Nine prospects I’m keeping an eye on for the upcoming draft

Marc-Olivier Cook
Nine prospects I’m keeping an eye on for the upcoming draft
Credit: Getty Images

The next NHL draft will be packed with talent. And there are some guys I'm keeping a particularly close eye on right now.

There are no goalies on my list of nine players. Instead, there are forwards and defensemen. That said…

Let's start with one who's been in the news for the right reasons for some time now.

Gavin McKenna – Penn State – 6'0 and 170 lbs – 18 points (four goals) in 16 games this season

McKenna doesn't need to explode physically to dominate a game. His game intelligence does all the work. His skating is fluid, his puck-handling precise… but it's his ability to slow the game down when things are speeding up that sets him apart.

A future offensive engine capable of carrying an entire line over the long term… and that's why we keep talking about him as a generational player.

His talent is undeniable, after all. And he has all the tools to succeed…

Ivar Stenberg – Frolunda – 5'8 and 154 lbs – 24 points (six goals) in 25 games this season

Even though he's small, Ivar Stenberg may be my favorite prospect in the upcoming draft.

He plays with Swedish style (which is always elegant), but without falling into unnecessary finesse. His shot is sharp and deceptive, and he often takes it before the goalkeeper has time to position himself.

He sees passing lanes that others ignore and doesn't hesitate to attack the inside of the ice. Already exposed to a high level of competition in Sweden, he shows a maturity that is truly interesting for his age. I don't think the team that chooses him will be disappointed…

Keaton Verhoeff – North Dakota – 6'4 and 212 lbs – 11 points (four goals) in 16 games this season

Verhoeff is the kind of defenseman who is more than capable of making life miserable for opposing forwards. He's massive, powerful, cuts off forward passing lanes with his vision, and plays with simplicity.

Oh, and he can hit, too.

His game won't always be the highlight, but coaches will love him. A rugged, top-4 defenseman profile, capable of eating up big minutes and stabilizing a defensive brigade for years and years.

He's right-handed, too…

Ryan Lin – Vancouver Giants – 6'0 and 175 lbs – 42 points (nine goals) in 34 games

I'm very impressed with Ryan Lin.

We're talking about a modern defenseman in every sense of the word: mobile, agile, confident with the puck. He transforms a defensive recovery into a controlled attack in a matter of seconds, and that's probably his greatest quality.

He doesn't force the offensive play, but he knows exactly when to press the attack… and he's really effective in the offensive zone at the same time. He's producing at a really interesting rate this season in the WHL for a defenseman (also right-handed) and he's putting his name on the map.

I can see him breaking into the top 5!

Ryan Roobroeck – Niagara IceDogs – 6'4 and 215 lbs – 38 points (18 goals) in 32 games this season

This left-handed forward plays big, but mostly smart.

He protects the puck like a veteran, absorbs contact… and keeps moving forward. Offensively, he has a more varied arsenal than you might think: heavy shooting, quick passing, presence around the net…. but what really stands out is the fact that he's effective without being predictable.

We're not talking about a player of pure finesse, but Roobroeck is never overwhelmed by the pace either. At 6'4 and 215 pounds, he's got the size to interest a number of clubs…

Nikita Klepov – Sagina Spirit – 6'0 and 180 lbs – 40 points (19 goals) in 32 games this season

Nikita Klepov is a magician with the puck.

His hands are fast… and his vision even faster. He loves to attract pressure and then free a teammate in space. He's not just a passer: he's a manipulator of defensive structure and a good shooter too.

A creative center who can transform a stagnant forward into a dynamic machine. A club looking for an offensive merchant could have him in its sights, in my opinion:

Adam Novotný – Peterborough Petes – 6'1 and 204 lbs – 35 points (19 goals) in 29 games

Novotný brings a consistent intensity to every appearance. He skates hard, finishes his checks and never lets up on a duel. But unlike many energetic players, he also possesses a credible offensive touch. His shot is accurate, his decisions quick, and he understands the game without the puck.

He can play on a top-9 without unbalancing a defensive structure. Novotný is the kind of player you hate to face, but love to have in your lineup in close games and the playoffs.

I see him becoming a game-changer for an NHL club.

Ethan Belchetz – Windsor Spitfires – 6'5 and 226 lbs – 32 points (18 goals) in 31 games this season

At 6'5 and 223 pounds, Belchetz is massive.

But… his hands tell a different story.

He handles the puck with confidence, makes creative plays, and isn't afraid to slow the game down for better control. He excels along the ramps and in front of the net because of his size, but can also create from the left circle. His combination of size and offensive touch is rare: he reminds me a little of Tage Thompson.

The challenge will be to improve his effort night after night, but if he does, Belchetz has the makings of a truly hard-to-contain NHL forward.

He has great potential, to put it another way.

Mathis Preston – Spokane Chiefs – 5'11 and 177 lbs – 29 points (12 goals) in 31 games this season

Mathis Preston's game is based on positioning, anticipation, and quick decision-making.

He slips into dangerous areas unnoticed, and is able to take advantage of them. His sense of timing is excellent… both as a scorer and as a passer.

He's not a spectacular player, but he's often the one who can tip the balance, and we know that managers like players like him. Preston projects as a reliable center, capable of contributing offensively while respecting defensive responsibilities.

His profile is remarkably similar to Phillip Danault's…

That wraps up the prospects I'll be keeping an eye on for the upcoming draft. Is there one in particular that interests you, even though we're still months away from the draft?

We want to hear from you!


Extension

I wonder if any of these players could slide up to the Canadiens. We don't know at what position Kent Hughes will be drafted, but he could have a lucky hand because the next draft is shaping up to be really interesting.

Stay tuned.

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