Attached are the top ten draft prospects competing in the playoffs of the three major junior leagues, per NHL Central Scouting rankings. This is by no means an exhaustive list of CHL players available during this summer’s selection process, but is intended to serve as an overview of the most talked-about prospects at this point.
Carson Carels, WHL Prince George Cougars d-man (#3 ranking among North American skaters) – Carels finished the regular season with 73 points (20G 53A) in 58 games for the Cougars, and has drawn comparisons to Nicklas Lidstrom for his ability to dictate the tempo of a game and play big minutes against his opponents’ best forwards.
Chase Reid, OHL Soo Greyhounds d-man (#4 ranking) – Reid is considered by many to be the best d-man in this draft class for his elite transitional skating and offensive ability. Reid tallied 48 points (18G 30A) in 45 games this season, but was sidelined for nearly two months with an upper-body injury. He did play the last three games of the regular season, and managed one assist. Reid was tops in the OHL in averaging 28 minutes of ice time per night, and will have to continue that trend for the Soo to get past first-round opponent London.
Caleb Malhotra, OHL Brantford Bulldogs forward (#5 ranking) – Like Reid at the d-man position, Malhotra may be the best two-way pivot in this year’s draft. In a rookie OHL season where he scored 84 points (29G 55A) in 67 games on a veteran-heavy club, Malhotra has become the go-to player in every key situation for the Bulldogs.
Daxon Rudolph, WHL Prince Albert Raiders d-man (#6 ranking) – Due to his rugged and edgy defensive play, the ultra-competitive Rudolph’s skill set was a very underrated afterthought. That changed this season with a 78-point effort (28G 50A), third among WHL d-men in scoring and five points ahead of fellow draft prospect Carels.
Ethan Belchetz, OHL Windsor Spitfires forward (#9 ranking) – Once thought of as a legitimate threat to challenge for the top ranking, Belchetz’s scoring did cool somewhat over the course of the OHL season. Nonetheless, the 6’5″ winger did manage 59 points (34G 25A), and has been a physically dominant presence and elite scoring threat all season for the top-seeded Spitfires.
JP Hurlbert, WHL Kamloops Blazers forward (#10 ranking) – Hurlbert had 97 points (42G 55A) in 68 games for the Blazers, and was a driving force in Kamloops’ upcoming playoff appearance. Known for his heavy shot, high hockey IQ, and exceptional off-puck movement, Hurlbert seeks to use his considerable offensive talents to help Kamloops take down arch-rival Kelowna.
Adam Novotny, OHL Peterborough Petes forward (#12 ranking) – Novotny is the prototypical built-for-the-playoffs type of player: excellent two-way pivot who plays equally hard on both sides of the puck. In addition to his attention to detail on the defensive side of things, he also managed to put up 65 points (34G 31A) in 58 regular season contests. He looks to use his O and D skillsets to help Peterborough best North Bay in the opening round.
Xavier Villeneuve, QMJHL Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (#15 ranking) – The consummate offensive d-man averaged a point per game through the first half of the season before an early injury caused him to miss the final two months of the season. The injury undoubtedly has negatively affected his draft stock, which he looks to regain with a solid post-season for a talented Armada squad.
Nikita Klepov, OHL Saginaw Spirit forward (#16 ranking) – Klepov enjoyed an excellent year for Saginaw with 97 points (37G 60A) in 67 games for the Spirit, good for the OHL scoring championship. Although possessing electric skill, he is as comfortable overpowering opponents as he is using his high-end skill to evade them. Klepov looks to maintain his already high draft stock when tested by Western Conference front-runner Kitchener in the first round.
Egor Shilov, QMJHL Victoriaville Tigres (#17 ranking) – Shilov used his elite puckhandling skills and uncanny tools of deception to register 82 points (32G 50A) in 63 games, and he must continue to do so if the Tigres hope to get upset first-round opponent Blainville-Boisbriand. Listed as a mid to late first-round pick all season, there is no sneaking up on the Armada at this point in time.