and is off to a good start.C Brock England, a 2027 eligible, had 2 late goals for Seattle also.
LD Aiden Bouchard, also a 2027 eligible (not related to Evan Bouchard) was a high pick for Tri-City (WHL #3 overall) and played in the game but did not score.
Notes log at: https://hockeystew25.blogspot.com/
More long-winded prospect notes. WHL started tonight.
September 19, 2025 – Prince George 6, Portland 1
Jett Lajoie Prince George 5-Feb-07 5-11 178 RW (Undrafted 2025)
Lajoie started fast last year but his scoring faded later as older drafted players returned to the team, had 67-14-21-35 total and went undrafted. He has grown an inch or two and added several pounds since last year, and is now much more physical on the forecheck and around the net. Working hard down low to get possession and pass out front, stayed around the net. Good shot, scored two late goals in the game, several good passes in the game. Will need to stay physical and keep up scoring through the season to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft.Carson Carels Prince George 23-Jun-08 6-2 194 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #10)
Carels showed very well on both offense and defense. Physical on defense, had several hits and was able to transition easily to the offense. Knows when to join the rush and had several chances in front of the net. Effective on penalty kill and has a low hard shot that gets through on the power play. Has also grown some last year. Shows all the traits that have him in the top half of the first round for 2026.Arseni Anisimov Prince George 25-Nov-07 5-11 175 LD (2026 Eligible)
Anisimov had 58-2-10-12 at PG last year. He plays a competent all-around game but does not have an outstanding attribute like size or speed. Is always in the right plce and handles well on the power play. Picked up two assists on the night. Good stick handling in the offensive zone, and plays a good position game on defense. Drew a penalty when he was on the penalty kill. Will need to score some to get consideration for a mid-to-late 2026 pick.Will McLaughlin Portland 10-Mar-08 6-2 175 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #160)
This is a defender that has good positioning and stick use in the defensive zone. Is in the right place and contests well in front of the net. Drew a penalty and has a good shot that he can get through to the goal. Good size and uses it well; was 47-3-16-29 in the AJHL last year, and had 3 assists for Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament. Looks like a mid-round pick for 2026, could move up with some more scoring.Jordan Duguay Portland 16-Feb-08 5-11 175 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #203)
Duguay is not large but plays a physical game. Took a boarding penalty early, was engaged along the boards. Plays right wing on the power play. Will need to show some scoring to get draft consideration. Scored 68-11-21-32 for Portland last year.Ondrej Stebetak Portland 19-Jul-07 6-1 173 G (Undrafted 2025)
Stebetak went undrafted last year after having an 0.891 save percentage (47-3.72-0.891 for Portland). Was under fire early and often as Prince George dominated play for most of the game. Gave up 6 goals, two early ones were screened, two were very late in the game. Will need improvement to be considered for the 2026 draft.Peterborough 5, Brampton 3. Some prospect notes:
Adam Novotný Peterborough 13-Nov-07 6-1 198 LW (Wiz #8)
Has the size, speed and puck control that could land him in the top half of the first round. Very good control on rushes but a couple of times was directed to the edges. He is new to the league and will find ways to attack the net. Willing in the physical game. Plays the left side on the power play, has hard shot and good passing. Played all over last year in Czechia (different levels and international tournaments), being in one place all year should help.Colin Fitzgerald Peterborough 1-Apr-08 6-2 194 RC (Wiz #32)
Fitzgerald showed well-rounded play, good passing, and a nose for the net. Had chances several times on rushes, picked the top corner from the left side on the power play. Made some defensive plays as well. 1G, 1A in the game, 2nd star. Rated end of first round for the 2026 draft, could jump higher if able to score well. Was 48-12-16-28 with 45 PIM at Peterborough last year.Matej Stankoven Brampton 28-Feb-08 6-0 183 LC
Matej Stankoven is apparently a distant relative of Logan Stankoven per this article:
http://www.nhl.com/news/dallas-stars-logan-stankoven-family-cheering-from-slovakiaStankoven played top 6 center tonight for Brampton. Brampton is rebuilding this year as they have lost most of their top players, including Porter Martone. He has decent size and good energy, plays on the power play and shows a willingness to go to the front of the net. Drew a penalty on a rush where he got around the edge and attacked the net. Seems to have a good all-around game, and though not ranked now, could generate some draft interest if he is able to make the NA transition and score some. Could be a good bottom 6 energy line center with development. Does not look like a big scorer at this point. Was 29-15-13-28 in Slovakia U20 last year.
Injury updates. Brossoit looks like he is out for the year so probably will never play for CHI.
Good news, Spellacy and Pridham should be only out for a little while.
Ty Henry probably out for the season. Too bad because he has to be signed after this year or his rights are lost. Needed a good year at Erie to have a chance at a contract. CHI will probably have to look elsewhere for defense depth once the current logjam clears.
I’m liking this Russian goalie, Bereznoy. Mostly under control, knows where his net is and is square to the shooter.
Really good reactions. Likes to come out and play the puck which can be good or bad, but he has time to calibrate that in the AHL.
And as much as I initially didn’t like the Cumby pick, he held his own tonight. He is 20 yo already so maybe he stays in Rockford instead of returning to Seattle.
Was able to see the stream of the SHL game Lulea vs. Malmo on FloHockey today. Lulea won easily, 5-0. Some prospect notes:
William Håkansson Lulea, 8-Oct-07 6-4 207 LD (2026 Eligible, Wiz #15)
Hakansson’s size stands out and he fits the profile of the big, agile defenseman that we see more and more recently. Currently ranked mid-1st round for 2026. He is a smooth skater that makes good, accurate passes. Played conservatively as this is only his fourth game; was careful to stay back on defense and not jump into the rush too quickly. Had a turnover in front of his net on a back pass that maybe he wasn’t expecting. Good change of direction, acceleration and positioning. Hard to tell much from first game but looks as if he will improve quickly, development of his offense might determine his draft slot. Kind of resembles Radim Mrtka who went #12 to Colorado in 2025. 47-7-15-22 82 PIM last year in Sweden J20.Casper Juustovaara (Karlsson) Lulea, 25-Oct-07 5-8 168 C (2026 Eligible)
Juustovara is a smaller player but has the movement and energy that you are looking for. Pushed forward on offense and looked to receive passes down low. Had a shot block and was very disruptive on penalty kills, using stick to break up passes and clear the zone. Could get some late-round consideration in 2026 if he can generate some offense.
New to the SHL this year, 50-14-24-38 in J20 last year in Sweden J20.Isac Nilsson, Malmo 10-Apr-07 6-0 176 LW (Undrafted 2025)
Was opportunistic on offense and had a couple of chances including a breakaway. Dropped through the draft last year and would need a jump in scoring to get consideration in 2026.
New to league, 1 SHL game last year, had 43-11-19-30 in J20.Maybe something to watch in the OHL:
Vladimir Dravecky, 2026 eligible, 6-0 187 RD is rumored to be coming to Brantford. He is ranked early second where CHI will have some picks. CHI has a lot of young D right now, but that logjam will have to clear and it is a little thin behind them. Dravecky might be an option for refilling the D pipeline and the scouts will get to see him a lot if he is at Brantford. Dravecky was 37-6-10-16 last year in Sweden.
Thanks for this.
I’m just hoping for one “holy crap” surprise jump in skill level at this event.
Any more than that would be gravy.Guess the college guys are already on campus. Interested to see how Behm does; he’s got a lot of scoring touch but needs to be more engaged physically or he might fade to gray at higher levels.
